«24» ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

© Masashi Kishimoto

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"YOU ARE?..." A Man awkwardly started, staring at the young girl in front of the gates of KARA.

Little Inomi seems confused about the situation she was in— but she decided to play along with him.

"I'm Hikari." She said, politely bowing her head towards the Man. "I've come in peace, perhaps— this should convince you." She handed him a letter, containing an unknown message.

The man's suspicions rose up but he remained silent, taking the letter away from her hand. He opened the letter slowly— starting off by ripping out the seal.

He wasn't ready on what was going to happen next.

Like a Kunai pressed on his neck. He slowly glanced at the side— to see none other than Uchiha Sasuke.

"There's no use to resist." The Uchiha stated coldly. "Or would you rather preferred to die with an explosive."

He then looked at his hand— to see the letter that turned out to be a paper bomb, with unusual letter.

"Accept my letter— Take it as an invitation to accept my Student to this Organization." Sasuke continued, pressing the kunai deeper. His neck started to bleed at that moment.

"What do you need from me?"

"Kids have been reported missing over the past years— turns out the place that they've been taken in was here." Inomi budged in, The Man turned to her in surprise. "We have come to save them, unless.. they have died."

"You're too late, unfortunately." He said, now it was Sasuke and Inomi's turn to gasp in surprise.

"I can't tell you what happened.. I have a position to Maintain." He stated. "Call me Koji from now on.. I have no choice but to rely my plans on your Student, Uchiha."

He smirked in amusement. "That's a deal."

~

"Kawaki is his name?" Inomi asked Koji who was sharpening his kunai beside her. He hummed in response— she took that as a yes.

She took a good look at the file settled on the table. Turns out he was one of the survivors that had taken complete control of Karma.

Now it was her turn to take care of him. He was just about Two years older than her— what caught her attention the most was his hair.

"This would take years to keep him away from the Inners but.. we can pull it off." Inomi smiled, closing the folder. Koji turned to her and kept silent for a few seconds.

"What makes you say that? Without.. any sacrifices?"

"I trust you and Amado." She smiled at him. "I'm here to help aren't I? Even if I die in this situation— I'll do anything to help Kawaki. He's.. now an important person to me."

"Just like the others.. my mission is to protect people from evil."

As she said that, Koji held her hand— with a worried expression on his face. She was surprised to see that coming from him.

"Hikari.. I can't make it out of this alive— your Shinobi pride... Is exactly want I wanted to hear." He started  off, then he took off his mask. "I'm just a clone aren't I? No one will ever recognize me as myself."

Inomi stared at him in awe, sighing as she patted his back. "Jiraiya.. was a great Sannin. Just as you are.. right now."

"If I die soon, take my Shinobi pride with you."

"You're kidding right?"

....

"Right? Don't tell me you're facing J-Jigen-Sama?"

"Wake up Inomi."

"Koji!..." Inomi gasped out, as she tried to catch her breathe. She felt her heart raising— over and over.

Her face was moist, yet her hair was messy. Her tongue was dry and her eyes felt heavy.

She observed her surroundings, yet again— she was in the Hospital. She was right, her body had passed out the minute she stepped out of Sasuke and Naruto's body.

Her torso was stiff, and her arms were filled with bruises. She began thinking of Kurama's words over and over again.

"I could've died.." She mumbled, looking at her cold and shaking hands. Jigen didn't take Naruto-Sama and Sensei very lightly.. no wonder I was in the verge of death.

At her table, she saw a small letter right beside a glass of water. She decided to take the letter first, out of curiosity.

Turns out it was a message.. coming from Sasuke?...

Your Scientist friend is here.. He's going to stay here in Konoha.

Keep an eye on him in your free time.

"Amado?.." She thought to herself, now furrowing her eyebrows and huffed in frustration. "I sure hope he didn't do anything risky to bribe the Hokage's attention. That insane bastard."

All of a sudden— a shuriken had flew over her window. Luckily, she caught it right between her fingers as it almost touched the tip of her nose. "What's going on out there?"

Shivers Ran through her body when she turned to her window. A floating figure who was well enough to be an Otsutsuki.

"Isshiki.. what happened?!" She instantly stood up from her bed. Looking at his figure in pure horror.

Now she understood why He appeared on her dream.

"He's going after Kawaki isn't he?" She thought to herself with a small frown on her face. She began taking off her clothes and wore her Usual Shinobi uniform. "Not on my watch, even if it costs my life."

She opened the window and immediately jumped out of there. Even if she felt weak— she still had the guts to fight him.

As she jumped from roof to roof. She saw a familiar Blonde far ahead— Her eyes widened at the sight of The Hokage facing off Isshiki.

She hid behind a billboard— to keep out of sight. She didn't want the Otsutsuki to see her first.

"I hadn't expected to see your face here." Isshiki said blankly. "I can't believe Boro failed."

"We've got lots of Outstanding Shinobi." Naruto furrowed his eyebrows. "If you got cold feet, feel free to go on home."

"Oh.. I shall.. after I'm done." The Otsutsuki stated, now looking around. "Now where's Kawaki?"

"Forget about him." The Hokage snapped. "Let's pick up where we left off.. and settle things once and for all!"

Isshiki sighed, he knew that He was being delusional. "If you insist.."

The ground started to shake, as Inomi got startled. Then she saw buildings collapsing, people were now screaming for help.

Inomi didn't have a choice but to save them. She picked up some kids and one adult with her arms and placed them far through the Scenario.

"Please stay out of this, and keep running! I apologize for the disaster!" Inomi commanded them. Much for her relief, they immediately ran away, giving her a thankful look.

She shook her head, and heard another crash— There, she saw Naruto on the ground. "Hokage-Sama!"

Just as Isshiki was about to kick his fallen figure— Sasuke came to the rescue.

Inomi's heart started beating faster as she went beside The Uchiha. The Hokage looked at them in surprise.

"You're late, Sasuke." Naruto exclaimed, a spark of joy erupted through his body— seeing both of them together.

"Sorry." Sasuke replied. "I had to prepare myself."

He turned to Inomi and scoffed. "Took you long enough to wake up, Got my message?"

Inomi scowled at him. "If it weren't for me, both of you would be dead— and yes I did."

Naruto smiled at Inomi, completely woken up but he turned to Sasuke once again.

"What do you mean?" He asked the Uchiha. "You had jitters, that's not like you."

"You just don't give up, do you?" Isshiki chuckled at the Two. "Have you forgotten how I badly beaten you?"

"Not badly enough.." Inomi huffed, ignoring the bruises on her body that was made by him.

"Inomi, Naruto." Sasuke stated, catching both of their attention. "Cover me with weapons. Kunai, Shuriken, it doesn't matter."

"The old trick huh?.." Inomi smiled— picking up 2 shurikens from her bag. "Got ya, Sensei."

"Hokage-Sama."

"Got it!"

The both of them started throwing weapons towards the Otsutsuki— as well as Sasuke.

Isshiki then used one of his Dojutsus— completely shrinking the Shurikens that had come close to him.

Except one— Inomi's hit was yet again, invincible. As it slightly sliced up his torso. The Otsutsuki silently hissed in pain.

"It's no use! He's shrinking all of them!" Naruto warned the Uchiha— As usual, he was too stubborn to listen to his friend.

Without hesitation, Sasuke surprisingly threw his Katana towards Isshiki.

He huffed in frustration. "Same difference!"

The Katana came closer at him. He then used his dojutsu, once again.

This time— it didn't work at all.

"Boruto?!" Inomi yelled as he saw The Katana turn into the Uzumaki. He was now holding up a Rasengan, ready to attack the Otsutsuki.

"You did some research on this huh? Sensei?" Inomi muttered under her breathe. "Even used one of my students.."

Sasuke smirked when he heard the Yamanaka. "The Jutsu can shrink anything.. except.."

"LIVING CREATURES!" Boruto Continued, a nasty smirk on his face. "Right?"

~

"Boruto." Inomi called out, the Blonde turned to her— as he was working with Kawaki, trying to get them back home. "Yeah Sensei?"

"If I kill you right now, would you consider it?"

"HUH?!" Team Seven and Kawaki said in sync, shock by her words.

"W-What do you mean, Inomi? You can't do that to him!" Sarada protested, earning a glare from her. "I'm not asking you.. it's not like I'm gonna do it."

"Well, Boruto." She said once again. "Would you?"

The Uzumaki was silent for a moment. For him— he was utterly confused why she would say that to him. Was it insensitive? Maybe. Does it have to do anything with Boro's death? He thought that too.

"We all saw how he Momoshiki.. woke up in Boruto's body." Inomi started to explain the situation. "If he gets complete control of Boruto— there's no other way but to kill him to stop it."

Inomi turned to face the Hokage, lying on the ground unconscious. "I wouldn't want.. Naruto to do it. He could do the same thing but.. you know how things work here, Boruto."

"If it ever happens again. Trust me— I will stop you from doing so.." A tear left her eye. "Even if one of us has to die."

~"BORUTO!" Naruto immediately called his son— right after stepping out of Sasuke's portal. Together with Inomi, she had a worried expression on her face.

"Are you okay?"

Boruto gave them a huge grin on his face. "What do you think? Not bad for doing it without practice yeah?"

"Brat!" Inomi yelled out of anger, marching towards him. His eyes widened— and was shut close as he prepared himself for impact.

Surprisingly, he got engulfed into a quick warm hug— coming from her. "Don't you ever! Scare me like that Boruto! Don't you ever.." She cried out, then playfully punched his back. "Pull yourself together Uzumaki!"

"Right Sensei!" He said in awe— he turned to Isshiki's direction with a determined face. "All you need to do now is take him down.. Easier said than done!"

"So uh.. Boruto!.." Naruto hastily said, catching the Small Uzumaki's attention. "Where are we?"

"Uh about that... I don't know!"

"What?!"

"Give me a break.." Inomi groaned, turning to the Yellowheads in front of her. "Otsutsuki are able to teleport or create another dimension whatsoever... That's where the Karma comes in— since they are linked to the Otsutsuki. Boruto managed to bring us to another dimension with the help of his Karma."

"I'm done with explaining— you better think this is a good idea fighting this guy again.." She said— ending with a Harsh tone. She didn't mind fighting but against him? They stood no chance at all.

Just then, Isshiki flickered in front of them— taking away Boruto far from their sight.

He's faster than usual! How? Inomi panicked, she began activating Tenseigan— catching up with his speed.

"NARUTO, ABOVE US!" The Uchiha and Yamanaka yelled when they saw Isshiki's choking Boruto in mid air.

Her body ran cold, seeing her own student against their worst opponent yet. "Put him down Isshiki-Sa... ISSHIKI!"

"I got him." Sasuke mentioned, he activated his Rinnegan and switched his own body with Boruto— as the Uzumaki was safe on the ground.

The Uchiha managed to weave signs and create a Chidori— but failed to hit his opponent. He was kicked hard onto the ground— landing with a Loud explosion.

Inomi winced at the sight of his body— completely twitching from the Pain.

"Inomi, protect Boruto at all cost, NOW!" Naruto commanded. The Yamanaka didn't dare to disobey him as she gently scooped up Boruto and ran away from a distance.

Although her hand was hurting from Boruto's unecessary protests— he was a very big deal, and she wasn't going to let him go.

"Yin-Yang Barrier Jutsu!" She yelled as a Mint green barrier surrounded the boy— he was trap completely in a hidden place.

"Sensei! Get me out—"

"I can't Boruto." She muttered, lowering her hands— she wasn't gonna let him go easily. "Naruto. The Hokage.. told me to protect you— your life is a big cost out there.. I'm not risking it."

She heard explosions from a far distance— knowing a great battle has began between the Fox and Otsutsuki.

"I don't want to loose.. a student of mine Boruto." She mumbled under her breath. Her heart pounding as she saw the pain shown in his eyes.

"What about the Hokage? Sensei?! Are we gonna leave them here?"

"I won't leave them alone. I won't ever leave their side.. but if one of them dies.. You'll be the next target." She took away her hair tie— as strands of her hair started to flow down. "I swear to protect you Boruto, I'm never loosing one of my comrades again. Ever."

"I don't want to feel the pain of loosing someone again.." She accidentally spilled out— Boruto was shaken up like something had struck him.

The very first time he saw— pain in her eyes. Her Teal eyes were now dull as the grey sky. She was no longer the Cheerful Inomi-Sensei he knew.

"Sensei." He started, walking towards the barrier and pressing his hand onto it— he felt he needed to feel Inomi's hand. "You can cry.. I can see your eyes watering."

"This is not the time, Boruto." She gritted her teeth, clenching her fists. The Uzumaki had a large lump on his throat but proceeded to pursue what he was doing.

He knew he was the type of guy to let someone's emotions get the best of them — in a good way.. But he had other matters to do so, He couldn't leave his own Comrade caving in her own emotions.

As he was about to speak— his mouth stuttered at the sight of her tears, purely flowing down her cheeks.

It was stinging for her, but she slowly felt her heart warming up. She didn't know why.

She didn't know exactly why— but she couldn't help to put a smile on her face.

How did His Words struck her like a truck?

"Sensei?.."

"You know what... Fine." She chuckled with a sarcastic smirk on her face. "I'll let you go."

"If you die, I'm killing myself with you." She said, cracking her knuckles.

Boruto sweatdropped for a moment but brightened up at the sight of the Barrier vanishing into thin air.

She then turned to the Battle and furrowed her eyebrows. Just as she saw Sasuke almost— completely getting stabbed by a Katana. She turned to the Uzumaki again. "Need a boost? Do it quick."

Boruto didn't dare to hesitate as he waited for the wind's impact to blow him away.

Surprisingly, Inomi's wind palm was strong enough to launch him far away to save the Uchiha in grave danger.

In a blow, he successfully, yet barely managed to deflect the Weapon by smacking it away. The Otsutsuki was surprised himself that— he showed up in a time like this.

"...What are you up to, Uzumaki Boruto?" Isshiki grumbled, staring at the Blonde accompanying Sasuke. "Do you want to die that badly?"

"What about you?" He scoffed. "Why'd you freeze up? You could've killed us both at once."

"Y-you.."

"Thought so!" Boruto grinned as he saw the Otsutsuki loosened up by his words. "You can't kill me, can you?"

"... You say I can't kill you?" Isshiki repeated his words. "What makes you think that, Uzumaki Boruto?"

"Heh, Look at you acting so Serious!" He said cockily, taunting the Otsutsuki who was lost at thought. "You can't be more obvious, Isshiki!"

"Boruto." Inomi suddenly huffed, sounding like a little warning from him to keep his mouth shut.

"Explain it to me, Boruto." Sasuke commanded, he thought for sure — something was off with Boruto's words.

"You see, the Inner we fought." He started. "That guy named Boro, he was going on about.. some plan."

"A plan?" Sasuke asked. "The one involving the Divine tree Amado mentioned?"

"Seems like it." Inomi said lowly, placing a hand on her hip. "He's probably using Boruto as sort of a... Back up."

"I see.. Boro let that slip huh. I thought it suspicious to lost contact with him but.. I never expected him to be defeated by a small fry like you." The Otsutsuki finally said, after eavesdropping their whole discussion.

"It wasn't just me!" Boruto defended. "I was with Kawaki and Team Seven! Konoha Genin are legit!"

"We already know your foolish plan with the Ten tails and Divine Tree." Inomi cocked an eyebrow. "Stupid of you to use Kawaki, can't you just feed yourself?"

"What of it?" He snapped. "What good is that knowledge when you don't have any power.. to stop me?"

"Alright, Hold it right there!" Boruto demanded, as he saw Isshiki walking towards their direction. He then started to take out a kunai out of his pocket. "Don't move any closer, or you'll regret it!"

"Boruto, don't." Inomi whispered— just as the Uzumaki pointed the Sharp weapon right to his throat.

"I meant it when I said Konoha Genin are legit!" He continued. "Don't you dare move a finger. I won't hesitate to do it."

"Excuse me?" Isshiki said, resonating his words. "Is that supposed to be a threat?"

"Think I won't go through with it? You're wrong! I'm prepared to die ever since I entered this battle!"

"Uzumaki, shut it!" Inomi warned, as her breathe hitched at the sight of Isshiki— gone.

Boruto's Kunai shrank into a small piece. They all knew that he was around here somewhere.

"Run Boruto! Threats don't work on him!" Sasuke hastily ordered his Student beside him. "You can't risk getting caught!"

"We can't win against him eitherway." Inomi muttered, a bead of sweat forming on her forehead. "The only thing we can do is hold out time for his life span to run out."

In a blink of an eye, Inomi saw Sasuke getting kicked Hard on the ground. She screamed in horror seeing him fall down. "SENSEI!"

Out of rage, She immediately attacked the Otsutsuki as she managed to hit him on his Abdomen. He gritted his teeth in pain.

"What pain in the butt is that Tenseigan of yours, little girl. Aren't you tired of carrying Toneri with you all the time?"

He immediately got The Yamanaka's hands and twisted it harshly. She cried in pain and glared at him. "I won't let you get away with this, bastard!"

"Look, little girl." He grabbed her head and forcefully made her look straight in his eyes.

Two cold eyes. A Big tension started growing between them.

"You may have landed me a huge scar TWICE.. But this time, it's your turn to face what I've gone through."

"You made me feel this way, Otsutsuki! I've gone through way worse than you!"

He grunted and lifted her up to the sky. Inomi's Cold eyes didn't leave his— he wouldn't back down for a Small matter.

"What would Toneri do if he heard this?" He taunted, trying to make her guilty.

Fortunately for her, she stood her ground. "He was selfish. But NEVER used me as a tool— unlike your Dry Crap!"

He scoffed, loosening the grip on her head. "Once you're dead, it'll be good riddance."

He threw her body, far from a distance. Her body rolled to the ground, crashing into a cliff— as dirt had buried her deep into the ground.

"B-Boruto.." She managed to croak out. Her vision started to blur as she could only see crimson red dripping down her eyes. As far as she is— she could barely witness Isshiki breaking the Uzumaki's hand.

She wasn't going to pass out just now. She immediately crawled out of the dirt and tried to stand up at ease.

Her mind was out of place. She couldn't use her Medical Ninjutsu at the moment. She was severely bruised yet her arms were slightly broken.

— She gave up. Until, she felt someone carrying her. A warm yet strong sensation of Chakra covering her.

She looked up to see Naruto. He carried her and brought her into a small yet safe place. He saw how beaten up she was, as well as Sasuke and Boruto.

"Hang in there, Inomi." He assured, placing her gently on the ground. "You can heal yourself right?"

"Uhm.." She started, her eyes barely open. Naruto noticed her arms Twisted as his eyes widened. "That Otsutsuki bastard... Stay here! Don't step in the fight okay? You're injured!"

She nodded weakly, as The Uzumaki jumped towards Isshiki. Inomi sighed, staring at her hands. She began performing Medical Ninjutsu by starting off with her arms.

Although her chakra was weak, the only thing she could do was restore her arms back in place— which she successfully did.

The only thing she had to worry about, was her comrades.

There, Naruto and Isshiki stood in silence. Inomi knew something was off— with the Hokage.

"His chakra just felt strong... But why is Kurama intensifying his chakra?" She mumbled.

Orange bubbles started to coat up Naruto's body. The more it started to form— the more it made sense.

This was Kurama's Final form... She gasped in thought. She crawled near the Scenario. Her eyes must've deceived her but this time— it didn't.

BARYON MODE?

"Naruto-Sama!" She exclaimed frantically. She had to look twice to realize, it really was Baryon Mode.

The Ultimate Form of Kurama.

She furrowed her eyebrows and weaved a sign— using her Mind Jutsu.

"Kurama." She started with a harsh tone.  She then heard the Fox gulped silently through their connection. "Don't stay silent there, why did you let him?!"

"I had no choice, we had no choice. Inomi.". He mumbled in dissapointment. "This could ruin both of our life's due to Chakra exhaustion, but it's better than all of us fighting to death."

"Call me selfish or whatsoever. Naruto is my priority, I can't let him die, even You!" She cried out, witnessing how Great yet painful it was to see Naruto in his new form.

"If you both die, the contract is over! I won't let BOTH of you break it! I could never imagine a day without protecting you!"

"Kurama.. you've been awfully silent.." She laughed with tears in her eyes. "Guess this is it? Look, Naruto is getting fucked up! There's no way communicating with you now!"

As Isshiki was getting a hold of Naruto's neck, locking him into the ground. He raised his hand as a Dark portal appeared.

There, Kawaki appeared out of nowhere.

"How?" Her mouth opened wide. "How.. did he know where he was?!"

"What the..." Kawaki grunted, after making contact with the ground. "What the hell just happened?!"

"So I see.. that unsightly right hand was functioning your chakra via, Hokage." The Otsutsuki observed, coughing up blood— but he had other matters. His source of power was finally there.

"I'm grateful to you. Thanks to that Meddle some link, I was able to link Kawaki and drag him out of here, at this last moment.."

~

To be continued...