Chapter 7: Confrontation

I stood there, frozen, as I stared at Deidara, who sat on top of an unmoving Gaara. Sasori, in his Hiruko puppet, stood beside him. I sensed no chakra from Gaara or any other signs of life. I sensed the others knew it too. He was dead.

"Now, which one's the jinchuriki?" Deidara said, ignoring me.

"You creeps," Naruto raged. "I'll kill the both of you!"

"The first one to start yelling and screaming. It's him, huh?"

"It looks like it," said Sasori.

"You jerk!" Naruto shouted. "Where do you think you're sitting?"

"No doubt about it. He's the jinchuriki."

"'The first one to yell and scream at you,' huh?" said Deidara. "Itachi's pretty good at describing people."

"Sasori," Chiyo whispered.

"Gaara!" said Naruto. "What're you doing sleeping leisurely in a place like that? Stand up!"

I exchanged a concerned look with Sakura. "Naruto-" I started. I placed hand on his arm, but he jerked away.

"Gaara! Hey! Gaara! Are you listening?"

"Knock it off!" said Kakashi. "That's enough, Naruto! You should know..."

"That's right," said Deidara. "You know, don't you? That he's already long dead."

"Oh," said Naruto. Suddenly, his eyes flashed red, and I gasped. Oh no! I could feel the Nine Tails' chakra coming to the surface. How could I deal with that and Deidara?

"He's definitely the jinchuriki."

"Give him back. Give Gaara back! You jerks!"

"Calm down," said Kakashi. "If you charge ahead without thinking, we'll be annihilated."

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. This was my chance. "Deidara, what are you doing?"

Deidara finally looked at me, but I could see no emotion in his eyes. "I'm doing my job. What do you think I'm doing, hmm?"

"Listen, we can work this out. Just-"

"No! You don't think you can just waltz in here and get your way because you used to live with us, do you? Things have changed."

I swallowed hard. "They haven't changed that much."

"Not that much. I know you still care... as do I."

"Katsumi, what are you doing?" Naruto growled. "You can't be friends with him. Don't you care about Gaara?"

I rounded on him, anger flaring. "Of course I care! Don't you dare accuse me of not caring. Gaara was my friend first, remember? You're the one who didn't want to help him because of your personal issues. I was always there for him. I saw who he was long before anyone else. My actions with Deidara are consistent with how I acted around Gaara. I haven't changed."

"Katsumi-" Sakura started, but she stopped when Kakashi shook his head.

I took a deep breath, expelling my negative emotions in the exhale. "Peace, Naruto." I placed my hands on his shoulders and stared into his fox-red eyes. "You have to trust me. Have I ever let you down? It's going to be alright. Just give me a chance to do this my way."

Slowly, Naruto's tension eased, and his eyes returned to their normal blue. "Fine," he muttered.

I stepped away from him. "Thank you."

"So, your abilities work on the jinchuriki as well," Sasori said, his voice calm and steady.

I looked at him, surprised. "Abilities?" said Sakura. "What is he talking about?"

"I'm not quite sure what's going on myself," I said, "but I seem to be able to calm the raging emotions of others, especially when I touch them, and especially when we have a close bond."

"And how does he know this?" Kakashi asked.

"Sasori has seen it."

"Itachi?" Sakura guessed.

"No. It could never work with him. He keeps his emotions locked up tight. Even with this bracelet that lets me feel what he feels, I rarely feel anything from him. And Sasori is the same, but..." My eyes fell on Deidara, who was watching me intently. "Deidara, I need you to listen to me." I took a step toward him. Suddenly, the long tail from Sasori's puppet whipped out, slamming to the ground right in front of me. I flinched from the surprise.

"No," Sasori said in a dark voice.

"Katsumi!" Sakura cried.

"It's alright," I said. "He won't hurt me."

"Are you sure about that?" said Sasori. "Get any closer to him, and I will kill you."

I stared at him hard, thinking. I was not naive enough to think his affection for either me or Deidara was high enough for him not to kill me. However, with Deidara's unpredictable, explosive personality, Sasori could not guarantee he would not go on a rampage if anything happened to me. I did not believe that was a risk he was willing to take. But how much could I gain by pushing the limits?

I looked at Deidara. His expression was hard and unbreakable. I could see now that, unlike the lack of emotion Itachi used to protect himself, Deidara hid behind anger, blocking out all other emotions underneath. I was certain I could get through to him if we were alone, and I could probably do so even with my team there as long as Sasori was absent. But Sasori's presence changed everything. I had the feeling that Deidara believed Sasori would hurt me. Therefore, he would not do anything that would jeopardize my safety. He would not show anything that Sasori could perceive as a weakness. So, my ability to impact him at the moment was extremely limited. It was time to change tactics.

I took a deep breath and turned to Sasori. "Alright then. I will speak to you. I have a deal for you."

"I did not know the Leaf Village made deals with rogue ninja," Sasori said.

"These are special circumstances. I know you are a reasonable person, and I have been given the authority to offer a deal that will benefit both sides for the sake of temporary peace. Just hear me out."

"Go ahead."

"Give us Gaara back. Clearly, you have obtained what you wanted to him. He is of no use to you now." I refused to look at Gaara. If I looked at him now, my emotions may completely break down, and Naruto would surely follow. "If you give him back, we will let you go. We will not fight you. We will leave with Gaara without harming either of you."

"Are you sure that is a promise you can make?" Sasori sounded intrigued.

I looked back at my team, and Kakashi gave me a small nod. "Yes. Our mission is to retrieve Gaara, not take down the Akatsuki. In order to complete our mission, it is in our favor to avoid a fight. And it is to your benefit as well. Even if you're sure you can take us all down, you're not likely to escape without serious injuries."

Sasori stared at me for a long minute. Then he gave me the tiniest of nods. "I see no flaw in your logic. Deidara, release him."

"No," Deidara said with a growl that made me gasp and Sasori look at him with narrowed eyes.

"What do you mean 'no?' This isn't the time to play games."

"I'm not the one playing games, Sasori. We can't trust them, hm."

"Normally, I would agree with you, but we can trust Katsumi. You know that. You know why."

Deidara turned fully toward Sasori now, ignoring the rest of us. "We can't just give them what they want without getting anything substantial in return. Who cares if we have to fight? We're not cowards!"

"Don't be an idiot, Deidara."

"The only thing idiotic here is not taking the opportunity to capture the Nine Tails when he's right here."

"Hey!" Naruto exclaimed. "You think I'll allow that?"

"Naruto, please be patient," I said, placing a hand on his arm. I could feel him shaking, but he was under control for now. I knew it took more than a threat to his own safety to set him off.

"That is not necessary at the moment," said Sasori. "Our mission was a success. We will get another chance to capture the Nine Tails."

"Not like this!"

"Deidara!" I said. "Why are you doing this? You don't really want to capture Naruto right now, do you? He's my best friend. I've told you that."

Deidara looked at me, the anger still in his eyes. "You didn't tell me he's the Nine Tails. You didn't tell me about the One Tail either."

"I - I know. We agreed not to share that information."

"Because we knew something like this might happen. You knew I would have to do my job, yeah? Why are you so surprised?"

"Because you don't have to go after Naruto! I'm giving you an out!"

"I don't want an out! This is what I want. This is who I am, Katsumi. You need to accept it and move on." There is a fire in his eyes as if he needs me to believe him.

I narrow my eyes at him. "No, I won't accept it because it's not the truth. You know better than to lie to me, Deidara. I know who you really are. You expect me to believe that you can just forget about all we've been through together? That it meant nothing to you?"

His anger wavers for a moment. "It did matter to me. At the time." He shook his head as if to clear his thoughts. "But that's all over now. Everything is fleeting, including anything I may have felt for you."

"Not everything. You know that now, don't you? Bonds are the one thing that's eternal."

"I want nothing to do with your eternal bonds!" The ferocity of his claim surprised me, and for a moment, I was at a loss for words.

"Enough of this, Deidara," Sasori said in an exasperated tone.

"You stay out of this!"

"I will not stay out of this. You are messing it up for both of us. I do not want to clean up your mistake again."

Deidara glared at him. "I know what I'm doing!"

"I doubt that. This won't change anything. Taking the Nine Tails won't make your feelings disappear."

"What do you know about feelings?"

"I know enough from partnered with you. By denying your feelings, you're letting them control you." Sasori glanced at me. "At least she seems to know as much."

"I don't have any feelings for her, and I'm going to prove it, hm!"

"Deidara, stop this," I said, my heart rate increasing. "Please. You don't have to do this."

"Yes, I do!"

"You're better than this."

Deidara looked at me with a deadly serious expression. "No. No, I'm not. And I'm going to prove it to you once and for all. So, you better stay away if you know what's good for you!" He hopped on the clay bird behind him. Then he had the bird school Gaara up in its mouth.

"What are you doing?" I said in horror.

Deidara ignored me and glanced at Sasori. "See you around, my man!" He looked pointedly at Naruto. Make sure you follow me, Nine-Tailed jinchuriki." Then he took off for the exit.

"Deidara!"

"That jerk Deidara is doing as he pleases," Sasori muttered.

"Hey, wait!" Naruto shouted. He ran out of the cave, after Deidara.

"No!" I cried. But they were gone. All of my emotions seemed to well up inside me at once. Why, why was this happening to me? It felt like I was being stabbed with a hundred knives, and I had to clench my teeth and fists to keep from screaming. I had known all along something like this was a possible outcome. Itachi had warned me enough times. Yet, I had not realized it would feel quite like this. And now my worst nightmare had come true. The two people I loved most in the world intended to fight each other.

"All right," said Sakura. "I guess Naruto won't stop, will he?"

"Naruto and I will take care of the guy outside," said Kakashi. "Sakura and Granny Chiyo you two handle the guy inside. Katsumi, you..." He hesitated as he looked at me.

"She'll follow after you in a few minutes," said Kiku. "Don't worry."

Kakashi nodded, seeming satisfied. He glanced at Sakura. "Make sure you don't do anything rash until Team Guy gets back."

"Got it."

"Make sure Naruto doesn't..." I started.

"I know," said Kakashi. "I will. I'll try to slow him down. Meet us when you're ready." And then he rushed outside.

As soon as he was gone, I nearly lost control of my emotions. I turned to the wall and slammed my fists against it, pouring everything I was feeling into the action. "No!"

"Katsumi?" Sakura said hesitantly. "Are you alright?"

"It's going to be fine," Kiku said softly, brushing against my legs.

"This is your fault," said a deep voice.

I spun around to look at Sasori in surprise. "What?"

"It's your fault he's being such an idiot right now. He's doing this because of you."

I am taken back at first. It seems an absurd accusation. Still, he admitted a lot with that statement, though he probably already knew that I understood the truth. "No, even without me, he would have found a way to mess it up. He's reckless enough on his own."

"True. But do you know how much I have had to put up with because of you? You're a major distraction."

I was pleased with this information, for it proved I had an effect on Deidara and therefore had a chance to save him. Sasori's objection made me curious, however. He had to have known this was a likely outcome just as much as Itachi. So, why had he helped Deidara and me while we were fighting? Sure Deidara annoyed him them, but Sasori was not one to sacrifice the long term for the short term. Why had he helped us grow closer?

I studied him carefully. I had a hunch, and I decided to go with it. "If that's how you feel, then this is your chance to get rid of me," I said. "Deidara and Naruto aren't here to avenge me. Kill me now to get me out of the way. Deidara will get over me."

Sakura gasped. "Katsumi, no! What are you doing?"

"It's alright," Kiku said. "Trust her. She's not stupid or suicidal."

Sasori moved his tail close to me. I stood my ground, staring at him. After a long moment, he moved his tail back. "No," he said. "Deidara will never forget you even if you are dead. It is too late for him. You are pushing him to the edge, and killing you would only accelerate the process."

I heard Sakura let out a breath of relief. I decided not to worry about her or Chiyo right now. The longer I stalled Sasori, the sooner Team Guy could arrive and back them up. "I know Deidara isn't headed anywhere good, but it doesn't have to be this way. I can offer him an alternative life. He could... come with me."

"To your village? Don't be ridiculous. Do you really think anyone except you could accept him? The villages will never change. Don't even try. Nothing you do matters. Deidara's fate is already sealed. I always thought he was destined to die young."

"No!" I shouted vehemently. "I refuse to believe that. I will not let him die. I will change his fate no matter what the cost. And I will succeed. Our bond is strong enough to endure anything."

"None of that is reality. You are letting your emotions cloud your judgment."

"No, that's not true at all." I chuckled darkly. "When I first heard about what you and Deidara did to Gaara, my emotions tempted me towards anger and hatred. I had to choose love. I chose it because I believe it is the best option. And I believe that my choices make a difference in the world. That's something you don't seem to understand. Life is all about change. There is no use hanging onto something that will be gone in a second. To preserve something for eternity means to kill it. Bonds are always changing and evolving, but the bond itself remains.

"Sasori, you've spent so much time trying to keep something worthy but have rejected the only thing that is truly eternal. What point is there in eternity if you are not alone? You need to learn to bond with others. Then you will find meaning. I also used to think it was better to be alone, but my first and best friend taught me otherwise." I took a deep breath. "I know Deidara will burn out if he remains alone. That's why I'll do whatever I can to stay with him. I promise you I will save him and prove to you that bonds are eternal."

Sasori stared at me for a long time. Then he says, "If that is the case, then you should get to him before he and the Nine Tails tear each other apart."

I nodded. I had the feeling that, if Deidara did hurt Naruto, he would never forgive himself. I pause as I consider something. "You know, you can still take that deal I offered earlier. There's no reason for you to suffer for your partner's actions."

"Do not concern yourself with me. You cannot afford it. I will do as I wish."

I took a deep breath. "Okay." I finally turned to Kiku, Sakura, and Chiyo, who are watching me with astonishment. "I have to go, but..." I look back at Sasori. I wanted to do something for him too, but I could not stay there any longer.

"I'll stay with them," Kiku said. "I know Sasori about as well as you do. I can help."

"We can handle this, Katsumi," Sakura said. "You should go. Stop Naruto."

I gave her a small smile. "Alright. I'll do my best."

"Sasori," Chiyo said softly. "Do you think he can be saved?"

I considered the question for a moment. "He helped Deidara and me when had nothing to gain from it. All the problems he mentioned now... He could have prevented them by pushing us in the opposite direction. He may claim he has no emotions, but he clearly cares. That's something. What you want to do with it is up to you." I glanced at Sakura. "Do whatever you think is right."

Sakura nodded. "Good luck."

"Thanks." Then I gathered up all my strength and ran out of the cave.