Drowning in Freedom
Chapter 12: The Master's Servant
A/N: Hey guys! Sorry about the long wait for this chapter, I know it isn't an excuse, but I have been working 65-70 hour weeks and the last thing I have wanted to do is write! Granted, the manufacturing plant that I work at will be shutting down for Christmas so I plan to knock out some writing then! So, I am just telling you that I will not have another update for you for about 2ish weeks, because I am working every day until shutdown… HOWEVER, I hope you enjoy this update, I tried on it!
GodIsAGungan: I have no idea what you are talking about but you did make me laugh :P
moonlight46: Thank you! And hahah me too! Yamato and Gai for the win really. Yeah I knew that with the elder conversation I didn't want Tsunade to be completely alone! Danzo always worries everyone... he is an ass, he really is. Gai is all around like just a fun character and I feel like people don't give him enough street cred! I hope you like this next update!
army101: Thank you for the compliment I appreciate it! I am glad that you like this story and I am looking forward to hearing what you thought about this next chapter!
PrismRootStarlight: I know right? Tenzo/Yamato really is the man. Haha yeah I had to add some cringy moments into the elder's conversation and I am happy that it got across that way! Hehehe... I guess you are just going to have to read to find out!
eunoiapaint: Thank you so much! I am so happy that you liked the last chapter so much and I have to say I love your user picture. Whatever landscape that is, it is beautiful as well! I can't wait for you to read this next update and I look forward to hearing what you thought about it!
phoenixx313: Haha yes! I love the reference, absolutely love rick and morty, but yes it was definitely a morty and summer moment. YESSS! Fun fact I have a mug that has that "put your shit in a backpack" quote. I am happy to hear that you liked the last chapter and thank you for commenting on Gai! I was trying to give him more depth as a character since everyone sees him as this funny go-lucky character but in the united shinobi war you see how great a character Gai really is. Anyway, I am excited for you to read this chapter and I look forward to hearing your thoughts about it!
Kakashi laid back in his hospital bed and pulled his book away from his face. Sighing, he knew that he was going to be having some visitors shortly. He propped himself up on the pillows and placed his book in his lap. He pulled his mask up and turned his head to look out of the window. It was a bright and sunny spring day in Konoha. It almost seemed like it was too nice of a day for this early in the spring. Taking a deep breath, however, Kakashi tried to imagine what it may smell like with hints of winter finally fading away making way to the new fertile lands of the village. He thought that he would have to ask the nurse later to open up the window, so he could also enjoy the nice weather outside as well.
The white-haired nin was taken out of his thoughts as the chakra signatures neared his door. He felt Naruto and Sakura come down the hall, and alongside them, there seemed to be an unfamiliar one with them. He wondered if this unfamiliar chakra was from the kid that Yamato had been talking about a little over a month ago. It would only make sense, after being away that they may have gotten closer with each other. Kakashi knew that his students for back from their mission yesterday because Tsunade was nice enough to stop by. She yelled at him that night that Yamato went out to get him, to bring him back to the hospital and the worse was realized. Kakashi did indeed push himself too hard and he would have to spend more time in the hospital than originally thought.
Fast forwarding to today, a little over a month later, he was still there but the hokage and him spoke yesterday when she came by. After she told him about how everyone was back in the village, a mission unsuccessful, they figured that after looking at his condition and vitals he would be ready to be released soon. Kakashi still didn't have a finalized date, but that was one of the things he liked most about Tsunade—she always kept her word. Taking a deep breath, Kakashi pulled his book back up, acting like he was reading, just as Naruto pushed open the door as Sakura scolded him for being too loud in the hospital. Kakashi only lifted his eyes when Naruto announced himself, and then Sakura, confirming that they were indeed back from their mission.
However, Kakashi's gaze didn't linger long on them, and instead on the unknown person in the room. If Kakashi could remember correctly, the kid standing by Naruto and Sakura was named Sai, the kid Danzo picked out. Sai wore a fake smile on his face, and it didn't go unnoticed that he was surveying everything that was going on around him. It stuck out to the hospital patient, because he too was like that once. Naruto stood by Kakashi's bed and started to go on about some crazy story, but Kakashi wasn't listening to him fully at first. Instead he took in Sai as the teen did the same to Kakashi. The white haired nin noticed that both Sai and Naruto had a few scrapes and bruises on them that hadn't fully healed.
He looked towards Sakura, who took it upon herself to open the window that Kakashi was going to ask about and he motioned for her to come over. Naruto was still ranting and didn't notice that Sakura had bent down so Kakashi could ask her a question. She tucked her hair behind her ear and tried to make sure that she was as inconspicuous as possible.
"Did Naruto and Sai fight the whole time they were on the mission? I can imagine with Naruto's temper about certain situations that—"
Sakura waved off Kakashi's claim and stood upright, "Everything is alright now, Kakashi-sensei."
Kakashi gave Sakura a returned reply of a facial expression that told her that he didn't believe that she was telling the truth. Her response was only a half-hearted smile and a shrug that claimed that depending on how one looked at it, it could be seen both ways.
"Are you two even listening to me? Especially you Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto questioned a little miffed knowing that his sensei wasn't paying attention.
"I'm sorry Naruto, what was that again?"
"Kakashi-sensei…"
"Anyway, why don't the three of you tell me how your last mission went?" Kakashi pried, knowing full well how it went.
Both Naruto and Sakura dropped their heads, and Sai, unexpectedly shifted his weight from one foot to the other and refused to meet Kakashi's eyes any longer. The white-haired nin figured that this was not the topic he should have inquired on given with how the tone of the room turned dark and miserable. Clearing his throat all the attention landed on Naruto who began to speak.
"I have to say, Kakashi-sensei… Sasuke has gotten really strong… It was a hard mission… I just… I have to get stronger to bring him back. It just seems like every time I turn the corner, Sasuke has learned two new skills by the time I have mastered one—"
"Then you will just have to train harder. You will have to train twice as hard, or three times as much to match Sasuke, Naruto. I know that you can achieve that strength if you work at it."
"Kakashi-sensei, Sasuke seems like he has had an extreme acceleration of growth…" Sakura said, uneasiness in his tone.
"Well, Sasuke is training with one of the legendary sannin… but you could say that about both you and Naruto as well. Both of you have come a long way as well in a short time."
"It seems as if though, that there is some forbidden jutsu that Orochimaru is using to help Sasuke grow in strength just that much more than us…"
"Well I guess we will have to figure out how to do our own extreme acceleration of training now, won't we?"
"But Kakashi-sensei, I have been training night and day with Jiraiya before coming back to the village—"
"What do you guys think I have been doing this whole time while in the hospital? I knew this may have happened when you guys went out on that mission so I've been brainstorming… and that is how this new idea came to me. Granted, this new method is suited more for Naruto… or rather… it will only work with him."
There was a pause of silence in the room, everyone listening with baited breath to Kakashi's words, hanging on to each and every one of them. There was nothing else that his students want more than to bring back their friend. So, there was only thing left for him so say.
"If you can do this training Naruto… you may even surpass me."
Naruto's eyes went wide, "Surpass you master Kakashi?"
"That is correct. I will be working one-on-one with you and this training will be unlike anything you have ever experienced. If you thought Jiraiya was hard on you, just wait."
"That all sounds fine and well Kakashi-sensei, however, it just seems as if there isn't enough time and training for the level that Sasuke is at will take too long to achieve right now—"
"I thought about that too. I have figured out a way for you to accelerate your training. What a normal person would take eight months to a year to do and master, I know if you could push yourself you would be able to learn it in a few weeks."
Naruto opened his mouth and was about to ask a million different questions to Kakashi, but the white-haired nin was saved by Asuma and his team barging into the room.
Shikimaru, Choji, and Ino started to introduce themselves to Sai after the chaos of them entering started to settle down. Naruto and the other boys stared down Sai as Ino and Saukra whispered to each other, trying to probably catch up on the latest gossip. On the other hand, Asuma didn't waste his time and instead he passed by the teens and ended up next to Kakashi. Both mentors seemed to be ignored as the teens caught up with each other. Asuma gave Kakashi a look that made Kakashi know that his friend wanted to talk to him alone. Kakashi nodded his head that he was good with down that right now, so Asuma took it upon himself to shoo the teens away.
"Shikamaru, take everyone and go ahead to Yakiniku BBQ. Don't worry I'm buying but make sure that Choji doesn't eat out my wallet," Asuma laughed, rubbing the back of his neck hoping that he was going to be able to pay for everything and he wouldn't go broke this afternoon.
"What are you going to be doing then?" Shikamaru asked Asuma, in a lazy tone as if he couldn't be bothered by taking instructions.
"Kakashi and I have some business to discuss, since it looks like he is going to be released this afternoon, but I'll meet you all there in a few" Asuma laughed trying to keep the tone light.
The only ones knowing that Asuma had serious things to discuss were himself, Kakashi, and Shikamaru, in which most things couldn't get passed the genius.
The jonins wait for the teens to clear out of the room, the earlier dark mood fading with the promise of meat. Kakashi knew that Naruto would be asking him about his training later, but right now, it seemed as if there were more pressing matters to attend to. It was unusual for Asuma to seek him out like this for something, even if they were close friends. Asuma took a moment and strolled over to the open window, and took a cigarette out of the package. He flipped open the lighter, lit his cig, and then took a long draw of it before letting out the smoke through the open window.
"You know that if the hospital staff catch you doing that, you are going to have hell to pay."
"You're right, but unless you tell someone I don't they will find out," Asuma laughed.
"Not to cut this conversation short, but what did you want to talk to me about?"
"Well, the two of us haven't seen each other in a while…"
Kakashi sighed, "Is this going to be all small talk or…"
Asuma laughed, taking another draw of his cigarette. Kakashi couldn't help but smile at his friend's calm demeanor.
"Neither of us are very good at small talk, Kakashi…"
The humor started to fade out of their conversation, both men getting serious about the topic that was about to be brought up by Asuma.
"I am surprised that you are getting out so late, especially since Gai said you were training as if you were preparing for war… or maybe you were and that is why you are in here again and just being released now?"
"It was on the hokage's orders that my say be extended… and suffice to say I have had a lot of time to think about things since I have been holed up so long in here."
"Well then, I guess it is time to get down to business then, since you will be leaving here shortly."
Asuma took one last drag on his smoke and flicked the burnt-out stub through the window since there was no trace of the cigarette in the room besides the small hint of smoke in the room. He strode closer to Kakashi and sat on the chair next to the bed and Kakashi gave the man his full attention. Asuma opened his mouth, but then glanced down at his hands, wringing them as if what he was about to ask was a painful topic. Asuma then looked up at Kakashi with determination on his face, but before Asuma could ask Kakashi what was on his mind, the two men heard Kurenai's voice come from the hallway asking one of the nurses if they had seen Asuma. She apparently got her answer because she opened the door to Kakashi's room.
Kakashi exchanged a quick look with Asuma, asking him why Kurenai was here as well, but Asuma shrugged and looked away. His cheeks highlighted with a tint of pink. It vanished almost as quickly as it appeared, and he stood up as Kurenai entered the room and looked at the two men watching her.
"Oh, I'm sorry Kakashi and Asuma, I didn't know the two of you were talking… I'm sorry for interrupting let me just—"
"Kurenai, stay, we weren't talking about anything important," Asuma smiled lovingly at the woman who timidly made her way to stand by Asuma and greet Kakashi.
"How did it go?" Asuma asked Kurenai and she nervously replied, keeping her answer vague in front of Kakashi.
"It went well, and everything looks good," Kurenai smiled, which elicited a small smile from Asuma as well.
Kakashi didn't want to ruin whatever moment his two friends were having, but he cleared his throat, to tell them that he was still there as well.
"You had something to tell me Asuma?" Kakashi questioned, trying to keep it vague knowing that Kurenai may not have known of this.
"Ah yes, I believe that it can wait for another time."
"Are you sure?"
Asuma had a look of hesitancy on his face but then nodded, "I'm sure, Kakashi. Get your rest, I have a feeling that you and the rest of us are going to need it before long."
Kurenai and Asuma said their goodbyes and turned to leave, but Kakashi was left wondering what had been on Asuma's mind that he came all the way to the hospital to ask him about it. That and Asuma wanted privacy for his question, and that worried Kakashi even more. However, as the couple left, Kakashi was brought out of his thoughts as he saw Asuma ghost Kurenai's stomach and she blushed at the touch. With their short conversation to each other beforehand, Kakashi put two and two together. Kurenai was pregnant with Asuma's child, and Kakashi couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy hit his heart. The white-haired nin tried picking his book back up but he wasn't reading a single word on the page, and instead all he could do was focus on the warm, green feeling of envy that rushed through his veins.
Amaya sighed in frustration as she tried to mediate on her bed with her back against the wall, but she was having no such luck. She couldn't concentrate with Mizuchi was yelling profanities at her to listen to what he had to say. Each and every time he would yell at her louder, but she tried to ignore him each time. However, it was getting to the point where he was causing her a headache. She tried everything but trying to focus on anything other than the dragon in her head was hard. Mizuchi became silent once more, and then let out a yell worse than the last, but this time Amaya yielded and questioned what the creature wanted.
"What the hell do you want?" Amaya replied with a harsh tone.
If anyone saw her right now they probably thought she was going crazy. Hell, the Anbu on surveillance duty probably already thought that of her. However, the dragon wasn't taking any of Amaya's crap today and instead decided to be even more of a pain in the ass. He growled at Amaya, and it sent a shiver down her spine. Amaya quickly opened her eyes, and she felt her lungs get heavy. She felt as if adrenaline was starting to pump through her system and her lungs seemed to have a lack of air within them. Eventually the dragon decided to calm down and end his temper tantrum, causing Amaya's body to return to an equilibrium of sorts.
"Do you feel it?"
"Feel what? You trying to make my head explode?"
"You know what I am asking about."
Amaya gritted her teeth. She knew exactly what he was talking about, and she knew why he was trying to get in contact with her, but she didn't want to have to deal with it at the moment. But, Amaya replied to Mizuchi, even if it was just one word.
"Yes."
Amaya winced as the pain in her head started to pulse, but this wasn't because of Mizuchi anymore, this was her body trying to recover from the dragon himself. Amaya took a deep breath and dropped her forehead down to her hands, hoping that the action would relieve some pressure within her skull. When that wasn't working, she moved her hands to lightly massage her temples as the dragon continued to talk, however, this time it was softer. Mizuchi realizing the pain and discomfort he placed Amaya in.
"Do you know what that means?"
"Yes, yes I do Mizuchi…"
"Are you just going to give me one worded answers?"
"I believe that was five right there," Amaya would have chuckled through the jab, but it came out dry.
Mizuchi rolled his eyes but replied, "We have to keep our guard up, Amaya."
Amaya didn't say anything in reply to the dragon, she knew that he was right. She hated knowing and having the ability to sense what happened in the world around her. She was hyperaware of different fluctuations in chakra ever since she had been united with Mizuchi. At times it was useful, but times like now, she hated the ability. She hated it, because there was nothing she could do from stopping the bad things from happening. She could feel chakras shift alerting her that something was about to happen, but being locked up like she was, she didn't have the ability to stop it. Plus, who would in Konoha would believe her if she told them? Amaya sucked in air and curled her hands into fists. She slammed one of them backwards, hitting the wall that she had her back propped up on. She kept her fist against the wall, but picked her head up, leaning it back as well.
"I know we do, Mizuchi."
"But you want to do more, don't you?"
"We have to do more, we have to do better…"
"And why is that? Because of the village or what?"
"We need to do more because I won't allow Naruto to have the same fate as the two tails jinchuriki."
Mizuchi didn't reply to her comment, and instead stayed silent with nothing more to say. The dragon knew that saying something in regards about Amaya's students were fighting words for her. More so than the village as a whole and even Kakashi. She loved the kids she taught—every single one of them and Mizuchi knew never to say something harsh in regard to Amaya's old teaching days. There were just some things that you don't bring up unless the person does. But Mizuchi knew that Amaya would do everything in her power to save Naruto, especially how the Akatsuki murdered the two-tails' girl in such a brutal fashion.
About a day and a half passed and Kakashi had been released from the hospital that afternoon, just as Asuma predicted. Now, here he was, trying to help Naruto with his training. The white-haired nin had enlisted Yamato for help, because Kakashi knew that Yamato would be able to contain the nine-tails chakra so Naruto could get through his training. The two older men weren't really on speaking terms, but they kept their emotions hidden as they had work to do in order to help Naruto become stronger.
Yamato sat in the middle of the grass clearing, his hand extended waiting for the nine-tails chakra to escape. There was nothing at the moment for Kakashi to do so he laid under the tree that provided him shade and read his book. His eyes wandering back to Naruto and Yamato, making sure that they were doing okay, however, his thoughts kept drifting away from the book and from the training. Kakashi told himself that it was okay to let his mind wander like it was, because he was only there in case something significant happened. Yamato had the hardest job of them all.
However, with a deep breath, Kakashi placed his book on his chest and watched the clouds roll through the sky. The slight breeze flowed through his hair and he inhaled the air, the crisp smell of freshly cut grass filling his nose. And that's when he allowed himself to wonder about Amaya, in a way that wasn't hostile. For the first time he wondered about her. It was simple, but at least the thought was neutral, nonetheless. Kakashi wondered if Amaya was enjoying this spring weather as much as he was.
"Kakashi-sensei!"
Kakashi picked his book up from his face and watched Naruto jump down from the ledge he was meditating on. He was soaked and covered in water from trying to train. Kakashi sat up, yawning, thinking that maybe he did more napping in the spring weather than reading. He blinked away the sleep as Naruto rushed towards him.
"Kakashi-sensei!"
"Yes, Naruto?" Kakashi answered the genin, waiting for his excitement level to die down before asking the question that was clearly on his mind.
"Do you know anyone else with wind chakra like me?"
"I may, why?"
"I want to ask a person with wind nature if they can give me any pointers on how to use it…"
Kakashi exchanged a look with Yamato, both in surprise that Naruto thought of this himself.
"I think that is a great idea, Naruto. It will probably be helpful if you get a pointer from someone else with the same type of nature," Yamato said.
Naruto smiled at Yamato's remark and looked at Kakashi for an answer. Kakashi scratched the back of his neck, only one name really popping up in his head that could help Naruto answer some of the questions he may have.
"Asuma has wind nature, I am sure you could probably find him and ask him a few questions about it—"
Without waiting for Kakashi to finish his sentence, Naruto bolted away and waved in thanks as he headed into the village in search for Asuma. Both Yamato and Kakashi watched Naruto's figure fade into the distance, and the two men were evidently left alone with the other. Kakashi let himself lay back down on the grass under the tree, trying to make it seem like he didn't notice the tension brewing between the two of them. Yamato watched Kakashi, and Kakashi felt Yamato staring at him even though his eyes were closed.
"I see that you took my advice to go back to the hospital," Yamato stated simply.
Kakashi opened his eyes and looked at his former student.
"It was the hokage's orders now, wasn't it? I didn't have any right in going against them without a proper clause," Kakashi spoke lackadaisically.
"That has never stopped you before," Yamato quickly responded.
Kakashi let out a snort from his nose and turned his attention back to the clouds up above. Most of them faded through his afternoon nap, but there were a few streamline clouds still left in the sky.
"You going to start yelling at me again?"
Yamato didn't answer right away, so Kakashi tilted his head down to look at the brunet. Shaking his head, no, Yamato finally responded.
"No, I'm done trying to convince you of something that you obviously don't believe in. It isn't my place to try and change your own opinion… nor can I."
Kakashi licked his lips and the two of them never said any other words to the other. Yamato titled his head up to look at the clouds, concluding their conversation about the matter. It was clear that Yamato said those things to Kakashi because of his friendship to Amaya, not because he was trying to help Kakashi through his own issues. The conversation did open up Kakashi's eyes to the situation he had been dealing with, however, now he was at a loss. The white-haired nin shifted his focus back up to the clouds, the two men exchanging a breath between them. Kakashi was confused. He didn't know what he belived in now, and he wasn't sure what to think. One thing was for sure, was that his eyes were opened. He needed answers from Amaya, even if the truth turned out to be messy.
"Get off your lazy ass and do something about it!" Mizuchi yelled.
"I don't know if you noticed but we are under house arrest right now!"
"That is just a slight technicality here!"
Four days had passed since the last incident. The incident with the two-tails jinchuriki. Mizuchi was trying to reason with her that they should go out on their own and stop these attacks before they began, but Amaya knew that it would only hurt her case if she became a martyr. Sweat was beaded on her forehead, and the headache she had before had only amplified. Not only was she getting distressing inputs from the world around her, overstimulating her senses, but she also had Mizuchi trying to tell her what to do. It didn't help that the dragon had a temper on him, and since he wasn't getting his way, Amaya was the one to suffer due to it.
"Are you going to do anything about the Akatsuki?" Mizuchi asked in a pissy, sarcastic voice.
"Like what? What do you want me to do here?"
"Stop sitting on your ass and go hunt them down!"
"That won't accomplish anything, and you know that. Plus, if I just leave here… do you know how guilty that would make me look?"
"You can fix that later, after you wipe out the Akatsuki."
"You know damn well that wouldn't happen. Even if I hand delivered each of their heads, if I left the village now, they would never give me a second chance. Them locking me up in house arrest, this, this right here is my second chance."
The dragon scoffed at the kunoichi. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"They already see you as a traitor, so who cares what they think?"
"This village is important to me Mizuchi. The people that live here… they are all I have left. I have to protect them. If something is dire, and they need my help… trust me when I say this… they won't hesitate to send me out into the battle field…"
"What you are saying is that they are just going to sacrifice you… use you to make sure they don't have any collateral damage… this is just a way out for them…. They want you to die, Amaya."
"I know that, Mizuchi. I already do."
"You're okay with this?"
"With them sending me out in the battlefield knowing full well that they intend for me to die?"
"Yes."
Amaya took a deep breath and looked down at her hands. They were filled with tiny scars from the years learning how to handle one of the hidden mist blades. Amaya clenched her fist, and then extended her fingers out once more.
"I have nothing else left to lose in this world… everything that I had… it's been taken from me. I know that if I was in Tsunade's shoes, or any of the elders, that is what I would do. That's how they think, and even without any word of them telling me, that is why I know I am here. They know I can fight, and they know that I will fight to protect this village. I know they will use me just to fight someone or something to the death, and I am okay with that. I have already resolved myself to the fact that my days are numbered Mizuchi, and I advise you to put your own affairs in order because I know that they will be shipping me off to battle sooner, rather than later."
There was silence from the dragon before he scoffed at her, not believing the words that just came out of Amaya's mouth.
"Sometimes I forget how naïve you really are. Do I need to remind you that the Akatsuki just captured the three tails without any issue? Yes it didn't have a host, but that doesn't matter. The Akatsuki isn't going to stop but you have the power to hurt them where it hurts. Slow them down at least… you need to find your sword, pick it up, and go on the offense. Go out to the front lines and do some damage while you still have time to make a difference in this life…"
Amaya shook her head, having enough of Mizuchi's crap. She wasn't one to raise her vice anymore, but she did so to the dragon trying to talk down to her. She wasn't going to take any more of his crap, at least not right now. Her mind was made up, and he couldn't change it.
"Do not take that tone with me. I am tired of your temper tantrums, you throwing a fit every time I don't do something that you want to do! I am the one that makes the calls around here, not you!"
Mizuchi sighed and resigned himself, clearly not taking Amaya seriously.
"Yes, Master…" Mizuchi muttered with heavy sarcasm.
"If you hate my ideas then why don't you just forget about them and me? Why don't you just block them out like I do with you?"
"Because I'm not a coward like you. I face my fears and I confront them head on. You say that you are prepared to die for this village, even after all the crap they put you through… but I know… I know deep down you are scared to die, Amaya. You are full of fear. You believe that you can't make a difference. That if you step out of this house and confront the Akatsuki that you wouldn't have made an impact on those around you. You live in constant fear of upsetting those around you and I worry that you're going to wake up one day, and it is going to be too late. You're a coward, Amaya, and until you prove else wise, I will keep treating you as such."
Amaya swiftly got out of bed, her head feeling empty as Mizuchi left her mind. She had some peace and quiet, but she couldn't believe that Mizuchi had the audacity to say that to her. She licked her lips, feeling her throat go dry. Running a hand through her hair she tried to contemplate the dragon's words, them jabbing her in the heart every time she replayed them in her head. Walking to the kitchen, she quickly pulled a glass from the cabinet and put some water in it. She downed the glass and filled it up once more, and that was when she felt the presence behind her. Turning, she saw Yamato watching her or, rather, a clone of him.
Yesterday, Yamato had stopped by and filled the kunoichi in on the failure of the mission that they had, but the two of them left it at that. Yamato briefed her out of respect of her old student, but she knew that he left out some of the details. He probably was ordered to. All at once, Yamato started talking to her in a rush of words, but then he slowed down when he noticed her appearance.
"Are you okay?"
Amaya waved him off, not bothering to answer the question. No one besides Kisame and Itachi knew about Mizuchi, and she wasn't about to increase those numbers if she could help it. Those who have seen Mizuchi's summoned form have never lived to tell the tale of her kekkei genkai.
"What is it that has you this riled up? Usually you don't just appear in the middle of the kitchen… you like to use the front door."
"I'll tell you on the way… but I need you to get changed."
Amaya didn't ask any more questions, but instead did as she was instructed. Whatever it was, it was something serious. The worst part of it all was that Amaya couldn't get Mizuchi's words out of her head, and if she was going to be fighting someone, she needed a clear head. She couldn't let anything get in the way, but for whatever reason, she just couldn't shake the feeling of dread she received from the dragon's words. Yamato followed Amaya into her room and as she started to disrobe, he turned around to give her some privacy. However, that was when she felt it, and her breathing hitched. The Anbu that had intently been watching her house had all left. They were leaving one-by-one to make it seem as if nothing was amiss outside.
Dispersing outwards, it seemed as if they were taking new defense positions on the village's walls. Amaya swallowed, clearing her hesitation and started to put on some normal nin-apparel. Amaya knew this wasn't the time for questions, but she couldn't help asking the ones coming into her mind.
"What the hell is going on here Yamato… I know it is serious… don't lie to me… I can see the Anbu working as my security detail being recalled."
Without hesitation, Yamato filled Amaya in with what was happening.
"The hokage has issued an emergency briefing and she requested that I bring you to it. I have no idea why Tsundae-sama wants you there, and I don't know what this is about. All I know is that this is important enough to call all the Anbu and jonin left in the village to this briefing."
Amaya knew that Yamato may not know why she was being called to this meeting, but the kunoichi had a few good guesses. She was right, it seems like. Her conversation and hypothesis with Mizuchi finally being confirmed. Sighing, Amaya put on a light blue top, the sleeves cut off, and her clan's symbol was embroidered largely on her back. She tugged on some black, almost skin-tight pants, and then proceeded to tie her kunai belt around her leg. She didn't have anything in it at the moment, but if she was to be shipped out, she would be handed her weapons back.
Lastly, she lifted the last piece of clothing she was going to put on, but her scratched headband fell to the floor with a clank. She ran her fingers over the scratch and then proceeded to tie the headband around her forehead instead of wearing it as belt, making sure that her hair wasn't in the way, as it fell back in her face after she placed the headband on. Finally, she pulled on her last article of clothing. She didn't bother with zipping it up, and instead she let it hang open, allowing someone to see the clothes she had on underneath. Her whole style made her look unruly and wild, especially with her hair going every which way.
"You can turn around now."
Yamato did exactly that and took in her appearance once more, this time, seeing her like this, it sent chills down his spine. He never knew Amaya to look so intimidating, but here she was. Yamato was at a loss of words, and he couldn't help but feel his hands tremble. Amaya looked powerful, and she held herself in such a way that it was like she was about to go to battle against a fly, or at least someone of a lower standing than her. For the first time, Yamato was happy to know that Amaya was fighting for the village of Konoha, and not against it.
"Yamato, where are they keeping my mask and hidden mist blade?" Amaya asked breaking the shock that Yamato was in.
Clearing his throat, Yamato finally answered her, "They are keeping it hidden… but if you need it, I will make sure that you have to location."
Amaya nodded her head and knew better than to ask again about the location of her weapons.
"Are you ready then?"
Yamato's clone nodded his head and when Amaya went to pass him so they could leave, he took a hold of her arm.
"You don't have to wear that cloak… you aren't a part of the Akatuski anymore…"
Amaya knew that Yamato wasn't asking her to take the cloak off, he was telling her to. However, she knew the role she was going to be sent on, and she was going to play it until she died. If they wanted a traitor, if they needed one, Amaya would play the part. She had nothing more to lose… right? Licking her lips, Amaya placed her hand on top of Yamato's and slowly slid his grip off of her arm. She held his hand and gave it a tight squeeze just before letting it go.
"I'm okay with it on, Yamato. I wouldn't have put it on if I didn't want to."
"Are you sure with your decision? The villagers and other shinobi may get the wrong idea if you wear it inside the village, especially since everyone is on high alert because of the Akatsuki…"
Amaya didn't hesitate with her answer and looked Yamato straight into the eyes when she said it.
"The only reason why I would take this cloak off is because I was about to die in battle. That was what these robes symbolized in the organization, Yamato. When one of us removes their cloak, they knew that their opponent is going to kill them… and I will be no different."