Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ A Girl Named Yama ❯ Chapter 21 - Momoji no Kyudan ( Chapter 21 )

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: *Blink. Blink. I'm not dead. I am late. That is all.

 

A shorter chapter this time, but this chapter's essentially an `info' chapter. There's information that just needed to be covered… and this just happened to be the chapter that hit the spot. As you can see… my long term writer's block has finally shifted slightly. LMAO. I needed some time to think about where the story was head. And it looks like I've found that outlet.

 

And yea, I realize there are probably a billion mistakes in this chapter, but I don't particularly care at the moment. I just wanted to get this chapter out so readers don't maim me with books/chairs/keyboards/food, etc.

 

Last Chapter:

 

Yama falls into a delirious sleep on a mission to the Wave Country. Who are the pursuers that attacked during the shroud of night?

 

Warnings:

 

Hints of Shounen Ai.May be a little foul language as well.

 

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

 

Chapter 21 - Momiji no kyūden

 

I jerked into a sitting position, gasping loudly. Immediately I felt hands comforting me, pushing me back down onto the bed. "Shhh..." After a few moments of murmuring gibberish, I managed to open my eyes, peering blearily up at a gray blob. Raising one hand, I wiped my eyes of sleep gunk and found myself staring at Itachi. I saw his eyes for what they truly were - not the usual red Sharingan he had on.

 

"Nnn?" I murmured sleepily, earning a small glare. He held his index finger to his lips. Oh... he wanted me to be quiet? All right... I was too tired to give a shit anyway. Rolling onto my side and mashing my face into the soft pillow - where the pillow came from was beyond me - I attempted to murmur out a 'good night.' However, it probably sounded like `guh gab' to him. That's when I froze. Waaaait a second. I sat up again, eyes wide. Itachi gave me a glare but didn't try to push me down again.

 

"..." I opened my mouth but nothing came out. I managed a croak. I glared at nothing.

 

I had no voice. Okay, I had a voice. But speaking seemed impossible. Itachi leaned closer, "You lost your voice. It's laryngitis." I stared blankly at him. He must've mistaken my blank stare for 'incomprehension' because he proceeded to do something that annoyed the hell out of me. "Itis: The inflammation of. Larynx: the voice box." he stated flatly. "Laryngitis: the inflammation of the voice box." I glared at him and for a moment, was tempted to show him just how happy one of my fingers was. However, mind overruled said impulse (since it decided that living was somewhat more profitable than revenge) and I settled for giving him a warning look.

 

Wait… where was Kuro!? I began to look around frantically. I even tried to mouth `Kuro' to Itachi.

 

He managed to give me a blank stare in return, "Kuro is with Genma-san.” I relaxed slightly but was still a little edgy. “Try not to make any loud disruptions." he continued quietly, "We've just managed to keep—" Itachi jerked sudden and whirled around, facing a doorway and managing to block my view. For the first time I realized that I was lying on a bed in a rugged looking shack. There was an old, dirty dresser on my left and a cloth-covered window on my right. I scanned the floor momentarily, guessing that it had been swept - a broom leaned against a wall - and slowly moved to the side of the bed.

 

Itachi had disappeared, but I ignored that fact. All I wanted to do at the moment was get my own self out of the bed... somehow. As my feet touched the floor, I jerked them back in a hurry. Sheesh was that ever cold! My eyes narrowed slightly at my black shoes, which at the moment were halfway across the room.

 

…By the door.

 

By the door that was still open.

 

By the door that was still open that I couldn't seem to take my eyes off of.

 

Shit. It was snowing. Again. Would this snow-melt-snow-melt pattern ever end?

 

Groaning and mumbling incoherently, I forced myself to get up by leaning against the bedpost for support. I slowly counted to three. On three, I pushed myself off, taking one unsteady step forwards. Immediately a dizzying sensation blanketed my senses, making my vision swirl with black for a few seconds. When it faded, I shook my head, hoping that it would not happen again. The feeling was something akin to the feeling of falling. And the feeling of falling is not something I liked very much.

 

What the hell had happened to me? All I remembered was... was...

 

I frowned in frustration, feeling my forehead crease in concentration. What had happened? Ah yes... the explosion. And then there was the group of us moving away from the scene. And then... My mind drew a blank. I blinked. Well, that was probably when I had blacked out.

 

Now that I knew where I was standing, let's see if I can make it to the door without flattening my face on the floorboards, shall we?

 

I managed to take about four steps before two arms steadied me, hence, stopping my actions. I glared straight ahead, which meant I glared into a person's chest.

 

Souzu.

 

I should've expected that one.

 

"Yama?" he questioned gently, "You should be in bed." Oi! What happened to the suffix in my name? Deciding I didn't have the strength to both with it, I sighed and tried to talk, only to remember that I couldn't talk. All I managed to do was make a few sounds of nothing. Souzu sighed, "I have been informed of your... predicament. But however fine you may be, you are not ready to be on your feet."

 

Oh yes I am. Now kindly take your arms off of me. Dammnit, why couldn't I talk? I know it was because of that... laryngitis crap, but what had caused it?

 

Souzu must have read my thoughts, for he answered my unsaid questions. "You lost your voice due to the high fever you had, which was a symptom of a bad cold." he explained, “Which you still have, at the moment.” He added. Before I could protest further, I found myself tossed over his shoulder and carried back to the bed, where I was promptly dropped.

 

I glared at him from where I was tangled with the bed sheets and attempted to struggle out of them, just in time to see Genma and Itachi enter the room, closing the door as well. I brightened when Kuro followed them. As soon as the pup saw me away he let out a bark and jumped onto the after a running start. The bed bounced slightly and I managed to push Kuro away from my face. Genma raised an eyebrow at me, "I see you're… well rested? Kuro's been worried." I promptly stuck my tongue out at him and continued my futile attempts at getting out of the bed and trying to prevent Kuro from slobbering all over my face. Souzu had only dropped me, how on earth had I gotten tangled up?

 

The bed is possessed I tell you.

 

After a few more seconds of amusing on-looking, Souzu finally relented and helped me out, allowing me to stand beside the bed. My dog remained on the bed, panting and giving me a doggie smile. I glared at Souzu, and then Kuro. I will get my revenge... someday. Souzu for dropping me, and Kuro for slobbering all of me.

 

"Now." Genma started, "I believe that there are a few things that we need to go over."

 

I promptly sat down; not missing the confusing looks the three of them sent me. Drawing Kuro onto my lap, I began to run my hand through his fur. He was cold. And wet. But then again, he had just come from the snowy outside.

 

"Issue number one; the group that had been pursuing us has found us." Genma narrowed his eyes at Souzu, "But they are not the enemy. I believe you have some answers for us, ohji-sama." I didn't miss the emphasis on the term and stared quizzically at Souzu. Before it hit me -hard.

 

My jaw dropped. Not that I had any voice to speak with anyway. Souzu managed a sheepish look and I saw Itachi roll his eyes. By the way... where were Kotetsu and Izumo?

 

At that moment the closed door burst open and yelling filled the room. Kuro let out a snap and a low growl. Genma and Itachi were immediately alert (well... as alert as Itachi could look - his kind of alert was just the standing there kind of alert. You know - the kind where he doesn't look alert at all).

 

"Chill!" Kotetsu held up his hands, "It's just us." In response, I saw Kuro let out a huff and turn back to me, nudging my hand. I stifled a smile as Kotetsu managed a stony glare at the dog. I managed an apologetic look. Sorry, Kuro has a attitude problem.

 

Genma lowered his kunai, glaring at the both of them sternly. "What the hell are you two doing here? You were supposed to be keeping an eye on them." I stood and nudged Souzu, who at the moment was the closest so far. He shot me a questioning look.

 

....

 

I want my voice back.

 

At that point I decided to just sit back and observe.

 

"You two are supposed to be keeping an eye on them." Genma repeated impatiently. He was waiting for an answer. My eyebrows rose. Them? Who was the `them'? My question was answered when two others burst into the room behind Kotetsu, who rolled his eyes in exasperation.

 

"You're Excellency!" My eyebrow twitched. Damn. I wanted some answers! Confusing... royalty things were messing with my brain. If I had caught on right, Souzu was supposed to be a prince, and uh… these new guys were his subjects?

 

"Gunter!" Souzu protested, as the two newcomers knelt at his feet. My eyebrows rose in appreciation immediately. Mmmm. More eye candy. Just eye candy! I'm taken, but what's a little look-see going to do?

 

I blinked curiously at one of them. He looked tall when he first entered the room - looming at what seemed to be 6 feet, 5 inches. Long black hair dropped down to about his waist and I managed to catch a glimpse of forest green eyes right before he had bowed his head. There was just something about this guy… an aura or something - it created a sense of maturity around him.

 

The other beside him was entirely the opposite with short tousled forest green hair and prussian blue eyes. He on the other hand, had a boyish aura. And as if sensing my thoughts, the greenette's head rose and he met my eyes, blinking curiously.

 

“Ahh!” He jumped to his feet, pointing at me accusingly. “Omae… omae-!” I glared at him half-heartedly. I didn't like him already. `And exactly what are you trying to tell me?' I directed the thought at him. As if he would be able to understand it anyway. Unless, of course, he just happened to excel in mind-reading.

 

`It's rude to point.' I grumbled to myself.

Itachi gave the boy a glance, before moving to stare out the window located on the back wall, behind me. I snorted. Well, at least the guy wasn't dangerous - Itachi deemed him harmless anyway. Genma made a small noise of surprise. “Do you know Yama-chan?”

 

“… She's the one Hecca was talking about so passionately…” he muttered. My eyes widened considerably and I shot Souzu an accusing look. He backed up a step, holding his hands up in surrender. “Not that way!” he protested immediately. Souzu glared at the blonde immediately, who bulked and remained silent.

 

Genma sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose, “Can we stay on topic, please?” Someone murmured in agreement and nodded towards Souzu, “First off, I believe some reintroductions are to be made.”

 

Souzu hesitantly nodded, before clearing his throat awkwardly. “My full name is Yagami Kousuke Souzu.” He paused, and we all say him visibly bite his lip. “The heir to the Momiji no kyÅ«den.”

 

I scrunched my nose. It was called the palace of Japanese maples? What kind of name was that?

 

Souzu must've caught my look because he chuckled and answered, “I didn't decide on the name either.” He gave me a slow smile, “It's a place where Japanese maples prosper.”

 

Ah. I see. So uh… what was going to happen now?

 

Genma gave off a little sigh, “Very well then, your highness—” My eyebrows rose slightly. “—What is it that brings you to our end of the world?” Genma finished wryly.

 

Souzu balked, “I don't believe—!” He was immediately confronted with three glares; Genma, Kotetsu and me. Souzu gulped. That's right buddy, we want answers and we want `em now.

 

The one Souzu had called Gunter stepped forward immediately, “Our lord has absolutely no obligations to answer your questions!” For future reference, this was the guy short blonde hair. Souzu glared at him and I saw the blonde wince and step back.

 

“These…” Souzu waved a hand at the two members of his group in the room, “Are my father's loyal advisors, “Gunter—…” he pointed at the short blonde haired man, “…and Seiran.” Seiran. A good name for a wise-looking guy. Not to mention good-looking. I think I stared a bit too long at Seiran, because he started to shift uncomfortably. This could have also been due to the fact that Souzu was glaring at Seiran half-heartedly. And that was probably because I was staring at Seiran goggle-eyed.

 

Kotetsu cleared his throat, “How about we get on with the details?” Genma blinked and nodded quickly. “Now then, now that the introductions are done and we all know each other; how about you explain exactly why you entered our village and are now under the pretense of being one of our own ninja when you have a country that needs running.” Genma frowned thoughtfully, “And while you're at it, why don't you tell us what country you hail from?” There was a long pause, “Your highness.” Genma added.

 

I saw Gunter's fists clenched and shaking - no doubt suppressing an unimaginable amount of rage. “Oi! You don't have any right to demand answers from Yagami-ohji-sama in that rude tone of voice!” There was the dull scratching sound of metal as he withdrew a long sword, “Prepare yourself!”

 

Everyone in the room tensed as the Konoha ninja immediately drew shuriken, kunai, or something of the like.

Growing alarmed, I backed up on the bed, pulling Kuro with me and staring helplessly. A full-blown fight was about to start and I couldn't even say a word to stop it. My eyes rolled over towards Itachi's direction. He hadn't moved from the window since the beginning of this conversation. Inching past Genma and away from the cross-fire, I reached Itachi and tugged on his sleeve.

 

I was startled to see his Sharingan eyes staring at me thoughtfully. Huh. So he hadn't felt like these people were entirely harmless after all.

 

“What?”

 

I grumped at him. How rude. That wasn't any way to talk to an elder sibling! Not that it mattered anyway…

 

I cleared my throat, staring pointedly in the direction of the fireworks. “And you expect me to do something about it?” Itachi drawled slowly, “That would be like trying to stop Naruto…” he paused, “From trying to eat ramen.”

 

…

 

That was lame. And I think my expression contained that message because I received a pointed glare from said Uchiha when he glanced at me.

 

Genma raised a hand in surrender. The Souzu-tachi hesitated slightly. “How much of this will reach the ears of your Hokage?” Seiran asked cautiously.

 

Genma stared at the man with a blank look at first, before it changed to shock. After a few seconds, he managed an amused smile, “As cautious as ever -suitable for the King's right hand advisor, Kobasan Seiran.”

 

…

 

Wait. Genma knew these people? Or rather, the one guy? Seiran merely blinked blankly at the Konoha shinobi for a second before his mouth twitched, ever so slightly. “Gen-ni?”

 

Instant scowl.

 

“I told you not to call me that.” Genma grumbled, pulling the needle from his mouth. Wait, rewind the scene for a second here, Gen…ni? How did these two know each other?

 

“I've always wondered what you did after you left Konoha…” Genma mumbled thoughtfully, “So you found a place to settle in, I see.” A slow smile. “As the King's right hand advisor, no less.” Around the two, everyone was either gawking or whispering with one another.

 

“Nonetheless,” Genma abruptly changed the subject, “Back to the matter at hand, please. What is it you want with Konoha?” Souzu shifted uncomfortably, before giving Genma a serious look.

 

“Well, there are actually two matters we wish to ask of Konoha.” Souzu stated, “One, we've been having some trouble with rogue ninja back in our palace. We believe they were hired by one of father's more prominent enemies, the Kanryo (translation = bureaucracy). They are after father's position as King. My father is considering backing down and allowing the heir to inherit the throne.”

 

Everyone was silent for a few seconds. “Whoa! Wait a second, that means that-!” Kotetsu broke off, exchanging a look with Izumo. I saw Gunter shake his head slightly. “No. Yagami-ohji-sama has an elder brother. He will inherit the throne.”

 

Genma frowned thoughtfully. “To put it simply, you require our cooperation to sniff out these rogue hunters, am I correct?”

 

Seiran nodded, “Exactly.”

 

“Then why do you ask for help from Konoha? The Rain country is much closer; you didn't have to needlessly travel to the hidden Leaf.” Izumo stated suspiciously. I saw his hand inch towards his leg pouch again. Apparently Gunter noticed this as well and snarled, whipping out a sword and pointing it in Izumo's direction, “You will cease such motions at once in the presence of Yagami-ohji-sama!”

 

There was a tense silence where no one moved, heck - I don't even think any breathed. Finally Seiran pushed Gunter's sword down and kept his hand in front of the blonde. In turn, Genma gave Izumo a look, and Izumo's hand retreated.

 

Stiffly, Souzu answered. “The Rain country… and we have not been in good relations lately.” I saw Gunter clench his fist and I scooted back so that I was against the headboard, and also slightly behind Genma. It was strange, really. You would think that Genma, Izumo and Kotetsu would be standing near the door to prevent these people from escaping. Instead, the stood in front of the bed and Souzu-taichi stood in from of the door. But to tell you the truth, it made me feel a lot safer. Something wasn't right with the weather. It shouldn't be snowing. Well actually, it could be snowing, but something was still off.

 

To tell you the truth, ever since I've arrived in Konoha my sense of time's been off. It was now January. Time seemed to blur by and I barely remember everything that had occurred. I had arrived back… Actually, I could barely remember the day I had arrived. What day had it been? Back… uh… eto…

 

It had been June when I arrived. I know that much. Umm. Let's see… I trained with Iruka for a coupld of months months. That makes it to early October. Then we went to the Wave Country. We arrived back in Konoha around late October. Then there was that little scuffle -oh wait. There was training with Kakashi first. That lasted about three weeks. That makes it to mid November. Then Itachi `kidnapped' me. I sure as hell don't remember how long that lasted. A week… or two? Let's give it two. Then life settled down in Konoha for a bit, and suddenly all the snow that was present melted away, even though it was close to early December. Then Itachi arrived. Then snow came again. And then yea… the rest is history. I think. And then… Whatever.

 

It's been about half a year… more or less. I think. Gahhh! I resisted the urge to scream in frustration. Which is good because I think it would've looked weird if I screamed without making any noise. However, I wasn't able to prevent myself from banging my head against the backboard I was leaning against.

 

Repeatedly.

 

For the first time, I noticed that the room was silent. I stopped my musings and saw that everyone was staring at me. Even Kuro was staring at me blankly from beside me.

 

Blink.

 

“What?” I croaked. I visibly saw the rest of the people in the room flinch. I blanched and managed a sheepish look. It probably sounded like a very, very, very weak croak to them. They probably heard gibberish. Unfortunately, they weren't educated in the ancient language of the Gibberish folk.

 

Izumo cleared his throat noisily while Genma sighed and only shook his head at me. I mentally and repeatedly hit him over the head with a sledgehammer.

 

“Back to business. What is the second matter mentioned?” Wait, back up! He never explained why the Rain country was not in good relations with them! I tried to get Genma's attention, but he merely ignored me. I attempted to growl. It didn't work very well. Think of a kitten trying to roar. Kuro! Help by barking or something. The animal ignored me. Damn brat.

 

I must've missed the information while I was zoned out.

 

Determined not the miss the second matter, I leaned forward slightly. I was going to glean as much information as I could out of this!

 

Gunter exchanged a look with Seiran and I saw Souzu pale slightly. “The, ah, second matter is a bit…” Gunter made a face, “… disturbing.” There was shuffling from the back wall and from my peripheral vision, I saw Itachi straighten slightly. I snuffed out a snort. Figures. Only he would pay attention to `disturbing' events.

 

“There have been a series of… killings within the palace,” Seiran explained tightly, “Unexplained events which have occurred since five years ago.”

 

Kotetsu's eyebrows hit his hairline, “And you haven't done anything about it until now?!”

 

“It's… not as easy as you think it is.” Gunter elaborated, twisting the side of his shirt nervously. “It's not normal murders.” He hesitated and after a nod from Souzu, continued, “As Seiran has said, it started five years ago. At first, the murders took place far apart from each other. Once every three months. But as the years started to go by, the time in between began to dwindle; once every month, every week, every three days.”

 

Souzu leaned heavily against the table that was against the wall adjacent to the door, “It's been driving Father absolutely crazy. And because we haven't been able to do anything about it, the people of the court are beginning to doubt his leading. They are saying that as a leader, Father should be doing something about this.”

 

“And aren't you?” Genma inquired. Gunter visible scrunched up his face in distaste, “Of course we are! What do you think we're doing here?!”

 

“Five years later.” Izumo added. This earned him a scowl from the two advisors.

 

“It's not that simple. The murders have simply been… illogical -supernatural… almost. We haven't been able to figure out how they've been killed. It's unlike anything we've ever uncovered before. The first few times it happened and no explanation was discovered, the case was merely labeled random killings. The cases were never actually solved. As time went on, the worry began to escalate. That's why we are asking for your help. We need to figure out exactly what it is.” Seiran said quietly.

 

Everyone stiffened at that. “What's the rate of threat?” Genma asked cautiously.

 

“Max.”

 

Shock. I stared. What did Genma mean by `rate'? Exactly how were things rated around here? By the sound of it, max seemed pretty damn high. I'll get someone to line out the ratings to me later. That is, when I figured out a way to communicate without my voice.

 

Genma frowned. “And why is it you need us again?”

 

I brightened. This was the part I had missed before! I cast adoring eyes on Genma, `Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!'

 

“Ummm. I thought we explained this before?” Souzu asked nervously, eyes shifting uneasily. Genma's eyebrow twitched. “We would like to hear it again.”

 

“…”

 

“…”

 

“… Well?” Izumo asked impatiently. My eyes shifted from Gunter's disgruntled expression to Souzu's beet-red face, eyebrows rising all the while.

 

Seiran was pinching the bridge of his noise irritably, “The water country is in no position to help us, they simply have no ninjas, you should be well aware of that. The rain country… well… Our prince is avoiding the affections of a local lord's daughter there.”

 

Snort.

 

Kotetsu was turned away from us, shoulders shaking every now and then. “Kotetsu.” Genma said sternly. Said ninja raised a hand, before finally calming down, “Wari, wari! Gomen nasai!” He managed another chortle before finally becoming serious again.

 

Genma turned to Seiran again. “Saaa… Is there any more information you are able to provide us with?”

 

Seiran merely shook his head. “The rest of the information can only be revealed if you decide to help us.”

 

I frowned. If I knew Genma, he wouldn't want to proceed any further without the Hokage's permission, and especially not without more information about what we would be getting into.

 

“I'm afraid we'll have to consult Sandaime about this before we can agree to anything.” Genma said finally. “I don't have the authorization to bring my team into something that can possibly lead to their deaths. On another note, we're already on a mission.”

 

Souzu brightened immediately. “Well… about that…”

 

Genma's eyes narrowed. “Yes?”

 

Our resident prince immediately shrank back. “Eh… Those two ninja you were supposed to investigate? They…” Souzu mumbled the last bit, causing the rest of us to strain our ears. It sounded like `gah gibbley' to me.

 

Seiran sighed, “Hecca. You will have to repeat that part louder.”

 

A scowl covered Souzu's face. “Fine! Those two ninja are working for my father at the moment. Since most of my father's power has gone down, there has been trouble with order lately. Father hired a duo of ninja's to help keep the council in line. The mission request was actually submitted by me.”

 

My jaw dropped. They deceived us! And the ninjas they managed to hire were Zabuza and Haku?! I had wondered where'd they'd gone off to… I'm not really surprised though. They were mercenaries from the start anyway. Well at least Zabuza is. Haku's just following him.

 

“Well.” Genma said dryly. “That at least saves us the trouble of going to investigate in the Water Country.”

 

“Actually,” Gunter piped up. “You'll still have to go to the water country anyway. The only entrance to our village is through there.”

Kotetsu whistled. “Planned this out well, did you?”

 

“Well actually…” Seiran suddenly sounded really sheepish. “If you must know, your Hokage already knows about us. We confronted him about the situation first—” I frowned. That would mean the Hokage knew I would be going pretty far. But pretty far meant that information maybe easier to fine. Thank you Hokage-sama!

 

“Anou jiji…” Genma growled. “Keeping something like this from us…”

 

“-since we didn't want to be public with our mission we covered it up.” Seiran shot Genma an amused look before glancing sideways at Souzu. “But sending in Yagami-ohji-sama was not our idea.”

 

Souzu scratched the back of his neck, flashing everyone a sheepish grin. “Demo… you had such cute girls in your village.” Everyone sweat dropped.

 

Twitch.

 

`Do not hit him. He's a prince. Do not hit him. He's a prince. Do not—'I repeated mentally.

 

Genma signed. “Nevertheless, I will have to contact Hokage-sama.” He glanced briefly at me. “We won't be able to travel for a few days anyway. Not with one of our teammates ill and with that blizzard raging outside. I swear, the weather just keeps getting stranger and stranger as the years pass.”

Seiran nodded slightly, “Very well. Contact your Hokage. We will remain here until you have come to your decision.”

 

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

 

“Maaa…” Izumo sighed. “What a situation we've gotten tangled up in.” Kotetsu merely snorted. “You mean a situation Hokage-sama has gotten us tangled into.”

 

I managed a grunt in agreement, burying my face into the bed sheets.

 

“Demo… That must be nice, Yama-san.” Kotetsu grinned at me. “—To have a bed to sleep in, that is. We all had to deal with wherever we managed to find. Although I did find a nice place by that window just yesterday… ” He mused. “Kuro seems to enjoy his place by your head too.” He added in amusement. I snorted and glanced sideways where Kuro was lying, awake and ears twitching every so often.

 

“Well, at least it's kind of easier to keep watch with a dog.” Izumo commented. Kotetsu nodded in agreement. “That's true.”

 

I tuned out the idle chatter that Kotetsu and Izumo started up. Genma had taken the others (meaning Souzu, Gunter and Seiran) to a nearby one room building - or at least, that's what he told us. Who knows, maybe Genma got pissed enough to make them spend the night outside.

 

Okay, here's a summation of what happened since I blacked out.

 

Around the time I blacked out, Itachi managed to locate the pursuers and unveiled Gunter with a radio, and Seiran. This, of course, lead to a short tussle that ended when Souzu finally managed to step in and stop his two subjects.

 

That's when it began to snow harder, and they had been forced to find shelter in order to continue the explanations at a later time. And this is where this place came in. Kotetsu managed to locate a small collection of abandoned buildings a few miles north. It wasn't much, but it was shelter, albeit a little run down.

 

And there we have it. Or at least, the version Kotetsu told me anyhow.

 

Now that I think about it, Genma looked like he wanted to talk to Seiran. `I wonder what kind of relationship they had… childhood friends?' I thought.

 

Speaking of relationships… I turned onto my back and let out a silly grin. I wouldn't be able to say it, but I could certainly think it. I… missed Kakashi. Even if we hadn't really done anything serious, his presence was pretty damn calming. And I missed it.

 

`I wonder what he's doing now…'

 

“Na-ni?” A pillow hit my face. Sputtering, I sat up and coughed out a stray feather. I glared at the perpetrator. Never think with your mouth open. Baaaad idea. “Is Yama-san thinking about what I think you're thinking about?” Kotetsu teased lightly. I hardened my glare slightly.

 

If I could talk… this guy would be getting an earful.

 

“…”

 

“You should get some sleep, Yama.” I glanced up at the quiet voice. Itachi was standing near the window, looking out into the whirling snow. After three days, the snow was still coming down hard. It wasn't all that much of a surprise to me, seeing as I was unconscious for two of those three days. For all I knew, Kotetsu could've been lying to me and it just started snowing a day ago. But I suppose I'll trust the bastard for the moment. (-_-)

 

I settled back down, staring up at the cracked and worn ceiling.

 

It was at that moment that the door burst open again. Genma's annoyed face appeared. He was also holding a thin scroll in his left hand.

 

Izumo gave him an expectant look. “Well?”

 

“Hokage-sama just sent us this scroll. Apparently he's seen our situation through his… ahem… crystal ball.” Genma smirked. “We have received an addition to our mission.” He sighed, “We'll be assisting with Yagami-ohji-sama's… situation.”

 

Kotetsu groaned. “It looks like this is going to be a long one. And to think that I thought that we would've made it back before the Chuunin exams ended…” he murmured wistfully. Izumo merely yawned in reply.

 

“And when do we leave?”

 

Genma shot the usually quiet ninja a look. “We are hoping that the weather will calm down enough for us to leave sometime tomorrow. We'll see. Yama-san seems to be doing all right, so it should be okay for travel but it ultimately is determined by the weather.”

 

I waved an innocent arm in the air in reply, closing my eyes tiredly.

 

“All right then.” Abruptly, our team leader made his way to the door. “I'll be off now…”

 

…

 

“Kotetsu.” Genma said blandly. “Stop staring at me.”

 

“He, he…” I didn't need to open my eyes to know that Kotetsu was either a) Hosting an innocent look or b) Sporting an evil grin.

 

“And where are you off to, Gen…ni?”

 

I heard Genma slam into the closed door. “IT taitaitai…”

 

“I'll just be off now!” I opened my eyes in time to see Kotetsu raise a hand in salute, shoving the window open and zipping outside.

 

“I TOLD YOU NOT TO CALL ME THAT!” Genma roared, bursting out the door. My eyebrows rose immediately. The cool, calm and collected Genma was obviously not present today.

 

I heard Izumo sigh. “I haven't seen him quite like that in a while.” His eyes landed on me. “I wonder who this Seiran person is to him, no?” He gave me a soft grin and resumed his previous position of sitting cross-legged on the table and leaning against the wall (remember, the table is against the wall).

 

I merely shrugged and rolled onto my side. Unexplained murders, huh? I bit my lip nervously. Doesn't sound like something I wanted to get myself tangled into, mission or not.

 

But nevertheless, this was my first mission without Team 7 or Kakashi. I suppose I had to bring some sort of intriguing story back to tell them.

 

To be continued…

 

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

 

AHEM! It looks like the email system will be on. However, it seems that leaving email sis a might bit difficult, seeing as ff dot net cuts out emails if you do not space it out. THEREFORE! If you still wish to be on the mailing list, I implore you to SEND ME AN EMAIL rather then leaving your email in the reviews. My email is as follows: cats722 @ hotmail . com. Remove the spaces. You can also find it in my Profile.Also, the email's I have sent out might for this chapter was a tentative `practice.' If you wanted an email send to you and didn't get one, I most likely a) missed your review, b) ff dot net erased your email leavings in the review or c) I got too busy with school/work that I simply forgot. And for that I apologize. SO, I REPEAT, if you wish to have an email sent to you every time I update, please send ME an email, with the following:

 

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

 

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

 

XoXSilverDragonXoX

 

Revised August 22, 2008