Ashes (A Naruto Fanfic Book 6)

Prologue

I tossed a kunai in the air and caught its hilt, pouting.  "You're very impatient today."

I rolled my eyes.  "They were supposed to be here an hour ago."

He chuckled, onyx eyes carefully watching the blade I was toying with.  "It takes 3 days to travel here... they're not late."

I sighed. "I don't know how you convinced me to go ahead with you.  They lose their edge when I'm not around."

He caught my weapon.  "It's nice to have alone time from time to time."

I raised an eyebrow.  "Is it?"

He set the blade aside and lounged, pulling me closer to him before I could get away.  "Yes..."

He kissed my neck, then bit down.  I bit my lip, holding in the gasp that threatened to escape my lips.  I struggled against him.  "What if they come?"

He chuckled and nibbled my ear.  "And if they do?"

I stopped resisting, enjoying the sensations he awakened in me.  His hands began to glide across my torso until he cupped my breast through my shirt.  "Itachi..."  He smirked and kneaded.

I heard the shift in the trees and sighed, disappointed as he stopped.  "I guess they're here."

I dropped my head to my knees.  "Could have taken a bit longer."

I didn't look up as they emerged through the thicket.  "We made it! Uh... Kunoichi?"

I felt a prod on my side.  "Kunoichi-sensei... we're here."

I lifted my head, pouting.  "I see."

Hinata smiled, silver eyes glimmering.  "You act like you aren't happy to see us."

Itachi smirked.  "Weren't you just saying they were late?"

I scowled at him and jumped up.  "Whatever, Uchiha."

Aya looked between us.  "Did we interrupt something?"

I crossed my arms.  "No, what took you so long?"

Ryo threw an arm around my shoulders.  "Well... apparently, there was this really good place we heard about and had to check it out.  The food was amazing."

I glared at him and shrugged him off.  "You abandoned me with him... for food?"

He shrugged.  "Who knows, maybe we'll come across it again sometime."

I punched his stomach, and he keeled over.  "What about you two?"

Aya shook her head.  "Honestly, we were trying to give you two space since Itachi insisted that you go first."

I narrowed my eyes at him.  "Seeee... it's your fault."  The way he was watching me made the butterflies in my stomach flutter.

I clapped my hands together.  "So, here's what we have to do..."  I went over the details of our mission, then Itachi and Ryo came up with the strategy.  We set off towards the camp, and Hinata and I scanned the area.

Hinata frowned.  "That's a lot of ninja..."

I nodded.  "Seems so... It looks fun, though."  Aya sighed while Itachi poked my forehead. "I know, I know, covert... don't get caught... try not to kill anyone."

They all shook their heads and dispersed, leaving me and Hinata alone.  "What did I say?"  She only giggled in response, and I smiled at her.

Somehow, I got stuck with the back entrance, with the least amount of guards. They really don't trust me to behave...  I watched their patrol and then slipped through the blind spot.  Once inside, I glided from shadow to shadow until I reached my target.  Hmmmm.... three... not too hard...

I entered their minds.  Sleep...  I watched, amused as each slid to the ground.  It's too easy...  I picked up the scroll and exited the camp.  Itachi arrived at the meet-up point at the same time I did.  I tossed him the scroll and looked at Hinata.

She was watching the camp intently.  "They're progressing nicely..."

I activated my own Byuakugan and nodded.  "Without our abilities... they are doing well."

Finally, they made it out and came back to us.  Ryo frowned when he saw us.  "Damn... thought I did good this time."

Aya was behind him.  "They cheat... that's why."

I put a hand to my chest dramatically.  "Me? Cheat?"  I chuckled.  "Maybe if I wasn't given the least amount of enemies, we could discuss this."

Ryo shook his head.  "Less chance you'll cause trouble."  I crossed my arms and huffed.  "Let's get to the Kazekage, I'm sure he is dying to see us."  We all nodded and took to the trees.

We arrived by nightfall and walked through the entrance.  I burst through his office.  "They're bullying me!"

The Kazekage turned in his seat, a smile in his blue eyes.  "Lady Kunoichi, I trust the mission was a success."

I crossed my arms.  "Do you expect anything less?"

Itachi handed him the scrolls.  "It's been a while, Uchiha..."

Itachi nodded, and I scowled.  "Really? He's the enemy right now."

"Sister... I don't believe anyone could actually bully you."

I thought a moment.  "That may be accurate, anyway, get back to work, Gaara... see you later."

I ran out of the office and into the streets, almost colliding with the other two Sand Siblings.  "Temari... Kankuro... do me a favor..."

I lounged at the waterfall I discovered shortly after escaping everyone.  I was lost in my own world as I played my flute in peace.  "Was that necessary?"

I ignored him and kept playing.  I heard pages and smiled against the instrument.  When the sun began to set, I smiled.  "Look, Itachi..." He joined me on my perch, and I watched enamored as the setting sun changed the color of the waterfall, making it look like flowing fire.  "Beautiful..."

He took my hand in his.  "It is..."  I smiled at him and looked at him curiously as he slipped a ring onto my finger.  "Kunoichi... will you marry me?"