Chapter 88: Double Trouble
After Malik and the gang finished dealing with Deidara and Amara, they began to hear fierce roaring echoing through the village. The reason Deidara was making so much noise and attracting so much attention became clear: she was the distraction, while Amara 'The Mind Shaper' targeted both Naruto and Gaara, driving the two Jinchūriki into a state of bloodlust and madness.
Naruto and Gaara, consumed by the fury of their tailed beasts, wreaked havoc across the village. Naruto's feral growls mixed with the guttural roars of Kurama, the Nine-Tails, as his attacks tore through buildings and streets. Gaara, shrouded in a swirling tempest of sand, her eyes wild with the influence of Shukaku, the One-Tail, unleashed devastating waves of sand, crushing everything in her path.
The destruction was catastrophic. Buildings crumbled under the force of Naruto's chakra-fueled strikes. Streets were torn apart by the relentless assault of Gaara's sand. Civilians scrambled to find safety, their cries for help adding to the chaos.
Malik noticed Ninja's from all over leading the Civilians to safe zones and tunnels for evacuation.
The sky above was a swirl of dust and debris, casting an ominous shadow over the village.
Malik stood amidst the chaos, his mind racing. "Of course, because today didn't already suck," he muttered to himself, preparing to send out more of his men when a voice broke through the din.
"Hey there, need a hand?" Jiraiya stood atop a building, attempting to look cool despite the turmoil around them. His presence was commanding, his gaze sharp and unwavering. "This is one crazy mess."
He brushed off his pants and gave Malik a thumbs-up. "Tsunade and I will handle Naruto. She's been itching to knock some sense into him anyway."
Malik waved to them, relieved to see the legendary Sannin. "Good luck!"
Tsunade cracked her knuckles and grinned, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Time to give that brat a lesson." She and Jiraiya leapt into the fray, their movements fluid and precise. They landed in the midst of the chaos, their presence a beacon of hope amid the destruction.
Naruto, in his berserk state, turned his attention to the new arrivals. His eyes, a deep red, glowed with unrestrained fury. Kurama's chakra enveloped him, creating a ferocious aura that lashed out at anything nearby.
Jiraiya stepped forward, his voice firm. "Naruto! Snap out of it! We're here to help you!"
Tsunade didn't waste any time. With a single, powerful leap, she closed the distance between her and Naruto, her fist aimed at his chest. "You better not be slacking off, brat!"
Her punch connected with a thunderous impact, sending shockwaves through the ground. Naruto staggered, momentarily stunned by the force of her blow. Jiraiya took advantage of the opening, weaving a series of hand signs.
"Sealing Jutsu: Chakra Suppression!"
A powerful seal appeared on Naruto's body, dampening the influence of Kurama's chakra. Naruto's wild eyes gradually regained clarity as he struggled against the hold of the seal.
"Jiraiya!" Tsunade yelled, "Hmmmm, well that was supposed to do more, The Mind Shaper did a number on him," he said giving her a weak smile.
Meanwhile, Malik, carried by Toru "The Beast" Saito because he didn't want to run anymore, saw the large explosions of sand in the distance. They were soon stopped by Gaara's siblings, Kankurō and Temari. Baki jumped in front, his resolve clear.
"We made a promise to ally ourselves with the Hidden Leaf," Baki said firmly. His eyes, though stern, held a glimmer of hope. Turning to Malik, he continued, "I want to believe in your dream. Today, we fight for both the Hidden Sand and the Hidden Leaf."
Above them, Kakashi Hatake appeared, rubbing the back of his head and blushing slightly. "That was a sweet speech, Baki."
Baki blushed in return, but Kakashi's face quickly grew serious. Alongside him were Sasuke and Might Guy, she declared, "The power of friendship and youth will prevail!" Her exuberance was infectious, her energy a stark contrast to the grim situation.
Together, they all prepared to face Gaara. The air crackled with tension as they moved toward the epicenter of the destruction. Sand swirled around Gaara, forming tendrils that lashed out at anyone who dared to approach.
As they jumped into action, Kankurō stayed behind, addressing Malik. "As your future wife, it's my job to protect your home." She hesitated for a moment before correcting herself, "Our home." With that, she joined the battle, her determination clear in her eyes.
Malik asked Toru to put him down and addressed his companions. "Haku, Toru, Neji, Hana, go help the rest of the village."
They argued, insisting that their duty was to protect him, but Malik waved them away, lying, "I'm immortal. I'll be fine."
Though skeptical, they followed his orders. Haku's ice mirrors shimmered as he disappeared into the fray. Toru's massive form charged toward the nearest group of civilians, ready to protect them. Hana's flames lit up the day as if were night, creating a path of safety for those fleeing the chaos.
Neji, however, refused to leave. Malik took her hands, and they shared a loving kiss, their connection a moment of solace amid the turmoil.
"Go find your family," Malik urged. "They might need your help right now."
Neji held him tightly, her eyes revealing a rare vulnerability. "I love you, Malik."
Malik cupped her face for a moment, then let go. "I love you too. Now go."
Neji picked him up, kissed him deeply, then set him down and dashed away, her Byakugan activated, scanning for any signs of her clan members.
Malik, now alone, sighed. "Now the hard part: running."
He steeled himself, knowing that the fight was far from over. The roar of battle echoed through the village, and Malik sprinted into the chaos, determined to protect his loved ones and his home. His heart pounded in his chest, each step taking him closer to the center of the conflict. He could hear the clashes of jutsus, the cries of the injured, and the relentless roar of Gaara's sandstorm.
As he ran, Malik's mind raced. He knew that this battle would test him and his allies to their limits. But with determination and the strength of their bonds, they would face the challenges ahead. The fate of the Hidden Leaf Village depended on their courage and resolve.
"Now all I have to do is make sure to the 3rd doesn't die!" He said to himself, already out of breath as he made his way to the Stadium.