The newcomer, Zabuza looked down on us like he was superior. I was ready to throw a rainbow on insults at him, but for some reason that didn't seem like a good idea. He was an exiled ninja after all, I'm pretty sure there was a reason for that. I shifted closer to the others in fear that he would pick me off first.
Naruto ran forward like this was some kind of race, but Kakashi stopped him, thank god. I ran up next to him, it was probably best if I stuck close to him.
"You're in the way. Stay back." Kakashi ordered, giving both of us a meaningful look. Odds are, he knew more about this guy than both of us combined. I nodded and stepped back no problem. I could practically feel the bad aura around him.
"Why?!" Naruto asked angrily.
"He's different than the guys we've met before."
Wait, Zabuza? I've heard of him, the demon of the mist. He was in… ahem training the same time as me.
What does that mean?
He just showed up during genin exams, and killed over a hundred other students, or something like that. He's bad news, be careful.
Right. Thanks for the info, Riyu. I looked up at him, repressing a shiver that threaten to rip through me. I checked Tazuna, he was still safe for the time being, and who knows how long that'll last. Kakashi-sensei lifted up his headband, exposing his other eye.
Sharingan.
What?
That's' the kekkai genkai of the Uchiha Clan don't you remember? How the hell does he have it?
I don't know… And I'm sure Suke-kun is dying to find out.
"I'm guessing your Kakashi, the copy ninja." Zabuza asked, more like told the silver-haired ninja. Interesting. That's definitely a better name. One day, I'll have one too! Hitomi, the… I'm sure I'll get there one day.
"I'm sorry, but I'll need you to hand over the old man." I gripped my katana, waiting to pull it out and cut this guy to shreds. Although, I somehow doubt my sword will do any good against his.
"Everyone, manji formation. Protect Tazuna. Don't join the battle." Kakashi ordered. His tone threw me off a little, he was dead serious. I don't know what I expected but… We fell back, standing around Tazuna protectively. I took out a kunai instead of katana, I hadn't practiced with it too much recently, I was a little rusty.
Kakashi had a scar running right down the center of his eye. Of course not in his eye, you know what I mean. Sharingan actually looked pretty cool, it was interesting. I glanced at Sasuke, his brow furrowed into a scowl.
"I'm honored that I can see the sharingan I've heard so much about." I angled myself more toward him, to get a better read on where he would move first. No surprises so far.
"You guys keep saying it! Sharingan, sharingan! What is it?" Naruto asked, turning to Sasuke and Sakura. Sasuke was the one to answer.
Sharingan, it's a kekkai genkai in the eyes that allows the user to see through any genjutsu, taijutsu, or ninjutsu. But that's not the only ability."
"It an copy any jutsu too. Perfectly." I finished, repeating the information Riyu told me the first day at the ninja academy. She had files locked away in her mind about each students' kekkai genkai, and told it to me when she deemed it appropriate.
The first day she told me about the sharingan. It scared me in the beginning, but now that I have two people on my team that possess sharingan, I'm pretty okay with it. I'm not sure if Sasuke has his or not, I'll have to ask him later.
Mist swept in suddenly, cutting us off from the rest of the world. My muscles tensed up, and my heart rate seemed determined to quicken.
Not this again…
Riyu, shut up! You know you could try to be helpful.
"When I was in the Village Hidden in the Mist assassination squad, your information was listed in the bingo book I carried, asking for your capture. It also noted that the man copied over a thousand techniques, Kakashi the Copy Ninja."
I must say, that is quiet impressive.
"Wow!" Naruto shouted, looking at Sensei in amazement.
"Let's cut the chit-chat." Zabuza cut in, turning around fully to face us. "I have to kill him as soon as possible." All four of us tensed around Tazuna, keeping our eyes locked on the other ninjas. I calmed my breath, forcing myself to relax. This mist was really getting to me.
"But Kakashi, it looks like I'll have to defeat you first." Zabuza said. His words were met with a cold, hard stare from sensei. I inwardly shuddered, waiting for them to make a move.
That's when the rouge ninja jumped out of his tree, sword in hand. My grip around my kunai tightened. He appeared on the pond that wasn't too far from us.
"He's over there." Naruto pointed out. I nodded in acknowledgement.
I'm impressed, standing on water?
You've never seen that?
Nope, first time. Zabuza held a hand in front of his mouth, and another above his head. A jutsu, but what kind? Water and wind swirled around him, his headband and bandages whipping around violently.
"He's putting a lot of chakra in that water." Kakashi muttered, turning to face him.
"Ninja art, hidden mist jutsu."
He doesn't want Kakashi to use his sharingan.
Obviously. The man disappeared, mist coming in thicker now. I tried again to slow my breathing but it didn't help. Damn mist, and this time there was a killer hiding in it! I jinxed it!
"He disappeared." Naruto whispered disbelievingly. I shifted a little closer to him, I didn't trust this. I don't know what it was, but I felt he was close. It was like I could feel the energy radiating off of him.
"Sensei?" Sakura asked, as Kakashi wandered around a bit, trying to figure out Zabuza's location.
"He'll probably eliminate me first, but…"
"What is he?" I asked, forcing the fear out of my voice.
"He used to be part of the Hidden Mist's ANBU. He was known for his silent killing techniques."
"Silent…?"
"Just as the name implies, it's a killing technique that's over in a flash, and carried out in absolute silence. It's possible you'll be dead before you realize it." I shuddered. How could anyone do that? I would never just be able to kill someone in silence. I would let them have they're last words, and I would remember them, so that they didn't die silently.
"And now with this mist, I can't use my sharingan fully, so don't let your guard down." Like I would. I watched the mist, swirling like smoke in front of me. Slowly it all blended into one, and I couldn't tell what I was looking at anymore.
"But, if you fail, you're all going to die."
"I love you, sensei. Remind me to kill you myself when we're done." I hissed. More mist, more panic.
"It's getting thicker!" The blonde pointed out after a moment of silence. I shivered, trying to ignore the fact that I was being strangled by this damn fog!
And to top it off, Zabuza was listing off ways to kill us! Okay, I was about to lose my friggin' mind. My heart was beating erratically, and I couldn't control my shaking. I haven't felt this out of control since I was little.
It looked like Sasuke was having trouble with our position as well. He was shaking almost as bad as me. But he went one step further. At the angle he was holding his kunai, it looked like he was gonna kill himself!
"Suke-kun, please don't do that…" I whispered, trying to control my voice and my shaking. He looked up at me is disbelief, and then looked down at his kunai, quickly putting it away from himself.
"Don't worry Sasuke, I'll never let you guys die, I promised." Kakashi-sensei encouraged with one of his smiles. I swear, we couldn't ask for a better sensei.
"Well your about to break your promise, Kakashi." Zabuza growled, appearing behind us. I jumped out of my skin, whipping around to face the maniac.
Before the sword-wielding asshole could make a move, Kakashi jumped in front of us, and striking Zabuza with a kunai.
The rouge ninja splashed down into a puddle of water, leaving me confused. So now, we still had no friggin' clue where he was.
"Just a clone?" I wondered aloud, tapping the water with my foot. And then Zabuza jumped out again, killing Kakashi again, and then Kakashi held a kunai to this Zabuza. Dear lord, this was confusing.
And then Zabuza, the real one appeared behind him, a smirk hidden underneath this stupid bandages.
"You'll never defeat me." He chided, swiping his sword at Kakashi. Sensei jumped back, narrowly avoiding his blade.
I found it difficult to hold myself back. Even though this man scared the shit out of me, I couldn't fight the urge to pummel him. That was my sensei. How dare he try to kill my sensei! I growled in the back of my throat.
My katana seemed sharper than usual, maybe I could make at least mark? But what hope do I have against an s-class criminal? I mean, Kakashi was having difficulty with him.
But what about teamwork? As cheesy as that sounds, it might work. It's just like the bells, right? Except we're trying to kill him.
I doubt I would get any help from Sasuke, and Sakura seemed a little out of it too. Naruto would be my only chance, but he would need to listen. Kakashi too… How would I get him to play along?
I know. As long as Kakashi's distracting him, I have an opening.
Riyu, give me a jutsu!
How about fire strike? Or Tiger's claw?
Thanks.
I needed a precise jutsu. One that I had total control over, and there wouldn't be any chance of the attack accidentally touching my team. Kakashi was kicked out, over the water, with Zabuza standing above him.
They were on the water, like it was magic. I know it was basic chakra control, but it was still cool looking.
"Water prison jutsu!" Well there goes my plan. Kakashi was trapped in a ball of water, and now, there was no chance of sneaking up behind him now.
Fire strike might still work, but he is in a ball of water. That would have to be crossed off. Maybe I could try a water based jutsu?
Just then, Zabuza created a water clone, guarding him and Kakashi. I scowled. This was getting harder and harder.
"You wear headbands as if your ninja, those who have faced death so many times they can't even count. Those who have enough skill to get into my bingo book are worthy of becoming ninja. You four, are nothing but brats." I glared at him. Okay, he was definitely going down.
His cold, heartless stare shifted to me.
"Actually, you might be worthy, girl. You're from the Kodoku clan aren't you?" I raised an eyebrow suspiciously.
"All of you! Get out of here! Take Tazuna, Zabuza's clone can't go far from the original. That gives you a good advantage." I paced, worriedly watching the two… no three in front of me.
Riyu? What do you want to do?
What do you think?
Excellent.
I created a clone, smiling at Riyu. We would be getting Sensei out of this. Before I could make a move, Naruto rushed him. Zabuza kicked him back, the cocky smile never leaving his face.
And then, he did the most unexpected thing. He started monologuing. It was actually pretty inspiring. I sighed. That sure would get the others into gear.
And on that note, he ran at Zabuza full speed. Getting kicked away again, he got up. He tied his headband back on, which I hadn't noticed. I took out my katana, same time as Riyu.
I ran at him this time. I dodged an attack, and Riyu struck. And as she dodged, I struck. We were in perfect synchronization.
But that was short lived. Our luck ended, as Zabuza created another clone.
Shit! I narrowly avoided the second's attack, sharing a look with Riyu. She nodded and continued to fight. She trusted me to fight? Huh.
I used a couple hand sighs, and smiled at him. The least I could do was evaporate him, right?
"Fire strike!" My sword lit up with a beautiful golden flame. My strikes were faster, and stronger. And if it touched his clone, it would release steam. But there was never a direct hit.
Where are the others? I was knocked back, into a tree. The air rushed out of my lungs, and I faintly saw that Riyu was beaten back too. Zabuza held her but her throat, strangling her with one hand.
"Riyu!" I gasped, pushing myself up on hands and knees. I coughed, struggling to my feet.
"I wonder how long it'll take for you to poof away, brat." Zabuza hissed at her, holding her tighter. With a sudden gasp, she poofed away, only for me to hear her a second later, struggling to compose herself in my mind.
The other clone disappeared into a puddle. I was knocked down again. I coughed, this time blood mixed with spit.
"So this is what the Kodoku clan has to offer? Maybe you're not worthy of my book." He snarled, kicking me in the stomach. I hissed in pain, holding my now bleeding stomach. I pushed myself up, flipping away and toward the others.
"Hitomi!" Before I landed, the blade of his sword ripped up my back. It didn't cut me, but my shirt was torn to hell.
My katana shook min my hands, and I watched him like a scared kitten. I was prepared to run back to the others, but Zabuza had already blocked my escape.
"Oh, so you've gotten your stripes?" I raised an eyebrow. (A/N: Okay, let's change what her scar says. I think this would be much better for the story anyway.) "Coward." I shook. I felt completely defenseless. There was no way I was getting out of this.
Coward. Coward. I was a coward. I couldn't even stand up to Kazuko. What made me think I could fight Zabuza?
"Hitomi, don't listen to him!" Naruto's voice rang, snapping my out of my trance. I stared at the ground, scared to look at this monster in the eye.
"You know I'm right. You're clan was right too. You just a coward." I dropped my katana, covering my ears, and falling to my knees.
"No! I'm n-not…." I whispered, feeling tears swelling up. His blade dug into my arm, but I couldn't move. He was right.
I knew it. Deep down, I was just a scared little girl, and wasn't wanted by anyone. Who would want a coward on their team?
I felt the blood running down my arm, and it felt right. Like I was meant to feel this pain. As punishment for not being able to save Kakashi. I couldn't even protect Naruto from those other ninja! I was worthless…
Kakashi, Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura…. I've let you all down…
No, you haven't! Now get the hell up!
Its fine, Riyu. This is the end of the line. You've been a great companion.
As soon as things get bad, you give up. What happened to the Hitomi that I know? The one that never gives up, no matter what. You need more determination.
Why don't you fight him then?
Haven't you noticed? You're too low on chakra. Not only that, but that fear has a pretty strong hold on you, there's no way I can overcome that. But you can, you're a Kodoku! You're their heiress! Get you shit together, and fight!
The blade cut closer to my original scars, and I screamed. I couldn't tell the difference any more. It was too much like three years ago. I was just as helpless as I am now. It all blurred together.
Kazuko's laughter, and Zabuza's. The blood. My fear. My helplessness. My cowardice. The pain. Oh, the pain.
"Stop…" I choked out. I didn't want to be here. Back in my childhood. This was my life. It was like I was destined to be kicked down, over and over again.
"Stop." I didn't want this.
"STOP!" I cried, holding my hands between me and Zabuza.
"Ha, you are a coward." I crawled away on hands and knees, dragging myself toward Naruto. He was my light. He was the only one that could help me, just like the first time.
Where's Iruka? Isn't he supposed to take me to the hospital now?
I pulled myself to his feet, watched the ground.
"I'm s-sorry, I-I disappointed you." I mumbled. I can't do anything right. That's what my father said right?
"Are you alright?" The blonde asked, leaning down. I nodded, flinching away.
"Y-yes. D-don't hurt m-me. I-I'm sorry." I repeated, avoiding his gaze. Naruto growled, standing up to his full height.
"Don't worry. I deal with him, believe it." After that, I passed out.
/\\\\\
I was shaken awake, but I don't think it was intentional. My eyes fluttered open, meeting a head of dark hair.
"Suke-kun?" I whispered hugging his neck. This wasn't right, wasn't he supposed to be Iruka-sensei? Sasuke was carrying me on his back.
"Hitomi… what happened?" He asked. I looked away, tightening my grip slightly. He sighed, turning his attention forward.
Tazuna and Naruto were carrying Kakashi, who didn't have his vest, and I was afraid he was dead. Sakura looked shaken, could he really be dead? I whimpered.
"W-what happened to Kakashi-sensei?" I asked. I looked down at myself, and saw I was wearing sensei's vest. He must've given it to me after the fight. I buried my face in Sasuke's back, feeling him tense up.
"I'm sorry, I-I was w-weak, Suke-kun…" I murmured. He stopped walking, shifting so he could look me in the eye.
A pale finger reached up, wiping away a tear that I hadn't even noticed.
"Hn. Don't worry about it, Mimi." He said quietly, but firmly. I weakly nodded, nuzzling into his back.
"T-thanks…."
/\\\\\
We arrived at Tazuna's house, being greeted by a pretty woman and a young boy. Sasuke had let me walk for a little bit, but I was holding his hand the whole time. If Naruto hadn't been carrying sensei, I would've been next to him instead.
"Oh my, you two need to come with me." She ordered gently, looking at me and Kakashi. I hid behind Sasuke, clinging to his shirt. He rolled his eyes, and looked at me blankly.
"It's fine. She just wants to look at your wound." He told me, stepping away so, Tsunami I found out, could get a look at me. I held his hand still, and pushed him ahead of me when she asked me to follow her.
Sakura glared at me, and I walked a little faster to avoid her harsh stare. In doing so, I pushed Sasuke harder. He huffed, and pulled me after the woman.
Stop being a wimp and hiding behind Suke-kun!
Kakashi was laid on the floor next to me, with a cool cloth on his head.
"He's fine, just tired is all. No need to worry." Tsunami told me with a kind smile. I smiled back and sat down so she could look at me.
"I can take care of her. You can leave now, Sasuke." He was about to leave to, but I didn't let go of his hand.
"D-don't leave." I begged, my eyes getting watery. Sasuke blinked and looked at Tsunami for approval. She had a faint pink on her cheeks and said, "Well, I have to take off your shirt to look at that wound. If you're alright with that…." I quickly nodded and pulled Sasuke down so he could sit next to me.
She asked me to take off the vest, and I looked at Sasuke shyly. He sighed and covered his eyes and turning away. I don't think the turning away was necessary, but as long as he was here, I didn't care. I took off my vest slowly, trying not to touch my cuts.
"Okay, just lay on your stomach." Tsunami said softly. I obeyed, taking Sasuke's hand in mine, squeezing it for reassurance.
The dark-haired woman got a good look at my injuries and started to work. The grip on my hand tightened, and I looked over at Sasuke, who was looking at my scars, and probably my new injuries too.
"Hitomi…." I sighed sadly and looked away.
"Okay, this is going to sting a little…" She murmured. I bit my lip as she dabbed disinfectant on the cuts. My hand tightened around the ravenette's once more as I silently took the new pain. It was nothing compared to receiving them.
"Almost done." Tsunami told me, picking up some nearby bandages. He looked away again as she wrapped them around my torso. I sighed and sat up straight, thanking Tsunami.
"No problem." She said with another kind smile before she left the room to check on the others. I took my bag that Naruto had been carrying apparently. I took out an extra shirt I had packed. It was dark purple and was long sleeved, which would cover up my bandages nicely. I put it on and held out my hand expectantly for Sasuke to take.
"Hn." He took it and sat next to me silently, looking at sensei.
I slid into bed, pulling Sasuke with me so I could rest my head on his chest. He complied, and I hugged his waist, listening to the steady beat of his heart. And his warm breath on my cheek lulled me to sleep.
Thanks for reading do far! And thanks for the feedback, it means lot. Anyway I hope you enjoyed this chapter. ~Kyoko-Chan
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