Everyone had prepared thoroughly for this battle. Even Shikamaru, who was usually incredibly lazy, had drawn up a meticulous plan. He had also kept training with the chakra blades Asuma had left behind, working to control them better with his own chakra.
The Ino-Shika-Cho trio had set out on their road to revenge, determined that this time, Hidan and Kakuzu of the Akatsuki would not make it back alive.
When the groups met, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio immediately drew Hidan away, saying they wanted a nice long chat with him.
That left Kakuzu all alone, an old man facing Meihui, Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi.
As always, Kakashi fought like a one-man army, charging straight in to take on Kakuzu.
Perhaps it was Meihui's influence, but the people around him had all changed somewhat, coming out with strange things every so often.
Even Kakashi was no exception. While fighting Kakuzu, he still found time to talk trash.
"Against me, a man who has copied over a thousand Ninjutsu, you have no chance of winning." Meihui was speechless at those words. Damn it, he actually got to show off.
Having learned about Kakuzu's abilities, Kakashi fought him on even footing. Kakuzu was not happy about that. He was older than everyone present put together. It was no exaggeration to say that every last one of them was young enough to be his grandchild.
"Damn it, I fought the First Hokage himself! What makes you think you stand a chance? Today, I'll show you my true strength!"
Kakuzu promptly burst out of his clothes. At the sight, Meihui couldn't help sighing. "Oh no, Kakuzu's probably done for. Doesn't he know about the Akatsuki's curse? Take your clothes off, and you die."
Watching Kakashi and Kakuzu battle fiercely, Meihui felt his hands itch for a