Kakashi's POV (Courtyard of Iron Arena Land of Iron)
Kakashi was unsure how he felt once Naruto was chosen to fight Gaara. Naruto had seemed absolutely sure it would happen, and Kakashi had not doubted him. But he could not feel as if his student was not ready. Gaara had a soulless quality in his eyes, which Kakashi had seen before. Something his father had held when he had left. Nothing was left behind but a note telling them he had hidden away and planned to die alone. A grim reminder of his past.
No one as young as him should hold their eyes like that. Not when Kakashi had them at one point, back in his Anbu days. When he had mindlessly and tirelessly completed the most difficult of missions. Truthfully, he had been searching for death, unwilling to kill himself yet looking for a battle he could not win. It had earned him his infamy through the blood of countless enemies soaked on his hands. Gaara had those same eyes, was intent on killing or taking Naruto, and seemed much more powerful than any mere Genin should be.
Was Naruto ready for an opponent of that caliber? Would he ever forgive Kakashi if he dared interfere or suggested he surrender? What did Kushina want him to do? What would Minato think? Had Jiraiya done his job?
As if further complicating his situation, the crowd cheered and chanted wildly. This was the semi-finals of the biggest Chunin Exam ever. They had already seen both participant's battles and knew they were powerful and skilled. Though they were mere Genin, many had shown a combat aptitude and power of Chunin or Jounin. And these two had yet to even seem strained. Instead, they appeared to steamroll the competition. They were both monsters in their eyes as well. Jinchuriki posing as humans bred for violence. There would be no need to form a favorite. With any luck, they would kill each other. The civilians thought hatefully, though the majority of shinobi saw it differently. They knew how powerful jinchuriki were and knew the risk of two clashing like this. Regardless, the entire audience knew the upcoming bout would be one worthy of note.
Kakashi glanced around until his eyes landed on the Kage Box. Should Gaara make a mistake here and kill Naruto, there would be an international incident. Likely even war, it had been had before for much pettier reasons. Yet alone the death of a military asset as valuable as a jinchuriki. It was his job to ensure it would not happen this way. All while not interfering in a way that would embarrass, infuriate, or disqualify his student. A conundrum of duty and wants. The whirl of his mind and the endless roar of the crowd were slowly and surely giving him a headache.
His life seemed more straightforward when he had been an anbu captain. Kakashi had wished to serve his sensei's student as his father had served him. Now, here he was, about to watch as a spectator as Naruto ran head-first toward a monster who would gladly slay him.
Was Kakashi to watch someone he loved die again? In ten minutes, he'd find out…
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Naruto's POV (Medical Wing of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
Naruto was never a man who had suffered much from stage fright. He craved attention in his younger days. And now, knew such would be expected for a future Hokage. Yet he was sure this fight was different. It felt more like when he had fought Juzo, he was uncertain he could defeat them but determined to die trying. Determined to show them he was not to be trifled with.
But Naruto had learned from Jiraiya that sometimes mere guts alone wouldn't be enough. A wise man leveraged guts with information to fearlessly succeed in any goal. As such, Naruto was determined to question his query. Learn anything he could to gain an advantage over Gaara.
Hinata Hyuga was someone Naruto was vaguely aware of. In the academy days, the two of them had never crossed paths. Then Neji mentioned her positively, and to cap it off, he witnessed her fearlessly fighting Gaara, someone even he hesitated to face. She was one of the most impressive people he had ever met. Then, she had proved her worth even further. She had shown a chink in Gaara's armor.
As impressed as Naruto was with her, he had never expected her to defeat Gaara. He doubted even Neji would've been able to do such a thing. So he had prepared for a great but doomed effort. Yet Hinata had done something Naruto had only hoped he would see. Land a decent blow. Manage to hurt him, even if momentarily. Though it had been disappointing to learn, Gaara seemed just as tanky as Naruto even without his sand.
Somehow, despite being exhausted and outmatched, Hinata had managed to land something. Gaara had even reacted in pain, he had clearly been fine. But it was the first evidence of humanity from Gaara. Proof that he could be defeated. Harmed, perhaps even shaken. If Naruto could replicate either the same technique or something similar, he could gain a decisive edge. Then his plan would allow him to defeat him.
Hinata was propped up with various pads and pillows to be laid out straight and somewhat seated. She was covered in bandages with some sort of salve and fuinjutsu. Her skin was bruised all over or covered in minor cuts. Though Naruto noted she was smiling, he could feel her pride from entering her room. It was good to see Hinata was in high spirits despite her defeat. He was glad Sasuke wasn't present though, the Uchiha likely would watch his fight with Gaara like a hawk. And Naruto just never really liked the vibe of him if he was to be frank. So him being here would've merely made it awkward.
"Naruto?" Hinata asked politely, surprised to see the friend of a friend here. It hadn't surprised her that Sasuke or Neji interfered, they had promised such. But his arrival had been surprising, perhaps not in hindsight. It fit the description provided by Neji. "How can I help you?"
Naruto chuckled awkwardly as he rubbed the back of his head. "Well, I wanted to make sure you were doing alright. Though eh, well, it wasn't my only goal, you can say, ya know?"
Hinata openly chuckled at such. "I figured as much as Uzumaki-san, I am not offended. Regarding the first question, I am in fine health. Though I may look rough in mere hours, I will be fresh and healthy soon."
Naruto sighed in relief before his face regained a serious note. "Good, I'm glad you're physically alright, but it's getting you down, right? Neji mentioned that you can be really hard on yourself. And well, I can relate to that, I guess. So I just wanted to let you know you did incredible. That guy was no joke and you managed to hit him!"
Hinata smiled sadly. "It would be dishonest to say I am not disappointed in myself. While I recognized I was unlikely to defeat Gaara, I had hoped it would at least be a close match. Instead I merely landed one measly blow."
"Hey, sometimes we-"
"But Uzumaki-san, I have learned that failure is merely a part of a journey." Hinata interrupted with a sweet smile. "I managed to harm him, that alone was an accomplishment for me. I showed him he is not immortal. That I was some sort of threat. That if we face again I may have a way to best him. I must accept my limits today, but tomorrow, I will surpass them."
Naruto was stunned before he smiled and nodded at Hinata respectfully. "I see how you won over Neji, you're just my kind of kunoichi." Naruto said with earnest comradery.
"You had another question?" Hinata asked.
"Oh, shit, yeah, thanks for that." Naruto chuckled as he settled down in the chair next to her bed. "I wanted to ask if you would mind explaining how you managed to hurt Gaara. Every attack you threw at him was repelled, even your lasers took a while to do anything. Yet somehow, in the end, you managed some damage with that palm strike. Impressive as hell. How did you do it?"
"Ah, I see. Well, I am more than happy to explain such, but I am afraid it is unlikely to help you." Hinata apologized. "See, in my desperation, I used my ability to see through objects and chakra using my Byakugan, I used it to weave my chakra through impossibly small gaps in his sand. It may have seemed like he blocked my strike, but my chakra slowly flowed through until I watched it enter him. Then, I allowed the chakra to pulsate, causing damage from within. If I had more chakra I could've potentially ended the fight. But such a strategy would be impossible for you to replicate Uzumaki-san. Without mastery of Gentle Fist and the Byakugan, I doubt you could pull such off. Even if you did you'd struggle to do so effectively. I'm sorry to be unable to be of use."
"Nah, you're fine. It's a shame, too, that was damned clever of you, ya know?" Naruto said happily. "I think I have a couple techniques that may do it, but I am just leaving no stone unturned. Gotta win this fight ya know?"
"I'm glad you mentioned such Uzumaki…" Hinata said hesitantly. "To be frank as much as I know you won't like hearing such I feel the need to say it."
Naruto shrugged. "Ok?"
Hinata sighed as she seemed to accept the situation. "Neji told me a lot about you. Enough so I know you seem to be the type of ninja I wish to one day become. Confident, decisive, passionate, considerate, and unrelenting. You are the type to fight for what you believe in even if it seems hopeless. But this is different…"
"Different?" Naruto asked with a quirked brow. "Different how?"
"I can't see why you would fight him, he intends to kill you and clearly has shown nothing yet. It seems clear you are strong but can you really hope to stand up to such a monster? Why risk your career or even your life just for a promotion? Your likely to be promoted irregardless… maybe you should surrender… Neji seems confident you have a great future. So why risk it just to fight this monster? I believe in never giving up, but isn't it better to live another day?"
"Maybe," Naruto admittedly. "This fight is likely to be incredibly difficult and painful, hell I might even die. Doubtless I could get promoted without it, so I guess I could say I achieved my goal."
"Then why Naruto?" Hinata asked confounded.
"Because Gaara seems like he needs help. Because Gaara as much as he has become monstrous isn't just some monster. He had to be a normal guy like me at one point, but he gave up eventually. Gaara has rejected his very humanity. Grown to resent it for the trouble it caused him. Maybe if I had spent my life like that I'd be the same. Because on that day when we first met and I almost caught him off guard I didn't see fear or resentment. But hope, hope that maybe just maybe he was wrong. Hope that I would be the one to prove that to him."
"But you don't even know him." Hinata reminded the blonde with a small smile. She was starting to understand just how Naruto had inspired Neji.
"It doesn't matter, I don't agree with everything he does and says, but he was right about one thing. We are sorta like brothers, two guys who have been forced to carry a burden. Two guys who other will likely always find a reason to hate. We face the same problem but have two different solutions." Naruto explained.
"So this is merely to prove a point?" Hinata asked utterly perplexed now. "Surely you see this is… ill considered?"
"It doesn't matter, I want to become Hokage one day. Become a Hokage who can improve this world. The more I see the more tragedy I run into. If I want to become one of the greatest Kage to ever live I can't look away when I see injustice or those in need. How could I ever say I achieved my dream then."
"Your willing to die for this?" Hinata asked with a sad smile realizing the blonde would not be convinced.
"I wouldn't be living my life the way I intended if I wasn't. Just watch Hinata, one thing I've learned is in combat were all honest. The two of us will clash and let our conviction and strength be the decider." Naruto explained further. "Whoever loses obviously would be wrong, maybe it's not the best way. But it's the only way I know…"
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Gaara's POV (Entrance to Courtyard of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
Gaara silently trekked down the hall eagerly. When was the last time he was hurt? That mere weak woman had managed such. Surely Naruto would prove more capable. When was the last time he had been excited for combat? And to make it even better, it was against no vile human! Oh, Gaara enjoyed slaughtering the humans who defied him but never enjoyed fighting the stronger ones. It was like fighting an insect with a painful sting. It should be weak and ineffective but proved deadly. Undoubtedly, more than a few could defeat him, but it would be through lesser means, or it was a gap Gaara was confident time would close. But fighting his brethren was different. He could enjoy it, relish in it, a clashing of equals.
They were more robust, durable, able to heal from even fatal wounds, they even had access to unique and powerful chakra. Yes, Jinchuriki were the superior species, and a battle between them was one to savor. But his battle lust was not the reason for his determination.
For one it had become clear to Gaara. Despite their inherent superiority his brothers and sisters seemed content to live as mere weapons. For the longest time Gaara had resented such. Still did, but now he realized it wasn't their fault. They needed a leader…
Naruto was the host of the Nine Tailed Beast. If rumors were to be believed it was the strongest of the beast. Power was important, without that they had been victimized and violated. Gaara knew they would need their power if they were ever to live properly. Surely Naruto would fit the bill. Yet Gaara doubted him. No he would lead his kind himself. Either with Naruto as a brother in arms. Or another death for Gaara to regret.
Naruto Uzumaki should've understood. Fuu did, Gaara witnessed it in the way she happily clutched onto her new friends. But Naruto seemed determined to live as if it changed nothing. As if being a jinchuriki was nothing, the fool did not realize his greatness. Nor did he accept the cursed lives they have been given. Such ignorance should be punished…
It was a curse forced upon both of them. Gaara could see the whole picture, but Naruto failed to. The curse the foolish humans gave them turned out to be a blessing. It made them more than mere humans, yet he acted like he would prefer to be one of them.
Clearly, it was up to him to show his brethren the truth. Somehow, they had allowed this endless cycle of sacrifice to continue. The path forward was clear to him to save his people. They needed a leader to be united, and while Gaara had never been a people person, he had learned from the best how to control through fear…
Naruto would merely be the first, and his current existence pained Gaara so that he must resolve it. Fuu would likely be next, weaker and a little dull, but Gaara would show his sister the light as well. Better not to think too far ahead and focus on his target for now. He hoped crushing him in battle would win Naruto over. Though Gaara wouldn't hesitate to kill him if it didn't…
"Gaara!" A gruff voice called and dared to intrude on Gaara's plotting. Gaara's eyes whipped up, and he allowed a slither of malice to leak from his being. No one should dare interrupt him unless it's him…
Baki was the interloper present with his human siblings. The man met his glare fearlessly and even leaked his own killing intent. Gaara doubled his own as fury bubbled beneath his skin. Baki was his sensei in the mere title, a man his father had chosen to be some sort of handler. Powerful and fearless he was the perfect mole for his father. One Gaara could not kill easily nor manipulate. Gaara hated him so…
Gaara was no fool, the man was loyal, robust, and tricky. Gaara was confident he'd be a worthy kill, even as a human. But also was sure his father would kill him for it. But what did the distasteful man want? Why were the other two here as well?
"Gaara, you speak when spoken to." Baki spat with a sneer. "Your father asked us to come and remind you of the mission's parameters."
"While it is amusing listening to you pretend to have control over me, human. I must reject such, I am aware of the rules of the exam and am mentally preparing for such." Gaara responded with a thin veneer of patience. The sound of sand grating inside his gourd almost certainly shattered such anyway.
"Sorry, little brother," Temari apologized politely. "But Father has updated our orders."
"You are, under no circumstances, to kill Naruto Uzumaki." Baki continued with a firm voice. As if speaking to a particularly naughty dog. Furthermore, you must not use the beast, while you can use as much of your power as you like. The beast's power is off limits. It is not needed here." Baki listed as he stood within inches of Gaara. It was torture for Gaara to not allow the sand to clutch him, but he knew his father would slay him if he did. That did not mean he was going to be stopped, however.
"I repeat, Baki, you have no control over me. I intend to do as I please, you cannot stop me." Gaara informed him with a cruel smirk as he walked around the man casually. However, His smirk dropped when Baki stepped in front of him again.
"You truly believe you are a match for me?" Baki asked belligerently. He had always resented Gaara's attitude. "How about your two siblings and me?" Kankuro froze as if he was unsure what to do. Temari spun on one foot as she turned to face Baki herself.
"Excuse me?" Temari asked indignantly. "We may all be loyal to my father but I will not stand against my family!"
Kankuro chuckled in a pathetic attempt to dispel the tension. "Guys, we're all on the same team here…"
"Are we?" Gaara asked as he shoved his way through, quickly knocking Kankuro and Baki off their feet. "It seems you lot can't even decide if you're against or with me. Let me assure you, though, it makes no difference. I will do what I came here to do, if any of you, hell or all of you humans, attempt to stop me, I'll kill every single one of you." He continued his slow trek to face his target. Gaara heard the scramble of feet and hands as Kankuro and Baki stood. Kankuro stood and fearfully stepped back while Baki attempted to step forward. "Think about it, sensei. Are you really willing to die? Because I don't believe in exceptions." Gaara asked as he looked into his eyes.
Gaara could only guess at what the man saw, but whatever it was convinced him of Gaara's wisdom. For the man growled and stood still, Temari nodded happily while Kankuro seemed to look at anywhere but Gaara's direction. Gaara chuckled bodily as he left them.
'Today is a fine day to die… Naruto…'
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Ikam's POV (Hidden Base located in the Land of Water)
Ikam sat at the head of a long table where his two most loyal and valuable men were. Well, a man and a woman, he supposed. The group was pecking at a meal before them, truthfully just biding time as they patiently waited for him to address them. Masked servants marched throughout the room either following orders or serving them. The table was covered in a veritable feast. Each plate was packed with all sorts of delicacies.
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Ikam had several problems to consider. His presence was needed in the Mist to get the ball rolling on his latest ploy upon his arrival. Yet, more tasks required attention. First, and at least morally speaking, the most important was the request of his ally. Orochimaru had warned him of an imminent attack at his head base. The man had requested his aide, and being where he was, Ikam had rejected such a request. Now, Orochimaru had sent news of multiple parties closing in. Reporting his survival was looking more and more unlikely. While Ikam did not love the Snake Sannin, he was a helpful friend. Certainly more useful alive than dead. Finally, their ploy with the tanuki had failed, but a new lead had presented itself. Ikam needed someone viable to investigate such. Yes, the answer was clear.
"Mishio, my love." Ikam addressed first, he forced a level of compassion he didn't truly feel. Mishio, ever the helpless sap, failed to see such.
"Yes, dear?" She asked patiently.
"I need you to investigate the new lead we had regarding the scroll we discovered." Ikam informed sternly. "I have a team of mercenaries to send with you. Slay anyone who might stand in your way. If we can secure this resource, it will greatly aid our goals. I have a way to send you and the team to the destination. You leave in two days."
"As you wish, dear." Mishio nodded. Ikam hummed as he considered the next point. With a nod to himself, he decided to take the following action. It was time to use that accursed technique. "Devil's Possession: Devil's Doll!" With a puff of smoke, a sizable human-sized scroll appeared in the room. The scroll was obviously ancient, weathered, and worn from the effects of time. It was the Scroll of the Living Doll, a scroll hidden in the Land of Whirlpool before its fall. Now Ikam had it in his possession. Mishio sighed at seeing such, while Ashira merely nodded. With a flick of his newest blade, Rageburst, the dark blade grew more and more red as the power grew in it, the chakra in the air seemed caustic, and allowed the blade to slice through the enhanced chains with ease. Freed the scroll, it unfurled with a whoosh of air and revealed a large and complicated seal. There was a poof as a short, naked woman appeared out of it. She had long red hair pulled into twin tails and black eyes.
Ikam and Co sighed as they waited for it to pass.
The woman looked around the room fearfully, shaken as if cold. She desperately crawled to her feet and slowly crawled away from the three watching her with unnerving focus.
"Where am I? Where is Mukuto?" She asked dazed and with growing fear.
"Sorry, mam," Ikam offered. "But your body is merely being used. We have no use for your filthy Uzumaki soul." He spat cruelly. With a snap several of the masked men suddenly appeared and ensured the woman could not run.
The woman's eyes suddenly filled with knowing terror. "It's you again! You attacked me! Sealed me away! Where the hell is my family!"
"Indeed, my love did," Mishio chimed in. "Likely he left the other either dying or dead. Worry not soon you'll join them."
"What?! Please don't hurt me! I won't tell anyone!" She begged with despair.
"Sorry, mam, this is cruel, but you must pay for the sins of our clan," Ashira assured her with a cruel and maniac smile. "It should start now. A voice in your head that slowly gets louder."
"What should start? Wait what are you saying? I'm not… no… please stop! No PLEASE! AAAAAAAAAAA!" She suddenly burst out in screams. She collapsed on the ground and writhed wildly as she screamed in pain and terror. Ikam and the others did not flinch, the men surrounding her stepped back and continued on their way unaffected by it. Ikam's group of degenerates were content with this. In their minds the Uzumaki deserved no less, and they had done this before to many victims. It meant nothing to them. As suddenly as the screams started, they stopped, however.
Ikam stood and unsealed a robe, chucking it towards the woman.
The woman kipped up with ease and caught it. She wrapped herself up as she chuckled, her tone had changed, containing an edge of malice and lunacy it had been missing before. "Damn bastard thought you were going to leave me dead! Those two were fucking monsters!"
"Considering such, and the fact you're infuriating. You're lucky to be alive right now. Even luckier that your bloodline makes you valuable. If any of the others could survive the process we'd replace you." Ikam informed coldly.
"Don't be like that, boss, I'm a woman again. I could even be yours if you wished." The woman said as she posed suggestively. Mishio suddenly appeared in front of her, glaring darkly. Ikam scoffed at such, Leifazu was insane and his constant body hopping had not helped such. Mishio was insanely devoted to him and known to be jealous. They were lucky Ikam tolerated such…
"Stop the games, Leifazu." Mishio warned.
Leifazu laughed at such wantonly. "Sorry, I've died so much that I can't even remember my original gender. But man, I love being a woman the most!" She started to stretch shamelessly, exposing the curves of her new body to the group. Ikam could care little, Mishio was furious to see her expose herself to Ikam and Ashira, the old-fashioned man he was, looked away from her as if embarrassed for her. "Anywho, I know you well enough not to bring me back unless convenient to ya. Another death mission by chance?"
"Doubtful, I am sending you and Ashira on a quest, after all. I could scarcely afford to lose two valuable soldiers at once." Ikam answered with a smirk. "I need the two of you to assist the Sound. Specifically their leader Orochimaru of the Sannin."
"We are to aid him? While an ally, I had doubted you cared much for his safety. Certainly not enough to get involved in what sounds to be a complex situation." Ashira asked with a raised brow.
"I never liked that snake." Mishio chimed in. "Can we not just let him and his pathetic men die?"
"It would be amusing, but my ally is useful in many ways. We share common enemies and an understanding only men of our stature could achieve. I cannot afford to leave the Mist right now, but you two are to do so and aid him in any way you can. Leifazu, you are permitted to die if it allows him an advantage. Ashira, you are not to perish as I will be preoccupied and unable to save you."
"Oh joy, I was hoping I'd get to face death again," Leifazu complained with a hand on her hip.
"Understood, sir." Ashira offered simply.
Ikam smiled, it was almost time for him to move again.
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???'s POV (Hidden Base (Somewhere in Land of Sound))
Tensu was a lanky man with thinning hair much past his prime. An unremarkable man if not for his occupation. Yet Tensu ran with a desperation inside of him that felt alien to him now. It reminded him of his days as a missing shinobi on the run. Running with all his might, terrified of being caught. Yet he was certain it was for nothing. He had the odd feeling he wouldn't survive today. His life had been changed, the Hidden Sound had been recruiting through the black market, offering significant sums to any man willing to work without questions. That had been something Tensu was unaware would be a life defining moment.
Signing up had been simple. The work was more accessible and profitable than most crime, sure, it was morally bankrupt. But so were most professions, criminal or otherwise, at least Tensu hadn't claimed to be a good person like most posers. At first, it was simple and easy: guard here, patrol there, rough these people up, and kill some intruders. Not the most incredible work but within reasonable expectations. Tensu had worked hard, loyally, and never asked questions. Such led to him quickly rising in the station he had been placed. Eventually, Orochimaru himself made him an offer personally. Became the boss of one of his hidden labs, protected it with his life, and ensured his experiments were carried out. It sounded like a cushy upgrade,almost too good to be true, but one Tensu took nearly instantly.
The job had taken an immediate dark turn. Sure, it was hidden incredibly well, but Tensu wasn't sure how anyone unaware would ever find it, especially with it mostly underground. So Tensu doubted he would ever have to risk his neck for it. Better yet, the scientist, workers, and bodyguards present all ensured his "running it" was purely a metaphor. The experiments had been the trade-off Tensu supposed. The only part that had made the money-focused man ever hesitate. The screams of victims tortured for the most mundane of study. Capturing the defenseless knowing the fate waiting for them was worse than death. It had turn his easy job into a haunting one.
Experiments were undoubtedly a word for it. But to Tensu's apparently ignorant eyes, it seemed more like tasteless, soul-shattering, old-fashioned torture. It was like a scary story that was dramatically told to kids had came to life. Men were dissected alive, forced to starve, and drugged with experimental and often detrimental chemicals. There seemed to be no limit to the horrors committed. All done by scientists forced or coerced by his leader.
Tensu cared little, though, he was much too deep to return now. He had found peace with it, drank during the night to forget the screams and deny any guilt he felt. But now he felt nothing but terror. Two men, it had only been two. Yet they had broken in and quickly began slaughtering the men inside. Tensu ran desperately through the halls, screams, cries, and names of jutsu echoed off the wall as the defenders tried to fight them off.
What had Tensu ever done to deserve such? He was not that bad of a guy! He burst through the double set of doors towards the emergency exit. There were several terrified scientists and grim and focused enforcers present. Ignoring such a thing, Tensu attempted to run through the group to escape, but two enforcers caught him and forced him to stay.
"Hey! Hey! Hey! We need to fucking run! There are two killing machines in there! Let's fucking leave!." Tensu pleaded as he attempted to pull himself free. But even a single enforcer was similar to Tensu. He was helpless to leave.
The lead scientist and Orochimaru's favorite in base. An absolute bastard named Rin stepped forward. While intelligent and the favored one of them, Rin was far from combative and seemed just as scared as Tensu. Yet his words proved the difference between the two.
"Orochimaru asked us to face the threat head-on and repel them. We cannot afford to risk this base." Rin recited.
"Come on, don't be stupid, you damn egghead!" Tensu snapped. "He's lying! He's hoping we can soften them up! Sacrificing us." His words were cut off when one of the enforces hit him hard in the side. Tensu could hear his ribs snap from the blow. He dropped to his knees and began to cough up blood.
"Our master has spoken." The large man offered coldly.
A scream of pain ended the argument. The stone exit hall of their base was lit with mere candles and offered a terrifying atmosphere as the group waited. Suddenly, three glowing red eyes stared from within the darkness.
Itachi and Obito Uchiha marched into the hall facing the group.
The same enforcer who had snuck Tensu roared an order upon seeing them. "Everyone, kill them! Half for each!" It was foolish they had fought their way to them. Indeed, they, like Tensu, realized the folly of such. But to his horror, enforcers and scientists alike charged with screams of desperation.
Tensu felt a small trinket of hope as they did. Twenty enforcers, all Chunin level, and twenty scientists armed with various weapons. They would pose a threat to any shinobi within such a confined space.
The left group charged for the man with a single glowing Sharingan. The man casually strolled towards the mob of men. Who quickly bodily surged into him and must've literally buried him in bodies. Unleashing blows upon their downed foe. Tensu nearly cheered, perhaps this was a reasonable effort. His eyes slid to the right group, and the budding hope died as soon as his eyes landed on them.
Each and everyone stood utterly still as if frozen. Worse yet, the men each were screaming out in terror as the horror approached. Itachi was not nearly as handicapped as them. And with brutal skill, they marched through the group, thrusting kunai into each of their chests. Each died quickly and likely painlessly, yet each death filled Tensu with terror. "Should've just left, those who lack the Sharingan only see what I wish," Itachi remarked as he finished his grim task. Tensu stood and tensed as he prepared to fight for his life.
But a whistle brought a shiver of terror through his body. Obito sat on top of the pile of bodies. Somehow, they were completely unharmed and freed, instantly defeating them all.
Tensu whimpered as he collapsed again. Itachi and Obito approached the man casually as they discussed amongst themselves. "Man, it feels like it's been forever, Tachi!" Obito dramatically complained.
"This is only the most recent base we've taken over." Itachi countered. "We've been swamped."
"Not what I meant!" Obito complained again. "Anyway, do the thing."
Tensu, sensing what was coming next, felt it was best to interject.
"Just tell me what you want to know! I'm a squealer, I swear!" Tensu promised. Itachi walked up silently, grabbed the collar of his shirt, and lifted him up to look him in the eye. "Please, no need for torture! I'll talk and only speak the truth!"
"I know you will. You'll have no choice." Itachi replied. "I will find out everything you know and don't know. If you're lucky, you'll live."
"No, please!" Tensu pleaded.
"Tsukuyomi." Itachi countered. There was no malice in his voice, yet no mercy.
Tensu was unsure where he had gone, but suddenly, he was on a cross, his hand and feet nailed to such. Tensu knew somewhere deep in his mind it was genjutsu, but it felt so natural he screamed out regardless of the waves of pain that came from each limb.
"My, this may prove too much for you." Itachi sounded.
Tensu focused on the man deliriously through the pain. To his horror, there were hundreds of him. Each wielding what seemed to be a dull tanto.
"You will tell me everything. But first, I will subject you to this for twenty-four hours." Itachi informed before one of him stepped forward and embedded his tanto into Tensu's leg with a powerful thrust. His vision went white as he howled in pain.
"Please," Tensu begged. "I'll tell you everything…"
"You will." Itachi nodded. "But this will ensure you suffer for your sins and tell the truth.
Tensu admitted the knowledge of Orochimaru's location after twenty-five stabs. Told of his limited understanding of his abilities after fifty, and told him anything and everything by one hundred. By one hundred twenty, the man had gone silent and merely sobbed. Itachi, confident the man was broken and therefore truthful, freed him.
Tensu sobbed in the real world as his body radiated in pain. He did not suffer long as Obito, with a frown, thrust a kunai into his chest. At this point, it felt familiar there.
Obito's POV
Obito felt shame and fury as the pitiful man beneath his blade died. It was a quick and primarily merciful death, but it had been too late. Obito had suffered the effects of that genjutsu. Lesser men stood no chance of surviving its effects with sanity intact. "You could've been more gentle, the guy seemed shell-shocked. Probably drove him insane near instantly."
"I tortured him, such would only make sense," Itachi replied evenly. "I admire your sense of morality, my friend, but remember that these men facilitated the horrors we witnessed. They deserve no mercy."
"We shouldn't take lives so lightly," Obito said bitterly. "Though I suppose we have no choice. I'll make sure Orochimaru suffers for this personally…"
"We'll have to catch him first, unfortunately for him, we now know his location," Itachi confirmed. "I assume you know the presence that has been following us?"
"Was hoping they'd try their luck while we hit the base." Obito admitted. "I was tempted to go confront them. Should we hit them before we take out the snake?"
Itachi hummed as he walked by his comrade towards the light shining from the exit of the subterranean base. "No, we can't risk the Sannin potentially leaving the base while we do so. Besides, if they make a move on us, we shall simply take care of them."
"Perks of being badass~!" Obito sang. "Sounds like a plan, tachi~!"
"Grow up."
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Naruto's POV (Courtyard of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
As Naruto stepped into the arena's light, the total weight of the moment settled onto him. He wore a golden scarf wrapped around his neck as he marched in. It swayed in the wind as he did so. As much as it sounds arrogant, the matches were mainly fun before now. Perhaps competitive, but never severe. He had enjoyed fighting such unique people, conquering the drama between them, and finding a way to triumph. Yet there was no doubt that this fight would be different in Naruto's mind.
Even the crowd seemed aware that the next match was to be observed closely. There was a dull roar of chatter, almost certainly people discussing their bets or their favorite to win. Even his mere emergence caused a burst of noise. Not applause, the audience seemed firmly against him as a jinchuriki, but since Gaara was also such, it was likely the spectacle of such. Sasuke's and Fuu's bout had shown them what it took to defeat a jinchuriki. So, for two to clash would surely be a treat.
Naruto was determined to give them as they wished. Gaara was a unique case, someone he doubted he could win over with his words. It seemed Gaara was obsessed with power. Naruto wondered if it was due to him believing jinchuriki was superior…
Gaara appeared in the arena with a mere gust of wind. Naruto expected nothing less and matched his glare with his own. Kakashi senses the tension building between the two. Naruto could see he seemed hesitant. Likely, Kakashi feared for Naruto facing Gaara.
Naruto couldn't resent him for such. Gaara seemed content to enjoy the moment. No longer hiding his presence, he seemed to radiate a wave of intent to kill. It washed over Naruto, and slowly, the arena was in waves. Those like Naruto and Kakashi stood firm, somewhat flinching at the action but not of fear. Some civilians in the audience screamed out in terror. Others fainted on the spot.
It likely would've been worse, but Naruto felt his pride flare. He wouldn't let Gaara terrorize him or anyone else. He had no intent to kill but every intent to be the victor of this match. Naruto allowed his confidence to show with ease. An aura of his own subconsciously activated and clashed with Gaara's. Unlike the Suna shinobi, it was peaceful yet competitive. A contrast to the violent malice of Gaara's.
The two auras left the crowd safe but tense as the two allowed their mere presence to clash with each other.
"Now now, ne~!" Kakashi chided lightly. "No need for the killing intent. You're not the only killer present~! Behave~!"
Gaara chuckled happily as he suddenly stopped it, and Naruto followed his lead. "Forgive me, human, I merely got absorbed in the moment. Naruto Uzumaki, today is the day. I will test your worth, if you are a liability to our ascension, I will slay you where you stand. Fret not, Uzumaki, today will be one for history!"
Kakashi and Naruto blinked in sync. Kakashi walked over to the blonde and lowered himself to his ear. "If you want to surrender, I wouldn't think less of you. This guy is some sorta psycho." Kakashi whispered playfully. Yet Naruto could detect earnest concern in his tone.
"Nah," Naruto whispered back with a smile. "Guy needs someone to knock him into place. Besides, we're apparently brothers."
"Riiiiiight~," Kakashi said with mock understanding. With a twirl, he turned to address the crowd, his voice booming as the crowd roared, approving of the match to come. "Naruto Uzumaki VS Gaara of the Sand begins! NOW!" Kakashi puffed away with that.
"Why do you care if your so-called "brothers" and "sisters" are strong or weak? You resent humans for being divisive and cruel yet intend to judge your supposed own kind? Sounds like some sort of hypocrite to me. No better than those who take advantage of the weak!" Naruto rebutted with a frown. He smiled for a moment when he saw Gaara lose his own smirk. But it remained shortly after as he chuckled.
"An amusing point, Uzumaki, but I recognize that power in this world is all that matters. The very world is full of humans who resent our superior existence. We cannot afford to be weak, should any of us prove to be, I will offer them mercy by killing them before someone else does. Perhaps their replacement will prove to be a better option. I recognize it as cruelty, but it is necessary cruelty. I cannot afford to be the brother of a weakling." Gaara replied fanatically.
"We aren't any different than the rest of humans!" Naruto snapped with a growl. At impressive speed, he had Riptide drawn and even flowed with charka. "You call us different to make yourself feel better about society rejecting you! Ever consider proving them wrong!"
"Oh, I will, Naruto Uzumaki. I'll prove them and you wrong…" Gaara promised menacingly. He seemed upset at Naruto's words. "Now shut up and fight before I kill you." As soon as he finished, he raised his hands dramatically. A massive wall of sand raised behind him. Easily the size of a two-story building, it rose into a wall before it started to surge toward Naruto like a tsunami. "Sand Tsunami!"
The wave was more significant than the one he had used against Kiba. It tore any obstacle in its path from the ground and crushed it within the constantly motion sand.
"This is merely a trifling from me, Uzumaki! Your humanity is a weakness! Now scramble for your pitiful life!" Gaara roared as the wave was within several feet of the blonde…
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Sasuke's POV (Contestant Section of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
It was a shame Sasuke had to wait for his turn. Sasuke was confident Gaara would have proved a difficult opponent, perfect for his goal of building infamy. Naruto was a bit more of a toss-up, he hadn't seemed to show everything he had in store. But also used the little he had shown to defeat some solid opponents.
Considering the lack of challenges either had received, it was for the best that he got to witness this. They would struggle and clash in what was sure to be a show-stopper. In the process, they would expose their entire kit. Sasuke felt slightly ashamed, but it was less than honorable. But it was a small cost to ensure his plan went smoothly.
It took a lot of work for him to state who would win. Gaara seemed to be the betting favorite, it was easy to see why. From his research into him, Sasuke discovered a mission record that was nothing less than shocking from a Genin. Twenty-two C-Ranks, Fourteen B-Ranks, and an A-Rank on record. Two of the B-Rank and the A-Rank were completed solo.
It painted a grim picture of a monster who shouldn't have been sent to the exams. A familiar practice from Sasuke's experience. History had shown that it was not uncommon for one of the villages to send an "overqualified" Genin to the Chunin Exam. They would dominate and gain their village quite the boon. It seemed to Sasuke the Kazekage had made a plan to do so.
Could Sasuke truly see Naruto Uzumaki stand before such a man? Naruto wasn't someone he knew well. From what he heard, he was a goofy, unreliable shinobi. These exams were somewhat actual, but they had clearly estimated him. Naruto had made the work of Tenten, Kurotsuchi, and Samui easy. While Sasuke bet he or Gaara could do so, it suggested Naruto was a powerful shinobi.
He certainly seemed confident, standing unflinchingly toward a wave of death. Indeed, the idiot didn't think he could block or deflect such. It must've weighed literally tons. Sasuke knew he must avoid such a thing, so why did Naruto face it?
Sasuke sensed Naruto was similar to him. Not in personality, not entirely anyway. But the same is true of the sense of drive, he sensed it in the blonde. Naruto would go as far as he would in his goals. But would it be enough?
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Naruto's POV (Courtyard of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
Naruto breathed in deeply as death approached. The sand made a shockingly loud sound as the small pellets surged forward and consumed anything in front of it. He lowered his center of balance and sheathed Riptide as if not planning to attack but draw his blade. His left hand was in a hand sign, and his right clutched to the blade at his back. He allowed chakra to flow wildly. The wave was mere inches away, even with considerable speed, Naruto was sure he could not dodge it. It didn't matter, though, he was ready now. Time to show one of his new tricks, a technique he created using all his teachers' aid.
Naruto whispered as he initiated the technique. "Draw of the Maelstrom: Slicing Storm." He drew Riptide quickly, and as he did, the wind spun around the blade as if a twister had formed. As he slashed, the storm was unleashed. With a boom, countless wind blades surrounding a much larger one flew forward into the wave. Despite the speed and mass of the sand, it offered little resistance to the attack. Naruto watched pridefully as the cutting force and power punched through the wave, splitting it into two parts. It failed to reach Gaara, who smiled on the other side of the collapsing wave, the split allowing the two to eye each other. The sand crashed around the two. Now, the center of the arena had become a large ring of sand surrounding the two. "You'll have to do better than that, Gaara," Naruto said with a smile, excited to finally begin this long-awaited fight. "This human won't be going down easy!"
Gaara chuckled wildly. "Anything less would be disappointing, brother."