Long Author's Note ahead, but I kinda feel like there's a few things I need to argue and justify. Plus, this should be good practice for my upcoming semester of writing essays to argue a point. Lots of homework ahead.
So, I just got back to campus, and I'm settling in pretty well. My roommate is nice, and my dorm building has a lot of...interesting characters in it. Unfortunately, my laptop decided to die about two or three weeks ago, and it needs to go in for repairs. That's slowed my updating down considerably. But, thanks to the abundance of computers here at school, I should be able to get right back on track. (It also helps that my Scrivener program also saves most of the documents in word files that I can access on these computers, I just got desperate enough to click around in the hopes that I could get something to work, and I found most of what I need to start updating again).
Now, I have to admit that I wasn't expecting such nice reviews for that last chapter. I also didn't think that the fighting was all that well described. But…then again, I'm not a great judge of how my own scenes come off since it's all a lot more fluid and detailed in my head. But it's a good start, and I'll try to make the coming fight scenes as good as I can.
Also, I'm going to be going through each of the fights, and there's a reason for it. First of all, there's going to be a lot of stuff going on in between the fights (such as with Hinata vs. Neji, and Gaara vs. Lee) as well as during the fights (such as Naruto vs. Kiba). Though, minor battles that don't last for very long (like Shino vs. Zaku, Kankuro vs. Misumi, Temari vs. Tenten, and Shikamaru vs. Kin) will probably be smushed together, two to a chapter. It all depends on how much there is for Ciara to learn, analyze, or interfere with during each match.
There are also going to be instances where, while watching the fights, Ciara is going to come up with interesting ideas and observations. Now, some of it might not seem to make sense, or certain things might not seem to matter right now. But keep in mind that these are the early chapters, which means that I've still got a lot of groundwork to lay, and these fights are going to be a huge part of that. Consider this to be the warning about the foreshadowing that will be showing up in the next half dozen or so chapters. So don't complain about this being pointless, because it's not, even if it might seem like it.
Last up, remember to keep in mind that this all happens before Sasuke gets super angry and bitter. He's still "kinda nice" at this point. You know, protective and all that. So he's not going to be acting or thinking like the angry, bitter, vengeful Sasuke we know later. He's a little curious, and hates it when there's something he doesn't know. So, if he wants to know something, then he'll go and brood about it. Just reminding you of that. This is before the drastic personality change. He hasn't gone full-blown asshole yet.
Now, as a treat for making it through the author's note. Please, go ahead and take a very long chapter.
Ciara's P.O.V.
Stunned by the downright hostile reaction that I've gotten from Takamura, I get to my feet and back away. I turn my eyes away, not deigning to spare the idiot another glance. And it's all I can do to hope that his words were too quiet for everyone else to hear. There is no longer a heat in my eyes. No comforting warmth. In fact, most of my body feels rather cold right now. I hate it, but there's nothing to be done about it as Takamura's words ring in my head.
Monster. Demon.
They're words that ring in my head, bringing forth all of the memories that I try to keep buried deep inside my heart. Until now, I've done my best to play the part of a protector, standing up for Naruto whenever someone says something they shouldn't. Whenever nasty glares and hateful looks turn his way, I shoot glares right back. But this time, it's not Naruto that the evil slur is directed at. It's very different when you go from being the protector, to being the one now hunted. And it's not a pleasant feeling.
Chick…do not dwell on his words. You are no more a monster than I am. And humans simply label me as such, for they do not understand me, a being with more power than they can comprehend, but more compassion than they realize. I will never hurt you. Unlike the one who dwells inside of your friend, I am above causing pain to humans for the enjoyment of it. And in a select few, I find them to be good company. Suzaku's words echo through me, filling me with an almost physical expression of his presence. And thanks to his words, a little of the cold is driven away.
I turn my back to the boy who was once my opponent, letting the medical team race past me as I head for the stairs. I don't feel like being down here any longer. And right now, I'd really rather be next to my best friend. Because some days, it feels like he's the only one I can really trust.
Sasuke's P.O.V.
That was definitely not how I expected that match to go. I mean, I've seen some surprisingly impressive moves coming from Ciara since we graduated from the academy, but this match is definitely a step above anything I've seen so far. Though the instance of going head to head with Zabuza and aiming wind blades at his face while bouncing off his sword might be a close second. The jury's still out on that one. Even I'm not sure where I would cast my vote.
Before the start of the first exam, I'd wondered if she was related to the Uchiha. The only place I've seen a fire jutsu that powerful was from members of my clan. But it's all impossible, and for several reasons. The first being that if she was, she would be dead, just like all the others. And the second, because she clearly doesn't look like one. Where her hair and eyes are much lighter and more colorful than mine, her skin is darker. It's about as far from a typical Uchiha as you can get without being blond and blue-eyed, like a certain idiot I hope to fight later.
But that power of hers, on the other hand, is definitely dangerous. After all, if she had added much more chakra, she might have fried us all to a crisp. But if Kabuto's information and my math are right, then she wouldn't have had anyone from her own family to teach it to her. So that makes me wonder exactly how she's managed to get to this kind of skill level so quickly. I wonder if this is what Kabuto was talking about when he said that it was impossible to estimate her potential…
Meanwhile, the electronic board starts shuffling through names again as the medics take that Takamura guy from the room. But rather than the board, it's the combatant still standing that draws my thoughts. After all, she put him down with a surprising ease. But she's hardly celebrating her win like she should be. There's no wild happiness about her win, not even a little bright enthusiasm. She isn't even smiling.
Instead, there's a look of utter devastation on her face, hidden behind a fragile mask of boredom. I've seen that bored expression on her before, though it never seemed so forced. I can definitely understand her having been bored at the academy, even though I used to assume that she was just slacking like Naruto and Shikamaru. Her skills would indicate that she wasn't slacking, but that she was just literally bored out of her mind because she was secretly way ahead of the class. Which is precisely my reason for wanting a chance to go up against her before this is all over.
But behind the boredom is a look that I used to see in the mirror, back even before she joined our class. My fists clench uncomfortably as a few stray memories race through me. Because I heard what that guy called her. Why did Takamura call her a demon? She may be strong, but that's no reason to call her a monster. Right?
The curse mark on my shoulder throbs slightly, but I grit my teeth and bear the pain. The less people know about it, the better. I don't want anyone trying to stop me from fighting in my match. The board flashes, and a smirk curls my lips. Well, seems like I'll be getting my match soon, after all.
I turn towards the stairs, ready to get on with this match. I've been standing around for so long that I've started to feel really restless. If I had to wait around much longer, I would probably go insane. I glance over at the other Leaf ninja moving from the upper floor. That must be my opponent.
But, just as I get to the top of the staircase, Kakashi puts a hand on my shoulder and bends down, close to my ear. "Don't use your Sharingan."
I stop a sudden jolt of surprise, before a wry smile makes itself known. "So, you know about it." I suppose that he wouldn't have become a jounin if he didn't know how to observe people.
He sighs slightly. "If that mark gets out of control, your life could be in danger."
I grit my teeth irritably. "I'm aware of that." Like he needs to tell me what this damn mark is doing to me… It's done nothing but cause me pain so far.
"Just so you know, if it gets to that point, I'll have to step in and stop the fight." He finishes his speech and just backs away to rejoin Sakura. "Good Luck."
But, it's hardly the news I was expecting to hear. Stop the fight!? The mark starts to itch again, so I raise a hand to it and cover it, remembering as much as I can from the past few days. This thing…it seems to be responding to my chakra. If I use my chakra, this thing gets a little stronger…it gains a little more control over me. This is one of those instances where I hate not being in total control. I have to fight him without using my Sharingan. Even my own jutsu is off limits. It takes all my self control not to groan. Maybe I can make him laugh himself to death. That would certainly be one way to conceal my abilities from the other ninja here. And it's not a match that people would forget in a hurry.
As I walk down the stairs, I nearly run straight into Ciara. She looks rather dazed right now, and I guess it doesn't help that I've had my eye on my opponent this whole time. Luckily, I manage to avoid knocking her right back down the stairs.
She glances up at me, the dazed expression softening a little. "Hey, Sasuke." Her voice is quiet, a lot quieter than most times I've heard her speak.
"Hey." I feel like I should say something. Any expression is better than the one on her face right now. "Good match."
She blinks, and a little more light returns to her eyes. "Thanks." Then, she frowns. "You've used your Sharingan lately, haven't you?"
She knows? We only met up once in the forest, and that was before any of the fighting started, so there's no way that she should know that I used my Sharingan. "Yeah. How'd you know?" She must have seen my Sharingan when we were in the Land of Waves, that's the only way she would know about it.
She climbs up three more steps so that her eyes are just above mine. "Your eyes are a bit swollen. Just like the last time."
My eyes are swollen? I reach up to my eyes and run my fingers around them. She's right…the muscles around my eyes are swelling up. Or maybe the swelling is going down, since it's been a while since I used them. So that's how she knew…they must have swollen up after the fight with the ice ninja.
"Here, let me help." Her voice calls for my attention again, but in the moment that I spaced out, she's placed her hand on top of my head, pulling my head forwards and pressing her lips right between my eyes.
What the hell!? I barely have enough time to process that she actually just did that, before she pulls away and smiles faintly. "Now, go out there and kick his ass."
"Right…" My eyes narrow at her slightly, and my brain is running a mile a minute, trying to come up with some kind of explanation for that. I'd be lying if I said that it was the first time a girl tried to kiss me, but if I had to guess, I'd assume that theirs wouldn't burn like that one did. The skin of my forehead feels like it's on fire, and my eyes feel a bit like they're burning as well.
Luckily, no on seems to have seen that, so I won't have anyone screaming in my ear, demanding to know what just happened. But I rub my forehead slightly, and the burning in my eyes dims to a soothing warmth. And then, I feel the chakra. Is she…healing me? I rub my forehead a little more, before pressing my fingers around my eyes. The swelling is gone…
I glance back at her as she disappears over the top of the stairs. So…that's what that was… She wasn't trying to kiss me like all of those annoying girls from the academy, she injected chakra into my forehead to settle the swelling around my eyes. She could have just said so…
Ciara's P.O.V.
I climb up the few remaining stairs and walk along the upper floor. Luckily, Naruto's team stakes out the place closest to the stairs, so I don't have far to walk to get to my best friend. I don't have the energy right now to navigate through a whole mess of other teams. Because it's taking everything I have just to keep myself from shaking.
I may have won, but this doesn't feel like a victory.
It takes me only a couple of seconds to weave around Kakashi and Sakura, to find myself at Naruto's side. And though I never expected him to be a calm pillar of support, I can feel him shaking. And his anger is so thick that it's almost tangible.
"Why the hell did you let that jerk talk to you like that!?" There's a hiss to his voice that almost sounds like a snake. But I suppose that I should have expected this, after all, the best friend deal goes both ways. I want to attack the people who hurt him, and I suppose that it's only natural for him to get this angry over people hurting me.
Nevertheless, I refuse to let it show. "Because it wasn't worth fighting him over." And because I would rather avoid drawing the attention of everyone else in the room…
Naruto's anger quickly bubbles to the surface, and a scowl forms on his face. "Are you kidding me!? That guy had no right to say that! He has no idea what he's talking about!"
You have no idea how wrong you are, Naruto… I still haven't told him that one last secret that I've been trying to keep buried since I was little. Though the way things are going, it looks like he's bound to find out any day now, so I'll just have to hope that I'm ready to explain everything to him when it gets out. "Naruto, shouldn't you be focusing on the next match? Sasuke is about to fight." I direct my eyes down to the floor, where Sasuke and his opponent are facing each other. And according to the electronic board, his opponent's name is Yoroi Akado. He's a Leaf ninja, like us.
"Fine…" Naruto grumbles a little, but his right hand crawls towards my left hand anyway, tangling a few of our fingers together as he squeezes gently. It's a small gesture that means the world to me. It means that no matter what, we'll never abandon each other. We're in this together, and we both know it.
Down on the floor, the proctor looks to each of them, his ashen skin pulling tight over his gaunt face. "If you're ready, let the match begin." He steps back, giving the two plenty of room to have at each other.
"Oh, I'm ready." Yoroi crouches down, his hands pressed together, ready to attack.
Sasuke reaches back towards his weapons pouch, determination plain on his face. "So am I."
Yoroi reaches back, making his first offensive move an assault of shuriken that go flying through the air. Sasuke, of course, already has a kunai ready and waiting for them when they get close. I, however, am more concerned with the fact that Yoroi has concentrated chakra into his right hand. From the looks of it, if I didn't know any better, I would assume that he was looking to use some kind of medical ninjutsu. But this is a battle, and I doubt that he's looking to heal Sasuke in the middle of a fight.
As the shuriken go flying back at Yoroi, Sasuke loses his balance, and goes tumbling right down to the floor. And even after five days out in the Forest of Death, that strikes me as very odd. Hey…Suzaku?
Yes, chick? His response is fast and warm, which is quite comforting, in a way. Is there something troubling you?
Yeah…something is wrong with Sasuke, even after I did what I could for his eyes. Do you have any idea what's going on down there?
Hm…allow me to help you find out. But keep your eyes hooded. I doubt that you want any more attention today.
Right… I sweep my bangs over my forehead, obscuring my eyes from the rest of the competitors in the room. And my gaze focuses down on Sasuke as my eyes start to burn slightly. My eyes find the place where Sasuke is holding a hand over his skin, where his neck meets his shoulder, but angled more towards his back. It's a strange place to be holding, considering that he definitely didn't fall on it, and he didn't get hit by any of the shuriken either. So what exactly is he hiding there…?
Yoroi springs at Sasuke, a kunai in his hand. Reacting quickly, Sasuke rolls over, his hand detaching from his neck as he rolls over, exposing the skin there long enough for me to catch a glimpse of something dark imprinted there. A bruise? But I injected him with enough healing chakra that even if it wasn't the main target, no bruise that close to his face should be that dark.
Then perhaps it is not an injury… Suzaku's voice echoes in my head as he muses over what I've seen. It may be nothing, but I can sense a malevolent power inside of that boy. And it must be new, because I had not sensed it during the first trial a week ago. Whatever it is, we should keep an eye on him…
I'm not a big fan of spying on people just for kicks. But if keeping an eye on Sasuke could help protect him, then I'll definitely do it. Okay, but if you figure anything out, tell me. If there's something putting his life in danger, I would rather know sooner than later.
Indeed… The heat in my eyes recedes, along with Suzaku's presence. But it's also been a comfort. After what happened at the end of my battle, it feels good to hear his voice. Because every time I hear him speak, it just reminds me that no matter what anyone else might think, the friend I have inside of me is good, not evil.
I turn my full attention back to the battle as Sasuke digs his kunai into the ground and sweeps his legs around, trying to upend Yoroi. And it works, he gets Yoroi on the ground with almost no problems, trapping him in a hold that threatens to break his neck. It's even more impressive, considering the significant size difference between the two of them.
Naruto's earlier frown disappears, replaced by a bright and eager smile. "Hey! He got him!"
If only that were the only thing going on…
Yoroi, taking the opportunity presented to him, fills his hand with chakra, and grabs the front of Sasuke's shirt. And even without enhanced vision, I can easily see the way that Sasuke's muscles are going slack. That allows Yoroi to extricate his arm and slam it down onto Sasuke's chest. The force didn't look like it was enough to break ribs, but depending on Sasuke's condition, it might have been enough to crack them.
Yoroi slips away, leaving Sasuke convulsing on the ground. Yeah…he's definitely winded, at least. There might be a few cracked ribs, and maybe a slightly cracked sternum. But nothing is broken, because he's breathing well enough to sound like he's in pain, but he's not wheezing or choking enough to indicate a punctured lung. It's a morbid way of looking at it, but in most cases, injuries are less severe if you're capable of expressing that you're in pain. It's when you can't express it that there's the most damage.
As Yoroi springs forward for another attack, Sakura grips the railing tightly. "Sasuke, no!"
At the sound of Sakura's voice, Sasuke sits up in a panic, only to be attacked by Yoroi, who grabs onto Sasuke's hair and pushes his head back down to the ground. Sasuke struggles fiercely, though only for a moment. Because barely two seconds later, his limbs go limp and fall to the ground.
But that can only happen if… I grit my teeth and my fingers tighten around the metal railing. Yoroi is sucking up Sasuke's chakra. He has to be. There's no other explanation for what's going on. It's like reversing the principles of medical ninjutsu, which would explain the familiarity of his earlier technique.
It's hard to watch Sasuke being overpowered this way. But what really ticks me off is the way Yoroi is laughing about it. What he's doing down there is akin to torture. On the other hand, it's a very effective way to use the principles of medical ninjutsu in a battle. Normally, I would commend him for his skill. But seeing as he's got Sasuke pinned to the ground, I'll settle for glaring instead.
Sasuke groans rather pitifully. "My chakra, you're stealing it from me." And if the rest of the room hadn't realized it yet, they know now.
Yoroi continues to laugh. "You finally caught on, huh?" His smug attitude demonstrates that he doesn't care about everyone here finding out how his abilities work. That might very well lead to his downfall, if he manages to beat Sasuke and make it to the next round.
Not that I'd want him to. After all, I'm in Sasuke's corner.
I stare at Sasuke, silently willing him to get back up. Even if his chakra is being drained, I don't expect him to just lie down and die. Though that's what Yoroi looks like he's planning on making happen. I'd put my faith in Sasuke's stubbornness and determination any day. But there's only so long that I can listen to him groaning in pain.
When Sasuke draws up his knee, it would seem that my faith is being rewarded. His voice rings out, much stronger than before. "Get off of me!" He drives a kick into Yoroi's stomach, forcing the older ninja off of him violently enough to send him rolling across the floor.
The separation gives both of them a chance to pull themselves together, though Yoroi is the first back on his feet. "So, you've still got some strength left, huh? Impressive, for a guinea pig." His hand starts to glow with chakra once more. "Don't worry, little man. I'll make it short and sweet."
Yoroi runs towards Sasuke as our cheering corner's little Uchiha gets to his feet. And he aims a chakra powered jab straight at Sasuke's face. Sasuke is quick enough to dodge the first few, though one eventually fluffs up his hair, giving Yoroi just enough contact to swipe a little more of Sasuke's chakra. Sasuke, though, has enough presence of mind to duck under Yoroi's arm, nearly tripping as he stumbles past his dangerous opponent.
Nevertheless, Yoroi isn't impressed. "What's the matter? Is that really the best you can do?" He laughs loud enough for the whole room to hear.
I clench my fists on the railing. And next to me, Naruto looks like he's about to have an aneurysm. So I slide my hand over his and squeeze his fingers tightly. "He can do this. He'll win, no matter what."
Naruto grits his teeth, squeezing his eyes shut. Then, those bright blue eyes flash open, along with his very loud mouth. "Hey, Sasuke! Come on, man, what was that!? You call yourself an Uchiha!?" I wince at the barb, but say nothing. "You're gonna let this goon walk all over you! Come on! Stop messing around and get it in gear!"
Well, my idiot best friend has certainly gotten Sasuke's attention. And for some reason, Sasuke's eyes widen, like he's suddenly come up with a plan. I have no idea what he could possibly come up with by staring in our direction, but whatever it is, I just hope it works.
Yoroi takes Sasuke's moment of distraction to ready a strike. "I'll teach you to turn your back on me!" He charges forward. "Big mistake! And your last!" He jabs at Sasuke again, striking nothing but air with each blow. While he's definitely got some power and speed, it seems like Yoroi is a one trick pony. That chakra draining ability of his seems to be the only thing that he can actually do. And any decent ninja knows that only having one trick is the fastest way to get yourself into an undesirable situation.
Then, Sasuke disappears. Well, to be fair, it only looks like he does. Anyone with fast enough eyes can track his movements, but it would seem that the ability to do that is beyond most of the spectators, because the surprise at Sasuke's sudden attack is evident. But as for me, I'm just impressed that he can move like that.
Has he always been that flexible? His flexibility is almost in the same league as mine.
Sasuke, crouching to the ground, kicks straight up, smashing his foot into Yoroi's jaw. In fact, the impact is so strong, that it sends Yoroi flying into the air. Huh...that's a pretty good kick. But I didn't think that Sasuke knew any taijutsu that looked like that...
Following Yoroi, Sasuke flips over and pushes himself off the ground, shadowing Yoroi as the larger man sails through the air. I glance around, and it seems that I'm not the only one surprised at this sudden display. And the one who seems most surprised is a boy who looks a little older than us, with a black bowl cut, and the bushiest eyebrows I've ever seen. His face is the picture of incredulity. Well...if the Sharingan can copy moves, which is what makes Kakashi so famous, then did Sasuke copy that from this guy?
When a sudden scream of pain echoes through the room, I turn my eyes back to the sky just in time to see something start spreading across Sasuke's neck. It almost looks like tattooed fire is writhing under his skin and burning its way out from the inside.
Sazaku! What's going on!? Do you have any idea what's wrong with Sasuke!? My mind is in a panic, because typically, a scream of pain of that volume is not a good thing.
However, Suzaku remains silent. From the interactions we've had, I assume that if he knew the answer to my question, he would have told me by now. His silence likely means that he has no idea what's going on, and doesn't want to panic me further by speculating.
But it seems to be a battle of wills up there, because as quickly as the marks spread over his skin, they start to recede as well. And with that small battle won, Sasuke brings his left leg around to kick Yoroi. But when blocked, he changes his center of gravity and swings a strike around to Yoroi's other side, smashing his left fist down onto Yoroi's chest.
As Yoroi sinks towards the ground, Sasuke streamlines himself somewhat. "Come back here, I'm not done yet!" Using gravity and a full spin, he swings his left leg around, driving his heel straight into his opponent's torso. I cover my ears, because I could swear that I could hear the sounds of his ribs breaking. And judging by the sight of blood spurting from Yoroi's mouth, I'm probably not too far off in that assessment.
As Yoroi is smashed against the ground, Sasuke slides across it on his back, turning right over, nearly snapping his neck in the process, and lands on his stomach. Neither of them are moving much, but at least with Sasuke, I can see him twitching a bit. Good, at least he's conscious...I think.
The proctor glances at each of them, then approaches Yoroi. "Well, this one's had it." And no sooner do the words come out of his mouth, do the rest of us see Sasuke struggling to his feet. He looks a bit worse for wear, but nothing seems to be permanently damaged.
Though I definitely don't like the way that the Sound team's teacher is looking at him. Ugh...aren't there laws against letting pedophiles near young people? That guy is seriously creepy. I could swear that he's undressing Sasuke with his eyes, the way that he's looking down at him.
The proctor doesn't notice, focusing only on Sasuke and the results of the fight. "I'm declaring this match over. As the winner of this preliminary round, Sasuke Uchiha advances to the finals."
That announcement is definitely what we were waiting to hear. And Naruto decides to voice our approval the only way he knows how. "Way to go!" I'm too late to slap my hands back over my ears, so I just wince slightly at the sheer volume of his enthusiasm.
Sasuke falls onto his butt, glancing up at us with a small smirk on his face. Seeing that expression is something of a relief. It means that he's going to be just fine. That said, when it looks like he's about to face plant, Kakashi flickers onto the floor, pressing his knee to Sasuke's back and keeps him upright.
Kakashi's voice drops low, making it impossible to hear whatever he's saying to Sasuke. Naruto, on the other hand, has no problem with letting the entire room hear him. "You okay!? Hey, Sasuke! You won, but in such an uncool way, you came out looking like you're the one that got beat up!"
"Idiot! Give me a break you little..." Sasuke sighs and shake his head. "Oh well..." He does look like he's going to need to sit down after this. The match was hardly fair, since it looks like he didn't even use his Sharingan, let alone any of those fire jutsu he's got stored away for special occasions.
Although, now that I look around the room, it seems to me that over in the Sand area, Gaara is looking a little twitchy. Panic? No...he seems too self-assured for that. Anxiety? Maybe... Or, it could be a medical condition. But I wouldn't know that for sure unless I got a close look at him. And I get the feeling that he might object to that.
A medical team comes in to take Yoroi away, and one of them approaches Sasuke. "Sasuke Uchiha, maybe you should come along to the infirmary too and let us treat your injuries."
Kakashi looks up from his book. "I think you're out of your league with this one. I'll look after him." I frown. What does he mean by that? What exactly is wrong with Sasuke that a medic can't fix? Then he crouches down behind Sasuke. "Alright, up you go, you're coming with me." Then he whispers something else in Sasuke's ear that I don't manage to catch.
There's something going on here, and I don't like it.
Thankfully, Sasuke's voice get just loud enough for me to make out. "Before the preliminaries are over!?" Whatever it is, Sasuke doesn't like it. "I want to see who gets to go on to the finals!"
"Forget it."
"But-"
"And don't even think of arguing." Kakashi stands up. "If we leave it any longer, who knows...it may be too late. I've already cut you enough slack as it is. Come on, let's go."
I grit my teeth and my fingers clench uncomfortably. What the hell is going on here!? What does Kakashi know, and what is it doing to Sasuke? Then, I remember those flame-like markings on his skin. Is that it? Is whatever he's talking about what caused those marks earlier? All I can do is guess, because even though Suzaku said that it holds a malevolent power, he didn't tell me anything else. What I do know, is that whatever it is...it's causing him pain. But that tells me nothing about what Kakashi plans to do with it.
Just...please don't let it hurt him anymore...
