Ashes (A Naruto Fanfic Book 6)

Chapter 6

Itachi looked down at me as I drew designs into his chest.  "How did you get him to come?"

I looked up at him curiously.  "He didn't tell you?"

He shook his head.  "We didn't say much..."

I sighed.  "I may have made a point to find him on our way to get Pein and Konan... while you were sleeping."

He frowned.  "That was dangerous."

I shook my head.  "I know my little brother, despite his misgivings, he's a good kid."

Itachi sighed.  "After last time..."

I giggled.  "He had nothing to do with that. He just wasn't much help."

....

I collapsed from chakra exhaustion.  His little experiments are getting stronger, and I swear there are more....  I looked around.  Where are the others?

I realized too late that he was behind me and cursed softly as darkness claimed me.  I scrunched my nose at the scent of chemicals and death.  I opened my eyes and saw I was chained to a wall.  Well damn...

I flexed my fingers.  "So... you're awake, a lot sooner than anticipated."

I glowered at the grey haired man in front of me.  "You know it's creepy to watch others sleep. You should get that checked out."

He slapped me across the face.  "All words...  maybe your tongue should be the first thing I remove."

I tasted the blood in my mouth.  "Okay, so you know this won't last long, Kabuto.  I'm awake now... just let me go before the others destroy yet another of your hideouts."

He smirked and held up my belt.  "He can't find you without this, right?"

I eyed it and rolled my eyes.  "My stalker is a professional, I assure you they'll be here, but you also know that the longer they take the more deadly the consequences... let's cut that loss."

He laughed.  "Like I said all talk."

I sighed.  "Your choice..."

I began to work at the chains.  "It's useless... besides, I have someone who may want you to stay a little longer..."

I rolled my eyes, and Orochimaru walked in.  "Pfft... yeah, that's a no."

He stepped aside, and before me stood a very familiar face, it made my heart stop.  "Sasuke..."  I recovered quickly.  "Mind helping a girl out?  This is quite uncomfortable and inappropriate."

He stared at me silently, but I saw the anger in his eyes.  "Why did you bring me here?"

Kabuto grabbed my chin.  "Aren't you happy to see your 'sister', Sasuke?"

I pulled my face from his hand.  "Get your dirty hands off me, slime."  I was greeted with a fist this time, I saw Sasuke's hands clench tighter.  So...

I spit blood on the floor.  "Kabuto... you really should see a therapist for your anger problem... could get you killed one day."  He raised his hand.  "Strike me again, and I will kill you here and now.  My patience is running thin."

He hesitated at my tone.  "You're powerless to st-"

He clutched his head as I began to burn through his mind.  Orochimaru had a hand to my throat, and I fearlessly smirked in his face.  "Hello, Snake."

He smiled evilly.  "There's no one here to save you... even your own brother won't come to your aid."

I looked behind him and saw his Sharingan activated.  I think we need to have a talk, little brother...  "Maybe because he knows his sister's not the one who needs saving."  I sent electrified chakra into his arm, rendering it useless.

I melted the chains and fell to the ground, rolling my shoulders.  "Now, please direct me to the exit.  I'm not fond of evil lairs."

The two men on the ground glared at me, then at Sasuke.  "Sieze her!"

Sasuke gave them a careless look.  "I have nothing to do with this... find your own way out."

I frowned.  "I'm hurt, but that's better than fighting, I suppose."  I looked at the other two.  Sleep...

Looks of surprise crossed their features before they fell to the ground.  "Why not kill them?"

I looked at him thoughtfully.  "Because there's a war coming...  I need you both at your strongest, which means seeing as little of us as possible."

He frowned.  "Is it true?"  I tilted my head.  "You and Itachi slaughtered the clan in the dead of night."

I sighed.  "Yes and no... it started out that way, but overall, they fought back, which, as you probably figured out by now, is more my preference."

He clenched his fists.  "Why?"

I stood before him.  "You know me, Little Brother... you tell me why."

He averted his gaze.  "And Shisui? Why is he still alive?"

I smiled mischievously.  "Shisui is in a hell of our creation. Only death can give him peace.  I ensured he couldn't grant it to himself by paralyzing him and cutting off the use of his eyes.  His fate is far worse than the others, I assure you."

He met my eyes.  "You seem pleased with yourself."

I shrugged.  "I'm more upset that I can't see my handiwork for myself... he and the clan had it coming... you had to know this, Sasuke."

I saw the conflict in his eyes.  "Then they labeled you criminals..."

I felt the others coming.  "You have 5 minutes, come walk me to the exit, would you?  We'll make it convincing, I promise."

He began to lead the way, and I started destroying the hideout as we went.  "That was also our choice.  They would have fought and died, and we made the decision for them..."

He looked at me thoughtfully.  "So, do I have it coming too? I'm sure you heard about,  Naruto."

I smiled up at him as the wall behind him collasped.  "No, I could never be mad at you for that.  He's alive and thriving as you are."

He lowered his gaze.  "You won't tell me to go back?"

I giggled.  "What right do I have, Sasuke?  I spent most of your lives outside the village with no desire to return."

He sighed.  "I've missed you, ChiChi..."  We made it to the exit.  "What now?"

I smirked.  "I said I'd make it convincing.  Strike me with your all... just don't kill me... and I'll have to hurt you as well."

He looked at me, surprised.  "Wha-"

I sliced his face with a thread.  "We have to at least keep up appearances, or no one will really think I escaped."

I saw the understanding in his eyes, and we sparred.  I grinned as he landed some blows, and I retaliated.  He has gotten strong...  I glanced at the direction the others would appear in.  "I'm sorry, Sasuke, this has to end now."

I pierced him with threads and electrocuted him.  He fell unconscious as I walked away.  Be good, Little Brother, and get my belt from that snake and his henchmen... you'll find it useful...