Bee-uty & the Beast

Chapter 21

"I'm sorry, Sir. I should have gone after her when she left the room," sighed the sergeant.

Makoto clasped the guilt-trodden man on the shoulder, "It's not your fault. There was no way for us to know she would leave." He looked to Gai who had been silent since they discovered she was gone. He watched the man tuck Hani's bronze-bladed fans into his belt. "Gai, say something."

The jounin adjusted his shirt and vest. "I can't believe she left," he said through gritted teeth. "If only that woman would listen to me for just once."

Makoto tightened his grip on the young guard's shoulder, "Women are innately difficult, Gai. It's their very nature. But don't think she did this just to spite you."

Gai maintained his stare on the floor, "And what do you think those reasons were?"

"Did I also mention that women are bat-shit crazy?" huffed Makoto. "Especially when they're menstrual!"

Gai gave him a dark look, "Now is not the time for comedy." He turned sharply and walked to the door, "I am leaving now – I may still have time to catch her and save her from her foolishness."

Makoto attempted to take a step forward. "Don't be mad at her," winced the Captain as the young guard held him steady. "Hani is a smart girl – she wouldn't have left if it wasn't for a good reason."

"We shall see about that," frowned the jounin. He looked over his shoulder at the guards, "Take care of yourselves."

The Captain's expression matched his friend's, "You too. We'll see you – both of you when this is over." He wished he could say more to the ninja to encourage him, but he knew that time was short.

Gai gave Makoto a quick nod before opening the door and rushing silently into the hall.

- / -

"An offer I can't refuse?" smirked Hakanza. "There has yet to be an offer made to me that I couldn't refuse, Miss Hachi." He brought his hands behind his back and straightened his shoulders. "Enlighten me."

Hani maintained her stoic expression. "My life for Maito Gai," she said simply.

Hakanza drummed his fingers behind his back. "You are not a very good negotiator, Miss Hachi. I already have you in my possession."

"You may have me bound before you, Hakanza; but my skills and abilities are not within your control."

Hakanza turned his head slightly as she continued.

"I have …" she paused, "Talents that would be very beneficial for you to take advantage of. Not to mention exceptional knowledge of the inner circles in our country's political system." She lifted her chin slightly, "You would be a fool not to at least consider my offer."

Hakanza pursed his lips in consideration as he walked towards her, "Go on."

"As you were told when we first arrived, I am a specialist in espionage. I know a great deal of information that pertains to the company you keep. And what I do not know, I could easily gather."

With his arms still tucked behind his back, he paced slowly around her. "Is that so? And what kind of information would that be?"

Hani spoke with as much emotion as if she was listing off a grocery list, "Business deals, trade routes, alliances …" she turned to look at him. "Drugs, assassinations, slavery - whatever you desire. There are very few cliques I can not blend into." Hakanza moved to her front and stared quietly down at her. Hani looked over his face; her own expressionless. The similarities of his appearance to Gai were uncanny, but having become more familiar with her partner, she could now tell the differences between them easily. Aside from Hakanza's neatly trimmed eyebrows, it was the lines that marked Hakanza's face that set them apart most of all. Gai smiled too much and it shown in the wrinkles that decorated the corners of his eyes and mouth. Hakanza on the other hand frowned to the point where he looked much like a kabuki mask; his face stuck in a permanent scowl.

"Even confidential information on Konoha?"

Hani's only reaction to his bluntness was a quick blink of her eyes. "If that is what you wish, then yes," she lied.

He watched her, "Is that all you would offer me? These skills of yours?"

Hani forced herself to sustain her impassive attitude, "I would be in your service - much like my skills, you may have whatever you desire."

"Tell me," he said as he grinned down at her arrogantly, "Why have you turned yourself over to me? It is my understanding that shinobi are not martyrs and have little honor."

Hani's eyes fell slightly as she considered his question. If she and Gai had found themselves in the same situation a week ago, she would have left him behind. Her mission would be over and to her there was no longer any reason to stick around. She didn't have time for morality or worry about doing the "right thing". She was trained to kill and gather info, not be a good Samaritan. But the thought of Gai sacrificing himself to protect her … it did not settle well with her.

Gai was no longer just another face in the crowd. Unlike any other ninja she had been on a mission with he had a name, a face and a past. It's easier for a shinobi to think of their comrades as being soulless in order to soften the blow if they were killed. It was less stressful to deal with their loss if there was no attachment. But Gai had managed to crawl his way into her life and make her acknowledge him. He reminded her what it was like to laugh and enjoy life. To look forward to the next day and even the future. Before Gai, Hani took things one day at a time and never thought about what her life held. But for the first time in years, she had hope.

Hani clenched her hand as she remembered what it felt like when he had intertwined his fingers with hers. How he protected her naked body against the Autumn cold by enveloping her in his arms. How they had kissed passionately and held onto each other tightly amidst their shared climax. Then her mind fondly remembered the moments they teased each other. Their playful banter. Even when they sat for hours trying to get Gai to learn the etiquette of a proper nobleman. And the time they had spent in her room, talking about his students and family. And how he genuinely wanted to learn more about her. He cared about her. And the fact that she was now standing before the enemy in restraints was proof she cared about him in return.

Even though he was goofy and silly at times, he was a beacon of hope and happiness to those around him. The world needed his battered and scarred hands to protect it. The world needed the loveable Maito Gai. The world did not need her.

"My reasons are irrelevant. The fact that I am here is more important," she said dryly.

Hakanza set his jaw as he reached out and took her chin to turn her face away from him. His eyes looked over her impassively - evaluating her like she was on the block at a livestock auction. "You are without a doubt beautiful," he said as he brushed his fingers lightly on her cheek to test the texture of her skin. "But women like you are a dime a dozen." He moved his hand down to her neck and ran the tip of his finger across her throat, "And the more dimes a man has, the easier it is for him to get women like you. Not to mention, I would prefer to have a woman who had just enough intelligence to walk and talk at the same time – let alone trained in assassination." Hani clenched her jaw as he leaned closer, "Your expression may be calm, Miss Hachi; but your pulse is racing."

"I must be intimidated by the power I can sense within you," she replied softly.

Hakanza chuckled, "Do not insult my intelligence, woman. It does not bode well for your negotiations." Standing close enough for Hani to feel his breath on her neck, he continued, "It must be an interesting life you live – one of secrecy, seduction and deceit. Toying with men's emotions. Constantly ignoring your own. All for some parcel of information that will more than likely be of no use to you or your village."

Hani swallowed the lump in her throat.

"In the end, what have your sacrifices gained you?" He wrapped his large hand around her narrow neck and forced her face up to his. "Do you want to know what I see before me, Miss Hachi?" he asked rhetorically. He narrowed his eyes, "I see a dry, withered husk of a woman who has been used long past her prime."

Hani's eyes grew wide at his insult.

"I am incapable of accepting the notion that a woman whose heart is nothing more than a shriveled mass inside her swollen bosom would bring herself before me in an attempt at 'negotiating' for the life of her partner without an ulterior motive." He broadened his stance and gave her a cocky grin, "Now tell me, Miss Hachi. If you were me, would you trust you?"

Hani watched him in silence for a moment before looking away, "No, I wouldn't."

Hakanza's grin widened, "That is the first truth you have spoken before me." He folded his arms behind his back and gave her a good-humored smile, "Now, try to convince me again to spare Maito Gai's life."

Hani spoke softly, not bringing her eyes to his, "I thought you wanted me."

The nobleman snorted, "Don't flatter yourself. Nishin may have been enamored with you, but I have no such interest." He noticed her brows twitch, "Do not get me wrong, Miss Hachi. I do find you to be attractive … exotic even. But in my eyes, you are like a fine Persian rug. I may appreciate your beauty, but I also have no issue with walking all over you." He turned away from her and moved to a nearby wall. Resting on a set of hooks was a finely crafted katana with a gold-laced hilt and a black-glazed scabbard. Hakanza took the weapon deftly from its perch and tucked it into his belt. "In truth, you were only valuable to me while Nishin was still alive. That man never forgets a debt and I certainly had my fair share of it with him." He gave her a smug grin and chuckled, "It is amazing how large of a tab one can rack up when they kill a whore." He chuckled at the threatening look Hani threw at him. "What is it, Miss Hachi? Are you offended by that statement because you are friends with whores, or because you are one?"

Hani forced all of the volatile emotions inside her to the pit of her stomach. "What will you do with me now?"

Hakanza considered her words, "If you are truly as good as you say you are at gathering information, then perhaps I will take you up on your offer. You must be a spy with some talent if you were under Nishin's roof for so long… I will accept your deal, but on one condition…" He turned to her and grinned devilishly, "Your feet will be cut off so you will not be able to run away. Your hands will be crushed to prevent you from performing any jutsus. In addition, your tongue will be torn out as I do not tolerate insolence." He waited for his words to sink in before he continued, "After hearing all of that, does your offer still stand?"

Hani struggled to find the strength to keep her voice from shaking, "It will be very difficult for me to do my job as a spy if I am maimed to that extent."

Hakanza folded his hands thoughtfully. "I suppose that is true," he said sarcastically. "In that case, no … I have no use for you." He turned away and adjusted his belt. "You are too dangerous to keep alive and if I let you go, then you will only get in the way." He looked at he soldiers and nodded them towards the doors, "Take her away and execute her. Inform me when it is done."

Hani struggled against the soldiers as they came forward and took her arms. "Isaka Tomino!" she blurted before they could drag her out through the door.

Hakanza turned to her sharply, "What did you just say?"

"Isaka Tomino," she said again. "Or should I say, 'Lord' Isaka Tomino? He's the man you are currently at war with, is he not?"

Hakanza furrowed his brows, "What do you know about him?"

Hani jerked herself free from the soldiers' grip. "Spare Maito Gai's life and I will tell you information that will ensure your victory in the war, save your reputation and earn you great respect." She gave him a firm look, "Kill me or Gai and I guarantee you this war will be drawn out and leave you poor and destitute."

The nobleman silently considered her words before speaking, "You do realize I have no qualms with torturing a woman for information?"

"I am aware of that fact."

Hakanza eyed her for a bit longer before walking towards her, "Though I suspect you are lying to protect your own skin, I can't deny the fact that you may have vital information. At the very least, it's worth keeping you around a bit longer to be sure."

"And Maito Gai?" asked Hani carefully.

"I just agreed to prolong your life. You are lucky I don't have you cut down right now."

Hani gave him a harsh look, "You kill him and I tell you nothing!"

Hakanza's eyes looked causally around the room before lowering his head and smiling, "If you are silent, then I will have the words forced from your lips." He took the collar of her shirt and slowly pulled her against him, "You will be amazed the information one is willing to offer when a pair of hot branding irons are forced into their eye sockets."

"I would imagine," said Hani with an unwavering voice. She looked up at his face and watched him with as much intensity he did her. "And if you think this 'withered husk' of a woman is so incapable of emotion, then what makes you think I can be intimidated so easily?"

The nobleman's smile widened, "I'm actually hoping you put up a resistance. It will make things much more fun." He tilted his head slightly, "However, if you give me good, substantial information on Isaka Tomino that will help me win this war, then I will reward you well."

Hani watched him, "More than spare my life?"

"Much more," chuckled Hakanza. He released his grip on her shirt and walked to the other side of the room. "Set a twelve man guard to watch her until this business with the other ninja is handled."

One of the guards blanched, "Twelve, Sir?"

"Indeed, Corporal," nodded Hakanza. "You can never be too safe when it comes to ninja … especially when it is a kunoichi."

- / -

The servant tried to be as discreet as he could while a group of soldiers patrolled down the hallway away from him. "What a mess," he whispered under his breath as soon as they were out of earshot. But before he could continue on his way, a large hand came from behind and clasped him tightly over his mouth. "Mmph!" he gasped.

"Don't say a word, Oda," said Gai softly. He brought his face to the side of the yellow-clad servant, "Do you understand?"

Oda's eyes were wide as he nodded.

"Good. You're not going to make a sound, are you?"

The servant shook his head in the negative.

"Alright. I'm taking my hand away now."

The moment his mouth was uncovered, the servant whirled around and gave the ninja a large hug, "Sir! You're alright! I was afraid you were killed! I had hoped beyond hope that you and the Madame had escaped."

"Be quiet!" winced Gai as Oda squeezed his injured ribs.

The servant released him, "Sir, are you hurt?"

Gai quickly grabbed the man's shirt and yanked him into a nearby vacant room. "Oda, have you seen Hani?"

The man's eyes grew fearful, "W-what? She isn't with you?"

Gai sighed in frustration, "Oda, what the hell is going on here?"

The servant snapped his mouth shut, "I shouldn't be speaking with you. It could get me killed!"

Gai grabbed his shirt again, "Not telling me will get you killed too!" he growled.

Oda cowered, "I understand that, Sir. But I am more afraid of Lord Hakanza than I am of you!"

"Tch!" said Gai in disgust. He let go of the man's collar and turned away from him sharply, "They have Hani, Oda." He clenched his fists, "If you can't tell me anything about Hakanza, then please at least tell me where I can find her."

The servant grew silent, "I honestly fear for her safety if she is within Lord Hakanza's custody."

Gai turned to him, "What will he do to her?"

"More like what wouldn't he do to her," frowned Oda. "My Lord lacks a guilty conscious, Sir and he has done many things that have made me question humanity."

"Where is she, Oda?" asked Gai with a stern look.

The servant shook his head, "I don't know, Sir." He sighed heavily, "But I can tell you where to find Lord Hakanza."

Gai's eyes narrowed, "Where?"

"My Lord uses the hot springs under the mansion as a panic room – it has only one entrance and can be defended easily. Not to mention, impervious to being destroyed if the mansion was set on fire."

Gai looked to the door as he tried to remember the route to the springs.

"I've … I've told you too much, Sir. If anyone found out, I could be killed." He adjusted his jacket, "I trust you will show me gratitude for this information by not relaying who gave it to you?"

"Of course," nodded Gai in earnest.

"Good," sighed Oda in relief. He moved towards the door, but paused at the threshold. "I hope you find her before its too late, Sir. You are good people who don't deserve any of this."

Gai gave him a small smile, "Thank you, Oda."

The servant bowed slightly in return, "Farewell. And may we meet again."

- / -

"Why does it take 12 of us to guard one woman?" moaned a soldier with a long ponytail.

The other men around the same lamp shrugged their shoulders half-heartedly. "Because our Lord ordered us to," said one.

The ponytailed soldier threw a look across the room at Hani who was bound to a wooden chair. "She's smaller than my sister; I doubt she's much of a threat."

Hani gave him a small smile in return.

"We have our orders, Kona. Just shut up and stop questioning it."

A soldier who was leaning against the room's door crossed his arms, "Besides, she's a ninja. There is no telling what she is capable of."

Kona stretched his legs and yawned, "Ninja are all hype – they're not as dangerous as everyone make them out to be."

"What do you know about ninja, Kona?" asked a soldier who sat on the floor. "You'd piss your pants if you ever went up against one."

"Nah," laughed Kona. "I've fought them before. It was a cinch. They have their jutsus, but their tactics are all transparent."

"Bullshit, Kona. You've never seen a ninja before," laughed the man leaning against the door.

The ponytailed man pointed a finger at Hani, "I'm looking at one right now and she hardly looks like a challenge."

"My uncle was killed by a ninja," said the small soldier on the ground. "Killed him in his sleep. They said he never saw it coming."

"Where's the honor in that?" scoffed Kona. "In his sleep - it's a cowardly way to kill a man." He touched the hilt of his sword, "On the battlefield … that's where it is honorable. Where two men can square off in a fair fight."

"I don't mean to be rude," chimed Hani. "But could I please have a drink of water?"

All twelve men grew silent as they watched her.

"I am allowed to drink, am I not?" she asked sheepishly.

"I'll do it," said Kona with the roll of his eyes. "You pussies are probably too scared to approach a woman." He took a small canteen of water and walked across the room.

"It wasn't too hard for me with your sister," chuckled one of the soldiers around the lamp.

"You're a son of a bitch!" shouted Kona over the laughter in the room. He leaned down next to Hani and held the bottle out for her. "Don't try anything funny," he said sternly.

Hani gave him an innocent look, "I just want a drink. That's all."

"When did Lord Hakanza start taking prisoners?" ask the soldier who was leaning against the door.

"He's done it before – they just usually don't last very long," shrugged the man on the floor.

"Are we suppose find twelve new guys to replace us later or are we suppose to take shifts?" asked a soldier as he stood up and stretched his legs.

"I guess twelve new guys," shrugged another.

"Hey Kona! Are you trying to drown her over there?" laughed the man who had taunted him earlier.

The ponytailed soldier continued to kneel silently by Hani's side; his back facing them and in his hand, a full canteen.

The man who leaned against the door kicked off to stand upright, "Oi Kona," he called. "Are you deaf?"

Hani looked casually from the soldier to the men across the room; her expression serene. "Get them," she said quietly.

The ponytailed man stood quickly and drew his sword from his scabbard.

"The hell?" shouted the soldier on the floor as he jumped to his feet.

Kona didn't give them a chance to say another word before he whirled around and charged; his pupils large and dilated.

"Kona! What's gotten into you?" shouted the man near the door as he drew his own sword and rushed forward to counter his comrade's weapon.

"He's lost his mind!" shouted another as he ran forward and accidentally knocked over the sole source of light in the room.

"Shit! I can't see!" shouted someone as they struggled to detain their friend before he hacked them to pieces.

"I've got him! Help me get him to the floor!"

A few of the soldiers fought against Kona, who growled and thrashed wildly.

"We need some light!"

"Got it!" shouted the shorter soldier. He fumbled with the lamp, striking it against the ground until if filled the room with a soft glow.

On the floor was Kona, who bared his teeth and attempted to bite the leg closest to his mouth.

"He's gone mad!" said a man who had Kona's arms pinned behind his back.

The short soldier nearly dropped the lantern as he looked across the room. "Guys! We have another problem!" He pointed a shaky hand to the now empty chair that was arrayed in carefully cut rope. "We're as good as dead," he gulped.

- / -

Hakanza took a long swig of sake from an ornate cup. "You have spoken with him?" he said as he turned the cup in his hand to better see the craftsmanship.

"Indeed."

"And?"

The man straightened his yellow jacket, "I told him he could find you in the hot springs."

Hakanza placed the cup on a serving table next to Makoto's old sword, "Good. If I'm not mistaken his chakra is fire-based?"

"That is correct."

"Then taking care of him shouldn't be a problem."

"What did you do with the woman?"

The nobleman casually placed his hands on his belt. "I've decided to keep her around for a bit longer."

Oda glared at him, "Are you a fool? It is dangerous to keep her around."

"She has information on Tomino – information she thinks will help me win this war."

"After Maito Gai is dead, the war will no longer be of importance to you."

Hakanza's brow tensed, "You will get rid of me that easily?"

Oda stepped forward quietly and took the sword from the table. "We have a contract – once that contract is fulfilled, I no longer have any use for you." He took one of the ties on the handle of the captain's sword and unraveled the cording. "With Maito Gai dead, I will return to my position as nobleman of this territory and you will return to your life as a mercenary."

Hakanza sneered, "I have ruled over this land for almost 3 years! It won't be so easy-!"

"You made no decisions without my approval," said Oda as he over spoke him. "With Saburo dead and the village in ruins, I will burn this mansion down, rebuild on the North sector of the territory and assume my title." He pulled off the rest of the protective covering over the sword's handle; exposing an array of colored pearls inlaid into the wood. "I will do as I did with you when I put you in the role of nobleman: replace the house staff and file the necessary paperwork. With full control of the army, no one will question my authority."

"How will you explain my leaving to the Daimyo?"

Oda ran a hand through his hair and tussled it. "We will do as we agreed. You will disappear and assume a new identity and I will claim you were killed in the war. To do otherwise will be in violation of our contract."

Hakanza slowly moved his hand closer to his sword. "And if I refuse?"

Oda tucked the scabbard into his belt, "Then I will kill you and claim to the Daimyo you were an imposter. I was, after all, the man who was chosen by the original lord of this territory to assume his place."

Hakanza turned to his side slightly so Oda couldn't see him place his hand on his weapon, "Have I earned none of your respect all these years? You would be so rash as to kill me?"

Oda spoke in a casual tone, "I have my own goals. If you get between me and them, then I have no issue with terminating your existence."

Hakanza grinned. "I would certainly like to see you try," he said calmly as he drew his sword in a blur. But in a speed that would make a sharingan user blanch, Oda placed his hand on the hilt of his own sword and removed it from the scabbard till only an inch of blade was exposed. Hakanza wasn't even finished with the swing of his arm before every last molecule of air was stripped from his lungs. It happened so quickly that the organs actually collapsed in on themselves like a deflated balloon.

The imposter nobleman was incapable of making a sound as he collapsed to his knees in shock. He instinctually dropped his sword and clawed at his neck as he struggled to gain a breath.

Oda showed no expression - no remorse at the desperation of the man before him. "You look so much like him Toki … so much like Maito Gai that killing you will actually give me pleasure. It is his fault that my Lord and Master is dead. I vowed to avenge his death at the seppuku ceremony and a lowly scrub like you will not stop me."

Hakanza fell to all fours as his vision began to grow dark.

"I highly suggest you keep your end of our bargain. Otherwise I will throw your corpse in the ditch and burn it along with your comrades Yamada, Sugi and Kazuo." He leaned forward. "Will you cooperate?"

With his eyes bulging painfully, the imposter nobleman nodded desperately.

Just as fast as it had happened, Hakanza's lungs refilled with air and he was able to regain his breath. He gasped and wheezed as sweat beaded across his forehead.

"Now," said Oda calmly. "Go to the hot springs and await Maito Gai. Our business is done when he is dead." He gave his mercenary one last look before turning and walking silently from the room.

- / -

Hani ran swiftly down the hallway; emitting chakra through her feet to dampen the sounds of her boots on the wooden floor. She had to find Gai and get him out of the mansion as soon as possible. They could go back to Konoha and get reinforcements or at the very least, alert Tsunade so she could use both her diplomatic and physical power to put Hakanza in his place.

She slowed as she approached a corner. Quietly, she peered around the bend and spotted a single soldier standing guard. She took the tanto she had lifted off one of her guards and drew the blade. With the element of surprise she would be able to kill him quickly and silently.

But as soon as she took a firm grip of the dagger's hilt, her whole body froze. In her head, she could hear Gai's deep voice echoing, "They are good men – only following their leader's orders like good soldiers are suppose to." Hani clenched her jaw and tried to step forward, but her feet didn't want to cooperate. "Damn it!" she mouthed. She flexed her arms in frustration before trying to step forward once more. But again, her feet refused to budge. 'Damn it, Gai! Have you already gotten to me?' she cursed mentally.

She mouthed a few more obscenities before sheathing the dagger and returning it to her belt. She then held out her hands and shook them a few times as she thought through the different options on how to "humanely" remove the soldier as a threat. But before she could make a final decision on what to do, the solider pulled a pocket watch from his armor, clicked it open and started to walk casually down the hall away from her.

Hani dropped her arms in shock at her good fortune and at the realization that if she had acted just two minutes sooner, then she would have needlessly killed a man. With her pathway now clear, she moved quickly through the corridor.

She only saw a few guards as she traversed through the mansion, but they posed her no threat. She hurried her pace as she came closer to the wing where she had left Gai and Makoto behind. She couldn't sense her partner anywhere, but then again, she wasn't much of a sensor to begin with. And because of this, she didn't sense the hand that darted out from a dark doorway until it grabbed her arm and yanked her quickly into the side room.

Hani gasped and twirled her arm defensively, breaking the attacker's hold on her. She struck out with the palm of her hand, but it was caught and she was forced to spin around until her arm was pinned behind her back and another strong arm wrapped around her waist.

"Easy woman!" said Gai in a hushed voice.

"It's you!" said Hani in shock and relief. She turned around to face him after he released her arm, "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here … to rescue you," he said as he took her fans from his belt and handed them to her. "We thought they had you prisoner."

Hani took her weapons and tucked them into her clothing, "Gai, we have to get you out of here! Hakanza doesn't want anything to do with me. He's wants you dead!"

Gai shrugged, "I didn't think he did all of this to shake my hand."

Hani grew flustered, "I'm serious!"

"Did you speak with him?"

"Yes!"

"How did you escape?"

"I told him I have information on Isaka Tomino."

Gai gave her a confused look, "Who?"

She shook her head, "The man he's at war with. To be honest, I don't know a damn thing about Tomino. I just remember reading that name in the mission briefing. I wasn't even sure if I got his name right until Hakanza reacted to it."

Gai grinned at her, "Good girl."

Hani ignored his compliment, "We have to get out of here and go back to Konoha and get some support."

Gai shook his head slowly, "We're four days away from Konoha – three if we run nonstop. That's six days all together. We don't have the time."

"Yes we do! What's six days versus the rest of our lives?"

"Hani," sighed Gai. "The people of the village, Makoto, Umeko, their family, the guards … all of them. They need me now. I can't leave people behind when they need me. We leave now and Hakanza could have them killed. I can't let that happen."

Hani's expression grew more desperate, "But Gai-"

"You go, Hani."

Her face fell, "W-what?"

"You go back to Konoha and get help. You're young and healthy – you could get there in three days if you really pushed yourself." He stood up straight. "Go to Konoha and get reinforcements. At the very least, when you get back here after a week, you can help with the clean up."

Hani tented her brows, "I'm not leaving you here alone."

Gai sighed heavily and rolled his eyes, "Woman, we've been through this already."

"Either we leave together or I stay with you!"

"At least go with Makoto – you can offer them support and if anything happens to me, you could help defend him and his people."

Hani crossed her arms defiantly, "No."

Gai clenched his fists in anger, "Woman, it isn't a question! It's an order! I am the acting jounin of this mission and it is your duty to obey my direct orders! Stop being so damn difficult!" He wasn't prepared for the sudden attack as Hani uncrossed her arms and pushed against his chest as hard as she could and forced him against the wall behind him.

"You listen to me," said Hani in a threatening tone as she stood on her tip toes and glared up at him. "I'm not one of your students! I'm not a peon who will cower under you! I don't give two shits whether you're a genin, chuunin, jounin or the freaking kage! If I don't think something is the right thing to do, then I'm not going to do it!" She poked a long-nailed finger into his chest, "So hurry up and get it through that thick skull of yours that you're not the only stubborn one here!"

Gai's mouth was open wide in shock. It had been a long time since anyone had given him such a tongue-lashing.

Hani took a step back, "Now, if you're going to stay here then I'm staying with you and that's final." She turned abruptly and walked to the doorway. She was quiet for a moment before speaking again, "Let's go. I want to get this damn nonsense over with so I can take a shower." She didn't respond as she felt a large hand take her arm and slowly pull her backwards.

Gai lead her back against the wall, quietly took both of her wrists and raised them gently to the side of her head where he pinned them against the wall. Hani narrowed her eyes as he lowered his head till his face was less than an inch from hers. He didn't say a thing – only lingered next to her and breathed heavily.

Hani bared her lower teeth at him in an attempt at exerting some form of dominance in this primitive power struggle display of theirs. Gai mirrored her expression and growled softly in return. Hani couldn't help but shudder as a chill ran up her spine. She rung her hands against his grip, but that only made him hold her tighter.

Hani's skin erupted in goose bumps at being restrained and forcibly dominated by him. Though she wasn't aware she was doing it, she instinctually pressed her lower half against his; this being a cue for him to close the distance between them and press his mouth fully against hers.

Their kiss was rough and hungry; both being too stubborn to be outdone in their eagerness for the other. Gai released one of her wrists and grabbed her at the back of the head to make their kiss even deeper. Before long, they were a knot of intertwined limbs and lips. The room echoed lightly with the sound of their kiss.

Neither held back because they both knew this might be the last chance in their lives to ever be together again.

After a few passionate moments Gai gently pulled away from their kiss and pressed his forehead against hers. "If I don't make it, please tell my precious students that I am proud of them and that I love them."

Hani clung to his arms, "Don't talk like that."

"It is important to me that they know. Please promise me you will tell them."

"… I promise," sighed Hani.

"And if you should become pregnant, search out my parents. They will see to your care—OW!"

"If Hakanza doesn't kill you, then I will!" growled Hani as she smacked him again on the shoulder.

Gai chuckled as he quickly wrapped his arms over hers and held her in a bear hug. "Thank you, Hani," he said as he buried is face in her hair. "Thank you for letting me get to know you … if only a little."

Hani's only response was a sad sigh as she wrapped her arms around his waist and held him tightly in return.

"Alright," said Gai after what seemed like an eternity. He carefully stepped away from the woman before him and headed towards the doorway, "Let's finish this."

- / -

After numerous turns and twists in their route, Hani finally spoke up, "Are we lost?"

Being a man who didn't want to admit he couldn't find his way, Gai blushed, "Not at all. I know exactly where we are going."

"And where is that?" said Hani as she crossed her arms and watched Gai peer cautiously around a corner.

"The hot springs."

Hani's eyes snapped wide open at his words.

"Oda told me he uses the place as a panic room." As he looked at her from over his shoulder his face turned to one of concern. "What's wrong?"

Hani rubbed her hands over her arms in an attempt at stilling her trembling body. "The … the water," she said with a weak voice.

"Oh," said Gai as he lowered his eyes to the floor and tried to think of something comforting to say. He placed a broad hand on her tiny shoulder, "It will be alright, Hani. You can guard the entrance way – I will need someone to watch my back." He half expected for her to argue with him again, but she quickly nodded in agreement. This offered him some relief. At least now he won't have to worry about her getting hurt or holding back to ensure he doesn't endanger her if he has to go all out.

He gave her shoulder another squeeze before returning his attention to their route. "I think the hot springs are just past that doorway," he said with a pointed finger. "I can sense the air here is much hotter and wetter than normal. However …" he moved quietly to the door. "I suspected for there to be soldiers guarding the way and I see none." He looked behind him and found Hani hadn't budged. "It's okay for you to stay there," he said quietly from across the hall.

Hani clenched her jaw and willed herself to move to his side. "No. You're not doing this by yourself. I want to be within earshot incase you need help."

Gai nodded to her and opened the door. Fortunately for them both, the clear sign of a stoned entranceway could be seen within the small room. "I'll go first," said Gai barely above a whisper.

They walked carefully down the moist, stone steps; the hot hair filling their lungs and opening their sinuses. Gai could see in the corner of his eye Hani's hand shaking as she reached out to brace herself against the wall for their trek downwards. He hoped she would be able to keep herself together enough to where she wouldn't faint. Goodness knows he didn't need her becoming catatonic.

It took them less than a minute to reach the bottom of the stairs and the main door to the underground spring. Gai turned at the sounds of frantic breathing. "Hani," he said gently. "Stay here. I'll take care of this and when I'm done, we can go home … Okay?"

Hani, who was now clinging full body to the various striations on the wall, gave him a look that was as brave as she could manage. "Good … good luck," she said with a quivering lip.

He stood tall and gave her a confident grin, "Don't worry. This will all be over soon."

Hani closed her eyes tightly; ashamed of her uncontrollable fear, "Don't get hurt."

Gai chucked as he stepped towards the door, "That I can't promise. It comes with the job."

The large cavern was low lit and enveloped in muggy steam. Gai tugged at the collar of his clinging shirt as he peered around. It didn't take him long to see the figure standing silently on the water at the center of the spring. It was clear the man was waiting for him.

"Welcome, Gai," said Hakanza in an eerily calm voice. "I believe you have been looking for me?"

Gai's nostrils flared as he stepped into the room and walked across the stone floor to the water's edge. "Though I don't know what all is going on here, Hakanza – I can't let you continue your evil ways. You have terrorized the people of this province long enough."

Hakanza brought his arms behind his back and gave him a good-humored grin, "That's a very noble and tacky speech. Are you usually this pathetic?"

Gai furrowed his brows and frowned.

"It's odd – how much you and I look alike," continued Hakanza. "Could it be possible that we were separated at birth?" He chuckled, "Or we share the same mother, but different fathers?"

The lines on Gai's forehead deepened at the accusation that his mother could have been unfaithful.

Hakanza shrugged lightly, "Or perhaps, we are each a side of the same coin?" There was a brief pause before the man spoke again. "What do you think?" came a voice just to Gai's side.

The jounin jumped in shock. He hadn't seen, nor sensed Hakanza move. Now the man was standing directly to his side. In a flash, Gai brought his elbow up to strike the samurai in the face, but instead struck nothing but air.

"Too slow," grinned Hakanza who was now standing on Gai's other side. He drew his sword enough till the tip of the handle slammed harshly into the ninja's side.

"ACK!" cried Gai as his ribs crunched. He recovered immediately and spun his leg around to perform a leaf whirlwind at his attacker, but his leg made no contact.

"This is disappointing," said Hakanza who was now standing at his original place in the center of the cavern. "It was rumored that you were the fastest ninja in the fire country. If you are considered 'fast' amongst your people, then it is nothing short of a miracle that Konoha still exists."

Gai rubbed his side as he looked around the room, could he be in a genjutsu?

"I assure you this is no illusion," said Hakanza as he started to casually walk towards Gai. "Where ninja spread themselves thin by training on various areas like ninjutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu, chakra elements, seals, hand signs; Samurai train in only two things … our swordsmanship and speed." He grinned, "And it serves us well to specialize."

"Aragh!" cringed Gai as a sword slashed him across the back deep enough to cut a few layers of skin.

"Don't you think so too?" chuckled Hakanza who was now standing behind the ninja. He shook the blood off his blade before sheathing it.

Gai fell to his knees and instantly performed a low spinning kick. The samurai didn't fall for his faint and jumped to avoid his leg. Gai smiled that the man had fallen for his tactic. In mid air, Gai twisted his body to plant his hand on the ground and brought his leg down like a hammer. He almost overextended his muscles as his leg soared unabated in the air and struck the ground; leaving a large crater.

Not ten feet away, Hakanza brushed off his sleeve. "You are certainly strong," said Hakanza who sounded somewhat impressed. "But you are extremely predictable."

Gai growled in frustration as he pounced after the man. The samurai easily avoided every punch made by his attacker; standing in one place before reappearing in another. After the fifth strike, Gai blanched as he suddenly felt a sear of intense pain at his belly. His hand froze in mid air as he looked down. Not two seconds after Hakanza's blade slashed him did blood start pouring out from his new wound.

"This battle is over," said the samurai from behind Gai. "You will bleed to death in seconds."

Gai's hand shook as he clenched it in anger. He was tired of being toyed with so easily. "ORAA!" he roared as he instantly opened six of the eight gates of battle, whirled and threw another punch at his foe.

Hakanza's eyes widened as a large fist flew towards him. He was just barely able to move his head away in time to keep it from being knocked clear off. He watched in shock as the air around Gai's arm ignited into flames from the shear friction and sent a fireball through the air in the direction of the ninja's attack. "What is this?" he gasped.

The samurai quickly dodged away to get some distance between him and Gai, but the red-skinned, white-eyed beast was fast on his heels. With the gates now open, Gai's eyes and brain where now physically capable of matching Hakanza's own freakish speed. "This is six of eight levels of power. Few enemies of mine live to see it more than once!" shouted Gai as he pursued Hakanza mercilessly.

In a match that would be invisible to a normal person's eye, Gai and Hakanza exchanged a flurry of blows. The ninja would slap away Hakanza's blade whenever he made an attack and Hakanza would just barely dodge Gai's fists. "I was never told you used such a technique!"

"Then you know nothing of me!" yelled Gai as he just managed to snag Hakanza's sleeve. He took a firm grip of the cloth before yanking the samurai around him in a circle like he was throwing a hammer. Hakanza flew through the air nearly fast enough to break the sound barrier and crashed brutally into the stone wall of the cavern.

Gai wiped the saliva from his mouth with the back of his hand and used his other to make sure the wound on his stomach was healed after opening the gates. He eyed the rubble and watched the dust begin to settle before the samurai kicked through the stones.

Hakanza struggled to stand. "Such freakish strength and speed," he choked.

Gai thumbed his nose and took a battle stance. "I am Konoha's Azure Beast," he said confidently. "I would never claim such a title if it wasn't befitting."

"How ironic," chuckled Hakanza as he rolled his shoulder. "I am called a beast amongst my people too."

"After hearing how poorly you've treated your subordinates, I'm not surprised."

"Even the gods do things that make humanity doubt their existence. I am no different."

Gai sneered, "You think you're a god?"

"Not at all," grinned Hakanza. "But a god is no better than me."

Gai clenched his fist at the samurai, "Tell me why you hired me for this mission."

Hakanza took the scabbard from his belt and held it in his off hand, "The funny thing is you think you're one who was hired here."

Gai furrowed his brows, "What do you mean?"

- / -

Hani was down to clinging to the wall with only one hand. The sounds of combat had distracted her enough from her fears to allow her to move closer to the doorway and try to peer into the hot springs. She didn't have to be a sensor type to detect Gai's chakra level went through the roof, similar to how it had when in the grand room.

How she could have ever doubted him and his awesome power … she wouldn't make that mistake again.

"Madame?"

"Eee!" shrieked Hani as she nearly jumped out of her skin at the gentle voice from behind her. She whirled around, "Oda! What are you doing here?"

The yellow-jacketed man fidgeted his hands nervously, "I heard the fighting and came to investigate. Is Gai in there fighting Lord Hakanza?"

Hani's grip on the wall tightened at his words. "You've … you've never called Gai by his first name before," she said in a careful tone. Her eyes darted to the sword in Oda's belt and immediately recognized the scabbard as being Mokoto's.

"Madame," said Oda with a grin. "You're shaking."

- / -

"What do you mean by that, Hakanza?" said Gai again in an even deeper tone.

"You're not the only mercenary between us," nodded the samurai. "So in a way, we're not all that dissimilar, you and I. Perhaps we really are two sides of the same coin."

The bulging veins in Gai's forehead pulsed. "Who hired you?"

"You will find out soon enough," smiled Hakanza. "Regardless of who wins this fight between us, Gai. He will be the only one standing!" In a flash, Hakanza appeared behind the ninja and slashed at his neck. His sword whooshed through the air as it slashed at emptiness. He turned his head just in time to see a fire-blazing blur of a leg before it kicked him under the chin and sent him into the air. Gai jumped after him; matching the man's velocity. After they reached peak height, Gai sent a flurry of blows; fireballs filling and sizzling the moist air. Each punch Gai threw at the mercenary turned him more into a bloody pulp.

The last strike sent Hakanza back into the stone wall; his impact creating a small rockslide. Gai landed back on the water and panted heavily after ending the gate technique. His body was sore and exhausted after having to open six gates twice in one day.

He watched the stone pile in silence and waited to see if Hakanza would rise again. But it soon became clear the cluster of stones was now Hakanza's grave. "You fought well," said Gai softly. He wrapped his arm around his stomach and struggled to regain his strength, "A worthy opponent."

He turned and began to walk back to the entrance. But after a few difficult steps, a large gust of wind burst out of the doorway; sending a rush of air over him and the rest of the cavern. Gai shielded his eyes against the wind and gasped as a small form was sent through the doorway and crashed limply against the stone walkway. Hani's unconscious form tumbled sickeningly over the hard surface and didn't come to a stop until she rolled to the water's edge and one of her arms and legs splashed into the water.

Gai's face was one of horror at the sight of his partner's battered form; blood dripping from her mouth. "Hani!" he called in a desperate voice. He tried to stumble forward, but his damaged muscles refused to cooperate.

"This is quite fortuitous," came a familiar voice. Oda stepped into the room; his yellow jacket glowing in the soft light of the cavern. "I was afraid you wouldn't finish Toki Hakanza off. Killing him only makes things easier for me."

Gai felt an intense pain in his chest. But he was unable to tell if it was due to using the gate technique or from the realization of a friend's betrayal.

Thank you, for reading!