XXIX: Preparations
"But killing Orochimaru took special skill. Who did it?"
"Sasuke Uchiha." The Leader of the Akatsuki replied.
Itachi stood unfazed at the mention of his little brother's name.
"I was gonna be the one to bring Orochimaru down."
"Hmm. He's good. I'd expect nothing less from your kid brother, Itachi." Kisame said.
"He's gathering members.. Really troublesome ninja. One of them is a girl I've never seen or heard of before." Zetsu spoke.
"Hmm? What do you mean?" Kisame wondered.
"You know them well too. One of the Hozuki Brothers of the Hidden Mist."
"You mean Suigetsu? That brings back memories!" Kisame said in excitement.
"And also bipolar Jugo. So be on your guard, Itachi, Kisame.. I dare say they're targeting you two.
And the rest of you keep Sasuke Uchiha in mind. After getting information about Itachi and Kisame, they just may come after the Akatsuki." Pain said.
"And the unfamiliar girl Zetsu mentioned." Deidara wondered.
"Zetsu. I'll leave you in charge of her. Watch her every move. See what her role is in Sasuke Uchiha's group." Pain said.
"Yes sir."
"Kisame, what kind of guy is he.. This Suigetsu, hm?" Deidara asked.
"It happened ten years ago.. He had such a cute smile. A child prodigy whose been called the reincarnation of the demonic Zabuza."
"Hmm. They seem like an interesting lot." Deidara said.
"Hey! Don't get too interested! And just leave me out of it!" Tobi said.
"Never mind that already. Do not get to close to Sasuke's group. We know of their individual abilities, but the girl Zetsu spoke of. We know nothing of her so far. And it just so happened that she emerged from the aftermath of Orochimaru's death. Keep your distance until I confront her myself. Now, Itachi and Kisame, hurry up and get the Four Tails." Pain said.
"Understood."
-
"What is your relationship with Sasuke?"
I glanced to my left, seeing Karin look down at me with a displeased expression, arms crossed. She looked down on me like I was a pathetic little being.
I rose an eyebrow. "Can't we talk about something more interesting?"
She scowled at me.
I rolled my eyes as I sighed. "Fine then. I'll take that as a no. Now, get out of my face." I said with a flick of my wrist.
"Listen up, princess. Orochimaru is dead. Which means you no longer-"
"Don't you dare bring up that bastard of a Father in front of me." I said in a calm and low tone.
"Then quit acting like-"
I was in front of he face in an instant, glaring at her as I worked my magic on my fear inducement jutsu.
She gasped as she collapsed on her knees, tears streaming down her face as she tried to tear her eyes from mine.
Deciding to take pity on her jealous soul I released my gaze on her, turning back around and walking away from her.
We had taken a break because Suigetsu was an annoying bastard. I was surprised no one interfered in what I had just done to Karin, but I did feel the spiky head's gaze on me.
And off again we continued on, as Suigetsu lagged behind, sipping his water through his sippy cup.
"I can't go on... Let's take a short break.."
"As long as you drag your feet like that, we'll never get there!" Karin yelled at him.
"Well, pardon me. But unlike you, I have a very delicate constitution."
"Huh? Look, just evaporate, you wa-"
"Shut up." I stated simply, sending Karin a death glare.
Her eyes widened as she quickly looked away, not wanting to experience that awful jutsu I made her go through just moments before.
"Aww, Miyako!"
I sent Suigetsu a harsh glare, shutting him up.
"Were here." Sasuke spoke.
We all turned our heads to the direction of his voice, seeing the ruins of an abandoned village.
Is this where were really staying?
-
"Its been a long time, Denka and Hina."
I glanced behind me, seeing two small cats sitting behind us. What the hell?
"Ah, if it isn't the young Sasuke. And he even bought his friends!" The female kitten said.
They were the weapons keepers??
What the hell is this shit?
"What's your business here?" The female kitty asked.
"Weapons and medicine.. and various other things. Were preparing for battle." Sasuke said.
"This is-" Karin started but was interrupted by Suigetsu.
"Oh, a talking racoon dog. Hey, come over here." Suigetsu taunted.
The male cat hissed at him as I smirked.
"Don't approach them carelessly. They're ninja cats. They'll tear you apart."
-
"Deidara and Tobi will be going after Sasuke Uchiha." Pain spoke to Zetsu as the other Akatsuki disappeared off to their own missions.
"That seemed obvious." Zetsu remarked.
"The girl will be there too."
"You want me to watch her closely?"
"Orochimaru probably kept her hidden from my eyes for a reason. When Deidara comes across Sasuke Uchiha and his group, that is when I want you to draw the girl out. I'll be there waiting when your task is completed."
"Understood.. This sounds quite fun."
"Don't underestimate her."
Zetsu snickered. "Of course! Never underestimate a pretty girl!"
-
"I'm going." Suigetsu turned to us as we stopped in the path. He lingered his gaze on me though as he grinned. "Stay safe, princess."
I simply shut my eyes in irritation, arms crossed.
"Itachi Uchiha, eh? I hope we can find him." Jugo stated.
"I'm going with you." I told Jugo. He seemed like the only decent person here, and besides, I hadn't gotten annoyed at him. Yet. And I still don't know what his powers are even though Sasuke told me that I had to keep a special watch over him, since apparently I'm the only one who could control his abilities. Whatever they were.
"No." Sasuke stated simply.
Suigetsu laughed. "Miyako, why don'tcha come wi-"
"Never in a million years." I snapped, turning my face away from him.
"Aw.."
And then Suigetsu and Jugo's presences disappeared from around me. I begun to walk away, already feeling Karin's death glare on me.
"Sa-su-ke! I'm staying with you!" She sing songed his name. I rolled my eyes in annoyance.
"You too. Get going."
I snickered as I literally felt her disappointment rolling off her. And then her presence was gone.
"Miyako." I ignored Sasuke's voice as I pulled out a black veil netting over my eyes, using a thin headband to keep it secure on my face. I still kept on the same outfit as before, similar to Sasuke's as I continued to walk away from him. But this time we wore a cloak over our bodies.
"Come here." He ordered.
"You aren't the boss of me." I mocked in a sing song voice, mimicking Karin.
He suddenly appeared in front of me, stopping me in my tracks.
"You aren't going by yourself."
"Everyone else gets to and I don't? Come on, Sasuke. You know I'm stronger than the three of them combined. And besides, if I happen to run into an Akatsuki that is not your brother, the chances are high of me beating whoever it is."
"Then you'll be endangering not only yourself, but Shiroryuu. The second they find out about the beast inside of you, every single one of them will come after you. Since you are, after all, Orochimaru's most treasured possession."
"Why the hell do you care what happens to me? Like I said before. I can take care of myself."
Sasuke began to walk the way he had been before, glancing back at me and waiting for me to follow him.
I sighed, picking up my pace to walk next to him.
"The time will come when you will be overwhelmed by your emotions." Sasuke said.
"What are you talking about?"
"I killed your Father and you act like everything is okay." I felt his eyes on me. "I can read you, Miyako. And the time is approaching when you will finally break down, the news of Orochimaru's death finally sinking in. You are oblivious to it, but it's already taken a toll over you."
"Bullshit. You don't know me, Sasuke." I snapped.
"I know you more than you know yourself."
"Must be that stupid sharingan." I mumbled.
I don't know how many minutes passed as Sasuke continued to walk on forward. Honestly, if he had let me go off by himself, I would have found Itachi in an instant and warned him. I don't support Sasuke's hunger for revenge. I never have.
And I know Naruto wouldn't want this path for Sasuke. Which is why I had to figure out a way to stop him.
I stopped when I felt a presence appear behind me, and as did Sasuke. I gave him a side glance as he met my gaze, nodding his head slightly before looking back at whoever was watching us.
"Show yourself... Who are you?"
I turned my head and narrowed my eyes as an orange masked person emerged from the trees, a cloak covering his entire body, the pattern of red clouds on it.
"You're outfit.. You must be.."
"So you're Sasuke.. You really do look like Itachi!" He spoke in a high pitched voice.
Sasuke sent a harsh glare his way, sending the Akatsuki running backward.
Geez. What a scaredy cat.
Another presence appeared above us as I tilted my head up.
I heard Sasuke's slight gasp as another Akatsuki, but this time with blonde hair, charged at us from the sky, riding on a bird made of.. clay? as another bird shot at us.
Tch. A weak attack.
I clasped my hands together as I pushed my chakra out of my body, cloaking myself and Sasuke with a thick shield of my chakra. At the same time a large white serpent had emerged from within Sasuke, shielding my chakra as an extra coat of protection. The birds exploded on us, not even laying a scratch on our skin.
Sasuke sent me a warning glare, his sharingan glinting in his eyes. Probably worried about my sudden use of chakra in front of the Akatsuki, whom I had never seen before in my life but I had known of their symbol.
Don't worry Sasuke. My mission is to protect you.
Sasuke's eyes widened slightly at my thought. I was shocked myself that he had even heard that.
Perhaps I actually said it out loud? Or maybe Shiroryuu is being nice again?
The smoke dispersed around us as Sasuke turned his attention back to the two Akatsuki.
Its play time.
-
this is where the fun begins... (If you weren't already having fun before)
thank you for reading and voting. hope you enjoyed. next part will be up in a few days!
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