Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Twilight ❯ Battling Death ( Chapter 23 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Haru Mclean Namikaze 
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Comedy / Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.19.2009 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.5K | Visits: 261 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Comedy / Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.19.2009 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.5K | Visits: 261 | Status: Work In Progress
Chapter 17: Battling Death
Neji and Fukai scouted the horizon from the ledge they were standing on. They were atop a high cliff, and it was a sheer drop from where they were stepping on. Neji could see the other ninjas spreading out steadily as Sasuke and Itachi had ordered earlier with his Byakugan, and he observed them as they slowly came into contact with the enemy. There was a loud explosion that signaled the start of an epic war.
ÒThis is it, NejiÉ ItÕs starting,Ó Fukai muttered, watching as a kunoichi from the Open Field Battle department engaged in a scuffle with numerous Sound and Shadow nins after her explosive tags severed several limbs from the platoon leader of the enemy.
Screams echoed through the night sky as battles erupted and quickly ended only to be started again. All around the mountain, the sound of blood splattering on trees and trunks and soil echoed through the night, and the ground drank up the dark red blood from the battling ninjas.
Shikamaru, Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura, Hinata, Itachi and Kouji were all still inside the mountain base formulating several other plans and talking about stuff. They were all ordered to spread out and intercept the enemy, and let only Orochimaru and the main remaining leaders enter the mountain and go to the top. It was to be a battle between the supreme ninjas only. And as much as Neji wanted to disagree, he had no choice, but to adhere to what was agreed upon by the Hokages. The Tasogare leaders were to be in charge of the whole thing, and he had no say in the matter.
ÒNeji, donÕt think too much, itÕll muddle your mind during a fight,Ó sighed Fukai, patting his back. She knew well what he was thinking about. ÒJust let it go, Neji.Ó
ÒI still donÕt trust that ItachiÉÓ Neji muttered. ÒEven though he is SasukeÕs brother, the fact still remains that he is an 8-year S-Class criminal nukenin of Konoha.Ó (a/n: Nukenin means Rogue ninja, or homeless, wandering ninja.)
ÒKonoha, Neji,Ó Fukai snorted. ÒNot Tasogare.Ó
Neji just rolled his eyes and shook his head. ÒWhy is Tasogare leading this war again? They arenÕt even the country involved in this warÉÓ
ÒBecause they lent the ninjas to help Konoha win, Neji. And donÕt complain anymore, if they hadnÕt led the war, we wouldnÕt have met, and youÕd have loads of headache from being the leader than having me beside you,Ó Fukai convinced in her sweetest voice. ÒDo you want that to happen instead?Ó
Neji sweat dropped.
I swear, girls get better and better at persuading and convincing boyfriends.
ÒAiyt, I take back what I said.Ó
ÒThatÕs better.Ó
Fukai smiled smugly, while Neji just rolled his eyes and continued surveying the battles going on beneath them.
Like the two of them, the other department heads were also standing on higher ground, watching the proceeding below them. There were direct orders to wait for the leaders to come out at the mountaintop before they descend. It is also their duty to make sure that no lower rank ninja gets past their point halfway up the mountain.
ÒThis is Lee reporting,Ó a familiar crackling voice came over the earpieces they wore. ÒOrochimaru and Kabuto are approaching my standpoint, over.Ó
ÒCopy you, Lee, this is Neji,Ó Neji immediately replied. ÒAggression directed only to Kabuto, let Freaky pass, over.Ó
ÒCopy that, Neji,Ó Lee replied. Neji could practically feel the smirk on his former teammateÕs face forming as he watched Orochimaru and Kabuto approach in the far side of the mountain with his Byakugan.
ÒKick his ugly ass once for me, Lee,Ó Itachi snickered over the line.
ÒYamero, aniki, no time for kidding now,Ó another voice came, recognizably Sasuke.
ÒYou canÕt deny that heÕs got an ugly assÉÓ snickered Kouji. ÒHe just had to pick a carrier that had an uber ugly assÉÓ
Neji rolled his eyes. The line was open, and so all the ninjas connected into the line would be overheard. Fukai just giggled.
Neji eyed Gaara who was battling with about 50 nins at the same time, his sand forming that globe around him again. Neji watched the expressionless face become slowly sprayed and coated with blood as one by one, the ninjas were gripped in powerful sand and squeezed to death. The blood spattered on the ground and on numerous terrified faces, as well as GaaraÕs now smirking face.
Damn, he must be delighted to have something to feast uponÉ
ÒGaara, this is Neji. Finish them all off now, and proceed to those generals. I want you to slaughter those remaining generals, and I donÕt care how you do it, just make sure there is not a single living, breathing general left in that glade, over,Ó Neji smirked as he barked on the line.
He watched as GaaraÕs face twisted into sadistic glee.
ÒCopy that, Neji-san, and no need to thank me, itÕs all my pleasureÉÓ he trailed off, laughing in sadistic delight. Neji smirked as he watched Gaara proceed in his killing spree.
ÒDamn, thatÕs pretty sadistic of you, Hyuuga,Ó Itachi smirked into the line. ÒSabakuÕs unstoppable now. HeÕs into overdrive.Ó
Neji watched as the sand scooped up 10 ninjas at the same time and enclosed them in a sand globe, before the globe contracted and 80 pints of blood sprayed and poured out of the globe, drenching GaaraÕs face and clothes.
ÒDAMN! Did you see that? Shit, he alone can finish this war!Ó Kouji exclaimed over the line, making Neji smirk.
ÒThatÕs one of my subordinates, Kouji-san. Sabaku Gaara, the next Kazekage in line and the bearer of the legendary Shukaku,Ó Neji explained.
Just then, a resounding battle cry erupted from the other side of the line. ÒDie, buttface!Ó
Lee squinted his eyes.
ÒThis is Lee reporting,Ó he spoke over the molar mic. ÒOrochimaru and Kabuto are approaching my standpoint, over.Ó (a/n: Molar mics are miniature, state of the art microphone technology. They are attached to the molars, and youÕll just feel as if youÕve got bits of rice stuck to your molar, nothing more. Amazing, huh?)
He could feel his muscles tense as Freaky and Four-Eyes came closer and closer by the second, gaining speed and momentum. Despite the tension he was feeling, though, he waited patiently for the orders from above.
ÒCopy you, Lee, this is Neji,Ó came his former teammateÕs voice. ÒAggression directed only to Kabuto, let Freaky pass, over.Ó
ÒCopy that, Neji.Ó
ÒKick his ugly ass for me, Lee,Ó another voice came on the line, and Lee recognized it as Itachi.
ÒYamero, anikiÉÓ came Sasuke, but Lee just rolled his eyes and ignored the bickering siblings squabble over the line. He flexed his fingers tensely as the enemies approached him in a rapid pace, Orochimaru wearing a smirk on his snakey face.
Here they comeÉ
It all happened in a flash.
Orochimaru and Kabuto suddenly separated, Orochimaru skimming through LeeÕs open left side. Lee let him pass with a smirk, and darted to Kabuto, who immediately slid to a halt in front of him. The surprised looks on both their faces were enough to tell Lee that they didnÕt really think heÕd let Freaky pass that easy.
Well, think again, budÉ
Kabuto stepped back and assumed a battle stance, adjusting his glasses before forming his chakra scalpel.
ÒI heard you were the ninja who was crippled to impossibility by Sabaku no Gaara,Ó Kabuto smirked. ÒMan, I gotta hand it to Tsunade, sheÕs one heck of a medic, ainÕt she? Managed to heal you despite the consequences and the odds of your situation. 53 of success, yet she still went through it. You must really be one heck of a ninja for her to put through all the effort.Ó
ÒHokage-sama did me a huge favor,Ó Lee frowned. ÒIf it werenÕt for her, I wouldnÕt be here now. DonÕt speak of the situation like it isnÕt worth anything!Ó
ÒIs it?Ó
Lee growled in annoyance. He screamed. ÒDie, buttface!Ó
Lee charged in unbelievable speed, muscles screaming for release at the extreme stress spent upon them. This did not faze him, though. Being an expert in taijutsu, he knew how to harness the full potential of his body and use it up to the maximum. He ignored the stabbing pain of stretched muscles as he released a powerful hook punch at Kabuto, who managed to dodge it, but barely. Kabuto backed away, blood gently trickling down his mouth as the gums beneath exploded from the slight skimming of air pressure from LeeÕs punch.
Damn, heÕs goodÉ
Like a whirlwind set free, Lee exploded in a flurry of light-weight, heavy-impact, lightning-speed movements, delivering multiple internal damaging hits to Kabuto, who helplessly stared off into the moonlit sky as Lee finished his Shishi Rendan. Kabuto hit the ground with an impact so heavy; he made a crater about 3-feet deep. He spewed blood from his mouth as he hit the ground, and he even bounced several times before stilling to a silent stop in the middle of the crater his battered body made.
Kabuto spaced out for a few seconds, before struggling to get up. After a tiring whole minute of struggling to get up straight, he finally managed an upright, standing position fit for battle. Surprising enough, he still had enough chakra to produce a scalpel. Lee had expected that his chakra supply would be used up since his body needed recuperation immediately, and the only way to remedy the internal damage his attack had done is to pour in amounts of chakra.
Kabuto should know that, heÕs a medic nin after allÉ
ÒThat was pretty remarkable back thereÉ you did quite someÉ damage,Ó Kabuto gasped as he tried to catch his lost breath. The Lion Combo did aim for his torso after all.
This is dangerousÉ Damn, I think IÕm up for the fight of my lifeÉ Maybe the last fight of my lifeÉ
Kabuto spat the blood and spit from his mouth onto the dewy bluegrass beneath his feet, before facing Lee again. ÒA taijutsu master. How interesting.Ó
Kabuto smirked as and his eyes narrowed as a cut suddenly appeared on LeeÕs upper arm, bleeding profusely. Lee winced slightly, but did not dwell on the burning pain in his arm.
DamnÉ aiyt, lemme checkÉ he severed a nerveÉ and seriously damaged my bicepsÉ I wonÕt be able to use my left nowÉ
LeeÕs left arm went limp on his side, the bleeding still ongoing. Lee clutched at the wound slightly, but did not apply pressure from fear of inducing more nerve damage. He pulled out a roll of bandage from his pouch and wrapped it around the wound and tied it in lightning-speed, and in less than a second, his wound was wrapped up in clean, white bandage.
ÒOne arm down, Lee-san. LetÕs see how well you fare with a dead weight on you. Will you still be as fast as you were?Ó
LeeÕs eyebrows knotted momentarily, before he proceeded another vicious attack. A right-handed attack. Lee launched a right fist at Kabuto and managed to make him dodge it, and just as Kabuto shifted his center of gravity slightly, an agile, speedy foot shot out from Lee and tripped both KabutoÕs feet, before twirling and landing his other foot on KabutoÕs face, making the back of his head slam painfully on the ground littered with stones.
He then placed a foot at KabutoÕs neck and slowly applied increasing pressure.
ÒYou seem to have forgotten my feet, Kabuto-san,Ó Lee smirked. ÒWhat with an experienced and renowned medic nin you are, you should know that a human being has four limbs, not two.Ó
Kabuto gagged from the pressure, tears building at the corners of his eyes from the burning pain at his throat. His air pipe was going to close soon, and he didnÕt think he could hold on any longer. His chakra automatically redirected to his internal injuries to heal them, and so he was close to depletion, and his arms were starting to feel numb from the lack of air. He could heal his internal injuries, but the lack of air would kill him over time too. And worse, he could do nothing to fight against it.
Lee looked down at the faintly struggling Kabuto with an expressionless face.
ÒGoodnight, and sweet dreams, medic nin.Ó
With all the force and weight he could muster, Lee stepped forcefully down on KabutoÕs throat.
There was a resounding crack of bones, the sinister splatter of blood and the gory squelch of flesh.
Blood splattered everywhere.
Crimson and red, mixing together.
It all reminded him of that fateful night, that unfortunate event that blew up billowing smog that clouded his vision and his future.
He recalled.
Back then, he was in such a state of confusion and panic, and he did not know what to do.
Right now, he was in such a state of confusion and panic, and he does not know what to do.
KoujiÕs hands trembled in trepidation and panic, as his mind went into overdrive. He wasnÕt able to think straight; his mind was turning over and over from the visions he was seeing, and from the visions that sprouted one by one back from his Òlong forgottenÓ past. Everything was slowly coming back to him, every single feel of terror, every single shiver, every single draft of cold air, every single stale breath, every single tremor of fear, every single tremble of confusion, every singleÉ memory.
He was transfixed to the scene before him, the blood dripping from the large gash in her side, the blood oozing from the open wound in her head. Everything seemed in a haze.
ÒWho the hell did this to you, TentenÉ?Ó
Cold draft wailed through the silent cell walls from the windows beyond.
ÒWho the HELL did THIS to you!Ó
He jackknifed into a fetal position, tears continuously pouring from his blood-splattered face.
ÒI SWEARÉ it was not meÉ IÕd neverÉ neverÉÓ
He broke down in front of her lacerated body, his mind numbing from all the downpour of stress and shock it has received. He could no longer process anything else in the world but his grief, and her pain.
ÒNoÉ NOO!Ó
He screamed.
Shikamaru sat back against the soft sofa, the unnatural silence inside the jutsu-sound-proofed room slightly unnerving him. It was their way of securing the information within the selected group of people inside the jutsu.
ÒSo thatÕs that, then. The plan is to let Orochimaru scale up the mountain up to that wide plateau about midway up, and then weÕll meet him there,Ó Shikamaru summarized what they have been discussing within the previous hour.
ÒThat is, we meet him there,Ó Sasuke corrected. ÒYou stay here. You are the brainiac here, if we lose you, the whole plan crumbles to ashes. You have to remain protected. Rest assured there will be none who will scale within the mountain and get into the base, what from all the protective jutsus weÕve placed. They wonÕt stand a chance against those, no matter how smart they are.Ó
Shikamaru sighed. I was hoping for some action, but I guess this is better, I wonÕt have to break a sweat from fighting, and at least IÕm in the range where I am an expert in. ÒAiyt, fine, IÕm stayinÕ.Ó
ÒAlright then, thatÕs settled, release the soundproofing jutsu now, we need to get in contact with the others to give the signal,Ó Sakura nodded, gathering up the scrolls and blueprints of plans, before making them disappear using a Runic Seal. Hinata released the soundproofing jutsu.
The very second that the jutsu was released, a mix of sounds rushed into the earpieces of the communicators, one by one being more distinct as the signal cleared out for their communication lines. Itachi faintly caught Lee reporting to Neji about Orochimaru approaching. He smirked. ÒKick his ugly ass for me, Lee.Ó
ÒYamero, aniki, no time for kidding now,Ó Sasuke sighed, rolling his eyes.
Kouji, instead of berating Itachi, even supported him. ÒYou canÕt deny that he has an ugly ass,Ó he snickered. ÒHe just had to pick out a carrier that had an uber ugly assÉÓ
ÒYep, I agree,Ó Naruto nodded vigorously, watching eagerly as Hinata and Sakura both performed the seals that opened a wide hologram screen that was divided into sections, each displaying a different part of the mountain with different standpoints and guards.
ÒShow some respect, you two,Ó Sakura stated plainly, making them all look at her. ÒItÕs not his fault if heÕs a pedophile male with an uber ugly ass, is it?Ó
The gang laughed.
The screen closed up on Orochimaru who had a smirk on his face, shredding his mask as he ran past Lee, leaving behind Kabuto to deal with the taijutsu master. FreakyÕs mask came off, revealing the real face of his carrier, a young girl, obviously another one blinded by his offer of ÒpowerÓ.
ÒOn second thought,Ó Sakura followed up, cringing as Freaky pealed off the skin. ÒIt is his fault. He chose his carrier after all.Ó
ÒDamn, that girl musta been ugly when she was alive,Ó Kouji shook his head. Itachi looked at him. ÒWhat?Ó
ÒNuthinÕ. Nandemonai.Ó
Kouji made a face at Itachi, before facing the screen again, and focusing on Gaara. Itachi once again caught NejiÕs orders to Gaara and watched as the screen closed up on the ShukakuÕs bearer.
ÒGaara, this is Neji. Finish them all off now, and proceed to those generals. I want you to slaughter those remaining generals, and I donÕt care how you do it, just make sure there is not a single living, breathing general left in that glade, over.Ó
Sasuke could practically feel his Hyuuga rival smirk over the line.
ÒCopy that, Neji-san, and no need to thank me, itÕs all my pleasureÉÓ another sadistic-sounding voice came over the line.
Itachi smirked. ÒDamn, thatÕs pretty sadistic of you, Hyuuga. SabakuÕs unstoppable now. HeÕs into overdrive.Ó
ÒDAMN! Did you see that? Shit, he alone can finish this war!Ó yelled Kouji in shock as Gaara swept up 20 nins and squeezed them to death. Literally.
ÒThatÕs one of my subordinates, Kouji-san. Sabaku Gaara, the next Kazekage in line and the bearer of the legendary Shukaku,Ó Neji explained over the line. Kouji nodded in comprehension, his mouth forming an ÔoÕ.
Itachi could almost read his thoughts like he was reading a book.
So thatÕs where he got it from.
He just shook his head and smirked.
ÒDie, buttface!Ó
The exclamation made all of them swivel their heads towards Lee and Kabuto, who were starting their fight, and rather heatedly at that.
ÒKabuto must have said something to anger Lee,Ó Sasuke remarked, watching the taijutsu expertÕs face contort into anger as he attacked with full force, managing to draw blood from the first and simplest attack only.
They watched the fight with bated breaths, and watched until the end. Kouji cringed mockingly when Lee crushed KabutoÕs neck.
ÒOoooÉ brutal.Ó
ÒSugoiÉÓ Itachi remarked, licking his lips. Bloodlust started to boil in his blood again. (a/n: Amazing.)
Sakura nodded. ÒSuteki da ne?Ó (a/n: Impressive, isnÕt it?)
ÒHe defeated Kabuto just like that!Ó Hinata exclaimed. ÒLee really has improved over the years, hasnÕt he?Ó
Naruto just nodded mutely. HeÕs been mutely staring at Kouji ever since the both of them got over the spilled ramen earlier. Kouji stared back at him.
ÒOtouto,Ó Kouji snapped, calling Naruto into attention.
ÒHuh?Ó
ÒStop staring at me, IÕm starting to melt,Ó Kouji smirked.
ÒIn your dreams, youÕre not even worth staring atÉ IÕm handsomer than you!Ó (a/n: Oi! No flames! There are words such as ÒhandsomerÓ and ÒhandsomestÓ!)
ÒYeah, right, keep on dreaming, otoutoÉÓ
ÒYouÕre not even worth my nail, aniki!Ó
ÒUrgh, otouto, still ignorant, you know nothing compared to me!Ó
ÒHa! IÕm worth twelve of you, aniki!Ó
Sasuke and Itachi both shook their heads.
ÒThey didnÕt even realize theyÕre loosening up and starting to call each other as brothers do,Ó Itachi remarked.
ÒBuncha idiots they areÉ another addition to the lotÉ and how I thought I didnÕt need any more,Ó Sasuke groaned, rolling his eyes.
ÒOh, loosen up, teme, come on, you know you love me,Ó Naruto winked at him. Sasuke just groaned even more and buried his face into SakuraÕs lap, who just laughed.
Hinata was about to remark something, when a bloodcurdling scream disrupted their happy time.
Neji was startled on the line. The scream was so loud that it resounded even through the molar mics the leaders wore. ÒWhat was that?Ó
ÒEverything okay there?Ó Lee asked worriedly.
ÒKiba and Akamaru here, we heard a scream. You guys okay?Ó
ÒWas that a scream?Ó
ÒMan, that someoneÕs got some awesome pipes thereÉÓ
ÒShut up, Chouji.Ó
ÒWhaaaT?Ó
ÒOkay, okay, guys, HUSH!Ó Sakura snapped over the line, silencing everyone. She breathed deeply. ÒYes. Now thatÕs better, ainÕt it? Now, you guys out there relax, weÕll handle this. WeÕll go down to wherever that scream came from and check it out, while Shikamaru stays up here, and you guys out there go on with your work. No distractions, guys, do NOT allow distractions. DonÕt worry about this, trust us, weÕll handle this.Ó
ÒCopy that, Sakura. WeÕre waiting for your signal, Sasuke,Ó Neji said over the line as Sasuke and the others except Shikamaru stood up and proceeded towards the tunnel where the sound came from.
ÒListen to Shikamaru. He organized the plans, and heÕs the one monitoring the hologram screens, heÕll be the one to give orders and signals. HeÕs monitoring every battle going on right now within the mountainÕs scopes,Ó Sasuke replied. ÒEveryone, refer to Shikamaru for directions, especially later, when weÕll be battling Orochimaru. Copy that?Ó
ÒRoger.Ó
ÒCopy that.Ó
ÒAye, aye, capÕn!Ó
ÒRight you are.Ó
ÒAiyt, shut up now, my ears are hurtinÕ.Ó
ÒWhatever.Ó
ÒMr. Bee says yes.Ó
ÒDoes anybody have chips? IÕm starving.Ó
ÒUrgh, my nails, my nails, my nailsÉÓ
Sasuke rolled his eyes at the weirdness of his subs. Sakura just rubbed her face in exasperation. ÒIno, donÕt mind your nails, it wonÕt peel off, I promise.Ó
ÒWhere did that scream come from?Ó Naruto asked cluelessly.
ÒSounded like itÕs from the dungeons,Ó Itachi remarked. ÒIf that wayÕs the dungeons,Ó he said, pointing to a separate bended tunnel going deeper downwards into the mountain.
ÒDungeons aiyt,Ó Sasuke muttered, silently padding over to the tunnel and pushing the creaking door open with a single handÕs force. ÒWhyÕs it unlocked?Ó
ÒI remember Tenten-chan went down to deliver Kouji-sanÕs food earlierÉ but that was hours ago, I thought she already came back up when we werenÕt looking or somethingÉÓ Sakura muttered.
ÒThatÕs strange. WhatÕs she doing down there?Ó
ÒMaybe they reconciled?Ó Hinata suggested weakly, for she had the feeling that something was strange in the stale dungeon air as they entered.
Itachi sniffed slightly at the stale air inside the confined spaces of the downward staircase carved of stone. ÒWhatÕs thatÉ stench?Ó he asked, sniffing again. ÒSmells a lot likeÉÓ
ÒÉblood,Ó Kouji finished. ÒFresh, pure blood.Ó
Sakura started to have tingles in her back as another premonition forced itÕs way into her brain. She clutched her head in pain as a strong surge of chakra focused on her subconscious. A blur of images and sounds passed through her, disturbing and confusing her senses and dizzying her more and more until she slowly spiraled down towards the ground, only to be caught by Sasuke.
ÒHey, baby, whatÕs wrong?Ó Sasuke muttered, catching Sakura agilely and supporting her up as she clutched at her head. ÒYou okay? Is everything okay?Ó
ÒJ-just a premonition,Ó Sakura muttered back, supporting her head on SasukeÕs shoulder gently, as he helped her descend the last few steps down the stairs.
ÒCareful nowÉÓ
Kanata walked slowly through the path underneath the thick foliage, occasionally passing glades and clearings where battles were ongoing, drenching and sprinkling the ground with healthy, fresh blood. There was a straight path through the forest, a narrow road thatÕs been covered and concealed by hundreds of years of undergrowth and abandonment. He relived those steps as he walked carefully up the foot of the mountain, watching each battle raging on between Konoha/Tasogare ninjas and Oto/Kage ninjas. It was an epic battle that would be remembered for all the history of the five nations. It was the only war that was held not on the city proper, but on a separate place far, far away from the cities themselves.
He was like a ghost that streaked through the leaves and the wooden trunks that hid him from prying eyes of the enemy. He was like a phantom that passed ghastly through from scene to scene, just a plain spectator like any other, only unseen by the naked eye.
And it was all thanks to a technique that he had harnessed long ago.
He was invisible to the naked eye. Only special eyes like the Sharingan or the Byakugan could see through the illusion. Sometimes, even ordinary Sharingan wonÕt work; Mangekyou is needed for it.
It was a technique that masked his whole body with special chakra that makes a confusing and hazy vibration around the body that blurs out his image from the eyes until he is no longer visible. Only a colored blur would be in his place, and even that blur is barely visible. It is a truly remarkable technique and he had to thank his master for it.
He approached a large rocky ledge where he started his ascent towards the plateau in the middle of the mountain, where he knew the real battle would be fought. But before he could even get his leverage on the stones, a kunai hit his hand protector and bounced off, creating a sharp sound. He felt a little tingle.
His head snapped to the side, where Fukai stood, twirling another kunai in her hand. In front of him and a few feet ahead was Neji, peering through his illusion using his Byakugan.
He sighed.
Of all the rotten luck in the worldÉ he grumbled inwardly. There are sooo many ninjas out there that could fight me, why the one with the Byakugan? Urgh, it wrecked my planÉ oh well, at least the girl has no special technique to boastÉ
He smirked.
ÒHello, Hyuuga. And so to your girl companionÉÓ Kanata muttered, bowing slightly in respect. Despite whom he was siding for, he still had respect for exceptional ninjas.
ÒYouÕre supposed to be dead, Kanata,Ó Fukai snapped. ÒCare to tell a little story? ItÕs a rare occurrence when we have time to chit and chat.Ó
ÒYes, rare occurrence indeedÉ and itÕs a rare occurrence as well to come across the last Shimatani ninja in the face of the planetÉ and to think, itÕs a girl! An heiress, a princess!Ó
ÒDonÕt change the topic, Kanata, I asked fiiiirst,Ó Fukai taunted in a falsely sweet voice. Neji just watched the procedures with an amused smirk.
ÒVery well, I shall answer your question, but in exchange, you will tell me why you canÕt let me pass through,Ó Kanata said, raising a delicate brow.
ÒSure. Truce.Ó
ÒVery wellÉ it is a long storyÉÓ
Neji and Fukai scouted the horizon from the ledge they were standing on. They were atop a high cliff, and it was a sheer drop from where they were stepping on. Neji could see the other ninjas spreading out steadily as Sasuke and Itachi had ordered earlier with his Byakugan, and he observed them as they slowly came into contact with the enemy. There was a loud explosion that signaled the start of an epic war.
ÒThis is it, NejiÉ ItÕs starting,Ó Fukai muttered, watching as a kunoichi from the Open Field Battle department engaged in a scuffle with numerous Sound and Shadow nins after her explosive tags severed several limbs from the platoon leader of the enemy.
Screams echoed through the night sky as battles erupted and quickly ended only to be started again. All around the mountain, the sound of blood splattering on trees and trunks and soil echoed through the night, and the ground drank up the dark red blood from the battling ninjas.
Shikamaru, Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura, Hinata, Itachi and Kouji were all still inside the mountain base formulating several other plans and talking about stuff. They were all ordered to spread out and intercept the enemy, and let only Orochimaru and the main remaining leaders enter the mountain and go to the top. It was to be a battle between the supreme ninjas only. And as much as Neji wanted to disagree, he had no choice, but to adhere to what was agreed upon by the Hokages. The Tasogare leaders were to be in charge of the whole thing, and he had no say in the matter.
ÒNeji, donÕt think too much, itÕll muddle your mind during a fight,Ó sighed Fukai, patting his back. She knew well what he was thinking about. ÒJust let it go, Neji.Ó
ÒI still donÕt trust that ItachiÉÓ Neji muttered. ÒEven though he is SasukeÕs brother, the fact still remains that he is an 8-year S-Class criminal nukenin of Konoha.Ó (a/n: Nukenin means Rogue ninja, or homeless, wandering ninja.)
ÒKonoha, Neji,Ó Fukai snorted. ÒNot Tasogare.Ó
Neji just rolled his eyes and shook his head. ÒWhy is Tasogare leading this war again? They arenÕt even the country involved in this warÉÓ
ÒBecause they lent the ninjas to help Konoha win, Neji. And donÕt complain anymore, if they hadnÕt led the war, we wouldnÕt have met, and youÕd have loads of headache from being the leader than having me beside you,Ó Fukai convinced in her sweetest voice. ÒDo you want that to happen instead?Ó
Neji sweat dropped.
I swear, girls get better and better at persuading and convincing boyfriends.
ÒAiyt, I take back what I said.Ó
ÒThatÕs better.Ó
Fukai smiled smugly, while Neji just rolled his eyes and continued surveying the battles going on beneath them.
Like the two of them, the other department heads were also standing on higher ground, watching the proceeding below them. There were direct orders to wait for the leaders to come out at the mountaintop before they descend. It is also their duty to make sure that no lower rank ninja gets past their point halfway up the mountain.
ÒThis is Lee reporting,Ó a familiar crackling voice came over the earpieces they wore. ÒOrochimaru and Kabuto are approaching my standpoint, over.Ó
ÒCopy you, Lee, this is Neji,Ó Neji immediately replied. ÒAggression directed only to Kabuto, let Freaky pass, over.Ó
ÒCopy that, Neji,Ó Lee replied. Neji could practically feel the smirk on his former teammateÕs face forming as he watched Orochimaru and Kabuto approach in the far side of the mountain with his Byakugan.
ÒKick his ugly ass once for me, Lee,Ó Itachi snickered over the line.
ÒYamero, aniki, no time for kidding now,Ó another voice came, recognizably Sasuke.
ÒYou canÕt deny that heÕs got an ugly assÉÓ snickered Kouji. ÒHe just had to pick a carrier that had an uber ugly assÉÓ
Neji rolled his eyes. The line was open, and so all the ninjas connected into the line would be overheard. Fukai just giggled.
Neji eyed Gaara who was battling with about 50 nins at the same time, his sand forming that globe around him again. Neji watched the expressionless face become slowly sprayed and coated with blood as one by one, the ninjas were gripped in powerful sand and squeezed to death. The blood spattered on the ground and on numerous terrified faces, as well as GaaraÕs now smirking face.
Damn, he must be delighted to have something to feast uponÉ
ÒGaara, this is Neji. Finish them all off now, and proceed to those generals. I want you to slaughter those remaining generals, and I donÕt care how you do it, just make sure there is not a single living, breathing general left in that glade, over,Ó Neji smirked as he barked on the line.
He watched as GaaraÕs face twisted into sadistic glee.
ÒCopy that, Neji-san, and no need to thank me, itÕs all my pleasureÉÓ he trailed off, laughing in sadistic delight. Neji smirked as he watched Gaara proceed in his killing spree.
ÒDamn, thatÕs pretty sadistic of you, Hyuuga,Ó Itachi smirked into the line. ÒSabakuÕs unstoppable now. HeÕs into overdrive.Ó
Neji watched as the sand scooped up 10 ninjas at the same time and enclosed them in a sand globe, before the globe contracted and 80 pints of blood sprayed and poured out of the globe, drenching GaaraÕs face and clothes.
ÒDAMN! Did you see that? Shit, he alone can finish this war!Ó Kouji exclaimed over the line, making Neji smirk.
ÒThatÕs one of my subordinates, Kouji-san. Sabaku Gaara, the next Kazekage in line and the bearer of the legendary Shukaku,Ó Neji explained.
Just then, a resounding battle cry erupted from the other side of the line. ÒDie, buttface!Ó
Lee squinted his eyes.
ÒThis is Lee reporting,Ó he spoke over the molar mic. ÒOrochimaru and Kabuto are approaching my standpoint, over.Ó (a/n: Molar mics are miniature, state of the art microphone technology. They are attached to the molars, and youÕll just feel as if youÕve got bits of rice stuck to your molar, nothing more. Amazing, huh?)
He could feel his muscles tense as Freaky and Four-Eyes came closer and closer by the second, gaining speed and momentum. Despite the tension he was feeling, though, he waited patiently for the orders from above.
ÒCopy you, Lee, this is Neji,Ó came his former teammateÕs voice. ÒAggression directed only to Kabuto, let Freaky pass, over.Ó
ÒCopy that, Neji.Ó
ÒKick his ugly ass for me, Lee,Ó another voice came on the line, and Lee recognized it as Itachi.
ÒYamero, anikiÉÓ came Sasuke, but Lee just rolled his eyes and ignored the bickering siblings squabble over the line. He flexed his fingers tensely as the enemies approached him in a rapid pace, Orochimaru wearing a smirk on his snakey face.
Here they comeÉ
It all happened in a flash.
Orochimaru and Kabuto suddenly separated, Orochimaru skimming through LeeÕs open left side. Lee let him pass with a smirk, and darted to Kabuto, who immediately slid to a halt in front of him. The surprised looks on both their faces were enough to tell Lee that they didnÕt really think heÕd let Freaky pass that easy.
Well, think again, budÉ
Kabuto stepped back and assumed a battle stance, adjusting his glasses before forming his chakra scalpel.
ÒI heard you were the ninja who was crippled to impossibility by Sabaku no Gaara,Ó Kabuto smirked. ÒMan, I gotta hand it to Tsunade, sheÕs one heck of a medic, ainÕt she? Managed to heal you despite the consequences and the odds of your situation. 53 of success, yet she still went through it. You must really be one heck of a ninja for her to put through all the effort.Ó
ÒHokage-sama did me a huge favor,Ó Lee frowned. ÒIf it werenÕt for her, I wouldnÕt be here now. DonÕt speak of the situation like it isnÕt worth anything!Ó
ÒIs it?Ó
Lee growled in annoyance. He screamed. ÒDie, buttface!Ó
Lee charged in unbelievable speed, muscles screaming for release at the extreme stress spent upon them. This did not faze him, though. Being an expert in taijutsu, he knew how to harness the full potential of his body and use it up to the maximum. He ignored the stabbing pain of stretched muscles as he released a powerful hook punch at Kabuto, who managed to dodge it, but barely. Kabuto backed away, blood gently trickling down his mouth as the gums beneath exploded from the slight skimming of air pressure from LeeÕs punch.
Damn, heÕs goodÉ
Like a whirlwind set free, Lee exploded in a flurry of light-weight, heavy-impact, lightning-speed movements, delivering multiple internal damaging hits to Kabuto, who helplessly stared off into the moonlit sky as Lee finished his Shishi Rendan. Kabuto hit the ground with an impact so heavy; he made a crater about 3-feet deep. He spewed blood from his mouth as he hit the ground, and he even bounced several times before stilling to a silent stop in the middle of the crater his battered body made.
Kabuto spaced out for a few seconds, before struggling to get up. After a tiring whole minute of struggling to get up straight, he finally managed an upright, standing position fit for battle. Surprising enough, he still had enough chakra to produce a scalpel. Lee had expected that his chakra supply would be used up since his body needed recuperation immediately, and the only way to remedy the internal damage his attack had done is to pour in amounts of chakra.
Kabuto should know that, heÕs a medic nin after allÉ
ÒThat was pretty remarkable back thereÉ you did quite someÉ damage,Ó Kabuto gasped as he tried to catch his lost breath. The Lion Combo did aim for his torso after all.
This is dangerousÉ Damn, I think IÕm up for the fight of my lifeÉ Maybe the last fight of my lifeÉ
Kabuto spat the blood and spit from his mouth onto the dewy bluegrass beneath his feet, before facing Lee again. ÒA taijutsu master. How interesting.Ó
Kabuto smirked as and his eyes narrowed as a cut suddenly appeared on LeeÕs upper arm, bleeding profusely. Lee winced slightly, but did not dwell on the burning pain in his arm.
DamnÉ aiyt, lemme checkÉ he severed a nerveÉ and seriously damaged my bicepsÉ I wonÕt be able to use my left nowÉ
LeeÕs left arm went limp on his side, the bleeding still ongoing. Lee clutched at the wound slightly, but did not apply pressure from fear of inducing more nerve damage. He pulled out a roll of bandage from his pouch and wrapped it around the wound and tied it in lightning-speed, and in less than a second, his wound was wrapped up in clean, white bandage.
ÒOne arm down, Lee-san. LetÕs see how well you fare with a dead weight on you. Will you still be as fast as you were?Ó
LeeÕs eyebrows knotted momentarily, before he proceeded another vicious attack. A right-handed attack. Lee launched a right fist at Kabuto and managed to make him dodge it, and just as Kabuto shifted his center of gravity slightly, an agile, speedy foot shot out from Lee and tripped both KabutoÕs feet, before twirling and landing his other foot on KabutoÕs face, making the back of his head slam painfully on the ground littered with stones.
He then placed a foot at KabutoÕs neck and slowly applied increasing pressure.
ÒYou seem to have forgotten my feet, Kabuto-san,Ó Lee smirked. ÒWhat with an experienced and renowned medic nin you are, you should know that a human being has four limbs, not two.Ó
Kabuto gagged from the pressure, tears building at the corners of his eyes from the burning pain at his throat. His air pipe was going to close soon, and he didnÕt think he could hold on any longer. His chakra automatically redirected to his internal injuries to heal them, and so he was close to depletion, and his arms were starting to feel numb from the lack of air. He could heal his internal injuries, but the lack of air would kill him over time too. And worse, he could do nothing to fight against it.
Lee looked down at the faintly struggling Kabuto with an expressionless face.
ÒGoodnight, and sweet dreams, medic nin.Ó
With all the force and weight he could muster, Lee stepped forcefully down on KabutoÕs throat.
There was a resounding crack of bones, the sinister splatter of blood and the gory squelch of flesh.
Blood splattered everywhere.
Crimson and red, mixing together.
It all reminded him of that fateful night, that unfortunate event that blew up billowing smog that clouded his vision and his future.
He recalled.
Back then, he was in such a state of confusion and panic, and he did not know what to do.
Right now, he was in such a state of confusion and panic, and he does not know what to do.
KoujiÕs hands trembled in trepidation and panic, as his mind went into overdrive. He wasnÕt able to think straight; his mind was turning over and over from the visions he was seeing, and from the visions that sprouted one by one back from his Òlong forgottenÓ past. Everything was slowly coming back to him, every single feel of terror, every single shiver, every single draft of cold air, every single stale breath, every single tremor of fear, every single tremble of confusion, every singleÉ memory.
He was transfixed to the scene before him, the blood dripping from the large gash in her side, the blood oozing from the open wound in her head. Everything seemed in a haze.
ÒWho the hell did this to you, TentenÉ?Ó
Cold draft wailed through the silent cell walls from the windows beyond.
ÒWho the HELL did THIS to you!Ó
He jackknifed into a fetal position, tears continuously pouring from his blood-splattered face.
ÒI SWEARÉ it was not meÉ IÕd neverÉ neverÉÓ
He broke down in front of her lacerated body, his mind numbing from all the downpour of stress and shock it has received. He could no longer process anything else in the world but his grief, and her pain.
ÒNoÉ NOO!Ó
He screamed.
Shikamaru sat back against the soft sofa, the unnatural silence inside the jutsu-sound-proofed room slightly unnerving him. It was their way of securing the information within the selected group of people inside the jutsu.
ÒSo thatÕs that, then. The plan is to let Orochimaru scale up the mountain up to that wide plateau about midway up, and then weÕll meet him there,Ó Shikamaru summarized what they have been discussing within the previous hour.
ÒThat is, we meet him there,Ó Sasuke corrected. ÒYou stay here. You are the brainiac here, if we lose you, the whole plan crumbles to ashes. You have to remain protected. Rest assured there will be none who will scale within the mountain and get into the base, what from all the protective jutsus weÕve placed. They wonÕt stand a chance against those, no matter how smart they are.Ó
Shikamaru sighed. I was hoping for some action, but I guess this is better, I wonÕt have to break a sweat from fighting, and at least IÕm in the range where I am an expert in. ÒAiyt, fine, IÕm stayinÕ.Ó
ÒAlright then, thatÕs settled, release the soundproofing jutsu now, we need to get in contact with the others to give the signal,Ó Sakura nodded, gathering up the scrolls and blueprints of plans, before making them disappear using a Runic Seal. Hinata released the soundproofing jutsu.
The very second that the jutsu was released, a mix of sounds rushed into the earpieces of the communicators, one by one being more distinct as the signal cleared out for their communication lines. Itachi faintly caught Lee reporting to Neji about Orochimaru approaching. He smirked. ÒKick his ugly ass for me, Lee.Ó
ÒYamero, aniki, no time for kidding now,Ó Sasuke sighed, rolling his eyes.
Kouji, instead of berating Itachi, even supported him. ÒYou canÕt deny that he has an ugly ass,Ó he snickered. ÒHe just had to pick out a carrier that had an uber ugly assÉÓ
ÒYep, I agree,Ó Naruto nodded vigorously, watching eagerly as Hinata and Sakura both performed the seals that opened a wide hologram screen that was divided into sections, each displaying a different part of the mountain with different standpoints and guards.
ÒShow some respect, you two,Ó Sakura stated plainly, making them all look at her. ÒItÕs not his fault if heÕs a pedophile male with an uber ugly ass, is it?Ó
The gang laughed.
The screen closed up on Orochimaru who had a smirk on his face, shredding his mask as he ran past Lee, leaving behind Kabuto to deal with the taijutsu master. FreakyÕs mask came off, revealing the real face of his carrier, a young girl, obviously another one blinded by his offer of ÒpowerÓ.
ÒOn second thought,Ó Sakura followed up, cringing as Freaky pealed off the skin. ÒIt is his fault. He chose his carrier after all.Ó
ÒDamn, that girl musta been ugly when she was alive,Ó Kouji shook his head. Itachi looked at him. ÒWhat?Ó
ÒNuthinÕ. Nandemonai.Ó
Kouji made a face at Itachi, before facing the screen again, and focusing on Gaara. Itachi once again caught NejiÕs orders to Gaara and watched as the screen closed up on the ShukakuÕs bearer.
ÒGaara, this is Neji. Finish them all off now, and proceed to those generals. I want you to slaughter those remaining generals, and I donÕt care how you do it, just make sure there is not a single living, breathing general left in that glade, over.Ó
Sasuke could practically feel his Hyuuga rival smirk over the line.
ÒCopy that, Neji-san, and no need to thank me, itÕs all my pleasureÉÓ another sadistic-sounding voice came over the line.
Itachi smirked. ÒDamn, thatÕs pretty sadistic of you, Hyuuga. SabakuÕs unstoppable now. HeÕs into overdrive.Ó
ÒDAMN! Did you see that? Shit, he alone can finish this war!Ó yelled Kouji in shock as Gaara swept up 20 nins and squeezed them to death. Literally.
ÒThatÕs one of my subordinates, Kouji-san. Sabaku Gaara, the next Kazekage in line and the bearer of the legendary Shukaku,Ó Neji explained over the line. Kouji nodded in comprehension, his mouth forming an ÔoÕ.
Itachi could almost read his thoughts like he was reading a book.
So thatÕs where he got it from.
He just shook his head and smirked.
ÒDie, buttface!Ó
The exclamation made all of them swivel their heads towards Lee and Kabuto, who were starting their fight, and rather heatedly at that.
ÒKabuto must have said something to anger Lee,Ó Sasuke remarked, watching the taijutsu expertÕs face contort into anger as he attacked with full force, managing to draw blood from the first and simplest attack only.
They watched the fight with bated breaths, and watched until the end. Kouji cringed mockingly when Lee crushed KabutoÕs neck.
ÒOoooÉ brutal.Ó
ÒSugoiÉÓ Itachi remarked, licking his lips. Bloodlust started to boil in his blood again. (a/n: Amazing.)
Sakura nodded. ÒSuteki da ne?Ó (a/n: Impressive, isnÕt it?)
ÒHe defeated Kabuto just like that!Ó Hinata exclaimed. ÒLee really has improved over the years, hasnÕt he?Ó
Naruto just nodded mutely. HeÕs been mutely staring at Kouji ever since the both of them got over the spilled ramen earlier. Kouji stared back at him.
ÒOtouto,Ó Kouji snapped, calling Naruto into attention.
ÒHuh?Ó
ÒStop staring at me, IÕm starting to melt,Ó Kouji smirked.
ÒIn your dreams, youÕre not even worth staring atÉ IÕm handsomer than you!Ó (a/n: Oi! No flames! There are words such as ÒhandsomerÓ and ÒhandsomestÓ!)
ÒYeah, right, keep on dreaming, otoutoÉÓ
ÒYouÕre not even worth my nail, aniki!Ó
ÒUrgh, otouto, still ignorant, you know nothing compared to me!Ó
ÒHa! IÕm worth twelve of you, aniki!Ó
Sasuke and Itachi both shook their heads.
ÒThey didnÕt even realize theyÕre loosening up and starting to call each other as brothers do,Ó Itachi remarked.
ÒBuncha idiots they areÉ another addition to the lotÉ and how I thought I didnÕt need any more,Ó Sasuke groaned, rolling his eyes.
ÒOh, loosen up, teme, come on, you know you love me,Ó Naruto winked at him. Sasuke just groaned even more and buried his face into SakuraÕs lap, who just laughed.
Hinata was about to remark something, when a bloodcurdling scream disrupted their happy time.
Neji was startled on the line. The scream was so loud that it resounded even through the molar mics the leaders wore. ÒWhat was that?Ó
ÒEverything okay there?Ó Lee asked worriedly.
ÒKiba and Akamaru here, we heard a scream. You guys okay?Ó
ÒWas that a scream?Ó
ÒMan, that someoneÕs got some awesome pipes thereÉÓ
ÒShut up, Chouji.Ó
ÒWhaaaT?Ó
ÒOkay, okay, guys, HUSH!Ó Sakura snapped over the line, silencing everyone. She breathed deeply. ÒYes. Now thatÕs better, ainÕt it? Now, you guys out there relax, weÕll handle this. WeÕll go down to wherever that scream came from and check it out, while Shikamaru stays up here, and you guys out there go on with your work. No distractions, guys, do NOT allow distractions. DonÕt worry about this, trust us, weÕll handle this.Ó
ÒCopy that, Sakura. WeÕre waiting for your signal, Sasuke,Ó Neji said over the line as Sasuke and the others except Shikamaru stood up and proceeded towards the tunnel where the sound came from.
ÒListen to Shikamaru. He organized the plans, and heÕs the one monitoring the hologram screens, heÕll be the one to give orders and signals. HeÕs monitoring every battle going on right now within the mountainÕs scopes,Ó Sasuke replied. ÒEveryone, refer to Shikamaru for directions, especially later, when weÕll be battling Orochimaru. Copy that?Ó
ÒRoger.Ó
ÒCopy that.Ó
ÒAye, aye, capÕn!Ó
ÒRight you are.Ó
ÒAiyt, shut up now, my ears are hurtinÕ.Ó
ÒWhatever.Ó
ÒMr. Bee says yes.Ó
ÒDoes anybody have chips? IÕm starving.Ó
ÒUrgh, my nails, my nails, my nailsÉÓ
Sasuke rolled his eyes at the weirdness of his subs. Sakura just rubbed her face in exasperation. ÒIno, donÕt mind your nails, it wonÕt peel off, I promise.Ó
ÒWhere did that scream come from?Ó Naruto asked cluelessly.
ÒSounded like itÕs from the dungeons,Ó Itachi remarked. ÒIf that wayÕs the dungeons,Ó he said, pointing to a separate bended tunnel going deeper downwards into the mountain.
ÒDungeons aiyt,Ó Sasuke muttered, silently padding over to the tunnel and pushing the creaking door open with a single handÕs force. ÒWhyÕs it unlocked?Ó
ÒI remember Tenten-chan went down to deliver Kouji-sanÕs food earlierÉ but that was hours ago, I thought she already came back up when we werenÕt looking or somethingÉÓ Sakura muttered.
ÒThatÕs strange. WhatÕs she doing down there?Ó
ÒMaybe they reconciled?Ó Hinata suggested weakly, for she had the feeling that something was strange in the stale dungeon air as they entered.
Itachi sniffed slightly at the stale air inside the confined spaces of the downward staircase carved of stone. ÒWhatÕs thatÉ stench?Ó he asked, sniffing again. ÒSmells a lot likeÉÓ
ÒÉblood,Ó Kouji finished. ÒFresh, pure blood.Ó
Sakura started to have tingles in her back as another premonition forced itÕs way into her brain. She clutched her head in pain as a strong surge of chakra focused on her subconscious. A blur of images and sounds passed through her, disturbing and confusing her senses and dizzying her more and more until she slowly spiraled down towards the ground, only to be caught by Sasuke.
ÒHey, baby, whatÕs wrong?Ó Sasuke muttered, catching Sakura agilely and supporting her up as she clutched at her head. ÒYou okay? Is everything okay?Ó
ÒJ-just a premonition,Ó Sakura muttered back, supporting her head on SasukeÕs shoulder gently, as he helped her descend the last few steps down the stairs.
ÒCareful nowÉÓ
Kanata walked slowly through the path underneath the thick foliage, occasionally passing glades and clearings where battles were ongoing, drenching and sprinkling the ground with healthy, fresh blood. There was a straight path through the forest, a narrow road thatÕs been covered and concealed by hundreds of years of undergrowth and abandonment. He relived those steps as he walked carefully up the foot of the mountain, watching each battle raging on between Konoha/Tasogare ninjas and Oto/Kage ninjas. It was an epic battle that would be remembered for all the history of the five nations. It was the only war that was held not on the city proper, but on a separate place far, far away from the cities themselves.
He was like a ghost that streaked through the leaves and the wooden trunks that hid him from prying eyes of the enemy. He was like a phantom that passed ghastly through from scene to scene, just a plain spectator like any other, only unseen by the naked eye.
And it was all thanks to a technique that he had harnessed long ago.
He was invisible to the naked eye. Only special eyes like the Sharingan or the Byakugan could see through the illusion. Sometimes, even ordinary Sharingan wonÕt work; Mangekyou is needed for it.
It was a technique that masked his whole body with special chakra that makes a confusing and hazy vibration around the body that blurs out his image from the eyes until he is no longer visible. Only a colored blur would be in his place, and even that blur is barely visible. It is a truly remarkable technique and he had to thank his master for it.
He approached a large rocky ledge where he started his ascent towards the plateau in the middle of the mountain, where he knew the real battle would be fought. But before he could even get his leverage on the stones, a kunai hit his hand protector and bounced off, creating a sharp sound. He felt a little tingle.
His head snapped to the side, where Fukai stood, twirling another kunai in her hand. In front of him and a few feet ahead was Neji, peering through his illusion using his Byakugan.
He sighed.
Of all the rotten luck in the worldÉ he grumbled inwardly. There are sooo many ninjas out there that could fight me, why the one with the Byakugan? Urgh, it wrecked my planÉ oh well, at least the girl has no special technique to boastÉ
He smirked.
ÒHello, Hyuuga. And so to your girl companionÉÓ Kanata muttered, bowing slightly in respect. Despite whom he was siding for, he still had respect for exceptional ninjas.
ÒYouÕre supposed to be dead, Kanata,Ó Fukai snapped. ÒCare to tell a little story? ItÕs a rare occurrence when we have time to chit and chat.Ó
ÒYes, rare occurrence indeedÉ and itÕs a rare occurrence as well to come across the last Shimatani ninja in the face of the planetÉ and to think, itÕs a girl! An heiress, a princess!Ó
ÒDonÕt change the topic, Kanata, I asked fiiiirst,Ó Fukai taunted in a falsely sweet voice. Neji just watched the procedures with an amused smirk.
ÒVery well, I shall answer your question, but in exchange, you will tell me why you canÕt let me pass through,Ó Kanata said, raising a delicate brow.
ÒSure. Truce.Ó
ÒVery wellÉ it is a long storyÉÓ