Let It Burn: Death [Sasuke Uchiha]

Chapter 18

Chapter Inspiration: Mercy by Hurts [from 0:00-2:28]

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For the first time in her life, Mai was unable to fight back, completely restrained by roots where she was. So. This is what it felt like to be useless. Feel vulnerable before the enemy. And for the first time a seed of fear began to blossom in the Be Fong.

The Jinchuuriki bent down to eye level as the wrappings tightened around her wrists and ankles and tugging them in opposite directions. A hand reached forward, the ninja trying to pull away as the palm caressed her face. But it was not tender in any way as a burning sensation occurred under the skin and spread. Her body shook, lips pressing together in an attempt to will it all away. Eventually, it became too much and Mai screamed.

From the destruction, Juugo rushed in to help unearth the buried ninjas, quickly pinpointing their locations. First, he pulled Team 7 from the rubble as they gasped for air. When the Uchiha nearly blacked out from the previous lack of oxygen, the young man shook him roughly.

"You have to get up!" Juugo shouted. Now was not the time to show weakness.

As the ringing died down in their ears, Sasuke's face paled at the horrifying scream that echoed in the air. It broke his haze instantly, finally thinking straight once more.

"What is...?" Naruto breathed.

"Mai!" he shouted.

Finally, the hand pulled away, leaving the Be Fong panting and withering in pain. The only thing holding herself up were the restraints. The area continued to burn slightly as the murderous look in her eyes returned.

"Just give up," Obito ordered. "There is nothing you can do to stop this from happening."

She spit in his face, the saliva mixed with blood coating an eyelid and running down a cheek. Mai didn't look away for a second, staring him down as the Jinchuuriki wiped it away. Her head snapped to the side, mouth flying open in a painful gasp. It had only been a flick, but even so the pain that traveled through the jaw was agony.

"Rude. Even after I beat you into the ground you still continue to fight."

A hand pressed against the teen's forehead, jerking the Be Fong forward to lock eyes once again. His fingers gripped the hair and pressed against the skin.

"I am going to enjoy breaking you."

Something slammed into the young man's side, throwing him feet away and sliding to a halt.

"Get away from her!" Naruto snapped.

Mai's breath shook, exhaling heavily in mild relief that the enemy was no longer close. Obito stood to full height, brushing away the attack as if it were nothing.

"Very well," the young man said. "If you're in such a hurry to die, I will deal with you first."

Sasuke appeared, quickly examining the roots that restrained her and attempted to rip them away.

"Are you alright?" the Uchiha questioned. He could not use the black flames for fear they would burn her in the process. They were too close, wrapped around the teen intricately.

"Help Naruto!" Mai shouted.

"But–!"

There was an explosion as the blonde emerged, trying to gain some distance and rethink his plan off attack. Only the Jinchuuriki was right behind him. It was Minato to whisk his son out of the way of a deadly jutsu.