Chapter 6. The Duel
Few hours before Naruto went to Winslow
Takada Hyoudou is a simple man. He maybe look tough and hard to understand to few but in reality he is nothing but a simple person, he, himself agree with that
He always following principle of the "Strong" rule because why not? That was reality wasn't it? That was how the World works
People may arguing with him about that however he never bother to heard their useless rant. After all that was the truth, no matter how people wish to deny and argue but in the end it was the "Strong" that rule
Does American President become one because he is weak? No, of course no, in his early days before become what he is now he study, he learn, he adapt, he struggle, and his mind finally become strong to overcome those who challenge him in the seat
Strong rule the Weak, and the Strong is the one who make the decision
So when Lung come to Brockton Bay, taking over ABB, then absorbing all other Asian gangs and organization, Takada went along with him
He had seen how the Dragon walk to the City, he had seen how he take on the whole Protectorate and send them all back to their rig with severe burn and injuries, he had seen how the Empire come and try to bring him down only to meet same fate with the Heroes and worse few of their Capes died, Lung not bother to holding back like when he faced Heroes with them
The Dragon has come and made his claim on Brockton Bay
Lung is the definition of "Strong" and "Evolution" in his opinion. His power pretty much declare so, the more he fight, the more he become stronger, no one until now able to beat him. Push him back? Sure, there few occasions, but beat him? Never
And about moral... Simply to say Takada is someone who prioritize his own need first than the other. He doesn't like what they did, human trafficking and sex slave? That was kinda fuck up in his opinion. He can deal with drugs and prostitution but the first two? Well... It kinda bummer
But those feeling was suppressed and buried every time he saw his little girl. Whenever he returned home he saw his little baby that just enter his middle school smiling at him, and he remember just how things would be had Lung actually not come to Brockton Bay
To put it simply, it was Hell before the Dragon come. Empire who hate them, the Teeth that would kidnap people and force them to kill each other like they were gladiator from Rome age, Lustrum who want to cut their genital.
The only things that good is Marquis, that man truly blessing among other Villain, however even so he also busy with his own men
So to simply say, being Asian was equal to suffering for them whose in Brockton Bay before Lung come
And Takada wouldn't want that for his little girl who without mother
"Excuse me?" He asked again, blinking in surprise "You want me to what?"
The brat in front of him, not even look pretty much older than his daughter -he probably around seventeen or so- tilt his head
"A challenge letter." The blond repeated, extending said the letter to him "Give it to your boss, I will be waiting for him in the Boat Graveyard later."
Takada unconsciously take the letter from him, and after he did that the blond whole body flashed with orange light like a blitz then he gone
The man blinked again, he stare at where the blond moment ago before return his gaze to the letter in his hand
A challenge letter... A motherfucking challenge letter to Lung
The man who has fight on equal ground with Leviathan until Kyushu sunk, the man who has send ENE Protectorate back to their rig like a bunches of weakling, the man who alone has face entire Empire's Cape and come out as victorious
He was tempted to rip apart this letter since it was so ridiculous, the idea of a kid challenging the Dragon to fight is as good as Scion rampaging around the World. Seriously what kind of bullshit level is that?!
But he paused as he once again recall the kid appearance
There something about him that... Appealing
The kid is a Cape, that much is obvious, however for some reason Takada felt it not end in there. He recall the blond's eyes that meet his gaze, and he remember there strength in there, there power behind his eyes
That kid ain't pushover, he is the real deal alright
Briefly he wonder just how the hell a kid able to have such fierce eyes, he consider that he might be "Master"ed by him but he banish all those idea
It doesn't matter, right now he have letter to send after all
A challenge to Lung, a man who in his early years has fight against Endbringer to standstill until the island no longer able to hold their battle and sunk
Of course she instantly voiced her objection when they were alone and out from public eyes. The idea of facing the man that responsible for sending entire Protectorate ENE few years ago directly is very unwise
And what with his idea of taking over ABB?! No, seriously, what the hell was that?! Taking over gang?!
Seriously, Taylor was wondering that might be few screw that lost from Naruto's head
Then he started to talk, he started to tell her. He told her how in last night that one of his friend family was injured heavily by Lung, how his sister bawling her eyes out and begging to him for wake up. He told her how that he could prevent that from happened since the beginning had he wish to
She doesn't understand what he said so she asked him, what he mean
He told her that he was holding back and rarely fight villain because he was supposed to be on vacation
That was just opening another can of question for her
In the end he said to her that he will leave things in there since he have his own past, and as for taking over ABB, he said he will convert the whole gang into better group
She still confused but in the end she respect his wish for not want to say anymore thing, everyone have their own privacy after all. However it doesn't change the fact it was crazy to challenge Lung like what he just did
Unfortunately it did not stop him
So here she is now, hiding on one of the junk that big enough to hide her figure, spying on his friend who standing not far from her location in open field
Of course she did not get close to him, she learn her lesson yesterday, she is Master so she fight from far. Right now there about fifty meter distance between her and Naruto, she using her bugs to observe him
She did this because she worry for him of course, in case if the battle goes south she won't hesitate to shoot her swarm to Lung when he come, allowing Naruto to escape. He is her friend after all, so it just make sense if she help him. Beside even if he is stranger Taylor won't let someone facing Lung by themselves alone
Speaking about Naruto, the blond in question currently standing with his arms crossed. No longer he wear his usual clean and neat cardigan outfit, he clad in what look like kung-fu outfit, however the shirt instead of black is orange save for the sleeves part. There also cloak draped over him, it color is white with red flame symbol on the end of it tail, there also Japanese calligraphy written on it
'Orange, of course it would be bloody orange.' Taylor sighed internally when see his outfit. She recall just how much Naruto declare that he love orange when they talk about some decoration, however she never thought he will wear one as his outfit
She should knew better after he talk how he want to paint the whole Winslow with orange paint
Don't get her wrong, Naruto looked good in that outfit, he really did, he look very heroic right now, and handsome -she felt her cheeks heatened slightly at that thought- too. However she never thought he will wear a real neon orange!
Then again there also another strange and eccentric Heroes, like Myrddin and Legend with his rainbow light so... Yeah, it not that strange perhaps
She focused more into his surrounding, then she noted that the blond was not alone. There two people with him, women to be precise, and unlike Naruto they both wearing costume that mask their faces. She order one of dragonfly to get closer, she use the sight she got to get better look
The first woman have straight black hair, she wears large opaque goggles and a metal mask with a gas-mask filter and a braided cord of black, yellow, and green wires over her shoulders
The second woman meanwhile wearing some kind of yellow armor that cover her entire body, it design look like something that Clone from Star Wars usually wore, and to add more effect she also carry guns, Tinkertech obviously
'Who are they?' She asked internally as she observe them. Naruto never told about them to her, are they his friend?
"Onee-chan, if you want to get better look you should join them."
Taylor literally jumped in shock when hear unfamiliar voice come from behind her. She turn around, heart beating faster, her mind quickly focused to all her insects and ready to swarm over those who ambush her
Only for her mind deflated when see the one who spoke is a little girl, only thirteen at best perhaps. And the moment Taylor see her, she reminded to Alice from Alice in Wonderland movie. This girl really have appearance that similar to the fairy tale character, from her long blonde hair, her clean blue eyes, her blue ribbon, to her outfit, all while hugging red cute school bag
"W-Wha?" She was shocked for a moment and quickly regain her composure "Who are you? No, what are you doing here?" She asked hastily "It's dangerous in here." There will be a big fight soon! If ABB seeing little white girl in here now, things can be dangerous!
The little girl that mentioned blinked, her blue eyes stare at Taylor adorably, she tilt her head and put small smile "Hue, instead of thinking how can some little girl sneak unto your position even with so many bugs around you warn me of the danger."
Taylor freeze at that, her body that relaxed moment ago become wary once again, she was right, how could it be there someone able to sneak on her when she have her insects observing her? Granted she was focused to Naruto but it still doesn't change the fact that she able to sneak on her is some feat
'A Stranger?!' She had read about them, a Cape that possess ability to sneak around without people aware. She about to take steps back and create distance between them but the little girl spoke
"You're really kind person aren't you?" She asked rhetorically with grin "I'm glad Naruto-niichan have friend like you."
At the mention of her friend name Taylor tensed further, her eyes narrowed behind her mask "You know Naruto?"
"Of course, he is my Onii-chan!" She declared while puffing her chest proudly
"O...oniwhat?"
"Onii-chan, in Japanese it mean big brother!"
Big brother? Wait, didn't Naruto said he have surrogate little sister? This girl is her? "You are Naruto's little sister?" She asked rhetorically "What are you doing here then?"
"I come here to watch Onii-chan fight obviously! That big bad Dragon doesn't have chance against my Onii-chan!"
Watching him fight? Well... That... That was... "It's dangerous in here." Taylor said firmly "Listen, does Naruto even know you are here?"
"Of course he did, he sent me to you after all so I can be with you!"
Wait what?! "Naruto knew I'm here?" She asked and glanced at the blond who standing in the field
"He did, he sense you when you coming, remember his Thinker ability?"
... Oh yeah, he have that ability didn't he? That is also why he can know her status as Cape in first place. But still, she was about fifty meter away from him! His sensing ability that good?! Damn, how far he can sense someone?!
"Oh, I forget to introduce myself, how rude of me." The little girl said with frown, then she bowed her head slightly and lift her the edge of her blue skirt "I'm Alice, it's nice to meet you Onee-chan."
"Ah, yes, ummm. It's nice to meet you too." Taylor said, unused to see girl at her age so polite "My name is..." Wait, she still didn't decide her Cape's name! Ugh! Way to go Taylor
"You still don't know what to call yourself huh?" Alice giggled "It's okay, I understand, I will call you Onee-chan for now."
"Onee-chan?" It sounded strange, quite so giving her accent
"It mean big sister!"
"Ah... Sure." She doesn't have problem with called that, it kind of cute despite its a bit weird "Alice, you do know it's dangerous around here right?"
"Of course I do." Alice nodded "I had seen Lung's fight! It cool how he can become Dragon but Onii-chan is a lot cooler!" She said with grin "He will kick Lung's metal scaly rear!" She declared while raising her fist to air
"Uhh, right. Look, it doesn't change the fact it still dangerous to be around here." God damnit what was Naruto thinking?! Bringing little girl to here?! Oh she will have chat with him after this!
"Ehhhh, don't worry Onee-chan." Alice said with grin "I have bodyguard with me! Here! Bandersnatch!" She blew her finger like a flute and then-
"Holy shit!"
And suddenly from the girl right side that supposed to be empty something appear, it like a chameleon shed it camouflage. Except what come out is not fucking chameleon, not fucking lizard that only one foot, it was fucking eight foot monstrosity that look like a wolf mixed with armadillo and hedgehog. It had fangs as big as saber-toothed tiger that she had watched in movie, paws that as big as someone head, spikes from it armored back and tails, and scary glowing yellow eyes
"This is my pet!" Alice declared with big smile as if she just showing her a doll "His name is Bandersnatch! Bandersnatch, say hello!"
Said the monster lowering his head in what look like a bow to her
"Umm..."
She truly doesn't know how to response to this, not at all. No, seriously, she doesn't, it like a... What? No, seriously?! Pet?! A fricking pet?! Cats is a pet! Dog is a pet! Heck, a freaking snake or even tiger could be a pet! This?! This is not a pet at all!
"As long as he with us we will be okay." Alice said in reassuring voice "Bandersnatch is pretty strong! He can even hold against anti-tank rifle!"
"O... Okay." Taylor eyed the gigantic hybrid wolf with wary and gulp, seriously that damn thing was terrifying, clearly that this girl not defenseless as she look. She even will think twice before tackling this creature and she have swarm of insects with her, gangs member would flee when see this thing
"Oh yeah, here." Alice said as she extend the box she carry to her "Onii-chan said you like my cooking, I knew you will come today so..."
"You don't have to." Taylor replied in slight timid voice, seriously the role seems reversed in here! Come on Taylor, you are the one who older damnit! "But..." She then remember the heavenly taste few days ago and gulped "I guess I will take it, thanks." She accepted the food graciously, seriously it was the best meal she ever ate
The little girl face adorned by pink hue as she grinning shyly "I glad you like it." She said in happy voice "So... Why don't we sit around and enjoy the show that about start?" She offered
Taylor briefly looking around, sit? Where they would sit? This is Boat Graveyard! The ground were dirty and also filled with junk!
As if know what she thinking Alice only smiled, she then open her bag and pull out a... Object. A cynical shaped object that look like a pil but also not. Then she throw said the "pill" to the clear ground near them and it explode
The explosion not big, just small, it made a little "bang" sound though and let out smoke as well but it not flashy, more like smoke bomb. Taylor brushed the gas using her hand and when they clear, her eyes widened as she caught sight of clean and crystalline floor in where the ground moment ago
"We can use that place." Alice said as she ramming her bag again while poking out one of her tongue in cute mannner, then she pull out carpet andn place it on top of the ground
Taylor stare at the bag she hold. She can accept lunch box and that... That "pill" but how the hell that carpet fit in that small bag?!
"Don't just watching, come on!"
The big girl sighed at the beaming face of her little sister friend. She remind her of Naruto, the blond himself is always love to show surprise just to see how people react, that is probably why he love pranking
And now his little sister as well...
'Play along Taylor, play along.' She thought as she sit in the ground with Alice. Now let see where things going and ask question, she can know more about Naruto from Alice
"Oh don't mind your insects, it's okay to keep them around, I'm fine with them. They're cute." Alice commented with big smile
Taylor balked at the little girl under her mask. Cute? Her little bugs is cute? Even for Taylor it take a week for her to accustomed with her own bugs and she still won't call them cute until now no matter what but this girl? She call them cute just like that?!
Yeah... Absurdity seems running in Naruto's family alright
"Here, you can wear this to cover you face for eating." Alice said as she offer the brown haired girl simple domino mask
"Ah, yes, thank you."
The bugs Master took the mask, she briefly consider to not use it and instead showing her face to Alice, however for some reason there something about the little girl that made her wary. Seeing she still new into this she decide to follow her guts and turned away, making sure her face not visible to the little blond and she wear the domino mask
Finish donning the mask, she turned back to Alice who setting utensils and plate for them while humming merrily, her eyes twitched when the little blond pull out thermos from her bag
Okay, seriously, where the hell that one come from?
"Lunch is ready!" Alice declared with happy voice "Want tea Onee-chan?" She offered
"Ah? Yes, thank you." Taylor replied as she took the tea. It was after that she notice the little girl seems fidgeting and squirming in her seat, however from her lips that twitched and eyes that shining it clearly not from unpleasant emotion "Alice?"
"Yes?"
"Umm... Why are you so..."
"Hm? Oh! Sorry, sorry!" Alice apologized, instantly aware of how she appear "It just... This is my first time I have private picnic with older girl!" She giggled demurely, then she sighed "Sorry making it look weird, it just... Bakuda and Tweety never did this kind of thing with me." She muttered, a bit sullen
Taylor feel slight pang in her heart seeing the little girl sad, she quickly racked her brain try to find something, anything to cheer her
"We can do this again."
Hello foot, my name is mouth, come to me
That was what Taylor thought after she blurt that out. She about to pull back her words, correcting it, however-
"Really?!"
Taylor feel her smile become strained a bit, sweat poured from her forehead "Yeah, yeah, I will." She reassured
The beaming face and bright smile that shoot by Alice to her banish all that idea
Damn it Taylor!
"Thank you Onee-chan!" Alice squealed with joy, the bug Master sure that she will bouncing if she not sit right now "Ohh wait until I tell Onii-chan, Bakuda and Tweety about this!" She muttered gleefully
Those names, Taylor instantly perked up, she want to gather information, knowing more about her friend, why don't start from there? "Bakuda and Tweety?" She asked "You mean those two that with Naruto?"
"Yup!" Alice nodded jovially "Bakuda is the one who with gas mask, Tweety the yellow one!"
"I see..." Taylor focused to her insects for a moment and observing the duo, checking on their outfit and weapons "They're Tinker?"
"Bakuda is, Tweety is not, she just some kind of extra bodyguard."
The bugs Master let out thoughtful hum as she glancing at Naruto's group direction. She recall all information about him. He come from San Fransisco, which is quite peaceful city shockingly despite there The Elite in there, a nemesis of Protectorate, perhaps it because they don't want to attract the attention too much and The Elite is Organization, not a gang or something like that
If they act like psychopath like Nibolg well... No one will vote for them...
"Oh they're here!" Alice's voice broke her out from her stupor
"Who?"
"ABB."
Taylor control her bugs and focus her gaze in instant
There about fifty of them, each of them carrying weapons, ranged from knife, bat, to even a guns. They all walk and making line, organized and controlled while wearing outfit with image of Dragon as their symbol of pledge
And there are them
He clad in black bodysuit with belt and bandoleer of knives and grenades on it. His face covered by a crimson demonic mask that leering, baring it fang to the World and curled into creepy ear-to-ear grin
Oni Lee, the Infamous Demon of ABB
Taylor admit that the Mover has his own "creepy" aura. His mask unlike her who only look edgy and dark, his is truly express evil.
And then there the last one
He was big, Taylor aware that she, herself is quite tall for a girl, however he probably can pick her up by head and dangling her like some kind of bell. He doesn't wearing any shirt, exposing his muscular and dragon tattooed body, he wore pair of jeans and his face was covered by steel mask that look like Dragon
Lung, the Dragon of Brockton Bay, the Strongest Cape in this City, Leader of Azn Bad Boyz
'Oh yeah... I definitely do not want to get close to him if we fight.' Taylor thought with gulp
The Asian man was tall, and not just that but he also very, very intimidating. If Oni Lee style of walking is silent and soundless, Lung is the opposite. His presence is screaming power and danger, she can felt that the bugs sense the temperature around him is hotter than normal
"You sure Naruto will be fine?" She asked again
"Ohh Onii-chan will be fine." Alice waved her hand with smile as she munching her pop corn "You should worry about Lung instead."
"Well... You really come." Naruto said while glancing at the man-to-dragon who crossing his arms over his bare tattooed chest
"Do you think I am a coward to not answer such challenge?" Lung asked back with deep voice
The blond whisker blinked, the man had switched to use Japanese language. Truthfully this Japanese and his homeland language is quite similar, there slight difference in accent but it was irrelevant
"You kill a kid just to show your superiority." He replied in same language, voice bored and have slight edge "If that is not cowardice then what else I should call it?"
"A kid?" Lung bristled, however his voice contain something in there "The kid you spoke, it was Grue, the one who control darkness wasn't it? Leader of Undersiders"
Naruto not even bother to reply verbally, only tilting his head
"I fought him last night, he and his group, he bought them time while facing me alone after I burn most of them." Lung said in heavy voice "I respect his last stand and determination, thus I do not kill him, I wound him severely and left him in nearby hospital." He said "Ether he would survive or would be claimed by death, that was decision from the World."
Well... Now Naruto knew who responsible for bringing Brian to hospital
"While it's true that his demise left bitter taste in my mouth but I do not regret it, he stole what is mine, and I show the World that you do not touch my belonging."
"Are you going to do same thing if it was Protectorate or Empire?" Naruto asked
"The Protectorate and the so called Empire know better to not agitate me too much, unlike them, I only make an example."
"That did not answer my question."
Lung bristled, a bit of flame spewing out from his body as he grow slight taller "Are you implying that I am a coward?"
"List to me Empire or Protectorate's cape that you had killed instead of children." Naruto demanded in response
It was clear that the Asian warlord did not take the comment very well judging by another flicker of flame appear around him and his subordinate backed off slightly to create distance with him, including Oni Lee
"Enough of this idle chats!" Lung stated with growl "You will bow to me today, so do your companion." He stare at Bakuda and Tweety "They're Asian right?"
"I'm half American you lizard breath!" Bakuda spoke in Japanese as well, her accent not as smooth as Naruto and Lung but acceptable "Got problem with that?"
Lung narrowed his eyes sharply at Bakuda but decide to ignore her and turn to Tweety "And you?"
Tweety tensed and she press herself to Bakuda "What is he saying?" She whispered
"He ask are you Asian or not." Bakuda replied "No, she not, she is our personal assistant!" She declared "Unlike you, we have real girl as our secretary!"
Lung's eyes flickered into orange for a moment "Hmph, I will enjoy putting you down after this."
"You talk like you going to win." Bakuda scoffed with mocking voice "There is reason why I follow Naruto, he is the best, you will lose, trust me, I bet my pussy that I-"
"Bakuda, I don't need to hear that." Naruto cut her with deadpan face
The Tinker let out snort "Sure boss."
The blond only shake his head and glaring at Lung "We will bow to you if you win but if I win, ABB will be mine." He said
Both of them steps forward, closing the distance between them and stop when they were two meters away from reaching each other
"Oni Lee will be the referee." Lung said
"Sure."
Oni Lee take few steps to them, he glanced at two cape "This is battle to decide which one is superior. No one will interfere or interrupt until one of you died or knocked out, and you two also going to honor the deal that you both had made." He declared aloud in english, using universal language as a sign "If you did, then you will be dealt swiftly in the most painful way before disposed. Agree?"
"Agree." Lung growled
"Agree." Naruto accepted
"Very well then." Oni Lee take few steps back from them "BEGIN!"
Lung instantly move, his fist that encased by flame shoot forward to Naruto's face. The blond saw it coming easily and in response his left hand raise, he swat away the flaming fist, seems not bothered by the heat, then he take one step forward and deliver clean palm hit to the taller man chest
The attack proved to be more than what it look like and Lung expect judging by how he let out choked voice and pushed back, however Naruto didn't stop there, before the man can stumbled his hand that swat away Lung's fist moment go blurring forward, he grab his shoulder then pull the taller man to him and deliver knee hit to his middle chest once again
Not stop there, Naruto in flash already in air, he jumped and passing over the man who buckled, he grab the man chin from behind then he flipped and throw Lung away roughly
The villain crashed to the ground and when he did, he explode into fire and roar that not unlike beast resonated in the Boat Graveyard
Naruto already throw kunai to his direction by the time all that happened
As scaled metal grow over his body and he become bigger, Lung eyes widened when he see a blur coming to him and he try to block it, however he was too late and it hit him in shoulder
And went through it like a knife meet paper, nearly bisecting his whole arm in process as well
Lung let out another howl of pain
"If I aim that to your head you would be dead already." Naruto said dully, he gestured to where the projectile moment ago
It was not just punching through Lung's shoulder, it also went through a pile of junk that around five meters and thick enough to make it look like small house
"But no, that would be too easy." He stated "I'm going to send message to this city, to this World, that I about to come out from my hiding, and things will change from now on."
Metallic scales protruding out from his skins, his neck lengthened, his fingers turned to claw, the hole in his shoulder begin to close, flame sputtering and roaring around him, his height reaching over seven feet, Lung roared and charged at Naruto
Taylor hardly can believe what she currently see. She knew from what Alice said that Naruto would won, however what she didn't expect is for the fight to be so one-sided like this
"He won.." She murmured
"Well he will but now, not yet." Alice commented as she popped another popcorn to her mouth "The battle just begin, Onii-chan have advantage now because Lung still not that big." She said "Though I'm surprised he seems doesn't know much how to fight." She muttered
"What do you mean?" Taylor asked
"See Lung's movement?" Alice gestured "It was bad. He have the right instinct, have good reflex, have high durability and strength too. Even in his human state his regeneration still something. He can survive being bisected into two or have part of his heart blown by sniper." She explained "Probably for the last part." She added "But the point is, he is good, powerful even in his base form." She then frowned "But he know nothing when come to close combat."
"Huh?"
"See his stance, how he punch, how he kick? They were basic, average, all of them come from pure experience and instinct. No skill at all. That is why he badly beaten by Onii-chan." Alice elaborated "Giving his power, it actually not that illogical, I mean, if you turn to giant dragon and radiating flame then what use martial arts would be? It would make him less effective due to his massive body." She paused again for a moment "Well it will do something, but not much."
"I see..." Taylor stare at her friend who now fighting Lung, moving around him while giving strike after strikes to the man that covered by scale now and start growing tail
"But it doesn't matter, even if Lung keep growing Onii-chan still going to pummel him to dirt!" Alice cheered "Though. I wonder... Just how strong he want Lung to be before he knock him off?" She asked with hum "If my guess is right, he probably will let Lung ramp up to the point where he beat the entire Empire and Protectorate, if he in mood, he will let him to be at his peak when he fight Leviathan."
Taylor become pale at that. There rumor that Lung indeed has fought against Leviathan to standstill and some say he even push the Endbringer off, at cost of Kyushu island of course. She already check about it of course and she found that was not rumor, it was real, covered up -not entirely since she still found about it- so people not become too paranoid or afraid that some Villain was that strong
She do not want her hometown turned into another Kyushu or have half of them destroyed from dragon that rampaging around while breathing flame and roaring around, nope, nope, nope, thank you very much!
He was ten feet tall by this point, no longer look like human, his whole body covered in metallic scales, his mask already loss, his face no longer one that belong to man, it's like mixture of some kind of cat, his mouth also stretched wider than normal. Right now the Asian Warlord is like what he rumored to be, a dragon.
And yet Naruto keep push forward
The dragon-like creature that used to be a man was covered not only by a metallic scales but fire as well, however Naruto seems not bothered by them in slightest, his body itself letting out blue energy that covering him. This is the technique that similar like the Fourth Raikage Lightning Release Armor, but unlike the original that allow the user to travel in speed of lightning, what Naruto use is more like an armor that similar to most Jinchuuriki's Chakra Cloak
And it durability is powered by Chakra, something that Naruto have a lot, like reaaally a lot. One powerful direct hit might be able to injure him and pierce through it, but if that not bring him down he could recover and strengthen his armor
"Kirrrr rrrou!"
Lung roared and swing his gigantic claw to Naruto who jumped a bit, dodging the offending limb that destroy the ground where he was, he quickly kicked the ground once again and rushed to him
Only for meeting Lung's backhand that smashed to him. The blonde feel it but pain is not something he not accustomed with, he flipped in air, balancing himself and landed in ground, his hands performed few hand seals and he snap his head upward to Lung
"Wind Release : Vacuum Blast Barrage!"
Several blades of wind spew out from Naruto's mouth, powerful enough to slice and split the ground and before Lung can reach, those invisible blades already reach him and stripping his scales and flesh like a knife peeling potato's skin
The parahuman let out roar of pain, another burst of flame explode from his whole body, wings grow out from his back and he glared at Naruto who charging at him. The dragon-like man open his mouth, splitting it into "x" like shape that bristling with pointed fangs, a large amount of white flame to the blond
Naruto keep charging forward, his Chakra armor protect him from the flame completely and he deliver powerful punch to Lung's face, making the man inhumane face snapped to another direction with force. However it proved to be no longer effective like before as Lung's hand snapped upward and snatch Naruto in air, grabbing him
The orange molten eyes of Lung glared at Naruto who in his grasp, he tightened his grip and-
The blond instantly gone in flash of orange and Lung feel powerful force knock him in the back of his neck, forcing him to buckled in his place, he let flame explode from his body while spun and deliver backhand to where he assumed Naruto is, only to not meet anything
He turned and find Naruto not far from him, the blond narrowed his eyes as he observed Lung's form. He already fifteen feet tall or more right now, and his scales also seems thick enough for him to punch like before
"Well... You already this big, I guess I can bring one of big guns now." Naruto declared
Lung bristled, he is holding back? Against him? HIM?! He let out enraged roar and leapt at the blond, he will pay for that insult!
He crashed to the white caped blond, his claw fully slammed him, creating crack and chunk in the earth. Then Lung make it explode, his flame blaring and sputtering, burning the ground, turned them into almost like a lava
Then suddenly he feel pain from his claw, something piercing his scale and reach deep to his bone. He let out roar of pain and try to pull his claw butit won't move, then he feel himself being lifted like some kind of toy, he flap his wings to prevent this but it as good as trying to burn the water
He flipped and slammed to the ground with force that enough to make the World shook for a moment, then he lifted once more and got pummeled again. That keep repeating about four times and no matter what Lung did, no matter how he try to use his wing and pull his arm and explode into flame, he keep getting slammed as if he is some kind of carpet beater that used
Then another pain come and he feel his arm ripped off, fully
"▂▂▂▃▃▃▅▅▅!"
He let out ear-shattering roar full of pain as he unconsciously clutch the part where his hand supposed to be, even if he feel another limb start to grow but it still fucking hurt!
"Wind Release : Great Breakthrough!"
A powerful gale of wind slammed to him before he can realize what the fucking hell actually happened. It slammed into him with a force that more than enough to knock him about dozens meters away, making him crash to countless pile of junks in the Boat Graveyard and destroy part of the place
He let out ragging breath, flame sputtering around him and burning everything, he feel his missing arm now started to grow back -albeit not fully- and glaring at the blond's direction
And he notice there something different about him
"It's been a while since I use Sage Mode." Naruto commented, no longer his eyes blue, but they are yellow, toad-like indes with orange pigment around them "This form is actually still too much for you but if you enter your state when you fight Leviathan, I might show you another one." He able to lift Kurama who at least five times bigger than Leviathan when he face him inside his seal, Lung's current weight is not a contest
As for Kurama full size... Yeah, let's don't go there, he will make Endbringers look almost like a doll for him in comparison. Seriously, Kurama's fingers itself in full size already on same size with three-stories house
Apparently Lung did not take very well to his insult as he let out another roar and charged at Naruto
The blond merely cracked his neck and flexing his fingers before rushed forward as well
"Welp, now the real battle begin." Alice commented with giggle
Taylor boggled at the little girl. The real battle just begin now? Then what was before this? Playing tag while giggling like a kid?! Because seriously, they already destroy part of the Boat Graveyard now with flame in here and there!
The rest of ABB already went away and hiding, only looking through distance save for Oni Lee who act as referee and use his power to move from one point to another to observe the battle
At this rate the entire place will become clean soon!
'Naruto... He is really strong huh?' Taylor thought with gulp as she saw Naruto who wrestling with Lung that covered by flame. She knew that Naruto must be good, he seems experienced and know many things from their conversation, however she never expect for him to be this powerful!
He rip Lung's entire right arm for God's sake! Pulling it out like it some kind of branch of tree!
Taylor shuddered, fuck, she going to sick some hornets to Naruto for making her see that. Seriously, that won't be erased from her mind, ever!
And now... She also see why people fear Lung, why the man has able to beaten the entire Protectorate and hold Empire 88 with only himself and Oni Lee. Lung is powerful, strong, he seems unbeatable. Even now that he still pushed and cannot damage Naruto but he not stopping and keep growing
He become more powerful in every second, become bigger, taller, more monstrous than before. With such strength on his back, no wonder he is known as the most dangerous parahuman in Brockton Bay
Though... That might change after today...
Lung grow more powerful and bigger, yes, but in the end he still can't do anything against Naruto. Even now he close to twenty feet tall but he cannot do significant damage to her friend.
Sure there bruises in here and there, part of Naruto's cloth also singed but they seems fine -how did that happen actually? Does his cloth tinker-tech or he have something that protect them?- and the blond himself also keep overpowering Lung while moving around him like the dragon-like man is some kind of bull instead of seventeen -or is it nineteen? Or twenty?- feet tall monster with wings and fire around him
In short, Naruto seems still handle himself very well and not showing any sign of losing, he even traded equal blow to Lung and his punches shatter and breaking through the ABB leader thick scales and massive figure
"Oh dear..." Alice said suddenly "So they're finally here..." She muttered as she stood up
"What?" Taylor asked "What happened?"
"The Protectorate." Alice answered "They finally come."
Taylor tensed after hearing that and she stood as well. The Protectorate! Of course! Of course they will come! Right now Naruto and Lung is not being subtle at all! They practically fight like some kind of beasts trying to prove each other dominance!
"What should we do?" She asked
"They cannot interfere with the duel." Alice said "If they did, Onii-chan won't like it, and if Onii-chan angry, I think he will paint the entire PRT HQ with orange and prank everyone in there with itching powder that will last for a week."
That... That... Taylor doesn't know what to say to that. No, seriously, she didn't
"Buuut I guess they won't, right now Lung already reach the point where he stronger than when facing entire Protectorate in past, he is more than twenty feet tall already." Alice reassured with sing-song tone "They will watch and be wary but they won't interfere, joining in this state would be unwise and only strengthen Lung." She said "And even if they did, I'm sure Bakuda and Oni Lee won't let them."
They fought. They grappled. They wrestled. They punches and kicks each other like there no tomorrow while rolling in the ground
They destroy boat after boats, the earth beneath them turned to hot mud-like substance from his flame temperature that enough to made steel into soft like pillow, they wrecked everything that on their path
And yet he cannot defeat this boy
He land strike after strikes to him, he punches him many times, grab the boy and smash him to the ground, burning him in pure white flame, stomping him with his massive talon
And yet the boy did not stay down
He keep raise and fight him, not "fight" -trying to survive, using underhanded tactic, only scratching him- like many that he had face, no, the boy actually went on him and punch him in his face, knocking his teeth and even pull out one of his pointed mouth out!
That was hurt, fucking hurt
And it remind him of his battle against Leviathan
As matter of fact, Lung sure that right now he is as nearly big as the Endbringer himself. No one has ever push him this far, even when he escape from Yàngbǎn they do not able to push him this far
"Well.. I must say..." The boy spoke, he spat some blood to the ground and grinning a bit "I'm not one who enjoy fighting but I guess it felt good can shoot punch like this after long time."
On that part, Lung agree with him
"But I'm stopping this now." He declared
That made Lung bristle, his monstrous eyes narrowed and heavy growl out from his mouth. This boy dare? He dare? To declare such thing to him?! Him?!
Then again, Lung grudgingly admit that the boy do not only speak, he have power and strength to back his claim, to support his words. He able to fight him to standstill until now is proof of that
But the boy is wrong, he will not lose, he will not be defeated. He will win, he will never lose, for he is Lung, he is unbeatable!
And then he saw it... He saw it... He only able to because his sight was far better in this form after all, his eyes able to see more distance than normal people do, and he saw it
The moment the boy body turned to orange fully with his whisker thickened and his eyes turned to red, following with flame that flickering around him, Lung saw it
A being... Big... Titan... Gigantic... Enormous... More than him, more than Leviathan, more than Behemoth the Herokiller, more than anything he ever seen in his whole live
Fox with nine tails waving behind it massive figure that dwarfing even mountain itself and leering down at him as if he is only an ant
Then the boy move with orange light on his trail
One thing that is the most dangerous about Lung is not his superstrength, not his pyrokinesis, not his monstrous size
It was his healing factor
Naruto admit that Lung's healing factor is good, very good, surpassing even him when he was young, and it even more faster than him right now. Lung can regenerate limbs or organs that destroyed only in matter of minute at this level, that was the most troubling thing about him
Even if Naruto still have advantage in strength and technique but right now Lung is very durable to the point Naruto will need technique that will finish him off in one hit or at least strong enough to put him down by make him losing his consciousness
And truthfully? He have many Jutsu that can do that
One of them is his favorite
He moved, become flash of orange, and he was beneath Lung's massive body in less than second. Then he kicked him up, despite right now the Asian Warlord is about thirty feet tall and weight probably around hundreds kilogram or reaching ton even, but the dragon-like parahuman still soar upward from his kick
Then he jumped forward
"Big brother, big brother, please wake up! Wake up! Wake up! I swear! I swear! No more pranking! No more sneaking around inside your room! No more back talking! Just please! Wake up!" Aisha begged as she shook her brother body with tears washing over her face "Don't leave me... Please..."
And memory crossed inside his mind
"You grow stronger the longer you fight, you become more powerful with every seconds. So what?"
He deliver another kick, the power of Kurama and Sage Mode shattering layer after layers of bristling metallic scales that covering Lung like a knife peeling onion's skin, sending the giant parahuman above further
Except he did not soar upward for long
In flash Naruto appear above him, then he deliver powerful axe kick, shattering Lung's wing entirely and knock him down from the sky
But then Naruto flashed again and he appear below him and deliver punch that stripping another layers of metallic scales and send Lung to the sky once again
And he repeated that cycle
He flashed so fast before someone can blink he was there, he come from the right, he come from the left, he come from above, he come from below. He deliver punches and kicks. Each times he appear he strip Lung's scales one by one, he destroy his wings, shatter his knee, break his bones, slicing his claws
Right now Lung was in air and he almost like a pinball that smacked around by him, just like what Rock Lee did to Gaara once during the Chūnin Exam
And then he finished it, he come from above and deliver another kick to Lung, sending him down to the ground, his form no longer covered by scales, right now he is almost look like a creature without skins, showing his flesh to the World
Yet, scales started to grow as soon as they disappear
It doesn't matter
Naruto was on the ground, glaring up at Lung who now fall to him
"A Hero is someone who surpass obstacle, doesn't matter how hard it is, he will come out. And because of that, even if you grow stronger and powerful in every seconds."
Wind screeching, creating high-pitched sound that resonated, it as if the air itself was being sliced over and over until nothing of it remain. Blue orb of energy appear on his palm, then it began to spin and create a shuriken-like shape
"Hero will always win." Naruto declared as the thousands of wind blades clutch in his arm "And this is where you fall Lung." He said grimly as he prepare his final attack
"Oh darn..." Alice murmured with wide eyes as she watched what about to happened "Onee-chan cover your ears!" She warned in instant
"W-Wha?"
"NOW!"
Taylor who in daze and shock at the display of Naruto's strength somehow still able to sense the urgency in the little girl tone, quickly she did as she told
▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅-̶-̶̶•̸Ϟ•-̶-̶̶•̸Ϟ•-̶-̶̶-̶̶•̸Ϟ•-̶-̶̶-̶̶▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅
Then the World shook and engulfed in high-pitched sounds
It was so loud, it was as loud as bell of the church got ring entirely so the whole city can heard it
Then following that is sound of explosion that rocked the entire World
And as Taylor look above while clutching her ears and trying to stay on her foot, she only can stare in mixture of awe and astonishment as Lung's gigantic form in sky swallowed by giant sphere of blue energy, it was so big to the point she sure that half of the city can see it from distance, especially at that height
And then the blue sphere slowly gone, dissipated, and Lung fall from the sky, crashing to the ground with large sound, just few steps away from Naruto who no longer glowing and looking down at him
Lung do not get up anymore
"See? Onii-chan win!"
Taylor only can nod dumbly as the little girl on her side hopping in her place while clapping. Strong? Forget strong! Naruto is fucking Triumvirate-tier! That kind of blast?! That could level part of city without much problem! If it hit the ground instead in sky, nothing will left from Boat Graveyard!
She going to have chat with him after this, and she going to strangle him for making her worry so many times!
They come out from their hiding place, one by one, stepping out from where they take cover and watch the battle safely
Oni Lee was already on Lung's side, checking the man who now bloody mess, he already started to shrunk and perhaps had he not in his previous form that attack will straight kill instead leaving in that state
The demon masked killer stare at Lung for a moment, then he slowly stood and turned to him
"Lung has been beaten, Naruto Uzumaki is the winner." He declared aloud
There is no cheer or applause from ABB, only look of awe, shock, and fear. Naruto aware of this, he knew ABB was never expect him to won in very first place, they never thought about it, that is why they reacted like this
There cheer and and applause from Bakuda and Tweety though
Time to close this stage, the Protectorate that watching from the Hill already come down and approach them
"From now on Azn Bad Boyz will be known as Alliance of Brockton Bay." Naruto declared aloud, using Chakra to enchant it and make sure the heroes and Taylor who hiding can heard it "Our main theme is still Asian, I won't take that away from you, but we will accept others as well from now on. White, black, it doesn't matter. We accept them in our group. No more drugs and human trafficking, if I caught them -and believe me I will if you still continue it- I will personally come down to you."
He paused in there, letting his words sink to everyone, his blue eyes scanning the entire group with intensity
"You still can buy or use one, but use it just for yourself, do not offer them to others, I don't care even if it to another user but don;t even think to share it to each other. But if you in drug and try to mess someone, know that I will throw you to the sea until you sober enough
"Prostitution is also fine, as long those who register and do that is volunteering by themselves and not forced. And no more picking fight or taunt others, you only fight for one purpose; protect the peace of this city.
"Those are the basic rules of Alliance of Brockton Bay. If you all don't like it then you welcome to leave, if you want to challenge my decision in that regard then talk to me but know that if it is amoral I won't agree to it, and if you want to take over ABB then come and face me in combat, like I did to Lung."
His body blinked into orange color and there flame flickering around him for a moment, he take one step forward and look around
"Is there anyone who want to challenge my reign?" He asked
Everyone shook their heads frantically, obviously doesn't want to fight someone who beat Lung when he in the biggest form that they ever seen directly
"And you Oni Lee?" He asked again
The demon masked cape stare at him, his posture is rigid and firm. Then he slowly fell to one knee and drop one of his knife in serving appearance
"You defeat Lung in fair battle, you are the true ruler of ABB. From now on my powers and blades are yours to command Lord Naruto Uzumaki."
Lord... It's been a while since he called that... He never thought he will heard that when he stepped into this World
And now he become some kind of warlord
'Fuck vacation, of all place I landed, it just my luck that I have to be stranded into World like this.' Naruto thought with curse internally "You have body counts. Quite many as matter of fact." He tilted his head "I'm not stranger to killing, trust me, however everything have their own karma." He said "Will you go to Birdcage or kill yourself if I asked?"
"I don't want to be caged." Oni Lee stated "I will kill myself than that."
"If I order you to do that?"
"For the sake of ABB I will."
No hesitation, no tone in his voice, he accept them all without asking. There something strange and eerily familiar about Oni Lee now to Naruto, something that remind him of particular person, one that make him slight annoyed. But he can't remember it for now and he will think about that later since he have something else to deal with
The heroes who now approaching for one
They come to him, Armsmaster, Miss Militia, Assault, Battery, Velocity and Dauntless, the whole Protectorate. Tthe ABB's members split and let them approach him. Naruto sense Oni Lee tensed and already standing in preparation
"Naruto Uzumaki explain yourself!" Armsmaster demanded
Naruto can sense Bakuda approaching from behind, followed by Tweety
"I'm sure you heard it as well, I spoke loud enough for you to hear, I'm taking over ABB." He said nonchalantly, his eyes wandered to Miss Militia "See Miss Militia? Lung cannot recruit me."
"Yes, yes I can see that." The masked woman replied dryly "Instead you taking over his rule."
"Meh, better me than him."
"You will come with us to PRT right now." Armsmaster said with glare "And explain yourself properly."
"Sure." Naruto replied while shrugging "Let's go with that, might as well finish everything in one day." He murmured before turning to Oni Lee "You go back to the base, I will be there after I'm done and we can arrange things more."
"Yes Lord Uzumaki." Oni Lee said with nod
"The rest of you, go back as well, we done here!" He yelled to the gangs
They all nodded and started to scrambled away, however-
"No, they all come with us as well to be arrested." Armsmaster said firmly
"I don't think so." Naruto replied inn equal voice "They haven't done anything, they only come and watch our battle. Unless you can find crime list in their profile then you free to do so but if not, then no." He stated "And if you try to use force, know that I am not the one who started it." His whole body started to glow with blue aura, his Chakra leaked out once again
Oni Lee on his side pull out his knife out in preparation, Bakuda cocked her grenade launcher while tilting her head, and Tweety... Taking few steps back from them
"There's no need for that." Miss Militia immediately interjected, sensing the atmosphere now become tense "We won't arrest them, these people free to go." She said and give look to Armsmaster who clench his teeth "And we also going to let Oni Lee go." She added before looking to Lung
"You free to take Lung." Naruto said "I won't stop you, but when he wake up I want to have chat with him, is that fine?"
"We can arrange that." Miss Militia nodded "Now will you come with us?"
"Yes." Naruto nodded back "But one moment please." He then turned back, to the direction where he fight, to the place that now nothing but ruin and destroyed land. He perform one hand seal "Earth Release : Great Moving Earth Core."
He slam his palms to the ground, and the earth began to move. The entire place that ruined and destroyed suddenly sucked in as earth move down, swallowing everything in that area. He move his hands again and then the undamaged part of the land moved, joined together and close the hole that just created
The area where destruction and ruin exist moment ago was gone as if they were never there, right now Boat Graveyard was clean, save for few boats that still exist because not touched by his and Lung battle moment ago
He turned to Bakuda and Tweety then give both of them look "You two wanna go home or go with Oni Lee?" He asked
Bakuda shrugged "Might as well see our new place."
"I... Uhh..." Tweety's voice was distorted, there vibration that do not allow her real voice to come out "I think I better staying in home." She said "You will pick me up later right? When I want to come here?"
"Of course."
Naruto turned back to Protectorate who gaped at him while stare at the now clean Boat Graveyard "Please wait for a moment." He said and walk to Tweety. He clap his hand on her shoulder then the duo gone in orange flash, few seconds later he returned "Well, let's go then." He told them
The Protectorate only can stare at the blond for a moment, unsure what to do, then Armsmaster grunted and turned around, the other following him while Miss Militia approach Naruto
"Come on." She said softly
Naruto only nodded and let out hum as he follow the heroes
...
He feels like he forgetting something but what?
...
Meh, probably not important things
"Alice, what should we do?"
"Weeelll... I guess since Onii-chan go with them, it better if we see the new ABB! Or we could go shopping together! I heard there this nice food called Oconomaki around ABB area!"
Aaaand the wiiinnnneeeeerrrr isssss Naruto Uzumakiiiiii!
Applause and cheer everyone, for our protagonist has won! Yaaayyyy!
Then again that was to be expected in first place. Naruto is powerful after all, undoubtedly so. The only things that can give him problem if he truly go all out will be Scion, the Golden Man also bullshit in his own way if you must know. If they fight, let just say Earth Bet will be wiped out, and possibly more than that giving Scion's nature
Scion is bullshit but Naruto is also bullshit. They both bullshit in their own way.
Anyway, I won't make long note this time, I have something to take care of. So I guess this is it for now, I hope you love this chapter! Next one will be the reactions of other regarding Naruto's "true" power. Stay tune and keep reading if you curious about it! And don't forget to give this story Favorite, Follow, and Review
Ja Ne! XD
P.S : By the way, if someone kind enough to write PHO about this I will be very grateful! Please help this humble and modest writer!