Yuki stared at the ceiling, in her nightclothes. Now that she was truly incapable of sleeping, she sat there, with her mind on the many things that concerned her. Madara Uchiha for one was a concern that bothered her more than anything. She didn't pay too much attention to what he intended to do. What plagued her mind was that she couldn't think of any weakness that could possibly lead to his death. She replayed mock battles in her mind, and as long as he was intangible, she would lose. She would die, and he would be the one who killed her.
She rolled over, and glanced at the picture that shone under the moon light. It was of a calmer, more peaceful time, not so long ago. She, Naruto and Akira, had gone swimming two weeks ago. The picture described peace better than any words could to her. Naruto hung mid air, his body crunched into a ball, while Akira watched. Her eyes were wide with surprise, and a smile on her lips. Yuki had taken it, and she knew that as long as those two remained a constant in her life, sorrow would never find its way into her heart. Her ears picked up a single heel clicking on wood, and Yuki was up, ANBU blade at the ready. She backed up and formed three seals, casting a ghastly light over the room. As she henged herself as a lamp, her heart rate sped up, causing her to smile grimly. Whoever entered, would die, and know nothing of who attacked.
KNOCK!
KNOCK!
KNOCK!
KNOCK!
The door shuddered in its frame, and Yuki waited, until the door exploded open. Splintered wood covered the floor, in the wake of the punch. Footsteps echoed off the wooden floor, as heels echoed off it. She exhaled slowly, and watched a shadow fill her room. The shadow turned away, and Yuki teleported herself to right behind her opponent, blade raised. Her eyes widened in recognition and she stopped in her tracks, her tool stopping a mere inch from the Hokage's forehead.
"Sorry, Lady Hokage!" she stammered, falling to her knees. She bent her head in shame, realizing how big a mistake she had made.
"Kakashi taught you well. Even now you don't let your guard down, regardless of who you think it might be. Akira-san. She's in here..."
Yuki glanced up to notice the huge smile on the Sannin's face, as she hoisted her effortlessly up from her knees.
"That is one of the reasons that I picked you for this mission," the older woman continued, as Yuki watched her lover enter the room.
"Kyuu-koi! What's up? Feeling better?" Yuki asked, stepping forward. The look on the demon's face was halfway between a grimace and a smile, letting her know that things definitely could be better.
"Yuki Hazukashii."
The sharpness of the Hokage's tone, brought her to attention, her eyes staring straight ahead.
"Pack your things... You are leaving now."
"Leaving, Hokage-sama?" she asked, turning slightly, to face the leader.
"Yes. Yuki Hazukashii. This will be your first S rank mission ever. You will be accompanying me to the Five Kage Summit, as my personal bodyguards. I have some news to announce, before we leave, so hurry up and make necessary preparations."
The news hit the Chunin like a smack to the face, and she sat there stunned for a minute.
"Guar-guarding you?"
"MOVE!"
The command had it's desired effect. The chunin dashed to her room, tripping over her rug, and over her own feet.
I...I'm going to protect the Hokage. Which means...OH! Makes sense why she chose us! Hehehe.
Yuki finished dressing, grabbed her spare backpack, and dashed out to meet the Fifth, who was tapping her foot impatiently.
"Ready?"
"Yes ma'am!"
AT THE GATE
Yuki stretched, and smiled, as the sun rose high over Konoha. Things were peaceful for the moment, and she knew that the stillness that hung over the village would soon be a blanket of chaos that strangled out happiness and hope. She would face the coming threats with her head held high, and her blade crushing her enemies. She glanced to Akira, taking in the kitsune. Her eyes were extremely sad, and Yuki had only but to guess as to what was bothering her.
"Akira-chan."
The demon looked at her and attempted to smile, putting on a false facade.
"You will get your chance to protect him. For now, let's just focus on the task ahead. We need to kill Madara Uchiha."
The Fifth glanced back at her, the look of disbelief on her face saying it all.
"I have a plan. It requires deception of the other Kage, but it's worth the risk." She winked, and gave a thumbs up, before turning her gaze back towards the gate. They took the last hundred meters in silence, calmly, before stopping the villagers, and three who stood seperate for them. Cheers of good luck, and of reverence filled the air, as the Hokage started her departure.
"Tsunade-sama. Please look after my daughter. She still isn't quite-" Anko pleaded, sarcastically
"MOOOMMMM!" Yuki whined, glaring at her godmother, who was smirking.
"She'll be fine! I assure you," the blonde replied firmly. "On a special note, it is my privilege to now promote Yuki Hazukashii to the rank of Jounin."
Her eyes widened, and she glanced to the Hokage, who stood smiled and handed her a new headband. Yuki removed the old one, and secured the new around her waist, and knelt down in honor.
"I...I don't know if I am capable of upholding this rank...I'm not worthy of it..."
Kakashi came and handed her a bag of mints, and ruffled her hair. She knew he didn't enjoy long good byes so she stood up, facing him.
"You'll do fine. I know you will. Later!"
He vanished in a puff of smoke leaving Yuki to the task which she was assigned. She shook her head and started forward.
I won't let you guys down.
The overtone of playfulness vanished as a single person appeared in front of her. His face was the most serious she had ever seen him, and knew that the couple had been arguing recently. She started to walk past him, but he put his hands out, blocking her way.
"Yuki. Let me go in your place," Naruto demanded.
Her eyes widened, before she closed them and looked away.
"I-I can't do that."
"WHY NOT?" Naruto demanded, his voice louder than usual.
"I could never betray Akira's love or trust," she replied, meeting his gaze. She kissed his cheek, and watched his eyes start to brim with tears.
"No. NO! I have to go. I don't care if the other Kage won't let me! I-"
"Naruto..."
Yuki glanced to her lover, watching as her eyes burned with rage and fear.
"You will stay here!" she said, her voice menacing and chilling the very air.
"NO! I have to pr-"
Yuki stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder, and smiling broadly.
"Trust me. Akira can handle herself. I'll protect her and the Hokage, alright?" she stated, smiling.
"I-I just don't want to lose the most important thing ever, dattebayo!" he said, his head dropping downwards.
She felt it in the way he stood there. She had been his last hope, and she had denied him his last option. He felt abandoned, and useless.
"I don't want to go back to be nothing to anyone. To being alone."
Yuki shook her head, and tilted his up to meet her gaze.
"Over my dead body. I'm gonna rip Madara limb from limb for you. Just you wait!" Yuki said, hugging him. His hands found their way around her waist, and she enjoyed the warmth that radiated from him.
"Please. Keep her safe, Yuki-chan."
"I promise. You just train, and she will be back to you sooner than you know." She patted his shoulder, and grabbed the Hokage's hat, and placed it on the Sannin's head gently.
"Yuki. Akira. Let's go."
Pumping her fist in the air, she set out to complete her first ever S rank mission.
AKIRA POV
Yuki-koi? Do you honestly think you can keep that promise? Madara Uchiha...He's not some game.
She watched the two depart, and clenched her fists. Her lip trembled and for the first time ever, she felt weak. Incapable and feared that she would lose Naruto.
She faced him, and leaned in, kissing his lips deeply.
The fight they had had last night, tore at her now, and she couldn't bring herself to look at her lover.
"You...you better come back, dattebayo."
Akira nodded, and she hugged him tightly, digging her nails in, never wanting to let go. She loved him, and yet she feared that she would not return home.
"I'll give it my all," she replied, glancing at him. They were both bothered by the mission, but it made sense. Keeping the Nine tailed fox close by, would confuse the enemy. It was a very unorthodox method, which was why they were doing it.
She sighed, and hung her head. This would be the third man that she had ever fallen in love with. She'd had partners before but none of them had ever fulfilled this part of her like Naruto had. She could lose Yuki. It would hurt, but Naruto...she couldn't live without him. The simple idea that she would be too far to protect him, hurt more than anything ever could. She glanced towards Yuki who was walking forward unafraid. She started after them, glancing over her shoulder.
She didn't understand how or why, but the girl was confident that this mission would be a peace of cake. She only hoped she was right.