Disclaimer: I do not in any way own any of the characters in this story other than Nariko and Kage. If I did, oh lord, the show wouldn't be rated M, trust me. Plus, a few of the characters would be locked away under my bed. The story is my original idea, and I'm willing to see just how far I can take this before I get writers block.
Chapter 2: Hallucination?
Nariko fell to her knees in a dusty, sweaty mess. Her breathing was laboured as she hung her head, trying to catch her breath. She had been training for hours and it was just about to start raining. Just like the night Itachi left her behind…
I miss him so much… I want to see him again so badly…
Tears began running down her flushed cheeks, stinging her skin. She wasn't used to this feeling, and she most certainly couldn't name it. Her heart ached every time she thought of the Uchiha. As the rain started pouring around her, she tilted her head towards the sky, raindrops fell onto her skin.
"What are you doing out here all alone, Nariko-chan?"
Nariko's blue eyes shot open. How come she hadn't been able to sense anyone coming?! Tilting her head to the right, she scanned the trees and saw him. Raven-coloured hair slicked down from the rain, sharingan eyes that stared into her soul, seemingly uncaring expression. There was no mistaking him.
"I-I-Itachi…? W-What…?"
"What am I doing here?" The Uchiha asked, walking over to her. "I've been keeping an eye on you since I left"
He slowly began reaching a hand down to Nariko, watching her eyes widen.
"B-But… Why?"
Itachi stopped his movements. Surely she was happy to see him, right?
"Why… did you come all this way…?"
"I have to make sure my only student is still surviving on her own, and I have to watch how she grows into a fine young woman, it's as simple as that."
Nariko blushed, easily embarrassed by such sweet, honest words coming from the stoic man before her. But it didn't seem right to hear these words from him of all people. Sandaime-sama, sure, but he was like her grandfather. Her blush retreated as her eyes adjusted. He looked far too much like he had six years ago, it just didn't seem right. Blue eyes stared up into red ones. The red flickered, revealing nervous black for a split second before returning.
"You… You're not him!"
She rose to her feet, glaring at the imposter as if to dare him to fight her. 'Itachi' stared at her in mild surprise.
"What are you talking about? Of course I'm Itachi; you know I'd never lie to—"
A kunai went whizzing past his head, slashing off a few strands of his hair. His expression changed to a shocked one as Nariko kept the same expression as before, only now there was more fire in her eyes. She was intent on getting rid of this imposter, whoever they were. The wind tossed her hair as she stood there, waiting for her opponent to make a move. It would be no fun if she were to just beat them up without them fighting back.
"The Itachi I know would never say things like you have… He's too proud. He never complimented me ever; he knew it would make me soft; all he ever did was push me to exceed my best and work hard to become something I never used to be… And when he left, I knew I was to keep training to defeat anyone in my way, especially an imposter! You can't fool me with a Genjutsu, I was taught better!"
The imposter sighed, shaking his head before transforming back into the person she hated more than anyone… Sasuke. A smirk curled her lips. Oh, what an opportunity to prove that all of her training was worth it, to prove she was better, to prove that just because she had a demon in her didn't mean she was the demon its self.
"Never thought you'd be smart enough to be able to see through that. It's surprising, since you're related to that dobe."
Nariko glared at him. Oh, this victory would be more than satisfactory. It would be downright sweet!
"Are we just gonna stand here talking or are you gonna fight me? Unless you're afraid to be beaten by a girl?" Nariko teased, her hand clasped around the handle of her prized katana.
Sasuke snarled at her, "You Uzumaki's are always running your mouths. Let's see if you can back up that big talk of yours."
Seconds later metal met metal as the two blocked each other's first attempted strikes. Even though Nariko was tired from her training, her strength still matched Sasuke's. Using her free hand, she reached back into her extra weapon pouch and silently withdrew a poison-dipped senbon. The sound of scraping metal could easily be heard as the Uchiha tried to force Nariko back. Perfect opportunity. Taking the chance, Nariko added chakra to her feet and pushed off the ground, throwing her senbon at him in the process. However, when it came into contact with him… POOF! Nariko's bright blue eyes widened.
"N-Nani?! A substitution?! When—"
Suddenly an arm wrapped around her neck, pulling her into someone. Knowing she couldn't move her head, she moved her eyes and saw the Uchiha she was fighting.
"What… are you… playing at?" Nariko coughed, barely any oxygen able to travel down her airways.
Sasuke said nothing, only released her neck before throwing her into the nearby river. The icy water felt horrible against her already cold skin from the wind and rain. Summoning up just enough strength, she span around underwater and swam towards the surface, gasping for air when her head broke the surface. After managing to open her eyes, she gasped in shock. There, on the river bank, she saw the back of a black cloak, a red cloud design scattered over it. Nariko quietly swam to the bank and rested her arms on it, holding herself up. Who was this person…? All she could see was messy dark red hair.
"Stop this. Uchiha, go home immediately and leave Ms. Uzumaki with me. Before I'm forced to get rid of you by force." The figure said calmly.
Nariko peeked through their legs and watched as Sasuke ran off. Once the person was sure Sasuke was gone, they turned and knelt down, offering a hand to her.
"Here, let me help you. You don't seem like you have the energy to pull yourself out."
Nariko's eyes studied the new person's face. Dark brown eyes, emotionless face, strange black line around their neck. Somehow, they seemed to know who she was. Either way, they were right; she was too weak to pull herself out. Reaching her hand up to his, she accepted his offer and allowed herself to be pulled sopping wet from the cold river.
"S-So… W-Who are y-you?" Nariko stammered, her teeth chattering from the cold, "I-I'm sure I-I've never s-seen you b-before…"
The person said nothing, just draped a cloak much like their own around her. Nariko blinked, but pulled the cloak tight around her body to warm up.
"You'll find out in time who I am, so there's no need for me to tell you now. All you need to know is that I work with your old sensei; the brother of the boy you were supposed to be fighting a moment ago."
