Hello fabulous readers :) And yes you are fabulous! Ok quick note i have officially started school so my writing time and everything has been significantly lessened. So i'm not finished with this...there is still A LOT more to write but my weekly updates might turn into two weeks. Now you're aware. I haven't disappeared i'm just not as available to write as i used to be. I will try to stay with once a week but i just don't know. So now onto more filler!
It was high noon and the rescue team and the kunoichi's were ready to leave the island; most of them wanted to go home while the rest were ready to start a new life. The Haruno's made sure all the children's bags were securely strapped to them and double checking numbers to make sure nobody was left behind. The Konoha nin were relaxing and conserving chakra for the journey home. But before they left a small funeral was held for the fallen. The Haruno kunoichi's and Konoha nin scattered throughout the battlefield collecting the bodies and placing them on the shore near the water. At the Haruno's request the men and the women who had died were separated into two piles and the men burned without any type of service. On the other hand the fallen sisters were laid side by side with their hands clasped together on their chests in reverence. Mizuko had knelt next to one elderly lady when Naruto walked up to her.
"Most of these women were older…were they the mothers?" he asked gently.
"Yes," she answered kissing the lady's hand before replacing it, "This woman, I had just found out, was my grandmother, Uzumaki Leah."
"Uzumaki?!" he asked a little surprised, "My last name is Uzumaki."
Mizuko looked up with sad but curious eyes, "Is it now?"
"Hai, and if she's your grandmother then that means were family!" he smiled wide.
Mizuko let a few tears fall but she smiled at him as well…family, especially like Naruto she would love to keep, "Thank you Naruto…your kindness is a great blessing."
The blonde laughed putting his hands behind his head. Mizuko turned her attention back to the dead. If only she hadn't been with child, she could have saved them. If only this life never existed for them in the first place. But then again…she wouldn't be Mizuko…she wouldn't be the water child. In a roundabout perverted way she was grateful to her former leader Tetsu for making her who she was. She was strong enough to protect her sisters, strong enough to save them, and she would now be strong enough to lead them in this new life, just like her grandmother and the other mothers wished her to do.
With a long sigh Mizuko stood slowly with Naruto's help and stretched. Some of the smaller children walked up to her and tugged on her dress.
"Mizuko nee-chan?" one little girl looked up at her sister.
"Yes Mina, what is it?"
"Does this mean that Haruno-sama won't hit us anymore?" she asked innocently with large doe eyes.
Mizuko's sad features turned instantly to empathy as she looked around the gathered group of her younger sisters. Many of the elder kunoichi's stood behind the younger girls, all with happy tears in their eyes. They knew they were free but they were waiting for Mizuko's confirmation, as their designated leader.
The other shinobi within hearing distance looked over in shock. Did that small child just ask if she was going to be hit anymore? The whispers started quickly since everybody aside from Team Kakashi and a few others were not privy to the Haruno's former abuse. Naruto sent Sasuke around the group to stop any type of gossiping before it started, these women had been through enough and they didn't need their new comrades feeling ill at ease around them.
"Yes Mina-chan," Mizuko answered with a happy smile even if it didn't reach her eyes, "Haruno-sama cannot hurt us anymore. We're free."
Mina's large hazel eyes began to water and then she started to laugh. The little girl immediately grabbed her sister's hand and they began to dance in a circle laughing and shouting their joy for everyone to hear. Some of the older girls like Akahana and Kinu fell to their knees and thanked whatever deity above that they were spared. Their virginity had been taken by force but now they were going to be subjected to more of the torturous treatment. Many of the older women nearing Mizuko's age only cried with relief.
The reaction surprised many of the Konoha shinobi but at the same time they couldn't help but smile. They had literally saved these women from hell…a celebration was in order.
There was one man though who refused to be a part of such celebration because to him…his happiness was not yet complete. The joy he felt when he saw the small children dancing together their happiness was naturally infectious. But still, even their light hearted laughter held no sway on his heart. It was still dark and the cause was the unconscious pink haired woman in his arms. Until her green eyes opened and looked at him, there would be no peace and no happiness. Holding her mummy-wrapped body tightly against his chest Itachi stood slowly not willing to jostle her in case it disturbed her rest. Shizune put her in a medically induced sleep and she would stay that way until they reached Konoha. And he would have to wait…on bated breath…hoping…praying…waiting for her to return to him…again.
Naruto smiled as he watched the younger kids play but they couldn't stay forever. Besides they could play all they wanted on the streets of the sunlit Konoha. "We're getting ready to leave soon, is there anything you want to say?" he walked up to Mizuko and asked her.
Mizuko sighed and looked back to Leah's face…she looked so peaceful. The stress lines that adorned her face the day before were gone. She had fulfilled her duty and died protecting her daughter's futures. Mizuko then looked around at all of the other mother's faces.
Courage…to walk into the unknown.
Courage to face life's new adversities.
We might be the water child but do we have the strength to do what is necessary.
We will never know until we try. And try we must for our sisters and for our child.
We are free now and we must protect that freedom at all costs.
Then let us be done with this place and move forward.
Mizuko looked down at her stomach; the baby kicked giving her the encouragement she needed. It didn't matter what lied in store for her or her sisters. What mattered is that they pushed forward regardless of their past. They wouldn't turn tail and run for cover now, it was far too late for that. Moving forward, like her baby's kick told her, was the only way to go.
"Today marks the end of one era and the beginning of a new one," she intoned not looking up from the fallen mothers. The Haruno's had fallen quiet to watch her, "They wanted this for us. They wanted our freedom and they gave their lives for it. Do not look back, we can't afford to dwell on those things anymore. We're here now, and Konoha has offered us refuge. In return for their kindness we will give them our skills, our abilities, and we will serve their village and help them put a stop to injustice in this world. We, of all people, know exactly what it feels like to be treated by vermin. But today…on this field…on the island of our heritage, we the kunoichi's of Uzushiogakure, of the Haruno clan, will practice equality. Tetsu wanted us to be leaders and be all powerful, but he was wrong. With our new direction our new lives, we will be servants to Konoha. They fight for the good of others, and so will we. By the blood of our mothers…I so swear."
The weight of her words were heavy on the kunoichi's damaged spirits, but none-the-less beneath the heavy weight came the lightness of a new life…of a new purpose…for all of them.
"By the blood of our mothers I so swear," Ryuu vowed standing next to her sister.
"By the blood of our mothers I so swear," Kaminari limped up hanging onto Kaze's shoulder; she had awakened during the gathering of the bodies and had slowly been regaining her strength.
"By the b-blood of our mothers I s-so swear," Kaze whispered.
The rest of the Haruno's finished off the circle around the dead mothers swearing the same oath.
"Together as one, follow my lead sisters," Mizuko commanded raising her hands into a seal, "Bird!"
The rest of the group followed suit instantaneously creating the hand sign.
"Dragon, Ram, Tiger, Ox, Bore, Horse, Bird!"
A large seal appeared beneath the dead bodies and characters of the seal slithered over their bodies like snakes, tattooing skin and clothing alike. Holding the seal tightly with their combined chakra strength Mizuko studied the bodies making sure every last one was bound by the seal before continuing.
"Kai!" she spoke in a commanding voice.
The edges began to swirl, the corners of the seal broke off from the feet of the casters and began to move.
"Make room but do not drop your seal," Mizuko told the women across from her.
Parting down the middle they moved out of the way as seal began to spin and work its way toward the water. The black ink seeped into the spinning blue expanse and the seal was taken away in the current. They watched as it spun around in circles until falling in the eye of the whirlpool.
"On my mark we will seal," Mizuko ordered, "Horse, Ram, Tiger, Fuin!"
"Fuin!" each of the kunoichi's repeated and a bright white light erupted from the center where the seal fell. A few seconds later it vanished leaving only the water to protect their fallen. They were gone, out of sight but never out of mind.
"It is done," Mizuko whispered as the women dropped their seals.
A couple of the toddlers began crying and those who had previously volunteered went to pick them up. Soothing words were whispered and they calmed under theirs sister's ministrations.
"Uzumaki-san," Mizuko turned to address Naruto, "We are ready to leave now."
Naruto nodded, "That was a cool seal. What was it?"
"Leah taught it to me," Mizuko answered, "It's the burial ritual for anyone of Haruno or Uzumaki blood who dies on this island. I was taught many things from my predecessors that weren't taught to my sisters. I was entrusted with their knowledge and to pass on said knowledge once we were safe in Konoha."
He smiled at her, "Sweet, I guess we should get going then. Oi Yamato-taichou get that wall back up!"
"I you would permit me," Mizuko cut in, "I believe I'm the more suitable candidate for crossing."
"Yeah you would be but what about that little one," Naruto looked down at her stomach then met her eyes again.
Mizuko smiled slightly, "I won't try to use a lot chakra. That way I cover myself from Ryuu's scolding I'm sure to get."
Naruto grew instantly excited, "If you're certain then I definitely want to see what you can do."
Mizuko chuckled at his excited face then turned to walk towards the water.
She walked directly passed Ryuu who glared in her direction, "If you use one ounce of chakra…"
"Ryuu, you know I can't control it," Mizuko looked up and laughed at her disgruntled face, "Do you not trust me?"
"I trust you with my life. But this is foolishness," she replied.
"And I trust you with mine. Let me show them what I can do since you have already done so."
Ryuu grumbled and stood by the shore line with her, "The instant you falter…"
"You will be right by my side," the pregnant woman laid a hand on her shoulder and squeezed lightly.
"Hai," Ryuu agreed as Mizuko's grey-tanned hand slipped softly off her shoulder.
Mizuko took steady steps into the waters before her. Sighing in the liquid's cool feeling that surrounded her aching feet instantly soothing them, she smiled as she continued to descend into the brilliant waters. Her body was reacting instantly to the liquid and there literally was nothing she could do about it. The ocean algae and small animal life stirred at her appearance. They made way for her, accommodated her, and made sure that her descent into their natural habitat went smoothly. They loved her.
The child inside began kicking in excitement the moment her belly touched the water.
"Is that far enough you think?" the baby kicked an affirmative, "Let us begin then."
The conflicting currents swirled around her form. If she had been anyone else they would have already been pulled away to be sucked down into the depths of the maelstrom. But she wasn't just any other person; she was born to control this element. With one last caress on her swelling stomach her hands skimmed over the top of the swirling waters. Lifting her hands slowly, small streams followed her movements until she created a small ball of water in front of her.
Then she began to hum holding the small ball of water close to her lips. She could feel the ripple of chakra leave her body as the swirling pools ceased their daily routine. She continued her humming and then she was answered by a light chorus of responses. Looking up to her left a small pod of dolphins jump through the water.
More laughs echoed from the shoreline and Mizuko smiled hearing her sister's reactions. The dolphins continued to dance until they stopped just before the water user chirping lightly at her. She laughed at their playfulness and without any spoken word the porpoises flipped into the air and left the same way they came. Turning her attention back to the task at hand she dropped the ball back into the water and extended her arms gripping at the blue expanse. She slowly pulled the water close to her body, her arms coming back to center. Then in one swift circular motion she created a maelstrom with her silver eyed, pregnant body as its center.
The gathered people on the shoreline watched as the currents beat on her body, but she walked through as if it didn't matter to her.
Kakashi walked up to Ryuu, "How is that possible?"
Ryuu didn't take her eyes off her sister as she descended lower until her belly touched the surface, "The water will never hurt her. It is who she is, their kin, their daughter, it will always protect her and obey her."
"Those currents are strong," he continued wanting to get a more definite answer out of her, "It destroyed three earthen walls in a matter of minutes when we crossed earlier."
Ryuu gave him a sidelong glance, "Then it should be very telling about who and what she is. The water obeys her, whether she wants it too or not. If you want more of an explanation then you need to ask her."
Kakashi continued to stare and his single eye widened when he heard a low hum followed by the two whirlpools stilling. The center vortex's disappeared and the soft gurgling from the swirling currents had calmed. The melodic humming though continued as he watched Mizuko' body slightly…shift.
Ryuu grumbled beside him, "Oh that woman…"
"Hmmmm," Kakashi replied studying Mizuko's form intently.
"She's getting distracted."
Before he could ask for clarification high pitched singing drew his attention to the south. Dolphins flipped through the calm water and danced around obviously attracted to the pulsing chakra that he could sense in the water. The children began jumping and laughing at the dolphins and many of them were shouting that they want to touch them and play but they never got their wish. Mizuko sent them away moments later and waited for the water to still once more. The humming stopped and the water was like a thin pane of glass letting the shinobi look down into its hidden depths. Then she began to pull and everyone watched the water instant obey her command. It rippled around her, splashing like waves against the rocks but she remained unmoving. With a flick of her wrist the water changed and a large maelstrom appeared spinning steadily and slowly. Kakashi lifted his hitai-ate and exposed his sharingan to study the water. Nothing…no chakra. That would have surprised him before except when he had already studied Kaze's mysterious disappearance from Tsunade's office.
"Step on the water, it is safe," Mizuko called in a low tone that carried easily to everyone's ears.
The children were the first to obey, their trust in her ability was absolute. The rest of the Haruno's followed behind them making sure they didn't wander off the spinning portion of the water. But that didn't keep them from splashing each other while they spun around in a circle following the strong current created by the water user.
The Konoha shinobi were more careful as they stepped onto the spinning water. On instinct everyone focused chakra to their feet as stood still letting the water move them, hesitantly trusting the woman in the center. Itachi stood and with two assigned Uchiha guards and made his way onto their transport holding Sakura securely to him. The light oceanic breeze blew her bangs into her face but with his hands full he couldn't move them. Instead he blew lightly until the pink locks settled in a different location. His sharingan eyes swept over her once more and it appeared her condition was unchanged. Still he would keep his bloodline activated and would notify Shizune the moment she started to decline. He wasn't taking any chances.
"Has everyone boarded?" Mizuko asked her eyes closed and hands together.
"Hai Mizuko nee-chan," Naruto answered a little cheekily. He was obviously feeling over excited since Mizuko told him they were related.
She nodded once and opened her silver eyes to stare at the watery expanse ahead of her. Her body began to ripple slightly and a small light turned on inside of her, as if she were a small treasure submerged under water. Several small gasps were heard as they watched her take the first step forward and the large maelstrom moved with her, carrying them effortlessly. Kakashi noticed that as soon as the children waded atop the spinning currents that she added chakra into the mix. Disabling the chakra on his left foot he tested his theory…and was correct. The chakra that was added was preventing the riders from falling into the water. He knew that if he wanted he didn't have to support himself but old habits die hard and he kept the chakra pumping in his feet. They moved steadily forward supported by the one lone woman in the middle. It was eerie and slightly unsettling to put that amount of trust in a stranger but then again…he'd been assigned on teams with people he didn't know personally and he'd put his life on the line many times trusting them. Why should this be any different?
"Look she's floating!" a small girl called out.
Eyes were trained to her feet as the water grew darker signaling deeper water but Mizuko stayed in place.
"She's not floating Yukari," Ryuu told her, "Look closer and what do you see?"
Needless to say more than just the children were paying attention.
"There's a small sliver of water just beneath her feet," Akahana answered, "It's not allowing her change her position even though the water gets deeper."
Ryuu nodded, "This is your eldest sister showing off."
"Come now Ryuu," Mizuko chided winking at her, "Like you didn't do plenty of showing off during the battle."
The orange haired kunoichi scoffed, "I was fighting that was different."
"Yes walking through a large wall of flames you created and growling to intimidate your opponents isn't showing off at all."
Her sister's began to chuckle as did some Konoha nin.
Ryuu growled and folded her arms not entirely sure what to say to that.
"Did you really walk through a wall of flames?" Naruto asked looking at her, the excitement clear in his eyes.
Ryuu nodded while she continued to glare at her water sister.
"It was when we were chasing some men to the base," Shisui walked up to explain, "She incinerated a few and while they were still burning she stepped over their bodies and charged at the rest."
Ryuu turned her glare on the Uchiha while he and Naruto chuckled at her. She didn't know what they found so funny about it. She killed them and they were laughing as though it was some kind of joke. And who the hell did the guy think he was following her around like a damned stalker?
"Well I hope you had your fill," She huffed at the two of them, "Because the show is over."
Shisui scoffed in mock hurt, "You mean to say that we will never again get to witness your prowess?"
"I'm not a circus act," she spat out still not looking at them.
"I didn't say you were," he toned down the teasing just a bit because of her attitude, "I was merely stating that I, among others probably, would love to spar against you. Your unique ability is very intriguing. Surely you wouldn't turn down that kind of chance?"
Ryuu huffed sticking her nose slightly in the air, "You wouldn't last five minutes against me."
Shisui's eyes shot up, intrigued by her dismissive statement. The surrounding crowd ooh-ed at their banter.
"Would you like to bet on that?" he baited her into a challenge.
Ryuu turned to face the man and took him in with narrowed golden eyes. He stood just taller than her six feet probably and had a lean but obviously muscular build. He was dressed in a formfitting black sleeveless shirt with matching pants. Covering the material he wore metal greaves and bracers on his arms and one large metal chest plate. He had a sword, she heard people call it a ninjatao earlier, strapped to his back and a mask tied to the side of his messy black hair. Her eyes zeroed in on the mask and they widened in recognition, it was the same black cat mask that saved her. He was the one that undid the seal! Her memory flashed briefly and she remembered him instantly killing the six men that surrounded her in less than three seconds. She could only accomplish that if they were all standing near each other in a type of line and she burned them. But he…this man drifted around in a circle in three seconds! He obviously was a higher level fighter by his skill and the tattoo on his arm…she noticed only a few others wore, including the man carrying Sakura. Maybe she couldn't beat him…
"Like what you see darling?" he teased.
…Then again, she needed to shut that annoying mouth of his, "Not interested, but I'll take you up on that spar."
"I look forward to it," Shisui replied smoothly as his eyes changed from onyx to red. He had been eyeing her since she started her visual assessment of him. He could see the recognition in her eyes when they landed on his mask and he was happy that she remembered. She certainly was quite a beautiful woman. One he wouldn't mind playing the slightly ridiculous but addicting dating game with. She was obviously playing hard to get…but at the same time she didn't seem aware of the fact. And that made him even more determined to win her over. Of course with their circumstances, which Itachi had let slip during their journey to Uzushiogakure, he would have to tread very carefully.
It was even more amusing when he noticed the subtle stillness that followed the changing eye color. She obviously knew about his bloodline and the small amount of fear was evident…until she covered it up with steely determination. He smirked as her face hardened under his amused gaze, yes this spar would definitely be very worthwhile.
"It's only fitting that I have a name to call you," Ryuu said evenly, "Or would you prefer to be called an arrogant bastard."
Many men and women laughed at that while Mizuko chided her for using such language in front of the children. Ryuu didn't pay her any mind; she didn't want to be seen as weak in front of these ninja's so her attitude, according to her, was perfectly appropriate.
"If it pleases you to call me such names then by all means Ryuu-san," Shisui smirked, "But if it doesn't…then you may call me Uchiha Shisui."
Ryuu nodded, "Uchiha-san-"
"Shisui, please."
Her eyes narrowed, "Shisui-san…whenever you feel like getting your ass kicked come find me."
Shisui bowed slightly but didn't break eye contact, "With pleasure."
More chuckles echoed around the shinobi. Murmurs of anticipation, her naivety, and her bravery whistled past her ears but she didn't pay them any mind. She was completely focused on her next opponent, who still wouldn't stop that arrogant smirk! Was it permanently plastered to his face?
"Alright enough," Kakashi called out to end the odd flirting…argument…whatever anyone decided to call that, "We're coming ashore."
Everyone turned slightly to look ahead as the shoreline rapidly approached. One by one everyone waited their turn as the maelstrom continued to swirl letting them exit onto the sandy shore safely. Once they were safe away from the currents Mizuko broke her hold over the water and sent it back to its former place. Then step by step she ascended to the shore just as the two giant maelstroms reformed, protecting the once again desolate isle.
"Did you overdo it like I told you not to?" Ryuu walked up.
Mizuko shook her head, "I'm fine Ryuu. It was actually very soothing."
Ryuu huffed but couldn't help but let a small smile light up her face, "Yeah feels nice doesn't it?"
Mizuko laughed as they walked up to the rest of the group. They easily passed their small number of clansmen to talk to Naruto.
"So we were discussing traveling and we kinda need to know what type of chakra capacity you and the other Haruno's have?" Naruto asked.
"Well," she sighed, "Compared to you our reserves are probably very small. We're not used to traveling long distances for extended periods of time. Short sprints we can handle but Tetsu always had us jumping with the seals. If we go to the main hub then I could probably figure out the sign combination to activate the rotation."
"And how would you be able to do that?" Ryuu asked eyeing her suspiciously, "Actually I'd also like to know how you knew the burial seal."
"Ryuu you can chastise me later just not now," Mizuko looked up at her with hard blue eyes, "But to answer your question in short I learned a lot of things from the mothers. As for why I didn't tell you that conversation will have to wait for later. Right now there are more important things to discuss."
Ryuu growled and folded her arms defensively, she hated when Mizuko kept secrets.
"And stop being so damn angry it's unbecoming."
Ryuu dropped her arms in shock before the anger resurfaced, "You never chided me on that before."
"That's because before you had a reason. That reason no longer applies and it's about damn time you find some peace in your life," Mizuko answered her voice softening at the end, "Now I need to talk with these men and if you're still going to be mad at me then go be mad somewhere else."
With another frustrated huff Ryuu turned and strode away. Mizuko sighed and schooled her own frustration. The baby kicked her softly trying to reassure her.
"I apologize for that," the pregnant woman said, "She's always been very grumpy and volatile."
Naruto waved off her apology, "Neh, no worries. Sakura-chan has some pretty intense mood swings so I'm used to it."
All eyes turned to glance at the pink haired women being held by her Uchiha. It pained many of them who knew Sakura on a personal level, to see her so still and so weak. It was definitely an image and feeling they didn't want to experience again.
"Anyways," he scratched the back of his head, "We will start heading towards the main hub but I don't know how much good it'll do to try an activate them."
Shikamaru walked up at Naruto's bidding, "Yo, are there any seals in the cycle that are near Konoha?"
He shook his head, "There was only the outlier but it has been disabled."
"Well, we have to head there anyway to meet up with a couple tracker groups who are waiting there. I don't think anyone will really mind a nice walk after that skirmish an hour ago," he smiled then raised his voice, "Alright move out were walking to the hub location!"
Despite the long relaxing journey to the seal hub, that took the rescue company twenty four hours to reach, everyone was ready for a good sprint. Upon arrival the two tracker teams briefed Naruto on their findings. The day prior a group of thirty shinobi and kunoichi's appeared on the central seal and looked as if they had just been put through the ringer. The two teams decided only to observe instead of attack since it was obvious Konoha had infiltrated. They zipped out of the main location after one man assumed command. And since then it remained quiet until the large rescue team arrived the next afternoon.
"So instead of leveling the island, Shinta and a small company decided to run," Naruto sighed.
Shikamaru joined him in his sighing, "Well thirty isn't something we should worry about. If anything we just need to let Hokage-sama know of our impending arrival."
The Kyuubi container nodded, "Beetle-san, take your team back to Konoha and report to the Hokage of our success and the numbers of guests we are bringing back. We will be sprinting now but at a much slower pace, estimated arrival should be three days if everything goes well, four tops."
The ANBU captain nodded then he and his team left in the blink of an eye. Naruto stretched and turned around to survey that large camp they set up twenty feet from the seal location. Everyone seemed relatively happy and amiable towards one another, but his eyes went in search of someone more specific, someone that was sitting a little ways off from the main group. He wanted to check in with Itachi and see how Sakura was doing.
When Naruto announced to make camp Itachi waited with his two guards for everyone to procure their spot. Once everyone was settled he chose another spot that was more secluded than the open sleeping area that the rest occupied. He just wanted some privacy, for him and for Sakura. Seeing the others turn to stare at him or at the woman in his arms was getting a little irritating…not that he let it show. The looks of sympathy and sadness were weighing him down. Twice he had made sure Shizune checked her over and twice she told him that Sakura was stable.
Not getting better…stable…
He was growing to hate that word. It was the only answer he ever got recently. Reiko had noticed his irritation the second time and after Shizune left, she elaborated saying that the transport wrappings and seal were not allowing her body to change. Too much could happen in transit that if the patient was allowed to try and self-heal it could turn out to be the opposite. So in reality it was better that they remain in a state of half health…stable…rather than chance a relapse and potentially lose her; at least until they reached Konoha and she was admitted to the hospital. He knew she meant well but it still did nothing to quell his suppressed anxiety.
Now he was sitting on a large fallen tree branch with his back against the moss ridden bark. Sakura rested quietly on his lap as he lightly traced her features with his hand. Her skin was still tinged slightly pink from the regrowth but even under the fresh skin he could see her malnourishment. Her cheeks were sunken, her eyes had small black rings around them from poor sleep, and he bet that if the wrap were to be taken off, her body was unnaturally skinny…another sign of her mistreatment. That thought only made him hold her closer and press a tender lingering kiss on her large forehead.
"Wake up," he whispered airily, "Please wake up."
He ached…and he was trying with all his might to keep it at bay. The words didn't stir any reaction out of her but he wasn't expecting it. Her medically induced sleep kept her out of pain. No matter how much he wanted to see her open her big green eyes to look at him he wouldn't wish the pain to come with it. The medics didn't pack enough morphine to keep administering it to her and it wouldn't do any good since the sprinting would jostle her body too much. Sleep was her only relief, until they reached Konoha and she would be put on pain killers and fully healed under her master's watchful care. And then she would wake up hopefully to see his face and then he could finally be at peace.
Her lips parted as she unconsciously took a large breath before settling back into her quiet state. His hand that had been tracing her cheek now smoothed over her lips. They were still soft he noticed as he tickled them lightly with his fingers. The small part in her lips allowed her small breaths to tickle his fingers. His insides burned slightly in remembrance of her soft and delicate lips touching his own. He remembered how it felt when her warm soft pants glided alluringly down his jaw and neck. Her eager kisses would awaken his primal instincts and urge him to take advantage of her proximity. He also loved how those same lips would curl into a beautiful smile, an amused smirk, or curl in anger as she sneered at him. He loved how such a small woman could holster so many emotions and whip them out at a moment's notice. Itachi never realized that while Sakura's eyes were her most telling feature as to what she was thinking, her lips were a close second. Just one slight twitch would tell him exactly what was about to come out of her mouth and now that he was thinking about it…
Leaning his head down, he tilted her chin up slightly and pressed a soft kiss to her open pale pink lips. One part of him was hoping she would respond and that her lips would begin to subtly move against his. The other part felt it was slightly…wrong of him to steal a kiss from her while she was unconscious. But at the same time he doubted she would really care. She had told him many times after some heated sessions that she loved his kisses; so in all reality even though she couldn't respond he doubted she would care that he would steal kisses from her. And if he was honest, she would probably only be mad because she couldn't reciprocate properly.
Removing his lips he watched for any type of reaction; a small smile, a sigh of contentment but still there was nothing. So instead he touched their foreheads together and whispered, "I love you…"
Still no reaction and it left a large hole in his chest that he longed to have refilled. He just had to be patient…as patient as he could be in any case. Itachi continued to study her sleeping face even when Naruto jumped up to join him.
"How is she?" he asked in a low voice not wanting to disturb the peaceful atmosphere.
Itachi didn't look up, only moved one stray pink lock away from her face, "Stable."
He nodded, "No change?"
He shook his head.
Naruto sighed in small relief although his insides were far from it. He too wanted to see his teammate stir instead of being left in that unconscious state. Sakura was mean to be alive and vibrant and most importantly yelling at him when he does stupid stuff and then hit him to make sure he didn't do it again. Man…he really missed her nagging voice.
"Did Shizune give her that nutrition shot?"
Itachi shook his head.
"Ok, I'll make sure she does that soon. If you need anything let me know."
Not wanting to reply verbally the Uchiha just nodded his head as he continued to stare at her non-responsive face. Naruto smiled slightly watching the uncharacteristic tenderness that Itachi reserved specifically for his teammate. It was…heartwarming to know that she would be well taken care of after this whole ordeal. He was about to leap off the branch when Itachi's voice stopped him.
"Naruto-san…I have a question before you leave."
The blonde crouched back down wondering what Itachi could possibly ask him, "What is it?"
"She has the Gobi bijuu sealed inside of her yes?" he asked looking up meeting bright blue eyes.
"Hai."
"Does this bijuu have a strong grudge against the Uchiha?"
Naruto looked a little taken aback at the question but seeing Itachi's stoic eyes watching him carefully he surmised that the answer to this question was important to him. He thought about his answer before saying it, Naruto didn't inadvertently want to be the cause that Sakura and Itachi no longer remained together. One Uchiha had already walked away from her and he wasn't about to let another one do so.
"All bijuu have a grudge against the sharingan and its wielders," he answered carefully keeping eye contact, "But they are mostly afraid that someone with that power will try to control them. If you don't use it on her bijuu, you will be fine. Mada…Tobi really messed them up and Kyuubi only really hated Madara because of the possession. Sasuke entered my mindscape once and spoke to him but it wasn't really hostile…more like testing the waters. The war for them is still really fresh so their feelings won't die down for a while."
Itachi nodded in understanding, "You said Sasuke spoke with your Kyuubi…"
"Hai…I don't know how he did it but he got inside my mind-"
"Do you think that his opinion will sway Sakura's?" Itachi cut him off not really wanting to listen to the blonde repeat himself as he was known to do. He just wanted the answer to the question that had been plaguing his thoughts ever since he saw that large red plume of chakra erupting into the clear sky.
Naruto paused to think again. Instead of answering for the Gobi and Sakura he decided to reflect on his own experiences with Kurama. Did the fox influence his thoughts? Recently yes, but before…not really. That big red fluff ball usually kept to himself and only butted in when something concerned him. But even then it was Naruto who was making the decisions, even when he and Kurama came to terms on the battle field he was still calling the shots. Kurama had an opinion but ultimately they came to a mutual understanding and now their paths were the same. This could also happen for Sakura.
"I think…" he said carefully, "Sakura-chan is strong willed enough and bullheaded enough to not let anyone sway her opinion. She loves you. I know that for a fact and even though she now has the Gobi inside of her and that it may hate you, she as a person will not. Besides," Naruto smiled, "The Gobi is a pretty decent bijuu and is a lot more chill than the others. So in essence she got stuck with the best one personality wise!"
Itachi's face stayed reserved but Naruto could tell his words had a profound effect on him. It made him glad that he could ease some of the burden weighing on his mind. After all…it had been a trying month for all of them.
"Well don't give up whatever you do," Naruto gave him a firm nod then jumped off the tree.
Itachi stared at the spot that Naruto left from for another few seconds as a small smirk on his lips. Naruto's last statement rang loudly in his ears as his eyes once again looked down at his woman. He wouldn't give up on her, Gobi influence or not, she wasn't leaving his side. Politics, family, and the Alliance be damned. He fought too hard to get her and she wasn't going to go anywhere where he couldn't follow her. Lifting her face to his once more Itachi placed another tender kiss on her forehead before resettling more securely to catch some shut eye.
"There," Ino said cheerily, "Pig tails!"
The small Haruno girl that was sitting in front of her bounced up and turned to the small mirror the beautiful blonde produced. Her large dark green eyes widened in appreciation.
"Thank you Ino-chan!" she gushed with a large smile.
"You're welcome Yukari-kun," Ino smiled as the girl bounded over to show her older sister's her hair, "Alright who's next?"
"Me!" five other girls shouted all raising their hands excitedly.
Hinata smiled at their excited faces. She and Ino had offered to do the girls' hair after their camp was set up. At first they didn't know what exactly the two kunoichi's meant by doing hair but one brave soul agreed and one braid later every girl under sixteen wanted their hair done. Hinata turned back to the bright red hair that she was currently French braiding. Ino had definitely planned ahead and packed plenty of hair ties brushes and a mirror. With quick fingers Hinata tied off the end of the braid.
"There you go Akahana, that's a French braid," she told the girl as she grabbed the mirror.
The young girl took in her appearance and smiled, she looked so pretty. She loved her new look and it was such a simple change. Her hair was pulled up perfectly, not a single lock out of place and Hinata had left a small amount of bangs that framed the side of her face nicely. She couldn't stop staring at herself!
Hinata chuckled lightly making the girl blush a shade that matched her hair, "If you would like, I'd be happy to teach you."
"H-hai, that would be great," Akahana smiled.
"When we get back to Konoha, I'll come visit."
"Thank you Hinata-chan," she smiled warmly at her, "You're so nice. You and Ino-chan both."
Ino waved off her comment, "Nei, we're just showing you a small glimpse of what it's like to be a girl."
The cherry red head chuckled as she moved away from her perch in front of the Hyuuga so one of her other sisters could become beautiful like herself. Just as she sat down a tall green looking man with a bowl haircut walked over holding four bowls on each of his arms.
"Lovely kunoichis dinner is served!" he announced as he lowered himself to the ground and the eight bowls he had balanced were taken from him.
"Thank you shinobi-san."
Lee turned his head and his big black eyes widened as openly stared at the beauty before him. She was obviously younger probably fourteen years old but her hair looked like liquid silver in the moonlight and her eyes were a brilliant shade of pink. The light moon beams touched her hair in such a way that Lee could have sworn she had a halo. And her ivory skin looked like as flawless as a porcelain doll. She was breath taking.
"You are much…welcomed…angel-san," Lee breathed softly as he continued to stare.
"Oh…" she chuckled nervously, "I'm Kinu, Haruno Kinu."
"Kinu-san," he said softly in reverence, "Allow me to introduce myself as the Most Youthful Green Beast of Konoha Rock Lee! And I must say you are one of the most beautiful women I had ever had the pleasure of meeting!"
"Lee!" Ino yelled at the over exuberant man, "Let the girl eat in peace! And more need to eat in general!"
Lee looked around to see amused, wary, and cautious glances from the surrounding women, "Hai! I shall bring the rest of you your meals!"
"Don't mind him," Tenten looked at the silver haired girl whose face was tinged pink with embarrassment. It was obvious she wasn't used to hearing or receiving such blatant compliments, "He has always had an intense personality. You get used to it after a while."
Ino snorted, "Not likely, that man never calms down…ever."
"Oi, Ino that's my teammate you're talking about!" Tenten chided.
The blonde just shrugged focusing on the navy hair in front of her. The rest of the Konoha Twelve mingled among the Haruno kunoichis. Most of them felt a type of responsibility towards them, especially since Sakura wasn't there to look in on them herself. The Uchiha's felt likewise obligated in making sure that their new Matriarch's family were well looked after and protected.
Lee continued to serve the waiting women from the extra bowls that the Uchiha's had brought for them. The founding clan definitely spared no expense towards this operation going out of their way to make sure these women were looked after in the smallest sense. And it showed the rest of the Konoha shinobi how much Itachi's attachment to Sakura actually meant.
"Are all of you in this clan naturally exotic looking?" Neji asked Kaminari who was seated nearby.
"Exotic?" she quirked a brow in confusion, "What do you mean?"
"He means your coloring," Sasuke clarified not looking at anyone in particular, "Each one of you looks different and unique. It's a little odd considering most everyone has a typical kind of look."
"Oh," Kaminari looked at her sisters then back at the Konoha shinobi. She guessed Sasuke did have a point, everyone in his clan, as he pointed out, had raven hair, pale complexions, and onyx eyes. Many of the other shinobi were a mixture of blondes and brunettes with no real discerning features. There were a couple of people who had…exotic hair colorings like her sisters but…not very many, she concluded. "Does it bother you?" she asked timidly.
"Not at all, it's actually quite stimulating," Shisui replied smoothly while taking a sip of his soup.
Mizuko chuckled, "An interesting choice of words."
Shisui smirked, "It's the truth, every time I look at one of you lovely ladies I see something new. I don't think I've ever seen one group of women that has ever captured my attention so intently."
"Enough with the flirting Shisui," Sasuke grumbled next to him.
The older man just shrugged and sipped the last of his miso. Mizuko gave him one last amused glance before looking up to check in on Sakura. She smiled at the tenderness she could see the man was paying her. What a lucky girl she was to have a man so devoted to her wellbeing. What she wouldn't give to have such a man waiting on her and loving her and her child. But would she ever be able to find such a man that could love her, especially since she was carrying another man's baby. If such a man existed he would definitely be worth keeping around. The baby started kicking and she winced slightly.
"Are you alright?" Kakashi asked looking up from his book. He was a little amazed at her resilience especially being as far along as she was. He'd had plenty of comrades get pregnant and knew that the last trimester was especially difficult on the women. For her to be up and making this type of journey...she would have to be very careful or she risked premature labor.
"Yeah…" she leaned back against a tree, "I'll be fine."
He nodded taking her at her word, she knew what she could handle and turned back to the orange bound literature, "If you need anything don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you," she answered sincerely earning an eye crinkle smile from him.
"Mizuko-san I have a question for you," Neji said politely.
"You may ask…Neji right?"
He nodded, "It's about the five small children. Three of them are male…"
She nodded in understanding, "Tetsu keeps them with the us to be taken care of until they are potty trained. As soon as they are, they are taken away to be boarded with the rest of the men. Those three are probably the only uncorrupted males in our whole clan…" she bowed her head slightly not wanting to finish.
Neji nodded in understanding and dropped the subject when Ryuu walked up to her, "Hey they aren't going down…they keep fussing and whining. Wanna work a little magic?"
"Which ones?"
"Arashi, Hiroki, and Teruko. They are keeping Yuzuki and Shiro awake making them all fussy."
Mizuko sighed, "Bring them to me, I'm not getting up again."
Ryuu nodded and left to go get the five small children.
"Is there some water nearby?" she asked directing her question at anyone.
Kakashi handed her his canteen, "Here use this."
"Thank you Kakashi-san."
Placing the canteen by her side she waited until the five smallest members waddled over to her position. Her eyes instantly warmed at the sight of them walking hand in hand with five other women. They were still innocent and full of life, eager to learn and be taught anything they could get their hands on. And of course like all children they needed a firm hand every now and then. But they were precious, their childhood innocence was something to be protected for as long as she could.
"Zuuu-chan," a small girl walked up hugging her side, "Sweeeepy."
"I know Yuzuki," Mizuko kissed the top of her head then addressed the elder kunoichis, "Set them up next to me."
The other women laid down the bedroll that they five were sharing to Mizuko's right.
"Alright all of you get in," Mizuko ordered softly.
"Nooooooooo," one of the boys whined, "Noooo, noooo, nooo!"
"Arashi," she took a firm tone, "It's way past your bed time now get inside your bed and I will sing to you."
"Zuuuumo-chan is pwetty," one small girl said while climbing into the roll.
"Thank you Teruko now all of you lay down."
The shinobi watched a little amazed at the strict obedience from the children. From Ryuu's brief report she declared that three of them were being a little unruly. But it seemed with this woman they just obeyed without much argument. Ryuu smirked while watching Mizuko order those children around so easily.
"Why do they always listen to you?" Ryuu asked.
Mizuko shrugged, "No idea."
One of the other women chuckled lightly, "Doesn't matter right now as long as those rug rats go to sleep."
"Agreed," Ryuu sat next to her sisters.
"Go ahead and make sure the rest of our sisters are turning in," Mizuko told them, "We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."
"Hai Mizuko nee-chan, I'll check on them," One of the elder sisters stood from the children to make the rounds.
Mizuko's hands trickled over five little heads trying to calm their big spirits. These five always had mountains of energy and while Tetsu might have attributed that to their larger chakra reserves she knew he was wrong. Children, no matter where they are born, were big spirits stuck in small bodies. It's why their energy seemed so boundless. And why they were so trusting of their elders and in particular with her…but only Kami knows why they acted like that around her.
Grabbing the canteen Kakashi had given her earlier she opened it and poured the water into her hand. The water covered her digits fitting like a glove. Replacing the cap she reached out with her water hand and touched each of the children's heads. The water that was connected to her hand transferred to five small foreheads and lingered without a single droplet trickling down the side.
Her finger next met her lips and she coated them with a small amount of water then began to sing a lullaby.
Hush-a-bye, Hush-a-bye!
My good Baby, Sleep!
Where did my boy's baby-sitter go?
Beyond that mountain, back to her home.
As a souvenir from her home, what did you get?
A toy drum and a shō flute.
Her soft soprano echoed slowly over the camp strengthened by the use of the water on her lips. But it had only taken one small song and the five babies were asleep.
"Mizuko nee-chan."
Sad woman looked up and met pale yellow eyes, "Yes Akahana."
"Sing again please?" she asked, "Just a little more."
"Of course sister," Mizuko smiled as her delicate soprano wafted over their group again lulling more shinobi into a peaceful sleep.
If you're curious about the song i DID NOT write it. I googled Japanese lullabies and this one...according to wikipedia...is a traditional Japanese cradle song from the Edo period. And it is the root of all Japanese lullabies. I figured it's appropriate :) Anyways read and review!