Chapter fourteen;
Two days had passed since Itachi, Sasori, and Deidara were given their mission. They gave themselves a name, Team Shinobi, to speak in code if they ever needed to send a message to one of the camps, or to the girls. Evelynn, Shoto, and Mira were given their own name, Team Outlaw. The troops has each been sent a message through Armel on how to address them in messages if the troops ever sent out messenger hawks. It had actually amused Evelynn slightly when she learned that most ninja squads had names for themselves in the boys old world. Though Shoto could see the effectiveness it had.
At the moment, team Shinobi was on their way to the south western camp, where there was a rebel training camp near where they had dropped off the women and children back when they first came to this world. It was only a weeks journey, and they were already half way there. Only three days left to go. It was mostly forest in this area, so they easily hid among the trees. It was estimated by Shoto that it would take close to two months to gather all the rebels to the centered camp ground. Possibly longer, depending on how often team Shinobi ran into trouble.
'It's weird, un." Deidara yawned as they tracked through the wooded area. "Almost a year ago we were bad guys, trying to suck tailed beasts out of their containers, hm. Now we're helping rebels regain their homes."
"I was never really a bad guy." Itachi reminded him with some amusement.
Ever since his training with Armel he had felt his spirit enlighten. No longer did he feel the need to hide behind the emotionless facade. Besides, it was long before he came here that he learned Sasuke no longer wished to seek revenge. Instead, he wished to get stronger to protect Konoha, should the Akatsuki ever attack. This made Itachi even more at ease that he and his two comrades decided to stay in this world. In all honesty, this world felt like home. Which was something the three of them had wanted and missed terribly. Even more so, Itachi felt at ease around Shoto. Her sharp mind and quick thinking was a beautiful change from their previous group of idiots. Often the two shared long conversations, and Itachi felt himself more and more drawn to her as the time went by. Of course, he was no fool to what he felt. He was far too logical to have not figured it out. It was simply his worry of what she would say, and the fact they were in the midst of war that kept him quiet.
"I still can't believe you fooled everyone like that, yeah." Deidara chuckled.
Since they had been there he had really let up on the Uchiha. After all, if he hadn't joined Akatsuki, and went on that mission with Itachi and Sasori, he wouldn't be here. So, in that sense, he actually felt like he owed Itachi. Not that he would ever admit that. More care free or not, Deidara was still as stubborn as always. Though if he had to be honest with himself, even he realized that the only one who could break his stubborn tirade, it was Mira. Her sweet, shy personality seemed to draw him in, and make him want to protect the innocence she so naively portrays. The feeling was new to Deidara, and couldn't quite put his finger on why he would feel such a way. Only except the simple reason that he was truly grateful they had given him a home, and given him respect.
"Well, that's part of being a shinobi, Deidara." Sasori rolled his eyes.
On the outside, it would appear he hadn't changed much. He was still impatient, still short tempered, and still acted as emotionally stunted as he always did. Yet, what they didn't know, is that he had actually grown much fonder of his two comrades. As well as the three rebels who had taken them under their wing. Especially the one he secretly called his little vixen, Evelynn.
Now, Sasori was no stranger to the opposite sex. In fact, all of the Akatsuki had partaken in having multiple sex partners. A side from Itachi, who had only been with three women, and Pein. So, it was confusing to Sasori just what drew him to Evelynn. the other women he had previously went to bed with had all drawn him with simple sexual prowess. Their bodies. Of course, Evelynn had a decent body as well. Despite the scars, and her normally dirt stained skin. After all, you can't run an army without being active yourself. It was more than her body, though. Sasori wanted all of her. Just how that was even possible he didn't know, quite yet.
"Danna!" Deidara's voice suddenly snapped Sasori from his thoughts.
"What?" Sasori asked glaring at Deidara.
"You almost stepped into that hole, un." Deidara pointed. Sasori looked down, and indeed there was a hole. It was actually rather large, and for a moment Sasori wondered what kind of animal made it. Deidara was the one who voiced this question. "I wonder what could have made that, hm?"
"I don't know.." Itachi frowned. "Let's just avoid it. We have a mission."
Yet, the men were curious. Before they knew it all three were kneeling next to the hole in the ground. As they peered in the noticed a green light. Nostalgia washed through them, but before they realized exactly where they had seen that green light, they were pulled in. Darkness hindered their vision, and all they could sense was a swift, falling feeling.
-Time skip!-
Sasori was the first to awaken. He groaned as he held his throbbing head, and looked around. A room. He was in a room. Upon closer inspection he realized he was in his room. At the Akatsuki base. No, this wasn't right. This couldn't be right! For the first time since he was a child fear swept through Sasori. The red-headed man jumped off the bed, and ran to the door. He threw it open, and Itachi had just walked up to the door as well.
"We're back in our world." Itachi stated seriously. Sasori caught the worry that flickered across the Uchiha's face. Before Sasori could respond Deidara came running down the hall.
"What happened, un?!" The blonde snapped.
"I don't know. Maybe when the seal was taken off, what teleported us to the other world was created again, and sent us back here." Sasori frowned.
"We have to find a way back, yeah!" Deidara declared. "They're counting on us!"
"Who's counting on you?" A voice asked as it approached. Kisame.
"None of your business, hm." Deidara glared. Kisame just shrugged.
"Where the hell have you three been, anyways?" Kisame asked.
"Ask leader to call a meeting, we'll explain everything." Itachi stated bluntly, and then turned to walk off to the meeting room. Deidara and Sasori right behind him. Kisame looked after them in bewilderment, but went to gather the rest of the Akatsuki, nonetheless.
-Time skip!-
All of the Akatsuki were gathered in the meeting room. Itachi, Deidara, and Sasori had just finished explaining what had happened, and where they had been. They were silent after their tale, and the Akatsuki seemed to be soaking in the information.
"So you three got teleported to another fucking world, where three bitches are starting a revolution against an asshole guy who took over their homes, and when some gypsy bitch gave you guys a ritual after Sasori fucked her it removed the seal leaf ninja fucking put on you, and now you're back here?" Hidan summed up. Sasori narrowed his eyes.
"Let me just say.." Sasori started in a low, dangerous tone. "That if you call them 'bitches' one more time I will find a way to rip that immortality from you, and make sure you never speak again."
"Why do you care what he called them?" Kakuzu asked in his deep, gruff tone.
"Those girls.." Sasori paused as an images of Evelynn flashed through his mind. Her smile, her determined expression when she spoke of their lands freedom, and her flashing green eyes as she fought to protect everyone. "Those women are very respectable. To refer to them as anything less won't be tolerated."
"I agree." Itachi stated in a low tone as he activated his sharingan.
"So then what do you want to do?" Pein asked before anyone else could speak. He didn't need his members killing each other.
"Find a way back, un!" Deidara all but wailed. "I miss it already, and I miss them, yeah!"
Sasori and Itachi nodded in agreement. Pein studied them, and then he turned to Konan. His brave Konan who would fight for their cause. They were childhood friends, and he loved her so dearly. Pein could see the upset and worry flicker across the three mens faces. Deidara almost made it very clear he was already in love with one of them. What was her name? Mira. Pein thought of the pain it would cause if he was ever separated from Konan, and that is was made his decision. He turned back to the three men.
"Very well." Pein said as he stood. "We'll head to Konoha tomorrow. You know it's about a weeks journey. Be prepared, they won't be happy to see us."
Deidara looked like he might cry from happiness. Of course, he held it together. The three thanked him, bowed, and left the room to get ready. Well, one perk of coming back was that Deidara could grab some of his C3 clay, Sasori could get the scroll that contained the rest of his puppets, and Itachi could grab the small picture of his family that he kept.
"Why the fuck are you helping them?" Hidan asked.
"I actually agree with Hidan." Kisame frowned. "Weren't you just threatening to kill them when you found them, because you were convinced they fled from Akatsuki."
"As that's obviously not the case." Pein stated coolly. "We will help our comrades. Dismissed."
With that statement Pein left, Konan right behind him. The rest of the Akatsuki gave weary looks, but one by one retreated to their rooms as well.
-Evelynn Shoto Mira-
Evelynn's head snapped into the direction of Dragon Valley. The boys, their boys, were suddenly missing. She could feel it. Judging by the looks on Shoto's and Mira's faces, they could sense it, too. the red-head furrowed her eyebrows. How in the hell could they just disappear?
"What do you th-think happened?" Mira asked. The girls had just finished a training a session, and were currently waiting on news from one of the rebel camps.
"They fucking left." Evelynn stated bluntly.
"Don't jump to conclusions." Shoto frowned. "It's possible that when the seals were removed what teleported them here may have teleported them back."
"Regardless, we don't have time to worry about that." Evelynn snapped as she stood up. Her heart felt funny. Like it was being weighed down, and someone was sticking needles in it slowly. One at a time. "I'm going to head out in a week to the rebel camp, and start moving them to the north of the southern hideout."
Without another word she left. Her two comrades looked after her, sorrowful expressions on their faces.
"Don't fret." Tau told them. "Those men did not leave on their own accord, and I'm almost certain they will return."
"Sure." Shoto whispered. Yet, her and Mira both had a sinking feeling in their stomachs. Hope that the three shinobi would return was small. After all, what kind of person just willingly returned to war?
-Itachi Deidara Sasori-
The Akatsuki were at the front gates of Konoha. They were going in the front in hopes that the Hokage herself would be summoned to them, and they could ask their request. Of course, a lot could go wrong. It's not like the Akatsuki were well liked in the village.. Or any village. Before they could second guess themselves, they all moved forward.
"Akatsuki!" One of the guards shouted. Pein rubbed his temples.
As the hopes, Tsunade was summoned. She got into a defensive stance in front of them. With her was Sakura, Kakashi, Naruto, and Sasuke. Apparently, Sasuke had been told everything about the Uchiha massacre. Still, he eyed Itachi uneasily. Many other ninja surrounded the Akatsuki as well.
"What do you want?!" Tsunade snapped.
"Not a fight." Pein replied dryly. This made everyone in Konoha look at them in surprise.
"Then what is it?" Sakura asked. Then she noticed Sasori. Kakashi's team had been there when they kidnapped Gaara, and Sakura had grown fond of Lady Chiyo. "You killed Lady Chiyo!"
"Thank you, captain obvious, un." Deidara remarked sarcastically. It had been something he heard Evelynn say, that made him laugh. Sasori and Itachi had to hold back a chuckle at the memory.
"The jutsu you placed on these three to teleport them to another world." Pein gestured at Sasori, Deidara, and Itachi. "They were somehow sent back, but they don't want to be here. So, send them back to whatever world you sent them to."
"Excuse me?" Tsunade was thoroughly confused.
"Dammit, can we just let them explain everything to you?" Pein growled.
Tsunade nodded slowly. She was weary of the Akatsuki, but they really seemed like they didn't want to fight. So, she led them to the Hokage's tower.
-Shoto Mira Evelynn-
Three weeks have passed since the men went missing. Evelynn was currently leading the south western rebels more north. Shoto and Mira stayed behind with the great spirits. in the two weeks their comrades went missing they were forced to push it out of their minds. No matter how much they cared for them, they still had all of Cadonia to fight for. If the men had decided to stay in their world, then so be it. Of course, Mira still held on to some hope, but even hers was diminishing quickly as the days passed.
"You seem troubled." Hebi noted to Shoto. The raven haired woman looked up at him. She had been meditating, trying to clear her thoughts. "Your comrades. You miss them?"
"Even if I do, we are at war. I have little time to worry about Itachi." Shoto remarked. His name alone made her heart ache. Of course, Shoto knew it wasn't really her heart, but it still felt that way. Hebi looked at her amused, and Shoto raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"I said all of your comrades, not just Itachi." Hebi remarked, and then slid away into the tall grasses that surrounded him.
Shoto blinked in surprise. Why did she single out Itachi? All three of them men were gone, so why was she only mentioning him? Perhaps it was because she was closest with him than the other two. Shoto recalled how often they would have long, deep conversations about life, and the future. How intently he listened to her when she spoke of Cadonia, and how passionate and loving he was when he spoke of Konoha and his brother.
She let out an agitated sound as her stomach seemed to flip at even the thought of the raven haired man. Who cared if he was attractive, intelligent, thoughtful, strong, and respectful. It didn't mean anything. Not to Shoto, anyways. Like Evelynn once said, maybe an ordinary woman would swoon at these men's feet, but they weren't ordinary. No, they were rebel leaders. The protectors of Cadonia. So then why the hell was that damned Uchiha one of her main priorities?!
Of course, Shoto knew better. The woman was far too intelligent not to figure it out. She knew she was in denial, and she knew damn well what was happening to her. The only problem was she didn't want it to happen. Not now, not while they were going to war. Shoto sighed softly. If she fell in love with Itachi, and he died during the war Shoto's whole world would shatter. She knew this, and this is why she refused to accept the feeling. Besides, you can't just fall in love with someone in only a year, could you?
"Not that it matters." Shoto quietly stated to herself. "He went back to his world, and it might just be better if he stayed."
Shaking her head, Shoto closed her eyes, and began to meditate again. Though she couldn't stop the image of Itachi floating through her mind. It was almost enough to drive her mad.
"Mira, are you alright?" Tau asked. He and Ryuu had been basking in the sun, and were watching Mira stare at the same word on her scroll for the last hour.
"Huh, o-oh, I'm fine." Mira assured as she looked up.
"What's troubling you, little lion?" Ryuu asked.
"Nothing." Mira whispered as she looked down.
"You're not one to lie, Mira." Tau frowned. Mira sighed, and looked up at them again.
"I miss our c-comrades, and I'm w-worried about them, is all." Mira rolled the scroll up, and placed it beside her on the ground. "What if they n-never come back?"
"I'm sure they will. Even if they were part of a criminal organization, there souls were extremely pure." Ryuu yawned as he stood and stretched. He fanned out his wings, and prepared for flight. "I hope they return soon as well. Evelynn's been very snappy lately."
Ryuu took off to the sky, to perch on top of the mountain, and look out after Evelynn. In the seven months they had been bonded he had grown very fond of the young woman, and honestly worried for her like he would his own little dragonling.
"Do you r-really think they'll be back?" Mira asked Tau as she looked up at him. He noticed the small spark of hope in her eyes, and smiled gently.
"I do. Those men cared for you three very deeply, and I believe they were starting to care for Cadonia as well." Tau replied.
Mira nodded slowly. It was true, she had noticed. Particularly with Deidara, but that was only because she was closest with him than the other two men. He was patient with her, which Mira always appreciated. Always protecting her in battle, holding her as she cried, and listening carefully to every word she spoke. It flustered her slightly, to be given such attention. By a man, no less.
Of course, Mira had some of the young men her age from the rebel camps ask to court her once the war was over. The young woman hadn't been too keen. The war was her only focus, not what was happening after it! So, why she felt so special when Deidara paid attention to her, she did not know. Sometimes, her heart would beat faster when he spoke. He had a smooth voice that was very easy on her ears. Not incredibly deep, like most men.
It also did not escape Mira how understanding he had been when it came to how shy she was. More often then not Evelynn or Shoto had to threaten one of them men pursuing Mira, because he had grown agitated with her softly spoken words. Mira herself didn't see why it mattered if she was shy or not, but the men said if she was a rebellion leader that she should be more firm. War was not a place for shyness. Yet, Deidara didn't think of her that way, and that made Mira happy. In fact, he often complimented her on how brave she was, which sent Mira's heart beating quickly again.
Mira sighed and shook her head. She really shouldn't be thinking this right now. So, she pulled out the medical scroll she had been studying before, and went back to work. She would be prepared for the war, and maybe she would impress Deidara with her skills on the battle field.
'If he ever comes back.' A voice in the back of Mira's mind told her. The woman ust brushed the thought away, and held onto her hope. That's all any of them had, after all.
Evelynn was currently at the head of the rebellion troop she was leading north of the southern hideout. They were traveling by night, and would reach the battle camp by sunrise. Then, she would rest for a day, and then head out to the hideout in the south-east. It had not escaped her that three, nearly four, weeks had passed since the men disappeared. It was also on her mind that Hanzo's army was spreading across Cadonia. Looking for the rebel camps, no doubt. Evelynn could only hope she made it in time to save everyone, and get them north of Serpents valley.
"Evelynn, it's not like you to be so distant." Oki stated as he approached her. She glanced at him, and then turned forward again.
"My apologies, Master Oki." Evelynn stated in an almost sad tone. As much as she hated to admit it, she did miss her male comrades. Though, for the most part, she just tried not to think about it.
"You girls are so young, and yet you have the world on your shoulders." Oki noted thoughtfully. "I can't imagine what that must be like."
"It's nothing like that." Evelynn assured.
"Very well, I'll leave you to your thoughts." Oki rubbed her head affectionately, and went to check on the rebels following them.
It was true, Cadonia wasn't what was on her mind right now. Honestly, it had never occurred to her or the others that they had the world on their shoulders. Yet, when it was put that way, it was a rather scary thought. Everyone in Cadonia was relying on them to lead them to victory. Evelynn could only hope that they would. It had been easier, no doubt, when the shinobi were around. They were able to get more done, and a lot quicker. Plus, the girls had been able to train with their new spirit animals, and knew that the rebel camps would be safe in the hands of their male comrades.
If Evelynn were to be honest with herself, she would have to admit that she felt slightly bitter that they were gone. They had just disappeared, with no warning, and no trace of where they might have gone. Of course, Shoto's explanation had made sense, and they could only assume the men were back in their world. Since it had been over two weeks Evelynn figured they had decided to stay in their own world. Which made sense. After all, who would want to come back to a world that was about to go to war?
Still, Evelynn's heart seemed to ache. Specifically when she thought of Sasori. Sometimes she caught herself wondering if he thought about her, but would quickly brush the thought a side. That asshole had sex with the beautiful, seductive gypsy Ivanna. What in the hell would he ever see in Evelynn? Even the red-headed woman could admit she was probably a bit too defensive for her own good, and that she had a tendency to be rather rude. She also knew she was no where near a sex goddess. Shoto, Mira, and herself were still virgins, after all. So, why her mind kept drifting to Sasori, when she knew damn well it was pointless, was an enigma to her.
For now, she had to get it all out of her mind. She was leading a troop of outlaws, dammit! Protecting them was first priority at the moment. So, Evelynn cleared her head, and sharpened her senses to her surroundings. All thoughts of Sasori fading to the back of her mind.
-Sasori Itachi Deidara-
"What do you mean a month?!" Itachi snapped at the Hokage.
Tsunade narrowed her eyes. Deidara, Sasori, and Itachi had just told her their story, and that they wanted to be sent back. Tsunade had explained that they would have to get the chakra seals removed again when they returned to the other world, but in order to make the teleportation permanent it would take a month to adjust the jutsu.
"You heard me. Until then, I ask that Akatsuki stay in the leaf." Tsunade stated.
"Very well." Pein agreed. Deidara was about to open his mouth, but Pein put a hand on his shoulder. Deidara eyed him, glared at the Hokage, and then left the tower.
Deidara walked down the streets of the leaf village. He ignored the glares that he received. it was a trait Mira had taught him, honestly. To just ignore the negative. The blonde bomber made his way towards Konoha's training field. As he approached he noticed a dark haired girl. On closer inspection he noticed she was a Hyuuga. She was shyly watching the training grounds, and Deidara noticed it was Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke training together. The meek girl seemed to be fixated on Naruto, the kyuubi container.
"What are you doing, hm?" Deidara asked. The girl jumped, and whirled around.
"Uh. Uhm, I.. I was, uhm.." She stuttered softly, and looked at her feet. Deidara held back a grin.
"You like him, yeah?" He asked as he nodded in Naruto's direction. The girls face turned a bright shade of red, and she looked at Deidara in horror.
"I-is it th-that obvious?" She whispered. Deidara nodded, and her face got redder.
"Just tell him, yeah. You're pretty, and you're a Hyuuga, so you must be strong, un." Deidara commented as he stood beside her to watch team seven train. "I'm Deidara."
"H-hinata." The girl muttered. "H-He's in love w-with S-Sakura, and h-he's so m-much stronger th-than me. I c-couldn't t-tell him I l-love him, b-because I w-want to c-catch up t-to him f-first."
Deidara studied the young girl. She couldn't be more than sixteen. The way she stuttered, and her shyness reminded him a lot of Mira. The thought made him smile slightly.
"You know, I have a girl waiting for me back in the other world, yeah." Deidara commented slyly. "She's really shy, and easily frightened, un. Yet, she's a rebellion leader. I haven't told her my feelings yet, either, hm."
Hinata looked at him curiously.
"I'll make you a deal, yeah." Deidara continued. "If you tell Naruto how you feel by the time I leave, I'll tell Mira how I feel as soon as I get back to her world, hm."
Hinata tilted her head curiously at Deidara. She thought the Akatsuki were supposed to be evil. Yet, he was trying to help her talk to Naruto, and was even admitting he was in love with someone himself. Hinata smiled softly, and nodded.
"D-deal." She said firmly. "I w-want to hear a-about y-you telling M-Mira you l-loved her s-somehow, t-too."
"Deal, hm." Deidara grinned.
Before Sasuke headed off to the training grounds he had wanted to talk to Itachi. He had heard the truth behind the massacre of his clan, and he wanted to hear it straight from his brother. Now, the two brothers were sitting under a tree in the Uchiha compound. Nostalgia hit Itachi, and he almost teared up. Almost. He patiently explained what he had been ordered to do, and also answered all of Sasuke's questions. By the time he was done, Sasuke was in tears.
"So, that's it then?" Sasuke asked as he wiped his eyes. "You're going to go back to that world?"
"Indeed." Itachi nodded. He grabbed the back of Sasuke's head, and pressed his forehead against his little brothers. Their eyes met. "Just remember, that no matter where I go, or what happens to us; I will always love you, and I never stopped loving you from the day you were born."
"Itachi.. Thank you." Sasuke mumbled as he hugged his brother. "I promised Sakura and Naruto a training session."
"Of course." Itachi smiled slightly. "Oh, Sasuke, try to give that pink haired girl a chance, will you? I kind of like her."
Sasuke flushed a soft shade a pink, and quickly walked away. How in the hell did hi brother even know he liked Sakura? Itachi just chuckled as Sasuke walked away. Suddenly, Sasuke paused, and turned around.
"I'll give her a chance, if you give that Shoto girl you're always talking about a chance!" Sasuke yelled back.
Itachi's jaw dropped, Sasuke laughed, and then ran off to the training field. Leaving Itachi sitting there, stunned that his little brother would say something that bold to him.
Sasori was sitting on top of the Hokage mountain. He had been perfectly aware that some young blonde girl had followed him up. All he was waiting for was for her to finally introduce herself.
"E-excuse me!" She finally yelled. Sasori turned slightly, and raised an eyebrow. She seemed to be.. admiring him? "I'm Ino."
"Sasori." The red-headed man drawled. Ino giggled.
"I know."
"Can I help you with something?" Sasori asked as he stood.
"Ah, well, I don't really know how to say this." Ino giggled again, and smiled at him. "I was wondering, how old are you?"
"Twenty-six." Sasori stated bluntly. Ino's smile faltered.
"Oh, I'm only sixteen." She mumbled.
"So?" Sasori asked in confusion. She blushed slightly.
"Well, the age difference is too much for us to date, is all." Ino replied.
Sasori blinked in surprise. A year ago he would have picked up on the fact she was flirting with him, and would have taken her to bed with him, sixteen or thirty-five. It had mattered little to him. Now, after having run to the end of the world and back with Evelynn for a year, he could barely acknowledge other women. Damn that wench. Why the hell did she have to keep coming to his mind?! Ino stared with amusement as he seemed to fight with himself.
"Are you alright?" She asked.
"Do you ever think of someone a lot?!" Sasori suddenly asked. He feared if he didn't vent his thoughts, he might snap. "I mean, constantly. Every day I think about her. If she's okay, if she's taking care of herself. She had this stupid habit of not looking after herself, because she's too worried about everyone else. Then I wonder if she misses me, and I don't even know what the hell I care! Sometimes I feel like I miss her, but that's just absurd. She's my comrade, nothing more. Yet, the thought of leaving her alone this long scares me, and I'm almost terrified she's going to give up on us coming back! Even just the thought os disappointing her make me feel.."
Sasori trailed off. Just how DID it make him feel? Ashamed? Hurt? Uncomfortable?
"It sounds like you're in love." Ino smiled softly.
"Like hell I am." Sasori growled.
"I'm that way. His name is Sai, only he's part of ROOT. So we never get to see each other often. We aren't dating or anything, but when I'm around him I feel happy. Secure, happy, and safe, and I always feel this need to make him feel the safe way." Ino said thoughtfully as she looked out over Konoha.
"Doesn't that scare you?" Sasori asked. "I mean, when you get attached.."
"You can get hurt." Ino finished. "Yeah, I guess that's what's been holding me back."
Sasori studied the young girl for a moment. So, she understood? For a moment, Sasori wondered just how many people actually would have understood him, had he given them the chance.
"I suppose we're both cowards." Sasori muttered as he looked over Konoha, too.
"We don't have to be." Ino replied. "We could just tell them."
"That would just confirm everything." Sasori remarked.
"Well, yes, but what if they feel the same?"
"Think that might make it worth it?"
"I don't see how it couldn't."
The two fell into a comfortable silence. Perhaps maybe Sasori would.. No, he couldn't. Evelynn has a war to focus on.
'There's always after the war.' A voice in the back of Sasori's mind taunted him.
Possibly. Yes, just possibly after the war he would tell her. So, the two stood there, and watched the sunset. Both of their minds whirling with the thoughts of what their moves would be.