MORE CONFLICT. XD

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO! MASASHI KISHIMOTO DOES! I also do not own any of the OCs within this fan fiction, except the following:

Tsukuyomi Clan

Nero

Roku

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Chapter Twenty-Four: Let's Talk Brothers… Another Deal.

"Where've you been?" The was Sasuke's way of saying 'hello'. I glared at him as I let Roku run around the room I got for him and myself. I folded my arms over my chest.

"Sorry! Roku ran off and I had to chase him around the village." I muttered. Sasuke glared back at me.

"Keep an eye on your brat, Ruriko, or I won't have any problems tossing him on the street."

"Chya right. I think even you have a conscious." I muttered. Sasuke gritted his teeth, but he looked the other way, taking a deep breath, probably to calm himself before he put a hand on his hip.

"Forget it. We're leaving in the morning." He stated. My eyes went wide. What? But that meant that I wouldn't get to see Itachi again! Not that I was planning to go back to that little café and see if he showed up again. I averted my eyes for a split second, my lips puckered thoughtfully before I straightened up as professionally as possible.

"I was going to wait to tell you this," I started in a serious voice, making Sasuke's eyes lock on me, "But I think I found a lead on Akatsuki." Sasuke frowned.

"What do you mean?" He demanded. I frowned, putting my hands on my hips.

"Just what I said. I figured I already knew where Akatsuki was, but it seems like they're on the move faster than I anticipated. While I was shopping for Roku, I overheard some woman and her husband talking about some strangers in black cloaks with red clouds on them. Claimed they were moving south. However, I can't confirm if this is totally true or not. I think we should stay two nights here because there's obviously some information being kept in this town that I don't know about." I explained.

Sasuke looked like he was contemplating my words. I hoped to gods he just believed my fib or else I was screwed. Sure, there actually was a lead in this town. It's name was Uchiha Itachi, but I wasn't going to press him for information. I know, he's a criminal and probably deserves the death sentence, but for some reason, I kept lying through my teeth.

"And you found all this today?" Sasuke asked, studying me closely, his Sharingan piercing me. I tried to stay as calm as I could, clenching my fists to dig my nails into my palms.

"I know it's short notice and probably not totally true, but it's worth looking into. It's why I didn't want to tell you right away… Besides, I'm sure we could use some rest. You looked kind of tired yourself." I pointed out as soon as Sasuke stifled a yawn. His eye twitched in annoyance before he jerked his head the other way.

"Whatever… But you better not be wasting my time," He locked eyes with me again, making me flinch, "If I find out you're stalling for no reason, I'm going to cut your eyes out, no problem." I gritted my teeth, then smirked.

"All right. Deal. I gave you my word. I'm going to help you get to your goal. I'll help you to the end, then go free and leave you the hell alone." I replied as calmly as I could muster without fuming. Sasuke studied me again for a second, then turned on his heel and went to his room, slamming his sliding door shut. I rolled my eyes and went to my room, finding Roku curled up on the futon and sucking his thumb with his stuffed monkey and dog under his arm.

I frowned, closing the door quietly behind me with a quiet sigh. I had no idea what I was doing anymore. Why was I covering up the fact that I found Itachi? I should be telling Sasuke. This meant I could go free sooner than I thought! I could just tell Sasuke that Itachi was in town, looking like he was relaxed without his partner.

Instead, I'm lying. Leading Sasuke in the wrong direction. I looked at my feet, then back at Roku, who sighed softly in his sleep. I smiled a little at the sight of him, but it fell back into a frown. I had Roku to take care of too. Having him around, I was putting his life in danger with everything I did. I had to get Roku to Konohagakure and fast. If I didn't… He could die before we even get there.

And it'd be all my fault, no qualms. The magnitude of this mission was growing with everything that popped out of my mouth, whether negative or positive. It seemed like everything was falling apart. I smiled, though. I wish I had listened to Lee when he had given me the news.

You are barred from every taking the Chuunin Exams again.

I should have let it go, stayed a Genin in the Sand, watching everyone else grow up. Here I am, though, probably getting myself into so much trouble, it could start battles left and right. I frowned. I was just putting everyone in danger. For a second, I thought about just getting rid of myself.

Maybe hiding away, running. Or just flat out killing myself.

Then I thought of Roku. He needed me, at least for now. And Sasuke. As much as I hated that narcissistic bastard, I gave him my word and I had to stick by it. Kazuya, Akira, and Hioshi. Nero too. I told them I'd return, alive. I had to do it. I had to think of a plan and fast. And try sticking with it this time.

All right. So I lied to Sasuke. Big deal… He won't find out. I'll do my thing tomorrow, see if Itachi's there. Maybe I can try getting a little bit of information from him. After that, we'll take off to Konohagakure. I'll drop off Roku and then trick Sasuke into heading through Sunagakure, so I can assure my brothers. Then comes the hard part…

How was I going to show Sasuke Akatsuki's whereabouts without showing myself to them? I told Sasuke I'd beat down obstacles. If Itachi saw me fighting for Sasuke, he'd know immediately that I was a freaking leech, trying to suck out information. I didn't want him to view me as such. I needed help, I knew, but I had to do it without dragging anyone in, getting them killed.

That was the last thing I wanted. For anyone, even Sasuke, to get killed. I took a deep breath, glancing at Roku before I moved across the room to have a peek at the village outside. The lights lit up the entire valley, the starry sky glowing with wisps of milky stars. I wish I could sit here and enjoy it, but I needed to keep thinking, no matter how much it hurt my brain.

I was just used to writing reports and shit, not coming up with the plans. That was Hioshi's job. I sat down under the window, watching Roku sleep.

I swear, if I ever get out of this mess, I am NOT going to mingle with criminals ever again.

I don't remember falling asleep that night, but I guess I did, because I woke up to Roku poking me in the face that morning. I groaned a little and pushed his hand away. Roku looked like he was going to cry, sniffling.

"Hm? What? What is it?" I asked sleepily, sitting up and rubbing my eye. Roku pointed frantically toward the door.

"Na! Ss-ahh. Saah!" He cried. I frowned. Sa? … Sasuke?

"Sasuke?" I tried. Roku nodded eagerly and stomped his foot, squeezing the hell outta his plush dog.

"Saaas-kayy. Na! Ru-rai-ko!"

"Uh… If you're trying to tell me that Sasuke hates me, I think he made that pretty clear."

"NAA!"

"All right, already! Uhh, Sasuke's awake?"

"Na! Saaas-kayy!" Roku turned around and stomped his feet again. I raised an eyebrow, rubbing at my eye sleepily as I watched Roku stomp his feet.

"Uh," I counted two stomps, "Two words?" Roku nodded and held up a finger.

"First word…" My voice trailed as Roku clapped his hands.

"Saaas-kayy!"

"Okay, first word is Sasuke. Got it." I stated, alert now. Roku held up two fingers.

"Second word…" He held his hands together, dropping his dog, then threw his hands apart.

"Uh… He died?"

"Na!"

"I was joking! Okay, uh, he… Exploded?"

"Ru-rai-ko!" Roku whined and stomped his foot twice, holding up two fingers, then pouted thoughtfully before snapping his fingers. He brought his arms together to cross over his chest, then flung them out.

"Whoosh!" He proclaimed. I sweat dropped.

"He flew away?"

"Naa!" Roku sighed, cocking his head in aggravation. I pursed my lips and went to yell at him for being terrible with his game before he cupped his hands together, then parted them and blew through them, making his fingers flutter a little.

"Poof." He tried. I frowned, then slammed my fist down into my palm.

"I got it! Sasuke's gone, right?" I asked. Roku beamed and clapped his hands as if to cheer me. I blinked.

"Wait, where'd he go?" I asked. Roku glared at me and snatched up my hand, biting down and making me yelp.

"Ow! Okay, fine! Never mind then." I muttered, rubbing my hand before getting to my feet and taking his hand.

"Come on, we're going into town. Hopefully Sasuke doesn't run into you know who." I sighed. Roku beamed.

"Taaa-chi?" He asked curiously. I nodded, smiling lightly before leading Roku out of the room. I passed Sasuke's empty room on the way as well as Suigetsu. Karin seemed to be gone as well, probably following Sasuke around. Juugo was still asleep, much to my surprise. He also had a few birds in his room, twittering softly.

Pretty amazing, if you compared it to his violent personality. Roku and I walked through the town. I was still thinking as we walked. Maybe it was best that we left early. Being around Itachi was dangerous. It'd be just my luck that Sasuke would catch me, or maybe Suigetsu, who'd blab to Sasuke just to watch me get my ass kicked.

"Na," Roku pointed up ahead to the café where we had met Itachi the night previous, "Na, Taaa-chi?"

"He's probably not there, Roku," I muttered, although, I didn't argue against the thought of going, "We'll just go for some lunch and then we have some work to do." Roku pouted.

"Na."

"… Yes."

"Na!"

"Yes! Life isn't all fun and games, damn it!" I snapped. Roku looked up at me, confused for a second, then looked the other way huffily. I sighed and took him to the café, ordering some dango and tea for us. I looked at the table, finishing my third stick of dango, setting the skewer on the table, only to have Roku pluck it back up. By now, the little skewers made a gently clinging sound when he walked or moved.

I leaned on my elbow on the table, watching him with a smile. Roku noticed me, then beamed.

"Ru-rai-ko." He stated. I laughed a little, then patted him on the head.

"You know, I think my brothers would like you a lot… Kazuya, Hioshi, and Akira. Especially Akira. I can't wait for you to meet them some day."

"Ah?" Roku tilted his head curiously. I smiled.

"I know you'd like Kazuya. He's kind of oblivious, like this Jounin from Konoha, Kotori, had the tendency to flirt with him and he had no idea. It was pretty funny. Even so, Kazuya's very sweet. He'd love to cook for you, it's one of his best hobbies and talents other than being clueless…" I mused. Roku giggled. I had a feeling he knew what I was saying, so I continued.

"And then there's Hioshi, my second oldest brother. He looks kind of mean and even acts like it sometimes. He's actually my boss too, back in Sunagakure. He speaks his mind, but I think that's what makes a lot of people hate him… He's kind of cocky too, but he's really a nice guy. I think you'd like him too." I explained. Roku smiled, leaning his head on his plush dog as he listened, making me smile some more.

"Then Akira… He's two years older than me, but he acts younger. He's… Really nice. A little queer sometimes, in both sense of the words, but I think he likes this girl from Konohagakure named Kasumi. He talked about her on the way to Konoha before I was kidnapped… I know you'd love Akira. He likes kids, even though he'll act like he doesn't… I think he wants kids of his own when he grows up! But I think he's kind of scared too…" My voice drifted at Roku gave me a curious look. I felt a little nostalgic, kind of sad now.

"See, Akira did something bad when he was little… He got really scared because of something he heard our parents talking about… So he killed them. Remember how we killed your daddy?" I asked. Roku nodded. I grimaced. Wow, he was smart.

"Kind of like that… Akira was really scared, though. It's the only reason he did it. I know he feels so bad about it. He asked me if I hated him. I told him no because it's true. Hioshi, Kazuya, and I don't hate Akira for it. Some people do bad things when they're scared or mad, Roku, but you have to forgive and forget other peoples mistakes. Do you understand?" I asked. Roku blinked, then nodded slowly, tilting his head slightly.

"Ru-raaai-ko, muh-stick?" He asked. I smiled.

"Yea. I made a mistake. I ran into a mission, thinking I could do it, but I couldn't. Even with help from my friends… Oh gods, my friends, Roku, you'll love them. There's Osamu, Kishi, Eiji. Koyuki, Kasumi, Kai. Sora, Daisuke, Mai. Ryuuko, Ayaka, and Honoka. There's also Kin too. Some sensei, Mayu and Kotori and Asuma. Roku, I really want you to meet them all. I could sit here all day and tell you how each one effected me… Some quite physically." I muttered, forcing a smile as I bent back the shoulder that Osamu had permanently damaged.

"Osamu," I said, looking at Roku, who perked up, "I'm going to fight him. When you learn to talk, you tell him that. Tell him I'm going to kick his butt when we meet again… I'm going to get stronger, mind and body, so I can fight him. You be nice to him, though… He's kind of a jerk and a total pervert, but he's a good guy… After you beat him up a little and go through hell."

Roku giggled. I smiled and leaned in, pulling him into a tight hug. He snuggled against me, humming contently.

"Ne, Roku," I murmured, "I hope you'll be happy in Konoha… There's a lot of nice people there. More than there are in Sunagakure… It's a nice village, believe me, but everyone in Suna seem to be stricter, less fun… You better have fun in Konoha, hear me?"

"Ya." Roku beamed. I laughed.

"You're so freaking cute. I wonder how everyone will react to you! Oh god," I thought suddenly, wincing, "If Osamu makes one freaking comment about this, I'm going to kill him."

"Na?" Roku asked curiously. I grinned.

"Roku, new word time! When you meet Osamu, be sure to call him a jackass, okay?"

"Eh?"

"It's pronounced J-ACK-ASS. Try it." I stated. Roku blinked thoughtfully, giving me a stare that said 'you shouldn't be teaching me this! But oh well'.

"Jahh-ck… Auh-ss?"

"Good enough. And tell Osamu that I thought you that." I grinned. Roku clapped his hands happily.

"Jah-ck auh-ss!" He proclaimed. I know, I know. How could I teach a five-year-old to call his elder a jackass? Because. Osamu deserved to know that I was thinking about him… About kicking his ass, that is.

"Are you going to teach your kids that?" A voice asked. I twitched and blinked, jerking my head up as Roku leapt up on the seat.

"Taa-chi! Taachi!" Roku cried, beaming as Itachi walked over with some tea and a rice ball. I sweat dropped, laughing a little as I rubbed the back of my head.

"Ahaaaa… It's more sentimental than you think, really." I tried to assure, feeling that same hot feeling in my face, which I mentally smacked myself for. Itachi sat down, giving Roku one of his faint smiles before looking at me.

"So you like that guy you were talking about?"

"Huh…? No way! I hate 'im! I'm going to smash his face in when I see him!" I declared, then hit my elbows on the table, huffing. Roku grinned at me, then plopped back down in his seat, kicking his legs back and forth.

"Taaa-chi! Ne, fa Saaas-" I clamped a hand over Roku's mouth, making him yelp a little. Itachi raised an eyebrow. If he wasn't suspicious before, he was now.

"Ruriko, right?" Itachi asked after a while. I dropped my hand, ignoring how Roku had bitten it. I averted my eyes.

"Uh, yea?"

"Sounds familiar…"

"Uhm… How?" I asked weakly, glancing up. Itachi's onyx eyes had taken on a very amused, suspicious look to them. I could almost see the red of Sharingan. He seemed to be thinking hard about something before shaking his head slightly and looking down at his food. Roku pouted at me, jabbing me in the ribs with a finger.

"Ne," He whispered, "Na Saaas-kayy?"

"No," I muttered, "Sssh." Roku huffed and picked up his puppy, putting in the table, making it bark a little. I sighed, looking away. Then I saw it. A flash of purple. I almost mistook it for Sasuke's uniform, which made my heart slam into my throat, but I then recognized it as Suigetsu's.

"Excuse me for a second." I told Itachi and bolted to my feet, walking over to where I had seen it, just outside the back of the shop. As soon as I stepped out, I felt a strong grip grab me and jerk me around, slamming me into a wooden post. I winced and found myself glaring at Suigetsu, who was smirking cockily at me.

"Mingling with the enemy, eh?" He asked. I flinched.

"Suigetsu-"

"I wonder what Sasuke would think about this."

"Don't you dare…! I'll dump you in a cup and drink you if you do!" I snapped. Suigetsu puckered his lips at the thought, narrowing his eyes.

"Ewww. Nah, I wouldn't tell Sasuke." He shrugged, letting go of me to fold his arms over his chest. I glared at him, putting my hands on my hips.

"What's the catch?" I demanded. Suigetsu smirked.

"Nothing much… You just have to leave the kid here." He stated. I stared at him, dropping my arms limply. What? I gritted my teeth.

"You're a coldhearted asshole."

"Not everyone likes kids," Suigetsu retorted, "So just dump him by tonight and there'll be no problems. You can flirt with the enemy and Sasuke won't ever have to know, got it?" He flicked his finger under my chin and I smacked it away, glaring at him.

"You don't really think I'd get rid of that kid…! I promised the old man-"

"You ALSO promised to serve Sasuke, didn't you?" Suigetsu challenged, cocking a brow as he tilted his head with a nasty, sharp-toothed smirk. I flinched, then dug my nails through the fishnet on my legs.

"I… But Sasuke… Roku's just a kid!" I cried. Suigetsu laughed.

"So what? Think of it this way… At least there are some nice people in this town, eh?" He asked, gesturing down the street where a pair of nasty looking gangs were hovering. I went to smack him, but he caught my wrist and slammed it against the post at my side. I winced and found myself staring at Suigetsu's mouth full of dangerous teeth.

"I'm not scared of you like the others are. You can't eat me." He taunted. I growled, clenching my teeth to refrain from spitting incoherent curses at him. He kept smirking at me, waiting for me to agree to his terms.

"Fine." I stated. Suigetsu beamed, letting go of me and backing up.

"That's a good girl. See? Not so hard to give up a kid." He replied. I glared at him.

"I'm not going to answer that. Just leave me alone."

"Done." Suigetsu turned and headed down the street, folding his hands behind his head confidently, chuckling to himself. I swung my fist back into the wooden post angrily, knocking a whole chunk out. I was so mad I was shaking. I wanted to hit something else and break it to pieces! I dug my nails into my palms, trying to calm down. If I showed up again, Roku and Itachi would be wondering what happened.

I sighed, rubbing my temples. Now I have more troubles slapping me across the face…

"What do I do?" I groaned, looking up at the sky with a grim expression. I couldn't throw Roku out here, not with some of the shady characters here… I slid down, sitting as I rested my head on my knees. I had to think of something else now. Right when I had a solid plan, he had to come and tear it apart.

I was seriously considering catching Suigetsu in a jar and drinking him, but Sasuke would get pissed off if I attacked Suigetsu. It was obvious that I was the least trusted of the group and if I hurt one of the other members in a non-comical manner, I was toast.

I wasn't getting rid of Roku, no matter what. I rose to my feet again, holding the side of my head as I turned to head back to the table. I yelped when I bumped into Itachi, who was giving me a tired sort of look.

"Sorry. Did I scare you?" He asked. I averted my eyes.

"Uh… Kind of."

"You look pale."

"Uhm… It's nothing. I just ran into an old friend." I muttered. He nodded, then glanced back at Roku, who had fallen asleep at the table comfortably, smiling faintly as he slept.

"He's asleep?" I asked, blinking. Itachi looked back at me.

"Yea…"

"Look, uhm… Itachi, I'm sorry if I'm bothering you, but…"

"You're going to ask about Akatsuki." Itachi stated flatly. I jerked my head up, blinking in shock. Itachi let his eyes drift the other way to avoid looking at me.

"Tsukuyomi Ruriko. I recognize your picture from your file."

"M-My file?" I managed. Itachi looked back at me, completely emotionless.

"I know who you are."

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A/N: A cliché cliffhanger. I know. xD I couldn't help myself. T.T I don't have much else to say for this chapter… Hmm… Although, don't worry. More OCs coming up when Ruriko gets her ass to Konoha… lol. Anyway, thanks so much for reading and your reviews are greatly appreciated!