The Flower That Will Someday Wilt |Naruto Fanfic|

Chapter 24

Ai/Itami POV

When I opened my eyes that morning, I didn't feel the same. I felt like my top priority was this mission, nothing else. All I had to do was finish it quickly, swiftly and clean. It doesn't matter if someone dies, because they failed to finish the mission. I wanted to speak of my priorities, what Lord Danzo told me, but it was like my tongue was paralyzed. And I remembered: The Curse Seal.

Yes, of course, once a ROOT, always a ROOT. We are the darkness. While the leaves grow in the sun, the roots grow in the darkness, and I was raised in it. So, even if I was kicked out, I will always be a part of the dark.

I quietly stood, making my way over to the dining room to see everyone regrouping for breakfast. Kakashi gave me a closed eye smile. "Good morning, Itami-chan." I nodded in acknowledgement as I sat next to him. I said nothing to the others, it's not like I should say anything.

I muttered a "Thank you" to Tsunami as she placed my food in front of me. The others were suspicious of my change in attitude, but said nothing as they dug in. It's okay, my business has nothing to do with them. Naruto asked many questions about how cool I was, but I didn't even glance at him.

"Itami. Stop it." Kakashi ordered sternly, placing down his chopsticks. I merely looked at him impassively. The others stopped eating and stared at what was happening before them. Kakashi, knowing this is serious, stood with his crutches and pulled me outside. "Stop. You're not like before, you are different. Stop acting like comrades don't exist."

"That's a nuisance, do whatever it takes for the mission, even if they die." I told him, but as those words left me, I felt a tiny burn on my cheek.

He hit me.

My eyes were wide. This has never happened before, he never ever even cause physical pain to me. What emotion do I use? I looked towards him to see him almost emotionless.

"I get it that you were brainwashed, but Tenzo was in ROOT too. So stop acting like no one could change, because he certainly did. You did too, but you were somehow brainwashed all over again. And I want you to endure it, because I'm your friend, your comrade, and I care about you." He finished, smiling a genuine smile.

I looked downwards as I let the words sink in, an ashamed feeling pitting in my stomach. "I'm sorry." I was probably pitiful now, looking like a disgusting person.

He ruffled my hair. "It's okay, Itami. Everyone makes mistakes." He then looked sympathetic. "Even I did." He muttered the last part in gloom, but eventually became happy. "Now, let's eat breakfast." He declared, opening the door for me.

Third Person POV

The scarred old man used all his power to not show fear. "I'm sorry, Madara-sama, I couldn't put her into my lead." He apologized, flinching at how hard the stare he was given.

"Such a simple task and you couldn't do it?" He darkly inquired, voice dripping off venom. "You're of no use to me. I should've never relied on weaklings. Work on it, Danzo." He ordered, getting a bow.

"Yes, my mistake."

Danzo quickly fled, his heart beating immensely. He ordered many ANBU around while Madara clicked his tongue.

"I have no time for this. I'll have to do it myself." And, just a blink of an eye, he was gone.

Danzo felt relieved, but was angry at how weak he must have looked. He firmly sat on his chair, cane gripped tightly. "A Genjutsu user and a Yamanaka, send them here." He ordered an ANBU, getting a fast response. He smirked evilly. "Now, why don't we give you a nightmare you must relive?"

-

Madara, along with Zetsu, watched as Ai and her team practiced climbing trees. He wasn't impressed at all, instead, found them utterly horrible and useless. The pink haired brat just fawned over the Uchiha; who was way too cocky. The Kyuubi boy interested him, however. He felt a nostalgic feel when watching him, taking notice of all the similarities. He hid everything with a scoff.

"He won't understand this world. He's just naive."

"Hm, Obito, it seems you see a resemblance to your old self and that boy." Zetsu teased, his voice changing of that of White Zetsu and Black Zetsu.

"No, it's just fun thinking of ways to extract the Bijuu from him, painfully." He mused, not taking his eyes off Ai. "All I need now is to find our support. To manipulate her. It'll make this plan perfect... Zetsu, keep watch and record what she does, I'll be busy with maintaining the Akatsuki." With that, he left in a swirl.

Hopefully it won't be as troublesome.

Guys! This totally sucked! I know! I was tired, I wanted it finished, I had no ideas, and please don't hate. It's so hard when you're watching a new anime. I almost called the Genjutsu a Transmutation Circle. ;) Well, I'm sleepy, so... See you on the next update!

ThatRandomLoveStory-