"Watch what you're doing," Sasuke hisses, a mock-glare digging into the kunai he'd thrown and impaled into Naruto's shoulder. Naruto takes it out with a wince before looking back at what was distracting him. Sasuke grudgingly follows his teammate's gaze to the two females on Team 7.
"Hinata seems to be fighting more aggressively," Naruto says as he presses down on his shoulder to stop the bleeding.
"So?" Sasuke crosses his arms atop the water's surface, "That's no excuse for you to be spacing out. Maybe Kosari-sensei struck some sort of nerve."
"Women," Naruto sighs, shaking his head, "I'll never understand."
In a flash, Naruto falls into the water and Hinata is sailing towards him from above. Her feet land on his chest and he flails, trying not to drown. Hinata glares with her byakugan, "You want to die too?!"
"Never take your eyes off your opponent!" Kosari declares and tackles the girl, pushing her into the water. Lightning crackles around the woman but she doesn't allow it to enter the water. Electrocution is a rather quick way to die. Hinata squirms out of the woman's grasp before regaining her footing on the surface of the water. She pants heavily and glares angrily at the Hatake, who squats on the surface and inspects her nails again. Damn, I've got to file these again; ninja wire will get caught on them.
"Lesson four: don't take your eyes off your opponent," Kosari says and kicks both of her male students into the water. They clamber out of the water and stagger to their feet and cough out water, having been taken completely by surprise.
"Oh, you're all wet," Kosari looks up at them and blinks, "That's too bad. Well, until all of you dry off, spar on the surface. All weapons are allowed, but try not to dry up the river," Kosari looks over at Sasuke knowingly, "Begin!"
Kosari hops off the river and leans against a tree, allowing her face to contort into one of pain. Still hasn't completely healed. The bruises are fading but I still feel as if my back is on fire. She watches as her students whirl around with roundhouse kicks, sending anyone in their way skidding on the grass by the river and backflip away from one another before unleashing a barrage of weapons. Close combat had never been Naruto's strong point, but Kosari thinks it's interesting as he tries to mimic the two styles before him.
Maybe it's time to teach him his own style?
Maybe not. Naruto is a smart kid; he's going to use the information before him in any way he could, manipulating what he had until he had something even better than what anyone else had. Orphans always did have too much time on their hands and if they didn't occupy their time with something productive, it would only spell trouble. Yet, Naruto didn't seem to fit that stereotype. Kosari had no idea what kind of childhood he led until the day she met him as a Genin with his team. And, honestly, was it that important? She had to deal with the Naruto of now, not the Naruto of yesterday or ten years ago.
Kosari weaves several signs before her chakra latches onto her students'. The three suddenly stop and sink into the water. The Jounin watches in amusement as Naruto and Sasuke sink much quicker than Hinata. The Uchiha clan prided themselves on their eyes, supposed unmatched genjutsu, and yet Sasuke fell so easily for it. Had he not unlocked his sharingan yet? Kosari occasionally saw him and Naruto training and training until well after the sun had set, so it was a reasonable guess that he had.
Maybe Sasuke just wasn't Itachi's brother. It'll be better if he isn't.
Hinata suddenly gasps and clambers out of the water again. She shoots an angry glare at Kosari, who raises her brows innocently, "You…" she seethes. The two boys slowly come to their senses before coughing up water and watching Hinata shake with rage as she walks towards Kosari.
"You humiliated me in front of my clan!" Hinata yells, "You, an ignorant, judgmental, and promiscuous Jounin are nothing! And on top of that, you dare keep information from me about my own mother's death! Tell me now!" Hinata's face contorts into a wicked smirk, "Or are you too much of a coward? Should I get Ko to fuck the truth out of you?! Tell me what Uchiha Shisui's weak point is! Where is he?!"
Kosari coughs into a hand nonchalantly and places a hand on her hip, "Do you want to fight me that badly? Are you that humiliated? You're not shinobi material if you let a petty, ignorant, judgmental, and, Kami forbid, promiscuous, Jounin get the best of you. I wasn't joking when I said that I was the state. I can do much more than just kill you," Kosari's eyes are cold, "Please watch your step."
Naruto turns to Sasuke and whispers, "What's 'promiscuous'?"
Sasuke's face flushes, "Hinata's accusing Kosari-sensei of…fooling around with a lot of guys."
"O-oh," Naruto steps back from the Uchiha, "It isn't…true is it?"
"How should I know?" Sasuke snaps.
"I have much more political and financial power than someone like you," Hinata spits, "If you don't tell me, your entire life will be hell! All of your secrets, lovers, everything, will be exposed to the entire world and defamation will be the last thing you'll be worried about!"
Kosari just looks at the girl. "I don't understand. Why is it that you're so much more fixated upon Uchiha Shisui, an S-Ranked Elite Jounin, a rogue, a criminal, than Uchiha-san? You're not the only one who has vengeance in mind; Uchiha-san has an even darker vendetta. If you can give me a reasonable response, I'll tell you what his weak point is."
I can't believe it…she is truly an idiot! "Fine," she crosses her arms, "My mother had trained under the Shodaime's wife during her childhood and learned a great deal of fuuinjutsu due to some agreement her clan and my clan had to improve relations. She was also friends with the Yondaime Hokage and his wife before I was born and often worked with them and their fuuinjutsu. Even after the Yondaime and his wife had given their lives to seal away the Kyuubi, their sealing work, their last project, was one in which my mother had helped to work out. Year after year passed and my mother worked tirelessly to solve it, saying it was because she wanted to help some shinobi who was being manipulated by the Uchiha. That shinobi was the Yondaime's wife's disciple. A day before the Uchiha massacre, my mother figured it out. The one person she wanted to share it with wasn't in Konoha; the student would return the next day. My mother waited by the gates for the student, but she didn't return. I got worried, so I left the compound to try to find her. She eventually began to walk back to the Hyuuga compound, but then she saw the student. She ran, saying she had solved it, but Uchiha Shisui stepped in the middle of the student and my mother. He burned her alive, along with the scroll he was carrying, before darting off. My mother was going to save someone after working day after day, thanklessly, and was murdered right in front of me. My mother never met this shinobi she wanted to save. And even up to this day, I haven't ever heard a word of gratefulness from anyone, not even a pathetic Jounin like you. The least you could say is that you're sorry for my loss, but you're too busy with Ko and every other guy in Konoha," Hinata glares, "Isn't that right, Kosari-sensei?" Hinata says her teacher's name in a singsong sarcastic voice, dripping with venom.
Kosari can't move from her place. Save…the Yondaime Hokage's wife's disciple…save someone from the Uchiha…
"Right?" Hinata says again, louder. Kosari doesn't seem to hear her. "Hey! I told you the truth. Now it's your turn. Tell me his weakness!"
"Forgive me, Yondaime-sama," she bows deeply.
"What?" Minato frowns, "You've done nothing wrong. If you're talking about the war, it's fine. Don't worry about it. It's over now; there's nothing you should be ashamed of. Kakashi is still alive, thanks to you agreeing to an emergency blood transfusion. Rin said that you were a model patient," the blonde man says cheerfully. Then he notices the slim ring on her finger, "Oh, is that it?"
Kosari doesn't move from her deep bow.
"You got engaged without telling me or Kushina?" Minato grins, "Really, you and Kakashi both. Don't work yourself up so much. Congratulations! Who's the lucky guy?"
Kosari can't stop tears from falling from her face. Minato's grin falls and he quickly stands and places a finger under her chin, forcing her to look him in the eye, "What happened?" his voice is serious.
"I-I'm so sorry, Yondaime-sama," Kosari says again, shaking with fear.
"You can tell me anything," Minato says gently, "I promise nothing bad will happen."
"The seal, the Seijou…" Kosari whispers quickly, "The Uchiha clan is aging and can't support itself financially…"
Minato's eyes widen, "That's an S-Rank forbidden seal. It's not…you didn't…"
"I agreed," Kosari confesses as her voice breaks, "I had to."
Minato holds her shoulders firmly and his piercing blue eyes stare into her black ones, glistening with tears, "I'll do what I can. I'm not sure what's gotten into Fugaku recently; he's been snapping at everything, even me. But, if his orders get to be too much of a strain on you and your health, tell me. He'll listen to me; I'm the Hokage, after all. I promise I'll find a way to take it off."
"N-no," Kosari shakes her head, "If you do that…Fugaku-sama will…" Kosari places a hand on her stomach.
Minato pales before he embraces the young woman, "Don't worry, ok? I'll find a way."
Kosari closes her eyes as the memory flashes through her head.
"Hey, Kosari-sensei, don't worry! I don't think you're 'promiscuous'!" Naruto says loudly. Sasuke whacks him upside the head, "Idiot!"
Kosari looks at the Hyuuga girl, "Uchiha Shisui's weakness is Elite Jounin Hatake Kakashi. That's your answer," Kosari says in a clipped tone.
"Who is that?" Hinata asks.
"You asked what his weakness is, and I told you. Now, go back to the river. You three have more training to do," Kosari says coldly.
"Hey, Sasuke," Naruto looks over at him, "I don't think it worked."
"Just shut up," Sasuke glares.
Hinata stubbornly doesn't move. Kosari glowers dangerously, "Lesson five: shinobi who cannot comply with orders are not only endangering their own lives, but also that of their comrades."
"Is that a threat?" Hinata challenges.
Kosari doesn't answer her. She grits her teeth as the seal on her back viciously sinks its fangs into her and sucks out any patience she had. She flickers, grabs the Hyuuga girl, and throws her into the river. In a huge splash, Hinata lands on her back and gasps in pain. She quickly gets on the surface with a shocked expression, "What was that for?!"
"All three of your orders are to work together to defeat a shinobi of a much higher caliber," Kosari states formally as she grips ten kunai in each hand, flexing her fingers to fan out the kunai in her grasp, "Treat each hit you receive as a lost limb or sense. If you are blinded, you are to work together to compensate for that comarde's missing sense," Kosari releases her kunai with deadly accuracy.
The Genin barely dodge the kunai being thrown three times their own highest speed. Veins around Hinata's eyes bulge and she darts forward, away from the two boys. "Hey, Hinata!"
Hinata ignores them and her hands glow with chakra. Kosari narrows her eyes dangerously as a red haze in her vision curtains her thoughts. Objective: subdue incoming female shinobi. Do not kill or lethally injure.
Kosari's body moves like water, fluidly moving around Hinata's limbs before snaking behind the girl and sending a punch to her gut. The girl is unconscious before she lands on the ground and rolls a few feet. Kosari surveys the girl's body. Female shinobi has been subdued. Her breathing and heart rate are slightly elevated. Shinobi will not die due to her injuries. Next objective: relay information.
"The requirements set by the commanding Jounin have not been met," Kosari states, "Due to nonlethal injuries, Hyuuga Hinata cannot continue. We will convene tomorrow and repeat until the objective of defeating a shinobi of a much higher caliber, which may simply include landing a somewhat incapacitating blow, is achieved. Dismissed," Kosari turns on a heel and flickers away. Report back to superiors for further instructions.
"What…what was that?" Naruto mumbles, shocked and horrified, "That…that wasn't Kosari-sensei."
Sasuke narrows his eyes, "Kagami-jiisan told me that Kosari-sensei used to be an ANBU. That must be how she used to be. I think what Hinata asked struck more than just a nerve."
Someone else flickers by the river's edge. The hooded figure grabs Hinata before vanishing into thin air. Naruto runs towards the figure with a fist cocked back, but it's too late. Hinata is gone. "Hey!" Naruto yells, "Come back!"
"Sasuke, come on! Let's go!" Naruto is halfway to the tree line, ready to run after the kidnapper, "Come on!"
Sasuke hesitates and Naruto gives up, running after the kidnapper without any sort of lead. Sasuke curses, "Idiot," the Uchiha boy grits his teeth before running after his teammate into the forest, "Naruto! Come back! You don't even know where they went!"
A knock comes to Kosari's door. She opens it cautiously. Keep your guard up at all times; anyone can be an enemy. Trust no one.
It's Kagami, and he comes as the first few rays of dawn come. Kosari looks at him emotionlessly, "Good morning, Uchiha-sama."
'Sasuke never came home last night,' he signs.
"Perhaps he is training with Uzumaki-san," Kosari says.
'Today is the anniversary of the Uchiha massacre. He always comes with me to light incense at the shrine,' Kagami signs, getting impatient.
Kosari looks at him, not truly caring, "I see. Have you looked for him?"
'I'll get straight to the point: do you know where he is?'
"No," Kosari says. "I haven't seen him since he failed yesterday's assignment."
Kagami grits his teeth, 'Come with me.'
A subordinate must always follow the orders of a superior. Kosari complies and locks her door behind her. Kagami's eyes turn blood red with three spinning tomoe. Kosari says nothing as she peers into the red sharingan. The man angrily motions for her to follow and is hopping over rooftops. Her body follows the man while her mind is elsewhere.
When Kagami arrives at the training ground that she'd left her team at the day before, Hiruzen and Hiashi are already there. Kosari is glad she hadn't changed out of her clothing the day before; the night had passed her by in an instant as she sat at her table, staring at the Kumo kunai.
"Where the hell is my daughter!?" Hiashi gets in Kosari's face, glowering down at the Jounin. Kosari chooses to remain unaffected.
"Hyuuga Hinata, Uzumaki Naruto, and Uchiha Sasuke failed yesterday's training objective. I stated we would repeat it again before dismissing them and leaving," Kosari says, "Therefore, do not know where Hyuuga Hinata is."
"Liar!" Hiashi yells, "Using Ko to get into the compound and act like some feeble woman; you're the spy, aren't you?! Orochimaru or Shisui just scuffed you up to make it look like you weren't! Where is my daughter?!"
"Uchiha-sama, I do not believe Uchiha Sasuke or Uzumaki Naruto left this training ground yesterday," Kosari says, "Could you confirm that they are in the forest?"
Hiruzen flicks his wrist and an ANBU pulls the two Genin boys out of the forest. Kosari glances at the two boys, covered in twigs and leaves and a scrape from falling. They groan before slowly opening their eyes. Naruto rubs his eyes when the ANBU drops him on the ground unceremoniously and looks at the people around him. Naruto sees Kosari and blurts out, "Some guy took Hinata! We've gotta find her!"
Kosari imperceptibly nods before looking at Hiruzen, "Hokage-sama, what are your orders?"
"Kosari…" Hiruzen's eyes widen before he purses his lips, "Monkey, have any of your ANBU teams found anything?"
"No, sir," Monkey responds, curiously studying at Hound's mask-less face.
"I can summon trackers," Kosari says formally.
"Do it," Hiruzen orders. Kosari complies before drawing a vial from her vest. She smears her thumb with it, kneels, and slams her hand on the ground, "Summoning Jutsu."
A small dog appears in a puff of smoke. He furrows his dots of eyebrows, "You're…the kid's sister. How…?"
"Pakkun," Kosari cuts him off, "I have a favor to ask you," she looks at Hiashi, "Hyuuga-sama, do you have anything of Hyuuga Hinata-san's to track her with?" he produces a cloth. She takes it and holds it out to the dog, "Pakkun, this is the scent of Hyuuga Hinata, a twelve-year-old female Genin who was kidnapped by an unknown shinobi. Could you track her?"
"Kid, you should really—"
"Can you?" Kosari presses.
He sniffs, "Y-yeah."
"Good," Kosari says. "Can you smell her?"
"Yeah," Pakkun looks at Kakashi's sister strangely. "You doing alright, kid?"
"I'm fine," Kosari says sharply. She stands and looks at her Kage. Hiruzen hands her a scroll and she pockets it, "Get Hinata back."
"Kid," Pakkun barks, "Take what's clipped on my collar."
"What is it?" Kosari already knows the answer as she takes the small parcel and places it into her vest.
"His eye," Pakkun says solemnly.
Kosari's eyes widen. The dog sees a cold fire light up behind her eyes until her veins course with rage so cold that he takes a step back, "H-hey—"
"Pakkun, please lead me to where Hyuuga Hinata-san is," Kosari orders.
"Take Sasuke and Naruto with you," Hiruzen says gruffly. Maybe having her Genin around her will keep her from murdering everyone that took Hinata. She's slipping…just what happened yesterday?
"Yes, sir," Kosari says on impulse. She drags up Naruto and Sasuke and sends a pulse of chakra through them to fully wake them up. She looks into their eyes, "We are going to retrieve your teammate."
"And," Hiruzen says before she races off to carry out her orders, "Take Ko with you."
"Are you sure, sir?" Kurenai asks. Hiruzen nods from the mission desk. "Go on."
Kurenai hastily bows before following the tracker with Kiba and Shino following closely. Kiba looks at Kurenai's face, pulled slightly as she bites her lips, "Kurenai-sensei…where are we going? Why?"
"We are going to wherever my kikaichu bugs take us," Shino responds, "Why? Because that is where Haruno-san is."
"Huh?" Kiba asks, "You mean that rich princess ran away from Konoha?"
"Not exactly," Kurenai says as she follows he cloud of kikaichu bugs, "She was taken by her father's economic rivals. I have an idea of where she is, but it's far."
"Her father?" Kiba frowns, "I don't get any of this."
"Haruno Sakura's father is the founder of the Haruno merchant company, a company whose revenue holds up 80% of Konoha's economy. He has money in other lands as well and his reliability and success is mainly why people trust him with bringing high quality merchandise and money. Other lands don't have such a successful businessman and are envious of him. Other merchant companies from other lands see him as a rival, mainly because his name alone is worth more than a few million ryo. He has the power to bring in huge riches to any land he comes into. In addition, if other lands want to cripple Konoha and start a war, they could do so by hurting the Haruno Company. If the Haruno Company suffers, our economy suffers, and we won't have the money to ship in weapons. We'll have a lack of weapons and our shinobi won't be able to fight for very long and will die. We'll be hardly a threat to our enemies. They'll crush us and will take over Konoha and the Land of Fire. We will all die. Do you understand?" Kurenai glances at Kiba.
"Uh, sure. Sakura's dad is this rich guy who holds up Konoha's economy. His rivals want to take down Konoha to eliminate competition. So, they're hurting the CEO by taking Sakura," Kiba says. "So where do you think she is?"
"The Land of Water," Kurenai says. "There's a shrewd tycoon named Gato that owns the entire economy there and wants to expand. I heard a rumor that he has a shinobi militia, which may be why none of the ANBU sensed her kidnapping."
"So that is why you didn't want us to come," Shino says, "Why? Because we do not know the strength of the shinobi or their numbers."
"Whatever, Shino," Kiba grins, "Akamaru and I'll take care of all of them! Right, Akamaru?" The dog barks atop the Genin's head.
"Yeah," Kurenai mutters. "Come on, let's pick up the pace. Build up your stamina."
An hour passes as they jump over branches in silence. Kurenai squints in the distance. Is that…?
"Kiba, who is up ahead?" Kurenai asks.
"Sasuke…and Naruto," Kiba says after a few sniffs, "I wonder why…"
Kurenai jumps ahead and within a few minutes she catches up to them, "Kosari-chan!"
Kosari stops on the branch she jumps onto and turns around, "Yūhi-san."
Kurenai frowns, "Where are you four going?" then she notices the dog, "Is that Kakashi's summon?"
"Please state your purpose in interrupting us," Kosari says with narrowed eyes.
"Huh? Kosari-chan…don't be so stilted," Kurenai laughs uneasily, "My team and I are searching for Sakura. I think she's in the Land of Water. What about you?"
Kosari regards the Jounin for a moment before turning around and surging forward. Ko shakes his head at Kurenai before turning and following. Kurenai scowls, "Hey! Don't ignore me, Kosari-chan!"
Kosari doesn't turn around.
"I bet if I were Kakashi you wouldn't be acting on your high horse!" Kurenai calls out, "Just wait a minute!"
Kosari stops and whirls around. Kurenai is frozen when she senses the cold rage from the Elite Jounin with two levels of clearance above hers, "To ensure you're your mission is success, please return to your team. To ensure my mission is a success, I must work as quickly as possible. Please do not hinder me. If you do hinder me, you are obstructing me from completing my mission. Shinobi Code Article 1 Section 3 Clause 10 states that any shinobi, even a comrade, obstructing another shinobi's mission is an enemy to the state. Shinobi Code Article 1 Section 6 Clause 1 states that an enemy to the state is to be dealt with promptly and swiftly. Clause 2 states that the shinobi that is being obstructed may abandon or even kill the obstructing shinobi to ensure mission success. Yūhi-san, do you want to me to reinforce Clause 2 for you permanently?"
Kurenai is stunned. "Kosari…chan…what's gotten into you?"
"Kurenai, Hinata-sama was taken. I'm sorry, but we have to get her," Ko says, stepping in between the two kunoichi.
"R-right," Kurenai stutters, "Okay. I will. Thanks."
Ko nods and turns to Kosari, but she has already gone ahead. He pushes ahead and the two Genin fall into place on either side of him. Naruto looks at the Hyuuga, "What's with Kosari-sensei?"
Ko shakes his head. "It's not my place to say."
"Did Kurenai-sensei and her have some sort of falling out?" Naruto asks.
"I don't know, Naruto. I really, really don't know," Ko says, looking at the silver strands flying in the wind ahead of him.
A few days pass in a blur of trees with a backdrop of night and day.
Sasuke and Naruto are hastily packing up camp behind Ko. The Hyuuga glances worriedly at the Genin before turning his gaze to Kosari, who is perched atop a branch, looking out at the ocean before her. Dark circles were beginning to develop around the woman's eyes. Ko jumps on the branch and hesitantly approaches the woman, "Kosari, maybe you should let me—"
"That will not be necessary," Kosari says shortly. "Your job is simply to keep the two Genin alive. I will retrieve Hyuuga-san."
"Kosari," Ko says, starting to lose his patience, "Please. You've been running on nothing but sheer will for the past three days without a wink of sleep. You're driving yourself up a wall. Just…stop. I can take over this mission. You can stay here and—"
"That," Kosari slowly turns to look at him, "Will not be necessary," Kosari looks through him. Ko swallows hard and gathers up all of his courage. Kosari looks back out at the ocean, ignoring his existence. Ko's hand flies towards her face, aiming to literally slap some sense into her. She catches his wrist and a single black eye slides over to look at the offending hand, "Hyuuga-san, would you like for me to permanently reinforce Clause 2?"
"Yeah," Ko challenges, "You're obstructing yourself. You'll die before you finish this mission," veins around his eyes appear, "You're setting yourself up for failure and Hinata-sama will die, because of you."
A sickening snap resounds. Ko lets out a cry of pain and shock, looking at Kosari disbelievingly, "Kosari…you just…"
"Pakkun, Hyuuga Ko has been injured on a mission. Shinobi Code Article 1 Section 4 Clause 4 states that any shinobi injured or otherwise unable to aid in the success of a mission and/or becomes a hindrance because of said injury must be left behind by his comrades to allow the mission to be completed," Kosari states, "Let us continue, Pakkun," and she surges forward with the dog bounding ahead of her, leading her to the scent.
Ko jumps down to the Genin and his free hand engulfs his broken wrist in a green light, "Come on, we're going after her," Ko says as veins around his eyes rise.
"Gato-san, I'm afraid some shinobi have docked," a boy turns to look at the short smoking man from the blinds. He lets go of the stretched blinds and smiles, deciding which major artery to strike first to ensure his death, but also to provide the longest amount of entertainment. Jugular…armpits…heart…knees, wrists, ankles…so many to choose from…Zabuza-sama would choose the jugular, though.
"What?" Gato squawks from his desk, "Well what are you doing just standing there?! You're not just on the lookout; you're a fighter! I paid Zabuza good money, so go do your job," Gato shoos him away. The teen disappears and Gato smiles at the door leading to another room to his left. He fingers a key in his pocket as he walks over. With a sick smile, he opens the door and a sound similar to doves or pigeons cooing washes over him. It's music to his ears. He grins even wider as the light from his desk lamplight seeps into the first few feet of the room and illuminates bars on either side. In faint light he can just make out the outlines of the lovely doves with silver white hair and mysterious shining black eyes behind the bars. They coo and shudder with fear, whispering amongst themselves and tears fall from the younger ones.
"Do not worry, ladies," Gato says as he plucks a ripe dove from the flock and enjoys her screams as he drags her away, "I won't hurt her," he cackles as he locks the door behind his flocks and enjoys himself.
Elsewhere on the island, Haku follows a woman stunning beyond words. The woman turns to Haku and tersely whispers, "Where did you say they docked? How many? From?"
"On the southern port. I believe the rower must've allowed them passage, even though Gato-san promised his wife's death if he broke the rules again. Three shinobi, from Konoha. I do not believe they are much of a threat, however," Haku says. Then he frowns, "Nee-san, are you going after them?"
"Of course," she rolls her eyes, as dark brown as his own. "You've got to stay with Zabuza-sama. I can deal with three Konoha flies. Go, Haku."
Haku nods and disappears in a flicker. The woman slips on black gloves and perches on a tree, eyeing the red-eyed woman and two boys behind her. She licks her lips and sends a barrage of ice towards them. The woman dodges and glares up at her, "Who are you?"
The woman hops down, "Did Konoha bathe in their own victory so much so that they had forgotten all of their enemies? Don't tell me you've forgotten, Yūhi Kurenai-san," she grins.
Kurenai stiffens at her name. She studies the woman for a moment before gasping, "You're…you're Akayuki! The hyoton user from Kiri that took out Kumo's western company and half of Konoha's southern company!"
"Correct," Akayuki says, "You left out a crucial detail, but it's just as well. Now that you know I'm still alive, you can't live," she says as ice mirrors form all around them.
Kurenai curses, "Kiba, Shino, get out!"
The two boys quickly run to a gap between the mirrors, but ice spears ten feet long stab their legs and go through their bones and pin them to the ground. Blood flows out slower than normal; the ice slows their blood loss. They cry out in pain and Kiba grasps the ice and tugs at it to try to break it.
"Unfortunately, my ice is fortified by my chakra. It isn't normal ice," Akayuki lilts, "Don't worry, boys. You'll die soon enough."
Kurenai pulls out an exploding tag and hurls the kunai attached to it. It explodes in a hopeful explosion, but it isn't enough. No, it doesn't do a thing. Kurenai's stomach drops, "What?"
Akayuki cackles in the mirrors and hurls shards of ice at the woman. Kurenai dodges easily until there is no more ground to dodge to. Kurenai weaves signs and breathes out flames. But, to no avail. It isn't enough to melt the ice. Lately, Kurenai sees her reflection in the mirror and curses. She's going to use these to mirror herself…but how? Certainly there's only one Akayuki and several copies…
Before Kurenai can weave signs to counter, senbon from all sides stab her body and blood dribbles down her wounds. Kurenai pulls them out and casts them to the ground.
"Go on, Kurenai-chan. Try it again," Akayuki sings, "I'm sure it'll work."
Kurenai grits her teeth and weaves signs for a genjutsu. She latches onto Akayuki's chakra and laces the woman's mind with an illusion. In the short time she has, she rushes to her students' sides and tries to pull up the spears, but to no avail. Kurenai takes out a kunai and attempts to break it off, but her students remain pinned.
"Akayuki-san."
Kurenai looks up and sees none other than Kosari. Relief surges through the Jounin, "Kosari-chan! Help me get this ice off of Kiba and Shino!"
"Akayuki-san, I will not kill you if you tell me where Hyuuga Hinata is," Kosari says.
Akayuki laughs, "And who're you? Some no-name Jounin? Are you the pathetic backup with a little puppy?"
Kosari studies the mirrors for a moment before weaving signs. She closes her eyes, "Yūhi-san, do it."
Kurenai needs no more prompting. She molds chakra and prepares to melt Akayuki's mind, but the mirrors suddenly melt into water. The hyoton user comes out from the water, dripping with it. Kosari calmly walks towards the woman whose head pounds and chakra system isn't bringing enough chakra to her heart and brain, "Akayuki-san, tell me where Hyuuga Hinata is. Please do not lie to me; you reek of her scent."
Akayuki finds herself pinned to a tree, feeling numb. She gasps, "R-raiton user…"
"You will die in five seconds after I increase the voltage," Kosari says, "Please tell me where Hyuuga Hinata is."
"I don't know," Akayuki growls.
"Four," Kosari says.
"I hate people who bluff," Akayuki's body shakes slightly. "Especially damn weak Konoha flies."
"Three," Kosari narrows her eyes. "Would you like for me to kill the other hyoton user?"
"What other user?" Akayuki hisses as fear glimmers in her eyes.
"Yuki Haku, the youngest member of the most brutal and violent organization of MIA and KIA shinobi from the Third War," Kosari says, "Two."
"Y-you know…" Akayuki's eyes go wide, "Who are you?! If you answer that I'll tell you."
"You're in no position to make deals, Akayuki-san," Kosari says. "One."
Silver hair…those cold, empty black eyes…formal speech…in her twenties…Konoha shinobi…Akayuki glares, "You're Hatake Mikata, aren't you? Damn ghost!"
"Zero," Kosari says. She looks into the wide, deep brown eyes of the hyoton user and leans close to her ear, "Die, Yuki Shiro."
Lightning bursts from the woman's body and Akayuki screams silently. She shakes with electricity until Kosari lets up. Akayuki doesn't stir. Kosari presses two fingers to check for a pulse. Her emotionless face doesn't change when she lifts her fingers from the woman's neck. She doesn't look back when she grabs the woman's limp body and flickers away with Pakkun following closely behind.
Kurenai pulls out a roll of bandages to merely stop her students' bleeding. As she hurriedly wraps one boy's leg, she senses another coming her way. She stands and draws a kunai, ready to defend her students with her life. Unlike Kosari. She's…she's so full of herself! Three figures materialize and reveal more Konoha hitai-ate. Kurenai sees Ko and is somewhat relieved, "Ko, you're a medic right? Can you heal bones?"
"What happened?" Ko asks as he approaches the three.
"We were attacked," Kurenai says, "And Kiba and Shino were stabbed."
Ko's eyes bulge when he sees their injuries, "I'll do what I can."
As Ko's hands glow with medical ninjutsu, sweat rolls down his face, "Did you see Kosari?"
Kurenai suppresses the urge to vomit when she saw the murder of Akayuki, "Yeah. She went off."
"Kosari-sensei killed some chick…" Kiba says, pale, "Some chick called Akayuki. I can't believe it…"
Ko presses his lips into a thin white line as he focuses on healing them. Kosari, wait for me.
A tall, muscular, and serious looking swordsman clad only in bandages and pants with a bulging chest bars her entry. He draws his sword and smirks, "Konoha brat, there's no way you're getting past me."
The Hatake drops a human figure to the ground at his feet. She stares defiantly in his eyes and forms a single seal, "Kai."
In an instant, the man's sword shatters. "Zabuza Momochi-san, I have brought you Akayuki. Please step aside."
Zabuza looks down at the silver-haired woman with shock, "You broke my sword…with just a single hand seal…who the fuck are you?" he narrows his eyes in anger.
"Please step aside," Kosari orders. Her blood pumps through her veins icily. Objective: remove obstacle. Zabuza's face glows in the dark hallway in Gato's base with her silent lightning. The man utters, "Silent lighting, huh? I only know one shinobi to have ever wielded that. Her name was Hatake Mikata, a girl from Konoha that died when Konoha shinobi dragged her back and charged her with treason and sentenced her to death by burning her alive. She had the same silver hair and cold, heartless black eyes as you. If she were alive, she'd be the same age as you. I have to confess, I admired her strength."
"I burned her to death," Kosari says simply, "Please move, Momochi-san. Or you will end up just like Akayuki-san."
Zabuza's blood boils, "You were the one who killed her?"
"Yes," Kosari says shamelessly, "My orders were to do so. So, I did so."
Kosari grabs the man and hurls him across the hallway. She bursts through the closed door, only to interrupt Gato lying with a girl. The Hatake studies the two for a moment, barely intrigued by the fact the girl, about fourteen, that he is lying with has silver hair and black eyes.
"W-who're you?" Gato demands.
"Kid, I smell her behind that door," Pakkun mutters, shaking slightly as he senses her cold and murderous fury.
"Thank you, Pakkun," Kosari says absentmindedly and sends a lightning rod through the door. It splinters and the doves scream in horror. They shout in a coded way and Gato cannot comprehend their words.
Kosari walks down the room, searching each cage for her student. She notes pink hair beside dark hair and bore into green and white eyes, "Hyuuga Hinata-san. Can you stand."
"K-K-Kosari-sensei…" Hinata is clad in nothing. "You need to get out of here!"
"That is counterintuitive," Kosari states plainly. She picks the lock with a senbon and opens the door. The silver-haired females shudder away from Kosari, cooing and muttering and screaming.
She ignores them and grabs both girls.
"Kosari-sensei, you have to get out of here," Hinata pleads.
"Why?" Kosari wonders if asking why will get her to stop blubbering.
"Because Gato is just a puppet. Sakura-san and I were brought here as bait," Hinata says as tears roll down her cheeks, "Bait to lure you out."
"By?" Kosari is getting tired of this.
"Uchiha Shisui," Hinata sobs. Then she freezes, staring at something in horror behind Kosari. Kosari turns to look and sees a pair of black eyes staring back at her. Mission objective: retrieve Hyuuga Hinata and return to Konoha. Mission has been compromised: S-Rank criminal Uchiha Shisui has appeared and threatens to sabotage mission. Objective: return Hyuuga Hinata to allies for her safe return. Note: Hatake Kosari will be the decoy. Uchiha Shisui will not prevent mission success. Should he prevent mission success, Uchiha Shisui will be eliminated. Current objective: incapacitate Uchiha Shisui while Hyuuga Hinata flees to the safety of allies. Shisui takes a step towards her and her lightning buzzes dangerously.
"It's been a long time."