Chapter 3: Heal

When Midori came to, the first thing she noted was Elizabeth grumbling. "He broke our skull. Annoying. It spent me so long to fix it!" She blinked, staring up at the white ceiling. She was in the infirmary. Slowly sitting up, to not disturb her still tender skull, she blinked. She was in the infirmary. And judging by the calendar, it had been three days since she was knocked out. Midori pushed the blanket back and shakily stood up. She was still wearing the same clothes.

And frowned.

The Sound Five and Orochimaru appeared in a swirl of leaves in front of her. T After was smiling benevolently.

"It is nice to see that you are awake. Please do not worry, the problem has been taken care of."

"Of course." Elizabeth groused in her mind. "He had seals to notify him when we awoke."

She blinks and outwardly says, "I see."

The Sannin smiles in response. "Now, what should I know about Uchiha Sasuke?"

Elizabeth warns her, "Do not tell him everything."

She doesn't need it.

"He will come willingly one day. That day is not here yet. But I cannot tell you more."

"Why."

It's only one word, but it makes her shiver with fear.

"Unless you want Kami's wrath, I cannot tell you more. Knowledge of the future constantly changes with every decision you make. An hour later, Sasuke Uchiha might die if he comes home early."

Orochimaru freezes. "You will train to become a kunoichi."

She gave him a 'are you stupid' look.

"My chakra is has a complete separation of physical and mental energy. The best I would be able to do is enhance my strength, speed, and durability by a bit."

"Then I will train you in Taijutsu!" Orochimaru was livid.

"If you try to force me to do anything, I will disappear. But when that happens, some rather...unfortunate things will happen to you, your research, and your minions."

His ire rose.

"Sen'eijashu!"

The snakes wrapped themselves around her. She didn't twitch, instead choosing to stare Orochimaru in the eye. She smiled softly.

"You can't kill me?" Despite it being voiced like a question, everyone knew it was a fact.

Kimimaro stepped forward. "Orochimaru-sama, it would be unwise to kill the Se-"

"SILENCE!"

He took a step back. Tayuya was cackling like a witch.

"Now you'll get it, you motherfucking bitch!"

Without glancing in her direction, the redhead was flung into the wall. He turned back to Midori, inhaled slowly, exhaled, and the snakes retreated. He turned and started to stalk out of the room. "Kimimaro will show you around. Do what you want. When I need you, Kabuto will inform you."

The teen in question turned to her before exiting. She followed. Kimimaro first led Midori to the cafeteria, where all of Orochimaru's more successful experiments and useful minions ate. There was a counter were hundreds of bento boxes lay. The tables were filled with people, as it was currently lunchtime. Midori inhaled the smell. It reminded her of her home.

Australia.

Her friends were doubled over in laughter as the most hilarious show she'd ever seen was playing on the TV. Juliet, the only one still sitting on the couch, snorted. And the door slammed open dramatically, revealing her cousins. The smell of spaghetti filled the room. "Lunch's rea-"

Shatter

The tray was placed in front of her. She could smell it. Udon and seaweed. She murmured a soft "Itadakimasu." And started to eat. She was alone.

The

She smiled softly as the couple ate. They always came to Ichiraku's every Friday, and today was no expection. They laughed, joked, chattered, and kissed. She was wishing, not for the first time, that she was back at home.

Sky

She woke in the hospital. The anxious face of Shisui hovered over her for a second before his mouth split into a grin. "Midori! You're awake! We were so worri-"

AN: So we get to see a bit more of Midori's past. She was born during the Kyuubi attack, and Orochimaru betrayed Akatsuki a few months ago. As for the Sasuke will die if he comes home early part, welllll...that was a blatant lie. And Orochimaru knew it, so he was angry at her for lying.

~Torch