Chapter 13

The vague shadow of a man hidden in the forest caught Kimura's attention. He could tell that more stood either side of what he assumed was the leader. But the man appeared to keep some distance between himself and his fellow bandits. The team was in danger. However he felt that the enemy was not as well trained as some could be. He was certain that they were not ninja either. He clenched his fist. This should make it easier. A tough test for his team- but not a baptism of fire fortunately.

The solitary figure slowly walked forwards, stepping out into the sunlight. He was a tall man, just over six foot with dark sandy blond hair and plenty of stubble. Kimura wasn't an expert, but he guessed the person could be classed as good looking, having seen the look that passed across Tomo's face.

"Why can't she look at me like that?" he asked himself quietly.

"Hey boss look! It's just some dork with glasses and a couple of girls!"

"Yur- dis should be easy huh?"

"Do not take these people for granted" muttered the man. He studied Kimura coolly. Kimura could tell that this man had some form of respect for the small team. Unlike the seemingly idiotic companions he appreciated who he would be fighting. Kimura slowly gripped a kunai knife. He would fight this man. The others were so dim-witted even Tomo could outwit them. Probably.

"Why not boss?"

"Yeah…they're just a couple of girls. Pretty girls."

"I like the tall one" said a squat man, Sakaki looking horrified having heard the statement. Tomo glared across at the man. How dare you say such things! What about me?

"Idiots. Look at the headbands. They carry the mark of ninja, ninja of the village hidden in the leaves. They are probably much more trained in the various fighting arts then any of you. Better now then you can ever hope to be." This mans disdain for his 'companions' could clearly be heard in his voice.

"Well den, I guess it's good ders lots of us huh boss? Ders seven of us you bitches!"

"Ha yeah seven. Isn't that great boss?"

"Well it would have been good if you hadn't given our numbers away! All you had to do was hold your swords and then afterwards, hold the possessions."

"N-not my possessions" whimpered Nakasone.

"My team and I are here to defend Mr Nakasone and his possessions. You must first get through us" growled Kimura. Tomo was shocked. The bespectacled man actually seemed intimidating- and it didn't seem to be part of an act. He sounded as though he was in the mood for violence. He held a knife tightly in one hand, his knuckles white as he gripped the weapon. He slowly turned to the group.

"So, are you ready?" he asked.

"Yeah!" said Tomo, "Of course we are."

Together with Sakaki she stood up. Both held weapons. Tomo breathed in heavily, looking across at Sakaki who was slightly tense, but appeared to be fighting her nerves. Tomo had a rough idea of what was wrong with Sakaki- the girl still wasn't happy about hurting people. Tomo grinned. She didn't have any such problem. But what about killing? She paused. She had never thought of that. She'd have to see what would happen when the time came.

"Osaka stay here with Mr Nakasone and protect him" said Sakaki.

"Hey when do you give out orders?!" asked Tomo. I should have said that!

"Of course" said Osaka bowing her head. "Don't worry Mr Nakasone, I'll look after you" said the girl, pulling a knife from a pocket. Nakasone looked at it in shock.

"Is that tomato sauce on your knife?!"

"It's probably best to ignore it" suggested Sakaki. "L-lets go Tomo…?"

"Right Sakaki! Go help Kimura-sensei! We can do it."

Sakaki nodded and blushed slightly. We. The two girls rushed to Kimura, Tomo standing to his left, Sakaki to his right. Kimura turned to each of his students, and though they couldn't see it, he smiled reassuringly under his mask. He slowly rose his gloved hands. He heard Tomo breathing heavily, excited beside him. Sakaki was silent, intently focused on the forest.

"You ready girls?"

"Definitely."

"Yes" said Sakaki.

"Come on boys, let's get 'em!" yelled a tall bald man, the six evidently now ignoring their temporary chief. He'd got them to the treasure. They could take it from here. They didn't need, nor want him anymore. Sakaki and Tomo moved away from Kimura to give themselves space.

Kimura watched the men. Five completely ignored him, more interested in the girls. One seemed intent on trying to finish him off quickly though, charging while wielding a large cleaver. Kimura stood watching as the man yelled about ripping his head off. He slashed down, Kimura blocking the blow with the much smaller kunai. Shocked at the lack of effect the man glanced at Kimura, who kicked him in the shin, before delivering a blow that left the mans nose a bloody mess. As he stood stunned, Kimura kicked him away, the tall person collapsing unconscious onto the floor. Tomo watched in disbelief. Kimura-sensei had defeated someone almost seven foot tall in under a minute!

However she didn't have time to stand and stare, as three people charged towards her. She stood holding her knife, but two merely ran past her. They were going for Osaka and Nakasone!

"Heheh, hi there pretty lady" said the man who stood before her, looking down on the girl.

Woah, that breath is a weapon! She studied the man quickly. Taller, stronger, smelly and with a larger weapon. Just great. The small knife she held seemed woefully ineffective. He slashed out with the (superficially) rust covered sword, a powerful slash. Fortunately it was also slow, the muscular…or was it fat man not the fastest fish in the sea. She ducked underneath the attack, the man grunting in surprise. It seemed he was use to finishing off people with one blow.

"What's going on?" he asked.

Tomo quickly undid her shuriken pouch and pulled out one of the sharp weapons. At this distance with such a large target it was impossible to miss. The man howled out in pain as the sharp metal ripped into his leg, before another slashed into his stomach. The combination of fat and muscle meant the wounds were painful as opposed to deadly. He grunted.

"What'd you do that for?" he asked stupidly.

"I am Tomo Takino, expert ninja who always wins!" claimed the girl. The man glanced down at her in fear.

"E-expert ninja?" he asked. "Boss never said anything about expert ninja." His voice trembled slightly.

"Yeah, expert ninja!"

"Then I'll have to kill you quick!"

Well that didn't work. She kicked the man back slightly and quickly performed a jutsu. Unknown to the man a clone appeared behind him. The Tomo clone grinned maliciously and pulled out a shuriken. The tall man cracked his neck as he twisted his head from side to side and prepared to strike. He paused, dropping the sword a short distance from Tomo's face, who let out a yell. This was dwarfed out by the scream of the man. Tomo cringed as he gasped foul smelling air over her.

"Argh! My ass!" he yelled, turning and shrieking as he spotted the Tomo clone. A shuriken was lodged deep within that dark place where things should not be lodged. In battle at least. "Aaah! Two of you!" Sobbing and screaming the man sprinte…limped away.

That's pretty evil. Tomo grinned though. Her first challenger defeated! She did a quick dance.

"Yeah, I won!"

Osaka! Of course, the girl was still in trouble. At least two of the men had decided to focus on her and Nakasone. That man would probably be completely useless, leaving Osaka to defend both of them. The girl would need help. Sakaki could defend herself. Because she's so good. Tomo glared. Sakaki!

Kimura stood, watching as Tomo and Sakaki fought off the attackers. Sakaki was busy with two attackers, attempting to use Ninjutsu to scare off the attackers. Tomo was rushing off across to help out Osaka. Comradeship. He was glad to see that. The team members weren't just thinking about themselves anymore. Excellent.

Now he just had to worry about the lone figure who'd yet to move since the others attacked. He'd watched the people who called him boss merely run off and attack, not bothering to listen to his orders. It was clear he had little time for them- and they cared little as well. He appeared to be a much higher threat then the others. But perhaps he wouldn't have to worry. This person seemed almost disinterested with his mission- perhaps he would not be so eager in the fight as the other brutes.

The mans hand slowly reached down and gripped the hilt of a sword. He nodded towards Kimura and pulled out a well maintained blade, sun glinting off the metal. Kimura stood unmoving. So a fight it was. He gripped the kunai, his gloves creaking as he tightened his fist. The man held his blade and slowly approached Kimura.

"Now, will I need Ninjutsu or not?" He tapped his glasses. "I know I won't be needing these."

He lowered his hands and began to walk forwards. He was going to meet this man in the middle. Besides it would give him more space. He allowed one glance back. The girls were still taking care of themselves and Nakasone. He hoped they could handle themselves while he took care of this man. The two paused, standing a short distance from one another. The faint clash of sword against knife filled the air as a skirmish raged on behind them.

"So you are a ninja huh? A Jonin?"

"Correct." He really didn't want to get drawn into a long winded discussion. Just get on with it, the rest of the team could need help at any minute. The man tightened his hold on the sword.

Slowly he grinned, Kimura looked at him questioningly, but did not speak. Why did this man grin? Surely he knew he was up against a highly trained fighter. Surely he must know that there would be little chance at all of victory?

"I've been wanting to fight a ninja for a very long time" said the man calmly, almost a slight eagerness in his voice.

"Then I'm glad I don't have to disappoint you."