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The play of emotions on Kaguya's face was evident—confusion, anger, sadness, and a glimmer of longing. The assembled shinobi watched in rapt attention, their eyes darting between Koushin and Kaguya. Naruto and Hinata's fingers entwined, both holding their breath in anticipation. The tension was palpable, even the usually unflappable Shikamaru appeared rapt.
Kaguya gazed at Koushin, her emotions reflecting a mix of surprise and uncertainty. His silvery hair and mesmerizing, ever-changing eyes seemed to shimmer in the endless desert's bright glow. As she blushed, her voice carried a hesitant vulnerability, "Who would marry an old woman like me?"
Koushin chuckled, the sound light and easy, and in a flash, he was beside Kakashi, pulling him into the conversation. "I just have the guy right here," he grinned, clearly enjoying the playfulness of the moment.
Kakashi looked around, bewildered. One moment he was a spectator, and now he was the center of attention. Before he could grasp the situation, Koushin pulled down his mask, revealing Kakashi's face for all to see. The sight of the infamous Copy Ninja's unmasked face drew gasps from the assembled shinobi.
Kaguya's eyes widened in appreciation as she took in Kakashi's chiseled features. She clearly wasn't expecting this.
"I present to you, Hatake Kakashi," Koushin introduced, his voice rich with mischief, "31 years old. Currently single. And very much untouched."
Kakashi's face turned beet red, "K-Koushin, I am not—" but Koushin cut him off playfully, "Oh, come on, Kakashi. We all know you're more 'read' than 'action'. No need to be embarrassed."
Kaguya's face reflected her clear intrigue as she assessed Kakashi, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Ino, trying to stifle her laughter, whispered to Koushin, "Really? Playing matchmaker now?"
Koushin winked in response, squeezing her hand affectionately.
Naruto and Hinata exchanged a glance, both suppressing smiles. Even Shikamaru, ever the stoic, had a hint of amusement in his eyes, while Temari tried hard not to snicker.
Kaguya slowly floated down, her feet touching Paathurnax's head, putting herself at eye level with Kakashi. "You've intrigued me," she murmured, her voice softer than before.
But before Kakashi could reply, Black Zetsu moved forward, his voice filled with caution, "Mother, don't be distracted."
Koushin, not willing to lose the advantage, quickly formed a series of hand seals, summoning a huge barrier around them. In a split second, Kaguya was trapped with Kakashi, the pair enclosed in a translucent dome. The swirling energy within the barrier was potent, hinting at the power Koushin was harnessing.
"We're buying time," A whispered to others, his focus unwavering. "While they're inside, we need to strategize."
Koushin looked at A with an air of cool indifference. "Fuck off. I'm serious about this. I'm not going to fight her. She deserves better."
Tsunade, her features twisted in disbelief, approached Koushin. "Are you serious?"
He met her gaze evenly. "Of course. She deserves to be happy."
Mei Terumi's face was an amalgam of frustration and disbelief. It was clear that seeing everyone paired up – Koushin and Ino, Naruto and Hinata, Shikamaru and Temari, and even Kakashi potentially with Kaguya – was hitting a nerve. Her vision started to blur, and her legs threatened to give out.
Sensing this, Tobirama steadied her, a look of concern etched on his face. "Easy there," he murmured, though Mei's pained expression said she was anything but.
Soon, Kaguya walked out of Koushin's barrier, which she made look as frail as paper. Kakashi was right by her side. At first glance, everyone's eyes zeroed in on the blushed look on Kakashi's face, the slight trickle of blood that dripped from his nose further emphasizing the fact.
Kaguya met Koushin's gaze, her voice carrying a clear, resolute tone, "I may accept your terms."
The collective breath of the shinobi on the field seemed to hitch, tension palpable in the air. Each one of them was on high alert, sensing the gravity of the situation.
Koushin's eyes, however, danced with anticipation, a cheeky grin playing on his lips as he responded, "Music to my ears."
Kaguya continued, "But before I make any decisions, you need to understand that this world is in a precarious state. I need to see if you're truly capable of defending yourself and those you care about."
Koushin's grin widened, his voice confident, "Challenge accepted."
Kaguya's lips twitched into an almost-smile, clearly amused. "There won't be any bloodshed today," she warned, her voice leaving no room for doubt.
Koushin nodded, his eyes glinting with acceptance and a playful yet respectful energy, "I accept your terms." He glanced at his allies, a comforting and confident undertone wrapping around his words, "There is no need to fear. She is strong enough to save herself from such tricks. If she said there won't be bloodshed, there won't be any."
Kaguya, standing resolute, lifted her chin slightly in recognition of Koushin's trust. Her frame shimmered, and suddenly, three Kaguyas stood side by side on the sandy dunes. "Show me your power," declared the one at the lead, a flicker of anticipation evident in her eyes.
Koushin turned toward his allies, his grin still intact, laced with the thrill of the forthcoming challenge. "I will take the one at the lead with Ino and Paathurnax. Naruto and others, split into two teams to deal with the other two."
Ino, holding Koushin's hand tightly, nodded, her eyes reflecting both the concern and trust she held for him. The gathered shinobi broke into their teams without hesitation, their trust in Koushin's direction unwavering even amidst the rising tension enveloping the endless desert.
Naruto, locking eyes with Hinata, whispered, "Stay close. We don't know what these other Kaguyas are capable of." His blue eyes held a soft tenderness, even as they gleamed with the spirit of a seasoned warrior.
Hinata nodded, squeezing his hand reassuringly, "Together, as always."
Kakashi, visibly blushing, spoke softly, his voice unsteady yet sincere, "I won't join in this battle."
The assembled shinobi turned, eyeing Kakashi with a mixture of disbelief and lighthearted exasperation, while Naruto, ever the straightforward, whispered just audibly, "Uxorious."
A chuckle rippled through the group, a brief lightening of the atmosphere, before the stern visages resettled upon their faces, turning once more to the triune Kaguya before them.
The teams, as Koushin had outlined, split neatly, the members of each group offering solid, steady nods to their comrades before positioning themselves.
Naruto, his eyes glimmering with a steadfast spirit, offered a subtle smirk to his team — Hinata, Shikamaru, Choji, and Temari — and they formed a cohesive unit, their years of camaraderie and shared battles allowing them to anticipate one another's moves.
The other team, consisting of the Five Kages, Sai, Shin, Yuyu, and Shino, held an unspoken understanding of the graveness that lay ahead. Their faces were masks of composed resolve, prepared to face whatever illusionary might Kaguya would throw their way.
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