Naruto: Trapped Under Ice

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Akame ga Kiru

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

This chapter came out quicker than I expected. Thanks to Lord Farsight for inspiring a scene in this chapter. The status of my one shot Naruto: Darkness Rising is kind of in question. I was originally planning to make it one of my inactive fics to continue someday but I'm actually considering having active now as a secondary fic because of the huge response I got (I didn't figure it would attract much attention honestly). Anyway, this chapter focuses primarily on the Kurome rescue mission and Mein will finally get to try out her new Teigu, Dreyse! Here's chapter 14. Enjoy!

Last time:

Najenda asked, "What do you think the odds are those two went there?"

"I'd go there." answered Esdeath. "I'd say given as straight and narrow as Wave is he would too."

"And Kurome?" asked Leone.

The light blue haired woman said, "About an eighty percent chance by my estimates. Unless they had to separate I bet they are both there laying low trying to decide their next move."

"Is there a pass code or anything?" asked Akame. "I'll need to know it to get in."

Esdeath nodded, "I know the codes because I set them. I'll be going with you on this little excursion. Since I'm not 'officially' sworn into the Revolutionary Army I can do so of my own free will. Isn't that right Najenda?"

Najenda smiled as she lit up a cigarette. "I feel like I have a mass mutiny going on." She blew out a puff of smoke. "Akame, you and you team's job is to infiltrate and investigate that hidden base. If you find Kurome and Wave bring them home if they are willing. The operation starts tomorrow night."

Akame gave a watery smile. "Thank you boss; you don't know what this means to me."

"You would have gone anyway." said Najenda wryly. "I'm just making it official. I truly hope things work out for you and your little sister, Akame."

Chapter 14

Night Raid's Hideout

Later that evening Mein, Leone and Chelsea were talking about the recent events with Night Raid. "The Commonwealth is trying to cover up the whole business with Anasi." said Leone. "They won't dare admit that the Revolutionary Army has the power to defeat such a monstrous danger beast and they don't so they are trying to ignore the whole situation." Leone sighed. "At least the Emperor has sent some aid down to help the people in Malum."

"I question the Empire's motives for helping but technically we don't have the power to defeat the likes of Anasi." said Mein. "Naruto does -And I'm still in a state of denial at what I saw back in Malum. Seeing a town eating giant spider getting its ass kicked by an even more giant fox is something I would associate with some heavy hallucinogenic drugs. -And according to Hinata and Sakura; Naruto wasn't even going full power to prevent the whole landscape from being leveled."

Leone said thoughtfully, "….Nah, I don't think I'd have seen that even if I was totally stoned out of my mind."

"Only you would know." snarked Mein at the cat like woman.

Chelsea smiled slyly. "Well, at least I understand why Hinata and Esdeath are madly in love with Naruto. What girl wouldn't want a man with that kind of power? Plus he's easy on the eyes and is actually a nice guy."

"That's great and all but the whole shadow clone thing is what I'm interested in! Think of all the fun a harem of cute blondes would be." said Leone excitedly. "If you'd heard all the noise that Esdeath and Hinata made in their cabin at night you wouldn't be able to keep your hands off of him!" Leone was drooling at this point.

"So what stopped you Leone?" asked Mein irritably. "I'm surprised you didn't just shove your big rack in his face."

Leone cringed. "I did….and then Hinata punished me." she squeaked out.

Chelsea raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Sweet and kind Hinata punished you? What about Esdeath?"

"Esdeath couldn't figure out a way to inflict more pain on me without killing me." said Leone in a defeated tone. "She actually patted Hinata on the back and complimented her! Those two girls together are EVIL!"

"What did Hinata do exactly?" asked Mein as she stifled a snort.

The cat like woman said, "She used her juken to disable me and I would have been bedridden if Saint Sakura hadn't fixed me up. What's worse is Akame actually laughed at me!"

"I noticed that Akame has gotten rather close to Hinata." said Mein.

Leone nodded. "Akame had a bit of a breakdown and Hinata really supported her through it. They started sparring together too and have become close friends. I think that's why Akame-chan has a crush on Naruto. He's been so kind and supportive about saving Kurome."

"So what have Esdeath and Hinata's reactions been to Akame?" asked Mein out of curiosity.

"Why so curious?" asked Leone saucily. "Taking an interest in Naruto-kun?"

Mein blushed slightly and said, "No, I just am worried about Akame being hurt. You got what you deserved Leone."

"Bitch." growled Leone under her breath.

"Actually I think Naruto is kinda hot." said Chelsea as she spun her lollipop in her mouth. "He has this wild, feral air about him that makes me want to play with him like a big tiger cub. If Naruto wasn't taken then I'd go after him."

Mein raised her pink eyebrows. "You Chelsea? Given the way you are I could see you teasing a guy to death but never getting serious."

Chelsea frowned. "Hey! After this damn war is over I want to settle down and have a family."

"Not before I do!" declared Mein loudly.

"Well first of all you'll have to find a man that likes those mosquito bites you call breasts." said Chelsea sarcastically as she laughed.

Mein's angry voice echoed through the hideout. "DAMN YOU CHELSEA!"

….

Najenda sweat dropped as Mein's voice echoed across the entire hideout.

"Are your troops always this unruly?" asked Esdeath.

Najenda hung her head and blew out some smoke. "I'm afraid so. I have a bit of a motley crew here. If you were expecting rank and file soldiers then you're in the wrong outfit Esdeath."

Esdeath smiled. "Believe it or not I kind of like it here. I liked the Jaegers as well. It takes people with strong and unique personalities to wield Teigus. An average soldier or person won't cut it. I like being among the strong."

The one eyed General grinned. "I don't think I've seen you this at ease since we were in officer school. What's changed?"

"I have Naruto-kun." said Esdeath as if that was the answer to everything. "He makes me happy every single day."

Taking another drag off her cigarette, Najenda asked, "Just how is it you're sharing him with Hinata? I can't imagine you sharing anything with anyone."

The light blue haired beauty looked surprised for a moment and then said, "Hinata has earned my respect both as a warrior and as a person. We beat the living hell out of each other in a fight over Naruto-kun before we made peace. She's actually become a close friend to me and I'm glad to know her. She's loved Naruto-kun since they were children so there are little secrets about him she shares with me and it makes me happy."

"You've really changed Esdeath." said Najenda smiling. "I mean that in a good way."

….

Naruto and Hinata were sitting outside looking up at the moon and stars together. "There are a lot of different constellations I can see since we're further north Naruto-kun." said Hinata as she pointed towards some formations that she hadn't seen before. Naruto looked over at her and smiled before he kissed her cheek. Hinata smiled back and asked, "What do you think of this place Naruto-kun? I want to help our friends but we really aren't supposed to get involved in their war."

"We have to do the right thing orders or otherwise." said Naruto with conviction in his tone. "Tsunade baa-chan told us to do what was necessary for the mission. The main thing is saving Akame-chan's little sister if we can. I have all the faith in the world in Sakura-chan's abilities but both she and Tsunade baa-chan said some damage is beyond fixing. I worry it will break Akame-chan's heart if that happens."

Hinata kissed her boyfriend and said, "You are too kind for words. I love you Uzumaki Naruto." The pair kissed again and held each other close as they looked back at the heavens together….

….

Two hours later Chelsea went up to soak in the hot spring the Night Raid used to bathe in. She had on a bathrobe and trudged out to bathe. 'Damn….why did I have to draw the short straw and be last to get a bath? I'm always ready for bed by the time I bathe….and I still have to wait twenty minutes for Sakura to get done. Oh well.' When Chelsea got close to the spring she heard Sakura's voice talking animatedly. 'Is she talking to herself?' thought the redhead. Then Chelsea heard Hinata's softer voice respond as well as Esdeath's deeper one. 'What the hell?!' thought the redhead. Using her Teigu to transform into a kitten Chelsea decided to see what was going on….

As Chelsea sneaked up to the edge of the clearing she thought to herself, 'Wait a minute! Guys peek in on girls. If those three are into that sort of thing….what about Naruto? Is this some dark secret his girlfriends keep from him? Should I even look?!' To an ordinary passerby it would have looked like a cute kitten playing or chasing its tail. In reality, it was Chelsea pacing back and forth while having a mental meltdown at the possibilities lying just beyond those rocks blocking her view. Finally gathering her courage to learn the truth of what was going on; Chelsea marched forward in her kitten form and poked her head around the rocks. She saw Hinata's back to her and Sakura and Esdeath reclining in separate parts of the pool as they talked. Chelsea wiped the sweat from her brow with a paw. 'Whew! I was afraid I was going to walk in on a yuri smutfest….'

"Is there a reason you're hidden back there in the form of a kitten Chelsea?" asked Hinata much to Chelsea's shock. Hinata then started giggling and said. "That look of horror on such a cute kitten's face is priceless!"

Chelsea face faulted before she changed back into her human form. Sakura waved her over. "Did you want to bathe with us Chelsea? There's plenty of room."

The redhead blushed before Esdeath said, "They practice communal bathing on the Elemental Continent. It took me time to get used to it but I'm fine with it now."

Chelsea sweat dropped. "I guess nothing is going on behind Naruto's back then…."

"What exactly did you think we were doing?" asked Sakura looking somewhere between disturbed and outraged. That led to an extremely embarrassing line of questions for Chelsea about what was on her perverted mind….She really wished she'd just stayed as a kitten and ran in the opposite direction….

The Jaeger's Hidden Bunker

"Who would have thought there was a hidden wine cellar down here?" asked a rather tipsy Kurome. She giggled. "We've got this whole place to ourselves Wave. I think we should break in the bed."

Wave was looking a bit shocked. "Kurome, you've only had one glass of wine….are you okay?"

Smiling hungrily, Kurome crawled into Wave's lap so she was straddling his waist. "….I've never had alcohol before Wave. I want you…."

Kurome kept Wave up a lot later than he expected that night….It seemed she had an exceptionally low tolerance for alcohol….Or maybe she was faking it to take advantage of Wave all night long….

….

Imperial Capitol

The next morning Akame, Esdeath and the three Konoha ninjas were up early to head to the southern areas of the Imperial Capitol. They planned to make it to the hidden bunker by nightfall. To say things were uneasy in the streets of the capitol was an understatement. The Commonwealth's troops in white and blue and the Imperial troops in gray were patrolling heavily and trying to feel each other out. Street fighting between the warring factions spilled both into military and civilian areas and hundreds of innocents had already been cut down in the crossfire. No place seemed to be safe and the central and northeast quarter of the capitol seemed to be the only areas that weren't contested. They were both firmly under the control of the Empire. Sadly there was little peace there either as anyone walking down the street was likely to be conscripted to serve in the Imperial Army.

This area was where General Chevic had set up his forces. The old General was personally against forced conscription but as often has been said throughout history, 'desperate times call for desperate measures.' Even setting up new troops as auxiliaries to defend the areas they lived in enabled the professional troops to move into contested areas to fight against the Commonwealth forces. The Imperial Navy under Admiral Otto currently controlled the many canals and waterways surrounding and passing through the capitol but Commonwealth forces were trying to counter this by means of sabotage as they had no means to build a navy of their own. The Commonwealth also found that the Imperial Navy was very committed to supporting the Emperor thanks to decades of Admiral Otto's charismatic leadership. After General Budo's death the Army no longer had a cohesive leader to keep them together and like that and the splintering division between the two sides was the result….

Moving stealthily through the northeast was Akame's little group and (former) General Esdeath was utterly disgusted with the whole situation. Her army had never been in this kind of disarray. It took all she had to not blow her top at the ill trained and unmotivated troops that were skulking about in the streets fearing their own shadows. As a result of moving quietly and avoiding troops and conscriptions the going was a lot slower than they'd hoped….

Night Raid's Hideout

While Esdeath was pulling her hair out while observing the enemy army's lack of….everything; Mein was carefully testing her new Teigu Dreyse for the first time. The pink haired sniper was overjoyed with the results. There was no doubt in her mind that Pumpkin had more raw power. But Dreyse had more flexibility and dare she say it precision. The woman Sadique that had Dreyse before used the Teigu like a gorilla would by blowing chunks of metal through things. Mein found she could not only change the shape of the projectile she was firing but also the number of projectiles. Mein could fire a single cannonball shape round with blunt force damage in mind or dozens of needles the size of a human hair that could turn her target into a sieve. The learning curve was high but Mein was fully up to the task. Mein had finesse with the Teigu that Sadique couldn't have dreamed of.

Mein was gleefully shooting up targets left and right with gusto as she imagined them all being Chelsea calling her flat chested….maybe Mein was more disturbed than anyone cared to admit….Her cackling "Flat as a wall am I? Take that Chelsea!" and "Call me a washboard will you?!" every few rounds had Chelsea hiding under her bed in fear and Najenda concerned about her red headed subordinate's safety….and Mein hadn't even tried out the attachments yet!

Imperial Capitol, Commonwealth Western Headquarters

Prime Minister- Scratch that, Lord Protector Honest was in a bad mood. He genuinely expected the Empire to fold in the face of his new Commonwealth but it seemed that the young Emperor Makoto somehow managed to rally his people. As disgusted with the situation as Honest was; even he couldn't deny the boy was a superb orator. Even worse, many of Honest's 'firm' supporters got cold feet and decided they would be safer under the aegis of the Crown rather than the new Commonwealth.

For all of the propaganda Honest's people had spread around it seemed that only a third of the capitol was in favor of the new regime Honest was promoting. Just as bad, the Lord Protector was wheelchair bound and looked like a total mess. He could operate behind the scenes but if anyone saw him in this state he'd be a laughing stock. The idea of him presenting the image of a dynamic leader was out the window. Honest was doing well to get to the restroom without help; let alone be Lord Protector of the realm. The worst thing of all was the FOOD though. Honest was quite spoiled to the most sumptuous delicacies that money could buy and the subpar cooking here at his new headquarters was less than palatable. All the good ingredients were locked away in the damned Imperial Palace! It was a hard life being the Lord Protector….It was so bad that Honest was actually losing weight!

The military forces Honest had on his side were a mixed bag. Most of them were the most corrupt and detestable Generals from the Empire….and therefore easily bought. Some were better than others at fighting but the core of the well trained and disciplined Generals supported the Emperor thanks to that old man Chevic. The Navy was out of the question given they were a bunch of damn traditionalists. Honest was currently courting the idea of striking a deal with the Revolutionary Army to bastion his forces. He knew they wanted to be rid of the Empire but he wasn't sure what their stance on the newly born Commonwealth was. Lord Protector Honest would just have to play politics again….It was a game he'd mastered a long time ago….

The Jaeger's Hidden Bunker

Akame's little group made it to the southern area of the capitol at sunset. It had taken most of the day to get down through the city to the area where the building that the hidden bunker was under. Naruto had kept count and there had been sixteen minor skirmishes and a major one they'd seen on their sojourn to the south side of the capitol. The one positive thing about the southern area was there wasn't much fighting going on because there was so little to gain. The area was never wealthy and was hit hard by the recession so it was mainly slums and abandoned buildings. Late that night Akame's group entered the building and went through a set of passageways and made it down to the sewer drains. After travelling a way they came to a recessed door that looked like a maintenance hatch. Esdeath quickly punched in the correct codes and the hatch opened silently. They went through four more hatches and two grates before Akame and the others reached their destination….

Esdeath punched in the codes to the bunker itself and they found the place was pitch black. Flipping on the light switch, everyone saw a very dingy looking lab. Once everyone was inside Esdeath closed the door behind them. "This is the place." said the light blue haired beauty. "You wouldn't know it but this room conceals a passage that leads to some rather nice living quarters."

"You mean behind that wall panel?" asked Hinata, Sakura and Naruto at the same time as they all pointed to a non-descript wall panel on the right.

Akame raised her eyebrows in surprise but Esdeath nearly face faulted. "Okay…." said the former General. "I understand why Hinata could spot it because she can see through walls. How did you spot it so instantly Naruto-kun; Sakura?"

"The cobwebs on the ceiling are displaced where the door panel pivots." said Sakura as Naruto nodded in agreement. "It's also obvious that it happened very recently." She walked over and pointed to various spots were someone had brushed against the wall or the hidden door. "Someone rested their fingers on the wall and their thumb here on the door. You can also make out that someone nudged the door open with their foot here." added the pink haired medic as she pointed to an almost invisible spot on the floor.

"….There really is no place to hide from you ninjas is there?" asked Esdeath in a flat tone. "I was at least hoping to surprise you."

Naruto smiled and kissed Esdeath's nose. "We're ninjas Esdeath-chan. It's part of our job description to find hidden things." Esdeath blushed but then returned her boyfriend's smile.

Akame got up close to the spots on the wall and floor that Sakura pointed out. "They're barely visible but I can see them too now that the places have been pointed out. I don't know about you Esdeath but I'm amazed." Turning to the three ninjas Akame said, "You guys all spotted that in a heartbeat. I wish I had your training."

Esdeath opened the (not so hidden) door and they saw two sets of shoes there. It was easy to discern that they belonged to a man and a petite woman. "Kurome…." whispered Akame.

"Remember Akame-chan, they may be hostile to you." cautioned Naruto. "You need to be careful."

Esdeath said, "Let me lead Akame. As my former subordinates they are less likely to have a negative reaction to me."

Leading them into a well lit common area that was more or less a living room with a kitchen attached they all noticed items sitting about such as recently washed dishes that left no doubts that someone was staying there. Hearing a noise from behind one of the bedroom doors, Esdeath and Akame shot over to it and knocked before flinging the door open. That's when Akame saw her little sister for the first time in months….

"OH GIVE IT TO ME WAVE!" yelled Kurome as she rode her lover cowgirl style. Wave was running his hands over Kurome's petite breasts as they both climaxed as one. Kurome was staring with lustful eyes at the ceiling as the shockwaves of her orgasm travelled through her body. The enormous smile she had on her face showed just how high she was. For his part Wave's whole body was ridged as he released inside his lover with a groan of ecstasy.

Akame's red eyes were as big as dinner plates as she stared in utter shock. "K-K-Kurume-chan?"

Suddenly Kurome looked over at the open door with her dark eyes full of surprise. ""A-Akame nee-chan?"

Both sisters were sporting full body blushes and Wave and Kurome were locked in position as they both stared at Akame. Akame said in a completely flustered squeak, "I-I'll come back later. S-sorry for disturbing you!" With that Akame vanished so quickly that it could have been mistaken for a body flicker….which revealed a wide eyed Esdeath staring at her former subordinates in shock.

Esdeath stared in silence for a moment blushing before she said, "Ummm….Well! This was unexpected….Akame and I will wait outside in the common room while you two finish up. Carry on." Esdeath closed the door behind her making sure to lock it on her way out.

When Esdeath came back into the common room she found Akame looking out of sorts talking quietly to Hinata who was trying to calm her down. "I'm sure it was mortifying and embarrassing Akame-chan but accidents happen." soothed the indigo haired beauty. "I should have checked with my byakugan before you two opened the door."

Esdeath sat down by Naruto shakily and said, "That was the last thing I would have predicted Naruto-kun. I knew the two of them got along but….I just don't know what to say."

….

About an hour later a showered and dressed Kurome poked her head around the corner and saw Akame sitting with Esdeath and three other people she didn't recognize. Akame looked up and the sister's eyes met again before they both blushed and looked away. "You need to say something Akame-chan." urged Naruto.

Akame looked back up at her little sister and said in a small voice, "Ummm….So how have you been Kurome-chan?"

The three ninjas and Esdeath all sweat dropped and thought, 'Well, that was awkward.'

Kurome's tone matched her sister's exactly. "Ummm….I've been good."

Esdeath took command and said, "Kurome and Wave, come out here and stop hiding!" The pair zipped out and stood at attention before Esdeath. The light blue haired woman nodded in satisfaction and said, "We're just here to talk, be seated."

Kurome and Wave sat down and some rather awkward introductions were made between the ninjas and the last two Jaegers. Finally Akame said, "I hired Sakura, Naruto and Hinata to help find you Kurome. Sakura is an amazing medic and I think she can treat you for all the damage those enhancement drugs have caused. I'm not asking you to join Night Raid or anything but please let her examine you. I want to help you Kurome-chan."

The younger sister teared up and said, "I'm happy you're here Akame nee-chan. I'll let you examine me if it will help." Kurome looked over at Esdeath who nodded in approval at her decision and Wave gently squeezed Kurome's hand to reassure her.

Wave asked, "How did you escape General Esdeath? Which side are you on now?"

Esdeath answered, "I'm on the side of the Revolutionary Army now. Night Raid was responsible for retrieving me from the Elemental Continent and I owe Honest several lifetimes' worth of pain and I'm going to destroy him. I don't know where you two stand but I hope you will join me. The main concern is Kurome's health right now. Our mission is to help here. Even if you decide to stay with the Empire we will part peacefully….But if you decide to join the other side I will show you no mercy next time we meet; former subordinates or otherwise."

Naruto hugged Esdeath. "Esdeath-chan, you don't have to threaten them."

The light blue haired woman sighed and said, "Sorry….Old habits die hard."

Kurome and Wave were more shocked by Naruto and Esdeath's interaction than being walked in on earlier in the heat of the moment. They both stared at Naruto goggle eyed. 'What is he?" thought the couple in unison.

Naruto noticed the pair gawking at him and said, "Can I help you?" Kurome and Wave quickly shook their heads 'no' rapidly.

….

The group had dinner together and spoke about Esdeath's imprisonment and how Naruto and Sakura rescued her and helped her recover. Kurome explained how the Commonwealth tried to kill them and seize their Teigus. They all agreed to get a good night's sleep and have Sakura examine Kurome in the morning. The all day trip had been taxing on Akame's group and Sakura wanted to be in top form before she did a thorough exam of this nature.

After everyone said their good nights Kurome knocked on Akame's door and found her older sister hadn't gone to bed yet. "Nee-chan, can we talk?" asked Kurome.

Akame was a bit surprised but invited Kurome in. Soon the two sisters were sitting side by side on the bed. Akame asked, "What did you want to talk about Kurome-chan?"

Kurome said quietly, "I doubt I'll live another year. My body is failing piece by piece. Wave is the only reason I started wanting to live again. I'm so happy you are here and we can be sisters again." She hugged Akame. "I love you nee-chan."

The red eyed girl embraced her little sister as tears slid down her face. "Kurome-chan, don't give up. If anyone can fix the damage Sakura can. I don't care what it takes."

"I'm an assassin….I'll get what's coming to me." said Kurome sadly. "You're my only relative Akame nee-chan. Will you give your blessing on me being with Wave even for a little while?"

Akame smiled softly and said, "I know Wave is a good man. If you two are happy together then of course you have my blessing."

"Thank you nee-chan…." whispered Kurome. The two siblings held each other for a little while before they bid one another goodnight.

….

Night Raid's Hideout

The members of Night Raid were sitting down for dinner. Chelsea raised an eyebrow and said, "I just realized how much less we cook when Akame isn't here. I wonder where she packs all that meat."

Leone said, "We've had a long going theory that Akame's stomach actually leads to another dimension which is a bottomless void."

"Makes sense." agreed Chelsea.

Mein sighed and looked at Najenda. "How do you think Akame and her team are doing boss? I know it goes without saying but Akame is grasping at straws with Kurome. I feel really bad for both of them but almost all those drug enhanced assassins died from side effects if they weren't killed in battle."

Najenda nodded. "Whatever happens we have to do our best to support Akame. Even if by some miracle Sakura is able to save Kurome's life we don't know where her loyalties will lie. It would be heart shattering for Akame if Kurome decided to support the Empire or worse the Commonwealth after being healed. I don't pray much but I'll be praying for Akame's sake tonight and that of Kurome. It's really all we can do."

Leone said. "Don't ask me why but having travelled with Esdeath I think she could convince Kurome and Wave to join our side. They could be a big help to us."

"Esdeath always did have tremendous charisma with her troops and is an outstanding leader." said Najenda. "I just wish she wasn't such a sadist…."

They all just shook their heads at that one….Still, having Esdeath on their side was tons better than having her as an enemy.

….

The Jaeger's Hidden Bunker

The next morning Sakura was carefully going over Kurome's body with a deep scanning diagnostic jutsu. The medic thought to herself, 'Every single organ is severely damaged. Those drugs overstrained everything. It's as if a hundred extra years of wear and tear has been put on Kurome's body. She must be so used to the pain and fatigue that she accepts it as normal. I've examined geriatrics in better condition. She's a complete burnout. The fact her mind is intact is a miracle. Even if I could formulate a counteragent for the drugs her body is addicted to there's no way I could save her. Keeping her on the body enhancers would probably keep her alive longer than if I took her off of them. Whoever did this to her deserves to burn in every kind of hell imaginable.'

Without showing any signs of despair Sakura asked Kurome, "How many other people were in this body enhancement program Kurome?"

The dark haired girl smiled in a sad way. "I don't know how many went through the program but as far as I know they were all killed in the line of duty or euthanized once their bodies wore out. I'm the only one left I think."

Sakura's emerald eyes widened. "Euthanized? Why?"

Kurome answered, "The Empire couldn't waste valuable resources on keeping assassins alive that couldn't fulfill their duties. When I left with Wave I knew it was only a matter of time. I'd rather die with the man I love than get a lethal injection in a chamber. I guess that's selfish of me huh?"

Suddenly Sakura's eyes turned hard as steel. "You are a human being Kurome. What they did to you is unforgivable." Kurome's eyes widened as Sakura's eyes seemed to ignite with determination. "You just wait right here Kurome. I'll be right back."

Kurome laid there wondering what was going on when Sakura came back in ten minutes later dragging in Naruto in a headlock with Akame and Wave trailing behind. The pinkette said, "Naruto; you saved Gai-sensei, you revived Obito from death and you repaired all the damage to Esdeath's body from being almost an invalid. You can do the same for Kurome. You will do the same for Kurome damn it!"

Naruto was seeing spots from the lack of oxygen and said "Need….air….Sakura-chan!"

Hinata and Esdeath were in the room by now and glaring at Sakura. Sakura looked embarrassed as she released Naruto from being suffocated. "Oops; sorry Naruto!"

The blonde gave his pink haired teammate a withering stare and said accusingly, "That temper; it must be genetic. I don't know how but I just know you are secretly related to baa-chan!"

Sakura blushed and said. "I said I was sorry! Anyway, use your six path's sage mode and heal Kurome. You are capable of regeneration of this nature; I'm not."

Akame asked, "What is going on? I thought you were the medic Sakura."

"I am." said Sakura. "But there are certain things Naruto can accomplish that I can't. Trust me on this."

Naruto said, "It's all right Akame-chan. Do you know the form I took before I went into tailed beast mode when I was glowing yellow?" The red eyed girl nodded. "I can heal others in that form as well. It's just not conventional healing. I'll do my best to heal Kurome so don't worry Akame-chan. Everyone take a step back. Kurome, don't be frightened." Naruto closed his eyes and took one his six paths sage form. He was glowing yellow with the truth seeking balls orbiting around him. Kurome and Wave's eyes widened as Naruto's power washed over them like a tsunami. Naruto nodded to himself and said, "Alright Kurome, here we go." Naruto placed two fingers over Kurome's heart and she felt the gentle warmth of sage healing chakra start to course through her body. Kurome exhaled as her body seemed to melt into a state of bliss. She'd been in pain so long that her body seemed euphoric at not feeling pain.

Naruto was instinctively sending chakra wherever it was needed. Unlike when he healed Esdeath and revitalized her; this felt more like when he healed Gai-sensei. Kurome was bordering on death. 'I think that Kurome is alive through pure willpower.' he thought seriously. 'No wonder Sakura-chan wanted my help. I just hope this is completely successful. It's not like I'm an expert at it.' Naruto's chakra gradually reenergized every cell in Kurome's body until he felt what he was seeking; peace and balance. When Naruto removed his hand Kurome took a deep breath of air and felt alive again. "It's done." said Naruto tiredly. He wasn't out of chakra by a long way but the mental fatigue was tiring to him. Naruto took a step back and Sakura stepped in with her hands glowing with green chakra.

Sakura said, "Relax and remain still Kurome. Kurome felt Sakura's warm healing chakra scanning her body. Sakura moved about with practiced ease. "Heart…lungs….liver….kidneys…." Sakura seemed to be reciting a medical textbook as she went over Kurome's slender body in extreme detail. Twenty-five minutes later Sakura said, "All of the drugs and residual poisons have been purged from your body Kurome. Every organ is alive and functioning properly. Even your skin is healthier. You're going to be just fine now. You should plan on living a long, long time. Try sitting up."

Kurome sat up easily and said, "I don't hurt….I don't feel hollow. It's like my whole body is full of life again!" She had tears in her eyes when Wave embraced her. "Wave…!" she whispered. As he held her she realized that even her senses of touch and smell had been affected by the drugs….Wave's bodily warmth and even the smell of the sea that always was on him seemed enhanced. Kurome held her lover in a tight embrace for a long while just absorbing the feeling of being alive….

"Is Kurome really going to be alright?" asked Akame through unshed tears.

Sakura nodded and smiled. "The only thing she should die of is old age Akame." she patted Naruto on the shoulder. "The knucklehead did a great job." Akame hugged Naruto tightly and burst into tears thanking him. He reassured her that everything was going to be all right and she had her sister back for real now. By the time Akame calmed down she was emotionally exhausted.

For the first time since they were separated as children Akame and Kurome hugged each other both feeling like a family again….

POSTSCRIPT:

This chapter was written in sections but it seemed to flow nicely enough when everything was put together. Akame and Kurome have been united as a family again but what side will Kurome and Wave decide to join? The battle between the Empire and the Commonwealth has not been the sweeping victory that Lord Protector Honest envisioned. Actually it's already started to bog down. Next chapter we'll see some of the goings on from the Empire's side of things as well as the further adventures of Night Raid. Blue out. 2/17/16