Chapter 15
The strongest love can demonstrate its fragility.
Hanzo paced around the room evaluating the exchange between him and Danzo. Since then, Misaki did not awaken from her slumber since the Akatsuki were summoned at the palace. It had been almost a week Hanzo was so sure that he had Konan under his thumb, she had been under Misaki's control for so long that he hadn't expected to keep the children's origin a secret. A knock on the door was heard and Hanzo gave the order to enter.
"Is she the same?" he asked, referring to Misaki's state of health. "How is she"
The servant bowed in fear. "My lord, it seems like she is dy-", Hanzo grabbed the man by the collar.
"What did I hire you for if you can't heal her", The man could smell Hanzo's poisonous breath starting to feel the air. The servant's skin started to prickle as the purple smoke started surrounding him.
"Master-", Hnzo grabbed the servant's collar.
"She has lasted through two great wars and now you are telling me she is dying without any explanation as to why", he said menacingly as his grip tightened. He threw the man across the room. The man clutched his throat as he watched Hanzo act out his fury. Hanzo's eyes darkened as he kicked the man's head with strength enough for it to bounce at the opposite side of the room.
"Ahhh", Hanzo screamed in fury. Hanzo threw objects across the room. Misaki was the only thing that he loved in this world. There was no way she would willingly leave him. More importantly, without her help and control, he wasn't sure how long he would remain in power. He could already hear the people talking about Konan's stand against him. Her kindness for taking in two orphans. Now instead of what girl or man could impress The Salamander the most, it was prayers on Soraya's safe return.
Hanzo was afraid. Misaki was more than a sister and a lover. He built this small village alongside her. She was the second pillar of power.
"Now, Now, I expected more from The Salamander, or have you become weaker with age", Hanzo turned around and he saw an old man with the all too familiar Sharingan. Hanzo was caught off guard, there were only two Uchiha's left. One was a mere boy and the other accompanied Soraya.
"Who are you",
The man smiled. "Someone who wants you alive for the time being". Hanzo went in for the kill and the man easily stopped him and pinned him down.
"I take it that you didn't learn one thing from our last fight, although you were 4 decades younger", he said, releasing Hanzo. Realization hit Hanzo, and his heart naturally sped up in fear.
"Yes, it's me Madara Uchiha. You may sit down. I don't plan to kill you. I come with a suggestion to your problem with Konan. As she seems not to know her place", Hanzo's interest started to peak and Madara knew that he had Hanzo's attention.
"What do you have planned and what do you benefit from it", asked Hanzo with skepticism.
"You see I'm dead, Itachi more or less is my reincarnation and Soraya is the reincarnation of Ishana Rui, all I want is my soul to find eternal peace"
"And how is that"
"The first step is to bring two children in this world with the Rinneagan and one of them already has one in his possession"
"Nagato? Don't tell me you were the one that placed them there"
"My own eyes, in Uzumaki? Absolutely, he is the only one that can generate enough Chakra to carry such power. But, you already have a full-fledge Mangekyou Sharingan in your possession"
"Itachi is under the Akatsuki, not Amegakure.", Hanzo clarified. Danzo's words were still lingering in Hanzo's head.
"The Akatsuki is still under Amegakure", Madara stated. "Soraya is your daughter, and it's customary for a Father to train her and make sure she is an appropriate heir to Amegakure. And as her Father, you would want the strongest candidate for her hand. Itachi is the best candidate out of everyone in this village. And to have one of Konoha's strongest weapons at your disposal. Hanzo I'm so surprised that you haven't thought about this'', Hanzo scoffed at the thought.
"Konan is not going to let a murderer like that marry Soraya", Hanzo started to drink a glass of wine.
"Last time I checked, you got to decide Soraya's hand in marriage, and Itachi meets the criteria quite well", Hanzo still seemed unsure. Itachi clearly had his own agenda. He was listed as wanted and flee on sight in most Bingo Books. It was one of the reasons he did not engage with the Akatsuki. Along with Kisame, that duo was bad news. He saw them once work together on an S-class mission and he knew he would have to tread lightly, especially now Misaki is out of commission
"How does he meet the first criteria?", Hanzo questioned.
"Salamander, I guess all men become bitches to their wives eventually, even when their heart and dick are deep in another's pussy", Madara chuckled to himself. Madara could see the fire burn within Hanzo's eyes. It was quite delightful, and Hanzo would play into his hands so easily.
"When do you want this marriage to take place",
"That's more like it", Madara smiled. "How long do you think it will take you to train her in the Rui Blood Limit?", Madara asked. "She is needed for my plan for eternal peace"
"Every Rui is different, and has a different set of Powers, the basics is all she needs to know and she will have to develop them on her own. I have our family's documents and the rest are in the Land of Whirlpool. Three Months at most", Madara nodded in understanding.
"What about Amegakure assassination techniques",
Hanzo laughed as he finally understood Madara's plan. "You plan to have me die at the hands of that girl", Hanzo continued laughing in disbelief. "Not going to happen, I will gladly teach her everything to watch her die at my hands". Hanzo had many apprentices that failed to pass the final test of murdering him to gain mastery of Amekagure's technique. "That frail little girl. Against me?"
"You laugh but she told me that she knows what you have done to Konan, the fact that she recognized that secret technique of fuinjutsu so young and inexperienced with shinobi life should have you scared. She will eventually discover that she has to kill you and take your blood to dispel it." Even Madara knew that Soraya killing Hanzo would be a long shot. However, if she couldn't do this, then she was worthless to him. He bit his cheek, even with a ruthless plan like this, her safety was his main concern. Nevertheless, this was a quick way to get prepared for Ninja life.
"I will gladly take your offer", said Hanzo. "Watching Konan see another one of her children die, and feeling her emotions on the brink of despair, will be so tantalizing"
Madara faked his smile at Hanzo. He was truly disgusted by this man. The fact that Konan lasted so long under Hanzo's and Misaki's thumb. "And Konan will forever be yours", Hanzo smiled at the idea. She could never replace his sister's company, but the thought of the power he would have over her was too much. Madara took the time to leave, Tobi would be done soon.
Konan secretly watched from the doorway as Kisame was with Masaru's lifeless body. It didn't escape her the gentle way that Kisame rubbed his head and how he smoothly talked to his lifeless body. Kisame had been sulking since the incident at the palace. At first, Konan thought it was just a normal teacher worried about their student. However, she soon came to realize that Masaru probably was the second person that touched Kisame's heart. Konan suggested that he talk to Masaru, to make him feel better. Konan didn't know how to explain it, but she knew that Masaru could hear them. Conversely, she could feel him slipping away. Kisame, ironically, was the one that kept her hopes up.
"Buddy, you have to wake up" Kisame grabbed his lifeless hand. "Your sister is going to blame this on me and this time I'm innocent", he said jokingly.
"You have a lot to live for. Soraya coming back, having your first kill, your first fuck, hell maybe even a first love.", Kisame gazed down and took a deep breath. "I had a first love, still have one, until I met you she was the only thing I cared for unconditionally" Kisame scoffed at a memory of him overhearing one of Nagato's and Soraya's conversations about love and the different types. "Her name is Mei, I failed as a lover to protect her from the Mizukage. That's why I joined the Akatsuki and took the sword, but I promise that I will train you so you will never feel the pain of feeling helpless of giving up your love.", Kisame caressed Masaru's head. "Samehada told me you would be the first Lightning user to be wielded by him, he told me you would live"
"I never thought I would see Kisame, so comforting", said Nagato awakening Konan from her trance.
"So rest now because Samehada and I are going to enjoy breaking you and consuming your chakra", Kisame teased
"I rescind what I said,'' muttered Nagato.
"He is not as heartless, as he seems to be", Konan said flatly. Nagato knew that Konan wasn't intentionally trying to be rude, but it didn't escape him that she was on edge since the palace.
"He's been like that for days", stated Yahiko not looking for a response, referring to Masaru. "Do you think we should let Soraya know?" Yahiko reminding her of Soraya made Konan feel like a failure as a mother.
"No, she needs to concentrate on getting well." Konan could feel in the pit of her stomach that Soraya's situation was probably direr than Masaru's. How could both of her children be in medical danger at the same time? She kept replaying what could have been different in each scenario. All it did was give her greater self-loathing.
Nagato felt a familiar presence around entering the compound. Konan felt a strong Chakra wave as well. They walked outside and were greeted by a man with a mask.
"Who are-", asked Yahiko.
"What are you doing here. LEAVE", yelled Konan knowing exactly who was under the mask. "Itachi told me about you, you are not welcomed here", Nagato and Yahiko were surprised that Konan even knew about Itachi's past. He never spoke about it to anyone. But their assumptions were wrong because he clearly talked to Konan.
"I'm glad to see that the scared little orphan has turned into a strong, vocal woman", he said. "I come here with good intentions."
"Konan, who is he?", asked Nagato.
"He helped massacre the Uchiha along with Danzo, Madara Uchiha"
"Madara Uchiha is dead", Yahiko said in disbelief.
Konan shook her head. "Itachi is indeed powerful, but even with that prowess that boy couldn't do it himself, Itachi isn't naturally a killer, and he was there to make sure that the clan was slaughtered."
"That's why you gave him a haven", said Nagato putting the pieces together.
"I still don't believe that is Madara Uchiha", said Yahiko. Tobi chuckled at Yahiko. He wasn't wrong. The real Madara was talking with Hanzo.
"I come with a proposition, or more of a heads up", Konan could feel his smirk beneath the mask.
"Hanzo will choose Itachi Uchiha as Soraya's husband", Konan was startled at the proposition. She started shaking her head.
"Itachi is not going to agree?", said Konan confidently. "She is 14 and I won't allow it. I care about Itachi, but there is no way I'm going to allow her to marry someone with so much blood on his hands. That will break her and I will not allow her to be in a loveless marriage like I was. No"
"Are you sure?", Konan looked at the fake Madara in confusion.
"They are friends at best, Itachi would not marry her against her will"
"They are friends, and do you think he can take losing another dear friend?", probed Tobi. "Don't you think he would protect someone he cares for deeply, oh wait you haven't seen them these past few months so you haven't seen how those two interact. I have and may I say Itachi has nothing but the utmost respect for your daughter. Monitoring her when she's asleep, doing little things when it's obvious that she's in so much pain and fatigued constantly. I have seen marriages built on a lot less", laughed Tobi.
Konan slapped him in anger. "Leave her out of your plans", she demanded pointing a finger in his face.
"Damn Mama Bear, that actually hurt.", Tobi rubbed his jaw as if fixing back into place. "I'm going to forgive you this one time. I gave you some shocking news, but the next time I will kill you."
Konan gazed into his eyes with such ferocity that Nagato and Yahiko were afraid to interfere. "Not if I get you first".Hard rain started pounding in the area. Konan smiled in defeat. Shaking her head not believing the dire situation they were in, realizing that she had no room for negotiation in this situation.
"Before we start wishing each other's death, there is another proposition I would like to give you", remarked the fake Madara.
"I think you said enough today.", said Yahiko pushing Konan behind him. "I can tell you Konan is the gentler of the three of us, and I don't trust you."
"We want the same thing. Peace for all Nations, for everyone to have eternal happiness"
"You just threatened our wife, and you want to talk of peace", Konan looked shocked at the admittance. It wasn't against the law for a woman to have more than one husband, but her being Queen and an actual royal. it was something that they kept very discreet. "Whatever you think we want, is a pure perversion."
"Look, I came here to help, I to want Hanzo gone from this Land"
"For what purpose?", asked Nagato. Nagato was picking up negative energy from this imposter. "Is it for the people, or your own selfish needs, either way, we don't need you, so leave." Nagato unintentionally started to activate his Rinnegan.
"Your eyes", said Tobi. "I can help you fully utilize them to their full potential"
"Lies", retorted Yahiko. "Nagato do not listen to him. You leave or we will get rid of you by any means necessary", his voice was laced with pure venom.
Tobi seemed to think about the best way to handle this situation and decided that they would probably not listen to anything he had to offer. He would definitely have to report back to the real Madara, but truly there was nothing that the three parents could do to save Soraya from her fate. He was honestly impressed with how willing they were to fight for her.
"I will take my leave", Tobi left as quickly as he appeared. After a few minutes, Konan felt her knees buckle and went down to her knees. A loud sob was heard throughout the air and the surrounding mountains. It was then she vomited the contents in her stomach.
"No, No, No,", she whispered to herself knowing the truth of what was happening to her body. "WHYYYY", she yelled. Nagato and Yahiko were there at her side. Yahiko gave her a knowing look before holding her tightly in her arms. "Soraya, I'm sorry", she whispered knowing full well that she couldn't hear her.
"It will be different this time", said Yahiko. "I promise", Konan shook her head knowing the grim truth that she may lose this baby as well.
Soraya dodged an attack from Kakashi, she then saw him move quickly around her. She put her arms in defense blocking a series of punches and kicks at various points to her body. It was then she felt a hand on her foot and pulled her down. Kakashi's clone landed a kick to her abdomen but Soraya turned into a log. Kakashi was pleasantly surprised at the substitution Jutsu. Now, where was she? Kakashi stood with his hands in his pockets waiting for her to strike, make a sound, or give away her position.
Soraya took shelter in the trees hiding from Kakashi evaluating her next course of action. Soraya felt her heart clenched. She grabbed her chest in pain and took a deep breath. It was then she noticed that Kakashi was gone from his spot. She then grabbed her weapon, Gouijin. It started to transform right on time into a bo staff extending right into Kakashi's chest to push him back and away from her. It was enough to surprise Kakashi, he backflipped into a defensive position.
"Nice reflex", Kakashi bowed to her in respect. "That's enough of that exercise for today, you have come a long way since we first started", Soraya smiled. She didn't want to admit it to Kakashi but she practiced everything that he taught her these past few weeks over and over again until she understood and mastered each technique. She also researched on her own on battle and combat techniques.
"Thank you Kakashi", she smiled.
"I only caught you because of your breathing. You need to be careful of that when you are in actual combat.", Soraya nodded not wanting to tell him the extent of how she was feeling. She knew that he would make her rest, but she knew that time was not on her side. She had to get strong despite her mysterious sickness.
"I will try harder next time"
"We are not quite done yet with training", he stated. "Do you know your Nature affinities?"
Soraya nodded happily. "Water and Fire! Itachi trained me and that was one of the things he tested for. He said I needed more Chakra control for Fire."
"Well I can give you training drills before you go see Naruto", said Kakashi as he started writing instructions for her on a notepad. He tore it off and gave it to her. "And don't push yourself, you are excelling at a good pace", Kakashi could smell her getting sicker and sicker, even though outwardly at first glance you couldn't tell. When they first started training he noted that she barely sweat even on the rougher exercises. Now, a warm-up she was drenched. Her breathing loudly was a rookie mistake that she never made before. And he saw her clutching her chest. Kakashi was going to report this to Itachi.
"How come you never come with me to see Naruto", she asked.
Kakashi was uncertain if he should answer this question, but he admitted it did seem odd, especially since he did everything else with her. "I'm not permitted to see Naruto", he said simply. Soraya looked defeated at the statement. "Why?", he asked.
"I need someone to care for Naruto when I'm gone, I'm going to return but for the time being he just needs one person to be there for him", Kakashi nodded in agreement. His heart tightened in anger as it was the Third Hokage that forbade him to be a caretaker of Naruto. He was willing to give up ANBU and be a normal Jounin to take care of Naruto. However, Danzo persuaded Hiruzen that Kakashi being that close to Naruto would raise questions on Naruto's origins.
"I'm sorry", Kakashi said his throat clenched.
"Do you care for Naruto", asked Soraya.
"Why", he asked?
"I just felt longing from you and guilt", Soraya unexpectedly hugged him. "I'm sorry we will figure something out, in the meantime Au revoir, Kakashi"
Soraya waited near a tree waiting for Naruto to rush to her side. She saw the parents gather near the school but knew if she mingled with the parents that it may cause some unnecessary tension. So she and Naruto decided to just meet further away from the school at this designated tree. She was still able to see what was going on. It also gave her some time to rest before being with Naruto.
Soraya sat down under the tree resting her head on the bark of the tree. She could feel a fever coming on but knew if she just took a short nap it would go away. She closed her eyes, but during her trance, she felt Kakashi's familiar presence and another female presence watching her intensely. The female felt like she was an older woman. Soraya didn't want to look in her direction, knowing it would give the woman an indication that Soraya knew she was watching her. Soraya felt Naruto shake her awake.
"Soraya, SORAYA-CHAAAN!", Soraya awoke from her trance and opened her sleepy eyes at Naruto. "You okay, I've been calling you for five minutes". Soraya popped up and gave a smile to Naruto.
"I'm totally fine", Soraya stretched. Soraya could tell Naruto didn't believe her.
"Are you sick?", Naruto probed.
"Naruto, I'm the adult I'm supposed to take care of you not the other around", she smiled sweetly. "I promise I'm okay" Naruto nodded in agreement, but Soraya could tell that it didn't ease his worry. "How about we work on some drills", she redirected the conversation knowing Naruto couldn't resist training sessions.
And so the two found a training ground to practice. Soraya liked it because they were mutually learning from each other. The Akatsuki did their best to teach her the basics and fundamentals, but sometimes they forgot that she wasn't born in this world. She learned even more about Chakra control, the history, and the idiosyncrasies of the people. On the other hand, Naruto was improving in his fighting techniques and even got a comment from one of the teachers about his improvement. Soraya was just happy that he was no longer at the bottom.
After some time Soraya sat down. It was then she noticed a girl watching Naruto with a blush. She used a clone to go behind the girl and tapped her shoulder. The small girl gasped and put her hands over her mouth.
"Uhh, uhh, uhh", Soraya observed the blue hair, pale-eyed girl stuttering.
"What is your name?" Soraya asked, bending down to eye level trying to make the girl less nervous.
"I-I-I"
"Take a deep breath", Soraya instructed the girl on breathing to calm herself down. After the girl calmed down a bit.
"I'm Hinata Hyguya",
"Are you friends with Naruto?", she asked. The girl blushed as she glanced at Naruto.
"N-Not Really", she mumbled.
"Why don't you actually talk to him, I think he will like to be with someone his age"
"My nanny said I'm not supposed to?"
"And where is she?"
"She is on a mission right now, so I-I'm by myself for now. My uncle is going to get me after he is finished training with Onii-chan"
"Well it seems that this secret is between me, you, and Naruto", Soraya smiled and grabbed her hand. Her clone disappeared as she walked back with Hinata in tow. Hinata was starting to get very red. "Hinata remember to breathe."Soraya could feel her nervousness vibrating from her which was making her nervous. Hinata started to take big breaths. "Remember Naruto needs a friend too", That seemed to snap Hinata out of her anxiety attack. A look of determination came across her face.
"Hey Naruto", Soraya called. Naruto ran to her side. "This is-
"Hinata. She is in my class, she's pretty quiet". Hinata's face got red again.
"You know my name?", as she got redder. Naruto looked confused at the question.
"Of course I know your name, you are the only girl that doesn't go crazy over that jerk Sasuke.", Soraya's ears perked up at the mention of Itachi's brother's name. "I don't even know why they think he's so cool anyway"
"Well he is at the top of the class", suggested Hinata. "But that's not something I care about", she mumbled, twisting her fingers in nervousness as she shyly glanced at Naruto. Soraya wanted to ask more about Sasuke but knew due to Naruto's attitude about the situation that she would never get anywhere in the conversation.
"Anyway, she would like to train with you, right Hinata-chan?", Hinata who went back to her natural color started pushing her two fingers together and nodded. " Why don't you run through the drills I taught you the other day", Soraya smiled.
"Why didn't you say that in the first place!", Naruto excitedly took her hand and ran back to the training ground. Soraya shook her head as she rested near a tree watching the two play and train. Soraya could still feel the lady watching the both of them, she glanced in her direction and noticed that she was looking right at Soraya intensely. The woman was blonde with two pigtails. She had a green robe on that did nothing to cover her large breast. The woman gave her questioning look before turning away and leaving. Soraya noticed something dropped from her where she left.
Soraya walked there at a normal pace so she would not alarm Hinata and Naruto. What was left was a scroll. She opened it up with a mere three words of a restaurant and time. Soraya was puzzled and ran through all the scenarios of why this random woman would possibly want?
It was then she felt Kakashi's presence and decided to burn the scroll before he came to her location. She watched as he approached and could tell in the glint in his eye that he was smiling under the mask.
"I see Naruto has made a new friend mon amie (my friend)", Soraya smiled at Kakashi's attempt at French which she decided to teach him at his request.
"Tres Bien, Ca va (Very Good, How are you)?", Soraya asked testing his knowledge.
"Je suis content (I am pleased).", Soraya blushed at the statement and how quickly he was able to put basic French together. She was sure to teach him the cajun accent that her family spoke in her world instead of the Formal French which her mother spent thousands of dollars to teach her and her brother. Teaching Kakashi was therapeutic in a way that reminded her of her birthplace of Louisiana, and spending time with her family, especially her first cousins. Nevertheless, the glint in his eyes made her realize that he chose that phrasing specifically and something in her swarmed at the idea. "I brought snacks", he said, raising his hand with a basket. "I didn't know that the Hyugya heiress will be here, but I can give her my share"
"That's super sweet.", Soraya took the basket from his hand and then avoided his gaze. Soraya went back to the tree with Kakashi trailing behind her. She called the two children over and the four starting digging into the snacks.
"So who's this dude?", asked Naruto with his mouth filled with food.
"A friend", her voice trailing off indicating to the normal person that it wasn't quite the accurate word...
"Do you have any family Soraya-senpai", Soraya gave a sad smile to Hinata's question.
"I do, but because of war I can't be with them", she acknowledged.
"I didn't know you had another family", said Naruto solemnly.
"Another family?", asked Soraya. "I have one family which includes you Naruto, don't ever forget that" Naruto smiled and continued eating his snacks. "And sometimes Kakashi", she smiled playfully.
"Sometimes,", he scoffed. "I'll change that in the future", he joked.
"And maybe even Hinata-chan", she winked in her direction.
"Are you going to leave me behind one day", asked Naruto mid-bite. "I knew a woman she would always bring me things and play with me too, but she was killed". Soraya was stumped for words. Naruto clearly missed this woman. And she honestly didn't know if she would live within the next year. Did she bring more than harm, than good?
"Who was she?", asked Soraya.
"She was part of Sasuke's clan, she helped me when the strange men tried to take me away", Soraya looked at him in concerned panic. Kakashi grabbed her shoulder as if to calm her.
"Do you have a picture of her"
"Well I drew one.", said Naruto "well about three, she had one of me and her", he said thoughtfully. Naruto dug a piece of paper out of his back pocket. The paper had creases but was otherwise really smooth. Soraya opened the paper and noticed the very-life like drawing of a woman. The drawing had clearly defining features and was very detailed.
"She's pretty", said Hinata.
"You drew this?", Soraya asked in amazement.
"Is it bad?", asked Naruto. "Aww man, I made sure to add the imperfections as she told me WHY".
"No, she's saying it's good,'' said Kakashi. "Really good"
"Oh, well, she helped me improve a lot, she said drawing was her secret hobby", he smiled. Soraya looked over the woman's face, and there was no mistaking the resemblance between her and Itachi. It was almost uncanny.
"Hinata, Hinata", a woman's voice called out.
"MOM!", Hinata jumped up in excitement. If Soraya didn't know any better, it seemed that was the first time that Hinata saw her mom in a long time.
"Are you feeling better", the woman had bandages around her head, but her kimono screamed that she was from a wealthy family. The woman was plainly knocking on death's door, and Soraya's heart broke for Hinata.
"Seems like you finally made friends with Naruto-kun", she said smiling and waving to the group. "Kakashi it's been a long time", she bowed her head in respect. "I hope Hinata wasn't too much trouble, I wanted to surprise her", she panted heavily through every word.
"No, she was a delight, please allow her to train with Naruto again", Soraya bowed in respect.
"As long as I'm alive, count on it, I can take him home, he is right on the way", Naruto seemed unsure of the kind gesture, but Soraya knew that he had to start trusting adults at some point in his life, this was the perfect time to start.
"I will be home tonight, I promise", she said holding out her pinky. He interlocked it with hers and did their secret handshake.
"By Soraya-chan", both kids rang.
Soraya still had the picture in her hand. She quickly made a seal that would preserve the material for the paper, that way Naruto would always have it. Soraya gazed at Kakashi for answers.
"Mikoto?", Kakashi.
"Wait, Itachi's mother?"Soraya glanced at the picture again and realized that it was indeed Itachi's mother. Soraya only ever saw Kakashi in three moods: Nonchalant, Playboy, and attack mode. This emotion was different. His uncovered eye went from dazed, to confusion and worry.
"Was it a warning?", Kakashi mumbled the question himself.
"What was a warning? Kakashi you are not making any sense", Kakashi snapped back to his normal self.
"I'm sorry", Kakashi said.
"Why Kakashi what is it?", Soraya pleaded for answers. The look that Kakashi told her everything she needed to know. It was big, and he wanted everything in his being to tell her, but he couldn't or he wouldn't it didn't matter. Soraya realized that she had to accept the fact as he was indeed a Shinobi, a powerful one at that.
"I can't trust you with that information yet", said Kakashi slightly downhearted. "I-
"I understand", said Soraya.
"My father, my birth father was a warrior too and had to keep secrets.", she said reassuringly. "Just tell me that you will be alright", she put her hands behind her back as a nervous tic.
One thing was made clear, there was a connection between Itachi, Kakashi, and Naruto. With a village being this small it could be a number of things. Soraya was all too familiar with small-town drama. But this was very different. Kakashi didn't bother telling her about meaningless gossip. She knew half the town's stories because of him. It was then she realized she hardly knew anything about Kakashi other than something kept him and Itachi together on an intimate level.
Melancholy washed over her when her thoughts came to Itachi. She was hoping that they would get to know each other better on a personal level. However, Itachi was constantly busy with other duties.
"Are you worried about Itachi?", asked Kakashi as if reading her mind. Soraya just nodded in response. Kakashi smirked. "I'm constantly worried about him as well, but he is okay", he said patting her shoulder.
"Do you consider me as a friend Kakashi", she asked shyly. "I know Itachi hired you to keep tabs on me-
"Itachi asked, not hired.", Kakashi firmly clarified. "I don't fraternize with the merchandise", Kakashi stood awkwardly, his eye avoiding her gaze. "Itachi is important to me, and if you are important to him, then by extension you are the same to me". Soraya was dumbfounded at the revelation and felt her cheeks get hot again. Kakashi could feel Soraya's arousal in the air and decided it was time to remove himself from her. "I will be gone for a few days, but just know Itachi is close by, if you need to find him look for Yuki Watanabe"
"Okay", Soraya said unsure of what to say. Many emotions were swirling through her. She was truly going to be by herself for the time being. She was also in a nutshell hurt. Logically, she knew that this was their life, that secrets were a part of what they have chosen as Shinobi.
Kakashi could tell that she was having a mental battle to pry more information. He also noticed the uncertainty that plagued her face.
"I know it's hard to trust a person like me, but you can trust that I have the best intentions", he said trying to comfort her. He traced his finger over the bridge of her nose admiring the feel of her soft skin. Then he used the same finger to jab her forehead playfully. "Au revoir, Soraya"
Soraya waited in the back corner of the lounge where the woman told her to meet. Soraya knew that she looked very out of place with most of the clientele being older gentlemen and scantily clad women. She recognized quickly that this place was just a high-end brothel.
"Hi, I'm Shizune, you must be the girl Lady Tsunade is waiting for", The girl was a complete contrast to the environment they were in. Soraya admired her purse smile and the cheerfulness in her eyes. Everything about Shizune seemed good and comforting.
"Are you a healer?", Soraya asked. Shizune's smiled widned even more.
"Yes, Tsunade-sama is my mentor, I'm currently performing some treatments and surgies, but I just want to be just like her, except for the gambeling of course...", Soraya let her ramble more. Tsunade? Where did she hear that name before? Her eyes widened with recognition.
"Do you mean the Sannin, Tsunade?", Soraya asked in total surprise. Shizune nodded.
"What could she possibly want with me?", Soraya thought really hard and couldn't put her finger on it.
Tsunade finally decided to grace the two with her presence. She sat across from Soraya and ordered sake. "Shizune go tend to her patient", Shizune bowed before leaving and said a goodbye to Soraya.
"Tsunade-sama, its an honor to grace your presence"
"Cut the crap, what do you want with Naruto?"Soraya furrowed her brows together in confusion.
"I'm sorry I can inquire the same question", her throat started to close in Nervousness. "I can assure you that Naruto is like family"
"Naruto has no family,"
"Exactly, then why do you care. I don't see you taking care of him, he hasn't mentioned you, he probably doesn't even know who are due to his marks in history, so how dare you accuse me of ill intentions", she said standing angrily.
"Sit down", growled Tsunade dangerously. Soraya was thrown off by the Chakra surge of Tsunade. "You are a Rui, the last time I saw your clan they were murdered for treason and hunted down by the Uzamaki clan, so forgive me if I seem on edge.", Soraya recognized that Tsunade was acting in caution rather than pure venom.
Soraya sat down knowing there was no way she could win a fight against this woman. And somehow she knew that her anger wasn't exactly directed at Soraya. "I know nothing about the Rui clans past transgressions and don't have a connection to them, you might as well call me an Uzumaki because that is my adopted Father's name". Soraya sent out calming waves to Tsunade and when she could tell that she was calmer continued with her explanation. "When I came to this village I saved Naruto from a beating from one of the villagers, I cleaned him up, fed him and took him as my own just like my parents did with me and since then I help with schoolwork, training and he helps me understand this world.", Tsunade's interest peaked at the last statement.
"You mean, you are not from this world", she asked quizzically. Soraya mentally smacked herself for giving too much away. "Then she did escape", contentedness came across Tsunade's face and a small smile.
"Who escaped?"
"Ishana, right before the battle between Madara and my grandfather", Soraya could feel stress and anxiety come from Tsunade. Tsunade clutched her heart as memories that she wanted to forget started rushing through her brain. Soraya reached her hand out to Tsunade in comfort and it seemed to snap Tsunade out of it. "You are a dead woman walking". Tsunade was assessing her body functions when Soraya was with Naruto. Her heartbeat was irregular, her eyes kept dilating at random, and her muscles were constricting so she was clearly in pain. Tsunade placed her hands on her face and started to assess Soraya. Instinct took over as she went through several diagnoses. Tsunade sat back down on her side of the table.
"I can't help you, but If I give Orochimaru these directions he should be able to heal you back to 100%. But you were sick before?", she stated but clearly wanted an answer of her past medical history.
"Leukemia", Soraya stated uncomfortably. Tsunade nodded. "That explains a lot, your new bone marrow is probably not from someone in the Rui clan which is why you don't have a natural balance in your blood limit. Generally speaking the cells in your body can not handle the power you possess. The Rui is known for their Senjutsu and is the only clan that can use it at will without any repercussions. To top it off we get our knowledge of Chakra control from them.", stated Tsunade, Soraya glanced at the Diamond Shape mark on Tsunade's forehead.
"Someone loved you giving you that mark", said Soraya.
"It wasn't given, I earned it"
"That's sacred, only be taught to those we trust the most outside of the clan", Soraya clarified. "It's a gift and more than just a chakra storage, you are most likely not using it to its full potential."
"For a person that supposedly knows little of this world, you seem to know a lot"
"Quite the contrary, I just read the little that the Rui left behind. But what I do know is the basics of Fuinjutsu and that is a seal within a seal, and one of the seals is not your Chakra", Soraya started coughing.
Tsunade decided to table the conversation for a later time. In truth, Tsunade had the same suspicion for a long time. It was then Tsunade that she would do her best to keep the girl alive not only for the personal interest she had, but her potential was high and for Naruto's sake.
"I have news", said Tsunade. "I have been called to Amegakure on both Hanzo's and Queen Konan's behalf for two different patients. One is Misaki and the other your brother, Masaru. They are both in coma"
Soraya's chest started to expand and dissipate at a rapid rate. Soraya could feel her throat close and her eyes start to water. "Will he die"
"I have seen this once before, and it's a literal mental battle or training, but what I remember is that the Rui's usually have two heads; a male and a female. When the time comes to choosing successors it was tradition to train by fire until the successor kills the predecessor."
"So what can you do?", asked Soraya.
"I can make sure his body is in top shape, that way all his brain is focused. But it's something that he has to do himself"
Soraya willed herself to calm down and put her faith in her brother's abilities. "He will do fine"
"I need to go there to get his bone marrow for you as well. Orochimaru will need it for your surgery. The recovery is going to take some time, so pace yourself" Tsunade gave Soraya an envelope which clearly had a letter inside. "Give Orochimaru that once you actually find him. If you don't you will be one of his cadivers."
Tsunade put her hand over the girl. "If it's any comfort, if you survived this long and your brother is even half as strong as you, he will survive. I need you to take care of yourself. Naruto needs you." A tear escaped from Tsunade's eyes and she quickly wiped it away. "I have to go. I have another patient to see", Tsunade left the table without a goodbye. Soraya was caught off guard on how much Tsunade seemed to care for Naruto. Was it because she was an Uzumaki? No. Soraya could tell it was something deeper.
Soraya looked in the corner of the man with long white hair that was studying her. She noticed three women hovering over him. He smirked at her and waved. Soraya scowled and left the establishment quickly and went back home to rest.
Tsunade walked into a cottage that was dimly lit. The sound of a breathalyzer was ringing heavy throughout the living room that she entered. She put her stuff down and placed her hands on her hips.
"I gotta say, there is nothing I don't like about her, but you should have got here sooner. She was probably experiencing symptoms for at least a year"
"Well she is good at hiding it", Itachi laughed through the mask that was on his face. Kakashi nodded in agreement sitting down beside the couch that Itachi was lying down on.
"Itachi and her do seem to have a high pain tolerance.", Kakashi smiled with his mask down. His smile quickly faded back to his stoic facade. "How long until he is done with this round of breathing treatment?"
"Hey, I'm doing my best here. Not only does Itachi have weak lungs, he constantly gets respiratory infections, so sorry if the duration is a slight inconvenience to you".
Kakashi knew he needed to backtrack quickly, he had no intention of making the Sannin angry. Itachi raised his hand to stop Kakashi and Tsunade from fighting. Itachi removed his mask so he could speak more clearly. "He is concerned about Danzo, he is on the move. He made an unauthorized visit with Hanzo", stated Itachi coughing right after his sentence.
Tsunade helped put his breathalyzer mask back on. "You can not rush your treatment, it is the only thing keeping you alive." Tsunade gave his shoulder a reassuring nudge. "I'm done here. Keep him here for another 20 minutes, his last treatment is tomorrow", she said, directing her speech to Kakashi.
Tsunade went back to the establishment that Soraya and her met earlier. She walked up the stairs to her room thanking God Shizune was old enough to finally have her own hotel room, and that she was resourceful enough to make her money to pay for it. It's not like Shizune had a choice. With all the gambling debts that Tsunade accrued it was a wonder how they managed enough money to eat.
Tsunade opened the door and was greeted by a topless white-haired man, with red tattoos under his eye. She smiled, but then switched her face to utter annoyance.
"What are you doing here Jiraiya", Jiraya smiled.
"I needed a place to stay for tonight, plus Sandaime wanted an advance copy of my newest book", he shrugged his shoulders.
Tsunade put her hands on her hips. "I only believe half of that", she responded walking past him.
"I can't say hello to an old pal". Tsunade sat on the bed beginning to take off her heels. "Why don't you leave those on", he said his voice laced with desire. Tsunade did what she was told and put her foot back down near the bedside.
"Is this what we are doing today?", she asked, gesturing to the bed.
"You are the one that came up with the terms. I love you so much I would have given you this money willing", Jiraya contended handing the cash to Tsunade. "Make sure you put some in Shizune's savings", Jiraya knew full well that if she did that, it wouldn't be gambled away. "This should get the loan sharks off your back for a while, but why don't you charge your patient's once in a while"
Tsunade put the money in her purse. Not answering the question that Jiraya posed. "I need to keep my skills current", she mumbled after some time. "Are we going to this or what"
"Patience", said Jiraya. "Who was the kid", asked Jiraya.
Tsunade looked away with tears coming from her eyes. Jiraya was surprised at her reaction, not expecting it at all. Nevertheless, this wasn't the first time that she cried without explanation. He knew something was eating at her for years. Jiraya bent down in front of her and turned her head towards him. "I'm sorry", she cried. Jiraya shook his head.
"I'm here. Do you want to talk about it", Tsunade shook her head.
"I can't", Jiraya knew that it meant she won't. She was the strongest woman (literally) he knew.
"I'm usually numb, not feeling anything than I see your face and something inside me just...", she couldn't finish her sentence. "But that girl, she took down that wall without knowing what she did", she lamented.
"Is it because she reminds you of Ninaurta, the Rui that was your governess?", Images flooded her mind for the fourth time like it was on a loop.
A young Tsunade was doing her daily training by herself, while she was waiting for her tutor to come and teach her more things about healing. She touched the diamond on her forehead that the Rui helped her create a few months ago. She finally mastered storing just enough chakra that wouldn't make her tired but wasn't too little either.
The Rui took her under her wing two years ago after Nawaki was born in secret, being passed off as her brother. She knew the truth of his true parentage. The Rui took pity on her knowing the shame of carrying a child out of wedlock and being the First Hokage's granddaughter. Her parents didn't even know thinking it was some orphan boy that she picked up during the war.
The Rui ran into the room and shut the door behind her. The umber-skinned woman with reddish copper eyes looked panicked. "They are killing us!", she exclaimed. "I don't have much time"
Tsunade blinked in surprise. She knew there was tension brewing between the Uchiha and Senju but she didn't think it would extend to the branch families. "There is no way, they wouldn't kill you, you are MY Governess"
"This is Danzo's doing", she stated. Tsunade's throat closed. "I have no time, they already killed my children and my husband", she wept. "I couldn't leave this world without telling any one of my children how much I-", a knife was suddenly in her back and pierced her heart.
"SENSEI!" Tsunade yelled as the woman fell in her chest. Tsunade went down to her knees with Ninaruta. She could feel the internal bleeding starting to run its course through her body. Tsunade could feel her fear.
"I loved you as my daughter", said the woman with tears in her eyes knowing she was going to die soon. The Rui touched her forehead with her bloodied hand and Tsunade could feel new Chakra flowing through her. "Remember your training, and you will be the best healer of all time",
"Please don't go", Tsunade pleaded. Tsunade saw more palace guards come toward her room and she punched the ground splitting the floor to keep them away. "You were my mother when I needed you most, I can't do this by myself", she cried softly.
"Fear is the only thing holding you back", the Rui smiled as she touched her cheek. "Do what must be done", she whispered as her eyes closed.
"NO MAMA PLEASE", Tsunade rocked the woman back and forth knowing that she was slowly dying and then it finally happened. Her heart stopped beating. All you could hear was Tsunade's quiet wails. She heard two footsteps heading her way and she looked up to see the Second Hokage and Danzo. She glared at Danzo hoping that he would burst into flames.
"Why would you cry over this Uchiha dog?", asked Tobirama.
"You broke a treaty", said Tsunade, tears still in her eyes. She was not eye level with her uncle.
"From my understanding one of them raped you, and you had Nawaki as a result and tried to pass him off as an orphan. It seems logical that a treaty would be broken. Plus all the other treasonous actions that I can come up with to send Madara a message."
"Rape? You think she would allow someone she is authorized to kill live if it was a Rui, it was Danzo"
Tobirama laughed. "Danzo said you would say such things to protect them, you have forgotten your place as a Senju and an Uzumaki", he punched her in her stomach as punishment. "Danzo wanted to marry you, but you refused because of your feelings for Jiraya. Let this be a lesson. Jiraiya is clanless. It would be dumb of me to break up a team as strong as yours during a War, but if I catch you with him doing any type of affection outside of a mission, I will gladly kill him in his sleep", with that the Second Hokage walked away.
Tsunade went down to her knees in despair and utter pain. It was then she realized how much she loved him, but realized she could never say the words. Danzo bent down to eye level with her. "If you ever utter that lie again, I will kill Nawaki"
"You wouldn't kill your own son,", she stated. "I will make sure my son will be a healer, not a mass killer and manipulator like you. He is an Uzumaki with Senju blood.", she spat.
"My dear Tsunade, I just killed a whole entire clan, I don't think you want to underestimate me"
Jiraya shook Tsuande out of her trance. Tsunade blinked as dry tear marks crusted on her face. Her breathing started to slow down. "Why don't we just go straight into aftercare?", asked Jiraya.
"We haven't seen each other in months, I need you to fuck me"
"No you need comfort", said Jiraya firmly. "I'm not some man that you just pick up at a bar to relieve some tension, and you are not a woman that I just peek on in a Hot Spring just for sexual gratification. You are my friend, my lover, and I want what's best for you, and right now it's cuddle time", said Jiraya finishing with his famous smirk. "We can do that later", he said with a wink. Tsunade mimicked his smile with a touch of uncertainty.
Tsunade took her clothes off including her underwear. "I still need skin to skin", Jiraya obliged, taking his pants off, his erection becoming flaccid. He laid down first under the covers and Tsunade came in next resting her head on his arm, facing him. They stayed like that for what seemed like hours. They touched each other here and there, but just gazed into each other's eyes.
"I wish you could just tell me once that you loved me", Tsunade's heart clenched at Jiraya's confession. "I know something is holding you back, but I know you will tell me when you are ready." He scooted her closer to his chest and their legs intertwined. "Sleep, I will be here in the morning"
"You promise", she whispered.
"Always", he said kissing her head.