Chapter 65: The Truth Comes Out

Angel and I spent most of the morning studying the scroll. She was already trying to learn a jutsu that caught her eye, which thankfully wasn't one of the many forbidden ones. She and I agreed that any obvious forbidden jutsu is better left forgotten, however reading it over to see what it was couldn't be helped either. She was practicing hand signs without using chakra and I continued to read over the dark chakra explanation carefully. There was a lot to it and I didn't want to miss a thing. It seems that it had many great uses that didn't just cause harm to the self or others. It happens that the dark chakra complemented wind and fire-type jutsu. It's quite possible that I simply couldn't use the water jutsu because Angel had control over water and possibly lightning as well. We planned to test this theory tomorrow. It would be the weekend and none of us had set engagements to tend to. Even Shisui was letting his students have a couple days to rest after today before their first mission. Not that it would be difficult...I remember D-rank missions were usually extremely boring. Those were the days I quickly pushed myself to excel. I had nearly forgotten how hard I tried to fly through the ranks just to keep up with both the boys. Becoming a Jonin and an ANBU soon after felt like a huge accomplishment back then.

A small sigh left me as my eyes became tired from reading the section over and over again. The only thing I could do was meditate on the chakra to start with and build my control little by little until I was comfortable. It was like being an academy student again, without having a mentor who could guide me. I wasn't going to get anywhere without trying though. My eyes met Itachi's. He looked like he was lost in his own thoughts before noticing that I was looking to him and his head slightly tilted in question.

"Um..." a light blush of embarrassment crossed over my features.

"Yes...my dark angel?" A small smile of amusement appeared across his lips.

"I'd like to train before meeting with our team. Just a little... and I'd like to go over plans with you as well."

"As you wish." Itachi stood and held out a hand. "I'll take the scroll for now if you're finished." Even though we could freely study the scroll, it seems that the boys would still only allow it under supervision.

Angel's cheeks puffed out in dissatisfaction. "Aw..." she sighed. "I guess it's only fair... I told Shisui that I'd meet with him anyways..."

I gave her an encouraging smile before rolling the scroll and tying it. "We can study more over the weekend." Reluctantly, I passed the scroll to Itachi before getting to my own feet. "See you later, Angel."

"Yeah, see you."

She had a strange look in her eyes and she was biting her lower lip, almost like she was trying to restrain something that was bothering her. I placed a hand on her shoulder before turning towards the door and following Itachi out. Just before he could turn the handle, Angel jumped up and ran over to him. Her eyes were glistening with insecurity.

"You may have chosen my other half but don't forget me, okay?"

My eyes were wide. I didn't realize how strongly she still felt for him. It should have been obvious because I had to catch myself with Shisui from time to time. My teeth clenched. I was making her suffer because of the promise I made to Itachi. Angel must feel as though she's been brushed off and it clearly hurt her.

Itachi blinked before loosely wrapping his arms around her. "Not a single part of you will ever be forgotten."

Tears were developing in her eyes. "Promise?"

Itachi glanced at me before he smiled down at Angel. He stepped back, releasing her and held up a pinky. "I promise."

Angel took his pinky and laughed through her tears.

"We must go now." Itachi said in a soft voice.

She gave a small nod. "Okay. I'll see you later." She stepped back wiping away her tears and we made our way out. I kept my eyes down in thought as I exited. "Wait." Angel called. I paused, still gazing to the floor. "I'm sorry. I know you wanted to keep things separate..." Angel took my hand and I gazed at her with a sullen expression. "I may hold more love for Shisui...but I couldn't lie about having feelings for Itachi-sama."

I blinked at her and gave a simple nod before continuing forward. She owed no explanation. How things would proceed forward, I had no idea but focusing on learning from the scroll, training and continuing with our professions was all I wanted to focus on.

When Itachi and I reached outside the Uchiha residence I could feel his eyes on me. "Is there anything you'd like to say?"

"No." I simply replied. I could see from the corner of my eye a light smirk from him.

The jig is up, Itachi knew for certain now that the feelings Angel and I had for the two Uchiha men were shared, though unbalanced. It didn't matter in the end. I had a promise to keep and our strange love square was the least of my problems. If I couldn't figure out how to use my chakra or any of the elements, my days as second in command were numbered. For the next weeks ahead I would be training harder than I ever have before to be worthy of my position.

...

Itachi didn't press further on what transpired with Angel. He had his answer, though it was obvious before, he was hoping to hear it from Shikara herself. She walked with him in silence until they reached a secluded training ground, where she immediately found a comfortable spot to meditate. He decided it was best to find a tree to lean against and wait to see what she planned to do.

After a while she finally spoke, eyes still closed. "Itachi-sama...please stay back..."

Slowly he witnessed a dark aura appear, surrounding her. At first it was small and then as moments passed it grew stronger. She held her concentration and kept it there. Itachi took a few steps towards her, concerned that she was struggling with it. Her face had contorted, she was in obvious pain.

"Don't." She demanded.

He stopped and saw her pull the aura back. Her eyes opened and she turned her gaze to him.

"The chakra will drain the life out of you unless I have full control..." She appeared to become sullen and stared to the ground before her.

Itachi approached her. "What do you do to access it, the dark chakra?"

Her eyes slowly made contact with his. "I concentrate on the many things that have brought me pain and suffering."

He quietly reminded himself. "It's the opposite of the light." It made sense, though her suffering didn't appeal to him.

Shikara nodded. "Yes..." she stood and looked to him with a weak smile. "I need your help...to plan for tonight." She was attempting to change the subject.

Itachi blinked at her sudden change of heart to focus on her dark chakra. "First...you need to try again."

Her eyes veered off to the side. "You're a powerful shinobi...Itachi-sama...but I don't trust myself using it with you so close."

The corner of his mouth turned up. "You're afraid to cut my life shorter than it already is?"

He watched as her jaw line clenched and her eyes seemed to harden with their stare. She was truly concerned with his safety. It was cute.

"Stop worrying about my safety and focus on your chakra." He crossed his arms and slightly raised a brow.

Her features softened at this. "Is that an order... captain?" A light smile spread across her lips. She was teasing him.

She never ceases to amuse him. "Yes, it is."

Her gaze met his again. "Then stay back."

Does she not know he's perfectly capable of protecting himself? That can't be it...however she was serious about him staying at a distance. He moved away until she seemed comfortable. He was a good forty feet away before she placed her hands together, almost like in prayer. He remained attentive. It seemed that she regained the motivation to keep trying.

Her aura grew again. This time it stretched further than before. She kept it there for several minutes before her soft smile became an ominous grin.

...

The dark chakra is unlike the light. Though the light chakra has power, the dark seemed to emit double. It's accessible through coursing memories of pain an suffering. I was safe to simply think of the many I had killed for bounties. Though they were in the bingo books, I still wasn't fond of actually killing...at first. But the excitement and the thrill of it eventually swayed me to enjoy it. My thoughts then took me to where it began, when those rogues destroyed the small village and I claimed vengeance. The dark thoughts and evil actions I took left me with feelings of disgust and an unsettling emptiness. Just like when my parents attacked and tried to kill me. The memories of that day caused more suffering than I cared to remember and now I found myself drowning in the horrible moments of my past. With each painful memory that flooded back, the chakra grew in power. Though I was going through mental turmoil, the feeling of the power was exhilarating. Memories were enough to access this chakra... but what would happen if it were accessed by physical pain?

I already knew the answer to this. It had happened many times in the past. Any time I had wounds inflicted upon myself, especially deadly ones, the dark chakra became unbearable to resist. This time it isn't shared with a demon, nor held back by light chakra. It coursed through me like a drug. Addiction and all. It's what I had feared all this time but now with every fiber of my being I wanted to feel more. My body braced itself, my senses were becoming hazy and without a second thought, I bit the tip of my thumb, drawing blood. The pain was exhilarating and the dark aura around me began to collect at my back and began to take form.

"Shikara."

I felt a warm, comforting embrace. It brought me back to my senses. A gasp left me before I quickly subdued the chakra and stared wide-eyed at Itachi whose eyebrows were creased in contemplation. I had nearly lost myself to the temptation of the dark chakra.

I took a shaken breath before quickly removing myself from his grasp, afraid to hurt him. "Are you okay!?"

Itachi's eyebrow raised as he gave me a look that expressed pure confusion. "You're asking... me...?"

"Yes! You don't feel any different, do you?"

His now blank expression caused nervousness to rise inside myself. "I feel the same as I did before we came here."

I sighed, relieved. I had a long ways to go but at least the dark chakra seemed to have no negative effect on Itachi...this time. If he hadn't been here I would have lost myself completely. I had to gain control and not give into the addictive power. I bowed my head in thought. If I can't control myself, I'll be putting everything I care about in danger.

"Don't push so hard..." his voice was soothing but it had a hint of concern.

A small laugh escaped me. "Who hugs someone who's about to unleash deadly chakra?" My hand came up to cover the smile. "Are you crazy?"

Itachi's eyebrow lifted. "Says the person who inflicts pain upon themselves to unleash it."

He had me there. "That's a fair point."

He blinked and observed me. "You reminded me of someone... someone that I'd rather not be..."

Oh no...

"One of the Akatsuki."

Please don't.

Itachi's eyes narrowed. "Hidan."

My head dropped down. What a shameful comparison. Damn Hidan. That pompous prick didn't seem decent enough to die and was thrilled by pain. He disgusts me in more ways than one. I could name several. The fact that I was compared to a monster such as that guy hurt and especially by someone I love.

"Oh..." was my whispered response.

I already didn't like using the dark chakra and now I despised it more. Angel really lucked out with having the light. She didn't have to fear losing herself or harming others. She's not a monster...

"Please excuse me." I couldn't make eye contact with Itachi as I turned away. I needed to find a place to set my mind right.

"Where are you going?" He asked, puzzled.

"I...just need some time." I started to walk away from him. "I'm not fit to train our colleagues at this time." I paused and turned my head towards Itachi. "Maybe until I can figure things out, you should step in. They may have more respect for you, as well." It was doubtful. There were very few who could actually be in the same room with him without almost shitting themselves.

...

Itachi didn't know what to say or do in this situation. Shikara's small form became smaller and smaller as she walked away. He hadn't intended to hurt her, he just wanted to sway her to find other means to access the chakra. When she disappeared he placed a hand on his forehead.

"I need Shisui for this..."

...

Angel finally made it to the training grounds. The young shinobi were working hard to master their individual skills. It looks like each of them were very different in every way, yet complemented each other's strengths and balanced out to minimize their weaknesses.

Shisui caught sight of her and a smile spread across his lips. "Hey, everyone take a break."

"What?! I was just getting warmed up!" A hot tempered, white-haired boy complained. He seemed tough and had a good handle on the weapons he practiced with.

"Yeah, what's up with that?" A calm, collected blond girl murmured. She seemed to be in the middle of concentrating on a genjutsu.

"Yes, Shisui-sensei!" Said a brown-haired boy. He's absolutely adorable and appeared to admire Shisui very much. Obviously the least experienced of them all but with the best attitude.

Shisui smirked at his students. At least one listens willingly. "Come here and have a seat."

Two of the three groaned and did as they were told while the other happily sat and his eyes gleamed up at his sensei. If the kid wasn't so cute, it would have been a little creepy.

"I'd like to introduce you to my wife, better known as the Angel of Death." Shisui's hand motioned towards Angel as she approached and stood at Shisui's side.

She bowed with a light smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you all. "My name is Angel Yukina-Uchiha."

"Woah! No way! Are you really the Angel of Death?"

"You're so pretty..."

"Can I have your autograph?"

Angel giggled and looked to Shisui. "Nice young shinobi you have here."

He smiled. "They're not bad...they have a ways to go."

"Aw, c'mon. Don't embarrass us in front of a famous bounty hunter..."

"Right? Not cool."

"Uh...are you really Shisui-sensei's wife?" Asked the cute boy.

"Yes." Angel laughed. "I'm still getting used to the idea, myself."

"There's no way you're the Angel of Death." The girl said.

Angel's eyes widened. "What makes you say that?"

The girls eyes narrowed in doubt. "You're too nice."

"Ok, guys." Shisui tried to interject.

All the kids seemed to become disappointed. It was true, Angel didn't put off the vibes of a killer, in fact she was the exact opposite of what anyone would expect from a bounty hunter.

"You're right. She's not the Angel of Death."

All eyes turned to the soft, calm, cool and collected voice of Shikara, who was leaning against a tree and eyeing everyone. She appeared out of no where.

"I am."

"Woah! Am I seeing double?" The white haired kid asked his teammates.

"Shikara..." Angel whispered.

Shikara crossed her arms and gave Angel an expressionless stare. "They wanted to meet the Angel of Death who has collected many bounties and protected the Land of Fire as a rogue. I think I'm more responsible for such...accomplishments."

The students eyes were glistening in wonder. Shisui had a light smile before he spoke. "It's your lucky day. Both sides of her have graced us."

"Both sides?"

"What does that mean, Shisui-sensei?"

Shisui chuckled. "You get to see the two halves that make up a whole Angel."

"No way!"

"So cool..."

"Are you both taking autographs?"

Angel was looking to Shikara with nervousness. There was something off. The way she was gazing upon her was unlike any time before. She was usually gentle and kind, at this present time she seemed cold and distant.

"Uh..." Angel was having a hard time responding to the young shinobi now. "Maybe next time, okay?"

"Awwww, but you're a hero, so many of us look up to you." The cute boy said, disappointed.

"I want to be just like you!" The blond girl exclaimed.

"No you don't." Shikara intervened. The young shinobi looked to her in surprise. "If you want to aim to be like anyone, look up to your sensei." She unwrapped her arms and started to walk away. "He's a real hero. One who doesn't resort to killing with little cause and aims for a future of peace."

Shisui's eyebrows creased. Something had happened after he had left this morning. This fact was plain as day, only because Shikara only seemed to go emotionless this way when she was deeply troubled or maybe even about to go into 'mission mode,' as he's witnessed before. Where's Itachi?

"Shisui-sensei?" The young female called to him curiously.

"Yeah?"

"Does this mean you're married to both?"

He sighed and placed a hand over his face. "Let's just continue training, okay?"

"Awww!" All three of the young shinobi complained in unison.

Shisui peeked through his fingers in time to see Angel chasing after Shikara. Should he be concerned?

...

"Shikara!"

Angel called to me. I kept my pace and silently continued forth.

"Please wait!"

I kept going before I felt her grab my hand and I stopped to peer at her.

"Please, if I did something wrong, tell me!"

It took me a moment to respond. "You haven't done anything wrong, Angel."

"Then why? Why do you look to me in such a way?"

My eyes locked with hers. "It seems...so wrong to envy the way I do you." I placed a hand over my face. I just blurted that out. "Gods...you are me and I can't help this feeling..."

Her hand went over her mouth in shock.

A calming sigh left me. "Your healing capabilities and not being haunted with the past...it must be nice. Does this surprise you?"

She blinked and then dropped her hand, along with her gaze. "No..." she whispered. After a moment she looked up again. "I want to help you. Please tell me how."

Man...I don't want to hurt her. I should have just continued on without stopping. "Until we have mastered our skills, there's nothing you can do."

"You mean until we can be one again?"

I knew the look in my eyes gave her the answer. "I'll see you later...to study the scroll." Leaving her behind the way I had hurt but I kept on with what I had intended to do. There was a place I knew of where I could meditate in peace. There I wouldn't be disturbed and I could slowly focus on chakra control. No judgement and no one to interfere.

Chapter 66: No Harm, No Foul

Over the course of the next two weeks, I snuck off for a few hours at a time, just to meditate and slowly gain control over my chakra. As the days passed it became easier to numb the addiction and push my limits. Because of what Itachi had said, I refused to inflict physical harm. I wouldn't become like that monster, Hidan.

Thankfully, Itachi had no issues taking over the Shadow Ops during the time I needed to get a hold of myself. As I would watch from the sidelines I was surprised to see how well they actually worked with him. His experience before and leadership skills suited to work in his favor. I definitely took mental notes.

Unfortunately my relationship with Angel seemed a little strained. Even as we studied the scroll together we did so in silence. It was strange to be disconnected like this but it would soon become an advantage. Shisui and Itachi felt that they could trust us alone with the scroll now. We could finally study without being hovered over and we could do so separately as well. They saw the strain between us and thought it best for us to have a break from one-another for a while. Weird, right? Who can honestly say they've gotten a break from themselves? No one. Ever. Before Angel left this morning to meet Sakura at the hospital she passed the scroll off to me. It was another silent exchange, however I was happy to spend the day buried in the thing - alone. Later tonight I would give it back to her. This is how our exchanges would go for a while.

Another two weeks passed and I was freely using the dark chakra to call to my elements. Our suspicions were cleared. Angel had control over water and lightning, while I could use air and fire. Today I would sneak off to the camping spot again to train with the elements and strengthen my jutsus. Air and fire turned out to be quite the combination and using the two helped me burn off some steam. When I was finished training I quickly gathered my things. It was time to get ready to oversee the trainings Itachi would conduct with the Shadow Ops.

"What are you doing way out here?"

The sound of Katsuo's voice caught me off guard. "Oh! Um...hello." I blushed in embarrassment. How can someone sneak up on their captain? "Katsuo...I didn't realize you were here..."

He smirked. "I told you...I would be keeping an eye on you."

That's right...he did say that. "I see..." I turned back to my backpack, checking to make sure I had everything. When I was satisfied I slung the bag over my shoulder and peered at him curiously. "I like to train out here."

"Really...?" He glanced around. "I don't see anything special about this place."

"You wouldn't." I said, brushing past him. "You don't share memories with those you care about here."

"So tell me. Which one did you spend time out here with?"

I turned back towards Katsuo. "Excuse me?"

"Which Uchiha?"

I didn't see how any of this was his business. "Why do you care?"

He smirked. "Because if I'm not mistaken you've been close to both...especially more recently. I can't figure you out."

"It's none of your business. Perhaps I haven't been challenging you enough to prepare for our first mission?"

"Really? You're going to threaten me with more tasks outside of training?" Katsuo fake laughed. "You're heartless."

"Not as heartless as the captain will be if he finds out you've been stalking his second in command."

Katsuo paused. His confidence crumbled before my very eyes. It was satisfying to see this but then he said something that irked me. "That's right...because without him you're practically useless." A smirk spread across his lips. "Am I right?"

My eyes narrowed. "You dare speak to your captain this way?"

He stepped closer. "Aw, poor little Shikara Yukina of the Uchiha clan." His sarcastic tone made it hard to stay calm. "It would be nice if you had even retained half of your power after your so-called 'split.' The truth is you can't even use the half you have." He laughed. "How can you lead shinobi as powerful as ANBU if you can't even amount yourself to one?"

"Is that a challenge...?" My voice was menacing.

"Heh, let's see if we can even call it that." He took a stance. "Hand-to-hand combat."

A smirk spread across my lips. We would be using taijutsu. "Alright then."

My body took a defensive stance. I already knew Katsuo specialized in taijutsu and thanks to his deceased younger brother, I'm good with it as well. We stared each other down, then just as I thought, he made the first move. He came in with a high kick which was easy enough to duck and dodge. I swung my leg around to catch him off balance but he was too fast. He swiftly avoided my attack, then flew a punch towards the top of my head. In an instant I maneuvered out of the way and tried to spring up in attempt to uppercut his chin. Katsuo chuckled as he flipped backwards and out of the way.

"Hey, not bad, captain." His grin showed his excitement. He loved fighting, it was written all over him.

"Heh, not bad yourself..." I lunged at him, taking him by surprise and managed to jab him in the stomach.

He coughed, grimaced at the pain and glared. "Playing dirty?"

"If you plan to remain in the Shadow Ops, you'll have to learn how to fight dirty." I smiled, determination in my eyes. "Otherwise...you'll die."

We sparred like this for another hour. It didn't take long before I was actually enjoying it. It was nice to train with someone that I wouldn't feel bad for hitting a time or two. We called a draw for now. The sun was starting to set.

"Hey, aren't we supposed to meet with the others soon?" Katsuo was panting.

I couldn't hide the fact that I was trying to catch air as well. "Ah...damn...I nearly forgot..."

He raised an eyebrow at me. "You're the captain and you almost forgot?"

I laughed. "Yeah, pretty pathetic, right?"

"Well...at least you're not useless, after all." Katsuo cracked a small smile.

"Thanks." I gave him a flat look. Did I actually gain some respect from him?He turned away from me and began to walk in the direction of our usual training grounds. "Hurry up, captain."

I smirked. Or maybe not. "Yeah...I'm coming."

We walked together and I couldn't help but to steal a few glances at Katsuo. He and Nakia looked so similar. It was almost like seeing my old friend as an adult. A small smile played across my lips.

"Hey." Katsuo caught my stare. "Don't look at me like that...it's creepy."

I blinked and my eyes went forward. The small smile widened. "Sorry."

His eyebrows creased. "Aren't you married?" He gazed forward as well as we continued forth. "Sheesh."

"It's not like that..."

Katsuo raised a brow and peered over at me again. "Than what is it?"

"It's just..." my eyes closed in embarrassment but the smile remained, "...you and Nakia look so similar..." my head dropped a little. "I really miss him...and..." my eyes met Katsuo's, "with you, I feel a little closer to him. That's all."

Katsuo stopped walking to stare at me. His expression showed hints of shock and his head slightly tilted. "You really cared about my little brother, huh?"

My smile fell and a sullen expression took over. "He was my best friend."

Katsuo had this strange unsure look upon his face as he was trying to find the words. "I may be starting to see...why he ran off after you that night."

My lips parted and I couldn't help the shocked expression from slipping. "Katsuo...?"

He sighed and his features softened. "He always talked about you...god it was sickening. I wonder if you were as clueless then as you are now?" He had a slight hesitation before he leaned forward.

I nearly panicked. Is he trying to kiss me!?

"Shikara Yukina-Uchiha, Katsuo Adachi. What are you doing out here...?"

The voice of my beloved husband rippled through the air. Katsuo stepped back and away from me as we peered upwards in surprise. Itachi stood upon a tree branch in his ANBU gear, leering down at us. I thought I was the only one who was pathetically caught off guard half the time. It looks like Katsuo is just as guilty.

"Heh, hello, captain." Katsuo shamelessly smirked.

I knelt and bowed my head. "First in Command..."

He dropped from the tree and approached us. "Though I enjoy watching a friendly spar from time to time..." Itachi's voice was haunting, "...relations between colleagues is prohibited."

I could feel his eyes on me now but I didn't look. I could already visualize his scowl without physically torturing myself to see it. Did he really think that I would have any relations with Katsuo? If it wasn't professional relations it would make me sick. In fact the asshole is usually disgusting and disrespectful with his behavior. He may look like Nakia but he is far from the same personality.

"Prohibited...unless they are already yours, right?" Katsuo chuckled. He was actually trying to crack a joke right now.

Damn idiot.

Itachi slowly removed his ANBU mask and stared at Katsuo emotionlessly. "If I ever see you disrespect my wife again, I'll make it your last."

Katsuo put his hands up in false defeat. "Yeah, alright." He bowed before he continued walking in the direction of the meetup spot.

Itachi watched him go before turning to me. I kept my head down, one hand on the ground to support the weight of my kneel and stayed this way. I wasn't sure what Itachi had thought but I'm sure if he had been watching this whole time, the wrong picture must have been painted for him. I heard him kneel down before me and after a moment I raised my head.

"Captain."

He blinked away the residual irritation from his eyes. "Do I get an explanation?"

My features softened as I looked into his eyes. "It seems Katsuo was hiding how he felt..." my gaze dropped down. "It...took me by surprise."

"Anything else?"

"I'm sorry...Itachi-sama."

"Look at me."

I did and a small, sad smile appeared over his lips. "Am I losing my wife?"

I gasped and my eyes widened at his question. "It's not like that!" My gaze dropped shamefully. "At least not for me..."

He brought my face back up with his fingers. "You've been distant lately. Sneaking off and doing everything on your own."

"I'm sorry..."

"Why?"

I felt a sting in my eyes and tried to keep tears from forming. "I...I just..." my gaze veered away from his, "I don't want to hurt you, or anyone. I want to be a good captain and protect everything I love." A tear slipped and I was exposed. "I don't want you to think of me as a monster."

Itachi's eyebrows creased. "I don't view you as a monster..."

"If I were comparable to Hidan, I beg to differ."

Realization set in. "I didn't say you reminded me of him to hurt you." When I met his eyes again he continued. "I don't want you to learn to enjoy your suffering."

I remembered the way Hidan would laugh psychotically when he would endure pain. It caused my body to shutter. "What would happen if I did learn to enjoy it?" I asked in a whispered tone.

It took Itachi a moment to find the right words. "You will lose the part of yourself that has reason and compassion. It's possible you would set out to find and inflict pain upon yourself and others...eventually without restraint."

"I don't want to do that."

A small smile appeared over his lips. "Because you're still my angel."

A few more tears slipped and I couldn't help but to return the smile. "Thank you, Itachi-sama."

"Hm." He gave a slight nod before standing upright and holding out a hand. "We're late."

I nodded and took it. "Yeah, we should hurry."

...

The weekend was upon us. This morning I was on my way to trade off with Angel. It was her turn to study the scroll. When I approached Shisui's and Angel's home I knocked lightly at the door. It opened to reveal a very tired Angel.

She was rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Oh...good morning."

"Good morning." I smiled at her. "Hey, can I speak with you?"

"You want to talk to yourself again?"

I chuckled. "Yes, I rather enjoy it, actually."

She peered at me curiously before stepping outside and closing the door behind her. "What's on your mind?"

"I owe you an apology."

Her eyebrows creased. "Why?"

"I wasn't fair to you. You and I both have important rolls and I envied you for having a roll that I couldn't have."

"It's not important."

"It is. If we are disconnected then it weakens us." I blushed. "I really need you, Angel. I took you for granted and pushed you away." I bowed. "Please forgive me."

Angel rolled her eyes before patting my head. "Good girl. Now hand me the scroll."

I looked up to see a playful smile across her lips. "Yeah...I deserve that." I pulled the scroll from my bag and handed it over. "Here."

"Good. Now let's get ready."

I blinked in confusion. "Ready for what?"

"You've mastered your control and elements again." She seemed to become shy. "Now that you have it's time we do what we love."

"You're not suggesting...?"

"Let's go dance."

Angel is ready to be one again. The scroll implies that the personality split jutsu could be reversed with the resynchronized jutsu. It was more like a ritual. The problem is we needed to gain permission from the Hokage before performing the jutsu. The personality split jutsu was labeled forbidden, therefor the reverse could be as well. If we were to speak with the Hokage now, it very well could be the last time we would ever see the scroll. Were we ready to let it go? We've studied the thing through and through but hardly practiced any of the usable jutsus.

"We need more time."

"No. It's been long enough."

"Why are you rushing this, Angel?"

"We aren't meant to be separate for so long."

This was true. The scroll states that if the jutsu lasted for too long, it could become permanent. We both agreed to become one again but there was a chance that we couldn't.

Angel was eyeing me. "Are you having second thoughts?"

"We must speak with the boys and the Hokage before we proceed."

A sly smile played over Angel's lips before she leaned close to whisper in my ear, covering her mouth to keep any on-lookers from reading her lips. "I created a second copy. It's almost an exact replica."

My eyes widened. I couldn't believe she's actually as naughty as myself. I mirrored her actions in reply. "You just need the dark chakra to complete it?"

She leaned back and gave a nod.

A huge smile appeared over my lips. "I guess we should get going then."

Angel turned back to the door. "I'll meet you at your place. I have to get ready, then we can find a good place to train."

We needed to practice but one thing was for certain...we needed permission before hand and if the scroll was taken away we could keep the original and just abandon the replica. No harm no foul...right?