Disclaimer: Shouldn't you have figured it out by now? It's called FANfiction people.
Here's the time skip! I'm so sorry this is late, I had a friend staying with me for a week so was unable to write as much…SORRY!
(The plural to Jinchuriki in this story is Jinchuriki, NOT Jinchurikis. Like fish and fish, or sheep and sheep. Sorry if it confuses…)
Ages:
Akina/Itachi: 15
Sasuke/'Naruto': 10
TWO YEARS LATER
Somewhere in Earth Country
A hooded figure glanced backwards, seemingly casually. She tugged the dark hood further over her head, keeping her face shadowed from view. Her serious blue eyes darted in every direction before she turned down a certain road, which would lead to a specific forested area.
She made her way down the night darkened path, keeping her senses aware and alert for any threats. Anticipation thrummed, and her heart was beating wildly enough to make her chest ache. She soon arrived at her destination, scanning the trees for any sign of her contact. An especially dark shadow shifted, and a new figure stepped into the moonlight. Her body jolted with excitement.
The dark silhouette pushed back his hood, revealing two burning crimson eyes, emphasised by the red clouds adorning his cloak. A slight softening of his gaze and the tilt of his lips was the only open expression on the dark haired boy's face.
"…Hey 'Kina." He murmured. The girl pulled the hood off her own head, letting her blonde hair shine silver in the secluded area. She grinned and jumped at the startled boy, hugging him fiercely.
"…I missed you 'Tachi."
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Akina had been given a mission from Sandaime-jiji again. While she was effectively undercover in the Academy, she was still the only Nin besides the Hokage himself who knew the full truth about the oldest Uchiha. The Council was aware of his order to eliminate the clan of course, and the Head of the ANBU knew of his mission to enter a criminal organisation, however no others knew of his location, or of his monthly reports.
Or of Uchiha Madara.
On the rare occasions that the information was too sensitive even to be delivered by the Ravens, Itachi would send details on where he and his partner would be at a certain time and arrange an opportunity to meet, and would deliver the classified reports in person.
Over the last two years since his departure, Itachi had only had two other chances to deliver information himself, as any more could bring suspicion on him from his organisation. Both times Akina had been all too eager to see her former partner again, practically gluing herself to his side for as long as possible before they were forced to part ways.
Not that Itachi minded in the least.
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Akina couldn't keep the smile off her face as she and Itachi made their way to a local Inn for his report. Kisame was one village over, as Itachi had told him that he was going to gather information from the locals in their latest assignment.
They checked in at the front desk, Akina giving the welcoming receptionist a warm smile and requesting a room for the night. Itachi remained silent, wearing his Akatsuki cloak inside out as to avoid drawing attention. When they reached the small room, Akina's blinding smile dimmed slightly and she adopted a serious tone, reserved only for missions.
"What do you have to report?"
"The Akatsuki are on the move, and have finally revealed the major goal of the organisation." Itachi told her. He paused before continuing. "They are hunting the Biju."
Akina's eyes widened. "The Biju? That's insane!" she exclaimed. What were those fools thinking!
"Yes, however Madara is a determined man and Pein follows him. We are to capture the Jinchuriki and bring them to the base for extraction." Itachi sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose and looking at Akina with thinly veiled concern.
"Oh Kami…" she muttered, rubbing her forehead. Itachi turned his eyes away awkwardly. How was he supposed to tell her this? He took a breath. Just get it over with….
"…I was ordered to capture the Kyuubi."
Akina gaped. "What!"
Itachi's brow was furrowed and his signature 'maturity lines' were deeper than usual. "Don't worry, it will be at least another few years of planning before we are sent out to bring the Jinchuriki in. And they still believe they are after a young, inexperienced boy." He reasoned.
Akina sighed unhappily. "I guess so, but this changes everything! What happens when the time comes?"
"We have plenty of time to figure that out 'Kina." Itachi reminded her, and she shook her head, not in denial, but in surrender.
"Yeah…" she trailed off as her shirt began wiggling. "Aka-chan! Stop it!" she laughed, breaking the solemn mood. The adolescent weasel's head shot out from her collar, squeaking as he spotted Itachi.
"Hello kit." Itachi chuckled with amusement. Akayuki blinked, his red eyes locking onto Itachi's. The room was silent as they stared each other down, neither moving an inch, and Akina sweatdropped. Akayuki broke eye contact with the Uchiha and buried his face under Akina's long hair, chirping. Itachi's eyes narrowed at the white weasel. The kit was mocking him!
"…Itachi, stop glaring at Aka-chan." Akina said drily, rolling her eyes. Really, he was irrationally jealous.
"Hn."
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Itachi twitched as Akina stroked Akayuki's head absentmindly, the albino weasel just basking in her attentions. The Uchiha was positive he was being taunted. Akina turned to him with a sly grin.
"I haven't seen you in over half a year Itachi, and you're still just standing over there all alone. Get over here before I'm forced to drag you." She threatened jokingly, placing the young weasel on the ground. Akayuki sped off, determined to map out his surroundings.
Itachi walked over and sat on beside her in the bed, sighing quietly. He leaned against the wall, letting himself get used to dropping the emotionless mask. His eyes slid closed, and when they reopened were a stunning onyx once again.
Akina was in the middle of a mental battle. She knew that she should leave immediately and report in to the Hokage on what she had learnt, but who knows when she would see Itachi again? Besides, she had a Kage Bunshin back in Konoha Henged as Naruto…so it's not like her absence would be noticed…Akina continued to justify staying to herself, until she finally won. She looked at Itachi, and found herself staring into sad dark eyes. Not that Itachi was aware that much was showing through.
"When do you have to leave?" he asked. He knew they both had their duties to preform, now was not the time for selfishness.
"…Not for a while." She replied. "…And you?"
Itachi blinked. "Kisame won't be suspicious unless I am gone for more than two days…and it took half a day to get here, another half to get back."
"So you can stay until tomorrow?" Akina asked, feeling hope rise up inside her heart. Itachi's mouth tilted upwards.
"Hai."
"That's good." She whispered, and leant over her former partner's tired body, kissing him gently. Itachi quickly forgot his weariness and pulled her closer. Mouths opened and tongues slid over one another sensually, picking up urgency until it was a full on battle. They poured all the desperation and frustration, all the loneliness into each other, truly expressing themselves for the first time since they had last parted. Itachi pulled away, breathing heavily but reluctant to let her go.
"We should get some sleep…"
"Yeah…" Akina nodded, pulling Itachi down onto the bed next to her. He raised an eyebrow, while holding back a yawn. Uchihas don't yawn.
"…'Kina?"
"Shh…sleep time 'Tachi." She mumbled, snuggling into his side.
For the first time in what felt like a lifetime, Itachi was able to sleep with an unfading smile.
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Itachi stirred as he felt a weight on his chest. He opened his eyes to see Akina still sleeping cuddled up against him, and Akayuki perched upright in front of his face. The kit was giving him a calculating look, tilting his head in confusion.
"Chirp?" the weasel voiced, and the sleepy Uchiha lazily raised both eyebrows. The weasel thrilled and chattered at him, clearly in some kind of in-depth conversation.
But alas, Itachi could not speak weasel.
Akina grumbled and stretched, trying in vain to fall back to sleep. She frowned at the firmness under her head, it didn't feel like her pillow. She blearily cracked open her eyes, and the memories of yesterday's events swarmed back to her. She was with Itachi.
"You awake Akina?"
"…Yeah…" she yawned. The two just lay there in silence for a while, neither having the will nor reason to move. Eventually however, like all must good things it must come to an end.
Itachi put his Akatsuki cloak back on, activated his feared Sharingan and once again locked his emotions away. Akina scooped up Akayuki, adjusted her Kunouchi outfit, checked her weapons pouches and tied her hair in a long ponytail.
Akina grabbed a fistful of Itachi's cloak and gently pulled him towards her, and Itachi was quick to respond by taking hold of her arms. Itachi leant down to brush his lips against hers, and Akina was slightly dismayed to realise that she now was forced to lift her head up to reach him.
Akina's soft but firm lips pushed back against Itachi's, and the Uchiha didn't hesitate to tighten his hold on her. Akina opened her mouth slightly and moaned quietly at the sensation of Itachi's tongue gliding along hers. She hoped he hadn't heard her, but judging by the smirk she felt around her lips, he had. After the prolonged kiss, they walked away in different directions, as if the encounter had never happened. Neither looked back.
There would be nothing left to see.
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Akina resisted the urge to block her ears and scowl at the screeching girls in front of her. The Uchiha Fan Club was something she was used to, sure, but since Sasuke was the only one left he was forced to shoulder the burden of all Uchiha Stalkers within a certain age range.
Poor kid.
The official name was now 'The Uchiha Sasuke Fans United Organisation', but had been shortened into the Sasuke Club. The young Uchiha just called them the Fangirl Stalkers, but only to himself of course.
Akina rolled her eyes at the adoration emanating off her female classmates, all but the Hyuuga girl, who kept looking at her strangely. The loudest off the love-struck girls was the Yamanaka heir Ino, and Haruno Sakura, the girl with ridiculously pink hair.
"Sasuke-kun!" Ino squealed happily, trying to glomp the dodging boy. Sakura put her hand on her hips and glared at her rival and ex-best friend.
"Ino-pig! Get off my Sasuke-kun!"
Ino's eye twitched and she sneered. "Your Sasuke-kun? Yeah right Forehead-girl! Sasuke –kun is mine!"
"As if Pig! Sasuke-kun loves me!" Sakura declared. Ino's voice became even more high-pitched.
"No, he loves me!"
Akina wished she could go and slap some sense into the two girls, Kami they were hurting her Kunouchi pride. Sasuke looked about ready to either kill them both or hang himself.
Like she said, poor kid.
It was her first time back in class since her last mission, and it seemed she already had resigned herself to playing the façade once again. Not a lot had changed in the last few years, although Akina had to admit her time had been…interesting.
The Nara boy, Shikamaru, was too smart for his own good, and probably would have figured her out by now if not for her skill level, and of course his chronic laziness. Chouji, the Akimichi heir, had become nearly inseparable from the lazy genius, and was often found eating his chips loudly while Shikamaru slept, oblivious. Inuzuka Kiba was very much a loudmouth, outclassed only by 'Naruto' in that respect. His keen nose had caused Akina to stop bringing Akayuki with her to the Academy, as he had once commented on how his puppy Akamaru had smelt an animal in class. Thank Kami no one had believed him. Her advanced Henge thankfully altered any and all outside signs, including scents. Where Kiba may have otherwise been able to detect her female pheromones, the jutsu masked it flawlessly, so once again her secret was safe.
Hyuuga Hinata was an odd one. At first when Akina had noticed the heir following her, she had feared that the girl's Byakugan had somehow detected her disguise. Eventually however Akina had realised with shock and horror why the pale eyed girl was stalking her, and blushing at every glance.
She had a crush on Naruto.
If Akina had been any normal sister, she would have laughed and teased her Otouto, all the while playing Matchmaker for the two. Unfortunately, the blonde girl would never have the opportunity for such things. All thanks to that one traitorous man who stole it all away. Akina considered turning the Hyuuga down gently, but quickly realised that Hinata's already non-existent confidence wouldn't be able to take the blow, however soft. So she opted for obliviousness. If Naruto had never noticed, then he had never hurt her. Akina knew it was wrong to be stringing the shy girl along like this, but at least she wouldn't do anything to encourage the heir at all.
Hopefully Hinata would grow out of her crush.
Back to her fellow students. Aburame Shino, now that guy was avoided like the plague. His clan was known for housing live insects inside of their own bodies, which frankly freaked most people out. Although Akina had to admit the thought gave her a little shiver, she never judged the Aburame clan. She knew what it was like to carry such a burden, and to be looked down upon for it. All Aburame that Akina had ever encountered were hauntingly silent and known for their infamous logic-based decisions. They dressed similarly to Shino, covering as much of their bodies and faces as possible from the outside world.
Akina had already blocked out the voices of Sakura and Ino, who were now wrestling for the spot next to the stoic Uchiha boy. Sakura and Ino were once the best of friends, always attached to the hip, until recently. Apparently they had discovered that they both liked Sasuke, and had declared themselves as rivals for his love.
How utterly ridiculous. Ruining such as close friendship for a boy who couldn't care less about either one of them.
There were of course many others in the class, but other than the clan heirs -and the attention demanding Sakura- they weren't really worth mentioning. Mediocre skills, average scores and the swooning Fangirls all placed them firmly in the list of the over-looked. It really killed Akina to have to act inferior to these talentless civilian and smaller clan students who clearly didn't take things seriously enough. It seemed some if Itachi's pride and rubbed off on her over time, she wanting nothing more than to show off and watch the reactions of these kids. These children mocked Naruto, calling him a dead last, stupid, idiot and a loser. While many people had called Naruto worse in the past –and the present, and no doubt the future- at least Akina was confident in her knowledge that they were wrong.
Very wrong.
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Itachi's cloak billowed around him slightly as he landed gracefully next to Kisame. It had been over a week since he had last sent communication via Raven summons, as new knowledge was becoming scarce due to his back to back missions. They began the journey to headquarters in the typical silence, something Kisame had long since become accustomed to. The large blue man's Akatsuki cloak was draped somewhat awkwardly over his bulky form, whereas Itachi's was fitted flawlessly, brushing against his ankles with each step. The long hours of eerie quiet began to make Kisame twitch, and yet he still did not speak up. As much as he hated being bossed around by some brat, the Uchiha was clearly the stronger Shinobi, at least for now.
They arrived at the current base, behind a roaring waterfall somewhere in Tori no Kuni (Land of Birds). They stepped through the chakra detecting field and activated their Akatsuki rings, pushing them against the hidden door like a key. The rock face groaned slightly as it shifted, revealing a narrow passageway. Itachi walked in without hesitation, while Kisame was forced to turn sideways in order to fit his larger body through. When they emerged from the darkness, a hunched figure was awaiting them.
"Leader-sama wishes to see you now." The armoured puppet croaked. Itachi nodded.
"Very well Sasori."
Kisame followed after his partner in annoyance, he just hoped he didn't have another mission with him already. He didn't want to be stuck with this guy any longer than necessary. Itachi never allowed Kisame to satisfy his bloodlust sufficiently, always calmly stating in that infuriatingly superior tone that his foolishness would delay the missions, angering Leader-sama.
Stupid manipulative Uchiha. First chance he got, he was going to KILL that annoying boy.
Itachi reached a pair of tall double doors, and before he could even lift a hand to knock, the doors swung open as if pulled by some mysterious force.
"Ah, Itachi and Kisame, I trust that your mission was a success." A voice from within the shadows said, more of a warning than a question. Itachi bowed.
"Hai Leader-sama, the target is dead. No traces were left behind." He intoned blandly.
Two glowing ringed eyes narrowed at the pair, causing Kisame to begin to sweat.
"In that case, I have a new mission to assign to you. Itachi especially."
Itachi nodded slightly. "And what does this mission entail, if I may ask Leader-sama?"
"Recruit former Iwa Nin, Deidara, into Akatsuki. He may become of use to us, and we require a new partner for Sasori after that snake Orochimaru fled from us." The purple eyes burned with the righteous anger of a god at speaking of the betrayal. It calmed his singed pride to say 'fled' rather than 'escaped', but only slightly.
"The terrorist bomber?" Kisame snorted. Great, another freak to join the club. He thought hypocritically. Ringed eyes pierced through him, causing the blue man to stiffen.
"Are you questioning my orders Kisame?" The Leader asked mildly, while sending a crushing wave of Killer Intent towards his subordinate.
Kisame paled. "No Leader-sama."
The glare lessened, and the Killing Intent lifted instantly. "Good. Leave immediately, Sasori will accompany you to acquire his new partner. Deidara was last sighted near what remains of the former Uzushiogakure (Hidden Village of Whirlpool), experimenting with new techniques by exploding the ruins."
"And if he refuses to join?" Kisame inquired, although he already had an idea of the answer.
"…Use any means necessary to complete this mission." The Leader ordered, locking his eyes onto the Uchiha's Sharingan.
"Hai Leader-sama." Itachi monotoned, straightening up from his bow.
It seemed he may have more information to give Akina after all.
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"Katsu!" Cried a certain energetic young man within a barren ruin of what was once a great village. The maniac look in his eyes was only emphasised by the mushroom cloud reflected in his wide pupils. Debris fell in various sized pieces, littering the already destroyed landscape further.
Deidara laughed madly and began shaping yet another creature made out of explosive clay, this time concentrating even more on inserting his chakra into it. With this forbidden technique, his art would really come to life! Those fools back in Iwa had no idea who they were messing with now!
"Time for some C4, un…" he whispered to himself in anticipation. The mouth adorning his right palm began to chew and mould, soon producing a small clay bird. Deidara eyed it gleefully behind his long blonde bang. Channelling chakra, he watched as the white bird stirred, stretching its wings and turning its head in experimentation. Pride filled the Missing-nin, he was truly an artist! He threw the bird into the air, icy blue eyes trained on it as it flew confidently towards a large intact pillar.
"Katsu!" he yelled, throwing his arms over his head. The bird faltered in mid-air, but never stopped its movements. Soon the clay bird was engulfed in a searing bright light, and the explosion erupted violently. Deidara was flown backwards by the sheer power of the C4 blast, narrowly missing colliding with one of the sturdier parts of the ruins. It was so loud it took a while for the sound to reach Deidara's ears, and the force of it shell-shocked the blonde. A slow grin spread across his face.
"ART IS A BLAST, UN!" he cried to the heavens.
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Itachi and Kisame's heads jerked in the direction of a loud boom, while Sasori's Hiruko didn't show any sign of the noise registering. The backlash of the blast sent a strong wind blowing the trees, causing many leaves and branches to snap off and hurtle in all directions. Kisame ducked to avoid being slapped in the face by a sizable branch while Itachi held his ground, miraculously untouched by the debris. Sasori was forced to use Hiruko's scorpion-like tail to ward off any flying objects. When it was over, Kisame straightened up and reached for his Samehada.
"It seems we've found our guy, hey Itachi?" he said with a predatory grin, ignoring Sasori. He and the puppet-man did not get along, even the brat was preferable to that guy. Itachi didn't so much as glance in his direction.
"Hn…" he trudged through the shaken forest, towards the source of the explosion. Itachi's footsteps were so light that not even the snap of a fallen branch or the crackle of a discarded leaf was heard. Sasori followed the Uchiha's lead and Kisame trailed behind, muttering in irritation.
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Akina groaned as she woke. She took in her surroundings, including the chirping birds, the soft but itchy grass beneath her and concluded that she had passed out during training again. It was the third time this week, and there were no signs of it stopping anytime soon. Not enough…I'm not strong enough, not yet. She gritted her teeth and hauled herself upright, ignoring the ache of her tired body. She stretched, wincing as her bones popped and cracked into place. She yawned, shaking her head to stay awake. Akina glanced back to the forest, no doubt Akayuki was out hunting again, he would return when he was ready.
She left the battered training grounds, making a beeline for the Ichiraku ramen stand. As unhealthy as the stuff was, it was very addictive, and always gave her a much needed energy boost. Having the Kyuubi to burn off any excess calories helped as well.
Akina grinned widely at the old man behind Ichiraku's counter, which was immediately returned.
"Hey Naruto! How's our Number One Customer today?" he joked good naturedly. Teuchi had always had a smile on his face as long as Akina could remember, even back in the days before the Kyuubi attack. Her Kaa-chan would bring her to play with Ayame, Teuchi's daughter of the same age, and Tou-san would order one of everything until Kaa-chan made him stop.
"Hey Ramen-jiji! I'm great! One step closer to Hokage every day!" Naruto boasted, puffing out his chest proudly. Teuchi chuckled at the boy's proclamation and the nickname, which he was used to by now. A brunette head poked around the corner from the kitchen.
"Otou-san! The pork ramen is ready!" Ayame called. She then noticed who her father was talking to.
"Oh Naruto-kun! It's so good to see you, we've missed you around here lately! Just where were you?" she exclaimed, putting her hands on her hips in a mock scolding. Naruto laughed and rubbed the back of his head.
"Sorry Ayame-neechan, I was training a lot!" he explained with a cheeky grin.
Akina had been training a lot. But while Teuchi and Ayame were expecting something suited for an Academy student, she had been upgrading her Ninjutsu library. Sandaime-jiji had given her access to the Hokage's Private Library, and she was been working herself to the bone trying to master as much as she could. So far she had eighteen D-rank (mostly survival skills), thirteen C-rank, five B-rank, three A-rank and one S-rank jutsu under her belt. And she hadn't even started trying to draw upon Kyuubi's chakra yet…
Ayame huffed. "Well all right then, but make sure you aren't tiring yourself out too much Naruto-kun! We need our best customer healthy, understand?" she said, letting a hint of a threat into her tone. Naruto nodded rapidly.
Akina suppressed a smile at her childhood friend. Ayame had certainly grown into a beautiful girl…only fifteen years old, and already Teuchi had a broom dedicated to warding off young men sitting by the counter. The multiple abrasions and scrapes on the wood told of how often the thing had been used, but Ayame was none the wiser.
Naruto plonked himself down in his typical spot, resting his head on the cool surface of the bench, watching Ayame walk back into the kitchen with blurred vision.
Akina remembered the days when they would spend hours together, just doing nothing. Laughing, talking. Ayame was the one friend she had who was not from a Ninja family, so their time together was unique and special to her. Ayame was her best friend after Itachi, and it pained Akina to see Ayame growing up without her.
There were days where Akina would long to release her Henge and walk around Konoha as herself, but the risk was far too high. She had spent so much time transformed now that at times she struggled to recall her own face.
"You ok Naruto?" Teuchi asked with concern. Naruto looked up, dropping the tired expression.
"Of course! I was just thinking about this homework that stupid Sensei gave us…" he wrinkled his nose in disgust. Teuchi laughed fondly at the pouting child.
"Well every good worker needs a full stomach. What can I get you?"
"Hm…" Naruto squinted, contemplating. "Three Miso, two pork and one Vegetable to start with!" he decided, grinning devilishly.
Akina sighed inwardly as she relaxed, welcoming the homely atmosphere.
She wondered how long it would be until she could see Itachi again.
I feel like this chapter is just…I was stop-starting so much…it doesn't really flow…maybe it's just me, but either way I promise to get back into my original schedule now!
-TITM