Ashes (A Naruto Fanfic Book 6)

Chapter 20

An Anbu appeared behind us as we walked away from the interrogation building.  "Can we help you?"

I felt his disapproval.  "You're to be gone night after tomorrow."

We didn't bother to turn.  "We're aware.  Go scamper off and inform your leader that the hunt will not be delayed."  I rolled my eyes as he disappeared.  "I really need to put more effort into finding who that is."

I saw as Naruto was returning with his team.  "Hey! Sis!"

I turned toward him as he ran up.  "I have a question for you."

I nodded for Itachi to go ahead.  "Good because I need to speak with you as well."

He frowned.  "Okay..."

We went to Minato's as he was out on a mission.  He got us water and frowned at me on the couch.  "Is it true what Sasuke said?"

I blinked.  "Oh, so your mission was more of a success than anticipated.  What exactly am I confirming?"

His frown deepened.  "You knew and didn't come?"

I sighed.  "I told you I'm not his favorite person right now.  Tell me what it is, brat."

"He said you stabbed him with your thread things and electrocuted him."

I smirked.  "Oh... yeah, that happened."

He immediately stood.  "That's why he's mad at you!"

I rolled my eyes.  "But did he die?"

Naruto balled his fists.  "How could you?  And you act like it's no big deal."

I shrugged.  "He was on the opposing side, and I do hate being held captive."

He deflated some.  "He captured you?"

I shook my head.  "Kabuto did... he was kinda in the way, though, so... yes, I did pierce and shock him, but that's really not important."

He gaped.  "But... you hurt him."

I chuckled.  "He got a few blows in too. Also, I'm sure you've seen his lightning.  Barely left a scratch in the end, I'm sure."

He frowned.  "But..."

I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees.  "But nothing... did he die?"

"No."

"Did he look permanently disfigured or injured?"

His frowned deepened.  "No."

I nodded.  "No harm, no foul.  Now, I have a very large request to make of you, and I need you to listen carefully, Little Bird."

He sighed, but I had his full attention.  "What do you need, Sis?"  I smiled.  Now the hard part...

Talking to Naruto took far longer than I thought, and I rolled my shoulders as I left the house.  When I entered the apartment, I smiled as grey eyes met mine.  "Hinata! I thought you would never return."

She smiled.  "Took care of some things, Sensei.  How was it?"

I sighed.  "A hassle as always."

She glanced behind me.  "Well, we leave soon, so enjoy it while you can."

I ignored the presence lingering and sat across from her.  "The Chunin exams will be upon us soon... are you ready?"

She smiled.  "Yes... it's time I returned."

I nodded.  "I understand."

She looked at me curiously.  "Have you spoken with Father?"

I rolled my eyes.  "I haven't talked to that man since... hell... since before the wedding I think.  Seems he only speaks with Chihiro and you now, not that I'm complaining."

She nodded.  "I'm not surprised... your relationship was..."

I smirked.  "Exquisitely violent."

She sighed and shook her head.  "He has been better behaved since the massacre."

I sat back.  "He's been better behaved for a while... never tried to put that seal on Chihiro."

She pursed her lips.  "He would be a fool to try."

I chuckled.  "But my performance when he tried it on you lacked the perfect ending..."

She rose and stretched.  "I think it ended just as it should.  Rest well, Sensei.  Your last day here may be even more harrowing than today."

I did the same.  "Don't remind me."

She smiled her sweet smile.  "Sleep well, Kunoichi-sensei."  She looked behind me again.  "You as well, Itachi."

As she left, I turned looking at Itachi for the first time and frowned.  "Forget a shirt?"

He shrugged.  "She's unaffected... didn't see the need."

I punched him in the gut.  "Unaffected or not, Uchiha, decency is expected... unless you want me in shorts and a t-shirt in front of Ryo."

He frowned at the thought.  "Understood."

I shook my head, walking past him to the bathroom.  "Stupid Uchiha."  He was sleep when I emerged from the bathroom.  "Must have been working hard today..."

I curled into his side, and he reflexively put an arm around me.  I thought of the coming events and sighed.  Apparently, the women had organized the engagement party for our last night in the village, and I was expected to get dressed up for it.

I never bother to look at the dress that was picked for me, knowing that if it wasn't my taste, I had others that I could choose from, curtesy of Chihiro.  Something about it made my stomach turn in a sour way, knowing my gut feelings up to this point, it was concerning.

I twirled the ring around my finger and tried to let my mind slow down, and my body relaxed.  The pit in my stomach wouldn't dissipate, though.  I shifted and closed my eyes as I laced my fingers together on my stomach. Meditation seemed to be my only release tonight, and I needed to think.

After a time, I ran through everything that could possibly go wrong, but still, something was off.  I couldn't place my finger on it, but whatever it was, it troubled me.  I looked at the ceiling and sighed before closing my eyes again to sleep, accepting I had to let it happen, and I would need my rest to deal with it.  This... won't end well...