Hey guys, I know I said that this chapter may be late but I was able to complete it. I figured out just how I wanted to go and started typing the moment I had the idea in my head. (Woke up around four in the morning, jumped onto my computer and started typing. That's a first. I had to do it, otherwise I would have completely forgotten it if I had went back to sleep.) But anyhoo, here you go. Don't forget to review and tell me what you guys think. I greatly appreciate it. And if things continue to go well, I may have the next chapter up too.
Thanks! Kazumi.
Tale of The Crimson Kitsune And The Silver Ookami
Chapter Twenty: Charging Onto The Battlefield, Hidden Leaf Versus. Hidden Rain
Kazumi's Point of View:
As I stand on top of the grand gate that surrounds the entire village, I could only stare in silence as I look at my home. From my position, I could see multiple plumes of dark smoke rising into the air, heavily damaged buildings barely standing, rooftops on fire and were burning rapidly, and summoned creatures continuing to slam into buildings and other structures, causing even more damage. I could hear the villagers screaming, their shrieks of absolute terror mixing with the sound of explosions going off. The sight and the sounds were making me feel sick. Taking everything in was so overwhelming.
"To be able to cause this much destruction in such a short amount of time… There must be more than one responsible for this. There has to be." I thought. Finally regaining movement, I start scanning the area. My state of shock was quickly replaced by my anger as it continues to build up inside my chest. I just glare angrily at the destruction as I ball my hands tightly into fists. "There's no doubt about it. The Akatsuki are behind this attack. I know they are."
"Damn it, it's worse than we thought." I hear Takeshi growl in anger. He didn't even attempt to hide his anger, and I didn't blame him for not doing so. "This is unforgivable!"
"Don't worry, Takeshi. We'll make those bastards pay for attacking us." Haru tells his brother in an assuring tone. "So what are we waiting for? Let's go and find them!"
"No!" I say sternly, catching everyone's attention, as well as Haru before he could jump away. "Until we know for certain as to who we are dealing with, we need to focus on getting the villagers to safety. That's our main priority."
"What!? But Kazumi, we know who's responsible for this!" Haru says. "And we shouldn't allow them to continue running around our home!"
"Listen Haru, I want to get back at the bastards responsible for attacking our home just as much as you do." I tell him. "But we have to make sure the villagers are safe first. We can't fight if they're still running around panicking."
"Haru, Kazumi is right." Ayame says, agreeing with me. "You know we can't fight off the enemy without endangering their lives in the process."
"So it would be wise to get them to the shelter before we go after the intruders." Nanako adds. "And if the ones responsible are the Akatsuki, we know they'll come looking for us. Remember, their targets are Naruto and Kazumi."
"So in the meantime, just follow the orders that are given to you." Takeshi states in a stern tone. "Once our main objective is complete, then we can worry about fighting them off."
"Uh… hmpf. Fine." Haru says in a somewhat defeated tone. "You all do make valid points. And we can't allow innocent lives to be lost."
"I'm glad you understand, Haru." I tell him, my voice calm, as I gently pet his head. "Alright everyone, listen up. We don't have much time." I tell them, my tone quickly turning back serious. "In order to cover more ground and help more people at once, we're going to split up. Gather up as many civilians as you possibly can and get them all to the shelter within the Hokage Monument. Continue to do so until everyone is safe. Understand?"
"Understood!" They all exclaim together in the same serious tone as my own.
"You guys be careful out there and good luck." I tell them.
"You watch yourself out there as well, Kazumi." Nanako replies, the others nodding in agreement.
I return the gesture with a firm nod of my own, "Right. Now then, scatter!" I say, giving them the signal to do so. With that, they all jump into the air and take off into four different directions.
Moments after my team departs, I quickly take off to join in on our mission. As my senses take in the sounds of screaming mixing with multiple explosions going off, along with the smells of smoke and dust lingering the air, my anger continues to grow, becoming stronger with each passing minute. Of course there were other emotions swirling inside me, but it was anger that was exceeding them all. And deep down, I was feeling that all of this was my fault. The Akatsuki came here for one purpose and one purpose only, and that was to collect the remaining Tailed Beasts so they could summon the powerful Ten Tails. And it sickens me to my core that the Akatsuki would stoop so low to reach their goal.
"Pup, now is not the time to feel regretful!" Kiyiya growls, snapping me out of my thoughts. "I need you to focus. If you keep your guard down, you'll be vulnerable to the enemy if they attack you."
Letting realization hit me hard, I quickly shake myself awake and regain my composure, "Yeah, you're right. Sorry, Kiyiya." I thought.
"As long as you don't space out on me like that again, you're forgiven." She assures me. "Now then, keep your focus and your mind on the task at hand."
"You got it!" I exclaim strongly.
Concentrating and channeling my chakra to my legs and feet once more, I increase my speed and take off running down one of the many dirt roads within the village. While running, I was keeping a sharp eye out for any sign of the Akatsuki and anyone who needed help. Suddenly, up ahead, I spot a large faded black and orange centipede slamming into a nearby building. I already came to the conclusion that it was one of the Akatsuki's many summoned creatures. After slamming into the building once already, the centipede rears its body back and slams into the building for a second time.
"I have to take this thing down now before it destroys everything in its path." I thought as I continue to run. I quickly abandon the streets and start running across the rooftops, closing in on the insect that was unaware of my presence. I quickly perform the necessary hand signs for my attack and jump high into the air, hovering directly over the animal. "Lightning Style: White Lightning Fang!" I exclaim.
Aiming my attack right at the creature, I release a white bolt of lightning, which strikes the animal dead on top of its head. As the bolt pierces through its armored-like skin, the current of electricity flows through its entire body, shocking it in the process. As soon as the current dissipates, I land on its back and quickly attach a couple of explosive tags. Once the task was complete, I leap off and head over to a nearby building, ducking behind a wall. Seconds later, the tags go off, causing enough damage to the animal to cancel out the summoning technique.
After waiting for a couple of seconds after the explosion, I step out, cautiously, to find the creature gone, "Well… that one less enemy I have to deal with." I mumble to myself. "Now then, I should probably…"
"Kazumi-Nee-chan!" I hear a familiar voice yell. I look back to see Konohamaru, along with his teammates, Udon and Moegi heading my way.
"Konohamaru! Udon! Moegi!" I say with relief as they land in front of me. "I'm glad to see you're all alright."
"What's going on? Why is the village like this?" Konohamaru asks.
"We're under attack. I don't know how, but the Akatsuki were somehow able to infiltrate the village." I explain.
"The Akatsuki?" Moegi and Udon ask together.
I nod my head, "Yes. The Akatsuki is an organization made up of rouge ninja that wear these black cloaks with red clouds." I explain.
"You mean the same guys who killed Uncle Asuma?" Konohamaru asks.
"They're not the exact guys, but they're apart of the same group." I explain. "Look, since Naruto is away at the moment, we need to do whatever we can to stop these intruders. And we can start by evacuating the civilians." I tell them. "Just be sure to be aware of your surroundings at all times and watch out for any members of the Akatsuki, all right."
"Got it." Konohamaru replies. He then turns around to face his teammates. "Okay Udon. Moegi. Let's move. Help out any civilians you see. We'll separate to widen our search."
"Right." Moegi and Udon answer.
"Konohamaru, one more thing." I say, stopping him before he or the others could leave. "If either one of you spot an Akatsuki, do not engage them. Understand?"
"Huh? But…" He starts.
"No buts, Konohamaru, I'm serious. These guys are not to be taken lightly." I tell him, my tone stern.
Konohamaru looks at me with an unsure look for a moment but soon nods his head. "I understand, Kazumi-Nee." He assures me.
"Good." I say with a nod. "And remember; watch your surrounding while you're out there, and good luck."
With that, we all scatter and head into four different directions. While running through the heavily damaged areas, I notice that these places look to be evacuated, which was a good thing. But as I analyze the destruction, I couldn't even begin to imagine just how many were injured. And I hate to even think about how many weren't so lucky to escape. I knew that things were bound to get even worse before they start to get better. I quickly push these thoughts to the far reaches of my mind, not wanting to continue thinking about them.
Running deeper into the village center, I find myself entering the zones that were hit the hardest. Several buildings were destroyed, some barely standing while others were nowhere to be seen. Only empty dirt lots remain where buildings use to stand. Plus there were quite a few that were still on fire, slowly burning to the ground. Glancing up, I spot a few ninja attempting to extinguish the flames. But with each attempt, the flames grew in size, burning faster. I could feel my emotions wanting to burst out, but I knew I had to keep them in check and keep my demeanor as calm and collected as possible. The last thing I need was for my emotions to take control, causing me to act recklessly.
"It looks like we have our hands tied with just this one area. I wonder how things are going in the other parts of the village." I thought.
"Kazumi!"
I glance over my right shoulder to see Raiden and Natsume running across the rooftops as they follow behind me. I allow a small smirk to grace my lips as I turn around to watch where I was going. The moment I did, the sound of their feet tapping against the tiles ceases and was replace with the sound of footsteps running along the ground, mixing with my own. I glance back for only a second to see Natsume on my left and Raiden on my right.
"Good to see you two are alright." I tell them, keeping my eyes forward.
"Heh, you shouldn't worry about us." Natsume tells me. I could hear the smirk in her voice. "You know we can handle ourselves just fine."
"Yes, I'm aware of that." I tell her. "So tell me, have either one of you seen the enemy since the start of the attack?" I ask them.
"Unfortunately no, we haven't." Raiden tells me. "We were heading to Ichiraku and then out of nowhere, we hear multiple explosions going off at once. Before we knew it, everyone was panicking and running all over the place."
"You two as well, huh?" I mumble.
"Well I think we should go look for them." Natsume suggests. "The sooner we put an end to them, the sooner this invasion will end."
"It's not that simple." I tell her. "The Akatsuki are not to be underestimated. The group is made up of very powerful rogue ninja from different villages. And if you run into one and fight without some kind of strategy, you'll just be running straight to your death."
"How do you even know that it's the Akatsuki attacking the village and not some other enemy?" she asks.
"Trust me, I know its them." I tell her as I narrow my eyes. "Come on, we have a job to do." I add as I lunge forward. Natsume and Raiden nod to one another and lunge forward to follow.
Normal Point of View:
While Kazumi, Raiden and Natsume carried on with their own objectives, the six Paths continued their search for the two Jinchuriki. They took out anyone who was no use to them. And since no one would say a word to sellout their comrades, they were taken out as well. Kakashi, Chōji and Chōza were successfully able to eliminate the Asura Path. By using his lightning style shadow clone, Kakashi was able to stun the Asura Path long enough for Chōza and Chōji to strike, crushing the enemy with their enlarged fists. Now they could all focus on the Pein that stood before them, the Deva Path.
"One down, one to go." Chōza stated as he and Chōji stood before the remaining Pein. "Am I right, Kakashi?" he asked as he glanced back towards the pile of rubble. Kakashi stood up, pushing debris and concrete off of him as he freed himself from his temporary hiding spot.
"Well… I did have something in mind. But this will help me preserve some chakra." He told Chōza as he climbs out. "Thank you."
"You all right?" Chōza asked him.
"Yeah… for the most part." He answered.
"Only using substitution Jutsu and shadow clones until he determines the nature and abilities of his enemies. He hasn't changed at all since the last time we teamed up." Chōza thought to himself. "Skilled as always. Which means...?" he concluded. "You still have enough chakra?" he asked.
"Well… I already had to use my lightning style shadow clone and exhausted half my chakra. Honestly, a prolong battle against him will be tough." Kakashi explained. "However, I figured out a little about his abilities."
"He's coming at us, Pa!" Chōji quickly stated.
As Pein came towards them, a few members of the Akimichi Clan appeared and attacked. One threw a long scythe while another extended his fist, aiming a punch. One used a scroll to summon a weapon that shot out several shuriken at once. And the last individual shot a wind style attack. Every weapon and attack was aimed right for Pein. But just before they could hit their mark, Pein retaliated.
"Almighty Push!" Pein exclaimed as he sent out a large wave of force, which caused the Akimichi Clan members around him to be sent flying back.
"There!" Chōji yelled as he threw three kunai knives. Surprisingly, Pein was able to dodge them without the use of his Jutsu.
"Okay." Kakashi said as he threw a kunai with a smoke bomb attached. When the small bomb exploded and covered the area in yellow smoke, they used the opportunity to take cover.
"What just happened back there?" Chōza asked.
"He repelled all of our attacks." Kakashi clarified to him. "Using himself as an epicenter, his Jutsu allows him to pull in or push back objects. Similar to the magnetic laws of attraction and repulsion. But it seems that he can't use that Jutsu continuously. I know for certain that there is an interval of time before he can activate the next Jutsu."
"Everyone else has been taken down." Chōji pointed out as he pulled his head back. "If he can repel all of our attacks, how are we supposed to defeat him?"
"The interval between his Jutsu seems quite short. So how can we attack him with such small amount of time?" Chōza asked Kakashi.
"Our only chance is to get close." Kakashi told them. "And I think I have a plan that just might work. But I'm going to need your help."
As Pein walked through the smoke covered area, Kakashi waited for him to get into position. As soon as he does, Kakashi appeared from underground, aiming a kunai knife at him. But before his attack could hit its mark, Pein used his Jutsu to strike. He sent Kakashi flying back, causing him to crash into the ground. As Pein approached him, he had already planned his next move and was ready to set it in motion.
"Nice movement. And a wide range of Jutsu." Pein muttered. "I need to kill you so that you won't become a nuisance later." Just as he revealed another rod, Chōji and his father attacked.
"Double Human Boulder!" Chōji and Chōza exclaimed as they attacked. However, Pein was able to catch them and hold them back.
When Pein pushed them back, Chōji and Chōza revealed the hidden chain Kakashi had planted before he jumped out to attack the orange haired ninja. They both pulled back, capturing Pein and restricting his movement. While he was immobile, Kakashi rushed forward to connect with his own attack, hoping to finish this battle.
"Lightning Blade!" He exclaimed as he lunged towards Pein.
"Go, Kakashi Sensei!" Chōji thought to himself as he continued to hold his end of the chain.
"Finish him, Kakashi!" Chōza thought as he held his end tightly.
Kakashi's attack did hit, but it didn't hit its main target. The Asura Pein, the one that Chōza and Chōji thought they destroyed earlier, had jumped in front of the attack and took the hit instead. Kakashi's attack began to pierce through the mechanical clone and was going to pierce the other Pein as well. However, he only had a short amount of time to hit and he wasn't going to make it. It was a matter of time before Pein used his repulsion Jutsu to send him and the others flying back. Suddenly a blinding light appeared as he continued forcing his attack forward.
Kazumi's Point of View:
After escorting a group of civilians to the entrance of the shelter, Natsume, Raiden and I head back out to continue our search. Running across the rooftops, out of my peripheral vision, I spot a blinding white light appearing. I quickly stop in my tracks, causing Natsume and Raiden to stop as well, as I focus on the strange light. After appearing, the light grows brighter for a few seconds before vanishing completely.
"Where's that light coming from?" I hear Natsume ask.
"From the looks of it, probably an attack. A powerful one at that." Raiden tells her.
"I can sense an individual with an enormous amount of charka in the same area that light appeared." I thought to myself. "Not only that but I can also sense Kakashi's chakra signature, along with Chōji and I think he's father's as well. Could they be fighting off one of the Akatsuki at this very moment?"
"Someone's probably fighting off one of the invaders." Natsume says. "If they are, then we should head over and help them out."
"Yeah, I agree." Raiden says. "Kazumi, what do you think?"
I nod my head firmly, "I'm with you guys one hundred percent." I tell them in a stern tone. I glance back at them, "Come on, we need to move now. It's not safe for us to just stand in one spot for too long. Especially not while we're standing on a rooftop."
And just as we were about to take off and head towards the area, we all sense something heading our way. Relying on our instincts, we all jump off the rooftop, seconds before something slams into the building. When the dust clears, we find an individual clad in the infamous Akatsuki cloak. The male has short orange hair pulled into a short ponytail; small spiked piercing in his bottom lip, two vertical spike studs on the bridge of his nose, one spike stud on each cheek and a spike going through each ear. I notice the black cloth hitai-ate with the Hidden Rain Village symbol scratched out. But what really catches my attention was his light violet, ripple pattern eyes. The Rinnegan.
"You're a hard one to track down, Kazumi Hatake. Or should I say, Ten Tails?" The man, the Preta Path, states in an emotionless tone. "Now that I have you, I just have to locate the Nine Tails Jinchuriki, Naruto Uzumaki."
"Orange hair, piercings in his face and ears, light violet eyes with a ripple pattern... This guy, he must be the one Lord Fukasaku told us about… the leader of the Akatsuki, Pein." I thought to myself.
"Just who the hell is this guy?" Natsume asks.
"He's one of the invaders." I answer with a slight scowl on my face. "He's the leader of the Akatsuki and there's no doubt that he's the mastermind behind the invasion. And from the description we were given, he's known as Pein."
"You're quite knowledgeable." He tells me. "Now tell me, where is Naruto Uzumaki hiding?" He asks in a demanding tone.
"I'm not telling you a damn thing." I reply back strongly. Unsheathing my sword, I hold it out before me as I maneuver myself into a fighting stance. "The people of the Hidden leaf will never sellout one of our own. Not even when our very lives are threatened."
He ignores me and directs his attention onto Natsume and Raiden, "Then perhaps you two will speak up. Where is he?" He asks them.
"Just like Kazumi told you, we won't sellout a comrade." Raiden tells him as he steps into a fighting stance of his own.
"So you're just out of luck." Natsume adds as she does the same.
"There are other ways of finding the Nine Tails." Pein says as he reveals a metal rod from his cloak sleeve. "All I have to do is capture you. Once I do, he will certainly come looking for me and attempt to save you. Just like you both did for the One Tail Jinchuriki."
"You're insane if you think I'll let that happen!" I growl.
"You'll have to go through us first!" Natsume and Raiden state together.
"Then so be it." He says and rushes towards us. I take a step back, tightening my grip around the hilt of my sword. The next thing I knew, a black blur appears.
"Scatter!" I yell.
While Natsume and Raiden jump away, I sidestep over to my right, barely avoiding the Akatsuki leader's attack. As soon as he was beside me, I swing my sword, attempting to cut him. However, he was able to duck, avoiding my attempt with ease. To avoid a counterattack, I jump back, keeping my sword ready.
"Damn it, this guy's fast. No wonder Master Jiraiya had trouble fighting him along with the others." I thought to myself. "We're going to have to keep our guards up at all times, that's a definite."
"Nicely done avoiding my attack." He says in his monotone voice. "You have some skill, but it won't be enough to stop me. Just give up. It will make things much easier for you and your friends."
Normal Point of View:
When the blinding light disappeared, Kakashi regained his sight and found half his body trapped within a pile of debris, immobilizing his movement. As he glanced around, he found Chōji and Chōza lying on the ground, both unconscious. He knew that if the enemy attacked, he wouldn't be able to defend himself or the others.
"It appears that you're not pretending. You really can't move." Pein stated in his monotone voice. Kakashi glanced forward to find him standing on top of a pile of concrete.
"I was too late." Kakashi thought.
"I know you're not a shadow clone. This time I'll make certain you die. It's over." He said in a knowing tone. "But just to be absolutely safe…. I'll keep my distance." He soon levitates a nail into the air, grasping it in between his fingers. "You'll know Pain."
"Damn it…" Kakashi thought as he glared at Pein. "Even if you finish me off here, you still won't win."
"On the contrary, I'm already in the process of obtaining the Ten Tails Jinchuriki as we speak." Pein tells him. "So rest assured, Kakashi Hatake, once the Ten Tails has been extracted, your sister will be joining you very soon." Kakashi continued to glare at Pein but he was shocked to hear that Kazumi was currently fighting off one of them.
Then without another word, Pein fired the nail, striking Kakashi. But little did Pein know that Kakashi had used his Mangekyou Sharingan, avoiding what could have been a fatal hit. As soon as Pein leaves, Chōji finally regained consciousness. There, he found his father and Kakashi down and out. But luckily he didn't see any sign of Pein. Picking himself up, he made his way over to his father, kneeling beside his unconscious form.
"You tried to save me." Chōji said through sobs.
"Cry later, Chōji." Kakashi said in a low tone, causing Chōji to look at him. "If you can still move, you must report Pein's abilities to Lady Tsunade and have her setup countermeasures."
"But Kakashi Sensei, you…" Chōji started.
"Mourn later… you must hurry." Kakashi told him in a stern tone. "Run!"
"But I…" Chōji stopped and set his eyes onto his father. "I, I can't…. I just…."
"Don't let Chōza's sacrifice be in vain." Kakashi added. Suddenly the down mechanical Pein started to move.
"You sure are stubborn." The Asura Path stated.
"Damn! His still…" Kakashi stated.
Before long, Chōji finally pulled himself together and took off running. But as he did so, the Asura Path fired a missile, which was aimed right at Chōji. Just before the missile could hit, Kakashi used his Mangekyou Sharingan once more and sent the explosive into another space. Chōji was able to escape and quickly headed for the Hokage Tower.
"Well... looks like… this is it… for me." Kakashi thought. "Kazumi… I'm sorry for not keeping my promise." After closing his eyes, he found himself walking through darkness. But soon he found himself walking towards a small campfire. There, he took a seat on the nearby rock.
"Is that you, Kakashi?" asked a figured that was sitting there already.
"Huh. So this was where you were." Kakashi stated as he moves forward and sits down next to him. His father.
Kazumi's Point of View:
When Pein charges towards me for a second time, I quickly jump back to avoid him. I knew I had to keep my distance away from him until I knew his abilities and fighting style. However, that didn't stop him. He drives his rod forward, aiming to stab me. I was quick enough to duck and as a counterattack, I attempt to sweep his feet from under him. But unfortunately he was faster and was able to jump into the air to avoid my attack. I push myself back up and jump over to a nearby pile of concrete. Glancing over at Pein, I look over his shoulder to see Natsume and Raiden. They both jump into the air and while hovering high above, they start to perform hand signs.
"What are they…?" I thought.
"Water Style: Water Cannon Jutsu!" they both exclaim.
The next thing I know, they both begin shooting jets of water from their mouths, which were heading straight for Pein. Seeing their attack, an idea quickly hits me. So without wasting time, I grab a hold of my sword with my left hand, freeing my right, and quickly start charging my lightning chakra into my clenched right fist.
"Lightning Style: White Lightning Fang!" I exclaim. I extend my fist out before me, firing a white lightning bolt right at Pein.
While the bolt of lightning and the two jets of water were flying towards Pein, he just stands there, not attempting to dodge the incoming attacks. But seconds before the attacks could hit their mark; Pein lifts his hands, one extending towards me with the other extending towards Raiden and Natsume, and causes some kind of barrier to appear. When our attacks strike the barrier, we watch as Pein literally draws them into the palms of his hands within seconds. And when he lowers his hands, the barrier disappears. He then directs his attention towards me, sending me an evil smirk.
"Uh!" Raiden gasps.
"How did he…?" Natsume starts to say.
"What the…?" I gasp in shock. "Our attacks. He just absorbed them, just like that." I thought to myself. "This must be one of his abilities."
"Your attacks are pointless." He tells us and quickly rushes towards me. I hastily perform a series a hand signs as he closes the gap between us.
"Hatake Bloodline Trait: White Force Barrier!" I exclaim.
Just as Pein was within arm's reach of me, I hold out my hands, allowing my chakra to appear and form a barrier made of while translucent chakra. But while I was holding up the barrier, I suddenly start feeling strange. For some reason, the barrier was getting weaker and I could literally feel my chakra draining from my body. That's when it hits me. Acting quickly, I jump away, cancelling out my barrier in the process. The last thing I need was for Pein to drain me of all my chakra, leaving me defenseless.
"So it wasn't just our attacks he absorbed. He's actually absorbing our chakra. And apparently it doesn't matter what form it's made into." I thought to myself. "Great, another chakra drainer. Looks like we're going to have to figure out a way to fight him without our Ninjutsu."
"Kazumi! Heads up!" I hear Raiden yell abruptly. Glancing up into the air, I find him preparing to attack again. "Let's see you block this! Fire Style: Burning Soul Jutsu!" A stream of fire escapes Raiden and heads right for Pein's back.
"No Raiden, it's useless!" I yell. "He can absorb chakra, and that includes all of our Ninjutsu attacks!" But it was too late; the stream of fire was already aiming to hit Pein. And just like before, he was able to absorb the entire attack within seconds. "We need a plan. But first, we need to regroup."
Pein rushes forward, grasping a rod to attack at any given moment. I retake my sword into my right hand and start clashing with the orange haired Rain-Nin. While blocking his attacks, he was pushing me back with each blow. Then with one final collision, Pein was able to break through my defense and drives the rod towards me. I was able to duck; however, he was able to graze my right arm. He quickly pulls back the rod, raising it above his head, attempting to strike again. But just before the rod could come down on top of me, a chain suddenly wraps tightly around the weapon and was snatched out of Pein's hand.
When Pein glances back, he sees Raiden with the rod in hand, as well as a length of chain. Taking advantage of the temporary confusion, I bring my leg up and kick him away from me. I use the momentum to push myself back as well. After creating some space, I glance at my shoulder to find that Pein was able to inflict a pretty deep cut. Blood was hastily exiting the wound, literally soaking my jacket sleeve. But I was lucky that he only got my shoulder and not a vital area.
The moment Pein crashes into the ground; Raiden and Natsume quickly jump away and land right beside me. I reach into my pouch and pull out a small purple smoke bomb. I waste no time throwing the item to the ground, causing it to detonate. The small bomb releases a cloud of dark purple smoke, shrouding the area around us. Natsume, Raiden and I quickly leave and take cover behind a damaged building.
"This guy is no joke." I murmur while gripping my right arm in pain. "He's not just fast but he's strong as well. And with his ability to absorb chakra, that makes him even more dangerous."
"Yeah, you're right." Raiden agrees. Looking his way, I find him glancing at my injured arm. "Are you sure you're alright? From the looks of that wound, it seems that he really got you good there."
"I'll be alright. This wound is the least of our worries." I tell him. "Right now we have to find a way of attacking, without the use of our Ninjutsu."
"It's a pain that our attacks are useless against him. No matter what we throw at him, he'll just absorb it." Natsume says. "So what now? We have to stick with just using Taijutsu?"
"That may be our only choice if we're going to take him down." I tell her. "It seems that we have to rely only on our Taijutsu and weapons."
"Uh, speaking of weapons." Raiden says as he reaches into his jacket pocket. "I was able to snatch this from him." He says as he holds up the metal rod. "But what I don't understand is why this damn thing feels warm."
"Huh? It feels warm?" I ask as he hands the rod to me. As soon as my fingers touch the item, I was shock to find that it actually did feel warm. "You're right. This is kind of strange."
"Okay, okay, I know that's strange and all, but we have bigger problems on our hands." Natsume interrupts. "So here's my next question. What's the plan?"
"Well, from what I've seen, he always raises his hands whenever he creates that barrier of his. I also notice that he only activates that ability whenever he's on the defensive. So that would mean that the ability is a defensive move but he can also use it offensively."I explain to them.
"So that means we have to stay on the defensive in order to keep him from using that Jutsu of his?" Natsume asks.
"If we mainly work on our defense, we won't be able to take him down." I point out. "We need to attack him. And since we have numbers on our side, it's not impossible. We just need to watch him very carefully and act as soon as we see an opening."
"Yeah. One slip up can, or most likely will, cost us our lives." Raiden says. "By the way, how much chakra do you have?"
"Still pretty full here." Natsume says.
"Yeah, same here." Raiden says with a nod. "What about you, Kazumi?"
"I have plenty." I answer. "Alright, listen to this first. Since he uses his hands to absorb our attacks, then it would probably be in our favor if we restrain them. Doing this may make him vulnerable to our attacks." I explain. "And maybe, just maybe, we can inflict a fatal shot and put an end to this fight."
"Well, it's worth a shot." Raiden tells me.
"Okay, then let's get to work." Natsume adds.
"A well thought out strategy. But the question remains, will it succeed?"
At the sound of that voice, my body instantly freezes up, keeping me from running off. And I wasn't the only one. Natsume and Raiden were feeling the same way. Without moving, I glance out the corner of my eye to find Pein standing on my left. But this one, this one's appearance was slightly different. This Pein looks younger than the one we were fighting. He has shorter hair with two spike piercings under his bottom lip, six piercings through his nose, and six earrings in each ear along with a single rod going through them.
Normal Point of View:
"You won't escape." Pein stated as he revealed a metal rod from his cloak sleeve. Thrusting the rod forward, he was able to strike Kazumi. But the moment he does, Kazumi disappeared into a plume of white smoke. "A shadow clone?" he questioned. He quickly attacked Natsume and Raiden but they reverted into water. "And water clones?"
"Now you guys!"
Pein glanced up to see five silhouettes hovering high in the air. Kazumi was in the middle with Raiden on her right and Natsume on her left. And beside them hovered clones of Kazumi. Pein just stood there, watching them with scrutinizing eyes, trying to figure out what they were planning to do next.
"Fire Style: Burning Soul Jutsu!" Raiden exclaimed, shooting out a stream of burning hot fire from his mouth.
"Water Style: Water Cannon Jutsu!" Natsume yelled, causing a strong jet of water to fire from her mouth.
"Wind Style: Supreme Dragon Breath Jutsu!" Kazumi's clones exclaimed together, firing strong jets of wind from their mouths.
"Lightning Style: White Lightning Fang!" Kazumi exclaimed as she fired a white lightning bolt from her clenched left fist.
After firing all five attacks, the four elements began to swirl around each other until coming together to form one large powerful attack. Pein just stood there motionless, with an impassive look on his face, as he watched the attack come straight for him.