"I will take a chance to be who I'm meant to be
I won't let fear keep me from trying
It's time for me to make a change
To start living the life I want

I'm going to reach for the sky way up high
I'm never giving up, it's up to me
To see who I can be, make dreams reality
I'm never giving up
"

- "Never Giving Up" by Fearless Soul

Chapter 40: Choice

Naruto appeared to have abundant energy despite his situation. He sat up in his bed, speaking energetically to my great-grandmother as she sat on the side of the bed. There was an empty chair, and my father was nowhere to be seen. Good. I did not know how to face him right now.

"Grandma?" I said. I leaned against Itachi as he helped me move further into the room. "Can I talk to Naruto alone, please?"

My grandma appeared surprised to see me, but she smiled warmly. "Of course, dear. He's doing just fine. I hope you are feeling alright. You gave all of us a scare."

"Yeah, I'm fine." It hurt, but I would live.

"Still, you should lie down."

"You can sit next to me, Katsumi," Naruto said. He moved over on the bed and patted the empty spot next to him.

I gave him a grateful smile. "Thanks." Itachi assisted me in getting to the bed. Before I sat down, I grabbed his arm and turned him towards my grandmother. "You should speak to her about your condition. She might be able to help."

Itachi sighed. "I don't think-"

"Just humor me, alright?"

Itachi dipped his head. "Very well. Shout if you need anything."

I smiled at him and then climbed into the bed beside Naruto. I leaned against the wall, taking in a deep breath. Once we were alone, I looked at my friend and spoke. "Itachi and I have a chance to close the portal."

Naruto smiled brightly. "Yeah, I know! I saw the portal after you took that hit for Itachi. That really was something. Love is stronger than hate after all, huh?"

Despite my current predicament, the thought warmed me. "Yeah, that's right. But, Naruto..." I hesitated. "To close the portal, I have to stay here."

Naruto blinked. "Stay here? In this world?"

"Right. Itachi and I have to stand on either side of the portal. I don't know if I'm going to do it yet, but I'm considering it. I know I've always wanted to break the curse, but I don't know if I can just leave everyone like that. I don't want to abandon my friends."

Naruto crossed his arms and furrowed his eyebrows, remaining silent for a long time. When he spoke, his words came out slowly and deliberately. "Katsumi, it's okay if you want to stay. You won't be abandoning us. We'll miss you, but... we'll be fine. I promise. I'll take care of everyone. I'll keep my promise."

"Thank you, Naruto," I said softly. It was true; everyone probably would be fine if I left them to Naruto. He could save Sasuke on his own. And now that he knew Itachi, he could probably get to him too. Even Obito he could probably have a good crack at. The two were bound to clash at some point. Plus, with his connection to Kakashi, he had another who could help him. Everyone had a connection who could pull through for them, except...

I clutched the clay phoenix around my neck. Without any chakra in this world, I could not draw comfort form it like I had the past few days. I wondered what would happen to Deidara if I stayed here. He had no one else. Naruto might try to help him, but could he get to him in time? Deidara would be devastated if I never returned. Perhaps enough to accelerate his destruction.

"Naruto?" I said. "You're glad to be alive, right? Despite the difficulties you've faced?"

Naruto gave me an odd look. "Of course. Why would you ask that?"

"What's I'm trying to say is, if the Nine Tails was something inherited... would you rather your parents not have any kids to spare you the pain?"

Naruto laughed. "That's ridiculous, Katsumi. Why would I not want to be alive? Besides, my life isn't that bad. I'm doing pretty well now, don't you think? I wouldn't have learned to never give up if I didn't have those struggles."

It did sound ridiculous when it was put that way. "So, if you had to pass it on to your kid..."

"I'd just have to be there for him even more. Hey, if you don't want to have kids, that's up to you, but don't do it because they might struggle. That sounds like the easy way out."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "Then maybe this isn't as much of a curse as I thought."

Clearly, my decision required a lot of thought. I wished I could spend the time enjoying my stay in this world, but it was not like I could do much with my injury anyway. I was able to show Itachi and Naruto around the house. I talked to both of them and my grandparents, all separately, for awhile. Finally, after an early dinner, I reached a conclusion.

I finally saw my father again as he walked back to the portal with all of us as the sun began to set. I could see what my grandfather meant. The portal had enlarged, was half blue and half red, and emitted a strong power. Itachi and I stopped before it and turned to face everyone else.

"Well," said my grandpa, "what have you decided?"

I took a deep breath and looked at each person in turn, ending with Itachi. "I cannot remain in this world," I said. "If that means we are unable to close the portal, then so be it. We will find another way."

"There may not be another way," said Itachi.

"I know, but that's a risk I have to take. You see, there's someone in the ninja world who needs me, and I have to help him." I touched the phoenix on my necklace while I met my grandfather's understanding gaze. "I can't abandon someone I love."

My grandpa lowered his head. "Well said, Katsumi."

"And it's not just Deidara. There are surely others like him who could use my perspective - those who find problems with the villages like I do but see no choice but to go rogue. I come from a different world, and maybe that can be a gift instead of a curse. I know things can be different, and I can help make changes. I can help form a better future that others might not be able to think of because of my background. I have an opportunity to make a difference, and I'm not going to let it slip away."

"I'm with you 100 percent!" Naruto said with a grin. He leaned against my grandmother for support but otherwise seemed fine. "And you don't have to go it alone. I'll be right there with you."

I smiled at him. "I know. Thank you, Naruto."

"Unbelievable," my dad muttered.

"I think it's sweet," said my grandmother. "I know you can do it, Katsumi. Follow your dreams."

"Katsumi," Itachi said, "there's something you should know about Deidara."

I met his troubled look with a weary one. "I know you don't like it. You think I don't have a chance with what's coming, but I have to try. I would never forgive myself if I didn't do everything I possibly could for him."

Itachi stared at me for a long moment, and then his expression changed to something I did not quite recognize. "Deidara believes you are strong enough to face whatever is coming. I agree."

My eyes widened in surprise. "Oh. Thank you, Itachi."

"Katsumi," said my grandfather, "are you sure this is what you want?"

I held his steady gaze. "Yes. I know who I am now, and it is time I started living like it."

"Then you should get going. The sun is about to set."

I took a deep breath as I looked around at my family once more. "Thank you, everyone." I touched the portal, and Itachi placed his hand next to mine.

"Good luck, Katsumi," my grandma said.

My grandpa wrapped an arm around her and smiled at me. "Remember, love always finds a way."

I tore my gaze away to focus on the portal. As soon as I felt Naruto cling to me, I stepped through the portal with Itachi. A moment later, we were back in the ninja world... and we were surrounded by Kakashi, Sakura, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Kiku. "Don't do anything rash!" I exclaimed, moving to shield Itachi from the others.

"Yeah, you can't hurt him," Naruto said. "Katsumi already risked her life to save him. Don't make it be for nothing." He stepped forward and stumbled.

"Naruto!" Sakura said. "What did he do to you?"

"Nothing."

"He was, uh, not compatible with my world," I said, looking at Tsunade. "He'll be fine. Just watch him." Luckily, Tsunade seemed to udnerstand and pulled Naruto off to the side.

"What happened to the portal?" Kakashi asked. "We didn't feel any power."

"We had the opportunity to close the portal," I said. "My dad tried to kill Itachi, but I got in the way." I lifted my shirt to display my wound.

Sakura gasped. "You have to get that looked at!"

"In a minute." I continued to stare at Kakashi, who watched me with an intense gaze. "To close the portal, I would have to remain in that world. I chose to return here. There was too much I was not willing to give up." I thought I saw understanding in his eyes despite his silence.

"Well, that settles that then," said Jiraiya. "I'd say this episode is over."

"Not quite," said Tsunade. "What do we do about Itachi?"

"We let him go," I said. "He came here to help me, and he has completed his mission."

"He didn't harm Katsumi or Naruto," Kiku said, "so we shouldn't harm him."

"I do not have a present quarrel with any of you," said Itachi. "No one needs to get hurt. I will leave."

Everyone looked at Tsunade for her verdict. She glanced from Itachi to me, her eyes flickering to my wounded chest. Finally, she said to Itachi, "Leave and do not come back."

I let out a breath of relief. "Can I say goodbye to him? Just Kiku and me?"

"What if he tries-" Kakashi started.

"He won't," Jiraiya said, placing a hand on his shoulder. He nodded at me. "We'll give you five minutes."

I waited until Everyone had filed out before turning and embracing Itachi. I felt his positive emotions from my bracelet as he hugged me back. "I guess it's over," I whispered.

"After today, we will be enemies," Itachi said.

I pulled back so I could shake my head at him. "No. You are not my enemy. I do not want to harm you. We are bonded, and that means something."

Itachi gave me a serious look. "You need to stay away from me. Do not seek me out. Move on with your life."

"No. I'm not going to just forget you, Itachi." I touched the lion around my neck. "You are one of mine now, and I will do what I can for you given the opportunity."

Itachi dipped his head. "And I will do the same for you."

I smiled. "Good."

"That's better," Kiku said, swishing her tail happily.

"Katsumi survived!" Tobi exclaimed, popping up between Itachi and me unexpectedly and causing me to jump in surprise.

"Tobi," I said, "you're here."

"He was here all day watching the portal," Kiku said. "He was worried about you."

"Tobi came to say goodbye," said Tobi, "and to give Katsumi this." He opened his gloved hand to reveal a tiny, wooden dragon figure.

"Oh, Tobi," I said, taking the figure to add it to my necklace.

"Katsumi chose a hard animal for Tobi. Deidara would not make one. Dragons are difficult to find."

I smiled at him, understanding the sentiment behind his words. "Thank you, Tobi. I appreciate the effort." I gave him a hug, which he eagerly returned. I felt his arm brush my side, and when I pulled back, I saw he had grabbed a scroll from my bag. "What are you doing?"

"Tobi wants to summon cats too!"

"You can't just do that." But he was already removing his glove to start the process. I glanced at Kiku.

"I don't mind," said the cat. "It will help us keep in contact."

"Be careful," Itachi warned.

Tobi finished signing the contract and then stuffed it in his pocket. "There. Tobi will keep this." I did not argue, figuring he did not want anyone to chance seeing his real name.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye," I said, looking from Tobi to Itachi. "It was fun."

"Goodbye, Katsumi," Itachi said.

"Bye, Sumi!" Tobi shouted.

"I'll stay to see them off," Kiku said.

I nodded at her and then started down the path that led through the forest. I was surprised to find Kakashi waiting for me not too far away. "You're all set?" he said.

"Yep," I said. I fell in step beside him. I saw his eyes flicker to the dragon around my neck, but he did not ask about it. "You don't have to worry anymore. I know what I have to do, and I am not going to let anything stop me. I will make everything right again."

Kakashi ruffled my hair and smiled. "I cannot wait to see what you can do."


Itachi

Itachi expected Deidara to confront him as soon as he returned to the base. He did not anticipate running into both him and Sasori on their way out, probably for a mission. The blond diverted his course to block Itachi's path. "Where's Katsumi?" he demanded, his expression hard.

"She is safe in the Leaf Village," Itachi replied.

Deidara eyed him suspiciously. "And did you do it? Did you close the portal?"

"No. We had the opportunity, but Katsumi chose not to do it."

"What? Why?"

"She would have had to remain in that world. She chose to return to this world instead."

Deidara's expression changed to something close to satisfaction. "Good. She finally had a choice in the matter. But what was her reason?"

Itachi marveled that Deidara was happier that Katsumi had a choice and not that she chose to stay here where he could see her again. That was just how she would like it too. Still, he could not tell him the reason she decided to stay. Who knew how Deidara would react? "You will have to ask her."

"Fine. I will."

"Deidara, it's time to leave," Sasori said. "We have a mission."

"You shouldn't bother her," Itachi said.

"You can't tell me what to do, hmm," said Deidara, turning toward Sasori. "I'm going to take of the One Tail, and then I'm going to find Katsumi. I'll prove you wrong about us."

The One Tail? "Deidara!" Itachi said before he could stop himself.

Deidara stopped walking and gave him a dark look. "What?"

Itachi could not tell him. If Deidara knew the truth about Gaara, he might not complete the mission successfully, whether through distraction or deliberate choice. If that happened, his life would be in danger, and Katsumi would suffer. "Do not fail."

Deidara scoffed at him. "There's not a chance of that, hmm." Then he left with his partner.

"The One Tail?" Tobi said quietly, appearing by Itachi's side. "Isn't he Katsumi's friend? Let's see their bond hold up against this."

Itachi did not respond. He had known Katsumi and Deidara were doomed from the start. And yet, he could not help but hope that he would be proven wrong. He remembered the way Katsumi had risked her life for him and how that had affected the portal. He wanted to share her faith. He wanted to believe that love was stronger than hate. But he knew everything was about to fall apart.


A/N: That's all for this story, folks! I will be taking a break before I start the third one. I have a Christmas story I want to work on. I will probably get to the third part in January. If there is enough interest, though, I may come back early. Let me know!