A/N I think it's time to ramp up the momentum of this story. I hope this keeps your interest. No major warnings this time.
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Raylin and Sasuke's paths crossed often, but never for very long. They never spoke, other than a quick nod, or brief hello. She longed for him, pined for him, ached for him, and he was so indifferent. One particular day she watched him train, and noticed the viciousness of his attacks. He was indeed planning to kill someone, more like erase any trace of them. He could blow someone to vapors with the anger he exhibited when he trained. She'd also noticed that he'd grown – at least half a foot. His hair he kept a bit shorter, though his bangs were longer. He was broader, his back and his chest had filled out more. His jaw was wider and more squarely set. He was 16, practically a man – physically at least. As she looked at him training, she was ready to resign to never having him, but that day was different. A whole new can of worms was about to be opened.
She watched quietly from a distance. Suddenly Orochimaru noticed her. "Raylin. Join us." She hadn't meant to interrupt them, but since he beckoned, she went to him and Sasuke. "Were we entertaining you?"
"No my lord, I was just watching your training, admiring the advancements made by Sasuke."
"He is indeed an excellent student, much like you."
"Thank you."
"Sasuke, you remember Raylin right?"
"Sure. I see her around. Hi." Nothing, no feeling. He turned back to Orochimaru, "I'm ready to go again."
"Why don't you fight Raylin here for a while?"
Both Sasuke and Raylin gasped, "What?!!"
Orochimaru continued, "Sasuke, you need to face a new opponent, you're used to my attacks."
Sasuke said, "But she's a,"
"A girl? I assure you Sasuke; Raylin does not fight like a weak little girl. I told you before she's a genius and she plans and fights like one." Raylin's chest puffed up a bit jutting her breasts forward, because of the compliments her mentor bestowed upon her. Her confidence was already there, but now it was enhanced. She would not be defeated.
She asked, "May I speak freely?"
Orochimaru looked at her, hesitated and said, "Yes. Please do."
She carefully chose her words. She turned and faced Sasuke slightly who looked at her with uncertainty and she said, "Do not underestimate me." That was it; she'd thrown down the challenge. She could feel Orochimaru smiling. She backed away slowly. Orochimaru approached her, getting close to her ear.
He whispered to her, "Fight him. Be vicious. Make him respect you. But beware, he has lightning, and fire jutsu. Your wind techniques will blow away his lightning, but will intensify his fire jutsu. Don't underestimate him either."
"Good thing I picked up some water jutsu along the way."
Orochimaru looked at her seriously. "Seriously?"
"Seriously. I can take him out. Seriously."
"You don't have to do that. I still need him, but I need him to look at you differently. I need an edge over him, and you're going to be it. Do you still want him?"
"More than anything ever."
"Does he arouse you?"
"As if you couldn't tell."
"Oh I can tell."
"One more thing."
"What?"
"Can I use my special talent?"
"Be my guest. But don't be surprised by his reaction."
"I won't be. He won't know what hit him."
"You can say that again."
Sasuke shouted, "Are you sure you want me to do this? I don't bear a grudge against Raylin."
Orochimaru shouted back, "I want you to fight her with everything you've got Sasuke. You'll need to go full power against her."
"If you say so," Sasuke answered.
"I do say so. Begin NOW!"
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A/N Another chapter tomorrow perhaps? There's a big reveal coming up. It's ready whenever you are. Be back soon.
