Orochimaru's Daughter

Strategy

"Has he returned yet?," I sat with my legs crossed on the bed. Riku and Kakashi were both awkwardly standing on opposite sides of the room.

"Yeah, he arrived late last night," Riku was staring out of the window. He seemed a bit more distant than usual.

"Good. So I was thinking-," I was rudely interrupted by Kakashi.

"Whatever it is; no," he stared at me knowingly.

"Hey! Hear me out."

He shook his head, "Whatever you're about to say; it's going to involve you seriously endangering yourself. Isn't it?"

"Yes, but it's the only things that'll probably work. So listen. Please."

He heaved a deep sigh, "I'm listening."

I clapped my hands together, "Okay, so as I was saying. Kakashi, you and Riku can go look for his sister while I deal with Orochimaru."
I raised my hand before I could get interrupted again, "Riku will go with you just in case he needs to fight another ghoul. Then once he makes sure you both are out and safe; he can join me. You'll need to stay with her just in case."

Kakashi was annoyed, "Why can't he take his sister to safety? I wanna be there for you darlin'."

I stood from the bed, "He's taken everything from us Kakashi. We need to put an end to him. He needs to pay."

Kakashi looked a bit defeated, "Fine. I'm going to go get us dinner," he pecked me on the lips quickly and walked out of the room. I know he just needed some air.

I turned back toward Riku. He was still silently staring out of the window. "Do you have any objections?"

He shook his head, "No. I know you can handle yourself Ai."

"Thank you Riku."

"Just promise me you won't get yourself killed. I can't lose you physically too."

His last sentence made my heart feel heavy, "Rik-."

"I need to get back," he immediately opened the window and disappeared.

I groaned and closed the window. I fell onto the bed and sighed this time. Why did I have to like men? I buried my face into the bed and got lost in my thoughts. So lost; that I didn't even hear the door to the room open. I didn't even see Kakashi's presence until he fell onto the bed beside me. I slowly turned my head towards him but I stayed laying down. He was in the exact same position, staring back.

"I know you can handle yourself darlin'. I just can't help but worry. I can't lose you again."

I reached over and touched his face, "I'll do everything I can to make sure I come back to you Kashi. Always."

He sat up a little and pulled me to him. He kissed me on the forehead, "How about we eat and enjoy the rest of the night. We're both gonna need some rest to do well tomorrow."

"What did you bring me to eat?"

~

Kakashi and I were all packed up and heading out of the village. We wouldn't have to travel too far according to Riku.

"Are you okay darlin'?"

I sighed, "I don't know what to expect Kashi."

"Just always keep your guard up. Don't trust him. No matter what."

I nodded, "I know. I'm just..," I trailed off for a minute before speaking again, "I'm just kind of excited. I'm finally getting my chance to end him. He deserves nothing but the worst death."

Kakashi rubbed my back, "I understand darlin'. Don't worry. Feeling that way is perfectly understandable."

I nodded my head and bit my lower lip anxiously. Kakashi noticed and pulled me into his side. We stayed silently like this for the rest of our travel.

When we finally came across his hideout; we hid behind a nearby fallen tree. I sat my bag down and started putting any extra weapons I wanted on my body. A kunai strapped to each leg, some shuriken in a small bag attached to my waist, my headband securely on my forehead. I was ready.
    Kakashi stared at me with worry heavy in his one visible eye. I squeezed his hand and smiled at him. I'm sure that didn't help but it was all I could provide while we waited silently for Riku.

It was maybe 10 minutes later when he finally met us outside. "We'll be able to walk in just fine; but we'll have to split up when we get inside," he motioned for us to follow him. He entered first, and Kakashi entered immediately after.

I stood directly in front of the entrance.

This is it. This is finally it.

My heart was pounding with anticipation.

Time to end this.