Becoming

Part 34

Naruto tensed, waiting for Tobi's next attack. He always struck lower, in the blonds blind spot. Naruto was already bleeding from numerous wounds from him, and Tobi had barely even received a scratch. Naruto was slowing too fast, his old and new wounds slowly draining him of blood. He felt the liquid dripping down his arms, off his hands and to the ground.
Naruto looked around, eyes falling onto his group of friends watching him. He knew he said that he wanted them to stay back; that it was his fight, but if he didn't get some help, he'd die. He was fighting a losing battle, and both him and Tobi knew it. Naruto could almost feel the smirk on the man's mouth, annoyingly aware of him, but being unable to locate him.
The blond had soon realized watching his friends for their reactions did nothing-he saw Tobi before they did half the time. Tenji, the coward, had sneaked up on Hinata, knowing about her eyes, and held her against him, covering her mouth. Normally Naruto would have killed the man for it, but seeing that Tenji wasn't hurting her, just keeping her from shouting where Tobi was, he had resisted, his fight too important to leave.
And Sasuke's eyes? Naruto had shook his head when Sasuke tried using them. Tenji may have been kind enough to avoid hurting Hinata, but he wouldn't have any trouble injuring Sasuke. He'd probably even kill him with a laugh. So, Naruto was on his own. Tsunade had been feeling disoriented, and wouldn't really be useful in the fight, and Jiraiya watched over her, with Naruto's insistence.
Naruto's head jerked to the side, hearing a rustling. He eyed the area suspiciously; Tobi never made mistakes like that. He was the strongest Naruto had ever come across. He just simply didn't make mistakes. That alone was reason to want to kill him, in the blonds book. The man was swift and deadly, and the only reason someone was left alive by him, was because he wanted to have fun and play with him, and they lived the remainder of their lives in pain or fear. Naruto didn't intend to be one of those people. He refused to be afraid of him-that only made Tobi happy- and till he died, he wouldn't stop fighting him.
"Naruto, look out!" Sasuke screamed suddenly, and then there was a thud of something hitting another thing. Naruto slowly turned, cursing when he saw Tobi crouching nearby him. Sasuke had sensed the man before he did. Naruto turned to look at his raven haired friend, but it wasn't him. Hinata stood in front of him in a fighting stance, glaring daggers into Tobi.
"You coward!" she cried, clenching her fists. "Stop attacking from behind! Stop hiding, and give Naruto a real, fair fight."
Naruto saw Tobi's eye twitch and smirked. He took a step, bumping his shoulder against Hinata's, and watched as Tobi's face found his. The fury written on the man's face could never be described. Naruto chuckled to himself. Hinata was the best.
"You are nothing but a coward," Naruto said, trying to anger Tobi further. "You do just run and hide. It's embarrassing."
Tobi suddenly disappeared, and Naruto shoved Hinata out of the way, already aware of his next attack. His former master was strong and fast, but he always used the same moves. The man appeared a second later, and his hand was thrust into Naruto's shoulder, keeping him there. Hinata winced as she saw the blonds new injury, but knew she'd do the man she loved no good if she just stared. She placed her palm against Tobi's chest and watched as he flew back. Unfortunately, as his hand was torn from Naruto's limb, it tilted just right and tore even more muscle. Naruto let out a cry before he could stop himself and yanked his hand up to cover the wound that now spilled blood.
Hinata, without hesitation, ripped off the sleeve of her shirt and quickly wrapped it around. That was the best that they could do. Naruto remembered Tenji, and turned around to see the man lying on the ground. Tsunade stood behind him and gave Naruto a thumbs up. Sasuke smirked at his friend and began walking over.
"He won't be stopping anyone for a while. Mind if I join you?" Sasuke asked as he stopped next to Naruto. Kiba approached and frowned.
"Hey, I was gonna say that!" he shouted, Akamaru barking along with him. Naruto chuckled and smiled, then turned and dropped down into a fighting stance in between Sasuke and Hinata. Kiba and Jiraiya stood on the outside, their eyes focused on Tobi's form.
"You too?" Naruto asked, questioning his former teacher. The old man gave him his famous grin and pulled out a weapon.
"Thought you needed some help."



My apologies, everyone, for taking so long to update once again. I've been busy. I can't promise quick updates, but at least there will be updates. It's almost done, so I don't think it'll take that long. Love you all! Patience appreciated!