AN: Hi everyone! Hope you liked the story so far!
Special thanks to: TheMusicalAmethyst who gave me more motivation with their review!
I, thankfully, had started writing this update immediately and wrote a lot last year & some this year so it came early. The next one may be more delayed depending on life (I have to move twice this year).
I love that people are enjoying my story enough to want to share it by other media/means but I do not give anyone permissions to do so. I am Thankful for the offers but I have been writing it for almost 10 years now so I would like to keep it as my own. All offers should be PMs only, please keep reviews as reviews. Thanks!
"Mentally talking" / Thoughts
I do not own Naruto.
Aftermath
As expected, Naruto didn't take it well. He was very worried about Crow and wanted to go to her. Before Kakashi could offer to take Naruto there, there was a knock on the door. Old Man (Third) was there looking weary and Kakashi let him in. Third raised an eyebrow at seeing Kakashi answering Naruto's door with a frown but said nothing.
Naruto ran up to Third, "Old Man! Crow is hurt! I have to see her!"
Third, internally sighed, "Naruto, Crow is just a little hurt. She has to stay home for about two weeks to recover. She had noticed something wrong and went out to heal people. She did it too much and needs rest with how low her chakra became. She won't be able to leave her residence and I grounded her so she wouldn't push herself."
Naruto's brows pinched in confusion as he frowned but nodded. Kakashi doubted what happened was as what Third was saying, patted Naruto's head, "I will be with you until Crow is able to hang out again."
Third frowned at Kakashi's statement but Naruto smiled and cheered. Third was not happy with Kakashi, a high ranking ninja, not being in service. He stared at Kakashi as Kakashi watched Naruto start moving things around to have breakfast. Kakashi just turned to stare back, returning to his usual lazy posture.
He is getting too attached compared to before.
Third said a quick goodbye and left getting himself ready for the village announcement.
* (^~^) * (^~^) * (^~^) *
2:00PM The Village Announcement:
Third stood before his village on his rooftop balcony where he usually addresses his village. His hands were a little sweaty and he had taken a few puffs to try to convince himself that he was fine.
"We both know that what you are about to say is utter bullshit," CC murmured.
Third flinched in surprise as her voice flowed clearly forward.
"I thought you wouldn't be able to talk with Crow in the state she is in, " Third replied.
CC snorted, "then I would be useless. Well more useless than I already am since you are about to lie to the whole village."
Third gritted his teeth, "This lie is necessary or the remaining Uchiha would be hunted too."
CC hummed, "by who? We both know Crow was able to do something about the Outsider. Not to mention the main person hunting Uchiha is under your protection, who in this event tried to kill you, but yeah let's ignore all this cause he is too politically savvy."
Third's fist clenched before he took a breath to relax, "I won't listen to you anymore and you have to stop this vendetta against Danzo. I am the Hokage and you are a child. This is an order."
CC: "… I am not a Leaf Shinobi, but for Naruto and Sasuke, we will stop for now. But remember Hokage, we've warned, helped, and did our best to stop this before it came to blood. We won't forget the sacrifices that the village won't see as Heroes and won't stop vengeance that will follow this tragedy. We don't need to kill Danzo, his days are numbered the moment he touched the Uchiha back during the 9-tails attack."
The silence that followed felt cold to Third but he cleared his throat for it was time. He wove the story to the village, the sad tale that happened last night though tragic was over and resolved, except for a rogue ninja that will not be welcomed back.
* (^~^") * (^~^") * (^~^") *
Anko among the crowd did not believe the tall tale that the Third just spouted from the beginning to the end. Later that day, long after sunset, she went in through the window as Third smoked his pipe working on paperwork. He simply blinked at her before she started demanding answers as to what actually happened. But all he said to her is that she doesn't have the clearance. This pissed her off but instead of interrogating him she just went to the window to leave. He told her to let Crow know of her suspension and order to stay home for 2 weeks. Anko slammed the window shut as she left which made it shake for a few moments.
Third understood since Anko had to treat Crow's injuries. He sighed in relief that Crow accepted Anko's treatment and stared at the portraits over his door. A quiet knock brough Shikaku Nara in. He yawned, "considering what we discussed before, the announcement was not what was as expected."
Third frown puffed out a little smoke, " No. It wasn't it though I believe it would have worked had the attack not happened."
Shikaku Nara didn't reply.
"Crow has lost her trust in the village. If it weren't for the contract she would have kidnapped Naruto and probably Sasuke as she left the village" Third continued.
Nara raised an eyebrow, "Can I see the contract?"
Third sighed, "No, there is information in it that I can't share."
Nara just hummed, "is there a reason we should worry about Crow?"
Third closed his eyes, the images of her yelling her eyes full of anger and her tears then the image of her injured and unconscious smaller than he remembered in Iruka's arms it made his stomach knot. "No. Not as long as Naruto is here. She will not do anything to hurt the Leaf and won't be our enemy until a new Hokage is named."
Nara whistled, "She got you stuck here indefinitely then."
Third groaned, "I'm too old for this. Remember she isn't an enemy but I can't say she is an ally. I doubt she will listen to any of my orders from now on."
Nara nodded before walking out with a lazy wave accompanied by a yawn.
It is time to see just who this Crow is and where she stands.
* (^~^) * (^~^) * (^~^) *
It was two days later that Crow woke to Anko squeezing her nearly to death. All Crow could do was pat and rub Anko's back, not bothered by the squeeze. Anko followed with making Crow eat a lot of food, thankfully most of it wasn't sweets.
While Crow was eating the last few bites of a sandwich Anko got quiet. Crow took a sip of water then asked, "So what was the cover story that was announced while I was unconscious?"
Anko stiffened. So it's true it was BS! "That the massacre happened, Itachi did it and that he has been driven off so there is no need to worry. There is also an order to also not let Sasuke, the sole survivor, aware what happened is common knowledge and to be kind to him for he has suffered this trauma."
Crow eyes grew narrow in anger and for a moment Anko thought Crow's eyes changed color.
"Third, order you to house-arrest for 2 weeks to recover from your injuries," Anko finished.
Crow snorted at that, "I'll send two clones out once my chakra is a bit more. Naruto won't be able to handle the worry if I don't."
Anko nodded since she had seen how attached Naruto was to Crow and how hyper he was, "and the second?"
Crow glared down at the table, "to stay by Sasuke to make sure he is safe."
Anko raised an eyebrow in question. Crow replied, "Third, is not to be trusted to look after Sasuke, especially after sacrificing Itachi selfishly."
Anko snorted as she filled Crow's water. Third is lucky that she is even listening to his order and staying here.
* (^~^) * (^~^) * (^~^) *
Thankfully to Kakashi's relief it was just after dinner time when Crow came through Naruto's window.
Kakashi had put Naruto behind him when he noticed someone come inside without a sound. He relaxed at Crow's smile and Naruto went rushing at her. They both checked her over for any wounds and relaxed at finding none.
Naruto, unwilling to let go while still holding onto Crow's arm, asked "Crow, what happened?"
Crow hummed, pulled Naruto into a side hug, "I am not sure. I just felt lots of chakra and saw some jutsu being used near the Uchiha compound. We had just come back and so we rushed there. I used a lot of chakra trying to heal the injured as everyone was fighting. I remember falling unconscious as Iruka-sensei found me then waking up at home."
I hate to lie to Naruto but I can't tell him yet. As much as I hate Third for lying, I doubt I can keep Naruto here if I told him the truth.
Naruto frowned at me, "you should take better care of yourself like you've always told me. A strong ninja has to know their limits."
I ruffled his hair with a smile.
Leave it to Naruto to bring some light to the darkness. Naruto isn't strong enough to live on the run yet so I can't just take him out. Also Sasuke will be unable to leave with all the attention Third put on him and with my promise to Itachi I can't just leave him. Fortunately, Third doesn't realize how stuck I am right now.
"Ok it's time to sleep and I'm sure Crow still needs some rest," Kakashi said as he leaned against the wall with his book out.
Naruto's grip on my sleeve tightened and his concern showed on his face.
I smiled, "Go get ready and I'll stay the night if you don't mind?"
He brightened up immediately with an excited nod and went off to brush his teeth.
Kakashi waited for the door to close before coming closer. He whispered, "Are you a clone or the real Crow?"
I replied, "Unfortunately I am a clone. Crow knew Naruto couldn't wait two weeks to see her. She is at least trying to remain at a decent level of obeying the rules and orders for now."
Kakashi actually snorted, "Do you need me to stay with Naruto until the two weeks are over?"
Crow tilted her head, "if you are able? I just got enough chakra to send out these clones right now… I was not only healing people so some of my chakra is being directed elsewhere."
Kakashi put his book away and looked at Crow's clone, "how injured were you?"
She looked away, "Not enough to kill but I did pass out and just woke today… I should be fully healed by the end of my suspension."
Kakashi hummed in acknowledgement and nodded. Naruto would not be able to handle that news.
He sighed, "should you have sent a clone so soon?"
Crow snorted and looked toward the thumping sounds Naruto was doing getting everything cleaned up and ready for this impromptu sleepover.
Kakashi nodded and they both went to see Naruto just finished cleaning his room. He pulled Crow close as they went to sleep causing her to chuckle.
Kakashi sat by the window looking out but he couldn't help glancing at the two in bed sleeping. He was surprised at first when he heard of Crows injuries and the slight twinge of worry he felt. He understood he worried and cared for Naruto being his sensei's son but Crow is an outsider and barely been in their lives for maybe a year now. He didn't understand how he got attached to her and isn't sure it is a good thing he is attached and close to either of them.
He spent so long trying to not be close with anyone that this was a little unnerving. A large part of himself wanted to just leave and distance himself from them. After all he still has yet to atone for his past and is not strong enough to take care of Naruto. This time with him showed how ill-equipped he was at handling the hyperactive kid.
The fact that he stood up to the Hokage about staying with Naruto was very out of character but he doesn't regret it. He is coming too close to Naruto and the council probably doesn't like it too. Who knows what they'll try to pull if Kakashi keeps close to Naruto, not to mention he has enemies of his own.
Kakashi felt his hair shift pulling him from his spiraling thoughts. He had come to sit close, almost hovering over Crow as his thoughts led him deeper. She must have noticed his turmoil because she woke up. He blinked as she kept patting his head, slowly blinking at him until she closed her eyes falling back asleep.
It's ok. It's ok to be attached, to be close. Naruto needs you even if it is just being near. You are not too close yet. Breathe and remember that they all wished for you to be connected. Regrets and thoughts of the past are unchanging but should not be the only thing driving you to live.
Kakashi heard Crow's voice without her saying it out loud. But this whispering voice silenced his swirling thoughts and gave him a moment to catch his breath.
He let her pat him until his breathing was normal and gently put her arm back under the blanket. He did rest his forehead on the edge of the bed with his eyes closed before returning to his place by the window.
* (^~^) * (^~^) * (^~^) *
Sasuke was still asleep until the day after the announcement. He slept deeply but there were times he showed to be in a nightmare. It was in this state that he woke, with his eyes opening quickly and he forced himself to sit up. It took him a few moment of panic breaths and seeing room he was in. It was white and clean a strong contrast to the bloody maze he was running through.
His hand twisted the sheets and their rough texture and the smell of cleaning chemicals helped ground him to where he was now. As he grounded himself and his breath slowed to a less panicked state, the Third Hokage came in and sat in the chair by his bed.
Third waited until Sasuke had calmed silently thanking the ANBU that let him know of Sasuke's awakening.
Once he saw that Sasuke calmed down enough let out a breath of his own, "I am sorry for your loss. Do you remember what happened Sasuke?"
Sasuke stiffened, silently clenching his fists, the images of blood, broken bodies of his clan surged forward.
The smells and memory was so vivid and intense that it almost made him want to puke. But he didn't for he won't let himself be that weak. The scene of his beloved brother standing over his parents covered in blood as his eyes glowed red with his Sharingan Sasuke whispered shouted at his brother "this can't be real. Why?!"
Far too scared that this was real and if he shouted he himself may die. He wanted his mother to giggle as she got up as if this was a messed up prank that Shisui might of made to scare him. He could not concentrate enough to try to break this if it was a genjutsu. His heart and mind wouldn't let him, far too scared that this was real and that this was not a nightmare.
Itachi let out a disappointed sigh, "I wanted to see how strong our bloodline is and to test how far I have trained to become the perfect ninja. None here have been a worthy opponent but you may become worthy. Only when you have become as strong in the Sharingan, have same as me, will you have your chance. If you want vengeance then hate!"
Itachi glaring red eyes seared to memory before walking away becoming one with the bloody maze.
"...uke. Sasuke. Sasuke!" Third Hokage's voice pulled Sasuke back. Again he was in his room in the hospital. Third Hokage looked concerned and a nurse stood in the doorway alerted by raised voices.
Third looked at her and shook his head when she went to approach Sasuke. She bowed and left and Sasuke started to take deep breaths to calm down.
"I won't ask you any further. You have been through a trauma and have some injuries so for now rest here. We will get you a place to stay once you have recovered" Third stated getting up.
Third left leaving two ANBU guards making it clear that no one aside from required medical staff are allowed inside. Also to watch the medical staff as they went about their work. The only medication that Sasuke needs for now is sleeping medication that will now be in the form of a pill.
* (^~^") * (^~^") * (^~^") *
Third having just got back to his office sighed long. Sasuke will not be able to handle anything and the place he will be living in had to be protected. Danzo also has been silent and stayed hidden in his underground ever since.
"...tried to kill you" CC's words echoed in his ears. His heart stung and he didn't know how to feel. Unfortunately, Crow's Clone (CC) is right and it is an undeniable fact that Danzo tried to kill him. But they have been through far too much and are teammates to be that simply broken apart. Maybe Danzo was manipulated by outside people, especially that orange masked fellow that was reported to him. The reports in front of him was written by a few ANBU before the change in memory, Ostridge as well as Weasel's versions too.
Third, reread the details of the whole incident and the part of Danzo's betrayal was written in ink before him. The amount of ninja and ANBU that had fallen during these names were listed. It was all here in front of him and still he could not believe it happened.
He copied the names down on a separate paper then gathered all the reports. He grabbed his mini trash can from under his desk and put it just next to him. Putting the reports in one by one as he reread them. He lit his pipe with a match and with the same match dropped it into the can.
I hope that his life is worth all those that were lost and the pain they all of suffered. Crow's words again echoed over and over again as he watched the reports turning black and crumbling as the orange fire burned.
* (^~^") * (^~^") * (^~^") *
Crow sent her clones out after eating and talking with Anko about what happened as she was unconscious. Both clones jumped from roof to roof with a speed that most ninjas could not follow. One had successfully gone to Naruto and the other was outside the hospital watching for an opening.
It was in the cover of night that the clone had gotten inside. She easily masked her presence from the ANBU and everyone else, except for Sasuke. She went over and with a green tint checked on Sasuke's condition. Her brow pinched as her jaw clenched. He wasn't doing well and the medical staff should have noticed it. Some of his body was slowing and starting to stop functioning. Using her chakra she warmed them up and encouraged them to flow. It took her a few moments before they listened and using similar chakra loosely stitched together Sasuke's mind. She also made it so that he could rest and heal some of his fatigue which brought some color back to his face.
After healing him she sat next to him on his bed with a frown as he breathed asleep. Taking a breath she leaned over him and put her forehead to his and closed her eyes. Once her breathing matched his there was darkness as she fell.
She landed on the ground and opened her eyes. She was in the Uchiha compound and there was blood, lots of blood, everywhere. There was so much blood it looked to cover the moon and make everything to be seen through a red filter. Crow tried not to grimace, having seen a similar scene before.
She gripped her hand tight so her nails pinched into her skin. She had been the cause of something similar but before the memories to take her. She felt Sasuke run past her as he raced forward. She blinked before shaking her head as she followed careful to not touch him. His fear as he saw all the blood and further in some bodies of his clan scattered about.
There was also a thick scent of death, fear, blood thirst, and rot in the air. The maze seemed endless but not long later Sasuke's house appeared in the distance. He approached almost hesitantly and went inside. His house was the only place not smothering in blood though there were a few stains on the outside and inside was clean. It was in the training room that Sasuke saw some blood leaking out of a small stream dripping off into the backyard from the slightly open doors. He shaking had already opened the doors and before us was Itachi covered in blood with his Sharingan glowing.
Sasuke screamed internally which to me was loud echoing across the compound as his knees gave out. He landed on his butt and I turned back to look at what caused him to scream. I saw Fugaku and Mikoto's bodies laying in a large pile of blood. My gut twisted as I understood what was about to happen and why Sasuke was so unstable. I closed my eyes and tried to loosen the genjutsu around me so I didn't puke as the brothers exchanged their words.
Itachi's image faded to Sasuke as he passed out but to me he met my eyes and some of the blood streaks on his face changed to the tear tracks I saw him have before he left. "Protect him" this image of Itachi whispered before fading for me as well.
I was sent back into reality and quickly pulled back as Sasuke slept. "I will," I whispered as I brushed some of his hair out of his face the way Mikoto did. It was half an hour later he was breathing heavily again as I had sat by the window to calm myself. I came over to him, took his hand gently and sent calming chakra into him so that for now he can sleep without his body hurting himself and hopefully soon give him a chance to sleep outside of this traumatic loop. I left this clone to keep themselves hidden until morning and to stay with Sasuke so that he can sleep.
My consciousness woke back in my main body and it took a good few minutes of rubbing my eyes to calm down. I took a few deep breaths before sitting up and meditating. Slowly I gathered nature chakra but as I gathered I felt a sting that grew to be more painful as I gathered more. I stopped and checked myself with healing chakra seeing that my pathways were still damaged and I won't be able to collect healing chakra for the next two weeks. This child's body was far too weak and hurt but at least it didn't die on me yet.
I used some of the nature chakra to fix my seals and the rest to resonate in me to calm both my anger and grief. Anko was out and I was not up to listen to the village so I went into the forest. I sat up in an old tree's branches listening to its hum until I fell asleep.
* (:^-^:) * (:^-^:) * (:^-^:) *
Sasuke was running in the maze again but it wasn't long that he felt a hand stop him. He turned and it was Crow dressed in her everyday wear but she was clean of blood. She was breathing hard as she let go of his arm. She looked up to him and her eyes showed sorrow and welled of concern for him. Once she caught her breath she held out her hand to him. This was new and Sasuke remembered Crow being close to Itachi and Shisui. The memories flashed before him of the three laughing and of his brother being close with her.
So he backed away from her a few steps then ran again. She faded as he ran and he kept running the looping maze, always ending with his brother and dead parents. It was a few more times of her stopping him that he noticed the concern in her eyes growing. He noticed this time that she was not as clean as before and that she looked more tired. But she still stood up and held out her hand to him with a silent almost plea in her eyes.
He took a few steps back before turning to run but he didn't go far as he turned back. She looked smaller and he saw something he missed all the times before. He saw a tear fall down her face but this sight of her silently staring at the blood red moon as more tears fell scared him so he ran.
The next time she appeared and stopped him was closer to his house. He was not far from it but this time she was different. She was more ruffed up, clothes were cut up, and she even had a cut bleeding down her cheek. She stood up and looked more determined and concerned than before as she held out her hand to him. He took a few steps back but when he didn't run she tilted her head as her eye softened to just concern. He looked toward where is house was and felt the need to go even though he knew what was waiting for him. But he looked back at Crow as the need loosened and he had the chance to catch his own breath. He stepped closer to her and a warmth entered her eye overtaking the sorrow.
He hesitated as the call to go increased loudly before the silence settled. A breeze gently went passed and he felt as if his mother's hand was on his back. Teleported to the time the two where Itachi first brought her home. His mother's laughter as she talked with Crow inside. As the memory faded the sorrow that had been in her eyes made more sense. She knew what was waiting for him and was trying to stop him and protect him. He stepped forward and took Crows hand,
Almost instantly, the red filter disappeared and the air was clean. Gone was the smell of blood, death, and rot. Crow's hand was warm and she gently pulled him to follow her.
They walked through the maze slowly picking up speed and until they were running through the village then into the forest. They were among the thicket of trees that smelled of earth, green, and a hint of sweet. They stopped upon coming to a river edge and let themselves fall. Sasuke went to the river taking a few sips and feeling the fresh air. Crow stayed sitting as he took in this place that felt so calm and good.
The sun shined down warm on them and he laid there in the sand next to her as his tiredness set in. She held out her hand as she fell asleep. He stared at her for a few moments before putting his on top her's as he too fell asleep.
Sasuke opened his eyes to see the hospital ceiling above but unlike before he was not scared. The room was still dark and the clock read 4:15AM. He felt a weight on this hand as he sat up to drink some water that had been left for him. Looking down he saw Crow asleep with her hand on his. He noticed he felt calmer than was normal and then the warmth of chakra. He looked closer at their connected hands and saw her chakra going into him.
He was too tired to try to understand his feelings but for now he was grateful that she was here. Her warmth and care was not something he expected since she never really paid him any mind. He gently grabbed some water with left hand and after taking a few refreshing sips, set it back down. He slowly moved to lay back down trying to not disturb her.
He couldn't help studying her as he felt himself falling asleep. Even in the dark he can see bits of leaves, twigs, and dirt on her from her rushing to get to his side. She was obviously exhausted but her gentle grip on his hand with the chakra flowing into him showed that she wasn't going to let go anytime soon.
Maybe… just maybe, he wasn't alone. For now, he will trust her to keep him warm and the nightmares away. When he has enough rest he'll think about everything including her connection to Him later and decide where they stood.
Sasuke felt her calm chakra warm him and his eyelids falling shut. He gave her hand a little squeeze as sleep took him.
The next three hours was a deep sleep that Sasuke needed. He was slowly waking and opened his eyes to Crow still there and sleeping. He noticed how pale she was and before he could nudge her awake he heard the door to his room opening.
A nurse came in to check on him. She smiled to see him awake though he could tell there was some concern if not pity in it. It wasn't until she took a few steps towards him that she stopped and took a step back. Her eyes widened as her surprise made her smile vanish.
Sasuke blinked and turned to see Crow awake and staring hard at the nurse. The nurse finding her nerve frowning at Crow, "Sasuke is not supposed to have any visitors. He was supposed to only have the medical staff near him until Third Hokage says otherwise."
Crow gave his hand a squeeze before standing to stretch. Her eyes never leaving the nurse as she stopped went to sit between the nurse and him. This made the nurse frown, "I must ask you to leave right now."
Crow snorted at her, "If I was not allowed here then the ANBU would have sent me away the moment they noticed I was here."
Sasuke's eyes widened since he didn't even notice the ANBU that were now noticeably standing outside his room and nearby.
The nurse huffed before coming forward to once she saw the Crow didn't move and just stared at her. She quickly checked on Sasuke's health through the basic route and after she wrote on her clipboard. Sasuke also felt Crow was tense the entire time the nurse was close and touching him, but unlike the tension he is used to this wasn't jealousy, Crow was on guard.
It was after the nurse finished writing on her clipboard that she pulled out an IV bag and started to set it up when Crow tensed even more. Almost like a cat ready to pounce unbeknownst to the nurse who had turned her back to Crow.
"What is that for? I thought the Third said to only give Sasuke sleeping pills as the only medication going forward," Crow stared.
The nurse flinched and tensed at Crow's words and even he could tell the nurse was nervous. The nurse turned as with a fake smile said, "little girl I don't know who you are but you are not educated enough to know what Sasuke needs. I doubt you have been informed about what he needs since you aren't his guardian. Please stop questioning this and let us adults take care of your friend."
Crow snorted, "So you think the ANBU were not notified of a change in orders? Also, if you are doing nothing wrong then why are you so tense?"
The nurse glared and turned to grab the end of the IV to put it in Sasuke's IV but he pulled his hand away. She frowned, "Are you really going to listen to some girl over me?"
Before he could answer she grabbed him and was about to stab him when the needle deflected. Then Sasuke pulled at his arm, her grip slipped as if she didn't just have a bruising grip on his arm. Shock was on both their faces though Sasuke's was more relieved.
Crow leaned back in a more relaxed with a fanged smile, "did you really think I would let you touch him?"
The nurse went to bolt but ran straight into an ANBU falling on her butt. The third came in after the ANBU and looked at the nurse with a frown. He motioned, "Take her to IT."
She went pale but before we could hear her protest the ANBU knocked her out. One ANBU went forward and secured her arms behind her and Shunshin her away.
Third glanced at Crow before looking at Sasuke. "Sasuke, do not worry that will be the last nurse to do something against my orders. The only reason she got as far as she did was because the ANBU were laxed with Crow here," he said.
Sasuke nodded though he did glance at Crow with curiosity.
Third turned to Crow with a raised eyebrow, "I thought I ordered you on house arrest so that you can recover."
Sasuke's eyes widened in shock and went straight to Crow to study her.
Crow shrugged, "My injuries aren't that bad and I slept for a few days which is enough for me to be outside. Besides, with all that happened and how I got the injuries, I wanted to make sure Sasuke was safe."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he looked at Third and back to Crow. Third frowned at her. He sighed, "come to my office so we can finish this discussion and Sasuke can rest."
Crow groaned but stood up. There was a beep on the monitor of Sasuke's heart rate spiking. All three turned to look at the monitor with Sasuke looking away embarrassed aed confused.
Crow smiled though it was small and sealed for a clone to appear. Sasuke blinked at the sound and unconsciously stiffened. The clone nodded at Crow before Crow looked at Third, "my clone will go with you and share with me the information after. I'll stay here with Sasuke since as you saw Sasuke could use a little added protection."
Third's frown deepened, showing his wrinkles more easily as Crow sat back down on Sasuke's bed. She shifted a few times ignoring everyone until she got comfortable when she saw Third was still there tilted her head.
Third was about to say something when he took in her completion and how tired she looked. He took a breath before nodding as he turned he motioned for the clone to follow him.
Crow relaxed with a smile at the victory and the ANBU snickered once Third was out of ear shot. Crow, a small child, just won over Third Hokage who was said to be the strongest in the village. Considering what went down recently and hearing about her efforts beyond what was necessary if Third was not able to win against her, there is to wonder if anyone could.
Sasuke relaxed as he was left with Crow and silence returned. She simply glanced around once before glancing at him. Seeing he was fine with her there she laid down on her back with her arms crossed behind her head for support. He looked down crumpled the sheets in his hands and waited for her to say something or more. He was waiting for her to ask like everyone else.
When she didn't, he looked up to see her eyes closed. A rush of emotions , confusion, relief, sorrow, but it was anger forced out his words. "Are you not going to ask what happened? What became of everyone? Who did it? How my mother passed?-" His questions flowing with his anger and because he remembered that though she protected him she was close with Him.
It wasn't until he had to blink several times that his vision was blurry that he realized he was crying. He rubbed at his face in frustration at how weak he was.
He noticed the room was still silent and looked up once the tears stopped. Crow was staring at the ceiling with a fang looking about to pinch into her bottom lip. She took a breath before turning to her head to the side to look at Sasuke. He never noticed how dark her eyes were as she stared at him. So different than his nightmares and just as tired as he saw in them.
He could see her study him as he did her with her head still tiling as she worked through her thoughts. This habit seems to be something that will probably never change about her.
Her words broke him out of his thoughts, "I saw it with my own eyes… I know what happened…"
His rage rose but before he could shout at her again he noticed her sorrow. The image of her wounded and desperately trying to save him from the nightmares. He waited for her as it looked like she was reliving it by how her eyes unfocused. She blinked and looked back up at him, like him pushing the memories away, voice soft "I wasn't strong enough to stop them from dying nor was I strong enough to stop the enemy alone."
Sasuke blinked a few times, as he heard the apology behind her words as well as the guilt she carried. It was too much so instead he yelled at her, shouting all kinds of bad things at her, though lost he was, he couldn't stop. She winced a few times but listened the entire time and accepted it all. It made him want to hurt her to break her. The only thing keeping him from physically attacking her was that she saved him and stayed for him.
He started coughing as he lost his breath and almost couldn't catch his breath. He felt his hand being a grabbed and looked up. Crow brought his hand to her chest at her heart. She slowly taking deep breaths. He was able to feel her heartbeat and his started to slow. He tried to match her breathing and the constricting feeling and everything else disappeared. Once his breathing matched hers she gave his hand a squeeze before bringing him water. He took sips as she sat back down.
"I bet your fangirls would be after me if they saw me here. I'd never hear the end of it which I don't get what they see in a jerk like you," Crow snorted.
Sasuke couldn't help snort in distain or even how his shoulders dropped in relief. Crow didn't take anything to heart. Once she refilled his cup she laid down and closed her eyes again. He nodded at her in thanks for the water. He let her rest and he leaned back against the pillows.
He noticed that her breathing laxed as she fell asleep. He couldn't help studying her as his thoughts and emotions fought each other.
His mix of emotions with rage being the strongest but even in this moment he couldn't hate her. …It wasn't her fault. The fact that she noticed and tried was far more than most of the village. She must of been badly wounded or had chakra exhaustion for the Hokage to put her on house arrest. Yet she came here the moment she could to make sure I was safe even against orders. He wouldn't care and wouldn't have her here to do this. It would have been against what happened and His words.
Now that he was looking, he noticed that she was wearing a loser long sleeve compared to her usual outfit. She usually was covered but here it looked like she was purposefully wearing looser clothes. She did look paler and more the child they were than the strong persona she portrays. Tilting his head a little he was able to see bandages just barely hidden by her shirt on her shoulder. There were even some at the end of her sleeves.
Sasuke's thoughts stopped as the light shifted and he saw new scars. She had a few new ones on her neck that were thin, almost invisible from this distance. There was one one on her cheek matching his nightmares. There was even one where an auditory was and that wasn't there before. She must of lost lots of blood and almost died.
He knew of all the scars she had from having to watch her spar and being close to her all the time. He was always lying about not caring about her and her efforts of respecting his boundaries. The fact that she was not his fangirl was refreshing and let him not have to put distance between them. He did have times where he couldn't help studying her through the window reflections or as she sparred. She was around but never in his circle or close. Yet they both knew each other well enough to keep to themselves and just accepted the other's presence.
It did bother him to see her so close with Naruto, of all people, but he could see how the two were alike. He might not be outside his compound often but he has heard the whispers and the way people reacted to the loser. He also didn't miss the ways they reacted to her similarly though with less hatred. She wasn't welcome by most even though she was simply another child. When the two were together it was almost as if the hatred was a physical thing like fog but the two went about their way without stopping or reacting much to it.
She survived and stayed strong through it all.
* (^~^") * (^~^") * (^~^") *
Crow's new clone followed Third silently. She didn't try to be friendly, there was no smile, just a bored expression as she followed ignoring most of the people that they passed. Third glanced at her a few times as they walked.
It was only when they were settled in his office that her clone looked at him. Her bored expression was still there as she waited for him to speak. Third shifted until he got comfortable wishing it was Crow not a clone he was dealing with, especially since he already had one close by that could have passed on information.
He cleared his throat, "I see Crow is up."
The clone didn't say anything so Third ordered. "Report her condition."
The clone snorted, " She is alive as you saw. I thought you didn't want to hear from us clones."
Third eyebrows rose from the blatant disrespect and that apparently the sharing of information. The fact that there was no stir among the ANBU let him know that the clone was able to put a barrier around just like the original.
Third stared at the clone as her bored expression was gone in favor of one of her own eyebrows raising. He pulled out his pipe and took a pull, "We are here to talk. Please tell me her condition."
The clone shifted to Crow's usual relaxed stance, "There is no more to report. Crow has nothing to share about her condition. She is still following house arrest order to show her compromise in these circumstances."
Third stiffened and took a long pull from his pile.
I didn't think Crow would go this far. Disrespect for the choices made was one thing but going so far to shut me out. Her trust in me has been lost. This isn't good.
"I order you to tell me her condition so I can plan for her work after her break," Third tried to reason with the clone.
The clone just snorted, "any order that is directed to information of her condition has been set as denied as the information is beyond your clearance. Crow has let us know that she is still willing to do most missions or work asked of her. She will choose what orders to follow or if she even will keep compromising going forward to accommodate everything."
Third frowned, "I am the leader of this village. She is an ANBU therefore she has to follow my orders."
Clone smiled though it was mostly fangs, "Crow is more than ready to renounce the position and being a citizen of this village at any time. But be aware that if she has to leave by order she won't be going alone."
Third shocked almost dropping his pipe, "Is -Is that a threat?"
Clone frowned, "We don't make threats, only warnings. This is the second warning. You only have one more."
Third puffed a few times to regain his composure, "We have a contract, she can't do anything against this village."
Clone nodded, "indeed but you are aware that she has already done more than expect or agreed upon in this contract. There have been many times and events that happened that could have been prevented. After all, look at what has happened and the lack of punishment or discipline carried out. The reports about what really happened have no doubt been disposed of by these facts. It is strongly recommended that if Danzo appears before her again, she will not hesitate or show your version of mercy. Trust is earned Third. Do not mistake any compliance and compromise as respect that has been lost along with the blood spilt."
Third, "she would go that far?"
Clone raised her chin, "Actions speak louder than words Third. What do you think your actions say after everything that has happened during her time here?"
Third was silent.
Clone stared him down, "She is powerful enough to protect those she wishes. Going forward, we suggest you think on whether you protect them together or not. … Funny, the very children of your beloved village are the ones that carry wounds and scars in this time of supposed peace."
The Clone poofed away and the barrier disappeared leaving Third in frosted silence.
AN: Thank you for waiting for this chapter. Thank you for reading!
What do you think about this chapter?
For those having a hard time with life,
Remember that we are still here and still going forward even just by breathing.
Thank you for being here, take care, & believe in yourself with the determination that Naruto does. Believe it!