Drowning in Freedom

Chapter 26: The Adventure to Come

A/N: Ahhh here we are, finally getting into the final arc of this story. I have finally finished the outline for the rest of it, plus an epilogue, and there is going to be 34 chapters in DIF, with chapter 34 being the epilogue. I just want to thank you all for this wild ride and I can't wait to go on the next adventure with you all. But don't worry, the story hasn't ended yet :) I hope you all enjoy this chapter.

PrismRootStarlight: Hahahaha yeah, I thought we all deserved a little fluff, especially after everything the two characters have gone through. Oh yeah, Tsunade just can't catch a break and you'll find out what is going on with Mizuchi... don't worry :)

Moonlight46: Oh yeah, the fluff hits the feels hard, that is for sure. Yeah, the Pain/Jiraiya fight is always a good one, but a touch one to say the least, and don't worry, you guys will all figure out what is going on with Mizuchi... all in fair time...

"I tried you know?"

"That honestly is the only thing that you can do."

"With everything that is going on, I can't even imagine the stress that Tsunade-sama is under right now. It is utterly heartbreaking, and I feel like—"

Kakashi took Amaya's face in his hands and wiped her tear stained face using his thumbs. He made the kunoichi look at him and he could see all the love and compassion written on her face for her friends. Even after all this time, that was one of the things that he loved most about the woman in front of him. She always looked out for the ones she loved. No matter what rules she was supposed to follow or anything else to that nature. She always claimed that she was held down by certain constraints, and she was, but that never stopped her from trying to skate around things, find a loophole to support the ones that were closest to her.

"This isn't your fault. Jiraiya chose to go out and partake in this mission. No one was forcing him to go, and no one asked him to go up against the leader of the Akatsuki. By no means is this your fault."

"I know that he is going to d—"

"You don't know that Amaya. You don't. He could win against Pain."

Amaya swallowed harshly, trying to fight back her tears from rushing out again. She had just calmed down and she didn't want to have to go through another breakdown. She had been able to keep it together for the most part with Tsunade and Shizune in the room, but the moment that she got home and saw Kakashi, she cracked. It was almost like she knew that she was safe and instantly she let go. Kakashi was concerned at first, given that a weeping kunoichi had thrown herself in his arms dramatically, but through the crying and the hiccups, he was able to make out what had happened—at least, for the most part.

"Come on, let's get ready for bed," Kakashi spoke softly, rubbing Amaya's arms.

She nodded his head and followed Kakashi to their bedroom. She wanted to reach out and cling to the back of his shirt like a child, but knew that she shouldn't seem that needy. She was an adult after all. However, Sakumo's words filtered through her head again and she knew that if she wanted a hug from someone to make her feel better, or physical interaction, that was okay. So, out of nowhere, Amaya hugged Kakashi from behind. He stood still and his guard was dropped completely. He placed a hand on her arms and stroked her skin with the pad of his thumb.

"You know, if you let me go for a moment, I can hug you correctly…"

Amaya just shook her head no, burying her face in Kakashi's back.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For always being there for me. I wouldn't know what to do without you. You are the love of my life, Hatake, you know that?"

Kakashi smiled, the sweet words that came out of Amaya's mouth were pure of feeling and it made him happy knowing how the kunoichi really felt about him. Sure, the two shared their feeling and were getting better at being together and relying on the other, but it was still nice to hear how someone felt about you.

"You know that you are the love of my life too, right?"

"Stop being cheesy."

"How am I the cheesy one when you started it?"

"That is just how it works," Amaya said, poking her head out from around Kakashi and sticking her tongue out at him.

He sighed, and Amaya uncurled her arms from around Kakashi's waist, so they could finally get ready for bed. The two did, and Amaya turned off the lights since Kakashi was already sprawled out on the bed, waiting for her to join him. When she went to cross the room, and flicked off the lights, she heard Kakashi ask her a serious question.

"How strong is this Pain character?"

Amaya licked her lips and turned around, seeing that Kakashi was staring up at the ceiling. He was worried.

"Honestly? I have only talked to him twice, and both times weren't in person. However, I have heard stories… and he isn't the leader of the Akatsuki for no good reason. I think, right now, he will probably be the biggest threat we have to face thus far. Nothing comes close to the destructive power that he carries with him."

"At least it is just him."

"That isn't true…"

"What do you mean?" Kakashi asked, his raised himself up on his arms and looked at the kunoichi in the moon light.

"You know how all the Akatuski members are paired up?"

"Yes?"

"The leader is no different. The woman, Konan, who is Pain's partner, she isn't someone to pass by. Like Pain, she isn't one to ignore. Granted, I know more about Konan than the leader and I have to say that if Pain shows up here, she won't nearly have as big of a role as he does. She may be a nuisance, but, she will stay out of the way for the most part."

"What are her abilities then? Or do you not know that?"

Amaya shook her head and took a deep breath, crawling into bed. She laid on her side and pulled up the covers. She got comfortable and looked up at Kakashi who still had himself propped up.

"She predominately uses earth and wind releases, but the thing is, is that she doesn't do this in a normal-jutsu kind of way. I don't think it is a kekkei genkai, but I have never known anyone else who has had such an ability. She can make herself into thousands of pieces of paper that can maneuver into a deadly construct of things."

Taking a deep breath, Kakashi asks his last question about the matter of Pain, semi-changing the conversation again.

"How do you know Pain will overtake Jiraiya and come to the village?"

"Not only, like I said before, is he the strongest person we have yet to face, but I don't know… I feel it in the pit of my stomach. That we should be preparing for the worst. I feel that is just a matter of time before that happens. Especially since Naruto is here. The Akatsuki are trying to collect all the tailed beasts for a reason. For which reason that is, I am unsure of, but, I know that it can't be because of anything good. I may have been an apprentice to the group for a while, but they tried to keep things from me."

"That begs the question, were you ever good enough to become a full-fledged member?"

Amaya licked her lips and poked Kakashi's side, making him squirm slightly.

"What do you think?"

"My guess would be a yes."

"Well, then, your guess would be correct then. The rest of the group wanted me to go find Orochimaru and take back his ring for the role, but I never did. I couldn't bring myself too. Plus, now, I figure that Tobi, another apprentice to the group, wanted the ring more than I ever did. Granted, now, it would just be easier to steal Deidara's or Sasori's if he could find it. But… Tobi is just crazy enough to try and take Orochimaru's ring by force… even though he isn't a part of the group anymore."

Kakashi just hums deep in his chest as an acknowledgement to Amaya's comment. She knew that the man was getting tired and he was starting to drift off. Kakashi was always good at listening to Amaya, and even when they were talking about serious topics, sometimes, when he was comfortable, he would get in a relaxed state like this. Amaya bit her lip and decided to have some fun with the topic at hand, and Kakashi.

"I know that the Akatsuki are horrible people and they have all done horrendous things, but you would be a good villain to their group. I would be worried if you were with them."

The white haired nin opened one of his eyes and looked peculiar at the girl in his bed which just made Amaya start to laugh.

"What?" Amaya asked, the laughs still not subsiding.

"Nothing," Kakashi sighed, trying to get himself comfortable in bed again.

"I mean, you really are powerful enough to be one—a villain that is. You have the ability to think quickly and, on your feet, and you know what the most important part of it all is?"

"Hmm?"

"That you are hot as hell."

Kakashi snorted. Actually snorted, turned over, and started to belly laugh to the point where he was laughing so hard that tears started to spring to his eyes. Out of everything that could have came out of the kunoichi's mouth that was the last thing that he was expecting. Amaya joined in, her face red from the comment and from how Kakashi was taking it.

"Well at least now you know that I find you attractive."

"And here I was, worried that you didn't. I stay awake every night wondering about how hot I am," Kakashi said, humor in his voice as he placed the word hot in air quotes.

"Oh shut up."

"Nope! Not gonna happen! You said it and I am not going to let you live this down."

"Even if I show you how much I appreciate your good looks?"

Amaya started to play coy and straddled Kakashi's waist. He placed his hands on her thighs, rolling up the shirt of his that she wore to bed. Amaya leaned down, tucking her hair behind her ear and leaned down, pressing a kiss to Kakashi's lips. She deepens it, and before it gets too far, she pulls away, making Kakashi almost growl at her. Instead of getting mad, he just playfully flips her over and starts to tickle her.

"Here I thought you were the villain, teasing me and everything like that, but since the idea of me being a villain is one of your fantasies… Maybe we should have a little fun and act on it for the night."

Kakashi leaned his head in and started to kiss Amaya's neck, leaving red marks all over her skin, claiming her as his, as she laughed, pushing a hand through his hair to bring him closer.

The news went in one ear and out the other. Amaya felt that her jaw was clenched tight and her heart had dropped. Her hands had made its way into the form of fists. She dropped her head and was trying to keep it together. Honestly, everyone else inside the room was trying to do the exact same thing at the moment. She just couldn't believe what Tsunade had just said. Kakashi placed his hand on top of hers and she relaxed her tight fists. She was happy to release some of the tension, because any longer and her nails would have pierced the skin of her palms and she would have started to bleed. Kakashi took her hand in his, and the two intertwined their fingers together. It was the only thing that was keeping the two of the grounded.

Kakashi gave Amaya's hand a reassuring squeeze. Even though they were being discreet about it, Tsunade still was able to see. Even though she stared at the action, the two shinobi didn't back away. Amaya could see how tired the Hokage looked and she knew that her and Kakashi not acting as professional as they should be right now, wasn't the thing that she was worried about. She knew that the only thing on the blonde's mind was telling Naruto about the passing of his beloved teacher. Amaya knew that this was going to be a hard discussion to have with the boy, so she was happy that the hokage decided to build up Naruto's support group before announcing it to the boy.

"Would you like me to go get him?" Kakashi asked, breaking the silence in the room.

Tsunade nodded her head, not trusting her own voice. Or, maybe, she had the resolve to use it, but was just waiting for the right time to do so. She looked like hell, and she probably felt like it too. Kakashi left the room, nodding to Amaya when he parted, leaving her hand cold with out his. Sakura and Sai were both in the room with her. The former gave her a sad smile, and the latter, just peered out of the window. Sai and her still weren't on the best terms. They would talk and act cordial to the other, but at the same time, they didn't go out of their way to talk to each other. Once in the foundation, always in the foundation. Out of everyone in the room, she trusted Sai the least. So, that is who she kept her eyes on, and Sai knew it too. One misstep, and Amaya wouldn't hesitate to rectify the situation.

Looking around the room, no one bothered to say anything. It wasn't needed. They all knew why they were there, and yes, Amaya wanted to know the details on Jiraiya's death but she was sure that she would learn about it when Naruto and Kakashi returned. Not only was there Sakura, Sai, Shizune, herself and Tsunade in the room, but there looked to be some summoning toads in the room with them as well. The same toads that both Jiraiya, the fourth hokage, and Naruto were fond of using. However, this summoning toad seemed to have some important information to relay, and it wasn't just about the death of his friend. No, Amaya knew that there was something more to all of this than just that. There would be no reason to call this many people into the room unless there was. The elder toad looked uncomfortable. His back wasn't being supported by the chair he was in, but when he leaned back, he would get a grimace across his face, like it all wasn't worth it.

Amaya licked her lips, figuring that the toad that was in pain now, he possibly was next to Jiraiya during the fight. That would explain his discomfort. Not only mentally, but also why he was acting so weird physically. She couldn't even imagine what a fight with Pain was like, and in her still-healing state, she hoped that the fight that was evidently coming to Konoha was pushed back. That it was much later, rather than sooner. But, she knew better than that. She knew that it was going to happen when she least expected it. It always worked like that. The time passed in silence and each second that ticked by seemed to be another one that was fed to eternity. Finally, there was a knock on the door and both Naruto and Kakashi stepped into the room. Kakashi took his spot next to Amaya again, but this time, he didn't hold her hand. She knew that they had other things to worry about right now. Naruto went and stood towards the middle of the room. He looked around and felt almost like there was a spotlight on him, and maybe, to Amaya's point of view, there was. They were all watching him to make sure that he was okay, that the news he was about to receive didn't entirely destroy him.

On a more selfish note, Amaya wondered if they would have to deal with the nintails and the emotions that the tailed beast would feed from with Naruto in such a state. She wished Yamato was around, but alas, since she had seen him that last time, when she moved from the hospital to the Hatake manner, he was placed on a series of long-term missions. He had come to talk to her about it, and she knew that it would be an extended one. He was tasked to find Orochimaru and the hidden bunkers that the man tended to live in. At least, alongside him, he took Anko with him. Those two were a funny pair to watch, but they worked well together. She knew that nothing more then good friendship would blossom between the two of them, but she liked to imagine the antics, and heart attacks, that Anko would put Yamato through.

"Is this Jiraiya-boy's student?" the elder summoning toad asked Tsunade.

"Yes, this is Naruto. We think that he is the child of the prophecy that everyone is mentioning," Tsunade said, talking directly to the summoning toad and then to Naruto.

"This is Lord Fukasaku, who is one of two great safes of Mount Myoboku."

There was silence in the room, and Amaya was thankful that the Lord had a name to address him by. Sometimes, certain summonings don't.

"What does this old geezer want with me?"

The toad looked down and muttered to himself, and it looked like, at least to Amaya, that he didn't know where to start. When the toad composed himself, he looked directly at Naruto speaking as if it was just the two of them in the room.

"The most important reason why I am here, Naruto-boy, is to tell you that Jiraiya-boy has died in battle…"

Naruto stayed completely still and from where Amaya was, she couldn't see the boy's face. It made her concerned for him, but like her, she wondered if the news just passed to deaf ears. She watched as Naruto's body started to shake and she figured that if she could see his face right now, it would probably look like it had been slapped.

"This… This can't be right… No, you're lying… there is no way that Jiraiya-sensei would fall in battle… It isn't possible," Naruto spoke, his words clenched as if his fist was against his own heart.

"There were rumors that Jiraiya-boy went to go verify. It was said that the leader of the Akatuski was in the land of rain. Jiraiya-boy went to go figure out if these rumors were true. He hoped to gather research and intel to report back to the village. To warn them and to protect you Naruto-boy. However, the battle took a sharp turn when this man, Pain, was one of Jiraiya-boy's old students and he possessed the rinnegan…"

At the news of the visual-prowess that one of Jiraiya's old students had, both Kakashi and Amaya's eyes widened at the news. The rinnegan was rare, even more so than the bakyugan or the sharingan. Little less than one percent of the entire world was born with it. Kakashi opened his mouth to ask more about the rinnegan user, but he was cut off by Naruto's quiet, but threatening words.

"Did you… let him go, Granny?"

Naruto directed his comment to no one else but Tsunade. Calling her out on this mission that Jiraiya elected to go on. However, Tsunade sat tall, knowing where this was about to go. Naruto refused to look up at the hokage and she knew that she was about to have a fight that she never wanted to have. She propped her elbows up on her desk and interwove her fingers together, placing them in front of her face, where her eyes peered out over the top of her conjoined hands. She remained silent and finally, when Naruto lifted his eyes to meet hers, all Tsunade could see was rage. Without missing a beat, she answered the teen.

"That is correct."

"Why did you allow such a reckless thing!?" Naruto exploded, "You knew him better than anyone! How could you send him to such a dangerous place, alone!? I mean, you didn't even send backup with him, or Amaya-sensei. I know that she is still healing, but she could have been of some use! She was with the immortal duo! She knows these enemies and how they function. She should have gotten him out, just as she saved Shikamaru, Ino, Choji and the others! It isn't fair… why is she still here when she could, by the looks of it, fight right next to him!?"

"That is enough, Naruto," Kakashi raised his voice, trying to make the boy respect authority and protect Amaya all in a few simple words.

Amaya closed her eyes and took a deep breath willing the moment to pass by. She knew that Naruto was just speaking off of his emotions, that he held no resentment towards her, but the words still cut through her as if they were made of ice. He did have a point. Maybe if she was there, if she wasn't so reckless before, she could have aided the sannin. She tried to not blame herself, the same way with Asuma, but when looking at all the facts, it was hard not to do such a thing. She wasn't the one who physically killed the two, but on some level, she felt responsible for both of their deaths, and Naruto's words just cemented the fact. She tried moving forward, but sometimes, one needed to take a step back and catch a breath. It was okay to stumble and fall. Amaya opened her eyes and looked forward. The only thing left to do now, was to keep moving forward.

Kakashi broke Amaya's train of thought when he started to speak again addressing Naruto, "You of all people should know how Lady Tsunade is feeling. On top of that, you know that Amaya isn't allowed to leave the village for any reason. Let alone, is she strong enough for another battle with someone from the Akatsuki. Hell, it is a miracle that she is up walking and talking like she is."

However, Naruto wasn't having any of it, nor did he want to listen to any logic or reason. Turning around, he threw open the door to the office and right before parting with the rest of the group, slamming the door, he spoke: "If Jiraiya was the fifth hokage, he would have never let you, Granny, take such risks… Never."

The slam of the door filled the room and Amaya watched Sakura, who tried to keep herself from flinching at the sudden loud noise. However, when the noise dissipated, Lord Fukasaku spoke in a soft tone.

"That child, Naruto-boy, he really did, utterly and truly, loved and admired Jiraiya-boy. I can't help but hope that he truly is the child of the prophecy."

The rest of the group had filtered out, and finally, Amaya and Kakashi were able to take a much-needed deep breath. The two didn't talk for a while, and instead, opted to take a walk through the village together. They walked all over as kids ran about, people sold merchandise, and others were coming and going, doing their own respective tasks as if they didn't have a care in the world. Amaya received a few crude looks, but with Kakashi at her side, no one said anything belligerent to her or came to her asking her to leave. With each passing day the villagers were more and more welcome with her, but like with all things, time heals wounds.

Looking up at the setting sun, the kunoichi never realized how late it had gotten, and she didn't think that Kakashi realized either. The two were just enjoying the other's company. After a the long day that they had, with the news of Jiraiya's passing and the code that was written on Lord Fakuaku's back, Amaya thought that she had little to no brain power left. She was never good at solving riddles, and this one was no exception. Even Kakashi and the others had no idea what the clue left behind translated into. Amaya had a feeling though, that Naruto would be able to figure it out. After all, the boy had spent the most time, as of late, with the legendary toad sage. The summer sun had started to blend low enough with the skyline that the blue hue of the sky was starting to develop early shades of red and oranges.

"What are you thinking about?" Amaya asked Kakashi.

The man had been silently walking beside her, and she knew that if she was lost in thought this whole time, he definitely was.

"Nothing… How about you?"

"Nothing…"

"Really?"

Amaya stuck her tongue out at Kakashi who laughed at Amaya's same retort that he gave her.

"In all actuality, yes. I mean, I guess I am still trying to process all that has happened. Strangely, I am not as sad as I thought I would be. I know that both Naruto and Tsunade-sama won't be okay for a long time—"

Kakashi nodded his head and was acknowledging what she was saying, but Amaya paused when Kakashi seemed to be rummaging through his pockets as if he was going to present her with something. He stopped and looked at Amaya when he realized that she wasn't walking forward anymore. Amaya cocked her head to the side and she was curious as to what was going on.

"I know that nothing in this life is predictable… and I don't know if this is the right time to give you this or not… but…"

Amaya's heart skipped a beat. What was going on. Way was Kakashi saying this to her, on a scenic street with a nice background. Amaya's palms started to sweat anticipating what Kakashi was hinting at. She watched as the nervous man scratched the back of his neck. That was always his tell when he was uncomfortable, embarrassed, or outright nervous about something. It was an endearing quality. With everything that was going on, she assumed that he was thinking that there was no time like the present, but honestly, she never thought much about getting married. Hell, he probably hasn't even thought about it.

Kakashi pulled an object out of his pocket and placed it in Amaya's hand. She unfolded the piece of paper he gave her and her heart dropped when she realized there was nothing inside but the old photo that Anko had took of the two of them. She smiled, not letting Kakashi see her sinking feelings. She didn't realize that she even wanted to get married to the man next to her until now, but she was sure that marriage was the last thing on his mind. If Kakashi had proposed, she would have said yes, right then and there. However, it would probably be rushing into things, and that was the last thing she wanted to do. Just because she was okay with it, didn't mean that he was.

"I am surprised that you still have this," Amaya spoke, genuine surprise coming from her voice.

She flipped the picture over and looked at her horrible scrawl that had started to fade.

"You know, we really should get a new picture taken together. This one, I feel like has seen its days."

Kakashi laughed and agreed with her, saying that they should get a new one. He then went on to say that he still wanted to keep this crinkled photo because it reminds him of how far the two of them had come. He was about to say more, but then he heard both his, and Amaya's name being called out. Turning around, he swore that he could have punched Gai and knocked him out right then and there. His timing was always horrible. Amaya waved, happy to see their friend and smiled at Kakashi. Kakashi knew that he would do anything to preserve that smile. So, he stuck his hands into his pockets and tolerated his annoying friend who came their way.

As Gai threw his arms around the two, shouting about the power of youth, all Kakashi could think about was the object in his pocket that his hand kept brushing up against. The small velvet box that contained the ring that he received through the help of Shikamaru and Kurenai made his hand feel like it was on fire. With the beautiful background and the setting sun's hues of orange and red making Amaya's skin highlighted and glowing, he honestly thought of proposing to her right then and there. However, even though the location was perfect, he didn't know if it was proper, or even right to ask such a thing after listening to the news that they just received about their fallen comrade. There was really no time like the present, but Kakashi felt that he had some time, and so, he went along with his rival's antics as he was led to a notorious ramen shop.