Bright Eyes: The Unsung Ninja:Wrath of the Phoenix

by GeneralWildfire

Following the story of Sara Uchiha, a young kunoichi in the Hidden Leaf Village, after three years Naruto has finally returned from training. What new challenges await?

5. Part 5

DISCLAIMER: Some of the text and characters are from Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto, which I do not own. Only the characters & text that were not in the original manga/anime series are mine.

Recap:While Naruto has been training, Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji have just suffered a terrible loss…the loss of their Master, Asuma Sarutobi. His killers, Hidan and Kakuzu are still alive, but there are many hearts that seek revenge for the loss of Asuma Sarutobi, along with another shinobi who died at the two Akatsuki members' hands…

No Need for Words

Tsunade lowered her head, her right hand pressed against her forehead as Shikamaru, Kotetsu, and Izumo reported on their mission. "I see," she finally said.

"Um…what about Kurenai?" Kotetsu questioned.

Tsunade lifted her head, "You all notify the relevant parties regarding funeral services. I'll tell Kurenai…"

"No…" Shikamaru said, surprising them all. "I'll tell Kurenai. I've got Captain Asuma's last words to her, so…"

In the training field, the rain having stopped, Sara stood next to Kakashi as they watched Naruto make progress with adding wind change in nature to the Rasengan.

"Yes!" Naruto and his two clones cheered. "I'm starting to get the hang of it!"

"Interesting," Kakashi mused. "So this is what you thought up."

"You really shouldn't be surprised," Sara commented.

Kakashi nodded, "I know, especially considering that it took two of him to produce the original Rasengan…one to control the chakra emission…the other to control the change in form." He sighed, "I suppose this is the natural progression of things…"

"That's right!" Naruto agreed. "All I needed to do was create a third me to control the wind change in chakra nature. Like you said, if you can't look to the left and the right at the same time, you need to create a double who can check out the other direction for you! Two heads are better than one!"

"With my clone providing the clue earlier," Kakashi said, purposely trying to get Sara to poke fun at him, he had no such luck. He frowned, what's wrong with her? What does she know that has her in such a mood?

He glanced at Naruto again, and smiled slightly under his mask as he saw the usual sphere of the Rasengan starting to get shuriken shaped, this method works for Naruto, who has ample supplies of both chakra and clones…it wouldn't work for either me, Sara, or the Fourth Hokage. "Have to admit, Naruto. You really are something else… I think I'm finally starting to like you!"

"HUH?" Naruto and his clones shouted, losing their concentration. "WAH!" They lost control of the Rasengan, flying in different directions.

Naruto snapped, pointing at Kakashi, while Sara smiled slightly, "Aw, man! Now look what you did! You made me lose control of the jutsu!"

"Okay, wait…that didn't come out right…" Kakashi said, holding his hands up to ward off Naruto's anger. "What I was trying to say is…"

"Never mind!" Naruto snapped.

Kakashi sighed, "Naruto…"

"Give it up, Master Kakashi," Sara said, leaning against him. "It's still in the team's brain…"

"What is?" Kakashi asked, confused.

Sara grinned, "The first thing you ever said to us, "My first impression of this team…I hate you."."

"I did not say that!" Kakashi argued. He thought about it some more before he conceded, "All right, I did say that, it's amazing that you all remember that…you all had the attention spans of gnats back then."

They all turned as Izumo arrived, saying to Tenzo, "Reporting in."

"What's going on?" Naruto asked, approaching Kakashi and Sara, as Izumo talked to Tenzo.

"Kakashi!" Tenzo called to him. "We need to call off the lesson and head back to the village!"

"What?" Naruto demanded.

Kakashi was even worried by Tenzo's tone, "What is it, Yamato?"

Tenzo didn't answer right away, when he did it shocked Kakashi and Naruto to their cores, "Asuma Sarutobi…has been killed."

Kakashi's eyes were wide as he stared down at Sara, "You knew…how did you…?"

"Later," Sara said, not wanting to describe yet another aspect of her Kekkai Genkai.

In an alley in the Hidden Leaf Village, Shikamaru told Kurenai about Asuma's death. Kurenai stood dazed for a moment, before falling to her knees, sobbing, and Shikamaru knelt beside her, trying to comfort her.

Much later that night, Kakashi was sitting in the kitchen, head in his hands. Sara came down the stairs, and asked, obviously surprised to see Kakashi, "What are you doing up?"

Kakashi didn't even glance up at her, "I just lost one of my best friends…" He looked up at her suddenly, his gaze was filled with sadness, but there were no tears, "How did you know before Izumo, Kotetsu, and Shikamaru got back to the village?"

"My Devil's Eyes," Sara answered, walking down the rest of the stairs and standing on the other side of the table. "If I…if I fall asleep with them up I can see what my loved ones are doing… I did it once when you first faced Itachi, and I did it again, gambling on the fact that Shikamaru was obviously in trouble, and you weren't…"

Kakashi gazed at her for some time, before he stood up and wrapped her in his arms, "I haven't been thinking…Asuma's death must have hit you pretty hard as well…how are you handling things?"

"Better than when Enaki was killed," Sara muttered. "It still hurts knowing he's gone… I mean… I know I wasn't on his team or anything but…" she trailed off, unsure of what she wanted to say. Kakashi waited patiently, and eventually she said, "He did train me in some things that I'll never forget, and he helped me out when there were times that I didn't think I could talk to you…"

"I know," Kakashi murmured, pulling her close, as he felt her tears staining his shirt. "I know…"

The next day, every shinobi was gathered for Asuma's funeral service. Kurenai proceeded forward, a bouquet of flowers in her hands as she knelt before Asuma's gravestone and set the flowers down.

Naruto stood gravely next to Konohamaru, as the young ninja sobbed, "Uncle Asuma…"

Kakashi was finding it hard to keep his emotions in check as Kurenai stood up, Asuma…

Ino said in low tones to Choji, "Where's, Shikamaru?"

"When I went by his place, his mom said he'd already left," Choji answered.

Kakashi frowned, that's odd that Shikamaru is not here…speaking of someone who's not here…where's Sara?

Meanwhile, lying on a hill, two young shinobi dressed in black were watching the clouds in the sky above. Neither said a thing to the other, whether or not they actually had to, remained to be seen.

Shikamaru sat up suddenly, before he stood up, glancing at Sara. Without a word he helped her up and she followed him to his house where he set up a game of Shogi that they started to play immediately, Asuma's chakra blades next to Shikamaru.

They played late into the night, before Shikaku came onto the porch and caught Sara's eye. Sara nodded slightly, and glanced at Shikamaru, before she stood up, and made her way towards Shikaku.

Shikamaru said quietly, as she passed, "Thanks…"

Sara nodded, and walked up to Shikaku. Shikaku led her down the path from his home and said to her, "Kakashi was pestering me as to whether or not I knew where you were. I told him that you were with Shikamaru and he didn't take to kindly to that." He rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably.

"That sounds like him," Sara muttered.

Shikaku nodded, "He worries just like anybody else would when two young ninja are not where they should be during a funeral and have the elders giving them nasty looks."

Sara decided that it would be best not to tell Shikaku what she thought of the elders. Instead, "We all mourn in different ways, and sometimes we need friends to help us understand our grief."

"Well spoken," Shikaku said. "Now I suggest you get home before Kakashi comes here demanding that you come home."

"Right," Sara said, nodding, before disappearing. Shikaku smiled, before he moved back to the porch, to watch Shikamaru, who was now working out how to use the chakra blades.

First thing Kakashi asked when Sara appeared in the kitchen, "What were you doing with Shikamaru?"

"Just watching the clouds before we went to his house and played Shogi," Sara answered.

Kakashi sighed in relief, "That's a relief."

"Pervert," Sara muttered.

Kakashi defended himself, "You can't blame me for thinking like that. I'm a guy and I know where most guys' minds tend to go."

"Good thing Shikamaru is not like most guys then," Sara stated.

Kakashi nodded, "Did you help him at all?"

"You just wanted to get me riled didn't you?" Sara wondered, before she continued, "Yeah, though we didn't talk." With that said, she headed upstairs.

Kakashi sighed, the youth these days are very perplexing… At least she's not obsessed with Shikamaru and love like other young kunoichi…

Cell Number Ten Sets Out!

The next day, Shikamaru stood with Ino and Choji near the Leaf Village's gates.

Ino said, "Let's go."

Choji looked at Shikamaru for confirmation, "Ready, Shikamaru?"

"Yeah…" Shikamaru said, leading the way out of the village.

They had only made it a few feet out of the gates before someone shouted, "Hold it!" Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji all glanced back in surprise.

Tsunade demanded, "Where do you think you're going?"

"Lady Fifth…" Ino said nervously.

"Your mission directive still stands," Shikamaru stated. "There are still eighteen squads out there on the move. We've just assembled a new team and are heading out to complete the mission."

"Not without my approval you're not," Tsunade said. "I will decide when it's time to send a proper squad." The three young ninja stared at her in defiance. "Shikamaru…you will join a troop of my choosing that will leave only after devising a solid plan of attack."

"Just send them as reinforcements," Shikamaru argued. "Ino, Choji, and I have already worked out our own strategies."

"Enough!" Tsunade snapped. They stared at her in surprise. "Asuma's dead. It's just the three of you now…the basic unit is a four-man cell! Without a squad leader…"

"Asuma is still with us," Shikamaru stated quietly.

Tsunade's gaze hardened, "Do you plan on this to be some avenging battle? It's not like you…do you really want to die in vain?"

"We're not stupid," Shikamaru said. "We have no intention of running right to our deaths…it's just…"

"Just what?" Tsunade demanded.

"We don't intend to run away and keep on living without fulfilling our duty…" Choji and Ino nodded solemnly. "We aren't going to live without meaning!"

"Grow up…" Tsunade snapped. "The shadow of death hangs over all shinobi…" She lowered her gaze as she remembered her own loved ones that were now gone, "Some deaths may be harder to accept than others. But unless one get's past that, there can be no future…"

Shikamaru didn't answer right away, but he finally said, "Sometimes…I still feel like Asuma is close by…like he's watching over us. I really feel it…" This surprised Tsunade a bit. "I will not rest until this battle is resolved!"

Tsunade was furious, "Perhaps you did not hear me. So long as there are only three of you…"

"So as long as there are four, then you'll allow us to go?" Shikamaru said, suddenly smiling.

"Yes," Tsunade said, following Shikamaru's gaze.

"I'll go then, Lady Tsunade," Sara said, smiling.

Shikamaru was still smiling, "So we can go now, right?"

"No," Tsunade stated. "Sara is not qualified to lead this mission."

"What?" Sara demanded.

Tsunade held Sara's furious gaze, "You have lost two people to these two Akatsuki members, this is a revenge mission for you as much, if not more than these three!" Sara gritted her teeth, but she didn't argue. "Plus, the elders would never allow it."

"The elders can sh…" Sara became silent as Tsunade's gaze became more furious.

Ino glared at Sara, who does she think she is?

That's right… Shikamaru thought. I forgot for a second there that Sara lost her uncle to those two Akatsuki members…

Sara tried to reason with Tsunade, "They need four members to go, wouldn't it suffice if I went along? I'm not saying that I would lead…"

"No," Tsunade stated, cutting her off. "As the highest ranking member of the squad, you'd be in charge of their safety. I can't let you all go if unless there's a level headed jônin with you."

"So…if a senior jônin with more experience goes, then it's all right. Eh, Lady Hokage?" Kakashi said as he leaned casually against the gates.

"Kakashi?" Tsunade said, surprised and slightly annoyed.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Choji said in surprise.

As Kakashi approached Tsunade, Sara asked him silently, "How'd you know that I'd be here?"

"Your mind is like an open book at the moment," Kakashi answered. He said to Tsunade, "I'll take over as Cell Number Ten's leader and go with them. Fair enough?" He raised his bandaged right hand to his mouth and whispered, "They're going to go, even if you try to stop them. Might as well send me along so I can keep an eye on them and stop them from doing anything stupid."

Tsunade practically hissed, "Fine, but Sara does not need to go with you."

Kakashi smiled, "You know as well as I do that she will not let her temper get the better of her on this mission, or any other for that matter. She has just as much right to come along as the rest of them. Besides…" He lowered his right hand and gazed continued to smile at Tsunade, "I need a right hand-ninja to help me out."

"No you don't," Tsunade muttered bad temperedly. She closed her eyes for several seconds before she finally conceded, "Oh, all right, as you wish! You can all go!"

"My thanks," Kakashi said.

Choji exclaimed, "Yes!"

Shikamaru asked, "Master Kakashi…what about Naruto?"

"What happened to your hand?" Ino asked, noting the bandages.

"Oh nothing," Kakashi said, shooting a warning glance at Sara. "Naruto doesn't need me around anymore. Plus, he's got another squad leader with him now, so…"

Shikamaru snorted, that Naruto…

Ino glared at Sara, "She's not coming with, is she?"

Tsunade nodded, "As Kakashi pointed out to me that he is injured, I want Sara to go along as well, since she is his at least his equal as a ninja."

Ino muttered something under her breath, while she continued to glare at Sara, who held her gaze, unflinching.

Kakashi said, sensing that the two kunoichi might not get along, "So, Team Asuma, shall we get going?"

Choji said, "We owe you one, big time, Kakashi-sensei!"

Tsunade called out, "Sara! I would have preferred to send two squads after Team Asuma!"

Sara paused, and turned to look at Tsunade, "It's not the time yet for that, Lady Tsunade. Maybe next time!"

Kakashi and Team Asuma gazed between Sara and Tsunade in confusion, but from the way Sara was walking, they knew they weren't going to get anything out of her…at least…most of them knew that.

"What was that about, Sara?" Ino said, obviously having problems saying Sara's name.

Sara glanced at her, "Nothing that concerns anyone but the Hokage and myself." A smirk played across Sara's lips as Ino scowled.

Once they were away from the village, Kakashi paused and said, turning to Shikamaru, "Okay, let's hear that plan of yours."

"Id' like to tweak it now that you and Sara are with us, Master Kakashi," Shikamaru stated.

Kakashi nodded, "No problem. Go on."

"I'll explain it to you in pieces, with all the possible variations," Shikamaru said, looking from Kakashi to Sara. "Listen carefully, all of you, and memorize it!" He started to explain the parts of his plans.

Back in the Hidden Leaf Village, in the Hokage's office, Tsunade asked, "How's Naruto's training going?"

Sakura answered, "According to Kakashi-sensei, he seems to have finally grasped the principles and will only require a little more time to perfect it."

"I see…" she said, thoughtfully.

"Now that Kakashi-sensei and Sara have joined Cell Number Ten for this mission… The ideal scenario would be to have the team that can work best with them, Cell Number Seven, my cell follow after them as backup," Sakura said, boldly.

Tsunade said, "Sharp, Sakura…as always."

Shizune said, "However, we don't know exactly when Naruto will perfect his new jutsu…so perhaps we should send a different squad?"

"Sakura," Tsunade said. "Pass this on to Yamato. Tell him to have Naruto wrap it up in the next twenty four hours! If he can't we'll have to send a different squad as backup!"

"Yes ma'am!" Sakura answered.

"Shizune," Tsunade said, turning to her. "for the worst case scenario review the schedule and get me proposals for squads that can work well with Cell Number Ten."

"Understood," Shizune said, nodding.

"Well…Here we go…" Tsunade murmured.

The Black Metamorphoses

Shikamaru handed each member of the squad a small vile as he finished explaining his plan, "So…please use this when you get the chance. Hold onto it until then."

"Understood," Kakashi said, while Sara nodded.

Kakashi was impressed, he really is something else…rapidly modifying his strategy to accommodate mine and Sara's sudden addition to their group.

Shikamaru continued, "Once you've got everything clear in your minds, run through a mental simulation at least three times. It's important 'cuz image training can really affect mission success rate."

"Yup!" Choji said nodding.

Ino also nodded, "Okay."

They stood, waiting for Ino, who had used her Mind Transfer Jutsu, to see if she could spot Hidan and Kakuzu. Her limp body sat bolt upright suddenly as Ino returned to her body. "Well?" Shikamaru questioned.

"Found'em!" Ino said. "They're taking a different route, just as you predicted. We can head them off in about ten minutes if we head northeast."

"All right," Kakashi said, moving away from the tree. "Let's go!"

They all got into position when the caught up with Hidan and Kakuzu several minutes later, and Shikamaru started the attack, his shadow moving stealthily across the ground towards the two Akatsuki members.

"Hidan," Kakuzu said to his partner, as the shadow came within inches of both of them.

"I know," Hidan answered, sounding bored, before he and Kakuzu sprang away as Shikamaru's jutsu split in two different directions trying to get the two Akatsuki.

Above them, Sara threw two kunai with letter bombs attached to them, sailing towards each, distracted, Akatsuki member.

Hidan used the chain attached to his weapon, to block the kunai that came at him, with Kakuzu blocked the other with his bare hand. The bombs exploded, and Hidan came sliding out of the smoke, the chain on his weapon now in pieces. "Kakuzu!"

Kakuzu came sliding out of the smoke as well, "I hardened my arm, so I'm fine!" He eyed the ground, "Just watch out for the shadows…!"

They both leapt back as Shikamaru's shadow came too close for their liking.

Hidan laughed, his eyes on the ground, "We won't keep falling for the same trick!"

Kakuzu was a bit smarter than his partner, "Hidan, above you!"

Hidan glanced up to see Shikamaru, poised in the air, ready to throw something. Shikamaru threw the two chakra blades with all his might at the two Akatsuki members.

Kakuzu, seeing the papers attached to the blades shouted, "Hidan, look out!" Both he and Hidan moved their heads to the side just enough so the chakra blades sailed right past them.

Hidan had braced himself for the explosion, so it was odd when there wasn't one, it didn't detonate? His eyes widened in realization.

"We've been had," Kakuzu said, confirming what Hidan had figured out.

"Art of the Shadow Possession Shuriken, achieved," Shikamaru said.

Can't move… "Fool," Hidan spat.

Shikamaru paid him no attention, "What I threw at you were chakra blades. Not only do they absorb the wielder's chakra nature…they also complement and assist the wielder's jutsu. In short, I was aiming at your shadows the whole time!" Shikamaru remembered what Asuma had told him over a game of Shogi:

"Right," Asuma said, once Shikamaru had answered his question. "Now you'd be a knight. Knights may be weak, but can advance by leaping over other pieces. Such a unique movement is similar to your quick wit and unpredictable mind."

Kakuzu was impressed, these letter bombs are fakes…just ordinary pieces of paper… Now I see…the first letter bomb kunai were merely to mislead us into making sure we would try to avoid the second chakra blade set… He then distracted us further by forcing our attention to the ground with his shadow play so we wouldn't notice his attack from above until the last minute. By leaving us no time to evade, he bought himself the time to pierce our shadows and paralyze us! Quite the tactician this one.

Hidan shouted, "Hey, what are you doing getting caught too, Kakuzu? Hey! Hey! Hey! This isn't looking good, is it, eh?"

"That's an understatement," Shikamaru said. "By my calculations it's all over for you two now." Shikamaru sent his shadow over to Hidan so he could control his movements.

Good work… Kakashi thought from behind his tree, as he peeked out. He let his gaze sweep the clearing, and he could see the spots where Ino, Choji, and Sara were supposed to be, but he couldn't see the young ninja, even better…if I didn't know where they were, I wouldn't know they were there.

Hidan glared at the shadow as it reached him, "Fool…" Shikamaru's shadow rose off the ground enough to move the chakra blade from Hidan's shadow, so Hidan could move…at least at when Shikamaru wanted him to move.

"This time," Shikamaru said. "We won't mess up our order of attack." He moved his hand, and Hidan moved his own hand, the one that had his scythe.

"I never forget a face, kid. Someday I'm gonna find you, and I'm gonna kill you," Hidan shouted.

"Yeah, well…you just don't get it do you?" Shikamaru said as he had Hidan attack Kakuzu.

Hidan shouted as he swung his scythe, "Kakuzu, duck!"

Kakuzu managed to duck at the last minute, as his hand yanked the chakra blade out of the ground, from several feet away.

Shikamaru was bewildered as Hidan cheered, "Yeah!"

What the… Ino thought, staring at the hand that held the chakra blade. The hand had black threads attached to it, and there were more in the hole that the hand had come out of. The black threads stretched towards Kakuzu, reattaching limb to body.

When I Sara attacked them with the letter bombs like I told her to, he must've hidden his arm in the ground under the cover of smoke, Shikamaru guessed.

"As you can plainly see, my abilities are countless," Kakuzu stated. "So you'd be wise to retreat and plan your next move if you're smart, unlike my companion here… Just remember all the analysis you do mid-battle means nothing…when the situation on the ground doesn't go as calculated."

"Kakuzu!" Hidan shouted, enraged. "What do you mean 'unlike my companion' eh?"

That is really going to get annoying, Sara thought. What is with the Akatsuki and having annoying speech habits?

Hidan's tirade was cut short as Shikamaru had him attack Kakuzu again with multiple swipes of his scythe.

"Gah! My body…!" Hidan complained. "Can't…control…! Do something Kakuzu!" Kakuzu couldn't do much of anything as dodging Hidan's scythe swipes pinned him against a cliff wall.

Now Choji! Shikamaru thought.

Leaping from his hiding place, into the air, Choji curled into a ball, Spiked Human Juggernaut! His hair surrounded his entire body in a spiky armor as he sailed towards Kakuzu. Kakashi and Sara both watched intently as Kakuzu made a hand sign just before Choji struck.

Back in the Leaf Village, Naruto was standing in a crater that he had created, as he stood trying to catch his breath.

O-oh my… Tenzo thought, impressed with Naruto's latest feat with his new jutsu.

"Almost there!" Naruto panted, clenching his fist. "Now Sasuke and I can be equals…!"

Tenzo frowned as he jumped into the crater and walked up to Naruto, "For sure…but you must still be careful around Sasuke's fire change in nature."

"Huh?" Naruto said.

"Right, I should probably start explaining to you the positive and negative relationships among the five great changes in nature," Tenzo said, pulling out a brush and scroll.

"Positive and negative?" Naruto wondered, totally lost.

"Simply put," Tenzo explained. "The five changes in nature, fire, water, earth, lightning, and wind each relate differently to the others, understand?"

"Yeah…uh…actually, no. Not really…" Naruto answered.

Tenzo unrolled the scroll, and started to use the brush to illustrate, "Here…picture it like this…" He lifted the brush away from the scroll and showed the illustration to Naruto. "This is how we depict the five great changes in chakra nature on paper. And so…for example, fire is a change in chakra nature that is superior to wind but inferior to water change in chakra nature. To put it even more simply…Naruto, your Wing Style jutsu will always lose to Sasuke's Fire Style jutsu. Only Water Style jutsu consistently defeats Fire Style jutsu."

"Why?" Naruto demanded.

Tenzo sighed, and elaborated even further, "When wind hits fire it merely makes the fire burn fiercer. But if you douse fire with water it will go out. So if you hit Sasuke's Fire Style jutsu with an equal strength Wind Style jutsu…it'll just turn into an even bigger Fire Style jutsu that he can then deflect back at you. However, look above and below Wind. Wind may be inferior to Fire, but it is superior to Lightning. In short, your new jutsu is superior to Sasuke's Lightning Style jutsu…the Chidori! Naruto, you're lucky your change in nature wasn't Earth."

"Wow." Naruto said, "So Sasuke and I are compatible after all…"

Tenzo nodded, "Yes, Wind beats Lightning outright."

"Nah, that's not what I meant," Naruto said, confusing Tenzo. "Only Wind…can assist and magnify Fire."

Tenzo understood then what Naruto meant, "Yeah…that's true too."

Back with Cell Ten, Choji slid to a halt beside Shikamaru and asked, "What's going on?"

Shikamaru muttered, "It's just as Raido said…" He recalled what Raido (the shinobi with the scars over his face) had said about his blade striking Kakuzu, but not getting the penetration that Raido had expected. "He's got some jutsu that lets him harden his body. That's his ability…"

"Good eye," Kakuzu complimented Shikamaru. "It's true. Physical attacks are virtually useless against me."

"Enough chitchat," Hidan snapped. "Let's start launching our counterattack. Kakuzu, hurry up and null this stupid Shadow Jutsu already…"

Kakuzu glanced back in surprise as he heard something behind him, but too late. Kakashi had struck him right in the chest with his Lightning Blade.

"What?" Hidan shouted, dismayed.

Kakuzu was baffled at Kakashi's appearance, "H-how…? I-I didn't even sense your approach…!"

"That flesh hardening jutsu of yours…from the signs you were weaving it's an Earth Style jutsu," Kakashi said.

"You…could read the signs…?" Kakuzu gasped. "Wait…your mastery of Lightning Style jutsu…that's it! You're…"

"Earth is inferior to Lightning," Kakashi stated. "Your bad luck. You're done for."

"We have to get rid of him first if we don't want trouble," Shikamaru said.

Choji reassured him, "Leave it to Kakashi-sensei!"

Kakashi-sensei really is awesome… Ino thought from her hiding place. Now there's just one left!

"Master Kakashi!" Shikamaru shouted suddenly, feeling his Shadow Possession Jutsu starting to weaken.

Kakashi grasped the vile in his hand, placed it on Kakuzu's shoulder, and ripped his other hand that had pierced Kakuzu's chest, out, before he started up another Chidori, ready to attack Hidan, Kakuzu's body falling to the ground.

"Sucker punched right through the heart, eh?" Hidan mused. "I can't believe you were done in like that!" Hidan paled as Kakashi charged towards him.

Kakashi was taken off guard when Kakuzu kicked him in the stomach, sending him flying backwards.

Everyone, except Hidan, stared at Kakuzu in surprise, and in some cases, terror.

"All right!" Hidan said, as the tree that Kakashi had hit was blasted to pieces from his Lightning Blade. "Let's get this over with!"

Kakuzu muttered, "That's the plan."

"Master Kakashi!" Sara wondered anxiously.

She was relieved when his reply came back, "I'm all right… But what's going on? I know I got his heart…"

"I'm as baffled as you are," Sara answered, before she focused on Kakuzu and Hidan again, as Kakuzu threw off his cloak.

His back had four masks on it stitched into his flesh. As soon as he threw off his cloak, the masks pulled away from his skin, and landed on the ground around him, poised to attack.

Hidan glanced at the ground as Shikamaru's shadow receded. Shikamaru thought, my Shadow Possession's reached its limit…

"What are those?" Choji wondered, staring at the creatures. "Why isn't he dead?"

"Who knows…all I can do now…when it comes to these two is just be ready for anything…" Shikamaru said.

"Finally!" Hidan said, cracking his neck. "I can move again…"

Kakashi grunted as he stood up, "What are those? Any ideas? You've faced these two before…"

"I may have faced them before," Sara answered. "But they didn't show us Anbus at the time half of the things they can do."

Hidan turned to Kakuzu, "Now…let the slaughter begin!"

Kakuzu glanced at the black creatures surrounding him as Hidan shouted, "Lord Jashin, behold! I give myself, body and soul to the carnage that is to come! In your name, I will rip their insides out and shred their entrails!"

Ino was worried by the black creatures, what are those? Their chakra feels really nasty.

One of the black creatures had a broken mask, but it didn't stop the creature from roaring at Shikamaru and Choji.

"Be careful, Choji!" Shikamaru said, worried by the creatures.

Choji said solemnly, "Yup!"

They were prepared for it to leap at them, but the black creature whimpered as it crumbled to the ground and remained there in a black puddle.

"What the…" Choji and Shikamaru said in perfect unison.

Kakuzu didn't even glance at the creature as his back finished stitching itself back up.

"Hey! Hey! Hey!" Hidan shouted at Kakuzu, "One died right away after all! So stupid, eh!"

"One of the masks that emerged from his body collapsed…that must be the on I got with my Lightning Blade just now…" Kakashi thought.

"Yeah, which means that they can be killed along with Kakuzu," Sara said silently.

Kakashi said to her, "It's going to be rough…I want you to jump in if necessary got it?"

"I was already planning on it," Sara answered.

Kakuzu said, "Hidan. Stay back. I got this."

"No way!" Hidan shouted. "I want in on this action…so let's just go with the usual…"

Kakuzu snorted, but he didn't argue, as Hidan rushed forward at Kakashi, who whipped out a kunai and blocked the blow from the scythe. Kakashi's eyes widened as Hidan smiled manically at him as one of the black creatures leapt into the air behind the two fighting shinobi.

Kakuzu controlled the creature from below, Wind Style: Pressure Damage! Kakashi and Hidan were hit with the jutsu.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Choji shouted, shielding his eyes from the debris that came flying at him and Shikamaru from the jutsu.

Ino shielded her eyes as well, he shot right through his own teammate? Why? Unless… Oh! He's taking advantage of his partner's immortality…!

Kakuzu turned his gaze on Choji and Shikamaru. Shikamaru said, "We're next Choji!" Choji swallowed nervously in response.

Another of the masked creatures prepared to attack them. Ino shouted, coming out of her hiding place, "Choji! Shikamaru! Run!"

Lightning Style! False Darkness, the mask unleashed a blast of lightning, and Shikamaru whipped out a scroll that he held in front of himself.

Lightning Blade! Kakashi activated two Lightning Blades, one on each hand as he blocked the jutsu.

"Sensei!" Choji said in surprise and relief.

The other Lightning Style was so powerful that it disintegrated Kakashi's gloves, and left his hands burned.

These two…they're strong…especially the one with the mask… Kakashi thought. One normally can't perform such high-level jutsu unless they're compatible with one's own chakra natures…and yet he's already displayed Earth, Wind, AND Lightning… He said silently to Sara, "You'd better get down here soon."

"On the next attack," Sara informed him. "He won't know what hit him."

Kakashi smiled under his frayed mask, "Good, because that's what we need right now." Kakashi had lost his headband and vest from the Wind Style jutsu that Kakuzu had used, and his mask was ripped a bit on his right cheek.

Hidan said, "You're the first to have survived this routine, Kakashi Hatake."

"You saw through the jutsu with your Sharingan," Kakuzu stated. "Well then, what about this next one?" A different masked creature stepped forward, Fire Style! Searing Migraine!

"Perfect!" Sara shouted silently at Kakashi as she spotted the first flames.

Kakashi was starting to believe Sara had lost her mind, as a deluge of flames swept towards him and the other members of Cell Ten.

Diversion

Fire Style too? Kakashi thought worriedly as the deluge of flames came closer and closer. I can't wait for Sara to act any longer…Water Style: Water Wall!

The flames from Kakuzu's jutsu hit the water, and merely went right on through. Kakashi, Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino all leapt out of the way of the flames, each of them catching a glimpse of something sailing through Kakashi's Water Wall and into the flames.

Hidan grinned at Kakuzu as the flames continued to incinerate anything in their path. "They couldn't withstand tha…!" He and Kakuzu both leapt to the side as talons struck the ground where they had been standing. A massive bird sailed back the way it had come slowly shrinking in size as it emitted crackling sounds of static electricity.

Kakuzu squinted against the smoke that his jutsu had left behind. As the bird started to spin around, he watched a figure catch it, "So…there was a fifth one."

"Perfect!" Hidan shouted. "More sacrifices for Lord Jashin!"

"Not today," Sara said as the smoke cleared completely. She glanced back at Kakashi and the others, "Sorry about that…I didn't think you'd ever use a Water style jutsu…"

"I didn't think I had to. You said you'd take care of it!" Kakashi countered.

"Your Water style increased my jutsu's strength to the point that it could penetrate the flames though," Sara thought back.

"Next time tell me to do a jutsu then!" Kakashi snapped.

"I'll warn you next time."

Kakashi glanced at Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino, "Can you take both of them on at once?"

"I sure as hell can try," Sara answered, throwing the boomerang in her hand again.

While Sara was busy distracting Hidan and Kakuzu, Choji asked as he approached Kakashi along with Shikamaru and Ino, "Sensei, are you all right?"

"Yeah," Kakashi answered. Then again, I've now performed four lightning blades while keeping the Sharingan active…I can't let this drag on much longer…

Ino commented as she watched Sara take on both Kakuzu and Hidan, "Their teamwork…so smooth…seamless…"

Meanwhile, Sara was finding it difficult to keep the two Akatsuki at bay while the others talked, her new jutsu: Lightning Rage, was serving her well constantly going at them at least twice before it returned to her hand, and she wasn't left exposed to the enemy as she still had a bit of the jutsu emitting from her hand as well…it was keeping the two shinobi constantly in her sights that was proving to be the problem. Hidan and Kakuzu kept circling her, like vultures, taunting her with feints every time her jutsu went flying past them. They'd better hurry up!

Choji squinted at Kakuzu's blurred shape as he kept feinting attacks at Sara, "I know Kakashi-sensei's Lightning Blade was on target…how is that guy not dead yet?"

"I destroyed his heart. That should've killed him," Kakashi agreed. "However, it seems I merely took down one of the monsters that emerged from his body. I suspect it died in his place…"

"Similar to when he escaped the Shadow Possession earlier," Shikamaru added. "It was as if the arm he detached from himself possessed its own beating heart that allowed it to move autonomously."

"Which means what?" Choji asked.

"I suspect that each of those monsters that emerged…not to mention that masked guy himself, all have separate hearts. And yet all of the hearts are his too. Which means he started out with five hearts."

"Five?" Choji shouted. "But that's impossible!"

Shikamaru didn't seem to hear Choji as he mused, "Although, he's down one now, thanks to Kakashi-sensei's Lightning Blade."

As if mentioning the monsters brought them back to Kakuzu's mind, he made a gesture with his hand and one of the monster's sprang forward from behind Sara, who was unaware of Kakuzu having made any other move then to dodge her jutsu.

"You mean," Ino said, turning to face Shikamaru, "in order to take him down permanently we need to destroy four more hearts?"

"Apparently," Shikamaru said, turning his gaze back to the fight along with the others just as Kakashi inhaled sharply, and his hand jerked a bit towards his right shoulder.

At the same moment, one of Kakuzu's monsters had sunk its teeth into Sara's right shoulder, causing her to cry out in pain.

Ino asked Kakashi anxiously, "Are you all right?"

"Yeah," Kakashi said, gazing worriedly at Sara.

That was odd, Ino thought, turning her gaze back to the fight. Come on, Sheatan! Don't let them beat you!

Slightly ticked off, Sara glanced back at the creature that was holding her, before she turned to face the threat in front of her: Hidan was coming at her, swinging his scythe. I've got to time this just right… "Phoenix…get ready!"

"I always am!" Phoenix muttered darkly.

As the scythe came within a few inches of her, she thought, "Now!" A surge of chakra came from Phoenix, emitting itself from her body, burning the creature as it did so. With a shriek, the creature released her just as Hidan's scythe was a hairsbreadth away from her, and she teleported out of her predicament, appearing beside Kakashi, "Did that suffice for a distraction?"

Kakashi couldn't help smiling as the creature shrieked again as Hidan's scythe pierced it, and Kakuzu grabbed his chest, wincing. "Yes it did."

Shikamaru nodded, "Nice job on taking out another of his hearts."

"So you all confirmed that he has more than one heart?" She inquired.

Shikamaru nodded, "He started out with five, and thanks to you and Master Kakashi, he's now down to three."

"Good eye again," Kakuzu praised, turning to face them. He glanced at the monster that had attacked Sara, which was now a puddle. "I admit, I was a bit careless with that one…Each of these hearts belonged to a shinobi that I battled and got the best of. Destroy one and I'll replenish it with another. With your hearts, for example."

Hidan nodded in agreement to Kakuzu's words as he walked over to stand beside his comrade, giving him, what some would consider, an apologetic glance, "You were careless with those two hearts, but it will be easy to replenish them, considering we are the immortal duo!"

Now it makes sense, Kakashi thought. He took in others' hearts along with their chakra natures, harbored in the chakra network which is why he can perform so many changes in nature. "Shikamaru, what now?" Kakashi questioned, glancing at the younger shinobi.

"The best way to fight them is to separate them," Shikamaru stated. "So, first we divide and conquer. Fight them separately. Then we focus on the one we know we can defeat by killing three more times."

"Which means we need someone to stall that Hidan fellow," Kakashi stated.

"I'll do it," Ino said, feeling brave, not to mention that she wanted to show up Sara a bit. "I've got the most chakra in reserve right now, plus I'm not useful in simple battles, so…I can use my mind transfer technique…"

"No," Shikamaru said. "Don't forget, your mind transfer technique is a jutsu normally used with my Shadow Possession, where it's launched AFTER the target has been immobilized…if you miss, you won't be able to return to your own body for a few minutes…it's too high risk."

Ino lowered her head, I just want to be useful! She blinked in surprise when she felt a hand on her right shoulder. Glancing to the right revealed that it was Sara, using her good arm to try and perk Ino up, she mouthed, "You're useful, your our medic." Ino rolled her eyes as Sara grinned mischievously, moving her had away.

"I'll do it," Shikamaru continued after deliberating for several seconds. "I'll bind him with Shadow Possession, then move him out of range."

"Not alone you're not," Sara said, giving him a stern glance.

Kakashi said as Shikamaru opened his mouth to argue, "Arguing can wait for a bit…the question is…how we're going to trap him…we still need some kind of diversion."

"One diversion coming right up," Choji said, starting to make a hand sign.

"Nix on that TOO," Shikamaru glared at Sara as he emphasized the too. "If he so much as scratches you and captures your blood, it's all over." Hidan and Kakuzu were watching them with confident grins. "We can't hope to approach and attack him from our side." Shikamaru turned to Choji, "Choji, you preserve your chakra so you can help Master Kakashi beat this guy."

"What are you all whispering about?" Hidan demanded. "I'm itching to get started again!

Shikamaru finished, "Not only will I trap him on my own…but I'll also be the diversion…"

"You won't be alone," Sara practically growled, sending a bit of fear coursing through Shikamaru. "Let me help you…" Shikamaru turned to tell her no, once again, when his gaze locked with hers. He sighed in defeat as he saw the same pain that was in his own eyes…the pain of wanting revenge for those shinobi who had been killed by Hidan with his scythe. "All right…" he conceded. Sara nodded.

The others looked as if they wanted to argue as well, but Kakashi said, "Let's leave it up to them." He approached Shikamaru and held out his hand, "Shikamaru…here…" He dropped something into Shikamaru's hand.

"Thanks," Shikamaru said before he and Sara stepped in front of the others. Shikamaru looked at Sara and prayed that she would let him do the diversion part without interfering. He made a hand sign, and his shadow shot forward towards the two Akatsuki members and the two remained creatures, splitting as it got nearer to them.

"That again?" Kakuzu said in disbelief.

Hidan taunted, "You scared of my scythe and my abilities, eh? A covert attack from a distance? Tsk. Tsk. How shameful!" They all leapt away from the shadow at the last minute, Hidan leaping onto a tree while Kakuzu and his creatures remained on the ground.

As Kakuzu made to advance on Shikamaru, Kakashi leapt into his path, "You're mine.

Hidan taunted, once again, as he continued to dodge the shadow, "Slowpoke!" A whistling sound attracted his attention as he turned his head slightly to see the chakra blade from before sailing right towards his shadow. He glanced at the ground where a shadow was poised, having just thrown the blade. He picked up and threw the blade with his shadow…!

Sara stood beside Shikamaru, watching him for any sign that he wanted her assistance, I'll let him do this part on his own…not the next part, though…that's too dangerous for any shinobi be they chûnin or Hokage…

Hidan leapt into the air to avoid the blade, and it hit the trunk, just missing his shadow. Shikamaru maneuvered his own shadow to pick up the blade once again while Hidan was in the air, and he had the shadow throw the blade once again.

Ino smiled in relief, it's harder to maneuver in midair…but he got him!

Hidan was not to be so easily caught, though. Digging his scythe's blades into the trunk of the tree, he managed to maneuver his shadow away from the blade and he smirked as he saw Ino and Choji's looks of disbelief. Heh…you all are so naïve…as long as you watch the shadows this jutsu is useless! He glanced up and his eyes widened in shock as Shikamaru appeared in front of him, What?

Shikamaru punched him, their shadows connecting, "I don't just hide in the shadows…I become them!" He pulled leapt away from Hidan, his technique successful as the two landed on the ground, "Shadow Possession Jutsu achieved!"

"You…" Hidan tried to think of an insult good enough to describe Shikamaru, but he couldn't come up with anything.

Sara appeared next to Shikamaru, having teleported, "Let's go."

"Right," Shikamaru turned to start leading Hidan away from Kakuzu.

Kakashi glanced at the two young shinobi as they started to leave, but he quickly turned his attention back to Kakuzu and his creatures, which had him surrounded.

Choji and Ino headed towards Kakashi. Choji shouted, "Leave this place to us!"

"Just take care of him!" Ino added.

Shikamaru nodded before he took off, running right beside him, along with a Shadow Possessed Hidan, who had been reaching for his scythe, which fell to the ground as he was forced to run with Shikamaru.

Hidan demanded as he ran, "You really think you can divide and conquer me and Kakuzu, eh?"

"Let's just go for a pleasant stroll, shall we," Shikamaru said.

Turning Point!

"That Shikamaru lad," Kakuzu mused. "I bet he would command quite a high bounty…not to mention that lass with him…she's hiding an Anbu tattoo under those bandages isn't she?" None of the Leaf shinobi said a word. "Sending them to deal with Hidan by themselves may seem wise, tactically speaking, but it was a fatal underestimation of Hidan's talents. Those two are going to die today. But you all are correct. I am strong…" The Leaf Village ninja glared at him. "The gap between our respective battle experiences is vast… Your headbands…they remind me of the very first Leaf Village shinobi I fought…" He extended his out towards them, the black threads slowly weaving away from his arm. "The First Hokage…"

"What?" Choji shouted.

Ino was also shocked, "Just how old is this guy?"

Kakashi's eyes widened in alarm, but he said in a steady voice, "So…you really are immortal…"

"Nah…there's no such thing," Kakuzu said. "I've just managed to prolong my existence by stealing and stocking up on others' hearts before mine stops from old age. By removing it while that shinobi is still alive." Ino shuddered at the image Kakuzu painted with his words. "I can store up to five hearts at any one time. Kakashi…yours shall replace the one you destroyed…" There was a squelching sound, and the two remaining creatures merged together.

Kakashi turned at the sound, those are the Fire Style and Wind Style masks!

Meanwhile in a wooded area, Sara threw kunai with wires and paper bombs attached to them, around the area as Shikamaru showed her mental images of the area how he wanted it to look. As the last kunai hit the trees, Hidan said, "You really don't want me to get away, eh…" When neither Shikamaru nor Sara spoke he muttered, "Feh!" He waited for the two Leaf shinobi to say something, but they didn't.

Shikamaru glanced at Sara and nodded; looking reluctant, Sara teleported away from the area, reappearing on the very edges of the woods, Damn that Shikamaru some days, she thought angrily, crossing her arms across her chest as she gazed into the trees where she knew Shikamaru and Hidan were at…

Back in the woods, Hidan said gleefully as Shikamaru's shadow slipped away from him, "Just the two of us now…and this shadow move, it's limit is about five minutes, no?" Shikamaru remained silent as he stood breathing heavily. "Fool. That's more than enough time for me…" Hidan rushed forward swinging his spire-like sword. Shikamaru looked alarmed and raised his arm to defend himself. He hit the ground with a thud, and grunted in pain as he moved his arms away from his face to reveal a cut on his cheek.

Hidan licked Shikamaru's blood off the sword and his skin turned to the color of deepest black while white areas showed where his bones were. With a maniacal grin, Hidan speared his hand, while Shikamaru watched in horror as Hidan let his blood spill onto the ground so he could draw his diagram on the ground.

Once he finished drawing the diagram, Hidan said, "The conditions have been satisfied." He raised his spire-like sword tip to his chest, "Die!" Shikamaru's eyes widened in alarm as Hidan stabbed his chest.

Back with Kakashi, Ino, and Choji, the two masks used jutsu at the same time creating a Fire Style jutsu that was infused with Wind Style. Kakashi leapt back as the fire roared towards him.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Choji and Ino shouted as they shielded themselves with their arms from the debris that the fire was creating as it raged towards them.

Weaving hand signs, Kakashi formed a circle with his fingers, Water Style, Water Wall! Water rushed towards the flames thought it couldn't stop them completely, I guess Water Style jutsu isn't enough to put out wind-enhanced fire! Something started to grab at him, and Kakashi glanced at the ground in alarm as black tendrils wrapped around him.

Kakuzu, having used the flames as a cover, had used his black tendrils to snag Kakashi. Moving his arm downward aggressively, Kakashi was thrown to the ground.

"Sensei!" Ino shouted while Choji started to move forward to try and assist Kakashi.

Kakashi hit the ground and lay winded as Kakuzu loamed over him. "Your heart is mine," Kakuzu said as the black tendrils started to pierce the flesh on Kakashi's chest.

Hidan stabbed his chest, and Shikamaru's eyes widened in shock as he slowly started to slump forward, Asuma's voice ringing in his ears, "I'm counting on you…Shikamaru…"

As Shikamaru's body hit the ground, Hidan scoffed, "Feh…how pitiful…Lord Jashin too is disappointed." A items fell out of Shikamaru's pouch as his body hit the ground, though Hidan couldn't care less. He turned away from Shikamaru and muttered, "Now I have to hunt down that friend of yours…I would hope Kakuzu's done on his end by now as well…he'll probably want to hunt her down as well saying she's worth some price or another!"

Kakuzu clutched at his chest as one of his hearts gave a throb and then stopped beating, and he grunted in pain, "D-don't tell me…"

"Yes, that's right," Kakashi said. "We used your blood. Shikamaru knew your partner has the ability to use others' blood. So he had blood storing capsules prepared ahead of time."

"No way…" Hidan croaked. "But when did you…"

Kakashi's eyes gleamed, even though he was in pain as the tendrils dug, slowly, deeper into his chest, "When I opened that hole in you with my Lightning Blade…I took some of your blood then. It's you two who underestimate Shikamaru." At that precise moment, Shikamaru started to slowly get to his feet without making a sound. "He would never let go to waste the intelligence Asuma sacrificed his life to obtain…"

With a calculating stare at Hidan's back, Shikamaru prepared to attack.

Shikamaru's Genius

"Guess I ought to get going," Hidan said. Something possessed him to turn his head a bit and he turned just in time to see the edge of a katana blade millimeters away from his neck. Shikamaru struck Hidan's neck, slicing the Akatsuki member's headband off, and cutting his head half off, too shallow! Making a hand sign, his shadow shot towards Hidan's and kept the Akatsuki member from moving. Shikamaru was breathing heavily from his brief exertion.

"You…" Hidan spluttered, blood coming out of his mouth and dripping down his chest, "How come you're still alive?"

Shikamaru raised his hand to his cheek, "I just pretended like you had gotten me…" He wiped away the blood that was there. "See, the blood on your weapon isn't mine…it's your partner's." Hidan's eyes widened in shock and rage. "It didn't matter who did it…whoever got the chance was supposed to extract some of that Kakuzu fellow's blood…" He lifted up the capsule he had used to put Kakuzu's blood on his cheek and Hidan's blade, "Store it in this capsule." He went through what he had done when Hidan had charged at him, how he had to drop some blood on the blade and then on his cheek. "That was our plan," he said with a smirk.

"You…" Hidan growled.

Meanwhile, Sara continued to gaze into the trees waiting for either Shikamaru or Hidan to emerge. One or the other would emerge from the woods eventually, this she was definite of, and she prayed with all her might that it would be Shikamaru. Her thoughts wandered to the others who were fighting Kakuzu, I hope they're okay…

Kakuzu collapsed, though the tendrils still were imbedded in Kakashi's flesh. Kakashi sat up slowly while Ino and Choji ran towards him shouting, "Kakashi-sensei!"

Kakashi didn't pay much attention to them as he grabbed the tendrils and started to yank them out of his chest, though he grunted with pain.

Ino chastened him, "Slowly! Let me use my medical ninjutsu to heal you first."

"Treat me later," Kakashi said, as he yanked out the tendrils, watching the two masked creatures approach them at a run.

Choji, thinking quickly, stepped in front of both Ino and Kakashi and clapped his hands together, Art of Expansion Jutsu! In a puff of smoke, he was the size of a giant and sending chakra down to his hands he flattened the two creatures, Super Slap!

"Nice, Choji!" Ino said as the dust from Choji's jutsu started to clear.

Choji merely grinned in response, until he heard Ino cry out in surprise and Kakashi grunt as they both leapt away from Kakuzu's body as black tendrils erupted from his body, and he started to get back on his feet. "Three of my hearts gone," he said, having gotten to his feet. Black tendrils rose up into the air from his back like spikes, while some came out of his mouth, and while others elongated his arms. "Been a real long time since that's happened…"

Hidan laughed as he was forced to stand by Shikamaru's jutsu. He said, grinning, "Putting an opponent under the same jutsu so many times even an idiot would start picking up on its details…" Shikamaru didn't say anything, as he tried to catch his breath. "Your jutsu isn't as powerful as it was earlier…I can still move. Seems that each time you bind me, it's strength and duration diminishes…" Hidan was fighting the jutsu as he started to remove his blade from his chest, "Which means the more you use your shadow art the more it's overall effective is compromised…which means you're also means you're approaching the limit of your chakra…eh? And your friend isn't here to help you either!" Shikamaru fell to one knee as he released his jutsu. Hidan rushed forward with triumphant, maniacal laughter, raising his spire-like sword into the air.

With lightning like movements, Kakuzu had Ino, Choji, and Kakashi clasped by his tendrils.

He's fast! Kakashi thought, trying to get free from the tendrils.

Ino's eyes were wide with terror as she struggled, I can't move!

Choji's eyes widened in alarm as he watched the two masks that were next to Kakuzu's head, started to perform their two separate styles of jutsu.

As the jutsu was about to be released, a vortex of water that knocked Kakuzu back.

Kakashi, Ino, and Choji gazed in astonishment as a familiar voice said, "Sorry we're late!"

In front of them stood Naruto, Yamato, Sakura, and Sai, fresh and ready for battle.

Sacred Ground

Kakashi sighed in relief, "Perfect timing actually."

"Sakura…Sai…and Naruto too!" Ino said, relieved.

"Oy!" Choji exclaimed, "Reinforcements, yay!

Tenzo glanced back at Kakashi, taking in his appearance, "I've never seen you so slovenly, Kakashi."

"The enemy is pretty strong," Kakashi explained.

Tenzo wasn't the only one taking in appearances. Kakuzu looked Naruto up and down, noting his scoffed up face and dirty clothes, "Another weirdo shows up…and already disheveled?"

Naruto paid no attention to Kakuzu's remark, instead noting that two shinobi were missing, "Where's Shikamaru and Bright Eyes?"

"They're battling the enemy a little ways away," Choji explained.

Kakashi took command then, "Two of you head over and assist them. A long distance fighter and a medic."He made a hand sign and summoned Pakkun, who said, "Follow me, comrades."

Tenzo nodded, "Sure! Sai and Sakura, go with Pakkun, help them out!"

"Yes, sir!" Sai and Sakura said in perfect unison.

Kakuzu laughed, "More potential replacement hearts for me…excellent…"

Naruto took a step forward, "Nuh-uh, Slime Face…this is MY show now…"

Pakkun glanced back at Sakura and Sai, "Let's go!"

Sakura made to follow Pakkun and called over her shoulder, "Naruto, we're counting on you!" Sai nodded in agreement to Sakura's statement before the three of them took off.

Kakashi questioned, "He's perfected it…?"

Tenzo glanced back at him and was silent for a few seconds. He finally answered, "No. It works only fifty percent of the time…"

"I see," Kakashi mused as Naruto smirked.

Tenzo wasn't done yet though, "However, we'll just keep watching. See…Naruto's come a long way…"

Back in the woods, Hidan was still laughing insanely, "If you believed in Lord Jashin…he could save you right about now! It might not be too late to convert…change your ways…Ah, just kidding fool!" Hidan made to impale his sword in Shikamaru's head.

Shikamaru raised his hand, stopping Hidan's attack. Hidan stared at his arm in surprise. "Thanks, but I can save myself," Shikamaru shouted. Art of the Shadow Pull! His shadow leapt in multiple directions away from Hidan, grabbing the wires that Sara had set up for him earlier, dragging the wires so that they wrapped the paper bombs around Hidan's body.

"You…!" Hidan grunted.

Shikamaru glanced around, looking for a mark on the ground that he knew was there. Spotting the mark he was looking for, the mark that represented his clan; he threw a blade at it, and that set the ground to crumbling away beneath Hidan, who was suspended in the air by the wires.

"What is this?" Hidan shouted. "When did you set this up?"

"A while ago," Shikamaru answered. "Before we met up again."

Hidan was astonished, No way…he didn't just randomly separate me and Kakuzu…he deliberately lured me here? Which means…this was all part of his calculations…!

" "Curses, like chickens, always come home to roost"…" Shikamaru said, picking up Asuma's lighter, which had fallen out of his pouch earlier. "You cursed my teacher dead." He muttered as he flicked the lighter open, and he lit an imaginary cigarette, "Can't just let you keep living, running around free." Hidan was starting to get seriously worried. "That there is your grave."

Hidan started to laugh, "I won't die. Even if you were to dismember my body and bury the parts six feet deep…I'd eventually drag myself out and come for your throat."

Shikamaru wasn't fazed by this one bit, "But you see, this forest is a special place even within the Land of Fire…there's a reason my friend left after helping me out…you see, only members of my clan are allowed in here…all others are forbidden from even setting foot on this ground...Once you do, we can watch you for all eternity." Deer had begun to gather, watching Hidan and Shikamaru with intelligent eyes.

Shikamaru started as he felt a hand rest on his right shoulder. Glancing that way, he was surprised to see his teacher.

Asuma praised him, "Good work, Shikamaru."

"Thanks," Shikamaru said.

Asuma started to fade, "I bequeath my will of fire to you."

Shikamaru held on to the lighter in his hand for a second, before he threw it at Hidan, Farewell…Master Asuma…

Hidan's eyes widened in terror as he realized what was going to happen, just seconds before the paper bombs all went off at once.

Meanwhile, Sara felt like she was being watched and moved her gaze away from the spot she was staring at in the trees to a spot that was closer. She wasn't the least bit surprised to see a stag watching her, its head lowered with its large rack of antlers. She smiled before she spoke to the stag, "You're not going to shish kabob me in the butt again, are you?" The stag shook itself in answer and she laughed, at ease, the deer wouldn't be acting this way if Shikamaru were in any danger…She leaned against the tree then, and the stag emerged from the trees, resting its head on her left shoulder. "Yeah, now you like me," she muttered darkly, patting its majestic head.

The New Jutsu

As the smoke and dust cleared from the explosion, Shikamaru approached the pit, gazing into the hole that now contained the various parts of Hidan, all scattered about the pit. Hidan's head glared up at him and laughed insanely.

"Putting me in such a position…h-how dare you…" Hidan shouted. "I swear, Lord Jashin will punish you! The severest judgment ever dealt by the Church of Jashin…"

Shikamaru wasn't fazed by this threat, "You don't scare me a bit. Neither does your god. You and me, we believe in different things." He remained silent for a second, before he continued, "Me, I believe in the Will of Fire. And your god right now isn't that stupid Lord Jashin or anyone else…it's me…and I'm passing judgment on you!" Shikamaru pulled out a kunai with a paper bomb attached to it and threw it at the side of the pit, causing the side to explode and crumble down to bury Hidan.

Hidan shouted as the pieces of earth plummeted towards him, "I warned you! The Church of Jashin will punish you! Eh?" He laughed insanely, "And then I'll be the one passing judgment on you! Teeth! That's all I need! I'll chew you to bits!"

Shikamaru remained unfazed by this declaration as Hidan fell silent. Shikamaru remained by the pit, lost in the memories of his old mentor.

Meanwhile, Naruto had created two Shadow clones, and Hidan mused, "Shadow clones…so you're the Nine Tail's Jinchûriki…"

Tenzo glanced at Kakashi, "Can you bring us up to speed on what we're dealing with here?"

"Two Akatsuki members," Kakashi began, "the one Shikamaru and Sara are facing and this one here, Kakuzu…he possess the ability to detach his body parts… See those two masks? Not only can they detach, but each one has its own beating heart and can act autonomously. He started with five, but he's down to two"

Tenzo glanced back at Kakashi in surprise and shock, "You mean…?"

"We've killed him three times so far," Kakashi said, nodding. "And he won't go down for good unless we kill him two more times. Plus, he's a mid distance fight that can use several different chakra changes in nature."

No wonder Kakashi's had his hands full. Tenzo shouted, "Naruto!"

"Yeah, yeah," Naruto said, sending two clones forward, "Five hearts, two more kills…got it!"

Choji shouted, "Naruto! Wait!"

"You can't go in by yourself!" Ino shouted, worriedly.

One clone was automatically gripped by Kakuzu's tendrils, while the second dodged to the side, throwing kunai at Kakuzu. Kakuzu leapt into the air and easily dispatched the second clone.

"Just your Shadow Clones?" Kakuzu said, sounding insulted. "You'll never win that way."

Based on his assault speed and battle style… Naruto thought, considering the information has clones had attained. I'm gonna need at least three clones for the diversion alone.

Kakashi watched, impressed, as Naruto thought, seems he's at least mastered the technique of tapping his Shadow clones experiences and using their knowledge to his advantage in battle.

Naruto made a hand sign and created three Shadow clones, but two of the clones gathered around Naruto while one stood in front, blocking Kakuzu's view.

Kakuzu's eyes widened, as did Ino and Choji's as they watched Naruto's new jutsu start to take shape as Naruto started out creating a Rasengan with a shuriken like shape. Tenzo was the only one who appeared to be unfazed by Naruto's jutsu.

"What is that?" Ino rhetorically asked.

Choji could feel the vibrations coming from the jutsu along with the others, "What high pitched vibrations…incredible chakra!"

Kakashi's thoughts drifted to when he had seem Naruto's newest jutsu in its earliest stages…

"This is as far as I've gotten,"Naruto said. "It's finally starting to get a shape…"

Kakashi easily created the Rasengan in his right hand and he said to Naruto, "All right… Let's see what it can do by colliding it with my Rasengan. Ready?"

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Sara called out from where she was standing next to Tenzo. Kakashi ignored her.

Naruto was terrified, "WHAT?"

The two had their different Rasengans collide, and , at first, it looked as if neither was the worse for wear, until Kakashi bent forward a bit with a soft groan, gripping his right arm. He could already feel Sara's worry and he gave her a smile to reassure her that he was all right, before he turned to say something to Naruto. When he turned he lost his train of thought as he was struck by the resemblance Naruto had to the Fourth Hokage…

Dirt started to get thrown up, and Kakuzu was starting to get worried, "What the…What is that jutsu?" If I get hit with that…it'll be bad…mustn't let it happen!

With the jutsu completed, Naruto raised his right hand into the air, the Rasengan had taken the form of a giant shuriken, Wind Style! Rasen-Shuriken!

The Perilous Bridge

"Wind Style! Rasen-Shuriken!" Naruto shouted as his clones sprinted forward.

"Here we go!" One of the clones shouted.

Choji didn't want to be left out of the action, "I'm comin' in!"

Tenzo stuck out his arm, blocking Choji's path, "No! Steer clear of Naruto! You'll just get caught up in it!" Ino stared at him in shock, stunned that Naruto's new jutsu could be considered so powerful.

Kakuzu watched the clones come towards him, "So this is the power of the Nine Tails' Jinchûriki. The jutsu certainly befits the beast."

One of the clones flipped into the air, kunai in hand, and it tried to stab Kakuzu with it.

Kakuzu reacted quickly, his tendrils stopping the first clone in midair, leaving room for the other two clones to try and strike him with their own kunai knives.

Without hesitation the two masks on Kakuzu's shoulders spouted their own separate jutsu, spouting fire in one direction and wind in another…the two clones didn't stand a chance.

Kakuzu turned as he saw Naruto rushing towards him, the Rasen-Shuriken in his hand still. Everyone's eyes widened in anticipation as Naruto swung at Kakuzu the jutsu…fizzled out…

Choji stared in confusion at Naruto and Kakuzu while Ino asked hopefully, "Did he win?"

"No," Tenzo answered, worried. "It fell short."

Kakashi reacted faster than Tenzo, running to assist Naruto, "Always a bundle of surprises that boy…all right. Yamato!"

"Right!" Tenzo shouted, following Kakashi.

Naruto tried to leap away from Kakuzu, but he was entangled within the tendrils within a second.

Kakuzu grunted as he dragged Naruto towards him, "Your heart belongs to me. A movement caught his attention and he turned to look, only to get hit by Tenzo's Wood Style, while Kakashi used his Lightning Blade to slice the tendrils, freeing Naruto.

Tenzo wasn't through yet, though. Once Kakashi had gotten Naruto out of the way, he changed his jutsu so that the wood was now several pieces with pointed tips. He maneuvered them so that he could impale Kakuzu against an ancient tree. Leaping back, Kakuzu managed to dodge the attack at the last minute by leaping to his right as the wood buried itself in the poor, old tree.

"Oh man!" Naruto moaned, upset by his jutsu failing to work properly as he sat on the ground.

Ino sighed and said in a superior tone, "You seemed different, Naruto, but I guess you're still the same old Naruto after all."

"When you said Rasen-Shuriken I figured you'd boomerang it," Choji added. "Do you really need to run up and smack him head on?"

Naruto snapped, annoyed, "HEY! IT'S AWESOME WHEN IT HITS OKAY?"

Kakashi pondered on what Naruto had just said, while Tenzo, sensing everyone's doubts, said, "Yeah, the name is misleading. Rasen-Shuriken only really works as a melee attack. Thus the need for a diversion. Thus all the Shadow clones." Naruto glared at him since Tenzo really hadn't helped dispel the others doubts.

"This new jutsu burns too quickly," Kakashi said, based on what he had observed earlier. "It lasts only a few seconds."

Choji said, "Then we're stuck. We can't hit him that fast. Not this guy…"

The Leaf Village ninja weren't the only ones analyzing Naruto's new jutsu. Kakuzu was also formulating a counter-strategy to go up against Naruto's Rasen-Shuriken, looks like his jutsu is useless so long as I keep my distance. So avoid close combat and keep my eye on the real body. Okay, simple enough.

Naruto stood up, "Let me try this again." Kakashi shot him a questioning look, though he remained silent. "Now that I know what I'm doing," Naruto added, his voice filled with determination.

Ino said, her tone still superior, "Remember, he's AKATSUKI. If you repeat your move he'll just dodge it!"

"Yeah," Choji agreed. "That's no good. Now he knows what to expect. Let's all pull together on this."

"That's true," Kakashi conceded. "Right now, we're five against one. We don't need to cross shaky bridges.

Kakuzu watched the Leaf shinobi apprehensively, what now?

"Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said, getting Kakashi's attention. "Do you remember what you told me during training?" Kakashi and Tenzo both stared at him with questioning looks. "You said that I'm the only shinobi who will surpass the Fourth Hokage. And you meant what you said."

Kakashi's eyes widened in surprise, of all the things he remembers, he remembers that!

Naruto continued, "Look, I know teamwork is important. I do. But right now, this is a bridge I need to cross alone. No matter how dangerous it is. I if don't work my way to the other side, I'll just be a kid forever." He closed his eyes, picturing Sasuke, "Don't take away my chance to prove what I can do!"

Kakashi was thoughtful for a few seconds before he asked, "What do you say, Yamato?"

"Well…I've yet to see how much Naruto has changed," Tenzo admitted.

Kakashi smiled underneath his mask, "There we are then." He looked at Naruto, "Go on, Naruto."

"All right!" Naruto said, eagerly stepping forward.

Kakuzu was a bit worried by Naruto, I'd better shift to a long range style… Black tendrils erupted from his mouth, back, and arms, giving Kakuzu an octopus like appearance.

"Wow…" Choji muttered in shock at this change, while Ino put her hands to her mouth in fear.

Tenzo clenched his teeth as he watched Kakuzu's transformation and felt Kakuzu's chakra increase, "He didn't just transform, that's a lot of chakra!"

"He's preparing for Naruto's jutsu," Kakashi murmured.

Naruto made a hand sign, Shadow Clone Jutsu! He created three clones and two out of the three assisted Naruto in making the Rasen-Shuriken.

Kakuzu watched, here we go…

When the jutsu was ready, a clone dashed forward shouting, "Follow me!"

The three clones sprinted forward, while the real Naruto lagged a bit behind as he charged as well.

Kakuzu wasn't going to wait for the clones to come to him though. He leapt into the air, going further than any shinobi should have been able to.

"What a jump!" Choji shouted, amazed and horrified at the same time.

Kakuzu focused on the real Naruto who was holding the Rasen-Shuriken, ignore the clones…they're just a distraction. Aim for the head and the rest comes down. Once I diffuse his jutsu I'm home free. All the tendrils shot towards Naruto.

Ino shouted, "He's ready, just like I told you!"

Kakuzu's eyes widened in surprise as his tendrils struck slamming Naruto into the ground…but instead of a limp figure, a puff of smoke greeted Kakuzu's eyes, what? Just a clone? He glanced behind him to see the real Naruto and the two remaining clones leaping at him, he was in the crowd!

Everyone's eyes widened in amazement as Naruto's jutsu hit Kakuzu as Naruto shouted triumphantly, "Gotcha!"

The jutsu was explosive…so to speak. The jutsu ripped away Kakuzu's tendrils and drove Kakuzu forward, tearing up the earth in the meanwhile, making an enormous crater in the ground. The others had to shield their eyes as wave upon wave of debris was flung at them.

Kakashi was the only one who managed to watch as Kakuzu was suspended in midair, being continuously hit by Naruto's jutsu, his masks crumbling away and falling to the earth, the number of attacks is almost infinite. Even with my Sharingan I could follow it all…magnificent jutsu…

Kakuzu fell to the ground and landed with a thud, and Naruto glanced up from his position on the ground, where he lay on his stomach, his own jutsu having thrown him backgrounds. He grinned, "Heh. Sweet. I did it…"

The Black King

Meanwhile, the stag that Sara had been stroking pulled away from her suddenly, staring into the woods, before it leapt away from her, its powerful hind legs driving it forward.

I wonder what made it do that… she thought.

A few minutes later, Sara turned as a familiar voice said, "Found you!" Just as the stag reappeared, walking beside Shikamaru.

Sara grinned as Pakkun, Sakura, and Sai landed in front of her.

Shikamaru inquired of them, "Reinforcements?" He didn't allow them to answer though. "Well…you're a bit late."

"What?" Sakura exclaimed. "Shikamaru…you and Sara didn't take down an Akatsuki member on your own…did you?"

Sara held up her hands, "Don't look at me, it was all Shikamaru. I merely helped him with the setup before I left him to deal with the Akatsuki member. After all…this land," she gestured to the woods behind her, "Is sacred to Shikamaru's family, I can't remain on it without his permission."

"And I only gave you permission to help with the setup," Shikamaru said, smiling slightly.

Sakura and Sai's eyes widened in surprise and awe as they realized what Shikamaru and Sara had just told them. Shikamaru had taken down an Akatsuki member on his own. Sai said, "I didn't know you were that good."

Shikamaru put the lighter, which he had picked up, into his pouch as he said, "I had to. This time, I…I knew I just had to." The stag bowed its head solemnly, emphasizing Shikamaru's words.

Sakura noticed the lighter and her gaze filled with sympathy, "Of course."

Sara asked, "How are the others?"

"No idea," Sakura said, focusing on her. "We made a beeline here."

Sai said, 'Let's go join them."

"Good idea," Shikamaru said, patting the stag's shoulder. With a flick of its tail, the stag turned around and headed back into the woods.

Meanwhile, Choji held Naruto upright while Ino healed him, her hands on his back as she used her medical ninjutsu. "Those clones are only meant as a diversion," she scolded him. "Never thought you'd use them like that."

Choji laughed, "Not quite as dumb as you look, Naruto. Not in Shikamaru's league, but hey."

Naruto muttered, "Please don't compare me to Shikamaru…"

Tenzo beamed at Naruto, "I'm impressed. You pulled off that jutsu three times in a row. You could only do it twice during training."

Kakashi's attention was drawn to the crater as he heard a sound like rock shifting or being moved. He chose to ignore it for the time being though, gazing at his knuckleheaded student instead, such confidence…and the wit to turn failure on its head and quickly plan his next move. Naruto has become strong. Truly strong. Jutsu that were beyond even the Fourth Hokage are well within his command. I guess it's time to pass the torch…he has surpassed me. Can you sense it? You are always before his eyes…inspiring him. You make him strong. You do know that…don't you Sasuke? Kakashi closed his eyes as he thought of his wayward student.

He was brought out of his thoughts as Tenzo called out, "Master Kakashi! Time to move?"

"Yeah," Kakashi said, turning towards Tenzo before he glanced down into the crater that Naruto's jutsu had created, focusing on Kakuzu's form.

Tenzo walked towards the others, "Okay, people. We're heading back to the Leaf Village."

Ino asked, "What about Kakashi-sensei?"

"He's cleaning up," Tenzo said vaguely.

In the crater, Kakashi approached Kakuzu. It was only when he was within a few millimeters of him that Kakuzu spoke, "Defeated…by a bunch of…brats."

"Well," Kakashi said. "You did fight the First Hokage. I guess I can't blame you for seeing us as kids. But it goes two ways. To our eyes, you're just an old geezer gone wrong. And here you are dying," he started up his Lightning Blade. "Hugging the earth like a worm." Kakuzu managed to move his head a bit so he could glare at Kakashi. "One by one…this new generation will catch up to you. And they will surpass you in the end." He struck Kakuzu with his Lightning Blade, finishing the Akatsuki member off.

Once the two teams returned to the Leaf Village they went straight to the Hokage's Mansion to report on their mission.

"Well done, people," Tsunade said, once they had explained how their mission had gone. "But it's not time to celebrate just yet…not when there are still more of the Akatsuki at large. Team Two," She glanced at Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji, "I grant you leave, but…you'll still be on call if there are any emergencies." Her gaze turned to Kakashi and his squad, "Team Kakashi, I also grant you leave." She glanced at Sara, who caught her gaze and nodded ever so slightly. "You're all dismissed." Both teams filed out.

Later on, Shikamaru made his way towards the Leaf Village burial grounds where he found Kurenai gazing at Asuma's grave stone. "I see they're letting you out of the cage?" He asked, to get her attention. Kurenai turned and smiled at him as Shikamaru set Asuma's lighter on the stone.

Kurenai said quietly, "you lost your Shogi mate…you were Asuma's favorite…you must miss him too…"

Shikamaru smiled slightly, "He taught me a bunch of things…some more important than others. Shogi was one of them. If I said I didn't miss him, I'd be lying. But I'm not a kid anymore, and I'm expected to act my age. I can't do the self-pity thing." Kurenai scrutinized him, wondering where he was going with this conversation. "I…I used to complain about everything. Everything annoyed me back then. I made so many mistakes because of it. And every time, Asuma came to my rescue… He was an odd teacher… So elusive… So hard to figure out. But to me, he was still a terrific role model." Kurenai smiled at those words and absent-mindedly touched her stomach. Shikamaru turned away from Asuma's grave stone then to look at her, "And now it's my turn." He stood up, "When that baby arrives…It'll be my turn as guardian and master." He grinned, "I guess I've got some real growing up to do."

Kurenai smiled and said softly, "Thank you."

Later on in the day, Shikamaru was playing Shogi with his father. Shikamaru commented as he debated what his next move should be, "Dad, you're much better at this than Asuma." He moved one of his pieces.

"Climbing Silver, eh?" His father mused.

Shikamaru smiled, "Well, you know when defending the black king against a stronger opponent sacrifice is unavoidable."

His father said, pointing at the pieces on the board, "Look, if you retreat that way, my knight can barrel right up here. And no matter which of m gold generals gets away, your bishop will enter and be promoted… Boy, that's one devious knight you've got there."

Shikamaru continued to smile, "If the Leaf Village's shinobi were Shogi pieces that would be me."

"What're you talking about?" His father questioned.

Shikamaru answered, "It's something Asuma once said."

His father gazed at him in confusion at first before he said, moving one of his pieces, "Did he…I guess he knew you inside out."

"That he did." Shikamaru moved one of his pieces.

His father grinned, "So who's the black king."

"The children who will carry the Leaf Village on their shoulders. They're the black king," Shikamaru answered.

His father's grin widened, "You do get it, don't you. And…checkmate."

Shikamaru gazed in disbelief at the board, "Ah!"

His father laughed, "You're not yet strong enough to protect the black king! You need to work harder!" Shikamaru moaned in response.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's Mansion, Tsunade stood gazing out of her window when a voice said behind her, "You wanted to see me, Lady Tsunade?"

Tsunade turned her head slightly to gaze at the young kunoichi, "I wanted to tell you that I have the perfect mission for you and your squad…I want you all here tomorrow to get briefed on your mission, understood?"

Sara nodded, "Yes, Lady Tsunade."

Thank you all for being so patient, sadly the wait for Part 6 now begins! Mwahahahaha!