Better pay attention because allot happens in this chapter. Also thank you to everybody whos following the story and for the reviews! You guys are awesome!

PrincessAnime08: Thank you for the review! Glad you're enjoying the story so far :D

Magix-Daislen-10: Awe staph it! You're gonna make me blush hahahaha. But thank you for the review!

Kronus96: I see what you mean. But I mean, even before his family was killed Sasuke wasn't exactly the warmest kid in the academy (considering that he didn't make friends). And true, I guess the way I wrote Fugaku made him come off as a bad guy since Naruko was intimidated by him (since like allot of the villagers like him used to see Naruko as a monster). Thank you for the review! I really appreciate the feedback, it helps ^_^ I'll have Naruto pinch her cheeks when he gets the chance to haha.

NeitherSaneNorInsane: Glad you love my ideas. I wanted to changed some things from the older version I wrote to fit more with the Naruto story line. Anyways, thanks for the review! :)

Disclaimer: Nope still own nothing. Kishimoto, why you no let me own Naruto T_T

Naruko-ナルコ-

Chapter 5

Sinister Solutions

Three years had come and gone since that day. But the fire still burned bright within the young kunoichi. If anything she was more determined than ever, she had come so far and refused to give up.

Any day now... Naruko thought to herself while breathing heavily. One of the first things she learned since being abducted is that patience is a virtue. Before she could act, she had to observe.

"You've improved," Itachi admitted as he just managed to block her kick. The blonde immediately jumped back to put distance between her and the criminal, just in case he planned for a counter attack "Thats enough for today. We shall resume training tomorrow."

"Hn," the blonde ignored him and sat down against a tree. Another thing she learned was how to become accustomed to the outdoors. Since staying at an inn or outpost town was rare, the trees became her bed and shelter.

She's definitely Minato's daughter. "I'm impressed," Orochimaru began "She doesn't even have a scratch."

"As to be expected," the Uchiha stated.

"What do you think Leader will do with her? Any day now he is going to request her back."

"Who knows," Itachi spoke apathetically. That was another thing Naruko was able to pick up over the years. Itachi was a secretive man, who never showed his emotions. Even till this day, she was left to wonder why Itachi had saved her. The words of the Akatsuki Leader still rung in Naruko's head.

"Itachi. You know this child allot better than we do. Does she hold potential?" If he had said no, Naruko was sure that her life would've ended there that day. Why had the Uchiha kidnapped her and then save her from her demise? There was so much she wanted to ask, but she knew he would never tell. Not in this lifetime. Another question that piqued her curiosity was why her? Why did he kidnap her and not her brother? For Itachi to make a careless mistake such as figuring out who was the jinchuriki was unlike him. She wanted an answer, a hint, anything would satisfy her.

But she knew she couldn't let that stop her from escaping. Everyday held an opportunity for her to run, all that was left was for her to find the perfect moment. Her obstacles were the two men in Akatsuki cloaks. If she could only find a way to distract them simultaneously she'd have her chance.

"Orochimaru, keep an eye on her." Itachi ordered as he got up.

"Ordering your elders around, how rude." Orochimaru acted hurt "Where are you off to?" Itachi just ignored him and continued to walk away.

"So mysterious as always," Orochimaru said with an amused look "Very well. Take your time, we are in no rush after all."

Tch...Naruko wasn't sure what was worse, being stuck along with Itachi or Orochimaru. Either way, she always felt uncomfortable.

"My, your very quiet today." Orochimaru said to the girl "Tell me Naruko, whats on your mind?" Like Itachi, she didn't reply to the albino.

"Let me guess, your thinking of your escape plan aren't you?" he mocked her "Hehe, you just don't know when to give up don't you? Tell me...how would you like to escape today?"

As hard as she tried to maintain a neutral expression, Orochimaru managed to catch her eyes flicker at him quickly.

"That caught your attention quite fast," he chuckled.

Wheres he going with this? she wondered.

"And if I were to," Naruko began "Whats in it for you? What do you gain by this?"

Orochimaru smirked, with an evil look in his eyes "The death of Itachi Uchiha." she gritted her teeth when she heard those words leave out of the snake's mouth.

"Wouldn't it be splendid if he were to just die? Your kidnapper would be dead and you would be free. Just like you always wanted."

Hes had this thought out for awhile, Naruko realized. It was too good to be true.

"That doesn't answer my question though," she said while standing back up "What do you gain by this? How does Itachi's death benefit you?"

"Oh nothing really," Orochimaru lied. As much as a bad liar he was, he was extremely good at covering the truth "If anything I'd be more concerned about your brother. For all you know he could be lying dead somewhere."

"...If theres one thing I know about my brother is that he never gives up. Hes too stubborn to die," even though she knew he was lying there was always that small possibility of him being dead.

Naruto...She only hoped he was doing okay.

"I can see you still need time to think about it. As I told Itachi earlier, take your time. We're in no rush."

Naruko felt as though her heart was pounding out of her chest. The thought of escaping excited her, but she knew she had to be careful. What would happen it Itachi was killed? What would Orochimau do? Would he keep her captive? From the way he was saying it, he sounded as if he planned to betray Akatsuki.

But why should that concern her? Why should she care about what the snake does? As far as she knew she would be free. She would be reunited with her brother and friends. After three long years...Naruko just sighed, she was definitely going to have to give this some thought.

After waiting an hour in tense silence Itachi finally returned.

"Welcome back," Orochimaru told his partner "How was your trip?"

"I received orders from Leader," Itachi replied "We are to head out to Amegakure immediately."

"Why doesn't he just send out Hidan and Kakuzu?" Orochimaru asked "Last time I checked, they were just there."

"He wants us to return Naruko." Naruko felt her heart skip a beat. If they brought her to the Leader she was sure that her chances of escaping would be near impossible. Suddenly, Orochimaru's offer was starting to look good.

"Very well. We should get moving since the trip will take three days."

Three days, I only have three days to escape.

Naruko kept her eyes wide opened. Looking for a way, anything, something in her surroundings that she could use to her advantage. As the hours passed by, she eventually was left one option left. No matter what the aftereffect may be. It was either take Orochimaru's offer or return to the Leader.

As soon as Orochimaru glanced at her, she gave him the signal.

I'm in. She silently nodded her head, hoping he got the signal. Orochimaru immediately grew a wicked smile.

"Say Itachi, why don't we take take a break?" Orochimaru offered "We've covered quite allot of ground today wouldn't you say?"

"I never took you for being the lazy type," Itachi spoke, with no emotion whatsoever.

"Oh its not for my concern, Its for Naruko." the snake began "We wouldn't want her to be exhausted when we reach Amegakure. Hehe, that wouldn't leave a good impression on Leader."

Itachi paused and thought about it for a moment "...Fine. We should be able to reach Amegakure by tomorrow night anyway."

"Glad you were able to see things my way," Orochimaru told him with his usual fake smile.

The trio moved from the side of the main road and managed to find a small clearing in the woods to rest for the night for obvious reasons. If any traveler or ninja passing through were to spot them things would turn nasty fast.

"I suppose we should find some dry wood to start a small fire," Orochimaru said "Naruko? Would you do the honors?" She looked at him and wondered if this was part of the plan. Nonetheless, she nodded and left without hesitation.

I should probably take my time, Naruko told herself as she walked away from the two Akatsuki men.

Meanwhile, Itachi just glared at his partner for what he had just done "That was incredibly idiotic of you to send her out there. I expect you will be the one to keep an eye on her?"

"Oh Itachi, you worry yourself too much. I'm very sure two S-rank criminals such as ourselves can handle a ten year old little girl. She hasn't gone that far."

"Go keep watch," Itachi ordered "We can't afford to take any chances."

"If you insist," Orochimaru said as he got up. Sensing out the girl's chakra was a cinch for the Legendary Sannin. Within mere minuets he stumbled across Naruko, holding a couple small branches and a log. Perfect material for burning.

"So whats the plan?" she asked, trying not to sound too eager.

"Simple. As I said earlier I only wish for the death of Itachi Uchiha." Orochimaru replied, leaving out a few...minuscule details.

"And how do you plan to do that? Itachi is someone not to underestimate." She only had one chance of escaping, if she wanted to get out successfully Naruko had to play her cards right.

"Oh I'm quite aware of that," Orochimaru chuckled "But its not me who will be taking down the Uchiha. It'll be you."

This shocked the kunoichi "What?!" she shouted in a whisper. She knew she had improved her skills and strengths, but Naruko wasn't even entirely sure if she would be able to take him on. Not yet anyway.

"Its true, that in your current condition you would stand no match for him. But I can provide you with power, greater than Itachi's."

Great...power? Naruko wondered. She would have the strength to take down Itachi Uchiha? The man who murdered his own clan single handed. It sounded like one huge fairy-tale to her but she knew Orochimaru was being serious.

"This power..." Naruko began "What exactly is it?"

"Hehehe, if you want to know then why don't you try it? If its the side effects your worried about I can tell you this: the success rate of you surviving is one out of ten." Naruko froze "But, I'm sure a strong kunoichi like you would have no problem surviving the aftereffects."

"I..." Naruko paused, she was beginning to have second thoughts.

"Need I remind you? Once we reach Amegakure your chances of escaping will be impossible."

"...A-alright. I'll do it."

"Excellent decision," smirked Orochimaru. Before she could even consciously process what had happened, Naruko found Orochimaru biting her neck. Before Naruko could let out a scream Orochimaru covered her mouth. Preventing from anyone from hearing her cries. Pain surged through out her body, causing her to fade in and out of conscious. Until, she finally passed out from the pain.

"Hm, well what do you know. She did survive," Orochimaru noticed as he watched the young girl's body shake abit "I guess I shouldn't have expected less." Picking up the girl's lifeless body, Orochimaru makes his way back to his partner. The show must go on, and as far as he knew, it was only just beginning.

"Its a good thing we did take a break, I found her passed out of exhaustion." Orochimaru told his partner.

"Hn," Itachi's eyes glanced at Naruko. He was no fool, something had happened between the two. The girl's face was in pain. Whatever it was, he would make sure to prepare.

"Lets get some rest, we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow," chuckled Orochimaru. As he set Naruko down Itachi immediately noticed the mark on her neck. The skin around the marking was red, as if it appeared there recently.

He put a curse mark on her.

"Itachi, is something bothering you?" Itachi ignored the question and closed his eyes. Whatever happened tomorrow he would be ready.

Naruko woke up with her head pounding and her neck hurting. Though she still felt some pain she could feel something else too. Power. For a moment, Naruko thought she was the first to wake up. Until she heard a certain Uchiha speak.

"Come," Itachi said "We must not waste anymore time." Then she turned her back to see the two adults waiting for her.

"Right..." The the next few hours Naruko waited patiently. For the right moment to strike. She knew the moment was coming soon. And eventually...it came.

"Tch!" Like a tiger pouncing on their pry Naruko broke into action and attempted to kicked Itachi off his balance. But he was swift and jumped back, only to find himself in Orochimaru's grasp. With his long, disgusting tongue Orochimaru pulled the Uchiha closer.

"So you two are working together now?" The Uchiha sounded amused.

"Don't worry Itachi. This will all be over quickly," Oochimaru chuckled "And then your Sharingan will belong to me!"

So that was his plan all along! Naruko's thoughts shouted But...if Orochimaru obtains the Sharingan then... She knew nothing good would come from this, Orochimaru had a grudge against the Leaf Village. But she also knew she had to take action. The timing was perfect. With them distracted she could run. But that would mean backing away from Orochimaru's plan. And if she did she was sure he would be after her head.

"Naruko!" Itachi called out. She decided to take her chances. Within seconds the blonde disappeared from his view and ran into the woods as fast as her legs would carry her. Skipping steps from time to time in order to keep up with the speed she was going. If she slowed down even for a second, she feared that she might get caught.

Soon enough she stumbled into an outpost town, nearly crashing into one of the stands.

"Hey! Watch it kid!" shouted a lady.

"Sorry!" Naruko shouted, as she stumbled back up and ran off. Although Naruko's thoughts were racing, her body was starting to slow down from exhaustion.

How do I get back to Konoha? Naruko didn't know how much time she had, as soon as word hits about her disappearance the Leader will have every Akatsuki member after her.

"How clever."

No...it was the last thing she wanted to hear. He...survived?!

"Looks like you weren't the only one who was able to slip away," Itachi stated.

So Orochimaru ran too? She had underestimated the Uchiha. Big mistake. He didn't even have a single scratch or cut on him.

"You let Orochimaru give you the curse mark." He could see the flame-like markings crawl onto her face slowly.

"I'm well aware," Naruko immediately got into her fighting stance, this was her last chance. She only had one shot at freedom, and she was so close.

"Even after all that training you're still weak. Having to rely on such vague power, how pitiful." Itachi sighed "Mangeyo Sharingan!" Naruko quickly forced her eyes down to Itachi's feet. If she looked at his eyes even once it would be all over. Taking out several kunai knives she then aims them at Itachi.

"Too slow," before Itachi could land a hit on her, she stumbled back last minuet. Just missing his gaze.

I have to slow him down somehow! Getting back on her feet she jumps and quickly forms hand signs.

"Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu!" With all her might, she blows a huge fireball at the Uchiha "Tch! Where'd he go?" she wondered, seeing that he dodged the jutsu last minuet.

Itachi then appeared behind her and kicked her back to the ground with force. As she bounced up from the pressure she pulled his sleeve and managed to land a hit onto the Uchiha's face.

Then he became angry. A mistake, that Naruko had make.

"Lets end this," he says picking her up by the throat. His grip on her tightened, making it difficult to breathe. Naruko immediately shut her eyes tight, she refused to become a victim of his genjutsu.

Is this it?...I wasn't even able to put up a fight... Even after all this time, Naruko still felt weak.

"Aren't you abit too old to be picking on little kids?"

"Well this is unexpected," Itachi said. Naruko slowly opened one eye to see who the voice belonged to.

What the? She found herself eyeing an old man with long white hair Who is he?

"Jiraiya." Itachi murmured.

"Tell me, whats an S-rank criminal doing with a kid?"

"Is that any of your business?"

"As true as that is, I can't just let a man hit on a little lady. What kind of gentleman would I be?" Jiraiya chuckled, with a serious look on his face.

That girl, she looks like him... Jiraiya thought to himself, reminiscing about a certain student he once had. And that curse mark...

The two shinobi observed each other carefully, waiting for one of them to make the first move.

Taking on another one of the Legendary Sannin would be unwise. Itachi told himself. His chakra was still recovering from his rendezvous with Orochimaru, and if he fought Jiraiya things would get messy. He didn't want to admit but, he was cornered.

"Hmph," Itachi dropped Naruko and jumped away from the two "Make no mistake. I will be back." As Itachi disappeared from Naruko's view he eyes widened in surprise. For the first time in years she could finally say she was free.

"You sure keep some interesting company kid," spoke the white haired man who saved her "Mind telling me your name?"

She turned to her savior "Naruko Uzumaki." He wasn't surprised. The resemblance between her and his former student were almost uncanny to him.

"Who are you?" she asked.

"The names Jiraiya, kid."

"Jiraiya..."she repeated, before she continued her eyes started to tear up "Thank you." Overwhelmed with emotion, she latched onto the man and hugged him as if her life depended on it. The sage could only imagine what the child had been through, but he knew it couldn't have been good.

Patting her head in comfort the sage then speaks "Come on, lets go find an inn to rest." Without questioning the man Naruko nodded. Though she just met him he had already earned her trust completely. She couldn't thank him enough. It almost seemed to surreal, too good to be true.

"T-thank you...Thank you so much," she said again, with her tears coming out like a faucet.

Poor kid, Jiraiya just nodded and continued walking as Naruko held onto his giant hand with her little fingers. Afraid that if she were to let go she would be taken again.