Naruto stepped back, his face flushed. Just staring at Sasuke.

"Obviously not. Fine, I'll break it down into words you'll understand." Robin stood between the two. "The Kakashi you sent Ishi with is a clone." She spoke slowly, as if they wouldn't comprehend otherwise.

"How can you tell?" Sasuke asked.

"Different thought-processes." Robin replied, "I'll go get her, I don't need your help. It's not like Kyubi will be any help in Sound anyway."

"WHAT?!" Naruto's surprise from the kiss was broken.

"Did I stutter, or did your ears flap?" Robin asked, looking over at the blonde, "an agent of Orochimaru picked her up and knocked her out. She's headed to Sound now. Orochimaru appears to need a new body. Or just a new bitch, I'm not sure. I'm the only one allowed in Sound…well, except Kami-chan and Aiko-sensei. I'm pretty sure that Orochimaru would rather have a half-demon body than just anti-chakra."

"You're crazy." Sasuke growled, his arm around Naruto's shaking shoulders.

"Hn. If you're just noticing, you're not as smart as everyone says you are."

"I'm not Einstein."

"Not even close to Kami-chan's level, either."

"Why do you keep bringing her into this?!"

Robin rolled her eyes. "Doesn't matter now. See you." She looked at Naruto. Her voice echoed in his head, but it was tenderer than he had ever heard her speak.

I'll bring her back, Kyubi. She'll be safe with me. No one would dare go against me; they'd have to go through Darky first.

So, that's what you call him?

That's what he told me his name was.

Ah. He never was one for formalities.

What?

His real name is Dragon of the Darkness Flame.

You mean…the one that the demon warriors Hiei, Mercy, Raven and Leona used?

Yes. The very same. Hiei was your grandfather, Robin. Leona and Mercy were your aunts. The sweet Raven was your mother.

What? Robin froze.

You heard me. I knew her well. When I call Sasuke 'Raven', it' because he appears so much like your mother. Except that she was always happy and kind and Sasuke's…not. Different poles of the emotional world.

Hn. Talk of her past pushed her to speak of another subject; can you get into contact with Klutz?

You're a telepath, can't you?

No…I can't get into contact with her or Ishi. There's something blocking my powers.

Give me a minute. Naruto closed his eyes. Klutz? Klutz? Are you there?

Great, now his little chatterbox sister chose to shut up. There was silence. Kyubi shook his head, silently tearing at the barrier between them.

There. You should be able to get to her. Be very careful, three-eyes.

Stop calling me that. My name is Robin.

Then, what would you have me call you? I have nicknames for everyone.

Not Kami.

I'm working on hers. Nothing seems to fit, yet.

Hn. Then she went silent.

Ishi slowly opened her eyes. There was no pain this time, no one jerking her up by her hair. Nothing. She was in a warm bed, a quilt tucked in around her, in some nice warm pajamas. She groaned, sitting up.

"Ah. You're awake." Ishi looked up into a pair of golden, snakelike eyes. They were set in a very handsome white face, straight black hair hanging to the man's waist. He was dressed in what looked to be a white kimono, the sleeves falling back at little as he set a hand on her cheek.

Ishi jerked back. "Don't…"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." He sat down at the side of the bed.

"Who…who are you?" Ishi rubbed her eyes, holding the blanket to her chest and sliding to the edge of the bed next to the wall.

"My name is Manchu Hideaki. You must be Ishiana."

"It…it's Ishi. But, how did you know?" She looked a little scared again.

"You are quite renowned for your beauty. And your skill." Hideaki smiled a little more.

Ishi drew her knees to her chest. "I'm not beautiful." She whispered, "I'm not powerful, either. I just blow stuff up and get into trouble."

He stared at her a moment, then chuckled. "A great wit, as well." He brushed a lock of her slightly curly blue-black hair out of her blue eyes, "I think we'll get along just fine."

Ishi jerked back again. "Don't…don't touch me. I…I'm a monster. I'll only hurt you."

Hideaki only smiled, leaning a little closer to her and held her sapphire gaze. "Like I said, you have a wonderful wit, Katanra-san."

Ishi looked away with a small yawn.

"You should sleep a little longer. Recover your strength." Hideaki sighed. "You must've been hurt very badly. Don't worry, I'll protect you. I won't let Kakashi get you again."

"Kakashi?!" Ishi stared at him with wide eyes.

"Yes. Poor thing, he knocked you out and…oh, I just can't say it."

Ishi knew what he meant. She had been betrayed by another one of her own village. And Sasuke had probably planned on it. And Naruto had let it happen. Ishi's eyes stung with tears and she started to cry.

"Here." He handed her some tissues. Ishi nodded her thanks and blew her nose. "Just sleep." He brushed some tears off her cheeks, lying her down, "You'll be fine."

"Thank you…" Ishi whispered, closing her eyes. Hideaki nodded as she closed her eyes and dropped off to sleep.