Disclaimer: I do not own Naurto or any of its characters.
Pointers: 'italics' means that the character is thinking
Summary: R&R/Pein Arc to Current Arc - Asami wanted to bring her brother home and away from the Akatsuki. Little did she know what made her brother leave and the selfishness of her actions. Along the way, she finds the meaning of selflessness and sacrifice as well as a Ninja's most feared emotions: love and sadness. NarutoxOC
Author's Note: 'Thinking'
Chapter One:
Sasuke and Suigetsu on the way to Karin
"Word on the street is," A voice said, "someone's sibling has left their village and we're not talking about Itachi-san." A grin had formed on the owner's face; everyone in the group had looked over to a male with a mop of ocean-blue hair. He had his eyes closed, not bothering to look at the person who called him out. He wasn't sure how to react but he knew he had to keep his cool. "Why so silent, Akihiko-san?" The blue-haired male then opened his eyes, his eyes revealing his irritation. Why did Sasori always have to push his buttons?
"What do you want me to do? Give you a medal for figuring it out?" He retorted, Sasori chuckling at Akihiko's sarcastic reply.
"Will she pose a problem for us?" One member asked, Akihiko closing his eyes and comteplated his thoughts. Without a doubt, he knew that if he did not go with Asami she would be willing to attack them without a second thought. Even though she knew they were far too strong, that she didn't have a chance, she would be willing to do it. He opened one eye, "Akihiko, will she pose a problem for us?" The question was repeated.
"I will take care of her. Nobody else will." Akihiko replied, "She will not pose a problem as long as I am there. So leave her to me." He went on to say, a nod going all around. Just about everyone in this groupr had known that Akihiko wasn't one to go back on his words and besides, he had a goal in this group after all and he wasn't looking forward to it be ruined.
"This was not how I wanted things to go." Asami leaned her back against the restaurant wall, letting out a long and irritated sigh. She was on an island near the Land of Fire, which was called the Land of Waves. The only reason why she was even here in the first place was because she kept hearing some rumors that one of the Akatsuki members had shown up there but she had not found at least one. She had not seen one red cloud on a black cloak or any missing-nin that sounded like Akihiko. Now she was stuck here until she had gotten more money and headed for the land of Fire.
She had been here for three weeks and she felt like she was wasting time. "Asami-chan," A woman called the teenage girl, Asami stood up and dusted off her clothes.
"Yes, Suimizu-san?" The bluenette yelled, her eyes still closed as she pondered about her reoccurring failure as of lately.
"I need you to waitress for a while." As she suspected, she would waste another day with work when really she could be out there looking for clues. Still, it was better to do this and have a nice bed to sleep in than be out there begging for change.
With a sigh, she had tied the apron around her waist and then went right back up stairs. She really hated the job, some customers were touchy when they got drunk and others were jerks. She couldn't stand it.
When she finally reached up the steps and towards the sitting area of the restaurant she had seen the girls of the restaurant all standing there gawking at something. Most of their faces were pink, eyes wide with admiration and lust. Just what were they looking at? What had them so preoccupied?
Asami narrowed her eyes and then walked over to one of the girls. "Mei-chan, what's wrong? Are you okay?" Asami asked, concerned about the girls strange behavior.
Mei, as well as the others, had completely ignored her. "Hmmmm! This yogurt is the best!" Upon hearing those words, she looked over the two males that were sitting across from each other at one table. All she had seen was the back of the black-haired boy's head, but a full front view of a boy with white hair and purple eyes but his teeth were… like piranhas. That couldn't be who they were gawking at. "It's been a while since I had it!" The white-haired male continued on complimenting the dairy treat. "Yogurt wasn't included in the water tank menu, y'see."
The bluenette looked back at the gawking girls and then back at the two boys. "You're fine with goofing off here?" The other boy said. Since Asami was curious, she decided to play it off. She walked down the aisle, her eyes occasionally glancing at this and that, that and this and until finally she had seen a full view of the dark-haired boy.
She had to admit, he was quite handsome.
He had black chin-length hair, save for the spiky part in the back. His eyes were an onyx black, smooth and cold like steel of a katana blade. She had to admit, she could see why the girls were nearly fainting over there. Boys were never a top priority on Asami's list so when she thought one was attractive, it was really saying something.
From his posture and expression, she could tell he was the cold and nonchalant type. Not one for games or being threatened, she had seen someone like him before back in Kirigakure but she had to admit that this one felt more menacing than the one she met long ago.
She too found herself staring and then eventually, he had caught her eye. The few seconds they stared at one another was brief and made Asami's blood run cold. Something about him had definitely put her off, scared her even. She wasn't sure what it was exactly but she didn't like it. His gaze was unfriendly and able to dissect her as if he was examining her through and felt invaded mentally and physically.
Quickly, she looked away and tried to find something to do like busting the tables. "Sasuke-kun, are you listening to me?" The white-haired boy went on to say.
Sasuke was his name? Asami had taken note, but since he wasn't important it wasn't like she would remember it anyway. She looked at this "Sasuke" at the corner of her eyes as he gave the boy in front his undivided attention, "I'm listening." He replied coolly, the girls ahhing over his chilly voice and aloof nature.
And here she thought she was cold though it was in her blood, but he seemed to bring more of a chill than she managed with her own jutsus. Letting out a little snort, she cleaned the table top and decided he would get no more of her attention today. It was enough fooling around. The boys went on with their conversation and she had gone on with her work, which would be the end of that.
Soon enough she heard footsteps, she looked up to see it was Mei now broken from her awestruck posture, but her cheeks still flaring a pinkish-hue. She had a glass of yogurt on her tray as she tried to remain calm and collected to serve it to the white-haired piranha teeth-like boy. 'I hope she doesn't trip over her sanity.' Asami thought, rolling her eyes. "Hey, sweetie, about the Great Naruto Bridge…" The boy's whose named escaped her asked. Being nosy, Asami listened on. "Would you know anything about a big sword that was near it?"
Mei looked down shyly, nearly lost for words. "Yeah. Um, when you mention it, there was something like that." A big sword? What big sword? The bluenette went deep into thought; could it be something related to the Seven Swordsman of the Mist or just a regular, big sword? Mei looked at Sasuke shyly, but he kept his arms folded and his eyes on the table. He was really the type that didn't notice girl's affection or attention or really bothered to care to notice them. She looked back at the dairy treat on her tray, "What about it?" She asked.
The other boy pointed his clean, silver spoon at Sasuke, "This fellow is searching for it." He said while taking the treat off the tray.
The kunoichi winced as the girl screamed, "What?!" She nearly dropped the tray, her excitement taking over her. "U-Um, m-maybe someone else knows… So I'll go ask! Yaaaaaaaaaah!" Mei was more than happy to help, she could tell you that. She immediately ran to the other group of girls.
"KYAH ~ !" Was heard through the entire restaurant, Asami smacking her palm to her forehead. Could these girls be anymore loud and uncouth? Even the purple-eyed, fish boy had looked in disbelief at their hysteria. As giggles and screams filled the air, but in the end he looked satisfied. "You're quite the player, eh?" He teased Sasuke.
Suddenly, all four girls huddled towards Sasuke with their auras just reeking of lust and adoration. Asami watched with a deadpanned expression, unsure if she could question their stupidity even more than she already had. "Ask Tazuna! He lives at the riverside!" one girl spoke, "I'm sure he knows!" Another said and giggle and screams filled the air again.
Soon enough, they paid for the yogurts and then got up and went on their way. Asami could only assume that they were going to look for Tazuna and probably never come back. The girls seemed sad that Sasuke had left, whining and complaining how they wished they had more time with him.
The bluenette could only roll her eyes, but something was telling her to follow. She didn't know, but she felt that if she followed she might gain a clue. Although, maybe it was her own inner fangirl talking here. Could she really stalk him after she had downed those other girls for acting desperate? Let's just stick to thinking that she had a hunch they knew more than she did about the Akatsuki.
And with that, Asami had grabbed her umbrella sword and left the restaurant. "Asami-chan, where are you going?!" Mei yelled after her.
"To find out something!" Asami yelled back.
She had followed Sasuke and the other boy, using poles and people to make sure her cover wasn't seen. They were walking across this boardwalk and she found it harder and harder to sneak past. It was hard, but she knew she would have to keep her footsteps quiet and unnoticeable.
She had followed them and then hid behind a building as they spoke to a worker. She couldn't hear their conversation, but she had known that whatever they were looking for was now in a different direction. And so, she followed behind them again as they turned around and began going another way.
A loud, grey-haired guy had bumped into them and that's when they took him to the alley. Asami watched with wide eyes and from a distance as they seemed to interrogate him. 'All of this for a sword? You've got to be kidding me.' She thought, mentally growing tired.
She followed them all the way until nightfall as they seemed to have gone to the house of a big crime boss. That crime boss being Tenzen Daikoku, she had heard nothing but bad news from him even at home. How did these guys think they could get in there unnoticed? She didn't know, but she stayed in the surrounding forest to find out.
She had happened to get lucky herself and stayed in a tree, watching and waiting for one of them to come out. It only took a few minutes before she felt cold steel at her neck, "You've been following us and for what?" Asami looked at the corner of her eyes at Sasuke. How did he do that? She didn't even feel him coming. He was quick, too quick. She looked down at the sword that was to her neck, "Why are you following us?"
"I-I…" Asami was at a loss for words, "I-I wanted to ask you something." She finally let out, a bead of sweat rolling down her forehead and down her nose.
"What do you want?" Sasuke continued to say, his grip not loosening.
She looked at him, "I wanted to know if you knew anything about the Akatsuki." His eyes widen slightly, his grip loosening and then tightening again but soon she felt the blade come even closer to her neck. "M-My brother is in the Akatsuki and…. And I want to find him."
For a split second, she had seen the surprise flash over his eyes and felt the sword be pulled away from her. She also heard the sound of it being put back in its sheath. He pulled her down back to the ground where the other male waiting for them. "Who is your brother?" Sasuke immediately asked as she found her footing and he let go of her arm.
"It's that girl from the restaurant." The piranha-teethed boy, "Did you really stalked Sasuke-kun all the way here? You're playing in dangerous waters, sweetie." He teased, his hand pressed against the trunk of the tree.
Asami, however, had remained unfazed and adjusted her shirt and kept the handle to her umbrella sword tight. "My brother is Mizune, Akihiko. He joined the Akatsuki nine years ago and he was once ANBU captain of Kirigakure." She gave them information, seeing that there was no use in hiding it.
The pale, dark-haired boy had closed his eyes. "I'm assuming your hair runs in the family. I've seen him."
The blunette's eyes widened, lighting up at the fact that he had seen her brother. "Yes, that's him. Do you know where they are? Where they are rumored to be?" She went on to ask, her voice revealing her desperation.
"Not a clue." Sasuke answered bluntly, "I am also looking for the Akatsuki." He closed his eyes, his arms folded. "Have you heard the name of Uchiha, Itachi?"
"Uchiha, Itachi?" Asami repeated incredulously. Just about everyone in the world knew about the Uchihas, especially the one who murdered his whole clan and joined the Akatsuki as well as his missing brother whose name she did not remember. "Of course, everyone knows him." She kept her eyes lowered and her voice soft. "Is he someone important to you?"
"No." The dark-haired male quickly answered, "He's vermin I need to kill."
"Is it possible… Possible that I can join you to find him and my brother? I don't want to kill my brother, I just… I just want to change his mind." Sasuke quickly spun around at her words, his sharp glare had made her freeze.
"Change his mind?" He repeated, "And what makes you think he'll change his mind?"
"Because I am his nee-chan. His family. Family should stick together…." The kunoichi said, her eyes unwavering and her voice strong.
The white-haired male had looked at Sasuke, who seemed to frown deeply at her words. "Family… Tch, what a load of shit." The boy spat, his arms gesturing in a 'no way' motion.
She didn't know why he seemed upset; she just wanted to take her brother back home where he belonged. "I… I don't understand."
"No," Sasuke looked away, his eyes staring at the shadow-covered grass beneath them. "you don't."
He soon walked away and left the purpled-eyed rogue in her presence. "Uchiha, Itachi is Sasuke-kun's brother." He soon told her and that's when she pieced the two together.
So, Sasuke was the leaf-ninja who went rogue in pursuit of his brother? Then he had known how she felt, right? Well, to some extent. Her brother did not murder their clan, but simply left. Abandonment. He knew how at least that felt, right? "I… I didn't know."
"Well, if he would've done his Sharingan then you would have." The other male said, "Anyway, c'mon. We need to be getting out of here."
Asami followed behind him, her head down. "I never got your name."
The boy smirked and looked over his shoulder, "I'm Hozuki, Suigetsu!" He introduced.
"I'm Mizune, Asami. It is nice to meet you, Hozuki-san." She said, being polite as she could muster.
He let out a chuckle, "Just call me Suigetsu or Sui is fine with me."
"Sui-san?" She repeated, testing it out. "Okay, Sui-san."
"I love the sound of that!"
Once they had met up with Sasuke, he was sitting with his back on a tree. "We're camping out here. We need to keep watch."
Asami nodded her head, "Well, I'm not entirely sure what's going on." She looked at them both and then sat down, not too far from Sasuke.
Suigetsu had laid his back on the grass, his arms folded behind his head. "I'm here to collect a sword so that I can help Sasuke-kun with his pursuit of Itachi-sama."
"A sword?" The bluenette repeated, "What's so great about it?"
"It once belonged to Momochi, Zabuza." Suigetsu explained in which Asami now understood. He was one of the Seven Swordsman of the Mist and also a missing-nin from Kiri. She had heard about his gruesome killings, but she had also learned of his death."Once I have it, I'll be of more use.. After all, I love to just cut things."
She wasn't sure if she should be worried about his words. Cut things? Well, that just sounded plain devious because she could imagine by cutting 'things' that he obviously meant cutting people. "Oh." She managed to let out, not sure what else to say.
Placing her sword beside her, she pulled her knees to her chest and looked up at the star-filled sky. "What can you do?" Sasuke's question filled the short-lived silence. What can she do? "I need to know if you're useful and not dead weight."
"I have the Ice Release Kekkei Genkai," She answered, "I'm pretty sure you know what that is."
The Uchiha closed his eyes, shocked at most. Suigetsu expressed his shock on his face and his words, "What? So you're from the Yuki clan!" He said as he sat up, his finger pointing at her.
"Yes." Asami answered, nodding her head.
"Then why is your last name not Yuki?" Sasuke asked as Asami looked down at her feet.
She should've known she would have to explain this. "Well, it technically is Yuki but my father had changed the name of his family to protect us. The Yuki clan had gone into hiding after the war because the battle was so horrific and people hated us, even causing wide-spread persecutions against us. My father ran away from the country, hiding his Kekkei Genkai and along the way met my mother. He left to Kiri and Mizukage-sama had discovered his abilities and allowed him to join the village as a shinobi. The last name of the clan had to change to protect us and that's why my last name is Mizune and not Yuki." She explained. "So, we're allowed to share our abilities without fear of being persecuted since we are protected. I'll be fine as long as I don't go back to my former country."
The dark-haired male kept his eyes closed, soaking in the story. "Have you unlocked its full potential? Able to create mirrors?"
"Yes." Asami answered, "I am fully capable of my abilities with my Kekkei Genkai. There's more I still have to learn, but I know enough. Well enough." She sounded more confident as she said so. Sasuke let out an 'hmph'.
Even though, she knew that neither one of them had earned her trust she found herself falling asleep in her uncomfortable position. She was willing to risk everything just to see Akihiko once more.
Dawn had came and Asami had opened one eye to see Sasuke now fully awake and standing. He looked over the ledge, Suigetsu meanwhile was still asleep. She had walked towards the Uchiha, her cerulean eyes on his form. "What are you looking for?" She asked, "Is someone coming."
He looked at her for a brief second, "Not yet but they'll be here soon." He answered.
"So, how do you plan to get Zabuza's Kubikiribōchō?" She was curious now and since she was going to be in this group, she felt like if it was best she knew what was happening. "I'm not asking because I'm nosy but because I don't want to get in your way."
Well, that seemed to take him by surprise. He had to do a double take, looking at her with an eyebrow arched. "You're worried about getting in my way?"
The bluenette looked at him curiously and blinked twice, "Yeah. Why would I want to get in your way? I'll ruin your plan most likely and won't be able to help if I'm in it. I don't want to drag you guys down, I'll be here to pull some weight until I find Akihiko-nii."
From what she could tell, he wasn't sure how to soak in her words. What? Did everyone he know meddled in his affairs? She wasn't sure but she had the feeling he wasn't used to people saying that. Of course, Asami knew well enough to mind her own business from time to time and these were one of those times. If she needed to find Akihiko, she didn't need to make any wrong turns. "I see." Was his reply. "It should be simple once you see it happen. By the time Suigetsu wakes up, everything will fall into place."
She gave him a nod and then looked over the ledge, seeing nothing as the dawn had shed light all around. She could guarantee that Sasuke thought about his plan thoroughly. He didn't seem like the type to go half-assed into a situation or combat most of all. Even though, half-baked ideas helped her in the long run but what worked for some might not do wonders for others.
It felt like hours, the sun now fully rested in the sky and the birds becoming more loud and constant with their chirping. She and Sasuke must've been awake for a good three hours now, Suigetsu just now waking up. He rubbed his eyes and immediately went for his water bottle in which Asami had just noticed until that moment.
He sipped through the straw before walking over to them. Asami then pointed down over the ledge as she was now taking cover behind the bushes. He bent down and he had heard the neighs and sounds of many galloping horses. "Geeze, what's going on?" He finally asked, confused by all the bandits that seemed to be riding down the pathway.
Both of them looked to their left at Sasuke who bothered to explain, "It looks like another ruling family is sending tens of thousands of soldiers to attack and plunder Tenzen's castle tomorrow."
"Ehhh!?" Suigetsu coiled back in surprise, Asami looking at the two. "Is that really true?" Suigetsu expressed his shock and disbelief. He then raised his hand atop of his head, rubbing it with his eyes closed. "Ahhh…. Oh well." He then lowered his hand, "By confusing the enemy, our chances will increase, and even if a thousand people become ten thousand people, it doesn't make a difference to a ninja like me." Asami gave him a shocked expression, deadpanned at most. He then turned back around, looking at the soldiers happily. "Tonight, I'll get my hands on the Kubikiribōchō."
Sasuke then took a few steps towards them, "Why don't we make a bet?"
"A bet?" Suigetsu seemed curious. The Uchiha then stopped to look at Tenzen's castle that was clear in view.
"Let's see who'll be the first to get their hands on that sword." Sasuke said.
The white-haired male then broke out in a chuckle, "I didn't know you had such a playful mind!" He said, his voice showing his excitement. "Let's do it. It sounds like fun."
Asami looked back between the two, beginning to question what she got herself into. "Asami-san," Sasuke then called her.
"Eh?" Was her answer, her eyes glazing with curiosity.
"When shall it start?" He asked.
Was he asking her to choose or did he expect her to really know? The kunoichi stood up, "It'll start now." She replied, now taking joy in participating in this bet. "But, there's a single rule." She went on to say, both of them looking at her. "Don't kill a single person."
The piranha-teeth boy was obviously shocked and confused, "Huh?"
Soon enough, the Uchiha disappeared and was now on the pathway where the other soldiers were. Both Asami and Suigetsu looked down to see him as the soldiers quickly stopped and stared at the person who interrupted their stride to the castle, "Who the hell are you?!" One said as Sasuke's hair and over-sized, open-chest kimono had blew from the slight breeze that he made during his landing.
"You look suspicious!" One yelled with an x-shaped scar on his forehead, a spear in his hand. He ran forward and attempted to attack Sasuke, but the Uchiha was too quick and dodged the weapon and disappeared. Before the man could fully adjust to his miss, Sasuke then squarely kicked the man in the face, which made the man fall off the now scared horse, and while the former Konoha shinobi did a backflip in the air and landed on the horses back without flaw. He then grabbed the handle of his Kusanagi and slowly unsheathed the weapon from its scabbard while other soldiers took that as a sign for battle.
They let out a battle yell and charged toward him. Meanwhile, Suigetsu and Asami were behind him and watched the scene with a clear view. "Asami-chan, did you really mean now?"
"….Y-Yeah." She said. He had effortlessly taken down all those men, not one sign of tiredness or sweat on his brow. His movements with his sword were so quick and precise and in a matter of seconds, the sword was going back into its sheath. Clean and without a single scratch.
Both of them had walked with Sasuke towards the entrance of the castle, "You really did mean now, Asami-chan?"
"Yes, Sui-san." She looked at him, "I really meant now but I didn't know Sasuke-san knew I really meant now."
Sasuke continued walking forward as Suigetsu let out a sigh, "I'm not going to lose this bet. It's fine, I'll get it."
They all paused and saw the arrows flying into the air and towards them, but before Asami could put together a jutsu to save them, Sasuke had stepped in. "Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu! (Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique)" A continue line of fire had expelled from the Uchiha's mouth, burning the arrows into nothing.
"Woo!" Suigetsu beamed, "Just what'd you expect from Sasuke-san." This was the first time in Asami's life she seen a fire style technique. Both she and Suigetsu appeared amazed but when the jutsu was over, Sasuke was gone. "Wait, you… you vanished?!"
"Oi, Sui-san." Asami called him, "I think you might lose this bet."
Soon enough, the doors of the castle gate open and there were a large amount of soldiers coming with weapons. "Sui-san, you better hurry up. I'll take care of this." She said, giving him a thumbs up. She then did the handseals of the Dragon, Tiger, and then Hare. "Suiton: Mizurappa (Water Release: Wild Water Wave)" Much like Sasuke's Katon technique, she had water gush out of her mouth and hit the enemy and wash them away. The force of the water would knock them out and not so kill them like the bet.
Suigetsu clapped, "Amazing, Asami-chan. But I can handle the next group," He then smirked as more soldiers came running out. "Let me show you what I'm capable of." He ran into the crowd of soldiers, his arms lightning fast as he punched, kicked, and glided in the air and disable and knocked out each enemy.
Both Sasuke and Suigetsu were impressive shinobi, but she didn't expect less from an Uchiha in the first place.
All of them had fallen quickly and Suigetsu was the only one standing. "Way to go, Sui-san!" She yelled as she waited. He then continued with his attacks, and charged into the castle as Asami stood there in surprise. She wondered just how far Sasuke had gotten.
Well, no use in charging into the castle since Suigetsu had everything under control. She then felt like she was being watched.
Soon enough, she had seen Sasuke standing right in front of her. "Are you going to stand here or are you coming inside?"
He was out here the whole time? She gave him a nod and they both had walked towards the castle, bodies of hurt soldiers all around. None of them fatally wounded, just out cold or writhing in where they had gotten hurt. "Sui-san really did take them all out…" She mumbled, her eyes looking around at each of the fallen men.
Sasuke hadn't said a word and soon they were inside the place. Men still everywhere, she couldn't believe that not one person had managed to slip through the piranha-teeth boy. But she couldn't imagine how Sasuke would've handled the situation with the intention to kill. It probably would've been the most gruesome sight she had ever seen.
Soon enough, they had heard a commotion coming from the floor above them. Asami had looked up and continued behind the Uchiha up the stairs. "The one who killed Zabuza…" Tenzen said, his voice filled with panic. Soon as Sasuke became visible to him, he immediately took notice. "You're from yesterday…" The man said in disbelief. The bluenette watched from behind Sasuke as once he reached the levels floor, he looked at Tenzen from the corner of his eyes. The older man pointed at the Uchiha, obviously afraid. "It was him! He's the one who killed Zabuza!"
Now that Asami was allowed enough room to stand beside him, she blinked twice as she looked at this large dark-haired man with Zabuza's sword in hand, seemingly stuck as Suigetsu's one arm had became completely large and buff. Just what…?
The bluenette stared at his arm in disbelief as Suigetsu looked at the two, seemingly surprised for some reason.
"I just brought the sword here from his grave!" Tenzen spat, continuing with his rambling or whatever it was.
Suigetsu remained surprised looking before bursting into a fit of laughter. "No points for you." He said to Tenzen. "Nice try though, lying and all to make him the villain."
Suigetsu continued with his laugh as Sasuke reached into his kimono-shirt and threw out that water bottle she had seen Suigetsu have earlier. "Suigetsu!" Sasuke called him as the white-haired boy then caught it with his slender but toned, regular arm.
"How thoughtful of you." The boy teased, "I'm starting to get a little dehydrated." He said with a smile towards Sasuke. His attention then went to Tenzen, "There seems to have been a small misunderstand, though. Zabuza-san and I really never had a close relationship." Wait, so he did know Zabuza? Asami was utterly confused, not knowing what to believe or what made sense with what. Suigetsu then drunk some water, one eye closed. "He was just my senpai from my hometown." With his large arm, he swung the tall male around and then out the window with Kubikiribōchō firmly grasped in his hand. "Wuuuhooo!" The man yelled as he was fallen, which Asami wondered was to his demise. "But to think that he could've been beaten by this lowly bunch… Some nasty rumors could come out of this." It was probably the first time now that she had heard the purple-eyed boy become serious from his playful demeanor. Tezen looked horrified as he looked out the window where one of his soldiers had gone. "Right?" Suigetsu said, the sword pointed at the crime boss.
"Do you realy think that you can come in here, do these things, and then just end it like that!?" Tenzen, although obviously afraid, was still trying to act rough and tough.
Suigetsu's eyes narrowed, his voice still serious. "You have to pay your debts, right?" His eyes became more menacing, "Allow me to test this sword on you."
"Cut it out." Sasuke stepped in, Asami worried that Suigetsu was really going to kill this guy. "What do you think is gonna happen if you cut him?" The Uchiha asked.
Suigetsu then swiped the sword over Tenzen's head, wiping out a spot of hair atop of his head, and then spun in a circle. Asami didn't realize what he had done until he said it, "I cut the central pillars, so it would be wise to get out of here quickly." He then placed the sword over his shoulder with his large arm. Sasuke had looked at the corner of his eyes at Asami, who seemed surprised by the boy's action. "I will only save lives in respect to Sasuke's wishes, although it was Asami-chan who said we're not allowed to kill today."
"Today?" Asami repeated, Sasuke having a rather bored look on his face. Suigetsu had walked over to them and soon they had begun walking down the steps. Tenzen then repeated Sasuke's name as if knowing who he was.
Suigetsu and Asami both looked at Tenzen, "No way! The Sasuke that killed Orochimaru?!"
Killed….
Orochimaru?
The bluentte was completely stunned, but for some reason her legs continued to follow behind the two. He… He Uchiha, Sasuke had killed Orochimaru? She had heard rumors of his death, but it was actually true and Sasuke was the one to do it? Her mind couldn't process the thought.
"Haa, you're quite the celebrity." Suigetsu said to Sasuke, looking at him. "To think your name would be known all the way here…"
The kunoichi didn't say a thing had walked out of the castle that was falling apart, Tenzen screaming as it was falling apart. Suigetsu continued on with his laugh while Asami and Sasuke remained silent. She still couldn't get over the idea that Orochimaru was killed by the boy standing in front of her, but it was about time that she did. It happened.
They had walked a long distance until they were far from the forest of Tenzen's castle and out to a desert-like area.
It didn't take long for Suigetsu to spark a conversation. "While I have this sword, I can't lose. Even to you." He said as it was on his back as he used his belt to keep it in place. "Maybe…" Silence filled the air between them again, "Hey, you know that I was going to ask for the sword, didn't you? And you also knew from the beginning that the sword wouldn't be at the grave. I get it." He said, looking away from Sasuke and then ahead. His eyes lighting up at he knew all the facts, "Also, the one that spread the information that made all the soldiers gather at the castle was you. Tenzen sounded like he'd seen you before." A smirk was on his face. "Well, I bet that you did that so I would be right with the enemy. Could it be that you were performing a test on me?" He chuckled, "What an awful thing to do. But, now I know what kind of person you are. Well, that's the Sasuke I imagined. Now that I've obtained the sword, I'll lend you my strength, as promised. Ah, Asami-chan, did you pass the test?"
The blunette looked at Suigetsu and then at Sasuke, "I don't really know." She looked at Sasuke, who kept looking ahead. "But I think he doesn't know the full extent of my abilities. Maybe I'll get another test another day." She said with a smile.
"I bet it'll be fun, ne?" He nudged her side, "You should keep yourself prepared for it." He said as she looked at him with a small smile.
"I know, I know. But, you'll help me, right Sui-san?" She teased.
"Oi, oi. Don't get me in trouble." He grinned. He then looked at Sasuke, "So, where are we are all off to now?"
"Yeah, I didn't get to mention what you guys are really planning other than searching for Itachi-sama." Asami finally said.
Then Suigetsu figured it out, "Ah, wait. The nearest one, right? I understand you a little better now." He then said.
"Eh?!" Asami seemed confused, "Sui-san, what are you talking about?"
"Yeah. The nearest one." Sasuke with a chuckle.
"Sasuke-san, Sui-san… What are you guys talking about?" She pouted, growing frustrated.
Suigetsu then gave the girl a toothy grin, "Don't pout like that, Asami-chan. You'll figure it out along the way."
"Can I really be sure about that?" Asami sighed, folding her arms.
They had been traveling for a few days now, Asami now growing somewhat comfortable with the duo. Even though all of Sasuke's plans weren't known to her and some of it now even known to Suigetsu, she could say that she found herself getting along with them. She wasn't sure how long this thing was going to last or if it was going to keep going as well as it was, but she had hoped that maybe Akihiko would be in her sights soon. For now, they were walking atop of an ocean heading towards some island. She didn't get the details of why they were going there but she knew she was going find out from Suigetsu at least. "Can I ask you something, Sasuke-san?" Suigetsu said, Asami looked straight ahead again.
"What?" The Uchiha replied, not too enthused or at least that's what it seemed like to Asami.
"Why are you gathering companions?" Suigetsu finally asked.
He was gathering companion? Asami now turned her attention towards the Hozuki and Uchiha. "I have a goal. A platoon will be more effective at closing in on that goal. From the moment I approached Orochimaru, I've thought and prepared for the situation after I'd kill him, hand-picking shinobi with considerable power."
"Ehh…" Suigetsu said, his eyes closed. He then shrugged his shoulders, "Then, if that's the case, I don't see why we're bothering with Karin." Karin? Ah, it must've been a girl. "Asami-chan is good enough. Unlike me, Karin is Orochimaru's bitch. And Asami-chan, isn't a bitch."
"Sui-san!" Asami gasped, smacking his arms.
He winched, grinning teasingly. "I'm only saying the truth." Even though Asami knew nothing of this Karin, she didn't find Suigetsu's words tasteful. "You don't understand, Asami-chan. Karin has been devotedly rounding up research subjects for him, and is "Miss Jailer" for the Southern Hideout."
"Southern Hideout? So, Orochimaru has research subjects all over the place?" She said, the fish-teeth boy nodding his head. "Well, I can see why people had a hard time tracking him down. Not only did he have hideouts for those, he had others for himself in case someone was hot on his trail."
"See, she's a smart girl, Sasuke-kun. We don't need Karin." Sasuke hadn't said a word, "Plus, she's messed with my body a bunch of time, under Orochimar's orders, or whatever."
"Messed with your body?" Asami's eyes widened, "Did she… Rape you, Sui-san?"
The boy eyed the girl, Sasuke looking away and letting out a scoff. "R-Rape!? That's not what I meant, Asami-chan!" He waved an arm, Asami then looking embarrassed and then began laughing nervously.
"Well, from the way it sounded… I couldn't help but…" She laughed nervously again, "I'll shush now."
"Most of all about Karin, I just can't stand her personality." Suigetsu went on to say, "I doubt if she raped me, she'd still be standing." He looked at Asami from the corner of his eyes, "Right, Asami-chan?"
"Quiet, baka." She pouted. He probably would never let her live it down, "Don't tell her I said that."
Sasuke ignored their childish antics, "If she refuses, there are plenty of other strong shinobi out there. Or as you said, we can stick with Asami-san. I am in no need to make this group bigger than what I have already figured." He then looked at Asami and then back at Suigetsu, "However, she has a unique and special ability."
"Well, I'll at least acknowledge that." Suigetsu went on to say, Asami now curious.
"What is her ability, Sasuke-san?" The girl asked.
The Uchiha looked at her and then back ahead, "She has the ability to find, sense, and track ninja through their chakra with a vast range."
"So she's a sensor type?" Asami said, "Wow, I never met one of those before."
Suigetsu sighed, "Whatever, she still isn't all that great." He went on to say as the kunoichi looked at him. She wondered how bad it was going to be when these two were face to face. Especially since the hideout wasn't that long of a way now. Soon enough, they had reached the tiny island, mountain island and walked towards the iron doors. "The hideout is shorthanded on guards, huh? They should at least raise a fence."
"Because she's managing this hideout, there's no need for that." Sasuke replied. Whoever this Karin was, she sounded pretty strong.
Asami looked around, Suigetsu still expressing some concern. "Even if she is, this seems too quiet."
"Well," Asami spoke up, they both looked at her. "Do you think they know that Orochimaru is dead? Even though the rumor is spreading, do you think it got here?"
Everyone remained silent, contemplating on that. Once they were in front of the iron doors, Sasuke had looked at Suigetsu.
Suigetsu, at first didn't know what the look had meant, but then looked at his sword and the pointed to Sasuke's Kusanagi with his other hand's knuckle on his hip. "But you have one."
The Uchiha then looked at the door, "So do you."
Asami then slowly unsheathed her sword from its umbrella scabbard. Both of them looked at her, surprised as she then made a series of slashes at the door and then kicked it which resulted in it falling into pieces. She turned around and looked at them, "Lead the way, Sasuke-san."
Sasuke then walked ahead, Suigetsu patted Asami's head. "I didn't even know that was a sword." He went on to say.
"Nobody does." She gave him a smile, "That's the allure of it."
They soon walked past the door cells, her eyes on the people inside them. Sasuke gave her a look in which meant not to look at them. She wasn't sure why, but she kept her eyes ahead from then on.
The walk was silent until a red-haired female had stood in front of them, her hand on her hip. The girl's hair was short and spiky on the right side, while longer and straight on the left side giving half her hair the appearance of being spiky and somewhat unkempt on one side, while the other side was neat and straight.
Brown glassed were on the bridge of her nose, which Asami didn't take her for wearing one but she could tell the glass wasn't made for just normal glasses. Her outfit was a lavender shirt that exposed her navel, short black shorts, and long black thigh-high stocks with black shinobi sandals.
The really odd thing about her was the bite marks she had seen. Was this a fetish or what? "So, it's you after all." Her red eyes were on them like a hawk. "Sasuke."
Well, it figures he would be the one acknowledge. Asami, meanwhile, had decided to stick close to Suigetsu. As usual, the Uchiha remained expressionless and unfazed. "Sasuke," Karin said his name again, "Since you came here by yourself, it seems the rumor is true."
By himself? Did she not really see her and Suigetsu standing here? Asami didn't know whether to be insulted or what.
"How mean, giving us the cold shoulder?" Suigetsu took note, his knuckle on his hip.
Karin then immediately looked at Asami, ignoring Suigetsu. The blue-haired female wasn't sure what to do and so she gave her, what Asami made up as the Uchiha stare. Blank and cold. "So, what have you came here for?" The red-haired female asked.
However, Suigetsu wanted to be known and acknowledged. "Sasuke came here to talk to you, y'see. And standing around here talking is kind of a drag, so could you take us to another room?" He then placed himself in front of Sasuke, Asami giving him an curious look. "It's been a while since I've walked, so I'm beat."
He was ignored again. She peered over the white-haired boy's shoulder and at Sasuke, "What's this about a "talk"?" She asked.
Asami sighed, walking over to Sasuke as Suigetsu walked towards Karin, annoyed by her dismissing him. "That's why I said standing here talking is a drag, Karin! I know you don't give a shit about me, but for fuck's sake!"
The girl hmphed and then leaned in to sniff the boy in front of her, who was confused by her actions. "You give me the creeps."
Sasuke looked at Asami, who had her hand over her mouth and tried to stop herself from laughing. "Watch your mouth, bitch!" Suigetsu growled as Sasuke walked over to intervene.
"Drop it, Karin. Take us to another room." Sasuke said.
Karin paused looked at him and then closed her eyes, "Yeah, fine." She turned and led the way, Sasuke following behind.
"C'mon, Asami-chan." Suigetsu said even though he still looked pretty heated.
Asami then ran a few steps and walked alongside him, her suspicions of their face to face becoming more than what she expected. They followed her into a room, in which Asami closed the door since she was the last to enter. Sasuke lounged on a couch that was shaped like an L. Suigetsu leaned his sword on the side of it, sitting on the loveseat part while Asami sat on the center. Karin, however, stood. "Karin, come with me. I need you on my team."
Well, Asami hadn't expected him to say that. "Why would I go with someone like you!?" Well, she hadn't seen Karin saying that either. Well, wasn't she in for surprises today. "I'm responsible for this place!"
"Orochimaru is no more." Sasuke went on to say.
"What about the prisoners!?" She brought up.
"Oh, yeah. They were pretty quiet in there…" Suigetsu spoke up, everyone turning their attention to him. He folded his hands with chin ontop, his elbows on his knees . "I'm guessing the rumor about Orochimaru's death must have reached this hideout too, right?
The Jailer hadn't said a word, but she took her eyes off Suigetsu and then at Sasuke as he spoke. "The number of prisoners have decreased in comparison to when I last came here. Also, there seemed to be some recently dug holes in the courtyard before the entrance. Karin. Assuming that you're using your head, you have a forte in information control and such."
Suddenly, a light went above Suigetsu's head. "If the rumor about Orochimaru's death was spread to the prisoners," He sat up, "and there's no sign of an uprising, Karin has dealt nicely with it. Meaning…"Asami looked at Suigetsu, waiting for him to continue with his explanation as Karin's fingers twitched. "You mixed in a spy with the prisoners, and if they mentioned the rumor about Orochimaru…"
So they were grave out there? Asami should've known that. "Karin, by being cautious, you maintained order in this hideout. Or rather, you did it to save yourself."
"Don't you talk shit to me!" Karin snapped, which caught Asami off guard, yet again.
"You're definitely a woman trained by Orochimaru." Suigetsu said, his eyes closed as he seemed disappointed at most. "How scary. You must've sensed that we were coming for a while, right? And if we were weak, you probably would've killed us." Sasuke then looked at Asami as Suigetsu spoke again, "Which means Asami-san is much stronger than you."
Karin frowned but Asami seemed rather surprised. Initially, she got the idea that Karin was in fact stronger than her but she was mistaken. "I would have if you were alone." The red-head said to Suigetsu.
"But not if Sasuke-kun was?" Suigetsu asked.
"I didn't say that!" The girl yelled again, Asami feeling her own ears ring. "Sasuke is my colleague. Also, I wanted to find out if the rumors were true. The rumors that Sasuke killed Orochimaru."
"I killed him." The Uchiha said nonchalantly, both women looking at him as he spoke.
"How can you admit it so easily!?" Karin went off again.
"Suigetsu-san, Asami-san." He called them, both of them looking at him. "Release all of the people who were taken captive in this hideout." He ordered.
"Wha-?!" The red-head muttered, shocked.
The white-haired boy sighed, "Ordering me around as usual, huh?" He then stood up.
However, Karin wasn't let him off that easily. "You can't just go and do whatever you want! Do you have any idea how difficult it was to confine them!?"
Asami then stood up, "Karin-san, if I can call you that."
Everyone looked at the blue-haired kunoichi, "By all means, setting all the prisoners free relieves you of your job which makes you less obligated to watch over them. And that surely means, you will join Sasuke-san, ne?"
Sasuke let out a hmph as the other girl looked confused, shocked even. "As Asami-san said. Without no prisoners, there's no use of a Warden. Now, I'm only saying this once. Come with me, Karin." Asami and Suigetsu stood, looking at Karin along with Sasuke to see if she would make up her mind. "What will you do?"
"Well," Suigetsu picked up Kubikiribōchō, "I'll go and release the prisoners." He sheathed the sword behind his back, "C'mon, Asami-chan."
The Kiri-kunoichi picked up her umbrella sword and then followed behind him, taking one glance at Sasuke. He looked at her and then gave her a nod. Well, there was nothing to worry about. Karin wasn't a fool, or she hoped.
Before they could open the door, Karin spoke. "I refuse. I'm not obligated to follow you at all."
Asami paused, turning back to look. Suigetsu opened the door, smirking for a few seconds. "C'mon, Asami-chan." He said as Asami then turend around and followed him out, closing the door behind her. "She'll end up joining."
"Why do you say that?" Asami asked, just as confused as ever. Didn't she firmly say that she refused? What would make her change her mind?
Suigetsu looked at her, blinking twice. "Neh, ya don't know?" He then rubbed the back of his head, "You're just as clueless as Sasuke-kun."
"Eh?" The bluenette said as they reached the prison cell that they passed earlier. Suigetsu looked at her, "You'll find out soon enough."
She was started to hate that phrase. "Right…" She sighed, "S-Suigetsu-san!" The prisoner said his name, looking at him in hopes of finding out what was going on.
"So the rumors that Sasuke defeated Orochimaru are true?" One masked asked.
"Yeah, that's right." Suigetsu answered.
The same man asked another question, "What's going to happen to us captives?"
Asami felt almost sad for them. "What do you mean?" They all looked up at her as she gave them a cheerful smile, "You're all free to go!" She thrown her arms up in the air.
"What the girl said." Suigetsu confirmed.
"Y-You mean it?" Another man asked them both, unbelieving their words.
"Yeah." Suigetsu said as Asami knelt beside him, "Just like you, I was held captive before. But I'm outside now, right?" He then pulled out a key, showing all the prisoners their one piece of freedom. "I'm going to open the lock now. But before that, I have just one favor to ask of you."
"What is it? Tell us what is it!" The same from the first time asked.
Asami looked at the boy beside her as he closed his eyes. "That's right… 'The one who defeated Orochimaru and gave us our freedom back was Sasuke'. When you get out, spread the word about that." He then placed the key into the cell door's lock, " 'The man who will bring peace and stability to this world has come.'" He then turned the lock and then opened the cell doors.
For some reason, the Kirigakure kunoichi was unsure about his words. Sasuke, from what she could see, wasn't really some sort of hero. However, she could've been wrong. There were a lot of thing she knew about either male or Karin for that matter. Look how long she had known her brother and she hadn't seen the day he left coming.
"We should be going back." Suigetsu said as Asami followed next to him.
"Do you think Sasuke persuaded her? He did say he was only going to ask one time and I know he isn't one to beg." She folded her hands behind her, her strides slow.
The boy next to her looked at her and then at the door that they had left not too long ago. "I'm pretty sure she persuaded herself." He mumbled in which Asami didn't catch. He then reached for the door, turning it. 'That woman…' He thought.
"W-Why is the door locked?" She asked as the boy began beating on the door.
"I don't know but it's coming down, I tell you that." He said, his arm growing large again as he unsheathed Kubikiribōchō and sliced the door into pieces. Asami stood back, protecting her face from the upcoming destruction of the wooden door. Once he had it down, Suigetsu stabbed his word in the ground and leaned one arm around the long handle, "I sure hope that didn't chip my blade."
He then looked up at the Uchiha. "Now then, Sasuke-kun. Let's go. Karin's useless, right?"
"No, it appears she'll be coming." Sasuke said.
Putting on her glasses, the sensor ninja blushed somewhat. "Wh-Who said I was coming!? It just, uh… turns out that, uh… I'm heading in the same direction! I'll just come… and, uh… so, yeah."
"Well, isn't that fun. We'll go as a group for part of the way." Suigetsu said.
Asami then peeked over Suigetsu shoulder, obviously knowing Karin was lying. "Welcome to the team, Karin-san."
Karin grew flustered all over again. "No! I said I'm only going part of the way!"
"Well then, Juugo's up next." Suigetsu sighed.
"Juugo?" Asami repeated.
"What!? You're going to where Juugo is!?" Karin said, surprised.
Asami blinked twice, "But Karin-san, you said you're only going with us part of the way."
"Yeah, it has nothing to do with you." Suigetsu added.
The kunoichi beside him gave him a glare, but then curiously looked back at Karin who was walking past them. "Yeah, I don't even care, but there's nothing wrong with asking, or do you wanna fight about it, asshole!?" She threatened, now in his face as the two glared at one another.
"Let's go." Sasuke said, standing.
Suigetsu then looked over to him, "Yeah.." Now paying Karin less attention.
"I'm going!" Karin made her standpoint clear.
All four of them had soon left the inside of the building and out the front, destroyed doors. Asami stood next to Suigetsu as Karin walked alongside Sasuke. However, that didn't stop Karin and Suigetsu from arguing.
Thanks for the reviews. I hope gain more!
Asami: Female Japanese name meaning "Morning Sea."
Akihiko: Male Japanese name meaning "Bright, shining prince." Although Aki means "Autumn."
Akira: Unisex Japanese name meaning "Bright or clear"
'Kaa and 'Tou-san - Country accent for Otou-san and Okaa-san.
Onii-san/Nii - A term used to call your older brother.
