Okay everyone. Here's the fifth chapter of Redemption. I've got this thing planned for at least the next seven or eight chappies so don't worry about me running out of inspiration. LOL! Anywho, I hope you all like this chappie.
And to blueberry, thanks for the review, I'm glad you liked the last chapter.
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Redemption.
Chapter Five – Red.
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Itachi, Kushina and Saiyuri stayed silent while they listened to the story of their fathers fighting in the Land of Waves, for the freedom of its people, against the Demon of the Hidden Mist, Zabuza, and his own student, Haku. Itachi and Saiyuri were visibly in awe. Kushina didn't allow it to show on her face, but she felt great admiration for her father, Sakura, Sasuke and Kakashi. Once the story was over, Kushina felt something was wrong. She felt like they were being followed. She kept her guard up fiercely. She looked at Itachi and Saiyuri carefully. "They're not even concerned! Why the hell aren't they thinking about the mission?" Kushina thought worriedly. She looked at her Sensei. "At least Nawaki-Aniki-Sensei is focussed." She thought ruefully.
That was when they were attacked. Kushina pulled out a kunai straight away and prepared herself within seconds to fight. Itachi and Saiyuri looked shocked. Two masked men jumped out, and Kushina angrily recognised the symbol on their headbands. "The Sound village!" She thought to herself furiously. She saw Saiyuri jump in front of Inari. Nawaki take out a sword and Itachi...
Itachi was frozen in place. One of the Sound ninja pulled out a dagger. With her sharp eyes, Kushina could tell it was poisoned. She dived forward. "I gotta get there in time." Kushina thought to herself.
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Itachi had seen the ninja and the symbol on their headbands. It scared the life out of him. He'd heard that the new ruler wanted his father dead, but he didn't have a clue what they would want with Inari. One of the Ninja headed in his direction. "Move! Move! MOVE ITACHI MOVE!" He yelled in his mind. But his body wasn't obeying him. The ninja was practically upon him and all he could do was stand there.
That was when he saw a red braid, and the flash of a kunai. Then he saw blood splatter. "KUSHINA!" He yelled fearfully. Was it her blood or the blood of the enemy?
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Nawaki turned at the yell, and saw Kushina with blood on her face. The Sound ninja standing over her. Then, to his shock, the ninja fell backward, blood gushing from his throat. The bloody kunai was in Kushina's hand. Her eyes were so cold and emotionless, that if Nawaki hadn't known better he'd have sworn she was a seasoned killer. She glared down at her near-dead opponent, an evil gleam in her eyes. She bent forward, grabbed his collar, yanked him upwards a little and whispered something in his ear. The man was gagging from the slit to his throat, and convulsing from blood loss, on the verge of death. Mere moments later, Kushina dropped the man to the floor. He was dead.
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Itachi stared at Kushina. He saw her lean forward and grasp the man's collar. When she hoisted him a little and whispered in his ear, he was shocked to hear what she said. "Serves you right scum. Don't attack my friends. You can tell everyone in hell that Kushina Uzumaki sent you." Itachi heard her hiss. Then she dropped the choking man to the floor and he died that second, a look of horror in his eyes.
When Itachi looked at Saiyuri and Nawaki-Sensei, he could tell they were as shocked as he was by Kushina's actions. They hadn't even heard her whispered words like he had. Kushina turned around and looked at Itachi. "What were you thinking, standing there like a frightened rabbit? You could've gotten yourself killed! You know if you make it to Chunin I won't be there to save your ass all the time!" Kushina yelled. Itachi would've yelled back at her, but he saw something that made him close his mouth. A couple of tears rolled down Kushina's cheeks. She turned around and stormed towards a little patch of trees. Saiyuri made to run after her, but Nawaki-Sensei stopped her. "There's a little pond there Saiyuri. She's probably just going to wash the blood off of her face." Nawaki said softly. Saiyuri stopped and stared at Itachi. "Are you alright Itachi?" Saiyuri asked. Itachi nodded silently. "Itachi you can't freeze like that again." Nawaki-Sensei stated. Itachi nodded vigorously.
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Later that evening, once Inari had returned to his home, the group were staying at his home, with his wife, Mina, and his mother and grandfather. Kushina sat outside on the porch, looking up at the night sky. She heard someone come and stand next to her. "Can I sit down Kushina?" Kushina looked up at Itachi. She shrugged and Itachi sat next to her. "I didn't mean to freeze up like that today. When we were on our journey to Konoha, I heard that Sound Ninja were looking for my father to kill him, and I didn't think. I acted irrationally and I froze up. I'm sorry I put you in that position." Itachi stated formally. "Which one?" Kushina asked blankly. "The position of having to worry about me? The position of killing someone else?" Itachi questioned softly. "Funny enough, killing him didn't bother me. And of course I was worried about you Itachi. We're teammates and we're frien......" Kushina trailed off. "What were you gonna say Kushina-Chan?" Itachi asked.
Kushina had stopped before she said the word friend. Her mark had started burning. She cringed with the pain. Unconsciously, her hand moved to clasp the spot of its own accord. It was only for a moment, and she had hoped the Itachi hadn't noticed. "Kushina? What's wrong? Did you get injured?" Itachi asked softly. Kushina shook her head. "No. I'm fine. Really." Kushina said softly. Itachi glared slightly. "No you're not. I just saw you wince like something burned you. Can't you be honest if you hurt yourself?" Itachi questioned. He pulled the high collar of Kushina's shirt down before she could make a sound. Kushina pushed his hand away and pulled the collar up, but not quickly enough. Itachi gasped in horror. "How?" He asked. Fear crossed his face. Kushina stood up slowly and backed away. She made to run, but Itachi was up and had grabbed her arm before she could make a run for it.
"Kushina, do you know what that mark on your neck is?" Itachi hissed. Kushina bit her lip, not saying a word. "It's a curse mark, used by Orochimaru, the old leader of Otogakure, Kushina. You need to tell someone. They can seal it and make sure it doesn't take you over." Itachi pleaded. "I knew it. If you tell them, they'll lock me up!" Kushina exclaimed. Itachi looked at Kushina carefully. She was terrified. He could see it clearly in her eyes. "Kushina, my father has the same mark on his neck. In the exact same spot. It'll take you over if you allow it to. Tell your father about it, and he can get someone to seal the mark so it doesn't do that to you. You have to tell someone Kushina." Itachi stated. Kushina shook her head wildly. "I can't tell anyone Itachi. Please don't say anything." She begged quietly. "Kushina?" Itachi felt himself bending to her will. "Itachi if I tell them, I'll get locked up. Please Itachi. Please." She begged. Itachi bit his lip anxiously.
"Is that why you've been acting so strangely? Your Father and Auntie Sakura have been so worried about you Kushina. It'll destroy you if you don't find a way to seal it." Itachi said softly. "How do you know it needs to be sealed?" Kushina asked. "My father has had the mark for years. He told me his Sensei, Kakashi, Saiyuri's father, sealed his curse mark. It stopped him from having so much trouble with it." Itachi replied. "I'll find a way. Just don't say anything Itachi. Please. They'll lock me up, interrogate me, maybe execute me." Kushina pleaded. "Your Father wouldn't..." Itachi was cut off by Kushina. "He would. For the good of the village, if he had to, he would." Kushina pleaded. Itachi sighed. "I'll help you find a way Kushina. I swear." Itachi said softly. Kushina smiled softly and threw her arms around Itachi's neck. She hugged him tightly. "Thanks Itachi-Kun." She whispered in his ear. Itachi's arms slid around her waist and hugged her back. Even though his face blushed bright red.
"Ahem!" The two bolted apart and stared at Nawaki. "Was I interrupting anything?" Nawaki asked teasingly. "NO!" The two teens yelled. Nawaki laughed. "Okay then kiddies. Bed time. We're off back to Konoha tomorrow." Nawaki stated. The two nodded and made to go inside. "Separate rooms you two!" Nawaki exclaimed teasingly. "ERO-SENSEI!" Kushina and Itachi yelled at the same time. Nawaki went back inside laughing his head off. Itachi and Kushina followed, glaring, hoping that Nawaki wouldn't carry on teasing them.
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A Sound Ninja knelt before a cloaked man. "Orochimaru-Sama, we attacked as you ordered. Kushina Uzumaki killed one of our ninja, saving Itachi Uchiha." The Ninja stated plainly. Only half of Orochimaru's face was visible. He smirked. "Go back and try again. Aim for the rest of the team. Leave Kushina Uzumaki alone, and see her reactions. Then report back to me." Orochimaru hissed. The Ninja nodded and left the room. Orochimaru pulled off his hood to reveal the other half of his- no Kabuto's face. "You intend to take Naruto Uzumaki's eldest child away from him Orochimaru-Sama?" Kabuto asked. His half of his mouth moved as he spoke. "Of course." Orochimaru stated. "She has the Byakugan. She'll make a half-decent host. It will be the perfect revenge against that Jinchuriki for his interference in my plans." Orochimaru replied. "Well, we'll have to see what happens, Orochimaru-Sama." Kabuto replied. "Yes we will. It should be interesting." Orochimaru replied. The two lapsed into silence. Both trying to hope for the day when they'd have their own bodies again.
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The very next morning, the group started back to Konoha. They were travelling over the 'Great Naruto Uzumaki Bridge' when Kushina once again felt that something wasn't right. This time, she noted the looks on her teammate's faces. She gripped hold of her kunai tightly, ready to pull it out of its resting place in her pouch, should it become necessary.
That was when a group of about ten Sound Ninja appeared out of nowhere. Kushina's kunai flew out of her pouch in an instant. She saw Itachi and Saiyuri ready to fight with their own kunai. To Kushina's horror, the Ninja didn't come near her. They went straight towards her teammates. Nawaki was trying to protect them. Kushina saw Saiyuri get side swiped with a kunai. A small spray of blood spilled out, onto the ground, and Saiyuri dropped to the ground, a hand held to the side of her thigh. "Saiyuri!" Kushina yelled as she rushed forward, ready to fight. She took note that when she made to strike, the Ninjas moved away from her. "I'm not their target." Kushina thought in horror. She saw another three Ninjas head towards Nawaki, and he easily blocked them. Itachi was overwhelmed. That was when Kushina saw a Ninja heading towards Saiyuri with a sword. She saw the Ninja raise his sword over Saiyuri, and bring it down. This all happened within moments. Before Kushina could move, she saw Nawaki make hand signs and Saiyuri disappeared, replaced by a log. Kushina breathed a sigh of relief as Saiyuri ended up next to their Sensei.
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Itachi was trying his best. He really was. "How am I supposed to fight five Ninjas at once?" Itachi thought as he desperately tried to keep his concentration. The near miss with Saiyuri had shocked him a little. That was when he saw that Kushina was running forward to help. He also saw how the Ninjas were avoiding fighting her. "We must be the targets. Orochimaru probably wants to sever Kushina's ties to Konoha starting off with her teammates." Itachi thought to himself. He spun around when he heard more swords unsheathed, and he saw a Ninja practically on top of him. "I'm gonna get sliced in two!" Itachi thought in shock. The Ninja was too close for him to dodge. The only thing he could was try to defend himself with his arms.
He heard the impact, but didn't feel the pain. He had unconsciously closed his eyes, to ready himself for pain, and when he opened them, he saw Kushina's red hair again. Some crimson blood had splattered on his face. He thought she'd killed the Ninja. That was of course when she fell backwards, and he held out his arms to catch her. A gaping slash, had appeared from her right shoulder, all the way down to her left hip. She looked as though her usually tan complexion was fading into ivory, as her blood flowed from her body. Itachi heard Saiyuri scream and Nawaki yell angrily, as he slashed into another Ninja. The one that had caused Kushina's injury looked down at Itachi with an evil grin on his face.
"Why?" Itachi asked softly. Kushina gave a weak smile. "B'cause we're comrades. And 'cause we're friends. Look after ev'yb'dy for me." Kushina uttered softly. Her eyes were fluttering closed. "Don't go dying Kushina! You're...." Itachi trailed off, as he noticed that Kushina's eyes had closed and her chest had stopped rising and falling.
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Nawaki felt his heart plummet into his stomach. "Naruto trusted me with his child! How could I let this happen? She can't be dead!" Nawaki thought to himself angrily. He saw her chest stop rising and falling. The red blood, stained the ground, and Kushina's skin went as white as snow. Nawaki felt sick to his stomach. "This is only their first mission." Nawaki thought with disbelief. That was when he noticed Itachi clenching his fists. The boys eyes, bled into red in that moment, and Nawaki knew that Itachi had acquired Sharingan.
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"You're my best friend." Itachi uttered softly. Finishing the sentence that he'd trailed from earlier. He felt something strange happen to his eyes, and suddenly, he could see everything more clearly. "This must be Sharingan." Itachi thought to himself. He placed Kushina on the ground gently, and pulled out another kunai. Within moments, he'd dispatched the Ninja who'd harmed his friend.
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Nawaki watched as Itachi killed the Ninja, he'd seen cut down Kushina. Nawaki helped, and soon, there were no more Ninja to get through. Three of them had escaped. Nawaki glared fiercely as he bent down next to Kushina. He allowed his hands to glow green with the medical chakra his mother was famous for, and scanned Kushina for signs of life. He let out a sigh of relief when he found an extremely faint heartbeat. "Itachi come over here for a sec." Nawaki called sternly. Itachi nodded and ran over.
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Itachi saw the green medical chakra that Nawaki was using. "Sensei, is... Kushina-Chan...... alive?" Itachi asked. Nawaki nodded. Itachi heard Saiyuri let out a breath. "I need you over here Itachi. Saiyuri is injured. She can't hold Kushina down if need be." Nawaki stated. Itachi nodded and ran over to sit down next to Kushina and waited for his Sensei's instructions.
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Nawaki looked at Saiyuri and Itachi, as they both stared at him, begging for reassurance. "I can't think of Kushina as my little Godsister, or even my student. She has to just be another patient. Ma always says that when she has to treat someone she knows. It helps her concentrate. I need to concentrate now." Nawaki thought to himself calmly. He repeated the mantra silently as he pulled out his med kit. He took out two plasma pills and crumbled them into Kushina's mouth. The bleeding became worse. "Sensei why is she bleeding more?" Itachi asked. "She's lost a lot of blood. I gave her plasma pills to regenerate some of that blood." Nawaki stated coldly. He used chakra scalpel to cut away the remains of Kushina's top. The sports bra that the teen seemed to be wearing underneath didn't fare much better, but Nawaki was adverse to remove the girl's only cover from public eyes. He started to use medical ninjutsu to heal the awful wound. It was taking a long time as the wound was long and deep. Nawaki concentrated on Kushina's hair, using it as a conductor for his own chakra, and trying to sew the wound shut. He saw the skin slowly knitting back together, as Kushina's wound healed from the outside. Once he was sure that at least the outside of the wound was closed, he picked up the teen girl, and Itachi placed her shredded shirt over her. "We need to get her to a safe place so I can carry on with healing the damage properly. We'll have to go back to Inari-San's house. Itachi, carry Saiyuri on your back, she can't walk with that injury. Hopefully, they'll know of a hospice where we can take Kushina and Saiyuri and get them both treated." Nawaki said softly. At that moment it began to rain.
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Later that evening, after Nawaki had finished doing whatever he could for Kushina's injury, especially without any hospice, Nawaki concentrated on Saiyuri. He already fed most of his plasma pills to Kushina. He looked at the pale girl, sat next to her red-haired friend. "Nawaki-Sensei is Kushina going to be alright?" Saiyuri asked softly. Nawaki went to work, healing the wound on Saiyuri's hip. "You're lucky this wound isn't too serious Saiyuri." Nawaki stated. He avoided her question plainly. The team looked at their fallen teammate with worry. Kushina was pale beyond belief. Nawaki had said she was stable for now, but Nawaki also knew that the situation could change at any time.
"None of her vital organs were damaged. She was pretty lucky. The reason she's in a bad way is because she's lost a lot of blood. If she doesn't regain consciousness, we'll have to carry her back to the village." Nawaki replied to Saiyuri's earlier question. Itachi and Saiyuri nodded their understanding. "Saiyuri, Itachi, go get some sleep. We may have a long journey ahead tomorrow." Nawaki stated. "Shouldn't one of us stay up and watch Kushina-Chan?" Saiyuri asked softly. "I'll do that. Now get some sleep." Nawaki replied. "Sensei, I'll look after Kushina." Itachi said. Nawaki and Saiyuri stared at the dark-haired boy. "I didn't get injured. You both need sleep more than I do. Saiyuri got injured, and you used a lot of your chakra to heal Kushina and Saiyuri, Sensei. So let me keep an eye on Kushina for now." Itachi said sadly. Nawaki smiled. "Alright Itachi. But you will need to get some sleep yourself eventually. We'll take it in shifts." Nawaki replied. "Then I'll take the shift after Itachi's. You used the most chakra Sensei, you need the most sleep. Besides, if you don't sleep, then if we're attacked like that again we'll be sitting ducks without your help." Saiyuri uttered softly. Nawaki shook his head in amusement. "Well at least you've all learned something about teamwork." Nawaki stated. "If any of you need me, just wake me. We'll all sleep here. It makes it much easier to keep watch." Nawaki said sternly. Then he unrolled a bedroll. Saiyuri did the same, as Itachi settled to watch over them all. "Sensei, does everyone know what's happened yet?" Saiyuri asked. "I sent a message earlier." Nawaki replied. Saiyuri nodded gently, and curled up in her bedroll. Soon enough, Saiyuri and Nawaki were sleeping. Itachi just sat looking out of the window and watching over his teammates.
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Late that night, Naruto couldn't sleep. He was looking over the message that Nawaki had sent him.
Hokage-Sama.
Cell Seven has been delayed coming back to Konoha because of the injury of two team members. One of them is injured very seriously. With the knowledge of medical ninjutsu that I have, I've done all in my power to prevent death, but I'm still worried for the well being of the team. If possible, I request the dispatch of a medical Ninja to the Land of Waves. If not we will be heading back to Konoha tomorrow, as I don't believe the injury will get better without the aid of our medical corp. Full report of details to follow on our return.
Nawaki.
Naruto had immediately dispatched Shizune. He knew that Shizune was the best Medic-Nin besides Tsunade and Sakura. He couldn't send Sakura, as he knew she'd be distracted by the idea of Kushina being hurt. He'd already forewarned Sasuke, Kakashi and Anko that their children may be the injured ones. Telling Sakura had been harder. She'd let loose her temper first, asking why Naruto hadn't sent her. Then she'd cried. She was sleeping now. How well, Naruto couldn't say.
"Dobe?" Naruto turned his head to look at Sasuke. "Yeah Teme?" Naruto questioned back. "Why aren't you attempting to sleep? It's going to be a long day tomorrow." Sasuke asked. "I can't stop wondering who the seriously injured team member is Sasuke. I can't stop wondering if it's Kushina or not. Not that I don't care about Saiyuri and Itachi." Naruto babbled a bit. Sasuke smirked. "I know what you mean. I was worried when this mission started. But I tried to ignore it because as a parent I'm naturally worried for the safety of my son I guess. But when you showed me that letter I couldn't help hoping that if Itachi is injured, that it isn't too serious." Sasuke told Naruto. Naruto nodded. "Shizune left as soon as we got the message. She's going to go and check on the injured parties and make sure they can travel. Then they'll be coming back. I think Nawaki didn't say who was injured because he wanted me to think rationally." Naruto said softly. He looked out of the window sadly. "I'm sure that all of them will be fine." Sasuke stated, comfortingly. "You grew a personality when you became a parent huh Sasuke?" Naruto asked, trying to lighten the moment. The two males gave each other weak smiles. "You made Nawaki their Sensei for a reason. I'm sure he's done everything possible. They'll all come back safely." Sasuke uttered. Naruto nodded his head in agreement.
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At around midnight, Itachi was still concentrating on keeping watch, when he heard a soft groan. Itachi looked over to see Kushina opening her eyes. She still looked pale. Itachi went and sat next to her. "I feel like I got sliced in half and died in a hole." Kushina rasped out weakly. "You almost did die Gaki. What were you thinking? You shouldn't have dived in front of me like that." Itachi whispered. "Baka, I wasn't gonna let some idiot from Oto kill you off. Besides, I'll be fine soon. How long have I been out?" Kushina whispered questioningly. "A while. It's midnight. I'm supposed to wake Saiyuri up to keep watch soon. Nawaki-Sensei used a lot of his chakra, just to close your wound." Itachi replied. "I'm still sleepy." Kushina mumbled. She closed her eyes. Itachi smirked. "Well sleep then Gaki." Itachi muttered out. Kushina smirked tiredly. "Shut up Baka." Kushina mumbled, as she fell into a deep sleep.
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Shizune had arrived at the Land of Waves. She'd just crossed the bridge as the sun was rising. Her face was set with determination. "Now to see who's injured and how badly." Shizune thought as she made her way to the address she'd been given.
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Nawaki was sat looking out of the window early that morning. Saiyuri and Itachi were fast asleep. Itachi had told Saiyuri that Kushina had woken for a few minutes. Nawaki stared at the sun rising above the water. The sun cast a lilac haze over the world outside. If Nawaki hadn't been so worried about what would happen to Kushina, then he might have taken some time to appreciate the beauty of such a scene. That was when he saw a figure with a dark head of hair walking towards the house. Nawaki recognised Shizune straight away. "At least Naruto sent someone neutral." Nawaki thought gratefully. He went to greet Shizune, who gave him a kind smile, and greeted Inari's family calmly. "I'd better check on the severely injured Genin first." Shizune said sternly. Nawaki led Shizune to Kushina silently.
Shizune gasped as she saw Kushina. "Kushina was the worst injured." Nawaki said softly. Shizune knelt down next to the sleeping Genin, and examined her with her own medical chakra. "You did a good job Nawaki. We can take her back to the village, but she can't do too much running around for awhile until everything heals fully. We'll need to carry her back to the village." Shizune said softly. "I can carry her. Saiyuri was injured but not seriously." Nawaki replied. "I'll check on her too. We'll set out as soon as I've made sure that Saiyuri is alright, and that Kushina isn't going to get worse if we start travelling." Shizune uttered.
Saiyuri woke at that moment. "Shizune-San!" Saiyuri asked softly. "Let me check your injury Saiyuri." Shizune asked softly. Saiyuri allowed Shizune to scan her injury using her medical chakra and then Shizune gave a reassuring nod. "You're perfectly fine Saiyuri." Shizune said reassuringly. Saiyuri nodded. "I feel a lot better than I was yesterday. What about Kushina-Chan?" Saiyuri asked. "She'll be fine eventually." Shizune stated. Itachi stirred and looked at Shizune. "Shizune-San?" Itachi asked blearily. "Yes Itachi-Kun?" Shizune asked kindly. "Is Kushina-Chan going to be alright?" Itachi asked. Shizune nodded and Itachi sighed with relief. He got up and started packing away his own bedroll.
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Kushina could hear voices around her as she opened her eyes blearily. "What's going on?" Kushina heard herself ask sleepily. "It's alright Kushina. Your father sent me to tend to the injured." Kushina heard Shizune answer. "Am I okay?" Kushina asked. Her senses coming back to her slightly. "You will be. You're not going to walk back to the village however. Your wound hasn't healed enough to take the risk. Your Sensei is going to carry you." Shizune replied. Kushina felt a little cold, she moved her arm, and felt it rub against her bedroll. "Bedroll? Where the hell is my shirt?" Kushina yelled in her mind. "What happened to my shirt?" Kushina asked. She opened her eyes to look at everyone. She was glad she felt a blanket covering her. "Your shirt got shredded pretty badly Kushina. I had to remove it to heal the wound." Nawaki said softly. Kushina smirked mentally at the fact her Sensei sounded rather embarrassed. "I have spare clothes in my pack." Kushina stated. She sat up slowly, holding the blanket to her front. She could still feel her sports bra, even if it was pretty mangled from where she'd taken the blow. She felt someone pass her pack to her gently. She looked at Itachi, who seemed concerned. That was when she realised her mark wasn't really covered by anything but her hair. "Please don't let anyone have seen it." She thought to herself. "Can I have a minute to get dressed?" Kushina asked. "Move slowly Kushina." Shizune said kindly. "No they can't have seen it. Nawaki and Shizune-San must be too worried about the injury I have to take notice of any marks on my neck." Kushina thought to herself. "Sure Shizune-San. My clothes are wrecked or covered in blood, so it's better to just change out of them." Kushina said softly. The group left the room and she pulled her spare clothing from her pack.
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Later that day, Naruto was waiting with Kakashi at the gate. Sasuke insisted on meeting them later. He had to go and see Tsunade first of course. That was when Naruto saw the group. Saiyuri and Itachi were walking, Shizune was with them, and Nawaki. He didn't see Kushina. He tensed visibly. "It's alright Naruto. Kushina's being carried on Nawaki's back." Kakashi told him. He looked and noticed the mop of red hair leaning on Nawaki's shoulder. They made it to the gate, and Naruto looked at Shizune. "We need to take Kushina to the hospital and let Tsunade-Sama look at her. Saiyuri seems to be fine. Still a check up never hurt anyone. Itachi is in good health." Shizune stated. Naruto looked at the worried look on Itachi's face. "He's concerned for his teammates." Naruto thought to himself. "Alright let's go to the hospital then. Itachi, do me a favour and go and tell Auntie Sakura and Auntie Anko to come and meet us at the hospital. They're sitting at home worried." Naruto said. Itachi nodded and ran off. "He's a good kid." Nawaki said kindly.
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Later that evening, Naruto and Nawaki were in Naruto's office. "What happened?" Naruto asked. "This mission was very strange." Nawaki started. "When we started out, we were attacked by Sound Ninja. But Inari-San wasn't their target. They almost killed Itachi. He froze, it seems it was maybe the shock of seeing Sound Ninja in the first place. Kushina dived in front of him and killed the Ninja. She didn't show any emotions whilst doing it. I was shocked. I could tell Saiyuri and Itachi were shocked by it. She didn't seem upset until she yelled at Itachi for not keeping up his guard. It seems she was more worried for the safety of her teammates then she was concerned about her first kill." Nawaki stated firmly. "She didn't show any emotions?" Naruto asked. "None. It was almost as if she were a seasoned assassin. If I didn't know better I'd swear she'd killed someone before. She seemed...... she seemed to enjoy killing him." Nawaki said softly. Naruto bit his lip. "How did she get injured?" Naruto asked. "We completed the mission without a hitch after that. When we were leaving to go home, we went to cross the bridge and we were attacked by Sound Ninja again. They avoided Kushina at all costs Naruto-San. They didn't want to engage her in combat. Saiyuri had her thigh slashed and would've been killed if I hadn't used a substitution jutsu to move her out of the way. Kushina made to run and help Saiyuri, but she wouldn't have got there in time. Itachi put up a good fight for a Genin, but he was practically surrounded. One of them got in very close to him, and was going to slice through him. I didn't even get a chance to help him. Kushina jumped in the way. That's how she got injured. Itachi acquired Sharingan, and finished off the Ninja himself. After that he and I both got rid of the remaining Ninja. I believe three got away. After that, I did my best with my own medical skills and healed Kushina as best I could. We made our way back to Inari's house and I completed treatment there. I also treated Saiyuri's wound." Nawaki finished. Naruto nodded. "If you had to guess, what do you think they might have wanted?" Naruto asked. "I think it seemed to be more of a test on Kushina. They didn't want to hurt her, just us. I think someone wanted to know her reactions. If I had to guess, someone in Sound must've taken an interest in Kushina." Nawaki stated.
Naruto bit his lip. He wrote out a scroll and sealed it. "Give this to Sai, Nawaki, then go and take a break." Naruto said softly. "What are you thinking Naruto-San?" Nawaki asked. "I'm thinking that if someone has an eye on my daughter I'll personally kill them. But if they do, they'll be close, watching her, that's why I want Sai." Naruto replied. Nawaki understood completely. Sai had become a master of observation and he was still in Anbu. He was a great friend of Naruto's and Sakura's. "You want him to watch over Kushina?" Nawaki questioned. Naruto nodded seriously. "I have to do what I can to protect her." Naruto said softly. "What if she doesn't want protecting Naruto-San?" Nawaki asked. "I'm her father. I'll protect her no matter what." Naruto said softly.
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Kushina was in the hospital that evening. Sakura had bought her favourite orange pyjamas to the hospital and Kushina had been resting comfortably when everyone had been told visiting hours were over. Kushina was now extremely bored. "I wonder what Tsunade Baa-Chan's up to." Kushina thought. She crept out of her room, making sure to avoid any of the staff. She knew as the Hokage's daughter, she'd be sent back to bed by fussing nurses in a heartbeat if she was seen wandering. She crept up to Tsunade's office quietly. The door was slightly ajar, and Kushina crept up to the door. Curiosity made her listen to see if anyone was inside. "I don't hear anything. I wonder if she keeps sake in her desk still." Kushina thought mischievously. She hadn't had a mischievous streak like this since before she'd gotten the mark on her neck. She snuck into the office, and saw a file on the desk. She picked it up gently, and read the label on the top of it. "Sasuke Uchiha?" Kushina read aloud. Her voice was a mere whisper. She heard footsteps and placed the file back on the table. "I'm in trouble if anyone catches me. Damn where do I hide?" Kushina thought to herself. She slipped into the filing room, adjacent to the office, and hid behind one of the larger cabinets. She heard two sets of footsteps come into the office.
"What's wrong Tsunade?" A deep male voice asked. "That's Uncle Sasuke!" Kushina thought to herself. "Sasuke, I've been looking at what's happening to your blood cells. It's getting worse." Tsunade told him. "What's getting worse? Is Uncle Sasuke getting sicker then he was?" Kushina thought as she carried on listening. "I could've told you that already Tsunade. You want to tell me something else right?" Sasuke questioned. "You're much worse then you were. It's spreading faster. At this rate, you'll be dead within three months Sasuke." Tsunade replied. Kushina crushed a hand against her mouth to stop herself gasping out loud. "That soon?" Sasuke asked. "Why doesn't he sound more surprised? The whole point about being ill is that you get better. Auntie Sakura says that all the time!" Kushina thought angrily to herself. "I'm sorry Sasuke. There's only one person that can help you now. That's the person who created this thing. Kabuto will have an antidote. But finding him is going to be hard enough. If he can be found, I doubt he'll give help to Konoha." Tsunade stated. Kushina felt sick. "Someone made Uncle Sasuke sick? Someone poisoned him!" Kushina thought to herself. She felt her mark burn.
"I knew this was going to happen Tsunade. Eventually I was going to have to think about this. Kabuto is probably still with Oto. Still loyal to Orochimaru, even though he's dead. Don't tell Naruto about Kabuto. He'd finish himself off just to try and find that cure. I don't want him to do that to himself. He'll start to think that he could do something when I die. I don't know if he could survive feeling guilt like that. I don't want him and Sakura to be worse off than they already are where I'm concerned." Sasuke stated. "I can't tell Naruto anything if you don't want me to Sasuke." Tsunade replied. Kushina heard them leave the office, then she came out of hiding. She was shaking. "This Kabuto comes from Oto. Maybe......" Kushina allowed her thoughts to trail as she once again crept out of the office and back to her bed.
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Okay everyone. That's the end of chapter five. I hope you all liked it. Anywho. Next chapter, some odd stuff and choices to be made. Please R&R people. Thanks for your time and I'll be updating soon.