A/N: Oh my goodness... We have passed the 400 review mark!! :D :D :D! I had some fanart ready but realised it was quite old and was all "This is not worthy of my gratitude!" but I'll probably put it up and find something better for (if) when we reach the 500 mark. I'm sorry about the wait! I dohave a reasonable excuse (though I know you probably dont care and have skipped this to head to the story) but I had my prom, yes the wonderful day where girls get to feel like princesses or about to get married. My feet were lumps of pain for DAYS. Then I had my Sixth form/College open day where I got dragged in to be told the wonders of AS/A2 levels. And then, I got struck by illness which resembles FLU. (Not swine flu in case your worried). I havent eaten properly in FOUR DAMN DAYS. And my mother went and brought lots of nice food that I crave and makes me feel incredibly sick -.- If you want to see a picture of my dress for your own prom inspiration or curiosity I'll put up a link for a short while (seeing as I had no damn idea for what the hell to wear for I am rather tomboyish, luckily, or rather UNluckily for my patience, my mother was more than willing to shove me into dresses.) I really wanted the Tea Country Mission to be a clean cut at the end of a chapter but noooo, it had to be too long. I didn't have the heart to leave my lovely readers with half a chapter!
Sheesh thats a long waffle. Gomenasai minna.
Disclaimer: If I owned Naruto, I wouldn't be confusing myself to the brink of insanity over the last manga volume would I? (I always try and guess and am usually wrong -.-)
Claimer: My, Kari, my Kita, my Kitome and Kaizo, my imagination. From me, through the internet, for your entertainment.
Hizumi
Strain
She could feel the tension thickening,
It was only a matter of time before something broke.
-----x-----
Idate's eyes closed reflexively as he flinched away, waiting for death. He heard a clap noise and his eyes shot open, a silent gasp being pulled from his lips. Kari stood in front of him, the Raijin no ken between her palms. Aoi scowled in irritation and Kari curled her fingers around the blade, gritting her teeth and trying to ignore the fierce burning sting spreading across her hands.
"Kari-chan!" Naruto cried in alarm, seeing her wince, her arms beginning to shake from the pain, blood lightly trickling down her wrists. She gasped at the sudden lurch and released the blade as Aoi swung it to the side, deflecting the three kunai Sasuke had aimed at him, he, Sakura and Kita only just arriving.
"Idate-san!" Sakura cried worriedly.
"Sasuke, Kita-chan, Sakura-chan!" Naruto cried happily.
Kari's arms fell down to her sides and she hissed slightly at the fierce stinging travelling up her arm. The lightning had burned her from the elbows down, her hands a bloody mess. She narrowed her eyes, knowing most of her techniques were going to be incredibly difficult if not impossible now.
"Naruto, Kari, get some rest," Sasuke said and Kari shot a slight glare at him. "I'll take him down."
"Keh, don't be a show-off now dattebayou," Naruto said smirking, clearly feeling the same as his best friend.
"No matter the number you will not be able to defeat me, Rokushou Aoi, Jonin of Amegakure no sato, in possession of the Raijin no Ken," Aoi said smugly.
"Will you shut up already," Kari grumbled, but was ignored much to her chagrin.
"Oh really?" Sasuke said cockily, activating his Sharingan, his eyes bleeding red as two tomoe appeared around each pupil. He went into the familiar stance of Chidori and Kari felt a nagging urge to also perform Chidori (she hadn't really had the chance to shine with it yet). "This is going to be interesting. Let's see which is stronger, Raijin no Ken or my Chidori." His hand blazed with Chakra and the familiar sound of chirping filled the air. Kari tried to force her own Chidori but the pain in her hand prevented it, causing her to yelp softly. Giving up on her own attempt her eyes switched to Sasuke, who was charging forwards to attack. It was a direct hit, but lightning ran through Sasuke's body throwing him back, Aoi seemingly unaffected. Sasuke pulled out a kunai and tried to strike him, but each attempt was blocked.
"Hn, so the rumours were true. The last survivor of Konoha's famous Uchiha clan is the worst of them," Aoi mocked and sent Sasuke flying back with another electric charge.
"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura cried and Kari growled at the enemy.
"Sakura-san nigero! He won't show mercy, no matter who his opponent is!" Idate cried. "You'll be killed!"
"No way!" Sakura cried and Kita yipped in agreement. "I will protect you for sure Idate-san, didn't I promise you that? Believe in us!"
"So the only ones left are the great student, two wounded bunnies and a little white rat," Aoi said smirking as Kari eye twitched. She wasn't sure what annoyed her more, this guy calling her a bunny or him calling Kita a rat. "Go to hell, all of you."
"Take it back…" Sasuke said lowly as he slowly stood. "Take it back!"
"Take back what?" Aoi asked.
"What you said just now!" Sasuke cried as a Chidori sparked in his palm. "Don't you dare underestimate me, the last of the Uchiha clan!"
"Sasuke…" Kari whispered. He charged forward his Chidori fierce and bright as he struck the sword. Sensing the oncoming explosion she raced forward.
"Kari-san!" Idate cried but was forced to close his eyes when a bright light struck them. When the light died Sasuke's scream started as electricity charged through his body. Kari had her arms tightly around him, having been too slow to get him out the way in time. The Raijin no Ken held them suspended in the air, surrounded by electricity. Sasuke's scream died as his eyes rolled to the back of his head as he lost consciousness. Kari winced, forcing herself to stay awake through the haze of pain.
"Sasuke-kun! Kari-chan!" Sakura cried when they were both thrown to the bridge, Sasuke out cold on top of Kari, while her damaged arms lacked the strength to lift him. Sakura flung a kunai at Aoi, but he easily dodged it. "Sasuke-kun! Wake up!"
"The bottom of the sea will surely be cold," Aoi said, cutting through the ropes on one side of the bridge.
"Yamero!" Idate cried rushing forward, but was easily thrown back towards Naruto.
"Idate—Kari-chan!!"
"Well shit," Kari grumbled as she felt Sasuke slide sideways, falling off the broken bridge. Wrapping her arms and legs around him she forced her wings out her back, only to find they were numbed from the earlier poison. "Double shit…" she squeaked, forcing one arm in a death grip around the Uchiha and forcing Chakra into her hand and feet slamming them into the wall, trying to get a grip.
Why didn't she just drown her bleeding hands in salt?!
It seemed like forever until her backside met the hard surface of a ledge a few metres from the water. Her eye twitched in irritation and pain and she pinched Sasuke's cheeks in annoyance, leaving smears of blood across his pale cheeks.
"For a skinny guy you don't half weigh a lot Sasu-toriatama." Her expression softened slightly. "Gomenasai Sasuke, you shouldn't have had to see me like that before." He didn't stir, and for that she was relieved. "Arigatou. Thank you for being there when I needed someone." She looked up and frowned at the thought of the climb, maybe if she used a substitution jutsu with Sakura…? Yes, that's best.
"Temee, those poison needles won't work on me! How dare you do that to Kari-chan and Sasuke!" Naruto shouted, having pulled the needles out of his legs. Sakura disappeared in a poof of smoke and Kari appeared in her place, looking thoroughly annoyed.
"Relax, I'll send you down there to visit them shortly," Aoi said shooting a confused look at Kari while Naruto looked at her with a nod. He trusted her wholeheartedly and knew what she'd done was for the best.
"Tch, there's no way we'll lose that easily," Naruto said and Aoi charged the Raijin no Ken again. 'What can I do though, Rasengan doesn't work against that sword and Kari-chan's hurt.' "It doesn't matter!" Naruto cried, shaking the thoughts out his head. "The two of them are waiting for my help!"
"Kita."
"Hai!" Kita cried, jumping to Idate's side. Naruto glanced at her and she nodded, able to tell what he wanted. He wanted her to stay back for now, he was worried about her injuries.
"Hmph. That helping each other thing again?" Aoi scoffed. "There is no way they could have survived that fall."
"Urusai! Tajuu Kage Bunshin no jutsu!" Naruto cried, causing a hundred or so clones to appear around him.
"Oh? You intend to run away using such a trick?"
"You've got to be kidding me! Who the hell would run away?!" Naruto cried, his clones charging forward. Aoi scoffed and shot forward, slicing through the clones with ease. His eyes widened slightly when he saw Naruto was preparing a Rasengan.
"It's impossible! Naruto, that technique won't work against that sword!" Idate cried. Ai sliced through the ball of Chakra, and with a surge of electricity, sent Naruto flying and destroyed the last clone.
"You're the same as the Uchiha dropout," Aoi said with a smirk. "Why is Konoha so full of baka's?"
"Urusai!" Naruto hissed. "I'm going to save them."
"Do you really think they're still alive? Why don't you just run for it?"
"Who…" Kari helped him to stand and he leant heavily on her. "Who the hell would leave their comrades and run?! That is my answer to the tenth question!"
"What are you saying?" Aoi scoffed.
"Kari-chan…" Naruto said and locked gazes with her. He was hesitant, but determined and with a small smile, she held out her hand. Immediately, he began moulding his Chakra with hers, syncing it and forcing it to spin. Kari grit her teeth against the pain and willed it to spin faster, feeling drops of blood being pulled into the spin. "Take this!" Naruto cried as he and Kari ran forwards, the glowing blue ball of Chakra held in their hands. "Kumiawase Rasengan!" But again, they were both thrown back.
"Naruto, Kari!" Idate cried and Kita whined in distress beside him.
"Can't you see? It's impossible," Aoi said.
"K'so…" Naruto hissed.
"Naru…" Kari said quietly. Following her eyes he spotted the crack.
'That's the damage Sasuke cause. Sou ka, we just have to aim for that spot…' Naruto thought as he helped Kari to stand.
"Do you still intend to continue?" Aoi asked in a bored tone. "Give up already."
"Urusai! Kage Bunshin no jutsu!" Naruto cried as two clones appeared. "How could I… How could I waste the chance Sasuke gave me?!" Catching his glance Kari opened her hand, knowing this was the last time before she reached her limit. She and Naruto began forming another Rasengan.
"I hate people who don't know when to give up," Aoi stated.
"This is the end!" Naruto cried and his clones shot forward, but were quickly destroyed. He barely dodged a rock from another direction.
"Nani? Hmph. I told you before Idate, I hate cooperation!" Aoi cried going for Idate.
"Oi! We're your opponents dattebayou!" Naruto cried and Aoi stopped, looking around.
"Above you!" Kari shouted and Aoi's head snapped up, bringing the sword up to block.
"Kumiawase Rasengan!!" they cried, slamming the sphere into the Raijin no Ken, directly over the crack.
"Nani?!" Aoi shrieked when the blade split in half. With a thrust from Naruto and Kari's joint attack Aoi was sent flying over the edge of the cliff. Sakura watched as he fell down and landed in the water with a splash.
"They did it!" she cried in relief.
Kari fell to her knees as she and Naruto panted. Her breathing was hoarse again with a rattling sound and she knew she'd worsened. She pushed her health to the back of her mind, concentrating on the mission.
"Naruto, you're an amazing guy," Idate said with a smile. Kari grinned at him, glad he had finally come round. "And Kari-chan, you're an amazing girl…" That got a blush from her. Naruto chuckled and grinned but then paused.
"Sakura-chan…" He ran over to the edge looking over to see Sakura standing beside an unconscious Sasuke.
"Naruto! Kari-chan! Kita! Idate-san!" she called. Idate walked over stopping to help Kari up along the way, Kita following behind. "Sasuke-kun's fine!"
"I'll help you out right away!" Naruto called.
"Baka! Forget about us, hurry and head for the goal!" Sakura scolded.
"Huh, oh yeah… But how are we supposed to…" Naruto said, looking at the rope that was all that was left of the bridge.
"Leave it to me," Idate said, Jumping up onto the rope and lying across it. "Let's cut the rope and swing to the other side." Naruto nodded, and he, Kari and Kita jumped up. "I thought I was the worst… But boss Jirochou believed in me. It was the first time someone had believed in me. That's why I want to win this race no matter what. But in reality, I can't win with just this feeling alone. I got discouraged many times, but every time you guys put your lives on the line to save me, some half-willed guy. Naruto, Kari-chan, gomen. I should have believed in you guys from the beginning."
"What are you talking about dattebayou? Say those things after you've won the race," Naruto said with a grin while Kari smiled warmly. He handed Naruto his beloved knife and Naruto smiled, starting to cut the rope. "Hold tight to me Kari-chan," Naruto said just before the rope gave way.
"YAHOOOOO!!" Idate and Naruto cried while Kari squealed abandoning the rope and holding onto Naruto for dear life, Kita squashed between them.
-----x-----
Boo's erupted from the crowd as Fukusuke appeared near the exit.
"Hmm, what a pleasant cheer."
-----x-----
"AAAAH! Naruto at this rate we'll hit the wall!!" Idate yelled. Kari joined in the boys screams. That damned wall nearly took her hand off!!
"I know! Leave it to me! I'll gather Chakra on my feet using the very last of my Chakra and then climb!" Getting the hint Kari turned and forced Chakra into her own feet as she and Naruto's sandals slammed into the wall. Idate fell into Kari, but she was supported by Naruto, Kita jumping on top of Idate, trying to gather Chakra in her paws. Luckily, the water training paid off and she sped up the wall leading the way. They landed on the other side and Naruto waved back at Sakura. "I'll be back to save you in no time Sakura-chan! Let's go Idate, Kari-chan, Kita-chan."
"Aa!" Idate cried.
-----x-----
"Keep focused until the very end Fukusuke!" a Wagarashi cheered.
"Urusai! I know!" Fukusuke snapped. "Geez, just when I was running in a good mood." He smirked. "I see it, Todoroki shrine!" At the shrine, the heads of the families and the feudal lord stood waiting.
"Boss!"
"Damnit!"
"Yosh, yosh," the Wagarashi head said gleefully.
"Idate…" Jirochou said. Suddenly the crowd began to chatter gasp.
"What the?"
"How the?"
"Its him!"
"It's Idate of the Wasabi family!" the crowd cried as Idate came into view. The crowd erupted into cheers of hope and support.
"Go! You can still make it!!"
"Nani?!" Fukusuke cried looking back to see Idate running full speed towards him and closing in fast.
"Baka! What are you doing Fukusuke?! Run!!" the Wagarashi head cried.
"K'so!" Fukusuke cried, speeding up frantically.
"I won't lose… I will never lose!" Idate cried, pushing himself faster. "I'm not going to give up until the very end!"
"There's no way I'm gonna lose here!" Fukusuke cried.
"Yosha!"
"He caught up!"
Idate drew level with Fukusuke, both of them looking towards their goal pushing their legs faster, faster, FASTER!
"I won't lose here!!" Fukusuke shrieked.
"Idate! Come on Idate!" Jirochou cried in delight.
"Boss…" Idate said, feeling tears blurhis vision.
"GO Idate!!" Naruto shouted as he and Kari landed on an arch.
"You can do it Idate!!" Kari cheered.
At the sound of their voices Idate found the extra strength he needed.
'Boss, for believing in me…'
Faster.
'Naruto, Kari-chan, for risking your lives for me and never allowing me to give up…'
Faster!
'For the Wasabi, for the tea, who are putting all of their trust in me!'
FASTER!!
His eyes were closed, but he could feel the gentle tug as he caught the white tape at the finish line. And after a seconds pause, the crowd went wild.
"He did it! He did it! He did it!!" Kari and Naruto screamed as they hugged and jumped about in an excited circle.
"I did it…" Idate said placing the sphere down. He sank to his ground and fell back panting, the biggest smile on his face.
"Idate, that was a fine race," Jirochou said making Idate quickly rollover and get to his knees.
"Boss!"
"You did well," Jirochou said, his eyes shining with pride. Twomen at his side.
"Boss, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry!"
"Baka, what are you apologising for?" Jirochou laughed. "You've won."
"No, let me say it. I really want to apologise. I am so sorry!" Idate cried bowing.
"You're not making any sense."
"Some weird guy you are."
"I have a better opinion of you now."
"Now go, be appreciated for your victory!" Jirochou cried. Idate nodded and stepped out to be met by the cheers of the Wasabi and the villagers.
"Hurray!"
"Good job!"
"That was great!"
He was… blown away by their reaction. All this, this was because of him?
"Hurray to Idate!"
"Congratulations!"
"You did well!"
Idate felt his cheeks heat up as he rubbed the back of his head bashfully. He couldn't help but smile back at the many joyous faces before him. He then went and stood on the block, his face turning serious, though his heart was light with pride.
"The victory goes to Morino Idate of the Wasabi family!" cheers erupted from the crowd, team 7 amongst them (Sasuke haven woken up and been helped to the end by Sakura). They all seemed delighted (apart from a slightly sulking Sasuke who was resting against Kari).
"He finally did it," Naruto said his hand linked with Kari and swinging it slightly. She grinned back at him while Sasuke made a small huff.
"Oi, chotto matte." The Wagarashi head walked up with two men.
"Huh Jyuroku?" Jirochou asked from beside Idate. Kari scowled feeling her muscles tense. Ugh, this guy was slimy.
"Idate was carried piggyback by a hired ninja in the middle of the race. That's a penalty."
"N-nani?!" Naruto cried.
"If you want proof take a look at this photo," Jyuroku said holding up a photo f Naruto piggybacking Idate.
"Actually that looks kind of kinky," Kari mumbled and Sasuke sent her stony glare that spoke loads on his opinion of her immaturity.
"The rules state you must run with your own feet to the end," the lord looking man said. Kari's scowl deepened. Another slimy temee. "Thus Idate is disqualified. As a result the winner will be Wagarashi family messenger Fukusuke."
"That can't be," Jirochou said in disappointment.
"Chotto matte that was--!" Idate protested.
"No excuses will be taken," the lord looking guy snapped. "now as promised, Jirochou the Wasabi family will no longer exist."
"Chotto matte," a plump, much nicer lord looking guy said walking up. Kari was momentarily distracted by his hat that reminded her of bull horns, or perhaps a very big moustache? "There is no such rule, don't be spouting such nonsense."
"M-my lord…"
"Or is it because there is some reason you want the Wagarashi to win?" the lord asked.
"No, there is nothing of the sort…" the guy said sheepishly.
"Most likely you'll be in trouble because then you wont be able to do things such as this," the lord said pulling out a photo of the other lord looking man having tea with the Wagarashi head. "You fool! Retire and go into Buddhist priesthood!"
"I like him," Kari aid with a grin and Naruto chuckled.
"Y-yes your majesty!"
"Wagarashi Jyuroku, your bad deeds have also reached my ears. Your punishment for causing punishment to the people of Degarashi port will be heavy. From this day forth the Wagarashi family will no longer exist," the lord announced. Kari's grin widened. Yup, she definitely liked this lord. "Do I make myself clear?"
"H-hai…" the Wagarashi head said and bowed, sounding like he was going to cry.
"Today is a good day," the lord chuckled good-heartedly. "That finishes everything."
-----x-----
Sakura informed them that a boat would be waiting for them to take them back to Konoha. The kunoichi then proceeded to scold Kari for not taking care of herself and starting to fuss like an older sister would. Of course, she didn't dare fuss over Sasuke (who Kari still had to support), he was a man after all.
"I've caused you so much trouble," Idate said softly, him and Jirochou having come to see them off.
"Well it's time to say goodbye, Idate," Naruto said smiling.
"I've come to take in the wounded," an authoritive rough voice declared.
"Ibiki-san?" Sakura murmured but was drowned out by Kari's greeting.
"Konbanwa Ibiki-san!!" she called, waving up at the fierce looking shinobi. She was relieved of Sasuke who was placed onto a stretcher.
"Where are the wounded?" Ibiki asked stepping down so he was closer to them. She noticed the other stretcher and the looks directed at her. "Uhh no."
"Kari-chan!" Sakura reprimanded.
"I see, hurry and take them aboard," Ibiki said giving Kari a stern stare. She huffed slightly and turned to face Idate who smiled in farewell. He was caught completely off guard when he felt soft lips press against his own.
"Kari-chaaan!" Naruto whined.
"What? I promised I'd kiss him if he won!" Kari said, a blush starting to creep up her cheeks. "I don't go back on my word!"
"Demo, demo! Why not the cheek? Or the hand?" Naruto complained, overprotective instincts kicking in.
"Tell you what, I'll kiss you if you carry me to the boat so I don't have to go on that stupid stretcher ne?" Kari asked. Naruto didn't even pause to think.
"Deal!" He cried running up to her and scooping her up into a bridal hold making her giggle which caused her to cough.
"Look after her, ne Naruto?" Idate asked, a pink tinge dusting his cheeks.
"Like you needed to tell me," Naruto said with a grin. He then turned and marched onto the boat while Kari waved at Idate, Kita walking beside them, with Sasuke being brought up on a stretcher behind them with Sakura following.
"Aniki!" Idate cried when Ibiki turned to bring up the rear. "Matte aniki!"
"Who are you? The one who called me brother died three years ago," Ibiki said without turning around. Idate smild.
'I found the answer to the tenth question aniki. I will never betray my friends. I can believe in others.'
Idate never saw his brother's smile. 'He's got a man's face now.'
Kita wasted no time running around the medium sized boat, anxious to explore it. Boats were still quite new to her and she still didn't understand them too much. As promised, Kari placed a gentle kiss on Naruto smile making him blush. He carried her to the side of the boat so they could say goodbye to Idate.
"Ja mata Idate," Naruto said while Kita jumped into Sakura's arms, her little white paws resting on the side of the boat.
"Ja ne!" Sakura said. Kari smiled unable to wave due to the state of her arms that the medics were eyeing hungrily.
"I'll miss you, take care!" Kari said and Idate waved his hand in a wave.
"Yeah you guys come visit again sometime," Idate said grinning.
"You too boss, stay well!"
"Aa!"
'What an interesting guy, as expected from someone the fifth acknowledged,' Ibiki thought looking to Naruto. 'And that girl, they're a lot alike.'
"Naruto! Kari-chan! Arigatou!" Idate cried running along side the boat.
"Idate, next time we meet lets fight it out dattebayou!" Naruto cried confidently.
'And of all things it seems Idate has a crush on her,' Ibiki thought smiling.
"He made you proud you know."
Buddha forbid Ibiki almost jumped.
"Hikari," Ibiki remembered.
"Kari to most," she said smiling. "He's a hero to them now, he did well."
"Aa," he said in agreement. His eyes lazily traced her ears. 'She's a true Tasukaru. No doubt what Hokage-sama said was true; The Torai-Kenshi have appeared again, and in such a child.' "You should see to your injuries." She nodded and walked off her tail swishing slightly as she walked. Only for the medic to come rushing over and attack her with bandages.
"Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow…" Kari mumbled as cream was rubbed into her arms, a thermometer shoved in her mouth and bandages wrapping around her chest over her shirt.
"Sasuke-kun?" Said Uchiha looked up at his name to see Sakura who had been glancing between him and Kari. "Does it hurt?"
"Iie."
"Ite-e!!" Kari cried in disagreement.
"Yokatta, that kind of wound will heal quickly when we get back to the village," Sakura said smiling. She shot Kari an anxious look while the poor girl was being buried in blankets while her arms were mummified. "Demo Kari-chan…"
"She'll be fine. She's had worse," Sasuke said. He looked round in surprise when Kari sat next to him in an igloo of blankets. She looked thoroughly annoyed and pulled the blankets off her head to form a nest around her, much to the disapproval of the medic.
"Daijoubu?" Sakura asked and Kari pouted glaring at the medic causing the pink kunoichi to giggle. She left them be, going off to scold Naruto.
"Hn, so the rumours were true. The last survivor of Konoha's famous Uchiha clan is the worst of them."
'I couldn't beat him…' Sasuke's face tightened in anger and he looked over at Naruto. 'But that guy… That Naruto could.'
"Stop thinking so much," Kari said the top of her head under his cheek.
'And he saved her, while I couldn't…'
"Sasu," Kari said warningly and he forced his thoughts to the back of his mind for now.
"You're better now?" he asked, and they both knew he wasn't referring to her physical state.
"I never even existed…"
"It still hurts," she admitted. "It'll take time, but it should be about the here and now, not the past."
"Hn."
"Thank you for being there."
"Someone had to," Sasuke replied simply, though his tone was slightly softer making her smile.
"You should be resting Hikari!" the medic scolded.
"I am resting…" Kari mumbled.
"Go to sleep baka," Sasuke said and she gave him annoyed look. He pushed her down so her head was lying on his thigh. "Sleep." He didn't miss the huffy look Naruto sent him, and it made him feel good somehow. He turned back to watch her as she stood at the edges of her dreams, his fingers playing with the long golden strands of hair. He pulled the previously abandoned blankets around her. Seeing the mass of blankets, Kita joined them, curling up close to Kari.
He may not understand her as well as Naruto, but he allowed her to understand him to an extent most people would only dream of. This whole friendship thing still felt foreign to him, but seeing as she was curled up to him while her 'best friend' was about, he didn't think he needed to worry too much.
-----x-----
"Is that so?" Tsunade asked looking up from the report. Ibiki nodded and the blonde woman heaved a sigh. "It was a good idea I gave Sakura that medicine, Kari really needs to stop being so careless with he health."
"She's a strong kid, she'll be fine," Ibiki said, hands buried deep into his trench coat pockets.
"At the same time she's fragile," Tsunade said stubbornly, a slight yearning for sake tickling her mind. "Nonetheless, the mission was a success even despite injuries from Kari and Uchiha Sasuke. A few days in hospital and they'll be fine. That girl will worry me to my grave… Oi, what's that smile for!"
"Nothing Hokage-sama."
-----x-----
Sasuke and Kari were indeed assigned to hospital, and like before were placed into the same room. Kari's health had worsened on the boat ride back and the medics rushed them both straight to the hospital. Sasuke was frustrated and kept glancing over o Kari's unconscious form. Apparently she had become Hypothermic during the race which had resulted in Pneumonia. Her lungs had been drained and she was hooked up to a machine measuring her temperature and another measuring her heart rate. She had an oxygen mask covering the lower half of her face and was tucked into bed with three blankets on top of her, freshly wrapped arms on top at her sides.
Sasuke fell asleep a few hours later, plagued with dreams of Aoi, repeating those words over and over. Saying how he was the worst of his clan…
They had a visit around two in the morning, thee door opening and closing gently as the whisper of feet brushed across the floor. The figure stood by Kari's bed pulling the chair silently closer, before taking a seat.
Kari awoke to the feel of arm fingers brushing across her forehead and opened her eyes slightly at first only making out blurred shadows. After blinking a few times she realised it was Kitome.
"You should be asleep," she said gently a ghost of a smile touching her rose lips. Kari couldn't help but noticed the shadows under Kitome's eyes were far more pronounced than before, and her cheekbones a little sharper on her face. She was exhausted and had lost weight. As though reading the puzzlement in Kari's eyes Kitome began to explain. "We just got back from a mission dear, Kaizo-kun had a leg wound that needed to be checked out. It looks gruesome but it's nothing serious."
"Hm?" Kari mumbled tiredly, her voice muffled by the mask but her arms too sore to move.
"A kunai with an exploding tag hit the side of his thigh." Kari pulled a face and Kitome laughed softly. "He made a fuss, defeated the ninja and had a little cry, but he's fine. He's proud of his battle scars, though they're quite few."
"Kitome-san?" Kari mumbled though the mask.
"I can see there's something you want to tell me dear. I wish I could insist you wait until morning and save your strength, but ANBU are so busy at the moment that I doubt I'd be here. If it's important, you may tell me," she said kindly.
And so Kari spilled her heart out, as well as many bloodied tears which Kitome patiently brushed away as she listened. She explained what the Torai-Kenshi had told her, about her sister and her reincarnation, that she was the sacrificial twin, all that had bothered her at the Tea. Kitome was patient with the pauses, the sobs and listened carefully so Kari wouldn't have to repeat herself.
"S-so, I… I'm not your child a-and I was never meant t-to exist," Kari said her voice cracking, her face no doubt puffy. No doubt she was going to beat herself up later for crying like a baby.
"But you are," Kitome said as a salty tear escaped her eye. "You're the twin child from my womb, the fact you weren't born doesn't change the fact it was I and Kaizo who created you." It was amazing that Kitome could look beautiful even as she cried. "My first child was taken away from me through evil and pain, but she's safe and happy now and that's what matters. And I still have you, and for that I will always be thankful."
"Kitome-kaasan," Kari smiled and Kitome kissed her forehead before standing. She opened the door before a grumpy Kaizo could slam it open or break it.
"Ne, they wouldn't even splint it, just healed me and wished me luck on the next mission," Kaizo grumbled. His spiky silver hair was a mess, his eyes darkened with a miserable almost childish scowl on his face. He too had lost weight in his face, though still seemed to possess his muscles. He waved at Kari and went to greet her loudly but was kicked out with an apologetic smile from Kitome. Kari found herself sleeping within minutes; the dark weight in her heart lifted a reasonable amount.
-----x-----
"Well I'm glad your wounds aren't serious," Sakura said, placing a flower on Sasuke's bedside table. She had already placed one next to Kari, who was currently being kept company by Kita sitting on the end of her bed, her head tilting with every beep the machine made. "Naruto is relieved as well and Kari-chan should wake up soon."
"Hn, so the rumours were true. The last survivor of Konoha's famous Uchiha clan is the worst of them."
"Sasuke-kun are you hungry?" Sakura asked, too used to his silent brooding to let it get her too down. "Is there anything you'd like to eat? I'll go buy something." She stood and left, temporarily leaving the Uchiha to his thoughts. He scowled and laid back resting his arms behind his head. He turned to face the window, his thoughts wandering to his brother.
"I have no interest in you right now."
"So they were after Naruto after all, and Kari as well…"
He turned the other way so he was facing Kari's bed. He watched as the heart monitor beeped lazily, slightly slower than he knew was usual for her heart. Her chest rose and fell unevenly, still recovering from her Pneumonia.
She was so… She looked so fragile, even though he knew she wasn't. She had a strong spirit, but was too careless. She needed protecting, but adamant she was the one to protect people. But at what cost? His eyes narrowed on her bandaged arms, trying to remember what they were like before being bandaged. Burns and blood, a burnt torn up mess to her elbows. Yet she ignored her own pain to complete the mission.
And he had done nothing to protect her. He always thought that he would, but it was the other way round. She would protect him, or he would be powerless while she got hurt. At the wave country, repeatedly at the Chuunin Exams, in the fight against Gaara, when Itachi appeared, when she went off to search for Tsunade with Naruto and the mission just now at Degarashi Port… She always got hurt and he never protected her.
Somewhere along his thoughts, he had fallen back into an uneasy sleep. He was soon awoken however, by the sound of footsteps approaching, echoing in the corridor, bouncing off the walls. He sat up, noticing Sakura's silhouette at the door. Why did she keep bothering him?
"Oi, Sakura-chan!"
'Naruto' Sasuke thought with a growl.
"I've brought you some apples," Sakura said sitting down beside him with a bag of red apples. "You don't hate them do you? Don't they look delicious! Now where did I put the knife?"
As Sakura looked around for the elusive knife Naruto walked over to Kari's side, Kita's tail thumping on the bed in greeting. Sasuke's eyes followed his every move, his anger growing just being in the same room as him. Naruto reached out for Kari's hand.
"Leave her," Sasuke hissed and Naruto shot a glare over his shoulder.
"She's having a bad dream dattebayou."
"Sasuke-kun's right Naruto, Kari-chan's arms are badly hurt, you shouldn't touch them," Sakura said, misreading Sasuke's intentions.
"I guess," Naruto said, his fingers brushing along her cheek before walking back over to Sakura. "The knife's right in front of you," he pointed out.
"Ah…"
"Ha! Being nervous because you're with Sasuke? How uncool. What would Kari-chan say?" Naruto laughed. 'Well, she'd think it's cute probably. Bleh.'
"It's not like…" Sakura said defencively.
'Naruto…' Sasuke thought, remembering the fight with Gaara.
"U!"
"Zu!"
"Ma!"
"Ki!"
"Naruto Nisen'nin Dan!" The clones all cried as they pummelled the almost fully transformed Gaara.
"Stop fooling around!" Sakura snapped. "Kari-chan's sleeping!"
"Kuchiyose no jutsu! I will protect Kari-chan and Sakura-chan!"
"I give up, I give up I tell you!" Naruto said while Sakura scowled at him and Kita giggled.
"Sasuke-kun, arigatou. You saved me from that sand guy right?"
"Iie, Naruto was the one who saved you."
Sakura promptly punched Naruto on the head, knocked him out and started peeling the apple, the sound seeming to echo in Sasuke's ears. Kari's heartbeat seemed to be steadily increasing, as though sensing the tension.
"You are weak. Why are you weak? Because you lack… hatred."
"Well I've finished peeling it, now lets cut it so its easier to eat," Sakura said happily. "Here you go Sasuke-kun," she said holding out apiece but gasped when it was slapped out her hand, as well as the plate, the sound making Kita jump and Kari's monitor let out a high pitched beep as the plate smashed.
"Ite-e!" Naruto cried when it smashed on his head. He jumped up on surprise "Nan de?!"
"Sasuke-kun," Sakura said in shock.
"What's going on dattebayou?" Naruto asked. Sasuke turned his eyes on him. "What, you don't have to stare!"
"Oi Naruto…"
"Nan dattebayou?"
"Fight me, right now," Sasuke demanded causing Sakura to gasp.
"Huh? What are you saying? You've only just been treated," Naruto said.
"I don't care, just fight me!" Sasuke cried, Sharingan activating.
'Sasuke-kun…' Sakura thought worriedly. She glanced over to Kari noticing the increased heartrate. 'Wake up Kari-chan, please! You're the only one Naruto and Sasuke-kun will listen to…'
"You think you saved me? I don't care if she's the Godaime… Doing unnecessary things!"
"What?!" Naruto growled. Sasuke threw the covers off him and stood, staring directly at Naruto. "You said before you wanted to fight me didn't you? I said I'd fight you here and now." A smirk found its way onto the Uchiha's face. "Or are you afraid?"
"S-Sasuke-kun what's wrong?" Sakura asked standing at the side of them. She knew Kari couldn't do anything right now, so she had to try and be the peacemaker for once. She couldn't shout at Sasuke or knock sense into him and she wasn't close enough to him for him to listen to her. "Naruto, say something!" And though she could boss Naruto around, when it came to Kari he would do anything for her. She also didn't have the strength to force them apart. Sakura desperately wished she would wake up, sensing this was about to lose control. "Why so suddenly…?"
"Perfect timing," Naruto said with a smirk. "I was just itching to fight you."
"Why don't you both just cut it out ok?" Sakura asked. She glanced from one boy to the other, to Kari who seemed to be on the verge of an unconscious heart attack. They ignored her, gazes locked on each other, Sharingan clashing with that bright sapphire blue.
"Follow me," Sasuke said, tilting his head to the door. Naruto immediately started to follow, his eyes on his best friend sensing her desperation. She wanted to protect them, but couldn't intervene. She wouldn't stop them, that he knew. She would oppose the idea of her precious friends fighting but would allow them to, knowing them both so well. She'd only jump in when she thought they would take it too far.
'Gomen.' Both boys thought in apology to her. Sakura stood their anxiously unsure what to do, but after a moment moved to follow Kita jumping from Kari's bed at following at her heels.
'Okaasan…' Kita worried. 'Something bad is gonna happen.'