A Different Prologue
Hi everyone, I'm NaruYugiFan, here bringing you a Fanfic that is really simple, that came from an idea and some things I saw, and a lot of exploring, it's about the couple of my username, NaruYugi (Naruto x Yugito), in a New Version of the things we know, we can say that there are things that are known that have changed a lot and will be very different, without further ado let's begin... with a Prologue that may be long, hahaha.
Chapter 01 - A Different Prologue
It had been 2 weeks since the Battle of the Three Sannin in which Naruto had been involved, all to bring old Tsunade back to Konoha to heal his injured friends, the ceremony where Tsunade was announced as the Fifth Hokage had already taken place, and after that she went to the Hospital to check on her Sensei and Sasuke from the strange technique that that guy Itachi threw at them, and she also went to Lee due to the damage he received in his wounds during the Chunin Exam, so soon both his Sensei and Sasuke woke up early, and the last thing he heard from Tsunade was that at this moment she was healing Lee, right now he needs a break from all of it, and what better than to have a good bowl of Ramen at his favorite food stand and take advantage of the fact that Iruka was passing by to tell him about his latest adventures, although also the Chunin who was his Sensei during the Academy came to him with surprises.
“What?! Iruka-sensei, did that lazy Shikamaru really get promoted to Chunin?! Why?!” Naruto asked elatedly as he swallowed a pile of noodles.
“The Third said that one could become a Chunin if they demonstrated their qualities and attitude, even if they didn’t win a fight. Since Shikamaru fought in the Chunin Exam based on strategies and thinking of an effective plan, he was highly valued for that.” Iruka would tell his former pupil.
“Eh... I still don’t know what to think about it... Wait, what about Sasuke?” Naruto asked urgently.
“He’s still a Genin, the only one who was promoted to Chunin was Shikamaru.” Iruka informed him, much to the blonde’s relief.
Maybe he hadn't gotten it, but neither had Sasuke, maybe the next time he tried this time he would become a Chunin and maybe before Sasuke, he thought with a smile, although he felt a little disappointed about not being sure later, well at least he would eat a good bowl of ramen so he wouldn't think about it. After talking a little more about the Chunin Exams and how Naruto would get it next time without a doubt, he told him about his journey with "Ero-sennin" in search of "Grandma" Tsunade and learned a new and powerful technique with which he was able to take down a very strong Enemy, and they continued talking for a while.
"Naruto, you have grown and improved a lot when you only wanted one of these." Iruka said pointing at his bandana.
"You really don't believe me?! I knew it! Hehehe! Since you gave it to me I have started to improve until I reached the maximum!" Naruto would say proud of himself.
“Hehehe, although don’t get too excited, you still have a long way to go and we must strive even harder.” Iruka would tell him causing some pouts from Naruto to Iruka’s laughter and then change the subject.
“Naruto, the Village is not in its best moment. We have lost several of our ninjas, including the Third Hokage, the power of Konoha is not what it used to be, but despite this we must continue to fulfill all the missions that come to us as they have come to us.” Iruka would answer.
“And why? Since you do not have enough people, right?” Naruto would ask.
“We cannot reject them, just like that, Konoha maintains the balance of power between several neighboring nations, so if we reject those missions, it would be a way of saying that Konoha is weak and vulnerable, that is why even I and other instructors have received several missions which made the Academy be this way, even right now as we speak, Kakashi must be receiving several missions at this moment.” He would explain the situation to Naruto.
For his part, although the blond did not understand most of the situation, he knew that at least the Village had to maintain its status, a reason that was somewhat logical for Naruto since he understood it.
“I see… It is certainly a Huge Problem.” Naruto would conclude.
“Hey, don't think that it is a problem other than yours, now that you have that bandana you should also complete missions for the Village.” Iruka would warn.
“I know, I'm ready for the challenges that come my way, I might even find people similar to me and we'll have incredible and crazy adventures. Although that would be a rather long and strange dream, don't you think Iruka-sensei?” Naruto would say with encouragement to the surprise, but pride of the Chunin.
“But before anything, I must first fill my stomach well!” Naruto said while taking another sip of ramen.
“Heh, I knew you would say that… Cheer up! I know you can do it! And as for that goal you said, don't doubt that you will be able to achieve it along with your goal of being a Great Hokage!" Iruka would tell him with a bright smile that would cheer up the blond quite a bit.
And after chatting a little more, and ending with twelve bowls of ramen, at the end Naruto would say goodbye to Iruka, and there the energetic blond would tour the village with great impetus, so after a good day, he would decide to go visit Sasuke in the hospital to see if his partner had already improved his condition. He also assumed that Sakura would be there to keep Sasuke company, so a chat with her friends wouldn't be so bad and maybe they would talk about seeing if "Grandma" Tsunade could give him a mission quickly after Sasuke left the Hospital.
The day after that
However, when he arrived at the hospital that day he was met with a sight he never expected, a Sasuke filled with a look of hatred along with a worried Sakura, later Sasuke challenged him to a fight and although at first he refused his impulse of wanting to finally face Sasuke on equal terms his friend but also his rival made him accept the duel, however instead of it being a fight between rival friends seeking to know their strength, it felt more like a desperate fight between enemies, in fact when they realized that they went too far was when both went with intentions to kill the other and if it were not for the timely appearance of his Master, Kakashi, things could have ended very badly for team 7.
After that and seeing his dear "Sakura-chan" he wanted to talk about something important, Naruto discovered about the Curse Mark that Orochimaru had put on Sasuke during their encounter in the Forest of Death... And although disturbing and more remembering their encounter when Jiraiya, Tsunade fought against him and his subordinate Kabuto, in the end Naruto did not care about the matter and thought that maybe it was a bad joke for the meeting of that Itachi who apparently was Sasuke's brother, so Naruto assured Sakura that nothing bad would happen and that Sasuke would not go looking for Orochimaru for anything in the world.
Great was the surprise of our dear blond, being nine in the morning, at the doors of his apartment just Shikamaru went to look for him to tell him that Sasuke had left the Village to look for Orochimaru still without understanding why and that "It was a nuisance" but he should go for him and gather people he considered capable to bring Sasuke back.
"What did you say?! It must be a joke!" Naruto said incredulously by what Shikamaru said, thinking about how stupid he was and why he would do that.
It wasn't long before both boys went for the next member for the rescue team, Shikamaru's teammate, Choji who after waking him up instantly and by chance Kiba appeared who was walking with Akamaru who offered himself, and after another chance meeting this time by Rock Lee who despite not being able to go due to his current condition, he knew he could help the group. And so, at the gates of Konoha was the Sasuke Uchiha Rescue Team, made up of its leader, the newly promoted to Chunin Shikamaru, followed by the stoic Neji Hyuga, the determined Naruto Uzumaki, the challenger Kiba Inuzuka with his faithful dog, Akamaru and finally there was the friendly Choji Akimichi, they had already decided the formation to move in case of attacks and to intercept the enemy.
"Any questions?" The lazy boy said to his Team, but none had an objection to his plan and they were in following the formation he agreed upon.
"... In that case, I only have one more thing to tell you. Sasuke may not be a friend of mine and I don't even like the guy, but he is also a Konoha shinobi, he is our comrade! So we will save him no matter what it takes, even if some of us have to die in the process, as that is the Konoha way.” Shikamaru would say to his group and then add.
“This time, I cannot even afford to be indifferent this time, as your lives are in my hands.” Shikamaru would say seriously, framing the responsibility that everyone had.
“Ha! This time it really seems like you have become a Chunin.” Kiba would say nodding to Shikamaru's words.
“Alright, we will leave right away once we have checked all of our equipment, so everyone takes out your luggage.” Neji would say to which the group would do quickly and without complaint.
After that quick inspection and Naruto's hurried spirits that made him forget who was really in charge of this mission, the Rescue Group would finally set out in search of Sasuke, and they would leave before they saw a worried Sakura arrive here.
“Oh Sakura-san, do you also know about Sasuke-kun's disappearance? Don't worry, a group formed by Shikamaru will take care of rescuing him.” Lee would say to the newcomer who would only have a worried look.
“… I arrived late, right?” Sakura would say more as a statement.
“Yes… although you could reach him and be of help to Shikamaru's team, among them there is also Naruto and maybe you two…” However, the frowning man was interrupted.
“No… I wouldn't have been able to do much, I would just be a hindrance… It's frustrating, Lee-san, wanting to protect what you care about most, but not being able to because you don't have enough strength… I feel useless, very useless!” Sakura would say in frustration with tears threatening to come out worried about what would happen.
She had always depended on others, but there was nothing she could do for others, and seeing how her crush and best friend would possibly face each other again and without restrictions did not give her a good sign, if only she was strong enough to help.
“I know that feeling, Sakura-san. The feeling of giving everything for something, but knowing that you are weak and that no matter how much you want, you cannot remedy that.” Lee would begin with a solemn tone.
“I am still facing that wall and more than ever, after my battle in the Chunin Exams. But I am willing to risk everything to overcome once and for all that barrier to achieve my goal and become stronger. I believe that you can do it too, Sakura-san, but you will have to take a risk and do something that you were not willing to do before.” Lee would say to the pink-haired girl.
“Lee-san…” Sakura would think with a new spirit after seeing the determination of the eyebrowed man.
And in the end, she would be partly right, she would not do anything by staying there crying, staying stuck, she knew that she had to improve and change if she really wanted to protect both Sasuke and Naruto, now she would take that step, she would overcome herself.
“…I think I understand, thanks Lee-san…” the pink haired girl would say in gratitude, right now she couldn't do much, but that would change, she just hoped that Naruto and Sasuke wouldn't go through so many difficulties.
A little while later
However, the recovery group would not have things so easy, after a tour they managed to find the enemy group of Oto resting from what seemed to be a recent battle, however, they did not expect them to attack them so soon and suddenly, however thanks to Shikamaru's Shadow Imitation Technique, the recovery team managed to retain the four Oto shinobi.
"Well done, Shikamaru! Your Shadow Imitation has them!" Naruto encouraged his companions.
"Heh, we also have skills. Thank you for having followed the steps of my plan." Shikamaru would say mockingly to the Fourth Sound.
"Well, they have us, but there is still something I can do." Sakon would say the leader of the Oto Shinobi group.
And to the surprise and confusion of the Konoha group, some shuriken would come out from behind Shikamaru, who could barely dodge it and would graze him, however, that was enough for Shikamaru to release his Technique releasing the Fourth Sound, and one of the members, the most robust and fat, Jirobo, would take advantage to attack.
“Earth Release Barrier: Dome of the Earth Prison of Magnificent Nothingness!” Jirobo would say, summoning a giant dome of earth that would enclose the Konoha group.
“I'll take care of them. Besides, I want to recover, even if it's just a little.” Jirobo would say to his group.
“Heh, whatever. Just don't take long.” Kidomaru, the Oto member with six arms, would say as they took the trunk where Sasuke is.
For their part, the Konoha group was trying to get out of that situation by trying to break down the earth barrier where they were trapped, however it became complicated when they discovered that the dome was stealing their Chakra, that was until Shikamaru thought of a strategy where he tricked his group into abandoning them in order to know the location of the enemy and see the most vulnerable part of the earth dome, Shikamaru managed to get his partner Choji to accumulate enough energy to break the earth barrier, freeing them.
"Human Tank Bullet!" Choji would shout as he broke the barrier, freeing his group to the surprise of Jirobo who couldn't believe it.
"As I expected from you Choji, you've done very well." Shikamaru would praise his friend Akimichi who smiled.
Thus, the group with Kiba showing the middle finger in a mocking way to Jirobo would leave, now the question would be to face the Oto shinobi. For their part, Naruto and Kiba would rush at Jirobo without thinking, but would be stopped instantly by Neji.
“Wait! It's risky to stay and fight him. Even if we're five, we won't be able to defeat him so quickly since he's absorbed our Chakra.” Neji would warn Naruto and Kiba.
“Besides, if we take so long, Sasuke will leave the Land of Fire and we won't be able to rescue him there.” Shikamaru would add.
“Heh! Stupid people! You insects are no longer food, and not the good kind!” Jirobo would say while making hand seals.
“Be careful, he'll attack again!” Shikamaru would warn.
And soon, to the horror of most of the Konoha recovery group, they would see Jirobo pull a very large rock out of the ground.
“Earth Release: Earth Mausoleum Dough Ball!” Jirobo would proclaim.
“What the hell?!” A terrified Naruto would say.
Soon the group, seeing that the robust member of Oto would throw the giant rock without thinking twice, would run away from there so as not to be crushed, all except one who would bravely throw himself against the giant rock, managing to break it and then pounce on the member of the Sound Four.
“Damn ball of worms! They are nothing more than weaklings with a useless leader!” Jirobo would say quite annoyed.
However, that comment would make Choji finally face him directly.
“Listen, I will fight him!” Choji would proclaim confidently, who would quickly give a bag of Soldier Pills to his companions.
“Choji, don't tell me that perhaps you...?” Shikamaru would ask nervously.
“Yes... I have “that”.” Akimichi would say.
“Don't do it! If you do it, you could...!” But Shikamaru would be interrupted right there by Choji.
“Why have we all gathered together? If we let Sasuke rejoice, we will only be proving this bastard right in being a ball of worms with a useless leader.” Choji would answer his friend.
Shikamaru, seeing the determination and reason in Choji's words, would have no choice but to let him fight against that guy while giving the Soldier Pills to the rest of his companions.
“Listen Choji, you must defeat this guy and catch up with us, okay?” Shikamaru would say to his friend who would nod.
And after that, the group except Choji would go for the rest of the Oto ninjas.
“Of course I will catch up with them! But if I can't... at least I will take this guy with me.” Choji would think with determination without saying it to any of his companions.
“Don't think it's such a big deal! I'll finish you off first and then I'll go for your fellow scum!” Jirobo would shout, lunging at him the Akimichi who would take out a compartment with three pills of three different colors.
“Don't think it will be so easy for you! Fat idiot!” Choji would say eating the green pill.
And so, the battle between both robust members would begin, giving a fight of brute force where the Akimichi would have difficulties against his enemy, but he would manage to corner him several times, so Choji would eat the yellow pill to have more strength and momentarily achieve an advantage against Jirobo, that is until he would use the Second State of his Curse Mark turning the balance in favor of the Oto ninja.
“Get ready, this will be your end, there is no one who has survived me fighting with me in the Second State, my power already increases considerably.” The transformed Jirobo would proclaim.
Choji would be amazed to top it off the side effects of his clan's pills were already beginning to make him have a bad time without leaving him without strength and at the same time being at the mercy of the Oto ninja who would give Choji a tundra that would leave him in a critical state on the verge of death.
"Heh... you have no more Chakra left! It wasn't even enough to fill me up!" Jirobo would say mockingly as he slammed Choji against the ground and in the process stole what was left of his bag of potatoes.
"You want one last bite, huh? I feel sorry for you, but this is mine, I already told you I haven't had my fill yet." Jirobo would say eating the last potato chip from Choji's bag.
"I was right, you are nothing more than a useless fatso, a disposable piece, your companions left you here just to die. But don't worry once I kill you, I will go for the trash of your companions and the bastard of a leader who sent you here to die." Jirobo would mock as he continued to stomp on Choji.
“Shikamaru, I’m sorry… but I don’t think I’ll make it out of this alive. But like I said! If I can’t catch up with them! At least I’ll take this bastard with me to the grave!” Jirobo would think as he took out the last pill he had left, the red pill who would eat it.
“It’s too late for you! Pressure Fist! Die!” Jirobo would shout with the intention of finishing Choji off once and for all.
However, the Akimichi would be faster and with his last strength, he would manage to stand up and stop Jirobo’s blow as if it were nothing.
“It’s useless. Now your attacks won’t do anything to me anymore.” Choji would say seriously to his enemy.
And in the blink of an eye Choji would return the beating Jirobo had given him, now the Oto Ninja was the one lying on the ground.
“What?! Impossible! “How did you suddenly become so strong?!” A frightened Jirobo would say lying on the ground.
“That punch was for having eaten my last potato chip.” Choji would say giving Jirobo another punch.
“This other one was for calling me a useless, disposable fatso.” And right there Choji would prepare to give his last punch.
“N-No, wait! Don’t do it! Let me talk!” Jirobo would say in panic seeing Choji’s murderous intentions.
“And this last punch I won’t forgive you! You may eat my last chip! You can call me a useless, disposable fatso! But what I will never forgive you for is that you have insulted my best friend!” Choji would proclaim furiously throwing the strongest fist he ever threw in his life against Jirobo’s abdomen.
That fist would be so devastating that it would brutally damage Jirobo, killing him instantly, who would return to his original form since there was no one left to power up.
“…I…I did it…” A weakened Choji would say since he gave all his energy in that last blow, and he would quickly spit blood for it, so he would crawl until he reached a tree with messages of encouragement from his companions.
Choji, seeing this, would cry with happiness because at the last moment he saw that he did have friends.
“Heh…father, I did it… I have found faithful friends… although I will no longer be able to continue helping them… It makes me angry, I would have loved to help them see one more time… and Shikamaru in the end cannot keep the promise… but I am glad that you always trusted me until the end…” Those were the final thoughts of Choji who fell near the lifeless tree, his body not giving any more, thus dying, but at least giving everything for his friends and managing to defeat his enemy.
Later on
The Recovery Team had reached the Oto ninjas, and although Shikamaru tried to trick them by pretending to be Jirobo, in the end it was of no use, and Kidomaru discovered him and gave the coffin to the other two members of the Sound Four, leaving him to fight against those from Konoha, who tried to overwhelm him with their numerical advantage but it was useless since the member resembling a humanoid spider, making honor of his peculiar form, threw webs that trapped the entire group, leaving them at their mercy, that is, until Neji, through the use of the Gentle Fist, managed to break the enemy's webs, giving his companions a break.
"I think I'm the one to fight against your techniques. Go away, I'll take care of him." Neji would warn the group.
"... It seems that this guy is much stronger than the fat guy from before. Too strong." Kiba would warn Neji after seeing Akamaru's reaction.
“We must be willing to lose team members for the plan and mission to be a success, right?” Neji would say with his gaze fixed on the anxious Kidomaru.
“Besides if we stay here, we will lose Sasuke.” Neji would say turning to look at Naruto.
“Naruto, your eyesight is much better than mine. Right now, Sasuke is in the dark and the only one who can get him out of there is you.” Neji would say confidently turning back to look at Kidomaru.
“Go! I will catch up with you later! Once I have defeated this guy!” Neji would say seriously to the group.
To which Naruto and Shikamaru would nod, and Kiba in his boisterous form would encourage him and that surely Choji had already defeated the fat man and that he would come to help him. After that the group once again separates going for the two remaining Oto ninjas while Neji faces Kidomaru.
“Heh… from what I see, you are the most powerful of the group. That only made me want to play with you more. If one can't have fun from time to time when battles are meaningless, then I'll play with you for three minutes and then kill you!” Kidomaru would proclaim with an arrogant smile.
Soon a fight ensued where the Oto ninja used his special ability, Chakra-Reinforced Spider Webs and despite trapping Neji with one of them thanks to emitting Chakra throughout his body with the Gentle Fist he managed to get rid of his enemy's webs and for a moment he managed to connect his 64 Palms, however, Kidomaru covered himself with his Solidified Spider Web just in time before receiving great damage. Neji would know that attacking him normally would not be very effective while Kidomaru realized that his Spider Grip would not help him and against someone who uses the Gentle Fist, close combat is not an option, so the member who looks like a humanoid spider would take the distance opting to attack from a distance.
And soon with his Golden Pegasus Technique, he would create several projectiles that would attack Neji in all directions, who would defend himself from the rain of attacks through the Celestial Rotation of the Eight Trigrams, surprising Kidomaru, so when that case occurred, the Oto ninja would use a summon of a giant spider with several huge spiders with a web technique similar to his in order to slow down his Enemy and in the process overwhelm him with many attacks, and Kidomaru's strategy would work, smiling smugly as it seemed like a fun game to him, and with that Kidomaru would discover that the supposed 360° vision of the Byakugan is not perfect, managing to hit several attacks on the Hyuga's back damaging him.
“Hahaha! Why are you trying so hard?! You already lost this game! The fate of the weak is to lose!” Kidomaru would say to Neji, words that would make the Hyuga remember that before he was not very different in that belief while receiving another rain of projectiles on his back.
"Heh, I see that you protect yourself from mortal wounds and even more so that a kunai that is thrown more than 50 meters away is difficult to kill someone. Still, I admit that you have amused me." Kidomaru would think, passing to the Second State of the Curse Mark, while using his Gold Pegasus to create a Bow and Arrow in order to give the final blow to Neji, and then with enormous power Kidomaru would throw the arrow at Neji.
However, to the surprise of the member of the Sound Four, he would see how Neji was still alive and his arrow had only left a huge, very noticeable hole on his shoulder, all because Neji expelled his Chakra to the maximum to deviate the trajectory of the arrow and did not kill it, however, he could no longer stand up due to the damage received.
“No… he can’t see her… w-with my Byakugan. No attack he makes is in vain, with each one he gains more information and discovers my weak points. Without a doubt, of all the opponents I have faced, he is the strongest. He is stronger than me.” Neji would think desperately, seeing that his defeat was near and more so when he saw another arrow pass close to his cheek and saw how the Oto ninja made the arrow pull precise. However, before giving up, Neji would remember his battle with Naruto, that he is nobody to determine that people give up and that no matter what happens he would win, were the words that Neji remembered.
“…Naruto, I wonder what you would have done here in my place…” Those would be Neji’s thoughts.
Who after reflecting, what he would do in the end would be to prepare himself to receive Kidomaru’s attack full on, but not because he gave up, not on the contrary because he, the Proclaimed Genius could not lose and even more so because he had to fulfill a duty. Kidomaru would notice that, but he would not give it enough importance and without hesitation he would shoot Neji, passing through him even more explicitly than the previous time, thinking that he would have won that way, however, as risky as the decision was, Neji would decide to take advantage of that opportunity to defeat his opponent.
“Gentle Fist!” Neji would say, gathering his last strength, finally managing to impact the force of his technique on his Enemy.
“But what?! How is it possible if he should have died with the last attack?!” Kidomaru would think alarmed until he remembered, the Gentle Fist, that allowed him to resist the arrow at the last minute and allowed him to counterattack.
“Damn it! It damaged several of my organs! But I can still move…” Kidomaru would think as he rushed down resisting the damage of Neji's Gentle Fist.
“I can't lose… no matter that my opponent is stronger than me… no matter that my body is so destroyed… and no matter that death is close to me… I can't allow myself to lose, I have a reason not to lose!” Neji would think as he cut the web that crossed his abdomen and approached his enemy as fast as his battered body allowed him.
And soon the two were face to face, so Neji quickly used what was left of his strength to connect several Gentle Fist blows against the Oto ninja's vital points, damaging him considerably.
“How are you still alive?! That attack should have killed you instantly!” the now dying Kidomaru would question him, who had returned to his original form after no longer being able to use his Chakra.
“If I can't dodge the attacks, then I would receive them even if it costs my life, after all I know better than anyone my own shortcomings.” Neji would say to Kidomaru.
“Heh... so s-so you prepared yourself to receive it, huh? Still, why go so far? Anyway, you're dying and the rest of your companions... Cough... t-they won't be able to stop us. Sasuke-sama joined Oto of his own free will, now he belongs to Orochimaru-sama, no one can get him out of there.” A weak Kidomaru would say with a smile despite being on the verge of death.
“Heh… before you said “The fate of the weak is to lose”, now look at us, no one can say the fate of others by mere prejudice. That's why I'm sure that if there is someone who can bring Sasuke and take him out of that darkness… After all, that person did the same with me.” Neji would say at the end with a smile and in the end, he would collapse on the ground at least satisfied of having defeated his opponent, although that would be the last time in this life that Neji would open his eyes, although that would be the same result with Kidomaru that because of the damage in the end he would also end up dying cursing his opponent.
Later on
Later in that fight, Naruto, Shikamaru, Kiba and Akamaru would go chasing the last members of the Sound Four, and so after a long chase that took them a day and that day dawned, finally the Konoha recovery team was face to face with the two Oto ninjas next to the coffin where Sasuke is.
“What the hell happened to those idiots Kidomaru and Jirobo?!” Tayuya, the female member of the Sound Fourth, would growl.
“Hello again, you fools from Oto!” Naruto would greet mockingly while behind them were Shikamaru and Kiba next to Akamaru with similar expressions.
“As you wish! In that case we will finish you off!” Sakon would say, launching himself against the Konoha team.
However, thanks to a strategy where they would trick Sakon into crashing into Tayuya, Shikamaru's team would finally manage to recover the coffin where Sasuke was and exposing both of Orochimaru's subordinates, and quickly giving chase with the Oto shinobi trying to catch up with them, while those of Konoha took distance.
However, the Konoha rescue team did not count on something, the appearance of a new enemy at the last minute, who kicked the coffin tub where Sasuke was locked, it was Kimimaro the fifth and most powerful member of Orochimaru's squad, to the point that when Tayuya and Sakon saw him, they were scared to see him, in the end it was a miscalculation he did not expect such an opponent, so while Shikamaru and Kiba along with Akamaru stayed to fight with the two from behind, Naruto would go for Kimimaro who would have the coffin where Sasuke is.
“Those useless Tayuya and Sakon/Ukon, when they come back, I'll kill them.” Kimimaro would think with annoyance when he would see the newly arrived Naruto filled with a furious look to the point that he began to see small doses of the Kyubi's Chakra.
“You! ...” Naruto would shout.
“Let's see, how do you want me to kill you?” Kimimaro would ask stoically but in a mocking way.
“Tell me! What the hell is Orochimaru doing?! Why does he want Sasuke?!” Naruto would answer super annoyed.
“… Orochimaru-sama already has the Immortality Technique to achieve his goal, to learn all the Techniques and everything there is in this world. But despite having the Immortality Technique, he cannot keep his same body forever, so he needs a new body to serve as a container.” Kimimaro would explain slowly as he began to take a combat stance.
“So that vessel is Sasuke?!” Naruto would question, still annoyed.
“That's right.” Kimimaro would say, starting to take out a bone from the palm of his hand, his special ability and Kekkei Genkai.
“I'm not going to allow that in any way!” Naruto would shout, even more annoyed.
Thus, a fight would take place between the blond and the last subordinate of Orochimaru, however, he would truly show that he was very different from the rest of the Sound Four, by launching powerful attacks and easily dealing with his Shadow Clones, and above all with that bizarre and peculiar ability to take bones out of his body, after a fight that was not on Naruto's side, Kimimaro managed to get rid of the last Shadow Clone.
“Now there is only one left.” Kimimaro would say.
“This guy is very strong, even though he uses several clones he can't connect a single hit.” Naruto would think, impressed.
Although before resuming the fight, soon a purple smoke would come out of the coffin vat, and from there would come Sasuke who seemed to be in a similar form, although it would not be noticeable from the distance until he would change to his original and usual form, momentarily calming Naruto.
“…Sasuke… Hey, Sasuke! You've looked better in other days! Leave these weird guys and better return to the village with us!” Naruto said with his typical casual and cheerful tone as if there had been no mortal battles and that he did not know that two of his companions died and he did not know about the others.
However, Naruto's words fell on deaf ears as he saw how Sasuke simply laughed maniacally and behaved strangely and then walked away straight to the border of the Fire Country, leaving that open field behind.
“Wait Sasuke! Damn you, didn't you hear me!” Naruto would say frantically.
However, that gave Kimimaro time to attack him from behind to give him the finishing blow, that is until a sand barrier would cover Naruto from Kimimaro's attack.
"Who is it?" Kimimaro would ask confused upon seeing the newcomer.
“An Ally of Konoha Village, a Suna Ninja.” Gaara, the newcomer, would say.
“You are…! Gaara of the Desert!” Naruto would say, amazed by the newcomer.
“So, it’s you… Gaara.” Kimimaro would say with his typical stoic and emotionless tone.
Kimimaro would quickly use the phalanges of his bones to attack Gaara as projectiles, who would quickly and easily stop the attack.
“Although I am glad to see you again, and in fact just by looking at you I realize how much you have changed, I still ask, what are you doing here?” Naruto would ask with a smile.
“Heh, you would say that I and my brothers are indebted to Konoha, but more specifically to you, Naruto Uzumaki.” Gaara would say with a small smile to the blond.
“My brothers went to help your companions who are still alive, I for my part came to help you.” Gaara would tell him, taking a more serious tone while his stoic gaze looked at Kimimaro's.
"Those who are still alive?" Naruto would question.
"When we were on our way with a medical group from Konoha, we found that the two members who stayed behind unfortunately died fighting to finish off their enemies." He would inform Gaara.
"It can't be!... Choji and Neji are...?!" However, Naruto had no more time to think.
Quickly Kimimaro attacked again with phalanges, but this time at greater speed and moving in a more erratic way, although again Gaara's sand stopped the attacks of the former member of the Sound Four, and then Gaara sent his sand as a counterattack pressuring the Oto ninja who analyzes Gaara's attack pattern realizing that his attacks are only limited to the amount of sand he uses.
"So "Desert" what a stupid nickname, without sand you can't do anything." Kimimaro would tell him mockingly.
He would look at the sky at a bunch of sand projectiles that he wouldn't consider a big deal, that is until he saw that a pile of sand easily held him back, without being able to let him move.
"As long as there is sand, I can do anything. You're the stupid one; I can form more sand from the minerals in the ground without any problem." Gaara would answer the surprised Kimimaro.
"Wow, although I don't quite understand how he does it. Gaara takes advantage of the ground, I think. He certainly earned the nickname "Of the Desert"" an astonished Naruto would think.
While Gaara's attacks overwhelmed Kimimaro and to top it off he used his Sand Burying Jutsu, managing to see huge red blood stains showing the enormous damage that Gaara caused, although not enough to finish Kimimaro.
"He's tougher than he looks, it will take me longer to deal with him. Naruto Uzumaki, you better continue on your way to go after Sasuke Uchiha, I'll take care of defeating this guy." Gaara would warn him while holding back the battered Kimimaro from leaving the Sand Burial.
"... I just hope you come back okay, there are many things to talk about, besides I'm glad to meet someone great like you and maybe we'll talk like lifelong friends eating some good ramen. Although well I have a job to do, I hope we see each other again, Gaara." Naruto would tell the redhead with encouragement.
"I hope so too, Naruto." He would say with a slight smile.
And after that Naruto would leave from there, trusting that his unexpected ally would manage to finish off that strange guy with the bones, in any case, he would start to run and go as fast as possible, until he would finally reach a valley with two giant statues of what looked like ancient legendary ninjas and in one of the heads would be Sasuke, finally after much sacrifice, sweat and blood, Naruto had finally caught up with him.
“SASUKE!! Do you really think you can run away from me?!” Naruto would shout at Sasuke who would just turn around.
“Hello… Airhead.” Sasuke would greet in a solemn and casual tone as if nothing had happened, while part of the curse mark was on his face
“First Sakura when I left, and now you… I guess the next one might be Kakashi.” Sasuke would say in his usual calm tone ignoring what had happened.
“First Sakura?” Naruto would soon realize that his friend and crush tried to stop Sasuke from doing this crazy thing, but it was totally in vain, and he himself had told him that Sasuke would not do what he was doing right now.
“I told Sakura, there is no need for you to worry about me anymore, Kukuku… Uh? And now why that annoying face? Kukuku.” Sasuke would say with a laugh that would remind of a certain perverse Sannin.
“Why? “Why did you become like this, Sasuke?! Out of everyone, why only you?!” Naruto would question.
“What I am… is no longer your business. I have my own path that is very different from yours… that is why I must not let you tell me what to do. Or in simple words, I have stopped playing Ninja in Konoha, so Naruto I will only ask you to go home and understand my decision.” Sasuke would tell Naruto stoically.
“…You cannot talk like that… Shikamaru, Kiba are risking their lives, those from Suna have offered to help us, even Choji and Neji gave their lives and sacrificed themselves just so that at least one would have the chance to come for you.” Naruto would throw it in my face.
“… I am sorry about Choji and Neji…” Sasuke would say a little downcast and then return to his usual tone.
“...but despite that misfortune I will not retract my decision, after all I did not ask them to rescue me.” Sasuke would respond sharply, which would annoy Naruto.
“How can you belittle the sacrifices of your companions?!” A furious Naruto would say, launching himself at Sasuke.
The blond would quickly punch Sasuke; however, he would return the blows sending the blond away, who would return using his Shadow Clones to propel himself back and attack in a human chain, managing to kick Sasuke towards the face of the statue on the left side.
“Have you woken up, even a little!?” Naruto would claim.
“Yes... I did it a long time ago. I woke up from that naive and stupid dream of having a future of peace and tranquility with my companions from Konoha, that's why I left the Village! And I need more power! And that's because my dream was never in the future but in the Past!” Sasuke would say, throwing Naruto far away and making him fall into the water of that valley.
Soon Naruto would come out of there realizing that Sasuke was serious, and that he would not hold back and that he would go to kill, although according to Sasuke he would do it for one thing, because Naruto was his best friend, which would impact the blond since Sasuke on one hand would recognize him in that way but on the other he would not hesitate to kill him it would confuse him even so he would try to continue fighting, because deep down he always wanted a fight to the maximum of his capabilities against Sasuke, and this time there would be neither Sakura nor Kakashi to stop them, soon the fight would resume with Naruto doing a Rasengan while Sasuke would go with his Chidori, launching himself against each other colliding both techniques generating a great impact that would send both in opposite directions.
And while that fight was taking place, someone else who has nothing to do with either Konoha or Orochimaru, would watch with great interest the fierce battle that was taking place, which the being thought that if it was in a manga, it would be super exciting and emotional.
“Yihahaha! So, this is one of the nine champions of the Yokai Meians that are scattered, huh? And the other one, he's not doing too bad, he's subduing him quite well, too bad that the white and black parts miss this fight worthy of a great Shonen Manga.” The mysterious entity would say, which would be a being that at first glance would be divided into two beings, one white and one black, however, on its head a Third Part of a very dark blue color stood out, and orange marks with fire, as well as a menacing crimson red eye with a black pupil. That would be Zetsu, a member of Akatsuki, although not as he would normally be seen, since, instead of two entities, Black Zetsu and White Zetsu, here there would now be three entities, the third one on top of the head being the one in control and having a very different and rougher and more intimidating voice called Dokuzetsu, who would be the only one of the three entities to see the fight since the others were "out" for the moment. Meanwhile, down in the Valley of the End, the fight would reach its climax when at the end both Naruto and Sasuke would change form, now Naruto becoming invaded by the Chakra of the Kyubi to the point of forming a red cloak with nine tails, an aura of Chakra that resembles a Fox and with a Naruto with a wilder and more aggressive expression, on the other hand Sasuke had a more drastic change, taking the form of the Second State, with longer hair and hands that acted as wings, the latter had just moments ago put on his bandana when he recognized Naruto as an equal and that no more words would be said, which allowed him to awaken the third volume of his Sharingan and have the full potential of said base Dojutsu.
The fight would continue with parts where Sasuke would have the advantage, and others where it would be Naruto who would have the advantage without defining someone who would have the advantage, in the end Naruto imbued with the Chakra of the Kyubi would send Sasuke near the foot of the statue on the left side which would be covered.
“…Sasuke, that power of yours… carries a great risk, right?” Naruto would question him.
Sasuke would just limit himself to smiling with a smile and then speak.
“Naruto, do you know one thing about this place? It is known as the Valley of the End. Two ancient ninjas fought here, very powerful, considered the strongest. The leaders of the Uchiha Clan and the Senju Clan, Madara Uchiha and the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, the founders of Konoha, fought here in a terrifying way. But the most curious thing of all is that they both knew each other, but because they were from enemy clans, they were rivals. You know what I mean, right? That this place is perfect for resolving disputes between rivals, a perfect setting for us to fight.” Sasuke would say with a smile, although he would look confused as to why Naruto didn't answer him.
"Oh right, we promised that we wouldn't talk anymore, that our fists would be the ones to speak for us and express our feelings, since two high-level Shinobi understand each other without needing to speak and just by fighting." Sasuke would finish, getting into position. Then Sasuke would prepare himself and after making hand signs he would prepare his last attack, the Chidori but this one would be different as it would be black with silver touches, for his part Naruto would use a larger Rasengan enhanced by the Kyubi's Chakra and both would launch themselves in the final clash of Rasengan and Chidori, here Sasuke knowing that it was better to avoid direct confrontation between techniques, would decide to attack somewhere else thus getting Naruto to undo that huge ball although he would manage to scratch his bandanas as a last act of rebellion, and after a blinding clash, it would be seen that the winner was Sasuke, with both detransformed and exhausted, the blond being completely unconscious and at Sasuke's mercy, however he would remember all the moments of Team 7 with great nostalgia and even with happiness, in the end he would not do anything to Naruto, because although he hated to admit it if he loved Naruto, and he would remember some of his words that even Naruto saw him as his brother, something that would give Sasuke a small smile.
“…Goodbye Naruto… I hate to admit it, but I really care about you. And that’s why I have to go, I don’t want my dark path and even “stupidities” to endanger the new people I care about, I already lost everything, once… and I don’t need that to happen again, I’m an avenger with a mission… Although if we cross paths again, heh… I just hope you’ve gotten stronger, because I’ll do it my way too and we’ll fight again. Besides, Orochimaru isn’t going to get hold of me… Goodbye.” Sasuke would say while he would unconsciously drop his bandana and fall weakened directly to where the Otogakure Village would be, and without realizing that Naruto was still conscious and heard him that he ended up listening to which would only make him smile.
“…So that’s its Sasuke… just don’t let that bastard Orochimaru beat you.” These were Naruto's thoughts before falling unconscious with a smile.
"Wow, what an exciting fight! Yihahaha! Even these children have unwittingly used the Delicious and Rich Senjutsu that he loved. That means that this Yokai Meian boy has begun to generate control of his Yokai Meian if he continues like this the cooperation will continue and he will become someone very powerful, someone that not even my pawns like the man in the statue on the left, my favorite pawn, Madara, will be able to defeat you and even more so if you gather the rest of the "champions", in the end they will be a very troublesome threat, so I will take you right now to..." However, Dokuzetsu before finishing would feel someone arriving which would make him hide.
It would be Kakashi, the Copy Ninja, who, against the Hokage's orders, decided to go there only to realize that as always, he was late, and in the end, he would take Naruto, although noticing his calm smile along with Sasuke's bandana, and then they would leave from there.
"Oops! How bad! This resource of a character appearing at the last moment I hate it. Now this will be a problem, I could deal with that Kakashi, she is just a Human, an inferior being, but that would make the two Zetsu aware of me and discover that I have been using Akatsuki since I tricked that idiot Madara and realize what the Gedo Mazo really is, Tsk. It's annoying, but I have no choice but to deal with the Fox champion Kurama later, although now I think that right now he will only gain more allies, after all he already made friends with the Raccoon Dog champion Shukaku, and that number will only increase, to top it off I can't convince Akatsuki to go for the rest yet... Hehehe, well anyways I will triumph and become one again, for the moment I will go to sleep and invent memories for Black and White Zetsu.” It would be the last thing Dokuzetsu would say before disappearing from the faces of both Zetsu and pretending that he was never there, and while Zetsu appeared confused until memories would come to him and he would think that he saw the fight so he would sink into the ground.
A few days later at the Konoha Hospital
In the end Naruto was the one who was most injured, Kiba although also with some wounds had already left the hospital in a few days and the same for his dog Akamaru, if it were not for the intervention by the Sand brothers, they would have had it worse, Shikamaru although he was the one who received the least injuries and in fact together with those of Suna they managed to eliminate the duo of Parasite Brothers of Sakon and Ukon, and capture Tayuya for interrogation, Shikamaru was the most psychologically devastated as he felt that he failed, due to the death of his best friend Choji and also that of Neji, he was supposed to guide them, he knew that he should not leave them but the pressure and the difficulties ended with those terrible resolutions and to top it off their deaths were in vain because Sasuke ended up escaping to Oto in the end and Naruto was seriously injured.
"You don't win by blaming yourself alone, in missions there will always be sacrifices, did you not receive psychological training?" Temari would be drawn to him as she sat on the other side of the living room next to Gaara.
“Reality is very different from training, I know what a mission like this entails and its risks. It's just... that this was my first time as captain of a group. And with that I realized that I'm not cut out to be a Shinobi. I trusted my team because I wasn't capable enough and these are the consequences of my inability and because of me, Choji and Neji died, Kiba is out of combat and Naruto is in a deplorable state.” Shikamaru would say and then leave there as he found that conversation to be a nuisance.
“Despite his appearance, he is more fragile than he appears... although somewhat understandable.” Gaara would say contemplatively.
“More than fragile I would say that he is a cowardly whiner.” Temari would add.
“Shikamaru, after they faced you, are you going to run away like a coward?” He would call Shikaku, Shikamaru's father.
“No… I just don't want to argue about something stupid and obvious. I'm not a child.” Shikamaru would answer sharply.
“You're right about that, but you're not a man either, just a coward.” Shikaku would reproach him.
“Even if you resign as a Ninja, the missions will continue, and your companions will go out again on missions that are just as dangerous or more dangerous and this time they could die, but if you still stay with them and learn from your mistakes you can protect your friends and avoid tragedies like those that happened, and also make sure that the deaths of Neji but especially Choji were not in vain, abandoning everything to fail would only be spitting and insulting their sacrifices and the trust they placed in you, that's what a true friend would do! Assume responsibility and protect the legacy of your companions! Not run away and deny what happened! Only a coward does that!” Shikaku would add to the discussion with his son.
Soon the room would open, to see a calm looking Tsunade.
“No problem, Naruto is no longer in danger and in fact he will recover very soon, he only needs a few days to be in the hospital.” Tsunade would inform.
“It is a relief to hear that.” Gaara would say with his neutral but satisfied tone.
“Shizune also says that they will discharge Kiba, so the companions who survived are no longer in danger. On the other hand, the prisoner they brought still does not want to cooperate on information about Orochimaru, although knowing Ibiki's methods, I highly doubt that she will be quick to talk.” Tsunade would finish.
“Shikamaru, as you know Choji and Neji, were not as lucky as you, Naruto and Kiba… but at least you three are alive, despite the failure of the Mission.” Tsunade would say in all comfort.
“I… I… I swear that next time I won’t let people important to me die again!” Shikamaru would end up saying, crying and accepting that in the end his companions, especially his best friend, would no longer be there and that it was better to accept responsibility for it.
With Naruto
He would be thinking contemplatively about what happened and assimilating all the emotions that had happened, the sacrifice of his companions, Orochimaru's objective and his fight against Sasuke, as well as the last thing he said, now he was confused since he had to go for him, but on the other hand he had to leave him, after everything he said about leaving more to protect them, it confused Naruto more.
"I see that you are awake." Shikamaru would call.
In the end he would tell him above all that at least Kiba and Akamaru were fine, although he would confirm the worst of Choji and Neji's death.
"I see, then if it is true... I... I did not want to believe that..." Naruto would say with a melancholic tone.
"... On the other hand, you did not manage to stop Sasuke... that makes it even more serious, and I do not think they will be more merciful with him." Shikamaru would say in a calm tone.
"Yes, I know, but this time I will also take care of being stronger." Naruto would say full of determination.
After leaving the Hospital, they would do the corresponding burials for Choji and Neji, showing the solemnity and sadness in an event like this, with Choza being devastated as expected, including Uno who also looked devastated, Shikamaru with a more serious face but with some melancholy, Hiashi although stoic would be disappointed in himself and having failed his brother by not protecting Neji, and Hinata would have a reserved but sad look, she may not have had the best relationship with her cousin but she knew that that could have improved their relationship and that in truth the two would fight as equals but now that would be impossible, and Lee would also be seen devastated by the same causes of not being able to share more moments and that one day they would have gotten along. Naruto would have an impassive view thinking about his fallen companions, after the funeral and everything, Naruto would find that Sakura had become Tsunade's new apprentice, which because of what happened only motivated her to become stronger and not be a hindrance anymore, right now she was learning the basics to be a Medical Ninja but it seemed that she had potential, in addition to talking a little Sakura would tell him that next time she herself would help him and would not be a useless burden anymore, making the blond happy with his friend's determination.
After them he met Jiraiya right in his apartment ready for a talk.
"I guess things didn't go so well, boy." The Sannin would say.
"Oh, you're Ero-sennin, in fact, I..." Although before Naruto finished, he would be interrupted by Jiraiya who would know the first part of what he would say.
“You were looking for me to train you, well for your Good News or Bad News, depending on how you see it, you are going to be my Official Disciple and I will train you for three years to develop your potential and reach your best version.” Jiraiya would say to the energetic blond.
“Oh great, in fact, it is more than perfect Ero-sennin.” Naruto would assure.
“I do this because when I was investigating Orochimaru and when I developed his Immortality Technique, a contact gave me precise information related to Akatsuki.” Jiraiya would begin.
“What information?” Naruto would question.
“They plan to go after you in three or four years! Although that contact also mentioned that you are not the only one and that you are one of the nine targets… I suppose it must refer to the other eight just like you.” Jiraiya would explain.
“Others like me out there? Ero-sennin if that is true! Then we must warn them and help them!” Naruto would tell him urgently.
“Hmph… Gaara is one of them, and knowing the boy he will be able to take care of himself. Although the rest will be lost, several of them belong to rival villages, such as Kumo and Iwa, and the ones from Kiri, one of them is missing and the other is a Kage in the middle of a Civil War, it will be better that you only think of yourself and let the rest take care of themselves, in fact, I have even heard that the ones from Iwa either died or are Deserters or simply Akatsuki already caught them, so I tell you, do not waste your time with the rest.” Jiraiya would tell him as advice.
“No way! If you say that Gaara is from that group, and that besides me and Gaara there are seven others, then I will look for them and help them, I don't give a damn if they come from other villages, a couple of lunatics are after them while they have had to endure a life full of efforts so I will not leave them stranded!” Naruto would say with determination.
“Hu… if you couldn’t even save Sasuke then what do you expect to save Foreign Ninjas, maybe even some of them are criminals. What I mean is that you simply won’t be able to save them all because of those differences, the same goes for Sasuke, you won’t be able to save him so you might as well leave him.” Jiraiya would finish thinking about his old partner Orochimaru and how he tried hard to bring him back but it was in vain.
“It may be surprising, but I don’t plan on going for Sasuke.” This would surprise Jiraiya completely.
“And no, it’s not because I don’t want to save him, but because in the end I would just be bothering him, and as annoying as he is, he is not stupid enough for that bastard Orochimaru and I to believe in my friend." Naruto would say.
"Hmph... if I were your friend, I would not have attacked you with murderous intentions." Jiraiya would emphasize.
“… I still don’t understand that, but if he really wanted to kill me he would have done it right there, but he didn’t and he even refused to do it even though he had already knocked me out and I even heard him say that he really cared about me, Sakura-chan and Kakashi-sensei, I realized what he was really doing, a sacrifice, maybe a selfish one but in the end something he did for people he cares about, that’s why I won’t go to him because it would only be insulting what he did and a waste of time… besides as I said, there are other people who need my help quickly, after all if he can help, save and even make friends with those foreign ninjas similar to me, saving Sasuke wouldn’t be a piece of cake, besides it would be an understanding between everyone, don’t you think Ero-sennin?” Naruto would say with a smug smile. “Heh… you really are a fool, but a fool who knows what words to use, that last thing about a friend going for self-sacrifice and really trying to understand you with foreign ninjas regardless of differences and rivalries I didn't expect, but if that's what you think I have no choice but to accept that, besides if I leave you alone, the only thing you would do is a stupid Erotic Technique.” Jiraiya would finish with a smile surprised by the boy's answer and thinking about something the Toad Sage said when he was young.
“Well, if you're really determined to do all that and at the same time beat Akatsuki, first you have to polish your body and your techniques, so before anything you're going to train very hard and more than I planned. So, I'll give you an hour to get your things ready, I'll see you at the Main Gate, okay?” Jiraiya would say with a smile leaving from there.
“Of course!” Naruto would say with a military style salute, now he knew that his adventures and mission were much longer than it seemed.
And well so we end with this beginning, yes quite long for what I would like a prologue, but I wanted to make things clear, here Naruto will have a new focus and also a new objective, by saving the rest of the Jinchuriki and meeting a certain blonde Jinchuriki, as for who is Dokuzetsu because he is very different from the Black Zetsu and White Zetsu that we know, I will only say that he is someone very dangerous more than Madara will be and there may be much more than what is seen at first glance in this New Continuity, I am also sorry for the Choji and Neji Fans but the truth is those were perfect endings with Choji showing that he is more than a fat man by fighting for his Nakamas (If it is said in One Piece) and also Neji achieving his goal of Overcoming the Fate imposed by others by being the Genius among Geniuses, so their deaths seem to me a perfect closure to their characters and that well being alive they no longer contribute anything and for what is coming I doubt that they have space and so I start this Fic This will be a reboot/Version 2.0 of Shippuden/Part 2 of the Naruto Manga but this time more focused on the Jinchuriki and not just going for Sasuke or maybe even something more, well without further ado I say goodbye. Comment and give your opinions.