I have no rights to Naruto.
Enjoy.
x-x
-x-x
Tears. In women they were common and accepted, in men they were not, but in awful situations tears in a woman were perceived as weakness, as a lack of strength, in the same situation they showed a man's emotional side made him human, made him endearing. Like many things in life the situation made things normally perceived as weak or gay acceptable, Hidan had called many of those idiots 'pansy ass cry babies', 'weak ass momma boys' or 'gay faggots'.
But now with the tears running unchecked down his face, with the tearing of his heart he didn't care and if any of those he had riled and insulted had appeared before him he would have taken their words without comment, frankly he would not had cared and most likely not have even heard them. Sometime during the night he had moved and now sat on the cold floor against the altar, looking down and holding with hands long cramped and gone dead the only thing that mattered to him in his arms.
Sakura.
Her eyes were black, a dead lifeless colour that made his stomach sick, her skin pale and sickly no gentle glow or ethereal look, hair dull. If it was not for the oh so gentle rise and fall of her chest Hidan would have thought she was dead for all that came through the bond was nothing.
It was not a lack of her presence of her feelings; it was not the carefully binding and closing of the bond to keep things hidden or apart. Hidan truly felt nothing through the bond. She was not there, and therefore she was not in her body. But Hidan could not let go.
His heart was tearing, his soul already sundered, the gaping void within him growing to encompass his mind as he held his soul close, the tears dropping from his face drying as pain went numb, eyes focusing on the vessel that housed his soul, his heart and his life.
In the quiet silence of the Sacrificial chamber the moon shone through the lone window falling to illuminate the black altar and the man leaning against it who had once again lost the one thing that mattered to him as he held her to his chest.
Outside the Chamber the two veteran guards made the sign of Jashin on their chests, a cold numbing pain filling their chests as the Protectors's voice filled the air, strong and unexpectedly beautiful singing the Hime's favourite childhood song. With a sigh the spluttering torches dimmed even further, darkening the halls as the Hime's Protector succumbed to his pain.
Above the chambers, through the winding corridors and staircases throughout the whole castle the Guards on duty bowed their heads, the priests and priestess's waking early stopped for a moment and held their pendants, servants closed their eyes and those sleeping tossed and turned before stilling within the bed sheets and sighed. Animals whined or meowed lying heads on paws and in the stables the large war horses stomped hooves and Hades rung his mane in agitation.
x-x
The castle awoke to a low lying mist that had rolled its way into the castle blanketing the grounds and reinforcing the chill in the air even with the heat of the sun coming through the hazy clouds. High above the mist Nisou stood at the arrowed window and looked out; clutching her pendant in her hand she narrowed her eyes before turning to face the large wooden table before her. Too much had happened and now they were without guidance. Sakura and Hidan were lost to them for the time being, Daisaishi lay in bed at the Healers orders after overly exerting himself and Jashin could not interfere. They were at the point where Gods could no longer interfere; where their lives were in there own hands, the choices theirs, the outcomes dependent on themselves.
Tying her hair tightly in a ponytail she rolled up her sleeves and pulled the hare towards her, silver ceremonial knife in hand she placed the tip at the base of the hare's throat quickly and efficiently slicing down and killing the creature as painlessly as possible. Exact in her movements she placed her knife at the side of the table point towards the bleeding body as she used her nails to cut through the thin membranes that protected the organs, peeling back the fur, skin, muscle and sinew. Looking intently at the sight before her waiting for the message to become clear, with a sigh she pulled out the intestines letting them plop on the wooden table, next she pulled the organs out, arranging them between the intestines – nothing. She cut the stomach and allowed the contents to pour over the table, with a grimace she pulled out the eyes and with a look of distaste popped them into her mouth and crunched down.
Eyes closed and meditating she still saw nothing. Spitting out the fluids and rinsing her mouth Nisou rubbed her forehead uncaring of the blood and fluids on her hands transferring to her face or hair. Taking up the knife she began to skin the hare, cutting off the muscles and tendons and scrapping them to the side for the dogs until she was left with bones, carefully she pressed each one in her hands and prayed before gathering them all up and tossing them lightly on the table, forehead wrinkling as she read them.
"Damn."
Exactly half an hour she sat before the Shinobi, Kaemon and Lady Kagome by her side as she explained what had happened.
"You practice divination." Itachi spoke measuredly nodding slowly despite the sceptical faces of his fellow Shinobi."
"Is it reliable?" Yamato questioned.
At this Nisou scowled, the decision to tell all had not been taken lightly, Daisaishi had been semi-comatose and while Lam had spoken up for the Shinobi and Kaemon had agreed it had been Lady Kagome who had truly spoken the truth – what had they to lose. But it went against everything within her to explain so much to these strangers, they were unknown and without Sakura or Hidan to give them their backing – whatever about Sakura's speech Nisou was simply uncomfortable revealing all.
"Messages, portents, warnings yes, guidance and which path to choose yes but its reliability is not what is wrong."
"Troublesome."
Nisou raised her eyes to the dark haired ponytailed Shinobi and snorted. "It's about to get more troublesome." Leaning back in her seat ignoring Lady Kagome's throat clearing at her lack of posture.
"Jashin is harsh but fair. It is the cornerstone of our beliefs; we have many laws and writings, many ways to interpret them. Jashin's presence is to us obvious, our belief unquestioned – scars created through rituals never fade, scars created through battle, assault can be lessened with Jashin's help and prayer, the Guards can be deadlier than any Shinobi when using the full power granted to them by Jashin. You have seen Sakura use that power."
Nods answered her statement and biting back a sigh she continued.
"But Gods can only interfere in so much and as humans we must learn to stand on our own, we must grow through the trials we face daily. This battle between the One Power and us – the people of Jashin, Shinobi, civilians is more than a battle it is a war to decide humans faith."
Her eyes rose to meet theirs, catching the clenched jaws and worried looks.
"Will we be allowed our free will to decide our own lives or be killed, hunted down no matter where we hide." At this she levelled a look at Kakashi reminding him of his words the night before. "Those who do not follow the One Power will die or be made into slaves; it will become a mad world where power is the only currency. Jashin cannot interfere, the abilities we have will not increase nor decrease but we must fight on our own, our choices, our decisions, our actions, Jashin will have no input."
Lady Kagome, snapped open her fan only to quickly snap it closed into the palm of her hand as the Shinobi looked at each other in confusion. "To you it may mean no difference in the battles, the war to come - you believe in a Kami, one who does not influence your lives or show its power but for us it would be akin to losing our Hokage, advisors and top military in one."
"Demoralising." Kakashi spoke.
"You give the people too little credit." Kaemon spoke for the first time, directing his words at Lady Kagome who sniffed in response.
"Do I? The Guards will manage, the older priests and priestess's as well as the older nobles, those who remember the days and months after Sakura-Hime's so called death when Jashin-sama mourned. But the younger ones perhaps not. To face the loss of Jashin's presence with no warning, no sun hit the lands of Jashins for two seasons, crops barely grew, the fires in the chambers never lit and the Castle may have well haunted."
"Then tell them." Ino sat up straight, strengthening her back at the penetrating gaze Lady Kagome sent her way.
"You all believe and trust Jashin-"
"Jashin-sama."
Ino corrected herself at Lady Kagome's interruption, vaguely wondering who was more intimidating the woman before her or her Grandmother.
"Jashin-sama, so explain to them that he had tried to prepare them for what was to come – those trials you mentioned but now it is his turn to trust and believe in them, that he is putting his beliefs in their hands and he knows they will not let him down."
"It could work." Kaemon mused.
"It's the truth."
"Then what were you afraid of?" Naruto asked head tilted as he gave a wide smile.
Fears went unvoiced, the fear that Jashin would not return though the idea was blasphemous in itself, the fear that Sakura would not come out of the depression and mind lock she was in, that Hidan would stay with her until the two died with her in his arms. Fear that the younger ones would panic, that they would lose-.
A hand took Nisou's and she found herself lost in brilliant blue eyes. Eyes full of life, happiness, determination and belief.
"We'll win, there's nothing to be afraid of. We're Shinobi we're used to battles and fights and having the odds against us. Between the two of us they don't stand a chance. Datteboyo!"
Caught in the relentless power that was Uzumaki Naruto Nisou found herself unable to do anything else but return his smile, understanding now what Sakura had meant when she had told her about Konoha, her friends and her team and about the young man in front of her.
"Sakura-Hime was right."
"She usually is." Naruto laughed, unsure what she meant but letting it go to sit back down among his team and friends, Suigetsu commenting that he couldn't wait to fight while Karin insulted him drawing Lady Kagome's ire. The Akatsuki added their bit until it was agreed.
"So that's what you'll tell them." Ino stated to make sure they were all on the same page, missing the look all gave her except for Suigetsu and Karin who were once again arguing.
Lady Kagome shook her head. "No child that is what you will tell them."
Ino mouth dropped and for the first time in years she was caught without something to say, stuttering before she managed. "Wha...what!"
"Did you forget that you would be impersonating our Hime?" Lady Kagome gave a not so pleasant smile, amused by the girl's reaction and hesitant that she would be up to the challenge.
"But you said I wouldn't have to face anyone, they will know something is off, that I'm not Sakura!" Ino accused Nisou who actually laughed, Naruto's words having lightened her spirit for the moment.
"It is your plan."
"Then it's a bad plan, its-"
"Ino calm down." Shikamaru grabbed her hand and pulled her back into her seat making her blink as she realised she had stood and begun to shout, swallowing she looked at Shikamaru, Chouji rubbing her back in reassurance as she listened to her pineapple haired teammate. "You've been trained your entire life to handle clan matters."
Watching Lady Kagome sniffed. "Perhaps she is unable, even the most trained fall at the first hurdle." She turned to Nisou commenting off hand. "You remember that Lao girl, such a disappointment. Perhaps the red head?"
Heads turned to Karin in disbelief the girl herself unattractively making a face and looking at the Lady as if she was crazy.
"Excuse me." Ino's voice cut through the air like glass, the Konoha Shinobi nearly jumping as they leaned away, Kisame, Itachi and Deidara watching as Sasuke ordered Suigetsu and Karin to shut up while Nisou and Kaemon shared a covert look.
"You should know not to interrupt your better's girl, your so called training should have at least taught you that."
Ino stood, fists clenched at her hips as she swung her hair back and brought herself to her full height visibly holding back her anger as she spat. "I am Yamanaka Ino, heir and future head of the Yamanaka Clan, the first female head in its five hundred year history. A history of pride, honor and strength, our techniques both feared and awed. Daimyo's of neighbouring countries send their Daughters to the Matriarch and women of my Clan to learn what is needed to rule and to advise. Your words insults not only me but my Clan and only that you are not a Shinobi saves you form being called to defend yourself."
"Posturing and lecturing are a waste of time girl, grab your necessities and we shall see if you can justify your words." Lady Kagome raised her head and peered down her nose at Ino waiting for her teammates to get her attention , a grunt for Kakashi making her harrumph and turn in anger batting Shikamaru's and Chouji's hands form her as she stalked to her room.
"I like her."
The Shinobi nearly choked, Itachi giving a tiny smile as he remembered his Mother screening his Uncle's wife in such a manner as Shikamaru hung his head muttering 'Troublesome'. Nisou and Kaemon smiled turning head as Kisame stood the moment a fuming Ino entered the room.
"Where are you going yeah?"
Looking down at Deidara Kisame laughed. "Are you serious?" Not getting a response from him or anyone Kisame shook his head and hefted Samehada on his shoulders. "Ino is playing Sakura – she has similar body type to keep the henge and knows enough of the mannerisms to pull it off, but the whole thing would be useless the minute they see her without Hidan by her side."
Mutters of crap and shit came from the Shinobi, Kaemon actually rubbing a hand over his shaven head and nodding at Kisame. "Thanks, I'll speak with the Guards and let them know, if you go with Ino I'll get you clothes and we can meet the ladies to finalise everything.
"Wait why him?"Chouji stood, giving Ino a careful glance to gauge her thoughts on this. "Wouldn't it be better to get someone Ino is more comfortable.
"He's the best for the job."
Chouji turned to Sasuke in disbelief wondering for a moment if this was a ploy only for Sai to agree.
"The Traitor is right, while Beautiful may be comfortable with you or Nara-san Hoshigaki -san has the best chance of pulling it off, his body structure is the most similar to Hidan's allowing him easier control over the henge and weapon wise the way he holds and postures with his sword can be kept the same only henge it into a Scythe."
"His speech is also the most similar; Kisame neither curses extensively nor uses formal language unless required whereas one of us may do so if aggravated. Slight changes in personality can be explained due to stress and worry."
Itachi words had them nodding, Shikamaru and Chouji giving Ino worried looks only to see her eyeing up the blue skinned Shinobi and march up to him, hip stuck out as she lay down the law.
"Don't even think about getting all touchy feely with me like Hidan does to Sakura, take my arm or offer yours. You walk by my side or half a foot in front as a body guard would if I catch you behind me oogling my ass once or my breasts for that matter we will see how far up your ass I can shove that compensating phallic object you call a sword."
Swinging her hair to hit him in the face she strode off through the doors the Guard opened pass Lady Kagome who pursed her lips together eyes dancing in merriment as she nodded goodbye to Nisou, Kaemon and the Shinobi.
Eyes falling down to watch said ass leave the room Kisame whistled in approval. "Feisty. Is she taken?" without waiting for an answer he jogged off after her, passing Lady Kagome with a smirk and offered Ino his arm just as the Guards closed the door leavingt he Shinobi looking at each other.
"Hidan and Sakura was bad enough but Kisame and Ino will seriously scar me." Kakashi muttered quietly pulling out his surviving book and caressing the cover lovingly to regain his sense of equilibrium before returning it to his pouch and joining back with the conversation.
"We should carry on as we planned although in smaller groups so that any nobles will not notice Ino and Kisame are missing." Yamato spoke looking to Kakashi for approval, silver hair bobbing in agreement.
"I am meeting the Guards to continue our spar in a few hours."
"Then take Suigetsu and Naruto with you, Sai too." Sai smiled at Sasuke as Kakashi started to separate the groups.
"Karin is to meet Lady Hana." Nisou reminded the girl with a nod of her head frowning momentarily and turning to face Shikamaru with her head tilted. "Would you please stop doing that, it is unsettling."
"Troublesome." Was the argument he presented and she agreed but the girl and the boy were no use to anyone this was. Finally after a pointed glare and challenging eyebrow the boy raised his hands and spoke, Karin and Suigetsu shuddering and throwing murderous glances at the shadow user.
"Lady Hana is expecting you Karin."
Any attempt Karin could have made was halted by the looks she received from Sasuke and Suigetsu not to mention the blonde Priestess sitting before her. Biting her tongue she remembered the woman's words from the day before, she had given out to her and made her feel like a fool but she hadn't been mean and her words at the end maybe. . . .
Pushing her glasses up her nose she stood and walked around the table flicking Shikamaru on the head as she passed smirking as he rubbed the back of his head. Opening the door she stuttered and swallowed looking up into the angry face of Has, the Guard who had threatened to kill her for insulting his Hime.
"Has will bring you to Lady Hana."
Gulping Karin looked up once more, and then sent her hair flying as she whipped her head back sending pleading looks to anyone to help her. Biting her lip she wondered why she bothered they were ignoring her, not one would help her.
"I won't hurt you. Let's go or you will be late."
Looking up at grumbling Has Karin folded her arms and with one last angry backward look at the group, her teammates, at Sasuke she walked past Has the closing door behind her loud and condemning to her ears.
Back in the Chamber Kaemon stood bowing to Kakashi, Yamato and Itachi. "I would like to continue our discussion on battle tactics, it we go to the Guards quarters I can show you our maps and the troops we have at our disposal. We just need to stop to get Hidan's clothes"
Nodding and appreciating the conversation to come the three stood only for Kakashi to stop and turn back to the younger Shinobi. "Sasuke, Sai, Naruto and Suigetsu go spar and trade techniques, learn the fighting styles and explain some of the basics. Shikamaru, Chouji and Deidara get a lay of the land - strategies, Deidara you can scout from the sky identify any bolt holes and hiding spots."
"I got it, yeah." Deidara waved a hand well used to that particular job and left the room with Shikamaru and Chouji who quickly grabbed some apples following behind him barely catching the order to meet back for lunch to report. With Suigetsu, Sasuke, Sai and Naruto leaving too Nisou stood smoothing her skirts and nodding to Kaemon who signed for the doors to be closed.
"There is something else, that I was uncertain should be told to everyone, you know your people better and can make that decision."
Kakashi looked at Yamato and Itachi who both settled to hear the news Kaemon going to stand by the door.
"Hidan has fallen into a similar state as Sakura-Hime."
"Fuck."
"Shit."
"Unfortunate."
Kakashi and Yamato turned at one to look at Itachi who simply raised an eyebrow in return. "Foul language while a good way to explain the situation is not necessary."
Rolling his eye Kakashi was reminded as to why Itachi had annoyed them so much when they were in ANBU and seeing Yamato resisting the same urge smirked before turning his attention back to Nisou, the blonde clasping her hands in front of her.
"Kisame and Ino cannot keep up the act forever."
"Hopefully it will not come to that. If anyone approaches too close and makes a move to check Sakura Hidan snaps at them - attacks and once they move away he settles back into that state. I do not know how long-"
Yamato held up his hand and gave her a small comforting smile. "We'll give them as long as we can, they need to heal, the both of them."
"Do you have any theories or ideas to wake them back up?" Itachi faltered for a moment trying to think of the correct term.
"None, Daisaishi-sama has relapsed and is at Healers orders in bed in a drugged sleep to help him recover, Guards are at the Chamber, inside and out now watching Hidan and Sakura-Hime. As Deirdre is the only young Priestess who knows I was going to take her with me to read the sacred scrolls to research if anything similar has ever happened."
Kaemon stepped away from the door, footsteps quiet as he voiced his thoughts. "There are extreme measures we can take to awaken Hidan, they'd have him needing a Healers attention but it works on many of the Guards who are overtaken in the beginning by Jashin's gifts."
"Beating the crap out of some does usually work." Kakashi mused -catching Kaemon's unsaid fact that whoever tried to beat the crap out of Hidan would most likely need the Healer more - clapping Yamato on the back and reaching towards the door, the three men with him as Kaemon began to explain a cleared version of the history of the Guard. Nisou following behind them until they came to a staircase which she descended to find Deirdre and research the sacred scrolls, training was never to be neglected and Deirdre showed much promise.
Hours later the group met once more within the Shinobi's chambers to eat lunch, Kaemon receiving a summons that had him bowing and walking out the doors just as he had entered, Lady Kagome denied her presence citing a lunch with her daughter Lady Hana; a slightly less screechy Karin informed them. Nisou had sent Deirdre up to the Shinobi, the girl blushing and stammering when faced with the Shinobi to whom she had tried and failed to lie to, they had taken her message that Nisou was conferring with the elder priest and priestess's easily thanking her and settling down to eat themselves.
Minutes passed by, none saying anything about the easy comradeship that was now among the group, here far from Konoha and the Shinobi countries they were simply Shinobi, loyalties unimportant in the larger scheme of things.
Clearing his throat Kakashi pulled the majority of the attention away from the food looking for reports as some continued to eat while others talked.
"Lady Kagome is a damn battle-axe." Kisame snorted taking a drink from his goblet in mock toast.
"I say we put her in front of the One Powers soldiers, she'll strip the skin from her with that tongue." Ino quipped, taking a sip of her own and continuing. "Their etiquette is very complex, Hyuuga level and beyond but according to Lady Kagome I shouldn't have to deal with it and lucky for me I don't have to go through the training Sakura had to as it'll only be for short periods of time and no court appearances."
"Thank Kami." Kisame added his bit, ignoring the looks of amusement coming from up and down the table. "I just got to stand there and look pretty, and kill anyone who comes too close."
The grin on his face was wiped clean as Ino arched one pale blonde eyebrow. "If you can avoid her fan and stand straight. I better at least get to keep some of the clothes, some are much better with my skin tone than Forehead's."
The smile was gentle, the tone holding the sarcastic teasing she and Sakura had used so often, eyes downcast for a moment before jumping up and with a wave of her hand commenting. "It would be a crime to waste such beautiful clothes on Forehead."
Shikamaru closed his eyes briefly at Ino's use of the nickname, shoulders dropping as Kakashi looked to him. "Troublesome. Sergeant Lam met up on the castle walls, they have a good vantage point but a siege still wouldn't be a good idea, unless we run out of options. The fact that we are surrounded by valleys is good and we have strategic placement."
Chouji nodded quietly adding that in an event of a siege the castle was well equipped to handle it with plenty of stock but food and weapon wise.
"Lots of areas to check out, could be handy leave some art around yeah." Deidara smirked rolling clay in his hand absent mindedly as he ate with the other.
"We will need to thoroughly scout the areas and discuss all possibilities with Commander Kaemon before coming to any decisions and we must also find out what they already have in place. They have scouts positioned at the borders of their lands and every three quarters of a mile in case anything slips by." Yamato spoke up contributing part of their conversations with Kaemon to the group.
"Their sentries are very concrete, I believe even we would have had difficulty bypassing them." Itachi's words raised some eyebrows, the stoic man continuing to eat sedately making Ino envy his impeccable table manners as she watched Chouji devour all before him and Shikamaru slurp food off his fork.
"The Guards are skilled, very skilled." Sai repeated himself, reinforcing his observation, Naruto nodding along.
"Yeah, with no ninjutsu we draw, they have better mastery over some weapons, us others. But Chakra against their powers it hard to decide. They are easily high A, S class fighters – all of them."
Naruto's words had them stunned, in every Shinobi village there were the usual rankings – Genin, Chunin, Jounin, ANBU, Hokage, B class fighters were common amongst Chunin and Jounin, many Jounin were A class, a few high A as were ANBU, S Class were Hokage and a few ANBU and Jounin. Konoha was considered a marvel with its Shinobi, so many A class fighters and then the S class like Kakashi, Naruto and others, all the Akatsuki were S class. It was the skill level and how easy it was for them to fight not simply the fact they killed easily when needed but if all the Guards were so skilled it was astounding.
"All of them?" Ino breathed out in awe.
"They have to meet an average standard to even become a Guard; we would consider it A class fighting skills. And that is after a year of learning to control the skills they develop from Jashin." Sasuke spoke silently contemplating the truth that Naruto had told him that the power here would take too long for him to learn and secretly he did not think he had the ability to harness it.
"And then the fuckers spend nearly every waking hour when they aren't on duty fighting and doing some kinda of trials and challenges that hone their bad ass skills even further to win Jashin's approval." Suigetsu added waving his hands to emphasis what he thought was ridiculous, where was the money, the babes, the admirers for the kills? Shaking his head a thought surfaced and he turned to Kisame. "When am I going to get to kick your ass and take that sword?"
"You wouldn't stand a chance you over grown puddle-"
"Not to mention the fact that Commander Kaemon would kill you himself for something so stupid before a battle." Juugo's voice smoothly interrupted Karin from the opened door as he stood halfway into the room.
Sasuke was the first to stand, then Karin and Suigetsu all relieved to see their team mate and in the case of Sasuke the only real semi friend he had in the group. Sasuke made no sign but as Juugo entered the room Solas followed him, blushing prettily and bowing to the Shinobi, causing Karin to frown and Suigetsu to whistle, which brought an uncharacteristic scowl to Juugo's face. Faced with the bowing woman the Shinobi put down goblets, and utensils standing to bow in return and sat down offering her a seat which she politely declined.
"Thank you, but I am on my way to visit my sister and help Lady Kagome and Lady Hana."
Hair slithering down her back Solas tucked a strand of blueberry hair behind her ear, smiling as Juugo wrapped an arm around her waist. The comfortable set to them reminding the Shinobi painfully of Hidan and Sakura and the way Hidan never strayed too far from Sakura, always within touching distance or where they could see each other.
"Commander Kaemon received word that the other Shinobi are nearing the castle, Sergeant Lam is waiting for them and will bring them straight here."
"We should-"
"Perhaps not?" Solas tentively interrupted Kakashi giving a small bow at the same time, uncomfortable among these people that knew her love. "Commander Kaemon wishes to greet them and way lay before any prying eyes can see them or anything be let slip. While Hime-sama spoke there are still some who are unhappy with your presence that is why a member of the Guard or Lady Hana or Lady Kagome are with you."
Hand tightening around her waist Juugo comforted his love as he smiled crookedly at the group, shoulders straight and proud lightness obvious in his spirit. "In a few days once they are used to you will have more freedom, you will also know your way around by then."
"It's good to see you Juugo."
Juugo smiled at Sasuke who included Solas in his welcoming nod, the woman giving a beaming smile, eyes falling on Ino and Karin. "If you are free I would like to invite you both to tea tomorrow as well as the Kunoichi who are arriving, I can advise you on some of the more common things."
Ino returned the smile, skilfully ignoring the eye rolls and looks of anguish at girly situations. "That would be lovely; Kami knows men always forget the most obvious things."
Turning gazes to Karin, the red head sat back dumbly surprised to actually be included in the invitation and to be on the other side of a true warm invitation – Solas, and only slight wary non-sneering Ino. With a slow nod she watched Solas smile wider lean up to kiss Juugo on the kiss and with a bow leave the room clicking the doors closed behind her.
"You look good."
While Suigetsu's words were filled with innuendo and accompanied by a perverted grin and wink Juugo merely smiled and thanked him Sasuke's 'hnn' of agreement and Karins surprising squeeze of his arm as he sat were all welcoming.
"Didn't think we'd see you for days, yeah."
Nodding his head sagely Juugo adjusted the round collar of the new shirt he wore before answering Deidara. "I start undertaking my vows and initiation tomorrow."
He had come to say goodbye, to spend some time with his team and friends before he left them and joined the world in which Sakura and all those within the castle resided in, curiosity and concern marred through many but Karin was the first to voice any suspicions.
"Do you think it will help?"
"It already has, I feel like I am home and when I am with Solas it is nearly perfect. True happiness – a sense of belonging feels like it is just out of reach, at my fingertips."
It was the most Taka had ever heard Juugo speak, the large orange haired man already exuded an air of peace.
"They can help me learn control, Nisou-sama said I need to understand rather than control – apparently Hime-sama offered you the opportunity to face the trials if you wished." Juugo turned to Suigetsu, the blue skinned young man licking sharp teeth as he remembered Sakura's words, the opportunity to learn to be like Hidan, to be able to fight and kill so much enthralling.
"Fucking yeah!"
"Then I will come to collect you at dawn." Juugo inclined his head, the court manners already showing after less than a day but they suited him and turning back to Kakashi, Yamato, Itachi and Kisame he offered his help.
"Solas has told me some things and others I already know but if any of it is helpful . . . "
Juugo trailed off as the doors opened revealing Kaemon who entered allowing Hinata, Kiba , Shino, Neji, TenTen and Lee to follow after him, warm smiles greeting them as entered the room, travel weary and hungry hiding signs of fatigue until the doors closed and Kakashi greeted.
"Good to see you got here in one piece how was the trip?"
With a look at Kaemon who sat on a chair near the table and taking in Team Taka Neji answered. "Wet but uneventful, we saw that yours was not."
Making space at the table the six new arrivals sat down barely glancing at the Akatsuki members and Team Taka as Kakashi waved at them to eat, appreciating the fact that the two teams were more reserved and better mannered to wait for an explanation than to start accusing and shouting unlike his own team.
Making quick but neat work of the food in front of them they listened as Naruto, Kakashi and with others chiming in where appropriate caught them up in what had been happening since they had left Konoha. A heavy frown marring Neji's face as Hinata and TenTen face's got sadder the more they heard, Kiba growled loudly causing Akamaru to shake his run in anger, Shino's kikaichū, buzzing loudly and furiously gaining strange looks from Kaemon, Suigetsu, Karin and Juugo. But Lee's quiet frown was unusual and waving off Naruto's concern the bushy browed young man spoke heavily.
"I am afraid our news is not good either."
After a lull Neji gave them the last possible thing they may have wished to hear. "One Power Soldiers advanced through the towns and borders we passed, according to sources they have been gathering supply and chain ganging more able youth s than previously. Large groups have been consolidating and commands are being created. They will be here in week, week in a half."
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Dia Duit,
You can't write for ages and then sometimes you can get it done in a few days. Hope you liked this and dun duh duh action is a cometh in a few chapters lmao.
Looking forward to seeing what you think,
Lots of Love,
The Rose and the Dagger x x x
