Chapter seven: New Beginnings/ When Allies turn to Enemies and Enemies to Allies Prequel.
The sky overhead darkened and large storm clouds hung low as Anastasia made her way towards the Hidden Leaf Village. Anastasia as she had her hood over her head, her identity was hidden from view. Anastasia took in her surroundings as she walked, her breath visible in front of her as she breathed in and out due to the cold morning air. Anastasia was about to enter the village through the gates, when she was stopped by a few guards. "Halt!" They said. Anastasia rolled her green eyes and ignored the guards, however that was a wrong move on her part. One of the guards threw a kunai by Anastasia's head, landing right near her feet. Anastasia sighed and looked over at the guard who threw the kunai. "That was a warning shot; next one is aimed for your head!" The guard shouted at her once more.
Anastasia stopped walking and turned to the guard with a sigh. Anastasia pulled her hood down and smirked at the guard before her. "Who are you?" The guard questioned. "I am here for Lord Third. He sent for me." Anastasia explained as she turned on her heel and began to walk away once more. "You need an escort." The man stated. "Fine, hurry up." Anastasia said with obvious annoyance. The guard nodded and caught up to Anastasia. The guard and Anastasia walked in silence until the guard broke said silence. "I'm Genma, and you are...?" The guard questioned. "Anastasia, Anastasia Night." Anastasia replied. Genma looked Anastasia up and down, then he realized something, so did Anastasia. "Thanks for the escort, Genma." Anastasia said as she walked the last few steps towards the Hokage's office. "You're...Dove...right?" Genma questioned without thinking. As soon as Anastasia heard Genma say that, she shoved him against the wall, pinned him to it, and placed a kunai against his throat. "So, you really do remeber me, afterall. Then you must remember what I did then?" Anastasia questioned.
Genma struggled against Anastasia, but it was Anastasia who pulled away from Genma. "Yes..But I didn't tell I swear..I..cared for you, so I didn't tell anyone." Genmad explained. Anastasia smirked at Genma's explanation and walked away from him. "Is He still alive?" Anastasia questioned as she stopped before the Hokage's office door. "Yes.." Genma replied. "Good." Anastasia said with a smirk before she opened the door to the Hokage's office. Anastasia walked into the Hokage's office unannounced, her face blank. The Hokage had been talking to Anko, and upon hearing his door open he looked at the door with a ticked off expression. "Hello, Grandfather." Anastasia greeted as she closed the door behind her and leaned against the wall with her arms crossed over her chest, a smirk upon her thin lips. Anko, as soon as she heard Anastasia's voice, her eyes widened in shock. "You."Anko said angrily as she narrowed her eyes. Anastasia examined Anko a moment before she spoke. "Why, hello, Snake-Girl." Anastasia taunted as she licked her lips. Anko continued to glare at Anastasia and even dared to take a few steps towards her.
"Anko." Lord Third warned as he looked from Anko to Anastasia and back to Anko. "Yes, Lord Third-Sama." Anko agreed, but as she walked past Anastasia, she shot her a dirty look. Anastasia smirked at Anko as she left, her green eyes flashing a bright red for an instant. "Anastasia." Lord Third called. Anastasia turned her attention on Lord Third then. "It is good to see you, however threatening my villagers willl get you nowhere. It will only cause problems once more." Lord Third reminded. Anastasia raised an eyebrow at Lord Third then, but she remained leaning against the wall.
Lord Third examined Anastasia carefully before he spoke again. "I know about your past successes with First Hokage Senju, and his brother, however your recent activities show that you have been living a very dangerous life. You first left your village after it "mysteriously" burned down, then you joined a questionable group of "mercanaries" who wanted nothing but to plunder and pillage other small lands for their coin and other revunues. From there, you joined a group of Assassins who targted local, small, and even world-wide villages, such as the Leaf, Yuki, and the Sound. And somewhere along the way, you met Itachi Uchiha and became involved in the Akatsuki. Now, tell me why you are here back in Konoha, Feather?" Lord Third summed everything up for Anastasia. "It seems you've been keeping tabs on me, Grandfather." Anastasia said as she walked away from the wall and sat on Lord Third's desk. Lord Third looked up at Anastasia, his eyes reflecting the memories of the past. "Since you've been keeping tabs on me, you should know why I am here." Anastasia stated as she looked down at Lord Third. Lord Third smirked at Anastasia before he spoke. "Yes, I do. However, is it just because of your "mission" or is it because you have feelings for this place, lingering ghosts that will never go away until you confront them at last?" Lord Third questioned.
Anastasia looked away from Lord Third then, her green eyes shadowing as if trying to find the right words. "Both. Four years ago, I was sent to Yuki to kill Hatake Kakashi's team. I did not succeed, I had many oppertunties to do so, yet, I heistated." Anastasia explained. Lord Third stroked his beard as he heard this. "I know, I figured as much. You saw both of them in Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki-(Namakaze) Naruto, therefore you couldn't kill them. Kakashi and Saku, yes, but Sasuke and Naruto, no." Lord Third said. Anastasia looked at Lord Third then and nodded. "Yes. Itachi..he thought I knew nothing about the Akatsuki, yet he is the one who knows nothing. I know why he killed his clan, why he saved only Sasuke and no one else. Why he pushed himself to get from where he was to where he is now. He Sacrificied everything for Sasuke, the only person he ever Loved. I know why he left the Akatsuki and I know that he was giving information to you. He, on the other hand, knows nothing about me. All he knows is that I left my village, and who came with me. He knows that I have nightterrors and nightmares. And..if he found out about my mission to kill his brother, he might as well just kill me. If he knew while we were living together, then why didn't he kill me? He had a lot of chances to do it." Anastasia explained as she slipped off the desk and walked towards the door.
"If you are to stay in Konoha and protect Naruto and Sasuke, then you must have full citizenship, have your I.D. made, and take the Chuinin exams." Lord Third said. Anastasia turned back and smirked at Lord Third. "Good thing I alrady have my Jounin Status then, ne Old Man?" Anastasia teased. Lord Third rolled his eyes at Anastasia before he waved her off. "Keep your abilites under wraps, and don't let it slip that you know Itachi nor any of the Uzumaki's. And here, I am known as Lord Third, not "Grandfather." Although, I basically "took you under my wing" for appearances, you are about three to four hundred years my senior." Lord Third pointed out. Anastasia laughed at Lord Third before she moved to exit the room once more. "You're wrong about Itachi. He didn't just Love Sasuke, he Loved you too." Lord Third stated. Anastasia nodded and exited the Hokage's office. Lord Third looked down at the paperwork on his desk and sighed as he knew that in the next few months, he may not be there. Lord Third looked down at his medical report-six months to a year to live, that was all, no more, no less. Lord Third sighed once more as he laid back in his chair.
Anastasia flinted up to the buildings, making sure she stayed out of sight, and made her way to her old apartment. Anastasia still paid for it, yet she didn't clean it-she didn't have time to go to Konoha, and back to the Hideout, and back to Konoha whenever she wanted to. Anastasia knew her key still fit the lock, but she also knew that her apartment would be fiflthy. Anastasia placed her key in the door, careful not to break the hinges on the door as they stuck from lack of use as she opened the door. Anastasia knew that she had cleaned her apartment the last time she was in Konoha before she left, but that was back when Lord Second was first made Hokage, and when Lord Third "replaced" Tobirama. Anastasia sighed and looked at the bugs crawling all over her apartment floors, the dust on the glass, and the thick unidentified "stuff" on the walls. Anastasia sighed once more and slowly, yet carefully stepped into her apartment. Anastasia knew she had cleaning supplies in her apartment under her sink in the kitchen to the left.
Anastasia entered the kitchen after she placed her bags on the couch as she navigated through the filth. Anastasia from under the sink in the kitchen, she retrieved a large bottle of all-purpose cleaning spray, a few wipes, towels and a medical mask. Anastasia placed the medical mask around her mouth before she began working on cleaning her apartment. Anastasia looked at the clock once, it rang ten in the morning. The next time she looked at the clock, it ran one in the morning. Anastasia at last, stretched and looked around at now clean apartment. Anastasia then, walked over to her washer and placed her clothes inside along with their well needed detergent and clothes softner. Anastasia turned on the washer and walked back to her room, grabbing her bag from the couch on the way. Anastasia threw the medical mask off her face and away. Anastasia then, walked into her room, her memories coming back to her like they just recently happened.
Anastasia dropped her bag to the floor, not caring at the moment what fell out of it. Anastasia then laid back on her bed, her eyes on the ceiling, her mind elsewhere. "Itachi...when you discover that i am gone, will he search for me? And if you find me here, near your brother, near my ex target, will you hurt me like I hurt you?" Anastasia mumbled to herself as her hand slid down to her stomach. "What have I gotten myself into?" Anastasia questioned as she let her mind rest for the night, and her green eyes close.
Somewhere near the Village Hidden in the Rain, a blue-haired woman with a rose in her hair smirked at the land before her, her eyes reflecting her very smile. "It is only a matter of time." The woman said as she retreated into the dark depths of her hideout.
The next morning, Anastasia woke up to the sound of a slight breeze, the birds chirping, and people yelling. Yes, they were the familiar noises of Konoha. It had been three and a half weeks since Anastasia had arrived back in Konoha. And all she could was sleep, go out to eat as she was too tired to go food shopping, and well..Anastasia rolled her green eyes before she shot up and ran to the bathroom. Anastasia had barely made it to the toilet before she threw up her stomach contents. Anastasia winced in pain as she felt the familiar pain of dry-heaving. Finall after five minutes of dry-heaving, Anastasia could finally stand and look in the mirror. Anastasia washed her face and mouth out before she looked at herself in the mirror. "A new beginning, huh?" Anastasia muttered to herself. Anastasia walked out of her bathroom, out of her room, and into the laundry room to put her wet clothes in the dryer.
Anastasia then walked into her kitchen and looked at the contents of her fridge. Knowing she woulnd't really find anything, she closed it and waited for her clothes to be dry. Anastasia walked back into her bathroom and turned the shower on. Anastasia then stripped of her clothes and got in. Anastasia picked up her shaving razor that she hadn't used in this shower in many years and began shaving her pale body. When she was done, she shampooed and conditioned her hair with cherry blossom and jasmine scented shampoo and conditioner. Anastasia then washed her hair and finished washing her body of any remaing dirty and soap.
Anastasia then got out, wrapped a towel around her hair and body, and walked into the laundry room to collect her dried clothes. Anastasia then walked back into her room and changed into a fresh set of clothes. She then unwrapped her long pink hair, brushed it out, and pulled it into a large ponytail with a few strands hanging in her face. Anastasia then walked out of her apartment, bound for the Chunin Exams Staduim. Anastasia wore a black pair of trousers with a spiked belt hanging off one side at an angle, a black tank top with fishnet all over it, a purple underbust corset that hand purple silk bows on the front (She wasn't showing at this point.) Anastasia also wore a black trench coat and four inch high-heeled boots with large red silk bows at the top. Anastasia although she wasn't competitioning, she carried a large double-ended sword on her back with engraved markings, a gun holstered on her left hip and a sword to the right of her doube-ended sword.
Anastasia on her way to the staduim, she spotted three Sand Shinobi. Anastasia smirked at them, and hid near a wall, her green gaze on them, although they couldn't see her. Anastasia also sensed her two teammates; Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto. Anastasia had met her teammates upon arriving in Konoha and when she did, Sasuke tried to attack her. His reasoning: "You look like someone who attacked us four years ago, and I wanted to test your strengths." In truth, Anastasia did attack them four years ago, but she had her other cover on, so there was no way that Sasuke would know it was her. Anastasia heard Sasuke jumped down from where he was in the tree and land right in front of the youngest one.
"Who are you and what are you doing in Konoha?" Sasuke questioned as he jumped down from the tree. The youngest of the three stared blanky at Sasuke, but the only girl in the group took out her I.D. card. "Suna No Temari, Suna No Kankuro. We are here for the Combinded Chunin Exams." Temari explained as she put her I.D. card away. Sasuke eyed the youngest one, the red head very carefully. The red head turned on his heel, his back to Sasuke. Sasuke glared at him, his eyes changing to Sharigan. "What's your name?!" Sasuke shouted at the red head's back. Although his back was faced to Sasuke, a smirk spread across his lips. The red head stopped walking and answered Sasuke's question. "Suna No Garaa." The man now known as Garaa answered. Garaa began walking once more, his siblings following closely behind him. "Hey! You didn't ask me for my name!" Naruto shouted at Garaa. "Who cares, Dobe?" Sasuke said angrily. "Shut up, Teme. I'm Naruto Uzumaki, you know!" Naruto shouted at the top of his lungs.
However, Naruto was speaking only to the wind as the other three were already gone. Anastasia chose that time to come out of her hiding spot. "Naruto, shut up!" Sasuke yelled at Naruto. Naruto glared at Sasuke, his chakra rising. "Calm yourself, Uzumaki. You're making a scene." Anastasia said as she jumped over the wall and sat on it. Anastasia's voice made both Genin jump. Anastasia smirked as she looked at Naruto, then to Sasuke. Sasuke quickly regained his "cool" composure and shoved his hands in his white shorts pockets. "Acting cool are we, young Uchiha?" Anastasia mocked. Sasuke glared at Anastasia and threw a kunai at her. Anastasia easily dodged it, caught it mid-air and threw it back at Sasuke. Sasuke's eyes widened as he couldn't believe his teammate was that fast. Sasuke didn't even have time to dodge as the kunai was thrown back at him. Anastasia however..well she...Anastasia flinted in front of Sasuke and caught the kunai mid-air once more. Sasuke in turn was so surprised (in which he would never admit) that he fell backwards. Anastasia smirked down at Sasuke before she picked him up by his shirt's front.
Sasuke glared up at Anastasia, but something in her eyes seemed that she actually cared for Sasuke. Anastasia let go of Sasuke and handed his kunai back to him. "Why are you here, Anastasia?" Sasuke questioned. Anastasia smirked at Sasuke before she answered. "Just because I'm a "Special case Jounin" doesn't mean that I can't cheer my teammates on during the Chunin Exams, Uchiha. 'I'll always cheer you on,' is something most people say, right?" Anastasia said as she turned on her heel and began to walk away. "Once we're Chunin, I want a rematch and a mission!" Sasuke called after Anastasia. Anastasia stopped walking, turned back to Sasuke and smiled sadly. "Mm. Remember Sasuke: "Little boys shouldn't play with knives." Anastasia said as she turned back around and dissolved into dark rose petals.
Sasuke smirked at Anastasia as she left, but his smirk soon turned to a frown. "You should've seen your face, Teme! You were scared shitless when that kunai was coming right at your face." Naruto yelled at Sasuke with a laugh. Sasuke glared at Naruto before he stalked off towards the Chunin Exams' Staduim. Naruto ran after Sasuke, smacking into a large figure before he ran inside. Naruto tensed as he smacked into the person, but he ran away from them, towards the Staduim as he was about to be late. The figure looked back at Naruto, a smirk present upon their face.
"Naruto.." The man spoke with a proud smile. "I see things never change, Iruka." Anastasia said as she leaned against one of the pillars of the Stadium. At the sound of her voice, Iruka slowly turned, his eyes very wide. "Ana..stas...ia.." Iruka said slowly as if speaking her very name would cause her to dissappear. Anastasia crossed her arms over her chest and smirked at Iruka. "Its...been...fourteen years.." Iruka muttered. "I know. The last time I saw you, was His birthday, the day of the attack, and their deaths.." Anastasia said sadly as she looked at Iruka's scar then away. "It wasn't your fault." Iruka stated. Anastasia shook her head. "Yes, it was. I was supposed to protect them, and I did nothing. I stood idly by as the first man I Loved in over three and half centuries died..I watched as Naruto's mother was killed by the very Demon she carried!..It was my fault, so don't tell me that it wasn't my fault, Iruka. Your scar-the reason you have it, is because of me and no one else! Your parent's deaths-I'm responsible for them! It is on my head! The Hokages entrusted the safety of the village and it's people to me, and what did I do?! I ran away because I was scared of losing my friends. I was scared of losing another Lover, scared of losing another precious friend!" Anastasia yelled at Iruka. Iruka smiled sadly at Anastasia before he engulfed her in a hug. "Anastasia, listen if you didn't save the village, Naruto wouldn't be here..If you didn't save me, I wouldn't be here. Yes, there were fatalaties and destruction, but you also were the one who saved all those people. Without your help, they would have died. And Anko, Kakashi, and everyone else wouldn't be here, nor would they have a home, a village to go home to." Iruka comforted and petted Anastasia's hair.
"I am in debt to you, Anastasia." Iruka said. Anastasia pulled away from Iruka to look at him. Iruka in turn looked at her and wiped away her tears that she hadn't realized that had fallen. Anastasia looked away from Iruka then, however Iruka didn't want that. Iruka turned Anastasia's face so that she was looking him in the eye. Iruka then leaned in and pressed his lips against Anastasia's. Anastasia was shocked at Iruka's action and didn't kiss him back as he wanted. Anastasia instead walked away from iruka and towards the Staduim. "Don't ever do that again, or I'll kill you!" Anastasia said as she had red blush upon her pale face. Iruka smirked at Anastasia's words and nodded before he followed her into the stadium.
Anastasia walked into the viewing area of the Stadium, her green eyes scanning for Sasuke and Naruto. Her teammates were nowhere in sight, however that didn't make Anastasia very comfortable. Anastasia watched the match before her go on, her interests not gathered. Anastasia sighed and looked over at Kakashi who was watching her very, very carefully as well as intently. Anastasia rolled her green eyes at Kakashi before she walked away from the viewing area and towards where the contestants meet. Anastasia walked down the dark corridor towards where the contestants meet and saw a very familiar, spiky blonde haired boy yelling at Sasuke. Sasuke had his arms crossed over his chest and he was trying his best to ignore Naruto and not beat the crap out of him. Anastasia slowly approached her teammates and hooked her arm around Naruto's throat, dragging him towards her. "Hiya, Uzumaki!" Anastasia said cheerfully before her green eyes darkened. Sasuke narrowed his eyes at Anastasia, but said nothing. Naruto smiled happily at Anastasia, but he was having trouble breathing as Anastasia was putting pressure on his Adam's Apple. "Anastasia, I-I can't breath." Naruto managed to choke out. Anastasia let go of Naruto, but her gaze shifted over to Sasuke. "You two better win." Anastasia stated as she crossed her arms. Sasuke nodded but said nothing. "Of course, I'm Naruto Uzumaki, you know!" Naruto exclaimed excitedly. Anastasia smiled sadly at Naruto's "weird" habit. It was weird to everyone else, but to Anastasia, it was heart-breaking.
"Next Contestant: Uzumaki Naruto and Hyugga Neji. Follow-up battle: Uchiha Sasuke and Suna no Garaa." The referee announced. Anastasia breathed deeply before she spoke. "Wait." Anastasia said as she took a step towards Naruto and Sasuke. Her two teammates looked at curiously before they stopped walking. "What?" Sasuke questioned. Anastasia dug into her pocket and handed Sasuke and Naruto each an item wrapped in cloth; one black and purple, and the other in orange and red. Naruto unwrapped his first, his eyes lightening up at what was in his hand. Within his hand, was a necklace with a blue spiral and the Kanji plate for his name. Sasuke opened his next. His was a flame made of ruby and the Kanji for his name meaning; "Flame." "Thanks, Anastasia." Sasuke thanked. "Yeah, it's awesome, you know!" Naruto exclaimed. Anastasia smiled and hugged them both. While she was hugging them however, she kissed both their cheeks. "Go knock them dead, Naruto-kun." Anastasia said with a smile. Naruto nodded and walked out of the contestant's area.
As Anastasia was walking away, Sasuke stopped her. "Wait." Sasuke said. Anastasia turned back around, her green eyes reflecting Sasuke's form. "Thank you, Anastasia...for everything. You came at just the right time for the team, you taught us new justus, you even tolerate my coldness, and Naruto's idotic behavior..You may have only been here in Konoha for less than a month, but you have shown me not everyone is annoying or a waste of time." Is what Sasuke should have said. "Thanks, Anastasia." Sasuke muttered to her. "I guess I'm still annoying to you..." Anastasia said out of nowhere. Sasuke narrowed his eyes and examined Anastasia carefully. "What?" Sasuke questioned. Anastasia looked him up and down, turned on her heel and exited the waiting room. Sasuke watched as Anastasia left. his coal-black eyes following her slender form out of the room. "Damn it!" Sasuke shouted. "Wait..you don't have feelings for her, you don't. Uchiha's don't reveal their feelings nor do they let their emotions show or even cloud their judgement. I want to protect Anastasia and Naruto..but I have to get stronger first...Wait for me, Anastasia, Naruto." Sasuke said to himself.
As she rounded the corner, silver tears rolled down Anastasia's face, blurring her vision. Anastasia quickly wiped her tears away and walked back to the viewing area. "You ok?" Kakashi asked. "Yes..I just gave them their good luck charms.." Anastasia explained as she looked over at the match between Naruto and Neji. "He will win." Anastasia stated. Kakashi looked over at Anastasia as she said this, his one visible eye examing her very carefully. "Anastasia, back with Minato.." Kakashi began. "This isn't the time, Hatake." Anastasia stated with a warning tone. Kakashi nodded and watched the fight. Anastasia was right, Naruto did win.
Anastasia got up from her seat as she was getting up, she noticed a certain "Sound" Shinobi was lurching within the shadows. Anastasia smirked at the "Sound" Shinobi before she hurried to the waiting room. Upon seeing Anastasia, Naruto tackled her to the ground. Naruto as he was shorter than Anastasia, his head was in between her large breasts. Anastasia blushed at this,and looked towards Sasuke. Sasuke in fact, looked like he was about to beat Naruto's ass. But was it because of what he did, or was it because it was Anastasia? Anastasia looked back to Naruto before she shoved him off of her. Naruto whined a little bit before he smirked at Sasuke. Anastasia rolled her green eyes and looked towards Sasuke. "You're up next, Teme." Anastasia said using the name Naruto called Sasuke. Sasuke rolled his eyes at being called "Teme" by Anastasia and began to walk into the arena. "Remeber: "Little boys shouldn't play with knives," and beat his ass, Flame." Anastasia said with a smile. Sasuke looked back, but his eyes widened as soon as Anastasia had called him "Flame." Anastasia turned on her heel and began to walk back to the viewing area, leaving Naruto behind.
Sasuke's battle went smoothly if you at all could say that, but what happened next, shook everything. Anastasia felt an eerie prescence and she looked to the shadows. Anastasia tapped Kakashi on the shoulder and explained to him about her feeling, and the shadow. Kakashi nodded and looked for the other Jounin. Anastasia watched the match as it ended, her green eyes flickering everywhere. "They're after Lord Third." Anastasia whispered. Kakashi's eyes widened at Anastasia's assumption, however they were never wrong, not even once. Anastasia slowly got up and looked towards the shadows, however Kakashi grabbed her wrist as she was about to arouse suspicion. Anastasia nodded and sat back down.
"We need to plan this carefully." Kakashi stated. Anastasia nodded and took out a few scrolls. "I need to get to Lord Third. Use these smoke screen scrolls, but blame it on a prank by the Acedmy students for the Chunin Exams." Anastasia explained. Kakashi nodded and took the scrolls from her. "Five, four, three, two, one...Now, Kakashi." Anastasia said. Kakashi nodded and threw down the smoke screen scrolls. Everyone who was in the viewing area coughed due to the smoke. Anastasia flinted out of the smoke, her steps careful as to not fall. Anastasia ran up the steps, rounded the corner, and ran up the last of the steps to the Hokage's viewing area. Anastasia burst open the door, her hair a mess and her breathing heavy. "Lord Third-sa-" Anastasia was cut off as a man with a large sword attacked her with it. Anastasia caught the sword, shattered it, and looked at Lord Third. He was alright, but that didn't ease Anastasia's worries. "You must leave-They're here to kill you!" Anastasia shouted at Lord Third as she took a few steps towards him. Lord Third stood up and walked towards Anastasia. "Let them come, and let them try." Lord Third said as he turned on his heel, bound for the inner village. Anastasia tried going after Lord Third, but his body guards wouldn't let her through. "Grandfather!" Anastasia called after her. Lord Third looked back at her, his old eyes filled with sorrow. Anastasia nodded, understanding everything that was unspoken, and hurried onto the roof tops. "We need to secure the women and children." Anastasia shouted at the bodyguards and even Anko who was near her. Anko narrowed her eys at Anastasia but, nodded in complyment and agreement.
Anastasia jumped up to the rooftop to get a better look at her surroundings as well as the damage. Anastasia's eyes widened in shock as she scanned the village before her. The entire village was on fire, smoke was everywhere, people were screaming and running everywhere trying to get away from the attackers. Anastasia's eyes snapped towards the arena as she looked for her teammates. Sasuke and Naruto were nowhere to be seen, which worried Anastasia. "Night!" Anastasia heard a Jounin call. Anastasia snapped her attention over to who called her name; Iruka. "Iruka!" Anastasia shouted down at him as he was on the ground before her, before she flinted and landed right in front of Iruka. "You're safe, I'm glad." Iruka said as he examined Anastasia carefully. "I'm fine. I need to get to Lord Third, Orochimaru is after him." Anastasia explained. Iruka's eyes widened at this new informaion before he turned on his heel and began running in the direction of the Hokage's tower. Anastasia watched him go before she scanned her surrondings for Anko, Kurenai, and various other Anbu. Anastasia flinted towards where Anko was running towards the center of the village. "Gather the women, elderly, and children into the caves!" Anastasia yelled at Anko. "Fine, I dispise you, but alright." Anko agreed. Anastasia nodded and moved to run past Anko, but she was stopped by her grabbing Anastasia's arm. "You need to protect them-go with them." Anko stated. Anastasia glared at Anko before she agreed to it. "Fine." Anastasia agreed as she threw Anko's arm off of her and flinted towards the cave to gather the civilans.
"Hurry!" Anastasia shouted as she gathered the civilians into the underground caves. Anastasia made sure all the civilians were in the caves before she turned back and looked at the burning village before her. Anastasia fought back the urge to run right into that ongoing mess as she had to think of the life growing within her and protecting the civilians. Anastasia looked back at the civilians before she performed several hand seals; Dragon, Monkey, Arrow, Tiger, Claw, and Farrot. "Earth style:Earth-Cave Wall." Anastasia muttered to herself as she pressed her hands on either side of the cave wall. Anastasia looked over at Kurenai who was in the cave and was watching her very carefully as well.
Anastasia listened to the battle cries of the various Shinobis and yearned to fight with them. Anastasia began pacing back and forth as she was anxious to fight, however this didn't go unoticed by Kurenai. "Night, you need to stop pacing, you're making me dizzy." Kurenai said. Anastasia glared at Kurenai but didn't respond. Ten minute passed and still Anastasia continued to pace back and forth. "I..I.." Anastasia tried to say, but couldn't get the words out right. Anastasia looked at the cave wall before her that she made and knew what she had to do. Anastasia smashed the wall she created before her, stepped through, and recreated the wall before Kurenia or any of the other ANBUS could chase after her.
Anastasia hurried down the metal stairs towards the village's center. Anastasia scanned the village for Lord Third, then she sensed his Presence. "The Hokage Tower!" Anastasia screamed as she flinted towards it. Anastasia as soon as she neared the Hokage's Tower, she saw several Shinobi locked in battle with one another. Anastasia ran past them and towards where the some of the Sound Shinobi were battling the Leaf's Shinobi. Anastasia dodged several attacks in the process as she hurried towards where Lord Third was fighting off four Sound Shinobi. Anastasia unsheathed her Demon Blade and began fighting off the Sound Shinobi to protect Lord Third. "Anastasia! What are you doing here?!" Lord Third shoued at Anastasia. "I'm protecting you, Grandfather!" Anastasia shouted back as she clashed her Demon Blade with a Sound Shinobi's kunai. "Protect Uzumaki and Uchiha, that is your only and only goal. Protect them and leave me alone!" Lord Third shouted at Anastasia which caused her to look at Lord Third and become distracted.
"Anastasia! Please!" Lord Third begged. Anastasia looked at Lord Third with a sad expression upon her pale face, before she sheathed her Blade and flinted in the direction of where she thought Naruto and Sasuke were at. Anastasia wanted so badly to go back and save Lord Third, but she knew she couldn't; it was neither her Fate nor was it Lord Third's Fate to be saved by Anastasia. The sound of explosions and trees falling were the only sounds Anastasia heard as she hurried towards her teammates. Anastasia ran into the thick forest before her and scanned for her two teammates. "The Hell are they?-Wait, there, no there!" Anastasia yelled into the wind as she flinted from brach to branch towards her teammates. Anastasia landed on the branch next to Sasuke, however he didn't see her and therefore swung his kunai towards her. Anastasia easily dodged and met her green eyes with Sasuke's rough, coal eyes. "Chill, its me. Let me guess, Garaa No Suna has decided that he is going to destroy Konoha?" Anastasia questioned. "Yes, and about damn time you got here, Night!" Sasuke yelled at Anastasia. Anastasia nodded and was about to say something when she saw a large shuriken made of sand coming towards them. Anastasia shoved Sasuke out of the way and jumped off the branch just in time, landing on one of the nearby branches.
Anastasia looked over to Sasuke to make sure he was alright, before scanning for Naruto. "Where's Naruto?" Anastasia yelled down at Sasuke as he was beneath her. Sasuke tensed in pain slighlty before he responded. "Trying to fight Garaa." Sasuke yelled back up. "Alright. I'm going after them." Anastaisa stated as she prepared herself to flint towards Naruto. "Its his battle, not your's." Sasuke stated. Anastasia looked down at Sasuke and offered him a sad smile. ("I wish I could say that it was-if you two die, then...") Anastasia trailed off within her mind. "No." Anastasia stated as she flinted off towards Naruto. "Anastasia!" Sasuke yelled after his female teammate. Sasuke as he got up, winced in immense pain and grabbed at his back where his Curse Mark was. Sasuke gritted his teeth in pain before he ran off in the direction of Naruto and Anastasia.
As soon as he arrived, Sasuke heard the immense screeching of Garaa-well Garaa in his Jinjurki-Tailed Beast form. Sasuke was breathing hard as he ran into the clearing, but he scanned for his teammates. Sasuke spotted Anastasia next to Naruto, her eyes looking up at the Tailed Beast before her. One could even feel the immense Chakara seeping from the Taled Beast and perhaps even Anastasia.
Anastasia looked to Naruto and nodded in understandment of their silent plan.
"You need to summon your Toad, Naruto." Anastasia said as she dodged one of Garaa's attacks. Naruto nodded and backed away a few feet. "I'll create an opening, while you form your hand signs." Anastasia said as she unsheathed her sword and sliced open her hand. Anastasia poured her Blood over the blade and charged towards Garaa. ("This better work, Naruto.") Anastasia said within her mind. Sasuke watched as Anastasia ran towards the Tailed Beast, her chakara strength growing as she ran towards the Tailed Beast. Anastasia attacked the Tailed Beast, but was sent flying into a tree as she didn't have time to dodge Garaa's attack. "Now, Uzumaki!" Anastasia shouted at Naruto as got out of the tree and ran towards Sasuke. Anastasia grabbed Sasuke's hand and ran further into the forest with him. "Let go of me!" Sasuke yelled at Anastasia. Anastasia shoved Sasuke to the ground and got on top of him, mainly his back. Anastasia's breasts were pressed against Sasuke's back, her breath hot upon his neck. "Stay down." Anastasia ordered as she looked up and then down. Sasuke was about to ask Anastasia why she was on top of him and why they had run, when an explosion was heard deep within the forest. Several trees and other things were blown to bits around Anastasia and Sasuke. "That's why." Anastasia stated as if she had read Sasuke's mind.
Anastasia waited until the chakara from the explosion wore off, till she got off Sasuke. Anastasia walked away from Sasuke and looked down at him. "It hurts doesn't it?" Anastasia questioned. Sasuke looked up at Anastasia with a curious expression. "Your Curse Mark, it hurts doesn't it?" Anastasia questioned as she began to walk away from Sasuke. "How did you know?" Sasuke asked as he got up from the ground. Anastasia smirked at Sasuke's question, but didn't turn around. "I just do, Uchiha. I know a lot of things-I just know." Anastasia said as she walked off in the direction of where the explosion had come from. Anastasia walked into the clearing and ran over to Naruto who was on the ground, bleeding but with a smirk upon his face. "It worked?" Naruto asked himself. "Yes." Anastasia said as she summoned her chakra and healed Naruto. After he was healed, Naruto sat up and grinned at Anastasia. Anastasia gave Naruto a confused look, then it changed to one of shock as he tackled her to the ground in a large hug. "N-Naruto!"Anastasia yelled at the blonde-haired idiot. "Yes?" Naruto questioned. Anastasia rolled her green eyes at Naruto before she turned her attention onto Sasuke who was walking into the clearing. "Where's Garaa?" Sasuke questioned. "He was blown away several feet from Naruto, he's injured though-good." Anastasia answered as she helped Naruto up and looked towards the forest. "I need to get back to the Tower." Anastasia stated as she flinted off towards the Tower, leaving her two teammates behind.
Anastasia flinted into the village, scanning everywhere for Lord Third and the Snake-pervert. Anastasia sensed Lord Third and cursed inward before she flinted up to the building where Lord Third was. "Lord Third!" Anastasia said. "I told you leave me be, child." Lord Third scolded. "I must protect you and you know it!" Anastasia stated as she was about to draw her sword. However, just as she was about to draw her sword, Lord Third pushed her aside, making sure she landed somewhere soft and away from him. "Grandfather!" Anastasia shouted angrily at Lord Third. Lord Third looked back at Anastasia with a sad smile before he did a hord of signs, forbidden signs at that. "N-No! Stop!" Anastasia yelled at Lord Third as she was about to get up. "I must do this, think of your child!" Lord Third yelled at Anastasia. Anastasia's eyes widened in shock at how Lord Third knew about Anastasia's pregnancy.
"I'm sorry, Anastasia.." Lord Third said as he performed the forbidden justsu-"Death Reaper Seal." Anastasia watched as the Snake-Pervert approached Lord Third and they battled on, until Lord Third released the Death Reaper Seal, the same justu that claimed Minato's life. As soon as the the Death Reaper Seal took Lord Third's life, it took the Snake-Pervert's arms away. As soon as the Death Reaper Seal dissipiated, Anastasia ran over to Lord Third. Anastasia caught Lord Third's body and glared up at the Snake-pervert who was screaming in pure pain. "You son of a bitch!" Anastasia yelled at the Snake-Pervert as tears fell down her face and her eyes turned Crimson. Anastasia set Lord Third's body down and unsheathed her sword. Anastasia plunged her sword through the Snake-Pervert's chest, making sure she missed his heart, as she wanted to make him suffer. Orochimaru coughed up Blood and staggered to the side. "Y-You!" Orochimaru yelled at Anastasia as he stepped towards her. Anastasia withdrew her sword from Orochimaru's chest and glared at him. Just then, Kabuto jumped between then, smirking at Anastasia as he escaped with Orochimaru.
Anastasia fell to her knees after sheathing her sword and crawled over to Lord Third. "Grandfather.." Anastasia said sadly as she placed Lord Third into her arms, and as hot tears fell from her face, falling onto Lord Third's lifeless body. Anastasia cried out in pure anguish as the skys above opened up and it began raining. Hard footsteps were heard as Shinobi ran towards Anastasia. Anastasia threw a kunai towards the Shinobi. "G-get away! He's mine! This is all my fault!" Anastasia yelled at them. Among the Shinobi, was Kakashi. "Anastasia..." Kakashi said sadly as he watched as his teammate cried over the body of her grandfather. After a good five minutes of crying, Anastasia wiped her tears away and stood up with Lord Third's body in her arms. Anastasia walked past the group of Shinobi, stopping only once. "He'll have a funeral. Orochimaru got away, Garaa-Suna No Garaa is responsible for the destruction of Konoha...this time.." Anastasia said as she began walking again, never looking back, not even once. Anastasia walked into the main part of the village, her eyes dry now, and with evreyone crying as they witnessed her carrying Lord Third's lifeless body.
Anastasia saw Sasuke and Naruto running towards her, their steps coming to a halt when they saw Lord Third within her arms. Naruto fell to his knees with his eyes widened as tears fell from his eyes. Sasuke's eyes widened in shock before he looked up at Anastasia. Anastasia handed Lord Third's body to Kakashi who was tailing her, she knew, he didn't know that she knew he was following her. Kakashi was somewhat surprised as Anastasia handed Lord Third's body to him. "Make sure he gets to the medics." Anastasia said without emotion. Kakashi nodded and turned on his heel. avoiding Iruka's eye contact when he saw who was behind him. "Lord Third is...Dead.." Iruka said the words as if they were fire on his tongue, as if they were so unreal and unjustifiable. "Iruka...where's Konohamaru?" Anastasia asked. "He..he's..in the caves.." Iruka answered. Anastasia nodded and looked at her teammates. Anastasia approached Naruto and was about to comfort him the best she could, when her whole world went black.
Anastasia fell with a soft thud into Sasuke's arms, perhaps out of pure exhaustion or maybe even out of grief. Either way, all three of them, Naruto, Iruka, and Sasuke were surprised when Anastasia collasped. Sasuke looked to Naruto and nodded; he knew exactly what he had to do. Sasuke positioned Anastasia so that she was secure in his arms before he ran off towads the hosptial. Sasuke knew the hospital would be busy with Shinobi due to the attack on Konoha. Sasuke found Anastasia an empty room and a nurse, and also explained that she had fainted. The nurse nodded in understandment before hurried Anastasia off for observation. Sasuke sighed and watched as Anastasia was moved out of his sight. "Now, to deal with the dobe." Sasuke said as he turned on his heel and came face to face with Naruto. "The Hell?" Sasuke questioned. "She alright?" Naruto questioned. "I don't know. I just got her here." Sasuke informed as he leaned against the wall.
Three and a half weeks later
Anastasia opened her green eyes, shutting them immediatley as she opened them as the light from the ceiling blinded her. Anastasia slowly sat up and dared to open her eyes once more. "Itach-" Anastasia caught herself before she could say her ex teammate's name fully. Anastasia looked around and noticed Sasuke was sleeping in the chair and Naruto on the floor. Anastasia smiled sadly at her two teammates before a wave of nausia overcame her and she rushed off towards the bathroom. There, she dry-heaved her stomach lining, her throat and stomach both feeling raw as she threw up. When she was done, Anastasia flushed the toilet and shakily stood up. Anastasia walked over to the sink and splashed water on her pale face. "What do you want, Kakashi?" Anastasia questioned as washed her mouth out. "I'm glad you're awake. Get showered, a dress has been made ready for you." Kakashi explained. "A dress for what?" Anastasia questioned, then everything that happened came back to her. "Oh. Kakashi I need a few things. Like my toothbrush, clean underwear, shampoo, that stuff." Anastasia explained. "I know. I already got you those things. Sasuke and Naruto have been visiting everyday since the attack." Kakashi explained. "Everyday?" Anastasia questioned.
"Ana, you've been out for three and a half weeks." Kakashi informed. Anastasia's eyes narrowed, then she nodded. "As expected." Anastasia said as she stepped out of the bathroom and looked towards her two teammates. "The funerals in an hour and a half-get ready." Kakashi said as he exited her room. Anastasia nodded and looked towards the chair next to her bed. Anastasia walked over to it and found a bag with her neccasary items in them. Anastasia grabbed the bag and headed into the bathroom, making sure to lock the door for privacy. Anastasia started the water, making sure it was hot before she got it. Anastasia scrubbed at her dirty body, careful not to injure her now visibly growing bump. Anastasia washed her hair and began the long process of shaving, as she hadn't shaved in three and a half weeks, let alone bathed. Anastasia after she shaved, washed her hair with lots and lots of shampoo and conditoner before she washed her body off and turned the shower off. Anastasia then grabbed one of the large white towels and toweled off, again careful not to injure baby bump. Anastasia wrapped a robe around her body, tying it securely around her waist, before she opened the door of the bathroom.
Before her, Sasuke and Naruto were neck to neck once more, as if time would change nothing in regards to their rivalery. "Enough." Anastasia said as she walked over to her two teammates. Naruto ran over to Anastaisa, tripping over his own two feet in a hurry to get to Anastasia. Anastasia side-stepped out of the way and looked over at Sasuke. "So, you two spent the night here, night after night in hopes of me waking up? How sweet, and I thought Uchiha's were to proud for that shit." Anastasia said with a smirk. "Hmph." Sasuke said as he looked away from Anastasia. "I need to change, both of you, get out." Anastasia said as she looked from Naruto to Sasuke, then to Naruto once more. "Fine." Sasuke said as he dragged Naruto along with him.
"Good." Anastasia said as she made sure the door closed all the way. Anastasia looked over to the black strapless dress that was hanging on a hanger on the wall next to her bed with a sigh. Anastasia took the dress, stripped of her robe, and slipped into the dress. Anastasia looked at herself in the mirror, her bump obviosuly visible. Anastasia sighed and looked in the bag for any kind of jacket or scarf to hide her bump. Anastasia found a black jacket that zipped up and put it on, thankful that Kakashi had packed it with her other things. Next, Anastasia slipped into her black combat boots, placed her lace gloves on, and put her hair in a large ponytail. Anastasia took one last look in the mirror before she exited the room. "Let's go." Anastasia said as she turned on her heel and walked down the stairs.
Sasuke and Naruto watched Anastaisa carefully to make sure that she didn't trip. Team Seven walked through the hospital and to the funeral in silence, their minds sad and elsewhere. Anastasia stopped before Lord Third's casket, her eyes brimming with tears. During the funeral, Anastasia looked over at Konohamaru who of course, was balling his eyes out like a baby, and who could blame him? Anastasia looked to her right where Sasuke stood, his eyes downwards, coated with pain. Anastasia looked over at Naruto, he was crying, as some were. Anastasia tried not to cry, but alass she did. When the funeral was almost over, Anastasia slipped her hand into Sasuke's. Sasuke looked over at Anastasia, silently asking why she did that. "I'm here if you want to talk about anything." Anastasia said as she still held Sasuke's hand. Sasuke tore his hand from hers, though. "I don't need your pity, nor your sympathy, Night." Sasuke said coldly as he walked off, towards wherever. Naruto saw the whole thing and smiled sadly at Anastasia. "You know how Teme is, he's cold. But don't let it bother you, Ana-chan." Naruto said. Anastasia nodded and leaned over to kiss Naruto on the cheek. "Thanks, Naruto-kun." Anastasia said as she walked off in another direction. Naruto blushed when Anastasia kissed his cheek, but he somehow felt sharigan eyes on him that belonged to Sasuke. Naruto looked up and saw that Sasuke was watching him intently, his eyes just going back to their usual color.
Anastasia walked off towards the Cherry Blossom fields, one of her favorite places. "Ana." Kakashi called. "Yes?" Anastasia answered. "Before Lord Third died, he had a mission lined up for our team, mainly for you." Kakashi explained. "I'll take it." Anastasia said. Kakashi smiled at Anastasia's eagerness. "Are you sure? It involves going to the Land of Shadows, the Village Hidden in the Thunder." Kakashi said. "Yes, I am sure. I have to face my Demons some time." Anastasia said. "Alright." Kakashi explained.
Next Chapter: "A new beginnning Shattered."