Wildflower Book 1 | Naruto Fanfiction

Chapter43: Sunagakure

Ever since they arrived back in Konoha from the Post village, Sasuke wasn't quite himself anymore. He hadn't spoken much to anyone since then. That is to say, he spoke far less than usual, and often spent a lot of time away from home.

This made Akira and Karin a bit uncomfortable, seeing as Tama was barely home as well. Even though she would leave a clone every once in a while to monitor their training, it wasn't the same as having her around. One would be confused as to why this was so, because her clones were exact copies of her, and therefore should have been the same. Tama's chakra clones, while they had her personality, were rather dull as compared to her. They were like a shell of the real her, and it really sucked. At least the food they cooked was still really good.

Today, they were training their kenjutsu, something Sasuke was missing out on because he 'had to get stronger and not chubbier'. It was a wonder how that boy's brain worked. While it was obvious that he loved and appreciated his sister, he didn't seem to realise just how much she risked everyday for him. For example, she left the village to follow him just the other day, leaving the place wide open if ever there was to be another attack.

With this thought in mind, Akira paused in the middle of blocking a swipe from Karin's wooden sword, and was struck on her shoulder.

"Are you okay, Akira-chan?", Karin asked, noticing her sister's suddenly sour mood. Akira cast her a fleeting glance. There was no more hiding her worry now, Karin would pester her until she spoke up. With a sigh, she lifted hew sword once more, Tama's clone wouldn't take kindly to them slacking off.

"Does Sasuke-kun seem a bit off to you these days?", she asked as she advanced towards Karin. The older girl blocked her attack, a small frown coming onto her face.

"Why? Did he say something to you?", she asked worriedly. They had just gotten there, What could have been the problem so early on? Karin's frown deepened when Akira averted her gaze rather guiltily.

Something really was wrong...

Suddenly, Tama's clone perked up, seeming to have come up with an idea. She approached the girls.

"That concludes of kenjutsu for today. We'll get into your slicing technique tomorrow morning. Now, I have to teach you two how to throw senbon.", she said decisively. The girls shared a look, sure enough, throwing needles couldn't be as taxing as Kenjutsu. They immediately nodded. Tama smiled a small, ominous smile, one that told them of tough times ahead.

Could it be that the senbon was a tough weapon to handle? They looked at each other once again, hopefully, it wouldn't be so.

Hopefully.

...

"Look, I know that you all mean well for the village. I know that you don't trust me. I am also wary of you, but I'd rather we not dwell on it too much. I, myself, am in favour of niidaime-sama's methods of leadership. That is why I dared to approach you today.", Tama said, a small, humourless smile gracing her features. Tge council remained quiet for a ling while, clearly this child was playing them. What could she have been up to that she wanted them to soften up?

"There have been some odd things happening around here that I have noticed. I'm afraid that far too many of my findings lead me back to you, the supreme council."

Danzō frowned, and beside him, Utatane perked up as if to speak. However, she remained silent as she studied Tama intently. Tama only cast her a fleeting glance before focusing on Homura.

"I am aware that the Uchiha clan massacre was a way to protect the village from an impending coup d'etat. If it hadn't happened then the village would have been history by now, or worse. This means that both Itachi and Shisui were following orders as Anbu operatives, to protect the village. This iplies that you are in contact with Itachi, and his being a member of Akatsuki is a part of his mission.", Tama said. Homura pursed his lips, but said nothing. The girl clearly had more to say.