This has got to be one of the longest chapters I've ever written for this story. Thanks for all the follows and faves while I've been MIA again. Once again here's another long chapter and any questions or just to tell me how much you enjoyed this chapter please review. ^_^ With that said ONWARDS with the story!
"Come on Sasuke make a wish!" There was a clatter of utensils and the chatter of adults having a conversation while the rest of the children waited for Sasuke to blow out the candles. Typical routine of a birthday party.
Koyuki realized very quickly where she was and a melancholy smile split her lips. She remembered this memory. It was the time her and Sasuke had their accidental first kiss, if one would actually call it an accident.
"Make a wish with me!" Sasuke smiled at Koyuki who frowned.
"But it's your birthday that means only you get to make a wish."
"Nii-san said if your best friend makes a wish with you then it'll definitely come true!"
Koyuki's eyes lit up in excitement and looked to Itachi who nodded and only the older Koyuki, aside from the adults saw the mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Okay then!" she said and closed her eyes at the same time as Sasuke. Itachi waited until both children had taken a deep breath that he grabbed both of their heads and pushed them towards the other until their lips met in a kiss. This caused both of them to open their eyes wide in shock. A flash of light went off and Koyuki's mother peeked from the camera with a triumphant smile. After that Itachi let them go and both children jumped away from each other with huge red blotches on their cheeks.
"nii-san!" they both yelled, lunging towards him only for him to move away and be chased by them.
The full memory flashed through Koyuki, remembering how her parents and Sasuke's parents had laughed at their expense while Itachi poofed away, revealing he had been a clone. Both children had pouted and looking away from each other in embarrassment, Sasuke even more so when she had asked him what he had wished for. Sasuke hadn't told her, saying if he said anything it wouldn't come true. Her surroundings began to fizzle out until Koyuki was standing in what she recognized as Sasuke's room. This was a memory she remembered as she saw herself from three years ago and Sasuke behind her and arms wrapped around her waist as they stood at the the doors of the balcony and looking up at the full moon. This was the time they had talked about Itachi, Sasuke had brought the topic out of nowhere as his thumb stroked the edge of her scar at the hip.
"Koyuki...have you ever wondered why Itachi left you and I alive?"
"I wouldn't say he left me alive since it could have been possible for me to die with the way he slashed me." she scoffed then sighed when Sasuke stopped stroking her scar. "I honestly don't know...maybe he actually...you know, loved us too much to actually kill us."
"He told me he wants to test his powers against me...to become strong with hatred and kill him." he growled. "Does that mean all the love he showed us...all those smiles and laughs...were they fake?"
"You actually remember more than me...I can't say for sure as my memories are still sealed." she sighed.
"He killed your mother...and my clan...I have enough hatred for the both of us to kill him." he hissed angrily and Koyuki frowned as she placed her hands over his and gave them a squeeze.
"If you do go after him when you get strong enough...will you come back?" she asked in a small smile. Sasuke looked at her then, her bangs covering her eyes.
"What do you mean?"
"Have you ever thought of the possibility that you might die killing Itachi?" at this she turned in his arms to look him in the eye. "Sasuke, it's possible for you two to almost be evenly matched and if you fight...what makes you think you'll get out of it alive?"
Sasuke closed his eyes for a moment before opening them to look at her with a determined look in his eyes. He gathered her hands in his and brushed his lips against her knuckles.
"That won't happen...because...because I'll alway come back to you no matter what. Even if I have to crawl all the way back here to Konoha."
"What makes you think you'll do this on your own." she stated angrily more than asked. "I'll be there when you go against Itachi. I won't get in the way of your revenge, but if he gets close to killing you in any way I will interfere. I refuse to let you die because of revenge you hear me Uchiha?" at this Sasuke gave her a rueful smile before taking her face in his hands and kiss her lips passionately.
Koyuki watched this with a sad look. Did Sasuke even remember this promise she made him? As the images changed she realized they were passing a bit more quickly but she realized every memory that passed were all about her. Koyuki teasing him, snapping back at him when he acted like a jerk, watching her train and fight; all of these memories showed her when she was determined and strong. The memory of her in the forest of death seemed to be more prominent as she had snapped him out of his fear and encouraged him to be strong.
"Have you figured out the pattern?" Koyuki turned around and found herself staring at Sasuke's current age form but his eyes weren't onyx nor were they the sharingan but a soft lavender with six ringlets. Just like Amida took Koyuki's form the Sage had taken Sasuke's with the exception of the eyes.
"Sage?"
"Yes." he gave her a soft smile making Sasuke's features look strange as those expressions weren't common on the young Uchiha's face.
"I'm in a lot of Sasuke's memories." she said and the sage nodded.
"But what else? What is the thing Sasuke remembers most about you?"
"He remembers me at my best. When I'm protecting those precious to me...when I'm always at his side...as an equal." she said in realization.
"Your way of fighting for what is right and always being at his side is what made him love you. You are his light, what keeps him anchored to the light and away from drowning completely in the pit of revenge. Never forget how strong you actually are; your love for your family and for him is what keeps you strong. You will be able to save him no matter how deep in revenge he goes. Both you and Naruto will be his lifeline that will set him free. And so will your child."
With one final smile the sage disappeared and Koyuki found herself in a deserted field that was littered with bodies. At first she panicked thinking it was the Uchiha clan until she noticed they all wore sound ninja attire and they were still breathing.
"Really Sasuke...didn't even kill a single one." a raspy soft voice that chilled her bones purred. She spun around and saw Sasuke sitting on a flat rock, his arm propped on top on his bent knee holding his kusanagi and Orochimaru a few feet from him with Kabuto. "Could it be you have gone soft?"
"This sword is only meant to go through the heart of one person. Anyone else is only in the way."
Suddenly, Sasuke blinked. Hadn't he been in his room just a second ago and hadn't he already trained? He watched as Orochimaru and Kabuto faded like sand being blown away and he sensed a presence to his left. He turned and saw Koyuki standing there looking at him with a guarded look.
"Koyuki?" his face turning to one of confusion. Koyuki gave him a small smile. "What's going on?"
"You linked your mind with mine...I was curious if it worked both ways." At this Sasuke realized the lack of fuzziness that usually came with his dreams. To prove his theory right he stood up and walked toward Koyuki and placed his palm on her cheek; he felt the warmth and softness of her skin followed by pulling her to him and gently placing his lips on hers. Koyuki returned the kiss instantly, moving one hand to his shoulder while the other went to the base of his neck and her fingers moved through the ends of his hair. After a few seconds Sasuke broke the kiss and gave her a small smirk.
"You're real."
"Well duh," she scoffed. "If I remember correctly I asked the same question." she looked around and noticed the scenery of the defeated ninja was still there. True to what Orochimaru said a lot of the nin didn't have any fatal wounds. Kunai stuck out of many odd places she quickly noticed with curiosity until she noticed one passed out with his ass in the air and a kunai sticking out of said rear making raise an eyebrow and look at him in amusement. Sasuke on the other hand was trying to keep a straight face but she could see the corner of his lips twitch.
"Why you must have really been bored of fighting all those sound nin." she said with a smirk and only then did Sasuke smirk.
"They're not exactly worth my time anymore. If anything I'm much stronger if not surpassed Orochimaru." he replied and then his face took on a more serious look making Koyuki do the same.
"The time's come hasn't it." she whispered. "You're going after Itachi..."
At his nod she made to step away but Sasuke wrapped his arms tightly around her waist to stop her.
"I will be going after Itachi...but I'm not giving my body to Orochimaru." at this Koyuki snapped her eyes to his. "Being here for three years showed me how Orochimaru is a monster who experiments in the most horrible ways. The way he clings to immortality is pathetic...I'm going to end it."
"You're going to kill him." she stated simply and the Third Hokage's smile flashed through her mind. "Well, when you do it...make it painful to him for killing the third." she growled, her eyes shinning hatefully. Sasuke nodded and gave her a soft kiss on the lips before sighing.
"What is it?" she asked.
"...Remember when you said you would be there when I fought Itachi?" he asked and right away she could see where he was getting at.
"You don't want me there?!" she asked her voiced beginning to be laced with anger.
"No."
"Why?!"
"Atsuko." at those words Koyuki flinched. "If I die...he doesn't even know I'm alive."
"So what you think I won't tell him? And what about me? If you die then I'm really going to lose it because I already lost you once! I am not going to let that happen again!" she snapped, anger radiating from her. "The moment we're done here I am going after you Sasuke."
At this Sasuke sighed. She really was stubborn, of course she'd want to go with him.
"How about we do a deal...I need to gather a team once I kill Orochimaru, they'll help me find Itachi."
"Okay, can I join you? Sasuke please, I need to be with you when this happens." the eyes filled of determination that she gave him made his stern gaze soften instantly. He ran a hand through her silver hair and softly caressed her cheek. She leaned into his touch and sighed.
"Who will take care of Atsuko while you're gone?" he asked and she gave him a soft smile.
"Shikamaru's mom has taken quite a liking to him and always demands she be the first to babysit him when I go on missions. I can leave him with her, he'll be safe. Plus he can always stay at the Inuzuka's." she smirked and to this Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Kiba has a niece, and the have become best friends." Sasuke rolled his eyes and she laughed as he pressed his forehead against hers. Once her laughter subsided they stared at each other for a moment before Sasuke placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
"It's time," he whispered and she nodded.
"Once everyone finds out Tsunade will be sure to send a team out for you, no doubt Naruto will go too."
"I'll make sure you meet up with me before any of them." he promised and Koyuki raised an eyebrow.
"And how will you do that?"
"Don't worry," he smirked as he leaned in and placed soft kisses along her shoulder and up her neck to whisper in her ear. "You'll know when you get there." When he pulled away and she blinked he was gone. Confused, Koyuki looked around and realized she was back into her own mind corridor with Amida.
"Seems he knew how to get you out of his mind without it being painful." Amida smirked.
"What do you mean painful?"
"If he were to expel you from his mind by force...well...lets just say Neji's curse mark will seem like a minor pinch on the arm."
"Hmm, so how do I get out?" Koyuki asked and Amida pointed to another door on the other side of the hall, this one was more modern and bright blue.
"Just go out through there and you'll wake up. Though I would hurry, Atsuko tried meditating and a I believe he might have done it a little too well."
"What do you mean?" she asked with worry.
"Meditating makes Nature chakra flow into you, especially when you're taken over by sage such as us. Now, your son was born with special chakra because of the powers you two possess...he has a special role to play in this war."
"What the hell are you talking about?!" Koyuki snapped.
"Your son...is the reason Sasuke will either sink deeper into darkness...or help Konoha stop the Akatsuki." With that warning Amida opened the blue door and a bright light filled the room. By the time it subsided Koyuki realized she was awake and sitting in front of her was Atsuko. He was in a pose similar to hers but his breathing was extremely shallow to the point she thought he wasn't breathing. Then that's when she noticed it, the faintest glow surrounding him of a strange green color she'd never seen before. Instantly she went over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. His eyes opened and Koyuki watched in shock as sharingan eyes looked up at her but they had a purple like tinge to them. She felt how his chakra slowly returned to normal and the green chakra began to recede back into the ground. The purplish sharingan turned red again before Atsuko snapped his eyes shut and his features contorted in pain.
"Ow,ow,ow!" He whimpered and Koyuki took her child in her arms.
"Atsuko! Atsuko it's ok." she comforted and stopped him from clawing at his eyes. "Sweetheart listen to me, I know it hurts ok? I know it hurts but listen to me. I need you to concentrate, imagine your eyes ok, imagine how they look. What color are they baby, tell me."
"They're...ngh...they're onyx...like my dad's...mom..." Atsuko cried and she rocked him back and forth until his cries subsided and only hiccups came out. She pulled away and cradled his face in her hands.
"Okay baby, now, very slowly open your eyes okay?" she instructed and Atsuko followed her orders. "There you go very slowly." Once his eyes were fully opened Koyuki sighed in relief when his warm onyx eyes stared back at her. "There we go, back to normal. Do they still hurt?"
"No," he sniffed and she smiled at him. "what happened?"
"You tried to meditate, didn't you?" at his nod she sighed.
"Ok, next time don't do it without my instruction. You and I can't meditate like normal ninjas."
"What do you mean?"
"We...um.."she struggled with the words. "well, remember how I have a seal mark right?"
"Yeah.."
"Well...it's also a seal passed down by family...and your dad...has one too, so when you were born...it's possible you have special powers too." she explained and he tilted his head in curiosity.
"I have powers? Like uncle Naruto?"
"Not like that, but yes. His chakra is different, and so is yours...we draw chakra from the earth known as nature chakra. Normal ninjas can't draw chakra from Nature unless they're specially trained by their animal summons." When Amida mentioned Nature chakra she remembered Jarayia and how when he'd mentioned being a toad sage she had researched all she could and came about the name of the Sage being mentioned as well for being able to control Nature chakra.
"So, how about we wait until you're older before you meditate. Not doing it correctly could be very dangerous for you."
"Okay...I'm sorry mommy." he replied in a small meek voice and she ruffled his hair.
"Don't worry sweetheart. Now, I need you to listen to me okay?" when he nodded and sat next to her she placed an arm around him. "I lied about your dad." Atsuko looked up at her in shock and he could see the sadness in his mom's eyes. "He's alive..." She watched as Atsuko processed this and saw his eyes fill with anger.
"Why did you lie!?" he snapped and she flinched. "Does everyone know?! WHERE'S MY DAD?!"
"Don't yell at me Atsuko I'm still your mother!" she replied in a strict tone. "Your dad made some bad choices...very bad ones and left the village. You remember what a rouge ninja is right?"
"...yes..."
"The story of the reason is very long and complicated for you to understand and I can only tell you when you're older. All I can tell you is that I love your dad very much and he promised me he will come back. That's why in a few days I will leave in order to go with him and bring him back."
At this Atsuko was silent, so silent she thought he would never speak to her again. Then he looked up and his eyes were still angry.
"You will bring dad back?" he asked and she nodded. "Ok."
She went to ruffle his hair but he moved away and Atsuko pretended not to notice the hurt in his mother's eyes.
"I know you're mad at me for lying to you...but you have to understand that I did it to protect you. How could I tell you that your dad was a rouge...that he...Atsuko..." upon seeing his angry look again she sighed and stood up. "You'll understand when you're older."
"Shouldn't we let Koyuki know we're all fine Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto asked as they finished eating at Ichiraku's. The two Akatsuki members had been defeated with Naruto injuring his arm with his new rasenshuriken which had caused damage to his arm. Tsunade had told Kakashi not to let Naruto use that jutsu ever again for it destroyed cell at a molecular level and if he continued to use it, even her medical expertise wouldn't be able to heal Naruto. Naruto understood the limits of his body well so he knew he wouldn't be able to use that jutsu ever again.
"I sent her a message via Pakkun to meet us here with Atsuko." Kakashi responded as they stood up and exited the ramen place only to see Konohamaru outside with a clone.
"So, you're getting better at it huh?" Naruto replied with a smirk. In response Konohamaru and the clone made hand signs and a puff of smoke erupted. When it cleared two very naked girls took their place, one blond and the other brunette.
"Woaaah nice game plan!" Naruto yelled while Sakura looked horrified, Kakashi bewildered and Sai curious.
"Take that nii-chan!" Konohamaru challenged as he returned to normal and Sakura headed towards him. "Those two girls were-UGHU!" He was stopped mid sentence as Sakura punched him in the gut.
"I don't want to hear any details. You two better not be doing this every time you see each other!" Sakura growled towards Naruto.
"No! Sakura..."Naruto tried to placate her. "This is an excellent jutsu to be used as a diversion. Plus, you could say this is a serious competition between the two of us!"
"You two better not escalate this you hear?! Diversion, please," Sakura scoffed. "Only you two perverted ninjas would fall for something like that!"
Konohamaru glared before he made hand signs again and when the smoke disappeared it was Sasuke and Sai...completely naked and extremely close to each other making it Naruto's turn to be horrified and Sai almost pleasantly surprised. Sakura on the other hand was more than pleased and a thin nosebleed.
"OH SO THAT'S HOW IT IS!"
"Don't make me look at something disgusting like that!" Naruto snapped and conked Konohamaru on top of the head. Sakura tried to play it off by calmly saying not to do it again and focus on other justus but all of them just looked at her unamused while Konohamaru smirked.
"heh, you're just the same as us...you are..." before he could continue something hit him upside the head and when he turned he paled in horror as he saw Koyuki right behind him with a pissed off look on her face. "oh...hi...nee-chan."
"You ever try that justsu in front of me again and I'll murder you." she growled before turning to Naruto who quickly cowered behind Kakashi. "That goes for you two blondie."
"Okay..."he answered shakily before he noticed her wearing a travelling backpack along with her katana strapped to her hip and Atsuko with a backpack as well. "Where are you guys going?" That's when Koyuki's anger vanished instantly and a smile replaced it.
"I, am going on a mission to the land of waves. I'm dropping Atsuko off at the Inuzuka compound to stay with Kiba's niece they already said it was okay."
"Just out of nowhere? Aren't you going with a team?" Kakashi asked.
"No, I may be a chunnin again but this client asked specifically for me only and since I used to be anbu I'm more than capable on my own. Plus, it's a simple B rank mission."
"You do realize our missions never end up being simple right?" Sakura asked remembering how their first simple C-rank mission had turned into an A rank overnight and any other mission they had taken after that."
"I know but I'll be fine. Also...I'm glad to see you guys are alright after defeating the Akatsuki." she smiled at them until she noticed Naruto's arm. "And what happened to your arm Naruto?"
"Oh nothing." he smiled his goofy grin and tried to act cheerful but Koyuki saw right through it.
"You're such a liar. Always trying to downplay your injuries like they're nothing but a scratch." she shook her head. "But you're ok and that's what matters. Well I better go, c'mon Atsuko." She went to grab his hand but he moved away making everyone look at them curiously while Koyuki sighed.
"Koyuki, is everything alright?" Naruto asked. And Atsuko looked at them and took them aback when he glared, a glared that mimicked Sasuke's a little too much.
"He knows...about Sasuke..." was her reply and made Naruto look at Atsuko again, this time with a guilty look.
"You all lied." was his response before looking away.
"Actually your father-" Sai began before he was punched in the gut and getting the wind knocked out of him by Sakura.
"Sai I think it's best if you keep you mouth shut." Sakura hissed in warning.
Kakashi walked towards Atsuko and knelt at next to him and placed a hand on top of his head.
"Your mom has done the best she can for you Atsuko. She has done things she's not proud of and she has suffered too much in order to protect you and herself. Your dad made bad choices, those choices hurt your mom and it's because of you that she has been able to be strong. She lied to keep you safe, just remember that everything she's doing is to keep you safe; and sometimes lying is the only way to keep someone safe...even if that lie makes you hate the very person who is protecting you." Without waiting for his response he stood up gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze.
"I better go, oh and guys I visited my grandma today. She says to wear comfy warm cloaks in a few days, you might need them."
Without waiting to see their confused looks she walked forwards and Atsuko followed. When they arrived at the Inuzuka compound she was greeted by Maya and her mother who looked to be a bit in pain.
"Oh hello Koyuki," she smile while Koyuki gave her a worried look.
"Rika are you okay?" she asked and Rika wave her hand dismissively.
"I'm fine, tough mission is all. How long will you be gone?" Rika asked. Koyuki shook her head and looked to Maya.
"Hey Maya why don't you and Atsuko go play?"
"Okay! C'mon Atsu!" She cheered before taking his hand and pulling him inside. Once they disappeared around the corner Koyuki answered.
"I don't know. After I complete my mission there's something I need to do, and it might take me a while. If I'm gone longer than 3 weeks you can take him to the Nara compound, I dont' want to intrude-"
"Nonsense Koyuki he can stay here as long as it's needed. Besides, I'm glad Maya has someone to play with. What's wrong with him by the way he seems upset?"
"He...we...had a fight..." she mumbled, and Rika gave her a sympathetic smile.
"He doesn't want you to go on this mission?" she asked and Koyuki scoffed.
"Something like that, but I'm doing this for him. Hopefully one day he'll understand. And what about you? You look like your in pain what's wrong?" at the Rika sighed and placed and hand on her right arm.
"Last mission an enemy nin did a jutsu that tore my muscle on my arm; I have to visit the hospital a few times in the next few weeks to slowly repair them. They told me not to over exert it but...with Maya wanting to play and taking care of her...it have to endure it. I rarely see her because I'm on missions, I don't want to say no to the bit of time I have with her." Koyuki smiled gently at her and nodded.
"I know what you mean...sometimes we have to lie and hide the pain to protect them."
"Sometimes it's better then having them worry. They're too young for that still." Rika agreed. Koyuki looked up at the sun and noticed she had to leave if she wanted to get to the Land of Waves before midday.
"I need to head out now, thank you for taking care of Atsuko." She reached into her bag and took out his teddy bear and handed it to her. "He forgot it as we were leaving,"
"You're not going to say good-bye?" she asked and Koyuki nodded as Rika called for Atsuko and Maya who rounded the corner a few seconds later. There was still anger in her son's eyes which felt like a stab to the heart for her but all the same she put a smile on her face and waved.
"Well, I'm off. Maya take good care of Atsuko for me."
"I will, promise." Maya replied and took Atsuko's hand.
"Atsuko," she said softly as she kneeled in front of him but he still refused to look at her. "I'm sorry, but I did what I needed to do. Be good okay, I love you." she took his face in her hands and gave him a soft kiss on the temple before getting up and began to walk away. As she left she felt tears in her eyes and she quickly blinked them away before making quick hand signs and disappeared in a swirl of black rose petals. Rika turned to Atsuko and saw him stare at the spot Koyuki had disappeared in both anger and longing. She smiled sweetly before she extended the teddy bear to him. He looked at it in surprise before looking at her in confusion.
"You forgot it and your mom had it with her. Told me to give it to you." she smiled. " Don't stay outside for too long okay." with that she headed back inside and Atsuko gripped the teddy bear tightly as he heard the conversation Maya's mother had with Koyuki. Both children had overheard the conversation between the grownups and Maya decided from then on to help her mother while Atsuko felt conflicted. He wanted to be angry at his mom for lying to him but at the same time he felt guilty at his attitude towards her. As he watched her walk away and disappear he couldn't help the sense of fear and worry that suddenly clenched his chest. What if something happened to her and the last thing he had done is be mad at her and look at her with anger. It was at this moment that the young Atsuko experienced real regret and would always remember the terrible feeling that he was seeing his mother alive for the last time.
"Koyuki are you sure about this?" Dark asked her as she rode on his back. They were a few minutes away from getting a view of the bridge the would lead them into the Land of Waves and Koyuki had updated Dark on everything that had happened including her plan with Sasuke.
"Yes, being at Sasuke's side is the only way for me to get him back to Konoha after he fights with Itachi." she declared. "Besides I know you're more worried that I'll be labelled as a rogue for leaving Konoha but I already took care of that. When the death of Orochimaru finally reaches Konoha Tsunade will get a message from me. I got it covered." They remained in silence until they got to the main road again and the bridge was in their sights. Koyuki jumped off Dark's back and they walked towards the entrance and saw the big bold letters of the bridge, proudly displaying it's name.
The Great Naruto Bridge
"Well, I'll be damned...they really did name it after him." she mumbled with surprise.
"Imagine his reaction when he finds out." Dark retorted to which Koyuki couldn't help but laugh out loud. She imagined Naruto weeping in tears of joy and smiling that goofy smile of his. He had helped an entire village gain their freedom from a mobster and taught them to believe in heroes again.
"Lets go." she said and walked forward. Halfway through the bridge she stopped, looking around she realized this was the place they had fought Zabuza and Haku. This was the place both her and Sasuke had faced death a second time. She closed her eyes and she could hear the screams, feel the fear and the power of Naruto's fox chakra when it first leaked. The memories hit her like a slap to the face she had moved to the railing of the bridge, gasping for breath.
"Koyuki, you alright?!" Dark asked as he gently nudged her with his snout. She slowly opened her eyes and saw the bridge completed again; no bodies, no water, no corpses on the ground. She took a deep breath and managed to calm herself. She looked at the floor and she could barely just make out the blood stains where her, Sasuke, and Naruto had fought Haku as well as the chakra burns Naruto had made when his seal had cracked.
"This must bring back bad memories." he said but she shook her head.
"No, this mission taught us to make our own ninja way and refuse to be used as tools like Zabuza and Haku were. This mission reminded us our emotions are not a weakness...emotions is what makes a ninja strong. A ninja with emotions is the only thing people with power actually fear." With that she kept walking, passing the bridge and into town. She was greeted politely as she walked through the streets and some people actually offered her food which she was grateful for as she had gotten hungry. At first she had wondered why people were so generous until she remembered that not only was she wearing her ninja attire, she was wearing her Konoha standard uniform, similar to Kakashi but with a chunin vest. Ever since the bridge was completed a large percentage of the trading done in the Land of Waves was with Konoha, thanks to Naruto though unbeknownst to him. Since then ninja from Konoha were mostly welcomed and treated with respect. As Koyuki walked through the shops -Dark had decided to return to the summon world at this point- she saw a commotion outside a small restaurant. Curiosity taking the better of her, she headed towards it and when she was within hearing range she could make out snip bits of conversation.
"Who is he?"
"Oh he's so handsome~"
"Dreamy~"
"I heard he's looking for something called Zabuza's blade."
This caused Koyuki to stop in her tracks and realized they were all teenage girls, blushing and giggling like a pair of academy girls.
Ugh, fangirls. She groaned internally, why am I not surprised he gathers that much attention with just a brooding look. She walked towards the entrance and since she was slightly taller than the waitresses gawking by the entrance she was clearly able to see Sasuke's spiked up hair along with a guy with white hair in a purple shirt and brown pants and sandals.
"Hehehe, you are really popular with the girls, ne Sasuke?" the guys teased and waved a small yogurt spoon at Sasuke as a waitress went towards their table.
"I know where it is, Tazuna the bridge builder has it." they had all now crowded around Sasuke and Koyuki covered her mouth to stop her self from sniggering. Quickly masking her chakra she jumped onto the roof and after quickly asking where Tazuna worked she headed to his work place. She was slightly disappointed to hear that Tazuna had left to the Land of Lighting to build a bridge but was glad at the same time as seeing him would have left her in a position of answering awkward question of the team she was not ready to answer. As to the blade she got the location of a man named Tenzen Daikoku had taken it. Wanting to beat Sasuke to it she decided to investigate.
"Ok ok I'll tell you!" The guy Sasuke and Suigetsu had bumped into before was caught again by them as they interrogated him to the whereabouts of Tenzen.
"That was quick." Suigetsu smirked.
"Some ninja got to me before you." he spilled and Suigetsu and Sasuke shared a glance.
"What ninja?" Suigetsu asked.
"Some chick with black hair and grey eyes asked me...also told me to tell you guys if I didn't want my head cut off." he replied in a rush. After giving them the location both of them headed to the castle which was hidden in the middle of a forest. Sasuke snuck into Tenzen's room and warned him that his castle would be attacked before he disappeared. By early morning all of his men were called to the castle and Sasuke informed Suigetsu that there was a rumor a different clan would attack Tenzen because they also wanted the blade.
"Aw man, now I have to wait until they fight so I can take the blade during the commotion."
"How about a wager then." Sasuke proposed as he looked towards the castle.
"Oh, what kind of wager?!" Suigetsu replied with enthusiasm.
"Who ever gets the blade first, with one role. No killing." Suigetsu thought it over for a moment before nodding.
"Oooh this sounds fun! Sasuke, I didn't know you had a playful side!"
From the tree tops Koyuki watched as Sasuke rode standing up on the back of a horse and she couldn't help but scoff.
Never could resist showing off could you.
She also watched the guy she had heard him call Suigetsu battle and she was surprised when she saw the way he took down his opponents so easily. She followed them from the outside of the tower and watched as a guy was thrown from a hole a the top of the tower and when she climbed and peek through she saw Sasuke, Suigetsu and the coward Tenzen. She watched as Suigetsu cut through the main pillars and warned the guy to leave. She quickly left the tower and proceeded to follow them cautiously until they left the clearing of the trees into the rocky terrain that would lead to the coast. She overheard their conversation, or more like a one sided conversation as Suigetsu talked to Sasuke and answered his own questions as if Sasuke had answered them.
"So which way do we go?" Suigetsu asked. "Ah, wait...you would say the nearest route right? Heh, I'm finally starting to figure you out."
"Hn, that's right, the nearest route." Sasuke responded.
"Aaaw isn't that just adorable. I think Sasuke actually likes you Suigetsu."
Said ninjas turned around and saw Koyuki sitting on top of one of the rocks but to Suigetsu's horror she had Zabuza's sword stabbed on the rock and she was standing on it which Sasuke found extremely familiar.
"What the?!" He looked behind him and sure enough the sword was still in his possession. "That's not possible how do you have the same blade?!"
"I thought someone able to take down Tenzen's men would realize a transformation jutsu along with a well placed genjutsu on the sword." Koyuki replied with a smirk. Suigetsu quickly took out the sword and dispelled the jutsu to see a wide katana in it's place.
"WHAT THE HELL!" he screamed and looked to Sasuke who was looking at Koyuki with dare he almost say it...a scowl. The most emotion he had seen from Sasuke. "Hey, is this part of your test still?!"
"So you're the one who got to the thug first."
"Of course I did love." she winked. "I also took the sword the same night you went to Tenzen. I'm disappointed to say you didn't catch me. Though it was more part of the fun."
"Why didn't you say anything before?" Sasuke asked slightly irritated he hadn't sensed her sooner.
"I wanted to see what Suigetsu was made of. You made a good choice." she shrugged as she tossed Suigetsu the sword with ease that surprised even Sasuke.
"Sasuke who is this?!" Suigetsu asked curiously as he eyed her up and down. Taking in her chunnin attire and long silver hair that reached her knees.
"I'm his girlfriend." she replied with a raised eyebrow making Suigetsu's jaw hit the floor and stare at Sasuke incredulously.
"Wha...and here thought you were asexual Sasuke." Suigetsu muttered making Koyuki snort.
"Now, we're in a hurry yes we should get going." she smiled to Sasuke before walking in the direction they had been going. Sasuke followed her a second later until they were walking extremely close, their hands brushing against each other.
"Hey hey wait for me!" Suigetsu exclaimed as he ran after them.
"So where are we going?" Koyuki asked as they walked on water.
"To gather a full platoon, I picked them out long time ago when I joined Orochimaru."
"But why Karin? She's a subordinate of Orochimaru not to mention she's in charge of the hideout we're heading to. Not only was she experimented on just like me, she has one despicable personality."
"While it's true I could have easily recruited anyone else, they don't have the abilities she possesses."
"She's unique I'll give her that." Suigetsu retorted.
Koyuki watched as they got closer to the hideout and only then did Sasuke turn to her and reached over to stop her.
"What is it?" she asked and her breath slightly hitched as he unzipped her vest and took it off her followed by reaching for her head band which she stopped by taking his wrist.
"They can't know you're from Konoha, you have to pretend to be a rogue." he explained, she sighed and allowed him to take her headband off her arm and proceeded to place everything in her backpack when something caught his eyes. He took the blue headband out and held it in his hand as Koyuki turned to him and gave him a rueful smile.
"Naruto gave it to me before I left to Suna...I always kept it with me. And since I have to pretend to be a rogue..." she took it from his hand and tied it around her neck similar to how Hinata wore hers. She gave him a small smile before turning and began to walk again. Soon they arrived at the hideout and as they walked inside. As they passed the cells Koyuki watched many of the prisoners look at them curiously and then start to whisper once they caught sight of Sasuke's clan symbol on his back. The rounded the corner of a hallway and saw a woman with red hair, with one half of her hair short to her shoulders, kind of spiked and the other half long to the middle of her back. She wore black short shorts and long sleeve white shirt with a zipper that showed her belly button and black sandal boots up to mid thigh.
"So it's you guys after all." she said as she looked at them. "You're alone Sasuke, I guess it's true you killed Orochimaru."
"Hey that's mean what about us?"
"So why are you here?"
"Sasuke has a proposition for you so why don't we head inside, I'm not used to walking so I need to rest."
Karin led them to an office where they all took a seat, and Sasuke making Koyuki sit next to him and placed an arm behind her on the couch.
"Come with me Karin, I need you." he said making Koyuki snort and cover her mouth with her hand.
"Wow, next time say that to me why don't you." Koyuki replied with a wink which made Karin glare at her before turning Sasuke.
"Are you crazy?! I'm in charge of this place why should I go anywhere?!
"Orochimaru's dead."
"What am I gonna do with all the captives then?"
"Suigetsu..go free them."
"Heh, bossy as usual." Suigetsu smirked.
"No!"
"There's no reason to keep them around anymore." With that Suigetsu left and then Koyuki stood up.
"Where are you going?" Sasuke asked her.
"I'm gonna help him. Plus, there's a few ninjas that are from Konoha who went missing when Orochimaru left. No doubt he kidnapped them."
Understanding her meaning he nodded and she left. It didn't take her long to find Suigetsu who was about to open the door.
"Wait Suigetsu." Suigetsu stopped and the prisoners looked at her. "How many of you were taken from Konoha." There was a slight hesitance before four of them raised their hand and she gave them a sweet smile, making them blush.
"Will you guys be heading back? I'm sure many of your families will be happy to see you. And I also have a scroll I need you to deliver to the Hokage."
"Of course, of course." one of them replied. "Anything for those that gave us our freedom. What should we tell the Hokage?"
"That Koyuki Hatake keeps her promises." she replied just as Suigetsu opened the door. They responded by bowing and running past them. After freeing them they headed back to the office and Suigetsu tried to open the door only to realize it was locked.
"Tch, this bitch locked the door." He said as he took out his sword and so did Koyuki and they traded a smirk. "Shall we?"
Her smirk was the only response as they slashed the door and watched it crumble.
"Let's go Sasuke, she obviously has no desire to join us." Suigetsu drawled as he leaned on the sword while Koyuki slid her back in its sheath.
"Actually, she just changed her mind." Sasuke replied
"I did not!" Karin snapped as her cheeks flushed and she fixed her glasses. "I'm just going in the same direction as you guys, it's just pure coincidence!"
"Uhu, sure." Koyuki replied with a glare as she walked over to Sasuke and she gave him an unamused look. "You are so oblivious sometimes."
"I'm not, I just tend to ignore what they do." he replied to which she scoffed as he stood up.
"Well, up next is Juugo."
"What?! Juugo?! Are crazy?!"
"What do you care? You're only gonna follow us for a little while."
"That's right so what?! Bring it on!"
"These two are like Naruto and Sakura." Koyuki mumbled with a sweatdrop. "Albeit I'll admit they're crazier...I don't know whether to feel amused or think you actually miss them."
She looked at him and smirked when he glared at her.
"C'mon Uchiha you know those don't work on me." she smiled before the both headed out.
As they travelled to the Northern Hideout Suigetsu and Karin began talking about Juugo when they took a break. Koyuki and Sasuke listened as Karin explained how Juugo had joined Orochimaru on his own because he needed to be rehabilitated.
"What did he need rehab for?" Asked Suigetsu.
"For something he couldn't control himself. He wanted to stop his urges to kill."
"So he was a crazy nut job."
"It's not just that...Juugo had that killing intent completely bottled up inside and when he'd snap he would become a murderous demon."
"He wasn't like that when we fought though."
"Juugo's abilities caught Orochimaru's eye and used his bloodline to create an enzyme that could induce normal shinobi into a similar state."
At the Koyuki tensed and glanced over at Sasuke who had glanced over at her curse mark which was as usual covered by bandages.
"That state, the cursed seal. Juugo is its source...it's origin."
I wouldn't say he's the exact origin. Amida's voice filled her mind making Koyuki flinched which Sasuke noticed. He gave her a questioning look and she merely mouthed Amida's name for him to understand. They began walking again and it wasn't even half an hour later that Suigetsu asked for a break again which caused Karin to complain. Just as they were about to argue Sasuke interrupted them as he saw a person passed out. Koyuki quickly went to the person's side and flipped them over to see a young man barely older than them wounded.
"He's from the northern hideout." Karin said as Koyuki placed his head on her lap. "He's still alive."
"Sasuke U..Uchiha...please save us."
"What happened?"
"It started when they heard Orochimaru-sama...died. Our captives started a riot...at this rate...ngh.."
The man flinched before he slowly closed his eyes and Koyuki heard his heart stop thanks to Amida's power.
"Oops, he's dead."
Karin looked up at the same time as Koyuki to watch one of the captive in a second stage lounge towards them. He landed a few feet way and glared at them.
"What the hell is that?!"
"Level 2 curse mark!" Karin replied. Sasuke didn't waste anytime in taking out his kusanagi and attacking the guy in the blink of an eye.
"That's the north hideout over there. Hurry up and help me find Juugo."
They got to the entrance and saw a mob of level two curse seal prisoners all glaring at them.
"Karin, are any of them Juugo?"
"Wait, give me a minute!"
No, Koyuki heard Amida's voice and Karins a few seconds later.
"Heh, no."
"So we can go crazy right?"
"Just don't hit the vital points." Ordered Sasuke to which Juugo scoffed.
"Feh, you really are from Konoha. You should have killed that guy back there, you've gone soft."
"Lets go." Sasuke ordered. "Karin find the key. Koyuki-"
"I'm fighting." she interrupted as she took out her katana which he noticed was the one he gave her.
"I was just gonna say to be careful." he replied and she rolled her eyes.
"Don't say even that she replied before launching herself at them and one attacked her only to be punched in the face and to her surprise the marks receded instantly and the guy passed out. She looked at her fist for a moment before gathering her chakra to her katana and began to shallowly attack them. Just like the other one, they all instantly feel with one swipe or punch. In no time at all a pile of unconscious bodies littered the floor and all three ninja put their swords away just as Karin came out with the keys. Unfortunately at that moment Koyuki felt a painful throb in her arm and she grunted in pain. Sasuke was instantly at her side took hold of her left arm which was the one throbbing.
"What's wrong."
"This place...it's making my mark feel all weird...Amida knows where Juugo's at-ngh!" she flinched as the pain rang through her again making her fall to her knees and clutched to Sasuke's shirt as he knelt next to her.
"Hey, hey, look at me." he told her and she listened, watching his eyes change to the sharingan. "You'll be fine, don't let her take control."
"She's not that's the problem..." she hissed in pain.
"Hey Sasuke what's wrong with her?" Suigetsu asked.
"I'm fine," she said through gritted teeth.
"If she's not going to be useful lets leave her here." Karin scoffed. "If we get to Juugo and he snaps she won't stand a chance."
"She's coming, she knows where he is." Sasuke replied as he didn't break eye with Koyuki and she could feel the pain ebbing away. When he saw her face wasn't contorting in pain anymore he deactivated his sharingan and she sighed. "You alright?"
"Yeah," she replied a bit breathless and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. "Thanks."
Suigetsu couldn't help but glance at Karin after that kiss and sure enough he saw her cheeks flush in fury. To add insult to injury he leaned towards her and whispered in her ear making her eyes widened and shriek in disbelief.
"YOU LIAR!" she screamed and he shrugged.
"She told me herself when we met, and he didn't deny it." he explained.
"We should hurry." Sasuke said as he helped Koyuki get up and they both walked into the corridor, followed by Karin and Suigetsu. They arrived at a fork and before Sasuke could ask Koyuki turned left and he followed.
"Hey! You don't even know if she's going in the right direction!" Karin snapped and Sasuke looked back at her.
"Is she?" he asked and Karin blushed.
"Well, yeah...but you should still ask me to be sure."
"There's no need for that." Koyuki responded. "I know exactly where I'm going."
"How could you possibly know that!" Karin growled and Koyuki smirked back at her.
"Because the curse mark is calling to it's master." and Karin could have sworn her eyes flashed blue.