Scarlet Kunai
By Ginta and Hakakku Fangirl
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, or any of the characters
A/N: Original Characters name is Kyoko, female, only a few months older than Uchiha Sasuke, no Kekki Genkai, ANBU-ranked kinoichi, more info in story.
Rated M for violence, language, and lime.
*I may have to rearrange some events, in order for this fic to make sense.
A/N:
Ive been going through my chapters and finally realized something quite amazing (to me, anyways): Not only has this been the easiest of all my fan fictions to write, excluding my Bleach story Watching Her Sleep, but this has also been the most fun. And Im not even halfway finished with it yet! Lolz.
Oh, and keep your eyes open for other fics, not just new chapters for Scarlet Kunai. Im not promising anything soon, what with my papers for classes all due soon, but definitely before May there will be other stories, as well as lots of new chapters for this story. And since the poisons removal from Kyoko-chans system, this story will soon be picking up speed!
And maybe one of my new fics will include vampires (*hint for the Vamp Knight fans!). Umif you havent read my Death Note songfics, theyre quite funny, it doesnt matter what order you read them in, although I do suggest Well, This is New first, although it was written after Boredom. I only mention this because there will be a 3rd Death Note fanfic by me sometime in the near futureMaybe another Bleach ficbut definitely Vampire Knight and Death Notejust keep your eyes open!
Okay, Im done rambling, just though Id share all that
On with the fic!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Chapter Thirty-Seven: Followed! Back to the Stone!
Mmm Kyoko arched her back, stretching, then yawned. She was on the road walking between Gaara and Kankuro. It felt great to be back to her job, her element. Back to her life.
Gaara smiled at her. Much to Bakis annoyance, he had refused pointblank to be treated as an important leader while they were on the road.
Im a shinobi, he had said stubbornly, not a glass object for you to lock away from the world.
Baki, among many of the other guards, had given up after Temari and Kankuro glared at them. The youngest of the Sand Siblings was hard enough to deal with, even if it was for his best interest. Add the Kazekages older siblings and it was impossible.
Sai noticed the yawn and stretch performed by his friend and broke away from Sakura and Naruto, running to catch up and place a hand on the raven-haired girls shoulder.
Are you alright, Kyoko?
Hai! Kyoko turned to smile at Sai. After Kyokos three weeks in the hospital, Sai and Kakashi had spent the next two with Kyoko, training her, helping her to regain her strength before her first mission after her hospital leave: Traveling with Gaara to the Stone. But despite quickly recovering her strength, Kyoko still wasnt up to her usual caliber, and tired easily.
Matsuri leaned across Gaara to squeeze Kyokos shoulder.
Tired? she asked.
Iie. Kyoko shook her head. The sun only just rose an hour ago; Im still waking up. She smiled. Sai and Sempai went easy on me, and I slept in a lot.
Thats right, Sakura said thoughtfully from behind them. You use to get up before five every morning, didnt you?
Hai. Kyoko nodded, then smiled. I guess Ill just have to gradually get use to needing only a few hours sleep at a time again, ne?
Sai nodded, falling back again; Sakura kept stealing glances at him. Sai always seemed to be at his most human when he was around Kyoko. Sakura had thought it strange until Yamato had mentioned that, despite Sai being a year older, he and Kyoko had known each other for years, and had sometimes been assigned missions together.
Far from satisfying Sakura, however, this information had only made her more suspicious. After she had begun to study under the Hokage, she thought that she had read information about all the shinobi in her age range. But she hadnt come across any documentation confirming the existence of either Sai or Kyoko, other than their medical reports, of course, and the old academy records stating that Kyoko had once been a Konoha student. And she was starting to wonder why Kyoko always had her right arm covered. If her clothes didnt cover her upper arm, bandages did, but Sakura had never sensed any injury there, other than Orochimarus poisons, but now even they were gone. It couldnt be pain that kept the arm wrapped--Sakura knew by now that Kyoko knew enough medical jutsu to heal minor cuts and bruises; so did Sai. Actually, it seemed that the two knew a lot of the same jutsu, as well as a wide array of jutsu of their own. Including that of which could not be found documented in Tsunades library. There were thousands--perhaps hundreds of thousands--of jutsu in the shinobi world, Sakura knew. But some of the things she had seen when she had watched with Naruto and Kiba from the trees as Kakashi and Sai (occasionally aided by Yamato) had helped Kyoko to rebuild her strengthSai and Kyoko had been using some jutsu the likes of which Sakura had never seen before. And she had never seen anyone other than Kakashi and Zabuza use a Water Dragon Missile before--and they had had to use water from a river. Kyoko had been able to create the Water Dragon Jutsu using only the water from her canteen--and it had been the same size as the two Kakashi and Zabuza had created, if not bigger. Sakura had known since her first mission with Kyoko--right before Sasuke had left--that Kyokos chakra element was water, but she had never known until a few weeks ago just how many water jutsu Kyoko knew. But what was strangest about Kyokos water chakra was that her second strongest chakra was the complete opposite--Fire. It had come as a complete shock to both Naruto and Sakura to see Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu, the Fire Style Great Fireball Technique that Sasuke had used so often.
But while Naruto had been impressed that Kyoko could use two different chakras that could cancel each other out, Sakura had been thoughtful. She had been sure that she knew someone else whose main elements were fire and water, though for this person the fire was stronger than water, whereas for Kyoko her water jutsu were better than her fire jutsu. And then it had hit her. The person with the same chakras as KyokoShe and Naruto had fought him alongside Kakashi and Chiyo of Suna. Kyoko had the same chakras as UchihaItachi. Of the Akatsuki.
Sakura shook her head hard, making Naruto and Sai look at her with concern.
No, Kyoko had nothing to do with Uchiha Itachi, not anymore. Maybe when they were all in their first year at the Konoha Ninja Academy, when Kyoko had often gone to the Uchiha compound with Sasuke, she may have met Uchiha. But since then, since that horrible night when Sasukes family had been destroyedno, no one from Konoha save Team Kakashi had had anything to do with Uchiha Itachi since Sasori of the Red Sand had been killed.
Besides, Sakura had had one shinobi come to the hospital to be healed who had lightning and earth chakras, which were also opposite of each other. It was unusual to have two opposite chakras, but not unheard of. It was only coincidence that Kyoko had the same two opposite chakras as Itachi. A big coincidence. But a coincidence. Wasnt it?
Sakura shook her head again. Of course it was a coincidence! Chakra types were something that could be taught. True, shinobi could use techniques that required a chakra different than their own, if they were skilled enough or had the Sharingan, like Kakashi. But while Kyoko was quite skilled, she had spent the years either in the hospital or on missions, not training, and she didnt have the Sharingan eyes. Kakashi was the only ninja outside the Uchiha clan to possess the Sharingan, and that was the way it would stay.
Kyoko glanced back at Sakura, confused. Sai shrugged and Naruto looked bemused. Sakuras eyes looked out of focus, as though she was deep in thought, and occasionally she would shake her head, hard, as if trying to clear it of bad thoughts.
Kyoko sighed, then started when Gaara placed a hand on her shoulder. They had now been walking several hours.
Hungry? the Kazekage asked softly; Kyoko nodded, glancing back at Sakura, who had been brought out of her thoughts by Kankuro placing a hand on her shoulder to keep her from walking into Temari.
Temari shook her head, amused; Shikamaru grinned at her as he began to stack sticks from the trail they had been gathering on the way.
Kyoko-chan, do you mind? Temari asked, gesturing towards the pile of wood. Id use the flint, but it broke in my pouch, and I dont know any Fire Style jutsu.
Hai! Kyoko grinned, pulling a short length of rope from the pouch strapped to her leg. Tying one end to the log in the very center of the pile, she pulled the rope taunt. Sai watched with interest as Kyoko handed him the end of the cord she had been holding and began to form hand signs.
Katon: Ryuka no Jutsu!
Sakura bit her lip as the Dragon Style technique, which sent a stream of fire down the rope, ignited the logs. It was another jutsu she had seen Sasuke perform. Naruto placed a hand on her shoulder.
I know, he muttered. But its a pretty common Fire Style jutsu. We cant turn away or get upset every time someone uses a jutsu that Sasuke did. Kyokos got fire chakra, so its good that shes on our team.
What? Sakura looked confused.
Remember? Naruto grinned. It was only a couple days ago. Yamato-teichou got me started with my new technique Im working on, and he explained the five chakras: Wind, like me; Water, like Kyoko-chan; Earth like he has; Lightning, like Kakashi sensei; and Fire, like Sasuke. And Wind chakra strengthens Fire chakra, so anytime Kyoko-chan is with Team Kakashi, I can make all of her fire jutsu stronger, right?
Right. Sakura sighed. Its just a little hard. Some of the more simple jutsu Kyoko-chan does that are fire-based are what Sasuke-kun did.
YeahI guess. Naruto scratched the back of his head nervously as he watched Sai painting on his scroll.
Sakura, Sai said, smiling his fake smile.
Hm?
Im going to scout the area from the sky. Will you tell Kyoko for me?
Hai, Sakura said, turning, confused, to Naruto, who had been invited by Gaara to accompany them on the mission. Why would he be worried about Kyoko-chan knowing where he is?
I dont know, Naruto said, then grinned. You dont think theyre like this, do you? he asked, holding up his pinky finger.
Baka!
BANG
Everyone, the Sand Siblings, the Suna nin, Shikamaru, Sakura, and even Sai from above them stared at the sight of Kyoko standing over Naruto, who had dropped to the ground with his hands covering his head. Smoke was issuing from a small crater in front of him, Kyoko looking livid.
Baka! she said again, turning away and sitting next to Kankuro, who looked amused.
Wha--What did I do? Naruto muttered as Sakura knelt beside him and shook her head.
Whats going on? Sai asked, jumping down from the painting of a bird; the bird disappeared in a light splattering of ink. He placed a hand on Kyokos shoulder; she smiled. Naruto cast a meaningful look at Sakura who rolled her eyes.
Just friends, she hissed at him; Naruto shook his head, disbelieving as Sai gave Kyoko another of his rare real smiles. Sakura sighed, shaking her head.
Kyoko, Sai said, not hearing the conversation between he and Kyokos teammates, can I talk to you?
Hai. Kyoko smiled, standing and following Sai a short distance away from the others.
Once out of earshot, Sai frowned, sitting on the ground; he motioned for her to join him.
How did it go with Inuzuka? he asked as Kyoko settled in front of him.
Kyoko frowned. It went well, I supposed. It could have been worse, if Hana-san hadnt been there.
Sai nodded.
Kyoko thought back
Kiba, I told you before, no! Youre not coming in with me.
Damn it, Sis! Move!
No!
Kyoko looked up as Inuzuka Hana stormed into her hospital room, followed closely by her dogs; Koi-koi wagged her tail happily at the sight of the other dogs and jumped from the bed.
Hana-san? Kyoko sat up with Sakuras help, who had just been checking on Kyokos recovery rate.
Kyoko-chan. Hana smiled. How have you been feeling?
Much better than usual, Kyoko replied.
And Koi-koi? Hana picked up the puppy, giving her a quick once-over with her chakra. Have you had any chance to teach her about tracking?
Iie. Kyoko shook her head. But Kakashi-sempai and Paakun have worked with her.
Hana nodded. Ill ask them my questions about her, then. Now. Hana looked Kyoko sternly in the eyes. I want to know exactly went on between you and my brother that has made him upset enough to demolish half the Inuzuka compound.
Kyoko raised an eyebrow, but Hana did not smiled. Finally, Kyoko sighed.
I dont know why hes so upset, she said. Kiba-kun is a shinobi, he should understand by now that shinobi have very little time on their hands. And with my being unable to perform by usual duties during my recovery time, Kiba-kun knows that I plan on spending all my time training or on missions that Hokage-sama has cleared me to do, until I can take over leading my team on my own again. I told him in Suna that once I recovered from this surgery, I would disappear from the normal world of Konohas ninja, and back into my old missions, with my own team. Missions with Sempais team have only been to keep me active, so I dont lose my skills, and missions in the Sand have all been strictly diplomatic, that I was sent because I knew the Kazekage personally and could cope with the work despite my frail health. Your brother knows this; I made it clear from the beginning.
Hana nodded.
Alright.
And could you tell Kiba-kun to stop listening in at the door? Kyoko asked as Hana stood to leave.
Hana scowled.
Kiba, come in here! she snapped; the door swung open slowly and Akamaru came in wagging his tail, followed by a rather sulky Kiba.
Did you hear all of that? Hana asked.
Yes.
Is it all true? Did you know the whole time that any relationship you might have with Kyoko-san would be limited?
Yeah
Hana frowned.
You have five minutes before I drag you out of her by your hair, she said, heading towards the door.
Dont bother, Kiba muttered, slamming a box on the table beside the door and leaving before either Hana or Kyoko could say anything.
So Sai stood, extending his hand to help his friend to her feet. What was in the box?
I havent opened it yet, Kyoko admitted as they headed back towards the others. I dont know if I even want to.
Sai nodded, although he didnt understand and followed Kyoko.
We should scout the area tonight, Sai murmured. With a Kage, we should use as much of our ANBU skills as possible, to insure his safety.
Kyoko nodded.
Tonight, she agreed. And every night afterwards, until Gaara-kun is back home. She smiled at Sai. Gaara-kun may be an exceptional shinobi, but on such a long mission, hell need all the help he can get. And none of the Suna Ninja are quite the trackers we Konoha Ninja are.
Sai nodded.
If anyone is after the Kazekage, they wont be able to get by us, he said, determined.
Kyoko nodded as well, then bit her lip.
Sai?
Mm?
Im sorry.
For what? Sai began, but was unable to finish as a flash of crimson froze him in his tracks.
For this. Kyoko turned around. Dei-kun.
Hai! Deidara jumped down from the trees. He glanced a Sai. What did you do to him, un?
Genjutsu. He thinks hes still talking to me. Kyoko frowned. Whats Leader-samas message?
He says that youre to gather information in the stone, hmm. Were searching for the Seven Tails, hmm.
Hmm. Kyoko made a noncommittal noise.
Listen, un. Deidara took Kyokos shoulders. I know Leader promised you he wouldnt hurt your friends, un. Did you really think you could hold him to it, hmm?
No, Kyoko said bluntly. But theres always hope. Wouldnt you have chosen to be nave as well, if it had been me Pein had promised not to hurt?
Deidara looked away.
I wouldnt have been so reckless as to risk everything for what should have stayed in the past, he finally muttered; Kyoko did not hear.
Dei-kun, I have to go back. Tell Pein Ill keep my eyes open, but I dont expect to find anything.
Un. He also wants to know how your managing the new eye techniques, un.
The Sharingan is fine, Kyoko said firmly. Its been useful and hasnt caused any problems. Thats all he needs to know.
Right, un. Deidara frowned, then asked, What do you know about the monks at the Fire Temple in the Fire Country, yeah?
Kyoko glared at him.
What does Pain want with the monks? she snapped.
Nothing, yeah, Deidara muttered. But Kakazu keeps muttering about how he thinks another of the demon vessels might be thereAnd Hidan--
Theres no demon vessel anywhere near the Fire Temple, Kyoko snarled. Id have reported it already. Tell Kakazu hed be wasting his time.
Im not telling him, un! Deidara snapped. When Kyoko glared at him again, he snapped again, Do you blame me, hmm? Hes killed all his partners but Hidan!
No, Kyoko sighed. Then, Hows Itachi-sama?
Hes fine, Deidara said coolly. Silent. Like always, un.
Good. Kyoko turned away. Just
stay on his good side.
He doesnt have a good side, un, Deidara muttered.
If youre going to follow us all the way the Village Hidden in the Stones, I suggest you do so at a greater distance, Kyoko said coldly.
Deidara smirked.
Oh, Im not the one who
will be following, un, he said. I just came to tell
you about it, right.
What do you mean? Kyoko
asked, alarmed though showing only suspicion.
Deidaras smirk widened to a nasty grin.
Ill let you figure it out, yeah, he said. Youll be doing two jobs on this mission, right, with two very different kinds of comrades, yeah. Good luck, he added, almost angrily, before disappearing.
Kyoko frowned, before letting her chakra force her Sharingan to recede; Sai blinked.
Shouldnt we be getting back to the others? he said slowly, shaking his head as if to clear it.
Right. Lets go, before Naruto-kun thinks were doing something we shouldnt, Kyoko muttered, glancing around at the trees. Lets go!
Right! Sai ran to catch up with his partner.
xxx
Blue eyes glared at yellow, then at white.
Dont hurt her, Deidara growled before jumping onto his clay bird and flying off.
Zetsu and Kisame laughed. Zetsu because he found now reason to cross Kyoko. Kisame because that was his every intention.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I know, it could have been longer, but review, okay?!?!?!? Citrusy content coming within the next few chapters, if you review!!!
Fangirl