Naruto's Revenge

Chapter 16: Crossing Paths part 2

Another explosion, much larger than the last, sounded in distance, in less than 10 minutes. Their attention was drawn momentarily as they paused to observe the distraction.

“Kabuto, take us to Orochimaru,” He restated, same as before, low and gruff. You wouldn't hear it, but Sasori was moving urgently. Whatever was going down, it was to begin now.
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Dust flew everywhere, and everyone could hardly see, but, in the center of the now even more destroyed clearing, stood a bright yellow that outshined even the dust in their eyes.

Some had to focus their eyes in order to see him properly, but they could tell—it was Naruto, standing there, perfectly still and unmoving, looking down. It was almost an aweing sight to behold. The power, the raw, unbridled power of nine-tailed fox was felt collectively all around.

‘So, Orochimaru got the brat to tame the chakra of the nine-tails', eh?’ Jiraiya pondered inwardly. ‘This will be a difficult fight to be sure. But, Orochimaru likely has not trained him in much of anything else outside of that. He may skillfully wield the power of the nine-tails', but without actual skill to use that power, it's pointless. To a sannin, anyway. Most jōnin likely couldn't handle this type of power.’

“So, the kid grows a little stronger and he suddenly thinks he's all grown up, huh?” Jiraiya remarked, his playful tone evident, as usual.

Naruto shifted his head upward to the side, looking directly at Jiraiya. His dark red, blood-slitted eyes baring into his own as if peering into the very depths of his soul. And it was then that he realized, it wasn't just Naruto glaring into his brown orbs, it was the nine-tailed fox. And trapped inside that body, he could tell it was angry.

Jiraiya paused in his movements for a second. Was the nine-tails' about to escape? Did Naruto not have as much control over the beast as he thought? He could feel the beast watching him. Or at least, he thought he did.

Before he could react, Naruto moved. ‘Shoot, I got distracted!’ Jiraiya jumped to the side as fast as he could, but his momentary lapse was just enough for Naruto to just barely smash into his stomach, sending him flying back.

He reconnected his feet to the ground, pressing into them with such intensity that it cause rocks to fly from it, leaving a trail. He finally managed to stop, regaining a hold over his footing.

He smirked cockily, a proud grin on his face. “That was impressive! But it is nothing for the Toad Sage of Mount' Myoboku—Jiraiya!” He boasted loudly.

Orochimaru laughed amusedly. “You never change, do you, Jiraiya?” he said, his hand grasping his face. “Well, that is your weakness, for I have changed A LOT!” He ejected out of his own mouth, slamming down into Jiraiya. But his hair wrapped around him, fending off the blow.

Orochimaru jumped back, regaining his proper form. “Naruto, I'll handle Jiraiya, here. You deal with your friends, okay?” Begrudingly Naruto turned to face his old comrades, preparing to face them. “Satsuki, help him,” he ordered, focused still on Jiraiya.

“It's pointless, Orochimaru,” Jiraiya said, staring back at him. “No matter how much stronger you get, you can never beat me.” He raised his arms, setting them into a fighting stance.

“Oh, and I thought I was the arrogant one.” He smiled widely, slowly unhinging his mouth, and releasing the snake form again.

This time, Jiraiya just kicked him away, spinning around and sending him flying back with his heel.

.....

Satsuki landed beside Naruto, arm rested on her hilt and a smirk plastered across her face. Naruto, however, was completely still. His face didn't reflect any kind of joy or enthusiasm, rather anger and rage. But he didn't move, he kept still, waiting for one of his old "friends" to engage first.