Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!
Xionremind22; Yeah they could do~
danielhaywoodsnow; It is gonna be quite intense~ He might have a change, we'll have to wait and see~ Anko does quite enjoy it huh~? Thanks!
TheChamp123; Thanks very much! The Chunin Exams are going to be fun to write. Orochimaru seems spoiled for choice huh? That would be pretty crazy, could explain a few things~ And thank you!
ShadowUzumaki55; Thanks! He does yeah, they'll be talking about that pretty soon~ I'm glad you liked Ryouta and Ino's time together~ It isn't going to be easy, but they're going to pull together.
Silver crow; Yup, it's time for them to fight. Yeah, he had a date with Ino~ That's Karin and Anko for you~ Glad you liked Naruko and Hiruzen's interactions. Satsuki does yeah. Ino had a good time with Ryouta~ Inoichi will do yeah. Ryouta knows now about Naruko yeah, and he does have those thoughts about how people treated her. Ryouta is quite on it with his surroundings, partly due to how Tobi had been in his life for a good while. I'm sure a part of him did enjoy seeing Anko like that. They could've, but it shows their skills at disabling them quickly. Yeah, seems like all of them were already aware Tazuna was up to something. Hehe, it seems Anko was happy they knew the water walking. He will be crossing blades with Zabuza this chapter a good deal. Mangetsu's feelings shall be brought up quite soon why he doesn't like her. Zabuza will become surprised by Ryouta's skills. The Exorcist could have a Longinus. He'd have some belief in God, he'd be more like Duilo who's more relaxed about it than most. He'd have romantic times with his harem. If not hers, then be his own Brave Saints one day. Irina probably would get that blade earlier. He could have the Holy Fist. Oberon could be a cool name for Kazuya. He could be a Wizard Saint, and yeah, it did seem like that with them. Jenny could be. It would be cool if she did join that. Sir Nighteye and he would have an intriguing relationship. I do have some thoughts about the current arc of MHA, and how some Oc's would fit into it. All I can say about Irina and Daisuke is that something's will happen with them, some will be different, some will be the same. The reasons behind not using their powers differed, Kenji had anxiety about it, seeing what happened with his Father. Some people will, some people will be neutral on him, and some will be accepting easily of him. Maybe he could know Hawks. Flare and Juvia would be fun to write about. It could've been with Zera. That would be nice for Hisui. Miverva did have it rough. Ur could become one. Yeah, it makes sense with Uchiha and Hyuga. Yeah, Kabuto and Ryouta's dynamic is something I do want to explore a good bit. We'll see what happens with Gato and Kushimaru. That would be cool during the Sannin Clash. The match ups are gonna be fun to explore. I can't reveal about the Curse Mark, maybe or maybe not~ Thanks for the votes!
Guest 1; Thanks! Yeah, they basically are that. Ryouta does know yeah, he and Naruko are going to have a chat about it soon. Glad you liked the time between him and Ino. It can be a bit head scratching how Tazuna did that huh. He can do a Genjutsu reversal now, he just doesn't come up against many that use Genjutsu, though some opponents he will have could have a Genjutsu method of fighting. Thanks for the votes!
Guest 2; Thanks very much! Inoichi is yeah, he'll be showing some of that as the story goes on. Ryouta and Haku did yeah~ It was sad for Haku, and she's going to do her best to overcome her fears, together with her friends supporting her. Mangetsu's hate of Haku shall be shown fully later on into the arc. When it's necessary for the plot, Ryouta isn't around for all of it so we will see it from others perspectives, and have with the likes of Shisui, Mikoto, Izumi and others. Thanks for the votes!
Guest 3; I'm glad that you're enjoying it so far~ Ryouta does know yeah, their conversation is going to be something that bonds them even more together. Haku is going through quite a bit, her friends will help her through it. Yup, Zabuza vs Ryouta, and he might copy a Jutsu from Zabuza~ Their mission could do~ Thanks for the votes!
MDM11; He might have a teacher like that. Gato is going to die eventually. As for Zabuza's fate, I can't spoil it just yet. That would be cool if he did train Inari in that. He will be having one on one time with those girls. It could be cool if he took over that village. He could train with them yeah~ Ryouta is going to learn some cool Jutsu in the future, and has some up his sleeve.
War Sage; Thanks! Glad you liked his time with Ino. Yeah, he's going to have a duel with Zabuza. Haku is going through a few things. He will copy at least one from Zabuza. He will have a conversation with her like that yeah. Ino is improving quite a bit~ Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 4; Thanks very much! Yup, they went out together~ Haku is going through a good bit, but she has the support of those around her. Mangetsu does have his reasons, something that will drive between the two of them. It wont be. Thanks for the poll, and harem votes!
Guest 5; Yeah, they could be~ Thanks for the votes!
Skull Flame; Inoichi does, for the moment~ Zabuza has done, and they're pretty loyal. He does yeah, they'll be speaking about it soon.
Brainstorm Sorcerer; Ooh yeah, Zabuza definitely does~ It's going to be a fun fight~ Zabuza will bring Shisui up during the fight. Ryouta will copy a Jutsu from Zabuza during the fight, and reveal one he hasn't yet. Karin will be doing stuff this chapter, and showcasing her skills. I do have a Madara like moment for Ryouta in the future, can't spoil when though. It's in skeletal yeah, but he does know how to use it and it will evolve as he fights stronger opponents. Zabuza wont bring it up now, but there will be a point when he does bring it up about the Susanoo. He could have a little arc there to help Anko out. Since it was the first mission, Hiruzen will know and trust in Ryouta's judgement to use it when it is necessary. Maybe Orochimaru could do something like that, I actually like the sound of Curse Seal of Hell~ Shisui might be able to do that. We will see Ryouta and Lee have some sort of match in the future. Ryou will see Inoichi, he's already met him off screen. Yeah, that's a pretty cool Quirk. He will study the Tailed Beasts more. Yeah, Haku's going to be going through things, but she is going to rise and grow from this experience. That would be cool if Samehada did that. Good luck, it can be difficult huh~?
GuoYaohui; We will see it, one of his eyes powers was shown back during the Uchiha Massacre, the other we will see in the future sometime.
Andrew123456; In the future, I don't see why not~
maxbrevan; Zabuza has yeah, he's going to be going through some stuff, like Haku is. Thanks! Thanks for the votes!
Guest 6; Thanks for the vote!
Guest 7; Thank you for the votes!
Guest 8; Glad you liked the time with Ino! Ryouta and Satsuki have been on some yeah. Mangetsu does yeah, we'll discover more why in the future. Ryouta and Zabuza is going to be a good fight~ Thanks for the votes! Thank you~
LezarioFanficio; Thanks very much! Hehe, sometimes to have suspense~
Lightwave; He has yeah, he's going forward with his team and now have to fight Zabuza and the others. Maybe something like that could happen. Thanks for the poll votes!
Guest 9; Anyone can, and thanks for the poll vote!
Guest 10; Thanks for the votes!
guest 33; Yeah, I will be.
guest; He'll show Zabuza many skills. Perhaps they could be, thanks for the suggestions! Thanks for the votes!
Akeno fan; Hehe, it would be your choice~ Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying it so far~ Thanks for the suggestions!
Well, with those lovely reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Team Anko vs Team Zabuza!
Facing down the trio of expert swordsman, Anko was assessing which one she should take, which one Ryouta could take, and how best to handle the situation that was Haku being frozen, and Karin looking afraid.
She had only little option, she could see that Ryouta could handle Suigetsu, Mangetsu she wasn't sure on, and Zabuza, she didn't even know if she'd be able to handle him, never mind Ryouta who Zabuza was gunning for.
"Mangetsu you handle the purple haired woman, and Suigetsu, handle the other two."
When Zabuza said it coldly, Haku looked down to the ground.
Her thoughts ran wild within her.
Anko was naturally worried, she didn't want her Genin team to die, so she challenged Zabuza herself.
"What's wrong Zabuza? Worried you can't take me in a fight?"
Zabuza simply gave her a cold look.
"I've been wanting to have a rematch with a certain Uchiha. Since he's gone now, his brother will have to do."
Anko scowled.
"Yeah right, I bet you're just terrified to face me, so you have to fight a Genin."
Anko scoffed at him, wanting to make Zabuza angry enough so he'd want to have a challenge against her.
But Zabuza didn't fall for her bait, and his eyes rest solely on the Uchiha.
"That kid isn't a normal opponent. Only I should take on this one since I've got experience fighting the Sharingan."
Anko was aware of the incident that happened a few years ago with Ryouta and Shisui involving Zabuza, she even knew that Haku had been involved with that, so that made Anko understand why she was freezing currently.
"Still, you'd rather fight the Uchiha, than me? That hurt my feelings."
Anko toyed with Zabuza, and saw that his eyebrow was twitching.
Even then, Zabuza wordlessly brought his sword up and swung it for Ryouta.
Ryouta dodged out of the way, putting distance between them, only for Zabuza to rush him at high speeds, Ryouta didn't miss a beat and clashed his tanto with Zabuza's blade.
"Ryouta!" Anko called, and went to go to his side, when she saw Mangetsu go towards Haku. "Shit...Ryouta! You better survive, you hear me?!"
"Yes Sensei!"
He called through the thick fog, Anko was relieved, and knew she'd have to try her best to end her fight as quickly as she could.
So Anko got in the way of Mangetsu, and brought out a kunai, attempting to block with said kunai, but when she blocked, she saw that he brought the hammer side up and sent it towards her, so she was forced to pull away.
As she did, the hammer slammed into the ground, breaking it into chunks around the area of the axe, only to see that Mangetsu's finger went towards her. Anko saw a droplet of water escaping his finger, shooting at her like a speeding bullet.
Reacting within the second that she could, she received a cut on her cheek, drawing blood as Mangetsu smirked.
"Sorry Sensei-chan, but my beef is with the girl. Not with you."
"You stay away from my student you bastard."
Anko growled out, Mangetsu chortled.
"Do you think that you're capable enough to take me in a fight? Because trust me, you wont be."
"Really? Because from where I'm looking, there's more of us, than there is of you."
Anko snapped, as Mangetsu scowled towards her.
Then his eyes shifted towards Suigetsu.
"Suigetsu, go and kill the bridge builder, and the red head. Leave the ice bitch to me."
"Right! Finally, I get to do something!"
Anko yelled "No!" but Mangetsu got in close, and swung the hammer towards her. She barely had time to dodge out of the way, so she summoned snakes from her sleeves that created a wall before her.
The hammer managed to create a shockwave strong enough to blast the snakes away, but that allowed Anko to bring her kunai to swing for his face, but the axe part was able to block her kunai, earning a growl from the young woman.
The blades pushed against one, her worry for the trio and Tazuna was growing.
As that happened, Karin, Haku and Tazuna saw the young white haired boy coming closer.
Haku wasn't even responding to that fact, while Karin was shaking. Tazuna looked between the two of them as Suigetsu's wild eyes shot for them, and he was getting closer and closer.
"Look girls, you better run. Before that kid comes and kills you both. This is my fault, I shouldn't have lied."
Tazuna didn't want a few kids to end up dying because of his deception.
Haku didn't respond, while Karin looked back towards him.
"But..."
"No, I'm sorry. This is all my fault. So, allow me to take responsibility here, and you get running, now!"
Despite him saying it once more, Karin could hear the desperation in his voice.
Whatever it was that Tazuna was doing, his reasons for lying…
She was a Ninja of the village, and she couldn't simply run while she was on a mission.
"Haaaaaaaah!"
Haku looked shocked when Karin rushed forward, and threw some shuriken towards Suigetsu.
Suigetsu laughed as the shurikens went through his watery body.
"Heh, you can't fight me. All your attacks will just go through me."
Karin didn't seem to bother listening and got into a defensive battle stance with a kunai.
Suigetsu's eyebrow twitched and took aim with his sword once more.
"Seriously! Are you ignoring me?!"
Karin's eyebrow twitched.
Suigetsu scoffed.
"What can you do huh? You aren't anything to me, the great Suigetsu!"
Karin felt her anger bursting to the surface.
Suigetsu was annoyed she hadn't answered.
"H-Hey! Why aren't you speaking to me huh? Is your fear of me that great that you can't-"
"Will you shut up already?!"
The boy blinked at Karin's outburst.
"...Alright, you don't have to yell at me."
Suigetsu mumbled, seeing the rage that was building upon Karin's face.
"I do when you're acting like a fool! Now shut up! I don't even care if you're made out of water, I'll slice you until there's no water yet! I am a Ninja of Konoha, and I have a mission! So don't mess with me you punk!"
Suigetsu froze when she said that.
"D-Did you just call me a..."
"Quiet!"
Suigetsu blinked rapidly, and looked side to side, trying to avoid the annoyed gaze that Karin had.
Karin then looked towards Haku, who just stared at the ground.
Karin felt deep down that Haku was dealing with a lot so she couldn't fight.
"...Haku-chan, stay with Tazuna-san, I'll deal with this guy."
Despite saying that, Tazuna saw that Karin was shaking.
But Tazuna saw her bravery, and saw her strength…
Meanwhile, Ryouta dueled against Zabuza. Swords clanged together, Zabuza coming in from the left and right hand side, moving rather fast, but Ryouta's Sharingan allowed him to react to the techniques Zabuza sent towards him, blocking each and everyone of them.
Ryouta's eyes glanced left, and saw that there was a good sized body of water. The mist was thick so he couldn't see his friends, so he didn't know if they were okay, all he could tell was that fights were going on.
Zabuza's eyes didn't go towards Ryouta's own, knowing that if he did then he'd be stopped by Ryouta's Genjutsu, he remembered him from years ago having the Sharingan, he was Shisui's brother who was renowned for Genjutsu, he presumed Ryouta was the same and by now had the capabilities to place people in one with a look, he wouldn't take a chance with it.
"Been a while, hasn't it kid?"
"Yes, too long Zabuza-san."
Zabuza smirked, pulling back before slamming his sword deeper into the ground.
The power of the strike was enough to cut into the ground, and dig it up, before flipping the blade, cutting a chunk out of the earth, and launched it towards Ryouta within a few seconds.
Ryouta used his speed to dodge out of the way, only to see Zabuza on the left hand side.
Ryouta saw the large piece of earth behind him, blocking his path, along with Zabuza ready to cleave through him.
However, at the last moment, Ryouta's speed allowed him to appear above the surprised Zabuza.
His eyes shot up to see Ryouta spinning and shooting down, so Zabuza took his sword to and swung it for him.
Using his Sharingan, Ryouta timed his sword stabbing down.
Ryouta's blade managed to catch the hole within Zabuza's upper part of the blade, stabbing his own blade into the ground and forced Zabuza's blade to remain stationary as Ryouta's foot came down like an axe, but at the same time, another image of Ryouta came from the right hand side.
He made a choice to block the air bound Ryouta, however he felt nothing there, and then the right side Ryouta's kick landed, the force of Ryouta's kick sent Zabuza flying backwards, smashing into a tree, and caused Zabuza to spit out some bile.
"Damn...Genjutsu..."
"No, just speed."
Ryouta moved so fast, to create an afterimage so he could move between the two, and could come from either up or the right, making Zabuza second guess his choice in where to block, something that made Zabuza excited to fight even more.
"Oh yeah, heard about your brother, my condolences. When I heard your brother died, I was quite angry. I wanted to fight him one day, but I guess that I'll have to fight you instead. So, reached the potential Shisui saw in you?"
"You tell me." Ryouta flew through some hand signs, so fast even Zabuza wasn't able to see. "Fire Release, Great Fireball Jutsu!"
"That trick again!?" Zabuza snapped, as he went through his own hand signs. "Water Release, Water Wall!"
From the body of water, it rose up, and formed around his form. Zabuza watched as his water began to steam when the giant fireball released, and hit said water. The water and fire fought for dominance, even Zabuza could feel the intense heat of the flames Ryouta released.
But then he saw something that surprised him.
Ryouta appeared on his right, slipping through the small parts of water that had been destroyed thanks to Ryouta's fire, getting into the water walls protective barrier, Ryouta's sword came towards Zabuza's face, who moved his neck back, but received a harsh slash across his face, drawing blood down his cheek.
Ryouta pulled back, seeing his fireball cancel out the water wall of Zabuza's, which impressed Zabuza.
"This is a challenge that I didn't expect to have on this job, but I'm glad that it was you who came by."
To Ryouta, it sounded as if he was being praised by Zabuza.
Though he never could tell unless Zabuza outright stated it.
He did wonder about his friends.
Worse comes to it, Ryouta knew that he'd have to use his Mangekyou Sharingan.
He knew that was his ultimate trump card, and he knew that Zabuza wouldn't be expecting it.
To protect his comrades, he'd whip them out, and he'd use them to save everyone.
Meanwhile, Anko was going up against Mangetsu. The blade of Kabutowari came towards Anko's form as she jumped back. But as she did, the hammer portion slammed into the ground, causing a shockwave to destroy some of the ground, causing the earth to stick up below Anko's feet, but she pulled back and got a good distance.
"Hmph, your ability wont be able to overcome mine!"
Mangetsu aimed his fingers for her, and he unleashed many bullets of water for her form.
She used her speed to begin dodging it, and her senbons to cut through the ones that weren't able to be dodged, Mangetsu noticed that she was using chakra to enhance the cutting power of her senbons which made sense.
When she got in close, she released a senbon for his body, which went through naturally. Anko expected that, but she allowed wire to attach to her senbons, and she swung her arm, allowing the wires to cleave through his body.
"Tricks can't beat my body."
But the watery body still reformed, all the while that Mangetsu brought up the axe, forcing her to block with her kunai, only for the hammer to slam against the blunt side of the axe, allowing the sufficient power to break through her kunai.
Anko gasped, seeing the blade going for her body.
Anko back flipped away, only to see Mangetsu holding up his finger, shooting off a highly fast projectile of water that could pierce through her.
As the bullet came closer, she managed to move her body in her back flip enough for the bullet to pierce through her coat, leaving a hole in it, but otherwise Anko was well protected.
Landing back on her feet, Mangetsu began laughing.
"Man! At least give me a little challenge!"
"Don't worry about that watery boy, I'll show you the might of Konoha!"
Mangetsu laughed, believing that it was rather funny as he held out his fingers, shooting them towards her. Many bullets of water came shooting out so fast that the first few managed to cut into Anko's body before she began dodging them.
"Konoha's might huh? I think you meant to say Konoha's downfall!"
Anko grit her teeth, using her fast reflexes to keep dodging the attacks.
"My normal attacks wont pierce through his body and do lasting damage. Using Earth Release normally would overcome Water Release, but in this instance, his body being made of water doesn't seem to be that bothered by Earth Release techniques. If anything, I'd say that Lightning Release would work, too bad that Kakashi isn't here, he'd be able to use that damn lightning Jutsu of his...aah well, that doesn't matter now. Then there's that weapon of his, even if I get close, the power behind that weapon is enough to kill me if I make one mistake. First, I should work on separating him from his weapon...and it seems that he's underestimating me. That's good, at least gives me an advantage."
Anko smirked as she continued to dodge the attacks, something that pissed off Mangetsu.
"What's with the smirk you witch?"
"Witch huh? That's rather rude. But it seems your little water drops can't hit me anymore, I've adapted~ What are you going to do now huh~?"
Anko baited him, and she saw that it was working as Mangetsu was becoming increasingly more angry.
"I'll show you!"
Pushing water from his feet, he shot at her like a jet.
Bringing up his axe and hammer duo, placing the latter behind the former so he'd be able to cleave her in two, he swung down towards her.
However, the moment before it could reach her body, Anko's body erupted with snakes.
Mangetsu's blade sliced through the snakes, only to see that she wasn't there at all.
Perplexity came over him, his eyes shooting around to try and find her.
"Come on!"
He yelled, and slammed his hammer on the ground, creating a shockwave, hoping that if Anko was nearby then he'd be able to hear her through the mist as he disturbed the ground.
But just then, the ground below him turned soft, and he began to sink down into it.
"W-What the hell?!"
Mangetsu looked down and saw that Anko popped out as he went down.
Using Hiding Like a Mole Jutsu, she was able to sneak underground and then sink it from below him to try and trap him in said ground before he could make an escape.
Mangetsu could see his body was halfway through the ground, so he placed his hand towards the ground, and then unleashed a torrent of water which fractured said ground, blasting it apart until his lower body was freed.
But by then, Anko had already flew through a few hand signs.
"Earth Release, Earth Flow Spears!"
By adding her chakra to the ground, Anko releases spikes to come up and pierce her target. Mangetsu grimaced and pulled away as his body turned more and more watery, allowing the spikes to go through his body.
But by doing it, Anko managed to separate his weapon from his hands by using the earth spikes to pull the wire that connected the two weapons together.
Mangetsu grimaced at the sight.
"So that was your real target to begin with!"
"That's right, now you're going to be defeated!"
Anko said it sternly as she continued using her chakra, using Hiding Like A Mole Jutsu, she was able to sink the weapon deeper into the earth, cutting it off from Mangetsu's use.
Mangetsu narrowed his brows.
"I mistook you for an average opponent, but it seems that's not the case. It's time for me get serious."
Mangetsu pushed water through his body, enlarging his arms, to Anko's growing worries.
Back with Karin and the others, Tazuna looked to Karin who got into a fighting stance.
"Leave it to me Tazuna-san, you just stay back there."
"Right, do your best!"
Tazuna exclaimed, Karin smiled, nodding and rushed forward.
"I'm glad you're at least trying to fight me. It wont work, but thanks for trying!"
Suigetsu ran her, and swung the bladed end of the sword for her, so she raised her kunai, and blocked the strike.
The pressure of the blade however was more than enough to fling Karin back, skidding across the ground.
Still, she got back to her feet, taking out several shuriken, and tossed them towards Suigetsu's form.
Suigetsu once more laughed as the shurikens passed through his body.
"Didn't I explain? You can't hurt me like that!"
Despite him saying it, she didn't even give up, and continued on.
"Didn't I tell you that I can't give up?"
"H-Hey! White haired kid! You want to kill me! Then come for me!"
Tazuna tried his best to help.
Suigetsu looked back towards him, and he began to chortle.
"Hold on old timer, your time will come. I've got to beat this girl first, then I'll take your life. Too bad the ice girl seems to be frozen...aaah, I guess that suits her though, right? She wont be able to do anything other than watch as she fails Zabuza-sama again by being a worthless challenge. Aah I guess maybe it's because you weren't ever worthy of being Zabuza-sama's apprentice."
Haku felt a pulse from her heart when he said that.
But rather than feel like she could help…
She felt even worse.
Karin scowled.
"Oi you idiot! Don't you dare speak about my teammate in such a manner!"
Haku blinked as Suigetsu looked towards her.
"Huh? What are you saying?"
"You know nothing about Haku-chan, so shut your face right now!"
Suigetsu was stunned for a few moments.
"Heh, it seems you care for her."
"Of course I care for her! She is a friend, and your words...you know nothing of Haku-chan. You know nothing of me..." Karin angrily got into a stance, and prepared herself "...and I'm not finished yet you little punk!"
Karin used her swift moving foot, kicking him in the face, once crossing the distance, so hard that it became a globe of water without any features.
Using that, Karin pulled away and assessed the situation while Haku's eyes laid upon Karin.
"Yeah, lets do this girl!"
Suigetsu pushed water through his arm, causing its mass to increase, and his strength.
Karin pushed chakra through her legs, and shot away from the incoming blade, all the while allowing some of her kunai's to come out, and go towards him, only this time Suigetsu saw that there were some paper bombs wrapped around them.
"Damn."
He pulled back, seeing the blades pierce the ground, and explode.
However, because of that, smoke erupted upwards, and added with the fog, Suigetsu couldn't see her at all.
Karin though used this to her advantage, and circled around him as quietly as she could.
However, Suigetsu wasn't having any of it, and slammed his blade downwards, creating a large enough explosion that propelled Karin backwards, enough for Suigetsu to hear the faintest sound coming from her.
"There you are!"
Karin grimaced as Suigetsu rushed towards her.
When he came at her and swung, she managed to jump away.
But the scroll rather than set off another explosion, unravelled towards her.
"Hahaha! Time to go boom!"
The scrolls bombs released, and began exploding near her body.
Karin however waved through some hand signs, and as she did, Suigetsu noticed something.
"The Substitution Jutsu huh!"
Seeing a log appear where she was, Suigetsu's eyes looked around for her body.
However, when he heard the sound of something behind him, he saw that Karin was running towards him.
So he turned his blade, and swung it towards her, releasing a roll of paper bombs from the scroll.
Karin expected that to happen, so she waved through some hand signs once more, replacing herself with a log.
"Tch, are you really going to keep replacing yourself!? That's such a kiddy Jutsu!"
Suigetsu yelled, seeing that now she was coming from the right hand side.
He smirked, pulling out his explosive blade out, revealing the paper bombs to Karin.
"Such kiddy Jutsu have their advantages. And you should never underestimate me."
Karin closed her eyes as a small ball came out, exploded and created a blinding light.
Suigetsu's eyes took the brunt of the light assault on his eyes.
Karin using her sensing ability once more, tossed a kunai with a paper bomb against the scroll that already revealed a good number.
Suigetsu remained unaware of what was going on until it was too late, hearing the bombs going off, then feeling it on his body.
"Aaaaaaaaah!"
The shockwave of explosions caught him up in it, and he was sent flying backwards.
Due to his watery body, he didn't suffer any real damage.
But the shockwave did cause his watery form to dispel a good deal, which drained his chakra all the while.
His water form hit a tree, and scattered around.
"Aaaaah...damn..."
Suigetsu grimaced, trying to pull himself together.
His eyes shifted to Karin, and saw that she had a kunai up and ready.
"Damn girl...guess that I underestimated you."
"Guess you did."
Suigetsu, despite the attack, looked ready to fight.
"Glad you're showing some skills. I didn't want this to be boring after all."
Karin sharpened her gaze, knowing that she'd soon have to try even harder to fight.
With Haku not being able to assist her, she would have to try her hardest, she knew that to be true.
As that was going on, Ryouta continued battling Zabuza. The blades continued to clash together, with Zabuza's strength to begin pressuring Ryouta, but Zabuza had to admit that Ryouta's speed, especially with Body Flicker, was becoming something that he was having some trouble with dealing with.
Ryouta held his own against the Demon, showing Zabuza that Ryouta's swordsmanship, while not to his own, was very capable of fighting him off, with a blade that didn't have any special tricks like the Seven Ninja Swordsmens did.
However, in the middle of their sword clashing, Ryouta heard an explosion, his eyes shifting back briefly.
Zabuza used this chance to push Ryouta back, forcing the blade he had to go into the air, then pull back, and swing from the right.
Ryouta shot his eyes back, and blocked the blade once more, the strength of the swing nearly brought Ryouta off of his feet, the speed of the swing only added to the power behind Zabuza's attack.
But he remained on his feet, and stood against the man, who pushed harder and harder.
Ryouta then jumped away as Zabuza finished the swing, slicing the area Ryouta was in mere moments ago.
"Shit...the others might need my help. Anko-sensei, I know she'll be able to hold her own. But with Haku-chan down...I don't know how much stronger that Suigetsu has become. I have to either finish this fight quickly, or I need to make my way to the others somehow while making sure Zabuza-san doesn't follow me...should I use my Mangekyou...wait, I have another idea...maybe I could...yes, it could work, if I can force Zabuza-san back and trick him, maybe I could also find some stuff out about Zabuza-san now for Haku-chan...right, I've got to do this..."
As he was mulling it over within his mind, Zabuza raised an eyebrow.
"Don't worry about your friends, I'm sure my boys are keeping them entertained."
"I wont worry about them, I know my friends will hold their own."
Zabuza smirked.
"That's good to know. You know, after the battle with Shisui, I trained my speed, to get to the point I'd be able to challenge him again. Seeing your speed, I can tell you are the brother of Shisui. If you keep training, you'll eventually reach that monsters speed. Though from what I've seen, you're still very fast, and even have a variation of the Afterimage Clone Shisui had. Is that your top speed?"
"I'll leave that to your imagination."
Zabuza blinked, but then smirked, and began weaving through hand signs...
But saw Ryouta doing the same thing, the same hand signs.
""Water Release, Water Dragon Jutsu!""
Zabuza was shocked as the body of water behind Zabuza rose up into two large chunks, taking the form of Dragons.
Two long snake like Dragons, shot out, Ryouta's wrapping around him, while Zabuza's wrapped around himself.
"So, you have access to Water Release..."
"Thanks for the new Jutsu Zabuza-san."
Zabuza laughed as their Jutsu's collided together in a furious burst of strong water, pushing against one another's attacks violently.
"Heh Shisui, this kid has become a strong boy. A little while longer, and this boy is going to be amazingly strong. He'll even surpass you, I can feel it. Managing to challenge me, and I haven't been pulling my punches either, that's quite a feat for a boy this age. If I locked eyes with him a single time, I feel like this fight would be his, and he matched my Jutsu's power, he's really mastered those eyes of his. He is a talent that reminds me of Haku."
While thinking about it, to Zabuza's astonishment, Ryouta had jumped up, and was running across the top of the Water Dragons.
As he did, Ryouta stabbed down into Zabuza's own Water Dragon, giving Ryouta the advantage, and overcame it, allowing Ryouta to ride on his Water Dragon for Zabuza's body.
"W-What?!"
"I'm coming for you Zabuza-san!"
Ryouta rushed Zabuza, jumping for Zabuza as his Water Dragon disappeared onto the ground.
Ryouta got before Zabuza, swinging his fist right all the while Zabuza noted that Ryouta was using the Body Flicker to increase the speed of his body and velocity of his attacks.
"Aaah!"
Zabuza blocked one attack, but then saw the left one coming for his face, Zabuza received the punch to the face, the fist was moving so fast that the pressure of the punch caused Zabuza to be flung backwards while he also released a kunai right for Ryouta's leg.
Ryouta was amazed, as he moved out of the way, thanks to his Sharingan being able to track it faster than usual eyes could do, it impressed Ryouta that Zabuza stayed that calm to attack while being on the receiving end of an attack.
Spinning twice within the air, Zabuza landed on the body of water, using chakra to steady his feet on said water, only to see that Ryouta had finished flying through some hand signs.
"Fire Release, Running Fire!"
Shooting out fire, it shot through the ground, and then ran across the waters surface.
Zabuza was bedazzled, but wasn't going to go down, and swung his large sword down, creating a shockwave of water that rose up similar to a wave, and washed over the fire as he began weaving some hand signs.
Using that, Ryouta's form blasted through the wave of water, shooting like an arrow for Zabuza.
Zabuza smirked, and finished his hand signs, before placing his hands out for the incoming boy.
"Water Release, Water Prison!"
Using the water around, it rose up, and formed a sphere of dense water around his body quite fast, faster than Ryouta seemingly had predicted.
Ryouta tried to escape, but the thick and dense water was difficult to break out of.
Zabuza smirked.
"Game over kid."
Ryouta stared at him, while Zabuza chortled.
What Zabuza didn't know however was...this was going according to Ryouta's plan, and the Ryouta he had captured...wasn't what Zabuza had wanted to capture.
Back with Karin, she was continuing to fight off Suigetsu, using all she could to fight him and try to put distance between them. While Haku watched on, she looked down at herself, and cursed that she was being stopped by the lingering feelings that she had deep inside.
"Haaah...Haaaah..."
Karin panted as Suigetsu chuckled darkly.
"For someone that seems to not use many Jutsu, you've got a good mind. You're much smarter than I am."
"A-Admitting to that..."
"Yeah, you totally are! Using tricks to survive this long...but not any longer. You'll die by my hand!"
Haku looked on, and felt helpless.
All of the thoughts, feelings that she had about Zabuza, about how she felt back when he left, and seeing him uncaring now. She thought of herself as a tool for the longest time, then Ryouta came and freed her from that mentality.
Seeing Zabuza again, she thought that she'd be able to handle it.
But now, she just couldn't do it.
Seeing Karin getting beaten, she wanted to move.
She wanted to help and succeed.
But something was keeping her back.
Even she didn't know why she felt like she couldn't do anything to help…
"Aaaah!"
Karin was blasted back with a swing of Suigetsu's blade. The explosive wave was enough to send her smashing into a tree.
Haku's heart was racing more and more.
Panic was growing within her.
She knew that she had to help her comrade.
She wanted to go and save Karin…
But thoughts of Zabuza entered her once more.
His face.
His cold eyes.
She tightened her eyes, wishing that she could just move.
She was begging herself to move…
But then she heard a single crow cawing in the tree above her.
Her eyes shot open.
She recognized the sound of it of course, and when she looked, she saw a crow with red eyes staring down at her.
Locking eyes with it, Haku's area began to change, and a vision of Ryouta appeared before her.
"Haku-chan..."
"R-Ryou-kun..."
She was confused for a moment.
How he was there, she didn't understand.
Until he explained it.
"I'm using Genjutsu to communicate with you, don't worry the outside wont be able to hear us. I even transformed into a crow to get your attention while also making sure that others didn't, I knew you'd understand the meaning behind a crow."
Haku's hands shook, as Ryouta came closer.
"Yes, I remember, you said it was something your brother was known for, and was something you'd do if you ever needed to speak privately or couldn't openly speak. But Ryou-kun...I'm sorry, I'm being...weak right now...because of me, Karin-san is..."
Haku felt depressed.
She didn't want to be a hindrance.
But something was keeping her back.
"Don't apologize Haku-chan, this must be so hard for you. Seeing Zabuza-san again, stirring up old feelings of being unable to be beside him, thinking of yourself as a failure. I know you do, even now you feel as if you failed him all the way back then, didn't you?"
Haku's eyes shifted down.
"...I always thought about what my life would've been like with Zabuza-sama...but, I also never regretted being with you and the others. Right now...seeing him again...I don't know what it is...but my body stops. When I think about him...when I saw his eyes again...when I think about how everyone is in danger...I can't move..."
Ryouta understood, and pulled closer.
His hand went on top of her own, and he showed a compassionate smile.
"What you feel Haku-chan, is a split duty. To your heart. Right?"
"A...split duty..."
Haku mumbled, as Ryouta inclined his neck.
"Zabuza-san is the man that saved you all those years ago, he was the one that allowed us to meet. How he is, doesn't factor into how you see him as a saviour of sorts, the first person to accept you and see you as useful when you always thought you weren't after what happened with your Dad, right? When everyone hated your existence because of your Kekkei Genkai, Zabuza-san took you with him, trained you, was there for you. He was someone that you owe your life to, right?"
Haku began to cry.
She thought about it, and what he said, did make sense.
She was beginning to understand why she hadn't reacted.
"You don't want to disappoint Zabuza-san again, and the thought of hurting him, fighting the man that did those things for you, whatever his reasons, it must be so difficult. You felt like you failed him back then, but now that you've grown to care and love us as comrades, as friends. I can't even fathom how hard that is for you Haku-chan, fighting against the past, and the present. I can't guarantee anything about what might happen, with Zabuza-san, with us, but I do know right now, we need you Haku-chan. Karin-chan needs you to help against that boy. We're all right beside you. I'll be beside you, whatever happens with Zabuza-san. I can't say things will work out, but I'll do my best to make sure...the best outcome for Zabuza-san is possible."
Haku's eyes widened when he said that.
She was needed…
Yes, she was.
But, unlike in the past, she wasn't a mere tool.
She was a Ninja and her friends were in trouble.
While doubt about Zabuza was still within her heart, she needed to act.
Also...with Ryouta beside her, like he was back then, when he helped her adjust to a life without Zabuza, show her life beyond being a tool, showing her that she had a better life waiting, and she could have goals for herself, goals for her own future, and even have a future that was made by her own design…
She felt it deep inside, the affection Ryouta had shown her over the years.
And not just him, but all of the friends she had made.
She needed to act, right now.
"Yes, Ryou-kun...I'll do whatever we need to win."
Ryouta smiled.
He could see how hard it was for Haku to even say that.
But, the fact that she was snapping back to her normal ways, was good enough for now.
Haku snapped out of her Genjutsu induced conversation and heard a scream.
As Suigetsu was going to make a blow against Karin, something suddenly flashed between the two of of them.
Suigetsu's eyes shifted, and saw that some ice was beginning to grow across the ground. The ice was also forming more and more up his body. The area around him had also frozen, and due to being caught completely off guard, he wasn't even able to fight back until he was half way already frozen.
"W-What the?!"
He tried to reach for his blade, but saw that it had left his hand, and was embedded into the ground a good distance away.
He didn't get when it happened.
But then remembered the thing that flashed between them.
During that time, he had been released of his weapon.
Panicking more and more, he tried to move his arms, but saw that ice was growing across them also.
"This is thanks to Karin-san wearing you down, now I can capture you!"
Haku valiantly stated.
"N-No! Stop!"
Even more panic was entering Suigetsu's body, as he enlarged his arms with water, and tried to break out of the ice. But Haku was using her Ice Release to freeze it just as he smashed it, allowing her to capture him.
Haku's hands clasped together, trying to hold down Suigetsu for long as she could do.
"R-Ryou-kun! Now!"
Suigetsu's eyes broadened as a crow jumped down, and transformed back into Ryouta.
Suigetsu panicked, and tried to avoid eye contact, but it wasn't to be.
Ryouta's eyes locked onto Suigetsu's.
"Now it's time to fall under my spell."
Using his Sharingan, Ryouta rather than knock him out, began to take control over Suigetsu…
As that went on, Anko was continuing her duel with Mangetsu. Now that he had his muscles grow, and rush towards her, his physical strength increased to the point when his fist went for her, which she dodged, it caused a tree to break apart.
"Now this is what I call a good fight!"
Mangetsu yelled, grabbing the broken trees top half.
"Fire Release, Dragon Fire Jutsu!"
Anko knew she'd have to fight back, so she tried a fire type Jutsu, hoping that maybe it would be enough.
However, he merely tossed the tree at her, so she pushed more fire into it, causing it to burn to the point that it broke into a number of tiny pieces that scattered around.
But that didn't stop Mangetsu who came running at her, his fist going for her face.
She knew she'd not be able to dodge in time, so she summoned her snakes from her wrists, forming them into a protective wall.
That still didn't do much to help her, only offsetting the damage for a few seconds, but thankfully she managed to avoid being hit because of that, flipping back a few times as Mangetsu began laughing.
"I didn't think that you'd last this long. But it makes me wonder how the others in your squad are doing. Are they just as adept at fighting as you are?"
"Those three kids are the top in regards to their respective fields of combat."
"Even then, Zabuza-sama will end up killing that boy, the Uchiha."
Anko smirked.
"That boy, has survived far more than you could imagine, all while he's still a child. If that boy has life in his body, I can bet he's still fighting and figuring out ways to defeat your boss."
Mangetsu had to admit that Anko seemed to not show fear for them.
She showed confidence in her group.
"Then you'll die."
Mangetsu thrust his fingers forward.
Now that they were larger, more water began to come off of them, and the bullets were double the size, yet had lost no speed at all, making them an even bigger target to dodge, and more of the effort, with the first one missing her by mere inches.
But by dodging it, Anko received the full force of the punch Mangetsu gave.
Her eyes broadened as she spat out blood from the impact.
Being flung backwards, she hit a tree, hitting through it, before she span around, landing on her feet.
She panted, looking at the enemy before her.
She took out a kunai, and pointed it towards Mangetsu.
Though she felt pain in her body, she still held on and readied herself.
He actually respected her for standing back up.
"All my life, I viewed Zabuza-sama as a true Demon, being with him for this long, has shown me how right I was that day to follow him. The man that would do anything for his own goals, and showing the world how deadly he truly can be. Now I'll show you the same thing!"
Anko scoffed as she ran forward.
Tossing her kunai, it slid right through his watery body, only for Anko to weave through some hand signs, before a torrent of snakes shot out of her sleeves, and went towards Mangetsu.
Mangetsu aimed his fingers for her, and shot off a hailstorm of bullets towards her.
While trying to dodge them all, she received a near hit right on her upper thigh, but it only grazed her skin.
"W-What the hell is this?"
Mangetsu demanded as the snakes she used formed a dome around him.
Despite him trying to attack with his fists, the snakes durable body managed to hold still, as it began moving closer and closer, restricting his movements. Even though he had a watery body, the snakes were able to make sure that not even his watery form would escape.
Anko panted, feeling the drain on her chakra…
"G-Get this shit off me!"
Mangetsu flailed his arms around, trying to break out of his binds...
When he saw a mark on Anko's neck.
His eyes widened briefly, before smirking, and weaving through some hand signs.
He then used his watery form to shoot his hand towards Anko's neck.
Anko realized what he was doing, and pulled back, but not before he managed to touch her neck briefly.
During that brief instance, she felt a change within her.
"W-What..."
Just then, she felt a burning sensation on her neck.
It was intense, as a mark on her neck began to glow.
She felt it's influence, trying to tempt her into using the power.
"N-Not now you stupid Curse Seal..."
She gritted her teeth, trying to quell the usage of the power.
However, because it activated at such a bad time, Anko saw her technique which was working, falter, and Mangetsu managed to summon enough water to blast the snakes away, Anko grimacing and went to move, when she once more felt a surge go through her form.
"Aaaah!"
She cried out, Mangetsu smirked.
"So I got you, I don't know what that mark on your neck does beyond knowing its some kind of Juinjutsu and you had some seal on it to prevent it from doing something, but I've got enough knowledge to release it...I took a gamble, and seems to have paid off."
Anko glared, as he shot closer towards her, building his water in his arm to strike her.
Just as Mangetsu was about to hit her once more, Suigetsu came running up.
"They've been killed, brother."
"Aaah, good." Mangetsu began pulling his fist from Anko's body. "Then, would you like to kill this one also? I want to go and find the ice girl."
"Of course brother."
Mangetsu blinked, surprised that Suigetsu was being as polite as he was.
He put it up to him being tired from fighting the others.
Suigetsu went towards Anko who glared at the boys while placing a hand on her neck.
But then stopped when seeing the eyes that he had, a reflection of the Sharingan could be seen, so she smirked and rushed at him.
Suigetsu did the same thing.
Raising the weapon, Suigetsu's blade suddenly unravelled, and turned it towards Mangetsu, allowing the paper bombs to scatter all around him.
"Suigetsu! W-What are you doing?!"
Mangetsu yelled as Anko kicked Suigetsu's form into Mangetsu's own, before she jumped back, throwing a kunai that had a paper bomb attached to it, causing a mass explosion which caused the two brothers to be caught up in it.
The explosions power was more than enough to overwhelm Mangetsu and Suigetsu at the same time, blasting them back with the shockwave sweeping them across the mass of water, and slammed them into a tree, leaving Suigetsu in a jelly like state, while Mangetsu was half way to that point.
Anko smiled while Ryouta went to her side together with Haku, Karin and Tazuna.
"Damn you kids are awesome..."
Looking at them all, she was relieved they were okay.
But then Ryouta noticed something on her neck, the glowing Curse Seal that was hard to see thanks to her coat but he definitely saw something coming from her, and saw Anko was gritting her teeth, her face showed that she was in pain.
As that went on, Zabuza looked at Ryouta within the water prison, and saw that he just was staring at him defiantly.
"Not going to try and escape?"
"Are you going to try and kill me?"
Ryouta said back, Zabuza chortled.
"Depends, I still want to have my true fight with you. Shisui died, and I felt angry, did you know?"
Ryouta looked surprised.
"Because you couldn't fight him again?"
"We were going to fight again! But then he goes and dies...I guess it's been passed onto you. Shisui's one of the only guys I ever respected. Our views on the world might've differed, but he fought with belief, belief he passed onto you, and Haku..."
"You're glad she's okay, aren't you?"
Ryouta asked, but Zabuza huffed.
"Don't go sappy on me boy."
"But you are glad, aren't you? She's been progressing really well in Konoha, she's become very strong since you parted. You would be proud of her Zabuza-san."
Zabuza's eyebrow raised.
"What gave you the impression that I cared?"
"Because I can see it in your eyes. Even if you deny it, I know that you do care for her."
"If you say so kid. So, how did Shisui die then?" Ryouta just stared down at the water prison, his face not revealing any emotions. "I figured that it wouldn't be an easy thing to speak about, and from your expression, did someone end up taking his life?"
"He died while fighting...certain people who tried to...kill me...or take me away..."
Ryouta revealed, remembering Sugaru, and Tobi's actions from that day.
Zabuza blinked in confusion.
"Who'd want to kill you?"
"They wanted something from him, so they targeted me. We both fought hard, but the enemies...they were monsters with weird Jutsu's. But even then...Shi-chan was amazing that night...he went above and beyond...he even died...but he still protected me..."
More so Tobi than Sugaru, Ryouta remembered despite Tobi's Jutsu, Shisui still managed to inflict damage on him, and fight others like Sugaru.
Zabuza's brows furrowed.
"I figured that's how it happened. I can't see many people beating him in a fair fight. So, are you on the path of revenge?"
"I'm on the path of justice. Revenge doesn't lead to anything other than hate, I don't want to fall into hate. Yet, I don't want those people to get away with killing my brother either. When I meet them, I wont hold back and will find out why that event happened. Yet, I wont let it consume me either. Shi-chan wouldn't want me to...so I'll not fall to darkness. Besides, I've got someone that needs saving, I wont stop until she's saved."
Zabuza began chortling to himself.
Seeing his drive, determination...he really liked it.
"You're right, I remember when we met, he'd do anything to make sure you're safe. Sucks he isn't still alive, but remember that, you carry on his will, honour him in your way."
Ryouta was surprised Zabuza was even sparing these words for him.
"Zabuza-san..."
"I'm only saying it because of Haku...because I want to face you as an opponent one day. It wouldn't be any fun if you ended up being driven by darkness. Shisui was going to be the Uchiha I fought, now with him gone, I want to fight you, and you better be stronger than Shisui, smarter than Shisui, faster than Shisui, got it? I wont settle for anything less than that."
Ryouta lightly smiled.
He believed both reasons he gave were true, even if he tried to correct himself after he let Haku's name slip.
The fact that he wanted Haku to be happy, Ryouta presumed he was going to say, and because he wanted to fight him also.
"Zabuza-san, you haven't changed with how you feel about Haku-chan."
"I feel nothing for her."
Ryouta didn't believe that for an instant.
"Lie all you like, but I remember what you asked us to do for Haku-chan that day."
"I wanted to challenge her one day, that's all."
Zabuza angrily said, but that anger told Ryouta that Zabuza was trying to deny his feelings, even to himself.
"You know, you should join Mei-san, Kiri's different now with her fighting against the Bloody Mists past, she's making things better now, I'm sure if you went towards her..."
"Quiet kid."
Zabuza turned his eyes away from Ryouta.
"You're still trying to assassinate the Mizukage, aren't you?"
"Perhaps."
"So why are you here? What does the bridge builder have to do with you?"
"He's apart of the job, I've got nothing against him. Money means I can gain more forces against that bastard Mizukage."
Ryouta guessed it was something like that, he remembered Zabuza, and he didn't seem the type to target a random bridge builder, he sought a challenge, not an easy kill like Tazuna would be.
"Then join Mei-san, she also wants to make things right...I've heard how the Mizukage is...Mei-san wants Kiri to be better than that. Work with her, she can help you achieve the same goal."
"I don't work well with people like her."
Ryouta shook his head, peering down.
"Don't you want to be with Haku-chan again? She never...stopped thinking about you, Zabuza-san. She always cared for you. If you worked with Mei-san...one day, you could be together again. I know deep down...you care for her."
Zabuza paused when he said that.
Thoughts of Haku began to fill his mind for a few moments.
Thoughts Zabuza didn't want to think about, but they constantly kept coming to him.
Especially now that he had seen her.
Ryouta saw his reaction, even the Demon Zabuza was paralyzed with that thought...
Zabuza was startled by a large explosion going off.
"What!?"
Zabuza's eyes shot towards the left, seeing Mangetsu and Suigetsu getting blasted away.
Zabuza's eyes shifted towards Ryouta who winked as his body began to erupt.
"Shi-"
From that, an explosion went off from his body, blasting apart the water prison, along with Zabuza being forced back by the intense explosion, his hands being damaged by such a strong explosion.
Zabuza saw the mist clearing also thanks to both explosions, he saw Ryouta standing together with his team. He saw Haku looking towards him, conflicting feelings evident on her face, but saw that she was okay.
If it wasn't for the cloth around his face, a small smile could be revealed.
"So, he used a Shadow Clone...An Exploding Shadow Clone...that kid, resourceful as ever I see. He even tricked me, and went to help out his teammates, I did think he gave up a bit too easy when he was trapped, but it was all a ploy... But not just tricking me, he also...with my hands, they're shaking from that damn explosion...they've been wounded...heh, that kid really is a good opponent, I also wonder...does he have access to that same chakra...creature thing that Shisui had...? I don't know what it was...but, I know if that kid has that up his sleeves...this fight would go very differently..."
Zabuza shot for his teammates, while Anko stepped forward.
But as she did, Ryouta saw that she was tightening her hand.
Zabuza also saw it, and turned his eyes towards.
"Not bad. You even fought off Suigetsu and Mangetsu who I've personally been training hahaha! As ever Uchiha, it seems each time I meet you, things don't turn out the way that I expect them. Now move out of the way, and give up the bridge builder."
"Sorry Zabuza-san that we have to hinder your plans. You wont get your hands on Tazuna-san!"
Ryouta announced.
"Y-Yeah! That's right!"
Karin added, while Haku firmly nods her head at Zabuza.
"She's right Zabuza-sama...Zabuza-san, we will not move."
Zabuza looked towards Haku, who's hands were indeed shaking, yet at the same time she looked determined.
Anko smirked.
"You heard them Zabuza, we wont be backing down."
As she said it, Karin's face fell.
"Sensei, I'm sensing two chakras fast approaching here."
"Two?"
"They don't feel as large as any of the three before us, but still..."
"Must be the Demon Brothers, finally finished our escape method."
Zabuza chortled out, Anko scowled.
"Not if I have anything to say about it!"
Zabuza scoffed as Ryouta looked towards him.
"Zabuza-san! Please think about what I said!"
"I'm a Demon boy, your words don't affect me!"
"Zabuza!"
Anko went to run forward, when Zabuza quickly grabbed Suigetsu's sword with bleeding and shaking hands, and released many paper bombs in the air.
Then, he caused them to explode with a single hand sign, creating a wave of explosions that none of them could touch.
Due to the explosive wave, they all moved in front of Tazuna to protect him from flying debris coming at them, thanks to Zabuza's tricks.
Once the debris stopped coming half a minute later, Karin lowered her brows.
"Sensei, they're making their escape as we speak."
"Lets go after them!"
Anko announced, but Ryouta saw that when she took a step forward, she almost skidded.
Ryouta held her up, as he noticed she was wincing.
He noticed...she was in pain, and if they continued, she could become seriously hurt.
"Sensei, my Sharingan can see that they've laid more paper bombs. While it isn't as good as a Byakugan, my eyes can see a little further than average eyes. If we pursue them, we could fall into a deadly explosion. Besides, it might be their plan to do that, and we'd be taking Tazunas-san into a dangerous situation that we might not be able to defend him against."
He reasoned the best he could.
Anko tightened her hand, but nodded slowly.
"You're right, lets regroup, and come up with a plan. It's always better to fight enemies on our terms rather than theirs when we can help it. No doubt they'll strike again, so preparing is best." Anko stomped on the ground, and brought out the axe and hammer weapon. "At least we disarmed one of them. That will lower their battle power." Her eyes went to Tazuna who smiled awkwardly. "Tazuna, take us to your house, and oh yeah, don't think I've forgot about wanting an explanation as well."
Tazuna grimaced, seeing Anko's deadly playful smile.
"R-Right, I get it..."
"Good. Also...those three opponents has pushed this Mission from C to easily A Rank. Thanks to team effort, we gained the upper hand to the point they were forced to withdraw, that's one of the better outcomes we could have predicted." Her eyes went towards Ryouta, and lightly smiled. "Kicked Zabuza's ass?"
"Zabuza-san is skilled, he also knew not to look me in the eyes, and he still fought so well while reading my chest, and legs movements...he's very dangerous."
"But you still not only tricked him with an Exploding Shadow Clone...by the way which is freaking cool, you also came to help the others. Plus, he looked more worse off than you do. I saw his hands, he was shaking holding that sword, you wounded him. Your intelligence in battle is quite astounding, no wonder you managed to survive those attacks years ago."
Ryouta smiled at the praise, though he thought back to what he learned via his clone from Zabuza, and thought deeply about it.
What could happen with Zabuza, if he could get through.
Though with Zabuza's denying of it, Ryouta felt like he did care for Haku, but couldn't allow himself to feel it.
"Thanks Sensei, I did what you said, I survived."
Anko gave a half smile, but then winced as she felt pain through her neck, Ryouta noticing that also.
Karin nodded.
"Ryou-kun was so awesome~ He controlled that Suigetsu with his eyes as well!"
Ryouta shook his head.
"Karin-chan, you fought Suigetsu off, and managed to hold your own, and Haku-chan snapped back from a...difficult experience, they deserve praise for that Sensei."
"I agree, all of you deserve it. You rose to the challenge and fought hard." Ryouta smiled as did Karin, Haku bowed her head respectfully. "Anyway, lets get moving, regroup, and form some plans after Tazuna tells us what's going on."
Despite her saying that with vigour, Ryouta noticed once more that Anko was holding onto her neck.
Karin also noticed it, feeling a dark chakra escaping from Anko's neck, but didn't know what it was.
All they could do right now is regroup, and form a new strategy against Zabuza and whatever else was going to come.
Ameyuri and Kushimaru, after a day of completing a mission together, wound back up at the hideout.
Ameyuri glanced at Kushimaru who placed his hands together.
"Say, wanna go on a date?"
"When you're dead, I might consider it."
She shot back with a laugh.
Kushimaru feigned pain within his chest.
"Ouch! That wounded my heart!"
"You don't have a heart, don't lie."
Ameyuri laughed louder, when she noticed something towards the door.
Going towards it, she grabbed it and picked it up.
"Oi, you dumb bastard, we've got another mission."
"Ooh! Our benefactor is sending us after someone? Who's that?"
Ameyuri pulled out a picture of their target, and tossed it towards Kushimaru.
"Memorize the face, we're heading off...hmm, to the Land of Waves. Not been there in years, lets see what's changed~"
"So this is our target huh? Hahahahaha! Lets clean house my love!"
Ameyuri sighed deeply.
"Don't ever call me your love again you repulsive disappointment."
"Hahaha! Your words are as harsh as they are beautiful~"
Ameyuri rolled her eyes at his laugh.
But, she herself was rather excited to see what was going to happen next, knowing there had to be a specific reason why she was being sent after their target, what her benefactor truly wanted from this.
End chapter!
So Ryouta fought Zabuza, Anko fought Mangetsu, and Karin stepped up to fight Suigetsu! Haku was naturally frozen by her feelings about Zabuza, seeing him again after all this time, thanks to Karin and Ryouta, she was able to snap out of it for the moment and came to her comrades side. Ryouta fought Zabuza, managing to land blows on the Demon while wanting to know more about Zabuza's current situation for Haku's sake, even tricking Zabuza with an exploding clone and copied the Water Dragon via his Sharingan. Anko also fought Mangetsu hard, and almost won, even managing to take his weapon off of him, before Mangetsu used her Cursed Seal against her, something that will play into some developments in this arc. Karin even got her moment to fight off Suigetsu, pushing him a good bit with tricks and using her mind to combat him.
Though they got away thanks to the Demon Brothers, Zabuza's group came off worse than Anko's group for the time being.
Then at the end, it seems that Ameyuri and Kushimaru have been summoned to the Land of Waves. By who...we'll eventually see~
And now with them on the way, Team Seven shall soon be showing up.
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Ryouta; Satsuki, Sakura, Naruko, Hinata, Gaara (fem), Ino, Haku (fem), Kurotsuchi, Karin, Konan, Mei, Anko, Samui,