Ashes (A Naruto Fanfic Book 6)

Chapter 12

Sasuke held my chain out to me, pouting.  "What's this?"

He wouldn't look at me.  "It's yours."

I giggled.  "It's okay, little brother, keep it."

He looked surprised.  "Really?"

I held up my wrist.  "We want you safe above all else. This is the easiest way to ensure it, also... it's cool."

He chuckled, scratching his cheek.  "Yeah..."

Itachu shook his head and took it from him, surprising both of us.  "Just wait..."

He turned away from us and when he turned back handed us each half.  "It was far too big for you anyway.

I scowled at him and then smiled.  "You're okay with this?  I know it was a gift from you."

He wrapped an arm around me and kissed the top of my head.  "Their safety above all else."

I kissed his cheek.  "Agreed." Both of the Uchiba blushed, which made me giggle.  "Sasuke, take no offense, but I know you are lingering for more than us... are you ready to come home?"

He frowned at me.  "I don't have a home to return to..."

I smiled up at Itachi.  "You may not see it now, but when it's time... you'll know what I mean..."

He scowled.  "Whatever... I... gotta go."

We nodded.  "Be safe, Sasuke."

I wrapped my arms around Itachi's waist as he stared at where his brother was.  "He'll be okay."

He looked down at me.  "You sound so sure..."

I touched his necklace.  "We've done what we can to ensure it."

He nodded.  "Ready to go back?"

I frowned.  "Not really it's quite crowded there."  I kissed him, wrapping my arms around his neck.  He didn't resist, opening his mouth so I could taste him.

He lifted me, and I wrapped my legs around his waist as he pulled back.  "This place isn't suitable..."

I put my forehead to his, enjoying the lust that danced in his eyes.  "I don't care."  I trailed my lips along his jawline and bit his neck, but froze when we were in the outskirts of the village.  I pouted and dismounted.  "Do you not desire me, Uchiha?"

He chuckled, and we walked toward the bridge.  I felt something in the air and looked up at Itachi, who frowned and nodded.

As we emerged from the trees, Madara stood on top of his head on the bridge.  "Well, well, well..."  We stopped, tensing.  "Kunoichi... getting married, I see... to 'Uchiha scum' no less.  I don't know whether to be offended or flattered."

I clenched the back of Itachi's shirt.  "What do you want, Madara?"

He chuckled.  "What's mine, of course."

I gave him a steely glare.  "I'm not a possession to be claimed."

He turned his gaze to Itachi.  "You also would've been mine, if not for her interference... or do you forget?"  Itachi looked unbothered, but I felt the bloodlust radiating off of him.  "Ah yes, you never did speak much."

I looked toward the village.  "I tire of your games, Madara.  State your purpose or allow us to pass."

His eye gleamed as he took a step forward.  "I think it's time you return."  He attacked but was blocked by a barrier.  "Yes... this is my Kunoichi."

His words made my skin crawl, but I focused on maintaining the barrier.  He attacked again this time with black fire.  "Fuck..."  Itachi and I jumped back as it ate at my shield.  I sent chakra threads his way and something odd happened, he seemed to twist and disappear causing me to miss, but was there when he righted.

He chuckled.  "Like it?"

I tried to place the jutsu, but could think of nothing.  Itachi... we need to get out of here... but he's faster than even me if he wants to be...

Madara clicked his tongue.  "Don't do that... let me hear you as as well."  He charged and I braced, but I wasn't the target, he went for Itachi.  I used the Flying Thunder God jutsu and his sword was through both of us.  I saw the amusement in his eye.  "Shadow clones..."

We saw what our clones endured and I trembled.  Itachi pulled me closer resting his chin on my head.  "It's okay... we're here."

I nodded.  "I know..."

Pein and Konan emerged from their room.  "He..."

Itachi looked at him and nodded.  "We know..."

They exchanged a glance, and Konan sat behind me on the couch, rubbing my back.  "He won't stop..."  I looked up at Itachi.  "Of that much, I'm certain."

He placed his forehead on mine.  "Then we fight..."

I searched his eyes and found no uncertainty in them.  "Then we fight..."

I sat up and looked at Konan, then Pein.  "What will you do?"

They exchanged a glance.  "He already knows we consider you family... he's no fool."

I nodded.  "The hunt has begun? For the Tailed Beast?"  They nodded.  "Who's first?"

Konan sighed.  "The One Tails..."

I closed my eyes.  "You know what that means..."

The tension in the room was palpable.  "We do, Sasori... he's prepared."

A single tear slid down my face.  "There's no way to delay this?"

Pein put a hand on my shoulder.  "We have... for as long as we could."

I lowered my gaze on the edge of my control.  "What's the likelihood they'll succeed?"

Konan sighed.  "They won't fail."

I looked at Itachi.  "I need to speak to Tsunade."

He nodded.  "That can be arranged."

I took Konan's hands in mine.  "You two should go. For your safety."  They exchanged a glance.  "I'm not angry, I was aware this day would come for a long time, but I can't be around when all of this happens."

They lowered their gazes and nodded.  "We understand."

I nodded.  "Gaara... he's quite dear to me, but for this to work, I have to trust others to save him... and I know just the little one to do it."  They looked at me curiously, and I smiled sadly.  "Tell Sasori... I'm grateful for all that he has done for me... I truly hope he doesn't die."