Let It Burn: Life [Sasuke Uchiha]

Chapter 33

"I will not tolerate any more delays," Pein stated. "Your efforts are useless. The world will know of my pain and nothing will stand in the way of my dream."

"Sorry to disappoint you, but Konoha will be sure to crush it," Mai answered. "I will not allow you to take Naruto."

Her arms suddenly rose, parallel to the ground, fingers splayed.

"Hinata–!"

The Chuunin was already rushing forward to once again face the enemy.

"Stop! Both of you!" Naruto shouted.

Even from the distance Sakura stood at she was worried for their safety. The Hyuuga had already nearly fallen once. Even with Mai's help she couldn't be sure what the outcome may be. The shinobi would never doubt her teammate, but the fact this single man obliterated Konoha single handedly...

"Pointless," Pein spoke.

His hand rose to repel the frontal attack when the Hyuuga was suddenly jerked in another direction. The quick change caught the enemy by surprise unable to stop the chakra filled fist that slammed into his cheek. Pein collided with the ground before rolling across to a halt. Picking himself from the rubble, he glared only to realize the new ninja had disappeared. The weight of chakra that pressed against him was unnerving, barely able to dodge the Be Fong's attack. However, it was as if the Hyuuga could read her partner's mind coming up on the other side to counter his retreat. He would not allow the teen to touch him a second time as a force threw Hinata backwards.

With the jerk of a hand the sailing ninja was caught midair, landing upright and staring down Pein. The movement caused his eyes to narrow seconds before something constricted around his form. Yet nothing was there as the enemy tried to break free pushing against the wrapping with his Kekkei-Genkai with no results. For a moment the Akatsuki member panicked, teeth clenched as power surged through him to break free. He didn't get a chance as his body was snapped away, feet leaving the ground only to slam into the rocks roughly without control. A blast of the Rinnegan finally freed him, but the fact that the restrains were invisible and did not break easily did not sit well with him. Pein stumbled to stand. Cautiously his attention turned on Mai in an observing manner. What was that just now? Suddenly realization hit him. Only one person could be capable of such a thing.

"Be Fong," he breathed. "You're Mai Be Fong."

Of course. Hinata wasn't just moving on her own with a conscious thought, but was being controlled. A puppet on strings that followed its master's every movement with utter confidence, surrendering her body. It was remarkable really to those from the Hyuuga Clan watching, able to see the connection for themselves.

"So, Itachi lied," Pein seethed.

The statement caused those watching to pinch their brow in confusion. In turn, Mai glare dangerously.

"You are remarkable. If Itachi hadn't... How I wish we could've gotten ahold of you sooner. Maybe then, all of this would not have dragged out as long as it has. No matter. When I take the Nine-Tails, I'll leave with you as well."

"Then you better get a body bag because I'm not leaving here while I'm still breathing," Mai shot back.

"That can be arranged. I have other ways of harnessing your power."

The ground was trembling with each jutsu that ripped through the destruction holding nothing back. For once Pein felt himself growing irritated. The female ninjas would not stay down as the strings continued to catch them before any harm could be done. They had also used this to their advantage as another rod was removed from Naruto's body. Very well then, he would try a different approach. Drawing the two in Mai faltered for a second before tightening her grip around the Chakra Strings. They were embedded further into the ground and around the rocks holding them both in place. The teen refused to let go as the strain caused their feet to lift off the ground and dangle midair.