Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ A Girl Named Yama ❯ Chapter 20 - Mission Miscalculations ( Chapter 20 )

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!

 

Notes: Yo readers! Late, late, late this time, I know. And you're all probably wondering - It's a miracle she updated! Yes, indeed it is. As you know (or don't know, you're about to find out), I've been editing my stories and I just finished editing this one. Which is a miracle itself 'cause it's so damn long, but nonetheless; it's an amusing story to reread all the same. Gomen! Wari, wari. I was working my butt off all summer as well to ensure my money issues. Without further ado, I present to you the next installment of AGNY!

 

Last Chapter:

 

Well Sasuke and Itachi in the same room didn't turn out so bad. Still, we have some sparks flying around. Now that Itachi has chosen the option of defecting back to be a Konoha-nin, he's now included on the mission Yama was given to investigate Zabuza and Haku (not that he wouldn't follow is he wasn't given that damn mission). How will Yama end up meeting up with the snow and mist nins?

 

Warnings:

 

Hints of Shounen Ai.Seeing as this story is rated `M' there will be some foul language.

 

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

 

Chapter 20 - Mission Miscalculations

 

Distracted, I absently threw random things into a traveling bag; my thoughts on other things. Like this mission I was being sent on. I was to leave immediately, as soon as I was packed. The group I was with was instructed to meet at the front gates at 14:00. Woo wee. This was a big one. Investigate Haku and Zabuza, huh?

 

I glanced over at my desk, where a folder with all the information outlining the mission was placed (by me) and still remained unopened, and the seal not even broken yet. I would have to find time to sit down and read through that later on.

 

I threw another outfit together, folding them neatly and setting them in the bag. I didn't really care what kind of clothes I brought to wear, really. It wasn't a fashion show or anything. I glanced at my watch. 13:36. Hmmm. What else did I need? I felt something bump into my leg and there sat Kuro. Ah yes. I grabbed the training book Tsume had given me. The Hokage said that this would be a pretty laid-back mission, so I should have time train with Kuro for a bit.

 

I had already gotten some training with him, since I had got him about three days ago. But it had just been stamina training and getting Kuro used to me. Nothing unusual.

 

I would be gone for about a week. That meant that I would be back in time for the Chuunin exams, which started exactly 6 days from now. Tossing a few feminine products into the bag (even though I didn't have my time of the month yet; I was due soon—better safe than sorry), I zipped the bag up. Hoisting it over my shoulder, I snatched the folder and meandered out my bedroom door. I whistled for Kuro and opened the door.

 

…And ran right into Sasuke. I raised my eyebrows at him, giving him a two finger salute. "Hiya." He glanced at my bag, then back at my face.

 

"Where are you going?" I began to walk towards the stairs.

 

"Mission."

 

"Where?"

 

"Wave Country."

 

"Why?"

 

"Classified."

 

Level 4 evil Sasuke glare. I sighed, stopping at the top of the stairs and giving Sasuke a look. "I have a mission from the Hokage and you know how missions are classified, Sasuke. I'll be gone for about a week. And don't worry, I'm not going alone. There are three others coming with me - all of which are Jounin. Happy? Did I miss anything?" Sasuke opened his mouth and I interrupted him again, "And yes, Itachi's coming with us as well. He's been assigned to the mission too. Kuro's coming with me as well.” At that Sasuke let out a frustrated noise, which I rolled my eyes at.

 

“I can't stop him, you can't stop him and he's not going to hurt me! Besides, the Hokage has given him the choice of being accepted back into Konoha… and Itachi accepted." I walked into the kitchen, with Sasuke trailing along behind me. He snapped immediately. “What do you mean, accepted?!”

 

I glanced at him. “I mean exactly that. Accepted.”

 

Sasuke managed a look of disgust. “How could the Hokage and council members be that naïve?!”

 

I rolled my eyes. I need to rip this kid a new one. He has very bad tunnel-vision. “Sasuke.” I started. “They threatened him too, you know.” I stopped. Crap, I probably shouldn't have told him that. “Don't tell anyone I just said that.”

 

...

 

"Have you told Kakashi yet?" he grumbled, still miffed from the 'Itachi' comment. He glared at nothing in particular and I felt the blood from my face drain out. Opps. I forgot about Kakashi. I scratched the back of my head nervously. "Not yet." I mumbled. I hadn't told him about Itachi or the mission yet. He had been in the Hokage's office with me, but that was before Hokage-sama had told me about the mission and stuff. I glanced at my watch, clucking my tongue thoughtfully. 13:46. I gave Sasuke an apologetic look.

 

"We'll clear things up between us when I get back, all right? Like I said, it's going to be about a week. And behave at the Chuunin exams!" I felt my eyes darken at the thought of Orochimaru. I couldn't stop Sasuke from leaving Konoha if he wanted to, but maybe I could persuade his decision. "Be careful… don't let your guard down." I advised. He gave me a confused look, saying. 'It's only the exams…' I couldn't say anything else. I guess I would have to let fate play with that decision... Would Orochimaru still come?

 

I sighed and sat down. Kuro sat his butt down on the floor beside the table, giving me another low bark. The stupid mission could wait. I had to deal with this first.

 

"All right, Sasuke. Forget about dealing with it when I get back. We need to deal with this now." Sasuke remained silent. I shot a glare at him, "Sit."

 

He did.

 

"Now talk."

 

No reply.

 

I felt my eyebrow twitch. "Sasuke..." He sighed and watched me carefully. "Do you really trust him that much?" I gave him an amused look. At least he was trying to work things out rationally, for once.

 

"If I didn't, why would I stand up for him?" Quietly, I added, "You seem to forget that it was him, Sasuke that helped me escape Amegakure. Without him, I don't think I would've made it back." At that, Sasuke seemed to freeze, as if realizing that fact for the first time. I gave Sasuke a wry smile.

"Think about that. Itachi's not with Akatsuki anymore. I'm here. Itachi's here. Why can't we just be family? Revenge isn't worth it now, Sasuke. You have me. And Itachi. I think the three of us can work things out." I rested my head on my palms, elbows on the kitchen table, "Can't we just live peacefully again? I think… I think this family has suffered enough." I ended quietly. Sasuke remained silent, brooding. His eyes were hooded and he didn't seem to want to answer.

 

I stood up, reaching over and drawing him into a quick hug. "Think about it, Sasuke. I'll see you in a week." I said quietly. Kuro jumped onto Sasuke's lap and gave his ear a lick before leaping down and bounding to the door. I managed a light smile. “See? Even Kuro agrees.” I left the house, leaving Sasuke still sitting at the kitchen table. I felt the wind brush past my ear and Itachi was beside me.

 

"..."

 

"You have bad timing." I commented. He glared at me. Ooh! I could start tallying Itachi glares now! But I need to see more glares first. (:3)

 

Itachi's steps were precise and sharp, completely contrasting to my soft and randomly placed feet. And as for Kuro… the poor dog was still a puppy. Although he was a lot more well behaved than the first day, he was starting to get used the surroundings, it looks like.

 

He was tailing me carefully, once in a while pausing to stare at something, before running after me again. I glanced at my watch quickly. 13:54. I wanted - needed - to talk to Kakashi before I left. But I had no clue where he was.

 

I bit my lip. I really needed to talk to him. He needed to know that I was going to be gone for a week. It was unfair of me not to tell him. And leaving a note would only worry him. I didn't want that. Kuro wouldn't be able to find him yet. And I didn't sense Kakashi anywhere.

 

Wait... My eyes slid over towards Itachi, who noticed the movement and glanced at me out of the corner of his eyes.

 

"What."

 

I let out a cat-like smirk. "Hey... you can sense chakra signatures that are pretty far away, ne?" Itachi got that glint in his eye - the one that he always got when I knew he was hiding something. Mmm...

 

"And...?"

 

"Find Kakashi for me!"

 

"..."

 

Later...

 

"Come one! It'll only take a few minutes, you know! All you have to do is -" I broke off, cursing and looking at my watch. 14:14. I was fucking late. Thanks a lot Itachi. I glared at him. I had to talk to him before I left! I'm not going to leave the poor man hanging. He would be pissed when I got back.

 

If I didn't...

 

I felt my bottom lip tremble slightly and I felt Itachi halt beside me. I glanced at him. He was giving me a quizzical look. What? He sighed and finally closed his eyes. A few seconds later, he pointed to his left. "100 feet." he said solemnly. I brightened and practically glomped him. "Thank you!" He let out another sigh and I bolted off in the direction he had pointed in.

 

True to his word, about 100 feet down, I found Kakashi sitting on a bench and reading his book. I stopped in front of him. I saw his eyes travel from his book to me. He gave me a slow eye-smile. "Yama." Kuro leapt forwards, putting his front paws on Kakashi's knee. “Kuro.”

 

"Kakashi! I'm here to tell you that I have a mission to go on and I won't be back for a week! Bye!" I said quickly before turning to bolt towards Konoha's front gates, “Oh! Any Itachi's supposed to be a Konoha-nin now! I'll explain things when I get back!” I continued my `bolt.'

 

"Wait!" Kakashi caught my arm, "What?!" I gave him an apologetic look. "Sorry Kakashi. I'm already late and I don't have time to explain!" He glared at me. Damnit. What was it with me and glares today? Did everyone hate me or something? I miffed and finally relented, "I received a mission from the Hokage to go to the Wave Country. It's supposed to last about a week, so I'm gone! And no, I'm not going alone, I'm going with three other Jounin. Including Itachi and Kuro." I added. At those words, Kakashi relaxed slightly and gave me a look but still looked uneasy. Probably because of the `Itachi' thing. And knowing him, he would probably go look for some answers from the Hokage himself later.

 

"Hokage-sama shouldn't be giving missions like this, especially if the Chuunin exams start in a day..." He mused. "Perhaps it's to keep you away from the exams?" I gave him a questioning look. "Why would he do that?" Why would the Hokage keep me away from the Chuunin exams.

 

"Perhaps he believes it may not be safe for you here." I paused at that. That was a possibility. But if Akatsuki was after me, wouldn't sending me out of the village be worse?

 

"Get me to the gate?" I asked hopefully, whistling. Kuro jumped into my open arms. Kakashi sighed and he said tiredly, "Why don't you ask Itachi to?" His tone towards the Uchiha had finally changed. Instead of anger/rage, it was more of a suspicious/cautious tone. I felt myself beam at Kakashi. Things were looking good. Sasuke was started to accept the fact as well. I suppose this week that I was gone would be kind of good - it allowed them time to think. Besides, Itachi wouldn't be around either.

 

"'Cause he's being mean." I scowled at the thought of him. I knew he was still around somewhere too. I could feel his presence, meaning that he was allowing me to know that he was near. Well, I didn't care if he heard. Maybe he'll feel guilty. Besides, I would probably end up spending another 15 minutes or so trying to convince him to take me to the damn gate.

 

Kakashi gave me a warm smile, before forming seals and grabbing my hand. Poof!

 

And at the front gate we were.

 

"Ehhh... You're late, Yama-chan." I blinked. Genma was standing at the gate, alone with Kotetsu and two other ninja I didn't know. To my surprise, Sasuke was standing a little ways away from the group as well, eyes watching me carefully. I saw his eyes narrow and I sighed, knowing that Itachi was probably beside me now.

 

Sure enough, when I glanced over, he was. A hush seemed to settle over the group and Genma cleared his throat cautiously. "You're lucky that are real departure time is 15:00. I stared at him. Then why the hell did he tell us 14:00? My question must've shown on my face because he answered.

 

"Kakashi's lateness might've rubbed off on you." he added in amusement. I gave him a quick look and turned back to Kakashi. "I'll see you in a week?" he questioned. Genma let out an amused chuckle. "You two can't stay joined at the hip forever you know." Kakashi laughed and grinned mischievously. "We can try."

 

I cocked my eyebrow at him and stepped closer to Kakashi. I would give him hug but Kuro was preventing that right now. The damn pup had jealous streaks like you wouldn't believe it. I think Kakashi realized my plight because he wrapped his arms around me and squeezed briefly. When he held on longer, Kuro poked his head up and gave a light bark. I rolled my eyes. “Oh stuff it Kuro.” He answered with a whine.

 

"One week." I confirmed. Kakashi leaned forwards and gripped my chin, dropping a light kiss on forehead. “Be safe.” He said quietly. I threw a glance at Genma, "I think I'll be okay." Genma only shrugged indifferent, adjusting his bandanna slowly.

 

"Anyway. Yama - these three are Hagane Kotetsu, Kamizuki Izumo and Kizumi Souzu." Genma drawled slowly, pointing at each one. My eyebrows rose slightly. Just my luck - all guys. My eyes narrowed slightly at Kotetsu and Izumo. If I wasn't mistaken, those two would be the one's that would be giving the Genins their first trial at the Chuunin exams. You know, when the teams attempt to enter a room, but these two are disguised as Genins themselves and block their path? Those two.

 

Kotetsu was a tall, broad shoulder chump with blue-black (a little darker than Sasuke's) and rather shaggy hair. He wore his head protector around his forehead and his hair just seemed to flop over it. On his face - stretching from one cheek over his nose to his other cheek was a strip of cloth. He raised one hand as a greeting.

 

Izumo was a shorter man than Kotetsu, but hey, he was still taller than I was. He had dark mahogany hair with dark eyes. He wore a bandanna wrapped with his forehead protector over his hair. His bangs were drooped over one eye. He gave me a slow smile. “Uchiha-san.” I managed a nervous laugh. I still wasn't quite used to being called that quite yet.

 

The last guy... Damn. The last guy was hot. Don't misunderstand me, I know I have Kakashi right now… but it doesn't hurt to look. He was hot, dammnit! You can't deny a girl eye-candy.

 

He had long black hair tied back into a high ponytail and wore his head protector around his forehead, allowing his bangs to fall over it. He had flawless skin and soft dark brown eyes that had a calculating look in them. In a way, I couldn't help but feel a little unnerved by them. He wasn't greeting me like the other two had (with a little wave, salute, whatever) but only gave me a small nod, barely noticeable. I saw his eyes flit to Kakashi briefly and an unknown emotion passed over his gaze. I frowned. What was that look about?

 

Something about him sent warning bells clanging like crazy and I could even feel one of those bells make... a run for it? That didn't sound too good. However, I couldn't stop myself from looking. He was tall, dark and handsome. And damn, he was even mysterious! And he didn't have a mask on! Exactly the same characteristics that had attracted me to Kakashi in the first place.

 

Ahem. Back to the matter at hand here...

 

All three weren't wearing the standard Jounin/Chuunin outfits. Instead, all (including Genma, I just noticed) wore dark grey outfits. The top had a large neck cuff and it was hard to see any pattern, since it was all the same shade. So were the pants. I frowned slightly. Was I supposed to wear something like that? Genma caught my look, amused.

 

"Yes, we have an outfit provided by Hokage-sama for you."

 

"Oh..." I hope I didn't sound too disheartened. I didn't want to wear it. From the looks of it, the outfit was err... clingy… Already I could see the well-toned muscles on Souzu (the hot one). I felt myself hum slightly and I felt Kakashi slip closer to me. He pulled me a little ways from the group - to which Genma didn't seem to mind - and whispered quickly into my ear.

 

"I want you to be careful, Yama. I don't trust the tall one." I gave Kakashi an amused grin, "You mean Souzu-san?" Kakashi gave me a look. "I don't trust him. Something about him gives off a... bad feeling. So just be careful, all right?" I gave Kakashi's hand a quick squeeze. Kuro began to wriggle in my hold and I sighed, letting him jump down. Kuro had a tendency to be very… bratty. After watching to make sure Kuro hadn't decided to dart off and do something stupid, I turned back to Kakashi.

 

"Don't worry so much. Just focus on keeping your students in line for the Chuunin exams." I whispered back. I had just given him a quick peck on the cheek when I felt a tug on my sleeve. It wasn't Kakashi; that was for sure. And when I glanced at Kakashi's eye curiously, I saw that it held amusement in it.

 

I turned.

 

Oh. I had forgotten all about Sasuke.

 

And from the look in his eyes, I could see he had come to that same conclusion as well. I gave him a quick grin. "I'm off to explore the Wave Country again, Sasuke!" I quipped, "So do me a favor and don't burn the house down, all right?" he gave me a look that said, 'That's-something-you-would-do,' and snorted. "Fine then. And don't mess up my room." He sighed in reply to that. "And whatever you do with Naruto, just don't do it on my bed." At that comment, I finally got a good reaction out of him. He looked absolutely scandalized and was turning red -fast. I heard amused laughter from the ninjas that were a little ways away from us. Apparently they had heard.

 

Sasuke glared at me. Level 5. Okay. Time to stop with the teasing. I gave him a quick hug. Damn, was I ever going to miss this little guy. I would have no one to tease! Heck, even Naruto wasn't going to be with us!

 

I turned to the group. I managed to quirk a smile when I realized that Kuro was busy sniffing all of them. Well, at least he was doing his job as a guardian. But he was being suspicious of the wrong people.

 

Genma gave me a quick reassuring smile. I hadn't really ever been out of Konoha without Kakashi or his Team... And I didn't really know this group of people I was going with at all. Genma was the only one I really knew. Thank you, Hokage-sama, for allowing Kuro to be with me.

 

Shouldering my pack, I gave Kakashi a quick two-fingered salute and followed the group as we left Konoha.

 

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

 

I should've followed my intuition and stayed away from Souzu. And trust me, I tried. The minute we had gotten far enough so that we weren't visible from the village, he had immediately cinched closer to me. And in response, I had cinched a little bit further. I trusted Kakashi's instinct and I was not going to let his advice go to waste. The action had left me a bit further away from the group, but hey, it was worth it, all right?

 

However, Kuro was not agreeing with Kakashi's advice. Kuro seemed to like Souzu very much. So much as to follow Souzu around. The others found it really amusing, I did not.

 

Hot guys are hot guys. But sometimes hot guys are also suspicious guys. And those kind of hot guys are only safe hot guys at a distance. Get too close and you'll get burned.

 

The minute I saw Souzu's eyes meet mine for the billionth time since we had left the village; I knew that there was something fishy about him. So keeping a close eye on him wouldn't hurt.

 

The group was relatively quiet. Izumo and Kotetsu were conversing quietly near the front and Genma was quietly leading the group, his pose lazy but alert. The members of the group were making me feel a bit iffy. I knew that Kotetsu and Izumo were supposed to be examiners in the Chuunin exams. And Genma was the examiner for the third part of the exam, as well as the referee. Who would replace them? It was making me rather uneasy. I knew that knowing the future was a bad thing, but not knowing was even more unnerving. Heck, if Orochimaru was still going to attack, I could've changed everything by pulling those three from their posts and onto this little mission.

 

And as for Souzu...

 

He brushed against my arm and I felt myself tense. When had he gotten so close?

 

"You are Uchiha Yama, correct?" he spoke softly, eyes glancing downwards momentarily before focusing on the road in front of us.

 

"Yes." I answer, hesitantly, slowly. He gave me an amused smile and I almost fell over. Hot guys should not have killer smiles like that.

 

"I'm not going to bite..." he said quietly in amusement, "... hard." My eyes widened to an impossible proportion and I gave him another inch of space. He grinned, "Kidding." He didn't talk after that. I found myself frowning inwardly, while keeping a cautious eye on 'Souzu-san.' At Konoha he hadn't so much as batted an eyelid in my direction - besides his greeting - and now he was making small talk with me?

And now that I think about it, he had tried to talk to me a few times - quietly, away from the group, while Genma was talking to Kakashi in a hushed tone. Probably about the mission. Although I wasn't too sure Kakashi was supposed to know about it...

 

Anyway, Souzu had immediately retreated when Kakashi had headed over towards me again. It made me think that Souzu was avoiding Kakashi somehow. And now... now that Kakashi wasn't with us, he had all the time in the world to converse with me. Huh. This character had never been mentioned in the manga or Anime, so I wasn't too sure what to think of him. But that alone didn't make him suspicious - there were probably billions of ninjas that the manga and Anime had never mentioned. No surprise there.

 

Wait. Now that I think about it... the Hokage had only said three others (besides Itachi) would be accompanying me. Where the hell had the fourth one come out of? Giving Souzu an apologetic look, I quickly jogged up to the front by Genma. He glanced at me quickly, "Decided to join me?" he teased. I rolled my eyes.

"Well, I have a question..."

 

He gave me a pout, "That's all I'm good for?"

 

"Erm..."

 

Genma broke out into a grin, "No worries. Ask away." He whistled casually, evidently waiting for my question.

 

"Well, I thought Hokage-sama had only said that this was supposed to be a group of four, not five. When did that happen?" Genma frowned thoughtfully and gave me an appraised look.

 

"Didn't think you'd notice. It was originally just four, but a last minute addition was made."

 

"It was...?" Genma's eyes rolled to the back of the group, but his head didn't move.

 

"Souzu..." I whispered, answering my own question. Genma nodded.

 

Souzu remained at the back of the group and Genma gave me a quick layout of what kind of ninja he was. "He's a genjutsu specialist and not much is known about his ninjutsu or taijutsu. However, we know that his genjutsu could probably rival a Sharingan user." My eyebrows rose and the presence that was following us turned slightly sour. I saw Genma's mouth quirk. Apparently he had felt it too. "Which doesn't mean that he could be better than a Sharingan user. But that's basically all we know about him. He came to Konoha a little less than a week ago as a foreign ninja, and requested entrance into Konoha. He's been checked out fully by specialists and nothing bad has come up, so he was accepted. This mission is... per say, a test mission for him. It's not a hard mission, only C-ranked." Genma paused. He gave me a quick smirk, "The only reason us three Jounins were sent so we could keep an eye on Souzu... and you."

 

I felt a warning spike inside me and I said wryly, "Was that what you heard from the request?"

 

Kotetsu spoke up. Apparently Izumo and he had been listening for a while now. "Yes. Although the client chose to remain anonymous, they reported that the two ninja we are about to research are suspected to be responsible for a major crime in the Wave Country." My eyebrows rose.

 

"How did they know it was them?" I paused, "Or, how did they come to suspect that it was those two?"

 

"That's what we're here to investigate." Izumo said abruptly, signaling the end of the conversation. I had a topic I wanted to bring up, but I wasn't sure if that was a good idea or not. They wouldn't send a person like me on this trip - or Souzu either (since he wasn't fully trusted yet) if they would've known that Haku and Zabuza were mercenaries. I felt my eyebrows crease together. Did that mean the Hokage had been unaware of that fact? But didn't Kakashi give the mission report to Iruka after? The Hokage certainly would've found out that way!

 

Unless... Kakashi left it out.

 

Or the report never actually got to Iruka's hands. Or another report got to his hands. And I'm positive that Kakashi couldn't have been so careless as to have 'forgotten' to give Iruka the report. Iruka would've been on him like a hound.

 

Although I could picture it already....

 

Kakashi rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly, one hand held out, palm facing up. "Gomen, I forgot!"

 

And the fact that the client had chose to remain anonymous was making things seem even fishier. Not to mention this 'Souzu' business...

 

There was an even bigger conspiracy than just Orochimaru's plot to destroy Konoha lurking about.

 

I just wish I knew what it was.

 

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

 

About a day later...

 

Nothing significant had happened so far. Thank Kami. Unless you didn't include Souzu's 'not-so-subtle-I'm-interested' gestures. I found that hanging out with Genma helped keep the guy at bay. In a way, I found it amusing, but disturbing. Kuro wasn't helping, despite how I even had a talk with the pup. Since I wasn't of the Inuzuka clan, I couldn't understand him, but I knew that Kuro should be able to understand human words by now. And he wasn't listening.

 

We were... about a day and a half away from the Wave Country. Which was surprising because I knew that last time I had gone on the trip, I was positive that it took a lot longer than two days. I had expressed this thought to Genma and he had laughed it off.

 

"They built a new, more convenient path, that's all."

 

Ohhhhhhhh. I get it. It would also explain why I didn't recognize any of the surroundings. But that could be because I had bad memory.

 

While we were traveling, I could say that I had gotten to know Kotetsu and Izumo a bit more than just acquaintances. I'd say we were about at the stage of 'friends that amuse me.' It's true; they did wonders for bored hours. Between the bickering and arguing whether or not a tomato was a fruit, I could laugh myself to sleep any day. However, the topic of what Kakashi looks like under his mask always leaves me with something to tell Kakashi when we would get back to Konoha.

 

Like today for example...

 

"Waaa..." Izumo mused, "I bet that he has buck teeth or something..." Kotetsu snorted, "No, people would buck teeth talking differently than people who don't have buck teeth. And Kakashi doesn't sound like a person who would have buck teeth."

Izumo snorted, eyeing his partner in dismay, "And you would know how a buck toothed person sounds like because...?" Kotetsu let out a smirk, "I'm speaking to someone right now."

 

It took a few moments for this information to digest and I found myself snorting in order to hold in my laughter. Besides me, Genma's mouth was twitching, as if holding back a smile.

 

"..."

 

"My front teeth are not buck teeth!"

 

Pause.

 

"They're not that big!"

 

Unable to hold back laughter, I settled for just snickering quietly and turning back to Genma. "Are we going to take a break any time soon?" The sun was beginning to set now and Genma shielded his eyes hesitantly. "I'm thinking something more along the lines of setting up camp for the night, Yama-chan." he mused. I shrugged. Made no difference to me. I got to sit in either one.

 

Genma gave the group a quick once over, "I'm going ahead to scout for a camp site." He pointed a little towards the west, where the path veered off into two separate paths. "Follow the left path; it leads towards the direction of the Wave Country." Kotetsu gave him a mock salute, "Hai, tai-chou." Genma rolled his eyes and didn't reply, before disappearing. I readjusted my pack slowly and winced. Kuro had decided to sleep, and since I figured if he tried to do that on my head he would fall, I had cleared some room in my pack and allowed him in. He wasn't big but he was fucking heavy, like I had said before.

 

I shook my head slowly, watching as the sun began to disappear over the horizon.

 

"Beautiful, isn't it?" a voice breathed against my ear. I jumped and fought to conceal my surprise when Souzu's low voice sounded. I glanced at Kotetsu and Izumo, who were already a little ways ahead of us. I guess now was the time to inform Souzu of my 'interests' in him. No one else was around anyway. Well, maybe Itachi was within earshot, but Itachi had probably long ago figured out this guy's intention towards me.

 

"You know I'm already with someone?" I stated wryly. Souzu gave me another breathtaking smile.

 

"A guy can hope, can't he?" he admitted sheepishly. I sighed forlornly, "You know, you're a great guy and trust me - I probably would've gone for you if I wasn't already with someone. But I am with someone... so..."

 

The minute I saw his brown eyes brighten I knew it was the wrong thing to say. Damn. Me and my big mouth. What shocked me even further was when he casually leaned over and placed a light kiss on my cheek, before sauntering off, throwing over his shoulder the words, “Not going to stop me from getting what I want."

 

Shit.

 

Glaring at him and clenching one first, I found my other hand twitching dangerously close to my kunai pouch. It wasn't there. Oh yeah... I glanced down. I had changed into the same grey outfit the rest of the group wore yesterday, and I had forgotten to reattach my pouch, I suppose.

 

'I'll do that later...' I thought silently. I felt the air on my left shift and I knew that Itachi had finally revealed himself. For the first time during this entire trip, that was. Well, since his appearance at Konoha's gates, I suppose.

 

Itachi was eyeing Souzu's back as if it were the plague.

 

I gave him an expectant look, waiting for whatever the hell it was he wanted.

 

"Be careful around him," he concluded. I snorted, "You wouldn't believe how many times I've been told that ever since I've met the guy." Itachi gave me a look and I sighed, "Look, I have been careful around him, but he's like a leech! He'll cling to you if he gets the chance... and I think I've just accidentally given him that chance..." I frowned, "Anyway, are you going to hide the rest of the way there?"

 

"No."

 

"No...?" I asked in disbelief, beginning to trail after the rest of the group - they were going at an amazing slow pace and I could see that they hadn't gotten very far from me. Souzu had even caught up to the other two by now.

 

"No."

 

"Suit yourself," I clicked my tongue. Perhaps this was the time to express my concern to Itachi. He had better 'brains' than I did, anyway. "Besides... I've got something to ask you..." Itachi adjusted his cloak and I let out a sneeze. "Sorry..." I said, sniffling. It was starting to get cold now that the sun was gone. Itachi sighed and slid off his cloak, dropping it over my shoulders.

 

"I want it back by morning." I grinned at him, and pulled it closer around myself, "Sankyou, Tachi-kun!" His eyes wavered dangerously for a moment but it disappeared and a serious look filled them.

 

"It's about this mission." I started slowly. "Something's... off, I think. Hokage-sama wouldn't have sent me on this trip if he knew that Haku and Zabuza were assassins. Not to mention that Zabuza is an S-class missing-nin. He probably would've sent an Anbu team instead." Itachi gave me a close look.

 

"And?"

 

"So I think that either he didn't get the report Kakashi gave to Iruka..." I chewed my lip uncertainly, "Or someone tampered with the report before or after Kakashi gave it to Iruka. Which is a bit odd..." I didn't finish my thesis. Itachi could probably get it already.

 

There was a traitor/spy in Konoha. I gave Itachi an unspoken message with my eyes.

 

He understood.

 

“I also have something to talk to you about.” He said quietly. I sniffled, but cocked my head in reply. I felt Kuro shift in my pack. “Your eyes… they were damaged by…?”

 

Oh. I managed a smile. “You remember that lightning jutsu I used back in Amegakure? That was it. The light intensity at close range gave me photic injuries. They don't know why my eyes remain in the sharingan state though… but it's not on. It's only for looks.” He nodded thoughtfully. “And your sharingan?”

 

I hesitated. Itachi knew of the situation with the council members. Perhaps if I dropped subtle hints he would get it? “It's… damaged.”

 

“Aa. I see.”

 

You see? He understood. My pause did it, I think. “Perhaps I need to help you train later on then.” I quirked my lips. “Maybe.” I replied. “With Kuro too.”

 

I was startled when Itachi reached out and laid one hand on my head while we were still walking, staring at me carefully. “What is it?” I asked nervously. He merely shook his head slowly and dropped his hand.

 

“There are many things I wish to know… about you.” I stopped.

 

I couldn't stop staring at him as he walked ahead of me.

 

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

 

The group had seemed a bit uneasy with Itachi being out in the open since he revealed himself, but they got used to it by the time Genma came back to inform us of a camp site. Genma's reaction was more subtle - a raised eyebrow, but other than that, no questions. I didn't blame them, seeing an S-classed missing-nin up close wasn't something you'd think you'd still be breathing after one glimpse. Usually you were dead.

 

Kotetsu was thoughtfully reading a book by the fire, humming and hawing every so often. Izumo was already asleep, most likely tired out by his and Kotetsu's arguments during the day. Genma was the first one to keep watch and was sitting in a tree to the left of me.

 

The clearing was right beside a river and I think that Genma chose this place because any enemies could only attack from 2 sides, rather than four. The river surrounded on side and a narrow cliff clung to another. Of course, a ninja could try and attack from above, but seeing as the freakin' cliff was higher than Tokyo Tower, huh, no chance in hell. The other two sides of the clearing were surrounded by trees.

 

The regular path towards the Wave Country was about half a league from the camp site. In Layman's terms, it was 1.5 miles/2.5 kilometers or a half an hour's worth of walking distance. Which wasn't bad, because if we ran it might take about 15 minutes, depending on our - well, my stamina. But if worse comes to worse, Itachi can always carry me. (:3)

 

Souzu was Kami knows where - I think he was taking care of some -ahem- business and Itachi had disappeared for a while now. I wasn't quite sure where he had disappeared to but I didn't care as long as he wasn't asking for his cloak back.

 

It was cold, all right? Geez, what does a girl have to do to stay warm around here? Well, apparently, be the sister of a missing-nin and sniffle a bit. Problem solved! I was rummaging through my bag, searching for an appropriate wear for bed, but decided - to hell with it. It was too cold anyway. The snow season hadn't ended yet but lately the snow had melted and the weather had taken to be rainy and cold. Perhaps it wasn't cold enough for snow?

 

That's when I looked up, and it started to snow. Oh, so much for it being too warm. I glared at it. Don't get me wrong, I loved snow, but when you're sitting the farthest from the fire and you're cold? Heh. It develops into all kinds of things. And I didn't feel like moving because I had just unrolled my sleeping bag and was comfortably warm in it.

 

I'm not moving damnit! Even if it came time for my watch, I would watch from my sleeping bag. There was no law against that. At least I had a ball of fur to keep me warm. Kuro was nestled in between my legs, snoring quietly away. I think the fur ball sleeps too much.

 

A rustling beside me caused me to jump slightly and I mentally berated myself for my lack of concentration. I had to concentrate or enemies could come right up next to me and I wouldn't even know it. Fortunately it was the enemy, but just Souzu. Joy. Even worse.

 

He held a fruit in his hand. An apple. Seeing my stare, he offered it to me but I shook my head. I didn't really like apples all that much, and plus I wasn't hungry. The ration bar from earlier was still tumbling around in my stomach. I saw Souzu shrug, "I'm not that fond of apples either."

 

Shooting me a grin, he continued, "I'm more of an oranges kind of guy." Yikes.

 

I cursed inwardly. Damn. I hoped he wouldn't notice.

 

I felt uneasy when I saw him sniff the air around me. Shit. 'Don't notice, don't notice, don't notice, damn, please don't notice.' I prayed inwardly. Why? You'll find out soon. I glared at him when he spoke.

 

"Do I smell... oranges?"

 

I knew I shouldn't have used that orange-scented bug spray. Don't get me wrong and don't yell at me because I know it was supposed to be winter and there wasn't supposed to be any bugs around. But remember, the snow had been gone! And the sun was out! And by some insane, freak accident, there were mosquitoes milling about. How, I did not know. Maybe the bugs here had insane adapting powers or something.

 

"It's bug-spray." I commented bluntly. He brightened. "Can I use some?"

 

I glared at him, clutching my bag more protectively against my stomach, "Only if you have a couple thousand yen you're willing to give up, buddy." His face fell, but he gave me a wink, "I understand. Bug-spray is only imported and hard to come by." With that, he finally left me alone.

 

'Left me alone' meaning that he stopped talking. Not meaning he went away from his spot. To my dismay, I noticed that he had set up his sleeping bag beside me. Double joy. Itachi where are you? Saaaaaaaavveee me!

 

Back to the topic of bug-spray, yes it is hard to come by. Apparently the ingredient used to make it isn't found around these parts, so they're imported from somewhere else... don't know where though. All I know is that this baby cost me 2500 yen and that's a whopper. Back in my own world bug spray could get as cheep as 500 yen! So getting me to share this one was going to be a tough nut to crack.

 

Settling against the tree my sleeping bag was against, I sighed and set my bag down, attempting to use it as a pillow. I wish Kuro was nice and big already so I'd have a warm pillow. But noooo… he was so tiny still. At least Souzu wasn't really bothering me. I tried to sense where Itachi was and relaxed when I found his presence throbbing merrily away to the right of me somewhere.

 

It was retreating. My eyes crinkled as they remained closed and I tried harder. Why was he moving further away? I felt his presence falter slightly and I immediately knew that something was wrong and jerked to a sitting position. Kuro woke up immediately, scooting out and nuzzling me gently, as if to ask me what was wrong. Genma immediately noticed and appeared by my side. Apparently this group must've worked together a bit before this mission because Kotetsu had shook Izumo awake and they were both standing alert (Well, for Izumo if you call alert rubbing your eyes and yawning sleepily while glancing around). Souzu had stood up and was standing beside Genma.

 

"What is it?" Genma asked in a hushed whisper. I stood up myself, picking up Kuro and setting him into my bag. If something happened I had to be ready to run. "I'm not sure. Itachi's moving away from us and something flickered in his presence." I announced uncertainly. Genma frowned and his eyes widened. Before I could ask him what was wrong, he had formed a few seals and whispered something under his breath.

 

A round blue glow surrounded the entire group and I blinked in shock and in surprise when we suddenly moved. Moved as in 'teleported' to another location. Well, I didn't realize that it was teleportation in the first place. All I knew was that colors swirled and contorted around us and then we were suddenly in a tree and the camp site was no where in sight. Huh. New jutsu? I would have to ask Genma about it later.

 

I clutched the trunk of the tree in an attempt to stay balanced on the large branch and almost fell over. A hand steadied me immediately and I whispered thanks into the darkness. An answering reply made it known that it was Souzu who had steadied me. For once, I didn't feel uneasy about his touch - until a large explosion to the left of us sent shock waves rumbling through the surrounding area for leagues on end. Kuro gave a small yelp from the bag on my back.

 

My eyes closed tightly and I hung on to whatever I could (in this case, Souzu's arm and the tree trunk) to prevent myself from tilting from the blast of hot air that immediately followed the shaking shock wave. When it faded, I cautiously opened my eyes again. Damn. The explosion had come directly from our now charred and probably on fire, camp site. I sniffled, grumbling about the cold. "I bet that it's nice and warm there now... all that fire..."

 

Genma gave me a strange look and shook his head, "We'll have to-" he was cut off by the appearance of Itachi, who immediately scanned the group until his eyes landed on me. His cold eyes landed on Souzu's arm, which was - shit... which had somehow gotten around my waist. Souzu slowly removed it at Itachi's gaze. I sneezed again, swaying and was steadied by my brother when he appeared beside me. "We're leaving." he said bluntly. Genma paused, but nodded in a firm agreement. "We're going to have to keep going. Someone is after this group." His eyes narrowed, "Looks like this mission had more than we bargained for."

 

I sneezed again, sniffling and curling up closer to Itachi, who at the moment felt like an oven. "I could've told you that." Genma's eyes narrowed at me, "Tell me later." he proposed. I shrugged and gazed out into the night. I couldn't see a damn thing. How were we going to travel like this?

 

Before I could voice my thoughts, Kotetsu spoke. Apparently, he had the same concerns as I did. Although his was probably more appropriate. Mine were somewhere along the lines of... 'I'm going to hit a tree every step of the way if I were to try to travel.'

 

"How are we going to manage in the dark?"

 

Genma gave the other Jounin a sharp gaze, "You know the drill." Kotetsu sighed, "I was hoping you wouldn't say that." I perked up. Say what? What was the drill? Genma caught my gaze, "It's a new jutsu developed by the Konoha Research and Development Squad. It allows users to see in the dark for a short period of time." He clarified, "We just need to get to a safer location so we can discuss this." At his nod, Kotetsu and Izumo had activated the jutsu with a few hand seals. Souzu, however, stood a little ways off, slightly uncomfortable. He probably didn't know it yet. He was still new to Konoha.

 

Genma glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, "Unfortunately Souzu-san, you're going to have to just follow our lead." Souzu nodded. Genma glanced at Itachi and began to speak.

 

"Forget it," Itachi mumbled. I felt a chakra change in the air and I knew that he had turned on his Sharingan. I frowned. Sharingan allowed us to see in the dark? As if sensing my thoughts, Itachi answered, "Only when you achieve the third level, Yama." I shrugged and sniffled again.

 

"I will carry you."

 

The other group members didn't object and I happily obliged. The guy was warm, all right? He was practically a heater himself! Just radiating heat. Mmmm... heat. And Kuro was helping by warming my back. As we headed out with Genma in the lead, I felt myself yawn and then I cursed. Itachi started and I saw the others glanced back at me momentarily, but continued moving. At their curious glances, I answered obligingly.

 

"My sleeping bag is still back there."

 

Kotetsu burst out laughing immediately, which receded into chuckles after a while. Izumo managed a twitching smile and Souzu had another one of his killer smiles on his face. Genma shook his head slowly and I huffed indignantly. "What? I need my soft, warm sleeping bag, you know!"

 

Itachi gave off a sigh and hoisted me higher onto his back. "Sleep, Yama. You're delirious."

 

"…Am not." I muttered stubbornly, but curled up against his back all the same. The ride was amazingly smooth and before long I found myself half-asleep. About the drift off into la-la land, I heard hushed whisper and raised my head sleepily - and was immediately alert. Our group wasn't talking, but traveling swiftly.

 

Then where was the conversation coming from?

"10-4. Target is in sight. Request to move in?"

 

I felt myself tense when I heard a crackling sound. A radio! I tugged on Itachi's sleeve. "Itachi!" I hissed. He grunted in reply, "Someone's following us!" His body immediately tensed up and he increased his speed. Soon he was traveling near Genma. Genma only glanced at us momentarily, "I know." he said simply. My eyes widened. Then why wasn't he doing anything?

 

"We need to find out who they are after." Genma continued solemnly, "It can't be all of us, so it has to be someone in this group." I felt myself pale. Akatsuki? No... They weren't that stupid to come after me when they knew that Itachi was with me - they had only attacked a few days ago! They wouldn't attempt another attack so soon... Maybe it was someone else in this group. But what were the possibilities?

 

"Game over..."

 

I cursed again. And not from the memory of that strange phone call.

 

I caught the attention of the group - and more likely the enemy as well. I grumbled at them, "What? I just remembered that I forgot to say good bye to Tachi-kun before we left for this mission..." I mumbled dazedly. Itachi gave me a slightly concealed concerned look and I felt his pace slowly down slightly.

 

Seconds later, a cool hand touched my forehead.

 

"She has a high fever." A voice somewhere above me stated. Another voice cursed and I heard a gentle voice crooning softly. I heard a concerned whine from behind me. My eyes drifted shut and I found myself barely able to keep in touched with the voices talking all around me.

 

"Is she going to be all right?"

 

"We need to find a place right now."

 

"What about them?"

"Lose them. We will deal with them later."

 

"Wakatteru, taichou."

 

"Stay with me Yama."

 

Mmmm... Sleepy.

 

“Arf!”

 

"... awake! You..."

 

"...Ya..."

 

"... ama!"

 

Go away voices... I'm trying to sleep.

 

"Yama!"

 

To be continued…

 

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

 

To my reviewers: Thank you for all or your support throughout this past year (ff dot net):

 

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To anyone who I had missed, gomen and thank you all! And a big welcome to a bunch of new readers/reviewers I have gotten - thank you for you're encouragement!

 

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

 

XoXSilverDragonXoX

 

Revised August 22, 2008