A.N. One more slightly slower chapter before we jump feet-first into the action-packed hospital fight. Don't worry, there's some nice lovey-dovey moments for you all to enjoy, along with several people getting a kick in the ass from Genkai.

Ghost of Magic: I wonder what you'll think of the flashback sequence...

Hina714: Sorry, I wasn't able to update early like I'd hoped. However, there's always Kurama x Sakura moments for you to enjoy, and the fight against Sensui is going to be as epic as I can possibly make it.

LadyAmazon: You're right about one thing. Kura's skills are going to be tested like never before in Chapter Black, and don't get me started on what's coming in the Three Kings! I have huge plans for how Sakura will handle Kurama's identity crisis along with facing the past.

hw0134160: You're the sweetest thing, honestly. I don't even know what to say. I just wanted to make the kind of fic that I, as a die-hard fan, would want to read. I'm looking forward to getting into the hospital fight next chapter as well. I've had it planned for a long time.

It's kind of a lifelong phobia, but I'm getting much better at handling it. As for side effects, I did spend the next two days in bed after the first one. Hopefully the second one won't be as bad, but either way it beats the ICU. See you next chapter!

Sakura-chan: Yes, Sakura did get overly stressed, and she probably wouldn't have if Yana had listened to Kurama and kept his hands to himself. This chapter is tame in comparison, but I can't make any promises once they get to Mushiyori City.

DCD Gojira: :D

Wolfs child: I'm glad you brought up Scarface. He's back as of this chapter.

starrat: Glad you enjoyed it. Sakura and I are so thrilled you've joined us!

Sarah: I always make sure I update every week. I'm in a very strict lockdown right now so that gives me a lot of extra time to write. You're right about Sakura and Kurama, their strengths make up for the other's weaknesses and vice versa. I love those two. And you're also correct about Sakura's abilities being more defensive than Yusuke's. That was a deliberate choice on my part. Two sides of the same coin, you know? It's definitely worth checking out Poltergeist Report, but for your own sake, stick with the sub. Funimation hasn't given it the proper dub, and the one that does exist is absolutely excruciating.

It's not easy to write Sakura getting hurt either. I feel like I owe her a major apology at this point. But I'm glad you enjoy the details. As for the final shot, it actually is just Yusuke firing, but the rest of the team kind of combine their powers into his Spirit Gun. It's clear in the film, but I should've written it differently. Sorry about that!

I know exactly what Yomi will be doing, and how Sakura will interact with him. It's been in my mind for ages. And yes, Sakura will be kicking major butt. Have no fear.

I don't own YYH, just my OCs.

Chapter 11

Yusuke pushed past everyone else and touched his sister's face once Kurama had lowered her to the ground.

"Kura! Please wake up, come on!"

No response. She was completely out of it. He looked up desperately. "Genkai, what's wrong with her?"

"She'll be fine, dimwit," Genkai snapped. "Stop panicking and give the girl some space!"

Kurama could feel Sakura coming around while the master and student continued to shout at each other.

Can you hear me, Kura?

Her eyes opened slightly. Kurama… I can hear you again.

It's ok, my love. I've got you.

He held her close before helping her to sit up. Without the territories activated, there was no interference.

Genkai jerked her head towards Sakura. "See? She's already conscious,"

"KURA!" Yusuke dived for his sister and grabbed her hand. "You feeling ok? What happened?"

"Settle down," Sakura said wearily. "I'm alright,"

Botan knelt beside Sakura and began stroking her hair. "Kura, what were you saying before? About the tunnel?"

Sakura put a hand to her forehead. "Sorry, I just remembered something I heard at the Dark Tournament,"

"Take your time, love," Kurama said softly.

"Genkai," Sakura turned to the old woman. "During the final round, I… went for a walk during the interval and ended up outside the VIP room. I didn't hear much, but Sakyo said something about a tunnel,"

Genkai nodded sagely. "Unsurprising. Koenma discovered that Sakyo planned to use the tournament's prize money to finance the operation. He wanted a permanent tunnel between worlds,"

Yusuke looked more than a little skeptical. "A tunnel? But how?"

"There is a border zone dividing our world and theirs," Genkai seemed pleased that Yusuke was asking questions. "Somehow, a giant breach is opening in that zone,"

"It is known as the pseudo space," Kurama explained quietly. "Tiny portals have been opened in it from time to time, allowing demons such as Hiei and myself to slip through. But they are rare, and quickly close, trapping us,"

Hiei scowled. "You're wrong, old hag. If there were a hole out of this vile world, I would've taken it,"

Genkai sighed. "Getting you to believe me would be a pain in the ass. I'll let you see it for yourself,"

"Tell us, Genkai," Sakura spoke up in a tremulous voice. "Where is it?"

"Mushiyori City," was the reply.

"What?!" Yusuke jumped. "That's like a Sunday afternoon drive from here!"

Sakura wished she could find the strength to take charge, but instead she just clung to Kurama. What did all this mean?

Yusuke turned to her. He looked angry. "Kura, why didn't you ever say anything about hearing that conversation?"

"Well for a start I only heard one sentence about a tunnel. Nothing about the demon world or anything," Sakura retorted. "Plus, I was a little preoccupied by… my last match," she shivered.

"It doesn't matter," Kurama said firmly. "What matters is stopping this threat,"

Koenma stared in utter astonishment at the reconnaissance tape Ayame had recorded. From her vantage point, the city was covered in a transparent energy dome, no doubt the result of the tunnel. Demon insects infested the air, and from the outside, Koenma could even detect eerie yet unsentient hands forming from the power source.

"How could we have missed this?!" Koenma slammed his fists on the desk and knocked over a stack of papers in the process. "We know the size of the border zone fluctuates over the years. We know it's the greatest threat to humanity, and yet we didn't see this?! Are we as dumb as my ogre monkey boy? Dumb as Jorge Saotome?!"

Jorge looked up from the floor where he was gathering up the papers. "Sir… that's the first time you've ever used my name,"

"SHUT UP!" Koenma shrieked.

"It's true, sir," Ayame admitted. "There are times in human history when demons are more able to roam. But the Ningenkai's next dark age isn't scheduled for several more centuries, according to our Seers. And not even those times have a hole this big,"

Koenma averted his eyes. There was a nasty thought at the back of his mind, and he didn't want to give it attention.

"Then we need to know who's behind this!"

The suitcase in Botan's hand began beeping loudly. "I guess that's Koenma,"

She set the case down and flipped it open. The screen inside flickered on to reveal Koenma's office.

"Botan! Is Yusuke with you? Or Sakura? It's an emergency!"

"We're all here, Koenma," Genkai made her royal way to the front. "Want to tell us about the border tunnel?"

Koenma beamed and began to do a headcount. "Genkai! I see we've got quite the crowd. Yes, the tunnel went undetected due to its narrow range, but now it's widening at incredible speeds,"

"You're slow on the uptake this time," Genkai observed. "Seems whoever is doing this has used the typical lull after a tournament to catch even you off guard,"

Koenma frowned. "What do you know, Genkai?"

"In the last month, over thirty humans have come to me for help, suddenly finding themselves to have an assortment of supernatural powers," Genkai indicated to Kaito and Yana. "These two are prime examples. The traits of the affected vary, but they share one thing in common. They all come from Mushiyori City,"

Koenma folded his arms. He looked deep in thought. "I guess an itsy-bitsy part of me is happy that the opening's influence hasn't stretched any farther yet. But that means we've already advanced to Stage Two,"

"Stage Two?" Yusuke snickered. "What does that mean, you've moved to training pants? OW!"

Sakura dusted off her hands while Yusuke glared at her. "Go on, Koenma,"

"Thank you, Sakura. But I'm not sure how much I can reveal. It is secret classified information from the highest echelons of files in Spirit World intelligence,"

"Well how can I help you if I don't know anything?!" Yusuke shot back.

"You make an interesting point," Koenma conceded. "OK everyone, here's how it shakes down. There are four stages to such an apocalyptic breach. Stage one, demon energy thickens in the human world, allowing demon parasites to thrive. As the size of the breach increases, we move to Stage Two, in which normal humans find themselves blessed with unusual powers. Now stage three is where things really heat up. Demon energy floods the streets, and low class monsters spawn at will. They aren't smart, or strong, but they are excessively violent. In the fourth and final stage, the border tunnel breach achieves a stabilised diameter of over two kilometres, allowing total passage,"

"Total passage?" Sakura repeated. "For who?"

"Yeah, just who do I have to fight?" Yusuke growled.

"With a tunnel this gigantic, apparitions all the way through the C and B classes will be able to travel between worlds en masse,"

Yusuke and Sakura exchanged a look. "Classes?"

"Spirit World ranks every demon according to their power," Koenma explained. He waved his hand, and a graph appeared beside him. The letters S, A, B, C, D, and E could be seen. "To give you an idea of what these classes mean, all the demons in upper level B-class are the same strength as Toguro,"

Sakura thought she might faint again. "You're kidding me!" she gasped. Kurama's embrace tightened slightly. He was staring at the screen with a deadly look.

"Toguro is just a B-class?" Yusuke said weakly. He was remembering the overwhelming strength and destruction from that monster, regardless of what percentage he might've been using.

"Nearly killed us all, and he's just a B-Class?!"

Koenma looked grim. "The Demon World is an ancient land, and it's depths are endless. In truth, there are vast parts of its territory that Spirit World has absolutely no control over,"

"Well I never knew that," Botan breathed.

Another graphic appeared beside Koenma to demonstrate.

"Think of the Demon World as a giant underground building, basement after basement stretching down into an infinite void. Out of all that, we only control half of the first basement,"

"Then you're a pretty crappy ruler," Yusuke snorted.

The toddler ignored the insult. "It would be bloodbaths and Armageddon if we tried to take it all at once. Our only choice has been to hold our ground and expand gradually over the centuries. We cannot awaken the anger of the A-Class and S-Class demons who live at the bottom. Not even my father and all his armies could defeat the S-Class demons,"

Sakura's head whirled. This is bad.

"Now, Koenma," Genkai alone seemed to remain business-like. "You and King Enma are not the idle type. If you knew of such danger surely you have taken precautions,"

"Sure," Koenma nodded. "To seal off the Pseudo Space around the Demon World, Spirit World has raised a powerful Kekkai Barrier,"

Sakura blinked. Koenma was showing them what looked like a giant gold energy net spread across a sci-fi void.

"Oh great! Barriers!" Botan sighed in relief. "And you had us worrying over nothing,"

"Hold on," Sakura dreaded the answer, but she had to know. "If there's a barrier, why are demons still passing through?"

Koenma took a moment. "We had to make priorities and stop the A-Class and S-Class demons above all else. Even our resources are limited. The only way to make a barrier large enough was to spread the energy into a net. While B-Class demons can squeeze through, the larger ones are held at bay,"

Sakura nodded. "I see, like a filter!"

"No!" Yusuke cried. "How could you sign off on a plan like that? You intentionally made it so that hundreds of demons like Toguro could just prance on over here whenever they want?!"

"You have to imagine the alternative, Yusuke," the toddler said calmly. "If just one S-Class demon crossed into the living world…"

Yusuke paused and let his imagination fill in the blanks. Sakura clung tightly to Kurama's hand.

We can't let that happen!

"Would somebody please just tell me what you're talking about?!" Kuwabara's impatient and furious voice broke through. "You know it's not my fault my powers aren't working right now and I can't hear what Koenma's saying. We're a team and teams don't leave a pal in the dark! Just keep me in the loop!"

Very slowly, Sakura turned to face him. Kuwabara's eyes widened slightly. She was shaking all over and seemed unable to make a sound while everybody else stared at the screen.

"Ok, now I'm worried," Kuwabara muttered. "What's wrong, guys?"

The full moon shone down on the darkened, quiet street. With hands in pockets, Sensui made his way to the abandoned office building where his trump card lay in wait. Through the doors, up the stairs, and into the room. Everyone else was training back at the cave. Good. It was best that he did this alone.

Upon opening the door, he was greeted by the sight of that repurposed fish tank, illuminated in that sinister glow. The fish swam happily. The seaweed waved gently in the current. At the centre was Elder Toguro's half-regenerated head.

Sensui took a seat across the room and gazed at the mangled demon.

Elder Toguro looked up with a smile. "How's the tunnel? Going as planned?"

Sensui didn't reply, but his grin told Elder Toguro everything he needed to know.

"And the boy?" Elder Toguro pressed. "I haven't seen him since the day you brought us here. How is he coming along?"

"You'd hardly recognise him after all his training," Sensui said quietly. "His abilities are beyond what I hoped. He'll be perfect, along with the other weapons we've acquired. Though I thought the Spirit Detective would've shown up by now,"

"They'll interrupt," Elder Toguro assured him. "They're very good at that. They are tricky fellows, and so is that girl. They even made my brother crazy. Just look at what they made him do to me!"

Even without a body, the burning hatred he felt for the Spirit Detective and his team was all-consuming.

"Mr Sensui, you must avenge us,"

Sensui watched the creature in the tank for a few more seconds before he stood up and walked over to the window.

"Soldiers take orders. Not me," He opened the curtains. "But lucky for you, nothing could deny me the pleasure of this kill,"

Elder Toguro gave a hideous grin. "I thought you'd say that," he laughed.

Sensui looked out at Mushiyori City, bathed under the moonlight. Years of dreaming. Months of planning and preparation. And now, only weeks until it became reality.

"Never satisfied, never full. They eat and destroy with grubby hands until nothing is left but piss. But now… the judgement of all humans has begun,"

Kuwabara went pale following the explanation.

"My life… it's just starting!" he wailed. "There's still things I need to do. I need to marry a girl, grow my first moustache! But now you're telling me that pretty soon a whole bunch of demons just like Toguro can start attacking us all at once?! And then there's classes not even Spirit World can control?!"

He seized handfuls of his hair. "Has hope truly left us? IS THIS THE END OF EVERYTHING?!"

"Get over it!" Genkai hollered. "We'll talk about our plan in a minute. But I need to rescue Kaito first,"

Kuwabara blinked. "Oh right, the bookworm. I forgot about him,"

Kurama helped Sakura to her feet. Can you walk alright?

Yeah, I can manage.

She tried to smile without much success. Kurama slipped an arm around her and they all followed Genkai back downstairs.

Kaito's body was exactly where it had fallen, with his silvery-toned soul floating in an orb above this body. The laugh that had taken him down was still etched on his face.

Genkai stood over Kaito with a look of concentration. With a shout, and a few specific hand movements, his soul went back where it belonged.

The colour returned to his body almost instantly. Kaito sat up and blinked in the light. He took in the sight of everyone, and turned to Genkai. Sakura noticed that Kurama was still keeping her half-hidden from view.

"A full house," Kaito nodded. "I take it everything went just as you planned, Master Genkai?"

Kurama stepped forward with a small smile. "You played your part well. You lost, but it was a stirring introduction,"

"I wasn't playing along," Kaito scoffed. "I tried my hardest to defeat you. For once I wanted to see you lose. But I'll just have to wait a little longer,"

Yusuke rolled his eyes. "Nice thinking, Brain Boy. Putting your soul on the line because he's beaten you on some math quizzes? What if Grandma hadn't been here to save you?"

"Simple. He would've faded into nothing," Genkai answered. "Kaito's a risk taker. That's why these three came to me for help in the first place. He'd removed his own soul and they didn't know how to put it back. A soul is fragile. Without a body or ghost to protect it, it would break apart in one full day,"

Kurama nodded knowingly. "And yet, your curious mind could not help but pose the question,"

"Real discovery takes risks," Kaito shrugged as Yana knelt down to help him up. "I had to know what would happen if I broke my own rule,"

"Speaking of which…" Genkai grabbed both Kaito and Yana by the ear and smacked their heads together.

Almost everyone jumped back in alarm. Sakura could see the shock in both boys' eyes.

"Geez…" Yana rubbed his head.

Kaito followed suit. "What was that for?"

"That's what happens when you break one of MY rules!" Genkai growled. "Or did you think I wouldn't see what you did during the first game?"

Kaito and Yana both looked utterly perplexed. With a sigh, Genkai pulled Sakura over to them, and they both froze.

"I thought I had made myself crystal clear," the old woman went on. "I specifically told you not to make physical contact with Sakura. I impressed upon you both that she was not to be touched or physically intimidated. What's more, Kurama said the exact same thing. But you blockheads went ahead and did it anyway!"

At least Kaito and Yana had the grace to look embarrassed.

"But Master Genkai…" Kaito began.

"No buts!" Genkai snapped. "Apologise, now!"

"Hold up," Yusuke looked confused. "Kura, what's Grandma talking about?"

Sakura went bright pink. "Genkai, what did you tell them?" The thought made her nauseous.

"Don't worry, Missy," Genkai assured her. "I didn't go into detail, but I did emphasise that you've been working hard on some past trauma and that if they weren't careful it could all be undone,"

So saying, Genkai glared at the two boys again.

"Sakura's powers are invaluable to this team. We need everyone at maximum power to stop this threat, and that includes her," she said haughtily. "If that stunt of yours had gone any further, I don't want to imagine the consequences,"

Kaito tried one last act of defiance. "But you said -"

"I don't care how many tests Kurama's beaten you in, Kaito!" Genkai retorted. "What you did was low, unfair and in direct contradiction to my orders. And Yana, you shouldn't have gone along with it. You're lucky that Kurama didn't kill you both. I wouldn't have blamed him if he had,"

Kaito and Yana dropped to their knees and bowed. "I'm very sorry, Miss Urameshi," Kaito stammered.

"Yeah, ditto," Yana said quickly.

Sakura felt Kurama's calming hand on her back and took a deep breath.

"Apology accepted," she said. "I wasn't exactly nice to you guys either, so I guess that means we're square,"

A sigh of relief, and they both stood up. Kaito finished rubbing the lump on his head and turned to everyone.

"Let me introduce myself formally to the group. My name is Yu Kaito. I have the power of Taboo,"

"My name's Asato Kido. My power is Shadow,"

"Mitsunari Yanagisawa, and I call my talent Copy,"

"Like I told you, they all live in Mushiyori City," Genkai marched over to stand in front of the trio. "It's been a full month since they developed their powers and there are many others like them,"

Kurama's eyes narrowed. "That's only a few weeks after the closing of the Dark Tournament,"

"Yeah, and that was at the beginning of Stage Two, right?" Yusuke added. "So that means that it was just days after I fought Toguro when this whole tunnel business got started,"

Botan's suitcase started beeping again.

"Koenma's not wasting any time either," she muttered while opening it. The toddler appeared on the screen again.

"We've just finished calculating the growth rate on the tunnel, guys," Koenma said immediately. "It's bad. As is, it will reach Stage Four in three weeks,"

Sakura's heart skipped a beat.

"Only three weeks?!" Yusuke shouted while giving his sister a look of sheer panic.

Even Toguro gave me more warning than that! And there was only one of him!

"There's got to be something we can do!" he said frantically. "Can't you, like, close the hole back up?"

Koenma was visibly sweating from nerves. "The only way is to stop the tunnel's creator,"

He pulled up another graphic. "This isn't a normal hole. It's not physical yet. It's a distortion in spacetime one point three kilometres wide. But once it hits two kilometres, it stabilises, changing from energy conduit to a physical space. You don't use a drill to make a hole like this. You use a psychic nested at the centre point,"

Sakura swallowed. "And once it stabilises, it's game over,"

"Ok," Yusuke clenched his fists. "We know where the target is. So let's go knock him out!"

"Not so fast, Yusuke," Genkai began, but Yusuke wasn't listening. He made a beeline for Kaito and friends.

"You guys know the city, right? So then take me to that hole!"

With a sigh, Genkai raised her hand and clocked Yusuke over the head with all the strength in her tiny body. Sakura giggled.

"Damn it!" Yusuke sat up furiously while massaging his head. "What is this, Be Bitchy Day?!"

"HERE'S A BRILLIANT CONCEPT! TRY LEARNING FROM YOUR MISTAKES!" Genkai roared back. "What I wouldn't give for a successor with a brain…"

She looked Yusuke dead in the eye. "You know how much trouble I went to, planning this ordeal? The whole point of tonight was to teach you one thing. You cannot go into this without understanding your enemy's powers. You - will - LOSE!"

"And you've gone deaf again!" Yusuke shouted angrily. "Koenma said we can't wait!"

Kuwabara nodded wildly. "If the tunnel completes, we're doomed!"

"That still allows us three weeks, and three questions to answer," Genkai said more calmly. "How many fighters are in their group? Who is their leader, and what's the true nature of their powers? Without those answers, attacking would be suicide,"

Sakura opened her mouth, but someone else spoke up.

"Koenma, if these fools are done I have my own question," Hiei stepped forward. "In what class do you rank me?"

Sakura resisted the urge to sigh. "Is that really the most important thing right now?"

"Hiei…" Kurama shook his head.

Hiei looked at them sharply. "What? It's a fair question. If his Spirit World lackeys are going to place a letter on me, then I deserve to know!"

"Oh… very well, Hiei. I'll tell you," Koenma said reluctantly. "As I've said, the Toguro brothers were considered in upper B. And as of the end of the Dark Tournament, you were ranked in the middle of B-Class,"

Hiei scowled. "Underestimate me even now?"

"For the record, when you fought Yusuke you only had an upper D-Class ranking," Koenma continued. "But in less than a year, you've jumped up nearly two full classes. Quite an astounding feat, to be sure. You have much to be proud of,"

Hiei gave the toddler a look of contempt. "You're a child. Don't father me," With that, he turned on his heel and headed for the exit.

"Where are you going?" Yusuke called.

"You already have your fox, your clown, your hag and your sister," Hiei said over his shoulder. "I'm a moot point,"

Sakura froze. Hiei was leaving them? After all they'd survived?

"You're just going to walk away?" Kuwabara demanded.

Hiei whirled around in a temper. "This is your world to look after, not mine," he said coldly. "I don't intend to hinder your cause, but I'm not going to help it, either,"

"Coward," Kuwabara spat. "Real men help when they're needed,"

"Save that idealism for your fairytales," Hiei snorted.

Just as he was about to vanish, Sakura ran forward and put a restraining hand on his shoulder. She knew it wasn't likely to do much good, but she had to at least try.

"Hiei, please,"

He turned around just enough to see her pleading face. For a second, Sakura thought she saw a hint of hesitation in his visible eye, but she blinked and it was gone.

"Don't waste your breath trying to convince me, Sakura," Hiei shook her off and turned away. "But for what it's worth, good luck,"

Without looking back, he swept away. Sakura stood there in the doorway, staring after him with a tightness in her chest that stunned her.

How could you, Hiei? After the Saint Beasts, Yukina, the Dark Tournament, the Netherworld…

Sakura's eyes began stinging. Hiei was prickly, yes. A complete pain at times, absolutely, but he was still an important member of their team. And to experience Hiei walking away from her like that hurt more than she ever expected.

Kurama was at her side in a flash. There's nothing you can do, love. Hiei must choose his own path.

Sakura looked after Hiei one last time before allowing Kurama to lead her back to everyone else.

"Well, I'm not gonna shed any tears, Hiei," Kuwabara declared. "In fact, I'm happy you're gone! He's the same selfish punk he was from the start,"

Yusuke smiled faintly. "Yeah, he's the same. He'll come and rescue us at the end when we need him the most,"

Sakura wished she could believe that, but the odds didn't seem likely.

"It's hard to predict what he'll do," Kurama said wisely. "Humanity's destruction was Hiei's former dream. These new developments leave him much to consider,"

"I don't understand him!" Sakura burst out. "He's a living contradiction, the walking embodiment of inconsistency!"

Yusuke laughed and ruffled her hair. "See guys? That's why they say Kura's the one with the brains. I don't know what half those words even mean,"

Koenma looked a bit guilty. "Maybe I should've told him he was in the upper B-Class," he said thoughtfully. "Or the special upper B-Class. That sounds good,"

"I need a new job…" Jorge muttered under his breath. Botan finally closed the suitcase so they didn't have to hear Koenma's resultant tirade.

"So what now?" Kuwabara asked Genkai.

"We move into the city at sunrise and begin scouting," Genkai said promptly and pointed at the others. "These three will go with us. They could be of some use,"

Yusuke raised a brow. "You guys game for that?"

"What do you think?" Yana replied. "It's our home town, man. We're not gonna watch it turn into some demon parade,"

Kaito nodded. "Yes, we've already been given our powers. The way I see it, we can either help out the humans or the demons. And to tell you the truth, I prefer my own kind,"

"Same goes for me," Kido said seriously. "I'm not letting anybody take my turf,"

"Good," Genkai eyed them all carefully. "Now the next job for all of you is to get what sleep you can. In the morning, we'll divide into two teams so we can cover more territory. Until tomorrow, no-one goes home and no-one leaves the group. Goodnight,"

Kuwabara looked stricken. "We're all sleeping in this freaky house? But I didn't bring my special pillow!"

He glanced sideways at Botan. "Uh… Botan, would you pet my hair until I fall asleep?"

SMACK! Botan slapped him up the side of the head.

"Yukina wouldn't appreciate that!"

"I meant it in a Mom kind of way!" Kuwabara protested.

Now that everything was said and done, Sakura realised it was almost two in the morning. She was swaying on her feet from exhaustion.

Kurama pulled Sakura closer and stroked a hand down her cheek. "Come, Kura. You need to rest,"

"Just one minute, lovebirds," Genkai appeared. "I need to have a quick chat with you, Missy,"

"Sure," Sakura nodded tiredly.

Genkai led her slightly away from the group, but Sakura could sense more than just Kurama's eyes on them both.

"I know tonight wasn't easy, but you understand why it had to happen, don't you?" the old psychic said bluntly.

Sakura nodded again. "I do, but you know I would've been willing to help you with this behind the scenes,"

"I know," Genkai patted her hand and smiled briefly. "I considered it, but it wouldn't have been much of a training exercise if you'd known. And honestly, I thought it was high time your dimwit brother knew what it felt like to be the one in trouble,"

"What the hell, you old hag?!" Yusuke had obviously overheard Genkai's comment. "Are you saying the Dark Tournament and everything else wasn't trouble? I stared down Toguro at his best!"

His teacher rolled her eyes. "Sometimes, brains are better than brawn you moron," she sighed. "This was about training Sakura as well. What if you can't rely on her telepathy during this case?"

Sakura's eyes widened. "Of course…"

Genkai turned back to her. "I wanted to test what would happen if you tried to use your telepathy in the territories. You had interference, didn't you? Tell me what it was like,"

Sakura sighed. "The best way I can describe it is white noise in the background. When Kido first caught Yusuke, I only heard fragments of communication. Same with Kaito's territory. But Kurama and I found that closer proximity improved the connection,"

"Interesting," Genkai's eyes narrowed. "I wonder…would establishing a connection with the other boys make it easier for you to hear in their territories?"

"I don't know. Perhaps?" Sakura tried not to yawn. "We can try tomorrow before we leave, right?"

With a glance at Kurama's concerned face, Genkai nodded. "We can, and we will," she said firmly. "Go on, it's late,"

Kurama had retrieved Sakura's hoodie from where she'd left it on the chair during the confrontation with Kaito. He draped it around her shoulders.

"This way," he said softly, and went to lead her up the staircase. But they were interrupted one more time by Yusuke.

"Uh… Kura? Can I talk to you for a sec?"

Kurama gave him a look. "She's tired, Yusuke. Can't it wait until tomorrow?"

"No, it's ok," Sakura forced her eyes open again. "I think I know what this is about,"

Yusuke scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Yeah… look, I'm sorry I was such a jerk this morning. I don't know what I was thinking,"

"You weren't," Sakura replied. "It's as simple as that,"

Yusuke went slightly red. "Thanks for… you know, coming to save me and all,"

"Why wouldn't I?" Sakura said without a trace of irony. "You're my brother, Yusuke. Admittedly you do drive me half insane, but that doesn't mean I want anything to happen to you,"

Yusuke took a deep breath, then surged forward and grabbed Sakura in another hug.

"Same, Squirt. Now go get some shut-eye,"

At last, Kurama took Sakura's hand and led her away. Yusuke watched her go with a greater sense of awe and pride than ever.

Even after he'd hurt her feelings that morning, even after purposely getting under her skin for days, Sakura hadn't hesitated for even a second when he'd been in trouble.

He was beyond lucky to have a twin sister like her.

Sakura removed her shoes and hoodie and slipped into bed before anyone else could interrupt. The double bed in the room Kurama selected was old, but the mattress was still soft and it felt like heaven to Sakura's tired limbs.

"What a night," she muttered as Kurama climbed in beside her.

He kissed her, gently. "Sleep, my love. You need it,"

Sakura laid her head on his chest and sighed. Suddenly, a horrid thought hit her and she went to sit upright.

"Kura? What's wrong?"

"My medication," she said faintly. "I don't have it with me. I need to take it every morning,"

Sakura started getting out of bed. "I'll go home… go get it…"

Kurama eased her back down onto the pillows. "Don't worry, sweetheart," he said calmly. "Just sleep,"

"But if I -"

"It's alright," Kurama pulled her close against him and began combing through her hair. "I'll fetch it myself if necessary,"

Sakura's breathing finally began to slow. His calming aura was taking effect. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," he whispered. "You don't have to worry about anything, Kura,"

"We have… to stop them, Kurama," She was drifting off in his arms. "We can't… let… that tunnel…open…"

We won't, love. Kurama's mind was already considering every scenario based on what they knew. We'll stop whoever's behind this. We'll find a way.

Sakura knew she was about to fall asleep, but one final suspicion came to her mind.

If this was Sakyo's idea, then maybe…could Haruki be the one creating the tunnel?

Not wanting to voice it aloud, she pondered it alone. Maybe he'd somehow survived the stadium collapse. Maybe he'd decided to carry on his dead master's legacy…

That's ridiculous.

Sakura brushed it off the more she thought about it. She'd seen the stadium's destruction with her own eyes. Nobody could survive such a collapse, not even that demon.

He was a fighter, not the kind of apparition who had the power to create such a disturbance as a tunnel. Even if he had similar training to me, there's no way Master Shin would've taught him how to do such a thing.

Tears came to her eyes as she thought of her own master. Was he reunited with Haruki in Spirit World, along with the other students the Toguro brothers had so brutally slain?

Haruki died when the stadium fell. He's dead. Forget him. Worry about figuring out who's really opening the tunnel.

Sakura redirected her attention to the feel of Kurama's strong arms holding her. The sound of his heartbeat sent her off to sleep.

Sensui appeared at the entrance to Haruki's hidden den. As usual, he found the boy exactly where he expected him to be. Haruki was parked in front of the television, totally absorbed while watching the tape yet again.

Sensui knew the scene well by now, having watched it a number of times himself. On the screen, Sakura had just regained her senses, and Akumu was clearly furious.

"WHAT IS THIS?!" Akumu screeched. "How are you able to stand after all that? Your mind should be lost forever!"

Sakura was on her feet, looking coldly at her enemy. "You can't keep me down," she panted. "As long as I'm still breathing, I… I won't give up,"

Sensui watched Haruki's face. His eyes were shining, his mouth moving as he recited the dialogue in perfect time with the action.

"I see you know it all by heart, Haruki,"

The boy looked up. "Every word," His expression was one of joy. "Mr Sensui, you were right. This footage is invaluable. I'm sure I understand things so much better now,"

"And what do you understand, my boy?"

Haruki paused the tape and brushed his fingers over the image of Sakura.

"Sakura Urameshi is certainly not human. I still can't say what she is, or why she's hiding her true self, but I've never been more positive. The way she moves, the way she keeps fighting when it seems hopeless…"

"It's more than that," Sensui smirked. "You wonder why the girl convinced Kurama to spare you,"

Haruki swallowed, but didn't reply.

"I told you that we were brought together to carry out divine justice, Haruki," Sensui gazed at the screen, then back at his young minion. "And since you joined our cause, you've overcome every task I've presented to you,"

The boy smiled. "It's my honour, sir. You're the one carrying out the last wish of Master Sakyo,"

He gently stroked the scar above his eye. "I promised him that I would see his dream realised. And I intend to see it through,"

Sensui put a comforting hand on Haruki's shoulder. "I know you will, Haruki. I couldn't have asked for a better recruit,"

Haruki's heart swelled. Nobody had complimented him in such a way for years.

The little boy followed his new owner down the lavish hallway. Sakyo's home was without doubt the richest place he'd ever been in, and he couldn't stop staring in awe at his surroundings.

"This way, my boy,"

Sakyo indicated to turn left. Haruki had to jog slightly to keep up with him. It was strange, having this kind of freedom. He could hardly remember what it felt like to move without those iron shackles weighing him down.

One of the servants bowed as Sakyo and Haruki passed, and unlocked the mahogany door.

"This is your new room,"

Haruki's jaw dropped. The bedroom Sakyo had brought him too was large and plush, with a huge bed in the corner. The carpet, the furniture, everything looked like it cost a fortune.

Was this really his? Had he really graduated from that overcrowded cell to this unbelievable luxury?

"Is something wrong, my boy?" Sakyo asked.

The boy shook his head. "No, sir,"

Sakyo smiled. "Good. Do you think you'll be ready to begin training tomorrow?"

"Yes sir," the child's voice quivered slightly in fear, which his master noticed.

"Don't worry, son," Sakyo smiled again. "I wouldn't have taken you in if you didn't have potential. Speaking of, how is that burn coming along?"

Haruki fingered the bandages that had been wrapped over his face. "Better, sir,"

In truth, it was still painful, along with the numerous other cuts and bruises that had since been dressed. But it was a far cry from how he'd been the night before when Sakyo had chosen him from the lineup.

"Excellent," Sakyo turned to leave. "Now don't go wandering off, my boy. Someone will come and take your measurements for your new uniform soon. If you need anything else, press this button," he pointed at the buzzer beside the bed. "I'll see you tomorrow,"

"Thankyou, sir,"

The crime lord paused halfway out the door. "By the way, Tatsuo said they called you Hisuru. Is that right?"

Haruki went red and looked down at his new shoes. "Yes, sir. They called me that,"

"They called you that?" Sakyo pressed. "Are you saying that Hisuru isn't your real name?"

Something in Sakyo's voice made the little boy look up shyly. The way Sakyo was gazing at him… it was as if he knew the answer already.

"It's not, sir. But they told me I can't say my old name anymore, or I'd be punished,"

"I see," Sakyo purred. "It's alright, you'll learn to say it when you're ready,"

With a final smile, Sakyo left the room. This boy was now putty in his capable hands. He would be able to mould and shape the child into the perfect killing machine.

"I'm expecting great things from you, my boy," he called over his shoulder. "Don't let me down,"

Haruki never saw the sinister smirk on Sakyo's face. He simply stared at the huge mirror on the built-in wardrobe and got a good look at his appearance.

The drugs and abuse had definitely taken a toll on his tiny body. He was small, borderline emaciated and covered in bandages. The scars from previous beatings remained, but they looked much better now that he was cleaned up.

Haruki lay down on the bed and curled up into a ball. It was the softest thing he could remember, after years of sleeping on a cold stone floor.

Last night, he'd been chained up with the other apparitions, destined for torture. But someone had swooped in at the last minute and rescued him. Unlike his old teacher. The thought of how he'd been abandoned by the old man made him sick with anger.

But Mr Sakyo was different. Mr Sakyo had chosen him. Now, he had a room of his own, a button to press if he needed something, and a purpose in life. Mr Sakyo cared enough to save him from the feast, and Haruki knew that he would obey whatever his new master required. It was the least he could do to repay him.

No matter what kind of training he was in for, Haruki vowed he'd give it his all.

Haruki followed Sensui out of his den, towards the lake and reluctantly shuffled over to stand with the rest of the psychics his master had recruited.

Even though Sensui had insisted they were needed, Haruki kept his distance as much as possible. He still wasn't used to being around so many people. Not that Mr Sensui seemed to mind in the slightest.

You're my ace in the hole, Haruki. He'd said constantly. You're needed to prepare our final defenses. You must perfect your new techniques, for the sake of divine justice.

Itsuki was in his boat as usual, floating in the centre of the shallow lake. His eyes were closed in deep concentration, covered slightly by his long teal hair.

Haruki watched the aura swirling around him in awe. It was coming. That pulsing, shimmering tunnel was slowly but surely starting to open. The world Sakyo wanted was so close. He could almost taste it.

"Itsuki," Sensui called from the edge of the water. "How's it coming?"

"Mr Sensui," Itsuki replied in a soft, calm voice. "We have an obstacle,"

Sensui raised a brow. "Tell me,"

"A Kekkai Barrier," Itsuki explained quietly. "So strong, it's intoxicating. I can't break it. We need someone else, Mr Sensui. Someone with talent like my own. So while I concentrate on the tunnel, they slice open the net. Then we can raise our glasses,"

"Someone who can break a Kekkai Barrier?" Sensui mused. "Very well. I know people, I'll find your man. And in the meantime, I'll start judgement on anyone who's in our way,"

Sensui turned to the six silhouettes standing behind him. All of them would be useful in enacting his plans, but from a physical point of view, Haruki stood head and shoulders above them all. His already formidable muscle mass had doubled from his training.

He'd cut an imposing figure before, but now the sight of his ripped silhouette was enough to make any sane person run for cover. And thanks to the new techniques he'd acquired from the tunnel, no normal fighter would stand a chance. Especially not the Spirit Detective's sister.

"Haruki," Sensui beckoned. "Come here, my boy,"

His minion walked forward, clutching Sakyo's lighter in his hand. Touching it made him feel as if Sakyo was smiling over him again.

"Mr Sensui," Haruki murmured. "What do you require of me, sir?"

Sensui smiled. "You're ready, Haruki. It's time,"

"What do you mean?" Haruki hardly dared to hope Sensui meant what he thought.

"Your hard work has paid off tenfold," Sensui told him. "Your training is complete. You are strong enough, and at last, the time has come for you to get the answers you've been waiting for,"

Haruki's eyes lit up. "You mean it? I don't need to wait anymore?"

Sensui nodded. "Technique Zero is ready, correct? Along with Binary, you'll be ready for anything,"

"Yes, sir," Haruki's face split into a gigantic smile.

At last. I'll learn who you truly are, Sakura. I'll find out your secrets. I'll know why you choose to hide in plain sight. I don't care what I have to do. With my new powers, you'll tell me anything I want to know.

Sensui had promised him answers, and now he was going to get them.

Keiko bolted upright in bed. It was dawn, and the sun was just peeking over the horizon. But that wasn't what had woken her. Something was tapping at her window incessantly. A tiny blue creature with a tuft of jet black hair.

"Puu?" Keiko crossed to the window and opened it. Puu was sitting on the empty plant rack, shivering.

"You look horrible," Keiko gasped. "What's wrong?"

She reached for him, but he flapped away, shrieking madly.

"Puu! Puu!"

Keiko paused. Puu was meant to be a reflection of Yusuke's soul, right? So had something happened to Yusuke or Sakura?

She dressed quickly and hurried after him.

A few streets away, Shizuru was gazing out the window of her own house when she spotted a familiar sight. Puu, flapping through the air

Shizuru opened the window and peered after him.

"You don't forget that beak," she murmured before catching a glimpse of Keiko jogging along the street in pursuit of the little soul beast.

"Hey, sweetheart!" Shizuru waved from the window.

Keiko came to a halt and waited for the older girl to run downstairs. "Shizuru, I went by Yusuke's house but neither of the twins were home and Atsuko didn't know where they were. And Puu's acting really strange,"

"Yeah, Kazuma didn't come home last night either…" Shizuru glanced after Puu. "Want to play Follow the Fudgeball? If it's anything like usual, he should take us right to Yusuke and my bro -"

Shizuru paused. Her face turned solemn.

"Something wrong, Shizuru?"

"That's a nice way of putting it," Shizuru said darkly. "I just got an awful premonition, even worse than the tournament,"

The look on Shizuru's face made Keiko's blood run cold.

Yusuke… Kura…

"How's the interference, Missy?"

Sakura relaxed her face. "It's still there, but I can hear Kaito reasonably well,"

"Move further away," Genkai ordered. "Even with a connection, your range is still limited, right?"

With a nod, Sakura stepped back, out of the territory.

Kaito? Can you hear me?

There's more interference, but yes. Kaito replied.

"Well that confirms it," Genkai informed everyone. "These psychic territories clearly have an impact on Sakura's telepathy, but an established connection coupled with closer proximity minimises the interference. Perhaps with training it could be eliminated entirely, but we can't afford to waste any more time. Let's get moving,"

Everyone made a move to leave the mansion, except Sakura. She hung back and took some slow, deep breaths to calm her racing heartbeat.

"Looking for this?"

Sakura turned around quickly. Kurama appeared at her shoulder and pressed something into her hand. It was a small white pill.

"My medication…" She looked up at him in amazement. "When did you -?"

A kiss cut her off.

I told you I'd get it, my love. I slipped out before you woke up.

Sakura's heart fluttered. "Thankyou," she whispered, and quickly swallowed the pill.

"Get a move on, you two!" Genkai called impatiently.

Kurama wove his fingers through Sakura's, and squeezed her hand gently. Whatever they were about to face in Mushiyori City, Sakura knew she wasn't going into this alone.

A.N. I know this chapter was a little on the slow side, but it had to happen. Now that everything is set up, we can really get into the grit of Chapter Black. Anyway, Haruki's back and he's ready to act on his twisted belief that Sakura isn't human, and Sensui's encouraging him every step of the way.

Chapter 12 will be released by September 8. In the meantime, I'd love to know what you thought of this chapter, and what you think might happen when they arrive in Mushiyori City. I'm so grateful for everyone who's followed/favourited/reviewed. I smile like the Cheshire Cat whenever I see a notification in my inbox. If I get a few reviews, I'll release the new chapter a day early.

Next Chapter: The team arrives in Mushiyori City and quickly find themselves in over their heads. The city is not only swarming with insects, but with a range of psychics. How do they tell who can be trusted, and who is on the side of the enemy?