The Rise of a Warrior: Naruto: Shippuden

by The Legendary Dragon Reaper

Three years have come and gone, and while Tatsu and the ninja of the Hidden Leaf have grown stronger, they'll have a whole new group of enemies to face. The era of Team Dragon has arrived, but can they rise to the challenge? Sequel to the Rise of a Warrior: Naruto, second story in my Naruto trilogy. Please read each chapter until the end and check for notes.

9. Elemental Training, A Tragic Development

About a month had passed passed since the Tenchi Bridge mission and the Tsuchigumo Fury Jutsu mission.

Tatsu had been trying to teach Naruto to use the Elemental Rasengan while trying to enhance his own even further.

But none could expect the tragedy that was about to occur.

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Tatsu let out a sigh as he watched Naruto sleep in his hospital bed 'I told the idiot not to overdo it, and yet he still pushed himself so hard mastering those wind and water jutsu. Oh well, at least he got them down, but even with Kurama's chakra he'll still be out for at least another hour.'

"Oh yeah… that's it…"

'Now I've gotta deal with this idiot's porn dreams about- wait, who's he dreaming about?'

"Lower… lower… too low… right there…"

'Is he gonna give a name?'

"I want you to know…"

'What now?'

"I've always loved you…"

'Give a name…'

Then the door opened "Hey."

'SON OF A- What the hell you-" he paused "Oh hey Asuma, when'd you get back?"

"Just a little while ago, figured I'd come check in."

"You couldn't have waited another 10 seconds?"

"Well that's quite a warm welcome."

"Sorry, it's just that I heard Naruto having a sex dream and I thought I could get a name out of him."

"Well did you?"

"I was about to before you came in."

"Oh. Oops. Anyway, Hayate's looking for you. He wants you to meet him at the training grounds by the Memorial Stone."

"Okay thanks, and let me know if Naruto starts talking in his sleep again." and he left.

Asuma frowned and looked out the window 'While these two were gone and Kakashi was out of commission, Lady Tsunade sent me to rendezvous with Master Jiraiya in Kakashi's place. In that time, I confirmed that attacks on 7 different villages in 5 neighboring lands have been carried out by the same pair of shinobi. While there's been no incursion into the Land of Fire as of yet, we have to believe that it's only a matter of time before the Akatsuki assault the Leaf village.'

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Yugito, the Two-Tails jinchuuriki was struggling against Hidan and Kakuzu, at least until she allowed the Two-Tails to fully manifest.

The real battle was about to begin.

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Hayate looked at the sky above and frowned slightly 'This wind makes me feel uneasy. Something's gonna happen, something bad.'

"You called?"

Hayate looked to see Tatsu approach him 'Might as well tie up any loose ends while I have the chance. Yeah Tatsu, I did. I think it's finally time, I'm gonna give you your final exam." he took one of the swords from his back and tossed it.

Tatsu caught it "Really? You said I'd have to be 18 before I got my final kenjutsu exam."

"Yeah but things change, and you shouldn't question your master." Hayate drew his own sword and got into a kenjutsu stance "Remember, this is strictly swordsmanship. No ninjutsu allowed."

"Oh and you still get to use your Transparency Jutsu?"

"I'm the master here, what I say goes."

"Of course it does." Tatsu formed a hand seal "Crescent Moon Dance!" he summoned two clones and charged.

"Crescent Moon Dance!" Hayate countered with his own, cutting down one clone.

Tatsu had his clone cut down one of Hayate's clones while he got another, then clashed his sword against Hayate's "This brings me back, remember when you first started teaching me?"

"Like it was yesterday. To be honest, thinking about how strong you've grown since then is what inspired me to give you this final test, to see if you're worthy to strike out on your own. After all, you're already above me in rank." they broke away and clashed again "It's only right I confirm that you don't need me anymore."

"What?" Tatsu slashed at Hayate's legs.

Hayate dodged and leapt back up to a tree branch.

Tatsu landed on one opposite to him "Come on, don't be like that. No matter what your rank is, you're always going to be my master and that will never change."

Hayate smiled slightly "That means alot coming from my student." then he turned serious "Now come."

"Right!" Tatsu leapt into the air and formed a hand seal "Moonlit Night!" he spun his arm and sword in a circular motion, then charged.

"Secret Sword: Tsukikage!" Hayate blitzed forward and met his charge in mid air.

Tatsu landed on a branch and held the cut on his arm.

Hayate landed and held the wound on his chest "I knew you'd gotten better, but you'd improved more than I could've imagined." he sheathed his sword and returned to the ground "I've seen enough. You pass."

Tatsu landed on the ground in front of him "That's it? It was so short."

"The greatest battles aren't always the longest."

"Yeah I know, but you really saw everything you needed to that fast?"

"Yep." he wrapped Tatsu in a hug, catching him by surprise "You've really grown to be strong, I'm proud of you."

Tatsu slowly returned the hug "It's all thanks to you. You're the one who made me who I am today, I'll never forget that and I'll always be grateful to you."

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Kakashi raised an eyebrow "So you had your first wet dream?"

"Don't call it that you-" Naruto paused when he say Hayate come in "Oh hey Hayate-sensei, what's up?"

Hayate looked serious "I thought you'd be here Kakashi, I need to talk to you about something."

Kakashi blinked "Really?"

Then Hayate turned sheepish "Well if you've got a minute anyway. Oh hey Naruto, I brought you a little get well present." he held up a basket of apples.

"No no no!" Naruto started freaking out "No more apples! Not after that dream! Man, she's supposed to be the quiet one but in bed she's an animal.'

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Kakashi sat on a bench in the hall "So I hear you gave Tatsu his final exam."

Hayate nodded as he tossed Kakashi a soda "He passed with flying colors."

"I see. You must be proud."

"Very." he looked outside "Beautiful day."

"Yeah."

"Tatsu told me about the mission with Sasuke."

"I see."

"He and Naruto are coming along a lot better than anyone would've expected."

"Yeah I know, but Tatsu's still one step ahead. The next generation is growing up fast, they'll be leaving us in the dust before you know it."

"You make it sounds like we're all ready to pack it in already, like we're some old guys in our 50's."

Kakashi just chuckled.

"Still, their progress is good news for the Leaf. Those four have all done so much for the village."

"You mean those three and Lee?"

"Yeah, don't forget that Lee is the main reason we've got that trade agreement with the Hidden Waterfall."

"That's true." a brief pause "Well?"

"Well what?"

"What did you want to talk about?"

"Oh that." Hayate rubbed the back of his head "Well you see, the thing is…"

"There you are." that was when Yugao showed up "Just the man I was looking for."

"Hey Yugao, what's going on?" asked Kakashi.

"I just came here to find Hayate."

"...I see. So anyway Hayate, what was on your mind?"

Hayate shared a look with Yugao and blushed "Actually it's alright Kakashi, it's something minor and it's really not that important actually. No big deal, really. Well, see you later." and he left with Yugao.

'...Now he's really got me wondering.'

"Hey Kakashi." then Asuma came up to him "You got a minute?"

'And here we go again.'

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Despite having a rough time, Hidan defeated Yugito and captured the Two-Tails, with him and Kakuzu knowing that their next objective was clear as day.

The Land of Fire was their next target.

Once Zetsu arrived to take Yugito, Hidan and Kakuzu were on their way.

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Tatsu stood with Naruto at the training grounds "Alright, you sure you're up for this?"

Naruto nodded eagerly "You bet I am! So why are you making me learn all of these jutsu? When are we gonna get to the new awesome Rasengan?"

"Firstly, so you can explore your water nature to a greater extent, and so you get a better grasp of using your wind style chakra instead of Kurama's. Second, after one final test. You and me, one on one. No Kurama chakra, no Dragon Blade, no Genryu chakra, just our own power and our guts. You ready?"

"Hell yeah! Wind Style: Skybound Wind!" Naruto fired the Color Wind using his own chakra, turning it blue instead of red.

"Wind Style: Skybound Wind!" Tatsu ducked and countered Naruto's blast with his own.

Naruto leapt into the air and dodged it.

"Water Style: Liquid Bullet!" Tatsu shot out a blast of water from his mouth.

"Wind Style: Air Bullets!" Naruto countered the water blast with a wind blast, then landed back on the ground "Wind Style: Skybound Wind!" he fired another slash of wind from his fingertips.

Tatsu dodged it and got Naruto from behind, holding a kunai to the neck "You've improved. Not only that…" he looked to where a Shadow Clone held a kunai to his back "I think that's enough of a warm up, don't you? Now then, time for round 2." and he disappeared.

Naruto looked around, a Rasengan forming in his palm, trying to find Tatsu's location 'Right, above, left, behind, those all rule out. Same old trick. Below!" he slammed the Rasengan into the ground, rupturing it.

Tatsu emerged from the ground and appeared on the other side of it "Looks like your senses have sharpened."

"And you haven't learned any new tricks."

"Maybe not, but last time it took you and Sasuke together to beat me. Now I'm using the exact same tricks but seeing how you handle all by yourself without Sasuke to lean on. Anyway, you had your shot so now it's my turn."

"Wind Style: Great Breach!" Naruto breathed out a blast of wind.

'Dammit, he took advantage while I was talking!' Tatsu leapt out of the way and clashed against Naruto, kunai against kunai "Wind Style: Skybound Wind!" he fired a slash of wind from his fingertips.

Naruto dodged and leapt into the air "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" he summoned a barrage of clones.

"Leaf Dragon God!" Tatsu initiated the whirlwind, summoned the Leaf Dragon God, and annihilated every clone in an instant "And new rule: no Thousand Years of Death! This is a battle, not a rape."

"Dammit. Plan B!" Naruto charged from the bushes, a Rasengan aimed at Tatsu's back."

Tatsu slammed his hand down on Naruto's head, pushing himself up and out of the range of the attack, then kicked Naruto in the back of the head and landed back on the ground "So then, you had enough?"

"Not even close! Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto summoned hundreds of clones "Let's get him!" they all charged.

"You seem to be forgetting Naruto, I can do that too. Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Tatsu then formed his own massive army of clones, cancelling out Naruto's army.

"I should've figured as much, your chakra reserves always were unbelievable."

"Then how are you gonna like this one?" Tatsu leapt back and quickly blitzed through several hand seals "Fire Style: Crimson Dragon!" he breathed out a red fire dragon.

"Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!" Naruto unleashed a water dragon, countering it and creating a blast of steam.

Under the cover of the steam, Tatsu leapt back onto the nearby river and formed several hand seals "Water Style: Tsunami Dragon Barrage!" he unleashed several massive water dragons.

'Now's my chance to show my new jutsu!' Naruto formed several quick hand seals "Wind Style: Air Dragon Jutsu!" he breathed out a massive wind dragon, cancelling out the water dragons and sending both of them back.

Tatsu was sent skidding back across the river and stopped himself on the other side "Alright, I suppose we should finish this." a Rasengan began forming in his palm.

"I couldn't agree more." Naruto formed a Rasengan in his own hand.

"Come!" Tatsu charged.

"Right!" Naruto charged, meeting Tatsu at the center of the river, each Rasengan colliding and then dissipating, the collision forming a large crater in the river.

Tatsu exited his combat stance and let out a sigh "Alright, I'm satisfied."

"Already?"

"This was never meant to be a full scale battle, I just wanted to see what you were capable of without using Kurama's chakra. Frankly, right now you'd probably beat Asuma in a straight up fight as you are now."

"Why Asuma?"

"Because he's got a wind natura too, along with the same unique fire nature as the rest of the Sarutobi clan, and he's even got a lightning nature."

"So you taught him your Purple Thunder jutsu?"

"I taught him the principles. His chakra is different since he doesn't have a visual Kekkei Genkai like me or Sasuke, so his version is called Jade Thunder. He transfers the chakra into his chakra blades and basically stab people with lightning."

"Cool."

"Isn't it?"

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After scouring the Land of Fire for awhile, Hidan and Kakuzu reached the Fire Temple, with Kakuzu recognizing the head monk Chiriku as a member of the Guardian Shinobi 12 and wanted to claim the bounty on his head of 30 million.

Chiriku put up a strong fight, but in the end he was ultimately defeated and killed by Hidan.

After that, despite Hidan's complaining, Kakuzu set out to collect the bounty on Chiriku before they resumed their mission.

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Tatsu was walking through the village at sunset, his mind wandering 'Somehow I can't shake this feeling. Something's gonna happen. Something bad.'

"Well if isn't Tatsu."

He turned to see Mizuki "Oh hey Mizuki, been awhile."

"Yeah, not since I took the jonin exams. Iruka is still being stubborn about that."

"So you're out on the field again?"

"Yep, and it honestly feels pretty good. I finally get to punch things again."

"Right?"

"I will miss teaching though, my students have all turned out so well that it makes me proud to think I once taught you guys. Naruto's probably grown the most, even now he's tackling training no one else could even dream of."

"Get real, I did it before him."

"And it took you 2 years and a gigantic dragon to get it down."

"Touche."

"It's still amazing though, Naruto's so much stronger now."

"I know, at this point he'd probably beat Asuma in a straight up fight."

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About 2 more days went by, and a monk by the name of Sentoki had reached the Leaf Village to inform them of the Fire Temple's destruction.

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Tsunade frowned at what she heard "I see, they even got Chiriku."

Sentoki nodded "I was out on patrol when the temple was hit, by the time I got back they were all…"

"It has to be the Akatsuki." Shizune guessed "They're probably scouring every inch of the Land of Fire, hunting down all of the jinchuuriki. Finally, they've returned."

"And here they're going to stay." Tsunade decided "We have 20 new platoons ready, tell them they're a go."

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Within an hour, the 20 platoons were gathered.

One consisted of Hayate, Mizuki, Shikamaru and Zaku.

Another consisted of Asuma, Dosu, Choji, and Ino.

The others mean absolutely nothing.

"That's all I have to say." Tsunade finished explaining the situation "If anyone has any questions then now's the time."

Asuma held his hand up "Here."

"Asuma?"

"Chiriku is one of the Guardian Shinobi 12, they would've have to get past him. Was he not there or something?"

Tsunade looked down, then looked over to Sentoki and motioned for him to explain.

"Lord Chiriku faced the two Akatsuki all on his own, but they cut him down." Sentoki told him grimly.

Asuma froze 'Chiriku… no… it can't be…'

Tsunade gave him a moment to process before she spoke again "For the pride of the Hidden Leaf Village and above all the safety of the Land of Fire, we must not allow them to roam free. I want to learn what their motives are but we warned, these enemies are formidable. Do not allow them to leave the Land of Fire, if you cannot detain them then they are to be slain. That's it, you have your orders. Go!"

They all scattered, but Hayate stayed behind for a moment with his team.

"I said go!"

"I know, but first…" he held something out to her "If something should happen to me, please give this to Tatsu." then they took off.

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Hayate's team stopped on a rooftop and met with Asuma's group "Now then…"

"Right. We'll start at the Fire Temple and split up from there." Asuma decided.

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Tatsu paused when he sensed something 'Hayate-sensei, I don't know what's gonna happen but just please be careful. If anything happened to you, I don't know what I'd do.'

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Sunset came, and the teams made their way.

Shikamaru went up to Asuma "Hey Asuma-sensei."

"What is it?" asked Asuma.

"It sounded to me like you knew that Chiriku guy from the Fire Temple pretty well."

"That's right, didn't I ever tell you? I fought with him as a brother. Remember, I left the Leaf when I was younger and became a member of the Guardian Shinobi 12." then he suddenly turned serious "The temple's nearby, let's hurry."

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Nightfall came.

Tatsu stood in a crater, holding his wounded arm 'It's coming along, but it only works about half of the time. I've gotta get it up to at least ⅔ or I won't stand a chance next time the Akatsuki make their move.'

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Morning came.

Tsunade was getting various reports in the negative for tracking down the Akatsuki and was losing her temper fast.

And Hayate and Asuma's teams still had yet to report in from the Fire Temple.

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The groups stared at the ruined gates of the Fire Temple.

"What's this all about?" Shikamaru wondered out loud.

Then two monks, one young and one old, came up to them "You come from the Leaf Village, correct?"

Asuma and Hayate nodded "Yes, we have."

"I see. We were contacted by the monk who's been in your care."

"I see."

"Greetings to you all." said the old monk, Bansai "I am the head monk in charge of the Fire Temple. I had been away from the temple for quite some time, but when I'd heard what had happened I rushed back as quickly as I could." he and the other monk, Zenza, led the groups inside "It was a terrible sight indeed."

They looked around at hundreds of coffins lined up around the ruins.

"We asked the neighboring temples for help recovering the remains."

'This is horrible.' then Asuma spoke up "Excuse me sir, where's Chiriku?"

"Well actually, we've been unable to find Lord Chiriku's remains." Zenza told him.

"Well as much as I hate to bring this up, keep in mind that Chiriku does still have a bounty of 30 million on his head on the Black Market." Mizuki pointed out.

Asuma frowned "And if the Akatsuki knew then there's no doubt that they'd try to collect, so they probably took Chiriku's body with them. Where are the collection offices?"

"Let's see…" Zaku checked the map "Including the one closest to here, there are 5 in total."

Mizuki sent out some messenger birds "Now the other teams can head to the exchange points closest to them."

"Alright, let's hurry." Asuma started walking away.

"Please wait a moment, Lord Asuma Sarutobi." Bansai stopped him "For those of you who are about to enter a fight, allow me a moment to offer you a prayer. Please."

"It would be an honor." he and the rest hung their heads.

Bansai began praying.

Asuma had only one thought on his mind 'Chiriku…' he looked up ahead of him and noticed a silhouette of Chiriku standing in front of him 'Chiriku… I'm the only member of the Guardian Shinobi 12 left now… I wish we could've shared just one more of our bonlight talks. There were still so many things I wanted to talk to you about, things I wanted you to hear.

Bansai finished praying "Please be safe on your journey."

Asuma bowed "We cannot thank you enough. And sir, we'll do our best to find Chiriku."

"Please don't push things too far in your quest, as a former member of the Guardian Shinobi 12 you have a bounty on your head just like Chiriku. Please be careful."

"Well thank you, but you have no need to worry about me sir. You know the bounty on my head, it's 5 million more than his for a reason."

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Hidan and Kakuzu were heading to the bounty station when they ended up almost getting into a fight.

Hidan had attempted to discard Chiriku's body and continue looking for jinchuuriki, and Kakuzu warned Hidan that one day he would kill him since he found Hidan extremely annoying.

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As their group headed onwards, Hayate went over the mission plan with Asuma "My team will head to the exchange point and try to intercept."

"And my team will search within 20 kilometers of the exchange point in case your group doesn't find them." Asuma agreed "Just don't push yourself too hard."

"This is the Akatsuki we're dealing with, I can't afford that." a brief pause "If anything should happen to me, keep an eye on Tatsu for me will you?"

"Don't be like that, you'll make it out no sweat."

Hayate looked away 'Somehow, I can't say that's true.'

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Several of the other teams in the 20 platoons searched through various Akatsuki hideouts, but they found no signs of Hidan and Kakuzu.

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Training was coming along steadily.

Tatsu watched as Naruto attempted to learn the elemental Rasengan, using 50 Shadow Clones for each element, leading to a total of 150 Shadow Clones 'Combining the change in chakra nature with the change in chakra form for the Rasengan makes it an A-rank jutsu in difficulty, so adding a change in nature would probably make this an S-rank jutsu. Any higher and it'd have to be classified as forbidden. Jiraiya, Kakashi and even the Fourth Hokage couldn't add the change in chakra nature. From here on out I can't teach Naruto anything, he's gonna have to discover it on his own just like I did. But I have faith in Naruto's abilities, I truly believe that he is the only shinobi other than me who can surpass the Fourth Hokage.'

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Tsunade received a message from Asuma's and Hayate's teams in regards to the situation and their current plan.

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Shikamaru went up to Hayate "Hey Hayate-sensei."

"What's up?" asked Hayate.

"I was just wondering, what kind of relationship did Asuma have with this Chiriku guy?"

"What makes you ask something like that now of all times?"

"Well it's been 2 days since Asuma's last cigarette, and if a chain smoker like him suddenly quits cold turkey then I say something's up."

"Very observant, no wonder you're Asuma's favorite."

"No he's just getting soft since I can read someone like him so easily. Besides, when you play enough shogi with someone you learn how to read him like a book. In fact, I haven't seen him like this since the death of the Third Hokage."

"...As you know, Chiriku and Asuma were once part of the Guardian Shinobi 12 together. In a way, they were kind of like how you and Choji are."

"...Well knowing Asuma, he won't go without a smoke for long."

"You think so? Well that might've been true in the past, but I'm probably the only person who understands that Asuma didn't quit because of the death of Chiriku. Besides, these Akatsuki were strong enough to take out Chiriku so they must truly be powerful. Don't let your guard down, any of you."

"Right!" Shikamaru, Zaku and Mizuki chorused.

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Kakuzu and Hidan eventually reached the checkpoint and exchanged Chiriku's corpse, earning 30 million, and explained to a concerned collector about why Hidan was his partner, mainly due to the fact that Hidan couldn't be killed.

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"We're almost there." Zaku noted.

"Alright, stay sharp everyone." Hayate warned.

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While Naruto was struggling, Kurama's anger chakra was leaking out, but Yamato managed to suppress it.

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Hidan noticed someone come up behind him "Kakuzu, it took you long enough."

"Sorry to keep you waiting!" it was actually Mizuki, and he fired off some shuriken.

Hidan batted them away with his triple-bladed scythe but froze, then he looked up and realized that Shikamaru had trapped him 'Dammit!'

"Now!"

"Right!" Hayate suddenly appeared and stabbed Hidan with his sword, with Zaku getting the other side "That's one of them down."

"Ow that hurts, who are you people?" Hidan grumbled, unaffected.

Hayate froze, along with the others 'Where Zaku and I hit him, he shouldn't even be standing.'

"Quit sticking it in like that, I said knock it off. That hurts."

"What is this? Is he immortal?"

"Isn't that obvious you fool? Now then, once again, who are you people?"

'I guess this isn't going to be as easy as you thought. We are shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village, our orders are to capture or eliminate you Akatsuki. We already know you usually operate in pairs, my original idea was to eliminate you first and then capture the other, but I suppose that plan will have to change."

Shikamaru studied Hidan for a moment 'So this is the Akatsuki, his powers are incredible. My Shadow Stitching isn't going to be enough.'

Hidan chuckled "Not your lucky day, I'm afraid you chose the wrong one of us to start with."

"Your partner, where is he?" then Hayate looked up to see a loud crash "Shikamaru!"

"He's here!" Shikamaru emerged and started running, forcing him to let go of his jutsu and set Hidan free.

"You're mine." Kakuzu charged.

Hayate blitzed away from Hidan and appeared between Shikamaru and Kakuzu "Zaku, Mizuki, take formation!"

"Right!" they took formation around him.

'What should our next move be?'

Kakuzu recognized Hayate 'That fellow in front…. Well well, for once Hidan it looks like you struck gold."

Hidan retracted his scythe "Kakuzu just stay out of this alright? I want these three for my ritual, you can have them after."

"Very well, but don't get careless or you're finished."

"Knock it off will you?" Hidan then used his blood to draw a diagram on the ground "I wish someone would finish me already, but that's not possible."

'What's he doing with that diagram?' Shikamaru wondered.

"I'll attack him alone." Hayate decided "Try to trap Mr Immortal here with your Shadow Stitching, try to capture him even if it's only for a few seconds. That's all the time I need to land a finishing blow."

"This kind of move is crazy risky, one of us should go in with you."

"Don't you guys understand? This move is our only option."

'I've never seen Hayate like this, and from what Tatsu tells me he's never seen him like this either.'

"Look, the fact of the matter is that these two are stronger than I am. Zaku and Mizuki, provide Shikamaru with back up against the one in the mask."

"Now that we've seen the enemy's strength, wouldn't it be better for us to fall back and regroup?" Zaku suggested.

"We can't, there's no way they'll let us just turn around and walk away. If we don't stand and fight them here and now then we're finished and the Leaf will be in even greater danger. To penetrate the enemy's line, sometimes you have to make a bold move."

Shikamaru stared at Hayate and recalled a game of shogi with Asuma 'From what Tatsu told me, Hayate and Asuma are a lot alike in some ways. They both hate risky bold moves, like using the Climbing Silver strategy in Shogi. He's not seriously risking of sacrificing himself, is he? One of these guys has untold powers and abilities, the other is immortal. It's true that we don't stand much of a chance but still, for Hayate to make himself a sacrificial piece? In the Climbing Silver, you sacrifice a piece only when your opponent is so powerful that you have no other option, but which piece do you sacrifice? Zaku, Mizuki and I aren't strong enough to make such a move worthwhile. On the contrary, Hayate would be at an even greater disadvantage having to fight them while worrying about us. He's right, we'd all be finished. What's the best move then? Our opponent has major pieces on the board, in order to capture a major piece we need to draw him out by baiting a trap, but the bait has to be tempting enough to make him take the risk. We're not strong enough, not tempting enough, to act as bait. We can only fight with the pieces we've got right now. Climbing Silver, it's not a move that suits you."

"You don't have to worry, I'm not going to be the sacrificial piece. After all, I have you with me."

'I can't attack the major pieces and I'm useless as bait, well I can try and distract them I guess.'

"Have you finished strategizing yet?" Hidan ripped Zaku's tanto out of his side "What pests you guys are, poking me right and left. We have a way of punishing those who don't understand the pain of others."

'Now!' Hayate drew his sword and charged.

Hidan charged and clashed against Hayate using Zaku's sword, only to drop the sword once he had to dodge Shikamaru's shadow "That's a nifty little weapon you've got there." he leapt into the air to avoid the shadows and fired off some kunai.

Hayate deflected the kunai and dodged a blow from Hidan's scythe, forcing it to be driven into the ground.

Hidan pulled himself forward and saw Shikamaru's shadows approaching him 'I won't be caught by that.'

'I'll just keep on coming at you.' Hayata clashed against Hidan's scythe, skidding to a halt and being forced to one knee.

Hidan scowled, being forced to dodge Shikamaru's shadows.

'Yes that's it Shikamaru, as long as he's being forced to fight while watching out for your Shadow Stitching it lessens his advantage.'

Shikamaru took a breath 'It's working, my Shadow Stitching is throwing him off enough to give Hayate a chance. But what if this whole gambit is a mistake? I mean, what's the point of gaining the advantage when you're fighting against someone who's immortal when we've got limited chakra and only one life? Oh well, it's too late to think about it now. This fight doesn't really start until I grab him.'

"No you don't!" Hidan thrusted his scythe forward.

"No!" Hayate appeared and blocked Hidan's scythe with his sword, then kicked Hidan in the gut and sent him back.

'Dammit!'

"Hidan, don't underestimate them." Kakuzu warned.

"You stay out of it, just keep your mouth shut and watch."

'Now!' Hayate fired a volley of shuriken.

Hidan dodged.

Shikamaru attempted to get Hidan with his shadow 'So far the other guy really is staying out of it, but we can't depend on him to stay out of it forever.'

"You almost got him that time Shikamaru, keep it up." Zaku told him.

"Alright listen up, may need you guys to back me up alright?"

"No you don't!" Hidan quickly dodged the shadows "It's always the way with you non-believers, you're so desperate to escape your fate you choose the obvious line of attack!"

"Now!" Shikamaru gave the order, and both Hayate and Mizuki fired shuriken "You've got nowhere to run this time."

"Then I won't run, I guess I'll just take care of the weak ones first!" he drew his scythe from the ground and charged at Shikamaru and the others.

'No! Leave them alone, it's me you want!" Hayate charged at him, deflecting a kunai using his sword.

Hidan leapt over him and thrusted his scythe again.

Hayate stopped it, but received a light cut to the face.

Hidan then leapt off of the ground again, avoiding Shikamaru's shadow.

'Alright, if targeted attacks aren't going to be effective…'

Hidan licked the blood on the blade of his scythe.

"Ninja Art: Smokescreen Jutsu!" Hayate breathed out a smoke screen, engulfing Hidan, then formed a hand seal "Leaf Style: Crescent Moon Dance!" he summoned three clones 'It's too risky to attack him myself, I'd better make sure my clones do it instead.'

Within the smoke, Hidan found his way to the circle he'd drawn earlier, causing his skin to turn black with a white skeleton outline.

Immediately after, each clone of Hayate charged in, and the end result was part of Hidan's robe being slashed off.

"Hurts, doesn't it? Judgement has been passed. So what do you think? Helps you understand the suffering of others a bit more doesn't it?"

Hayate felt the same results, only with a large slash running down his chest, his left arm now hanging limp and useless 'I was injured too by that attack, was it his jutsu or something else?'

"I've already cursed you, and the ritual shall now begin. Well then, let's experience the ultimate pain together shall we?!"

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Tatsu looked in a certain direction 'I don't like this, I've got a bad feeling about something.' then he froze 'Hayate-sensei's chakra is stronger than it usually is… no, more like it's wavering violently. Whoever he's fighting, they're strong.'

"Tatsu, something wrong?" asked Kakashi.

"I've got a bad feeling. Didn't you mention that the 20 platoons were sent after the Akatsuki?"

"That's right, Hayate and Asuma are leading the mission."

'Then it's worse than I thought.' he stood.

"Where are you going?"

"Sorry Kakashi but I can't shake this bad feeling in my gut. You're taking over Naruto's training, I've gotta go." he formed a hand and sped off.

Kakashi stared at the objects on the ground 'He was in such a frantic rush that he removed his Gravity Seals. What could be happening?'

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The situation had turned.

"I don't understand, what happened to Hayate?" asked Zaku "The Akatsuki guy was hit, not him."

"There's no question about it, though maybe he was wounded by the backlash." Mizuki guessed.

Then Shikamaru felt the horrifying realization "Don't tell me…"

Kakuzu studied Hayate for a moment 'This one's the Leaf's master swordsman, he'll give me another 5 million or so.'

Hidan let out a maniacal laughter and pulled out his retractable spear "All of the preparations have been completed, and now you and I will share in the ultimate pain!"

Hayate readied his sword in his one good arm 'I may be one arm down, but I'm nowhere near out. I have something to protect, and I will with every ounce of my strength.' and he charged.

Hidan stabbed himself in the leg.

Hayate's leg began bleeding profusely and he collapsed to the ground.

"It hurts doesn't it?" Hidan let out a maniacal laughter "And I didn't even hit a vital spot, but that kind of pain is the BEST! The other person's agony in the final moment of death seeps into my body, the pain is transcended and becomes the purest ecstasy!"

"Hayate is holding onto his left leg." Mizuki noted "Something strange is going on, his injury is the same as the one the Akatsuki has." then he felt the realization hit him "That's it!"

Hayate reached the same conclusion 'I see, somehow he's linked his body to mine so that whatever injuries he suffers I feel too. Only difference is, he's immortal and I'm not.'

Hidan removed the spear from his leg and let out a maniacal cackle "Now then, where do you want to feel pain next? Up here maybe, or further down? How about your legs, that'd be fun wouldn't it? What do you think?" he aimed the spear at his heart "Or should we just end it already? Well?!"

Mizuki's head snapped to the left "Shikamaru no physical attacks like Shadow Stitching, use your Shadow Strangle to hold him and hurry!"

"Already on it!" Shikamaru's shadow burst forward 'Hurry, please!'

"DIE!" Hidan thrusted the spear towards his heart, but suddenly froze.

"I don't think so!" Shikamaru caught him just in the nick of time.

"You think you can stop me?!"

Mizuki breathed a sigh "Good job Shikamaru. Zaku, how long has it been since we called for that backup?"

"About 10 minutes or so." Zaku told him "At least another 20 before they reach us."

"Dammit. We're stuck, now what do we do? We can't kill him or we'll kill Asuma too. To nullify a continuous jutsu you have to take out the caster, but here that isn't an option."

"Every jutsu has its limitations." Shikamaru panted slightly "There's always a loophole, we just have to calm down and analyze him."

Hayate let out a sigh 'Shikamaru saved me, but now I've still gotta think of a way to break this jutsu. Shadow Strangle doesn't last too long, I only have a little time to think.'

"If this is going to drag on then I can help." Kakuzu spoke up "Can't let a cash cow get away."

'Now the other one's getting involved? This is bad.'

"I told you to stay out of it didn't I? Now but out!" Hidan barked "I don't need your help, I can handle it!" he received a grunt.

'Truth be told here, we're lucky the other one hasn't entered the mix yet. Even so, what can we do now?'

'Only a matter of time now I guess.' then Kakuzu looked at Shikamaru 'So he's the one.'

Shikamaru's mind was racing, struggling to come up with a solid strategy 'Think back, this is exactly the kind of impossible situation you've been preparing for.' he thought back to a previous conversation with Asuma about taking on the Akatsuki 'Asuma gave you tons of advice, now think! You've got to think! His words, personality, speech patterns, clothes, weapons, his behavior, the meaning behind all of his actions and how every move he makes relates to the next. From it all can be gleaned insight, a hypothetical framework of the jutsu, its probability and selection. The gods, punish. Curse, ritual. Preparations.' then he felt it hit him.

'Trust that Shikamaru has analyzed him already.' Hayate told himself.

'That's it!'

"You come up with something Shikamaru?" asked Zaku.

"Yeah, I think so."

'I can't believe he was able to do it. Then again, Sasuke did mention that this guy had an IQ of over 200, but to manage that while he was in the middle of casting a jutsu.'

'Shikamaru can think 10 steps ahead and imagine over 200 possibilities, and he has the instinct for picking just the right one.' Hayate noted.

"Alright, here goes Hayate." slowly but surely, inch by inch, Shikamaru started forcing Hidan out of the circle he'd drawn.

'No way, he's caught onto my jutsu!' Hidan realized.

'Come on… come on…'

"What are you doing?" asked Zaku.

"I'm trying to force the stupid creep out of that weird diagram he drew on the ground, that'll undo both the jutsu and his curse."

"What do you mean?" asked Mizuki.

"That giant scythe of his, it's got 3 blades. Judging by the shape of it, I'd say it wasn't made for mortal blows but extending the wielder's range, allowing him to reach his opponent and cause some degree of external injury, great or small. In short, if he can inflict even a single shallow abrasion then his jutsu will lead to the certain death of his opponent."

"That's his curse then? But how does it connect back to the initial wound inflicted?"

"Blood, in order to link himself to his intended victim he has to take his opponent's blood into his own body."

"Wait, we saw him lick the blade before. So the blood… I see, if he can wound his opponent and get even the slightest drop of it then he can curse them."

"When he licked the blood his body changed color, so it was pretty easy to figure out that part. But that's not all there is to it, there's one more crucial step that needs to be completed to activate the curse."

"Wait, there's another step?" Zaku sounded incredulous.

"That guy totally ignored the smokescreen Hayate threw at him earlier, he didn't even bother to avoid it and just went straight for that marking. Then once inside it, he said the ritual would begin, then barked about the preparations being done, so my guess is the curse jutsu can only be completed while he's inside the diagram." he pulled Hidan back slightly further.

"You little brat!" Hidan growled.

"It's not my fault, you run your mouth too much."

'He's brilliant.' Mizuki mentally breathed.

"Enough talk!" Hidan exploded "I'm going to tear you apart now and kill you later, you hear me?!"

"There won't be a later!" Shikamaru pulled him all the way out "He's out!"

"Alright, let's see if that did the trick." in order to test and see if Shikamaru's plan actually worked, Hayate fired off a single shuriken, cutting Hidan's ear slightly, but Hayate wasn't affected in the slightest.

'Yes!' Shikamaru quickly stabbed Hidan using the Shadow Stitching jutsu.

"How dare you…" Hidan snarled "Still… stuck…"

"I'm at my limit… can't hold him… much longer…"

"Nicely done…. Shikamaru…" Hayate got back on his feet, panting heavily, and slowly limped forward as he raised his kanata.

Hidan for once was actually panicking "Kakuzu, help me out here!"

Hayate pointed his sword.

"You idiot, do something already!" his pleas were ignored.

With one clean strike, Hayate decapitated Hidan, causing his headband and necklace to fall to the ground.

"We did it." Zaku muttered in a way that made him sound like he couldn't believe it "We really did it."

"Yeah…" Shikamaru released his jutsu, causing Hidan's headless body to fall to the ground with a thud.

'No doubt about it, that was way too close.' Mizuki noted 'If it wasn't for Shikamaru assessing the situation then we would've been done for. He really is something, if it wasn't for the Nara laziness then he'd already be a jonin. No wonder he's Asuma's favorite.' he caught Shikamaru as he fell to his knees "You alright?"

"Yeah… that's one down…"

"And one to go. Right. F*ck."

Kakuzu was clearly unfazed by Hidan's decapitation "If you wanted my help Hidan, you should've asked sooner."

Hidan's eyes suddenly snapped open like nothing happened "It was you, you're the slow one Kakuzu!"

Hayate and the rest froze 'What?!'

"It was on purpose wasn't it?!"

"You're the one who told me to stay out of it from the start." Kakuzu pointed out "I don't think you're in any position to complain right now."

'...I can't describe how much I hate having to do this. Alright alright, point taken. So maybe I did tell you not to butt in, but I assure you it wasn't out of disrespect or anything like that. Anyway Kakuzu, would you mind bringing my body over here for me? Come on Kakuzu, won't you please bring my body back to my head? Please Kakuzu, old friend? Pretty please?"

Without a word, Kakuzu blitzed over and grabbed Hidan's head.

"No hey wait, what are you doing? I asked you to bring my body to my head, not the other way around! Don't you get it?"

"It's lighter this way."

"What do I care? This isn't about you! Hey, are you even listening to me?"

Kakuzu started pulling on the hair.

"Ow ow that hurts, hey Kakuzu you're pulling my hair, you mind?"

"I would think your neck wound would hurt more."

"You idiot of course it does, it hurts like a son of a bitch! This is no ordinary injury let me tell you!"

Hayate's mind was racing 'Unbelievable, he's… he's still alive?'

"Yeah it really really hurts you know, you fools have no idea how incredibly painful it is having your head sliced off!"

"What the hell is going on?" Zaku muttered "Even Orochimaru wasn't that freaky."

"Yeah, but you've gotta look on the bright side…" Shikamaru panted "Even if he's still alive, so long as he's not attached to his body he can't perform any jutsu. He might be immortal, but he's completely useless."

Mizuki sighed "True, but that still means we've still got one more to go."

"Yeah." Shikamaru looked at Kakuzu 'But still, this guy, I suspect he may be even stronger and faster than Mr Immortal, and someone who won't let himself get carried away. A cool customer, not fazed a bit by his comrade going down, a heart of stone. I don't think we've seen his true power yet, maybe that's intentional to make us overconfident. This kind of guy is gaugey, always gauging his opponent, looking for any way to gain an advantage. It would be in his best interest to make us think we've got the upper hand.' he slowly got to his feet, then suddenly let out a cough and collapsed again.

'Shikamaru has reached his limit, and I'm wounded.' Hayate noted 'While we may have gained the upper hand by disabling the Akatsuki, it also means we've created an opportunity for us to escape. In either case, my main worry is Shikamaru's condition.'

'We can't leave ourselves open to attack!'

"Enough of this." Kakuzu blitzed in front of Hayate and stomped on the wound in his leg, then slammed the briefcase on his head.

Hayate was sent tumbling back 'This one…'

Kakuzu then promptly kneed Hayate in the spine, then went over and started working to fix Hidan's little problem "Since you asked for my help I'm giving it, whether you want it or not."

Hidan grunted "Yeah alright, fine."

Using a thick thread from his arm, Kakuzu began stitching Hidan's head back onto his body.

"Ow, hey that hurts."

"Just hold still."

'Those two, what're they up to now?' Mizuki wondered.

Kakuzu finished after a few moments "That should do it."

'He couldn't have…'

Hidan stood, his head reattached "That's better."

'The masked one really reattached his head…'

"Finally, in one piece again." Hidan began cracking his neck.

"Don't move it too much yet or it'll come right off." Kakuzu warned.

"Don't be such a nag Kakuzu."

"What the hell are we up against?" Zaku muttered.

Shikamaru's mind was racing 'One is immortal and the other has a jutsu can sow a body back together? Man, it's just one thing after another with these guys. They're unbelievable.'

"Your battle prep and repartee are as drawn out and tedious as your rituals, just stick with the cash cow." Kakuzu growled.

Hidan looked over to where Asuma lay "I better be sure to pay him back in spades, it wouldn't do to violate the sacred commandments."

"Not that again. Well anyway, as for the other three leave them to me."

"Stay back!" Zaku whipped out a scroll and summoned a bow staff.

"Alright." Kakuzu charged in to meet him.

"Water Style: Syrup Trap!" Mizuki spat out a large pool of sticky water 'Note to self, be sure to thank Izumo for that.'

Kakuzu retreated back before the water could hit him.

"Earth Style: Boulder Staff!" Zaku channeled earth chakra into the Staff, creating a layer of rock around it, and threw it forward.

When the dust settled, Kakuzu stood next to a crater in the ground "I presume your plan was to distract me with that eye-grabbing airiel display, while all the time your friend was launching a ground attack at my feet with this strange liquid. However, it didn't quite come off." he held out his hands "So much wasted effort."

"Wanna bet?" Zaku held up two fingers, and the Boulder Staff shot out of the ground, and he caught it.

Kakuzu tried to move, but found himself caught from the syrup trap that went into the first hole and came out of the second, getting him from behind "What a surprise."

"That's it Mizuki, keep him there!" Zaku charged in and attempted to splatter Kakuzu's skull across the ground using his Boulder Staff "Gotcha!"

However, using his special ability, Kakuzu unwinded his arms using his thick black threads and caught Zaku in a chokehold.

"Zaku!" Mizuki dodged several grab attempts, but in the end he was caught too.

"They're giving me a run for my money."

Hidan looked back at Kakuzu's fight, then looked down at Hayate "Sounds like Kakuzu's just about worn out, I'd better cut this short and step in otherwise I'll have to keep hearing about how my rituals go on forever." he waltzed over to Hayate's unconscious form and raised his spear for a fatal blow "Nighty night."

"I don't think so." Hayate's eyes shot open as he grabbed his katana and slashed, stopping the spear, though his shoulder was cut in the process.

Hidan smirked and retracted his scythe, intent on cutting Hayate down from behind.

Hayate didn't notice it 'What's his next move?'

"HAYATE!" Shikamaru screamed "Behind you!"

'Dammit!' Hayate ducked at the last possible second.

Hidan found his scythe imbedded in him instead 'Huh.'

"How many times do you think I'll fall for-" Hayate suddenly froze, then fell over in pain.

Hidan began cackling maniacally as he stood inside the diagram "You fool, it's the same trap again!"

Hayate began coughing up blood.

"Dammit! Hayate!" Shikamaru began rushing over as fast as he could, though that wasn't very fast considering how exhausted he was 'So in the end, in the end you decided to do it after all didn't you? To sacrifice yourself for the sake of your comrades! It's all my fault, if only I'd come up with a better strategy then none of this would've happened! Dammit! It's my fault, MY FAULT! If I hadn't been such an idiot, this wouldn't be happening!' then he suddenly tripped and fell to the ground.

Hidan kept maniacally laughing "Well? Does it hurt? How about now?" he pushed the scythe in further.

Hayate coughed up more blood 'I guess… my hunch was right…'

"Finally…" with another maniacal chuckle, Hidan pulled out another spear "Now I can finally savor it… savor the pain caused by your death!"

"NO!" Shikamaru screamed to no avail.

Hidan stabbed himself in the heart.

Hayate sat there motionless, until he coughed up more blood.

Hidan reached his pain climax "Yes… that's the stuff…"

Hayate collapsed forward and lay there motionless.

"HAYATE!"

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Yugao noticed a flower drop and split in two in front of her, and immediately knew what it was related to 'Hayate…'

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"HAYATE!" Shikamaru ran forward, but collapsed and reached forward in vain "Hayate…"

Hidan retracted his spear as his skin returned to normal "All done here, how about you?"

"Just give me a minute." Kakuzu prepared to tighten his grip.

"Damn you… damn you…" Zaku rasped out.

Shikamaru struggled to get to his feet "You… son of a… You're gonna pay for that!" he charged in.

"I wouldn't put any money on that." Kakuzu then thrusted Zaku into Shikamaru, sending them both to the ground.

'Dammit… it's no good… I'm powerless…' then he noticed smoke envelope the area.

Kakuzu recognized it "Smoke bombs?"

"Rasengan!" a spiralling ball of chakra slammed into Kakuzu's side, sending him flying into the building and forcing him to release his grip.

"Kakuzu what the hell's going on over there?" Hidan demanded "Dammit I can't see shit!"

"You think you can hurt my master and live to tell the tale?" a pair of legs wrapped around Hidan's neck and forced him out of the diagram, just as another Rasengan slammed him into Kakuzu.

Shikamaru recognized who it was "Tatsu!"

Sure enough, Tatsu appeared from the fog "I'm sorry I'm late, I felt something off and rushed here as fast as I could."

"Tatsu!" then the cavalry arrived.

"Ino, Choji, take Shika and Hayate-sensei somewhere safe. Asuma, Dosu, hold them off while I check on Hayate-sensei. I'll be back in a minute."

Hidan and Kakuzu emerged, both annoyed "Great, reinforcements."

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"Hayate-sensei!" Tatsu knelt down beside him and checked for a heartbeat 'Come on, come on, come on… Yes! It's faint, but his heart's still beating!' he bit down on his thumb "Summoning Jutsu!" he slammed his hand onto the ground.

A blue dragon appeared "What's up Tatsu?"

"Mizuryu, I need you to take Hayate-sensei to the Leaf Hospital right away. Ino, go with them and use your medical ninjutsu to buy as much time as you can. Get going!"

Ino nodded "We're on it."

That was when Kakuzu showed up "I'm not giving up my bounty."

"Is that right?" Tatsu stepped forward "Take Hayate-sensei and get out of here as fast as you can while I keep these two busy. I'll join you when I'm done, now go!" he charged in and engaged Kakuzu in taijutsu.

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Hidan found himself confronted by Dosu and Asuma "You can fight it all you want, you're still going to end up as part of my sacred ritual. And that's why…" then he paused and suddenly started speaking to someone else "Come on, I only need a little more time sir. We're just about to get to the good part here."

"We're sealing the Two-Tails and then the Three-Tails, return at once. This is top priority."

"Please sir, just a few more minutes? Is that too much to ask?"

"Enough Hidan." Kakuzu appeared beside him.

'Are they communicating with someone through some sort of telepathy jutsu?' Tatsu wondered.

"We'll be back in no time, so prepare yourselves." Kakuzu picked up "Let's go Hidan."

"That blasted leader of ours, one of these days I'm gonna put a curse on him."

Tatsu turned towards the others on the rooftop "Ino, Shika, take Hayate-sensei and go! Now!"

"Oh no you don't, you guys stay right where you are until we get back. Besides, he's gonna die anyway. Don't worry, we'll be back before you know it." and they both disappeared in puffs of smoke.

'And when you do come back, you'll have me to answer to.' Tatsu quickly rushed back over to the others "Guys, hurry up!"

"I'll start medical ninjutsu." Ino told him.

"Don't say it, do it!"

"No… don't…" Hayate's voice was soft, barely a whisper "Listen, don't even bother trying to heal me… I wouldn't make it anyway… I can feel it… and I bet you guys, you can all feel it too can't you?"

"Stop talking sensei, save your energy. Ino!"

"Right!" Ino placed her hands on Hayate's chest, but began moving them around 'Here… and here too? Four vital spots?' storm clouds began looming overhead 'It's too late…' tears brimmed in her eyes.

Tatsu froze 'No, no, no, no, no…' he clenched his fist so hard it began bleeding 'Dammit…'

"I think I… understand… what the Third… what Kuroga-sensei meant…" Hayate's voice was weak and soft "I was never… very quick… to figure things out… I've got… something I… want to tell… all of you… Ino… Shikamaru… Asuma… Tatsu…"

"Stop it sensei, just stop talking and save your strength-"

"Tatsu." Asuma's hand firmly grasped his shoulder "You too Shikamaru, Ino. Listen closely to Hayate's words. They'll be his last."

"Ino…"

"Yes?" Ino looked towards him.

"You're a compassionate caregiver… and a kind and gentle soul… Tatsu… he's so awkward and clumsy… watch over him for me…"

"Yes sir…" Ino let her tears spill.

"Shikamaru."

"Yes?" Shikamaru looked up.

"You're razor sharp… with the instincts of a great ninja… truly worthy of becoming Hokage… you'd probably try to avoid it though… since you'd find it such a drag… you've got such great potential… I want you to live up to it…"

"I'll try…"

"Asuma…"

"Right here old friend." Asuma knelt down beside him.

"You're a loyal friend… with a good heart… and a great team… make sure they aspire to greatness… and make sure… you take care of Tatsu for me…"

"Will do…"

"And cut back on the smokes a little…"

"I only promise to try."

"That's all I ask…" he turned to the last one, his student "And finally, Tatsu…"

"I'm here sensei." Tatsu held Hayate's head up, refusing to shed tears "Right here…"

"Tatsu…you've been like a son to me… you're a thoughtful and loyal friend… a truly kind soul… in time, I know you'll become stronger than anyone… and you'll protect everyone you care about… which reminds me… remember when we talked about the King?"

"Yeah… you said I'd know when the time was right."

"Well now I'm going to tell you who the King is… lean closer…"

Tatsu leaned in and held Hayate's head closer.

Hayate whispered it in his ear.

Tatsu's eyes shot wide at what he heard "Hayate-sensei… that's why you…"

"I'm counting… on you…" he smiled slightly "I'm glad… I got to meet you… walk with you… laugh with you… be with you… thank you for everything… Tatsu…" and with that, he fell still.

With tears now freely streaming down his face, Tatsu gently embraced Hayate's body as the rain began pouring down "Sensei…"

Dosu knelt down beside him "You should be proud of your master, his death was truly worthy of a shinobi."

"Not now Dosu… just not now…"

Getting the memo, Dosu stepped back.

"Hayate-sensei… you were everything to me… when my brother died, you were there for me. In every moment of my life, you were there… for so long, you were my entire world… you were my everything… you picked me up when I was down… you always protected me… but now, I couldn't even protect you when you needed me most… please, forgive me…" tears began flowing even harder than before.

Dosu, Ino and the rest just hung their heads.

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In a faraway underground hideout, Sasuke's Chidori flared into life as he activated his Sanda Sharingan, destroying the training dummies without even touching them, only to feel a chill rush down his spine 'Something's wrong.' he looked back to see Orochimaru "What do you want?"

Orochimaru smirked "Nothing in particular, just learned some interesting information that I thought you'd like to know. The Akatsuki are making another move."

"That being?"

"They destroyed the Fire Temple, and killed Leaf jonin Hayate Gekko."

Sasuke stiffened, then turned "I have something to do, I'll return later." and he left.

'My dear Sasuke, your ties to the wilted Leaf shall soon be severed before you even realize it.'

A/N:

That little tidbit about Lee and Shibuki was a reference to the Naruto OVA Protect the Waterfall Village.

Naruto using the Skybound Wind is because it's using his own chakra instead of Kurama's.

Tatsu's been neglected these past few chapters, so I thought it'd be nice to give him some character development.

There's a reason Tatsu didn't go on this mission, that will be revealed at the end of the story arc.