A/N: All right all though this is not my first time writing fanfiction, it is new for me to post fanfiction. I would love to know what people have to say about this story but please don't just hate on me.
With that said...I have to say, and it pains me to do so...I do not own the Naruto Universe nor do I own any songs that maybe in here and I sadly never will...but I do however own the creativity it took to write this fanfiction and the oocs in it.
This fanfiction is rated MA or R for any language, violence, or sexual themes/content.
All this being said and done with I hope you enjoy reading Time never heals every wound!
End A/N.
Chapter 11: First Mission Again
"Oi! Mina hurry up we're starving out here!" I growled under my breath as I chopped up vegetables. One more outburst and I was done playing nice.
It was a month after I had come back to the village. Everything was surreal for me still. Being back, being with my friends and team, and being together with Shino. After he had kissed me that day a month ago we'd been together ever since.
"Miiiiiiinnnnnnaaaaaa I'm soooooo hungry!" Kiba whined from the living room. I growled and grabbed the knife marching into the living room. I zoned in on the Inuzuka male and glared death at him. Kiba turned as white as paper.
"If you so much as make another peep I will chop off your manhood right here and right now." Kiba mutely nodded and gulped eyeing the knife in my hands. Shino sighed while getting up from the arm chair and steered me back to the kitchen.
"I'm pretty sure my father did not need to see that outburst Mina." I sighed and took my anger out on veggies. That's right Shibi was over tonight along with Kurenai-sensei, Asuma-sensei, Choji, Ino, Shikamaru, Lee, Sakura, Naruto, TenTen, Neji, Sai, Hinata and Kiba.
I sighed and set dinner down onto the table. Every one found their seats and dug into the curry dumplings and fresh salad I had made. Hinata and I enjoyed our meat free dumplings together. Shibi eyed his dumpling with a skeptical face and looked to Shino. The younger bug user just shrugged and took a bite from his own dumpling.
"Wow Mina! I had forgotten how good your cooking is!" Naruto shouted around a mouthful of food.
"And I had forgotten how terrible your table manners were." Everyone laughed at Naruto's blushing face. I looked around the table and smiled. I had my family back and it was still growing. I eyed Kurenai-sensei's bulging tummy. Everyone had bets in on the sex of the baby and I wagered it was a boy.
After dinner we all sat around catching up. Apparently there was more than just one new couple in Konoha. Sakura and Lee were dating along with TenTen and Neji. I was happy for them as they all looked so happy together. I looked at Shino and smiled, he smiled back at me.
"Get home safe! See you later!" I waved as everyone filed out of the compound. I smiled and watched them walk away. Shino and Shibi both turned and gave one last wave before disappearing from sight. I smiled like father like son.
I decided to take a walk a short while later not liking the quietness of my house. The sky was darkening as I walked down the streets of Konoha. A gentle breeze picked up and played with my hair as I started to sing.
(she sings Where is your Heart by Kelly Clarkson)
Soon I found myself on top of the Hokage monument. I looked out over the village watching as lights flickered to life inside homes. I stood there letting the breeze play with my hair and taking in the sight of my village. I closed my eyes and thought of Sasuke and how I wished he could have been there with me enjoying this. I soon found myself singing a sad song directed towards my twin.
"I would hope that what you just sang wasn't directed towards my son, but I have seen the way you look at him." I jumped a mile high at Shibi's voice. I turned to face him.
"Shibi-san you scared me." Shibi laughed and it reminded me of Shino's laugh only a bit deeper.
"Yes it seems I did. Now what brings you up here seeking solitude?" I turned back towards the village and Shibi cam to stand next to me on my right.
"One could ask you the same thing from you, Shibi-san." Shibi chuckled and watched the stars start to show in the sky.
"That is true my dear. I come out here every night about this time. I feel closer to my wife up here than anywhere else." I looked at Shibi and felt his sorrow. I knew what it was like to lose someone you love. Well I thought I had lost him anyways.
"I came here to clear my head and ended up thinking about the one person I didn't want to think about." I sighed and smiled sadly.
"Maybe you should sing another song? You have a beautiful voice Mina." I looked at Shibi as he stared out at the village. I still felt his loneliness and sorrow so I did as suggested and let the words come out on their own.
(She sings Just a Dream originally by Nelly but here she sings the cover of it by Christina Grimmie)
Shibi hummed softly and turned towards me. I could see the shimmer of wet skin on his right cheek and knew he had shed a tear.
"You know how to capture the mood perfectly my dear. Thank you for that." I smiled and bowed as Shibi turned and started walking away. I watched him go for the second time that day. I turned back towards the village one last time before I too headed back home.
I walked the dark streets alone. My mind was elsewhere completely. It wasn't until I reached my door and was inside that I realized that I was home. I headed upstairs and dressed in Itachi's old shirt and sweats before climbing into bed.
"Mina wake up! We have a mission!" I jerked awake and ended up head butting Kiba who was the one yelling at me. He fell back off the bed while holding his head. I hissed in pain holding my own head.
"Sorry to wake you Mina, but like Kiba says we have a mission." I nodded to Hinata and got up. Kiba was dragged out of the room by his girlfriend so I could dress. I grabbed a blue sleeveless shirt with the family crest on it that showed my stomach and a pair of short shorts that were black. I wrapped my breasts and pulled on the shirt before pulling the shorts on and wrapping my forearms in bandages.
I strapped my weapon pouch to my left hip and tucked my swords through my black belt. Running down stairs I pulled my hair up into a ponytail and slipped on my sandals. We headed out and was joined by Shino on the way.
"Alright let's get this show on the road! Our first mission and team eight again!" Kiba whooped with joy while Akamaru barked happily. I had to say I was surprised when I first saw the dog again. He was huge now!
"Where are we going?" I asked taking up my spot next to Kiba up front while we ran through the forest. Hinata and Shino picked up the rear. Kiba smiled over at me from on top of Akamaru. I was over joyed to be back to doing missions.
"Well since our team captain is back Lady Tsunade can send us on missions without Kurenai-sensei again. Now here we are headed towards our mission following you Captain." I stared at Kiba as he rambled on. I turned towards Shino and raised an eyebrow.
"We're going to retrieve a scroll from the Kazekage in Suna." I nodded and looked a head. It was a simple sounding mission but one could never assume that of any mission. We traveled on for the next few hours until the sun rode low in the sky.
"Alright we'll camp here and start again in the morning. I'll take first watch followed by Shino the Kiba and the Hinata." I said while dropping down from a tree and on top the forest floor.
"Shino and Hinata scout the area for any enemies." Shino and Hinata nodded heading off in different directions.
"Kiba you take Akamaru and go catch some fish in the nearby river. I'll set up camp." Kiba nodded and took off towards the river Akamaru running after him. I dug in my pouch and retrieved a scroll. I unrolled it out on the ground and did a few hand signs.
There was a puff of smoke then two tents appeared along with four sleeping bags. I smiled and went to work building a fire. I used my fire jutsu to start it just as Kiba came back with eight fish in hand. We finished cooking them just as Shino and Hinata came back giving the all clear.
We set off again in the morning once everything was sealed back into the scroll. We traveled silence for the next few hours until I call a brake at the edge of Wind and Fire countries. We all sat under the shade of the few remaining trees taking a breath. We filled our water canteens up in the nearby stream before taking off again.
It was just about sunset when we found a suitable place to camp. We were about another day's run until we reached Suna. I went about giving the same orders as the previous day and setting up camp the same way.
At sunrise we packed up and headed out once again. As I predicted we reached Suna at around sunset. Since we couldn't see the Kazekage at such a late hour we instead found an inn and settled into our room. Hinata and I showered first then the boys took theirs. After that we ate then hit the hay for the night.
A little after sunrise we set out for the Kazekage tower. Kiba knocked on the door and waited to enter. The voice that gave the command sounded slightly familiar to me somehow but I couldn't place it.
"You have come for the scroll correct?" I stared at the red head behind the desk. It couldn't be…
"Gaara? Gaara No Sabaku?" I asked in disbelief as I walked closer to him. I looked at him this way and that before deciding that it was in fact the same Gaara Sasuke had fought in the chunin exams so many years ago.
"Yes." I smiled brightly.
"Well look who grew up to become Kazekage!" Gaara just stared at me.
"I would have never guessed you to be the Kazekage type Gaara. Not that I'm not happy for you don't get me wrong." Kiba laughed at me while I fumbled over my words trying not to offend Gaara.
"Naruto said almost the same thing when he found out." Kiba said while laughing. I smiled and stepped back from Gaara.
"So where is the scroll?" Gaara sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. The door to his office opening to reveal Kankuro and Temari.
"It seems that someone had to send it back to the elders because of a mishap that took place yesterday." Gaara sent Kankuro a withering glare as he spoke. Kankuro had the decency to look sheepish while Temari shook her head.
"Ah well then. When will it be ready to take to Konoha?" I asked moving my eyes from Kankuro back to Gaara.
"Tomorrow morning." I nodded and we were dismissed to wonder Suna until the morning came. I looked around the sandy street we walked on. There were a lot of small shops and stalls set up here and there.
After finding a place to eat we split up into pairs and wondered the rest of the Village. I smiled as Shino took hold of my hand gently as we walked. For the rest of the day I pulled Shino in and out of different shops. He never complained to being dragged around by me.
Finally we returned to the inn and ordered dinner when Kiba and Hinata arrived Akamaru trailing in after them. After eating and showering we all decided to call it a night. We woke bright and early the next morning and once again headed to the Kazekage tower.
"Here is the scroll. Please be careful on your way back." We all bowed to Gaara and left taking the scroll with us. We filled up on water and some food for the trip back then set off. I prayed the return journey would be as easy as the first time around.
Fate as it were was spiting on me for wishing that. First we had to hide in a cave for two days because of a sand storm. Then we ran into some hired ninja. I cursed my stupid luck as we set up camp at the beginning of the Fire country.
Shino and Hinata scouted the area while Kiba found food and I set up camp. I grumbled my way through unsealing the tents and building the fire. When a twig snapped behind me I spun around kunai ready.
"You have grown into a fine shinobi little sister." I nearly dropped my kunai in shock. There standing in front of me dressed in an Akatsuki cloak was my older brother. Itachi Uchiha. Shino, Hinata, Kiba and Akamaru appeared by my side at once all having sensed Itachi's chakra appear.
"You can tell your snake of a leader that he can't have Mina back! We won't let her go!" Kiba shouted and Itachi raised an eyebrow. I was still staring at him barely taking note to anything else.
"I am not here to take her away. Just talk to her is all I want." My eyes met his red ones. Shino tensed beside me. My vision started to blur with years of held back tears that Itachi's leaving had brought on.
First one tear slide down my cheeks then another followed by the rest. My team jerked their heads my way as a strangled sob broke past my lips. The kunai in my hands dropped to the ground forgotten. And then I was running towards Itachi.
He staggered back a few inches when I crashed into his chest. My teammates all watched Itachi tensely as I sobbed into his chest. Itachi sighed softly before wrapping his arms around me. And for the first time in eleven years I was not the one to sing.
Itachi softly sang our song into my hair as he rubbed my back. I knew my team was confused as to why a stranger was singing to me as I hugged them, but I knew that Shino was probably putting pieces together in his head.
"Your Itachi…Itachi Uchiha." I smiled as I figured Shino and put a name to the stranger. Itachi looked up from me and merely regarded Shino evenly.
"You are close to my little sister. Are you not?" I snorted. Of all the times to act like a older brother he chooses now.
"I am here teammate as are the other three standing with me." I smiled leave it to Shino to answer a question without giving anything away.
"You are closer than that of just teammates." And leave it to my brother to see what was being hidden. I sighed and tried to pull away. Itachi tightened his hold.
"Tachi must you always stick your nose into my business?" Itachi chuckled when I used my old nick name for him.
"Yes little Mimi I do as your older brother." I blushed scarlet at my old nick name. I pushed against his chest and finally escaped his hold. I stood my ground with my hands on my hips glaring at Itachi.
"You don't have any right to do that! You've been gone for eleven years tachi!" Itachi winced at my words before he patted my head. I glared up at him while pouting.
"I have always watched over you Mina." I recoiled like I was slapped. I glared hard at Itachi my blood boiled.
"Oh really Itachi? Then where were you when Sasuke shut me out? Where were you when I would cry myself to sleep? Where were you when Sasuke had it out with my face? Where were you when I was given the curse mark? Where were you when I was forced to nearly killed my own teammate? Where were you when I was taken from my home by my own twin?" I was on a roll and I needed to shut up but couldn't.
"Where were you when Kabuto tested on me? Where were you when Sasuke turned his own blade on me? Where were you when Orochimaru raped me?!" I slapped my hands over my mouth not daring to turn around. I could just feel the anger rolling off of Shino.
Itachi's face darkened and his sharingan blared to life. Fresh tears ran from my eyes as I saw the look of utter hatred burn in my older brother's eyes. I messed up and I knew it. I had planned to take that secret to my grave. I even made Ino swear on Choji's life to never tell.
Shino stepped closer to me and I wanted to run away. I was so ashamed and embarrassed. I flinched when I felt his hand touch my shoulder. I was waiting for the yelling to start, the hitting to begin, the rejection to take place.
I gasped when Shino pulled me into him. His strong arms wrapping around me. I relaxed into him completely and cried for the second time that night. I could tell Itachi was itching to remove Shino from me and comfort me himself.
Finally Itachi could stand it no longer and cleared his throat. I laughed softly as Shino tensed back up. I looked up to my older brother and stuck my tongue out and kept Shino from retreating. Itachi glared at us both.
"What's wrong Tachi? Don't like sharing me?" I teased my older brother pulling Shino closer. Shino tightened his hold on me as well making Itachi's eyes flash with protective anger.
"You know I don't Mimi."
"Well to bad deal with it." Itachi looked like a kicked puppy dog at my rejection. Kiba laughed and pointed at my brother. Suddenly a question that never got asked popped into my mind. I pulled away from Shino and faced Itachi.
"Why are you here Tachi?" Itachi straightened himself and looked back at me.
"I wanted to ask you something as well as give you a warning." I raised an eyebrow. Ask me something after all these year? A warning to give me?
Suddenly Itachi's Mongekyo activated and I told everyone to avert their eyes. I stared into my brother's eyes and smiled sadly. Itachi seemed confused by this.
"It won't work on me anymore Tachi." My own Mongekyo spun to like and Itachi staggered back shocked.
"When did you…"
"When Orochimaru took me away he made me nearly kill Shino. I thought I actually had so it active. Kabuto transferred father's eyes into me a month ago before I escaped with the help of my team."
"But father…he never activated his sharingan all the way." I shook my head.
"Apparently he did it in secret." Itachi nodded absentmindedly.
"Mina about that day…" Itachi stopped and looked at my teammates deactivating his sharingan. I followed his lead and deactivated mine as well.
"Guys whatever you hear here tonight never is to be told to anyone else even the Hokage. Understood?" Everyone nodded and I turned back to Itachi.
"About that day…I…I never wanted you nor Sasuke to witness it. But you couldn't know the truth so I had to lie to you…" Itachi paused and I waited knowing this was hard on him.
"I was given…an option that day. Either kill them myself and save you and Sasuke or let… someone else kill you all."
"Who would have done it?"I couldn't help myself I just had to know.
"Madara Uchiha." I blanched.
"He is dead. Has been for hundreds of years. How could he…" Suddenly things clicked in place. Things Kabuto had said made since now. He had known as well. Madara Uchiha was still alive.
"Now you see…I couldn't let him do it Mina. I had to save you two. The rest of the clan was planning an over throw of the Hokage…They needed to be stopped." Everything made since now. I was right and Sasuke was wrong. All along I had been right about everything.
"I understand why you did it now…I never blamed you for that night though. Sasuke has and still does. He plans to kill you himself."
"Let him. I deserve it for what I have done." I jerked my head up looking into Itachi's eyes.
"Don't say that! You did a service to our Village. You protected our home and Sasuke and me!" Itachi looked surprised.
"But I killed them all…even Mother who had no part in the over throw."
"She was not innocent Itachi. She stood by father supporting him knowing what he planned." Itachi opened his mouth then closed it.
"What was the warning you wanted to give me?" Itachi cleared his throat.
"The leader of the Akasuki plans to gather all the jinchuriki and take the tailed beast out. He plans to use them to bring chaos to this world and he also plans on attacking Konoha directly to retrieve the Kyuubi. You must tell the Hokage this in secrecy. Tell her it comes from Jiraiya's spy she will know who I am." I nodded
"I must leave now. Goodbye my Little Mimi. Take care of her Shino or I will hunt you down." Shino nodded. Itachi started to walk away.
"Wait! Promise you won't die by Sasuke's hand. Promise me Itachi!" Itachi turned and sighed. I smiled when he stuck out his right hand pinky raised. I ran up to him and hooked my pinky with his.
"Say it!"
"Alright! I Itachi Uchiha swear to never die by Sasuke Uchiha's hand nor any other part of him. If I brake this promise may I burn in hell." I giggled and hugged Itachi tightly. He hugged me back before disappearing.
"Aren't pinly promises for little kids?" I smacked Kiba upside the head as I walked by.
"Do not make fun of the pinky promise!" With that we went to sleep. The next two days flew by in a blur for me. When the gates of Konoha were in sight I smiled sadly. I hoped that someday I would get to see Itachi walk through them again like when I was littler and he would return from a mission.