Disclaimer: see chapter 1.

The Mist Wolf Chronicles: Director's Cut

By Storm Wolf77415 and Centurious the Azure

A Quick Peek Home

As Team 7 continued its trek east to Wave Country and their future destiny, life continued on in Konoha. Minato grumbled about having to do paperwork while Kushina fretted about the safety of her little boy. All the while the fifteen thousand people living in the village continued about their daily routine.

(Training Area 27)

"WHEEEEEE! Faster Daddy! Go faster!" Lily Himura squealed, clinging to her father as he ran across the lake that butted up against the training area. Each footstep sent out rings that disturbed the placid surface of the water as he ran. The training ground was a sacred place for the Mist Wolf and his pack; since it's where he first met the woman he loved so much.

Speaking of his beloved, Akira was standing in the water up to her hips, wearing a simple dark blue one-piece swimsuit with white shoulder straps. It did a very good job of showing off her slender figure. The tip of her ponytail brushed along the water. Many had compared to her to a mermaid, it wasn't hard to make that conclusion.

She began gliding through the water. It was cool and refreshing. Akira floated on her back, Every so often sneaking glances to her husband, carrying his little girl on his shoulders, wearing a cute one piece multi-colored frog print swimsuit. "Look at me, Mommy!" Lily waved happily.

"I see you, baby!" Akira replied, waving back to her little girl. "Seiryu, you be careful with her, do hear me?"

"Don't worry, honey. I'm going to take our little tadpole here frog catching. You just relax all right? You need your rest. Hang on, sweetie, let's go rustle up some frogs." With that, father and daughter began booking it for the other side of the lake.

Akira paddled back to shore, climbing up onto dry land. She sat down on the blanket, pulling out a book read as she dried herself off in the warm sun. "It's such a nice day." She said, putting on a straw sunhat with a blue ribbon to shield her dark blue eyes. Akira sighed happily as she lost herself in the story.

On the other side of the lake, The Mist Wolf stalked his prey, a small green frog sitting on a rock. "There it is, honey. Now we got to be really quiet so it won't get away." Lily nodded, sitting on another rock. Seiryu lunged, all of his ninja reflexes coming into play. Hitting the water with a big splash.

"Did you get it, Daddy?" She asked. A couple minutes later Seiryu broke the surface, a squirming frog in hand. "Yay!" she clapped. Her father took a mock bow, before letting the amphibian hop away. "Let's catch some more, Daddy!" the Mist Wolf grinned, there was nothing that gave him more joy than to see his daughter smile. After about an hour of catching frogs, Lily yawned.

"Someone getting sleepy?" He asked, to which his daughter nodded. He picked her up, placing Lily on his back. "Okay, sweetie. Let's go back and join Mommy, it's lunchtime away." The made their way across the water, Akira was waiting, lunch already set out. "Hi honey! We're back!"

"Lunch is all set." The Himura Matriarch said. Lily hopped off her father's back, running into Akira's arms.

"Daddy and I caught lots of froggies, Mommy!" the little girl chirped merrily, to which Akira just smiled.

"Well, I bet you worked up an appetite. Let's eat everyone." Akira said. The entire Himura family sat under the shade of a large elm tree, enjoying their time together.

(Training Area 11)

Yuuki and Itachi stood across from each other with their eyes closed, the former in his human form. It seemed neither was moving at all, but in truth they were deep in intensive training. "Nicely done, Itachi. You've improved considerably in the time it takes to cast your genjutsu."

"I owe it all to you, Yuuki-sempai." The younger man replied, giving a slight bow. He never would have expected to find a parental figure in the Wolf Demon. Since the destruction of his clan, Itachi had been standing on the edge of a cliff looking down into a very dangerous place. Yuuki had pulled him back from the brink.

"So how are you doing in your ice jutsu?" The wolf demon asked. He had seen Itachi as a pup who had lost his pack, knowing the feeling all too well. So he made it a point to check in on him, offering to teach him all of his knowledge.

"It's been easier than I thought, considering that I have an affinity for both wind and water jutsu, but it's still quite challenging to mix the two types together without any kind of bloodline limit." Itachi said, referencing Haku's unique power. Haku's Hyoton techniques had a certain skill and precision that even the Wolf demon couldn't match. It was easy for Yuuki to perform ice type techniques because of his demonic heritage. Itachi was the odd man out, but he was called a genius for a reason. And he always relished a challenge.

"It does require a certain amount of skill, but how do you think those bloodline limits were formed in the first place?" Yuuki pointed out. "I have something I want to teach you today. The Blizzard Force Technique, it's a variation of Seiryu and Zabuza's Hidden Mist Technique I created quite a long time ago. Besides blunting your opponent's senses, it will also hamper their ability to fight with the powerful winds that crop up. But with your Sharingan, it shouldn't be an issue."

Itachi settled into his usual fighting stance. "Then show me. I learn best when I see the jutsu in combat." Yuuki smirked, throwing his shoulder length silver hair over his shoulder, kneeling down into his own stance, resembling a crouching wolf ready to pounce.

(Wave Country)

Team 7 and Tazuna had met with a friend of the bridge builder at the coast of Fire Country, using his boat to cross over to the island nation undetected. A thick fog permeated the area, and soon the objective of their mission became visible through the thick haze. "Wow! That's so cool!" Naruto yelled, looking up at the massive structure. "So that's what we're here for?"

Keiko had taken it upon herself to be Naruto's teacher in the ways of common sense. She clapped her hand over his mouth, rubbing her ample chest against his back. "Naru-kun, remember what I said about using your 'indoor voice' on missions?" She replied in a deceptively sweet voice. "It does you no good to be a ninja when you're barking out for everyone to hear."

Sakura just rolled her eyes in annoyance, "You'd think the Hokage's son would know better." She muttered, also sneaking a jealous glance at Keiko's chest, before staring down at her own. She hoped it would have grown a little by now. The boat made landfall, Tazuna waved to his friend as he disappeared into the mist.

"All right, my house is just a short walk from here. You can meet my daughter and grandson." Tazuna said, he offered a slight bow. "I can't thank you enough for taking this on. A lot of lives will be saved once this bridge is finished." Kakashi gave his trademark eye smile.

"No need, we're doing this because it's what we're paid to do. All right, everyone, move out!" the five ninja fell into a standard guard formation with Tazuna in the middle. It would have been an insult if their client died so close to home. Yukimasa trailed in the back, subtly scanning the forests. Every so often, a black ring faded into existence in his blood red eyes.

"Everything looks secure enough, but nothing is ever certain. Makie found that out the hard way." He still thought often of his pink haired teammate. She had been skilled at rhythmic gymnastics, often using her ribbon for many of her signature ninjutsu. Sadly it did Makie little good, having walked right into an explosive trap. His stomach clenched at mental picture burned into his mind, bloody stumps where her long, dancer legs used to be, her pink hair stained with blood, tears gushing from her panic stricken eyes.

The last Sanada cringed, shaking the memory away. With each step toward Tazuna's house, the fog started settling inland. It was then Naruto tossed a kunai into the brush. A startled looking white rabbit stumbled out from beneath a shrub. "Naruto you idiot!" Sakura smacked him in the back of the head. "You almost killed a poor bunny!"

"I'm sorry!" The blonde whined. Keiko just laughed at the antics of the young Genin, but Kakashi and Yukimasa's attention was on the still petrified animal lying on the ground.

That no ordinary rabbit…it's a snow hare! The color of the coat changes with the seasons, it's summer now so it should have turned brown, someone's been keeping it inside where there's not a lot of light. Kakashi's eyes widened in realization. It's a decoy to be used for Substitution! That means!

Luckily both he and Yukimasa were on the same wavelength. "Get down!" He yelled, pulling the still bickering Naruto and Sakura to the ground, just in time to avoid getting beheaded by a pair of fanged blades whistling through the air, embedding themselves into the trunk of a nearby tree. An insane cackle permeated the air.

"Well well well, it appears some mice fell into my trap!" A shadowy figure emerged from the mist, coalescing into a man with long stringy hair, and an insane gleam in his hazel-gray eyes. His lips twisted into a sinister grin. "And not just anyone…the legendary Kakashi Hatake! I'll enjoy giving you a long dirt nap!" The former Mist Swordsman licked his lips in anticipation. "I'll even bag me a Sharingan! I wonder how it will look once I have it implanted?"

"Raiga Kurosuki, formerly a captain in the Hidden Mist ANBU and member of the Seven Swordsmen, known as the Thunder of the Mist. Who left to form his own Yakuza gang." Kakashi drawled. "Not to mention having a very unhealthy obsession with funerals."

The insane laugh sent a chill down Sakura's spine, it seemed the mist itself was pressing in on her from all sides. Raiga plucked the Kiba swords from the tree trunk. "I'm flattered, you read up on me!" His eyes flickered over to Tazuna, "And you brought the old man here as well. Thanks for saving me the trouble of hunting him down."

"I'm afraid that's not going to happen." Kakashi said, all joviality gone from his voice. He pulled up his headband, revealing a blood red eye. "You're going to die here."

The insane mist-nin just laughed some more. "Oh please! Did you really think I'm here by myself? Unlike you…I brought some real backup! Hey guys, join on in!" Raiga called out.

"Everyone form up, guard Tazuna!" Yukimasa barked, Keiko, Sakura, and Naruto formed a protective barrier around the bridge builder. While Yukimasa continued to scan through the mist, his Enjingan flashing to life, not aware that Sakura had seen the slight glow emanating from his eyes. Before she could ask about it, Sakura was knocked aside as Yukimasa knocked Tazuna to the ground.

The old man was about to piss himself, given that he'd almost been bisected clean in half. He looked into a pair of eyes that were black voids with no soul, wisps of black hair poking out from the dark blue ninja hood he wore on his head. A disappointed frown on his face. "Damn! I missed!" He brought the wicked looking blade up. "Well I can assure you that it won't

happen a second time!"

"Sheesh, Yaiba, a little overzealous aren't we?" A third voice drawled. "If you kill him, there'll be no fun left for me." Another figure slowly emerged from the mist. He was the tallest of the newcomers by far. He wore a black cloak with a red cloud pattern. The uncanny blue pallor of his face could be seen above the red laced edge of the cloak's high collar. They could see the four wavy lines representing the Mist on his steel forehead protector made of a pure black cloth wrapped around his head. The symbol of his village had a line carved down the middle of it. It symbol of the absolute rejection of his village both philosophically, and in practice. He was a rogue that was a cut above the rest.

Yukimasa froze for a moment at seeing that cloak marked with red clouds. Kisame Hoshigaki. S class criminal, and a member of the Akatsuki. It's just like Uncle Minato said…, Yukimasa thought, feeling his stomach tightening. He gritted his teeth. He tried to not show his distress visibly for the Genin. He grinned confidently on the outside. Inside, felt an indelible fear. A shark like him could definitely smell the blood on the water. C'mon, Yukimasa. Keep it together. Naruto, and Sakura need you.

He reached for the large wrapped bundle on his back, "Samehada wouldn't want to be left out!" The bandages fell away revealing what looked a blade barbed with dozens of horrible looking black scales. The blade shuddered, letting out the eager cry of a hungry beast. Samehada was not a sword, but a living creature. Kisame shouldered the blade, lovingly stroking its skull decorated hit. "Don't worry, boy. You're gonna get fed."

Yukimasa bravely cut in, "You should keep your pets well fed, fish man. Even if they are freakish Cthullhu babies from Innsmouth. I bet you picked that one out from the litter yourself."

Kisame chuckled darkly, raising his head to reveal his shark like teeth uncovered by his predator like smile. His small, blood shot beady fish eyes centered on Yukimasa. "Funny, kid." Kisame commented appreciatively, pointing his sword at him. "I'll skin you last just to hear one of those smart ribs again."

"Not if I don't smoke you first." Yukimasa grinned widely, coldly sniping in reply. His crimson eyes widened manically, showing the black wheels spin in his eyes spin at a deliberate pace. "It's not every day I get a fish as big as you on the grill."

Both of the genin looked on in wonder. Watching the exchange gave Sakura a bit of hope. Her eyes lit up, her inward cheer went on unheard. Hell yes, Daisuke! You tell that freak!

Naruto gulped, he could feel Kisame's power from here. Even Kurama perked up his ears at his presence. It was unusual to get that furball interested in anything. How the hell can he say that to that monster? I guess vets like him, and Kakashi can take the pressure better than me.

"Kakashi-sensei, who is this guy?" Naruto asked in a tiny scared voice. The blonde was praying he hadn't pissed his pants. The sheer amount of chakra the three men were throwing out was making it very likely. His hand trembled as he reached for a kunai. The man named Yaiba let out a mocking laugh.

"The shrimp thinks he's going to be some kind of hero? Go ahead, kid." Yaiba licked his blade, lips splitting into a twisted grin. His teeth bared like a hungry predator. This was the moment he lived for, seeing his prey so close and in fear. "You'll be dead in two swings, you little ninja wannabe! You're playing with the big boys now! You think you have what it takes to hang with the likes of us?" He snorted. "I don't think so!"

Sakura struggled to keep the tears from flowing, her fear was so great. Sakura shuddered visibly, tears stung on the edges of her eyes. Their decision to continue on the mission might have proven to be a mistake, but then she felt a hand on her shoulder, she looked up to see his reassuring smile.

"Relax Sakura, remember you're not alone in this. The Will of Fire burns bright for all those who believe." He said warmly, bringing up his kunai to bear in a reverse grip. He sank into his stance, ready for anything. Sakura felt her courage rise in the face of his fearless stand. "Keiko and I have your back. Just don't leave our side."

Sakura blinked away the tears away, she had to be brave. She didn't want to die with regrets. "Okay!" Sakura said courageously, taking her kunai out. She also fell into her fighting stance ingrained into her through years of training. "I can do this!"

Naruto looked between the two of them. He had to stand up to fight, too. Naruto stepped forward to join them. "I'm the son of the Fourth Hokage! One day I'm going to surpass my father and take my place up on the mountain with him!" Naruto shouted, spinning his kunai in a full circle before going into a deft reverse grip. "I'm not gonna let you jerkoffs scare me!"

Keiko leapt into action next to them, pulling out a strange dagger. Two sides of the silvery dagger were pulled a part by small divide in the middle. Both sides curved away from the other. They both came together at the very end to meet at a deadly, wickedly warped point. Sakura eyed the dagger, and the mild rust on the worn blade. It was still sharp looking. To term it generously, Sakura would call it an experienced weapon. She shivered at the thought that this blade was used to kill many people.

Seemingly opposite to the Bubbly caped Kunoichi, she looked ready for a fight. Yukimasa, and Keiko glanced at each other in acknowledgement. Both shared a terrible smile. It was a knowing one that didn't need any words to be said. The two had battled together many times in the past, covering each other's backs. This was merely another waltz to them, and they couldn't ask for a better dance partner.

Yaiba narrowed his empty eyes on them, "Heh." He noted amusedly, letting a small laugh. He brought up his straight blade up to bear in a similar one handed reverse grip. The blade glinted dangerously in the light. "The kids have a little leader in their senior. That's cute." He paused for a moment, swinging his sword in a quick flourish. It sharply cut into the air, leaving a brief visible trace in the thin mist in front on him. "Let's see how long that solidarity lasts when I cut him to ribbons."

There was a tense silence in the misty forest clearing. Kakashi looked around, sizing up their possible advantages. There weren't many in their favor. Yukimasa, and Kakashi both shared a look. There was only one thing they could do.

Yaiba shot forward like a shot out of a cannon. Yukimasa stood his ground next to his former students, and friend. His glowing blood red eyes narrowed dangerously. He said a few words underneath his breath, his chakra flared massively. Keiko's flared in tandem. Pockets of hot air formed above their heads. Yaiba stopped dead in his tracks, jumping backwards. He landed, and fell into a defensive stance. They only stared each other down. Naruto, and Sakura were confused as to why he jumped back. They both sat there, not saying a word. They only knew not to leave the line, or do anything unnecessary just like they'd been taught by him.

Kisame grinned in a feral manner. "He's a dangerous one…" He muttered underneath his breath. "…Just like him. How interesting."

Raiga sized up Kakashi, looking for any chinks in his defenses. He glanced back his fellow swords man. "Looks like he saw that, too." Raiga observed bluntly. "Kakashi, we both know that third one is no Genin. It's a good thing Yaiba isn't too stupid…"

"How very observant of you, Raiga." Kakashi said flatly, smirking underneath his cloth mask. "However, you won't get to see what else he's capable of." He looked over at Kisame. Kakashi's the tomoe in his red eye spun like a pinwheel in a storm. "Your friend is next after you, Raiga."

"Don't mind me, Copy Ninja." Kisame said politely, leaning up against a tree. "I'm the patient one." He looked up meaningfully at the quivering monster that served him. "My dear friend Samehada is less so when he has his hunger to sate."

"Tch…" Raiga grunted, twisting his face in disgust. "I'm going to bury you, and that monstrosity together after I'm done giving the Copy Ninja his funeral."

Kisame grinned ferally, not saying another word. Raiga's twin jagged blades cracked with lightning. Yaiba faced down the four children. Raiga, and Yaiba both launched themselves at their opponents. Suddenly, they stopped once they heard the crunch of a new pair on footsteps on the grass. They both looked at a newly space filled space by Kisame.

"Enough, all of you!" A deep commanding voice rang out. From the thick fog came another figure. Both Keiko and Yukimasa's eyes widened in shock. A man with tanned skin, clad in old style ninja armor, colored a deep blood red stood before them. He was a figure two of them knew intimately. "We're not here to conduct meaningless violence."

"Uncle Nobushige? What are you doing with these guys?" Keiko asked in quiet shock; the usual bounciness in her voice notably absent. The elder Sanada just folded his arms, not able to look her in the eye.

"How nice… If Mori was here, it would be a full out family reunion." Kisame said slowly, letting a black chuckle out.

"Mori!" Yukimasa growled, even after so many years, the mere mention of his older brother's name was enough to incite rage in him.

"Unfortunately, I'm doing the same thing you are, Keiko…my job." Nobushige fixed his gaze on the Copy Ninja. "Hello Kakashi…you've gotten big since the last time I saw you. And even managed to pass a team for once. Of course given who one of your students is. I'm not exactly surprised." Kakashi hadn't missed how the armor-clad man's eyes flickered to Naruto. As a Sanada, Nobushige knew exactly what was in the boy.

"Look, I'll make this as easy as possible." Nobushige said calmly, lifting a hand. "Give us the bridge builder and Naruto. Then, we will leave this place without any problems."

"I don't think I can do that." Kakashi informed Nobushige evenly.

"Aw, come on! Let's just kill the little brats be done with it!" Yaiba whined.

"Shut up, Yaiba! This is a delicate operation. We don't want to bring Konoha down on us." Nobushige snapped, directing his attention back to Kakashi. "Look around you, Kakashi, even if you are the student of the Yellow Flash. You're outmatched…and you know it."

"Go fuck yourself with that line, you traitorous piece of shit! Mom and Dad would be spinning in their graves if they saw you right now! You're a disgrace to the clan if there ever was one!" Yukimasa raged, clenching his empty fist. His fingernails dug into his skin to the point of pain. Yukimasa didn't care if it hurt, or if it even bled. Nobushige's betrayal should have been obvious to him. It did not give him any solace. It only made his fury burn brighter in his glowing eyes haloed by his intense hatred.

"My sentiments exactly, master!" Keiko growled, cutting the air with her oddly shaped dagger. "I won't forgive you, uncle! No, just Nobushige! You're dead to us! I'm not letting you take Naru-chan no matter how many AIDS infested come bags you try to coerce us with!"

Kakashi merely shook his head. "That's a new one…" He looked sharply at Nobushige, giving his best threaten glare. "We're not letting you take either of them! You'll have to do it over my dead body!"

Nobushige gave a wan smile, shrugging carelessly. "Well then…I guess negotiations have reached an impasse." He closed his eyes for a moment. Then, they snapped open to reveal his cold steel grey eyes. All pretenses he had of civility were gone. The stony professional Yukimasa always knew underneath became present. Okay boys, do what you do best. But do try to take Naruto alive, no telling what Minato has done to the seal in case it's breached."

"Finally, It's about time! I've had enough of all this stupid talking!" Raiga leered, hefting the Kibas once again, relishing the carnage yet to come. "Remember I call dibs on Kakashi's Sharingan!"

A pair of short swords, one black, one white, bearing the Yin-Yang symbol materialized in Nobushige's weathered hands. "I believe you recognize these blades very well, Yukimasa. You know what I can do with them."

"Yeah, unfortunately!" The younger Sanada snarled, extending his hand out into thin air. A rod of iron was in his tight grasp. It warmed in his hands, taking a horrible shape in his hands. The long metallic handle formed his hands. It arced twice like the flowing squalid waters of a city port. Dirty, and dingy were the right words to describe the worn wrappings along the hilt. A rusty circular mechanism was at the very head of the hilt, attaching itself to a curved blade that closely hugged the hilt. The blade itself on the other side had uneven, jagged teeth suited to tearing the flesh in a sordid bloody fashion. It was clear on first sight the cleaver like blade sawblade was suited for hunting beasts rather than men.

"Ironic that you taught me this particular kind of ninjutsu, uncle." Yukimasa pointed the blooded blade at his uncle. His mouth twisted into a beastly sneer, bearing his teeth at him. "Now, I'm going to use it to splatter your blood all over this island!"

Nobushige was nonplussed by the declaration; he squinted at Kisame, tilting his head in a manner that silently communicated for him to begin.

"Enough talk! It's time to feed!" Kisame roared, lunging straight at Naruto, Samehada clenched high overhead. Yukimasa struggled to try and reach his charge. However Yaiba was instantly in his face. Yaiba swung his jagged katana in a diagonal arc at Yukimasa. He tilted his head back slightly, point of the blade missing his jugular by mere inches. "You gotta get past me first, you little shit!"

"Naruto!" Yukimasa cried out, barely evading another strike. He cursed foully, knowing he would be finished in one red smeared stroke of that monstrous sword. Naruto collapsed onto his backside, letting out a shrill cry. He couldn't move! All he could do was wait for the final moment to come. All of his hopes to become a Hokage better than his father would end.

It was then the mist began intensifying. A single musical clang of steel on steel resounded through the clearing. Naruto looked up to see Zabuza standing over him, Kubikiri Houcho pushing Samehada back.

"Don't just sit there gawking, kid! Get off your chubby ass and get to work!" The former Mist Demon snapped.

"Hey, I'm not chubby!" Naruto whined. Kakashi pulled him to his feet.

"Nice to see the village got my message. I was afraid sensei might be sleeping on the job." Kakashi said gratefully. "You showed up in the nick of time, Zabuza." The former Demon of the Mist just snorted.

"It's not like I had a choice, pinwheel eye. We couldn't exactly let anything happen to the boss's kid now could we?" Zabuza said tersely in his gravelly voice. His dark eyes fell on Raiga and Kisame in turn, "Besides, it means I get to reconnect with some old friends of mine!"

Kisame let out a loud, sadistic laugh. "Well, if isn't our favorite Demon! If you're here then it means that Seiryu isn't too far behind! I heard you two almost eighty-sixed Yagura. Rather ironic considering you were his only real friends!" Zabuza growled at the shark man's jabs. When they had been kids, Yagura hadn't been all that bad, considering he was the vessel for the Three Tailed Turtle. But soon after becoming the Fourth Mizukage, he had become a tyrant, thus giving their village the title of "Bloody Mist."

"Where is that flea ridden canine anyway? I'm certainly glad to give him a neutering free of charge!" Raiga hollered in manic excitement, madly looking around. "Wolfie! Here boy!" He began clanging his blades together. "I've got a nice steel treat for you! Come and get it before it's too late!"

Zabuza just groaned, shaking his head in disgust. "You know how much he hates being called like that, Raiga. All you're going to do is piss him off. I'd think you'd have learned that from back in the ANBU days."

"Wind Style! Tornado Fist Jutsu!" The Mist Wolf plunged from the fog, a small tornado wrapped around his left hand. Seiryu wound up, knocking Raiga straight off his feet with a vicious right hook that landed squarely in his midsection, sending him flying across clearing, leaving a deep gash in the earth. "I concur!" was all he said. "You all right, Kakashi?"

"Just fine, Seiryu. You've evened the odds in this fight." Kakashi said coolly, locking his dangerous gaze onto Nobushige. "You still want to try and take Naruto and our client from us? The reputation of both Seiryu and Zabuza should be well known to even you. It's your call."

Nobushige smirked thinly, lifting up his hands in an airy gesture. Something about that just irked the Mist Wolf to no end. "It looks like my associates couldn't be roped in even I wanted to."

"Fuck this, I'm going for the old man!" Yaiba darted around Yukimasa, blade poised to cut Tazuna down in one blow. Tazuna, and the children looked on in horror. Keiko readied her dagger in its reverse grip with clenched teeth. Yukimasa flashed into view, appearing to defend his comrades. Leaves blew on the wind in his wake.

Yaiba's blade met the rusty, jagged Saw Cleaver Yukimasa had manifested moments ago. Yukimasa looked at Yaiba with vicious contempt in his eyes. Those locked blades scraped against one another loudly. "Get the fuck out of my way, you little brat! No one's going to keep from killing someone today!" The man's hateful eyes projected equal malice. Yaiba screamed, pulling his blade back from the nasty teeth of the broad bladed cleaver. He swept the blade upward, but the red-eyed young warrior parried it, swinging his nasty looking weapon upward. The blades clanged, sending a sharp echo throughout the forest.

"You want someone to kill, cockbite? Try killing me first!" Yukimasa barked, swinging his blade to parry another blow. He swung his empty fist at Yaiba, contacting with his nose brutally. It cracked, and bent into a twisted fallacy of what it once was. It sent the dark blue hooded ninja sailing backward, sandaled feet landed firmly on the earth with an unexpectedly graceful back flip in a crouched position. Yaiba wiped the fresh blood from the base of his now broken nose.

He thumbed at it, repositioning his nose with a revolting crack. His wound hurt so good. He shivered in pleasure. The man grinned savagely, coming back up into his fighting stance. "Very nice!" He hollered over the fighting that was beginning to commence. Blades sang in a chorus that pleased his mad ears. His blade cut through the thick mist. Yukimasa saw sick admiration dance in his eyes. "I thought you were an annoyance, but shit! You're not fucking bad at all!"

"Save the empty praise for a man who cares…" Yukimasa scowled deeply, not sharing in Yaiba's twisted joy. Callous, cold words cut about deeper than his rusted cleaver. Nothing more than scornful hate danced in those bright red eyes. "I'm going to eradicate you, Yaiba Kamikaze. Your breed is the scourge my cleaver bites into. The cavils of beasts are nothing more than petty whimpers to me in its wake."

"Daisuke…" Sakura murmured in low surprise. His frozen words sent a shiver down her spine. Entirely different from the warmth he'd displayed to his students. Naruto stared in disbelief. Keiko looked ahead, showing no emotion. Keiko's blue eyes were cold, and devoid of emotion. No reaction came to the forefront.

Tazuna let out a breath; he reached for his sake bottle. He took a sip knowing where this was going to go. "Go ahead, kid!" Tazuna's voice cut into the silence, encouraging him to do it. "Begin the hunt! Cleanse this foulness from my home once, and for all!"

Naruto waved at him, putting his hand to his mouth to enhance his yelling, "Don't worry about us, Daisuke! Just kick this guy's ass!" He had to admit there was something about the other boy that had helped him. Between Yukimasa and Hinata's words, he had begun to mature. He wondered if this was what it was like to have an older brother.

Sakura readied herself, gathering all her courage to buy in her vote of confidence. "I have faith in you, Daisuke! Please just come back to us in one piece, okay?" And try to come back to me alive…, Sakura pleaded silently. She hadn't the courage to express her feelings further.

Keiko looked ahead with her steely blue gaze, "You know what to do!" She called out to him, "We'll protect the client. I've got this on lock right here!" She smirked. "Unleash hell!"

Yukimasa glanced over his shoulder, giving a simple nod. "Thank you, guys."

Yukimasa dashed at Yaiba, branding his cleaver. They were both blurs of black, and blue respectively. Sakura, Naruto, and Tazuna could barely make out their movement. Yaiba jumped up, bringing his blade down in his powerful overhead swing. Yukimasa hit the ground, sliding underneath the mid-air rogue kicking up dust along the way.

Yukimasa hopped up to his feet fluidly. He kept running, vanishing into the tree line entirely. Yaiba snarled in frustration when he landed, turning around to fiercely glare at the vanishing back of his prey. "You're gonna make it hard for me, huh?" His feral grin returned once more, his teeth shone like knives. "I like it when they play hard to get."

Yaiba gave chase into the forest, leaving them all to stare desperately into the forest. Sakura, Naruto, and Keiko stood around Tazuna perfectly in manji formation around their client.

Keiko smirked, knowing where this would lead. She laughed, letting a little snort. "That guy doesn't know what he's in for. Master never would lose to a dirt ass mug like him." Sakura, and Naruto looked at Keiko. They had all kinds of questions. They only prayed he would come back to tell them.

The Mist Wolf sized up Nobushige, noting the twin blades in his hands, "Kanshou and Bakuya, the short swords that are your signature. Yukimasa talked about you a lot when he was still part of my unit. Sadly, it wasn't very flattering. I can see why now!" He drew Arashi No Ookami in a deliberate manner. "You have a lot to answer for Nobushige Sanada, and now it's time for you to face judgment!"

Nobushige was unamused. "Is that a fact? I'll admit I've done my fair share of detestable things, but I'm pretty sure I haven't popped up on Shinigami's list just yet. I don't expect you to understand why it is I'm doing this." He held Kanshou and Bakuya in a crossed guarding pose in front of him.

"Oh I'll understand soon enough…when I face you in battle!" Seiryu brought his own shining weapon up. "They say when two high level warriors lock swords, they'll be able to communicate their feelings through them. I'm curious to see what Kanshou and Bakuya tell me. I'm sure Arashi no Ookami will have a nice little chat with them."

The older man just gave a thin smile. "We'll see about that, Mist Wolf. My blades aren't exactly big talkers. They like to let their actions speak for them." He lunged, aiming right for Seiryu's heart, but he graceful spun in an wide arc, batting aside Bakuya, before aiming a fist right at Nobushige's face. The red clad man barely avoided, swinging down with Kanshou.

Seiryu leapt back, batting aside the black blade, Kicking Nobushige away, he tossed Arashi no Ookami into the air, snapping into a quick series of hand seals, causing sparks of electricity to suddenly erupt along his arm. "Lightning Style: Sparking Fist Jutsu!" He decked the elder Sanada in the jaw, delivering a moderately powerful shock to him, before deftly catching his katana in hand.

"Not a bad move, but let's turn things up a bit!" Nobushige spun both blades while beginning a chant, "Spirit and Technique, Flawless and Firm! Our Strength Rips the Mountains! Our Swords Split the Water! Our Names Reach The Imperial Villa! The Two Of Us Cannot Hold The Heavens Together! Kakuyoku Sanren!" He flung both blades at Seiryu, immediately conjuring up a second pair.

Seiryu managed to barely block the twin bladed strike, Kanshou's edge cutting through his flak jacket. Nobushige reinforced his weapons, doubling the length, and giving feather shaped splinters running the entire edge of both swords. "You're done, Mist Wolf!" Nobushige said plainly, as the blades he threw earlier dug into Seiryu's back at the same time he attacked. Several chunks of wood clattered to the ground. Even after Seiryu taking one of his best attacks, Nobushige was unaffected. Gray eyes began scanning the forest. "Kawarimi, he's not just for show after all."

"Hiten Mitsurugi: Ryutsuisen!" The Dragon Hammer Strike was one of the style's most basic moves, a simple downward blow to the top of the head. Nobushige raised Kanshou and Bakuya into an X-block, neatly catching Arashi No Ookami into the sharp-edge cradle. With a heave, Seiryu got sent back courtesy of a booted foot to his stomach.

"Hiten Mitsurugi: Ryushosen!" Seiryu slashed upwards, shattering both Kanshou and Bakuya, leaving short stumps in his hands, before they disintegrated. "You're not the only one with tricks up his sleeve!" His hand flashed into hand seals. "Earth Style: Earth Flow River!" The ground beneath Nobushige's feet turned into a river of mud.

"Sorry, not in the mood for a mud bath!" Nobushige said, using Shunshin, vanishing in a blast of smoke and landing on a tree branch, but it was a temporary rest. Seiryu let loose a spray of kunai. Nobushige then noticed the blade of Arashi No Ookami flare with chakra.

"Hiten Mitsurugi: Doryusen!" Seiryu stabbed his blade into the muddy ground, causing a small tidal wave of mud flying at him. Nobushige had only seconds to react. Pumping chakra to his legs, he leapt as high as possible only to find the Mist Wolf waiting for him. Arashi No Ookami swung once, shattering through the projected copies of Kanshou and Bakuya, ending with Seiryu landing a blow to the back of Nobushige's head, he crashed into the ground.

Nobushige staggered to his feet, seeing the Mist Wolf looking on. He wiped the blood from his mouth. "…I have to admit, Captain Himura. I can see why you were made head of the Hokage Guard Platoon. You have a very nice blade, it's obviously well-constructed. But you should know that swords are a specialty of mine, and with my particular brand of jutsu, it takes very little to understand how they work. That being said…" With that, a copy of Arashi No Ookami formed in his hand. "Let's see how mine matches up!"

Seiryu's eyes narrowed, fuming in silent rage at Nobushige's blatant attempt to mock him. Nothing riled him up more than someone using his blade, even if it was just a copy created through Projection ninjutsu. The Mist Wolf and the crimson swordsman's matching blades crossed each other.

Zabuza and Kisame were at standstill, each of them anticipating their foe's next move. "We going to be statues or are we going to fight?" The shark man growled out. "I'm curious to see if you've gotten any stronger since you left the village. If you've grown into an even bigger demon! Or if time with the tree huggers left you soft!" Kisame's pointed teeth leered.

The wielder of Kubikiri Houcho just let out a soft grunt. "Funny thing about those tree huggers. They're far stronger than we fog skulkers ever could be! Their whole Will of Fire shtick isn't just pretty words they say to make themselves feel better! You become part of their community. If they're able to welcome a guy like me, then perhaps even a demon can make it into Heaven!"

Kisame grunted, hefting his monstrous weapon on his broad shoulder. "Great, you've become a damn hippie! You've forgotten your place it seems. Well then I guess you need to be re-educated, bloody Mist style!" He raised Samehada over his head, baring his pointed teeth. "You've waited long enough old friend, time to do some killing!"

Zabuza just glared at his former comrade, bringing his oversized cleaver to bear as the two former Mist ninja began circling each other. "I'm going to relish this!"

"You seem to forget your place, little demon. You're only ranked A in the Bingo Book. I on the other hand, have the distinct honor of being S-Rank. I just love the way it rolls off the tongue." Kisame said, being cut off as Zabuza swung Kubikiri Houcho, aiming to decapitate the shark themed ninja. Kisame barely had time to bring his own massive weapon up to block. He kicked Zabuza, slashing up to bisect Zabuza.

Red liquid turned clear, as the Water Clone Zabuza created reverted to a puddle on the ground. Kisame didn't have time to react as he suddenly found himself imprisoned in a sphere of water. "Zabuza turned his gaze to Kakashi and Raiga. "Stay put for a while, Kisame. I want you to watch this, and then you and I will finish our business."

Kisame shrugged, getting comfy in the water sphere. Being part shark meant he was perfectly comfortable underwater. He didn't even like Raiga to begin with, and the feeling was mutual.

Raiga's thick lips stretched into a sinister looking sneer. "Your reputation is well known Kakashi, I'll be sure to give you a lovely funeral when it's all over." He spun the Kibas in his hand. "I understand you're a lightning elemental like me, let's see who's jutsu is stronger." He let out an evil cackle, raising his swords to the sky. "Lightning Style: Lightning Ball!" There was a crackle of electricity between his blades, a small ball of lightning formed.

"Have an electric burial!" He flung the ball at Kakashi. The lanky ninja just looked on as the projectile hurtled toward him. Raiga laughed. "I didn't think the Copy Ninja would be so stupid!" It was then he twisted to the left as a barrage of shuriken whizzed by him. Kakashi stood there, hand still outstretched. "What?" He turned to see the other Hatake, now coursing with electricity exploding into a storm of lightning bolts.

"Lightning charged Shadow Clones. Gotta be really careful with them." Kakashi drawled as he drew a kunai. Raiga let out a scream of rage, bringing the Kibas down, but the Hatake kicked the former mist ninja in the head, following up with the kunai, but Raiga was quick to respond by using Kawarimi. The Thunder of the Mist let out another creepy laugh.

"Now this is a fight! Here comes some more!" Once again the Kibas were lifted to the heaven, and lightning began sparking off the barbed metal tips. "Lightning Burial: Banquet of Thunder!" Raiga pointed the blades at Kakashi, wicked bolts of lightning shot at the ground, tearing up the earth around it.

Kakashi stood his ground. "You want a fight of Lightning jutsu? Then here's one of my own! And I'll let you know…I didn't copy this one!" His hands snapped into a series of hand seals that were almost second nature to him. A burst of blue electricity sparked to life in his hands. "You should feel honored, I don't show this move to just anyone!" The lightning turned to a brilliant violet. "Lightning Style: Purple Raikiri Stream!" He shot his hands out; the two attacks collided, with Kakashi's coming out dominant. Raiga barely had time to avoid getting turned into a very large piece of roasted carbon, leaping to a safe spot.

Raiga let out another crazy laugh. "Wow, Hatake. That was pretty impressive. To think you had a move like that! I'm through holding back now. This is my ultimate technique! It's going to make you take a long dirt nap." He joined the Kibas together, beginning to rapidly spin them. "I hope you've got something to match! Lightning Style: Lightning Dragon Tornado!" A massive vortex of wind and electricity reared up, taking the form of a giant dragon.

Kakashi was nonplussed, his Sharingan beginning to swirl. "In fact…I just might." He closed his eyes. "I never thought I'd actually use it here." He began another series of hand seals, "Ox-Rabbit-Monkey-Ram-Tiger-Snake" Lightning formed around his hands once again, but not blue or purple, but a brilliant pure white. "Lightning Style: White Lightning Dragon!" Thrusting his hands forward, a massive bolt of white lightning shot out, also taking on the serpentine form.

Both dragons let out challenging roars before crashing into each other in a major show of force. Bolts of lightning lanced out from the vortex, but Kakashi, surrounded by the blinding white chakra was unaffected. The jutsu constructs then exploded, scattered lightning bolts all over the battleground.

Zabuza had to dispel the Water Prison jutsu to avoid being electrocuted. Kisame was already moving as the bubble of water broke down, taking the moment while his foe was still distracted, Samehada arced out, shaving across Zabuza's chest, causing blood to spurt out. The Demon of the Mist lost his grip on his weapon, Kubikiri Houcho hit the ground just a few seconds before its bearer did.

Kisame's grin was one of pure evil. He grabbed Zabuza by the throat. "Don't die on me just yet! I promised Samehada a good meal and he's going to get one! Guess what pal? You're the main course!" The shark scaled blade began snacking on his chakra buffet.

"GAHH!" Kisame screamed as a massive stab of pain erupted all along his back. He dropped Zabuza, looking a mess of senbon needles and a few kunai embedded into his back. The shark man staggered a little. "Who in the hell?" He turned to see Haku standing with several needled held between his fingers while Naruto and Sakura flanked him, each of them holding a couple of extra kunai in hand.

"I suggest you leave while you have the chance. Next time we won't miss." Haku's voice was as frozen as the ice wafting in the air around him. A trick he had learned as a means of intimidation. Kisame just smirked, a thick mist forming around him.

"Heh, I guess you win this round then, but don't think this is the end, kiddies." The last thing they saw of Kisame was his pointed teeth. "Next time we meet…you're all dead!" His sinister cackle echoed in the fog.

The mists lessened in the farther Yaiba went into the forest. He traversed the canopy in search of his dance partner. He chuckled to himself, musing on the boy's moves. They flowed with the distinct motions of an experienced killer. His glowing red eyes glowed like eerie twin beacons on the fog. They projected killing intention that made Yaiba's nearly seize out of terror. It was the type of feeling Yaiba hadn't felt since he was a boy.

Yet, he got the distinct feeling he was holding back still. To what this might hold, Yaiba fervently could only guess.

He caught sight of something moving out of the corner of his eye. A pair of arrows whizzed by his head; one missed in the process. He tilted his head, smoothly avoiding a bolt surely meant to be planted in his left eye. It grazed the side of his temple. Warm red flowed down his cheek. Another straight and true arrow came shooting through the fog. Yaiba batted it aside with a skillful diagonal swing of his curved dark blade. He bounced upwards off of his branch, and sailed through the air. He landed in a clearing on his feet, twisted grin coming onto his face. Yukimasa stood there a distance away, his black iron recurve bow pulled fully back. The shaft of a white tipped arrow was trained sharply on him. His accurate cold, and cruel gaze smoldered crimson red. His eyes narrowed dangerously, piercing Yaiba like a killing blow should have.

"Heya, kiddo!" Yaiba greeted excitedly, flipping his katana into a reverse grip. Yukimasa plucked off another arrow no doubt aimed to lodge itself between his eyes. A sharp whistle sounded off in tandem on the clang of a sword. The arrow bit into the ground instead of his head. Yaiba shot off forward. The bow in Yukimasa's grasp went white hot. Sizzling mist came off as Yukimasa's hand glided over the shaft of the bow. The bow distorted into the S shaped handle of the Saw Cleaver. The saw toothed nasty edge of the morbid rusty killing instrument came into contact with the blackened edge of his opponent's sword.

Their blades sparked repeatedly sparked between each other when they struck against each other repeatedly, appearing as blue points of light in the cloying mist. They finally struck against each other one final time. They sparked when the blades locked again. They each struggled against one another, their respective owners pushed on the backs of their weapons bracing for the terrible result that maybe their future.

Yaiba let out a twisted chortle, putting a bit more pressure on his sword. "You're just awesome." He complimented hoarsely, leaning forward more. "How old are you, dude? I didn't believe a shitty squirt like you could be such a professional."

Yukimasa sneered, gritting his sharp teeth at him. "I'm black ops," he bit out tersely. "…Handpicked by the Hokage himself; we're not the chaff you seem to jerk off to regularly." He also pressed his calloused, burn ridden hand down on his blade's hilt. He wanted to end this as quickly as possible. Yaiba wasn't going to make it that easy for him.

Yukimasa's knee came up, viciously striking Yaiba in his gut. Yaiba grunted, taking the blow in stride as he was pushed back. He stepped back another stride. Yukimasa gave chase, going after him with the quickness of a cheetah. Yaiba swung his blade two-handed in a horizontal fashion, knowing it would surely cleave off his head. Yukimasa saw it coming. He ducked beneath it, feeling the cool wind above his head. Yukimasa's blade came up diagonally. Yaiba dodged backwards, smirking baleful at the boy.

He was fast, but not fast enough.

Suddenly, at the mechanical head of the cleaver's hilt, a spark flickered. One mechanical tick sounded off when Yukimasa flicked his wrist. The blade of his saw flicked in an upward motion, extending its range entirely. Yaiba cried out shrilly when blood flew. He was missing an arm. It sailed off taking his blackened blade with it. It spun, and spun in the air until the sword embedded itself in the ground. It landed with the better part of his hand clinging to the hilt as if still in battle. Yaiba was missing his arm up to his shoulder. His eyes went wide, uncomprehending at the bloodied stump that was once his sword arm.

Yukimasa did not stop at that. He took his elongated sword up with both hands, burying the terrible saw into Yaiba's side. Red leaked out of him, spraying out like someone had popped the top on a fizzy bottle of fruit punch. Yaiba choked on his own blood, gasping for air. Yukimasa gazed on coldly, letting go of the blade. He sank into a familiar stance, the relaxed pose of the Gentle Fist. His chakra spiked palms lanced out, each hitting a vital spot in a flurry of deadly strikes. His heart and lungs ruptured. His stomach bled internally. His left eyeball exploded its socket, leaving him crying blood like tears. Yaiba fell to his knees, feeling a mixture of pain and pleasure. His one remaining eyeball, rolled into the back of his head out of sheer ecstasy. Yukimasa hauled his sword out of Yaiba's side roughly, letting out a spray of red ichor. His shirt was coated his shirt in blood. Yaiba thudded to the ground with a thick meaty sound.

Yaiba was finished. Yukimasa turned his back on the broken down man, striding out of the clearing. The pupil in his eyes narrowed, taking on a beastly slit. The black multi-tiered wheel around them danced slowly his blood red pools. He glanced back, eying the dying form of his enemy.

He was still breathing, but it was labored; Wispy, and course in nature. It was the sign of a man who was going to die in a few short moments. Yaiba coughed blood, letting out a small chortle. "Heh, heh… You're not a man," he rasped proudly. "You're a beast. A man would just cut my damn head off. You aren't the merciful type. You want me to suffer, am I right?"

Yukimasa lingered, saying nothing in return. Those stony eyes glimmered wrathfully, offering the man his answer. Yaiba gave one last breath, some twisted excuse for a grin remained on his face as he stared up into the empty grey sky.

"Your mistake was going for those kids… That's when your life was forfeit." Yukimasa hissed venomously, spitting on the ground; He walked away slowly from the man's still body. That terrible blood coated saw flickered out in hot mist back into that black iron rod. It stung hot against his skin, reminding him that his fate might one day be similar. Today was not the day to accept punishment just yet.

Kakashi and Raiga were both struggling to stay on a vertical base. Using so many high level ninjutsu had taken a toll on both of them, but Kakashi was in slightly better shape. He struggled to keep a grip on his kunai. "Well…it looks like you're out of juice, Kurosuki." He was about to make one final lunge when several senbon buried themselves into Raiga's neck, legs, and back. The former Mist ninja collapsed to the ground in a broken mess.

A cloaked form dropped from the sky, "It looks like I got here just in time." A decidedly feminine voice spoke. "This man has committed crimes against my village. I will dispose of him myself." She picked Raiga up, hoisting him over her slight shoulder. Kakashi wasn't able to see the new arrival's face, but he caught sight of a few strands of violet hair poking out of her hood. Kakashi turned his back, and strode off. The cloaked figure vanished in a flurry of mist, and apple blossoms. Kakashi was left on his own to contemplate this attack, and this "hunter nin's appearance. He wasn't up for another fight after all the chakra he'd expended.

Thanks to his Sharingan, he wouldn't forget her.

Nobushige noted the defeat of his colleagues with dismay. He lowered his copy of Arashi No Ookami, letting it fade away. "What's wrong? Don't want to fight anymore?" Seiryu mocked.

"A wise man knows when to fold them. You may have won this round, Captain Himura, but I guarantee we'll be back, and much sooner than you think." The ninja in red neutrally replied. "I suggest you and the others train up; because, next time we'll be bringing our A-game." With that Nobushige vanished within the smoky confines of Shunshin. The Hidden Mist Jutsu slowly dissipated, showing the condition of all present.

The Mist Wolf saw Zabuza prone on the ground, Haku scrambling to tend to him. He ran over, sheathing his blade as he did so. "How is he?" He asked the androgynous medic ninja, frantically stemming the flow of blood, while Naruto and Sakura looked on.

"He'll live, but it will be very close, Captain. It's taking all of my skill to do so." Haku reported in his soft, gentle tone. He did several hand seals. His palms glowed gentle strong green. He pressed them against Zabuza's wounded flesh, mending his wounds miraculously. Zabuza grimaced. It was such a warm, tingly feeling. He never quite got used to it. "Kisame got him with a nasty blow from Samehada, but the three of us managed to distract him and force him to retreat."

"Nice job, kids. It takes guts going up against the likes of Kisame." Seiryu said, before turning serious. "That being said, where's the client?" His answer came as Keiko and Tazuna emerged from behind a grove of trees. "You all right, Hanatori?"

"Shipshape, Captain!" Keiko saluted.

"We should get to my house as soon as possible. It's not far away. I'm sure you can all use the rest." Tazuna remarked.

"We appreciate that, sir." Seiryu then looked around, noticing that two of his comrades were still unaccounted for. "Where are Yukimasa and Kakashi at?"

"Here!" Yukimasa came out of the tree line, raising his hand presently. The young Sanada called out, grin shifting onto his lips. "Man, that guy was a pain in the ass! Well, he's food for the forest creatures now, hope they got strong stomachs." Kakashi stumbled in, clearly struggling to stay vertical, before collapsing into the Mist Wolf's arms.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto cried out, and Sakura cried out in unison.

"I…over did it…with the Sharingan. I'm going to…need some rest. Can I…count on you to…take over, Seiryu?" Kakashi weakly murmured. The Mist Wolf gave him a brotherly pat on the back, readjusting his body to better support the man's weight.

"Don't worry about it, Kakashi. We're going to head for Tazuna's house. I'll take charge for now. Go ahead and rest up. We've got it under control." Seiryu said in his most reassuring voice, lowering Kakashi's headband to cover his Sharingan.

"Thanks for that." Kakashi said lowly, his lone visible eye now closing as blessed darkness took him.

Yukimasa shook his head, watching the Mist Wolf get a hold of Kakashi. "Guess he used the Sharingan too much," he casually observed, shrugging a little bit. "The guy does a little work for once, and passes out. Go figure."

"Daisuke!" Sakura ran up to him, worry gleaming in her jade eyes. She gasped, seeing the blood on his shirt. "Are you okay?!"

"I'm fine, I'm fine." Yukimasa said dismissively, gesturing to himself. He patted the girl comfortingly on her pink colored head. "This belongs to the other guy, Sakura." He looked back in the direction he came from. A distant look came into in his red gaze. He grinned sheepishly, winking at Sakura. "Sorry if I worried you. The worst thing here is that I need a change of clothes and a bath."

Sakura sighed in relief, red tinge coming on her cheeks at the show of warmth. "Good." She chimed, holding herself back inwardly. She wanted to hug him so badly. The smell of blood was a bit much for her to take even at this distance. Still, Sakura wanted to bask in just a bit of his presence. "I knew you could do it."

Naruto walked up beside them, eying his teammate a bit. "Took you long enough." He said jokingly, smiling at Yukimasa from ear to ear. "I could have finished him way quicker."

"Tough guy, huh?" He punched Naruto in the arm playfully, grinning down at him. "Guess I'll let you do all the heavy lifting next time."

Keiko hopped up next to them, taking the Hokage's son into her bosom. "I know Naru-kun could do it." She affectionately nuzzled his head, pressing his face into her breasts. "He's going to be the next Hokage after all."

Naruto looked up at the girl, bewildered with a shy blush. "O-of course," He gulped down, nervously stammering a bit. "You'd better believe it, sister!"

Haku laughed, watching the exchange with amusement. "Zabuza-san," he whispered happily, glancing back at his surrogate father. "I haven't seen Yukimasa smile like that in…well." Haku paused, tapping his finger against his temple. "Ever."

Zabuza snorted to himself, shrugging. He whispered back to Haku. "Guess that even a cold hearted SOB like him can soften up. Just hope he hasn't gotten too lax; especially when the boss man gave him a job like protecting his only son."

"I'm sure he did it with the same brutality." Haku noted grimly, gesturing to the blood caked on Yukimasa's dark shirt. "You can take the Hunter out of the chase, but you can't take the hunt out of him."

Seiryu sidled beside them, hoisting Kakashi's limp body up onto his back in a piggy back manner. He leaned forward, letting the unconscious man's chin rest on his shoulder with his arms spayed out over them.

"None the less," Seiryu added, smiling a bit to himself at the chat. "I believe it's good for him. Part of me always thought he needed the break."

"Some break," Zabuza grunted, rolling his dark eyes. "I'm sure getting a visit from his traitor uncle, and some of our former village's most infamous killers should constitute a small tour of the devil's underwear drawer. Shit stains, and all."

"Poetic, Zabu…" Seiryu responded flatly, considering what they faced. Nothing about their encounter felt right. Nothing about today felt like a victory to the Mist Wolf. "We should still be on our guard. Let Yukimasa, and Keiko shepherd the little ones. We'll do all the heavy lifting."

"Right." Haku, and Zabuza both agreed in unison. Seiryu looked over his shoulder, searching for something that should have been there. Nothing was there. His finely honed senses felt something was awry even if it was not in sight.

Everyone did not notice the black cloaked figure on the treetops. Her purple tresses blew in the wind underneath her flowing hood. A smile formed on her cherry lips, her red eyes glimmered in the light. Seiryu looked up into the trees. Only red blossoms fell from the air. Seiryu narrowed his eyes at the sky. The eyes every Kishin member, and Keiko met in acknowledgement. They'd all saw it. This was going to be another one of those golden times…