mocking

by Lazydaily

naru OC in root no mass

21. Chapter 21

For a moment Kisame looked murderous, before something twigged and he shot me a try look.

"Of course. That didn't take you long, Toothpick."

I popped onto a seat beside him. "I'm a woman of many talents. Still, though. What's up? This is not your usual scene. Being surrounded by people having fun? I'm surprised you didn't spontaneously combust as soon as you walked in the place."

He snorted. "I know how to have fun. It just usually involves a blade and severed limbs."

"You sound like you need a trip to Psych when you say shit like that"

"You're one to talk. Just replace severed limbs with severed dicks."

I groaned. "Honestly, that was one time and you never let me forget it."

He grinned. "I thought you'd finally learned to loosen up. Sorry for getting excited."

"Your version of loosen up and my version are two very different things."

"Anyway. I knew I'd find you in a bar. I just aimed for the most irritating I could find - I figured you'd be drawn like a moth to a flame."

"You're here to get me? Am I being recalled?" I felt a small wave of panic flush through me. It was too soon. I thought I had at least another few days.

"No. Your original task is still in place. I've been given another one, but I need your assistance."

Thank fuck. "Okay doke. Guessing we should make like trees and leave?...Get it? Because we're in Konoha?"

He rolled his eyes at me, while getting up. "That was fucking terrible. How much have you had to drink?" I followed him as he made his way to the exit.

"Nothing. Stone cold sober. I'm turning a new leaf...get it? Because we're-"

"You are so fucking irritating. Why do I put up with you?"

I shrugged. "My dazzling good looks," I flipped my hair. "And because I'm a whiz at strategy and I've saved your hide from getting caught too many times to count. Seriously, subtlety is not on your repertoire. It's a problem."

"I don't need to be subtle. That's what we have you for."

"Nice to know my true skills are appreciated," I scoffed. "Come on, there's a late night cafe open. If we're gonna chat for long, I want snacks." He grunted in approval.

When we arrived, the place only had a few patrons in. Mostly shinobi who looked like they'd just come off shift, and a handful of people that looked like they had just left the bar. I ordered both of us takoyaki and drink and activated a privacy seal.

"So. Care to tell me what's brought you here? And in a lovely new meat suit!" I proclaimed, skill enjoying that he was using one of my Appearance Modifiers.

"Leader-sama came across some new information. While Orochimaru and the Sandaime Hokage are priorities, we have a secondary target."

"Oh?" I said, taking a drink. With so many political figures in Konoha right now, it could be anyone.

"On a recent mission, Sasori encountered someone who was a past member of the organisation, long thought dead. He is working with Konoha ninja now, and is therefore a traitor to the Akatsuki."

I didn't need him to tell me anymore to figure out who he meant. Obito was a fucking idiot. Kisame continued, not knowing I knew more than he did.

"He known to the members as Tobi. He tricked Leader-sama into believing he was Uchiha Madara." I blinked. This was new information. "But he was a fraud. It is suspected that he took up this identity to manipulate Akatsuki for his own deeds - the true cause Pein doesn't know . He was last seen going on some revenge mission and never returned...it was presumed he was dead until he reappeared working with Konoha's ANBU in Mist."

"If he was ANBU, how can we be sure it was him?" I asked. No ANBU would take off their mask.

"He has a unique ability to teleport instantly." What? That explained so much. "While is face was never actually seen, his Sharingan was and Sasori confirmed the ANBU also has it."

I sighed. This was a headache.

When it came to these type of missions, Kisame never failed, and it was a matter of pride. No persuasion could get him to leave it, but I also couldn't let him succeed. I needed to think.

"Okay...so we were looking for an ANBU that may or may not be known as Tobi, with a crazy level of skill, who also duped people into thinking he was an over a century year old founder of Konoha? And he may have betrayed us to them? Anything I'm missing?"

"Sounds about right," he said, taking a bite of his takoyaki.

"And let me guess, you have no idea where to find him and that's where I come in?" He shrugged non-comitally, still eating. "Sure, it's not like I'm busy or anything. Just hand me an impossible task with little information. You know Tobi is probably not his name? You don't actually know how old he is or what he looks like...If he's in ANBU, then records are thin on the water as it is. And then if you add in the fact he's probably a classified secret, there will be even less official documents."

"Laying it on a little thick there," he said, talking while he was wating. Gross. "It gonna be a problem?"

I sighed. "No. Give me forty-eight hours." And I let my forehead hit the table, an audible bang reverberated around us.

I heard him chuckle. "And this is why I put up with you. You're a dramatic little gnat, but know how to get the job done."

I sent him a rude gesture without lifting my head from the table.

"Meet me in two days and I'll have a plan. Just try not to stab anyone while you're at it?" I finally lifted my head up and he grinned.

"Now, you know that's a promise I can't keep."

When I woke up in the morning, I had a massive headache. I felt robbed because I hadn't even drank last night even though I might as well have.

It took me a while to get to sleep, trying to formulate a plan...Tracing Obito shouldn't be too much of a problem, but I couldn't very well let him die. He was actually a half decent guy, past idiocy being ignored, and it would spiral Kakashi into a massive depressive funk.

I had a bit of an idea, but I needed somethings to check out first.

First though, annoying genin. And they had definitely hit peak annoyance today. Gai better get back soon or he may not have any brats left.

Neji and TenTen had been arguing for the last ten minutes about literally nothing. Seriously. It started off when TenTen accidentally stood on Neji's foot and he snapped at her. Since then it had escalated from throwing generic insults to insulting clothing choices (who knew Neji had such firm opinions about cheongsam?) and now family...at some point TenTen mentioned the Hyuuga clan and it went tits up from there. Caged bird seal or not, the Clan was still a pressure point for Neji.

It had only just started getting physical, but fighting under such heightened emotions was dangerous. While Neji was superior to TenTen in general skill, she was actually holding herself well. The only problem was that Neji was about to lose control - I could see it in his posture and his face.

"Neji! Stop!" I shouted, and got up to intervene. Despite my protesting, he continued his barrage on TenTen. I went to move to split them up, but Neji was lost to his rage at this point. I saw an attack on TenTen coming with the Gentle Fist technique, and so I pushed her out of the way to stop him. I opted to take the attack in her stead.

Next thing I knew, he hit me. Hard, in the chest. I spluttered and fell to the floor.

"Sara-sensei!" I heard TenTen shout.

I was crumpled to the floor and in utter agony. I couldn't move through the pain, but somehow I was still conscious. I took my breaths in gasps as I tried to clear the fog from my vision.

"Motherfucker." My chest hurt. "What did you do? Aim for a tenketsu point? Because fuck that smarts."

I slowly brought myself to my knees after several moments, before I felt a hand under my arm helping me up, as TenTen supported me.

"Get this right," I said to Neji. "You got one hit because it was that or I floor you. You try and attack TenTen like that again, out of rage, and I will haul you back to the Hyuuga compound faster than you can say 'sorry Sara'...I thought you had the chip on your shoulder sorted. Get yourself together, or you won't just be a liability to your team, but yourself as well."

He looked ashamed and nodded glumly.

"Good. Now, I can't be fucked with taijutsu again today. Let's have a break, calm our tits, then weapons practice, okay?" Both nodded silently, and I released my arm from TenTen.

The rest of the session was fairly quiet. Neither talked to each other much, although TenTen did frequently glare at Neji when she wouldn't get caught. I cut the session short and forced them to accompany me out for a proper breakfast to clear the air. Gai's schedule could take a hike for one morning.

I took them to an upmarket restaurant that served breakfast. Thankfully we didn't look too disheveled from the short training session, so didn't seem too out of place. It was a quiet place, with tables spread apart allowing a certain amount of privacy - I had only been there a couple of times years before, but it hadn't changes much, except for new tables.

TenTens eyes widened when she stepped in...I'm guessing she hadn't eaten many places like this. From what I knew of her, she was from a fairly low income background, and never mentioned anything much about her family.

"Get whatever you want, or we can get lots of dishes to share. What do you think?" I asked, seeing them both look uncertain at the menu. Both agree'd with the second option. When I ordered about eight different dishes, they both protested. "Oh, quiet. This is my treat."

"But that's so much! Are you sure you're not secretly an Akimichi?" TenTen joked.

"No. Just a Nara," I remarked, taking a sip of my coffee.

"So you do know Nara Shikamaru, then? We suspected as much yesterday," Neji said, still acting slightly withdrawn.

"Hmmm..." I replied. "He's my cousin."

"Cousin?" He said, and both their eyes bulged. "But how does that happen?

"Neji...I don't need to explain how families work, and the birds and the bees, do I? Because god, if I need to do the sex talk to a teenager, I picked a terrible time to stop drinking."

He blushed uncharacteristically. "No...but. I just don't understand."

"My life is a complicated story...let not taint breakfast, okay? I am seriously looking forward to these pancakes and I'll be super upset if we have to leave."

"Sara?" I heard from the side, and found that a surprised looking Uchiha Fugaku had approached. He appeared to be part of a larger party of official looking people, so must have been there for some kind of business breakfast. Boring.

"Oh hi, Fugaku. How's it hanging?" I replied, trying to seem casual. I will admit, I had tried to avoid him since the night at the hospital - Shisui had told me the night before that he had been asked about me and where to find me. I love that both the boys were willing to keep their mouths shut against their clan head, and father.

His face relaxed just a fraction. "It is good to see you," he said. "I have been looking for you...I wanted to thank you." His eyes briefly flashed to the genin. I'm guessing he wasn't willing to say anymore because of their presence, but was also confused by them - even if he wasn't willing to show it.

I rolled by eyes and smiled. "No sweat. Don't worry about it." I said, waving him off. "These are Hyuuga Neji and TenTen. I'm on babysitting duty for a few days."

"I see..." he replied. Even though he clearly didn't. "I wasn't aware you were skilled with training genin."

"Oh, I'm not. I'm just doing a favour for their sensei...I'm surprised they don't hate me for wasting their time."

"Sara-sensei! We would never think that!" TenTen exclaimed and Neji nodded silently. After a moment, she seemed to remember who was standing at the table. "I apologise for my outburst, Uchiha-sama!"

Fugaku gave a very small smirk, which was the equivalent to a grin on a normal person. "If you think that is an outburst, you haven't spent enough time around Sara. I am no longer shocked by much." He turned to me. "I was hoping I could speak to you at some point? In private?"

I sighed. Why'd he have to ask in front of the kids. Now I couldn't say no...he knew what he was doing.

"Sure...I won't be busy until late afternoon...or sometime tomorrow?"

He gave me a curt nod. "I would appreciate it. What time should I expect you?'

"Say four? I'll meet you at your office. Still got your shogi set?"

"It's a little dusty but never moved," he said, smiling slightly. "Thank you. I look forward to seeing you later."

He gave me a bow before leaving.

Neji and TenTen were silent. "Did Uchiha Fugaku just bow to you?" Neji said in awe.

Despite the awkward conversation later, and the obvious onslaught of questions from curious genin, I was mainly happy that the tension between Neji and me and TenTen was over. If I had to suffer some annoying questions, so be it.

"What? Like thats weird? Fugaku is a pussy cat, really."

Both genin just looked like I told them the sky was orange. I shrugged.

"How about I tell you about the time I turned the Uchiha's clothes pink?"

I left TenTen to her own studies today, and only visited Lee briefly - he was due another treatment so I couldn't stay for long. I met Shikamaru at lunchtime, and he seemed excited to see me...and by that I meant he was actually walking at a normal pace, with no hands in his pockets.

"Where are we going?" He asked, as we walked through.

"My favourite place in Konoha - the library." He groaned. "Oh shut it. You asked for this...and it's either this or a training field."

When we got there, I found managed to find us a table in one of the study rooms - that way we could talk as well as study. I grabbed a couple of scrolls and placed them in front of them.

"What are these?" He asked.

"Today's plan. And homework."

"Really? You know I have exams coming up in a few days, right?"

"You know I don't have to be here, right?"

He clammed up and glared at me, opening the first scroll. It was a record of battle tactics and guerilla warfare used in the first shinobi war.

"Read that and tell me what you think." I said.

He was a quick reader. I saw his eyes flickering over the writing, small frowns appearing every now and then. At some points he blinked several times, as though he had found a problem. After a few minutes he had finished.

"Well?" I asked.

"I don't get it. What am I meant to say?" He asked.

"Is there anything that stands out? Anything good? Bad?"

"I guess larger attacks didn't do so well? Loss of casualties. The generals that used brute force over strategy tended to have greater loses. The smaller attacking forces did best - more controlled but would frequently withdraw."

"Good...now look into the successful battles. What did they all have in common?"

"I don't know...they planned. Anticipated? They had a lot of information about their opponents."

"Exactly. And the failed battles?"

"They didn't have anything. They pretty much charged in."

I smiled. "Now read the next scroll."

We went like that for a couple of hours. The rest of the scrolls were similar, but didn't just relate to battle. There was one describing a feud within a Daimyo's household- nobles backstabbing and scheming, and another on the tactics used by samurai in Iron Country.

I was hoping to teach him the importance of knowing your enemy, but also refining your skills. The boy was smart, but he was still young. He had a match in the chuunin exams coming up, and right now he was set to lose. He didn't want to train, and was going to try on rely on his natural ability to win, but also didn't seem to care...which was all well and good, but he would get complacent.

I also didn't get what Asuma was complaining about. He was such an easy person to teach. I didn't need to spoon feed him - i just gave him information and let his mind deal with it as it wished.

Within the scrolls for him to take home, I also included some on body language...I asked him to read before I discussed the concept of mind fuckery. I guess he actually enjoyed our little session, because he didn't complain much at all. In fact, he seemed more curious than anything else.

"Is that how you're so good at Shogi? You read people?"

"Yes and no...But it helps to understand the person first. Take your father - he is calm and considers, but he also thinks too much. He has a very strategic mind, and will play multiple scenarios in his head first before committing. He is a difficult opponent. Then take others, like Fugaku - he takes more of an aggressive stance, and that easy to manoeuvre. Whereas others may be more defensive. You need to change your tactics for each opponent...you know, it's not uncommon for me to lose the first few matches against someone to understand how they play."

"Really? Why?"

"It lowers their guard, and then you can read them better. They'll show their true nature in the game. They become predictable...and then you can squash them like bugs over and over again."

"Huh." He seemed interested in the notion.

"Now, come on. I think we're done for today. I'll walk you back."

I walked him home before heading to the police station and changed my Appearance Modifier to that of a young teenage civilian girl and ran up to the desk.

"Excuse me policeman-san! I need to speak to Fugaku-sama!" I cried, fright written all over my face.

The Uchiha at the desk blinked a couple of times before speaking. "Sorry, but Fugaku-sama is a very busy man. Do you need help with anything?"

I started hitching my breaths, and started on the waterworks. "No! My mother said I should speak to Fugaku-sama only! It's important and I'm scared and I..." I started sniffling, letting the tears roll down my cheeks. Everyone in the entrance way looked visibly distressed and the police officer I was speaking to looked panicked...people who didn't have kids tended to react that way around crying children.

"I need to speak to him, please!" I pleaded.

I noticed one of them slip through the back. A few moments later an annoyed looking Fugaku came through.

"What is going on here?" He gruffed. He was in stern and scary mode.

"Are you Fugaku-sama? My mother says I need to speak to you!"

"Child, I don't know what this is in regards to, but I assure you my officers are well equipped with dealing with your problem. Now, if you'll excuse me-"

"But please! I don't know what else to do..." I started sniffling again at looked at him with wide eyes.

He sighed. "You have five minutes. Then you will speak with the officers- acceptable?" He said.

I nodded, swallowing. He started walking without any further ado and I followed him into his office. He took a seat, and I activated a privacy and distortion seal.

"Wow. That was fun. You're officers really need training on how to deal with kids. That was pathetic."

He blinked. "Erena?"

"In the flesh!" I pulled my Appearance Modifier off. "Sorry about the theatrics but...yea, not sorry. Zero regrets and would repeat in a heartbeat."

"You know you could have just walked in? The desk was aware I had a meeting due."

"Nah, too obvious."

He sighed. "You don't make things easy, do you?"

I smiled. "Not in my nature...listen, is there a reason to this or is it just to appease some misdirected guilt? Because if it is, I can assure you I'm fine, and I have everything under control."

"Erena...you have been away for over five years. If it was not for me-"

"Stop right there. It wasn't your fault and never think that. There are only two people to blame, and one of them is me. I never looked back and thought badly of you...you were a father who was looking out for his son, and you were manipulated as much as I was. I won't lie and tell you I like what I am doing, but I've made peace with it."

He looked pained. "Don't tell you have not suffered as a consequence of my actions...I have picked up enough from my son to know that is not the case."

I shrugged. "Shit happens. And don't tell me you would prefer it to happen to Itachi and not me? Trust me when I say that I don't regret any single thing I did to save him from this. I've seen who he has become and it's magnificent. You should be proud."

"I am. And as should you."

We sat in silence for a few moments. It was a bit surreal to have him acknowledge that I had any part in Itachi's character. I'd played my part, but he was who he was regardless.

"How's Sasuke?" I asked, in an attempt to change the subject.

He smiled slightly. "Well. He is more embarrassed that he let himself become a victim. The thought of him holding a piece of Orochimaru makes him feel incredibly uncomfortable...Another thing I have to thank you for. Do you suffer any consequences?"

I shrugged. "Just a need for extra nap times. But that could be more explained by genetics."

He furrowed his brow in concern. "Are you certain?"

I nodded. "Yea. I got Jiraiya to look at the seal It seems stable so it's alright."

"If you are sure...perhaps you should seek a medic?"

I snorted. "If I went to see a medic every time I felt like I needed a doze, I'd more likely end up in the Psych ward."

"Hn," he replied.

"So, anything else fun to update me with? "

I stayed with him for another half an hour before leaving. We played a couple of games of shogi, and he gave me a basic update about the Uchiha and his children. He spoke about the village pleasantly...you would have never have thought less than ten years ago this man was planning a coup.

"How long will you remain here for?" He asked, as we geared to leave, and I replaced my Appearance Modifier.

"Until the exam finals. I cannot stay more than that."

"But that is less than a week?" He frowned...or was that just his normal face? Sometimes I wasn't sure.

I shrugged. "Dems the breaks."

"Do you know when your assignment will end? When can you return?"

I gave him a sad smile. "Who knows...it's not for lack of wanting to come back home, trust me. It's...I don't have the option."

"But you have already given much information? Is your presence necessary."

"Apparently... I tried to request to return once, but I was declined. I'm not stupid enough to try again. I've come to accept it."

Long ago, not long after I had been marked with the cursed seal and my mental health was starting to decline I had asked Jiraiya to pass on a letter to the Sandaime. Within it, I pleaded to come back. I received a letter in reply stating I was not allowed, under any circumstance, as I may place Konoha in immediate danger from the Akatsuki...and that if I tried, I would be immediately declared a missing nin and a kill on sight notice for me would be placed in the bingo books. I never sent Sandaime any further letters.

"You should not think so negatively," Fugaku said sadly.

"Well, as your son recently told me, I suck at being optimistic. Anyway - thanks for the chat. it was nice."

"Will we do this again? Perhaps without the dramatics of a crying teenage girl?"

"Maybe? I'm kind busy. I won't make promises I can't keep."

"I understand. But please know- I truly am sorry, and you have my eternal gratitude. If you ever need anything, it is yours."

I smiled at him. "Good to know. Thank you."

After a strategic nap, I went to the Nara's again for dinner. Yoshino had prepared a lot of my favourite things, and Shikaku had managed to leave the office early - saying Itachi had taken over for the night gladly. Either he or Shisui must have told him about our reunion, as I had not seen him since the night at the hospital. Most of our conversation was jovial stories- apparently Chouji had been admitted to the hospital after overindulging at a buffet - Shikaku commented that if he was anything like his father, it wouldn't be the last time.

Shikaku asked me about my time with Shikamaru, and I gave him the brief summary. He seemed surprised by my methods.

"I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I thought you'd take a more practical approach. Not just using old scrolls and textbooks."

"Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it," I replied, remembering an old quote.

"Oh, so you're a philosopher now, too?" He chuckled.

"I'm just surprised you managed to get his head out of the clouds," Yoshino said, smiling fondly at her son. He sulked into his chair, and I'm pretty sure I heard him mutter something or other with the word 'troublesome.'

After a bit more time of annoying Shikamaru (it was beyond easy), I headed back to Gai's apartment. And if Shisui was there again, he could go fuck himself.

Thankfully, he was absent when I got back. However Gai had returned.

"Oh, thank fuck," I exclaimed, and jumped on top of him as he sat on the sofa. He caught me easily and grinned. "You can have your genin back. I'm tired and sleeping in tomorrow. Don't even dream of waking me up!"

He laughed and kissed me. "It is good to see you too! Was their energy too much? They are truly paragons of Youth!"

"The only thing they are paragons of is destruction."

Gai and I stayed up talking before going to bed. And as directed, he didn't wake me up in the morning. I woke up feeling a little more refreshed. They were probably still in the training fields, but I was going to give them a miss today.

Instead, I showered and changed before heading to the ANBU head quarters. I donned a typical ANBU uniform (easily stolen), and placed on my modified chameleon tag. I sat in wait. I watched the entrance for hours until I got what I needed - a short ANBU kunoichi of my height. She left the facility, and I created a basic Appearance Modifier to the features I saw - I didn't need to use her face so it look very little time. I also managed to manipulate a blank ANBU mask into hers, and placed it on, squashing my chakra deep so my signature was undetectable.

Then I just walked right into the building.

The thing about entering ANBU is that is shouldn't be possible unless you were one of them. The ANBU tattoo was the only thing that served as an identifier, and it couldn't be replicated...so it was a good thing I already had one.

I walked down the familiar corridors without a second glance and into the locked records room...nothing was locked for me these days, and I knew how to disable the alarms - I had helped make them. Once I was there, I quickly read the information I needed and got out.

Honestly. That was so easy it was painful.

After this, I went to the hospital to check something. I broke into the confidential records room. The file I wanted was heavily redacted (which was surprising for a hospital), but I could read between the lines.

Information at hand, I went to track down Kisame. I changed my modifier to one he had seen in the past but hadn't seen in Konoha - a tiny elderly woman with a back problem. He always joked it was like seeing the future me (but not that I would make it to that age).

If you want to find a fish, look close to the water. I found him as he was exiting a bath house, looking very relaxed and still in my Appearance Modified - was he taking a liking to it, hmmm?

"Excuse me, young sir? Could you help me? I can't seem to remember my way home," I mumbled, frail and confused.

He snorted. "Sure...I'll show you the path. Not saying I won't push you down it!"

"Oh, so helpful!" I said, grabbing his arm and activating a privacy seal. "Enjoy your little bathtime? I hope you remembered your rubber duckie!"

He snorted. "I take it you got what we need?"

"Like it was hard," I scoffed. "I found out his ANBU tag and rota. I reckon we could probably make a play tomorrow. He's on in village duty, and I have his route. It won't be hard to get him alone...turns out I have a personal beef against him."

"You mean someone managed to piss you off? Shocking."

"Why do people keep telling me I'm antisocial? I'm not...anyway..remember how I told you about the shinobi that broke into my house and stabbed me through the heart? Colour me surprised when I find out it was him."

I was weaving a tall tale, but it was necessary for my plan. I didn't often lie, but sometimes it was necessary.

"Why? That makes no sense."

"The revenge mission you mentioned? Say hello to the target. It seems he took personal offence to my part in freeing the Mizukage from his genjutsu. He nearly killed me, and what does Konoha do? Take him and offer him a place back in the village...makes a girl feel appreciated, you know?"

Kisame growled. "I knew he was manipulating the Bijuu, but didn't realise he was the one to target the Mizukage."

"Seems even the Akatsuki have holes in their knowledge. Makes me wonder what else we don't know about him, hm?"

"Not that it will matter much tomorrow...what is your plan?"

"Get his attention, single him out. Repay his sword through the chest with one of my own."

He blinked, startled and then grinned. "Ho! Don't tell me you've left your morality at the door! I've been waiting for this for years!"

"It's personal," I replied. "I trust you don't get in the way?"

"Consider me a spectator."

I met TenTen, then Shikamaru in the library again after my exploits. It was easier not having to go fetch them. TenTen complained about my lack of presence at training this morning - she also confessed that Neji told Gai about the incident yesterday, and they both suffered Gai's version of punishment: spectacular speeches about Youth, embarrassment and lots and lots of physical training.

I was probably going to get the third degree later, but whatever.

After the library, I went back to the apartment. Gai wasn't around, but I could wait. Time flies when you are having a nap.

I was woken up sometime later by Gai gently tapping my shoulder. I opened my eyes to smile at him.

"Oh, hey stranger," I yawned.

"Ah, you are awake! I hope you had a productive day?!"

"Mmm..." I got up, stretching. "It was okay- you?"

"Very much! I must thank you for your efforts in watching them while I was away. I understand there were more problems than anticipated."

I shrugged. "It's fine. I could have stopped him, but I didn't want to hurt him. I think he learned something from it."

"Your Youthful endeavours do not go unappreciated!" He picked me up easily, and brought me up to his level to kiss me. I squealed, and wrapped my arms and legs around him.

"Oh?"

"Absolutely! And I will do my best to show you! Where would you like to go for dinner tonight? I will take you to wherever you please!"

"How about we just stay in?"

The day after was a fairly routine day - I joined Gai and the kids for practice (the final one before the exams), done the private tutoring sessions, napped then visited the Nara's for a special meal for Shika before the exams...It was a new normal I could easily get used to. But I didn't have that luxury.

At the end of the time, I told Shikaku I may not be able to return there after the exams, but I would try. He seemed withdrawn but accepted it. He told me he would speak to Yoshino and Shikamaru on my behalf, but didn't want to upset Shika before tomorrow...I agreed.

In the evening, I spoke to Gai as we were cuddling on the couch.

"I need to leave," I whispered.

"Oh? And what Youthful endeavours do you have planned?!"

"No, like, leave. Actually leave. The exams are tomorrow and then I need to leave Konoha...we both knew this was going to happen."

He jumped up from the couch. "I do not believe you are correct. We have shown that it is possible for you to stay here...I am certain with my handsome face and the Power of Youth I can convince you to stay!"

I shook my head. "Not yet. But someday soon, I hope forever. If things fall into place...who knows...you may not even notice I am gone."

I was hoping that with the Sandaime's death it could open a door to allow be back. I still had to work on a way to leave the Akatsuki without incurring their wrath, but one thing at a time. Hell, even if I couldn't leave but return periodically? I'd take it.

"Do not lie. I will notice your loss every day."

"Then I make it my promise to do everything I can to return...or I'll do five hundred push ups!" I tried to joke, but it fell flat. "But you need to know, when I meant i need to leave, I need to leave now. But I'm not going to say goodbye - because you'll see me soon, okay?"

I asked him to speak to the others for me, the boys and the kids...I hated awkward goodbyes. He told me he'd speak to them after the exams. After what felt like forever, he finally let me leave the apartment and I felt hollow.

I met Kisame near the Kikyo castle, and he changed into his Akatsuki robes, complete with hat. This was his idea - he wanted to let 'Tobi' know exactly who had targeting him...and he said I was dramatic.

I activated my chameleon tag and crouched behind a side corner. Kisame lay in wait with his own Chameleon tag around from me, awaiting my signal. I wore non-descript black clothing and cloak- not dissimilar to what I had in ROOT - my plan needed for him to recognise me.

Like clockwork, he arrived on the roof and took a stance on the high point to monitor. According to his route, he was to stay here for five minutes to observe before moving on. Normally, he'd be on outside missions, however a lot of the ANBU were kept close by with the Chuunin exams- due to the Alliances, there was a much higher influx of foreigners than normal, which increased the threat to the village...if only they knew.

"Tobi." I said, as I deactivated the Chameleon Tag and came out of the shadow. He stiffened, on guard but relaxed slightly when he saw me.

"Erena?" He hissed. "What are you doing here? I thought you were dead."

I scoffed. "You would," I sneered.

"What? You're not making any sense." I couldn't see his face but he sounded confused...of course I wasn't making any sense. I couldn't let Kisame know that we knew each other outwith of what I had told him.

"We're here to show you what happens to traitors...and to return the favour."

"What?"

Then suddenly, Kisame removed his tag and grabbed him tightly my the arms, holding him in place but angled. Obito looked at him, and took in his clothes. He must have known what it meant.

"You're with them? Are you mad? What do you-"

"Goodbye, Tobi," I said. I feigned a tremor in my hand, then pierced my tanto through the chest-just to his right side. In anyone else, it may have knicked his heart and important vessels, or at least cause him to bleed out into his lungs...but for Obito, his anatomy was different. From looking at his face alone, I knew that whatever changes made on him weren't natural - they were too close to Danzo's arm. His medical report didn't explain everything exactly, but did confirm several of his internal organs and structures were different.

My blade should not be fatal - but Kisame didn't know that.

Obito's body sagged in Kisame's hold. He let him go and he fell onto the ground. I bent down, under the guise of removing my tanto.

I didn't know what would happen - would he still bleed? Would he still feel the pain at the same? From what I could see, there was some bleeding, and definitely pain, but not enough for him to fall unconscious. So I took a pre-prepared poisoned senbon and stabbed his neck, so that Kisame couldn't see.

It was nothing but a long acting sedative, and he would soon fall unconscious.

I whispered in his ear so faint that Kisame didn't hear. "Tobi died so that Obito could live. Be safe. Stay within the village until I send word. I'm sorry."

His breath hitched slightly, in what I presume was a reply, but it never came to anything as he passed out. I pulled out by tanto and cleaned it on my cloak before resheathing it.

"Stop!" He heard a shout.

This was the second phase of my plan. The route was due to be intercepted after Obito by another person on guard duty. My plan was for us to be gone and they would find Obito and take him to the hospital. But no. He had to arrive early. Fuck.

"This one is mine," Kisame grinned, teeth on display. He turned to intercept him, removing the Samehada.

The new arrival was also knowledgable in Kenjutsu, but was still no match for Kisame. It took less than a minute for Kisame's brute strength to over power him and his sword. Kisame was about to place a killing blow, when I released my killing intent.

"Stop!" I growled. And Kisame stopped in his tracks, turning to face me. "That's enough. Where done here."

My voice was cold and left no room for argument. Kisame scowled and looked like her was about to argue but relented and gave me one brief nod. It was clear he was displeased, but trusted me enough to comply.

As we had previously discussed, we reactivated our Chameleon tags and ran in opposite directions.

I didn't receive any further resistance, and didn't stop until I reached my destination. I reached the entrance to the abandoned ROOT facility and entered. I closed the door behind me, secured it and wept.

Interlude

"Any idea what this meeting is about?" Shisui asked Itachi, who shook his head in reply.

It was four in the morning, and an emergency meeting had been called. Everyone in command of village security, especially regarding the Chuunin exams, had been summoned. When they entered the meeting room in the tower, the room was buzzing.

The Hokage, ANBU Commander, Shikaku, Fugaku, Ibiki, a few higher up on-duty Jounin and several ANBU captains had been called. It looked like Itachi and Shisui were the last to arrive.

"Everyone, take a seat. There was an attack last night, and we believe there to be an ongoing and imminent threat to village security. The timing is suspicious, and we suspect the Chuunin exams may potentially be a target," the Hokage said. The room was so silent you could drop a pin.

"Last night, two members of the terrorist organisation Akatsuki attacked and inflicted a mortal wound upon ANBU Otter. They were intercepted by Gekko Hayate, who was attacked by Hoshigaki Kisame -"

"Hoshigaki? How did Gekko leave with his life? He is the most sadistic and terrifying motherfucker I've ever encountered," Ibiki said. Many people in the room murmured - for Ibiki to call someone sadistic? That was saying something.

"According to report, he was commanded to halt by his partner-"

"I'm sorry? Did you say partner? Who would have the power to stop Hoshigaki mid kill?"

"As I was saying," the Hokage said pointedly, giving Ibiki a sour look. "He was commanded to stop, before the pair fled. Unfortunately, there is no trace of either, so it would be unwise to presume that they have fled the village. You must remain vigilant at all times and keep an eye out for any sign of the pair...it is also with much regret, that I must inform you that the identity Hoshigaki Kisame's partner is Konoha nin Nakahara Erena. From this day onwards, she is to be declared an S-Rank missing nin."

The room went silent, and atmosphere grew tense. Itachi didn't know how to describe the feeling, but it was like his soul had left his body...he wasn't willing to believe it, but then so many things made sense...and gave him many more questions. Why would she try and kill Obito? She had never killed anyone...ever. Had her time with the Akatsuki changed that? And what was she doing there?

Itachi looked to Shisui, who looked just as dumbfounded as he felt. Next, we saw the clear devastation on Shikaku's face, and a blank look on his fathers.

"Unless you have further information, I will not take any questions until the end of the exams. Both Hoshigaki and Nakahara's file will be distributed as you leave. Dismissed."

Shikaku stormed out of the office and was the first out of the door. Fugaku was not far behind him. Neither of them took the files offered and disappeared.

"Itachi, I want a word, please," the Hokage commanded. "Let's go to my office."