Burn
Chapter 13
"Whenever you want to make a difference, experience a new kind of change, results and progress, you must choose to confront what others avoid."
― Benjamin Suulola
Warnings: graphic death, depictions of violence.
Our meeting with Tsunade had been the bare-bones. She was preparing for an both a covert assault and all out fight.
"He'll probably try to hide. But I want you, Kakashi, to go after him tonight and bring him in. I'm calling a meeting with the Clan heads to clue them in." Tsunade said.
"We have the clearance from the Capital." Shizune added, "the Daimyo was disappointed, though."
Tsunade just made a face, and looked over to us both. She shook her head and sighed.
"We don't have clearance to outright kill him… but I don't mind if your hand slips and an accident happens."
Kakashi nodded in agreement.
"I see."
I guessed I would be sidelined again. At least I thought that until Tsunade turned to me.
"You - you stay with Maya under the watch of the Anbu. Take your Uncle with you. Danzo might move to take you too. If he does still have connections with Orochimaru, he might suspect you. And if Orochimaru told him about you, he might want to do a trade."
"Then why hasn't he moved?" I asked.
"Danzo hides his actions behind doing what he feels is the good of the village. But his tactics are dark and manipulative. So until he found it more beneficial…." Kakashi said softly.
"So I'm just not important for right now." I murmured; finally I was rather pleased about that. I did like to be under peoples' notice. The fact I hadn't heard in months how Konoha found me suspicious helped. I do wonder if Ibiki had made it up in spite of me. Was he that cruel?
"So - hopefully Danzo knows nothing." I murmured.
"Hopefully." Kakashi agreed.
It wasn't too much longer and we headed out. It was getting later in the day and neither of us had been able to sleep through the night. We'd need to rest soon, have our talk - and go to our respective assignments.
I nudged his side and nodded to my place.
"Shall we?" I asked softly.
He paused and looked over to where I nodded to.
"I… probably should get ready for tonight." He murmured.
Ah. So I see. I felt a little disappointed but perhaps he needed the moment.
"Well - you know where I am." I said trying to hide any of my disappointment. He turned to look down at me and gave me an eye smile. It seemed genuine.
"Be safe, Tami-chan." He said.
I might have melted a little bit. I felt like a sap.
"Yes, well…. Will I see you later?"
"After." He said. I couldn't help but feel a little nervous. Maybe I had upset him more than-? He placed a hand on the back of my head and just said, "it's fine, Tami-chan."
He sent me another warm look before heading out. Lovelies, I was practically nailed to the spot. My face felt like it was on fire, and all he said was it's fine! Truly. I was a sap.
I went to return home, taking the long way. Uncle was probably livid, but -. Surely, he'd forgive me someday.
I could hear Gai by the time I stood outside my door. Sure enough, he was there still entertaining my Uncle. I tried not to smile. Gai - Gai was the best. I'd have to make it up to him. Maybe I'd make him something special? Get him new weights? Surely he deserved it for having to deal with my prickly Uncle.
I stepped in to face the music.
"And that is how my rival and I's contests began!" Gai crowed, "The power of springtime youth has seen me through! Our current streak is 82 losses and 77 wins!"
"That's nice. You're another ten points down." Uncle said in a flat tone, "you gonna take your turn now?"
Gai broke out into a laugh and I heard another, unknown groan.
Ah. Must be Neiji.
I fought the urge to giggle. I stepped into the kitchen, taking in the scene. From the look of it, Uncle had broken into some of my bomb-free cards and was half-of-a-deck through a game. He looked up at me and sent me a knowing look. Uncle probably figured it out that I sent a babysitter.
"You gentlemen look to be having fun." I commented, leaning on the doorframe. Neiji spared me only a glance as he shuffled through his cards
"We are playing a game, Tami-chan! And I am playing two games!" Gai announced, he then set down his cards, and pulled a few from the deck. Neiji made a face.
"It's Poker, kid. Keep an eye on your face." Uncle advised.
"That makes no sense." Neiji remarked.
"Your eyes make no sense, but you don't hear me complaining."
Neiji sent him a sour look and I smacked my Uncle lightly on the shoulder. He didn't even glance at me.
"Uncle." I commented, "behave."
He grunted and I took it as compliance. Neiji took his turn next, and then I looked to Gai.
"You're playing two games?" I asked.
"The more he mentions youth, the more points." Oliver stated.
Oh my..
"Uncle!" I hissed at him. Neiji looked like he was about to break out into a chuckle that he was fighting to keep back. Gai simply grinned.
"I am currently at 70 points, Tami-chan!"
I'd have to buy Gai a new bench press for this. Uncle was simply incorrigible! And he was taking advantage of Gai's good hearted nature. Though neither he nor Neiji seemed bothered by it.
I sighed. I'd maybe deal with Uncle after this.
"I have to get ready for tonight. Uncle, behave. Neiji it's good to see you," I said, before turning to Gai, "and Gai - thank you."
"Yosh!" Gai said.
He was a gem just as much as Kurenai was.
I sent Uncle one last look before heading to my room to take a quick shower and clean up. By the time I was done, the boys had left. I came out to see Uncle sitting on the couch, his arm draped over the back. He raised his brow as he saw me come out. I had changed clothes.
"So. Where's Lover-boy?" Oliver asked.
"He's getting ready. Some things are going down tonight. We're going to spend the night over with Maya." I explained.
Oliver grunted, rubbing the side of his neck. He eyed me, a frown crossing his lips.
"You sleep yet?"
"Not yet."
"Tams, y'look exhausted. Take a few hours. Y'get loopy if you don't sleep." He told me. I wanted to deny it but - he was right. I sighed and looked away.
"Fair enough. Wake me by seven."
I trudged back to my room and immediately dropped down on my mattress. I was out.
X
Owl and the others had been called to an emergency meeting. The Village was all abuzz with the arrival of an Uchiha. Owl did wonder if it might have been that one, Sasuke. But no, it wasn't. It was one he had long since thought was dead. All of it made Owl uncomfortable. He knew Shisui. The boy now man had once been a part of Root, at least in only the introduction. He hadn't had to be pinned by the long nails of forced loyalty and duty-bound service. He didn't have to kill his only living sibling. Owl knew he was bitter, but he didn't care. So long as his pain had purpose for the village, there was nothing else he could really do. He wasn't even privileged enough for that heartbreak to matter. Stupid Uchiha. He wondered what Tami had found so special about them, anyways? Better dead, he thought.
Owl usually found a nice little hiding spot in the compound under Konoha to relax in. He didn't like being in the open, and prefered to be up high. That moment? He chose to be closer to the ground.
His brethren had already congregated in the main hall, waiting for Danzo's order. Owl hadn't gone - yet. He was curious. He wanted answers.
So he settled beside a vent and listened in the room where he could hear Danzo.
"Shisui remembers." Danzo said flatly.
"If he knows, then Tsunade-sama must know as well." Fu advised softly.
"But what does he even know? He couldn't have guessed the massacre was orchestrated." Torune stated.
"I'm sure it's not difficult to figure out. That girl surely had something to do with this." Danzo said, "She and Hatake had been around the Compound too often lately."
"How did they know to find him! We thought him dead." Fu stated firmly.
"As did I. But it no longer matters. We're no longer safe to operate." Danzol explained. "If Tsunade knows, we have little time. She will not be as willing to understand us as the Third had been."
There was a silence that stretched. Owl strained his hearing - were they whispering now?
"Shall we make our move?" Fu asked finally.
"I fear it's too late to move." Danzo explained, "The village favors Tsunade right now, she's strong enough. Had we had more time, I could have swayed opinion. It seems the intel we had been given was wrong."
Owl felt his blood run cold.
Yes. Yes, the intel was wrong. Owl had a hunch Tami had been looking into the massacre, even despite her tales. He hated the Uchiha, but he didn't have it in him to go after her. If he reported her - she would have been quietly killed. It had already been suggested to poison her tea. In fact, he had been told if he thought she was investigating the massacre to slip it in her tea the second he found out. It would just be another senseless death on Konoha soil; another sister lost. What did it matter that the Uchiha had been massacred? Not when everyone else died too, just as brutal.
"Have Natsu deliver me her head. I want her dead. And make sure this time, Shisui stays dead." Danzo ordered.
It could have been worse. Owl, also known as Natsu, thought to himself.
He could have been killed. But now Natsu had to kill her or he'd surely die. Maybe he wanted to save his own skin - he wasn't too close to her. She just - she had the same carefree smile his sister did. It was like having to kill her all over again.
There were some more things Danzo said, but Natsu couldn't hear it. He didn't know if they were just whispering or if he was just coming to terms with what he'd have to do.
He returned to where his brothers in arms were waiting for orders. A few were ordered to go to the hospital. A handful went with Danzo. The rest - sleeper agents. One of the more trusted Root members began to destroy the compound, piece by piece.
Natsu then received his orders. Three other Root members would be with him. His hand had been forced. Tami will die that night - be it by his own hand or another. Another nail in the coffin, another death for the sake of Konoha.
X
Kakashi needed a moment away and clear his head. His Tami had been so focused on getting Itachi that she had snapped right into a dangerous position. Then again - he couldn't ignore the fact that she had done well. Very well. Never mind the kunai to the side, the jacket had done its job. She was more capable than he had been treating her. The last two events where he could have lost her had been so prevalent in his mind that he completely ignored that she had gotten stronger since. He still, in some ways, saw her as that silly Chunin who went on a walk in a dress and no shoes with only a few kunai as defense. Even then, it had been out of character.
But he did see that she had gotten better. Before, she never would have been able to keep up with Itachi for nearly as long. The training with Gai clearly paid off - her taijutsu was stronger. There had been minor things he could pick up about her henge that wasn't exactly like Sasuke. Her fighting style wasn't an exact match, for one. For two…. Well, he'd figure another point out. But - none of it Itachi seemed to notice.
'He was too focused on his brother possibly being there.' Kakashi figured. How many times had he just thought he saw Rin? If someone had posed as her? It would have taken him some time to realize it really wasn't.
He still wanted to talk to her about her level of respect for him on missions. She was so quick to tell Tsunade she was the better choice when he had already offered to pretend to be Sasuke. She dismissed him so quickly. He had worked with both Sasuke and Itachi. There was no reason to not go with him. Her? He could think of several.
But- Tsunade had chosen Tami and that was all he could do was assist.
He'd talk to her once this was over. And once he checked in with Tenzo.
He was thankful Tsunade chose to place Tami around the Anbu. Junpei was an idiot from what he heard, but Tenzo was strong enough. He could keep an eye on Tami without her even knowing.
That was his first stop - Tenzo hanging out on the roof as usual at Jiraiya's home.
"Kakashi-sempai." Tenzo said immediately, straightening up.
Now, that was respectful.
"Hey," Kakashi began as he made his way over to his old coworker. He hadn't seen him in a while. "Where's….?"
"The idiot is bothering the target for one of those little cookies she makes." Tenzo answered dryly.
"Ahh." Kakashi replied, not sure where to go with that. Junpei sounded exhausting.
"What brings you?" Tenzo asked brightly.
"Tami-chan should be here tonight. Has Tsunade-sama updated you?"
"Yes," he said - Kakashi could hear the tension enter his voice. So he knew.
"Would you keep an eye on her? Tami-chan gets herself into trouble sometimes." Kakashi said.
Tenzo paused for just a second longer than usual.
"I can. I thought she just made Jounin?" He asked.
"She did - just in case." Kakashi said.
Tenzo shifted, seeming to try to understand why his old coworker wanted him to protect a Jounin.
"Is…. I thought it was just gossip." He murmured.
"What was?" Kakashi hadn't heard any gossip about him since Naruto left. Usually it was about him babysitting Genin.
Tenzo didn't reply.
"Tenzo."
"Bear."
"Bear, then. What have you heard?" Kakashi tried again. He needed to get this gossip under control.
"Uh… well. There's a lot of talk that you and her, uh… are having a love affair shortly after Sarutobi-sama assigned you together." Tenzo said nervously.
Kakashi blinked. What?
"I- I mean! I heard it! But I didn't think you two were anything! Kurenai didn't even think so! But I heard that girl couldn't keep her hands to herself with you in public one time! And then I guess others saw you whispering in her ear a few times!" Tenzo carried on, sounding more and more distressed. He tried to wave away any of Kakashi's lingering concerns. It wasn't working.
Kakashi felt his face warming. That had nothing to do with anything! They hadn't even-.
"I know you concern yourself with your old work partners sometimes, so I'm sure it's just that!" Tenzo continued on.
Kakashi didn't know what to do or even say. He left - Tenzo knew his wishes and he wasn't about to explain that!
And he had to get ready. He'd have to hunt down Danzo to turn him in. In fact, he planned to do so as Root moved.
X
Shisui sat quietly as Reina fussed over him. She was looking at his eyes. Her touch was faint and nervous like she was scared to hurt him. She smelled familiar. He could recall an auburn hair girl who made him smile but couldn't remember specifics.
"So, you… you don't remember?" She asked him, her tone sounded both hurt and worried.
"A little. I remember a little bit." He said.
"Do you remember me?"
He didn't want to tell her no, "I remember you have a beautiful smile."
She froze.
"Uchiha Shisui!" She hissed at him and he couldn't help but chuckle.
"You may remember me at least a little bit." She said as if she were trying to convince herself, "Teasing me that way."
"A little bit, Reina-Chan. A little bit."
She fell quiet. Shisui couldn't say why, but she seemed sad. He could smell salt in the air - why?
Gently, she tugged the band back around his eyes.
"I'll be back later." She told him, her voice thick. Shisui smiled weakly. He could sense that Anbu were stationed around him outside.
"Tomorrow morning, Reina-chan. Please." He insisted softly.
He heard her pause at the door before scampering away. The scent of salt followed her out. He smiled bitterly. He must have forgotten something.
X
Why couldn't the universe be just and take his hearing instead of his sight? Itachi supposed it was just his penance on earth to endure this.
Deidara had been singing in the kitchen for the last hour. To come back to the hideout and hear that woman was beyond cruel.
He hated her voice. She was like nails on a chalkboard to him.
Maybe he deserved it. Maybe it was his penance on earth to endure her. He hoped that she'd get what she deserved.
For just a moment - his worst fears came true. Sasuke knew the truth and had thrown it in his face. He had to murder their mother - father. Nothing could ever fill that chasm. Some nights he was haunted by her smile as she made dango for him. He could still see his father watching him from the patio as he practiced his jutsu. He could still be Sasuke running to him after his Anbu missions.
He didn't deserve to live.
"- it's gone long ago, but it's all coming back to me nooooow!" Deidara shouted off tune along with the record.
Itachi fought every notion to roll his eyes.
"Shut up!" Kisame shouted back in answer.
"It's all coming back!" Deidara carried on.
Itachi turned on his heel to leave. If Deidara knew Itachi loathed that woman, that would be all he'd listen to. Kisame left his room in a rage to head to the kitchens when he froze upon seeing Itachi.
"Can you believe this?" He snapped.
"Let's go." Itachi said calmly.
Kisame grunted and went to grab his sword.
"Where we going?" He asked when he returned.
"Anywhere but here."
Kisame chuckled, having no complaints about leaving.
"He's been singing all morning. I'm about to feed him to a shark." Kisame said as they exited. "Me and the boys are about to find that stupid singer and kill her too. All those stupid crappy sad songs are pissin' me off."
Itachi glanced at his partner. He was about to volunteer to help. It might finally get all of what she said off his mind. She had no idea what she was talking about. It didn't matter if Shisui agreed with her about Sasuke.
"I'm sure one of them will break the record soon enough." Itachi said finally.
"Not soon enough, Itachi. I've had hello darkness my old friend stuck in my head for the last three days while you've been gone!"
X
Uncle woke me up just shy of 7. I was groggy but I knew I had to get going. The two of us got ready quickly and began the trek over to Maya's place.
"So. Where did you go last night that made you send the jolly Green Giant?" Oliver asked me as we made our way.
"Ah…. Checked in on a case. Wanted to make sure there was no funny business at home." I said, glancing up at the roof tops. When would Root move? Soon? Later?
"Yeah?" Oliver said, "I'm guessing Lover boy went with."
I hummed, glancing at the reflective surfaces that dotted our paths. No blur of movement. Yet.
"Where's he?"
"Getting ready."
Uncle grunted. He waited for a beat before saying, "What'd you do?"
Huh?
"What?" I stopped in the middle of the walkway to look at Uncle. What was he on about?
"Both of you are usually attached at the hip when he's here. What'd you do?"
I worked my jaw and started back on our path. Oliver easily kept pace with me.
"Why do you think it was me? That's quite the jump, Uncle."
"Cause you're not angry, and he hovers over you like you're glass." He said simply.
I huffed and crossed my arms.
"He wanted to take the lead. I explained I was a better fit. He didn't like that." I said. It was the simplest explanation. It was a fact. I had just been a better fit to disguise myself as Sasuke.
"Yeah?"
I hummed.
"Not that I want to encourage you and Lover Boy, but you gotta realize Tams… this culture is based on respect and hierarchy. You can't get away with that here. If you're gonna stay, you're gonna have to change." He said.
I bristled. I was doing just fine. Surely, Kakashi and I would come to an agreement. I was a little blunt about it, but surely he had to see I was right.
Oliver looked over at me, his head tilted skyward.
"Tams. That kid's been in the service longer than you've been breathing air here, probably longer. Then you come in, wet behind the ears, telling him you're right and he's wrong. There's no way he's gonna think you're not disrespectful." He carried on, "and on top of it, you're dating him. If that continues you're gonna see your relationship end and your career plummet."
I breathed out, and crossed my arms.
"Are you saying I was wrong?"
"No. But you gotta learn some tact in saying your piece."
How funny is that? Tact. I let out the breath I had been holding and glanced over at my Uncle. Why was he doing this?
"You like him, don't you?"
"Me? No." Uncle said gruffly, nearly bristling as well, "but I think he's your best bet surviving this place. He seems like he's got a good head on his shoulders."
I couldn't help it. I stopped again and stared at Uncle Oliver. Where did this come from?
"You approve, don't you?"
"Come on, Tams. We're late for seeing Maya."
I scoffed but let him have his peace. Uncle wouldn't say more, surely. I wondered what changed.
Soon enough we knocked on Maya's door and there she was. She looked mildly annoyed.
"Hey there." She said, "can I help?"
"Have you heard?" I asked, nodding to come inside. She glanced back in the other room - she must have company - before letting us in. She smiled at Oliver who gave her a small grin and bow of his head.
"Have I heard what?" She asked me once we were in.
"We found Shisui alive." I said. The shock on her face surprised me, "you didn't know?"
She bit her lip, and then made a silencing motion as she glanced in the other room. Ah. Company. Right.
"He arrived this morning. Turns out, Danzo is a traitor. Tsunade-sama asked me to stick it out over here with you until it blows over." I explained.
"Lover-boy isn't with us." Oliver added. I shot my uncle a look before, turning back to Maya.
She wrung her hands, "Danzo, huh?"
"Mm. Concerned?" I asked. She pressed her lips together for a moment and then shook her head.
"No…. No. I-I think…" she stuttered, glancing to the back room again, "it's good."
I raised my brow - where was the Maya I knew? She didn't seem entirely convinced yet.
"It's good?" I echoed.
She nodded and then turned to head into the other room.
"Mr Jackal, we have guests!" She called.
"Little mouse, you're so cute calling me Mister!" A voice carried on. An Anbu man in a jackal mask came out into view. He looked vaguely familiar.
"Ah! Bun-chan!" He squealed.
My face fell and Uncle chuckled beside me. What?
Now I had to deal with a hyperactive Anbu. I rolled my eyes and settled into the couch. This would be a long night.
It was a quarter to ten when I first saw the signs. The normally jovial Jackal paused. There was a shift in his posture.
I knew that sign.
"Hide in a closet." I hissed to both Uncle and Maya. She immediately complied. Uncle's lips pressed together as he eyed me warily. Begrudgingly, he nodded and moved swiftly to follow. I handed Uncle a kunai, just in case, and closed the door.
I could hear a fight on the roof.
Jackal and I didn't have to wait long. Crashing in from the window came three figures. A Rhino masked Anbu, an Ape masked Anbu and Owl.
I was sure they weren't there for tea. Jackal cackled and jumped in before thought could even hit him. Owl easily sailed past the man toward me, Rhino pulling Jackal into a fight.
Shite.
Seeing both Owl and Ape focus on me, I knew. I was their target.
I had hoped Tsunade had thought it was Maya.
I hadn't had much I could do but use my Canary Call. Ape stopped, grounding himself against the onslaught. Owl barely even paused.
I wasn't going to get out of this. And I knew Owl had the advantage. I need space to think. I needed to make time. Owl knew my skill in the canary calls and whistles. I would have to move carefully. And I needed a tactical retreat.
I let out a shrill whistle, cutting through Ape and Owl - both of them leaping away to avoid the direct hit.
I took my chance and ran. I needed time. Staying would ensure my death.
X
Years. It had been years since Kakashi had been down in the Root hideout. He never thought he'd have to return, and yet. There he was. He could smell a fire brewing. He needed to collect Danzo quickly. The hideout seemed empty, lacking any Root.
Did they escape?
Did Danzo simply run?
He dropped down to the ground, sneaking from pipe to floor, looking for the disgraced Councilman.
He found him.
Danzo stood in a room filled with files, pulling them out and tossing them into a blaze inside of a trash can. He moved like a madman, desperate to hide his tracks. Kakashi slipped in. He uncovered his Sharingan. A fight may ensue.
"I'm going to give you the chance to come freely." Kakashi said.
Danzo spared him only a single glance before turning back to his current mission. Kakashi didn't care about the files. It no longer mattered. They knew.
"Danzo!" He snapped.
Danzo finally turned, an eerie smile crept across his lips.
"Hatake-san. How fortuitous." He said, turning to face him. He crossed his arms, his hands diving into his sleeves for cover. Kakashi watched him carefully. He might have kunai on him.
"You're coming with me. Tsunade-sama has ordered it."
"You could have been great, Kakashi. So stuck in the shadow of the Third, in his failings. It's terribly sad to see you here." Danzo carried on.
Kakashi crept closer, he was watchful to make sure Danzo wouldn't do anything funny.
All at once - Danzo had done just that. In a flurry of movement, he produced a tanto. At what speed Kakashi was sure Danzo couldn't manage, he flew at Kakashi.
This wasn't Danzo.
"Where is he?" Kakashi hissed, easily evading every slice the impostor managed. A cackle was his only answer. Kakashi was wasting his time, Danzo may have already been gone. The fire around him threatened to overtake the building.
Kakashi moved to kill the imposter. Then more Root arrived, ten by the look of it. Some still hidden in Anbu Masks - others without. Their impassive faces watched him.
"Keep him busy. They must not survive." He heard a voice order.
Who were they? Kakashi thought of Tami and felt his heart sink. She had to be strong. She had to be. He had to get done with this quickly. His Tami….
He fought. It was clear Danzo was gone. They wanted him dead, too. Probably intending to bury him below Konoha, never to be seen again.
He would not die.
A spark lit in Kakashi, and he fought through the horde. He needed to survive this. See his Tami. Protect his village.
By the time he surfaced, the streets were quiet. He raced to Jiraiya's home to see if Tami was there. Oliver and Maya turned to him. She wasn't there. Oliver frowned and Maya shook her head.
Kakashi felt his heart squeeze. He needed to find her.
X
Growing up in Chicago during my teen years had always meant being able to hide in plain sight, be it from unruly men or gangs I may or may not have instigated a fight with. I sometimes had to get creative where I went and the shadows I chose. Who would have thought the skill would service me in Konoha.
I had to recall the times I trained with Owl. He seemed like he liked the distant attack, knowledgeable in iryojutsu. Something akin to Kabuto, though not nearly as skilled.
I hadn't used Genjutsu in a long time. Perhaps it was time. I didn't even think Owl knew I could use it.
I found a lovely hiding spot and waited. I decided to err on the creepy side. These men wanted to play in the shadows. Maybe it was time they paid for it.
Owl and Ape moved slowly as they creeped into my alley. I focused on them, sensing their chakra thrumming.
The night was so dark, the alley without light - I nearly wished I were a Nara. But unlucky as I was, I had to work with what I had.
It was the laughter of children that gave them pause. Ape stopped but Owl turned his head to try to find me.
Slowly, from the corners of the alley children crawled out.
"Do you want to play?" One giggled.
As they were distracted, I knew I had limited time. This wouldn't hold them long. I needed to deal with them quickly. I didn't have much chakra to work with.
"Akane…" Owl murmured.
I don't know who he was talking to. I didn't need to know. I needed to live.
I couldn't afford to use all of my reserves - so I created one shadow clone. I moved fast. I'd deal with Ape directly first. Spicy could handle Owl for the time being.
Get in close. Hit hard, hit fast.
I nailed Ape across the chin as Spicy went after Owl. I didn't want to hurt Owl - not yet. I couldn't.
Ape took the hit, crashing forcefully out of the illusion I had created. He didn't go down. I could hear Spicy and Owl scuffle behind me. She unleashed a canary call to keep him busy.
Ape came at me hard, thrashing me to the ground. I hit the cold ground hard, rocks flying around me. I could taste dirt in my mouth.
Use the momentum. Get up.
I used the energy just like Gai had said, rolled and got back onto my feet. Owl may have seen me. In a split second - Spicy was gone. Was he - was he not trying to-?
No. No, no, no. I could feel the energy shift.
They were here to kill me. I could feel the killing intent filling the air, the hair on the back of my neck raising on end. It was so palpable, I could barely breathe.
I opened my airways as best as I could, breathing from my mouth and nose.
Focus.
Fight.
Ape chuckled and bum rushed me. His fists swung, I narrowly missed them. I kept moving. Butterflies. Bees. It no longer mattered. Instinct drove me alone. I saw Owl pacing, kunai appeared in his hand. He raised his arm- I screeched.
Ape slipped back, and the kunai fell before they could fly.
Ape was stunned for a second.
The elbow is the hardest part of the body.
I shifted and smacked him as hard as I could with my elbow. He went on one knee.
The most painful injury is to the knee.
As if it were a volleyball, I slammed my fists into that knee. Ape howled out and Owl stepped in. I kept in tight - focusing my chakra, I let out a whistle. Owl jerked back, the whistle missing him but sliced his mask right off. Cool tawny eyes stared into mine. I lunged at him and he leapt away. Ape took his place almost immediately, his breathing ragged and he had Owl's kunai on hand. He went to stab me.
Tams, grab the wrist and take control. get the knife.
Years of advice, practices with Robert, drills with Ibiki, training with Gai. Ape fought to maintain control. I wrestled it away.
There's a main artery in every major limb. Learn it. Know it.
I swung. It happened too fast to know. I was weaving around thrown arms, trying to recall the right place to embed the knife. The knife planted in his side.
Twist and pull out.
The next minute, Ape lay on the ground. He twitched, looking like he wanted to stand and then - no movement. Blood seeped at my feet. A kunai hit me. I turned and saw Owl racing towards me and - and the nearby tree bent out of place, the branches reaching for Owl.
He changed course, leaping away
I could see Owl clearly now. Tawny eyes, deep brown hair. He watched me impassive from his perch.
"OWL!" Cried a new voice.
The man vanished. Owl was nowhere to be seen. His broken mask lay on the ground. Another Anbu, Bear, landed beside me.
"Are you okay?" He asked
"Huh?" I asked. I didn't…. What?
"There's a kunai. In your back." He said.
Sense returned, hitting me hard. I worked my mouth and went to pull it out. He brushed my hands aside.
"No. No, leave it for a medic." He advised.
I gulped in air, my body slowly regaining sense. The pain from the kunai slowly began to throb. I didn't know if I wanted to puke or drop to the ground.
Bear guided me away. I glanced at the body that was once Ape. He lay there listless, like a doll. My stomach turned and I had to look away.
I had killed before, this wasn't truly new. Death happened in my line of work. I never fought with intent before. It had only ever been an accident before. This time - it was me or him.
I chose.
He took me to the hospital. Dead bodies littered the outside. As we entered, it was a madhouse. We passed Shisui's room - he sat there, an easy smile on his face - a few Anbu looking him over. He seemed fine as I past, though he had a suspicious amount of blood on his hands
I saw the face of one of the dead as I passed. She was barely older than Naruto or Sasuke. Again - I had to look away. Bear saw me to a nurse who rushed me in to get me looked at.
As I was ushered into an exam room, I got a good look in the mirror.
I looked like I had been dragged backwards behind a car and been punched a few times for good measure. My face had just begun to turn a slight tinge of purple, blood splattered across my face and nose. My hair was a fright, looking more messy than carefree. Blood splattered across my body and jacket, my arms looked stained with red. My knuckles - red and raw. Only when I looked at them had they started throbbing.
I breathed in a shakily. Owl had betrayed me. He tried to kill me. He and the other almost succeeded.
I sat there quietly as they worked. I could hear ruckus in the hall. I tried not to focus on it. It hurt to breathe, I didn't want to even think of the chaos outside.
The door slammed open.
I looked up. My Darling stood in the doorway. He froze as he took me in. My mouth fell open.
Oh, my hair is a mess! I couldn't let him see me like this! I looked half dead.
I went to fix my hair and flinched as pain shot through me. He was at my side in a moment, shooting off questions I couldn't even keep up with.
"Most of it is not hers!" The nurse snapped at him, waving him away, "Don't aggravate my patient or her condition!"
"Then you should be able to work faster." Kakashi snapped back.
Oliver and Maya soon appeared in the doorway. I saw the pinch lip of my Uncle and the worried gaze of Maya. I smiled weakly at them, looking at my Darling. He was still arguing with the nurse about my care.
End chapter
AN: So - I had this done a little earlier than I thought I would. I'm a little pleased with myself. I may have to go back and edit some of this to make it a little less rough around the edges. Itachi's scene at the time seemed to fit, but on rereading it might need a little extra details. He's a little more emotional - but considering the subject matter, I think it's suitable.
I hoped this chapter didn't stress anyone out too much. I tried to amp up the battle she was in more than usual. I felt like she needed to fight tooth and nail for this win. I wanted to show how much stronger she's gotten since training. Itachi's fight was more about what damage she can do without the training. This was about her being able to stand on her own.
In Blaze - Owl died. Tbh, I didn't really like it. It felt uncomplete. So - in this version, he's alive. He will return - some day.
Thank you everyone. I hoped you enjoyed this chapter. I don't know when the next will be out. Have an amazing day!