Uchiha Avenger

Chapter 9

Manzo carried Ayame to their compound in a bubble, popping it and setting her down on the counter. She hissed and groaned at the burns along her small body as Jiraiya looked her over.

"What's happening?!" Sasuke's parents ran inside, followed closely by Minato and Jiraiya.

"Is she alright?" Minato questioned immediately.

Akiko's mother rushed in soon after, Akiko clinging onto the woman's leg.

"Ayame!" Akiko sobbed.

"What's going on?" Her mother asked urgently.

Manzo's breaths sharpened at the sudden amount of voices around him. Ayame's wails rung in his ears until he slammed his hand on the counter.

"Hush!" He roared. Manzo turned sharply to Akiko's mother who had Ryuu, a young child, on her back and Akiko on her leg.

"Crystal." He whispered. "Can you...please help me? Please."

She set Ryuu down and headed to the table. She pinned her hair up swiftly and began healing the wounds.

Ayame screamed, her back arching at the pain. Itachi held down her shoulders, ordering Akiko to hold onto her legs.

"Calm down." He urged, Ayame screaming out.

"It hurts!" She kept repeating.

"Manzo." Minato turned to them. Yasmin stared at Ayame in guilt, her mouth covered.

"Manzo, they're going to come for her at sunrise." Minato shook his head as Jiraiya stepped inside, closing the door.

"I won't let them take her away." He balled his fist.

"They're scared of her. It's no doubt about it, but they're going to take her away for now until they figure out what it is about here."

"You're best choice is to hide her." Itachi's mother spoke.

"She can stay with us if you like-"

"You all remember the day Ayame disappeared correct?" Jiraiya interrupted Itachi's father.

"Yes?" He hummed.

"She was actually in the feline realm, talking to Chuichi and the other cats about a possible apprenticeship under them. There isn't need for hiding because at the crack of dawn, a summoning will have fetched her and returned her to their world. She's made the decision she will accept their offer and with that being said, she'll be leaving soon."

"Why didn't she say anything?" Yasmin whispered.

"She didn't want anyone stopping her." Jiraiya hummed as Manzo looked down at her. "I'm sorry."

"Ayame..." Akiko whispered, staring at her calm body.

"You can't stop me." She strained. "I've done enough. I don't want to hurt you anymore, I just wanted to protect you all!" Her voice shook. "Training with Chuichi will help me get stronger. Smarter. I'm sorry- I should have said something."

"So this is your last hours together?" Itachi's father turned to Manzo and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't let anger ruin your last moments together."

Manzo turned to Ayame, staring down at her for a moment.

"The sun will be rising soon." Jiraiya reported.

Akiko sat down beside Ryuu, crossing her arms.

"Guess I won't be sleeping then." She breathed. "If it's my last time, I want to stay by my best friend's side."