Scarlet Kunai

By Ginta and Hakakku Fangirl

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, or any of the characters

A/N: Original Character's name is Kyoko, female, only a few months older than Uchiha Sasuke, no Kekki Genkai, ANBU-ranked kinoichi, more info in story.

Rated M for violence, language, and lime.

*I may have to "rearrange" some events, in order for this fic to make sense.

Chapter Twenty-Five: Broken Promises and Tears For a Friend

"Come on, Koi-koi!" Kyoko called; the puppy barked, running towards her master and Kyoko grinned. She was headed towards the Hokage's tower before going to for another pre-op exam before her surgery, which would finally be taking place in just three days, and then she would no longer have to be in the hospital, ever! Well, unless she were to be severely injured on a mission, which was more likely than ever, as she was now captain of Itachi's old ANBU team, but still! At least it would be for something useful, instead of something stupid, like poison.

Halfway on her way to the Hokage's tower, however, Kyoko heard a familiar voice and looked around; she grinned.

"Naruto-kun!" she called.

"Eh? Kyoko-chan?" Jiraiya stared at her. "You're so tall!"

"Kyoko-chan!" Naruto laughed, grabbing her hand. "Have you seen--"

"Sakura-chan just went to get the traffic reports for Tsunade-hime," Kyoko laughed. "She should come running here to you soon."

Naruto grinned and waved as Kyoko went to find Shizune for another pre-op checkup, Koi-koi following obediently.

Two Days Later:

Unfortunately, the surgery wouldn't be taking place. Not two days later, the news came; Suna had been attacked and their Kazekage, Gaara, had been captured by the Akatsuki. Sakura had been sent with Hakate Kakashi and Uzumaki Naruto to aid the Sand, while Tsunade paced her office and snapped at anyone who dared to question her about anything other than missions.

Kyoko watched this from a distance for hours before making up her mind…

"Hokage-sama?" she asked.

"What?" Tsunade snapped.

Kyoko bit her lip. "I wish to assist Kakashi-sempai and his team," she said. "I know that my surgery will have to wait--rescuing Gaara-kun is more important. But I also know that I can't just sit here idle, not when a friend is in danger."

Tsunade raised her head from her desk, eyebrows high. It was only then that she noticed Kyoko had lain her ANBU mask on the desk and had a pack over her shoulders.

"I'm going," the ANBU said. "I've looked over my team's missions, they won't need me for awhile, and I've no missions of my own. Kiba-kun has my dog, he can cover for me if anything happens."

Tsunade sighed.

"Alright," she said. "It takes two days to get to there; you have three days to get to the Village Hidden in the Sand, so take it easy. Join the ANBU there. The Kazekage will need help when he's recovered."

"You're sure that Gaara-kun will be saved?" Kyoko asked.

"Hai…" Tsunade stood and looked out the windows. "If you aren't there in time to help the rescue mission, send word back to me with Team Kakashi. I want you to stay with the Sand Ninja, and to stay with Gaara-sama. Send me regular reports." Tsunade pulled a small scroll from her desk and began to write.

"This is for Temari-san," she said. "It has your mission on it. I'll expect you back in three weeks."

"Hai, Tsunade-sama," Kyoko said, taking her mask and the scroll before leaving the office at a run.

Tsunade sighed. At this rate, Kyoko's surgery would not take place until it was too late.

Once five miles outside of Konoha, Kyoko slowed. She had only three days to get to where she needed to be, and to make it to Suna in the amount of time Tsunade had given her.

Pulling on her mask, she pulled a white cloak from her bag; she had stolen it, years ago, after Itachi had left. It was his, but now she had reason for it, Kyoko reasoned as she smeared clay, dirt, and grass across the immaculate white, to better blend in with her surroundings.

With her ANBU skills she would be able to make it to by morning. That gave her nearly two days before she had to join up with the Sand's Special Jounin.

'Pein!' Kyoko's thoughts raved as she grit her teeth, biting both tongue and bottom lip harsh enough to bleed; angry, boiling tears spilled down her face as her chest convulsed with sobs for her beloved friend from the Sand. 'Pein, I'll get you for this!!!'

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Short. Deal, cuz anymore words to this chapter would ruin it. Admit it, it would!

Review!!!

-Fangirl