The Curse
Chapter Twenty: The Twisted Valley (Part III)
Sasuke narrowed his eyes against the wind whipping against his skin and through his dark hair. One hand held firm to the strong feathers of the hawk below him while the other tightly gripped the hilt of his Kusanagi, knuckles stained white from the strain. His dark irises shifted to the right where another large hawk flew, steered by Raiden who was held tightly by Akemi.
The white-haired male connected his equally dark eyes with Sasuke's, nodding his head before bringing up a hand to his collar, "This is Raiden calling Team Dai and Team Shin; do you copy?"
Behind Raiden, Akemi pressed her forehead tightly into the space between his shoulder blades, olive green eyes shut tight as she shook her head back and forth, mouth moving in a series of quiet mutters and mumbles. Her hands occasionally clenched and unclenched into the front of Raiden's shirt, a shudder wracking her body when the hawk she was riding on dipped before leveling out again.
"Daisuke? Shin? Do you read me? Does anyone read me?"
Sasuke panned his gaze to the left, frowning as he noticed barely a fraction of the sun visible behind the peaks of Earth Country's mountains. The skies were painted a bright orange and red, fading out into a deep, dark blue towards the East.
"Shin? Dai? This is Raiden! Come in!"
They had less than half an hour left before there was no sunlight at all.
"Souta? Takeru? Sakura-san? Does anyone copy?"
There was a loud cackle of static response that caused Sasuke's heart to stutter, head snapping around to view Raiden and Akemi once more. The older male was fiddling eagerly with his radio, trying to attain a better connection and Akemi's olive eyes were wide open, looking at Raiden's collar and connecting earpiece with obvious hopefulness.
"…We copy…"
Sasuke's jaw locked and he tapped his Summon's neck in a gesture to go faster. Raiden's dark eyes narrowed, releasing his efforts on his earpiece and leaving it alone, a deep frown pulling on his lips. Akemi shut her eyes tightly and resumed shaking her head against Raiden's tense back.
"…And we told you…"
The Uchiha wanted to rip the communications device from his ear but wouldn't risk the opportunity to gain connection with Sakura and her teammates; even if it meant having to listen to their taunts and laughter.
"…We told you…They're ours now…"
Sakura blinked against the murky darkness, frowning as the water stung her eyes. Feeling around her surroundings her right hand brushed against the rock wall of the pool before using it as a guide around the area, figuring out the pond's dimensions. She explored the walls for a couple of seconds, descending deeper into the pool, before her hand swiped against nothing but water.
It was an alcove, or rather, a tunnel that led somewhere deeper and farther than what fifteen feet of rope provided. Curiosity, however, left Sakura to venture as deep as she could. She felt along the tunnel as she swam another couple of feet, examining for any other type of opening or form of exit.
A tug against her waist caused Sakura to frown. She was sure she had only been down there for less than two minutes; she couldn't have already met the three minute mark, had she? Another, more incessant tug pulled against the rope and a fear for Isamu at the other end had her rethinking her exploration.
There was a third, rough tug, and Sakura reluctantly turned back the way she came.
"…Haruno Sakura…"
Sakura's heart jumped and the surprised gasp that left her caused bubbles to fly from her mouth and distort the image of a floating, transparent-white girl just feet away from her – swimming towards her with a smile on her face.
"…Haruno Sakura…"
Her voice was soft and fleeting. Sakura tried to swim backwards, away from her approach, but Isamu's tugging at the other end of the rope was pulling her in the apparition's direction.
"…Haruno Sakura…" She held out a pale white hand, outstretched in a gesture of cupping her cheek, her smile sweet and even soft, "Don't be afraid…"
Sakura struggled against the pull of the rope around her waist which was bringing her ever closer to the girl. Her green eyes widened as she noticed that the closer she got, the closer this wispy form resembled that of the actual Little Girl; dark hair, dark eyes, pale skin – a demon hidden behind false innocence.
'Don't touch me!' Sakura screamed in her head, kicking her legs as much as she could against Isamu's stronger pull, 'Get away!'
The form's brows furrowed lightly, smile faltering, but she continued forward, hand still outstretched, inches from Sakura's face, "Don't be afraid…Because you can save us…You, Haruno Sakura…Listen…Please…"
A scream of bubbles erupted as the pale-white hand connected with her cheek, freezing coldness seeping into her skin. Her eyes widened in complete fear as she stared into bottomless irises. The apparition smiled widely and Sakura felt her lungs give out, blackness creeping into her vision, consciousness leaving her quickly. Her body was being pulled more easily without her struggling, her figure cutting through the white specter, plunging her in a completely freezing cold and pulling her awareness into oblivion.
Before everything became darkness, a soft voice whispered in startling clarity, "Haruno Sakura…You can save us…And I can help you…Look for me. Find me. Please."
She blinked blearily, her body moving at the whim of the rope around her waist, 'Who are you…?'
"…My name is…"
Naruto stared out at the Tri-Point Forest. His sapphire eyes scanned the edge of obscured foliage darting to every shift and shadow within the verdure. His vantage point from the Patrolling Facility's roof helped with a more panoramic viewing but he cursed the fact that the sun's descent meant complete darkness.
It was a sign that his teammates weren't back yet. It would be absolute nightfall and they would still be in the Tri-Point – they would still be in danger.
"…Three…" Akio continued to mumble under his breath; he was standing a few meters away, fidgeting with his weapons, olive eyes snapping between the setting sun and the quiet forest, "…Two…One…"
The sun's light disappeared, already hidden behind Earth Country Mountains and below its rocky horizon. Within minutes, the fraction of sky mixed with orange, gold and red became nothing more than a deep, navy blue.
"Damn it," Akio cursed, throwing a fierce glare at the swaying trees, "Where the hell are you, Akemi?"
The wrinkle of the red-headed boy's brows betrayed the worry veiled beneath anger.
Keeping his body turned towards the forest, Naruto shifted his blue irises to his right, watching from the corner of his eye as Kasumi stood rigidly a few yards away, arms limp at her sides but hands fisted with tension. Her light blue eyes were clouded with anxiety even if her facial features didn't express it.
"We can't just sit here," Akio grunted, running an aggravated hand through his shaggy hair, before throwing the same arm out towards the forest, "My sister's out there! The…only family I have left! We have to do something!"
"…Going in there will only get yourself killed, Akio…" Kasumi answered calmly – a response that only sparked an annoyed growl from the teenager.
"At least I would be doing something!" The boy retorted, shouldering his pack before walking off towards the roof's exit, "Screw sitting around here waiting for everyone to die!"
"Akio," Naruto had never heard the woman's voice so firm and he couldn't help but turn to look at her, seeing her icy glare, before turning to Akio who had frozen at the tone of her voice, "No."
"…Why not?" Akio asked quietly; seething.
"We do not stand a chance against those creatures," Kasumi answered, "Your fire Jutsu do not compare to Raiden's or Daisuke's. My Jutsu have little effect. We do not have the advantage of Summons. We may be strong Akio, but going out there without a plan or the knowledge of their whereabouts is suicidal."
Akio's tensed shoulders wilted the more Kasumi spoke until his pack fell limply to the floor at the end of her logical reasoning.
Naruto closed his eyes, "Huh…Well, I might not know any powerful Fire Jutsu. And Summoning is a bad idea anyway – according to Kurama. But I've got a plan. And I can find out where they are."
Akio instantly turned around, olive eyes hopeful, "A plan?"
Naruto smirked before he nodded his head. Moments passed before he opened his eyes; orange markings surrounding them and his irises shifted from sapphire to gold. He turned to Kasumi, who blinked in quiet surprise at his transformation.
"Raiden-san said you have ofudas?"
Kasumi blinked again before slowly nodding her head, "Yes."
"Do you know how to make them?"
Her brows furrowed slightly, "I do not make them often, but yes, I was trained by both Daisuke and Raiden."
Naruto looked satisfied before shifting his gaze back towards the Tri-Point, "I feel them…Everyone is alive."
"And Akemi?" Akio asked quickly, anxiously moving closer to the blonde, "Is she okay?"
Naruto nodded in affirmation before closing his eyes to better hone his concentration, "The majority of them are near the Rain Border Village. And Sasuke and his team are closing in on them pretty fast," His brows wrinkled and a frown pulled at his lips, "They're all surrounded by the creatures…and even more are headed for them."
"It's a fucking ambush…" Akio whispered, his body crumpling to the ground as he stared helplessly towards the East.
"…I'll need you to make some ofudas, Kasumi-san. Can you do that for me? And quickly?"
Kasumi hesitantly reached for her pouch, removing a stack of blank papers, "Of course, but–"
"Then make as many as you can," Naruto instructed in interruption as he clenched and unclenched his hands which rested atop his knees, "And then I'll need you to teach me how to fill it with chakra and how to activate them."
Swiftly taking a seat, Kasumi hastily got to work, though her brow was drawn with confusion, "Uzumaki-san…What are you planning?"
The blonde gave a shaky smirk, "I'm going out there. Our friends are outnumbered. And using my shadow clones to distract the enemy and draw them away can help them escape."
"What do you need us to do?" Akio asked eagerly, already gripping his scythes in preparation.
"…You and Kasumi-san are going to wait here…" Naruto answered, "…If my initial plan doesn't work then I'll have to resort to my backup. If it comes to that, you two can't be near me when it happens. It'll be too dangerous."
Akio stared at him, confused, "What's your back up plan? What do you mean by dangerous? I don't get it."
'You're making a risky move, Brat,' Kurama whispered in his head knowingly, 'This could kill us.'
Naruto snickered half-heartedly, "Haven't you learned? I don't die that easily."
Akio was lost on the inward conversation, "Huh?"
Naruto shook his head, dismissing the questioning look the red-head threw at him before standing up and dusting off his orange pants, "No time to waste," He patted around his belt before removing an oddly-shaped kunai, "I don't use this technique often – not really my style since I have Sennin Mode – but I really hope the bastard or Sakura-chan remembered to pack the counterparts with them…"
Akio eyed the three-pronged weapon curiously, "What's that?"
The blonde grinned as he spun the object around his index finger, "A gift from my old man. I use it for emergencies."
"Thirty ofudas," Kasumi informed as she took a stand beside him, hand outstretched with a stack of recently painted slips of paper, "…I'll teach you how to fill it with chakra…and how to activate it."
Naruto caught the kunai in his hand before nodding in all seriousness, "I'm ready."
Isamu pursed his lips, watching as the last remaining ripples, where Sakura had disappeared, faded until the water was still once more. His fingers around the rope he held tensed, calloused skin keenly aware of every coarse fiber digging into his palms. In his head he began to count down from one hundred and eighty seconds, even allowing an occasional whistled tune to help break the unnerving silence around him.
"…This is a bad idea…" Isamu whispered to himself as he scanned the clearing with grey-blue eyes, staring at the glowing mushrooms with a raised brow of curiosity, "What a strange place…"
Blonde locks of hair fell into his vision and Isamu shook his head to remove it from view, not daring to release the rope in his hands. He followed the length of the thick, brown cord into the pond of dark liquid and absently envied how long the Leaf kunoichi could hold her breath.
"I can barely do two minutes," Isamu muttered to himself, voice echoing in the quiet.
It was nearly one hundred seconds of unbearable waiting when the leaves in the overhanging canopies shifted. Isamu blinked, shoulders growing stiff as he listened for anything ominous, his hands slowly beginning to pull back the rope before it grew taut, and gave it a quick, warning tug.
The Rain Ninja turned his head, scanning the surrounding trees with furrowed brows and narrowed eyes. The air currents were beginning to pick up again and he could hear…howling. Not the same wailing of the winds but actual howling followed by incoming, heavy steps that were growing louder and louder with dwindling distance.
"Oh shit," Isamu swore as he tugged on the rope more incessantly, cursing again when he felt resistance, "Time's up, Sakura-san, come on!"
SNAP!
Isamu stopped moving, stood completely rigid, before slowly crouching low, removing a kunai explosive from his belt in the process. He could hear heavy pacing behind him underlined by a rough growl and grunt.
Huff. Huff. Huff. Huff.
That wasn't his breathing.
He twisted his head ever so slightly to look over his shoulder. One massive shadow treaded just outside the open area of the clearing, hidden behind twisted limbs and branches. He breathed a sigh of relief with the knowledge that he wasn't outnumbered, but that advantage could easily be taken away. He had to work fast. Unfortunately, slow was the only speed he could go so he wouldn't startle the creature behind him into action. He resumed his pull on the rope, pleased to feel no struggle from the other end.
"Nice and easy…" He whispered.
When Sakura's pink head broke the surface of the water Isamu became aware of two things in a matter of seconds: the Leaf medic was unconscious and the howling and stomping had returned, heading straight for them.
"Definitely a really bad idea!" Isamu yelled as he hoisted Sakura out of the water and roughly into his arms, rolling out of the way just as sharp claws missed his head by inches.
He ignited the kunai paper bomb in his hand, throwing it in the direction of the pond, where the beast's splashing could be heard, and didn't waste any time pushing chakra into his legs and running with all he had back to the exit.
"Sakura-san, can you hear me?" Isamu called worriedly, shaking her shoulder as he ran and hearing the distinct sounds of being followed behind him. Panic settled deeper into his gut when Sakura's head lolled unresponsively, wet tresses and clothing soaking through his own, causing his skin to break into a cold sweat, "Come on, Sakura-san, wake up!"
GROWL.
Right behind him! Isamu ducked, throwing his left arm over Sakura's head in protection, a yell tearing through his mouth as sharpness sliced cleanly along that same arm, blood splattering across his face and onto the floor. The winds shifted, blowing wildly though his hair and Isamu blinked back the pain, gritting his teeth as he stared at the wide laceration across his bicep, pulsing crimson liquid in steady streams. His heart rate increased as the red trickling down his arm ignited a unified cry across the Forest – a cry that he recognized as a mob of incoming Corpses.
"Fuck, fuck, fuck!" The Rain shinobi grunted as he looked up, glowering at the massive form blocking his escape. The light at the entrance Sakura had created with her petite fists shadowed the beast's features, "Come on!" His hiss was challenging as he propped the woman against his chest, freeing his hands, "Come at me."
Even yards away it towered over Isamu's crouched form; hairs bristled as it marched the space they needed to get through to escape. Its red eyes glowed in the darkness, snarling loudly with sharp, pearly teeth. Another painful hiss broke through Isamu's clenched teeth, his arm throbbing and his heart rate picking up when the tell-tale sounds of shuffling feet and dreadful moans echoed behind him.
"Blood-thirsty corpses behind me, hungry monster blocking the only exit – perfect, just perfect," Isamu muttered as he started creating a series of hand signs; he looked down at the kunoichi in his arms, "Though I guess I won't complain about being the hero saving the pretty girl."
GROWL!
The beast charged and Isamu finished his hand seals before removing a flare from his belt, struck it against the ground – successfully lighting it with a sizzle – and quickly brought the red-glowing object up to his mouth.
"Katon: Rekka no Jutsu!"
Heaving a deep breath, Isamu blew into the spark lighting the flare and watched as it blasted forward into a tornado of fire, colliding violently with the massive creature and consequently causing a pained yowl to escape its salivating mouth, its large body rearing back on its hind legs.
"Time to go!" Isamu grunted as he hauled Sakura's body more securely into his arms before taking off past the howling monster, "Come on, Sakura-san; wake up!"
He looked down and frowned at the dark blood on his arm that had transferred across her face and through her wet hair. Sweat was beading at his brow as he watched the blood continue to flow freely down his throbbing limb. He looked up and could see the entrance of the Valley.
Just a few more meters!
Vision beginning to blur and spot with darkness, Isamu pumped as much chakra as he could into his legs and feet, spurred on by the sounds of death and danger behind him.
"Come in Sakura-nee-chan; come in Isamu-san; can you hear me?"
Dai couldn't stop moving, pacing a four-meter diameter as he ran an aggravated hand through his hair. Souta sat cross-legged a few feet away, brown eyes intent on the downward slope Sakura and Isamu disappeared behind, speaking urgently into his radio. Shin stood beside the youngest, grey eyes also panning across the Twisted Valley's tree line, a concerned frown pulling at his lips. Takeru was scowling, looking up at the darkening skies, arms crossed over his broad chest.
"That's five minutes until the sun sets," The oldest shinobi pointed out gruffly, "Enough time for us to get back to safety in the Rain Border Village."
Souta glared over his shoulder at Takeru, "We're not leaving them behind!"
"No," Takeru agreed scornfully, "You let them go on a suicide mission. Those kids are dead. They're not coming back!"
"Calm yourself, Takeru-san," Shin warned firmly, narrowed gaze sliding towards the scarred male.
"I am calm," He replied fiercely, throwing his arms out, "As a matter of fact, I think I'm the only one in this group thinking logically!" His eyes switched to Dai, who had stopped pacing to look at the Twisted Valley, his back facing him, "What good did it do calling in those strangers, Dai? That's two more you've added to the list of dead! And when that Rain brat's country finds out, when that girl's teammates find out – when the Hidden Leaf finds out – even more chaos will follow! You've just put Bird Country in an even worse position by bringing those outsiders here!"
"SHUT UP!" Souta yelled, getting up to his feet and throwing a kunai in his fury. The projectile flew across the clearing, embedding deeply into the trunk of the tree Takeru had been leaning against, an inch from his left ear. The boy's breathing was heavy; unapologetic for his actions as he glowered straight into Takeru's narrowed eyes, "Just…shut up."
Everyone was silent.
The sun set completely.
"…We should just go," Takeru urged impatiently, "Night has already come and they haven't returned."
"It doesn't mean they're dead," Shin reasoned, though his body was tensed as the shadows around them grew darker.
"What do you expect us to do?" Takeru asked, "To wait?"
"You're free to leave, Takeru," Dai finally spoke, voice low and steady, "No one is stopping you."
"It isn't wise to split up," Shin countered; he sighed, eyeing the Twisted Valley warily, "Sakura-san and I agreed that if they didn't return, we would leave – without them."
"Let's just wait a little more," Souta pleaded, "A little longer! They'll be back; I know it!"
"Check the radio again," Dai instructed.
"They didn't answer the last twenty times!" Takeru growled, "What makes you think–?"
"Just check the radio again," Dai interrupted darkly.
Souta nodded his head, already pressing into his device.
Takeru ran a hand through his slick-backed, grey-tinted hair, a humorless chuckle falling past his lips as he shook his head, "You lot are being so stupid–"
HOWL!
Everyone froze.
"…What…" Souta started quietly as he stared off at the swaying canopies of the Valley, fingers unconsciously releasing his radio wire and earpiece, "…What the heck was that?"
"Okay," Shin instructed softly, "Stay alert; weapons ready; eyes open…We're heading out."
Souta's head snapped towards him, "But–"
HOWL!
"No arguments," Shin responded over the nearing cries, his hands already removing a scroll from his belt.
"Wait!" Dai whispered sternly, right hand raised up for silence as he stepped towards the downwards slope, brows furrowed with concentration, "Listen…"
Souta licked his lips as he searched the space with heightened awareness, eyes adjusting to the growing darkness around him. No one moved a muscle, straining to hear what Daisuke had.
Huff. Huff. Huff. Huff.
Breathing. Quick. Labored.
Crunch-Crunch-Crunch-Crunch.
Footsteps. Hasty. Crushing the dried leaves resting against the ground.
"Come on, come on, come on…"
Muttering. Labored. Strained.
Souta's eyes widened with recognition and Dai was already standing at the peak of the slope, staring down at the darkness of the Valley's entrance with apprehension. In a matter of seconds Isamu's form came shooting out of the Valley, blonde hair whipping around his face as he climbed up the incline, covered in blood and clutching an unconscious Sakura in his arms.
His wild, wide grey-blue eyes connected with Daisuke's navy irises before one word tore through his mouth, "RUN!"
As if on cue, a mob of Corpses flooded out of the created entrance of the Valley, chasing after the Rain Ninja on unsteady but quick legs, moaning with desire, hands outstretched in readiness.
"Shit! They're coming from all sides!" Takeru shouted, "We're surrounded!"
"Everyone get close!" Dai yelled, one hand gripping Souta's shoulder while the other pushed Isamu away from the Valley's edge once he reached the peak of the hill, "Shin – ofudas!"
"I have them," The dark-haired male affirmed as he removed the mentioned items from a back pouch, "Daisuke, Souta – hold them off. Takeru-san – we need protection."
"Katon: Hirappa!" Dai shouted.
"Katon: Endan!" Souta yelled simultaneously.
They each brought their hands to their lips, fire spewing forth from both their mouths in violent rushes and colliding with the approaching mass of Corpses, effectively stopping them in their tracks – if only just briefly.
"Doton: Doryuu Heki!" Takeru slammed both his palms into the ground which consequently caused the floor to shake and a barrier of rock and dirt to rise up several feet, closing the group within four walls.
Shin immediately threw several ofudas against the earthen partitions before completing the team execution with a series of hand signs, "Fuuinjutsu: Nijuu Kekkai."
"We're dead," Takeru muttered as he watched the paper seals glow a bright, light blue, eyeing their rock and stone protection doubtfully as the Corpses began to pound incessantly on the other side, "This isn't going to hold."
"We have to keep calm," Shin reminded as he swiftly checked the seals before looking upwards. There was no roof to cover them and they could clearly see the starlit sky above. The walls were high enough that prevented the Corpses from climbing over, and he made sure their ofudas were positioned so that nothing else ominous could drop in from the opening above.
"UGH!"
Isamu had dropped to the floor, Sakura still clutched in his arms, but he was sweating profusely, groaning with clenched teeth, eyes shut tightly with obvious pain. Dai and Souta were immediately at his side.
"What happened in there?" Dai questioned urgently, navy eyes sweeping over the duo's disheveled states, before landing on the deep laceration across the Rain Ninja's left arm.
"What happened to Sakura-nee-chan?" Souta shouted worriedly.
Isamu shook his head, ignoring his own pain in favor of shaking the kunoichi in his arms, "Sakura-san, wake up!"
His large hands pushed back her wet hair from her face before sliding down her cheek to her neck, feeling along in search of a pulse. Dai did the same with her limp wrist while Souta put an ear to her mouth.
"Her pulse is weak," Dai informed gravely.
Souta pulled back, brows drawn with panic, "She's not breathing!"
"…It's quiet…" Akemi whispered as she leaned her cheek against Raiden's broad back, her olive eyes gazing up at the luminescent moon, "…Too quiet…"
Raiden nodded his head in agreement, coal eyes scanning the still forest, aware that they were between five to ten miles away from the Rain Border Village, "Moon's out and the skies are clear. No mist. No noise. Nothing."
"…I don't like it," Akemi confessed, "What if the Little Girl lured us into a trap while Shin and Dai and their teams are safe in the Rain Country Village?"
"…It's a possibility…" Raiden replied, eyes sliding to his left to observe Uchiha Sasuke. The Leaf Shinobi was quiet as he directed his Hawk Summon, eyes spinning black and red with the infamous Sharingan, and jaw locked with determination, "…But I don't think the Little Girl was bluffing."
"What makes you say that?" The red-head inquired curiously.
Raiden shrugged his shoulders though his gaze never wavered from studying Sasuke, "Call it a gut feeling…"
Akemi snorted half-heartedly, "Should we really be trusting a gut feeling, Raiden? I think you rely too much on those kinds of instincts."
'Not just my gut feeling,' Raiden thought as he watched Sasuke urge his Hawk faster, 'Sasuke-san feels something wrong. I don't think I should doubt his instincts…especially if it concerns Sakura-san.'
"…I still don't like it…" Akemi whispered before pressing her forehead against his shoulder blades.
"No one does," The white-haired male pointed out.
The sound of sudden static echoed in their ears and Akemi frowned, waiting for the inevitable taunts and laughter that the Little Girl and Shadow had been relaying through their devices like clockwork. Raiden lowered the volume of his radio and noticed Sasuke's annoyed scowl from his perch a few yards away.
'…–really bad–…–you hear me?–…–wake up–…'
The connection was weak, broken by static, and the voice was distorted, making it difficult for them to really discern what was being said and by whom. Sasuke steered his Hawk alongside Raiden's not risking communication through their devices in case their frequency became clearer.
"Do you know who it is?" Sasuke asked above the wind; his brows furrowed as he concentrated on listening for more broken messages.
Raiden shook his head, "I can't tell. The signal's too weak."
"It's male," Akemi pointed out, fiddling with her device, "And he sounds like he's in trouble."
'…–fuck, fuck–…–come at me!–…–just perfect–…'
"The breaks in the messages are muffled," Raiden noticed, "…He's hitting his radio accidentally. His movements might have changed his frequency!" He and Akemi began to twist the knobs of their device, changing their frequencies to attain a stronger signal.
"…–hero saving the–…–Rekka no Jutsu!–…"
Akemi's and Raiden's eyes instantly widened with recognition, her fingers curling into his shirt with anxiety as his black eyes snapped to meet with Sasuke's, "It's Isamu-san!"
"Isamu!" Akemi spoke frantically into her radio, "Can you hear me? Isamu!"
When there wasn't a response for several minutes Raiden shook his head, "His ear piece must have fallen out."
Suddenly, Sasuke stiffened, his eyes narrowing as he brought a hand to his ear, "…Change back to the regular frequency. I think I hear Souta."
Raiden nodded, following Sasuke's instructions, "Akemi, keep listening for Isamu-san, just in case."
She nodded, "Right."
"…–get close–…–ofudas–…–Hirappa!–…–what happened–…–she's not breathing!–…"
Because Raiden's eyes were already on Sasuke he witnessed the change in the Uchiha's features as the static-filled words registered in their minds. She wasn't breathing. And the only female within either Shin's group or Dai's group…
…was Haruno Sakura.
Sasuke's dark onyx and Raiden's wide coal met briefly before the Uchiha's Hawk was steered away and within a blink Raiden was looking upon the uchiwa fan on Sasuke's back, flying yards ahead of them.
"Dai!" Raiden called into his radio worriedly once he gained back his bearings, urging the Summons beneath him to catch up with Sasuke, "Dai, can you hear me?"
"…–do you hear that?–…–walls won't hold much longer!–…–above, above, above!–…–damn it, Katon–…–don't let it in!–…–more ofudas!–…–oh my Kami!–…–get down, get down!–…–Ahhhhh!–…"
"I can't listen to this…" Akemi cried softy, shaking her head against his back, clutching his shirt which was slowly growing damp, "I can't…"
If Akemi could hear the same exact thing that Raiden was then it was safe to assume that Isamu was not only with Sakura but with Souta, Shin, Takeru and Dai – every unique tenor accounted for in the broken messages being relayed through their devices. The screaming – the fear – was clear in their voices and because Sakura's feminine tones were failing to be heard he could see the continually rising tension in Sasuke's shoulders.
"Come in!" Raiden yelled into his radio with panicked vigor, "Can you hear me? COME IN!"
"…Rai–…–that you?–…–hear me?–…" Souta's voice was distorted and labored, "…–need help!–…–HURRY!"
The Bird Jounin's fingers curled tightly within the hawk's feathers as he listened to the terror in their youngest member's voice. A flash under the moonlight caught his attention and he noticed Sasuke had drawn his Kusanagi, the Uchiha's hawk steadily gaining even more distance from his own, clearly eager to get to their destination.
"We need a plan," Akemi stated shakily.
"We have one," Raiden responded firmly as he watched with a skipping heartbeat as a tiny red flare shot from the ground miles away in the distance, arching into the air before disappearing once more behind the Tri-Point trees' canopies – his brows pinched with determination, "We save them."
Dai cursed as he leaned against the rock wall, dropping the spent flare beside him before clutching at his bruised arm. His navy blue eyes followed the rise and fall of the red spark before landing his gaze on the Creature, leaning over the opening of their safety, staring at him with wide, wild eyes, hand outstretched towards him but blocked by the protective barrier of the ofudas.
The ground and walls quaked before another chunk of rock from above broke off, falling into the pit and causing Souta to jump out of the way before he could get smashed. A howl filled the air and another tremor shook the group of ninjas as large bodies collided heavily into the earth barricades.
"It's the Deformed creatures," Shin noted as he reloaded the senbon launcher on his left arm, "Daisuke, did you send the flare?"
The Bird Chuunin nodded in reply before setting his sights to Isamu, "What's her status?"
"Still not breathing!" The Rain Ninja reported with frustration, pushing his palms in a steady rhythm against the kunoichi's chest before bringing his lips to hers, breathing air back into her lungs, "Come on, Sakura-san!"
Souta stumbled against the stone wall as the ground quaked again before bringing a hand to his lips, directing his attack upwards towards the Creature, who was still staring intently at their trapped forms, "Katon: Endan!"
'…BLOOD…'
"We'll need to reinforce these walls, Takeru!" Dai yelled as he removed several more wards from his pouch.
"How do you suppose I do that?" Takeru growled as he dodged another falling rock, "I build a wall on the outside and you can't put the seals on; I build a wall on the inside and we lose space for movement!"
"Build it on the outside; push them back!" Dai improvised.
"Easier said than done if I can't see anything!" Takeru retorted angrily.
"Well we have to do something!" Dai countered just as he watched petite hands grip the top of their barricade, the Little Girl's head peeking over, her smile wide and feral.
'Time to die…' She sang happily.
"Katon: Gouryuuka no Jutsu!"
The Shadow's and Little Girl's heads snapped up before screams tore through their mouths, fireballs colliding brutally against them, their forms lost behind a cloud of dark, billowy smoke. Souta, Shin, Daisuke, and Takeru stared up at the opening of their protective barrier, squinting their eyes to see beyond the thick haze of ash. The moaning of the surrounding Corpses was still heard but a sharp avian cry pierced the air followed by a quick shadow that zipped overhead.
Movement above caused a tension to wind everyone's muscles and they held their breaths as the sudden flapping of cloth reached their ears before a figure dropped from the obscure opening, breaking through the smog and landing in the middle of their fortress with a grunt.
"…Sasuke-nii-san!" Souta cried out in surprise.
Sasuke stood up, crimson eyes sweeping over the stunned group before stopping at the edge of the farthest wall. His gaze narrowed dangerously.
"Damn it!" Isamu muttered, his awareness of his surroundings ignored in favor of pumping his palms against Sakura's still chest, "Wake up!"
Isamu leaned down, lips covering over Sakura's, breathing in with all he had. Sasuke stalked towards them, Kusanagi gripped tightly in his right hand.
"Breathe!" Isamu whispered before slamming his hands desperately against her torso.
COUGH! COUGH! COUGH!
"Sakura-nee-chan!" Souta exclaimed.
Isamu helped her sit upright, propping her against the wall as the kunoichi coughed up water, tears streaming down her face from the exertion.
"You okay?" Isamu asked as he rubbed her back soothingly, brows furrowed with concern.
Sakura blinked groggily in response, switching dulled jade eyes from Isamu's face to his bleeding arm. Blinking several more times as awareness slowly returned to her, her eyes also began to widen with alarm. She reached out a hand to hover above the injury.
"You're hurt," She said, voice raspy and soft.
Isamu chuckled, "I've been through worse."
"Sakura."
The Medic turned her head just as Sasuke knelt down at her right side, scarlet eyes raking over her condition, lips forming a thin line. She was still functioning slowly and blinked several more times in confusion before she reached out to touch his arm.
"…Sasuke-kun? What are you doing here?" She looked around at their enclosed space, "What's going on?"
Sasuke switched his attention to Isamu, eyes accusing, "What happened to her?"
The Rain Shinobi shook his head, "I'm not entirely sure and now isn't exactly the time to explain."
The Uchiha scowled but returned his focus on Sakura, reaching out a hand and moving the wet locks of hair out of her face and behind her ear. She stared back at him with continued confusion before shutting her eyes tight and shaking her head, as if to shake the memories back into it.
"I remember…" Sakura began softly, everyone's attentions directed towards her, "I remember water…and an entrance…and a girl…" She groaned before bringing a hand to her temple, "Ow…"
"We need to get out of here," Isamu grunted as he stood up; he looked at Sasuke, "Weren't you teamed with Raiden-san and Akemi-san?"
Sasuke nodded, never taking his eyes off Sakura, "They're in the air, luring as many as they can away from this spot. Connect with them through your radio."
Dai quickly tried to patch through while Shin rummaged through his pack for proper medical supplies to treat Isamu's arm wound. Souta and Takeru kept their eyes to the sky, keeping sentry for any creatures that tried to break through.
"…So stupid…" Sakura whispered, left hand pressed to her head, "…What was I thinking?" She shut her eyes and shook her head, "…I should have waited until tomorrow – when we had more time – to check things out…I put everyone in danger…"
Sasuke remained silent, not knowing what to say.
"–these ofudas aren't meant to protect earth constructed barriers, Raiden!" Dai shouted above the moans and groans of the Corpses, communication device clutched in his hand, "Maybe if we had the ones used for our borders near the Patrolling Facility, it would definitely hold, but those wards hold hundreds of ninjas' chakras! The ofudas we carry only help with small, enclosed spaces! We don't have a roof if you haven't noticed!"
"What have I done…?" Sakura muttered softly; she snorted humorlessly, "And I was telling Souta not to get carried away…I should have taken my own advice…So stupid…"
Sasuke frowned, not liking the clear self-deprecation in her voice, and took the hand clutching her temple into his own, using his other to lift her chin to connect her gaze with his, "…You made a mistake. You're not perfect. What you did, you did with the best intentions in mind. You're trying to help these people. Don't fault yourself for that, Sakura."
Sakura blinked, a single tear sliding down her cheek, which Sasuke gently swiped away with his thumb.
"There was a better way of going about it than how I did," She admitted quietly.
"There was," Sasuke agreed seriously, "It's annoying to come here and find you unconscious – to think that you might be dead," He sighed, red eyes fading back to deep obsidian, "But the important thing now is that you're not dead," He squeezed her hand slightly, "And the only annoying thing left to do is to get out of here."
Sakura licked her lips and nodded, knowing she was wrong and acknowledging that what was done was done and that the present time was what was most important, "Right."
"–stay in the air, alright Raiden?" Dai continued, "Keep the entryway clear, we'll have to escape in small groups with Torio and any more Summons Sasuke-san might have," He looked to the Uchiha in silent question and Sasuke nodded his affirmation, helping Sakura to wobbly feet.
Dai bit into his thumb before slamming his palm against the ground, an array fanning out around his outstretched hand, "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!"
Torio appeared in a puff of white smoke, wings spread wide. Dai wordlessly pushed Souta forward, urging him to mount the large eagle.
HOWL!
CRASH!
The west wall of their barricade exploded into chunks of debris and dust. The surrounding ofudas blinked bright blue several times before fading into dull, useless papers. Through the haze of dirt Dai quickly grabbed the next reachable person – who happened to be Isamu – and forced him to straddle the bird behind Souta. Takeru and Shin were braced against the east wall, due to Torio's massive size in the small space. Sakura and Sasuke had been closest to the blast, the kunoichi recoiling into the Uchiha, whose arms held her protectively as chunks of rocks showered over them.
"You okay?" Sasuke asked as he began to step back, trying to lead her as quickly as possible away from the new opening where Corpses would undoubtedly rush through.
Sakura nodded before she flinched, looking up into Sasuke's concerned eyes, "I think my foot's stuck – I can't move."
They both looked down to find what was keeping her anchored to the ground, narrowing their eyes against the still-clearing dusts. When her left foot finally became visible through the brownish-grey haze Sakura's head instantly snapped up, green eyes wide with fear.
"Sasuke-ku–!"
The shadowed hand gripping her ankle pulled and a terrified scream ripped through her throat as she was torn from Sasuke's arms, her body hitting the ground hard and dragged along the floor. Her hands clawed desperately for something to hold onto, fingers scraping against rocks, nails digging into the ground and leaving marks, skin becoming cut and bruised against sharp stone. Her figure rounded the corner, out of Sasuke's sight. The Uchiha, however, had immediately started running after her once her body had left his.
"SAKURA!"
"Sasuke-kun!"
His heart was pounding in his ears, the sounds of Dai's and the others' shouts became muffled. He gripped his katana, rounding the corner, watching with panicked eyes as Sakura's small form was dragged towards a mass of Corpses, surrounded by the grinning Creature herself.
'Your blood is finally mine!'
Before Sasuke could act a group of Corpses lunged for him on all sides and he was forced to protect himself. He sliced heads cleanly off bodies and felt decayed blood spill across his clothes. From his peripheral vision he could see Sakura getting closer and closer to the Creature, her shouts causing his heart to pound painfully in his chest.
"NO!" Sakura yelled, challenging, "Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu!"
Sasuke dealt with the final two Corpses in his area before turning his attention back to Sakura, watching as the Great Fireball Technique blasted against the Shadow earning a unified cry of pain from the group of undead touched by the white-hot flames. The shadowed hands released Sakura and the kunoichi stumbled to her feet, punching the ground in the process and causing the earth to quake and crumble under the enemy. She turned on her heel and began to run towards him and, in effect, he picked up his pace to reach her.
Her eyes widened, zeroing in on something behind him, and Sasuke only had enough time to flash-step to the side, a large claw breaking skin at the top of his right shoulder and painfully dragging down diagonally across his back, "SASUKE-KUN!"
The Uchiha grunted, feeling air hit his bare back. His ripped shirt and cloak billowed in the night wind. 'Flesh wound…' He thought calculatingly, 'Nothing too serious…'
"Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu!" Another Fireball shot through the clearing, striking the Deformed creature and causing it to stumble back with a loud yowl of pain, "Sasuke-kun!"
He looked up, searching for pink hair and green eyes, finding it instantly as she continued to run towards him, expression pinched with fear – fear for him.
"Sakura-nee-chan!" Sasuke's focus shifted upward to find Souta flying overhead, atop Torio, waving his arms frantically, "Sakura-nee-chan, behind you!"
The Leaf Shinobi snapped his stare back to his teammate, eyes wide with alarm as the Creature flew straight for her, hands outstretched, black hair flying, and eyes still crying with blood. Sakura didn't know it was behind her – she wouldn't react in time. Sasuke and everyone else were too far to haul her to safety. Sakura would be touched – taken – by the Creature and what would happen to her after that?
'No!' Sasuke shouted in his head.
His dark eyes shifted into a deep red, the three commas morphed into a kaleidoscope of shapes; his right eye bled a single, scarlet tear.
"Amaterasu!"
Black flames instantly erupted over the Creature's extended arms and a startled cry echoed in the night. Her bottomless irises stared at the purple-tinted flames inching along her body with fascination and anger, throwing a scornful glare in Sasuke's direction before screaming in agony as the black fire continued to climb up and consume her shadowy figure.
'YOU!'
Sasuke's vision blurred as he retained the technique, spreading the Amaterasu across the clearing, touching Corpses and Deformed as well. The screams grew with volume and Sasuke blinked; another crimson tear streaked across his cheek.
"Sasuke!" A body collided into his, petite arms wrapping tightly around his waist, "Sasuke! You need to stop! Stop using that technique!"
"I can stop them," Sasuke answered gruffly, his chakra draining rapidly, "I can end this."
"No," Sakura pleaded, clutching his shirt, shaking her head, "Not like this. Please stop! Please!" She moved so that she was standing right in front of him and took his face into her hands, trying to force him to look at her – forcing him to return his Sharingan to its basic form so the Amaterasu wouldn't be used on her, "…I won't lose you to that technique. Please! Stop!"
Tears were streaming down her face and Sasuke hesitated. He could end this. He could keep going. His Sharingan's technique could finish everything even if it was at the cost of himself. But the fear in Sakura's eyes made him reconsider; her fear and the desperation shining in her eyes made him want to do as she pleaded. Reluctantly, Sasuke began to withdraw the black amethyst flames from its full potential, blinking several times to focus his vision while the kaleidoscope shape of his irises morphed back into three simple, spinning commas.
A relieved smile lifted the corners of Sakura's lips as she witnessed the Sharingan's slow transformation from its Mangekyou state back into its basic form until only deep pools of obsidian remained. Immediately, Sasuke's body sagged tiredly and she readily balanced him against her slighter figure.
"…Sasuke-kun," She whispered, leaning her forehead against his collarbone, clutching his shoulders in an effort to hold him up and also to reassure herself that he was alright.
"Sakura-nee-chan!" Souta shouted, "LOOK OUT!"
Everything moved in slow motion. The kunoichi's grasp on Sasuke tightened as she whipped her head to the source of danger as fast as she could. Her peripherals could distinguish a white form darting through dwindling black fire, zipping with speed past groups of Corpses, her usual haunting laughter now edged with a delirious insanity.
'So close…'The Little Girl giggled crazily.
She wouldn't have enough time to defend herself if she was holding up Sasuke. Her narrowed green eyes locked was bottomless black, the Little Girl moving on all fours as she grinned maniacally, crawling closer and closer with inhuman speed. Before she could think any type of strategy, Sasuke's arm curled around her shoulders, spinning her so that she was behind him, using his own body as a protective shield.
"Chidori Eisou!"
Sakura flinched against the bright white-blue light that erupted from Sasuke's outstretched right hand and the distinct sound of thousands of birds chirping rang loudly in her ears. The Uchiha grunted and the chidori lengthened, shooting straight for the Little Girl who leapt away gracefully, lightning connecting to the ground she once stood on, exploding the floor into chunks of dirt and rock. The lightning blade, however, remained intact and Sasuke shifted his arm, following the Little Girl's movements in an effort to make contact.
'…You can't catch me…' She sang, hopping over boulders and using Corpses as her own form of protection.
Since Sasuke's attention was entirely focused on the Little Girl, Sakura was taking care of his blind spots, punching out approaching Corpses and keeping aware of any Deformed that were heading for them. Yards away she could make out Dai, Shin, and Takeru also occupied with a large group of adversaries, though she was assured to see that they were holding their own.
'I'm getting closer!' The Little Girl giggled, which prompted an irritated grunt from Sasuke.
Sakura looked over Sasuke's shoulder to see that the Little Girl was only a few yards away, laughing madly as she dodged Sasuke's attacks, gaining proximity. His lightning blade was flickering – a sign of his wavering chakra.
"Sasuke!" The Medic warned; her brows furrowed with concern.
When the Little Girl ducked under another swipe of electric energy, she pounced, tiny arms outstretched in an effort to latch onto Sasuke's throat, ebony hair flying wildly.
"Sasuke-san!" Dai's shout echoed in the air, his deep tone laced with panic, "DON'T LET HER TOUCH YOU!"
Cursing, Sasuke grabbed Sakura from behind him, keeping his body as a protective barrier between the corpse-child and his teammate, obsidian eyes never leaving the Little Girl's, challenging, "…Chidori Nagashi!"
Sakura pressed herself close to Sasuke's injured back – the blood from his wound transferring to her front – and felt the energy around her become charged, electricity whizzing past her skin in swift currents too fast for her to feel but causing the hair on her body to stand on end. Wincing at the bright light and the heated currents around her, Sakura chanced another peek over Sasuke's broad shoulder, her grip on his sides tightening as her green eyes widened with alarm.
The Little Girl was suspended midair, tiny fingers outstretched as she glared menacingly into Sasuke's unflinching irises. Her reach was just inches from his nose, stopped only by the chidori nagashi. Sasuke's jaw was clenched, clearly trying to keep the jutsu strong so the Little Girl wouldn't break through.
'…SO…CLOSE…!' Her high-pitched voice shouted in rage, small body struck by the electric currents and causing crimson lacerations to bloom across her pale skin.
Sasuke grunted and the technique stuttered. The Little Girl grinned as she pushed forward, her index finger just a millimeter from Sasuke. Sakura's heart skipped as she felt the Uchiha tense up, the hand gripping her upper right arm growing tighter with warning – panic.
His chidori nagashi was at its limit. And if it faltered completely the Little Girl would undoubtedly make physical contact with Sasuke.
Another flash of Sasuke's waning assault and Sakura was quick in performing a series of hand signs.
"Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu!"
Sasuke's technique dissipated and the Little Girl screamed as she was pushed back by the force of Sakura's strike. As the corpse-child writhed in her electric-charged flames Sakura's arms wrapped around Sasuke as he fell against her, consequently causing her to stumble to the floor.
"Damn it," She cursed, pushing Sasuke's dark locks away from his sweat-drenched face before looking up, assessing their situation.
Raiden and Akemi remained airborne on, what Sakura recognized, was one of Sasuke's Hawk Summons. Souta and Isamu were also flying atop Torio. Both pairs were using their advantage of height to keep the Corpses attention. Takeru, Shin, and Dai still remained on the ground, teaming up to take on several Deformed creatures.
They were outnumbered.
Sasuke groaned and Sakura's eyes snapped back to him, her hand touching his cheek, "Sasuke-kun? Are you okay? Look at me." His eyes were clenched shut with discomfort before fluttering open, dark onyx meeting worried green, "Sasuke-kun, you need to tell me – did she touch you? Did the Little Girl touch you?" Her tone was taking on a panicked edge, gaze leaving his face in favor of searching his body for any abnormalities, "Come on, Sasuke-kun, talk to me – did she touch you?"
Sasuke blinked before shaking his head, already shifting his body in an effort to sit up, "No, Sakura, she didn't.
"Are you sure?" The kunoichi pressed.
He nodded, brows furrowed with slight exasperation, "I'm sure."
'We can fix that…'
She stood in front of them, staring at the couple with false innocence, right hand raised up, her grin wide even as her skin bled from the wounds of fire and electricity.
Her black irises were so dark and wide that the white of her eyes were no longer visible, 'You're ours now.'
"NOT SO FAST!" Sakura blinked and there was a flash of yellow and orange before a loud explosion caused her to cover her eyes with her arm and bend her upper body to shield Sasuke, "RASENGAN!"
The sound of his familiar, raspy voice caused Sakura's heart rate to increase with hope. When the rain of rock and debris ended she looked up and stared at Naruto's straightened back, his attention focused on the Little Girl, who had been thrown across the clearing by his attack.
"Naruto…"
His head shifted at her soft acknowledgement, one blue eye regarding her and Sasuke with concern before a small grin lifted his lips, "Hey there, Sakura-chan. Sorry I'm late."
The Medic blinked, "But how…?"
The blonde lifted his right hand and twirled a familiar metal object before nodding his head towards Sasuke's belt, "Hiraishin. Lucky that Sasuke-teme had his emergency kunai on him," He smirked as he shifted his attention to the Uchiha, who was sitting up in Sakura's arms, "Glad to know you keep it so I can save your ass during times like these."
"Dobe," the dark-haired male muttered half-heartedly.
'STUPID STRANGERS!' All eyes snapped towards the Little Girl who was getting to her feet, glowering at Team Seven with severity, her voice shrilly, 'YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE OURS NOW! STOP INTERFERING!'
Naruto met her glare calmly before he placed his hands together in a single seal, "Tajuu Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" The subsequent pops of smoke gave entrance to an army of Naruto-shadow-clones, all grinning in readiness before giving a unified cry and charging forward to take on Corpses and Deformed alike.
While his clones kept their enemies busy he turned on his heel to help both Sasuke and Sakura to their feet, blue eyes shifting everywhere to assess the situation. He took silent note of those in the sky – Raiden, Akemi, Souta, Isamu – and those on the ground – Dai, Shin, and Takeru. He noticed Sasuke on barely-noticeable shaky legs and the way his weight was supported by both himself and Sakura.
He acknowledged that his clones were hardly doing anything to keep the creatures' attentions. The Little Girl was still trying to edge towards them, slithering past his defenses. The Corpses attacked his clones by unpredictable mauling. The Deformed raged through with pure force and power. And the Shadow was steadily closing in on Dai, Shin, and Takeru.
"Plan?" Naruto asked just as Sasuke pulled away to place a bleeding hand to the floor, calling a familiar Summons Contract.
"We get out of here," Sakura answered bluntly, just as a large hawk appeared beside them, "We don't stand a chance. We head to the Rain Border Village; it's closer."
"SHIT!"
Dai was clutching his left side, his shirt blooming crimson as Takeru and Shin displayed a simultaneous attack on the Deformed that had landed the blow. Naruto quickly created another wave of shadow clones to aid them before helping Sasuke and Sakura onto the Hawk Summons.
"We need to head back to Heiwanasu Village!" Dai yelled as he, Takeru and Shin ran towards Team Seven at the insistence of Naruto's clones. Sasuke's initial Hawk – which he had been riding atop alongside Raiden and Akemi – landed beside their group.
Sakura blinked, confused, "The Bird Village? Why? It's more logical to head to Rain–"
"Shin and I are out of ofudas," Dai grunted before he pulled from his belt the stacks of paper, soaked with his blood; he continued his explanation just as Sakura opened her mouth, "And Raiden has been using his to give some protection while we regrouped on the ground. He has a few left but not enough to get us through the night. Our best bet is heading back to Bird Country."
"You can't expect us to outrun them," Sakura whispered, "We might be flying but–"
"I'll distract them."
Green eyes snapped towards Naruto, whose own gaze was calculatingly following the movement patterns of their opponents. His brows were furrowed as he retained anything that could help with his plan and he counted the seconds of the average length his clones lasted against their enemy. Every clone-memory that returned to him was stored away for future use.
"We can fly – all of us," Dai started warily, breaking through the tense silence; his navy eyes took in the expressions thrown by Sasuke and Sakura towards Naruto, but the blonde continued to ignore his Leaf teammates, "As long as we keep constant evasion and defensive fire jutsu–"
"You and I both know that can only last so long," Naruto interrupted, "We all know that," He turned his head as he placed his hands together and created two more waves of clones, meeting green and obsidian irises seriously, "I can distract them."
"Your clones can only last so long too!" Sakura argued desperately, "We are not leaving you behind, Naruto!"
"Or you can just leave your clones to hold them off," Dai suggested hurriedly, noticing the decreasing distance of the creatures encroaching on them, "You can come with us, Naruto-san. There's no need for you to stay."
Naruto shook his head, "Sakura-chan's right. My clones won't last long if I leave them alone. And even if I did wave after wave of copies while I was with you there's still a chance that they can get through. I have to stay behind in order to give you all a clean escape – no followers."
"How can you possibly do that?" Sakura whispered, shaking her head back and forth.
"They're getting closer," Naruto said instead, rummaging through his back pouch; his blue eyes then locked with Sasuke's, "You guys need to get out of here," He nodded his head at the second, unoccupied hawk and motioned for the three Bird Ninja to mount it, "Hurry."
Sakura shook her head vigorously, "No! Not without you!"
The blonde shinobi smiled weakly before he connected gazes with Sasuke, "She has so little faith in me, huh Sasuke-teme?"
Sasuke only stared at him before holding up his hand, revealing the three-pronged weapon that had been hidden in his pouch, "Use Hiraishin again if you have to, dobe. I expect you alive."
Naruto eyed the unique kunai blankly before slowly nodding his head, "…Right."
Sakura frowned at the expression on his face before she noticed him removing a stack of papers from his back pouch, '…Ofudas…?'
"Now go," He commanded softly; Sakura's heart leapt in her throat when Sasuke's hawk took flight – the action simply reaffirming the fact that they were leaving a teammate behind as she watched Naruto's body become smaller and smaller with distance; watched as he gave a smirking, two-finger salute before turning back to the enemy in readiness.
The instant Naruto was out of her sight Sakura's vision blurred and she turned around to pound an angry fist against Sasuke's chest.
"Why are we leaving him behind? Why?" She faced away from him and bowed her head, tears tracking swiftly down her cheeks, "We're trash, Sasuke! Trash!"
"He's doing it to save us, Sakura," The Uchiha amended softly, dark eyes scanning their surroundings, relieved that they indeed weren't being followed; his other two hawks, and Torio, flew yards ahead of them, "He'll be fine. It'll be enough for a head start in our escape and then he'll teleport to where we are."
"…Did you see his face?" Sakura whispered, "Resigned. When you showed him the kunai to teleport…he didn't look like he was going to use it."
Sasuke blinked, brows furrowed, "Why wouldn't he use it?"
"…And the ofudas?" She continued, "Why would he have those? If he had them we could have used them to stay in the Rain Border Village."
Behind her, Sasuke stiffened, realization hitting him as he turned to look behind him just as a bright red light lit up the area Naruto was left behind in, "Unless those ofudas are filled with a different chakra source…"
Sakura frowned, "But whose–" Her eyes widened, "Kyuubi!" Sakura twisted around just in time to see the same red light flash again, the earth quaking so violently that the trees below them swayed, "We have to go back, Sasuke, he won't last at all if he's using Kurama's chakra to draw them away from us!"
"That idiot," Sasuke muttered but his tone was clearly laced with concern; hands already gripping the Hawk's feathers tightly, he signaled backtrack to their previous location.
"Sakura-san! Sasuke-san! Where are you going?"
Raiden's voice was heard above the whipping wind currents and the Hawk carrying the white-haired male and Akemi appeared beside them.
"Naruto's in trouble; we're going back for him," Sakura answered, never removing her gaze from the flashes of red in the distance.
Raiden's brows furrowed, "But–"
"He's planning to sacrifice himself," Sakura interjected harshly, "And we're not letting him."
"…Sasuke-san…" Akemi's voice was soft and meek; olive eyes wide, "Your back…"
Sasuke grunted in response but Sakura suddenly realized just how much of his weight was resting against her, "Sasuke-kun?"
"It's nothing," He muttered, "Naruto–"
"We'll get him," Raiden responded firmly.
"We will?" Akemi squeaked. Sakura looked at them with surprise.
"You two won't do much in your states. You'll both get killed. We'll get him," Raiden explained, "I promise."
Sakura didn't want to leave. She didn't want to leave her best friend's well-being in the hands of strangers. She wanted to get him herself and then knock him over the head for making the stupid decision of putting his life on the line for them. She wanted to knock herself on the head for leaving him behind in the first place.
But with her chakra reserves dangerously low, and with Sasuke chakra-depleted and bleeding profusely behind her, she knew that they didn't have the strength to retrieve their best friend themselves.
"He's important to us…" Sakura whispered, barely heard above the torrent winds, "Please…bring him back."
Raiden nodded, "Get back to Base. We'll follow as fast as we can."
With a heavy heart the kunoichi watched Raiden and Akemi continue onwards towards the bright flashes of red. A tear slid along her cheek as she reluctantly steered their hawk back towards Bird Country. Her hand blindly fell to her stomach where Sasuke's own hand rested and gripped his fingers tightly.
"I hate this, Sasuke…" She whispered, "…I hate this…"
A/N: This is probably going to need editing later today (I don't know if I'm completely happy with this chapter…). Again, I apologize for the late update. It's been a stressful couple of weeks. And it's currently 3:38 AM (Pacific Time) and I have work in about…six hours? Oh man, insomnia sucks. Anyways, I hope you guys liked this chapter. I didn't mean for it to be…filler-ish but if I had kept going it would have been a chapter over 30 pages. So, might as well get this chapter out as soon as possible so we can get to the next one as soon as possible too. Unlike other chapters, this one was a bit more fast-paced and action-filled with a lot more characters to keep up with in one setting, so I hope I did well in keeping it not-as-confusing as possible…? Let me know how I did? I will say that this chapter was all in the details. I'm still trying to keep this horror and mystery-esque. It gets more interesting the next couple of chapters; we're reaching the last half of the story! :) Yay!
Feedback is very much appreciated everyone! I'd love to hear from you!
And I noticed: Whenever I get favorites or alerts for this story I see so many user names with scary, horror-esque names. Glad I'm drawing you readers in! Heehee! Thanks so much for the support!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and Company. Just the Plot and Original Characters.
Next Chapter: No Regrets
Next Update: I know I give a target date, but I never seem to meet them. I'm sorry! But I'll try within the next two weeks.
Translations:
Jutsu:
Takeru: Doton: Doryuu Heki – Earth Style Wall
Isamu: Katon: Rekka no Jutsu – Raging Fire Technique
Other:
Heiwanasu Village: Bird Border Village – Peaceful Nest Village
AND! Has anyone watched the anime series Darker Than Black and Sword Art Online. Because those are my current obsessions. Hei is such a dark and brooding hottie (and his Li personality is so cute!). And Kirito is just freaking adorable. Now I'm gonna flail with them in my dreams (with Sasuke-kun of course!)
Thank You to all readers and reviewers! You're the BEST!
I have a Tumblr now, called SincerelyLen. It's more of a personal blog if you're interested, but I have a few fiction recs and quotes I will put up and reference also. My Twitter was a fail since there's only so much I can say in a small box. Blogs are more my thing. Add me if you'd like?
Please Check-Out My Other Fictions!
Updates Soon to be POSTED! (…hopefully…)
The Curse
Psychotic
Missing In Action
Vengeance
False Façade
The Road of Touch; The Road To Feeling
A NEW STORY – Confinement
AND EVEN MORE TO COME!
Thank You To Those Who Read And Review! You're AWESOME!
LotzaLove!
Len83
aka
Luvinukag83