Blaze 17
"You can spend minutes, hours, days, weeks, or even months over-analyzing a situation; trying to put the pieces together, justifying what could've, would've happened...or you can just leave the pieces on the floor and move on." - Tupac Shakur
X
The day of Naruto's return drew near. Tami knew with his return it brought trouble too.
Kakashi wasn't concerned, but Tami was worried. Of course. Things change, who knew who would live or-.
She chose not to think about that.
Training since the wedding had been intense. Shisui hadn't let up. Junpei simply enjoyed her angst and struggle.
She had been able to handle the new skills Shisui taught her. Mastering wind and water was still some distance away, within another year. At least she suspected. Kakashi wouldn't tell her how far off he thought she was.
Instead, she trained the best she could. She even did dare to train with Gai once. Just once. She was out of breath in no time, wondering why she made the decision. She had earned the sympathy of both Neiji and Tenten. The two gave her weak smiles, Tenten even trying to encourage her. It had been Gai's opinion that Tami didn't push herself enough. So that was what they worked on.
While laying on that ground, trying to catch her breath, Tami had a moment of clarity.
She wanted nothing more than to keep her people safe. She wanted to get strong enough to handle what came their way. And lastly, she wanted to best Kabuto.
She'd start with beating the gremlin known as Junpei.
The little minion had made it his mission in life to see how often and how deeply he could bother her. He seemed to find it a fun game. Had Tami ever had a little brother, she assumed that was what it was like.
He was strong enough. A good barometer for her eventual success.
The morning she and her team would be heading out, Tami had taken her time to get ready. Gai had came by, and Kakashi was entertaining him in the kitchen. She entered the kitchen to grab breakfast. Mostly just to pick up the lone muffin little Miss Maya had made them.
The two men were at the table talking quietly. Kakashi already had his mask on, taking it off between bites, and Gai grinned when he saw Tami enter.
"Good morning! What a fine youthful morning, Tami-chan!" Gai crowed.
She couldn't help but grin, kissing Kakashi on his head in greeting and placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Indeed, what a fine morning it is. Keep an eye on my darling, would you? While I'm away?" She asked playfully, running a hand through his hair. Kakashi sighed and sent her a dull look.
"I'll be fine." He grumbled.
"Yosh!" Gai said excitedly, "I will make sure Kakashi will be safe! On my honor!"
Tami couldn't help but chuckle, even as Kakashi sighed again.
"Well, I've a mission to get to. Darling, please be kind to Naruto. Give him my love, would you?" She asked him. He huffed, his gaze flicking up to meet hers.
"I don't know about that." He murmured.
Gai just grinned widely. Tami smiled at them both, kissing her darling's head once more in goodbye before quietly going.
Her mission would soon be up. She needed to deal with the upcoming troubles.
Get stronger.
Win.
She had things to do. People to see. Battles to win.
X
Maya could feel it. It was close to the time when everything….
She flinched.
The story- no, future, probably already changed. She couldn't even talk about it because of Orochimaru. Jiraiya would be back with Naruto, and everyone would -.
She didn't know if she should even say anything anymore. After all, Shisui was there. Alive of all things. If she continued to mess with things, what if - what if Naruto turned cruel? Since he knew what actual love was because of Tami and her influence - what if he resented the village? What if he turned?
What if the prophecy turned dark?
An Evil Naruto would be….
Maya grimaced, forcing her attention back to the soup she was working on for the hospital. They liked her homemade chicken noodle soup she made and ever since it had been popular. The problem was, she knew it so well that her mind wandered.
The nurses and her friends would giggle in the corner every so often. Reina was often busy with Shisui now. She would blush and giggle and wave off the others when they went to tease her. Maya didn't mind. She knew her friend was happy.
She tried to keep her thoughts away from the endless possibilities that could happen. She went home after her shift. She couldn't dwell too long on what was going on.
She couldn't think about the evil Naruto could do if he-.
Her shoulders stiffened.
What if everything failed - because of her?
Maya had been so engrossed with her own anxious thoughts she didn't even notice the figure looming in the window. She didn't notice as she worried her lip with the pad of her thumb as the figure climbed in the window. She missed the rustle of a red vest and white hair and-.
Maya caught movement from the corner of her eye. She screamed.
Jiraiya!
He stared at her, his face pulled in a frown as he sat down on the counter.
"Are you through?"
Maya stared at him, still a little dumbfounded.
"I-. I mean, I. W-w-what are you doing here?" She asked him, stuttering her way through the words.
"This is my house." He said, hopping down from the counter. He moved through the kitchen and started looking through the fridge.
"Oh." Maya murmured, staring at him.
He was…. She stared at him in disgust. What if he started flirting with her? And started acting pervy? She never really liked Jiraiya or his books. Not really. He was a little out there. And him peeping on girls….
She shifted away from him.
She was now sharing a house with Jiraiya. Great.
He dug out the lemonade she had made a couple days ago - and drank from the glass container she bought last week at the thrift shop. She fought off every impulse to make a face.
"We're going to talk to my Turtle Dove tonight." He told her, looking over at her.
Oh, that's right! He's dating Tsunade! He wouldn't ever mess with her. And then again he was her "father". But then again….
"Tsunade-sama?" Maya murmured, her gaze flicking from him to the jug. She was going to share that with Tenzo too… Oh well. She'd make more.
"Yes. We are going to talk about what you know." He told her, a grin flicking across his face.
Maya's features fell. They would be doing what?! But hadn't Tami-?
"Tami isn't the Hokage. And she isn't an Elder in the village. She might get her way sometimes, but really Davis Maya. Do you think it's forever?" Jiraiya told her, a grin on his face. "It's time things work out for the better."
Maya forced a laugh.
Great.
X
"I spy with my little eye something yellow." Junpei said. They were walking to a seafaring city miles away. The Gremlin stood behind her as she and Shisui walked ahead. She sent their fearless leader a look. She was growing weary of the man. Shisui shared her exhaustion.
"Naa, come on. You said you'd play." Their medic whined.
Tami nearly groaned. Nearly. She looked back at him
"My hair." She said. He'd been obnoxious all morning.
All morning.
"No. The sun." Junpei chirped.
She stared at him as he just grinned mischievously. This man was just-! Kakashi had never been so bad. Grating on her nerves only sometimes, but never ever like this. She'd have to do something. Otherwise…. Otherwise she didn't know if she could handle it.
"Bun-bun! I spy-"
"I spy with my little eye, something that is black." Tami said, deciding to give in. At least for now. Maybe if she engaged with the insanity she could handle it. Junpei practically jumped up and down, gleeful that someone indulged his childish game. Junpei nearly squee'd in pure delight.
"Is it the shadow?" He asked, "or! Oh! Shi-Shi's hair? Oh no! What about my belt, ne? Is that it?" He asked in a long quick string of consciousness.
"Mm. No." Tami said blithely. She glanced back at the man. He pouted and looked at her.
"Come on! Tell me!" He prompted.
"The underside of Shisui-kun's shoe." Tami answered.
Both men looked at her. Shisui just seemed amused.
"Oh! Clever little Tam-Tam!" Junpei said. She rolled her eyes, a little amused. Just a little bit. This seemed to encourage him on. "Tam-chan…. Tama-chan. Tamari? Bun-Tam."
"Tamara." She said, barely thinking of it. She flinched. Charles…. He always called her Tamara (even though it wasn't her name). Robert, though - he called her Tam-borine at times. He just did it simply for the fun of it. He thought he was funny. Much like Junpei.
Junpei blinked. Without missing another beat, he chirped, "Tamara-chan!"
She couldn't help the exasperated sigh that came. Shisui broke out into a laugh.
"Come on, it's not much longer to the city. If we run, we can get there quickly." Their leader finally spoke up.
With that - they were off. Tami was a law to keep pace with them. She'd like to think it was because of her training…. Although it was more than likely they were going at a reasonable pace and not going all out. Shisui was the fastest of them. Followed by Junpei. Tami was nearly as quick as the Gremlin now, but still….
Junpei sent her a look and wiggled his eyebrows, "Shi-Shi wants to get back home soon. He has plans."
Shisui shot the other man a dirty look who only giggled.
'Plans? What did-' Tami mulled it over and realized it. Shisui must have a lover. Between Junpei's mischievous nature and Shisui being a quiet type of man, it had to be what was going on.
As they reached the small town, nestled beside the sea. The roads were made of dirt and the little wooden homes looked like they were held together by a hope and dream. Men were peeking out at the road from behind the wooden structures. As they slowed, Tami gently took a hold of Shisui's shoulder.
"Perhaps we should play this a little more… coy?" She suggested.
"We're gonna flirt with the guys who have the scrolls?" Junpei asked bluntly.
Shisui made a face and looked between them. "She means to be more careful."
"Hidden. I mean hidden. Withdrawn. Like a game of keep away. I don't think any of us wants Konoha noticed, or it being linked back." Tami said.
"Jobs requiring subtly are sent to the Anbu." Shisui said, glancing over at Junpei who swelled with pride.
"Fair enough. But I do think caution would serve us best." She said finally.
Shisui hummed softly, glancing over at his team. Finally, he nodded and directed them over to get situated.
"Civilian henge. We have time before they're supposed to arrive with the scroll. Tsunade said that it's going to be sent to the Land of Iron." Shisui told them softly.
Tami glanced between them. It felt good to be back.
X
"Why are you so late!" Sakura screeched as Kakashi arrived. His hands in his pockets as he strolled up to his adorable little student.
"Naruto is already here and talking with Tsunade-sama and you're late!" She carried on as he reached her. He looked down at her, fighting the urge to smile. She reminded him of himself some days when he yelled at Obito. His heart squeezed. His friend…. He was still out there. Alive, and coming against them. There wasn't much he could do except get stronger. He didn't want to have to kill his childhood friend. But if he had to - he would. His family was counting on him. As was his village and team.
"I guess I just got lost on the path of life." Kakashi said lazily. His student stared at him, dumbfounded for a moment. Her jaw went slack.
"I can't believe you." Sakura muttered, shaking her head.
"Let's go. Naruto-kun is waiting." Kakashi told her, ushering her into the building.
When they reached the office, Naruto spun around. His eyes lit up when he saw Sakura and - his face fell when his eyes came across Kakashi.
"Oh. It's you."
That little punk. Kakashi sent him a dull glare. Maybe he shouldn't have even told him about Minato. Of course, he wasn't being serious with the thought.
"Hey, Granny - you said Tami-chan is goin' in the field. How come she ain't here, 'ttebayo?" Naruto asked, folding his hands behind his head.
"She already has a team." Tsunade answered easily.
"Yeah, but we already are down a member and-"
"No." Came the flat reply of the Hokage. Kakashi chuckled, placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder. He was well aware of Tsunade's decision regarding that. Tsunade indulged him and Tami once. It wouldn't be happening again.
"It's good to see you again, Naruto-kun." He told him with a smile.
"Well. There's a mission for you three. Suna needs you and I'm sending Team Gai to go with you." She explained as Shizune stepped up with the papers to hand to Kakashi. He took them and pocketed it shortly.
"Our intel says we don't have much time." Shizune said softly.
Itachi. He must have informed the T&I that they were moving. Going after Gaara, probably. Which meant they would be going up against the Akatsuki.
Tsunade and he shared a look.
Grand.
"Suna? Ain't that where Gaara is, 'ttebayo?" Naruto asked. Tsunade nodded and glanced at Sakura. The younger girl nodded.
"We don't know what you're going to come across. Get there quickly. Evaluate the situation and make sure Suna and it's Kazekage are safe. We're partners now." Tsunade told them.
Shizune sent Kakashi a look. Kakashi knew it was simply to remind him to be careful with what he told them.
With that, team seven left. Kakashi knew that he couldn't share much with the team. And he couldn't let on that Itachi was a double agent. His partner in the Anbu was in a position to be in danger. But he was a smart man. Itachi would be able to handle himself. He wouldn't need protection. From what it sounded like; he was intent on allowing Sasuke to kill him. Kakashi didn't think much about that. It wasn't his business.
As the team went to find Team Gai (also the reason he was late, racing their Sensei), Naruto spoke up.
"Oh yeah! That's right!" Naruto exclaimed, pulling a book out from his bag. "I wanted to give this to you. 'Cause, you know, you told me… yeah."
The yellow haired teen pulled out - Kakashi nearly froze. A new Icha Icha book? A new one he'd never seen before! Icha Icha Tactics. He stared in awe.
Was that the new book? People had been talking about it. He didn't think he'd see it so soon.
"I got a copy, but it was boring. I thought you might want it 'cause you read it all the time." Naruto explained, handing the book over. Kakashi nearly beamed. This was great! Not so great that it was before a mission, but he was so happy! He couldn't wait until he could read it. He'd wait until he had no distractions. Maybe he could get his Tami-chan to read to him.
"Boring? Maa, Naruto-kun. You just can't understand the complex nature of the story." Kakashi told his student. Naruto just groaned.
Kakashi pocketed his new prize book with his other in his back pocket. He couldn't wait to get back after their mission to read it… or have it read to him.
Finding Gai after all this was an easy task. He was happy Gai hadn't left from the training pitch. He went over to let him know about the mission and-.
"YOSH! I will go with you Kakashi! And keep my promise to make sure you're safe!" Gai cried out in excitement. Kakashi nearly fell over. Wow.
"Of course! Promises must be kept! Friends must stay loyal to each other!" Rock Lee cried out. Naruto grinned, and Sakura heaved a heavy sigh.
Tenten smiled weakly and Neiji crossed his arms.
"We should probably get going." Tenten said weakly, pointing in the direction of Suna.
"Good idea. Distract them before they get too into it." Neiji muttered.
Kakashi dropped his head. Great.
They need to go.
Now.
With that, the two teams were off.
X
Maya sat at the table, watching Jiraiya munch down on the food that she had made. She had planned to give the food to Tenzo. He had been so sweet lately, checking in on her. He said that the Anbu guard she had was almost entirely gone. They really didn't follow her around like they used to. Which - she never even saw them. Except Tenzo, of course. But he was a sweetheart and always welcome. He had been coming by more often. It made her happy. She was making a home there in Konoha. She had thought she had her own home but… no. It makes more sense now. After all, they gave her a home? Naruto just got a little apartment that looked like a shack after the Ninetails destroyed his childhood home and half the village.
The doorbell rang and Maya jumped up.
"I'll get it!" She exclaimed and left to go find who had come. Tenzo! Tenzo was at the door. She grinned at him.
"It's good to see you Tenzo!" She said, and he smiled at her. He seemed a little nervous, scratching the back of his head.
"It's good to see you too, Maya-chan." He said, "You said you wanted to see me? For lunch?"
Maya brightened and then her shoulders fell.
"Oh, right. Maybe I could treat you? I had made some things but, well-"
"Maya-chan, what are you doing?" Jiraiya asked from behind her. His arms were folded across his chest as he looked at Tenzo. A stern frown crossed his features.
"Oh. Uh, well. Tenzo came over and-" Maya began.
"Jiraiya-sama…." Tenzo said softly.
Jiraiya scowled. He sent Tenzo a sharp look that Maya couldn't quite place and - closed the door on his face.
"Boys are bad for you Maya-chan." He told her sagely.
She blinked. What did he just-?
"I have to play the concerned father after all." He said and left to go back to the table.
Concerned father? Maya's brow furrowed. What did he…? Concerned father? What did that have to do with anything?
She tsked and went to find Tenzo. She slipped out of the house and tracked him down to apologize. His face was red but he was understanding. Poor guy. She'd have to make it up to him! Somehow.
Returning home, Jiraiya was waiting for her. He huffed, seeing her walk in. Maya shifted, feeling uncomfortable. Was he going to get upset? Yell? She really didn't know. After all she messed up, at least she guessed she did, and he seemed very-
"Let's go. Tsunade is expecting us." Jiraiya said.
Maya followed after him, rubbing her arm. Maybe she wasn't in trouble? Maybe she was? She really didn't know.
The two left to get to the Hokage's office. The grin on Jiraiya's face was ever-present. He seemed giddy, and excited to see Tsunade.
"Turtledove!" He cried out, rushing to her. Tsunade chuckled as he pulled her into an embrace.
"Not in public." Tsunade told him softly, giggling.
Maya felt awkward, moving over to Shizune who held the little pig, Tonton. She rubbed the back of her neck, looking up at the sweet medic. She wondered if it was weird to see her Uncle's lover with another man. It probably was….
"Hi, Shizune-san." Maya greeted and the woman sent her a smile.
It took a while to get the two Sanin to part. They were both so engrossed in seeing each other again that - Shizune ushered Maya from the room.
"I had a feeling they'd need some time." She said with a long sigh. Maya cast a glance back at the two. Really?
She always thought it was just Jiraiya that had a one-sided thing for Tsunade. And Tsunade really just didn't like him much at all. But then again…
Maybe things weren't as they appeared? Or... maybe Tami meddled. Maya couldn't help but sigh.
Oh well.
Instead, Maya wanted to ask Shizune so many questions. About her life, about her thoughts on Dan and Jiraiya. SO many things. But - but no. How would she even get into that? How would she even ask someone something that personal? It really wouldn't go well. So she kept her mouth shut.
It took a few hours for Tsunade and Jiraiya to be able to have their meeting. When Shizune brought her back - Maya sat down across from them as the couple drank sake. Shizune sighed softly and glanced at Maya.
"Sorry about all of this." She said. Maya nodded, looking over at the two.
"So." Tsunade began, a smile curling on her lips as she finally looked over to Maya, "You know the future. And we need to get there. Problem is, Jiraiya isn't interested in throwing you to the T&I for answers, and we need to know what you know. See the problem."
"I… I… I mean, yeah. But I still -" Maya began, stuttering.
"You're still having doubts, aren't you? It's time to make up your mind Maya. You're not a child anymore." The Hokage countered.
Maya shook her head, "It's not that, it's just that I might make a mistake and people might die and-"
"So, no one dies if we did nothing?" Tsunade asked pointedly, swirling her sake in her hand.
The urge to look at Jiraiya had been nearly unbeatable. Maya almost glanced at him. Him, Asuma, Neiji and others….
"Well, no…."
"Then help us. We can guide Naruto and create a better future." Jiraiya said. Maya flinched.
"Naruto could very well become evil. So much happens and if he loses everything because I helped change things… I just…." She explained, dropping her head.
Tsunade was about to open her mouth and say something when Shizune placed her hand on Maya's.
"It's okay. It's sweet that you care so much about this place. But we can all handle it if the worst happens. At some point, Maya-chan, you have to trust others." Shizune told her. Maya looked up into the other woman's eyes. She was so sweet. She looked at their faces and sighed. She nodded dully and looked at Tsunade.
"Before it happens. I'll…"
"Let me know." Jiraiya told her, "I'll tell the Hokage what needs to take place. I have a good grip on the pulse of the other villages through my network. You know I can handle sensitive information like this, Maya-chan."
Maya looked up at him. She… kind of knew it. After all, he handled Tami's situation, the prophecy of Naruto, and various other things. Even if his personal life in the anime was in shambles, he seemed like… he understood. She nodded after a moment, deciding that she would go through with this. She had to. Even if that curse on her tongue did her in. She had to.
Tsunade let out a hoot of joy and then pushed a glass of sake Maya's way.
"Here you go, kid. Drink up. This is a celebration!" Tsunade said, excitement in her voice.
Maya looked down at her drink and then at the group. She guessed that was what they were doing. She hesitated for a moment before - downing the glass. She was glad that it didn't burn like the tequila her father made her drink once.
X
Loitering about while trying to pretend they weren't loitering was a hard skill. Junpei had gotten bored about an hour ago and left. She couldn't really sense him - Shisui told her he was hiding in the trees taking a nap.
What was it with all these Ninja taking naps in trees? It sounded terribly uncomfortable to her. Maybe it was a Konoha ninja thing. After all, they were the ninja of the leaves. It made sense to Tami in some odd way.
She and Shisui had been just wandering the town, talking in low tones as they waited. Soon enough, samurai carrying a chest arrived, moving to board a large boat. The men were armed to the teeth. Tami watched them from the side of her eye. Shisui only glanced over and bobbed his head in greeting before turning away.
"I think attacking them on the sea will work." He murmured to her. Made sense. With water walking their enemy couldn't follow, and they'd be contained somewhat. Tami hummed, glancing over to the shipmen.
"Sea-types are always superstitious." She murmured softly back to him. Shisui nodded and began to walk away with her.
"Use a genjutsu. Junpei can cover you while I retrieve the scroll."
"Keep the soldier boys on their toes? Luv, you know me so well." Tami said with a grin.
"Mo, now now Tami-chan. Shi-Shi is taken. Can't call him that, huh Shi-shi?" Junpei teased her, practically appearing out of nowhere. Once upon a time, the action would have caused her to jump. Instead, she just put her hand on her hip and looked at the man.
"I'm rather sure his lover wouldn't feel threatened by little old me, luv." Tami stressed, raising an eyebrow at Junpei who cackled.
"So fickle, Tam-Tam. So fickle."
Tami rolled her eyes skyward.
Remember your goals. Remember them. Sasuke, Kakashi and Naruto.
She decided to ignore him as Shisui just shook his head. Whatever.
The group got their plan together as Tami plotted her genjutsu. Although she knew the classic question of Pirates vs Ninja was a standard, she did so wonder about Pirates vs Samurai. It sounded like a fun idea.
She, having learned a few new tricks with her lovely bird summons, called them down. Asahi the Blue Jay and Kazue the black songbird. Without much more, the three snuck out onto the water and waited while hanging off the side of the boat.
The ship pulled out not an hour later with the three plus two birds still well hidden. Tami could hear the men murmuring above them, talking about how they thought the trip would go as well as what signs meant for their journey. One mentioned how the sun set that night foretold trouble. The three shared a look. Little did the shipmen know.
They were a reasonable distance from the shore when Shisui slipped away. Tami started to focus and Junpei cackled.
"This is gonna be fun, TamTam." He told her; glee danced in his words.
Tami suppressed a smile. Oh, in a way it would be.
Together, the two orchestrated a suitable distraction for Shisui. Tami sent out her birds, attaching her Genjutsu to their song. She could hear the concerned exclaims of the men above on the ship deck as they wondered about the birds. She focused on their chakra signatures. Before it was all but invisible to her unless she saw them. But with the help of sound and the song of her birds - the diversion began.
From the depths of the waters below, she let the samurai and sailors see as a crew of Pirates clawed their way up out of the sea and onto the boat. Just as if they climbed out of Davy Jone's locker, the ghostly crew went to terrorize the men. One samurai shouted that it had to be a trick. Some kind of trap, but Junpei grinned. He sent a look to Tami before joining the fray. Knives and kunai flew out of his hands as he joined the battle, not seeing his ghostly help.
Tami held her focus, especially proud of one lumbering, wobbly Pirate with a hat and long dreads that skillfully moved away from one sailor wielding a saber with a "whot are you planning to do with that, mate? I just wanted some rum - savvy?"
It barely took Shisui any time at all to return to her side, scroll in hand as he sent her an entertained smirk. It was, of course, Junpei that needed to be convinced to leave. The three dashed out into the sea under the cover of darkness. Her birds flew after her.
Success.
"We need to find a place for the night. Stay low and quiet." Shisui instructed and the other two agreed. They ran for most of the night until they found a nice quiet place to rest. Tami had gotten her own room in a hotel. The boys were staying separate from her. From the sounds of it, her and Kakashi sharing a room hadn't been usual. She assumed it was probably to keep an eye on her - and then it was just a habit. He hadn't trusted her much at first. She hadn't trusted him either. She ended up going to bed, nearly collapsing onto the mattress itself when she got in. She was out soon thereafter.
It was a lovely win for them all. Tami - Tami needed it. For so long she felt like a failure. Not just for the last mission with Kakashi, but for her failure with Sasuke and keeping her family safe from Orochimaru. She had felt so helpless for so long that - that it was nice that everything just came together.
She felt lighter than she had for some time. Taking a long shower and getting dressed the next morning. She placed her hand on the ring around her neck. Her ring - given to her by her Darling from her Uncle. She missed him, her Uncle. She hoped he was proud of her. Although she regretted her outburst to him now as she thought back to it, she understood where he had been coming from. She could only hope that he took her apology and understood her. He clearly accepted Kakashi, which she loved. Maybe - maybe one day everything would work out well.
As she was thinking about this all, she walked past her window. She saw a flicker of black hair and - she turned her head.
Sasuke.
Her heart squeezed. There he was. In a white top, half open. He looked annoyed, bored and done all in one. She knew the look well. She hiccupped a laugh. He was there and safe and - Sasuke's head turned. A young woman with red hair stepped out, her hands on her hips as she yelled at another boy and attached herself to Sasuke's arm. Annoyance flashed in his eyes.
Tami turned, ready to run outside. She went to run out her door and down the stairs to find him. He was okay! He was safe. He looked fine, healthy. Like he had been eating and not reliving nightmares. Well, no - he did look a little thin but -.
She made it down the hall before she was slammed against the wall. What was-who?! She started fighting against whoever it was. She landed a hit and heard the man grunt.
"Stop it. Right now. Orochimaru is probably not that far behind. Or Kabuto!" A voice ordered.
Shisui. It was Shisui.
"If you go out there now, your life is forfeit." He hissed at her. "We need to leave. Now."
Tami stilled. He was right. Of course he was right. She didn't want him to be, but he was.
"But Sasuke-" Tami whined.
"You two really do think so much alike. It's fine. He's fine for now. You know you'll see him later. Let it go and you'll live to see him grow up." Shisui hissed at her. Who was he talking about? Who was she like?
Tami finally relaxed, nodding in agreement. At least with the part that it was a bad idea. Even though she hated it. She really wanted to-. But Kakashi. She couldn't…
Shisui sent Junpei a look who had come out of the room after hearing the commotion. For once he didn't have a grin on his face.
"Get her things. We're leaving now." Shisui ordered.
They were gone ten minutes later. Tami didn't even get to see him again.
Later. She told herself, later. He was safe. He was alive. He looked like he had friends. And another girl following after him….
Had he forgotten about them? About her? Or the gremlins that lived in her kitchen under the floorboards.
Sasuke….
The trio left; Tami being ushered to the front of their group. Shisui didn't let them rest until they were a few hours from that little town that they had taken refuge in. Shisui had spent most of his time in the back, hiding their tracks just to make sure. He hadn't said anything since they left. Junpei, in fact, hadn't said a word either. He was silent, only glancing over to Tami every so often. They made a small camp. Tami sat down on a log, trying to pull herself together again. Sasuke was okay. It was good news. If only she could have-. If she could have done something! Talked to him. See if he was okay, ask him if he had been eating okay and sleeping well. She wanted to know about his friends. The red-haired girl looked so familiar. Like Tami had seen her before. Taki? Had it been during her time at the Exams?
She got up from the log. She needed a moment. To wash her face or-.
The men stiffened. Shisui sharply looked at her. Junpei's head snapped in her direction.
"I'm going to wash my face." Tami said after a moment, adjusting her flak jacket delicately. She licked her lips, "care to join?"
Both men slowly relaxed and Tami stepped away. She knew Shisui had known about her situation. Or at least some of it. Tsunade must have told him. Or maybe Kakashi had. However, she didn't know Junpei knew. Or else, why had he been so quiet? She'd never known the man to be so withdrawn.
Tami made her way to the small stream, getting on her hands and knees to dip her hands into the water. It was clean, gorgeous. She could see the little round river rocks at the bottom.
Breathe, love. Breathe.
She shakily scooped the water in her hands and washed her face and -. The hair on the back of her neck began to rise. She could feel it. Someone was watching her. The sense was -.
She saw a ninja in the reflection of the water, leaping above her to deliver a blow. Tami scrambled to get out of the way, rolling away.
Three of them. Two men, one had dark skin and the other a few tones lighter. The lighter man was closest to her, a scowl on his face that his attack missed. A woman with short curly black hair with dark skin and a long thin hammer in her hand stood behind them both.
Tami didn't wait. She was in no mood. She screeched, and the first man fell over - his hands moving to shield his ears.
The other two rushed at her and - Junpei and Shisui leapt onto the scene to join her fray. Junpei let out a dark cackle, tackling one man as Shisui faced off with the other. That man gasped and said, "Shisui of the Body Flicker technique."
Shishui grinned.
Tami had been about to go after one of them when a hammer fell right in front of her. She jumped away and looked up. Looking up she saw fierce eyes looking back at her.
They looked familiar.
Tami squinted - who-?
"C'mon, sweetie - you think I'm gonna not fight?" The woman countered in accented Japanese. She was foreign. Like Tami but-.
Tami looked at her closer but dodged another attack. The other woman met her gaze and they both froze.
"Tami?" She asked, her jaw falling.
"Lou?" Tami asked, feeling like the wind had gotten knocked out of her for a second time that day. She gaped.
Luanna! What was Luanna doing there? Wielding a hammer and wearing a Kumo headband. The two stared at each other. Almost instantaneously, they clung to the other.
X
NA: Tada! Here we are. Finally, another chapter. I nearly went another direction, but I really am happy with this right now. Sorry for it taking so long. I've been really mulling over what I want this to be and what direction I'm going in. Some of my decisions are still being worked through but I'll figure it out as I go.
For funsies, I did almost have Junpei hate Tami. I thought it might add some tension and - well. It just isn't going to work. Tami needs a break from people hating her tbh. Including me, giving her a hard time (I may or may not have written a snippet where Shisui was exceptionally cruel to her. I still regret that. It's deleted for forever, but still...). It was nice to not write her like that for the first time in I don't know how long. She nearly met Reina too, but… well. Maybe another time?
I like the idea that not everyone is friends or knows each other. I feel like it echoes real-life. Sometimes people have really amazing friends, and they never meet. Or they meet once and that's it. Maya needs to have her own circle of friends and have her own voice.
I don't know how many people have picked this up yet, but Tami and Maya are there to echo the first-time watcher of Naruto - and Maya, the seasoned enjoyer of the series. That's why Tami enjoys the main cast, for the most part. Her close friends are the main characters, as those are the people new viewers watch and connect with first. Maya, the seasoned Naruto fan, is enthralled with the more everyday life of the world, the other characters and village life. She's mostly around the secondary characters and background characters. It's not because she's lesser. It's because I've always found that the people who really love a series fall in love with all aspects of it. Including the background characters. Well, that and its easier for her to humanize them.
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. And thank you so much for all the love and support from last chapter. I try to be good and reply to all of you. I might have missed responding. Just know that I appreciate the feedback and love.
Have a marvelous rest of your weekend and month.