Chapter 12

Akari wasn't sure how long she lay there among the ruins of the Fire Temple. She kept drifting in and out of consciousness. What she did know was that she was no longer dying. Somehow she had managed to press her hand gently atop the wound on her bleeding chest. With the small amount of chakra she had left she was able to begin healing.

At one point she was able to keep her eyes open and sighed in relief as the pain began to recede. Soon she was able to sit up against the wall. Keeping her hand steady, she took in the scene around her. The Fire Temple was no longer standing. When had that happened? She was sure it was still up before she passed out.

Finally she grimaced as she caught sight of the many bodies scattered here and there. She didn't remember seeing this many monks out during her fight. And yet quite a few of them lay dead among the temples rubble. Then it dawned on her. Hidan had slaughtered them and destroyed what was left before he was gone. Sick bastard. It was sad to say that these men had died for nothing. The man they were trying so hard to save was just as dead as they were.

"Unnecessary casualties…" She muttered to herself.

At last she felt her wound close up completely. She was lucky that her chakra hadn't been completely depleted from her fight. Even luckier that her wound wasn't fatal. Unfortunately she couldn't do anything about her aching body. Or the gash Hidan had left on her thigh. She would have to wait until chakra was flowing through her body once more. She couldn't even bandage it up seeing as how she had lost her pack somewhere among all the wreckage. She remembered taking it off before she foolishly threw herself into the fight. But she wasn't entirely sure where she placed it. At least her katana was in reach. Gently she picked it up and slid it in its sheath. Then there was her mask. Reaching up, she removed it and held it up as she examined it. It had a chunk missing on its right side just below the eye! Luckily it didn't completely shatter or those bastards would have seen her full face. Still…she would need a new one.

"Well Akari, you sure made a mess of things. Not only were you not able to save the monk, but you lost your damn supplies and broke your freakin mask!" She said bitterly to herself.

With a loud sigh she put it back on and leaned back as she stared at the sky. She didn't feel like moving. Her body was tired. She just wanted to lay her head down and sleep. But she knew that she would have to get going eventually. Either back to the village to properly heal, or to find Zetsu who had called for her nearly three days ago. She wondered how angry the weird creature would be. Usually she was always on time when she was called but the last few days had been…difficult. It would be safer to head back home but she would be risking her position among the Akatsuki. Either way she would have to summon Shun. And she clearly couldn't do that just yet. So she closed her eyes and rested. Just for a moment. Until she heard the voices.

"Hello? Are you okay?"

"I…I don't think she's alive."

"But she is. I can see her chest moving."

"Then why is…"

Akari scrunched up her face in irritation. Could a girl not catch a break! The voices stopped at her sudden movement. She opened her eyes and glared at the new comers.

"I'm not dead! Just tired is all." She muttered.

She stared up at the two men watching her. The younger one gaped at her in surprise. The older man merely smiled in relief. She blinked up at them and took in their appearance. They were monks. How were they alive?

"You two are…"

"My name is Juushoku of the Fire Temple. Are you okay young one?" He said.

"Uh…yeah…yeah I'm fine. But how is that your still alive? I thought everyone was dead."

"They are my girl. My companion and I were away and have recently returned. We are saddened by what we have come home to."

Akari had no problem believing that. It was clear on his face how affected he was by the destruction of his home. The death of his family. She could still see traces of shed tears on the younger monks face. He noticed her staring and turned away.

"You are still injured. Let my friend here heal you the best that he can." The old monk offered.

She nodded. The young monk knelt down beside her and stared to clean up the gash on her thigh. He hadn't said his name. It didn't matter. Akari didn't care to know. Not at the moment anyway. The older monk cleared his throat. She tore her eyes away from the hands on her leg and looked up at him.

"You were here. During the tragedy. What exactly happened? I know that a survivor made his way to the Leaf Village but we have yet to understand what had befallen the temple." Juushoku asked.

"Someone else survived?"

"Yes. I take it you are from the Hidden Leaf?"

"I am. If this survivor made it to my village then help shouldn't be too far away. Though I'm sorry to say they can't do anything for this temple. There's not much left of it to save." She muttered.

The young monk sent her a look. She didn't mean to sound so harsh. She understood that she was being rude but she was too tired to care. Tired of the Akatsuki. Tired of all the blood. The deaths. She was tired of everything.

"I'm afraid that your right. But please. Ease this old man's aching heart. Tell me what happened." Juushoku said sadly.

Akari felt a lump in her throat. She wasn't sure she could tell him everything. Tell him how she wasn't able to save his friend. Or anyone for that matter. Here she was, the only one alive among the dead. His family died while a stranger sat before him still breathing. But she would tell him. She owed him at least that much.

So Akari told him what he wanted to know. She started from when she arrived at the temple. Somewhere in the middle of her story, monks from nearby temples arrived. The young monk tending to her left her side to speak with them. Soon they were all searching among the rubble for the bodies of the dead. Akari watched them as she finished her story. She ended it with Chiriku's death. She left out the part where she had been stabbed in the chest. He didn't need to know. As soon as she was done, Juushoku thanked her and helped her to her feet. Her aches were gone. Her chakra had slowly trickled back while she spoke.

"I'm thankful that you tried to help. It was brave of you." He patted her hand gently.

She could see tears threatening to spill from his eyes. The lump in her throat returned and she looked away. Slowly, so she wouldn't offend him, she pulled her hand away. Then she glanced at the many monks working around her.

"In the end I was no help. But I would like to make up for my failure. I'll help recover the bodies." She told him.

He gave her sad smile and nodded. Akari left him to his thoughts. She joined the others and was soon digging through cement and wood. She felt slightly better with every body that she found. At least they would have a proper burial. That eased her conscious, if only a little. It was a few hours later that they finished. The many monks who had arrived to help left leaving only Juushoku, Akari, and the young monk.

Akari slid the lid shut on the last of the coffins. She stared at the many rows solemnly. The day had taken a turn for the worst. It seemed like forever ago that she was kissing Sasuke goodbye. Now she was standing in the middle of a broken temple.

At one point Juushoku and his companion left to meet the arriving Leaf ninja. Akari couldn't tear her eyes away from the many coffins. What was the point in even trying to save Chiriku? All she had done was get herself beaten down and was nearly killed in the process. The monk died. She had risked her life for nothing. In the end it was all for nothing.

"You're still here?"

Akari didn't need to look up. She knew who it was. Shikamaru.

"Seems that way." She muttered.

"Lady Tsunade told us you came by here to warn Chiriku. That you had found some information beforehand about the attack."

This was Asuma.

"I came too late. They were already here when I arrived."

She still didn't look up.

"Are you okay? You seem beat up. In more ways than one."

Was that Izumo? It sounded like him.

"I'll be fine."

"She fought them. She tried to save Chiriku." Juushoku told them.

"Really? Akari those are dangerous men! You could've died!"

That was definitely Kotetsu. Shikamaru, Asuma, Izumo, and Kotetsu.

"But I didn't. Chiriku did. But I didn't."

She finally looked up. They were staring at her with concern. Even Shikamaru was watching her warily. Like she might shatter if he got to close.

"Why are the four of you together? Where are Choji and Ino?" She asked.

"Lady Tsunade formed 20 new platoons. Four per team. She sent us out to find and deal with the Akatsuki members in the Fire country. Ino and Choji are on a different team." Asuma explained.

"I see." She muttered.

"The men you fought. They were part of the Akatsuki. That's why it worries me that you went up against them." Izumo frowned.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Kotetsu asked.

"My injuries are minor. I healed the worst ones the best that I could."

"That's not what I…"

"Are you going after them? The Akatsuki I mean." She turned to Asuma.

"We are yes. You should head back to the village. Rest up. By the looks of this place, your fight wasn't a walk in the park." He told her.

"I said I was fine. I will go with you."

Asuma stared at her for a moment. Then he gave her a small nod before turning to Juushoku.

"Chiriku's body. Where is it?"

"It was the only one we didn't find." The older monk frowned.

"They took it with them. They are collecting a bounty." Akari spoke.

"A bounty?" Shikamaru asked.

"I really didn't want to bring this up, but Chiriku-san's corpse has a thirty million ryou bounty on the black market." Izumo told him.

"Hmmm. Do you know where they might have taken him?" Asuma said.

"An exchange point. That's where one usually takes a bounty." She muttered.

Akari was well informed on Kakuzu's many adventures. He had dragged her along with him once before. It was a time that Hidan was in no mood to accompany him. Of course she hadn't been the one to kill the poor man but she had witnessed it. Not one of her best days. Frankly she didn't think she had any good days anymore. She glanced at Shikamaru who was staring at her with an odd look on his face.

"Ok. Izumo. Where are the closest exchange points?" Asuma asked.

"Um…there are five nearby. We could go to the closest and send the other teams to the four remaining." He offered.

"Sounds good."

Before they could go, Juushoku wished to pray for them. They stood in silence as he said a prayer. Another damn lump began to form in her throat.

"Please be safe on your journey." He told them.

"Thank you very much. I'll at least try to return Chiriku's body." Asuma said.

"No, no, please don't push yourself. As a fellow former Ninja Guardian, there is surely a price on your head, as well. Please be careful."

Akari glanced at Asuma's sash. It was identical to Chiriku's. She couldn't save the monk but she sure as hell would make sure Asuma made it home. It was the reason she needed to go with them. She had to be there when they faced Hidan and Kakuzu.

"Don't worry about me. My head's worth five million more than Chiriku's!" Asuma assured him.

"The only thing you have to worry about with Asuma is him smoking too much." Shikamaru smirked.

They finally left the Fire Temple behind them. They soared through the trees as fast as they could. Asuma didn't want to miss their targets. Akari had been sticking to the back but it wasn't long before Asuma asked her to stay beside him. She picked up speed and fell into to step with him.

"What can you tell me about them?" He gave her a sideways glance.

"Well, from what I learned during my fight, one is immortal and the other is nearly impossible to kill."

"That doesn't sound promising."

"Immortal? Are you sure?" Shikamaru asked.

"Hid…the immortal. I hit him with some strong techniques and he kept getting back up. Completely unfazed. The other one has these tendrils woven into his body. He can extend himself as far as he likes."

"Again. Not promising. We are going to have to be very careful with these guys."

"The fact that he kept getting back up doesn't necessarily make him immortal. Just resilient. I think these guys can be killed." Kotetsu said.

Akari didn't argue. She couldn't give too much away without blowing her cover. Everything she knew about Hidan and Kakuzu couldn't be learned from a single fight. The others would wonder where exactly she got her information. She would just have to make sure that Hidan doesn't try his special little trick. She would also have to make sure that they hit Kakuzu directly in his heart. All five of them.

"We're nearly there. The exchange point is a rest stop just ahead." Izumo told them.

The five of them picked up the pace. As soon as they could see their destination they slowed. Keeping hidden amongst the trees they surveyed the area. It wasn't much. Just a small building with restrooms for wary travelers. No one seemed to be around. Akari was beginning to think that they had chosen the wrong location. Until Hidan walked out. The man took a seat on the steps leading inside. Kakuzu had yet to appear.

"Okay. We will kill this one. The other we will attempt to capture alive." Asuma muttered.

"Alive? I'm sorry to say that I don't believe that will be possible." She whispered.

"It's two against five. I think we can manage." Kotetsu grinned.

"Heres the plan. Ill distract him long enough for Izumo and Kotetsu to take him out. Shikamaru will make sure he can't move. Akari…don't leave Shikamaru's side." Asuma ordered.

"You don't think I can handle myself?" She accused.

"Of course you can. But you've done enough. You need a break. If we need you feel free to jump in."

He placed a hand on her shoulder. She understood that he was trying to look out for her but it still irked her to be put on the sidelines. Especially knowing what she did. There was no way they could capture either of those two men. It was better if they just killed them both. If they could. Still, Asuma was in charge here.

"Alright. That's fine." She agreed.

He gave her nod. Then he disappeared. Akari turned to Hidan once more. He still sat there clearly impatient with his partner. They saw Asuma as soon as he made his move. Hidan turned to face him while deflecting the shuriken thrown his way. Then he flung his scythe at Asuma who dodged with ease.

Seeing as how Hidan was distracted, Izumo and Kotetsu left the cover of the trees. With great speed they each attacked the Akatsuki member from the sides. Shikamaru rushed out as well and Akari followed close behind. He placed himself on the roof of the building and Akari took her place beside him.

By now, Hidan had noticed the two new attackers. He attempted to move but something had him grounded to the spot. A shadow ran from his feet to the roof. Shikamaru glanced at her with a smirk. But she wasn't smiling. She just shook her head and frowned. Shikamaru stared at her with confusion until she motioned for him to look at the scene before them. Even though Izumo and Kotetsu had managed two fatal hits, she knew it wasn't enough. Yes, they held two large knifes firmly inside Hidan's body but it had not effect.

"That freakin hurt! What the hell's your problem?" The man complained.

"What's going on? We hit his vital organs!" Kotetsu gasped.

"Stop shaking damn it! It hurts like a bastard!"

"My god. He is immortal!" Izumo managed.

"No shit, Sherlock! Now, who the hell are you people?" Hidan growled.

He eyed everyone careful. Then his eyes found Akari's. She didn't falter. She stared right back.

"You bitch! I left you for dead! How are you here?"

"You shouldn't have been so careless." She said through gritted teeth.

"You're becoming a thorn in my side! The next time I kill you it will be for good!" He promised.

The others were staring at her now too. She was now standing, glaring at the man intensely. Shikamaru reached out and grabbed her wrist. Slowly he lowered her arm. She looked down at him and was surprised to see her katana in her hand. Her knuckles were white from gripping its hilt so firmly. He shook his head at her and tugged at her arm. Biting her lip she let him pull her down until she was kneeling once more. Hidan started to cackle.

"Well damn. You must really hate me! Makes me wish I remembered who your sister was." He grinned.

Shikamaru's eyes widened. He turned to Akari but she didn't take her eyes of Hidan. The man winked at her and she nearly leapt off the roof. Then he glanced at Asuma and groaned.

"Shit! Now im gonna have to go back into that shithole of an exchange point again! Stupid Ninja Guardians!" He complained.

He was referring to Asuma's sash. Akari grew very nervous. Then she felt Shikamarus arm wrap firmly around her waist. Within seconds he had her safely on the ground and she looked up in time to see Kakuzu crash onto the roof where they once stood. He let her go and cursed under his breath. She saw that his shadow technique had been released.

Asuma leapt in front of them, blocking Kakuzu's next attack.

"Kotetsu! Izumo! Fall back!" He ordered.

There other two companions left Hidan's side and placed themselves firmly around Shikamaru and herself."

"Sorry. I should've been paying attention." She whispered to Shikamaru.

"It's fine. You were clearly distracted."

He gave her a knowing look. She knew that he would be expecting an explanation as to why Hidan had mentioned her sister. There was no way he was letting this go.

"So the one in the center really is…I see the lure of money's got you for once, Hidan." Kakuzu spoke.

He was talking about Asuma. He had also noticed the sash. His gaze fell on Akari. There was a small hint of surprise in his eyes.

"The girl. I thought you had killed her." He glared at Hidan.

"She must have managed to heal herself! I told you the monk had missed! You should've let me finish my damn ritual!"

"It's no matter. She's no threat."

"Just stay out of this Kakuzu! I'm going to use them for my ceremony. The money's all yours." Hidan ordered.

"Works for me. Just don't underestimate them. You'll get yourself killed."

"Like they could pull it off, Kakuzu. If they could kill me, I'd let them. But that's not happening is it?"

Asuma shifted beside them.

"I'll take the lead." He whispered.

Hidan began to draw his diagram with his own blood. Akari stifled a gasp.

"As soon as you see an opening, immobilize the immortal guy with the shadow sewing, Shikamaru. If you can just give me a couple of seconds, I'll cut his head off and hopefully keep him fom interfering."

"That's too risky! This isn't like you." Shikamaru whispered fiercely.

"I'll go too." Kotetsu offered.

"Don't you get it? That's the best strategy we've got right now! They're a hell of a lot stronger than me! Izumo, Kotetsu, keep an eye on the other Akatsuki and guard Shikamaru and the girl."

Akari grabbed his sleeve. He turned to face her but she stared directly ahead.

"Asuma. You can't let him stand in that diagram. And don't let him have a single drop of your blood." Akari told him.

He gave her a strange look. The others stared at her.

"Trust me." She whispered.

"If we know what they're capable of now, shouldn't we pull back and set up a new strategy?" Izumo muttered.

"They're not just gonna let us run away. If we run without putting up a fight, we'll be wiped out, and Konoha will be in even graver danger." Asuma told him.

"He's right. The only reason I'm alive is because they assume I would die from my injuries. If they see us run…they will come after us until we're dealt with." Akari frowned.

She couldn't help but remember her past. Hidan and Kakuzu hadn't let her run all those years ago, they sure as hell wouldn't let her do that now. If they turn their backs on these guys even for a second, it was over.

"Did you finish your little strategy meeting?" Hidan called out.

He pulls out the knives left in his body. They clatter on the ground as he drops them.

"Ow! Getting cut up like that hurt. God will smite assholes like you who don't understand the pain of others."

No one said a word. No body moved. Until Asuma rushed forward. He attacked Hidan with as much force as he could muster. Akari watched as the two men weaved, dodged, punched, and kicked. All she could hear was the sound of their weapons as they met. She glanced at Shikamaru, whose eyes followed Hidan's every move. His technique wove its way into the fight trying to catch the Akatsuki off guard.

"Damn it. Get him." The boy muttered.

Then Asuma stopped. He took the same stance Chiriku had used. Akari's eyes widen.

"Hidan, don't let your guard down." Kakuzu said.

"Just shut the fuck up and watch, Kakuzu!"

Asuma throws a few shuriken. Hidan dodges and nearly falls into Shikamarus trap. Akari stole a glance at Kakuzu. He still hadn't moved. It didn't look as if he planned to.

"You nearly got him, Shikamaru." Kotetsu told him.

"Forget that, I need you to back me up with something." He told him.

"You guys are too desperate. You keep using attacks that have the highest probability of landing. I can see right through you!" Hidan cackled.

"And you mess around too much when you fight." Kakuzu rolled his eyes.

Akari stood along with Izumo and Kotetsu. Like Shikamaru had asked, they waited for Asuma to make his move. As soon as they saw him throw his shuriken they did the same.

"You won't escape this time." Shikamaru growled.

"Then I won't dodge." Hidan smirked.

All the Shuriken they had thrown embedded themselves in Hidan's body. The man didn't even flinch.

"Unstoppable bastard." Shikamaru muttered.

"Told you." She muttered back.

"I'll kill the kiddies first!"

Hidan turned his back on Asuma. Instead he rushed at their small group.

"You're fighting me!" Asuma yelled.

He makes to run after him, but Hidan turns and throws a knife at him. Asuma manages to deflect it but Hidan pulls out his scythe. He flings it at Asuma, who jumps back to dodge it. Unfortunately the weapons Knicks him on the cheek drawing blood.

"No." Akari whispers.

"Fire style- Burning Ash!" Asuma cries out.

Grey ash engulfs Hidan completely. Akari could just make out the Akatsuki member stepping into his diagram. His scythe is against his mouth and she sees him lick the blood off its edge. Asuma clicks his teeth together. Akari pushes past Izumo and Kotetsu. She hears Shikamaru calling out to her as she sprints into the grey smoke. Fire ignites from Asuma's lips.