41. Like Chasing Storm Clouds

I listened to the music that flowed around the room. The style was very much from Sunagakure but I found that I liked it, and it somehow felt familiar to me. Perhaps I had stored it away in my brain from when I was very little.

Caught up in the music and my thoughts, I reached for my bar glass, tipping the contents down my throat. It burned a bit as it went down, but I was on my forth…maybe fifth…drink and they had stopped feeling so potent. I was beginning to feel warm from a combination of the alcohol and the mass of bodies that moved around me.

My clan had thrown a massive celebration for my 'coronation' so to speak. Secretly, I wondered if they just wanted an excuse to party. The tavern we were packed into was fairly large and I had a sneaking suspicion it was built to house as many party goers as possible.

For the celebration, I had donned my new ceremonial robe. It was a simple garment, open in the front and sleeveless. The fabric was white and my clan symbol was stitched into the back with purple thread.

Hiroaki sat on the stool beside me, his eyes watching those who danced behind us, still nursing his second drink in his hand. He was the only companion who had loyally stayed at my side for the evening. Cherushii had abandoned me some time earlier after having been asked to dance by a handsome young man with dark hair. I hadn't seen her since.

Keitaro had decided to forgo the festivities and was currently across the street, discussing some boring matters with some boring people. I imagined they were actually important conversations, but it had been a hell of a week and I just wanted the night off.

The situation we had found ourselves in after Izanagi's defeat was a precarious one at best. I had unseated Izanagi, sure, and I belonged to the last line of what our clan considered nobility; but there was simply no denying that I was essentially a stranger. Who was I to step in and govern when I hadn't lived here amongst my own people? The duties and responsibilities were dizzying, and I had spent some time with Keitaro designating roles to make up for my deficiencies.

And that was another headache and a half. I had, obviously, exonerated Keitaro, which wasn't graciously received by plenty of my new subjects. I had explained the war to them, explained what we might be facing to the best of my knowledge, and I tried to argue that this wasn't the time to fight amongst ourselves. And that Keitaro was a very important player in the trials to come. But there had been no way I could look my people in the eye and dismiss their pain and sufferings.

My days had been spent learning my people, learning the settlement. I listened to their concerns, sympathized with their plights. I had tried to make sure I met every single citizen who lived in the settlement. It had been an exhausting week to say the least. My mind was still swimming with all the information and names and duties.

And so, I left Keitaro to his meeting. I was here to partake in some good old-fashioned responsibility avoidance.

The bartender whisked away my glass, leaving me a new drink in its place. I smiled and nodded in thanks before swiveling in my seat to look in the direction Hiroaki was. Taking a sip from my drink, I glanced at his profile, taking in the line of his jaw, the curve of his nose.

Hiroaki had been an amazing source of support this past week. He was like my ambassador, whispering information in my ear, easing the introductions to my people. And every night, weary and drained, we would sit out on his deck and talk. We talked about anything other than the clan and my responsibilities; Hiroaki seemed to know that was exactly what I needed.

It was strange to think that two weeks ago, I hadn't even known him. Now his presence was invaluable to me. He had become a loyal friend, a confidant, a reason to smile. Whenever we touched, it spread warmth through my body and made my heart beat faster.

Aware that he was being watched, Hiroaki's head turned to look at me. The corner of his lips twitched as he glanced at me, as they seemed to do anytime he saw me. That, too, made something flutter in my stomach.

"Do I have something on my face?" he asked.

I blushed a bit at being caught, but I was sure the dim light of the room would mask it. I offered him a smile back.

"No. I was just…thinking."

At that moment, the song changed, and a much slower song took its place. I glanced to the dance floor as some people abandoned it to refill their drinks, while others paired off to dance together. I felt Hiroaki swivel in his seat and I glanced over to see him placing his glass on the bar.

He turned back to me, offering me a hand. "Would you like to dance?"

I glanced to his hand, then to his handsome face. I placed my own glass on the bar and smiled, taking his hand. "I would like that very much."

His grin lit up his entire face.

He led me to the dance floor, easily slipping one arm around my waist while the other interlaced or fingers. I placed my free hand on one arm and we began to sway.

We danced quietly, peacefully for a long moment before Hiroaki spoke. "May I ask you a question?"

"Of course," I replied, peering up into his face.

He glanced away for a second. "Do you…have someone at home who misses you?"

I frowned at the question, confused. Was I drunker than I thought, or did he really need to elaborate?

Seeing my confusion, he reiterated. "I mean…a man. Is there a man back home who is missing you?"

Ah.

I found my gaze drifting downwards, landing somewhere on his chest. My mind immediately filled with images of a certain raven-haired boy, almost a man now, and I felt a pang in my chest. Because no, I didn't have anyone back home who was missing me. Kiba, yes, but I couldn't bring myself to think about that mess. No, the boy who had haunted my dreams for years was not back home missing me. He wasn't missing me wherever he was.

"Nakao?"

Startled, I glanced up to find Hiroaki watching me. It was then that I remembered I hadn't actually answered his question.

"No," I said softly.

Hiroaki's eyes softened, a frown forming on his lips. "I've made you sad…"

I shook my head. "No, no it's not you."

"Then who is it?"

"What?"

"Who are you thinking about? What's his name?"

I stared up at Hiroaki, surprised, but his gaze didn't waver from mine. I didn't really want to tell him about Sasuke. It felt…strange, considering Hiroaki had sometimes made me feel things I hadn't in two and a half years. And Hiroaki, and this entire adventure, was something that Sasuke hadn't tainted. I'd been able to push thoughts of him to the wayside and created an identity that was in no way linked to him.

But whether it was his expectant expression or the alcohol fogging up parts of my brain, I felt his name leave my lips. "Sasuke."

"Did he pass or…?"

I shook my head. "No. He…it's…complicated. Suffice it to say he…broke my heart."

Hiroaki frowned. "I'm sorry."

I shook my head again. "Don't be. It was my own fault."

His frown deepened. "I highly doubt that."

I sighed, glancing past the side of his face. "Sasuke is…he's like…chasing storm clouds. You can chase after them and never catch them. And even if you do, you just find yourself caught in a storm, the water up to your chin."

I fell silent and no words passed between us for a long moment.

"I'm sorry, Nakao," Hiroaki murmured.

I smiled up at him, my chest warming at the care shining in his eyes. He was looking at me in a way I had always wished Sasuke would look at me. But Hiroaki was here, gazing at me with those eyes that reminded me of fall; of pumpkins and apple cider and happy memories. He looked at me like I was worth something-worth everything.

I wasn't even hearing the music anymore; it had blended into the background. I heard my heart pounding in my ears. I felt my breathing hitch slightly in anticipation. And suddenly, I wondered what I had been thinking that night on his deck, when I had almost kissed him. Sasuke was not here. Hiroaki was. Why should I wait on a man who was lost to me, when the one before me was holding me close, his face soft with endearment?

I stepped in close to Hiroaki, closing what gap had been there. My hand moved from his arm to his chest, and I could feel his heart beating as quickly as mine was beneath my palm. Gazing up at him, I pushed up on my tiptoes, capturing his lips with mine.

His lips were soft, gentle. I felt him release my hand, and his cupped my cheek as he deepened the kiss. I could feel my body flush with heat, assisted by the alcohol in my blood surely. We were at a boundary, a line; one step over would turn this tender moment into a heated one, and I was toeing it.

Hiroaki pulled away, and I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was one moment away from stepping over that line. His chest was heaving slightly, and I too realized that I was completely out of breath. The air around us crackled with electricity as we gazed at one another, and I was a second away from plunging ahead and not looking back. And then, suddenly, something caught my eye.

The bubble of heat and electricity and longing shattered in a second as I gazed over Hiroaki's shoulder. I had to blink a few times, thinking I was hallucinating, but I wasn't. And I couldn't believe it.

There he stood, not very far from me, six feet maybe. He had already seen me, his onyx stare fixated on where I stood with Hiroaki. What was he doing here?

"Sasuke…" I breathed, stepping away from Hiroaki.

A confused Hiroaki peered over his shoulder to see what had captured my attention. Beyond that, I wasn't sure what Hiroaki was thinking. My full attention was focused on Sasuke, who still stood where he was, his face set in its usual neutral mask.

Without consciously telling my feet to move, I found myself stepping towards him, certain that if I took my gaze off him he would disappear. But no, I was traveling ever closer to him, the sights and sounds around me inconsequential and unnoticed. That was, until someone bumped into me and the world tilted beneath my feet and I was falling.

There was no way I was going to catch myself, not as the world swirled around me in an alcohol-induced haze. But as I prepared to hit the ground, something caught me. Someone, in fact. I glanced up to find Sasuke standing over me, having caught my elbow, and he pulled me back up.

He looked the same as he had when I'd last seen him, though less bruised and scraped. The look of indifference on his face remained unchanged. I didn't understand; what was he doing here? Dare I wonder if he had come here for me? Had he changed his mind about things? Had he cared about what I'd told him the night before I departed for Sunagakure.

"Sasuke, what are you doing here?" I asked, finally finding my voice.

Sasuke released me and his eyes darted around the room. "Where's Keitaro?"

I deflated slightly. Had the alcohol made me wistful? Of course Sasuke wasn't here for me. Hadn't he made it clear how very little he cared about my existence? I began to wish for that drink I'd left at the bar.

"He's not here," I said dully, frowning, trying not to convey my disappointment, cursing myself for my weakness. "He's across the street."

I gestured in that direction. There was a small inn across the street, where Keitaro was currently holding his small meeting. He'd rented a room there as well. Hiroaki had offered for him to stay at his place with Cherushii and myself, but he'd declined. He stated he wanted to be in a more central location and he held various meetings there anyway, so it made sense.

"Nakao…?"

I blinked, glancing over my shoulder. Hiroaki had come up behind me, wary eyes glancing at Sasuke.

"Everything okay?" he asked.

I tried to give him a smile, managing a very poor one. Five minutes ago I'd been smiling freely, my heart fluttering in my chest. Just another example of how well Uchiha Sasuke could knock me down.

"Yes," I told Hiroaki. But I was beginning to feel tired and drained.

"Let's go home," he said, offering his hand, which I accepted.

No sooner had he gently pulled on my hand when I felt a hand wrap around my opposite arm. I stopped and looked over, surprised to see that it was Sasuke who was halting my attempt to leave. I shot him a quizzical look before glancing at Hiroaki. He didn't look confused, however. Rather he was staring at Sasuke boldly, his jaw set, his gaze unwavering. I glanced back to Sasuke, who was currently returning the expression.

"This is Hiroaki…" I said carefully, eyes shifting between the two. "He's a good friend. I've been staying with him."

"And I'm sure you're ready for bed," Hiroaki said, though his eyes never left Sasuke's.

I was about to agree with him, opening my mouth to reply, when Sasuke cut me off. "We have things to discuss with Keitaro."

I blinked. "We do?"

Had I missed something? What did I need to discuss with Keitaro? I was drunk and tired and wanted to go to sleep. Sasuke didn't answer me, however, and only tugged me towards him, wrenching my hand from Hiroaki's. Before I knew it, I was being steered towards the front door on the tavern. I quickly shot a glance over my shoulder, catching Hiroaki's eyes as I was led further away from him. I had just enough time to decipher his crushed expression before I was suddenly outside.

It was a fairly warm night, though it had been much warmer inside the tavern and I found myself shivering as a breeze rushed by. My mind was still struggling with the events of the last few minutes as I was steered across the street and into the inn.

There was a nice sitting area in the lobby and Keitaro sat at a table with four other men, older and regal looking. They all glanced up as Sasuke and I entered, me stumbling a bit, and Keitaro's eyes widened.

"Sasuke?" Keitaro asked in surprise, his eyes darting over to me, sweeping over me in a quick assessment.

Sasuke guided me over towards the table by the elbow, depositing me in a seat beside my brother. Sauske glanced at the other men at the table before looking back to my brother.

"I have something I need to discuss with you."

A faint wrinkle appeared between my brother's brows but he nodded, glancing back to the older men. "Gentlemen, I thank you for your time. I will bring the matter up to Nakao tomorrow and we will meet again."

The men nodded and stood, offering my brother a nod. They then offered me a formal bow before taking their leave. Keitaro waited until they had left the building before motioning for Sauske to take a seat. He took the one beside me.

"What happened to my sister?" Keitaro asked.

"Ask Hiroaki," Sasuke said dryly.

"Excuse you," I snapped. "I can make my own decisions; and I'm not even that drunk."

Keitaro just gave me a look, which I scoffed at, before he returned his attention to Sasuke. "So, what's so important you traveled all this way to speak to me?"

"Have you heard of Edo Tensei?"

Keitaro stiffened. "Yes…"

"The war has started," Sasuke said grimly. "The shinobi have joined forces and are fighting Madara. I believe Madara is using the Edo Tensei."

Keitaro looked grim.

"Would someone like to tell me what this Edo Tensei is?" I asked, glancing between my brother and Sasuke. This wasn't exactly a conversation I wanted to be having right now, with my mind buzzing and sleepy at the same time, but we were having it anyway.

"It's the reanimation of corpses," Keitaro explained. "The corpses even retain their personality, but they are completely controlled by the jutsu user. Madara is probably resurrecting loved ones and forcing them to fight one another."

That sent a chill down my spine. "That's disgusting."

Keitaro didn't answer; he looked deep in thought.

"Would he resurrect my brother?" Sasuke asked quietly after a long moment.

Keitaro's unfocused eyes settled on Sasuke. "I would bet a great deal that he would."

Sasuke's eyes hardened.

"However…" Keitaro mused, his eyes settling somewhere else again. "Itachi was an exceptional shinobi. Madara would have resurrected him for his strength, but his personality and wit should remain intact. Perhaps he will be able to break free."

My eyes moved between the two males, part of me wishing I was back at the tavern. I'd really had my fill of doom and gloom recently. But I remained seated and tried to stay focused on the conversation.

Keitaro glanced to Sasuke again, and his brown eyes assessed him. "Why?"

"I have questions I want to ask him," Sasuke replied after a moment.

"You want to know where he is."

The silence confirmed Keitaro's question.

"Well, if he's being controlled by the Edo Tensei, he will be carrying out orders," Keitaro answered. "But if he's managed to break free, it may be much harder to track him down."

"Is it Madara? Is he the own using the jutsu?"

Keitaro frowned. "I'm hesitant to confirm that. It just doesn't seem like Madara's style."

"So it could be someone else?"

"Certainly. But only someone under the jutsu could tell us."

"You said the war had started…" I said hesitantly as I broke into the conversation. "Would the resurrected be sent to battle?"

"A good many of them I'm sure," Keitaro nodded. "But I can't say I'm partial to the idea of joining the fight just yet in order to find someone to ask. We're not quite ready."

"But it could be the only way to find Itachi," Sasuke said.

Keitaro sighed, opening his mouth to respond, but was interrupted by the door to the inn slamming open. All attention moved in that direction, my reaction a tad slower than Keitaro's and Sasuke. Lacking fresh alcohol to flood my veins, the alcohol I had consumed was beginning to settle, making me sleepy. Still, I craned my neck to peer in the direction of the doorway in time to see Cherushii stroll through the door.

The blonde was clearly inebriated, evidenced by her staggering gate and slightly hazy look of her eyes. Her cheeks were flushed as her blue eyes swept over the room, finally landing on me. Her face brightened and she jutted a finger in my direction. "Aha! There you are!"

"Here I am," I replied wearily.

Cherushii slammed the door shut behind her, hands making their way to her hips. "Hiroaki mentioned someone had whisked you away; something about Sasuke and storm clouds."

I felt my face flush at that.

"And I thought to myself," Cherushii continued. "Sasuke? What was Sasuke doing here? And then I thought, that jealous little man! How dare he interfere with what promised to be a very lovely night for my dear cousin, if you get my drift."

I felt my face grow even hotter, embarrassment flooding through me. Keitaro looked awkward, rubbing absently at his neck and staring intently at the table. Sasuke looked perturbed.

"Cherushii, it's fine," I muttered, but she wasn't paying me any mind. She was in the middle of a drunken rant and there was clearly no stopping her.

She stalked forward a ways, eyes narrowing on Sasuke. "Look, if you're so in love with her, just tell her."

Frowning, I glanced between my cousin and Sasuke. Cherushii was glaring at Sasuke in all her drunken rage. Why she had taken such offense to Sasuke's interruption of my evening was a mystery to me. Although, considering Sasuke's history of abandonment, perhaps I ought to be more annoyed at his untimely arrival.

Sasuke was looking rather annoyed. His lips were twisted into an irritated frown, his eyes narrowing. "You're drunk."

"Irrelevant," Cherushii waved a hand airily. She shifted reddening eyes in my direction. "Let me tell you a story. You see…"

Cherushii sat on the bed, nose buried in a book, when she heard gentle footfalls outside the door. Frowning, she glanced up, watching the door as the steps ended before it. There was no knock; instead, the door began to crack open.

"Uchiha," Cherushii growled as the arrival stepped into the doorway. "Haven't you heard of manners? It's rude to enter a room uninvited."

"This isn't even your room."

Cherushii glowered; he had her there. But if Kabuto wasn't going to lock his door, he shouldn't be surprised if someone wandered in. And there were such interesting journals in here to read.

"Shouldn't you be off playing lapdog?" she replied, eyes narrowed at the Uchiha.

"Your hostility is unnecessary."

"That's a matter of perspective."

Sasuke's expression remained blank. "I have an inquiry for you."

Cherushii sighed, rolling her eyes. "Inquire away."

"You're still keeping tabs on Makase Nakao. I'm aware you tracked her recently."

Cherushii's eyes narrowed. "Yes…"

"What was your report?"

"Pardon?"

"Your report."

"Yes, I heard," Cherushii said, watching the Uchiha with suspicion. "Why do you care?"

"I need the intel."

"For what?"

"None of your concern."

Cherushii's lips twisted into a skeptical frown. Something didn't seem quite right. Why would Sasuke need any intel on Nakao? She had nothing to do with any of his missions.

"There's little to report," she said carefully. "Continues to go on many missions alone. This last one she partnered with that boy and his dog. Stayed at an inn, one room, five days. Mission was successful. Very little to report."

"They go on missions together often?"

He'd asked it very casually, with very little interest. But why was it of any interest?

"Nakao isn't yourself, so why do you care about it?" the blonde asked suspiciously.

"Then he gave me that glare," Cherushii glanced at Sasuke. "Yeah, that one. And he said 'forget it' and walked away. The end."

Cherushii smiled smugly to herself. I glanced from her, to Sasuke, who appeared to be desperately holding onto his indifferent expression.

Keitaro coughed uncomfortably. "Right…well…I think it's time for bed."

Cherushii pulled a face. "You're not serious? The night is young!"

Keitaro rolled his eyes, getting to his feet. "Sasuke, I'll speak with the inn keeper and set up rooms for you and these two. Come on, Cherushii."

"But I don't want to go to bed," Cherushii complained as Keitaro put an arm around her shoulders and began to steer her towards the rooms.

I watched, bemused but sleepy as the pair disappeared from view. The world was a bit hazy and it felt easier to just sleep her at the table than to get up and find a room.

A moment later, a short man came scurrying into the room, approaching the table at which Sasuke and I still sat.

"Your keys," the man, clearly the innkeeper, said, giving me a bow as he placed on key on the tabletop in front of me and handed the other to Sasuke.

I gave him a jerky nod in thanks and the innkeeper took his leave. Glancing down at my key, I took a look at the tag attached that had the room number on it. 202. I internally groaned. Great…second floor.

I glanced wearily over my shoulder at the staircase behind me. The thought of staggering up those almost had me seriously considering sleeping at the table.

As if reading my mind, or more likely my face, Sasuke got to his feet and gave an inaudible sigh. "You're such an idiot."

Surprised, I blinked up at him. All of a sudden, I was twelve again. I wasn't at the inn anymore, but inside Tazuna's house. It was Tazuna's table I was seated at, worn from our day of scaling up those trees. Just like that evening, Sasuke bent down, slinging my arm around his neck.

"Th-thanks…" I blinked, taken aback.

"Whatever," was all he said.

To be completely honest, I didn't really remember the journey to my room. My mind was sluggish from alcohol and I had been trying to concentrate on my footing despite Sasuke's assistance. By the time Sasuke opened my door, I was leaning heavily against him, head slumped slightly against his shoulder. Ugh. Why was the room spinning?

"I'm okay, I'm okay," I muttered, pulling myself away even as Sasuke began to lower me to the ground.

But I was very much not okay.

The world shifted around me and I fell and my hands shot out, searching for anything to stop my fall. My fingers brushed against Sasuke's kimono top before fisting the fabric. Sasuke's arm snapped out, quickly catching me as his other arm stretched out, catching the floor before we tumbled onto it.

When my alcohol-riddled brain finally caught up, I found I was staring directly into Sasuke's eyes. Our faces were close, barely inches from one another, and I felt all the air escape my lungs. His familiar scent that reminded me of pine forests and early morning dew, floated towards me.

"You're an idiot," he sighed, just as he'd done all those years ago. I couldn't even respond.

Sasuke managed to lower both of us to the floor and I soon found myself positioned on his lap. My mind was trying to process what was happening, was trying to run through thoughts and emotions. But my tired brain rejected all of it.

Instead, I rested my head against Sasuke's chest, listening to the calming rhythm of his heartbeat. Its steady beating and the warmth of his body seemed to lull me towards sleep and I felt my eyelids flutter closed. I slipped into a twilight sleep, you know, where you're not quite asleep but you're not really cognizant of the world around you. I don't know how long I stayed like that, minutes? Hours? It was impossible to say. Eventually, however, I felt Sasuke rest his chin atop my head.

"I'm sorry, Nakao…" he murmured, barely audible.

I heard it though. Through the haze of sleep and intoxication, I heard him mutter those words I had longed to hear for nearly three years. I felt a sleepy smile work its way onto my lips.

"I forgive you…" I softly replied.

At first, I wasn't really sure if I had actually replied, or if I'd spoken the words in my head. But Sasuke's body stiffened beneath mine and the arm that was holding me against his chest, that I had not realized was there until now, tightened around me just slightly.

He remained silent for so long, I felt the sleep begin to drag me under. When he murmured "Goodnight, Nakao."; it wasn't enough to tug me out of the descent into my dreams and I was asleep before my head was rested on a pillow.

"Good morning!" Keitaro said cheerily as he appeared at the table.

I groaned, my hands going to my ears to block him out. My head rested atop the table, eyes squeezed shut in hopes of blocking out all light.

"She's a little hung-over," Cherushii said, glancing up from her bagel from her seat across from me.

"And you're not?" Keitaro raised an eyebrow in her direction.

"Why should I be?" she asked, taking a bite of her breakfast.

"You were pretty…" Keitaro began.

"Out of your mind," Sasuke muttered with just a hint of bitterness.

"…wasted…" Keitaro finished.

"Was I?" the blonde blinked before shrugging and returning to her bagel.

I could feel Sasuke's eyeroll from my seat beside him.

"Why are you all talking so loud?" I moaned, pushing my hands harder against my ears as though it might help.

Keitaro reached for a bagel but remained standing, setting his gaze on me. "Take some aspirin, Nakao. I have something to show you today."

"Can it wait?" I groaned.

Apparently, it couldn't wait. Either that, or Keitaro just didn't care about my current state. Probably the latter, I decided, as I irritably followed him through town, keeping my eyes squinted in hopes of ignoring as much sunlight as possible.

"Where are we going?" I asked, annoyed.

"Patience was never one of your virtues," Keitaro rolled his eyes as we finally came upon a building.

I cast Keitaro a curious look as we made our way into the central building, where our government offices, including what was now my office, were housed. We moved through the hallways, Keitaro's eyes scanning the little plaques above the doors, indicating what each office was for. Finally, he found what he was looking for and entered the office.

An older man glanced up from his desk where he had been scribbling something on some parchment. His eyes landed on me and then shifted to Keitaro. "Ah, Keitaro."

"Good morning. Do you have the material I requested?"

"Yes," the man nodded, reaching into his desk and pulling out a large book. It appeared old, its brown covers aged.

"Thank you," Keitaro nodded in response, taking the large tome from his hands. "Come, Nakao."

We left the office and returned to the hallways, although it was now clear we were headed to my office. It had been Izanagi's prior and I had spent little time in there since assuming leadership. Thusly, the room was still decorated in Izanagi's style and I made a mental note to have his presence erased from this room, whether I spent time in it or not.

Keitaro wandered over to the large oak desk in the back of the room, me following him. He placed the large tome upon the desk, carefully skimming the text as he flipped through the old pages.

"Keitaro, what is this?" I asked, standing beside him.

"This book contains important information," Keitaro replied, his attention still mostly focused on the book. "Including something I think you should know."

"And that is?" I raised a brow as Keitaro finally found the page he had been looking for.

Keitaro gestured to the page, which was filled with writing and images of handseals and molecular processes. "This is our ultimate technique. I hope you never have to use it…but we are going to war."

My eyes scanned the page. It was, indeed, the furthest our kekki genki could be pushed. Because it was lethal. I just nodded and read on.

My eyes scanned the faces of my clan members, taking in a variety of expressions. Determination, anger, fear. But they were all listening, every one of them, as they stood assembled outside of the central building. I peered down at them from my place atop the stairs, standing between Keitaro and Cherushii. Hiroaki stood behind me, a silent guard.

I had allowed Keitaro to take the lead in explaining the war to my people. He'd always had a way with words, after all.

"We won't demand your assistance," Keitaro said. "You are free to make your own decisions. But I implore you to join us in this fight. The entire world is in jeopardy, and that includes our people, our home. Nakao and I ask you to help us defend that which we hold most dear."

The crowd, which had been silent through Keitaro's speech, began to murmur. People turned to their neighbors, uncertain and skeptical looks on their faces.

I took a step forward, my eyes sweeping over the faces of my clan. "I know I have no right to ask this of you. You have all been generous in your acceptance of me, and I cannot begin to explain what that means to me. I promised to right the wrongs that have befallen you. But I cannot do this if we are all dead. I want to protect our people, but I admit, I cannot do it alone. And so, I stand before you, one human being to another, and I ask you, please help me save this world."

Silence followed, and my heart began to sink as it stretched on. But then Cherushii and Hiroaki stepped up next to me, crossing their wrists over their hearts. I smiled gently at them, relaying my gratefulness towards them with my eyes.

Another long moment of silence and one man stepped forward, raising his eyes to meet mine, before crossing his wrist over his chest. The younger man beside him, a son most likely, stepped up beside the man, mimicking his actions. And one by one, both men and women stood in agreement, offering me their assistance.

My eyes took them in and I tried not to look overwhelmed by their actions. A smile slipped onto my face, though, and I called out to them. "Tsuyo, hozon, eiyo!"

"Tsuyo, hozon, eiyo!"

Author's Note:

Half way through this chapter I lost all motivation, coupled with some life events, and so I apologize for the delay. I finally made myself sit down and just write; which is what I do when I'm completely stuck, and then hope whatever I write turns out alright. So I'm not super thrilled with the last half of the chapter but I hope you enjoy it.

Sasuke helping Nakao to her room is a throwback to chapter 9; I've made the dialogue the same and hope it was appreciated. Thank you all for your support. Stay safe!