Haha…first person narration…you know you love it.

Just recapping so you fools know what's going on.

I was also thinking about writing a short fic about Kaoshi's past. Lemme know if you're interested about that kinda stuffs.

Okay. Well I'm starting to think that this computer is in it's last days…viruses…Trojans …hackers…BUT I WILL NOT GIVE UP! breaks out plastic katana and starts beating PC TAKE THAT YOU DAMN VIRUSES AND TROJAN HORSES…OR WHATEVER YOU ARE! I'm not very computer savvy

Well. My computer's all fixed…back to the story…

Yes, yes…I stole that move from Kenshin… so sue me…

I admit…fairly anti-climactic…but whatever. I'm just so glad that this part's over. But don't worry, there's a reason it was anti-climactic…so…I'm not gonna spoil anything…but yeah.

Warning. I say fuck a lot in this chapter. So if you're offended by my constant use of the word fuck…then grow the fuck up and get the fuck over it. Thank you and have a nice fucking day.

Chapter 19: Out of the bloodbath…FINALLY I mean…how many chapters was that? Like…almost 10 chapters since they were caught…wait…this is a long-ass chapter title…

Two ninja stood in the middle of an arena. The silent crowd had sat at (hehe…rhymage) the edge of their seats for the whole battle and this part was no exception. The home team had lost five matches in a row and this one also seemed to be heading that way.

On the sidelines, ten shinobi and one dog also watched. This rag-tag group was the visiting team. More like captive team…but that's beside the point. I'm trying to make a fucking metaphor here.

The strongest ninja in the Hidden Village of the Sound, Orochimaru, was being utterly thrashed by Kannai Kaoshi, who Orochimaru had tried to kill some years ago due to Kaoshi being unable to harbor the synthesized Sharingan.

Now back to the arena

Kakashi couldn't believe how inhumanly strong his once-teammate had become. His power easily rivaled that of the Yondaime Hokage who had sealed the Kyubi inside Naruto fifteen years before. He'd have to ask Kaoshi about it when he wasn't fighting a giant snake-man or there wasn't a plethora of young nosey ninja about.

"Now Oro-chan…" The newly transformed Kaoshi said. "I hope you're prepared. I've given you a few moments to reflect upon your life and beg forgiveness for what you've done."

"You think I'd ever BEG for ANYTHING!" Orochimaru yelled angrily as he ran through a series of hand seals. His hands started to glow.

"Do you really think you can do anything to me?" Kaoshi said confidently.

"I DON'T THINK! I KNOW!" Orochimaru yelled in a blind fury.

"That first part is obvious…but the second statement…less so." Orochimaru spat at Kaoshi's feet.

"Hehe…" Orochimaru chuckled. "You're cocky."

"And rightfully so." Kaoshi said.

"Well…let's see you back up that attitude…" Orochimaru said with a grin.

"That's fairly tough talk from someone who was about to wet himself with fear." Kaoshi said with a slight chuckle. Orochimaru said nothing, instead he charged Kaoshi. "That's right Oro-chan…" Kaoshi said with a grin. "…Let's finish this shit."

"RAAAAAHHH!" Orochimaru continued across the arena. "IT'S TIME YOU LEARNED YOUR PLACE…TRASH!"

"Kaede." Kaoshi said.

"Don't worry Kaoshi…it's already prepared."

"What would I do without you Kaede-chan?" He said sarcastically.

"You'd be in a pit of mud fornicating with whatever furry creature happened to venture too close to your pit of filth. Now shut the fuck up and kill that fuck-tard."

"I wonder…do female sword spirits have PMS too…?" Kaoshi wondered out loud as he sheathed Kaede and got into a wide stance. He did several hand seals and placed his hand on Kaede's hilt. "AMAKAKERU RAIRYU NO HIRAMEKI!" Giant wings of electricity exploded from his back. The air crackled with the sheer volume of chakra pouring out of the two ninja on the field.

Kaoshi stood poised, ready for Orochimaru's attack. As he drew near, Orochimaru summoned an army of snakes after Kaoshi.

"Kaede…if you would."

"It'd be my pleasure." As if a spirit were summoned to the field, Kaede stepped free from Kaoshi's body and destroyed the oncoming beasts with a flash of exploding chakra. "Foolish creatures." Kaede stepped back and motioned towards the oncoming Orochimaru. "He's all yours."

TO THE SIDLINE NINJA!

"It looks like Kaoshi has things under control." Kakashi said. "It's time to formulate our escape." The collection of shinobi all nodded in agreement. "Neji-kun."

"Hai?"

"What were Tsunade's orders exactly?"

"To find you and provide you with backup. Then once free one or more of us are to report back to Konoha providing that there are still enough of us to carry out the mission."

"I'd say we're fine on out numbers…" Kakashi said looking around at all of the teenagers. "Neji-kun, Kiba-kun, and Akamaru. You three will go back to Konoha and report to Tsunade that we're all okay."

"But…" Neji started. "Wouldn't it make sense for me to continue with you? I am a Jonin after all…"

"That's why you're going back." Kakashi said. "It makes the most sense this way. With your Byakugan you'll be able to see anyone that's going to attack you. Plus, with Kiba and Akamaru there you'll have ample backup if anyone does catch up to you."

"Don't you think that they'll notice us missing?" Neji pointed out.

"I can handle that!" Naruto chimed in. He performed a Kage Bunshin and a Henge no jutsu copying Neji, Kiba, and Akamaru.

"Fine." Neji said with a snooty pout.

"Then it's settled."

BACK TO THE ORORORORORO KAOSHISHISHI FIGHT!

"Thank you." Kaoshi watched Orochimaru with his Kuroringan closely. The second Orochimaru stepped into Kaoshi's range, the blade was let loose, severing the upper half of Orochimaru's body from the lower portion. As Orochimaru stumbled past a spinning Kaoshi, the same blade cut Orochimaru in half again from his head down. Kaoshi spun around and placed the blade in the center of the diced Orochimaru chunks before they could start to fall and uttered a simple word.

"Kai." A giant dragon made entirely of lightning exploded from the blade disintegrating Orochimaru's body completely. "And that's how we cook a bitch." Kaoshi said with a laugh. "Any questions?"

"Funny. Hilarious. Another synonym for, 'you're a complete idiot'." Kaede said in an annoyed tone. "Let's get out of here."

"Yeah…right…" Kaoshi concentrated and closed the Hell Release. He and Kaede's spirit ran to the team. "We gotta get the fuck outta here before they can get down here."

"How'd you…" Kakashi said speechless; but not really, because that would be an oxymoron.

"No time. I'll explain later, let's go." The ninja quickly agreed and bolted for the nearest exit, followed by an angry, homicidal mob.

"Well this is pleasant…" Kakashi said.

"Just like old times, eh?" Kaoshi said with a smile.

"Too much like old times…" Kakashi said as he tossed an exploding tag behind them. The explosion blocked the path behind them saving them from the angry mob. "Well that helps a little…"

"A very little." Naruto whined as he carried a still very wounded Sasuke on his back.

"Don't bounce so much baka." Sasuke grunted.

"What…you mean like THIS?" Naruto said jumping up and down.

"GAHGH!" Sasuke yelped in pain. "BAKA!" he yelled as he smacked Naruto on the head.

"They haven't seen each other in almost 3 years…" Kakashi said. "And this is the first thing they do?"

"Yeah…" Sakura said with a content look on her face. "…It's the way it should be."

"Yup."

The group of ninja rounded a corner to see a barred gate blocking their exit.

"RAIKIRI!" Kakashi yelled as he rammed his hand through the first bolt on the door. "After we're in the Lightning Country…" Kakashi said wearily. "I'm gonna sleep…for a month."

"You got it Kakashi." Kaoshi said with a slight smile.

"I'm just too fucking old for this…" Kakashi sighed.

"Please…you're younger than me."

"Gentlemen, I know this conversation is important…but can we PLEASE get ourselves the fuck out of this hell hole?"

"Yes ma'am." Kakashi and Kaoshi said in unison.

"I like this girl…" Sakura whispered to Tenten as they walked through the gate.

"Yeah…"

"Come on you two, don't dawdle." Kakashi said as they emerged into daylight. He bit his thumb and slammed it on the ground. Pakkun appeared in a cloud of smoke. "Pakkun, lead these three back to Konoha." He said motioning towards Neji, Kiba, and Akamaru."

"Of course." Pakkun said looking at the three. "Follow me, and be as silent as possible." They darted off and were quickly out of sight.

"Okay…" Kaoshi said looking around. "Northeast…" he said looking around for the sun. "This way."

"Hold up." Kakashi said. "We need a strategy and a formation. Kaoshi, you'll be up front. You'll be our tank."

"Right."

"Lee," Kakashi continued. "You'll be second in line. You're fast and can back up anyone in the team."

"Hai, sensei!"

"Then will be Shikamaru." Kakashi looked at him. "Shikamaru is an excellent tactician and will be the second-in-command. Follow his orders unless I say something to counter them."

"Whatever…" Shikamaru said masking a prideful blush.

"Next will be Tenten. You'll provide ranged support for the entire team."

"Gotcha."

"Then Naruto and Sasuke. They'll be mostly incapacitated and will need the most protection."

"Aww man…" Naruto whined.

"Get over it." Sasuke scoffed.

"Then Sakura. If anyone gets injured it'll be important that she can get to them quickly. Especially Naruto or Sasuke."

"Okay."

"Hinata. You and I will be in the back for rear support. I want your Byakugan active at all times until we reach the Lightning Country. Understood?"

"H-Hai…" she said sheepishly.

"Hinata I hope you understand the importance of the role you play here." Kakashi continued.

"Y-yes…"

"If you should fail, all of us could be pushing up daisies." Hinata shivered. She had never had so much responsibility before. She'd only been on one "B" class mission and that was it. "Can you handle it?"

"Umm…"

"Of course Hina-chan can do it!" Naruto said putting in his two-cents worth. "Right Hina-chan?" Hinata smiled.

"Naruto believes in me!"

"Hai." She said confidently.

"Good." Kakashi said. "Let's go."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

2 days later.

Nine shinobi stood on the border to the Lightning Country.

"Great job Hinata!" Kakashi said patting the exhausted girl on the back. "We knew you could do it!" She smiled and blushed a little. That was until everyone agreed with him. Then her face became totally red.

"So how do we continue?" Asked a half-conscious Naruto.

"Well I suppose we could keep going till we got to the Hidden Village of the Clouds…it's only another day and a half's run from here" Kaoshi suggested.

"NO!" Was the very loud response from everyone else in the party.

"Just a suggestion…jeez…" Kaoshi shrugged. "I know someone who'll put us up for the night."

"YES!" Everyone else agreed.

"All of us?" asked Sakura.

"Yeah." Kaoshi said. "They run an inn. I stay there all the time. It's about a ten minute walk."

"PRAISE THA LO'D!" Yelled Naruto in his cliché black priest impression flinging his hands into the air dropping Sasuke.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

12 minutes later.

A young kunoichi sat at a table in the local inn. Around her neck was a forehead protector from the Hidden Village of the Sand. Her blonde hair was pulled back into four parts, each part sticking out. She sighed.

"He's two days late…" she said with a groan.

"He'll show up missy don't worry."

"My concerns are none of your business. Sir." She glared at the innkeeper.

"S-sorry miss…"

Just then, nine ninja walked into the inn. Two of them were incapacitated. One had semi-long black hair and was wearing a dark blue shirt that covered his mouth. The other had spikey blonde hair and was beaten to a bloody pulp.

"Did you have to hit me THAT hard Sakura-chan?"

"Yes. Yes I did."

"I think you ruptured my spleen…"

"And it'll stay ruptured way I can find time in my busy schedule to fix it."

"Would you two please shut up?" A boy said. The kunoichi sitting at the table looked up, recognizing the voice. She saw a young man with a black ponytail, lazy eyes, and a chuunin jacket and chuckled.

"If it isn't Shikamaru-kun." She said slyly. Shikamaru gulped and stopped dead in his tracks and slowly turned his head.

"…Hello…Temari-san…"