Phoenix's Glory: Flaming Avenger

== Homecoming ==
Akane was sitting on Yuri's lap, her arms around her with a pleasantly content look on her face. "Hey Onee-chan! Isn't Tou-san back yet???"
"..." Michiyo looked up with a rather annoyed glare from the book she was reading, a vein popping on her head. "Like I know." She replied coolly, returning to looking at her book once more. "It's not like I sent a Phoenix after him or anything."
Akane glared. "You saw him when he left you should know!"
Yuri sighed. "Akane, it's only been what, a month and a half? Maybe he thinks that isn't sufficient enough training time."
"'Sides, I have more important things to worry about." Michiyo added, shutting her book after reading what looked like an entire chapter. "Like the Iwagakure incident..."
"It's not even our village." Akane replied. "Why bother? Isn't that the Hokage's concern anyway?"
"That's not the problem. Apparently, the power went to those rebel's heads over there..." The elder sister set down her book and sat straighter. "Their using the Stone-nin to advance on the smaller and surrounding areas. The villages near there are getting nervous now..."
She pressed a hand to her palm. "Such an act would be considered expansion of a growing empire, and a dictatorship at best. It's only reasonable to be cautious about it. Otherwise... it might start to spread into Konoha."
Before Akane could reply, the door opened and the morning sunlight burst in. When the initial glare faded, the silhouette of the person standing there revealed it to be Ahatake. He was rather scraped and looked exhausted, but also looked rather impressive with the giant cleaver blade on his back. 
"Yo!" He said grinning. 
"T-TOU-SAN!" Akane exclaimed. 
"Kurosaki-san, welcome back."
Eyes widening, Michiyo snapped her head to look over at the figure of her father, but they immediately lidded. The smile re-appeared on her face. "Glad to see you're alive, Tou-san. How was it?"
"Hell." Ahatake said shortly as his daughter ran to hug him. "Tou-san's training is murder."
"Heh..." Michiyo chuckled, her eyes falling on the gleaming blade. "Still, that big old butcher knife must be a big benefit, don't you think?"
Ahatake grinned. "You bet it is." He held it up, the black cloth that it was kept in falling off, revealing a white blade with a black edge. "It's large enough to function as a shield, while functioning as a weapon. Tou-san crafted it himself."
"And it only took a month? He must be quite the black-smith."
"Hm? Oh no." Ahatake said, wrapping the blade back in it's cloth. "He's always had this. He's meant to give it to me for awhile, but he's never around." Ahatake sighed. "It's the reason you two have never met him."
"Oh..." The elder daughter nodded in understanding, folding her arms across her chest. "Well, you're going to need it, then." She said softly. "There's been a rebellion in Iwagakure, and its influence is spreading to other villages. It's becoming quite a threat very quickly."
Ahatake sighed. "I'll let you handle that." He sighed and looked around. "Y..Yuri?!? Why are you still here? I don't want to sound rude but don't you have your own house and family?"
"Um...well.." Yuri looked nervous. "I do have my own house..but..my family is dead."
Immediately, there was a silence that fell amongst the family, before Michiyo decided to break it. "....what killed them?" She questioned softly, eyes turning towards the girl in question.
"I've no idea." Yuri replied. "I wasn't at the house at the time. I had been out buying groceries and when I came back they were dead. Blood splattered over the floor and sword wounds on their bodies."
That made Michiyo silent once more, words having been trapped in her mouth before she could say them.
"Anyway, you move on." Yuri replied and she sat down on the couch. "I think of you all as my family now. And when I marry Akane it'll be official."
Akane grinned and Ahatake smiled. "Well, seeing how much you stay around here, you're as good as family now kid."
The tension was immediately washed away, and Michiyo breathed heavily, sitting back down in her chair. "So, Tou-san..." She said in a manner of curiosity, even as she picked back up her book. "What do you plan on doing now that you have these newfound abilities? Planning to look for the Spetsnaz?"
"Of course." Ahatake replied. "I intend to kill Tenko this time around."
"Of course..."
Now, normally Michiyo would've had her doubts of her father rushing into combat like before. But, now, she could feel his stronger chakra seep into the room, her senses having picked it up. The fact that he was carrying a large weapon around with such ease gave away the increase of his physical performance.
He might have a chance.
"That works perfectly, then!" Clapping her hands together, Michiyo smiled cheerfully. "Because I've got an idea of where they're hiding!"
Ahatake grinned. though this good mood was immediately marred by the entrance of his sister.
"HI ONII-SAN!" Her voice rang shrill and strong.
"Oh damn..." Ahatake thought.
"Hry, Auntie!" Despite her cheerful greeting, Michiyo had her own ears covered, her mirthful expression slightly pained. "So good to hear your voice again..."
"Easy for you to say." Ahatake growled.
Akane walked up to Ahatake. "Onii-san, you smell like Tou-san. You been spending time with him?"
"Yeah." Ahatake sighed. "I've been training. Anyway, Michiyo I'm ready when you are."
"All right..." For amoment, Michiyo slid her palms together, smile still plastered on her face. Then, reaching into her back pocket, she whipped out a map and opened it up, revealing the world continents. "So, the majority of Spetsnaz activity has been centered in the Leaf village, right? Well, upon further evidence..."
Her finger pointed somewhere out of Konoha. "...there is an abandoned safehouse that has been used in the past. That's where they'll all be located, waiting for us to storm in."
"So you think they're expecting us to barge in on them?" Ahatake asked.
"No doubt. Tenko's not an idiot, after all."
"If they're expecting us, then they could have traps littered around the place." Akiko pointed out. 
"That's where Shadow Clones would come in." Ahatake said. "Shadow Clones are perfect bait."
"Right..." Michiyo nodded, closing the map via roll-up. "Though, we have to be careful. If there's some kind of surveillance keeping track, we'll need to avoid and or disable it if necessary. Don't want to attract attention without realizing it..."
Ahatake sighed. "What I hate is that we'll have to progress the slow way. The whole "we-need-to-be-cautious" mess. But I'd rather be cautious and progress slowly, than blast the place apart and get killed." He stood up. "Are you all ready to go now or do you need to get ready?"
"I'm good to go." Akiko said blinking once and her eyes became red with cat-like slits for pupils.
Immediately, Michiyo folded her arms across her chest and gave a smirk. "I'll definitely be there. We're not missing this for anything."
"I'm sitting this one out." Akane said meekly.
Immediately, Michiyo gave an incredulous look in her direction. "What? You've got to be kidding!" She exclaimed. "What was the use of all of that training if you're just going to ba--"
Then, she stopped herself. She raised her eyebrow and smirked. "Don't tell me you're scared now..." She guessed.
Akane scowled. "I just feel like sitting this one out. Besides, you all are stronger than me. What use would I be?" She wrapped her arm around Yuri's shoulder. "Imma stay here with Yue."
"Oh, so you wanna let us risk our lives so you can stay here and do the nasty with Yuri. Is that it?"
"Don't get mad at me 'cuz you aint got someone to do it with." Akane scowled. "Not my fault no guy around Konoha wants you." She stuck out her tongue and blew a loud raspberry.
Michiyo merely rolled her eyes. "Right..." She turned towards Ahatake, shrugging her shoulders. "I guess that's it, then. Let's move out, shall we?" She felt a little regretful of her words; it sounded as if she was bossing her father around.
Ahatake sighed. "Akane, I agree with your staying out of this. I don't need my youngest daughter dying. And yes Michiyo, let's go." 
"Come back alive you three!" 
== Infiltration ==
It had taken a few hours in order to pin-point and arrive at the exact location. In order for stealth to work, they had to settle in at the outskirts, in order to avoid immediate detection. Now, they were scouting through the woods, only 100 meters from their position.
Despite the number, it wasn't very far.
But despite that, even as they walked, they kept a close eye out for any traps.
"Should we use Shadow Clones now?" Akiko asked.
"No." Michiyo instructed. "At this point, we're too close to use any chakra. They'll sense us in a heartbeat. Just have to rely o--" Abruptly, her order was stopped mid-sentence, her eyes having caught a rustle in the treetops. Her eyes widened considerably, and her body tensed slightly.
Ahatake looked up, but he didn't see anything. Was it just a bird?
That notion would instantly be erased.
What stood at one of the branches was a lone figure, dressed in a purple, spec-ops outfit. At one of the high branches, he stood calmly, arms folded across his chest, and intense eyes looking down on the group. Despite the fact that his katana was secured to his side, he didn't look as if he was aiming to reach for it anytime soon.
However, it was obvious he wasn't an ally.
Ahatake and Akiko's eyes widened at the sight of the man.
"Who are you?" Ahatake asked, and Akiko scowled at him. She wasn't a fan of strange people in strange outfits.
But the man remained silent. However, he did nod his head to the left - the direction they were facing. The motion made Michiyo frown slightly, folding her arms across her own chest. "I think he's directing us towards the safehouse..." She guessed.
"Guess we should go there." Ahatake said. "What can it possibly hurt?" He took off in that same direction, Akiko following him on all fours.
As they neared, there were two more, hanging out on a tree branch. One was in the same position as the first, while the other had taken to sitting on the branch. Slowly, Michiyo was coming to a realization, even as she followed close behind.
"They're scouting us!"
"What?!?" Ahatake growled. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah. Tenko was prepared for us, all right. I bet they're grasping a feel of the chakras we're exuding right now. Question is... why are they guiding us?" Michiyo's eyes caught another pair observing.
"Tenko's decided he wants to exterminate us now." Akiko guess, still running like a dog. "Can we kill these lot?"
"I wouldn't risk it. Look at the way they're standing. They're acting as if they're on break or something... none of 'em's moving without apprehension or fear. They've been informed of us... but they're too relaxed. Attack 'em, and it'll most likely be a trap. Besides..."
Michiyo's eyes finally fell on a massive, feudal-like temple. Parts of it were patrolled by the same ninja, who were waiting for their arrival just as the previous ones did. "Our goal here is the Spetsnaz... not them."
Akiko scowled. "Buzzkill." She growled. "I wanna cut loose." 
Ahatake smiled. "You'll get your chance. These people have done nothing to us. You can fight your precious Yumi. Michiyo, I'll give you Okita free of charge. Tenko is mine." He clenched his blade.
The elder daughter looked over at him. "What about the Shiromura?"
"Oh yeah Rice boy.." Ahatake murmured. "Let's just hope he's off duty."
On cue, one of the ninja appeared in front of them and pushed the doors open, stepping aside in order to allow them to pass. Without hesitation, Michiyo stepped in first.
"What no red carpet?" Ahatake asked sarcastically as he entered and Akiko after him, she became bipedal again.
== Reunion: Final Confrontation ==
They soon reached one of the sub-rooms that was connected via a series of hallways to the main room. There was a single shinobi that greeted them, a smile on his face, and squinted eyes.
The Soujirou who had personally ended Chiaki's life.
The one who had slaughtered the Tenno leader's teammates.
The one to have nearly killed a daughter and a sister.
Okita.
Flanking him were two ninja, acting as bodyguards. This time, they didn't appear so willing to step aside, hands on the hilt of their katanas. In acknowledgement, Okita bowed his head. "So glad you could make it, Tenno..."
"Always the creepy smile and formalities." Ahatake sighed. "Soujirou, I'm not here for you."
"That's fine." Okita replied calmly. "Though, I'm afraid Tenko-sama won't' just let you in just like that. You see, when he prepared for your arrival, he secured a lock combination just for the group of you. The doors to his room won't be unlocked until you defeat the subordinates."
He nodded his head towards another door. "Yumi's waiting in the room parallel to ours. As of Gohan, I'm not sure where he is..."
Ahatake put a hand to his forehead for a moment, as Akiko walked towards Yumi's room. "Maybe I will take you on." Ahatake said as he reached for his blade. "If we have to defeat the subordinates, beating the crap out of you will be just the warm-up I need. Michiyo, you go find Gohan."
"And a change in plans..." Michiyo said dryly, pushing open the door that led into the hallway. "Try not to get yourself killed, k?" The door shut promptly, and the sounds of running footsteps could be heard getting fainter and fainter.
Ahatake swung his blade from over his back to his side, the cloth unwrapping from around it and whipping around him. As he tittled his head his neck made a cracking noise. "You ready?"
=== Okita vs Ahatake ===
"When you are." Okita confirmed, hand slowly drawing out his sword. His eyes fell, widening upon the sight of the new blade. "Though, I have to ask: have you been smithing? That blade looks surprisingly elegant..."
"No, Tou-san made this for me a long time ago." Ahatake replied. "I just got it about half a month ago. With it's I've been learning proper Kenjutsu."
"I get it..." Okita commented, eyes opening to a half-lidded position. "Your injuries pushed you to train more. Good thing I was prepared for this type of situation..." They opened a bit more. "Tell me, Tenno-sama. Have you heard of shukuchi before?"
"Hm?" Ahatake looked puzzled for a moment. "Shukuchi? Rapid Movement?"
"Yes. But, in cases such as mine, it is also known as godspeed." Okita lowered his blade to the side. "Such speed is impossible to detect by the human eyes alone, and when used to its full extent, you are practically a ghost. All the times we've fought up to this point, you've been able to read my moves..."
He nodded slightly, as if to acknowledge something. "It would be obvious that I haven't used the full power of shukuchi." He finished.
Ahatake's eyes widened. "What..y..you're not serious are you?"
"I'm always serious to my opponents, Tenno-sama." Okita replied, raising up a hand and sticking up three fingers. "Three steps below the true shukuchi is what I've been demonstrating. Since you've managed to survive both times, I can finally show my true potential."
Then, he gripped his blade with one hand. "Now... two steps."
FWOOM!
Now, a step up from his speed, his body seemed to appear everywhere, his movements considerably faster than before. Only bits of his figure seemed to appear, but they were at random intervals, not in a certain path anymore. Now, it was like fighting a robot.
Then, he was behind!
SLASH!
Blood spurted from teh various slash wounds left by Okita's sword, and it forced Ahatake's eyes open wide. "What..what the hell??"
"Like it?" Okita questioned politely, his figure re-appearing a ways off from his opponent, blood dripping from the blade of his sword. "Two steps before shukuchi. Only two more steps before I show my true speed... but, it seems you just haven't gotten used to two-steps yet. I guess I'll have to stick to it a little more."
Once again, his figure vanished. Where he stepped at, burst of wind seemed to partially rip up the tiles on the ceiling and floor. Off to the side of Ahatake, a fissure-like wave of wind came rushing at him, tearing a ditch.
"Hell.." Ahatake pressed his hand to the ground. "..No!" He finished, pushing himself into the air with just one arm. He launched a flash bomb into the air and quickly shielded his own eyes.
"Flash bang!"
Immediately, his eyes widened upon seeing it. His eyes quickly shut, and his body abruplty stopped.
As the light began to fade, Ahatake clenched his blade. "Kenjutsu: Flame Ring!" Ahatake's cleaver blade ignited in a brilliant flash of red and orange and he swung it through the air, creating a swirling vortex of fire around Soujirou.
The blazing fire was immediate to Okita's vision once he opened his eyes once more, though they widened immediately. The flames' heat licked at his skin, and he knew it was only a while before he would burn. He sprung into action, pulling one foot back and one foot forward.
"Heavenly Shield."
Then, his feet rocketed off, and his shielded body tore through the cyclone. However, it managed to blow through the ceiling, leaving a gaping hole to the upper levels and sky.
Ahatake scowled as his torrent of flame was destroyed. "Well that was a waste if chakra.."
=== Yumi vs Akiko ===
Akiko opened the door. "Hey Yumi you in here?!?!?"
The room she was currently in was a room of black. Other than a white floor, the walls were covered in darkness, giving the illusion of it being limitless in size. And right in front of her was Yumi, hands clasped in front of her, and a kunai knife in her hand. "Akiko..." She said calmly, eyes slightly narrowed. "So he decided to let you all in..."
Akiko's red eyes scanned the room. "Odd place this is. And yeah he let us in."
Slowly, Yumi closed her eyes, brows furrowing. "It doesn't matter." She stated coolly, retracting her hands to her side. "Even if you beat me, none of you will get past Tenko-sama."
Akiko licked her claws. "We won't. But Onii-san will."
Yumi's narrowed eyes widened at the notion, and slight disgust sent a chill down her spine. This girl was looking for blood. Unconsciously, her grip on the kunai tightened, wary of what her enemy might do next.
Akiko sighed. "Ya know, I don't really intend to fight you Yumi." She said, looking around the room again.
"That's too bad. I'm feeling the opposite way..." With that seemingly cold statement, she raised the kunai in her hand and swung it around her finger. Yumi's eyes narrowed again in slight concentration.
Akiko's eyes closed for a moment and whisker like marks formed on her cheeks. "If that's the case.." She said, as he claws and canines lengthened slightly. She settled into a stance that slightly resembled that of Chinese Martial Arts. "Then come." She looked determined.
"As you wish!"
With a single step, Yumi threw herself at Akiko, kunai knife in hand. When she closed the gap, she swung her kunai upward in a backhanded uppercut.
"Not a chance!" Akiko grinned and she swung her own hand at the Kunai, her claws clashing against the blade.
Relying on her Spetsnaz training, Yumi immediately ducked downward in a 360-degree spin, using the claws as a hold to get under her opponent's exposed guard. While in her spin, she swung her leg upward in the direction of the neck side.
Akiko quickly moved her head to the side, avoiding the intended blow, and jumping back. "I doubt I'll be able to really fight her.." Akiko thought. "I really don't want to have to hurt her..though she obviously wants to hurt me!"
Immediately, when her feet landed on the ground, she executed a set of hand seals. "Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique." The deadly ball of flame erupted from her lips and headed towards the retreating form of Akane.
Akane inhaled and then exhaled in a loud roar splitting straight through the fireball.
A shocked Yumi could only raise one arm to shield herself, the resulting winds having hit her face and temporarily blinding her. "C...can't see..." She thought, her heart pumping hard in her chest.
She dashed towards Yumi and sank her fist into the girl's gut. She didn't stop there however, and performed a barrage on punches on the afflicted area and kicked her chin so she flew up into the air.
The first blow to the gut, Yumi was able to hold. Though one of her eyes shut, it was clear that she had not lost her focus. However, despite her training to resistance, the volley of blows that followed to the same area were anything but kind. Her pupils shrank, and a short spray of crimson liquid escaped her mouth.
Then, the flying kick that sent her away propelled her back. She struggled to catch herself, flipping in mid-air and landing in a crouched position. Her breaths were gasping now, even as she abruptly stood up and readied herself once more.
Akiko licked some up the blood that landed on her face off with her tongue. "Delicious.." She thought, and quickly formed hand seals. "Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!" She expelled red flames, enhanced by Jinchuriki power, at Yumi.
Gritting her teeth, Yumi knew that her normal Fireball wouldn't do against Akane's attack. Acting quickly, the raven-haired girl jumped to the side, the fireball whizzing past her. But, immediately afterwards, she threw out from her pocket a small bomb, blue in color.
A flash bomb.
BANG!
"Aw shit! Akiko shielded her eyes from the light.
Once again, only a second.
And in that second, Yumi had ran behind the girl, ripping off her trenchcoat and holding the ends with both hands. With precision and quick speed, she had wrapped it around her opponent's neck, lifted her into the air, and started pulling on the ends. The heavy piece of cloth started to close in, threatening to crush the neck in half.
==== Fox Skin ====
Akiko was choking. She scratched at the trenchcoat around her neck. "Damn it!"
Even as she pulled, Yumi's exerting voice was soft. "I'm sorry to do this... I really am. Had we met under different circumstances, we could've been good friends. But, as it is, the fates require me to kill you. I can only hope..."
She could hear the distinct sound of bones popping. "...you can never forgive me."
"Chakra..." Akiko thought. "I...need chakra..."
A bubbling noise was heard and red chakra began to surround her.
"Hm?"
There was a glance of surprise and curiosity on her face. Slowly, she felt the trenchcoat fabric give way to the intense heat, smelling the stench of cloth burning. She had little time to pull back before the coat was split in two. She jumped back, landing a distance away.
"What is this?" She wondered, standing up once more to gaze upon the shield.
Akiko's neck began to heal as the Demon Foxes Cloak began to envelop her. She hissed. "We probably could have been friends.." She said, getting down on all fours, resembling a fox to run. "But I'd still want you to be my friend anyway.."
Sweat started to fall down Yumi's face. Slowly, she stepped back, clenching her fists in an attempt to ready herself. "This chakra... it's just like Tenko-sama's!" She thought, eyes widening. "Looks like there's not much of a choice... I'm going to have to use it..."
She clapped her palms together, eyes narrowed at Akiko's form.
"I really don't want to fight you.." There was sadness in Akiko's voice. "But I don't think you'd just let me pass would you?"
"Shut up." Yumi's voice was indignant as it came out, obviously offended by such a tone. "I placed that seal to Tenko-sama's room myself. The only way you can undo it is by killing me and Okita! That is, if your onii-san wishes to fight him..."
Akiko was silent for a moment. "What is it about me you find so repulsive?" She asked.
"...." A flicker of surprise flashed in Yumi's eyes, but other than that, she held her composure. "I don't." She replied shortly.
"You don't seem to like me at all." Akiko replied. "So there must be something."
"You're my enemy. Why would I show compassion or kindness towards someone that's fighting me right now?" She questioned, her frown deepening a bit. "Battles aren't supposed to have such feelings. Both opponents should only focus on killing the other person. That's the way it was, and will always will be."
Akiko sighed. "And I thought you didn't condone violence." She wrenched her arm back and fired a large red chakra arm at Yumi.
"Seal....activate."
It took only seconds for the chakra arm to reach her. But it stopped inches from its target, the fingers unable to reach further. There was a glow on the Tenno's back; one created a month ago. Its glow was brilliant, and the entire body of Akiko seemed to glow for a brief moment.
Then, her back tore itself open, allowing a new amount of blood to spill onto the floor.
"Apparently, you forgot about that confrontation." Yumi stated firmly. "When I placed my hand on your back that day, it was to restrain you in order to make you keep your end of the deal. I would've activated it, but Tenko-sama wouldn't allow it. So I picked this very moment, where it was necessary."
Akiko roared in pain, sending waves of chakra everywhere. "Damn!" She thought, the blood pouring from her back.
Spreading her feet out, Yumi crouched a little and braced herself against the chakra winds, hair whipping behind her.
Akiko's back wounds began to heal though, and she hissed. The bubbling noise resumed and she began to grow a second tail. "I won't kill you Yumi." Akiko said. "I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I did. But I will knock you unconscious."
Yumi growled, angered at the declaration. "You have no choice!" She shouted. "Do you really think allowing a rogue ninja like me to keep her life is a smart decision?! I'll just keep on doing what I do best!" Her fists clenched once more.
"You're not a bad person Yumi." Akiko replied. "It's just a feeling I get. But seeing as we can't have you around when Onii-san kills Foxy Loxy.." Massive Chakra began to swirl around her, and a orb began to form in front of her.
"What...?!"
Once again, Yumi's pupils shrank, but this time of of fear. Her nerves were starting to rattle, affected by the intense chakra around the room. She could only bring herself to shield her face with one arm.
Akiko fired the ball as a massive beam and it hurtled towards Yumi.
"Incredible..."
It was the only thought running through her mind, even as the beam came at her. Even in the intense light, her eyes could only soften. She didn't bring her arms up to block the attack, for it would've done no good. She only closed her eyes, and allowed darkness to seep her vision...
...before the beam finally ran into her body, and she found herself unable to open her eyes anymore.
=== Okita vs Ahatake: Part 2 - Emotions ===
Ahatake clenched his arm. He was badly bruised by Okita's sword and losing blood fast.
While he had suffered his own minor wounds in return, Okita still looked relatively fit for further combat. He had his sword over his shoulder, looking at the Tenno with squinted eyes and his smile. He looked relatively relaxed as he looked at his opponent with serenity.
However, when he spoke, his tone was slightly irritated, and even a bit angered. "You are starting to annoy me, Tenko-sama." He said, eyes half-lidding. "All of those blows I gave to you, and you still are standing? Your body will fall apart under the strain. I just don't understand why you can't simply give up..."
"I need to kill Tenko." Ahatake replied. "And I won't stop until he's dead." Ahatake reached down to his ankles and took off his weights. "It's about time I upped the ante." He dropped the weights, and they left their usual crater in the ground. He clenched his blade and it flashed orange.
"I'd prefer not to reveal everything I have in store for Tenko, considering he could be watching this battle." Ahatake kept on talking. "He's the main attraction, you're just a side show."
"Main attraction? Side show? Surely, you can't think this is a simple circus." Okita chided, lowering his head a little. "But, if that's how you feel about it... I have no choice. One step."
FWOOM!
Within the next second, he was off again, figure vanishing into a faster speed than before.
But Ahatake was moving faster as well and he didn't intend to be outdone by Okita. He jumped up into the air and began to swing his blade around, sending waves of cutting chakra in varying directions.
After the last one was unleashed and had separated themselves a distance from Ahatake, their target appeared - once again, behind Ahatake. This time, his eyes were shadowed over, sword readied to swing in one hand. "If your eyes couldn't pick up my speed before..." He asked accusingly, swinging his blade upwards at Ahatake's back.
"Then how do you expect to keep up with me, now that I have only one step left?!"
A slashing noise was heard, along with the squelching of solid on liquid. The sword had pierced Ahatake, but it had missed his back. Ahatake had redirected it to his own hand and the blade was firm in his grip.
"H...how...?!" Pure surprise appeared on Okita's face, as he stared at the pierced hand in astonishment. Gritting his teeth, he attempted to push against the hand, attempting to overpower the Tenno. But, it was to no avail - his strength was too much.
Something blue and swirling was forming on Ahatake's palm but it was moving to fast to be completely visible. "Take this!" He cried. "Yondaime's Special Ninjutsu!" He slammed the swirling orb into Okita's midsection, not calling out it's name.
Flashes appeared in Okita's mind, even as the sphere slammed into him. 
He could see it clearly - his own blade raising up to kill several ANBU. His own hand that had buried his mutilated parents after those frightening ninja had destroyed their home and his family. He could hear their voices, ringing constantly inside of his head in a mangled tone.
WHAM!
When he was thrown away, he slammed into the wall and slid down into an ungraceful sitting position. In pain, he breathed, eyes open and unfocused on the ground.
Ahatake sighed...
----
His father standing there, with a swirling blue orb in his hand. "Alright kid, this is the new Jutsu I am going to teach you. It's an original jutsu I learned from a man who traveled with the Fourth Hokage. It's an "A" Rank Jutsu. One rank down from "S"."
"What's it called?" Ahatake asked.
"Rasengan. Spiral Chakra Sphere."
----
Even through his intense pain, Okita could still hear the voice of his father. He could see it clearly now, even with his deadened eyes. 
It had been an afternoon, with his own father in front of him. A sheathed sword was in his hands, and he appeared to be giving it to his young son who was gaping in astonishment.
"Tou-san? You're giving me?"
"I have no use for this anymore. I'm putting it in your hands..." Tou-san said firmly, giving a good-hearted smile. "Take care of it... it holds the family's heart within it." Slowly, the young boy took the blade with hesitant hands, gazing at it with eagerness.
"Always remember, kid..."
Okita's heart quickened.
"When you fight with that sword, the past generations that have used it will be smiling down on you. When your mother and I finally go to heaven, we'll be smiling on you, too. We'll always be with you..."
His pupils shrank, as his father's voice spoke the words.
"Forever."
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Without hesitation, and without concern for his opponent, Okita let out a loud, raw scream, straight from his heart. Abruptly standing up, he clutched his head with both hands, continuing to scream in grief and anger. He staggered like a drunk, attempting to gain control over his motor abilities. But he fell to his knees, every single emotion he had surpressed rising to the surface.
Ahatake gasped. "What..what the hell was that?" He fumbled in his pocket and took out a blood clotting and restoration pill. "Damn.."
He fell to his knees, hands falling in front of him and balling to his fists. For a moment, he appeared to be truly crying, sobbing noises coming from his throat. He shook his lowered head over and over, as if trying to will both the physical and mental pain away.
But, then, he stopped. He turned his head slowly to stare at Ahatake.
But his expression of cheer was gone, replaced by something someone would never expect from the boy. Anger.
His eyes were narrowed and widened, and his teeth were gritted into a feral snarl. "I've had enough of this...!!" He snapped, bringing himself up to his feet. "You've remained alive for far too long, you sickly bird... It's about time someone clipped your wings!!"
With his remaining strength, he grabbed his sword and sheathed it. "I'll kill you... for making me remember." He said lowly, expression now set in a cold and stoic stare.
"That expression is a hell of a lot better than your smile." Ahatake replied, bracing himself. "But you'll never clip my wings."
One final attack.
That was all the strength his body could be used for. And he had settled on what had worked to injure his opponent those times before: Battōjutsu: Shuntensatsu. His hand was pressed onto the hilt and at the ready. "Prepare yourself, Tenko-sama."
Ahatake formed the seal of the snake. "Earth Release: Earth Spear" His skin became a dark brown, blackish color and he readied himself.
"No more steps. This is the true shukuchi."
With that statement, he took off for one final time, sword grasped tightly. True to his word, as soon as he executed it, he was invisible to the human eye. He was combining his maximum speed with the Shuntensatsu. It would make for devestating cutting power when he unleashed it.
The only question left was: would it penetrate Ahatake's armor?
Only one way to find out.
His blade swung upwards, as it was pulled from its sheath...
Ahatake braced himself for the hit.
SLASH!
When the attack was finished, Okita had finished his strike, his figure now behind Ahatake. His sword was up in the air, gleaming in the dim light of the room. His eyes were shadowed over, and there was a tense moment of silence.
Then, he coughed up blood, his hand opening to drop his sword. Upon contact with the floor, the blade that he had treasured shattered into pieces. He felt his heart slowing down, darkness overcoming his vision. His nervous system was becoming rapidly numb, and he couldn't even maintain his balance any more.
A smile, this time a natural one, formed on his face, along with tears streaming down his face. Even as he fell to the ground, he thought only one thing:
"Kaa-san...Tou-san... I'll be there. I'll stay with you..."
With dignity, he surrendered to the darkness.
"Forever."
=== Gohan vs Michiyo ===
Gohan was sitting in a far off room reading a book. He wasn't off duty, but he preferred if the person who wanted to fight him was tired.
That was when the doors to his room swung open.
The figure of Michiyo appeared, eyes narrowed, and a faint frown on her countenance. Like a sheriff walking into a bar, she stepped inside and pushed the doors closed. "You did say we would meet again..." She commented coolly, her gaze on him.
He looked up from his book. "Oh hello again." He said, closing it. It was entitled Breaking Dawn. "I take it you're here to fight me?"
She nodded. "And I don't intend to hold back." She added, her fists clenching and releasing in small exercise. "So it would be a pity if you did."
"Can't even read a good book around here anymore." Gohan grumbled, standing up.
Without further word, Michiyo settled into her own stance. Her right forearm was parallel to the ground, and her other arm was raised over her head. It was similar to the Gentle Fist: 64 Palms technique, only that the arms were bent at a certain rate.
"For Kaa-san..." She thought, coiling her legs before throwing herself at Gohan, fist prepared and clenched. Her leg strength enough to cover the distance between them in seconds, she threw that fist right at his face.
He caught the blow and pulled her towards him. "You're alot like your mother in some ways." He said and he sank his free fist into her stomach.
Of course, the blow caused her eyes to widen, and she expelled the air from her lungs involuntary. Painfully gasping, she used her free hand to grab the wrist buried into her stomach. "Am I...?" She asked, putting on a smirk. "Then you should recognize this..."
Then, her hand glowed blue, and her chakra went from her to him. It was the same manner as his mother's; it attacked the nervous system, filling his senses with overwhelming pain.
It wasn't as strong as Chikai's however and it made it easier to resist. He pressed a finger to his arm and channeled his own electricity into his body, completely blocking out her own chakra. 
"But you lack Chiaki's power."
For a moment, Michiyo observed carefully, noting the skill he had displayed in chakra control. "He stopped my chakra with his own... interesting..." She thought in wonder. With her lungs full once again, she immediately jumped back to gain some distance.
This was going to be a tough one.
His hand crackled and a blade formed from it. "Come at me."
With one of her hands, she reached into her kunai pouch and pulled it out, covering the entire hilt with her palm. She threw it into the air, raising both hands to execute a jutsu. "Fire Release: Phoenix Immortal Fire." She raised the Tiger seal to the side of her mouth, firing the bullets of flaming death at her target.
He quickly slashed the fireballs to embers. "Not exactly what I had in mind."
"Shadow Clone Technique."
When the kunai finally descended from the sky, under the charisma of the jutsu, it immediately split into a hailstorm of falling knives. They descended upon him like bloody rain, while she moved forward briskly, already executing another set of seals.
"Lightning Release: Encasing Aura!" Lightning expelled from his body and formed a large dome, deflecting every weapon thrown.
When it happened, she stopped, lowering her hands to her side once more. A small grin crawled on her face, before she whispered one word: "Boom."
Then, the scattered kunai around Gohan abruptly exploded, enveloping him in the blaze of fire, heat, and shockwaves. "There's no denying it now... this was the soldier who had defeated my mother..." She concluded, settling into a stance once more.
The flames licked at the barrier that surrounded Gohan but they had not reached him. The barrier contracted for a moment, then shattered and created a massive wind that blew out the fire from the explosion.
"You're quite the skilled one, aren't you?" Michiyo complimented, raising herself to a standing position. Her eyes continued to study him intensely. "No wonder Kaa-san had so much trouble with you."
Gohan pretended to take a bow. "Why Thank you."
Taking in her breath, Michiyo allowed herself to lunge forward once again, but this time threw a kick in his direction. Her full leg swung upwards, intending to break Gohan's neck upon contact.
But Gohan blocked it with his own kick and a the ground cracked from their resulting energies.
=== Yumi vs Akiko: Aftermath ===
The girl's hands immediately glew red as her tails and chakra cloak dissapeared. She ran over to Yumi, who lay defeated from her last attack and she began to heal the girl's outer and internal wounds. 
"She should be alive." Akiko thought as he chakra went to work. "I only packed enough power in their to knock her out."
"Y...you're making a.... mistake. You should be finishing me off..."
The girl's weakened voice called out to her, even through the intense pain that was slowly starting to fade. She coughed immediately afterwards, her lungs too torn to speak. "Why are you...?"
"I told you before." Akiko replied. "I can't kill you, because I could never live with myself if I could. I love you, Yumi, and even if you don't return my feelings, I'd still rather keep you alive."
"How do you expect to get to Tenko-sama, then...?" Yumi hissed weakly, turning her head to the side and shutting her eyes. "I made it specifically for that very reason...for Tenko-sama's subordinates to die under his service...."
"Never underestimate the power of a Jinchuuriki." Akiko replied, moving her hand to Yumi's chest so the healing of her lungs could begin. "I'll just use the full Nine-Tailed Power to bust hat door down."
A sudden wave of emotion overwhelmed her, and she jerked her head a little so that her hair would fall over her eyes. "Do you think I'll forgive you for this...?" She asked quietly, though her voice held disdain in it. "To defeat me...then leave me alive...?! What you're doing is taking the chance of honorable death away from me...!"
"That attack wouldn't have killed you anyway!" Akiko snapped. "So stop whining. If you get back up and fight me again, I'll just knock you right back down!"
GRIP!
Yumi's rage finally snapped. With her nearest hand, she grabbed her medic by the collar and jerked her closer, narrowed eyes widened and a snarl decorating her features. "You bitch!" She spat. "A soldier is supposed to fight and die under their leader and by their enemies' hand, not healed by it! By doing this, you're practically spitting on my face, and that's something I cannot tolerate. I swear to Kami, Akiko, you will d--"
Immediately, however, there was a sudden surge that pumped through her stomach. Covering her mouth and turning to the side, she let out a fit of coughs. The blood between her fingers signaled that she had exerted herself too soon. Nevertheless, her words were clear as day.
"I swear to Kami... I will kill you..." The coldness in Yumi's voice was now apparent, though her blazing rage had subsided. With one of her arms mostly healed now, she raised her hand and covered the right side of her face. The other half's eyes were narrowed and glaring at the Tenno.
The look on Akiko's face would have made the coldest person in the world feel pity on her. "I'm..I didn't do this to offend you Yumi.." She said nervously. "I felt compelled to heal you, but I didn't expect it to make you furious.."
The look in her eyes made Yumi's fury waver, along with her eyes. Then, she turned her head away once again, closing her eyes. "Whatever. Are you done yet?"
"In a moment." Akiko replied. "Why are you so anxious to die?" She asked. "If I was dead, I'd want every Medic-Nin in Konoha jumping up and down on my chest."
"It's....complex."
"Would you be willing to explain it to me?" Akiko asked. "Or is that asking too much?"
"It's not." Yumi took in a deep breath in order to begin. "It's all due to the thing called religion. Such a thing has clashed with aspects like science and logic long before our time. The fact of the after-life has been plaguing me for quite some time, and I always wondered what it would be like to stand amongst the fallen. Compared to this... material life, I'd be much happier there, whether it be Heaven or Hell."
She chuckled. "Though, I do hope I end up in Heaven. Much nicer than burning in the red Amaterasu..."
Akiko's eyes widened. "I see..but wouldn't you rather make the most of the time you're given?" She looked hopeful.
Yumi looked a bit sullen at that. "My friends and family are dead now, and my only bonds are with Tenko-sama. When he is killed, what else will I have? He showed me meaning to my life..."
"You could always come with us.." Akiko said, her voice slightly quiet as if she was nervous to hear the answer no. "Onii-san can pull a few strings to make sure the ANBU doesn't arrest you.."
"..." Although she was silent, her eyes fell into consideration, before falling on Akiko once more. "And Okita-san? What of him?"
"Well now that Ahatake-nii knows that Okita was only ordered to kill his comrades, he might be a little more lenient." Akiko replied truthfully. "And if not, I'll have Tou-san force him to let him come along. Tou-san gives me anything."
A small smile came across Yumi's face at that moment. "That's good to hear. It'd be bad if he died..."
=== Okita vs Ahatake: Aftermath ===
Ahatake was panting. Unless he was mistaken, Okita was down. Ahatake looked suspicious. Was he faking it?
There was no movement. There was no rising and falling of his chest. His eyes had gone blank, and there was a bit of blood oozing from his mouth. Faking something such as a death like this would've required a medic-nin to do so.
Ahatake walked over to him and checked for a pulse.
Buh-beat.
It was faint. But a pulse was clearly there, signaling his heart was still beating. Despite that state, it obviously meant that he was still alive, but simply unconscious.
Ahatake sighed. "Good he's alive." He summoned a phoenix, and it screeched loudly. Anyone who didn't know they were there at that time would have known now.
"Sirius.. heal him.." Ahatake ordered and the Phoenix covered the blue-haired man in his feathers.
It was a slow effect.
But the internal injuries that the Tenno had afflicted on Okita had healed, tissue restoring, and heartbeat quickening to a regular pace. His eyes, filled with life once again, widened in surprise. Slowly, he pulled himself to a crouching position, a headache going through his skull as soon as he did so.
"Ugh..."
"Yo." Ahatake greeted him.
"T...Tenko-sama?" Slowly, Okita turned his head towards him with an astonished expression. "W...did you heal me? I...I thought for sure I was dead..."
Ahatake shook his head. "No. I don't have anything against you anymore, Okita, so I'm not here to kill you."
Slowly, Okita stood up, his eyes falling onto his shattered blade. "Why did you spare me? I told you before, the only way to unlock Tenko-sama's room..." He trailed off.
"We'll blast this place to shreds to get to him." Ahatake replied. "We don't intend to kill whoever stands in our way...well I don't. Akiko and Michiyo are a different story."
That made Okita fold his arms across his chest and give a wondering look. "You do realize... by sparing me, you're giving Tenko-sama's plans a chance?" He questioned, tilting his head to the side inquisitively.
"You do realize this blade is heavy enough to knock you unconscious?" Ahatake said, holding it up so it gleamed threateningly.
"You wouldn't."
"I would." Ahatake replied. "I said I wouldn't kill you, I never said I wouldn't knock you unconscious and use you as a battering ram."
"I'm not so weak as to let my enemy trample me. Or, did our fight make you forget your wounds?" Okita questioned logically, walking over to the broken blade and kneeling. A frown crossed his face at the damage. "Guess I'll have to get a new sword... this one's done its duty..." He lamented.
Sirius trilled for a moment and swooped over Ahatake, healing his wounds with it's feather's as well. "I believe you mentioned wounds?"
Okita shook his head sagely. "No, Tenno-sama. I meant that I had inflicted them on you in the first place. You defeated me, but that doesn't mean you have the power to walk on me. I can still fight back...even if my blade's been shattered."
"I told you, I'm not here for you." Ahatake replied. "I'm here to fight Tenko. There are too many events in my life that he's connected to. The murder of my friends, murder of my wife. Before I kill him, I'm going to find out if he's the one who killed my mother." Ahatake wrapped his sword back in cloth. "I'm here for answers as well as revenge."
Okita resisted the urge to sweatdrop right then. "That's not my point-- Oh, forget it..." He sighed heavily, putting a hand to his forehead. "As for your mother, it depends on who she was and how she died."
"You wouldn't know." Ahatake replied. "You weren't even born then."
"You are being rather difficult..." Okita chided, frowning in disdain. "Besides, it's not like I'm unable to learn about such events. Tenko-sama might've even told me himself, have you considered that?"
Ahatake sighed. "Her name was Megami Tenno." He said, his eyes shadowing over by his hair. "The most beautiful and powerful female Tenno to ever have been in out clan."
"Go on..."
"I was five." Ahatake replied. "It's hard to remember, but she died protecting Akiko, who was just a baby, and myself at the time. I don't remember from what. It's a blur.."
"...the Nine-Tailed Fox resides within your sister. Am I correct?" Okita guessed.
"Correct." Ahatake replied.
"Then..." Okita closed his eyes in thought. "My guess is that Tenko-sama was confirming the residents of the Kyuubi within your sister and confronted your mother. Whether they battled or not isn't of my knowledge... but if your apprehension is right, that would be evidence on which he killed Megami-sama."
"Then my Zanken will live up to it's name today." Ahatake replied.
Okita opened his eyes once more, nodding. "If you're going at all, go quickly! He's waiting for you." He suggested.
Ahatake nodded. "You know Okita, if I make it out of this alive, I'd like to fight you again."
A smile graced the Soujirou's lips. But, this time, it lacked the falseness that he had held before - now that his emotions had returned to him, it was much warmer than before. He was showing his good heart. "It'd be an honor, Tenko-sama."
Ahatake grinned and proceed towards Tenko's door.
----
Gohan was standing upside down from the roof, panting slightly. He looked exhausted, and was slightly cut off, but Michiyo was no better off.
In fact, she was a bit worse.
Bits of her clothing were torn, and her skin was a partial plethora of burns and bruises. As much as she attempted to stand straight, the rising and falling of her chest signaled that she, too, was exerted of most of her energy. A trickle of blood from a blow he had dealt to her jaw trickled down the corner of her mouth.
And at the moment, she was very frustrated.
She had taken a month to hone her skills in order to combat and defeat such an opponent. Yet, whatever blow that she threw was easily thwarted, and her techniques were almost always cancelled out by his. She was getting nowhere.... fast.
Gohan grinned, looking down at her. "Ya know, you're pretty good. Still not on your mother's level but you're not bad!"
"Not on my mother's level?!" At the statement, she clenched her fists. Now it was getting clear - she was nowhere near her opponent's strength. If her mother, who was clearly stronger, was defeated, then what chance did she have?
None.
She was just. Too. Weak.
"Hey I have a request from you Michiyo."
"What is it?" She asked, careful to keep her emotions in check.
"Well, I don't really intend to kill you," Gohan began slowly, jumping down so he could see Michiyo better. "I was hoping you'd go out on a date with me." He finished cheerfully.
It took only five seconds for Michiyo to register the statement fully. And when she did...
"W...what?!"
...she was obviously surprised, needless to say.
"Will you go out with me?" Gohan replied slowly.
A slight blush spread across the woman's cheeks, and her anger was temporarily lost. "You have some nerve, asking your enemy out on a date..." She stated calmly. "But since I doubt it'll hurt...sure." She used a light shrug to emphasize. "I accept."
Gohan grinned. "Alright!" He quickly formed seals and closed his eyes. "Well good news, no one is dead, but Yumi's chakra levels are particularly low."
"Even Okita...?" Resentment was slight in Michiyo's tone, and she frowned slightly, folding her arms across her chest. "I was sure that Okita was going to die.."
"Okita's alive too." Gohan replied. "He didn't kill your mother because he wanted to. He was ordered."
"..." Although Michiyo didn't say anything to that in reply, she didn't seem to be denying it either, her expression not having changed much. She turned her glance towards the door, her chakra senses also kicking in. Gohan was telling the truth - everyone was intact, and the Murakami's chakra was quite low.
At least she could tell that Akiko had defeated her...
"Knowing your aunt, Yumi is probably being healed as we speak."
"I realize that. Akiko is quite caring towards the girl."
"Well, I think we have a fight to watch." Gohan said. "Tenno should be on his way to Tenko."
A small smirk graced Michiyo's lips. "I wonder what the Fox'll think when he sees there haven't been casualties in the combat?" She wondered, walking towards the door which led to the exit. "I'd like to see a shocked expression for once."
== Fox and the Phoenix: Part 2; My Answers ==
Ahatake stopped right at the door. He pressed his hand to it and received a short shock. "What the?"
At that moment, Michiyo came up beside him, arms folded across her chest, and a calm expression on her face. "The Murakami put a seal on this door, remember? So we'll have to wait for Akiko to get here..." She reminded, eyes turning behind her.
"Of course." Ahatake sighed.
"Tou-san... there was no reason you should've spared Okita." Michiyo's voice was solemn. "Although he was under orders, his blade still killed Kaa-san nonetheless. He followed such without question, didn't he? So that couldn't have meant he was reluctant to..."
Ahatake raised a hand to silence her. "Tenko is the object of my vengeance. Okita has been redeemed."
"..." Michiyo's eyes narrowed, and she turned her head away from him, closing her eyes.
Gohan looked at these two for a moment but did not speak. 
A cheerful voice broke through the silence. "Onii-san!!!" Akiko called out. "I'm alive and I brought Yumi."
"For once I am glad to hear her voice." Ahatake murmured.
Yumi was rather solemn as well, arms folded across her chest, and her eyes narrowed upon seeing Ahatake and her teammate. It was unfortunate she was now standing beside her so-called enemy along with her comrades, getting ready to face her leader. But, she had no choice: she knew Akiko's power could easily crush her at this level.
She remained silent.
"Yumi, would you be so kind as to undo the seal?" Ahatake asked.
The girl scoffed. "Weren't you going to have Akiko blow it open, anyway? Don't need me for that..." She said dismissively.
"Can't you help us Yumi?" Akiko asked. "You don't have to aid us afterwards. You can even turn on us after we get in there. I'll just knock you back down."
Gohan tilted his head. "Are all Tennos this confident in their power?"
"Don't start with me..." Yumi warned, contempt in her tone as she shot a glare. "I really am not aiming to listen to arrogant words like that."
"I'm being realistic.." Akiko replied, her voice trailing off.
Ahatake sighed. "Obviously she's not going to cooperate.."
"Then, go on. Make your big dramatic entrance." Yumi stated coolly, stepping aside for Akiko. "Blast the door open."
Akiko sulked. "Fine.. everyone...get the hell away.."
Ahatake and Gohan immediately backed off, both out of fear of the Kyuubi no Yoko.
Michiyo followed suit, her eyes glancing at Akane to watch.
Chakra began to bubble and rise as Akiko grew tail after tail. An explosion ensued and she was covered in her own blood and chakra, with skeletal bones hanging from her.
"Get ready all of you.." She spoke is a sharp rasping voice. Blue and red bubbles were fired from her body and the converged into one giant ball. She aimed it at the door and shot it off. The moment it collided with the, a large and red explosion ensued.
It worked.
When the smoke cleared, the door had been completely obliterated by the powerful blast. At the far opposite wall, two figures were sitting on a log-like piece of the building that stretched horizontally. It was Tenko and Fuyako, the two Kitsune who had patiently waited for their enemies to come.
Snow was falling as always and Fuyuko looked upon them with distaste. "So they actually made it."
Akiko did not wait for the command and charged at Tenko. She swung her arm forward and a chakra arm shot out.
For a moment, the male Kitsune did not move. His head was lowered, and he didn't seem to pay any attention towards the incoming chakra arm until it was close. Then, with a hand, he caught the chakra hand, stopping it as if he would've stopped a normal fist. His cold, yellow eyes stared into Akiko's own.
"Kyuubi... I wonder if you can hear me, right now...?" He wondered aloud.
"I'm pretty sure it can!" Akiko growled as another arm grew out of the arm Tenko has caught.
Despite the threat, Tenko's heart was filled with disdain at the sight of such action. In the past, when the both resided in the Kitsune Realm, the Kyuubi proved to be much more threatening in sparring matches, giving him much more of a hard time to contend with. But, as it was now, trapped inside a human, he was nothing but a shadow of the power he once was.
It was sad, to see such power go to waste.
"Fire Release: Unholy Fire."
The same technique Tenko had used to defeat Ahatake had submerged. The white and hot flames surged from his hand and spread throughout the two arms. It was enough to set the chakra itself on fire, and soon, it engulfed Akiko's transformed body entirely. He released his "grip" on the chakra hand.
"It's about time we had a little reunion, brother." He thought, a small smile coming onto his face.
But the flames did not last long and when they cleared to reveal Akiko, she was surrounded by bones. A seventh tail began to sprout, and the bones that surrounded Akiko she fired off like missiles.
Without hesitation, Tenko pushed himself off of the log, figure vanishing abruptly. The bone bullets were short of their targets, but the Kitsune continued to push forward, his speed getting him ever-so-closer to Akiko.
Akiko quickly moved back as she increased in size. She was only two tails away from her complete nine. She roared, sending waves of chakra at Tenko.
Ahatake sighed. "I thought I was going to fight."
Once again, he dodged.
But this time, he was in front of her. "You insult the Kitsune of the trade, using this power like a coward." He spoke, voice harsh and cold. "It makes me wonder why Kyuubi wastes his time on such a mortal like you..."
Then, with a balled fist, he swung straight into the stomach, plunging his entire hand right through the "stomach". Without hesitation, he placed another hand on her head, closing his eyes in focus. "I want to see what you see, brother..." He resided. "I wish to hear you, as you hear me..."
Then, all it took was another surge of chakra...
=== Reunion of the Kitsune ===
In an instant, his figure teleported in the middle of a strange area.
All around him was blackness. The only light that seemed to come was the orange of the endless waters he stood on. In front of him were several iron bars, in which he could assume his brother was residing in. He could feel the faint presence of Akiko, but for now, he payed no heed.
All he cared about was speaking to the imprisoned Kitsune.
His eyes lifted, and he folded his arms across his chest. "It's been a while, Kyuubi."
Large red eyes opened, and the large Kitsune stared down menacingly upon the figure of the man from behind it's bars. "Juusei..." It growled. "Why have you come here?"
Tenko scoffed. "Act a little happier to see me, why don't you?" He said, putting on an amused smirk. "I see the fates have been cruel to you, too, locking you up inside such iron bars. This would be the fate of a human inmate, would it not?"
" Do not patronize me Juusei. And I see they haven't been much kinder to you." The spirit replied. "Sealed as a human, having your powers limited to a fraction of what they used to be."
"Indeed." Tenko agreed. "Although my powers are limited, I have been able to move freely and travel as I please. You, however, have been an unwilling puppet of the Uchiha, as well as your sealers. Tell me, Kyuubi... have you ever tried to escape from this prison of yours?"
"It is not possible, or I would have devoured you where you stand." The Fox said, annoyed, despite having company besides Akiko for the first time in years.
"HA HA HA HA HA!!!"
That caused a loud burst of laughter to erupt from the human Kitsune, his expression one of humor, giddiness, and amusement. But it was short-lived; he returned to his narrowed eye expression once more. "Not possible? What's keeping you from over-powering this woman and gaining your freedom back?! You may talk about how my power is limited... but what about yours?"
Gigantic claws sweeped through the bars, barely being stopped inches from Tenko's face. "I cannot free myself fool, such is how this seal is made." His voice was thunderous.
"Is that so?"
The fact of the Kyuubi's attack excited his brother, and a hint of his excitement was shown flashing through his eyes. It was just like fighting Fuyuko again - he was face-to-face and in confrontation with one of his own Kitsune. Without hesitation, he clasped his hands together, closing his eyes. "Fox Mode." He whispered.
The changes were immediate and apparent. His eyes changed from pale yellow to blood red. His nails and canines sharpened, and his smirk appeared to gain even a more feral appearance. As he unclasped his hands, a red aura seemed to surround him, billowing his red hair slightly.
Then, settling into a stance for a brief moment, he slammed his fist into one of the bars. Now, as if he was channeling his chakra through them, they too gained the crimson color of his own aura, which was now fading. Backing away slowly, he turned to look into Kyuubi's eyes.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm giving you a choice. You see, as we are, we're made to suffer the fate of mortality. We are destined to die young, never to live another thousand years. But, at least for you, that could change depending on your decision. What I just did was give you some freedom - spawn yourself into the outside world in a human form. However, I also gave you the potential of pushing through the seal, and freeing yourself."
He turned his back on the massive fox. "Will you stay here with your...master... and continue to live in your own demise? Or will you take the chance to find the freedom you once had? I'll leave it to you to decide." He craned his head a little, revealing a smirk.
"Maybe once you decide for freedom, and we meet again... we can finish what we started in the Kitsune Realm. I'll be waiting..."
Then, his figure dissolved into ash upon Kyuubi's eyes.
"A choice?" The Kyuubi thought. "Sealing myself into a human form in exchange for freedom.."
----
Akiko's tails began to fade and she returned to human form, slightly dazed.
"W..what happened?"
Tenko's form stood over her, arms folded across his chest. "Oh... I just had a little talk with your prisoner." He stated simply, with a humorless tone. "That's all."
"Good for you." Akiko mumbled, stumbling away. "Onii-san, you take him. I feel like I've been drugged."
Ahatake sighed as he walked past her and stood facing Tenko. "'Bout damn time."
Tenko's form calmly turned towards Ahatake, arms still folded across his chest. "How long has it since I've faced down a Tenno? Years? Twenty-two, possibly?" He inquired. "Yet, I don't feel the same elation that the previous one did... I wonder why?"
Ahatake's eyes narrowed. "You've faced a Tenno before? What was that Tenno's name?"
Tenko bitterly chuckled. "Oh, oops. I meant to say two." He corrected. "One was a woman of red hair and a ghost-white kimono. The other almost looked like you, even down to the same narrowed-eye glare. It was one of those times where I ever experienced the threat of death... at least, from humans."
Ahatake's eyes narrowed further. He was shaking furiously. "Did you happen..to kill one?"
He said the response needed. "Yes. It was a shame such an honorable warrior had to die, so I gave her the honor of a painless death - decapitation."
"Kaa-san.." Ahatake thought and without conscious thought, a few tears poured from his eyes.
"Now I face another, with the intent to kill me." Tenko continued, even as he placed his hand on one of his sword hilts. Slowly and deliberately, he drew it out, letting the blade gleam in the darkness. "I can only hope that it will not end up like last time you attacked me..."
Electricity began to crackle around Ahatake. "I've gotten my answer...now.." He glared at Tenko and extended a hand, where electricity gathered. "I'll have your head!" Massive bullets of electricity were fired off at the Tenko.
He had little time to act. There were several bullets heading towards him, and it would've been a waste of time if he had to dodge. Immediately, his hands flung to his chest and executed a set of hand seals. Once he completed the final seal, he whispered "Wind Release: Hidden Knives". With that, he took in a deep breath and blew air form his mouth.
Upon nearing him, and because of their nature, the bullets of chakra dispelled.
Ahatake jumped, not even drawing his sword, instead going for his Kunai. He gripped one and threw it. It missed barely, and it landed on the ground 3 inches from Tenko himself.
Immediately, sensing danger, Tenko moved himself to jump up and backwards, eye focused on the kunai for a second. To his eyes, the possibility of an explosive going off, or hidden wires around the kunai came to him as soon as the tip carved into the ground.
Ahatake's index finger twitched and the Kunai exploded in a burst of smoke, sending three poison-tipped shuriken at Tenko.
With a wide side-step, he was able to barely avoid them once more, their metal-sharp tips embedding into the wall behind him.
Ahatake threw another shuriken at Tenko and it multuplied into a few hundred.
He was keeping his distance, and that was making Tenko all the more annoyed. But he kept his cool, using his speed and the combination of sword swipes in order to deflect and dodge the kunai. "Sticking to long-range won't help you, if you're aiming to kill me!" He taunted.
== Claws vs Talons ==
Ahatake growled and formed two Shadow Clones. "Get him!" Ahatake ordered and he formed the sign of the ram as the clones charged at Tenko.
"He's planning something.." Gohan thought watching Ahatake. "His chakra is odd.."
"A distraction?" Okita guessed mentally, watching the exchange with curious eyes. "It must be a powerful jutsu, if he needs such. But what...?"
The Clones gripped two Kunai, both equipped with a flash bomb and threw it at Tenko, while the air around Ahatake began to grow hot and Ahatake's chakra levels were rising.
Immediately, Tenko realized what he was doing. If anything, his smile grew even more feral, even as he charged at his two distractions. With movements nothing short of quick speed, he easily cut through and dismissed both clones consecutively, the flash bombs exploding behind him. "Another self-enhancing move? Let's see what it is this time..."
Ahatake was enveloped in a mass of swirling flame, and the flames converged onto his back forming wings of flame. He opened his eyes and they were golden and fierce like the eyes of a hawk. "This is Phoenix Mode." Ahatake explained, as Gohan was about to open his mouth and ask, and more flames started to swirl at his feet.
Even as his hair and clothes were billowing, Okita showed no signs of fear; a result of the Spetsnaz training. His eyes stared in silent amazement at the new form of Ahatake, nodding slightly. It was such a shame he hadn't used it in his own fight... would've proven to be much more challenging.
Right beside him, Yumi was in a rather crouched form, eyes narrowed in concentration at the transformation. A bead of sweat fell down her face, but other than that, she refused to show her own shock. Though, she did have to admit - it was quite an impressive power. But she believed that Tenko-sama still held the upper hand, his stance so confident, and his expression unchanging. "He'll crush that newfound power..." She boasted in her head, a small smirk coming onto her face.
Ahatake sighed. "Kaa-san was capable of this as well...and her's was far more powerful. She was even capable of unlocking it's next state..yet she still fell to this man.. Kaa-san...watch me.." Ahatake clenched his fist and punched the air. Though it seemed like a pointless action, a force collided with Tenko, sending him spiraling backwards.
WHAM!
His back slammed into the wall, leaving a crater where it had landed. The very room shook with the force, albeit it was only for a brief moment. There hadn't been any time for reaction; just the lifelessness of a machine. He appeared to hang there, back stuck and embedded in the walls.
Unconciously, Yumi let out a small gasp, and Okita blinked at least once. Had they really saw what had just been displayed?
Fuyuko looked at Ahatake with awe. That boy had actually sent a age-old demon crashing into a wall. 
Ahatake scowled. "Get up. I know you're not hurt. Not from an attack like that."
Indeed, Tenko had a clear smirk on his face. He pulled himself from the walls and landed on his feet gently, tilting his neck from side to side. "A Bird Kata? Hmph... the wench hit much harder..." He said lowly, a haughty tone to his voice.
A vein popped in Ahatake's forehead. "I'm going to kill you, you know." He drew his white and black cleaver. "My Zanken will live up to its name today."
"I'd love to see you try it, kid."
Ahatake gripped his blade. "Now's as a good a time to test this out as any." The blade began to glow blue, as Ahatake poured chakra into it. "Hinjutsu: Moon Fang Heaven-Piercer!" He cried, swinging his blade and sending a mass of chakra from it's tip at Tenko.
It was time to switch to his own offensive.
With his speed, Tenko vanished, figure shimmering for a second before completely disappearing. When he re-appeared, it was in front of Ahatake, blade tip down into the ground, and both hands gripping the hilt as if about to swing it upwards. He did so, and as he brought the blade up, small, white flames burst from around its path. A partial aura of white fire covered the blade as he brought it upwards, threatening to cut Ahatake open.
Ahatake blocked the blade with the flat side of his own, and the flames vanished. Ahatake punched Tenko in the jaw. Hard.
"WHAT?!"
This time, Tenko's eyes widened in what could only be displayed as shock and rage. His white flames were one of the many powers the Kitsune was known for, particularly the fire Kitsune. Such flames produced heat even more intense than the Katon techniques, only rivaled by the unholy fires of Amaterasu. And this boy had made them vanish as if they were nothing.
It only got worse when the ferocious blow struck his jaw, knocking his vision to the side. Even as he skidded back, he felt the overwhelming pain in what he could've sworn was a shattered jaw. He raised the back of his sword hand to wipe the blood away, fury blazing in his eyes.
"You...little...PUNK!"
With another side-step, he threw himself at his opponent, teeth baring into a fox-like snarl as he once again swung the blade imbued with his flames.
"What's wrong old man?" Ahatake taunted. "Throwing a tantrum?" He spread his wings and flew up into the air. "Hinjutsu: Great Fireball Technique]]!" He expelled a massive fireball from teh air at Tenko, larger than a Normal Katon Fireball, and white hot as the flames of Tenko's sword.
"I don't think so..."
His chilling voice came from behind, the malice that laced it completely unhidden. There was a SHING heard, followed by the sound of a sword swinging downwards. The intense heat could be felt, ready to melt his opponent into two halves...
Ahatake's wings, the flames he was using to fly, immediately covered him in a near-solid flame like shield, which not only absorbed the impact of Tenko's blade, but the flames around them as well. The moment the attack was blocked the wings re-spread and pushed Tenko away from Ahatake. 
"Akiko always did want a fox-fur coat." Ahatake said, twirling his blade.
Flame attacks wouldn't work.
Tenko could see that now, even as he caught himself with his hands and feet on the wall. His eyes peered intensely at Ahatake's flying form, sword gripped tightly in one hand. "Don't get too cocky..." He retorted. "I'm not dead yet."
"You will be when I'm done with you." Ahatake replied. "I've done too many big moves, Phoenix Chakra is getting precious. I better make this one count!" Ahatake sent Tenko flying with yet another Bird Kata, but did not stop like last time, and flew after him, his fist coated in flames. "TAKE THIS!" He cried, and slammed his fist into the man's stomach.
Yumi's pupils shrank in horror as she witnessed the ferocious blow dealt to the gut, her leader doubled over. His eyes were shadowed over, and his teeth were set in a grit, signaling the intense pain he was feeling. "TENKO-SAMA!"
Even Okita's eyes had widened considerably. "Impossible...!"
He had dealt a hard blow to their supposedly invincible leader. Their enemy was winning!
However, none of them noticed the fact that his canines were starting to grow, along with his nails. In quick thinking, he had raised his palm in front of the oncoming fist, catching the blow with his bare hand. Then, he reached up and gripped the middle of Ahatake's opposite arm, his snarl growing into a sneer.
Then, without hesitation, he lunged his head forward, opened his mouth, and sank those long, razor-sharp canines right into the side of Ahatake's neck - possibly the jugular.
Luckily it wasn't the jugular, so Ahatake was able to force him off and get away with his life...for now. He panted as his wings began to shrink and his eyes returned to their normal state. He had run out of Phoenix Chakra and he was exhausted..
"Guess I have no choice, but you finish you off quickly."
Tenko sheathed his blade and raised a two-fingered hand seal, similar to the Tiger sign, to his mouth. His own chakra began to build up around him, a body aura of crimson forming. Then, before raising his other arm up, he stated three words.
"Kitjutsu: Hikari."
Then, he thrust his arms out to the side, releasing the chakra in the form of an immense and blinding light.
"Oh shit!" Ahatake covered his eyes, to avoid being blinded.
It took that second for Tenko to re-appear behind him, a hand raised. Eyes widened in nothing more than killing intent, he swung it down, claws gleaming to cut through their first taste of flesh.
They succeeded in hitting their target, and blood and bits of flesh and cloth spurted onto the ground.
At that, confidence was felt in Yumi once again, a smile gracing her features. "Yes! A direct hit!" She thought, clenching her fist.
For Tenko's claws had torn right through the back and partially the upper spinal cord, leaving a deep gash in the flesh. His hand was now dripping with the sticky human fluid, and he smirked sinisterly upon the sight of it. Then, he raised his other hand and swung it, this time balled into a fist.
=== Reinforcements ===
A hand caught the fist, and Akiko was grinning. "If you don't mind, I think I'll take over." A shadow clone of herself pulled Ahatake away.
Fuyuko spoke up. "Tenko, would you like me to dispose of him?"
"Damn wench!"
He was so close to killing that Tenno! His teeth bared in frustration, and he narrowed his eyes at Akiko, seemingly not having heard Fuyuko's comment. But he did speak. "Kill him, along with anyone who stands in your way." He granted.
"Alright." She floated over, quickly forming seals. The Shadow Clone was already in the process of healing him, his spine had healed already.
"Hell No." Akiko thought and her chakra began to bubble up again.
"And as for you, wench..."
With her hand wrapped tightly around his fist, he pulled back and reeled her in. His other hand balled into a tight fist, flames exploding around it. "You should learn not to step in between me and my prey! Kitjutsu: Ikari!"
The punch, however, has met empty space as an explosion ensued. The smoke cleared quickly enough to reveal a gigantic fox with nine whipping tails. Akiko had taken on the Kyuubi's form.
It was almost as if fate was come to mock him once more.
As the creature rose to the depths of the sky, having smashed the safehouse to pieces, Tenko stared on with narrowed, slightly wavering eyes. No matter how he looked at it, he could still see that damned girl imprisoning one of his bretheren, even if she took on his form. How dare she!
Needless to say, Michiyo wasn't pleased as she too stared up at the massive beast that had formerly been Akiko. "What is she trying to do?!" She thought, fearfully. "Is she trying to attract unwanted attention?!"
Fuyuko started to launch her assualt on Ahatake's body, but one of Akiko's tails whipped at her, sending her back. Akiko snarled at Tenko, and opened her mouth wide. She began to charge a massive ball of energy.
"Fukuyo?!"
Even the recincarnation of the powerful Ice Kitsune had been so easily knocked aside! His rage fueling his body, Tenko narrowed his eyes and grit his teeth in a nearly animalistic snarl. "You're nothing compared to the power of a true Kitsune. It makes me sick to see you wielding such power!"
Then, he raised his clawed hands together. Several white orbs floated from his body and started to cluster together, forming his own massive orb of energy. It was the most dreaded jutsu of the Kitsune's arsenal: the Kokuho. Although it was smaller, the energy was concentrated, increasing its stopping power.
He cursed his human body silently. As such, this would create a heavy strain on the body due to the massive amount of chakra taken. But, if it worked, it would cause severe damage to the beast's head. He could end the fight with one final blow.
"Fuck you!" Akiko fired her attack at the once great demon.
In turn, he unleashed his own ball of energy, the recoil making him stagger back.
The attacks charged at each other and the resulting collision created a large explosion that spread out, stopping however before it hit the two combatants. A large crater had been left where the explosion took place.
"Gasp..."
Tenko, however, was less than of equal health. His heart was beating rapidly, sweat was pouring down his body, and he felt as if every muscle and bone was creaking in on themselves. With shaking hands, he clasped his hands together as if he was praying. "Fuyuko..." He whispered, knowing the woman was still conscious. "Cover me...as much as you can."
"You're not in fit shape." Fuyuko replied, and she held a hand up to him. "And look..I believe she's used up her chakra."
It was indeed true. Akiko was shrinking and losing her demonic features, The fur, bones, chakra shield, and other features were receding. In no time she was human again. But there was something that was odd. A young man was standing next to her. He had long hair tied back in a pony tail, and was wielding a strange sword. 
The man remained silent, eyes still closed, and his body stock still. But, he acknowledged his presence with a small grin. "So he took it after all. I wonder if he'll take the final step forward...?" He thought.
The Kyuubi looked at himself. "So.." He said in a calm, surprisingly gentle voice. "This is what it's like to possesses a human body. Not bad..not bad.."
Akiko was, to say the least, shocked. "Y..you??"
"Yes." He replied smiling. "Me."
Both subordinates of the Spetsnaz were notably shocked once more, watching the scene with widened eyes. They had both expected the danger of the Jinchuriki releasing her full power against them, but would've never expected this. What happened between it and their commander...?
Kyuubi looked at Tenko. "I must thank you Tenko." He said genially. "For giving me this form."
At that, Tenko released his hands, standing up and dusting himself off. His form, though battle-worn, stood straight and tall like a wall of stone. His face bore a stoic expression once more upon facing his... and possibly her... brother. "Your natural fury has subsided. May I ask why?" He questioned, a faint frown curving his mouth.
"Surprise and elation." Kyuubi replied. "I am finally free again." He turned towards Akiko. "I could kill you here and now..but because you have amused me I will not leave you with noting." He pressed his index and middle fingers to her forehead and red chakra flowed from them. Akiko shuddered violently and slumped to her knees. Kyuubi turned away. "From now on, I will be known as Kori." He said to the room at large. "And, I take my leave." Red mist surrounded him and he began to fade. He looked at his former Jinchuriki and then at Tenko. "We'll see each other again, I'm sure." He faded completely.
A soft chuckle escaped the sealed Kitsune's lips. "I'm sure we will, brother." He replied calmly, turning away once Kyu... no, Kori's... form dissipated. "Now... it's time for you to die, boy..." He had only half of his chakra left. He turned back towards his former opponent, walking slowly.
Ahatake started to groan and Akiko's shadow clone dispersed. He forced himself to his feet and the real Akiko rushed to his side. "I'm aching all over.." He groaned.
"Raise your weapon. It's time to end this." Tenko boasted, standing a few feet in front of them.
Ahatake ignored him. "Akiko...I need your chakra.."
"What?" Akiko looked surprised.
"Loan me your chakra." Ahatake replied. He extended a hand. "Place your hand on mine and I'll absorb your chakra."
Without further word, Tenko thrust himself at his opponent, one hand clutching an arm ready to swing. At the end of that arm, a fist of blazing white fire formed at the tip. It was another Kitjutsu: Ikari, about to be unleashed. It would be only seconds until he closed the gap, at which he could finally kill the Tenno.
He didn't waste a second.
Neither did Akiko. She funneled as much of her chakra into Ahatake's system as soon as his hand was extended, and it didn't take very long. Akiko jumped back and Ahatake braced himself.
Without further hesitation, Tenko threw the fiery punch towards his opponent, both his physical strength and chakra backed behind it.
== Finale ==
Ahatake jumped over the man and landed on his feet behind him. He stood up straight and glared at Tenko. He formed the seal of the ram again, and this time his chakra levels rose faster than last time.
Immediately, the man pivoted, meeting Ahatake's glaring eyes with his own ones. But he remained silent, looking on as he readied himself.
Ahatake's fire wings sprouted and his eyes changed into the fierce bird eyes. But he did not stop there, and his chakra levels continued to rise. They were beginning to rival Tenko's himself.
It was out of apprehension that Tenko had pulled both of his swords out, readying them in a parallel position on either side of his body. They both were lowered, but he was clearly ready.
Ahatake charged at Tenko and closed the distance between them with little effort. He coated his fist in flames again, and sank it into his stomach. Then he followed up with a punch to the jaw.
At first, the blows had seemed to do harm, as both times they were swung, Tenko had re-coiled in that direction. However, even as the blow to the jaw made his head turn, the rest of his body spun in a full-circle pivot. His blades swung with him in amazing grace and quickness, closing the distance between their metal and his flesh.
They hit their mark, slicing into Ahatake like Christmas Ham, but he quickly jumped back, an apparent reflex, and drew his own blade. Blood was pouring from his wounds, but he ignored it and swung his sword, sending a variation of his Bird Kata at Tenko, a cutting wave of Phoenix Chakra.
Tenko charged, side-stepping in order to avoid the Kata in time. Then, without a moment's notice, he vanished and re-appeared to close the distance once more, swinging his sword blades once more.
Ahatake gripped the blade, cutting his own hand in the process, to make sure Tenko couldn't escape from his next hit, and swung his blade upward at him.
Tenko sneered. Instead of staying still, he raised the sword in his other hand between them and intercepted the attack before it could hit him. Then, using the blades as support, he lifted up both of his legs in the initiation of a drop-kick towards Ahatake's chest.
The wings shielded Ahatake and flung Tenko back. "I need to bloody him up a little.." Ahatake thought, panting slightly.
With the boost, Tenko flipped backwards and landed in a crouched position. Slowly, he stood up once more. "Even with outside help, you still can't bring yourself to overwhelm me, boy." He mocked.
"Blow it out your diddy bag." Ahatake replied annoyed. He lifted his blade again and charged at Tenko. He arrived face-to-face with him and slashed at his sides and arms.
With a simple twist, he jerked his blade to block the blows to his arms.
However, his confidence would be sure to end when he attempted the same with the sides - the burning ache that had consumed him ever since his submission of the Kyuubi form had rose again to attack, and he found himself unable to move his arms once more. The blade ripped straight through his sides, and he felt immense pain as he was forced back.
It was as if he had already been cut in half.
Unable to stand properly, he fell to his knees once again, growling at the agony in his sides. The smirk faded, and sweat fell down his face as he struggled to keep from shouting out the pain to his opponent.
Ahatake scowled at him but before he could raise his own blade, his sides throbbed and he felt weaker. Blood loss was getting to him and he felt weak on his knees.
At that point, Okita, who had been watching intently, knew that the fight was approaching to its end. He smiled; both had fought valiantly, and both were deserving of such honor. "Tenno-sama's definitely improved. It almost makes me envious..." He thought. "Your mother would definitely be smiling on you."
"I'm..I'm not done yet.." Ahatake forced himself to stay standing. "I...have to avenge them all!"
Forcing himself up, a pained Tenko was forced to cough up blood, staining the ground he stood on. His throat felt torn now; with all of the energy that he had exhausted, it felt like such a human body would tear apart. But he staggered forward a few steps, knowing that even another chakra recovery wouldn't help him.
Ahatake grinned as his Phoenix Chakra faded. All he had was his own chakra. But this was how he wanted to end it. "Use what ever you have left Tenko!" Ahatake said, extending a hand and chakra spiral and formed there, condensing into a ball. "This is it..."
"With pleasure."
With that final statement, Tenko settled into a crouched position, one leg placed in front of him. One of his arms were raised, and both swords were pointed towards his opponent in his own stance. Both Okita and Yumi recognized it immediately.
It was the stance of a fox about to strike.
His hair was billowing slightly, as if provoked by an unseen force. That very same force could be felt within the area, but had a weak feel to it. It was what was left of Tenko's energy, which had focused itself into his body for one, final attack.
Gohan looked on with awe. He would have loved to have been fighting either of those men, but he knew he would have lost. "Their chakra is equal at this moment but still very weak. It's anyone's victory now."
Ahatake gripped his attack and charged at Tenko. He thrust his hand forward. "RASENGAN!! SPIRAL CHAKRA SPHERE!"
At the same time, Tenko thrust the upper blade forward, colliding his own force with his opponent's. "Kenjutsu: Killing Claw!"
The Spiral Chakra Sphere collided with the blade's own chakra and the two forces began to collide and clash, and chakra whipped around the two combatants, stroking the unwary.
As they felt the chakra, Okita and Yumi stared on with awe. "There's no doubt about it." Okita said observantly. "To force Tenko-sama into unleashing that technique will mean this will be the killing blow."
The Rasengan spiraled faster as Ahatake pushed against Tenko's attacks. The face of his mother, wife, and comrades appeared in his mind and lit a fire of determination in his heart. "I..won't lose..to you!!!" He cried as he added more force.
When Ahatake looked into Tenko's eyes once more... the Kitsune almost reeled back in shock as she struggled against the energy. Despite the feeling of his body about to be torn apart, he pushed with all of his might, due to a simple sight - the face of her. He didn't see the boy anymore... but the image of the Tenno he had killed, staring into his face once again as if she herself was fighting.
"...M..MEGAMI!!!"
Ahatake's Rasengan slipped past the blade and into Tenko's gut, while the blade pierced Ahatake's own flesh. "Shi..shimatta!"
That was it. All that his human body could take.
When the Rasengan slammed into his gut, he used what he could to push the blade into his target. Then, he fell into darkness, allowing his eyes to blank over as a result. The last feeling he would ever get was his back slamming into the ground, before his mind became completely black.
Ahatake fainted before Tenko, and did not even feel the blade pierce him, but he hit the ground just like his opponent. 
Akiko rushed over to Ahatake and checked for a pulse. She sighed. It was faint but there.
Fuyuko floated over to Tenko and did the same as Akiko. He was alive as well. She sighed in relief.
Immediately, Michiyo, who had remained silent for most of the fight out of tension, had finally gotten herself to appear beside Ahatake and kneel over him to look at his injuries. The same was with Okita and Yumi; both women were rather flustered, but Okita was as calm as ever, his own eyes drifting to his commander's wounds.
"I guess this match is a draw." He concluded, folding his arms across his chest and nodding sagely.
Gohan grinned and pulled a book out of his pocket entitled Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi. "Guess it's back to business as usual." He said, flipping a page.
Fuyuko lifted Tenko over her shoulder, and Akiko made a movement as if to stop her but her legs were encased in ice.
"I'll be taking Tenko away for healing." She said, looking at the member's of Spetsnaz S.E. when she said this. "If you three are still our allies then you know where to find us. If you are not then you needn't come." She faded in a swirl of wind.
Those same members remained silent, at least in the case of Okita and Yumi. Silently, Yumi turned towards her friend, expression curious. "Okita?" She managed to say, before the boy cut her off, face set in his own normal look.
"It wouldn't be right to abandon Tenko-sama, when his plans have yet to be complete. It's decided. We'll follow them." He said firmly. That earned a nod from Yumi, and she turned to look over at Gohan.
He turned to Michiyo. "Hey Michiyo, if I go with them, does that mean you won't date me?" He asked, looking up from his book.
"If we meet as enemies, it will." She replied calmly, not looking up from her father. "But, considering it's you, I doubt we will...."
Gohan grinned. "Alright then, I'll see you later." He turned to his teammates. "I guess we should really go." 
Akiko sighed and she began to heal Ahatake. She did not seem to want to speak but anyone who knew her would know it wasn't because of Ahatake's injuries but rather because she figured she'd never really get a chance at Yumi.
As the Spetsnaz disappeared, Michiyo couldn't help but glance over at Akiko for a minute. But, seeing as she hadn't been that close to her aunt, she gave a small shrug and looked towards the entire area. Much to her surprise, the ninja scouts that led her here had vanished.
Akiko lifted Ahatake over her shoulders. "He's going to be unconscious for awhile.." Akiko said quietly.
"I have a bad feeling..." Michiyo muttered. "But let's get out of here."
"Yeah.." Akiko replied and she followed her niece out. "It's weird...without the Kyuubi I feel so off.."
Michiyo craned her head to look at her, surprised. "You mean it's completely gone? No connection at all?"
"None.." Akiko replied. "Although it did something rather odd before it left...when it said it wouldn't leave me with nothing..I'm not sure what but it did something.."
"Well... I'm sure it means something good, right? It stuck with you for so..."
And so would be the iniation of conversation between aunt and niece, as they walked back towards their home. For now, the threat of the Spetsnaz was quelled, and Konohagakure was safe.
All Michiyo had to do now was check on her sister... and hope that they weren't doing anything she might have to turn away from...
The End