V 10 Ch 1

Assault

Saori carried the baskets of materials down the hall in the Hokage's tower. She passed several rooms quietly before she found the room where Daiya and Ryu where sorting out scrolls. "Ah, such boring work," she said dumping the pile in front of the guys at the desk. She put the empty baskets on the floor her eyes looking around the room with noninterest. There were shelves full of scrolls all over the room. Along with the piles of scrolls the boys where sorting through based on what type they were. "I wonder why Sasuke sensei had us pick this assignment."

"It has to be done," Daiya said not minding the work load. "Besides, I don't mind helping the man that let me stay here." He counted the piles of scrolls in the room. There were nine so far. Each of the piles was a bigger tower than the first one. Written on a few of the scrolls were information about enemies to the village and jutsus. Daiya hadn't peeked through a lot of them. Ryu had scolded him for being nosey. "Saori, you can start taking what you want to the Hokage's assistant," he said.

"Oh, alright," she said casually shoveling scrolls into the baskets. She stacked them on top of each other, the amount of scrolls tottering as she stood. "See you guys in a few," she said turning around slowly leaning back to keep her balance. Saori walked out of the room.

Ryu's hands went up to grab onto his spiky black hair. "For building character, there's so many of these!" He stretched his back in frustration before he leaned forward bonking his head on the desk. The scrolls bounced as Daiya continued to sort.

Daiya glanced at him as his hands moved from scroll to scroll reading the paper on it. "You get overwhelmed so easily," he commented. Suddenly, he felt his chair going backwards, the desk moving away from him. Daiya landed with a crash on his back. "Ryu!" He sat up grabbing the legs of Ryu's chair, his fingers curling around the wood. He hoisted Ryu up throwing him out of the chair.

Ryu landed on his stomach. Flipping around, he craned his head to see where Daiya had gone. A bad sense of foreboding came over him. Ryu's eye twitched. He sat up pushing himself backwards until his back hit the bookshelf. Where is he?

Sasuke walked into the room rubbing the side of his head. Looking up, he saw Ryu jump slightly at his presence. Raising a brow, he scanned the room. Piles of scrolls were everywhere. "Aren't you supposed to be sorting?"

"I was, but then… and he… now I don't know… How come… " Ryu stuttered in front of his trainer. He put his hand onto his hair grabbing at it. The expression on Sasuke's face made him freeze. His words died away for they weren't important anymore.

"Now…. You're supposed to be sorting," Sasuke continued. "Where's Daiya…" He turned around quickly as Daiya saluted him from behind him in the doorway. Sasuke grabbed the boy by the back of the collar. "You're supposed to be helping – not fooling around." He dragged Daiya into the room backwards towards the desk. "Get back to work."

"But Dad," Daiya started.

"You know better, Daiya Uchiha," Sasuke said firmly with warning in his voice. "Right now, I'm your 'sensei'. Get back to work."

"Dad!"

Sasuke stopped halfway from shutting the door to the room. He saw the uneasy look in the boy's eyes. Relaxing his posture, Sasuke opened the door a little to regard him. "What?"

"I- There's- um…," Daiya tried to tell the man what he was feeling. Finally he shook his head getting discouraged. He doubted himself. "Never mind," he said softly his eyes going to the floor.

Sasuke closed the door without another word from either of them. He walked down the hall slowly, but stopped. His eyes went back to the room. Daiya never alerted him without cause. The boy respected him with great appreciation. He continued down the hall, his hand flicking to give a signal. Suiren, his wife's water moccasin formed out of the wall, her body slithering on the ground. "Daiya's sensing something. Investigate the perimeter of the village," he said. Suiren slithered away, her head dipping into the floor, where her body molded with the surroundings. She was gone. He may still doubt himself, but I'm not taking that chance.

++++++++

Mabuta jumped through the trees as he circled the perimeter of the Hidden Leaf village. He came upon the gate, remaining a fair distance away to where his presence could not be detected by the guards. His eyes studied the large gate and the walls it guarded. After another moment of analyzing the village, Mabuta quickly retreated back to his post far in the dark woods. He stopped on a branch his head turning to make sure he wasn't followed. With his hand out from the tree, he closed his fingers, turning his wrist.

Yobun tapped his lightening scythe against the tree. It was his signal to Mabuta that the area had been under surveillance since he had left to scout the village. They were alone. The rest of the squad was on the way. "What have your eyes and ears deciphered?"

Mabuta smiled coyly as he stroked his tied black beard. His red eyes looked at Yobun out of the corner of his eye. "Their gate is wide open," he said with a hint of joy.

"How trusting of them," Yobun said the wind moving through his dark purple hair. He twirled the scythe with his gloved hand, his green eyes staring at the flask of sunlight on the metal. "What do we do now," he asked playing with the scythe as if it were a toy.

"We wait, General Senko's orders," Mabuta confirmed.

"First time in a while that we've had action. Waiting is something I don't have patience for, Mabuta. It's only prolonging things," he said with all due respect. "We could easily overtake this place. Torch it to the ground, you know." He shifted into high gear twirling the scythe overhead, the blade chopping the leaves into nothing. It rained down green bits of foliage onto his clothing.

"Surprised you don't have that mutt with you," Mabuta said crossing his arms.

"General Senko told me we'd be given away if I brought Riko," Yobun said. "From what I understand, Lord Gekido has been researching this village for a while. We've come across interesting rivals in the past. This is no different," he tapped his head. "He's not a foolish man. There's a clan here who can sniff us out like a pack of dogs."

Mabuta tched. "Well, we're after the little bird girl. That's our focus. Don't get any rash ideas. Right now, we lay low until further notice."

Yobun knew better than to go against an order. He stood holding the scythe, the metal angled at his foot. "What makes them think that girl is in there? She fled at the exams," he said tilting his head toward Mabuta. "Only a moron would go back to where he originated from after being seen."

Idai walked the entire way up the stairs leading his team to the top of the tree. He blinked his eyes at how shady it was. Craning his neck he looked up at the bodies he saw tied to the branches. They were wrapped in bandages the incense burned to ward off evil spirits that might devour their souls. Idai's heart leapt forward.

Masaru couldn't help but stare at what he saw. His mouth fell open. "This is how they respect their dead?" He looked down shaking it off. Death was inevitable no matter how he looked at it. Masaru checked on Idai. He often worried about his friend, but would never admit that to Yanagi. Idai was staring upwards with an uneasy expression on his face. "Idai," he said calling his team leader back to reality. "Come on."

"Took them long enough," Kaiya said impatiently under her breath. "Nice of you to join us. Now that we're all here, you can tell there is only one way up the tree. They come from all around to climb it swiftly with their claws. Oh, and they spit acid, too," she added.

"Exactly how many of these things are coming each night," Yanagi asked.

"Their ranks increase every night no matter how many are killed," Kinari answered. "The battle lasts all night. It's beginning to take its toll on the village. There aren't extra shinobi to protect it during the day."

"Where are they coming from," Masaru asked. "Isn't anyone tracking them? It'd be easier to destroy them while they are asleep during the day instead of waiting for them to show themselves," he said figuring out this was a nostalgic creature.

"Don't you think they've thought of that," Tachiba said narrowing his eyes. Nuguru twittered on a high branch. "The moment anyone follows the pack of Kasha, they detonate to cover the others retreating. Now if you have any other ideas, we'd love to hear them."

"Why not follow them underground," Masaru suggested. "They won't know if you're after them if they can't see you, or sniff you out." He circled his finger in the air. "Yanagi's caterpillar is a mini bulldozer. It loves dirt. We can follow them to find out exactly where they're going."

"Exactly how are we going to be able to see them if we're underground to know where they're going, Masaru," Idai asked.

Masaru smiled at Idai with his hands on his hips, his biceps flexed. "That's where you come in handy," he boasted. "Good thing we have someone on our team with sensitive hearing."

Yanagi stood next to Kaiya watching the boys debate their plan of attack. "I don't know if that will work, Masaru. It has to be quiet for Idai to pick up sounds that are far off. You're talking about him doing it underground when the digging would start. How's he going to hear through the digging if we're supposed to be following the Kasha?"

Masaru closed his eyes. He became quiet as the others waited for his solution. After a moment, he opened his eyes his brows furrowed. "Um, uh…" He tilted his head trying to figure it out. They stood waiting. "Well… um… no idea."

"And his plan comes to an end so abruptly. So tragic," Kinari said with his arms out. Masaru got into his face rather fast. Kinari held up his hands to ward him off. "Now, now, I'm sure you'll have another brainstorm."

"Why you…," Masaru swung at the boy. Kinari ducked rather fast pulling out his chrome Sais. Masaru felt his leg coming up until he fell backwards with a thud. He was on his feet in no time chasing Kinari all over the top of the tree. They darted left and right. "Get back here!"

"Your feet are as slow as your brain," Kinari taunted moving faster to keep out of Masaru's way.

"This is not helping," Yanagi said. "Idai," she said as Idai's eyes met hers again. He was constantly looking up at the dead.

Idai flew off in a blur of motion. He came right behind Masaru grabbing his collar. The boy tried to pull away. "Stop! This isn't how you show your respect to them," he snapped jerking his thumb at the dead corpses. Masaru cowered, frowning. "And you..," he started in on Kinari. "Teasing someone does not make you a bigger man," he said with a strict tone so hard that Kinari tensed. He dragged Masaru back to the others.

"Wow," Kaiya said admiring Idai. "Now I know why he's the leader of your team. He's full of authority. That's kind of sexy in a man."

Yanagi turned her attention to Kaiya as the girl blushed over Idai. "He's only like that when someone needs to be called down. And for your information, he's taken." Those words didn't seem to drift to Kaiya's ears as her eyes kept following Idai.

Idai came back with Kinari following him. He literally threw Masaru on his rear. "Now, instead of playing around, come up with a solution for the mission. That's everyone's focus right now," he said taking charge. "We know what about the Kasha?"

"We've already told you what we know," Tachiba said a bit annoyed. "The Kasha are demons that come to feed on the dead. They've been coming for days. And no matter how many we fight, or try to follow, there are always more of them. They regroup just as quickly as we take some of them out. It's a hopeless fight," he said giving up.

"I have a better suggestion than the one Masaru was trying to come up with," Idai said about how to approach their mission. "Instead of tunneling through the ground, we'll use Yanagi's scouts and Tachiba's bunting. It's easier for them to follow after the demons undetected."

"You're still suggesting we leave the tree," Kinari said. "We told you there isn't any spare shinobi to protect the village. They cannot get to this height, Idai of the Hidden Leaf Village," he said with a hint of inferiority in his voice. "They must let the dead rest."

"What do we do when we're outnumbered? Ateru sensei told us to remain here with the others to help assist in guarding and protecting them," Kaiya said with her hands on her hips. "How is leaving them alone with the Kasha going to help? We'll get in trouble for abandoning our posts."

Tachiba regarded Idai as a good problem solver, but he wasn't entirely sure about them going against Ateru sensei's instructions. He nodded slowly after thinking about it to show he was paying attention. "Yeah, and Nuguru will give us his signal when it's safe to approach them. Yet, how do we fight something that spits acid?"

"The same way we fight anything," Masaru said standing up. He unhooked the large shuriken from his back. He brought it around to hold it by his side. "We take its head off," he said with a nasty smile.

"You can't be seriously considering what he's saying," Kaiya said a bit defensive. "Ateru sensei gave us our mission. What they do is not our concern. They are supposed to help us. Not get us in trouble!"

"I don't think that's what Idai is planning," Yanagi said looking at the forest village team. "Our mission is to aid you. That is what we were told back home from our trainer. So even if we are not here with you, we are aiding you in some form to stop the Kasha from coming. I thought that was more important. We need to get to the bottom of where they are coming from in order to stop them for good."

Kaiya threw her hands up not wanting to hear anymore of it. "My team follows my lead, not yours," she shot back at Team 6. "We have our mission and we will stick to it. Do the both of you understand?" Tachiba and Kinari just stared at her.

"If that's the way you want to play it," Idai said leaning back as if he didn't really care. "One thing you don't have is him," he said nodding towards Masaru. "He can use the Byakugan to easily see farther than we can. And those little lessons from your mom will come in handy," he said referring to how Hinata had been training him in the Hyuuga arts. "You don't want to disappoint her."

Masaru swallowed a bit nervously. "But I normally just use my shinobi training. She's the only one I've sparred with, Idai."

"Are you not confident with your matches, or the ability to use the training against a real foe," Idai asked. "Great opportunity for you to match your abilities with the brawn you're always throwing around." He saw Masaru look down completely undecided. "I wouldn't ask you to do something I didn't think you could handle."

Yanagi looked at all of them. Idai's pushing Masaru to do more than what he's accustomed to. I suppose he wants him to try his techniques to learn how to use them properly. But I wonder if there is more to his lack of confidence.

Suiren slithered pass the guards, her body forming into water. She lay on the ground as they sensed her movement. The guard walked out looking around, but only saw the puddle of water that was mixed with the other puddles. "Could have sworn I picked up something's chakra," a guard said. He scratched at his head dumbfounded. Once he went back, Suiren's tongue formed out of the puddle, flickering. It was clear for her to move on.

Suiren formed her large head out of the water, next was her body as she remained translucent. Again, she began to move pass the guards then out of the gate. Her instructions were to scout the outside perimeter. Moving hastily, her body returned to normal, her black scales masking her form against the ground. Suiren lifted her head looking back at the gate to the village. She continued on her way to the forest.

Her tongue tasted the air catching scents that drifted upon it. Whatever Daiya had sensed was gone. She kept moving along the outside perimeter, her body snaking around the trees and brush. Her tongue tasted the air for any changes. The water moccasin strained her head turning around as Sasuke Uchiha dropped from overhead. She flicked her tongue again.

He looked down at the large snake before glancing around at the forest. "You didn't pick up anything," he confirmed. Suiren shook her head. "Still, I don't know what he sensed." Sasuke felt there was something off. He narrowed his eyes. "Come on, the Hokage's expecting me," he told the snake. Suiren turned around slithering after him back to the village.

Naruto ruffled his hair looking at the intelligence reports he had gotten from several shinobi and ANBU. He heard a knock at his door. "Enter," he said his eyes focused on what he was reading. "Close the door," he said as casually as he could. "Sasuke, I'm trying my best to locate her." His eyes lifted. "But Onari doesn't want to be found. She's staying away from populated areas, so it's become increasingly difficult to get any leads on where she may have gone.

As you know, Kiba's team as gone to the Forest village to assist with a mission there. The ninja who perished recently from that village had had the unfortunate luck of happening upon a girl with a large bird of fire. The bird attacked them. They were burned to death, Sasuke."

Naruto turned the folder around to show him the report. "I have no choice at this point. She's hurting others now. Onari's not trusting anyone to get near her. As much as I go over this, I cannot figure out why she chose to leave. I do know that I cannot let her cause destruction wherever she goes."

Sasuke placed his hands on the Hokage's desk. "At least wait until that team comes back to find out more information. I don't believe she's capable of having malice against others. Onari's never reacted negatively to another person unless it was in defense. She's trying to avoid attention – not gain it!"

"I understand what you're saying, but I can't overlook what she's done. What if she does this to another country we're allies with? We'll be targeted. I have to protect the village. I know you care for her deeply," he stated as Sasuke's eyes met his. "And I know what she means to your family."

Sasuke turned around shaking his head. He placed his hand on his forehead. "This isn't the life I intended for them. They're bonded to each other like we were," he said softly of his past with Naruto.

Naruto stood from behind the desk. "We have no way of knowing what that girl will do to protect herself. She could turn on everyone. It's been noted in every report by Lee of her lack of authority when he gave directions. She's never regarded anyone as her sensei, Sasuke. Not even you."

"Fine," Sasuke said not turning around to face Naruto. He didn't approve of the Hokage's decision. Opening the door, he hastily left without looking back at his childhood friend.

"I'm sorry, old friend," Naruto said as he slumped back into his chair. His eyes stared at the report. "If only there was a way to know for sure what really happened."

"This is what you're planning to do," Ateru questioned as he looked at Idai straight in the face. He was leaned back against the tree outside of one of the entrances to a level. "I know how Kaiya can be. She doesn't like her authority to be questioned over the boys. Forgive her for that. Her mother was a proud Shinobi also." He turned his head looking out at the sky. Children were running off in the distance playing a game. "Our village was supposed to be well protected in this tree. It's why the ancestors decided to build it here. We're high up from a normal assault. But I guess we're vulnerable, as well."

Idai remained where he was. The rest of Team 6 was off scouting the tree. "If you don't approve of what I have planned, I can change it," he suggested.

"No, no," Ateru said putting is hand up to stop Idai. "Sometimes adults have to be led by children, in order, to see the world for what it is." He closed his eyes. "Everyone has been so concerned with protecting the dead, that they haven't had the energy to do much else. Whatever the Kasha destroys has to be fixed the moment dawn returns. The acid they fire burns the tree. Look down."

Idai walked to the edge of the branch his head tipping over to see what Ateru was telling him. The ancient tree had holes in it like Swiss cheese. His brows furrowed trying to understand why the tree hadn't fallen over or crumbled to the ground due to the weight of the buildings upon it. "How is this still standing?"

"The Morikage has been using his strength to keep the village afloat. That is why he was not able to meet any of you when you arrived. He's been in a state of trance the entire time speaking to the tree, pleading with it not to fall back to the earth."

"Are leaders really that great," he asked no one in particular. Idai supposed the leaders of the villages were not chosen merely for their physical strength, but also their emotional strengths. He sensed Ateru standing behind him as he was crouched on the edge of the branch.

"I have the feeling you didn't grow up properly," Ateru said. Idai raised a brow. "I mean it's noticeable in how you act and portray others around you. You're hesitant to speak to anyone that is older, or unfamiliar. As quickly as you gave me an altered mission, you backed out because you thought I was going to shut you down."

Idai stood slowly making sure he didn't go over the edge. His back hit the wooden fence that was on each side of the branches to keep children from falling off. Averting his eyes, he remained quiet not looking at Ateru. The only men who had been caring to him were his father, Gai, and Kiba. "I don't like being read so easily," he said some time later.

"It's not something you can help. There are others like you out in this world that have been given the same paths." Ateru put his arms on the fence looking out over the grass down below. "In any case, you are avoiding a decision you have to make. Do you trust others, or remain as you are?" He glanced at the boy.

Idai tensed some. "What is your interest in me really," he asked.

Ateru smiled softly, his mind in a memory. "You look so much like him, it's uncanny," he said. "I knew the moment you stood in the tower to be briefed. For you have the same face as he does."

Idai didn't understand. "Who are you talking about?" This was the first time he had been to the forest village. He was sure Ateru sensei was confusing him with someone else.

"When I was younger, I met a man who was unlike any other. He was kind, humble, had a good heart about him. I had only been a Genin for a few months, my skills still developing. Our mission had been to guard a caravan across the forest. Needless to say, I had run into a bit of trouble defending myself. I was lucky in the fact to have another Jounin protect me when I got separated from my team. He stood over me smiling before he crouched to make sure I was alright. The symbol on his headband was that of the Sound Village. We had always heard they were to be feared, but this man was not like the stereotypes I had grown up with.

He bandaged my wounds, ruffled my hair, and then asked me how old I was. When I told him, he simply pulled my nose. He told me I had much to learn. This was only a lesson. He sat with me for a while telling me stories of his missions. 'Sometimes you pass with flying colors, and sometimes there are hard lessons to be learned that tear at your very being.' He didn't have to stay with me, Idai, but he did because of my age. He said he felt responsible for me. As my team approached, I turned my head for a moment to call to them. When I had turned around, he was gone with the wind."

Ateru reached up ruffling Idai's long red hair. "Sometimes you pass with flying colors and sometimes there are hard lessons to be learned. This is only a lesson for you to grow from." He smiled.

"I don't understand why you're telling me this," Idai said.

"I thought you would like to know what your old man had taught me when I was young. Maybe I can teach you the same valuable lesson," Ateru said as Idai's face showed shock and uncertainty. "Tatsumaki Orushin. He told me his name so that I wouldn't be afraid of him. You're face is just like his. Although, I was sure you would have white hair like him."

Idai froze where he was. "Y-you knew..my dad..?" He stood still trying to recall what Ateru had told him.

Ateru stood up realizing Idai was overcome with what he had said. "I'm sorry, Idai, I didn't think. I forgot that you're not wearing a Sound-nin headband, but a Leaf-nin one. And your reaction says it all. Orushin is dead isn't he?"

Idai nodded slowly. He closed his eyes, his mind trying to forget how his father had died. "I wasn't wanted by my mother. She threw me out of the village when I couldn't pass the exam to train. I was found by Anko, a ninja from the Leaf. She took me there. I was scared, alone, and hurt. A man named Might Gai adopted me when no one else would have me."

Ateru frowned. "I'm sorry to hear that. I can understand why you perceive others as the way you do. But not everyone is like that," he said jerking a thumb behind him at his team. "They've all been through rough situations in their lives. Try to overlook it. It's their way of getting attention."

"Hey, are we still doing your plan," Masaru yelled with his hands cupped over his mouth. He was hit on the back of the head by Yanagi. "Well, I didn't want to interrupt them being way over there!"

"You're already doing that with yelling," Kinari said. He yawned hard. "Idiot," he said as he finished yawning.

Ateru waved his team over. "We're going to do the plan Idai had formed. I'll cover for my team once you guys are off to follow the Kasha." Kaiya's mouth fell open. "Kaiya, he's trying to help end the destruction the Kasha are causing. I know what the Morikage has decided for the shinobi, but I want to end this as quickly as possible. The Morikage is being drained of his chakra slowly. The tree cannot hold the village much longer. We need to be at our best tonight. Kinari, go sleep. You're going to need your strength. I can't have any screw ups."

Tachiba raised a brow. "We're going to attack them at night when they are fully recharged? That isn't wise," he said.

"No, it isn't. For now, I want you all to find where they are located. Once you have their hideout, send someone back with a message to me. I'll gather who I can to attack them when dawn hits. It has to be swift, or they'll only regain their numbers."

"Agreed," Yanagi said with her hands on her hips. "We'll do what we can from our end, if you can manage to get reinforcements."

Masaru narrowed his eyes. "We haven't failed at a mission yet. This isn't going to be our first," he said flexing his biceps.

A large boom sounded throughout the leaf village as the wall crumbled sending shrapnel all over the place. Azayaka halted, her eyes widening upon the falling stone. A metal scorpion, the size of a train car moved through the debris. She watched as it spun its large claws breaking apart the rubble so it was able to move freely. Men wearing metal armor came through the opening, their stance preparing for war. People ran screaming as several of the men darted in different directions.

Azayaka laid low her eyes focusing on a man who appeared to be a General. What do they want? The man's silver eyes moved in her direction. She froze. There's no way he can see me. Azayaka realized something was up the moment the man's body started to charge with electricity. She ran for it out of the back door of the building. Azayaka threw herself out of the building as it erupted in power. The building caught fire, burning. She was no match for them, she knew that. One last glance told her to get back to her team.

Sliding on her heels, she kept running until Eiyu ran straight into her. She yelped as he grabbed her shoulders. "What are you… The village is under attack!"

Eiyu narrowed his eyes. "Get out of here. Find Takeru and protect him!" Azayaka didn't seem to understand what he was telling her. "Idiot! He's linked to Onari! Those bastards are from the lightening country!" He pushed her back making his point. "Get moving!"

Azayaka watched Eiyu run toward the fighting. It was an order for her to delay every thought she had. She turned around high tailing it to the last place she had seen Takeru Uchiha.

Takeru felt someone grab him from behind, his mouth was quickly covered. He was being pulled into a dark alley as people ran passed him. His eyes lifted straining to see who had a hold of him. His body relaxed a little when he recognized the man latching onto him.

"Shh," Kiba said his eyes watching the area. He sniffed hard his nose pulling in the scents around them. "They're searching for someone in the village."

Takeru's heart raced. An explosion rocked the street. He saw shinobi flying by to defend the village. "Kiba," he said his voice muffled by the man's hand, "I have to help."

Kiba took his hand away. "You're the one with the dragon. It isn't a wise idea. They learn you have control of it, and you're as good as dead." Kiba pulled Takeru back as the boy tried to take off to assist other ninja he heard calling for help. "Look at me. Takeru!"

Takeru's eyes lifted. "I'm not going to let them destroy the village! They're hurting people," he said with a defiant tone.

Kiba kneeled placing his hand on Takeru's cheek. I'm not speaking to you as a superior, Takeru. I'm a father, also. I am not putting you in danger. Your wounds from before are not fully healed. You will sit this one out, promise me."

Takeru lowered his head. He nodded slowly as the commotion around them intensified. Kiba rose. Takeru watched the Jounin run off to aid those in need. Remaining out of the way was not something he was trained to do. Takeru waited long enough to make sure Kiba was gone. He ran away from his position out into the open area. His eyes befell upon shinobi fighting the attack of Konoha. ANBU flew in all directions targeting certain members of the foreign ninja. If he wasn't allowed to help, what good was he as a Genin?

Ryu Yuhi formed hand seals, his eyes focused on the man running towards him, his scythe at the ready. The memory of his combat with Kakumei prepared him mentally for what to expect from his man. The scroll in front of him was smeared with his own blood. He furrowed his brows. "Intense delusion!"

Yobun's feet started to sink into the ground with each step he took closer to the boy. His legs became deeper and deeper until he was up to his knees. The ground hardened around his lower limbs. Yobun grunted as he tried to pull his legs free. He dropped the scythe, his hands wrapping around one of his legs, pulling. It was of no use. He was stuck. Yobun narrowed his eyes at the spiky haired boy. "Don't think I can't reach you!"

Yobun charged the electricity around his body crackling in the air. He erupted the lightening focused entirely on the one spot a hundred yards away from him. The lightening soared popping the ground all around the boy. "Got you! You can't break your concentration!"

The boy's form went back, his arms going up. Yobun kept intensifying his charge until he breathed hard. The boy's body smoked. He laughed. "Not so tough now, are you?" The boy's form poofed just as he was hit in the back of the head. He went forward, stunned.

Ryu jumped on Yobun's head landing firmly, his eyes still focused, hands firmly holding the sign. He flipped forward, eyes not blinking. Ryu turned around. "One assumption of yours you seem to have missed. Only a fool stands in the way." The scroll he had used was mounted in the side of a pole with a kunai.

Yobun lifted his form wit a snarl. "A fool uses the same trick twice!" He grabbed the scythe swinging it at Ryu's feet.

Ryu blinked the genjutsu wearing off. He jumped up missing the scythe by mere inches. Yobun was coming at him fast. He let himself all backwards, his legs coming up to kick Yobun up and over. The scythe sliced the ground right next to his ear. Ryu was back on his feet.

He couldn't let Yobun recover. Ryu took out the Kusari-kama he had on his back. Yobun sliced at his head, Ryu caught the scythe with the chain. Both of the weapons shook with the determination of its master.

Yobun grunted. His eyes locked with the boy's. "There's something you've forgotten. I don't travel alone!"

Ryu sensed the other lightening user coming at him, but it wasn't Mabuta who was also in motion. "Neither do I," he yelled as he pushed Yobun back. He threw shuriken hastily at the man.

Mabuta's guard went up the moment he saw the boy charging at him. He's a lightening user! His arms went up tot block the assault with the metal plates on his arms.

Daiya swung his arm, the wave of lightening going straight at the man. His attack was deflected, the lightening striking the metal on the man's body as he curled into a ball. He threw kunai at Mabuta to cause him to react.

Mabuta swung his arm, the kunai grazing the metal plate on his arm. It pinged off, lodging into the ground. He shot off going after the boy to challenge him. "You need to learn your place!"

"I know my place! And it's here!" Daiya's anger grew his hair spiking out. He went at Mabuta again the charges remaining close to his body creating a barrier. With kunai in hand, he sliced at Mabuta several times aiming for the man's neck.

Mabuta pushed Daiya back with his foot throwing an exploding ball at him. As the smoke intensified, he bit the capsule in his mouth. A stream of sparks shot out. Mabuta spit the capsule at the smoke.

Daiya flew out of the smoke. His clothing was covered in the powdered substance of the material Mabuta had used. The smoke erupted in fire. Daiya's eyes widened. The particles in the air caught together as each spark hit, igniting it. They were catching up to him, each bit of powder combusting. He dove straight towards the water canal.

Daiya prepared for impact under the water as the explosion came overhead. He was thrown towards the bottom of the canal. The water bubbled for a moment, but stopped as quickly as it had begun. He swam to the surface. As his head popped up over the water, he shook his head. Daiya growled. Mabuta had not followed him to continue the battle. The man had fled.

Meanwhile, Ryu was going after Yobun with all his strength. He hammered the man again and again not letting up as he pushed him back. He had to protect the village! "Get out of our village," he yelled in anger.

Yobun grinned at the boy. "Not until we have what we want!" He swung his scythe at Ryu's head trying to end the match. The boy was taking up his time to search for the girl. Yobun began to charge as he darted after Ryu. The boy was smart enough to be running backwards, his eyes on Yobun. The charges radiated, becoming stronger as he sent them down the scythe. Twirling the scythe with his gloved hand, the charges were hurled at Ryu in the form of large blasts.

Ryu dodge them as best he could, his eyes trying to not blink. The flashes only made it harder for him to see Yobun. And without warning, the man was coming around out of the corner of his eye while his double kept sending charges at Ryu. Ryu's heart thumped in his chest. He had nowhere to run. He was out in the open with a deadly opponent.

Yobun ran in an arch at the boy's back, a kunai drawn, his fingers wrapped around it tightly. "Sorry, kid, this is where it ends for you," he shouted. His arm went in full strike, the kunai coming down. With each breath of movement, Yobun's grin got wider, his eyes deliciously devouring the scene.

Ryu felt a wire wrap around his leg. He was being pulled downward as Yobun's kunai came within millimeters of his body. The tip of the kunai grazed the back of his neck missing his back. His body slammed into a roof. As the smoke cleared he saw Sasuke guarding him, his body over his, head looking up at Yobun. "Sasuke!"

Sasuke concentrated, the chakra around his arm forming. Yobun was coming at them angrily, his lightening scythe at the ready. "Thousand birds current!" Chakra exploded around his from creating an impenetrable wall around him and Ryu. Yobun came down hard upon them with his scythe, but Sasuke's chakra blocked it. Yobun was sent flying backwards as if he'd touched an electrical fence. "Don't move, Ryu," he said. He felt the presence of another. His Sharingan eyes focused on the man behind him.

Kumihimo's black hair moved in the wind under his straw hat, his dark eyes looking at the man who had warded off Yobun. On his hip he had a metal rope, but it was not as ordinary as he was. He moved his arm up, signaling Yobun to fall back. Yobun swore at him, raising his voice. "I beg your pardon of my colleague. He's ill tempered when someone keeps him from completing his mission."

Sasuke didn't trust the situation. How many of these lightening users had invaded the village? The chakra around him sizzled, his defense still in motion. Ryu was lying flat on his back, head turned looking at this new opponent. "What is your objective for coming here," Sasuke asked lowly.

"Ah, we are looking for a little bird girl," Kumihimo said casually. "See, our lead told us you had taken her from the snow village. Excuse our lateness at coming to get her and any inconveniences it may have caused," he bowed some, his dark eyes keeping an eye on the man and his student. "Where is she, by the way?"

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. The chakra protecting him and Ryu ended, phasing out. Yobun had left to continue his search for Onari. "I won't have any of you destroying the village," he said standing fully. He removed the short sword from his back. He pointed it at Kumihimo. "Get out of our village," he said his Sharingan eyes signaling the man out.

"My, my," Kumihimo said unsheathing his rope. It hit the roof, bringing up shrapnel. Lightening seethed down the weapon, crackling. "It seems you won't answer me, when I have asked politely where she is. We will find her," he said tilting his hat down. "Mark my word on that." Kumihimo ran straight at Sasuke, the rope raised over his head. With a flick of his wrist, it came down upon the two opposing him. As the lightening hit, their forms deteriorated. Kumihimo whirled around. Ryu was coming straight at him, his arm outstretched with Chidori. From behind him, Sasuke was also coming at him with the same technique.

Kumihimo smiled slightly at the challenge. His hand went to grab the second rope that was hidden inside his dark blue kimono. As the two men came at him, he spun, the ropes creating a barrier of lightening to where he couldn't be touched. Sasuke and Ryu darted around him trying to find an opening. The men moved which allowed Kumihimo to flick his wrists, the ropes hitting the roof. The shingles went up in the air allowing him to use them for target practice. With one hand, he guarded himself, while the other allowed him to strike at them.

Ryu jumped back the lightening rope hitting where his feet had been. He could feel the deadly charge of energy on them. One wrong move and he was going to get fried. Sasuke was also avoiding the ropes quite well, but it was difficult to find an opening to where they could strike. Kumihimo was guarding himself to the best of his ability.

There has to be an opening somewhere. Ryu moved around the man growing impatient. Sasuke was not moving towards Kumihimo, which annoyed him. It was proving to be a lengthy fight. All around them fights were going on smoke cascaded to the sky from the buildings that were on fire. Medic-nin attended to get the wounded out of harm's way. Ryu growled under his face mask. "This is ridiculous!"

Ryu's form shot into the air suddenly as he tottered on the scales of Manda, Sasuke's snake. He looked at the snake, its huge head rising to strike at Kumihimo. "What took you so long?" Manda started to dip, his body going at a slant. Ryu held on in a crouched position.

Kumihimo fled, his feet dancing to avoid the strikes of the large snake. Sasuke was coming after him also, his eyes staring at the man. He let Chidori rip with the short sword drawn. The tip of the sword became longer, the energy flowing straight at the man with the straw hat. Manda moved its large body with ease, its head pinpointing where to strike.

Kumihimo was outnumbered. He threw his straw hat at the snake, its mouth chomping down on it, breaking it with its massive jaws. The tip of the sword pierced his kimono, going straight through to his armor. He opened his mouth, blood spurting out. He looked down. His armor was perfectly mastered to protect against weapons, but Sasuke had pinpointed his aim right at the space where the cloth showed between the metal plates. He staggered on his feet, the chakra flying back towards its master and welder. Kumihimo place his hand on his side, the blood staining the kimono. "How could you have known where to aim? Or that I was wearing armor," he asked looking at the man.

Sasuke's eyes went back to normal, his stare not wavering. "You're not the only lightening user I've come across." He signaled Manda to stand down, the snake hovering over Kumihimo. Before he could instruct Ryu to hold the man, Kumihimo poofed in a flash of lightening.

Ryu jumped down, his eyes glancing around. "Where did he go," he asked Sasuke trying to pinpoint their enemy's location. Manda was flickering his tongue tasting the air.

"No idea, but as soon as I struck him, he was plotting where to move to. His guard went down for a split second," Sasuke said petting Manda's face.

Kakumei stood atop a building, his stance making sure his squad did what they were instructed to do. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw them coming – ANBU. He grinned. Kakumei charged, the lightening surging around him. The ANBU quickly changed pace. They fell back re-grouping. "Don't assume I can't get you over there!"

"Move back," Kaizoku shouted signaling his squad as they lightening erupted. He formed hand seals a wave of chakra going up to block him like a shield. The lightening hit, each strike just as powerful as the next. He flew backwards with the last hit, his shield beaten.

Boton shifted into high gear, her arms open to catch him as her captain went soaring. He was unconscious, his arms burned from the lightening attack. She moved lifting him onto her back. The man attacking them was charging again.

"Get him out of here," Yakin yelled at Boton. He whirled around as a building off in the distance caught fire. People screamed as they ran. His heart leapt. "They're destroying the village!"

Kumihimo laughed manically as he went down the streets, his eyes darting as he looked around at the smoke coming from the burning buildings. "Come out, little bird! We know you're here!" He sent a wave of lightening along the trail of buildings. A woman screamed covering her head as she fled the area. "Where are you hiding?"

The ANBU threw bombs at Kakumei trying to ward him off. The man doubled back taking cover. Captain Aoi stood with his eyes focused on the destruction. "We can't get too close to them without being electrocuted. There has to be another way to overcome them," he said trying to form a plan in his head.

"Sir, what of the Hokage? His guidance would be appreciated right about now," Sendo said moving aside as a wave of lightening hit.

Captain Aoi of Squad C darted as well. Kakumei was hard to overcome. The man was not afraid of sheer numbers nor the techniques of others. "Squad B is on their way to guard the Hokage! I don't know who these foreigners are!" He grunted as he was hit with flying debris. "But it's clear they're not backing down," he shouted signaling his team to go forward. Squad C rat at Kakumei with their weapons drawn.

Kakumei only stood regarding them as mere annoyances. "I don't play children's games anymore," he said under his breath. He flexed his arms, the lightening around his body stretching out in a warp. The warp around his body grew outward until it enveloped the space above his head in an arch. A few of the ANBU were nailed for getting too close. Their bodies shook with the electricity until they fell to the roof. He stomped his foot, lightening darting in front of him, stretching out to the edges of the roof.

Namanie froze her eyes going wide as the flash of lightening came closer. It was so quick she didn't have time to react. It hit her sending her off of the roof towards the street below where villagers ran for their lives. Her ninja sword clanged to the ground away from her.

Sendo growled as reversed his action, moving to retrieve Namanie. He was worried she was gravely injured. As he fled to her rescue, Chasaji and Captain Aoi went after Kakumei. Out of nowhere, Hayaru with the horse mask from Squad A came down on top of Kakumei with his hand outstretched. He guided the flow of mud to surround Kakumei.

Kakumei snarled his thick neck turning to throw poisonous shuriken at Hayaru. The lightening around his body had stopped. Mud covered the rooftop making it impossible for him to harm the ANBU surrounding him. He eyed each of them that chose to remain motionless their guards up. "You can't stop all of us," he said flicking his head in the direction of his men. "Hand over the bird girl," he ordered.

"Bird girl," Yakin asked. "We don't know who you speak of. You will pay for coming here uninvited."

"Will I now, boy?" Kakumei said casually as he bit onto a pouch inside of his mouth. He spit the liquid at the ANBU charging his finger. The moment his finger came within ran of the liquid, a fire stream flowed. He spun around catching each of them in his trap. When they moved back to regain their numbers, Kakumei took off to search the village to get a status report on what his men had found out.

"After him," Captain Aoi instructed. He signaled the squads to catch the men destroying the village. "If this continues, there won't be anything left of Konoha!"

Naruto ran with Hinata and Niru down the hall of the tower. He tapped the side of a hide away wall. "Go, Hinata! Take Niru and hide with the others!"

Hinata looked at her husband, eyes wide. "Naruto, I don't want to leave you," she said. He gave her a serious expression.

"You need to calm the people," he said knowing he had a job to do. "I don't know who these outsiders are, but they won't destroy the village!" He touched his daughter's face lovingly. "Niru, don't let mama stop smiling." He closed the hidden wall.

Hinata touched the wall as she held their daughter. "Be careful, Naruto," she said before turning to run down the stairs. She yelped as the building shook almost losing her balance. "Niru, go quickly!" She ran with her daughter to the hidden space.

Ducking below the shaft, they crawled in the darkness on their hands and knees. Niru's heart raced as the sounds from above rumbled to her ears down below. "Mama," she said as the earth shook. Dirt rained down on top of her head. She covered herself curling into a ball, the dirt falling onto her back.

Hinata caught up with her daughter. "Niru, keep going. We can't stop!" Hinata pushed her on until a hole appeared. "Drop, Niru."

Niru did as she was told. She fell down into a long hallway that split into several directions. As she waited for her mother, she heard a man's voice issuing his class to follow him. Hinata landed behind her. "Horyu sensei," she called running to him.

Horyu stopped. He halted his class. "Miss Niru. Lady Hinata," he said. "We're going to the safest point of the underground tunnels with the children. Others are rescuing and guiding people to that area. You'll be safe with us. Please, hurry," he said with his arms open.

Hinata saw some of the children were frightened. Their families were topside protecting the village. She knelt down touching several of the children's faces. "It will be alright. Horyu sensei and I won't let harm come to you. Any of you. We must be strong for those fighting to protect our home." She stood back up. "Hurry," she said walking fast. The children followed her running.