Magnetism
Chapter Twenty-Nine
-Hunt-
One Month Later…
Minako sighed as she stoked the small fire she had made in order to stay warm. She was currently holed out in a small cave in order to get away from the rain that was falling. It was only going to get worse, she could tell. Ever since she was little she had always hated thunderstorms. Plain old rain she could deal with just fine. But the loud crashing of thunder and bright flashes of lighting had always frightened her.
Upon returning to Konoha with the army two months ago, Minako had been thoroughly questioned by Ibiki and Tsunade about the whole ordeal. What was worse was that both of her parents had been present for it, and Sasuke, who was none too happy by what she'd had to say about Akito and Natsumi's previous encounters. But it had all been the truth. So, after getting a lecture about how she should have told them when things first started and how disgracing this was, she had been ordered to go find Akito and kill Natsumi.
Suffice it to say that Minako was annoyed. She hadn't said a word because Akito was her best friend and fiancé, and she would do anything to protect him. But he hadn't even told her that he cared so deeply for Natsumi and had just left her to deal with the repercussions of his disappearance all on her own. If he had just been honest with her about how he felt, then she would have gladly called off the wedding. That way neither of them would be forced into marriage, and Akito could be happy with the woman that he loved.
But no. Because she had the byakugan and apparently knew Akito so well, she had been sent after him. She knew him all right, but he mostly kept to himself, so finding him was difficult. She had already searched through numerous small countries, fought numerous bounty hunters that were after the couple, and still found nothing. On top of that, hardly any of these desolate places had ramen.
She stood and straightened her skirt out, then ran her fingers through her long hair. She had chosen to wear her regular ninja clothes for this mission, since they were more comfortable and they made her status less recognizable. She had on regular ninja shoes, fish-net leggings that stopped mid-thigh, a short black skirt, a tight black shirt that scooped across her collar from shoulder to shoulder, its sleeves stopping before her elbows, and a purple vest that buckled at the straps.
After stirring the stew that she had put over the fire to cook, she walked to the entrance of the cave and looked to the sky. The worst of the storm was coming soon. Knowing this, the ebony haired woman walked back to her pallet, which was right next to the fire, and pulled a third blanket from her pack. She got cold easily, and the temperature had dropped since the rain started. Plus, laying under numerous blankets made her feel safer and more comforted. That way she could pretend she was at home, safe and sound.
Her body stiffened when she felt another chakra presence draw near. It wasn't one she recognized, so she quickly drew a hidden kunai from her shoe and got into a defensive pose. When she activated her byakugan to see who it was that was coming, her brow furrowed. What was Toshiro doing all the way out here? Now that she knew who was coming, she stood fully and put her weapon away.
The redhead pushed through the sheet of rain that was pouring outside. He didn't seem to take notice of the other presence in the cave. He shook out his hair, trying to get some of the water off him. This had been the worst day of his life, not only had he not been able to go home in two months, his sister had already gone to Iwa to be married. He had found no leads on where Natsumi and Akito could have gone, and nowhere he went could he sense his sister's sand or chakra. He froze suddenly, finally taking notice of the other person in the cave with him. He looked up slowly and felt his tense muscles relax. "Oh Minako," he sighed, relieved he didn't have to fight anyone. His brow scrunched in confusion, "What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same question. I was sent to retrieve Akito-kun, although I've been at this for two months and have found nothing." She said.
He arched a curious brow. "Really? I'm looking for Natsumi."
"Perhaps we could work together to find them. Have you found anything? Because I doubt they split up." She asked.
"Oh there's no way they spilt up." He actually laughed, surprised he was even feeling such a light emotion under the circumstances. "I've checked the entire north and the west. I was just about to head south, since she's obviously nowhere in the west. I would feel her if she were in the desert." He explained, shaking a bit to try and get some of the excess water off. "God it's really wet out there."
She smiled at him. "You are welcome to dry off by the fire I made. I've even started some stew if you're hungry." She offered, gesturing to her makeshift camp.
He glanced over at the fire, he was tired and cold, but should he trust someone who was his enemy? He sighed, she had never done anything to harm him before and she was very pretty. "If you don't mind, I really don't wish to intrude."
She waved it off and gave him a friendly smile. "It's no problem. I'm actually-" there was a loud crash of thunder then, followed by a flash of lightning. Minako let out a startled scream, and when she opened her eyes she realized that she had attached herself to the redhead in her fright. Her face turned a dark crimson as she slowly let go of his shirt and stepped away from him. "Sorry. I don't like storms." She explained, poking her fingers together the way her mother did when she was nervous or embarrassed.
He blinked, looking down at her a bit surprised. "Um…it's alright. It's not like I thought you were attacking me or anything." He shrugged, walking over to the fire and beginning to pull off his shirt and sand gourd. He laid his shirt out beside the fire and sat down next to it, so that he could dry faster. And placed his gourd beside him.
Her blush remained on her face as she watched him, and when she realized what she was doing she shook her head slightly and moved to sit on her pallet. She grabbed the spoon she was using and stirred the stew, making sure it didn't burn. "I have searched the east already, and found nothing. Although I did run into quite a few people looking for them as well. And trust me, those encounters got really annoying, really fast." She said, laughing slightly.
Toshiro looked over to her and nodded. "Yes I have run into a few as well. But they weren't too troublesome. After all, people tend to avoid fights with the Kazekage's son." He gave her a soft smile. "I've been looking in all the obvious places though...some hard…my sister hates water, so I assumed she wouldn't go overseas but now I'm beginning to think that she's on an island."
She perked up at this. "There are tons of islands in the south." She said reaching over and pulling her map out of her pack. She spread it open and bean to examine it. Then she leaned closer to Toshiro and showed him the map. "These are the more strategic locations, and trust me, Akito-kun is all about strategy." She said, circling a grouping of islands with her finger.
"I am well aware of this." He said a bit sharply, quickly changing his tone. He didn't want to be mean to the girl, he just wasn't used to being treated as an equal when usually he was the superior. He pointed towards a cluster of islands south of Tea Country. "This is the most probable area. The Crescent Kingdom has much knowledge of the war and who are the key players. So most likely they have sought refuge in Sea Country. That is if they even are on an island."
"If Natsumi-chan hates water, then an island would be the last place anyone would look for her. I suggest we search them first, and then the bigger areas of land if we don't find them. Some of the islands we won't even have to go on though, they are small enough that I should be able to see the entire area with my Byakugan. That will definitely save us some time. And you said you could sense her with your sand, right?" she asked, looking up at him.
He nodded, "As soon as I am within a hundred yards of her. I will be able to sense her."
"Great, then we can head towards Sea Country tomorrow." She said with a smile, rolling up the map. Then she took her stew off of the fire since it was done. "Are you hungry?" she asked, spooning some into a bowl for herself.
"Umm…" he stopped himself from answering. He felt a bit guilty for taking her food, but he was glad for the company. He had been alone for the past two months now and it was not something he was used to. He had always had his sisters with him wherever he went. "I am, but please help yourself first." He gestured.
"There's plenty for the both of us. Here." She said, holding her bowl out to him. He took it hesitantly, still feeling a little guilty. Then she took another bowl out of her pack and made another serving.
They ate in silence after that, not really knowing what to say since it was a bit awkward. "So…" Toshiro began, glancing at her through the corner of his eye. "What do you think about this?"
She sighed. "Honestly? I'm surprised but not really at the same time, you know? But there are two things I'm certain of. One, I no longer have to marry Akito-kun, and two, he must really love your sister to betray his country and defy his father." She said, shaking her head. "Because Sasuke-san is very scary."
"Yes…I know that…" he started sipping at the stew she had made, glad he had something to fill his stomach. "I must admit something…I knew their battle would end in their disappearance…"
"What?" she asked in disbelief, pausing in her eating.
He took a deep breath and set his bowl down, looking over at her. "When Akito hit my sister with that lightning and we took her back to heal her, she wouldn't wake even though all her injuries were healed. So...I went to find him and when I did it didn't seem like he was fighting against me. It almost seemed like he wanted to die."
She processed this information and nodded. "The few days that we were home after that battle he wasn't himself. He was more withdrawn than normal. He didn't even care that Sasuke-san told him he did a good job, which Sasuke-san never does. And he didn't join in the celebrations that the villagers held in his honor. If Akito-kun loved Natsumi-chan then, which I'm sure he did, then he probably wanted you to kill him, since I'm sure he felt awful about killing her."
"Well…I brought him back to Suna with me." He said quickly, still feeling ashamed for his actions. He was a traitor too and no one aside from his sister and the Uchiha knew, until now.
Instead of judging him for his actions, she smiled. "You wanted to see if he could get Natsumi-chan to wake up, right? She is fortunate to have a brother who cares so much for her." She complimented, finishing off her stew.
He frowned. "I guess so…but if I hadn't, at least she'd still be in Suna. And it doesn't help that Satomi is now gone." He sighed, not feeling hungry anymore. "I've lost two of the only people I ever loved."
Wanting to comfort him, since she didn't like it when people were upset, Minako hesitantly reached out and placed her hand over his, patting it lightly. "Things will be fine, you'll see. All you have to do is find your special someone to complete you, and then you'll never be lonely." It was then that she realized that what she was doing might be overstepping her boundaries, she removed her hand and sat back, fidgeting slightly.
"It's not that…I know that will change but the last time I saw either of my sister's was not ending on a good note. Natsumi probably thinks I hate her and I am mad at her for leaving and Satomi left for Iwa thinking I didn't care about her. I just wish I could make peace with them…they're my baby sisters." He leaned forward resting his face in his hands. He found it odd that he could find comfort in her gesture and was sad when she had taken it back. But he wouldn't linger on that.
Since he hadn't said anything the first time, she figured it was okay and moved closer to him, placing her hand on his shoulder. "They are your sisters. If they know you as well as you know them, then they know that no matter what, you love them."
He actually forced out a laugh. "You don't understand, Natsumi and Satomi are nothing alike. Despite the fact that they are twins, they couldn't be more different. I think the only thing they have in common is their arrogance."
Her brow furrowed slightly. "Well, then after we find Akito-kun and Natsumi-chan we could go to Iwa and see Satomi-chan if you want. Then you can talk to her and see how she is doing with her marriage and such." She suggested.
"Engagement." He corrected. "She won't be married for another few weeks or so. My parents are going to have these certain people executed. It was the only way they would accept the proposal."
"Oh. Well then you can meet the man she is going to marry and see what you think. Since you'll be related to him soon."
"Don't remind me." He sighed, leaning back against the cave wall.
She pat his shoulder and stood, stretching before making her way back to her pallet. "Try to look on the bright side of things. That's what I do." She told him, sitting down and pulling off her shoes.
He moved a bit, situating himself more comfortably. "I guess you're right. We will just set out in the morning and find Akito and Natsumi. I know it." He nodded to himself and crossed his legs as well as his arms. Minako gave him a considering look before grabbing one of her numerous blankets and holding it out to him.
"Here." She offered.
He glanced down at it and slowly took the offered warmth. "Thank you." He said, draping it over his legs and leaning back against the wall.
"No problem." She said, getting situated underneath her own covers. She lay down and got comfortable, letting out a sigh. She felt safer with Toshiro in the cave with her, and surprisingly the storm wasn't bothering her anymore. "Goodnight Toshiro." She mumbled, already beginning to drift off.
"Night."
"Yeah I saw em'. The brute threatened to gouge my eyes out if I looked at his woman again." The old fisherman told them, grimacing at the memory.
Minako smiled. "That's definitely Akito-kun." She and Toshiro had traveled as fast as they could until they reached a small port town in tea Country. After asking around a bit, they learned that two people with similar characteristics to Akito and Natsumi had passed through a few months back, and had left on a ship.
"And the woman was prancing around like she was some type of queen, that is, until she got on the boat. Threw up before we even left the harbor she did." He continued.
Toshiro nodded. "And that's definitely Natsumi. Can you take us to the island that you took them to?" he asked.
The old man smiled, showing his rotting teeth. "Of course, but you'll have to pay me one thousand yen, since your friends got a ride for free. Unless you can't afford it, then I'm sure we can work out some sort of arrangement." He looked over at Minako and eyed her up and down, his expression making her uncomfortable.
Toshiro couldn't help but glare at the man. He was a gentleman and he would be damned if he let anyone talk that way to a lady. Especially a lady that was his friend. Because after the past couple days of traveling with Minako he had solidified his friendship with her. He found her company more enjoyable than anyone else's…even his mother's. He stepped forward, gripping the older man's collar and glaring down at him with an icy glare that was even scarier than his father's. "Listen here, I can pay you, but if you ever speak that way about her again I will rip your insides out. Do you understand?" he seethed, lifting the man a bit off his feet since he was much taller than the fisher.
He nodded enthusiastically, shaking in fear. "Y-yes, I understand. I'm sorry." He sniveled, looking from the angry redhead to his companion. Minako just nodded to him and placed her hand on Toshiro's arm in an attempt to calm him down. Although she was extremely flattered that he had stood up for her.
"I can pay for some of the fare as well. I don't want to be a burden." She said softly.
"It's not a burden," he said simply, releasing the man now and digging in his pocket for his money bag. He fished out the proper amount and dropped it into the fisher's dirty, grubby hands. "There. Now let's go. We don't have any time to waste."
He stuffed the money in his pocket and hastily made his way to his ship in order to get it ready. Minako gave him a concerned look. "Will you be alright on the water with your sand?" she asked.
He glanced over at her, giving her a skeptical look. "I can handle my own, besides, my sand isn't the only weapon I have and I don't get sea sick. Water doesn't bother me like it does my sister." He walked forward then, getting on the boat and helping her on as well. Once they were both on the fisherman took off, steering them to the island he hadn't visited since he had taken the other two ninja months back.
"The island your friends are on is called Kika Island. It'll take a few hours to reach it, so just sit tight." He said, making sure not to look at Minako, for fear the redhead would threaten him again. Said girl just walked over to the front of the boat and watched the waves hit the side. She had very rarely travelled in such a way, and it was nice to be able to relax for once, not really in any rush to reach the shore.
"Do you think…we will have to fight them when we find them?" she asked, the thought making her sad. He stopped next to her, leaning forward as well and staring down at the crisp water.
"Probably not…" he sighed. "Most likely we'll walk into some really awkward situation and have to calm Natsumi down in some kind of way." He groaned aloud as he thought about it. His sister was so irrational sometimes and he really didn't want to deal with her antics.
She laughed at his reaction. "Well I'd rather deal with that then having to fight my friends."
"Yeah," he agreed. The seas were calm the whole way to Kika, and when the island came into view Toshiro headed to the bow of the boat and stared at the land until it was more than just a speck on the horizon. They docked quickly and the man didn't even spare Minako another glace, still looking pale from his second death threat.
The two walked towards the town. "She's here…" he told her. They had just entered the small village when a hefty looking blonde spotted the two. She had a strawberry blonde with her, who was pretty attractive until she spoke. "Well hello there handsome. I haven't seen you around these parts." She said, but he could have sworn it was a man who was speaking to him. Minako just ignored her and got straight to the point.
"You wouldn't happen to know where a couple is staying would you? One is a man with black hair and green eyes, and the woman has pink hair. It's hard to miss." She asked. The plump blonde sauntered closer to Toshiro and eyed him up and down.
"Yeah, but we don't want to talk about them." Her squeaky voice said. The other woman mimicked the blonde.
"We'd much rather get to know you." She said, beginning to walk her fingers up his arm. Minako glared at the women and grabbed the offending hand that was touching the redhead. She could tell such contact was bothering him anyways.
"If you won't tell us, then we'll ask for help elsewhere, since it seems you two are useless." She said, sending a bit of chakra into the woman's hand, causing her to snatch it away from the pain.
"Minako," Toshiro scolded, giving her a disapproving look. He let his hand rest on the small of her back and looked back to the two girls. They obviously knew who they were looking for, and he didn't want to waste time interrogating other villagers. "Ladies, please." He cleared his throat, seeing the disappointed stares at his contact with Minako. "My name is Sabaku no Toshiro. I am the son of the Kazekage of Suna. It is pertinent that we find these people. The woman with pink hair is my sister and I would truly appreciate it if you would tell us where they were. It is of upmost importance."
The nicer looking of the two smiled at this new knowledge. "Well, we wouldn't want to get in the way of your search. They're staying with the crabby old hermit in the shrine on the northern point of the beach. Just go back down to the pier and take a right." She said, trying to appear sexy.
"Thank you." He bowed his head slightly, not sparing the two another glance as he took Minako's hand and led her away from the two and down the beach in the direction the girls had pointed. It took a lot longer to reach the shrine than they had originally thought, but once they made it they stopped at the front door and knocked loud enough to hear, but not in an obnoxious manner.
A few moments later the door opened revealing an older man. He gazed at them for a few seconds, his dark eyes not betraying any hint of surprise. "Ah, so they've finally been caught." He said. Then he opened the door wider and stepped aside. "Come in. They will be back shortly, and until then, why don't you tell me the severity of the situation?"
Toshiro and Minako exchanged a look and did as they were told. He didn't seem to be as cranky as they had been told, or rude, for that matter. But they were thankful that they obviously had the right place, and that they would see Akito and Natsumi soon.
Akito was carrying Natsumi on his back as they came down the beach. They had decided it was a nice afternoon, and went on a picnic in one of the many flower fields in Kika. Natsumi nuzzled lovingly into Akito's neck. "That was wonderful Akito." she giggled, touching his nose gently with the daisy she was holding. Both of them had on crowns of flowers that she had made them in the field. He smiled back at her, trying to avoid her flower. He had his arms looped under her legs, enjoying their carefree lifestyle.
Once they reached their home he let her down slowly, earning a kiss on the cheek. She laced her fingers with his, pulling him towards the house. "I love you so much sweetheart." She snickered, kissing his lips.
He returned her kiss and smiled back at her. "I love you too."
She reached for the door knob and froze going wide eyed. "It can't be…" she trailed off, her entire body tensing. It wasn't possible. Toshiro could not be here! Natsumi slammed the door open and rushed in, followed closely by Akito. She slid to a stop, her arms raised and her body ready for taijutsu as Akito did the same, placing himself in front of his bride.
But what they saw startled them. Itachi, Toshiro, and Minako were sitting in the kitchen peacefully, drinking tea. Natsumi blinked, taking in the scene. "What the hell is going on?" she demanded. "What are you doing here Toshiro?"
"I came to find you, what do you think I'm doing here?" he asked calmly.
Minako looked at them oddly. "What's on your head Akito-kun?"
Realizing that he was still wearing the crown of flowers, Akito ripped it off and hid it behind his back in slight embarrassment. "Nothing." Then he looked at his uncle. "Why did you let them in?"
Itachi just shrugged and took another drink of his tea. "They seemed nice enough to me, and I like company."
"No you don't." Akito countered.
"You can't hide out forever, Akito. Besides, after being stuck with you two for the past few months, it's a nice change. They are a more harmonious couple than you two first were." He said, raising his cup in Toshiro and Minako's direction. Minako gave him a confused look.
"What?" she asked.
The eldest Uchiha looked at her. "You and Toshiro get along great for a couple, a lot better than these two did when they first arrived."
Natsumi and Akito stared at them in horror. But luckily, Toshiro spoke before either of them could. "We are not a couple." He said simply. "I just came for Natsumi and Minako here is Akito's ex-fiancé." The redhead gestured towards the ebony haired woman.
Itachi looked at Toshiro like he was crazy. "Are you blind? She's perfect for you." This caused Minako to blush, and she just grabbed one of the muffins on the table and stuffed it into her mouth so that she wouldn't have to say anything.
Toshiro just arched his brow and decided to remain quiet. "Well…anyways." He got up then and walked towards Natsumi. "Come on Natsumi. I'm going to bring you home."
"No."
Surprisingly enough, the answer shocked the redhead. "What do you mean no? I've been looking for you for two months. I'm not allowed back to the village unless you're with me. Mom and Dad miss you."
"I don't care." She glared at him, knowing her brother and if his first approach didn't work he would resort to violence. She latched onto Akito's arm, hiding behind him somewhat. "I'm staying with Akito. I love him."
"Natsumi you don't love him, you don't even know him." He tried to reason with her now, they really had only had a few encounters before this little episode.
"Yes I do! I know Akito better than anyone!" she snapped, keeping her grip on him.
Toshiro sighed and looked back at Minako, "Please reason with them."
She stood. "Akito-kun, you have responsibilities in the village. You're one of the Commanding generals of the army now, the people need you. The village needs you."
He just looked at Minako. "They don't need me. They only want me to use me as a weapon against the other countries. There are plenty of other good shinobi that can take my place. Heck, you could even replace me Minako."
Her brow furrowed. "You know I won't. I don't want another reason to be out there amongst all the killing and bloodshed. Besides, my father is going to become the Hokage soon. He would never allow me to be out there, you know that."
"Well I'm not going back. Natsumi and I are happy here with my Uncle." He said, moving his wife behind him a bit more.
"You don't understand Akito-kun! I can't go home until I bring you back! Do you know how many countries out here have the type of ramen that I like? Hardly any! I'm dying without proper nutrition!" she exclaimed, trying to plead with him.
He gave her a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry Minako, but I'm not going anywhere where Natsumi can't join me."
"You two are fools, how can you just throw your villages away? Your family?" Toshiro yelled, growing angry now.
"Because they were willing to throw us away Toshiro. I know you live in your little protected bubble that Mom and Dad put around you, but they put us out there to do or die! Why the hell should I serve them?" she yelled back, the two butting heads against each other.
Itachi spoke up then. "They can't be together because Konoha assassinated some on Suna's council members, correct?" he asked.
"Exactly!" Both Toshiro and Natsumi said together. They stopped and looked at one another, pulling apart quickly. This was no time to be connecting as brother and sister.
Toshiro cleared his throat and looked at the elder man and the Akito and Minako. "Four Konoha Anbu targeted three of our council members while they were traveling back from the Daimyo. It was a malicious attack that could not be tolerated. Konoha destroyed the peace between our villages and thus began the fourth ninja war." Natsumi nodded, crossing her arms.
"And some people from Konoha have the nerve to think my Dad kidnapped my mother in order to make weapons." She growled, just thinking of it made her angry.
Akito gave them a confused look. "Konoha never ordered that attack, you must be mistaken. I've looked through the secret records, and trust me, it isn't in them. Not even the Black Ops were given that mission."
Minako nodded. "Besides, with Tsunade-baa-chan as Hokage, it would not have been tolerated. And the Elders aren't stupid enough to order such a thing and break such a beneficial alliance."
Before anything more could be said, Itachi spoke up again. "It was a set-up."
"What does it matter?" Natsumi sighed.
Toshiro nodded. "Now, even if this knowledge were to get to my father and Tsunade, the hostilities and bloodshed between our villages is in the hundreds. It's no longer just about this false attack from Konoha. Besides, while my mother went to Konoha years later to work out negotiations, Konoha Anbu attempted to assassinate my sisters." The redhead said seriously, making Natsumi look down as she remembered how scared her mother had been. Even Satomi had changed. She never talked about it, but she had overheard her mother telling her father about it.
Akito's eyes widened. He had never heard about that. It would explain why Natsumi had left the village so suddenly without saying goodbye. His hope for the two villages becoming friends again diminished. Because if the Kazekage's children had been threatened, then hell would have to freeze over before he made an alliance with the village that tried to get rid of them.
"Well, if all four of you go and get proof of this, then that's a start. Sure it will take a while for negotiations to go through, but if Naruto is going to become Hokage, then I'm sure something will be worked out. After all, isn't he friends with both the Kazekage and your mother?" Itachi asked.
"That is what he says, and I know the bonds of friendship run deep, but I don't know…" Minako said. "I was there when the Elders sent those Anbu to kill Satomi-chan, and it was scary. Sakura-sama was not happy, so I doubt she would entertain the idea of working anything out."
"Well…" Toshiro began, he looked to Natsumi when he said this. "Mom and dad are forming an alliance with Iwa…so maybe one with Konoha isn't totally impossible."
Natsumi stared at her brother in utter disbelief. "Why? How?" she gasped. She knew the history between Iwa and her parents and it was not something that was easily forgotten.
The redhead grimaced, which only made her grow more nervous. "Iwa proposed a marriage. And Satomi apparently agreed. She's already in the Village Hidden in the Rocks now."
The world seemed to have frozen. Satomi was getting married to some guy in Iwa? And her parents were allowing it? "WHAT?" she screamed, sand bursting through the windows and swirling dangerously around it's mistress as she breathed harshly, a psychotic look washing over her face.
Akito placed his hand on her shoulder. "Honey, take deep breaths. If you're so upset about it, we can always travel to Iwa and see your sister." He suggested. "Just try not to destroy the shrine you spent so much time cleaning and fixing up."
The sand slowly began to die down as she regulated her breathing. Toshiro watched the interaction, trying to hide his surprise. He was actually impressed that the man could calm the violent storm before it destroyed its surroundings. Natsumi looked back at Akito, "Could we…? I know it's dangerous and if you don't want to leave your uncle I understand." She said, frowning. She still couldn't believe it until she saw it.
"Its fine, I'm not going to up and disappear." Itachi said.
Akito nodded. "Yes, we can." Then he looked at Minako. "You may come with us if you wish, but I'm still not going to come back to the village with you unless it's guaranteed that I will get to be with Natsumi."
She nodded. "Very well. I shall come. What about you?" she asked, looking up at Toshiro. She wouldn't admit it aloud, but she didn't want her time with the redhead to come to an end.
"Now that I've found Natsumi, I can't just let her run around as she pleases. Besides, going to Iwa will benefit me as well. It's killing two birds with one stone." He shrugged, crossing his arms. Natsumi sighed and looked over at Itachi. She didn't want this life to end. She loved it. Spending every day with Akito, being with Itachi, and nothing but peace. She wondered if the world had actually once been like this, where the war did not exist.
She left the room then, not knowing how to respond properly. If she was leaving she would have to change and pack her things for the journey. Something told her she wouldn't be coming back any time soon. Akito followed her, pulling her into his arms when he entered their room. He kissed her sweetly, stroking her cheek when he pulled away. "Things will be fine. You'll see. As long as we love each other, nothing can pull us apart. I promise."
She didn't look back at him, she just leaned against his chest and stared at her wedding ring. "How do you know? We're going back into that battle field. We're going to Iwa…what if something bad happens?"
"If anything bad does happen, know that I love you no matter what. And if we are pulled apart, my heart is still with you. Always." He said, grabbing her hand and placing it over his heart.
She smiled at him, leaning into him once more and pressing her forehead against his chest. "I know that. And mine is yours, always." She repeated, staying his arms. Finally, they pulled away from one another and changed into their normal ninja clothing. Now Akito could wear his clan's symbol once more. Natsumi tugged on her gloves and then grabbed her packed bag. She looked over at Akito, seeing he was ready as well. She took his hand tenderly and sighed, "Do you think we should tell them that we're married?"
"We can do whatever you wish. They'll find out eventually, but it might be best for them to warm up to the idea of us being together, especially your brother. I'm pretty sure Minako is fine with it." He said, running his finger over her ring.
She nodded, "But you did leave Minako for me. And my brother knew about us before anyone else." She pointed out.
"So we'll wait a while to tell them. Maybe after we see your sister, so that way everyone knows." He suggested.
She went wide eyed and shook her head. "No, no! If Satomi finds out she'll kill you!"
"Fine. Then we keep it a secret until after we leave Iwa. You can just write your sister or something."
"No, no." she held her head with her hands. "I don't know. This is just…ugh…they weren't supposed to find us."
He placed his hands over hers in an attempt to comfort her. "I know. How about, we keep it a secret for now? At least until we know if our villages will form an alliance or not."
She looked up at him, looking like a lost child. She wrapped her arms tightly around him and buried her face in his shirt. "What if that never happens?"
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. "Then I will come get you and take you away. We can go somewhere else, another continent maybe. But I will stop at nothing until we can be together." He said, kissing the top of her head.
She closed her eyes, tightening her grip on him. "I love you Akito." She whispered, knowing he meant every word. But it saddened her to think, if they had to run, they would never see the people they loved ever again.
"I love you too." He kissed her lovingly then, so that there wasn't a doubt as to how he felt. When they parted he picked up his sword and strapped it onto his back. "Are you ready?"
"Yeah," she nodded, doing the same with her own. She needed to see her sister anyway. She missed her and there were things they needed to clear up. Natsumi pulled on her bag and left the room, followed closely by her husband. She was ready to face the world again.
"No…no…no…no…no…no…no…no…NO!" Natsumi finally yelled, backing up from the dock. "There's no way I'm getting back on that boat!" she bellowed. Toshiro and Akito sighed together and went to either side of the pink haired woman. She looked back and forth between the two, who then grabbed her arms and started pulling her towards the docks again. "NO!" she screamed, fighting against them with all her might. They were drawing the attention of everyone now, since it sounded like someone was being attacked.
"Come on Natsumi! It's just a couple hours!" Toshiro growled as he struggled against his flailing sister.
Minako just watched the entire thing, eyes wide. She was really thankful that Toshiro didn't have the problems with water his sister did. Akito let go of his wife. "You know what? Natsumi and I will just meet you two at the port in Tea Country." He said, making a few hand signs and summoning Kei. He hopped on and looked down at the pink haired woman, who was staring up at the bird, slightly startled. She had never ridden one of these things before, and was a little unsure about the whole thing. Akito raised a brow. "Well? It's this, or the boat." He said, holding his hand out.
"Um…" she glanced back at the boat, watching it move in the water. She could already feel herself getting sick. "Ok." She said, taking his hand.
Toshiro sighed and crossed his arms angrily. "Fine. Whatever. We will meet you there."
He nodded at them and then wrapped his arm around her waist as the hawk took to the skies. They both stepped down to the boat, and Minako activated her byakugan to make sure that Akito and Natsumi were in fact headed for the shore. Once she was assured, she deactivated her eyes, noticing that the fisherman was giving her an odd look. He just shook his head. Even out here people had heard of strange eyesight where veins appeared and you could see anything you wanted for miles. It was one of the many rumors of special traits that ninjas had. "Kinda creepy knowing that you can see through things." He said. She sighed and just looked out over the water. She didn't really feel like explaining some of the things about her bloodline limit right now, especially to some civilian.
Toshiro sat down and leaned back, looking out at the ocean. "This is going to be a long trip isn't it?" he asked her.
"Most likely." She said, resting her hands on the side of the ship and looking out at the waves. She knew it would be a while longer before she got to go home, but at least now she had Akito. That was one step closer to her goal at least.
