Chasing After You || Itachi

Ch. 18 - The Evidence

"What is going on?" Tora demanded after she was granted entrance into the Raikage's office. She'd contemplated storming in like her mother did the other day, but decided there was already enough trouble to go around. A silently sat on his couch and watched as his daughter storm up to him with her hands balled in fists.

"The village is looking into-"

"My mother was arrested on false accusations yesterday." The female narrowed her eyes. "It's already frustrating enough that you won't do anything-"

"You already know I can't do anything right now!"

A's voice boomed, echoing off the walls in the room. It was enough to silence Tora for that moment, but only served to further rile her up. He probably was trying his best to help her mother in his own way, but it didn't help her feel any less disheartened by the situation. A, on the other hand, was just as frustrated.

"So what do I have to do?"

"Tora..."

Crossing her arms over her chest, she looked at her father with a serious gaze. "Tell me what I have to do to free my mother."

"Well, there's no denial that you're my daughter." A sighed before looking her in the eyes. "If you want to free her, you'll need to find evidence that she's innocent."

The ravenette tilted her head in thought. "What kind of proof would say that she's not a traitor?"

"That's what you need to find."

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

'Tonight.'

She'd found the slip of paper lodged in her window and knew exactly who it was from. Lighting a match, she carefully burned it and sighed audibly.

Tora sat and waited for Nigai to come by her room so she could leave. Since she hadn't seen or heard from her mother since the whole ordeal, she knew she needed to act quickly to find the best solution to get her out. Her father hadn't lightened up with his constant supervision, however her overseers had become more lax since she'd proven that she was no longer a threat.

"Hey, kid. You ready?" Nigai asked through the door as he knocked.

The ravenette rushed to the door before he could finish knocking and pulled the male inside. As soon as she saw the coast was clear, she closed the door and turned to him. "I need a favor."

"Depends on what it is."

"I need you to let me investigate my clan grounds alone."

Nigai gave her an all-knowing look and crossed his arms. "Absolutely not."

Tora frowned at his quick response and sighed. "Why not? Haven't I already proven myself? What more do y'all want from me?"

"Do you understand the position that you're in?" Nigai asked. "Your mother is in a holding cell until trial. You're next of kin and an outsider, so they have extra eyes on you, especially now."

"That's all the more reason why I need to clear her name."

Nigai stared down at Tora and he knew she wasn't going to back down. She was as hot-headed and stubborn as they came. Silently, she grabbed a hold of his hands and undid his arms. Taken aback by her sudden movement, he stepped back as she stepped forward and continued to look into his eyes so he knew she was serious.

"What are you-"

"Will you please help me just this once?"

Her amber eyes could have put him in a trance. Surely she wouldn't be bold enough to try and seduce him, especially since the pleading look in her eyes seemed like more than enough to convince him. She didn't realize the effect she had on him. Tearing his eyes away, he nearly regretted what was coming out of his mouth.