Choji jumped back and stood next to Shikamaru on his other side and we watched as the cloud of dust settled from the attack.

Unfortunately Kakuzu still stood. It makes sense though. He’s got some sort of jutsu that allows his body to harden.

Choji is a strong powerhouse, but I was taught under Tsunade and while I failed in the Medical aspect I excelled in the other forms of chakra control, including enhancing monstrous strength.

When I fought with him before he took my hit pretty well. I didn’t go all out because I couldn’t blow my cover, but I definitely put in a lot.

“That’s his special ability.” Shikamaru spoke. He also came up with that conclusion earlier. “Good eye. Yes, it’s true. Physical attacks are virtually useless against me.”

Tsk. That’s annoying. Especially since physical attacks are my specialty. We can’t use a direct attack. So then what do we do? Nara?

I glanced at him from the corner of my vision and bit my lip. He’s thinking. Which means he didn’t take this into account.

Well shit. “Uh, Shikamaru?” Choji whispered towards his team leader. Hidan cackled from his spot, happy with the turnout.

“Be afraid, be afraid you ignorant heathens!” Oh I’m going to smack that cocky smirk off his stupid face. No, no, calm down. “Kakuzu! Enough chitchat let’s counterattack.”

Oh you can try. But I won’t let you do as you please and neither will they.

You killed their Sensei. Their friend. You don’t fuck with the Leaf. “C’mon hurry. Undo this idiotic jutsu already.”

My temple throbbed at the blatant disrespect. “If it’s so idiotic, why are you caught in it?” I couldn’t help but sarcastically ask. Hidan turned to glare murderously at me. “Shut up! It was a fluke!” He shouted.

I internally snorted. It happened last time too you dumbass.

Ah. I know this feeling. Kakashi-Sensei! As I felt it, he appeared behind Kakuzu and pierced his hand through one of Kakuzu’s hearts.

Kakuzu shouted in pain at the surprise attack that took everyone else off guard. It’s been a while since I’ve seen chidori.

Last time was when I was on a mission with Sasuke. It became so normal to see it with him, I forget he learned it from Kakashi.

“But how? I didn’t even sense your approach.” Kakuzu grunted in pain.

I smirked, happy this mask hides my face. Kakashi is one of the strongest ninja we have. You’re in a run for your money. “Sorry about that.” Kakashi said unapologetically.

When we were discussing the plan, I had informed Shikamaru who informed them that Kakuzu had multiple hearts.

While Shikamaru did know a little about that, I had drawn where I saw all those ugly faces where they were kept on him. He showed the rest and Kakashi struck one.

How many hearts does he have left though? Just two? Or three?

He could have gotten another I suppose. Either way, once we take off his cloak we’ll see for sure. “Heeeyy. What the hell is going on?!” Hidan whined, actually whined.

“What’s all that crap about physical attacks being useless against you?” He continued to complain. Man how anyone puts up with him is beyond me.

Shikamaru and Choji stared at my Sensei in shock. “Yeah. How did you get behind that guy Kakashi-Sensei?” Shikamaru questioned.

What? Oh that’s right. Of all the people in the village, Team Seven is really the only one who knows how to fight with him in battle. Training together and going out on as many missions we’ve grown accustomed to his way of thinking and fighting.

I guess Team Ten would be surprised by this.

Even after all these years, I still know what Kakashi can and will do. “I saw everything, including that flesh hardening jutsu of yours. From the signs you were weaving, it’s an Earth Style jutsu isn’t it?”

I almost whistled. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him in action but it’s as exciting as it was back then.

“You were able to read and interpret my signs so quickly. And your mastery of Lightning Style jutsu- wait. That’s it! You’re Kakashi of the Sharingan!” I smirked.

Kakashi is that famous, of course you’d figure it out and realize that he isn’t the same as the two Chunin and Asuma you fought before.

He’s on a whole new level. “Earth is inferior to Lightning. Not your lucky day. You’re done for.”

He’s right. Of all the people here, Kakashi is the only one who can for sure take down Kakuzu. Kakuzu’s chakra nature is mainly Earth. While Kakashi has plenty of Lightning. Not to mention the other natures he can do.

However Kakuzu still has more hearts. I don’t think that sneak attack is going to work again. But Kakashi has many tricks up his sleeves.

“Turn the tables just like that! Leave it to Kakashi-Sensei!” Choji grinned. Shikamaru nodded. “Yeah, and we wanted to get rid of the mortal one first. Less trouble this way.” Shikamaru agreed.

“No. Don’t you all forget he’s not a normal mortal. Remember. He’s got more hearts.”

The two stiffened at my words, their eyes widening a bit. “That’s right, we almost-ugh!”

Nara?! Choji and I looked at him worriedly. “What is it? What’s wrong Shikamaru?” Choji asked.

I glanced at his feet to see his shadow wavering. Shit. He’s reached the limit of his Shadow Possession. Hidan’s about to be free. “Uh-oh. Not looking good. Kakashi-Sensei!” Shikamaru shouted to the older ninja.

Kakashi seemed to notice what was up. Kakuzu groaned and grunted before falling to his knees.

Kakashi removed his arm from his chest and he collapsed.

Tch. We need to finish him off but Hidan will go to his partner's aid. “Sucker punch to the heart, huh? You through? I can’t believe it. Just like that? Man.” Hidan complained obnoxiously.

Kakashi held his hand up, forming Chidori once more, eyes still trained on Kakuzu. Going for the next. “Almost.” He muttered, going to strike another heart.

“Kakuzu, enough playing!” Hidan shouted. Kakuzu moved so quick that he landed a strong kick to Kakashi and flung him back and into a tree.

Well shit. I thought for ure he’d be a little stunned and slow down some once one was destroyed.

The two made smug sounds and Hidan smirked maliciously. “And after all that tough talk of yours. Well who’s done for now, huh?” Oh yeah. I’m for sure going to smack him around.

“Alright, let’s get this over with shall we?” Hidan asked his partner. Kakuzu gripped the zipper of his cloak, still looking at Kakashi smugly. “That’s the plan.”

In one swift motion he unzipped and threw the cloak aside, revealing his torso and those disgusting faces. Two of which were done for. But there’s only two left.

Kakashi struck the one beside where I had so the last two are close together. We could just slice him in half right where they are in one attack. How though?

Anyway, it seems difficult. Based on all those stitches keeping him together, that seems like he’ll be accustomed to that.

Huh? What the?!

I took a stance as his skin began to stretch and expand, the stitches on his body straining as his skin moved around grotesquely.

The face mask where the hearts were jutted around and he let out strange noises as it did so.

What the actual hell? This didn’t happen last time. What is he doing? This was not apart of any of Shikamaru’s plans he ran through with me.

This is definitely not good.

Shikamaru looked at the horrid scene before down at his feet where his Shadow had finally had it and retreated back to him. However it only held my attention before Kakuzu’s scream drew my gaze back to him.

The stitches began to undo, unable to handle the pressure of whatever was moving inside of him. And all four masks burst through his back and outward, some black substance attached to them and Kakuzu.

“Whoa, Shikamaru. What’s happening?” Choji demanded, taking a step back.

“Who knows. But after going head to head with these guys nothing surprises me anymore.” He muttered.

Hidan began to stretch, unfazed by his partner's outburst. “There, that;s more like it. I can finally move again.” The things that left Kakuzu took form around them, the masks being the heads, each form slightly different but tall and definitely intimidating. Even the two that Kakashi and I struck through are separate beings the towers over them.

“Now then, shall we let the slaughter begin?”  Hidan asked his partner.

Kakuzu nodded in turn. “Oh yes.” He agreed.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. Okay. This was definitely not anticipated. We’re back to knowing nothing again.

Damn it all to hell! Gritting my teeth, I analyzed the situation. The chakra. It’s . . . wrong. It’s not meant to be this shouldn’t even exist. And it reminds me of Orochimaru a bit.

What is this? Not only is there a large amount but it’s warped.

Hidan began to laugh maniacally. “Look, Lord Jashin! Behold your servant! I give myself, body and soul, to the carnage to come. In your name I will rip their guts out!” He declared loudly.

The beings began to grow even more and roared. Actually roared. The two masks that were broken by us went to all fours and began to .drip before melting into a black puddle.

Huh? What the?

We watched them for a bit but they remained puddles on the ground. Oh. So we did take them out. They are indeed hearts.

Kakuzu’s back began to stitch itself back into place but he kept his expression neutral. There are two beasts left.

Hidan turned to his partner in annoyance. “Kakuzu, what the hell was that? You put on this big show and then one of them drops dead before we even get started! What the fuck?! Come on, that’s pretty lame if you ask me, I mean shit!” Hidan began to let out a stream of curses with no particular meaning just to swear.

I stared at the two puddles. Okay. So I was right about that. I just didn’t anticipate the beasts that they could become.

I do have a question. If they are in fact hearts, and all four masks are here on the outside, how is Kakuzu still standing?

“Hidan, just stay back. I’ve got this.” Kakuzu tried. But Hidan of course threw a fit. “No fucking way! I want in on this action. I’m sick of watching us get pushed around by these losers! So. Let’s go with the usual.”

The usual? What’s that? Is it the same as before?

No, Hidan wanted that entire fight to himself. I don’t think he’s asking to do it by himself this time, right? So then what’s the usual?

“Heh.” Kakuzu actually laughed? That’s creepy.

He made a hand sign and Hidan smirked before licking his lips. He brandished his scythe and rushed at Kakashi who parried his attacks with a kunai.

The two are moving fast as they jump around, Hidan swinging his scythe in a frenzy. However Kakashi is blocking well.

Hidan cackled again and one of the beasts with strange features appeared behind Hidan. What the? Ah, Kakuzu is making a new sign.

That’s wind! I know that sign! And the beast. The amount of chakra that’s about to be unleashed! Shit, shit shit!

I lunged forward. Jumping between the beast and Hidan and Kakashi, facing the beast as I made the same hand signs.

“Wind Style: Pressure Damage!” Kakuzu and I both shouted in unison.

The beast released the jutsu that was directed at the two fighting behind me. I released the jutsu as well and the two jutsus clashed and created a violet wind turret that ripped the trees and ground around us from the ground and flung everyone, Akatsuki included back.

It was such a large blast that it lasted a full fledged minute before it settled down. I flew back violently but managed to land with ease as the flying beast hit the ground once and sprung up again.

Phew. Thank god I’m fast even without the Flash Step. Besides, Wind is my specialty.

I didn’t even think that he could do that with these creatures. And the damage it did. If I hadn’t counted it with one of my own things could have been a lot worse.

It could have killed Kakashi. And Hidan, who was in the way, wouldn't come out unscatherd. He’d live though. “Everyone alright?!” I called out as we had all separated some.

Was this a part of their plan? Split us up some? Well thanks to my interference we shouldn’t be as separated as they had intended.

“Yeah!” The others called out. Relief filled me and I glanced towards where Kakashi had landed. He took some damage, but it wasn’t as bad as what it was about to be.

Of course they’d do a stunt like that. Cutting through Hidan to get Kakashi is a good plan in hindsight.

It’s not one many would execute, but being immortal and all it’s a plan that they can afford to do without any hesitation for that matter.

Taking advantage of immortality. That’s so uncool.

The beast returned to Kakuzu who was now staring directly at me. “You were the fake shadow clone from before.” He was determined.

I bit my lip but said nothing. How could he tell? I’m excellent at masking my chakra. Did I slip? Or is he just that good?

I flickered next to Shikamaru and Choji. I’m not too concerned about Kakashi. But these two won’t be able to stand any attack from those beasts, they’ll die for sure.

“I’m afraid I can’t allow you to do as you please. Of the two of us, I’m better with Wind Release.”

It’s true. I could tell when our attacks hit. Mine is stronger. My Wind affinity is extremely high, higher then those I’ve met with the same strengths.

The only ones who may have even stronger Wind Release would be Naruto and maybe that girl Temari.

As Gaara’s sister, I studied her thoroughly. I think I could still be stronger in that aspect, but I can’t say for sure unless we fight.

But at least with Kakuzu, I know I’m better with wind. I’m not called the Sky Empress for nothing.

“So it seems. Well. How about this?” He cocked his head a bit and one of the taller ones began to spark.

No way. He has Lightning Release too?! What jutsu?! Can I counter?

Just as the thought crossed my mind, Kakuzu cast another jutsu. “Lightning Style: False Darkness!”

Shit! Too late! The attack shot out in a large magnitude. That’s a powerful attack. If I get hit it’s not gonna be pretty, I can survive it though. These two though? Shikamaru and Choji can’t take it.

Shikamaru had pulled out a scroll but whatever it was he can’t make it in time.

I could Flash Step, but that’d be game over. Damn it! I’ll just have to take the hit!

I moved forward and readied to take the full brunt of the hit, when Kakashi appeared in front of me, his hands outstretched.

The attack hit him and he dug his feet into the ground as he struggled against the attack. He began to slide back and I placed my hands on his back, some of the electricity getting me, but not nearly as much as my Sensei was.

I held strong so he wouldn’t slide and he continued to hold the attack back.

I do have a strong Lightning Release. But not nearly as strong as his. Sp I couldn’t do much but keep him from sliding back as he took the attack to save us.

“Sensei!” Choji screamed. I shut my eyes tight and continued to stay rooted to the ground. “K-Kakashi-Sensei!” Shikamaru muttered worriedly as he continued to hold it off.

It’s okay. It’s okay. Kakashi can do it. And I-I won’t let it best him. I won’t! I won’t lose another Sensei and I especially won’t lose him!

He’ll be okay. He’s Kakashi Hatake afterall.

Kakashi grunted as he struggled and slowly, but surely, the lightning began to lessen before disappearing completely,

Kakashi remained in the position, his arms a little messed up, but intact even as the steam left them. He did it.

I released his back and stared at him. He’s . . . not really okay, but okay enough. He’s alive. That’s a plus.

Although he’s panting a lot. His arms fell to his side and he stumbled, but he remained standing.

Ino jumped down next to us. “Are you alright?” She asked hurriedly. “Well. I’m still standing.” Smartass.

Seeing how he’s okay I looked at the two opponents. They’re a lot stronger than I thought.

At least Kakuzu is exceeding expectations. Normally someone can’t perform such a high level jutsu unless it's compatible with their own chakra nature. Those two attacks definitely weren’t compatible but he did it. Not to mention how he’s displayed three different chakra natures.

While that’s not uncommon people tend to use the ones most compatible with them primarily. 

But Kakuzu is different somehow. What’s going on exactly?

“You saw through our jutsu’s. But how about this?” The Lightning beast attacked the mask of the one Kakashi destroyed and . . . devoured it?! What the hell?!

The beast began to shift and make a strange noise. It remained the same size, and the balck puddle remained. Only the mask is gone.

It didn’t completely devour it. But the chakra that was there is gone and now it is in that one. Could it be?

Kakuzu weaved a familiar style of sign and my eyes widened.

“Fire Style: Searing Migraine!” He shouted. The mask opened its mouth and an intense wall of flame spewed out and headed straight for us.

No!