- - -
Scattered Clouds, Disappearing Mist
The Beginning of the End
- - -
Sasuke Uchiha stared down at the bloody ground before him, motionless against the morning wind as it pushed against his body. The rising sun beat down on his back, warming his skin but nothing else.
Onyx drifted over the crimson edge where his brother had lain only minutes before. He hadn't seen his team approach Itachi's lifeless form at this spot, but he'd awoken to see them zip the bag closed over his peaceful face, before being hefted onto careful shoulders and gently removed from the area.
Sakura petals danced around his feet, the last remaining proof of her presence, spilling to the ground as he'd stood, blanketing him. He caught one as it lazily breezed by his cheek, tenderly rolling the silken flower between his fingers, gently smiling at all the memories it held, all the peace, all the light…
"You're leaving, aren't you?"
Sakura's fingers continued to twine into his hair, rubbing calming circles into his scalp. The movement lulled his eyes to close as he relaxed into the movement, further burying his face into her neck. She smiled and didn't answer, stretching more into the ground, gazing up to the stars.
"I have some unfinished business, so I'll be gone by sunrise," she whispered after a while, her touch tracing his hairline then down his cheekbone, resting over his lips. "I still have to give you your true revenge."
"The Elders?"
His body burned with resentment for all that they'd done. He wanted nothing less than to plunge Kusanagi into their necks and watch their lifeblood stain the mats of their beloved council room, just as his family's blood still stained the very essence of his former home. Who cared if he could die in the progress? The vengeance he promised for his family still burned deep in his veins, as well as a newer, more potent desire: revenge for Itachi.
She nodded, leaning forward to kiss his forehead.
"They're powerful Sakura."
"I'm aware of that fact Sasuke-kun."
He lifted off her and rested on his elbows in order to bend over her, staring down at his pinkette with a reproachful gaze, the light of the stars casting shadows over his face.
Her hands cupped his cheeks, warming his skin in the coolness of the night.
"You seriously didn't think I'd attempt to kick their asses without a trump card did you?" Sakura admonished, making a faint tsking noise as she attempted to look condescending, even when a smile broke over face.
"Trump card?"
"Yep, you'll be meeting them in a few hours. When they show up – which may take longer than I want; they're rather lazy sometimes – wait three days and I will appear near your family's estate. By the time we meet again, my plans will have been set in motion, and your revenge will be waiting for you in the Council Room on top of Hokage Tower, I promise."
His eyebrows rose slightly at her proclamation, amused at her play of confidence. She almost sounded like the dobe…
"And after?"
The light in her eyes dimmed just a bit, her smile slipping.
"I… I'm not sure Sasuke-kun. It's not like I'll have much a choice at the end of this. I'm still Akatsuki, and I can't leave until death forces me to. I must admit, at first, I didn't plan on making it –"
"Sakura."
Sasuke spoke with finality, cutting across. Her words were getting too disturbing for his liking.
"I won't let them hurt you, or take you away. That's a promise."
Sakura gazed up at him, eyes shining, her smile slowly spreading over her face once again. With a small giggle, she pulled his face down, whispering against his mouth before their lips touched.
"I know…"
His grip loosened and the petal blew gently off his fingertips, drifting away in a calm swirl of wind. He watched as it softly floated down to the blood stained ground, resting on an edge of blackened crimson and shredded pieces of fabric…
"Mine…"
His back hit a solid surface, stopping his retreat. He spun in terror up at the rock wall before spinning back towards his brother, his mind screaming. Itachi's shield vanished from around him. Sasuke knew he should've attacked. Kami, he wanted to attack!
He stood, frozen as Itachi's fingers drew closer, reaching for him.
Thunder clapped overhead, the promise of rain clouding the air.
This is it…
The voice echoed in the back of his mind as his brother stopped before him.
Itachi's bloody mouth turned up into a smile. Words whispered between them as his eyes closed in peace.
Confusion hit Sasuke's body, trying to decipher the familiar words before his gaze locked onto his aniki's fingers. They were headed straight for his eyes.
He pressed his back as far as it would go against the wall, shaking uncontrollably.
Closer… closer…
Sakura… I'm sorry…
Closer… Closer…
I'm sorry -!
Poke.
And Sasuke stared in shock as Itachi's fingers pressed into his forehead before sliding down… down… down…
Thunder rolled as his brother fell to his knees, tilting to the left, falling… falling… falling…
"Aniki, your death will not be in vain. I swear on the blood of our clan, I will find revenge."
Sasuke stared up at the colored sky, turning towards the sun, eyes to the heavens, to those he'd lost. His brother's smiling face appeared in his mind.
"Sorry Sasuke… there won't be a next time."
And his lips twitched in solemn answer as the wind picked up, carrying the sakura petals to the skies where he watched them float farther and farther from his reach, slowly fading into the sunrise.
- - -
Hinata Hyuuga giggled as she steadied the wriggling blonde in her grip, hefting Naruto's arm farther up her shoulder and tightening her hold at his waist when the kitsune barely escaped nose-diving into the stone stairway of Hokage Tower. His grumbled curses drifted between them as he struggled to stay upright, growling at each forced step upwards.
"Why does Obaa-chan have to be so high up?" Naruto whined as he gripped onto the dark-haired girl for balance, not noticing the fierce blush that colored her face at his actions.
"D-Don't f-forget you'll b-be here s-someday N-Naruto-kun…"
His smirked at her words and pushed up another step, wincing as his battered hip screamed under the movement.
"But when I'm Hokage, these stairs will all be flattened into a damn ramp! Believe it!"
Her laughter got him smiling as she helped him the rest of the way up, never going too fast and always supporting him, just like she always did. He stared at his companion as she pulled him up, marveling at how lucky he was to have someone like her as his friend.
"A-Alright N-Naruto-kun, just d-down t-this hall and w-we're in!"
Naruto sighed in relief as the main door came into view.
"Finally!"
He pumped his arm in the air in comic victory before pointing straight ahead.
"Lead the way Hinata-chan!"
"Y-Yes sir!"
She giggled as she mock saluted, adding to his joke and he smirked in accomplishment, secretly loving the bell-like sound and how he seemed to be able to bring it out so easily. And it was always worth it. Seeing her smile made his whole day light up…
Hinata suddenly stopped and stilled, snapping him out of his reverie.
"What's up Hinata-chan?" he asked, slightly on edge.
"L-Look up a-ahead N-Naruto-kun…"
He did as instructed, stiffening as two, disturbingly familiar cloaked figures stride into Tsunade's office, their entrance so swift the doorway softly eased back into place with not so much as a whisper.
With a faint growl, Naruto tightened his grip on Hinata and unconsciously pulled her closer to his chest, straightening himself against her until his chin rested on her shoulder. A scowl pulled down the edges of his lips as he growled into her ear.
"What are they doing here?"
- - -
Konohagakure no Tsunade quickly snatched the folded paper from the hand of the first figure, blonde eyebrow quirked in distrust. She kept an eye on the silent duo as she unfolded the note, sending one last glance at the newcomers before lowering her brown eyes to the battered letter.
Tsunade-sama –
As you should know by now, Uchiha Itachi has passed on and Sasuke knows the truth. His body is coming in to be buried. Hold the service secret until you deem it safe to make the truth of Uchiha known to all of Konoha.
The Elders will be targeted in three days time. They will be dead by nightfall of the third day as I should be as well, if my luck holds out. It is a win-win situation for you as always.
I have given Oto over to my most trusted and honored general Otogakure no Daisuke (1) and his fiancé Otogakure no Sakura (2). Both have been personally trained by my hand, and are willing to make a peace treaty with Konohagakure and Sunagakure as soon as you can draw one up. I hope that will accomplish all you requested.
My plans are coming to a close, but I need just a little more cooperation from you. The two before you now are my trusted friends and companions. They've agreed to help as long as you allow them a few leniencies which I've already discussed with them and have deemed acceptable. They will voice them when you ask. If you do not accept their offers, you will not have their aid, and my plans will fail. I'm putting a crazy amount of faith in you, my former teacher, and I pray that, in the end, you'll see things my way.
Seeing how they're S-Class criminals, they need to disappear. Two days from now, send word that your shinobi discovered them and ANBU executed them because they refused to hand over information. I will be with them on the third day. Evacuate every civilian as secretly as you can, starting near the Tower. You don't have to get involved any farther than that. I promise.
As a final note: You may release the raven still resting in your aviary from Itachi's last notice. His work is finally finished so let him be free.
Tsunade read and reread the letter a few more times, shaking her head.
Kami, I need sake…
She placed the letter on the desk and reached for a bottle of her best stuff hidden in the bottom left drawer. She glanced over her visitors, recognizing one immediately from the infamous Bingo Book (3). From that alone, she knew he was especially dangerous. But the other one…
She had no idea why he was even considered a criminal. He was moving his head in rapid succession, glancing around in awe at her office and the outstanding view her large windows provided, nearly bouncing up and down. She would've thought Naruto was trying to play a prank on her if that letter hadn't been real.
The Sannin straightened and poured herself a glass, downing the shot before turning to the more intelligent-looking one, her words stopping his hand from smacking the other upside the head.
"What, pray tell, would two Akatsuki members gain from coming to a place that could easily execute them right on this spot?"
Her voice was sharp and dangerous, telling them she meant business. The one she spoke to stood unruffled but the other made a surprised 'eep' and hid behind him.
"You read the letter, un?" Deidara inquired, hands itching to smack his ridiculous partner.
Her calculating gaze was similar to Itachi's, he couldn't help but muse rather darkly.
"Yes I read it, but it doesn't make sense. Why would a criminal such as yourself willingly come into a village that could lock you away all for the sake of one girl?"
The bomb-specialist smiled, though no humor was in his eyes.
"When someone gives you a reason to live, un, you try to do everything you can to keep them alive."
"You'd even leave Akatsuki?"
He shrugged in answer. "I joined it because there was nothing better to do. Sure, the bastard Itachi roped me into it, but I stayed because the leader respected my art, un. Iwagakure was full of sissies, too scared of the greatness of it."
Tsunade took another swig of sake, rubbing her temples as she studied the young blonde.
"I'm guessing that's the leniency you're asking for?"
"Damn right, un. Sakura-chan told me you had a need for bombers, especially in demolition and ambush. My specialties."
He had a point. If he were to willingly enter into her shinobi force, he would be a valuable asset. And as long as she offered what he wanted – to a reasonable degree – he was willing to stay and be loyal as well. A true bomber for higher being paid, not with money, but plenty of interest. She could wave his former criminal stats in front of his face to keep him in line, and if he turned against them, not only would Sakura be disappointed, but he would be easy to dispose of, which wouldn't harm anything.
"Alright. What about him?"
Deidara pushed Tobi away from him to stand before the Hokage, growling as the boy made a jump for his protection again.
"He's my partner. All he wants is to work with me" – he made a strangled face – "and he'll stay, un. I don't know if he has any skill, but Sakura-chan insisted I bring him along. He's good at being a target, a master of escape, and not a bad planter of bombs, un."
His words stopped the masked Akatsuki in his struggle to get back behind his partner.
"Does senpai really mean that? Is Tobi really that awesome?"
The blonde frowned.
"Don't get carried away, un."
If she could see his one visible eye, Tsunade was sure it would be shining like the sunlight. He looked like a child at Christmas… from just a few kind-ish words?
Just like Naruto and Sasuke.
Tsunade sighed and drank another shot, eying the two.
"Alright, your leniencies will be matched if you agree to becoming citizens of Konoha. You'll be hidden within the village for two days, under my personal ANBU captains. If you try any funny business, I will not hesitate to execute you as the criminals you are. If you do as you're told and stay quiet, as well as agree to my offer of citizenship, your criminal records will be swiped and you'll get the chance to be free. Meet my conditions and your wishes will be granted to you. It's your choice if you're still alive for Sakura in three days time, do you understand?"
The duo nodded – Deidara once; Tobi, over ten in two seconds – and she stood from her desk, summoning her captains. Four masked ANUB appeared a second later in puffs of smoke, kneeling before her desk on either side of the Akatsuki members. She debriefed them quickly and ordered a safe house opened – with a big room and a high ceiling just in case Deidara got too bored – and two disappeared as quickly as they'd come, hastening to follow orders. The other two stood to escort them out, standing silently and stiffly, clearly on edge. Deidara bit down the urge to scoff openly at their masked faces.
"I will check up on you in two days. If I deem your behavior acceptable, you'll be free to roam the village as Konohagakure shinobi, and Sakura's plan will be able to go as intended. If not, you'll die before nightfall."
The bomb specialist sighed in acceptance before being escorted out of the office, Tobi bouncing at his side.
"One more thing Akatsuki no Deidara."
He turned to see Tsunade once more sitting at her desk, letter in hand.
"It's strange to say this to a known criminal like yourself but… keep her safe will you?"
His smile was genuine as he responded, the truth slipping from his mouth with ease.
"We're her trump card Hokage-sama. If we don't keep her safe, who will, un?"
- - -
Akatsuki no Pein stared down at the pinkette kneeling before him, his pierced lips pulled down into his usual frown. Sakura's outline flickered in and out due to her connection from Konoha, a static ripple sparking down to her toes as she slowly stood before him.
"Report."
"Itachi-sensei fell in his battle with Sasuke almost four days ago. His body was recovered by Konoha ANBU."
Her words meant a stinging blow to his organization. Itachi was by far the best of the rouge shinobi under his thumb, and the things he knew…
"You sealed his secrets before they did, correct?"
"Of course."
Bad news was written all over her face. Her features were pained and each word she spat with a vengeance, as though trying to hold back an agonized scream.
"And the others?"
He could see her scowl even through the blackened hologram.
"Deidara and Tobi were captured by Konoha trying to recover Itachi's body before the ANBU could. I've received word that their executions were carried out at sundown last night."
Pein growled and shifted from his leaning position against the hideout wall, brows furrowed.
"That's too bad. Deidara was one of the strongest ever recruited into this organization. Lucky for us Tobi will be easy enough to replace."
Sakura nodded once.
"Kisame and Zetsu are still scouting for the eight-tails. We need the final tailed-beasts if we're to accomplish anything. That being the case, I have a new mission for you, Sakura."
"What is your wish Leader-sama?"
He almost smirked, almost.
"You are, no doubt, pining for revenge for your fallen comrades. I'm sending you out to capture the Nine-Tailed Fox inside your former teammate, Uzumaki Naruto. Use all means necessary. Zetsu will clean up your mess once he decides to show up."
"…understood."
- - -
North Entrance, Hokage Tower, 1700 hours. (A/N: for anyone who doesn't know military time, this is 5 o'clock in the evening.)
Suigetsu rolled his eyes as he sank down into the puddle at his feet, only stopping when he was liquefied up to his waist. The evening breeze swept through his white bangs and he shook his head as they fell into his eyes. The Tower stood erect behind him, casting a harsh shadow down over the village, shielding them from the slowly sinking sun.
"Sakura-sama said no one is allowed to pass here. You were put here because you can keep everyone out until Whiskers and Uchiha-senpai get here."
"I know doll. Sakura-hime already went over the plans with me… many times."
Tsubaki put her hands on her hips but gave no reply, though her hand did itch to throw a rock at Shark-face's smirking… well, shark face.
She could hear the water splash as it rippled. Was he laughing at her?
The bronze-haired girl scowled.
"Juugo-kun and I will be manning the North East Gate, Hyuuga-chan the North West."
Suigetsu nodded, sinking further down into his blessed water until it was up to his chin.
"Don't let anyone get in doll. Hate to see any innocents caught in the crossfire when Sasuke goes up to kick some Elder ass – Ow!"
A flat rock slammed into his forehead, shattering the skin. His face dissolved in a slap of water, dripping down into the puddle.
"That almost hurt doll."
His voice was merely bubbles over the shine of his water. She smirked.
"Almost. It's not like I can do much damage anyways. I'm surprised I even hit you, being blind and all. I guess your filthy mouth just makes a prime target."
"Cruelty. When this is over, I'm calling you out on harassment."
Tsubaki laughed and bent down towards the pond, the sound of his rippling voice leading her hand straight to the silky water's surface, taking a serious tone.
"Be careful Shark-face. As much as you annoy me, you're still my friend. Don't let any of Danzo's men turn you crimson."
Running water slid delicately over her outstretched palm. She smiled.
"Just who do you think I am?" came his inquisitive reply, bubbles popping furiously over the surface of the puddle. "I'll be just fine doll. It's not like this is gonna be fun anyways. The hime forbade me from killing anybody…"
"I'm sure you could just… I don't know… maim severely? Then you'd enjoy yourself."
"…you're more blood thirsty than I am. Admit it."
"I can assure you I'm not, Shark-face. You've got everyone beat."
He stuck his tongue out at her with a pop of a bubble. She giggled and stood, stretching.
"I'm not sure when they'll come. Just be ready."
"Gotcha."
Suigetsu watched her leave through his puddle until she disappeared around the red bricks of the building, then turned forward and eyed the path from the village to the tower, knowing Danzo's men would be running this way any moment.
Let's get this party started…
When the top of Hokage Tower exploded in a shower of lights and fire, a small stream of bubbles was the only indication of his smirk as seconds ticked away.
The beginning of the end was about to begin.
- - -
North West Entrance, Hokage Tower, 1700 hours.
Hinata crouched down on the branch covering her hiding place, Byakugan eyes staring at the solid oak door she had to guard before roving up to the Council's Chambers at the very top of the Tower, her special kekkai genkai sliding past the crimson bricks and to the thin strings resting in their hiding places within the wall. Exploding tags were lined on the strings in precise places, resting just underneath the Chamber, threatening the means of escape for the Elders unaware in the room above.
Her earpiece clicked, small beeps relaying a message. She listened intently until they stopped entirely and then pressed her own sequence into the transmitter, sounding an affirmative.
The plan's on schedule then.
Five clicks, definite and precise. Position?
She answered with three more, pressing the first one longer than the other two. North West.
Her earpiece fell silent. Hinata used the chance to scout the entrance once again.
"Keep Naruto safe, won't you Hinata-san?"
Her cheeks flushed slightly as she remembered Sakura's plea. Naruto's gaze had been particularly piercing when they locked onto her.
He was tailing Sasuke now, she knew, helping him gain his revenge against the Council as his backup. His resolve to aid his bond brother had only grown when Sakura had come to the campsite three nights ago and told them the truth about Itachi.
Her own teammates were evacuating civilians to the underground safe houses; Sai, Yanagi and Lee clearing a route straight to Hokage tower. She would help them as much as she could.
Byakugan eyes trailed back up to the Council room, brows furrowing in determination.
Her transmitter clicked and she deciphered the long high-pitched noise. She gripped the branch for stability and turned her eyes to the village, where shinobi rushing to get to the Elders were bound to come. She would stop them all, she swore to herself.
Bombs away.
Hinata jumped to her position at the entrance just as the floor beneath the Council room exploded. Fire volleyed into the air in colorful streaks towards the darkening sky. Smoke and debris launched from the force of the detonation, fanning down towards the village in broken fragments of clay and stone.
The flaming pieces fell around her but she held her ground, arms steady as she lowered herself into a defensive stance.
I won't let you down, Naruto-kun.
- - -
North East Entrance, Hokage Tower, 1700 hours.
Juugo frowned at the polished door before lifting his amber eyes up to the topmost room of the Tower. Birds chirped merrily in the branches above him, and their mind-voices echoed in the back of his mind in a tangle of simple words.
::Meeting over. / Elders old. Elders wrinkly! / Tsubaki back! More treats? / Worms! / My nest!::
It continued until he mentally shut them out, carefully taking note of all information he could decipher that could possibly be considered useful. There wasn't much.
He felt a gentle tug on his earpiece.
"Anything yet Juugo-kun?"
He blushed slightly as Tsubaki took his large hand into both of hers, using the contact to pinpoint where his face was.
"Transmitters quiet Tsu-chan," he told her softly, staring down at the blind girl.
She could feel his gaze and smiled.
"Anytime now. I'm sure of it."
He nodded; she felt it as she leaned against his shoulder. The familiar feeling of protectiveness for her rose once again in his chest. Juugo didn't want her to be here out of fear she could die, but couldn't bear telling her to leave after she'd jumped at the chance to help Sakura.
It didn't make the fear go away though. After all, the last person he'd felt this comfortable left was killed. She was the means of his sanity, quite literally. He could control his rages as long as he knew she was alright. She was a gifted fighter, she was fast, but she was blind. He knew Tsubaki could take care of herself, but the fact that she couldn't sense air-borne attacks until too close to last second made him uneasy.
He squeezed her hand. She smiled.
"You won't let them hurt me," she whispered, reading his thoughts. "I believe in you."
The transmitter began to click in a long pattern. Tsubaki translated, "The plans on schedule."
For their affirmative, she instructed him to press the transmitter seven times – pause – three times – pause – then seven times again.
It went quiet for a few moments before clicking five times. Position?
Two clicks, first one longer. North East.
Silence.
Juugo stared down at the woman against his side.
A long, piercing beep rattled the earpiece. They readied themselves, aiming for their position near the door.
Bombs away.
The Council room shook as the floor below it detonated. Fallen wall hit the ground hard, rattling his teeth. Tsubaki gripped onto him for balance and he lifted her safely into his arms, jumping towards the doorway.
Good luck Sasuke-san, Naruto-san… Sakura…
When he righted them in their spot, he merely punched any harmful debris out of the air, clearing the space and insuring Tsubaki's safety. She merely smiled and dropped to crouch, hands on the earth, waiting for her chance to strike.
- - -
Uchiha Family Graveyard, Konoha Southern District, 1600 hours, 42 minutes.
Sakura stood before the polished stone, her fingers gently trailing over the smooth rock. Emerald gazed over the name intricately carved into the plain surface and she stilled her hand, bowing her head in respect.
A gentle wind pressed against her back, the smell of rain on the air. She raised her gaze to the skies.
"How are you… sensei?"
The warm breath of the breeze caressed her cheeks, whispered in her ear. A sad smile kissed her lips as she leaned into the wind, eyes closing as she listened.
She didn't know how long she stood there, but she didn't care or move, not even when she felt a presence behind her.
Gentle footfall murmured over the grasses, stopping just behind her. Sakura dropped her gaze and stared straight ahead, her smile growing tender.
"It's all been arranged Sasuke-kun."
His warm breath sent shivers down her spine as he stepped closer, until she could feel the heat of his skin against her cloak. She was so tempted to lean back into his embrace, her grip on the tombstone tightened to keep her firmly in her position.
"Keep Naruto away from me. I'm under orders to capture him, and if an Akatsuki member shows, I'll have no choice but to follow orders…"
Her voice trailed off as he stepped closer, her back resting against his chest. He didn't speak, but she knew he understood.
"Your revenge is waiting for you in the Council Chambers. My plans are set."
Silence fell between them like a sorrowful goodbye. She knew he had to go and leaned away from his body, trying to keep her resolve strong. His breaths still ghosted over her skin, making it flush on contact. She wondered why he wasn't saying anything. Was he absorbing the moment?
Did he know…?
"Sakura."
Her body trembled at the sensation of her name sliding effortlessly over his lips.
The Hokage Tower exploded in the distance, fire and shimmering light licking up to the skies, highlighting his aniki's name on the tombstone. Sasuke bit his lip, her pink locks caressing his mouth, her scent tingling his senses.
"Arigato."
It was not what he truly wanted to say, but he knew she understood in the words unspoken between them.
He felt her smile.
- - -
South East Wall, Konoha, 1600 hours, 50 minutes.
Deidara studied the blueprints in his lap, tracing his finger over the pen marks he'd made on the blue lines of the walls, indicating where each of his bombs were placed.
"South-side, check. West-side," – he peered down at the map again then checked his bag – "check. East-side, double check."
His face broke out into a wide grin, his blue eyes burning into the eastern walls of the Council room. That was where it had to be hit most severely. The blast featured paper-bombs lining the room directly below as well as three specially made notes plastered on the outside of the wall, parallel with the actual floor of the Chambers. Upon detonation, the floor would collapse downward, destroying the doorway below, knocking out the last chance of escape. The jolt would bend the steel over the windows as well. They'd be no better than mice trapped in the jaws of a monster cat…
Random clicking interrupted his thoughts. His transmitter screeched in his ear, making him grimace.
Only one person that could be…
"Tobi, un, I told you to contact me over the mouth-piece baka."
The masked boy was too bouncy to pay attention to the secret clicking system Sakura set up for them. He and the brat had the only speakers on the transmitter. All other communication was reduced to the clicking. It was a specialized technique Sakura showed them to use; even while concentrating on a battle, the brain registers the special order of clicks and the person receiving the message would understand, even if they don't consciously make an effort to.
"Tobi is sorry senpai!"
Deidara quickly lowered the volume, wincing at his partner's harsh cry. Good thing he was on the outer wall of the village, hidden underneath the overhanging branches reaching over him from the forest. If this had been an ambush, Tobi's voice would've, quite literally, been the death of him. He'd be discovered in under two seconds, if he was lucky…
"I can hear you just fine, so stop shouting. Is the north side covered un?"
"Tobi got them all in just like senpai said."
"Good." At least the idiot was good for something. "Get back here un."
"Isn't senpai gonna tell Tobi what a good job Tobi did?"
Dammit, the boy sounded disappointed. Deidara sighed.
"You did just fine, un," he gritted out, trying to sound sincere even as his eyebrow began to twitch. "Good boy Tobi."
His earpiece screeched as his partner squealed.
"Does senpai really mean it? Is Tobi reallyagoodboy? That's-whatsenpaisaidright? Tobiisagoodboy!"
His brain was spinning.
"Just get your ass back here before I blow it clear into next year un!"
The transmitter went quiet and he rubbed his temples, fighting back a sudden headache.
Sakura owed him big time…
His eyes drifted to the timer. Four minutes left.
Grabbing the transmitter, he clicked it over to the Western dial, tapping his fingers in a special rhythm. Once finished, he paused, waiting for answering clicks. Luckily, the Hyuuga heiress was fast.
"Seven… three… seven…"
Deidara turned the dial to the Eastern dial, repeating his pattern. Their response was just as quick.
"Same. Good, un."
He clicked back to the Western dial and pressed five times. Position?
North West.
Smirk. Switch. Repeat.
Position?
North East.
Blue eyes found the timer. Fifteen seconds… fourteen… thirteen…
"Tobi, you'd better not be anywhere near that Tower, un. It's gonna go in ten seconds."
"Tobi is moving now!"
At least the idiot was out of the way. No way would he let this masterpiece be soiled.
He pressed the transmitter hard, enticing a long, high-pitched beep that rang to both dials.
Bombs away.
He made the seal, his chakra connecting to every one of his special exploding notes.
Five… four…
"Art is an explosion!"
One.
"KATSU!"
It was a masterpiece indeed. The second to highest floor detonated shooting outwards like rockets. Fireworks screamed out of the fire, exploding in midair, cracking and sparkling in color, lighting up the darkening town. Flames leaped out of the destroyed windows, clawing for the falling red bricks like massive claws, more animalistic than mindless ignition.
Deidara smiled into his work, his face lighting up in the fireworks.
It's up to you guys now, un.
- - -
Council Chambers, Konoha, 1700 hours, 1 minute, 26 seconds.
Naruto's clone disappeared as he hurled himself for the red-bricked building, the rush of his chakra blowing away the last of the dust left over from the blast.
"Rasengan!"
His swirling blue energy slammed hard into the wall, ripping the brick apart within seconds. Rubble flew in every direction, striking his legs, his arms. He screamed a war cry as he cleared the stone, landing hard in the room, snarling like a demon in the thick cloud of his entry. Sasuke landed next to him, hands ready on Kusanagi's hilt, Sharingan blazing.
The three in the room raised their heads, eyeing the duo with mixed expressions of surprise, frustration, and irritation on their aged faces.
"What is the meaning of this?" demanded Koharu Utatane, her small form resting against the wall, holding herself steady with as much dignity as she could muster. Her voice croaked much like a frog but held the strength of a bull that just got slapped on the rump, echoing around the ruined room like an earthquake's tremor.
Sasuke straightened to his full height, heedless to the threat in her voice, his hatred swirling around him like a deadly aura. Naruto remained crouched, growling under his breath, distrustful eyes never leaving the trio before them.
"I think you know why."
Homura Mitokado was the next to speak, his wrinkled face grave as he sized up the Uchiha with his coal black eyes.
"Revenge is it, Uchiha Sasuke? Haven't you had enough? Your brother is dead. You've effectively killed the murderer of your clan. You're now Konoha's hero."
Wrong words to say.
Bloodlust seeped from Sasuke like a cascading waterfall. His knuckles went bleach white on his sword's handle, digging into the dark silk. Naruto couldn't hold back his smirk as he lowered his crouch.
"You're wrong about that. Itachi was the hero. And you…"
Kusanagi whistled sharply as it was unsheathed, shimmering in an eerie light in his hands.
"…you all are the murderers here. You ordered my brother to kill the clan, instead of allowing the Third's ideals of a peaceful compromise. The blood my clan is on your hands. I am not blind to your lies anymore."
He glared at the Elders, body trembling with anticipation.
This was it. This is what he'd been dreaming of. Revenge for his clan, for his brother…
…for Sakura and the future she gave up so he could have a chance.
Their fault, their lies, their plans, their greed – all would disappear with their deaths. Right here. Right now.
He lunged into the air, katana singing, yelling fiercely as steel met flesh, a rain of crimson spraying into the air around him like waves hitting against a lone cliff staring out over the ocean.
- - -
South West Wall, Konoha, 1700 hours, 5 minutes, 32 seconds.
Sai made the final hand sign, locking the genjutsu into place. Just above his team towered the smoking Council room; just below, the only way out of the Tower before the final sets of bombs went off, collapsing the Chambers completely.
Yanagi and Lee hammered down the final board against the ashen stone, adding extra stability to the path on top of the Outer Wall of the village. The path wasn't very wide, only enough to fit three people standing shoulder to shoulder. The battle barracks hadn't been used since the last Great Shinobi War, and so the carpenter had been called in to hammer down the strongest wood she could find to add stability to the crumbling sides.
When Naruto and Sasuke had to make their escape, this was their only chance, and there was no way he'd let it collapse under the falling debris destined to collide. He wouldn't let his friends get hurt like that.
The sounds of conflict in the Tower drifted down to them and they paused, staring up at the room, trying to picture the fight. Sai could hear the whirling wind of Naruto's Rasengan screaming through the air, the heavy crash as it struck – though if it hit or not was the usual question when dealing with the blonde.
Lee checked the watch around his wrist, eyeing the timer. Yanagi leaned over, frowning.
"Those idiot's had better hurry," she whispered to the green-clad shinobi. "Two minutes and that room goes up in flames."
"Naruto and Sasuke are full of youth! They will make it on time, just wait and see!"
Sai's usual smile slipped at the proclamation, his own onyx orbs dropping down to the timer strapped to his belt. A strange, unfamiliar feeling pooled in his stomach, spinning in nauseating circles. He lifted his hand over the sensation, unsure.
Is this… worry?
A loud crash echoed around the wall, trembling down and mixing with furious cries. A form appeared out of the hole Naruto had created. With a jolt, Sai recognized the silhouette immediately. Silver glinted in the man's wrinkled hands, his aim for the escape route. A sword shimmered in the fading sunlight, smears of scarlet running down the length of the blade.
Danzo-sama…?!
He was heading right for them and he was gonna get by, one way or another.
"Get behind me."
Yanagi and Lee instantly complied, pressing themselves against the wall as Sai pulled out a scroll, hastily scribbling various beasts and shields as quickly as his chakra-filled brush could slide over the parchment.
With a hand sign, the cloud of ink-shapes exploded from the scroll, rushing up to meet the falling Elder, obscuring his view of the Tower. Two shapes jumped from the room before they disappeared from his view, landing somewhere beyond his raging ink drawings. He prayed those shadows had been his teammates.
The timers clicked then beeped a long shrill pitch. Two seconds later, the Council Room detonated, blowing its top like a volcano, flames and flickering lights raining down over the village in a smoky rain. Fragments of falling wall slammed hard into the pathway, flattening a few of his drawings. Ink splattered like blood across the wooden planks hammered down.
Sai and his team crouched against the wall, covering their heads for protection, shrinking completely back against the unyielding wall. The world around them shook as rock continued to fall. His screen of ink flashed in the dusty cloud created by each impact. If Danzo was caught under the rubble or within the cloud of creatures, he couldn't tell. None of them could decipher anything through the massive cloud rising into the sky, thunder rumbling down the path as each rocks hit and struck like lightning; a storm of stone.
A chakra surge spiked and his animals were suddenly blown apart in a furious gust of energized wind. Shards of debris shot towards them, striking any part of them they weren't able to cover. Deep scratched peppered their arms and legs, drawing blood. Scarlet dripped to the ashen stone beneath them, staining the ancient rock.
Out of the corner of his eye, Sai saw a figure stampede out of the last of his creatures, flying by them in a glint of silver and black, a crimson trail following on the heels of the shadow.
The raven chanced turning his head to watch his former leader disappear into the forest, barely flinching as a sharp cut of rock sliced across his cheek.
He pressed his transmitter, tapping it in three urgent clicks.
Plan B.
- - -
Southern Forest, Konoha Outskirts, 1700 hours, 32 minutes.
Danzo tightened his grip on the sword, the hidden sheath slapping against his back as he forced his tiring legs to run, the bandages covering his face and right arm pulling uncomfortably, not used to the urgent movements.
His breath came in nasal wheezes, his balance threatened with every step. He glanced over his shoulder, listening hard. All he could see was the smoke rising from the ruined Tower, stretching upwards like a beacon calling ships to port from the raging seas.
He allowed his feet to fall into a brisk walk, all senses on high alert, his death grip on his katana unusually tight.
The wound on his side from the Uchiha's violent swing still stung painfully, forcing Danzo to make a conscious effort to find leaf-ridden paths to hide the crimson drops sliding down his leg to the ground.
A trail of breadcrumbs…
The air whistled as a kunai sliced through the air before his face, snapping his legs to an abrupt halt. The skin opened across his nose, ripping his bandages; the hilt of the knife gleamed before his eyes, buried deep into the tree trunk by his side.
Unruffled, Danzo turned to the newcomer, an empty smirk tilting his lips.
"I was wondering when you'd come… Akatsuki no Sakura."
- - -
(1) Daisuke – from chapter 8.
(2) Sakura – the girl our *coughSasuke'scough* Sakura impersonates in chappies 23 and 24.
(3) Bingo Book – lists every known criminal in the entire shinobi world. They're usually considered S-Class or highly dangerous. Almost every member of Akatsuki is listed.
- - -
(A/N: ZOMG this is actually done. *pants* Hope you all enjoyed. By the way… this chappie is 16 pages long and over 7000 words! Bow down to my awesomeness. Don't hate me too much for the slight cliffie there hehehe. *sweat-drops* I expect feedback for this AU-ness! Until next time! R&R plz!)