A/N: I feel like it's kind of redundant to apologize for lack of updating, but boy have I been on one hell of a ride. I'm actually in Japan right now, studying abroad, so that's really exciting. While I do fully plan to take advantage of my time here, I've been writing a bit more since getting here, so perhaps I'll update slightly more frequently (no promises though). Anyways, enjoy!

Disclaimer: All original characters belong to their respective creators, and Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.

Chapter Twenty-One

Test

I was so focused on trying to gauge my opponents that I nearly jumped when I heard Kye's voice in my head.

One of the things I worked on while with Kakuzu was my kekkei genkai. We furthered its potential so I'm able to do something I call a mind link. It basically links our minds together so that everyone connected can communicate with each other. You just have to stay within a ten meter radius of me.

Sweet, Akito's voice echoed through my mind, which was weird, since I was hardly used to hearing Kye's voice in my mind.

Good work, Kye, I said. So what's our big strategy?

I think our best bet is to each take on an opponent, Kye said. We should each fight who we're facing right now. Does that sound good?

Akito, will you be okay facing a long range fighter? I asked.

Yeah, I think I can manage, she replied. As long as I get close to him and I don't let him get away from me, it won't be a problem. Will you be alright against Konan?

Definitely, I replied. After my training with Kisame, I'm not worried about her. However… My thoughts trailed off and I glanced at Kye, then over at Itachi, and back at Kye.

Don't worry about me, she replied.

But I bet that's part of the test, I said, the realization hitting me. I mean, yes, Lady Tsunade wants to test our individual strength, but I'm sure she's always looking at our team strength, too. We'll fight our individual opponents, but don't forget to keep an eye on each other, too. Don't be afraid to ask for help, either.

Agreed, Kye and Akito's voices rang in my mind at the same time.

"Alright, is everyone clear on the rules?" Tsunade asked. She had moved to stand in between the two teams. Everyone nodded, and she continued. "As I said, fight with the intent to kill; however, I will intervene if things seem too dangerous. This isn't a test to see who will actually kill who, it's just to see how the training of these three girls went. Ready? Begin!" She jumped back, and we were quick to act.

Kisame and I had spent a lot of time on increasing my chakra, this was true, but we also focused on increasing my strength and stamina. So as soon as Tsunade began the match, I focused my chakra to my feet, lunging forward at lightning speed. I raised my fist to ready my first punch, but Konan was already prepared. Her body turned into paper, separating and reforming behind me, but I was ready for that. I spun around to face her, and saw her swipe a kunai at me. I grabbed her wrist, halting the blade, and punched her in the stomach. Her face briefly scrunched in pain, but that didn't stop the kick she sent into my abdomen. I skidded back, but ignored the sting her foot left. I jumped back a couple of feet and sent some shuriken in her direction, trying to think of my next course of action.

Akito's POV

The second Lady Tsunade told us to begin, I lunged at Deidara. I focused my chakra into my left hand, feeling my fingers elongate and the nails sharpen into claws. Hidan and I had spent time on my ability to do partial transformations. Before my training, I could heighten my senses by focusing chakra into my eye, ears, or nose, but now I could transform individual body parts.

I clearly caught Deidara off guard. He was still reaching for his clay pouch when I swiped at him. He jumped back, just barely dodging my attack, but I wasn't going to let him get far away from me. It would all be over if he did.

I swiped at him again, using my left hand as a distraction, while I focused chakra into my other hand to strength the right hook I was planning to throw. He sidestepped my swipe, and before he could completely stabilize himself, I hit him square in the face with my chakra infused fist.

He went flying back, and I was quick to stay close to him. I allowed my paw to return to its hand form, and I sent chakra into my feet for a burst of speed. I grabbed a kunai, and slashed at him, but he jumped back and all I cut was air.

As he skidded to a stop about three feet away from me, I saw his hands sneak into his pouch and start molding clay.

"Shit," I muttered. I couldn't let him make bombs, or a bird. I'd be S.O.L if that happened.

I sent chakra to my feet to quickly close the three feet between us, preparing another powerful right hook.

Kye's POV

I probably had the hardest fight of the three of us. Not that Darcy or Akito's fights were any easier, but they could actually look their opponent in the eye. I kept my sight on the triangle made by Itachi's nose and shoulders. If I paid attention to the pivot of that triangle, I would be able to counter his moves. I hoped.

With my kekkei genkai, I was able to keep an eye on Darcy and Akito's fights by seeing into their minds, rather than looking at them, while still keeping my attention on Itachi. But, if I gave their fights too much attention, I'd lose focus on my fight.

Itachi made his move first, and by "move" I mean he disappeared from sight. The only hint that he had appeared behind me was a slight breeze that blew through my hair. I jumped forward and spun around to face him just as he sliced his kunai at me. I jumped back again, putting distance between the two of us, and sent three shuriken at him. Naturally, he dodged them, but I had already finished my hand seals for my jutsu. I just hoped the shuriken distracted his sharingan enough that he didn't see my signs.

"Fire Style: Giant Fireball Jutsu!" For a moment, the training field in front of me disappeared, consumed by heat and flame. The bright orange tongues slowly subsided, and… Itachi was gone.

Well, shit.

"Behind you," a calm voice deadpanned from, well, behind me.

I spun around, reaching for a kunai. My arm flung up, blocking his knife just in time. I sent a kick at his stomach, but his body dissolved into crows before my eyes.

Double shit.

"Water Style: Water Bullet Jutsu!" I turned to see Itachi standing on the water, and water bullets flying at me.

I focused my chakra. I could probably cancel them out with another giant fireball. But how much chakra would that leave me with?

No, I would have enough. I was sure of it.

My hands moved quickly forming the right signs, and, once again, I shouted, "Fire Style: Giant Fireball Jutsu!"

My flames hit Itachi's water, and with a hiss, they turned to steam.

I made a move to step forward, and try and attack him in the steam, when I heard Darcy's voice in my head.

Kye, wait! She called. We need a different strategy. We need to attack one of them as a group. It'll even out our odds against them. Besides, if we keep fighting one-on-one like this, it'll just wear us out, and we'll probably end up losing.

I agree, Akito replied, speaking to both of us telepathically.

What's the plan, then? I asked. I could see through their minds that they were still keeping up with their fights, which was impressive, considering they never practice talking telepathically while fighting. On top of that, we all had to keep straight faces. If our opponents figured out we were communicating, we'd lose what little advantage we had.

Akito, can you use your wolf eyes to see in that steam? Darcy asked.

Yeah, on it, she replied, already seeing my plan in my mind.

I turned just as I saw Darcy throw three shuriken, closely followed by three kunai at Deidara. One shuriken grazed his arm, but he easily dodged the rest. That was all the time Akito needed, though. While he was distracted, she darted into the steam, laying paper bomb traps. Perhaps Itachi would trigger them, perhaps not, but it would give me and Darcy enough time to set up our combo.

"Earth Style: Cracking Fault Line!" Darcy cried, slamming her hands into the ground. A crack appeared where she made impact, rapidly spreading to Konan, pulling open like a mouth in the ground, creating a giant chasm.

Konan, of course, took to the air, but while she was distracted dodging, Darcy joined me as we hurried to the lake.

"Since when do you know earth style jutsu?" I asked.

"Since training with Kisame," she replied with a smile.

"Awesome, now we all can use two chakra types," I said. We had reached the center of the lake in less than a minute. Akito was joining us, and the steam was dispersing. We heard the paper bombs go off, but as soon as the air cleared, we saw that they had all been set off by kunai. Itachi, Konan, and Deidara stood in a line facing us.

Alright, Akito, ready? I asked. I knew she knew the plan, since she had seen it, just as I had, in Darcy's mind.

On it! She ran towards our three opponents, fully transforming into a wolf. Thanks to her training, she was faster, and I assumed stronger. Unfortunately, Darcy and I didn't have time to watch.

Who do we get first? I asked.

Let's try for Itachi, Darcy said. There's a chance we can overwhelm him, especially with Akito there. This would have worked better if we had had time to hit him while the steam was still in the air, but let's do our best.

Darcy performed her hand signs quickly, as did I.

Akito, go for Itachi Wait until the last possible second to get out of the way, I instructed.

Roger that, she replied.

"Water Style: Giant Vortex Jutsu!" Darcy shouted.

As soon as the vortex was created, I stuck my hand in and yelled, "Chidori!"

The lighting crackled as it merged with the water, the combination flying straight at Akito – and Itachi.

Akito did as she was instructed, and jumped out of the way when the devastating combo jutsu was mere centimeters from her, and though Itachi looked surprised, he still managed to jump back and to the side – clear away from the attack.

"Hold on, if I focus my chakra, I think I can make it follow him," Darcy said. She closed her eyes, focusing her energy into our jutsu. The vortex turned slightly right, aiming straight at Itachi, and before he had a chance to land, he was hit dead on.

"Darcy, that was great!" I cried. As I turned to her, her legs gave out, and she was breathing heavy. I reached out to help her stand. "Hey, you okay?"

"Yeah, just… just tired," she said. She took a few deep breaths. "I'll have to go easy on the chakra use for a bit, but my taijutsu should be fine. In a minute. I hope."

"Just hang in there," I said. "But don't push yourself."

"I'll be fine," Darcy said, reaching for my hand and pulling herself up. She was still breathing heavy, but she seemed steadier on her feet.

"That was impressive, but it seemed to take a lot out of you," a voice said behind us. I froze, and I saw Darcy stiffen.

Akito's POV

Are you guys okay? I asked. I felt their shock and fear through Kye's connection, and, through their eyes, saw Itachi reform himself from a flock of crows. I'll be right-

No, Kye said. I know this is a lot to ask, but you have the most energy of the three of us. Take care of Konan and Deidara, we'll handle Itachi. Can you do that?

Can I? Ha! You underestimate my power! I replied. I've got this covered. I'll call for help if I need any.

Got it, Kye said.

I turned to face Konan and Deidara.

"Your friends leave you all alone, un?" Deidara teased.

"Resorting to taunts, Deidara?" I asked. "Well, while you do that, I'll be busy kicking your ass." I saw the shock in Deidara's eyes as I lunged toward him with lighting fast speed. I transformed my left hand into a paw. When I was right in front of him, I sent a right hook into his stomach, and scratched at his chest immediately after my punch hit. I kicked him in the stomach, adding chakra for extra speed and strength. Deidara went flying back, slamming into a tree. I knew he wasn't out of the fight, but this would give me time to focus on Konan.

I turned to face her to find that she had sprouted paper wings.

Great, this'll make it harder, I thought to myself.

"How does the wolf plan on fighting the angel?

"The only way I know how," I replied. "I'll keep hitting you until you fall." I sent a few shuriken followed by some kunai to distract her. I bit my thumb, and my hands moved smoothly and quickly forming the proper seals. "Summoning Jutsu!" I cried. Three wolves appeared behind me: Taiyou, Yoruko, and Hoshi. "Ready, you three?"

Taiyou was the biggest, and my beta. He had grey fur, and piercing yellow eyes. I worked best with Taiyou when it came to coordinating attacks, and I did most of the heavy fighting with him. Yoruko was the smallest, though she still had a pretty nasty bite. I used her for sneak attacks and intel gathering. Her fur was black, and her eyes grey. Hoshi was average size, for a wolf, but compared to the ninja hounds of the Inuzuka clan, he was pretty big. He had grey fur, like Taiyou, but grey eyes like Yoruko. He was also Taiyou and Yoruko's son. Just like his mother, he packed a nasty bite. But his attacks were always too obvious. I usually used him as a distraction, or the finishing blow.

"Whenever you are, Akito," Taiyou said.

"Alright. Yoruko, I need you to sneak around. Try to get her from behind," I said. "Taiyou, Hoshi, with me!"

"So, you've mastered summoning jutsu, then, have you? Impressive," Konan said. "Now you have your own little pack."

"Hell yeah, I do," I said. "And I'm the alpha! Hoshi!" Hoshi didn't need any more command than that. He jumped up, lunging toward Konan. I waited a moment before I followed him, Taiyou close on my tail (figuratively, right now).

Konan kicked at Hoshi, sending him flying. I suspected it would happen, and I felt a little bad, but I knew he'd be okay. I also knew I couldn't focus on that right now. I lunged towards Konan, sending a kick into her stomach. She side-stepped, and Taiyou jumped around me lunging at her. Again, she dodged, jumping back, but Yoruko was there, slashing at her back.

She cried out in pain, and her scream almost covered Deidara's approach from behind. Almost. Had it not been for my enhanced hearing, I wouldn't have heard his feet rustling the grass. I looked over at Hoshi, but had already turned and lunged at Deidara, knocking him down.

I turned back to Konan, preparing to finish her off with one more hit when Lady Tsunade called out, "Alright, that's enough! I've gotten a good gauge of your skills now."

Darcy's POV

Kye and I made our way over to Akito's side.

"Awesome summoning, Akito!" Kye exclaimed, slapping her on the back.

"Heh, thanks," she said with a smile, rubbing the back of her head.

I watched as Itachi, Konan and Deidara walked over to the rest of their group.

I was feeling a lot better now that I had a chance to catch my breath.

"Eh, not bad, kid," Kisame said as I led my group over to where everyone else was.

"Still not a kid," I grumbled.

Kisame just chuckled, and said, "You are to me." He rubbed my head, and I ducked away, walking over to Gaara. I grabbed his arm, and glared at Kisame.

"Alright, now that I saw that, we have a couple things that need to be taken care of," Lady Tsunade said. "First, I'm worried about Danzo." I glanced at Itachi, but his face remained as stoic as ever. "I'm worried about leaving him here while I'm gone."

"Where are you going?" I asked.

"I'm calling a Kage Summit meeting. Well, I've already called it, so I need to leave today," she said. "And you, Darcy, are coming with me."

"I am?" I asked.

"Yes, you and Sakura will act as my escorts. Shizune," Tsunade said, turning to her closest aide. "I need you to stay here and keep Danzo in line. I don't trust him."

"Yes, milady," Shizune said.

"Also, Itachi, Konan, I want you two to come along. I've already sent word that the majority of Akatsuki has changed sides, and that two of them will be coming with me to explain your story. As far as Gaara and I are concerned, you've earned our trust, and we gladly accept your help against Madara. However, if we are going to fight alongside the other nations, we need them to trust you. Or, at least agree to let you help us."

"We understand," Konan said. "Itachi and I will gladly accompany you."

"With that said, we should leave today. I'll give you an hour to prepare. Meet at the main gate," Tsunade said. "Dismissed! Shizune, with me." She turned and walked off, Shizune close on her tail.

"There you are, Itachi!" A familiar voice called. I turned to see a girl with long black hair come running up. She looked familiar, though I couldn't place where I had seen her.

"Etsu. Hello," Itachi replied.

Etsu, Shikamaru's older sister. Of course, we worked with her when we infiltrated Akatsuki.

"I've been looking for you everywhere. It's time for your check-up," she said. She looked over at me, Kye, and Akito, as if she had just noticed us. "Hey, guys, how are you?"

"Good, how are you?" I asked.

"Fine, fine," she said with a smile. "I've been looking after Itachi while you were gone. Lady Tsunade's orders. I haven't been able to cure him, but I've definitely helped."

That's right, I thought, Itachi was close to death.

"Now he doesn't need medicine to live. Well, not as much as he used to need, at least," Etsu continued.

"You'll have to give me some medicine. I'm leaving in an hour," Itachi said.

"An hour? Well, let's go, I'll get everything ready for you," Etsu said, turning and walking away, though to where, I wasn't sure. Itachi paused only a moment.

He turned to me, and said, "I suppose I'll see you and Sakura at the main gate."

"Will you be at the Uchiha compound?" Sakura asked.

"Yes."

"I'll meet you there in forty-five minutes, then, and escort you to the front gate," Sakura offered.

"I can do that," Etsu said. "That way you have the whole hour to prepare."

"That works, thanks," Sakura said, smiling, though she looked slightly annoyed.

"Come on, hurry up, Itachi," Etsu said, continuing to walk away.

Without another word, Itachi followed her.

"Well, I'm off, too," Sakura said, running off to prepare.

"I guess I should go, too, then," I said.

"I'll come with you," Konan said with a small smile.

"Sure." I returned the smile, then looked at Gaara. "I'll see you later?"

"Yes, definitely," he said.

"Do you need anything specific?" Konan asked me.

"Hmm…" I thought about it, rummaging through my tool pouch. "I need some more herbs for basic antidotes, and a couple other medical supplies. Oh, looks like I need shuriken, too. Honestly, I'm not really sure what to expect from this mission. I haven't really been on one like this before."

"It's just an escort mission, there's nothing for someone with your skill to worry about," Konan said with a small smile.

"Thanks, I appreciate the vote of confidence," I said. "Do you need to get anything?"

"I just need to restock on paper," she replied.

"Do you think Madara will start a war?" I asked, after a moment of silence.

"I don't think, I know," she said. I glanced over at her, and saw she looked as tired as she always did. Even when she smiled, she never really looked happy. I knew she had been through a lot, but I hoped one day she could truly be happy again.

"I don't know if I'm ready for that," I admitted.

"No one's ever ready for war, Darcy. It's a necessary evil," Konan said. "Having grown up in a war zone, I can easily say I don't look forward to it, but if we don't try and stop Madara now, no one ever will, nor will they be able to. Lots of people will die, Darcy. People that you care about. You need to be prepared for that. If you're not, I suggest you work in the medic tents."

"I don't want to leave Gaara's side. I can't leave his side," I said.

"Don't let your feelings for him distract you from the battle," she warned. "He's Kazekage for a reason. He can take care of himself."

"I know, I never said he couldn't. It's just… I don't know what I would do if I lost him."

"I just want you to be prepared for the worst."

We reached the supply shop and gathered what we needed as quickly as we could.

As Konan and I approached the front gate, we saw Etsu and Itachi leaning casually against the wall, their hands intertwined.

"Are they a couple?" I stage-whispered to Konan.

"I do not know. Itachi spoke little of his personal life and his past in Konoha when we were in Akatsuki," Konan replied. "Actually, he never spoke of his personal life or his history in Konoha."

"Figures," I mumbled.

Etsu dropped Itachi's hand as we approached. She smiled, and said, "Hey guys!" Turning to Itachi, she said, "Okay, so you're all set with medicine and you seem to be in good health, so it looks like your all set."

"So it appears," Itachi replied. He didn't smile visibly, but I thought I saw a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

"I guess I'll see you when you return, then."

"You will."

"Take care!" Etsu smiled, and waved as she ran off.

I opened my mouth to question what I had seen just as Tsunade, Sakura, Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro showed up.

"Good, we're all here," Tsunade said. "Let's get moving."

A/N: Hope you enjoyed, I really do hope I'll get the next chapter up sooner (although, theoretically, that shouldn't be difficult, considering it took over a year to update last time…) See you guys next chapter!