Hatake✔️

11

As I sit on the tree branch I look into the landscape.

After moving countless times we have ended up here again. The land of fire.

I don't know how long it's been. I haven't bothered trying to count.

We are going to collect something soon apparently. Kabuto says it's important but that I won't be pushed to the side.

One thing that hasn't left my mind is Kakashi.

"Akari! It's gonna rain, come inside." Kabuto says at the base of the tree.

"Just let me stay out here. Please." I call down to him.

"Be back at nightfall. Don't get in trouble." He says.

Sure enough the rain starts. It wastes no time and falls straight out of the sky at full force.

Now is my chance.

I try to remember how to get to the village.

As I skip from branch to branch I start seeing familiar landmarks.

I stop and perch on the edge of the trees. Looking out into the village I see some familiar faces.

I wander the tree line and stop when I hear a crunch behind me. I turn and see nothing.

I wait.

"Akari."

I cannot will myself to face him.

"Akari don't leave without looking at me again." He says.

I take a deep breath and face him.

"Kakashi." I say just above a whisper.

He is standing to my left and holds his fist out.

He places a folded up piece of paper in my palm.

"Don't get it wet." He says, and it's his turn to walk away.

I take my time returning to Kabuto.

I'm completely soaked to the bone except the paper that I have crumpled in my fist.

"You're late." Kabuto says when he sees me walk in.

I scoff at him.

"Go change. Lord Orochimaru wants to have a word with you." He tells me.

I go back to my room and hide the unread note in my shoe.

I change quickly and go to Orochimaru's room.

"Akari?" He says before I can knock.

"Yes." I say.

"It's time for me to try out a new jutsu. This will be particularly useful in retrieving information you have forgotten about." He says.

"Kneel." He says pointing to a small cushion infront of him.

I comply.

"This might tickle." He says and my vision blinks black.

It only takes a moment for him to see.

He dismisses me with a wave of a hand.

I wonder what he saw.

I make it back to my room and retrieve my note.

Meet me here tomorrow
I cannot bear not seeing you

It then gives some coordinates.

My eyes sting with tears. I hold the note to my face. Even in ink he is charming.

I refold the note and put it in my bra.

I wander the dim hallways trying to find some water.

I find Kabuto instead.

I roll my eyes and pass him.

"Akari?" He says.

I take a deep breath in knowing it will probably be more scolding.

"Yes Kabuto." I say politely even though I am older.

"If you think of possibly running away...well don't." He says.

"I'm not." I reply.

"Good. I'd hate to bring back your corpse." He says.