9. Death is a Cruel Punishment
"Let's go!" Asuma said and we charged.
"Kakazu stay out of this! I want these guys for my ritual," Hidan said as he swung his over-sized fork at us. I jumped up and kicked him in the stomach while Shikamaru did the hand signs for his Shadow Stitching jutsu. Hidan dodged and jumped back.
"Shikamaru! Ashelza! Get back!" Asuma said and we regrouped with him. "I'll go and distract him, Shikamaru use Shadow Stitching, and Ashelza back him up."
"Climbing silver, huh," Shika smirked.
"Uh, I'm not going to be a sacrificial piece," he smirked.
"Are you three done strategizing," Hidan yelled. Asuma ran up and swung his chakra blades at him. Shika chased him with his shadow as I ran up behind Asuma. I formed water around my arms and created ice swords. Whenever Shika's shadow got too close, Hidan would simply dodge it, alone with mine and Asuma's attacks. Hidan sent his sword after Asuma, which nicked his cheek.
"Burning ash," Asuma yelled as ash escaped his mouth and clouded Hidan in a smokescreen. " He bit down which caused the ash to ignite. Hidan ignored it and licked the point of his sword. Oh crap!
"The ritual may begin!" His skin turned black and white marked where his bones were. "Now let's experience the pain together!" He let out a crazy laugh. "All the preparations have been made," he yelled as Asuma ran after him. Hidan pulled out a large rod and stabbed himself. Asuma fell to the ground and my eyes widened.
"Hurts doesn't it," Hidan laughed more.
"What's happening to Asuma?" Shikamaru yelled.
"He cursed him. Whatever damage he inflicts on himself, Asuma gets the same damage. But Hidan is immortal so he's perfectly fine with whatever happens..."
"The girl is right! I've already cursed you," he laughed again. "Now where next? Your arm? Leg? Or maybe somewhere more vital. How about I end it with your heart?" Hidan started to move the rod closer and closer to his heart. A black shadow froze the immortal man in his tracks.
"Good job Shikamaru," I praised as the boy gasped for air. He's starting to use up most of his chakra.
"If this is going to drag on, then let me help," Kakazu said. "Can't let the two cash cows get away!"
"I told you to stay out, didn't I? Now butt out!" Hidan yelled.
"Only a matter of time, I guess," Kakazu said while Shikamaru analyzed him.
"Got it!" Shika yelled and started to move, inch by inch, causing Hidan to move with him out of his ritual circle.
"You little brat! How dare you ruin my ritual!"
"He's out!" I yelled. Asuma and I threw shuriken at him. One hit his back and the other cut his shoulder. Just as I thought, Asuma wasn't affected by the curse anymore.
"Ashelza, I'm at my limit. I can't hold him much longer! Do you have any jutsu that's powerful enough to take him out?" I was about to answer him but Asuma was up and lunging for Hidan.
"Kakazu help me out here!" he yelled as his necklace and headband fell to the ground.
"Did he get him," I asked as Hidan fell to the ground.
"If you wanted my help then you should have asked sooner," Kakazu said.
"You're the slow one," Hidan yelled. My heart skipped a beat. He was still alive even though his head was detached from his body. "Will you help me up? The pain is unimaginable!"
"Enough of this," Kakazu said and kicked Asuma in the leg, breaking it.
"Crap!" I yelled making hand signs. Asuma was kicked to the ground, kneed in the back, and barely breathing.
"Water Style: Water Residence!" I yelled and ran at Kakazu. I really didn't want to use this until later but whatever.
"I don't have time for this!" he yelled and swung his leg at my chest, only to have it pass through. Water replaced where he kicked me and I punched his face.
"Naughty girl," he said and grabbed my arm and threw me back.
"Ashelza, just stay back for now" Shikamaru yelled. Kakazu walked over to Hidan and started to put him back together. Literally.
"That's better," Hidan said cracking his neck.
"Now hurry up with him!"
"No problem," Hidan said and threw the blade at Asuma. He swiftly blocked with his chakra blades, sending them back. Hidan flung the sword around, appearing from behind him.
"Asuma," Shikamaru yelled as the blade came closer. Asuma ducked as the blade stabbed Hidan in the stomach. "I won't fall for that again..." he said. Asuma grabbed his stomach and fell to his knees. I looked at Hidan noticing that he was back in the pentagram.
"You fool! It's the same trap again!" Hidan let out another laugh.
"No!" Shikamaru yelled standing up and began running to Asuma.
"Shikamaru stop..." I tried to yell but Kakazu reached out his cable hand and started to choke me. Shikamaru ran but tripped and fell on his face.
"Well how is it?" Hidan yelled as he moved the sword around, damaging his vital organs. "How about here?" Shika crawled to where they were as Asuma's eyes grew dim.
"The end," Kakazu said tightening his grip on my neck. Hidan grabbed the rod again and screeched.
"Asuma! No!" Shikamaru yelled staring at Asuma in shock. Hidan coughed up blood and stabbed his heart. I gasped for air as everything went in slow motion.
"Asuma!" Shika screamed as tears fell from his eyes.