Author's Note: Welcome back again! This was supposed to come out Saturday the 11th, but I've been writing so much it's coming to you early!
The reviews from the previous chapter were a bit... mixed. This whole issue of pairings is... a mess. From now on I'm just going to ignore those types of reviews like I already should have been doing. If people want to think the pairing is NaruHina, or any other combo, then so be it. I will no longer be addressing pairing inquiries or comments after the review answers at the end of this chapter.
Save for this, the reception seemed to be generally positive, which I love to see.
For those who don't care about pairing/non-pairing stuff and just enjoy the story the way it is intended, thank you! I write for you guys!
Feel free to leave a comment or shoot me a PM. I read them all and will answer any questions or concerns you have! I also keep my writing progress updated on my profile page. This includes release dates and the completion percentages of upcoming chapters.
As always, I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 21: Crimson-Eyed Resolve
Hinata wasn't exactly sure of what had come over her. In her wildest dreams, never did she think she would be so bold. Yet, here they were.
With Ino's help over these past two years, she slowly began to see herself transform into the person she always wanted to be. The mindset of having confidence in herself and her abilities opened up doors Hinata didn't think were possible. It wasn't only her demeanor that saw improvement with this newfound outlook, but her strength as well.
The name of Gentle Fist gives one false pretenses of what the technique truly is. It is far from gentle. The outward appearance of the style may give one the impression of gentleness, grace, and fluidity, but what it does to the body is the exact opposite of what its name implies. Gentle Fist requires the user to have the confidence, and even boldness, to use it to its full extent and inflict massive external damage with a single strike. Hinata's timid nature held her back, keeping her from progressing at the pace expected of The Heiress of the clan. Any ninja, but especially a Hyuga, cannot have doubt in their heart. She did not trust herself, so the Hyuga's famous style did not reward her with strength.
In just two short years, the lavender-eyed Hyuga had gone from someone who was on the cusp of being denied her birthright as clan head in favor of her more talented younger sister, to once again being the future Heiress of the clan. And despite this change, Hinata still kept the pieces of herself that she liked. Combining her present qualities of being loving, kind, thoughtful, and understanding with strength, determination, and confidence. Well, perhaps it will allow her to become the most unique and effective leader the Hyuga clan had ever seen. Only time would tell on that front.
All of this was possible thanks to two people. Ino, and, most importantly, Naruto. Naruto gave her the desire and will to want to change. Always inspiring her with his words and actions, believing in her when no one else would. It made the Heiress believe it was actually possible to change into the ideal version of herself she dreamt of. Then, Ino was the best instructor Hinata could have asked for. Without the sassy blond's help, she would have never come this far in such a short amount of time. Together they worked hard to not make the blue-haired kunoichi a different person, but turn her into a better version of who she already was.
"How has life been treating you, Hinata?" Naruto, who was the first of the pair to break the silence, asked.
Hinata blinked, the sudden noise bringing her back to reality. "Oh, well, it has actually been going really good." Her answer was honest, smile sincere.
"Yeah? That's great."
The Hyuga nodded. "Yes, just recently, father has even changed his mind about my place within the clan. I have restored my honor and will take the position of head of the clan when his time is done."
Naruto's feet stopped moving, but he never stopped looking at his friend. Hinata, who was now a few paces ahead, realized that there was no longer anyone at her side. Looking back over her shoulder, she gave the boy an odd look. Before she could speak, Naruto voiced his thoughts.
"I don't think you needed to restore anything." His voice was firm, but the expression on the boy's face was unreadable.
The Heiress gave the boy a small smile, memories returning to her of the time she faced Neji in the Chunin Exams. The boy in front of her feverously cheering her on. It was one of the most cherished memories Hinata had. "I've always known that you have felt that way. Unfortunately, my place in the clan is determined by what the Elders of the Main Branch think of me. They viewed my shy and meek demeanor as a weakness a leader cannot have, lowering my status as a result of that opinion."
"You… don't seem very upset about it. Most people wouldn't say something like that so casually."
"I used to get very upset when I thought about it. Having my family view me in such a way used to make me feel worthless. But something happened that made me realize it was time to start believing in myself. Once that happened, my life got better in every way!" There was genuine joy in her voice, and her smile was bright and cheerful.
"You remind me a lot of that day." He said a bit cryptically.
Giving the blond a questioning look, she responded. "What do you mean? What day?" Was he being overly vague on purpose?
"When you fought Neji in the Chunin Exam prelims." The blond answered with a smile, to which the girl's eyes widened. "I always knew that you had the ability to believe in yourself. Everyone in that room saw those flashes that you had. I'm glad that you were able to find yourself."
"I-I.." There it was again. That damn stutter. Only he could have that effect on her, and no matter how much she worked on it, there was a chance that would never change. "I have you to thank for that, Naruto!" The girl finally blurted out, surprising herself with the volume her voice carried.
"Huh?" The Uzumaki said with a look of confusion. "What did I do?"
Hinata winced, realizing she may have just incriminated herself. Though, it appeared fate would spare her this fine day with an interruption.
"Well, what a coincidence." Came a lazy voice. "We were actually just about to go and find you guys. I guess that saves me and Sakura the trouble."
Standing between the two conversing and the ramen stand were Sakura, Kakashi, and the usually unmotivated genius.
'You guys?' Glancing to his side, then back to Shikamaru, a look of confusion crossed over his features. Suddenly, a look of realization replaced it. "You said our team had five members. I'm guessing I unknowingly brought along the fifth?"
"Your guess would be right," Shikamaru answered, waving them forward as he turned towards the eatery. "We can talk more after we order. I bet you guys are pretty hungry."
…
Teuchi was whistling cheerfully as he began seasoning one of the next batches of broth he was preparing in anticipation of the daily dinner rush. The time between lunch and dinner was probably his favorite time of the day. It's almost like the eye of the storm. A time to breathe in between the most chaotic hours of a workday. Customers during busy periods aren't interested in talking, they just want quick and delicious food and then are on their way. In between, the rush is usually when his regulars come in. The customers who want to sit down and enjoy the meal slowly and peacefully, maybe even talk about a few things. It was simple moments like this that made Teuchi's job feel less like actual work. It was enjoyable. 'Haven't seen Iruka in a couple days. Maybe he'll stop by today…' The man mused to himself as the ringing of a bell filled the air.
Ayame, who had been silently kneading the dough used for the noodles, turned her head towards the entrance.
Putting on his customer service face, the old man spun on his heels to greet his guests with a broad smile. "Welcome to Ichiraku! Take a seat and get comfortable!" Immediately, the man recognized most of the faces. One, in particular, caught the attention of the father-daughter duo. Their faces simultaneously adopted a look of shock.
"It's been a while; old man, Ayame." Naruto said, giving his best attempt as a heartfelt smile as he pushed the overhanging cloth out of his way. Close behind him was his team, and it wasn't long before all five members of the Akatsuki Assault Squad were seated in front of the chef and his daughter.
"Naruto!" Teuchi yelled, a wide smile appearing on his face. "You're finally back! How have you been?"
"I would have been a lot better if I was able to have some of your ramen while I was away." The blond joked, avoiding the root of the question entirely.
"Hah! That's what I like to hear!" Teuchi said enthusiastically, spinning around to prepare some ramen for his guests. "Tell you what, I'm going to give you and your friends all a bowl of ramen on the house. In exchange, you can tell me about the time you spent out of the village with Master Jiraiya. Do we have a deal?"
"I've never been one to turn down free ramen, old man."
Father and daughter shared a smile. "That's just what I thought you'd say…"
…
…
…
"So then what happened?" Ayame asked in between giggles.
"After that?" Naruto said with a wide grin. "Nothing much… I just popped out from where I was hiding and hit him in the back of the head with a frying pan!" He exclaimed dramatically.
This got a hearty laugh from the cook and put his daughter into another fit of giggles. Even Sakura, as serious as she was, had to mask her laugh behind a cough. The mental image of someone as revered as one of the Legendary Sannin in such an unsightly and undignified manner was nearly too much for her to handle.
"This is the most excitement that's happened around here in a while." Ayame said, dropping another serving of noodles into Naruto's bowl. "It's not every day we get to serve someone famous."
Looking up from the delicious food he had just received, the blond looked confused. "Famous? Who's famous." It was only the five of them here.
"There's no need to act so humbly, Naruto. After all, you're a best-selling author now!" The young woman exclaimed, waving around the spoon she was holding for effect. "That book you wrote sold out at all the bookstores in the village within the first day of its release."
Breaking eye contact, Naruto looked down at his food, absentmindedly swirling the remaining noodles around with his chopsticks. "Oh, that." His voice was low. "It isn't that big of a deal. I only wrote that book because my Master said that I couldn't. I just wanted to prove him wrong."
"Even so." Shikamaru began, cutting into the conversation. "It's pretty impressive that you were able to do that. I never thought of you as much of a writer."
"Seriously, Naruto." The pink-haired kunoichi started. "The book is really good. It was the only thing people were talking about around here when it came out. You shocked a lot of people with your writing."
Everyone at the ramen stand was aware of what the book really meant, it was just no one wanted to bring it up. They weren't sure how Naruto would take it. Would it make him uncomfortable, or even angry, that his friends were digging up his personal life and feelings right in front of him?
Kakashi had told them that if the Genin was comfortable talking about his feelings and past, then he wouldn't have needed a book to express them out loud. It would've just been something he opened up and talked to them about it. No one knew it, but Kakashi could understand that perfectly fine.
Still, the tension was becoming a bit thick.
"Well, as I said, it isn't really that big of a deal." Placing the chopsticks down next to his food, he picked up the bowl and brought it to his lips, slurping up a couple noodles and some of that delicious, salty broth. Placing the bowl gently back on the table, he continued. "Besides, if someone like me could do it, then anyone can. As Shikamaru said, I'm not really much of a writer. I just got lucky."
Again, Kakashi was eyeing his young student closely. No one could see it, but behind that mask, he was wearing a complicated expression. 'I'm not exactly sure what happened, but it seems he's not comfortable talking about himself and his book.'
"I think it's time we started talking about the reason we're all here in the first place." Kakashi stated, catching the attention of the other shinobi. It wasn't exactly a light subject, but it would take the focus off of what Naruto was trying to avoid.
The only Genin on the team glanced towards his Sensei, giving him a subtle nod of acknowledgment. Or was it gratitude? The Jonin could not tell.
"Shikamaru and Lady Hokage were able to construct, in my opinion, a very diverse and skilled team that should be well-equipped against any opponents we come across." He started by looking at Hinata. "Hinata, as a Hyuga, your visual prowess and taijutsu be will be invaluable in both close-ranged engagements and also scouting the perimeter for possible threats." Continuing down the line, his eye fell on one of his long-time students. "Sakura, as a combat medic, your skills in both attack and healing make you perhaps our most important member. With a team of five people, even if one of us gets injured, you can heal while the other three protect." Next, not one of his students but someone he respected, nonetheless. "Shikamaru, your intelligence will ensure we always have a viable strategy when engaging members of the Akatsuki. You can process information so fast that we'll never be a step behind." And lastly… "Naruto, your shadow clones gives us the advantage of strength in numbers. That, and I'm sure Master Jiraiya has taught you much more while you've been away."
At the mention of Naruto's skills, Shikamaru thought it would be necessary to mention something. "Speaking of that, I think that's why it's so important we get a few B, and even maybe an A-rank mission in before we are tasked with hunting the Akatsuki." He was staring at Naruto intently now. "Hinata, Sakura, Kakashi, and I all knew this was going to be happening for a while now. We've been on missions with one another and are pretty familiar with each other's abilities. But since you've been gone for so long, we aren't up to date with your new abilities. Besides, you're also probably unfamiliar with ours. To give ourselves the greatest chance at success, we need to operate like a well-oiled machine. That means being fully aware of each other's strengths and weaknesses."
"Does that mean we're going to be assigned a mission soon?" Hinata asked, looking at their one-eyed team captain.
"The Hokage wanted to give Naruto a couple days to get settled back into the village. I expect that by the end of the week, we'll be given our first mission as an official team."
"Are you guys sure about this?" Naruto asked, breaking his brief silence. They all turned to him, confused by the question. The looks that the boy received urged him to continue. "Besides Kakashi-sensei, none of you have had to deal with these people before." Naruto fought against the shiver that was threatening to run up his spine. "They're complete monsters…"
"Naruto." Sakura began with a wave. "You haven't been the only one who's been training this past couple of years. We can handle ourselves."
"Sakura is right, Naruto." Hinata chimed in, leaning forward, so the pink-haired kunoichi was no longer unintentionally blocking her from view. "We know that they are strong, but we also know that they are trying to take you away from us. We can't let them do that."
"I appreciate the thought, but that isn't really what I meant."
"Do you know something that we don't, Naruto?" Shikamaru asked. "You've been acting strange about the Akatsuki ever since you came back. I half-expected you to yell enthusiastically about how we were going to 'mop the floor with those bastards.' They locked eyes. "What happened while you were away with Master Jiraiya?"
The boy let out a long sigh. "I guess I'm not surprised Grandma Tsunade didn't tell any of you guys. If word got around, it would have probably only caused some unnecessary panic."
"What are you talking about?" Kakashi asked, visible eye showing just a touch of worry.
"I think it was just a few months after we left the village… actually, maybe it was a bit later than that. I honestly don't even remember anymore." The pain he worked so hard to repress was beginning to bubble up to the surface once more.
While there wasn't as much as there was before, it felt as though it was replaced by something else… what was it? Apprehension? Anxiety?
…
Fear?
"Jiraiya-sensei had been given an important mission in the Hot Water Village that had to do with the Akatsuki. So, instead of taking me with him and risking running into them, I was kept under the watch of a team of ANBU Black Ops while staying with Tazuna's family in the Land of Waves."
"You stayed with them?" Sakura asked with a touch of cheer, seemingly forgetting the gloomy undertone that Naruto's words had brought forth. "How are they? I hope they're doing well."
"They're dead."
You could see the looks of shock overcome the other members of Team 7. It looked like they had been struck. They obviously had not heard the terrible news based on their reactions.
"Wh-what do you mean they're d-dead?" Sakura sputtered out, unsure if she could believe those words.
"How could this have happened?!" The usually reserved and aloof Copy Ninja blurted out. The other two who had never met the family from Wave could only watch on in semi-stunned silence as observers.
"Heh." Such an empty laugh. "Well, it turned out that they planned on separating the two of us from the very beginning. It was all a part of their plot to capture me. And if Sensei hadn't gotten back when he did, they would have. A lot of people got caught in the crossfire when they attacked my ANBU escort. My handpicked bodyguards got slaughtered like they were academy students, and the collateral damage included… Tazuna, Tsunami, and Inari."
Sakura tried to say something, but Naruto wasn't done with what he had to say. "This isn't some game. They kill without so much as batting an eye. Innocent people, women, even children. They don't care; some of them even enjoy it. Actually, most of them probably do." He looked at each of his teammates one by one. "I couldn't sleep through the night for nearly a year. Even now, I still have nightmares about what happened that day. The Akatsuki are not human… or maybe, they are the epitome of what human beings are capable of." Pushing the half-eaten bowl of ramen away from himself, the blond stood up from his stool. "I'm not only asking if you're sure because of how powerful they are. That's only part of it. You're also going to have to look the devil straight in the eyes, and if you hesitate for even a moment… that's the last thing you're ever going to remember. The only reason I'm still alive is because I am of no use to them dead."
The ringing of the bell let them all know that the blond had left. Save for Kakashi, each word Naruto spoke caused them all to lower their gaze a little further. The air was heavy with dread; no one really sure of what to say after what just happened. From the news of the Wave massacre to a little insight into Naruto's mind and thought process, one thought crossed the minds of the three Chunin.
Were they really ready for this?
The direction of the wind, once at their backs, was now pushing against them. Itachi grimaced, bringing his straw hat down to shield his Uchiha eyes. How he hated the desert. It was dry, hot, and, worst of all, barren. How anyone managed to live in a place like this, even with all of his wisdom, confounded him greatly. Even the Land of Snow would be preferable to this awful place.
"We're here." Came the rough voice of his less-than-ideal partner.
Tilting the hat back up to correct his vision, he was greeted with a rather unpleasant sight.
"Good work, Yūra."
His tone seemed forced as if it strained him greatly to give out that compliment. Itachi's eyebrow rose ever so slightly, but he chose to not say anything. Something he seemed to do a lot of during his life.
The person the prodigy assumed was named Yūra was a short man with dark hair that hung in front of his right eye. He also sported a goatee and dark, soulless eyes. He was wearing standard shinobi attire from the Sand Village, along with a faceguard that covered both of his cheeks. Behind him were several deceased Sand shinobi. Considering the blood that was lightly splattered on his face, Itachi surmised that the corpses were his handiwork.
"This is your agent, I take it." It sounded like a question, but it was actually a statement. Itachi was not an idiot, he could put two and two together.
Sasori glanced over at his partner but didn't say anything. "I take it that this means that you still remember who I am. Am I correct to assume that?"
The one called Yūra got down on one knee, moving his gaze to the ground in front of him as a show of respect. "Of course I do, Lord Sasori. How could I ever forget you?"
"Did anyone see you? This operation will only work if we have no witnesses. Do you understand?"
"Of course, Master." The puppet answered obediently. "And I assure you, everyone who could have possibly been a witness to what happened here is no longer alive."
"That's what I like to hear." Finally, Sasori seemed to acknowledge the presence of his partner for the first time since their last conversation went sour. "I've done my part, Itachi. It's time for you to do yours. I'll be waiting right here… just make sure you don't keep me waiting."
Instead of uttering a retort, Itachi merely began walking ahead of the two traitorous sand shinobi. Though, he seemed to be moving at a noticeably slower pace than he usually would. This elected a growl from the hunchback, annoyed that someone was taking him so lightly. However, that slowly turned into a chuckle as the retreating form of the prodigious missing-nin faded behind the stormy sands of the desert.
To say their relationship was rocky was an understatement. While there was usually honor among criminals, the two S-Class threats did not care for each other in the slightest. At least, that was what Sasori thought at first. The Uchiha wasn't very talkative, which was something he preferred in a partner. The Sharingan user was also someone who he couldn't intimidate, and he respected the young man for that. In a strange way, Itachi was beginning to grow on him. Though, that was no something he would ever utter out loud to anyone. Not even to one of his brainwashed puppets.
From atop his perch, the recently crowned Kazekage of the Village Hidden in the Sand silently watched over his people. The sun was beginning to set below the horizon, meaning that darkness would soon follow. A smile formed at his lips as he watched the villagers below scurry home after the long day. The nights in the desert got very cold, and most people, even those from the Sand, would much rather be tucked away in their warm homes than be out and about past dusk.
Gaara didn't mind, though. The brisk desert air helped him stay awake when he felt himself drifting off into slumber. If he got too comfortable and fell sound asleep, then his entire nation would be in danger from the rampage of the one-tails. The lack of a long, peaceful night's rest meant that he had to resort to several short naps scattered about throughout the day, usually no longer than one hour at a time. To ensure he didn't go beyond this mark, his naps were typically scheduled in such a way that either Baki, Temari, or Kankuro would stand watch over him. Their job was to monitor his status and wake him when his time was up.
The nights were the most difficult. Most of the village was asleep, meaning that the Kazekage's only stimulus was whatever he provided himself with. It was so dull and tiresome. Every night his body begged him to lay down and shut his tired, baggy eyes. How he wished the night was a bit more exciting.
"You'd be wise to turn around and go back to where you came from." Gaara said aloud with his arms crossed at his chest, gaze still facing out toward the horizon.
A dark figure stood several paces behind him, appearance masked by a cloak and large hat. Despite being found out, the intruder did not budge or make a sound. They just continued to stand in the same spot, as if standing still would make them blend into the background once again.
Looking over his shoulder, Gaara resisted the urge to grimace. "Based on that pattern you wear on your cloak, I'd say that your target is me." His intelligence staff, by way of councilman Yūra, had thoroughly briefed him on the information given to them by the Leaf's Sannin regarding the criminal organization known as the Akatsuki. Sand was beginning to leak out of the uncorked gourd that the red-head wore on his back. "I warn you; this won't go the way you want it to. It would be easier for both of us if you left now." Turning fully around, while he eyed his assailant cautiously, his outward appearance was calm and confident.
The hooded figure placed a hand at the front of his dipped down straw hat, revealing black painted nails and a mysterious red ring that had the kanji for vermillion etched in its center. "Gaara of the Desert." Came the cold, unfamiliar voice of the Akatsuki criminal. "I'm afraid that you have to come with me now."
Before Gaara could get a word in edge-wise, the S-rated criminal swiftly took off his headpiece, revealing an unfamiliar version of the Sharingan, which took on the appearance of what looked to be a fuma shuriken.
A shiver went up and down Gaara's spine at the sight of those eyes, realizing the grave error he had already made. Futilely, the Wind Shadow tried to will himself to break the gaze. Yet, it was too late.
Time seemed to slow down, the world around him began to twist and warp. Gaara watched as his surroundings turned a dark black, save for the now blood-red sky. Rapidly, almost instinctually, he began to violently pulse out his chakra in hopes of disrupting the homeostasis chakra network and shattering the illusion before in fully formed. To his dismay, nothing changed. It was completely ineffective.
"It's no use." The Uchiha's booming voice sounded as if it was coming from every direction. "You're already caught in my genjutsu… welcome to the Tsukuyomi. Only those from the Uchiha Clan who have achieved the next state have any hopes of breaking free from this technique. For the next seventy-two hours, you and I will go on a journey, reliving the most painful experiences in your life over and over again."
There was a glint in the usually reserved and uninterested eyes of the Kazekage. It was fear.
"Shall we begin?"
…
Within the realm of the Tsukuyomi, Gaara's suffering seemed nearly endless. Seventy-two hours, where each minute that passed in that space felt like three days' worth of misery. All of those memories he had been trying to push down had just been dug of from their fresh graves and dumped on his head.
In the real world, only a moment had passed before Gaara crumpled to the ground from the reality-warping technique. A pained whimper escaped the throat of the Wind Shadow, and he battled relentlessly to remain conscious even though his body and mind begged him to stop.
It was time to rest, they told him.
As doubt, resignation, and dread began to flood his thought process, a beacon of light began to show its way through the darkness. Someone that he looked up to, the person he admired most in this world, would they just roll over and give up when faced with a bit of adversity? No! Having clashed with Naruto Uzumaki himself and even trying to break that unbendable will of steel, Gaara knew that the blond would never just give up when his precious people's lives were threatened. He had his people, no, and an entire nation that relied on him. He could not die now!
Itachi watched, somewhat stunned, through rapidly twitching eyes as the One-Tails host placed a forceful hand into the roof's surface. With what appeared to be all his might, the Jinchuriki began to push himself up off of the ground. He brought his left leg out from behind him and planted his foot onto the floor. While using his free hand to brace himself against his knee, the boy rose up slowly on shaky legs.
"You're almost out on your feet, and you want to fight me?" The Uchiha asked as he watched his opponent stumble forward slightly from the weight of that bulky gourd on his back. "You have no hope of winning. Just give up and come with me."
'The Tsukuyomi was my best option for capturing him quickly and without alerting anyone within the village. But It takes too much out of me. I need to finish this fast.'
"I… am the Kage of this village and its people." His usually strong voice had grown considerably weaker. "I will… not allow you to-" Gaara's tense posture suddenly relaxed, as if some sort of burden had been lifted off his shoulders. His eyes appeared to be looking right through the Akatsuki threat. The Kage stumbled forward once again, but this time did not even attempt to catch himself. Only one thing clued Itachi into what had just happened. A single word had escaped the lips of his target.
"Kankuro."
Itachi narrowly sidestepped as a barrage of poison-dipped needles dug into the spot on the roof where he had just been.
"Just what the hell do you think you're doing in our village." Came the slightly raspy voice of, who Itachi assumed, was the One-Tails brother, Kankuro. "You think you can just walk into our village and steal our leader out from under us?"
They had a bit of information on him and other powerful shinobi that reside in the Sand Village. Kankuro, a talented Jonin puppeteer who specializes in mid-to-long range combat with poison weapons. Weaknesses mainly include mobility and close combat.
'I cannot make light of this opponent. And if others hear us, it will only lead to more trouble. That would ruin everything… I'm sorry, but I must do this.' Wordlessly, Itachi spun around and drew a kunai from his cloak. Leaping to his right to avoid another volley of poison projectiles, the Uchiha darted at his enemy. Despite the state he was in, Itachi was still swift.
Fast enough that Kankuro appeared a bit startled. They both knew that a quick, direct attack was something he had trouble defending. Rapidly, he flicked his fingers back and forth, commanding his puppet to do his bidding. Crow dropped right in front of the two ninja to protect his Master from a fatal attack.
The S-Class criminal forged ahead, readying the sharpened hunk of black metal that he was gripping tightly in his hand. Neither yielded to the threat of the other. They had different convictions from one another, but both were unbendable.
Itachi slashed outward…
There was a cold flash of steel that illuminated in the orange hue of the setting sun. Then…
Silence.
Author's Note: Itachi ain't no pushover. And if catches you off guard with the Tsukuyomi it's pretty much game over. Gaara got caught. Can Kankuro save his little brother from the wrath of the Akatsuki? Find out next time!
And for people who assumed that was a NaruHina 'date', as you can see it was far from that. Hm, I guess I'm still annoyed by that mini-disaster. I'm done now, though. I promise. This isn't the same Naruto that's portrayed in canon, far from it. Those things that make Naruto special are still there, but his outlook on the world and life have drastically changed. You see a glimpse of that when the conversation turns serious.
Tell me what you think of the chapter! Are you afraid? You should be.
Thanks! I'll see you next time with Chapter 22: Formation: Akatsuki Assault Squad!
Leinad100 - Thanks for all of the reviews! I love the Naruto and Jiraiya relationship. My personal favorite in the series. Once again, pairings undecided.
Most Bodacious - I appreciate it. Definitely would never write yaoi. Just not my preference.
OverseerOfHimself - I was really confused at first about your Uzumaki blade review. I was like 'Shit, did I write something about a sword? Why don't I remember.'
Began reading through earlier chapters until I saw your other review. Cheers.
GunBlade2020 - Can't wait to show you all the differences that the Itachi & Deidara swap changes!
ThelittleKing - Agreed, the stark differences from canon Naruto and my iteration can really be seen once he's back in the Leaf Village. I tried to not make his changes overexaggerated. Deep down, he still really is Naruto. Can't let people forget that.
The Akatsuki bits of the upcoming chapters will be a joy to write. Thanks, as always, for the review. Can't wait to show you what I have in store!
lovleydragonfly - I appreciate the trust you're placing in me and my story. I hope I follow through on that!