Chapter 22
Akari walked a few feet behind Sasuke, having let go of his hand a while back. They traveled across a wide ocean, seagulls squawking loudly around them. She chewed on her lip occasionally glancing at Sasuke as he led the way. He stared straight ahead, his face set in deep concentration. They have been walking for nearly three hours and he had yet to say anything. At first she had been grateful for the silence. She needed time to process everything that had happened. She wondered if Shikamaru had begun to repair the damage she had caused to her friends. If he had managed to make them understand. Still, Akari didn't dare to hope it would be resolved quickly. Her friends would surely need some time to forgive her. She had been harsh. She had lied. They would need time.
But now the silence was growing too much to bare. Sasuke almost seemed to have forgotten she was even there. Cleary his love for her was still overshadowed by his need for revenge. She was beginning to think she had made a mistake in leaving. That maybe there was nothing she could do for him to forget his murderous plan. Sasuke was too set in his ways. Her efforts seemed fruitless, as if she was attempting to move a mountain with a mere push.
No. She couldn't think like that. She had to keep trying. That's why she was here, with him. To help him see that he's wrong. That spilling Itachi's blood will fix nothing. Akari couldn't doubt herself now. The fated battle was too close to risk backing out. She had told herself that she would fix things. That she would not allow either Uchiha to die.
"So. You're like what? His girlfriend?"
Akari blinked. Her thoughts interrupted. She turned to the speaker a bit uneasily. She wasn't sure what to make of Sasuke's traveling companion. He seemed young, his body lean and average height. He had straight white hair and purple eyes. His teeth were pointed and sharp. He was dressed in a purple sleeveless shirt and blue pants. Around his waist was a belt with water bottles attached to it. He wore another on his chest which he used to carry his massive broadsword shaped like a butcher knife.
"Ugh…something like that." Akari muttered.
She glanced up at Sasuke who seemed oblivious to the two of them.
"Well you must be of some use to him since he risked taking a detour to pick you up." The young man shrugged.
"Detour? Where…where exactly are we going?" She asked.
"You mean to tell me you agreed to leave with him without even knowing where we're going." He said.
"Yes. Is that so odd?" She glared at him.
"Ugh yeah! But whatever. Yes, detour. We're going to Orochimaru's southern hideout."
"Southern hideout." Akari muttered. "So…Orochimaru. Sasuke really did it? He killed the Snake?"
"Yep. Didn't seem like he had a rough time with it either. In fact, it seemed as if he barely broke a sweat."
"I'm not surprised. He's…Sasuke's really something."
"I guess. Oh, I'm Suigetsu by the way."
"Akari. How did you end up with Sasuke?" She wondered.
"I was experimented on by that psycho Orochimaru. Sasuke set me free on the condition that I help him with his little quest. I had nothing better to do so I came along." Suigetsu shrugged.
"I see. And this southern hideout? What reason do we have for going there?"
"We're picking up another person. The bitch Karin. Why? I don't know. Frankly, she's a pain. But, Sasuke insists."
"Okay."
"By the way, you were pretty heartless back there. With your so called friends. The looks on their faces when you called them meaningless was just priceless." He chuckled.
Akari's face hardened. She stared up ahead, her mouth set in a grimace.
"Man were they surprised. They must have really believed you cared about them. How long had you been lying? A few months? A couple of years? Damn, I see why Sasuke wants you around. I know it's mostly because you're an Uchiha like him. But, it's probably also because you're nearly as cold as he is."
"And you? Why did he release you? Why keep you around?" Akari asked, an edge to her voice.
Suigetsu either ignored her change in attitude or he didn't notice. But she was aware that Sasuke did. She had seen him turn his ear slightly towards them. Akari tried to ease her tension so he wouldn't notice her irritation at Suigetsu's words. She didn't want him to doubt her resolve to be with him.
"I've got some skills." He winked at her.
"Good enough to catch Sasuke's attention?" She arched a brow.
"So it seems. We're here."
He motioned up ahead and sure enough there was a small island made of jagged rocks. The dark ugly rock marred the beautiful ocean surrounding it with its sharply pointed edges. It looked out of place out here on the water's surface. Sasuke didn't stop. He led them through the entrance into the center of the island. There, they found a closed set of doors made of rock.
"This hideout is shorthanded on guards, huh? They should at least raise a fence." Suigetsu commented.
He was right. There was no one standing watch outside the doors. Akari glanced around looking for any signs of life.
"Because she's managing this hideout, there's no need for that." Sasuke answered.
Akari glanced at him briefly a little unnerved to hear him finally speak.
"Even if she is, this seems too quiet. Especially since the rumor about Orochimaru's death is spreading and yet nothing's strange." Suigetsu muttered.
Akari's eyes fell on a couple of lumps on the ground. They rose above the earth, the dirt looking fresh as if it was moved recently. She stopped and stared. She knew what lay underneath the mounds of dirt.
"Akari." Sasuke called to her.
She tore her eyes away from the freshly dug graves. She ignored the burning curiosity of who those people were. It was pointless to wonder. Whoever they were, they were long gone. And maybe forgotten.
The boys had stopped in front of the door. She walked up behind them. Suigetsu removed his sword from his belt. He swung it across the stone doors and Akari watched as it fell to pieces. She wondered how someone so lean could carry the weight of such a heavy sword.
The three of them stepped inside and walked along an empty corridor. They passed a jail cell where a group of men were held captive. They looked battered and beaten. Their clothes in rags. Sasuke and Suigetsu didn't even spare them a glance.
Akari forced herself to keep going. She ignored the men's hurried whispers as they caught sight of the trio. They spoke of rumors and of freedom. She bit her lip until she could no longer hear them. Akari kept pace with her traveling companions as they went further into the prison. Until a woman stepped in their path. She stared at them, a hand on her hip.
"So, it's you after all…Sasuke."
The woman had crimson eyes and red hair. She wore brown narrow glasses on her face. Her outfit consisted of a purple uniform, short black shorts, and long black thigh high stockings with black sandals. She kept her gaze solely on Sasuke. Akari assumed this was Karin.
"Sasuke, since you came here by yourself, it seems the rumor is true." She continued.
"How mean. Giving me the cold shoulder." Suigetsu muttered.
He was right. She was completely ignoring him and Akari.
"So, what have you come here for?"
"Sasuke wanted to talk with you, y'see? And standing here talking is kind of a drag, so could you take us to another room? We've been walking for a while, so I'm beat." Suigetsu answered.
Again, Karin ignored him.
"Whats this about a talk?" She asked Sasuke.
Suigetsu walked up to her clearly irritated by her indifference towards him.
"That's why I said standing here talking was a drag, Karin! I know you don't give a shit about me, but for fuck's sake!"
Karin scoffed. She then sniffed him.
"You creep me out." She stated.
"Watch your mouth, Karin!"
Sasuke stepped forward. Akari kept close to him, her eyes watching Karin closely. She wasn't sure the woman was all that trustworthy.
"Drop it Karin. Take us to another room." He ordered.
"Yeah, fine." She said.
Karin turned and led them further down the hall and into an empty room. There was a long corner bench in which the trio settled in. Akari between Sasuke and Suigetsu. Karin stood facing them. The woman's eyes fell on Akari and stayed there. She finally acknowledged her presence.
"Who's the girl." She asked Sasuke.
Akari glared at the red head. She had a way of speaking only to Sasuke and it was being to irritate her.
"The girl can speak for herself. I'm Akari." She told her.
"She's with Sasuke. That's all you need to know." Suigetsu said, a teasing tone in his voice.
Karin's mouth twitched for mere second but said nothing.
"Karin, come with me. I need you." Sasuke suddenly said.
"Huh? Why would I go with someone like you?! I'm responsible for this place!" She answered. Surprise clear on her face.
"Orochimaru is no more."
"What about the prisoners?!"
"Oh yeah, they were pretty quiet in there…I guess the rumor about Orochimaru's death must have reached this hideout too, right?" Suigetsu asked.
"The number of prisoners have decreased in comparison to when I last came here. Also, there seemed to be some recently dug holes in the courtyard before the entrance. Karin, assuming that you're using your head, you have a forte in information control and such." Sasuke said.
Akari sat back against the bench. She had no idea what they were talking about. And frankly, she didn't care. She just wanted to get out of here as soon as possible and be on their way. The sooner they got things going, the sooner she could go back home.
"I see. If the rumor about Orochimaru's death was spread to the prisoners, and there's no sing of an uprising, Karin has dealt nicely with it. Meaning…you mixed in a spy with the prisoners and if they mentioned the rumor about Orochimaru…" Suigetsu muttered.
Akari understood his meaning. She now knew what happened to the people in those graves. She glared at the red head with a new sense of distrust. It didn't matter that Sasuke had chosen these two as his companions, Akari didn't like either of them. Even Suigetsu seemed too shady for her liking. He had told her of his plans to create a team but she hadn't really thought about who they would be. She now saw that it didn't matter who they were but how strong they were and what they would contribute. Sasuke didn't care whether they had a sense of morality. What mattered to him was how useful they would be in the long run.
"Karin, by being so cautious, you maintained order in this hideout. Or rather, you did it to save yourself." Sasuke told her.
"Don't you talk shit to me!" She glowered.
"He has a point. I'm guessing that you sensed us coming? Had we been weak you probably would've kill us." Suigetsu stated.
"I would've if you were alone." She retorted.
"But not if Sasuke was?" He asked her.
"That's not what I said! You creep me out so I have no problem getting my hands dirty to get rid of you. Sasuke is a different story. He'd be a lot harder to kill. I wouldn't survive the fight. And…Akari was it?"
She nodded.
"Killing her didn't seem like a walk in the park either." Karin finished.
"Well fuck you too, Karin." Suigetsu grumbled.
"Also…I wanted to know if it was true. Is Orochimaru really dead, Sasuke?"
"I killed him." He stated.
"How can you admit it so easily!?"
"Suigetsu, release all the people who were taken captive in this hideout." Sasuke ordered.
"Ordering me around as usual, huh?" Suigetsu stood.
"What the hell are you doing?! Do you know how hard it was to capture all of them!" Karin shouted.
"If all the prisoners are gone, there's no use for a warden. I'll tell you once more. Come with me, Karin." Sasuke said.
Karin gaped at him. Motionless. Her eyes shifting from face to face.
"What reason do you have for staying here? Besides the prisoners I mean. You heard him, Orochimaru is dead. There is nothing holding you here anymore." Akari said.
"I just…I don't like being told what to do is all! I mean who do you think you are Sasuke! Coming here and ordering me around!" She pouted.
"He wasn't ordering. He's asking." Akari rolled her eyes.
"Well, I'll go and release the prisoners." Suigetsu made his way to the door.
Akari grew tired of being in the stuffy room. Sasuke and Karin could finish their little talk on their own. Besides, she didn't trust Suigetsu with all those prisoners. He could be planning to kill them for all she knew. Akari turned to Sasuke. He arched a brow at her.
"I'll go with him. I'm no use to you here." She told him
"No. You will stay by my side." Sasuke told her.
He kept his voice monotone but there was no mistaking the fact that it was an order. Akari bristled, her hands clenched at her sides. Dozens of curse words and retorts crossed her mind but she held her tongue. For now. Akari respected him enough to keep quiet in front of the others but as soon as they had a moment to themselves she would give him a piece of her mind. She didn't agree to come along just for him to boss her around.
"Fine. But can we hurry this along." She tried not to glare.
Suigetsu shrugged at her and left the room. Akari took her seat next to Sasuke but refused to look at him. She kept her gaze on the door and her ears open. Just in case there were sounds of screaming. Nobody spoke. The room was quiet.
"I refuse. I'm not obligated to go with you." Karin finally said.
"It can't be helped. If you feel that strongly, I'll get someone else." Sasuke uttered.
Akari was a bit surprised but said nothing. Karin's eyes widened and she took a step back. She leaned against the door. She kept looking back and forth between Sasuke and Akari. Almost as if she were nervous.
"I'm coming." Karin squeaked.
Akari blinked. She gave the red-head a questioning look. Karin was…blushing?
"You certainly changed your mind quickly." Sasuke muttered.
"Maybe…do you mind if we talk in private about this." Karin stared at the ground.
Her tone of voice was different. Less hostile. Sasuke rose any eyebrow. Akari once again stood. She assumed Sasuke would now ask her to leave. Instead he shook his head no. Karin's face fell. Akari sighed and sat down once more.
"Give me a straight answer Karin. I would like to be on my way." Sasuke told her.
Karin fiddled with her glassed. Finally, she looked up at him.
"Sasuke, if you insist. I'll go with you. I gave it some thought and I'm tired of watching over this place. But, wouldn't it be nicer if we left the pest Suigetsu behind? And the girl? It would be a whole lot better if it was just the two of us."
Well. Akari was not liking where this was going. Not one bit. This wasn't jealousy. No, she only ever felt that towards one person. And that was Sakura. No, this was but a mere annoyance. Lucky for Karin, Akari knew how to control herself. That is until the red-head removed her glasses and fluttered her eyelashes. She had a very provocative look on her face. How bold. Akari dug her fingers into the bench glaring daggers at the woman.
"Your cunning and wariness, and above all, your ability to sense chakra…ever since we met I knew you would be of use to me. Which is why I came looking for you. But you are not the only one I need. I need Suigetsu. I need Akari." Sasuke said.
His tone was unchanged. Indifferent like usual. In fact, Akari was pretty sure he didn't notice Karin's change in attitude. She loosened her grip on the bench and smirked. That's when Suigetsu returned.
"So, Sasuke? Should we get going? Karin is of no use right?" He asked.
"Karin?" Sasuke arched a brow.
"What! Oh…I…um…I'm just…I'm….heading in the same…direction! Yeah! I'll…I'll just come…and uh…yeah." Karin stuttered.
"Pathetic." Akari rolled her eyes.
Karin shot her a glare. Suigetsu smirked.
"So your traveling with us only part way?" He flashed his sharp teeth.
"Yeah. Just part way." Karin nodded.
"Then Juugo is next." He told her.
"What! You're going to where Juugo is?!"
"It has nothing to do with you since were going to part ways."
The two of them started to argue. Akari watched them, a scowl on her face. This journey would not be pleasant. Suddenly Sasuke held out his hand. She looked up at him. He stared down at her, his face blank. She put her hand in his and he pulled her to her feet.
"Let's go." He whispered.
She tuned out their two companions and focused only on Sasuke. He was the reason she was there. Him and him alone. She had no reason to worry about the others. They were but a distraction. And she couldn't afford to be distracted. Akari squeezed his hand and held it firmly in hers. She wasn't planning on letting go.
"Let's go." She whispered back.
The four of them walked outside leaving the prison behind. Akari kept hold of Sasuke hand as they set out over the water once more. This time Karin was with them. And she didn't look all too happy either. Akari could feel her glare burning into her back. She didn't pay her any attention though. She chewed on her lip as they went.
"What is it."
Akari glanced up at Sasuke. He looked down at her for a moment and then lifted her chin. With his thumb he pulled her lower lip from her teeth. She blinked up at him.
"You chew on your lip when something is bothering you. What is it?" He asked again.
"Um…once we find this Juugo guy. We will be going after Itachi? Do you…do you know where he is?" She said.
"No. But we will find him. I promise you that." He told her.
"Okay. And you're going to kill him? Do you have a plan as to how?" She wondered.
"I'm stronger now. Strong enough to face him. Once I find him, I will fight and I will win." He squeezed her hand.
"Alright. I just want you to be sure." She gave him a small smile.
"I am. Are you?"
Akari glanced back at the other two. Suigetsu was slurping on his water bottle and Karin seemed to be straining to hear what they were talking about. She turned back to Sasuke.
"What do you mean?"
"You didn't want to leave Naruto and the others. I could tell. You didn't want to hurt them."
"No. I didn't."
"I didn't realize they were that important to you. More important than me it seems. I thought you wouldn't have such a hard time leaving them behind but I was wrong. You haven't smiled once since we left. Not a real one anyways. Tell me. Would you rather go back?" He frowned.
"Don't be stupid. It's too late for that. Now look, of course they are important. They are my friends. They used to be your friends too you know. Until you turned your back on them. One would think that that would make me hate you. Make me want to forget you. But even then, I couldn't stop loving you could I? Because you are important too. But in a different way. A way that keeps me awake at night. That keeps me from being truly happy alongside my friends. You see, my heart aches to be with you Sasuke. It hurts to much, being away from you. So, in the end I chose to leave with you. Because it hurt more to stay than to leave. I'm sorry if it seems like I don't want to be here, just know that I do. You just have to give me time to adjust."
Sasuke stared at her silently taking in her words. Then his eyes softened and he gripped her hand a little tighter. His mouth twitched into a small smile and she gave him one in return.
"Man! How much more walking are we going to do! I'm exhausted!" Suigetsu complained.
"If you're this weak than you won't stand a chance at the Northern Hideout." Karin scoffed.
"This hideout. What makes it so different from yours." Akari glanced back at the red-head.
Karin turned to her a little annoyed that Akari would even talk to her. Akari rolled her eyes but waited for a response.
"It's the site of human experimentation. Only the most unmanageable monsters created are kept there." Karin explained.
"I see." Akari faced forward again.
It wasn't long before they reached land. They traveled along a dry wasteland with hardly any vegetation. They had to stop a couple of times due to Suigetsu growing tired. He kept taking long breaks to re-hydrate. Akari sighed as they stopped yet again. She let go of Sasuke's hand and took a seat on a nearby boulder. Sasuke sat beside her, his eyes on his companions.
"Would you quit stopping every five seconds! You're holding us back, you stupid water monster!" Karin was yelling.
"Holding us back? You aren't even supposed to be going this far with us remember." Suigetsu retorted.
"Shut up! I have business to attend to at the Northern Hideout. I chose to go there first!" Karin seethed.
"Oh? Is that so? What kind of business? Earlier you didn't even want to leave your little prison. Now you have reason to go where we are heading? How odd." Akari yawned.
"I don't have to explain myself to you!" The red-head wagged an angry finger at Akari.
"So, how much longer till we reach Juugo?" Suigetsu asked.
"Just a few more miles." Sasuke said.
"Suigetsu. You said that you've met Juugo. And still you want to make him your companion?" Karin asked
"I ran into him once before yeah. He was super strong and honestly I didn't like him. He came to Orochimaru by his own free will you know? He must have a screw loose."
Akari glanced at Sasuke. He stared at the ground, a pensive look on his face. She scooted closer to him and leaned her head against his shoulder.
"You don't have a screw loose." She whispered.
He didn't look at her, but she felt the tension leave his body.
"Anyways, I don't like the guy but Sasuke says he needs him so that's that." Suigetsu shrugged.
"Juugo. What's he like?" Akari asked.
"Rumor has it that he is constantly suppressing his homicidal tendencies. When he breaks, he turns into a demonic murderer and his personality and appearance change completely." Karin answered.
"Well that's reassuring." She muttered.
"So? Sounds like he's just a guy who likes to kill people when he's angry." Suigetsu said.
"Also, Orochimaru found Juugo's power to be very interesting. He produced an enzyme from his body fluids to induce a similar condition in other shinobi. The cursed seal. Juugo is its origin."
Seriously? And that's the guy Sasuke wants on his team? What the hell has she gotten herself into! Finally, Suigetsu stood and they headed out once more. An hour later they approached a tall rock with a tower at the top. Sasuke stopped and stared. Karin came up behind him.
"Whats the matter?" She asked.
"The guard. Where is he?" He asked.
"You're right. That's odd." Karin muttered.
"Hey." Suigetsu warned.
Up ahead a man was struggling to walk. He then fell face first on the ground. They rushed up to him, Karin kneeling down to turn him over.
"He's still breathing." She stated.
The man opened his eyes.
"What happened." Sasuke asked.
The man began to explain how the prisoners went on a rampage due to rumors about Orochimaru's death. The others listened to his last ragged breaths while Akari stared up at the tower. She didn't wish to see the poor man die. Movement caught her eye.
"Guys." She muttered.
Suddenly a large creature leaped from the tower and landed a few feet away from them. Sasuke immediately pushed Akari behind him, shielding her with his body. Suigetsu stared at the creature curiously.
"What the hell is that?" He wondered.
"Hes in the second stage of the cursed seal." Said Karin.
Suddenly, Sasuke rushed forward. He cut down the creature with one swift strike of his katana. The monster returned to its human form before falling to the ground.
"The Northern Hideout is over there. Let's go meet up with Juugo." He ordered.
The three off them ran after him as he started walking. As they approached the entrance they were stopped by a large group of creatures like the one before.
"Seriously? Well this is just great." Akari rolled her eyes.
"Karin. Is Juugo among this group?" Sasuke asked.
"Hold on." She muttered.
Karin made a hand seal and closed her eyes. When she opened them she shook her head. Suigetsu smirked and removed his sword. Akari did the same.
"Don't hit any vital points." Sasuke ordered.
"Jeez. It's obvious you're from Konoha. You're so soft. You could've killed that guy earlier you know?" Suigetsu muttered.
"Not every battle has to end in death. It's pointless." Akari glared at him.
He just shrugged. Then the four of them charged. Akari followed Sasukes lead, making sure not cause any fatal injuries. The cursed men fell at her feet with every blow. They made their way into the hideout dispatching every last one of them. At some point, Karin had run off to find the keys. She jangled them in front of her. She then led the way to Juugo.
"It's that way." She pointed down a corridor.
Suigetsu went forward and Akari followed. They walked in silence for a moment. Akari's mind wandered as she took in the hideout. It was mostly metal and she wondered how long the men were held here. Orochimaru was beyond sick. He was repulsive. And to think that Sasuke bore the cures mark as well.
"So the cursed seal makes these guys into ugly monsters. Does it do the same to you Sasuke?" Suigetsu asked.
Akari was curious as well. She never really had the chance to ask Naruto about his battle with Sasuke. Akari was well aware that Sasuke had the cursed seal but she'd never witnessed it. Did he become as monstrous as the me they cut down? She listened but there was no answer. Akari turned around to find that they were alone. She stopped and scowled at the empty hallway. Suigetsu turned around as well.
"That damn woman." He grumbled.
"That bitch." Akari growled.
"You better be careful Akari. She might steal your precious Sasuke." Suigetsu teased.
"I'm not worried about that. There is only one other girl that I would consider competition and she is not here. It just pissed me off that Karin believes she has a chance." Akari seethed.
"Well. We should probably go find them then."
"Lets."
They went back the way they came. They then turned down a hallway they believed the others had gone. The two of them had been walking for a few minutes when they arrived back where they had started. The bodies of the men they had taken out scattered across the room.
"So we're back here. What the hell Akari? I was following you!" Suigetsu complained.
"What! I'm no good with directions! I was following you!" She scoffed.
"Why…are…you…people even…here." A voice spoke.
They glanced down at one of the prisoners laying at their feet. He was struggling to say conscious.
"Oh. We're here for Juugo." Suigetsu told him.
"You…have no…idea what you're…getting…yourselves into. You shouldn't…release a man…like that into…the world." The man warned.
"We know." Akari muttered.
"But we have our instructions." Suigetsu shrugged.
"Even though you're strong…at your level…"
Suddenly Suigetsu slammed his foot down over the man's stomach. He dug his heel into the guy's ribs. Akari clenched her teeth. She grabbed his arm but he shrugged her off.
"You bastard. If it wasn't for what Sasuke said I would kill you." He growled.
"You assholes! Juugo is going to kill you!" The man cried out.
"Well. I don't think he'd mind if it was just one."
Suigetsu reached for his sword. Akari pulled out her Katana and held it to his throat. She pressed it underneath his chin drawing a thin line of blood. He gave her a toothy grin but didn't remove his hand from his weapon. His foot was still resting on the man's stomach.
"You have forgotten that I'm here too. Step away." She ordered.
"What are you going to do? Kill me?" He asked her.
"You think Sasuke will care if I do? Tell me. Who is more important to him. Me or you?"
"I'm not stupid. I know it's you. I see the way he looks at you. And I don't need Karin's ability to sense chakra, to know that you're handy with that katana. So of course I'll back down. But, don't go thinking you stood a chance against me. Because even though you seem competent with a sword I'm a hundred times better."
He lowered his hand and stepped back. Akari glared at him before putting down her weapon. She slid it in its holster and crossed her arms.
"I think I would've handled myself just fine." She said.
"Maybe we'll find out someday."
"Here's to hoping."
She turned her back to him and picked a hallway. She could hear his footsteps as he followed after her.
"Tell me. Why are your helping Sasuke? Clearly you don't like the rest of us and I can tell you don't agree with his goal. It can't just be because you love the guy." Suigetsu asked.
"Yes. It can. He's all that matters. And if this is what he wants, then I'll go along with it. Even if it means putting up with you." She kept walking.
"That's some devotion. But I can't help thinking you have ulterior motives."
"What makes you say that?"
"I don't know. Just a feeling."
"Keep your feeling to yourself and focus on finding Sasuke and Karin."
"Okay but…"
She didn't get to hear what he had to say. Suddenly the wall in front of them broke apart and rubble rained down on them from above. Akari took cover and waited for the dust to clear. There was now a huge hole in the wall which Suigetsu chose to step through. Akari went after him.
"Man, what is this place." She heard him say.
There was a pause and then Akari heard him speak again.
"Hey, that was really mean of you. Tricking me like that." He complained.
Akari caught up to him to find Karin staring at them. The corridor in which she stood was completely destroyed. Above them was another gaping hole.
"You got lost all on your own." Karin scoffed.
"We only followed your directions." He countered.
"Are you implying that I tricked you? What reason would I have for…"
Akari cut her off. She grabbed the woman by the collar of her shirt and shoved her against the wall. Falling debris showered over them from the impact. Karin started to complain but she took one look at Akari's face and clamped her mouth shut.
"I'm only going to warn you once. Try something like that again, and ill cut you in half. Are we clear?" Akari growled.
"I..I don't know what you're…"
"Oh you know exactly what I'm talking about. Just know this, Karin. Your little games aren't going to fly with me. I have enough things to worry about. Now I'm going to ask one last time. Are. We. Clear?"
"Yeah…yes. Yes, we're clear." Karin nodded.
Akari released her grip. She stepped back and stared up at the large opening in the ceiling. Karin glared at Suigetsu as if she expected him to do something. He just yawned.
"So. What happened here?" Asked Suigetsu.
"Juugo's gone crazy." Karin muttered.
"Oh? Where's Sasuke?"
"With Juugo."
"Well, I'm sure he can handle himself." Suigetsu shrugged.
"I'm going." Akari muttered.
She started to leave.
"Wait! You don't even know where he is. I can tell you…" Karin began.
Akari turned to her. The red-head's eyes widened she stepped back pumping into Suigetsu. He merely flashed a grin and steadied her. Karin struggled to find words as she stared into Akari's red eyes.
"I don't need you too. I can find him on my own." Akari told her.
She then leapt through the hole and landed in the next floor. She glanced around the area until she could just make out Sasuke's chakra. There was something chasing after him. With a sigh, she walked towards the fight. She deactivated her sharingan as she went. Turned out that she didn't really need it. She just had to follow the wreckage.
Akari took her time. There was really no need to catch up. She trusted Sasuke to handle this on her own. Honestly, she only chose to find him because she didn't want to spend another second with those two idiots. Suigetsu deserved the katana to his throat. He was such an idiot. As for Karin, well Akari probably didn't have to be so rough with her. But she was already in a bad mood and seeing the red-head only made it worse. Especially after that little stunt she pulled. Akari couldn't believe these were the people she would have to travel with. At this point, the homicidal maniac seemed the most inviting.
It took her a while to find them. The two of them had been running pretty quickly. She had guessed that Sasuke wasn't really trying to fight him. He was just keeping out of Juugo's reach. She turned the corner and immediately frowned. She scoffed and rolled her eyes before approaching the group. Yes, group. Because Karin and Suigetsu had come looking for Sasuke as well. And unlike her, they had actually rushed to get to him.
"Both of you. Knock it off." Sasuke was ordering.
Suigetsu and Juugo were in the middle of a fight. Sword struck…uh…hand? Club? She had no idea. All she knew was that there was no getting away from these two idiots. Akari stopped a few feet behind Sasuke and Karin. Karin looked as if she was enjoying the skirmish.
"Sasuke. How much longer is this going to take?" She wondered.
Karin turned around not at all surprised to see her. Akari had to admit that her ability to detect chakra was spot on. Sasuke gave her a brief glance before turning back to the fight. Suigetsu and Juugo were about to connect yet again. But it didn't happen. Sasuke stepped between them, two snakes holding the two men in place.
"Do you…want me to kill you both?" Sasuke asked.
The look on the two men's faces were that of pure terror. The snake retracted back in to Sasukes sleeves releasing them. Suigetsu and Juugo stepped back. Akari could make out the beads of sweat running down their foreheads. Karin on the other hand was completely entranced.
"You're drooling." Akari smirked.
The woman turned to her red in the cheeks.
"Am not!" She sputtered nervously.
Then Juugo started screaming. Akari glance at him to see that he was back to normal. The curse seal had faded. He then threw himself into a nearby cell and slammed the door shut behind him.
"HURRY UP AND LOCK ME IN HERE!" He cried out.
"Juugo. I came here to set you free." Sasuke said. "Join me."
"He's afraid." Suigetsu muttered.
"You're wrong. That's not it." Karin said.
Sasuke and Suigetsu turned to her in question. Akari stepped forward and crouched next to the door. She listened.
"I don't want to kill anymore. Please. Can you all just leave me alone?!"
"He doesn't want to…he's got two personalities?" Akari muttered.
"I already told you. He can't help but succumb to his urges to kill. He can't help but murder people. Even if he doesn't want too." Karin told them.
"I don't know when I might end up killing again. Please just lock me up!" Juugo said through the door.
"See, this guy is dangerous, Sasuke. I can't even walk in front of him without getting nervous." Suigetsu uttered.
"Whats wrong with you. Leave me alone!" Juugo yelled.
"No. We're not leaving him here. He's not like the others. He doesn't want to hurt people."
Akari put her hand on the door. The guy attacked Sasuke just a few moments ago yet she wouldn't feel right if they just abandoned him. Juugo didn't like hurting people. This wasn't his fault.
"Orochimaru is dead. This hideout has collapsed. If you stay here it's the end for you." Sasuke approached the door.
"So be it. I don't want to kill anymore." Juugo muttered.
"Don't worry. I will act as your cell. I will stop you." Sasuke told him.
"What will you be able to do? The only one who can help me is Kimimaro. I won't leave without him."
"Who is Kimimaro, Juugo?" Akari asked.
There was a moment of silence. Then he answered her hesitantly.
"He..he was my friend. He stayed here with me. He was the only one who could stop me without causing me pain."
"Isn't that guy already…" Suigetsu whispered.
"Yeah." Karin muttered.
"Juugo. Kimimaro died for me. He's no longer with us." Sasuke stated.
"Died for you? Then that would make you…Sasuke Uchiha?" Juugo asked.
"That's right."
Suddenly the door began to open. Sasuke pulled Akari to her feet and made her step back. Juugo stepped out. He stared at Sasuke for a moment before nodding. Without a word, Sasuke led them outside and they followed. Once they were a few feet from the hideout, he stopped and faced them.
"With this, all the members I wanted have been gathered. Now, I'll tell you my goal. My goal is to kill Itachi Uchiha of the Akatsuki." Sasuke told them.
"Pretty much what I expected." Suigetsu sighted.
"In order to achieve this goal I want you to lend me your power. Of course, I won't force you. Karin, you said you had other business to attend to so what will you do?"
Akari almost laughed. Did he really believe her?
"Right! Well…ugh..there's really no rush so…" Karin stuttered.
"Karin. When did you get so obedient? All you really want it to be close to Sasuke right?" Suigetsu teased.
"As if! Who mentioned something like that?!" Karin exclaimed.
"It was just a guess. I've known for a very long time that all along you've been in lo…"
Suigetsu didn't get to finish. Karin punched him in the face. It didn't do any good though. The man's whole head exploded into water. Akari blinked a little taken aback. What exactly was Suigetsu?
"Suigetsu. Stop pissing Karin off. I thought I told you to cooperate." Sasuke said.
"Got it. Sorry Karin. Also, I'm sorry, but I'm going to stay pretty close to Sasuke myself. One of the Seven Swordsman of the Mist, Kisame Hoshigaki, is Itachi's partner. I want his great sword, Samehada, for myself." Suigetsu explained.
At the sound of the tuna's name, Akari scowled. God she couldn't stand the bastard. She now felt a little better at having Suigetsu on the team. Maybe the two of them would end up killing each other. If only.
"Juugo. What about you?" Karin asked.
"Kimimaro said that Sasuke was his reincarnation and then died for him. So I decided to see for myself what kind of shinobi you really are." The man answered.
"Then its decided." Sasuke stated.
"Wait. What about Akari? Aren't you going to ask her?" Karin wondered.
"He knows why I'm here. I already made It very clear. So, yes Karin. I will also be staying very close to Sasuke. I won't be letting him out of my sight." Akari told her.
"Well. I take it, its because you're an Uchiha as well? I mean, what other use would he have for you?" Karin scoffed.
"You shouldn't ask such a personal question. I doubt you'd like the answer." Akari smirked.
Karin blushed fiercely before glaring at her. She then turned away refusing to look at her. Clearly Akari had been to lenient with her warning. Next time she would make sure that it stuck. Sasuke arched a brow at Akari but she promptly ignored him. She turned to stare at a boulder instead.
"We will be traveling in a group of five. And our team will go under the name Hebi. Hebi has but one goal. Itachi Uchiha." Sasuke stated.
Akari tried not to fidget. She kept her eyes glued to the rock. This was it. The brothers will be reunited soon enough. She only hoped that she would be able to stop the bloodshed. It wouldn't be long before they found Itachi. It was only a matter of time.
Akari's clone took her place beside Deidara and Tobi as they prepared to contact the rest of the Akatsuki. A few days ago they had taken the three-tails to the designated spot. They were now waiting to seal it. This would be the first time she would be joining the rest of the group in the sealing of the beast's. And it won't just be one this time. Itachi and Kisame were supposed to have captured the four-tails by now.
"Okay. He's calling for us. Let's do this." Deidara sighed.
They took a seat on the rough ground and projected themselves to the designated meeting area. Akari closed her eyes and was now standing among the rest of the Akatsuki's projected selves. All but Itachi and Kisame. Then the last two members showed themselves.
"You're late." Lord Pain stated.
"We just finished hunting the Jinchuriki." Kisame explained. "We're late because we had to bind him so he wouldn't escape. So why are we being summoned?"
"There is some information I wanted to share with you right away. Orochimaru has been killed." Pain told him.
Akari tried not to show much interest in the news. It had been nearly a week since she had separated with her original. She wasn't sure if Sasuke had shown himself yet but it seemed that he had. If what Pain is saying is true, then Sasuke would have gone for her by now. Which meant that the original was no longer at the village.
"After leaving the Akatsuki ten years ago, his death finally came to him eh? I wanted to see how he died. I also wanted to see how the Zombie twins died." Kisame laughed.
"HIdan and Kakazu were still with us. Watch your tongue." Zetsu chided.
"Sorry. So from what Hisako told us the ones who killed those two were…"
"It was Kakashi and the Kyuubi Jinchuriki's platoon."
"Right. That's what Hisako told us anyways."
"You think I was lying, tuna?" Akari glared.
"Not lying. Just not entirely truthful." He scoffed.
"Why you…"
"That platoon is strong isn't it? They punched Deidara-san full of holes too." Tobi interrupted.
"Tobi! You asshole, just say another word! My patience container is about to explode, yeah!"
"Easy, easy, easy." Tobi chuckled.
"That's enough. Deidara calm down, and Tobi you are always saying too much. You're angering your Senpai." Pain stated.
"You're right. Sorry." Tobi chuckled.
"Anyways. Who killed Orochimaru?" Kisame asked.
"It was Sasuke Uchiha." Pain said.
Akari stole a glance towards Itachi. He didn't seem fazed by the news.
"I was supposed to be the one to beat up Orochimaru!" Deidara complained.
"Impressive. Nothing less from Itachi Uchiha's little brother." Kisame said.
"He's currently going around gathering companions. Moreover, they're troublesome shinobi." Zetsu muttered.
Companions? So he really was doing it then. He was forming a team to help him accomplish his goal. That meant that she would have to get around them to stop Sasuke. Zetsu was right. They are troublesome.
"Which means?" Kisame asked.
"You should know one of them. Kirigakure's Houzuki Brothers. He is one of them." Pain told him.
"Suigetsu huh? That takes me back." Kisame grinned.
"Jugo of the Scales is with him too. Along with two women. A red-head and a dark haired girl he picked up from Konoha. Itach, Kisame, you must be careful. They are more than likely targeting you." Pain warned them.
So its confirmed. The original was with Sasuke. And there were three others with them as well. That's a total group of five and they're after Itachi. She wondered if they were enough to overpower the older Uchiha. No, it wouldn't come to that. She would stop them. Whether it's the original or her clone self.
"The rest of you heed my warning as well. If they find out too much about Itachi and Kisame, they may come after us as well."
"Kisame, what kind of guy is he, that Suigetsu?" Deidara asked.
"It was ten years ago. He was a kid with a cute face and was always smiling. He was a prodigy and was called the second coming of the demon zabuza." Kisame explained.
"Huh. They sound like an interesting group." Deidara smirked.
"Hang on, hang on! Don't go having a weird interest in them! I don't want to get involved!" Tobi complained.
"Yeah seriously. I'll more than likely end up getting stuck with you morons again. I'd rather not meet this Sasuke Uchiha. He sounds like a hassle." Akari grumbled.
"Let's move on. Itachi, Kisame, hurry and bring the four-tails here." Pain ordered.
Akari opened her eyes as Itachi and his partner had disappeared. They just had to wait until the four-tails was in place and then Pain would call again. She leaned against a tree and waited with Tobi and Deidara nearby. As she waited, she wondered just how close her original and Sasuke were to finding Itachi. It was only a matter of time.