The White Flash

Destined Enemies and Returning Friends

Ayumi and Pakkun continued after their scents. There were three other places where the scent split off, but she couldn't waste anymore time. The fact that they separated proved that the situation was becoming more dire as time passed. She needed to get to the front of the pack. Cut them off. Then they could steal the damned Uchiha back. "Naruto's just up ahead."

"Got it, go ahead and go back, Pakkun. I can handle it from here."

"Be careful, Yu." With that he disappeared. In front of her was a plain of grass. Near the opposite end were three figures: Sasuke, Naruto, and some boy she didn't know. As Sasuke ran off, the other boy advanced on Naruto. Sending a burst of chakra through her feet, Ayumi cleared the distance in moments. Smashing Onimaru's blade into the boy's side. His body folded then shot to the side, skidding and rolling along the ground. He stabbed his weapon into the ground, slowing himself a good twenty meters from her.

The side of his shirt was scorched, fluttering to the air in embers. His skin was charred, though the cut itself was relatively shallow. A white armor-like substance appearing beneath the black skin. Despite the obvious injury, he remained unphased. His voice cool and collected, "who are you?"

With a swing, she rested Onimaru along her shoulders, letting the heat warm her skin. "Hatake Ayumi."

"Ayumi-chan? What are you doing here? I thought you couldn't leave the village!"

Ayumi looked back to the blond, free hand moving to her hip. "I gave my babysitter the slip. Got here as quickly as I could." Giving a light smirk her eyes narrowed, "for someone who's supposed to be retrieving Sasuke, you sure are taking your sweet time here. I've got this, so hurry it up. Try to bring him back in one piece. The bastard owes me money."

"All right! Be careful, Ayumi-chan. He uses his own bones to attack."

"Oh?" So that's how he resisted being cut in half then. That was bone she was seeing beneath the black skin.

"He's crazy strong..." He looked to her, slight worry swimming in those blue depths.

Ayumi huffed a laugh, eyes closing for a moment, "who are you worrying about? He may use bones, but I've got Onimaru. I'll find the temperature to melt him. When I'm done, I'll catch up. The two of you are pretty slow, it shouldn't take long." Rubbing the back of her neck, she finally faced her opponent again. "I'm not good at talking to most people. The only person who can get that stubborn Duckass to change his mind is you, Naruto-kun. So, trust me and get going before I put my foot in your ass."

"Right!"

"I won't let you!" The boy raced forward, leaping over Ayumi's head. Though, he was slow. Reaching into her weapons pouch, she threw a kunai with a wire. Wrapping around his foot, she pulled on the string. He went flying back.

With a smirk, she clicked her tongue, throwing the wire to the side. "Such impatience. Didn't your parents teach you that ignoring someone is bad manners? Not that I'm one to talk."

"Unfortunately, I wasn't raised by parents."

"Makes sense." A hand moved to her weapons pouch one more. "Before you die, I'll give you a few lessons. Be sure to pay attention." A series of Kunai and shuriken were thrown. Ricocheting off partners and moving towards the boy on three angles. A fourth struck the ground behind him. Behind him, she threw a fist into his spine. The boy flew forwards. Towards Onimaru. She was there. Front flipping, she grabbed the handle and pulled Onimaru from the ground. Lava splattered behind her. Steam rolling from the cracks. The blade smashed into his shoulder. Pinning him to the ground.

Still, the cut was no deeper. Armor of his bone keeping it surface level. Stubborn. Then... Placing a foot on his stomach, she took one hand off the handle and formed the seals. How about this? Lava style: Yokai no jutsu! Puffed cheeks brought a change in his expression. The sword in his hand slashed for her abdomen. She jumped back and spat the liquid at him. He rolled back to his feet and jumped out of the way. Running from the stream as she chased him with it. A few moments passed and the stream died.