Chapter 72: Orochimaru's Scheme P1

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar the Last Air Bender or Naruto, I do own Kasumi and her deck which is based off of Fire Emblem female characters.

That night everyone felt relieved that there was only one Titan Card remaining. Nearly all Titan Cards had been recovered. It surely looked like whatever scheme Hades was trying to pull off was failing day-by-day the longer his Duelist he gave the Titan Cards to lost. Now things looked to be going our favor with only one Titan Card remaining. Providing Naruto won his duel against his own Titan Card, then it would be a big win for us, but all of us knew this was just going to be one win against evil. I had a feeling that just because we had the Titan Cards wouldn't stop the Fire Nation or it's Sound Ninja allies from trying to kill or capture Aang or make Orochimaru stop trying to hunt me down to capture me. Sokka turned to me "Things seem to be going our way for once, at least with the Titan Card situation."

I agreed with him "True there Sokka, but providing Naruto wins his Duel against his own Titan Card, that it's going to be a victory. However it's only a minor victory."

Sokka grimaced as even though he had his dumb moments at times, even he knew where I was getting at "Yeah, hard to imagine though that even with gaining the Titan Cards back to good hands that it's a minor victory but sadly it's going to be. As I do realize the Fire Nation isn't going to turn tail and run knowing we have the Titan Cards…" he put his hand underneath his chin in a thoughtful manner then smirked "Unless you Lady Kasumi will summon them for us and use them to crush our enemies!"

I didn't know wither to frown at this suggestion or smile, on one side I could see where he was getting at as the Fire Nation wouldn't be able to overcome all Titan Cards, but on the other side, I remembered a lesson from my father about with great power comes great responsibility.

"I see you aren't in agreement with that one" Sokka muttered towards me.

"To use the Titan Cards like that would certainly give us a victory" I said to him "But where does that leave us?"

He blinked confused "Come again?"

Lance answered "Lady Kasumi has a point Sokka, sure it's a victory against evil if we ever unleash the Titans, but where does that leave us? I'm sure any civilian that survives the rampage would just be looking at us as if we are the enemy and the ones that caused it. To use the Titan Cards like that is just not to be done in the best of terms."

Haku agreed with me and Lance "I'm sure you heard this Sokka before but with great power comes great responsibility. To use the Titan Cards prematurely like that may give us a win quicker but it doesn't solve the main problem in fact it makes the situation a lot worse than it was. There will be a time to unleash them for real, but now isn't that time."

Naruto even frowned a bit at that as he understood it "I hate to admit it Sokka but they are right. Besides I'm the only one without my Titan Card so I have to wait."

Kakashi-Papa was silent as he was on guard duty for the first shift of the camp but I could see him shaking his head yes. Takara and Snowflake were both sleeping on my lap as night settled down and we all gained some much needed sleep.

Sasuke's POV

How lucky could one side get? Time after time, Avatar Aang with his friends got away. Things weren't looking up for any of us. What enraged me the most was our enemies were gaining the stolen Titan Cards and only one of them remained. Even Princess Azula was beginning to feel that Hades scheme was going down the drain. Sure we were proud that Hades stole the five Titan Cards, but now only one remained, and we were both certain that Naruto was the one that was going to earn it if he defeated the opponent. After Jirayia had prevented our advance pretty easily allowing our enemies to get away, it was time to think of a new plan. Azula wanted to capture or kill Aang and I had every intention to capture the Lady Signer, but unlike Azula, neither Orochimaru or I wanted Kasumi to die, like Orochimaru we wanted her on our side. Princess Azula turned towards me "Why is it that you want the Lady Signer alive? Surely like me, she'd be more better dead."

I shot her a look "Perhaps that is one way to think of it coming from a Fire Bender whom only sees Fire Bending as the only bending to be able to use-"

She sent me a return glare but I waved it off as I continued my explanation "Lady Kasumi is Psychic, Princess. She's literally using it to defend her friends and the Leaf village that both Orochimaru and I see to it as a waste. That raw power is what Lord Orochimaru wants, in his hands he'll finally be able to achieve his dream in destroying the Leaf Village. In other words he sees Lady Kasumi as a human weapon, one that he wants to have and will stop at nothing. As for me, I want the Lady Signer as her power is what a revived Uchiha clan needs."

"I think I see your point" Princess Azula huffed "Still you could use me."

"Perhaps" I admitted "But for now we have bigger problems, we can't risk ambushes as they are pointless with Jirayia with them. Lord Jirayia is a bigger threat to us even more so than Kakashi, the Lady Signer and the Avartar."

Princess Azula saw the point snapping her hands remembering how easily she had been beaten by that old man "He got me good with that Rasengon of his and to trap us with that Toad Mouth trap was something I never witnessed before...Especially when my Fire Bending did nothing."

Lord Orochimaru chuckled dryly, "Once again Princess you failed to listen to reason. I knew your Fire Bending wasn't going to be enough to allow us to escape that trap."

"SINCE WHEN CAN A STOMACH BE IMMUNE TO FIRE?!"

"You're not seeing the big picture" I warned her "That was a toad's stomach we were trapped in, and toads Lord Jirayia has are nearly immune to fire…" I frowned as somehow I had a memory of Itachi my older brother being able to escape "And yet somehow my brother Itachi escaped using a fire technique, I'd like to know how that was even possible."

Princess Azula went silent not going to underestimate Jirayia ever again but I had a feeling that she would which caused me to hide a small smile. Orochimaru then spoke "Regardless we must think on our new action Princess. With Jirayia with them any attack of yours or our combined forces has a strong percentage chance of failing."

Azula growls "What do you have in mind then Orochimaru?!"

Orochimaru answered as he drew a map of where Kasumi's group might be heading "I have an idea, where an ambush is most likely not our best option, I propose we split them up. My forces will engage our enemies while you two will go ahead and wait for only Aang, and Kasumi to arrive. Only then will you two be able to make your move in attacking them. Now if my plan works you two will only be facing them and not their full friends. Use your skills to take them down while my forces hold down their allies."

"A sensible plan" Princess Azula complimented.

I nodded "Finally I'll be able to fight the Lady Signer one-on-one again and this time, I intend to beat her, and take her alive."

Princess Azula gathered fire in her fist "Sure, sure you'll handle her as your probably the best out of the two of us to, as you know how to fight her, while I handle the Avatar."

Lord Orochimaru outlined his plan towards me and Azula "Don't rest here then Princess Azula and Sasuke, go under the cover of night to intercept the Lady Signer. If everything goes according to plan she and Aang should be getting towards that abandoned castle alone. Get inside that castle and wait for those two."

"What's the idea for making sure her friends don't interfere?" Princess Azula asked.

Orochimaru smirked as I could've sworn I saw thick mist arriving in the darkened forest "Oh let's just say I've asked Hades for a favor and he's agreed to it. But I refuse to explain my plan further, let's just say that with the favor I've asked Hades for, the two of us should be able to seperate Aang and Lady Kasumi without them noticing."

I grabbed Azula by the arm dragging her with me "Come on Princess! Let's not waste time!"

"Right!" She said then she hissed "HOW DARE YOU TREAT A ROYAL PRINCESS LIKE THIS!"

With this Princess Azula and I began to go on ahead silently so that Lady Kasumi or Hanabi wouldn't see us.

As we were leaving I saw Orochimaru turn to something in the mist as it thickened as if asking the unseen figure if he was ready to help.

Kakashi's POV

We were up and moving once more! We were making quick progress to our next destination. Snowflake and Takara were at Kasumi's feet racing alongside her as we made our way forward. As we were moving forward, I had the strangest feeling we were being followed. Whenever I stopped for a moment, the group smartly stopped as well with neither my adopted daughter Kasumi or Hanabi able to pin point where an attack was coming from. Honestly I felt as if we were being stalked. Even though I hadn't battled her for long, even I knew that Princess Azula wouldn't be detoured by the fact we had Jirayia with us. As we were getting close, a heavy fog like mist settled in causing me to stop upright! This wasn't your normal fog, and I knew it! I came to a sudden stop looking around. Sadly Aang and Kasumi had went up ahead out of view. Neither one suspecting I had stopped.

"What's wrong Kakashi?" Iruka asked me "The enemy?"

"Possibly" I answered "But look around us...What do you see?"

"NOTHING!" Sokka complained trying to move his hand in front of us face "I CAN'T EVEN SEE MY OWN HAND!"

Then WHAM! Just as Naruto had jumped from the tree branch due to thick fog like mist, he ran right into a tree branch and he slammed into the ground complaining "WHO PUT THAT BRANCH THERE?!"

"Thick Mist…" Haku muttered.

"Indeed" I said "Which is why I stopped. This mist just came out on a whim…"

"Strange" Katara admitted "The morning was just fine."

Hanabi attempted to see through the mist with her Byucugan but strangely even with it she was unable too "You gotta be kidding me, I can't see any Chakra signs other than ours!"

I was a bit worried as was Haku whom gasped "Kakashi-Sensei, where's Lady Kasumi?"

"She and Aang went up ahead" I answered "right before this mist settled in."

"Great" Naruto muttered "SIS STOP!"

"She's not gonna be able to hear you if she's up ahead by a good distance" Katara warned.

It was then I sensed something off and warned everyone "EVERYONE IF YOU VALUE YOUR LIFE DUCK!"

As if on cue everyone that heard me dived on the ground and just on the nick of time for a familiar sword that I had seen in the past nearly caught the group. It went whirling into a tree and getting stuck in it. Then we saw the figure and Haku and my eyes widened realizing whom it was. I was more in shock to see him as was Haku whom spoke "No...Way...Kakashi-Sensei are you seeing this?"

"I am" I admitted shocked.

Naruto gasps pointing outward "Oh-no not him again!"

"Whose he?" Sokka asked.

I answered "Zabuza Momochi!"

Haku frowned "But how? You killed him on your second encounter Kakashi-Sensei."

Zabuza looked at us specifically at me and Haku "Your memories don't deceive you two, I was killed by you Kakashi Hatake, and you betrayed me Haku."

Haku looked at him "I was always on Lady Kasumi's side Zabuza. Sure I liked being at your side but secretly I was searching to protect the Lady Signer! And that will never change. Now it makes sense...That thick mist...It's yours!"

Zabuza chuckled "Yes, I see you remember that the mist right then was from me, but enough shame, I've been brought back to life by Hades upon a personal request from someone."

As if on cue Orochimaru seemed to appear right beside him a wicked grin on his face.

"First Zabuza" Haku muttered "And now Orochimaru too!"

Lord Jirayia turned seeing him "Great...I bet that personal request to Hades was from Orochimaru."

Orochimaru grinned "Oh, Jirayia you were always a bit slow to realize what my plans were, sure you defeated us last time but I've decided to up the ante and with Zabuza here, I'm going to make sure that None of you will be leaving."

Hanabi's byuguan activated seeing Fire Nation soldiers surrounding us "Nuts!"

"What was inside that mist?" Sokka demanded "That allowed them to bypass you?"

Haku frowned as he answered "That mist was Zabuza's secret technique...Water Style, Hidden Mist Jutsu!"

"I thought it was yours!" Sokka protested.

"WHO DO YOU THINK TAUGHT ME THAT?!" Haku shot back "Sokka! You need to be on your toes! Zabuza is the master of the silent killing art!"

Sokka shut up right away "Great...The silent art of assassination…"

"Now Jirayia and Kakashi, you and your allies will have to face off against me and Zabuza here if you wish to survive, I suggest you try defeating us! And as for your other allies the Fire Benders will attack them too."

"Then let's begin this battle!" Zabuza announced and I whipped out my Sharrigan knowing it was going to be needed once more, I saw him bringing out a hand seal announcing "Water Style...Hidden Mist Jutsu!"

"NOT THE MIST AGAIN!" Sokka complained.

"Keep calm everyone" I warned "Naruto, Haku, Hanabi, and Iruka, we need to work together to protect everyone else. Stay on your toes, against Zabuza it's needed. Lord Jirayia this is exactly the sitation that you are needed."

Jirayia agreed "Let me handle Orochimaru! You, Naruto, Haku, Hanabi and Iruka need to focus on Zubuza."

Thus we had to fight, and as we were going to do so I had a feeling that this was exactly what Orochimaru wanted us to fight him and Zabuza while Kasumi fought...I realized this "Kasumi and Aang!"

Haku stopped right away cursing his luck "OH-NO! They went ahead plus, Azula and Sasuke aren't here!"

Haku's eyes narrowed "Then it leaves us no choice Kakashi-Sensei"

I agreed if we wanted to get to Aang and Kasumi we needed to do survive and beat these two.

Kasumi's POV

It took a while for me and Aang to realize that we weren't being followed by our friends. When it did set in, I stopped. Snowflake and Takara came to a stop as I turned my head. Aang followed my suit as he noticed that we weren't being followed. This set me off, we were seperated and we didn't know it until right now. This sent alarm bells in my head.

"Where do you suppose our friends are at?" Aang asked me.

"Not sure" I said "But whereever they are, they might be in danger."

Aang frowned "Should we get back there?"

Suddenly Snowflake and Takara began shouting out "VULPIX! VULPIX! VULPIX!"

It wasn't like them to be barking out in alarm like this. Whenever Takara did I knew something was up as I turned seeing the abandoned castle. Someone was in there and Aang froze noticing whom it was "Nuts...Lady Kasumi...It's Azula!"

I kept one eye in the castle and sure enough there was Princess Azula whom for once was grinning evilly "Well, hello Avatar, and Lady Signer...Nice of you to drop by all alone it's the perfect time we've been waiting for!"

"We've?" Aang asked.

I broke into a run and tackled Aang, not as hard as I could but not so soft ether, the just right of tackle "What was that for?" Aang asked me

He got his answer when a giant fire ball missed the both of our backs by inches. I turned seeing where the Fire came from and saw Sasuke "Sasuke…"

Aang looked up alarmed "Princess Azula and Sasuke?!"

Sasuke smirked "Yes, it's the two of us."

He looked at me smirking cracking his knuckles while preparing himself for a fight "And it's time for us to fight. Lady Kasumi you vs me one-on-one and your Avatar Friend fights the Princess of the Fire Nation."

Aang stood up as we placed our backs to each other "Great...Can I say that we are in hot water?"

I agreed "You are not wrong there Aang. We are in trouble…"

Aang dodged a fire bended attack from Princess Azula "And you aren't going to get your friends to help cause Orochimaru set up a big surprise attack on them."

I looked at Aang "I'm not sure how Orochimaru was able to think of a way to separate us...But we have to fight them."

Aang agreed "Right. Think you can handle Sasuke?"

I frowned "I'm gonna half to. Be careful Aang."

Aang nodded "Right, same to you."

With this said Sasuke came at me with blinding speed just as Azula fire Bended another attack at Aang. Aang dodged leaping up but Azula chased after him while I myself leaped up at Sasuke and I caught his fist in my own hand.

"I've been waiting a long time for this" Sasuke told me as I still had his fist in the palm of my hand "For after today...You'll belong to me!"

"WRONG!" I hissed.

Snowflake and Takara had came to help me surrounding on Sasuke from his left or right flank. He tried to escape but I Earth Bended grabbing his feet with the ground trapping him briefly "NOW!" I ordered my two pets.

"VULPIX!" the two Vulpix shout with Snowflake breathing out and Ice Beam and Takara breathing out a Flamethrower.

The two elemental attacks shoot out towards Sasuke seemingly striking him on both sides burning or freezing him.

End of chapter

I know short chapter, shorter than most, but, I wanted to try something else, setting up two battle scenes! Next chapter is, chapter 73: Orochimaru's Scheme P2: Aang and Kasumi are in the fights of their lives when their fights against Princess Azula and Sasuke while their friends fight for their own lives against the combined might of Zabuza and Orochimaru...Can our heroes unite or will Orochimaru's plan prevail?