For the 100 themes challenge. Theme number 46, During a Battle.

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Kabuto grunted in surprise as a sharp pain sliced through his arm, sending shockwaves of agony through his body. Gritting his teeth, he whirled to face his attacker, raising a kunai knife defensively; but even with the reflexes of a ninja, he wasn't fast enough to evade the attack. A powerful fist connected with his chin, sending him tumbling backwards.

CRACK.

Well, he thought, there goes another pair of glasses.

The silver-haired shinobi's body slid to a halt on the slick floor of the battle arena. Gasping and squinting in pain, he had barely begun to sit up before he was pulled forcefully upright. A pale hand gripped the purple cloth of his collar, and dark eyes glinted just inches from his own.

"Pathetic."

Humiliation burned rampant beneath the surface of the medic-nin's skin, but barely had his mind registered the emotion before he lost his grip on the concept. "Keh!" Wincing in pain, Kabuto felt his feet leave the ground.

He's strong!

"Come now, Kabuto, I expected more of you." A smooth, sinister voice emanated from the shadows of the arena, and Kabuto remembered that Orochimaru was watching the fight.

Anger and pain filled the medical specialist's grimace, but he forced them both down.

Don't count me out yet. I'm not losing to this brat without a fight...

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It's a fictional battle between Sasuke and Kabuto (I'm beginning to love those two). I was thinking of writing a fanfic about this picture... In any case, the idea is that ol' snakeface Orochimaru had Sasuke spar Kabuto as part of his training. Of course, Sasuke's stronger than Kabuto, with his Sharingan and the Chidori, so I imagine he'd gain the upper hand pretty quickly. However, he shouldn't let his guard down yet; Sasuke may be stronger, but Kabuto's crafty... I imagine he still has a trick or two up his sleeve. He doesn't seem the type to leave himself hanging without a backup plan.

Two of my fav Naruto guys + pain + blood + smirking = total win. <3 Just from a purely fangirlish perspective. (I won't say anything about the art... I'm pleased with it at the moment, but I'm sure I'll be dissatisfied again before long. *sigh*)

Umm, I guess that's it. Yeah. Please comment if you can! ^^ Especially on the art. <3 I'd love to know how to improve.

Art (c) ~crazyhighlander
Kabuto Yakushi and Sasuke Uchiha (c) Masashi Kishimoto
100TC - *100ThemesChallenge

-I give permission to to post this in their gallery-