So this chapter ended up being 8690 words long without author's notes and was actually over 25000 words, but I have decided to split it up a bit.
Start Chapter 19
After nearly two years, Harri was more than happy to finally be getting home. He was tired and hungry, but that didn't matter all that much to him. He missed everyone terribly. Especially after being unable to get into contact with anyone for several months.
"ID and business here?" A familiar Chunin stated as Harri eagerly made his way over to the check-in booth that everyone had to go through before they were permitted to enter the village. He didn't even care at that point how disgusting he was or how tattered his clothing was. He was finally home. It didn't feel real.
"I am Harri Uchiha finally returning from a long term mission!"
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"You're Harri Uchiha? You're that cute little squirt?" Jiraiya sputtered. "But, you look-"
"Why weren't you in communication? What happened? You haven't sent a single missive in over 5 months! I thought you had abandoned the village brat!" Tsunade snarled.
"It wasn't by choice. The client went crazy and then… a cult was formed….. it was a whole ordeal! I'm just honestly glad I finally managed to get out of there when I did… Especially with the whole talk of cannibalism… starting up….."
"Wait-wait wait, what?!" Jiraiya sputter. "Hold your horses there!"
"Cannibalism? Cults? What do you-"
"Lady Tsunade, I'm sorry to interrupt… but… Sand has gotten back to us and has said that they suspect someone with powerful genjutsu abilities has infiltrated their village and that it may be possible that they are part of the Akatsuki!"
"Really?"
"So can I report later? I haven't bathed for weeks, I'm starving, and I would like to start my retirement…. And-"
"Well, that is quite the coincidence, isn't it? How would you like to head to sand Harri?" Tsunade asked in a sickly sweet tone of voice as she smiled almost evilly at him.
"Uh…. Lady Tsunade…. This entire situation is considered top S ranked. Might's and Kakashi's teams already left. Harri can't be sent alone."
"Well I'm Hokage and I say she goes! Congratulations, your being sent on an S rank mission immediately."
"What but my retirement! You promised after that last mission I could retire from missions outside of the village and become a teacher!" Harri protested.
"Well, the Sand needs us right now. You are the only person that I have ever known that was, to anyone's knowledge, completely resistant to any Genjutsu. And besides… don't you want to see your old team?"
All the woman got was an unimpressed glare that reminded her far too much of some warped mixture between a scorned Nara's and Kakashi's perpetual 'Don't push it/I don't give a shit' looks.
"Now get yourself dressed in something…. Less ratty and get yourself going! The last report I got was that they were somewhere in the borderlands of the land of Rivers. We need you to get there as soon as possible. Guy Might's team left last night. I want you heading out in less than an hour."
Harri didn't even answer. He had desperately wanted to see Shika, to see…. Mai… and Shikaku…. Harri sighed nearly stomping from the room before the woman could add anything else on top of that.
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Harri had only had enough time to take a shower and grab some of Sasuke's and his father's old clothes. His own too small now. It felt strange being so much bigger… yet Harri was sure he was probably still the shortest out of all of his peers. Where was the justice in that?
It was easy to pick up the scents of the Guy and Kakashi teams even after so many years. Hyuuga's were especially ingrained into his nose after so long of trying to avoid them with everything he was in fear of being discovered with their specialized eyes. Alone he could move faster than he likely would have been allowed to in a group but even still with what he had gone through… He had to have break after break. He felt weak and exhausted. All Harri really wanted to do was take a nap.
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By the time Harri had arrived, the fighting was already over. The feeling of death heavy in the air…. That and…. Unnatural life blooming.
"Who are you?" A young man dressed all in black with purple war paint on his face growled, eying the Uchiha styled garb he wore in distrust.
Harri furrowed his eyebrows. He recognized this boy who smelled of bittersweet something, poisons? Yes… He smelled of poison. "You… are…. Gaara's…. big brother? Right? I am sorry I didn't get here sooner… Tsunade…. She sent me to fight any Genjutsu user that may have attacked…. I got here too late to be of any use though…. And…. I… apologize for this." Harri said, bowing his head ever so slightly in regret.
"Oh, well. I doubt you could have done much then…. The pair were Ninjutsu users." The young man explained, not taking his eyes of the three laying out in front of them.
Kakashi's head swiveled around, startled almost desperate look on his face. "H-Harri? Is that r-really you?" Kakashi sputtered, struggling against Guy's supporting grip. Desperate to get to his cousin. The look in his eyes was of desperate hope that his mind wasn't playing tricks as he took quick noticeable sniffs of the air. It had to be him but… Harri looked so-
"H-Harri… Uchiha?" Neji choked. Eying the raven-haired boy up and down in utter disbelief. He turned away trying his best to hide the violently red blush that took over his face. "Impossible!"
"Y-you've grown…. Um quite a bit." Kakashi eeked out, looking at the teen with surprised mortified eyes once he actually got a good look at him. He tried his best not to let them stray down to built hips and thighs that looked like they could crush a watermelon between them. No wonder father's often would get so worked up when their teen daughters wore short shorts! The way Neji was eying Harri made Kakashi want to snap the boy's neck and force Harri into the least revealing thing possible! It was an anxiety inducing nightmare! Why was he even wearing shorts? Harri never wore anything like that! "W-What are you wearing? You never dress anything… like that!"
"Oh! This?" Harri muttered shyly messing with the collar of his shirt even as he bashfully gestured at the shorts he was wearing, going red. "I was too big for my old stuff. Especially in the hips…. so I couldn't even try getting anything on!… And my Kimonos are just small enough that they're really restricting in the shoulders. I managed to find a few things real quick between father's and Sasuke's things to put on before leaving. I do regret using this pair of Sasuke's shorts though as they are a bit tight and shorter then I would have liked. The cloak kept me warm enough though…." Harri explained, holding up a thick piece of cloth with one hand while nervously fidgeting with his ponytail.
"Ah…. That… makes… sense." Kakashi said, looking ready to beat Neji's face in when he saw his eyes almost fixated, openly stare down Harri's ultra deluxe booty and covering his flushed face with his hands. He had been caught in that powerful spell the moment Harri had removed that cloak. Helpless.
"I… Am just sorry that I couldn't get here sooner and that… they would… have to resort to something like this." Harri said, ignoring everyone but the pair bringing Gaara back to life. Naruto… and the dying woman.
"Death would have been inevitable for her, though… So…. To be able to do kindness onto another… a Kazekage…. has gained a form of immortality in the minds of those that feel devotion to Gaara." Harri murmured, making his way to stand behind Naruto, eying the woman and tilting his head. "She… has gained a kind of…. immortality….. human's may only gain through the memories of past stories of admiration burning within at such an act…. The death of someone who has truly…. changed is… always so much sadder. Especially…. When they had plenty of time left to live." He finished.
The woman flinched as her eyes met Harri's. They saw right through her. It felt like they were probing every little corner of her, ruminating over everything that she was. Her eyes wondered to the Uchihan garb. Uchiha? Bah! That was no Uchiha! She had lived a very long time and she could say such a thing with certainty. This child certainly wasn't what they appeared to be… They….. it… was not human.
Chiyo smiled crookedly as the child began to fade into a black canine-like beast bit by bit, those unnatural green eyes shining brighter and brighter. No not a human but a god hiding in plain sight….. That's what they where she realized rather quickly. She hadn't ever been very religious, but there was no mistaking it. Chiyo knew of no other creature who took on the guise of a dog to those that were dying. In all of her years she never thought she would great death with one of the god's Black watching over her. And the leaf didn't suspect a thing.
How funny! No way would that Hyuuga be alright with his god being made to come to such a place, ordered around. Even in sand it was well known the fact that the Hyuuga's were near fanatical in their worship of the most temperamental of the old gods. Oh, how she wished she were that fly on the wall when the time came that this blossoming goddess grew bored of playing shinobi. The god's Black were always known for their odd little games, nudging those around them this and that way on the Shogi board without anyone even realizing they weren't really the ones directing the games. A game the great storm god, Sirius often partook in. But this one…. Green eyes….. it had to be! "Harris-"
Harri smiled and put a finger to his lips.
Getting the lightest of chuckles from the woman.
"What were you saying old lady?"
"Please…. Watch over both-both of them. I im-implo-re you. Please-" The woman suddenly began babbling staring Harri down with determination. "I know I may be but… a foolish old woman but…. Just please…. Keep them-them safe."
Harri felt the familiar burn in his eyes. "I do my best to protect those I care for. You don't need to worry about if I am going to show up to their aid. Gaara… is my friend. Naruto to. I will not allow anything to happen to either…. And I would say I can be a bit possessive of those that I care for so you can rest easy." Harri paused for a moment realization hitting him. She was practically gone.. "She's dead." Harri pointed out, right as Gaara's heart and breathing started back up, glancing to the south. People would be arriving any second.
"Lady Chiyo we just manage to get here sorry it took so long and-"
"She-shes dead." Naruto explained sadly. Smiling as Gaara's eyes began fluttering open.
"I expect her to spring up and tell me she's playing possum… like she normally would. Sis just… looks so peaceful." The elderly woman's apparent brother said mournfully.
"Let us all bow our heads and pray for lady Chiyo." Gaara's gruff voice could be heard after a few minutes of softly speaking to Naruto.
Harri glanced around as he watched everyone follow Gaara's direction. He still didn't understand such a practice. What did you pray for? Who would he, a god, even pray to? Especially with all the other's dead…. Did he now… pray to himself? That just seemed silly and narcissistic! She lived a good life….. and she died a good death… A beautiful death redeeming herself… a kind death.
They should have been celebrating this woman not crying over her willing sacrifice! Who they should mourn over was that poor old man's loss of his sibling, the last of his family from the smell of them. Carrying on when he was truly the only one that lost someone incredibly dear to them. Harri gritted his teeth together, forcing himself not to cry because of all of the sorrow around him. The sand had lost so much. He could smell the remnants of blood on nearly everyone there and almost none of it their own. Harri sighed, throwing his cloak back over himself and hugged himself, trying not to think of the death that he seemed to always be only minutes too late from preventing… Harri was shaken out of his thoughts when a deep rumble made the ground vibrate…. Clouds were forming unnaturally fast and dark.
Oh…. It was going to rain again.
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It rained on and off for nearly the whole week that the Leaf shinobi stayed to recover which was an anomaly that hadn't been seen in centuries during the thick of the Wind country's dry season. Some called it a miracle. Harri… well he called it being in a depressing stressful situation…. And forgetting to put his Chakra controlling necklace on…. Though even when he had put it back on….. the storm only faded to something less scary and more dreary. Being a young self-taught storm god really sucked sometimes. He had no idea how to stop it or if he even could.
The moment Harri got home he would be going through the archives….. Though… as much as Harri dreaded the idea… he felt like it was…. Nearly time to head to the palace of the God's Black and try to find himself some more answers. He had been avoiding doing such a thing as long as possible but… Harri was afraid his power was beginning to become too much to be held back by the necklace anymore.
"Are ya' sure you guys don't want to stay for a while longer? Gaara really loves having you all here!" Kankuro wheedled, even as he eyed Harri and Naruto with particular meaning behind his words.
"We have to head back and give a report in person about what happened," Kakashi explained, arm slung over Gai's shoulder.
"I still haven't had the chance to properly report in or even see my Mai yet! I bet she's just so upset without me!"
"Wait…. She was really old, right? I mean….."
"Yup! Old pupper's are always the cutest!"
"Uh…. Harri… You do realize she would um… have to be like 20ish now right? And um…. Go-uh dogs only live to be like 12-15 normally unless they are a special breed of nin dog….. And Mai… um isn't." Naruto carefully pointed out, getting ready for the tears.
"Yeah, of course, I do!" Harri grinned looking ridiculously pleased as he showed the other boy his wrist. After a few moments a tiny seal appeared. "Mai and I, she has been mine long before my father saved me from my uncle in Tea country. The man that gave her to my father may have known she belonged to my clan and probably caught her after she managed to escape the incineration of everyone in the compound. Her kid hadn't survived but, Mai got back to me!"
"And?"
"I'm able to share my lifespan with whomever it is attached to with no detriment to myself with this handy little seal and Mai so happens to have been connected to it the whole time. I hadn't really understood until a few months after I left for my mission and my family's sealing necklace interferes somewhat with its ability unless I actively channel chakra into it, so she was able to age slowly, but now that I understand it Mai won't have any issues."
"W-wait, I not only didn't have to be scared that she would just… keel over one day from old age before you could get back, but you've known for two years that she wouldn't?" Kakashi squawked.
"Uh more importantly, of all the things you could prolong the life off….. You gave that little beast practical immortality?!" Sakura scuffed eye twitching, the other's not looking too impressed either.
"Yup! I can't wait to see her! I bet she just as cute as ever! With her adorable little beard and I big brown eyes!"
Neji groaned and facepalmed himself as Harri practically squealed about the creature and completely embarrassed them in front of their hosts.
"Awe, see Neji? That youthful love is just why Harri is so precious!" Lee cooed like a fawning elder brother.
"That thing is a total menace!" Sakura protested.
"She is wonderful!" Harri insisted.
"That thing goes around stealing people's food, won't leave people alone if it wants to be petted and will even force its way into their homes, fights with all of the local cats, and even Tonton's terrified of it! I saw that awful beast of yours take Tonton down for half a bagel not even a full week ago! The poor Nara's have her practically living with them from what I found out!"
Kakashi huffed, almost looking to be pouting. "You don't have to rub it in Sakura….. I swear Lord Nara gives her extra treats or something with the way she's all over him! She totally ignores me unless foods involved." The man grumbled almost jealous sounding.
"Huh, I don't know about that…. She's always been very friendly and youthfully energized when I have interacted with her before! She even has brought me very shiny rocks after I would play with her and it is very adorable! Though she has not let Neji even touch her. I think it is because Neji isn't…. the most youthfully outgoing or friendly though as Mai is driven by the flames of youth like Gai sensei and I am." Lee said, looking just as excited and nostalgic as Harri was to see the little trash goblin. He ignored Neji's embarrassed growling.
"Also, from what I have been told when Shikamaru came to collect her one day, Mai didn't just show up at the Nara's they agreed to care for her." Lee pointed out.
Harri snickered, "that is true….. This isn't some new thing…. Sakura. Mai and I have practically lived with the Nara's since the Massacre of my clan. The Nara love her to death, Shika will pout and whine all day if she runs off when he feels like being cuddly with her. Also, honestly at this point, Tonton should have known better than to even try against Mai. I mean…. Mai regularly fights with that mean old cat lady's cats near the Akimichi compound and wins and she'll fight them over a Dorito chip so….. It's kind of one of those…. expected things. I mean it was a bagel so…."
"Yeah, that little critter Shikamaru chases all over the place when we visit the leaf is a formidable little heathen!" Kankuro laughed, "Temari's scared to death of her!"
"She is." A deep scratchy voice said, warmth and amusement in his tone of voice.
Gaara sighed and removed his Kage hat. "Must you all really leave so soon? It feels as if you all have just gotten here…. Surely a few can stay behind?" He said eying Naruto then practically staring down Harri with a look that screamed 'I'm in love'.
"Uh…. No sorry. We have to leave.. Lady Hokage will be expecting us!" Kakashi quickly assured, even as his eye twitched at the look the redhead was giving his cousin. Nope, nope, nope-Harri was still way too young for that and as selfish as it sounded he didn't want Harri mated to someone that wouldn't be able to stay in the village. He adored Harri and wanted him to remain in leaf with him and his beloved Iruka so they could fawn over him and protect him and coddle him!
"Yeah, sorry Gaara but I'll be sure to visit when I can!" Harri assured.
"Maybe… I can get lady Tsunade to…. Make you be the Leaf's ambassador to sand? We would be able to see each other nearly every day then."
"Maybe," Harri said in an agreeable tone of voice. Feeling guilty at the way Gaara lit up at that. He honestly didn't want to leave leaf for a very long time after that. He didn't want to hurt his friend's feelings, though.
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Harri grimaced when they finally were released from reporting. Thankfully, Tsunade seemed to be more focused on the Sand village report than his own, so he managed to slip away before she could remember to even ask. Harry's simple long term C ranked mission hadn't been the practical training vacation that had been promised. He couldn't remember ever in his life ever feeling so overheated especially in the leaf.
Harri Pushed some hair behind his ear and shook his head. He was home! He didn't need to think about such things anymore. Harri smiled to himself, maybe he could get Shika to come with him to buy some new clothes? Gaara had given him some pants which he was incredibly grateful for. The shorts hadn't fit him right at all and were too short for his liking, but he couldn't just have one pair of pants to wear. His sandals were a bit ratty to and Harri really rather not be wearing just the Uchihan clothing tailored to his father and cousin's tastes because they most definitely weren't his.
Harri's thoughts couldn't help but to stray back to his best friend. How he looked, what would Shika think of his new looks? Harri felt his face heat up and his stomach flutter strangely at the thought.
He hadn't even noticed when his feet carried him down a street near the Nara compound.
"Sorry Naruto, Lady Tsunade will kill me if I try. I really want to help you man but, we already have a mission she won't let us skip out on."
"I can try talking to her, Naruto is our friend!"
"Your funeral!"
Harri felt strangely frozen. What if Shika would be upset with him? What about Choji? He-Harri- Tink tink tink tink bang- a Scuffle and yelling. Harri darted forward when his brain finally caught up to what must have been happening.
It was over before Harri even turned the corner.
"I've just come to test you." Was the only thing Harri caught after getting a glimpse of an Uchiha look alike.
"Are you all alright?" Green eyes scanning over Choji and Naruto and stuttering over Shikamaru's startled looking frame. The moment those clever eyes met his Harri was frozen in place. They had grown lighter in color. A beautiful mocha brown with a hint of gold and his eyes had become more prominently slanted to, a beautiful almond-shape. More adult Nara-like his face more slender and he had grown. Shika had always been one of the more handsome boys in their village in Harri's opinion but, now he was….. wow. Harri furrowed his brows at that thought when did he start thinking about stuff like that? Shika was his best friend. Was that normal to think that way about your best friend?
Shikamaru's face turned a concerning shade of red when the realization of who was standing in front of him spread across his face. "Ha-Harri? Is-is that you?" He choked out. Those almost supernaturally bright green eyes and that beautiful riot of curly black hair unmistakable.
Harri gave a shy nod.
"You-you've uh…. Grown. What's….. uh up with the Uchiha getup? I mean…. If that's your thing now cool… but-"
"No-no! I just, I had to find something to wear quickly so I could help in Sand but… um I didn't get there until it was too late to do anything! Apparently by only a couple of minutes." Harri mumbled, tugging at a loose strand of hair out of pure embarrassment. "Shika… has grown up a lot too!" Harri exclaimed, a mischievous grin lit up Harri's face. "Very matured…. Though I'm not so sure about dignified!" Harri teased getting a pout from the other boy.
"I was going to say it was good to have you back home but.. your just as troublesome as always!" Shikamaru grumbled, even as practically ran over to the other teen with a look of uncharacteristic determination on his face and snatched Harri up under the armpits with a miniacle grin on his face and began swinging him around. "But that's fine because I don't mind your brand of troublesome as long as I can mess with you like this!" The boy laughed. "You may have grown but you'll always be a shrimp to me!" Shika picked at Harri smugly as his friend began pouting in return.
"Is it just me or is this weird?" Naruto blurted.
Choji smirked, "No. Not really." Choji said, eyes twinkling as he watched his two best friends eagerly beginning to chat like they hadn't been separated for the last few years, laughing together and standing so close they were touching as they made their way down the street. They seemed to be in their own little world together. He nearly snickered when Shikamaru without prompting though with a bit of a put upon look volunteered to help Harri find some new things to wear after Harri explained all he had left were a few pieces of ill-fitting clothing from his father and Sasuke's abandoned wardrobes.
"Me and Naruto will go report this to Lady Tsunade. You go spend some time with Harri." Choji insisted, grinning at how quickly his usually lazy, aloof friend's face both brightened and reddened again.
"What but me and Harri need to find a fourth member for the team!"
"3rd." Harri corrected.
"What?! What do you mean, third?"
"I made a deal with Tsunade. I would take at least 10 B rank missions as a Jounin since she refused to let me stick with my Chunnin ranking and I would work for about two years and then she would allow me to start teaching at the Academy. I'm…. I'm not suited for most environments…. And I'm not suited to the Shinobi lifestyle. I don't care what anyone on the council says. I…. I'm not going to become an Anbu like they have been insisting on since I came back from that information gathering mission before leaving to guard that crazy idiot and I'm certainly not going to give anyone any reason to push me into becoming one." Harri growled.
"Wait, what? Anbu, Jounin? What-what are you talking about Harri?" Choji sputtered. "You never told Shikamaru and me about anything like that and I thought that the information gathering thing hadn't been that big of a deal?"
"I…. It's…. I know more then I would have liked about the Akatsuki. Our B rank mission turned into an S rather quickly…. I can't explain much in detail… I was only able to get-get our team lead out alive. I had wondered why our lead was an Anbu. It was… Unusual. Cat I think he was called. Ninja under the control of the Akatsuki, very powerful Shinobi…. They tried snatching me. Though…. It was apparently something that was already expected without my knowledge." Harri fidgeted with the collar of the ill-fitting shirt he was wearing.
"I and a few other's were brought along to test us." Harri gritted his teeth, doing everything he could not to catch his friend's eyes. "That test wasn't supposed to end up with anyone's deaths though. We were mislead into believing it was a rather basic but more discreet high ranking B intelligence gathering mission…. During it…. The Akatsuki not only were expecting us but had already begun planning my capture not long after my father had failed in his attempt at taking me… It's… part of the reason why I was sent on the mission to guard that young daimyo…." Harri sighed, his shoulders slumped at the thought. He tried his best not to think about the smell of blood so heavy he nearly choked thinking about it to that day.
"Wha' a Jounin? But I mean you like get sick and stuff, constantly! Why would the Akatsuki want you? Are you a-"
"There… are things about my clan that would make me an asset to them…" Harri hugged himself and began walking again. "I believe… I will need one last trip from the village very soon if I…. want to understand…. This connection properly."
"Huh, what are you saying? Why are you being so cryptic all of a sudden?" Naruto grumbled.
"I…. Think I will be needing to heading to… Tea Country soon…. I have a great… many things that I will need to collect if we are going to keep the powers that be in check. I should have done it before coming back but…. I was…. I wasn't in the shape for it." He continued frantically muttering to himself. Clearly distressed.
"Harri?" Shikamaru muttered, clear alarm in his tone of voice. "Hey, hey, calm down. We can get some clothes tomorrow I'll find you some of mine that should fit and we can go straight to bed. I'll even get you something to eat on the way so we don't have to cook. You just relax. We can talk in the morning or not. Whatever makes you feel more comfortable." He insisted, putting a calming hand on Harri's shoulder and wiped at the tears Harri hadn't even realized were falling from his eyes in burning trails. Shika smiled and pulled Harri to his chest, gently running hands through Harri's wild hair uncaring of the blood soaking into his jacket.
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Too thin. Was the first thing that came to mind when Shikamaru wrapped his arms around Harri. Much too thin. Starved. The next was that Harri was too warm. Much warmer then he should have been.. Hotter than he had ever been. And he smelled strange, but Shikamaru's nose was still not the best so he couldn't really figure out much from scenting the other boy. It didn't matter though. Not anymore.
Harri was with him, he was back and nothing had felt more right with the world until then. It was like all the pieces that had him wondering aimlessly uncaringly through life had clicked back together into the person he had been before Harri had left. Shikamaru sighed, smiling as Harri nosed his scent gland in his sleep. Calmed by the other teen. It was like he had purpose again. This… was right.
In the morning Shikamaru would make something for Harri to eat and then they could go clothing shopping after that he would take Harri to go cloudwatching together like when they were younger! Just the two of them with a picnic so they could lay out and sprawl out in the sun until evening. After that he could go and take Harri to go visit the deer with him and- Shikamaru flushed red at the realization where his thoughts were wondering to. Were… they always seemed to wonder to now when he thought of his friend. He shifted, pulling Harri atop him in a more comfortable position. Shikamaru frowning as he absently carded his fingers through Harri's riot of curly hair.
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Harri felt… off. His stomach hurt and his head was lightly throbbing and he was hot…. And now he had to deal with some new teammate and lead that he didn't even know because apparently Sakura and Naruto were still obsessing over Sasuke and everyone had the great idea of dragging him along for the ride. Wonderful. Why couldn't he just spend the day cuddling with Shika? He had missed him so much, so so much. Harri felt like everything was finally going to be okay again and now. Harri forced himself to breath just like Shika' had told him when he was stressed. Trying to calm himself down. He wished at the very least Kakashi was there. He had missed him dearly.
"Where have you been? You missed the team introductions and exercise! You didn't meet us for the briefing with Gran, what gives? You're never like this! We had to deal with this jerk all alone!" Naruto grumbled. Pointing at a smiling pale Sasuke look alike with straight hair.
Harri wasn't sure what to think or say when he saw the other boy. He recognized him, his scent so painfully familiar after so long of only having the scent of Sasuke around when it came to Uchihas. The only son of Wakashin, he hadn't interacted with them much, but Wakashin had been kind and would give him beautiful drawings sometimes. He couldn't really remember much as he was very young when they disappeared, but the eyes and pale skin were painfully familiar. He was sure he had played with the older boy more than once when they were children. The other didn't seem to recognize him though.
Then… Harri spun around, senbon in hand. "I told her I would never work with an anbu again. Is this some sort of test again?" Harri hissed, energy crackling around his fingertips.
"Calm down! There is no need to get worked up. I promise you. I'm just in charge until Kakashi gets back on his feet! We really need to start to get going, but as we walk we can have you introduce yourself to us and we can introduce ourselves to you."
"I don't need an introduction from you. I never forget unique scents…. Especially after nearly being killed." Harri growled, eying the man with distrust.
"Introduction's don't matter all that much anyway because I was already informed a 'Yamoto' would be leading us and a 'Sai' would be joining our team," Harri explained, being quick to walk ahead.
"Wow….. what did you do to her?"
"Why do you think I did something?" The man asked, bewildered.
"Because I ain't ever seen Harri dislike someone that much that fast….. Like Harri's normally super cheerful and super sweet and I don't think she'd change that much no matter how long she would be away from the village. It isn't in Harri to be mean or rude, so you definitely had to have done something." Naruto said, nodding sagely.
"Even I have to agree. That's weird behavior for Harri, definitely."
Yamoto sighed, sheepishly scratching at his head as the group followed Harri. "We….. were on a mission together a few years back…. It was…. A bit misleading….. and….our teammates died. I actually recommended Harri be taken on as a possible Anbu trainee… with her strong electrical-based Ninjutsu and strong understanding of the human body, I thought she would be perfectly suited for the interrogation division…. She was… horrified…apparently."
"Yeah, Harri has always been strong, but that doesn't mean she'd want to do something like that! Harri's really gentle!"
"Interesting." Was all Sai said, eying Harri, oddly.
At the same time Yamoto frowned. This may be an issue.
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After Sakura and Naruto became hostile towards Sai they were given an ultimatum that ended in everyone going to a hot spring, much to Harri's displeasure. He would have instead been tossed in the wooden box their new lead had created to fight it out instead of going to a place like that. Especially with his aversion to water.
Instead of going to bath in the hotsprings, Harri went back to the lodge and decided to nap for a bit.
"Hey, you should probably wake up," Sai said, poking at Harri's shoulder, becoming more and more persistent until Harri finally gave in.
Harri rubbed at his face and forced himself to his feet after several long, grudging hours.
"What's going on?" Harri mumbled, pulling his hair back.
"Food is expected to arrive soon," Sai explained, false smile firmly planted on his face.
Harri gave a nod and made his way to the sitting area, pausing for a moment as pain flashed through his abdomen before sitting down.
Harri felt nauseated as the smell of cooked meat and fish filled his nose, more so than he normally would be.
"Oh, wow! This smells and looks amazing! Is this all for us?" Naruto exclaimed, drooling.
"Yup."
"Yata!"
"Dig in!"
Harri grimaced, realizing he didn't actually feel hungry at all. He hadn't ever remembered being so warm that he was actually uncomfortable before. Harri still had trouble even regulating his own body temperature so it must have just been boiling. Yet no one else was complaining.
"Aren't you going to eat as well?" Sai asked.
Harri couldn't help, but to fiddle with the collar of the Kimono he was wearing. "Is it sweltering in here?" He asked, unable to keep that question in any longer.
"Only a little," Sakura said between bites eying Harri oddly.
"Is the food not to your liking?" Yamoto asked after a few minutes of Harri sitting watching the group with a bit of a queasy look.
"No-no! I just…uh…. "
"Oh yeah.. you.. man…. I'm sorry we didn't remember to say something…. Look at us eating right in front of you!" Naruto exclaimed.
"I totally forgot! Your kekkai Genkai…. Something about it makes cooked meats smell bad, right? You always were more tolerant of cooked fish, but the smell of cooked fish and meat must be awful for you. No wonder you're looking a little green around the gills!" Sakura muttered, even she was looking sheepish.
"It's fine. I can just find something to eat a bit later, once my stomach has settled. I'm sure there is something around here I can get." Harri assured the group.
"I apologize this dinner was for everyone. I wanted all of you to be nice and full. Let me get you something else." The man said, frowning when Harri shook his head.
"No, I think I'll just head back to bed. I didn't get much time to recover from my last mission and it was….. more than a little taxing on me." Harri admitted.
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By morning Harri was feeling worse. He didn't really want to eat but managed a little only because he didn't want anyone concerned about him. The sharp pains came more and more frequently as the day of travel drug on and it just wouldn't cool down. Harri nearly immediately fell asleep after being briefed and he woke up in the morning with constant burning pain in his abdomen and occasional sharper pains, but it was bearable.
The day of the spy capture…. Wasn't so much. He woke before everyone else feeling like he had been boiled alive. The pain he was in wasn't just in his abdomen anymore but radiating between his legs and he tried his best not to whimper when a terrible sharp pain surged through his gut far worse than any of the others he had felt by leagues! Harri let out a relieved sigh when the pain eased up. His role wasn't that critical for the plan.
All Harri had to do was to make sure the spy didn't manage to get away. He would hid away in the trees on the opposing of the bridge from the others. His jutsu not well suited for capture and more for killing but his speed had grown even if he hadn't shown it off much to the others they still didn't have anything on him even with him feeling so sick.
"Where are you little one? I smell your sickness. Where are you my sweet boy?" A wisp of a voice that had Harri's hair stand on end called. It was too hot. And he-where was he? Why was the air full of malevolent chakra? Harri whimpered as pain screamed through his groin. Why was he in the air? Why was he falling? Had he been in a tree?
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"Harri! Where have you been? H-Harri?" Sakura growled, going pale as a ghost when she actually got a decent look at him. Even as she could hardly pull herself from the ground
"Harri?" Sasuke muttered, glancing over his eyes widened ever so slightly at the state his cousin was in.
Harri held a palm up. Eyes glowing in such an eerie inhuman way his cousin took the slightest step back.
Those weren't the eyes Sasuke recognized. That strange dark circle of green that looked more like the shadow of something gauged deeply. They were glazed and feverishly vacant looking. Like they saw into the deepest part of him and found nothing.
"It's going to rain…. Just like you said…" Harri chuckled, the sound painful as he stumbled. "Hm…. Yes, I did say that didn't I?"
Sasuke was over to Harri before anyone could comprehend what the boy was saying let alone able to move. He clapped his hands around Harri's face. Something almost fanatical in his gaze the moment he caught sight of his cousin stumbling from the hallway. His expression fell to something more concerned and fearful when his hands actually hurt from the heat radiating from his ragged-looking cousin. That unfocused glazed look still firmly planted on the other boy's face. His face fell down to what his cousin was wearing. The teen easily dodged when Naruto went at him with a war cry.
"You're sick. This is why you should have come with me. I would have taken care of you! This would have never have happened! We were supposed to kill him together just like we planned!"
"You planned." Harri calmly pointed out sighing in pleasure as the sky very suddenly darkened and raindrops began falling. The glazed look easing slightly as water began soaking him.
"That… how? There wasn't a cloud in the sky and just suddenly-"
"None of that matters come on Sasuke! I'll drag you back home even-even if I have to break every bone in your body to do it you jerk!"
"You won't win."
"What, Harri-don't say that!"
"It would be like pitting a genin against a Jounin with how much you weakened at this point."
Sasuke grinned, nearly preening at what his cousin had said. "This all over, you will be coming with me Harri!" He exclaimed, holding up his arm.
"None of that now Sasuke. Let us get going, hm?" Orochimaru croaned, the teen's arm snatched in a tight grip. The went stiff as the feeling of the Shinigami nearly strangled him. Fear curdled his stomach as his eyes met that of a large canine-like beast stared up at him with such piercing eyes he felt like death was exuding from all around in him.
"Remember your precious revenge Sasuke, the Akatsuki are about to be on the move again. You might lose your chance if we don't get moving soon." Kabuto pointed out, walking towards the pair.
"Even those mortal cowards that keep clawing their way from a tombstone must eventually bow to death… And those that don't bow to it with grace suffer most." Harri smiled, his pupils starting to gain a slitted appearance as he stared down Orochimaru then his eyes slid over Sasuke's making the other teen pale.
"Let us.. let us go Sasuke. We have… places to be." Orochimaru said, looking rattled.
"No, Sasuke!"
Naruto turned to Harri, expression enraged.
"How could you Harri? You drove him away!" He shouted. "I-I couldn't stop him-I-"
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Pain terrible agonizing pain that had Harri gasping for breath ripped through him over and over again. Lights were flashing and he felt so dizzy light and dark light and dark colors and nothingness wracked with agony.
"We need to get her to the hospital now!"
"Sh-a need!" Harri managed to force through the haze before the full pain hit him again and had him screaming in debilitating agony.
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"What so the kid's a he?!" A voice sputtered.
Harri felt incredibly groggy still. A sharp persistent ache jolted from between his legs. Harri's brain began catching up all the same though and had his eyes shooting open even as he laid still, listening to the conversation nearby.
"More of a they. Apparently, no one thought to tell me that Itachi Uchiha's kid was a full-blooded Demon, on top of that a hermaphrodite! That Uchiha is honestly lucky they lived and didn't have this happen sooner. I'm surprised it hasn't and…. they clearly should have had this surgically fixed years ago. On top of it all, the kid is nearly 30lbs underweight and I would have to say the kid is probably closer related to Kakashi then anyone else." Tsunade growled. "That damn Nara, I can't believe they kept this in the dark for so long! I don't even understand how Harri managed this."
"This will not get out." The strong protective voice of Shikaku suddenly rang through the muttering of Tsunade and Jiraiya. "Those DNA samples need to be destroyed."
"What are you doing trying to order me around?"
"Harri is just as much my child as my own son is. I am loyal to the leaf, but Harri is mine and as a Nara we do not take such things lightly! I and my clan have been trying to protect he-him… Him since he was but a small child. I will not have him be used or abused. Harri is our family.
He will not be used by others to strengthen their clans or forced to be a killing machine for the betterment of the village or to be controlled…. He is good. Harri is a gentle and a benevolent individual and the more he is made to hurt and kill…. He isn't….. like us. I won't see him destroyed.
You will be the one that threatens his safety. Of everyone. When they figure out… how powerful he is…. I can not allow this to happen…. We cannot. Harri will let it out when he feels he is ready. I won't let you force him into such things. Revealings such things…. Would also reveal not only Kakashi's blood but also force into the light and memory of the citizens of this village who are not nearly as understanding of such things as the clans. It would put all of us in danger and that can not be allowed." Shikaku pointed out firmly, a threatening tone to his voice. "The Yamanaka and Akimichi have already agreed to what I have said. I am sure that the Inuzuka and even Hyuuga would more than agree with me when it comes to this issue."
Harri heard Tsunade growl then sigh in a resigned manner.
"I-I get your point. The first and second were nearly full blood demon's after all. The head family had a tendency of preforming….. inter sibling marriage up until my great grandfather and grandmother only ended up… with a son that…. Was like Harri…. And well… he died. Only after my grandfather married Mito did they start having children with….. anyone that was mostly or fully human." The woman admitted.
Shikaku's tone lightened, "So it is in agreement? Good."
Harri wasn't sure what to do or think or if he should say anything. Exhaustion was clinging to his eyelids and honestly, all he wanted to do was go to sleep. He nearly startled when he felt a hand on his forehead, petting lovingly at his hair. "I hope hearing all of that didn't stress you out too bad…. I apologize if I woke you…. And I am sorry that you were in so much pain. I hadn't really ever thought about….. well.. how you would uh…. Reproduce. Apparently you….. got an infection from…. Well…. You had to have surgery and… your fine now!" Shikaku said becoming more and more flustered as his eyes flickered uncomfortably down to Harri's groin area covered up by the blankets, getting redfaced. "We'll be able to take you home in a few days."
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"Harri! I'm so happy your okay. I-I was so worried!" Shikamaru shouted, nearly barreling into the room, eyes getting watery. "I won't ever let this happen to you again!" He insisted dragging the other boy into his arms. Ignoring everyone else in the room.
"Of course Shika'" Harry croaned petting at the tearful boy's hair with a bright smile, the other boy's face instantly went tomato red then he frantically began nuzzling Harri's cheek, unable to help himself.
"You are always just so damn beautiful and sweet, Marry me!"
"What?!" Jiraiya squeaked.
Shikamaru looked ready to faint, like he couldn't even believe he had said such a thing himself. Sputtering apologies. "I'm so sorry I just I-" He gritted his teeth together and pulled back. "Marry me! I-I can't keep doing this. I-I've been in love with you since we were kids. I-I can't keep pretending I'm not anymore! I can't keep doing this. Being a coward, I want us to be able together always, marry me! I…. I am never nearly as happy as I am when I'm with you! Even if we are doing something like shopping or paperwork….. I'm…. I'm always so happy… Nothing… is troublesome when I'm with you…. I- When I become a Jounin I'll start to take over my father's duties like I should have ages ago. I've been thinking about this endlessly for the last two years. Please I-"
"Whoa, kid a little gung-ho there aren't yo-"
"When I turn 16 if you don't get promoted before then…. We will be married, we will become mates.." Harri agreed, stomach feeling like it was full of butterflies. That was what he had felt the whole time. That happy bubbly warmth only with Shika'? He was… he was in love? He knew that he didn't ever want to be with anyone else… he and Shika' they should always be together.
"Wait, what?! First, the kid's a she then a they then a he and now the kid is getting married to a Nara, his best friend, of all people? I can't keep up with this!" Jiraiya squawked.
"We'll have a daughter and a son." Shikamaru babbled blissfully hugging Harri to himself.
Harri's eyes narrowed. "You know that I have always wanted lots of kids. I want us to have at least 5." Harri insisted with finality.
"5?"
"5!"
"Isn't that kind of a lot how about 3?"
"5!"
"4?" Shikamaru went red-faced when Harri pouted. "Fine 5."
"15."
"you're intentionally being troublesome! You can't just suddenly jump it to such a high number after I agreed to have five kids instead of 2! Kids aren't furniture!" Shikamaru lectured even as he began to lean in, hands brushing against Harri's back.
"Uh, don't you think you're a little too young to be getting married and talking about kids?" Jiraiya pointed out.
"It's the logical thing to think about. Harri and I have always wanted kids. It's best to figure out these things before marriage." Shikamaru grumbled.
"Neither of you gave even ever been on a single date yet! You can't be talking kids already!"
"Shouldn't I be married before my own student?" Asuma spoke up, seeming to finally break out of his stupor.
"Married? Shikamaru's getting married?" Shikaku sputtered from the doorway.
"I d-dad! I…. Harri was always going to be my lady Nara." Shikamaru mumbled, cheeks bright red.
"Lady Nara? Wait, your marrying Harri?!" Shikaku eeked. "But your both still babies! This wasn't supposed to happen until after at least ten dates and and not until you were both adults! And you both were supposed to dance around each other until you got jealous because one of your love rivals was supposed to finally snap you out of dancing around each other and then you were supposed to have some dramatic love confession! I was supposed to be there and-and!"
"You've been thinking about this….. for a while haven't you?" Shikamaru grumbled, mortified.
"You actually missed a pretty fantastic love confession." Jiraiya pointed out, still red-faced and grinning over it. His writing pad in hand and he frantically wrote what he could down.
Shikamaru sprang up, "Did… did he just…. faint?" Oh well, he had put enough excitement and effort into something that day anyway.
End Chapter 19
I am dead on my feet correcting this so if it doesn't sound great please tell me so I can go back over it! I hope everyone enjoys!
By the way I am going to update Setting a Hurricane of feelings ablaze, soon and I did update one of my other stories about a week ago as well!