By RequiemofDementia
Chapter Sixteen: Bad News Travels on Swift Wings
Chie was the first from the party to arrive at the scene. Two ANBU were already present, restraining a straining Sasuke, who was covered in strange, swirling patterns. He thrashed and groaned as the ANBU held him in check.
Chie's eyes widened in shock, as others began to arrive. He had never seen anything like this.
"Step back," Shinzui said softly, as he came closer, and the crowd did so, giving them space. He knelt down a little, his eyes on Sasuke. "We need to get him to the hospital, quickly."
The ANBU members slowly raised their eyes. "We will do it."
Naruto and Sakura stood before the Hokage, clearly wishing they could be at the hospital with Sasuke. Both were injured, but not seriously enough to send them to the hospital just yet.
They had been ambushed on the road, by the man known as Kabuto. Sasuke's evil seal had flared up during the battle, Kakashi ordering Naruto and Sakura to take him to safety. Kakashi himself had not returned.
The situation did indeed seem dire, even the Hokage had to admit. She was worried indeed, but she knew that she was short handed. The few ninja that she could spare would have to be stationed at the hospital to keep Sasuke under watch.
Airen paced about, nervously. Chie was also nervous, but he sat still, his hands the only thing moving, folding paper over and over. Riki just sat, waiting.
Yume came to them after a moment, her head bowed. "We have another mission."
Riki stood slowly, nodding his head. Chie leaned forward, as did Airen. Yume, however, just looked worried. "We are to retrace Team 7's path, and find Kakashi." Airen nodded slowly, hoping that they were not just being sent to retrieve a corpse. "Let's go," Yume said softly.
The four ninja raced through the trees, trying to pick up the trail of Team 7. It was not too difficult, as they only had to follow the blood trail that Naruto had left for them. There was an ominous feeling about this mission, as they moved. And then, up ahead, they heard the sounds of battle.
The four ninja burst out of the trees, as Kakashi fell back, devastated by Kabuto's jutsu. The man's head whipped around, as the senbon left Airen's hands. He leapt back, the three others already racing towards him. Sword blades whistled through the air, as Kabuto leapt back, Airen helped Kakashi to his feet.
"We have come to take you back to Konoha, Kakashi-sama," she said softly. Kakashi's eyes met her own, the Sharingan eye giving her a faint chill. He turned slowly, towards the battle.
Kabuto was forced back, by the blades of Yume and Riki, as he was also forced to dodge the jutsu's that Chie threw at him. Kakashi knew they would not be able to defeat him. "Let's go."
Kabuto spun quickly, seeing that Kakashi was escaping, and raised his hands quickly. This would not do. Orochimaru-sama would not forgive him if he allowed them to escape. He leapt forward quickly, sliding smoothly passed Riki's sword, and his fist came up to slam into Riki's face.
With a loud tearing, the fist passed straight through his head, and the paper Riki crumpled. "What?" Kabuto looked up, as Yume's blade swung in at him. He ducked down, under it, and came up behind her, his hands coming to grasp her by the head. He twisted savagely, and the only sound that met his ears was the tearing of paper.
Chie bowed to him faintly. "Farewell." He turned, and began racing for the trees. Kabuto snarled in anger, as he raced after the fleeing ninja. And straight into the trap. As Chie reached the trees, the real Yume and Riki came out of hiding, weapons raised. At his speed, it was too late for Kabuto to dodge effectively. One blade cut deep into the arm he raised to defend himself, and the other sunk deep into his leg.
He leapt back, as the two ninja disappeared after Chie into the trees. He closed his eyes, ready to regenerate his wounds. Kakashi and Sasuke had escaped. Orochimaru-sama would not be happy at all.
"You allowed Kakashi to escape?"
"There was interference, Orochimaru-sama," Kabuto said softly. "Four Leaf nin."
Orochimaru did not move, his eyes remaining locked upon Kabuto. The underling swallowed nervously. "However, Kakashi is injured, and Sasuke-kun is ready for you."
That brought a smile to Orochimaru's lips, his long tongue slowly stroking over his lower lip. Now was the time.
Kakashi straightened slowly, his eyes roaming over the scene before him. Sakura and three ANBU members sprawled over the floor. Although the damage seemed minimal, they would be out for a long time. And Sasuke was gone.
"Impressive," Riki grunted softly, as he looked at the shattered restraints on the bed. If he had to come up against this person, it could be very interesting indeed. Chie was already looking around, for signs of which direction Sasuke had gone.
Airen's fingers touched Kakashi, his wounds already beginning to heal. Kakashi's one eye narrowed a little. "Sasuke, where have you gone?"
"We'll find him, Kakashi-sama," Chie said softly.
"Yes, you will. I will be along soon." Then Kakashi was gone.
"Uh… Alright." Riki's shoulders rose and fell. "Thanks for the choice." Then, the four ninja were gone, following Sasuke's trail.
Naruto fell to his knees, his red eyes focused on the boy before him. Sasuke's red eyes met his gaze, as he too dropped to his knees. Many of Leaf's ninja wanted to know who would win between Naruto and Sasuke, and as both slumped forward, the answer was given. A tie.
Yume dropped down by the two, landing silently. Naruto did not move, but Sasuke stirred faintly, the power of the cursed seal burning through his body still. "Airen!"
The other female ninja was by her side, looking down. "This is bad."
"Can you fix it?"
Airen's shoulders slowly rose and fell, as she slowly knelt by Sasuke. "Let's find out."
Her hands came together before her, but then a sound like a whip cracking was heard, her hands knocked away by the slick, wet tongue of Orochimaru.
All eyes turned in the evil Sannin's direction. "Let's not," he said softly, his tongue stroking along his face as it slipped back into his mouth. "Kill them."
A faint smile crossed Kabuto's face, as he began to advance.
Author's notes.
The beginning of the end? Can anyone else feel a climactic scene forming? Lots of fun, and more exciting battles to come! Enjoy.