I do not own Naruto or Venom/Carnage
Chapter 10. The village hidden in the falls
"Ah were here" Shibuki called as he stepped out of the forest. Following close behind team 8 followed Shibuki to the edge of a wide river.
"Wow." Hinata whispered as she took in the enormous waterfall that dominated the area. Huge sheets of water cascaded down from cliffs soaring hundreds of feet into the sky. Rainbows sparkled as the water splashed into the air. The air had a clean sweet smell, the scent of water mixing with the earthier tones of rock and earth. The roar of sound from the falls was so deep it could actually be felt vibrating in their bones.
Spreading out in front of the falls was a vast blue lake, the water sparkling in the morning sun. The group walked along the lake's edge. Catching a scent Kiba glanced back at Kurenai. Nodding at him Kurenai made a small gesture and signaled the rest of the team. Spreading out slightly behind Shibuki team 8 assumed a ready stance.
"Shibuki-Sama! Shibuki-Sama!" Two young and high pitched voices called.
Bursting out of the woods two small figures came rushing towards Shibuki, a young boy and girl.
"Hey guys." Shibuki dropped to one knee and greeted the two small children. "What are you two doing?"
"Were on a mission!" The brown haired boy on the left cried out. Before he could continue the girl next to him cut him off. The two shared a distinct family resemblance.
"Were cleaning the lake Shibuki-Sama. Mom said to."
"Oh that's great you two."
"Oh Shibuki-Sama. Welcome home. How did the trade agreements go." An older woman with a round face approached the group from where the two kids had appeared.
"Ah Maya-san thank you. Yes they went well." Taking a step back he indicated the 4 people behind him. "This is team 8 they escorted me home."
"Thank you." Maya replied nodding to Kurenai. "I hope your journey wasn't too hard. May we offer you some refreshments."
"Maya!" Shibuki's voice was a bit stern but he covered it quickly. "So what are you three doing out here?" He asked quickly.
"Were cleaning the lake Shibuki-Sama." The boy cried out excitedly.
"Oh really, do you guys want some help." He asked shrewdly. "From some real leaf ninja."
"Yes!" the two children cried out excitedly.
"So how about it. Ill pay for a mission." Shibuki turned towards Kurenai and her team.
"Huh." Kiba turned an incredulous gaze towards Shibuki. "You want us to pick up trash?"
Turning her ruby gaze towards Shibuki Kurenai held his gaze for a long moment until he began to fidget. "Very well we accept. We'll expect a separate payment when were done. Is that acceptable." She finished with a brilliant smile that took the young man off guard.
"Yes." He replied a bit flusteredly, a small blush appearing on his cheeks.
"Thank you!" The two children shouted eagerly. "The lake has some strong currents so its kind of a scary." The girl exclaimed as she grabbed hold of Hinata's hand and began to drag her towards the lake.
"Hinata wait." Kurenai called. The pale eyed girl gently extricated herself and rejoined her team.
"As long as were here were going to be doing a bit of training. Hinata activate your Byakugan I want you to get some practice focusing on several things at once. I want you to keep track of everyone here and let us know if anything or anyone approaches us."
"Right." Putting her hands together Hinata activated her Byakugan. Veins bulged on either side of her eyes as her bloodline activated.
"Shino set up a perimeter. And get your Kikaichu to help find the trash. It will help you learn to sort through different materials."
"Yes Sensei." Shino replied neutrally. A slight buzzing was the only indication that his Kikaichu were moving.
"Kiba." she turned a rueful smile towards Kiba. "I'm sorry but I want you and Akamaru to keep an eye on the children. I'll make sure we get some training when we get home."
"No problem Sensei." Kiba said grinning. "Hey squirts big brother Kiba is going to keep an eye on you. Come here." with a mock growl he chased the children to the water's edge.
Bowing once Hinata and Shino followed Kiba out towards the lake.
Kurenai joined Shibuki in the shade of a large tree. Sitting down next to him she observed her team quietly for a few moments.
"Shibuki-San. There have been some rumors." She began.
"Rumors?"
"Yes, that shinobi from outside of the land of fire are interested in your village."
Laughing Shibuki waved her comment away. "There's always been rumors like that around our village. People think were hiding something because we're very private."
"I see."
An excited squeal broke into the conversation. Looking over at the lake the two spotted Hinata and the two kids splashing water at each other. Laughing gleefully as they did so. Mission momentarily forgotten the rest of the team watched indulgently.
oOo
"Suien-Sama the rest of our forces will be here in a few hours." A tall shinobi with spiky light blue hair addressed his leader.
"Thank you Murasame" Replied the man leaning nonchalantly against a tree, his brown hair wrapped in a bandana. The two shinobi were standing together in the depths of the forests above the falls. "And the other two?"
"They're off scouting the area. They'll be back soon. Can we really get in through here?" With a broad gesture Murasame indicated the area they were in.
"I was a hidden falls jounin before this. Trust me we can get in this way."
"And their leader? Is he any good? Will he pose a threat?"
"Ha! Shibuki? I taught the boy everything he knows. I'll admit he's fairly skilled, but..."
"But?"
"He's soft. That's why we're taking hostages. Once he sees them he will cave. He'll hand over the Hero water."
"And then?"
"We kill everyone and bury the bodies."
"Bury them? Why not just torch the whole village." Murasame asked a quizzical expression on his face.
"Takigakure enjoys a fairly strong trade relationship with Konoha, but they won't enter the village without due cause. If we burn the village they'll notice and come to investigate. That is the last thing we want."
"Why? Even if they come they won't know who attacked this village or why."
"Actually before the previous village head died he let a few of the jounin's know that Konoha is aware of the Hero Water."
"What? I thought you said that this was your village's most closely guarded secret!" Murasame exclaimed angrily.
"It is, that's why our leaders saw fit to have a degree of insurance. Which is why were going to be careful and not tip our hand. You two can come out now." Suien motioned lazily with a hand towards the trees to his left.
"Heh So we can kill everybody." A masked and bandanna wearing ninja cackled gleefully as he stepped out from behind a tree followed by a pretty brown haired kunoichi dressed in a fairly revealing blue and pink outfit which contrasted heavily with the darker clothes of her team mates.
"Kirisame Enough! You are not to kill until I say so." At his disappointed look Suien continued. "There will be enough blood to slake your thirst soon enough. Did you two find anything?"
"Yeah. When we were coming back we spotted some kids near the bottom of the falls. At the lake's edge." The kunoichi Hisame answered.
"Kids?" Suien's brow furrowed as he took in the information. "What were they doing?"
"Looks like their picking up stuff, probably trash or something."
"Hmm. How many kids and were there any adults there."
"There were two women with them, and five kids."
"Can we kill them?" Kirisame asked eagerly. The other Ninja waited impassively while Suien made up his mind.
"No. Murasame go down there and capture those kids, Kill the women. Once they're secured head into the village. Well proceed with our plan early. We've stumbled onto an opportunity we won't waste it."
"Hai" with a curt nod Murasame left in a flutter of leaves.
Standing up Suien glanced at Kirisame. "It looks like we won't need those extra men Kirisame. Leave them an appropriate message."
oOo
"I'm back." Shibuki called as he came around a tree and stepped into view. "Oh." He was a bit surprised to see everyone already looking in his direction. "Ahem. I have your payment." He held up a plain white envelope.
"Thank you." Kurenai walked forward and held out her hand. "I trust our service was adequate." She asked quietly.
"Ah yes I can get home from here." Shibuki added. "Now please leave." He indicated team 8.
"Ah you can't stay." The young girl pouted. "Hinata-chan come visit us please."
"Umm I can't. Shibuki. I mean we have to go home." Hinata stammered.
"Shibuki-Sama!" Both children yelled out indignantly.
"They have to go home." Shibuki tried to speak but was interrupted by the two children dog piling him.
Stepping forward Kurenai pulled the two squirming children off Shibuki. "Now now kids" She began as she gently brushed some dirt off the girls face. "We have important work to do. We can't stay. But if you'd like, the next time Shibuki comes and visits, you two should come with him. I'll let you stay at my house. Would you like that?"
"Can we Mom! Can we Mom!" The two kids cried out excitedly.
Shibuki mouthed a silent thank you.
Their mother pretend to think about it before nodding once.
"Yay!"
"Sensei!" Hinata broke into the conversation, Her voice was a higher pitched than normal and her eyes were wide. "Someones coming. He's got a lot of weapons. I think he's a ninja."
"Shibuki are any of your people out there?" Kurenai asked sharply.
"Ah Maybe. I'm not too sure." Shibuki began nervously.
"Hinata where is he coming from."
"umm from" Hinata began.
"Hinata!"
"West 400 Meters. Hes in the treetops." Hinata pointed with a now steady hand.
"He may be friendly but were not going to take any chances. Shino, Kiba get in the trees. Hinata get the kids and Maya behind you."
"Roger" all three genin chorused. Moving quickly Hinata grabbed both children and and placed them next to their mother. Kiba and Shino jumped into the adjacent trees and waited for their Sensei's signal.
Taking a position slightly forward and to the left of Shibuki Kurenai waited for their guest to arrive.
Stopping at the edge of the treeline Murasame appraised his target. It almost looks like they spotted me. Wait that woman has a hiate. Leaf Ninja!. A slow grin appeared on his face. Looks like this is going to be a lot more fun than I thought. With a grin he began to move.
"Sensei he's circling around." Hinata dutifully reported.
Without turning her head Kurenai spoke. "That settles it hes not an ally. Shino he's circling around. Set the ambush. Kiba hammer him the second he's distracted. Hinata be ready to step in, let us know the instant he stops circling and begins to move inward."
"Yes sensei."
"Everyone be on guard."
"Hai!"
The next few moments were tense as everyone waited for Hinata's signal. Though it should be noted that the children seemed to be holding up better than Shibuki who was visibly trembling.
"Sensei He's coming up right behind us." Hinata said. "Hell be here in less than a minute."
"Shino, Kiba." Kurenai stated quietly. An insect chirped twice in acknowledgment.
With a low whistle a hail of kunai shot out from the treetops. Shrieking as they cut through the air they arced in towards the group.
"Hinata" Kurenai's voice was calm.
"Hai." Stepping forward a kunai in each hand Hinata's eyes pulsed with chakra. As each projectile came slashing in she deflected each away, slashing the wires attached to each one as she did.
With an angry snarl a blue haired man jumped out of the trees. Cut wires dangling from each of his fingers.
As he flew through the air Kurenai cast the simplest of her genjutsu's. A simple hand sign gathered some of the ambient moisture into a simple lens that amplified and reflected light.
An instant later a spot of light hit the enemy ninja in the eye blinding him breaking his concentration for an instant. A moment later he flew through a cloud of insects that tore away skin and cloth before streaming away. Bleeding and blinded the enemy ninja traced a now unsteady arc through the air.
Kiba met him in mid air.
Reaching up with both hands he laced his fingers together behind the shinobi's head. Pulling with his arms as he rammed his knee into the blue haired ninja's face. A wet crunch accompanied the blow as the ninja's head snapped backwards and the two fell to the ground in a heap. Shibuki screamed as the pair fell a few feet from his location. Scrambling out of the pile Kiba kneeled a few long steps away.
Sparing a glance at the trembling Shibuki Kurenai approached the fallen ninja cautiously, as she got closer she began a series of hand signs, running through seals quickly. Groaning Murasame managed to turn himself over. Placing a hand on the ground he tried to lever himself up only to find his hand sinking into the ground.
"What is this" he screamed as his body began to sink into a sticky mud puddle that had appeared underneath him. His eyes locked onto Kurenai. "Leaf bitch! When I get out of here-"
"Mud Burial" Slamming her hands into the ground Kurenai finished her jutsu. A wet slurping sound accompanied the jutsu as the rest of the ninjas body was sucked into the ground, leaving him buried up to his nose in mud. Behind her she sensed Hinata shooing the kids and their mother into the cover of a nearby pile of rocks. She could just make out Hinata's whispered."Stay down."
"Is everyone OK?" She asked. Receiving an assent from everybody she turned to the trapped shinobi. After one last look to make sure the civilians were in cover she turned back to the trapped ninja.
"Amegakure. The village hidden in the rain." She murmured. "Shibuki do you know why a foreign shinobi might come here?" She asked not really expecting an answer. She didn't get one. Reaching into a pocket she pulled out her copy of the bingo book. Skipping to the appropriate section she began to page through the Amegakure missing nin section. "He's not here." She said to herself. This means that either this is a deliberate act by Amegakure or he's a very recent missing nin. But why here? This is a very private village. Is that privacy simply their way of life? Or are they hiding something?
Crouching next to the Ninja she reached down and pulled his head part way out of the mud exposing his mouth.
"Talk why are you here." She asked in a cold voice.
Grinning shallowy the ninja remained silent.
"Very well." With a smile she pushed him down into the mud again until only his eyes could be seen above the mud.
"Umm I." Shibuki began.
"Talk or die. Those are your choices." Kurenai hissed at the enemy shinobi the smile still on her face. She waited a few moments before she yanked his head out of the mud again.
"What?" He spat out.
"Why are you here."
"You know how the game is played. Would you talk?"
Kurenai paused before answering. "I wouldn't. Any last words?"
"Heh. Just get it over with." Bracing himself the enemy Ninja closed his eyes.
"It will be quick." Standing up Kurenai pushed Murasame's head down in to the mud with her foot. A bubble popped once and then the mud began to still. It stilled further and dried out with a few wisps of steam, soon there was no trace that there had ever been a puddle or a ninja.
Her team stared horrified at where moments before a person had been, alive and breathing. Taking a deep breath Kiba noticed that even the scent of the ninja was fading fast. Ignoring their stares Kurenai turned back to Shibuki. "This confirms it. He was on a mission. Otherwise he would have said something anything to keep himself alive. Alive he had a chance of escaping. Shibuki I don't need to know what it is, but is there something in your village worth this level of secrecy."
Still staring at the spot where the enemy ninja had vanished Shibuki managed to nod.
"Shibuki It seems our mission may not be over just yet. Hinata Shino can you two sense anyone nearby?"
"No sensei." Hinata and Shino replied after a moment.
"Very well then. Shino stay here and protect the civilians. If you don't hear from us in one hour take them back to Konoha, and send one of your Kikaichu ahead of you calling for help. Kiba lead us down this mans back trail. Everyone radios on."
Team 8 sprang into motion.
Sort of.
There was much digging into packs for radios and some shoving and jostling as the kids tried to peek into Hinata's and Kiba's packs. As each member got their radio's clipped around their necks they keyed their receiver for a radio check. Shibuki stood in the middle watching dumbly.
"Kurenai-San what do you want me to do."
"I assumed that as village leader you would wish to accompany us to ensure the safety of your village." Kurenai spoke sweetly with a rather bemused smile on her face.
"I don't want to get in the way, but perhaps I should stay with the kids and their mother." Shibuki stammered.
"As you wish. Is everyone ready?"
"Yes sensei!" The three genin chorused.
At a nod from Kurenai Kiba leaped into the trees leading the other two back they the way the enemy shinobi had come.
"Please follow me." Shino stated into the silence.
"Come on kids." Maya said ushering the kids behind Shino.
"Shino-Kun. Are you strong ninja?" The boy asked Shino as the small group stepped into the trees.
"Yes." As he answered Shino took a look at the boys face. He was scared but hiding it well. Looking around he shifted his course slightly. Leading them to a hollow formed where two trees grew close together he invited the three to sit down. The boy seemed to perk up when Shibuki sat down next to him.
"Shibuki will protect us he's a great hero." the boy said confidently speaking to his sister who nodded enthusiastically. "Right Shibuki-Sama?"
"Yes, Yes I will." Shibuki Stated confidently.
Sitting quietly Shino felt a twinge of apprehension as he heard Shibuki's confident reply.
oOo
Arriving at the top of the falls. Kiba and Akamaru began tracking back and forth looking for a scent. With a series of short barks Akamaru pointed with his nose. "Sensei Akamaru says that the trail picks up that way." Kiba translated.
"Good Hinata take a moment and look around make sure were clear."
Pausing Hinata channeled more chakra into her Byakugan. Pushing aside the tingles of pain as she forced her Byakugan to look faster and farther than she was used to, she scanned the area. "Its clear sensei."
"Good. Lead the way Kiba."
"Hai." Rushing off into the trees Kiba led them deeper into the forest. He and Akamaru finally came skidding to a stop just outside a clearing formed where several trees grew close together. "Stop Stop." he screamed.
Hinata crashed into Kiba in a way that would have been comical if not for the deadly seriousness of the situation.
"Kiba-Kun what is it?" Hinata peeked over Kiba's shoulder curiously.
"Something's off…" Kiba said as both he and Akamaru both began taking deep breaths.
Keeping silent Kurenai scanned the area as well but couldn't spot anything amiss. She trusted Kiba so she kept silent so as not to disturb him.
"Paper there's paper in the clearing." Kiba finally spoke his voice confused.
"Paper." Hinata echoed. Focusing her Byakugan inward she looked over the clearing minutely. "I see it. Its under a small covering of leaves. There's some writing on it."
"Can you make out what it says Hinata?" Kurenai asked.
"Umm I think it says Orders. The writings kind of sloppy. Wait there's a wire attached to it." Hinata leaned over Kiba pushing him down into a crouch as she examined the clearing. Tracing the wire's path she followed it to some squares of more paper? "Sensei there's some sheets of paper attached to the end of the wire."
"Explosive tags." Kurenai stated. " I don't think its an ambush it looks more like a double cross. Whatever is leading this attack is willing to kill his own team mates. Hinata how many tags? And where are they in the clearing."
"Four. And their all together."
"That's enough to completely kill a dozen ninja so it's probably a small force." She paused as she digested the information. That means they're not going to be leaving any witnesses either. "Kiba circle around find out where they went. Hinata go with him. I'm getting above the tree line to warn Shino."
Nodding once the two genin moved around the clearing looking for clues. Hopping up into the highest branches Kurenai keyed her mike. "Shino come in."
A short crackle came over the radio before Shino's voice came through. "Yes."
"Get the civilians to Konoha. Send word for aid. It looks like someone's planning to invade Takigakure. I think it's a small force but it's not certain."
"Acknowledged..." There was a pause before the radio crackled again. "And Shibuki-San?"
"Ask if he will guide us into the village. The enemy may already be inside and I don't want to follow in their footsteps."
Removing his finger from the mike Shino turned. "Shibuki-San. We need you to guide us into the village."
Before Shibuki answered the two children interrupted. "Shibuki-Sama is going to save the village!"
"You're going to stop the bad people right!"
"Yes, Yes I am." answering the children with a smile he looked to Shino. "Tell Kurenai that I will meet her at the bottom of the falls."
Nodding Shino keyed his mike once more. "Sensei Shibuki-San will meet you at the bottom of the falls. I will proceed with my mission."
"Acknowledged. Thank you Shino."
With a final farewell the party split up.
oOo
"Suien-Sama That's all of them." Hisame called out as she tossed a gagged and bound villager onto the ground.
"Excellent." Striding forward Suien ran his gaze over the assembled villagers. "Where's is Shibuki?" He called out his voice ringing across the village.
"Suien why are you doing this." One of the village elders yelled out.
"That's not what I asked. Kirisame." Suien nodded at the masked ninja.
With a smirk the masked ninja picked up the nearest villager, an older man who squirmed ineffectively against the ninjas iron grip. Drawing a blade he slashed open the man's stomach spilling intestines across the ground like some kind of nightmarish pasta and filling the air with the coppery tang of blood.
Ignoring the screams and horrified gasps Suien walked into the midst of the prisoners. "Now let's try this again where is Shibuki?"
"He's at the lake." One of the villager's cried out hastily before quieting down again.
"Ah now were getting somewhere." smirking he waved a hand indicating the other two ninja to join him. When they had he spoke quietly. "I believe we know what happened to Murasame."
"Hes just late. You think Shibuki stopped him? I thought you said he was soft." Hisame stated.
"Yes he is, but Murasame could have been taken by surprise. There are a lot of things that could have happened. But I do know Murasame would have returned by now unless something or someone had stopped him."
"So what's our next step then?" Hisame asked as she took a look around the village.
"That's easy. We wait. Shibuki will come to us."
oOo
"Sensei what are we going to do?" Hinata asked nervously. Shibuki had led them into the village through an underground passage hidden behind the falls. The path had led into a river flowing behind the waterfall. Diving in after Shibuki they had emerged in the middle of a vast lake above the waterfall, presumably its source. The area was dominated by a huge tree whose trunk was hundreds of feet thick and whose branches spread high into the sky.
When they had surfaced they had spotted the villager's tied up in the center of their village guarded by three others. Putting a restraining hand on Kiba Kurenai turned to Shibuki as they floated in the water.
"Shibuki is there any way for us to get closer"
"Yes. Umm the tree."
"Show us."
Diving once again the three of them followed Shibuki deeper into the lake. As they swam they began to see the giant trees roots digging deep into the lake bed. Swimming quickly Shibuki led them to where the ground began to slope back up towards the shore, near the base of the giant tree. Motioning to one of the roots he swam into a nook between the tree and the lake bottom.
Swimming into the nook they found themselves surfacing in small tunnel. Following the tunnel they crawled up into the very heart of the tree itself. Eventually reaching a vantage point not too far from where the villager's and enemy ninja were gathered.
"Shibuki what is that man after." Kurenai asked seriously. By the time they had gotten to their current vantage point one of the villager's lay dead. Hinata and Kiba took in the sight with horrified eyes while Shibuki dry heaved in a corner.
"The hero water" He choked out. "Every 100 years this tree produces a small amount of water. When drank this water increases the chakra levels of the drinker to the level of a Kage. With this water we have managed to protect our village from any harm. But there are side effects. Horrible ones. Drinking the water takes your very life. It gives you chakra by taking years from your life. More hidden falls ninja have been killed by the hero water than our enemies. And now Suien has come to steal it."
"Suien? Shibuki do you know this man.?" Kurenai asked sharply.
"Yes he used to be a hidden falls jounin."
"Used to? Is he a missing nin?"
"No after my father died Suien left the village. He gave us no reason but he did leave peacefully."
"Very well then Shibuki. Do you wish to hire us to defend your village?" She asked calmly.
"Sensei!" Both Kiba and Hinata called out in surprise.
"Hinata! Kiba! This is a foreign village. An ally of the land of fire and of Konoha. Conducting an operation here without consent is tantamount to an act of war. Isn't that right Shibuki?"
Hanging his head Shibuki answered. "Yes. We value our privacy. As long as our people have existed it has been the pride of our people to be able to defend ourselves without the aid of the larger powers. It is who we are."
"So why did we come here!" Kiba shouted angrily. "Why did you send Shino to Konoha?"
"Our mission was to see him to his village safely, he is here safely. The protection of civilians is demanded by our treaty. The call for aid was prudent." She answered without lifting her gaze from Shibuki. So what is your answer then?" Kurenai pressed.
"Do it" he whispered missing the satisfied smile that drew across Kurenai's face.
"Let's begin." Smiling happily Kurenai addressed her team.
oOo
"SHIBUKI! I KNOW YOUR OUT THERE COME OUT!" Suien Screamed out into the air. After a few moments when no answer came he turned to Kirisame. "Well you know what to do. Start with the kids."
"Yes Suien-Sama" Grinning evilly under his mask Kirisame turned towards the nearest group of bound villager's drawing a pair of kunai as he did so.
"WAIT!" with a sound like a muffled thunderclap a figure landed at the edge of the lake a few dozen yards away from where the group sat, raising a small cloud of dust. Stepping out of the cloud of was Shibuki. His normally cheerful face set into a cold hard mask. Surrounding him was a visible wave of chakra that whipped wildly around him shaking his clothes and hair. His mind flashed back to the conversation he had just had with Kurenai a few moments ago.
"Let's begin." Smiling happily Kurenai addressed her team. "Hinata, Kiba, here's what were going to do. I'll create a distraction by attacking their leader. When I do throw every smoke bomb you have. Your first priority is neutralizing the two other enemy ninja. As long as they are alive they're a threat to the villager's do you two understand?" both teens nodded their faces tense. "We move in two minutes. Make your final preparations."
"Ah Kurenai-San what about me." Shibuki asked from off to one side.
Turning her ruby gaze onto Shibuki Kurenai stared at him a moment before speaking. "You can stay here if you wish. But I don't think that's who you are."
"And who is that?" He asked bitterly as he stared at his shaking hands.
"It's what you do."
"What I do?"
"When it counts." Kurenai finished.
~end flashback~
"Ah Shibuki! So good to see you, it's about time you showed up. And I see you have took the hero water." Suien smiled as he took in Shibuki's form, his eyes glittering with avarice. "Now hand it over before someone gets hurt." As he spoke he waved forward Kirisame and Hisame. "I won't ask again."
"Let them go Suien." Shibuki spat out.
The easy smile on Suien's face abruptly vanished. "Don't take that tone with me boy." He hissed emphasizing the last word. "I taught you everything. I can break you where you stand. Now hand it over before villager's start dying."
"That's not going to happen Suien." Shibuki said before his hands began to blur into a long sequence of seals. "White water style!: Water Dragon." Behind him the water in the lake began to foam as it began to grow agitated. Two tall pillars of water began to form in the water behind him.
Laughing Suien rushed forward the moment Shibuki began forming seals. "That jutsu takes too long" He cackled as his hand closed around Shibuki's throat. "You should know better than that."
"That's now what I-" Shibuki's voice was cut off as gout of blood erupted from his mouth.
Tossing Shibuki's body aside Suien turned in time to see a cloud of black smoke envelop the villager's and his two remaining allies. In one hand Suien held a bloody kunai, in the other he held the Bottle of Hero water that Shibuki had hidden in his robes. He watched impassively as the smoke swallowed up the area.
As the thick black smoke boiled over the area Kirisame tried to jump out of the miasma. As his muscled flexed readying to launch his body out of the area he felt a small sting in his ankles. He toppled to the ground because his legs refused to hold his weight any longer. He glanced around desperately trying to find his attacker or attackers. Rolling onto his back he saw a shape moving in the smoke. Palming a kunai he aimed and threw in a single motion. With a sharp clang something interrupted its flight in a shower of sparks. As he tried to sit up a sharp pain followed by numbness spread across his chest. As the numbness spread he found it difficult to breathe and his sight began to gray out.
The last thing he saw was a pair of silver eyes. "Beautiful." He managed to whisper before the light faded from his eyes and he died.
Coughing as the smoke filled her lungs Hisame managed to roll out of the smoke. Once she was clear she took off across the beach running as fast as her legs could carry her. "Fuck this!" She snarled under her breath. Hopping over a log she entered the welcome shade of the surrounding forest. Taking a moment to catch her breath she took the same moment to look around. A crunch alerted her to someone else in the forest. A moments concentration and suddenly there was a long whip made of water hanging from each of her wrists.
"Why don't you come out and play. I know your there." She sang out.
With an angry snarl Kiba came charging from his hiding spot. Charging ahead on all fours he ran straight at the blue clad kunoichi. Smirking Hisame flicked her whips and waited.
oOo
As the cloud of smoke boiled over his team Suien Jumped back as far as he could out onto the lake. As he did so the water underneath his feet exploded as a black haired woman in a red and white dress came flying out, very nearly gutting him.
"An ambush…Not too bad, but I have the hero water." He cackled as he tossed the bottle casually up and down in one hand.
Stepping back from where she had just finished delivering her final blow to the masked ninja Hinata used her Byakugan to scan the area. Kiba had left the range of her sight but she spotted Shibuki lying on the ground. Pushing chakra into her legs she left the smoke screen in a chakra fueled rush.
oOo
As she watched the dark haired boy charge at her Hisame suppressed a grin. She took a quick glance around just to make sure the boy was alone. Satisfied that he was alone she lowered her guard a bit, to focus more fully on him.
"Akamaru!" Kiba shouted as he got closer. With a small bark Akamaru launched himself from the underbrush and latched onto the kunoichi's ankle. With a wet, dull crunch his teeth sliced through the tendons and into the bones of the her leg, crippling her. As her leg went out from under her she lost her concentration and her whips fell apart.
As she fell Kiba slid forward slamming his foot into her knee unbalancing her even further. Keeping with the momentum he let his body roll, his right arm coming in hard, his fist smashing her knee further before he rolled and let his other leg come down in a vicious stomp, bending her leg at a sickening angle, the sound of bone splintering and lacerating her flesh drowned out by her sharp scream. Catching her in the same move he used against her partner he brought his knee smashing into her skull. Only this time he didn't hold back. Pulling down with all his strength as he smashed his knee forward turned it into a lethal blow. Hisame fell backwards, where her face had been nothing but a bloody crater remained. Kiba watched her fall his eyes wide, horror and delight fighting across his face for dominance.
oOo
Hinata and Kurenai reached Shibuki at the same time. Tearing her sleeve clean off Hinata pressed it to the wound causing a groan from Shibuki and a relieved sigh from both women.
Coughing up some blood Shibuki tried to sit up. "I have to stop him." He coughed. Shoving him down roughly Kurenai turned to Hinata. "Don't let him get up." As she stood up she spoke again. "Shibuki willing to die to protect someone's is different from throwing your life away. You should remember that." without another word she stepped onto the surface of the lake and began a slow steady walk towards Suien.
Tossing the bottle of hero water up in the air casually Suien watched Kurenai's steady approach with a look of silent glee. "Well well well... Aren't you a pretty one. Come to bow at my feet?"
Arching a casual eyebrow Kurenai eyed the man with a contemptuous sneer. "Hardly. Someone as weak as you isn't fit to guard an outhouse let alone be a ninja."
"What was that bitch!" Suien screamed his face flushing in anger.
Sighing theatrically Kurenai brushed a stray lock of hair from her face before simply quirking a single finger at Suien. On the shore Hinata and Shibuki watched wide eyed.
Eyes bugging out in anger Suien brought the bottle to his lips and tore the cork out with his teeth.
The slight smile on Kurenai's face was the only warning he had. With the cork out the explosive tags hidden inside the bottle went off. An explosion shook the lake surface sending huge waves of water crashing into the shore. As the flames and smoke cleared away a charred smoking shape came staggering out of the smoke.
It was Suien. Every scrap of cloth on his upper body had been blown away. In some cases shreds of burning cloth had been literally blasted into his flesh, smoldering like grisly candles. His face had been completely burned away leaving only an empty charred socket and his teeth visible in a ghastly skeletal smile. Only the eye on the other side remained relatively intact though it was so bloodshot it looked like it floated in a sea of blood.
"My isn't that something..." Kurenai commented calmly as she took in his burned formed.
A wordless snarl of rage came rattling out of Suien's charred throat. "Bit-c-h" He croaked out. In one tight fist Suien held something. Holding his hand out he showed her the small glass vial he held in his hand. "Ever- every" The words came rattling out of the ruined mess of his face. "Jo-Jo-Joun w-ter water. All" Coughing violently he shoved the vial in his mouth and bit down. Blood and glass and some clear liquid spilled down his mangled face, some of it even seeping into the open wounds on his chest.
Back on shore Shibuki-Sama gasped. "Oh no."
"Shibuki-san what is it?" Hinata asked worriedly.
"I forgot. Every hidden falls jounin carries a small vial of Hero Water in case of emergencies."
"Sensei." Hinata whispered her eyes wide with fright.
"It gets worse." Shibuki coughed. "The hero water gets stronger the closer to death you are."
Even as he spoke there was enormous chakra spike from the center of the lake, a horrifying flash of power that blinded Hinata for a few moments. In the center of that conflagration of chakra stood Suien an enormous blue aura around his body. The chakra whipping around him was even starting to burn his skin rending it asunder and further opening his wounds, every cut, every tear seeming to make the chakra grow more and more.
Standing on the surface of the lake near Suien Kurenai allowed herself a smile. Drawing a kunai she slung it in an easy underhand throw at Suien.
Screaming loudly as the kunai approached Suien blasted the kunai away with a wall of pure chakra. Roaring incoherently he charged Kurenai, moving much faster than his wounds would have suggested.
Hinata could only watch awestruck as Suien charged past Kurenai and proceeded to smash his fists into the surface of the lake, sending waves crashing outward. He moved in a frenzy of fury and hate screaming as he did so. Each blow he threw sending a visible shock wave of power flying outwards. Still screaming he kept attacking something only he could see, ignoring Kurenai who stood calmly a dozen feet away. His frenzied rush moved him in a rough circle around Kurenai.
Standing in the center of Suien's fury Kurenai's face was calm as she spun the genjutsu that Suien was desperately attacking. She stood there safe and unharmed as Suien spent his life and chakra attacking ghosts spun from water and air.
All too soon his frenzied movements began to slow.
The aura around Suien began to flicker.
Flaring brightly before dying down again.
Finally fading away entirely.
Coughing violently the shriveled wreck that used to be a person clawed its way towards Kurenai, an insane gleam shining in one bloodshot eye.
Kurenai watched his approach calmly.
Mere inches from her feet Suien let out a last rattling gasp.
His blood shot eye finally lost it's shine. Not even falling forward the man simply sank beneath the surface of the water, the ripples of his passing broken by the brunette's footfalls as she walked over them and back to the shore where her team was waiting for her.
oOo
AN: Thanks to my Beta's Whitedragon17 and Psudocode Samurai, without whose help and inspiration this story would never have gotten off the ground. Both are amazing authors and I highly recommend all of their fics. And thanks to all my reviewers.
AAN: If you think I made a mistake or have a suggestion or an idea, Please PM me or leave it in a review.