Chapter 42 (Saiya POV)

~1 week later~

We were all back in Konoha, safe and sound. The entire trip back from Sound country, Ayome clung to me tightly and refused to let Kakashi and me out of her sight; even when Kakashi and I reported to Tsunade's office later that day.

"Alright, it has been a week and a report on the incidents that occurred during your mission is long overdue," Tsunade looked at each one of us sternly.

Naruto and Sakura were there with us as well as Ayome. Ayome stood behind Kakashi, hugging his legs and looking at Tsunade with some fear.

"Lord Hokage, I just have one request," I stated flatly. "Please let me drop off Ayome –"

"No mommy! I don't wanna leave!" Ayome wailed suddenly and started crying.

Kakashi picked her up and soothed her; it had been a terrible ordeal for her as well.

"As you can see, she has been traumatized by the events," I continued. "She hasn't left our sight and she refuses to."

"Ayome, how about you come play with me and Naruto while your parents talk to Lord Hokage?" Sakura said sweetly, holding out her arms for Ayome.

She thought about it for a moment and let Sakura take her from her father, "Can we make flower bracelets?"

"Of course! And I'll bring us some ramen," Naruto smiled big.

Their voices faded down the hall and the door to her office shut behind them; we were alone.

"Report please," Tsunade said stiffly.

"Orochimaru and Kabuto are both dead; I killed them," I replied hollowly. "As well as other enemy ninja who came in my way. After their deaths, I searched for the dungeons where Kakashi, Naruto, Ayome, and Sakura were being kept. I found other prisoners as well. We stayed for a few days and with the help of neighboring villages, and Sakura, we were able to get all of them treatment. We came back right after, took some time off, and now we're here."

"That's all very interesting...but I was more interested in what happened to you Saiya," Tsunade said quietly.

"I used my abilities as I saw fit," I shrugged my shoulders.

She raised her eyebrows but I didn't tell her more; she didn't need to know. I heard Ayome's laugh through the open window. The only thing that mattered was that she and everyone I cared about were safe. When her abilites begin to show, I'll teach her everything I know.

"Mommy! Look what me and sissy made!" Ayome came running back into Tsunade's office, holding a crown made of flowers. "It's for you!"

"Aww sweetie, thank you; how about you model it for me?" I squatted down to her level and put it on her head.

"You know sweetie, you make it look prettier," Kakashi said and picked up Ayome and hugged her.

"Thank you both for looking after her," I said quietly. "I really appreciate it."

"Can sissy and Naruto come over?" Ayome asked pleadingly.

"Anytime," I smiled.

We departed and walked home slowly. Ayome sat on Kakashi's shoulders and she laughed whenever he bounced or ran. I couldn't help but smile; although my heart panged with pain whenever I thought of how close I came to losing both of them.

Ayome was fast asleep by the time we got home. Once we had tucked her into bed, I told Kakashi all of the gory details of the fight. He listened quietly, and comforted me when I needed it.

"You kept these details from Tsunade; why?" Kakashi wondered.

"I don't want the village watching over me or my daughter; I will not have her used as a weapon," I replied sharply. "Look what happened to the Uchihas."

"Point taken; I just hope Ayome doesn't have too many scars," Kakashi sighed.

"She's young; I doubt she'll remember," I said hopefully.

I really home she doesn't remember much. She doesn't deserve horrible memories like that. I snuggled close to him and closed my eyes. I inhaled his perfect scent; this was the first time we had been alone since as long as can remember. I was content with just falling asleep like this, but our blissful moment was interrupted by a knock on the door.

A/N: WOW. Okay one more chapter done. I typed this up on my new tablet :D the keyboard is a bit slow on catching up on the program but it was amazing other than that. It somewhat helps me try not to make mistakes as I type. Anyways...thank you so much for keeping up with this story so far. I promise this story is almost done. Just a couple more chapters. Keep reading my lovelies!