Chapter Eleven: Back on Track and Covering the Bases
A/N-Y: We're back people! It's been nice knowing you all and such but I'm afraid we've come to the end of the line.
GM NASAI: Why are you doing the 'farewell' speech already?
A/N-Y: Because this is the end.
GM NASAI: Didn't Kana and Shina tell you?
A/N-S: We were going to but life happened.
GM NASAI: You live in my head. You don't really have a life.
A/N-K: That doesn't make us any more real you know!
A/N-Y: Can someone please tell me what I'm missing here?
GM NASAI: {Sigh} This isn't the last chapter.
A/N-Y: WHAT?! But-But you-you said...
A/N-K: Relax Yuuki, we'll explain while the people read. GM NASAI does not own Naruto or any of their other merchandising.
A/N-S: I thought Yuuki always did that.
A/N-K: I wanted to see how it felt. {Shrugs} Not as good as I thought it would feel.
"So where is Tsunade?" Jiraiya asked as we entered the closest village to Konoha.
"I have no clue." I said. Jiraiya face faulted.
"What?" He asked. I shrugged keeping a wary eye on the people as they walked.
"I may be psychic but even I'm not all knowing. Do you know what the strain of seeing everything would do to a person?" Jiraiya nodded thoughtfully.
"But we do find her right?" Jiraiya asked. There was the hotel Itachi and Kisame were supposed to find us in.
"Oh yes. You just need to ask in a shop. Ask and ye shall receive."
"How long is this gonna take?" Naruto whined.
"Don't worry otouto. We'll get there." I replied mysteriously.
"Well you two should stay in a hotel while I find some information." Jiraiya said pulling us to the hotel. "One room, two beds please." The old man behind the desk nodded. Money and a key were exchanged. I looked up and down the street that I could see. It didn't look that different from all the other places I'd been but at least here I could get some privacy. Jiraiya had suggested I cover my headband to avoid anyone forewarning Tsunade should they figure out what we were doing.
"Are you sure it's just information?" Naruto asked seeing Jiraiya look at a pretty black haired woman walking my. I rolled my eyes before taking the key from Jiraiya.
"Who cares as long as we're away from the pervert?" I pulled Naruto after me. "Have fun!" I called.
"Exactly!" Jiraiya exclaimed going goggly eyed. I shook my head in amusement. Trust Jiraiya to fall for something like that.
"If you did your Sexy Jutsu he wouldn't be looking anywhere else." I muttered as Naruto and I walked up the stairs.
"Should I?" Naruto asked raising his hands.
"Nah, he'll learn his lesson soon enough." I snorted pulling Naruto into the room. "Hey look, we can make some ramen." I said spotting a coffee maker. "We can get some hot water from this."
"ALRIGHT!" Naruto yelled pulling out ramen. Other than his clothes it was all he packed. I shook my head in amusement. Subconsciously I put a shield over the room to block Naruto's chakra signature.
"Itadakimasu!" Six minutes later Naruto and I were sitting at the table and eating the noodly goodness. I watched as Naruto practically inhaled his first bowl. He sighed in contentment before frowning.
"Onee-chan, where are you from?" Naruto asked. I raised an eyebrow while continuing to eat.
"That's a random question." I said once my mouth was clear.
"I know but... You don't wear a village headband. Just the 'fate' headband."
"Jiraiya doesn't wear the Konoha headband." I said.
"Yeah but people already know he's from Konoha." Naruto argued.
"Ah..." I chewed my noodles thinking about my answer. "… Truthfully I'm not from any specific village." Unless you count Flagstaff, Arizona. "I like the Five Nations so I'd have to say that every village is my home. I don't have a favorite nor will I choose just one."
"But, how can you live in all the Hidden Villages?" Naruto asked.
"I just do. Wherever I go is where my home is." Naruto frowned. "I like to believe that the Five Nations are one, not separate, just one." Hopefully this would help him get started on his 'bring peace to all' that he was known for in the... alternate future.
"I get it." Naruto said slowly. "But how do you go in and out without getting stopped by other ninja?" I tapped my chin wondering how to best explain the situation.
"Well, the five Hokage's know that my sisters and I are neutral. We don't take sides and as a result we help in the village whenever we can. Like the Invasion on Konoha. If Kumo was in trouble we'd help them too." Naruto nodded.
"But wouldn't one of the villages want you three to stay permanently?" Naruto asked.
"Yes. But we told them we could either stay with them as regular ninja without telling about any visions or we could wander the land and tell them if any calamity was about to befall them. They tried forcing us but that only resulted in us practically driving their village into the ground with pranks, wailing, and destroying random things. They'd rather have us as allies than destroying their village." Naruto nodded.
"So, you'll never really settle down?" Naruto asked looking sad.
"We might one day." I murmured softly remembering the vision of me in the Akatsuki. "But that day is not today." A knock sounded on the door. "If that's a woman asking for Jiraiya I'm going to murder him." I growled getting up.
"I can get it." Naruto said getting up. I waved him off.
"You stay there." I ordered. "Before I eat your ramen." He plopped back down like a sack of potatoes. I smiled opening the door to see Itachi and Kisame. "Can I help you gentlemen?" I asked coolly. Thankfully the table wasn't in the line of sight to the door.
"Unmei…" Kisame grinned. "Well this is a surprise running into you here."
"Eh, it's not really a surprise for me." I said staring at them warily. "May I ask why you're knocking on my door?"
"We're looking for a blond kid with blue eyes, seen him?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Kisame I'm shocked, I wouldn't have thought of you as a pedophile." I shook my head sadly while he sputtered. "First impressions are always wrong I suppose."
"I'm not a pedophile!" He growled. I could see a faint smile on Itachi's face.
"Says the one asking for a blond boy. I should be ashamed but I kind of expected something like this." Kisame growled.
"I'm not Orochimaru." I nodded sagely moving into the hallway more. One check of my shield and I was glad I could obscure Naruto so it seemed like I was all alone.
"Yes but the news is he's dead so his mantle can go to you." I gave him a once over. "It wouldn't take much for people to assume." Itachi stepped forward before Kisame could wring my neck. Ooh he's so sexy. (GAH! I did not just think that!)
"As amusing as Kisame being a pervert is the boy in question just so happens to be a Jinchuuriki." I frowned, ignoring the tiny part of me that loved his voice. "The man at the counter said he came in with you."
"Why the hell do people call them sacrifices? It's not right." I seethed ignoring their looks. "They didn't ask to have the Bijuu, they were put in them without permission. No wait; I can't say that about Bee and Yugito. But people really should have more tact than to blame them for having them." I shook my head.
"The boy?" Sexy asked. I looked up in surprise. Dammit…
"Oh you're still here. Well I can't help you; he left with Jiraiya twenty minutes ago."
"Any idea where they're going?" Kisame asked. Oh he was just making this too easy to tease him.
"I don't trust perverts." I said glaring at Kisame. "For all I know you could actually like hunting down little boys." He glared at me before smirking.
"I actually like hunting down Unmei, after all you do have that rare talent." I raised an eyebrow.
"What? Giving heavenly blow jobs?" He blinked in surprise while Itachi rolled his eyes in exasperation. "I don't doubt your stamina Kisame but I would ruin you." I grinned. "Your best bet is to settle down with a nice durable girl."
"You-" Itachi cut him off.
"Where are they going?" He asked staring into my eyes. He had such a nice face, so handsome. (This wasn't going to get any easier was it?) I gave him a dry glare for ruining my fun.
"Don't get your sexy ass in a twist. They went to find Tsunade." I said giving in to the urges to call Itachi 'Sexy'. Kisame snickered. Itachi just looked at me.
"Where?" Itachi asked. I shrugged.
"I don't know I said I'd stay here and wait for something exciting to happen. I'm not about to get my ass beaten by Tsunade."
"You can see the future how do you not know where they are?" Kisame asked. I groaned in frustration.
"People are always going to ask that. Why can't you use your brains for once? I can't see everything my dear Kisa. Psychic I may be but even I can't see what I'm going to have for dinner." I said. "Is that all?"
"What direction did they head?" Itachi asked. His smell was… Uh no, I'm cutting myself off right there. I can handle calling him Sexy but I draw the line at smelling and getting lost in those dark eyes. Just, no.
"I don't know I was in the shower. What did you want me to do unlock the door and stick my head out to ask? Jiraiya is a master he could've eye raped me in two seconds flat." He probably could've. I smiled at Itachi. "Although for your gorgeous face I'll say they went northwest."
"Are you sure?" Kisame asked. I snorted.
"I don't care what Tsunade does to you Kisa, but keep this one alive for your sake. He's good eye candy." I bowed mockingly. "Have a nice day gentlemen, we'll meet again soon." I closed the door reinforcing my shield.
"Who was that?" Naruto asked already on his sixth ramen cup.
"A very perverted shark and a handsome body wrapped in a dark cloak." I said sitting down. Naruto frowned. "I've been around Jiraiya too long if I start to notice the opposite sex."
"Oh… ew!"
"Tell me about it." I snorted.
"It took you three hours to get the name of the town?" I asked disbelieving. We were almost at the town Tsunade was supposed to be in thanks to Jiraiya's information gathering (or so he calls it) and I still didn't believe it took him that long. Reason being, he smelled very strongly of perfume. (And anyone worth anything know he was a pervert.)
"It sure did." Jiraiya said proudly.
"Uh-huh. I don't believe you Ero-sennin." Naruto muttered.
"Stop calling me that gaki!"
"Don't call Naruto-sama that!" I said unconsciously. "Only I can."
"HEY!" Jiraiya grew serious.
"Since this is Tsunade you're going to have to be careful. She's most likely going to be drunk and angry."
"What's so bad about that?" Naruto asked.
"You remember Sakura's punches?" I asked. Sakura had started to work on her fighting style thanks to the books Kana had given her. She was more experienced in what she was doing but now even Sasuke was taking care around her after what he'd seen her do to a tree, well a line of them. Naruto nodded. "Tsunade has the same style but her punches can be lethal."
"What?" Naruto yelled. "Why didn't you say anything before?"
"Don't worry kid, just stay on her good side and you'll be okay." Jiraiya assured.
I must say staying on Tsunade's good side may have been a lost cause. As soon as Jiraiya started talking to Tsunade and Naruto figured how bitter she was everything kind of went downhill for both of them. After three minutes Naruto and Jiraiya were both in their own respective craters.
"I knew I shouldn't have missed this." I chuckled. Tsunade turned to glare at me but stopped short at my headband. "Hello, I'm Shina Unmei, nice to meet you Lady Hokage."
"What are you doing here?" Tsuande asked distrustfully. I smirked looking over Naruto and Jiraiya.
"Seeing those two get their asses beat." I snickered as Naruto moaned. He was still alive but not getting up anytime soon. "It was worth it." Tsunade gave me a wary glance. I sighed and stood straighter. "Tsunade, you're going to be the Hokage. It's either you or that idiot." I pointed to Jiraiya. "And if he's Hokage I may just have to evacuate Konoha right now."
"I'm not going back to Konoha." Tsunade said. I looked into her eyes.
"Tsunade," I murmured seriously. "I can understand your pain and hatred but this loneliness won't work forever. Nor will getting drunk and losing your money." She glared at me.
"And how would you know? Have you ever felt the pain of having someone you love die?"
"Yes." I answered simply. "But they won't be gone forever Tsunade. Eventually you'll die, hopefully from old age, and you'll be with your loved ones again. They aren't as dead and gone as you might think. They're still with you." I looked at Naruto. "You see the blond idiot? He knows."
"What could someone as happy-go-lucky as he have to do with this?" Tsunade asked harshly.
"He wants to become Hokage. He tells everyone he meets that he will become Hokage one day."
"No he won't. Being Hokage is a fools dream." Tsunade scoffed. "He's better off forgetting that dream because he will never reach it." I raised an eyebrow.
"You should say that to him. He gives very compelling speeches." I chuckled. "Naruto is just like Nawaki and Dan in the way that they want something. Naruto will reach his goal but only if you are Hokage Tsunade" I looked at her. "Though he may be a knucklehead he is just like Minato and Kushina. His Will of Fire burns brighter than anyone's. Stop your drinking and stop wallowing in your guilt because he needs you Tsunade. You won't realize it but you'll see one day."
"No. I can't." She protested turning away.
"Can't or won't?" I asked. She stopped. "I may not have known your brother and lover personally but do you think they would want you to drink yourself into oblivion? It won't help. The isolation you have going will only make the hole in your heart fester." I dodged the punch Tsunade sent at me. The ground cracked into a crater.
"Why should I return to a village that only brought me misery?" She asked angrily. I met her eyes.
"Because it's where you belong. It's where you will find happiness, irritation, family, and love. Though you might think you don't deserve that I can guarantee that you will be happier in Konoha."
"Is that what you see?" Tsunade asked looking down.
"It is what I know. And it will happen Tsunade. You're not as alone as you think. Now stop your bull-headedness and use your brain. You are Tsunade of the Sannin and the future Hokage of Konoha. If anyone can lead that village of crazies it would be you and only you."
...
...
...
"… Shizune get our bags. We're going back to Konoha." Tsunade ordered. I smiled a tiny smile. Things were getting back on track.
"Now that Tsunade is home we should leave." Yuuki said as we watched Tsunade's inauguration for Godaime Hokage.
"No, now that things are moving forward we need to make sure they stay on track." I said. "Kana, since you love beating Kakashi and Sasuke black and blue you should stay here to watch over Konoha." And make sure Tsunade doesn't get into any debt or the sake.
"What about Naruto?" Yuuki asked.
"Jiraiya offered to take him for his two year training." Kana said. "He'll be fine."
"Yuuki have you received any orders from Izayoi?" I asked Yuuki.
"I'm to go to Kiri. Mei needs to be told of our standing since she is their Kage now. Once she is aware of that I leave for Suna. Gaara should be Kazekage by then so he will need to know." I nodded.
"And you?" Kana asked.
"I'm going to Ame for the Akatsuki."
"What are you going to do?" Yuuki asked.
"Offer my services. We do need to change things so why not start by seeing if S-rank criminals have hearts. I'll be checking in on Iwa and Kumo before then first."
"Then it's decided." Kana murmured. "Things really are changing for the better."
"Yes, they will." Yuuki said. I could only nod as the crowd cheered
"Be careful." I said as Naruto and Jiraiya were leaving the day after Tsunade's inauguration. "You'd better have my otouto back in one piece or I'll skin you alive, Jiraiya."
"Don't worry he'll be fine." Jiraiya huffed. I hugged Naruto one last time.
"Be careful Naruto-sama."
"I'll be fine. Take care of yourself onee-chan." Naruto said.
"I'm always careful." I said rolling my eyes. "I just don't want you to end up getting some of Ero-sennin's habits."
"The kid would learn well to learn from me!" Jiraiya grinned. I glared at him.
"The kid would learn better if you were made an example of pain and torture." Jiraiya and I glared at each other until Naruto broke our glaring.
"See you Sakura! Kakashi! Teme!"
"Shut up dobe. You probably won't learn much while you're gone anyway."
"That a challenge teme!" Naruto yelled. I couldn't help it I laughed at the entertainment Naruto and Sasuke provided.
"I bet I'll be more powerful than you when you get back, dobe!"
"With Kakashi-sensei? You'll probably turn into a closet perv teme!"
"Hey!" Kana hit the both of them over the head. "Knock it off and act your age you big babies!"
"Hmph." Kana glared at Sasuke.
"What did I tell you about using your words Uchiha?"
"Hahaha- ow!" Naruto yelled.
"You'd better get going." I said as Kana started to yell at Naruto.
It took five minutes for Kana to stop scolding Naruto and Sasuke before I decided to just put a shield over her mouth. It took less time and would give Naruto and Jiraiya the chance to leave.
"We'll be back in two years." I watched Jiraiya and Naruto head out knowing I'd be leaving soon too.
"He'll be okay." Sasuke said. I smiled.
"I know. If you and Sakura couldn't kill him he'll survive whatever Jiraiya throws at him." Sasuke just 'Hn-ed'. "Speaking of Sakura, where is she?" I asked looking around for the pink haired girl.
"She's with Tsunade." Sasuke said.
"Oh yeah, she's her apprentice now." I nodded. "That's good. No more fangirling. I guess you can rest easy on that huh?"
"You'd think. Kana and Kakashi are going to be training me." He glanced at Kana and Kakashi warily. Kana was still glaring at me for making her shut up while Kakashi was too busy checking her out. Oh well, at least those two would have time to be very up close with each other.
"Oh." I nodded solemnly. "I feel your pain. I hope you survive Kana's training." Sasuke glared.
"Not helping." I snorted letting Kana go finally. Instead of killing me like I expected she simply looked around in confusion.
"Where's-" Kana was cut off as Yuuki cried out.
"Hey! I'm here!" I turned to see my bubbly sister looking slightly winded.
"Oh there she is."
"Why do you look out of breath?" I asked suspiciously as she skidded to a stop.
"I was eating at Ichiraku's. I'm going to be gone for a while so I thought I'd get the last taste of Konoha while I could."
"We're not going to be gone that long." I said.
"You never know." Kana said mysteriously. I rolled my eyes.
You're weird." Sasuke said.
"You don't even know the half of it." I said pulling up my cloaks hood. "Be good Sasuke, listen to Kakashi, make sure you stay on Kana's good side, and for kami's sake stay away from anything revenge related."
"Hn." I ruffled his hair before Yuuki and I started walking.
"Think he'll be okay?" Yuuki asked.
"Itachi gave him a few things to think about but he'll be okay." I said. "He's got Kakashi and Kana to keep him level-headed." Yuuki nodded. "What about Gaara?"
"Naruto set him straight. He'll be fine, especially when I get there." I nodded.
"We should get going then. I need to be in Ame by tomorrow night." We took off running. (Why didn't I teleport? I wasn't that lazy).
Random Persons POV ~
There were many things in life that Joi had never experienced. And there were a lot of things in life he had experienced. Having a family was something he hadn't experienced. He had no parents, grandparents or siblings. No aunt or uncle. He was alone. Yet he didn't see that as a hindrance.
He may know starvation on a personal level and loneliness on an even deeper level, but he didn't mind. He knew what being responsible and quick was all about. He knew what life was like. He even pitied the children who had families.
And while he was only six years old he didn't see that as a weakness. At least he hadn't until the first rogue ninja had picked him up by his shirt.
"Well look at this boys, the first appetizer." The ninja had sneered holding him so Joi could see ten pairs of arms and multiple shiny metal pointed right at him.
"HEY, LET ME GO!" Joi cried.
"Bit of a loud brat isn't he?" One laughed.
"Let's gut him." One hissed.
"Better yet, why don't we practice our aim?" Another growled. Joi whimpered as those eyes looked at him that way, like he was nothing but meat. That was when Joi realized that being alone was a double edged sword. If no one cared, then no one would miss him. No one would know. Joi clenched his eyes shut tight.
"Ready, aim and-" The voice cut off with a wet gurgle. Joi didn't open his eyes as the ninja holding him dropped him. Nor did he open his eyes when he heard a new voice.
"Pathetic bastards. Only the weak would hurt a child."
"Who are you?" One ninja yelled. Joi didn't move as the voice grew colder.
"Unmei." Joi stayed curled against the muddy ground focusing hard on the rain and the sound it made as screams erupted all around him.
Joi didn't know how long he stayed in that position but he knew he'd probably be next to die if he got up. He was so wound tight that when a warm hand touched his solder he flinched and yelled.
"DON'T KILL ME!" He still didn't open his eyes.
"I'm not going to kill you." The surprisingly female voice answered. Joi shook his head.
"You killed those men!"
"Ah, well they deserved it. I didn't think you'd want to be used for target practice." The female touched his furrowed eyebrows. Joi reluctantly opened his eyes to see startling blue eyes set in a oval face framed by blood red hair. Joi just stared at the angel as she smiled slightly.
"Are you alright?" She asked, concern evident on her surprisingly tan face. Joi blinked as his frozen brain registered what the angel had asked.
"I-I'm fine." The angels eyes lit up.
"Good. I'd hate for you to get a cold out here." She frowned. "Where are your parents? You shouldn't be out here all by yourself." Joi could only blurt out the first thing that came to his mind.
"Aren't angels supposed to know everything?" The angel blinked as Joi's face heated up. What had he been thinking? Angels weren't warm like her, nor did they show up like she had. Angels didn't exist. Yet this angel smiled.
"I suppose we should but I didn't want to take advantage of you." She held up her hand. "My name is Shina Unmei." Joi grabbed her hand. Shina's eyes dimmed but her smile stayed frozen to her face.
"I'm..."
"Joi." She breathed. Joi nodded in amazement as the angel, Shina, focused on him again.
"How did you-?"
"I'm an angel." She smiled before tensing. Joi responded to her nervousness instinctively. "I should probably get you out of here Joi."
"What?" Joi asked looking up at Shina. She smiled briefly grabbing him in a bundle and jumping off. "Where are we going?"
"I'm taking you to a safe place." She said. Joi couldn't understand it but he felt like if he looked back, he'd see someone following them.
He didn't look back as Shina ran through the trees not stopping or slipping in the rain that always poured down.
They stopped by a river. Shina kept her hold on him as she did a handsign. Another Shina appeared. Joi could only watch in fascination and wonder. Was the Angel a ninja?
"Take him to Kana, he'll be safe there." Shina ordered herself. The other Shina nodded.
"Wait, what-?" Joi looked at the Shina who was letting him go. He didn't want to leave.
"I'll see you soon Joi. Until then I need you safe and sound. Listen to Kana and Tsunade." She ruffled his hair. Joi felt like she was mothering him and he didn't know if that was a good thing or not. Before he could ask anymore questions he blinked and Shina, the forest and the rain were gone.
Shina's POV ~
I didn't have to wait long after I'd sent Joi with my clone. Sasori and Deidera had been following me since I'd gotten past the border into Ame. Pein had felt me nearing and sent them to find out why I was here.
With my track record at making friends I somehow I didn't think I'd be getting to know anyone besides Itachi and Kisame for the next few weeks. If I lived that long. I still needed to get past Pein and Tobi to join Akatsuki. Which would be-
I tensed as Sasori and Deidera landed in front of me. Well Sasori was inside Hiruko, as usual.
"Unmei, is there a reason you're in Ame?" Sasori growled. I mentally prayed kami was helping with all my heart.
"Yeah actually. There is." I replied. "I'm here to talk to your Leader, Pein." Oh if looks could kill.
A/N-S: I was wondering if you'd do a cliff hanger in this chapter.
GM NASAI: Eh, it was bound to happen sooner or later. This chapter was actually longer than I expected. But at least I covered my bases with ending it right here.
A/N-K: I feel sorry for Shina. She got the worse end of the stick.
A/N-Y: I feel sorry for the Akatsuki! Do you know how many of them have yaoi stories? {laughs} Shina won't let those go.
A/N-S: No I won't. It was how I made friends with you two.
A/N-K: So when does this story end?
GM NASAI: I'm thinking on Friday. Then we may or may not have a sequel.
A/N-Y: We better have a sequel! I want to know what happens!
A/N-S: Don't we live this?
A/N-Y: Yes but I want things to be written. Otherwise everything's floating around in GM NASAI's head.
GM NASAI: I'll think about it. Read, review, and tell me if I should post a sequel. I'm still debating that.