Chapter VII
KAKASHI'S POV
-Come on, guys!
It was almost nightfall, and we we're still outside the "hideout" where Suzume was being held. Never before in my life had I felt so impatient yet insecure. We couldn't put this mission at risk by hurrying things up, but who knew what they might be doing to her… My body was shaking, and all I could think of was going in there and save her at all costs. But how…
-We need to get in there, now. – I said turning to the five bodies of my "teammates" standing still behind me.
-WAIT! – Naruto spoke loudly and with force. –We can't just do that. We don't have a PLAN.
He sounded pretty serious this time. He surprised me. First time Naruto was actually making sense and thinking rationally in this mission. He had really grown up…
-Right, a plan…
-We'll sleep here, sensei. There's really nothing we could accomplish tonight; besides, we have to gain energy if we want to succeed. - Kenji raised his voice while turning to see Riichi and Miria.
He did have a point, but still, is wasn't enough
-We can't afford loosing that much time. - I said.
-We won't make it if we go in tonight. - Riichi said in a soothing tone. His voice wasn't very low, but it was still smooth and calmed no matter the situation.
-Sensei, we want her back just as much as you do, but we got to think straight. - Miria said.
-She's right, and I agree with the klutz here. We do need a plan. - Kenji said making a small gesture towards Naruto.
-Yes… Wait, what did you call me, you idiot? – Naruto said lifting his fist up high.
-Shut up, okay! - Miria yelled. It was weird watching her take control of the whole situation. –Now, we'll sleep here and enter tomorrow. –
For the first time I felt like the student while they were all the teachers. It felt weird, for it had never even thought of the day I would see that happening to me…
I realized I hadn't said a word since they started making plans of their own.
-You're right. You guys need some rest. We'll plan everything in the morning.
-Yes, sir! - The five voices said.
-Waa… WAIT! OW, OW, OW! OWW!- We heard Naruto's voice far away.
I noticed he had gone away to where the travel bags we're held. He lifted his hand that was now full of platinum needles. Some blood was flooding out of his wounds.
-Wha…! Naruto! What the hell are you doing! - Sakura spoke for the first time.
- Gah! It burns! - He cried.
-Of course it burns, you idiot…- Miria said, checking inside her bag. –They're mine, what were you doing with them? -
-I was looking for some food until I found THESE!
-Let me see it. - I got closer to check his hand. –Miria, do these have…
-Poison, yes. They're my weapons. -
-Huh, well let's get it out before you loose your hand forever. - I said turning to Naruto.
-WHAT!- He yelled in pain and fear.
-Oh, don't worry, if something goes wrong, we'll just have to cut it off, so chill…- I was my sarcastic self again…
I couldn't help but laugh a little. Many memories came to me as Sakura and I tried to get the venom out. I heard Riichi sigh, not in annoyance but in a good way, and Kenji helping Miria pack some stuff up.
-Are you done? Am I gonna be okay? My hand's fine?
-Yes, Naruto, it's fine…- Sakura said, tired.
-Well then, get some rest. - I said to everyone.
Yes, they were going to need it in the morning…
-Hey, Kakashi sensei. - Naruto said staring at me while sitting on the ground.
-Huh…? - I turned to face him.
He smiled and put his good hand up giving me a thumbs up.
-We'll save Suzume-sensei. I promise…
That was the last thing he said before he collapsed into deep sleep.
SUZUME'S POV
Not one word. Not one word had left my mouth since I started following him deeper into the cave. He didn't say anything either, but apparently, the silence didn't discomfort him. He walked with his head low and hands in his pocket. I could see how he felt… Lost, angry, hopeless.
I didn't know why he had freed me, and I didn't know where we were heading. My heart began to pound in anxiety and insecurity… He stopped until we reached a spot with a long brown table and matching chairs. He sat on one, and waited, probably expecting me to sit too. I did nothing, for I feared that he might explode again, and after all, he was the one ho kidnapped me and almost beat me to death.
I cleared my throat hoping he would say something. He didn't, so I started.
-Where are we?
-Don't worry, you won't get out, so it doesn't really matter…- He said in a low tone.
He was pretty persistent in not letting me go…
I was getting dizzy, so I sat in one chair too, far enough from him so we weren't really close.
-Why did you do that? Free me?
There was silence for a while. He closed his eyes, like if he was meditating on his answer, and then he opened them.
-You seem to believe that these people deserve something. A chance. Why?
-These people are my family, and it would be rather pointless repeating that they're innocent. What you went trough is in the past, and the thing's you've done were wrong. They certainly don't deserve all of this…
-Hmm… rather… interesting. But it seems it's not enough to stop me. - He grinned lightly.
-What is it then? Do we really have to kill you to put an end to all of this? - I said menacing him.
He stopped, and then he laughed.
-Oh, dear, you're very entertaining. But no, you see… it's all in the revenge. My comrades died in battle with that Kakashi Hatake. Now, he must die while I honor them even in death. So that's why you're here. When he comes for you… the end begins…
-And what makes you think I won't help him? I am pretty sure we can take you as soon as I heal…
In a flash he was standing right in frond of me, putting his arm on my shoulder while the other one was grabbing the chair so I was looking straight at him. He leaned in close and then spoke to me.
-Look, I don't want to hurt you. – Yeah right, didn't he see I was practically dying already? -You're somewhat the key to my plan. But of course that if I do, a little anger from my opponent would surely spice things up. So… don't defy me. It would be a shame having to get rid of all these interesting thoughts that go on in your head. Besides, if you behave well…- He leaned in closer. His purple eyes were shining, and his lips moved slowly as he spoke. –… I might just like you a little bit.
He was close. Probably too close to my face, but he didn't do anything. He just stared. He put some hairs out of my face and touched my skin lightly. It felt weird, soft, but not menacing at all. He then retreated and started walking again, making me a sign for me to follow one more.
-Now, it's getting late. And you're right… maybe you should recover from your wounds.
Yeah, thanks for that…
-So sleeping tied to a log may not be the best idea. - He said sarcastically. –Follow me. I'll take you to a room. – He finished, now serious and somewhat annoyed.
-What are you talking about? Am I not your prisoner? – He really annoyed me. I couldn't understand him at all. Besides my hatred and constant urges to rip his head off, he was hard to follow, considering his mood swings were unexpected and strange.
-Tch, if you prefer to stay out here while I sleep comfortable in another room, then be my guest. It's not my problem…
Without talking, I followed, for I didn't have much of a choice. He smiled a devilish smile and then said:
-All right then… Right this way.
He led me to an even deeper side of the cave (it didn't seem to end) and I saw a pair of doors, which led to a pretty decent room. I hesitated though… I didn't trust him at all.
He began walking away, but before he disappeared, I called him.
-Wait! - He stopped and turned around. –Why are you doing this?
He just smiled. I knew he wouldn't tell me.
-Hey, your name…-
-What about it?
-I don't know what it is yet. - I said slowly, hoping for an answer.
-Hmph… call me Shouhei… Suzume.
Huh? My name… he knew it. Oh god, maybe I was underestimating him.
-How did you…? -
-I know a lot of things, dear.
And with those words, he disappeared into the darkness.
