Chapter 16 The one who wields

*Hokage Tower - Council Office*

In a room that he had frequented the last couple of days, Danzo stood beside Tsunade as the two stood in front of the only two members of the council of Konoha. Things seemed to be going his way. All that useless busy work they gave the Zoro was just a waste of time and resource. Things have started to move rather fast. Orochimaru was reported dead. Sasuke finally killed him and started to finish the quest for revenge against his brother. That means his role in the Uchiha massacre would be soon known to the boy. And Itachi's movement hadn't gone unnoticed. His "eye" quickly saw through Itachi's disguise. What was more unnerving for him was how the two interacted. That form Itachi took, that straw hat man seems to be associated to Zoro in some way. Has Itachi found where Zoro was from? That wouldn't be good for him. He needed to get a hold of Zoro now and begin his own quest for power.

"Danzo are you paying attention?" Koharu asked the bandaged ninja.

He partially opened his eye and nodded.

"Very well." The old woman said. "We have debated amongst ourselves about the fate of Roronoa Zoro and have come to a decision."

"After reviewing his past performance and actions the answer was pretty obvious." Homura said. "I personally observed him at the gate of Konoha. The one thing I notice, behind that stern outlook is a person who personifies what we look for in a loyal ninja and should remain being a role model to our younger generation. It would be a travesty to put him in a group that values the fact that they remain hidden. And why put someone who fighting style is so unique and skill level to remain hidden is so low."

Danzo outlook remained stoic but mentally his jaw dropped. He glanced over to Tsunade and she had a proud smile on her face.

"You have to reconsider." Danzo said. "The threat to Zoro if he is left to his own devices is too broad. You've seen his profile, the Sand still wants him dead, the cloud and stone villages would like to see him the same way, and the Mist actively want him as one of their own. All thanks to Mifune's foolish management of Zoro. We could protect him in the Root."

Tsunade chuckled. "You're really worried about that Danzo?" She said. "He has proven himself more often than not. He defeated a Sanin and a Jinchuriki."

"You're not worried about either of those?" Danzo said. "Seeing how Yamato reported how he nearly killed Naruto." Danzo said trying to strike at Tsunade's personal feeling for the boy.

Tsunade bit her lip. She wanted to confront Zoro about that incident. Sakura had told her what she had seen plus the way Jiraiya explained Naruto's attitude during his transformations. "Yes, I would be lying if I didn't say his actions against Naruto didn't bother me." The Hokage said. "But from what Sakura and Yamato reported Zoro saw it as the only solution since he had no knowledge of Yamato's skills."

Danzo glared at the student of his rival. It wasn't the answer he wanted from her. "Well what about his association with Itachi?" Danzo said as the other three looked at him with shock. "We have proof that he has had contact with him on more than one occasion."

"It's a little late to introduce new information now Danzo." Koharu said. "Plus if what you said is true, we would have to execute him for treason. We have no reason to see him associating with Itachi while he is actively trying to kill Kisame."

"Tsunade, once he is finished with your current assignment we'll continue with the plan to work on making him a Jounin." Homura said. "Place him with someone who can keep up with him, Mitarashi seems to handle him we'll let her do it for a while."

"Ok." Tsunade said with a smile.

Danzo silently walked out of the room. His face darkened as he entered the poorly lit hallway. Tsunade watched the man she just defeated disappear into the darkness. Knowing how he operates, she would have to keep a close eye on him.

*Next morning – Konoha Outskirts.*

The morning sun peaked from above the trees. Shikamaru silently walked down the well beaten path. Even with it being this early in the morning there was a steady stream of people returning to the village. The battered condition of the returning ninjas told the tale, the person he sought was ahead. As he silently complained he noticed a familiar hooded boy astride a dog.

"Yo Shikamaru." Kiba greeted as Akamaru came to a stop in front of the lazy ninja. "Didn't think I'd see you out here."

Shikamaru studied the condition of Kiba and he seems unharmed. "What's going on ahead?" He asked. "You seemed in better shape than the others I've seen heading back to the village."

"I guess you've heard by now. Zoro is going to make Jounin." Kiba said. "Hearing that alone was enough to get the chunin who have been trying to make Jounin for years angry. A jounin is someone who has done great things for the village, for someone who has just returned to the village to be given that position without a reason."

"A reason was given." Shikamaru said.

"Yeah, yeah." Kiba said. "That what makes it so unbelievable. Zoro defeating a Sanin…." Kiba ground his teeth. "Why hide that information!"

"Think about it." Shikamaru said. "Zoro was at that point a genin. How would the other villages react to that information?"

Kiba spit on the ground. "That aside, some of the other chunin gathered together and wanted to test Zoro's power, most having only heard about it. And that was the result." Kiba pointed at another group of dejected and beaten chunin walking back to Konoha."But that was an hour ago."

Shikamaru gave Kiba an inquiring glance.

Kiba clenched his fist. "I WAS NEXT!" He screamed even catching Akamaru off guard. "But he started fighting Lee and they've been going at it since then!"

Shikamaru looked at Kiba with disbelief in his face."And you're angry… because of this…?" He asked.

"Yeah!" Kiba yelled. "It was my turn! Hinata had to tell Neji about the little plan! Neji is already a Jounin yet he showed up and brought his team and that Lee jumped up and challenged him before I could step up! Next time I see him, I'm going to lead him far away from the village and leave him!"

"O-okay…." Shikamaru said. "Can you take me to where they are? Zoro has business elsewhere." Kiba looked at Shikamaru then to where he was coming from.

"Ok!" He quickly agreed. "Hopefully they are still fighting and we have to stop it early!" Shikamaru looked on in disbelief at the now happy Kiba as the two began to walk together.

*Battle scared Outskirts*

A group of people sat at the edge of what looked like a battleground. Some looked on in amazement, others had look of fear. At the middle of the carnage was Zoro with the Wado Ichimonji in his mouth, Rettenjo in one hand and the Shusui in the other while Lee stood in his trademark stance, skin solid red. Even with the battle the way it was, both contestants also wore smirks.

"Here I come! Zoro!" Lee announced as he disappeared from sight.

Zoro tensed up and quickly jumped to the side. As he did Lee phased back into the sight of the others, leg raised. Lee brought the leg crashing down. The earth split at the blow. Lee quickly looked over towards the now rushing Zoro. Zoro brought his swords down. Lee quickly evaded as the slash tore through the ground leaving two long slash marks and another crossing the other two. The two once again faced off, both slightly out of breath, smile still on both of their faces.

Hinata watched this match in total awe. Lee and Zoro had been fighting for a long time and all they did was go harder and harder. She looked over at her cousin Neji and could see his usual stoic face was gone. It was replaced by a slight smile and an analytical gaze.

"Go Lee!" Tenten cheered. Hinata looked at the hidden weapon's master. She also had a huge smile on her face. This girl was known as Zoro's best friend in the village, even more so than Ino. While she knew that Tenten was loyal to her team, she didn't expect her to be this vocal.

"You can do it Zoro!" Hinata cheered in response. Tenten and Neji looked over at the Hyuga girl.

"I see even Hinata couldn't help but get fired up by this fight." Shino said as he leaned against a tree. Hinata blushed slightly at the attention.

"Lee… Zoro…." Gai said tears streaming down his face. "Both of you are fanning the flames of youth! Go forth and show us your burning spirits!"

"Lee lets finish this." Zoro said as he clenched his swords tightly. "I knew fighting you would make me better, Zoro." Lee said. "Yes it's time to finish this!"

"WAIT ZORO! LEE!" A voice yelled. The two looked over to see a dashing Akamaru with Kiba on top. "You have to stop this fight!"

"Kiba. What's going on?" Zoro asked as Kiba stood in between him and Lee. Kiba pointed at a walking Shikamaru.

"Zoro did you forget?" He asked. "You are supposed to give up what you know about the Akatsuki."

"I've only dealt with four of them." Zoro said. "Surely, you have more relevant info you can get from somewhere else."

"No." Shikamaru said plainly. "It's true. We have more relevant information about them, but this is more about me learning your fighting style and tendencies than a straight trade of information about the Akatsuki."

"Then sit back and watch." Zoro said as he planted his feet in the ground.

"I wish I could Zoro." Shikamaru said scratching his head. "But we are expected somewhere. We're already running late as it is." Zoro looked over at Shikamaru, after a few seconds past he sheathed his swords.

"We'll have to finish this later Lee." Lee let out a deep breath and the color drained from his body.

"It would seem so Zoro." Lee said, disappointment hanging on every word. "Just insure that I'm the first person that you fight! We can't let this fight go on without a conclusion!"

"Sure." Zoro replied.

"Oi Oi Zoro!" Kiba protested. "I'm next! Lee, you've done this once! I won't allow you to it again!" He said as he took a stance.

"Very well, Kiba!" Lee said. "I accept you challenge!" Zoro turned towards them as the two start fighting.

"This way Zoro." Shikamaru said as Kiba and Lee fight began to ramp up. Reluctantly the swordsman followed the shadow user.

*Konoha Hospital*

Zoro and Shikamaru walked into the hospital. As he passed the front desk a number of nurses greeted him.

"Hello Zoro." One of them said. "Nice to see you walk in on your own power." She said with a chuckle. Zoro stared down the vocal nurse as the other nurse's started to laugh.

"I'm joking Zoro." The nurse said patting him on the back. "I'm guessing you're here to see Asuma, Shikamaru. He already went ahead to Kakashi's room. I'll show you two the way."

'Kakashi…' Zoro thought. 'How much does he know…? Yamato had to share some of the info with him.'

Shikamaru looked over at the swordsman who was deep in thought. This is the first time that Zoro and Kakashi have see each other since the incident with Naruto. This could go one of two ways.

"Here we are." The nurse said. "Your team is already in there with Kakashi's."

Shikamaru opened the door and the two chunin walked into the room. Naruto, Sakura, and Sai stood on one side and Asuma, Chouji, and Ino stood on another, while Kakashi sat up in bed.

"Hey, Zoro!" Naruto greeted enthusiastically. Immediately Naruto felt an overbearing aura fill the room. Ino had been staring at Sai not letting him leave her view. As soon as Zoro entered the room his eyes went straight to the painter and Kakashi's eyes locked onto Zoro.

"What's going on…." Naruto said as he observed the scene get more hostile.

"N-nothing Naruto." Asuma said. "H-hey you guys go on ahead. I'll treat ya'll to lunch! Shikamaru and Zoro will catch up later." Asuma quickly ushered the others out of the small hospital room leaving only Shikamaru and Zoro with Kakashi.

"Zoro, it has been a while." Kakashi said.

The swordsman turned to the masked ninja. "Yeah." Zoro said.

Shikamaru stood back as he could feel the murderous intent grow in the room.

"Yamato told me everything that happened." Kakashi said. "What had gone down with Sai, Orochimaru, Kabuto, and you."

Zoro didn't react at all.

'What?' Shikamaru thought. He had read that report up and down. The only thing that Zoro did out of line was fight Sasuke after he was ordered not to. Surely Kakashi, a veteran ninja, wouldn't harbor fleeting feeling for a traitor even in Sasuke's situation. Kakashi and Zoro stared at each other.

"You endangered my student." Kakashi said voice low.

"It had to be done." Zoro said no remorse in his voice. "Left rampaging like that, he would have gone on to kill another one of yours."

"Yamato could of…."

"If you know everything that happened, you would know where Yamato was." Zoro said cutting off Kakashi.

"Zoro…" Kakashi began to force himself to get out of his bed.

"Enough, Kakashi." Asuma said returning to the room. "Shikamaru, the others are at the usual place. Take Zoro with you and join them. From there you and Zoro will have time to do what you need to." Shikamaru nodded while Zoro kept his eye on Kakashi before he left the room followed by the confused shadow ninja.

"Kakashi…" Asuma said.

"I know Asuma." Kakashi said solemnly. "I let my emotions get the better of me." The copy ninja lay back down.

Asuma silently wished he had a cigarette on him. If Kakashi was any healthier the hospital would have become a battlefield."From Sakura's report even if she didn't see the end, we know Zoro didn't go after Naruto just to kill him."

Kakashi remained quiet. The thought of losing his student, his sensei's son really got to him. "I'll talk to him later, once ya'll get back from you mission." Kakashi said. Asuma nodded leaving the copy ninja to himself.

*Later Yakiniku Q*

Shikamaru sighed. This whole situation was troublesome. Naruto, Sai, and Sakura sat on one side of the long table while Zoro, Ino, and Shikamaru sat on the other. Chouji sat at the head of the table. Sakura and Ino talked silently amongst themselves, Chouji blissfully ate, the animosity that filled the room didn't faze him one bit. Zoro still watched Sai waiting on him to make one wrong move. Sai sat on the other side returning the stare.

"S-So, You and Shikamaru are teaming up now?" Naruto said trying to defuse the tense situation.

Zoro slightly nodded. Naruto looked on and let out a defeated sigh.

"So he was cooperating…" Ino said to Sakura in a low tone, a little shocked learning Sai's true intentions.

"Yeah." Sakura replied in a similar hushed tone. "Naruto accepted Sai instantly after he tried to help us capture Sasuke, but Zoro wasn't with us at the time…"

"Was he..?" Ino said.

"Yep he was lost." Sakura said.

The two girls sighed. Shikamaru felt animosity dissipate from his blonde teammate and only Zoro's negative aura remained in the room. He looked around the restaurant, looking for a person that could help this situation. Outside the door he spotted Tenten walking with Neji and a battered Lee and Kiba. Shikamaru ran outside and grabbed the weapon girl.

"Hey watch it!" Tenten yelled.

"I need your help." Shikamaru said.

Tenten looked at the shadow ninja confused. Shikamaru looked back into the restaurant. Tenten followed his eyes. She saw Zoro and Sai staring at each other while the other's sat uncomfortably around them and Chouji in his own little world. Tenten face contorted into a devious smile. She walked into the room and sat by Zoro.

"Hey guys." Tenten greeted. Everyone returned the greeting. Tenten stared at Zoro. His eyes were still locked on Sai who every now and then broke his own monotone stare to smile at the swordsman.

"Has Zoro told you of his time in the mist?" Tenten asked.

Zoro visibly flinched.

"Yeah he fought…" Naruto started.

Tenten wagged her fingers. "Not that one, about his first time in the mist." The devious smile returned to the girl.

Zoro visibly shutters. "Oi Tenten!" Zoro said turning to the girl.

All attention was now on Tenten; even Chouji stopped eating to look at the girl.

"The Mizukage Mei Terumi commissioned the Iron to help out with a border dispute. The Mizukage herself showed up at the summit in land of Iron with her diplomats to resolve the situation. Assassins struck at the Mizukage and before her own guards, what remains of the swordsmen of the mist, could act Zoro had dispatched the assassins."

Zoro grabbed Tenten and placed his hands over her mouth.

"And that's the end!" Zoro yelled as he started to back out of the room with the weapons girl.

"But it's not." Sai said as he looked up appearing to try to remember the rest of the story. "She was very grateful and gave you a "commendation"." Sai said giving air quotes on the last word. "This "commendation" was really just an invitation to leave the Leaf and join the Mist to become her consort."

Zoro hands dropped to his side as he looked on in defeat.

"So the Mist interest in you…" Naruto started.

"Isn't for your swordplay…" Sakura continued.

"But because some old woman likes you…" Ino finished.

After a couple of seconds the room erupted into laughter.

"Hey look look!" Naruto transformed into Zoro. "I'm Roronoa Zoro, the swordsman of love!" Naruto said as he blew a kiss, which caused the room to once again explode into laughter.

"Naruto….." Zoro said as he appeared behind Naruto, Wado in hand.

"Zoro….." Ino said from behind the swordsman. Zoro looked back at the girl, fire burned behind her."Why didn't you tell me about that?"

"It wasn't important." Zoro said as he began to turn his attention back to Naruto.

"So did you consider it at all?" Ino said.

"N-no." Zoro said. "It shouldn't concern you anyhow."

Ino turned red. "Shouldn't concern me!?" She shouted.

Shikamaru looked around everyone had started to enjoy themselves. He wished every day could be like this, no worries and care free. He knew that there was no way this could happen. Shikamaru stood up. Zoro stopped arguing with Ino. He knew what that symbolized. The two walked out of the room. Preparation for their mission started now.

*Sometime Later – Bounty station*

Tiny clouds dotted the endless blue sky, the fresh air blew through his cloak. But that didn't seem to help at all. Hidan sniffed his cloak.

"I only spent five minutes in that shithole and my cloak still reeks." He complained. He made a mental note to wash is cloak thoroughly. He heard something coming up behind him.

"Finally. It took you long eno-" Before him stood a Leaf ninja.

No words were spoken, the assailant let loose a barrage of shurikens. Not wasting a moment Hidan yanked the rope that was attached to his scythe and whipped the weapon around deflected all of the shurikens. With a flick of his wrist he sent the weapon towards his attacker who deftly dodged the attack. As if the dodge was a signal two more jumped out at Hidan, one on each side, weapons raised. Hidan instinctively tried to dodge when he realized he couldn't move. His eyes shifted to an adjacent roof to see another leaf ninja binding him. The ninja binding him said something he couldn't hear. Then he was pierced on each side.

'What is this?' Hidan thought as he looked at his attackers. "That hurt, damn it." Hidan stated as he watched the looks of his attackers shift from cold aggression to a look of shock. "What's your problem?"

"What!? We aimed for his vitals" The ninja with the bandage on his face said as he pushed, pulled, and twisted his weapon.

"Don't grind it in so hard, it hurts!" Hidan complained.

"What is this." The green haired one said. "Is he invulnerable?"

"Now you get it." Hidan replied as his opponents finally realized his power. "Who are you guys?" Hidan looked at his attackers and his eyes shifted to the initial one. The sash on his belt caught his eye. "Really now…." He said as he chuckled to himself. "This stinks… This means I have to go back to that stink hole of a bounty station…."

This gained a reaction from the man. "We are Ninjas from Konoha!" The man declared. "We came to stop and wipe out you Akatsuki bastards! You Akatsuki move in two man teams, but we planned to deal with one of you first then the other, but you obviously possess great skills…"

Hidan chuckled at the Leaf ninja's statement. "Looks like you went after the wrong guy."

"Where's the other guy?" Asuma asked. Hidan eyes shifted to the man on the roof as Kakuzu appeared behind him. He watched as his "jailer" dodged a blow from Kakuzu causing the binding to wear off.

'Shikamaru!' Asuma thought as he moved himself between his student and his attacker. "Kotetsu! Zoro! Get back!"

Kotetsu left his weapon as Zoro pulled his sword out and joined up with Shikamaru and Asuma.

"Zoro's here too…." The new enemy said. "Right in the middle of things surprising bounties came looking for you, Hidan. "

"Kakuzu, don't interfere." Hidan replied. "These guys will be my ceremonial offerings. You just handle the money." Hidan started to form a symbol on the ground beneath him.

"If that's the case, I guess it's fine." Kakuzu said. "Just don't let your guard down or you'll die."

"Why are you telling me that?" Hidan said with a chuckle. "If they can kill me, I want them to kill me! Hmmm, impossible, isn't it!"

'Maybe he's really an invulnerable enemy.' Zoro thought as a smile crossed his face. Every member of this group was an interesting opponent.

"I'll charge at him..." Before Asuma could finish his statement Zoro had drawn his Wado and Rettenjo and rushed at Hidan. "Zoro, Stop! These guys are way stronger than I am! You don't stand a chance!"

Hidan pulled out Kotetsu's weapon from his chest and tossed it at the rushing Zoro. Zoro deflected the half-baked attack only to be met with a flying scythe. Zoro lowered his body and let the attack soar harmlessly over him as he continued his mad dash. Once reaching Hidan, Zoro lead off with a rising slash. Hidan just smiled as he dodged the blade. Pulling on the metal rope the scythe came rushing back towards the two fighters. Once again Zoro deflected the blow with one sword and attacked with the other.

"Stop that, damn it!" Hidan yelled as he dodged the blow.

Hidan quickly reached into his cloak and pulled out a small black cylinder. Thrusting it at Zoro, the weapon began to extent much to the surprise of the green haired swordsman. He quickly brought his sword up and guided the weapon away from his body. Hidan pulled back and thrust the weapon again and Zoro brought both of his swords in front of him and blocked the blow sent him sliding back. Hidan seeing this as an opening tugged on the metal rope once again and brought his oversized weapon to his hand. Dropping the extended spear, he gripped it with both hands. Hidan brought the three bladed scythe down onto his still sliding opponent.

'Surely this should be enough.' Hidan thought as his weapon came down. Zoro looked up at the weapon he prepared to defend the attack but his body didn't want to react.

'What is this?!' Zoro thought as he watched the scythe come down. Against his will his body jumped backwards as the weapon came down.

"That was too close…." Shikamaru said as he gave Zoro back control of his body.

"Tsk…" Hidan said as he yanked his weapon out of the ground.

"Zoro, be wary of his attacks." Shikamaru said. "He isn't going for any killing blows, He seems to just want make contact. I don't know what he's up to but you should avoid getting hit at all cost. Try to dodge and not parry as much."

An annoyed Zoro looked back at the shadow user before locking eyes with Hidan again.

"I'll continue to support you from range." Shikamaru said.

Asuma stood by. After a few words from Shikamaru, Zoro simply started to fight the one called Hidan again. As the two continued to go blow for blow, Zoro seemed to be keeping Hidan at a little more distance that when they first clashed. The smoker let out a sigh.

'Zoro seems to be handling this situation better than I thought he would.' He thought as the two continued to skillfully dodge each other blows. Asuma's attention turned to the other member of the Akatsuki. He simply watched the fight with no intentions of interfering it seemed. This was his chance it seemed. As he began to plan his attack.

"This is pointless, damn it!" Hidan yelled catching everyone off guard. He pointed his scythe at Zoro.

"What's wrong, nothing going as planned?" Zoro taunted as he held his stance.

"I can see why Kisame wants you for himself." Hidan said. "You two are one in the same. That bastard doesn't want to fight me head on either. Oi Kakuzu, switch!"

"Oh Hidan, admitting defeat?" Kakuzu said.

"Shut up!" Hidan yelled. "Just switch with me damn it. I'll take on his supporter." Hidan stared at Shikamaru.

Wasting no time Hidan rushed past Zoro straight towards the shadow ninja. Zoro turned to give chase when his danger sense went off. He looked up to see Hidan's masked partner coming towards him with fist raised. Zoro barely had time to jump back. He didn't have time to worry about his new attacker he had to save Shikamaru.

"Sanbyakuro…!" Before he could even finish Kakuzu had grabbed his arm.

"I'm your opponent now Roronoa." Kakuzu said as he slammed Zoro to the ground. Ignoring the pain he was in he looked past Kakuzu to see Hidan blow being parried by Asuma. Not having to worry about the Shikamaru anymore, he focused on his new opponent.

"Tatsu Maki!"

Kakuzu quickly jumped back to avoid the localized tornado. "I'm starting to see how someone so young can rack up such a high bounty." The masked ninja said as he eyed his opponent. Zoro quickly placed the Wado in his mouth and drew his black blade.

"Oh giving me a little bit more respect than that fool over there, smart man." Kakuzu said as he cracked his fists. "I don't have to worry about setting up for my fighting style like he does!"

On those words Kakuzu rushed Zoro. Zoro started to dodge the barrage of blows that the fallen ninja from the waterfall rained down on him.

'What is this?' Kakuzu thought. 'This boy is dodging my strikes with minimal effort. He bears no bloodline limit.' While he pondered on that Zoro planted his foot,

"Nigiri Toro!" Zoro yelled wasting no time to attack.

Kakuzu's eyes widened as he bent backwards to dodge the two projectiles. Zoro pressed the attack not giving Kakuzu time to resume his barrage. Kakuzu bobbed and weaved Zoro's attacks returning Zoro's previous gestures. Kakuzu jumped into the air to escape the charging swordsman and Zoro when to chase him when. Zoro saw him put his closed fist forward. Zoro looked on a little confused. The sound of something coming undone filled the immediate area. Soon after Kakuzu his fist raced forward leaving a trail greyish tendrils. Zoro's eyes widened as the attack hit him square in the stomach sending him crashing to the ground once more. Zoro quickly picked himself up and had a sinister smile on his face.

"Oh, the shock wore off a little faster than I expected." Kakuzu said as he landed.

"Should I be surprised?" Zoro said as he rushed once again. Kakuzu's brow furrowed as he sent his fist racing towards Zoro again. Zoro weaved past the blow with surprising ease. Seeing this Kakuzu tried to recall his fists, Zoro sliced at the greyish tendrils severing them from his body, but as quick as he cut them more would extend from his opened arm to reattach to the detached part. This was the opening he needed. In the blink of an eye he appeared behind Kakuzu

"Oni Giri!" He yelled as three slash wounds appeared on Kakuzu's body. "My captain has a similar ability."

As Zoro looked back blood didn't flow from his wounds but more grey tendrils. The tendrils shot forth at Zoro, a couple pierced his body before he turned and began to deflect and parry them. More and more began to appear from Kakuzu's body. Before long they began to overtake him and once again he lost control of his body. As Zoro fought the obvious control of the shadow ninja shadowy whips shot out for the ground and parried the blows as he retreated.

"Shikamaru let me go!" Zoro protested as he retreated from the wave of tendrils.

'This is bad.' Shikamaru thought as he continued to jump back. 'There is so much that we don't know about these two.' He looked back at Asuma fighting Hidan with Kotetsu. 'There has to be a way that we can finish this guy off and team up against that other guy.'

"You need to quit that!" Zoro yelled.

"You were clearly in trouble, I told you I was going to support you." Shikamaru said. "We need to analyze what we have seen this guy do and finish him in one blow." Zoro looked at him with surprise. Shikamaru usually wasn't this hot blooded. A blue flame traveled along his swords.

"No, the way your powers act would interfere with me helping you." Shikamaru said. "This enemy seems to know you and what you are capable of, more than that guy over there. We can use this to our advantage."

Kakuzu's tendrils whipped around with anticipation. This kid had gotten him fired up. 'He said that his captain had the same powers.' He thought. 'I'll have to keep him alive long enough to find this guy and take him.' He looked over at the two leaf ninja's talking to each other. They had been like that for nearly a minute. His patience was at its end. As Kakuzu went to attack a cloud of smoke enveloped the two leaf ninjas and Zoro shot out of the cloud swords drawn ready to attack. Kakuzu restarted his attack. Zoro stopped his charge and began to dodge each of the blows.

"What's wrong Roronoa!" Kakuzu called out. "Why are you being so defensive?!" He yelled as he sent forth a concentrated stream of his insides. Zoro held up his swords and spun them deflecting the stream as it came in contact.

Zoro jumped into the air toe get from behind it. He gripped the Shusui tightly before tossing the black blade at an unsuspecting Kakuzu. A tendril slapped the blade away before shooting back at the airborne Zoro.

"Bad move Zoro! Now you're defenseless!" Kakuzu yelled. Zoro went to pull the Wado out of his mouth but he wasn't fast enough. The tendrils pierced his body.

"Heh I guess I went a little overboard." Kakuzu lamented as he looked at the impaled Zoro. "I wanted to ask him about this captain." Before his eyes Zoro smiled slightly before bursting into a cloud of smoke.

"Kagebushin!" Kakuzu yelled.

"I have to hand it to Shikamaru. That was a hell of a plan." Zoro said as he appeared rushing towards Kakuzu as he spun the Shusui and Rettenjo.

"How…!" The old ninja asked eyes wide.

"Deception is not my style but I guess I have to live with this win. Santoryu Ogi: Sanzen Sekai!"

"Mission accomplished." Shikamaru said as he watched Zoro once again Slice through Kakuzu.

"Well done, Zoro…." Kakuzu said. "To think if I wasn't a little more careful you'd killed me more than once."

Shikamaru and Zoro looked at Kakuzu with shock. Kakuzu shot grey tendrils out of his newly created wound. Catching Zoro off guard, the attack pierced his side.

"I can't take the risk of losing any more hearts just to play around with you, Zoro." Kakuzu said as the tendrils withdrew from his body, blood dripping from each of them. Zoro looked on in disgust as is back seemed to bubble from beneath his jacket. A grey mass oozed out from under Kakuzu's jacket and began to take shape. The creature stood up and a white mask appeared from beneath the mass of grey tendrils.

"Hidan were switching again! I have what you need for your stupid ritual for you stupid god." The creature began to travel towards Hidan at a high speed.

"This is bad. This must be why Hidan was just trying to make contact, to draw blood!" Shikamaru said. "Zoro! I don't know what will happen but stop that creature from reaching his partner!"

Shikamaru hasn't lead him wrong yet so he nodded and rushed after the creature.

"Like I'd let you escape so easily!" Kakuzu yelled as he started to send tendrils after Zoro. His attack was halted before it even got close.

"The problem with having so many projections from your body is that it makes my jutsu easier to complete." Shikamaru said as he struggled to keep a hold of the jutsu. Zoro looked back.

"Asuma! Kotetsu! Help Shikamaru!" The swordsman yelled as he continued his pursuit. "Sanbyakurokuju Pound Ho!" Zoro yelled as he unleashed the air slash at his target.

The creature contorted its body, blood still dripping from multiple tendrils. Asuma leashed a barrage of fireballs as he and Kotetsu rushed past Zoro. The wide range attack was able to take out part of the beast but there were still a couple of tendrils with Zoro's blood on it. That beast would just continue to warp his body so Zoro lowered himself and rushed past the beast to the waiting Hidan. Hidan wore a smile on his face as he prepared for Zoro's arrival. Zoro lead with a rising slash that Hidan simply dodged. Zoro grew a little frustrated as he could feel the beast getting closer.

"It's almost time, Zoro." Hidan taunted. "I'll make sure to break the news to our common friend that you died screaming in pain!" Zoro watched as the black mass appeared behind Hidan. Zoro began to act when suddenly.

"Katon: Haisekisho!" Asuma yelled from above the two blanketing them with ash. "Zoro, get out of there!"

Not soon after Zoro and Hidan shot out of the ash cloud as Asuma sent a kunai with an explosive tag into the cloud to where he thought the black creature was. The cloud soon burst into a raging fireball. Asuma silently cursed. He didn't want to warn Hidan, but he knew that Zoro didn't know all of his techniques. At least he took out that creature, now he and Zoro could double team Hidan while Kotetsu and a bushin kept his partner busy. While he was thinking of a plan, Hidan's scythe came flying out of the raging flames. Asuma was taken by surprise and his face was singed as the scythe made contact with his cheek. Zoro and Asuma turned their attention Hidan who quickly called the scythe back and was standing in his newly created symbol. Zoro once again made his way towards Hidan.

The immortal Akatsuki member's skin began to turn black and white. Zoro took note but continued on and he was joined by Asuma in his charge. Zoro raised his blade and Hidan greeted him with a huge smile and with no intention of dodging this time. Zoro raised his blade and sliced Hidan across his chest. Shikamaru watched as Hidan smile never dropped instead it twisted into a look of ecstasy, but in his stead Asuma let out a grunt of pain clenching his chest. Shikamaru watched as a wound formed on Asuma's chest in the same spot and size as Zoro left on Hidan. Zoro began to attack again.

"Stop, Zoro!" Shikamaru yelled as his mind continued to process all of the information.

Zoro stopped mid slash.

"Your last slash affected Asuma!" Shikamaru yelled. "That must be his power! His injuries affect others!"

Hidan once again pulled his collapsible rod from his cloak and aimed it at his leg. Zoro quickly cut the rod to Hidan's hand then kicked Hidan in the chest causing him to slide backwards.

Asuma clutched his chest.

Hidan quickly fixed the slide marks that had broken his sacred symbol and stood back on it. Zoro quickly attacked Hidan with the broad side of the blade to Hidan's face. Hidan smile contorted a bit as the sheer force of the blow affected him. Asuma dropped to on knee as blood began dripping from his nose. Zoro looked back to see Shikamaru rushing towards Asuma to check on him. None of his attacks seemed to hurt Hidan as he was once again looked at Zoro with a sadistic smile.

'This is getting me nowhere.' Zoro thought as he ceased his attacks not wishing to inflict no more harm to Asuma. Seeing Zoro rethink his actions, Hidan wasted no time and aimed his scythe at his gut. Zoro quickly brought the Shusui up to block the blow. As if waiting for this opening multiple tendrils shot out of the ground piercing Zoro in his abdomen. Hidan quickly pulled out on of the tendrils and licked the blood off of it. Hidan raised his scythe.

"Wonder how much of a swordsman you can be with one arm!" Hidan held out his arm and began to bring it down.

"Stop him!" Shikamaru yelled. Zoro quickly protected Hidan from himself. Another tendril shot out from the ground through Hidan and into Zoro. Zoro grimaced as he felt two puncture wounds in his body and began to see the big picture. Hidan once again tried to attack himself. Zoro once again blocked it with the Shusui. As if following a script, multiple tendrils shot out of the ground some grabbing his arm keeping him from using the Rettenjo and others impaling Hidan along with Zoro. Asuma rushed over to try and help Zoro but an arm grabbed him from behind. Asuma turned to see Kakuzu holding Kotetsu in one hand and the other extended to grab a hold on him.

'Zoro!' Asuma cried out in his mind as he watched the brutal torture continue. Hidan looked on in ecstasy as he felt the resistance Zoro was putting up begin to weaken.

"I guess it's over now Zoro." Hidan said as he positioned his scythe for the killing blow. As he brought it down the familiar feeling of non-control filled his body. He looked to see Shikamaru once again binding him from Zoro's shadow.

"Bitch, I should have killed you first." Hidan cursed as he helplessly watched as Shikamaru forced him to cut the tendril binding Zoro's arm. Shadowy tendrils extended from behind Hidan deflecting Kakuzu's beasts attack.

"Zoro." Shikamaru said as calmly as he could. "I'm going to release both of you. I want you to finish this."

"Hah! In that condition!" Hidan yelled. "He'll be lucky to even raise a sword."

Shikamaru let out a breath. He forced Zoro and Hidan to drop their weapons. The scythe planted itself in the ground beside Hidan and all three of Zoro's swords fell flat onto the ground.

"One….Two….." Shikamaru counted down. Hidan eyed his weapon clearly he would reach it before Zoro could pick up even one of his swords. His ally set him up for his death!

"Three!" The jutsu dispelled freeing the two. Before fully retracting, Shikamaru grabbed the Shusui with one of his shadow tendrils and tossed it up. But by then Hidan had his scythe. He quickly sent the three blades through his own stomach.

"It's over Zoro." Hidan watched as Zoro caught the blade like nothing happened. He looked at his body to see it had once again returned to its fairer complexion. He looked further down to see his feet had destroyed the symbol. That shadow user had kept him so distracted that he didn't even notice. Before he could even make a reply Zoro unleashed his attack.

"Daishinkan!" Zoro yelled slicing the ninja in half scythe and all. The two halves fell to the ground. Hidan's eyes fixed on Zoro.

"He's still alive." Zoro said. "We won't have to worry about him for now. Let's take out the other one." Shikamaru said as he and Zoro turned to Kakuzu. The masked ninja saw the development. His beast gathered Hidan's halves and began to stitch them together.

"Come on Hidan. This is going to take significantly longer than if you just loss your head." Kakuzu tossed the Asuma and Kotetsu to the side. He called his beast to his side. He looked on as Zoro and Shikamaru rushed to the sides of their allies. Kakuzu cracked his knuckles. Zoro was looking worse for wear and He could just release more of his beast and….

"We're going to seal the three tails, hurry up and get back here." A voice rang in Kakuzu's head. He looked at the two bounties that where in his grasp. He couldn't risk making him mad plus he had Hidan to tend to. He took one final look at the group before disappearing in a cloud of smoke leaving the leaf ninjas alone.

Asuma touched the wound on his chest and then to his clearly broken nose. The scar didn't hurt and his nose just bothered him, it was the lingering feeling in his heart that got to him. He couldn't shake the feeling that he wasn't meant to make it out of that fight alive.

"Zoro, how do you feel?" He asked the swordsman trying to push that thought out of his head.

"Never better." Zoro said. As he picked up and sheathe his swords. Asuma looked at him with a stern gaze. Blood seeped through the holes of his kimono top and his skin was beginning to lose its color. Shikamaru was beginning to object but Asuma held up his hand.

"We need to hurry back to Konoha and report this." Asuma said. He continued to eye Zoro. To be walking around after fighting two members of the Akatsuki with those injuries. It was obvious Zoro was in dire straits but the more they stood here talking about it, the more danger he would be in. It was his turn to protect the swordsman.

'If Zoro truly wanted to he could have killed me and avoided injury.' Asuma thought back to the last exchange between Hidan and Zoro. 'I can see why Kurenai holds him in such high regard.' The group started the trip back to Konoha.

"Can you hurry up, Kakuzu?!" Hidan complained as his partner continued to stitch him back together."If we hurry we can catch those asses."

"No, we've been summoned." Kakuzu said. "We'll have to wait till we seal the three tails before we do anything. Plus Konoha is where he nine tails is. Itachi is assigned that one."

"Who cares!" Hidan said. "I'm going to enjoy killing all of them slowly."

Kakuzu silently agreed. He wanted to kill Zoro to satisfy his own rage. The boy managed to kill him once. He would take Zoro's heart to replace the one he destroyed.

*Somewhere Else*

Chouji couldn't believe it. He was going to get the chance to see something he knew was going to be awesome. He had to hide his excitement. The situation was serious. He looked back at his teammates. Raido, Aoba, and Ino all had serious looks on their faces.

"Slow down Chouji." Raido ordered. "I know you're in a hurry to get to the others but we can't jump into that area without knowing the situation."

"Y-yes!" Chouji said as he fell back in line.

As they rushed through the forest the trees began to thin, the group sped up. As they entered the clearing they were met with an unexpected sight. Two masked ANBU ninja investigating the area. They all looked at the former battlefield. Scorch marks, slash marks, and disturbed earth decorated the area.

"What's going on?" Raido asked expecting a heated battle.

"The fight is over." One of the ANBU said. "Asuma and his team are on their way back to Konoha."

"Did they win?" Ino asked.

"You could say." The ANBU said scratching his head."It would be correct if you said forced to retreat. The ones they fought seemed to be immortal."

"Immortal!?" Chouji said. "Yeah, seems whoever was pulling the strings called them back." The ANBU said. "You should return to Konoha."

Raido nodded. "Yeah…. We were sent here to provide them backup and they're gone. Return to Konoha!" And with that the group disappeared.

"Why didn't you tell them of the state of Roronoa? There's a good chance he'll be dead by the time they get there." The second ANBU said breaking his silence.

"What's the point?" The first one answered. "He wouldn't die from that. If he did, Danzo's interest in him would be misplaced."

*Later Tsunade's Office"

"So that's the situation." Tsunade said. Standing In front of her was the members of Asuma's team minus one."Shizune is still tending to Zoro. I might have to go there myself if his condition worsens."

"Yeah, the overall mission wasn't complete though." Asuma said as guilt was written on his face. "Shikamaru and Zoro was able do "disable" one of them, but it seems like his partner is fully capable of putting him back together."

"Don't worry about the mission." Tsunade said. "You were all able to make it back alive. We have valuable information on two of their members. We can consider this mission a success."

Asuma gripped his fist. 'At what cost?' He thought

*Flashback – Gates of Konoha.*

The team reached the gates without incident. "Hey guys!" Asuma looked back to see Ino and Chouji running towards them.

"Man I never thought we'd catch up with you guys." Chouji said. The rest of the group stopped Zoro continued to walk forward. As he approached the guards a look of surprise and horror filled there face.

"Oh Zoro!" One of the guards cried out. "You're injured."

"This is nothing." Zoro said as he walked past the guard. Ino walked up to Zoro and the color drained from her face. His haramaki was stained red with his blood.

She grabbed him. "This isn't nothing!"

*End Flashback*

*Konoha Hospital - several days later*

Kurenai took a deep breath as she stood outside of Zoro's hospital room. Once again Anko blamed her for the swordsman's injury. The hate that Anko held for her was more apparent than she had ever seen before. But Anko was right in her anger. She was overjoyed when Asuma returned to her, but her heart sunk when he told her the state of her student. If she didn't make that request, maybe it would have been Asuma laying there with his life on the line or worse. Shizune walked out of the room and made eye contact with Kurenai.

"Is he awake yet?" Kurenai asked.

"No." Shizune replied wiping the sweat from her brow. As soon as he was admitted, she placed Zoro in a state of deep sleep while he recovered. She had stopped his bleeding and healed his internal wounds but he had lost a lot of blood. Even it was close to a week since the fight, his life was still on the line. "He's healing but slower than normal." Shizune continued. "Our techniques seem to be lessening in their effects and becoming more dangerous for those who heal him. A lot of medics that first tried to heal Zoro have been seriously weakened and suffer from a case of chakra deficiency. Tsunade has called Zoro's chakra a 'Malignant Chakra'."

"Malignant… Chakra?" Kurenai said a little taken back.

"Yes, he's becoming resistant to a lot of chakra healing techniques. Plus basic genjutsu that force people to a sleeping or knockout state have little to know effect on him now. I had to use a poison to put him in that state." Shizune let out a deep sigh. "It's getting so bad that if we want to do anything relating healing that's chakra based, it has to be either me or Tsunade. Anyone else might be "infected" by his chakra. We don't want to risk anyone else."

"Will he pull through?" Kurenai asked trying to absorb that information.

Shizune looked back in the room. "Only time will tell." She said. She bowed to Kurenai and walked away. Left alone, Kurenai entered the hospital room. True to her word, Zoro was still asleep. Kurenai secretly hoped that the swordsman was awake. She wanted to thank him. Swords carefully placed in a corner, bandana set on the table, the green haired swordsman laid in the bed eyes closed. Anko and Ino turned towards the open door.

"Hello Kurenai-sensei." Ino greeted as Anko just ignored her.

"Stupid swordsman." Anko said. "As soon as you get better, I'm going to send you back here."

"He has to get better." Kurenai said. "There still stuff I have to say to him, and he still haven't completed his goal."

"Still for this much security." Anko said as she looked at the two ANBU standing guard.

"There is intel saying that the two Akatsuki that they fought are heading this way." Kurenai said. "After the incident with the Kazekage, they added security to all potential targets."

"Target…" Ino said. The two older women looked down at the girl. She had been at his side since the day he was admitted. Silently she cursed herself. Tsunade sent her and her group to support Asuma's team. If they had been a little faster maybe it wouldn't have ended up like this.

"I have to go." Ino said she stood up and walked out of the room.

"Heh, she's trying to keep strong." Anko said. "I guess I'll stay here and watch over him."

"Mind if I join you." Kurenai asked.

"If you must." Anko said indifferently.

*Konoha Gates*

Ino stood alone at the gates. In her hand was something she had taken. She had to take it. She would use something of his to get revenge against those who put him in that state. She looked down at the white sheath and the white hilt of the Wado Ichimonji, the sword that Zoro treasured more than the other two.

"What can you do alone?" She turned to see who it was. Shikamaru stood with Chouji and Asuma.

"You guys." She said.

"I have a debt to pay." Asuma said. "Zoro saved my life. The only fair thing to do is to pay those guys back for the pain they caused us."

"No." They turned to see the imposing figure of Tsunade standing behind them. "Asuma, you're still injured. I won't let a crippled four man squad go after those two."

"Then allow me to join them." Kakashi said. "Kakashi! I thought you were training Naruto." Tsunade said.

"When I heard what had happened it was a matter of time before someone went after them." Kakashi said calmly. "Also it was the only way that I could get Naruto to concentrate on finishing his technique. I'm no use to him now anyway."

"Fine do what you want." Tsunade said giving up.

Asuma smiled. "Thanks Kakashi." And the group took off.

"I didn't expect to have a fifth, and that person be Kakashi." Shikamaru said. "I'm going to have to rethink my strategies." He said.

"Shikamaru, who was the one who injured Asuma-sensei and Zoro…"

"The one with the scythe…. Hidan. It's going to take a couple of us to…"

"I'll take him." Ino said as she gripped the Wado.

"Ino, there is no way you could stand up to…"

"Then think up a way!" Ino said interrupting Shikamaru. "He's always helping others! I want to return the favor!" Shikamaru was taken aback by the declaration.

"I was going to take him out, but I guess you can do it." Shikamaru said. "But I'll be there to back you up." Ino silently nodded and the group continued on their way.

*Later*

Hidan and Kakuzu fresh from sealing the three tails were making their way to Konoha. Hidan anger slowly reaching critical levels. As expected, Kisame enjoyed the story of how he had gotten that scar. His toothy grin sealed Zoro's fate. He was going to sacrifice Zoro to his god and bring his head to Kisame. Hidan touched the scar that ran the length his body. Zoro would be sacrificed for sure.

"Hidan..." Kakuzu said breaking his train of thought.

"Yeah…." Hidan replied as he began to sense the people gathered around them. Both of the Akatsuki members jumped as a shadow lashed out from the underbrush. As soon as they landed two kunai came soaring towards them with explosive tags on them. Hidan quickly pulled out the metal rope connected to his scythe and Kakuzu held up his hand as the tags exploded. Hidan came rushing out of the cloud of smoke.

"Kakuzu!" Hidan yelled.

"I reinforced my arm, I didn't get injured." Kakuzu said calmly. "More importantly watch the shadows." In unison they jumped back as a shadow jumped towards them. "

Hah!" Hidan yelled. "Don't think the same trick's gonna work every time."

"Hidan look up!" Kakuzu warned. Instinctively following Kakuzu's order he saw Asuma in midair both knives pulled back. He tossed the knives both with explosive tags attached to them.

"More explosive tags! Hidan, dodge it!" He ordered. Both of the fallen ninja's began to dodge the attack but to their surprise the knives fell in front of them. '

It's not exploding!?' Hidan thought.

Asuma then looked up at them with a smile on his face.

"He got us…" Kakuzu said.

"Shikamaru's plan succeeded." Asuma said.

"Bastard…. How did you even do that!?" Hidan yelled. "Shikamaru poured his chakra into that seal, and it became the origin of his jutsu. His plan was for me to aim for your shadows." Asuma said as Shikamaru walked out and joined his teacher.

"Kagemane Shuriken no Jutsu."

Frozen in place, Hidan's eyes darted to his partner. "What the hell are you doing!?" He complained. "Getting caught like that too, Kakuzu! To be blunt, isn't this bad."

"Bad?" Shikamaru said as his shadow extended towards Hidan and Asuma walked beside it. "According to my calculations the moment you were captured according to my procedure, it was over." His shadow connected to Hidan.

"…bastard." Hidan cursed. Asuma pulled his blade out of the ground.

"This time, we're not going to mistake the order of attack." Shikamaru forced Hidan to draw grab his scythe and Asuma took a stance.

"No matter what happens to me, I'll kill you!" Hidan yelled.

"You're stupid aren't you…" Shikamaru said as Asuma rushed Kakuzu and he forced Hidan to assist him.

"Kakuzu…. Dodge!" Hidan warned as he slashed his scythe at Kakuzu.

Before the scythe could cut him a hand shot out of the ground grabbing the chakra blade and tag freeing Kakuzu. Now free Kakuzu ducked beneath Hidan's attack. Asuma quickly tried to follow up with a slice from his chakra blade. Kakuzu deflected the attack and kicked Asuma away from him. As he slid back Asuma tried to trap the free hand with his blade. The hand used its tentacles to deflect the blow and continued its way to Kakuzu.

'Tch. I showed them too much.' Kakuzu said as he began to reattach his arm. Hidan rushed towards Kakuzu not giving him the chance to properly attach it. Kakuzu jumped back dodging each of Hidan's wild slashes.

"Damn! My body…" Hidan complained. "Kakuzu do something!" He continued to jump back till he ran into a tree.

"Now Chouji!" Shikamaru said. Chouji appeared above them.

"Nikudan Hari Sensha!" Chouji called out as he launched himself at the two. On contact he shattered the ground around Hidan and Kakuzu. Chouji shot out of the ground and joined Asuma and Shikamaru.

When the dust settled, Kakuzu appeared unharmed. Shikamaru glared at Kakuzu."He appears to have another Jutsu. He can harden his body." "That's right, no physical attack will work against me." Kakuzu said.

"That's not true. When you fought Zoro, you clearly avoided his attacks." Shikamaru said.

Kakuzu narrowed his eyes. "Well…!" Before he had a chance to reply the tree he was standing before exploded and a hand appeared in his chest cloaked in lightning. "From behind? Without me sensing you at all..."

"Your jutsu to harden your body is earth element." Kakashi said.

"You saw through the speed of my seals?" Kakuzu asked.

"Against a lightning element attack of this degree, your earth is weak against lightning." Kakashi said not answering Kakuzu." He pulled out his hand and began to thrust again.

Kakuzu cursed his luck. He quickly kicked Kakashi through the hole he created.

"Were we able to get him?" Asuma asked. Kakashi pulled himself up.

"I don't think so." He said as he examined his hand. "His heart wasn't where it was supposed to be."

"You think I'd be that careless after what you and that swordsman did to me." Kakuzu said as he threw off his jacket revealing stitches all over his body. And on his back were three masks. Shikamaru and Asuma instantly recognized one of them.

"To think he really was hiding those creatures in his body." Asuma said as the three Mask shot out of Kakuzu's back.

Shikamaru's shadow withdrew from Hidan. 'I'm at my limit too.' He thought.

"Wh… What is this?!" Chouji said. "Why didn't he die?"

"Who knows… but with these guys, I'm not surprised by the little stuff anymore." Shikamaru replied. Hidan cracked his neck.

"I can finally move." He said as a sinister smile formed on his face.

'Those are the beast Asuma spoke of.' Kakashi thought. 'He said there was only one.'

"Let's kill them Kakuzu!" Hidan yelled as Kakuzu's three beasts finished forming behind him. "Jashin-sama, Please watch me! I'm gonna go all out! Seriously, I'm gonna drag out there innards!"

"Shikamaru, Ino should be done setting everything up to your specifications." Asuma said as he stared down there enemies. "We can't afford letting them start there teamwork. They work together to well. Do you think you can force your Kagemane to last till you get to the designated area?"

Shikamaru nodded. He slowly took his stance and sent his shadow at the five opponents. They all jumped out of the way. Asuma appeared before Hidan. Hidan took a wide swipe with his scythe that Asuma deftly dodged.

One of masked beast appeared beside Asuma. "Futon: Atsugai!" Kakuzu yelled as the beast released an enormous blast of wind sending Asuma flying.

Another on of the beasts appeared before Chouji and Shikamaru. Chouji expanded his fist and he punched the beast pummeling it into the ground.

Kakashi took Asuma's spot in fighting Hidan. As the clashed one of the beast slithered across the battlefield, Hidan made sure to keep it within reach. As the beast jumped into the air, Kakashi pushed off of Hidan sending him crashing into a nearby tree and him towards the beast. As flame began to form along its mouth, Kakashi quickly formed seals.

"Suiton: Suijinheki!" Kakashi yelled as the beast released his fire technique. Kakashi was cloaked in smoke, Hidan watched closely and from the smoke Shikamaru appeared. Hidan could only look on in shock as the tactician of the group punched him down to the ground and once again trapped Hidan in his signature jutsu. As the smoke started to settle from the clash of Kakashi's and the fire beast's jutsu Shikamaru knew he had to act fast. Shikamaru make Hidan throw his scythe away and he began to run away from the others. No time to react, the other three looked out the corner of their eyes as Shikamaru pulled Hidan away from the battlefield. Now they could focus on Kakuzu and his menagerie.

*Elsewhere*

The two of them had been running for a while. Hidan noticed how fatigued Shikamaru was becoming.

'This is going to be super easy.' Hidan thought. 'I'll leave those guys to Kakuzu and go to Konoha to kill that Swordsman and grab the nine-tails.'

They finally stopped in a lush forest. Hidan moved his eyes and noticed that explosive tags hung all around the place. He didn't care.

Hidan let out a small laugh. "Any retard could figure out your jutsu after seeing it so many times." He said as he began to break free from Shikamaru. "It's almost powerless now, compared to earlier. I can move through it." Hidan pulled out his extendable spear. "And the longer you hold it, the weaker it gets. You're about outta chakra ain't cha?"

Shikamaru fell to one knee. Hidan let out a cackle as he brought down his spear. Ino appeared before Hidan and using the Wado, she deflected the blow away from Shikamaru and into a line filled with explosive tags. She grabbed Shikamaru and jumped to a safe place as the tags exploded. She sat Shikamaru down and went to face Hidan.

"Girl that stung." He said as he stared at the girl. His eyes immediately shot to the blade in her hand. "Oi girl, where is the owner of that sword?" Hidan said.

Ino attacked Hidan with the sword. Hidan blocked the attack without any trouble.

"I'll ask you again. Where is Roronoa Zoro?" Getting tired of her sloppy attack he kicked her in her stomach.

Ino dropped the Wado and was sent flying into a nearby tree.

She let out a small cry. "I won't tell you." Ino said as she continued to eye Hidan with determination in her eyes.

Hidan let out a small sigh. "I guess I'll have to force you to tell me then." Hidan drew back the spear. Ino reached into her pack and pulled out a small doll.

"Really!?" Hidan yelled as he continued his attack. "You're not even worthy to be a sacrifice."

Ino tossed the doll at Hidan and quickly performed the proper seals.

"Shinten Kugutsu Jin no Jutsu!" She yelled.

Hidan's spear grazed the doll.

'Ah I knew it I don't feel anything.' Hidan thought as he watched himself pierce the girl.

But something was off. He seemed to be lying down as he stared at himself and the slumped over girl.

'D-did I transcend and leave my body?' Hidan thought. 'Ah Jashin-sama thank you for this!' He thought as he continues to look on. He watched as the shadow user walk over to him.

"Did it work?" Shikamaru asked.

"Yeah." 'Hidan' said as he threw his spear down.

'What's going on!?' Hidan thought. He watched as his body bent over and lifted his conscious up. His body reached into the girls pack and pulled out a marker and drew something beyond his field of vision.

"There, I should be able to return to my body now without worrying about him returning to his." 'Hidan' said as his conscious was handed to the shadow user.

He watched as his body fell to the ground and the girl slowly stood up.

"Really Shikamaru, to take that technique into account is amazing." Ino said as she walked over to the Wado that was still stuck in the ground.

"It was the best way to deal with someone with an immortal body." Shikamaru said as he revealed a pre dug hole. Shikamaru pushed Hidan's body into the hole.

"Destroying his mind will kill him. There is no way his partner can stitch that back together. Shikamaru sat the doll down.

Once again Hidan was staring down a sword. 'Damn it! I don't care if I have to climb out of hell to do it. I'm going to kill you girl!' As he watched the pure white sword comes down destroying the container for his mind.

*Konoha Hospital hours later*

Ino quietly walked the empty hospital halls. She was bumped and bruised from the battle she had with Hidan. She looked back at how rash she was. She wouldn't have stood a chance against one of them on her own and Hidan traveled with a partner. In her hand she held the Wado. She had to return in and tell Zoro what she had done. She opened the door to his room to see him sitting up in his bed.

"Zoro you're awake." Ino said as a smile formed on her face. "Uhhh, here." She said as she held out the Wado.

Zoro took the blade in his hand. He drew it from it's sheathe and inspected it before he placed it back. "I heard you took care of Hidan." Zoro said. "Good job." He said with a smile on his face.

She instantly turned red. "It was the least I could do." She said as she turned away from the boy. "S-so when are you going to get out of here?" She asked.

"I don't know." Zoro said. "When Shizune woke me up she said that Tsunade wanted to do one more surgery on me, so after that." Ino let out a breath.

"So when you get out we shou-"

"ZORO YOU"RE AWAKE!" Naruto yelled busting into the room and begun to hug Zoro.

"Yeah." Zoro said as he pushed the hyperactive ninja off of him.

"Hey Zoro, I got one of the dudes that put you here!" Naruto said. "With my new jutsu! When you get out I want to show you!" Zoro had that look on his face.

"We haven't really fought yet have we, Naruto." Zoro said. "When I get out, I want to fight you for real." Naruto's face curved into a smile.

"Me too, Zoro." Naruto said. "I want to see how strong you truly are."

"Oi you still owe me a fight!" Kiba yelled as he burst into the room.

"Not before we finish our fight!" Lee said.

Ino let out a sigh as the room began to fill with friends coming to see the awaken Zoro.

*A week later - Late night*

"It's done sir." A masked ninja said.

Danzo walked down the hospital hall. He slowly turned into Zoro room.

"Danzo…" Zoro said in a low voice instantly going on the defensive, sitting up in his bed.

Danzo held his hand up. "I come in peace, Zoro. I just wanted to read my proposition." He said. "So your surgery was a success. Tsunade forced more of your unused chakra coils open. Your Malignant Chakra is still harmful to others in prolonged exposure but others can heal you once again."

Danzo turned his back to Zoro.

"And you are at 100%, totally healthy for the first time in a long time, probably since Tsunade healed you after your fight with Orochimaru so long ago. You know what that means. You fought off those members of the Akatsuki in a weaken state. You are more powerful than ever! I want you to join me and help me fulfill my ambition."

"No." Zoro said.

Danzo turned back to Zoro. "What do you need? Anything that you want I'll give you. Fame, riches, if you want that Yamanaka girl, or maybe that weapon girl you're always hanging around, that Hyuga girl, anything." Danzo said.

Zoro didn't answer he just jumped towards his swords.

Danzo squinted his exposed eye. Zoro quickly drew the Wado. Fu appeared from behind Danzo.

"Shintenshin no Jutsu!" He yelled. Torune grappled Fu from behind as the technique made contact. Now in control of Zoro's body Fu kneeled before Danzo as a body switched Zoro struggled to get free from Torune.

"It didn't have to be like this Zoro." Danzo said as he walked over to Zoro's body and placed his hand on his head. Fu stuck Zoro's tongue out. "I wanted you to join me voluntarily." Danzo said as he performed the hand seals for his special cursed seal. "I'm going to place this seal on you and you will not be able to disobey me." Zoro watched as Danzo placed his hands on his tongue.

Danzo flinched as the seal didn't take hold.

"Funny. I wouldn't have suggested opening more of your chakra paths if I knew this would happen." Danzo said. "Your special chakra remains resistant to seals. I didn't think I'd have to use this on you." Fu laid Zoro's body back on the bed.

ANUB appeared in the room and held Zoro's body down and Fu gave Zoro back control.

"You know your friend Itachi is dead." Danzo said.

Shock filled Zoro's face.

"Killed by his little brother, the boy you promised him you would not to kill." Danzo unwrapped the bandages that covered his right eye and revealed his Sharingan. "I can't have you hanging around here after using this jutsu. Someone might notice. Zoro, you obey only me now." The eye activated Zoro stopped struggling to break free of his captives.

"Danzo-sama, I thought genjutsu had weakened effect on him." Fu said as he stood beside Danzo.

"This Kotoamatsukami I inherited from Shisui is an all-powerful dojutsu. Even with his high resistance he shouldn't be able to fight the power of this Sharingan." Zoro stood there obediently waiting for orders.

"I'm going to have to send you away on a mission."

"Won't they be suspicious of us if Zoro suddenly disappears." Torune said.

"True so let's give them a reason not to suspect us." Danzo said.

*Next Morning.*

Clouds covered the sky, birds didn't sing like they usually do. There was an eerie calm over the road to the Hospital. Even with these dreary conditions, Ino and Tenten walked up to the hospital. Zoro would be getting out soon, and as much as she would like to be the one to pick him up, Tenten was one of the better one. As they approached the hospital the eerie silence remained.

"Something's not right here." Tenten said as they reached the door. As they entered the hospital the sight took their breath way. Bodies was strewn everywhere. Blood was spattered over all the walls. Tenten ran over to one of the bodies.

"What happened here!?" Ino yelled as she looked down the halls at the bodies. 'Did the Akatsuki come for him?!'

"Shusui!" Tenten yelled as she ran to another body.

Ino looked over at the weapon master.

"This one is the Rettenjo, and this one is too!" Tenten said as she went from body to body. "And this one is the Wado!"

"What are you talking about!" Ino said.

"I don't get it..." Tenten said disbelief filled her voice. "These wounds were created by Zoro..."

Ino let out a gasp.

"Zoro!" Tenten said as she ran up to his hospital room with Ino in close pursuit. As they bust into the room there was one nurse hands glowing a pale green as she tried to heal herself. Ino put her hands to her mouth.

"Z z-zoro…." The nurse forced out. "T-t this w-w-w-wasn't….." She looked up at the two girls. "D-d-d...d…" And with that she died.

"I-I have to go get someone." Tenten said fighting back tears.

'This can't be happening!' Tenten thought. Ino looked on the bedpost of the bed. Zoro's black bandana remained on a bed post. She held it close to her heart. She couldn't believe that he could do something like this.

*Forest outside Konoha*

"This is where the trail ends." White Zetsu said as he began to excavate Hidan's inert body.

"I never thought those two would die." Black Zetsu said."Oh well I guess we have to find some new mem…"

"This is the first time we had the chance to talk." White Zetsu said as his black half began to formulate a plan.

And from the shadows emerged Zoro. "Yeah, I've felt your presence but never knew what it was." He said.

"So why would you come to us so exposed." Black Zetsu said. "I don't sense anyone near us."

"I've grown tired of the peace of Konoha." Zoro said. "I want to join the Akatsuki."

Katon: Haisekisho: Fire Style: Burning Ash

Shinten Kugutsu Jin no Jutsu: Mind Transfer Puppet Curse

Suiton: Suijinheki : Water Style: Water Wall

Futon: Atsugai: Wind Style: Pressure Damage

Daishinkan: Great Dragon Shock.

Man a 6 month deployment, transfering, moving into a new house and getting use to a new job. These past months have left me tired. I never intended on letting this story go prone for so long. Well thats in the past! I'm 1/4 done with the next chapter. An annoying main character's dialog is really holding me up. Well I'll see yall again soon. And by soon I mean less than a half a year.

~B.O.X~