Shinobi x Assassin - Naruto fanfiction(COMPLETED)

Chapter 29 : Settling Priorities

Gaara P.O.V

I looked at the scarlet eyed girl in front of me. This was one battle that was sure to be unforgettable. This was a battle I had been looking forward for a long time but now...I was not looking forward to it at all.

Since my fight with Uzumaki Naruto, I prided myself on feeling more humane than ever...but now it might just be a weakness to me.

Akame: Nee Gaara-san, are you strong?

Gaara: What?

Akame: Are you strong... Strong enough to stick to your philosophy?

My philosophy? I used to be kill to prove the fact that I was alive. What was my philosophy now?

I knew what. The fact that I must prove myself to others...if I want to be accepted by others. That was my way of living. I hadn't made much progress in that direction, but my relationship with Temari and Kankuro was way better now, but I intended to prove to people that I was worth relying on.

Gaara: I don't know what you mean...but to achieve my philosophy I need to be strong!

Akame: I see. What I meant is that your philosophy involves showing kindness isn't that right?

Gaara: Exactly. That is what I learnt from Uzumaki Naruto.

Akame: To be kind, you need to be strong. Kindness is not a weakness. It is a sign that you are strong...strong enough to be able to afford being kind.

I stood in shock. She...really doesn't seem like a bad person...why is she helping helping Sasuke then? Shouldn't she help Naruto bring Sasuke back to the village?

Akame: Are you perhaps wondering why I side with Sasuke? It is quite simple. Our relation is that of a Employer and an Assassin. I had decided to give up on my status as an assassin but...I have decided that Uchiha Sasuke is need...or is rather...worthy of my skills. I intend to help him fulfill his mission as an avenger. His past haunts him and...I am afraid that revenge is the only way for him to look at the future.

Gaara: But...he could forget about revenge and try to live a happy life?

Akame: Live a life of false security? What guarantee does he have that his brother will not come back and destroy his life once again? Revenge for him, is the path to his future and...a way for him to be strong enough to make his own decision.

Gaara: I see that our opinions differ. So we truly have no other choice but to fight right?

Akame: Indeed. And I wish to conclude it quickly. I'd rather that Sasuke isn't forced to fight Naruto. Now...let the battle BEGIN!

* * * * *

Akame: Freezing blade!

She didn't even make any hand signs! Was it a kekkei genkai or a special gift like my absolute barrier? A cold breeze swirled around her and condensed into a sword. Her left eye automatically turned white. She didn't show any signs of pain or discomfort...did she have a lot of chakra?

I let the sand pour out of the gourd attached to my back. It swirled around me...ready to defend when the attack comes.

She raised her hand and swiftly brought it down. About 20 shards of Ice came flying at me. The sand protected me instinctively. I didn't have to focus on defense unless-

Akame: Gaara-san, don't underestimate my speed. I don't need to open 'gates' to quicken my pace.  

I quickly blocked my head and chest with a kunai but felt the air rush out of my body as her knee crashed into my lungs quite forcefully. It did not cancel the sand barrier but it was enough to make me fall to my knees. What on earth was that force?

Akame: I'll have you sleep for a while, Gaara-san...

"No you won't! Not when the Konoha's green beast arrives to save the day!"

Standing with a straight pose, a confident gait and a casual smile was...Rock Lee! Wait...why is he helping me?

Lee: Weird as it sounds, I don't hate you. Someone who doesn't know what is right and wrong cannot be held responsible for his actions. Now you do...after realizing it, you are not the same Gaara. You have changed and I don't hate you.

Akame didn't look too pleased with the arrival of Rock Lee...but that was only for a moment. Before I knew it, she had calmed herself and was looking at us with determined eyes.

Akame: Perhaps you need his support Gaara-san. You are not yet strong enough...to defeat me or show kindness to your enemies. You might have realized when you fought Naruto. What he has is pure strength. Belief in his abilities and the power to back up that belief. He was able to beat Shukaku even without going into full Kyuubi mode.

I knew she was right but...I have to fight on my own!

Lee attacked her with taijutsu and I covered him with my sand attacks and cushioning his falls with my sand. A full 10 minutes was spent in attacking her and all we managed was the little scratch on her thigh when she was shocked with Lee's arrival. It was surprising. Both I and Lee were fighting at full power against one girl. And yet...we were equally matched...because she had not gone offensive yet.  

'Do you want to kill her?' 

This voice...is it Shikaku? No! I am different from before! I can't...I won't kill innocent people?

'Innocent? This girl's sword. It is not called a demon sword for nothing. It might not be as strong as the tailed beasts but that sword thrives on blood. Given it's pristine conditions, I can say that she has killed hundreds of people.'

Akame has? Is that the killing intent I used to feel from her? Even against that man, Mahiro Kariya, Akame didn't use a sword! Rumors state that she fought an S rank criminal from Yugakure (Hidan) on equal terms. Was she really on a level where I can defeat her? Even my past, psychopathic side would have had problems facing her.

"I am here to provide assistance, Akame-san."

Akame: I see. Are you the fifth sound ninja, Kimimaro?

"Indeed. I shall handle the taijutsu boy."

Akame nodded. Lee was engaged in a battle with the white haired man called Kimimaro. I must defeat Akame! Else it will be impossible for Naruto to defeat Sasuke and Akame all by himself, assuming that Lee defeats Kimimaro.

Akame: Have you made up your mind?

Gaara: I have. I shall defeat you!

Akame: That is a beautiful look you have in your eyes... If you are prepared to face the consequences...then COME!