I don't own Naruto or anything made by Kishimoto (I think that's right). Other than that, original characters, some location names and plenty of Jutsu are my own making. Do not copy or steal those. Enjoy

PERFECTED APPEARANCE

"You're going to have to do better than that if you hope to do any damage to me, Nu-chan." The girl said as she caught the rather quick moving kunai within her hands. She examined the weapon, and in the process gave Nukarukuma a chance to see that she was uninjured by the reckless move. She threw the weapon back at Nukarukuma who stood in place, grabbing the weapon out of the air himself, however, he had small scratches in his gloves to show where the weapons blade made its mark. There was an urge within him to leave his location to directly attack the girl but he forced himself into suppressing it, especially after seeing what she had done. There was no doubt in his mind that they were on equal levels, but the fact that she was able to pick the approaching weapon out of the air meant there was something more to the girl than he could figure out presently.

"So, you're holding back." Nukarukuma said, beginning to walk towards the seated girl. She didn't flinch as he made his approach, having all the confidence in the world as she sat, smiling as if she had already won a battle. Nukarukuma didn't like the look she had on her face. It had an air of arrogance and superiority to it that he'd seen on only one face before. "You look as stupid as Sasuke when you smile like that." The male spoke with a hint of disgust, not really intending to insult the girl in hopes that such a statement could bring about change. It was an optimistic hope and very likely that one would take to it since many of the people had been ill affected by Sasuke's appearance, more so than anyone else that Orochimaru had brought as a future vessel.

"If I look stupid then you are stupid." The girl returned, maintaining her smile and composure but failing to sustain her mature outlook. From that point, Nukarukuma forgot about doing anything to her, seeing as to how she couldn't even keep up with herself. There was no way she'd keep up with him he figured.

"You're so damn fake, Streaks! Get some real orange hair!" Rinori broke through the tense vibes that had been in the air since the girl took Nukarukuma's swords. His methods, though primitive, were unbelievably effective as the girl's face turned from pleased to peeved. She shot out from her seat, running along the table, before leaping from it to tackle Rinori. Because of his less than professional behaviour, Rinori surprised her by sidestepping her tackle and grabbing her by the collar of her Sound soldier uniform before she could hit the ground. "This is real orange hair!" Rinori raised her body enough, shoving his forehead into her face, showing her that the roots of his wild orange hair were also orange. She drew a frown before using her free hands to grab hold of Rinori's hair and start yanking it.

"Don't call me Streaks again! The orange in my hair is natural too! Stupid asshole! Go learn some manners!" She went into an unexpectedly violent rage on Rinori, grabbing, punching and stomping the surprised male to everyone else's amusement. Nukarukuma didn't even have the heart to complain about his taken swords as the girl provided him with greater entertainment than he could have ever imagined.

"Don't forget to stomp his face." Nukarukuma said as the girl then began to do as was suggested. It seemed to have lasted forever to Rinori but less than a minute after it began, the girl was breathing hard after pummelling the male.

"I do believe that was a good display of speed, strength and skill." Aojirotora began, turning his head to the other girl. She was shaking her head with a smile directed at the 'attacking girl'. "Would you like to show us your skills? Our practice dummy looks as if he is up and ready for more." The blindfolded male added as Rinori got up. The orange haired ninja was all beaten, but not so much that he couldn't move.

"Shut up Ao-baka!" Rinori lunged at Aojirotora, who didn't even turn to raise his hand and catch the punch. Rinori was very familiar with Aojirotora's abilities and knew the male would catch his punch. "I got hit enough for today." The male growled as he pulled his fist back. Aojirotora let the limb go without a fuss as all the males turned to the females.

"We are all well acquainted with each other," the Hyuuga began, "care to tell us who you two are?" The girl that had attacked Rinori looked at Aojirotora as if she was trying to figure something out. Without a doubt, she was unsure of how Aojirotora was able to grab Rinori's hand so skilfully, especially since he was blindfolded.

"You shouldn't ask for a name unless you've given yours." The girl returned, feeling that she found a way behind her confusion. Aojirotora gave a half smile at her response.

"If that's the way you ask questions about abilities, you have lucked out since who I am has a lot to do with what I can do." The Hyuuga raised a hand to point at his blindfold, causing the girl to give a weak smile after being discovered. She didn't understand how he was able to do it, but it was her luck. She would find out any moment now. "My name is Hyuuga Aojirotora."

A Hyuuga outside of Konoha… her thought was brief since she knew what it meant to be a Hyuuga. Only the most ignorant of the ignorant had no knowledge of what the family name 'Hyuuga' meant.

"I am Kakkouii Kibanhana." Upon stating her name she turned to Nukarukuma. "You may like useless things, and therefore be useless yourself, but I still would like to know your name." She said with a smile as tender as that of a lovely woman. It was clear to Nukarukuma, from that moment that he would not like this girl very much. She was literally drenched in bull's-eyes to Nukarukuma who was ready to hit them.

"The only skill you displayed so far was beating Rinori-kun to the ground. Anyone here can do that." Nukarukuma countered. Rinori shot a demonic glare at Nukarukuma for his abuse of Rinori's name. The male was beginning to be a target of cheap shots and it didn't take physical contact for him to get hit.

"Screw off." He said coldly.

"Don't target the weak to make up for your short comings." Kibanhana returned. She remained standing, looking as delightful as she could as Nukarukuma looked away from her, to the other girl who was there with them. The dark male walked past Kibanhana to walk the length of the table until he reached the seat across from the other present female. The girl had kept an eye on Nukarukuma as he approached, and the moment he sat down, a more genuine smile was present on her face. Nukarukuma found it far more pleasing to look at as he leaned forward.

"Ay. Shimoboon Nukarukuma. You are?" he made sure to say this in a low tone so that Kibanhana wouldn't hear him. The silent girl remained smiling as she leaned forward to give her response.

"Mugoireppuu Akataka." The girl said pleasantly. Her soft voice was very unusual due to the strength it held, never wavering in tone. It caused Nukarukuma to give a half-smile, if only slightly, in response. "Kibanhana-chan is going to get mad because you ignored her." Akataka noted as she pulled back, eyes turning towards Kibanhana. Her words were literally timed to match Kibanhana's approach as she came with a fist to begin tightly clenched fist and slowly beginning to freeze it as he held onto it.

"I'm guessing this is how you greet people." Nukarukuma said plainly as he turned to Kibanhana. The girl was wide-eyed as she pulled back her stiff hand. "I don't like it as much as he does." He added, knowing that it was understood whom 'he' referred to. Rinori growled some insults but they didn't reach the ears they were directed to.

"What the hell is this?" Kibanhana asked as she circulated as much chakra as she could within her still hand. Eventually movement was restored to it as she decided not to attempt another punch at Nukarukuma.

"Everyone, I think it would be wise to familiarize ourselves with each other's abilities. It's not required that we give it all away, however, just so that there are no more surprises, we can save ourselves from looking foolish to the company we are to be in within the coming days." Aojirotora's comments were met with nodding heads as everyone returned to the table, sitting a little closer to each other but in the same order. "Kibanhana, maybe you should begin since you did display your powers first." The blindfolded male had an assumption as to what the girl could do, but left it to her to actually inform everyone. Kibanhana looked at the male who sat slightly across from her, trying to gauge just how insightful the teen really was.

I only used my ability once so far, and not even at it's best. This guy is already onto me about it…but, if he took that blindfold off…

"My main abilities are, magnetic." The girl said deliberately, emphasizing what it is she can do. She sat in place for several seconds before raising her hands where she was. Nukarukuma was the only one to react to it as Kibanhana caused the kunai and shuriken in his backpack to move restlessly, as if they were boxed animals. "It takes a bit of chakra but I can even control flying objects she said. That's why your kunai was nothing to me when you threw it, Nu-kun." The girl added after putting her hands down. Her demonstration complete, she looked to the person beside her to carry on the conversation. Kurohone looked up from his downcast gaze to find that everyone's eyes were on him. He seemed to have shrunken in size upon seeing this, but regardless he fought the strong gazes and decided to begin.

"I-I am Kaguya Kurohone…" He began, keeping his hands folded in his lap. They looked fine from everyone else's point of view, but to Kurohone, he could feel the sweat that poured from them. He did his best to keep them from moving, hoping that the sweat would go away, but they continued to sweat. "My ability is bone ma-manipulation." He righted his seating position, getting ready to give a demonstration mainly for the two females but a hand shot out in front of him.

"I swear to god, Bones. Not now." Rinori said, causing Kurohone to cower and slouch.

"That's mean, let him show us." Kibanhana spoke out as she reached behind Rinori to grab him. Rinori pulled away, making sure his body was out of Kibanhana's reach.

"Suiyoseru!" After pulling back to form a hand seal, Kibanhana hand Rinori drawn to her almost instantly, laying a good punch to the back of his head.

I didn't expect her to reveal the full potential of her ability right now. But now that I've seen it…she may prove to be an enormous asset. Aojirotora thought as Rinori managed to pull away from Kibanhana. The girl kept a frown on her face as Rinori stood behind his seat. He looked them over.

"Setsuai Rinori. Kazengan is my ability. If that's not enough for you ask Blindy, Braids, or Bones. I'm leaving." It was apparent to the guys of the room that Rinori wasn't going to be the abused object. Kurohone looked to the orange-haired male's back as he walked away, fully aware of what that meant. There would be no one to talk to him.

"That's fine; we don't need him around anyways." Kibanhana burst, as she then turned to Kurohone, "Don't worry about the idiot. No one here's going to make fun of you Kurohone-kun." The girl's kind smile caught him off guard more than the fact that she spoke to him. Kurohone found himself simply staring at Kibanhana in surprise before he nodded in acknowledgement. Nukarukuma cleared his throat unnecessarily, returning the focus to himself.

"You guys are dragging this on a lot longer than it needs to be…that's annoying in case you didn't know." He said as they all looked to him.

"By saying that, you're wasting time yourself Nu-chan." Kibanhana pointed out.

"You're annoying. I should freeze and break you." Nukarukuma said as he then got up. "I'm gonna go join the other jackass, and wait outside for Kabuto-san." Nukarukuma said as he got up and walked away.

"Nukarukuma-kun, what about Akataka-san's abilities? Don't you want to know them?" Aojirotora asked the retreating male.

"I'll ask her later." The male said nonchalantly as he disappeared from view.

So he is familiar with what Akataka can do. Aojirotora figured as he faced the eyes that looked at him expectantly. He was quick to deliver so that the four could be on their way to meeting Kabuto.

"Where's the rest of them?" one of the Jounin that had been present during the meeting stood before Rinori, grilling him on everyone's whereabouts. The orange haired male didn't take to kindly to being bothered as he glared at the Jounin.

"Screw off." His growl countered the ordered barks of the Jounin rather effectively, provoking the stronger Jounin to raise a hand as if ready to smack Rinori. Surely, that was the likely course of action had Nukarukuma not shown up to interrupt the pointless interrogation.

"Their coming. Chill." Nukarukuma said as he casually made his way next to Rinori. He smiled at the Jounin, as if to provoke him into striking Rinori. The Jounin had the mind for it, but he controlled himself. Granted, he was likely to win, he just didn't know whether it was guaranteed with these two.

"Kansho." The ninja said with disgust.

"Nukarukuma, asshole." The darker ninja said rudely, causing the Jounin's right hand to begin to move towards his weapon. Just as he touched it, a hand fell on his shoulder.

"Nukarukuma-kun, that's not the way to speak to a superior." Kabuto smiled. It bothered everyone gathered, but probably the Jounin even more. "Right, Asano-san?" Kabuto's eyes moved from the braided ninja to the Jounin who became even more unsettled than anyone else present. Kabuto's gaze didn't carry the same weight as Orochimaru's but probably even more. With Orochimaru, it was always easy to figure out what he was likely to do, since he was so focussed on one thing. But, Kabuto was different. His nature was more sporadic, being nice and calm one moment to being near sadistic at others. It was his strongest aspect and he used it well given the power he now had.

"Right, Kabuto-sama." Asano quickly pulled away from the two Genin that had graced his presence, joining the last Jounin who was standing by the hideout entrance.

"Rinori-kun, Nukarukuma-kun…Kansho." Kabuto said, retaining his smile as he said those words. Despite liking Kurohone the most, together, he liked these two quite a bit. However, individually they didn't mean as much.

"Don't call me that." Rinori frowned increasing the distance from Nukarukuma whom he felt stood too close to him.

"I don't like it either." Nukarukuma said, however, he didn't appear to be affected by anything that had happened within the past few minutes. He managed to keep a rather calm appearance, which had Kabuto rather curious.

"You two may be quite a force together, but Asano-san is still quite a Jounin." Kabuto pointed out, hoping to get an understanding as to why the two of them weren't phased by the Jounin's intentions.

"Then he's the worst jou- HEY! Asano-baka! You shitty Jounin!" Rinori seemed to have been making a subtle comment until he called out to the Jounin to let the man know what he felt. Asano's face grew dark as he began to make his way towards Rinori but Kabuto raised a hand, representing a warning. Asano got the message rather quickly as he turned his back. He figured it was better to heed Kabuto's warning than face the man's anger.

"Ah. Here they are now." Kabuto said softly, taking note of the remaining four Genin. "No time to waste. Let us begin moving out. I will lead with the two Jounin, Kurohone-kun, Akataka-san and Kibanhana-san will be the middle group and the remaining ones shall carry the very back. I would like to keep a fair distance between us, but that may not be possible. So, Kibanhana's group can travel as close as they wish to my group, but Aojirotora's group must remain a mile away." Kabuto said. He left no room for questioning as he and his Jounin disappeared.

"See you in Konoha." Kibanhana waved as she disappeared after Kurohone and Akataka.

"You know what that means right?" Nukarukuma asked. Rinori made it clear that he didn't know. "We're expendable. If something goes down, we die and they'll be ready for it." He said. Aojirotora let out a small laugh as he watched Rinori's face grow with concern. He pat his friend on the back reassuringly.

"He is joking. Together we are closest in strength to the combination of Kabuto-san and his Jounin. That is all." Aojirotora said as he looked in the direction of their heading. Rinori's face turned to a frown quickly as he jabbed Nukarukuma in the shoulder.

"You frown too damn much." Nukarukuma said flatly. It didn't inspire Rinori to change his expression as he turned away, but something about Nukarukuma caught his eye, forcing him to look back at his partner.

"Hey, Nu-kun…where's the katanas you had?"

"I left them. Can't you see that?"

"Let's go." Aojirotora interrupted before the conversation between the other two had a chance to escalate into another pointless brawl. He was quick to put himself into a tree before dashing off. Nukarukuma came up behind him rather quickly with Rinori right on his tail.

"You two should stop arguing. It does not promote teamwork." His words were accepted as truth by both males, but neither one cared to have heard the Hyuuga's truth.

"You should stop giving us advice." Nukarukuma responded as he came up beside Aojirotora. The big grin on Nukarukuma's face managed to bother the normally relaxed Aojirotora just a bit as he turned away.

"It sucks." Rinori added as he appeared on Aojirotora's left.

"Anyways, I thought it would be a good time for me to tell you guys something that Kabuto-san told me when he freed me." Aojirotora's voice had gotten rather serious in tone, and both Rinori and Nukarukuma could see this on what little of his face was visible thanks to Aojirotora's mouth, which always appeared to get a little rigid when he got serious. It was as if by controlling the movements of his mouth, he was also controlling exactly how his words were spoken, in that they came out right.

"What did he say?" Rinori began, not even giving Aojirotora a chance to begin. This caused Nukarukuma to shake his head in disappointment. Both expected it to happen, since it was one of Rinori's habits, but they felt that it was really uncalled for, especially when things were getting serious. "He told me, that in the first month that we fell asleep in our prison cells, he had experiments done to us."

"That son of a bitch!"

"Motherfu-"

"Wait. Since we survived, it's not as bad as you think." Aojirotora interjected before Nukarukuma could finish his word. "The experiments began as simple test to check our condition. From what you may have noticed, it's the first week of being in the prison that really has an affect on us. Well, his test came back negativ-"

"Does that mean we had problems?!" Rinori screeched. He seemed a little panicked as he waited upon Aojirotora's answer.

I can't believe this jackass is a ninja…Nukarukuma could look at Rinori for even a moment without having a thought similar to Aojirotora.

"No, the opposite." Aojirotora said.

Where's Kurohone when you need him…Nukarukuma thought after Aojirotora cast aside Rinori's worry. They all sighed for different reasons as Aojirotora then continued. "After those results, Kabuto-san chose myself, you two, Kurohone, Akataka and Kibanhana as the first ninja's to bear his own curse seal." The words weighed down on each of them rather heavily, knowing full well what that entailed. Especially since the last curse seal they came across was the ones worn by the Sound Four, Kimimaro and Sasuke. Rinori's fist clenched tightly as he thought about what it really meant.

"So we have power that slowly eats away at us…?" He asked, unsure as to what exactly could happen to him should he end up using it.

"That should be the last of your worries since neither of us have been able to activate it. However, from what I was told, when we do activate it, we will not face such a situation. The Kabutomushi Juin as he calls it, increases chakra like the Juuin Jutsu but the sealing method aspect of this Jutsu seals away damage done to the user, effectively reversing damage received." Nukarukuma noticed that Aojirotora was having difficulty putting the words together in his explanation and the man was quick to follow up his explanation. "That is the best description I can give you two right now since Kabuto was in a rush to get things moving along. If you have time to look at yourselves later on, check the location between your first two celestial gates; you will find a feint bug-like mark. When the time comes for activation, the mark will become neon green as a fire-like pattern flows across your body, not unlike that of Sasuke-kun's curse seal." Aojirotora looked at both his partners, noticing as Rinori's right hand rubbed the location like a mother expecting a child.

"No one has activated their seals yet? What the hell does it take to do it?" Nukarukuma asked, as he ran through the trees, keeping pace with Aojirotora. Rinori lagged behind a bit as he considered what it would mean to activate his seal. The male quickly realized that he was getting behind before he upped the pace to keep up with his friends.

"Well, from what Kabuto-san told me, I am probably the closest to activating it. Then Kibanhana-san is next closest. Kurohone-kun and Akataka-san are next with you and Rinori-kun being last." The Hyuuga stated the order factually causing Rinori and Nukarukuma to do more than just frown.

"Why the hell am I last?! I probably train the hardest than everyone else here! I should be closest!" Rinori yelled, drawing a glare from Nukarukuma who was usually the one to train with Rinori more often than not.

"You should be happy to be last. To be the closest to activating the Kabutomushi Juin Fuujin means you are reaching your current peak. Therefore, unless I go through gruelling training, or am forced to undertake tough missions, my capabilities are going to stay at my current plateau. Basically, you and Nukarukuma have the greatest potential right now." Aojirotora said plainly. Rinori could see that Aojirotora didn't like what he had to say. This caused the orange hair to grin proudly before Aojirotora, in an attempt to push the Hyuuga's buttons but the attempt failed. Aojirotora wasn't going to let Rinori ever get on his nerves. "You shouldn't smile so proudly, Rinori-kun. You are still weaker than me." Aojirotora's intention of completely putting Rinori down worked pretty well as the Kazengan wielder's face turned depressed.

"Why didn't you tell us this while we were all seated at the table?" Nukarukuma took the opportunity to address Aojirotora's timing on telling them about the curse seals that could have gone unnoticed and unknown for a lot longer. Aojirotora gave a weak smile to Nukarukuma since he expected Nukarukuma to ask him a question that had more importance than anything Rinori could have possibly asked.

"Simple, Kabuto-san was still within the area. Especially with the new Jounin that were in the room when Kabuto-san was in the room. I wanted to make sure they were at least some distance away from us before I said anything." Aojirotora stated. Rinori made a raspberry rather quickly after Aojirotora spoke.

"He still knows you said something." With that statement, Nukarukuma and Aojirotora raised their eyebrows to each other, surprised that Rinori was able to see that.

"That is true, but I have only told you two. And I expect you two to keep it quiet for sometime. Kabuto planned on letting it surprise us to see how we respond to it, but that can be hazardous. I would like at least you two to remain aware of it so that, if it should pop up, you can see it coming and control it." Aojirotora's words came out rather rigidly causing Rinori to ask why this was so. Aojirotora sighed, knowing he couldn't evade Rinori's question because Nukarukuma was likely curious to want to know as well. "If you don't control it, it will have the same effect as Orochimaru's Juin Jutsu, which is to seek out the Jutsu creator. What happens after that, is unknown to me, regardless, I have no desire to see the end result." Aojirotora finished as his head turned to both Nukarukuma and Rinori.

"He loves us." Rinori said with a smile on his face. The words came out as a joke; one that he hoped would get Aojirotora to tell him to shut up.

"Of course he does…we're the closest thing to family that he's got." Nukarukuma pointed out. Rinori didn't expect the serious response from Nukarukuma but accepted it anyways. around him, Aojirotora and Kurohone, Rinori also felt as if they were his own brothers. Reciprocating was the least he could do for his odd family. Just as they all travelled feeling a level of peace that could only be felt within the presence of brothers, Aojirotora suddenly stopped in place. Rinori and Nukarukuma followed suit, looking at Aojirotora sternly as if he broke some unspoken male code.

"Don't stop so suddenly!" Rinori shrieked. It was met with an invisible glare as Aojirotora looked hard at Setsuai Rinori. Rinori proved to be rather receptive as he gave a weak smile as an apology. "What's going on ahead?"

"They stopped ahead of us. From what I can see, Kabuto-san stopped with Akataka-san's group."

"Does that mean they're taking a break? I could go for one right about now. We've been running for a while now." Rinori pointed out as he sat down on the branch he had been standing on. His feet dangled above Nukarukuma who remained standing on a branch below. Aojirotora turned to his left to give a nod to the male. Rinori caught the nod and quickly got to his feet. "Are you serious?"

"Yes…I didn't notice this before, but we must be quick about our approach. Something is happening to Kurohone and if it is what I think it is, we may be at a great disadvantage." Aojirotora said as he then blurred in a show of speed. Nukarukuma and Rinori were right behind him as they surged forward, never slowing down dashing within the trees. Being locked up for some time didn't seem to have had an effect on their tree running ability as neither one of them found themselves in danger of running right into a low lying branch or getting tired of their quickened approach.

"How long do you think it'll take before we get to them?" Nukarukuma asked as he swung within his hands onto a higher branch to put him on level with Aojirotora. Rinori took up the same action, feeling a need to be on level with his partner to better hear what they were talking about.

"It may take us a little too long if we slowdown even in the slightest, Nukarukuma-kun. The order Kabuto-san had for us to stay out a kilometre was a good idea, both for us, and him. Now that he has begun to attack Kurohone-kun, Akataka-san and Kibanhana-san, it is quite possible for those three to be killed in the time it takes us to arrive." Aojirotora said, letting sweat roll onto his blinding head protector, and getting absorbed into the piece. Rinori and Nukarukuma also seemed to sweat, however neither one of them were exhausted or hot. They were more concerned, especially for Kurohone who was in a situation where he could easily get killed.

"Fuck…I would've been better to stand in Kurohone's place." Nukarukuma's snarl was echoed in his friends minds as they felt they too could have been better suited to facing off against Kabuto. Kurohone was far too loyal to fight against Kabuto especially in a situation such as this one.

"I'd hate to say it, but, Kurohone's weak against Kabuto. He's probably going to side with him to kill the girls, then end up getting killed after that…we CAN'T let that happen!" Rinori's firm decision propelled him further ahead towards Kurohone.

"Didn't you hear what I said, Rinori-kun? Something is happening to Kurohone." Aojirotora said sternly, causing Rinori's head to turn around, face an angered mess.

"What is?!"

"I believe the curse seal…" the response had Aojirotora on edge, knowing what it meant for him to only 'believe' in a result. It meant he wasn't exactly right. For someone to fool his senses, that meant the person was of higher than average talent.

"Wait a minute, man. You said you were closest to getting it. How the hell does he have it-"

"I was misled." The Hyuuga cut in.

"Shit…"

"So what does that mean for Kurohone-kun?" Nukarukuma had decided to slow down a bit, realizing that the Kabutomushi Juin Fuujin made the situation a little more hectic. He wasn't really into rushing into a fight where Kurohone could have greater strength and on top of that, side with Kabuto. The male didn't have the logical thought to know why he would need to avoid rushing into a fight, but he had more than enough instinct to make up for what he lacked. Nukarukuma and Aojirotora didn't let Rinori's choice of action go unnoticed, slowing down themselves as a sign of approval for his decision. however, the actions taken by the Hyuuga and Shimoboon went unnoticed by Rinori.

"It means we may have to fight him."

"What's going on ahead now? Shouldn't we have made it to them yet?" Rinori asked, feeling as if he had already covered close to a kilometre.

"They have been moving the fight further…I don't understand how I didn't see this." Aojirotora's head was downcast as he felt shame for utilizing his abilities so poorly.

"We didn't see it either. Let it go." Nukarukuma assured as he too, failed to notice the various things that tipped them off about Kabuto.

"No…you misunderstand. That is not Kabuto-san." Aojirotora tensed up.

"What? You just said it is!" Rinori yelled once more as he found it hard to believe what Aojirotora said.

"This one's Henge is not normal. It is very good, in fact. For him to have eluded my Byakugan means he has perfected his Henge beyond what is common." Aojirotora said. He could now see that who appeared to be Kabuto was in fact another nameless Sound ninja. However, the greatest problem wasn't who was pretending to be Kabuto, but those that had accompanied him. "However, the other two are not using any form of disguise." He added solemnly.

"They're the same guys from before?"

"Yes."

"Good…now I can pummel that jackass for thinking me and Rinori are nothing. Ay, Rinori, you better have that Kazengan working real good. Gonna have half of him frozen, and the other half melted." Nukarukuma said anticipating what will happen to Asano.

"Kazengan is ready, but are you?" Rinori asked, forgetting about his anger from before. He had wanted to fight the enemy before, but wasn't able to. Now that they were discovered to be traitors, he was more than simply ready to causing some bodily harm. He was dying to do some damage.

"Nukarukuma-kun, Rinori-kun, they're just ahead. I propose that you two deal with the Jounin, and I will take care of the fake Kabuto-san." Aojirotora's assignments went uncontested, instead met with eager heads. "From what I see, Mugoireppuu Akataka and Kakkouii Kibanhana are still standing, but have received more than their share of damage." Aojirotora said.

"I don't care about that; just let me fight Asano-baka." Rinori demanded with vigour as he shook a ready fist that began to glow orange like his hair. Aojirotora smiled at the demand.

"If that is the case, you are teamed with Kibanhana-san."

"Good! You can take her. I'd be more likely to stomp her ass before touching Asano." Nukarukuma said with relief. He had to laugh after that as he looked at Rinori's distraught expression. He really wanted to mess Asano up, but with Kibanhana in the mix, he was concerned that his attacks would end up being wide in range.

"Do not be a fool and attack her, Rinori-kun." Aojirotora effectively axed Rinori's concerns as they then appeared in the clearing.

"Shit, Kurohone…" Rinori's wide-eyed statement had him focussed on his closest of friends. The beginnings of Kazengan disappeared from his recently prepared fist as he saw the pain within Kurohone. It was as if his brain had been swept clean of everything but pain, leaving human sounds and movement out of existence for him.

"Unnnhhh!" the guttural moan escaped Kurohone's mouth rather hoarsely as his head craned unnaturally to the company that had appeared from the woods behind him. Every shift in muscle, bone and blood vessel caused Kurohone's now solid black eyes to wince, letting blood seep from his tear ducts. Black bones protruded from his spinal cord, elbows, knees, and he even developed a tail of black bones.

"What happened to you…?" Rinori was in a state of shock as he stared at his friend. It wasn't caused by the fact that his bones were protruding but his expression. The male's voice was rather unstable as he looked as if he were going to break down right there and then.

"Ao-"

"I know." Just as Rinori was going to have Aojirotora do something about Kurohone's expression, the Hyuuga was in front of Kurohone with both palms pressed against the Kaguya's chest.

"I've never seen him in so much pain from his own bones…"Nukarukuma managed to get that out before he was forced evade an oncoming attack. Rinori had to move as well to avoid a rain of kunai from Asano's hands.

"What have you done, Hyuuga?" The voice came from the fake Kabuto who had gotten behind Aojirotora to place a kunai to the blindfolded male's throat.

"I knocked him out." Aojirotora said as he looked down at the spread-eagled Kurohone. The black bones receded along with a fiery green pattern.

"I suppose you shall be next." The man said as his blade came close to Aojirotora's throat.

"No..KAITEN!"

Before this goes any further, I'm going to point out, right now, Japanese is not my first, my second, third or any language I have even the least bit of knowledge on. However, I don't let that sway me. All attacks, all names and what not are in Japanese simply because that's what I want for this Fanfic. If anyone with better knowledge of the Japanese knowledge hates to see it get so brutally shamed, hit me up with some info or whatever you have to give and I'll address the language problems I got. Peace

Kakkouii (Attractive) Kibanhana (Foundation Flower)

Mugoireppuu (Brutal Gale) Akataka (Red Hawk)

Kazengan – Lava

Suiyoseru – Attract

Kabutomushi Juin Fuujin – Rhinoceros Beetle Curse Seal Sealing Method

Kansho (Hot and Cold)-Teaming up Rinori and Nukarukuma resulted in this combined name for the two males. Rinori representing Hot, and Nukarukuma representing Cold, they are the greatest example of opposing elements working together. It also helps that they are hardly affected by the other's temperatures due to