[Kukui Tanku]

'Do or die... Running.' I called and I felt lighter than a feather. I dashed toward the Rubber Man and tried to slash him with my Katana. The man whistled and dodged by pulling back his torso, literally. Mika came from behind him and kicked him in the back of the head. Unfazed, the man grabbed my arm and twisted around to throw me at Mika. I took that moment to deactivate running and pray we wouldn't be too injured.

Fuu caught both of us before placing us down and Hayate tried to cut at the man's torso, he blocked it with a kunai and laughed. "I can't wait to see how much better you are than last time! Killing everyone here is going to be so much fun too." Tenten, Fuu, and Mika ran at the Rubber man from behind and beside him. "Oh this is going to be even better than I expected!"

Hayate grit his teeth. "I won't let you hurt them." Hayate grabbed a Kunai from his Kunai pouch and tried to throw it at the man's stomach with fire chakra embedded into it. The Kunai bounced off and at that moment Mika, Tenten, and Fuu descended upon the Rubber man from all sides.

The man dodged and weaved out of the way of every hit.

'Kunai won't do anything... Neither would any physical attack actually.' I looked at my sword and sheathed it. 'I'll need to wait.' I activated running once again and dashed toward the rubbery bastard. 'I'll need to go all out with this one attack and hope it actually does damage.' I grinned and channeled all the chakra of my right Flame seal into my arm before punching. "Fire Fist!"

I unleashed my current strongest attack and sent a pillar of fire at the man. The Rubber man's eyes actually widened as he weaved through a set of three hand seals. "Earth Style: Earth Wall." The man channeled chakra through his feet to raise a massive earth wall.

My attack collided with the wall and destroyed it completely, but the Rubber Man was nowhere to be found.

I suddenly felt his chakra, heading straight for Tenten. I whipped my head around and saw the man using what looked like a fucking Gomu Gomu Pistol to attack Tenten. 'It's going for her head!' Tenten wouldn't be able to block in time. 'Damnit...'

Suddenly, the man's hand was stopped by an earth wall. Hayate then descended upon the hand with an overhead slash but the arm was pulled back before it could be cut. "Like I said, I won't let you hurt them," Hayate said, making me grin.

I glanced at Fuu, Mika, and Tenten. We all regrouped with Hayate and looked at the Rubber Man. 'He hasn't landed many attacks. Only the initial one... He's planning something too. Going for Tenten was the start of said plan. I won't let him get to her.'

The Rubber Man whistled. "I'm honestly impressed brat," The man looked me in the eyes. "Sealless Jutsu. Not only that but an attack on that scale. Truly impressive. Especially as it was achieved with Fuinjutsu," The man saw the seals on my hands, clearly. "Looks like I need to get somewhat serious now."

Hayate glanced at me and nodded. He then glanced at Fuu and Tenten.

I took a deep breath and made a hand seal. Fuu and Tenten nodded and went though a set of handseals as the Rubber Man began running toward us. I prepared my other Flame Seal as they finished their set of hand seals.

"Scale Powder Jutsu!" Fuu spat out a massive amount of Scale Powder at the Rubber Man.

I let out a fire arrow which ignited the Scale Powder.

"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!" Tenten spat out a gust of wind at the Scale powder.

A giant explosion occurred and Hayate raised an earth wall... 'He's not down yet.' I couldn't sense his chakra. "He's not gone yet."

"I expected as much," Hayate looked around. "Can you sense his chakra, Kukui?"

'Above... no...' "Below!" I shouted as I felt a fist connect with my chin before grabbing me. I was slammed into the ground a few seconds later. 'Fuck...' I groaned as I saw the man in front of me. I could feel extreme amounts of pain in my back and just everything in general. "The Rubber Man is a fucking stupid name!" I threw dirt at the man's head but he simply dodged and laughed.

I tried to activate another Fire Fist but my arm was held down into my chest.

"You have a lot of fight in you. I respect that. But you need to die... Before you die, tell me your name." The man said. Not asked. But said. I was tempted to spit.

"Kukui Tanku," I made a last ditch effort to escape. It was stopped.

"Kukui Tanku... I'll remember you for the rest of the week!" The man held me down and raised a fist high up in the air. Suddenly, he lowered it. I closed my eyes and prepared for the inevitable but it never came as I opened my eyes and saw Fuu, holding the man's hand. I could also sense just the slightest bit more Bijju chakra than when we fought.

I stood up and grinned, spitting out some blood. "Thanks for the save," Fuu just grinned and gave me a thumbs up. I unsheathed my sword then and reactivated running. 'Shouldn't have turned it off. Rookie mistake.'

"I don't think you're going to do that you bastard," Fuu kneed the man in the face as I slashed it and he was sent backwards, into the sword of Hayate who slashed his back.

The Rubber Man wiped the blood out of his face. "You... made me bleed," The man's fists then balled up ."I'm going to enjoy killing your students, Hayate!" The Rubber Man turned around and grabbed Hayate before flinging him into the side of the crater and jumping after him. "But first, I need to make sure you won't interrupt!"

Tenten grabbed Hayate and Mika kicked the Rubber Man again before being grabbed. "Shit!" She was thrown away like a piece of trash. Fuu suddenly appeared behind her and caught her. The Rubber Man glanced back at Fuu and glared at her.

"I'm just going to have to fucking break your legs just to make sure I can get this job done." The Rubber Man appeared in front of Fuu and kicked her back toward me. I helped Fuu up as she puked out some blood. "I'll kill your friend too., I gulped as the man ran toward us.

I looked at Hayate who was running toward us. 'He's not at full speed.' He looked me in the eyes and I knew what I needed to do. I threw down a scroll and outcame many, many clones. All of them earth clones. I laughed. "You know what to do boys! Get em!"

All my clones ran at the Rubber Man. They weren't nearly as fast as I was but due to the sheer numbers of them I was going to be fine. I looked at Fuu who was looking at all the clones with her jaw hanging. "I'm really fucking glad I had these."

I watched as my clones got destroyed by the Rubber Man by the Dozen. We only had one chance. I tried to walk but I couldn't... 'Damnit... Everything still hurts from when he slammed me into the ground.' I still had a grin though. 'I know how to beat him though.'

"You okay Kukui?" Tenten asked, helping me stand up better then before. "You got hit pretty hard." I then noticed Mika and Hayate arrive as well.

I nodded. "I am..." I glanced at the Rubber Man who was trying to get to us. My clones were keeping him at bay though. "God bless my clones." I muttered before I looked at Tenten. "I know how to beat him and you're the key."

"What do you mean?" Tenten asked and I tapped my sword. I could almost see the gears in Tenten's mind move and she nodded. "I understand."

"I'll give you an opening," Hayate spoke up, rolling his shoulders. "I've done almost nothing this entire fight... I'm supposed to protect all of you and I have failed," Hayate coughed and Mika hugged him from the side briefly. "Thanks, but not the time, Mika."

"It's okay Sensei. I did nothing too. But all that matters is our survival," Mika said, ignoring Hayate's final words.

"She's right! All that matters is we kick this guy's ass!" Fuu said, punching her own hand for clear emphasis. At that, Hayate sighed as we looked at the Rubber Man. A smile crawled up onto the mans face, it was barely there and it shook.

Hayate's smile became more confident after a second, his eyes held a ferocity in them that I hadn't seen before, "I guess you're right... Attack when I say so," Hayate created two clones as the last of my clones were killed. The clones spread out and from different angles, they moved to attack.

Like a crescent moon they moved and the Rubber Man saw two of them. He grabbed them as the third one slashed across his back. He yelled out in pain, "I'll fucking tear you apart like I did you your platoon in the third war you bastard!"

Hayate blocked a punch with his clone as a sacrifice. "No. I don't think you will," Tenten substituted with the other clone, and using a Kunai embued with wind chakra, he was stabbed. He finally collapsed to the ground.

'Is it over...' I hoped so.

Suddenly, The Rubber Man's arm extended and grabbed Hayate, Flinging him away, the Rubber Man then went for Tenten. 'Nope!' I mentally screamed before substituting with Tenten, blocking the strike with my Katana.

The Rubber Man stood up fully. Glaring at us. Hayate also shakily stood up. We were ready for round two. I had a hand near my seal pouch. Near a very particular seal. Round Two wouldn't last long.

Then, dozens of chakra signatures appeared. All from Takigakure shinobi. I laughed and laughed. "You're fucked!"

A rock was then propelled at my head and everything went black.

[Mika Uchiha]

The last day or so was a fucking disaster. Mika thought so at least.

It started of wonderfully with her sparring with Fuu. Kukui said he was gonna bring Hayate-sensei and Fuu was gonna get a more experienced opponent. Kukui turned out to be right about the second part. In the literal worst way possible.

An S-rank Ninja was after them for some reason. Mika felt so useless during the fight. She did pretty much nothing. Fuu, Kukui, Tenten, and Hayate-sensei pretty much did everything... It sucked. But on the bright side, everyone was okay!

Unfortunately, everyone was injured, Hayate had multiple ribs broken, Kukui was knocked out and somehow is still alive after getting a rock thrown at his head at who knows what speed. Also, he had a broken rib and was just pretty banged up in general, only Tenten, Fuu, and Mika came out fairly unscathed. The Rubber Man, whilst injured somehow escaped thirty or so Taki-nin.

It was like watching Naruto run around, setting traps up in Kukui's apartment. But somehow ten times worse.

Now, Mika and Tenten were meeting up with the leader of Takigakure, Shibuki, to discuss what the fuck happened. Thankfully, Tenten was herself and able to talk to Shibuki in a way that Mika knew she couldn't... 'Yet again... I'm useless.'

"So. An S-rank ninja attacked you out of the blue," The tired man summarized. "You know nothing about why he's here in the village at all?" Shibuki asked before standing up and rubbing his temples, he was stressed and that was something Mika could sympathize with.

"Yes. And we know nothing about why there's even an S-rank Ninja here. He could be after Hayate-sensei's bounty but that's unlikely since he said he didn't want to kill Hayate before and just us," Tenten looked down. "Sorry."

"It's fine," Shibuki said turning around. "It's not your fault that he's here or that he even attacked. Kids your age shouldn't have to fight battles like that. It is impressive you all survived and I'm happy to see that," Shibuki smiled at Tenten. "You two can go now. I have to check in on the search party. He couldn't have gone far with the injuries you inflicted upon him. He should be severely weakened."

Tenten bowed. "Thank you Lord Shibuki." Tenten began walking out the door and Mika followed her.

'I'm so useless...' Mika looked at the door behind her. 'I could have done more. I could have stopped them from being injured.' Mika thought back to seeing Kukui go down and Hayate collapsing. She could have blocked it. She was close enough to do so.

That was a moment Mika knew she'd forever regret. But she was glad that Kukui and Hayate would be okay after a day or so of Medical Ninja doing their magic. Mika would also forever be grateful to Shibuki for having some medical Ninja heal Kukui and Hayate. He didn't have to have them help them heal faster but he did.

And that meant they wouldn't have to be in Takigakure much longer.

Soon, Mika found herself back at the hotel with Tenten. "It's been a long day I just wanna go to bed, how about you Mika?" At the mention of her name, Mika looked up at Tenten who looked like she was about to pass out.

"Same... But I kinda want to go see how Fuu is doing. She's probably checking in on Kukui and Hayate... actually we should do that. I know Kukui's a tenacious bastard and Hayate's a jonin but still." Mika said whilst looking down. 'Who knows if that bastard will try to kill them when their down.'

''Maybe I could protect them then?'

Tenten hummed. "Yeah... that'd be a good idea actually. We need to make sure they're fine. Never know what could happen while we're gone after all," Tenten looked at the hotel. "Though, since we're here already I think we should at least get something to eat."

Mika was about to protest but her stomach betrayed her. "Fine," Mika grumbled.

Tenten smiled. "Come on. Brighten up! I know today sucked but we can't feel down. We all beat an S-ranked Ninja! Hayate-sensei and Kukui are gonna be okay too!"

'That doesn't make me feel any better.'

[Shibuki]

This week had been terrible to say the least.

First, Konoha ninja come so they can renegotiate the trade deal. Great. Both parties knew it needed ot be done. But it was even more boring than the usual paperwork Shibuki did. Then the elders decided they wanted to be anal about everything. Oh, how Shibuki couldn't wait for the day he was free of the elders. And to top off the horrible week, An S-ranked Ninja had invaded Takigakure. One that was now injured but still. He managed to escape 30 chuunin who had heard an explosion.

Shibuki just wished the week would be over.

But he knew it wouldn't be over for another few days. And he had work to do as the villages leader to ensure it's safety. So he was prepared for combat just in case. Looking to the Anbu that had entered the room Shibuki sighed. "Found him yet?"

Disappointingly, the Anbu shook their head. "Not yet unfortunately. The Rubber Man was always a sneaky one," The Anbu sighed and dragged a hand across their mask. "Sorry Shibuki-sama. We'll find him by the end of the night."

"I have a feeling you won't," Shibuki said before spinning in his nice oh so comfy chair and looking outside. "He'll likely strike again whilst the iron is hot. What is he looking for exactly? I don't know. But it has something to do with the Konoha ninja. Tell Unicorn to keep an Anbu near them at all times. Both for their safety and for the sake of catching the Rubber Man,"

"How do we know Konoha isn't involved with the Rubber Man being here in Takigakure though?" The Anbu asked.

Shibuki chuckled. "Sometimes I forget you're new to the Anbu. But your blank mask reminds me that you are." Shibuki turned around. "Konoha has no real reason to betray us. Not only that, the Rubber Man tried to kill them all. Our Jinchurriki confirmed so," Shibuki hated referring to Fuu as just "The Jinchurriki" but only so many people could know of her connection to him.

Which wasn't much, and he's said a few nasty things over the years, but... he still had to protect her.

The Anbu bowed. "Sorry Shibuki-sama," The Anbu stood back up then. "I shall go inform Unicorn-sama."

With that, the Anbu shunshined away and Shibuki was left alone again. Other than the two Anbu in the room of course.

"I wish I had a dr-" Before Shibuki could finish his sentence, a nice cup of apple juice was in front of him. "Thank you Eagle," It had been a long and frustrating day. Shibuki felt like he deserved to treat himself a bit.

Taking a nice gulp of Apple juice, Shibuki leaned into his chair. He finally had an hour to himself. 'No more paperwork. I can worry about the Rubber Man in a minute. I need this to think straight.' After a minute Shibuki stood up and rolled his shoulders and stretched. The subtle sound of a breeze was heard and across from Shibuki Unicorn appeared.

"Anything new?" Shibuki asked as he sat back down.

"I'm afraid not Lord-Shibuki," Unicorn said. She glanced around. "No elder spies are here."

Shibuki nodded. "Alright. How is plan 23B progressing?"

"Well, so far everything's been-"

[Obito Uchiha]

The last day or so had been really interesting. Some quality entertainment after Konoha and Kiri ruined his fun in Kirigakure Obito had been doing idle things whilst waiting for the Akatsuki to collect all nine bijuu was rare. And finding something to stick around longer than a week for was unfortunately rarer.

But watching Ryuuji had turned out to be a treat.

'They show promise.' Obito thought back to the children whom fought the S-rank with Hayate and the Jinchurriki. They weren't bad. No they weren't. The boy and the other girl looked better than the Uchiha but Obito liked that. Obito only recognized her because she looked so similar to Shisui and the typical Uchiha. She also acted like how Shisui did during his younger years.

Seeds that could be manipulated later were planted. 'There is one more ring left discounting Orochimaru's. If Hidan proves to be a fraud then it may be worth it to acquire another eye in the Akatsuki.' Obito mused as he stood up. Zetsu wasn't trustworthy and Obito knew better than to get near Itachi. Kisame could only do so much. Another eye would be useful. 'I'll keep an eye on them.' Obito decided.

'Ryuuji failed and the Jinchurriki hasn't revealed her true potential. I may need to meddle with things before he decides to run with his injuries.' Looking to the side, Obito saw Zetzu appear. "How is Ryuuji?"

"The man's barely alive," The black half of the duo started. "He's managed to patch up most of his wounds except for the shallow ones," The white one finished and Obito nodded. "He almost died from the stab wound he got from the girl though," Black Zetsu added as an after thought. "Any half competent Shinobi could kill him in this state,"

"I see," Obito said, glancing back at the waterfall he was busy currently looking at. "Make sure he doesn't die. We don't have a full scope of the Jinchurriki's abilities," Obito looked back at Zetsu with his full attention. Then, an idea came to him. Obito knew Zetsu watched the fight as well. "Keep an eye on Ryuuji at all times. When he confronts the Jinchurriki once again make sure only the boy and the non-uchiha girl are with her,"

Obito wished he could read the face of the black half of the duo but he couldn't. "Why?" Was the simple question that came after.

"In case Hidan turns out to not be as immortal as he claims then I would like a back up plan. if the boy and or girl die then she will become easier to manipulate. I would also like to have someone in the Akatsuki besides you I can trust. I don't trust Kisame fully," Obito lied through his mask.

Zetsu looked at him for a second before half nodding. "Alright" Both halves responded at once before dissapearing into the dirt.

Obito looked at where they disappeared before looking back at the waterfall. 'Hidan needs to be monitored more before he's approached unfortunately.' That could present an opportunity though.

Quickly after Zetsu left, Obito was struck with bordem.'I suppose I should go check in with Kisame.'

Itachi could be up to something and Obito would rather know about it... Then again it has been years and Itachi hasn't done too much. But also, he could simply be waiting for Obito to make a move.

'I could always go check in on Kakashi as well...'

For some reason, that seemed more appealing.

'It's been a while since Ive burned his Icha Icha stash...'

We started this chapter off so strong and then this happened. Yeah it's about what I expected to be honest. I thought all of this chapter was gonna be tough to write but the easiest part was the fight between Team Three, Fuu, and Ryuuji honestly. I thought that was going to be tough.

Anyways, new chapter new year. Happy New Year everyone! Even though this'll be like two months late for that.

Honestly, I'd have more of an AN if I wasn't being held down by the fact school starts tomorrow and I'm tired. Sidenote: Shibuki is pretty fun to write.

So farewell everyone!

-Tobi