The Discovery - Chapter 7.
Disclaimer: I do not own bleach or Naruto.
"Crunch," the sound echoed through out the field as Karin's face was smashed into ground.
How did she do that I didn't even see her move? Was it a shadow clone or… Karin thought but was interrupted by the deep wave of pain which ceased with the merciful darkness that consumed her. Sasuke turned sharply; eyes widen slightly, the only signs that showed his surprise at how effortlessly Sakura had taken down Karin.
"I have proven that I am worthy of Sasuke unlike you who were defeated so easily," Sakura spat as her eyes found themselves locked with Sasuke's.
She has changed Sasuke thought breaking away from her eye contact. I will have to test her strength later to see how much she's grown.
"Sasuke," Sakura whispered as her hair blew violently in the wind, "I hope you can see that I am no longer the helpless girl you once knew."
"Don't worry Sakura, I have faith that Sasuke will come back to you. Just don't give up," Hinata said quietly, her arms wrapped tightly around herself.
"Hinata, I- I thank you," Sakura stuttered caught off-guard by Hinata's words.
Hinata smiled and nodded in reply. Sakura's so strong and confident. I don't think that Sasuke would ignore her once he sees that. Their meant for each other she decided strongly.
"Eight trigrams seal mountain crusher," Neji said as a wave of chakra sped out of his hand directly towards Suigetsu.
So simple Suigetsu thought as he changed into his liquid form and swiftly dodged the attack.
Neji activated his byakugan while the boulder behind Suigetsu shattered to pieces. He noticed the mass build up of chakra in the sharp teethed boy's right arm and quickly moved several feet backwards as a precaution. "What," Neji murmured as he saw the boy's muscles expand, the limb's size increased in both size and length.
"Bang! Crack!" the earth rocked as Neji turned behind eyes stretched apart as he saw Urahara backed up against a tree out of the clearing and several yards into the forest.
Neji was still processing the image he saw and the possibilities of what were to come when he heard a familiar voice scream out.
"Neji, look out!" Tenten screeched as she thrust herself in front of Suigetsu sword which stabbed her in the liver area of her abdomen. Neji swung his head back at break neck speed as he winced at the sound of her ribs being cracked by the thick blade, his eyes filled with disbelief.
"Neji! No Tenten!" yelled Lee voice cracking with emotions eyes, brimming with accusation as he stared helplessly at Neji.
No! No! Neji shouted in his head. How could I have been so careless? So weak that she had to protect me? Why did she do it? Doesn't she have any idea of what it'll do to me if she died?!
Neji looked around hysterically searching for the one who did this to the only person who truly understood him. His eyes blazed with anger and hate in contrast to his composed and calm facial appearance.
"Over here. Are you gonna let me get away with that?" Suigetsu asked smugly.
"Neji," Tenten gurgled blood flowing out of his mouth as he stared at his face harden with pain and eyes slightly damp.
It was the face of a heartbroken and remorseful man.
"Lee get Tenten to Sakura or something, just make sure she lives," Neji yelled while his eyes were stuck to Suigetsu his body in battle stance.
Lee picked up her up gently realising how dangerous it was to move her however he had no choice. He sped to find his pink haired crush hoping she would be able to save his team-mate.
Neji waited for Suigetsu to come with in his range, he also advanced prepared to use all the jutsus in his arsenal to avenge Tenten.
"Eight trigrams empty palm," Neji shouted aiming for Suigetsu's chest planning to use gentle fist afterwards to finish him.
"You're careless and forgetful," Suigetsu sneered as he transformed into his liquid form to speed behind Neji and used his leg which he returned to normal to bash him in the middle of the back. Neji used his eight trigrams heavenly spin which pushed Suigetsu away violently.
Neji grunted and spat blood while slowly rising from the ground to face Suigetsu who had scratches and cuts decorated across his body. I'm running out of options Neji thought. But I'll finish this fight for Tenten.
I don't have enough chakra for my Kirin thought Sasuke but I can use the Amaterasu once. His eyes trailed Ichigo but he was moving to fast for him to be able to focus on him.
"Fire style fire ball jutsu," Sasuke said trying to slow down Ichigo who easily deflected the attack with his sword however part of his black coat had caught on fire.
Ichigo paused and tore off his coat. Sasuke jumped on the opportune moment and used his Amaterasu. Ichigo noticed and flashed stepped out of the way but his sword was caught in Sasuke's jutsu, its tip engulfed in flames.
"Damn Zangetsu!" Ichigo screamed as only half of his sword remained.
That's impossible Sasuke thought. The Amaterasu burns anything it touches until there's no more. His sword is supposed to be gone.
Jugo was reluctant to fight the slight woman that stood in front of him. He knew if he engaged in the battle the small person facing him would not live, he was positive about this. He had planned to stay on the sidelines and let the others take over however the woman ignored his advice and was currently running towards him. Jugo altered his left hand into a massive piston and the other to a huge blade. He used his blade to block Rukia's zanpakuto and smashed his other hand in her stomach. Rukia squirted blood through her mouth as she succumbed to unconsciousness. Her attempt to defeat me was futile but her conquer was an honourable one thought Jugo as he looked down at Rukia's limp body.
"I think that guy is faking," Tobi said pointing to Urahara.
"Yeah, well I couldn't careless," Kisame replied.
"He had a scary look in his eye," warned Tobi. "I think you may regret it."
"Uh huh," he said annoyed walking in Sasuke's direction.
Sasuke knew he wasn't capable of anymore jutsus that would help him win the fight. It didn't make sense to continue as they would most slightly sustain serious damages that they couldn't afford. Sasuke made a decision that ate away at his pride and dignity but was also the least reckless and stupid. He would have to retreat as the results if he did continue would be dire.
Sasuke turned around, his back faced Ichigo as he spoke, "We'll finish this battle later, and we both know how it will turn out if we continue."
Ichigo gritted his teeth and kept his head down. He knew it was true.
"This battle has made me interested in your power even more," Sasuke murmured.
"Damn you," Ichigo said in frustration.
"Hn," Sasuke replied.
"Sasuke?" Jugo said as he appeared in front of him awaiting his instructions.
"Get the others. We're leaving," Sasuke ordered heading into the depths of the forest.
Jugo piled Karin's unconscious body unto his shoulders and had already informed the older Akatsuki members of the order.
"Suigetsu," Jugo said placing his hand on his back, "we have to go."
"Get the fuck off and this fight is getting good," Suigetsu said as he eyed the pale eyed man in front of him.
"Sasuke ord-," he began but was cut off by Suigetsu.
"Yeah I am coming. God! I can't wait to fucking kill him, fuck him and his orders," he complained.
"You're not going anywhere!" Neji shouted.
"Huh, it was fun while it lasted. Don't worry I'll kill you later," Suigetsu said as he vanished from sight.
"Sasuke Uchiha. We can help you obtain your goals if you help us with ours," a low voice said in monotone from the shadows in the forest.
Sasuke stared at the green eyed man and said, "Name your terms."
Author's Note: Another twist and a cliff-hanger. Boy, am I evil. Sorry! I think there might have been some slight OCC ness in this chapter however it was all crucial for the plot to move along. Don't kill me Tenten fans there's a plan to my cruelty. In the next few chapters there will be fluff and romance. If you want to see the pairings please review. Also, from now on if I don't get more than five reviews I am not updating. So you know what to do, press the button with the green words and tell me what you think.
