Chapter 34

The gently falling feathers that had once danced in the afternoon sun slowly faded to nothing. Cementing in their minds that this was indeed a Genjutsu as everyone around them slumped. Their minds clouded by a dreamless sleep.

Keiko, Guy, and Kakashi watched their surroundings carefully, waiting for something to happen. Who made the Genjutsu? Was this the attack they had all been anticipating? Guy stood above Lee, who he had caught from falling. The boy had not been sitting and if not for Guy catching him, he would have broken his skull open on the steps.

Before any of them spoke a large explosion caught their attention. They watched as Anbu members raced to the site, but as soon as they approached they were blocked by a barrier. How these ninja were able to get around the security and the Anbu was a shock in itself. Seeing the Kazekage of all people take the Hokage captive… If someone wanted a war this would be a way to get it.

"That's a barrier ninjutsu." Guy commented at the sight, his fists clenching as he saw an Anbu rushed forward and was engulfed in flames. An effective barrier indeed.

Kakashi's gaze hardened, "They outsmarted the Anbu Black Ops. And the Anbu are supposed to be the best." He had been out of the Anbu for several years. Either the standard had lowered since he had left, or these ninja were nothing to sneeze at.

Keiko grit her teeth, her palm reaching for the familiar hold of her katana. "You would know, Kakashi. Goes to show what we're up against."

"Let's go!" Guy insisted. He wasn't going to just stand by and continue to do nothing when the Hokage was in danger! The man lunged forward, intent on racing to the scene of the massive explosion with Keiko and Kakashi following closely behind him. But, his path was suddenly blocked by a singular Anbu agent. "Why are you here? Lord Hokage is in danger!" Couldn't this person see that this wasn't the place to be?

The lone Anbu stood straighter and said nothing. All at once, several figures moved. A handful of ninja made themselves known, having hidden themselves among the normal civilians. Kakashi's gaze narrowed as he looked at the growing number of Sound Ninja and an irritated sound passed his lips, "What a nuisance."

Keiko widened her stance, her grip never leaving her weapon. She too worried about their Hokage, but it would seem they would have to wait. Calculating blue eyes scanned the growing number of enemy shinobi. "Seems we have some work to do here first."

Guy once again focused on the lone Anbu and it instantly clicked. "An enemy masquerading as Anbu Black Ops. So, he was using Genjutsu."

Kakashi eyed the Anbu as well, his eyes glinting with a hint of recognition. "Yes, there's no mistake..." if it was who he thought it was then everything made much more sense.

Keiko's eyes flickered off to the side for a moment as she saw the Sand Genin leave the arena, followed shortly by Sasuke. What on earth was Sasuke thinking? This wasn't a match anymore. This was now a matter of life and death. Even now she could pick up the sound of metal on metal and faint screams as countless shinobi were taken by surprise by this ambush. She only hoped that any who saw past the Genjutsu were quick enough to act.

The three Jonin sized up the enemy, Kakashi's gaze lingering on where Sasuke had run off before turning back to the situation at hand. "Quite a lot of them."

"We've been careless, and now even Lord Hokage…" Guy's fists tightened. He couldn't believe that they were so careless as to let so many enemy ninja into their village! Wasn't security supposed to be heightened? He was about to mention something else when something within the barrier caught his eye and he gasped. "Look! Up there, inside the barrier!"

Keiko and Kakashi quickly looked to where Guy's gaze guided them. "Orochimaru." They both said in unison. The white skin seemed to shine and while the gold eyes were not noticeable from their vantage point, the purple makeup was not.

Just like that, the time for talking was over as the enemy Sound ninja that had been slowly circling them made their move. Behind where the three were standing, Sakura watched in astonishment and great confusion at the scene before her. So, it was a Genjutsu, she was right! Her eyes drifted down toward Naruto and Shikamaru as a stray kunai flew past her head and she ducked down behind one of the seats. Great, just great! What was going on?! Was this really happening?

Sakura slowly peered over the seat to watch the ensuing carnage. She watched in amazement as Guy seemed to fly effortlessly through the air, his kicks landing swift and true against his enemies. Keiko was fighting in a similar manner, bobbing and weaving around the attacks. Sakura could have sworn that at one or two instances her style mimicked Guy's. Opposite to Guy, she was taking advantage of every opening the Sound ninja gave her. It reminded Sakura of how Keiko was during their training sessions. It was like Keiko knew exactly when and where to strike. Pairing swift agility and deadly force behind each blow.

For a moment, the girl forgot where she was and she became lost in watching this deadly dance.

It wasn't until two enemy ninja suddenly appeared that the reality of the situation came barreling down on her. There was but a moment as Sakura sucked in a breath, her heart hammered against her chest and her fists rose. If this had happened only a few months ago she would have tried to hide away, but after the intense training she had gone through her first instinct was to fight back. Even if she knew there was little chance of her winning, she would stand her ground.

Before they got too close to her, the two ninja were swiftly killed. Kakashi was there, having wedged a kunai knife deep into the offending shinobi's skulls. Sakura gasped lightly when her Sensei turned his head toward her, a spot of blood on his exposed cheek. A pleasant eye-smile curving his eye, "Sakura, just stay here while we trim the enemies numbers down to size."

Kakashi returned to the fray of battle, taking notice of Guy and Keiko's progress. It had been a while since he had seen either of them fight and he had to admit it was making him nostalgic. After a short time, and realizing that the number of their enemies didn't seem to lessen, the three Jonin stood back to back.

Guy smirked, enjoying the heat of battle even if the situation was dire, "Nice work." He commented to his companions. His dark eyes drifted up toward the barrier, "But, I'm worried about Lord Hokage."

Kakashi raised a kunai, carefully eyeing their enemy, "Leave that to the Anbu, we have enough to handle here. Besides, he's not just some push over you know."

"Yeah, but-"

Keiko cut off her long time friend, a determined smile pulling at her lips, "He's our Hokage. We have to have faith."

Both men turned their heads slightly toward her, feeling her chakra flexing. Their eyes instantly picked up on the symbol she was making with her hand and Guy couldn't help but smile. A warm laugh rumbled in his chest and he widened his stance, "It has been far too long since I've felt the chilling embrace of that jutsu."

Wordlessly, Kakashi lifted his headband to uncover his eye.

Keiko could feel the two men prepare themselves. "Level the playing field a bit, why don't we?"

In a sudden burst of chakra and a gust of wind that had the enemy ninja, as well as Sakura, covering their faces, they moved.

Guy moved through the growing blizzard expertly. Just as he remembered in years passed, the biting chill of the cold was held to a minimum and the blowing snow that blinded his enemies came to a halt just inches from his skin. As if the storm welcomed him within it, letting him move freely and unhindered through the chill. While most would be disorientated, his years working with Keiko by his side had sharpened his senses. He could still see, but the blizzard had always given him another challenge to overcome. Now, he could fight purely on sound alone, easily able to pick up on the presence of another body within the storm.

Kakashi felt oddly calm within the familiar jutsu, even as his kunai ripped into flesh and stained the white snow red. He realized just how long it had been since he had witnessed it and much like in the past he was amazed at the level of control necessary to control such a complex jutsu. When he first met Keiko, he never thought that she would have been capable of something this massive. She truly did deserve the title of Jonin.

The three Jonin worked together, bringing the number of enemy ninja down until only a few skilled ones were left in their vicinity.

Off to the side, Sakura hugged herself, rubbing her arms vigorously to keep the blood flowing. This was nothing like what Keiko had done in the Land of Waves! Who knew her Sensei could do something like this!? Her eyes drifted down toward Naruto and she had to wonder if he was as cold as she was. A timid hand reached out and rested on the blonds forehead, expecting the exposed skin to be cool thanks to the Jutsu. She was surprised to find Naruto was warm to the touch and her head shot up to look around. Then, she noticed that all of the unconscious villager's weren't being affected by the cold. For a moment her jaw slackened in shock. Just how much control did Keiko have over her chakra?

Sakura thought her chakra control was good, but this was on a whole other level!

"Sakura!"

Said girl flinched, seeing Kakashi land in front of her. His hair blending in with the blowing snow but hid dark attire standing out enough so she could see him.

He didn't turn to look at her, his voice urgent as he spoke. "I see your training paid off. You truly do have a talent for it." Kakashi had only given her very basic lessons on Genjutsu in the past. It would seem that she had improved far beyond that now. He hated to think of what would happen had Keiko not insisted on giving Kurenai time with her. "Release the Genjutsu and wake Naruto and Shikamaru. Naruto will be delighted, you'll be getting a mission after such a long time."

Sakura blinked, in surprise, "But, Sensei, with this battle going on, why send us off on some mission?" Couldn't they be of use here?

Her teacher didn't let up, and said exactly what he needed to to get her attention. "Sasuke's chasing Gaara and the other Sand ninja."

"What?" She said in disbelief. Sasuke, did what? How could he be so foolish?

Knowing his student, he repeated himself, "Sakura, wake Naruto and Shikamaru and follow Sasuke." He brought the kunai knife to his thumb, feeling the sting of metal as the blood flowed against his pale skin. His mind recalled that grotesque appendage that had spewed forth from Gaara's shield. That chakra made him uneasy. He didn't know what it was, but those Sand Genin were hiding something and his gut told him that no matter what training he had put Sasuke through, he was going to need help. And, he couldn't send Genin alone on this assignment.

"Then, shouldn't we wake Ino and Choji and go as a group?" Sakura insisted. Her eyes tried to look out and search for the two but couldn't make out anything through the blizzard.

He shook his head slightly, the movement so small there was no chance Sakura noticed it. "No time. I suspect many Sound and Sand Shinobi have already infiltrated this village. Besides, if you have more than four ninja essential to a squad, it takes longer to get anything done. And it becomes more difficult to hide from the enemy. You did learn that in academy patrol training, didn't you?"

She gasped, "Of course, with four members-" She jumped, hopeful at his words, "That means you'll be coming with us, right?"

Kakashi began forming a familiar set of hand signs. A jutsu so familiar it was pure muscle memory, "No. I must not leave this place." With a grunt he flattened his palm against the ground and a puff of smoke rose but was quickly blown away.

A small pug in a blue vest sat rubbing his eyes and yawned. Kakashi just had to summon him in the middle of a nap. "Again so soon, Boss?" Generally, Kakashi went a decent period of time between summoning.

The girl started in disbelief at the small dog, "Wait, so our fourth member is a puppy?"

She blinked when Pakkun was almost instantly in front of her. His eyes unamused, "Alright, listen little girl, don't you dare go around saying I'm just some cute puppy."

Sakura blinked and opened and closed her mouth like a fish out of water. She hadn't even said cute.

Their exchange didn't matter. Kakashi raised his voice to gain their attention, "Okay, it's time. Sakura, release the Genjutsu."

Within the raging blizzard near it's center was the summoner herself. It seemed that a good amount of enemy ninja were congregated around their area of the stands. Perhaps in an attempt to overwhelm them? Keiko could not be sure, but she had a hunch it had something to do with that Anbu impersonator. It didn't matter though, her jutsu did well to disorientate her enemies. And with Guy and Kakashi fighting alongside her it was a force to be reckoned with. Both men had grown accustomed to it and were adept at navigating through it.

As fist and kick connected with each enemy, sending them flying, she could sense and feel everything within her Jutsu. She could tell how many ninja Guy had rocketed out of her range, and how Kakashi stood in the back near Sakura. She had an idea of what he was doing, but couldn't fault him for it. She too had seen Sasuke follow after the Sand Ninja. She saw the horrifying arm that attacked Sasuke. If not for the turmoil here in the village they would have already headed out after them.

The enemy's numbers were less and less. With one final attack she unleashed her blade, the steel cutting easily along the man's chest as he let out a gargled gasp. Killing had never been an easy task for Keiko, but in a time like this there was little she could do against it. These Shinobi knew the consequences for invading their village. Knowing these shinobi had no such respect for their lives made it easier to manage.

Kakashi sighed as he felt the wind beginning to die down around them. He cast one last glance behind him as he heard Pakkun drag a resistant Shikamaru through the whole Guy had created. He only hoped that they would make it in time to give Sasuke back up.

"Will they be alright on their own?" Guy questioned his rival. If it had been his own team, maybe he would feel differently. They had more field experience than those three, not to mention his training to help them.

Kakashi gave a curt nod, "Yes, they'll be fine. Pakkun will protect them." Sakura might have thought Pakkun was nothing more than a small talking dog playing dress up but he was capable of much more than that. It was Pakkun's experience that Kakashi was relying on to keep them safe.

Both men blinked, seeing the last wisps of snow fade, revealing Keiko walking toward them. A single splatter of blood on her cheek, contrasting the pale color of her skin. If not for the situation, Kakashi would have marveled at the ethereal sight. For a moment she embodied her nickname perfectly. The Beaming Blizzard of Konohagakure.

Keiko smiled warmly as she swung her blade with enough force to rid it of the blood before sliding it back into its scabbard. "I hope you're right Kakashi." She sighed, taking in the sight of the numerous dead bodies around them. If only their work was done. Her blue eyes turned toward the two men, "Let's go help the others."

Guy felt the smile spread across his face yet again, "Right." He cast a challenging glance at Kakashi, "Be sure to keep count, Kakashi."

"Don't fall behind yourself, Guy." Without skipping a beat, Keiko pivoted on one foot. Spinning around to deliver a hard kick to the side of an enemy ninja's skull. She flashed a wicked smile, "Twelve."

Konoha's blue beast grinned widely, holding up a fist in challenge. "I wouldn't dream of it!" With that, he sped off, eager to continue his rampage of youthful vigor among the invading Shinobi.

Kakashi watched as Guy ran, easily dispatching a few Shinobi as he left. He scanned the area, taking notice of how the impersonator was now gone before turning his gaze to Keiko. "Looks like we'll have to catch up later than expected."

Blue eyes connected with the stunningly mismatched gaze. The sheer intensity of the Sharingan sent a shiver down her spine, forcing her to look away. "It would seem that way."

They didn't have time to discuss their situation. The attack on their home was larger than both of them and any personal feelings would have to wait. Giving a nod to one another, they were off.

Keiko moved expertly through the stands. For a few enemy ninja a flash of black and blue was the last thing they would ever see. Most of these ninjas couldn't be higher than Chunin level, it was the sheer number of them that was overwhelming.

As the hilt of her Katana made a sickening crack against a skull, she spotted a familiar striped outfit. With a flip and a twirl through the air, she cut down the eighteenth Shinobi that day. Standing straighter, she flashed that famous smile toward the other woman, "Kurenai, having fun yet?"

Kurenai huffed, twirling the Kunai in her grasp before throwing it to the side. The kunai embedding itself into an eye socket of an opposing Shinobi. "Not as much as you, apparently." Kurenai couldn't help a soft smile tugging at her lips as well. Keiko's smile could be infectious even at times like this.

Blue eyes darted around, "Where's Asuma, I knew you two came here together."

"He followed after the kids. A band of ninja was on their tail so he's taking care of it." She had to wonder if Shikamaru hadn't been dragged along. Asuma treated that boy like a son.

Keiko breathed a sigh of relief, "Good. Those kids don't need anything else to get in their way."

For a moment, Keiko allowed herself to look back up toward the barrier where the Hokage was trapped. A large plethora of greenery had appeared, but other than that there was a distinct lack of action within the barrier. The plants kept their view obstructed. A sudden sickening wave of unease settled in her stomach as her eyes lingered on the barrier. Something was wrong.

Very wrong.

A sudden flair of chakra behind her startled her back to reality and she spun on her heel. She had been too distracted and relied on muscle memory and instinct. Her hand gripped her katana and she was going to lash out with it when the chakra signature was suddenly gone and reappeared in front of her. Her body already had the momentum to strike a foe behind her, she wouldn't be able to turn back in time to block or dodge. Her heart leapt into her throat as her eyes flickered behind her, catching the sight of a tanto making its way toward her exposed back.

This Shinobi wasn't like the others. He was far too fast, far too calculating.

In that moment when Keiko rushed to gather her footing, she prepared for the searing pain of a blade in her side. Instead, a strong arm circled itself around her waist and a scream ripped from the lips of her attacker.

"You alright?"

She found herself being pressed against the firm rough material of a flak jacket. The voice settled her nerves slightly as she turned her head and smiled, "Yeah, thanks, Kakashi."

Kakashi nodded, and his hold on her waist tightened as he studied the enemy carefully. He was able to dodge his attack, but just barely. The man's blood still dripped from Kakashi's kunai.

The man had a hand over his face, hissing in pain as he stood taller. This man wore the same Sound Ninja garb as the others, but his demeanor was completely different from the others. He held his bloodied hand away from his face and chuckled, revealing the deep bleeding gash that now ran from one side of his face to the other.

A single crazed black eye looked up at them. The other either slashed or too coated in blood to bother opening. "Kakashi of the Sharingan Eye." The man said slowly, the trembles of pain slowly stopping as he spoke, "It's so nice to see you again. Last I saw you, you had that damned dog mask, but there's no mistaking you."

Kakashi held the kunai up defensively, prepared for another attack. He didn't know who this man was, or why his voice sounded so familiar. He spoke as if he had known Kakashi. Judging by the venom in his voice, he was sure their last meeting hadn't been a pleasant one. "Who are you?" Kakashi demanded.

The man stayed silent for a long moment. Taking in the sight before him, his gaze lingering on Kakashi's arm still securely around the woman's waist. "No one of importance." His hands raised in a single sign and there was an ominous gleam in his eye. "I do not plan on dying by your hand, not today."

The battle continued on until there were only a handful of Sound and Sand Shinobi left. The battle seemed to be winding down and Keiko had managed to work up a sweat. It had been a long time since she had a battle that lasted so long before. Up until that point, Keiko had assumed that Genma would be fine on his own against the Sand Shinobi Baki. But now, as she cut down one last Shinobi and saw how Genma fumbled, it was clear he was beginning to struggle.

Genma bit down on his senbon, taking deep breaths through his nose to try and catch his breath. He couldn't let this guy know just how winded he was becoming. The power of the three Sand Genin was immense, it only made sense that their Sensei would be a formidable opponent.

"Getting tired already?" Baki taunted, moving again to attack the proctor.

He was able to move out of the way just before impact. "Not even close." He bit back, readying his own jutsu but his eyes widened when he saw Baki hold up two fingers. Shit. He could see the air around Baki flex and move before swiftly coming toward him. Blades of wind, silent, deadly and nearly impossible to block or dodge. Genma landed on his feat, ready to defend himself the best he could when a figure landed right in front of him, catching him by surprise.

An equally powerful wind knocked Baki back and he covered his face with his arms. He hadn't expected to run into someone with an equally powerful wind jutsu in this village. Looking up when the wind died down he was met with the sight of a woman. Raven black hair and crystal blue eyes like an oasis in the desert. He knew that face, wasn't she the Hokage's secretary? He never would have guessed she would be capable of something like that. His Jutsu was deflected easily.

Genma sighed, a lopsided smile pulling at his lips, "Long time no see."

Keiko scoffed, twirling her katana before letting the blade rest on her shoulder. "It hasn't been that long." She flashed him a smile, "How are you holding up here?"

Genma took a few steps forward, stretching his neck until it cracked, "He's a tough one, I'll give him that."

The Kunoichi's smile widened and she twirled her blade again, a soft blue hue engulfing the blade. "Let's play two against one then."

Both Jonin rushed forward, intent to bring Baki down without killing him. They both knew that Baki had to have been a key member in the plot against the village and he would pay for his role in this disaster.

Through the flying senbon and chakra enhanced blade, Baki did good of keeping out of their grasp. Even able to land a kick to Keiko's side, sending her stumbling off to the side. It didn't deter her though and she ignored the throbbing pain in her side. Baki bobbed and weaved through their attacks, using gusts of wind to help deflect Genma's senbon and send Keiko's attacks off course.

Finally, he seemed to collapse and they moved in to finish the job. Keiko knew what she had to do but faltered. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end as a sudden feeling of dread washed over her.

Her head snapped to the side and she grabbed Genma by the sleeve, roughly throwing him back away from Baki. "Genma!"

It was just in time. Not a moment later, a figure clad in black descended and the ground where Genma once stood exploded from the sheer force of the impact. Genma and Keiko stood back, their sandals skidding against the dry dirt as they came to a stop at least thirty feet from the two.

Baki stood, catching his breath as the figure in black turned toward them. The Anbu mask turned toward them and there was a heavy silence that settled over the arena. The clash of metal on metal had lessened, hinting that the fight was truly drawing to a close.

Keiko turned to the side as she caught her breath, seeing Kakashi land next to her and Guy land next to Genma. She smiled in greeting before turning back toward Baki and the imposter.

Genma looked toward Kakashi, "Take it the stands are clear?"

"As clear as they will be. All the enemy ninja in this area of the village have been taken care of, for now." Kakashi said flatly. His eyes narrowed at the imposter. It had to be who he thought it was.

Guy looked over and alerted the others to what he saw, "Look, the barrier!"

Keiko looked up, slightly hopeful, "It's gone."

"Where's the Hokage?" Genma said as he bit down on the senbon. It was the only action that exposed how worried he was. They watched as the four ninja from the Sound took a wounded Orochimaru and ran, easily halting the Anbu Black Ops from following them.

Guy had to stop himself from leaping after them. "Kakashi, they're pulling out. We should go after them."

Kakashi held up a hand to stop him, "Wait, Guy, I'm not so sure."

They all blinked when they heard the imposter speak for the first time, "That's right, let's not be too hasty, if we rush in, we might get snared in their traps."

Guy had to suppress his growl, "What are you suggesting then? That we simply stand here and let the swine escape? After what they've done to our village?" His fists clenched at his sides, "That's not the Leaf Shinobi way."

Kakashi stepped forward, either he would diffuse the situation or make it worse. "So, you propose we do nothing, eh Kabuto?"

The name didn't mean anything to Guy, but Genma and Keiko looked at Kakashi with some surprise. So, it was the kid. It would seem that it was too suspicious indeed for someone to fail the Exam so many times.

Kabuto reached up and removed the mask, a challenging smirk upon his face. "Well, aren't you the clever one. Time to call it a day." His mission was complete. Whether Orochimaru succeeded or not was a different story.

"Are you gonna run away from me again?" Kakashi called out to them.

"That would be too obvious." Kabuto responded to the blatant attempt to get him to stay. "Why show my hand when it's so much more fun keeping you in the dark?" His eyes narrowed, looking straight into Kakashi's Sharingan eye, "That eye of yours can't see everything, can it? Unlike the Uchiha Clan, you haven't mastered it yet."

Keiko turned her eyes toward Kakashi. To someone who did not know him, it would be hard for them to see. To her, she knew he was fuming. That tremble to his fist and set jaw were enough for her to see it. Even when Kabuto had disappeared along with Baki, Kakashi only glowered at the spot Kabuto had been.

She didn't know exactly what Kabuto was going on about. Kakashi seemed to have great control over the Sharingan eye, though she supposed she had not witnessed it's full potential. Not even Itachi had bothered to use it around her, and they said he was a true prodigy.

She turned her head up to where the barrier had been, "The Hokage."

The three men around her nodded, "Right."

When they arrived, there were already other people there. Several faces she had not seen before, while many others she recognized. They were all surrounding something, sullen and quiet. Not a word was spoken. It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Keiko stood still, unable to move a muscle at the sight. Even though blood was a common theme in this scene, the one thing she couldn't ignore was the smile upon the old man's face.

Even with the proof right there in front of her, it was hard to wrap her brain around.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was dead.

I honestly expected this chapter to take a LOT longer to get out. As you all know, I have trouble with action scenes, but this chapter seemed to flow really easily for me. Hope it was an enjoyable read. Next chapter will be longer than usual, and I'll tell you now. You do NOT want to miss it ;)

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Posted - 10/5/2021