Sadly, I only saw Gai once in the next couple of months. It was a small fleeting visit in passing but lovely nonetheless. He seemed pleased to see me, and even more pleased to see a visible improvement in my appearance...I had gained weight, and my skin and hair were massively improved. I also felt better mentally every day - whether it was having Gai or the hormone treatment back in my life, I didn't know or care.
Missions with the Akatsuki also slowed down a little. I was lucky if I had seven over the last two months. I kept myself busy with my own excursions and information gathering - Pein let me keep spy my little games going as they were pretty useful.
My spy network was buzzing. There were talks of movement between the Lands of Wind and Rice...it made little sense so I sent out feelers to know more. I had plants and moles gathering more information, and personally met with some of them to give clearer directions.
For now, though, Kisame and I were sent on a stupid mission to the Land of Waves. We were to sent to assassinate some kind of shipping mogul...well, drug dealer, if my intel was correct. The bounty was being paid for by a rival who wanted his business.
It was dirty business and no good could come of it. Drug dealers against drug dealers? Either way, people would get hurt. I would have preferred to put them both out of business, but I never get my way. That was bad for our business, after all.
This was a job for Kisame (and for once I didn't protest too much), and I was on background reconnaissance. He scoffed at my role, but it was necessary as the client didn't want to get caught out. Apparently using ninja would give him a 'bad rep.'..he was a fucking drug dealer, and that's what he was worried about?
Either way, I was stuck in some hellhole of a strip club by the docks, overhearing chatter from some of Gatos men...I paid one of the regular dancers to take a night off and went in her place with a Henge. Dancing wasn't my strong point, but I knew enough to get by in a low-class establishment like this.
"-ninja can be so fucking dumb! And he actually expects Gato to pay that rate?"
There were lots of guffawing. I activated the seals on my earrings to hear a little better.
"I know! We'll be ready, though. Gatos pulling in the guys from the other port. Strength in numbers! Like some stupid Mist reject has a chance."
"I heard he was one of the swordsman, you think that's right?"
"Nah! Probably just pretending...you'd never tell with that mask! Who does he think he's kidding!"
"You know...I heard there was a group of Konoha nin sent to guard the builder, sure Dai said he had a mask, too?"
"Who cares. The bridge builder can't afford shit...it'll be some low level flunky."
"True...Our guy will take care of them in no time. When's Gato meant to get here? He said he wanted to rub salt in the guys wound."
"Tomorrow...I think we're all heading to the site soon after."
God, men like this were pathetic. But made my job so much easier. I had heard enough and wanted out of the place, stat. I feigned a stomach cramp to get off stage, then forced myself to vomit for good measure. They immediately sent me home...I wanted out of here, but I didn't want the girl I was mimicking to get in trouble.
I found Kisame at our hotel and threw myself onto the bed dramatically, face down on the pillow.
He chuckled. "Hard shift on the pole?"
"Oh, fuck off," I replied, my face still muffled by the pillow I was using to try and suffocate myself with. He knew how much I hated these roles. "You won't be laughing when I tell you about your little reunion tomorrow."
"What do you mean?"
"Seems our client isn't the only one to hire Shinobi. Sounded like Gato has hired Momochi Zabuza to do his dirty work."
Kisame growled. "Zabuza."
"Slow down. I'm sensing some strong feelings there." Kisame was a bloodthirsty bastard but rarely got angry. He was a calm and tactical fighter...I didn't like the thought of him angry in battle. It could get out of hand quickly. "You need to calm down. Our first parameter is low profile, remember? Don't go all stabby-stabby and bring attention to us."
"He's a traitor to his sword and doesn't deserve the title of Swordsman of the Mist."
"Oh god, not the honour shit again...I really don't get the obsession." Most that were heavily into Kenjutsu had a freaky honour system going on, especially when swords were passed down. I had heard Kisame rant about it before (usually when he was whispering sweet nothings to his creepy blade), but didn't understand the obsession. It was almost cult-like behaviour, but no cult.
"You worry about the low profile, and I'll take care of him."
"And Gato?" I reminded him. "You know, our mission?"
"And Gato."
I sighed. "So since you're leaving me in charge of the keeping a low profile..."
"Fuck off. No."
"Yes."
"No."
"I'll let you chase after him? And take care of Gato until you come back?" I said in a singsong voice.
He huffed. "Fine. But I get to approve the changes."
"Yes!"
Dressing up Kisame was definitely a favourite of mine. I wonder how he'd look in dreadlocks...
We woke at dawn and headed straight to the bridge construction site. I wasn't sure exactly when Gato was meant to turn up, so that meant lying in wait until someone showed. Kisame took the side closest to the main town, and I took the other.
Finally there was movement, and Hatake appeared...with three genin. Someone seriously gave the bastard a genin team? And a genin team that had both Uchiha Sasuke and Uzimaki Naruto? Lord, give me strength...
But unless the two had seriously changed in the last few years, they would be driving him absolutely demented. And of this I could be pleased. Especially if Naruto was still determined to get under his mask...maybe I could drop him a few more pointers.
On purpose, I rustled the leaves slightly, and managed to get his attention. I saw him make a sly shadow clone and send it over.
"State your name and business," his clone said, approaching me from behind.
"What's up, buttercup? I hear you've got yourself into a pickle with a couple of missing nins," I replied. I had an Appearance Modifier in place, making me into a non-descript brown haired kunoichi of open origin, but I hoped that would be enough of a clue for him.
"State your name and business, or I will presume you are hostile."
"Geez, calm your tits. All work and no play makes Hatake into a proper Grumpy-san, eh?"
I could see a brow furrow. "Erena?"
"Ding ding, we've got a winner!"
"What are you doing here?"
"On a mission, same as you."
He looked concerned. "Mission? What objective? Are you alone?" Clearly Gai had passed along my message about avoiding me when in the company of others. What a good boy.
"Don't worry - our mission isn't exactly opposite of yours. We have no intention of interfering." I said. "Well...my partner has a bone to pick with your opponent. So if any crazed idiots decide to jump into battle, I would highly recommend you grab your genin and run."
"Noted. Anything else?"
"Nope. Only that you never saw me and I was never here. Oh, but say hi to the others for me!"
He nodded. "You seem...good."
"Wow...everyone keeps saying that. I guess all work and no play made Erena into a very tetchy girl...I must have been one big barrel of laughs before."
"Not exactly the word I would use."
"Well, sorry about the whole festival incident. Shit happens, you know? Now, hurry up and pop. Looks like the fight's about to start. Chop chop!"
He gave me a dry look before disappearing. I saw the original Kakashi bristle for a second and almost turned to look in my direction. Thankfully he wasn't that stupid to follow through.
I watched from the edges as the little fight started. It was a pretty fun one, to be honest. I'm pretty sure that Hatake could have taken Momochi easily, but he seemed to be putting on a show for the genin, or at least playing it safe. The genin weren't doing too badly, but their opponent was decent and had much more fighting experience than them.
I was surprised that Kisame hadn't jumped in, but I he had calmed down since last night. Or maybe he was just listening to me better?...Ha, fat chance. Either way, I was grateful. If he got involved, there was the chance Hatake or the genin could get hurt.
It looked like Kakashi was starting to get bored, as he was starting to throw lightning techniques around. I could see Momochi's partner move, and was about to intervene...it was a suicide move. I was about to step in myself, when I noticed Kisame come out from the fray and go towards Momochi - it was an attacking move, but also shoved the long haired ice user out of Hatakes path. Two birds, one stone.
"You're mine, Zabuza!" I heard him growl. Zabuza looked startled and confused by the new mystery opponent, but retaliated nonetheless.
The ice user was also about to start on Kisame, when I had a sudden impulse to intervene. This kid and suicidal moves, really?
I activated my Time Flicker and appeared directed in his path. I placed one hand on my hip and wagged my finger at him. "Nuh-uh! That's not your fight. Leave the boys to their toys, eh?"
He took a fighting stance, about to go towards me. "I must protect him! I am his tool!"
I frowned. "Tool? No, I definitely don't like that. Brainwashing, huh?" This Zabuza was a massive prick, and I was starting to understand Kisame's ire. Who manipulates kids like that? "Time you go night-night now, little boy." I shunshined to him and placed a knock out tag on his back, catching him then shoving him to Hatake's genin, before disappearing into the tree line.
It was a fairly stupid move to expose myself, but I had a bit of a soft spot for kids and sometimes I couldn't help myself.
A shadow clone of Hatake came over to me again. "You not going to help?" He asked.
I shrugged. "Nah. I don't like to get involved with personal fights. He'd never let me hear the end of it."
"Mah, so what now?"
"Feel free to fuck off, we'll handle it from here."
"And by handle it you mean..?"
"Do our job. Don't start getting nosey now, that's my trait."
"Don't I know it," he snarked. I punched him on the arm.
"Look, it you want to wait and help out, it's up to you...but I know you're a lazy bastard and have little kiddie-winks to look after." I noticed people coming down the road, and clearly so had Kisame.
"Looks like everyone wants to kill you today, Zabuza," Kisame smiled.
"Wait? What?" Momochi exclaimed, avoiding Kisame's wrapped blade.
"Your employer had no interest in paying you your fee - and was planning on disposing of you from the beginning. Stupid and gullible as always," Kisame growled.
"Impossible!"
"No. An associate of mine heard it herself. His head henchman has a loose tongue when there's a pair of breasts in his face." I saw Hatake double take.
"None of that - clothing was on and it was a semi-public setting." I whispered to him. "No need to taddle-tale."
"I'm not sure he'd believe me if I did."
"He probably would. I believe it would go along the lines of 'Yosh! What excellent use of her Youthful Assets!', and maybe throw in a thumbs up for good measure." My voice imitating Gai was terrible, but it got the correct response.
He deadpanned. "Why would you give me that mental image?"
I grinned.
There were further words being exchanged between the two swordsmen, so faint I couldn't hear. I was curious, but I did respect Kisame's privacy...to an extent. Then suddenly, the fight stopped and both stepped away from each other, giving the other a curt short bow.
What the fuck?
Kisame then ran over to my position, so I impaled Hatake's clone with the Tanto to get rid of him before he made it
"We're leaving." I allowed him to drag me along, while running, but scowled.
"What the hell?"
"You want this low profile or not? Zabuza is going to take care of Gato." I snapped my head around to see what was going on, and sure enough, Zabuza was about to collide with Gatos forces...who didn't have a chance.
"Oh you clever little fucker! You do listen to me after all!" I had droned about manipulation to him for years, but I never thought he paid any attention. Somehow he managed to convince him to do our job for us - which was totally allowed within the mission briefing.
He snorted. "But next time there's a chance at him, you owe me."
"If I ever see him, i'll wrap him up for you in a pretty red bow."
On the way back to base, I stopped in at a few of my contact points to pick up intel. I had several packages at each point, but nothing marked as urgent. I put them away in the storage seal to examine properly once we were back.
Kisame gave our verbal report at base, while I stood to the side. During, he didn't mention his spar or conversation with Zabuza, but instead said it was me who broke the news to him under disguise...interesting.
This was the first time I'd ever known him to lie...and to use me, too. There was something fishy going on here, and it wasn't just his smell.
As we walked back to the rooms, I turned to him. "That was interesting...you very rarely give the reports- I noticed you stick to the facts and are very on point...you should do it more often." Liar liar pants on fire.
He sent me a look. "You talk to much." Don't ask questions .
"But sometimes the extra details make the difference." I want to to tell me more.
"And sometimes the extra details are pointless." I'm not telling you anything.
"I didn't realise you didn't like my stories. I'll keep them to myself in future...but you must admit, telling people extra information has its time and it's place." I'll keep quiet, but you're telling me later.
He snorted but didn't argue. Excellent.
"Well, if we're done here, I'm head to my room. I'll see you a breakfast." I waved him off.
Once back in my room, I unpacked the intel scrolls and read. There were thirteen different reports...alone, they didn't tell me anything. But together?
"Fuck."
I grabbed them and ran to the main room.
"And you are certain? There is no other explanation."
"No, Pein-sama."
"I see." He looked at me, assessing. "And what is your plan?"
If my reports were correct, Orochimaru and his stupid Oto were planning to invade Konoha during the next Chuunin exams. And, if you compared reports from in Suna and Oto there were eyes on Gaara...mainly his seal design. The seal I had placed had been copied and sent to Orochimaru to examine. But why would he want that? My only conclusion was that he planned to weaken it, and potentially release the Bijuu.
On the surface, it didn't make a whole lot of sense. Orochimaru wasn't stupid or cause unnecessary violence. He had no love for Konoha, but didn't hate it either...but one person he did hate? Sarutobi Hiruzen. It must have all been a ploy to cause a massive distraction, then kill the Hokage.
"I want to go to Suna. For preemptive damage control. If he releases the Ichibi in a village of Uchiha...it will be pointless and we could lose control of it for the future. I want to secure the Bijuu, so the seal cannot be weakened by his ministrations."
"I see...and what if your suspicions of his goal to kill the Hokage are correct?"
I paused.
"Let them destroy each other. And good riddance," I replied. And I meant it.
Pein looked pleased. "Your commitment is admirable." He said. "I authorise you to head to Suna, as you suggest. But while you are there, I also want information on the Jinchuriki - the standard report. Once complete, I want you to head to Konoha. I want you to bear witness and report. But do not interfere. I will send Kisame to you in the latter stages of the exams- I cannot trust his discretion in the village...if either the Hokage or Orochimaru survive the fight, then they are to be disposed of...do you understand?"
I bowed. "Understood, Leader-sama."
Kisame joined me in Suna. He wouldn't accompany me to the palace, but was a back up incase I hit any trouble...which was rude, really. He was the trouble maker, not me.
I was entering the palace under the disguise of a maid. She was actually one of my informants, but I would be taking over her appearance while she went on a nice little vacation. She had access to all rooms, and worked all manner of hours, so she was the perfect role to go into.
The first couple of days I spent gathering information and formulating a plan to get access to Gaara - it was difficult because his current schedule involved a lot of training and study prior to the Chuunin exams - They expected him to win, or at least pass easily.
My opportunity came when all of the Kazekage's children were being sent out on a final survival expedition just before their journey to Konoha. They were to be taken out of Suna for a few days, and exposed to the environment and anything nature had to offer...which in Wind country meant poisonous creepy crawlies. There were to be no escorts, and help would only come if flares were launched...but if this happened, they were informed it would not be worth them coming home...God, Raza was a dick.
Kisame and myself then followed them on their travels. By the end of the first day, I realised their route and the best place to intervene. They would pass through a gorge, within which I would lay Seal Poisoned Gas Bombs - similar to the one I used on Shisui and Kakashi.
It worked like a charm, and all three children promptly passed out. I had to work quickly as I couldn't be sure how fast a Jinchuriki's metabolism would burn through my poison. And as I intended for them to think it was a creature that got them, I had to get him to wake at his natural pace to avoid suspicion.
I ran over, and carefully exposed Gaara's seal. It was still intact and untampered with, which was best case scenario. At the edges of the Seal I placed a pre-prepared locking mechanism - it didn't stabilise the seal further, but it prevented outside manipulation, unless you knew the 'key.' It basically made the seal 'password protected'. It was a simple design, that any decent seal master could break but it would take time - which Orochimaru would not likely have. But most importantly, not expect to have to deal with.
Happy with my work, I covered the seal back up, and placed fake 'stings' on the ankles of him and his siblings. I liked to be thorough.
We wasted absolutely no time in getting out of Suna. Part of it because I hate the feeling of the dry desert, and partly because I knew I would be going back to Konoha for the first time in five years.
I was nervous, but also excited. If you had asked me a year ago, I would have told you I would willingly take a mission to the place over my dead body - and I suspected that is why Pein was comfortable with me going. I was very open about my hatred for the Sandaime and reluctance to visit my home - the last thing any member of the Akatsuki would have thought was that I was looking forward to it.
"Leader-sama is showing his sadism by making you go back. I don't know who I feel more sorry for - you or the poor creatures that cross your path. Bet you're regretting this 'pacifism' crap right about now."
I glared at Kisame. "I don't need to kill someone to make them suffer."
He grinned. "Don't I know it. You're a vicious little thing...bet those eunuchs in Bird still curse your very existence."
Ah, one of Kisame's favourite subject. Not my finest hour, but not something I regret either. Let's just say they got everything they deserved.
"I was thinking more personal. Like the brewer in Snow." I destroyed the reputation, livelihood and any future prospects of a sake brewer in Snow who was cheating on his wife. She had hired us to assassinate him (she was real mad), but I convinced her this was better. With the aftermath she fully agreed...I also set her up with a new identity, and heard she had now remarried (I just hope the new husband was smarter than the last).
"No, that's boring...This is where I split. Please try not to destroy Konoha until I get there, at least?"
"Meh, no promises." I said, waving him off.
It only took me another few days to reach the gates. For fun, I opted to enter the village the 'official' way, rather than hidden passages. I opted for an Appearance Modifier - in case of extra genjutsu protection at the gate for the exams. I was going to pose as a Suna chuunin who had come ahead of their party to get things prepared. Once inside, I'd change my disguise to a Konoha civilian, which should allow relative freedom.
The gate clerks really didn't care about my arrival - in fact, they seemed bored more than anything hardly asked any questions or identification at all. It was a joke, to be honest. No wonder Orochimaru thought he'd get away with an invasion.
If there is one thing that frustrates me it's incompetence...I'd have to deal with this somehow.
After a quick wardrobe and face change, it was so tempting to head to see Gai straight away. Everything in me wanted to, but I held off. First I wanted to do a little digging, and I had a feeling Gai wouldn't let me out of his sights once he knew I was there.
I headed tot he main market district, hoping one of my favourite dango sellers was still in business. The joy I felt when I saw the unchanged shop front was exquisite. I immediately purchased a large portion and sat on a nearby bench. I planned to gorge myself while people watching.
The exercise was fairly fruitful. I was soon up to date with plenty gossip, knew where to buy the best bread, and what villages had already arrived for the exams. After I had nearly finished, I heard a little squeaking of some girls and soon noticed why.
Uchiha Itachi had a very large group of admirers. Oh and also that he was heading this way.
I had seen him briefly at the festival, but seeing him in the daylight and in the village was different. He looked good. He had matured and had an air of confidence about him - it was different than before. He held himself in a different way, and had a feeling of authority about him. Despite this, he was clearly well liked and approachable, as he received many nods and greeting from all - civilians and shinobi. Even if I hadn't known him, I could have guessed this was a powerful man.
And in my eyes, a man fit to be Hokage.
Despite everything I had been through, I knew then that I had made the right decision and I could not regret it for anything. This version of Itachi should not be unmarred in any way, and I would fight the bastard that would try and hurt him.
There was no surprise to me when he went to the same dango shop I had. Grown man now or not, he was still a child. Unfortunately though, he had decided to sit at the same bench as me, too.
"Hello, do you mind if I sit here?" He asked, with a gentle smile.
I became the little nervous civilian I had to me. "Oh, yes, Uchiha-sama, please go ahead!" I stuttered slightly, shuffling along on the bench, tensing in a nervous way.
He gave a small smile in thanks and sat down, and started with his Dango. We sat there in silence, which didn't surprise me. Itachi wasn't a natural conversationalist unless you forced him.
After a while, he started coughing, choking on a piece of Dango in the process.
"Uchiha-sama! Are you okay?" I flustered. Despite my act, I was genuinely concerned.
His coughs quickly subsided. "No need to worry, I was only being silly and ate the dango too fast," he replied, giving a placating smile.
Well. That was a lie, you didn't need to be an expert on deception to be able to read one. I mentally catalogued that into my 'to-do' file to look into later.
I snorted. "Itachi, you are so full of shit. You could eat dango faster than a shunshin and not even get phased...in fact, I'm pretty sure I've seen that."
He startled with my sudden change in attitude and rudeness. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me. Such a poor excuse. You get a big fat 'F' on the deceit section of the exam...maybe politics isn't for you after all, hmm?"
He tensed and narrowed his eyes at me. His posture was dangerous. "Who are you?" He said icily.
I scoffed. "Please, Itachi. Don't be boring," I plopped my last bit of dango in my mouth. "You'll get there in three, two, one-"
"Erena?" He asked, eyes open in disbelief.
I grinned widely at him. "Long time no see. I like what you've done with the...you. Very imposing, ten out of ten- ooft!"
He grabbed me in a tight hug, then release a second later.
"Are you okay? I didn't hurt you did I?" He looked at me concerned.
"God, and now you turn into a five year old boy again? No, I'm fine, that crumbling issue is almost resolved. You can't snap me like a twig anymore."
He grabbed me in a hug again. "Never disappear again. Twice is far too much."
I gave a soft laugh. "Not something I can promise you, but at least next time I'll say goodbye first."
He released me and looked at me fully. "So you're not back? Why the disguise?"
"Because I'm not actually here." Itachi frowned. "Well, obviously I am, but not officially, and only for a little while."
He seemed to be thinking something. "How long? And why?" There was a very faint edge to his voice, as though he was trying to suppress something.
"Depends on how long the exams are...I'm just here to watch."
"Just watch?" He repeated.
"Just watch." I confirmed. "I am under orders not to interfere in any way."
"That sounds as though you are hinting at something," he looked at me sceptically.
"Hmmm...does it?"
He sighed. "I'm guessing you can't tell me?"
"Not without blowing my cover. But don't worry - I protect me and mine. If I thought there was a risk to them, I'd sing like a canary."
He looked to me fondly. "You are overprotective...and you always made fun of me being a mother hen with Sasuke."
"No - that is beyond ridiculous. But I see you have finally given him a little breathing space...allowing him on a Team under Hatake? Are you mad?"
He shrugged. "He was a great Taicho in ANBU. I know and trust him - I wouldn't want anyone else."
"I still think you're mad. You should have gone with someone more mentally stable."
"You're judging Kakashi's mental stability?" he joked. I hit him hard.
"Oi! Don't be a prick. The screws are still very much loose."
He sobered quickly. "Are you okay?"
I waved him off. "Better than I have been in years, don't sign me away to Psyche just yet."
"Can I do anything?"
"Nah. Just don't judge my mini freak outs. My partner just tends to ignore them - I'd probably recommend the same." Sometimes I'd get angry or depressed and would either lash out or withdraw...it was better than a full break down like I did with Gai, but still noticeable if you knew me. It was what resulted in the castration of the men in Bird country...and kind of what prompted me to almost expose my presence to save the kid in Wave. Kisame either ignored my little glitches, or made fun of them after the fact - I think he was over my drama unless it amused him.
Itachi frowned but nodded, still looking pensive. "I will try." By that he meant he'd be an interfering busybody but would try and be subtle about it.
"Anyway..." I said, wanting to change the subject. "I guess I should be off. As much as chatting on a bench is nice, it's a bit weird and too open. Four shinobi have already clocked us...well, you...and I can guarantee some rumours of you being on a date will start circulating soon."
Itachi laughed. "Shisui will be thrilled." I joined in.
"I never thought about that. Wait...fancy having a little fun with this?"
That evening, Itachi arranged to meet Shisui for drinks. I was already at the bar when they arrived, and I could hear Shisui had already started his questioning.
"-but who is she? This is huge, Itachi! I've been trying to get you on a date for years...but noooo, you're far too busy and important. Come on, spill!"
"There is nothing to spill, Shisui. I have already told you- it was not a date."
"Bullshit. And don't try the whole, 'she's just a friend' thing. You don't have any friends - remember what I said about the 'too busy and important'? You're the most well liked antisocial bastard going."
"I think I'm supposed to be offended my that...look, it was not a date. But I will not deny I spent time with a female friend earlier on today."
"I knew it! Who is she? Hayate said she looked civilian."
"She can look however she wants." Itachi took a small drink and gave Shisui a teasing look...which he totally ignored. I knew he would. I suggested a little game for us. Itachi was to heavily imply it was me, and watch Shisui's reaction. Neither of us had much hope in him taking the hints.
"So she's not a civilian?"
"Definitely not a civilian."
"So what does she do? How did you meet her?"
"She spends a lot of time out of the village. I suppose you could say we met many years ago."
"And you've been keeping her a secret?!" Shisui seemed outraged. Itachi laughed.
"No, Shisui, she is most definitely not a secret."
"Bullshit! Then tell me more. What rank is she? Have we met?"
"You have met...and I suppose I should say she is a genin."
"A genin! Are you mad? No wonder she looked civilian. Your father is going to be so mad at you."
"Mmmm...I think not. I'm fairly certain my father likes her." I'd goddamn hope so.
Shisui scoffed. "In what world would Fugaku approve of his son spending time with a genin kunoichi who spends most of their time out of village?"
Itachi took another sip and smiled into his cup. "It's happened before."
"What do you mean?" Shisui furrowed his brow in confusion. "That was dif-"
I took that as my cue, walked past the boys and slid into the seat next to Itachi, looking at Shisui, grinning.
"This seat taken?"