Disclaimer: I own Kisara... That's about it. I wish I owned Suigetsu.

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Chapter Four

Ignoring his comment, I waited a good, long minute before I even dared to utter another word. The whole time, he regarded me with a raised eyebrow, obviously expecting me to explain myself.

Sighing, I released the Transformation Jutsu, my natural color of brown fading back into my hair and my eyes returning to their original pigment of green. Judging from what just happened, my transformation had probably gone well. "Sorry to trouble you," I apologized. "I think I'll stay here for a while... just to be safe."

Still fiddling the spoon with his sharp teeth, he regarded me speculatively. As I stared back, I suddenly noticed that he had purple eyes. What an unusual color... It almost looked unnatural.

For a minute, I let myself relax, sinking into the cushioned seats of the booth. I did feel a little awkward just sitting silently there with a stranger, but my blood was too full of adrenaline for me to really care. I just felt relieved that I had finally escaped from that torture.

A moment later, the guy set the spoon on the table with a soft click and spoke. "So what's your name?"

"...Kisara," I answered. This was probably the last time I would ever see him... Why would he want to know who I was? Just to be polite, I inquired, "And yours?"

"Suigetsu," he stated with a grin. "Nice to meet you, Kisara."

I nodded in response, and Suigetsu continued to speak. "Why were you running from those rogues?"

I looked back at him warily. This was the very thing I was afraid of... If I told one wrong person about my large chakra reserve, then it could potentially result in my imprisonment. I didn't know if I could trust this guy...

After a long pause on my part, Suigetsu's grin widened. "Hey, that's not fair... I didn't rat you out, so you owe me."

Reminding myself that this was probably the last time I would ever see him, I finally consented after a sigh. "I was held captive by them for years, and I only escaped recently."

"Interesting," he remarked. "Rogues would only keep a long-term hostage if there was a good reason. What's so special about you, then?"

Puffing out a breathe of air, I remained silent.

"You're so boring," Suigetsu teased. "I'm just curious... That's all."

"If you're only curious, then it shouldn't be a big deal."

"Well, now I'm really interested," he whined. "You still owe me, remember?"

"I already told you why I was running from those rogues." This guy was increasingly starting to get on my nerves...

After a short pause, Suigetsu spoke again with a more serious expression. "I can relate... I was once held captive and experimented on by Orochimaru."

Seriously? He was one of Orochimaru's experiments? "Why?"

A knowing look returned to Suigetsu's expression. "Why should I tell you when you haven't told me anything, hmm?"

After observing him for a few seconds, I gave in to his pressure. His interest only seemed to stem from his personality, anyway. "Well... I have a rather large chakra reserve," I explained. "It's a pretty simple concept to understand. They wanted to take my chakra for their own use."

"Oh. Of course," Suigetsu replied. He returned the spoon in between his sharp teeth, resuming to concentrate over something yet again.

So after all that urging on his part, that's all he had to say? I started to wonder how anyone could put up with a person like him for more than a day.

After a few more moments, he broke the silence once more. "I've been thinking... I could use the extra competition, and... hmm..." He trailed off, becoming mute for the second time.

Almost hesitantly, I inquired, "What is it?"

His purple eyes seemed to be scrutinizing me as he spoke. "I've been thinking," he repeated. "Because of your large chakra reserve, you must get targeted a lot, right?"

What was he getting at? "Yes," I confirmed.

"Heh, heh..." He suddenly chuckled. "And have you heard of Sasuke Uchiha?"

Who didn't know who Sasuke Uchiha was? He was a greatly-feared rogue who had abandoned the Leaf Village four years ago to join Kabuto Yakushi and Orochimaru. And wasn't he the only Uchiha left besides his brother? Suigetsu's facial expression told me that he knew that I had already acquired this information.

"Of course I do," I said. "Didn't he kill Orochimaru?"

"Yeah," Suigetsu replied. "He took all the glory, but I could have easily done it myself. Anyway, that's not the point. I was thinking that you could tag along with me and my team for a while... I need the extra practice."

What? He wanted me to go with him? I just barely met him not half an hour ago! With his unique looks and strange personality, he definitely was eccentric. "No, thanks," I decided. "I don't have any interests in joining a group when I'm constantly being stalked."

Suigetsu sighed, bringing his right leg up and resting his elbow on his knee. "That's exactly why I need you to come," he persisted. "That's also what I mean by extra practice. Sure, people will track you down, but if you're with me and my team, we'll easily take them out. I like a little competition." He winked.

Wasn't this guy a little on the arrogant side? It was extremely difficult to elude my pursuers, but would his affiliation really be willing to take me in? I would bring them a hell of a lot of trouble...

"Maybe," I decided.

Suigetsu's complexion lit up a hundred-fold as if I had wholeheartedly agreed to join him. "Come on... It would be so much easier for you."

"I don't excel in ninjutsu," I admitted, "but I'm an amateur at using ninja tools.."

"I told you, that's not the reason I want to recruit you," Suigetsu continued with an exasperated tone. "You wouldn't have to do anything if you didn't want to... I don't really care."

After drumming my fingers on the table and thinking about it for a minute or two, I finally met his eyes again. "Fine," I reluctantly agreed. His team would provide me with protection... If they were skilled. I would attempt that kind of lifestyle for a while... If it wasn't to my liking, then I would sneak away and go live on my own like I used to.

Suigetsu smirked, a stray tooth poking out of his mouth. "Good choice, Kisara."

I felt like rolling my eyes; this guy was kind of unbelievable. Who would want someone around just for competition? At least this would hopefully benefit me...

Ironically, as Suigetsu rose from his seat (whoa... He was at least 5 inches taller than me), a waitress approached our booth and smiled politely, eyeing Suigetsu's empty yogurt bowl and my bare portion of the table.

Addressing me, she asked, "Would you like anything to eat, miss?"

"No, thanks." I stood up as well, ignoring her small look of surprise as I followed Suigetsu out of the yogurt shop.

After being stressed for so long, I finally took the time to relish the feel of the warm sun's rays on my skin. It was very warm outside, but a small breeze compensated for the heat. When I tilted my head up and let the wind caress my face, I noticed that the sky was a clear, vibrant blue. I had missed this for so long... Although I had plenty of opportunities to go outside with Karashi, I definitely wasn't going to take this for granted anytime soon.

Clearing his throat, Suigetsu pulled me away from my thoughts and beckoned me to follow him. As he strolled down the gravel path of whatever small village we were presently in, I kept my gaze fixed on the sight of his straight, white hair. What were the chances of me running into this person and then committing to a life with him for who knew how long?

Eventually, we reached a building labeled Mochi Hotel. After climbing two sets of stairs, Suigetsu stopped in front of a door at the end of the hall. "Sasuke? It's me... Let me in."

I stiffened as soon as I heard him say Sasuke's name. I was wondering why Suigetsu asked me if I knew about the Uchiha and how that inquiry was of any relevance to his team..

"You didn't tell me Sasuke was on your team!" I whispered angrily.

Suigetsu blinked, a blank form of surprise forming on his countenance. "What? That's why I mentioned Sasuke, you... Wow. You couldn't figure that out?"

Well, I figured that out now. He didn't directly state that he was Sasuke's teammate... He really could have been a little clearer!

A young man's voice drifted to us from the inside of the room. "Suigetsu, what's going on over there? Come in."

At this point, I was seriously having some pretty big doubts about joining up with Sasuke. He was one of the mostly feared ninja in the shinobi world, and I was about to become his comrade? No, thanks.

Taking a step back, I smiled apologetically. "You know what? I have second thoughts..."

"Oh, no, you don't," Suigetsu said defiantly. Opening the door, he shouted, "Nothing! I'll be right there!" Before I could do anything to avoid him, Suigetsu's fingers closed around my wrist, and he tugged me inside.

Why, why, why? Why was I always forced to do something against my will? I knew I shouldn't have been complaining because this situation wasn't nearly as bad as my last one, but this one involved Sasuke Uchiha.

The greatly-feared rogue sat nonchalantly in an armchair in front of a TV, which was oddly not turned on. He looked just like he did on the countless number of WANTED signs I had seen before... His spiky, raven colored hair framed dark, onyx eyes, and he wore a light-colored robe. Unusually, his expressionless mask didn't waver when he saw me trail behind Suigetsu into the room.

"Who is she?" he asked bluntly.

"Her name is Kisara," Suigetsu replied. "You can sense her chakra, right?"

Sasuke confirmed his answer with a slight nod of the head. "Why did you bring her here?"

Suigetsu cracked a grin. "It's been so boring lately... We haven't fought anyone worth fighting in such a long time. I mean, we need to train, right? She said that ninja often try to capture her so they can take her large amount of chakra, and if she joins our group, we'll have a lot of opportunities to fight. We'll become stronger."

While he made his proposition, I stood next to him awkwardly and desperately hoped that Sasuke would refuse Suigetsu's offer. There wasn't anything holding me back from bolting for it, but Sasuke's presence alone had such an authoritarian aura that running away seemed almost... against the rules. But if I joined Sasuke's group, would that technically make me a rogue ninja, even though I probably wouldn't do anything? If that would be so, it would be kind of ironic, seeing as I had been despising rogue ninja for the majority of my life.

Before Sasuke uttered a response, another girl whom I presumed to also be a part of his team stalked into the room. Long, red hair framed her face, and when she laid her matching-colored eyes on Suigetsu and me, I could see them narrow through her glasses. It was almost like she wasn't expecting anyone besides Sasuke to be present.

After glazing her eyes over me, she directed her scowl towards Suigetsu. "Hmph. What're you doing here? I thought you and Jugo were going to explore the village on our day off."

Suigetsu sighed, his annoyance with the girl apparent at first glance. "A few hours ago, Jugo wanted to be left alone, so he disappeared into the forest bordering the village," he explained. "You know how he is with nature and all that stuff. He also probably wanted to be alone so he wouldn't hurt anyone nearby if one of his urges took over him."

"Okay, okay, I get it," the girl said impatiently, waving Suigetsu off. "But that still doesn't explain why you brought her with you." Her eyes flicking towards me, she jabbed a finger in my direction.

"She has a name, you know," he pointed out, his frown deepening. "She's Kisara, and she might become a new member of Hebi. Apparently, rogue ninja track her down because of her large chakra reserve, and if she joins our team, we'll have lots of opportunities to fight because of that. We'll-"

"What's the good in that?!" the girl interrupted. "That's just asking for trouble!"

"Jeez... Calm down, Karin," said Suigetsu. "Hear me out, okay? The fighting will be like training for us. If we fight often, we'll get stronger."

Karin did not look convinced as she rested a hand on her hip. "That... Was the most. Retarded. Idea. I have ever heard. And every idea you come up with is retarded!"

Although the girl looked at me as if I was garbage, I wasn't complaining at all. I didn't want to become a part of this team, anyway. If it wasn't composed of rogues, then sure. But this group didn't exactly meet with my expectations... and the leader was Sasuke. Sasuke Uchiha. So as long as I didn't become a member of this team, I didn't really care what happened.

"Yeah, right!" Suigetsu spat. "The only reason you don't like my idea is because you don't want competition for your Sasuke."

"W-What?!" Karin stuttered, suddenly feeling the need to fiddle with her glasses. "How did you come up with something as stupid as that? I-I'm only against your idea because... it's retarded!"

Suigetsu smirked, showing off his sharp teeth. "Just as I thought. Another girl on the team would lower your chances of winning Sasuke over, wouldn't it?"

"No way! Just SHUT UP!" Karin exploded.

Resting his elbows on the arms of his armchair, Sasuke laced his fingers together in front of his blank complexion. "Enough, you two. The amount of chakra doesn't matter unless she also possesses skill. Don't be so selfish, Suigetsu. She won't help me achieve my goal. Stop making unnecessary complications."

Suigetsu frowned, while Karin visibly relaxed. "Come on, Sasuke," he urged. "The only reason I joined your team was because you agreed to let me find Kubikiribocho. If Kisara can indirectly make me stronger, then I will gladly take that chance so I can eventually collect all of the swords of the Seven Swordsman of the Mist. Then, I'll reform the group and become their leader." Hope and excitement danced in his amethyst eyes.

Sasuke remained unimpressed. "Don't chase a dream that can't be turned into a reality," he said disapprovingly. "Unlike mine, your dream cannot be achieved. Don't waste your time on such impossible obligations."

Relieved that I wasn't going to team up with the Sharingan user, I let out a puff of air I hadn't realized I was holding. Suigetsu's dreamy gaze hardened immediately as he glared at Sasuke.

"You can be a real pain in the ass sometimes, you know," he spit out.

"I'm realistic," was Sasuke's reply. "I won't allow the girl to join Hebi... She will be a burden. That's my final decision. Now go get rid of her."

So his team name was Hebi, or snake? That name only reinforced the image that Sasuke was a bad guy. Despite Sasuke's harsh words, however, I felt satisfied about his decision; I definitely did not want to team up with rogues.

Suigetsu's eyes seemed to throw daggers at Sasuke. "Fine. She won't join team Hebi, but neither will I. I'll leave and go with Kisara... I guess it comes to that."

...What.

I thought his threat would positively faze Sasuke, but it did anything but that. "Fine with me," Sasuke muttered. "I can always recruit someone else."

...WHAT?

I swiveled towards Suigetsu, a look of astonishment forming on my face. "Are you kidding? That's taking it way too far! Just because I'm tracked down often doesn't mean that you have to follow me so you can put yourself at risk. I don't even know you." This guy really was crazy.

"So?" said Suigetsu. "I won't pass up an opportunity that will increase my chances of retrieving the swords! Besides... Team Hebi hasn't done anything interesting lately. Staying with Sasuke and the others isn't doing anything for me."

Karin's lips curled up in a demonic smile. "I can't believe this is happening," she said, her voice wavering with happiness. "I've been waiting for this moment since forever! I hope I never see you again, you water-loving piece of shit!"

Where would we even go? And what would I do? My mind wasn't short of a whirlpool at the moment, so I couldn't form any words. While I was groping for something to say, Sasuke spoke to Suigetsu. "Make your decision," the former ordered. "If you're staying, then get the girl out. If you're leaving, take her with you and make it quick."

"Hmph. Well, I guess this is it, then," Suigetsu decided with an indifferent shrug. Sasuke didn't so much as move an inch, and his obsidian eyes continued to bore through me. Ignoring my bewildered protests, Suigetsu grabbed my wrist and pulled me rather forcefully out of the hotel room.

He didn't stop tugging me until we exited the building. Once I was finally released from his grip, I could only stare and gape at him. "What the hell?!" I exclaimed. "Why in the world would you ever do that? Do you realize what you've just done? I'm pretty sure you can't go back on your word with someone like Sasuke! What am I going to do now? Oh, no..."

As I was experiencing a mental breakdown, Suigetsu merely smirked and rolled his eyes. "Just relax, Kisara. I don't regret my choices. I know what I'm doing."

"But I'm not even going anywhere in particular! I was just running from Ruga- I mean, those rogue ninja- and I needed to hide anywhere. I think I'm safe now, so I really don't have anywhere to go."

Suigetsu waved me off. "That doesn't change anything. I'll find out where the other six swords from the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist are and take you with me when I'm finding them." He motioned to the large sword strapped to his back, which I assumed to be one of those swords involved in his goal. "Rogues will try and take you for your chakra along the way; I will fight them and get stronger in the process; and I will finally reach my dream..." The same look of hope that I saw earlier shown in his eyes again.

"So I'm just bait, then," I stated through gritted teeth.

My anger heightened when Suigetsu kept on smirking that annoying smirk. "Aww, don't think of yourself as 'bait'... Just think of me as your bodyguard."

My anger didn't subside at all, and I heavily laced my words with sarcasm. "Yeah. A bodyguard that deliberately puts me in danger."

Suigetsu sighed, but he continued to exhibit a carefree mood. "C'mon, Kisara. Lighten up. It'll be fun... You'll see. You won't even have to do anything."

For some reason, his tone of voice made me slightly uneasy. "You're the strangest guy I've ever met," I muttered.

Unfazed by my comment, Suigetsu flashed his sharp teeth at me in a grin. "Cool. I can't wait to start... I'm itching for a good fight."