Kaze no koibitō

28

"Incoming!"

Jiraiya barely dodged to the side as the Raikage plowed into God Realm Pein, slamming the walking corpse across the muddy ground, and landing heavily, his followers behind him. The Raikage grinned as he came out of his crouch, moving in front of the panting Jiraiya.

"Looks like you need some help, Old Man. Don't worry, the Swordsmen of Kumo and the World's Strongest Man are here to save the day."

Jiraiya's beady eyes stared up wearily at the Kage, not really knowing how to respond. He needed a breather, that was true enough. Perhaps this was fortuitous. If they could keep Pein occupied for a little bit until Ma and Pa could gather more Natural energy...

"He puts up a barrier to repel attacks. After that, you have a five second window where he can't use his jutsu anymore. Keep him occupied until I come up with a plan."

The giant black man snorted and squared himself off against the now recovered Pein, the swordsmen unhooking their weapons and readying themselves.

"Five seconds is all we need. Catch your breath, Jiraiya of the Sannin. We'll handle it from here."

Pein let out a long, slow breath as his gray, ringed eyes took in the ninja of Kumogakure.

"You don't interest me. Go away."

Samui took a step forward, her sword held at her side.

"You interest me. I want to know how a dead man can walk. Maybe if I slice you up enough I'll find out how you do it."

The gray eyes narrowed and Pein's cloak fluttered slightly.

"Yahiko will not be destroyed."

Omoi quirked his left eyebrow upward and rolled his cigarette around his mouth.

"Who the fuck is Yahiko? I thought your name was Pein?"

"It doesn't matter! Let's go!"

The three swordsmen followed their leader into battle, the stony faced Pein awaiting them.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Human Realm had not been having nearly as hard a time as the other Peins. His opponents, while skilled, were nowhere near powerful enough to hinder him in any way. Team Ten had been little more than a nuisance, with Shikamaru's planning and shadow manipulation being the main factors of annoyance.

Chouji had tried his best to keep the body occupied while Shikamaru came up with a plan, but the taijutsu-using Pein swept him aside like a child. Growing to the size of the summons had only made him a bigger target for the long-maned corpse. Pein's fist had found its way into his oversized, rotund belly. The gentle giant's girth reduced rapidly and a hard knee found its way to his chin.

Ino had tried to use a chakra scalpel to cut the body's tendons, but she was nowhere near quick enough. Just before the auburn-haired cadaver ruined her pretty face with a punch, it froze in place and she heard the five words that made her muscles relax.

"Kage Mane no Jutsu, success."

Shikamaru let his hands pull apart, his body shuddering with exertion as the clinically dead body fought his control. His breathing was ragged as he forced his arms to his sides.

"Ino, disable him. Do it now!"

The blonde pulled a kunai from her pouch and took a hesitant step forward, before looking back over her shoulder.

"But Shika...you'll get hurt too."

Shikamaru grunted as his right arm began to move on its own, a sure sign that his control was slipping.