The Cursed Woman

Chapter 12: Formalities

Wounds exist whether they are internal or external, they existed. Though sometimes aside from the prying eyes they remained invisible and cut deeper than any blade or kunai ever could, something like this is viewed to be deadly and evil. They could manifest into everything a person could hate from a long-lasting memory, hallucination, or even result in physical actions. Wounds had come in all shapes and forms, from the brave and bold to the evil and cunning. They existed.

Most kept it away from the prying eyes and held it in silence, though something with such an outstanding power could become the downfall of one. Wounds were scoffed at and seen to represent a weakness for many people, it was something that held them back from their true being. Those who expressed it were claimed to be insane and dismissed, and while those who embraced it had become more powerful than before, there minds growing while they ripped these "wounds" off of them.

Extraordinary truly. Many didn't have such power. But, those who did. Well, they continued to grow day-by-day, and maybe that was what others had lacked. Embracing the bad, the horrible, the ugly. Gathering and harvesting it to make it something else had made an individual stronger, it led to the growth and expansion of an individual, many learned from this simple lesson as it had proven hard for many and easy for others.

Though despite an individual growing from embracing these, another form of embracing this had become a problem for many. These wounds continued to exist on their bodies and found their ways into their souls, eventually claiming it with a dark and bloodthirsty desire. It was an example of the darkness that could exist within it, something that could be created into something good could also be carved into something terrible.

Tobirama had been on the road of these wounds, he wasn't sure what to think. Logic. He breathed the word in his sleep, it simply didn't make sense. However, his very own "wounds" existed, maybe his brothers or clan members didn't notice but he slowly began to notice the strange thing. Finding that it had only been a nuisance rather than a blessing. He thought about it for a while, when he would lay in his chambers and stare at the ceiling.

Why did he feel this way? What could he do about it?

He thought and calculated throughout the session of it. Though he had formulated that these wounds had derived from something whether from a diverse amount of experiences from loss, grief, hatred or even attachment. He had only felt this when he had arrived home and everything returned to normal, the way it was before. He had to force himself into getting back into the habit of doing what he did before, whether it had been eating normally or even training.

The idea of freedom was still adjusting in his head, but of course, he kept his lips sealed and struggled by himself. He had watched his brothers adjust easily and act as nothing happen, but they didn't truly know what happened when he was with her, he could practically feel the brightness of her sad smile as her shining and beaming blue pair of eyes. Everything had happened so slow from the gentle touch of their lips, to the sight of the cursed Uchiha eyes appearing in his vision.

It was a terrible nightmare, only one that had actually come true and had been a reality for him. He could remember losing focus in training and recalling the sight of her eyes, she had been an Uchiha, with blue eyes? He was confused but sure she was an Uchiha. He had felt some sort of anger towards her, he had known her family had killed many of her's, but he had been aware that his very own clan had done the same to her people, it was a neverending cycle of troubles.

Tobirama watched quietly as other clan members retreated further into the compound, he had just arrived back from a mission and was slightly sore. Stretching his muscles he eyed his father who had glanced over to him and his brother approvingly. He averted his eyes and made his way to his chambers with the intention of freshening up, it was another day for a successful mission, it was like every day.

At night he would rest and dream of her picturing her bright smile and how she had helped them escape, how they bonded through the thick bars of steel. Then he would see her when she smiled and kissed him, before sending him into a genjutsu with her eyes. He would wake up in a start, sweat lapping his skin like a second layer and his heart pounding in his chest, he couldn't remember why he dreamed about it, was because he had realized she had become his worst nightmare, an Uchiha?

He hated it. Hated how she was an Uchiha. But, somehow he had known she had saved his life, she had knocked him unconscious and when he awoke he was in his clan house, seeing his brothers around him and his father crossing his arms over his chest. He could recall hearing as Kawarama had cried about Akari sacrificing herself for them and used a clone to help carry him back, he was still taking in all forms of information.

She had saved him?

He furrowed his brows, he was thinking too hard about it. Though he was right, she had saved him, despite their clans being at war with another, despite the fact they killed each other's clan members she had decided to save them. Also, that had to mean she knew they were Senju all along, that was why she had never mentioned her last name and simply said she was a commoner with talents of healing.

Even he wasn't a fool to believe that. However, he had believed that along the lines she was someone from an important household, not the Uchiha's. The Uchiha's were known for their dark features and dark eyes, she had blue eyes, they were also known for their talents in fire and swordsmanship. Not healing. She was against all the custom norms within an Uchiha household, she was the opposite from them, most brooding and dark, she was bright and happy.

Everything an Uchiha wasn't.

Tobirama sighed as he looked into the small mirror, his sharp red eyes locking with his reflection, "why?" He shook his head as he continued to scrub his skin, the heat roaming his skin with the occasional sounds of the dripping water. He bit his inner cheek, his fingers wrapping tightly around the pipe as he clenched his teeth. He breathed out deeply, his nerves bouncing in his body, "stop." He spoke softly to himself.

He didn't want to think about her. He didn't want too. That incident was years ago, but somehow no matter what he did her bright and piercing eyes found themselves into his dreams along with the beautiful smile of her's. He remembered pausing and halting himself, beautiful, she was an Uchiha! He couldn't find her beautiful at all.

Butsuma had called Kawarama to the meeting room along with a few other clan members, he sat straight up with his keen eyes focused ahead, his hands across his chest with the clang of metal in his ears, as he was still in his armour. He narrowed his eyes watching as Kawarama squirmed in his spot before taking a deep breath, his eyes flashing over to his other clan members seeing the hardened look across their faces.

He took a deep breath, they were aware of what might happen tonight? But was his son?

"You are aware of tonight's mission." His deep voice shook the room itself, "there are things that may or may happen." His gaze drifted towards his son who focused his eyes on him, he gulped any form of nervousness and narrowed his eyes. The mission was simple, ambush the Uchiha's. But, the Uchiha's weren't a simple enemy. They were strong and with those cursed eyes it made them even more powerful.

Butsuma knew the consequences for sending his son onto the field so early, and that this night could be the last time he would see his child. However, this was war, and war never spared a single thought for a child or woman. His children were made to be powerful and become the strongest in the country, they were to be seen as overwhelming power. He didn't doubt that they could be seen that way, with his two powerful eldest sons, one and prodigy and another a wood-wielding ninja.

His sons knew the effects of being in the war, they knew their duties, "however, Intel has informed us that they know and are aware of the ambush." He leaned forward pointing towards the map as the rest of the ninja's focused their eyes on it. He points at the entrance of the forest, Forest of Daku, the forest named for the simple constant darkness it always had. This was a disadvantage for the Senju's and an advantage for the Uchiha's who blended into the darkness.

"The entrance of the forest stretches about five kilometres, it would be impossible to cover it all." He tapped in the middle of the forest, "that is why were are having multiple teams going." Kawarama looked up in shock, it was a simple mission of ambushing the Uchiha, he didn't completely understand everything. All he could do was keep his lips pinched together and focus on the flow of his father's words, all he knew that was his father grudge against the Uchiha's were deep.

Kawarama felt the warm hand rub his head as he stared at Harishma, his eyes glowing at the boy wrapped him in a tight hug and pulled him close to him. He silently laughed but displayed a big smile, his brother was an odd one of the bunch, and it was easy to see from the way he had talked to everyone regardless of rank and was even informal with them. Whenever lectured by Tobirama he would laugh it off as a big joke, stressing him.

"Now be careful!" His voice echoing through the compound as some others nearby gave him a certain look, "nee-san, everyone is looking." Itama whispered closely as he glanced around, Harishma simply placed his hands on his hips and grinned as he rubbed the top of Kawarama's head again. He slowly stopped laughing and gave him a soft smile, "war is dangerous Kawa," he paused as he gently gripped him by his shoulders.

"If the chance must come you must escape. Don't think about the mission." He opened his lips to deflect the words, though sharply silenced, "your life is more important." Kawarama could still feel the sincereness behind the words, his father had always constantly preached that if getting captured to commit suicide in order to prevent any secrets or information about the Senju's getting out. It was a different feeling he got in his chest about being told to live.

He wondered if it was okay to think that. Was living in a peaceful world so hard? Though tonight was the ultimate decision, would he be able to live long enough to see it?

The heat from the summer night was thick with the deep-rooted heat and the burning humidity. The trees stood witness to the midnight's massacre, the taste of blood flowing onto their thick branches and the bark being flooded with the thick substance. Screams echoed along with the piercing sounds of clangs of metal, the minds of many wandering as they carried the will of their clan leaders. Many died and many suffered.

The simple mission of ambushing the Uchiha's had become complex as they had fooled the Senju's. Instead of the Uchiha's going through the entrance of the forest they had gone from the outskirts and in small teams had ambushed the Senju teams from the sides. It may have seemed too simple, but the Senju were unprepared regardless they had prepared for the worst as both sides had suffered, though the Uchiha were winning.

Kawarama had remembered the feeling in his body. He couldn't move a single second early or a single second late, it was critical and could decide his life. He clenched onto his kunai as he waited for the sounds of the Uchiha's and hearing the sounds of their footsteps. He felt the hand on his shoulder and looked over, seeing as another Senju clan member, Toshiko Senju, an older boy than he would have been rumoured to be skilled as ten ninja's combined, gave him a simple nod.

It was reassuring for the moment but he was still terrified. He felt his muscles pulse as he looked over to Toshiko his eyes wide as he nodded in his direction, both of them gotten ready as they adjusted their hips. Kawarama began to calculate where to hit and dodge, thinking of how to react to quick actions. However, hearing the whoosh was the wind and not anything. The group of clan members remained still as nothing happened and he looked over to Toshiko in confusion.

The older boy mirroring the same reaction, though with speed he quickly threw his kunai towards Kawarama who stiffened and nearly fell back as Toshiko rushed forward pushing his small boy behind his. CLANG! Kawarama couldn't stop hearing the sound as he looked over seeing the blood-eyes, the same eyes Akari had, and watched the cruel smirk on the Uchiha's face as Toshiko barely managed to deflect the attack from the sword.

It was almost as if an opening as the sounds of screams echoed throughout his ears and the pounding of his blood rushing to his ears. Kawarama felt himself skim his knee as he barely managed to raise his sword for another ninja clashing into him, he grounded his teeth seeing the bright and piercing sharp eyes locked onto him as he focused on his trembling hands. His opponent, an Uchiha grinned at it, seeing the weakness in the boy.

The Uchiha jumped backed majestically landed onto the branch in front of him as he performed a series of hand signs and raised his hands to his lip, Kawarama's eyes widened as he blinked uncertainly what to do. His fingers around his blade trembling as he stared at the man, he was so scared. He didn't know what to do and how to counteract the attack, his entire body shook as he stared at the grinning Uchiha and watched as the bright fire shined light through the piercing forest.

His breath caught in his throat as he only stepped back watching as the flames continued towards him, he was going to die. He just settled in his steps. He was so weak. He couldn't do anything and dodge even a simple jutsu. He bit the inside of his cheek, he was going to die without apologizing to her. It was stupid to be thinking about her, she was an Uchiha someone who could have hurt him, but in the end, did nothing.

Instead, he had felt more close to her than ever before. The odd moments of silence as they would stare into the sky, the talks between them concerning the most interesting Jutsu's, everything about her made her seem so surreal and different. Her aura. Her knowledge. Hell, her entire being was something of a blessing.

After what had happened he had thought about it long and hard and overall had decided it wasn't worth it. To destroy what they had built over what their ancestors had decided, their friendship wasn't something as brittle like that. Sure, it had only been a week since he talks to her by himself, but before they had similar interests when they first met and clicked automatically, now they had spent more time together it seemed like everything was meant to be.

Kawarama blinked the small tears away, "I am sorr-" Kawarama felt the heavy body smack into him as both he and the person go crashing into the nearby tree. Feeling the touch of heat graze his hair barely, he groaned as his back hit the tree, feeling the arms around him he had watched the sharp eyes in front of him. The deep brown eyes of Toshiko as he seemed angered, "what the hell are you doing!?" He shouted as he pulled Kawarama up to his feet.

"You can't be still. This is war!" Kawarama stared at him. He was right. This was war. Friendship was friendship. But this had been their reality, he wanted nothing more than to live in the fantasy that he had created with Akari. He wanted to be friends with and not have to worry about the possibilities of their interactions being deadly to another, he wanted that so badly. But, this was war. War. Something he could just easily toss aside.

He stuttered for a moment, the strain in his voice clearly annoying the older Senju, "I-I know!" His voice drowned in the clangs of metal. Toshiko shook the young boy's shoulders again, he didn't want this to be the day this child would die, he could see so much in his eyes the endless amounts of things he could do in the future. This was just a rock in his path he had faced, if he could overcome this he could overcome anything.

"Fight. You need to fight. For your brothers, for your father, and for your clan." Kawarama nodded as he pulled he gripped his sword with a steel grip, "don't forget about us." The Uchiha behind them laughed out loud, Toshiko barely managed to turn around in time seeing as Kawarama leaped forward quickly countering the several kunai. He gasped to himself at the quick response, where he was lecturing about making a kid fight and nearly dies.

He laughed to himself as he stood to his feet slightly grimacing as he lifted his kunai when he saved Kawarama the impact of him crashing into him and the tree had a toll on his rib cage. He separated immediately from Kawarama as he had engaged into fighting with two other Uchiha's ninja's, looking around he had seen the massive disadvantage around him. His other clan's members laying limp and others injured heavily.

He bit inside his cheek, this angered him. Finding another reason to fight harder, he clashed with the Uchiha's.

Kawarama ducked quickly as he turned around a quickly kicked the Uchiha who groaned softly and flew back into the nearby tree. He twirled his sword in his hand as he dashed forward helping another Senju member. Somehow with the given motivation, Kawarama saw to shine a new light, one that had been rare and similar to Harishma that made his other clan members become more hopeful.

His body shining a form of aura as he twisted and defended against his opponents. Though, Kawarama wasn't like his brothers the wood-wielder or the prodigy he was just an ordinary Senju. Somehow that affected him as he crashed into the ground and his breathing overtaking him, he grounded his teeth and dashed forward again his speed slower than before but quick. A simple kick to the stomach had sent the boy crashing into the ground only for it to happen again, and again, and again.

Hissing out in pain he held his stomach as he looked around to his clan member, particularly seeing Toshiko and the trail of blood seeping through his thick armour but he still stood up defending against his opponent. Kawarama grounded his teeth feeling the burning pain in his ribs as he got up again, "stay down kid." The bottom of a foot slammed his body into the ground, his teeth clashed as he felt the blood seeping from his cut lip.

Groaning he looked up seeing the annoyed Uchiha, his red eyes sharp and annoying. He needed to get up, hearing the crash over next to him, he watched as Toshiko hit his head on the ground, his eyes widening as the spot of blood appeared on his head. He sucked in his breath trying to fight against the foot but to no avail couldn't get up. He stared at the Uchiha as he leaned over talking to his clan members.

He needed to fight. Seeing the flash of a moment of his position he quickly rolled to the side and drove his kunai into his leg, the man letting out a scream as Kawarama got to his feet. This had resorted in the slam of the fist landing into his cheek as he stumbled and quickly was picked up and tossed into the nearby tree, the screaming of the man echoing in his ears as he looked overseeing the Uchiha pick him up and kneed him in his stomach.

Crying out in pain he fell to the ground, watching as the blood from his wounds lapped around his armour and the soreness in his body take advantage of him. He couldn't move. He could already sense that he had less chakra to perform a jutsu, clenching his feet he watched as he was picked up yet again. His eyes rolling for a moment before settling onto the man in front of him, he sucked in his breath seeing the deep red.

"You have some balls, kid." Kawarama groaned as he was slammed against the ground again. He needed to fight, get up. He shouted at himself but even he knew his limits. He slowly got to his knee's, his adorable face filled with swelling, bleeding and deep wounds, somehow he begged and begged for a miracle for someone to save him and his people. He had things he wanted to do, see and hear. He was still young and a future had been ahead of him.

Praying to himself he watched as the Uchiha raised his short sword, Kawarama stared at the weapon of steel. He looked at the Uchiha, was this the grim reaper? Red eyes, black clothing. He was going to die and there was nothing he could do. So, he waited and waited for the sound of the blade and nothingness to appear in his ears. Watching as the blade was slowly brought down he gasped and locked on the red eyes.

Suddenly he could taste something. It was metallic and reminded him of copper. He looked up seeing the rolling eyes of the Uchiha and the splash of blood on his face, what was happening. Watching the Uchiha fall to the ground he could barely see the small figure and hear the loud cries of pain and clangs of metal until there was none but the sound of the Uchiha's gurgling on their blood and the soft footsteps.

Kawarama stared at the man that was going to kill him, his eyes rolled back as slowly the pool of blood filled his clothing around him. He was dead? Kawarama looked up seeing the footsteps, was he in a genjutsu? But, he wasn't. Looking up he had spotted a child. With a fox mask on and the colour of blood covering the clothing. She stepped forward and spoke softly, "you are safe." Her voice was soft and hypnotic, he blinked at the figure watching as the man covered the features hidden behind the thick clay.

His fingers clenching the soil between his fingers as he watched her slide the sword behind her back, the thick silence echoed around them as she stood still over the bodies her expression hidden from him. He gulped as he stood to his feet, he didn't know who this person was! He had to act, he picked up his sword as quickly thrust it forward with all his strength he had only stumbled forward as the individual swiftly moved to the side. The wisps of her hair dancing in the wind catching the attention from around them.

The girl had effortlessly killed these group of men, she didn't hesitate. Was she a Senju? Or a person from another clan?

"I am not your enemy." She spoke softly, Kawarama's grip around the sword trembled as he stared at her, he was scared. Scared of what this person was capable of, what she could do to him without hesitation. He clenched his grip around the sword tighter and narrowed his eyes, bending his knees forward he prepared for her to move again. She left her arms at her side remaining completely defensive, he glanced behind her seeing as Toshiko sent an unsure look to his eyes, the look in his eyes grilling into Kawarama's skin.

He huffed out loud, "Kawarama. Put it down." He spoke softly, his hands shook again, was war always like this? Uncertain and filled with luck and wishes? He clenched his teeth hard hearing it grind into his ears, he slowly placed the weapon down watching as she stood over Toshiko and bent to his level. No sound echoed from her as she stared at Toshiko who tried to make out her body language, leaning forward she placed a gentle hand on his wound, the hue of green appearing around her fingers.

Immediately causing people around to look in shock, the only clan to have healers was the Senju's, was she a Senju? Or sent by the Senju's?

Kawarama had watched carefully as the girl healed them all, leaving the group of Senju's in a state of shock. Many were speechless watching the girl healing them quickly and without strain over her chakra while others feared that she would slice their skin apart. He didn't know what to do. Though he had been thankful that Toshiko had acted quick, Kawarama's eyes glowing watching as he took charge. He bit back the bitter feeling of dread and guilt, he had wanted to be like his brother's so much.

He wanted to be intelligent, strong, and even charming. But, it had been his reality that he was nothing like them. He was just plain-old Kawarama, that lacked in his affections from his mother, suffered a traumatic experience from a few years ago, and was the youngest of the Senju from his brothers. Nothing amazing or even something he was known for. No matter how many times he had practiced he was still the same from before, the boy that was seen as the pitiful youngest son of the Senju's.

He wanted to change it. However, even he knew he couldn't. He wasn't capable of that at all.

Lifting his gaze from the ground he had felt the gentle hand on his ribs, he watched in amazement as the girl was slowly healing his ribs. The mask covering her face through her hair flowing gently, he sucked in his breath smelling the scent of sakura, the scent filling his senses and making his head spin. He gulped, "why-" His voice croaked not realizing that he had even spoken, she continued her lips pinched together only letting the scent of sakura drift into the air and the faint sound of Toshiko making a new plan.

"Do you need a reason?" Her voice filled his ears, she paused and looked up to him, "ask your father."

The night was filled with blood and metal, the thick trees covering the forest floors and the metal engraved into the soil. It had been ultimately decided that the plan for the Senju's had been destroyed and instead had been in favour with the Uchiha's who had won and obliterated most of the Senju's except for some that had been saved and escaped quickly. Kawarama could only remember arriving home to see utter chaos, his fellow clan members suffering from the pain the gates of the compound filled with people ushering around and moans of pain.

He had felt the pain in chest watching as his fellow clan members twisted in pain. He had barely managed to snap out of it as he felt the large hand on his shoulder, his eyes breaking from the chaos and locking with his father. He couldn't feel the judgement leak from his eyes, though he found himself speechless and managed to mutter the simple words, "father?" Mixed with confusion and uncertainty, what was he supposed to do or say?

She collapsed against her bedding, her heart racing as she clenched her arm in pain. Gritting her teeth she watched the small fox figure sit down in front of her, she screwed her eyes shut for a moment trying to calm her breathing down as she watched the thick blood seep through her fingers. She closed her eyes for a moment pressing herself onto her bedding as she slowed her breathing to hear around her, she remained quiet for a few seconds listening to the tapping sounds of the nearby pond and the faint sound of conversation.

She sighed.

Leaning her head against the wall she looked down to her arm, hissing at the sight of her arm she slowly and gently pulled the kunai from her arm and the two shurikens. Gritting her teeth from the pain she watched the gush of blood cover her skin and clothing, she reached over to the small hand table was she had prepared utensils for her possibly getting hurt. Thankful she had done so she pressed her the white cloth to her wound and immediately watched as the blood quickly covered it, she narrowed her eyes and folded it together only to watch it become completely soaked.

Reaching over again she had done the same again and again, once she had controlled the blood she sighed feeling the sweat build above her brow. Slowly she started to heal herself watching as the wolf pressed his head softly against her knee and whined, she bit her lip, she was always alone during this process. Whenever she had been injured it would be herself that would patch herself up, she never trusted anyone, she had learned that the hard way of trusting someone when you are most vulnerable could be your downfall.

Yet, her was a wolf-of some sort laying across her lap licking at the other minor wounds. She wasn't alone. She felt the prick in her chest. Be bold, be strong, be invincible, be the best. Apart from those words meant never showing emotions, but somehow she was losing herself, losing the way she had forced herself to live for many lives. She hated what she had done, but yet she wondered if this was the right decision, to kill her people? The ones that helped her grown for the past years and watched her become stronger.

She didn't hesitate though. She had seen Kawarama and the danger he was in. If she had hesitated for another moment, he would be dead. But, in his place, she had killed her clan members, people who wanted nothing more than the best for her. She killed those men. She had become her clan's very own enemy.

She sucked in her breath feeling the bile in the back of her throat. She heard the soft whimper as she looked at Gekka his eyes glued to her as she leaned her head against the wall, watching the moonlight peek from her window, raising her hand above his head she watched as he flinched. The action hadn't gone unnoticed by him, she sighed and softened her eyes and gently ran her fingers through his fur, she watched the look of shock cross his features as he bathed in the gentle touch by her.

Her eyes drawn to the multiple tails, "you and I-we will never be alone." She spoke softly watching his eyes shake for a moment, gently watching as he pressed himself to her chest and curled into it. She hid the blistering pain in her arm as she wrapped her arms around him. She couldn't explain it, her bond with Gekka. They were both different and been alone for a long time, somehow both of their lonely bodies needed each other. She had known that his existence and her stumbling upon him was something important to her and her future.

Maybe she didn't see it today or tomorrow. But, she will see it soon.

She hummed feeling as Gekka had slowly slept she had questions that needed answers, something she thought she would never get. Looking down she stared at Gekka, she pressed her head onto the wall and closed her eyes the feeling of the small warmth from him making her smile through the terrors she was beginning to start.

"Did you hear?" Renta spoke as he bit into the apple, Kouta raised an eyebrow staring at his friend. He swiped his hand against the sword as they were both looking at each other, "apparently the mission the other day where we were supposed to ambush the Senju's had gone bad." This immediately caught the attention of Kouta. Both the boys had been outside cleaning weapons of the household and had been going about their day but of course, Renta always learned the newest form of gossip but rare info about anything concerning missions.

"Almost 2/4 of the Uchiha forces were killed while the Senju's barely managed to escape, apparently Kanato and Ryuusuke managed to capture the document we were looking for." Kouta's eyes widened at the statement, he was impressed that the two brothers had been able to succeed but was marvelled at the information concerning the death of their clan members, "t-that's crazy." He stumbled over his words, he was shocked that the Senju's managed to notice they were being ambushed that fast to act.

"But here's the thing." Renta leaned forward, "the Uchiha's weren't killed by the Senju's but instead by the Fox spirit." Kouta could feel the waves of anger roll off of him, he narrowed his eyes at his friend nearly making his skin jump, Kouta leaned over with a quick smack of the head as he watched Renta fly back into the pillar of wood and clenching his head in pain. Kouta shook his head and lifted another sword and continued wiping it, "a fox spirit!?" He rolled his eyes as he watched Renta get up with a frown on his lips and rubbed his head.

"What I heard was true!" He shouted, Kouta sighed and rolled his shoulders, "you're so gullible. It's obvious that they were killed by the Senju's. The only way they could be able to get information regarding anything on the mission was that there is someone giving their information. That is the only possible logic behind it." Kouta hummed to him nodding in the process but watched as Renta went stiff and looked behind him, he raised an eyebrow at his friend frozen like a statue. He narrowed his eyes and parted his lips and thought of scolding him.

"You're right. Information like that could only be gathered with a mole, or we are being spied on." Kouta felt his shoulders freeze as he looked behind him and locked eyes with him, feeling the rush of blood in his body he jumped to his feet and bowed quickly followed by Renta. Both boys scrambling with their words and thoughts as they prayed they didn't die for speaking out of the league, Kouta gulped feeling the tension crawl his skin, "my lord. I-I-am sorry." Kouta managed to spit out, hearing the silence made his stomach clench tighter in anticipation.

Then with slow steps forward, he had watched as his shoes drew into his view, "please. You do not need to bow to me." His voice was soft and gentle that it made Kouta squeeze his hands together, the sweat rolling in the palms of his hands as he forced himself up slowly staring at the important figure. "L-Lor-" He watched as the Uchiha raised his hand and shook his head, "call me Kanato." Both of the boys looked at each other again, they were simply speaking through simple looks. Unable to speak Kouta pinched his lips together, "oh well. Hey, there Kanato." Kouta could feel his blood pressure skyrocket as he looked at his friend with no hope of returning.

Kanato was taken back but simply chuckle and responded with greeting him back, "I know it may seem like it may be a stretch but I am aware you are friends with my sister." Kouta bit the inside of cheek based on the words Kanato spoke, he sensed no malicious intent behind them which relieved him slightly. He gulped and listened to him, "my sister praises you, the both of you Kouta and Renta, if I am right?" He tilted his head to the side as Kouta eyes widened, she had talked about them? Kouta and Renta were aware that the girl was hanging out with them more often, she would bring them snacks or even train with them during their breaks or whenever she had found them.

She was treating them like a friend. Kouta aimed to hide the smile on his lips but was easily noticed at Kanato's sharp eyes, "I am surprised you would even recognize us." Kanato hummed raising a finger to his chin making Kouta bit the skin between his teeth, he nodded at his words. His fingers adjusting around the base of the books he was carrying, "well I have seen you before." He smiled staring at them. Then it had been utter silence. No movement or words were brought to light, the only thing that had been heard was the breathing from the boys. Slowly Kouta could feel his insides crying with pain from clenching so tightly and his eyes burning as he tried not to peer at the Uchiha for so long.

"Are you going to study?" Renta asked as he took a step forward. Kouta could feel his heart jumping from his chest as he watched Renta walk over beside him and peered over his shoulder looking at the books in his hand. Kouta could slowly hear the sound of his funeral bells in the distance, he was going to be killed. The cause of his death would be at the cause of his best friend becoming too familiar with higher-ranked individuals too quickly, no matter what he had said to him Renta had always managed to a way around his words.

Kanato picked up the book, "oh this is about fire jutsu's." Renta hummed as he examined the book, "what are you going to do with it?" He asked Kanato before looking down at the book again, "uh, read it?" Renta nodded, "that's super cool." He spoke with a wide grin. Kanato was slightly taken back by the reaction. He always used to people around him acting to uptight and always being formal with him, despite him constantly telling them to call him by his name rather than 'lord' or 'sir' he found it straining.

Though he was never like Akari bright and bubbly, his personality could never be like her, overall he could never be like her. He couldn't attract people the way she did, it was a blessing the way she did. He smiled at the thought and chuckled, "would you like to learn?" He asked watching the grin fade for a moment before he watched the boy jump into the air with the brightest smile, "w-would that be okay?" He looked over to Kouta who uneasily rubbed the back of his neck. Kanato stared at the book for a moment than them.

Maybe he should get out of his shell a little bit. He gave them a small smile, "of course."

After the encounter Kanato had with the two boys he had found himself spending more time with them and Akari, the four would always be together practicing, eating, or entertaining themselves. They had developed a bond, something they found so strong and exciting. It was new and fresh like a wound, but it had become deeper and deeper, and soon the four became five. Kanato, Akari, Saiko, Renta and Kouta. The five stuck to each other's hips like glue. When Kanato and Akari had met Saiko, they both had thought her too be beautiful with her silky long black hair and elegant posture and her delicate features, she was something Akari immediately loved.

Akari had found herself constantly looking for Saiko and soon she found herself treating her like something important, she had seen Saiko as her mother-figure from the way she had treated her, the times she would be scolded for training too much or not eating, and on special occasions, she would be helped dressed by her. Akari wasn't sure herself, the girl had only been a handful of years older than her but treated her like her own. Akari couldn't help but find a woman who would treat her like a daughter, she enjoyed the feeling of having her comb her hair or simply sitting beside her eating dango, it made her happy.

But that was the worst thing that could happen. Because even the things that make you happy and smile, could become your biggest weakness, and sometimes enough is never enough. Akari knew that.

A woman who lived for centuries in the body of a child had learned so much from each and every life but the demon always found this funny. Watching the girl try to change her life and the way it began to the way it ended, it found it entertaining watching as she pranced around trying to become stronger, hide her feelings and somehow find love between it. It made him happy. Watching when everything she had loved so dearly come crumbling down into her hands with her being the only person to blame.

Her existence had been a problem for each and every person around her and no matter how much she tried to change it, the outcome of her existence would continue to exist. So he would continue to laugh and laugh, his smile stretching at the ends of his lips and his heart pounding with excitement watching as she would cry, beg, and fight every second through her life. And at the end of it all, he would watch her express her emotions to him. At first, it had been anger and hatred, but then he found her smiling and thanking him.

He would feel strange. He would continue to laugh but curious at her next answer when they would meet at the end of her life. Curious what she would say. Her reactions, her words, her actions, everything about her had made him more amused and interested. Watching as she had been forced to grow through several dark experiences, from a child to a woman, he wanted to see how she would live her life and how she would approach everything. Though he had laughed again watching her expression as he curled against the black-haired woman.

The gentle smile on her lips making his chest burn, he hated the way she had looked at the woman let alone anyone she had connected with. He hated it. His eyes crinkled at the sight watching her fingers curl around the woman who gently hummed and stroked her head. He wanted to kill her. He sighed with a plastered smile on his lips. His eyes glowing at the thought of endless possibilities of making the cursed woman experience even more pain, he laughed so hard he could feel his organs nearly jumping from his body.

Licking his lips he raised his hand watching the darkness surround his dark bronze skin as the twisted smile crawled up to his lips, he burned his gaze into the woman before looking to his right. The pot filled with clear water as watched the figure of the woman humming appeared again and soon the two other boys, he was laughing again, his laughter echoing into the dark air as he pressed his long and sharp nail into his skin. He watched in amazement as the trail of thick blood filled the pot the clear water completely vanishing and instead of appearing the red and tainted water instead.

Feeling the goosebumps on his skin his eyes glowed as the scene briefly passed over his eyes and he paused laughing before looking into the long mirror of Akari, "suffer." He sang out loud.

Learning to love was hard. But keeping that love and that bond was even more difficult.

HEY GUYS!

BEEN A WHILE, RIGHTTTT!

So I just wanted to check up on you guys and how you think the story is going?
BTW I READ ALL THE COMMENTS, I mean how could I not?

I am literally shaking because of how many people love my fanfic, I honestly didn't think anyone would like it at all. But I am so glad you guys do.

But as for shipping its a free-for-all!

I was thinking of throwing in my own male OC's that will have a major impact on Akari's life with the Uchiha's and her possible love interests (Tobirama, Izuna, Kawarama. Etc).

I decided to drop a few HINTS at the end of my chapters so you will be expecting them to affect the storyline SOMEWHERE (Hope you guys don't mind-thought you would enjoy it TBH)

HINT: The Sarutobi clan and the Uchiha clan will?

What do you think?

Let me know your thoughts on the chapter.