::Chapter Five::
-Present Day-
Maybe it was the first night being home, but she found herself unable to sleep. Her thoughts were the passengers on a runaway train and she wanted nothing more than it to be derailed. The first bothersome thought was how the Akatsuki were planning to carry out capturing the jinchuriki hosts. The second was knowing she needed to talk with Naruto, he deserved to know what the Akatsuki were planning, as she was aware that they had already approached him in the past. The third was how stupid she was to climb into bed with the copy-nin. 'Yeah, none of what happened last night was decided with forethought.' Arisa had to give it to him though, his stamina sure hadn't decreased, and she lost count after the fourth or fifth shared orgasm.
Arisa forced the blush from rising on her cheeks and chose to focus on the bigger issue at hand. Her entire life had revolved around understanding the tailed beasts, and in that, the seals required to capture, maintain or release them. It wasn't a simple task, and removing the seal did not automatically give you control over them, meaning that you needed to be able to take down the beast. The more tails the beast had, the stronger they were, and a general sealing jutsu would work she supposed if a skilled shinobi attempted, but eventually the secrets of their clan would be needed. Arisa was aware that they may be more descendants of the Uzumaki clan around, as there were families able to escape prior to the massacre. The difference was, only she and Kushina had been trained by Lady Mito, and only she had the access or skills to perform the technique that could effectively seal a tailed beast.
Then there was the six years she spent away from Konoha. The things she was required to do, the things done to her, and the seal that protected her from the latter. She was an elite shinobi spy, she knew how to play the game, and knew that there were risks. What she didn't expect was to be put in an impossible situation. In the end all the sanguine haired kunoichi could hope for was that something beneficial would come of it. It was that thought that kept her alive this long. She didn't want to admit to anyone the dark thoughts she experienced, the many times she thought the world would be better off without her in it, and just how many times that fucking guy had managed to revive her.
Shaking her head, and lightly slapping her cheeks she brought herself back to the moment. Deciding that right now, she would enjoy her warm bed and the shinobi currently sharing it with her. If the shinobi life had taught her anything, it was to never take anything for granted. Shifting her body, she moved so her back was against his chest, and she smiled as his strong arm moved across her torso, pulling her close. His warmth was welcomed, and his heartbeat was the lullaby she needed. Her eyes slowly closed , a deep yawn coming over her, and for the first time in years, she felt safe.
Her lids felt heavy as she groggily opened her eyes, her amethyst orbs recognized the sun was beginning to shine through the slatted curtains on her window. The last thing she wanted was to leave the comfort of the bed, sleeping in a bed was a luxury she hadn't realized she missed. The warmth coming from the silver haired man behind her caused goosebumps to rise on her pale skin. Subconsciously she wiggled closer to the warmth noting the stiffness against the crease of her buttocks.
"You wiggle like that anymore Ari and I may need dessert before breakfast." He murmured, taking a deep inhale of her scent, the faint smell of cherry blossoms breaching his nose. There were not many perks non-shinobi perks to scent tracking, but this was certainly one of them. He was completely possessed by everything she offered.
"Don't threaten me with a good time Hatake…" her cheekiness was welcomed and reminded him again of the woman he had come to- 'Love?' She was funny, kind, and supportive, always there to listen and provide advice. She was not afraid to stand up for those that needed it, and as much as Naruto looked like the Fourth, Arisa had been the one who nurtured that personality. He could appreciate that those six years were unkind, downright awful if he had to guess, but all he wanted was to see her. 'Show me how you're feeling Arisa.' Tilting her head to look up at him she witnessed the befuddlement marring his face. Straightaway she wondered if her teasing had gone too far. She fought to shift away from him, but was surprised when he pulled her closer, holding her tight.
"Can't we just spend the day in bed?" He questioned. Arisa somehow managed to avoid rolling her eyes. As much as she agreed with with his desire, it was futile.
"You and I both know that's imposible. I have a meeting with the Hokage and you have training with your team." He hated that her argument was solid. "I also know Hatake that you're aware Naruto will eventually have to wake up." The siren had distracted him enough that for a moment he had completely forgotten about his loudmouthed student. As meaningful as it would be to stay in bed, enjoying her company, she made a valid point about her nephew. The last thing he wanted to explain to the yellow haired shinobi was why he was naked in his aunt's bed. "Now what would you like for breakfast?"
His hot breath behind her ear sent a shudder through her body, moisture pooling between her legs as he whispered, "You."
Tsunade was at a loss for words as the kunoichi in front of her blinked carefully, the small amount of hope that was present on her face vanished. At one point in time, Orochimaru was like a brother to her. They fought together on the front lines of the war; they had saved each other repeatedly and she only wished she could understand when that all changed. His lust for power blinded him, and she knew there was no evidence that could be changed. The Orochimaru she remembered was long gone. The fifth Hokage's eyebrows creased in frustration and Arisa shrugged her shoulders, a hollow grin appearing on her face.
"I appreciate you taking a look Lady Hokage." Again, that fake smile had become second nature to her. She could barely tell the difference between that and one of true happiness. "It makes me feel a little better about it." She reached for the roll of bandages, falling into a rhythm that had become comfortable for her, as she covered her left hand, then arm, then shoulder. The Hokage had offered an ointment to assist in stopping the bleeding, however Arisa turned her down, explaining that nothing worked against the damage as nothing could reach the underlying cause.
"I wish there was more I could do." Tsunade barely knew this shinobi, but all she saw when she looked down was the face of her apprentice. Just another person that she loved who was taken too soon. Prior to taking her position as Hokage, Tsunade was briefed on high ranking Jounin in the village, one of those being Arisa Uzumaki. The woman in front of her had been a prodigy in her own form. 'From what I've heard, she may even give me a run for my money in medical nin-jutsu.'
"Lady Tsunade I-" Both the Hokage and Arisa's head snapped towards the door, Shizune looking between the both of them. The brunette appeared out of breath, and Arisa wondered if the woman ever stopped running. "Um I hope I didn't interrupt?" The two women shook their head as Shizune smiled. "Well Arisa, they're ready for your evaluation."
The red head acknowledged the statement with a brief nod. She reached behind, tying her long hair up in a bun atop her head. It wasn't the first time she had to be re-evaluated for duty. The last time was only months into her ANBU position, yet something about this time caused nervousness to cycle through every cell of her body. She knew that when the Hokage had stated she could assist team Kakashi, it was so that the jounin could keep an onyx eye and perhaps a sharingan on her. Six years away could break a lot of shinobi, and she'd be lying if she said she didn't come close.
"Thank you again Lady Tsunade," Arisa extended one more statement of thanks before leaving out the door, swearing she heard the Hokage yell something about 'fucking paperwork.'
Interrogation and Torture worked closely with the Analysis and Intelligence areas of the ANBU. Given her sensory skills Arisa often found herself on reconnaissance missions, in fact that was why Ibiki had recruited her in the first place. Ibiki Morino was the head of the Interrogation and Torture unit and happened to be the one who recruited her to ANBU. She remembered how Kakashi didn't believe her, stating that the man was a sadist, and then ate his words as she arrived with Ibiki to do an interrogation on a captured enemy nin. She also found herself around Inoichi Yamanaka a fair amount and his skills always impressed her. He would be the one taking a look through her brain today.
These areas were not common knowledge, other than to the Hokage, the village Elders and the ANBU members. The tunnel under Hokage tower, led to a fork, she turned right and soon enough, she could see the lights of the Analysis division. "Well as I live and Breathe." His tone was sarcastic and she would expect nothing less. His scarred face hadn't changed in her time away. She wondered if the scowl that he held was a permanent fixture to his face throughout her time on ANBU. She still wondered that, making a goal to try and make the man smile before she died. "Six years is a long time."
"It was a long mission." Her answer was precise and purposefully vague. Inoichi was already gonna pull from her mind what he needed, and if her time in ANBU intelligence taught her anything, it was that the two men gossiped like old biddies. "Yo, Yamanaka, your patient is here."
Inoichi rounded the corner, looking up from the brown manila file. "Arisa, it's good to see your face. Not to many other's I'd say that too you know?"
"I feel honored," Arisa attempted to joke, but it came off flat, something the older men picked up easily. "So let's get this over with?" She knew she was giving her anxiety away, and she tried her best to get it back under control. Inoichi began to explain the procedure and what items the intelligence team would be looking for to prove she could continue her work as an elite jounin. Arisa nodded, appreciating the disclaimer, even though she explained it wasn't necessary.
She hated the feeling of someone in her head, and she struggled to relinquish control to the shinobi. The mind disturbance technique felt like waves were crashing in her head, shuffling her memories. In minutes she felt the shinobi leave her mind, replacing the pain with nausea. "Give yourself a few minutes to get your bearings." Arisa continued her deep breaths through her nose, mentally reprimanding her brain for doing this to her.
"Did you get what you needed Inoichi?" Slowly the disorientation slipped away and the blonde man in front of her nodded. "I'll await the Hokage's response."
"She'll have my report by the end of the day."
Blood red hair fell from the bun on her head as she removed the hair tie and Arisa offered a soft smile. "Good to see you both."
The two specialty jounin watched the kunoichi leave, and Ibiki immediately noted the concern crossing his friends face. "Find something?"
"It's more what I didn't find," Inoichi shook his head. "She's got two seals in there now."
Her fiery locks cascaded behind her, flowing gently as she walked down the stairs. Her amethyst eyes were trained on the ground as her feet shuffled along. It was as if she was on autopilot and Arisa found herself exiting the tower and walking the streets of Konoha. Her ears rang with silence, choosing not to listen to the sounds of the children playing or the chatting amongst merchants. The topic of her return was slowly becoming the biggest news in Konoha, as least amongst those that remembered her. She could hear the water as it rushed over the rocky had found the bench near the river comforting and when Naruto was a brand new baby, she often found herself sitting there with him as a way to comfort them both. Taking a seat, she let out a deep breath, her face falling into her hands, her elbows resting on her thighs.
The sound of steel slicing through the air made her eyes grow wide, her hands coming up to protect her face. Much to the dismay of the kunoichi in the trees, a log stood in place of the person, impaled by her shuriken. She reached for the ninjato sword on her back, but not before she was pinned to the tree, her hand held behind her back and the kunai blade pressing into her neck. "Damn it."
Arisa couldn't help but laugh at the annoyance in her opponents voice. "I'd give you at least an eight out of ten for effort Yugao." She stood back, the kunai she was holding disappearing in a puff of smoke, allowing the girl to turn and face her. Her gaze was downcast, her violet hair hung low shielding her face. As she slowly looked up Arisa saw nothing but pain in her brown eyes. "H-hey," Arisa stuttered as Yugao caught her in a hug, something that still made her feel uncomfortable. The tears stained her kimono, but she didn't dare to move. ANBU were meant to hide their emotions; it was a sign of weakness if they didn't, so having one show tears was unheard of. She had known Yugao for a long time, a few months before the violet headed shinobi joined ANBU. There was an uneven amount of male to female shinobi, and having another female to understand what the other person is going through created a bond between them. Kurenai had no desire to be part of the ANBU which meant that Arisa could not talk with her about anything that occurred, as sharing information outside of ANBU members was forbidden. Yugao on the other hand, she was able to rant to, on a regular basis.
"They said you were dead," she wrangled her tears and sobs long enough to make her statement. "When they found the members of team Ra and you weren't there, but your mask was, they all said it." Arisa's heart cracked, if Yugao heard about this and felt this way, that meant Kakashi was also made aware of it.
"I am sorry," Arisa apologized softly. Yugao stood back wiping the tears from her eyes and clearing her throat. The stoic look of an ANBU member returning to her face. "There was a lot happening at the time, and faking my death seemed to be the most logical answer. I didn't realize how that would look to everyone back here."
Yugao, although angry, knew that Arisa was smart, and had hoped deep down that the rumors were not true. Yet every year went by and every year the red head did not walk through the Konoha gates. "There was a lot happening here as well." Arisa knew what she was referring too, she had heard that Hayate was murdered during the chunin exams that Orochimaru had infiltrated. One of the great brags Kabuto made a point of mentioning, leading to a large shoulder wound from the red head. Hayate and Yugao's relationship was not at all a secret, and if they meant it to be, then they did a horrible job of hiding it. She could picture Hayate's smirk as he spoke about Yugao and just how amazing his woman was.
"You're not wrong," Arisa responded, "But if I went back in time I'd still say yes to the mission. Protecting Konoha for me, that's all I can do. If I protect the village then I protect him."
"And that Sensei is why I can't hate you."
Arisa scowled at the word sensei. 'We are too close in age for that nonsense Yugao!' The two kunoichi jumped from the tree, landing softly on the ground. "See you at drinks tonight."
Arisa blinked and Yugao was gone. She groaned internally, 'I forgot about drinks.
Kurama's chakra remained an easy signature for her to find. In fact the hostility always settled when she came near. If she had a bet on where to find her nephew, sitting at Ichiraku ramen hut would always be her first guess. "No way!" The patrons turned around at the server's remarks, Ayame grinning as the kunoichi approached. "Arisa! Glad to see you back!" Arisa waved sheepishly, embarrassed that the shop owner's daughter was making such a scene. She had been Ichiraku's best costumer since moving to Konoha. So, it wasn't surprising that in all those years she was on a first name basis with the shop owner and his daughter. Ayame's white and red bandana held her long sandy brown hair back as she called to her father in the kitchen, "Make it a pork ramen special."
"Of course, you like ramen," Sakura muttered earning a sideways glance from Arisa. "It must run in the Uzumaki genes or something." Arisa wanted to make a comment about how ramen encompassed all the food groups, but she couldn't muster the mental energy to do it.
"Well forgive me for knowing good food," Arisa huffed sitting beside her nephew, ruffling his hair with her bandaged hand.
"I am not a child Auntie," Naruto grumbled brushing away her hand, earning a smirk from the kunoichi to his left.
"Training must have gone well? Or did you guys bet Kakashi that if he lost, he'd be here buying ramen?" Arisa was well aware that the silver haired shinobi preferred other items to ramen. She knew for a fact that ramen didn't even crack his top five foods. The two young shinobi confirmed her suspicions. "To bad Kakashi, looks like you're missing out on sweets."
"Who needs the sweet shop, now that you're here Uzumaki." His eyes were playful, and he heard Naruto choke on his ramen. Arisa wanted to smack him for that, but decided not to bring attention to it. He reached into his pockets, turning them inside out, his chuckle was full of embarrassment as he placed a hand behind his neck, rubbing his hair line."Probably a good thing you showed up anyways, turns out I forgot my wallet."
The two team seven members groaned, regretting the fact that they assumed Kakashi had changed. When it came time to pay, Kakashi sensei was notorious for forgetting his wallet. Naruto and Sakura knew the guy was always on missions, and knew that the higher rank missions paid a lot better. 'So why does he always pawn payment off on someone else?' Naruto's wallet was practically empty the few coins placed into the frog pouch would barely crack his bill. Training with Jiraiya didn't leave him any opportunity to make cash. Sakura was annoyed at herself for recently spending her earnings on a new outfit. The three turned to Arisa, who's hand was placed on her forehead, and all three watched in anticipation as the kunoichi let out a deep breath. Arisa took note of the four empty bowls in front of Naruto and rolled her eyes, 'Love that your picking up on your sensei's bad habits Naruto.' "Thinking about it Ari, you haven't been here in six years, maybe it's your turn to pay?" Arisa wanted to smack the smirk from her nephews face. He sat smugly proud that he had thought of that negotiation.
Ayame returned with the steaming bowl of soup and Arisa listened to the dialogue beside her, enjoying her first bowl of ramen in ages. Kakashi was talking about the improvements each of his student's had made and noted that training under the sannin had done wonders for their techniques. "Next time you'll have to join us Arisa." Her eyes widened and she attempted to stop herself from choking on broth like her nephew had done earlier. Her violet eyes watched as Naruto was overtook by enthusiasm.
"Ya! Auntie Ari! I've never seen you spar before!" Naruto's eyes were bright, excitement radiating out of every pore of his body. "I thought you only did medical missions?" Arisa suddenly remembered that at some point she was going to have to sit down and discuss with Naruto just how she was picked to leave those six long years ago. "I mean, not to say that doesn't make you a kick ass shinobi or anything…" Naruto trailed off rubbing the back of his head attempting to save himself from the hole he was digging. In that, he failed to notice the tense muscles and harsh breathing of his teammate, the other medical ninjutsu, whose blood started to boil.
"What did you say Naruto?" Sakura growled as Naruto attempted to back pedal. "Maybe next time I'll make a point not to save your ass."
Arisa smirked as her nephew pleaded for the pink haired kunoichi's forgiveness. She had learned more than just chakra control from Tsunade, her temper seemed to give the sannin's a run for her money. 'She might even have you beat Shina.' Arisa chuckled softly taking the final spoon of broth from her ramen. Arisa held her face as the guilt washed over her, hearing the chuckles of the shop owners, Naruto's attempt at humor and Kakashi reminding his student he should know better was something she had missed out on. Sitting here at Ichiraku was something she should have been doing. Getting to talk with her nephew and his friends, living like a family, the family she owed Naruto after everything.
Kakashi noted the brief look of sorrow on Arisa's face, one that had disappeared as fast as it had come on. He was aware that since her return the smile she managed to put on her face was hollow, and simply there to appease whomever she was speaking with. Leave it to his dense student not to realize that though. He watched as Arisa tapped the mark to the inside of her wrist, barely visible it looked simply like a freckle against her porcelain skin. In a cloud of smoke her wallet was in her hand. "Sakura," Kakashi stated slowly, "You're going to swallow flies if you don't close your mouth."
Sakura blushed realizing she had been staring as Naruto crossed his arms over his chest smugly. "Pretty neat eh Sakura? Ari has so many cool tricks like that."
Arisa rolled her eyes, leave it to her nephew to knock down a sophisticated technique to nothing but a parlor trick. "You all owe me." Her wallet flooded open with bills as the two teens shook their heads, trying to grasp how she managed to have that many bills at once. "Honestly you guys would have this too if you thought about savings." Knowing that she had not needed to spend a dime in six years, the money had simply sat there. Naruto was lucky to have a large fund left to him by his parents, and that was how he was able to maintain the apartment and utilities. Kakashi knew that Ari was often mindful of her cash flow, the women barely spent a dime on herself, choosing to spoil her nephew instead. He admired that about her, she always put thought into others.
Ayame and Teuchi thanked the shinobi as the four began to walk down the street making comments about the delicious meal. Sakura said her goodbyes first taking a left at the fork in the road and Kakashi knew that he needed to follow up on a question that had been bugging him. Making a point of saying that he was late for something, the jounin disappeared in a blink as Naruto frowned. "Kakashi sensei is never on time for anything."
"He wasn't always like that," Arisa mumbled, remembering back to their ANBU days. "It's a bad habit he learned from a friend."
"Kakashi sensei has friends?" Naruto asked and Arisa let out a laugh, one she never attempted to hold back. "Just didn't really seem like the type." Naruto shrugged and Arisa thought back to their younger years. 'Definitely much more personable now.'
"We all need friends Naruto." The bench near the river was empty as the two sat, listening to the babbling of the river. Naruto was reminded of the time he spent there with his aunt, and how when things were tough when she was gone, he often returned. She coaxed him into a conversation, asking him to recount everything she had missed since he first started at the academy. Arisa noted his downplay of the bullying he suffered, but that he did not leave a single detail out about the many times he almost died. If Arisa knew any better, it was like he was bragging about it.
"Then I graduate and get placed with that asshole Uchiha." Naruto's voice was angry as he continued to recount the many situations, he and the young Uchiha had been in. "Always thought he was better than me, at every turn. Honestly, I wanted to knock some sense into the guy at the Valley of the End, but that snake's curse mark made him stronger than I thought." Arisa recognized that the anger had slowly faded into a sense of pain. "I made a promise to Sakura, and I will bring Sasuke back to the village. He belongs here." Arisa could appreciate how much Naruto cared. "Then I trained with Pervy Sage, and well that's it."
Deep down, she knew he would be disappointed if he was ever lucky enough to cross paths with Sasuke again. 'He's on a path of revenge. One that no one will be able to stop.' She wanted to tell Sasuke what she had learned in their brief time together, but knew that it was not her story to tell.
"Can you tell me about your mission?" Naruto knew that his aunt was not as bubbly as she used to be. Her eyes used to shine brightly, but that had been replaced by a consistent dull look. "There was a rumor going around that you were dead. Found out a few days before I graduated the academy." Like a knife to the heart, deep hot pain radiated through her. "I asked Iruka sensei about it and all he kept telling me was that it was a rumor, and until there was proof you were dead, that's all it was."
"A lot of the mission was confidential," She stated recognizing his look of disappointment. "But the goal was to collect information on the Akatsuki and Orochimaru." She felt her nephew tense at the mention of both parties. "There were things that happened on the mission that ended up changing the course. All I wanted was survive long enough to return to Konoha. I often thought of you Naru and how I couldn't leave you here, alone."
Naruto raised an eyebrow; just what kind of mission did the third Hokage send her on those years ago. He had seen Orochimaru and knew that he was a powerful shinobi. He had also met two of those Akatsuki guys and they were crazy. He still kept the note she had left him in his top drawer. All it said was it was her turn to help protect Konoha. He knew how much his Aunt loved the village, but he couldn't help but think the Hokage had sent her on a suicide mission
"I do have something I need to tell you about Naruto," she mumbled her voice shaking only hoping she would be able to make it through. "Something about the nine-tailed fox…"
After completing her story, he simply left. No angry looks, no yelling, no comments on how she didn't have the right to keep such secrets from him. Just mumbling something about needing time. So she let him go, she could empathize, but she could not understand how he felt. She had never been a jinchuriki, and the burden that came with that had the power to destroy a person. A loud sigh escaped her lips as she placed her hands on her lap staring forward as the chakra approached from behind. "How much of that did you hear?"
"Enough," Yugao stated shrugging her shoulders. "Any chance he noticed you were lying?" Yugao's sensory skills rivaled Arisa's and although extremely mild, she could sense the chakra fluctuations that Arisa was giving off.
"Not lying, just leaving some things out," Arisa muttered as Yugao sent her a look. "He needs to know that as a jinchuriki his life is at risk, the rest however can be discussed another day." Yugao decided not to push further, seeing an emptiness cloud Arisa's eyes. Over their years of friendship she had learned about the Uzumaki clan and their roles in the history of Konoha, and had also realized the uniqueness that was Arisa's position. The red head retired the empty look, replacing it with what ever brightness she could muster. "Shouldn't you be busy looking after the village?" Arisa raised a brow as this was their second run in today and a light chuckle left the ex-ANBUs throat.
"Gave up being an ANBU a few years ago now," Yugao shrugged. The idea of joining in combat again was not something she would ever find herself thinking. "Figured I'd try and save some lives, not take them." Depression was an awful thing, and had she not found a purpose at the hospital, she knew that she would likely be in the ground right next to her love. "Luckily, the Fifth let me head the medic-nin corps." Arisa was impressed, Yugao was skilled, and she could think of no one better to lead the medic-nin.
"Well, I am glad you're doing what works for you," Arisa praised. "You deserve that Yu." Yugao's cheeks tinted pink at the praise from her senior. The nickname was something she hated initially, but it ended up growing on her. The sun was growing lower in the sky by the minute. Arisa realized that the day had all but passed and cursed herself for getting lost in her thoughts. She stood saying a quick goodbye, attempting to turn away. Yugao's wrist clamped on her forearm and the Arisa was unable to hide the irritable undertones in her voice. "No chance hey?"
"If I don't bring you for drinks, I'll have Genma riding me for the next year," Yugao stated immediately blushing at her choice of words. "I mean he'll be pissed. He was the one who made sure I kept an eye on you."
"Of course, he was," Arisa groaned, making a mental note to kick his ass at the next available opportunity. "Can I at least change?" She motioned to the kimono she was wearing, something she really didn't really want to wear around a bunch of drunk idiots. "If Gai happens to show up, you know he'll challenge me to some stupid competition."
Yugao still remembered the first time she had joined them all for drinks, it was Hayate's idea, and she could never say no to him. She quickly became acquainted with the jounin she did not know and was happy when she recognized a few of her ANBU members. If she had thought Arisa was a force on the ANBU, Arisa after five sake was on a whole other level. "Gai is away on a mission with his team. I guess if you're quick about it..." Arisa's pleading look was successful and the two jounin flickered at a invisible speed towards her apartment. She knew Naruto was not home, his chakra was not felt nearby and Arisa hoped that when he did return they would be able to talk more about the jinchuriki situation.
She looked through her closet, hating everything that was hanging in front of her. 'No way I am buying a whole new wardrobe.' Rolling her eyes, she picked out a mint tank that had short mesh sleeves and her spandex shorts. She quickly made her way to the bathroom, tying her hair up and attempting to stifle the dark circles under her eyes. 'This is as good as it gets.' Her left arm throbbed, and she bit her lip breathing through the pain until it subsided. Double checking the bandages and feeling lucky that there had been no bleeding visible she guessed she was ready.
"We are going to be late," Yugao muttered as Ari appeared in front of her. "If you got ready any slower, I'd say Kakashi was rubbing off on you."
Arisa smirked, 'Well, he did a lot more than rubbing off on me.' She challenged herself to not think such thoughts when there was no chance of follow through. "Let's get this over with."
It was awkward seeing everyone gathered at the bar, sipping sake and laughing like she remembered. She was thankful the noise hid her entrance as she surveyed the room. Anko sat near Ebisu at a two person table, the redness on her cheeks telling Arisa just how much alcohol she had managed to have so far. Ebisu's sun-glasses hung down his nose (Arisa wasn't sure why the guy would wear them inside) and the red head noted that his gaze fell to the open area of her jacket. 'Ebisu, if Anko notices, you may get your head beat in.' Kotetsu and Izumo sat in the far right corner, talking to a couple of civilian females who looked as if they were eating up what ever story they were being fed. Those two were always together, and she wondered if they ever got sick of each other. She spotted the brunette sitting at the bar and a small smile came to her face. She continued to look for the presence she wanted to see, but as she looked further to the left, she was met with two crimson eyes.
Kurenai could not believe who was in front of her and she felt her nails dig into her palms, the pain telling her this was indeed real. When Genma had practically forced everyone out for drinks, she assumed it was because he was looking for tail, not that their kunoichi had returned. Like everyone else, it was hard to continue to have hope when they were met with dead end after dead end. 'Until there's proof, she's still alive.' Kakashi had made that statement to her and Asuma many times over the years, and somehow he must have realized deep down that she would return to Konoha. Kurenai was met with her best friend's eyes. 'More like a shell of my best friend.' Immediately she noticed the weight loss, the dark circles and the empty eyes. A mission that long likely had it's moments of trauma, but how much worse was it to cause such a change to Arisa? Kurenai was aware that when Arisa left, her left arm was not wrapped the way it was now, and when Ari noticed her looking at it, she shifted the arm to hold it behind her back. "Hey Kurenai…" She was embarrassed, and a little caught off guard as her friend embraced her. Arisa noticed that Kurenai hadn't aged at all over the years. She wore a white and red skirt and her white shirt had mesh near the top of her chest. Her brunette hair was just past her shoulders.
"Everyone said you were-"
"Dead." Arisa finished; an ambivalent tone present. How many times was she going to hear those words? Kurenai's grip only tightened and Arisa remembered just how annoying her hugs were. 'Although it's nice to get a hug after so long.'
"Nai, she's turning blue." The brown haired kunoichi stepped back as the man next to her chuckled. "Well Arisa, glad you made it back. It hasn't quite been the same without you around here." Asuma's cigarette hung from his mouth, his arm around Kurenai's waist. Arisa was surprised he hadn't kicked that awful habit yet, but even more interesting was the slight change in body language between the two. Arisa raised a fiery questioning eyebrow. Prior to her mission the two were in a relationship, although they always told everyone they weren't together, Arisa knew better. "I am sure Kakashi was glad to see you." His pointed look caused her to roll her eyes, as the biggest pervert in the village approached.
"I warned her about Prince Blue Balls. Bastard isn't here yet, so a true evaluation cannot be completed." Genma's senbon clacked between his teeth, a suggestive smirk covered his face and all Arisa wanted to do was drink the bar dry. "She give you any trouble Yugao?" Arisa had almost forgot about her being too overwhelmed with everything else occurring.
"Nothing I couldn't deal with."
'Traitor.' Arisa rolled her eyes and Yugao simply giggled as her violet hair swayed. Arisa quickly realized that out of all the people here, no one had changed much over the last six years. She found herself wondering what would have happened had she turned down the mission? Would things be the same for her? Unfortunately, the consequences of her choices were not something that she could turn back the clock for. "I came to this stupid thing, didn't I? I've barely been home for forty-eight hours and somehow, I made this a priority." Arisa did not mean for her tone to come out that crass, but she changed her mind as Genma raised a hand to his heart.
"Ari, you wound me."
"Keep it up Genma and she just might," Kurenai knew her friend well enough to know that she had a low tolerance for bullshit, especially Genma's. "Why don't we grab you a drink Ari? I feel like you need one."
She thanked the woman for being able to read her and she found herself being escorted towards the bar by Kurenai and Yugao. Arisa's mind shifted, her eyes beginning to glaze as she found herself fighting the dark memories threatening to take over. Looking up, she raised a hand towards the bar tender, "I'll take a double," She started immediately shaking her head, "Actually give me the bottle."
"Sounds like you. Looks like you. Arisa?" She laughed at the man sitting next to her.
"Tenzou!" She wrapped her arms around his neck as the mans cheeks flushed. Arisa knew that public affection of any kind caused a pure embarrassment for the former ROOT member. "Look how grown up you are!" She was right, he was taller, filled out and was handsome enough to likely snag a girlfriend of his choice.
"A-Ari." He stuttered annoyed that she could still cause him to stutter. "Kakashi must be happy you're back." 'Good job Tenzou, change the subject.' He inwardly praised himself and Arisa shrugged.
"Well he's not here yet." She sounded disappointed to those around her. She took one large swig out of the sake bottle enjoying the feeling of numbness that took over her body with each sip. "Besides Genma invited me for drinks, so drinks it is."
"Did someone say drinks? Oh shit Arisa when did you get here?" Anko was already tipsy walking towards her fellow shinobi who were all currently rolling their eyes. She was an amazing shinobi when sober, but once she started drinking her senses went to shit."Ebisu look, it's Arisa." He looked annoyed as he muttered, "Yeah I know I can see her too."
Arisa realized she was losing her inhibitions faster than she thought. 'That's what happens when you don't drink for six years and then decide to pound em back.' Clearing her throat she raised her bottle of sake, "Here's to all my amazing friends, those friends that we've lost, and the missions we can't talk about!" She realized it was much easier to fake happy when the alcohol was coursing through her veins. Finishing off the bottle the bartender looked at her with one raised brow. "Keep em coming barkeep."
Her friends knew better than to intervene. They were shinobi, the life itself was not a glamorous one, much to how it may look to others. Sure, there were good moments, but those moments did not make up for the bad ones. Yugao shot Kurenai a look as she nodded in agreement, both understanding that while away, their friend had dealt with things beyond what they had ever encountered, and silently, they both agreed to be there for her when she was willing to talk about it.
Arisa was slowly updated on the life events of those around her. Anko was in fact dating Ebisu, Kurenai and Asuma were engaged, and although not confirmed, Kurenai agreed that there was likely something going on between Yugao and Genma. "I thought Genma invited Kakashi?"
"Yeah I was there," Arisa giggled. "Well if Kakashi doesn't want to be here that's his loss." She hid her sadness well. The conversations continued to flow as if they was no loss of time, something Arisa appreciated.
Sipping the bottle, she was hopeful to drown the thoughts in her head. Time pressed on and slowly the shinobi began to leave. Kotetsu and Izumo left first, accompanied by the two females they had brought. Ebisu had to drag Anko out the door as she was starting to challenge the bartender to a fight. Ari smirked watching Yugao leave with Genma and she could see Asuma and Kurenai cuddled in one of the soft chairs near the back of the lounge.
She felt that darkness creep up on her. She had managed to keep it at bay since returning home and cursed herself for not being strong enough to push it down into the depths of nothingness where it belonged. Feeling alone throughout ones entire being was a weird sensation to describe, but that's exactly what she felt.
She felt her chest tighten. Her lungs were on fire and her throat felt as if it was closing. Her palms were shaking and clammy and she felt a darkness surrounding her. 'I need to get out of here.' As fast as she could without making a scene, she stumbled towards the back door. The full power of the sake disorienting her, not caring about those calling after her she just needed air. She motioned as if she was clawing at the door to escape. Her breathing was too quick, causing her to lose focus. Her vision was grainy and all she could feel was him, he was everywhere. Attempting to steady her breath she tried to sense the chakra around her. Startled by the weight of the hand on her shoulder, she drew a kunai at a speed that matched the fourth Hokage, turning faster than the eye could see, grasping the shirt of whomever was in front of her and pushing them against the hard surface of what she assumed was a wall. The kunai met with the flesh of a neck, and she could feel herself loosing it, the darkness was closing in, she wouldn't let it win. She wouldn't let anyone take advantage of her, never again.
"Arisa." He had said her name calmly but firmly for the fifth time but for what ever reason he couldn't break through her glazed vision. If he moved too much, the kunai was certainly going to cause some impressive damage, if he didn't move, well, he didn't know what that would mean, but the fear in her eyes told him that she was not just going to let go. 'Where are you Arisa?' "Ari, it's okay it's me…"
She heard him, his voice full of concern. It was as if she was given whiplash as the darkness dissipated and she realized that she had the copy-nin pinned to the wall, a kunai at his throat. She felt the tightness in her chest begin to leave, and her vision cleared, the faint red line on his neck making Arisa's eyes widen. She was able to catch his onyx eye as it seemed to look through her, searching for something deep. Realizing the death grip, she had on both the kunai and his shirt, she stumbled back, releasing both as the kunai dropped to the ground, the clang echoing down the street. "Oh god." Her hands trembled as she realized what she had done.
"It's okay." He took a tentative step forward, analyzing, watching as the kunoichi internally battled. If he had arrived on time, then maybe this could've gone differently? He knew that the results of Arisa's exam would be completed and he wanted to discuss it with the Hokage. He cared to much about her to let her back on missions before she was ready.
'Well there was nothing saying she wouldn't be ready to return to the front lines," Tsunade sighed and Kakashi let a smile grow under his mask. "What is concerning however, is that she now has two memory seals in her mind."
"Why didn't Inoichi just extract them?" Kakashi asked, realizing how stupid that question was at the Hokage's laughter.
"They are 24 point memory seals Kakashi. Only a ninja master in fuinjutsu would be able to break through them and even then it would be extremely difficult to do. As for masters in sealing, the only one I know is the one who the seals happen to be placed on."
"Obviously if shes placed seals there is something there worth hiding," Kakashi knew that the Hokage was also aware that this was likely the case. "Can't that be enough to bench her?" Tsunade could feel the concern in every word the jounin spoke.
"Unfortunately, at this time we cannot prove what is behind those seals, so I have no foot to stand on to stop her."
Large tears began falling down her cheeks, silent sobs wracking her body. Stepping forward, not knowing what he was supposed to do, he waited. The copy-nin did not remember ever seeing her in this state, and it was horribly unsettling for him. 'A side effect of the mission?' Slowly his arms reached forward, not wanting to startle her, but the motion was welcomed as she smashed into his chest, holding on to his vest for what seemed like dear life. Her tears were cool as they stained the green fabric. He sent a look towards the concerned faces currently standing at the bar doors. Hoping they understood it meant to back off for now. The nod from the red eyed kunoichi and the son of the Hokage verified what he needed.
They just stood there, in the middle of the street, her crying as he held her close. Recognizing that the street was not the best place for the kunoichi to air her emotions he lifted the woman up, carrying her gently as he made the way towards his apartment. Her tears had not stopped flowing, and he felt at a loss. All the years he had known the woman and crying was a rarity. Screaming, yelling, snippy comments, that was Arisa, not the tearful broken kunoichi he held in his arms.
Walking through the door, gently he placed her on the bed, crawling in next to her. He found himself stroking her cheek, unsure of how long he was doing it he looked down at her. 'Even like this you're beautiful.' Her eyes were closed, and somehow she had managed to fall asleep, although the pained look remained on her beautiful face. Her eyebrows creased and her frown did not let up as she shivered. Defeated, Kakashi removed her shoes, knowing that he wouldn't let her sleep entirely uncomfortable. He reached up knowing that she was wearing a bra and internally noting that he preferred her in kimono because she didn't wear one then. He pulled her up gently, her body leaning into him as his hand reached around, unclasping the annoying garment. She stirred, eyes closed and Kakashi heard her state in barely a whisper, "Please no… not this time… ito." He stiffened, scolding himself. He was losing it, that name was one he had not heard in years and his ears had likely misheard. Knowing that he would be unable to get an answer to clarify, he slowly removed the kunoichi's shirt, followed by her bra. He felt himself grow hard, 'Yeah, not exactly the time Kakashi.' Replacing the shirt, he moved to her shorts, removing them slowly and he recognized that she was trembling, looking up he quickly realized that the tremors were not from passion. Finishing the job, he returned to his place beside her, running his hands through her hair until she was finally laying comfortable. Lifting the blankets, he covered her knowing that he'd explain himself in the morning. At one point Arisa had told him that sleeping in a bra was the most uncomfortable thing and that men had it easy. Her arm was broken and it was during one of their partnered ANBU missions. That was the first time he found himself up against a back clasp, but definitely not the last. From that time on horny teenage Kakashi made it a point to assist the kunoichi when he could.
He removed his vest followed by his shirt and face mask. His hand brushed through his silver hair and a part of him wished he had the Yamanaka ability to read minds. He wished she would be truthful about what had happened, as seeing her like this was torture, but he also could tell that what ever was causing her fear would be difficult to speak about. Exhaling, he walked to the bathroom upset that even though his kunoichi was laying there broken, his bodily urges did not stop happening. His hand would have to suffice to ease the strain in his pants.
The throbbing pain in her head was the first sensation that brought her to reality. The stabbing felt as if it was behind her eyeballs and the pressure was almost unbearable. She attempted to blink her eyelids open and after a few moments was successful. Immediate regret caused her to clench them shut as the bright light impaled her purple iris'. The sun was out as she could see the yellow light as it came through the curtains. Although her eyes were open briefly, she immediately recognized she was not at her apartment, but one that was very familiar to her. She also realized she was the only shinobi currently in the bed. 'What happened last ni-' Rapidly her memories returned, and she felt a red hot anger surround her. She had attacked him. Arisa remembered the look in his eyes, pleading with her to recognize him, and yet she couldn't. 'How long did it take to get me back?'
"Oh good you're up I-"He couldn't finish as she met him at the door frame, the kunoichi was in front of him in a flash, her violet eyes looking at his neck assessing for any possible mark from the kunai she brazenly wielded the night prior. "Just a scratch Ari." The thin red line was present and her heart sank.
"I am so sorry," she placed the softest of kisses on his neck.
"You have nothing to be sorry for," He attempted to ease her worries, wrapping his arms around her thin frame, her chest against his, but it did not appear to be working. "No harm no foul." He knew, that had the kunoichi wanted to, she truly could've caused some major damage. The fact that she didn't, told him that somewhere in her subconscious she recognized what she was doing.
"No harm no foul," She scoffed rolling her amethyst eyes. "I don't deserve that Hatake, I could've killed you." She moved his arms off of her body, walking to the side of the bed, her bra and shorts in plain sight. 'Guy has the memory of an elephant though, sleeping in that would have been awful.'
" Come on Ari, give me a little credit, I wouldn't have let you without a bit of fighting back," His attempt at humor fell on her deaf ears. "You were scared Ari… I have never seen you look that way." His concern stabbed her heart, the shame crashing over her.
"Yeah, I will not be touching sake ever again," she muttered as she lifted her legs, stepping into the shorts. "It was a lot." Her voice was vulnerable as he listened intently to what she stated. "It felt crowded, too many people, to many things I had missed, It was like being shuffled around like a gift, making sure I talked with everyone, making sure I apologized for being away, it just felt like too much. I was hoping every time the door opened that you would walk through. It had been such a long day, and so when you didn't arrive, I figured something came up." He had wondered if the crowd had been part of the reason he found her in the street. He was immediately pissed that he didn't realize how much she wanted him there. He had assumed that because she would be with everyone else, she wold be okay. "I tried to drown it in the sake, but that obviously did not improve things."
"Any chance you'll tell me what you were thinking when you pinned me to the wall?" Her gaze became downcast and immediately he regretted pressuring her. "Forget it Ari, but I am here when you're ready to talk."
"When did the roles switch?" Arisa had always been the welcome ears for Kakashi, in fact back in their ANBU days she was the only shinobi, no, the only person who listened.
"When I realized it was my turn to pay you back." Arisa returned to him wrapping her arms around his neck, her lips pressing against his. Dropping his bottom lip slightly, she took dominance as her tongue lead their passion. Not wanting to lose, Kakashi switched positions, her back against the bedroom wall, his hand cupping her chin as he broke the kiss to nibble her earlobe. "I am sorry I wasn't there."
"I am not a baby Kakashi, I should be able to handle a night out without you by my side," She gasped his kisses trailing down her neck. "B-Besides, there's going to be times, where I have to be alone. I need to be okay with that."
"I don't want you to be alone," He muttered, looking up as her hand settled against his cheek. "We made that promise a long time ago Ari."
"It's risky Kakashi," She stated through heavy eyelids. "With Naruto, the Akatsuki, Sasuke... when we were kids it was easier." The absolute sadness radiating off of her was something he was determined to fix.
"I don't care when we made it," his forehead pressed against hers gently, "We both agreed we need someone to come home too."
The two jounin walked along the street heading towards the dango shop. Kakashi had wanted a sweet and Arisa knew that it was the best thing to cure a hangover. and post sex hunger. Her eyes caught the form of the young Nara boy, 'Well he's no longer young.' He was taller than when he was a kid, but his spiky hair being drawn back into a ponytail had not changed, and neither had the bored look on his face. Next to him stood a beautiful girl, a kunoichi judging by the hidden sand headband she currently wore. Arisa noted the fan attached to her back, and could sense the strength in her chakra.
"Heading out Shikamaru?" Kakashi had beat her to the question as the shinobi sighed.
"Escorting Temari back to the Sand, it's troublesome." Earning a smack from the blonde, Arisa held back her laughter.
"You were saying Nara?" Her voice was cutthroat and Arisa was sure she saw Shikamaru gulp. "That's what I thought."
Arisa had been told about the truce between Konoha and Suna, something that Naruto had helped to facilitate. She had to admit it was nice to see other village shinobi walking the streets, it gave her the small idea that maybe the third Hokage's idea of peace was not an unreachable target.
"Kakashi sensei!" Sakura's voice rang out loudly waving towards the jounin flanked by her blonde-haired blue-eyed teammate. The two approached and Arisa felt some relief at the fact that Naruto didn't seem to be glaring at her. "We're we able to get a mission?" Sakura's voice was inquisitive and Naruto's boomed frustrated.
"Yeah something better than finding that old ladies cats."
Arisa watched Shikamaru groan in annoyance and the blonde next to him smirked. "Sorry we haven't met yet," the red head reached her hand out, "Arisa Uzumaki."
Temari's eyes widened so very subtly that it went unnoticed by anyone other than Kakashi. "Temari." Arisa could feel the strength of her chakra, the light airy feeling of a wind user present.
Before the group could engage in any further pleasantries, a wide winged hawk flew over the gates above them. "Takamaru?" The sand shinobi's question was affirmed as the bird landed on the princess. The scroll attached to his leg was gently removed, and Arisa's gut dropped as the sand shinobi's eyes widened. "It's Gaara. He's been captured."
"What do you mean?" Naruto asked, he knew just how tough Gaara was and the thought of him being captured, brought him back to the conversation that he and Arisa spoke about the day prior.
"Let's bring this too the Hokage," Kakashi was the voice of reason. The jounin also found it problematic that the Kazekage had managed to be captured, but if what the note said was even close to correct, then they needed to inform the Hokage so that they could assist their allied village properly. "She'll need to be informed so that a team can be sent."
"I am going." Naruto stated stubbornly. "I don't care what Granny Tsunade says. I get Gaara, he wouldn't be taken easily. He's like me." Arisa watched her nephew as he spoke about the Kazekage, the respect he had for the shinobi was easily evident. "He's the one tail jinchuriki."
'So it begins.' Arisa hardened, putting up that stoic front she always seemed to.
"I understand Naruto," Kakashi validated. "The more you stop talking the quicker we can get this to Lady Tsunade."
The three leaf shinobi and the sand shinobi ran as fast as possible towards Hokage tower and Kakashi glanced at Arisa, not sure if this was something she would be up to following last night. What he saw, was that fake, statuesque look that had become a normal. "It must be them?" Kakashi asked as Arisa nodded.
"This is not going to be easy." Her voice was flat, and Kakashi felt the return of the ANBU he had worked alongside. The no emotion, complete the task, no nonsense Arisa.
Kakashi shrugged, a smile under his mask, the aloof look on his face catching Arisa off guard. "Is it ever?"