Hello there, everyone! I am so in the mood today that I managed to finish another chapter of this fic, and it is longer than the other chapters too! I really appreciate reviews from my readers, you know. Many thanks to Cute23Flower and Happyhappy for reviewing all chapters! Thank you also to PolkaDottedPrettyKitty for reviewing a couple of times and also thank you for the advice. It helped me a lot. And also thank you to Hanako77, Akatsukifan and Chocolateluvr for reviewing this story.
As a sign of appreciation, I would like to dedicate this chapter to all of them!
Well, on with the chapter then!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
With Konan
"Who are you actually, Yakushi Kabuto?" she raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms, clearly telling him that she will not accept his hand. He chuckled, much to her irritation. "Do I have to introduce my name again when you are clearly being able to say it right?" he pushed his spectacles up his nose with a finger. He can feel her tensed up over his remark.
"I know your name, Yakushi! I just want to know who you work for, and what is it that you want from me?" her glares didn't make him flinch even a bit.
"I'm not the type to give information like that easily, Konan-chan,".
"Then, scramble off. Don't waste my time when I have something more important to do,".
"Actually, I want to propose you an offer,".
"No, I refuse to listen to any of your nonsense,". Konan spun around and started walking but the young man still haven't give up.
"You are really intending of keeping the baby for the next six months? Wouldn't it be a burden for you as a kunoichi?" she stopped dead in her tracks.
"Don't you ever dare interfering with my life! I have enough people to worry about and I don't need you to jump on the bandwagon," she merely glanced at him.
Kabuto appeared in front of her and blocked her way. She was quite tall for a woman, and able to look straight into his eyes without having to look up. "Out of my way, Yakushi!" her tone was serious and deadly. "You still haven't listen to my offer," he was also equally serious this time.
"Fine then, if it makes you happy, spill it,".
"Here it is. I can help to revive your loved one, in exchange for your baby. How does that sound?".
"No, thank you. Your offer sounds tempting but I have to decline it," she didn't even spare a second to think over the offer and walked away. Realizing that Kabuto will not give up, Konan made a few hand seals and disappeared from the spot, leaving only shards of paper in her place. Kabuto panicked and turned around, hoping to find her. When there were no signs of her at all, he cursed loudly and echoed through the woods.
With Kakashi
His head was very heavy and his throat felt itchy. Kakashi moved his gloved hand to his throbbing head while his other hand supported himself up from the bed. 'Wait, bed?' his eyes immediately shot open. The first thing he saw was the grinning face of Sabaku no Temari, the elder sister of Kankurou and the Kazekage. Her giant iron fan put up against the wall of one side and his ninja gears were put on top of a side table.
"How are you feeling now, Kakashi-san? I hope not too bad," she cheerfully greeted him. "Ah, yes. Minus the killing headache and some muscle cramps here and there, I'm fine. How did I get here anyway?" Kakashi was still holding his head in his hands. Temari handed him a glass of water. "You really don't want to get dehydrated here in the desert, which will just add to the headache," she generously advised. He just nodded weakly.
"We found you by the border of the west side of the village. And by we, I mean Kankurou and myself. Do you remember who did this to you?" she sat on the chair next to him and rested an arm on the bed. Kakashi shook his head slowly. "No, all I remember was a sandstorm and someone attacked from all directions. I can't detect from where did the attacks come from, or how many involved in it," he was being truthful. After all, Suna is one of Konoha's strongest allies.
"Hmm, I understand. You see, Kakashi-san. Since the Shukaku was extracted from Gaara, shinobis from nearby villages had started to cause havoc in the borders. We can't just kill them, that way we will just make enemies. But they still didn't get it. We have signed a peace treaty but still, it is no use. Gaara just had to restrain himself from crushing them with his sand. Even I myself have to keep myself from blowing them away with my fan," Kakashi found himself smiled at the last part.
"I've seen you succeed in doing so. That fan seems to be not used in quite a long time," she grinned at his comment and quickly got up. "If you need anything, just call the nurse. I'll drop in again later," the 17 years old girl walked out through the door, not before reaching for her priceless fan. Kakashi leaned back onto the pillow and stared out of the window to the blue sky. The colour reminded him of the unique pair of eyes that "Miwako" had. "What a pity she never wanted to tell me her real name," he said to himself. His hand reached for the ring he managed to keep in a hidden pocket just in time before being knocked out.
With the Konoha Team
Shikamaru kept an eye over his teammates. Kiba and Akamaru were taking the lead because of their keen sese of smell. Hinata was up next, with her Byakugan ability she can back Kiba up and keep an eye on the surroundings. Shikamaru was behind her so that he can keep an eye both on the front and the back of the team. Naruto was behind him because of his abundance of energy, he can back both the front side and the back side. Tenten came next, with her 100 percent accuracy, she was a skillful long-ranged and short ranged fighter ad would be able to back Shino up, who was bringing up the rear and also back Kiba, Hinata, Shikamaru, and Naruto in the front.
With his signal, Kiba and Akamru dashed forward, followed by Hinata. Naruto was a bit surprised by the pace they were going but was happy with it. The sooner they reach the target, the better. Hinata had improved tremedously over the years, he noticed. She was more agile and quick jumping from branch to branch and had no trouble keeping up with Kiba's speed. Tenten also had become better and better than the last time Naruto had seen her. Probably a result from vigorous training under Gai-sensei alongside Lee and Neji. She was as fast as Lee in speed and as graceful as Neji in her movements. Both the kunoichi were on par with their male counterparts.
Shikamaru calculated in his head that with the speed they are going, they will reach Suna in less than three days. Firstly, they will head towards the Sand Village, where their target are rumoured to be last seen in. Plus, their Kakashi-sensei was in Suna. Maybe they could give him and the Sand Siblings a visit. But he must remember to buy Temari a present, since he forgot about it the last time she was in Konoha. He surely doesn't want to be chased around with that giant fan of hers again.
With Konan
Konan looked behind her. She was really hoping to lose that gray haired young man. How did he know that she was pregnant was still a mystery to her. Something about him that made her very cautious when she was around him. He reminded her abit of someone before. Someone whom she had detested with the deepest hate. Sasori's ex-partner, Orochimaru.
"Don't think you can escape that easy, Konan-chan. I will not leave you alone until I get what I want," out of nowhere he jumped down in front of her. She backed away from him with a sharp glare. "I have told you what my decision is. No, and that is final!" she flung a kunai at him but he caught it between his fingers.
"Come on, don't you want to reunite with the one you love so much? Akasuna no Sasori, formerly my master and my current master's ex-partner. All you have to do is give in the child of the man you didn't love at all," Kabuto still have not give up. Konan was disturbed a bit by the offer.
Truth to be told, she missed Sasori too much. She missed the times when they will sit together under the stars and shared stories. But Konan had never be the one to show her feelings to other people. "I said no, Yakushi!".
"Well, Konan-chan. I give you two day time to think it over. If you agreed, be sure to prepare a sacrifie to revive Sasori-san," Kabuto smirked victoriously seeing the dazed look in her eyes when Sasori's name was mentioned. This time, it was Kabuto who left Konan alone in the woods.
flashback
Konan concentrated on her medical scroll. Her curly hair trailed down her back and some rested on her shoulders. She had discarded the heavy Akatsuki cloak and training gear, but wearing casual clothes instead. A dark blue t-shirt with a long-sleeved fihnet underneath and a three quarter black slacks. Her bare feet were propped up on the desk, a habit she picked up from Hidan. But hey, that was her room, she was free to do aything she wanted.
A series of knocks averted her gaze from the croll to the door. She quickly put dow her feet and aid calmly. "Come in, it is not locked," the door opened to reveal Sasori, also without his Akatsuki cloak. "Konan, the stars outside are beautiful," unconciously, she smiled. With an understanding nod, she rolled up her scrolls and arrange them neatly back on the shelves.
While they were walking through the halls, Sasori unexpectedly hold her hand in his, sending a shiver down her spine. When they entered the living room, Konan quickly released his hand and walked a little ahead of him. Every other members of the Akatsuki were there, each eyeing her and Sasori with their own reasons.
Konan quickly exited their hideout and climbed to her favourite spot on top of their base. Sasori joined her a couple of seconds later and settled down next to her. His hand reached for hers once again and their fingers intertwined. Spontaneously, she leaned her head against his shoulder and stared deeply into his soft brown eyes. "Is there anything you would like to tell me, Sasori?" she asked suddenly after a few minutes passed by in silence.
"Nothing. I just miss you, that's all. You have been very busy lately with your missions," she smiled at his answer. "You know what, I would really love to meet that Hatake Kakashi everyone was talking about. He sounds like an interesting fellow," she decided to change the topic. It was always very awkward to talk about feelings, especially with him.
"Konan, pleae don't change the topic. You know perfectly what I'm saying,".
"Of course I understand. You are missing our great time together,".
"Yes, no! I mean something more, Konan,
"What do you mean by more?"
"This," he leaned down until they are face to face. She saw nervousness in his eyes and felt her own heart thumped harder than normal. Seeing that he will not make the first move, Konan hesitantly pecked his wooden cheek, which he returned with a quick peck on her lips.
"Oh, man! You guys could have done better than that!" a loud noise made both of them turned around. "Deidara, I told you to shut your big mouthes!" Hidan smacked hard the blonde's head. Surprisingly, even Itachi was there.
"Let's get out from here," Sasori grabbed her hand and led her through the woods, leaving the arguing members behind. He led her until they arrived at a small pond in a clearing. Konan looked around in awe. She had never been there before. He pulled her into his embrace suddely, catching her off surprise. "I love you so much, Konan-chan," with the magic word, he leaned in and kissed her lovingly. She reponded to his kiss and put her arms around his neck. "Me too," she managed to whisper back.
end of flashback
Hot tears trailed down her face as one of her most preious memories flashed back. She was torn between two paths right now. To be with Sasori once more, or to let him stay in her memories. To harm the whole community of ninja world or be a saint, sacrificing her own needs before others. To be with a gone loved one or on the way loved one, her baby.
A loud barking of dog suddenly broke the silence the night offered. "Hey guys, I found someone here," more voices were heard. Konan lifted her head to see who had came. Six people and a dog appeared into the clearing she was settling in.
The dog was amazingly large with white fur. Its owner had wild brown hair and markings on his cheek. Another boy had his hair in a high ponytail that make him look like a pineapple. The boy at the rear had sunglasses and a hoodie jacket on. The older looking of the girls had her brown hair in two buns while the other one was clearly a member of the Hyuuga Main House, judging from her eyes and her forehead.
The last member of the party made her interested completely. From the stories of Deidara, Itachi and Kisame, the blonde ninja with blue hair was the Jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi, and teammate of Haruno Sakura.
"Uzumaki Naruto,".
Well, how is it? Please oh please let me know! Please review! I am hoping at least 10 reviews for this chapter. Can I?
Thank you for reading! Have a nice day...
