Disclaimer: I'm pretty sure Kishimoto-san won't trade Naruto to me… Makes me cry a little

Disclaimer: I'm pretty sure Kishimoto-san won't trade Naruto to me… Makes me cry a little.

The Sun's Demon Assassin

Chapter 14- Kumogakure

Finish date: 10/3/08

Previously On the Sun's Demon Assassin

They set up camp a little way out from the village. Finally masks were removed. "Don't ever tell anyone what we look like you hear, or you will wish we'd left you in that torture room." Naruto warned. The Kumo team quickly nodded.

Naruto released her long blond hair from the bun cover it was under and changed out of her mission clothes. "Who wants first watch?"

Itachi volunteered. "Okay then, night people."

And with that our favorite blonde ninja went to sleep.

End Flashback

The team of Kumo Nin stared at the young blonde savior of theirs as the warm breeze caressed her face, blowing her long unbound hair to one side. They had never expected that the famous Sun's Assassin was so beautiful.

"Weasel-Kun, Akuma-kun, Yuki-kun, Kumo- san, Ookami-Kun, Kumo team-san, are you ready to head out now?" Naruto asked in a stern voice, wanting respect.

"Hai, Hi-sama," The Kumo team replied. Her team mates used the san honorific instead of the Sama honorific.

Naruto glared at them, "What did I tell you to not call me?"

"...sama."

"Good. Let's move out."

They continued on, no major complications, and reached Kumo after only a few days travel.

After being let into the gate, they entered Kumogakure. Naruto quickly lead the group to the Kage tower and went into the office of the Raikage.

"Raikage-san," Naruto said, gaining the attention of the Raikage.

"Mission Hi-san?"

"Look behind me." The Kage did so. "Of course it was a success, if it wasn't I wouldn't be here." Naruto said.

"Well... good work then Hi-san. I guess you aren't known as the sun's assassin for nothing."

"Of course not, Raikage-san."

"Anything to report?"

"Hai. Torture was evident on all of them, not sure to what extent. Yuki-san and Kumo-san did their best to heal physical wounds on them, but mental is another story. I haven't the slightest to the mental effects on them. Either Yuki-san or Kumo-san would be who to approach if you want detailed information on their physical trauma."

"Very well."

"I would like to request my team and I to spend a day in Kumo to restock supplies and rest up."

"Of course. But, may I request to see your face Hi-san?"

"Arigatou. You may request as much, however I cannot grant you your request. It's a matter of safety."

"Of course. Anyway, please stay as long as you need."

"Arigatou," Naruto turned to her team. "Come on. Let's go."

They left without another word.

"After we find an inn or someplace to stay we can split up."

"Ummm... Taichou... behind you..." Shirone said.

"Ara? Oh..." There was an inn directly behind her, complete with hot springs. "Ha, ha, I guess you're right. Well, let's just check in and then be on our merry way then." Naruto laughed at herself, such a silly mistake.

After checking in, they split ways; Shirone went to go enjoy a bath, Kyuubi went... somewhere. Itachi went to find some pocky, while Haku and Zabuza went to look for weapons to resupply their stocks. Naruto began to write her next letter.

Dear Tsunade-obaa-san and whoever she shows this letter to,

I'm in Kumogakure now...

Back In Konoha

"Thank you Shikamaru. You are dismissed." Tsunade said with a deep sigh. Things were definitely not looking good. Since Naruto left, their delegations never went anywhere near as smoothly. Especially not with countries that weren't ever the best of friends with them to begin with. Shikamaru had just given her his tactical decision on the situation. The result was grim.

So far they knew that Suna would be on their side, as would Kiri. But... Kusa, Ame, whatever was left after that disaster in sound, and Iwa... They were doomed with the amount of man power they had, even with the assistance of Suna and Kiri. Kumo thankfully was staying neutral, so at least it wasn't involved.

Shikamaru's suggestion was to hire that Assassin, whatever their name was, and their team. He was very sure they would level the playing field.

But Tsunade didn't like the idea of hiring help. Especially not when the help seemed so powerful... if they turned their backs on Konoha and Suna, and Kiri, then those villages would be doomed.

But the chances of success without the help was very slim.

But shit. It seemed shifty as hell to be hiring assassins, missing-nin etc to help them. Tsunade didn't like it one damn bit. Not at all.

Tsunade sighed. She needed to assess the risk, damn... some sake would be so nice. And then there was Uchiha. Who was once again in her office. The hell. Why was he always there? WHY?! "You can come out either on your own, or leave it up to my aim. Uchiha."

"Hn." Sasuke sauntered out of the shadows.

"Why are you here Uchiha?"

"Hn."

"If you don't have a reason, leave."

"Hn"

"I'm warning you Uchiha. Leave before I lose my temper."

"Hn."

"And would you stop it with the damn grunting, no one can understand you, and the last person that could- well, they're gone."

Sasuke took on a slight grimace. He was still touchy about that subject. "Hn"

A toad appeared. "Tsunade, here is a new letter from Naruto. She wished for me to send her regards on."

"Thank you, Gamakichi." She opened her desk drawer and removed a small piece of candy. She gave it to the smallish sized toad.

"Thanks!" The amphibian poofed away.

Tsunade hastily opened the small scroll.

Dear Tsunade-obaa-chan and whoever she shows this letter to,

I'm in Kumogakure right now, taking a break for my hectic life. Shirone is doing great as am I. What's this I hear about a possible war in Konoha? I do hope you aren't in too much trouble. Maybe it's just a rumor, but I heard about it being gossiped from some of the little old ladies here.

Oh man... Did I mention that I just got asked out by a girl who thought I was a guy? Ha, ha, seems like I'm getting fan clubs now, just like Sasuke did or is.

That right Teme. I know you're reading these too. Gamakichi told me that you're always in the office when he delivers my messages. Ha, ha, you're still my best friend, love ya. Oh. By the way, Itachi says hi. HAHAHAHA!

Yeah. I saw Itachi recently he was pretty banged up, so I healed him. And you know something Sasuke, he realllllyyyyyy cares for youuuuuuu. So don't kill him next time you see him, Kay?

Moving onnnnn. Tsunade, how is everyone doing? Why haven't you sent any replies via JIRAIYA! He can summon Gamakichi and then the next time I summon Gamakichi I get whatever you handed to him to send to me.

So reply for once, please.

These one sided conversations aren't very funnnn... I miss you all...

Reply please,

Uzumaki Naruto

Tsunade looked at the letter once more. Then she passed it on to Sasuke continuing to burst out laughing.

Sasuke looked over the letter. He ended up fighting down a blush and a flustered look.She knew! Naruto knew that he always got to read the letters she sent to Tsunade.

Tsunade was still laughing.

And what was up with the hi from Itachi, since when did Itachi say hi to anyone?

And it sounded like she was whining. How do you whine through a letter?

But... But... she said he loved him... but she said it so... casually. Sasuke didn't know what to think.

Once Tsunade calmed down, she got out some paper and called for Jiraiya. She started writing a letter to send to Naruto and after finishing it (and allowing Shizune, Jiraiya, and Sasuke to make their own annotations) she gave it to Gamakichi (Who had been summoned just for that very purpose by Jiraiya) and Gamakichi poofed off again.

Maybe now they could actually properly communicate.

But still even after the little distraction, Tsunade needed to decide if she wanted to recruit the help of this Bingo book Nin. Sun's Assassin. The assassins help would be greatly appreciated, but the risk...

Tsunade didn't know what to do, but one thing was for sure at that point. War was now inevitable. Without more help, Konoha would fall.

Tsunade would go to the council with this. She would leave it to them to decide. Even if the council was made up of mostly horrible people.

Back with Naruto

Naruto sighed as she got up from where she had been sitting. She changed out of her mission clothes and removed her mask. She pulled on plain civilian clothes and walked out of the Inn. She went out to gather some food supplies as well as restock on Shuriken and Kunai. Being a highly wanted Bingo book Nin had its down sides. Except when you got hired as a mercenary; you could charge a damn freaking lot for your services.

Naruto sighed. What had become of her kill-as-few-people-as-possible-thing?

She saw Itachi walking out of the convenience store, a bag in hand, surely, filled with nothing but pocky.

Naruto ran over to the raven haired male and poked him. He was out of uniform, but he had a genjutsu over his face his once angular features now softer, more feminine. His long hair was pulled back and tied in a loose bun. His obsidian black eyes now a lighter less harsh spring green.

"Yo, Tachi-kun" Naruto said, using the affectionate nickname she'd given him as a young child.

"Hello Nato-chan" Itachi countered, using her nickname from when she was a small academy child.

"Let me guess, that bag is filled with... Green tea, raspberry, chocolate, and strawberry Pocky."

Itachi's eyes narrowed. "How'd you know?"

"Ha, ha, you don't grow up around Tachi and not know his preferred flavors of Pocky," Naruto countered.

"Hn"

"Hmm... yeah I guess so. But everyone knows I like ramen Tachi."

"Hn"

"It was a bad example!"

"Hn."

"Since when could I translate the grunts? Well, let's see… I spent several months with you, and then I trained with your brother and became best friends with him. You don't spend that kind of time and get that kind of relationship without picking up a skill or two."

"Hn."

"What! I'm right and you know it."

The two carried on through Kumogakure, everyone staring at the blonde who was appearing to translate this young man's grunts.

"Ne... Itachi... Do you ever miss your home?" Naruto asked as they walked into their room at the inn, about to go bathe in the hot springs. Itachi looked at her oddly.

"I know I do. Whenever I think of Konoha, it hurts really bad... And I don't understand it. How can missing someplace hurt? But whenever I think of Konoha, my chest tightens and I can't breathe. It was the same as when you left... Every time I thought about you or where you were, or if you were okay, my chest began to ache horribly. I asked Haku, and Zabuza, even Kyuubi and Shirone, but they all said they didn't understand. So... I was wondering if it's just me being really fucked up in the brain, or if it's actually an ailment." Tears were slowly leaking from her eyes. As they were about to separate to go to the changing rooms, Itachi pulled Naruto into an embrace.

He held her close, and murmured, said. "I know exactly what it's like. It's known as homesickness. But... It's not much of an illness, and the only cure I know about is to go home... But for neither of us is that much of an option... "He held her softly, and gently caressed her long blonde hair. "We can only suffer together... But it's better than alone."

"Tachi-kun..." The ache in her heart faded a little. A warm feeling radiated from her heart for now. As Itachi left the gentle embrace the cold feeling... the ache returned. But where ever he touched was exceedingly warm...

It was strange. Very strange.

They went their separate ways into the bath house.

Naruto untied her warm Yukata and wrapped a towel around her body. She walked out into the outdoor women's bath. The bath was so nice. It was warm, and fragrant...

Smelled like Vanilla sugar... It was wonderful... she sat under a waterfall and relaxed. It was so soothing...

Come to think of it... She met Jiraiya at a bath house... Her heart gave a painful clench... and because of Jiraiya, she met Tsunade, and Shizune. Her wonderful surrogate mother and sister almost... Her heart gave another painful clench... And Tsunade taught Sakura, who was on team seven with her... It hurt even more... And team seven included Kakashi and Sasuke... Her heart felt worse than when Sasuke put a hole in her chest with Chidori.

All of those people were connected in her heart... And she hadn't seen any of them in so many years... four years now...

She wasn't anywhere near as young as she was when she had left Konoha. She looked very different. , acted fairly different, and she wasn't mentally as young.

When she thought about it... In three short days... was the anniversary of her exile. Four full years.

She would make sure to be back in her small abode then. She just wanted to be able to spend time alone... not on the road... And they could continue on from there...

Just that one day. Was it too much to ask for?

Naruto called out over the barrier. "Tachi-kun, I'm going to get out now. I'll see you later." she did just that. She pulled the kimono on over her slight frame and left the small changing room. She went up to their hotel room curled up on the small couch and fell asleep. As she slept, a few tears sparkled down her cheeks.

Monster. Demon. Devil spawn. Worthless. Trash. Scum.

Dobe. Loser. Dead last. Good-for-nothing. Weakling. Dope. Moron.

"I hate you! If it wasn't for you my father would still be alive!"

Itachi walked in after following Naruto. It was getting dark, so Itachi lit a candle, which illuminated part of the hall.

He walked into their hotel room. Naruto was on the couch curled up. Itachi smiled softly. When he grew closer he stopped smiling. Her cheek was wet... Was she crying? Itachi gently held her against his chest. Why did this one girl have so much affect on him?

Itachi didn't know. He absentmindedly began to stroke her long blonde hair.

Itachi sighed. It was late. Naruto was still asleep. He was hungry.

Naruto, who usually cooked for them, was out cold still, and Itachi wasn't willing to wake her to get food. So he did the next best thing. He got take out. More specifically, honey barbeque chicken, sesame beef, and cashew nut chicken, with steamed rice of course. He returned to the suite where Naruto and the rest of the team were staying, all the others had yet to return... It was now nine o'clock at night. The sun was now setting... It was July. The warm summer winds filtered through the open window. Itachi pulled out a plate and chopsticks; he served himself some food and then sat by the large window to watch the sunset.

Naruto slowly began to stir, As she woke up she looked towards the light that was shining in her eyes; sunset. The suite smelled good... Like food. It was nice...

For once it was calm. The storm of everything had calmed. It was a rare occurrence for her, but it was a wonderful feeling. She felt the warmth envelop her body, ah... So nice. She stood up and lethargically walked toward where the smell of food was wafting from. Her stomach was empty. She pulled out a plate and dished up some food.

"Oh, you're awake now then?"

"Hmmmmmm..."

"That would be a no..."

Naruto didn't really register who was talking. She just sat down and grabbed the chopsticks that had been given to her (by this mysterious person) and consumed food.

She proceeded to fall back asleep after eating her fill. Itachi laughed. Naruto really was amazing. She woke up, ate, and then slept. He gently picked her up and then placed her into her futon. She deserved the rest. After all, she worked her hardest to keep up with things, she didn't deal with her own basic needs. Surely, it had been many days since she slept for more than a couple hours in a row. Kyuubi, Shirone, Haku, and Zabuza all walked in then, they were talking amongst themselves. Itachi excused himself after putting the food away to sleep. Might as well when you don't know when the next time you can actually sleep through the night will be.

They all got some much needed shut eye that night.

The next morning

Naruto woke up with a yawn. After she took that bath last night, all she remembered was that she fell asleep on a chair... But now she was in a futon. Someone must have moved her.

It had definitely been a nice rest other than that stupid dream... Naruto sighed; it was a common dream anyhow, or more, nightmare.

Naruto got to making breakfast, to her knowledge she hadn't eaten since she wrote that letter yesterday afternoon. She started making eggs, bacon, and an-pan(1).

The others steadily woke up. Eventually they were all up and the small dining table in their shared suite. As Naruto placed the food on the table, people began to serve themselves food.

"Hey… Would it be all right if we went back to Shinsaku for a couple days? I just want a day off. Is that okay?"

Everyone looked at her as if she was crazy. "It's fine Naruto, but dare we ask why?" Haku asked.

"... It's the anniversary..."

"Of what?" Itachi inquired.

"My exile."

Yusin's author corner

Happy belated birthday Naruto!

Sorry for the OOC-ness…

(1) Anpan- It's a pancake thing filled with red bean. Red Bean is yummy….

OMFG! I woke up, re-read what pain au chocolat had written forMy Homicidal Prince(I LOVE that story) went down stairs, got on my desktop read another couple of fics, then I logged into , saw the new reader's statistics, played around a bit. Then I went to my story's stats. And you know what. I freaked. Over 30,000 views hits whatever you want to call them. Like 144 83 favorites, and 125 reviews. Oh. And 15C2s

All I want to say is thank you all! -squees-

Anyhow, schools started for me. Did I mention I hate school? No clue how hectic my life will be, so please bear with me. Thanks!

Reviews would be loved! Especially since it didn't take me another three months to update.

Oh, No changes in poll.

I feel really weird. I was writing part of that romance scene in a post office.

BTW: The next chapter is part of a homework assignment. If odd words are bolded or emphasized, there's a reason.

Anything imperial mint would like to say?

Well, yes there is! Hello to everyone who is reading and reviews are always a gift to the author… so just spend a moment of your time. :) Even if it's to moan about the weather or something… I always moan about the weather ;)