Okay, thanks to all of you who read and reviewed and such. Here's the next chapter of Redemption ready for y'all to hate or love.
And to my anonymous reviewer blueberry. I am considering a painful death for Kabuto. Not sure quite how it's all going to work exactly.
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Redemption.
Chapter Four – Mission.
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The weeks passed, and Kushina left and went for long walks. She never told anyone where she was disappearing to. She would arrive home looking pale. Sometimes her expression was pained, but if anyone asked her she'd tell them all to leave her alone. It had been a month since Kushina had come home late. Team seven were working on clearing out the river. A regular D Rank mission. As usual, Saiyuri and Itachi were complaining. "Just why I signed up to be a Ninja, so I could help fat old ladies find their abused, squashed cats, and to labour cleaning rivers!" Saiyuri exclaimed sarcastically. "Don't be rude about the Daimiyo's wife. That and everyone starts with D rank missions Saiyuri. Even your fathers all started with these types of missions." Nawaki stated plainly. "Yeah we get it Sensei, it's still boring though." Itachi grumbled. Kushina just smirked and carried on with her work. Her long hair was once again in a braid. "Sensei, give us a break! Can't we get a C rank mission soon?" Saiyuri asked sadly. Nawaki rolled his eyes. "When I and Hokage-Sama think you're ready." Nawaki stated.
Kushina, although she wouldn't admit it, had started liking these missions with her team. She'd been friends with Saiyuri for a long time. But she was starting to like Itachi and his happier, yet serious personality. He was becoming a friend. She looked at her team and almost wished she could tell them what her problem was. She didn't. She kept the problem to herself. Every night that she went out, she seemed to have an encounter with the strange creature-like male. The last time she'd spoken to him, it scared her more than a little bit.
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Kushina was sitting on the ground, leaning against another tree. She tried not to stay in the same place for long, but he always found her. She sometimes wondered about the capabilities of her Father's Anbu. But then she also wondered if all of this wasn't just some sort of horrible nightmare. The man came and went as he pleased and she was the only one who ever saw him. Tonight was no different.
"Kushina-Kun. You and Itachi are good friends now?" The man said. Kushina felt her skin crawl. "Itachi has nothing to do with you. Leave him out of it bastard!" Kushina yelled. "But why? Do you have a little crush on him? Why don't you ask him to come with you when you finally decide to come to Oto?" The male questioned. "Go away. I don't want anything to do with you." Kushina hissed. "If that were true you wouldn't come out walking in the woods every night. You make that choice." The man hissed to her. "It's not my fault you stalk me and I'm not going to do what you want me to do. I love my family. I care about my friends. I'll never betray them for power." Kushina hissed back. She felt her mark burn. She clutched her shoulder, hissing at the pain. "You see it thrives on your pain and misery. It would be your friend if you accepted it instead of trying to fight it." The man said.
Kushina got up from her seat on the ground shakily. "I hate you!" She hissed. The pain receded a little. "See? All you have to do is hate. That Itachi seems to be taking your place in your family quite well. Leaving with me won't hurt them if they don't miss you in the first place." The man stated. "Go away you bastard! My family care about me. They wouldn't spend all their time trying to figure out what's wrong with me if they hated me!" Kushina yelled. "No, they just want to take away your power. Your freedom is something that isn't allowed in Konoha. You're a Shinobi you're supposed to represent your village right? If you came with me, you wouldn't have to worry. You could even bring those two friends of yours." The man stated. Kushina felt her mind considering the option. She despised herself for it. "I will never join you." Kushina spat out. "You won't have a choice. You think when they all find out about my mark that you'll be free. You'll be imprisoned by Anbu. They'll torture you for information. They'll probably kill you in the end. When you look at your precious family, they'll be saying how it's for the good of the village. Your friends will cheer at your execution. So go ahead, and tell them about your mark. It's your funeral." The man hissed. "I will tell them!" She stated angrily. She walked away. Hunched over by the pain of the mark.
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She hadn't told anyone. She was frightened that maybe the man was right, and she despised that she thought like that. Kushina hated how the man seemed to know everything about her. She hated that her own mind wasn't obeying her anymore. Her emotions didn't seem to be hers to control now. She heard a yelp from the side of her, and saw that Itachi had slipped somehow, and was now being swept downstream. Before anyone else could react, she had jumped up onto the river bank, ran along the side, and used ninja wire to dangle herself over the edge of the waterfall, and catch hold of Itachi's foot.
"Baka." Kushina taunted. "Shut up Gaki!" Itachi yelled. Kushina smirked and reeled herself upwards with her ninja wire, keeping hold of Itachi the whole time.
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Naruto saw his daughter's team standing in front of him. "Okay you guys, you have several missions to choose from." Naruto stated. "You can go and find To-" He got cut off by Saiyuri. "If you send us to go find that damn cat again, with all due respect Hokage-Sama, I'll murder the thing and then the client, then you, in precisely that order." Saiyuri stated. Naruto blinked. "I had to go and find the cat too when I was your age. How long has that thing been alive?" Naruto asked Iruka, who was sat next to him. "About sixty years?" Iruka questioned himself. "That thing should be dead! What kind of cat lives for sixty years?" Naruto whispered. Iruka shrugged. "Well there's always gardening, or babysitting the head councillors children." Naruto stated. "Oh come on Uncle Naruto! Give us a real mission!" Itachi exclaimed loudly. "Stop being a brat Itachi. Everyone went on boring missions when they started out." Nawaki said. "So? That doesn't mean anything Nawaki-Sensei! How can we prove ourselves if you don't give us the chance to?" Itachi stated loudly. Nawaki sighed. "He does have a point." Nawaki thought to himself. Naruto smirked at Itachi's comments.
"Okay, so you wanna prove yourself Itachi?" Naruto asked. Itachi nodded. "Well maybe I can give you guys a C mission." Naruto said. He took a look at the list. "Well there's an escort mission. You're gonna escort an old friend of mine to the Land of Waves and make sure he doesn't get robbed. Think you can handle it?" Naruto asked. The three Genin nodded excitedly. Even Kushina felt bored doing all the D ranks. "Okay, send Inari in!" Naruto called.
The Inari that walked in, whom Naruto had once known as a child, was now an adult. He was tall and muscular and wore a pair of grey pants, and a black muscle top. He wore his same old hat on his head. He grinned at Naruto, who stood up to greet him. The two men clasped hands and greeted each other warmly. "Hey Naruto! It's been ages. How's Sakura and Sasuke? And your Sensei Kakashi?" Inari asked enthusiastically. "Well, Sakura and I are married now. Sasuke's around here somewhere." Naruto stated in amusement. Inari smirked. "Well who's guarding me then?" Inari asked. "Well this is the new Team seven. My daughter Kushina, Sasuke's son Itachi and Kakashi-Sensei's daughter Saiyuri are the team members. And this is Nawaki, their Sensei." Naruto pointed at each on in turn. Inari nodded. "You really need to come and visit some time Naruto. My grandpa told me to ask how you're all doing. No one ever forgot what you all did for us in the Land of Waves." Inari said proudly. "What did they do?" Itachi asked. "Well I'll tell you the story on the way." Inari said. Nawaki grinned at his students. "You've got an hour to pack and be at the gates. That's when we leave. Don't be late." Nawaki stated and he disappeared. Saiyuri and Itachi glared. "He's always late, how can he be such a hypocrite?" Itachi stated. Kushina didn't say a word.
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Saiyuri was packing some necessities into a khaki coloured pack when she heard her door open. She looked up to see her father. "Hey Dad." Saiyuri said happily. Her father walked over to her and hugged her tightly. "You be careful on your mission Saiyuri. Listen to your Sensei and try not to argue with anyone." Her father said kindly. He let go of her, and Saiyuri looked up at him, blinking in confusion. "Are you that worried Dad?" Saiyuri asked. Her father shrugged. "I remember when I took a mission to the land of Waves. It was my team's first C Rank mission. Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke were all very psyched for it. That didn't stop it turning dangerous very quickly." Her father replied. Saiyuri could only ever see one of her father's eyes but she could see the deep worry that shone through. Saiyuri grinned widely and threw her arms around her father's waist, and hugged him tightly. "I'll be back Dad. This is a routine mission. It's just guard duty so I'll be fine. Besides, Kushina and Itachi are so blood thirsty to fight I probably won't even get my hands dirty." Saiyuri stated cheerfully. She felt her father hug her back. "Never underestimate the situation Saiyuri. Just remember to keep your guard up." He said softly. Saiyuri nodded. "I'm gonna go and find Sakumo and Tenshi before I leave Dad. Where's Mom?" Saiyuri asked. "She's just come back from a mission." Her father said honestly. "I'll be back before you know it Dad." Saiyuri said cheerfully as she left her room.
She ran down the stairs, barefoot, and straight into her mother. Both of them tumbled over madly down the last three steps. Saiyuri gave a sheepish smile as her mother glared slightly. "Saiyuri, why do you feel the need to kill me when I've just got back from a mission?" Her mother stated calmly. Saiyuri knew better. Her mother was a master of deception, especially where her temper was concerned. "Hehe, sorry Mom. I just wanted to catch you before you left to see Uncle Naruto. I've got a C rank mission so my team is setting out soon. I wanted to say bye?" Saiyuri said cutely. Her mother's calm demeanour faded to a worried one. "Listen to your Sensei, and don't take unnecessary risks Saiyuri." Her mother stated sternly. "Dad already said all this Mom. I'll be back soon anyways." Saiyuri said softly. The pair were still sitting on the ground at the bottom of the stairs. Saiyuri felt her mother's arms go around her gently. "Just be careful Saiyuri." Her mother uttered. Saiyuri hugged her mother back. "Wow they all feel the need to hug me today. That's a change." Saiyuri thought to herself, as her mother finally let go of her. Both females got up from the floor and Saiyuri grinned widely. "Where's Sakumo-Aniki?" Saiyuri asked. "At his usual training ground with Mayumi and Dan." Her mother replied. "Thanks Mom. I'll see you soon." Saiyuri said. Then she threw on her sandals at the door and ran out, her pack hanging limply from her hand as she ran.
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Kakashi came downstairs, to see Anko staring out of the window in a daze. "She'll be alright Anko. Nawaki is her Sensei and she's got Kushina and Itachi on her team." Kakashi said softly, almost to reassure himself as well as Anko. Anko nodded. "I know. It's just... I never expected her to be an adult so quick. You know, she's always acted like a big kid. Now she's a full-fledged Kunoichi, leaving the village on her first C rank." Anko said sadly. "Oh so that's what's bothering you? Your baby's all grown up?" Kakashi teased. Anko glared at Kakashi's tone. "I'm serious Kakashi. And don't tell me that you're not worried about her too. I remember hearing about the first C rank you took your Genin squad on. It wasn't pretty." Anko stated. "I know. But I'm sure that they'll all be fine. Nawaki was top Anbu captain before he decided to take on a Genin squad. He'll take good care of them." Kakashi said. "He's still a kid himself!" Anko yelled. "He's seventeen. Yeah he's young Anko. But he's still got more missions under his belt then most of the Senseis that took on squads this year." Kakashi replied kindly. Anko sighed. "I just want her to come back safe and sound Kakashi." Anko said sadly. "So do I. And I'm sure she will." Kakashi replied. The two stared out of the window together wondering when their daughter would return.
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Saiyuri ran through Konoha, and passed the Academy, she saw that the students were at break, and her little brother was sat in a corner, diligently studying as usual. She paused and walked over to him. "Tenshi?" Saiyuri called. He looked up at her. "Hey Nee-Chan! What are you doing here?" Tenshi exclaimed softly. "I was looking for Sakumo-Aniki. I wanted to say bye to you guys. I got my first C rank mission today so I'm heading out soon." Saiyuri said softly. Tenshi stood up and hugged his older sister. "I'll miss you Nee-Chan. No one makes more noise in the morning." Tenshi said cheekily. "I'll be back making a racket before you know it kiddo." Saiyuri stated. She started walking off. "See you soon Saiyuri!" Tenshi yelled after her. Saiyuri waved back. "One more thing Nee-Chan?" Tenshi called. Saiyuri turned around and looked at her little brother. "If you croak, then can I have your room?" Tenshi asked. A devilish grin crossed his face. Saiyuri giggled at her little brother. "Cheeky little Gaki!" Saiyuri yelled at him. When she left she could still hear her brother giggling. "At least he isn't too worried." Saiyuri thought to herself.
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Itachi walked back with Kushina to the house. Kushina ran off upstairs, after taking off her sandals of course, and Itachi took off his own, and went looking for his father. He walked into the kitchen, and saw Naruto and Sasuke scribbling out drawings at the dinner table. He saw his Auntie Sakura obviously making the two toddlers a snack. "Auntie Sakura?" Itachi asked softly. She smiled brightly at him. "Hi Itachi-Kun. If you're looking for your father, he's upstairs." Auntie Sakura stated. "Yes I am looking for him. Our team has been assigned our first C rank mission. We're leaving the village in about fifty minutes." Itachi said. The female's eyes went wide. "Where's Kushina?" She asked. "Upstairs in her room, packing." Itachi replied. Auntie Sakura nodded and ran off up the stairs.
Itachi walked over to his little brother. "Itachi-Aniki, I'm drawing a picture of all of us!" Naruto said happily. "So am I Naruto. I wonder if Dad will let us get a puppy?" Sasuke said softly. The two children grinned at each other. "Well, I have to go soon guys. I'm going on a mission. But I'll be back soon. Sasuke, be good for your Mom and Dad and Uncle Sasuke while Kushina-Chan and I are gone okay?" Itachi said softly. Sasuke nodded vigorously, his blond spiky hair bouncing with his head. "Naruto, be good for Father and Auntie Sakura, and Uncle Naruto. Alright?" Itachi said to his small brother. Naruto stared at him for a moment. "I'm always good right?" Naruto asked. "Yeah I know. But be extra good, okay Ototou?" Itachi asked. Naruto nodded his head, his black bangs waving around with the gesture. "I'll see you both soon." Itachi said.
He heard a soft noise in the corridor, and saw Kasumi. "What's wrong Itachi?" Kasumi asked cutely. "Nothing's wrong Kasumi-Chan. Kushina-Chan and I are going on a mission so we won't be here for a few days. So I'm telling Naruto and Sasuke to be good." Itachi said cheerfully. Kasumi ran up and hugged Itachi's leg. "I'll see you soon Itachi." Kasumi said. Then she too ran off to clamber up the stairs. "I'm gonna go and find Father." Itachi said as he left the kitchen.
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Kushina was packing a small pack with necessities. She heard a knock at the door, and then heard the door open. "Kushina?" She heard Sakura ask softly. The red haired girl, turned to look at Sakura questioningly. "Itachi said you were both going on a mission." Sakura stated. "Yes what about it?" Kushina asked coldly. "I wanted you to be careful Kushina. I'll miss you sweetie." She said softly. Kushina looked at Sakura and saw unshed tears, glistening in her eyes. Kushina bit her lip. "Why am I being so cold to her?" Kushina thought. "She's so worried about me." She added silently. Kushina forced her body to move towards Sakura, and forced her arms around the woman's waist. Her body was treacherous, it didn't seem to want her to, she could feel the burning of the mark, but she held fast to what her mind wanted. She hugged Sakura tightly, and Sakura hugged her back even tighter. "Please be careful Kushina-Chan. We all love you, you know." Sakura whispered in her ear. Kushina hugged tighter, as she smelt the cherry blossom fragrance that always seemed to surround Sakura. The scent she always remembered as a child. "I love you guys too." Kushina whispered softly. She let go of Sakura gently and carried on packing. The burning pain of the mark, receding slightly. "Kushina what's been happening to you lately?" Sakura asked kindly. Kushina was so close to speaking up, to saying what had happened.
That was when the door burst open, and Kasumi ran in. She looked at Kushina, wide eyed, and trembling. "Nee-Chan, are you going away?" Kasumi asked. "Yeah. But only for a little while. I'll be back soon." Kushina's voice had gone cold again. "Please come back soon Nee-Chan. I'm gonna miss you lots!" Kasumi yelled. She flung herself at Kushina, and Kushina turned around and caught her expertly. The child wrapped her small arms and legs around Kushina tightly. Kushina felt her mark burning again. "Love you Nee-Chan." Kasumi said softly. Kushina hugged her baby sister gently. "Love you too Kasumi-Imotou." Kushina whispered. She put the little girl down, and packed her last item. Then she left the room. Not wanting to turn and look at Sakura or Kasumi's faces.
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Sasuke had been about to go and do some training when he saw Itachi coming up the stairs and Kushina swiftly leaving her room. The two twelve year olds collided spectacularly, and to stop them falling backward down the stairs, Itachi grabbed hold of Kushina, and flung them both forward. Itachi landed on top of Kushina and the two twelve year olds let off twin death glares. Sasuke just smirked at the scene. "What's going on Itachi?" Sasuke asked seriously, hiding his amusement at his son's embarrassing predicament. Itachi and Kushina both got up off of the floor. "We're leaving for our first C rank mission today Father." Itachi replied. Sasuke smirked. "Listen to your Sensei and don't take unnecessary risks." Sasuke stated sternly. "We won't Uncle Sasuke." Kushina stated boldly. She turned around and ran off down the stairs.
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Kushina ran into the kitchen. She looked at the toddlers sitting at the table, still drawing. "Kushina Nee-Chan! Come and look!" Sasuke called her innocently. Kushina walked over to the table, and leaned over to look at Sasuke's drawing. She saw the normal blob people that two year olds usually drew. One of the smaller ones had long red hair. "That's you Nee-Chan!" Sasuke said enthusiastically. Kushina looked closer and noticed a black blob in her arms. "What am I holding Sasuke-kun?" Kushina asked her little brother affectionately. "That's our new puppy that I'm gonna ask Dad to get us!" Sasuke stated. His eyes shone with intelligence. She noticed Naruto staring at her, his black eyes fixed on her neck. "Kushina-Chan?" Naruto asked softly. "What's wrong Naruto-Kun?" Kushina asked. "Why is there a black mark on your neck?" Naruto asked curiously.
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Saiyuri had found her way to the training grounds. She saw Mayumi, Dan and Sakumo training diligently. She felt unsure as to whether or not she could interrupt. "I'd better say goodbye to him." Saiyuri thought. "Sakumo-Aniki!" She called out loudly as she walked into the training ground. Her older brother turned around and looked at her carefully. The face mask was still on his face. Saiyuri grinned. "I got my first C rank mission today. I have to leave soon. I wanted to say bye." Saiyuri said cutely. Even under the mask, she could see her brother frown. He grabbed hold of her and lifted her up in the air, bringing her towards him and hugging her tightly. She remembered him picking her up like that when she was small. She stared at her brother the whole time. "You know we love you Saiyuri, so don't go and get yourself hurt alright? You, Kushina and Itachi are just Genins so do what Nawaki says alright?" Sakumo stated questioningly. Saiyuri gave her brother a curious look. "I'll be alright Sakumo-Aniki! I'll be back before you even miss me." Saiyuri said chirpily. Sakumo grinned under his mask. "Just be careful Saiyuri." Sakumo stated firmly. "I will Aniki. I promise." Saiyuri said softly. "I love you guys too you know. I'm gonna miss you all." Saiyuri said softly.
She felt a hand clap on her shoulder. "Even me Saiyuri-Chan?" Dan asked teasingly. His eyes sparkled with mischief. Saiyuri and Sakumo glared fiercely. "Hey you asshole! Don't mess with my Imotou!" Sakumo yelled. "Awe, you're no fun Sakumo. After all, Saiyuri is the cutest girl around at the moment." Dan stated. Saiyuri saw the glint of mischief become larger, and she also saw a fierce glare in Sakumo's eyes. "I'll kill you if you even lean in the direction of an atom of a thought about my Imotou, you bastard." Sakumo hissed. Dan grinned evilly and then planted a kiss on Saiyuri's cheek.
That was all it took for Sakumo to completely lose his temper. Sakumo dove onto Dan, ready to punch the living daylights out of his fellow teammate. Mayumi and Saiyuri stared at the pair incredulously, blinking, while Dan managed to wriggle away and escape, with Sakumo in hot pursuit. "I'm going to kill you Dan! How dare you kiss my Imotou! Watch when I tell my Father! He'll murder you if I don't catch you bastard!" Sakumo yelled as he chased after the laughing Dan. Mayumi sighed. "I swear those two are like a pair of cavemen. They fight over everything at the moment. If you're going on a mission, doesn't that mean my brother is heading out with you?" Mayumi asked. Saiyuri nodded. "He is our Sensei after all." Saiyuri replied. Mayumi bit her lip. That was when Saiyuri's white-haired Sensei appeared in the field between the two boys, who were trying to murder each other.
"Hey Sakumo, Dan, is my sister in this little pile up?" Nawaki asked cheekily. "No Aniki, I'm here. They're fighting because Dan kissed Saiyuri on the cheek." Mayumi stated sarcastically. Nawaki grinned evilly. "Hey! You two behave like the Chunin that you are. You tell me you're not dating either one of them Mayumi." Nawaki stated. "Well......" Mayumi started, trailing off, a mischievous glint in her own eyes. Saiyuri sighed when she saw the evil gleam in Mayumi's eyes. "They must've taken on some traits from Uncle Naruto." She thought calmly to herself. "Which one is it? I'll murder them both!" Nawaki yelled. "I think I'm going now." Saiyuri stated. "See you soon Imotou-Chan!" Sakumo yelled, as both he and Dan started running from Nawaki. Once again on the same side. Mayumi shook her head in amusement, as Saiyuri left the training ground. "Looks like Sensei is going to be late again." Saiyuri thought as she left.
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Itachi was packing some necessary items for the mission, as his father sat and watched him. "Itachi?" Sasuke questioned. Itachi looked at Sasuke carefully. "I want you to take what I said before into consideration. I don't want any of you to get hurt unnecessarily." Sasuke said sternly. Itachi nodded his understanding. "Remember the things I've taught you, and work with Kushina without fighting. I know you two don't always agree, but teamwork is invaluable." Sasuke recited kindly. "Yes Father. I understand." Itachi said seriously. He always listened to his father's words. He'd finished packing things, and slung a grey pack over his shoulders. He opened the door to his room, ready to leave.
"Itachi?" Sasuke called him back. "Yes Father?" Itachi asked. Sasuke stood up. He was a lot slower than before, and Itachi knew that all too well, but to Itachi, Sasuke was always going to be his strong father. "I love you and I'm very proud of you Itachi. I hope you always remember that." Sasuke said softly. Itachi gave a soft smile, not unlike the rare smiles his father had ever given. He placed his arms around his father's waist gently. He wasn't one for throwing himself at his parent. He hugged his father, and he felt his father hug him back gently. "Be careful." Sasuke said, for what seemed like the umpteenth time since he'd heard Itachi was actually leaving for a mission. Itachi smiled widely. "I will Father. I'll be back soon." Itachi said softly, as he left the room and ran down the stairs.
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Kushina stared at Naruto witheringly. "What are you talking about Naruto-Kun?" Kushina asked coldly. "There's a funny black mark on your neck Kushina-Chan. How comes?" Naruto asked again. "There isn't a mark on my neck Naruto-Kun. You must've seen a shadow." Kushina said softly. Naruto looked very confused. "I'll see you two squirts when I get back." Kushina said softly. They nodded and watched Kushina leave.
Naruto and Sasuke looked at each other. "Did you really see a mark on Nee-Chan's neck?" Sasuke asked. "Yeah it was weird. It didn't look like a shadow." Naruto replied. His black eyes shone with confusion. "Well Nee-Chan doesn't lie. Maybe it's just an owie from training." Sasuke said. The two boys nodded, thinking they found the solution. Little Naruto still didn't feel quite right. "I've seen that before." The small, dark-haired child thought to himself.
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Nawaki had finished chasing down the two teenage teammates of his little sister and had scared them beyond belief. He came back to say goodbye. "Mayumi, look after Ma while I'm not here okay? You know she hates it when either of us go on missions." Nawaki said kindly. "Of course I know Aniki. Now get going. Don't keep your students waiting...... longer." Mayumi replied. The siblings grinned at each other, and Nawaki gave his little sister a one-armed hug. "I'll see you soon squirt!" He called, as he poofed out of existence. "He's such a drama queen. He must get that from Daddy." Mayumi said to herself, as she went to find her scared-witless teammates.
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Kushina was five minutes down the road when she heard running footsteps. She looked behind her to see Itachi running to catch up. She paused for a minute to let him catch her up. He gave her a small glare. "Did you have to take off without me Gaki?" Itachi asked. "I was going to go to the Academy to say goodbye to Hinata. Baka!" Kushina stated. "I need to say goodbye to Hikari too you know?" Itachi stated bluntly. Kushina shrugged and Itachi followed her to the Academy in silence.
When they reached the Academy, it was still lunchtime. Hinata and Hikari were sat on the tree swing that Kushina had sat on very often as a child. She had been told by her father that he'd spent a lot of time on that swing himself. "Hinata I wanna talk to you for a few minutes." Kushina said softly. Hinata nodded and got off the swing, promising Hikari she'd be back in a moment. Kushina lead them a little bit away from the swing. She saw Itachi hugging his little sister, and obviously comforting her, as he told her he was going on a mission out of the village. "Hinata-Chan, I'm going out of the village for my first C rank mission." Kushina said. She felt Hinata hug her tightly. "I know it's only C rank but I'm still going to miss you." Hinata replied. "I'll miss you too." Kushina replied softly. Hinata grinned. "I'll see you when you get back." She said kindly. "We'll be back before you know it." Kushina said sternly. They walked back towards Hikari and Itachi. "See you soon Hikari-Chan." Kushina said softly. "Bye Kushina-Chan." Hikari uttered softly. "See you Hinata." Itachi stated, ruffling Hinata's hair. Hinata grinned and nodded in understanding.
That was when the two teens left. Unbeknownst to Itachi, Kushina gritted her teeth against severe, burning pain, coming from her mark. She hated the thing, and the more she tried to act against it, the more it hurt. But when she did what it seemed to want her to do, she felt like she was losing a part of herself. She wasn't sure if she wanted to keep her humanity, or lose it, along with the pain.
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Saiyuri arrived at the gate early, and saw Inari waiting and talking to Naruto. "Hi Inari-San! Hokage-Sama!" Saiyuri said politely. Naruto grinned and patted Saiyuri on the head. "Just make sure you're careful Saiyuri. Your Mom will murder me if you get hurt." Naruto said. Saiyuri giggled. "Okay Uncle Naruto. I'll be really careful." Saiyuri said cheekily. Itachi and Kushina arrived then. "Itachi, you'd better be careful too. Your father'll murder me if you get hurt too." Naruto said. "So will my father kill you if I get hurt?" Kushina asked sarcastically. "Yeap." Naruto replied as he pulled his eldest child into a hug. "It'd kill me if anything bad happened to you Carrot top." Naruto whispered. Kushina gave a soft smile, and Naruto was reminded of Hinata for a brief moment. Then the smile disappeared and Kushina became serious again. "I'll be back soon Daddy." Kushina whispered. Naruto hugged Kushina tightly and Kushina felt her mark burning again. She ignored it. "We'll all be fine Uncle Naruto. I'll look after Kushina-Chan and Saiyuri-Chan." Itachi stated seriously. Both girls scoffed at the idea. Naruto just shook his head, grinning. He remembered being like Itachi once. Wanting to protect everyone.
Nawaki arrived then. He grinned at his three students. "You're late!" Itachi and Saiyuri yelled. Kushina glared. Nawaki grinned sheepishly. "Well you see I was protecting my sweet little sister from the advances of lascivious teammates." Nawaki stated sheepishly. Naruto looked at Nawaki weirdly. "Dan and Sakumo are more interested in fighting each other than your sister Nawaki." Naruto stated. Nawaki pouted. "That doesn't mean they won't try something later on. If they do I'll castrate them." Nawaki stated proudly. Naruto sighed. "God help Dan and Sakumo if they ever did fall for Mayumi." Naruto thought to himself.
"Big brothers and their little sisters, I'll never get that protective streak." Saiyuri thought to herself. "Glad I don't have any big brothers." Kushina mentally gloated. "Hikari better not act like that when she's older. No weirdoes are going anywhere near my sister." Itachi thought to himself. "Okay team, let's set out." Nawaki stated happily. The group set out, as Naruto watched them leave. "Kakashi-Sensei, come out and stop worrying. They'll be fine you know." Naruto called out. Once the group had gotten far enough away of course. He heard someone land next to him and turned to look at Kakashi incredulously. "Maa maa Naruto. You got smarter as you got older." Kakashi said. His visible eye still looked into the distance. "Well I had to get smarter to be Hokage." Naruto stated proudly. "You were always going to be Hokage Naruto. Now there's a new generation to look after." Kakashi said sadly. "Is this your way of telling me you're too old and need to retire?" Naruto asked cheekily. "What?" Kakashi questioned. "I'm just kidding Sensei. Don't worry so much. You never used to be wound so tight." Naruto complained. Kakashi could tell his old student was joking, by the smirk on his face. "When you have children to worry about you do tend to get uptight." Kakashi replied. Naruto shrugged. His own worries about Kushina were forcing their way to the forefront, despite the fact she'd acted more like herself today than she had in a long while.
"So how's Sasuke?" Kakashi asked. "You haven't seen him?" Naruto asked. "Of course I have. He comes and talks to me every so often when he says he can't sleep." Kakashi said softly. "I don't think he tells me the truth about how he's feeling." Kakashi added. Naruto nodded. "I don't think he tells anyone except Tsunade Baa-Chan. You know she won't tell me and Sakura anything." Naruto replied. "I've noticed he's started moving more slowly, pacing himself, and being less graceful about his movements." Kakashi quipped. Naruto sighed. "If it kills me I'm going to find a way to help him. I have to Kakashi-Sensei. He's the closest thing to a brother I've ever had. I can't lose him again." Naruto said sadly. Kakashi placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder gently. "We'll find a way Naruto. Tsunade is the best Medic-nin and healer around. If anyone can find a way it's her." Kakashi replied. Naruto nodded sadly. The pair walked off, hoping that all would be made right soon. Neither realised how wrong it could all become.
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Okay that's the end of this chapter. Soon you're gonna see more effects of Sasuke's illness and more banter between Kushina and Itachi. Also Of course there's the mission to get through. But trust me things are only going to get more interesting from here. How interesting, will be something to consider for everyone. LOL! Also I know this chapter was a load of fluff but...... well there's no excuses it was just fluff. I was feeling a little fluffy when I wrote it. But the whole fic is not just going to be fluff people.
Anyways, please R&R and tell me what ya think. I always appreciate it. And if ya have any questions I will answer somehow. Whether by PM or in my chapter when I next update.