Chapter 23

"SUIGETSU! HURRY THE HELL UP!"

"Shut up will ya! My delicate composition can't handle this heat." Suigetsu whined.

"You're holding us back!" Karin complained.

"Weren't you supposed to go somewhere else?" He muttered.

Karin flushed and gritted her teeth. She huffed and adjusted her glasses before turning her back to Suigetsu. Akari glanced back at them, her irritation growing. She caught Juugo's eye and the large man gave her a small smile. She couldn't help but smile back.

Akari faced forward again and ran into Sasuke who had finally stopped. He glanced over his shoulder at her, a smirk on his face. She glared at him as she rubbed her nose.

"Why the hell did you stop like that?" She complained.

"We're here."

She only nodded as he continued to move forward. Up ahead, Akari could make out a large city in the middle of the vast wasteland. The five of them didn't speak as they entered the abandoned Sky District. Akari had never heard of it before and wondered what had happened to it. The place was desolate and falling apart. All they could hear was the wind blowing through the streets and their own footsteps as they traveled further within the city. Sasuke led them to a dark passageway in the center of the city. Together, they stepped inside the dark corridor.

"A hideout in these ruins? That's a first." Suigetsu commented.

"This has nothing to do with Orochimaru. This is a weapons cache used by my clan. By our clan."

He glanced back at Akari. She gave him a sad smile and shook her head. She was still not comfortable calling the Uchiha's her clan. She was never a part of them. Maybe one day she will be, when this is all over. Maybe things will turn out the way that she hoped and she would rebuild the Uchiha clan alongside Sasuke and Itachi. A newer, better version. One she could be proud to be a part of. He looked away, but not before she saw the hurt expression on his face. She bit her lip, and stared down at her feet.

"Here we'll prepare for our out coming battle." Sasuke continued.

"These halls look so much alike, it would be easy to get lost down here." Suigetsu muttered.

"The air in here is so heavy, it's stifling." Karin complained.

"I'll have to apologize for that." A voice said behind them.

They all turned to see who had spoken. Akari blinked a few times just to be sure of what she was seeing. Two cats wearing clothing had joined them in the hall. One sat on its hind legs, the other laid on its stomach. Sasuke wasn't fazed.

"It's been a while, Denka, Hina." He said.

"I knew it. It's that Sasuke kid." The one with sitting up said.

"What are you here for, meow." Said the other.

"Weapons and medicine, among other things. Preparations for the battle ahead." Sasuke replied.

"Are these..." Karin mumbled.

"Talking Tanuki, huh. Come here!"

Suigetsu crouched beside them and held out his hand. The cat immediately bristled and hissed. Suigetsu pulled his arm back in surprised. Akari snickered and he sent her a glare.

"Those are ninja cats. Don't put your hand out to them like that, or they'll tear it to shreds." Sasuke advised.

"I really wish you'd tell us these things beforehand." Suigetsu muttered.

"Did you bring a gift for us?" One of the cats wondered.

"Here. A bottle of catnip." Sasuke offered.

The cat leaped up and took the vial from his hand.

"Much appreciated." It said.

"Come with me. I'll bring you to Old Lady cat." The other told them.

The two cats led them further into the corridor. In the back, there was a room with various Knick knacks. A woman sat in the center on top of a large red pillow. At least a dozen cats surrounding her. She didn't refuse when Sasuke explained what he was there for. He immediately started gathering what they would need. Akari sat on the floor, a ball of yarn in her hand. She played keep away with a few kittens as she waited. Karin stood of to the side while Suigetsu petted the older cats. There was a teenage girl staying with the older lady. She was currently trying to find Juugo a shirt his size.

"I am indebted to you, Old Lady cat." Sasuke said.

He had what he needed and was packing it up.

"So. You're going after Itachi." The old woman muttered.

Akari turned to her, releasing the yarn in her hand. The kittens pounced and ran off with it.

"I've know the two of you since you were children. I never thought it would turn out this way. You two are all that remain of the Uchiha clan, and you will be fighting to the death." The woman said.

"We're leaving. Thank you for everything." Sasuke told her.

He handed her some cash. Akari pushed herself to her feet and brushed off a few cat hairs. The woman looked crestfallen as she took the money in her hands. Akari wished she could tell her that it might not be to the death. There was still a chance that both of them would survive. Instead, she helped Sasuke pack the supplies he had just bought.

"Hey Granny, don't we have anything that will fit him?" The girl dressing Juugo asked.

"Check that box over there."

"I did. Nothing fits."

"Then wrap him in that curtain over there. This isn't a clothing store!"

Jugo immediately grabbed the fabric and covered himself with it. Akari stifled a laugh as he nodded in approval.

"Take your places."

Akari's clone heard Pain's voice in her head. How he did that, she still didn't know. Sighing to herself, she brought her hands together and projected herself to the designated spot. Her hologram stood atop one of the left middle finger of the Gedo statue. Now that she bore Kakuzu's ring, the position was hers. She had to admit that she did get some satisfaction from it. Not that she agreed with the whole killing Jinchuriki to create a weapon of mass destruction thing. Akari just liked the idea of Kakuzu being dead.

She glanced around and took in the others around her. Below them was the Three-tails. Next to it lay a man with red hair and matching beard. The Four-tails jinchuriki. She didn't have time to feel any pity. Pain immediately started the sealing ritual. They all brought their hands together and created the needed seals. Tiger, snake, rat, ox, dog, and ram. The kanji of their rings appeared on the fingernail they each stood on. Akari's was the symbol for "North".

"Sealing Technique: Phantom Dragons Nine Consuming Seals!" Pain said.

Akari concentrated and watched as nine dragon-like tendrils poured out of the statues mouth. They engulfed the Three-tails and the beast began to convulse and cry out in pain. She ignored it the best that she could and focused on her chakra. This technique was taking a lot of it and she had to make sure it didn't run out too soon. This could take days.

Akari followed the others as they walked away from the Sky District. It had begun to rain, so she was grateful for the dark cloaks the cat lady had provided. She had even found one big enough to fit Jugo. Akari kept beside him at the back of the group. He was quiet and not obnoxious like the other two idiots. She also didn't feel like taking the lead with Sasuke. He was in a pensive mood and she could tell his mind was elsewhere. Which meant he wouldn't be very good company at the moment.

"What do you think will happen? Once Sasuke has killed Itachi." Juugo asked.

Akari was a little startled. Not only by the question, but by the fact that he had spoken to her. Juugo hadn't said a word to her since they had met.

"Um. I guess, he will move on. At least that's what I'm hoping." She told him.

"You hope for him to move on. But you are not sure that he will?"

Akari pulled out her kunai and began twirling it between her fingers. The red ribbon was immediately soaked from the rain. She glanced at Sasuke who seemed to be ignoring the group. Karin and Suigetsu were bickering again. She did not care to know why. Adjusting the hood over her head, Akari turned back to Juugo.

"He has known nothing but revenge most of his life. Its given him a purpose. Once he kills Itachi, once he gets his revenge, that which has kept him going all these years is gone. Answer me this Juugo. What happens to a man, when he no longer feels like he has a purpose in life?"

"He feels empty. He no longer has anything to strive for. No reason to keep going. I know the feeling well." Juugo muttered.

"I don't doubt that you do." She smiled sadly.

"If you're afraid this will happen, why do you help him? Why not persuade him to let it go?"

"Oh, I've tried. But, he's a stubborn one. No matter what I say, he won't stop. So my only choice is to stay by his side and keep the idiot from getting himself killed." She grumbled.

"I'll help you. He won't die on our watch." Juugo grinned at her.

"Thank you, Juugo." She returned his grin.

They walked in comfortable silence until they reached the Fire country. The five of them left the wasteland and entered the lush green forests. Akari sighed in relief as they stepped under the cool shade provided by the trees. A few moments later, Suigetsu gave them a smirk before running off. Juugo muttered a goodbye as he took off as well. Akari waited for Karin to follow, but the red-head lingered back. She inched closer to Sasuke and wrapped her arm around his.

"I'm staying with you, Sa-su-ke." She purred.

"You go too." He replied.

Karin grumbled to herself as she let him go. She glared back at Akari before disappearing under the trees. Akari just rolled her eyes, and walked up beside Sasuke. She stared straight ahead already mapping out her route.

"So we're splitting up, huh? How long do I search before I make my way back to you?" She asked.

"I have more than one purpose." Sasuke stated.

Akari blinked at him. That was not the answer she was looking for. The confusion must have been clear on her face because he let out a sigh and turned to face her. Sasuke wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. She rested her hands on his biceps and arched a brow.

"Killing Itachi isn't my only purpose in life." He told her.

She finally understood. Akari lowered her head and pressed her forehead against his chest.

"Oh. You heard me huh? I swear, I can never tell when you're paying attention or when you're being oblivious." She muttered.

"I always pay attention. Especially, to you."

"So. What's your other purpose then?" She asked a bit timidly.

"Isn't that obvious?"

She didn't have to look at him to know he was smirking.

"Spell it out for me" She snuggled closer.

"To be with you." He whispered into her ear.

Akari nearly melted. She bit her lip before replying.

"Oh. And rebuilding your clan has nothing to do with it?"

"That's just a plus. I wish you would start calling it our clan though."

His voice was a bit sad. Akari pulled back a little so that she could look up at his face. He gave her a small smile. She placed a reassuring hand on his cheek.

"I will one day. When I've had the chance to be a part of it. I never knew the Uchiha clan the way you did. And I never will. Because the day you rebuild it, it won't be like the one you once knew. It will be in your own image. It will be a brand new clan, built form the ground up. When that day comes, I will proudly say that it is our clan. That I promise."

Sasuke gave her a dazzling smile before leaning forward and pressing his lips against hers. Akari stood on her toes and wrapped her arms around his neck. She got lost in the kiss and was a bit dizzy when they finally came up for air. Sasuke let out a small chuckle as she swayed on her feet. She laughed and swatted his arm.

"Don't act like you didn't enjoy it too!" She grinned.

"Oh, I definitely enjoyed it. That I assure you."

He gave her another kiss to prove it. It was a quick one but it was so tender that it sparked every never in her body.

"Alright. We should go now, or we'll be here all day." He told her.

"I don't see a problem with that." She hugged him close.

"Neither do I. But, we have a job to do. The sooner we finish it, the closer we get to finally being alone." He said softly.

The sparks in her body ignited into a burning desire. It was so strong that she was able to pull away from Sasukes grip. He let her go with some hesitation.

"Okay. I'll…I'll see you um…later then." She managed.

"Hopefully very soon."

Sasuke seemed just as effected by his words as she was. His eyes were glued to hers and she could see the longing behind them. Quickly, before she could change her mind, Akari turned away and took to the trees.

Akari's clone materialized somewhere within the Fire country along with Tobi and Deidara. The three of them stood next to their own clay bird, courtesy of Deidara. They each wore traditional bamboo hats to hide their appearance. She didn't see why she had to wear one. Or Tobi for that matter. They were wearing masks. But, it was part of the uniform so she didn't say anything.

"So, which one will it be? Sasuke or the Kyuubi?" Tobi asked.

"Well now, which one will it be?" Deidara smirked.

It was a rhetorical question. Without warning, the blonde jumped onto his bird and took to the sky. Tobi and Akari followed his lead. They had only been in the air for about an hour when Deidara spoke.

"I've found him!"

"Which one?" Tobin wondered.

"Yeah. Be a little more specific." Akari rolled her eyes.

"How fortunate. Let's go!"

Deidara's bird flew faster. Akari and Tobi had no choice but to follow. The blonde motioned for them to land. They jumped off the birds and Deidara flew off with his clay creations leaving them alone. Tobi took the lead and led them through the trees. A few moments later, Akari sensed someone up ahead. She didn't have to see them to know who it was. The young man kept walking until he stood in an open field. Then he turned.

"Come out." Was all he said.

Tobi stepped out from the cover of the trees. Akari stayed back watching the masked man's approach.

"So you're Sasuke Uchiha? You sure look a lot like Itachi." He said.

Sasuke's glare was enough to make Tobi run back for cover. But it was just a ruse. Deidara hovered above the Uchiha, the other two birds at his side. Akari bit her lip as Deidara's clay birds dove towards Sasuke. They collided and exploded on impact. There was now a crater and a cloud of smoke where Sasuke once stood. Deidara landed in front of them a smirk on his face.

"I did it! I defeated Sasuke!" He exclaimed.

"That's senpai for you!" Tobi left the safety of the trees.

"Um. I'd check again if I were you." Akari muttered.

She pointed towards the crater where the smoke was beginning to clear. There was a large white snake staring at them. It was coiled around Sasuke who didn't seem to have a single scratch on him.

"That's senpai for you." Tobi giggled.

"Shut up!" Deidara growled.

The snake disappeared leaving Sasuke unprotected. He stood, unmoving. His eyes red. Akari stepped further back into the trees. Her mask would do her now good if he used his sharingan on her.

"This one seems strong." Tobi said.

"To think that Orochimaru was beaten by this brat. I just can't believe it!

Akari kept her eyes on Sasuke. He stared at Deidara and Tobi coldly. She knew that he had already figured out who they were. He was probably already planning to torture them for Itachi's whereabouts.

"Hisako! What the hell are you doing! Get out here!" Deidara cried out.

Akari flinched. She didn't want to draw Sasuke's attention.

"No thank you. Coming after Itachi's younger brother was your idea. I want no part in it. I'm going to stay back here where its safe. That way I can get away quickly when that homicidal maniac over there kills you."

"HISAKO! YOU LITTLE BRAT!" Deidara seethed.

"Go on then. Show that Uchiha who's boss." She urged.

Sasuke's gaze had drifted briefly towards where she hid. Luckily, he turned his attention back to Deidara. He didn't seem to think she was of any importance. Thank God for that. Sasuke glowered at Deidara, his expression deadly.

"Huh? Look at that glare he's giving us, Tobi!" Deidara smirked.

"You really want to have a go at him? You'll have to apologize to Itachi-san later." Tobi told him.

Akari chewed on her lip nervously. She wasn't sure if she was relieved or disappointed in having found Sasuke first. She didn't know if he would be strong enough to take on two Akatsuki members. But, if it hadn't been him it would've been Naruto. Either way, she wished she hadn't come along. The original was supposed to be keeping an eye on Sasuke. Yet, the clone didn't see her anywhere. Or Sasuke's new team for that matter. He was alone.

"Where is Itachi Uchiha." Sasuke spoke "If you tell me, I'll let you go."

Deidara scoffed.

"The sharingan? You really are Itachi's brother. It's thanks to your Uchiha blood that you managed to kill Orochimaru. You are confusing your blessed heritage for your own power!"

Sasuke said nothing. Instead, he rushed forward at an amazing speed and sliced Tobi with his katana. Deidara leaped out of the way and landed safely on a branch. Sasuke stared up at him as Tobi fell to his knees then on his face.

"One down. You seem to like talking so I'll ask you again…" Sasuke stared.

He stopped as he noticed Tobi getting back on his feet.

"Quit messing around Tobi! Don't let your guard down just because he's a kid!" Deidara chided.

"But his Body Flicker Technique is too fast for us to deal with!" Tobi argued.

Sasuke stared at Tobi with a calculating look. Deidara pushed back his cloak and dug his hands into his packs. Akari knew what came next. The blonde pulled out a dozens of clay marbles and held them in his hands.

"Tobi! Get out of the way!" He warned.

Tobi ran off as Deidara tossed his clay bombs towards Sasuke. He created hand seals and the marbles grew legs. The Uchiha didn't hesitate to create his Chidori. He waved his arm and lightning needles shot forward piercing the small explosives. Akari wondered if he would teach her that. The explosives were pinned to trees and some next to Tobi who had fallen down. Deidara made to blow them up, but Tobi shouted for him to wait. The blonde noticed how he was surrounded and stopped his attack.

"SENPAI! BEHIND Y0U!" Tobi cried out.

Akari looked up and saw Sasuke crashing down toward Deidara. The blonde produced another bomb and managed to set it off. The two of them vanished under a cloud of fire and smoke. Akari maneuvered through the trees and placed herself closer to Tobi. The man was already in mourning.

"He was a strict Senpai, but a good one. Deidara Senpai, I will miss you." He sniffled.

"Tobi! He's not dead you idiot!" She whispered harshly.

The masked man turned to her and pushed himself to his feet.

"Hisako-chan? Why are you hiding behind a tree?"

"Because I don't want to die, Tobi! Deidara got himself into this mess, he can get himself out!"

"But, he's gone! Senpai his gone!" He sobbed.

Suddenly, Deidara reappeared. He slid back on his feet and regained his balance.

"Quit your babbling!" He ordered.

"Oh. You're alive." Tobi muttered.

A few feet away, Sasuke landed on his feet. He stared at Deidara who gazed back. They stood like that, until Deidara began molding clay in his hands again. He pulled out his hands and held out his palms. The mouths gagged and threw up a large amount of clay. It began to form at his feet. Akari grimaced in disgust. The clay expanded until it became to separate humanoid creatures.

"I'll play around with you a bit more, yeah!" Deidara smirked.

The creatures began making their way towards Sasuke. Slowly at first and then they began to jog. Sasuke pulled out his Katana.

"We're playing children's games now?" He glared. "How ridiculous."

The creatures attacked and he swiped at them with his sword. Only, it didn't even scratch them. The katana got stuck in the creature and he had no choice but to let it go. Sasuke began to dodge and strike trying to keep the creatures back. Akari watched as he moved around them keeping out of their reach. Then he produced lighting in his hand and managed to slice on in half. It didn't do any good though. The two halves of the creature merely reformed. Now there were three. Sasuke's hand chirped with more lighting as he pulled his katana free. He used it to cut up the creatures as quickly as he could but all he was doing was creating more. It wasn't long before he was surrounded. That's when Deidara caused one to explode. Sasuke was once again lost in smoke.

Deidara smirked but Tobi didn't look impressed. Seconds later, Sasuke reappeared in the safety of the trees. The creatures followed, exploding on contact. Sasuke began leaping from tree to tree, cutting them down as he went. The fallen pieces of wood landed on some of the creatures destroying them. Akari noticed how he was getting closer to where she hid and immediately used her Body Flicker Technique. She reappeared behind Tobi in time to see the tree she had been hiding behind explode. She then watched as the creatures caught up to Sasuke and stuck to his body. In seconds, he was encased in clay. Deidara released the Jutsu and the woods burst into flames.

"How was that!" Deidara exclaimed.

"Oh boy…" Tobi mumbled.

"That was a bit much wasn't it?" Akari grumbled.

"It was perfect! He wasn't so great after all, was he?"

Deidara turned to her with a grin but frowned in confusion when he saw her smirk. She arched a brow and motioned towards a block of wood falling from the sky. The blonde turned to it, surprised clear on his face. The wood dropped with a loud thunk and Sasuke landed next to it.

"Not at all." Tobi said sarcastically.

Akari snickered and Deidara faced them with a glare.

"Whose side are you two on anyways?!" He complained.

Akari shrugged. She crossed her arms and looked anywhere but Sasuke. She was out in the open now. If he were to look closely at her, he would see her face under the mask. She noticed Deidara forming something new with his clay and stared at him curiously.

"Oh! That's…"

Tobi didn't finish what he was about to say. The three of them were surrounded by a cloud of smoke. Then it was gone, a giant dragon like creature now standing beside them. It wrapped around them, half shielding them with its body. Akari glanced up at it.

"This is new. I've never seen you use this one before." She muttered.

"It's Senpai's favorite piece of art! The C2 Dragon!" Tobi exclaimed.

Deidara leaped up and landed on the dragon's head.

"You know what to do, Tobi!" He called down to him.

"Yeah. We're doing "that" right?" Tobi asked.

"That's right! We'll be doing "that", yeah!"

"Ugh…what exactly would "that" be." Akari wondered.

They didn't answer her. Deidara brought his hands together and the Dragon began to move. It opened its mouth and dozens of spheres made of clay fell out. Akari stepped back, wondering if she should hide again.

"It's up to you Tobi! Hisako, keep out of his way!" Deidara said.

"Leave it to me!" Tobi saluted.

"Yeah. Stay back. Got it." Akari muttered.

She stood back, keeping close to the dragon. She figured it was the safest place to be. Sasuke rushed towards them, his katana drawn. The dragon opened his mouth again and a much smaller one flew out. It dove at Sasuke, but he dodged it with ease. The smaller creature swerved and came back flying low next to him. It exploded and Sasuke was forced to pull back. Akari kept her eyes on him, but she also watched as Tobi suddenly disappeared with all the clay spheres. Deidara reached his arm out to her and she took it. He pulled her up on the dragons back as it began to flap its wings. Sasuke seemed to notice how Tobi was missing but chose to attack them instead. His arm began to chirp again and a sharp spear of blue lighting shot out of his hand. It failed to reach them, for the dragon had flown to high. Deidara smirked. Akari sat down, not wanting to draw attention.

"That's Kakashi's isn't it? I have to give you credit for growing and expanding it into shape manipulation, though. This guy will be stronger than the others."

He had his dragon shoot out another smaller one. This one was bigger than the first though. It charged at Sasuke and exploded on impact. Sasuke managed to evade it. Except, his foot seemed to sink underneath him as he landed. There was another explosion and he was lost under ash. Akari leaned forward for a closer look.

"What did you think of that, Hisako? Pretty impressive right?" Deidara boasted.

"You keep congratulating yourself without even knowing whether or not your little explosions worked." She muttered.

She stared down at the newly formed crater and thought she could see a figure in its center. It looked odd though…

"What? You think I didn't kill him? And what do you mean little! My explosions are enormous and glorious to behold!" Deidara exclaimed.

"Ugh…I'm gonna go now."

Akari gave him a wave and jumped down off of the flying beast. She made sure not to land on the open field seeing as how Tobi had mined it. Instead she opted for the cover of the trees. She ignored Deidara's cries of outrage behind her. Akari had decided that being next to him was not the safest place to be at the moment.

"HISAKO! WHERE THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOUR GOING! GET YOUR ASS…"

Akari positioned herself on a branch. She then glanced up at the fuming Deidara who had stopped mid-sentence. He was staring down at the crater finally having seen what she had.

"That's…Orochimaru's cursed seal." She heard him murmur to himself.

Akari turned her attention to the crater. She held her breathe as Sasuke began to pick himself up. She had never seen him like this before. His body was gray and his hair was longer and lighter. His red eyes were surrounded with black and on the center of his face was a black mark. But that wasn't what all. On his back, he now bore large finger like wings.

"Diedara Senpai ! The clay mines are all set up!"

She heard Tobi but she didn't look for him. Akari couldn't seem to tear her eyes away from Sasuke. He had finally stood up and was now glaring up at Deidara who was instructing Tobi to stay out of the way. She watched as Deidara's dragon spat out another smaller version of itself. Sasuke's wings twitched but the bomb struck first. The explosion was much larger than the first two and Akari had to brace herself against the tree. When the smoke cleared, Sasuke was sprawled out on his stomach. One of his wings was cut at the base and his katana had landed out of reach.

"You used one of your wings as a shield? Resourceful. But now your only left with one. You can no longer fly." Deidara called down to him.

"That's Diedara Senpai for ya!" She heard Tobi exclaimed.

She glanced down to find him standing just below under the branch she stood on. He glanced up at her and gave her a thumbs up.

"I'll finish it with this last one!" Deidara shouted.

Before he could produce another dragon bomb, Sasuke lifted his arm and pulled. Two thing lines of string became visible. They were tied to two large shuriken that were now spinning towards Deidara from behind. The blonde maneuvered around them and shot out the next bomb. Sasuke leaped out of the way and landed on his Katana that was embedded in the ground. He used it as a foothold and launched himself into the air. The bomb missed him by inches. His spear of lighting shot from his hand and pierced the dragons wing. He completely severed it from its body. It began to fall.

Akari now understood what he had done. He had thrown his katana in order to search for mines. Sasuke had used the two Shuriken as a way to lure Deidara above his sword and within his attack range. Then he had used the length of his katana to shoot himself closer to the dragon allowing for a direct hit. She was beyond impressed.

As the dragon fell, Sasuke brought the two shuriken back around. He still held the strings in his hand. Deidara didn't have time to evade. He was instantly pinned to the back of his dragon by his wrists. He couldn't get away in time. The dragon hit the ground and set off all the mines buried under the field. Deidara was lost in a series of explosions.

Akari and Tobi shielded themselves with their arms. Their view was obscured by a cloud of ash and dirt.

"SENPAI!" Tobi cried out.

Snakes shot out from the smoke. They wrapped around a nearby tree and pulled Sasuke out of the smoke. He landed in a crouch, and Akari watched as the seal receded. He was his old self again. Then they noticed how Deidara's cloak floated down without its owner.

"You really did die this time didn't you! Deidara Senpai, you idiot!" Tobi sobbed.

"Tobi, shut up! You'll draw him towards us!" Akari whispered.

Sasuke turned in their direction. Akari felt the urge to run and hide. He stared at Tobi, then his eyes glanced up to where she stood. She saw how they made their way up her body. His gaze had almost reached her face when…

"Both of you shut up! I'm fine!"

Sasuke looked away and they all glanced up to see Deidara standing on one of his clay birds. His arms were bleeding and he seemed pretty beat up. The blonde glared down at Sasuke who stared up at him. The Uchiha seemed greatly annoyed. Deidara began mumbling to himself.

"I…won't lose. Not to a…not to a…"

He shoved his hand into his packs. He pulled out a big wad of clay and began to eat it.

"He's eating it! That means…" Tobi exclaimed.

"That means what? What's going on?" Akari asked.

"This is the greatest! I'll destroy you with this! Tobi! Grab Hisako and run!" Deidara ordered.

Tobi grabbed Akari by the arm and pulled her after him. She glanced behind her to see Deidara throw up the clay. She was completely confused.

"This is bad! It's the C4 Karura!" He told her.

"I don't know what that is Tobi!" She shouted.

She pulled on her arm trying to get him to stop. His grip was stronger than she thought because it didn't do any good. She had no choice but to let him lead her away. Hopefully they wouldn't go far. She couldn't leave Sasuke alone back there! Even if she was just a clone.

"Move it Hisako! Move it!"

Akari looked behind her and her eyes widened. There was no way she could miss the giant figure standing tall above the tree line. Deidara had…he had somehow created a giant replica of himself. Akari didn't know what to make of this. All she could do was keep running after Tobi, praying that Sasuke makes it out okay.