Mishiro / Yuno's POV (Chakra Anchor - Western River Plains)

Late Evening

Mishiro knew that the Okama currently cowering from her chains would soon perish. If she only kept her assault for a few more seconds, their feeble defenses would crumble. But she was also aware that two people were approaching from the north. Their signatures were foreign, and it seemed her allies had failed her—a possibility she had been more than aware of. None of it mattered; she could not afford to entertain even the possibility of failure.

Controlling the Chakra Anchor was a means to an essential end. For one, it furthered their goal of weakening the Five Great Hidden Villages and set them up to have a potential army at their beck and call. Gaining Suzumebachi had been a secondary goal, but a favorable one all the same. That was exactly why Ikam had sent her. His presence in the Hidden Mist was necessary to set up the next stage of their plan. And her Love knew he could only trust her to ensure his will was met. Mishiro never failed when it came to Ikam.

So Mishiro sighed as her chains receded into her back, freeing the Okama, who collapsed into drained heaps. She eyed them disdainfully but chose to delay their grizzly demise for now; her guests were arriving now. Besides, the Okama deserved to suffer for opposing Ikam. Seeing their trusted warriors felled would be a great first step in repaying them.

The two entered the clearing, climbing over debris and walking upon the surface of the flooded river bed cautiously. One was a sunglasses wearing male glaring at her from a half-broken lens, an Aburame if she were to guess by the calm demeanor and covering clothing. The other was another member of the more prominent clan of the Hyuga; she was covered in blood and minor cuts. Her pale glowing eyes focused on her made her heritage clear. These two Leaf shinobi had certainly encountered her allies; to be here now must've meant they felled them. Surprising considering Leifazu had been among them, but to be expected from lessers, even among her Love's chosen company.

Mishiro turned her body, leaving one hand touching the Anchor and leaving her other free as she leveled a bored stare at them. The male stepped forward roughly twenty feet away, the girl staying a step to the side and slightly behind. Out of her range well and truly, it seemed they were confident in their ability to attack her at range.

"I cannot be certain who you are, regardless if you may be the "Master" or one of Ikam's lackeys. We are here for the very object you are in the process of tainting; we cannot allow you to do so." Shino began. "Your allies have fallen, and should you continue, we will be forced to make you join them."

"Ah, cold and calculating." Mishiro mocked with a roll of her eyes. "You Leaf shinobi are always pretending to be what you are not. In the end, you are little more than weapons. Weapons, that in this case, will be wildly ineffective."

"We have offered you a chance to escape unharmed with no strings attached. The offer was logical but more than kind. Especially when even ineffective weapons can be lethal." Hinata interrupted. "Your group has cost us much grief. But we are not here for revenge, but for safety. You will not find us a threat if you stay out of our way. I think after everything that's happened, that is a reasonable deal. The two of us peacefully go our separate ways without more blood spilled."

"Attempting diplomacy when you have no earnest intention of giving and only taking? You slay my comrades and now intend to further impede my business. But I should flee and be happy with my survival?" Mishiro asked with a raised brow. "How fittingly contradictory. You, Leaf Shinobi, were never able to practice what you preach. If you truly wanted to deal in good faith you'd offer a true compromise. Regardless, I cannot lower myself in following your whims even if they were suitable. Even if I could ignore my higher existence compared to yours. The idea of failing my Love makes me sick. I will not be leaving until I have control of the Chakra Anchor." Mishiro replied flippantly. She gestured with her free hand toward a pile of various slain creatures. "These beasts attempted to prey upon me in my vulnerable state; now they lay dead. Even the Okama attempted to stop me, and they lay pathetically awaiting death. So allow me to set the true terms. Apologize for interfering with my plans and leave, and I promise to kill you one day in the future instead of now. Forgive me, but slighting my love is an offense worthy of death. If you choose to go through with this amusing little ploy, however, I promise to make your death horrific…"

"I had been aware that you would not surrender," Shino answered. "Though I must admit to some level of confusion. You are preoccupied, while I can tell you are powerful, much more so than your companions. You cannot truly believe you can repel us on your lonesome."

"Do you truly believe you two are a threat to me?" Mishiro asked with a raised brow.

"Perhaps not just the two of us…" Hinata trailed off.

Mishiro snorted at the hint of smugness she detected in her tone. Did they genuinely believe that they could ever sneak up on her even while distracted? "You can tell the other four to show themselves. I was aware of you all the moment you entered my barrier." She snickered as the other four assembled around the other two. Mishiro allowed them to group up before spreading out to surround her and, by proxy, the Chakra Anchor in a rough circle. It was almost like a merry-go-round; as she slowly rotated, she eyed each of her apparent foes. The Aburame, the Hyuga, an Inuzuka, a prominent human member of the Neeko Clan, a Uchiha, and a woman with pink hair. To think her underlings had failed her so outright… against young upstarts like these as well.

"It matters little if you know we are here." The Hyuga answered admirably, taking their failed ambush in stride. "Regardless, we outnumber you; you must know we are valid threats if we take down your allies. Would surrender not be the best option?"

"Hinata." The Inuzuka spoke, eyeing Mishiro with a wicked glare. "There's no point; this creepy lady clearly has no intention of backing down."

"Leaf Shinobi!" Mono croaked out desperately. Tiredly rasing his head as he yelled. "Stop her at once! You must force her to relinquish contact with the Anchor to stop her control of it! If she does gain full control you'll never be able to escape and the world of Terra is lost!"

Mishiro blinked before, in an instant, her chakra flexed, and a scarlet chain shot forth from her back with a speed so absurd it caused a boom of air and sound. The impotent Okama had been foolish enough to draw her Love's ire, to impede his plan multiple times, and now to dare offer he foes advice, that was unforgivable. Her chain struck true before any of the six could react, stabbing the old raccoon through the chest. It gasped and cried out in pain. Mishiro laughed, and her chain drained as chakra and blood alike. The small racoon could offer no world before his body shriveled and his blood pooled beneath him.

"Mono!" Hinata and Sakura cried out as both ran over. The other also reacted; Mishiro's little statement seemed to set things off. She didn't bother with the first two, they would not be able to save the Okama regardless.

Of the remaining four it was the Uchiha and Inuzuka who struck first. The Inzuka shot forth with his own boom, closing the gap between them in nearly an instant. As he did the Uchiha girl called out the name of some insipid Genjutsu. Mishiro ignored the hilarious attempt to ensnare her in an illusion trusting her seal to protect her and focused on the mutt. Several chains shot out of her back and attempted to bind him, but he impressively kicked off the air just before them to retreat. Mishrio rolled her eyes as her chains chased after him. The Uchiha cursed as she realized Mishiro was immune to Genjutsu. Mishiro was sure the young fool didn't know Fuijutsu had stopped it, but she wouldn't have the chance to find out.

However, before Mishiro could silence the first of the gnats, she sighed as she leaned her head back, just barely escaping the open purple hand of the Aburame and narrowly avoiding a crack of the whip from the Neeko aimed for her neck. A chain shot out towards both the Aburame and whip, wrapping around both and whipping them towards each other. The two shinobi collided with a breathless gasp of pain.

Mishiro chuckled as she willed the chain to fling both the Neeko and Aburame into the ground and then flung them into the sky. As she prepared to summon more chains to finish them off, the Inuzuka flew in from the side, attempting to blindside her. However, the Inuzuka was batted away from her with the unwilling tool of the Neeko woman. The two rolled away a tangled bundle as Mishiro aimed the Aburame at the dying Okama and two women tending to it. Flinging him like a cannonball at all three.

The Hyuga's famed eyes came in handy, the woman kicking away her female ally and herself from their projectile friend, smashing into the spot they had been mere moments ago and sending Mono's corpse and Muuni's unconscious body flying. Expecting the chaos, the Hyuga rolled through her dive and sent several bursts of chakra flying at Mishiro. She smiled at the Hyuga as the attacks dissipated upon touching her. The pink-headed girl recovered a moment later, and roared angrily before she bodily grabbed at a tree, ripping a large branch from it, and hurling it like a spear at her. Mishiro barely managed to revolve around the tree using the Anchor and weaved one-handed hand signs with a smile. As the tree was incarcerated by the Chakra Anchor, her own technique was activated.

"Water Style: Triple Water Dragon!" Three water dragons formed around her and roared as they flew forward at Sakura. Mishiro cackled as the pink-haired woman desperately dodged and weaved as she was pursued by the three powerful water dragons. The Hyuga had used the moment to close the distance during it however, and Mishiro rewarded her with three chains snaking forward to meet her. The Hyuga stopped in place and spun, activating a famed technique called the Hyuga the Kaiten. However, Mishiro smiled as her chains went right through it and smacked away the Hyuga through a tree with casual ease. "Can any of you provide a true threat? As you are performing now, I will not even be able to brag to my love about this battle. I mean, racing off to a useless and dying ally mid-fight? Perhaps you'd be doing better if the six of you had worked together from the start. Get used to death if you truly intend to pursue this career, and for crossing Ikam, know it comes for yourselves soon…"

There was no reply, and suddenly, the Uchiha appeared inches away, lunging forward with an elongated kunai. Using a Genjutsu to manifest an actual non-targeted illusion was clever, but she was too slow to use the opening. Mishiro deftly caught her wrist and began to crush it in retaliation. The Uchiha cursed but nimbly flipped and managed to kick at her head. Mishiro grunted as she ducked the kick and hurled the woman away at the Aburame as he got up. Bowing him over once again with her, Mishiro began to chuckle wildly; she just couldn't help it. To lord over and play with her inferiors was simply too amusing.

She watched the six regather slowly, warily, watching her all the while. Mishiro imagined being batted back, even momentarily, by one single person who was somewhat disabled was crushing for morale. While crushing them while they were on the backfoot would've been wise, she wanted them to fully absorb their helplessness. Mishiro remembered when she had suffered the same. That was why she allowed them to regroup—to let them face the end with whatever dignity they could muster.

X-X

Yuno's POV

They were losing. Six trained, well five trained, and one somewhat trained shinobi were being battled back by a single woman incapable of even moving. How was this possible? The woman somehow was immune to Genjutsu targeted at her. She had seemed entirely unphased by Hinata's air palm, and the woman could still use jutsu and even defend herself bare-armed with one hand. Not to mention the damned chains which may as well have been a litany of long and adaptable limbs.

She had survived their flurry of offense and scattered and battered them within seconds. Even working together, they had only had close brushes with death thus far. So when the group gathered, it was no surprise that they all took a moment. The woman, as infuriating and confident as ever, simply focused back on the Anchor as they regrouped. She welcomed them to provide a better fight, but Yuno wasn't sure they'd be able to…

"What the hell is this bitch?!" Kiba angrily whispered. "Even Gai Sensei wouldn't be able to dominate us this easily. We need to lock in here!"

"She may be limited in movement and attacks, but her chakra chains are quite effective at covering that weakness. They seem incredibly durable, able to absorb chakra, and she can control them from absurd distances. It is also clear she has the unique ability of one-handed jutsu. Even somewhat indisposed as she is, she will not be a simple foe to best." Shino chimed in. "We need to take our time and focus on surviving first and foremost."

"We must stop her from interfering with the Chakra Anchor while surviving long enough for backup to arrive. Naruto and Sasuke are still on their way, and Choji and Lee will surely come when they can. If we can draw out the battle while impeding her plans, our heavy hitters should arrive before we get overwhelmed." Yuno reasoned.

"While that's not a bad idea, I disagree with us already accepting the idea of defeat," Kiba complained. "We don't need the others to stop this bitch! Just need to create an opening!"

"Fighting with less than our full effort and skill would be shameful. We of the Neeko face death before we accept defeat." Tamaki agreed, making Kiba nod his head with a giant smile. "Besides, I cannot redeem myself until I have righted the wrongs I have unknowingly contributed to. This woman is presenting that opportunity on a golden platter."

"I think we all agree there is no retreating here." Sakura diplomatically offered Hinata, nodding along as she did. "But what Shino and Yuno are pointing out is that we don't need to fight heedlessly. Our victory conditions do not include the defeat of this woman ourselves, not when our allies are close by."

"So we need a strategy. Before we focused on hit her fast and hard, using our superior numbers to overwhelm her. But it seems obvious now our opponent is not one to be so easily felled. We need to move in coordination with a plan in mind." Hinata proposed. "Something that encapsulates our abilities, preferably one with multiple fallbacks…"

"Alright, so the basic idea is we need to smack her ass away from the Anchor, right? So we just need to provide an opening for one of us. We don't even really need to worry about hurting her as long as we force her away from it." Kiba said. "From there we focus on keeping her attention, though if the shot to lay her out comes we take it."

"Through what methods are available and what defenses she's shown, our options are limited." Yuno carried on from Kiba's launching point. "Both her chains and person have some sort of chakra based defensive ability. One that allowed the chains to bypass the Kaiten and the woman herself to tank air palms. But I noticed she avoided several of our other attacks. If you think back, each attack she dodged or bypassed has a theme. It seems chakra-based attacks are no true threat to her. Apparently, one of the followers of Ikam, Ashira, had something similar in his attack on the Leaf. Whoever lands the attack must generate a powerful, not chakra-based physical attack."

"Based on the initial confrontation, that would make our options, Kiba, Sakura, and myself as the potential attackers. They, with their impressive force, and myself, due to my lethal allies. However, I would remove myself as an optimal choice. While I no doubt can kill her with a mere touch, I am slower than Kiba and not nearly packing the same physical force as Sakura. Even if I did land the blow, I'd be helpless against her after. Sakura cannot be blocked or deflected with her force, and Kiba can maneuver as needed to keep himself safe."

"As for the approach, we should move in pairs," Hinata said. "Our opponent seems well above our level. Moving in duos will ensure we don't lose anyone. With the pairs focused on aiding and bailing each other out. One pair will engage head-on while another flanks; the third takes on a more supportive role, focused on saving, but taking an opening if necessary."

"Tamaki and I will make one. After our little brawl, I know what she can do, which should allow us to work together relatively well. While I can't do much to Mishiro, I can use Genjutsu to mask our presence and approach. We'll be the second flanking team, hard to keep track of, but ultimately just a distraction for her and support for you guys." Yuno decided, Tamaki nodding grimly.

"Sakura and I will take her head on!" Kiba nearly yelled. "With her strength and my speed, we'll keep her on her toes. Might not even need help!"

Sakura sighed heavily. "I guess that makes sense. That would leave Shino and Hinata as the second pair. Spread out the dangerous ones well enough, allowing us to play it safely while still pushing our advantages.

"I'm Glad we could agree. I believe our enemy has grown tired of our meeting," Shino whispered as the group eyed Mishiro, who was now loudly humming.

The woman theatrically noticed their gaze and snapped to attention. "Ah, so the degenerates have finally gathered their courage and decided how they'll attempt to stop me?" Mishiro asked. "Should I perhaps tie my only arm up to even the odds?"

None of them bothered to respond as Yuno drew out a smoke bomb and threw it into the ground in front of them. The entire crumbled ruins were coated in smoke for a few seconds. Mishiro snorted loud enough for them all to hear before several chains spun rapidly, blowing away the smoke, revealing only four instead of six glaring at her.

Yuno and Tamaki subtly swam under the surface of the water. Tamaki skillfully created a water bubble trapping air so they could move subtly underneath Mishiro. Attacking from underneath would be perfect, and Yuno and Tamaki, inspired by their own bout, had realized a potentially effective strategy. If one of their allies needed help, they could use Tamaki's whip and Yuno's Genjutsu to help them escape and mask it. If a suitable opening was provided, they would instead pull Mishiro under, stopping her control of the Anchor and perhaps drowning her. Surely whatever defenses she had didn't stop her from needing oxygen.

As they positioned themselves, Yuno used her superior eyesight to watch the combat unfold above.

Unexpectedly, Sakura led the charge, roaring angrily as she did. Mishiro tutted as four chains rocketed forward, attempting to spear, smash, and bind Sakura equally. Yuno gasped, however, as Sakura proceeded to casually smack away each with errants slaps as she drew closer. Kiba suddenly boomed from behind Mishiro, attempting to claw the blindspot of Mishiro, but the woman merely raised a brow as suddenly two more chains appeared from her back and slammed Kiba into the water below. The Inuzuka burst out a moment later fleeing from the chains. During which Sakura had come within inches of the woman, drawing back her fist for yet another mammoth blow. However, Mishiro pointed her hand at her and, with a slight smile, called out a technique.

"Scarlet Net!" A chain net made of much smaller chains shot out, unfurling around Sakura, who was helpless to avoid it. The Leaf Kunoichi was bound in a ball by the chains; she shrieked in pain as she collapsed on the surface of the water. Hinata arrived mere seconds later, jabbing at the net with finger pokes. Mishiro had no mercy in attempting to have two chains smash the disabled Sakura, but another boom sounded as Kiba deflected both, falling back on his ass with a gash on his head for the effort. Hinata managed to destroy the net, but the stunned Sakura sank below. Hyuga was forced to ignore it, as she grabbed the stunned Kiba and ran from a litany of chains.

However, Yuno and Tamaki weren't idle. Yuno weaved a subtle Genjutsu around Sakura, creating an Illusion for all but herself that the Haruno was still sinking helpless, certain to drown. While in reality, Tamaki shot out her whip and skillfully reeled Sakura into their hidden area, not unlike a fish.

As Tamaki checked her over, Sakura burst into their air bubble, gasping and spitting out water on all fours.

"I'm going up there. We miscalculated just how bad this was going to be. Stay down here and focus on saving us; if the chance comes, take it, but play it safe." Yuno ordered her new friend, who nodded grimly.

"Avoid her- avoid her chains." Sakura gasped. "They drain chakra, are absurdly fast, and it hurts like hell. Nearly passed out."

Yuno nodded as she began to swim to the surface directly below the chakra anchor. As she did, she saw Shino join the new round of combat.

The Aburame was sprinting from behind Mishiro, but the woman lazily willed three more chains forward to impede him. The Aburame, however, had come prepared in his charge. Several spikes of earth stabbed out from below and smacked away the chains, buying Shino time to draw in close and attempt to grab for Mishiro again. The woman drew her katana with one hand and slashed for Shino, the Aburame abounding his attack to slide under her slash, but as he did, he spun to face her as his other hand shot off a kunai with an explosive tag.

Mishiro barely flinched however, her blade poofing away as she caught the kunai and crumpled the explosive tag before it could explode. Mishiro launched the kunai back at him at an absurd speed, stabbing straight into Shino's thigh, who cursed in pain as he fell back.

Find this and other great novels on the author's preferred platform. Support original creators!

It took all of Yuno's patience to wait just below Mishiro as they fought. To watch her allies struggle, but her patience was rewarded. Mishiro's chains pursued Kiba and Hinata; her free hand was still extended, having thrown a kunai, and her last hand was still clutching the Chakra Anchor all the while. It was an opening, only an instant, but one all the same. There was not enough time for a jutsu or to close the distance, so Yuno hurled her elongated kunai at Mishiro's arm, touching the barrier. She smiled as Sharingan made it clear Mishiro didn't notice.

Her kunai struck true, stabbing through the arm of Mishiro, who cried out in pain. However, the woman didn't release the barrier as Yuno had figured; instead the veteran grit her teeth and locked her eyes with Yuno below.

"Water Style: Water Cannon!" Mishiro called.

Yuno had seen the same jutsu used often. It was a common technique among water users. I am a relatively weak, non-lethal water blob, more likely to bruise than anything. But from Mishiro, it shot off with speed and force Yuno had never seen. She couldn't react or even flinch as it smashed into her skull. Her world went dark; stars drifted in the nebulous that was her mind. She blinked.

X-X

Yuno could tell she had been bleeding as light came back; some blood had gotten into her eye, making her shut it and groan in pain. She opened her other eye and gazed around realizing she was inside Tamaki's bubble… hadn't she been fighting…

Yuno snapped upright, fighting through the nausea as she did.

"Woah!" Sakura exclaimed tiredly as she stood before the dizzy Yuno and lowered her to her knees. "I healed you up as best I could, but you're still shaking off a concussion. Give yourself a literal minute, and you'll regain your balance."

Yuno blinked, confused, as Sakura nodded at her, marched over to a channeling Hinata, and downed Kiba. "Where is she-"

A boom from above sounded as Sakura's head whipped up, witnessing a duo of Shino and Tamaki desperately racing around, attempting to escape the mighty chains of Mishiro.

"Bitch is still kicking our asses." Kiba half explained and half complained as he shakily rose to his feet. "Almost split your head open with that water jutsu. Been basically doing that to all of us. Been using this hiding spot and Sakura to rotate us out and keep up the fight. Bit of a losing effort as it is, though."

Yuno growled as she forced herself to her feet through the nausea and prepared to swim up.

"Y-Yuno" Hinata strained. "I am required to stay down here to keep this up, you must help them!"

"No, she should save them, and we should retreat!" Sakura disagreed.

"No need for any of that," Kiba assured the group, looking over to see the Inuzuka pressed as low to the ground on all fours as he could be. "This is going to shit; we need to stop her right now. If this carries on as it is, we're dead meat anyway. With those stakes in mind, I have a solution."

"Kiba, you can't!" Sakura cried out, surely realizing his intention. "Gai forbid that technique! Last time you nearly died."

"Kiba?" Yuno asked. "Even if you have a trick it's not worth…"

"Sakura enough. I do… I think I can end this, but I won't be of much use after. This is more of an all-or-nothing technique; Sakura will probably need to look after me once it's done… if this is the last time… tell me mother I fought like a true warrior. ABSOLUTE FANG OVER FANG!"

It was absurd, really. Kiba had become quite powerful during his time with the master, especially considering his speed. But Kiba burst forward with such speed that it shattered their bubble and sent the group flying. He was moving with much more force or speed than he had ever shown. His mere flight causing chaos in his wake.

The surface of the water and the battle held on to it also exploded out as the projectile that was Kiba smashed bodily into the unexpecting Mishiro. Splashing water, cracking stones, cries of pain, and whishing air filled the clearing as the dynamic blow brought silence for a moment after its catastrophe. The combatants of the battle strewn about randomly from the powerful jutsu.

Yuno broke this silence as she dragged herself to the water's surface, gasping for air greedily. All around her the others did the same equally mixed up and shaken, but alive. As they all regrouped, as Yuno marched forward she was soon joined by the rest. It was only then she noticed Kiba was missing, as well as Mishiro. Yuno fully recovered before the others and scanned the ruins. The Chakra Anchor spun like it had before, but was noticeably missing Mishiro floating around it. Yuno nearly cheered before she spotted a face-down Kiba just before it. She ran to him as the rest of the group noticed and did the same.

The Inzuka was motionless and bleeding from his head. Blood coating it and dripping into the water below. An arm was bent awkwardly, but low breathing alerted Yuno to his being alive. Unconscious and in bad shape, but alive.

"You damn idiot!" Sakura called as she dropped down and began to gently feel around. "He's alive, but he won't be getting up any time soon! It'll take me time to heal this! If I even can!"

Shino nodded. "Hinata guard them. The rest of us need to check on our foe."

"No need," Tamaki said grimly. "She's right there."

The group turned to see Mishiro embedded in the ground, gasping for air. The woman's chest had been caved in, and bones stuck out from it in a grizzly display. Even still, the woman moved slowly as she attempted to lift an arm. Yuno debated on stalking forward and finishing her off, she even caught Shino subtly raising his head to ask such himself. She discarded the idea as she watched a ludicrous amount of blood leave the body of the woman. She wouldn't be able to survive this. Soon she'd bleed to death before them.

"T-to think such unremarkable nobodies could not only harm but i-impede me," Mishiro spoke in between gasps of pain as she slowly forced her wrist to her mouth. "To think you'd make me resort to his yet again. To forsake the promise I made to myself long ago, but d-do it I shall. For Ikam…" As she finished, she bit into her wrist, making the group confusedly watch as the woman sunk her own teeth deep into her skin. She suddenly glowed as chakra swirled visibly around her. Her chest slowly reinflated, her skin visibly patched back together as the woman slowly climbed to her feet. The group is all watching in collective horror. "You succeeded in stopping me from doing my task, congratulations. Now, I'll have to kill you before I can continue. But fret not, I'll ensure you're begging for such by the time that comes…"

----------------------------------------

Choji's POV (Nearby Chakra Anchor - Western River Plains

Late Evening

The pain was indescribable. For a moment, he forgot where he was, what he had been doing, why he had been doing it, and even who he was. Strangely, it was also reliving. Before Choji had consumed the two remaining pills, he had been low on chakra, suffering from painful cuts and bruises, and soon to pass out from the collective pain. Now, he was in far more consuming and severe pain, but the rest of his aches faded. His entire body burned; if his senses were anything to go by, he was on fire. Yet he felt light, energized; for the first time in his life, Choji didn't feel like relaxing. Lee needed help, didn't he?

Choji quickly climbed to his feet and crouched low to prepare himself to jump. With a crack in the ground beneath him, Choji was launched high into the air. Choji could only gape high above the trees at the height he had achieved. It was as if he was in giant form without growing! No he was even stronger than he was then, that jump hadn't been chakra enhanced. He was further confused about why he wasn't falling before he felt a flutter on his back. Gazing back, he caught the edge of pale, fiery blue wings flapping on his own back. The famed butterfly wings of his clan… he had achieved Butterfly Mode…

His father had worn him plenty of times before. The infamous food pills of his clan were banned. Banned by such vigorous enforcement, most members were not even given the chance to procure them. However, as the clan's heir, Choji was given some as a gift of his status. His father had given him the warning then. These pills weren't some sort of ace up his sleeve; they weren't a last resort trick to be used to win fights; these pills were solely for when death was inevitable. Where anything less than his absolute best would do. That if he ever were to consume these pills, it would be with the expectation that his death would follow.

This situation was precisely that. Lee was fighting tooth and nail to keep them alive, but he was slowly losing as Leifazu seemed to lose no steam. As Choji glanced over, he saw Lee dodge several blood tendrils and deflect a hatchet slash but be kicked through a tree for his effort. Lee attempted to snap to his feet but staggered for a moment. He couldn't keep fighting her on his own. It was time for Choji to see what he could genuinely do. To finally carry his own weight.

Leifazu sent a blood tendril to grab Lee, leaving her distracted as Choji approached.

It was odd that instinctive flying was to him. How easily he threaded his way through obstacles as he zoomed within striking distance of Leifazu within seconds. The woman flinched, turning to face him, but with no time to react, was driven bodily into the ground, causing a small crater Leifazu was stuck in. Choji bounced up before, and with a flap of his wings, he smashed back down into Leifazu's chest with both feet, burying them further and widening the crater as it collapsed into a small open space within the ground.

The two of them landed on the stony bottom, Choji, standing on top of the down, now straddling her. The tight space was so small the two barely had room to stand or distance to achieve. The Akimichi paid no mind as he began a vicious ground and pound. A right overhand, a jab to the face, a clubbing elbow. Each cracked the bones of Leifazu and the stone beneath her, yet her body was still firm. She laughed as he battered her over and over, even as blood spattered. She even threw punches back.

"The big fellas always give the hardest poundings!" She joked before Choji smashed her head through the first layer of stone with a double overhand. As Choji lifted his hands to do so again, Leifazu spat out a wad of blood into his eyes. Even empowered, this made Choji flinch and curse as he was blinded. "My turn to beat ya around! Lucky my lovely weapons aren't here or this get really fun!"

Choji didn't feel lucky as two tendrils wrapped around his arms and lifted him up. Before he could attempt to free himself, he felt two massive punches to his ribs. He nearly coughed up blood from them but grit his teeth as he tried to force his hands free. But the blood held; four more blows tested his ribs, which cried out in alarm. Choji cursed before suddenly his wings lashed out, severing the blood tendrils and freeing his limbs. Immediately, Choji wiped his eyes clean, the regained vision coming back just in time for Leifazu's fist to meet it. Choji's head snapped back as he stumbled back against the wall of their small hole. Leifazu whistled as she gasped for her axe, which returned to her hand as she attempted to swing for his head. Choji roared angrily as he zoomed forward, using his wrist guard to reflect the blade and leave Leifazu wide open.

"You've been looking down on me from the start! But we of the Akimichi evolve into butterflies! Free of the judgment of people like you! BUTTERFLY BOMB!" Choji unleashed his overhand coated in chakra. A simple uppercut smashed Leifazu through the stone roof of their hole and high into the sky. Choji smirked before he shot after her.

As he emerged from the earth, he watched as the hurtling body of Leifazu smashed into the ground, bouncing from the force in a spray of blood. Choji landed nearby as Lee reappeared by his side. Covered head to toe in cuts and bruises but somehow still game and smiling brightly.

"Choji, your figure?! You're nearly petite now!" Lee cried out. Choji looked down and noticed he was slimmer than he had ever been. Downright skinny. "I always knew you had insane latent youth, but it glows from you now my friend! I am honored to be at your side for this moment!"

"It's a Side effect, but yeah, I'm good to go," Choji answered. "But we need to end this quickly. I can't keep up this form too long; I'll pass out once I reach my limit in fact."

"Not dissimilar from myself then. Ninshu allows me to escape the worst of it but soon I'll likely keel over myself. However, I must admit this is quite the technique, my friend. To get the better of her even momentarily is no small feat. We must have a spar with this new jutsu!"

"Least I can do with you setting the bar so high. And I doubt I could do that, this isn't something I'm even supposed to do, yet alone come back from."

"Ah, so this little battle of ours is within a time limit, then?" Leifazu asked as she climbed to her feet. Interrupting them and the worried glance of Lee. "Disappointing, I won't lie, but it's standard for men to give up before I'm fully satisfied. I'll simply accommodate the two of you for your lesser stamina…"

"Can you please stop being so lustful?! It is youth but improper among enemies!" Lee roared. "I cannot focus like this!"

"Oh, but you've been so rough with me, I think I'll be sore from head to toe. And just when I thought it was over, you double-teamed me. Last time I got jumped like this-"

"Can we just get back to killing each other?" Choji asked. "I prefer that to being sexually harassed."

"Ah, you two cockblocks~!" Leifazu complained. "But don't worry, I wouldn't ruin this little scrap by timing you two out. In fact…" Leifazu tossed away her hatchet and stretched as blood spilled out of her body. "I'll make this interesting; I'll keep this head on, back and forth, sloppy, bloody ass, fighting most shinobi would be terrified of. I have a feeling you two don't mind…"

"Choji, this new form of yours might be just the edge we needed. While her comment is arrogant, it is not untrue. It's best we simply don't allow her the chance to respond. Can you keep up with me at top speed?" Lee asked innocently.

Choji felt a flare of annoyance but focused it on Leifazu. He didn't bother answering Lee. Instead, his wings flung him forward at an absurd speed, Choji roaring as he threw a flying haymaker. However, Leifazu, now on guard, shot several spiking tendrils to allow him to spear himself through.

Lee flew by the side, smashing through each of the blood constructs, allowing Choji to close in. "I'll give you openings! As soon as we get the chance, we hit her as hard as possible for as long as possible!"

Leifazu narrowly spun to avoid his blow, but Choji used his wings to halt his momentum and threw a spinning backhand. Leifazu caught it and hauled Choji toward him, kneeing him in the ribs. But Choji grit his teeth, powering through it and wrapping his arms around Leifazu, trapping her hands on her sides. The woman cackled even as Choji powered off her feet, cursing as he felt stabbing sensations from his arms. The woman slowly broke his grip with her strength. However, Lee once again saved him, appearing behind her and sweeping her legs, allowing Choji to haul her over his head. With a grunt of effort, Choji threw her over his hand, smashing her head through the hardened earth with a sickening crunch. Choji rolled through as Lee rushed past him to follow up.

"I have more to show as well!" Lee declared as he whipped out a pair of nunchaku with one hand and used the other to roughly haul Leifazu free from the earth. He tossed her up in the air with strength not dissimilar to Choji's own as he twirled with his nunchaku. "The weapon of Youth!" He called before smashing the end of the nunchaku into the ribs of Leifazu. Lee's strength was shown as it sent Leifazu flying.

There was no need for Choji to think as he flew after her and slammed into her with his shoulder, ramming them both through a tree with another crunch. Lee appeared from above, slamming his weapon into the top of Leifazu's skull as Choji smashed her ribs with a hook. Lee appeared again at the other side, thrusting a nunchaku into her ribs as Choji landed an uppercut to her chin.

They flowed fluidly, Choji feeling a euphoric pride filling him as the two overwhelmed their opponent with their relentless assault. Choji attacked low, and Lee struck from above. Left and right, intersecting angles, dual blows, for the first time in the fight, the only audible offering Leifazu had was cries of pain as the two battered her with teamwork, managing to drive her back and through any obstacles that dared impede them.

Through the storm of blows and pain, Leifazu gathered herself and offered a bloody smile. "This is it! Come at me to kill; lose yourself in the moment! Fight as if it is the only thing that matters to you!"

"She's still hanging on!" Choji said worriedly. "How?!"

"Then we must surpass our limits here and now! With everything you have, my friend!" Lee decided as he moved even quicker. Hit even harder with his nunchaku which audibly cracked with each blow.

Even reaching his fullest potential, Choji doubted he had more to give. But he ignored the doubt; he didn't even bother to think at all. He focused solely on striking Leifazu, on not relenting for even a moment. Strangely, Leifazu's words rang in his head as his speed increased.

The duo now moved with a fluidity, speed, and ferocity beyond anything they had shown before. Leifazu was launched across at an absurd speed, pursued, and further assaulted by Choji and Lee all the while. She offered no smile, taunt, or even exclamation of pain as she was helpless to respond.

The two eyes began to sheen in the air as they spoke in sync. Utterly in tune with each other's moves and intentions. "Collaboration Jutsu: Youthful Butterfly: Bombing Run!" Their limbs glowed with chakra, and each blow sounded off like an explosion. The sound of bones snapping and skin tearing filled the clearing as they mercilessly tore the woman somewhat apart. The two ended their assault, sliding to a stop, but Leifazu's bloodied body continued forth, colliding with the barrier with a massive boom and hiss before her body slid off it into a heap just in front of it. Smoke trailing off it revealing the barrier had taken it's toll as well.

"You okay, Lee?" Choji asked as the two rested to catch their breath. "Somehow, we managed to stop her…"

"I am fine. We should make sure she's done… offer her mercy if not," Lee said grimly.

"Surely she's… I mean, look at her." Choji said morosely. It was absurd to think that the fearsome Leifazu was still alive. Much of her skin had been eroded off by their blows and the barrier's intense feedback. What was left was either covered in blood, burns, or bruises. Her skull was malformed, it was clear they had nearly shattered it.

However, both flinched as the corpse began to move—a twitch, a groan—before suddenly it lurched to its feet in an instant. Choji and Lee prepared themselves as the scarred husk of a body addressed them. Leifazu's voice was dry and shrill, but her vocal cords somehow still worked despite the damage.

"Perfect, now this really will be a true fight. We both are on our final limbs, as it were. Truly, I'm impressed. I knew this would be fun, but I had never imagined it'd be this stimulating!" Leifazu croaked. "But now is the time for me to show my hand! Blood Style: Bloody Specter!"

Choji felt sick as a pulsating thick miasma of blood pooled around the damaged skin covering Leifazu from head to toe, leaving only a smooth, bloody surface remaining. A featureless avatar of blood.

The three of them charged at each other, silent and wordless now. There was no need to talk, only survive.

----------------------------------------

Fukasaku's POV (Valley of Gia - Terra Mainland)

Late Evening

The Council of Terra had been urgently summoned for a meeting, a rare occurrence in the lands of Terra. While the relationship between clans was more civil than in Irminsul, they did not consider themselves true allies all the same. The Council was as close as it got to it. Though the governing body of the world of Terra was mostly inactive, clan matters were just that, the Council usually saw no need to inject themselves into. It was only matters regarding the Mainland or Terra as a whole that they intervened. Such a matter had been called to their attention today, a matter of grave urgency. Called by the Okama in fact.

Fukasaku had come only because it was them asking. The Toad Sages and Okama, while not allies, had always gotten along. Their great Sage and the leader of the Okama got along famously well.

The Council of Terra is governed by the world's six most prominent clans. The Toad Sages, The Slug Sages, The Snake Sages, The Scythe Weasels, The Monkey Kingdom, and the Empathic Okama. These six clans, with their immense power and influence, keep the fair land of Terra safe and sound from both internal and external threats. They ensure balance and some form of peace between the clans of Terra and Irminsul alike as well as they could. Now, they had been called yet again, warned of a threat that could be of risk to them all. Not that Fukasaku had needed their warning. Their clan, and he was sure the others had recognized something was wrong.

Their convergence points, the mini versions of the Chakra Anchor present in Irminsul, which granted them the ability to be summoned/summon and work with Earth inhabitants, were suddenly useless. Throughout Terra, no clan seemed able to be summoned or summoned. The summoning agreement with Earth was one their entire economy was built around. Humans provided muscle, knowledge, and supplies they otherwise could not access. For them all to lose control of it was a problem indeed, with potentially dire consequences. Without it, the Council would lose its power and influence, leading to a power struggle, perhaps even war…

So when the Okama claimed to have knowledge and a solution in mind, the six clans assembled without much preamble. The bottom of the Canyon they waited in was a famed one. Legend had it. The very world of Terra had somehow been birthed in this exact spot. It was a luscious canyon reaching deep into the Earth, with all sorts of plant life and lesser beings prowling the grounds. The natural chakra was so rich here that even a novice would've felt and been empowered by it. A large circular table had been set up with small fruits and cups of water present. The six clans surrounded the table and silently pondered each other.

The leader of the Okama, the ancient Mokoli, hummed lightly as the human-appearing aged woman swayed back and forth. "Even negative emotions, when shared, can be quite enchanting~!" she sang happily.

The leader of the Monkey Kingdom, the named Monkey King Enma, was absent, having been on Earth during the disturbance of summoning. A plucky-looking monkey in an ornate red robe sat in his place, and toting a sizable staff on his shoulders was in Enma's place. His son, in fact, is a brazen young monkey known for his bravery and lighthearted nature. "While I don't mind partying, can it wait? My old man is kinda stranded in human territory. I'd rather focus on how we're gonna resolve that."

"Fitting for the leader of you apes being stranded." Kamatari offered. He was the newest leader of the sixth, the weasel clan, having recently gained the status necessary to join the Council. The Scythe Weasels are infamous for their grudge against the Monkey Kingdom. "Though he's right, we need to focus on a solution. Whatever is going on there is stirring up the Crawling Demons as well. Their numbers inside of Irminsul are detected to be at a record high."

"I would prefer we keep personal grudges out of our business," Katsuyu interjected. The leader of the Sage Slugs was in a more diminutive form so as not to dwarf the others. "It's clear that the Okama has information we should hear regarding this. Hearing them out first would be wise."

"Indeed~!" Mokoli chimed in. "Besides, my information may very well explain these problems!"

"Oh, dearie, you've barely changed even after all these years," Shima complained beside him. We appreciate your excitement, but we need to hear the problem before discussing it."

Fukasaku chuckled at Mokoli's attitude, which permanently derailed the meeting. "Luckily, she informed me of some of the details ahead of time. The Okama were pursuing a mission in Irminsul with the coordination of their new summoner, Naruto Uzumaki. During this, they discovered two major threats. One is a man dubbed the "Master"; this man has slowly but surely been kidnapping shinobi from Earth and forcing them to serve him. Based on the fact he is gathering power and an army and is choosing to do so here it is likely he is a threat to Irminsul, if not all of Terra. Secondly, the Okama have had a recent run-in with a particularly violent group of shinobi. Led by one Ikam Uzumaki, the group seems determined to gain the aid of the Okama, even if by force. Worse yet, there is reason to believe the second man may be related to the summoning problems we are experiencing."

"So humans are creating chaos as always." Modo was the eldest of the snakes and the only true sage they had. The Boss summons of giant variety rarely came for these meetings for convenience's sake. "But how could they affect our Convergence Points, nor hope to truly be able to achieve much of anything in Terra."

"I hate to agree, but he has a point." Wukong agreed with a shrug. "The only way to do that would be to suppress the Chakra Anchor, something no human could achieve, and survive the wrath of Nature Golems. We worked together to ensure they would be more than enough to defend something we had figured would be safe anyway."

"Our summoner, his allies, and even one of our own at this very moment are attempting to deal with this. But their foes are powerful and incredibly unpredictable. Not to mention they are dealing with the rough environment of Irminsul, a place of untamed wilderness and ancient magic, where danger lurks at every turn. All the while, they must navigate the complex politics and power struggles of the clans. It is a daunting task, even for the most skilled and experienced warriors."

"The sun is dipping rapidly. They should be alright if they stick close to the Anchor during their little struggle." Kamatari said. "But if they're somewhere the Crawling Demons prowl, they'll be in deep shit."

"Clearly we should send a force to aid them." Mokoli pointed out. "The Chakra Anchor is a resource we cannot afford to ignore."

"The softie is right this time." Modo hissed. "I refuse to lose access to my Convergence Point. However, I refuse to send my clan into those lands for nothing. Not to mention, even if you trust your allies, we have no reason to."

"We of the council have a responsibility to aid each other and the lands of Terra as a whole." Katsuyu reasoned. "Providing help is something we can surely afford to do."

Fukasaku agreed, and his wife nodded. However, the two stayed silent as the rest chimed in.

"I don't mind sending in a squad," Kamatari said. I couldn't afford to offer more; it takes them a whole day to arrive." The weasel avoided the issue while voicing support—a win-win.

"Yeah, sorry, but not sorry, I'm not sending my Clan in there either. With pops gone, we're all mixed up. The last thing we need is some crazy ass fight to deal with. Though I'll admit missing out does hurt." Wukong said as well.

"I have already offered what supplies we of the Okama can offer," Mokoli said, momentarily serious.

"That's fine anyway. I think I have a deal in mind that can solve our problems without risking too much anyway." Fukasaku began as he sipped at his water.