Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Warning: Spoilers if not seen anime, but not much in that. Yaoi, bad language, death, killing, ext.
Pairings: Look in beginning chapters for them.
Thank you all who have read up to this chapter! I'm glad you enjoy reading it. Please review and enjoy this chapter!!!
"This sure is a creepy place." Sakura said as she looked at the forest of death. She swore she saw a large snake in there move. She was currently hiding behind Sasuke and Naruto who were chatting about last night.
"Hey, your still mad at me aren't you?" Naruto asked and Sasuke looked away from him. Sakura looked between them.
"What's up with you guys?" Sakura asked and Naruto pouted.
"It's because I haven't made up for that Lee thing yet. He wanted to do it last night, but I didn't want to be tired for today." Naruto said and looked to Anko. Sakura paled and held her nose at the thought. Sasuke just snorted before wrapping his arms around the blonde. Then put his mouth to Naruto's ear, Sakura saw the blonde shiver as Sasuke exhaled slightly.
"It's okay, now you'll just have to make it up double when we get the chance. Also be careful, snake bastard is here now." Sasuke whispered so light that even Sakura who stood right behind them couldn't hear. Sasuke let go of the blonde who nodded and he moved back slightly as Anko started to talk.
"You will be able to experience why this place is called the forest of Death." Anko said. Naruto pouted.
"There's no point in trying to scare us like that! I'm not scared at all!" Naruto said as he pointed to her. Anko smiled sweetly at him.
"Really? You sure are energetic." Anko said before flipping a Kunai at him that cut his cheek and sliced one of the grass village's long black hair some. Anko then appeared behind Naruto and cupped his face.
"Boys like you die the fastest. After spilling out that red blood I love all over the place." Anko said and swiped some blood off of Naruto's cheek. She did notice the killing intent pointed at her but it was slowly going down, so she couldn't pinpoint it. It was then that she pulled another Kunai out and went to stab the guy behind her. With a long tongue the guy held Anko's Kunai that she had thrown at Naruto.
"Here's you knife." The guy said and smirked. Anko felt a killing intent so high it scared her, but it disappeared almost as quickly as it had come. She looked around slightly but didn't see anyone who looked capable of it. Then looked to Naruto who was glaring at the man behind her. Anko smiled at her and took the Kunai.
"Thank you. But don't stand behind me like that. Unless you want to die young that is." Anko said and pocketed the weapons and released Naruto who was still glaring at the long tongued man. He couldn't have been the one to have that kind of killing intent could he? No it's impossible… but if I'm correct… he's the Kyuubi holder. Anko thought.The guy smirked at Naruto, before looking to Anko.
"Well, I get itchy when I see blood. Also, my precious hair was cut, so I got a little… excited." He said, and with one last smirk to Naruto walked away. He past Sasuke and smirked as well, he had been able to tell that there was a killing intent coming from the Uchiha as well. Sakura moved out of the way as he pasted, not even glancing at her.
"It looks like there are a lot of hot-headed people here today. This is going to be interesting." Anko said and Naruto rolled his eyes. You're the most hot-headed person here. Naruto thought, he heard Kyuubi laugh in his mind. Naruto walked over to Sasuke who hugged him around the waist and looked to his cheek. The cut hadn't healed yet, it didn't even look like it was healing at all. Sasuke knew why though.
"Before we begin the second Exam, I'm going to pass these out to everyone." Anko said and pulled out a stack of papers from her inside jacket.
"These are consent forms. Those taking this exam must sign these." Anko said there was a 'why' somewhere in the coward so she continued.
"From here on, people will die. Therefore, we need people's consent before we continue. Otherwise, I'd be held responsible." Anko laughed. "Now, I will begin the explanation of the Second Exam. To be concise, you will all go through an extreme survival match." Anko said and handed Naruto the stack of papers noticing that the cut was starting to heal slightly but not like she had thought the Kyuubi holder healed. Naruto handed them off to Sasuke who passed it on.
"Now." Anko pulled out two scrolls. "You're objective besides staying alive is to get these two scrolls. Since 26 teamed passed the first exam, so half of you will get the Scroll of Heaven, while the other half gets the Scroll of the Earth. To pass you and your teammates have to bring both the Heaven and Earth Scroll to the tower in the middle of the forest." Anko explained.
"In other words, the 13 teams, or half the people here, that get their scroll stolen will fail?" Sakura asked.
"But it needs to be done within the time limit. This second exam has a limit of 120 hours, or exactly five days." Anko said and put the two scrolls she had been showing around back inside her jacket.
"Five days?" "What about food?" Ino and Chouji asked.
"Scrounge it up yourself. The forest is a treasure box of nature. There should be plenty of food." Anko said to them. Kabuto looked back at them.
"However… There are a lot of man-eating beasts, poison bugs, and poisonous plants." Kabuto said and turned back to Anko.
"Oh no…" Chouji said as he paled and let his head drop.
"Baka, that's why it's called a survival." Ino pointed out to him.
"Also, it is not possible for 13 teams, or 39 people to pass." Neji pointed out.
"As time passes, you will require to move more. So, the time to rest your body will become shorter. This seems quite rough." Lee pointed out.
"People will get hurt in the process of fighting over a scroll, and those who cannot bear this program's strictness will emerge as well." Anko said. Shikamaru raised his hand.
"Excuse me, can we quit in between?" He asked.
"As a rule, you are not allowed to give up during the exam. You will spend the five days in the forest." Anko said and Shikamaru crossed his arms over his chest.
"Just as I thought… How troublesome." Shikamaru said under his breath.
"While we're on this topic, here are the conditions that will fail you. First, a team that cannot bring both scrolls to the tower with the three teammates will fail. Second, the team that loses a teammate or produces an unrecoverable teammate will fail. Also, just as a note… You are not allowed to look inside the scrolls until you reach the tower." Anko said.
"What happens if you look at it before?" Naruto asked.
"That's a surprise you'll see when you look at it." Anko said with a sly smile on her face. Naruto gave her a confused look.
"If you become a Chuunin, you will be handling top secret documents. It's to determine your reliability. That is it for the explanation. We will exchange three consent forms for one scroll at that hut…" Anko said and pointed to a hut where three examiners were sat, they waved at them. It was a simple brown hut with a desk inside, that was were the examiners sat.
"And after picking your gate entrance, everyone will begin at the same time." Anko sighed. "Here's a last piece of advice… Don't die." Anko said and walked away. Naruto jumped to Sasuke and they walked over to a rock together, Sakura followed behind them since they told her to. Sasuke held Naruto around the waist and they huddled together.
"What ever happens we stay together, if we get split up who knows what'll happen. Sakura, you hold onto the scroll, and we will protect you." Sasuke said and Naruto nodded, Sakura blushed.
"Are you sure you want me to?" Sakura asked and they nodded again. Sakura sighed before nodding. They sat down and quickly signed the paper they each had.
"Sakura-Chan?" Naruto asked and she looked up at him, he motioned for her to come closer to him. He then pulled out two rubber bands and told her to turn around. Sakura frowned at him but did what he told her. She felt him split her hair in half and then braid it in two piggy tails.
"There, you're hair won't get in the way as much." Naruto said after he finished braiding the two piggy tails he formed. Sakura felt the braids and smiled at him.
"Thanks Naruto! I didn't know you could do this." Sakura said and Naruto shrugged. He had learned how when Aki had taught him, she would ask him to braid it as a whole to keep it away from her face. But two braids looked better on Sakura then one.
"It's time to trade your forms for a scroll." Called one of the examiners, Sasuke, Naruto and Sakura looked to see that they had put a curtain up so that no one could see what scroll the other has. They stood and started over.
After gaining the Heaven scroll and what gate they would be at they moved back and stood near Anko for instruction. Sasuke keep his arm around Naruto's waist and Naruto had a hold of Sakura's hand. All three could feel eyes on them as they stood there. But neither looked to see who it was. Although, Sasuke and Naruto both had an idea of who it was, or they.
"If you have received a scroll, follow the person in charge and move to your designated gates! We will begin in 30 minutes!" Anko yelled and team seven followed the person who would guide them. They stood in front of gate twelve, staring at the examiner. Sasuke still had his arm around Naruto who was jumping slightly up and down. Sakura shook her head at them and Naruto turned to the pink hair ninja.
"Don't worry Sakura-Chan, the moment that gate opens we're only friends. Sasuke won't be attached to me." Naruto said. "It's a distraction if he does." Sasuke nodded in agreement. As much as he hated it, but Naruto was right, they were just friends on missions. But he could live with that, besides this was more important than ravishing the blonde. That's for after, Sasuke smirked and let go of the blonde.
"He's right, that's for after." Sasuke said and Naruto paled slightly only a small blush visible. Sakura laughed, she felt her braids bounce slightly with her. The examiner unlocked the gate and let the chain fall, team seven tensed.
"I say we go slow and easy. No need to rush into something we don't know of. Besides, it's not a 'lets see who gets there first' type of thing.'" Naruto said. Sakura nodded as did Sasuke.
"We will now begin the Chuunin Selection Second Exam!" Anko yelled, even team seven heard her. They looked to the examiner who pushed the gate open for them. They walked inside and he shut it behind him, and then locked it. Sakura gulped slightly. Naruto quickly did a clone of the scroll and tossed the real one to Sakura. He then put the clone scroll in his weapons pouch, made sure it hung out slightly so that people would see it clearly. Sasuke smirked while Sakura nodded, they continued into the forest.
AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! Team seven stopped in a clearing as Sakura looked behind them.
"That was someone's scream, right?" Sakura asked they watched as birds flew off in another direction. Sakura looked to Sasuke.
"I'm starting to get nervous…" Sakura said and Naruto hugged her around the neck.
"Don't be, I've sent clones a head of us, and around us. It someone hits one of my clones I'll know exactly where they are." Naruto said and Sakura nodded. They then continued to walk.
"I have to pee!" Naruto announced and headed into the bushes. Sasuke shook his head as they waited for him.
A few minutes later Naruto came out smiling at them.
"I peed a lot! That felt good." He explained.
"Don't say such a thing in front of a lady!" Sakura yelled at him. Sasuke appeared behind Naruto and punched him; the blonde went flying into a tree.
"Sasuke! You didn't have to go that far!" Sakura yelled and Sasuke shook his head.
"He's not the real Naruto!" Sasuke said. Naruto stood up quickly.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Naruto shouted at him. Sakura looked Naruto over and realized it.
"What happened to the wound the Examiner made on your face? Also, your shuriken holster is on your left leg, Naruto is right handed." Sasuke pointed out. There was a puff of smoke and a ninja with a face mask, and an all yellow body suit on stood where Naruto had.
"How unlucky. I guess I have no choice since you found me out. Which one of you has the scroll?" Sakura pulled her Kunai out as he talked. "If you give it up quietly, I'll spare your lives." He said, Sakura shrugged and pulled the scroll out.
"Alright." She said and tossed it to him. Sasuke just smirked as Sakura grinned. The man hesitantly caught the scroll, but the moment he caught it, it disappeared in a puff of smoke, as did Sasuke and Sakura. The guy's eyes widened as he looked around, a Kunai hit in front of him, the explosive tag set off, but he quickly jumped out of the way. Again looking around widely, he saw something move and quickly tossed a Kunai at it. He heard a hiss and his eyes widened as a giant snake came crashing towards him.
"I will name him killer." Naruto called from a tree, that was the last thing the enemy ninja heard and saw before the snake swallowed him whole. Sakura cringed as she watched the snake slither away, a large lump in his body.
"Good work Naruto." Sasuke said and jumped down, the other two following. They quickly found themselves a spot to rest, which was guarded by three large trees.
"If the three of us get separated, don't trust anyone even if he looks likes one of us. There's a possibility that an enemy will transform into one of us and approach." Sasuke warned after they had sat down. Naruto nodded.
"So, what should we do?" Sakura asked and Naruto leaned against the tree.
"Let's decide on a password." Sasuke said. The other two nodded.
"If a different password is given, assume that he's an enemy no matter what he looks like, got it?" Sasuke asked and they nodded again.
"I'm only going to say this once, so listen carefully. First you will ask, 'The ninja song Ninki?' The answer is the following… It is a good chance when a large number of enemies are making a scene. There are no hideouts even in a quiet place. It is important for a ninja to know the right time. The time when the enemy is tired, and has his guard down. That's it." Sasuke said, and Naruto looked at him as if he were crazy.
"Okay." Sakura said. Naruto nodded even though he didn't remember, he looked to Sasuke who just smirked at him. Naruto sighed, and then tensed as he felt the cut on his face again. Naruto grabbed Sakura and headed into the forest, Sasuke following quickly. They were just out of the clearing when a gust of wind blew up the area behind them. Sakura just looked at it dumb founded.
"He's here Sasuke." Naruto said and Sakura looked to them.
"Whose here? What's happening?" Sakura asked and Sasuke appeared behind them. They were currently hidden in one of the trees.
"Whoever it is that's been watching us since we stepped into the forest." Sasuke said quickly and Sakura went wide eyed at them.
"What?" Sakura asked and Naruto nodded. Then they moved when a Kunai hit the tree, the moment they moved it exploded. They landed in a clearing, the man who had the long tongue stepped into the clearing from the shadows.
"My, my, aren't we fast." He said, and pulled his hat off, covering his face. "Should be interesting." He said and tossed his hat away, then pulled the Earth Scroll out. He then proceeded to swallow the scroll whole. Sakura gasped and Sasuke narrowed his eyes. Naruto's killing intent heightened severely. The man laughed.
"Now, let's begin… The fight over our scrolls… by putting our lives on the line." He said and looked at them, his eyes were different and Sasuke covered Sakura's eyes. Naruto pulled two kunai out, each in one hand. Sasuke felt Sakura tense and fall limp. Sasuke cursed and picked her up. The man raised an eyebrow when neither boy went into shock.
"Oi, snake bastard!" Naruto yelled and the man looked at Naruto with wide eyes. Naruto glared his red coming in.
"Leave, my Sasuke alone!" Naruto yelled and tossed his Kunai, at the same time a dozen of clones attack and disappeared, causing a large puff of smoke to roll around. When it cleared, no one was there. He felt their presence a few feet away from him and moving. The man smirked as he tongue came out and licked his lips wet, before he took off.
"What do you mean he's been watching us?" Sakura asked as they ran for it.
"Just what we said Sakura-Chan. We don't know why he's been doing it. But obviously he doesn't just want the scroll. If he did he wouldn't have taken the time to watch us." Naruto said Sasuke was currently looking around slightly.
"So… why didn't you tell me?" Sakura asked and Naruto looked at her.
"We weren't sure about it." Naruto said. They stopped in a clearing.
"Please Sakura don't start getting frightened, we need you to be calm." Naruto pleaded and Sakura nodded.
"Of course, but what are we going to do about that guy?" Sakura asked and Naruto looked to Sasuke.
"We don't know. But watch out for anything out of the ordinary." Sasuke said and Naruto nodded. Sakura looked behind them and gasped.
"Like that!" She yelled and they whipped around and cursed. A giant snake crashing towards them.
"Sasuke now!" Naruto yelled, he grabbed Sakura by the waist and pulled them back as Sasuke formed the hand signs for his Dragon Fire Technique. The snake got past the tree lines just as Sasuke finished; he blew fire coming out of his mouth attacking the snake head on.
"Sasuke get out of there!" Naruto yelled and Sasuke nodded. He jumped just as fire surrounded the area he was just in. He jumped to a branch, just to the side of Naruto and Sakura, and down slightly.
"You ready?" Sasuke asked and Naruto nodded.
"Ready for what?" Sakura asked and they shrugged.
"Anything." Sasuke answered. The fire died down and a crisp snake sat in the middle of the clearing. All three watched in horror as out of the head the guy came, breaking the skin like a shell.
"Not letting your guard down. Very smart, but can you guys keep it up?" He asked as he looked at Sasuke with a sly smile. He then came at him, his body like a snake; he twilled around the tree branch just under him, but stopped when a series of Kunai and Shuriken shot in front of him.
"Didn't I tell you to stay away from him?" Naruto sneered from above. Sasuke looked to the blonde. He was already tapping into Kyuubi's chakra, but even Sasuke could tell it wasn't full yet. Sasuke knew what it looked like when Naruto fully tapped into it. There was a deep chuckle from the snake man and Naruto looked at him.
"So you're the nine tails." He stated and Sakura gasped and stepped away from Naruto. The blonde looked at her with sadness. Sasuke glared, his Sharingan going into the second stage. There were three stages, and Orochimaru had unlocked two of them when Sasuke went with him.
"SHUT UP!" Sasuke yelled. "Naruto is not the nine tails! He's Uzumaki Naruto! Don't you dare confuse those two!" Sasuke narrowed in on the snake man. He laughed again.
"Oh, did I touch a nerve, or maybe you didn't know that the nine tails was sealed inside of him." He said and Sasuke's hands fisted together.
"Oh course I knew that Kyuubi is sealed inside of him. But it doesn't mean they're the same! Naruto is Naruto and Kyuubi is Kyuubi! Sakura, you know Naruto, he's your friend, your teammate, and you use to have feelings for him! Yes I noticed, but you stopped the moment we paired up, and started to think of his more as a brother than a lover." Sasuke said and Sakura gulped and looked to Naruto who had tears in his eyes, he wasn't looking at her. Sakura sighed.
"Of course I don't care." Sakura said and Naruto looked at her. "Naruto you're my friend, I wouldn't care what's sealed inside of you. You're Uzumaki Naruto, and only that." Sakura said and Naruto nodded then looked to the snake man who had started to laugh again. His tongue shot out and wrapped around Naruto's body, then drew him closer to him. Naruto's eyes widened and he struggled, he reached for a Kunai but the tongue held his arms away, as the tip pulled Naruto's shirt up.
Sasuke came at him with a Kunai intent on cutting through the long ass tongue, but the man just jumped out of the way, causing Naruto's head to smash on a tree. Naruto's vision became fuzzy, and black started to seep into his vision. He knew this wasn't good. If he lost cautiousness then who knows what'll happen. Sasuke landed beside Sakura and glared at the man who was laughing now. He stood a few feet away, Naruto was now beside him, and Sasuke could see his head was dropping. He would black out soon.
"Let. Him. Go." Sasuke sneered, it made Sakura shiver. But only made him laugh even more. Then had his tongue lift Naruto's chest, revealing the seal. Sasuke shot forward in attempts to stop him, but he just jumped out of the way once again. Then slammed his hand into Naruto stomach, the scream echoed through the forest, causing a few to stop and look around.
"NARUTO!" Sakura screamed at him, Sasuke cringed as the scream continued for a minute. It was worse this time, and Sasuke knew it. Since he and Kyuubi's chakra were blending together, the five prong seal would cause even more pain for both of them. Sasuke shot forward as he tossed Naruto away; the Uchiha quickly grabbed his boyfriend and landed on a branch. He set the blonde down and kissed his forehead before turning back to the man.
"Ah so you two are together. Interesting… but I wonder… who would you choose him or your brother?" He hissed and Sasuke growled then came at him, attacking him with a series of Taijutsu moves. One hit and sent the man flying into string that Sasuke used to tie him to a tree. He then did the hand signs for his Dragon Fire Technique, and let it fly toward the man.
There was a shrill scream as the fire hit him. Sakura had to cover her ears. The fire died down and Sasuke did it again, and again, and again. Finally Sakura yelled for him to stop, which he did, he sat panting. Sakura came up beside him as he dropped to the ground. They heard the snap of the string and looked over at him. His face was burnt and showed the snake eyes underneath, with the purple line towards his nose.
"Well that was interesting." He said and Sakura gasped.
"Who-who are you?" She asked and he smirked.
"I'm Orochimaru. It was very nice seeing some of your moves Sasuke-kun. And indeed I want you." Sasuke said. Orochimaru used his polarization thing, it worked since Sakura wasn't used to it, and Sasuke was weak from using the jutsu too much. Orochimaru then came after Sasuke with his long neck. Sasuke screamed in pain as Orochimaru latched onto his neck and bite down. Sakura gasped and tried to move, she succeeded as she threw a Kunai at the man's neck, Orochimaru hissed and pulled away. His neck coming back to his body, Sakura could see the blood running down his neck. Orochimaru glared at her, and she tensed thinking he would come after her as well. He then looked to Sasuke and smirked, as the boy glared at him, holding his neck.
"What did you do to him?" Sakura asked as she continued to look at Orochimaru. The snake man laughed and looked to the girl ninja.
"Just a parting gift, he will seek me for power and revenge. Until next time, Sasuke-kun." Orochimaru sang the last sentence in a sing song voice. Sasuke glared at him.
"Go to hell! There is no way I will leave Naruto!" Sasuke yelled. I won't… not again… damn it… I can't believe he bite me again! Fuck! Orochimaru laughed before leaking into the tree, not saying anything else. Sakura looked to Sasuke with worry, he tried to stand but couldn't. His body wasn't use to the curse seal and he knew it, but Naruto. He had to get to Naruto, then the pain shot through his neck and he scream. Sakura pulled him into a hug as she looked to the curse seal; she then looked to Naruto who was out cold. Soon she felt Sasuke collapse into her, and she could already feel the fever starting. She cursed under her breath.
------With Aki---------
"The Chuunin Exam has started hasn't it?" Itachi asked, Aki nodded. They were currently sitting in a large tree on one of the large branches, just outside the city they had been staying at lately. It seemed that Itachi and Kisame were ordered to stay put for a while, then head to Konoha in two months. Itachi had his arms around Aki who was leaning against him. They were watching the sun set at the moment.
"Yeah, it started just the other day. I hope Sasuke and Naruto do okay meeting with Orochimaru again. I wish I could be there." Aki said, she closed her blue eyes and listened to Itachi's heart beat. She was tired, yes. She had been showing Itachi her memories for the past two days. Since he was there for a while, he wanted to know her more. Wanted to know more about how they meet. She showed him, he had held her for hours when she did. But every time she would show him memories the emotion was always turned so down, it just felt like he was watching a movie.
"Why didn't you?" Itachi asked Aki looked up at him. Slightly startled by the question since she had been thinking.
"Because, I wouldn't be able to do anything even if I did go. I'm not a ninja, and their going into the Forest of Death, for the second exam. That's where Orochimaru is showing up for the first time." Aki said and Itachi nodded. He ran a hand through her hair; he chuckled when he heard her purr slightly. Aki growled and he chuckled again.
"So are you still going to Konoha then?" Itachi asked and Aki nodded.
"They will get to the preliminary rounds and that's when the public will be able to watch them fight. I'll be there for that." Aki said, and leaned back further into the older Uchiha. Itachi smiled and tightened his grip; the sun was fully set now, the stars starting to become visible.
"Do you think Orochimaru will bite him again?" Itachi asked and Aki shrugged.
"I don't know… but even if he does it won't matter. The only reason that Sasuke had went to Orochimaru was because the bastard used the revenge and hatred that ran through Sasuke's veins. But since the person he hates and wants revenge is Orochimaru himself… I doubt Sasuke will leave Naruto again." Aki explained and Itachi cringed slightly.
"But Sasuke will have to bare that curse seal if he's bitten." Itachi said and Aki shook her head.
"Not unless Mao and I can't come up with something. We've been working on that for a good while now. We think we can remove it, it'll be painful but the curse seal will be gone. But I want to test it first; I want to be able to make sure before doing it to Sasuke." Aki explained and Itachi nodded.
"That won't be too hard. Orochimaru has some suburbanites that have the curse seal. You should be able to capture one and test on them." Itachi said and Aki frowned.
"Yeah, I guess. I just don't like the thought of testing on people unwillingly. It makes me feel like Kabuto." Aki whined and Itachi laughed before kissing her temple.
"Wouldn't want that huh?" Itachi said and Aki smiled. This felt good, Aki was happy and she felt as if it would never leave. Aki knew Itachi liked her maybe loved, and she knew he wouldn't betray her. He hadn't killed the clan, when she first heard about Itachi she looked into it. It was odd that only one person would survive, and that being his younger brother. Itachi had supposable killed his whole clan, so then what stopped him from killing Sasuke. At least that's what Aki thought, as she looked into it, she realized that he couldn't have since he was on a mission when the massacre had happen.
So as she dug more into it, she found the only person who was able to do such a think was Orochimaru and with the help of Akatsuki it was possible. Aki was then fully confused when Itachi had joined Akatsuki. She then figured that he was a spy, but didn't fully know everything until they meet and talked about it. Aki heard Itachi whisper something to her and she looked at him.
"What? I'm sorry, I was zoned out there." Aki said and Itachi laughed slightly. He then titled her head toward him and kissed her on the lips. It was a slightly painful position but she didn't care. When he released he smiled at her.
"I said I'm glad I met you." Itachi said and Aki closed her eyes and leaned against him again.
"I'm glad too." Aki said softly as she again listened to his heart beat. They stayed that way for a little while. It started to get cold half way through and Itachi had covered Aki up with his Akatsuki cloak. Aki made some comment about them finally being useful. After that it became silent again, each enjoying the other's company. It was Itachi who broke the silence of the night.
"I've been thinking…" Itachi started off, getting Aki's attention before continuing.
"That maybe I would stop this mission short and go back to living with Sasuke… and maybe you." Itachi said, a blush coming to his face. Aki sat up and turned to him.
"Itachi… I know how you feel…" Aki looked down to the branch. "But you have to continue what you're doing. You're the only spy in Akatsuki, Konoha needs you." Aki said and Itachi took her chin and titled it up so that he looked into her eyes.
"I know… but I… I want to be there for my brother… and for you. I want to make sure Sasuke doesn't go to him." Itachi said and Aki kissed him on the lips just ever so lightly, and then pulled away.
"Itachi, you're being there for you brother by helping Konoha with Akatsuki. Sasuke he looks up to you more then ever, because you are protecting Naruto, by just being in Akatsuki." Aki said and Itachi nodded slightly.
"Why don't you come with me? To Konoha for the Chuunin Exams, you can see Naruto and Sasuke's fight. Besides you have to go into Konoha anyways. Just leave Kisame in the town you and him are staying at until you need to leave to the village." Aki said and Itachi frowned slightly.
"I guess it could work… but what if Kisame figures out I left to Konoha." Itachi asked and Aki smiled.
"Just tell him that you wanted to see the nine tail's moves. So when you capture him, it'll be easier." Aki said and Itachi smirked.
"That might just work." Itachi said and Aki smiled before kissing him again on the lips.
"I know I'm smart like that." Aki teased and Itachi pulled her into a kiss again. Aki twisted her hand in his hair that she had begged to be let down when they came into the forest. Itachi of course complied after a few minutes of begging. Itachi pulled her closer, the branch swaying slightly as they shifted on it.
Ahh that's so cute… but someone's coming Aki… it smell's like Kisame, he just entered the forest.
Okay thanks Mao; you can come back in and sleep now.
Gladly.
Aki didn't say anything back to her. She just pulled away from Itachi quickly; he raised an eyebrow at her.
"Kisame, he just entered the forest. I should go." Aki said and Itachi nodded. They shared one last quick kiss before Aki took off towards the entrance that was in the forest just a few feet away from where they were. Itachi stayed in the tree and looked to the stars as he watched them blink at him. After a few minutes he heard a twig snap and he turned his head slowly at his partner who was smirking at him. Blood dripped off of the blade and Itachi sigh, but cringed inside. He really did hate Kisame… epically when he came to him dripping in blood.
"Yo Itachi. What'cha doing out here?" Kisame asked as he wrapped his blue, living sword up in bandages. Itachi shrugged and looked back up to the stars, his Sharingan activated again. Kisame frowned at him.
"You never talk to me." Kisame said and Itachi raised an eyebrow at the blue guy.
"Don't have much to say. Besides I just wanted to be alone for a while." Itachi said to him before leaping out of the tree and landing next to his partner. Kisame smirked at him.
"Let's go." Itachi said and walked past him, noticing the eyes on him as he walked. The other reason why Itachi wanted to leave Akatsuki was the stares Kisame would give him. It freaked him out slightly; it was like the shark guy would eat him any minute.
"Itachi-kun, Kisame-kun! Here again I see." Aki giggled slightly as she reached their table. It was always the same table, the one in the back. Every morning they would come to get tea and sometimes some cinnamon buns. This café was known for their cinnamon buns. Itachi nodded to Aki, who was wearing a simple outfit today. She had been in a hurry this morning when she got ready. Had overslept and ran through the place yelling at people to help her find some cloths. She had forgotten to wash her cloths and ended up Bowring Haku's clothing. So she had on a red dress that Aki had already taken a liking to. It had no sleeves, and the caller covered up most of her neck. Which she was thankful for, since Itachi had left a hickey on her neck last night.
Not to self never train with Itachi again; Aki had thought when she saw it. There were black roses on the bottom of the dress though, that was what Aki really liked about it. She told Haku she would steal it from him. Haku just shrugged and went back to cooking breakfast, which Aki got none of, to her disappointment. One thing that was really great about having Haku and Zabuza there was Haku was a great cook, and Zabuza taught her a few Ninjutsu and Taijutsu moves. Aki had her hair back today, in a high pony tail. A few bangs fell in her face of course, she didn't like having all her hair pulled back. It felt too weird for her.
"Aki-Chan, I see you like the color red. I think I see it on you almost everyday." Kisame teased and Aki twilled in the dress like a little girl. Then smiled sweetly at Kisame.
"Yep red is my favorite color, next to black and blue of course. But I like this dress, even if it's not mine. I'm so stealing it from him…" Aki trailed off when she felt Itachi look at her. Kisame raised an eyebrow.
"Boyfriend a cross dresser?" Kisame asked and Aki laughed at him.
"Na, nothing like that. The guy I bowered this from lives above me. I forgot to wash my cloths yesterday, so I freaked and asked him. He and his boyfriend laughed at me the whole time I was there." Aki pouted slightly as Kisame laughed and Itachi let out a sigh.
"You're an interesting girl you know that." Kisame said and Aki smiled at him.
"I've been told that. So you guys want the usual?" Aki asked and Kisame nodded and then Aki turned to Itachi who nodded as well.
"Bring a plate of Cinnamon buns as well." Kisame said and Aki jotted it down before bouncing away. She came back a few minutes later juggling two cups of tea, and a plate of cinnamon buns. Aki set them down and then heard the door open. She turned around to see who it was and smiled at the newcomer. Aki then left and hugged the person who came in.
"I'm glad you came!" Aki said after she released her hug. Itachi raised an eyebrow and looked to who it was and almost fell out of his chair. Standing there must have been one of the prettiest girl's he had seen in a while, aside from Aki that is. She stood taller than Aki and was even about the same height as Itachi himself. She had long brown hair that fell past her shoulders. She had on a flower dress, that came past her knee's and had sleeves that were loose. She had on brown simple sandals, much like Aki.
"Well you made it out to be the greatest place in the world. Besides I needed to get food, since you seem to 'forget' every time you leave the house." The girl teased and Aki pouted.
"Not my fault I'm working most of the time. We get a fight in here at least once a day. So it's hard to remember food." Aki said and looked at the ground Itachi chuckled inside. It's so like an Uzumaki to forget things so easily. Itachi thought.
"Well now that I'm here, I'll take a tea then Aki." She said and walked to the end of the room and sat at the table next to Itachi and Kisame. Aki came back a few minutes later.
"Oh, yeah, Itachi, Kisame, this is Haku. The one I was telling you about." Aki said after she put the tea in front of Haku. Kisame's eyes widened as did Itachi's.
"You're a guy?" Kisame blurted out. Haku's eye twitched.
"Yes." Haku said and Kisame became very red. Aki giggled at him and looked to Itachi who also had a small blush.
"Let me guess you thought, 'Oh what I beautiful girl.'" Aki teased and watched as they tensed and nodded slowly. Haku and Aki shared a look before bursting into laughter. The laughter died down after the door opened and in walked the man who had started a fight a few days ago. The man who had smacked Aki. The next thing everyone knew, there was a Kunai embedded in the wall, cutting the man on the cheek just slightly. He turned wide eyed at Aki who was standing glaring at the man.
"WHAT THE HELL!" He yelled and Aki raised an eyebrow. She could feel all three of the people who were behind her staring at her.
"You are banded from this place. Leave." Aki said calmly. Haku sighed slightly and then looked to Itachi who caught the eye contact. They stared at each other for a second before Haku broke into a smile, an evil glint in his eyes. Itachi gulped slightly and then looked back to Aki who was still glaring at the man at front.
"YOU JUST TRIED TO KILL ME!" He yelled again, everyone looked to Aki as she pulled another Kunai out of one of her hidden pockets.
"No, I wasn't trying, if I was, you'd be dead by now. But the next one won't miss if you don't leave. Now." Aki said calmly and flipped the Kunai around in her hand. The man's eyes widened and he bolted for the door. Everyone was silent for a few minutes before talking resumed and Aki turned to Haku, Kisame, and Itachi, as she slid the Kunai back.
"Well that was random and entertaining. Maybe I should visit the place you work all the time." Haku said with a laugh. Aki just shook her head.
"He's at least tried to come in here everyday. This time I threatened him, hopefully he won't come back. Cause then I'm not really sure what to do." Aki admitted. Haku laughed.
"Maybe, he likes you." Haku pitched in and Aki made gagging noises before laughing. Kisame looked to Aki with interest; Itachi noticed this and become now aware that Aki had just signed herself up to Kisame's radar. The door opened again and Aki looked back to see a couple coming in.
"Well I have to go. I have to work sometime right?" Aki said before waving and bouncing off to the couple who just came in. She also pulled the Kunai off the wall and slipped it back into her hidden pocket.
"That girl has way too much energy in the morning. You know she woke everyone in the house up by screaming bloody murder." Haku said with a chuckled. Kisame looked to him with interest.
"Screaming?" Kisame asked and Haku nodded.
"Yes, screaming. When I came in to find out what it was she was caring on about, her room had been turned upside down. It was actually the funniest site I had ever seen. She looked at me with those puppy dog eyes she can make and asked me for something to wear. I couldn't help but laugh as I left to get her something." Haku said and Itachi raised an eyebrow at him.
"Wait so you live with her?" Itachi asked and Haku nodded then frowned slightly.
"Well, in a way yes, but really I stay upstairs, Aki stays on the middle floor, while Ellexys and her two siblings stay downstairs." Haku said and Itachi nodded. Kisame frowned.
"There's a place with three floors in this town?" Kisame asked. Haku nodded.
"Yes, but Aki likes her privacy. So people just think it's an abandoned factory." Haku explained and Itachi and Kisame raised an eyebrow at her. Itachi had never seen where Aki lived; she always would disappear into an ally. She also comes out a totally different ally as well. But Haku didn't say anything else but that, except that she likes her privacy then went back to sipping his tea. Kisame watched Aki the whole time they were there until Itachi had had enough, said goodbye to Haku and Aki and left. Kisame trailing after him.
"I think you made him jealous." Haku said as Aki came and sat with her after they had left. No one needed anything so Aki went on a small break before Haku left her as well. Aki chuckled slightly.
"Maybe." Aki said.
"He's the one right? The one you were talking about the other day?" Haku asked and Aki blushed before nodding.
"That's Uchiha Itachi isn't it? The one who murdered the Uchiha clan, and left you're cousin's boyfriend alive?" Haku asked and Aki shook her head, and then leaned over so that only Haku could hear her.
"Itachi didn't kill the Uchiha clan. Orochimaru did. I can show you the file when I get home." Aki said and Haku merely nodded.
"So when are you leaving?" Haku asked and Aki looked as if she were in thought.
"Soon, I guess. I decided I wanted to go and see Naru-Chan early. Beside's the man here has already found someone to wait tables. She's just finishing off something and will take over in a few days. I'll leave a day or so after that." Aki explained and Haku nodded.
"Mind if I come with you?" Haku asked and Aki frowned.
"You going to leave Zabuza or is he coming along as well?" Aki asked and Haku shook his head.
"Zabuza will stay here; I want to see the Chuunin Exams, besides Zabuza said I could go. He's also been helping that Dean kid with his ninja stuff." Haku said and Aki smiled.
"Ah, Zabuza's turned soft has he?" Aki chuckled as did Haku.
"I guess you could say that. But I won't stay there for long. I'll be heading back here of course. I know you were planning on staying with Naruto for a little while." Haku said and Aki nodded.
"You can come; I need someone to talk to on my way there." Aki said and Haku smiled at her, before standing.
"Well, I might as well get going." Haku said and Aki stood as well.
"See you later Haku." Aki said as Haku left and Aki went back to work.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter! I know it was mostly on Aki and Itachi and what not. But I wanted to put her in sometime you know. She'll show up a little in the next chapter but not much, it won't be until after the fights and Naruto meeting Jiraiya again will she show up.