Original subtitles

I know how hard this must be, Yugao.

Even so, you're the one best suited for this mission. You have to go.

But, Sukui...

It might seem cruel, I know...

But in order to reduce the casualties on our side, we need as much intel on our enemy as possible.

It might even help you save lives.

Now, go. I'm giving you an order.

Mhmm.

You think she'll be all right?

This is like a nightmare...

It appears they've erased any trace of their scent.

Bringing a Sensory-type was a good move.

Yugao, can you locate the targets?

They've detoured around the battleground to the forest ahead. They're at about two o'clock.

If we go around, we could confront them head on.

You've gotten better.

I know. Not bad, right?

I can win about half of our bouts now.

Don't get ahead of yourself. It's really more like one out of three.

That's only because you can use Transparency Style.

But just wait, I'll catch up to you in no time.

You're gonna have to work way harder to do that!

You're open!

Hmph.

Huh?

[Chuckles] I lost.

You don't get off that easy.

But don't worry. I'll always protect you.

All right then, before the battle begins...

We should know more about who we're up against.

He's Hayate Gekko, an expert in the Hidden Leaf Sword Style and the Transparency Jutsu.

He is highly skilled.

We'll want to avoid close quarters combat.

We better hurry.

How boring! That was over too fast! I wanted to do some more damage!

Are you kidding me? I'm already sick of being used like this!

Come on, we just got brought back to life! We should be enjoying ourselves, right?

To meet again like this...

But you could...

Hey, I'm talking to you. Are you trying to ignore me, you bastard?!

They're coming.

Hmph.

[Screams]

Oh! So this is what they mean when they say we have bodies that can't die. Well, that's convenient!

Don't speak so soon!

[Laughing] A posse, huh?

This is more like it!

Still two left, I wish we could have stopped at least one more but...

[Chuckling] That other reanimated guy didn't last long...

But still, this is perfect! You and I can share this prey, fifty-fifty!

Shadow Clone Jutsu!

We'll take that one.

All right!

Yugao, you've come...

Just stay back.

Sorry, but I'm the one you're going up against!

Earth Style: Flying Stones!

Huh!

Now you're mine!

[Sigh]

[Grunts]

Please! Just keep your distance from me!

If you want me to do that, then return the scroll you took!

No way! [Grunts]

[Grunts]

[Gasps]

Iou!

Pay attention! [Grunts]

And now I'll take care of you!

I'm so sorry.

I'm an enemy of the Leaf. And I'm an enemy of yours, as well.

And that's why I want you to stop me.

I don't want to hurt you!

So, please!

[Grunts]

Yugao! Take this!

Huh! [Gasp]

Please, Yugao stop me!

[Gasp]

I can't do it!

[Groaning] I just can't.

If you don't...

Yugao!

[Gasps]

[Screams]

[Gasps]

[Grunts] Back off!

[Screams]

[Chuckles] Is that seriously all you got?

[Grunts]

[Sigh]

It's just down to you now!

I have to go.

Wait! Damn it!

[Gasps]

Iou!

[Grunting]

[Wincing In Pain]

This is...

This'll hurt a bit. I'll close the wound.

In his condition, Iou won't be able to continue the pursuit.

You're in no condition to continue, either.

It's all my fault. I'm so sorry.

It's not.

But what you said before, is it true? That you...

That you can't fight?

I apologize.

I always wanted to be an ANBU Black Ops, so when I heard you'd left them, I lost my head.

Huh?

I'm going to get water.

Please, don't go.

Hayate's course hasn't changed.

You'll catch him, even if I'm not here to help.

If I stay there's still nothing I can do.

Why exactly did you leave the ANBU Black Ops, anyway?

Hayate was the love of my life.

And at the time, years ago, we were both studying the Leaf Sword Style.

As training partners, we honed our skills together.

There!

Quite impressive.

The Hokage himself certified my Transparency Style.

My Sensory skills and my swordsmanship are why I was chosen to be ANBU.

But you still need some work.

I'm almost there!

[Gasp]

Hayate?

I should be happy that your strength was acknowledged.

But real missions are extremely dangerous...

...far riskier than mere training sessions like this.

Please...be careful.

ANBU Black Ops were killed in this hospital?!

Hayate, I'm okay. But...

Huh.

The culprit was Kabuto Yakushi. It seems that he was actually Orochimaru's spy.

You mean the one who was taking part in the Chunin Exam?

He had us all fooled.

It appears that their goal was to go after Sasuke, but that alone doesn't explain all their actions.

There is no doubt in my mind that they're up to no good.

Our path is clear, we must learn more about whatever plans they've now put into motion.

It's way too dangerous.

I mean, he held his own against Kakashi!

But still someone has to do it.

And with my Tracking Jutsu, I'm the ideal choice.

Yes, but...

I have to go.

[Sigh]

[Crowing]

We've learned that Hayate Gekko has been killed.

[Shocked Murmurs]

No...

Not Hayate...

Earlier, his remains were found on the rooftop of Kikyo Castle.

Thats...

[Sobbing]

The attack on the Leaf Village happened a month later.

Hayate...I am going to avenge you!

It was my way of avenging Hayate. So I fought, and I fought...

But when the fighting ended, my emotions, already stretched thin, just snapped.

I wasn't even able to hold a sword anymore.

Hayate and I shared a connection through our swords.

So now, because of that, it inevitably reminds me of his death.

But Yugao...

How can I?

How can I kill him and relive his death once more?

I'm sorry. But I still can't let you go. Especially not when we have wounded to care for.

Hmm.

We need your help, Yugao. And I do understand, you see...

...I couldn't fight the one that I used to love, either.

Now, please!

I leave it to you.

Sakura...

Kakashi Sensei once said, this jutsu's unforgivable.

It tramples on a person's death, our memories of them...

I feel the same way!

Don't you have to go?

Yokaze...

Sorry I was rude to you earlier.

But about this Hayate person, it seemed to me that he really wanted you to stop him.

[Heavy Breathing]

What's the matter?

Just call for me, and I'll come running!

However tough things are, if you need me, I promise I'll save you!

Then let us make a vow, with the moon as our witness.

I'll swear an oath to you, and you to me.

We'll love and protect each other above all else.

Stop him, we'll be fine. Backup will arrive soon.

Hmph! [Heavy Breathing]

Hayate Gekko! You must stop.

Wait, I know you...Sakura Haruno.

It seems you've grown up to become a fine shinobi.

Please, I don't want to have to kill you.

I can't let you go. I have to get that stolen scroll back from you.

Hmph!

I'm not gonna waste any time talking.

It's over!

[Grunt]

Ahh!

Right there!

Where did he go? [Grunts]

[Screams]

Please! Run!

It's Yugao...

Huh?

Hmph.

[Gasp]

I'm here now.

I'm sorry I took so long.

I thank you.

I'll back you up!

No. Just go and get the Sealing Corps.

Even a lethal blow won't truly stop him.

Hmph.

Okay.

Crescent Moon Dance!

[Grunt]

[Grunts]

[Both Grunting]

[Both Grunting]

Hmph.

Please, Yugao...

Hayate...

Moonlit Night!

Secret Sword, Tsukikage!

[Grunts]

[Groaning] Like I said all those years ago, you've gotten better.

I wish it weren't for this, though...

And I also wish...

...we'd never made that promise!

You're wrong about that, Yugao.

I had wondered what could be taking you so long out there.

Come on, hurry up and do your work already, would you?!

[Groaning]

I'm being called, he's taking my consciousness away now!

[Groaning]

Huh!

[Grunts]

Hayate...

This is pitiful but, it's the best I could do.

Yugao!

So Yugao, goodbye...

[Sighs]

But, the moon always changes shape.

So a promise made on it is bound to get distorted.

All that changes is our perception of the moon.

Whatever its shape or name, the moon itself remains the same.

That will never change.

Yokaze and the others have all been rescued.

Oh. That's good.

Yugao, I...

You know in the end, he protected me.

Thank you, Hayate.

And also...goodbye.

Who is he?

He's a reanimated samurai, and he's really strong!

Samurai?

Get back, shinobi!

Old man? Don't tell me you're Old Man Tatewaki?

Naruto?! So you're still alive, are you?

Next time on Naruto Shippuden: "The A-Rank Mission: Food Fight!"

Please tell me what happened to those two!