Chapter 47: Full circle

'Inner thoughts'

°Telepathic communication°

Kuzunoha's POV

Sitting in the great hall I lazily leaned against it, as always nothing eventful happened here unless a festivity occurred. My predecessor was also in the same room sitting quietly towards the side as she polished her memory marble. "Kuzunoha-sama, Haruko-dono, Yukino is here," small Kitaro-chan announced entering the hall for a small moment before leaving it.

"Are you going as well?" I asked my predecessor as she stood up heading for the exit leaving behind her memory marble on a velvet pillow.

"I feel that something will happen," Haruko said as she transformed back into her original form and ran off. Seeing her point I followed her example.

Arriving at Kamen-san's place I passed by Misa-san as she lingered by the door. "Just come in." I transformed back entering the home wanting her to stop feeling awkward about a relationship that ended on good terms.

Once I entered the home I realized that we weren't the first to arrive. Every single fox that had been in charge of Yukino's upbringing or knew her as more than an acquaintance had been there with the younger ones pestering her for gifts.

"Sorry, I'm late," I announced my presence with the grace and refinement that they were familiar with, and by that, I accidentally tripped over my own feet and acted as if it never happened. Once everyone was aware I had arrived I took a seat by the window beside Misa-san who entered when everyone was distracted by my fumble.

"Good everyone is here." Yukino gave a quick look and pointed behind her. "Oh, I just want to say that there's bread in the oven," Yukino said to the younger kids who ran to the oven to find said bread.

"Oh!" Haruko exclaimed practically gliding over to her from the corner of my eye. "Congratulations Yukino-chan." She hugged the much younger lady. Staring at both of them I was left confused as to why they were happy. It wasn't until my predecessor placed her hands on her stomach did I understand. "I see… so you chose to wait. It has been a long time since I last saw this seal being used like this."

"You're pregnant!" I bolted up startling the younglings who were gorging themselves on the bread they found.

"Kit?" Everyone said in unison, even Misa-san who echoed the word quietly beside me.

"A kit? When? Who's?" Haru and Hina rushed to Yukino surrounding her with Kitaro running around her echoing their questions. While Haruko-dono quietly backed away.

Glancing at Kamen-san he just sat frozen with a cup of water in his hands at the news for just a moment before standing up and leaving the room. 'I guess not everyone took the news too well.' Just as I finished that thought he came back holding something. Moving the twins to the side he handed Yukino the slightly worn book. "You will need this." She looked down at the book and looked back up at him with watery eyes.

"Thank you, otou-san." She smiled, hugging him tightly but as she did I now realized just how much time passed for her. The small runt of a kid that I made a contract with years ago was now a young woman before my eyes. 'When did she grow so much?'

"Surprising is it not?" Haruko whispered beside me. "It always amazes me just how quickly humans age." I could feel her smile under that veil as she said it.

"Oh, that's right there was something else that I came to do." Yukino let go, walking over to me. "Please, Kuzunoha-sama teach me senjutsu," she bowed, closing her eyes tightly just waiting for me to reject her offer.

"I'm sorry you should have asked earlier. If circumstances were different I would have gladly trained you. However, doing senjutsu while pregnant poses a huge risk to you and your child." I glanced at Kamen-san being one of the extremely lucky few.

"Those who were unable to control senjutsu turned to stone, though there are a lucky few who become foxes of Mt. Inari instead," Haruko explained walking over to Kamen-san patting his arm.

Yukino stood there processing what we said her eyes lit up for a moment as a question she had was answered. "I understand. I'll wait." She nodded in agreement

"Kuzunoha-sama! There's a Kage summit in the Land of Iron!"

A fox ran in, "Most fear a fight breaking out so they're returning here for safety."

"Really? A Kage summit. When was the last time something like that happened…"

"The last meeting I remember is when the first Hokage was distributing the tailed beasts." Haruko-dono sighed remembering clearly. "My… was that really so long ago?"

"It must be serious right?" Yukino asked. "I have to return to Uzushio. Thank you for listening to me." She grabbed her haori and ran out.

"She's going to the meeting isn't she," I said, guessing already what she was going to do. Kamen-san sighed and nodded.

'Ah, I almost forgot. I will need to tell Tsukiyomi about this, she has waited so long for this moment.' I turned away and left heading to our hidden meeting place. 'I hope she appears.'

Yukino's POV

Running towards the forests of Mt. Inari I ran into the fog that I came from as I made it out in the forest surrounding the back of the shrine. Heading to my apartment before doing anything else I took the quietest route.

・

Flashback

Standing in my apartment I sat with my legs crossed as I watched Ryota take out all of my clothes from my storage. Standing up he held up his hand. "Not so fast. You may have removed most of your seals." He gestured to the pile of weapons in the corner of the room. "I don't know why you had so many but as a precaution, you should limit your chakra use, mostly the use of your Getsugan."

"I got that part, also it's not like I'm suddenly incapable of doing the simplest of things I was doing just fine before we found out," I said holding my hands out in the portal to receive the kitsune mask.

"Yukino is right, we placed the seal when we found out so there should be no change in what she can and can't do… right?" Emi added as she exited the portal holding some of my old yukata.

"Wait, leave this inside." I carefully pulled out the yellow kimono shirt from the pile she had. Holding it up I saw just how small it was making it smile. 'It could pass for a shirt.'

"Hard to believe we all started so small." Emi gently grabbed it. "I'll put it back," she carefully folded it entering the portal once again.

"Thank you," Turning around I saw Ryota heading towards the door with my weapons. "Hey!"

"I'm confiscating it, don't want an accident to happen." With a hit of his hips, the door swung open and he walked away with my weapons as he headed down the hall to his room. "I'll keep them safe. I promise!" He yelled.

Flashback end

・

Quickly unlocking the door to my apartment I entered. Going to my room I looked over my clothes and found my mask with the sapphire on it. 'The sapphire demon fox will return.' Picking out my clothes I dressed warmer than usual for the place that I would be going to. Tying my hair up I looked down at the white porcelain mask and carefully placed it on my face.

Opening portal to the land of iron I stepped through jumping up to the trees leaving as few footprints as I could on the soft snow below.

・・・

Reaching the place I was surprised to see the guards lying motionless on the snow. Running over to the first one I was relieved to see that they were just knocked out. Assuming the same for everyone else I looked ahead at the building noticing signs of a fight.

The sudden sounds of snow crunching caught my attention before anything else. Looking behind me I saw Emi and Ryota emerge from the trees. "So… what are you doing here?" Emi asked, surprising me since I expected Ryota to say something along those lines.

Sighing I told them my reason for being here, after all, there was no point in lying, "Tsunade is still unconscious if a Kage summit was held then the elders must have chosen someone else to be Hokage. If it's Danzo…" I looked at the building. "I have to take back Shisui's eye now that he isn't protected by Root. I can't let it remain in his hands."

"I see," Ryota said, "Yukino, Kuzunoha-san told us of new info that you may want to hear." Saying everything the Kuzunoha-sama told them I was surprised to hear that Sasuke was out for blood. 'Does he know?'

Looking at the building behind me I looked at them and placed my hands on their shoulders. "Please find them, I need to make sure the samurai are at least fine. You both know the seal to make that eye useless. I'll meet up with you as soon as I can."

Splitting up Emi and Ryota followed the signs of a chase while I went to the source of where it all began. Entering the building with relative ease I gave a quick look around seeing the dying black flame of Amaterasu as it was finishing consuming whatever it was burning. Seeing among the wreckage bodies I had hopes that they would be fine but I knew otherwise when I sensed nothing. Quickly rushing through the halls I sensed a large group of samurai on the chase.

Noticing who they were chasing I recognized one in particular. Creating adamantine chains I broke through the ceiling going up to the floors above me. Setting my five-point seal on the hallway I waited for the two as they turned the corner. Before they could see me I teleported behind them. Blocking the hallway with my chains I saw Jugo in samurai armor alongside another who stared at me with shock as I stood in the middle of the hallway running after them.

"Isn't there only supposed to be samurai here!" The young man with white hair yelled, not paying attention to the hallway ahead as he looked back, watching as I spread my chains and following after them like a huge spider.

Unable to hear what Jugo said I noticed my seals and activated them stopping one of them in their tracks. Jugo stopped in time standing outside the barrier.

"Forgive me Jugo," I said quickly as I knocked him into the seal with one of my chains. Making the chains disappear I stepped into the seal releasing some rope I had sealed in a scroll. Tying them both I looked at them carefully. 'So these two are with Sasuke now.' Looking at the white-haired one I noticed the sword in his hand. Recognizing the part of the blade that was left I grabbed it and attempted to separate it from his tight grasp.

Deepening my voice I whispered. "This doesn't belong to you." Pulling the sword out of his grasp I cursed under my breath.

"Drop the weapon," I heard a samurai say as they pointed their sword towards me. Dropping it at their feet I held up my hands. Turning ever so slowly to see the hallway now blocked off on both ends. Seeing one of the samurai from the time here long ago I stopped, facing them. 'Please let me go. I don't want to fight any of you.' I sent my thoughts to him but not really.

"Okisuke-dono?" The samurai looked at him waiting for a response.

"Let her go. She isn't planning to do anyone harm." He somehow knew either through my stance or something more, maybe he still remembered each and every one of his students. "Go. We told you once that your place is not here."

Staring at him through the mask I smiled happily that I have not been forgotten here. Giving a simple nod I walked behind the two and knocked them out. Once I did I broke the seal on the floor teleporting away to let them deal with it on their own.

Emi's POV

°We will follow Danzo Shimura.° I told Ryota as I confirmed what we just agreed to.

°Yeah, I hope Yukino returns quickly.°

We both simultaneously agreed that there was no way we would confront that man without our third member. Thinking that I put on my mask as Ryota did with his.

Following the path I realized something. °Up ahead, I remember seeing on a map a large bridge in this direction.°

°If Sasuke catches up and they start fighting…°

°It would be the perfect place to go all out.° We thought in unison.

°This way.° I pointed. °It should be a shortcut to where we're headed.°

Approaching the area I sensed a strong chakra ahead that even Ryota could sense without even needing to try. Stopping at the top of the cliff we peered down at the bridge as Danzo fell. There we saw Sasuke and the masked man that gave Yukino her scar.

Feeling a nudge I was suddenly pulled back by Ryota as I caught a glimpse of a black seal emerging from the fallen Konoha nin. Getting as far away as we could we waited for some time before carefully making our way back to the cliff. The first thing I noticed was the absence of the masked man and Danzo. But in their absence, I noticed that a huge tree and a portion of the bridge missing. 'Was that a type of seal?' Hearing a click beside me Ryota took out a telescope looking down at the scene below. °I don't see Danzo, Sasuke is the only one… wait who is that in the black cloak…°

Looking down I squinted noticing a white-cloaked figure below. °Ryota, tell me who that person is a bit more north.° I asked as the cloaked figure approached Sasuke.

Adjusting his telescope his eye widened slightly. °That's Sakura, Naruto's teammate.°

°If she's here there's a chance Naruto is as well.° Standing up I was ready to jump down but Ryota stopped me. "Look," he whispered, handing me the telescope.

Looking through it I could see her hesitation as she stood with kunai in hand above the injured red-haired woman. Just then Sasuke's hand glowed with lightning as he was about to strike her but before he could Kakashi arrived moving the hand. Sighing with relief I handed back the telescope.

°I think Sasuke may be far gone. He's laughing like some crazy person.° Ryota frowned as he continued looking down and reporting the close up he was able to get. While he did that I looked towards Sakura as she moved towards the black-cloaked woman. Noticing the familiar faint green glow I was glad that she was providing her aid.

Sensing a spice in chakra I switched my attention back to Sasuke.'What's that?' I wondered, noticing Sasuke's chakra take the form of a purple humanoid shape. However, it didn't last long as it dwindled and disappeared.

Focused on Sasuke I didn't realize Sakura had moved to prepare to take action. The only thing that gave it away was Naruto's sudden appearance as he held Sakura. Guessing by the direction that they came from it seemed that they came from behind Sasuke. 'Don't tell me… was she trying to kill him?' I realized wondering what Yukino would think of such a thing. 'No… what does she think of Sasuke?'

Hearing the chirping of birds I snapped out of my thoughts and looked down below seeing Sasuke and Naruto run towards each other. Squinting I saw a bright light as the two attacks collided with each other. Closing my eyes they stung as the light got too bright.

Blinded by the light I thought I imagined something emerging from the ground. "My, my more Konoha shinobi. No you two clearly aren't from there what village are you two from?" Without wasting a second both me and Ryota backed away from the white Zetsu with me creating a genjutsu making it appear as if we disappeared in a whirl of leaves. To be on the safer side we went through one of 's entrances to avoid them completely.

・・・

Reuniting with Yukino back in we told her everything we saw. Listening without a single interruption her face remained stern contemplating her life and of others. "But something happened during the fight his eyes changed to a different pattern and he was able to form this purple thing with his chakra," Ryota explained.

"We were only able to see if for a moment before it disappeared."

She went silent hearing this. "Mangekyo… he must've awakened it when Itachi died." She sighed. "That thing you saw must be the ability he gained from it but for it to disappear like that… his sight must be fading."

"Didn't know that you knew a lot about the Sharingan."

"I have had time to read back home." She turned away looking up. "I should have done that long ago. Do you guys think Itachi saw me?" She frowned as if remembering the little signs that she overlooked in her bliss. Shaking her head she tried to dismiss it probably thinking it was a silly thing to ask.

Glancing at Ryota he looked saddened as he also recognized the signs. "I'm sure he did, after all, he kept you close when he could."

Time skip to around March a month or more after the Kage Summit

I stood by the wall with my eyes closed. At first glance I could be mistaken for a statue if it weren't for the white dress that moved ever so slightly, my feathery wings tucked behind me, and my slow but noticeable breathing. The reason for my standing in this meeting was as support for the beautiful woman who spoke to a few carefully selected people of Amegakure. Though it was hard to keep a stoic face I opened my eyes seeing the veil of my straw hat before me as I heard Konan say that the people before her would become Amegakure's new council.

"Angel-sama. We are honored." Someone said to Konan. "Will Tsuki-hime be part of the council as well?" They used the nickname given to me by children of this rainy city.

"No," Konan responded. "She will be my stand-in for when I'm gone." Not thinking too much into it I felt the scroll in my pocket begin to heat up.

Taking it out my mind slowly blocked out what was being said as I read the bold words on the scroll. Return to the shrine!

Clearing my throat the room went quiet as everyone looked at me. "I have to leave. I am needed elsewhere." I kept my head low hiding my face behind the veil.

Konan nodded. "I already said everything I needed to say."

Backing out of the room I beelined to an empty room and portaled my way back to the skies of Uzushio. Knowing that the explosive tags task was over some time ago I crossed that out from the list of possible accidents. 'Don't tell me another portal opened and someone fell through. No, I hid that contraption away.' I thought as I removed the straw hat from my head.

Flying over Tsukimi city everything was peaceful. No smoke or disaster was in sight as I made my way to the shrine at the edge of the city. Landing at the top of the long stairs. I ran around dragging my wings behind me as I looked for one soul in this huge revitalized shrine.

"Oh, Yukino!" Kichi called from behind me as she exited the shrine rather calmly.

"Hi, Kichi…" I said wondering where the emergency was.

"Hurry you have to see this." She ran back inside the shrine. Following behind her we made our way downstairs to where the hidden room was. 'Was a scroll stolen?' I went towards the hidden entrance.

"Where are you going?"

"Wasn't a scroll stolen or something?"

"No." She shrugged, placing her hand on the wall opening another door that I didn't know existed leading to a set of stairs leading further down. 'The frick, how many hidden spaces can a shrine hold?'

Standing by the entrance I watched as Kichi passed by me and went down, fully familiar with the new area. Going down the new set of stairs I raised my wings slightly hearing the sound of dripping water the deeper I went.

Reaching the end I stood amazed at the small cavern watching as small streams of light poured in from above, illuminating the spring below. These two things gave life to the vibrant plants that covered the walls and floor of the cavern giving it a quiet almost timeless aura. 'How long has this been here?'

"Welcome to Tsukiyomi's spring," Kichi said standing in front of a statue overlooking the spring from the side, the one thing not covered by overgrown plants. "She created this area long ago. Nori-kun and I have been taking care of this place once we took our grandparent's place." She looked up at the statue and smiled. "Ah, but that's not what we're here for. The others are waiting," she gestured across the spring to everyone else who sat by the water's edge.

Meeting up with everyone I joined Ryota and Emi by the edge of the water taking a seat beside them.

"Yukino, as our current leader please give us permission to use these waters," Nori said, lowering his head.

Rapidly standing up I raised his head. "You guys have been taking care of this place there's no need to ask me." I quickly let go.

"Nori-kun, I haven't explained." Kichi snorted. "But I will now!" She turned to me avoiding his 'Are you serious?!' look. "Being the closest water source we have been using the water here for numerous things but recently we noticed a change. The water seems to have absorbed some of the chakra from the layline below making the plants grow quicker than usual." She went silent thinking of a way to say the next part.

"With that, it seems to have also gotten some regenerative properties." Nori continued.

"So we tested it out by pooling our chakra together and it seems to heal injuries rather quickly when the injured is submerged." Kichi continued.

"We apologize," one of the other shrine caretakers said. "We should have told you before experimenting with it." Another added.

"Oh, well I see no problem with it, something as helpful as this is a good thing." I looked back at the water noticing some shovels across the water near the entrance. "I should be the one asking for permission. Please if you don't mind would you allow its usage to treat critical patients?"

"What do you all think?" Nori asked those who worked on caring for the shrine. Nodding enthusiastically he turned back to us and smiled. "Of course."

"I see that you guys were planning to do that from the beginning," Ryota mumbled following my gaze across the spring and to the small hole being built.

"Well since we're here. We might as well help you build it!" I smiled. "I'll buy whatever materials you need."

"And I'll transport the materials." Ryota tugged on my dress as I was prepared to make a portal.

Looking over their plans we all agreed on roles splitting up to build the small side pool for healing. Having fun as we all worked towards one goal.

・・・

Returning to Amegakure with a smile on my face. I kept laughing as I remembered the little progress we made once Kichi started a water fight.

In the Amegakure tower, I walked around holding a round flask with clear water while I looked for Konan. Looking in every room I held the flask in one hand while using the other to move the veil to see but even with all my looking I couldn't find her. Thinking nothing of it I suspected that she was in another one of her rounds.

Making my way outside I stood stunned as I saw the rainbow in the sky. 'I see, this land has finally stopped crying.' I stood in awe pushing my veil to the side, enjoying the rare view.

"Tsuki-sama!" I heard someone yell and I lowered my veil. Turning to see who it was I saw one of the new councilmen.

"Angel-sama engaged a masked person in a fight–." Was all I heard as they continued to explain the details of what they had witnessed from the edge of the city.

Dropping the bottle I heard it crash on the ground as I rose to the clear sky. Looking from above I quickly scanned the large lake seeing nothing but water. Off into the distance, I noticed something white scattered in the water that wasn't from the sunlight reflecting off the water.

Approaching it I saw Konan's body floating on the water. Her cloak stained red as the source of her fatal injury was clear. Her paper rose in her hair, falling apart drifting away with the waves. Landing on the water beside her I placed my hand beside her neck having a sliver of hope but expecting the obvious. Feeling nothing I sighed another one was gone. Someone right within my reach but arriving a moment too late.

Kneeling beside her I lifted her body out of the water creating small and thin adamantine chains that wrapped around my arms and her body. "I'm sorry." I apologized, spreading my wings and returning to Amegakure. To the citizens who waited for their angel who would never fly again.

・・・

After the body was cleaned and prepared I took it upon myself to bring her to her friends. From the memories she shared I opened a portal to the secret shrine she built. Carrying her I looked up seeing Nagato and her friend Yahiko at peace. Wanting to say something I pressed my lips together not knowing what exactly I would say.

Creating solid water steps I walked up to the space between the two and gently placed Konan on her white origami roses that had lost their shape. Picking the paper rose I carefully took my time returning it to its previous shape before carefully placing it back on her hair. Finally laid to rest I made my way back down. Closing my eyes I wished for nothing more but for her to be with the ones she loved, the ones she missed. Even if it took a long time I wished for her rebirth. 'May you all meet each other again hopefully in that world of peace you all sought.'

Opening my eyes I saw all three friends side by side just like in the memories I saw. Just then I noticed Nagato's closed eyes. 'Were they always closed?' I asked myself amid tears. That was when it hit me. Tobi's visit wasn't only for revenge and now that he took what he wanted he left this land without its angel to watch over it. Wiping my tears I marched out of the room. In order to respect her final wishes, I would not allow Amegakure to cry tears of pain again.

Yukino: Danzo really screwed them over. I'm glad that fricking bastard is dead.

Ryota: Yeah, fuck that guy!

Time skip

Ryota's POV

"We'll buy supplies for now and keep looking." Yukino sighed handing each of us a list. Splitting up we each went our own ways as we got the materials we needed before we could continue to look for the missing Wolf members.

Stopping by a stand I looked down at a particular comb. It was wooden and decorated like the one Yukino had. "Are you interested in it?" The seller asked. With a nod I bought it. 'She needs to replace that old comb of hers. I thought as I tucked the comb into my sleeve. But as I did a small memory of mine resurfaced she who I haven't seen in years also had a comb she loved, the one my father had carefully carved for her birthday. 'Those two really are similar… so weird.' I thought not realizing a smile had made its way onto my face. 'I hope this makes her happy considering everything she's been going through lately.'

Yukino's POV

Settling for the night we made our camp taking a break before we could continue our search. While Ryota and Emi made the food I looked over the map mentally crossing out the places we searched.

"Could they have gone rogue?" Emi asked.

"No. I don't want to believe that. Maybe they got lost." I frowned looking back down at the map. 'I hope they didn't get into some trouble.' I thought but immediately pushed it back not wanting to consider that possibility.

"Wolf members who know the area got lost?"

"They still could have, no one of knows every inch of the world. Right, Ryota?" I asked, seeing Ryota sitting head down by the fire. Suddenly his head rose as he gasped for air making both Emi and I jump with surprise. His stomach growled loudly as he dove for the food.

Glancing at each other I spoke first. "Ah… are you ok?"

"Hm?" He looked up and as he did I noticed the sand stuck on his clothes.

"How did you get all this sand?" I asked brushing off the sand on his purple haori.

"I went to the past!" He beamed, grabbing my shoulders. "You were like this tall." He let go, dropping his hand near the ground.

"Okay, now you're exaggerating." I sighed but stopped. The sand. The voice. The long hair. Interest in red hair. "Wait… Aguy-san?"

"Yup!" He laughed. "That was so cute how you just called me that." He said so proudly that I felt my face heat up from embarrassment at my younger self.

"So Ryota was the one who guided you through the desert." Emi smiled. "The Getsugan is truly a gift." Looking at each other I smiled nodding in agreement.

A/N: Refer to chapter 4

Snap! Hearing that faint snap of a branch our laughter stopped as we all turned our heads towards the source of the noise "It's the sand siblings," I whispered recognizing a certain strong signature.

Quietly moving around, Emi put away the things while Ryota tried to silence his stomach that cried for food after his desert trip, and as he ate I snuffed out the fire. Sensing them nearing our camp we knew we couldn't open a portal. A sudden light in the middle of the dark forest would be easily noticeable. So instead we hid in the shadows suppressing our chakra waiting for them to walk along.

"I swear I thought I saw a fire," Kankurō said, trying to convince his siblings that he had not just gotten them off course or something, that was my guess. A guess that would later be proven as spot-on by his sister.

"Kankurō… this is the third time you led us off the path." Temari sighed. 'Yes, believe her and leave.'

"No, the scent of smoke still lingers." Gaara agreed with his older brother. 'Damn it!' I silently cursed glancing at Emi from the corner of my eye not risking such a small movement as turning my head to create the slightest noise.

Grumble… We cringed as Ryota's stomach grumbled alerting the siblings we were trying to avoid.

"Well, well hiding from us again?" Temari asked standing above our hiding spot. 'Fuck.'

Leaving our hiding spots I sighed returning to the fire that I put out. 'Great fireball technique.' I breathed in doing the signs and exhaled lighting it back up. As I turned it back on I stared at the flame not wanting to answer the question Temari asked.

"Yukino?" She asked.

"I know…" I sighed, turning around to see everyone settled around the fire including Ryota who continued eating. "Old habits die hard." Standing back up I went and sat beside Emi. °Let's make sure to have the shift before dawn so we leave earlier.°

°Understood.°

"So… do you guys have food to share?" Kankurō asked.

"Sure." I headed to the pot that Emi hid. Luckily for them, it wasn't poisoned like the others due to my current state. "We weren't expecting guests so we don't have many bowls. Though we do have a lot of spoons." I handed them the pot and the bowls we did have.

But as I did Temari caught the glint of something new hanging from my necklace. "Oh? Is that ring a gift from your boyfriend?" Temari squealed.

'Wait… when did I tell them I had a boyfriend?' sensing Ryota's heartbeat spike I turned my eyes at him seeing him avoid my gaze. "Hm? How did you know?"

"Gaara told us."

'Ah… so Ryota must've told him and he must've leaked it to his siblings.' I hypothesized. "Ah, I see," I said simply.

"So is that ring a gift he gave you?" She asked.

"Yes," I lifted the ring he gave me. "Unfortunately it came to an end." I closed my eyes and kept that fake smile on my face. "Still miss him though." Temari nodded silently and grabbed one of the bowls ending that conversation.

Going back to my spot next to Ryota and Emi I took out my map and continued looking over it. 'Hah… they were assigned to this area just how far did they go? I hope nothing serious happens in Amegakure while I'm gone. I swear if another revolt happens I will…'

"Are you on a mission?" Gaara asked snapping me back to this current moment.

"Yeah…" I answered. "We're looking for someone." 'Two people actually.' I told myself leaving that bit out.

"Do you want help?" Kankurō asked.

"No thanks, you guys must be busy. After all, Gaara is Kazekage now so you two must protect him." I dismissed the offer frowning at the map. °There's a river nearby we should search there tomorrow.° I told both Emi and Ryota.

°Sure° Ryota and Emi echoed each other.

"Well, I'm sure they won't mind if we're a day late." Kankurō shrugged.

Looking up from my map I folded it and raised an eyebrow. "Baki won't mind that you're late? The council won't mind that you're late?" I asked them knowing full well what the answer to those questions was. "The day Suna pours like Amegakure I'll believe it."

"We'll deal with our mission on our own," Emi said. "I'll take the first lookout."

"Okay, don't stay up too late." I got up and jumped up on a tree. "Goodnight," I said from my perch, actually feeling the allure of sleep. 'Why is it that I don't feel you when I'm on my soft bed?'

"Ah… don't tell me you're actually going to sleep, it's still early," Kankurō asked, climbing the tree and sitting beside me.

"For me it isn't," I yawned, beginning to nod off. Closing my eyes I passed out feeling my headrest on something soft. It was Kankurō as he would later tell me.

・・・

Waking up I glanced around seeing the same place I had been when I fell asleep. Stretching arms to the sky I froze noticing that I had slept longer than I usually did. 'Well, we should leave in a couple of hours anyway.' Noticing Temari head towards Gaara I focused the water in the air making platforms for myself quickly intercepting her.

"I'll take the next shift," I whispered. With a shrug she accepted and I took the spot she was keeping a lookout at. On my way there I caught a glance of Emi and Ryota sleeping together beside the rest of the hidden items. With that, I waited a couple of more hours before waking my friends and leaving the siblings.

・・・

"You know I kinda feel bad for leaving them like that," Ryota said looking back in the direction we left making the ruby on his mask glitter with the morning light.

"Don't worry. I told Kitaro-kun to wake them an hour ago. Temari knows Kitaro-kun so they shouldn't freak out." Unknown to me at the time he would sit beside them in his human form watching them sleep for an hour more before freaking them out when they woke up on their own.

"If you say so." Ryota shrugged but froze. Taking off his mask he frowned, noticing something ahead. "What is that?" He squinted approaching it with a fastened pace.

"Ryota." Emi followed after him.

Catching up to them I watched as Ryota kneeled next to a makeshift grave by the cliff's edge. "Those that went out to search made this." He said quietly as he traced the carved spiral on the wood sticking out of the ground.

"The search party your group sent?" I asked and he nodded. "Do you know who…" Before I could finish asking he picked up a broken half of a comb. In a matter of seconds his face went from confusion, realization, doubt, and finally heartbreak. 'It couldn't be…'

"Ryota…" I fell to my knees wrapping my arms around him.

"She really is gone…" His voice cracked with the little bit of hope he had that was now gone as reality ripped it to shreds. "Nee-san… Haruka… why?" He curled up crying into my arms. Kneeling beside him, Emi gently rubbed his back soothing his pain if just for a bit.

Sitting there by the cliff I glanced at the grave remembering my own loss. 'I hope yours wasn't as painful.' I sent my silent wish to Ryota's older sister.

°Can you look around for the two Wolves I would like to say goodbye for a while longer.° He was able to say sensing my pain and resurfacing memories. Selfishly I accepted.

・・・

Leaving Ryota to say his goodbyes I followed his order and continued looking for the missing Wolves. The moment I returned to reality I stopped sensing clearly the area around me. Quickly drawing my sword I stood guard as I was surrounded on all sides.

・・・

Being outnumbered I managed to dodge them and run back towards Ryota and Emi who had moved from their previous location making our reunion all the quicker. Unfortunately for us, they were also dealing with their own enemy and I had just brought more trouble for them.

Sliding to a stop I took out the kunai and threw them deflecting the weapon they threw. °They want the bounty on our heads.° Emi was able to tell me as she disappeared creating a genjutsu around her.

°Just knock them out we have no time to deal with them.° I ordered them. Dodging a kunai I noticed the wire attached to it and before they could pull it back I wrapped my tantō around it and pulled on it. Dragging out whoever threw it. Able to land a good hit on the back of their neck I recognized their face. °Be careful, there may be some in the bingo book in this group.° I informed them hissing as a kunai grazed my arm.

Dodging a series of close attempts I tried to steady my breathing as I tried not to harm anyone but if it were necessary I would lightly cut arms that got too close for comfort or legs to decrease the number of those who dangerously ended behind me. I was so focused on my own battles that I couldn't spare a moment to look back at Emi or Ryota who fought behind me in the chance that turning around for that one moment could leave my stomach exposed to attack.

"Gah!" I heard Ryota yell as he stumbled back clutching one of his eyes. Looking towards him I threw my tantōat the one closest to him preventing them from injuring Ryota further.

Just as that happened my heart seemed to drop as I felt danger behind me. Backing away I unsealed a kunai from my arm throwing it at the one who chased me but that small action wasn't fast enough as someone else took the opportunity to get behind me. Unsealing Nagareboshi from my stomach I changed my footing prepared to hit behind me with the back of the sword. Turning around red flashed before my eyes as I stopped my sword from completing its movement. Time seemed to slow down as I registered what was happening, fluttering red hair covered my view. Red hair that would soon weigh heavy with blood. Thump! Right by my feet, Ryota fell. His red hair fluttered loosely behind him as he fell to his knees clutching his stomach. 'No… no. No!'

"I won't lose any of you again!' Without wasting a moment I adjusted my stance and struck the enemy before me returning the harm he had caused. "Heal him!" I ordered Emi. "None of you will leave here alive!" I yelled, unknowingly activating the Getsugan at the time.

Yukino: To make sure none of them escaped I trapped them with me. Adamantine chains formed digging into the ground, surrounding the area preventing any who would enter or think of leaving.

Ryota's POV

Trying to keep my eyes open I could see Yukino jump into the air appearing as if she were floating if it weren't for the small water platforms she stood on. Striking them down one after another she used their bodies against their comrades protecting herself while eliminating them. Showing a type of fierceness and cold-bloodedness I hadn't witnessed in years. Not since the day, we rescued Emi and the others in that manor.

Just as I remembered that day black hair came into view. Kneeling above me as Emi covered my view trying to stop the blood gushing out of me. "Thank you." I smiled hearing my voice come out weaker than I intended it to, surely worrying her more.

"Try to stay awake." She told me. Nodding I leaned my head back slightly staring at the glowing chains above with my one eye. 'Please stop using so much chakra…' I thought feeling the kunai dig deep into me as Emi tried to remove it in order to heal me.

Faintly in the background, I could hear the grunts of pain as they were hit. The longer the yells continued the stronger the scent of blood became. Propped into a seating position I saw the carnage with my one blurry eye as Emi wrapped up half of my face in bandages.

With a quiet gentle thump, Yukino landed on her feet, her chains pulling themselves out of the ground appearing almost as wings behind her momentarily before returning and dispelling the barrier. Her plain blue clothes were now dotted with red spots almost clean in comparison to her hands and blade which dripped with vibrant red. Her breathing was uneasy as the weight of her actions reached her. With a bloody hand, she removed the tainted mask allowing herself to bask in the cool spring breeze.

Emi pulled my arm up dragging me to a stand. Putting some pressure on my bandages I struggled to stand straight. Suddenly a portal opened before us. "Let's go. You need immediate medical attention and a blood transfusion." I could hear Yukino say as she walked towards me, knowing her words were true. I knew that there was something important we had to do.

3rd POV

"Don't mind me…" He coughed as his voice became raspy with blood. "What if they ran into them? Look for them." He winced as Emi shifted to not let him slip from her hold.

"I'll take him to the waters but please return quickly." Her voice shook as tears fell from her eyes. Her bloodied hand clutching onto his trembling body.

"I will."

A ways from where they were the Wolf members Yukino and the others were looking for were huddled close, treating each other's wounds. Luckily for them, they only encountered a few members of the group and were able to lose them although not without some injuries. Had they rejoined the other Wolf members as scheduled they would have had the aid of a medical-nin unfortunately for them that date had passed.

"Do you think we'll die here?" A Wolf asked his teammate as they bit into a piece of leather in an attempt to muffle a wince from replacing the dirty bandages.

"Don't speak such nonsense. We've been gone too long… I'm sure someone will come looking for us." They said holding a whistle close to their chest as they tried to keep their eyes open after spending the whole night on the lookout. "I'm sure…"

"There's someone close," his teammate warned.

Looking at the trees their eyes tried to focus on the incoming figures. Unable to recognize them. They pulled out a kunai and threw it. "Stay back!" He yelled weaker than normal.

"Woah! Are you feeling alright?" A young man dressed in black with purple face paint asked stepping closer to the two.

Looking down at the whistle and at the unknown shinobi once more they weakly blew into it. The whistles that came out were similar to a bird's chirp however there was a specific pattern to it only those familiar with it would recognize.

Standing a distance away Yukino stood still in her animal beast soul form. Her fox ears twitched as she heard the faint whistle. Not wasting a second more she dashed towards the source.

Once she did she landed in front of the small nook between two large boulders. The two looked up with smiles as they were found. The one keeping an eye out closed their eyes feeling tired and relieved knowing that they would return home.

The siblings watched with utter confusion as they saw their young friend land in front of them with ears and a tail but what stuck out to them was the strong scent of iron clinging to her unable to see the blood on her blackened hands. "Yukino?" She heard the siblings ask.

Glancing at them momentarily she picked up a smoke bomb and threw it towards them. In those few precious seconds, she was granted she created water tendrils, grabbing both Wolf members and taking them back to Uzushio through the portal opened by desperation. By the time the smoke cleared bloodstains were the only things, the siblings saw in that spot.

Dragging the two injured Wolf members to the shrine's underground spring she ran, wanting to check on her injured friend and to prevent the two she held from dying.

The moment she reached the entrance to the spring, the shrine keepers were there to greet her, taking the two and placing them in the water. With a quick look around she noticed her redheaded friend's absence. Kneeling by the water she helped remove the bindings exposing the wounds. Once that was done she placed her bloodied hands on the water's surface. With just the few that were there the water began to glow a familiar light green hiding the red that disappeared into the water.

"We're sorry… all we wanted to do is alleviate your responsibilities." The one who blew the whistle said waking up from their short nap.

"Don't do that again…" Yukino sighed feeling her exhaustion take hold from such a large amount of chakra consumption over such a short period. "You'll worry those here and those who trust you." She motioned to the other Wolf member. "You and the Koi already do so much for me. There's no need for you all to do more."

Finishing she lifted her clawed hands, shaking them. The two shrine keepers helped reapply the bandages and lifted them taking them to the hospital. "Ryota-san is currently there." One of them said.

?: So that's what happened to them. I didn't know their disappearance was because of you.

Yukino: Does that change the way you see me?

?: No.

Yukino: Liar. It's just now that you are learning these things about me why wouldn't it change.

Ryota's POV

After getting emergency treatment at the shrine Emi aided in my travel to the hospital where my wounds were properly treated and cleaned and I got back that blood I lost.

Laying on the hospital bed Emi stood by my side checking that everything was in order. "Emi, relax… I'm fine." I tugged on her forest green haori taking her attention away from the bag next to my bed. "Are you?"

"You may lose your sight." She sniffled. "That kunai I deflected hurt you. You may lose your eye because of me." She hugged herself, shrinking into the chair and away from me.

"We won't know that until the full moon." I turned my head looking out the window noticing the growing shadows as night approached. "If I'm correct I think Yukino mentioned getting her eye injured once." I closed my eye trying to recollect when she said that. 'I hope she did, if not I'll have to say goodbye to it.'

The door to the room slid open making me turn my head to see who it was. Yukino stood at the entrance breathing heavily as if she ran all the way here. Running towards me she stopped. I could see her body hesitate as she wanted to do nothing more than hug me. Wary of my state she gently held my face in her hands and smiled, a smile different than any I had seen from her. Almost as if grateful for my survival. Placing my hand on hers I reassured her that I wouldn't leave her so soon. With that small action, I could feel the bit of moisture from her hands as she had cleaned her hands before arriving.

Letting go of my face she inspected the bandages on my eyes tightening it with caution going into medic-nin mode. Groaning I glanced at Emi with my one eye and she shrugged, suddenly she stood up sensing something. Yukino, noticing this, also looked towards the door and backed away. Sitting there confused I was about to ask when my family barged into the room. "?!"

My mom was the first to reach me embracing me in a hug. "Every time you leave you better return." She warned me with clear worry and fear. Nodding silently I noticed as Yukino and Emi quietly left the room providing us some privacy for the news I needed to deliver.

"I need to tell you about Haruka." I sighed telling them about the grave we found, something we all expected but hoped it wasn't true deep down.