SCAPEGOAT NARUTO (neglect fic)

B2 C4; Attacks

As Naruto stared at the four Akatsuki members standing confidently on the branches, his mind raced with possibilities. Why would the Akatsuki be targeting him now, and what did they want with him? The situation escalated quickly, and Naruto knew he needed to act fast to protect himself, Koyuki, and Hotaru.

"Stay behind me," Naruto instructed Koyuki and Hotaru, his voice firm and authoritative. He positioned himself between them and the approaching Akatsuki members, readying himself for battle. The tension in the air was palpable as the two groups faced off, each assessing the other's strength and resolve.

The lead Akatsuki member, wearing a distinctive red cloud-patterned cloak, stepped forward with a smirk playing on his lips. "Well, well, Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze," he drawled, his tone mocking. "It seems fate has brought us together once again."

Naruto narrowed his eyes, his expression hardening with determination. He remembered the encounters he had with the Akatsuki in the past, and he knew they were not to be underestimated. "What do you want?" he demanded, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins.

The Akatsuki leader chuckled darkly. "We have a proposition for you, Naruto," he replied cryptically. "But first, we must test your strength."

Before Naruto could respond, the other three Akatsuki members launched themselves into action, each displaying formidable skills and techniques. Naruto swiftly activated his own ninja abilities, dodging their attacks and countering with precise strikes of his own.

Meanwhile, Koyuki and Hotaru watched in awe and apprehension as the battle unfolded before them. Koyuki's hands clenched into fists as she felt the urge to join the fight and protect Naruto, but she knew she needed to trust in his abilities. Hotaru, on the other hand, was both terrified and exhilarated by the display of ninja prowess, his young mind struggling to comprehend the danger they were facing.

As the clash continued, Naruto realized that the Akatsuki members were not holding back. They were fighting with a ferocity and determination that spoke of their allegiance to their cause. Despite his own skills and determination, Naruto knew that he was outnumbered and outmatched.

Just when it seemed like the tide of battle was turning against him, Naruto heard a voice echoing in his mind. It was Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Fox, offering his assistance in the form of his chakra. Naruto hesitated for a moment, knowing the risks of relying too heavily on Kurama's power, but he also knew that he needed every advantage he could get.

With a silent nod to Kurama, Naruto tapped into the fox's chakra, feeling its immense power surging through him. His senses sharpened, and his reflexes quickened as he unleashed a barrage of devastating attacks on the Akatsuki members. With each strike, he felt the weight of Kurama's chakra lending him strength and resilience.

The tide of battle began to turn in Naruto's favor as he pushed back against the Akatsuki onslaught with renewed vigor. His movements were fluid and precise, his attacks landing with pinpoint accuracy. The Akatsuki members, caught off guard by Naruto's sudden surge in power, found themselves struggling to keep up with his relentless assault.

With a final burst of effort, Naruto incapacitated the remaining Akatsuki members, leaving them battered and defeated on the forest floor. He stood victorious, his chest heaving with exertion but his spirit unbroken. Koyuki and Hotaru approached him cautiously, their expressions a mixture of relief and admiration.

"Are you alright, Naruto?" Koyuki asked, her voice filled with concern.

Naruto nodded, a weary but determined smile gracing his lips. "I'm fine," he replied, his gaze lingering on the unconscious forms of their attackers. "But we need to be careful. This won't be the last time we encounter the Akatsuki."