Inferno (A Naruto Fanfic Book 4)

Chapter 26

I was still furious as we exited the forest, and Itachi was troubled by what happened to Sasuke. I already told my group to retreat and regroup in the apartment, and Hinata returned to her team. We were approached by an Anbu to which I ignored. He appeared in front of us once more. "The Hokage-"

I glared at him. "Can kiss my ass... this is his fault. If he wants to speak to me, tell him he knows where to find me. I won't entertain his requests any longer."

The Anbu froze at my disrespect and was at a loss for words. I breezed past him and continued to Aya's. They sat at the counter, already forming a plan for the next steps. We joined them, and they threw worried glances my way. "Kunoichi... don't do something stupid." Ryo grabbed my wrist. "You have to think this through."

I frowned at him. "And what would I do?"

He sighed. "Go straight for Orochimaru."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "That's not stupid. It's efficient."

Aya rolled her eyes. "And stupid. Let's get this plan together first." Ryo nodded while I plotted my revenge. "This of part of the exams ends in a few days."

Ryo nodded. "Hinata will understand if we leave today..."

I looked at the two of them. "On top of your current assignment... I need information on the curse mark. Anything you can find, especially if it can be removed." They both nodded, and I turned to Itachi. "We'll be there when it finishes. We have to seal it as soon as we can."

There was a slow knock at the door, and Aya went to answer. She came back looking puzzled as the Third Hokage came in after her. "You said to come find you."

I glared at him. "What do you want, Old Man?"

He calmly sat. "It was confirmed about the Grass genin. Also, Orochimaru has been sighted in the forest."

Itachi grabbed my hand as my fist closed. "We know... he attacked Sasuke."

He nodded. "Yes, we were made aware. The Chunin exams will continue, and the situation moni-"

I abruptly stood. "Get out."

His eyes widened. "Excuse me."

Itachi stood between us when I took a step towards him. "Do you think you can contain it like this, Hiruzen? Do you really think this is the best way to keep everyone safe?"

He lowered his gaze. "The Anbu are on high alert. We can't just stop the exams."

I chuckled darkly. "Because it means the village is showing weakness... it will cost you lives. Congratulations... get out."

He stood and began to leave. "We will need you all if it comes to that."

I sneered. "We'll be here, but not for you. Count on that." He nodded and closed the door behind him.

Itachi plopped down in the chair. "I thought you were going to attack him." I blankly stared at him as Ryo and Aya exchanged glances. "You weren't... right?"

I huffed and sat facing away from him. "Wouldn't be the first Kage I've attacked."

He turned me to face him. "That wouldn't end well."

I rolled my eyes. "What a whole boat load of shinobi and Anbu trying to kill me? Also, it wouldn't be the first time." He gaped. "You wouldn't know..."

He thought for a moment. "You said... I don't know what you did on the first of my birthdays you missed..."

I glanced at him. "You don't." He stared at me, and I sighed. "It's where my reputation began..."

He frowned. "I'm assuming the most feared." I nodded. "What was it?"

I met his gaze. "I killed hundreds of shinobi in minutes..."

His eyes widen. "Why?"

I shrugged. "They tried kidnapping someone dear to me. The additional anger didn't help them any."

He sat back. "Why haven't I heard about this?"

I averted my gaze. "The Leaf knows... they've always known. They just didn't want to tell you guys... it gave them more cause to keep me close than send me away."

He looked at Aya and Ryo. "Where were you?"

Ryo scratched the back of his neck. "Uh... I hadn't met her yet."

Aya lowered her gaze. "I was the one who was kidnapped."

He looked back at me. "It wasn't the last time, not to earn that title."

I sighed. "I know what I've done and who I am, Itachi... I wouldn't change any of it."

He took my hands in his. "I understand."

I arched a brow. "Do you?" He nodded. "Let's hope that's true after the Chunin exams then."

He blinked. "What?"

I watched his expression. "I have information that the Sound Village will attack the Leaf. Once that happens, the whole village will fall by my hand."

He searched my eyes. "You can't be serious."

I didn't falter. "I am... and you won't say anything about it. Without the attack, mine won't be justified."

He furrowed his brow. "But you wanted the Chunin exams to be stopped."

I shrugged. "That's clearly not going to happen, so... mass slaughter it is."

He lowered his gaze. "Just because they attack the Leaf? You don't like..."

I lifted his chin. "People I care for are here... Kabuto is working with Orochimaru, and the Sound is connected to him as well... I have other reasons, but those are the ones you need to know."

He moved my hand. "There must be another way."

I tilted my head. "Maybe, but this is my way, and I always have justification... I'm just waiting for them to act."

He pulled away from me. "You say it as though it's nothing."

I smirked. "If it was nothing, I wouldn't bother... the matter became final when they went after Sasuke. So, Itachi, are you sure you want a girlfriend like me?"

He met my gaze, unwavering. "This changes nothing... I will support you where I can." Poor, stupid Uchiha...