Hey everyone. Hope everyone had a happy new year.
As you can see, the intro above is less enthused than usual. Well, my first semester of vet school went quite badly. I suppose it was a combination of things, but I still felt like crap at the end of it. Winter break was a much needed period of relaxation and hopefully, things will go my way this semester. That doesn't change the fact that I'm in a rather bad position right now. So, anyway, here's the next chapter.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Uchiha Sasuke." the Mizukage hissed. "I've heard a great many things about you." Sasuke didn't move an inch; he didn't dare. Against a Kage, any careless action could mean his death. He was better off just waiting until he had a clear shot...or at least, no alternative but to fight back. The Mizukage walked up to him, and stroked his hair. He didn't flinch, but his heart was beating like crazy. As usual, it had nothing to do with attraction. "You're just as handsome as they say."
Not even then did Sasuke react. "Cut the crap; we both know what you want."
The Mizukage only sneered as she cupped his chin. "Orochimaru was a fool. He had to go through all the trouble of changing bodies, all at specific intervals. Wait for you to grow, only for you to betray him. Had he simply kept his body in shape, he could have taken your lovely eyes for himself."
"Hnn. It seems we both agree on something."
The two only stared at one another, dead silent. "I know what you're thinking; you're afraid of me. Had you had ample time to prepare for me, we would be worthy combatants. But your exhaustion cost you your only chance."
"I wouldn't put it like that..."
"And now, you're looking for a way to save Midoriiro" The kage cast a sideways glance to the kunoichi sisters fighting. "I admit, despite her tomboy disposition, she is quite a looker. But you could find any beauty in a brothel. Do you love her? I doubt any pupil of Orochimaru could ever love."
Sasuke had no comeback for that. "Well, you've more or less deduced my motives. And I know yours. So why don't you just get it over with, vampire!" The mizu bushin that Sasuke was talking to collapsed in a puddle. Sasuke tumbled forward, avoiding a kunai slash that was aimed for his head. He took to the treetops, the Mizukage following after him. Sasuke summoned shuriken from his tattoos, but the Mizukage dodged each one of them. "I don't have enough chakra to fight her head on! There's got to be a way to use the environment against her!"
"Anton! KokkuRyu Hoeru no Jutsu!" Taifuu slammed her weapon into the ground, electing waves of dark chakra.
"Suiton! AoRyu Saya no Jutsu!" Midoriiro surrounded herself in a bubble of water, avoiding using her light chakra, but the dark chakra still managed to penetrate. When the attack dissipated, Midoriiro felt dizzy. As she tried to focus her vision, Midoriiro found it was darker than usual. She remembered it was raining, and realized that she could barely feel the rain when it was pouring earlier.
"Feeling different? A bit woozy? Off? My attack dulls the senses."
Midoriiro spun around with her sword defensively. But she knew that her usual senses would not be enough to protect her. In a matter of seconds, and that was if she was lucky, her sister would finish her off. "Think, Midoriiro. You must have some senses that are still working."
"I bet you can't even tell I'm actually shouting at you!" she heard Taifuu say, although it sounded more like a whisper. Taifuu snuck up to her sister until she could practically breathe on the back of her neck. "This is it!" However to Taifuu's surprise, Midoriiro ran away from the slash of her spade. A lucky break, Taifuu figured, so she pursued her. But Midoriiro managed to dodge each strike. "Impossible!"
Midoriiro sprinted away, putting distance between the two. "Sorry, sister!" She shouted really loudly, a sign of her dulled hearing. "But I can still smell and taste you! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to find a way to undo what you've done to me!" Midoriiro dropped some flash bombs in front of her, stunning the younger kunoichi.
While Taifuu stumbled, trying to get her vision back, Midoriiro felt her way through the forest, and decided to settle on a spot. "I'll need to use my light chakra to expel the dark chakra that's infected me! As long as it stays within my body, it shouldn't trigger the seals! This is going to take a while..." She assumed a meditative stance, and began circulating her natural affinity within her...
Sakura never struggled to stay awake so much in her life. The anesthetic mist wasn't helping things either. "I...must...get to...Shishou..." She reached the Hokage tower, but it didn't seem like she would be getting up there anytime soon. She had used up almost all of her chakra to clear her system repeatedly, but she could not hold out long enough to get to Tsunade. As it was, she was on the verge of collapsing, even though she was so numb she couldn't feel it. Even so, she began to make her way up the stairs. "I have to wake her. I..." Sakura didn't finish, as her body finally gave in and collapsed on the steps. "Naruto..."
"Senei Jashu!"
Sasuke ensnared the Mizukage in a death grip of snakes, hoping to keep her at bay; he doubted he would be able to kill her with such a basic technique. However, the Kage simply laughed it off. "Seriously! This is all you have to stop me!" The snakes were then frozen in ice, and broken apart when spiky bones protruded from the woman's body. The Mizukage placed her hand on the ground. "Bakuhatsu! Bakuretsu Mushikera Kisha no Jutsu!"
A series of explosions raced towards Sasuke. He leaped into the air, with the last explosion sending him into a tree. The impact made him see triple, and he could feel the shrapnel digging into his chest. As bad as the outcome was, had he stayed put, he could have lost a leg or two. "This isn't the worst I've been through."
Sasuke stood up, but was caught in a chokehold and slammed against the tree by the kage. "I'm rather disappointed. I finally meet an Uchiha, a member of the greatest shinobi clan to ever exist. And all I get is some punk who can't push himself beyond his limits." Her fangs elongated once again. "You almost made me reconsider acquiring your eyes. But, as the saying goes, it's the bearer itself that matters, right?"
Sasuke struggled to break out, but the Mizukage was strong for her petite frame, and he was weakened greatly by that blast. "Got to break free! If that dobe can do it, there's no I reason I can't do the same!"
He desperately tried any blows he could against the Mizukage. While they weren't painless to her, like a true shinobi, she simply shrugged it off. "HAHAHA! You're lucky I'm a sucker for watching my prey struggle! It makes watching the feeling of hopelessness all the sweeter! Once I'm done with you, and if they're lucky enough not to fall into my trap, I'll test your Sharingan on those two girls!"
Sasuke's mind suddenly bombarded him with memories of the time he spent with Midoriiro as she mentioned her. Despite how crazy she was, Sasuke realized that when he was with her, he was truly happy! And the thought of losing her made Sasuke's body surge with something he never felt before. "NOOO!" Sasuke used both arms to break her grip, and quickly followed with a sharp kick to the groin and smashed her head with an elbow. He followed through with a series of punches to her stomach, and finished the combo with a spinning kick, sending her flying to the bushes. Sasuke himself was momentarily stunned at what he was able to pull off.
Sasuke's first instinct was to go to Midoriiro. But then his head turned back to the bubble the Mizukage created. "They've been under for too long! Everyone will die!" But then Sasuke remembered he was a wanted man. "By my own choice." Even if he saved them, there was no way they would welcome him back, not after what he did. Then, flashes of his dark self clouded his mind, and the events that occurred in his nightmare when he nearly drowned. "I said I would redeem myself. That doesn't mean I'd be rewarded with acceptance." He glanced at the two kunoichi, finding only Taifuu. He momentarily panicked, but then noticed Taifuu was searching for something. "Midoriiro can handle this." Feeling the village had a more pressing need, and that Midoriiro could handle herself for now, he made a beeline for the bubble dome that surrounded Konoha. "Hold on!" Memories of his childhood assaulted him once more, and three people came to mind. "Naruto! Sakura! Kakashi-sensei! I'm coming!" He was nearly upon it, and took his broken sword. "The blade should still be sharp enough to pierce it!" He leapt into the air, and cocked his arms back in a stabbing motion.
However, the Mizukage suddenly flew in his face and kicked him down. Sasuke, his body still littered with shrapnel, clutched his chest in pain, not even noticing the bruises he got from the impact. "You had the right idea, although I doubt that stub of yours could have got the job done." Sasuke tried to stand, but the Mizukage placed her foot on his chest "No more fooling around. I'm taking what I want most." The Mizukage suddenly lifted him up in the air, and prepared to suck his blood.
However, two objects came flying towards her. One was a kunai, which streaked her cheek but otherwise flew harmlessly by. The other was a rock, which, with amazing aim, passed by Sasuke and nailed her in the right eye. "AHHH!"
She dropped Sasuke, but more importantly, the kunai that whizzed by her did not miss; rather, it was right on target. Sasuke saw the bubble pop, and the toxic mist building up in the village went with the wind. "Who-?" Sasuke looked around, and saw no one; typical for shinobi of course.
"Look what you've done to my face!" Sasuke turned around, and saw the Mizukage remove her hand from her eye. It was a grotesque shade of blue and purple, and swollen. There was no way she would be able to use that eye right now; in fact, she probably never would, ever again. But for a mere stone to do that, it would need to have tremendous force to do that much damage!
It was then Sasuke realized who saved him. "Hn. It seems Orochimaru and the two of you have more in common than you would ever admit." Sasuke turned his attention back on the Mizukage. "Fool. The one who did this is out here, and is a much stronger opponent than I am now."
The Mizukage retorted "You're bluffing, coward!"
Sasuke only sneered. "Am I, now?"
The Mizukage seemed to turn pale just then, as she was good at deciphering when someone was lying. And this did not seem to be one of those cases.
"Don't worry though; that said person's not going to help me. Or you, obviously." Sasuke assured her.
"What?"
"Orochimaru told me about some of the battles he and his former teammates shared whenever I was doing mental training. It's a tactic that the Sanin used to weaken enemies that were fighting each other. They would wear both sides down, wait for one to be finished by the other, and then, the last one standing would be helpless. Of course, the downside to that, for me at least, is that you still might be the one to take me down first." Sasuke twirled his broken sword. "So, I'll just have to deal with that when the time comes."
The Mizukage assumed a fighting stance. "Well, I'll just have to take your blood piece by piece."
Sasuke than noticed the rain stopped, although it was still cloudy. "Perhaps...no, it's too wet. But I've got to try it..."
Sasuke finally activated his Sharingan. The Mizukage's mouth almost seemed to water at the sight of it. "Well, if you want these so bad..." he emphasized, pointing at his eyes."...come and get them."
Taifuu calmed herself after getting frustrated from her failure to find her sister. She was going to have to stay calm that way if she had any hope of finding her now. "Come out, come out wherever you are, sis..." Something hissed in the bushes, and Taifuu threw her kunai into it. However, turning her back was just what her opponent needed. Midoriiro raced towards her from behind, with her sword pointed. Taifuu brought the spade portion of her weapon to meet her. Both sisters were at a stand still, their blades missing by mere inches, but at the slightest provocation, one could turn their blade for a fatal slash.
"Has this fight brought you the relief you sought? Has hurting me made you feel any better?" Midoriiro asked as if she was scolding a five-year old. Taifuu did not answer. But with Midoriiro's restored senses, she could see that her sister was crying. "Back when I killed Mom and Dad, I was so ashamed of what I did. I thought...I believed that allowing you to kill me one day was the only way for me to repent, if only for hurting you. But allowing you to become an avenger has also made you into the Mizukage's puppet. It's my fault that you're like this." Midoriiro lowered her sword, and embraced her sister in a hug. Taifuu was shocked by this, but couldn't fight it. "I'm not asking you to forgive me. But please, let go of the past. Live life, make yourself a future. Start a family of your own. Killing me won't bring you what you really want. If you still truly wish for revenge on me...than you would never allow me to destroy whatever happiness you have left, ever again. Please, Taifuu. I love you."
The two sisters did not move, as if nothing could bother them. Taifuu began to cry harder. Just when Midoriiro thought she finally reached her, the younger sibling hissed "No weakling like you could ever be a shinobi." She gripped her weapon and plunged it into Midoriiro's chest. Midoriiro dropped her sword, and tried to call her sister's name, but only chokes came out. Taifuu turned, and stared at her for the longest time as she fell. "You're wrong. I hate you, I will always hate you. Not even death can change that." She continued to watch as Midoriiro finally collapsed on the ground. "Then...why am I not smiling?"
When Midoriiro finally stopped convulsing, Taifuu slowly made her way towards her. With a trembling hand, she touched her cheek. Whatever she was feeling went out the window when she realized that was not skin she was touching. The Mizu Bushin exploded, albeit without deadly force, and sent her staggering.
"Enough." Taifuu looked up to see the real Midoriiro in front of her, unharmed and sword at the ready. "I could see the remorse in you. You have to stop, or else you will never be free." As if taunting her, she sheathed her sword.
Taifuu clenched the mud and screamed. "WHY DO YOU CARE! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU, AND YET YOU'RE STAYING BY ME! IT'S NOT FAIR!" Taifuu leapt towards Midoriiro and tried taijutsu against her, her rage making her forget her weapon. While her basic taijutsu was top notch, Midoriiro dodged each strike...almost playfully...and returned her punches with swift kicks. After a spinning kick caught her in the chin, Taifuu flipped and fell face first. Midoriiro was worried she went too far, but Taifuu managed to get back up. "For so many years, I trained, allowing myself no pleasures and made you my enemy. If you still love me, and never meant to hurt me..." Taifuu looked at her, absolutely distraught. "...do you have any idea how that makes ME feel!"
Midoriiro didn't answer, but instead sobbed slightly for her. "Oh, Taifuu. I should have taken you with me from the start." Taifuu then began her hand sign sequence. "Stop. You know she'll kill us both if we use those jutsus."
"Fine by me. After all, there will be nothing left for me in this world once you're gone." That statement shook Midoriiro to her core, but also strengthened it.. "Anton! Aroshi Rakurai no Jutsu!" A whirling ray of dark energy swirled towards Midoriiro, but the swordswoman dodged it, though just barely.
"Sorry, but I can't fight back! At least...not the way you want me to!" Midoriiro threw her own shuriken, which Taifuu was forced to block with her staff weapon. Taifuu was prepared for a second attack, but not what Midoriiro threw at her next. "Suiton! Kyokan Uzumaki no Jutsu!" The puddles coalesced to form a giant wave behind her, and then launched itself at Taifuu. The kunoichi felt herself unable to breathe, while the water spun her around like a shirt in a washing machine. Finally, she was slammed against a tree, able to breathe again. However, the attack left her exhausted and disoriented.
She had to have been lying there for a few minutes, more than enough time for her to be finished off. Her vision focused and confirmed that Midoriiro was in front of her, probably the whole time, only staring passively at her. "Just kill me! Do it now! Otherwise..." Her hand, after some fumbling, found her weapon. "...I'll just keep coming after you, as long as we live!"
Midoriiro, instead of assuming a defensive position, sat down cross-legged. "...Is that so?" Midoriiro looked towards where the Mizukage and Sasuke were fighting. Sasuke seemed to be able to at least hold his own against the kage. However, some unknown assailant was throwing shuriken at both shinobi, and with such precision that they would cut muscle without getting in a fatal scratch. "Someone wants them both dead, and is conserving his or her energy."
She turned her attention back to her sister, who was pointing her weapon at her, but not attacking. "Very well then. I assume you have enough chakra for at least one big attack?"
Taifuu hesitated to answer, but slowly nodded. "I'm down to my last bit to. So, I have a proposition for you. I'd imagine now that the village is safe, Sasuke is trying to scratch out as many of the seals as he can. If he succeeds, we'll both be free once again to use our most powerful jutsus. When that happens, I want you to come at me with your best jutsu. And I shall do the same."
Taifuu snarled "What makes you so sure your ultimate attack can beat mine?"
"Truthfully, I'm not sure at all. However, I once met an old man saying that all martial arts, including ninjutsu, are the expression of one's soul. Perhaps...if we clash, for one more time without holding anything back, we can understand one another." She smiled genuinely at the last part, and Taifuu thought back to the days when they were a family. It unnerved her how much she missed her older sister's smile.
Taifuu just stared at her for the longest time, her lips quivering. Finally, she relented, and leaned against the tree. "Fine. If nothing else, I could use the time out. But, remember this: I've got my eye on you."
Midoriiro smiled, and nodded. She then yelled into the forest "SASUKE-CHAN! KICK HER BUTT! REMEMBER, FROM WHAT I HEAR, SHE'S RATHER HOT-HEADED!"
Taifuu groaned. "You always were an idiot."
"Ugh!" Sasuke winced as he felt another shuriken graze his ankle this time, nearly tearing the tendon clean through. His agility was cut down in almost in half. While his theory about the assailant weakening the both of them was correct, he noticed that the attacker seemed to be more biased towards hurting him. "I suppose it is with good reason, though." he hated to admit.
At least the Mizukage was no worse for wear, as she pulled a kunai out of her shoulder. That arm probably lost half its strength as well. "Preposterous! I won't let whoever is doing this take my prize away from me!" She began another sequence of hand signs. "Hariton! Kongu Ouhi Kotetsu no Jutsu!" Earth came towards her like metal to a magnet, and fused to her skin. Then, it hardened into a shiny substance. "Diamonds are one of the thickest substances around! I'd like to see your 'ally' penetrate this with mere shuriken!"
Sasuke gritted his teeth. "This is taking too long! Midoriiro needs me to clear the seals, and I haven't even destroyed one! Neither one is going to give me enough time!" Then he remembered what Midoriiro just shouted to him. "Come to think of it...I believe there are quite a few Kekkei Genkais that rival Katon jutsus..."
He then began to laugh; it was forced, but the Mizukage was already so enraged that she couldn't tell. "What's so funny!"
"You said your armor can't be penetrated, and you are right! But I don't need to punch a hole through that jewelry to defeat you! Just a little bit of heat, and you'll be down in no time! My katon jutsus are second to none, and none of your worthless kekkei genkais can top them!" That was more boasting than Sasuke normally did. But it seemed to work, judging by the way she was clenching her fists.
"Fool!" The Mizukage roared. "You dare challenge me! Very well! We'll see how hot you really are!"
Sasuke smirked. If there was one problem with ego manic perfectionists that he learned from living with Orochimaru, it was that if you claimed one area of your expertise was better than theirs, they would fight you with that one specialty and nothing else, just to prove how wrong you were. "I don't have much chakra, though. I better put everything I have to good use." Sasuke shouted "Katon! Goukakkyu no jutsu!" Sasuke fired his trademark fire attack at the Mizukage, but her armor held. Still, even though he was bluffing, Sasuke was right: The heat and the armor were taking a toll on the Mizukage. However, she was still resilient enough to stand.
"Is that all you got? Yoton! Maguma Tama no Jutsu!"
Balls of what seemed to be a tar like substance were launched straight at him. He managed to dodge every one of them, but he felt the heat as they passed by; it felt like he walked straight into a bonfire instead of dodging anything. If they so much as glanced him, it would be fatal. However, the balls made contact with the forest, and the trees immediately caught fire. "Yes! This won't take long, but I've got to keep it under control!" If he let it go, the fire would consume the entire forest, and eventually Konoha. "Lava! That's the dumbest element I ever heard of! You might as well use plain old fire, you old hag!"
The Mizukage was seething with rage now. "You dirty man-whore! I'll show you something even better! Shakunetsu! Shizenhakka no Jutsu!" The debris near Sasuke seemed to almost explode like radium in water, giving off a heat worse than fire. "The only reason I didn't target you is because human flesh is harder to ignite, and besides, your blood won't do me much good if it's dried out!"
Sasuke ran for it as he tried to avoid further burning from the igniting wood and plants. However, the Mizukage blocked his path with various yoton jutsus. While everything was going according to Sasuke's plans, she WAS making it difficult for him. "Can't quit now! Just keep running in a circle, and stay on this trajectory!" The Mizukage was able to predict his trajectory, and sent several heat based attacks ahead of him. Luckily for him, Sasuke was able to clear every obstacle, but he realized he was going to need help for one more thing. As he ran, he saw the two sisters just sitting on the ground looking at each other. He didn't know what caused the ceasefire, but that just made things easier him. "Girls! Listen, I'm going to need your help! Use some Suiton jutsus to keep the fire at bay! A spring runs along the border, so you should have enough water and be able to preserve enough of your chakra for your duel. But make sure you don't put the fire out! I'm going to need it, and I'll take care of it later!"
Midoriiro immediately stood, intending to fulfill Sasuke's request. "What's your boyfriend doing?" Taifuu asked, seemingly uninterested.
Midoriiro turned away and blushed slightly. "I wish." She straightened up and said "Truthfully, I'm not sure. But he needs this fire. I only gave him that hint so he could take care of the seals quickly, and afterwards I was planning on putting out the flames myself. However, he seems to have something else in mind as well. Even of this magnitude, I can put out such a fire myself..." She then turned to Taifuu. "...but to simply hold it back, I can't do this alone. I need your help. Whether we can still do it tonight or wait a year, I promise, we'll finish this. But now, we need to work together again." Midoriiro took a deep breath, and added "As family."
The way she looked at Taifuu stirred something inside of her. No matter how much Taifuu wanted to believe otherwise, the way she looked at her was truthful and pleading. This was the sister she once loved, and now she was doubting she ever left.
"Konoha is not your enemy. But the Mizukage is." Midoriiro emphasized. "You yourself questioned her when she pulled her stunt there."
Taifuu finally relented. "Fine. You haven't cheated me yet...so, I suppose trusting you this one time won't hurt."
Midoriiro gave her a grateful smile. "I'll take this side. You take the other side of the village before Sasuke gets there. And as soon as we're out of here, and recovered..." Midoriiro's smile faded, and her voice became more subdued. "...we'll finish this." Midoriiro turned away before her sister could see her tears. With that, Taifuu took off. Midoriiro pushed away her regret, and began her jutsu. "Suiton! Suikyokan Heki no Jutsu!"
A giant wall of water, semi-circular, protected the border between Konoha and the forest. As the fire spread to the other side, another was raised, surrounding Konoha in a complete circle.
Had the Mizukage been hell bent on destroying Konoha, chances were she could easily destroy the water wall. Thankfully, the village wasn't what she was setting her sites on at the moment.
"Hold still!" the Mizukage roared as she fired more lava balls at him.
"Now, would you do the same if we switched positions?" Sasuke asked as he cart wheeled away from a lava ball, antagonizing her further. "Everything's set. I just need to buy a few more minutes while the atmosphere changes..."
Just then, an Earth Wall formed in front of him. Upon further inspection, he noticed that it was some kind of mineral. "End of the line, Uchiha. That wall will conduct the heat in this area; you'll get burned if you try to scale it. Now, give in..."
Sasuke quickly reacted and prepared one final attack, as well as the final phase of his plan. "This should do it; if it can punch through concrete, it might be able to go through diamonds. Hopefully, I won't have to use that jutsu. Because if that fails...I'm toast." "Katon! Gouryuuka no Jutsu!"
Lion-shaped fireballs raced towards the Mizukage, who, not knowing their destructive power, attempted to block it. As she did, however, she felt her body being pushed back, and her armor cracking. "What!"
Sasuke was smiling as the flame began to envelope her, but all hopes were dashed when she appeared right in front of him. Before he could react, he was pinned against the wall, his back searing in pain. He didn't have the leverage needed to break free this time. "How do you like a taste of your own medicine!"
Sasuke grunted, not answering the question. "How! Genjutsu?"
"Not quite. A unique property of the Diamond armor is that I can break off a shard, throw it into another location, and teleport there. It uses a good portion of my chakra, and my Hariton jutsus will be locked away for 24 hours. But I can tell you're almost completely spent now; I can either leave you here until your hair sets on fire..." Sasuke thought he smelled something cooking. "...or, better yet, I think I'll break your back..." Sasuke then noticed a stick to his side, miraculously unharmed by the fire. He could use that! "And take your eyes!"
Sasuke had just enough chakra to summon one more snake. "REACH!" The snake shot forth from his summoning tattoos, and wrapped around the stick. It retracted, placing it in Sasuke's hand. With a good whack across the temple, Sasuke managed to break her hold on him. Despite how much pain his back was in, he stood and put what bojutsu skills he learned to good use. Before the Mizukage could get her bearings, Sasuke pounded her with the stick, forcing her back each time before she knew what hit her. "Come on, where's the rain!" Sasuke thought frantically. This stick wouldn't be enough to hold her off for long.
The Mizukage lunged for him, but the young adult reacted quickly and with a circular motion, swept her off her feet. The Mizukage braced her self as she prepared to be burned alive. She screamed as she felt the lava begin to burn her...but then, it slowly receded. "What?..." She then felt water splash across her face. She opened her eyes, and saw that it was raining once again, and hard enough to cool the lava.
"Damn." Sasuke said. "I was actually hoping it would hold off for a few seconds before it started. That would've saved me a lot of trouble." Sasuke then ran back towards the wall. Now that the rain cooled it off, there was no danger in touching it. "Time to end this, Mizukage. I admit, back then when I first learned about the bloodline massacre, I quite frankly didn't give a damn. But that doesn't change the fact you committed a horrible act, all so you could gain power. I was no different from you, not so long ago. But, at least I never slaughtered entire clans to obtain the jutsus I wanted. Unlike you, I earned my abilities. Now, you are going to die from my favorite attack"
The Mizukage just stared at him, then laughed. "Give it up! I know you're completely out of chakra!" She activated her Byakugan. "I can see it clear as day! No jutsu in the world can help you now!"
"That's where you're wrong." Sasuke added. "This move requires no chakra...as the power will come from above."
It was then that the Mizukage noticed the clouds. Lighting crackled across them...
Midoriiro looked up into the sky, noticing it was raining as hard as a tropical monsoon. Upon seeing the fire being put out by the rain, she released her jutsu. Across the village, her sister did the same. Upon further observation, she noticed how stormy the weather had become. "Is this...Sasuke-chan's attack!"
Sakura's eyes fluttered open. Slowly, the haze from her mind cleared just enough to remember everything. "Shishou..." Though her mind was starting to form coherent thoughts, her body was still paralyzed. A small amount of sensation returned, allowing her to feel the rain. "Great." she mumbled. She was thankful to be out of danger, whatever it was, but now it seemed she would catch a bad cold. But even so, she had to find out what was happening...
"Behold: KIRIN!" Sasuke threw his hand down, confident of his victory.
However, the Mizukage had a trump card, one that could allow her to dodge lightning. "Kekkei Genkais aren't my only skills! I've constructed a crude variant of the Yellow Flash's infamous technique!" She formed the sign of the rabbit. "This will nearly drain me, but I will have enough strength to finish you and take those beautiful rubies in your eyes..." However, a giant shuriken shot towards her and severed both hands. "AHHHH!" Before she could gauge exactly what happened, the next thing she saw, when she looked up was a white creature approaching her. It seemed to come slowly, but that was the result of her mind slowing down time. And she had no chance to dodge...
Sasuke saw the lightning bolt come down on its intended target with tremendous force. He was nearly thrown off the wall by the force of the impact. "Nothing can possibly survive that!" So he hoped, anyway. Once the pressure died down, the light faded and the deafening noise was gone. With what little strength he had left, he climbed up. Once he reached the top, he was rewarded with the Mizukage's body dead and burned. For once, however, Sasuke treated this victory with caution, and chucked a rock at it making sure touching it wouldn't cause a reaction.
"Don't worry, she's dead. I made sure of it."
Sasuke looked around, frantic. The voice was close, but in which direction, he couldn't be sure. That could mean only one thing. "Shit!"
"However, don't take my help as an alliance."
Sasuke then felt something kick him in the side, by far the hardest he ever felt. "GAUGHH!" Sasuke was sent flying across the forest, and fell on his back like a rag doll. He was lucky his spine didn't snap in two; the kick precisely aimed for his thorax, and shattered all the ribs on his left side. He managed to turn his head to his right, and confirmed the assailant. "I was right..." Sasuke winced in pain, as his new injury made even breathing a battle. "...it IS you..."
Tsunade finally stepped out of hiding and revealed herself, giving him a cold gaze that would have sent shivers down his spine had his body been in decent condition. While she wanted to kill him more than anything, some form of closure was needed, and decided to talk to him. "It was pure luck that I decided to go out for a walk, near the edge of the forest, before the Mizukage tried to euthanize the entire village. I was about to act, until you came along." Sasuke said nothing in response to that. "Had I acted a few minutes earlier, I would have been in the fight of my life against her; I'm certain I could have taken her in a one-on-one fight, but I couldn't take the chance with those two kunoichis. Seeing that you were in fact fighting against her, I decided to take advantage of the situation, and if nothing else, use you as bait to distract her. From there, I set the both of you up to potentially take one another out...and leave the other open for the kill. I'm glad that it's you I get to finish off; it won't make you pay for the harm you've done to the village, but at least I can let you know you will be punished for your crimes in their honor." Sasuke nodded slightly, although she probably didn't notice. "Why did you come back, Uchiha? That woman was clearly not your ally; I don't know what to make of the two young girls."
Sasuke wheezed "It's...complicated. Please, let them go. They're no threat to you, especially Midoriiro."
"You haven't answered my question." she responded sternly, uninterested in their friend or foe status at the moment.
Sasuke's first instinct was to say that it was protect Konoha, but that was not true; he wound up doing it and was glad he did, but that was not why he came back in the first place. "To protect Midoriiro, the one with the sword." There was no way out of this, and for once, Sasuke wanted to be honest.
Neither spoke a word after that at first. It seemed the Hokage was conflicted, but Sasuke doubted that would waver her resolve to execute him. "She's not from the village, is she?"
"No. From Kiri, but she wasn't with the Mizukage."
"Then why was she here?"
"To protect you...for me. The how and why is a long story." Sasuke wheezed and coughed blood.
Tsunade clenched her fists. She knew Sasuke would eventually come back to Konoha, but not like this. She couldn't deny he wound up trying to protect the village, but that could never erase his crimes, especially the one that affected her most. "My student is dead because of you." she hissed, barely containing her rage.
Sasuke's eyes widened upon hearing that, but he was thinking of someone else when Tsunade said that. "S-Sakura! No, it can't be...!" A single tear dropped from his eye.
That reaction piqued Tsunade's interest. She figured he became just like Orochimaru, but it appeared that was not the case; her former comrade would have never given a damn about anyone he hurt. Deciding not to torture him for too long, and remembering that Sasuke never really knew Shizune, she told him "Relax. Sakura's fine. She was the one who killed Orochimaru in fact, and without any help to boot."
Sasuke's eyes widened again, but this time, it was in amazement. "She did, did she?" A genuine smile spread across his lips. "Sakura, you really have grown up. I shouldn't have told you all those things..."
Tsunade's hands trembled in anger. She wanted to see the same Sasuke that she read in the reports: cold, sinister, uncaring...this Sasuke was nothing like that. Why did he have to change now! "The one I'm referring to is the one who was killed by Orochimaru; he then impersonated her."
Sasuke turned his head away slightly, the smile gone. "I see..." It seemed Kakashi was right; revenge did not bring him happiness, and it harmed more than he could have imagined.
Tsunade felt a pang of guilt for what she was about to do. It seemed Sasuke was truly sorry for what he did. But Sasuke had put himself in this hole, and whatever trust she or any of the other leaf ninja (minus maybe one) had for him flew out the window. It was hard enough to make the council agree to take him back alive years ago; she convinced them only on the grounds that Orochimaru was not to be allowed to possess the Sharingan. But now, it was different. Sasuke was a real threat, and now, as Hokage, Tsunade had to take responsibility. What was about to happen was ultimately his fault.
"This is where it ends, isn't it?" the Uchiha asked, expecting her to have finished him off much sooner.
Tsunade replied. "I'm afraid so."
Sasuke looked into the sky, and said "I was kind of hoping that I'd have more time. But after what happened, I can't complain about what's coming to me. I do, after all, deserve it, don't I?"
Tsunade did not answer; she simply formed a chakra scalpel in her hand. "Any last words?"
Sasuke took a moment to answer. "Just tell Naruto...thanks for everything, even though I didn't deserve it."
"Is that all?"
Sasuke looked at her again, this time with a slight hint of defiance. "With all due respect, Hokage-sama, it's all I can trust you with. Anything more, I want THEM to hear." Sasuke grasped the ground as he struggled to breathe. "I suppose, that's impossible now. They must hate me, especially Kakashi and Sakura. I doubt they'd want to see me now, after what I've done to hurt them all." Sasuke coughed and spat blood. He would die slowly if left untreated, and he clearly wasn't going to get it. "Just get it over with: I'm prepared to die. Have been ever since I realized my mistake." Sasuke looked at her again. "Besides...I can tell, you're not the type that enjoys to let people suffer; in my case, it's just a waste of your time."
Tsunade felt some hesitation, but forced it into the back of her mind. "This will be quick and painless. A far better fate than many in your shoes deserve." She walked toward him, intending to finish off a mistake she let go for too long. Sasuke would die for sure this time, and no idealism, whether it would be from her or a certain other individual, would get in her way.
However, she stopped when a sword was placed near her neck. "I must ask you to back away from Sasuke-chan, please." Tsunade looked to her side to see Midoriiro, staring her down with cautious but fearless eyes.
Tsunade thought hard for a moment, and recognized her. "You're the Bloody Flash of the Mist, correct? Gaikai Midoriiro, I believe." Midoriiro nodded her head slightly, not surprised she knew her. This woman was, after all, the Hokage. "All of the remaining seven swordsmen were under Uchiha's command...except you." she noted with interest.
"I haven't exactly stayed in touch with my former comrades, if you could even call them that. I'm not exactly the ideal assassin." Midoriiro replied.
Tsunade looked at her long and hard, knowing Sasuke wasn't going anywhere. "Yes, I can see that." Had she been like the others, Tsunade wouldn't have made note of it and killed them both. But, it seemed she needed to hear the whole story before acting.
"Midoriiro." Sasuke wheezed. "This doesn't concern you; get out of here."
Midoriiro retracted her blade from Tsunade's throat, but instead of backing off, she walked towards Sasuke. Then, she picked up the stick he used as a bo, and whacked him on the head, knocking him unconscious. Tsunade gave the kunoichi a most flabbergasted expression. "We would have wound up arguing for a while, and I would have beat him senseless in the end anyway, so I thought it was just best to get it over with." She laughed slightly at the last point before assuming a defensive stance with her weapon.
Tsunade only gave her a slight nod in shock. "You ARE a weird one." Tsunade then retracted her chakra scalpel and regained her composure. "I still require an explanation as to why you and Uchiha Sasuke are here. He attacked with Mist Swordsmen before, and the situation as I understand it does not bode well for either of you."
Midoriiro, thankful she was willing to listen, replied "It's a long story, Hokage-sama. To give you the abridged version, my sister and the Mizukage had a grudge against me, and wanted to settle it. Because I was traveling with Sasuke-chan, they figured out he was from here, and threatened to harm your village if I did not come to meet them. The anesthesia bubble the Mizukage pulled was mainly to draw me out of hiding and attack...in order to ensure I would fight my sister. I didn't tell Sasuke-chan anything about the plot, but he figured it out since I left him suddenly. The rest, I believe, you saw for yourself."
Tsunade and Midoriiro only stared at one another for the longest time; they both had an understanding, but both would do whatever it would take to protect the people they held dear. Tsunade, being at full health however, could easily take on Midoriiro in her present state. Still, she knew evil intent when she saw it, and Midoriiro clearly had none. "How did you wind up joining Uchiha?"
Midoriiro, still holding her sword in guard position, replied "I found him drowning in a river. I resuscitated him and let him recuperate where I was staying at the time. I had a rather shady past that I'm not proud of either, so I sympathized with him, seeing that he had a troubled past as well. We traveled together for a while, and..." Midoriiro seemed to blush before she could finish her sentence. "To be fair, he's rather withdrawn, even though I have an idea why. He also seemed lost, like a certain way of life didn't work out the way he thought it did."
Tsunade looked at her long and hard. "Did you sense any...resentment from him?"
Midoriiro didn't seem surprised, but rather saddened. "No. Frustration, anger, sorrow...but not hatred. And even if it was there, it was more directed at himself then anyone around him."
Tsunade, noting the fierce look in her eyes, then asked "You're not going to let me near him, are you?" She had to admire her courage.
"I know my odds of defeating you are slim...and even if they weren't, I wouldn't want to harm you...but I can't let you kill Sasuke-chan. No matter what horrible things he's done...he's my only friend. Trust me, this is coming from someone who's killed her own parents. I know what it feels like to do a terrible wrong." Midoriiro's eyes began to look more pleading. "And I believe if a person feels truly sorry in their heart, they should have a chance for redemption. I know it's not an easy road...it may even be impossible...but we both have to try!"
Just then, Midoriiro felt another blade pressed to the back of her neck. "Forgotten your promise so soon?" her younger sister growled, poised to behead her depending on what she said.
Midoriiro trembled, not out of fear, but anger. Anger at herself. "Taifuu...I know you're upset about the present situation, but NOW IS NOT THE TIME!" For the first time in years, the started to behave like normal siblings.
"YOU PROMISE ME ONE DUEL, AND YOU BAIL OUT! I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN YOU'D PULL SOMETHING LIKE THIS!"
"WELL, DO YOU HAVE A WAY TO RESOLVE THIS! I'D LOVE TO HEAR IT IF YOU DO! PLEASE, ENLIGHTEN ME OH DEAR SISTER!"
Taifuu grunted. "This is the first time in years that I've been..." She looked for the right words. "Mocked. As if I were being talked down to like a child." She should have been furious, but the little argument made her...happy. Putting it in the back of her mind, she focused on the present and looked at the Hokage. "As a matter of fact..."
She raised her blade, but Tsunade attacked first and placed her palm on the kunoichi's chest. Taifuu yelped, and fell to the ground. She tried to get back up, but her limbs weren't responding correctly. Midoriiro grabbed her attention, and looked her in the eye. "Taifuu...after all we've been through, I don't want to treat you like this..." Midoriiro suddenly kicked her across the head, also knocking her unconscious. "BUT THAT WAS THE MOST IDIOTIC, PEA-BRAINED, RETARDED MOVE I HAVE EVER SEEN A SHINOBI DO!" Midoriiro allowed a tear to flow down her cheek. "You're lucky that she chose to incapacitate you when she had every right to stop your heart."
Midoriiro took a deep breath, and suddenly bowed to the Hokage. "Forgive my sister; she's always been quite rash."
Tsunade only stared at her impassively, no longer considering her a dire threat, if not an off character. She didn't want to arrest her, or worse. However, considering all that happened, she couldn't let her go just like that. "Since you have no ties to Kiri now, what is it you want most?"
The question surprised Midoriiro, and she had to think about that for a moment. "I...I just want to live a happy life, like any normal person. I don't want to bring harm to anyone, let alone your village, Hokage-sama."
"What about her?" Tsunade asked, pointing to Taifuu.
Midoriiro looked to Taifuu. "She was compliant with the Mizukage's plan, I won't deny that. However, she personally bears no grudge against Konoha, and with the Mizukage intending to kill her, I doubt she will readily join with anyone who wishes otherwise. I could tell she did not like the plan, and only went along with it out of loyalty. We still have a score to settle, but I will end it...one way or another."
Tsunade then asked the million ryo question. "And what is your opinion of Uchiha Sasuke?" Tsunade then reactivated her chakra scalpel. "Choose your answer carefully, or I will cut both you both down." Midoriiro simply looked to the sky, staring at it for a good minute. Tsunade was getting anxious...more to kill Sasuke then her answer. "I won't put up with any more shenanigans tonight. If you have any words that can save the bastard's life, I highly recommend you say them now."
Midoriiro finally looked at her, this time with a resolved and determined face. Suddenly, she tossed her sword away, and kneeled. "Make me your watchdog."
Tsunade's brow arched, and she deactivated her chakra scalpel. "Explain."
"I can watch over Sasuke no problem. In the best case scenario, he has learned to trust me...albeit grudgingly...and came here of his own free will with the sole intention to help me. If it's the worst case scenario, he won't get away from me." She then gave Tsunade a mischievous grin. "Believe me, he's tried. And failed, miserably."
Tsunade folded her arms, and circled the swordswoman. "Your answer is a bit too convenient. You couldn't have gotten to know Uchiha for that long, and I doubt he would open up to anyone; he never did with any of his 'friends' back at home."
Midoriiro didn't falter in the slightest. "Believe me, I'm not a bad judge of character. I've fought crime lords, assassins, even those that some might call super-villains by most standards. They all had something in common, something that made them cold and unremorseful. He may have had that in the past...but the Sasuke-chan I met had no trace of that. All I saw was a young man who was lost and confused."
Tsunade looked at Sasuke, and thought back to what he just said. No fear, no rage...it was almost as if he wanted to die. "While you do seem like the trustworthy type, for me to trust you so easily would be foolish. Even if you severed all ties with Kiri, you're still a mist swordsmen, and on top of that, you are protecting one of our most dangerous enemies. How can I ensure my village's safety under those circumstances?"
Midoriiro thought for a minute, and then threw her sword to the ground. Bowing, she said "My life is yours to keep. If for any reason you suspect betrayal, you may take my life...and Sasuke-chan's." Tsunade was truly surprised now. "We can also act as the shinobi you can trust when you can't trust others. Even if he can never come home, I will prove to you that Sasuke is no threat, and neither am I. Should I be proven wrong...I'll finish your job."
Tsunade thought carefully about this. All of the negatives she could think of were related to what Sasuke did. As a shinobi, she had to put her emotions in the back of her mind. However, she realized there were some positives to this as well. With Danzo as a political enemy, she would need an ace up her sleeve. And from what she heard, he was recruiting successors. And if for any reason her official shinobi were unable to fight or spy, THEY would be able to. Then, she thought of Naruto during his younger years. When even Sakura's faith in Sasuke withered, Naruto still had no doubt that there was good in Sasuke. Perhaps now he could prove himself. Although she still felt very uncertain about this, she decided this was worth the chance. "Very well then." She canceled out her scalpel and extended her hand to Midoriiro. "Give me your hand."
Midoriiro did so, and Tsunade summoned a slug on her wrist. "EWWW!" Midoriiro gawked.
"Silence!" Tsunade hissed, covering up her shock on how a Mist Swordsman had a fear of slugs.
The gastropod crawled up Midoriiro's arm, who was beginning to look a little green. "OhkamiIhateslugs, ohkamiIhateslugs..."she kept whispering to herself.
"Yup, I've a good feeling you're trustworthy." Tsunade thought. No bloodthirsty killer would ever act squeamish in front of anyone.
The slug then finished it's journey right over Midoriiro's heart, and disappeared. "The slug has laid eggs of a parasite into your system." Tsunade explained. "On it's own, it won't affect you; it only requires a small amount of nutrients to survive, and it can't reproduce. It will live only as long as I do. However, whenever I want, if I feel you're not doing your job, I can kill you in an instant. With the help of the slugs, I created this parasite; it is immune to nearly all toxins and antibiotics, and it cannot be detected by normal doctors. For another medic ninja to detect it, they would have to carve out your heart and study it...which would make removing it moot, no?"
Midoriiro, still looking rather pale, nodded her head. "And Sasuke?"
Tsunade walked past her and towards the battered Uchiha. "The same as you..." She placed a similar slug on Sasuke's chest. "If I give the signal for you to be killed, he will die as well." Midoriiro looked a little disturbed. "I am sorry, but I cannot allow you...Sasuke anyway...to just go away free. I will not endanger my people like I did before."
Midoriiro then said "I have something to take care of, something I might not come back alive from. Should I die, I don't think it's fair for Sasuke to die with me. Is there anyway for him to get out of this should that happen?"
Tsunade then gave her a scroll. "This is a sub-summoning contract. It allows you to summon small messenger slugs, nothing else, and it won't conflict with any other contracts you may have signed. Seal it with your blood, as well as him. I want you to report back to me at this weekend. Whatever you summoned is not easily manipulated by genjutsu and its unique physiology make it nearly impossible to threaten. So long as I hear from you every week, you will be safe. However, if you miss one..." Tsunade crossed her finger across her throat. Midoriiro gulped quite audibly, but did not object. Tsunade's stern expression then changed. "When will this...obligation of yours be fulfilled?"
"A week, at most." Midoriiro replied. "My sister and I just need time to recover."
Tsunade then looked to the kunoichi on the ground, still unconscious. Somehow, she just knew this was similar to what Itachi went through. "I see. It's that kind of thing?"
Midoriiro nodded. "I have a complicated past."
Tsunade then announced "Everyone will have recovered by now. I suggest you take these two, and get going. I can throw the ANBU off and claim the Mizukage's slaying was my doing."
Midoriiro picked up both her sister and Sasuke, and, with a bit of difficulty, bowed. "Thank you so much, Hokage-sama! I promise, I won't let you down!" Using her teeth, she picked up the sword by its scabbard. "Sowy. Ah've mai ands fu."
Tsunade said nothing, except to beckon for her to leave. Midoriiro, despite her exhaustion, took off running. Tsunade then looked toward the village, thinking of all the questions she would be asked...and how to make her arrangement secret. "Ugh. I'm going to have a tough time explaining this one to the council...but I know someone will be happy about this..." Despite the situation of it all, she smiled to herself, and she didn't know why.
Later that day, after extra patrols were put around the perimeter, Tsunade paid Sakura and Naruto a visit. Sakura was aware of what was happening in the village that night, and a little embarrassed for not being able to help Tsunade solve the problem despite her struggle. "I wouldn't have been able to make it were I in your shoes." Tsunade told her. "I got lucky; so don't beat yourself up about it. Besides...I think you've been through enough."
Before elaborating any further, Tsunade gave them a warning. "What I'm about to tell you two must NEVER leave this room, got it? This is unofficially S-class information. It's unofficial because thus far, I've told no one in the council nor ANBU."
Naruto then asked "If it's top secret, than why are you telling us?"
Tsunade looked at him, struggling for an answer. "Because...it's something I feel the both of you have a right to know. Besides...I don't want to keep anymore secrets from you than I have to, Naruto. Besides, this concerns you...and Sakura as well...for better or for worse."
She then explained what really occurred that night, and how she spared Sasuke on the condition that he could place a parasitic bomb inside of him should anything go wrong. The two of them were just stunned silent. "Well?" Tsunade asked, impatiently. She had expected much more extreme reactions; Sakura being furious, given what happened to Shizune, and for Naruto to be ecstatic, at least about Sasuke being alive. "Do you believe I'm mistaken in giving Sasuke another chance?" Tsunade explicitly asked.
Naruto then spoke. "To be honest...I don't know." Naruto got up, and walked to the window. "I know that I've been the first to claim I could get Sasuke back, but neither Sakura-chan or I could live in the past anymore. I'll even go so far as to admit that you had every right to kill him..." Naruto turned around and stared to face her. "...but even I will admit that I myself would have spared him, although I wouldn't have let him go free. Well, technically you didn't, but still..."
Sakura then gave her opinion. "Shishou...I'm sure you must feel as I do about Shizune-sempai's death, right?" She tried to make it sound as unaccussing as possible, but the slight hiss gave it away.
Tsunade nodded sadly. "Believe me, I was so tempted to. But I wasn't looking at a killer that night. Sasuke had clearly tried to save the village that night, and while at first I chose to ignore that on grounds of his previous crimes...I felt he deserved some form of mercy. Not to mention Gaikai-san's input had quite an affect on me..." Tsunade was afraid to press further, but at this point there was no turning back. If Sakura was going to cut her out from her life...she deserved to know the whole truth at the very least. "And as Hokage, I simply cannot follow my most base emotions. That's the kind of thinking that Danzo would want to enforce. I simply did what I felt was necessary for the village, and nothing more, while upholding justice as well. I don't plan on having Sasuke return a hero anytime soon; he will be paying a hefty price after all. His life is literally in my hands now, and if I choose to make him work, he's doing it for free. My slugs will inform me if Sasuke is up to no good again, and if they don't...well, then I will take care of him myself." Tsunade got up and said. "Thank you for hearing me out." She was too afraid to look either one in the eye now. "I understand if this...changes things between us. All I ask is that you both think about this, and feel free if to speak to me if you still have any concerns. Should anything go wrong, I'll take full responsibility."
Tsunade was almost to the door when Sakura spoke up. "Shishou." Tsunade didn't turn, but she stopped, indicating she was listening. "I wouldn't have done what you did. I don't think I can ever forgive Sasuke." She then looked to Naruto. They both replayed the conversation they had the other night. "But, I have learned to move on. No matter what Sasuke has done, I will not let it get in they way of my life." Sakura then turned back to Tsunade. "And most all, Shishou, I trust you. You have never led us astray before, and neither Naruto nor I will ever give up on you."
Tsunade turned around, and smiled. "I'm glad to hear that Sakura."
When she left, Naruto and Sakura only stared at each other. Then, Naruto smiled and embraced her. Sakura kissed him, and returned the embrace. Nothing more had to be said about Sasuke; Tsunade would take it from there. All that mattered was their village, and each other. "Sakura...let's get something to eat."
"Ichiraku's?" Sakura's question was playful and teasing, not the displeased tone he expected.
"Actually, I thought something different would be nice for a change." Naruto clasped her hand and led her out the door. "I heard of a place that's been getting quite a bit of praise. I figured we could try it out while we have the time."
Sakura hugged his arm, and leaned into his shoulder. "I'd love to." The two let their worries slip by, simply happy to be in one another's company.
4 days later, Sasuke hobbled along the stick Midoriiro took with her, the same one Sasuke used against the Mizukage, to witness the duel about to take place.
"It saved your life." she explained. "I figured you should use it as a good luck charm."
Sasuke believed that for once, what she said was reasonable enough. But that didn't impact him as much as the news Midoriiro told him about Tsunade's decision regarding his punishment. "I can't believe she let me live. I really was prepared to die that night." Sasuke still didn't think he earned that right. He knew, even if he personally would be forgiven, he would still get jail-time, and he would be forced to do all his work for free, for who knows how long. "Regardless, I may have a chance to make all my mistakes worth something. If Tsunade wishes to use me, then I will serve her from the shadows to my utmost ability."
Finally, he came across the two kunoichi in a clearing. They held their weapons at the ready, but neither one made a move yet. "They're going to give it all they got. It will all come down to one attack." Sasuke didn't like it. Looking it Taifuu, it reminded him of himself. He didn't entirely buy what Naruto told him about his brother; but after their fight, he realized that he could never hate his brother the way he thought he should. It was best that Taifuu understood that now. "Taifuu." he called out.
Midoriiro didn't move from her spot nor take her eyes off her opponent, but she still said "Sasuke-chan, this does not..."
"Actually, it does." Sasuke finished for her. Midoriiro, realizing he had something important to tell her sister, butted out. He turned his attention back to Taifuu. "I'm not going to stop you from fighting this duel, if this is what you truly wish. However, I want you to hear me out." Taifuu did not respond, but he had no doubt in his mind she was listening; after all, if she couldn't hear him then her shinobi career would have ended before it began. "I was in the same position you are in now. My own brother, whom I once looked up to, destroyed my clan a long time ago. I know the feeling. The loss, the despair, and all the questions that come with it. I felt alone. I wanted revenge. And in pursuing revenge, I betrayed everyone else who loved me."
Taifuu at first did not respond. Fearing that he did not get through to her, Sasuke turned to leave. "Was it everything you hoped for? Your revenge?" she asked.
Sasuke turned around. "I never had a chance to find that out. One of the people I left behind already killed him...in self-defense I assume...and once again, I felt like I was left with nothing. I turned my revenge on him. However, I found out that I hurt people I didn't intend or want to, and that my so called 'just cause' was no different than a wild animal's instincts. It just felt like a black hole in my chest afterwards. And, then I realized..." Sasuke looked up to the sky, hoping to conceal his tears. "...all I really wanted was everyone back, including my brother, back to the way he once was. And now, I wish to be with the friends who supported me when I felt I didn't want them. Take it from someone with experience, Taifuu: Revenge is an insatiable desire once you hold onto it. It won't bring you happiness nor closure. Even if you win this duel, all the hate you have will still be with you, and it won't make the pain go away. At best, you'll just blame someone else for your problems and find that as your reason for living."
Taifuu trembled slightly, then gripped her weapon tighter. "You failed both times you tried to take revenge."
"Revenge leads to nothing but failure, whether you take out your target or not." Sasuke replied matter-of-factly.
Taifuu then responded "Whatever. If it makes you feel better, I'll offer you my life after I kill her."
"I refuse." Sasuke replied stoically, although he had to admit he probably would be boiling over if anything happened to Midoriiro. "I've had enough of being an avenger. No matter how I'll feel afterwards, killing you won't bring Midoriiro back...assuming you will even win."
"I'll bet you'll change your mind quickly once I take her head." Taifuu shot back.
"We'll have to see if you can even accomplish the later." Sasuke then took his seat by a large rock, wincing. Midoriiro did a much better job of bandaging him up than she did her CPR, but he still believed he should see a doctor soon. He then looked to Midoriiro. "She would never kill her sister. She might use a more defensive technique...no. She promised her to unleash her ultimate attack. Whoever wins, it will all come down to power. That means, in order to keep Taifuu alive, she's counting on Taifuu's attack to be strong enough to deflect enough power of the other while still taking a hit from it, and live!" Sasuke looked to Midoriiro. She was sweating, clearly nervous. But not from losing. This was more than a mere duel to either one of them, and even with her skills, Midoriiro was going to need all the help she could get. "Good luck, Midoriiro" Sasuke thought.
Minutes passed, with the two opponents doing nothing but preparing for an attack and reading a counter attack. Some like Naruto would have gotten bored and yelled at them to do something, but Sasuke knew better. Suddenly, a squirrel leaped from the tall grass, and the two kunoichi charged. Both yelled a battle cry as if they were hated enemies, although that was true for only one.
"Anton! Azura Kokkuzuo no Jutsu!" Taifuu spun her monk's spade above her at rapid speed, speed that should have been impossible even for shinobi. All life behind her was sucked dry; the grass crumpled, the leaves in the trees shed, and it seemed most of the animals didn't fare too well. Their energy came to the center of the stick, gathering up in a sphere. The chakra's light color became black, and it was released in the form of a demon with red, fiery eyes.
Midoriiro made her move a split-second later. "Hiton! Buddha Dokikure no Jutsu!" The sun seemed to concentrate its rays in the sky, and then they were absorbed into Midoriiro's sword. Her golden Tsurugi glowed blindingly, as if the sun had come down to the level of earth. Taifuu swung her weapon, propelling the demon at Midoriiro. Midoriiro did the same, and a wave of chakra energy cracked the earth and surged towards her.
They could both tell that their techniques would be in a stalemate temporarily, but one of them would come out on top eventually. Indeed, upon impact, the two jutsus were at a standstill. However, Taifuu's had one edge that Midoriiro's did not: Her jutsu only required the chakra to be gathered and released; it would not dissipate until she willed it. Midoriiro, however, had to keep inputting her own chakra. Soon, Midoriiro was beginning to lose ground, as the force of Taifuu's attack was causing her to move backwards centimeter by centimeter. Then, just when she was about to lose her balance, memories bombarded Taifuu's mind. All the times they played, how Midoriiro took care of her when mom and dad weren't there. Most of all...she remembered the love she once had for her sister. And that's when she felt it returning. "NOOOOOO!"
Taifuu redirected her technique just inches away from Midoriiro and let the spectral chakra demon disappear. However, Midoriiro couldn't stop her attack when she realized that Taifuu forfeited the duel, and the energy wave propelled forward. "TAIFUU!"
Taifuu dropped her weapon, and simply stood her ground. Time seemed to slow down for her mind, if not for real, as she witnessed the wave of light surging towards her. "Sister..." Taifuu only smiled, and opened her arms as if waiting to embrace her. "I denied everything I felt these years. You were always my most important person; I locked that away, feeling I had to avenge our parents. But I knew...I knew that you would have never done such a thing unless you had to. I just want us to be together again. That's impossible now, and it's my fault. But please..." The slow-motion she was experiencing seemed to have come to an end, causing her to shout "...LIVE!" She experienced a brief moment of pain, and then, her world went dark.
Taifuu's eyes squinted, and she felt a terrible ache racing through her head. "Ohh...did someone get the number on that cart that hit me?" She managed to open her eyes, only to close them again to shield them from the sunlight. "Huh...It feels nice. I'd figure I'd be in Hell instead of Heaven..." In fact, by all means, she should! She bolted upright, and winced as she felt pain shoot through her body. That could only mean one thing. "I'm alive..."
"Taifuu!" A familiar set of hands gently but firmly gripped her shoulders. Taifuu looked to see Midoriiro's amber eyes meet her red ones. Midoriiro tried to compose herself, but the tears were building up rapidly. "You're awake..." Taifuu stared at her, but this time, there was no hatred. Finally, Midoriiro could not contain herself anymore, and embraced her sister, weeping onto her shoulder. "Oh, Taifuu! I'm so sorry for everything!"
"Sister..."
"There were so many things I could have done to stop this!"
"Sister..."
"I promise! I'll do my job right for once, and take care of you! You don't have to love me in return, I just want you to be safe!"
"SISTER!" Taifuu shouted, stopping Midoriiro's ranting. "...you're hurting me."
Midoriiro took note of Taifuu's bandaged state, and with an "eep!" she let her go. "Sorry! I was just...relieved."
Taifuu sighed, and gave Midoriiro the smile she hadn't seen in years. One of love and admiration "Me too, sister." She clasped Midoriiro's wrist with her bandaged hand. "If anything, I'm the one who should apologize for everything. I should have heard you out from the start. I let my grief get to me..."
Midoriiro wiped a tear from her eye and smiled. "It seems none of us are going to get anywhere with our apologies. I'm just glad you're still here."
Taifuu nodded and said "Same here. I just wished I realized I didn't truly hate you sooner..." Taifuu winced as another thing of pain went through her body. "Nee-san...speaking of which, how am I still here? That attack should have been enough to kill me..."
The two kunoichi turned their heads towards the direction of another groan. The two sisters turned to see Sasuke lying in an adjacent bed, bandaged up so much that he even looked like a mummy. "He shielded you at the last second using some sort of Raiton shield." Midoriiro explained. "You both still took a lot of damage, but had he not done that, you two would have been dead for sure. "
"Of course..." Sasuke groaned, addressing Taifuu "...had you did everything according to your sister's plan and gave it all you had, you'd have come out alive with half the injuries you have now." Sasuke winced. "And I wouldn't have had to jump in."
Midoriiro gave Sasuke a smile he never seen on her before. Sure, he could see gratitude and relief like he expected. But there was something else, something he couldn't quite place. Suddenly, Midoriiro walked over to him, and placed a kiss on his lips. Sasuke temporarily tensed...but soon found himself relaxing. It actually felt kind of nice, and he found himself kissing back. Midoriiro backed out of the kiss and said "I'll let the doctor know you're both conscious, and see if there's anything you need."
"That explains the better than usual medical treatment." Sasuke muttered, although he meant it as a joke. Still, an actual was always better than an amateur who was forced to dress her own wounds for years.
Midoriiro pouted "Hey! I'm getting better!" With that, she exited the room.
An uncomfortable silence followed between Sasuke and Taifuu. "I think my sister likes you." the kunoichi stated.
"Yeah, that was pretty obvious." Sasuke confirmed. To his surprise, he didn't mind; that fact itself was much like the kiss.
"And I feel sorry for you." Sasuke hated to admit it, but Midoriiro did have quite a few quirks he had yet to get used to.
And there it is!
Next chapter will simply tie up some loose ends, and afterwards, I plan for a time skip. Until next time!
KokkuRyu Hoeru-Black Dragon's Cry
AoRyu Saya-Blue Dragon Scabbard
Bakuretsu Mushikera Kisha-Exploding Worm Train
Aroshi Rakurai-Storm Thunderbolt
Kyokan Uzumaki-Giant Whirlpool (you should have known part of it!)
Kongu Ouhi Kotetsu-Diamond Queen Armor
Maguma Tama-Magma Ball
Shizenhakka-Spontaneous Combustion
Suikyokon Heki-Giant Water Wall
Azura Kokkuzuo-Azura's Black Hatred
Buddha Dokikure-Buddha's Hidden Wrath