Chapter 4

Kairi got back to the camp after washing off, with her new outfit on. It was true, she couldn't go into a village with her bloody outfit on, it would be much too suspicious. The outfit that Sasuke got her was interesting enough, and although it was a kimono like people wore, it still fit like a ninja's outfit should.

The kimono was a crimson, matching the colour of blood perfectly. The top right shoulder had flowers embedded into the fabric, just a couple of shades away from gold, not shiny, as did the bottom left end of the kimono was at her thighs, where it was loose. From her waist to the bottom of her breasts, there was a black cloth wrapped around her, which also had the golden flowers. A belt that matched the flowers went around her twice, the strap on the bottom held together by a black string in a bow, and the top held the clasp. Around her neck was a cloth, which could be pulled up quickly and easily into a face mask. Black gloves ran up to her elbow, fingerless except for the middle finger. Her black boots went up to just above her knees, fitting snugly.

Kairi's arm was hurting, but she was able to get her katana around on her back, so that she could reach up with her right hand and pull it out if she had to fight.

It was fairly dark when Kairi finally got back to the camp site, and she was mildly surprised to see that Sasuke was still awake. She figured that he must be looking over the camp, staying guard, or something. She noticed that he was staring at her, though she had no idea why.

Sasuke didn't say anything to her as she leaned against a tree, and fell asleep.

.::.

Sasuke stayed awake throughout the night, but mostly his gaze kept traveling back to the girl he had to carry around. He wasn't one to stare at a woman, but she was quite fascinating. It was obvious how she got some of the wounds, but a couple of things kept him thinking.

What were the X marks on her body, and why were they there? Her eyes were also very odd. Pink in the middle, and blue around the edges; he'd never seen such coloured eyes like those before, and his eyes were strange as well. He wasn't sure if it was a power of hers, like his was, or if it was just her natural eye colour.

But the thing that intrigued him the most, was that hole in her naval. Just how did it get there? It went straight through, so it didn't look as if someone had taking a large knife and stabbed her with it. And just who did it? Orochimaru had said that she's been there with him much longer than he himself has been, though he had never seen her before.

Well, since he was stuck with her, he might as well learn the answers to his questions. He figured he would at least wait until the girl was awake, and when they were heading to the village. There was no point in waking her up, as it would just slow their pace down later. He took a deep breath, before closing his eyes slightly. He didn't want to sleep, but he could at least rest.

.::.

Kairi's eyes slowly opened before she looked around her surroundings. Startled that she didn't see concrete and bars, she jumped up, regretting it a moment later. Her back hit the tree as she groaned, touching her left arm. She quickly went through what she remembered of the past day, and calmed down when she remembered that she was on a mission with Uchiha Sasuke. She let a deep breath out that she hadn't realized she had been holding.

Sasuke stood from his spot on the ground, turning his neck to crack it. The released pressure made him grunt slightly before walking over to Kairi, then back out into the woods. Complying, the small girl followed, wanting to be back in her cell as soon as possible. It wasn't that she wanted to be in a cell, but the air outside was odd, clean. She felt like she had too much space to move around in, and didn't like it. She had been confined in the same place for as long as she could remember, so it was odd not being there now.

Sasuke, sensing the girl's mood, turned his head to look at her. He figured now would be the best time as any to as his questions.

"Why do you have a hole in your lower stomach?" Well, he never was one for going around questions.

Kairi's body stiffened noticeably, her pink/blue eyes darting over to the older boy. How did he know about that hole? "It was given to me by Kabuto-kun, under the orders of Orochimaru-sama." She didn't go into any further explanation, and turned forward once again.

His curiosity getting the better of him, Sasuke kept on with his questions. "What about the wounds on your body?"

Kairi halted, glaring up at Sasuke with a hateful expression. Though he didn't show it on his face, it surprised Sasuke. Obviously, she didn't like explaining things.

"Nothing happened." She hissed out, before walking ahead. Sasuke continued his pace as well, watching the girl's back. He would let her get away with it for now, but she will answer him. Sooner or later.