Lightning In The Hidden Leaf

24 - Mother

"It's a parasite but it's different than the time it took over my clone," says Kakashi, giving a quick briefing to his comrades before they enter battle.

"In what ways is it different?" says Iruka.

"Think of the Aburame clan. They control their insects while he controls his parasites."

"And I got a strong suspicion if one of those parasites come into contact with us, we will be infected to," says Guy.

"Only it won't be our clone this time," says Shikumaru. 

"Alright, my parasites. Reproduce!" With his command, all of the parasites spit little white balls. They spread far and wide across the battle ground but the Leaf Ninjas have no time to investigate them because as soon as they land, they burrow into the ground.

"They're eggs," says Kakashi. "The parasites laid eggs."

"Who knows how quickly they'll grow and hatch. We need a plan," says Iruka.

"We have less of a chance of coming in contact with a parasite if we are spread out and high up. We will all move to the tops of the houses. I'll stay here to protect Calista," says Kakashi. Becoming first in command comes so naturally to him.

"No. I'll protect Calista," says Iruka. Kakashi has done so much to help her but he has gotten to know her quite well over the past week and the desire to protect her is strong.

"I'm not doing this to play hero," says Kakashi lifting up his bandana, revealing his red eye. "I'm doing this because I can use my Sharigan to sense the parasites beneath ground."

Iruka's face reddens. Kakashi is so skilled. He never would never let personal feelings prevent him from making the best possible decisions in battle. 

"Stay guarded. Use long range attacks to back me up... and keep an eye out for those parasites," says Kakashi.

Iruka nods his head to his senior and then takes one leap into the air and safely finds a house to perch on.

Shikumaru kneels down. "Shadow Possession Jitsu." He stretches his shadow to his near limits but manages to get the target.

"This trick again," says the enemy. "Release!" With his words, all of the parasites attached to his body fall to the ground. Some burrow under the earth again while the remaining bolt towards Kakashi at a speed one would not have predicted. 

Kakashi uses his lightning blade to kill the cluster coming towards him while his comrades use their shuriken and kunai to kill some who have strayed from the pack. But that moment of distraction was the opportunity the enemy needed. Kakashi quickly assesses the situation beneath ground and as soon as he does, one of them comes up from ground just a few feet from Calista. Before Kakashi can acknowledge that it's too late, Iruka is in front of Calista and his body collides with parasite. It wraps around Iruka as it slithers up his body and forces its way into his mouth.

"Damn it, Iruka," says Kakashi.

"Figured he would be the first to go," says the enemy still in Shikumaru's Shadow Possession. "He's a good shinobi but his feelings got the better of him. Too bad. Now he's mine."

Iruka looks the same but does not give off that comradery vibe. He takes a menacing step towards Kakashi. Iruka is now an enemy too. 

"Do you see what's happening down there?" says Kurenai using her long range attacks to protect the others. 

"Kakashi is outnumbered. Shikumaru, can you use your shadow possession on Iruka?"

"I don't know if that's a good idea, Guy Sensei. Once I left go, the head honcho will be free. I got lucky with my Shadow Possession twice. I might not be so lucky a third time."

"And who knows what will happen when he let's go of the parasite's host," says Kurenai.

"Alright," says Guy. "Shikumaru, are you good to keep doing what you're doing?"

"I have more than enough chakra right now," he says smiling. "But my hands are tied. I still need your eyes."

"I'll be his eyes," says Kurenai. "You help Kakashi."

"Already on it."

If only we knew why this enemy has it out for Calista, thinks Shikumaru as he watches the battle below.

By the time Guy joins Kakashi, he and Iruka are dueling. Guy joins in, two of them guarding Calista and killing what seems like an infinite number of parasites.

"This is useless," says Kakashi.

"We need to get at the head honcho. He is the host so if he dies, so does everything else."

"You protect Calista. I'll go after him."

"Sounds good," says Guy now fighting Iruka. 

"Can you hear me in there Iruka?" says Guy. 

I hope this isn't the end for you, my friend, thinks Guy.

Kakashi runs towards the head honcho and collides with the enemy, giving Kakashi the advantage.

Kakashi is on top, with the enemy underneath him. Shikumaru still has full possession of him, so the remaining parasites are in his control too. A great opportunity for Kakashi, but a little to easy.

Kakashi looks down at the enemy. His hair is brushed back from his face giving Kakashi more clarity. He's surprised, at what he sees.

"You're... a woman?" says Kakashi.

The enemy grins. "I am a woman. The woman who has given birth to your dear Calista."

Kakashi shouldn't hesitate to kill her but when he thinks of all Calista's unanswered questions, he decides to give her one chance to explain herself. If anything, he hopes she can give Calista some closure. Her opportunity won't be long, so she better make it quick.