Alright! Back to business!

To you readers out there, here is a chance to help me out! I can't seem to find a suitable name for today's chapter, so I am asking you readers to help me ^^! Read the chapter, try to think of a nice name for it, and let me know ^^! The best name will be selected and named (of course credits will go to you)!

Now… Onto Shout outs!

To Reaperapple : Thank you for the kind comment ^^. But nope! I ain't telling you the final foe! IT won't be interesting if you knew… Because there are lots more foes to come… So read on ^^

To count-zechs00 : Kakashi couldn't use Shunshin because… he didn't think of it? (Hmm Lame excuse, but have to admit, didn't think of that when I wrote it. Still, I needed Kakashi to lose, so Haha, if he did use Shunshin, it would show that he had a lot of fight left in him.) Kakashi indeed had his Sharingan on as well, but… Sharingan is not like Byakugan, no 360 degree sight. The shark disappeared from view behind him, so the remaining sharks circling were confusing him. As for the case on Naruto's sword… Nope! Last chapters didn't have them! The sword will be explained in due time… That is how my story was supposed to be portrayed out, so you just got to keep reading to find out more about his sword.

Phew! Long shout-out there… ^^

To Talxious: Hmm?? Grammar mistakes? Help me those out there if you could pls ^^! It's sometimes hard for me to spot those…

Alrighty! I'm done with shouting! Now! The main event everyone is looking forward to… MY CHAPTER!! And remember, pls help in naming this chapter!

Last Chapter:

As the cherry blossom danced across both sides visions, it flitted through the air, teasing both teams. Both sides' eyes were riveted on the flower, waiting for the moment it comes to a rest on the ground, signaling the beginning of the fight. Kisame watched with barely suppressed anger as he couldn't wait to tear Samehada against Naruto's neck. Naruto watched the flower as it did a little jerk, tensing his muscles to prepare to strike against Kisame. Hanzo watched the flower with a slightly amused smile of his face, remembering the old fights he once had. Zetsu watched with slight disinterest as the cherry blossom did a final roundabout spin, the wind swirling about again before finally, the cherry blossom gently graced the ground with its presence.

The fight has begun.

Chapter 12 –

Kisame leapt with a scream of hatred at Naruto, smashing Samehada on Naruto with tremendous earth-shattering force. I will make him pay for those insults he said to me! Kisame thought viciously as he immediately rushed Naruto the moment the cherry blossom landed on the floor. Kisame's fury was due to his insecurity issues about his tender pale-blue skin. He never did like the color of his skin and features, as it always made him stood out from the rest, leaving him susceptible to constant and annoying taunting. As a result, Kisame decided that in order to stop people from their constant taunting about his skin, he would be vicious in his career; he would be one of the Legendary Swordsmen of the Mist.

However, it only sought to worsen his plight, as people constantly mocked him still; the increase fame of his title brought only more mockery from around the world. That insecurity in him grew over time, turning him into a ninja who only seeked to maim and destroy those that mocked him. Joining Akatsuki, Kisame finally found a cadre of ninjas who, though have different reasons, were also looking to destroy their hated foes. It was bliss for Kisame ever since then, killing down people, who in his eyes would mock him if they were given a chance to live.

Now, nursing a bruised ego due to Naruto taunts, Kisame felt righteous fury in his own eyes dispensing punishment out to Naruto in trying to kill him. Inside his head, a constant voice jabbered, whispering words of hatred and fury to Kisame, demanding Kisame to relieve Naruto of his already-expired life. It drove Kisame to greater spite of the world and everyone that lived within its peaceful lives, in turn slowly driving Kisame to eventual madness of hatred.

"I will make you pay for your insults, boy!" Kisame screamed, smashing Samehada down, his arm muscles hidden inside his Akatsuki coat bulging from using tremendous strength.

Naruto calmly watched as Kisame dashed towards him before leaping up in mid-air, coming down heavily on him with Samehada poised to smash into his skull. Bringing up his own sword to bear, Naruto blocked Kisame's vicious blow easily, stopping Kisame in mid-air in the process. The ground beneath Naruto cracked under the huge force of Kisame's, a crater slowly forming as the earth around Naruto shattered into clouds of dust and dirt. If Kisame's blow had landed on Naruto, it would have turned Naruto's head to jelly, and even splattering Naruto whole.

Both swords still in their similar position, Samehada's spikes grating against the flat edge of Naruto's sword, Kisame pulled down hard, and Naruto's sword caught between the edges of Samehada swinging down. Naruto didn't let up as he continued holding his sword steadily, inching down ever so little, allowing Kisame to finally allow his legs to touch the ground. Kisame used his tall figure to further shove down Samehada on Naruto, to try and at least allow Samehada's tip to reach Naruto.

It never happened.

Naruto felt the increased pressure in Kisame's strength as Kisame tried to overpower him. However, to Naruto, he only felt the increase in the strength used and returned it equally. Naruto felt unfazed by the tremendous strength Kisame unleashed on him as the ground cracked further under the pressure. Looking at the strained Kisame, Naruto wondered to himself. Have I become that strong? How come I can't feel the pressure Kisame is using that much? Naruto thought quietly to himself as he exerted a bit more strength, forcing Samehada back to Kisame, whose wide-opened eyes expressed the shock he witnessed.

True, Kisame had used his full strength on Naruto and Naruto felt the pure unrestrained power of Kisame. However, Naruto never expected that Kisame's full strength was not as powerful as what he thought it would be. The shocked eyes of Kisame bore testament to it as Naruto pushed Kisame back easily, forcing both swords to a standstill. What strength… Kisame looked at Naruto, judging him with different eyes this time. He has improved greatly since I last met him… And that sword… Kisame's eyes narrowed at the huge sword that had posed an obstruction between Samehada and Naruto's head previously.

It was the size of Samehada. A huge flat blade with a long handle was all the simplicity of Naruto's sword. However, under close scrutiny, Kisame noticed the tiny differences in the sword itself. The blade seemed to gleam with a menacing black, as it seemed to suck in the light that surrounded the sword, creating a shroud of darkness seemingly around it. The blade itself seemed to be marred with slight nicks and dents, suggesting its origins was many centuries past, despite Naruto's and Hanzo's best ministrations to it. Kisame's sharp eyes caught the small intricately carved inscriptions on the part of the blade closest to the hilt. The carving seemed to form the shape of a dragon that seemed to be embedded in the blade itself. Looking at the guard of the sword, Kisame noticed that it was made of black crystal, an element that was so rare it was only seen in small amounts. Looking at the guard of the sword, Kisame realized that the whole hilt of the sword must be made of the black element, despite the handle of the sword being wrapped in bandages. Black crystal was one of the hardest element known and its smooth surface allowed liquids to slide of it easily. Using it as a handle, there would definitely be no chance the sword might slip off the user's grasp. Sweat would just slide of the hilt keeping the user's grip firm; blood splashed on it would simply drip off as well. That sword… It looks so familiar… Kisame wondered as he saw the similarities in the sword. I wonder where I last saw it… (A/N: For those that need a better idea on how the sword looks, simply just picture the sword Cloud Strife uses in Final Fantasy 7, WITH my added details. Can't copy other people swords you know =D)

"That sword… Where did you get that, boy?" Kisame growled out as he narrowed his eyes in hatred towards the blonde shinobi.

"Why? Does it concern you, shark-face?" Naruto retorted rudely to Kisame, whose body heaved up at the sound of 'shark-face' being mentioned. "I don't really see why I should be telling you such stuff." Naruto watched as Kisame's body jerked angrily about due to his remarks. Angling his sword slightly, Naruto tensed himself for Kisame's rebuttal.

"You'll regret saying those things boy…" Kisame spat out the words laced with intense hatred slowly, his tiny irises becoming slits as he pictured Naruto as a chew toy. Dashing forward, Kisame struck left and right, swinging Samehada with great speed and ruthless efficiency, each swing designed to maim Naruto if it ever connected with him.

Naruto dodged left and right, bending low and arching his back and some of Kisame's swings as he moved about watching his attacks. He is good… Naruto noticed the swings of Kisame as he moved about dodging them with ease. Each attack aims the vital points of his opponents… However… Naruto eyes narrowed in anticipation. His attacks have too much force into it, which it leaves him wide open! Quickly, Naruto sidestepped a particularly brutal swing by Kisame that was meant to cut into his leg tendons to slow his movements, launching himself into the offensive against Kisame.

During the intense trainings with Hanzo, Naruto's speed has increased exponentially as he was going against a legendary opponent, one that surpassed the Sannins themselves. Months of pushing himself to great lengths has lead him to finally maybe be on par with Hanzo in speed. However, because Naruto never had the pleasure to measure himself against any other opponents, Naruto never knew how much his trainings had improved him exactly. Now, meeting with the Akatsuki members, Naruto could finally see the extent of his trainings. Each swing of Kisame seemed to move slowly, as if the sword was moving in water, giving time for Naruto to easily dodge it and even react to it.

Naruto swung about behind Kisame in a blur of orange and black. Extending his leg out, Naruto's leg connected with Kisame in the gut, forcing Kisame to lurch forward in pain. Following through the motion, Naruto elbowed down on Kisame's exposed cranium, feeling the hard skull of his. Kisame saw stars as Naruto elbowed his head, shaking his head to clear the momentary dizziness. He never finished getting rid of the stars as Naruto smashed the flat surface of his blade against Kisame's face again, hurling him back the distance, Kisame's body smashing into the trees and felling them from where they stood. This boy is good… was all Kisame could think of as he was hurled back.

-Meanwhile, Hanzo and Zetsu-

Zetsu and Hanzo both stared as both Naruto and Kisame threw themselves at each other during the fight. When the cherry blossom had landed on the ground, Hanzo and Zetsu both jumped away to allow both sword-users to clash with reckless abandon. Watching as the clash began between both swordsmen, Hanzo felt a sense of pride rise within his chest, knowing that Naruto is able to handle himself and that his trainings had paid off. Feeling the other Akatsuki member stir in motion, Hanzo turned to lock eyes on him.

"Hanzo of the Salamander, it is known that Pein has supposedly killed you before forming the group Akatsuki. But it is to my deepest pleasure of letting you know that Pein has died, leaving Akatsuki to fend for itself now. If you would like, the legendary Hanzo, I would like to extend Akatsuki's hand out in offering you a position within our faction. Your heroics in the past have brought much admiration in Akatsuki." Black Zetsu spoke in a sickly, greasy tone as he tried to tempt Hanzo in joining Akatsuki.

"Yes! Yes! Join us! Join us! Lots of fun!" blurted out White Zetsu impatiently as it gestured excitedly at Hanzo.

"Yes. It is to my knowledge that Pein has died, leaving Akatsuki leaderless." Hanzo agreed with Zetsu, recalling the time when Naruto had explained the reason of his Dōjutsu ability: the Rinnegan.

"… and that is how I got my Rinnegan. I don't know what Nagato did but he somehow cast some jutsu on me, I think." Naruto ended, taking a deep breath as he recalled the incident with Nagato to Hanzo. Hanzo stiffened at hearing Pein's name, his mind drifting back to his very last fight he had before he decided to stop the way of the ninja: the fight with Pein. It was such a brutal and mind-scarring fight…

Shaking his head slightly to focus himself back on the situation, Hanzo looked at the Akatsuki member staring at him. Old age must be catching up to me… Hanzo humored himself before speaking again to Zetsu. "However, I have seen many things in my life, much more than any of you youngsters have. And, I have regretted doing those heroics stuff that you have mentioned earlier. If anything, I have changed my ways of the past, and I am now repenting for the crimes I have committed. So, I would sadly have to decline your offer to join Akatsuki." Hanzo ended, noting that Zetsu showed no emotions to his answer. If anything, Zetsu's grin grew wider at his answer instead, as if already expecting it.

"Aww… Shame! Shame!" White Zetsu cried out.

"Yesss… Such a shame…" Black Zetsu sneered in agreement with White Zetsu. As both Zetsus replied old-man Hanzo, Zetsu's body was slowly melting together with the ground, merging together with the earth.

So… He uses the Mayfly technique to blend himself together with the earth… Hanzo analyzed as he saw Zetsu disappear into the ground. Closing his eyes, Hanzo tried to sense for any indications of Zetsu's presence that may reveal his location. The technique allows him to block off all indication of his presence… No chakra, no killing intent… I can't sense anything… Hanzo concluded as he slowly opened his eyes again, regarding the surroundings around him with heightened senses. A slight stirring of the leaves shifted as the wind blew, bringing with it a sense of foreboding of something dangerous to come. Despite the frequent clashes of swords coming from both Naruto and Kisame, Hanzo only heard silence all around him, the faint whispers of the wind the only sound heard.

A slight disturbance in the air revealed Zetsu's presence as he emerged from beneath the ground smoothly. With a swift cutting motion of his arms, Zetsu released countless amounts of his poisoned needles towards Hanzo. With accurate precision, the needles flew straight towards Hanzo, all of the needles designed to paralyze him.

Hanzo simply stared as he watched with interest at Zetsu's attack. As the needles swiftly flew towards Hanzo, the old man simply lifted up his walking stick… and placed it back down again. It seemed as if Hanzo had done nothing, however, under close scrutiny, the walking stick was pelted full of the poison needles aimed at him. During that brief moment when Hanzo had lifted up his walking stick, he had, too fast for the human eye to follow unless paid full attention on, swiftly used the walking stick to block all the needles as they embedded themselves onto his non-living walking stick.

Zetsu stared as he recorded the brief moment he saw as Hanzo blocked his attack. Finally… A worthy prey… Zetsu sneered as he slowly merged together with the ground again. It has been so long since he met someone that displayed such high standards of ability. Such a pity though… Zetsu thought to himself.

Hanzo watched as Zetsu merge again together with the ground again, hiding his presence again. Probably going to try a different approach this time… Hanzo thought to himself as he kept himself alert again. Feeling the disturbance in the air again, Hanzo spun around to square off himself against Zetsu again. Zetsu once again attacked with his poison needles, hurling them at high speeds. Humph… Same attack again… Hanzo thought before he noticed a difference in Zetsu. Wait… Hanzo looked closely at Zetsu's appearance. Half of his body seems blank… This means… Hanzo quickly registered the threat he noticed, leaping up in the air and twirling about, just as a flurry of poison needles flew past him from behind. He can split himself into half! Hanzo came to a quick conclusion as he noticed the other half of Zetsu was behind him that threw those needles.

Zetsu didn't give Hanzo time to recover from that brief stint of information as Hanzo jumped up in the air to avoid the needles. Quickly, with telepathic connection with his counterpart, both Zetsus hurled poisoned needles at the airborne Hanzo, who was stranded in the air.

Hanzo didn't have a moment to absorb this sudden 'twin' information as hails of poisoned senbon needles flew to meet him in the air. Watching them with slight annoyance, Hanzo quickly formed hand seals with his hands. "Katon: Gōkakyu Bōgyo Tate! (Fire Release: Great Fireball Defense Shield)" A huge burst of fire erupted around Hanzo as a gigantic fireball shield formed around him, melting the senbon needles that tried to pierce the shield. An absolute defense of fire… Zetsu thought as he stared at the flaming sphere that encased Hanzo inside. There must be some way to reach past his defense… Zetsu thought again as both his bodies slowly merge themselves again to the ground, as the fireball shield slowly drifted down to the ground.

Scorching the barren grounds, the fire shield burned so hot that black soot covered the area where it touched. Slowly, the flames died, revealing old-man Hanzo as he stared at his surroundings again. Disappeared into the ground again… Hanzo sighed as he hated this fight between both of them. I'm getting too old for this kind of stuff… Hanzo thought as he felt his breath grew heavier, the muscles in his body starting to ache slightly. Despite the legendary skills of Hanzo still existing inside him, Hanzo himself couldn't fight age itself as his stamina started to drop as the years took its toll on him. Easily exhausted nowadays, Hanzo was but a shadow of his former shell, although still capable of handling himself easily.

Flashback

Hanzo groaned as Rin rubbed his aching muscles in the night, when Naruto was busy snoring away. Days of intense training were something that Hanzo's body was unable to stand up against.

"You push yourself too much. Can't you just slow down on your trainings with Naruto?" Rin chided at the old man, whose creaking old bones force him to utter another groan. Every night, Rin would use her healing chakra to try to bring some life back to Hanzo's lifeless muscles, preparing him for next day's tough training.

"Heh…" Hanzo grinned as he felt waves of soothing energy flow through his body, rejuvenating him and healing his broken bones at the same time. "Just let an old man does what he pleases before his time comes…" Hanzo replied to Rin, his hoarse voice a sharp contrast to Rin's soft and concerning voice.

"Tch…" was all that came out of Rin's mouth as she took Hanzo's answer without rebut. Another groan issued out of Hanzo's mouth as Rin found another aching spot on Hanzo's thigh and was now using slightly increased pressure than usual in healing it.

End Flashback

Hanzo shook his head again to clear his mind from day-dreaming. I am really getting too old for this stuff… Can't even keep my mind focused… Hanzo chided himself as he steered himself away from day-dreaming. Taking a deep breath to energize himself, Hanzo puffed himself up to prepare himself again Zetsu. I must find a way to halt him from merging into the ground…

-Meanwhile, back at Hinata, Kakashi and Rin-

Kakashi eyes were riveted on Rin as she focused herself on healing Kakashi wounds. Rin's alive… She's alive… Rin's alive… Kakashi head was blank as his mind was simply focused on the fact that Rin is still alive, and is in front of him healing his wounds! He had thought himself a broken man when he had broken the promise he made with Obito: to protect Rin. The day when Rin was thought to be dead, Kakashi felt like a part of him inside had simply just shriveled up and died. It was a heart-wrenching sight for Konoha as all of Konoha saw the way Kakashi behaved after that: late-nights, walking around like a zombie, no sense of direction. Even after accepting the loss of Rin and getting on with life, Kakashi never forgave himself for not being with Rin and being absorbed in his ANBU duties.

But now, Rin is alive! She is healing Kakashi now beneath his unbelieving eyes! Kakashi still couldn't believe the person in front of him was really her. Dazing off at his good luck, Kakashi failed to hear the words that came out of Rin. All he heard was mumbled words that sounded much distorted in his head. "What?" Kakashi mumbled unceremoniously, his head still in a blind haze.

"I said…" Rin spoke slightly irritated, smacking the back of Kakashi's head to knock some sense into him before continuing with her speech. "You have suffered severe injuries to your back and arm. You cannot move about yet if not the injuries will tear open wider."

That's right! Akatsuki! Kakashi woke up from his daze thanks to Rin's reality smack. Struggling to get up to his feet, Kakashi felt himself being held down by Rin. The wounds Kakashi suffered at the hands of Kisame left him weak and in pain as his movements agitated his wounds again. Pain coursed through Kakashi's body with renewed fury, forcing a groan from Kakashi. "Help me up… I must help them! They are Akatsuki members!" Kakashi weakly spoke out, knowing that despite how useless he was now because of his injuries, he must at least do something.

"Lie down!" Rin scolded as she held Kakashi back down. "Do not worry about Naruto and Hanzo! They are able to handle themselves! If you push yourself too hard, the wounds will simply reopen again!" You've changed ever since Obito passed on… Rin thought silently to herself, a small smile on her face despite the seriousness of the situation. Helping out despite your injuries… "If you want to help so much… Come and help me with this girl!" Rin gestured towards Hinata, who lay unconscious on the ground.

"What happened to Hinata?" asked a bewildered Kakashi. He last saw Hinata standing when Rin attended to him. How did she suddenly collapse suddenly? Kakashi thought to himself. The injuries must have made him slightly dazed as well as he unknowingly spoke out his thoughts to Rin.

"She is suffering from very severe chakra exhaustion." Rin reported out as she had already left Kakashi's side and was beginning to tend to Hinata, searching for signs of her injuries internally. Her psalms glowing with green healing chakra, Rin swept her hands across Hinata's body, analyzing her vital signs. "Her vital signs are very weak. Her chakra coils seemed to be slightly damaged. Must be from forcing chakra through her body." Pausing her hands suddenly, Rin felt a strange anomaly inside Hinata. "… There seems to be effects of poison in her. Her body must have been very poisoned; hence her heartbeats are so erratic. Traces of poison are lodged all over her body." Rin stopped talking as she started healing Hinata, concentrated on removing the traces of poison inside her.

Please let her be alright! Kakashi closed his eyes as he prayed for Hinata's recovery. Dragging himself across the space between him and Rin, Kakashi didn't bother walking as he felt that he didn't have enough energy to stand up.

"I will do whatever I can." Rin said through gritted teeth. She was pouring large amounts of chakra out of her hands as she attempted to destroy the poison that was slowly multiplying inside Hinata and latching themselves onto her blood cells.

Did I just speak out my own thoughts? Wondered Kakashi in amazement as Rin had just answered his thoughts. He still felt pain from his wounds, but they seemed to have toned down slightly. I need to help somehow…

"Yes you did." Rin said again, a small smile gracing her serious features. Sweat started forming on Rin's forehead as she was starting to use her reserves of chakra energy in healing Hinata. "You can help me out by tending to Hinata's wounds. They don't seem very serious but be careful when you remove those senbon needles. They seemed to be the cause of the poison inside her."

Damn! I need to stop speaking out my thoughts! Kakashi focused himself as he mentally scolded himself. Dragging himself up to a squatting position, Kakashi began pulling out the senbon needles still pierced to Hinata's body, dressing up the wounds at the same time.

-Hinata-

Hinata felt herself being carried in the air. Soft, cooling wind blew across her face, her hair tossing gently in the air, as Hinata felt the refreshing kiss of the wind caress her face. Her body felt light and Hinata herself felt at peace at where she was right now, enjoying the moment that brought forth. Opening her eyes, Hinata saw the clear, blue soothing sky greet her. Looking down, Hinata looked all around her, admiring the surroundings. Is this is a dream? Hinata wondered.

Wind blew about her, stirring the tall wheat fields that were surrounding her all about. Tall wheat grass tickled her legs as they swayed to the soft blowing of the wind. Her feet now on the ground, Hinata stretched out her hands as she ran her hands through the wheat. The fine texture of each individual grain, as they spilled from her fingers, told her that everything felt real here. Hinata's legs started moving on their own accord as they followed through a path of the wheat fields. Tracing the path, Hinata's eyes found where the end of the path lead to.

A huge gate with enormous wooden doors marked the end of the path, the view behind it blocked by walls made of rock sidelining the gate. The wall was beautifully chiseled, though parts of it broke off, probably through ages of being exposed to wind and rain wearing it down. Painted white, parts of the wall seemed gray, marking the places where it had been sullied through the dirt and wind. Still, the white gave a distinct feel of pure innocence to whatever lies beyond the gates. As her feet finally reached the base of the gate, Hinata looked at the wooden doors that blocked her destination.

The door seemed plain, the only hint of chipped areas showing the long era of years the doors had endured through. Huge copper ring knobs were imbedded on the wooden doors, the blackened copper ring knobs caked with soot for unknown reasons. Despite the huge massive doors seemed to dwarf over Hinata, seemingly imposing on Hinata, somehow it compelled Hinata to open those gates, to allow her access to whatever lies beyond. The wooden doors seemed to beckon to Hinata as she took a step forward, her hands resting on the doors. Here goes… Hinata thought to herself.

With a slight push, the huge, massive doors swung open, a slight creak escaping from its hinges. Blinding white light poured through the doors as it threatened to blind Hinata. Covering her eyes, Hinata could feel that the white light was not dangerous. Instead, it brought about with it a warm glow, which seemed to ease Hinata. Squinting, Hinata tried to peer at the source of the blinding white light, but couldn't see any source as the light shone all about her, enveloping her. A shadowy figure drifted across her view as Hinata tried to look.

It's not time yet… A soft female voice spoke out, echoing through the light, the voice seemingly to be spoken by the shadowy figure. The voice seemed so nostalgic, so familiar to Hinata that she can't help but hope that the voice belonged to the person she had not seen for a very long time. "Mother?" Hinata mouthed out but no sound seemed to come from her mouth. Suddenly, Hinata felt herself being pulled back, tingly feelings starting to rush through her body. Raising her hands forward, Hinata struggled to reach the blurry shadow form that seemed to be getting further away, slowly disappearing from her view.

"Hinata!" a voice muffled out through the murky darkness, the voice so muffled Hinata could barely make out.

"Hinata!" again the voice called out, this time a bit louder than before. Straining to open her eyelids, Hinata squinted as light poured blindingly, hurting her eyes. Opening her eyes gingerly again, Hinata could barely make out the blurry face that was peering at her.

Eyes closing again, Hinata felt herself slowly fading into darkness. Before her mind closed off to her dreams, Hinata could hear the voice speak one last time. "She's alright. Just that she needs rest from the chakra exhaustion…" As the voice grew softer and softer, Hinata felt herself drifting off to a dreamless sleep, her pain ebbing away from her body as she slept.

-Rin and Kakashi-

"… She's going to be ok. She is just resting from chakra exhaustion. Her vital signs are all ok. I have repaired most of her chakra coils. The rest of her injuries should be brought back to Konoha for further treatment." Rin explained to Kakashi as Hinata finally opened her eyes before closing them.

"Thank goodness for that…" Kakashi heaved a sigh of relief, a heavy burden finally lifted off his shoulders. Looking at the unconscious form of Hinata, Kakashi was glad the worst was over for her. Wrapped in several places with bandages from the medical kit Rin brought, Kakashi had did the best he could in swabbing off traces of the poison that leaked from puncture wounds on her before cleansing them and wrapping the wounds up with bandages.

We are a ragged bunch… Kakashi noted as he looked at both himself and Hinata's condition. Both of them had suffered serious injuries under both Akatsuki members and would have been goners if not for the fact that Naruto and his 'extinct' companions had shown up at exactly the right time. If not for Naruto stopping Kisame, Hinata would have… Kakashi's thoughts trailed off, not wishing to complete that ugly thought. Rin! Kakashi thoughts swerved back to Rin as he turned his head to look at the slightly tired looking face of Rin. "Rin… Thank you for saving both of us… If not for you, I wouldn't have known what to do with Hinata or myself. Thank you." Kakashi thanked Rin profusely.

"It's ok." Rin answered between panting breaths. Healing both Kakashi and Hinata had taken a lot out of her. Plus, halting the traces of poison that was multiplying inside Hinata and removing them at the same time was no easy feat as well. Using the sleeves of her tunic, Rin wiped off sweat that had formed around her forehead, before looking back at Kakashi.

"Rin… All these years… How-" Kakashi question was interrupted midway as a loud, hoarse shout punctured the air around them.

"NO! RIN!"

END!

Muhahaha! STOPPED! Spoiled your fun of reading didn't I =D. Oh well… It's called CLIFFHANGER, can't do anything about it.

Anyway… How is the story so far my dear readers?? Mmm… PLs Read and Review it! I need to know how you guys feel about this… Oh By the Way! For you readers out there, you can participate in giving me titles for my chapters if I have no ideas as to what names I should name the chapters. I will pick the best titles and name my chapters accordingly. BUT! The title has to be linked to the story inside… so… help out if I need!

Ty and have a nice day =D! Wait for next chapter!!