**Authors Note:
So when I say this arc will be short I mean it will be really short haha. I've been re-watching it and if it works out how I think it might then Rin will be leaving half-way through the arc anyways.
Or we might skip it all together, do some fillers and then go right into the Itachi pursuit arc.
But let me know what you guys think!
Please enjoy this chapter :)
**
Rin
I had left Shikamaru behind with Sai and Sakura. He was due for a healing session and any injuries I sustained were small and could be healed by my own hand. I could see Kakuzu in the distance, his power at its fullest form. I jumped up moving higher into the trees. I saw Naruto first and activated my Sharingan, his clones were taking Kakuzu from the front approach but I slowed to a stop when I saw the real one.
"What the..." I was at a loss for words, at the jutsu he held in his hand. I could hear it from here, the sound of whistling winds. He made the hit, the chakra erupting in a bright explosion as it tore through Kakuzu. I ducked behind the trunk of a tree as the shockwave followed. I shielded my face trying to focus on the jutsu but even with my Sharingan, it was hard to keep up with.
"Wow" I breathed and pushed my hair back as the wind died down. I looked down at Naruto and jumped down beside him.
"That's really something else Naruto" He glanced up at me as I pushed him to his back.
"R-Rin" He breathed and I grinned.
"The one and only" I replied as I unzipped his jacket. I released a slow breath, calming my nerves as I pressed my hands against his chest.
"Where's Shikamaru?" I glanced at Ino.
"He's fine. Sakura is healing his wounds and they'll be back soon." I said firmly.
"His vitals are fine, but he'll need basic healing to make it back to the village. Then Lady Tsunade can take a look at him and heal him fully" I diagnosed and Ino nodded taking over as I got up.
"Kakashi-Sensei is down that pit" I glanced at Choji before looking behind him at the pit left behind from Naruto's jutsu. I smiled slightly.
"Thanks, Choji" He nodded as I walked past him. I gave a nod of acknowledgment to Jazmine and to Yamato. I kept my pace even until I reached the edge of the pit. I deactivated my Sharingan just as Kakashi finished off Kakuzu. I felt relief rush over me, my heart speeding up when I looked down at him
"Kakashi"
Kakashi
I finished Kakuzu with one last blast from the Chidori. Naruto's Rasenshuriken was impressive and powerful, it left Kakuzu immobilized but somehow he still clung to life. The Chidori was enough to officially end the battle, and it was a relief to have one less Akatsuki member to worry about.
"Kakashi" I heard her voice, clear as a bell, and let my chidori die down as I turned. I nearly fell back as Rin ran into my arms. I felt her hands clench the back of my vest and I circled my arms tightly around her.
"You're okay" We said it at the same time. I chuckled slightly letting her step back a bit but not letting my arms drop from her.
"Where's Shikamaru?"
"He'll be back shortly. Sai and Sakura are with him." She confirmed and I released a breath of relief.
"Good" I replied and pulled her in, just to hold her a little longer.
"We fought well together" She said and I nodded, my chin lightly hitting the top of her head.
"Like old times" I replied.
"Yeah" She agreed and I felt her grip around me tighten.
"I miss this" I admitted.
"Me too" She whispered. I felt her release a slow breath.
"I just, I don't know where to go from here Kakashi. I just broke up with Gaara a few nights ago and seeing Shikamaru brought up things I thought I had already dealt with."
"I know Rin, you..."
"But I also have to stop ignoring what I feel every time I see you." I stopped talking and let her step back, but I kept hold of her hands.
"I'm trying to figure out how to cope with the decisions I've made. I'm trying to grow up and stop blaming others. I just-"
"You just need time to figure it all out" I finished and she met my gaze.
"I know Rin. I know and I won't pressure you. I'm not waiting for you because I'm trying to guilt you into coming back or into choosing me." I explained.
"I wait because I will never find someone that made me as happy as you did. Whatever choice you make Rin; I will not resent you for it." I promised.
"I'll still have the memories of us and you deserve to be just as happy as those memories make me." I confessed. Rin smiled as she looked up at me.
"You are way too good to me Kakashi, you always have been." I smiled slightly and released her hands. I lowered my mask just below my chin. I took Rin's face into my hands and tilted her head up kissing her forehead. I felt her hands take my wrists as I pulled back. I noticed a faint blush on her cheeks.
"You're worth a lot more than you think Rin, and not just because of your chakra or bloodline. Don't forget that." I said firmly and she smiled.
"Thanks, Kakashi" She replied softly.
"Hey, Kakashi-sensei we should be heading back!" Rin pulled my mask up before I had the chance. We both looked up as Jazmine waved.
"Shikamaru, Sai and Sakura just got back. Naruto needs a hospital sooner rather than later."
"I'll be right there!" I replied and Jazmine nodded. Rin sighed but a smile was still on her lips.
"I have to get back anyways, report the loss and all" I nodded slightly and was a little surprised when she hugged me again.
"I'll see you around," She said as she stepped back.
"Be careful" I said quickly and she did a mock salute followed by a wink.
"I always am." I watched her back as she jumped from the pit. She waved in the direction of the others and just like that she was gone. I let my smile fade as I jumped towards the edge of the pit, looks like this mission was a good thing for more than one of us.
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Rin
I faced Pein as he glanced over my mission report. For the most part, it was an extremely sarcastically written apology for not arriving on the scene in time and mourning the loss of our grandpa members. I had left the Leaf with Kakuzu's body. As much of sweet bounty that would have been, I knew Kakashi would want it to see the full extent of Naruto's new jutsu.
"Hidan and Kakuzu, our immortal members have fallen?" Pein asked and I sighed.
"Look the Nine-tails pulled some new jutsu, it destroyed Kakuzu till there was nothing left" I said firmly.
"And Hidan?" He asked and I shrugged.
"I didn't see him when I arrived. I assume death or immobilization since he hasn't returned." Pein released a long sigh before setting down the report. He pulled a scroll from within his robes and offered it to me.
"This came for you" I took it from him and flinched when he caught my wrist.
"Don't stray far from the hideout. You'll be joining your new team as soon as they return" I raised an eyebrow as he released my wrist.
"Itachi and Kisame?" I asked and he shook his head.
"No, Deidara and Tobi; they're going after the three-tails and could use your Sharingan"
"Tobi?" I questioned.
"He won't reveal himself to someone like Deidara, still I suggest you be on your best behavior" I nodded slightly before leaving his office. I waited till I was in my room before opening the scroll. It was blank of course so I set it on the bed before pulling a kunai from my pouch.
"Let's see who sent you" I muttered. I pushed up my glove and sliced it into the edge of my hand. The blood dripped onto the scroll and when I formed a hand sign the blood began to twist into words.
Orochimaru has sent Kabuto and a team after the three tails. I suggest you beat them to it if you want to stand a chance.
Also, be sure to Hurry back, plans are beginning to fall into place. I'll go into more detail once we're together.
Be safe and Return soon.
-Sasuke
I pushed the scroll off my bed as it burst into flames. I pulled my glove back on and took my black cloak off the wall before fastening it around my shoulders. I guess there was no time to waste, after all, certain plans were beginning to fall into place.