Holiday is over. A new year has begun. Hope I'll pull this through till the end *wishful thinking*
Anyways, here is Chapter 6. Please enjoy^^
Naruto and company are owned by their creator.
CHAPTER 6
Konoha.
It is very rare for Tsunade to feel this kind of calm and tranquillity.
"Something bad is going to happen. I can feel it in my bones," she muttered silently to herself as she drinks from her flask. She managed to take a bottle of saki with her. "Good thing Shizune is busy with her chores." The Hokage grins cheerfully to herself. "You can come out now. Nobody is going to bother us for the next hour or so. Besides, we have lots of catching up to do, Kagura-chan?" she said nonchalantly to the tree beside her.
"Hello Tsunade-sama. It's been a while." Kagura materializes in front of the tree, petals of cherry blossoms flying everywhere.
"Hmmm… It's good to see you, Kagura," Tsunade greeted her with a soft smile on her face. "You look better than the last time I saw you," she commented.
Kagura walked slowly, looking at random places, observing the scene before her. "So this is Konohagakure, the hidden village of the Leaf."
Tsunade looks from behind, observing her.
"She still remembers this place from time to time," Kagura faced her old mentor and handed her another bottle. "A gift. A few of our people make such delicious wines, much better than the one you are holding. And much healthier too."
"Aah… You really know how to impress me, Kagura-chan. Thank you very much." Tsunade took the bottle and gave it a smell. "Hmm… Smells wonderful." From the corner of her eye, the Hokage stared at the younger woman with a slight curiosity on her face. "How is Sakura doing?"
"She is well. Everyone in Amekagure was so happy to welcome her home." Kagura looks around and sees the enchanting beauty of the village. "No wonder they like this place. It is so full of happiness… of hopes and dreams."
"They?"
"I never had the chance to thank you." Kagura bowed gratefully to the older woman, ignoring her query.
"For what?" Tsunade observed the rosette with a slight frown on her face.
"For saving my sister's life. It means everything to me and my brother Nagato," Kagura smiled at Tsunade.
"You are welcome, Kagura-chan." Tsunade raised her hand and point it at her side, "Please, seat beside me. It seems you are not here for a social visit. Is there something wrong at Amekagure?"
"I need to warn you. The battle is far from over."
"Yes I know. But I'm not sure where and when it will start. So I couldn't…" Kagura took her hand and place a seal in Tsuande's palm. "This is…" Tsunade squinted her eyes to look closely at the petal shape symbol in her hand.
"My parents already did the best they could do to protect us. If something happens, that seal will warn you when to make your move. Nagato could perfectly take care of himself, but he is getting weaker. I don't know if I can convince him in time to come to you and be healed. He doesn't want Sakura to know his real condition so that leaves me with no other option," Kagura seem to age a little.
"Hmmm… That serious, eh?" Tsunade noted.
"There are people who still want the Rinnegan's power. Nagato is not worried at all because he knew his death is imminent. But I am. I've never come this far to unite my family after so many years only to lose another," Kagura shook her head in denial, but firms her resolve as she looks at Tsunade, seeking guidance from an old friend. "Right now, I need your wisdom, Tsunade-sama. Maybe you can help me."
Tsunade smiles and patted Kagura's hand, "You've grown much more wiser than I am, Kagura-chan. You have proven yourself many times already. I may not have the answer you seek, but I want you to know, that the village of Konoha will always be here if you needed help. I promise."
"Thank you, Sensei," Kagura smiled warmly.
"Our true enemy hid in plain sight. They will reveal themselves when they feel they are ready to attack and destroy us," Tsunade told her.
"Then perhaps we should outsmart them. Everyone has their weakness. We should take it from them and burned it to the ground," Kagura answered hastily.
Tsunade nodded in agreement. "Sounds fun, unfortunately, not all of us can read someone else's mind, like you do."
"There are few exceptions to this 'gift' my Lady, and it is not pleasant you know. I'm still having a hard time blocking my sister's loud spoken thoughts especially her fantasies about…" Kagura cleared her throat. "Well… It's a good thing no one sues me for trespassing inside their brains." Kagura added casually.
Tsunade laugh at Kagura's attempt to joke but stops immediately as she senses someone coming to their direction.
"Maybe I should leave," Kagura's hand was held by Tsunade.
"I want you to meet someone that might interest you," Tsunade whispered silently.
"Who are you talking to Granny?" Naruto appeared on a branch of a nearby tree. Sai step out behind him while Kakashi almost hit the boys but manoeuvred gracefully and lands on another branch. He waves nonchalantly but was still holding a familiar book in his face that make Tsunade's eyes roll.
"Does the old Toad still write that stupid book?" Kagura asks.
"Yeah, currently he is on his seventh book and the guy in the mask happens to be his biggest fan."
"I never thought granny had a friend as beautiful and young as you?" Naruto stares at Kagura with a star struck expression on his face, not knowing that he is looking at Sakura's older version.
"Naruto, will you stop staring at her," Tsunade is starting to get irritated.
"So this is Sakura's former teammate, Uzumaki Naruto. Hmm…" Kagura mused.
Tsunade sighed and changed the topic, "Where is Yamato, he should be here by now."
Sai answered immediately, "We were told that Hyuga Hinata would come with us, so the Captain volunteered to fetch her."
"Seems like Naruto is banned at the Hyuga estate for a while after what he did the other day to the Hyuga elders," Kakashi added, his eye looks amused at Naruto's expression that turned sour.
"Those fools don't see Hinata's true strength. I was about to make them see reason but Neji and Hinata's younger sister Hanabi stopped me," Naruto pouted his lips like a child. Kagura thought she see him stomped his foot like Sakura always does when irritated.
Tsunade is starting to have a migraine as her veins starts to pulse rapidly, "Naruto, you brat, how many times do I have to tell you not to cause any more trouble. Now what do you want me to say to those old fools."
"The Hyuga clan heads were old fashioned leeches; they are the type of people who prefers power and strength. They want to associate themselves to those who can help them gain more. Maybe all you need is to do to get their affection is to win the Lottery and give them the money to ask for your girlfriend's freedom. Sounds like they don't want her at all." Kagura said carelessly. And noticed that all of them, including Tsunade-sama are staring at her like she said something in an alien tongue. Kagura blushed slightly and wished to kick herself for being nosy. She should have said nothing at all.
"I-I'm sorry. I know, I-I shouldn't have… but, it really is my fault. If only… I… I was stronger, they w-wouldn't have…" Tears started to form in Hyuga Hinata's eyes as she overheard their conversation.
Naruto immediately runs at the girl and tried to console her while shooting daggers at Kagura's direction, blaming her for making Hinata cry. "Hey, Hina-chan, it's not your fault. Please stop crying," Naruto sounded frantic and looks around for help.
"Sorry, we are late. The Hyuga doesn't seem to approve of Hinata-chan's temporary team. They want her back at Team Kurenai," Yamato announced tiredly, but stops as he saw the scene in front of him.
"Oh? This gets better and better," Kagura tried to hide herself discreetly but she could see him from the corner of her eye.
Yamato stares one by one at everyone and was surprised to see someone who doesn't belong.
"YOU?"
"You know her Captain Yamato?" Sai asked. His captain's expression seems a little off.
"Yamato," Tsunade tried to get his attention.
Kagura noticed his thoughts shouting at her. It has contempt and worries about a certain young man. Even from the Captain's perspective, she felt the boy's pain and struggles during the first few days of Sakura's departure. She guess she owes the boy an apology. However, there are far more urgent matters that needed her full attention. Besides, Naruto seems to be doing well. Kagura tried to enter Uzumaki Naruto's mind. Seems like he is an exemption to her 'gift' as well. But how come she can hear the Nine-tails voice? The Kyuubi is growling at her like a mad dog, and it wanted a piece of her. The beast must have recognized who she really is.
An irritated voice stops Kagura's thoughts. It was directed to Yamato. The Captain was pulled away by Tsunade herself trying to get his attention.
"But, Lady Hokage… She is…"
Tsunade raised one finger, stopping Yamato from saying another word.
Kagura smiled to herself, remembering the times she herself had to control men like Yamato. Those overgrown boys she adored. She looks back, observing the group behind. Naruto is still consoling the Hyuga. Hatake Kakashi is still busy reading his book while the boy called Sai is looking at her. He is paler, an Albino perhaps. He was reading her. Scrutinizing was the right word. "Hmmm…"
"Excuse me."
A small voice interrupted Kagura's silent reverie. She didn't notice the Hyuga walk towards her. Her aura was calm and refreshing. Her soul is gentle. She had a kind and pure heart. No wonder the boy, Naruto, is drawn towards her. "What is it, little one?" Hinata blushed. Naruto was guarded as he looks at her, ready to interrupt if she would slip once more. "What an odd couple?" She thought while looking at these two. Sakura and Naruto would make a cute couple as well, however, she prefers Itachi for her sister. "Aaah, love at unexpected places. Such a nice way to compliment my day."
"You seem to know my family. Are you from a neighbouring village outside Konoha?" the shy Hyuga asked, fidgeting the bottom of her jacket with her fingers.
"No," Kagura answered politely. Trying to sound casual.
"Oh. I thought you look familiar. That's all," Hinata smiled shyly.
"I see," Kagura forgot to change her appearance. The Hyuga must have noticed her resemblance to Sakura.
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Meanwhile in Amekagure.
"Wow, this place is beautiful, Tobi-san. How did you find this place," Sakura looks at the meadow with a happy smile on her face. In Konoha, she had a small garden at the back of her house.
"These flowers are called 'Lionheart' by the town's people and can only be found in Amekagure. Despite the constant rain, they bloom perfectly," Tobi said cheerfully. As usual, he stumbles beside the tree like he always did. (Author's note: I don't know what name I'll give to the flower, so I borrowed his name^^ Thank you Squall of Final Fantasy 8)
Sakura giggled, "You really are clumsy, Tobi-san. Here, let me help you," she approached the masked Akatsuki and helped him get up.
Tobi's hand clutches her arm tightly, hurting Sakura in the process.
"What's wrong, Tobi? Are you hurt?" Sakura grimaces silently. His grip was firm. Surely, it will leave a bruise later.
"Run," Tobi said. His voice was hoarse, his body shook uncontrollably. His other hand covered half of his face as his mask fell off.
"What are you saying, Tobi-san?" His eyes look familiar. A Sharingan. "You're an Uchiha? Impossible."
Tobi suddenly strangles her; he seems to be out of his mind.
"T-Tobi," Sakura gasping for breath, trying her best to push the man away.
But he was stronger. Tobi seems to struggle as he looks at Sakura, "Please, help me," his tears fall as he tried to stop himself from hurting Sakura. "H-help m-me…" Tobi's voice changes into something more familiar.
A part of her forgotten memory.
"It can't be…" Sakura seem to lose her strength. His Sharingan. No, his eyes. She had seen it before, a part of her past.
"You've grown quite a bit, Princess… You look just like your mother. I must say, I'm quite impressed. You remembered me…" he said happily.
"No… Not again…" Sakura tried to avoid his gaze but he held her in place. Forcing her to look into his eyes.
"Yes. I'll be glad to do 'that' all over again. And this time, no one will stop me from getting what I want. You… All of you will be mine." His laughter echoed all over the meadow.
Amekagure seem to felt danger as it rains heavily.
Sakura losing what little hope she has. "They'll never find me…" Sakura cried. "I'm sorry… I'm so sorry… Brother… Sister… Itachi… Please, forgive me…"
XoXoXoXoX
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If some of you are still confused about something from the previous and current chapter, just PM me… I'll be glad to clear things up *grins*
Thanks so much... Mwuahugs!