The feeling of decapitating another human is something I’m all too familiar with. And despite him being immortal, it didn’t take away the slight sting of yet another atrocious sin I’ve committed.

However I quickly smothered that feeling and kicked Hidan’s body over. If we get his head and keep it from his body, that could prove useful for interrogation. The only thing is I’d need to interrogate him personally for a location on Itachi and then hand him over to the Leaf.

That way they can get info that could save themselves and others from the Akatsuki. 

Now. To keep Kakuzu from fixing up his partner and killing us.

I turned my gaze towards the other threat, guard up, and kunai still in hand. I could hear Shikamaru panting heavily as he fell to his knees in exhaustion.

“Shikamaru! Are you okay?” Izumo and Kotetsu asked the younger boy. 

C’mon Nara, up on your feet. We don’t have the luxury of resting. This ain't over, not by a long shot.

Hidan’s an idiot. He’s simple.

This man isn’t. Not sure how I’m gonna get away with this, but I won’t know if I don’t try. “Alright that’s . . . that’s one down.” Shikamaru struggled to get a hold of his breath.

Kakuzu didn’t flinch, only stared at Hidan’s head uncaringly. “If you wanted my help, Hidan, you should have asked sooner.” He said cooley, unflinching. Hidan’s face twisted in anger. “It was you! You’re the slow one, Kakuzu! It was on purpose wasn’t it?!” He roared.

Ugh. That’s disturbing. Despite knowing he’d still be alive, the others were still taken aback by a talking head.

Even if they know, seeing it is another thing. “You were the one who told me to stay out of it at the start. I really don’t think you’re in any position to complain right now.”

Hidan bit his lip and looked away from his partner's gaze as he couldn’t really argue with that. He groaned before looking at his body then back at his partner and chuckled.

“All right, all right. Point taken. So maybe I did tell you not to butt in. But I assure you, my friend, it wasn’t out of disrespect or anything like that. Anyway Kakuzu, would you mind bringing my body over here for me?”

I stomped on the body and grabbed an arm, ripping it off.

“Hey! What the fuck man?!” Hidan screamed at me. I chucked the arm away and threw the kunai into one of his eyes, making him shout more profanities at me.

“Afraid I can’t let you put your friend back together.” I spoke, still pretending to be Shikamaru’s clone.

Although by now Kakuzu should know I’m not. He’s exhausted himself of his chakra, if I were a clone I’d disappear.

If those two dumb guards had a braincell, they should be able to tell as well.

The only upside is they can’t tell who I really am. 

Kakuzu flickered and appeared by Hidan’s head and picked it up. I saw it coming and brought out another kunai, readying for an attack.

This isn’t good. Shikamaru won’t last, Asuma, with all his wounds, won’t stand a chance, and those other two couldn’t even handle Hidan. Not to mention me.

I stand a fighting chance, but only with my full power. Not what I’m allowing myself to have. I can’t deal with them. Not now. I need to stay in the Akatsuki’s good graces if I ever want to find Itachi or prevent them from taking my brother.

“You guys need to retreat. I’ll hold them off for as long as I can.” I said, eyes never leaving Kakuzu’s. 

“Enough of this.” He appeared by Asuma and slammed his foot into his leg wound and making him fall. As he brought his suitcase towards his head, I flickered over and blocked with my kunai before swinging my chakra empowered fist towards his chest, making him jump away. 

“Not so fast!” I shouted, going after him. He took down the only one to stand a chance against him so he could fix Hidan up.

I can’t let that happen. I won’t give him even a second. I kept attacking, then blocking. Then attacking, then blocking.

Don’t give him a moment. Don’t let him rest.

“Retreat!” I repeated, keeping my focus on him. “You won’t win against them if we do!” Shikamaru shouted. I scoffed, ducking to avoid Kakuzu from taking my head off.

I’m not so weak. I didn’t spend all that time with Orochimaru or Sasori for nothing. 

Kakuzu held his hand out and it shot out towards me like a projectile, black threads attached to it. If I could, I’d use my chains to counteract it. Instead I jumped up and deflected most of it with my kunai.

“I’ll be fine! Just leave, Nara! Agh!” His hand moved around and gripped me tightly by my throat and squeezed, cutting off my airway. 

Now I’m getting pissed! My hands moved. “Lightning Style: Pulse!” I rasped out, my own body emitting in sparks and travelling into the hand and the black thread, to its core body.

Once it did I changed my hand sign and he went up in a blaze of fire, causing him to shout and release me in order to get away from the hot flames.

“How long will you pretend to be that boy?” Kakzuzu asked, his cloak mostly burned away to reveal stitches across his body.

“As long as I damn well please.” I snapped. 

Just don’t do any of your trademark jutsu’s. Don’t do anything that can lead him to your identity. All you have to do is fend him off long enough for Nara and the others to escape, then take Hidan’s head and Flash Step as far away as possible.

He won’t know exactly how I escaped. It’ll be fine. Just take that damn immortal’s head and leave!

I continued to fend off both the many strong black threads and Kakuzu’s flying hand. Just stall. As long as I just hold him off for as long as I can, it’ll be alright. I can do this much at least.

My senses are on full alert, I’m aware of every move he makes and parried his attacks each time. There has to be a moment he let’s his guard down. Even if it’s for a split second.

If there’s even one second I’ll use it and take him out. 

We continued to move around at high speeds, attacking with full force and every intention to kill the other. I jumped back and away from him and he sent all of his long ranged bandages towards me. But in doing so he created a small opening. 

That’s it!

With no hesitation I pushed off my right foot and practically flew down the center of his attack, missing all of his weapons.

My grip on my kunai tightened and with all of my strength I thrust it forwards, lodging my blade deep into his chest and embedding it into his heart.

Kakuzu stiffened as blood spurted from his fatal wound.

Relief should have filled me. The sense of victory should have brought me comfort. But something didn’t feel right. Every nerve in my body was screaming danger.

That was too easy. I made the calculated risk, there would have only been that small opening and I had to take it despite the risks. And I did it. I pierced his heart.

I’ve killed enough times and worked with Sasori long enough to know where the heart is. With this, Kakuzu is finished. 

Hidan is the only immortal. Even Sasori said as much. But it doesn’t feel right.

“Not bad. That would have ended me. If that was my only one that is.” He spoke, his tone never changed from nonchalance.

If that was the only one? My eyes widened and I moved back quickly, however it was too late.

Four of his bandage weapons skewered into me, attacking from behind. Silence filled the battlefield, even Hidan remained quiet as Kakuzu had managed to land a fatal wound on me.

The silence seemed to drag on even as I coughed up a stream of blood. It was so quiet it seemed surreal. 

“NO!!!” Shikamaru’s scream is what broke that deafening silence. And like that, the pain of being stabbed straight through my abdomen, chest, and legs seemed to materialize.

No. I had him. I got his heart. Right? 

Even though it was a struggle, I released my kunai and gripped his cloak before ripping it off of him.

Ah. Indeed, I did destroy his vital organ. But what I didn’t take into account is that the bastard had others as well. Grotesque masks were sewn into his body.

And I knew, I knew that they contained hearts.

He may not be immortal, but it appears he needs to be killed five times. I messed up. I knew too little to even attempt to stall him. Information is key to battle. And I only went in and swung blindly in hopes of managing to pull through.

Like a child. 

Kakuzu used the bandages still pierced through me to lift me off the ground and into the air. “It’s a pity you still hide your talents and refuse to show yourself. Now all that will be left is a corpse.”

With a flick I was thrown off the bandages and towards Shikamaru and the gate keepers, my body hitting the ground harshly and rolling. Shikamaru held his arms out to stop me before laying me onto my back and taking in the damage.

I didn’t even need to see the look on his face to know how bad it was.

He got me good. Fortunately I did move enough to miss my heart, but at this rate I’ll bleed out. And even by some miracle the damage to my other organs is too severe.

Still, I refuse to go out like this. Not yet. It isn’t my time yet!

I struggled to move, making Shikamaru halt my movement. “Stop, you shouldn’t move yet.” He ripped some cloth of his shirt and began to press it into my wounds, the guards helping as well. 

Kakuzu’s steps brought my attention to see him going to Hidan and beginning to stitch him up. “Don’t worry about me Nara. You guys need to stop him from putting him together.” I said through clenched teeth, ignoring the pain.

They glanced over to see him getting to work, but they’re all too worn down to stop him. Asuma can’t even stand and Nara is out of chakra.

Shit. What am I going to do? 

My vision began to blur and I cursed some more. Shit. Shit, shit shit! Now what do I do?!

I tried to move, but I barely managed to do much. However something slipped from my pocket.

Huh? A small cylinder fell out holding dark red pills. Those are the blood pills Kaname gave me.

That’s it! Blood Release! I can clot the blood where I was stabbed and take those to replenish myself. I’ll be good enough to fight a little more and buy them time. But by the time I manage to do it, he’ll be down sewing up Hidan and that’s just another pain in my ass to deal with.

And besides, I can’t control Blood Release. What if . . . what if I end up succumbing to the Frenzy and hurt Shikamaru and Asuma? The guards? Haru isn’t even here to help reel me back.

But if I don’t do anything then they will surely die and so will I. 

I won’t let them die. And I can’t die either. Not yet. “Since you asked for my help, I’m giving it. Whether you want it or not.” Kakuzu spoke, placing Hidan’s head in place.

“Yeah, alright, fine. Ow! Hey that hurts!” Hidan began to shout. Tch. There’s no time. This is fine. I have better control over Blood Release then damn Medical Ninjutsu.

Oh shit this isn't gonna be like that right? No time!

I took a deep breath before closing my eyes and concentrating. Feel the blood coursing through my veins. How it burns deep beneath my skin. How it rushes towards the torn vessels in my body.

Now control it. Stop the bleeding. Feel it. Imagine it. Do it. 

Blood is yours to control. Whether I want to or not. So stop. Stop. Stop! There was a stinging sensation in my eyes for only a brief moment before it went away.

There was no longer any escaping from my torn wounds. “That’s better. Finally in one piece again. Damn bastard!” Hidan’s voice sounded. So it’s been done.

I reopened my eyes to see the guards looking at the Akatsuki with disbelief. Shikamaru also had a similar expression, but he was peering at the holes that tore through my abdomen and legs. “The bleeding . . .” I went to sit up and hissed as it but a strain on myself.

It’s not strong enough, I’ll need to actually get that fixed. But for right now this’ll have to do. I grabbed the container and popped the cap open before taking two pills. 

The iron smell and taste made me want to gag but I took it anyway. I need to replenish my blood and remain strong.

As strong as I can be after being turned into a shishkabob. “Looks like you fixed yourself up as well. I didn’t anticipate that.” Kakuzu said as I went into a crouch.

“You’re not the only one who can pull hat tricks. Ugh.” Shit. If I make too much movement it’ll tear open. And I can’t fix myself up.

“Hidan. Stick with the cash cow. As for the other four, leave them to me.” Kakuzu ordered, eyes trained on us. 

Asuma can’t even stand. I have to help him. But what good am I right now? All I did was stop the bleeding. It wasn’t a permanent solution, just one that kept me from dying right away.

Oh. What if I used it to move the blood outside and inside and harden it? Kind of like a shell to apply pressure and keep it secure enough so I can move freely? If it’s hardened enough it could also protect those weak areas even more. Like armor.

Could I even do something like that?

I don’t know. But I gotta try something. “Izumo, Kotetsu, you guys are going to have to fend off Kakuzu. Nara, you’re back up for Asuma. I need a moment to get ready.”

They looked at me like I was insane. “But-” One of the guards began but was cut off by my glare. “Shut up and do it.” 

There was no room to argue. The two did as I said and went after him while Shikamaru looked towards Asuma, who managed to move and defend himself.

Good. They’re finally moving.

Good.

I crossed my legs and closed my eyes again, focusing on the blood in my body. I don’t understand it, and the sounds of the fight only brought me more anxiety. But I shoved it all aside and pushed through. Blood. Moving out and around. Stretching over the woulds. Now harden it. Like those blood weapons.

You do enjoy those.

Shut up.

C’mon Miyuna. You can do it. Because blood is your domain. Harden it. Cheat death and send those who appose you to the grave. For once, she’s right. You are right. As much as I hate it, I know it won’t ever lose.

So move out. Harden, and keep me from bleeding out. Keep it from tearing. Don’t let it get in my way. That’s the spirit.

You stay out of my way too. This is not the time to lose it. Stand down. Tch. You’re no fun. She didn’t say anything more. The pressure in my mind is gone and I could feel it working. I was doing it.

Just as it finished, Shikamaru’s scream cut through my concentration, making me snap my eyes open to see it. No. I had taken too long.

Hidan’s scythe is dug into him, however it wasn’t him who was really suffering from that attack. He had gotten the jutsu back onto Asuma, who now sported the same life threatening wound. Only this time it isn’t on an immortal. 

Asuma coughed blood after blood. Shit! 

Shikamaru and I stood, running to him. “Get away!” I screamed, thrashing my arm out at Hidan as I stood between him and Asuma as Shikamaru fell, too weak. Hidan nearly laughed maniacally at my enraged expression.

“Finally. Now I can finally savor it. Savor the pain caused by his death. And you cannot stop me without hurting him.” He raised his other weapon and began to thrust it towards his own chest.

The jutsu! “No! NOO!!” Shikamaru screamed. I lunged forward, hand outstretched. His weapon in reach. Yes! I can save him!

Asuma-Sensei, I can save you! 

Threads shot out and went from me, Kakuzu. I moved my body to avoid them but my eyes widened. The movement caused me to delay it. “NO!” I shouted, grabbing his weapon a second too late.

I did stop it. But it had already dug into his chest. Not all the way through, but enough where even Asuma couldn’t bounce back.

The world stopped all it’s noise the second time that day. There wasn’t a thing to be heard. I turned to see him. And his face only brought me despair. I . . . I was too late.

Memories of my time meeting with him and the other Sensei’s flowed through my mind. Even as Shikamaru collapsed I didn’t hear a thing.

No. Not even the voice. It was the same silence that fell over when I had learned of gramps. The same I dealt with when reliving Sasori’s end. The same whenever I dreamed of Sasuke murdering Itachi.

It was the type of silence that made me realize that something would never be the same again.

“All done here. How about you?” My body stiffened and I turned to see Hidan’s skin turn normal once angina s he removed his weapons. “You piece of shit!” I was fast. Too fast. Just as he turned to me my hand is on his face and with monstrous strength I pushed, slamming his head into the ground and causing his blood to splatter. “Agh! Bastard!”

I just pulled him up and slammed his head into the ground again, a rage deep within me. “You’re gonna pay for that!” Shikamaru ran our way but Kakuzu threw Izumo at him, sending them flying.

I went to slam him again when he struck his leg out and slammed it where my wound is. However it didn’t hurt since I had it hardened with blood.

Before I could attack him, feathers fell. Black feathers. What the? This . . . is familiar.

Suddenly crows flocked around both Hidan and Kakuzu. This is . . .backup! A familiar body landed near me, next to Asuma.

And Choji, my Choji slung Asuma’s arm over his shoulder. It took me so much off guard at his new appearance. He . . . he doesn’t look like the boy I once knew. 

A ninja had saved Shikamaru and them from Kakuzu, Ino is at her side as she helped him up. Both her and Choji took them to the roof. Shooting a glare at Hidan I jumped up after them, landing on the edge. Another familiar ninja stood, overlooking the crows below. Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino are surrounding him as he lay there.

Shikamaru checked for a heartbeat. Asuma . . .  “Choji, you’ve got to rush him to the Leaf hospital. Ino, go with them and use your Medical Ninjutsu to buy as much time as you can. Get going.” Shikamaru instructed.

So that means there was a heartbeat. Asuma is still alive for now. 

“We’re on it.” Ino nodded, and it took me by surprise to see how much she has also grown. How the three of them are handling this. Completely different when they were Genin.

Kakuzu landed on the other side, crouched as his eyes locked onto us. “I’m not giving up my bounty.”

This piece of- “Is that right?” Shikamaru sneered. I lunged past them and whipped out a kunai, aiming at his other heart. Of course he saw this and jumped back away. “You aren’t getting this bounty.” I seethed.

The other ninja jumped next to me as we stood between him and my old friends. “Take Asuma and get out of here now. We’ll keep these two busy.” I nodded, glancing back at them.

Choji met my eye and I nearly averted my gaze. Instead I met Shikamaru’s. I . . . I failed to protect his Sensei. But I’m not going to fail in keeping this money grubber away.

I swear on my late Sensei that I will kill him and use his corpse to collect his bounty, the irony.

Fucking jackass. 

“Go.” Me and the other Leaf Shinobi began to attack Kakuzu. Luckily we were both able to adapt relatively well to each other's movements and threw him off the roof and down next to Hidan.

However the two stiffened and seemed to be listening to something. What I’m not sure but it was noticeable. “C’mon I only need a little more time, sir. We’re just about to get to the good part here.” Hidan whined to no one.

No, to someone who isn’t here.

And he said ‘Sir’. There’s only one person that foul mouthed bastard would address so politely. His leader.

They’re being summoned. “Please, sir. Just a few more minutes. Is that really so much to ask?” Hidan began to whine some more. However Kakuzu walked over towards his partner. “Enough Hidan. We’ll be back in no time, so prepare yourselves.”

This is actually a good thing for us. 

Asuma coughed, showing signs of life and making his students call out to him. “Ino! Choji! Let's take Asuma and go right now!” Shikamaru encouraged.

Hidan chuckled from below. “Oh no you don’t. You stay right where you are until we get back. You hear? Besides he’s going to die anyway.”

Shikamaru shook at Hidan’s words and I looked down at him. “You better go to your leader and wag your tail for him. When he says fetch, you fetch, right?” I sneered, making Hidan glower at me. 

“Don’t keep your master waiting, pet.” The vein in his temple and neck bulged against his skin, however Kakuzu stopped him. “Enough. Let’s go.” With a cluck of his tongue the two poofed away. 

Shikamaru barked at his teammates to begin, but a softer voice caught my attention.

Asuma’s. “No, Don’t.” His voice, as soft and quiet as it was, was heard and it shocked his precious students. “Listen, don’t even bother trying to heal me. I wouldn’t make it anyway. I-I can feel it. And I bet you three can feel it too, can’t you? Even you?” Asuma met my eyes and I pressed my lips into a hard line.

Yeah. I can feel it. 

“You shut up okay! Just keep quiet! Ino!” Shikamaru turned to Ino who sat next to Asuma’s side and began her Medical Ninjutsu.

The other ninja conjured with us on the roof and waited. When Ino’s face pale did Choji speak. “Ino?” He asked, his voice concerned, confused, and scared.

Clouds rolled in and thunder sounded. EVerybody realised what was happening. 

Asuma Sarutobi is dying.

“I think that I finally understand now what the Third Hokage meant. I was always slow figuring things out. I’ve got-”

He began to cough harshly. “Ino, Choji, Shikamaru, I’ve got something I want to tell you three.” Choji shook his head at his teachers words. “Stop it Sensei. Just stop talking will you?” He begged, but Shikamaru cut him off. “Choji. You too Ino.” 

Shikamaru . . . 

He stared at his beloved Sensei, with eyes full of sorrow despite his face. “Listen closely to Asuma-Sensei’s words to us.”

The other two paled but did as her said. “Ino.” She flinched at Asuma’s raspy voice before nodding. “Yes.” Her voice is shaky and weak, revealing her feelings.

“You’re bossy, but you can also be a compassionate caregiver. Choji and Shikamaru, they’re both so awkward and clumsy. Watch over them.”

Tears began to brim Ino’s beautiful eyes as she tried not to break out into a sob. “Yes sir,” She bit her lip, refusing to break down. “And make sure that you don’t ever lose to Sakura. Not in Ninjutsu or in romance.”

She shut her eyes tightly, the tears not stopping. “I won’t.”

Asuma smiles before looking towards Choji. “And Choji, you’re a thoughtful, loyal friend and a kind soul. In time, you’ll become a stronger Shinobi then anyone else, so be more confident in yourself.” Choji’s tears came on faster and he furiously wiped at his eyes. “Got it.” 

“And another thing. You might wanna consider losing a few pounds.”

Usually that’d upset him, but Choji’s heartbreak is too much. “I don’t know if it’s possible, but I’ll try to.” Asuma chuckled lightly before looking at his last student. 

Shikamaru didn’t cry, not like his teammates. His eyes are almost lifeless. I recognize it. It’s when it hurts so much you just push it deep inside and try to numb yourself.

But it’ll always come back up.

“And finally, Shikamaru. With your razor sharp intellect, you have the instincts of a great Shinobi. You are truly worthy of becoming Hokage, though you’ll probably try avoiding it. Since you find the job such a drag.”

He began to cough again, and Shikamaru’s eyes remained empty as he held up a strong front. “All those games of Shogi, and not once could I beat you. Which reminds me, remember when we talked about the king?” 

Shikamaru blinked as he thought back on it. “Now I’m going to tell you who the king is. Lean closer.”

Shikamaru did as his Sensei said and leaned his ear down. I couldn’t hear what it was though. It was too quiet. But it didn’t matter.

Right now, all that mattered were my friends. And their terrible loss.

“I’m counting on you, Shikamaru.” Asuma glanced at me for the briefest of seconds before shutting his eyes. No one even noticed, but I did. “Protect them.” 

I clenched my fists as I watched him twitch. “I know I said I’d quit, but I guess it doesn’t really matter anymore now. Could you get me one last cigarette? They’re in my pouch.”

Shikamaru did as he requested, lifting him up a bit before bringing the small tobacco to his mouth and using Asuma’s signature lighter. 

I’ve always hated cigarettes. I’d tell Asuma that it was how he’d die. Back then it was so childish.

I wasn’t the closest to him. Not at all. But he was kind enough and helped other Genin. But he spoiled and doted on his own team.

More specifically, Shikamaru. The two were nearly as inseparable as him and Choji. I truly wished he would have survived. 

As he lit the cigarette, only then did Team Ten stop holding back their tears. Even Shikamaru who was trying so hard to not shed a single tear, finally let them loose. 

I’m sorry. My heart hurts for them. This was a pain that I had never wanted them to feel. I wanted them to remain happy and content in the village.

My greatest wish, even more so then having a family of my own, is for that those I care about would always remain happy. 

And when the cigarette fell from Asuma’s cold lips did Ino scream for her Sensei and the harshness of reality came crashing around those that I only wished to smile.

The sky began to pour rain, as if crying with them. Shikamaru stood and walked away, keeping his crying more to himself. But his sniffles were heard and the pain in his heart seemed to crackle louder then the thunder.

Asuma . . . 

Ino . . . 

Choji . . . 

Shikamaru . . .

“Protect them.”

I looked up, allowing the rain to fall onto my face.

You left your precious students behind. But don’t worry. I’ll look after them. Because they are precious to me too, Asuma.