Hello everybody, and welcome to Chapter nineteen of the Winds of Change! I'm in a fantastic mood. I'm sure with all our lovely reviewers we'll reach 100 reviews in time for the 20th chapter. If, and when we do, that chapter will be a big thank you, along with some challenges for you guys, along with rewards. The 100th review will receive a very special prize, but do not worry, all of you will recieve a big treat! I actually typed most of this chapter up tonight, about 5000 words. So, I'm really tired. It's just gone midnight here, but I wanted to get this chapter out tonight. Anyway, without further ado, let's continue the Sound Five's battle with Itachi's group!

Note: The first few scenes of this chapter have been beta'd by Dosu2Dinner. Due to time constraints the rest aren't. However, tomorrow I will fix them. This also means that, since I now have a beta reader, grammar and spelling will be much better than before.

Make sure to check out the authors note at the bottom for a talk about a Q&A, and without further ado, I bring you chapter nineteen of the Winds of Change.

Chapter 19:

The single Sharingan eye intrigued Kura. Another Uchiha? How interesting. And the person with the shadow? They were stealing her techniques, those assholes!

"Hey, you with the shadow. Yeah, stop stealing my shit."

"Your shit? It's actually my shit," a voice sounded back.

The Sharingan eye closed in exasperation, before another shadow darted past it. The shadow soon turned out to be a tall boy with long brown hair. And pure white eyes, pulsing with veins. Out-reaching his hand, he swiftly cut the binds that held Kura.

Kura smirked. "Oh, a Hyŭga. You're from Konoha then?"

Neji regarded her with a calm façade. "And you are?"

"It's polite for the man to reveal his name first."

As they were bantering, Kidōmaru leapt into the air, throwing a barrage of sticky gold shuriken at the two. They both leapt out of the way, Kura letting out a light chuckle. "Well, I'm not needed anymore." And, with a quick pop, she dispersed.

Kakashi stepped out of the darkness with Shikamaru in tow, although he still kept his Shadow Possession Jutsu active. "She was a clone," Kakashi said to no one in particular.

Kidōmaru was in shock. That was a clone!? They were fighting a clone the whole time!? That was… incredible. If what he thought was true, then this clone was not solid like a Shadow Clone. And yet it still took attacks. So, what, it was a normal clone enhanced! But she did so many high level jutsu's that required such large amounts of chakra.

"It seems, gentlemen," Kakashi interrupted his musings, "That you were almost beaten by a clone with only 10% of her chakra."

Holy shit! Seriously!? She did more high level moves then the both of them combined, and she still almost beat them. Incredible. These kids were something else.

"You know, if you stand down now, we can take you in peacefully. You'll be treated better?"

"Not a chance!"

With those words, Kidōmaru's curse seal began to envelop his body. Soon he was a dark red, his hair growing in length and adopting a white hue. Horns grew on his head, neck and shoulders. He let out a guttural laugh. "You thought you had me before, well now, it's game over!"

With a roar, a large amount of spider webs exploded from Kidōmaru's skin. Neji cursed, quickly spinning around in a fast manner, channelling his chakra. "Rotation!"

A large dome of blue energy surrounded the genin, the webs being disintegrated as they hit it. However, Kakashi and Shikamaru had to leap out the way, forcing the shadow user to let go of his Shadow Possession Jutsu in the process. This allowed Jirōbō movement, and he used it to lethal efficiency. After Neji finished his rotation, Jirōbō's large boulder like fist crashed into his side, hurling him far away.

"Dammit," Kakashi thought to himself as he made a flurry of handsigns. "We've now got two fully curse sealed individuals. I hope the genin can keep up."

As if to prove his point, Shikamaru quickly threw down a smoke bomb, clouding their enemy's vision. "I've got a plan," he whispered. Kakashi nodded as it was relayed to him quickly. Yes, it could work. It would be dangerous, but it could work. With a nod, Kakashi charged out of the fog. Placing a kunai in his hand, he charged straight towards the towering mass of flesh that was Jirōbō. The Sound nin did the same, with great big strides ready to crush the Leaf Jōnin. As they neared each other, and were about to clash, Kakashi did something insane. He stopped running just as Jirōbō was about to knock him out. He then leaned backwards in such a way that Jirōbō sailed right over him. Shikamaru was doing the same, and he quickly released his Shadow Possession Jutsu. As Kakashi righted himself, he made a flurry of handsigns, "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"

A ball of fire erupted from Kakashi's mouth, heading straight towards Kidōmaru. The sound nin quickly leapt into the air to dodge. However, Neji met him, trying to strike him down with his Jyuuken. Kidōmaru quickly formed some sticky gold armour. Neji frowned as his strikes seemed not to affect the sound nin, and he was soon sent flying to the ground with a spinning kick from Kidōmaru.

Shikamaru, meanwhile, had to deal with the gargantuan force that was Jirōbō running straight towards him. With a small grimace, he made a few handsigns. "Shadow Possession Jutsu!"

A long thin shadow ran from Shikamaru's feet, shooting straight for Jirōbō. The large sound nin leapt into the air to avoid the shadow. That was what Shikamaru wanted him to do, however.

"Water Style: Drowning Funnel Jutsu!"

A blast of water exploded from the ground where Shikamaru was standing, shooting straight into the air and taking the form of a typhoon. It sucked up Jirōbō, closing inwards on him. Shikamaru made a mental note to thank Asuma for teaching Team 10 some elemental techniques. It certainly had come in handy.

However. Jirōbō was stronger, bursting out of the Jutsu with an enormous amount of strength. With a startled gasp, the large nin sped straight towards Shikamaru-

Kakashi was there in an instant, making a flurry of handsigns, before slamming his palm into the ground, "Earth Style: Giant Mud Wall!"

A giant wall of mud, far larger than the common Earth Wall Jutsu, and much sturdier.

Jirōbō barrelled into it, and made a large dent, but did not burst through.

"Shikamaru, go help out Neji." Kakashi commanded, leaping upwards onto the top of the wall. With Shikamaru racing to help Neji, that gave him time to eliminate Jirōbō.

Leaping off the wall, he did a couple of front flips, all the while making handsigns, "Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!"

A dragon made entirely of water burst from the earth, smashing into Jirōbō's cumbersome form. Before the Jutsu had even finished, Kakashi was making another. "Lightning Style: Earth's Current!"

Placing his hand on the floor, a sharp current of electricity scattered through the earth, soon being sent through the water dragon. With an agonizing roar, electricity coursed through Jirōbō's body. As he was still being pinned to the wall by Kakashi's Water Dragon Jutsu, there was nothing he could do.

Kakashi took his eyes off Jirōbō for a moment, scoping out the battle with Neji and Kidōmaru. It did not look good.

Neji and the Sound nin were intertwined in a deadly dance, and all the odds were in Kidōmaru's favour. Every blow the Hyȗga branch member dealt, it did very minimal damage, if any at all. The sticky gold armour was blocking the Jyuuken's special technique, rendering it almost useless.

Neji proved that point as he raced forward once more, palm striking the spider nin in the chest. It did no damage, and resulted in Neji being forcefully punched by two arms. Reeling backwards, he barely had time to block a sticky gold kunai with a real kunai.

Shikamaru, however, was making a plan. Without a moment's hesitation, he readied himself, "Shadow Possession Jutsu!"

The thin line of shadow shot out from Shikamaru's feet, heading straight towards the cocky Kidōmaru. However, the spider nin spotted it coming out of the corner of his eye, and leapt upwards. He wasn't prepared for what came next.

Kakashi raced forward, his forearm ablaze with blue pulsing energy. Leaping into the sky, he uttered, "Raikiri!"

Thrusting his hand forward, it penetrated Kidōmaru's sticky gold armour, and his body, protruding out of his now limp back. Kakashi had been dead on target.

However, his Sharingan eye widened as Kidōmaru burst into multiple spiders, forcing him to let go. As he fell to the ground, the spiders poofed out of existence, revealing Kidōmaru. With a small smirk, he made a multitude of hand signs, before yelling, "Summoning Jutsu!"

There was a large poof of smoke, and soon a large black spider about Jirōbō's size burst into view. It opened its mouth as it made its descent, and thousands of little spiders shot out at high speeds. They then turned around, and out of their thoraxes came durable webs. Muttering back curses, Neji and Kakashi darted out of the way.

Shikamaru withdrew a number of kunai, and slapped explosive tags onto them, before taking aim. With a battle cry, he threw the now explosive kunai at the spider summon as it landed on the ground. Spewing forth a few more spiders was the last thing it did as it's thorax was penetrated by sharpened metal, before being blown to smithereens.

His success was short lived as the sound nin who summoned the arachnid landed a little to his side, before barraging him with sticky gold kunai. He managed to deflect most of them, but a few got through his guard, slicing into his left shoulder. With a cry of pain, he dropped his kunai. Kidōmaru took this opportunity and raced forward, a sharpened spear of sticky gold ready to be stuck into some flesh.

Luckily for the leaf nin, it never came. A tendril of pure darkness, thick and menacing raced out of the shadows, crashing into Kidōmaru with a thick thud. He skyrocketed forward, tearing up dirt and rock until he finally landed, and lay still.

Shikamaru turned his gaze to the darkness in shock.

Kura stepped out, a tired sigh escaping her lips. Looking around at the remnants of the battlefield, she scoffed. "Can you guys seriously not deal with these two?" Cracking her neck, she continued, "And by the way, that's how you use the shadows, idiot."

Without waiting for a reply, Kura raced forward, leaving a dumbfounded Shikamaru muttering 'Troublesome women' before speeding off after her.

Kakashi was foolish to take his eyes off of Jirōbō. Very, very foolish. And he was dealing with the consequences as he dodged another blow barely. Neji and himself had been at this for a while now, ever since dodging the webs that Kidōmaru had graciously tried to gift them. This was much worse.

"Come here meat, and let me crush you!" With another heart-stopping roar, he made a series of quick handsigns, "Earth Style: Two Pillar Grind!"

Two large pillars of earth skyrocketed out of the ground; exactly align with each other to the left and the right of Kakashi. And, with a speed not even the Sharingan could match, they sped towards him. The Copy nin was about to make a quick flurry of handsigns, but didn't get time. Neji had sped behind him, before forcefully throwing Kakashi upwards. As soon as he was out of range, Neji quickly began to spin on the spot. With a cry of, "Rotation!" Neji's chakra formed a blue dome, stalling the two earthen pillars, if only momentarily. This was all the time Kakashi needed, as he made the quick flurry of handsigns he wouldn't have had time to make before. "Fire Style: Explosive Wave!"

The resulting blast of fire chakra pushed back the earthen pillars, blowing them to pieces with a scorching hot attack.

Neji panted heavily as Kakashi landed behind him. Jirōbō ground his teeth in ire. "You keep wasting my time!"

"Neji," Kakashi whispered to the Hyŭga teen, "Is that technique ready?" Neji took a second to react, but gave the slightest of nods.

Given the extra three years that Neji was forced to spend in the academy, he had become bored with the dismal and downright tedious lessons that the academy forced upon them. So, he had got to work learning other things. The Rotation technique was something he had learned recently, and he was already highly skilled in its use. However, there was something far more powerful that he had learned over the course of his life.

"I think I may be able to do it, however I need to prepare the ground first with some Earth Style Jutsu."

"Leave that to me," Kakashi have a small eye-smile. "You focus on gathering the chakra needed."

The Hyŭga branch member gave a nod, as Kakashi leapt over his head. "It's time for your end, Sound Nin. Earth Style: Mud Slide!"

The earth around Kakashi seemed to rise, giving it a sticky texture, before it raced forward. Jirōbō, however, counter-attacked, "Earth Style: Growling Fissure!"

With a stomp of his meaty leg, the earth seemed too spilt into two halves. The mud raced slowly downwards into the fissure, filling it up.

Kakashi could sense the chakra building up in his young charge. He just needed a little more time-

"I think I've had enough of you two. Time for my ultimate technique!"

With a large clap of his hands, Jirōbō began collecting huge amounts of chakra. Kakashi grimaced, he would have to act fast. "Neji!" he bit out in alarm.

"Give me a few more moments Kakashi-sensei-"

It turned out they didn't have a few more moments. Jirōbō had finished gathering chakra, and quickly formed some handsigns. "This is the end! Earth Style: Titan's Fist!"

Jirōbō dug his hands into the earth, and with the largest of heaves pulled out a huge chunk of solid rock. It was bigger than a house, and Kakashi's eyes widened. The amount of strength and chakra needed to perform such a technique… it was insane. These guys were far more powerful than originally believed. Even as Orochimaru's personal bodyguards, this was too much.

"I'm done Kakashi-sensei!" Neji's voice cut through his worry. Good, his technique was ready.

"Good. I'm going to try something Hyŭga. On my signal, you follow through and deal use that Jutsu."

Neji nodded, bracing himself. "Okay, we'll dodge-"

"We're not dodging."

The statement brought the branch member to a halt. They weren't going to dodge? They would be crushed! Not even his strongest technique could break through that, how could he-

The familiar chirping of birds filled the air as Kakashi's arm was enveloped in a sparkling blue stream of energy.

This would, on the outside, look like an extremely stupid move. Meeting such a strong earth Jutsu head on would be suicide in most cases. But, there were no other options. They needed to end this battle now. Shikamaru couldn't handle the other sound nin by himself. They also had to make sure Itachi was alive as well, or this whole mission would have been a waste of time.

While he supposed he could just dodge out the way, it would waste more time. With Kakashi charging the rock, it would either result in its destruction, or at least distract Jirōbō long enough for Neji to get in an eliminate him. Dodging it would only prolong the fight. This had to end now.

With a cry of predetermined victory, Jirōbō threw his giant stone boulder forward. The speed and velocity it rolled at was crazy, tearing up the ground as though it were a sheet of wet paper…

Kakashi grimaced. Whichever way this turned out, it was going to hurt. Badly. Without wasting any more time, and with the sound of chirping birds spurring him onwards, he gave the signal to Neji and charged.

With his Sharingan, he pinpointed where the weakest place to strike the boulder would be. And, if he timed it right…

"Raikiri!"

With that word, Kakashi thrust his hand forward, meeting the boulder. There was a sickening crunch as Kakashi's wrist broke on impact, but the strength and sharpness of the lightning blade managed to break through the gargantuan boulder, causing it to explode and shatter its remains over the battlefield. Kakashi was thrown backwards, landing with a thud. He groaned softly, moving his wrist around experimentally, and letting out a sharp hiss of pain when he moved it. Definitely broken. He leapt up, his eye scanning the area for any sign that Neji didn't reach Jirōbō, that he was getting beaten.

And, to his relief, everything was going to plan.

Neji was a certified genius. A prodigy. A measuring stick to compare everyone else too. He was the dark secret, and yet the greatest treasure of the Hyŭga clan. And yet, he was nothing.

His Byakugan blazed in anger. He couldn't beat this guy by himself. This guy was about as strong as that Sand nin that Lee had fought, and he had almost won, almost beaten him. But Neji couldn't have. And Neji couldn't have beaten this guy without Kakashi's help.

Why was he so weak? Was this true power? Had the Leaf Village been babying its genin? Never before had Neji faced something he didn't think he could handle. This wasn't Naruto. He could handle Naruto; he had almost beaten the orange dunce after all. But, he couldn't beat this guy. Not alone.

It's always in the weirdest moments when something dawns on you. Whether you're sitting and thinking, practicing, sparring, or eating dinner. Whether you're on the toilet, kissing someone you love, or exacting revenge, things come up in the weirdest places. It was here Neji realised something. He needed his teammates. The shock of this stunned him momentarily. He had always respected his teammates, especially after the Chunnin Exams. And yet he had shunned them for more power, more training with Hiashi-sama. He had abandoned them. He had squashed his friendship with Tenten and physically hurt Lee. His teammates…and friends. It was always in the strangest places that people realise things. He had felt empty when he was training a few days ago, and he couldn't figure out why. He had gone to protect Hinata. His cousin, to protect her. And only her. Nobody else.

The girl they were going to save, Naruto's teammate, Kakashi-sensei's student. And he had neglected her. He didn't come because he wanted to save her. He came because he was ordered. And, for the first time in his life, Neji realised that this was the hardest thing he had ever felt in his life. Only the pain that he felt when his father had died was ahead of it. No amount of physical pain, like the deep cuts on his chest, or the tiredness in his bones could amount to this. The feeling of loneliness. No, that wasn't it. The feeling of abandonment. Of guilt.

All of this rushed through Neji's mind in the space of half a second, and as he struck the panting Jirōbō in the side, he came to a conclusion. He would make things better. He had a job to do, however, and he intended to do it.

After striking the tired Jirōbō on the side, he proceeded to make a number of quick, and yet precise handsigns. The ground under Jirōbō crumbled, and he fell backwards into a deep crater.

He managed to right himself just in time to see Neji's Byakugan take on a darker grey hue. The veins around his eyes bulged far more significantly than before, and his fingers began to have a green hue about them.

"You should be honoured Sound Ninja," Neji's voice had adopted a darker tone, far more sinister than usual. "This is a secret technique passed down from generation to generation of the Hyŭga clan. You will be one of the first to witness it in a long time. And it will be the last thing you will see."

Neji could feel his chakra moulding with the earth, he could feel it pulsing within. This would be the first time he had attempted this technique on a human being. And he was excited.

Neji knew that, with the extra three years that occurred during peace time at the academy, he would need to do something. The lessons were mundane, boring and tedious. And home life wasn't exactly peachy. So, he learned this technique. A technique passed down from his father to himself. A technique so powerful, that the original founders of the Hyŭga clan adapted it. Elemental Jyuuken. The strongest technique of the Hyŭga clan. And the hardest to learn. It took him six months to perfect the Rotation technique. It took him four years to come even close to being able to use the Elemental Jyuuken technique. He could use it, and it was effective, yes. He had made sure to test out it's abilities on the willing Gai. That… didn't go well. However, he didn't know if it was enough to take this guy out. No, it was. This was the prized technique, a sacred blessing that only a few in all of the Hyŭga clan's numbers had ever produced. And he was in control of it.

"Secret Technique: 64 Earth Jyuuken Palms!"

Using his chakra, he formed hands out of the fertile earth, hardening them. Jirōbō, at this point, was trying to leap out of the crater. He was cut off as one of the hands crashed into his side, sending him tumbling back down. What was this? As he tried to channel chakra to his side, he realised he couldn't. These hands… they were blocking his tenkutsu points! Another hand shot out, striking him in the leg and causing him to buckle down to one knee. Another came, this one striking him in the jaw. More came, faster and quicker than the others, striking at the large form of the sound nin. With each blow, more blood trickled from his mouth, his eyes became more glazed over, and his tense form loosened. Eventually, the earthen hands were a blur of speed, almost invisible to the naked eye. But, as with everything, it came to an end. All the hands were now gripping Jirōbō, pinning him in place. Neji panted heavily, his eyes becoming blurry. This technique… it was so draining. But, he had done it. He had brought down this beast of a man. Almost…

"That was sixty-three strikes," Neji panted, before standing up straighter. He leapt into the air, his hand withdrawn. "And with the sixty-fourth, your life shall end!"

Jirōbō could only look on in horror as Neji descended. He struggled for half a second against his binds, but that was all the time he had. Neji's palm connected with his skull, shutting off the tenkutsu point that allowed chakra to flow to the brain. Jirōbō's eyes rolled into the back of his head, and his breathing stopped. It was over.

Neji slipped backwards, his breathing ragged. He could feel the weight on his shoulders and neck, the pain. He was tired.

"Yo, Neji, you okay?"

Kakashi's calm voice cut through the haze, if only slightly, and the Hyŭga looked up. "Yeah…" he made his way to his feet. "I'm fine. Target neutralized."

Kakashi gave a small nod. "An impressive technique. But incredibly draining. You sure you can continue?"

"Yes. I have to help my comrades. Let's go."

Neji leapt out to the opposite side of the crater, and raced forward. Kakashi clicked his tongue, his arm hanging loosely at his side. It did take one moment for a person to change. He followed after him.

Gurei was at the slightest of disadvantages. He could admit that. He was an honest man, and an honest doctor. And this girl was good. Very good. Her doki were fast and yet powerful. He couldn't touch her without them getting in the way, and he could never do enough damage to properly disperse them. Add that to the fact that it was just himself, considering Raion was out for the count and Itachi had disappeared to who knows where. So it was just him, versus three large summons and a capable sound kunoichi. Coupled with the myriad of Genjutsu that this girl knew, it was getting tiring.

He dodged another swipe of the doki's claws, back-flipping and pulling out another scroll. Unravelling it and channelling some chakra, he yelled,

"Release!"

With a loud pop, a large water-coloured snake came to life. It charged forward, racing up the leg of the doki and sinking it's fangs into its flesh. The giant let out a roar, and Gurei momentarily revelled in victory, when another doki charged forward with the intent to kill.

It, however, didn't seem to get the chance. At first, Gurei swore a black shadow had begun to swim around the feet of the doki, but that soon changed when he heard the loud autonomous buzzing.

A cloud of black insects swarmed around the doki for a moment, before they landed. The doki let out a cry of pain, as more and more of the bugs stuck to its skin. Gurei remembered them: Kikaichȗ. The insects commonly used by the Aburame clan of the Hidden Leaf Village.

And, with a loud pop, the doki disappeared.

The water-coloured snake let out a hiss at the swarm of insects. Gurei went to tell it to stop, but the insects merely floated away, over his head. As he turned around, he saw a figure standing there. He had a dark green trench coat that covered most of his body, and a pair of thick glasses on his face. He stood there with his hands in his pockets, surveying the remaining two doki.

"Hello," he greeted.

"Hey," Gurei gave a short direct smile. "Who're you?"

"I am Shino Aburame. Of the Hidden Leaf. Why am I here, you ask? My team leader is to be an emissary to the missing ninja Itachi Uchiha. I was ordered to come around and help you with your battle."

"Thanks, I guess. I'm Gurei."

"Indeed. What're we up against…?"

Shino went to ask, but Tayuya's cuttingly loud voice slashed through the air. "Hey asshole! Who the f*** do you think you are!?"

"Your new opponent, and your end," Shino's voice made its way much slower than Tayuya's across the clearing, slow, deliberate and cold.

"Bah! Fat chance asswipe. Come at me!"

"Her impatience will be her undoing. How have you not been able to take her down thus far?"

Gurei titled his head to the side. This boy was very intelligent. And very noble. He liked noble boys…

He knocked that thought out of his head and spoke, "Her doki. They block every attempt to try and get to her. If I could get to her, she would be dead by now."

"Let me handle the doki. You deal with her yourself."

Shino's gaze turned towards Gurei, and they both nodded. A plan was set.

Shino rushed forward, his Kikaichȗ racing after him, their buzzing filling the air. Tayuya scoffed. "Go, after him!"

The two remaining doki reared their heads upwards and charged.

"Hn," Shino muttered, "This girl is far too impatient." The bug nin sent his bugs a bit farther forward than him, to act as a distraction. A distraction within a distraction, as it were.

He veered off to the right while his insects veered left, splitting the doki in two. Commanding his insects to lead one doki on a wild goose chase, he rolled and dodged the claws of the doki after him. Withdrawing a kunai from his pouch, he threw it at the giant. It simply bounced off. "So, normal weapons aren't effective. Okay, I can handle that."

Shino stopped dead in his tracks as the doki came tumbling towards him. Quick as a flash, he pulled out two kunai tied together with a long thin bit of ninja wire. He waited until the very last moment, and flung it away from himself towards the doki. The two kunai embedded themselves in the ground, and the wire was stretched long and thin. The doki rushed forward, and noticed the wire all too late. He then proceeded to stumble over the wire, and began to fall forward.

Shino let out a 'Hn', before he ran through a few handsigns. "Earth Style: Ground Spike!"

A singular spike grew out of the ground, sharp and pointy. The doki fell hard onto it, and, with a puff of smoke and a pop, it was gone.

Shino paused for a moment to consider his next move, and his eyes fell on the lumbering brute chasing after his prized insects. While the move that Kakashi taught him had certainly been effective, it was time to employ one of his clan's Jutsu's.

Placing his hands together in a seal, he began concentrating. His eyes momentarily glanced to Tayuya, who was locked in a battle with Gurei. However, she had yet to be incapacitated. It seemed as though she was far more proficient in Taijutsu than first thought. No matter. His gaze flickered over to his Kikaichȗ, who while dodging the wild ferocious swings of the doki, were slowly forming into something. Soon they took the form of a black pyramid, buzzing and vibrating with life. With Tayuya distracted, she couldn't move the doki out of the way. With a small smile, Shino uttered, "Aburame Secret Technique: Pyramid of Insects!"

The Pyramid of Insects rushed forward, slamming into the doki and piercing it's stomach. There was a loud pop, and it was gone. They were all eliminated.

Shino didn't have time to rest, and immediately sent his bugs to help Gurei. He went to go too, but was stopped as a voice called out weakly, "H-hey, where do you think your going?"

Shino turned his head, and saw a tanned boy, clutching his stomach, walking forward. His eyes looked glazed, and his lip was bleeding as he bit down on it. "I-I'm coming to fight too."

"No, I do not believe that would be wise. Why, you ask? Because you seemed to have gathered some serious damage to your ribs. Any further intense movements or exercise could result in major damage, or even death."

Raion sneered, "Who asked you!?"

"No one. I suggest you stay-"

Shino froze. His body, it refused to move. All his senses were screwed up. His body was paralysed by something. He noticed that the boy was also frozen, his face contorted in pain.

While he couldn't turn his head, he could hear the sounds of fighting subside from behind him. His Kikaichȗ had moved back over to him, lost without their hive mind to command them. Out of the corner of his eye, Shino saw Tayuya speed off. He grimaced. This was not good.

Shikamaru's family were said to be masters of shadows. It was the Nara clan's speciality. That, and medicine. But this girl… she did everything perfectly. And with so many techniques!

Kura dodged another wave of sticky gold kunai, returning with her shadows crashing into Kidōmaru's stomach. He was sent flying backwards. This was how the battle had taken place. Kidōmaru would attack, Kura would dodge of deflect, and then counterattack. It was maddening to think that someone was using his clans techniques. If they were his clan's techniques.

"You just going to let a woman do all the work?" Kura remarked drolly, snapping her gaze over to Kidōmaru as he rose. "Allow me to show you what shadows can really do."

Slapping her hands together in a seal, she uttered, "Shroud Style: Incisor!"

Three sets of sharp shadow spikes appeared over Kidōmaru's head, and flew downwards. Letting out a startled and strained gasp, Kidōmaru leapt backwards and dodged them.

"See," Kura said smartly, flipping her hair, "I am the chief shadow user around here, buddy. While your cute keeping them in place tricks are funny, they're nothing compared to what I'm capable of."

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes. "Where did you get those techniques?"

"Somewhere over the rainbow."

"Tch, troublesome woman…"

Kura chuckled, and turned her attention back to a fiery Kidōmaru. "Oh, right. We were playing ninja, weren't we."

The spider nin looked as if he could froth at the mouth, he was so angry. "You…" he trailed off, his eyes burning with rage. "That's it!"

Leaping into the air, a third eye appeared on his forehead. Using the pores on his skin, he created a sturdy longbow, and one arrow. He quickly took aim, and with a furious roar, let the arrow fly.

Kura had turned her back to Kidōmaru, instead examining her nails. As she heard the whoosh in the air, she turned around again. The arrow stuck her straight in the heart, burying itself deep. Blood exploded out of the wound, and she quickly ripped out the arrow. Kidōmaru was laughing maniacally at this point, landing on his feet. "I killed her!" he chanted, "I killed that bitch! Game over!"

Shikamaru stifled a gasp. That went straight into her heart. Oh shit-

However, soon Kura's whole body exploded into a thick misty black. Tendrils flew out of it, speeding towards Kidōmaru and smashing into his body. A deep and loud crack was heard as the tendrils grasped at his arms and legs, crushing them easily. He was sent flying, all the while pressure being placed on his arms, legs and chest. He landed with a large explosion of earth.

Kura teleported over to him, her face a mix of smugness and hilarity. "Cute," she muttered, drilling the bottom of her shoe into his nose, breaking it with a thick crunch. The shadowy mist rose from his body and began to drift up to his neck. Kura smiled evilly.

"Bye-"

Kura instinctively leapt backward as a dozen kunai narrowly missed her. Tayuya raced forward, scooping Kidōmaru up and throwing him over his shoulder. Shooting one last look back in the direction of Kimmimaro, she raced off into the night.

Kura watched them go, her face a mixture of curiosity, annoyance and pleasure. "Go after them!" Shikamaru yelled, having yet to move from the same spot he had stood in for ten minutes.

"Nah," Kura began, walking in the direction that Kimmimaro was in. "Come on then, shadow-baby. Let's go watch the fight."

Shikamaru disliked being ordered around, especially by troublesome women. But, she had just crushed an elite sound ninja, so it was probably best to agree with her. At least for now.

Fenris and Kataki stood side by side, bloody, battered and bruised. All manner of deep gashes littered Fenris' body, common enough that for every inch of skin, there was a cut. Kataki looked better for wear, but only slightly. A rib poked out of his stomach, and his skin was covered in bruises and cuts.

And Kimmimaro stood, his body still in the same form it had been in ten minutes ago. Completely, and utterly untouched.

Even with their combined strength, Kataki and Fenris had not dealt a single blow to the Sound ninja. While he had utterly destroyed them.

"I… see," Fenris panted, grimacing. "He is far too powerful for us in our weakened state."

Although Kataki didn't voice it, he certainly felt the same. In fact, it was most likely that this Kimmimaro would be able to defeat them even if they were at full strength at the beginning of the fight. They had lost.

"You fought valiantly, but it was wasted. You were no match for me. Come along now."

"No…" Fenris muttered, stumbling in front of his master. "I won't let you take him. You'll have to cut me into tiny pieces before you can even think of getting a chance!"

While Fenris' declaration was bold, Kataki knew that he couldn't back it up. One more attack and he would be down. They would be both down.

"I see," was Kimmimaro's reply. Without waiting, he charged forward. Fenris waited for the impact. It never came. Itachi stood to the side of Fenris, using his kunai to block the bone that would have ended Fenris' life.

Kimmimaro turned his gaze onto the man who had obstructed his actions curiously. The recognition soon came in. "Ah. Itachi Uchiha, I was waiting for you to show up."

Two Sharingan eyes glared back at him, and before he knew it he was sent flying backwards. "Such speed!" he thought to himself, using his hands and flipping back to his feet.

Itachi watched him, took him in. "A strong opponent. You both did well-"

He paused his praise, his body stiffening slightly, but then relaxing. "Kakashi Hatake," he greeted.

Kakashi and Neji came into view, both looking injured. Itachi moved his eyes to gaze over the haggard form of Kakashi. And he was met with a Sharingan eye. The two Sharingan locked, studying each other like animals. Finally, they both relaxed.

"Itachi Uchiha," Kakashi greeted.

"Who're you?" Kataki asked bitterly, trying with all his might to stand up straighter, but failing. Neji's gaze was cool as he examined Kataki, and he didn't look impressed with what he saw, his eyebrows furrowing. Kataki glared at him.

"Do not be rude, Kataki," Itachi chided, "And I already said. This is Kakashi Hatake. A former comrade from Konoha."

Kataki's eyes darted from Kakashi to Itachi. Finally, they rested on the Konoha headband on Kakashi's head. "I see… what do you want?"

"We're here to collect the Uchiha," Neji replied coolly, his Byakugan pulsing slightly. Kataki did manage to stand up straighter.

"No you're not!" Fenris let out a snarl, and went to back Kataki up. However, Itachi held out his hand to silence them.

"Stop fighting. Kakashi. Send your charge to go and free my medic from a Genjutsu. Then bring him here and instruct him to heal the very injured if he has any chakra.

"What about him?" Kakashi gestured to Kimmimaro, who stood patiently, waiting for Itachi to engage.

"Leave him to me. He attacked my students. I do not want anyone else getting involve, Hatake. Kataki, Fenris, be polite to our guests."

And so, with that statement, Itachi stepped forward, ready to do battle.

Kakashi watched him go. "Same old stick-up-his-ass Uchiha. Nothing like Obito."

Kakashi decided not to interfere in the battle. This man slaughtered his entire clan, so one sound ninja would be simply pickings for him.

His eyes flickered over to Kataki and Fenris, who watched him very warily. However, these students of his could come out as a problem. He was meant to bring back Itachi Uchiha, and that would cause just about enough chaos. But, bringing his 'students' back too? That was suicide. But, Kakashi liked those odds.

And there we go! Next chapter, Itachi vs Kimmimaro, the final part of the Sound Five battle. It promises to be epic!

Anyway, I wanted to ask you guys to do something for me. Since I'm positive I will reach 100 reviews for next chapter, I thought I would do something I have not seen done before. We're going to do a Q&A. How is this going to work? Simple.

You, the reviewers, will either ask questions about myself, or ask the characters. That sounds strange, but bear with me.

If you have any questions about myself, my favourite Naruto pairings, how I got into Naruto, Favourite/Hated character ect. Then I will answer them. However, if you wish to ask any of the characters about their backstories, abilities, opinions on certain events, historical, or just general questions, then I will have them answer you in a talk show like format in a mini one-shot. So, I want you guys to ask loads of questions for me. Could you do that? Great!

Either leave them in your review, or PM with the details of your questions. Make sure to specify if you want myself, or one of my OC's to answer! All of this will take place next chapter, along with my celebration, my thank you's to you guys, and more amazing challenges for myself and you!

Have an awesome morning/afternoon/evening/night, and see you for chapter 20!