Naruto: The Honored One

20: The Weight of Old Ties

As Geto, Itachi, and Kisame made their retreat, the frustration was visible on Geto's face. His disdain for the Leaf ninja had only grown through the skirmish, particularly for Kurenai and Asuma. Once they were at a safe distance, Geto's temper flared.

"Those monkeys," he spat, referring to Kurenai and Asuma. "Pathetic, insignificant creatures who dare to think they can oppose me. Their genjutsu and elemental tricks are laughable at best."

Itachi, ever stoic, glanced at Geto but remained silent. Kisame, sensing the tension, chuckled darkly. "They put up a decent fight for monkeys, though."

Geto scoffed. "Decent? No. They're a nuisance, nothing more. Their defiance is based on ignorance, not strength. The fact that they even tried to stop us is an insult."

Hours after Naruto and Jiraiya's departure, Zetsu emerged from the ground, delivering crucial information to Itachi, Kisame, and Geto. "Their destination is Tanzaku Gai," Zetsu informed them, his voice cold and detached.

As they traveled, Kisame's curiosity got the better of him. "So, the jinchuriki is an old friend?" he asked, glancing at Geto.

"You could say that," Geto replied nonchalantly.

"You know what fate he will suffer when we capture him. Do you have the resolve to go through with it?" Kisame probed further.

Geto chuckled. "Don't worry, his death won't bother me. Besides, capturing him won't be as easy as you think."

Itachi looked at Geto with keen interest. "Elaborate."

Geto smirked and began explaining Naruto's powers, though he left out critical details and hid information to mislead his comrades. "His Six Eyes give him great control over chakra. With it, he's able to cut the cost of his chakra output for jutsu. Lapse Blue allows him to pull people and objects towards him through a gravitational force. Red allows him to create a red orb capable of repelling his opponents with great force."

In the end, Geto cautioned them, "Do not underestimate Naruto. He's strength is no joke."

Back in the Leaf Village

Meanwhile, in the Leaf Village, Kakashi and Guy had briefed Hiruzen on the situation with the Akatsuki. Hiruzen, his face etched with concern, listened intently.

"Kakashi, do not worry," Hiruzen finally said. "I have full faith that Naruto will be able to handle the Akatsuki. But just in case, I want you and Guy to go find Naruto and Jiraiya."

As they neared their destination, Geto used a technique on his comrades. Itachi, ever observant, asked, "What did you do?"

Geto explained, "The Six Eyes have another ability: Enhanced sight. I used a technique to hide us from Naruto's perception."

A Day Later

Naruto and Jiraiya found Tsunade in Tanzaku Gai. Upon seeing Tsunade, Naruto was taken aback by her beauty. Jiraiya wasted no time and asked Tsunade to become the next Hokage. She refused, saying that the position was for fools.

Jiraiya tried hard to convince her, but Tsunade remained steadfast in her refusal. Naruto decided to flirt with Tsunade. However, his advances were met with a cold response.

Tsunade, curious about the young man, asked, "Who is this Kakashi look-alike?"

Before Jiraiya could introduce him, Naruto took off his blindfold. As he did, his gravity-defying hair settled down, revealing his mesmerizing eyes and handsome features.

"The name's Naruto Gojo," he said with a smirk.

Tsunade and Shizune were momentarily stunned by his appearance, but Tsunade quickly regained her composure.

After several unsuccessful attempts to persuade Tsunade to reconsider, Jiraiya decided to call it a day. As he and Naruto departed, Shizune implored Tsunade to at least think about returning to the Leaf Village. Tsunade, however, dismissed her with a cold and firm resolve.

A few hours later, as the night settled in, chaos struck. Tsunade was kidnapped, and Shizune was left powerless to save her master. A note was left behind, addressed to Naruto. Shizune's hands trembled as she read it, the instructions chilling her to the bone. Naruto was to meet the assailant alone the next day, where they promised to release Tsunade.

The next day, Kakashi and Guy managed to locate Naruto and Jiraiya. Jiraiya, puzzled by their sudden appearance, inquired, "What brings you two here?"

Kakashi's expression was grave as he replied, "The Akatsuki have begun their hunt."

At that moment, Shizune found them and handed the note to Naruto. Jiraiya's eyes narrowed as he read it, immediately concluding that the Akatsuki were behind Tsunade's kidnapping.

"We can't let Naruto go alone," Kakashi advised, concern etched in his voice.

Jiraiya shook his head. "If we don't let Naruto go alone, they'll kill Tsunade. Don't worry, Kakashi. Naruto will be able to handle the Akatsuki."

Naruto smirks saying that he will be alright.

Later
Naruto arrived at the designated location. His heart pounded in his chest as he saw Tsunade, restrained with seals, visibly terrified as Geto poured his blood on her. Tsunade's crippling fear of blood was apparent, and Kisame's grin widened at her distress. Itachi, though maintaining a stoic facade, was deeply unsettled by Geto's actions.

Naruto's eyes widened in shock as he recognized Geto. Geto's smirk deepened, and he chuckled darkly, "Isn't she disappointing, Satoru? A legendary ninja, scared of a little blood."

Naruto remained silent, his head slumping down. Geto approached him, a mocking grin on his face. He started bouncing around Naruto, pinching his cheek playfully. "It's so good to see you, Satoru."

Naruto slowly lifted his head, his expression dark and foreboding. In an instant, he landed a Black Flash on Geto, his fist connecting squarely with Geto's face. The distortion created by the Black Flash produced a powerful shockwave, sending Geto flying backward.

Geto landed with a thud, clearly taken aback by the force of Naruto's attack. The air was thick with tension as Kisame's grin faded and Itachi's eyes narrowed.

"I guess I deserve that" Geto said before spitting out blood.

"Suguru!" Naruto screamed

Geto grinned at him, before appearing behind Tsunade.

As Naruto charged at Geto. Naruto was met with crows. The crows exploded upon contact with him.

Tbc