The Jounin Command Centre was a fucking mess. It took me five days to compile my report and I was embarrassed. But it didn't know if it was for me or for them.

Usually I'd have something like this in a few days, tops. But for the size of the place, it needed so much more work than I expected. How could somewhere change so much in five years? But I had the answer - sabotage.

Itachi wasn't kidding when he said Shikaku and the Hokage were on the outs. The place was crawling with plants - but most from within Konoha. Most things were only little - like misfiled paper work and holidays not authorised - but the knock on effects were enough to lower morale and cause resentment in the office and mistakes were being made.

With the lack of efficiency, people were starting to question those in charge of the departments, who were then blaming the Jounin Commander...in a year, they would have asked for his resignation, and for something not his fault.

Now, don't get me wrong. I did find a few information leaks and foreign issues, but that was minor. The place needed a revamp, and it needed one yesterday.

Report in hand, I knocked on the door to Itachi's office in the Command Centre.

"Come in," I heard from the other side, and slid the door open.

Itachi was sitting a the desk looking annoyed by some report or another. There were faint marks of a hand print on his forehead, and ink stains on the side of his hand. He attempted to look professional when I entered - not knowing my disguise - but I closed the door, activated a privacy seal and flopped onto seat casually.

"Hard slog, huh?" I asked.

He sighed. "Erena, of course." He did not sound pleased to see me. If he didn't look so stressed I would have taken it personally.

"C'mon, swapsies." I made a 'gimme' motion with one hand, while offering the report with the other.

"This is meant to be classified," he said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. I gave him a dry look.

"I don't know the definition of the word. Now hand it over."

He looked defeated and acquiesced. As he opened the file I handed him, I started reading and spoke about it. "That's my preliminary report. You'll find a summary on the first page, then an index to each concern. I have ordered them from most urgent to least. You'll also find my recommendations for resolving these issues - both subtle and not so subtle...I'm sure you know my preference, but I'm sure you'd rather not start a bureaucratic civil war."

"Erena...is this correct?"

I looked up to him and gave him a dirty look. "Don't insult me."

His stressed look became even more defined. "I don't even know where to start..."

I snorted. "Did you not listen? I've done that for you, too. Page one hundred and twelve through to one hundred and thirty three. It's got bullet points and everything."

"And this took you five days?"

"I know, it's embarrassing. I've let myself down...pen, please?" I asked, and he handed me the one to his side, confused by my request. I started scribbling on the file in front of me.

"I need to give his to Shikaku," he said. "This won't go down well."

"Nope." I said, popping my 'p'. "I suggest you take sake...also make sure to tell him that he should only deal with concerns one to seven before the end of the exams. Any further will rouse suspicion."

I finished my notes and threw the other file back to him. "Move the politicians to the service sector, in upper market hotels, but keep the participants in place. Arrange a special luncheon for the politicians after each exam, and allow them to network. It'll keep them to busy to focus on their lodgings placements. Also, the ones from Iwa and Kumo are fond of prostitutes and strippers...they've been the most vocal, so I'd place them near appropriate venues to keep them happy, but obviously in different areas."

Itachi stared at me, scrutinising. It made me feel very uncomfortable. "Were you always this good?"

I shrugged. "Pretty much. It's fun."

"I've been dealing this this all morning, and you waltz in and solve it in a few minutes."

"Itachi, I've met half of these guys. Hell, I've given lap dances to at least three of them." Itachi's face went a funny colour. "Don't forget who taught you how to play politics in the first place."

He sighed. "Why did you have to leave? You could have saved me so many headaches..."

"Trust me, Itachi, you would have had a bigger headache if I'd stayed in Konoha."

He shuffled up the papers and stood. "I should take this to Shikaku now. If he asks where I got it, what do you want me to say?"

"Just say nothing. Don't lie - he'll respect you less if you try...he'll know it's me once he gets past the second page, so there's no point in denying it."

"But you don't want to see him?"

It was a hard decision, but I knew I couldn't. Shikaku had always looked after me, more than he needed to, and I knew I would cave if he asked me to talk. And then things would get worse for him- I couldn't do that.

I could have written the report differently, but I wanted him to know I was there. That I had his back. I couldn't tell him in person, but I could show him.

"No. It's better this way. Maybe after the exams?" I said morosely.

Itachi nodded in understanding, and we both walked out of the office.

"What are you going to do now?"

"Try and calm Gai down while the team competes. It's going to be a full time job."

Itachi smiled. "I knew how he feels." He was clearly thinking about Sasuke.

"How did I become friends with such overbearing monsters? I swear, Shisui and I are the only sane ones around here."

"No one will ever agree with you on that. Not even Shisui."

"How you have managed to convince people you're the nice one I have no idea."

I wasn't kidding when I said babysitting Gai would be a full time job.

I stood back as he gave them a pep talk before the first exam. I swear he almost cried. I had to bite the inside of my lip to stop me from saying something and snickering. All of the kids caught me but didn't say anything about it.

"And you, Erena-sensei? Do you have any advice?" Lee looked so earnest.

"Honestly, not really. The only exam I think I've ever sat was the genin one." I pondered. "All I can say is don't do anything I wouldn't do, and if you do - just don't get caught."

"What do you mean? You didn't sit the chuunin exams? Were you field promoted?"

"Nope!" I said happily.

"You're still a genin?" Neji practically hissed.

"Yup!" The kids all looked stumped. I think I broke them. "Rank doesn't mean much to me. And it means even less in my business. All that matters is that you do your job and stay alive. And that is the same no matter what you specialise in. Whether you get promoted or not doesn't matter - just do what you can to the best of your abilities."

"Yosh, such Youthful words!" Gai commended. Crap, he looked like he was going to cry again.

"But that doesn't mean you shouldn't kick ass. Kicking ass is also very important."

After that they left to enter the building, but Gai wanted to stay close. I was about to scold him for being such a worrywort, until his little summons appeared, whispered something to him and he shot off. What on Earth..?

Several minutes later he reappeared, but looked very sheepish. "Lee tried to start an Unyouthful fight with Uchiha Sasuke. I am afraid I overreacted."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I punched him."

I blinked. "Fuck this - why aren't there bars open at this time?" I said and started walking away.

"Erena, no! It is only the morning! I thought you did not drink much anymore!"

"Gai, shut up. This isn't for me."

Gai was too jittery to sit still for too long. Gai plus alcohol right now was an accident waiting to happen - and I had only meant it at a joke. Instead, I directed him to a training field to let him release his pent up energy, but he seemed unable to focus - still thinking about Lee, and the others.

I got fed up. "Come on, fight me," I said, getting ready for a spar. I was going to regret it but I couldn't think of an alternative.

"What?! No! I will not!" Gai protested.

"Come on, let us have a Youthful spar and test the limits of our skills!" I said in his fashion, giving him a 'good guy' thumbs up and a wink.

I then settled into a fighting stance - it was a different one than he would had seen before. I didn't spend five years on the road without learning a few tricks...and even if I didn't fight much in the Akatsuki, it didn't mean I didn't pick up some moves.

The change in dynamic must have intrigued him, as he stopped his protesting.

"Taijutsu only, and avoid the face...okay?"

"Yosh!" was all he said in reply.

He lunged for me first, but I was prepared and evaded easily. While his taijutsu style was refined, it wasn't anything new to me. He was fast and on point, but the majority of his moves hadn't changed. Over the years, I realised that using strength was not for me, and in order to avoid damaging myself, I needed to concentrate on evasion.

My new style incorporated flexibility, speed, and a little bit of dance...I liked to be a little flashy. It probably wasn't too dissimilar to the Hyuuga style, but I've never had a chance to ask one of them properly.

For minutes, we were a flurry of movement, with me ducking and twirling under his blows. He seemed to be enjoying himself, if his grin was anything to go by. Good, my distraction was working.

He stepped on a stray pebble at some point, and lost his footing for a millisecond, but it was enough of an opening for me. I slid under his legs, twisted and flipped, leapt onto his back so I was practically sitting on his shoulders. I clenched and gripped, before coiling around his body to force him to the ground. He landed on his back, and I sat on his chest.

"Gai," I said between pants. "Don't go easy on me, it's insulting."

"Yosh! What Youthful skill! You have improved!"

"Not that much- just changed my style a little," I said, getting up then offering a hand to get him up. "And you've gone soft. There were at least four times you could have had me."

"But then the fight would have ended!" He grinned, then grabbed my waist.

I gave him a clear 'stand down' look, before saying, "Come on, let's go see how they've done."

We walked back to the exam hall, with him in better spirits than before. When we arrived, there were many genin hanging around outside, and a few disgruntled sensei's.

"What's this?" I asked.

"These will be the ones who failed the first part. I cannot see my team..."

I looked around. "No, me either. Guess they must have passed?"

"Yosh!"

Our assumptions were correct, and they were all taken directly to the next stage: the Forest of Death. Personally, I thought the name was a bit much - it was just nature, after all. Sure, it looked creepy, but so does Kisame and he was practically a kitten (an angry kitten with claws and teeth, but a kitten nonetheless).

There was a special Jounin lounge for the sensei's and proctors, and I encouraged Gai to go mingle, but he wouldn't hear of leaving me. It was cute, but he really needed to go.

I sighed. "Look, you'll be able to find out about the first exam, and chat with the other sensei's. I'll be fine - go!"

Truth be told, I wanted to scope out the politicians. I was tasked with this for a reason, and I couldn't spend all my time with Gai and the others, even if I wanted to.

As he left to go to the Jounin lounge, I went to the VIP lounge. I took the appearance of a server, after I gave them a mild sedation- it had also had amnesiac properties, so they wouldn't remember what happened. As far as they'd be aware, they just fell asleep in the staff room.

There were politicians from each of the countries, and a few higher ups from the Konoha. Due to Konoha's alliances, most seemed on pretty good form. There was hardly any sign of tension or animosity. The ones from Grass and Sound looked a little shifty - but that didn't surprise me.

I saw the Sandaime conversing with a female shinobi from Mist, while Itachi and Shikaku were both talking to two politicians from Kumo. I wandered around the room for several minutes - there was nothing interesting going on yet, but the Sound nin was anticipating something...it was too soon for the invasion, so what?

Because I'm an idiot, I went over to Itachi. "Excuse me, Uchiha-sama? There is someone outside who would like a word. They say it's urgent."

He frowned and have his companions a gentle nod in apology before following me out of the room. When we stepped out and no one was there, he activated his Sharingan.

"What is the meaning of this?" He asked, sternly.

"No need to get your panties in a twist, Itachi."

He deactivated the Sharingan. "What are you doing here? How did you get in?"

"Honestly, stop with the same questions. I just wanted to let you know something is going on with the Sound guy. He's shifty and nervous. I don't think it's imminent, but he's expecting something soon."

"Are we in danger?" He asked.

"Honestly? Don't know. His body language didn't seem concerned for himself - there is no protective posturing - so I'd say you guys are all okay in there, but I'd keep an eye on them."

"Noted. Thank you...and the others in there?" He asked curiously.

"Having a good time, congrats. Although that Mist Kunoichi isn't a fan of the Sandaime. I like her."

"Ah yes, Mei. She was not pleased about coming here but Yagura seemed keen to have her rub shoulders with the officials. She will likely leave as soon as she is able."

"Hmmmm," I hummed thoughtfully. Methinks someone was setting up a successor. "Anyway, my work here is done. Good luck being bored out of your tits!"

Itachi chuckled. "I will. Thank you for the tip."

I waved and walked off.

Without anything else to do, I went to the grocery store to get some food to make dinner. Living with Gai was great, but he ate too healthy for my liking so I was going to take charge. There were only so many boiled vegetables a girl could eat, you know?

I wandered around can grabbed various ingredients, for everything from noodles to pancakes to deep fried deliciousness, and grabbed various snacks too. I dropped in a bottle of sake for when we had company - we could easily meet up with the others outside, so it was likely we'd have Itachi and Shisui as dinner guests...I suspected Kakashi less likely but possible.

"You look like you are preparing for a feast." A friendly voice commented. I looked up and saw Yoshino - and felt something like a punch to the chest. She looked exactly the same and had the same friendly smile but clever eyes.

"Ah, not quite. Just cooking for an army...and my army I mean three jounins," I joked.

"I hope one of them isn't an Akimichi? Because I'll you from personal experience, that is not enough food." We both laughed.

"Thankfully not! I'll not sure my wallet could handle it!"

"You're not wrong, there's a reason the clan has so many of their own restaurants!"

God, she hadn't changed at all.

"So any reason you're cooking up a storm?" She asked. It may have seemed suspicious, but I knew her enough to know she was just making polite conversation.

I shrugged. "My boyfriend and friends are involved with the exams, so I figured I'd help them out a little. Cooking's the least I could do."

"Oh! My sons taking part - he's only a rookie. He acts like her not bothered but I can tell he's excited. He actually got up with morning without me having to wake him."

I whistled, impressed. "That's something."

She chuckled. "But a mother worries, you know? It's only an exam, but my protective instincts are to wrap him up and never let him outside."

"Boys will be boys," I said. "I feel the same with my loved ones - but more because they get themselves in some amount of trouble. Ever met anyone that was such a walking disaster that he encouraged problems just by existing? That's my best friend."

Yoshino's good mood sobered. "Yes, I knew one once...she..." Yoshino sighed. "I apologise, it just stirred up some sad memories."

I stilled. How had I managed to stick my foot in it that severely? I should have just ran as soon as she started speaking, but I suppose I was more of a masochist than I thought. I was getting too carried away and let my guard down. And then I somehow managed to break her a little.

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean-" I started.

She gave me a faux smile. I wasn't buying it. "It's quite alright, it's just some people are harder to forget than others...I should leave you to your shopping. I hope you have a good meal!" She said amicably, before departing.

I hastily made my way to the cashier and paid for my goods, practically running home. When I got back, I started putting things away, hands shaking. I got to the bottom of the bag and found the bottle of sake...I warred with myself for several moments, before grabbing it and heading to the couch.

I was asleep on the couch when I heard movement and stirred. I was curled up into a ball, back to the door. It was early in the evening, and I only vaguely registered Gai's presence as he entered.

"Erena?" He whispered. "Are you asleep?"

"Not anymore," I mumbled, but not getting up.

"Then I should tell you about the team!" He enthused. "They passed the first exam splendidly! It was a quiz, but assessing there perseverance and skill in cheating...your lessons this week helped them greatly! I was informed that none of the team were caught once- and their answer papers were filled! I was commended on their Youthful skills, but that is thanks to you!"

I grunted know reply, but didn't turn around.

"Erena, are you well?...is that sake?"

"It's unopened, I didn't drink it," I replied and closed my eyes.

"What happened?" He asked, it sounded more concerned than anything else.

"I met Yoshino. I think I broke her," I whispered, slurring slightly.

Gai didn't say anything else, but lifted me up and carried me to the bedroom, and placed me on the bed. I stayed curled up in my ball the whole time, not wanting to react.

"You left a lot of people behind, but we love you. Don't let things like this deter you. Persevere and we will be there when you need us. Don't hide."

An hour or so later, I heard voices from the room.

"I'm sorry, there was an incident today...she is not reacting well."

"What do you mean? She was fine when I saw her earlier?" I heard Itachi's muffled voice.

"She said she met Yoshino. I do not know what was said, but she is feeling guilty. I found her upset...I should not have left her."

"She warned me about this when I first encountered her." Itachi said. "I think it's not abnormal, but I think she's getting better. Do you need me to do anything?"

"No, I can take care of her tonight. Thank you for offering, it is most Youthful."

I didn't hear anything else, so Itachi must have left. An hour later I felt Gai get into the bed. I turned around and placed an arm on his chest.

"Thank you," I mumbled. He only kissed my forehead in reply.

When I woke up the next morning, I didn't feel great but I felt better. Gai didn't mention anything else about the night before, but did tell me that he removed the sake from the apartment...he said it like he was stating a fact, but the message was clear. I didn't argue.

Gai didn't let me out of his sight the whole day...which was a little infuriating, to be honest. It was only a little blip, which was really nothing in the grand scheme of things.

I thought back to what he said and realised he was right. I have tried to avoid uncomfortable situations my entire life, but I couldn't do it forever. But I'd deal with that later...

Denial is a wonderful thing.

As the second exam would last five days, it meant five days of nothing. Meeting up with Itachi was out of the question, I was informed Shisui was on an ANBU based mission, so not likely contactable. Considering I wanted to spend what time with my friend that I could before I left, I was a little saddened, but couldn't expect anything else.

And so Gai and I spent most of the time training (not my idea), cooking and other activities within the confines of the apartment. When he was informed his team was close to the tower, and he was being summoned to greet them, he almost skipped the whole way there. I waited outside in a cafe until he was done.

At the end of the five days, there was a preliminary combat round, as too many had passed. Which was a shame, really. I didn't see why they couldn't have everyone make the finals and just extend it by a few days. Again, Gai was summoned for this and I spent my time reading scrolls and drinking tea. It was dark when I heard a knock on the door - which confused me.

A devastated looking Itachi stood on the other side of the door.

"I need you to come to the hospital," he said, and my heart sank.

"Gai-"

"Gai is okay. One of his genin was hurt but it isn't life threatening, he is with him now." Who? What could have happened? "But I need you to come with me, please," he pleaded. "It's about Sasuke."

Wasting no time, I changed my shoes and placed the 'Sara' Appearance Modified tag on. He turned without saying anything else, and we made out way to the hospital quickly, jumping over the rooftops.

When we arrived, I followed him through the halls. It was busy and manic, but we entered a secure area. I could sense ANBU in the background, and furrowed my brow.

I activated a privacy seal. "What's going on?" I demanded.

Itachi sighed and rubbed his brow. "During the second part of the exam, Sasuke and his team were attacked by a missing nin."

My heart dropped. "Orochimaru."

He snapped his head to me. "You knew?"

I shook my head. "No. I knew he was making movement again, but Sasuke was never his target. But he is opportunistic. My bet is that he saw an opening and decided to take it."

"This should never have happened."

"I agree...now show me why you are willing to blow my cover." I said.

He looked guilty for a split second before nodding and taking me into an observation room. Sasuke was on a bed on the other side of the glass, unconscious. Kakashi and Fugaku stood on either side of him, talking to a medic...and a grumpy looking Jiraiya was at the side, pacing and mumbling to himself.

Sasuke was only wearing trousers, with a few bandages wrapped around his body. But the problem was glaring was me. Orochimaru had managed to place a Cursed Seal on Sasuke's neck.

"Orochimaru is a right bastard," I commented.

"Hn."

I sighed. "Get rid of the medic and I'll have a look."

His eyebrows shot up. "You'll do it?"

I snorted. "You knew I would, or you wouldn't have gotten me."

Without a moments notice, he flew out the room and into the ward. He asked the medic to leave, and informed them not to let anyone in. They left without question. He then signalled to me to enter.

"This is my friend Sara," Itachi said. "She has done research into the cursed seals of ROOT, and has agreed to have a look."

Jiraiya scoffed, "This is more complicated than Danzo's contraptions, and beyond a mere Chuunin."

"Jiraiya, why do you always have to be such an asshole?" I asked. I couldn't help it.

He straightened his posture, and puffed out his chest. "Have we met? I'm sure I would have remembered a beautiful girl such as you?" How Jiraiya flips from asshole to leach I'd never know. I glared and moved to remove my modified tag. He instantly deflated. "Oh, it's just you."

"You know each other?" Itachi asked, confused.

"Unfortunately," both Jiraiya and I said at the same time.

"Erena?" I heard Fugaku ask.

"Yo." I said, and smiled at him. His face went slack from the shock of my appearance. He looked like he was about to say something, but I interrupted. "Let's have a look...the longer this is left uncontrolled the worse it'll be."

"What do you know about them?" Kakashi asked, as I peered at it. I poked it with my chakra a little to get a feel of it. I then brought out an empty scroll, and ink and scribbled a seal on it. When complete, I placed it on top of the Cursed Seal and activated it - a large projection appeared, showing a copy of the full seal mechanism. The others looked at it in awe.

"This is Orochimaru's favourite. And an absolute dick. It acts like a parasite - invading not only the chakra network, like Danzo's, but the body and soul as well. It becomes intertwined, and merges. Ultimately changing the host."

"But how? I didn't think seals have that kind of capability," Itachi said, looking at the projection with worry.

"Seals can do just about anything you want them to, if you can figure it out. And unfortunately for us, Orochimaru has. See this point here?" I pointed to a big black swirly bubble. "This is a piece of Orochimaru's soul. He places them into the seals to bind it, and it is what allows for the mind altering properties...and it's also what will make it a bastard to remove."

"But why would he do such a thing? It's a lot of effort to go through to get a new follower," Fugaku asked.

"Invasion of the body snatcher," I replied. Kakashi stared at me. "He doesn't want a follower, he wants a new body...a host. And looks like Sasuke's his next choice."

Everyone went silent as they digested this.

"That will never happen," Itachi growled.

"I'm inclined to agree."

"Stop for a second, how do you know this?" Jiraiya asked. "You didn't get that form just looking at the seal for a few seconds."

I sighed, turned my backs to them, and untied the top I was wearing. I heard Itachi and Kakashi start to protest, until I lowers it to expose my back. There, you could clearly see a mark, not dissimilar to the one on Sasuke, but with some very slight differences. I replaced the top.

"As you can see, he's not the first victim."

"But...when?" Fugaku looked stricken. Ah, guilt complex.

"About three years ago, give or take?" I shrugged. "Do you know what Orochimaru's goal is? Immortality and knowledge. When I met him, he found out about my memory, and he wanted it...imagine having a mind that never forgets? It was his wet dream...he got as far as placing this before he could do anymore."

When I joined Akatsuki, Orochimaru was still a member...but that didn't last the week. He found out about my mind - in terms of memory and functionality, and became enthralled. He tested me several times a day before he decided to act. One day he caught me unawares and bit me with the Cursed Seal...he was immediately ejected from the Akatsuki.

"You never told me," Jiraiya said, looking a bit sad. It's a look I had never saw on him before.

"I was embarrassed?" I said, because it was the truth. "I have sealed it, so it can't progress, but occasionally my emotions go a little haywire. So far it's the only side effect I've seen."

"And can you seal Sasuke's?" Fugaku asked, pleading.

"No. Better than that - I can remove it."

"But, how?" Jiraiya spluttered. "It will kill him. You can't even remove it from yourself!"

"No, I can't. Because I pass out when I try...but this? This I can do...if you trust me."

I looked at everyone in the room. Itachi looked too afraid to speak but nodded, but Fugaku said a quiet, "Of course."

I clapped my hands. "Excellent! No time like the present? As long it Sasuke's physically stable, it won't be a problem." Itachi nodded again. "You think the hospital are gonna be mad if I draw all over the floor?"

I drew a huge seal on the floor, so that it was the size of Sasuke's bed. It look a while, and I had to borrow some of Jiraiya's ink to finish it. Afterward, I drew a seal on the palm of my hand.

While the others were conversing, Jiraiya came up to me.

"You might have them fooled, but you don't fool me. That's a containment seal on the floor," he said. "What are you planning?"

I gave him a smile. "What do you know about spiritual energy...souls?"

He frowned. "The basics."

"Well, I like to think I've got a bit more than that...the number one truth is that souls are everlasting. They cannot be destroyed...hence reincarnation. You can seal a soul into the Shinigami and stop it's path, but that's as close to death for a soul as you can get."

"And the piece of soul within the Cursed Seal?"

"A soul needs a place to be. It will hang on for dear life, literally...if forcibly removed, it will destroy the body in process...but I plan to give it another place to go. Somewhere more attractive - so it will leave Sasuke, and head to the new vessel."

His eyes widened in understanding. "You?"

I shrugged. "I'm a good a place as any. I've already got one part contained, I can do it with another...plus the other piece will act almost as a magnet. The parts want to be whole, so I'm helping them out a little."

"But what if it goes wrong?"

I pointed to the floor. "Containment seal. It'll stop any floaty pieces of evilness leaving. Once I'm done, pull Sasuke out, when whip another seal on me," I handed him a scroll of the same one I already had placed on me to copy. "Nothing will happen to Sasuke, I can guarantee it."

"I don't like this plan. We should just give him the same seal as you."

I scoffed. "Absolutely not. It will keep him a target, and I won't allow it."

"Erena..."

"Stop. It's happening. I won't allow a child to be manipulated by Orochimaru...but do me a favour? I was never here. If the Akatsuki find out I helped in any way, I'll be in more danger from them than a stupid soul fragment. My involvement doesn't leave this room."

He nodded grimly.

I turned to the others, "I'm ready. I need everyone out, except Jiraiya. The observation room should be okay. But no one is to enter until Jiraiya signals...okay?"

"And why won't you signal?" Kakashi asked.

"Because I'm likely going to pass out."

"Erena..." he drawled.

"Kakashi..." he sighed and shrugged, I win!

As they left, and Jiraiya left the containment seal, I activated it then went to stand by Sasuke's side. I hovered by hands above his seal, closed my eyes and started probing.

Despite the seal only being present for a few days, it had already grown a lot. He must have been feeling some pretty strong emotions out there. I activated the seal on my hand and forced it to let go of its hooks on Sasuke...drawing it up to my arm.

It was not a pleasant feeling. It started cold, then then grew to a blinding pain...I could only liken it to injecting yourself with a highly corrosive acid and feeling it spread up your arm...when the feeling hit my chest I started to scream.

"Erena! You need to stop this now!" I heard, but it was dulled by the pain. I knew what it said but I couldn't stop. I was nearly finished.

Eventually, I could feel no further traces in Sasuke, and I broke off the connection, and I felt his bed torn out of the containment seal. I fell to my knees, breathing heavily. In the corners of my subconscious, I could feel Orochimaru's presence.

"Jiraiya, I'll take that seal now!"

I felt a hand on my back, as my shirt was ripped off.

"You've done that before," I tried to joke between breaths.

"Not the time, kid." Wow, Jiraiya declined a perverted joke? It must be serious.

I felt quick brush strokes on my back as he copied my design. When the first one was placed, I had to do it in a mirror and it was bloody awkward. Having someone else do it for you was much better

I concentrated on keeping myself conscious, until I felt a sweeping cool as Jiraiya activated the seal, and any traces of Orochimaru were hidden again.

Unable to keep myself upright for any longer, I promptly fell forwards. Jiraiya caught me at the shoulders. "You self sacrificial fool." I heard him mutter. I gave him a lazy thumbs up in agreement.