Downfall of the Light 3

by OpposingForce

After several days of enduring against the Sound from invading, Naruto and Hinata finally meet their elites. NaruHina, and many others. Spoilers... none, hopefully

7. Concealed Darkness

Downfall of the Light 3

Chapter 7: Concealed Darkness

Legend:

"…": Speech

'…': Thoughts, and they could be listed in italics alone unless specifically specified.

Major scene changes are listed in bolded italic brackets.

AN: At long last, I have updated this. While this fic was being postponed –and me taking a break, hey, had anyone seen the Have a Break Have a KitKat commercial-, I was busy working with other fics such as the epilogue of Downfall of the Light 2, and my Seed fic Believe, Realize, Reason. Despite all this, it doesn't mean that I have forgotten about this fiction. In all honesty, I am someone who intends to tie up all loose ends if they need to be tied up. I am very sorry for this 2 month delay update, inspiration had not really come to me during these two months since I was not watching Naruto at all. Instead, I moved on with Seed, Bleach, Tsubasa Chronicles, Ai Yori Aoshi, Seed Destiny, School Rumble, and most importantly, Ichigo 100 percent.

You can say these anime series gave me the action, romantic, and somewhat perverted ideas to write this chapter. I am sure you intelligent readers out there would detect this eventually. You are what you eat, right?

It also has come to my attention that a vast majority of you believe that my fic is very weird. If my OCs are the issue, or you think the storyline itself is just fucked up beyond all recognition, feel free to tell me, but tell me what you want to be improved on. In all honesty, I know this story isn't all out liked, but I will continue it. Who knows why I am continuing although many would not support it, all I know is as long as I am not the author of (Insert Famous Fanfic here), no one gives a fuck if I produce fics or not. Although I do not live for reviews, but the due to the incredible lack of support, the chapter numbers would be cut short without question.

I am sorry to say this, but Seed reviewers actually give me the message that they truly give a fuck about my work. I don't write for specific people, but if I don't find any meaning for me to continue, hey, why bother wasting more of my time? Sadly to say, Believe Realize Reason is a lot more entertaining for me to write.

Oh yes, I also write one-shots if anyone requests. Just no yaoi pairings, but I will attempt at any pairing that is straight. Give me a conflict and a specific pairing, and I would start on it (if I pick yours to do). Give me your email, too, so I could contact you personally. I like challenges after all.

Now, to prevent confusion, allow me to list the OCs that I have and their relations with the existing cast.

Uzumaki Shani and Uzumaki Kagari are Naruto and Hinata's children.

Uchiha Asuran is Itachi and Ayame's son.

Hyuga Yamase is Neji and Tenten's daughter.

Uchiha Kuroto and Uchiha Umi are Sasuke and Sakura's children.

Kamishiro Hikaru (who barely shows up) is Rin and Gaara's son.

Nara Tsubasa is Shikamaru and Ino's daughter.

Tayuya, Kidoumaru, Jiroubo… these are the main antagonists so far in this series, and they are not my OCs.

Forbidden is Shani's demon master.

Chaos is Kagari's demon mistress/master.

Without further adieu, allow me to do some one on one interactions with you readers. It has been a long while after all. What I am trying to say is, let's begin a Reviewers' Period.

Dragon Man 180: I have to give it to you, you are one sharp reader. You sort of predict the things before they happen, or maybe I am just making it too obvious. Regardless, you are very sharp, and I admire that in a person. The Three do have decency, well, it sucks being biological weapons and your sole existence is to kill, kill, and kill. I suppose I pity them, and even in the anime we get to see them as slaves but they know how to fight. At the same time, I just want to emphasize on the pitiful life of a Natural Extended in Seed and Seed Destiny, these antagonists are good to study. Thank you so much for reviewing every single time, you have my gratitude.

Joecool4: I am very tired of writing Naruto fighting, and I am tired of ninjutsu fighting in general. Everyone likes original jutsus, they like their Japanese names and all that shit… and I am like, fuck this. I ain't a Japanese boy, so why bother trying to use that language to translate the name? As far as I am concerned, I am not that much of a dedicated Naruto lover, I like their characters, but not the story line. Sorry if this is not what you asked, I just felt like telling you. In case you are wondering, this is why I switched from ninjutsu to just beams and energy firing.

Warprince2000: Not trying to be rude or anything… I do not even know how I am supposed to respond to you review since you write the same thing every time. I am glad that you like it, yes, but it would be great to see you typing something else than "Cool story, update soon plz". No offence or anything, but that kind of reviewing tells the author that you might not have actually read the work and you are reviewing for the sake of it.

AnimeFan-Angel: Thanks for your concern, fellow reader. No, I don't think your previous review was anything offensive or selfish. As far as I am concerned, I want honesty instead of trickery. Since you want me to continue so much, I have made this chapter, it took me a several weeks to gather inspirations, hope you like it. Oh yeah, if this chapter is out, it's pretty obvious that I got my stuff (inspiration) back… well, I don't know what to do for chapter 8 though. Thanks for reviewing, but don't feel like that you're obligated to.

Nonegel: Since I didn't want to force myself into this, that is why it took me so long to relax and reflect a bit. Well, I am back once again (at least for the time being), and I truly hope that you would enjoy this chapter as always. I worked hard on it, I wish it would really pay off.

Sephynarutocloud: Yeah, it's okay to be mean… just don't do it again. I will gladly hear your suggestions at your next review if you do write one that is.

Gold Case: Yeah, Akira is a nice man, but a very dangerous nice man. I know it doesn't really make sense if he joined the Sound for the sake of killing Naruto and his family, but he knows that he can't do it alone since Konoha is on their side. Despite how badly I want to challenge some people in life, I can't be a one-man army and fight alone.

Corny means cheesy, and cheesy does not get me anywhere. Yet, if Naruto or Hinata does say something like that… this fic would become live action instead of a book. Then it would be really gay, and soon I would suffer from concussions because you people would stone me to death for writing such garbage.

Believe me, I really do love to see Shani and Kagari as a pairing, but unfortunately, I made them siblings. However, she still kisses him on the lips, so I will let you perverts or anyone else out there use your imagination. I don't need to purge images into your minds, I know you can do it quite well yourselves. I also like ShaniUmi together, hope you like this chapter!

D.D Designator: You are an amazing guy who knows what to say to brighten my day. Please, I really want to thank you.

DaveBoo1378: Thanks for supporting me for so long up to this point. Hey, I still want to talk to you on MSN sometime, hope you can make time eventually when you are less busy.

FiresofDarkness: Um… you reviewed quite a bit… I don't even know how I should answer your questions… I am glad that you like Shani, but more importantly, thanks for your endless praise. About your question, I would say that Akira will fight Naruto eventually for obvious reasons. Just wait patiently for that chapter to take place.

UndyingPower: Okay, I am back, I hope that cheers you up!

WhiteReflection and IcE In ThE DePtH: Your endless compliments make my day. I am not that good, am I?

Thedark1owns: I won't call you a retard, why would I? As much as I like to insult people at times, I am retarded at times, so who am I to judge you? I think I do an okay job at the illustrations of the action, I kind of think it's only averagely simple to understand. Despite what you may think, I think I am nasty at writing. Of course, if I updated this chapter, that means I don't want to leave you hanging –or anyone else in particular. So, do me a big favour and enjoy this chapter like you always did in the past. Thank you!

Akane-chan: I talk to you on MSN more than enough, I am certain you know more about this fic than anyone else I can list… other than OAD… or some others… anyway, BE A SEED DESTINY FANATIC LIKE ME! JOIN US! LOL!

Naruto-fanfic: Shani was not dressed up as Forbidden. My inspiration of Forbidden –at least the name- came from GAT-X252 Forbidden Gundam. Shani would not be dressed as a mobile suit. Who he was dressed as was Shani Andras, the actual character I got my Shani from. You aren't that mad that I have been slowing down, have you? Come on, be reasonable, I got my own life to attend to as well. Well, I got this thing up, so don't get mad anymore, okay? Thanks!

FrostRevenant: Why do you think Shani is going to go nuts? I don't know, but you have good instincts! I agree, it has been long, and damn hell I want you to read this! Come on, enjoy it for me.

Iladarii: Why do I persist? I don't know, maybe because I want to show people that I can become better. I am quite bitter at the fact that some people can get recognition without trying while others need to work like a fool to get an ounce of it. I am angry, yet I want to write. I don't mind if you hate me or any other Naruto fanfic author –although I find your hate kind of strange unless you tell me what drives you to hate them. For the amount of time of being a member here… I don't recall doing anything to you nor tried to ignore you. If you don't approach me, I would not know how to talk to you since I cannot go around assuming people like my work or they want to befriend me. If you really want to talk to me to know me, hey, go right on ahead. I won't bite –I kill-, and I would be glad to understand your hatred. At the same time, I don't know how my fiction had redeemed that lost hope, whatever it was, I certainly hope that feeling blooms again. Thanks so much for your review, I needed it to clear up my mind.

BillyG: Okay, why do you think that I would think of you as a retard if you review? It's absolutely okay to ask me questions, that's what I am here for. If you review, you make my day, and I don't consider my readers idiots unless they make themselves one. From your words, I don't think that you don't know how to review, you just had a lot to ask me –which I am glad to answer.

Kimimaro –the bone manipulator- is still alive, but he would show up until something happens to the current Sound Three. Why do you think that Akira is Naruto's father? Did I mention Naruto's father's name in any of my fictions before? If I did, then no, Akira is not Naruto's father, but he is someone who has Uzumaki blood. You want the three to live… wow, finally, someone with some sympathy and understanding! I kind of wished that Clotho, Oruga, and Shani lived in Seed, but those creators killed them! NO! Anyway, your review was much appreciated.

AN: What, you are still here? Get on with the story!

(At the outskirts of Konoha, or better known as the Sound's temporary headquarters)

"Akira-sama!" greeted Tayuya with delight as the handsome Paladin entered their resting chambers. She got off her bed as quickly as her legs could carry her, and immediately gave a low, respective, honourable bow. "It's a pleasure to see you." Akira smiled, he clearly knew Tayuya was doing this sincerely. At the same time, Kidoumaru and Jiroubo shifted off their beds, and gave a slight bow as respect.

"No need to be so formal with me, you three," Akira told them understandingly, moving his hand upward signaling them to stand. "Come on, stand up."

"Yes, Akira-sama." The three then stood up tall to look at him directly.

"Did you guys rest well?"

"Very well," answered Tayuya with a beautiful voice. Her gentleness even rivaled her talents in music.

"It was a pleasure." Kidoumaru added to support.

"Because of your graceful kindness, we actually had good rest." Jiroubo finished as his role of being the leader.

"That's very good to hear," said the Paladin a little regretfully, "But I am afraid your freetime must come to an end." The Three just watched with attentiveness, they had no plans to interrupt the Paladin's great speech. "Orochimaru has new orders for you three." To his surprise, the elites did not seem to mind at all.

"We are glad to serve the Sound," replied Tayuya with heavy profoundness.

"It's our duty," Jiroubo told Akira firmly.

"We will do anything." Kidoumaru stated to finish. What Akira noticed in their words was that they never stated out loud that they would serve Orochimaru, just the Sound. In other words, they do not have much of a liking towards the sannin. To be honest, if they could be free from the Grypheptan drug, Akira was certain that they would've left ages ago. Who would want to be a biological weapon knowingly? A little awkwardly, Akira rubbed his hands together, still managing a put up a grin. Friendliness was the best approach, he supposed.

"What are your orders?" the gorgeous flute enchanter asked humbly.

"Orochimaru has ordered that you three to head west." Akira began to explain somewhat in a choke, yet he somehow gathered strength in his voice again, "Your destination is a route in between the Sand and Konoha." As expected, the Three were confused to no end. It looked like some more elaboration was required.

"What?" Kidoumaru questioned, cocking a brow.

"Why would you want us to go to a place in the middle of nowhere?" the chubby elite inquired, equally lost.

"Oh, be quiet," snapped Tayuya rudely to her comrades, "Akira-sama must have a reason!" If she was a female student at a typical high school, she would be the ideal suck-up. Akira could imagine her saying "If the face on the current currency was ceased to exist, Akira-sama's face should now be on it for the betterment of mankind". The blond Paladin did nothing but smile, and Tayuya –being all innocent and adorable- tilted her head slightly to the right questioningly. "Akira-sama?"

"What? What?" the Paladin returned his mind back to reality a little farfetched. He even scratched his head with eyes turning into slits. In simpler terms, kind of a foxy look but without that annoying grin. "Did you say something?"

"You kind of dozed off…" stated Kidoumaru dryly trying to fight a laugh from escaping.

"Can you tell us our objective?" Jiroubo suggested in a bored tone. As far as he was concerned, he hated being ignorant.

Akira was glad Jiroubo changed the subject to get him off the hook despite he was not doing it for his sake. Suffering from utter humiliation was not something the Paladin was looking forward to. Giving out a small fake cough, the blond Paladin reluctantly continued. "Your mission this time is to cut out the reinforcements that may be heading to Konoha in the near future. Intelligence has it that the current Kazekage has very close relations with two demons in Konoha, and also has strong connections with the Godaime. In other words, the Sand and Konoha are like one country. We have successfully made a blitzkrieg strategy on Konoha so the Sand was not able to send in their troops in time to save them. However, it has been three days now, and yet this damned village is still here… you know that this is the perfect time to send in reinforcements, right?"

"So what you're saying is…" began Kidoumaru, smirking with much amusement, "Cut off their additional troops before they arrive?"

"And we can do whatever we want with them, right?" Jiroubo was now carrying devious grin. It would be wonderful.

"Do as you will," said Akira knowing that the Three were pleased with this task. "Just don't make that much commotion to alert the Konoha shinobis. With their numbers in such a decreased state, we would want their numbers to remain this low… or lower. Do you realize what I am saying?"

"Of course. I understand completely." Tayuya acknowledged it with her eyes now as cold as ice. The squad leader and the arachnid subordinate also nodded but not without their expressions changing one-eighty degrees. To Akira, it was undoubtedly a disturbing sight to witness how his closest comrades could get this excited to terminate people, yet later on they may even detest it. Split personalities weren't something to be proud of –this was more specific on Tayuya.

"Orochimaru has ordered you guys to head out there immediately to prepare," continued the Sound warrior, banishing his previous mind arguments, "It's not very likely that the Sand would take their troops at night where all enemies could detect their presence, they would need to have fires for their light. It's best to ambush them at a choke point carrying utmost surprise. Anyway, I wish you three the best of luck." The three Sound elites immediately took a bow –which they never did to Orochimaru for the sannin forces them to kneel- and Akira happily –or pleased to the very least- left them to prepare themselves.

However, that was short lived once the four noticed a powerful, dark chakra signature heading their way in walking speed.

"Akira!" called a voice from the distance that alerted all four of them. That was no other than Orochimaru, and being the arrogant ruler that he was, he didn't even bother attempting to address a greeting to his elite soldiers. He roughly brushed by the Three before approaching Akira, causing Tayuya to squeak a little at the abrupt contact. However, she forced herself to remain silent when Kidoumaru glared warningly. Tayuya may be mean and bossy at times, but when her comrades dared to stare at her intently, she knew that they were serious. At the same time, they did it for her own good since Orochimaru expected firm solemnity than fragility –unless she wanted another case of scolding.

Noticing the disturbing aura emitted from the sannin, Tayuya narrowed her eyes with vigilance; Jiroubo showed no intention to even start a conversation; Kidoumaru just made a sneer before looking slightly the other way to escape eye contact. Then, those three wisely did a short bow. Akira, with a smile and face that equaled to Ichimaru Gin (3rd Squad Shinigami Captain in Bleach), decided to greet him. What appeared from the Paladin was nothing but genuine surprise, but more importantly, he had innocence all over him.

"What brings you here, Orochimaru?" asked Akira, welcoming the creator of the Sound. The three elites had their heads down, listening from the sidelines.

"Just checking if you have given those three the orders I gave you," replied Orochimaru slanderously, "You know, Kiba is already dead, and I can't have you just wasting Kidoumaru and his friends." Funny way of showing that he actually gave a damn when he did not bother with saying a hello. On the contrary, Orochimaru always considered his prized shinobis to be expendable at any time whether in battle or experimented.

"Don't worry that much, old man," commented the Paladin with a shadow now casting near his eyes. Tayuya knew her admirer was being serious, and very dangerous. "I told them everything I needed."

The sannin merely sneered without being pressured. "Are you telling them what I am telling you, or are you telling them what you want?"

Akira raised a brow with blamelessness. "What are you saying?"

"An intelligent man like yourself should clearly know what my mind is thinking," Orochimaru snapped. "I have heard from some of the medics that there are at least two new demon children in Konoha," Akira, again, only raised a brow with surprise and guiltlessness. The sannin now glared and completely annoyed that the blond Paladin could be taking things so easily when he was giving challenging threats. If Akira wasn't a powerful and reliable man, he would've killed him ages ago. "Not only that, I heard that their skills are equaled to Tayuya, Kidoumaru, and Jiroubo. What's up with that?"

"Your point being what? Is it the village's fault for having strong enemies? It's natural for Konoha to have considerable resistance, we ARE invading their home if you recall."

"Drop the act. You clearly know that's not what I am talking about!" the sannin showed disgust in his words, "When have you given any mercy on demons? It's not the first time that the Three had encountered them, and after the first time, you would be going out there yourself to slay them. Instead, you stayed at base with high hopes during both invasions like a sissy! You are someone who hates demons, and you are here only sending Tayuya and the others to weaken them? What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Hey, you're saying like that I want the demons to survive on purpose."

"That IS exactly what I am saying!"

"My, oh my, don't you now sound like that I want Konoha to live?"

"That IS what I am trying to say, bastard!"

"Don't be ridiculous."

The flute girl smirked. "What an asshole prick…"

"A stupid old man starting his stupid arguing for no reason at all…" said Kidoumaru to Jiroubo in a dead quiet whisper, "How annoying…"

"Orochimaru-sama seems to be quite hot-blooded…" said Jiroubo, sneering a little.

"Anyway," said Akira to the sannin in a calm, carefree voice. "It's not a big deal."

"It would be a big deal when majority of the Sound's losses are due to those two or three certain individuals," retorted the snake sannin angrily. "You would be the blame for it when that happens, demon." Orochimaru spat slightly before looking at his treasured elite shinobis. "You three, you better deal with those demons the next time you meet them. I can't have your carelessness affect the entire invasion! Our victory is at hand! Take my words seriously for I expect results, understand?"

"Yes, Orochimaru-sama," the Three replied immediately with no weakness in their tone or body structure. In front of the Sound dictator, they had to look their best.

"We'll leave you guys to prepare yourselves," said Akira before giving a little bit of strength in his pushing to actually get the sannin out of the room. Being the aware and cautious man Akira was, he certainly knew Orochimaru was starting to suspect things within his own ranks. Not like it truly mattered though, Orochimaru's most valued soldiers were no longer on his side. Who said compassion and care were useless in a dictator? As far as he was concerned, the sannin was in no position to battle the champions of Konoha, yet he was extremely foolish for being an arrogant bastard.

It was only a matter of time, Akira thought constantly to himself, and it would be soon before Orochimaru lost all his supporters since he never gave a damn about them. Having Tayuya, Kidoumaru, and Jiroubo giving him their full loyalty, he was one step nearer to tasting victory.

The Three readied themselves with haste –with Tayuya ranting and showing her tantrum midway since the guys were too slow. The duo had a way to deal with her silliness, all they had to do was give her chocolate, and they had plenty of it under their beds. Although they were already 26, they felt that they had been alive for 13 to 16 of those years. It certainly seemed that way when their bodies appeared to be like a teen's, not to mention their intelligence level were merely someone of 16 to 18. Once Kidoumaru tossed her a small candy bar, Tayuya caught it with both her small hands enthusiastically before ripping the cover apart to chew on the sweet, likeable chocolate.

As soon as Kidoumaru packed up his weapons, spherical breaker, food, water, Jiroubo with his medicine and first aid packs, and Tayuya with more equipment such as food and her personal weapons, they headed off in flight to the west to commence their mission at daybreak. Tasting blood was a privilege, and taking it from oblivious fools was certainly a chance of satisfaction that must not be missed.

(Meanwhile, back at the Konoha encampment)

"No!" objected the little Uzumaki Death Knight after hearing such blasphemed statement. "I can't do this! I can't marry Yamase like this!" Hinata obviously figured out before hand that her son would find this ridiculous. Even she didn't want to tell him any of this, but it would enrage Shani even more when someone else such as Neji or Hiashi told him instead. Hinata did not want her son to believe that she was hiding things from him. Honesty was always the best policy.

"Do you hate Yamase-chan?" asked Hinata with a loving tone behind her words. She would do anything to make her son feel comfortable instead of acting in rage.

"I love her, Mother," Shani said honestly, "She's like my sister, I love her a lot. But marrying… it's another issue…" When the Forbidden child stole a glimpse at his sister, he raised his eye a little, wondering why she seemed to be disappointed that Shani was refusing this proposal. Wasn't she supposed to agree with him, Shani thought, this was an important situation here! Naruto exasperatedly placed his hand on his forehead, he –amongst all people- knew that Shani would hesitate.

"Oni-chan," reasoned Kagari now holding his hand tightly, "Don't you think that this may be the best for Konoha? You carry the Byakugan more than I do… and if kaa-chan's clan is permanently lost… how can the Hyuga clan continue? Kaa-chan is still the heiress, have you thought of how tough it may be on her to actually say this to you? Besides, it's Yamase-chan… don't you at least want to…"

"I don't love her romantically, Kagari," stated Shani tiredly, but more importantly directly, "And also, why would I relinquish my freedom by shackling myself to them? What you are saying is absurd."

"They are not trying to restrict your freedom, Shani-chan," said Hinata now holding him gently. Her arms snaked around his waist before Hinata kissed him on the cheek. To respond, the little Death Knight leaned his head on her chest area and rested there. The Hyuga girl smiled with care realizing how drained he actually was from the day. "They just want the blood to continue on, and Yamase-chan is the perfect one for you. You will grow to love her like how your father loves me, Shani-chan, I know you will."

"What about Yamase-chan though?" questioned Shani with worry for his loving cousin, "Doesn't she… no, shouldn't she have a say in this too? I mean, this is her life that I am taking away, and not to mention the Hyuga clan is also responsible for this."

"I doubt that she would object," Asuran stated suddenly, catching Shani's attention instantly. "Seriously, she would accept this."

The Forbidden child was now confused at a high level. "What are you even saying, Asuran? Are you saying that Yamase-chan wants to get married with me? Do you even know what you are saying here? This is absurd."

"What else did you think he said, oni-chan?" Kagari replied back in a form of a question. At this point of the game, Shani was just lost. In all honesty, he believed that he was missing a crucial piece of information to complete the puzzle. However, this last piece seemed to be in his sister's hands, and damn he hated it when she wouldn't tell him what he was doing wrong here.

"Do you know something that I don't?" inquired the young Death Knight eyeing those two adolescents suspiciously. "Well?"

Asuran and Kagari merely looked at each other and shrugged –much to Shani's dismay.

"Why don't you ask Yamase-chan if she likes this proposal or not?" The Uchiha unexpectedly offered to change the subject. "Like, you do want to know that, right?"

"Mother…" Shani whispered with his head still on Hinata's chest, "Should I talk to Yamase-chan about this? I mean… I don't want her to believe that she is forced to do this…" Hinata, once again, smiled wholehearted at her son's wise judgments. Shani, Kagari, and Asuran wondered how Hinata could ever smile so often, and even more curious when they found it so beautiful to look at. It was not a miracle why so many men wanted her. Of course, Naruto would never allow any Konoha men to steal his wife, nor would the Hyuga girl accept any other males.

They made love too many times during their marriage, and thus their emotional bondage was extremely forged and reinforced.

"Do as your heart tells you, Shani-chan," cooed Hinata before she slowly released him and looked into his right eye that was identical to hers. The young Death Knight watched his mother's charming smile one last time before giving a nod to acknowledge her. Now fully releasing himself from his mother, Shani instantly took a sprint towards the opposite direction hoping to find a reasoning from his Hyuga cousin. Kagari and Asuran sighed inwardly before facing another, where as Naruto finally joined his wife.

"Do you think Shani would accept it?" questioned Kagari to the Uchiha male. Asuran took one small glance at the Uzumaki goddess and blushed lightly. As soon as the female Paladin noticed his embarrassment, a devious smile came across her face as she took his hand and played with it. "Asuran…" she whispered with a blowing action, "You didn't answer my question."

He didn't need anyone to him that.

The Uchiha was out of options, he was always caught off guard when Kagari wanted attention and affection. "Ano… well… Shani may reject it… I don't know…" When Hinata and Naruto heard Asuran's stuttering and hesitance, they turned their heads towards his direction –which made the Uchiha more embarrassed for very clear reasons. Oh, how desperate he actually wanted to get out of the situation!

"Asuran-chan," Hinata said, fighting her giggle. Naruto and Hinata were not oblivious people; they clearly knew their daughter's feelings towards Itachi's only son. "Why are you stuttering in front of Kagari-chan? Is it because you like her?" Although she was teasing, those words merely made Asuran cold sweat with fear.

"Auntie Hinata…" the Uchiha spoke, panicking, "I… I… I… It's not what you think…"

"Sorry, kaa-chan," intervened Kagari swiftly since she knew her mother's cunning behaviours all too well. That was no thanks to her father of course. "Asuran-chan and I need to talk." Grabbing his right hand skillfully into hers, the angelic girl took flight, therefore pulling the poor little Asuran with her. Despite his protesting, Kagari would not listen until she stopped at her room, and of course shoving the Uchiha in. Once Asuran wanted to rant about her reckless flying, he was silenced when Kagari smooched him hard on the lips. Did he retaliate now? Unfortunately, his self-control was no where close to Naruto's. In simpler terms, he gave in.

"Kagari-chan…" moaned the young Uchiha as he broke out of the kiss. Luckily, he still had a bit of control. The Uzumaki girl watched him with an alluring smile, she still wanted to kiss. Luckily, she managed to plant another kiss on his cheek before he objected. She smiled ever so serenely, Kagari was so strikingly beautiful that words could not express her gorgeous features.

"What is it?" she asked divinely as her arms began to do the talking.

"What's the occasion?" he questioned as he planted a kiss on her forehead.

"Thank you for being here. Thank you for saving oni-chan for me."

"I didn't do anything though…" Kagari giggled at his humility, Asuran could be so like Shani at times.

"Don't be silly, Asuran-chan," said Kagari as she placed her finger on his lips, "Believe me, if you weren't there, I think we would've been killed. They were strong, you know that, too, right?"

"You guys survived the last time," commented the Uchiha, rubbing her feathery, smooth back. In fact, he was playing around, and his grin got a little wider when he noticed all she had was an shinobi net shirt under her casual violet shinobi uniform. With a gorgeous girl who had no bra, he would lose it if she made another move. "You two would've been fine without me. I was more or less a nuisance that wasn't much of help..."

Kagari shook her head, waving her long half indigo, half black hair as a deliberation to charm. It tickled the older Uchiha prodigy's face a little bit as her hair brushed by. "Don't say that, Asuran," the younger Uzumaki twin argued as her hands pulled him in closer, "You did great out there, you protected me…"

"I wouldn't leave you out there to die, Uzumaki Kagari," stated Asuran as he also held her close. In fact, he was actually about to break down, but miraculously, he kept his voice firm so she did not catch it. Oblivious to Kagari, that battle was one of the scariest experiences he had in his life, but he was more than willing to take on this challenge if it meant saving his cherished ones. No one would take his life and future away without a fight; this also applied to everyone else he knew.

"Thank you for being there for me."

"Always, Kagari-chan. You are too important to me…" When the Uchiha finished that statement, Kagari stole a glance to see why he was being silent all of a sudden. It wasn't uncommon for Asuran to be soundless, but at least he would give a sign that he was alive. However, she then figured out that he was staring at her… actually, it was a tad bit too long. His golden onyx eyes carried this wanting feeling, and her face could not help but flush up despite how badly she wanted to maintain stable.

"Asuran?" she asked in a squeak. How she cursed herself for being so intimidated, but yet she loved it when he did it to her –at least when he was being affectionate.

"You are so beautiful, Kagari," he suddenly said out loud as his hand caressed her soft, lovable cheek. Her cheeks burned up, and soon she felt that she was on fire. She loved him complimenting her… especially with a voice that she deeply adored. However, his next words were quite unexpected. "I really thought I would've lost you out there… I really did… I was… deathly worried…"

"Asuran?" Without warning, she was being hugged. It wasn't an affectionate embrace, relief was more like it. "What's wrong? Asuran, tell me what's wrong… don't be like this… See, I'm okay, I'm perfectly fine. I didn't lose any limbs or body parts, I am just tired."

"I know," he replied after a ten second delay, and he rarely procrastinated with his responses, "Kagari, you are a Uzumaki, you carry the village's secret, and supposedly extinct bloodline. You are not someone who is only that, you are vital to me, and I don't want to lose someone like you. Please, be careful out there even if I am not there with you…"

"Asuran…" she was deeply touched.

"I'm sorry for saying such inappropriate things," he said with haste and awkwardness, "I just…" He halted when she silenced him with a finger on his soft lips. "Kagari…"

"Say no more," she commanded sweetly. Planting a kiss didn't hurt to relieve the atmosphere. "I know what you mean, for you… I will be careful, I promise." The golden onyx eyed Uchiha just could resist her sincerity, how could he not melt to such a loving face? "Should we kiss?" Not even hearing a proper response from Asuran, she took the authority to claim his luscious lips without permission –it wasn't as if Asuran would just refuse her like that. As the duo swayed a little bit with their tongues battled another for the desperation for air, eventually they moved away ending in a draw. Their war lasted an eternity, yet the outcome was a win-win situation.

"Kagari-chan…"

"Asuran…"

"I think that I…" Surprisingly, where Asuran had be taken off guard for the second time, Kagari silenced him with another kiss. "Kagari?" he asked looking at her with shock.

"Let's save it for another time, Asuran," she told him lovingly, her hands were wrapped in his in an unbreakable fashion. "Can we just enjoy the moment? For me?" Seeing her wanting it so deeply with the most sincere intentions, he couldn't say no –nor did he have the heart to. He really began to falter when she gave him her lonely smile that demanded affection and care, Asuran sure felt bad knowing that he had made his princess frown or depressed.

Encircling his arms around her mature narrow waist, he took her lips again in a blissful kiss. The Uzumaki angel knew what Asuran was trying to say, yet she did not want it to ruin their magical moment. She wished that they could last like this forever, and ever.

---

"Where do you think Kagari went?" asked Naruto to his gorgeous wife –who was now kissing his cheek. Hearing upon that inquiry, Hinata stopped her actions and pondered for a bit.

"What did we do before when we were younger? You know, when we wanted time alone…"

"I remember nothing like that… for I never wanted any time alone." His wife nudged playfully with a timid smile across her features. "Well, I love you back then just as much as I love you now, right?" To his surprise, the Hyuga heiress had a pouting face. What did he say wrong?

"My love for you increased everyday, Naruto-kun," Hinata told him as she pushed herself a tad bit more near to his body, "Don't tell me you were still at square one after years of knowing another? Even if you say you were, I won't believe you or we would not have those make out sessions." Make out sessions, he remembered them well when his emotions were still not perfected and polished.

"Of course my feelings for you grew, too, Hinata-chan," reasoned the demon hunter with a small laugh coming midway, "I just took it slower…" Hinata eyed him again with a doubting look, "Okay, okay, drastically slower, happy?" That satisfied the Hyuga girl at last. She loved dominating him.

"We would have had a lot more fun if you were more open back then. Maybe we would've had kids when we were 14…"

"Would we?" questioned the Death Knight, pondering a little bit, "That would be reckless though, don't you think? At the same time, I don't think I would know how to cherish you that well if we were both immature. You know typical men, they are greedy, they want excitement, and even some of them cast women aside like objects. It's good that I know better, but if we went a little too far back then… who knows what would've happened?"

Hinata then rested on him as if Naruto belonged to her. In theory, he did, and vice versa. "I guess you're right, Naruto-kun. If we did something reckless earlier, I don't think our children would be Shani and Kagari, and I love my little angels."

"I know you do," he told her as he planted a small suction on her neck. That earned him a good moan from Hinata, she just loved his kisses despite that they had been kissing another since they were 13. She obediently moved her neck to the other side to give him easier passage to her sensitive spots without him saying anything, but much to her dismay, he stopped when his mouth suctioned one of her most delicate areas. Hinata didn't like her satisfying impulses to be short lived, and she moved her head telling him to continue. "I love them as well."

"Do you think Shani-chan is going to be okay?" she asked in a comfortable moan after Naruto finished his feathering touches.

"Why wouldn't he?" questioned Naruto, raising a brow at her question. "Of course he would be fine, he is just talking to Yamase, right?"

"No, I mean emotionally." The Death Knight's mind came to a realization. "Shani can be very fragile and vulnerable… I really don't know how he took that news."

"He's your son, Hyuga Hinata," Naruto assured her promisingly, "I have faith in him."

"And he's Uzumaki Naruto's first born," she said back as she kissed his cheek, "I also believe in him."

"You always know what to say to cheer me up."

"I am not your wife for nothing." Hinata told him, smiling her heartwarming smile that could melt the coldest glaciers. "And you also care for me, you never would do anything to hurt me."

"I love you so much, Hinata."

"And I love you too." Like any husband and wife, they kissed another on the lips with utmost passion. It was slow, silent, cherishing, loving, delightful, memorable, and anything within the field of majestic. Although they were married for 13 years, it satisfied them both to say 'I love you' to another. It was a sense of completion, it was an act of loyalty and faithfulness, and certainly it was undoubtedly honest. They kissed for a long time before breaking away, but a devilish smile still covered Hinata's face where as Naruto only maintained a happy one. He knew that look all too well, and damn hell he knew what she was going to say next.

"Okay," he said along with a groan, "What do you want?" He awaited her questioning with utmost dread.

"Naruto-kun…" she spoke alluringly –like every time. "Can you do me a favour?"

"Do you know that you are beautiful?" Naruto quickly changed the subject with swiftness and talent. The Death Knight wrapped his arms around her waist before embracing her passionately and lovingly. Although Hinata smiled at his actions, she knew was he was trying to do. After married with him for so long, that was how Naruto avoided tough situations such as disagreements so they both start off at a good ground. However, that was always how he switched the topic of making love to something else each time. The difference between each time was that he used alternate praises, and being someone that was good with words, Naruto complimented her with much variety during their marriage.

"I know I am beautiful," she stated not to be proud of herself, but to tell her husband that she knew she was splendid in his eyes. She wouldn't falter that easily, and looking at him with desire and want proved that his tactics failed. "But I still want you to do me a favour."

"Like what?" It was coming, he knew it was.

"Can we make love?" Yep, there it was. The demon hunter looked around, he wanted to sigh when he noticed that no one was here. It would be quite embarrassing to have some nobody hearing about their private life. In addition, almost every male pervert in Konoha wanted Hinata. Her beauty was a deliberate statement of lust and desire, Naruto wouldn't want to put it like that, but males found the Hyuga heiress to be just too gorgeous. Beautiful visage, sizeable breasts, slender waist and body, tall –she was only 66 inches tall though-, legs that showed wonders, no wonder she made men lust. This applied to Sakura, Rin, Tenten, and Ino as well. They could not keep their eyes off her despite a death sentence was put onto them. Yet, what made Naruto felt like a true winner was that she wanted no one but him.

"Here?" he questioned her doubtfully. "I mean… this is the encampment, not our house you know."

She smiled a seductive grin as her hands grabbed his collar before pulling his head inches away from hers. "We do have our own private sectors, Naruto," she told him, kissing his forehead and cheeks, "We could do it there." She even nibbled his lips to escalate her hidden charm; a seductive heiress was someone to be vigilant of.

"We will see…" said the Death Knight not truly giving in yet. "I'm not in the best mood right now."

"Really?" she asked him worriedly as she felt his head. "Are you going to be okay?"

"I will," he told her, rest assured. "Hey, I will see what I can do." Nodding happily like a child receiving their very first chocolate bar, Naruto took his wife's hand before leading her to a private spot –more or less their temporary room. To make it more affectionate, he swooped her up into his arms before giving her a full passionate kiss. Being Hinata, who loved emotional affection, did not do anything else but to accept it gratefully. A cute smile never left her when she took the initiative to kiss him back. However, worry for their son did not leave their minds for one second, the duo truly hoped everything was going to be fine.

In spite that they would want the best for Shani, it was up to the little Death Knight to overcome this emotional conflict. All his parents could do now was wait.

(Meanwhile at another sector of the Konoha encampment)

"Yamase-chan," called Shani as he knocked at her door. He knew she was inside since he saw Neji and Tenten coming out moments before. "Are you there?"

"Shani-chan?" the little Hyuga girl asked from behind the door in her cute voice, "Is that you?"

"Yeah…" He wanted his words to be few. "May I come in?"

"Sure!" she said delightedly. The young Death Knight hesitated as he turned the knob, judging from his knowledge, Yamase was never this enthusiastic in front of him. In all honesty, not stuttering was a problem. Regardless of whatever the cause, he had to deal with it and face it. Once he fully opened the door, cold sweat dripped down his neck and to his back when he saw a smile on Yamase's face. It wasn't any regular smile, it contained a fusion of timidity, lovingness, gladness, and seductiveness. What in blazes was going on?

"Hello…" Shani greeted humbly despite he was someone from the Main House.

"Hello, Shani-chan!" Yamase leaped off the bed she was on before taking him to an embrace. Again, this was something she rarely did to him. From as far as he could remember, wasn't he the one that always took the initiative to hug her, and then she would have the minimal courage to actually move her arms to embrace him back. "It's so good to see you."

"Good to see you too, Yamase-chan…" he said back, taking her a foot away from him, but she chose to snuggle close to enjoy his warmth. Why was she being so affectionate? No expert or genius were needed to figure out something was clearly amiss.

"Come sit here with me," the Hyuga girl told him sweetly as she patted on the seat beside her. Shani felt dreadfully frightened when that spot was on the bed. He looked at the mattress, then at her, and that welcoming smile did not disappear from her face. Swallowing insignificantly due to nervousness, the Death Knight slowly sat onto the designated spot, but a deep chill seared through his body when the blanket made in contact with his broken pants. What was causing all of this to happen?

"Yamase-chan," called Shani, knowing that he came here with a purpose to get everything over with. "I…"

"Shani-chan," she interrupted with a voice that was covered with delight. She never cut in before like this, but to the very least, the usual pink shades were still on her pretty cheeks. Despite that, he was feeling kind of weird. "I wrote you a poem… I hope you like it…"

"There was no need for you to write me a poem, Yamase-chan," he told her with a sweat coming down his neck to his back before continuing the last part with dread, "Especially if it's a love poem…" Although his cousin did blush hearing the words love poem, she giggled. In all honesty, after teasing her about crushes before when he was a kid, she was able to take on the issue of romance as if it was fun and rewarding. He remembered his uncle leaving the room before he came in, what on earth did Neji tell her?

"What makes you think it's a love poem, Shani-chan?" the future Hyuga Branch leader questioned with a cute chuckle. Shani was dumbfounded.

"It isn't?" He could've sworn it was.

"Of course it isn't," she stated as-a-matter-of-factly, "Read it." And he did. (AN: I did not write this poem but try out this small game if you must!)

A funny old lady said this to me
I fell in a snowdrift in June said she

I went to a ballgame out in the sea

I saw a jellyfish float up in a tree
I saw some gum in a cup of tea
I stirred my cream with a big brass key
I opened my door on my bended knee
I beg your pardon for this said he
But 'tis true when told as it ought to be
'Tis a puzzle in punctuation you see

"I don't get this…" said Shani although he was a sharp young boy, "Punctuation… this poem doesn't even make sense!" When he looked at Yamase again, she was giggling like how she would be with Kagari. His sister always had fun with his cousin, and deep down, he was envying the fact that Kagari had more results than he did with someone he deeply cared for. Knowing that this was the girl that he was engaged to, he didn't know if he should felt dreadful or cherish her pleasant laughter. One thing was for certain, however, was his nervousness was starting to get to him.

His heart was burning somehow, and his mind could not fully think straight. Luckily, he could still handle it -hopefully. Shani nearly gasped as his heart suddenly used much more strength to pump blood. If it was that noticeable, Shani could not imagine what was truly wrong, but yet he just thought maybe he was too tired. Yeah, maybe that was it, his body must've been too drained for him to be still up, but that didn't explain the fact why he mind was so out of it.

The only possible solution for him was to sleep right after this, most injuries and energy depletion could be dealt with after one night's sleep. Shani soon clutched his head hard with his right hand, wondering why his mind was running through no man's land in an idiotic manner, why couldn't he get fully focussed? He immediately dedicated himself to leave this room right after he was done with this.

"Shani-chan?" asked Yamase, taking in his hand with her own. "You seem troubled, is anything wrong?"

He failed to notice her touches, but he still blushed when his eyes saw her hand above his. When her fingers found the way inside the gaps between each of his fingers, his heart suddenly burned. Shani could tell his mind was weakened drastically, and somehow he felt his blood was being purged by something else… it felt evil, and not to mention overwhelming. If anything emotional ignited between now and his time to exit this room, he didn't know how he would take it.

"Nothing…" he managed to say as he tried to remember why he was here. "Yamase-chan…"

"What?"

"I didn't come here to read your poems…" she seemed hurt by his comment, yet she still smiled… quite a lonely one. "No… I don't mean that your poems are no good, I am grateful and happy that you wrote them for me… Ever since you were little, I knew you had talent in art whether it was visual or poetic. I really do think so." Shani grinned when the expression of her smile brightened, and his grin gotten a little better when she blushed like before. "However… that's not what I came here for…"

"I figured that you would say that…" she sadly said. Shani jolted insignificantly at her response. "You came for the engagement, right?"

"Yeah…"

"What is Shani-chan's answer about the engagement? Do you want to marry me?"

"I don't know!" yelled the Death Knight as the pain increased in his heart. A dangerous pain pounded in his temple despite the situation, and he wasn't liking it one bit. He had to remain calm, or the girl would fear him for who knew how long. "What about you? Don't you have your opinions about this? The Hyuga clan, the Main House, is relinquishing your freedom, you don't have to sacrificing it by shackling yourself to those fools! If they are forcing you to marry me, Yamase-chan, you can reject, you have every goddamn reason to object! I don't want you to do something that you don't want to do, and I will do everything within my ability to make you a free girl. You are my cousin and-"

"Shani-chan," she interjected despite that he wasn't done, "What makes you think that I am forced to do this?" The Death Knight froze immediately.

"What did you say?"

"I don't feel forced, Shani-chan."

"Do you have any idea of what you are even saying, Yamase?" questioned the Forbidden child in absolute disbelief while his hand clasped his heart secretively. Somehow, anger was carried in his voice. "This is marriage, not some child's play marriage where we pretend that we are all lovey-dovey and then we say goodbye and see each other the next day. This is the real deal that requires true love to maintain, and this is what we goddamn lack. Don't think this as a game, this proposal would do nothing but screw our relations to a state where it becomes fully… fully… I don't know, it ruins all we have developed as relatives!"

"We will learn to love another, Shani-chan," Yamase justified, still standing her ground, "I know we can."

"If your words are powered due to the clan's expectations, I don't want to hear it. If you are completely forced to do this, then I won't take away your future. I'm sure that's the best for you." Just as Shani took in some air after his outburst, he flinched when he found his cousin was crying. Tears dropped one by one slowly, but Shani could detect that she was holding all of them in. The Death Knight truly believed that she was ordered to say what she said, there was no way Yamase would want to be engaged like this. She was crying because if she didn't obey the rules, she would be tortured or disciplined… how dare the Hyuga clan put physical threats on young, innocent, pure girls like Yamase!

The bottom line was this was unforgivable!

For his loving cousin's sake, Shani would demand to change all this absurdity –or to the least die trying. However, he did not know half of it. He bid a small farewell kindly before slowly turning around, heading toward the door. At the moment, the little Hyuga girl did not move from her spot yet, she was still trying to cry, but she stopped when she heard Shani turning the doorknob.

At that point, she couldn't hold it any longer.

Without thinking, the Hyuga girl dashed from behind him before slamming his front to the wall and her front body making full contact with his rear and back. Yamase snaked her arms around his body as her head rested on his back to inhale his scent. Her hands then pulled his body back just a little bit, therefore, he could feel her developing breasts fully. Shani soon froze when he her moan, but he really wanted to die when her cheeks started rubbing against his upper spinal area.

"Shani-chan…" she groaned pleasantly as her body's warmth increased coordinating with Shani's.

"Yamase-chan…"

"Don't leave me all alone…"

"Yamase-chan," choked the Death Knight as her hands starting to feel his body. At the same time, his head and heart suddenly felt like an ignition just happened. "If you… if you continue this… I might lose it…"

"It doesn't matter, Shani-chan," she told him, rest assured, "I don't mind if it's with you…"

"How could you say that…" Shani groaned as his tolerance level was taken to the test. "Are you sure…"

"I've never been so sure at anything else in life when I was told that I was going to be your fiancee and future wife." She said it so sincerely, terribly wholeheartedly, and it was then the Forbidden child simply stiffened up to a degree where it could be considered solidification. No, that couldn't be.

"Don't tell me…" Shani said as she turned him around, the smile on her face was very lonely and desperate. From what his insights could gather at the moment, he figured he was the only person to cure it. If that was the case, could it be that she liked him more than a sister? "You want to get married with me?" He face drained of all life when she nodded and kissed him on the cheek like always. "How?"

"Because… I love you, Shani-chan," the Hyuga girl told him at last with a faint red shade covering her cheeks. She was not stuttering anymore ever since this engagement thing was given, could he had missed this fact, did he fail to realize her feelings sooner? "I've loved you for a very long time."

"I love you, too, Yamase-chan…" the Death Knight halted when her finger pressed onto his lips. His right eye widened with surprise.

"Not like that, Shani-chan," the future Branch family leader hushed him momentarily with a gentle, serene tone. When she gave him another heart-warming smile –which she learned from her aunt, Hinata-, the Death Knight couldn't help but blush slightly. His hand twitched when she pushed herself towards him again, forcing him to feel more of her body. "I don't love you like that… can't you see that I love you romantically?"

This time, he felt that his heart had fully stopped, but not without a devouring sensation going through his entire system.

"What…" he asked dreadfully. By the time that he made that question, he found out that he was already on the bed with his cousin on top of him. Yamase's legs trapped him in the center, thus, he could not break free despite she wasn't actually holding him. This position, no doubt, was nothing innocent. Her feminine lips were dying to take his mouth for a blissful kiss. Shani easily assumed it for Kagari always kissed him like that, but of course lacking this seductiveness and desires.

"I love you, Shani-chan," she moaned, tilting her head slightly to the left so she did not need to touch the silver hair that was on his left face. Yamase knew how upset Shani could be if that bang was moved, how she sympathized him for living with such a curse. She would do anything to make him feel loved, even greater than the care Kagari, Hinata, -and especially Umi- could give. Yamase felt victorious at last. "Don't tell me that you don't like me, not even a little."

"Yamase…"

"I know you love me like how you love Kagari-chan," she said with a little regret as she pecked his right cheek before resting her head above his, making full eye contact. "But… can't you take a chance and try to love me more than a sister when I love you so much?" Without wasting haste, she moved her face downward before stopping centimetres above his. If either of them moved just a little bit, their lips would make union, and much temptation was present when both adolescents could feel each other's warm breath. Even after an entire day, Yamase's breath was soft and carrying a sweet fragrance of jasmine. "Shani-chan…"

"But…"

"Do whatever you want with me. Take me…"

Whether Shani considered it an intrusion of death, or a rescue of hope, someone at that instant flung the door open. When she saw the very corrupted position that Yamase and Shani were in, she screamed with an accusing finger. "You!" the intruder, who was a girl, shouted with jealousy and rage, "Get off Shani-kun, now!"

"Umi-chan!" gasped the half-awake Death Knight as he awkwardly shifted out of Yamase's affectionate lock. It wasn't a surprise that Shani's cheeks were flushing up.

"Uchiha Umi!" Yamase retorted back angrily for the first time anyone had seen her, "Don't you know privacy when you see it?"

"Why would I stand still when you try to seduce Shani-kun!" objected the pink-raven haired Uchiha girl, "It is not like he's your boyfriend!"

"I know, he's not my boyfriend. Umi, Shani-chan is my fiancee! The Hyuga clan had proposed that I should marry Shani-chan." The Uchiha girl stood deadly still, her face just froze as if a cold wave of blizzard washed by. Did she just hear right? Was the word fiancee just mentioned? Shani being engaged to Yamase… Umi could not believe this, this was an outrage! She didn't even confess to the Uzumaki Death Knight yet, and now he was already taken? She would not back down without putting up a decent fight, there was no way in hell Umi would simply allow this to happen, nor would she accept it gracefully.

"Is this true, Shani-kun…?" the Uchiha girl inquired as her voice gradually fell with every passing word that came out of her lips. Those emerald green eyes of hers, they were flooded with tears that desired to fall, but Umi would not simply show her weak traits to the broad daylight –especially not her rival, Hyuga Yamase.

When Shani nodded slowly, Umi totally lost it. Her jealousy, envy, rage, surprise, stun, emotional hurt, disbelief, affection all exploded in a torrential cleanse. In simpler terms, she screamed at the top of her lungs before dashing out of the room blindly. When Shani took a small inspection at the ground at his position, he obviously knew Umi ran away crying badly.

"Umi-chan!" shouted Shani as he leaped off the bed, "Wait!" It was rude to simply leave Yamase there without saying a word, but the Death Knight could not bare to see his good friend acting in the manner that he witnessed seconds ago. He did not understand why Umi turned like that, why was she so shocked to hear the engagement news? It did not fully matter now, all the Forbidden child was thinking of was to find her and make things well again despite that he had no idea to patch the wounds.

"Go away!" Uchiha Umi protested as she continued to run without looking back. "Go back to your Yamase-chan, you don't care about Umi!"

Shani was grunting exasperatedly. "How could you say that, Umi?" he called as his pace slowed down due to the pain in his heart, "Why do you think that I don't care about you? You are one of the most important people I know in my life!"

"Liar!" Her tears seamed out of her eyelids once more before soaking the ground, "I was never that important to you! I was so worried about you each time you went out there to fight, and all you say is don't worry each time! I want to see you safe, I fear that I cannot see Shani-kun again, and then you go around making engagements without me knowing! Have you thought about me?"

"You think I want this to happen?" he argued as he forced his legs to move faster. "Even so, why can't you just wish us the best of luck? You should know that this marriage is based on obligation rather than affection… and Yamase… she loves me… I can't just leave her like this!"

"Do you think that she is the only girl that loves you?" Umi shouted back with no means to slow down. The Death Knight's right eye immediately opened in spite of energy drainage and pain. What was she saying? "Have you considered my feelings, Shani-kun?"

To his surprised, she actually stopped running.

Shani panted heavily as his mind finally had an intention to slow down. Once he actually stopped, a tremendous sensation of relief and relaxation washed over his senses. He didn't believe how tiring it truly was… who knew how blasted far he was from Yamase's room at this point. However, he had greater things to solve. What on earth did Umi mean when she said her feelings?

"Umi-chan…"

The Uchiha girl carefully took a step closer to him, and as she outstretched her hands, she pulled him in into an embrace –a very loving embrace. "Shani-kun… answer me this… When Yamase asked you to be engaged with her… or vice versa, I don't know, but have you ever considered that your decision might be hurting someone?"

"Umi-chan… what are you…"

"How do you think I would feel? Do you think that I want Shani-kun to just leave me forever when I wanted to show you so many things that I would only share with you? I don't want our friendship to be so short lived…"

The Death Knight only chose to reason with her. "But, regardless of what happens, I am still-"

"My friend?" she asked sadly, "I don't want you to be just my friend, Shani-kun, I want our relationship to be further than that."

"Umi-chan… you don't mean that…"

"Yes, Shani-chan, it's exactly what you think it is," A woman's intuition was certainly powerful. The Death Knight cold sweated when her arms strengthened their current embrace, he even felt warm when he could sense her body heat so evidently. Uchiha Umi was gorgeous. "Uchiha Umi loves you. I am in love with you."

For the second time today, Shani's heart shattered with pain. All sorts of logic, rationality vanished, only the torment and agony remained.

"Love me…?" he choked although he was hurting all over. His blood was purged and hot, his body was gradually losing it while some other demonic presence -that was not Forbidden- played with his mind, threatening him to lose everything within. Shani really wanted to give up, but he refused to be this vulnerable. "No… you, too?"

"I love you, Shani-kun," Umi repeated again and again. "I love you so much. Please, don't marry Yamase without trying to know me more."

"Yamaro… Umi…" the Death Knight warned her weakly as he clutched his hand dreadfully. The pain was overwhelming, the emotional crushing was too difficult to ignore at this point. He even tried turning away to remain sane, but the Uchiha girl failed to realize what was happening. From her perspective, she just thought Shani was trying to ignore her genuine love and escape. Being a Uchiha and Haruno was troublesome at times, Umi had a lot of persistence and endurance in her blood. Obviously, she tried harder for him to notice.

However, before she made her attempt, her eyes widened with fear and ignorance when the Death Knight suddenly cackled like a maniac. Insanity covered every aspect. Umi knew Shani for all her life, and he had never lost himself before. From what she could gather, her friend appeared to be on drugs but now the side effects were kicking in due to the lack of it. It was then when she found his right hand holding his heart too hard.

"Shani-kun!" she screamed with terror as his right eye turned bloody red. Sweat consumed his face, and with that laughing visage, he looked like a real monstrosity. Although Shani was not transforming into anything, the pink-raven haired Uchiha squeaked when Shani suddenly outstretched his devil wings –it nearly cut her arm off. At this stage, he looked like a crazed demon. Umi did not know what to do, there weren't too many options for her to choose from. One, she could run away to get help. Two, stay here and help him to the best of her ability. After confessing her feelings, there was no way she could ditch him. Despite her courage, she gasped loudly when the Death Knight pushed her away –hard.

"Get away…" he hissed while he crouched hesitantly. His mind appeared to be devoured, the Uchiha girl was deeply afraid; afraid of his safety, and very frightened about her own life. "Get away…" Although Shani really wanted to keep his control, his hand moved on its own before aiming his palm right at Umi. Once Shani tried to fight this unknown corruption, the Forbidden child wheezed one last time before he fully lost himself. Suddenly, there was no more reluctance in his movements, and he no longer appeared to be hesitating.

"Shani…"

"Fire." Shani said in the coldest voice possible.

"Stop it, Shani-sama!" a young woman's voice came from afar before she swooped down and grabbed Umi away as Shani fired. The Uchiha girl truly thought that she was dead, she was seriously afraid to open her eyes. Yet, when she felt that a pair of arms were holding her, she turned around and gazed upward to see who it was. No doubt, Umi was surprised at who her saviour was.

"Chaos-chan!" the Uchiha girl announced happily, but that was short lived when she looked down at Shani.

"You okay, Umi-san?" asked the demon lady, Kagari's beautiful spiritual master.

"Chaos-chan, what are you doing here?"

"Kagari-sama was worried about her oni-chan… you know, the engagement thing. She wanted me to comfort him in any means possible if anything happened… damn, who knew this is what really happened. How can I tell Kagari-sama?"

"What's happening to Shani-kun, Chaos-chan?"

"Demonic corruption."

Umi was shocked. "What? How could Shani-kun… no, that's not possible…"

"That was what Kagari-sama was worried about the entire time. Shani-sama was already exhausted when he came back, and he could not take on news that may be tremendously drastic to him. People with demonic blood… rather, the demonic attributes in his blood would always try to take over his humanity despite what age it may be, and if Shani-sama does not have enough control mentally, the demonic corruption could easily play their games before taking more of his humanity away. Damn… at a time like this…"

"Chaos-chan…"

"This happened to Naruto-sama as well… but he was older and wiser back then, and he still had some control… Shani-sama might be unpredictable, as he is dangerous…"

"No…"

"This is one of the side effects that may happen when the demonic traits take over a certain percentage of his blood… it wouldn't kill him though. All this would do is just make him lose all sort of logic, emotions, memory and other humane personalities, and temporary turn him into a killing machine until his body gets used to it. I am more than sure that he may not even know us right now. Umi-san, don't blame Shani-sama if he may attack us." Umi felt her heart was broken into shards and fragments. Chaos obviously did not like elaborating any of this especially when her brother was still trapped within that engine of destruction down below. "Kuso…"

"Go away, go away!" screamed the young Uzumaki Death Knight as he wailed in a frenzy. Without warning, a flare fired from his palm, and it nearly struck Chaos' shoulder. Luckily, the demon lady was swift and graceful, but she could not depend on that to guarantee her safety. He was frantic and wild, Chaos had no idea how to stop him without actually damaging him in any way. "Chaos-chan… go away… stay away from me!"

He's trying to fight it…

"Umi-san," warned the demon lady in a whisper to the young girl in her arms, "Hang on." After giving those instructions, Chaos glided back quickly as the dangerous aura thickened.

In one maniacal screech –with his right eye displaying insanity- he violently yanked his scythe before swiping out a long beam sickle to the rooftop. The blade made one deadly clean cut through the concrete, but the hole was not large enough yet. It was then when Shani ferociously fired two Death Coils to decay the rock ceiling. What stunned the girls were that his attack nearly disintegrated the roof, they never knew the famous Uzumaki technique had that much power. Chaos gritted her teeth at the new demonic powers that were risen, who knew what sorts of damage Shani would do now.

The Death Knight laughed as the opening became wide enough for him to fly out, and obviously he did not falter one bit before opening his wings fully. Chaos and Umi watched helplessly when he twirled while he soared, even his basic movements told everyone that he was insane and illogical. Once Shani made it outside, he suddenly lusted for blood. The sharp pain again exploded in his heart, Shani clutched it hard as he no longer had the common sense to flinch. Instead, he was cackling to satisfy himself.

At that point, he did not know where he was nor did he care. To cure the pain in the only way he knew how, he laughed again as he flew at a random direction. What he failed to notice was that he was going towards the northwest location. Giving another laugh of craziness, he gasped and screeched as he detected that his humanity was dropping to fatal stages and still continuing to decrease. Shani, at this point, still flew with no place to go. Once the searing wretched burn shot through his systems another time, he howled piercingly before he half laughed half screamed.

I am… I am… I must kill… Nothing else will do! Must find… fresh blood… kill!

"Hey, there he is!" alerted a Konoha chunnin –who was patrolling around town as scouts- to his other two comrades, "He's that guy that came out from the explosion at the encampment!"

"Isn't he a Uzumaki?" asked the Captain of the platoon.

"He's that Death Knight child!"

"What the hell is he doing out here?" questioned the third man in the team.

"Hey, he broke out of there, should we capture him?"

Their conversation was cut short when Shani suddenly appeared right in the center of them before he hacked those chunnins in half using one swipe. Swinging his blade again, this time their heads were chopped off. Their rain of blood splashed all over his head to toe, still it was not satisfying at all. These weaklings only served as an appetizer, they were hardly a challenge. To the least, he could've hear them suffer, yet, it happened so quickly that they did not have the time to scream their torment. It would've been fulfilling to hear it, but yet taking these lives did not make him feel complete.

He wanted more… he hadn't had enough yet!

Back at base, Chaos and Umi told Kagari, Hinata, Asuran, and Naruto what happened to the young Death Knight. Hearing upon this tragic event, Hinata broke down completely before fainting.

(Time passes. At the vicinity where the Three were hiding out, 23km west of Konoha)

Tayuya, Jiroubo, and Kidoumaru needed their rest, but at the same time, they waited for daybreak so they could commence their slaughter. How they were so anxious to have their decisive action, and they truly deserved it after their endless patience. Nonetheless, they needed to wait, and to kill time, the boys chose to listen to Tayuya's melodious serenade. Such a beautiful voice, if she actually had a real life instead of being a weapon, maybe she would be a wonderful teacher or nurturer for the young. The arachnid shinobi listened with his eyes closed the entire time, enjoying each speck of it knowing that his comrade would not sing too often. Jiroubo merely sat behind her, but of course, he was also cherishing each moment of it.

However, her singing was ended abruptly as soon as they detected a massive chakra signature in the skies. Although they had no eyes of the Byakugan, Sharingan, or the Unholy Sight, but being living weapons, they were trained to have perfect identifying abilities. Reading chakra signatures was child's play. What surprised them was that who could be out here at a time like this? Their watch said that it was at least some time after midnight, and it wasn't likely that any shinobis in Konoha would come out this far without any backup.

One phrase would describe such a fool; they were complaining that their lives were too long, and forcefully shortening it was the best choice.

Whoever this was, he sure had some guts to come out alone. At that moment, Tayuya looked up to the left skies, and her eyes cringed with excitement when she saw a figure with large, pitch black archfiend wings heading their way quickly. They only knew one person who had that, it must've been that demonic Death Knight, Uzumaki Shani. Did it truly matter why he was out here? Clearly, it was definitely not when Akira's orders were to kill or capture him.

"It's him." Tayuya told her comrades as she stood up next to a stump. She twirled her hands a little bit to warm it up, she wanted all the time in the world to get herself completely ready. They knew Shani could not fully see them if they were melded in the shadows, and they intended to keep it that way until they prepared an ambush.

"Really…" said Kidoumaru, a smirk ceaselessly plastered on his wretched face. "But there is only one of them though."

"Whatever," said Jiroubo, licking his lips as he cracked a several knuckles as well, "Let's deal with him quickly then, shall we?" Given a nod from the two of his subordinates, the leader of the squad quickly projected himself to the skies with Tayuya and Kidoumaru soaring along with him. Oblivious to them, the Death Knight was here to kill, and the three served as a perfect feast to feast off from. As Shani saw his victims up front, he flared up his now bloody red eyes, his mouth formed a dark, sinister grin before charging up chakra in his system. How convenient of them to show up to save him the trouble of bothersome searching; he had to thank them to make his life that much easier. Logic clearly was not something in his movements, and it only proved that he would become totally wild in a matter of moments if they lingered too long.

"Let's go!" ordered Jiroubo as he stretched out his hands and fired a concentrated beam right at the Death Knight. Giving a smirk, Shani facilely moved away making the attack completely useless –firewood gathering was another thing however. The Three flinched noticeably at his movements; he dodged it way too easily as if it was nothing at all. Something was different about him tonight, yet they couldn't fully grasp it. "He's fast…"

The arachnid sharpshooter and the Sound girl quickly decided to engage Shani in melee combat, and not wasting any time, the duo gathered their chakra to their entire body before they rushed at Shani with utmost hostility. Tayuya had pulled her trident back where as Kidoumaru had his three right arms blasting webs, hoping to catch his enemy. Like before, Shani uncaringly twisted and turned as each web was so close at sticking on his body, Kidoumaru's eyes showed nothing but stun when the Death Knight charged past him but not without a knee jamming into his gut. Of course, Kidoumaru coughed with pain, but not to a degree that he would vomit.

"Kuso!" Kidoumaru cried while coughing. Tayuya grimaced at this situation, but it would take light years for her to back down.

Tayuya instantly came down from above emitting a battle cry, yet the Death Knight sneered cockily before halting. Therefore, the girl slashed nothing but air, and her attack again was a dead miss when she struck horizontally. He moved up just a little in less than a blink, and what ticked the girl off badly was that he wasn't even trying! Just as she wanted to kick his disgusting confident visage, Shani instantly disappeared before appearing again ten meters above her.

"Kono…" cursed Kidoumaru as rage took over his logic, he then even shook a slightly while anger boiled inside. "What the hell is up with this guy!"

"How would I know…" replied Tayuya coldly as she charged upward to chase the Death Knight. As a frenzied cackle –something that was more frightening than anything Tayuya had heard in her life- escaped the demon child's lips, Shani struck back with a punch aimed for the face. Luckily for her, she stopped her rush and moved back, yet she knew that was too close for comfort. Once she actually took one good look at him, her face nearly paled at the lustful expression he contained. It didn't want sex… it wanted death… she could read him like a book.

"Aren't we supposed to bring him back to Akira-sama in one piece!" yelled Kidoumaru inquiringly as he flew to his position using the quickest speed he could muster from his body.

"I guess we could kill half of it…" The squad leader said back silently with eyes flinched at caution. Something just wasn't right, and Shani showing up alone was already weird enough.

Without any instructions from Jiroubo, Tayuya quickly flew to the left leaving Kidoumaru and Jiroubo alone. Despite that she was planning something on her own, Kidoumaru only thought she was breaking up the formation to strike. Under these circumstances, a broken formation only meant one step closer to doom.

"Hey, Tayuya!" the spider freak turned his head, and yelled harshly at his teammate –who practically ditched them. "Kuso… that damned bitch!" Without any warning, Kidoumaru quickly whipped his spherical smasher at Shani, hoping to strike his back. Much to his disbelief, the Death Knight shifted again, and the weapon did not even make a scrape as it zoomed by. That frustrated Kidoumaru to no end before he and Jiroubo practically surrounded him by encircling skillfully. Shani grunted with annoyance as those bastards became unquestionably disturbing, and not only were they unpredictable, they were doing quite a marvelous job at pissing him off.

"Let's get him without Tayuya!" shouted Jiroubo energetically from behind Shani as a minor distraction. Once Shani took out his scythe in an attack position to strike the fat elite, his senses noticed the spherical breaker was coming at him at the right -fast.

Crap.

He was tricked! Not wasting any more of his time, the crazed young demon hastily glided back while firing a series of Mana Flares hoping to alter the course of the wired cannon ball. Little did he know, the spherical breaker –and the wire- was coating with an anti-chakra coating where it had the capability of deflecting beams. With no luck in sight –and the breaker was travelling faster than his glide-, Shani had no choice but to defend it by knocking it away with his long blade.

As a result, Jiroubo –who did not expect this- was struck by the spherical breaker at the gut.

"Hey!" the squad leader yelled, raw fury covered every corner of his tone, "What the damn hell was that!"

"You're the idiot for standing there! Learn how to move, baka!" Kidoumaru yelled back as he reached a distance away from Shani before shower him with a rain of venomous webs. "I'll kill you this time, kono-yaro!" Showers came down like a waterfall, and the Death Knight narrowed his visible right eye as his arms immediately tightened his grip onto the scythe. Just inches before the arts of entanglement struck him, Shani forced himself to the maximum as he barely had enough time to form a Mana Shield. Even so, the force and power of Kidoumaru's assault pushed him downward further than expected.

During this confusion, Jiroubo took this perfect opportunity to chain.

"Eat it!" Jiroubo screamed with chakra generated in his legs, attempting to make a devastating stomp that could tear off limbs due to the heat. A loud searing clash of chakra mixtures could be heard as he stomped on the highly fortified shield, but yet it did not seem to crack. Just seconds before Shani lustful smile changed into a grimace of hate, Jiroubo stomped again before shattering the shield into shards of useless energy. Henceforth, Jiroubo finally dealt some great damage. His fears came to reality when someone forcefully made a death grip on his leg, he wanted to scream with pain but he was silenced when he heard an insane cry, and soon a spearhead plowed through his stomach.

"Jiroubo!" cried the arachnid male in the air frantically.

"You afraid?" questioned Shani, speaking for the first time. "Don't worry, he's still alive."

"What…" Kidoumaru then saw his comrade disappearing into a cloud of smoke. "The Replacement Technique? No way…" Suddenly, the real Sound nin appeared right next to him, but judging from his breathing, he knew that was just way too close. If Shani assaulted one second earlier, he really would've been a goner.

"Damn you!" cursed Jiroubo as he generated enough chakra in his palm to make a bomb. "You dare to take me that lightly!" Obviously, he showed no hesitation when he whipped it at Shani. Once again, the Death Knight escaped it with ease as he soared into the skies, but he would give credit to the bomb for making such a significant explosion. Taking his scythe into a striking stance, Shani leveled it above his head as he instantaneously appeared right in front of Jiroubo without any provocation. In other words, the chubby ninja was screwed.

"Teme!" a scream abruptly came from the rear. Fury was all that yelled held, it wasn't amazingly hard to figure out. "Obliterate!" In that clumsy posture, Shani had no chance to defend or move away, and the spherical breaker smashed cleanly at his spine, knocking him off course rolling away without any control. No doubt the demon knight gasped painfully, whether he was crazed or not, pain was pain. However, due to his state of corruption, Shani did not gasp though, instead, he was laughing like a maniac.

"He seems to like the damage…" Jiroubo stated, amazed.

"This guy keeps getting weirder and weirder each time."

"Yeah…" The squad leader soon blasted another wave at Shani, but only to be slashed and nullified before the Death Knight gained flight towards his location. Jiroubo gasped with fear as the demon's speed continued to increase with each passing millisecond, and within one second, he was already in front of him while still plastering his face with that hateful grin. Pulling the scythe above his head, he slashed. In one swipe, Shani made one long, deep cut in his chest, and another kick into the face only served as utmost satisfaction.

Kidoumaru, on the other hand, found it as an action of scorning. He swooped downward rashly before yelling at the top of his lungs to commence his onslaught.

"Bastard!" Kidoumaru shouted from below while gathering chakra into his mouth for a burst. He looked down for one second so Shani would not be able to see what was hidden within, yet the demon child positively had knowledge that he was planning something. In all honesty, no one had the time to look down during a fight –especially when their life was on the line. "Poison Cobweb!" A corrosive blast of poison blasted from the small gap of his mouth as he looked upward again before the beam formed into a wider cone. Anything in its path would instantly turn into decay if it made contact. To be precise, it was powerful enough to melt metal.

Kidoumaru scoffed cockily as Shani was consumed in it, but he soon stopped when he saw someone within it coming straight at him with some sort of magic deflectors with unknown powers. He safely assumed that shield itself required much energies to form, and even though he added more power to his blast, it was still utterly useless. Needless to say, Kidoumaru was too shocked to move. However, once seeing the demonic scythe slashing in from the left, Kidoumaru quickly forced himself to lower his head to preserve his life, but it was not good enough to evade the kick that crushed his face.

"Kuso!" the Sound arachnid archer cried painfully as he descended due to force.

Falling downward in a quick pace, the spider shinobi immediately used his right arms and shot out three webs by preparing to throw Shani down by using gravity and thrust. Much to his disbelief, once his webs were centimeters from sticking onto the reflectors, Kidoumaru couldn't grasp what happened when those webs actually moved away on its own as if the shield was magnetic. Not only did his attempt fail; he was still falling fast! Having no other choice, he had to fly -but not without seeing what the Death Knight was attempting to perform from above.

Kidoumaru knew that unique seal… that was Asuran's Dragon Fire no jutsu seal… this was bad indeed. Asuran was powerful, but his aim was not perfect. However, this was Shani, he had to be extra cautious.

Out of the blue, a cold blast of lightning came from a distance in a curve. Shani only knew one other person who could curve their beams, and that was no other than Tayuya. Immediately, the Death Knight collected a portion of his chakra before forming a reflector on his left, thus the plasma attacks was blocked successfully. Much to his disbelief, another one of her bursts came from the front, and in spite of how badly he wanted to get out of that situation, he had to defend. Like the previous scenario, his Different Dimension Reflectors effortlessly deflected the beam.

Needless to say, Tayuya was outraged and very discouraged.

Seeing that his Dragon Fire no Jutsu was cancelled by disruption of other nuisances, Shani –with pure frustration and lust- flew off for the girl. Noticing that her opponent had instantly switched targets, the flute musician had no other options but to hold him off alone. Immediately increasing her guard, she blasted him without any hesitation or half-heartedness. Shani only guffawed as he slanted to evade her minor onslaught. At the same time, the spider abomination finally regained his composure, and he thanked Tayuya for rescuing him so far. Although Kidoumaru was saved, that didn't go the same for Tayuya.

Fueled with agitation and hate, Tayuya engaged her hateful enemy with no intentions to back down. She slashed, swiped, scratched, kicked, punched, scraped, lashed, and nothing was hitting him. She didn't believe it, nor did she ever want to. He was so different from yesterday, and it freaked her out inside, but with obvious reasons she would never show it. The flute musician yelled in pain as the Death Knight used his elbow and rammed into her chest, and soon she wanted to vomit when his palm used a Jyuuken on her chin. With just one strike, she felt her system was disrupted.

Fortunately, Shani did not succeed to strike her chakra system since her trident blocked her body.

"He's a Hyuga, Tayuya!" warned Kidoumaru as he twirled evasively before lashing out his spike breaker at Shani's chest. Again, it smashed effectively against him, and fortunately for the Sound members, the bashing strength caused Shani to be shot back somewhat in a stun.

This guys… kuso!

The Death Knight's firm posture was ungracefully lost while giving Tayuya some time to recover. Although Kidoumaru told her about the Hyuga fact, the Sound girl did not know what kind of blasphemy he was talking about. Moreover, his words dissolved before it reached her ears. As a matter of fact, she didn't give a damn who he was, she would take him down regardless –moreover, she would wish that she had listened earlier.

"I don't give a fuck, Kidoumaru!" she retorted rudely as she charged up for her plasma lightning and fired in a cunning curve. She winced when Shani flew away with the beam just almost brushed his arm off, how did he come around this soon after the shock? It was three on one and they weren't even winning! She didn't like this; and Tayuya was utmost convinced that her comrades weren't relishing this either. Groaning with irritation, she recklessly fired her energy flares continuously while not once considering her own chakra problems and capacity. Capacity wasn't much of an issue, she had plenty of chakra to spare, but she couldn't help but grunt and whine when her attacks –despite how tricky and cunning- weren't hitting at all.

"Calm down, Tayuya!" ordered Jiroubo as he landed on ground before hurling a small boulder at the swift Death Knight. After sensing a hostile aura from the ground, Shani glided as the rock whizzed by him giving off a cool night breeze. That did not stop Jiroubo from trying a second time though, but his eyes bulged when the outcome of his next attempt was a beam scythe dividing the rock cleanly into halves.

"Bastard, bastard, bastard!" the Sound girl cursed numerous of times as she fired again with her trident. She could not help herself but to feel mad seeing her enemy enjoying this so much. They were elites, and this was such a deliberate insult to their skills and rank. Her body temperatures rose within her, and it merely agitated her greatly. "Why won't you die!" In absolute outrage, the Sound girl –while lacking all means of self control- now bent every single one of her beams as she fired. It zoomed by Shani up and down; from the side; from behind; from above and below; from the front; and each escaped blast frustrated her further and further. Her eyes displayed pure hate, veins now developed on her temple, hands, and wrists, and not to mention all sorts of rational thinking were vanishing quickly.

A preposterous Tayuya was one bitch that should be dealt with by all means necessary.

Shani was more or less amused at this counter attack. Was she trying to show her cunning abilities, or was she just being reckless. Reckless was more like it when her energy streams were flying all over the place, and Shani saw that some of them nearly struck her comrades. Having an enemy that would destroy his enemies willingly… who needed friends? Although that may be true, the young Death Knight had to praise that she had very good accuracy for he did quite a bit of defending –some of it even struck him hard despite his constant movements. Even so, it would take more than that to take him down, and judging from Kidoumaru's face, Shani could tell he was agitated to a high degree.

At that moment, Shani flashed a profound smirk when he blocked another assault using a Mana Shield. If that was considered a deathblow, they had a long way to go before they could take him out of the game.

"Watch it, Tayuya!" warned Jiroubo halting as one of her beams rushed by from above. If that ray struck his head, his life would've ended.

"What the hell are you doing, baka!" the spider monstrosity demanding a justifiable reason from her. Weren't allies supposed to help each other? Why was she trying to take him out as well?

Tayuya was too acrimonious to listen. Their sentences and voices became nothing more than screeches that she wanted to block off. "Shut up!" the girl thundered furiously as she powered her trident once more before unleashing one of her deathblow attacks that had the strength to electrocute anything beyond expectations.

This time, however, when the beam got real close, the Death Knight pulled his scythe back as he destroyed it by shattering it in one single counter. All too easy, as Shani would comment. It all happened in one split second, that was definitely not something fortunate. Admirable, yes, but advantageous… no. Tayuya watched in fear as he charged at her without wasting haste, Shani was ready to eradicate.

(At that instant)

Someone was already prepared without Shani's knowledge. "Let's go!" Kidoumaru suddenly shouted from higher altitude, coming from nowhere, "Take this!"

Spinning his spherical breaker quickly to achieve smashing strength before fully slamming it at Shani's wings. The arachnid male cursed when his attack did nothing –or nearly nothing. He realized it when the moonlight actually radiated off his pitch-black wings, it meant that the density was incredibly resistant. Kidoumaru wouldn't lie if he said everything about Shani pissed them off.

"You gotta do better," said Shani with silent mockery. "I'm over here."

"Shut up, you!"

Knowing that if he didn't go all out now, all three of them may not see daylights again. Doing what was wise, the spider Sound nin pulled out his own specialized tanned kunais –which looked like it was forged with wood- with his six arms before whipping them as suppressing fire. His attacks didn't end there for he continued to throw madly; numbers were the only thing that may make that Death Knight not able to escape.

The next flash of events was pure astonishment to the Three when Shani decided to actually fight it head on, and in addition, he performed a distinct attack that only members with his blood could use. "Jyukken…" the Forbidden child murmured before activating his Byakugan in his uncorrupted eye, "Divination Field 64 Strikes." Putting his scythe away into his back, a very immensely condensed green chakra field with the Yin and Yang symbol could be seen around Shani like an aura. Surely, the Three had no goddamn idea of what that was. At minimum, they were certain it was definitely hostile. Their puzzlement continued to increase when the demon child formed this suspicious stance.

Despite that weird attack stance, that certainly did not stop Kidoumaru from whipping kunais. Like Shani, he was very obstinate, and he was not someone who knew how to forfeit that simply. "Die!"

The kunais were close, and yet that blasted demonic devil was floating there in his stance with his eyes closed! Kidoumaru, Tayuya, and Jiroubo's faces grew anxiously as the blades were about to hit crucial spots. However, Shani's right eye immediately flared up. "2 strikes!" shouted the Death Knight as two daggers exploded when he stabbed it with his chakra generated fingers, "4 strikes!" This time four kunais shattered within a time that was within the one second mark. His hands were moving like magic, and Three knew their odds diminished further. Anyone knew if they were the ones that were being stabbed, they would pray to Kami-sama and attend church every Sunday if they lived. "8-Strikes!" 8 daggers this time were destroyed.

"Help me, damn it!" ordered Kidoumaru seeing his attempts were futile unless some assistance was given. Despite how troublesome it may be, the other two forced themselves to work like a team. They had one common goal, and that was to take Shani down. However, they did not understand why this demon was this powerful. Rather, how was he getting all his strength from?

Was that why Akira wanted to capture it?

"Choke on this!" Jiroubo taunted as he and Tayuya selected all the ninja tools they had on them before lashing all of them at Shani in a fashion similar to a legion. A nobody or a rookie would be killed without doubt, there was no way to come out of it alive even with incredible agility or attack rate. Oblivious to the Three, this was just child's play compared to the Death Knight.

"I'm not hungry," said Shani before shattering the next thirty two kunais that wastefully approached him. He grinned anxiously as the eye of the storm was heading his way, this would indeed be utmost entertaining. "Divination Field 64 Strikes!" As soon as his hands stabbed like lightning, 64 of the first weapons ignited into bits. The Three now really wanted to flinch, but they had no time to do so when the divine field symbol miraculously increased its size while revealing another set of foreign descriptions.

Whatever this was, it was not showing promises of weakness.

"Divination Field…" said Shani while still striking all the incoming weapons at the best of his ability. The numbers were limitless, and in truth, he was actually having a hard time defending himself. "128 strikes!" Those words echoed in the Sound Three's ears like a roar or sting before the young Death Knight immediately destroyed the line of suppressing fire by sundering all the weapons into fragments of uselessness. Once effective tools were now considered trash, and what intrigued Shani ecstatically was that it all happened in a matter of seconds.

What a waste, what a pity.

The winged demon had used up enough of his time on these guys, it was finally time to do what he initially came for… kill them for their blood.

Taking out one of his many knives in his belt, Shani purged it with a dark chakra before tossing it like a boomerang at Tayuya. In a desperate attempt to defend herself, the girl hurriedly made a small chakra shield with her left hand hoping to block that devious Shadow Strike. She wanted to squeak when the beam knife made a clean cut on her shield -nearly penetrating it and hacking off her hand- but it was then when she really should have been screaming when Shani suddenly appeared 18 inches before her.

Laughing at her misfortune and disadvantage, Shani performed one snappy slash forcefully before breaking her trident in two.

To make things worse, the winged devil then leveled his foot before rushing it to her stomach, and in perfect coordination, the Forbidden child swiftly pushed his palm into her breasts before blasting her with a few Mana Burns. In a mere second, most of her chakra was burned away and used against her. Bolts of torment purged her systems immediately, and now she was more or less defenseless.

In one loud airy wheeze, the Sound girl had her head down with no power whatsoever to continue battling.

Jiroubo was outraged. "Tayuya!" He detected limited energies were still left in her. "Damn…" Signaling to Kidoumaru quickly, the arachnid subordinate obediently dived down with his leader hoping to rescue their comrade that was in Shani's grasp. Just as Kidoumaru wanted to whip his weapon, he immediately slowed down when he noticed a palm was aiming right at them.

Not even taking a glimpse –he was still looking at the girl-, Shani delivered a downpour of Mana Burns upward to the other two as a gift. Jiroubo was struck bad in the arms and legs, but fortunately, his didn't suffer from high chakra disruption. Kidoumaru quickly stopped his body from descending painfully before lengthening his spherical breaker wire, and he spun the weapon in a rapid whirl repeatedly to defend.

The beams were all deflected with ease as a result.

Kidoumaru had to thank the person who invented anti-chakra coating, he strongly believed now that the inventor was a genius.

Whether the Mana Burns killed off the opposing forces or not, it gave Shani the time to prepare. Plowing his palm into Tayuya's face, Shani blasted her with an igniting force that sent her soaring into the distance. He almost felt sorry for her, what a pity that he couldn't taste her precious blood. That only meant he had to treasure the other two just a little bit more.

One down… two to go.

"Later." That was all the Uzumaki warrior said as Tayuya's screams became fainter and fainter. This was no joke, if Tayuya hit ground now, she would easily be killed.

"Tayuya!" Jiroubo yelled helplessly when he realized that he had failed to help her.

"Damn it!" cried Kidoumaru before lashing out his spider webs recklessly. Despite how hard Shani's devil wings may be, webs could still stick into it without a hassle. The spider freak cackled sinisterly when his webs glued onto the devil's back. "I got you, bastard!"

"What?" Shani asked himself rhetorically before being pull down powerfully and practically slammed into a tree trunk with his spine making the impact first. Needless to say, that was not too welcoming. In addition, Jiroubo immediately took this opportunity and raced at full speed towards the defenseless Forbidden child, and in less than one second –knowing what kind of insane agility Shani may have if he arrived the slightest bit late- the chubby leader struck the demon's face with an uppercut. A stream of blood trailed as he soared to the skies. Once Shani was in the air again, Kidoumaru immediately engaged him instead of looking for Tayuya.

It wasn't like Kidoumaru didn't care for his comrade. On the contrary, he was concerned. However, she was an elite, and in theory, she should be able to take care of herself. Moreover, if he left Jiroubo to deal with this disgusting, despicable, frightening monstrosity alone, the next time Kidoumaru would see him again would be at his funeral –provided that Shani did not kill him now.

"Watch out…" the raiding shinobi hissed tauntingly as he surrounded the Death Knight in a form of chaotic puzzlement. Shani obviously grunted at Kidoumaru's speed, but not before he found him taking out his bow, pulling back and screaming in a mad yell. "Kill!"

During that confusion, the insect monstrosity drew back and fired with his crossbow and four-foot long arrow. Knowing what kind of piercing strength Kidoumaru's assault contained, Shani –although frenzied- quickly made an evasion as the arrow zoomed by his head by a miss of a mere inch. Kidoumaru might be furious, but he had persistent and endurance. If his arrows did not work, he would try something different, and so he lashed out his spherical breaker. Kidoumaru cheered to himself as the weapon struck Shani's back hard, yet he recoiled when Shani's use of Phase Shift completely rendered the attack useless.

At the same time, the squad leader leaped to the air with the required amount of chakra needed to fire. Once he positioned himself in a short distance, he unleashed his own plasma beam identical to Tayuya's –the only difference would be that it did not curve, but it was even more concentrated.

There was no way the Forbidden child would take hits from that. Gathering all possible insights and knowledge, Shani assumed that the cannon beam could easily tear off his flesh. Otherwise, he could've merely countered it. His Byakugan never lied. Immediately twirling and shifting without thinking –or rather demanding his body to move-, Shani cringed his eye when he felt the heat of it. He wanted to refocus despite his dangerous state, moreover, he found it impossible when he detected a presence diving down from behind.

"Damn you!" howled Kidoumaru coming down in a plunge hurriedly while blasting webs and rays regardless if they hit. Although Shani may have escaped the beams, he certainly did not evade the swinging kick collision that jammed his ribs. Kidoumaru laughed victoriously as he glided off, leaving Shani to die in his teammate's hands.

"Kuso!" cursed Shani, wincing in agony while his hands gripped his now nearly broken ribs.

"Get back on ground, Jiroubo!" said the spider archer, making a turn with his hand containing enough chakra. "I'll distract him!"

"What?" questioned the leader.

"Just do it!"

"Roger." Jiroubo said back before landing back to the forests to provide covering fire. He watched Kidoumaru closely with no carelessness, he just hoped that his comrade could buy enough time like planned.

On ground, the squad leader did as he was told and tried his best to support his friend. However, Jiroubo was having a difficult time trying to fulfill his end of the bargain. He of course wanted to finish things off with a full blast, yet he lacked the necessary timing and space when Kidoumaru kept coming in from random directions. Each time he was about to fire, Kidoumaru would whiz right by, thus screwing up his opportunities and timing. If he kept this up, he wouldn't be a useful support attacker, he would be a sitting duck until Shani came for him.

"Move it, Kidoumaru!" Jiroubo scolded with frustration dripping from his tone. His friend was not pleased to hear it, how dare he complain about his judgments in combat? What was he trying to do, screw them both over? If the leader had some wits, Kidoumaru advised him to shut up.

"Sheesh, do you want to capture this guy or what?" the insect-like Sound nin countered before changing his flying stance into like a bird's. "Watch this." Generating more chakra into his free hands, Kidoumaru grinned to himself before a small energy blade came out of his hands like a small claw. Not liking this one bit, the Death Knight activated his deflector by performing a swipe using his left hand. In one swooping dive, Kidoumaru crashed into Shani's Different Dimension Reflector with full intensity before utilizing the reflective force of the reflector to propel him back into the air.

Long story short, although Kidoumaru did not inflict any damage, the main purpose was to force Shani to falter, and he noticed his plan was a success when the demon's defense was lost. Also, the boy was falling with no means to help himself.

Now was the ideal time to give back some rightful resistance.

"Take this!" shouted Jiroubo, firing his plasma at full blast when he saw a clear opening. As of result, Shani was shot. No jokes, no escape, and he was hit directly at the chest area. The critical blast was devastatingly hot, and the arachnid male felt the pain by being a tad bit too close. Giving everything he had within his drained body, Kidoumaru quickly glided back without second thoughts.

Just to make sure Shani was suffering, Kidoumaru prepared his own little scheme. His face clearly showed detesting hatred when he saw the Death Knight was actually blocking Jiroubo's plasma with his bare hands. Although he was struggling, that demon bastard was actually standing his ground! He was retaliating to survive; blood soaked his fingers as the heat nearly dissolved the skin; the wave itself was now affecting his flesh; Shani was dying. Using every possible ounce of strength he may still have, the Death Knight slowly managed to create a small barrier around his hands. Despite the size, it was sufficient enough to keep his hands in tact, but yet Shani knew better than to delay.

Meanwhile, Kidoumaru could see that his enemy was holding on, and without some assistance Jiroubo's attack may be in vain. This guy was really testing his tolerance, as he would say, and he had been alive for too long. How dare he humiliate them and expect to get out of all this in one piece? As long as Kidoumaru was still drawing air from this existence, he sworn to make Shani's life increasingly tormenting –or at least die trying. If help was what his leader needed, then aid would be delivered.

"Demon!" Kidoumaru declared in a huff as he yanked out his bow arduously before arming. "Back down!" Not even considering the outcomes of this, the insect specialist powered his arrows with burning chakra before shooting out three of them rashly. The shots used a lot of resistance; therefore, the speeds were at the extreme. His aim was marvelous despite his awkward position, and the outcome was the three arrows rushed through Shani's right shoulder along with a rainfall of blood coming shortly after.

No geniuses were needed to understand that tearing flesh wounds were no laughing matter.

"Such an annoying bastard!" the squad leader roared as he continued his assault by firing a plasma beam. This time it was not aimed for Shani's chest, but for his left devil wing. Once the dangerous attack struck the target, it instantly plowed through the wing like Styrofoam (In some cases, some may regard it as shearing). Shani felt a part of himself was torn apart.

No doubt the Death Knight was now at the verge of death despite his strength. In just three blows, the game turned completely around.

To Shani's discomfort, the arachnid male also decided charged up chakra… but this time, it was in his mouth. "Teme!" In one loud yell, Kidoumaru fired his own plasma cannon right at the helpless Death Knight without any regrets or guilt. Hell, he felt nothing whatsoever when his fired his beam at Shani's face. The young demon wanted to yell, but all it came out was in a cackle and laughter. One thing was for certain though, the burning feeling surged through his entire system. He felt his face was melting within the beam, and he certainly knew this blast was shooting him out of the sky. He had no strength to retaliate, he could barely open his eyes now, yet at the same time it was when he was finally starting to wake up from all this.

Shani desired to scream when all was lost.

If it was his time to leave this place, then let it be. Kami-sama must've had a reason for his life to end, and Shani wanted to end it as well for he could not accept reality any longer. If he lived, he would need to deal with Yamase and Umi, and if he perished now, peace would finally come after living twelve pitiful years. Closing his eyes, he accepted defeat and death. Just as he wanted everything to end, his wishes were not granted when his body twirled around with his face meeting the moon.

Suddenly, the Death Knight howled completely agonized when his back ignited and massive burning sensations shortly followed. Unknown to Shani, the explosion forcefully shaved off his right wing. The force was so great that it increased the soaring speeds. After thirty seconds of unwanted sailing in the skies and flying to somewhere completely unknown, everything that went up must come to a drop. When Shani hit ground –or at least he thought he did-, the Death Knight cried while blood flooded in his mouth. The pain was beyond tolerable when his body was bent to a sideway frown. He actually hit a ten feet tall small cliff, and his spine and back struck the ledge fully. It felt like something dense jamming into his nervous system, and he immediately went into a stage of unconsciousness as his body slowly slipped off before hitting the grass with a loud, helpless thump.

(Meanwhile)

Kidoumaru sneered devilishly as he cancelled his mouth cannon, and soon, he cackled with utmost satisfaction escaping his lips. To express his happiness further, he was making a very cheesy dance –which Tayuya would've whacked him if she saw such disgracefulness.

"We got him!" cheered the spider freak, punching his fist victoriously. "We actually got him!"

"That doesn't mean that he is dead, you know," corrected Jiroubo having some doubts.

"What are you talking about, baka?" he slapped his leader's back a several times with each hit harder than the last. "You saw what happened! You shot him, I cracked his shoulder blades off, you shaved off his wings, then I shot him in the face, and then I blasted his back! He's gotta be dead now." Jiroubo flinched at his teammate's confidence and judgment.

"Maybe… but…"

"No buts, fearless leader," interrupted Kidoumaru while not taking any no(s) for an answer. In reality, he didn't want his moment ruined. "If his body his in tact, he would be killed by internal damage. Trust me on this one, no one survives against my mouth plasma."

"Except me, Tayuya, Akira-sama, that sannin bastard, and Kimimaro, right?" Kidoumaru merely nodded with his usual cocky smirk, "Well, I still have some doubts about this… maybe we should've killed him by beheading him…" The arachnid male did not seem to pleased as Jiroubo continued to speak of uncertainties. "Hey, what about Tayuya? We should look for her…"

"She should be okay… knowing her… she is an elite like us after all."

"Even so, she-"

"Despite how much you want to look for her now, it's pitch black out there and we can't see a goddamn thing. I want to look for her, too, but let's get real here; we may get lost going out at this hour. Besides, we need to eliminate the Sand's reinforcements first, or Orochimaru-sama would have our hides." Jiroubo cursed to himself hearing upon the Sound sannin's name. This issue was certainly a conflict between regulations and morality, but choosing to do what was moral may be worse than following the rules. Given some time to think, maybe Kidoumaru was right. Tayuya was strong and stubborn, and there were too many things that she wanted to do before her life ended, and knowing her, she had a powerful will to live. In addition, she was an elite like them, she wouldn't fall that easily.

"I guess so…" said Jiroubo somewhat more convinced, "We would look for her after our task is done… besides, we could always cover for her and lie about her absence during the mission."

"Precisely. Come on, we have to get back," Kidoumaru then turned around and glided off. "You coming?"

The leader followed suit hesitantly, he was still somewhat worried about his close comrade. "Yeah…"

(The next morning)

The sun shined brightly like any other morning, but no one was in a delightful mood. Naruto did not sleep last night, how could he when his wife practically cried herself to sleep? Sitting on the provided mattress that was given by this encampment, Naruto began to ponder about the events that happened yesterday negatively. The Death Knight did not even know how this could've happened, could it have been preventable? For now, what mattered was to get Hinata back on track, and he knew it would be terrifically difficult when the Hyuga heiress loved her children so much. Any misfortunes that happened to Shani or Kagari, Hinata would always be there for them as the emotional healer. What would an emotional do now if the person they cherished went MIA?

Deep down, Naruto felt useless.

The demon hunter had another issue to worry about, how was he supposed to cheer Kagari up? If he knew what happened, he safely presumed that his little girl also did not have a good rest despite Asuran being there for her. How he had to thank Asuran and Itachi a little later for their continuous support for his family.

Naruto rubbed Hinata's cheek just ever so lightly, and even if her lips did form a small smile due to comfort, the Death Knight easily detected the sadness and emptiness it held. He knew his lovely Hinata all too well not to know the difference in her smiles. When her brows twitched a little bit, Naruto quickly moved his hand away believing that he had woken her up. However, his heart sank when he heard her whispers, it truly wanted to force his inner despair to cry out.

"Shani-chan…" Hinata mumbled during her sleep as her pained tears seamed out of her eyelids. "Come back… don't leave kaa-chan… don't leave kaa-chan…" Involuntarily, her hand caught his tightly before she began to clutch hard. Naruto clearly knew what she was going through, and despite her nails sinking into his skin, he would allow it to happen if it made her feel better. "Shani-chan…"

"Hinata-chan," Naruto called seeing that his wife was starting to wake up.

"Naruto?" her voice was clogged and weak.

"Good morning, Hinata."

"Naruto?" Hinata's eyes watered once again and her lips trembled with sadness. It didn't take him long to figure out that she was about to cry. "Naruto…"

"Hinata-chan, come on…" the Death Knight encouraged her in a quiet voice as his arms looped around her to embrace. "Don't be like this… I'm here."

"Naruto… is Shani-chan back?" The demon hunter truly did not want to answer that question, it hurt him to think of Shani still being out at a place where not even Hinata's sight range could reach. "Naruto… tell me. Is Shani-chan back?"

"No…" he replied, looking away like he failed as a father, "Shani is not here…"

"Is he dead? Is my Shani-chan dead?" Oh, how close she was to make him cry with her.

"I don't know… but we can search for him, Hinata-chan, we can go out ourselves to look for him!" He was disgusted at himself for being such a bad liar. Although he believed that Shani was still alive, how long could he put up this calm act? In all honesty, he wanted to weep with his wife, he hadn't cried in a long while. However, if he started to break down, who would be there to comfort Hinata and Kagari? As a father, or a responsible individual of the family, he could not let his loved ones down. Who was he to talk, his son was out there and he was still here not leaving Shani all alone and scared. "Don't worry about anything, Hinata-chan, we will find him."

Of course Hinata agreed with what her husband said, but she didn't do it too gracefully when she practically wept for an hour before she actually had the strength to start her searching. Hinata and Naruto truly hoped that everything was going to be fine, and spreading out their wings from their backs, the two elite shinobis of Konoha flew towards the West Gate's direction knowing the east side headed out to the seas.

---

Elsewhere, Kidoumaru and Jiroubo were already awake after their short slumber. As expected, a large group of shinobis was heading from the west. Kidoumaru smirked seeing this, there were so many of them, and all of them appeared weak. What intrigued the two Sound nins was that the Kazekage was among them, this would prove interesting indeed. They wondered how strong the Kazkage was, and taking her life would be utmost rewarding.

Who said the ugly must envy the beautiful, Kidoumaru and Jiroubo would prove that remark wrong when they pummel Temari to the ground.

The situation's dangers increased another notch when Temari was essentially oblivious that assassins were hiding nearby.

---

(During this time)

Meanwhile, someone was starting to wake up at the northern parts of the forests that was at least 25 kilometers away from Konoha after a malicious night of chaos. Long explanation short, Hinata's Byakugan could not reach this area until she arrived. He tried moving his right hand, but he gasped when the pain in his shoulders still had not gone away. Fortunately, it was drastically better than last night when he got shot, and the burning sensation only meant that he was healing. He truly believed that a good night's sleep would cure anything, but it appeared that a demon's strength had its limits, just like he would not be able to regenerate an arm if it was hacked off.

Where the hell am I?

Shani's body was hurt all over, his left arm was weak; breathing made his chest ache; he figured out that his wings had retracted back inside to his body when he became unconscious, and when he attempted to stretch them out, he felt his bones were tearing apart. In other words, his wings were messed up until further notice or repaired. Yet, he did not open his eyes yet for sleep still lingered in his mind, at the same time, his face was feeling very comfortable.

Why did I do that… damn!

Regardless of his injuries, he knew he was smiling. He felt so secure, so safe, and he was warm. He figured a pair of arms were wrapped around him when his back clearly felt something was there. It was soft, and the lovingness of it sure made him believe that he was home… it reminded him of Hinata, his own mother. Also, this could be Yamase… or even Umi… he didn't know, but what he did know was that this sensation really made him believe that yesterdays onslaught and madness were nothing but a nightmare… a bad dream.

He moved his head a little closer comfortably until his entire face made contact with something incredibly soft. If this was his mother, he should not have touched her breasts yet, but also, the feeling of this was kind of peculiar. Shani was no pervert, but when Hinata gave him those big motherly hugs, she would frequently crush him into herself playfully and then coo him. So, needless to say, he knew his mother's delicate breasts –which a vast majority of men want to put their dirty hands on- and these were different. The Death Knight's face burned when the person's hands squeezed him harder.

His mind went to work immediately. He knew this could not be Tsubasa for she never held him this close ever. He quickly switched his targets to Umi or Yamase, but he safely assumed that none of them would make such a bold move. Was it his sister then? It certainly was like Kagari to pull of some of these stunts for she often sneaked into his bed during the night. When he woke up each time, his face would be kissing hers or he would be trapped in her luscious developing cleavage. However, come to think of it, this felt like an older woman's chest… and even without looking he could tell they were larger than Kagari's.

At that moment, Shani felt his face being pushed further into that incredible softness, and no doubt he could not breathe. He was suffocating with a face that was as red as a strawberry; partially it was due to timidity, but more so it was because of uneasiness. His demonic lungs were burning while lacking air as those hands tightened the embrace, making Shani more helpless. Despite how comfortable –or discomforting to a great degree-, the Death Knight needed his air, and more importantly, he needed to wake up.

Once he slowly opened his eyes, he blushed a deep, dark red when he saw his face was being smothered by a pair of breasts. However, fear came along when he saw the clothing. This girl was wearing a tight orange-red T-shirt underneath that outlined her bra-line finely. Judging from the pattern… Shani knew her lingerie was attractive. He cursed having to be babysitted by Kakashi one day recently, and that pervert did not cease telling him everything he knew about women. The masked jounin believed Shani was too collected and isolated, and his theory was that maybe women would lighten him up.

Sure, it lightened him up all right, it lightened him up indeed. All those lessons about controlling lust certainly came to good use. However, he only learned how to lose his control, and he should not hold back whatsoever if he wanted to terminate Kakashi. How deliciously evil and intriguing that was, and that so-called copy genius was fearing for his life that day. Shani had to give him credit for being called a genius, he was sure quick-witted when it came to running away and hiding. Was that really his father's sensei at one point? In addition, the side effect was that the pervert's words trapped into his deep sub-consciousness.

Just damn Kakashi and his corrupted ideals.

His right eye moved a bit to the side, he now jolted when he noticed that her outer shirt was actually torn apart in the middle by something at the chest area. His knowledge soon made him assume that the shirt was shaved off due to a beam, even cuts made by rocks or branches never had this kind of affect. Maybe that was why her undershirt was exposed that much, but his vigilance came back when he recalled this colour… it was beige, and a size or two too large for her. He knew this colour well; that was what those Three were wearing during the fights. Suddenly, Shani's face was drained of colour when he guessed who this person was.

It was no longer that hard now, there was only one girl in the Sound squad… he just hoped it wasn't true, it couldn't be! With fear as the driving force for him to peek up, Shani hesitantly moved upwards to see the person's face. First the stomach area, then her sizeable, attractive twins, her chest, neck… throat… lips… and lastly her entire visage. Nervousness continued its torment until the very end.

As soon as the young Death Knight met her face, he paled up when this person was really who he thought it was. It was indeed Tayuya, and she was sleeping serenely while pressing him to sink into her breasts further. Shani's wanted to faint and never wake up again. To the minimum, he would not look at breasts the same way.

One would assume that this was heaven –Kakashi would be the best candidate- and Shani was very sickened at himself for being in such a position. As far as he was concerned, this was Tayuya, his enemy that he wanted to kill for the betterment of Konoha. No, he backtracked a little bit more, the real question was that why the hell was she here? Why was she sleeping next to him? Why in bloody hell was she hugging him and forcing his face into her mounds of softness? Nothing made sense at all! However, what agitated him mostly was his reaction when he saw the girl was Tayuya.

Shani certainly knew his wasn't moving out of her grasp yet. He wasn't acting like himself, otherwise, he should have been free by now. Yet, Shani was still there, inhaling her sweet, womanly scent.

While arguing with himself, his right lavender eye moved up to her hair and closed eyes. The Death Knight cheeks burned again dangerously when he saw her without that android-like helmet. She had long, gorgeous strawberry blond hair that flowed peacefully; the smoothness rivaled his mother's hair, and also stood well against Chaos'. Each strand tempted his curiosity to touch it, and her skin was not pale, it was not dark, it suited her perfectly. With her hands snaking around his body, Shani could tell that her skin and hands were gentle and lovable. Nervously moving down his view, he shivered when he saw her sizeable chest, and a hidden emotion flared in him when he studied her desirable body. He felt this way when he met Chaos properly without her rage and hate, and Shani was certain that Kagari's demon master was the most beautiful demon he had ever met.

Shani knew he was staring the entire time, yet he didn't care, Tayuya was not awake after all. Watching a woman with such eyes was an act of shame, but his mind refused to cope with him despite his protests. He wanted to look at her, she was just so… she was so different, and Shani could not keep his eyes off her body that tested all his self control and tolerance. The Forbidden child then opened his eyes in realization, what the heck was he doing? This was an outrage; he couldn't be all soft and admiring –especially when this was his enemy. He commanded himself to get out of this awkward entanglement, but when he saw her sleeping face again, all the anger slowly drained itself away.

Shani did not believe at what he just did! He allowed his rage to vanish, why did he do it when he never showed mercy to anyone?

She beautiful… so beautiful…

What was that? He did not know how he could ever imagine such thoughts! No, Shani could not allow this to purge his mind, Tayuya was not beautiful, she was a member of the Sound, someone that he must kill, that was his goal when she survived after three engagements, and now with her displaying such weakness, Shani must destroy her!

Yet, I'm not doing a thing about it…

At this point, he was still in her embrace with his face still in contact with her breasts, he was allowing her to secure him more and more, and most importantly, Shani truly believed that she was the most beautiful girl he had seen. In addition, how was this gorgeous, loving girl be a member of the Sound? Wasn't her gentleness wasted? Shani could not help himself but to pity her despite he knew nothing about Tayuya.

Despite all this, the Death Knight was quite frightened when Tayuya actually woke up. If he knew women… what would a girl do when she found a male stranger's face in one of their forbidden areas? Somehow, Shani predicted the outcome would be chaotic, but his thoughts were cut short when Sound girl unintentionally hugged him even closer to her breasts again. His face carried another deep blush without question. Shani could not breathe once more, and the cause of it was the softest things on her body. So soft, so luscious, yet it was smothering him. He cried and shouted, but it came out as blocked muffles. He didn't dare to open his mouth to bite her, yet he knew air was not entering his system, and he was quite sure that she would not loosen her grip anytime soon. Once he lacked the air for the longest time possible, he closed his eyes while drifting back into unconsciousness.

Oblivious to the Forbidden child, Tayuya drifted her head towards his closer. Each time she was taking in a breath –with that serene smile- she would plant her lips on his forehead, giving him sweet, accidental kisses that threatened Shani to lose his cool. Her kisses matched her seductiveness terribly.

Being a passive individual, he seriously did not know if he should consider this heaven or living nightmare. All Shani could do now was cautiously preparing for the worst…

AN: Sorry to leave you all at another goddamn cliff that may be solved in the next month. Hey, this chapter was over 20 thousand words long, I have to end it or I might as well produce a novel in one chapter. One of the toughest chapters that I had to write, at first, I actually had trouble with all the fluff and crap. However, when I started reading Ichigo 100 the manga, all sorts of stuff came to mind. I would not list those, you guys should get the manga yourselves so you can be the judge. Nevertheless, this chapter was fun to write. I love Love-Triangles, but I think I like Love-Rectangles more. Oh, the complexities.

It would be a pleasure if you leave me a message, and I will see all of you guys next time. I don't think there is much meaning for me to linger here any longer than necessary. Like I said… the next chapter would be made in later this May, or the beginning of June. Believe, Realize, Reason requires my attention ASAP. Once again, I hope you liked this chapter of mine.