The Lotus and The Deer (Shikamaru x OC)

Chapter 25 - Doubt

No POV

Naruto looks up at Sasuke, "Why are you--why can't you understand?! He'll take your body Sasuke! It's Orochimaru, he's just using you!"

Sasuke looks down at him, "If it happens it happens, so be it. You're still such a child, Naruto. I don't care what happens to me, or anyone else in this world. So long as I can get my revenge, nothing else matters. To be honest, neither Orochimaru nor I am strong enough to defeat Itachi alone. But if I can obtain the power to defeat Itachi by giving myself to Orochimaru, I'll give him my life a thousand times over."

Yamato stands, declaring he can no longer hold back, "He's a rogue shinobi. No different than Orochimaru, he can't be allowed to roam free. We're bringing him back to the Leaf by any means necessary."

"The Leaf Village? I'm done with the lot of you. It's over."

Doing some signs he raises his hand, only for Orochimaru to grab his wrist, "I wouldn't bother with that jutsu. Be smart now. We still need the girl."

"Let go."

"Now, now." Kabuto appears, "I'm not going to tell you again. Watch your tone with Lord Orochimaru."

Sasuke looks at him, "Give me a reason to stop."

"You do remember the Akatsuki are on the move now, don't you? We want the good people of the leaf village to get rid of them for us. As many of them as possible. If the Akatsuki interferes, you might not get your precious revenge."

"That's a pitiful excuse."

"But if it helps your chances by even one small percent then it's worth it. Agreed?"

He looks down at Naruto before lowering his hand. Orochimaru looks down at Hasu, "We'll be coming back for you, Hasu."

Then they burn, disappearing right in front of their eyes. Seeing Naruto's sad expression, Hasu walks over to him, bending down she pulls him into a hug. As tears slip from his eyes she holds him close, "Naruto, this won't be the last time. You must save your tears because we're going to bring Sasuke back. We have to be strong."

Sai speaks up, "We still have half a year left and four makes better than two. You've got me and that should be some help, right?"

Smiling at his words, Naruto whispers softly, "Thanks."

The team returns to the Leaf Village informing Lady Tsunade of the mission. Determined, Naruto declares that he's never giving up, that he needs to get stronger so he can face Sasuke. Supporting this she sends them home, letting them rest before our next mission is determined. Hasu returns home, tired from the long mission.

Unknown to them, Yamato gave Tsunade new information on the matters involving Hasu and her eyes. The comparison Sasuke made with the 9-tails left him suspicious of her along with Tsunade and Jiraiya. Not wanting to risk Naruto's safety despite there brother-sisterly bond she sends Anbu to watch her from afar. He also tells her of Hasu's bloodline, this being a shock to Tsunade she hopes deep down that this suspension is just her and Jiraiya overthinking things.

Back with Hasu, she takes a quick shower before slipping on a shirt she stole from Shikamaru. Crashing on her bed, she can't help but smile at the smell of his scent. Focusing on her chakra she feels, Shikamaru's in the village, also sensing a handful surrounding her home she frowns.

Sitting up she summons a small messenger fox, "Yes, Lady Hasu?"

"Hello, can you bring Shikamaru here for me? Please?"

The small fox nods before disappearing into the shadows. Opening her window, she smiles at the Anbu hidden in the tree's a block away. Then she disappears, alerting him and the surrounding Anbu. Quick on her toes, she knocks them out one by one, anger taking over due to her day off being interrupted by pesky bugs. How was she going to save her father's sibling if they're watching her every move? Holding on to the back of the Anbu's shirts she appears in the Hokage's room, not caring that she only has a long oversized shirt.

Dropping the Anbu she crossing her arms, "Lady Tsunade, why did you send Anbu to watch me? I know it's not because of my heritage being revealed so why?"

They have a stare off before she answers, "You're eyes, Captin Yamato stated that your eyes looked like Naruto's when the 9-tails takes over."

Pissed by her comment on the quote-and-quote 9-tails taking over she pushes it down, "So this is about Naru-chan's safety, I gotta say I'm offended. Especially since I pulled him out of his tailed beast form, comforted him when down, and treat him like my own brother. If you haven't forgotten I was out training with my Jiji, and as you know I'm a fox summon, so don't you think that my eye's changed because of my summoning?"

Her eyes widen in realization, blushing a bit she nods, "I apologize for the doubt."

Hasu nods, "It's fine, but remember this, and tell the perv this too. I will never hurt Naruto, I would lay my life for him because he is my family, figuratively, and literally."

With that she left, disappearing again to her home. Plopping down on her bed she sighs before hearing a knock on her door. Groaning she walks to her door, opening it to reveal Shikamaru.

Smiling at him she leans against the door frame, he blushes at her attire. Pulling him in she gives a small thanks to the messenger fox before he poofs away. As soon as she closes her door, she turns around meeting Shikamaru's soft lips. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she deepens the kiss. As there lips part, she grabs his hand, leading him to her bedroom.

Laying down on the bed, he does the same as they tangle themselves in each other's warmth. Smiling, they drift off to sleep, waking up about an hour later to talk about the troublesome mission.