Ashes (A Naruto Fanfic Book 6)

Chapter 23

When I made it Minato's, I was pissed.  I pushed open the door, mumbling under my breath.  "That fucking bastard..."

Everyone looked up at me and Minato stood.  "Is she..."

I looked at him.  "She's fine... should be out tomorrow."  There was a collective sigh of relief and I looked over in the corner.  "Neji?"

He looked up at me, clearly in distress.  "Lady Kunoichi..."

I smiled at him sadly.  "Go to her... she'll be happy to see you when she wakes back up."  He hesitated.  "Neji... if you don't go see your girlfriend, I will personally kick your ass, then you can share a room."  He looked relieved as he vanished.

Hinata looked at me curiously.  "How?"

I sighed.  "I'm far from a fool, but him being here confirmed it."

She simply nodded as Minato sat back down.  "Who would do this?"

I looked at Itachi, who was frowning.  "Marada Uchiha... who else?"

I took a seat beside him, and Minato looked surprised.  "Why?"

I took a deep breath.  "He's clearly displeased..."

Minato looked at the two of us.  "What will you do?"

I met his gaze.  "I... we'll need to discuss it later..."  Itachi's arm snaked around my waist.  "For now we rest, tomorrow will be a busy day."

Everyone dispersed, I had Aya and Ryo stay in Chihiro's room as I sat with Itachi on the couch.  "What do you think?"

I looked at him, seeing the sadness clouding his eyes.  "Continue forward as planned.  He'll be busy for a while with Shisui."

He pulled me into his lap.  "If only we had known..."

I shook my head.  "Nothing could prepare us for tonight.  His has the ability to appear and disappear... we know nothing about how it works."

He nodded, burying his face in my hair.  "I'm just happy you found her... sorry for doubting you."

I sighed.  "I almost didn't go... it didn't make sense for anyone to be there after the first two explosions, but I'm glad I did."  I curled into him, my head on his chest.  "Rest... we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow."  I felt him nod as I began to drift to sleep.

We were summoned by Tsunade the next morning, and she looked tired.  "So, I felt you should know... Shisui's gone."  We exchanged a glance and nodded.  "You knew?"

I sighed.  "We saw him... being carried away."

She frowned.  "By who?"

Itachi clenched his fists.  "Madara..."

Her eyes widen.  "I see... we will do what we can, but..."

I shook my head.  "They won't be found til he's ready."

She frowned.  "You seem familiar..."

I lowered my gaze.  "We have history..."

She nodded.  "I can't convince you to stay longer?"

Itachi put a hand on my shoulder.  "We've caused enough trouble... he will come for us again."

She sighed.  "Very well... until next time."

We left her make-shift office, and I turned to Itachi.  "I should go..."

He put his forehead to mine.  "Are you sure?"

I smiled.  "Positive."  He sighed, clearly troubled.  "No worries, Uchiha... you take care of things here.  I'll bring him to you."

He kissed me softly.  "Be safe... Nothing reckless."

I smirked.  "Not even a little recklessness?"  He frowned, and I giggled before running off.  "See you soon."

When I was clear of the village, I jumped into the trees and felt I was being followed, so I picked up the pace.  "Catch me if you can..."  Whoever was sent after me impressively fast, and I smirked.  "Fun..."

I continued until I felt them begin to slow and headed for the sound of running water.  I dropped down at the edge of a river and looked around, satisfied.  I splashed my face and turned to my pursuers smiling.  "Took you long enough. I was beginning to think you gave up."

The leader of the Anbu unit stepped forward.  "You won't make it out alive this time."

I tilted my head.  "I'm sorry?"

They began to take out weapons, and I jumped onto the water.  "Useless..."

They surrounded me, and I placed my hands behind my back.  "Not even going to try to drag me in?  How disappointing..."

The one at my back threw Kunai, and I spun, sending them back at him, but he jumped out of the way.  They all attacked at once, and I spun again. They recovered quickly, and I decided to have fun with them... I had time to kill.  I stayed on the defensive, evading, blocking, and deflecting as needed.

They began to tire, and I was growing bored.  "Well, it was a nice try, but I have bigger fish to fry."  I waited until they were all within range, dodging as one almost cut me with their katana.  Then I spun for the last time chakra threds, cutting them all down seamlessly.

I looked at the carnage and sighed.  "Was it really worth it?"  I looked around, sensing no one else in the vicinity.  "Back to what I was doing."  I took to the trees again, teleporting when I felt it was a safe distance away.

The room was dark, and I was lightheaded as I sat on the small bed.  "Farther than I thought..."  I sighed and got myself back in control.  I looked at the time and sighed as I drew my legs up beneath me.  It was some time before the door began to open, and I peered through my lashes to see who it was.

I smirked as I looked into blood-red eyes.  "Took you long enough, Uchiha..."