Naruto's POV (Nearby Chakra Anchor - Western River Plains)

Late Evening

Their journey to the Chakra Anchor had been a tense and silent one. Their battle with Blechumi had been a short but brutal bout. One they had overcome but was only a prelude to the battle ahead they were sure.

Sasuke was rather certain Blechumi and the young woman's ambush had been a tactic to stall or outright kill them. Thus, the Uchiha had declared it was clear their enemies must be at the Chakra Anchor as they had suspected earlier.

Muri confirmed this as they drew closer, sensing that nearly all of their friends were present and in great distress. They were separated into two groups locked into combat with unknown foes, both of which felt fairly powerful. From the emotions that wafted from them, it was anything but a smooth going endeavor. It was clear one group was larger and even more concerningly…

"What do you mean the main group is weakening fast?" Naruto asked Muri, concerned, eyes sliding over to his Okama ally. "If they outnumber them there's no way they're struggling, they are a talented bunch ya know?"

"It's impossible for me to be certain!" Muri answered worriedly. "But I can be certain none of them are doing well! Honestly, the smaller group of two is going incredibly strong, but they still seem desperate to win. But the rest…"

"Out with it." Sasuke snapped. "We don't have time to beat around the bush; what is happening exactly Muri?"

"The rest seem desperate as well, but not to win; they are desperate to survive…" Muri answered.

"Okay, so we split up and help them-"

"Muri, how many are each group facing?" Sasuke asked with a frown that seemed to deepen with every step.

"That's why I'm so confused. Both groups seem to be facing a singular foe, one that somehow is pushing the duo back while outright slowly defeating the others." Muri answered worriedly. "Honestly, either group could use help, but I… would suggest the larger one. They're inside the barrier, meaning whoever they're facing is more than likely the leader. And based on their emotions they clearly don't believe in their chances of victory."

Naruto cursed loudly before he responded. "Of course, someone who could send a bastard as strong as Blechumi would be stronger than him. It's never the big bad that is some weakling cowardly leader, always some absurdly skilled psycho!"

"So our path moving forward has become clear. Muri's description sounds like the duo are holding their own. That means we should help the group inside of the barrier. Besides, we need to secure it for our escape anyway." Sasuke explained.

"I guess…" Naruto agreed hesitantly. "But we need to move to help the others after we're done. We know we're all safe now; we just have to remove the assholes blocking our path home."

"These "assholes" as you put it, Naruto," Muri replied, hesitating at the swear word. "Are no joke; for one of them to have the upper hand against six of us is nothing short of terrifying. They all are so close and distressed that I can't tell who's who. But to fight them all at once…"

"It's clear we have yet another considerable threat to face." Sasuke admittedly grimly. "We should prepare ourselves for the very worst…"

As the Uchiha finished his words, the trio landed just outside the barrier. A roughly human-sized hole lay within the transparent red barrier, and Muri had led them to it due to the chakra-pulsating effect the created entrance had.

"Yet there is no need to fear Muri. Naruto, yet alone myself, will not allow harm to befall you or our allies." Sasuke answered.

"He's right, buddy. Besides, that's why we're here." Naruto agreed readily. "Anyone who tries to hurt my friends will answer to us. Are we ready?"

Muri nodded grimly. "It's clear another member of the Okama has been here. This is a Fuijutsu technique we devised, a counter to the barrier Ninjutsu developed and used solely by us. Explains how the others got inside; clever of them to leave us a sign of how to get in."

The trio settled and prepared themselves for what lay ahead. Muri transformed into his golden scarf form, wrapping himself tightly around Naruto's neck. Naruto clutched Riptide from his back and summoned several clones, which sprinted ahead of them. Sasuke summoned Besmirched Flambe into his hand as his Sharigan spun slowly.

The three traveled within the barrier as fast as possible while maintaining a low profile. While the area of the barrier was decently large, the only landmark of note was the devastated ravine lying in its center. As they trekked through it, crashes and rumbles sounded off from nearby. While the sounds were reliving since it proved them alive and well, the ferocity of the racket made it clear they were in trouble. Naruto and Sasuke rushed to the Anchor.

In the center of the flooded ravine bottom was the giant glowing orb, the Chakra Anchor. The large chakra construct swirled with latent energy, its force causing debris and water to orbit around it. But their eyes were drawn to a much more disturbing sight. It seemed their foe had been busy during their travels.

Sakura was in front of them, covered in cuts, bruises, and mud. Chains were wrapped around her wrist, binding them together and slowly pulling the exhausted woman toward the Anchor. Her effort to resist was clear and impressive. The woman dug her feet into the ground so hard it dug deep grooves into it. But all the same she slowly inched toward her death.

Behind her was their newest ally, clearly desperately attempting to help. However, it was also clear the woman was utterly battered, so much so she couldn't even stand. Despite that, she had a whip wrapped tightly around Sakura. Even grounded and nearly unconscious, the woman attempted to aid Sakura in stopping her forced march.

In front of both of them was a woman who cackled with cruel intentions all the while. Several chains sprouted from her wrist, working to reel Sakura in. In her other hand, she wielded a dyed pink katana, clearly intending to drag Sakura in and spear her with her blade.

Even more distressing was the state of the rest of their allies. Each had been strung up in ornate binds that separated limbs and held them in the air. Each of them had been beaten within an inch of their lives. Kiba looked the roughest of the bunch, a nasty cut hidden in his hair, causing most of his face to be coated with blood. The rest barely moved, offering a meager struggle or groan, but clearly could not free themselves.

"Dear O-" Muri was interrupted as Naruto and Sasuke moved forward as one, seeing their allies in danger had made up their minds instantly. Without planning, Naruto appeared before Sakura, Riptide glowing while flooded with chakra. With a double-handed, chakra-enhanced, single stroke, Naruto managed to slice through the small chains, freeing Sakura and Tamaki from their struggle as he locked eyes with Mishiro.

Naruto felt conflicted as he locked eyes with the woman. Ikam Uzumaki was a threat to him, one that had already been quite the problem. He had exposed his status as a jinchuriki, attempted to kill his mother, and attacked his home. This woman had some sort of tie with him, and by her intense hatred that dripped from her eyes, shared in his goal. She intended to end the Uzumaki. However their moment was shortly interrupted.

Sasuke appeared behind her, eyes alight with murderous intent. He swung Besmirched Flambe right for the woman's head in sync as Naruto stopped her slow attack. However, Mishiro barely flinched. She flicked away the blow with her katana with flare, somehow managing to deflect the blade made of flames. Sasuke's eyes narrowed before Ash Stepped back to the others.

Sakura gasped as Tamaki cheered before collapsing. "Sasuke! Naruto! You're okay!"

"Apparently, more than you." Naruto joked grimly. Sasuke and he were locked into a staring match with the bored-looking woman. "Catch us up."

The woman from the ground groaned in tired pain but chimed in all the same. "This warrior is one to be taken seriously. She battled the six of us head-on and at a disadvantage, yet was in control the entire time. Even after Kiba bravely risked his life, he only managed to land a single blow. She uses chains, a defensive jutsu, and her absurd speed and Kenjutsu."

"Defensive jutsu?" Sasuke asked with a raised brow.

"It must be some sort of passive jutsu of some kind," Sakura explained. "She seems outright immune to chakra-based attacks; only physical or other non-chakra-reliant attacks will have any effect. Even if you harm her, she has this weird ability. When Kiba hit her, it wasn't a minor attack. He managed to shatter her sternum, likey collapse a lung, and yet she got up and healed it casually. Whatever it is, it isn't medical Ninjutsu, as I understand it. Now that the two of you are here, we can group up and strategize-"

Naruto, however, did not wait for any of that. His temper flared as he stared at his friends. "I'll offer you this one time. Put my friends down, release this barrier, and surrender peacefully. If you do that right now, I'll try to have mercy. Otherwise, we know what you can do and will take you out."

"Ah, I sensed some considerable presence nearby. Considerable enough, I was certain you'd come to aid these other degenerates. Do you enjoy what I've done with them? They were determined to be nuisances, but I managed to calm them down. Figured a little display would be mutually beneficial. It passed the time entertainingly enough and will serve to show you your place suitably enough." Mishiro answered. "Similar to what you did, I will offer you a one-time deal. Naruto Uzumaki, you are a target; since I'm here, you'll have to perish. Meanwhile, the Uchiha is of no particular interest to me. If you both surrender, I'll make your deaths quick."

'Naruto!' Muri's worried voice echoed in his mind. 'I couldn't gauge it before, but this woman is entirely different! Her presence alone feels corrosive, but her chakra potency…'

'It doesn't matter anymore, Muri.' Naruto inwardly responded. 'She tried to and just threatened to continue to harm us. I have no choice but to take her on, for being some sort of sick freak, I have no choice but to really kick her ass.'

"We have no intention of dying here today," Sasuke answered. "Nor do we intend to allow our allies to suffer the same fate. In fact, I have no intention of doing anything less than paying you back in full for your sins. A Uchiha takes a debt of any kind seriously, and the price of threatening my own is particularly costly. I, Sasuke Uchiha, will be taking your life as payment today."

"A shame," Mishiro said with an openly dishonest tone. "Uzumaki Style: Crest of the Wave!" She suddenly slashed her katana so quickly the air boomed from the force. An arcing blade of chakra flew from her sword at the group.

Naruto breathed in deeply as, he activated Personal Atmosphere Level Two with a burst of chakra. "Sasuke." No more words were needed as the Uchiha blurred away as Naruto marched forward to meet the attack. As he did, he sheathed Riptide on his back and channeled chakra within it. Naruto and the woman never broke eye contact as he met her powerful Kenjutsu with his own. "Uzumaki Style: Draw!" Naruto ripped Riptide from his back sheath and met the attack with his downward drawing slash. The chakra blade was easily split in two from his blow, dispersing it harmlessly around the three of them. Naruto grimly mouthed "boom" at her, which made her snort.

However, he hadn't been bluffing. The ground beneath Mishiro crackled around her as suddenly five Naruto's launched themselves from it. Mishiro smiled as chains spawned from her back and prepared to intercept the surprise attack. However, the woman's eyes widened in alarm as the clones began to glow and inflate. "Shadow Clone: Walking Landmine Jutsu!" Naruto called out with a smirk. The clones exploded, shaking the ground beneath them and covering the woman in smoke.

Sasuke had been anything but idle during this instance in battle. He repeatedly used Ash Step to race around the ruins at absurd speeds. The Uchiha used the opening provided to fly around and use Besmirched Flambe to slice through the chains holding their allies. As he did, he'd grab them and move them over to the others individually. The explosion and kicked-up dust settled. The group was fully reunited by the time it started to dissipate.

Sakura had used the moment to race over to and feed Tamaki something. Naruto looked back with a raised brow as Tamaki suddenly lurched up. They quickly marched over to the downed allies and began doing the same to them.

"Okay, how is she moving again? What are you doing?" Naruto asked.

"Soldier pills." Sasuke guessed. "A grim but appropriate measure."

"Mhm." Sakura absent-mindedly answered as Tamaki placed Kiba's head in her lap. Sakura gently made him consume the pill. "We're all low on chakra, and even using one myself wouldn't give me enough to treat their injuries and chakra exhaustion. The pill will help with the latter and with the pain. It is designed to force even the half-dead to be combat-ready. With this, I can have most of them back up and moving. Though Kiba seems to be out, even with the pill, he's in a bad state."

Naruto nodded grimly as the dust fully settled, revealing what he had expected to see. Though he hadn't been sure how she would counter his little attack, he had been confident she would. The woman was hidden within a ball of chains weaved together to wrap around her. The woman smiled as the chain withdrew back into her, showing her unharmed and even amused. That made Naruto's mind up.

"Sakura and…"

"Tamaki." The apparent Tamaki answered.

"Tamaki." Naruto chuckled nervously. "The two of you take the rest and get a safe distance away. We can handle this; you've all done more than enough."

"Naruto, I know Sasuke, and you are-" Sakura started when Sasuke interrupted her.

"It may seem risky, but the idiot is correct this time." Sasuke joked with a smile. "He's attempting to say it nicely, but the truth is simple. This woman is on a level we haven't dealt with yet. If we all worked together, it's clear the rest of you couldn't keep up; it would only hold us back. This battle is at a level that you can't keep up with…"

"Not how I would've put it dick." Naruto snapped back at Sasuke. "But it is the best plan. If she's as strong as we think, things will get ugly quickly…"

"I suppose you're right…" Sakura hesitantly replied.

"Their wisdom seems solid to me." Tamaki offered. "Your role as a healer is needed, and we're all worn out anyway. There is no shame in retreating when you have nothing left to offer. May you fight as a ninja should."

"Shinobi," Sasuke responded with a roll of his eyes.

"That was a dirty trick, fitting for a Uzumaki like yourself…" Mishiro darkly interrupted, her eyes fully locked onto Naruto.

"Seems like crazy over there is done waiting." Naruto alerted the others. Having no time to argue further, Sakura and Tamaki slowly stacked the others onto the pink-haired woman's inhumanly strong shoulders before they retreated.

However, the three offered no response as all three weaved hand signs in sync. The final battle had earnestly began.

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Hiruzen's POV (Hidden Prison - Hidden Leaf Village)

Late Evening

For a while now, Hiruzen had known he needed a successor—someone to take over the reins as Minato had done previously. The problem was with a genius like Minato, they weren't easily replaced if they somehow fell. Without him present, Hiruzen simply did not have a viable long-term replacement, which was troubling when Hiruzen considered his recent errors. If there was ever a time…

The plan to enforce a peaceful lull in the world had been somewhat successful, but now it was teetering on the brink of collapse. Hiruzen, burdened with the weight of his decisions, knew with certainty that the blame lay squarely on his shoulders. Orochimaru, his former student, and his allies were wreaking havoc. Minato, his chosen successor, had sacrificed himself under Hiruzen's watch. The Mist Civil War, while not his fault, had undermined his peace agreement. And now, the arrival of bounties on the heads of shinobi throughout the Elemental Nations further shook the fragile peace. The chaotic times of the past would soon return.

His latest failure, it seemed, would be the final nail in an already nail ridden coffin. The next generation, a who's who of influential and talented Genin and Chunin alike, had gone missing. Kidnapped into a strange land, and thoroughly isolated. And as of this morning, the news was out all around the Elemental Nations.

Hiruzen spared no expense in keeping the information within the village. Bribery, eliminations, staged appearances. His Anbu had done it all with the expertise they were known for. Jiraiya had been assigned to aid Tsunade and Shikamaru's Police Force in hunting down spies and had wreaked quite a toll. But it only took a single survivor to blow the lid off; it had been a matter of time.

It had been Shozu, of course. It seemed the renegade Nara had been feeling the pressure and recognized a distraction would be needed to escape the village. Leaking such crucial information had been the perfect course of action for him. His men had confirmed the man managed to escape and pursued him, but the last word had been the trial was cold.

Which was why he was here now. Once again, while trekking through the dim halls of this Hidden Prison, the Leaf was so busy with damage control that the halls were scarcely staffed. Only the occasional guard patrolled the halls as Hiruzen went. Each time they spotted him, they'd signal to prove their identity and bow. But truthfully, Hiruzen wished they didn't bother. He wanted to get this over with, and never truly had been fond of stuffy formality.

He and Shikaku had been in meetings all week regarding potential fallout and consequences. Which were not hard to predict; the lack of heirs and jinchuriki combined was a simple indicator. The world would think of the Leaf as weak. And with two of the Great Five weakened, it was a certainty war would come. The who and why could not be predicted accurately. Perhaps the seemingly war-hungry Cloud, the bitter Stone, or even a more miniature ambitious village. War would be coming, and it would be coming soon.

Hiruzen's fear of war was palpable, the normally unphased veterans hand shakes slightly at the prospect. The senseless loss, the endless violence, and the cycle of hatred it bred had shaped Hiruzen's lifetime. Each time, it took more and more from him, and each time it was more difficult to end than the last. Hiruzen feared not only for his village but also for the fact that he might not be ready for another brutal war. In his reduced state he feared he did not have the strength to lead another war.

With that in mind, besides the litany of other preparations he had in the works, he resorted to one more grim tactic. Throughout all those battles and losses, there had been one thing, one man whom he relied on time and time again.

Danzo Shiruma was a man who brought forth complicated emotions. Similar to Orochimaru, he was a man Hiruzen respected, even admired, yet both were two he had always found themselves directly opposed to each other. Danzo had been an enemy, a comrade, a political rival, and even his best friend. He was not an easy man to trust or get along with. Though there were few Hiruzen could admit to having proven as reliable as him, in only certain aspects.

Truth be told there were few in this world with a mind like Danzo's. It had been his aid that had allowed Hiruzen's ploy to work back then. Not that the man was aware of such, of course. When it came to war, the concept of opposing a foe over a long period to disable them enough to surrender or be conquered. Danzo was nothing short of a genius. One with a moral compass that had been long skewed but one that had found success repeatedly. One who had created a much smaller and weaker Anbu force in the Root but had nearly equaled his own in efficiency. Hiruzen knew he had to rely on Danzo despite their complicated relationship.

So Hiruzen stepped into Danzo's large decorated cell. The man had long been obedient and relaxed in his imprisonment and had been rewarded luxuries other prisoners never would. It was the least Hiruzen could do and admittedly an effective influence for his plan. Danzo was slowly pruning a large tabletop bonsai tree with precision; he did not react as his thick metal door swung open, nor as Hiruzen sat down at the small dining table to the left of Danzo's plant. As he did, he withdrew his finest bottle, an artisan's Shochu, and two small glasses from a scroll and poured them into cups. Once done, he sipped his own glass slowly as he waited.

Ten minutes must have passed in silence. Both men were content to finish their current task before addressing each other. So familiar with each other they were fully comfortable without a word spoken, Hiruzen had nearly polished off half his glass before Danzo slowly sat down. The man looked bored and healthy; it seemed the time inside had done him well, if not left him unstimulated.

"Once again, you come to me, old friend," Danzo spoke calmly. "I had figured the time would come soon when I heard the news."

"So even now, you have your ways," Hiruzen replied, unaffected by his reveal. It was safe to assume Danzo knew most of the happenings in the Leaf. A man as decorated as he with the influence he held would always find support. "But yes, the crisis you heard is accurate. It may even soon reach the ears of our allies."

"You mean it already has."

"You even know that much?"

"Jiraiya and Tsunade are good; Jiraiya does good work and is thorough. Tsunade is less skilled but intuitive and oddly dedicated. I admit to being impressed by how long they held the line. But they simply are not as meticulous as one could be. They were bound to let one or two slip through the cracks." Danzo replied evenly. "Even so, while I knew you would come, I must wonder, what is your plan moving forward?"

"Annoyingly on point, as always," Hiruzen joked as Danzo sipped his glass. But yes, it's as you say. As for what I am planning, I cannot be sure. We are not ready for a war."

"Predictably cautious as always. No nation is ever ready for war; they merely face it to live as they should. War is not some great pestilence, Hiruzen; it is evolution. Dark, grim, earth shattering evolution, but evolution all the same. War is not only about destroying Hiruzen. It fosters growth."

"Predictable yourself, Danzo. Our stances on it do not matter, not now that the knowledge is out. Our foes will act on it even if one of us were to sway the other. Just recently, I received correspondence from A of the Cloud. He wishes to call it a Five Kage Summit. Of course, I stalled such a thing out, but it only clarifies that the time draws soon. The abrasive man only moves for his own benefit, and his hostile stance has always been open. I no longer worry about the future; I must protect the present. Which means I'll need your help, old friend…"

"Perhaps you've had more than you should," Danzo almost joked. "You do realize that while I will serve my home as I always should, this will change nothing. I still intend to replace you; failing that, I plan to ensure my vision for the future will be carried out as I see fit."

Hiruzen chuckled as he finished his glass. "Maybe I have Danzo, but assuming Naruto Uzumaki isn't back soon. No… even if he is, it has become clear international tension are on the rise. Even fixing this current situation would not guarantee my home's safety… I'm sure you remember that prospal you offered back then? I believe it is time to go forth with that strategy."

"The Cloud and Stone, then? To think you have it in you to be so efficient, Hiruzen."

"I prefer to think of it as evil, Danzo; the ends never justify the means…"

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Lee / Leifazu's POV (Nearby Chakra Anchor - Western River Plains)

Late Evening

Lee had never been so thoroughly tested in combat before. Fuu had been overwhelmingly strong but had defeated him before he could go all out. Suzumebachi had been a worthy adversary but had relied on numbers during their battle. But Leifazu, Leifazu had dominated this fight from the beginning. Regardless of how much power they gained or tricks they pulled, she acted like it was never a threat.

Even now, after Choji and Lee had unleashed everything they had to offer. The woman merely revealed another more gruesome technique and battled anew. Though it is different now…

Before, their power-ups had closed the gap and allowed the two together to outright outpace Leifazu. But now she matched them both blow for blow, and she wasn't taking damage. There were no mocking or flirting words, or deranged laughter. Purely Leifazu attempting to murder them, this battle was unyouthful. Gai Sensei had warned him of such, of a battle not of wills or ideals, but pure survival.

Choji led their latest charge, fist alight with chakra as he weaved his head around a jab and smashed a Butterfly Bomb into her face. Leifazu stumbled, but a massive fist flew from the blood coating her body and batted Choji away. Unlike his ally, Lee slid under the sudden attack and leaped into a mighty fist to her chest. Leifazu barely reacted. Instead, she used the attack to clutch Lee's arm before spikes of blood flew from her body. Lee cried out in pain as two speared through his side and grazed his face, but with a grit of his teeth, he responded instead of recoiling. He kicked her in the chest, forcing distance between them and sending her flying. Choji, not wasting a moment, appeared above her, both fists reared back and covered in a considerable amount of chakra. "Butterfly Artillery!" Choji smashed the woman into the ground with his strongest blow yet. Leifazu became buried in the massive crumbled mess that became their battlefield. Water burst from below, slowly misting the battlefield around them.

Choji peered from above as Lee caught his breath and watched from below. Yet both cried out in surprise as suddenly tendrils of blood wrapped around their ankles before smashing them into the ground. Choji's impact was more brutal than his, but Lee was pulled straight underground.

Lee attempted to rip the tendril apart with his Nunchaku but was stunned as the tendril wrapped around his throat and began strangling. Lee nearly passed out as he was smashed through the rough earth and strangled all at once. He blacked out during it as he was suddenly free from the world and into the sky. Lee hacked up blood pitifully as they fell below.

So high up had Leifazu smashed him that Lee had time to watch Choji struggle as well. The Akimichi cried out as he was reeled in toward Leifazu but managed to turn the table on her using his flight. His raw power was so great that he lifted Leifazu into the air, catching Lee at the same time.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Lee thanked Choji by capitalizing on his moment. Freeing himself from Choji's grasp and running down the blood tendril tethering the unwilling passenger of theirs. Leifazu sent several spikes and arrows of blood careening toward him, but Lee weaved through them all. He leaped forward to strike Leifazu dead on. "Youthful Blow: Dragon Fang!" The massive chakra-enhanced punch smashed Leifazu's head back before it spiked the woman directly into a spout of water in a gigantic collision, which now caused most of the ground to collapse deeper beneath the surface and the water to pool. All of these drained into the hole to which Leifazu had been sent.

"We're not done yet!" Choji decreed as he let Lee go. "Can you make us land safely?"

"Yosh!"

"Then I'm using this! Butterfly Gambit Blades!" Choji roared as he spun; as he did, his wings flew from his back and directly for Leifazu's impact point. The blades easily cut through the small amount of water and meager earth before they exploded, presumably once coming in contact with Leifazu. The raw power and amount of chakra used for the technique kicked up water and vapor equally as the two fell to the earth below. Lee did not fail Choji; he scanned the ground below and saw a suitably tall and thick treetop barely reaching the height they fell from. Lee used Ninshu to wrap his bandages around it and use it to turn their incredible fall into a controlled swing. "I hope that did it. That jutsu uses my wings up, and now I'm running on fumes." Choji admitted as they swung through the air.

"I wouldn't co-." Lee was interrupted as a red blur slammed into them and carried them towards the ground, burying them both in it. Lee gasped breathlessly as he clawed to the surface. Stunned and unable to breathe, he watched in horror as Choji got up first and attempted a desperate tackle at Lefiazu. However, the woman's blood proved as dangerous as ever, wrapping around his limbs and neck; it strangled even as it bound. Leifazu, unlike before, did not joke, laugh, or even speak; with her current jutsu active, she was inhuman. No expression or weakness, even though they could see the deep groves Choji's attack had left. The woman seemingly was fine; even as the wound bled, the form kept her alive from even lethal blows…

The mercilessness of the woman shone as she proceeded to roughly beat the bound Choji. She sent wild and unmeasured hooks at his face, but unable to breathe or move, each landed. Choji sagged with each hit; Lee had to get up now!

Forcing himself through the pain, Lee raced forward and unleashed a powerful spinning kick to Leifazu's ribs. However, the woman barely reacted, continuing her assault, clearly intending to kill Choji here and now. Lee allowed himself a rare curse and spun into a back fist that was again ineffective. He was too tired for his best moves, and Leifazu was too durable to be affected by even Gate-boosted basic strikes. However, Lee's eyes caught something as he prepared for his next strike. Blood was dripping from Leifazu all around her body. As he unleashed a bone-crunching, ineffective blow to her spine, he watched as blood flew off her.

The blood form she took seemed like the water was slowly softening it. Functionally helpful if he had abilities with water or the time to wait, but it made him wonder. Was this blood form more of a cloak, or was she entirely blood? If she was merely armored then perhaps he could bypass it. Lee latched onto the instinct, desperate to save Choji. He placed his palm gently on Leifazu's back as he mentally thanked the Okama for teaching him Ninshu. "Youthful Blow: Wild Wave!"

Unlike most of their attacks thus far, this was not some massively powerful blow. It did not destroy the environment or send Leifazu flying. The only sign it had worked for even Lee was the chakra he felt entering her body. Leifazu stopped her assault on Choji. Her tendrils even collapsed into liquid blood. The woman actually cried out in earnest pain, dropping to her knees as she did.

Lee's eyes widened. He kicked the woman away into a puddle, helped Choji to his knees, and leaned in to whisper, "Do you have one more Butterfly Bomb in you?"

"Y-yeah, but what's the point? That m-monster eats them for fun."

"I think it will work this time. When she comes in close, I'll set you up. Make sure you attack where I do, okay?" Lee asked seriously. Choji, ever the supportive and trusting man, nodded grimly as he slowly climbed to his feet, his fist glowing with chakra.

Leifazu marched toward them silently. The woman moved a tad bit slower, her posture slightly slouched. But all the same, she showed no hesitation in moving forward to finish them. She was still confident in her ability to win. Lee wouldn't blame her. It was clear that Choji and he were about finished. Win or lose, this battle would be over soon. And Lee was confident he knew how to turn the tide before the end.

When Leifazu drew within five feet, Lee reacted by smashing both of his fists into the ground; he gripped a root from below and tore it partially out of the ground; as he did, water burst through in a concentrated stream and shot her directly in the chest. The woman did not react, continuing her deadly march to them.

But Lee smiled as he saw what he had wanted. Where the water had hit, he could see blood beginning to run. Lee was certain now, due to the effect of the water, his wild wave, and the fact that the woman could even breathe. Her armor was hollow, meaning it could be bypassed, perhaps if they changed the state of the blood…"Choji now!"

Choji did not hesitate. He burst chakra from his legs, sending careening forth with his fist reared back. Leifazu, having tanked their best shots, did not react save for raising a now-bladed fist. But Choji struck first: "Butterfly Bomb!"

Lee's hopes were answered as the blow smashed through the armor as if it were liquid, sending the woman careening out and causing Leifazu to scream in agony. Blood exploded outward, and with such force, it sent him and Choji flying and coating their surroundings.

Lee watched as Choji landed next to him. His eyes found a prone and twitching Leifazu lying a short distance away. Despite her motion, however, she did not rise. They had…

They had won…

But neither man was awake to celebrate it, a mix of chakra exhaustion, their bleeding, and injuries lulling them into sweet unconsciousness.

X-X

Leifazu's POV

Leifazu felt a pleased relaxation settle throughout her body. Her mind was at peace, with no memories of past lives long gone, no irrational want to commit violence, only lazy happiness as she rested on the ground. The pain was still there; her muscles twitched as her body settled into shock. She had lost a lot of blood, and now her ribs were shattered; she believed she had even suffered a pierced lung. But it all felt so good to Liefazu.

She had been certain on that day, the day she had met Lee standing over a defeated Suzumebachi. They would meet in battle one day; she would ensure it. Leifazu was a creature of impulse and instinct, and her instincts had made it clear Lee would be something special. The chubbier fellow being such a good addition was a welcomed surprise. To think mere Genin were able to match her head-on. The legendary power of the Gates and the famed Akimich were nothing to overlook.

They had even managed to discover the weakness of her Blood Specter Jutsu. While she could solidify and harden the blood to absurd degrees, internal attacks could bypass it. And even more effectively, they had used water. Water slowly made her blood become liquid, which made for poor armor.

Leifazu checked her chakra reserves and wasn't surprised that she had been running low. She scarcely had enough to use her bloodline to heal herself, afterward, not enough for any substantial jutsu. But all the same, she could move to a slower extent. She climbed to her feet and raised both hands to summon her hatchets. However, only a single one came to her right hand. It was chipped and bent from the chaotic battle. "Well, that sucks; I'm gonna enjoy killing them more now. Hunks better not have died off before the big finish."

Leifazu proceeded to check the destroyed area for the two. Due to the water and crevices, there were plenty of places to hide. She had even found the spot she suspected they had landed after her blood explosion, but she had only found a single orange leg warmer. It seemed they were alive, but based on the steady blood trial, only barely so. One of them had taken the other and attempted to flee.

Their effort was for naught. Even exhausted as she was, she caught up to them quickly enough; the pair haven't hadn't even managed to escape the rubble. The formerly portly one carried Lee over his shoulder as he stumbled away. It seemed they had both survived, but Lee was knocked out, and the other attempted to escape, limping away slowly. Leifazu shook her head, amused as she whistled before she whipped her hatchet at his back. To the man's credit, he reacted, spinning around and using his wrist guard to deflect it. He fell to the ground, dropping his friend as he did.

Leifazu inwardly chuckled as she marched forward, not bothering to recall her hatchet. The man managed to slowly climb to his feet, standing in front of his friend protectively. He could barely stand, let alone raise his head or arms, but leveled a fierce glare at her.

"I… w-won't fail again… I'll die before I let you hurt Lee, you wicked bitch!" The man declared, gnashing his teeth and showing a savageness she hadn't known he had. This was why Leifazu loved battle even more than sex; it was only when someone was within an inch of death their true selves emerged. But this battle was over; he had done well, but they had lost. It was time for the gory finish, the bow on this bloody battle.

"What was your name, young man?" Leifazu asked politely. "The two of you gave me a fight I will remember forever and always; I'd like to know your name before I kill you."

"My name is Choji Akimichi, I'm a pathetic man! But I'm not so pathetic as to let down my friends!" Choji declared as he began to stumble forward. It was adorable, really. Did he intend to headbutt her to death?

"I'll remember it, Choji, and you are far from pathetic," Leifazu spoke earnestly as she blurred forward and buried her fist into his gut. The man gasped as he collapsed against her before fully dropping to the ground, now defeated. Leifazu sighed as she eyed the unconscious young men around her. "Know I'm paying you quite the kindness normally I draw out my kills. But the two of you were truly a worthy battle, perfect really. So I'll kill you before you even know what happened; you won't feel a thing…" Leifazu debated for a moment before she chose Lee first. She had met the man first, and something about his simple and fearless nature was appealing. She kneeled over him and raised her hatchet; she intended to sever his head. He'd die nearly instantly. However, she was stunned as she swung, and Lee's arms snapped up and caught her wrist. "The fuck?"

Leifazu looked at his face, but his eyes were closed, and his features relaxed. Was the bastard somehow defending himself while unconscious? The fuck? "You really are something else; if only I wasn't on a mission, I'd definitely be in love. However, you need to die now!" Leifazu attempted to overpower him with both arms, but his strength held them back without budging. She was so damn tired he was asleep and stronger than her? "This is becoming annoying-" Leifazu stopped as the man showed shocking dexterity and flexibility, kicking up his legs through her arms. She was launched back, and Lee used his legs to throw her off and make himself stand in one motion.

Leifazu rolled to her feet and attempted to lock eyes with Lee. But they were still closed! "Okay, you really are something special… fighting while unconscious? Effectively? I've heard nothing like it." Despite her cavalier attitude, she was worried. She needed more time before she'd have enough chakra to do anything of note. In fact, she could barely move as it was. She'd probably go down if he somehow managed to hit her with even a solid punch. Leifazu twirled her hatchet as she prepared to charge. Just when she thought she was done, he reeled her back in. "One more time, let's finish this, Rock Lee!"

Lee did not budge or react as Leifazu drew close. Leifazu attempted to slice off an arm, but Lee caught it, throwing a hook with his free hand. Leifazu inwardly cursed; she: She wouldn't be able to avoid it in this state! Accepting she would fall, she released her hatchet and threw her own hook.

Both of their blows landed on each other, them both striking each other's cheeks. Leifazu stumbled back as her jaw ached with sharp pain. But smiled as Lee collapsed flat on his face. It seemed he was finally-

Leifazu cursed as she landed flat on her back; her legs had gone out. That little hook from a damn sleep fighter had done the job. She was too tired to move or even channel the chakra. Her Uzumaki resilience would kick in soon, but she was for now defeated. She would call this little two-on-one a draw then. Choji Akimichi and Rock Lee, two mere Genin, had proved her equal.

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Naruto / Sasuke's POV (Chakra Anchor - Western River Plains)

Midnight

X-X

Naruto's POV

"So chakra-based attacks won't work, but…" Naruto began.

"There's plenty of ways around it." Sasuke finished as the two finished their hand signs. "The same techniques as last time?"

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" Naruto turned and slashed a section of earth from the ravine's wall with one hand and made it float with the other. Naruto's power and control seemed to grow continuously these days, and Muri bolstered him even further; it felt like there was no limit to what he could do. "Sasuke!"

Sasuke didn't answer as Besmirched Flambe grew to greatsword form. He swung it several times, sending flying blades of flame cutting through the earth. As it did, the stone and dirt grew hot and burned with each slash mark, the solid piece becoming an assortment of burning rubble floating above all of their heads.

"Collaboration Jutsu: Fallen Sky!" Naruto and Sasuke called out in sync as their massive attack rained toward Mishiro. Naruto felt the heat even from where they stood, and soon, his vision of Mishiro was clouded by burning rubble moments before it would crush and burn her alive all at once.

A massive area of effect attack that did not rely on chakra for damage, but unforgiving stone and hungry flames. It was an attack the two of them did not use lightly; it was destructive and likely to cause unintended damage. But Mishiro was in a different league than Blechumi, who had faced them head-on. An attack like this would surely at least sc-

"Ah, the two of you must be how this lot reached me." Mishiro acknowledged with a nod. "You certainly are talented for cretins; if I were as pathetic as you, I'd be helpless. Fortunately, I have been blessed by my Love! Scarlet Chains: Falling Grasp!"

Just as their attack seemed sure to land, the ground around Mishiro bulged upwards before it erupted with massive chains. The chains quickly went through their attack; they easily smashed through the stone, and the flames seemed to be snuffed out by their mere speed. Naruto's eyes widened in shock as the sky was filled with the chains before each faced them tip first, their massive number and size darkening the ground below as they managed to partially block out the sun. "Well, shit." Naruto summarized before the two blurred away in opposite positions.

"Personal Atmosphere: Jetstream!" Naruto bellowed as Muri and he flew through the sky at absurd speeds. He could scarcely hear or think as the wind howled and parted around him. His desperate evasion proved fortuitous as several massive chains spiked into the ground just behind him. The barrage of chains continued even as he burst forward; his increased speed barely kept him ahead of their path.

Naruto flinched, however, as the ground beneath him bulged up as it did before. Muri came in handy, using controlled bursts of wind to change direction back and forth, which barely allowed Naruto to weave around more chains that burst from the ground. The damn things kept chasing him. Several even speared ahead of them; Mishiro was adjusting her damn aim!

It took all of his focus and speed to maneuver around the barrage, several times nearly being clipped. But as he did, he locked eyes with his ally in this battle. Sasuke was a blur of red eyes and constantly disappeared, around two chains, in front of another, to the side of the next few. The two of them barely managed to survive the assault, and based on the lack of relenting, it wouldn't stop soon. Naruto was nearly clipped by a chain, so he locked his gaze on Sasuke again. The Uchiha nodded as if he understood him already. Naruto grinned as he filled both himself and Riptide with wind nature chakra. They had already faced an overly powerful foe before; they would cut through her attack and her just as they did with Fenrir.

The two blurs dodged the chains, meeting up and going forth in sync. Each began to glow with chakra: Sasuke, red as flame chakra enshrouded him, and Naruto, white as wind, enveloped him. A constant rhythm of explosives set off as the two speeds increased, and they suddenly began to cut a line through the chains.

"Collaboration Jutsu: Explosive Blade Eruption!" Naruto and Sasuke called as the color beam they had become cut their way through the chains with ease. Naruto wielding Riptide, and Sasuke matched him expertly, wielding dual kunai. As the beam suddenly turned to pursue Mishiro, Naruto flinched as she seemed to lock eyes with him.

Mishiro wielded her Katana with dual hands as the two approached, dropping to a low stance. "You two truly are a cut above the trash that infests this world, but even the exceptional piece of trash is nothing to true decadence like myself. Allow me to show you the style you bastardize, boy! Uzumaki Style: Dance of the Tide!" Mishiro's blade shone bright in the air as it hummed with chakra. As the beam of Naruto and Sasuke drew close, she matched their charge with a slash of her sword.

The clash of attacks caused a terrible whine as their cutting attacks met and deflected off each other. The ground beneath them cracked all around the clearing and slowly dipped lower from the power of the clash. The air bristled with chakra, and the trees and rivers heaved back and forth. But neither party relented.

More scarlet chains chased after the two as they flew forward and turned back to race forward. When it took the two of them to smash through the chains and return, Mishiro turned to face them again, spinning as she met their powerful attack with another swipe of their blade. The clash was even more fearsome than the last, the clouds above them parting from the power of the three of them. And yet, even as Sasuke and Naruto continued their barrage of absurdly powerful slashes, Mishiro met each of them with her own. The glowing lines of their attacks surrounded her and remained in the air as they clashed. The barrage ended as suddenly as it had started.

Naruto and Sasuke slid to a stop in front of Mishiro. Naruto glared at her all the while, Sasuke taking a moment to catch his breath. "How the hell are you so strong?" Naruto asked, buying the two of them time.

This crazy lady had taken two jutsu Naruto, considered mighty head-on, and seemed raring to go afterwards. While it was known Ikam himself was dangerous, one of his own had proven a match for his mother. This woman, another minion of Ikam, was something else entirely. She reminded him of his meeting with the shadowy Akatsuki Juzo Biwa member. The man seemed inhuman with his chakra power and unrelenting offense, but Mishiro was not too different. Her presence alone was more overwhelming than Gaara's, and despite the two having just dominated Blechumi, they were being matched head-on here.

"This ugly world of ours is full of as many wonders as miseries. I have spent a large portion of my time subjected to the latter. But I was saved from it all, blessed by my Love's arrival. He gave me purpose, drive, and affection; he is my everything. It is thanks to him I am above those like yourselves. Both humans and jinchuriki alike cannot hope to oppose me, not when Ikam wishes for me to succeed."

"You may be powerful, but no one is insurmountable." Sasuke countered, looking like he had caught something of a second wind. "We merely will have to shift tactics…"

"Oh, so you realize perhaps attempting outright to overwhelm an opponent truly above you is foolishly naive?" Mishiro asked with mock surprise. "Truly, did you believe I could not match you in power?"

"This is far from over, lady," Naruto assured. "We're just getting started!" Naruto allowed the wind to suddenly explode behind him, allowing him to close the gap between him and Mishiro instantly. The two locked with blades as Riptide met with her Katana.

"Ah, I thought I recognized that accursed blade," Mishiro commented as Naruto was slowly pushed back. "Riptide, do you know just how it was created?"

Naruto didn't bother answering as he attempted to blow the woman away with a sudden, powerful gust of wind. However, Mishiro didn't budge as two chains flew from her back and anchored her to the ground. Sasuke suddenly appeared behind Mishiro, slashing at her neck. Chains appeared again, defending the slash and attempting to entrap him, but Sasuke blurred away before they could. Mishiro's eyes never left Naruto's as two more chains attempted to spear him through the chest. But Naruto managed to deflect both with Riptide. As he did, he tried to punch Mishiro in the face, but she stepped around the blow and swept his legs out from under him. Naruto hit the ground as Mishiro stabbed her with her blade, but Sasuke appeared to deflect her attempt at finishing him off.

Sasuke blurred forward, evading two chains and nearly kneeing Mishiro in the face, but the woman barely raised her blade to block it. Naruto, however, didn't lay idle; he grabbed with both hands at Mishiro's legs. Muri and the blonde managed to wrap her legs in it as she prepared to deflect the blow. With a tug of his hands, he ripped her legs out from under her. Sasuke flew above her as Mishiro landed flat on her back, just as he had.

Sasuke suddenly blinked before reappearing above Mishiro and stomping down into her ribs with both feet. He smoothly dropped low as he did, attempting to stab both kunai into her chest. However, he was smacked as several chains began to wrap around him. He Ash-Stepped to get away, but one of the chains was firm. Sasuke appeared with a massive screech as the chakra chains were tested, but she had halted the movement of the Ash Step.

Mishiro offered a bloody smile up at Sasuke before he was whipped to the ground just behind Naruto. The blonde flinched, barely creating a pad of air that Sasuke had smashed into. The collision sounded bone-crunching, but Naruto had no time to check on him. The blonde roared with fury as he closed the distance and prepared a double-handed slash of Riptide at the downed Mishiro. He was smacked away, however, by a water dragon bursting from a river and smashing him into the ground next to Sasuke. Mishiro rose as chains coiled all around her, an ugly and unsound laugh sounding from her all the while.

The two slowly and stiffly climbed to their feet, aware the arrogant woman was allowing them to regroup.

"Damn, this is harder than we had thought," Naruto admitted to Sasuke. "You took an ugly bump there. Are you okay to keep going? I can take over if you tuckered out."

Sasuke grunted; his clothes were nearly torn to shreds, and his skin beneath was scraped and bruised to hell. While the Uchiha earnestly endeavored to hide it, Naruto noticed he was slightly slouched. The fight with Fenrir and then Blechumi had been hard-hitting affairs; it seemed Sasuke was nearing his limit. "I'll be fine; we can't relent until she is defeated, regardless of how we're doing. Besides, we can defeat her; we just need to create an opening. Something she can't react to, let alone counter."

"Something unpredictable aye?" Naruto rhetorically asked as the plan came to him. "Can you get her to focus on you? I can hit her, but I'll need the chance to catch her off guard. Got this useful Kenjutsu technique I've been working on."

"You think she won't be suspicious of you being absent?" Sasuke asked with a pant. "I can make her focus on me, but it won't make her forget you're in play."

"I got a plan for that; just focus on giving her hell!" Naruto cried as he raced forward. Sasuke blurred at his sides, forcing Mishiro to attempt to split her attention. Naruto paid no heed as Riptide stabbed Mishiro's face. The woman flicked the attack away with a flourish of her Katana, but Naruto simply used his free hand to attempt a haymaker for her ribs. Mishiro allowed the chain to catch the fist before it snaked around and bound Naruto instantly. The chains forcing the blonde into a painful ball.

"Rushing in due to panic, a sure sign of ineptitude." Mishiro critiqued before she kicked Naruto away like a ball. The blonde impacted the wall of the ravine and smashed deep into it.

X-X

Sasuke's POV

Sasuke grimly watched as Naruto's sudden attack was repelled, and the blonde swatted aside. He was not concerned and could not afford to be as he prepared for what came next. To ensure Mishiro would be enraptured, he would have to pull quite the flurry of offense. Even their Explosive Blade Eruption had failed to land clean, so Sasuke could only hope to threaten Mishiro with his most lethal and absurdly fast technique.

He remembered his first battle in this strange land. In his first encounter with those predatory weasels, Sasuke used his Ash Step on the same level that Shisui used body flicker. He would need to surpass that here and now; it likely wouldn't be enough to outpace the woman. With her apparent defenses, Besmirched Flambe would be useless; kunai would work well in its place. He needed to improvise; his usual tactic wouldn't provide a chance. But it would give him the avenue…

"Misleading Fiery Shadow Death!" Sasuke bellowed as he blurred forward. Even through his enhanced vision, the world became a blur as he raced forward. The world around him slowed as he flew through the seemingly frozen air. Through it all, however, Sasuke could see Mishiro's eyes trace him through the air. The woman weaved hand signs with one hand and pointed the tip of her katana at Sasuke as he blurred forward.

Sasuke grits his teeth at how casually she matches his speed. With a series of hand signs of his own flames wrapped around his ankles, bursting out to propel him forward. It increased his speed, but Mishiro seemed to trace him even then. Sasuke created several basic clones that matched his movements; he formed Besmirched Flambe and increased the erraticness of his movement. Above, behind the flanks, there wasn't a single angle Sasuke didn't cross as he slowly closed in. His faints are further enhanced by his clones. Mishiro's smile dropped from her face as she seemed unsure of which of them was real.

"You are even more vexing than the Uzumaki, strangely enough." Mishiro sneered as she pointed her blade up. Water slowly rose from around the clearing and snaked its way to her blade, coating it in a shimmering water shroud. "Uzumaki Style: Trident of Poseidon!" The water turned the blade into a massive barbed trident nearly as long as her body. "But do you truly believe this parlor trick will work? Jutsu is of no effect, and you lack the skill or power to harm me otherwise."

"Anyone I see with these eyes is a hurdle yet to be jumped," Sasuke answered, his voice and demeanor calm even as his speed intensified. His heart beat so loud in his ear it was deafening. He offered no more words, merely beginning his assault relentlessly.

Sasuke appeared behind horizontally, and he slashed for Mishiro's knees, but the woman deflected the blow with her new trident. He attempted to plunge his blade handle deep into her neck, only to be nearly skewered for the effort. Sasuke narrowly managed to retreat and try another stab from behind. But he was almost knocked out as Mishiro clubbed him with the dull end of the trident. He managed to Ash Step away before it managed to entirely knock him senseless, but a trail of blood seeping from a new cut on his lower left chin made it clear a direct blow would be ruinous. Sasuke appeared in front of Mishiro again, slashing now with Besmirched Flambe instead of a kunai; the woman attempted to block the blow only for the blade to go through hers and harmless fade against her. Sasuke appeared above her head before she could react and formed another with a smirk.

He renewed his barrage of attacks, but Mishiro proved to be skilled at defense as she blocked and counter-attacked at each opening. However, as Sasuke attacked from behind, he enacted the point of this farce thus far. He slashed with Besmirched Flambe as he had before. Mishiro turned to face him and ignored the attack, seeing it was a chakra construct. But that was what Sasuke had been going for.

He could not land a solid blow on his own through pure strength, speed, or skill. She would not have held her ground against Naruto and Sasuke together if such was possible. The only feasible way for Sasuke to face her alone effectively would be to use his mind. Using this flashy but ultimately useless attack had been to occupy her mind. To distract her, using Besmirched Flambe despite knowing it would be worthless was merely to further that goal. To disguise his accurate attempt.

Mishiro had ignored his attack, seeing it as one she had a counter to. But Itachi had taught him to always attack in layers, to have one's opponent playing catch up instead of fighting fairly. Sasuke had achieved that; within Besmirched Flambe's flames, Sasuke had held a kunai. So when Mishiro's defenses kicked in and destroyed his created sword, it left the blade intact. With a sickening splatter of blood and tearing of flesh, the kunai cut through her face, narrowly missing her eye and throat. The woman cried out in pain as Sasuke reappeared above her, attempting to finish her off with a stomp that would break her neck. However, even when in great pain and wounded, she reacted soundly. A chain burst from her back and wrapped around Sasuke's neck, strangling him.

So powerful was the grip of the chain that Sasuke lost concentration as the chain slowly strangled him to death. The chain even hung him in the air, utilizing gravity to increase its tightness around his throat. Sasuke was freed from the torture as it suddenly slammed him into the ground. His vision dimmed, and as it faded back in, Mishiro was standing over him, Trident pointed at his face.

"You fought well for a pest. But I am the soldier of my Love's will; you. You never truly stood a chance", Mishiro assured. Her tone betrayed her lack of care, however. "A quick death is too good for you…" With her piece, she said she stabbed down with the trident.

However, there was a boom as Naruto appeared between the two. Mishiro, unphased by his arrival, continued her thrust, but Naruto suddenly moved but didn't. Sasuke blinked as a clone suddenly appeared for an instant and swiped away the trident thrust that would've killed Sasuke. Naruto moved a half instant later as if the save had taken no effort. His blue eyes locked coldly onto Mishiro's, which seemed more vibrant than ever as he stomped forward and thrust Riptide with more speed or grace than Sasuke had ever seen the blonde move with.

The deflection of her blow had knocked her unbalanced. Wide open, the broad blade of Riptide stabbed straight through the chest of Mishiro with ease. The grating of steel and bone filled the clearing, and the thrust power sent Mishiro flying back and spraying blood through the clearing. Mishiro landed on her feet from the flight, but her legs folded, and she fell to her knees, hands clutching at the wide, gushing wound at her front. Naruto sighed sadly at the sight, shaking his head as if full of regret. Mishiro ignored such, attempting to raise a hand to her face before she collapsed forward still.

Sasuke swallowed his awe and shock at Naruto's display. The Uzumaki had been holding back even now; he hadn't shown that strange ability in his fights with Blechumi or Gaara. A newly created technique? It mattered little as Sasuke climbed to his feet beside Naruto. He offered a snarky remark at the blonde to disguise it all: "You took your time with the save, Uzumaki."

"Didn't expect her to instantly wrap me in chains," Naruto answered conversationally. "Was harder than hell to get out of them. Besides, you were doing so well."

"Almost had her; she's good; finish her off," Sasuke replied urgently. He could not understand for the life of him why he had paused his assault.

"I'm pretty sure I split her ribcage and heart in two," Naruto answered grimly. "Even Blechumi would've fallen to that; any more would be overkill."

"Which is kind of your thing!"

"Yeah, but not in a cruel way!"

"Cruel?! She tried to murder our friends, slowly, I add, and then us! If this is not the time for ghoulish overkill, when is?!"

"Never, it's in the same word, overkill in the literal definition is an overreaction! I thought you were the genius here?!"

Despite Naruto's complaints, Sasuke blurred forward to decapitate the woman. After their brutal clash with Blechumi, he was taking no chances with damn self-healers. It was his already being in motion that saved them. His eyes landed on Mishiro's formed; Sasuke nearly gasped as he locked with the bloodshot eyes of Mishiro. She had bitten down into her own wrist deeply, and the bleeding had stopped. She bit herself to heal-

Sasuke's thought was shattered as she formed a water trident and pointed at them. Suddenly, the two side prongs of it fired off at absurd speeds. Sasuke Ash Stepped back and collided with Naruto, knocking him to the ground and sending Sasuke tumbling back. His desperate move saved them both from being speared through. The two prongs zoomed past them, exploding in a water burst as it hit the ground behind them. Sasuke flinched at the impact; if that had hit either of them, they'd likely die.

He went to relay the information to Naruot but flinched as the chains erupted around him and formed a barrier. The barrier sealed the blonde and chains in a small barrier before it began to glow. Naruto shrieked as it obviously damaged him in some way.

Sasuke moved to aid him, but a sudden whoosh of air caught his attention. Within the instant he lost focus on her, she moved and closed the distance. She was already swinging her blade upwards; if it hit, it would slice him in two. So little time had passed since Sasuke had to react, and he couldn't even Ash Step. He stumbled back, managing to escape the worst of it, but still, the tip of her trident cut a burning line vertically on his torso. Sasuke cried out in pain and fell flat on his back. Blood seeped from the wound; it was deep, and if he didn't receive attention soon, he'd be at risk of bleeding to death. But as a foot stopped down onto the wound and pain flared so intensely he nearly fainted, he realized it was the least of his concerns.

Mishiro kept a foot on his chest to hold him down as she hovered her trident over his face. Sasuke could scarcely move; he was running on empty and was bleeding badly; even if he could defend himself, he'd bleed to death shortly after.

So this was how his story ended? Sasuke Uchiha would die before achieving his goal and discovering the truth, leaving Yuno and the others alone, an actual failure. At least he died pursuing something of importance; if Yuno or the others survived, he would live on.

"The two of you… to think that Uzumaki managed to nearly kill me, that you managed to wound me," Mishiro whispered darkly. "Ikam would be ashamed of me! But that ends now. Even as she spoke to him, her eyes locked on Naruto. Sasuke looked over, seeing the blonde wrapped head to toe in chains, attempting to snap them through pure force. But even if he did, the barrier would keep him trapped… "The Chakra Vacuum Barrier is not an easy technique to suffer." Mishiro committed as she stepped off Sasuke's chest. Several small chains burst from the ground and bound his legs and arms to the ground as she did. "But suffer it you shall…" Mishiro placed her palm upon the barrier; it sizzled in the air as Naruto's screams grew louder. Sasuke grits his teeth angrily as Naruto collapses, glaring at Mishiro hatefully. "Now let me kill the Uchiha first; I want to pay you back tenfold for that crude stab." Mishiro twirled her trident around before she leaped into the air. She aimed the three sharp barbs at Sasuke's chest as she did. The end came near.

However, both gasped in shock as Mishiro landed. A body suddenly stepped between Sasuke and her. They attempted to deflect the stab from Mishiro, but her fall powered through it as the attack intended for him stabbed through them in his stead. Sasuke blinked as blood spattered onto his face; he must be hallucinating…

The sudden savior gasped with pain before it returned the viscous, likely lethal attack with one of their own. Savagely stabbing a kunai into the underside of Mishiro's chin. The two faltered before both ripped their weapons out of each other, attempting to ensure the kill. The horror struck Sasuke only as the savior faltered to their knees before them. His savior…

"YUNO!" Naruto roared in pained misery…