Chapter 19: Realizing

"It's often just enough to be with someone. I don't need to touch them. Not even talk. A feeling passes between you both. You're not alone."

― Marilyn Monroe


Sasuke & Sakura

"Hello to all."

Orochimaru doesn't bother with any formal introductions beyond that, piercing yellow eyes appearing right out of the darkness as he sweeps into the scene. To think Sasuke would go to such efforts to get away from him when he thought he'd already given him all the answers and power he wanted.

And Kabuto...the condition he was left in is so uncharacteristic of him. Sasuke has never let someone who he feels has crossed him alive, on top of that the extent of the changes to his brain aren't subjects he taught him.

He couldn't have done it alone.

Snakes slither straight from his body, shades of sharp whites to paler grays at ready to encompass them all.

"Sasuke, you've been causing me quite a headache. It's not like you to be so rebellious and needlessly malicious. Did Kabuto really deserve the condition you left him in?" He questions as he straightens out his body.

Sasuke scoffs, half keeping an eye on him and half watching Itachi.

"He knew the risks of getting into a fight with me and he lost; simple as that."

If he finds out it was Sakura instead who needled into Kabuto's mind he'll slice her in two or attempt to drag her away to become another one of his experiments or puppets. Sakura remains out cold a few meters away, though he pictures if she had heard how Kabuto's life ended she'd be quietly indifferent or pleased he's no longer a threat.

"You're interrupting us." Itachi cuts in, dark eyes pooling with scarlet.

Orochimaru cracks his neck, grin widening.

"I know all your tricks Itachi Uchiha. Don't think I'll be foolish like your past opponents to rush in attacking you." He chuckles, preparing himself.

It's odd though. He would've expected Sasuke to be at Itachi's throat when he stepped in, not talking casually as if he isn't the reason behind his revenge and anger over all these years...

'Something's changed between those two and knowing what happened to Kabuto I need to stay on guard.' He decides.

In the distance he notes trademark pink hair amid the black, noting the figure lying in the grass before scoffing.

Why is Tsunade's mentee here of all places?

It can't be a coincidence, gazing between her and Sasuke.

'Interesting, I thought Sasuke abandoned all feelings and care for his old team and the village when he defected...'

Apparently not.

But right now he needs to focus on the more dangerous of the Uchiha brothers, Itachi unmoving since he made his entrance.

Though his eyes glow the sharp red of the sharingan in warning and he grins, leaping back.

"I've studied the sharingan more than enough over the years to know not to get close or look directly into those eyes!" Orochimaru laughs, avoiding a direct gaze.

Itachi scoffs, crimson eyes narrowing. "It doesn't matter how far you may leap or go, making it your business to interfere with Sasuke and I's discussion was your second mistake."

'Second mistake?' Sasuke considers, activating his own sharingan.

He watches as Itachi goes into pursuit after Orochimaru, stream of fire left in his wake.

Orochimaru's presence here mixes up everything, to come despite the risks of knowing he could be taking them on together.

To the corner of his eye he sees Sakura shift herself up slowly, clutching at her head.

"Damn it, this migraine is going to last for hours." She grunts to herself.

Jade eyes meet his own questioningly before taking in the background. They widen slowly in panic and realization, chest knotting that too much has happened while she was unconscious. She fights the urge to cough, covering her mouth to not breath too much of the smog in.

Gray smoke encompasses the air, fires shades of bright reds to pure blacks run trails around them.

"You're not fighting with Itachi; are you?" She asks carefully.

Sasuke shakes his head, gesturing to the edge of the forest not yet surrounded in flames.

"Orochimaru." He replies.

Sakura's features darkens, stomping the head of a snake that nearly coils around her ankle.

"He's here?" Sakura asks, brows furrowing. He can't already know about Kabuto, know it was her...

"Stay back for now." Sasuke further prompts.

Sakura feels her retort bubble up before she can stop it.

"Are you going to kill him? Orochimaru...Naruto told me he changed for good in the future. Killing him means no longer having access to some of his useful information."

Sasuke's eyes narrow. The future changed as soon as Naruto told him the truth about Itachi and his clan.

"He's not good right now Sakura, he came here to take my body incase you forgot."

Anger ripples through her features before she schools them back into a look of calmness.

"No, I didn't forget! I'm just saying everything we do creates a ripple effect!" She barbs back, each word jagged.

Frustration runs across her expression because of course she could never forget who Orochimaru is and what he's done to their fractured team, that more than anything she wants to crack apart his ugly bemused smirk, but she nods then seeing the shift in Sasuke's eyes.

He's been looking at every last blister blooming up upon her skin being too close to the heat, probably worried the most about the one that throbs under the back of her right arm.

It's fine, she'll heal herself in the parts of the forests not yet nicked by flames.

"What?" He asks impatiently.

She smiles slowly for him with a shake of her head it's nothing important and despite the billowing smog around them and this somewhat fight their currently in, he feels his stomach uncomfortably lurch.

"Whatever happens, we still need to discuss everything with Itachi." Sakura says instead.

She pauses then gazing towards the clash of metal ringing in the air.

"And quickly. The more he exerts himself the closer he gets to death."

Sasuke simply nods, watching as she disappears into the thicket of smog out of sight. A sliver of worry nearly needles up before he stomps it down, Sakura has willingly walked headfirst into danger or high risk situations on and off the battlefield before and this moment is no different.

However, there is still the threat of Kisame lurking about too if Orochimaru hasn't dealt with him already in some form or fashion...

'Sakura can handle herself.' He knows, straightening himself.

"Thanks; I'll be fine." Sakura's voice catches in the wind from behind him and he frowns, suddenly aware he said aloud his thoughts as well.

He turns back to the ongoing battle, Itachi dodging Orochimaru's snakes with ease.

He gaze turns to the sky, the slow build up of clouds with all the fires burning around them.

'Fires grow stronger with lightning.'

He sucks in a breath, targeting straight for Orochimaru.

"Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire!"

Orange-red flames the shape of a dragon head instantly flow out like a river, sending out a barrage to encircle him.

Orochimaru switches to a defensive position as soon as a flame brushes up against his arm, tearing it clean off before the fire can travel up to his face. He smirks at his reappearance, jutting out a new arm just as another set of fire swirls up near his legs.

"Wind Release: Wind Breakthrough!"

The wind is strong enough to weaken his flames, torrent up a gale wave that uproots the surrounding trees and grass drawing him back some. When it calms, Orochimaru looks unscathed, whatever burns he sustained in the crosshairs having all been quickly shed away.

"So nice of you to return back to me Sasuke. For a moment I thought you'd truly let a woman of all things distract you from your goals." He purrs.

"I'm not returning back to you." Sasuke answers dryly.

And of course Orochimaru merely laughs at his tone, smile widening.

This isn't the first time he's left him without notice after all, believed he learned all he could from him and decided to disappear in the early hours of the morning before dawn only to return again before nightfall at the realization there is always just another trick or move he hasn't shown him yet.

They're more alike than he'll ever admit aloud, Konoha can't offer them the same peace and joy like so many of their past comrades and teachers believed...

With his focus on Sasuke, Itachi meanwhile unleashes a burst of black fire Orochimaru curtails with a mix of water and snakes, forming a makeshift shield blocking him momentarily from view.

All the while his golden orbs never leave Sasuke, matching his growing annoyed stare with amusement.

He has no way out, can't escape from his hold this time.

"Once you run out of chakra that body of yours will be finally mine for the taking! I've waited all these years for this moment Sasuke; your time is up." He relishes.

His body slowly morphs into that of a giant white snake, sharp gleam of his fangs shining amid the blazes ready to pounce.

Sasuke grits his teeth, readying Kirin to strike him down to ash.

"No, it isn't." Itachi cuts in.

He places himself right between them with a speed neither expect, Sasuke wincing as his hand briefly brushes at his neck.

His fingers reach up to where his hand touched, right along his curse mark...

And meanwhile sharingan eyes swirl into the mangekyo.

Susanoo.

An armored giant of deep reds and bright yellows blankets his body, Orochimaru's snake form abruptly pushed back.

"You think such a tactic will kill me or stop me?" He hisses.

Itachi says nothing, directing the Sword of Totsuka forward. He's been waiting for him to finally morph into this form, saved up all of his chakra for this especially now that Sasuke's curse mark is no longer viable.

The sword pierces his body in a single strike, slowly starts sucking him in no matter how he tries to escape.

"Your first mistake was getting yourself involved with my brother all those years ago when you placed that curse mark upon him. The second was making the effort to come all this way knowing there was a high chance you would never return from this fight. This sealing will be your death; a never ending dream. You will never have Sasuke's body." He ensures.

Orochimaru lets out something between a hiss and scream, dozens of snakes try to escape only to be caught in a dance of flames, burnt to a crisp as soon as they reach the ground. The last thing both brothers see is golden orbs dulling in resolve before disappearing into darkness.

The walls of armor crackle once Orochimaru fully disappears, Itachi nearly collapsing to the ground.

"Itachi!" Sasuke shouts, running over quickly to hold him up.

His stomach tightens seeing the trail of blood at Itachi's lips again he doesn't bother to hide this time, helping him to the ground.

This close he can hear the slowing of his heart, goosebumps trailing over him like ice. Everything around them is laden in black ash and soot, probably worsening his condition as Itachi lets out a rattling cough. Sweat beads his forehead, looking at him unblinking.

'No, I can't stop his death; he's dying right in front me!' He realizes, panic sliding up.

He has to find Sakura, is she still too far in forest? Did she get caught up in Orochimaru's wind from earlier?

Or worse, has Kisame chosen now to interfere seeing her here when Itachi ordered him to not let anyone in but him?

"You know, this isn't how I expected our battle to go." Itachi chuckles weakly, getting Sasuke's attention once more.

"Don't talk!" He snaps far louder than he wanted.

They hears footsteps coming up behind them and Sasuke catches from the corner of his eye cherry blossom hair, the familiar scent of jasmine mixed with rain.

'She's here.' Though his relief feels pointless seeing Itachi's eyes start to dim. Whatever fight left in him to take on this disease he has is fading, disappearing into the mud and rocks surrounding them.

Before either can say anything else Sakura's hand is on top of Itachi's chest, green light emitting out.

She spares one glance to Sasuke with a nod before all her attention is on Itachi.

"It's best you stop talking for now. We're making sure you get off of this mountain; alive."


Naruto & Hinata

"That's not a valid reason to see B! Now tell me why Konoha shinobi are here when we received no word of your coming!" A bellows.

He taps his foot impatiently, his mood matching the very storms outside the windows of his office.

Of all the ways to start off introductions, it's via an argument.

"And I keep telling you I need to train with this Killer B to master control of my tailed beast, you know! How is that not a good enough reason?!" Naruto snaps back, not caring for the glares his guards send him ready to attack at his rudeness.

Jiraiya sighs while rubbing his temples slowly, all they've done so far is have a shouting contest with each other. Not even his mentioning of his world famous books fazed A, wondering instead why he would even think he would waste his time reading so called 'filth.'

The latter part stung more than he expected. He'd figured at least one prominent dignitary here would like one of his Make Out Paradises books, if not openly but in secret!

'Not making Konoha look good at all here Kid.' He muses.

If Tsunade was here she'd have already conked Naruto into the ground or sent him into the nearby mountains for his current attitude.

Hinata pats gently at Naruto's arm, regaining his attention.

"Naruto, did you forget we're guests in this country?" She smiles and Naruto winces as she squeezes at a particular pressure point. She whispers something into his ear and he quickly nods, reddening and bowing in apology.

Jiraiya blinks, hiding a smile via a cough.

'Well, that's another way to get Naruto to relax!'

Hinata looks back to A, gaze softening.

"I know we should've sent word via a messenger hawk or ANBU member, but time is of the essence knowing the Akatsuki have already made their presence known in Konoha. I'm sure even your best spies and shinobi have already reported to you the fires spreading across our region. Naruto intentions are to learn from Killer B as a fellow jinchuriki as quickly as possible to help stop them from starting a war, from continuing their destruction on our home and others."

Naruto nods along, Hinata saying everything he couldn't put so eloquently.

Karui arches a brow, politeness doing little to stop her wariness.

Their nations have never gotten along, all of this could be a ruse to learn their secrets or destroy their village as well.

"What about you and the pervert; I'm sure you two didn't just come on along for the fun of it?"

Jiraiya bristles at the title, though Hinata goes on.

"Jiraiya is a Sannin and also Naruto's Godfather. I'm Hinata of the Hyuga clan as I'm sure you all have already presumed and Naruto's girlfriend. One of my nature affinities is lightning and I hoped to learn more techniques that can be combined with my clan's specialty moves." She explains.

Karui hmphs, this woman couldn't have forgotten Kumo's history regarding her clan...

Either nobody has told her the story or she's braver than she looks.

Omoi hums thoughtfully, it all checks out to him!

A scoffs, looking back over the village. Even with the potential for a thunderstorm coming the markets and business areas are bustling with vendors and pedestrians, nobody paying any mind to the rolling gray-black clouds overhead.

"B isn't one to just take on a student, even if they're a fellow jinchuriki. You'll have to prove yourself to him." He mentions when he finally looks back to the trio.

Naruto brightens, this he expected.

"That's fine! What do I need to do prove myself? He talks in rhymes or something; doesn't he?"

Omoi chuckles, Karui even breaking into a small grin as well.

"So you've heard of him, huh? Yeah, you typically have to rap to get his attention or impress him enough in a fight." Karui answers simply.

Naruto and Hinata look at each other, their future selves had mentioned this though they hadn't actually given them any pointers on how to go about it.

"So you trained with this guy who talks mostly in like a rhyming and rapping sort of way?" Naruto-Y questions, pointing to a photo of his older self and Killer B fist bumping at his and Hinata's wedding.

Hinata-Y studies the picture silently. Kumo is the village that attempted to kidnap her for her eyes, is one of the nations Konoha gets along with the least...

But clearly they've moved past that now with Naruto's influence, looking at her future self's relaxed grin in the foreground watching the pair.

"Oh yeah, though that's just how B always talks! I've never actually heard him speak normally now that I think about it, you know! But yes, he can teach you how to have better control over Kurama's chakra." Naruto-O recalls, looking away from his laptop.

Hinata-O nods her agreement, smiling. "Remember how he gave us for our baby shower for Boruto that book on different wrestling moves to combine with ninjutsu? I'm not sure why he thought a newborn would need such a thing."

They both glance to Boruto then zooming around the living room with a Kamen Ninja figure.

He has enough energy without the need for adding in ways he can practice ninjutsu with his sister.

"Take this Mr. X! You won't be finding out my identity today!" He declares, using the pillows as a 'bomb' to make Mr. X explode off into the distant land of the other side of the living room.

Himawari claps along, helping him push the blanket over the masked villain.

She beams at Boruto's nod, copying his actions in running around.

"Go, Go!" She cheers him on as he twists the villain to the makeshift 'prison' of pillow forts and blocks he set up by the bookshelf.

"Well, those ninja shows are definitely influencing him." Hinata-O sighs, scooting Himawari out of the way of Boruto's tower of blocks.

"In this day and age people have more job opportunities than just being a shinobi. Boruto and Himawari may become regular civilian." Naruto-O notes.

"Papa, I caught the villain in under a minute!" Boruto announces proudly.

Naruto-O nods with matched enthusiasm, waving back to Boruto at his grin of achievement.

"Yes, B is always saying he's bored when he interrupts the Kage's video meetings. Though, it's a good thing not to be in war!" Hinata-O chuckles.

Naruto-Y and Hinata-Y look to each other uncertainly, changing the minds of so many is still so far away and each change they make could create another problem...

Himawari peers up at Hinata-O trying to wiggle out of her hold with a gap-toothed smile, Hinata-O barely getting a chance to wipe at the influx of drool at her lips before she scurries off back to her brother.

"Smaller Papa and Mama, join us as my sidekicks!" Boruto calls over to them next, serious conversation done.

Naruto-Y groans while his older self laughs.

"Don't worry, it's better to be his sidekick than playing the villain or the random character of the day who's kidnapped or killed!"

Ah, their future counterparts truly only said he's an eccentric guy.

Karui's smile widens at their expressions, crossing her arms victoriously. There's no way a jinchuriki with so limited social interaction beyond just his peers at the Academy and a pampered Hyuga princess can handle this task.

"Yeah, you heard me correctly! Killer B talks in rhymes so you'll have to prove yourself worthy via a rap battle I'm sure." She goes on.

…Well okay! If that's what it takes I'll do it, you know!" Naruto gripes back at Karui's and Omoi's continued bemused looks.

Clearly none of them believe he can do this.

He turns his attention back to A, weighing his next words.

His future self gets along well enough with the man despite him having very nearly killed Sasuke.

'For good reason, Sasuke was a wanted criminal internationally at that point.'

But even now he can see the distrust still swirling in his dark eyes, he comes from a generation of constant wars and death, always needing to be at the ready for a fight.

"Where can I find B?" He pursues.

A grunts, gesturing to somewhere far off in the distance.

"Probably at his vacation home on Turtle Island: Genbu. He always takes a monthly trip out there."

Jiraiya perks up hearing that, he's heard the Great Toad Sage call that island a 'paradise'.

Maybe a paradise for toads, he hasn't heard any humans who tried to venture out there come back alive...

Still, he doesn't say anything to prevent Naruto's mood from dampening. He's punches a fist in the air clearly excited, this whole journey has been his farthest away from Konoha, especially when most of the older generation wanted to keep him trapped within the village.

Hinata glances towards him curiously catching his slight frown, but he faintly shakes his head.

His gaze switches to A's annoyed look, dealing with another jinchuriki perhaps as stubborn as his adopted brother.

'It's more than likely they may want to try and harness some of the nine tail's power for their nation themselves. It wouldn't be the first time they tried.' Jiraiya considers warily.

"Well, let's get going to this island that's over the highlands!" Naruto jests, Hinata shaking her head.

"It's going to take practice to impress him Naruto."

Naruto squeezes at her hand.

"I bet he'll sweat when he sees how good I am!"

'Or at least he'll be surprised by all I know about him.'

"Yeah, don't quit your dream of being Hokage to turn rapper." Jiraiya snorts.

Naruto tosses him a glare, scoffing back.

"I've seen and read what you write about, I wouldn't talk."

Jiraiya rolls his eyes, but he can't help the grin that arises seeing Hinata's face turn a shade pink recalling his most risqué scenes.

Still, he hopes Killer B's rhymes and raps aren't any worse than Naruto's.

He casts a gaze to the clouds, ripples of sharp grays as a drizzle sets in.

His mind drifts to Gamamaru, Konoha still in flames, Tsunade...

'Just hold on a bit longer, Nagato and Konan still haven't seen my next tricks.'


Kakashi

"Don't close your eyes, you have to stay awake." Kakashi presses.

His order is paid no mind, Fu's eyes drifting shut like falling rain, light leaving her eyes again before he has to shake her again roughly.

"Am I...going to die?" She murmurs.

She lets out a soft hiss of pain when Kakashi can't bring himself to answer, arms and legs littered with a constellation of bruises and cuts that he can't heal without the proper medical equipment. The scent of blood, dirt, and moss pours off of her in waves, clings to her like a second skin. But she is alive first and foremost, the pain pill he managed to get her to guzzle down less likely to give away their position at someone hearing her low grunts or whines every time he has to shift her position.

'Damn it, where has Gai gone?!' He scowls.

He adjusts Fu properly onto his back, hoping she won't slide off again.

Gai hasn't left much of a trail, but he follows the direction he knows he went in, avoiding the deep paths of mud and fallen twigs.

The sky changes from a cottony blue to steel gray, smell of ash drifting into the air mixed with black soot pouring down in a drizzle.

Eventually, he catches up with him outside a cave far enough away from Curtain Village, but still too close in rogue shinobi territory. The highest risk they have to deal with now is someone having overheard of the bounty Fu has on her that Kakuzu had wanted so badly for himself.

That and other spies/shinobi ready to start a fight for their goods while they're weakened.

"I have some good news and bad news Kakashi. Which would you like first?" Gai asks.

Whatever good news he has can't be even that great telling from his grim face.

"We've had enough bad news for the moment so give me the good." Kakashi decides.

Gai nods then in the direction of Fu before pointing in the direction of Konoha.

"I've found a medical ninja who can help treat Fu's injuries."

At hearing her name, Fu's eyes sluggishly open, orange eyes taking in their new environment.

"I...I won't let anyone touch me." She warns, bristling that she's too weak to even escape out of Kakashi's hold when she tries to tug his arms off of her.

Kakashi leans into Gai, lowering his voice.

"And the bad?"

"Ningame and I got a brief aerial view of Konoha and I'm sure your ninja hounds have given you periodic updates too. Konoha is in flames and this medical shinobi? Well, we can't be sure if she's on our side or someone perfectly disguised as an enemy."


Elsewhere-Tsunade

'Death follows you everywhere Tsunade. You shouldn't be surprised by this.'

Tsunade clicks her teeth, despite cracking the face of that being who dared to use Shizune's face, it's words still sting.

Because death follows her like a shadow, a pesky fly she can't push away.

And now she might've lost Shizune, the last reminder of Dan she has...

She shakes away the creeping hurt, the burning in her eyes of tears she must keep at bay.

Right now she needs to be Hokage; a leader without fears or heartache.

There are more of whatever that creature was, hiding amongst their ranks as trusted comrades or even worse; as loved ones and friends.

'If this is a part of Pain's plan, I'm ending it now.'

"What are your next orders Madam Fifth?" A chunin who goes by Adachi questions, voice tinged with a hint the barest hint of impatience that all they've done so far is put out fires all night and into daybreak.

Tsunade clears her voice, ensuring her expression shows no weakness, that her tone is lightning changing her subordinate's tone.

"There are spies within all our ranks. I want an update from all groups on who're the current missing and the dead out of each district; now." She orders.

At Adachi's silence, amber orbs narrow, cracking a fist.

"Did I stutter or should I start with you first to ensure you are who you say you truly are?" She suggests.

Adachi straightens then with a gulp and nod, hurrying back down the hall to report her command.

She follows him out into the shroud of smog as chunin and jonin rush into various positions around her, only then allowing a single tear to fall. Her stomach nearly revolts in pushing up the shot of sake she took, reminding herself of Jiraiya's plans.

But Shizune, things may be too late and then-

No, she can't entertain these thoughts until she learns more.

'Don't be dead, please don't be dead...'


Sakura

'His lungs are congested and filling up with fluid, I need to find a way to clear them faster.'

She clicks her tongue, glancing around.

This mountain is far from sterile, blackened grass and damp mud at their feet. All of it can easily lead to a worsening infection if it gets into any open wound, Itachi already having exhausted a majority of his chakra not helping matters either.

Sasuke catches her gaze, brows furrowing together.

"What do you need?" He asks.

'What don't I need?!' She nearly snaps back, a burning forest coated in ash is the last place to perform an operation.

"Everything in my medical bag, it's on the branches to the northwest." Sakura responds quickly.

"Just let me go." Itachi cuts in gently, Sakura and Sasuke pointedly ignoring him.

"Listen to her and stay quiet." Sasuke speaks again, matching his brother's small smile with a scowl before going to get her bag.

His skin has thankfully gained back some color, no longer the worrying ashy-white of death lingering.

But he's far from better, death's shadow still in the background waiting to strike. Death is what's supposed to happen in another timeline, another timeline that could twist Sasuke back down the road of darkness.

'That won't happen; don't think about the worst case scenarios.'

Itachi's breathing rattles, forcing her attention.

Pretty soon he may lose consciousness either by a dropping blood pressure or his lungs overfilling with fluid.

She listens again to the front and back of his chest, tuning out the sounds of the dying forest, sucking in a breath.

'I'll need to do this by pure instinct.'

Sasuke returns, dropping materials out onto the makeshift cloth of Itachi's torn shirt.

"I need to do a thoracentesis, help relieve all the fluid buildup on his right lung." Sakura describes.

At Sasuke's silence she goes on, hoping he understands at least some of her medical terminology.

"It's normally best done under ultrasound, but I have the materials to do one blind so to speak. I've done plenty before, you have to help me sit him up."

Sasuke nods, stoic expression cracking for a second when he wraps an arm under his brother's haggard form.

"You're strong Itachi; fight this." He growls under his breath, Sakura picturing him during happier moments when he was stronger; healthier.

His skin feels far too cold, sweat beading across his forehead and cheeks.

Sasuke moves to grab a charred oak log for Itachi to lean against, sitting him up as Sakura instructs.

She preps a set of syringes, scalpels, stitching needles, tubes, forceps, and a drainage bag.

Alcohol swabs clean off remnants of dirt and blood along his skin, sterilizing the area as best as possible.

"This will hurt some considering I don't have any anesthetic to give you." Sakura murmurs, Itachi giving a faint nod he's heard her.

The first puncture doesn't even seem to faze Itachi, obsidian eyes set straight forward as she pushes her needle in. She keeps advancing until finally she aspirates pleural fluid a dusky yellow-gray, motioning to Sasuke to pass her the larger syringe and drainage tube.

She attaches the syringe to the line, aspirating slowly watching for any change in Itachi's orientation. There's no real way to monitor his vital signs out here, going by any changes to his skin or eyes.

"I'm fine." Itachi manages, between a cough alarming Sasuke, but Sakura assures him it's normal to cough.

His lungs are clearing.

"How are you feeling?" Sakura questions carefully, gazing down at her prized liquid gold. She's collected enough sample to eventually run at one Konoha's laboratories within the hospital.

With it, she can get a proper diagnosis, start him on the right treatment plans.

At least she hopes there is a laboratory to return back too taking in the ash laden sky.

"...I feel better." Itachi remarks and Sakura smiles seeing the faint grin crack through Sasuke's features.

His eyes find hers, nodding.

"Thank you."

Sakura shakes her head, straightening abruptly sensing someone watching them in the woods.

A second later she dodges a kunai that crosses between him, Sasuke moving to stand.

Itachi follows the movement, sighing.

"I never did tell him about this abrupt change of plans."

Kisame.

'Don't thank me yet, clearly another fight is about to be on our hands.'


Naruto & Hinata

The seas are rough, blue-black waves white-capped with foam constantly rock at their boat or sway them from side to side.

"Feeling okay?" Hinata asks Jiraiya taking in the green hue starting to align his cheeks.

"Yeah, been awhile since I've taken a route by boat is all." He manages out, sending a weak thumbs up. He doesn't feel super horrible to be honest, but he needs to keep up the appearance of looking seasick, carefully observing the Kumo boatsmen guiding them up to the Island Turtle.

Everything feels like it's gone just a bit too easy knowing how adamant A was at first that they shouldn't be going here.

"I didn't take you as one to get sick Pervy-Sage." Naruto regards, maybe he could use this weakness against him in the future!

Jiraiya shrugs in return. It's been years since he's ventured somewhere by sea, much preferring his feet on solid land now that he's back out on the waters.

Naruto meanwhile grins at seeing the approaching land out of the mist, breathing in the mix of seagrass and salty air that cling to the sides of the boat and surrounds them.

"Oi Hinata! Come look at this; you can see fish skimming up right alongside us!" He beams excitedly with a wave, Hinata giggling at his eagerness leaning into him as he points to silver scaled fish that jump along the waters as if trying to race them. He presses a light kiss to her forehead, beaming as her smile widens.

Jiraiya frowns, Naruto readily treating this excursion so far like a mini vacation as he watches the pair. He happily brushing sea spray from Hinata's cheeks while she flicks a strand of seaweed out of his hair.

'This could be a good moment for my novel if my stomach wasn't moving up and down so much!'

A man appears at the docks out of the fog, nodding to them and helping them off the boat.

"Greetings to all of you. I go by Motoi and I received update from the Raikage to personally escort you safely through the Island Turtle." He announces.

Naruto nods, recalling his name brought up in passing by his future self.

He interlocks his hands with Hinata, gesturing towards the wild fauna shades of dark greens to strange purples, hearing the faint growl of something in the distance. The animals and plants that call this island home can't be found in any of the other nations.

"I assume he told you I would like to train under Killer B and Hinata would like to learn more lightning techniques?" Naruto mentions.

Motoi nods, pointing to wait for him at the edge of the pier as he helps Jiraiya up.

He pauses noting his seasickness apparently gone as he shakes out his hair getting up onto the pier without aid, dark eyes watching him carefully.

"So...did the Raikage mention the other reason why he was so okay with those two being here?"

Motoi frowns, pleasant smile cracking.

"...I have a hunch. If things are truly as bad as we've heard in Konoha then wouldn't it be best these two stay here on the island longer; at least until Konoha is safer to return back to? A jinchuriki and a Hyuga aren't people we want getting into the Akatsuki's hands."

Jiraiya snorts, moving to walk ahead of him.

"It's something that should've been brought up before we left. Naruto and Hinata are stronger than they look, they've seen the future after all." He states just loud enough for him to hear over the crash of the waves against the wood boards.

Motoi nods, features becoming carefully blank.

He's dealing with a Sannin, two jinchuriki (once B realizes he has guests), and a Hyuga. It's best he chooses his words wisely.

"This is for the best for now. You don't want your godson and his girlfriend being injured or killed on your watch; do you?" He counters gently.

Jiraiya's eyes narrow, though he says nothing in return.

He sighs at seeing Naruto's hopeful grin of all this island can teach him, unknowing yet he and Hinata are being kept here partially for their own safety (or for other reasons he has yet to ascertain) while he may need to return to Konoha without him...

It all reminds him too much of Danzo.

Because sooner or later the secret will be exposed and they'll escape from just another 'cage' they've been put in.

He matches Naruto's grin as he approaches schooling his features into one of calm, feigning another bout of nausea at his curious look.

"Don't slow us down being all sick and stuff!" He huffs.

Jiraiya pouts, ruffling at his hair.

"Sorry, next time I'll vomit on you so we'll both be slowed down!" He cheers.

He waits until he looks away from him before he lets his smile fall.

'It's only a matter of time before one of them finds out.'


-x-

Sorry for the long wait, but thank you all for your patience! As most of you might've read from my past endnotes, a majority of my June has been thrown off by travel. Unexpected at my grandfather's passing at the beginning of the month to more happier plans for a family reunion I had up north in New York last week!

I made efforts during both trips to write when I was in the mood and edit, hopefully there aren't too many grammatical errors to be found now that I'm back home and have reread through everything.

Next chapter I will try to figure out how to write Killer B's rhyming speech along with his interactions with Jiraiya and Hinata! (I'm sure it's going to be a bit of challenge lol) Itachi as well is moving towards a change of heart, not Kisame though!

Let me know your thoughts as always!

Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!