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For taking the time to review as well as everyone who was followed and favourited this story so far :D

This chapter is dedicated to all of you!

This is sort of a transition chapter, but I hope you still enjoy it!

Chapter 21

Hinata was in a momentary shock as she watched blood drip down Obito's gapping mouth. It didn't last long and Hinata soon rushed into action, her fast racing heart setting her pace. She grasped him by the waist as he brought a panicked hand to his sternum where his fingers dug pleadingly into his shirt.

She activated her Byakugan - the pain not even reregistering - and scanned over his body while simultaneously lowering the collapsing man safely to the floor. Hinata noticed high concentrations of odd chakra bulking where Obito's heart lay. A feeling of dreadful foreboding erupted with the sight. I don't know what this is… It looks like a seal, but seems to have similar workings to a curse mark. She used a probing chakra from her hands to see the damage done to his body.

Hinata clenched her jaw when she realized what the tag was doing and quickly reacted to destroy it. The chakra needle formed around her fingers, as thin as she could make it to prevent the amount of damage while still effective enough to fully destroy the tag, before jamming strongly through skin, muscle, and bone, into the centre of Obito's heart where the queer chakra was the strongest.

She didn't have much time after that.

The curse seal had restricted the beating of his heart while concurrently sending chakra out from itself to injure any vital organs. His heart was straining to regain its movement with the seal now gone, however the new lesion was hindering its attempts and was a source of internal bleeding. His lungs were damaged as well, from the initial surge of chakra, which caused cuts in both the left and right bronchi (1).

Hinata needed help with the multitude and magnitude of the injuries. Knowing that she was not too far off from the base, she sent a silent prayer, and flared her chakra grandly in hopes of Itachi coming to her aid. He was new at medical ninjutsu, but he was Itachi, and man, did he learn fast.

Hinata focused on the heart first. She used one hand to help his heart beat, sending in waves of chakra at timed intervals. The other was used to repair the damage done to the ventricles. The location and severity of the injury, along with her only being able to use one hand to heal the intricate wound, made healing a very difficult and slow process.

%%%%%

In a bare room one man stood as part of a unique contraption. His brilliant red hair defined him as a rare member of the disbanded Uzamaki Clan. His most incredible trait were the purple eyes that shone in the darkness. He was bone thin in consequence to the powerful Kekkei Genkai he possessed and had permanent rods protruding his back that connected to the contraption as well.

In the distance around the base he protected he felt a disturbance in the air from a familiar chakra. Reaching out with his own amazing abilities he noticed the peculiarity of the panic in the member he knew as Hinata usually calm chakra. He also knew that Madara should be with her, yet he could not feel him no matter how much he strained.

"What is it, Nagato?" a null female voice questioned after seeing a look of uncertainty on his face.

Nagato tried one more attempt to sense the missing chakra and finally felt his - the man he knew as Madara - chakra, though unusually weak. "Konan, send Itachi and Kisame two kilometres west of here to check on Hinata and Madara."

Konan gave a nod and exited the closed off room. With an air of indifference she made her way through the halls. She decided to check and see if Itachi was in his room first, since it was on her way. If not she knew she would at least find Kisame in the kitchen and he could take it from there.

Arriving at the simple door Konan knocked lightly and only had to wait a few seconds before the man she was looking for opened it for her.

Itachi didn't say anything, just allowed her the opportunity to speak.

"Pein wants you and Kisame to check on Hinata and Tobi."

That caught his interest, only showing it by slightly straightening his posture. "What's wrong?"

Konan gave Itachi a once over with her eyes finding his obvious concern funny; well, obvious to her. "Didn't say, but I'm guessing he sensed a disturbance in their chakra. He said to go two kilometres west of here."

Itachi gave a nod before he disappeared.

Konan reached and closed Itachi's bedroom door with a small reminiscent smile on her face. She mumbled lowly, "I guess he's not waiting for Kisame…"

%%%%%

Hinata gave her head a small shake to clear the dripping sweat from her brow. She hadn't ceased in her healing even when everything began to feel futile.

The bleeding in Obito's lungs was increasing making breathing a difficult task for the powerful rogue. He was slowly suffocating from blood filling his lungs, dying from something that provided him life. Hinata recognized that she needed to heal his lungs before it was too late, but she couldn't afford to stop her motions on his heart. It was straining for the heart to continue to beat through the stress, even with Hinata's helping motions.

She wouldn't give up. She refused to give up.

Hinata was so focused that she did not even notice when her saviour skid into the cave to slow his breakneck speed.

Less than a month after Hinata had healed Itachi his health became pristine, all of the past injuries and strains began to heal with his rejuvenated body. Until then he did not realize how much he truly missed the feel of pushing one's body to the extreme in a training session. The burn of your lungs, the pull and stretch of your muscles; feelings he hadn't been allowed to experience when it took the majority of his energy to just remain standing, let alone activate a genjutsu.

The Itachi that now stood was the man he was known for, feared for; the true prodigy of the Uchiha Clan.

When his sharingan eyes landed on the scene before him he hid his confusion and put his faith in Hinata's already determined plan of action. Pushing his questions away from his mind he recalled what Hinata herself had taught him. He quickly kneeled on the opposite side of Obito that Hinata was placed.

In order to save time, Hinata told him where to start brusquely, "Lungs. Left and right bronchi. Internal bleeding."

Itachi didn't respond and simply began to work. Proving his quickly mastered skills, he placed one hand over top of each lung and began to work on both at the same time.

This was how Kisame found them a few minutes later as he stood at the tiny entrance to the area. Neither acknowledged him due to their intense focus on the task at hand. Knowing he couldn't help, Kisame took the time to observe his surroundings.

There had been an obvious battle that took place. Pieces of crumbling rock were still periodically falling from the damaged roof, gaping holes were strewn randomly, and black scorch marks could be seen. While he was perusing the damage his mind began to work and his curiosity led him to take a closer look at the man who's upper half was covered by the two working medics.

As he sauntered up to them he recognized that Tobi's chakra was slowly becoming more stable, a good sign. Coming closer he noticed that the mysterious idiot wasn't wearing his mask, all he could see was his spiky hair and the glistening skin of his forehead. Becoming giddy with childish excitement, Kisame took a few sneaky steps forwards to peer over Hinata's protective body. What he saw made his excitement vanish and his breath catch in his throat. With wide eyes he took in the familiar face of the powerful man that was, until recently, near death.

Kisame's mouth opened and closed like a gaping fish before he composed himself and decided to wait for an explanation. He recognized the man as the very person who inducted him into the Akatsuki and the man who manipulated his Village Kage - the Fourth Mizukage. Uchiha Madara.

Kisame sat a little ways off to give them some room. He crossed his legs and arms while continuing to stare at the group.

A few minutes later Hinata released a tiny sigh as she finished the last of the healing of Obito's heart. She kept her hands where they were and searched for any more damage that may have been caused from the curse seal. There was slight bruising in his liver. With a just gained calm she moved her hands and began to work on reversing the slight damage.

During this period, Itachi finished his own work. He looked over Hinata to Kisame who was staring intently at them. No words passed just a silent agreement to wait until their comrade was safe.

It wasn't long before Hinata finished healing the last of the damage. To finish she placed a hand overtop his forehead to sooth and a hand on his abdomen to transfer some of her own chakra to Obito in order for his body to begin its own natural rejuvenation. As she did this she spoke, "Thank you, Itachi. Kisame."

Kisame grunted, "I didn't do anything."

Hinata smiled scantily, You still came. Hinata was expecting Itachi to ask some questions, but he remained silent. She assumed he didn't want to ask anything that she was unwilling to share. It was something that she greatly appreciated about Itachi. Knowing that Kisame would undoubtedly wait as well, Hinata spoke again. "You saw Tobi's face?" she spoke to Kisame. He didn't make a sound because she already knew the answer. "Do you know his identity?" Even though she was still speaking to Kisame her eyes were on Itachi as they passed unspoken messages.

Itachi recognized Obito from a photo Kakashi had when they were of the same ANBU team.

Hearing the weariness in Hinata's voice, Kisame began to question the information that the man himself had told him all those years ago. "He said he was Uchiha Madara. I'm guessing that was a lie?" He chuckled to himself. He saw Hinata nod her head yes from his position. "Ahh, well what else can you expect in this world…"

"I'm sorry, Kisame." Obito regained consciousness only seconds ago and had heard the last part of their conversation. He tried to sit up and was grateful when Hinata assisted him, giving him her shoulder to lean against while he strained himself to talk. From the look he could see in her eye he knew she wanted him to rest, but he need to speak. "You were one of the most loyal members of the Akatsuki, it was not for lack of trust that I did not inform you."

Kisame grinned, his sharpened teeth showing with the gesture. "Don't worry about it, I'm sure you had your reasons."

Obito nodded reassuringly to Kisame before looking at the woman holding him up. "I'm sorry, Hinata. For everything. For hurting your sister I know you can never forgive me, but I still wanted to say it."

Hinata thought over his words before responding with a small smile, "Obito, we are shinobi. We have all had to do terrible things in order to accomplish a task. I wouldn't hold what you have done over you if you've truly decided to change. Besides, I've probably done worse than you have." The last line was said to herself in reflection.

"He he he"

The awkward laugh brought Hinata's attention back to Obito who was beginning to look more and more like the person Kakashi had always described. And strikingly similar to Naruto, Hinata mused.

"Worse than you have, eh?" Obito continued to chuckle uneasily. "Ya, um, about that… You know that whole 'I swear to be there with you'? Well, before I hold you to that, there's some other stuff you should know…"

Hinata looked at him questioningly, "Stuff?"

"Ya, stuff." Obito broke eye contact to look off into an unoccupied area of the cave. He heard Kisame laugh gruffly at his words.

Hinata had to hold back a groan and settled for a sigh, This can't be good. It's going to take a lot for me to get him pardoned. "We can discuss that later. There was some sort of curse seal on your heart. Do you know what it was from?" Hinata's eyes held concern.

Obito furrowed his brows to try and think of a time that it could have been administered. The thoughtful look soon turned into one of anger before he calmed himself to answer. "I can tell you about the details later. I'm assuming it was after my accident, from the man that healed me: Madara."

Hinata's eyes widened in shock at the information. She had many questions for later but knew now was not the time for such a discussion. Taking a breath to quell her surprise she said calmly, "Okay. Why do you think it was triggered?" She had a hunch.

"I'm guessing the bastard put it as a fail safe if I ever decided to betray him."

Hinata blinked a few times with the new questions that presented in her mind. She noticed Obito wasn't finished so she let him continue.

"Again, I can explain more later. Right when I decided that I didn't want to follow through on the plan anymore, that's when it activated." Obito ground his teeth together, I should have seen that coming. Madara wasn't one to take losing well. He was brought out of his thoughts by a soft hand being placed reassuringly on his own hand.

Using the silence, Kisame murmured confusedly, "I thought you canned the Eye of the Moon Plan years ago. We haven't even collected any of the jinchūriki after all."

"Ya, but I always thought of it as an option. I didn't abandon it fully until now." Obito responded vaguely.

Kisame grunted his understanding.

Ignoring the 'Eye of the Moon Plan' until later, Hinata brought up another concern. "What are you going to do now?"

Obito stared at Hinata's hand that was placed so carefully over his own. "The Akatsuki will disband. I will go back with you to The Leaf and face my punishment."

Hinata would ensure that Obito got a second chance, however, in case she couldn't end up swaying Tsunade and the Council, she remained silent. "Let's go back to the base and talk to everyone else then." Hinata's voice had a slightly dejected undertone that the three men took note of.

"Kisame and I will go ahead of you two and call a meeting," Itachi informed while standing.

Kisame got up with him and began to make his way to the exit.

Hinata helped Obito to stand and readjusted him when he added another detail, "Leave Pein and Konan. I'll talk to them privately."

Itachi nodded and the pair took off.

Obito leaned on Hinata while they wobbled to their destination.

"I can carry you, Obito," Hinata offered.

He grinned, "What kind of man would I be if I let a lady carry me?"

Hinata released a half-hearted giggle at the sweet, though sexist, words. "I think I could manage," she teased. "If you insist then why don't you use this time to tell me about Pein and Konan. They are the only two that I do not have information on."

A sense of regret washed over Obito as he began telling one of the many stories of his deceit.

%%%%%

During the 15 Month Time Skip

Hinata was uncomfortably tense as she was held in the mystery man's arms, jumping through the trees back towards their present home.

"I'm fine, Tobi," Hinata reasoned somewhat pleadingly.

Their target had been a female who relied primarily on a jutsu that allowed her to become completely invisible; it was her lost clan's Kekkei Genkai. For this reason she was almost impossible to capture, hence the abnormally large bounty on her head.

Her one weakness, an interest in other clan's Kekkei Genkai.

Being a rogue she was not well informed of the affairs of the Great Villages and was not aware of Hinata's unique circumstances.

Without Tobi's consent, Hinata acted when she saw a pristine opportunity. Lowering her chakra levels to below even those of a villagers and slicing a deep gash on her right calf, Hinata made herself look like the most perfectly worn-down target for the nifty rogue. It was too easy after that.

However, Tobi wasn't too thrilled. She explained her reasoning after, and even healed herself in front of him, but he was still in a state of irritation. She didn't understand his feelings. Madara was known for his cutthroat ways, she was surprised he didn't cut her himself. Hell, she expected him to slice her gut to make it more believable.

This was what led them to how they were now. Tobi carrying a perfectly healed - and of course very uncomfortable - Hinata, bridal-style, back to the base. Her neck was bright red with a blush that she refused to allow to flow to her cheeks.

Tobi hadn't spoken since he had picked her up so she was momentarily surprised when he responded, back to his childish demeanour. "Tobi is a good boy. Tobi helps Hina-chan!"

With his change in persona, Hinata realized that they were nearing the base and a few members were very close in distance.

Tobi's high pitched screech was the only hint Hinata got before she felt herself dropping midair at the pinnacle of Tobi's last jump. She turned her head to see him not so gracefully falling and flailing through the air. Before she could change her position to allow herself to land properly she was caught once again in a pair of strong arms that she sensed to be Hidan's.

Hinata felt his smooth landing on a branch before he rebounded upwards to the next tree. Not given the opportunity to speak, she was cut of when Tobi playfully screamed in a Tarzan manner while jumping towards them. She again felt herself flying through the air except this time it was from Hidan treating her like a human sized ball and throwing her off to the side. Again, before she could manoeuvre herself, she was caught by a smiling Deidara who continued to jump towards the base.

Hinata had to smile herself. Deidara and Hidan weren't each others biggest fans, but they did share a common dislike for the eccentric masked man.

When she noticed Tobi rearing his way towards them again, she was less surprised when she felt herself being tossed into the air. This time a giggle escaped her as she soared fearlessly and she didn't stop her giggles when Hidan caught her.

He looked down at her with what most would call a crazed grin, but what Hinata knew was just one of excitement.

As she peaked over Hidan's shoulder to check back on Deidara and Tobi, her giggles turned to full blown laughter. It was from the look on poor Deidara's face as Tobi shook him with his bone crushing grip and a whale that was even hurting her ears from this distance.

Regardless of how crazy all of these people were, she had to admit, they never failed to make her laugh.

End Flashback

%%%%%

Hinata made sure that, without a reasonable doubt, no emotions would slip onto her face as Obito told her about the story of Pein - who she now knew as Nagato - Konan, and their old partner Yahiko. Her goal was to ensure that he didn't feel judged while he shared a part of his past that he obviously regretted; he allowed another to suffer through the same pain he felt from losing a teammate. Every elite ninja she knew had completed missions they were not proud of, she was no exception, to judge him for his own discretions would be hypercritical

Her anger grew inside when she heard mention of Danzo's connection to the death of Yahiko. It seemed that he was always on the side of war instead of peace.

Regardless of what Obito felt, she realized that he wasn't the initiating cause of the tragedy, he just rode the wave that presented itself; a true shinobi, a master of manipulation.

They were closing in on the base when Hinata finally broke her silence after hearing the story. "You want to tell Nagato and Konan about your involvement on the day the three of them were cornered?"

Obito nodded his head yes.

"If you don't mind… and if they don't mind… I'd like to talk to them after you do." Hinata's words were just a whisper.

Obito didn't respond this time, he didn't feel a need.

They entered the base and were greeted with the usual silence. However, as they continued to make their way they noticed forebodingly that they weren't eventually greeted with a boisterous echo of a swearing Hidan or a blast from an explosion then the sounds of a crumbling wall. It was silent.

The pair could sense where the rest of the Akatsuki were waiting and slowly made their way over. The halls seemed stuffy and humid as they walked, the air becoming thicker with each inhale.

Obito's body was becoming increasingly more fatigued and he was unconsciously placing more and more weight onto Hinata. Hinata didn't notice the extra weight, she was just impressed with the fact that he was still conscious after such an ordeal. It was a true a proof of his strength.

When they finally entered the open room - the very same room that held her first meeting as an Akatsuki - she brushed her eyes along everyone present, noticing that Zetsu was nowhere to be seen. The plain circular light fixtures illuminated the room and allowed for the curious and blank looks to be visible. The image was polar opposite to the first time; instead of excitement there was an intuitive unease. Also, unlike the first time, all eyes were not on her but the man clinging to her, a man who's face most had not seen before. Regardless of their individual personalities, no matter how eccentric or reckless, they were all intelligent people - they had to be to make it this far in life.

Even as they made it further into the room to complete a circle no one chose to speak, instead they waited, uncharacteristically patient, for Obito.

Using the last bit of his strength Obito straightened himself slightly before he began. "I do not know what Itachi or Kisame have told you," his voice was rich and authoritative, "so I will explain everything. Pein has been merely a figurehead for the Akatsuki while I have led from behind. I had used the name of Uchiha Madara to gain the needed authority and respect.

All of you were originally recruited to fulfill something called the Eye of the Moon Plan, which was why you were first tasked with the collection of your respective jinchūriki. However, certain factors led me to postpone that plan, which was why you all had been sent on different missions since. I have now decided that the Eye of the Moon Plan will now be permanently terminated… and the Akatsuki will disband as it is no longer necessary."

Silence still reigned as the other members continued to stare with thoughtful eyes at different areas around the room.

Sasori, ever curious, asked a gnawing question. "What caused you…?"

"Obito," Obito filled in Sasori's silent question.

"…Obito, to end your plan?" Sasori continued where he'd left off.

Seeing that Obito was getting worn down, Hinata decided to answer the questions that she could. "We have made a deal for him to come back to the Leaf with us."

"Us?" It was Deidara who quarried, shockingly calm in his actions.

Itachi answered. "I will be returning to the Leaf as well."

Hidan snorted contemptuously, "So you both are just gonna waltz back into your old village and let them lock ya up or kill ya?"

"I will not let the happen," Hinata rebutted phlegmatically.

"Ha! Last time I check you were listed as a rogue. Don't think they're gonna take you too seriously."

Hinata didn't know if she should tell the men before her the truth, but she knew that she wanted to. These men were always lied to and manipulated because of their strength, Hinata didn't want to lie to them anymore. She took a breath, "That was just for pretences. I remained here because of a mission I was tasked with."

"You knew the Akatsuki was watching you the whole time?" Sasori inquired dubiously.

Hinata shook her head, "No, I just saw an opportunity and took it. I can't disclose my mission right now, but in time I am positive you will figure it out." It was odd that Hinata's voice could be heard, it was so quiet yet seemed to flow to every individual.

"You were just playing us then, yeah?" Deidara's face presented a scowl that didn't fit his normal demeanour.

Hinata's eyes softened substantially, "Of course not. You guys-"

"Hinata," Deidara's tone was surprisingly reproachful, "when you get back to your village the first mission they'll send you on is to capture the rest of us."

Hinata bit her bottom lip and looked away, "I know." Hinata clenched her fist at her side, the other still supporting the limp Obito. "B-but, I also know I couldn't do it. Never again will I turn off or run from my emotions when it's in regards to my friends. I won't let anyone use me to…" Hinata let her words drown off, knowing that she may have accidentally stabbed an old wound of Itachi's because of her carelessness in her words. When she sneaked a glance to him she couldn't see any pain hidden behind his eyes and it helped her relax slightly.

Hinata regathered herself and began again. "There is another option…"

Sasori narrowed his eyes.

Deidara snorted.

Hidan cocked his brow.

Kakuzu remained steady with his arms crossed in front of his chest.

Itachi and Kisame were side by side observing stoically.

"You all can come back to the Leaf." Hinata continued quickly so that they didn't interrupt, "You don't have to stay within the village, just associate with them. I have an idea that I need to run by Pein, but I think it could work…"

"I doubt they'll accept us with fucking open arms. We know how the Great Villages work…" Deidara was moulding a piece of clay while he spoke, not comfortable with the serious conversation.

"Because of how they work is exactly why they will go for this," Hinata stressed. "Please trust me, all of you. I will ensure that you can all find a place - whatever you need." Hinata added semi-jokingly, "You just can't kill randomly anymore…"

"Urgghhh," Hidan groaned loudly. "That's the fun part though!"

Hinata felt odd saying these next words, "You can still kill, it will just be for the village." Yes, definitely odd to say. "I actually have the perfect place for you," her voice faded of in hopes of grasping Hidan's hidden curiosity.

Hinata thought she somewhat succeeded when she saw him lift one of his eyebrows in challenge.

"I'm in."

Hinata snapped her head to the man that just spoke with wide hopeful eyes.

Kisame chuckled at Hinata's response. "Sounds interesting. I'm gonna be bored anyways, might as well. Ch, and I'm not scared of the big bad villages like the pissing children over there," he taunted cheekily at Hidan and Deidara.

"Fuck off, you fucking blue skinned fish," Hidan yelled venomously.

At the same time Deidara spat, "Fuck you, yeah!"

Kisame ignored them and repeated his answer to Hinata, "I'm in."

Reacting perfectly to Kisame's goading, Hidan grumbled out his response. "Fine, fuck it. It's not like those bastards can kill me anyways." He grinned, "I'm in."

Hinata smiled back at Hidan before sending pleading eyes to Deidara - she already knew how she would persuade Kakuzu to come with them, Sasori she was unsure of.

Deidara sighed, "There better be somewhere I can practice my art."

Hinata's smile widened brightly with an accepting nod. She calmed her expression and turned to Kakuzu who stood impassively. "If you want, I have job that would be very… financially fulfilling," that caught his interest as he shifted to look Hinata straight on. "You would of course have to work alone, though people would work under your order, so that your temper doesn't get the better of you." He would also be working with high-class ninja that should be able to handle themselves against him at least until backup arrives.

Kakuzu gave a nod of acceptance.

Hinata gave a moment of pause, Last one… Hinata opened her mouth to speak but was cut off.

"I'll come," Sasori interrupted. "You would probably end up persuading me, it would be a waste of time to banter," he explained further.

Hinata smiled shyly at his comment, but nodded her head regardless at the efficient man.

"When do we fucking leave then?" Hidan drawled.

Hinata looked to the struggling to remain conscious Obito before answering, "We need to speak with Pein and Konan still… We will leave at dawn tomorrow morning. We'll have to travel there on foot, Obito needs some strength when we arrive at the Leaf, transferring us will use too much of his energy."

All of the men, expect Itachi, nodded their acceptance before lazily strolling past them and towards their rooms to gather any important belongings.

When they all left Hinata shifted Obito once more before preparing to transfer more of her chakra to Obito to help him get through the next meeting. However, before she could start the process, Itachi grabbed Hinata's hand that was placed on Obito's lower abdomen. He pulled it away and dropped it to the side. Placing his hand where Hinata's once were, Itachi gave Obito some of his own chakra.

Hinata just stared at Itachi while he did this before catching herself and looking back at Obito to see his face softening from the prior strain.

"You shouldn't give up more of your chakra," Itachi reprimanded lightly.

Hinata's cheeks flushed, it had been awhile since she was last chided.

Itachi's eyes flickered to Hinata before looking back at Obito. "What was Zetsu's role in the Akatsuki?"

Those words snapped Hinata out of her daze. She could tell the difference in his tone from that question than what he normally used. This was Itachi, protector and shinobi of the Leaf standing before her. She couldn't help the small smile that escaped her before she waited for Obito with equal curiosity.

"Zetsu was created by Madara before he died," Obito began. "White Zetsu was created from the Gedo Statue. He told me they were made of Hashirama's DNA - there was originally more than one white zetsu," he clarified. "Black Zetsu on the other hand was made from Madara's will; on his death he infused his will into a white zetsu… I think that's how it goes," Obito scratched his scalp with his free hand. "Sorry, still a little fuzzy, hehe."

Itachi didn't speak, his face was blank, but he was obviously thinking over the newly presented information.

Not knowing how long Obito would last, she piped up, "We should go see Konan and Pein."

Both silently agreed before heading off to their new destination. It wasn't too far off, just at the end of the hallway behind a secret door that blended in seamlessly into the wall.

Hinata steadied Obito onto his own two feet, "Itachi and I will stay out here. Signal us when we can come in."

"Okay," Obito responded before making his way weakly though the hidden compartment. The door shut without a sound, leaving a fierce silence behind.

"What happened?" Itachi questioned stoically, referring to the torn fabric of Hinata's shirt that showed pale skin that he assumed housed a wicked wound not too long ago.

"Snake bite," Hinata spoke just as calmly.

"Ah, big snake…"

Hinata's lips tilted upwards, "We were assigned another mission," Hinata clarified. After she said it though she felt silly because it was sort of obvious. "Um, we ended up having to fight Kabuto - that was Orochimaru's loyal follower, the guy with the round glasses… but, I'm sure you knew that," Hinata added quickly, chastising herself again and giving her head a tiny shake.

Even if Hinata didn't see it, Itachi's lips curved minutely at the sight.

"So, he ended up having the real Madara's corpse and then everything unwound from there.' Hinata finished her quick words with an exhale.

Itachi responded with a "Hn" and the silence began once more.

This time it was Hinata who broke the silence, "Are - are you nervous for tomorrow?" Her voice was hushed and she refused to look up from the interesting spot on the ground before her.

Itachi turned his head to look at her, his face blank. He didn't respond for what felt like an hour, even if it was only minutes. Finally deciding responding wouldn't hurt, he spoke, "I don't know if nervous is the right word, but … slightly."

Hinata nodded her head, her eyes now meeting Itachi's own.

Until they were called into the hidden room the no more words were said. Instead they basked in the now familiar aura that oddly seemed to give both of them a semblance of reassurance and, more importantly, peace.

%%%%%

Author's Note

1 - Not a doctor, no idea if this is realistic at all… lol, I only know basic anatomy.

Hii :D

Again this was sort of a transition chapter, closing up some loose ends.

Next chapter should be more interesting… at least I hope so :/

Please please please review and let me know what you thought of the chapter! :D

What do you think Hinata's plan is for the Akatsuki men?

How do you think the Leaf villagers - more importantly Kakashi and Sasuke - are going to react?

Let me know!
Until next time,

EK :D