Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ A Girl Named Yama ❯ Chapter 13 - Home Again ( Chapter 13 )

A Girl Named Yama

 

Author: XoXSilverDragonXoX

 

Disclaimer: I do not own anything from `Naruto'. The only thing I own is my main character, Umari Yama, and maybe some unrecognizable characters that you may see.

 

Brief Summary: A girl finds herself dumped into Hatake's bed one day in a different world to deal with an emotional Sasuke, a hyperactive Naruto, a flirty Genma and lazy Kakashi. And of course, to deal with all the glory of life in Konoha to boot.

 

Last Chapter:

 

Well, more drama! We all love it. So after dealing with the little brother, Yama takes a walk only to find she has to deal with the other brother. And after getting her ass handed over to her on a silver platter a second time, Itachi decides to take her on a little trip. A trip to a place that Yama has no idea where it exists on the planet. And after sobbing and letting off a little steam, Yama gets a surprise visitor. I'm sure all of you know who it is by now.

 

Notes:

 

Hard to say where spoilers begin in the manga, so to be safe: Spoilers for the Naruto manga chapters 310and up. Read on… if you so wish. You have been warned. Seeing as this story is rated `M' be expecting a bit of language now and then.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

Chapter 13 - Home Again

 

"You may be useful indeed," My eyes went from the black and grey outfit all the up to the creepy tongue and snake-like eyes. You have got to be kidding me. Orochimaru?! I stared at him in horror. Since Itachi had triggered my older memories, it seemed like he had also unintentionally triggered some of my memories from back when I used to watch Naruto. Those memories tended to pop in now and then. And I definitely remembered the snake-sannin. Which also meant that I knew just how dangerous he was.

 

Trying not to show my uneasiness, I leapt back and backed up a few feet. Orochimaru straightened, a smirk forming on his face. Why was he here? Was he a part of Akatsuki? No… he shouldn't be. Didn't he leave it?

 

As if he had read my mind, he answered, "I am indeed, not a part of the Akatsuki anymore." I blanched.

 

I stared at him in horror. There was no way-! How on earth did he do that? Oh forget that, how did he get here than? I hadn't seen any means of leaving this village, much less entering it.

 

"Wha-" I gasped, instinctively reaching for my kunai pouch, only to find them not there. I cursed, remembering they were still in that room I had woken up in. How stupid was I to go marching around in a dangerous place - much less Akatsuki - without any weapons? Idiot! Um... at least I think they were in that room. I wasn't sure where Itachi had put them when he had taken them off of me...

 

Kakashi was still back in Konoha with the rest of them... and Itachi was somewhere else- he probably had no clue as to where I was. I had done a bit of wandering. Maybe Kisame - no, the meeting was called for all members... Taka? Now would be a splendid time to show up, you know. In fact, show up now and I'll never call you useless again. Taka!

 

I was on my own this time. I've never been on my own before... all the other times, there had always been someone there...

 

Well, now I knew Orochimaru definitely wasn't part of Akatsuki- he had to be telling the truth; otherwise he would be at the meeting, wouldn't he? Itachi! Come to me! Come!

 

That matter aside...

 

How was I going to get out of this one?

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

“Kakuzu; have you found any more wanted heads?” The smooth voice echoed through the dark room, its inhabitants not the slightest bit unnerved.

 

“Iie. None after the big bounty last week.” Kakuzu's rough voice answered. Itachi glanced uninterestedly at him, staring at his black soulless eyes. It was well known that Kakuzu cared more about his money than anything else. It was because of his priorities, plus his previous partners' impatience that cost them their lives.

 

“Kakuzu.” Pein said disinterestedly, “Where is Kirisaki?” Kakuzu merely glanced to the left. “He tested my patience.” Someone to the right of Itachi, snorted and started laughing.

 

“Mata hitori ka?” Deidara sneered. “You seem to be running through partners like how Uchiha ran through his clan. What caused it this time?” Kakuzu stared blankly at him, as if he should already know the answer. And in turn, Deidara probably already knew— he was merely teasing.

 

“Ma iiya. He was already getting annoying, wasn't he?” Sasori rumbled. “We'll just replace him again when we find one suitable.”

 

Pein shook his head slowly, but agreed. “Fine. As nice as it is that you're weeding out the weak ones, some of the partners you get are useful, Kakuzu. Please try to hold your temper in next time.”

 

“Mmm. Hai.” Everyone glanced to the right when a piece of paper fluttered in. In a few seconds, the room swirled with papers as Konan formed in the middle of them. “Pein. Orochimaru has entered the premises.”

 

Pein merely hummed in response. “And pray tell why is that traitor showing his face to us once again?” Konan merely shook her head slightly. “I've also discovered a girl in our tower. She may have been the reason for his appearance. Whether or not this is true is not yet determined.” Itachi felt himself tense, but relaxed. There was no need for any suspicions to arise yet. It could be someone else other than Yama, couldn't it?

 

Pein cocked his head blandly. “What is so interesting about this intruder that has caught the snake-bastard's eye?”

 

Yama was a smart girl, she should know that his warnings to not leave the room meant well and that the place was as dangerous as he had suggest—

 

“She has a strange chakra flow. I noticed it earlier as well. Her chakra flows in an unknown pattern compared to the many ninja I have encountered.” This time, even Zetsu raised his head in interest.

 

— Or not. Itachi felt his chest tighten. He had told her not to leave the room! And for a good reason, too. The room was guarded from chakra. Anyone within would not be detected by anything, anyone— unless the guard broke. And the guard only broke if the caster died or released it.

 

Zetsu showed his teeth. “Should I get her, Leader?” Pein shook his head. “No, if the intruder is indeed within Amegakure, it will not be that easy to leave. We will encounter her sooner or later.” He tilted his head slightly, as a loud noise began to fill the room. Kisame shifted beside Itachi, turning towards the window.

 

“It's raining again.”

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

Slam!

 

Throwing the door opening, Itachi couldn't sense his sister's presence anywhere in the room. His eyes landed on an empty plate of food, indicating that she had eaten.

 

But... where was she? He felt a headache developing and pinched the bridge of his nose. Why did he always get the stupid ones? Forget that, he had to find her, now.

 

Carefully scanning the area with his Sharingan eyes, he saw wisps of chakra trailing out the door and down the hall.

 

You see, in case anything had gotten out of hand, Itachi had placed a chakra point on Yama, so he could locate her if need be. It worked quite simply, really. Using his own chakra, he would connect it with her chakra system, allowing his chakra to flow into her chakra. The result, since the foreign chakra did not really belong at all, was that wisps of it would leak out and hang in the air - not forever - but within a certain time limit, leaving a trail in its wake.

 

According to what he saw, she had been in the room not too long ago, but had wandered out.

 

Focusing his eyes on the wisps, he began to follow its path.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

I stared into snake-slit eyes, trying to hide my fear. I knew this man was dangerous and being alone with him was not a good idea. And you know what? I didn't really have that many places to hide at the moment.

 

"Orochimaru-sama."

 

Scratch that.

 

We weren't alone. I just had another enemy to deal with.

 

Another man, dressed in a black cloak with a cat mask stood behind me. I stared. I blinked. Wasn't that an Anbu mask?

 

It started to rain. And not light rain either— I mean heavy pouring rain. I was virtually soaked in seconds. I pushed my long bangs from my eyes and tried to focus on where the two were standing. I don't think I had enough strength to fight at my fullest at this point. All I could rely on was luck.

 

"Ma, ma, Kabuto-kun. Tell me. What is so different about her?" Orochimaru drawled, his slit eyes focusing on me. Kabuto... Kabuto? I frowned. I didn't remember anyone called Kabuto. Should I remember?

 

Orochimaru eyed me. I shivered, fear seeping throughout my system.

 

It was at this time I noticed something. I couldn't fucking move. Why?!

 

"Tsk, tsk, dear. You fall so easily for the Kanashibari No Jutsu. I wonder why Itachi-kun has brought you here, hmm? What kind of use would you be for the infamous Akatsuki organization to capture you? And to use Uchiha... nonetheless." Okay... so it's not my nerves... it's his stupid technique! Oh shit!

 

I felt my fingers twitch slightly, but other than that my body made no other moves. Even as I tried to move, Orochimaru walked closer and stopped. He gave me an evil grin, before leaning lower (he was a tall person... okay... to me he was a tall person. Well, not really. He was about Itachi's height), and stared straight into my eyes.

 

And all I could do was helplessly stare right back, trying and failing to move myself. There was... something... that was nagging at the back of my mind... but I just couldn't remember! It was at the nick of my brain... but I didn't know what it was. Slowly, I managed to lower my eyes, in case he decided to use his technique on me.

 

Feeling something contact with my cheek, my eyes jerked from their position, letting out a strangled cross between a yelp and growl. He was stroking my cheek with his hand! I shuddered and yelped. Arg. Nasty. Dude, you are like fifty. Stay the fuck awaaaaay.

 

"Get away from me!"

 

I saw Orochimaru's head turn slightly, eyes widening, before everything went 'flash!' and I found myself halfway across the yard, and able to move again. Slowly, I stood up straighter, a little unsteadily, startled to find Itachi in front of me.

 

I couldn't see his face, but I was positive that he had his Sharingan eyes turned on. I could tell by the look on Orochimaru's face.

 

"Ku, ku, ku," Orochimaru smirked, "She must be something of a great value, especially considering the fact that you're actually willing to save her from me. So tell me, Itachi-kun. What is she? A jinchuuriki? A new member?” He inspected his fingernails, "However, I doubt that she will be as much use to me as your little brother will be."

 

Startled, I heard Itachi let out a low growl. “I doubt you will be able to land your slimy hands on a Uchiha, Orochimaru. Have you forgotten the last time you tried?” Itachi drawled.

 

Orochimaru's eyes flashed angrily through the rain. When Itachi made no move to fight, the snake-sannin managed a sneer. “What? No attack, Itachi-kun? Nothing at all?” Itachi merely tilted his head slightly.

 

“I believe Sasori would not be pleasant if I stole his prey so easily, Orochimaru.” For a second there, I realized that the Anbu figure was missing. Where had he gone? I didn't want to activated my sharingan to check (seeing as Itachi had his active, and we all know what happens when I use my eyes around someone else with the same power). That's when the Anbu figure appeared besides Orochimaru. I squinted at him. His cat mask had been removed, and even though the rain was covering up most of his features, I still spotted silver hair and glasses. I frowned. Who was he? I saw him whisper something to Orochimaru.

 

I stepped close to Itachi and stood on my tiptoes to peek over his shoulder. I saw Orochimaru press his hands together. "Well, it seems like our task here is done. Therefore, I shall be leaving you to your peace. I'll be sure to say... 'hello' to Sasuke-kun, for you..." With a poof, Orochimaru was gone, rendering me very much confused. The remaining Anbu figure only paused, before completing the same seals that Orochimaru had done and disappeared as well.

 

As soon as they were gone, Itachi rounded on me, "Why were you out here? Alone?!" I flinched under his gaze. Man, he might as well be the older brother. I saw him mutter something before running his hand in front of my face. I felt a tingle, but nothing changed when I looked around. What was that?

 

He stared at me. “I masked your chakra with mine.” His stare turned into a glare. “Do you realize what you have caused?” I flinched. I couldn't help it! He was glaring at me with his sharingan eyes! Let's see how well you would do! Although I have to admit, I was in the wrong. If I had just listened to him this wouldn't have happened.

 

"I was bored. And… I needed to see where I was…" I said meekly. He sure knew how to make a 19 year old person feel like a six year old. Itachi growled and whirled around, but not before snatching my wrist and proceeding to drag me after him- presumably back to his room. This time, however, I was able to take notice of the walls, since I didn't have to watch where I was going. I noticed that there seemed to be symbols on the walls - a variety of different kinds.

 

I guessed that this was some sort of mapping system, allowing them to be able to go about doing their business without getting lost. And if an intruder entered, then that person would be lost. I could see one symbol was 3 commas - the Sharingan symbol - and another one was a faded and scratched out snake head.

 

But other than those two symbols, I didn't not recognized any other ones and studying them only caused my mind to be more jumbled up and tossed into a more advanced state of confusion. It didn't help that they appeared to appear, disappear, and reappear again.

 

The symbols were jumbled all over the place and I didn't have a clue to how Itachi was using them. All I knew was that he would glance at the wall now and then while he stormed through the hall. It was rather amusing, in a way.

 

"...how do-" He cut me off with a low growl. I backed off, deciding not to ask any questions while he was in this... 'mood' of his.

 

After a few more twists and turns, I was surprise to hear him answer, "These hallways change frequently. The symbols tell me where I am going."

 

I rolled my eyes. I had already figured that part out. What I wanted to know was how to get around using those symbols.

 

Surprisingly enough, we did not meet anyone on the way there and after a few more complicated twists and turns; I found that we were back in his room again. Once there, Itachi released me and slammed the door shut. I flinched. Scary!

 

I don't think I've ever seen Itachi so irritated before. His character was usually so calm and composed.

 

“Yama.”

 

“Yes?” I squeaked. I backed up against the bed, promptly sitting down upon it. “You need to leave.” I blinked. What?

 

…

 

Itachi stalked precariously over to a drawer and opened it, dishing out a change of clothing and tossing it at me.

 

"Bathroom's there." he pointed, "Get changed." I only held up the clothing in confusion. It was a black bottom with a matching black top. There was also a black cloak mixed in; a little too much black... don't you think?

 

"Why?"

 

Itachi growled as he rifled through another drawer. "Get dressed. Questions later."

 

Without a word and trusting the fact that he hadn't harmed me yet (well... if you didn't count that small bruise that was now on my wrist... and the fact that he had beat the crap out of me yesterday), I obeyed and disappeared into the door on the left, finding myself in a small washroom.

 

I paused, admiring the gold encrusted sink and mirror. Wow... I glanced back quickly, and changed, hoping that Itachi wasn't too impatient. I wondered what was going on. The clothing I was now wearing made me seem like some sort of thief rather then a ninja. I glanced at myself quickly in the mirror, surprised.

 

I hadn't seen myself in the mirror lately... but it seemed that I was maybe 1 or 2 inches taller. My hair had grown a lot longer. Before I had arrived here, it was around shoulder length. Now, it was nearly down to my waist. I fingered it carefully. I would have to get it cut soon. Long hair only gets in the way. I guess I hadn't noticed how long it was getting since I usually just threw it up into a high ponytail every morning.

 

I grumbled under my breath. I loved long hair, really. But right now, I think the long hair would only get in the way. Oh well—I'll have to deal with it later, when I actually had time to figure it out.

 

Hastily, I pushed it back before exiting, only to find Itachi holding a small bag and tapping his foot impatiently.

 

... Brothers are alike.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

A very impatient Sasuke tapped his foot as I continued to channel-surf, finding nothing better to do.

 

As this continued...

 

Tap, tap. Tap, tap. Tap, tap. Tap, tap...

 

Finally, it grated my final nerve, "Fine! Fine! What do you want?!" I snapped, tossing the remote control to the side, "What the hell do you want?"

 

Sasuke smirked, and I wanted to slap that face of his. Damn him and his superiority!

 

"Kakashi's waiting for you outside."

 

I burrowed my head into the couch's soft cushions, "Mfmmff fmmr?"

 

"Hn," Tap, tap. Tap, tap. Damnit...

 

I jerked my head up, eyes blazing, "What for?!"

 

"I don't know," Came the blunt answer. "Ask him for yourself," Growling and muttering unmentionable things under my breath, I stood up. "Why is he standing outside and not inside?" Sasuke said nothing, glaring at me, "..."

 

Like him, I only stared impassively into his eyes, and smirked as I began to tap my foot impatiently, as he had done.

 

Matching me glare for glare, Sasuke finally answered, "'Cause I don't want him in here,"

 

"And why not?" I asked triumphantly. I had won that battle! But you know what they say... Win the battle - lose the war... Or was it the other way around? Lose the battle, win the war? Yeah, that sounded right... but it didn't fit with my current situation! If anything, it fit his situation more.

 

"Fine, don't answer," I mumbled. That's when a small creak alerted us that someone else was in the house other then us two. Without hesitating, Sasuke had leapt in front of me and launched a kunai.

 

I heard a choked sound, before... crash!! The kunai rammed right into the Grandfather clock as it was deflected with a ching! And there, sat Kakashi in a chair, reading his book casually.

 

The glass pieces of the Grandfather clock scattered, dropping to the floor. My head drooped. There went another clock... That was the third one this month. The first one broken because I had been practicing with my shuriken inside. The second had a rather funny story to it. Since I had just moved in with Sasuke it was only natural to think that he obviously wasn't used to my presence yet. I came down the stairs one morning, bent over to pick up a piece of paper off the ground - which saved my life, by the way - and missed getting hit by a kunai. Sasuke had thrown one at me, thinking I was an intruder. Proves how much this kid needed to get out more. Anyway - that took out the second clock.

 

And I suppose Sasuke wanted me to pay for this third one, hey? Fat chance!

 

Sasuke glared. I raised my eyebrows.

 

Crossing his arms, Sasuke proceeded to wait once again.

 

Tap, tap.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

And thus, here Itachi was, tapping his foot impatiently as well.

 

Tap, tap. Those two brothers were a lot more alike then they had let on.

 

Itachi shot me a small annoyed look, "What took you so long?" I shrugged.

 

"Draw your hood," Itachi said emotionlessly, now sounding more professional. "We are leaving." He pushed a bag into my hands.

 

Frowning, my eyebrows creased in confusion but I drew my hood as told to do so. I tucked my hair into the dark hood, effectively hiding my face from onlookers. I wondered what was going on, absenting picking at a loose threat on my sleeve, slinging the bag around my shoulder. Without another word Itachi had taken a hold of my arm and started to form seals, only to freeze when someone opened the door - and stepped in.

 

And there, stood the shark-fin guy, Kisame. He had his sword strapped to his back, and was in the standard Akatsuki uniform. “Itachi.” He stated. “And where are you headed?” His beady eyes landed on me. “That's her, isn't it? The one Konan mentioned.” Itachi said nothing and narrowed his eyes. “Am I right to guess that you aren't taking her to him?”

 

I tensed, and clutched the bag Itachi had handed to me fearfully. Don't tell me we have to fight our way out. What if others show up? Itachi can't possible take them all on. And I'm practically useless, if each of the other members is as strong as Itachi.

 

I saw my brother's gaze turn slightly land I saw his sharingan spin. Kisame merely smirked. “No need to get so hasty, Itachi.” He paused. “As a token of respect for our partnership, I'll give you a head start before alerting the others.”

 

Itachi gave him a blank look, and formed the last seal.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

I landed, coughing on my hands and knees. Hell that was no ordinary teleporting jutsu. What was it? Itachi was standing calmly beside me. He glanced at me. “I had to blast through the barrier in order to get out.” He said simply. “A teleporting jutsu alone would not have worked. The tower is protected by several barriers, one of which is this rain.” He added, looking up at the sky.

 

Glancing around, I noticed that we stood at what seemed to be the edge of the village. There were buildings on one side and what seemed to be an endless lake on the other. Were we even still in the village?

 

I managed to stand back up, wiping my eyes clear of rain momentarily. “So, how are we getting out? I glanced around earlier when on that balcony but I didn't see any exits.”

 

“Amegakure is protected by its rain. You did not see the gates because the rain and humid air creates an illusion. It makes it seem as if the village exists in the middle of nowhere. Besides, you cannot make it out of the main gates. You need special passage rights for that. Therefore—” Itachi broke off and whirled around.

 

“Special passage indeed, Uchiha.” I felt my fingers twitch. It was a blonde haired guy… I think. His voice sounded like a guy. “Smart guy, aren't you? Going through the main gates is like feeding the lions, un.”

 

“Deidara.” Itachi said quietly. “They sent you alone?”

 

Deidara simply shrugged. “My aibou was sent after Orochimaru.” He paused, “Not like Leader could've sent anyone else.” I frowned. Itachi had said something like that earlier. Did this Sasori character have something against the snake-man? Then Deidara smirked. “Worry not, Uchiha. I'm sure I'm more than enough for you. I'll finish you off and bring that girl—” He pointed one finger at me. “—to Leader.”

 

With a shove, I went tumbling towards the waters.

 

Splash!

 

Coughing and spitting, I bobbed back to the surface. I managed to glare at Itachi. “What was that for?!”

 

Deidara was laughing his head off. “What good is that going to do? I'm not afraid of a little water.” A huge whoop sounded and a blast of smoke sent me diving back into the water for a few seconds. When I poked my head back up, I saw Itachi standing alone, and Deidara was… in the air on a giant bird?

 

I blinked. I think the rain was starting to even fall harder.

 

Boom!

 

I glanced up in time to see Itachi jump back from an explosion. “Maybe you'll turn into one of my master pieces, Uchiha. Art goes out with a bang, after all, un?” Explosives? I pulled up the soaking pack and dug through it. In it, I found my pouch of weapons. Sweet.

 

Digging a shuriken out, I decided I might as well help out where I could. I jumped up and shot chakra down my legs and landed safely on top of the water. I don't think I've actually said this before, but walking on water is a lot hard than walk on trees. I had noticed the one time I had tried to walk up the trees. Standing on water required a constant flow of chakra while going up the tree only required bursts of it.

 

And for those of you wondering how chakra can be held at a constant rate… think of molding chakra like filling up a cup of water. Pretending that your foot is the cup… and the chakra in your body is the water, pushing the water down. Like how you watch to see how full the cup can get, you can feel your foot getting full. It doesn't need to be full to walk on the water. Everyone requires a different amount of chakra (seeing as everyone is different sizes and whatnot). I only need about 1/4 of my foot filled to stay above the water. If I put less I would start to sink.

 

There was no point using fire in the rain. It wouldn't put it out, but the effect would lessen greatly. A water jutsu would be a good idea, but I don't think water jutsus would work all that well against explosives. Lightning might work though. But the only lightning jutsu I knew wasn't exactly one I wished to use at the moment.

 

Itachi was still dodging the little (clay, I think) spiders that Deidara continued to drop. I didn't understand it, why wasn't Itachi attacking him or anything?

 

“What's wrong Uchiha?” Deidara laughed. I saw his hand clench something before it held a little bird. I blinked. Was that a mouth in his hand? “Your genjutsu not so great now, is it?”

 

“Katon: Ryuuka no Jutsu!” I covered my eyes as a enormous stream of fire (I was impressed—it was even raining) came from the barrade of smoke (where I assumed Itachi was) and slammed into the side of Deidara's bird, setting it aflame. The blonde flipped off and landed safely on a nearby building. I blinked as another figure appeared beside him.

 

Deidara blinked. “Kakuzu. What're you doing here?” This Kakuzu had a mask over his face, but not one like Kakashi's. Kakuzu's outfit resembled a night ninja's outfit. Well, his head did anyway. The rest of his body was covered by that red and black cloud cloak. What scared me the most were his freaking eyes… They looked like they were soulless.

 

`Kakuzu' blinked. “You're supposed to get the girl. I'm supposed to deal with Itachi.” Deidara snarled at that. Kakuzu stared at him, and that's when I saw it. Black threads appeared behind this new figure. What the—?!

 

I saw Itachi step out of the smoke quite a ways from me at my left.

 

Black threads continued to swirl and congest, forming a horrible grotesque form. A mask rose from the inky blackness. It was a tiger-like mask. A second one arose from that one, this time with an eagle mask. A third one arose from the two. A bull.

 

“Oi, oi.” Deidara protested, pushing his long hair aside. “You're already bringing them out?”

 

“If they remain in, it is only giving him the opportunity to wipe them all out at once.”

 

“Oh. You've got a point there. But, that's not the point! I thought that we all agreed I could have that damn Uchiha's head!” Deidara snarled, stomping his foot. Silence. For a few seconds, nothing was heard except for the damnable rain hitting the steel rooftops. “Fine, get the girl first. I'll let you play with him after that.”

 

“Yoshe!” Deidara cracked his knuckles. “This should be a cinch. Hold still girlie! I'm coming for you!” I grimaced at his voice and glanced at Itachi. He was already speeding towards me. I decided that I wanted more distance between the blonde and I, so I leapt back twice. I slammed into a wall. What the—?! I whirled around. Nothing. What was that? Whatever, I had more important things to deal with.

 

I turned back around in time to see Itachi parrying with one of those black thread monsters and see Deidara launch about five fucking dozen of his little toys at me. Fuck! I think 2 of them alone wound kill me! Did he have to do overkill?!

 

It was a gamble here. Hopefully this would save my life and not end it. I shoved my right hand forwards and up. With my left hand I managed to form the five simple seals the jutsu needed. Technically, it wasn't a one handed seal. The other hand wasn't for show you know, it was shaped in a fist with on the thumb and pinkie out— a really hard position to hold.

 

Slamming my lowered hand against the lifted hand, I shouted out. “Itachi, you better fucking dodge this!” Hopefully he damn well heard me, because I had a feeling that I would get injured by this jutsu as well. Not reassuring.

 

Deidara was laughing at me from above. “What's wrong girlie? Can't control your jutsu that well or what?” Haha. Let's see who's going to be laughing in a few seconds, blondie.

 

“Raiton: Rensa Tokkan!” I saw Deidara's eyes widen. I managed a grin. Yeah, fuck you too blondie!

 

An enormous bolt of lightning streamed from my clenched fists and I watched with glee as it ran through his toys like water running over rocks. In mere seconds they were reduced to ash. Deidara snarled. “How dare you—!”

 

My hands weren't released yet. “No time for talk!” I shouted. “Shouldn't you be dodging? Question time, Mr. Smarty-pants! What happens when lightning and water meet?!” I merely watched as his eyes widened yet again. He focused on the rain. “Fucking hel—” I agree, art-dude, I agree.

 

I watched as the lightning continued to travel, jolting through the rain and slamming into the second bird he had created and it kept going. Oh shit. I didn't think the rain would affect it this much. I decided a good time to run would be now. Why? Because the damn bird didn't burst into ashes, it merely lost and wing and was now descending fast… right on top of me. I leapt aside just as the bird crashed into the water.

 

Coughing and shielding my face from some of the after splash, I squinted to see Deidara rise up. Damn—he still lived through that?! He actually looked uninjured. Did the lightning miss him? He glowered at me. “I'm going to get—” I heard him choke and I watched, wide-eyed as the lightning strike slammed right through him. I barely had time to see what happened to him as the lightning immediately travelled towards its next target.

 

Me.

 

Shit!

 

I had already released the jutsu! Why was it still travelling? Was it the rain? It had to be! But the lightning shouldn't last that long! Had I used too much chakra in it? I turned around and ran for it. I glanced back. It was still coming. The rain was allowing it to travel faster.

 

`Note to self,' I thought frantically. `Never use this jutsu in the fucking rain ever again!' I obviously hadn't aimed it right. Lightning was not supposed to travel back to the user. That'll to teach me to experiment with a new jutsu.

 

I glanced back to the front in time to see Itachi slam into me. “Ooof!” In one smooth movement, I saw him mutter something, grab me and whisper something into my ear. My eyes widened and I yelped when he slammed me into the water—

 

— Coughing, I hit the ground. Spitting and hacking up water, I winced and pushed myself to my knees. What the hell had Itachi done? Wait, Deidara! Where was he?! I jerked my head up. I was in a forest. What the-? No rain. No water. No battle. Not Deidara. No creepy thread dude. And… no Itachi.

 

I now found myself in the woods, alone.

 

I glanced down. Only the spot where I kneeling was soaked with water. I glanced up. Nothing. Where was I? What had Itachi done this time? I stood shakily and listened. All I heard were birds calling to each other. What on earth—?!

 

Closing my eyes, I concentrated. My chakra may be virtually depleted (from that lightning technique) but I could still sense other chakra. I think I still had enough chakra to hold sharingan for a bit as well. My breathing was still harsh.

 

Nothing so far. I turned my head left. What was that? It wasn't chakra, but it was moving hella fast. My eyes flashed opened as something burst into the clearing I was standing it. I tripped and steadied myself quickly, tearing out a kunai from my pack (which had miraculously stayed on my back somehow) and flashing on my sharingan.

 

Who was it?

 

Green. More green. Fuck, no more green, please. There's enough green around here, with the grass, trees and bushes. This had to be bad for my health. I could see my hand shaking as it held the kunai. It must be the after affects of casting that lightning. It wasn't the best idea at the time, but it sure saved my butt. However, it also almost cost me my butt. I hadn't been kidding when I told Sasuke it was a double-edged sword.

 

A boy stood in front of me. He was dressed in green. Allll green. All green except for the orange cuffs on his legs and the white bandages around his arms.

 

He stared at me, and then took a defensive stance. “Who are you?!”

 

I blinked at him. My eyes weren't exactly focusing right now. I released the sharingan. Hopefully he hadn't noticed it. I don't want to bring any more trouble. “Shouldn't that be my question? You're the one who barged in here.” I managed to cough out. As he relaxed his stance, I did as well.

 

“Well, it seems I have made a terrible mistake!” His hand flew up to his forehead as a salute. “I am Rock Lee! I'm very sorry for startling you, dear lady!” I winced. Rock Lee? Where had I heard that name befo—

 

Oh! Looks like my luck's changed, he's from Kono—

 

Another figure dropped into the clearing and scared the crap out of me. He startled me enough for me to snap my sharingan back on and raise the kunai in my hand again. He must've noticed the chakra flare because he jerked his eyes towards me.

 

White.

 

Pure white.

 

The white eyes of a Hyuuga? “Byakugan!”

 

I released my sharingan immediately. “Sorry!” I raised my hands up in surrender. These guys were not enemies; hopefully they realized that I wasn't one of their enemies either. “You startled me. So anyway…” I took a step forward.

 

“Remain where you are.” The new guy snapped. I froze. “Why do you have the sharingan?”

 

Zoooo, crap. I had hoped he hadn't seen it either. “Uh… because I'm a Uchiha?” I tried. It was true, I was. So his byakugan should be able to tell that I wasn't lying.

 

“The only people left who should have the Sharingan are Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Sasuke, with the exception of Hatake Kakashi.” The Hyuuga said. I dropped the kunai, as a sign of good faith. “I swear it's the truth! You can ask the Hokage too! I'm Um— uh, Uchiha Yama! I was a foreign traveler that recently visited Konoha… And then I got kidnapped… and now my kidnapper released me and now I don't know where I am!” I blabbed. I hope he got all that. I don't even think I got any of that and I said it! Wooo, I think I'm dizzy now.

 

“Neji!” Two other figures leapt down into the clearing. One was a young girl, who had her brown hair tied up in two buns. The other was… Maito Gai. I brightened. “Gai-san!” The older man froze upon seeing me. “Umari-san!” Only then did I notice my story wasn't really set straight then. I had introduced myself as Uchiha Yama. Most people knew me as Umari Yama. Why had I done that? Oh wait… nevermind. I had introduced myself as Uchiha because the Hyuuga was wondering why I had the sharingan…

 

I let out a sigh of relief and took a step forwards. Gai stepped forwards as well. As he did, I felt the dizzying sensation grow worse. Well, looks like it's time for me to kick back… and pass out.

 

And pass out I did.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

I felt myself waking up to voices… and arguing. But when I tried to open my eyes, I found that my eyes were bandaged up. I frowned. What the hell?

 

“Young man! You cannot just barge in like that! Visiting time is long over and—”

 

My head tilted to the left, where the voices were coming from, slightly. Who was it? Where was I?

 

Someone slammed into the side of the bed, shaking it slightly. I felt someone grasp my left hand immediately, squeezing it painfully tight. I let out a weak cough. Arg, my mouth felt like someone had stuffed moth balls in it or something. Whoever held my hand gripped it tighter if possible. “Yama…ne?” Instant recognition.

 

Sasuke?

 

I turned my head left. “S… Sasuke?” I managed to gasp out. Pushing my hand behind me and trying to push myself up, I winced when I found that my right hand was in terrible pain. An arm gripped my shoulders and helped me sit up.

 

“Oh my!” a lighter voice commented urgently. “You're awake, Umari-san.” I turned my head again. I didn't recognize that voice and I tensed. Sasuke squeezed my left hand gently. “It's the nurse.” I relaxed.

 

“I'm going to get the doctor—” the light voice turned stern. “Is it safe to assume that you will watch her and not overexert her?” I assumed Sasuke nodded, because I heard a door slide open, and then closed.

 

Then it slammed open again. “Oi, Sasuke! I heard that Yama-chan was—!” Oh, crap. It was the horrible hugging monster. I held my free hand out in front of me, ready to defend myself. Don't jump Naruto… please don't jump. I don't think my torn body can handle it today.

 

“Yama-chan!”

 

“Stop!” I managed to choke out. Silence. “Don't… jump on me, please Naruto. I hurt enough as it is.” I heard a whimper.

 

“Demo…” I swallowed. Damn puppy.

 

“Dobe. She's hurt. Don't go hurting her more.” Something in Sasuke's voice sounded different. I turned my head towards his voice. “Sasuke?” I asked hesitantly. I broke my hand from his grip and his two hands merely stayed gripping my forearm. Slowly, I trailed my un-bandaged hand up his neck and to his face. It was wet. “Are you crying?” I whispered. Sasuke didn't answer.

 

I pulled him into a semi-hug. “Sorry for worrying you.” I muttered. Naruto let out a grump. “Oh, so he gets to hug you, but I don't?” I released Sasuke and turned to where I thought Naruto's voice was. “Well, I'll let you hug me if you don't grip me like your favorite teddy bear.” I heard him step forward and I held out a hand. “Not… not yet okay?” I managed a wince. “Maybe tomorrow Naruto. Your hugs are nice but they kinda hurt.”

 

“I don't mean to hurt you!” Naruto whined. I heard him drop down in a chair. “Yeah, I know.” I replied, “But your form of affection usually gets me injured even more.” I leaned back against the pillow. That's when someone else walked in.

 

“Umari-san.” Another voice I didn't recognize. Was it the doctor, then? I raised my head. “How're you feeling?”

 

“Umm…” I started. “A little… confused?” The voice chuckled. “Well, that's to be expected. You've been unconscious just a little over a day. It was due to chakra depletion.” I heard a disapproving tone take over the kind voice. “Young lady, do you know what you've done to your body?”

 

Well I don't know. I can't see, and I sure as hell am not a doctor. Tell me, doctor.

 

“You've injured your eyes due to exposure to intense light, damaged about half the cells in your right hand, broken two ribs—” That would explain why it kind of hurt to breath. “— dehydrated your body, and managed to shock your nervous system as well. You're lucky the damage to your nervous system wasn't permanent, or you'd be affected for the rest of your life.”

 

I could feel Sasuke tense up at each detail the doctor had listed. “What did you do?” Naruto's voice asked incredulously. “Even I don't injure myself that serious!” I let out a sigh. That's what I get for trying to experiment a jutsu to save my own life. Good going, Yama. I was better off trying my luck with the fire techniques.

 

“Well, except for that, everything seems to be healing properly. We've managed to chakra heal some of the rib damages, and you won't be fully up to par for about a three days. Your nervous system should recover in another day and the cells in your hand we've managed to regenerate. We're just waiting for the new cells to finish growing. And dehydration shouldn't be hard to cure.” The doctor paused. “The problem is with your eyes.” This time, even I tensed up. What about my eyes. My eyes were my life man! My life! Tell me they're fine!

 

“Theoretically, they should be fine. We've healed them with chakra, and the damage seems to be repaired. However, it did give the optic nerve in your eye quite a shock. We don't know if your vision is still intact or not. And if it isn't, it is most likely only temporary.” I felt my chest tighten. Temporary? What if it's not? I think the doctor noticed my tense shoulders. “Relax, Umari-san. Your eyes should be fine. We've had instances like this before, and the patients have always regained their eyesight within at most a month.”

 

That still wasn't helping me relax.

 

Oh yeah… “Sasuke?” I asked as soon as the doctor had left, leaving me with a stern lecture to rest.

 

“Hai?” he whispered back. “How's Kakashi doing?”

 

Silence.

 

“Um… Naruto? Sasuke? How's Kakashi doing?”

 

“I think it's better if we take you to him, Yama-chan.” Naruto said quietly. “It should be okay if you're just going down the hall, right?” Down the hall? I turned my head in confusion. I wanted to see Naruto's and Sasuke's expressions. That way I could at least guess at what was going on. Was Kakash hospitalized as well? How bad was Itachi's attack?

 

Oh well. Only one way to find out. Gripping the side of my bed, I heard Sasuke move. I set one foot on the floor carefully, and then pulled my other leg over. I don't know if I stood too fast or what, but I practically dropped like a sack of potatoes when I tried to stand myself. I wasn't sure who caught me, but someone did.

 

“Easy there.” I blinked. I think it was Naruto. He was on my right. I felt him loop my right arm around his shoulder. “You okay to walk like this?” Had he grown… taller? Instead of his head reaching my armpit, I could feel his hair tickling my shoulder. He grew like 2 inches or so.

 

I felt Sasuke take my other arm. “All right!” Naruto cheered. “Time to visit Kakashi-sensei!” I winced. Great, right by my ear Naruto. Good one.

 

It was a little strange, walking without your eyes. It didn't help that my feet felt like jello either. Funny how I hadn't felt this when Itachi threw me into that forest. Perhaps adrenaline was still making its run through my system back then?

 

As we left the room, I felt a cooler breeze brush past me. The hallway was silent. “Is it night?” I asked. “Yes.” Sasuke's voice answer. “It's around 2200 hours.” Ah. I see.

We stopped. Were we there? I heard a door open and the two ushered me in. I took careful steps into the room. The beeping of the heart monitor was running. Well, that meant he was still alive, at least. I could hear light breathing in the room. Someone took my hand and guided me towards the right. A railing. The bed?

 

I frowned. Was he sleeping? “Can you wake him up or something?” Two hands pushed me down into a chair. I was sitting beside the bed, I realized.

 

“Ano… Yama-chan.” Naruto's voice said slowly. His voice held a tense note in it. What was wrong? Just tell me. “Kakashi-sensei's in a coma. He hasn't woken up since the attack at the training grounds.” Oh. Oh.

 

That's when I almost jumped. Before Itachi had shoved me headfirst into the water, he had whispered something into my ear. I had barely caught it before I saw Kakuzu jumping towards us.

 

“When you get back, touch Hatake's left temple.”

 

I frowned. “Sasuke? Where's Kakashi's left temple?”

 

“Why?” his irritated voice came. I rolled my eyes even though he couldn't see. “Just guide me to it.” Someone grabbed my left hand and pulled it forwards. A second later, I was touched smooth skin. “Is that it?” I asked curiously.

 

No answer. Ummm… are you asleep or something, kiddo?

 

“Sasuke-teme, don't nod, she can't see you!” Thank you, Naruto.

 

I heard a sigh and a forlorn answer. “Yes.”

 

Hmmm. I ran my index finger along the smooth skin. Nothing seemed to be happening. What was Itachi talking about? A spark made me jump and jerk my hand back. Somewhere behind I heard a strangled choke. “Naruto?” I said in alarm. “Sasuke? What's going on? What was that!”

 

“You... Your hand was glowing.” Sasuke's voice sounded awed. “It was glowing with green chakra.”

 

I shook my head slowly. “But… I didn't do anything.”

 

No answer. Jesus. How long was I going to last without my eyesight? These two seem to forget I can't see every two seconds! A groan from the bed made me lurch and I whipped my head in the direction of the sound even though I knew I wouldn't be able to see.

 

“Holy crap! Kakashi-sensei!” Naruto yelped. “You're… awake!”

 

I heard movement in front of me and I frowned. “Kakashi?”

 

“Urgg… Yama?” the voice sounded confused and lost… but it was definitely Kakashi. “Am I dreaming?” I felt my head drop and I heard someone run out of the room— probably to find a doctor.

 

“No Kakashi, you're not dreaming.” I jumped when I felt a warm hand touch the side of my face. I didn't hear any noise from Sasuke or Naruto. Had both of them left to get a doctor? “Glad to see—well, hear that you're finally awake though. I heard you were in a coma.”

 

“Arg… I don't remember any of it.” His tired voice responded. “What's wrong with your eyes?” I felt his hand move to touch the bandage over my left eye. I caught it. I didn't really want to think about that at that moment. “It's nothing. Go back to sleep.” I said quietly. “We'll talk in the morning.”

 

“Hmmm…” His warmth left my face and I heard him settle back down. A second later, a hand gripped my left hand and pulled me slightly forwards. I sighed, but allowed him to hold it. Might as well give him some sort of comfort.

 

“So… you really are here right?”

 

I snorted. “No, you're just dreaming.”

 

“Oh.” What was with this Kakashi? He was like a child. “Then I don't think I want to wake up.”

 

“Kakashi…”

 

“Yes?”

 

“… just go to sleep.” A few seconds later, his light breathing filled the room. I could feel my own head nodding off. Arg, whatever. I didn't even know how to get back to my own room now. I dropped my head on top of the bed beside Kakashi, still sitting in my chair.

 

I don't know how long I dozed, but someway or another, I ended up falling asleep.

 

Well.

At least I was home.

 

To be continued…

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

XoXSilverDragonXoX

 

Revised August 15, 2008