aaI have to apologise to you people, for I have made a mistake. (Bows head in shame) The creature Sakura summons is a slug, not a snail. Or so I've been told. I think a snail is with a thing on its back, and a slug without or something? Anyway, I'm not that handy with fanfiction yet, so I won't change it in the last chapter, but will in this one. (By the way, can anyone tell me what FYI means? I'm probably supposed to know)
Well…on with the story!
The kunai chapter 7: On with the mission.
By Gasha Aisu
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. But I do own Ashi! Yay, I own something
Ashi looked in disbelieve at the giant slug before him. He didn't know anyone besides one of the three sennin could do that! But it didn't matter, he could beat this…
He started preparing hand seals, hoping he would be quick enough to complete the summoning. And that the monster would listen to him…
Sakura looked impassive at Ashi. She guessed he could summon as well, but since he seemed to have a hard time controlling the little ones, she assumed she was still at advantage.
This battle would be over soon.
She patiently waited for Ashi to summon his worm. He did quickly, and with a lot of smoke Sakura was facing Ashi, standing on a giant slimy worm. A breeze played with Sakura's hair, who just tucked it back in place. Ashi was scowling at her, with tiny drops of sweat on his face. It seemed that she was right; this battle would be over soon.
"Let's go" she ordered her slug, who immediately responded. Over the years, all of her slugs learned to respect and obey her, as Sakura worked to earn their trust. In fact, she was now closer to the slugs then to any human.
"Go!" Ashi ordered, and his worm charged straight at Sakura.
Wind caused by the movement of her slug blew her hair out of her face making it easier to see Ashi. When he was close enough she jumped the moment he did, kunai's ready.
It was just something jokingly called 'foreplay' by fellow ninja's. Their creatures would lock themselves in some sort of a pushing contest, testing each other's strength, while their master's battles above and on them. This would continue for a while, before the real battle began.
Sakura slashed at Ashi's face, and he dodged and tried to stab her in her leg at the same time. Sakura moved her leg back, dodging his hand (armed with a kunai of course) and tumbling forward as he fell down. (Gravity still played a role on ninja's unlike common belief) She tried to strike his head, but Ashi moved on the last moment causing her to strike his shoulder instead. Ashi allowed her to strike his shoulder in order to strike her himself. His kunai quickly buried itself into her arm, between her elbow and shoulder. Sakura's frown was an only response to the pain. They separated, jumping back on their summoned creatures. Sakura's raised her kunai, as Ashi did the same in response.
Her team mates stood unmoving, they could do nothing as long as that wall was intact.
Sakura ran across her slug and jumped the minute she reached the end of the head. Ashi stayed still, defensive stance ready as he glared at her.
They engaged in another battle. Sakura noted that he blocked each attack of her. Her attacks where controlled but fast, yet he didn't seem to have trouble keeping up. She frowned as she noted that each time she hurt him, she was wounded herself. He seemed to have a talent for reflecting her collected strikes… Wait a minute…
Sakura's thoughts where rudely interrupted as a kunai whizzed at her. She jerked her head back and the kunai only scraped her. Had she been a second slower, she would have had one blind eye. Glaring at Ashi, she threw some kunai's back in response. She was forced to retreat on her slug as her creature was winning the worm over, making the worm unsteady ground to battle on. Ashi had a hard time commanding his worm, as the worm seemed to shake in anger, yet also in fear. Sakura stood still, frowning and observing her enemy.
"Let's see" Ashi mused out loud, hoping to provoke an early fight, "you are known for your fox abilities" He locked eyes with Naruto. "But your aggressive impulsive style of fighting doesn't interest me" Naruto tensed, and clenched his hand into fist. But did nothing.
His eyes went on, and locked with Sasuke's.
"The Uchiha who killed his own brother" his grey eyes held Sasuke's dark ones, "interesting, but not enough. I don't like snakes. Besides, you remind me to much of myself" Sasuke tensed and narrowed his eyes. Ashi ignored him.
Why had he chosen her to fight? Why her? He had told them that the other didn't interest him, yet could there be another reason? He had called Naruto's fight style aggressive and impulsive, and Sasuke had reminded him of himself.
She took a moment to think about Ashi's own fighting style.
She guessed he was right, it was the same in some ways. Yet, Sasuke could be more impulsive when driven by emotions, Ashi seemed to be able to control himself despite his anger, and Naruto….Wait a minute.
From the minute they started fighting Ashi had provoked her, testing her, finding where her emotions lay. From every slip she had made, he had immediately taken the opportunity. Could it be that he knew every move she made because of her calm and collectiveness? Maybe, he tried to make an opening with insults, yet couldn't deal with strong outburst of emotions?
She narrowed her eyes, time to test out her theory. She had to, if this was to continue like this then it would surely end in a draw. She did not want that, she wanted to complete her mission.
Knowing Ashi had trouble with his own creature she took a moment to calm. She closed her eyes and searched in herself. She knew Sasuke's arrival had made a crack in her 'wall" she was not afraid to admit that now. She breathed out steadily, knowing she was taking a risk, sinking in deep mediation in a raging battle was not a good idea.
"Keep him busy," she commanded her slug, which made a sound in understanding.
"What is she doing?" Naruto exclaimed confused, she was just standing there!
Sasuke shook his head frowning. He didn't understand either.
Naruto clenched his hands.
"What do we do?" he asked, his eyes trained on the battle scene.
"All we can do is trust her," Sasuke stated, and Naruto nodded.
They didn't like this, they didn't like this at all.
Sakura pictured her emotions in a shape, a shape which looked exactly like her. A trick she had to control them completely.
Soon she saw herself, bruised, scarred and with a pleading look on her face, yet "her" eyes seemed defeated. The Sakura form was bound by the wrist, which where bleeding. Yes, her emotion had put up a fight, returning and resurfacing, but she had locked them in the end. Inner Sakura was imprisoned on the wall of her mind, even Inner Sakura looked defeated, pained, her wrist where stained by blood because of her resent out burst.
Sakura flinched as a cold suddenly seemed to flow through her veins. Every time she meditated, or where in deep thought, the same cold seemed to spread from her heart. Sakura ignored it as she concentrated more deeply, unconsciously frowning as she did so.
Yes, there it was. A few cracks in the chains that held her deepest emotions. Unwillingly, she reached out. A pale, cold hand appeared in her vision, it grabbed the chain of the Sakura on the floor and gave a little pull, momentarily opening it slightly. It was all it took…
Sakura opened her bright green eyes. Passion filled them as she looked for Ashi. He was distracted in his efforts to keep his worm under his command, but to no avail. Suddenly the worm disappeared in a giant puff of smoke, leaving Ashi standing there alone on the battle field.
"You can stay, I'll take care of this," Sakura said, and discovered to her dismay, that it lacked the normal icy tone it usually had. Her voice seemed as fierce as she felt, and she saw both Sasuke's as Naruto's head snap up. So, they had heard had they…
"Ashi!" she yelled to him, making her enemy look up surprised. Sakura felt good, it felt good to release her emotions again, she felt pain because of the knowledge that she would lock them up as soon as this was over.
"Your keeping me from my mission!" she yelled to him, as she grabbed two kunai's from her pouch. She landed softly and immediately charged at him.
"Prepare for pain, bastard," she hissed lowly, as she narrowed her eyes. Ashi's eyes widened in shock, but he quickly grabbed two kunai's of his own.
I don't care about pain, as long as I hurt him, as long as I complete this mission. I will not be useless!
She lashed out with her kunai, vaguely aware that they where battling in front of Sasuke and Naruto's noses, but not caring. Ashi blocked it, his own face impassive. Sakura growled at him, and lashed out with the other kunai. He blocked that as well, and she used the distraction to kick him. Suddenly all her emotions seemed to much as Sakura found herself unable to control them any longer.
The Sakura yelled out as she broke her chains. Her yell, filled with desperation, yet also determination and fury, echoed in the corridors of her mind.. Echoed in her blood.
With a mighty yell, akin of those of her emotions, Sakura attacked ignoring Ashi's kunai which he buried in her arm. She yelled almost hysterical as she kept lashing out, ignoring any attack Ashi wounded her with. Ashi stumbled back as she kept lashing out to him, ripping open his shirt and flesh. Sakura looked directly in his eyes and saw raw panic there.
Got you, bastard.
Smiling wickedly at him, she threw away one kunai and hit him hard with her fist. Ashi landed on his back, and stared at her as she stood before him. Towering over him, Sakura grabbed her last kunai with both her hands. She looked him directly in the eyes as she prepared to control her emotions again.
The Sakura let out a agonising heart breaking scream as the cold hands grabbed her wrist again. She struggled as the hands dragged her back to her broken chains once again, who had melted together leaving only a few cracks.
Ashi stared in horror as he saw her eyes flash furiously with emotion before dulling, flashing again but the cold he saw in her seemed to win. Sakura raised her kunai above her head.
The Sakura got tired as the hand ruthlessly continued dragging her towards the chains. She watched in desperation and panic as the hand locked one of her wrists.
Ashi knew he was going to die. Her eyes seemed cold, and slowly turning lifeless again as she gazed at him. She had every intention of completing her mission, and if that meant killing him, she would not hesitate to do so. Sakura watched with impassive eyes as Ashi seemed paralysed in fear. He was bleeding heavily, but didn't seem to notice as he trembled, his eyes wide as he only watched.
The Sakura cried out as the hand caught her other wrist. Hopelessly she watched as the hand locked her other wrist as well. Tears leaking out of her eyes constantly. Sakura withdrew herself from her mind, leaving her emotions cold, bitter, shivering, crying…
"Any last words?" she asked in monotone. Ashi only looked at her as her kunai raised a little higher. Her weight shifted backwards as she prepared for the final strike.
"No!" a desperate voice called out. Surprised and frowning, Sakura straightened again. A girl with dark brown almost black hair fell over Ashi, covering his chest. Her eyes where tightly closed as she tensed, prepared for the pain she was supposed to be feeling.
Sakura gazed at the young woman with uncaring eyes, feeling more powerful as she towered above her and Ashi.
Ashi seemed to snap out of his trance like state, as he scowled down to the girl on top of him.
"Monoko, get of me," he said warningly. The girl sat back on her knees and gazed into his eyes for a moment. Then suddenly she turned to Sakura looking directly into her eyes. Sakura was mildly surprised since the colour of her eyes weren't normal. The part that should've been white was black, as her pupil was of a deep golden colour.
"Please," she begged Sakura, "please don't kill him"
Sakura gazed at her silently, her face revealing nothing.
"How did you get in?" she asked in monotone. Both Naruto as Sasuke wondered the same. They hadn't been able to break through, yet she did, seemingly. Monoko seemed to hesitate, glancing back at Ashi.
"Don't say anything Monoko," Ashi ordered her, and looked Sakura directly in her eyes, "your battle is with me,"
Sakura nodded, but Monoko shook her head.
"Please, I'll do anything," she pleaded desperate, "it isn't his fault he-"
"Shut up Monoko," Ashi ordered her sternly, Monoko paid no heed to him as she kept looking in Sakura's eyes. Suddenly the world around Sakura seemed to fade as she could only see those golden eyes. Let me know your secrets… She whispered although her lips where unmoving and Sakura felt her entire being wanting to comply. She shook her head slightly. No way. Let me see the real you, the one beneath the weapon. How did she know that? No, she was not going to give in, to hell with her, Ashi was going to die…
"Please Sakura!" Monoko suddenly exclaimed, obviously knowing her thoughts, "I beg of you, especially you should understand! Don't let me turn into you!"
Sakura froze as she stared at the now crying girl although she wasn't hiccupping or sobbing. Ashi was frowning behind her, somehow also touched by her words. Sakura looked icily at the girl.
"I ask you again, how did you get in?" she asked neutrally, completely ignoring the emotional outburst.
Monoko bit her bottom lip as her wide eyes stared at Sakura. Sakura saw the world disappear again as she heard the whisper. Let me know you… Like hell. Confine in me…
"Is it a bloodline limit?" Sakura asked in monotone as she ignored the warm presence the girl seemed to radiate. Monoko nodded. Ashi glared behind her, but he was ignored as the girls where locked in a staring contest.
"You used to be like me," Monoko challenged, not even thinking about giving up her position from Ashi's side. Sakura nodded, briefly yet her eyes still seemed dead as if Monoko's words didn't make impact at all.
"Don't kill him," Monoko pleaded again. Before Sakura could respond, Ashi got on his feet, ignoring Monoko's protest. Blood was oozing out of his wounds, colouring the grass. Sakura directed her attention to him again. Ashi's eyes where blazing, as he grabbed one kunai with a blood soaked, trembling hand.
"Your fight….is…with me," he said, trying to be strong but failing slightly as exhaustion combined with pain form his wounds weakened him.
Sakura nodded, her back straight as she ignored the pleading stare in of Naruto. She knew Naruto didn't like to kill, and didn't like seeing her kill. Sasuke stood besides him slightly frowning as he took in every single detail of what was going on before him. Sakura noted that the wall still stood, still separating her form her team mates. Although this hadn't been such a problem, Ashi had worn her out, and now she was outnumbered. But seeing Ashi's condition, Sakura did not worry. Directing her gaze back to Ashi, she focussed solemnly on the mission.
"Your hardly a fight," she stated suddenly. The cold in her voice seemed to freeze her opponent but it would probably be his pride. Sakura only frowned so slightly it was hardly seen. Maybe it hadn't been such wise idea to release her emotions. Although it had felt good, the pain was as new as the cuts on her body from the fight, and she had the urge to behave arrogant. Like Sasuke used to be.
Monoko finally got up and moved in front of Ashi. Ashi called her name in objection but she paid him no heed.
"Sakura, please let him live," she pleaded again, yet her voice was even stronger then moments ago. She felt her team mates eyes on her, but as she had done since the beginning, she ignored them.
"I need to complete my mission," Sakura stated. She knew she had created an opening, and she knew Monoko knew as well. Ashi's eyes widened before they narrowed in hate.
"I will never betray my friends," he stated strongly despite his injuries. Monoko suddenly turned and glared fiercely at the man she loved.
"They left you here!" she accused.
"Because they knew I could handle it, because they trust me," Ashi bit back.
Sakura knew she had to come in between and kill Ashi as swiftly as she knew she could. Yet somehow, the golden pleading eyes of the brunette before her flashed through her mind. She remembered Naruto's words, as he had spoken to her when she had killed for the seventh time. I won't kill if I won't have to. She remembered how his blue eyes had flashed in emotion and kindness he had managed to keep, partly thanks to Hinata. I hope you won't either, or else you'll truly be lost… He had added, and his voice had betrayed the pain she saw in his eyes now everyday. Naruto hadn't known how his words touched her, as her walls hadn't been as strong as they where now. Unconsciously she had promised him not to. Frowning because of her weakness that prevented her from continuing this mission quickly, Sakura could only watch.
"I trust you too Ashi, but what your doing is wrong," Monoko objected.
Please Sasuke-kun. Sakura blinked, hoping to clear her head from that memory. In a way, she knew she respected the girl for going against the love of her life, willing to be hated for his own good. Sakura had been weaker, she had given in at the end, pleading Sasuke to take her with him if she couldn't change his mind.
Sakura watched as Monoko fell to the ground after a hard slap from Ashi. Sakura could see it didn't hurt, as it hadn't been it's purpose to hurt her body. But the hurt that the girl radiated, as she stared up from the ground to Ashi's panting form. Somehow the helplessness of the girl, the way she opened up to him touched Sakura. Unwillingly she looked in Ashi's eyes, and saw what she hadn't wanted to see. Ashi loved her, Ashi loved Monoko. Yet he was still willing to choose his friends over her…He was willing to follow his friends…his revenge…..over Monoko…..over Sakura…Ashi's grey eyes looked impassively down on Monoko….Sasuke's dark eyes had been cold…
Suddenly Sakura couldn't take it anymore. Narrowing her eyes she took one step aggressively towards her enemy. Sakura cried out as she struggled against the chains demanding to help, wanting to help Monoko, needing to…
"Fool!" she spat at him. Shocked they all looked at her, but Sakura paid them no heed.
"Can't you see that she loves you more then life itself? Can't you see that your "friends" if you insist on calling them, left you to do their dirty work? And it doesn't seem like the first time either" she argued calmly with him, yet her eyes weren't as dead as they used to be.
"Sakura" Sasuke breathed and then smirked, "so there is life after al,"
Naruto only glanced at him before looking back, yet hope was once again shining in Naruto's eyes.
Ashi looked shocked for a minute, before he narrowed his eyes.
"It's none of your business, why don't you kill me so you can complete the mission?" he asked her looking in her eyes. Sakura noticed that he was avoiding to look at Monoko.
"And leave her with grief?" Sakura asked. Ashi opened his mouth but Sakura shook her head, her back straightening as the one emotion raged clear above the others she felt. Pride.
"Do not be mistaken," she said icily, her eyes dead as her emotions where still under control, "I am a Konoha ninja, and must act like one. It is not good for Konoha's reputation to have stories spread about one of their ninja's being cold hearted enough to kill a man when he's harmless,"
Yes, Konoha above everything, she must not forget who's weapon she was…
"I won't let down the wall," Ashi stated as his grey eyes turned into steel, "You'll have to kill me first,"
"No! Please Ashi," Monoko's voice had a new sound as desperation mixed with love. Ashi flinched as he clenched his hands into fist. Monoko quickly ran up to him, and threw her arms around him, hugging him from behind.
Both Sasuke as Sakura tensed in memory.
"Monoko…" Ashi whispered before he stiffened and continued, "Let go of me Monoko, I'm no going to betray them. Even if it means my death, I will not betray them!"
Suddenly Monoko's golden eyes flashed brightly as she released him roughly, making him tumble forwards thanks to his weakened state.
"Fine!" she hissed in a voice that made even Naruto flinch. Stepping away from him she glared at Ashi.
"If you want to die so badly, go ahead! Just die! I'll just turn into her, she's defeated you hasn't she? Maybe I'll be above you, maybe I'll enjoy killing in some sick, twisted way!" she yelled, fury overruling her actions, "I know she was kind, cheerful and optimistic. I've seen it, and I know the pain she has been through because some of it I feel right now! But you don't understand, so go ahead! Just be the same bastard as that Sasuke guy was and leave me!"
Her golden eyes where bright as tears made the gold stand out even more. She looked Sakura in the eye and took another step backwards.
"Go ahead and kill him," she said strongly although her voice wavered, "I give up,"
Somehow, Sakura felt slightly offended. Not only that, but this delay was taking her longer then she had thought, it was time to finally end things.
"Very well," Sakura said calmly as if she was talking about a business deal in stead of the death of Ashi, "I'll tell you one more time Ashi, drop the wall"
"And betray my friends?" Ashi asked, yet his eyes didn't look as sure as before.
"You sure they are your friends?" Sasuke suddenly asked. Surprised they looked at him. Apparently Ashi and Monoko had forgotten about her team mates. Sakura snorted before swirling a kunai around her finger. She would give Sasuke one shot, after that, Ashi was dead.
Ashi hesitated briefly, but then nodded.
"So friends leave each other behind?" Sasuke asked one eyebrow raised as he crossed his arms, "Fe, they're just using you, your pathetic,"
"And that's coming from you?" Ashi asked sceptical.
Sasuke just smirked.
"Imagine," he drawled.
Ashi glared at him but then turned back to Sakura, obviously still willing to die. Monoko turned her back towards him, her shaking shoulders the only sign that she was crying for she made no sound. Sakura straightened her back, her eyes boring into Ashi as her hands where hanging by her side, her posture gave her a superior air. Naruto stood frowning, as he had the feeling he was no part into this. Sasuke sighed, and closed his eyes, preparing himself for what he was about to do. He had let Sakura down once, and he knew she didn't want to kill him, so he was prepared to open himself up if that meant not letting her down again. Annoyed by himself and his sudden sentimental emotions Sasuke looked up.
"I let Sakura die," he said strongly. He ignored Sakura who stood remarkably still as if she was a statue in stead of a living being, and Naruto and Monoko who both flinched, his attention directed only at Ashi.
"Are you willing to let Monoko die as well?"
His words struck as Ashi tensed noticeably. Naruto glanced as Sasuke, a frown on his face as he wondered what caused this sudden straightforwardness.
"Of course he will," it was Monoko's bitter voice which cut through air and it seemed also through Ashi who shivered.
"Monoko…"
"If you care about her," Naruto suddenly said, meddling as well, "You let that wall down and let her live,"
Ashi stared at Naruto, his grey eyes troubled, then his eyes snapped back to Sakura who had suddenly become alive.
"I did this to myself, but you might think twice before doing this to her," she stated coldly and then looked at Monoko.
"Then again, it looks like she already chose to kill herself," she added as in afterthought.
Ashi followed her gaze to a Monoko who stood still, to still. Slowly he took a few paces towards her, and stretched out his hand to touch her shoulder.
"Do you care?" Monoko asked, and Ashi shivered as her voice too had become dead, "Just die and leave me be,"
Ashi stared at her, as his grey eyes became misty. Had he done this? He wondered. Was it his fault that she wanted to do this for herself?
Suddenly he felt very alone as he glanced at Sasuke helplessly.
"Drop the wall," Sasuke responded simply and shrugged carelessly, "To show that you do care"
With a defeated nod, Ashi formed hand seals. His grey eyes where directed on the ground, so he missed Naruto's smile, Monoko's hopeful look and Sasuke and Sakura's monotone stares. With a yell, which was slightly tinged by the sound of tears in his voice, he slammed his hand on the ground. Carefully, Naruto took one step forward before nodding to Sakura. Monoko turned and ran to Ashi who awaited her. The Konoha ninja's prepared to leave, ignored by the Ashi and Monoko who where busy holding each other, until Naruto suddenly stopped.
"How did you get through the wall?" he asked, and Monoko looked up wiping away tears from her eyes. Ashi had been on time.
"You can't get through the wall with violent intentions against Ashi," Monoko explained, "I wanted to save him so my heart was filled with worry for him, I had no intention of hurting him so the wall allowed me to pass,"
The three Konoha ninja's nodded in understanding, Naruto waved, and they where gone.
"I didn't even get the chance to thank them," Monoko whispered.
"You didn't have to," assured Ashi.
"Let's hurry, we've lost enough time as it is," Sakura said, her voice the same as they used to be. Sasuke and Naruto nodded. Sakura turned her head back to before her, her mind only on the mission. Sasuke smirked.
He knew the fight with Ashi had left him a opening, an opening he was planning on using sometime in the future.
To be continued.
I know I've not updated in a long time, but I have been busy. I hope I'll update sooner in the future. Yet, I hope some of you will be kind enough to leave one of their ideas in heir review because I'm lacking inspiration.
Until next time.
Gasha Aisu.