Hello Everyone!
Though I am a new member, I feel that I should try to post something. ^_^
If this is the wrong section, I am so sorry! I read the discription and felt that this is a cross over section thing... If I am wrong, forgive me!
This is a heavy Work In Progress so forgive glaring errors, plot holes, speeling mistakes
and everything in between. And yes I am aware of the many mistakes in the fic, I'll fix em sometime soon =D.
This is also the reason for my lack of updates, that and the Naruto section on FF.net is bogged down by subpar fics. That and video games ^_^
I plan on having long chapters that each focus on a distinct cross over, such as Naruto + Powerpuff Girls fight to save The City of Townsville from the evil Dr. Robotnic, his evil minions and his greatest creation True Mecha Sonic X (v2.0!).
Though the majority of the other universes are temporary, there are more permanent characters that stay with Naruto throughout the story.
If you have any questions, ask away.
Anyways, here is the first chunk of the prologue, Enjoy!
P.S. This fic is also an excuse to hurt Sasuke, repeatedly. Like SSJ2 Vegitto vs Sasuke type hurt :lol:
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The bright world shriveled away, giving into darkness.
The sights and sounds of the environment flickered in and out of existence as he struggled to remain conscious, to remain alive. He tried to tap into the vast reserves of his strengths only to sluggishly discover that they were gone. All of ità spent.
Throughout his life he had more then enough energy. It was enough for more then two of anyone else. Yet, here and now, he had nothing. There was no excess energy or even scraps of power. There was only the darkness that was currently eating everything.
Coughing out a bloody tainted wad of mucus, Naruto blinked as he watched his onetime friend, Sasuke, pierce his right lung using only his left hand. Using the technique he never did quite learn, Chidori.
ôYou prevented me from hitting your heart at the last secondà but it was pointless,ö the man who was once called a comrade stated in a cold and dispossessed voice as he pulled back his left hand. Here now, his friend was gone and in his place was an opponent he had to defeat.
Holding up the dying victim with only his right arm, Sasuke continued in a wry and arrogant fashion. ôYou cannot use your right arm now. It is even difficult to breathe. You cannot make seals or use that jutsu.ö
Blinking in confusion, Naruto couldnÆt help but clamp his teeth tightly together as he tried to tap into his demonÆs power. Into what had saved him before, during the fight with Haku and the semi-final against Neji and finally against the one person who would understand him most, Gaara.
This time it was different. There was an odd gap stretching between him and Kyuubi. The wall was preventing him from touching that ocean of power that many shinobi could only dream of attaining.
The feeling of defeat, of loss was solidified as he felt Sasuke shift his right arm from clutching the orange jacket to strangle his venerable throat. The arrogant bastard stated something about destiny and true power with a few choice words of æChosenÆ and æSpecialÆ thrown in for good measure.
Naruto on the other hand heard none of it as the dream he had this morning flashed back into his memory. It was different from anything he ever dreamt of. It was also interrupted as Shikamaru woke him up in the middle of it.
***
He was standing on a paved stone pathway. Perfection went into the design of this pathway, its smooth yet solid surface almost glowing under the bright yet comforting sun.
A light breeze ruffled his hair and orange clothes, moving past him and through the grass, touching everything and bringing a certain main characterÆs attention to large marble pillars that proudly formed the hazy edges of the stone pathway.
Shrugging, Naruto began to walk down the stone path, following the windÆs as it vanished from his side forever, never to be touched by him again.
Within a stretch of unknown time, he came to a stop as the stone pathway lead to a few steps. Steps that he barely registered as they were easily passed over and he headed towards what looked like a sudden drop, the ground suddenly broken off. That didnÆt matter however, as the scenery before him was easily overshadowed by the largest tree that he had ever seen.
Blinking in surprise since he didnÆt noticed it before, Naruto quickly put his training to good use and sped up the pathway, touching the edges of the cliff and stared at the tree that only seemed to expand with every single step he took. His advance abruptly stopped as he touched the edge of the cliff.
His jaw hit the floor when he noticed the breath taking scene before him. There was a tree lined the landscape below him, a giant lake that was bathing under the sun shone beautifully off the crystal clear water, like a beacon of hope for the sad and lonely.
There was an entire mountain range that formed the background to this interesting land. They were graceful on the world that they towered over, peaks that were covered in clouds and dotted with the earth toned colors of trees and the very rocks that formed them.
The centre piece to this art was doubtless the giant tree that was nestled before the mountains, its roots holding up entire groves of trees and stretching up into the endless blue skies with its many branches spreading out like protective green clouds over a land of peace.
Then he heard her. It was a voice that was as soft as the wind, warm like the sun and it didnÆt hold anything but kindness. As her voice reached his ears, he forgot all about the sadness of his life, the hate, the loneliness. His own voice was caught his throat as her feelings washed over him.
It was all he could do to stop from crying as he received something that he had been yearning for his entire life. It was a feeling that he couldnÆt identify, only dare whisper, lest it vanish like a dream. Instead he looked up at the sky. He didnÆt know why he looked up, but it helped stifle his tears while his vision started to become fuzzy from moisture.
Staring towards the heavens, he saw her as she once again whispered his name. Her form was blurry but he knew that she was beyond beautiful. With grace that he didnÆt know existed he could feel her as she floated down beside him and stopped at a kneeling position behind him.
With deliberate slowness, as though he would bolt at any given moment, she wrapped her arms around him, drawing himself to her warm and soft body. Smiling lips whispered a single word into his ear and the love that he felt from her voice, from the single word that she ushered brought forth such joy that he did collapse, his legs giving under his own weight. Never had he heard his own name uttered in such a way.
She radiated warmth that he had craved for his entire life. Warmth that was now embracing him and it banished the darkness chained to his heart, allowing him to drop the mask that he had worn for so long.
ôYou must wake now, but we will meet again. You wonÆt be alone any longer, my dear, dear Naruto.ö Her dreamlike voice floated to him, making him pause to listen. He had to go? He didnÆt want to go! He wanted to stay!
There was a gentle smile that he could not see, but he felt it and it was enough. He turned to confront her, to let him stay but she was gone. The skies had vanished with the land below. Only the great tree remained, shining like a beacon in an ocean of darkness. But it was shrinking, disappearing into an inky horizon before being engulfed by darkness as well. Panicking he turned around once more, but there was nothing. Everything vanished instantly and his world went dark.
With a groan he opened one eye while wiping away at tears that he didnÆt know he had shed. Opening his eyes further, it took a few moments to register that someone was knocking at his door.
Feeling oddly energetic from what felt like a good dream, he leapt out of bed, got to his door and opened it to see a serious Shikamaru staring back at him. In the back of his mind he felt that something bad had happened since the lazy genin was rarely serious.
***
The world slurred together in a bad sludge of colors as Naruto struggled to retain conciseness. The urge to give in and sleep was a bit too strong for his liking, besides he couldnÆt just give up. It wasnÆt in him to do that, he didnÆt take over twelve years of crap to give up now. He had also promised Sakura-chan that he would succeed. It was after all, a promise of a lifetime; even if it killed him he would keep his promises. That was his ninja way.
Even now, remembering that voice that had said his name with such care, he felt what he had tried to obtain. The preciousness that was tagged to the syllables that made up his namesake gave him strength. It gathered his straggling will to live and succeed.
He would see her again. He felt it deep down. There was no question about it and his gut told him that it would be soon. However, he had a prick to deal with first. Sasuke, the one he had almost been considered a brother, who was his very first bond had to be dealt with first.
To Sakura-chan, the people in leaf and most importantly, to his comrades who risked their lives to help this bastard. He would break every bone in SasukeÆs body if he had to. There was a promise. A promise of a lifetime and if there was one thing that he himself valued overall, it was his nindo.
Then he felt it. It was something that he had never noticed before. It was a faint pulsing sensation in the back of his mind and it grew stronger as he concentrated on it. He felt his body shift upwards as Sasuke babbled something else, but he was beyond caring. The pulsing the he felt had synchronized with his heart and they began to beat as one.
Then a soundless roar ripped through him forcing him to lose himself to the nothingness. There was no sound, no movement, no sight, no life, and no death. It was nothing, yet everything.
It struck him them. The knowledge that he wasnÆt going to survive this encounter cleared his mind, removing all doubt. He would win, but it would be at the cost of his life. A cost he was more then willing to pay.
With inhuman strength, Naruto opened his eyes and simply ripped SasukeÆs hand off his neck. His wounds healed as he balled up his right fist and firmly smashed it into his friendÆs stomach.
Grimacing in pain, Sasuke felt his arm strain and go numb as the defeated Naruto before him suddenly recovered. Then with inhuman strength, Naruto forced off his choke hold. Then as he was analyzing the situation and attempting to counter the sudden burst of power when he was suddenly thrown back a dozen meters, his stomach complaining loudly about the fact that it had just been hit with a tree.
Regaining his center of balance, Sasuke corrected himself and without thought, balanced himself on the water, his sandals sliding across its surface. He then looked up just in time to see Naruto rushing him, a punch aiming for his stomach again.
Fingers flashing in seals, Sasuke inhaled deeply as he formed the final seal and released it, Goukakyuu, great fireball, a technique that he had taken time to master. It was the first true jutsu he had learnt and he it was one of his most favored.
Yet, he felt annoyance and slight fear as he watched dobe, the dead last teammate that without his looking had somehow caught up to him. With a simple primal scream, Naruto, the one person he had never truly acknowledged blew away his technique with pure chakra.
Forcing his body to turn, pivoting to his left as fast as he could, trying desperately to track the orange blur that had simply ripped past his prized fireball and was now currently out of site.
With a snarl, Naruto placed a well aimed punch into his teammateÆs unprotected kidney. The unprotected blow forced SasukeÆs torso forward, allowing ample time for him to circle to the front to deliver a surprised blow to his face.
Blinking in surprised and no small amount of pain, Sasuke found himself like the rag dolls he had seen small children play with when pretending to be ninjas. The surprise blow to his kidney was anything but expected and his eyes widened in slight horror as Naruto appeared before him. An incoming right hook said hello to his left cheek, blacking out his vision momentarily as he was ripped off his feet and thrown across the river.
As his vision returned, it was all he cold to simply lift his arms to protect his face as he felt NarutoÆs presence once again appear beside him. But nothing happened. Turning to look at the monster beside him, he found it odd that Naruto was simply staring back at him. His eyes were unusually clear and luminescent.
ôWhat the hellà are you?ö Sasuke asked calmly, but inside he was in slight turmoil. Fear and awe mixed together as he wondered if Naruto was some sort of monster. If it wasnÆt for the fact that he had received OrochimaruÆs power, he had little doubt at who was going to win.
ôA friend.ö NarutoÆs slightly sad voice stated as he backed off a few meters.
Sasuke blinked once as his mind processed the two words that Naruto had uttered.
ôThatÆs why, I say I wonÆt give you up to Orochimaru!ö Naruto said aloud as he lowered his stance slightly, his next move already planned out. ôEven if I have to break your arms and legs, I am going to stop you!ö
Naruto then exploded forward, acting before Sasuke had a chance to properly react and threw a solid punch into the UchihaÆs gut, bowling him over and shooting him upwards into the cliff, smashing him into the solid bedrock.
Yet, before Sasuke had the chance to fall downwards, Naruto had him in a choke hold from above, much like how Sasuke was holding him moments before, allowing the Uchiha survivor to dangle from his grip.. ôWake up Sasuke! If you are still not sure, I will break you like a twig and drag you back immobile!ö
ôKukukukuàö Naruto blinked at SasukeÆs odd laugh. ôShut the hell up. What do you know about me? Someone like you without family or siblingsà you had nothing in the first place! What the hell do you understand about me!!?ö His words had started softly, but ended a screaming rage, his shirangan appearing due to his ragged emotions.
NarutoÆs conviction faded for a moment. SasukeÆs words had taken him by surprise and his words had the sting of truth. So when he was kicked in the stomach, his loose grip was effectively useless as he was thrown back slightly, just enough for Sasuke to break free. His skills allowing him to recover from the odd angle he was at and even find footing on the vertical cliff.
ôWe suffer because of our bonds... you donÆt know how it feels to lose themà youàö SasukeÆs angry tirade stuttered as he ran out of breath. The yelling and having Naruto cut off his circulation for a time took its momentary toll on him.
Naruto stared at his teammate for a few moments before looking away. ôI donÆt understand about real families and brothersà butà when I am with Iruka-sensei, I wonder, if it feels like being with a father. When I am with youà I wonder if itÆs like being with a brotheràö
Both people then tried their hardest to not look at each other, unsure at how to act at the heartfelt words spoken.
ôWhyà why do you go this far for me?ö Sasuke asked, his face showing his shaken emotion as his expressionless mask cracked.
ôFor meà itÆs one of the first bonds IÆve ever had.ö Naruto said his eyes softening as he stared at Sasuke. ôThatÆs why, I must stop you.ö
Sasuke smiled as he reached into his pocket and pulled out his headband. His shirangan swirled slowly as he stared at his teammate, a third dot began to form into the final comma as he placed his headband on top of his head. ôThen I will break that bond.ö
NarutoÆs brows narrowed in confusion. ôBreak them? Then why now, your headband?ö
ôI will acknowledge that you are strong, you are someone who knows the same pain of loneliness as I do and that pain makes a person strongerà because of that, by severing these bondsà I will gain even more strength.ö
Poking his thumb against his forehead protector, Sasuke smirked as his haughtiness returned. ôFrom now on, we will fight as equals. But you will not even be able to scratch my forehead. That much has not changed.ö
With a frown, Naruto clenched his fists, while the pulsation in his mind grew thicker as his anger rose. The fading conviction he was experiencing was suddenly burnt away by the anger of his friendÆs lack of vision. Could he not see the dark path he was running down? ôNo matter what you say, itÆs useless. Sasuke the time for talking is overà from now on, we only fight.ö
Sasuke calmed his face as he stared at his angered friend. ôCome.ö That was his queue to reinitiate the fight. To him, the world was suddenly revealed as he saw Naruto rushing towards him in a slower motion. What he could not track before, he now could.
Within a few passes, Naruto found himself on the welcome mat of a counter punch. With his own momentum, it easily doubled the damage of SasukeÆs usual blows sending him rocketing into the body of water below. The knowledge that Sasuke was suddenly stronger irked him as he smashed through the surface of the water and into the stingy cold below.
Reaching the top, Naruto was able to blink before he was struck at the chin from below. A perfectly timed rising kick launched his body upwards, allowing him to float in the air momentarily before Sasuke appeared next to him. The images of the chuunin preliminaries flashed through his mind. Shishi-rendan, it was the lion combo that Sasuke had created on the spot after copying Lee.
It was the choking water that surrounded his body that snapped Naruto back to consciousness. The flashes of memories of SasukeÆs original combo remained fresh on his mind as he struggled to move. The odd pulsing that had begun at the back of his head had now grown to raging roars within his body. With nothing to lose, he gave into the pulsation and felt as though his body was suddenly torn open.
This was the path of no return. It reminded him of what he had learnt when he fought in those preliminaries, the celestial gates that regulated his body. They were open now. He didnÆt know how they were open, but he knew. The power that was flowing through his body was incredible.
Sasuke eyes widened as he suddenly noticed that there was a kick aimed at his face. Snapping his head backwards and raising his left arm in defense, he was able to halve the damage done to him, but it still sent him reeling backwards.
Flexing his suddenly numb arm, Sasuke refocused his attention back on Naruto, back to the battle that was obviously still at hand. He also took the time to ponder at where this new chakra had come from as it gave Naruto newfound strength.
Naruto slowly raised himself to a standing position. His eyes were glazed and he blinked a few times, clearing his vision as it swam around him. He felt more alive then ever before, yet at the exact same time he could feel his body deteriorating from the inside, it was a bittersweet mix of life and death.
Sasuke tensed for a moment as Naruto leapt forward, his momentum forcing the water underneath him to slightly give way. With his shirangan, he was able to track Naruto, but it was still a struggle. The specters of images that made up of NarutoÆs predicted movements were monstrous.
In the time it would take most genin of the same level to sneeze, Naruto was already circling towards his unprotected back. But with his evolved shirangan, he was able to foresee the attack and twisted out of harms way.
He saw as Naruto pulled back his right hand, his predicted images foreshadowing what Naruto did best, a strong forward blow. With a small smirk, Sasuke prepared his body to counter, watching as Naruto followed the predicted images. His timing was perfect as he slid himself to the side and attacked, it would land just before NarutoÆs own strike would have hit where he was standing previous.
What didnÆt happen though was the counter, more specifically his own, never landed. Instead Sasuke found himself forcibly thrown across the air, his now cracked ribs were identified with a loud crunch as Naruto somehow had pivoted through his attack and ended up countering his counter.
Naruto blinked as he watched SasukeÆs flight being interrupted by the side of the cliff. Dust was thrown everywhere, obscuring his sight as he tried his best to take in as much air with every breath as possible.
Turning his head to cough, Naruto frowned as spat out blood. This fight was taking its toll much faster on his body then he had predicted. If this was going to take too much longer, he was definitely going to burst into flames as he felt the power coursing through his body.
Calming down his own breathing, Naruto tried to concentrate more on the fight then not. But there was something edging at him. It reminded him of when he was at InariÆs house. He had spent hours watching the tide come and go. Right here and now, it felt the same inside his body. Power was ebbing to and fro within himself.
At first it was easy to ignore. As the fight progressed however, it was getting harder and harder to resist touching it. He was already flowing with strength that he was sure would impress thick-browse and the teacher, super thick-browse.
Everything went down the drain however as he heard Sasuke laughing. The æKukukukuÆ floated towards him as he caught a glimpse of SasukeÆs cursed seal springing to life while the dust finally cleared. He was unsure what the markings indicated but he was sure they would be troublesome.
ôI am not even hurt. Finally I have this power, I donÆt know what I will becomeà but I am not even hurt, Naruto.ö Sasuke stated with his annoying calm voice, the cursed seal spreading across his entire body before forming into a second skin, covering his body from head to toe, leaving a odd cross shape tattoo centered on his nose. ôYou were æSpecialÆà but I am more special then you.ö
Sasuke understood at the moment, the meaning of smug. He had taken what had to be one of NarutoÆs strongest attacks and came out almost unscathed. His body in the second level of the cursed seal had strengthened his ribs upon activation, making the crack ribs less of a handicap.
He also felt the elation of power. It ran through him like a tsunami and he even felt slightly lightheaded from the feelings. Finally, he had the power to not only surpass Itachi, but to crush him mercilessly, force him to suffer the pain that he himself had felt in the last few years. At long last, his dreams were finally coming true.
ôSpecial, is that what it is?ö
NarutoÆs reply broke him out of his thoughts and Sasuke quickly refocused his attention on his one time teammate. He knew how Naruto generally thought and he knew that his next few words would coax the blonde into attacking.
ôkukuku, I am not ready to lose.ö
With a snarl, Naruto leapt forward, but now, in his final form with the shirangan, Sasuke smirked as he effortlessly saw NarutoÆs movements. Then Naruto sped up. Eyes wide in shock, Sasuke let out a mental curse as he reacted instinctively, at NarutoÆs unnatural speed increase, he couldnÆt even raise his arms in time to defend himself.
Naruto felt his fist erupt in pain as he was forced back, into the other side of the cliff, where the two gigantic statues stood proudly, a river flowing between them. Getting up and looking ahead, at Sasuke, he had what looked like a cross between leathery wings, and a giant hand. That was what had stopped his attack and in return threw him away. Then a second one sprouted out, forming a matching pair.
Sasuke had mumbled something, something about power and the costs of using it. Naruto didnÆt know how to react to that, having Sasuke know of his weakened state. Not that it mattered since he would ultimately win, but it was aggravating to see how Sasuke had the upper hand. Even on the verge of defeat, he knew the bastard would still be a prick.
Then Sasuke began seals and Naruto immediately recognized the pattern, chidori. So he felt it was fair to match it with his own attack, rasengan. That and he doubted that any other of his techniques would suffice.
He had felt the power that went into the chidori, everything that Sasuke had apparently was going into that one attack. In comparison, with his own decaying body and the constant use of power to upkeep his body and speed, he was definitely lacking in reserve power.
So in kind, Naruto felt the tide like power rise within him once more and he allowed himself to tap into it. Like water to a man dying of thirst, Naruto soaked up this new energy like a sponge. Everything he had felt before instantly vanished as he felt the power wash over and through him.
Then he felt something familiar. The tantalizing feelings of life and his mind instantly thought of the giant tree he had seen in that one dream. He didnÆt notice it then, but it was giving off a similar feeling when compared to this power he was currently soaking in, feeding it into his rasengan.
On cue, the two former teammates of hidden leaf leapt across the chasm and flew at each other. The darker energy of the chidori clashed with the purity of the rasengan and they repelled, but with such momentum forcing them together they collided and exploded, forming a black sphere of opposing energy.
Then everything went blank and the two opponents were momentarily freed of their beliefs and mindsets, allowing them to face each other and there they had formed a real friendship. Using their fingers, they clasped each otherÆs right pointer and middle fingers, it was a bond for eternal friendship, one that though would most likely be broken the instant their hands parted, but, in that exact moment it lasted for an eternity.
***
Sasuke found his vision returning slowly, his shirangan deactivated and his cursed seal spent. He had little stamina left and he felt as though his left arm had gone through a meat grinder. He looked up to see, surprisingly, Naruto standing before him. He had been sure that his opponent would have been knocked out. After all, he was Uchiha Sasuke, a man who was still superior when compared to his entire generation.
He was pleased however, when Naruto fell to his knees and went into a coughing fit, blood splattering everywhere. He wasnÆt feeling much better himself and as rain fell, he coughed up some of his own blood. If anything, he had newfound respect for the boy he had considered dead last. His headband fell off onto the rain soaked ground and he saw the deep scratch lining the leaf symbol.
ôI am sorry, but itÆs over, Sasuke.ö
Sasuke looked up in horror as Naruto stood right before himself, fists pulled back and suddenly they were moving. He felt the air pushed out of his lungs with the first blow and forced him slightly into the air, his feet barely off the ground.
From there, Naruto was up beside him, another full body blow into his right side, breaking bones while keeping the Uchiha airborne. NarutoÆs hands then clasped together as he used his might to smash into SasukeÆs open back, electing a satisfying crunch and it sent the boy genius into the mud below.
To SasukeÆs credit, he didnÆt pass out from the pain and even had enough stamina to get onto his two feet. But his arms and torso were a mess. He knew for a fact now that he was crushed. In the end, all his planning, all his dreams and even his thought out defection from leaf were stopped by the boy standing before him.
The rain had stopped as suddenly as it came, leaving patches of sunlight to stream from the pocked marked clouds as they began to dissipate and move on.
ôHà howàö
Naruto blinked as he watched Sasuke stutter out that one word. It was plain as day that it took everything that Sasuke had left to stay standing and even then, he was hunched forward, his left arm hanging uselessly by his side, and his right, clenching at his broken ribs. Everything around him was becoming blurry, but he didnÆt really mind.
ôLike you Sasuke, I made an important choice, and I turned away from Konoha.ö Naruto said aloud, his voice straining slightly as his decaying rate slowed down. His final moments were approaching. He was certain he was beyond help now, but he felt no regrets. It reminded him of one of his favored sayings that had guided his life since always. A clutter of words he had used but never heard another recite. It was even apart of his nindo.
Seeing SasukeÆs confused eyes, he decided to continue, it was not like he had that anything better to do. ôI was given a chance Sasuke, and I chose to save you. I had to trade off something of equal value and I did it freely. You are like a brother to me, someone very important in my life, and despite the fact that I hate your guts, you are a shinobi of leaf. That is why we five risked our lives to save you.ö
ôWhà what did youà trade?ö
Naruto smiled at that one question. The impact of what he had given up made itself known to him and he felt the tears well up and cascade down his face. ôFor you Sasuke, I had to sacrifice my dreams. I am dying, here and now, I will not live to see the outcome of this fight. In fact, I will be surprised to live beyond the next few minutesàö
Sasuke blinked in confusion as he watched Naruto and his calm, accepting smile. What did he mean die? DidnÆt his dreams mean everything to him?
Then Naruto was falling backwards, his smile faltering slightly as pain racked his body and feeble coughs brining up more blood.
He reacted without though, and since they were close enough, Sasuke was relieved to catch Naruto with his good right arm, despite the stabbing pains of his torso at the added dead weight.
ôYou can not continue into the darkness, it will only lead to weakness. The leaf can make you plenty strongà You had parent Sasuke, I envy you for thatà à Sasukeà what itÆs like... like, having a mother?ö
Sasuke watched in horror as NarutoÆs situation went down hill, his speech becoming out in between coughs. Yet he felt compelled to answer and he said what he felt strongest when he though of his own mother. He said a single word that tugged at his heart as the syllable left his lips. Warm. That was what he had uttered and Naruto smiled sadly as he looked up at the sky, his eyes oddly dilated as fresh tears flowed from his eyes.
ôI Seeà donÆt disappoint them, Sasuke, donÆt turn down a dark path and give them things to regret. Promiseà promise me Sasuke.ö Naruto stuttered out as he stared blankly at the sky that was supposed to glide overhead. He had lost his vision shortly after beating Sasuke and he felt his heart ease when he heard a yes come from his friend. It was a faint sound, despite the fact that they were so close together.
ôAlso, take care of Sakura-chanà Tell her I almost fulfilled myà promise. I didnÆt bring you back, butà but I know you will return to Konoha.ö
Sasuke felt tears sting at his eyes as he watched Naruto force the words out of his mouth. He had resorted to activating his shirangan with the last of his strength to read NarutoÆs lips since his voice was dying out. Yet Naruto was smiling at him, his left hand blindly groping until he found his friends hand.
æIts not so badà suke. I haveà noà grets. Afterallà hokage protectsà hisà peopleàÆ Naruto mouthed out as he added in one of his favored sayings. æRegretsà lineà pastà hopeà leadsà futureÆ. It was a old saying he had rarely used with generally little real knowledge of when he made it nor its full meaning, but now it was as clear as day to his sleepy thoughts.
It came to him suddenly, that Naruto was blind and deaf as his friendÆs hand finally latched onto his own. Sasuke felt the tears fall as he blinked them away in anger. It was funny how fate worked. A few minute ago he was wishing for Naruto to simply die and now he was wishing for his tears to end so that he could read his friendÆs lips since he his voice had given out.
æàramenàÆ
Sasuke felt a small smile creep onto his face as he recognized that one word, but he froze in confusion as NarutoÆs lips stopped moving. He wiggled his right arm forward as he tried to tighten his own grip on NarutoÆs. The idiotÆs grip was loosening, probably due to fatigue from babbling too much.
His analytical mind was trying to tell him something important. But he refused to listen. There was no way it could have been right. Naruto was still here, before him. He was just tired, thatÆs all. It often happened this way, the idiot would do something dramatic and then pass out.
A smile formed on his lips as he stared at NarutoÆs smiling form. It wasnÆt a smile he had usually seen on the blonde, this smile was deeper. He looked peaceful with his eyes closed but his body was getting cold. It was most likely due to the rain and the constant plunges into the rather cold river to the side of them.
So he solved that problem by trying to move NarutoÆs body closer to his for warmth. It wouldnÆt do for the moron to die from something as stupid as hypothermia.
Then there was the other problem of his tears falling. They wouldnÆt stop and he didnÆt understand why they were falling. Naruto was still before him, the idiot was just asleep. Sleep induced from exhaustion. Just like when he fought Gaara and like that time he would wake up later and be a nuisance.
This time however, he supposed he could be nicer to the moron. Maybe they could start anew, and be friends that they had both wanted, or maybe it would be more like brothersà
***
Kakashi walked up to Sasuke, to see the young prodigy hugging Naruto. It was obvious that only one person survived the fight. But it was oddly comforting to see Naruto smiling face and despite death claiming him, he had gone in contentment.
æJust like Obito.Æ His mind echoed as he stared at his first dead student. Despite his shirangan and genius status, could he have not prevented this? What would his teammate have done right now?
Having fought in a war himself, he had seen this situation many times. A team ripped apart by circumstance and the tragedy of death and friendship. Even he had experienced loss like this. If it was what it looked like, Sasuke and Naruto must have amended their differences and in the end, became friends, just like himself and his old team.
ôKakashi-sensei, we should get Naruto back to Konoha, heÆs getting coldàö
Kakashi nodded as he took his deceased student in a piggy back and lead a subdued Sasuke back to the village, taking note that SasukeÆs attention was focused on Naruto and his expression was creased with dried tears. His body was not in any condition to move, but the prodigy moved, his movements shaky and before they had even reached the base of the cliff, Sasuke had passed out.
As the jounin leapt through the trees silently, four other leaf shinobi joined him, their effortless leaps through the trees showed their skills and they effortlessly matched his quick pace. The captain then took a glance at Sasuke and finding that he would be alright for the time being, he instead concentrated on the other genin, he had known his answer before asking. ôWhat is the status of Uzumaki Naruto?ö
Kakashi remained silent and the medic captain nodded in understanding. He himself had seen this situation many times himself. This was also unique in the fact that the fox brat would be the first student that the infamous Shirangan Kakashi lost. He took a moment to consider the ramifications of such a death. Though many would be joyous, others would not.
What he himself feared though, was the wrath that their new Hokage was bound to show. She had infamous bad luck at gambling but that was completely overshadowed by her esteemed temperament. Being a medic nin himself, he like many others, had studied up on the supreme medic-nin, Tsunade-Hime.
He wouldnÆt die, but he wouldnÆt be surprised if he got thrown through a few walls from her blind rage. With a small sigh, the medic captain prepared himself mentally for the report that Uzumaki Naruto was formally deceased.
In silence, the party quickly progressed through the forest as the captain gave a report on the status of the other four genins that comprised the rescue team.
Though I am a new member, I feel that I should try to post something. ^_^
If this is the wrong section, I am so sorry! I read the discription and felt that this is a cross over section thing... If I am wrong, forgive me!
This is a heavy Work In Progress so forgive glaring errors, plot holes, speeling mistakes
and everything in between. And yes I am aware of the many mistakes in the fic, I'll fix em sometime soon =D. This is also the reason for my lack of updates, that and the Naruto section on FF.net is bogged down by subpar fics. That and video games ^_^
I plan on having long chapters that each focus on a distinct cross over, such as Naruto + Powerpuff Girls fight to save The City of Townsville from the evil Dr. Robotnic, his evil minions and his greatest creation True Mecha Sonic X (v2.0!).
Though the majority of the other universes are temporary, there are more permanent characters that stay with Naruto throughout the story.
If you have any questions, ask away.
Anyways, here is the first chunk of the prologue, Enjoy!
P.S. This fic is also an excuse to hurt Sasuke, repeatedly. Like SSJ2 Vegitto vs Sasuke type hurt :lol:
_______________________________________________________________________
The bright world shriveled away, giving into darkness.
The sights and sounds of the environment flickered in and out of existence as he struggled to remain conscious, to remain alive. He tried to tap into the vast reserves of his strengths only to sluggishly discover that they were gone. All of ità spent.
Throughout his life he had more then enough energy. It was enough for more then two of anyone else. Yet, here and now, he had nothing. There was no excess energy or even scraps of power. There was only the darkness that was currently eating everything.
Coughing out a bloody tainted wad of mucus, Naruto blinked as he watched his onetime friend, Sasuke, pierce his right lung using only his left hand. Using the technique he never did quite learn, Chidori.
ôYou prevented me from hitting your heart at the last secondà but it was pointless,ö the man who was once called a comrade stated in a cold and dispossessed voice as he pulled back his left hand. Here now, his friend was gone and in his place was an opponent he had to defeat.
Holding up the dying victim with only his right arm, Sasuke continued in a wry and arrogant fashion. ôYou cannot use your right arm now. It is even difficult to breathe. You cannot make seals or use that jutsu.ö
Blinking in confusion, Naruto couldnÆt help but clamp his teeth tightly together as he tried to tap into his demonÆs power. Into what had saved him before, during the fight with Haku and the semi-final against Neji and finally against the one person who would understand him most, Gaara.
This time it was different. There was an odd gap stretching between him and Kyuubi. The wall was preventing him from touching that ocean of power that many shinobi could only dream of attaining.
The feeling of defeat, of loss was solidified as he felt Sasuke shift his right arm from clutching the orange jacket to strangle his venerable throat. The arrogant bastard stated something about destiny and true power with a few choice words of æChosenÆ and æSpecialÆ thrown in for good measure.
Naruto on the other hand heard none of it as the dream he had this morning flashed back into his memory. It was different from anything he ever dreamt of. It was also interrupted as Shikamaru woke him up in the middle of it.
***
He was standing on a paved stone pathway. Perfection went into the design of this pathway, its smooth yet solid surface almost glowing under the bright yet comforting sun.
A light breeze ruffled his hair and orange clothes, moving past him and through the grass, touching everything and bringing a certain main characterÆs attention to large marble pillars that proudly formed the hazy edges of the stone pathway.
Shrugging, Naruto began to walk down the stone path, following the windÆs as it vanished from his side forever, never to be touched by him again.
Within a stretch of unknown time, he came to a stop as the stone pathway lead to a few steps. Steps that he barely registered as they were easily passed over and he headed towards what looked like a sudden drop, the ground suddenly broken off. That didnÆt matter however, as the scenery before him was easily overshadowed by the largest tree that he had ever seen.
Blinking in surprise since he didnÆt noticed it before, Naruto quickly put his training to good use and sped up the pathway, touching the edges of the cliff and stared at the tree that only seemed to expand with every single step he took. His advance abruptly stopped as he touched the edge of the cliff.
His jaw hit the floor when he noticed the breath taking scene before him. There was a tree lined the landscape below him, a giant lake that was bathing under the sun shone beautifully off the crystal clear water, like a beacon of hope for the sad and lonely.
There was an entire mountain range that formed the background to this interesting land. They were graceful on the world that they towered over, peaks that were covered in clouds and dotted with the earth toned colors of trees and the very rocks that formed them.
The centre piece to this art was doubtless the giant tree that was nestled before the mountains, its roots holding up entire groves of trees and stretching up into the endless blue skies with its many branches spreading out like protective green clouds over a land of peace.
Then he heard her. It was a voice that was as soft as the wind, warm like the sun and it didnÆt hold anything but kindness. As her voice reached his ears, he forgot all about the sadness of his life, the hate, the loneliness. His own voice was caught his throat as her feelings washed over him.
It was all he could do to stop from crying as he received something that he had been yearning for his entire life. It was a feeling that he couldnÆt identify, only dare whisper, lest it vanish like a dream. Instead he looked up at the sky. He didnÆt know why he looked up, but it helped stifle his tears while his vision started to become fuzzy from moisture.
Staring towards the heavens, he saw her as she once again whispered his name. Her form was blurry but he knew that she was beyond beautiful. With grace that he didnÆt know existed he could feel her as she floated down beside him and stopped at a kneeling position behind him.
With deliberate slowness, as though he would bolt at any given moment, she wrapped her arms around him, drawing himself to her warm and soft body. Smiling lips whispered a single word into his ear and the love that he felt from her voice, from the single word that she ushered brought forth such joy that he did collapse, his legs giving under his own weight. Never had he heard his own name uttered in such a way.
She radiated warmth that he had craved for his entire life. Warmth that was now embracing him and it banished the darkness chained to his heart, allowing him to drop the mask that he had worn for so long.
ôYou must wake now, but we will meet again. You wonÆt be alone any longer, my dear, dear Naruto.ö Her dreamlike voice floated to him, making him pause to listen. He had to go? He didnÆt want to go! He wanted to stay!
There was a gentle smile that he could not see, but he felt it and it was enough. He turned to confront her, to let him stay but she was gone. The skies had vanished with the land below. Only the great tree remained, shining like a beacon in an ocean of darkness. But it was shrinking, disappearing into an inky horizon before being engulfed by darkness as well. Panicking he turned around once more, but there was nothing. Everything vanished instantly and his world went dark.
With a groan he opened one eye while wiping away at tears that he didnÆt know he had shed. Opening his eyes further, it took a few moments to register that someone was knocking at his door.
Feeling oddly energetic from what felt like a good dream, he leapt out of bed, got to his door and opened it to see a serious Shikamaru staring back at him. In the back of his mind he felt that something bad had happened since the lazy genin was rarely serious.
***
The world slurred together in a bad sludge of colors as Naruto struggled to retain conciseness. The urge to give in and sleep was a bit too strong for his liking, besides he couldnÆt just give up. It wasnÆt in him to do that, he didnÆt take over twelve years of crap to give up now. He had also promised Sakura-chan that he would succeed. It was after all, a promise of a lifetime; even if it killed him he would keep his promises. That was his ninja way.
Even now, remembering that voice that had said his name with such care, he felt what he had tried to obtain. The preciousness that was tagged to the syllables that made up his namesake gave him strength. It gathered his straggling will to live and succeed.
He would see her again. He felt it deep down. There was no question about it and his gut told him that it would be soon. However, he had a prick to deal with first. Sasuke, the one he had almost been considered a brother, who was his very first bond had to be dealt with first.
To Sakura-chan, the people in leaf and most importantly, to his comrades who risked their lives to help this bastard. He would break every bone in SasukeÆs body if he had to. There was a promise. A promise of a lifetime and if there was one thing that he himself valued overall, it was his nindo.
Then he felt it. It was something that he had never noticed before. It was a faint pulsing sensation in the back of his mind and it grew stronger as he concentrated on it. He felt his body shift upwards as Sasuke babbled something else, but he was beyond caring. The pulsing the he felt had synchronized with his heart and they began to beat as one.
Then a soundless roar ripped through him forcing him to lose himself to the nothingness. There was no sound, no movement, no sight, no life, and no death. It was nothing, yet everything.
It struck him them. The knowledge that he wasnÆt going to survive this encounter cleared his mind, removing all doubt. He would win, but it would be at the cost of his life. A cost he was more then willing to pay.
With inhuman strength, Naruto opened his eyes and simply ripped SasukeÆs hand off his neck. His wounds healed as he balled up his right fist and firmly smashed it into his friendÆs stomach.
Grimacing in pain, Sasuke felt his arm strain and go numb as the defeated Naruto before him suddenly recovered. Then with inhuman strength, Naruto forced off his choke hold. Then as he was analyzing the situation and attempting to counter the sudden burst of power when he was suddenly thrown back a dozen meters, his stomach complaining loudly about the fact that it had just been hit with a tree.
Regaining his center of balance, Sasuke corrected himself and without thought, balanced himself on the water, his sandals sliding across its surface. He then looked up just in time to see Naruto rushing him, a punch aiming for his stomach again.
Fingers flashing in seals, Sasuke inhaled deeply as he formed the final seal and released it, Goukakyuu, great fireball, a technique that he had taken time to master. It was the first true jutsu he had learnt and he it was one of his most favored.
Yet, he felt annoyance and slight fear as he watched dobe, the dead last teammate that without his looking had somehow caught up to him. With a simple primal scream, Naruto, the one person he had never truly acknowledged blew away his technique with pure chakra.
Forcing his body to turn, pivoting to his left as fast as he could, trying desperately to track the orange blur that had simply ripped past his prized fireball and was now currently out of site.
With a snarl, Naruto placed a well aimed punch into his teammateÆs unprotected kidney. The unprotected blow forced SasukeÆs torso forward, allowing ample time for him to circle to the front to deliver a surprised blow to his face.
Blinking in surprised and no small amount of pain, Sasuke found himself like the rag dolls he had seen small children play with when pretending to be ninjas. The surprise blow to his kidney was anything but expected and his eyes widened in slight horror as Naruto appeared before him. An incoming right hook said hello to his left cheek, blacking out his vision momentarily as he was ripped off his feet and thrown across the river.
As his vision returned, it was all he cold to simply lift his arms to protect his face as he felt NarutoÆs presence once again appear beside him. But nothing happened. Turning to look at the monster beside him, he found it odd that Naruto was simply staring back at him. His eyes were unusually clear and luminescent.
ôWhat the hellà are you?ö Sasuke asked calmly, but inside he was in slight turmoil. Fear and awe mixed together as he wondered if Naruto was some sort of monster. If it wasnÆt for the fact that he had received OrochimaruÆs power, he had little doubt at who was going to win.
ôA friend.ö NarutoÆs slightly sad voice stated as he backed off a few meters.
Sasuke blinked once as his mind processed the two words that Naruto had uttered.
ôThatÆs why, I say I wonÆt give you up to Orochimaru!ö Naruto said aloud as he lowered his stance slightly, his next move already planned out. ôEven if I have to break your arms and legs, I am going to stop you!ö
Naruto then exploded forward, acting before Sasuke had a chance to properly react and threw a solid punch into the UchihaÆs gut, bowling him over and shooting him upwards into the cliff, smashing him into the solid bedrock.
Yet, before Sasuke had the chance to fall downwards, Naruto had him in a choke hold from above, much like how Sasuke was holding him moments before, allowing the Uchiha survivor to dangle from his grip.. ôWake up Sasuke! If you are still not sure, I will break you like a twig and drag you back immobile!ö
ôKukukukuàö Naruto blinked at SasukeÆs odd laugh. ôShut the hell up. What do you know about me? Someone like you without family or siblingsà you had nothing in the first place! What the hell do you understand about me!!?ö His words had started softly, but ended a screaming rage, his shirangan appearing due to his ragged emotions.
NarutoÆs conviction faded for a moment. SasukeÆs words had taken him by surprise and his words had the sting of truth. So when he was kicked in the stomach, his loose grip was effectively useless as he was thrown back slightly, just enough for Sasuke to break free. His skills allowing him to recover from the odd angle he was at and even find footing on the vertical cliff.
ôWe suffer because of our bonds... you donÆt know how it feels to lose themà youàö SasukeÆs angry tirade stuttered as he ran out of breath. The yelling and having Naruto cut off his circulation for a time took its momentary toll on him.
Naruto stared at his teammate for a few moments before looking away. ôI donÆt understand about real families and brothersà butà when I am with Iruka-sensei, I wonder, if it feels like being with a father. When I am with youà I wonder if itÆs like being with a brotheràö
Both people then tried their hardest to not look at each other, unsure at how to act at the heartfelt words spoken.
ôWhyà why do you go this far for me?ö Sasuke asked, his face showing his shaken emotion as his expressionless mask cracked.
ôFor meà itÆs one of the first bonds IÆve ever had.ö Naruto said his eyes softening as he stared at Sasuke. ôThatÆs why, I must stop you.ö
Sasuke smiled as he reached into his pocket and pulled out his headband. His shirangan swirled slowly as he stared at his teammate, a third dot began to form into the final comma as he placed his headband on top of his head. ôThen I will break that bond.ö
NarutoÆs brows narrowed in confusion. ôBreak them? Then why now, your headband?ö
ôI will acknowledge that you are strong, you are someone who knows the same pain of loneliness as I do and that pain makes a person strongerà because of that, by severing these bondsà I will gain even more strength.ö
Poking his thumb against his forehead protector, Sasuke smirked as his haughtiness returned. ôFrom now on, we will fight as equals. But you will not even be able to scratch my forehead. That much has not changed.ö
With a frown, Naruto clenched his fists, while the pulsation in his mind grew thicker as his anger rose. The fading conviction he was experiencing was suddenly burnt away by the anger of his friendÆs lack of vision. Could he not see the dark path he was running down? ôNo matter what you say, itÆs useless. Sasuke the time for talking is overà from now on, we only fight.ö
Sasuke calmed his face as he stared at his angered friend. ôCome.ö That was his queue to reinitiate the fight. To him, the world was suddenly revealed as he saw Naruto rushing towards him in a slower motion. What he could not track before, he now could.
Within a few passes, Naruto found himself on the welcome mat of a counter punch. With his own momentum, it easily doubled the damage of SasukeÆs usual blows sending him rocketing into the body of water below. The knowledge that Sasuke was suddenly stronger irked him as he smashed through the surface of the water and into the stingy cold below.
Reaching the top, Naruto was able to blink before he was struck at the chin from below. A perfectly timed rising kick launched his body upwards, allowing him to float in the air momentarily before Sasuke appeared next to him. The images of the chuunin preliminaries flashed through his mind. Shishi-rendan, it was the lion combo that Sasuke had created on the spot after copying Lee.
It was the choking water that surrounded his body that snapped Naruto back to consciousness. The flashes of memories of SasukeÆs original combo remained fresh on his mind as he struggled to move. The odd pulsing that had begun at the back of his head had now grown to raging roars within his body. With nothing to lose, he gave into the pulsation and felt as though his body was suddenly torn open.
This was the path of no return. It reminded him of what he had learnt when he fought in those preliminaries, the celestial gates that regulated his body. They were open now. He didnÆt know how they were open, but he knew. The power that was flowing through his body was incredible.
Sasuke eyes widened as he suddenly noticed that there was a kick aimed at his face. Snapping his head backwards and raising his left arm in defense, he was able to halve the damage done to him, but it still sent him reeling backwards.
Flexing his suddenly numb arm, Sasuke refocused his attention back on Naruto, back to the battle that was obviously still at hand. He also took the time to ponder at where this new chakra had come from as it gave Naruto newfound strength.
Naruto slowly raised himself to a standing position. His eyes were glazed and he blinked a few times, clearing his vision as it swam around him. He felt more alive then ever before, yet at the exact same time he could feel his body deteriorating from the inside, it was a bittersweet mix of life and death.
Sasuke tensed for a moment as Naruto leapt forward, his momentum forcing the water underneath him to slightly give way. With his shirangan, he was able to track Naruto, but it was still a struggle. The specters of images that made up of NarutoÆs predicted movements were monstrous.
In the time it would take most genin of the same level to sneeze, Naruto was already circling towards his unprotected back. But with his evolved shirangan, he was able to foresee the attack and twisted out of harms way.
He saw as Naruto pulled back his right hand, his predicted images foreshadowing what Naruto did best, a strong forward blow. With a small smirk, Sasuke prepared his body to counter, watching as Naruto followed the predicted images. His timing was perfect as he slid himself to the side and attacked, it would land just before NarutoÆs own strike would have hit where he was standing previous.
What didnÆt happen though was the counter, more specifically his own, never landed. Instead Sasuke found himself forcibly thrown across the air, his now cracked ribs were identified with a loud crunch as Naruto somehow had pivoted through his attack and ended up countering his counter.
Naruto blinked as he watched SasukeÆs flight being interrupted by the side of the cliff. Dust was thrown everywhere, obscuring his sight as he tried his best to take in as much air with every breath as possible.
Turning his head to cough, Naruto frowned as spat out blood. This fight was taking its toll much faster on his body then he had predicted. If this was going to take too much longer, he was definitely going to burst into flames as he felt the power coursing through his body.
Calming down his own breathing, Naruto tried to concentrate more on the fight then not. But there was something edging at him. It reminded him of when he was at InariÆs house. He had spent hours watching the tide come and go. Right here and now, it felt the same inside his body. Power was ebbing to and fro within himself.
At first it was easy to ignore. As the fight progressed however, it was getting harder and harder to resist touching it. He was already flowing with strength that he was sure would impress thick-browse and the teacher, super thick-browse.
Everything went down the drain however as he heard Sasuke laughing. The æKukukukuÆ floated towards him as he caught a glimpse of SasukeÆs cursed seal springing to life while the dust finally cleared. He was unsure what the markings indicated but he was sure they would be troublesome.
ôI am not even hurt. Finally I have this power, I donÆt know what I will becomeà but I am not even hurt, Naruto.ö Sasuke stated with his annoying calm voice, the cursed seal spreading across his entire body before forming into a second skin, covering his body from head to toe, leaving a odd cross shape tattoo centered on his nose. ôYou were æSpecialÆà but I am more special then you.ö
Sasuke understood at the moment, the meaning of smug. He had taken what had to be one of NarutoÆs strongest attacks and came out almost unscathed. His body in the second level of the cursed seal had strengthened his ribs upon activation, making the crack ribs less of a handicap.
He also felt the elation of power. It ran through him like a tsunami and he even felt slightly lightheaded from the feelings. Finally, he had the power to not only surpass Itachi, but to crush him mercilessly, force him to suffer the pain that he himself had felt in the last few years. At long last, his dreams were finally coming true.
ôSpecial, is that what it is?ö
NarutoÆs reply broke him out of his thoughts and Sasuke quickly refocused his attention on his one time teammate. He knew how Naruto generally thought and he knew that his next few words would coax the blonde into attacking.
ôkukuku, I am not ready to lose.ö
With a snarl, Naruto leapt forward, but now, in his final form with the shirangan, Sasuke smirked as he effortlessly saw NarutoÆs movements. Then Naruto sped up. Eyes wide in shock, Sasuke let out a mental curse as he reacted instinctively, at NarutoÆs unnatural speed increase, he couldnÆt even raise his arms in time to defend himself.
Naruto felt his fist erupt in pain as he was forced back, into the other side of the cliff, where the two gigantic statues stood proudly, a river flowing between them. Getting up and looking ahead, at Sasuke, he had what looked like a cross between leathery wings, and a giant hand. That was what had stopped his attack and in return threw him away. Then a second one sprouted out, forming a matching pair.
Sasuke had mumbled something, something about power and the costs of using it. Naruto didnÆt know how to react to that, having Sasuke know of his weakened state. Not that it mattered since he would ultimately win, but it was aggravating to see how Sasuke had the upper hand. Even on the verge of defeat, he knew the bastard would still be a prick.
Then Sasuke began seals and Naruto immediately recognized the pattern, chidori. So he felt it was fair to match it with his own attack, rasengan. That and he doubted that any other of his techniques would suffice.
He had felt the power that went into the chidori, everything that Sasuke had apparently was going into that one attack. In comparison, with his own decaying body and the constant use of power to upkeep his body and speed, he was definitely lacking in reserve power.
So in kind, Naruto felt the tide like power rise within him once more and he allowed himself to tap into it. Like water to a man dying of thirst, Naruto soaked up this new energy like a sponge. Everything he had felt before instantly vanished as he felt the power wash over and through him.
Then he felt something familiar. The tantalizing feelings of life and his mind instantly thought of the giant tree he had seen in that one dream. He didnÆt notice it then, but it was giving off a similar feeling when compared to this power he was currently soaking in, feeding it into his rasengan.
On cue, the two former teammates of hidden leaf leapt across the chasm and flew at each other. The darker energy of the chidori clashed with the purity of the rasengan and they repelled, but with such momentum forcing them together they collided and exploded, forming a black sphere of opposing energy.
Then everything went blank and the two opponents were momentarily freed of their beliefs and mindsets, allowing them to face each other and there they had formed a real friendship. Using their fingers, they clasped each otherÆs right pointer and middle fingers, it was a bond for eternal friendship, one that though would most likely be broken the instant their hands parted, but, in that exact moment it lasted for an eternity.
***
Sasuke found his vision returning slowly, his shirangan deactivated and his cursed seal spent. He had little stamina left and he felt as though his left arm had gone through a meat grinder. He looked up to see, surprisingly, Naruto standing before him. He had been sure that his opponent would have been knocked out. After all, he was Uchiha Sasuke, a man who was still superior when compared to his entire generation.
He was pleased however, when Naruto fell to his knees and went into a coughing fit, blood splattering everywhere. He wasnÆt feeling much better himself and as rain fell, he coughed up some of his own blood. If anything, he had newfound respect for the boy he had considered dead last. His headband fell off onto the rain soaked ground and he saw the deep scratch lining the leaf symbol.
ôI am sorry, but itÆs over, Sasuke.ö
Sasuke looked up in horror as Naruto stood right before himself, fists pulled back and suddenly they were moving. He felt the air pushed out of his lungs with the first blow and forced him slightly into the air, his feet barely off the ground.
From there, Naruto was up beside him, another full body blow into his right side, breaking bones while keeping the Uchiha airborne. NarutoÆs hands then clasped together as he used his might to smash into SasukeÆs open back, electing a satisfying crunch and it sent the boy genius into the mud below.
To SasukeÆs credit, he didnÆt pass out from the pain and even had enough stamina to get onto his two feet. But his arms and torso were a mess. He knew for a fact now that he was crushed. In the end, all his planning, all his dreams and even his thought out defection from leaf were stopped by the boy standing before him.
The rain had stopped as suddenly as it came, leaving patches of sunlight to stream from the pocked marked clouds as they began to dissipate and move on.
ôHà howàö
Naruto blinked as he watched Sasuke stutter out that one word. It was plain as day that it took everything that Sasuke had left to stay standing and even then, he was hunched forward, his left arm hanging uselessly by his side, and his right, clenching at his broken ribs. Everything around him was becoming blurry, but he didnÆt really mind.
ôLike you Sasuke, I made an important choice, and I turned away from Konoha.ö Naruto said aloud, his voice straining slightly as his decaying rate slowed down. His final moments were approaching. He was certain he was beyond help now, but he felt no regrets. It reminded him of one of his favored sayings that had guided his life since always. A clutter of words he had used but never heard another recite. It was even apart of his nindo.
Seeing SasukeÆs confused eyes, he decided to continue, it was not like he had that anything better to do. ôI was given a chance Sasuke, and I chose to save you. I had to trade off something of equal value and I did it freely. You are like a brother to me, someone very important in my life, and despite the fact that I hate your guts, you are a shinobi of leaf. That is why we five risked our lives to save you.ö
ôWhà what did youà trade?ö
Naruto smiled at that one question. The impact of what he had given up made itself known to him and he felt the tears well up and cascade down his face. ôFor you Sasuke, I had to sacrifice my dreams. I am dying, here and now, I will not live to see the outcome of this fight. In fact, I will be surprised to live beyond the next few minutesàö
Sasuke blinked in confusion as he watched Naruto and his calm, accepting smile. What did he mean die? DidnÆt his dreams mean everything to him?
Then Naruto was falling backwards, his smile faltering slightly as pain racked his body and feeble coughs brining up more blood.
He reacted without though, and since they were close enough, Sasuke was relieved to catch Naruto with his good right arm, despite the stabbing pains of his torso at the added dead weight.
ôYou can not continue into the darkness, it will only lead to weakness. The leaf can make you plenty strongà You had parent Sasuke, I envy you for thatà à Sasukeà what itÆs like... like, having a mother?ö
Sasuke watched in horror as NarutoÆs situation went down hill, his speech becoming out in between coughs. Yet he felt compelled to answer and he said what he felt strongest when he though of his own mother. He said a single word that tugged at his heart as the syllable left his lips. Warm. That was what he had uttered and Naruto smiled sadly as he looked up at the sky, his eyes oddly dilated as fresh tears flowed from his eyes.
ôI Seeà donÆt disappoint them, Sasuke, donÆt turn down a dark path and give them things to regret. Promiseà promise me Sasuke.ö Naruto stuttered out as he stared blankly at the sky that was supposed to glide overhead. He had lost his vision shortly after beating Sasuke and he felt his heart ease when he heard a yes come from his friend. It was a faint sound, despite the fact that they were so close together.
ôAlso, take care of Sakura-chanà Tell her I almost fulfilled myà promise. I didnÆt bring you back, butà but I know you will return to Konoha.ö
Sasuke felt tears sting at his eyes as he watched Naruto force the words out of his mouth. He had resorted to activating his shirangan with the last of his strength to read NarutoÆs lips since his voice was dying out. Yet Naruto was smiling at him, his left hand blindly groping until he found his friends hand.
æIts not so badà suke. I haveà noà grets. Afterallà hokage protectsà hisà peopleàÆ Naruto mouthed out as he added in one of his favored sayings. æRegretsà lineà pastà hopeà leadsà futureÆ. It was a old saying he had rarely used with generally little real knowledge of when he made it nor its full meaning, but now it was as clear as day to his sleepy thoughts.
It came to him suddenly, that Naruto was blind and deaf as his friendÆs hand finally latched onto his own. Sasuke felt the tears fall as he blinked them away in anger. It was funny how fate worked. A few minute ago he was wishing for Naruto to simply die and now he was wishing for his tears to end so that he could read his friendÆs lips since he his voice had given out.
æàramenàÆ
Sasuke felt a small smile creep onto his face as he recognized that one word, but he froze in confusion as NarutoÆs lips stopped moving. He wiggled his right arm forward as he tried to tighten his own grip on NarutoÆs. The idiotÆs grip was loosening, probably due to fatigue from babbling too much.
His analytical mind was trying to tell him something important. But he refused to listen. There was no way it could have been right. Naruto was still here, before him. He was just tired, thatÆs all. It often happened this way, the idiot would do something dramatic and then pass out.
A smile formed on his lips as he stared at NarutoÆs smiling form. It wasnÆt a smile he had usually seen on the blonde, this smile was deeper. He looked peaceful with his eyes closed but his body was getting cold. It was most likely due to the rain and the constant plunges into the rather cold river to the side of them.
So he solved that problem by trying to move NarutoÆs body closer to his for warmth. It wouldnÆt do for the moron to die from something as stupid as hypothermia.
Then there was the other problem of his tears falling. They wouldnÆt stop and he didnÆt understand why they were falling. Naruto was still before him, the idiot was just asleep. Sleep induced from exhaustion. Just like when he fought Gaara and like that time he would wake up later and be a nuisance.
This time however, he supposed he could be nicer to the moron. Maybe they could start anew, and be friends that they had both wanted, or maybe it would be more like brothersà
***
Kakashi walked up to Sasuke, to see the young prodigy hugging Naruto. It was obvious that only one person survived the fight. But it was oddly comforting to see Naruto smiling face and despite death claiming him, he had gone in contentment.
æJust like Obito.Æ His mind echoed as he stared at his first dead student. Despite his shirangan and genius status, could he have not prevented this? What would his teammate have done right now?
Having fought in a war himself, he had seen this situation many times. A team ripped apart by circumstance and the tragedy of death and friendship. Even he had experienced loss like this. If it was what it looked like, Sasuke and Naruto must have amended their differences and in the end, became friends, just like himself and his old team.
ôKakashi-sensei, we should get Naruto back to Konoha, heÆs getting coldàö
Kakashi nodded as he took his deceased student in a piggy back and lead a subdued Sasuke back to the village, taking note that SasukeÆs attention was focused on Naruto and his expression was creased with dried tears. His body was not in any condition to move, but the prodigy moved, his movements shaky and before they had even reached the base of the cliff, Sasuke had passed out.
As the jounin leapt through the trees silently, four other leaf shinobi joined him, their effortless leaps through the trees showed their skills and they effortlessly matched his quick pace. The captain then took a glance at Sasuke and finding that he would be alright for the time being, he instead concentrated on the other genin, he had known his answer before asking. ôWhat is the status of Uzumaki Naruto?ö
Kakashi remained silent and the medic captain nodded in understanding. He himself had seen this situation many times himself. This was also unique in the fact that the fox brat would be the first student that the infamous Shirangan Kakashi lost. He took a moment to consider the ramifications of such a death. Though many would be joyous, others would not.
What he himself feared though, was the wrath that their new Hokage was bound to show. She had infamous bad luck at gambling but that was completely overshadowed by her esteemed temperament. Being a medic nin himself, he like many others, had studied up on the supreme medic-nin, Tsunade-Hime.
He wouldnÆt die, but he wouldnÆt be surprised if he got thrown through a few walls from her blind rage. With a small sigh, the medic captain prepared himself mentally for the report that Uzumaki Naruto was formally deceased.
In silence, the party quickly progressed through the forest as the captain gave a report on the status of the other four genins that comprised the rescue team.