~~~WARNING!!! This story is Rated-PG, and is known to have several key details found in the Naruto Series. Spoiler Alert is Advised...~~~
~Halloween Story~
By: ivic[/center]
On Friday the 13th of October, Konoha is abuzz filled with cheerful laughter and people dressed as something they normally wouldn’t be. Even the Leaf Shinobi had been able to participate in the festivities sporting unique outfits, promoting various games in which candy would be the likely prize, and a contest in which each Shinobi tells a scary story to frighten the children of the academy. Maikeru spots a few of his friends standing over the children in the back row, as they listen to scary tales that met with harsh criticisms from the children. He over hears a more mature voice coming from the pack of academy students who seems to be the cause of all the uproar, Naruto Uzumaki sits at the front row and leads the revolt unsatisfied by the stories he had heard thus far. An irritated Sakura Haruno walks past Maikeru Cy’Jin who casts a vicious gaze at her for being Tsunade’s apprentice, and makes her way to Naruto only to bonk his head and walk ideally back into the back-row.
Many shinobi had yet to face a great challenge such as entertaining a mob of children, and few had succeeded. One by one each shinobi received the same displeased results…
First came Shizune who came cheerfully with a book in hand only to leave sobbing in tears at the booing.
Then came Inari Uchiha who lost the children and Naruto in the first couple of lines as they fell asleep, leaving her agitated.
Next was Chance Akame who sat and simply stared at the children & Naruto with an ominous look before she began to tell her tale, only to have a barrage of vegetables thrown at her from the children and she in turn threw them back.
Eyeing the restless children, the great toad sage Jiraya-sama stepped up to the plate and presented his tale while promoting his next book, only to have vegetables thrown at him from the adults and he in turn threw them back.
Tenzo Yamato’s turn came to try and appease the mob of children, and quelled their uproar by casting a flashlight under his face striking their hearts with terror using his “Ghoul Eyes” Technique (
). The adult’s chuckle and giggle softly in the background, surprised the children would be intimidated by a lame technique only to be frozen in fear when Yamato’s gaze fell on them. He quietly turns off the flashlight and permits an ominous silence to befall those in the vicinity as Naruto Uzumaki is already scared out of his wits. He clears his throat and begins to tell his tale…
“I believe you are all old enough to hear the tale of the lady in white and the moon beast. It is an old legend that was told back in the time of our first Hokage, Hashirama Senju. It began when the world broke into what would now be known as the First Great Shinobi War, and a young couple had sought refuge and peace within the deep woods of Fire Country. The man was a captain of the Konohan guard named Keigo Utagawa and his long time love that had recently become his wife was Sayuri Utagawa.
They settled in a remote part of Fire Country that was secluded by the forests and said to be protected by a moon spirit. Their prosperous future seemed promising, until a small band of shinobi from neighboring villages came upon their humble home nestled in the woods. Keigo fought the assailants with every inch of his strength only to fall by their great number, and watch her love on the verge of death as well. He tried to stall and with his last breathe by performing a Jutsu that temporarily blinded the attackers giving Sayuri the means for escape. That night she wandered the woods lost and grief stricken, vowing vengeance on those that had taken her beloved’s life and sacrificed her broken heart to the moon spirit in doing so.
The following night so happened to be a full moon and it seemed that Sayuri’s sacrifice came to pass, as the moon spirit had taken form of Sayuri and lured the foreign ninja into the deepest reaches of the woods. There in the deep shadows of the forests did screams of ninja are heard one by one, those that dared to look for their allies only found their remains which was the still beating of their hearts… And soon they too were taken by the moon spirit until the echoing screams carried by the winds fell deaf. Some say that the curse has been lifted since then as the two loves have joined together in heaven, but others still believe you can find the “Lady in White” walking in the woods of Fire country looking for Keigo’s spirit and taking the lives of any shinobi that cross her path, leaving behind only their hearts…” The children then gawlk at Yamato as the eerie silence was lifted with a thunderous applause for the greatest story ever told. As the crowd of children disperse being reunited with their parents, Naruto Uzumaki remains seated pale as a ghost and paralyzed in fear. Sakura walks up behind Naruto with a smile on her face and taps his shoulder, causing him to yelp and run off home hiding in his closet unable to sleep for most of that night…
As the streets of Konoha began to clear up and the lights dim, a messenger from Fire Country’s borders rushes to the Hokage’s office. Maikeru having tucked his brother Devido into bed spots the messenger running from roof top to roof top, and follows him to the Hokage’s office. There a gathering of shinobi has formed ranging between Chunin to Jonin, beginning with Maikeru, Kai, Miya, Takida, Suto, Aquarius, Naruto, and Kakashi. Lady Hokage is informed of an attack on the Fire Country Borders that a spectral beast is attacking and had been leaving a trail of shinobi corpses as it makes its way to Lightning Country. For fear of this creature possibly causing a rift between Kumogakure and Konohagakure, and retaliation should it reach Lightning country she asks Kakashi to lead a squad of shinobi to meet with this beast and subdue it.
Tsunade: “Kakashi!”
Kakashi Hatake: *Flickers before Tsunade* “I am here lady Hokage, what is going on?”
Tsunade: “I have received word that there is an attack on Fire Country’s borders, the reports indicate it is a spectral creature has been rampaging the forests and heading to Lightning country as we speak. For fear of starting an issue that cannot be resolved in the future, I am sending you and Takida in 2 squads to find this beast and subdue it.”
Naruto Uzumaki: “Oh man… It’s just like what Yamato-Sensei had said in that story. It is the attack of the moon spirit!”
Takida Oshimi, Kai Shi’gawa, and Maikeru Cy’Jin: * All three look at Naruto with a sweat drop and then face Tsunade in concern *
Miya Hyuuga: *Sighs* “No… There is no such thing as Spirits or ghosts. Naruto-kun you should grow up if you ever hope to succeed as a shinobi.”
Maikeru Cy’Jin: “I don’t know about that, there was an attack of spirits a few months back- Radrilla was struck by a spirit and had that infection on her leg because of it, I believe it was necrosis?”
Kai Shi’gawa: “…” *Thwacks Maikeru upside the head * “Forgive us lady Hokage, please continue.” * bows head apologetically *
Naruto Uzumaki: *Smirks and murmurs to himself* “Man, it is good thing that Sakura-chan isn’t around so I don’t have to face the same abuse as Maikeru…”
Kai Shigawa: “…” *Thwacks Naruto upside the head * “Now, let lady Hokage speak.”
Naruto Uzumaiki: *Winces as he eyes Kai curiously* “How could you hear that?! You must have eyes on the back of your head or something.”
Maikeru Cy’Jin: “You have no idea…”
Tsunade: *Sighs softly* “As I was saying… Locate this spectral beast and write a report about its findings… I have a suspicion it may very well be one of the tailed-beasts so be on your guard. Kakashi and Takida you both have until sunrise before this creature reaches Lightning Country, don’t let it get there until you find out what it was doing in Fire Country in the first place. I await your findings- GO!”
Everyone: “Hai!” * Everyone bows head slightly and they each make out of the room one by one. *
After making their preparations for the search for the spectral beast they found several remains from its encounters, several shinobi lie in the forest by the dozen as each of their wounds seemed fatal. It seemed surprising to Takida and Kakashi as each vital area would have been targeted so easily, several have been missing their hearts as it was ripped out of their chest- but what was more alarming was that these ninja came from Kumogakure and died in Fire Country territory. Not willing to make any presumptions yet the two squad leaders split up and went in search for the beast, and why Cloud Ninja were in their territory.
Squad A consisted of Kakashi, Maikeru, Kai, and Suto and they ventured through Rice country hoping to find more leads. Squad B consisted of Takida, Naruto, Miya, and Aquarius and they went straight to lightning country hoping to meet up with this beast there. Unknown to them each group was being followed by elusive individuals, apparently hunting the beast as well. In their search Squad A finds a trail of fresh blood in direction heading to Lightning Country but curiously taking a longer route, until they are ambushed by an unknown Kumogakure shinobi dressed in white.
Kakashi Hatake: “Kai! Look out, behind you!” *He dashes over to Kai Shi’gawa who had her back turned to a Kunoichi assailant in white. She rolls on the ground and quickly flashes her 2 elegant katanas while Kakashi barely made it in time to block a blow with his kunai knife against the attacker’s Tanto sword.*
Suto: “It has begun…” *He slowly soars into the skies as he rotates, the heavens darken and a crackle of lightning strikes at a distance. The flash highlighting Kakashi and the Assailant on even ground, the light then dims only to flash once more due to another lightning strike and it reveals Kai swipes at her attacker with both katanas only to hit air as the Kunoichi disappeared from sight.*
Maikeru: “There is blood on the ground, are either of you injured?” *Maikeru examines each of his squadmates and finds no injuries, he wished to further examine Suto and Kakashi but they had no time for that. They conclude that the blood must have been from their attacker, and Kakashi notes she was wearing a Cloud headband.*
Kakashi Hatake: *Exhales in relief that noone was injured* “We will rest for a few minutes and then continue.”
Meanwhile, in Lightning Country… Takida had sent his spiders to make traps by creating several series of webs around the border, hoping to alert him of the beast should it arrive. Awaiting the beast patiently and hoping to regroup with Kakashi’s group soon, they manage to find something or someone spring one of the spider’s webs. Miya immediately activates her Byakugan and pinpoints on the location of where the trap was sprung. She sees 2 Shinobi heading their direction, but is unable to determine who they are or what village they come from at such a distance. One of Takida’s spiderlings crawl up his ear and whispers leaving Takida in a paralyzed and surprised expression.
Aquarius: “Miya, what do you see?”
Miya: “Two shinobi are heading this way, I cannot make out their features however… Takida-sama what do we do?”
Takida Oshimi: !? “…What are they doing here…? Alright- Miya, I need you to take the others and head west, try to find Kakashi immediately. We are going to have to regroup, because we are not the only ones looking for this thing…” *He says so in a concerned tone. * “I will try to stall them and lead them away if I can. Go!”
Naruto Uzumaki: “Wait, wait, wait… What the hell is going on? If it is just two we should be able to handle them!” * Eyes Takida with am ambitious gaze*
Takida Oshimi: “Naruto, these aren’t any average ninja. If it is a fight you want you will get it- trust me, but right now we need to strategize.”
Naruto Uzumaki: “Takida-sama please le-“ * He is cut off as Aquarius knocks him out by touching a pressure point *
Aquarius: “Don’t worry Takida-sama, we know what to do. Miya lead the way.”
As Squad B make way to regroup with Kakashi and his team, Takida has left several traps using his spiders and left a trail leading the other direction hoping to detour the 2 shinobi he worries to encounter. After leaving a trail a couple miles long toward the other direction, Takida quickly notices that the 2 ninja are not taking the bait and maintaining their current path.
Takida Oshimi: “Tch… This isn’t working. How could I be so stupid- Miya, Aquarius, Naruto… get there soon.” *He rushes over to regroup with Kakashi and the other members.*
About to continue their search for the beast, Squad A rises and prepares to move out. Rustling of leaves from the tree tops is heard as each of the members’ arm themselves preparing for another ambush of Kumogakure shinobi, only to lower their guard seeing Miya, Aquarius, and a passed out Naruto.
Kakashi Hatake: “Need I ask?” *Is referring to Naruto’s current unconscious status*
Miya Hyuuga: “Hatake Kakashi, Takida-sama sent us to regroup with you having discovered 2 ninja who are also hunting the beast. He didn’t tell us who they were, but he said we needed to regroup to face them… Takida decided to stay behind though and stall for time.” * she pants heavily *
Kakashi Hatake: “… Alright, there is no second to lose. We need to find an open location to face these attackers. Suto can you scout the area for a clearing? Kai, until Takida returns you will have to watch out for the others.”
Suto: *Given his orders he soars up to the sky and flies around to find a clearing to make the fighting easier, figuring it is mainly for the better accuracy of his Storm Techniques.*
Miya Hyuuga: “Kakashi… With all due respect there is no need to worry about me, I am a Hyuuga afterall. I can be of more use than you may realize.”
Kakashi Hatake: “… With all due respect, Hyuuga or not you are not unstoppable. Stay back with the other Chunin and try to conserve your energy. Maikeru since Miya is worn out, you will be our primary Medic- Don’t let them get close to you.”
Maikeru Cy’Jin: *Blushes as his eyes twinkle thinking Kakashi cares for him to the point that he doesn’t want to see him get harmed.* “Hai!”
Kai Shi’gawa: “…” *Gives another thwack upside Maikeru’s head.*
Suto: *He swoops back down through the trees and lands infront of the group* “There is an opening about 2 kilometers, North East of here.”
Kakashi: “Right, let’s move out then.”
Heading to the clearing the group hears a wailing of a woman crying, and pause momentarily realizing it is coming from the clearing. A few minutes later they see the area scattered with dead Kumogakure corpses, a woman clenches tightly on one of them rocking back and forth as their heart had been stolen. Kakashi examines the woman and notices it was their assailant, and her side was cut open. The Kunoichi in white doesn’t even turn her head as she acknowledges the other’s presence holding onto the corpse of a man that seemed to have meant a great deal to her.
? ? ?: “If you came to kill me, get it over with… I have nothing to live for.”
Kakashi Hatake: “… I believe it was you who attacked us. What happened to these ninja from Cloud?”
? ? ?: “We were attacked by two demons… who could not be stopped. They came at us and we cut them, impaled them, severed them… nothing worked. They just kept coming back. I am no longer going to run away, I will face my fate- but not before I have them taste my fury…” *A swirl of blue chakra surrounds her, using the same unnatural energy that resides in naruto. Her gaze slowly rises up and across the open field to the shadows under the treeline. Moonlight slowly basks the entire area and reveals 2 figures standing in the shadows, as they step forward toward the group. Taking another glance back at the woman, the group sees a mini version of the two-tailed beast as it quickly leaps at the 2 shinobi across the field.*
Kakashi Hatake: “The Two-tailed beast, right under our nose… We cannot allow her to be taken by them. Everyone take your positions!”
Everyone: “Hai!” *Everyone runs toward the clearing where the battle soon commences, as a shock wave emits from the two-tailed cat with a single pound of it’s mighty paws.*
The two mysterious robed figures take off their Akatuski garments, one is shown wielding a 3 bladed scythe with a cable attached and the other is covered in stitches. As the group enclose on the attackers the Two-tails in a fit of rage breathes flames at it’s opponents, forcing the group to back off due to the wide spread of the attack. Kakashi realizes perhaps the two-tails seeks to combat the 2 Akatsuki members alone, as they are quickly succumbed by the searing flames. Two figures shortly after fall to the ground, only to slowly rise once more and ideally walk from the fire wall. One of the Akatsuki comically pat themselves from the soot gathered in the fire and has visibly changed to look like a skeleton…
Hidan: “What the F#%@ was that?... I thought the tailed beasts were supposed to be stronger than this.” *he casts a taunting smirk at the two-tails which in return performs a fearsome roar shaking the trees as they tremble*
Kakuzu: “Shut up Hidan… Don’t get cocky.” *His deadly gaze soon falls on the group* “I see the Two-tails has brought reinforcements. Let’s see if they are more worthy than the last batch…”
Before the Two-tails can set off another blast of its flame breathe, Hidan launches his 3 bladed scythe at the beast hoping to spill the Jinchuriki’s blood. The Two-tail manages to leap back from the strike and continue it’s assault, causing Kakuzu to pound his fist in the ground and lift a chunk of earth single handedly to block the fire breathe. The Two-tails is then seen panting heavily as its spectral blue flames disperse and its host passes out due to fatigue and blood-loss. The Akatsuki then slowly walk towards the Jinchuriki and claim their prize until the group joins the fight.
Suto soars into the night sky which quickly becomes encased in dark clouds, lightning then streaks down at the two Akatsuki members as they easily jump back. Kai and Aquarius appear behind Kakuzu and Hidan as they slice at their foes, Hidan's arm gets slashed off while Kakuzu hardens his skin to deflect the strike. Crippling them or at the very least having their attention diverted Kakashi and Miya then sneak up and using Chidori and 64 palm strikes, as each successfully make a direct hit. All the while Maikeru runs toward the injured Kunoichi in white and uses several medical techniques to stop the bleeding and mend her wounds.
After a vigorous spar between Suto, Kai, Aquarious, Kakashi, and Miya against Kakuzu and Hidan they quickly run out of steam as they are unable to stop their opponents. Kakuzu seems to grow more agitated and Hidan slowly goes more twisted in his rage...
Hidan: "Hehehehe... That tickled." *He reclaims his lost arm and Kakuzu stitches it back on.* "But it is time that I return the favor."
Kakuzu: *His eyes filled with murderous intent falls on Kakashi* "... Get over here!" *Tentacles quickly sprout from the ground and entangle Kakashi as he is pulled toward Kakuzu and slowly dig into Kakashi's flesh."
Everyone: !!! *They all eye Kakashi wide-eyed as they are all practically drained and about to face the same fate."
As Kakashi hangs in the air gasping for air as the tentacles pierce his body, blood trails down and creates a small puddle. Kakuzu smirks eager to rip out Kakashi's heart while Hidan eyes the rest of the group wondering which will become his prey. Hidan rushes towards Kai who stands firm yet dwindling in condition before a string of silk encases Hidan and hurls him at Kakuzu, forcing him to lose his grip on Kakashi. Takida arrives just in time and performs several handseals as he summons "Mother", a giant black-widow and the mother of all spiders. She spins a large net of webbing that wraps Kakuzu and Hidan to a tree each, as a faint blue light fills the area once more. The Two-tailed bease reawakens and eyes the assailants in rage as they are bound, and close to the cliff side. With a deep breathe the Two-tailed cat exhales a spectacular display of fire as it explodes hitting Kakuzu and Hidan due to the flamability of the webs.
The smoke clears and the entire cliff side is torn down, and Kakuzu and Hidan had fallen into the dark depths of the ravine below. The sun slowly rises from the mountain side, casting it's brilliant light along the landscape as the darkness had passed. The Two-tails reverts back to her normal form and sighs in relief of their success, she thanks the group for their aid and for Takida for coming in time. Once all of their wounds have been healed the shinobi from Konoha meet the shinobi from Kumogakure and explain the circumstances of this past night. They escort the Two-tailed Jinchuriki back to her village as she plants a kiss on Kakashi's cheek before vanishing in a puff of smoke.
Naruto Uzamaki: "Gah! I wish I was awake during the attack, I could have shown them a thing or two with my Rasengan!"
Kai Shi'gawa: *Reaches over to bonk naruto on the head but only pulls him into a hug* "There is always next time Naruto-kun."
Kakashin Hatake: *He looks back across the landscape sensing something from battle field he fought the 2 akatsuki, something is telling him that it isnt going to be the last time he sees of them."
Night soon falls once the group reaches Konoha's gate, and in a distant land where they fought the akatuski the veil of night shrouds the ravine and deep down a lurking darkness continues to survive. A hand breaks through the rubble and a wail of pain echoes through the air, causing all other sounds of that night to fall dead... Happy Halloween!
). The adult’s chuckle and giggle softly in the background, surprised the children would be intimidated by a lame technique only to be frozen in fear when Yamato’s gaze fell on them. He quietly turns off the flashlight and permits an ominous silence to befall those in the vicinity as Naruto Uzumaki is already scared out of his wits. He clears his throat and begins to tell his tale…
Hiroyori 
Celith 
Keitaku
