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Chapter 2: Revelation at the Lightning Border
It had taken a few days to arrive at the border. There was an unusual amount of Anbu patrolling the area and it had been decided that avoiding conflict was in everyone's best interest. Once they were in Lightning Country, the fox, Daisuke reappeared.
"Sumiko-sama, I have distracted the Sand ninja as long as I could. I returned to you when I saw it safest," the little red fox spoke.
Sumiko nodded, but did not speak. The Akatsuki members looked at her. She was distracted by something outside the house they had taken refuge in, but what the distraction was had yet to be seen.
Itachi spoke up, "Sumiko-san, can you explain exactly why you cannot simply tell us about the scroll? That way, you could simply have stayed in the Wind Country and not risked yourself out here with us."
Sumiko considered Itachi's question for a moment. "Itachi-san, I cannot reveal information about the scrolls. I am a member of the Scroll Society. I was inducted 20 years ago and if I reveal information about a 'secret' scroll, I will die due to a curse placed on me." Sumiko rolled up her left arm. The mark was two lines. One looked to be the original, but the other was fresher and appeared to grow out of the first mark. "Committing various offenses against the Scroll Society allows the marks to grow and overwhelm my body."
Itachi nodded, but Kisame butted in. "I have two questions. First, how old are you and second, it appears one of the marks is recent. Can you please explain?"
Sasori was about to reprimand Kisame for asking such a thing, but Sumiko nodded her head. "Those are perfectly fine questions. First, I am 35 years old; the same age of Sasori, but I guess that makes sense. I mean after all, you all are aware. Second, the marks appeared when I agreed to help you members find the Scroll of the Skies. Not a major offense, no big deal."
"What are you talking about having the same age as Sasori as making sense? We did not know that you knew Sasori particularly well," Itachi questioned.
"Sasori-san, you did not tell them?" Sumiko asked and upon seeing Sasori's face, she immediately understood. "Well, they will find out anyway regardless of if we tell them or not. Sasori and I are twins."
Itachi and Kisame looked at each other in comprehension. Itachi spoke up, "I figured it had to be that. Nothing else made sense. I guess I can't blame Sasori for trying to keep your existence a secret. Being related to an Akatsuki member is dangerous."
Sumiko nodded, but Daisuke spoke. "Yeah, after Sumiko-sama apprehended a Sand ninja traitor, they tried to get her to meet Kazekage-sama. Needless to say, meeting him would be a dangerous move."
"Daisuke-kun, please reveal no more on this matter," Sumiko murmured. She turned to the Akatsuki members. "I am going to sleep so I will talk to you all in the morning. Good night."
"So Fox," Kisame wondered, "What exactly are you? You aren't exactly normal."
"I am Daisuke, a servant of Sumiko-sama. I serve her and make sure she is safe."
"Why then, haven't I, Sasori, met the caretaker of my little sister?" Sasori asked. Sasori was wondering why the existence of Daisuke was kept a secret from him and was immensely curious as to his involvement with Sumiko.
"Because, I wasn't always the Daisuke that I am now, but that is another story Sasori-sama. I am tired and wish to retire for the night. Good night everyone." With that, Daisuke moved close to Sumiko, curled up in a ball and went to sleep.
Itachi, Sasori, and Kisame could not sleep. Too many questions floated around in their minds. Itachi had an idea and retrieved paper and some pencils. He decided that writing would be the easiest way to communicate with the least exposure to Sumiko or Daisuke.
Itachi: Sasori-san, you don't completely trust Sumiko's intentions do you?
Sasori: I am unsure… I haven't spoken with her for a long time face to face. I can no longer read her emotions as I had once been able to. There is one mystery that plagues me, however. How she is able to look so young, but not be a puppet like me.
Kisame: That is odd. She does seem to possess some chakra and abilities, but is there any special skills that would allow her to obtain immortality in some shape or form?
Sasori: Not that I am aware of. Remember that I have not been in constant contact and am truly unaware of her capabilities now. I hope she did not use the jutsus of Tsunade or Orochimaru. That is a mere shadow of immortality and it comes with a heavy price.
Itachi: A price that doesn't deviate much from your existence as a puppet Sasori-san? Regardless, our mission is to obtain the scroll and leave. Will your sister be safe going back to Wind Country by herself or shall we accompany her back?
Kisame: Personally, I think we should accompany her. I saw her in the Bingo Book. She is a jounin ranked, S ranked missing nin with a talent for chakra control and will most likely be pursued.
Sasori: Also, Daisuke slipped about Sumiko almost being brought in to the Kazekage. I do not know how she endures torture… but I do not want her put through that…
Itachi: Understood. Let's get some sleep now.
With that, the three Akatsuki members sleep away the night.
Sai knew he was bored. If talking to Sakura was not evidence, he did not know what was. Then again, camping at the Lightning Country border was rarely enjoyable if anything. "So, this mission thing… it's in the Lightning Country right Sai-san?"
Sai nodded, "Yes. Some scroll that their Raikage is paranoid that the Akatsuki wants. He says that the scroll has some dangerous information about their country and some special, secret jutsu. We are to guard the scroll for a couple of months and if the Akatsuki obtain the scroll, pursue them to their lair. After which, we need to retreat to allow an Anbu squad to take over.
Sakura nodded. Getting used to Sai's emotionless state and insults was difficult, but no harder than getting over Sasuke's betrayal. "Well Sai, I'll go to sleep. I don't want to hold up Naruto, you, or Yamato. Good night."
With that, Sakura tucked into her sleeping bag, but Sai watched the sky. Something is going to happen soon… I can feel it… Sai immediately reached for his sketch book and started drawing, but he was confused by what he drew. A woman in a dress? Not just a regular dress… Mid calf, beyond arm length. Her hair is waist length… Why am I drawing this? Before Sai could ponder this further, a bout of sleep overtook him.
