Hey I'm back guys! And better than ever! Let's get started on the updated story!

Oh, and sorry for deleting this chapter right when I posted it. There were some difficulties, but now it's ready for your enjoyment.

Chapter 1: A Forgotten Memory

I was aimlessly walking through the dark hallways of Orochimaru's underground lair, pretending as if I knew where I was supposed to go. Even after three years of living here in the depths of darkness, I still had no clue where to go. In the past, Orochimaru would get exasperated for my lateness. However he got used to it, and would lecture me to learn my way through the lair because he wasn't gonna babysit me and whatnot. I would normally walk with Sasuke since he got the hang of the place, but ever since we left the Hidden Leaf Village, he became very distant and more monotone towards everyone and everything—including me. At the time, it was hard for me to digest it because we were so very close, and now we act like complete strangers towards each other. But it doesn't matter because I know he still loves me just as much as he did years ago; he cared about me regardless and I know it was different now but I'm okay with that. He would always be there for me and I would always be there for him no matter what.

Then there was the one person that I was trying to avoid for a long time, Kabuto Yakushi. I guess we amended our relationship during the chunin exam years back because I felt a little bad for treating him the way I did. But that was when I thought he was a Hidden Leaf Village shinobi assisting my squad. But no, he was an undercover spy for Orochimaru, one of the top wanted rogue ninja in the books. Since then I took back all the bits of guilt I had for treating him; he deserved it. It shouldn't matter anyway because like always, annoying the shit out of me was something that never got old to him. He thought that just because backstabbing me and Squad 7 was now the past, we could still be friends? He thought. There were times when he would try to talk to me about random stuff like the mission we were assigned to, the medicine Orochimaru wanted us to make for him, and if the dosage was too much or too little. First off, you're also a medic ninja; you should know, idiot. And secondly, I know he was trying to piss me off so that I would attack him out of spite and get punished by Orochimaru for property damage and stuff then I would have to look at Sasuke thinking that I lost it. I couldn't help it, to be honest. Kabuto could be so annoying at times. Sometimes he just make me wanna…

"Are you lost, little girl?" A voice from behind snickered in glee.

Speaking of the devil himself.

"You know, you really should learn your way through here. Sure it's dark and long, but it gets annoying always guiding you. Seriously…" Kabuto sighed jokingly, placing his hands on his hips.

I looked over my shoulder to see the grey-headed four eyes standing there amused at my misfortune.

"What do you want, Kabuto?" I questioned hardly, hinting him that I was currently not in the mood to talk to him.

Like always, he could never take a hint.

"Nothing. Just wanted to say hi to a good old friend is all." He answered with that creepy smirk of his.

A good friend? Who were you kidding?

"You're wasting my time, four eyes." I grumbled.

His face then changed to a defensive frown. "Your time isn't the only one that matters, you know. Everything doesn't always involve around you."

There were times when my comments would offend him—whether if he allowed it or he was genuinely hurt. I could care less.

"And you think your time is just as valuable too?" I countered daringly as I turned my whole body around.

Kabuto raised his hand and softly waved it. "Calm down, Katsumi. I'm only here because Orochimaru wants to see you, but since he figured that you were lost, he asked me to take you to him."

"What does he need me for? I already did what he wanted me to do just now. Don't I deserve some type of break?" I asked in irritation.

I was actually tired and sore, to be honest, but we barely get breaks, which sucked a lot.

"I'm not certain myself. We should go and see for ourselves." He suggested as he cleared the way for me like he was being a "gentleman".

If he was really a gentleman, he would know that I don't know where the hell to go to find Orochimaru. I already had a hard time trying to find my bedroom.

"Oh, that's right. You have no clue where to go. Oh well, follow me then." He turned around and walked past me as his shoulder softly brushed mine.

Should I follow him or not? If I do, that meant spending more time with four eyes, and I really don't wanna spend another second with him. We already spent almost half the day in the medical lab making dosages and creating new healing techniques, and unfortunately for my case, I was never gonna get those hours back. But if I don't follow him, I would be all alone and I don't have a clue where to go. I don't really have a choice at this point, so I hurried myself to catch up to him just before I lost him in the dark hallways. It didn't take long for me to catch up to Kabuto as I walked side by side with him.

"You came to your senses and decided to follow me. I guess you trust me more than I thought, hm?" Kabuto mused as a grin crept on his tanned face.

I stayed silent because I don't want to deal with him at the moment. I was more concerned of what Orochimaru wanted from me this time. With him, he would want you to risk your well-being for him just to get what he wanted and no wasn't an option for him. I always wondered why I could've ran away when I had the chance, but I was always reminded by the fact that my brother was here and he wasn't going anywhere. I always wished that I could convince him to escape and we could finally live in peace, but that dream died. Sasuke wasn't the same Sasuke I once knew; he was somebody that I know nothing of.

I couldn't help thinking that someone was trying to get my attention.

"Katsumi!" I heard my name loudly and immediately turned my attention towards the person who called me, giving him an unpleasant look.

"I just wanted to let you know— if you're wondering — what Orochimaru wants from you isn't so big and risky." He blankly stated, ignoring my facial expression.

"Why is that?" I curiously asked him, wanting an answer.

"Just giving you the heads up is all." He answered nonchalantly as he looked ahead.

Does he know something that I don't? If he didn't, he couldn't have known what his master wanted wasn't a big thing.

"Then why won't you just tell me? It's kind of obvious that you know something about it." I inquired as I furrowed my eyebrows at him.

I waited for an answer from him. But all he did was glanced at me with an expressionless look in his eyes and said, "You'll only know from Lord Orochimaru."

That was really getting to me. It was funny that he would misbehave when he was around me, but would act like the server of a prince when around with Orochimaru. Not only that, Kabuto would tell me to show more respect to "Lord Orochimaru" because 1) you simply had to. And 2) I would end up like one of those suckers in prison for his experiments. That was something to laugh about because I highly doubt that would happen to me. First of all, Orochimaru was aware that the only reason why I was here in the first place was because of Sasuke, so he knew that I carry no respect for him; if he hurt Sasuke in anyway, I wouldn't hold back to rip his head off. Secondly, he made a deal with Sasuke that he would never touch or attack me in any particular way for his needs or else Sasuke would either kill him or take me away somewhere else and never look back. And lastly, I was simply not as gullible and weak as the rest of those prisoners. So I was safe so far. However I was hoping that Orochimaru would do something to me that Sasuke wouldn't like so we could pack up and leave. But Sasuke was determined to achieve his one and only goal. It was simply out of my hands.

"Here we are…" Kabuto suddenly announced quietly, standing in front of the fancy double doors.

He opened one of the doors and moved aside to make a way for me. "After you…" He offered with fake generosity.

Without any reply, I walked through the doorway and into the big room. I could easily hear my footsteps from a mile away as they echo across the entire space. With the echoes, I could tell that another pair of footsteps were following suit meaning that Kabuto was right behind me. I halted in front of a big, throne-like chair which one person was seated comfortably on it with a dangerous look in his eyes and a devouring grin on his pale white face. It was none other than Orochimaru. I couldn't help but look at the fact that he couldn't take his eyes off of me. The feeling was very awkward.

"So you've finally come, my dear. I thought for a second there that you declined my little invitation." Orochimaru mused in excitement as he licked his pale lips with that long tongue of his.

"My apologies, Lord Orochimaru. She was so lost in the lair that it took me a while to find her." Kabuto apologized respectively as he bowed his head.

Why was he apologizing for me anyway as if it was his fault? Four eyes was so fake, it wasn't even funny anymore.

"No matter, now that I have you here right now, I need you to do me a favor." He hummed as he played with a kunai knife between his fingers.

"What is it you need this time?" I asked in bore, cupping my hands on my hips.

He saw my annoyance with the situation I was facing as he chuckled lowly. "I simply want you to pack up some medicine and a first-aid kit that would last about a week." He said with that scary smile of his.

That offer really left me confused. Why does he want me to pack up some medicine and a first-aid kit for the week? Was he going on a long mission for his experiments? If that was the case, it would sort of make sense since he had more than one hideout. But the one thing I wouldn't take away from him was the fact he was incredibly strong. Plus he was "immortal", so it doesn't really add up as to why he needed this favor.

"Why do you specifically need me to do that? Why won't Kabuto do it since he has served you for God knows how long?" I asked carefully but hardly because I wasn't in the mood to piss off one of the Great Sanin.

I was taken aback when the sight of his grin disappeared in a second on the comment I just made. I wasn't sure what was going through his mind, but I knew he was no longer messing around. Apparently he really wanted me to do this.

"You're right, I could just ask Kabuto to do it for me. However, it isn't for me you see." He claimed with his smile returning to his face.

Now I was simply lost. If the kit wasn't for him, then who?

"It's for your older brother, Sasuke. He's going on a special mission for me and he would be gone for a while— a week at the most — and he doesn't trust Kabuto at all, knowing him. I would assume that he would only accept something that's from you." He briefly explained, clearing my curiosity.

So the kit was for Sasuke then. Made more sense.

"What is the mission?" I couldn't help but ask because I wanted to know the details and the possible dangers in it.

"Unfortunately, that remains as classified information, my dear. But don't worry, it's nothing dangerous that could kill him. Besides, Sasuke is much stronger than you could ever imagine." He hummed in glee as his tongue waved around as if it had a life of its own.

That was true, Sasuke was much stronger not only physically but also mentally. What was also true was that he doesn't trust Kabuto one bit even though he seemed to be okay when he was around. I guess it was a good enough reason to make me pack up the kit for Sasuke for a mission that was probably dangerous. I don't see a reason I should decline; it was for my brother's benefit.

"I will pack the medical kit for my brother as soon as possible." I accepted solidly.

Hearing that made Orochimaru's grin stretch wider. "I'm glad to hear that. You are now dismissed."

With a slight bow of the head, I headed for the door. I could already tell as I got closer to the exit that Kabuto was no longer following me. Probably stayed back for his beloved master. Whatever, I don't know what Orochimaru did that made four eyes stuck to his butt all year round. Once I made it out the door, I stood clueless; which way to the medical lab again? If I remembered correctly, Kabuto was in the lab before I bumped into him so I should go in the direction he came from. I hoped I didn't end up lost again because I had called for help more than I should. So I slid through the hallways carefully, trying to remember the directions four eyes went backwards to find the lab. As I walked through the darkness, my mind went off on its own and I did nothing to stop it.

It was about three years ago, the night that I would never forget. I was at home in the Village Hidden in the Leafs; the same village I had grown up in and learned to love with all my heart. Everything back then was so good; living with my older brother at our big apartment, two comrades that I had grown to love as siblings, a sensei that was literally the only father figure to me, and a job at the Village's Hospital that was more than enough to cover anything we needed and wanted. Everything was just perfect. Except for one thing. Today had been one of the most stressful days not only for me, but for the rest of Squad 7. Sasuke was in the hospital recovering from wounds he received in their last mission in which I wasn't apart of due to having an extra shift at the hospital. I don't know the full details but Sasuke completely lost it and challenged Naruto to a battle at the rooftop and knowing Naruto, he accepted. There wasn't really a winner to that match because Kakashi saved both of them from killing each other with their most powerful jutsu. I didn't even know what was going on at the time; Sakura was the source of this information I received since I was busy working after I was done checking in on Sasuke. Since then, Sasuke ran off to probably gather his thoughts. However it had been a while since then and I was starting to get worried. He would never leave me in the dark like this before all of this happened, but I also never seen him this agitated before. There was no telling if he was coming back.

But luckily for me, I was blessed at that very moment.

I heard the front door opened then closed, which made me jump a little because I was totally zoned out. I turned to see Sasuke walking through the living room with that monotone look on his face. Just from that I could tell he hadn't let go at all because he treaded past me as if I wasn't even there. He walked into his bedroom and slammed the door shut. This was completely off; I had never felt this anxious with Sasuke in a crappy mood before because he usually doesn't take out his anger on me. From experience, I know when Sasuke was this annoyed, my best strategy was to leave him be and let him calm down. But something was different about him right now. I wasn't too sure if he was really mad; he looked like he was more determined than frustrated. To me, it looked like he made up his mind on something and knowing him, when he put his mind on something, he wouldn't stop at nothing to get what he wanted. I felt the need to encounter him and demand to know what was wrong. Was it dangerous to do it at the state he was in? Yes, maybe. But I have to know what was going on.

With that I took a deep breath in and walked over to the room. I prepared myself for what was to come after the door was closed behind me. But just before I turned the doorknob, it magically turned on its own— which caused me to remove my hand in shock. The door slowly opened and revealed my monotone, blank, older brother. I looked down to see he was still in his home clothes I had given him to wear in the hospital, but I was curious at the fact that it was dirtied up a bit. I looked at his face and I could see a bruise on his cheek; it looked like he was punched hard. I could also see that he was exhausted for some reason, and I could detect his low level of chakra. Why was his chakra so low anyway? I wouldn't have been too surprised if it was because of that fight with Naruto earlier today, but that doesn't explain why his chakra was at a lower rate than it should be after the battle. Was he ambushed? Probably his anger got the best of him? I would never know at the state he was in. He never took his onyx eyes off of me since opening the door and it made me uncomfortable. I don't know why, but I felt intimidated. I shouldn't be, but I couldn't help it. It took years until I finally got the courage to speak.

"Sorry for interrupting you, I was just checking up on you. You were gone for a long time and I was worried if you were coming back or not. Are you okay?" I asked meekly, not wanting him to get more exasperated than he already was.

Hearing that just made him blink as he blankly said, "I kind of knew that since I sensed your uneasy chakra flow."

He didn't really sound angry at all. Maybe he calmed down in his bedroom, or he just maintained himself when he walked in. That was really quick since this was Sasuke we were talking about and it takes a while for him to calm down. Then, he opened the door a little more until I could see all of him. I glanced at his face and saw his head lowered as his bangs covered his eyes; not wanting eye contact.

"And I should be the one apologizing. For not letting you know my whereabouts and leaving you in the dark; it's not fair for you. And I shouldn't have walked in ignoring you the whole time; that was not cool of me." He admitted lowly.

I wasn't mad at him at all. If anything, I was more worried about him than upset. But I couldn't help but feel that he wasn't being truly sincere. Maybe he was trying, but he wasn't being sincere since he avoided looking at me. He must have had a lot going on in his mind. I wonder what?

"Don't even mention it, Sasuke." I shrugged it off without difficulty.

I could tell he was tired and wanted time for himself, so I should leave him be. I could ask him more tomorrow over his favourite breakfast. That should do it.

"Well, I'll leave you alone now. You must be tired, so I'll make you a cup of tea." I smiled as I pretended that nothing was wrong.

As I was about to turn towards the kitchen, a hand shot out in front of me and grabbed my shoulder. Confused, I turned back to see it was Sasuke's hand on my shoulder, squeezing it in a loving matter. At that moment, I felt like I was more in the dark than I was already. I couldn't help but think that it had something to do with the situation that caused him to be a bit bruised up. I was now lost.

"Sasuke, what's going on? What's wrong?" I asked innocently, getting more concerned by the second.

"I rarely ask you for big favours, and I don't really feel like it's the right thing, but…" He closed his eyes as he thought to himself deeply, probably having second thoughts.

Big favours? Doesn't feel right about it? How exactly big was the favour anyway?

"Come…" He demanded softly as he removed his hand from my shoulder and took my hand.

Sasuke gently pulled me into his room, dismissing my reaction. I really didn't know what to expect; he could pull out the craziest of things from that mind of his. He closed the door behind me and gave me a long, deep look. I didn't know what to do at that point because on one hand, I wanted to ask what was going on, but with that look he gave me I wasn't sure if I should. Something must've bothered him for him to be acting this way since he wasn't too sure how to handle it; he was making the situation more awkward than it should.

How big was this favor exactly?

"We are leaving tonight. I want you to pack up all of your stuff." He simply demanded, squeezing my hand even tighter.

I was taken off guard. Leaving? Now? Why? What was he talking about?

"W-What…? What do you mean?" I mumbled dumbfounded; I was so lost.

"We can't stay in the Leaf anymore; it will never help us reach our true capabilities." He replied monotone as he narrowed his eyes, indicating me that he was dead serious about it.

So Sasuke wanted to leave the Hidden Leaf Village because he felt like he wasn't improving or getting stronger at all? That battle with Naruto really took a toll on him mentally… or emotionally. I wasn't sure; it was hard to predict him even though he was my brother. I also don't understand as to why leaving the village was gonna help him get stronger in anyway. And where exactly was he planning on going? Didn't he even thought this through properly?

"Wait, so you want to leave our home to get stronger? Why would you ever consider that, Sasuke?" I questioned hardly as I narrowed my eyes, showing him that I was serious.

Sasuke closed his eyes as he lowered his head. "I realized this after my match with Itachi; after when he said I was still too weak to ever match with him." He answered in a fuming tone, I could see him biting down his teeth solidly.

I understood where he was coming from, since I also faced Itachi after he knocked out Sasuke. But it was only because I knew he was after Naruto and because I knew the opportunity to kill our eldest sibling was too good for Sasuke. He still doesn't realize that the only result to that would be death on his part. However, he was taking this too far. I know what Itachi did was unforgivable and he should deserve every bit of hell this world could give him, but focusing on killing him someday wasn't worth it. I once felt the same way he did because our brother did things ten times worse to me than he did to Sasuke— not that it mattered —but I learned that it was all in the past and I don't want him to consume me for the rest of my life; it was about time for me to move on. Did I forgive him? Absolutely not. But should I go hunt him down and should my life be involved around him only? No. I had met amazing people that filled the hole in my heart, and having them and my brother was more than enough.

They were more of a family to me than my blood family.

But sadly, that wasn't enough for Sasuke. He still carried hatred for him and would do about anything to kill him. This was one of these things he was doing that would "improve" his abilities. I snapped back to reality when I noticed he activated his Sharingan and his eyes showed fierceness and determination.

"This damned village is making me weak, and the people here don't have the slightest clue what true power really is. I'm an avenger, and I have to be the strongest no matter what. Even stronger than that loser, Naruto!" He seethed with a livid tone as his crimson eyes lit up the dimmed room.

I had never seen Sasuke this determined before, it was making me kind of nervous. I was normally never scared of Sasuke because I was used to his stubbornness and his monotonous attitude, but it was never like this before. He was still holding my hand and I was super scared that he might rip my arm off from hidden anger.

At this point, I felt like it was my responsibility to get the facts straight through his face, like the good sister I was. "Sasuke, I understand where you're coming from… but leaving the village is not the way to go. You can't let Itachi take control of your life; there's more to life than revenge. And who cares if Naruto is at the same level as you anyway, you also picked on him for being weak so you shouldn't be upset about it. Besides, where do you plan on going to if you leave the village anyway?"

I could tell right away he didn't really like the things I said because he tossed my hand aside like it was pointless to him. I wasn't too concerned on how he felt about me because he was simply not being smart like usually was, and he should be given the cold hard facts. It doesn't matter if he accepted my thoughts or not, his decisions doesn't always have to matter.

"See what I mean…" He grumbled. "This is what I'm talking about. These Leaf weaklings brainwashed you to make you think that friends and the village matter only, not power and strength. It's because they don't want you to be strong, Katsumi. They don't want you to achieve your goals in life; they don't want what's best for you. Unlike me. Unlike the others, I care about your well-being and want what's best for you. I know you want revenge and power just as much as I do."

That wasn't true. That simply wasn't true. I loved the Leaf Village and the people living happily in it. They were like a family I never had. And they cared about me like I was one of them. The Leaf genin always welcomed me with opened arms and made me feel like I belonged. Sasuke doesn't know what he was talking about.

"It's because I care about you, I want you to become stronger with me. So that's why we are leaving tonight so no one would know right away." He added with a slight softer tone than before.

"We are going to Orochimaru…"

Wait? Did he just said that we were going to Orochimaru? As in, we were joining sides with him? My answer was an absolute no. It was bad enough he was making me leave the village, but going to Orochimaru? That wasn't happening even if he forced me to come.

"Sasuke, I'm not going to Orochimaru, and neither should you. He wants you for your body because he wants control of your Sharingan. And if you bring me with you, he could use me in his twisted experiments and use my medical ninjutsu for his immortal jutsu." I countered hardly as gave him a narrowed but soft look.

Sasuke said nothing after that. I don't know if it was because he was annoyed with my stubbornness or because he finally realized what he was trying to do. Hopefully he does because I know the one thing he would never want was to endanger his sister, the only blood family he had that he cared deeply.

"If you take me along with you, there's no doubt that snake would do something to me…"

"I'm aware of that, but I'm certain he won't. I know he wants my body and my Sharingan, but he knows he won't dare to touch you for his disturbing reasons if he wants me. I'll make sure that goes through his head just to make my point clear for your safety…" He reasoned emotionlessly.

That was true, but that doesn't change the fact that I disagree with his plan.

"But, Sasuke… I don't want to leave the village, and I don't want to leave my friends and my boyfriend here just for power." I muttered shyly, worried that he would be angry. "If we leave, we'll be considered rogue ninja and we'll never be allowed to come back…"

"As long as we get power, I don't care what the village would do. And Orochimaru wanting me for my body, it doesn't matter to me as long as I get what I want. I could finally achieve my goal, if you just join me." He commented darkly, disregarding what I just said.

"But…"

"You decide… this bounding village with so-called ninja running around in it… or your flesh and blood…" He finalized harshly, giving me his death glare.

I honestly felt that even though he gave me an option, there was only one choice. I didn't know what to do because I would do anything for my brother, but something like this was out of my reach. He had to know that I absolutely hated Orochimaru and that backstabbing Kabuto, and I don't want to leave my home and my friends. He had to understand my feelings towards all of this. But the problem was that Sasuke was very stubborn, and he was really serious about abandoning the Leaf; if I don't go, he would probably leave without me. That I don't want because I don't ever want to lose someone precious to me even though they go against what I believe in.

I thought about it and I came to this conclusion: I couldn't let my brother leave without me, I would miss him so much.

"If you honestly think this would benefit us, Sasuke… then fine. I'll go with you." I caved in frustration, knowing that I might regret it later.

Normally when I said yes, his face would light up from joy. But instead, his face soften from his previous look as he deactivated his Sharingan. That was enough to tell me that he liked my answer very much and he no longer had to persuade me.

"Thank you, sis…" He breathed gently as the weight on his shoulders were released from him.

"But I'm warning you, if that disgusting snake ever were to touch me in any way that makes me feel uncomfortable or if he backstabs us, don't try and stop me from leaving the second I get that chance…" I warned him seriously because I was literally turning my back on my home and friends.

Unexpectedly, Sasuke pulled me in for a hug. That came out of nowhere considering the situation I just faced. "I swear… nothing will happen to you… I'll make sure of that…" He muttered softly in my ear as he tightened his grip on me.

I had no choice but to hug him because I had to be honest, I loved his hugs since we were kids. I don't know why but he made me feel comfortable in his arms.

"Just let me go and pack up my things, okay?" I said softly, feeling like I wasn't thinking straight.

"Yeah, sure. Do you need a hand?" He offered curiously, acting all nice all of a sudden.

"No, I can manage…" I answered as I waved my hand dismissively.

I walked towards the door to exit out his room, until his voice stopped me from leaving his room. "Are you sure you're okay with this? Y-You know making you do something that's uncomfortable for you is the last thing I want…"

He might have said that, but the look on his face said the complete opposite.

"Why wouldn't I be? It doesn't matter if I feel right about this plan… your safety is my top priority…" I shrugged nonchalantly as I glanced over my shoulder.

After that, Sasuke gave me a nod that told me I could leave to get ready. I slid over to my room as I let myself get lost to my own thoughts. A lot was riding on this leave but the one thing still bugged me; something that made me feel sick to my stomach.

'What will everyone think about me abandoning them… my friends? I hope they'll understand that I feel twice as bad for doing this.' I thought deeply, fighting off tears building up in my eyes.

It wasn't long until I packed all of the necessities I needed for this long-term trip. I noticed my long mirror hanging across the room. I blindly walked over to it and gazed at my reflection. I could see a tears desperately wanting to fall down my cheek, and I had no choice but to allow. Then, my mind decided to bring an image of Squad 7 happily smiling without a care in the world; even Sasuke himself allowed a small grin to creep on his face.

'I'm sorry, Sakura… Kakashi-sensei… Naruto…'

Hoped you liked the first chapter. I'll see you soon. Oh, and I almost forgot, I don't own any of the characters, storyline or anything except for my customized character, Katsumi Uchiha. Oh by the way, the second chapter won't be posted as soon as I hoped. It all depends on time and the success of this chapter, so keep your fingers crossed.