KAZUYO POV
Kazuyo stared at her sister's tomb, a sadness descending upon her shoulders. As much as she tried to deny the feelings which worked their way through her veins, it killed her that her little sister had died before her. She had broken her promise to her father. She had given her very word that she would protect her, and not even one year after she had found her sister, she had been forcibly ripped from her life. She ground the earth in her fist, dust crumbling through the cracks in her hand.
It wasn't fair that her sister was taken from her, but it would be fair to take revenge on those who had taken that life. She glanced towards her new teammates, well aware of the grief that sat on everyone's shoulders. Unless they rested within the next six hours, they would be extremely exhausted and incapable of fighting come dawn. The fight for the future of this world demanded that they be at tip-top shape.
She got up and moved away from the grave, her thoughts taking twisting with dark thoughts and plans. If the shinobi who did this, thought that there would be no repercussions, they were in for a rude awakening. That she would just let such a deed go unpunished was impossible for her to comprehend. With every single ounce of chakra, and strength she would push this shinobi to the brink of death, and then…with a push from her hand, she would throw them in. She ground her teeth together and stopped in her tracks. She reached up with a hand and wiped away the single tear which escaped her eye, and glanced back.
"Yuki chan. I promise to protect those you love. That bastard will pay."
With that, she turned away from her last family member, and returned to the warmth of the campsite. As the flame grew higher, her rage grew deeper.
AKIRA POV
Akira pushed her head against her husband harder, her whimpers echoing in her head, like a laser off crystals. The death of her ex was not as painful as she had expected. It was worse than that. In fact…some might say she was doing well, given the circumstances. Her hair obscured her face from view, and she sensed that Naruto was playing tough. She knew he didn't want to cry in front of her, especially after such a hard loss on the demon. It was his façade of toughness which helped her cope with the dead body they had spent an hour burying. Even now her muscles shivered from the exertion. The labor had been solid, and helped her get some of her emotions under reign. Now she knew what needed to be done. She would fight to protect Naruto at all costs. He was the only thing she lived for, and that was no lie. She smiled a little at the thoughts of what would happen after the war. The very thought of her lover, sent a little shiver down her spine. She glanced towards him and got his attention by sucking on the soft skin of his neck.
"Huh? What's up?" Naruto asked, his eyes tracking hers. She smiled broader as she felt his package grow, under her touch. To have this much control and power over her mate, turned her on immensely, but her mind was occupied with something far more important than sex. Her hand pulled his shirt up, and a single tail whipped up from behind her. Raising her unoccupied hand, she formed a single seal. Focusing her chakra, the tail exploded.
"Akira-koi? Hey…what's going on?"
She kissed his cheek, and glanced down to the palm of her unoccupied hand. Black ink formed on it, and she stared into his eyes. She was going to ensure that should she die, Naruto would still have her. Maybe not physically but he would not lose his lover.
"I love you, Naru-kun. I hope that this gift will protect you on the battlefield," she whispered, a single tear forming in her eye.
"Forbidden Jutsu: Tailed Sealing! (Kinjutsu: Terushiru!)"
Digging her nails into his tender stomach, she sealed one tail's worth of her chakra into his body, and implanted a little of her soul with it. Should she die on the battlefield, a small part of her consciousness could remain with the love of her life. She watched his eyes bulge out, his mouth agape in shock. Then just as suddenly, he passed out. She caught him, clutching him to her chest. She should watch over him during the night, yet was too emotionally drained. To their credit, Anko and Kakashi had grieved away from everyone, giving Akira time to think. She smiled sadly as a single thought filled her head.
When this war is over…I promise to show him just how much he means to me.
Darkness enfolded her and the kitsune fell deep into sleep.
KAKASHI POV
He stared out into the darkness, and glanced at Anko. Their eyes met, and a silent agreement formed in that second. Groaning a little, he walked towards the approaching Kazuyo, whose gaze was downcast. Almost immediately he became aware of the brewing storm of emotions which hid themselves underneath the superficial blank stare on her eyes.
"Kazuyo-san."
Her gaze shifted, and he watched as her body became more reserved. He reached a hand up, and behind his hair rubbing the back of his scalp gently. He closed the gap between them, and let out a low sigh. This had been a much longer and difficult day then he had anticipated. Not only did he fight against Zabuza, but he held off Yuki's two best friends. And now this. Her death. His only daughter was dead. It weighed on his heart heavier than the death of Obito. He would always remember the love he had for his friend, but there was no love like the one a father has for his child. He would die before he would see harm to her. And yet…
"I'm sorry for your loss," he spoke, his voice almost a whisper, as he focused on her facial expressions. If she was set on revenge, he needed to know. He felt that if anyone had anything to gain by chasing that goal right now, it would be her closest family. In fact, he had fought the urge down himself. It had taken an hour, but finally he was level-headed enough to realize that such an act would get him nowhere.
"Thanks. Same to you. She spoke very highly of you, Kakashi-san," she replied, her gaze finding his own. "If you don't mind though, I'm grieving. I'd prefer this time alone."
Kakashi ignored the rude tone she spoke in and instead stepped forward, pulling her into his arms.
"Let it go. Yuki would have wanted you to not seek vengeance. I'm aware of how you feel. She meant a lot to me as well. But you have to give up on any ideas of vengeance."
"You have no idea the emotions I am carrying right now!" she shouted. Her fake calm demeanor broke under his scrutiny. He stared into her eyes, as tears started to trickle down her face.
"She's gone. Once you realize that, then you learn one important thing," Kakashi stated, pulling her gently back to him.
"Wh-what?" her broken reply came, as she started to sob into his vest.
"If you throw your life away, you don't do her justice. She wouldn't have wanted that. She gave her life for this war. "
Her hands dug into his skin, and he noticed the look on her face turn distant.
"I can't accept it. She's gone, and its my fault!"
He let his hand pull her closer.
"I know. Let it go. It'll only lead to more suffering. You are my daughter, and I care for you just like her."
He felt her settle in his arms. Giving her a gentle kiss on her forehead, he let his grip slacken.
"I'm-just so angry. I can't let it go, but you are right."
He nodded, and nudged her towards the warmth of the fire.
"Well, I would rather not put you in harm's way, but we need intel. If you promise me to do everything according to the letter without jeopardizing the mission I have in mind, then I will let you fulfill a bigger task. It is a suicide mission, but with the right tools, can be accomplished without the loss of life."
He felt the sharp intake of air, and waited patiently. He didn't want to put her into a compromised position, but right now, he was highly concerned about what Madara Uchiha had planned. He had retreated, and without good reason. It made no sense. Something didn't add up. They needed to get away, and if they had one person to stall for them, then that would ensure that they could gather the intel they needed.
"Whatever it is, give it to me. I'll get it done," she whispered, her eyes manic.
"No. Kazuyo…I'll do it, if you can't. Right now-"
"I need to be of use. You give me the task, and I'll get it done. I promise."
He pushed her away, until the younger woman could see his face.
"If I give this to you, then I need your word that you will come back. I want to know without a doubt that you will not let the enemy kill you. You give me that word, and I'll tell you what I want done."
He watched her gaze lower, as the intensity of his request set into her mind. And then, she nodded silently.
"You are my daughter now as well, and I refuse to watch another one of my family die. I'm sure Anko feels the same as I do. So…Here's what I have in mind."
And so for the next hour they discussed the tactics required to put his plan into motion.
KAZUYO POV
6 HOURS LATER
Madara's appearance at their camp site was expected. In fact, it was no bigger a surprise than the sun rising every morning. Kazuyo hid, her position well concealed from anyone's eyes. She had risen two hours ago, and started preparing for their eventual arrival. Her chest rose steady with each breath, as sweat poured down her face. The salt stung her eyes, and made her wince. She wanted to wipe it away, but if she didn't want to be found out, she had to remain as quiet and still as possible. Ignoring her discomfort, she focused on her mission to the exclusion of all else. Her gaze caught sight of movement, which immediately caused her heart to rise up into her throat. Eyes widened as fear hit her full force.
That is…it can't be!
She slunk deeper into the shadows as the trio of Uchiha and kunoichi drew closer and closer to her hiding spot. Even from the awkward angle which she was viewing the scene before her she was well aware of the impact of what followed the shinobi. Kakashi wouldn't be happy to know of the news, she would bring and yet-
"We aren't alone here."
Madara's voice washed over her, and sent a chilling sensation up her spine as the words hit their intended mark.
I'm found out already? But I haven't even moved or expelled air!
She grit her teeth, before ducking as a blade destroyed the ground where she had been hidden revealing her position. She launched herself skyward, her eyes focused on the demon behind the group of shinobi.
If they use the Juubi, I'm dead. I made a promise and this will be the one time that I don't fail!
She landed on a toe, before her senses warned her too late, of the incoming danger, as a blade pierced through her chest. She glanced back to notice the youngest of the shinobi was behind her, their eyes meeting. He lifted her higher, and the pain became excruciating, as the weapon cut deeper into her ribcage.
"Go on ahead. I can handle this one," Sasuke spoke, his voice calm and confident.
"If you say so."
Kazuyo gripped the blade, and attempted to break it, only for it to shift deeper through her sternum, electricity arcing through her body. She went limp in his grasp, her vision going blurry. The pain threatened to drag her under, yet she remained conscious. Her eyes watched as Madara, Sakura and Obito continued to walk away, heading towards her comrades. Her strength faded further as she was continually subjected to lightning style.
Sorry dad. Looks like I can't-
"Hmph. That didn't even take too long," Sasuke jeered, his face inches from her own. He twisted the blade, and without any chakra left, the water clone exploded into a pool of water, his own electricity arcing through his body.
Emerging from her hiding spot, she fired a single stream of water, aimed at his neck, missing as Susano'o deflected the water jutsu.
Dang it! He sent the others ahead. If I don't get ahead, I won't be able to warn the other shinobi of the impending danger. Hmmm.
Turning her back on Sasuke she bit into her thumb.
Boar, Dog, Bird, Monkey, Ram!
"Summoning Jutsu (Kuchiyose no Jutsu)!"
Nao appeared before her, in a poof of smoke, and her enemy moved at the same moment.
"Kazuyo-san!"
"I'm fine. Listen up!"
Her eyes ignored the movement behind her, as Sasuke appeared behind her, blade aimed at her heart.
"Don't you ignore me!" Sasuke shouted.
Before his attack could land, Kazuyo had shifted her weight blocking the blade with a water kunai.
"Get to Kakashi. Hurry up, and let them know that trouble is on the way. The Ten Tails has been resurrected."
"Wh-what?"
"Get going!" Kazuyo screamed, deflecting the blade, and throwing a kick, which he ducked under. She shifted her weight, and flipped, spewing a wall of water as Sasuke thrust his sword forward again. As she landed, she caught sight of a Fireball erupting from her cat demon's mouth which almost engulfed the Uchiha before her.
Their eyes met, and through their link, a single conversation was spoken without a word.
You can handle him? I'll relay the news, just be careful.
I'm fine. Worse case scenario, I will use THAT.
She returned her focus to Sasuke as her friend, sped off in the direction of help and to relay the news.
"Chidori Senbon!"
Kazuyo's eyes widened and she clapped her hands together forming a wall of earth, which stopped the attack from killing Nao.
"I'm your opponent!" she stated, letting her hands slide down to her sides. Her eyes stared at the Uchiha, whose gaze was cold and fierce.
"Fine. But once I'm done with you, the cat's next."
Kazuyo grit her teeth together, before exhaling slowly.
This is not the first Uchiha I've fought. I can handle this. Just need to keep on my toes.
She reached up, and watched as he tensed at the sudden movement. Her hand grabbed her neck, massaging the muscles beneath it, before letting it drop loosely to her side.
"Relax. I don't want to kill you," she spoke, her mind whirring as it considered her route of attack.
"That goes for one of us."
She nodded before clapping her hands together, and inhaling deeply.
Water Release: Downpour Jutsu! (Shūchū gōu no Jutsu!)
She fired a steady stream of water from her mouth, her eyes focused as he countered the attack with a Fire Style Jutsu, creating a heavy mist, which engulfed her and her opponent reducing visibility to nothing. She closed her eyes, and smiled, ending the technique. She wouldn't need her vision in order to find her opponent right now. She was also sure, that she wouldn't even need to find him. She would just have to wait for him to attack her.
Her ears warned her of danger, as a sword dug into her throat. She winced as he started to slice into her neck, only for the water she had let surround her feet, swallowed him whole. It formed a water prison which held him captive, and gave her the chance to use her next move.
She inhaled again, and focused her Water chakra into a pressurized stream, which pierced through his flesh, her ears focused on behind her, as the attack destroyed what she was sure was a replication. Time slowed, as the attack bore through the piece of wood, and she turned warding away the sneak attack from behind with a kunai, kicking the real Uchiha into the air.
Got you!
She launched herself upwards to meet him, opening her eyes, to see the blood dripping from his right eye.
What the-?
Before she could respond, the water moved on its own, warding off black flames which erupted out of nowhere. The heat given off by this jutsu cleared the fog away, and returned them to the sand ridden world of the present.
What is this?
Her eyes stared at the black flames for a minute before they were swiped out of the way by a behemoth of purple.
"Hehehe. You don't stand a chance," the younger male taunted.
"I don't care," Kazuyo replied.
Tiger!
"Earth Release: Earth Flow River(Doton: Doryū Taiga)." She expelled a great river of earth which swamped the being and bogged down his movements, giving her an advantage.
"Is that all?" His taunting only fueled her focus, making her more dangerous.
"Not even close."
Ram, Horse, Tiger!
"Earth Release: Earth Dragon Bullet! (Doton: Doryūdan!)"she shouted, watching as the mud pulled him out of the apparition and into the air. Her jutsu fired several packed balls of mud which missed her intended mark by mere inches. As he tried to regain his balance, she formed several more handseals, preparing to keep him off of his game.
"Water Release: Water Spout Jutsu! (Suiton: Tatsumaki no Jutsu!)" Focusing her chakra into the water in the earth around Sasuke, she sucked him into the waterpool, only for him to divert the stream with Susano'o. As he pulled himself out of her jutsu, she raised a hand, to ward off the incoming Amaterasu that she knew was coming. The black flames hit the ground in front of her, creating a huge stream of smoke. This isn't good. I don't have any advantage against him. His lightning element is my weakness. If I continue to rely on Water Style, I won't win. He'll get one shot in, and that'll be the end of me. So, Earth Release it is. I don't have too many more. Dang it! I'll have to stall and then use the second strongest jutsu in my repertoire. My chakra is half gone, so if I use it, I'll be at a serious disadvantage. But on that same note, I can hold out long enough to escape. She shook off her weariness, as Sasuke launched himself towards her. She met his sword with her own kunai, and spun away, focusing her chakra. I only get one chance. Before she could form another seal, he was back in her face, his blade twirling and slashing in an attempt to kill her. "You're pretty smart, but I'm not gonna give you another chance! You're finished!" She grit her teeth together, and blocked the next slash, her kunai shattering as his lightning enhanced sword tagged her right arm, cutting through the muscles. She let go and grabbed his wrist, thrusting her free hand towards his throat, missing as he weaved away. He backed up, giving her a moment to assess the damage. Not good. I won't have time like normal to just weave the signs needed. And this jutsu requires time to prepare. She ignored the pain and brought her hands together. "Earth Release: Mud Wall! (Doton: Doryūheki)!" she shouted, her chakra forming a wall which she readily hid behind. This is my only chance! "I don't know what you're planning but if you think I'll just sit here and let you do it, you have another thing coming!" She focused all her chakra and effort into the task before her, and formed the first of the lengthy chain of seals. Tiger, Boar, Ram, Dog, Bird, Hare, Ox, Monkey, Tiger, Dragon, Boar, Dragon, Tiger, Snake, Rat, Bird, Ox, Hare, Monkey, Serpent, , Dog, Tiger, Bird, Dog. Her chakra levels plummeted greatly, with each seal, as she noticed that her wall was gone, and Sasuke was moving in for the kill. Just five more seconds. That's all I need! Dog, Bird, Ram, Dragon, Tiger, Hare, Boar, Serpent, Bird, Ox, Dragon, Hare, Ram!
As Sasuke closed the gap, she ducked down, slamming her hands to the earth. A lightning formed blade, wrapped itself around Sasuke's hand, aimed at her heart. She ducked out of the way deftly, a wolf made from the earth biting into his wrist. Her eyelids drooped as the newly inflicted wound took its toll. She winced and ground her teeth together, glancing down where a small chunk of her flesh over her left hip was exposed to the harsh desert air. Her intestines were exposed for all to see, as her pain synapses fired uncontrollably.
"Ugh. Stupid mutt! Let-"
She turned around and faced Sasuke, watching as his smile of triumph, turned to one of anger, as hundreds of earth made wolves descended upon him over and over. No sooner did he strike one down, than another one did appear to take its place.
Given the amount of chakra I put into this technique, it should last for at least a day. I barely have enough chakra to sustain myself, but if he gets one more attack in, I'm finished.
Her breath came in ragged pants as her body's exhaustion washed over her like a wave.
"AMATERASU!"
The black flames darkened the sky as the wolves stood at bay, circling the younger Uchiha, who stared at them with calm assertiveness.
"Pretty nifty jutsu."
She nodded, her legs trembling as they struggled to keep her upright.
"Looks like its all over for you," Sasuke stated.
Kazuyo fought the bonds of exhaustion which held her at bay. Her mind refused to just give in, but
the flesh couldn't maintain her will any longer. She collapsed to her hands and knees, unconsciousness threatening to overwhelm her.
"The wolves are vanishing, which means I've killed her. Guess it's time to hunt for the cat. Madara though wouldn't want me to waste my time on something so trivial. I'll just regroup for now. Enjoy your visit to the afterlife, trash."
And with that Sasuke Uchiha left her to die.
Unbeknownst to him, Kazuyo Hazukashii still had strength and desire to live. Her mind had already conceived a way to survive and by cancelling out her wolf technique, she regained a very small portion of exhausted stamina. Using the already soft earth underneath her, she caked it over her wounds as a makeshift compress. The heat from the area, helped the earth to cake, making an almost air tight seal over the worst part of the wounds. She forced herself to stand, and coughed up blood.
I have to keep my promise this time. My wounds are bad, but I can ignore them for now. Just need to keep moving.
She took a step, only to wince as her left leg spasmed and then refused to respond. Her mind thought back to when Sasuke had thrown Chidori senbon at Nao. She had formed a wall, and intervened on her cat's behalf, so it made sense that she might have been tagged at the same time. A silent curse issued from her lips, which she bit into hard. She sat down, and focused her chakra, gently stimulating her leg muscles t contract and relax until she was certain that she would be able to freely move. It cost her time, of which she had very little. But she had to stop, or else she risked further injury and dying in the middle of nowhere. She let out a low sigh, and then stood, wincing as the weight on her hip, sent a jolt of pain through her body.
Okay. I'm on my way.
THREE HOURS LATER…
Her body screamed with each step, and her eyelids became heavier and heavier. Her muscles threatened to collapse under her 152 pound frame, with each passing step. She shivered as another bout of cold racked her body. Her breathing was coming in shorter and shorter gasps, and she felt lightheaded. She took another step and stumbled, only to catch herself mid fall. Her eyes caught movement in the distance, and a smile touched her lips. Nao stood beside Kakashi who was surrounded by thousands of shinobi, who watched her struggle with concern written all over his face.
Thank god! I'm safe!
She pressed her hand back to her wound, and gathered her strength one final time, her blood turning cold a second later.
"Seems we missed one. Too bad for you."
She whirled around, a fist driving itself into her ribcage, cracking four of them at once. Her eyes went wide, the attack forcing the air out of her lungs. She coughed up blood and doubled over, only to be yanked airborne by what remained of her once beautiful long hair. Her sister had saved her once. There would be no repeat act of grace. She was going to die. Her chakra was all but gone, and her body protested against the wounds which covered her from head to toe. Blood dribbled down the side of her mouth and she let out a sigh of contentment. Closing her eyes, she shed a single tear, knowing that she would not be able to keep her promise. She'd failed to protect Yuki, and now herself. The Hazukashii clan was going to end today, and there was nothing anyone could say about it. Her only regret was…
Before the thought could complete itself, bright lights exploded before her. She lay on the ground, her body broken beyond repair, but her spirit still lingering on the line which separated life from death. Unable to feel or to comprehend the pain which held her in place, she simply accepted her fate, and lay quietly awaiting the end.
KAKASHI POV
His smile turned to one of horror as Madara Uchiha slammed the girl into the ground. His heart rose into the back of his throat, as the Uchiha kicked his daughter in the face. He had only just met her, but his attachment to this girl was beyond what he thought possible. Perhaps it was the loss of Yuki, or the need to protect Kazuyo, he'll never know. All that mattered was protecting Kazuyo, and his body was in motion, crossing the thousand meters to Madara as fast as his legs would carry him. He didn't have a plan, but he had to save that girl, and he would sacrifice his life to accomplish it. Even now though, he realized there was little hope that Kazuyo was still alive. In fact, it seemed pointless to go, yet he was not going to let this man trample over his family. He was halfway across the field, when two snakes wound themselves around his legs, halting his forward momentum. He glanced down and then back to his target, which had vanished into the earth. He stared at Madara who simply returned his gaze, unperturbed by his demeanor.
"You wish to dance?"
He kept silent, the snakes releasing their hold on him. He caught sight of the hole which had erupted a foot from Madara, and was able to read the story in a millisecond. She had been saved by Yuki's godmother.
Thanks Anko! That was-
His eyes widened, as Madara appeared before him, his fist closing in towards his face. He sidestepped it, blocking the subsequent kick, which lifted him off the ground and threw him all the way back to where he had started. He bounced several times, before catching his balance, and sliding to a halt beside the broken body of Kazuyo. Ignoring his own pain, he leaned down, and placed his head to her chest, which rose shakily, before floating down with several groans and cracks, as the bones moved with each inhalation and exhalation. Her breathing was arrhythmic, stopping and starting randomly. Blood oozed from her mouth, and one of her eyes was swollen shut. Her body looked as though it had gone through hell, and back. His eyes watered, as he moved a single strand of hair out of her face and kissed her forehead. She had warned him well ahead of their appearance and given the Shinobi Alliance, time to prepare for his appearance. The intel was not only solid but correct. Nonetheless, he had been sure she would take care to stay safe. His desire for information had only done harm to the one he cared about. His tears flowed down into his mask, the salt bitter on his tongue.
"You did well. I'm proud of you. Sleep tight, okay?" He whispered this, kissing her forehead gently. Before he could continue to grieve for his daughter, two shinobi appeared a mere foot before him, cloaked, and quiet. Their arrival was silent as the shinobi who stood behind him, and quicker than the speed of sound which entered his ear canal warning him of their presence.
"Give us that girl, and no one shall be harmed."