Everyone thank you for being patient with me. Thank you all who have reviewed. I'll just get on with the disclaimer so that you can get reading.

Disclaimer: I do not own YuYu Hakusho. I only own my OC(s)


Chapter 12: Hateful dopplegangers...

Yusuke woke up feeling as though his body was held down by lead weights. His sight slowly focused on what was clearly his ceiling. His mind was still in a haze though. The last thing he remembered was beating Suzaku and blacking out after. Yusuke tried to turn his head and winced as he felt his muscles protest at the action.

"I'd be slow about it if I were you moron. That body of yours is still healing from the beating Suzaku gave you." A familiar voice caught his attention. His eyes locked on the form of Nobunaga sitting on his window sill looking amused. The exile for once was wearing color: A slightly baggy dark green v-neck, dark blue jeans, black sneakers, and a black hoodie on top left unzipped. The wounds on his face healed considerably and all that he could see left of them were the faint scarring across his left eye and on the bridge of his nose. Yusuke could smell something burned and noticed a small bit of ash coming from the air.

He must've made a portal. Yusuke summed up and winced as he slowly sat up. "Long time no see Naga." He said and smirked tiredly as the male rolled his eyes. "What no threat to rip my insides out?" He said wondering where the threat for the nickname was.

"Tch. I've given up any hope that you'll cease." Nobunaga muttered putting a bag on the floor. Yusuke smiled. The man was starting to get used to it.

"So how long have I been out?" Yusuke asked lookiing at his bandages. "I feel like somebody sewed weights to my skin."

"About three days give or take. Kuwabara gave you a energy transfusion to save your skin after you killed Suzaku." Nobunaga saw Yusuke about to roar at the fact that Kuwabara had done something that stupid.

"Before you say anything know that you're the moron here." Nobunaga said giving the detective a pointed look. "You almost used up all of your life energy. Had Kuwabara not done what he did you'd be dead all over again. Both of you managed to make a decent recovery though. Kurama and Hiei brought you two back to your respective housings and I helped the fox treat the wounds."

"So what happened after?" Yusuke asked the exile. Nobunaga shrugged, "The Reikai was able to get rid of the remaining demon insects and closed that part of the demon world off. Kurama and Hiei went back to their respective lives. I went home to take a much needed bath."

Yusuke began to laugh a little and this irked Nobunaga. "It's not funny. Seriously, I spent three fucking hours just washing blood out of my hair!" At this Yusuke laughed hard at the image of the exile sitting in a bath tub scrubbing with a sour look on his face and Nobunaga just threw a sock he found under the bed at him.

Yusuke them stopped for a moment realizing something. "Wait what about Keiko and Botan? Are they alright?!" He asked panicking for a moment.

"They're fine. Botan's injury was more superficial than anything and Keiko was shaken up but she's been fine. Kurama's been checking on her to make sure. As far as she knows, she thinks you're working for a normal detective agency." Nobunaga explained rummaging through the bag.

"What's in the bag?" Yusuke was cut off by the sound of knocking. Nobunaga sniffed and was assaulted by the scent of forest and then the scent of cigarette smoke.

"It's Kurama and Kuwabara." He said and got up answering the door coming back with the fox and other human in tow.

"Sup' Urameshi?" Kuwabara said grinning at the detective. He yelped though when Yusuke pounced on him and tried to beat him up.

"DAMMIT YOU IDIOT! IF YOU'RE LOW ON SPIRIT ENERGY DON'T KEEP USING IT!"

"GAH! HEY IF IT WASN'T FOR ME YOU'D BE DEAD!"

"JUST SHUT UP AND LET ME POUND YOU!"

Kurama and Nobunaga watched the scuffle with blank faces.

"Troublesome..." Nobunaga said plopping down to the floor, rummaging through the bag again and pulled out something wrapped in paper. Kurama sat next to him. The fox looked over and saw that the bag contained four large bottles of shampoo and conditioner as well as a few bars of soap.

"Why do you have those?" He questioned and Nobunaga just gave a huff. "...I ran out the other day when I was bathing. Just because I don't like humans doesn't mean that they don't make useful things" Nobunaga said still focused on the object in his hands.

At this Kurama couldn't help the amused smile that spread on his face and chuckled lightly. Nobunaga was ticked off. "Shut up..." He unwrapped the paper in his hand revealing a curry bun and took a bite. Now that Kurama could get a better look at the bag he also noticed several curry buns in it too.

"I take it you're fond of curry?" Kurama couldn't help but lightly tease the exile and inwardly grinned wider when said male turned red with embarassment. "...I may or may not have developed a slight curry addiction when I went to India for the first time... Quit it you damn demon!" He raised his voice at Kurama who bit his thumb to contain his laughter. He couldn't help it. Nobunaga's reactions were adorable. Youko smirked inside his mind.

So you believe me now when I say you're attracted to him as much as I am Shūichi...? He taunted and mentally Kurama sighed in resignation.

Fine Youko. You were right. Perhaps I do hold feelings of affection for Nobunaga after all. However that does not mean that he may return the sentiment. You and I both know that he is not trusting towards demons of any kind.

We will have to change that then won't we.

I have only just gained his trust as a comrade. Taking this too fast would cause him to lose what little amount of trust he currently possesses.

Kurama immediately stopped speaking with Youko and turned his attention back to the other three in the room. It was apparent by the massive bumps on the heads of the two humans that Nobunaga grew sick of the fight and broke it apart himself.

"What are you two doing here anyway?" Yusuke asked rubbing away the pain. "We wished to check on you and see how your wounds are fairing so far." Kurama said walking up to the detective and unwrapping some of the bandages. "The good news is that your wounds are completely healed and it seems that all of your energy has come back. It's quite impressive really. Normally it would take several more days." Kurama explained smiling as he removed the bandages.

Nobunaga smirked. "The bad news is that the two of you are gonna be quite sore for a few weeks."

"Wait but I feel fine." Yusuke said and Kuwabara agreed saying he hadn't felt any pain either. Nobunaga rolled his eyes at their ignorance. "Bless the clueless... The only reason you two don't feel pain right now is because you're both still hyped up on those remedies that I've been treating you with. The human body isn't usually capable of taking beatings like you two did unless you go through years of intense training. I guarantee that by tomorrow you two are going to be screaming in agony and I will laugh at your pain." He said getting up and walking to the door.

"Where are you goin'?" Kuwabara asked him and Nobunaga gave a shrug.

"Going to see a friend of mine." And he left.

"...He actually has friends?..." Kuwabara was met with a punch to the face courtesy of Yusuke. Seems he was still angry over Kuwabara giving him spirit energy. Kurama sighed as they continued their brawl.

It turned out that Nobunaga was going to Ikebukuro again to play the smash brothers fight Celty owed him. He spent the rest of the day there trying to keep one upping her though she kept beating him every now and then.

He doesn't dislike some things humans make indeed.


*Two days later*

"DAMMIT THAT FUCKING HURTS!" Yusuke yelled out. Unfortunately for him and Kuwabara, Nobunaga had been correct about the pain that they were feeling. Right now said exile had followed them to see how they were doing and, true to his word, was currently laughing to the point the two humans thought he might as well die from how hard he was cracking up.

"NAGA STOP LAUGHING! IT'S NOT FUNNY YOU BASTARD!" Yusuke yelled at him groaning at every step he took. Each time they took a step their bones and muscles would snap, crack, and pop from the strain. It hurt to the point that they were using walking sticks just to make it without collapsing. Nobunaga was still too busy laughing. Kuwabara yelled this time.

"SHUT UP!" He yelled and soon Nobunaga stopped much to their relief. "Hah... I told you both that you'd be in massive pain." He said wiping a laughter induced tear from his eye. Yusuke grumbled at him and soon the three of them saw the school up ahead. Nobunaga slunk away to give the two of them some peace.

He later found himself lounging in a tree cloud watching. He was bored. There wasn't much for him to do. Some of his wounds were still healing so traveling wasn't an option at the moment. Sighing, the boy was about to head home when he sensed demon energy nearby. Two traces to be exact and a whole lot of human scent. Curious, Nobunaga masked his presence and transformed into a black cat. His eyes remained the same though the pupils were slit like an actual feline's. Quickly but quietly, he made his way toward the source and came across a large construction site. Nobunaga's nose wrinkled in disgust at the smell of oil but drew his attention toward a group of humans who were standing angrily in front of two figures. Upon closer inspection Nobunaga nearly slipped when he saw two demons that tried to disguise themselves as Yusuke and Kuwabara. Though to be honest the two did a horrible job going about it. Other than the hair there was nothing that made these impostors look remotely like them. The one who was supposed to be Yusuke had a forked tongue for goodness sake and the one who was supposed to be Kuwabara was rather ugly looking with an odd nose.

From what Nobunaga was able to hear in the conversation with the leader of the humans, the two demons were trying to get their kind to come into the human world themselves and rule. "Tch." Nobunaga tsked as the humans grew angry when the demons said that they would take their territory. Sometimes I can't tell who's stranger: Humans or Demons. The doppelgangers left and the human leader yelled at his comrades. They were going to try and take down the real Kuwabara and Yusuke.

Nobunaga trotted away shaking his head. Normally he wouldn't meddle in the affairs of humans. He down right held a grudge against their ignorance and lust for power and greed. However in the short time he had known Yusuke and Kuwabara, Nobunaga was slowly but surely beginning to see that not all humans were bad. He would say the same about some demons but Kurama could be considered a special case and Hiei was only sentenced to help them in the human world even though he was beginning to warm up to them slightly.

On the other hand, the two humans were still quite physically exhausted from their battles in Maze castle. Handling another fight, even if it was against other humans, could cause further damage and it would take them twice as long to heal even with Kurama and Nobunaga's help. That, and he didn't want to hear it from Koenma. Transforming back into his normal appearance, the exile quickly made his way back toward Sarayashiki Junior High School. Sensing the spiritual presence of the two on the roof he would have gone but bit his lip in annoyance as he felt the weak presence of three other humans. He was going to have to shift again in order to keep any suspicion out. Changing into a crow, he made his way up to the roof and waited for the three normal humans to leave. Kuwabara noticed that he was there though because he looked up for a second raising an eyebrow and Yusuke followed suit. However their attention was dragged back by one of the humans who told them about the very dopplegangers who had been messing with the group of humans from earlier. Apparently it wasn't just that group though. The lookalikes had been messing with several gangs in the area and all of them were hell bent on destroying the real ones.

Nobunaga watched as the two humans got riled up and announced that they would get them first though they immediately regretted standing up feeling the pain come back tenfold this time. Nobunaga almost let out a snort but kept himself in check. As soon as the three left Yusuke looked up to the exile. "Oi Naga you can come down now."

Chuckling the exile fluttered down and shifted back. "Looks like your friends beat me to it."

Kuwabara raised an eyebrow. "You were gonna warn us about the fight?"

Nobunaga gave a nod and began to explain. "Yeah. On closer inspection it turns out that it's a pair of demons who disguised themselves as you, quite badly I might add. They're trying to get their kind into the human world themselves and see if they can take over."

Yusuke looked wide eyed. "Wait so that's why they have all the gangs coming after us? But why would they send other humans? On that note I don't even think they'd need to get past us."

Nobunaga rolled his eyes and tapped his index finger against the detective's head. "To avoid suspicion dumb-ass. They must've heard about what went on at Maze Castle and think of you two as a threat. They probably only heard about that and not the rest of us or else they would be trying to come after Hiei, Kurama, and myself as well. If you think they're going to get other demons to do it then I think your head is screwed in the wrong way. These demons are riling human gangs up so that they can do the dirty work for them. They get you two out of the way, then they think they can enter the demon world no problem. Understand?"

Yusuke gave him an annoyed look. "Alright geez. Don't get a pole stuck up your ass. Now let's go kick some ass!" He said getting up but once again groaned as his muscles screamed in pain.

Nobunaga gave them both dry looks. "I seriously doubt that, given your condition, you dumb-asses would even be able to walk let alone fight. It might be best if we just try to confront the demons before those humans show up to beat your souls out of you."


After much moaning from pain and some help from Nobunaga the trio made it down to the construction site where the impostors were hiding. The trio looked down at them from a nearby half finished building and the two humans looked on in annoyance.

"Are you kidding me? They don't even look like us... And what the hell is up with the tongue!?" Yusuke whisper shouted seeing the failed excuses for impostors.

"What's with the ugly mug?" Kuwabara muttered looking at his doppleganger with disgust. Nobunaga smirked deciding to poke fun and tease the tempermetal human. "I don't know Kuwabara...I think it's pretty spot on." He said chuckling and Yusuke joined in laughing at his friend's expense. Kuwabara looked like he wanted to shout. "Go jump off a bridge..." He muttered but it only caused Nobunaga to snicker more.

Soon though he began to explain a plan he had in mind. "All right it'll be best if you two confront them."

"You're not gonna come with us?" Yusuke questioned.

"I'm going to watch out for any signs of those gangs that want you're hides. Besides even if they might be weak, those demons might get suspicious if there's a third person involved." Nobunaga explained hopping up a few trees up ahead. The exile overheard the two of them confronting their impostors. He could see a massive group of humans holding weapons and stalking towards the construction site in anger. As he watched them get closer he felt an annoyingly familiar presence behind him.

"Hiei..." He stated.

"Exile..." The fire demon responded.

"What brings you here?" Nobunaga said turning to face the fire demon.

Hiei merely brought out a video tape to show him and Nobunaga was surprised to see a flicker of rage in his eyes. He wondered who decided to mess with the demon.

Hiei saw the hoard of humans and sensed the impostors. "I take it the detective and the fool have gotten themselves into a mess."

Nobunaga shook his head. "Surprisingly they didn't get themselves into it. Word is getting out about our little escapade at Maze Castle. Long story short they want to get rid of Yusuke and Kuwabara, get their comrades into the human world, and rule."

"Hmph. Well that will have to wait. I have business with the detective that I need to take care of." Hiei huffed and Nobunaga knew that meant that he was reluctantly going to give them a hand. Now that I think about it Nobunaga thought wherever Hiei is Kurama's bound to be nearby so I guess that...

"Then it would be in our best interest to put this misconception to rest." A familiar voice rang out from below them and the two supernatural beings looked down to see Kurama gently smiling at the two of them.

"Speak of the fox and he shall appear." Nobunaga muttered blankly. "What brings you to this neck of the woods?"

"I saw Hiei come nearby and sensed the other demons around this area. Seeing as there are a large amount of humans congregating around here I suppose that they are trying to be rid of Yusuke and Kuwabara."

"You guessed right." Nobunaga said as he watched the humans. Out of the corner of his eye he could make out another group of demons. "Say Hiei," he said getting the attention of the fire demon. What do you say to a little contest? Who can destroy them the fastest?" He said eyes turning toward the hoard in hiding and smiled wickedly.

Hiei smirked at the man. "Prepare to lose what you've begun exile." With that the two sped off so fast that Kurama hadn't had been able to see them move. The fox sighed to himself exasperated. It looked like he would be playing the voice of reason. Again.


Yusuke and Kuwabara were arguing with the leaders of the gangs but to no avail. The humans stubbornly refused to believe that they had been tricked.

"I KEEP TELLING YOU IDIOTS! WE'RE NOT THE ONES THAT SET YOU UP!" Yusuke was fed up with them.

"HE'S RIGHT JUST LISTEN!" Kuwabara hollered but was only met with more protest.

The gang leaders began to lunge at them, their members following suit. Yusuke had enough. "THAT'S IT! I DON'T CARE HOW MUCH PAIN I'M IN! I'M KICKING ALL YOUR ASSES!"

He and Kuwabara were about to brawl when a rose was thrown out in front of them and the leaders. "Please wait a moment." A voice said and they all turned to see Kurama with his arm still stretched out from throwing the rose.

One of the leaders got angry and spat "What the hell do you want kid..."

Kurama merely smiled. "You have all been tricked." He said and then pointed towards the impostors who were trying to slink away quietly. "The real menaces are over there." The demons stiffened and were greeted by the enraged faces of the humans.

The one disguised as Yusuke spoke. "So what if you all have weapons! We have our brethren behind us following our whims!" The Kuwabara impostor yelled "Destroy them!" But no one came.

"So who got to them the fastest?" Everyone could hear a voice ring out from behind the two and they slowly turned to the sight of their followers in a giant pile beaten, broken, and bruised. Standing in front were Nobunaga and Hiei looking at the mess they had created.

"They didn't put up much of a fight." Hiei said to the frightened demons and Nobunaga smirked. "No they did not. It looks like these two won't either."

The look-alikes were surrounded by the gangs. "So you thought you'd get a kick watching us make fools of ourselves..." One of them snarled. They went for the kill.

"GAHHHHHHHHH!" The sound of screaming was all that could be heard.


"Whew!" Yusuke let out a breath of relief. "Thanks I don't think we would have been able to fight off that many people."

Hiei handed him the tape. "Huh? What's this?" He asked.

"Your next mission." Hiei simply replied and left.

"WHAT!? YOU'VE GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!?" He yelled and turned to Nobunaga. "Naga please tell me you have some of those potions on you!" He pleaded.

"Sorry Yusuke you're on your own." He and Kurama left the two humans who began to wallow.

Kurama walked aimlessly with Nobunaga. They weren't really heading anywhere. School ended early for the demon so he decided to stay around the exile for now.

"Who won your contest?" He questioned recalling Nobunaga and Hiei make a contest out of who could knock out those demons the quickest.

Nobunaga stopped in his tracks and had a thinking face on. "No idea. I was focused on my own part so I couldn't really tell who beat who." he said shrugging to himself. "Although I do wonder who decided to piss Hiei off." Nobunaga wondered out loud peaking Kurama's interest.

"Hiei was angry?" Kurama questioned. Seeing the fire demon with a sardonic expression was normal but to see him with an actual look of fury was rather surprising.

"No not angry. When I mean he was pissed, I mean he looked like he wanted to decapitate someone and keep their head as a trophy." Nobunaga explained remembering the look of unadulterated anger.

"Hmmm... interesting. You have my curiosity peaked now Nobunaga." Kurama said.

"Then it's a good thing that we may need you for Yusuke's next mission." A familiar voice piped up above them.

The fox and exile looked up in surprise to see Botan floating above them with a look of seriousness on her face.

"Botan." Nobunaga greeted the River Styx.

"Please be more specific Botan." Kurama asked.

"I'll explain on the way but let's just say that Koenma wants you both to come as back up and also to make sure that Hiei doesn't do anything rash." She explained urging them to follow her.

Kurama and Nobunaga looked at each other. Whatever it was it had to be serious. Especially if it involved restraining Hiei from doing something foolish.


Author's note: Ok I have to stop here. I'm just glad that I managed to get this done. Finally! Well the next chapter is going to be about finding and rescuing Yukina and Celty will also make an appearance as well. Hope to see you guys in the next chapter!

Ja'ne- Kitsune to Tenshi-chan