Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ A Girl Named Yama ❯ Chapter 25 - Kakashi ( Chapter 25 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: XoXSilverDragonXoX 
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Comedy / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 12.26.2008 | Pages: 7 | Words: 10.2K | Visits: 347 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Comedy / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 12.26.2008 | Pages: 7 | Words: 10.2K | Visits: 347 | Status: Completed
Notes: Hi! I’m late by two days. Whatever. I didn’t want to post a half-ass chapter so I worked on the chapter for most of yesterday and today. And voila! Here’s the finished product! Go read! I’m sure lots of you will be very happy. XD We have not seen Kakashi is ages!
And of course here’s a little clearing up: Minato is not Yama’s REAL father. He was the one who found her when she was thrown into that ‘other’ world, as to put it. He is the step-father that raised her.
Last Chapter: After another meeting with Genma and her old team again, she manages to escape, only to land into the hands of Zabuza and Haku. And then after that, she winds up being attacked, again. Nothing is ever quiet and simple for Yama is it? Of course, our favorite copy-nin needs to spice up her day!
Warnings: Foul language from our resident protagonist! And of course grammar errors due to my hurry to put this chapter up.
[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]
A Girl Named Yama
… A Naruto fan fiction
A Girl Named Yama © SilverDragon
Naruto © Kishimoto Masashi
Chapter 25 –
“Kakashi”
Blank stare.
…
‘I have to be dreaming.’ I thought frantically. I mean, there’s no possible way that Kakashi would be all the way out here! Er… down here. And on another note, he’s not supposed to be in the Anbu either! He has a genin team to look after! He’s a teacher! Therefore, there’s no way he would be all the way out—
A hand dropped onto the top of my cap.
“Be careful travelling around so early in the mornings…”
Oh my god. It is him.
“… You never know what kinds of trouble may be out here.”
By now I was steadily repeating a mantra over and over inside my head.
I-won’t-cry- I-won’t-cry- I-won’t-cry- I-won’t-cry- I-won’t-cry- I-won’t-cry- I-won’t-cry—damnit!
My breath quickened and I think for a while I stopped breathing.
A finger flicked the tip of my nose. A low voice joined in, “You might want to try breathing.”
Oh. I let out a whoosh of air and took a gasping breath back in. I did stop breathing. That would explain the burning in my chest. I saw the Anbu’s chest shake slightly. He was laughing. Did he recognize me?
Stupid question; of course he did. You’d have to be blind not to recognize me. But did that mean that the other Anbu members would recognize me as well? Wouldn’t that mean that they would be under orders to bring me back? I tensed, taking a slow retreating step.
A wave of disappointment hit me. I wanted to see Kakashi’s face. It’s been so long… but it probably wasn’t possible. If I am not mistaken, Anbu always remain anonymous, except in regards to the Hokage. Always.
Before I could say or do anything, the dog Anbu seemed to glanced over my shoulder, gave my head another little tousle (since his hand was still on top of my head) and looked like he just disappeared.
When I whirled to follow his path; all I saw was nothing. The clearing was empty. Where had the other two gone? Trees, trees, trees… bush. Nothing. Empty and bare—the trees not having their leaves did not help any either. It made the place seem even emptier. I raised my hands slowly and stared at them. I was shaking, badly. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes to try to calm my racing heart down and listened carefully for any noises. After a few seconds all I could hear was my own deep, gasping breaths. Geez, I sounded as if I had just run a marathon or something. And that’s when I heard it— it was faint, but it was still there. I could hear sounds of battle close by.
So they had drawn the battle away… but under whose orders?
I don’t remember how long I was standing there, staring at the dirt ground. It was really quiet now. Maybe… My vision swirled.
Kakashi had been here, right in front of me. I frowned. And the bastard just left me! Or maybe it hadn’t been Kakashi after all… No. Perhaps not. It was still dark, though the sun was starting to rise, I realized. But still… it was pretty dark. Maybe I was had made a mistake? But that had been his voice, hadn’t it?
Shaking my head in disappointment but knowing that if it was Kakashi, he probably had duties and obligations; I turned and started pushing my way back through the shrubbery in the direction I hoped was back towards decent civilization again.
And here I am again. Alone.
When a hand landed on my shoulder, I yelped and was forcibly whirled around. It was the dog Anbu again… possibly Kakashi. The wind played with his hair and my eyes riveted towards it. I longed to run my hand through it— would it still feel like it did before?
He seemed to mutter something and I frowned. What was he saying? I stared at him with wide-eyes. Don’t tell me he was under orders to bring me back to Konoha… because that would suck. I came all this way only to be caught by an Anbu because I was stuck in some sort of psychotic phase about missing Kakashi? For shame! Just when I thought about preparing to defend myself, the next words that pierced the clearing made me jump slightly.
“Fuck it.”
I blinked in surprise as he practically tore the dog mask off. I blinked as some of the brightening sky showed his face.
… Kakashi. I couldn’t help the smile that stretched across my face. My hand kind of crept up towards the hand that still lay on my shoulder. He still wore his black mask, but instead of a forehead protector covering his left eye it was a black eye patch.
His hand shifted when my hand reached his and gripped mine tightly.
He looked tired. Though he had always had a sort of relaxed and lazy air about him, this was different. I could feel his tense fingers beneath mine, and see the light stress lines that ran across his forehead. My free hand reached up and touched the skin underneath his eyes. It didn’t look like he’d been sleeping at all.
When I opened my mouth to say something, he abruptly yanked his mask down and had pressed his lips to mine. Startled, I didn’t have time to do anything except… freeze really.
His lips were warm… I thought hazily. I shifted and after a few seconds and broke off. I only managed a gulp of air before his lips crashed into mine once again. I could feel his free arm snake around my back and jerked me up, pressing me more firmly against him. I was still holding onto his hand from earlier and my other arm dropped from his face to clutch the arm now wrapped around me.
You’d think reunion kisses would be all rose-tinted and perfect right? No, this was far from it. It was more of a desperate kiss, as if you were kissing someone you would think would disappear if you so much as lessened your hold. It was messy, wet and totally out of control. Nothing like those romantic kisses you see couples share in movies where not a hair is out of place when they were done. But for the moment… I think it was perfect.
After about the fourth or fifth time I broke off for air— yes, I. Kakashi didn’t seem to have any problems with holding his breath for a while (must be that ninja training of his…) but my air seemed to run out waaay faster than his did. It didn’t help that I was already practically hyperventilating from meeting Kakashi again.
This time I lowered my face and merely rested my forehead against his chin. As soon as I did I felt his hand release my side slightly before tightening again. When he did, I winced. That hurt! Just how tight had he been holding me?
Almost immediately, the weight from his arm disappeared and I blinked when he was pulling up the side of my shirt slightly. I felt him tense when we both stared at a very obvious bruise on my left side. I met his gaze and he pulled me into a hug again. “I… apologize. I should have been more careful.” I rolled my eyes and responded by tightening my arms around him slightly.
“It… it’s fine.” I said slowly. “I didn’t really notice it.” I lied. Okay, so maybe I had. But he didn’t need to know that.
I felt his shoulders heave up slightly and heard him sigh. “Yama…”
This time Kakashi pushed me back to arms length and I saw him scan my body quickly.
“… You look terrible.” He commented.
I gaped at him. But I wasn’t really angry. I was focusing more on hearing his clear voice and seeing his face. It wasn’t often that I was able to see his face, after all. I was scarcely alone with him. Whenever he had been with me, some other person had been present as well.
Kakashi… he looks a lot younger than he really is. He’s approximately 27 now. He looks like he only just hit his twenties. It makes me wonder why he has his mask on all the time, really. My left hand trailed up to his face and traced the scar that ran from his left cheek down to his mid chin.
I saw his lips quirk slightly.
Then he frowned. I blinked at him. My vision was blurring slightly. What the… His hand rose and rested on my cheek. “You’re crying.” He said quietly. I blinked again, this time feeling tears trickle down. Oh. I wiped dropped my hand from his face and wiped at them hastily but they only seemed to keep coming.
I tried to step out of his arms. “Um… C… Can I have a moment?” I managed. Somewhere through the tears I saw his eye narrow at me. His hold loosened enough for me to back out and turn towards the trees. Okay, I can calm down. I tried to hold my breath— that seemed to stop my crying every time anyway. It gave me something else to focus on. I pressed my fingers against my eyelids, in hope that the tears would somehow miraculously stop. As if.
But of course, the second I felt two arms envelope me from behind cause me to start straight out bawling. A messy, sobbing, crying ball was what I was. I felt Kakashi’s chin rest atop my head and he tightened his grip around me.
I cried for me, mostly. Selfish, I know. I wanted some real food. I wanted to sleep in a real bed. I wanted to take a shower, bath; something! I wanted the Hokage to not be dead. I wanted Akatsuki to piss off and… die in a hole or something. I wanted to know how Sasuke was doing. And I damn hell didn’t want Kakashi to leave me here again. Which he would have to do, sooner or later.
After a while I managed to calm my horrific sniveling down to a couple of sniffles and I leaned back against Kakashi, dropping my hands. I kind of half-stared up at him, with him looking down at me as well.
“You know…“ I started wearily, “I did ask you to give me a moment.”
Kakashi shot me a downwards wry look. “I will not leave you when you are suffering like that.” I sighed.
“It’s… not a big deal.” I said finally. “Just me going on an emotional rollercoaster…” I quieted and thoughtfully stared up passed Kakashi to the now brightening sky. “God knows I’ve had enough of those this past week.” I muttered. I rubbed the side of my right eye to rid some of the stinging from the crying. It didn’t help, of course.
I heard Kakashi heave another sigh and I found myself pushed forwards slightly before he turned me to face him once again. He had pulled his mask back up. “I… apologize.” He swallowed and closed his eye tightly. “I did not mean to hurt you.” For a second I started to panic. Don’t tell me I’ve got him started on some sort of moody streak?!
I touched the side of his face and he opened his eye again. “It wasn’t your fault.” I said sternly. “Besides… you were probably right in telling me not to return anyway.” I lowered my eyes. “But you don’t know how hard it was to not just walk onto that ship and go home.” I whispered.
“Oh yes I do.” Kakashi started dryly. “It was probably just as hard as it was for me to tell you to not come back to me.”
He pulled me up and this time touched his clothed lips gently to mine for a few seconds. When we parted this time I saw his eye twinkle. “You do not seem to be protesting a lot like usual.” He winked at me. I rolled my eyes at him but didn’t answer. When he spoke again, it was very quiet but I still heard it. “Perhaps… you have finally fallen for me as well?”
I felt myself turn red. Okay so maybe I hadn’t told him that I loved him… but he didn’t have to say it outright like that! Damn him for being so observant. Yes, I hadn’t actually had anything serious with Kakashi before I had left Konoha. It was more of a… testing ground at that time. But at that time, Kakashi had practically been joined to the hip with me. He was always around whenever I was being trained, not to help but to watch. I think he wanted me to learn on my own rather than helping me, although he had taught me a bit about the sharingan. And he seemed to find enjoyment in crashing Sasuke’s apartment as well, meaning that whenever I was there he tended to show up as well.
But of course, there were those times he was sent off on a few missions by the Hokage… but those missions had never been long-term missions.
In other words, I had never really experienced what it was like for Kakashi to be away for a long duration of time. And then the one time it had to have happened I ended up being not able to go back to him at all! Life likes to throw curve balls at you. But I’ve never really liked baseball anyway.
I stared stubbornly at Kakashi’s left shoulder. So maybe I have… fallen for him that is. I’ve experienced love before… but that was back when I was still in high school. And the one I had fallen in love with was surprising not the most popular guy in school but the most popular guy in school’s best friend. The one that had been always overshadowed. But nothing ever went far with that… because I had never told him and then after high school passed… no more contact. Done. Fini.
Kakashi’s voice broke through my musing. “Have you… really?” His voice had an incredulous undertone to it. If anything, his question made my cheeks flame up again. Thanks, really. And after I had just gotten rid of it the first time too! I continued to refuse to look at him.
I think Kakashi was having none of that though because for the second time that day I felt his hand grip my chin and turn me to face him again.
His eye had an anticipated glint in it. “Tell me.” He said quietly. “Please,” he added.
Unable to hold the sigh that fell from my lips, I finally gave a small nod.
Kakashi’s answer was to tuck my head underneath his chin and pull me tighter against him— this time, I noticed, being careful of my already bruised side. He was warm, I thought tiredly. It’s been so long since I’ve been held by him.
Suddenly, Kakashi’s head shot to the side. I winced when he decided to push me up against the tree, standing in front of me. I saw him pull his Anbu mask back up. I felt my arms tense up in alarm. What was it?
After a few seconds of nothing happening besides the breeze paying us a few visits, Kakashi turned to face. “I need to go.”
I swear I didn’t mean to do it, but my traitorous mouth let out a whine of protest. And trust me, it sounded like a whine. Like a dog whining to get what it wants. I felt my hand tighten around the back of his armor. I felt very needy all of a sudden. I did not want him to leave me. Not again. I felt my chest tighten.
When he whirled around to face me, he leaned forwards until his forehead rested again mine. His eye stared into mine. “I will find you.” Kakashi whispered. “I promise.”
And then he was gone.
I let myself stumble forward, my hands touching upon air and I gave my surroundings a quick onceover. Again. And again, it was empty. Had this all been just a dream? Had my imagination decide that it wanted to torture me and conjure up a once in a lifetime meeting?
No. I refuse to believe that. He must’ve been here…
…right?
[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]
I don’t remember how long I went on like that, stumbling around trying to find Ari, Minato, Haku… heck even Zabuza would’ve been okay for me to find. I just wanted to get back on track and with someone before I fall into pieces here.
I kept telling myself that, yes, Kakashi had been there and yes, I hadn’t been dreaming. But as the seconds ticked by I kept second guessing myself. Had he really been there? Really, I had no proof, after all. All I had was… Wait. I froze, and then twisted to jerk up my shirt and stare at my side.
A forming blue and yellow bruise stared blatantly back at me.
No dream or delusion can give you a bruise like that.
Feeling somewhat more giddy and reassured, I gave my head a little shake. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and attempted to get my thoughts back into order. I needed to think rationally here. Kakashi’s appearance had thrown a wedge into my original plans and cautions. It made me a complete mess, I’ll tell you that.
Okay let’s review here. I should technically be looking for Ari right now, because he’s probably top priority. He’s an old man, and not likely as able to defend himself like Minato would be able to. Not that myself would be of any help if I managed to find him and that other Akatsuki member. I reckoned I wouldn’t have to worry about Kisame for the moment, since he was probably still busy with the Anbu. And even if he wasn’t anymore, it was likely he probably retreated (because, um, as strong as he is, I doubt that he could easily take on two or more Anbu members without getting injured… or maybe he can… I don’t know). And he had also been injured earlier as well.
Looking for any signs of Minato, Haku or Zabuza (uhg) would have to come later.
I opened my eyes again and yelped in surprise, falling backwards onto my behind heavily.
Itachi.
I felt like cheering. My heart was certainly pumping a mile a minute now. Covering my face with my hand, I pushed myself off the ground and stood in front of him, lowering my hands. My fingers twitched slightly.
Itachi gave me a wary look. “…”
Giving into temptation, I threw my arms around him and squeezed him as tightly as I could. I don’t think I had to say that I missed him. That was a given. I felt him hesitantly embrace back and I rolled my eyes and stepped back. “It took you a while to find me,” I commented lightly.
The Uchiha gave me a glower. “Well it seems like you’ve at least learned something right during your training hours.” I gave him a confused look. “… You at least learned how to mask your chakra properly. I have not been able to catch any clues as to where you were until just early this morning.”
Oh. Ah… I managed a sheepish look. Um, that would be the time that I finally woke up and left the cave with Minato. Did that I mean his compliment wasn’t exactly complimenting my abilities but Haku and Zabuza’s abilities at hiding me?
“…”
Aw, damn. Now Itachi knows something’s up. I carefully tried to steer the conversation in another direction.
“So… how did you know that I crossed the water and returned back to the mainland?”
Itachi gave me a deadpan look. “I asked around. I figured following the missing mist-nin would help.” He narrowed his eyes at me. “Has something happened recently?” I winced. I hate how he is so perceptive.
Scratching the back of my neck, I figured it would be best if I spit it all out now. “Um… I actually haven’t been… awake, per say for the past four days.” I played with the side of my shirt, trying not to run away screaming in embarrassment. I swear I don’t know how Itachi puts up with me some days. I could hear him saying it already; ‘I leave you for five minutes and you get yourself knocked out for four days? What did I train you for?! What did YOU train yourself for?!’
“I should’ve known…” I heard him mutter. “It doesn’t matter now.” He continued, “We need to get away from this location. There are… others nearby.”
I knew who the others were.
Akatsuki. Anbu.
Kakashi.
I opened my mouth to mention Kakashi but froze. Maybe… that wouldn’t be such a good idea after all. I mean, Itachi and Kakashi haven’t exactly had the best of relationships. The three times they managed to meet up unawares ended up as a fight, with either one or both being injured (or something along those lines). But if I didn’t mention it and they ended up meeting up unintentionally later on, seeing as Kakashi had told me would find me… I’d rather not end up being caught in the middle of a fight again. But telling Itachi would mean—
I flinched when a hand landed on the top of my head. I blinked. That was the second time that day. And from the two people I had not seen in a long time. What was going on?
“Come on, let’s get going.” I felt myself relax slightly at the smooth tone in Itachi’s voice. So he had realized already? I gave him a questioning look and opened my mouth. The words clogged in my throat when Itachi put his hand over my mouth. “It’s fine Yama. You don’t need to tell me.”
I couldn’t help but let out a small sigh of relief, which Itachi either didn’t notice, or pretended to not notice.
As Itachi started off in a direction (that was completely unknown to me—remember I was the one who had been trying to guess which way was back to civilization, here), I hesitated for about two seconds before following him. Hell if I was going to get left behind and get lost.
I don’t know if Itachi had his reasons or not, but we did not travel at a very fast pace. It wasn’t even a ‘ninjas’ pace. We were… walking. Just walking. No using chakra to travel quicker through the trees, no using chakra to run across the ground, no running, period. We were walking along a suspicious dirt path that caused me to constantly scan the surroundings skittishly. If we were going to try and avoid Konoha Anbu and Akatsuki, should we really be following the very obvious path? The path wasn’t obvious in the way that it was big, but it was rather… prominent since the trees lining it were very, very thick. Not thick as in lots of leaves (because… there were no leaves— winter season, remember? There was just no snow) but thick as in there were a lot of trees packed together.
Think of it as a whole cake with a knife-cut down the middle. That cut is the path. It is very much so obvious to anyone who gave a damn. In fact, it was probably very obvious to those that didn’t give a damn too.
I voiced this to Itachi.
“The path being the most obvious choice is what makes it safer, Yama.” Itachi replied, giving me a sideways look. Oh. That didn’t really make any sense to me… but he’s the one who’s been wandering around for years. I’ll trust his judgment. Itachi paused. “But it does not seem like they are after you, or me for that matter.”
I frowned at him. “What do you mean?” Frowning, I tried to see if I could sense any chakra signatures in the local vicinity. I winced when I realized I could sense two faint ones westward. Why hadn’t I done that earlier? It would’ve saved me a lot of that earlier grief about which way I should go— away from those people, of course.
“They are near here, but are getting further away,” Itachi continued. “So it is safe to assume they are already in pursuit of something else.”
Ah. Well at least there’s some good news.
“Um, so where are we headed then?” I asked awkwardly. Technically, now would be a very good time to discuss this. My brother’s lips twisted into a light frown, his red eyes looking at me, but not focusing.
I immediately felt uneasy. He had never really looked much at me whenever he had his sharingan activated. This touched upon another alarm in me. Why did he have his sharingan on? We weren’t in any immediate danger. I understand that he had it on almost constantly while he was a part of Akatsuki, but that was because he had to be always on his guard. I remember when Itachi had stayed in Konoha over a month ago (holy crow, it feels like years ago to me!), I had to constantly remind him to turn it off, for it was starting to –ahem— make a few of the neighbors nervous. But since then he usually only had it on when he needed it.
Would that mean that something made him turn it on? Now? Here?
I gave the surroundings a nervous onceover. I even tried to use my chakra to sense any movement. That is, any movement that could pertain to human movements. But each and every time my senses came back empty-handed. I didn’t sense anything out of the ordinary.
Itachi was still staring at me, but still not looking at me. What was it he sensed? That’s when he jerked his head to our left, towards a thicket of trees and bushes. I eased a few steps away from the location, hand twitching towards my pocket. I grimaced inwardly, realizing for the first time that I, indeed, had no weapons. I was in different clothing, which meant no leg side pocket, which meant no kunai/shuriken, which ultimately meant… no weapons.
That meant all I had were my techniques, my hands and my feet. But then again, if worse came to worse I could run away… right? I’d rather run and be called a coward than stay and be called courageous. I like breathing, thank you very much.
Whoever it was in the bushes shook the branches once more before stepping out into the rising sunlight.
“Ah, there you are, Yama.” Minato said cheerily. “I thought I’d find you around here sooner or later.”
Damn. I glared at him. I’m surprised I hadn’t seen his bright yellow mop from miles away.
I then eyed Itachi, who was keenly watching Minato with growing suspicion. Oh wait, Itachi had met Minato before, hadn’t he? When Minato had first confronted me, that is.
Minato didn’t even look at all surprised to see Itachi.
“You,” the Uchiha said suddenly, drawing mine and Minato’s attention. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Minato raise his eyebrows slightly, as if to say, ‘what?’ “You’re the one who hid her, aren’t you?”
I wrinkled my nose. By ‘her’ I assumed that Itachi meant me.
When I turned my attention towards Minato I saw him quirk his lips slightly. “Quick,” he commented. “Yes, you are correct; it was me that hid her chakra.”
Itachi let out a grunt, but seemed to dismiss whatever thought he had quickly. He then looked at me and raised his left eyebrow slightly. I sort of stared back at him. “What?” I asked in confusion. Itachi jerked his head towards Minato in one smooth movement. I continued to stare at him, I still didn’t get it.
Finally Itachi sighed. “Is it safe to assume that we are going to be travelling with him for the next little while?”
Oh.
Well, duh. I… guess. We didn’t really have anywhere else to go, did we? Itachi and I had never really planned anything further than getting away from Genma and the others. And then there was interference. Interference that knocked me out for four days and led Itachi on a wild goo chase across the water.
“I’ll… take that as a yes,” Minato said slowly. Then I saw the blonde give Itachi an amused look. “You know who I am, don’t you?”
“…”
“…Mmm. Smart kid.”
That earned Minato a glare.
“Alright then. Before I tell you two of the situation… I have a question for you,” Minato nodded his head towards Itachi. “Why is it you do not seem surprised to see me alive if you know who I am?”
“It’s safe to say I know what happened to you.” Itachi gave him a dead-pan look. Minato stiffened. The two then seemed to exchange a series of looks, which had me looking from one to the other for the next minute or so.
“Come on, we should head out.” Minato said finally, giving off an indignant huff. I gave him an incredulous look, but understood when Itachi merely followed him with a smug air surrounding him. Well, that explains why Minato’s a little annoyed. It’s okay dad! Itachi can piss me off sometimes too! Like now— seeing as it looks like neither of you are going to tell me what just took place!
Minato started moving down the path, in the same direction we had been travelling before. And, I noticed, we were still travelling at a quick civilian’s pace rather than a slow ninja’s speed. It looks like I had been right to trust Itachi earlier after all. As I fell in step behind Itachi, I called out to Minato. “What about Haku and Zabuza?” Yes, I have not forgotten about them. Minato stopped for a moment and threw a few words over his shoulder. “I paid them in full. We have no need for their services anymore.” He hummed thoughtfully. “They did a good job.” I rolled my eyes. I didn’t even know what they did. I hadn’t seen them since I woke up in the cave.
When I started to follow Minato’s steps again, I remembered a certain old man. “Wait, what about Ari-san!”
The former Hokage never slowed in pace, nor did he ever turn around. But I did see him falter slightly in one of his steps.
“It’s too late for him.” I felt my hands grow cold. “Ari’s already dead, Yama.”
[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]
I sneezed again. Shivering, I glared at the ground. We were now in a village, but that didn’t make it any warmer. In fact, the people here made me feel even colder. Everyone seemed to have some sort of thick jacket or parka on. Everyone except… me.
When I sneezed for the billionth time, I heard Minato let out a heavy sigh. “Yama, suck it up and put on that parka of yours. You’re not going to look silly wearing it.” I glowered at him.
“I don’t have it.” I said moodily. “I think I lost it during my fight with Kisame or something. I remember throwing it off so I could move around easier.”
“…And what about your pack?”
“Lost it.” I winced. I mentally apologized to my Uchiha ancestors. I didn’t mean to lose those scrolls! I swear! But things kept brightened.
Wait a second… a market? Near here? I could get clothes! I could get a jacket! I looked over at Minato hopefully. I didn’t want to ask. It seemed rude and I knew we weren’t exactly on some sort of pleasure trip but I really, really needed some new clothes. I eyed my tattered clothes. Yes, I definitely needed some new clothes. Plus, it would help to change my image, especially after being seen by the Anbu back there. Maybe they hadn’t realized who I was, but if they realized it later on I would at least have to change my image to make it harder for them to find me.
I glanced awkwardly towards Minato, who was still walking steadily ahead. After he had asked me where my parka was and heard my answer he had continued to walk. I wasn’t sure what he was looking for. Hopefully it was a place to stay for the night. We had been travelling for over half a day now and it was approaching night fall. Surely Minato wasn’t thinking about travelling through the dark?
Itachi, who was following behind him hadn’t uttered a word since the conversation in the forest. The only movement from him recently was for him to draw his hood over his head as we neared the village earlier.
‘At least he doesn’t look like he’s been dragged across mountains.’ I grumped. I wasn’t sure what he had on underneath, since his cloak seemed to cover most of it. All I could see now and then were colors. He was dressed in shades of black and grey.
When I let out another sneeze, Minato stopped in mid-step and whirled around.
I managed to glance up at him momentarily before he had taken three huge steps to reach me and shove something into my hands. I glanced down. Huh. Money. I looked up and did a double take.
Wait. Money?
“Go and get yourself what it is you need, Yama,” Minato said wryly. “Itachi and I will go find a tavern that many have a room open for us to stay in. You’ll be able to find us later, yes?” He gave me a hard look. I gave a meek nod. Yes, sir! I have learned my lesson and will start acting like the ninja I was training to be.
And yes, there is a funny story behind that. Let’s just say while we were travelling today… I had the tendency to do things and act like… a civilian rather than a ninja. I guess my meeting with Kakashi had shaken me up a lot more than I had given myself credit for.
As for the things I did, um, they weren’t exactly things I was proud of, okay?
‘Like nearly walking in on a family of bears like a clumsy hiker, or completely forgetting to dull your chakra presence and leading a group of ninja bandits to the group?’
Shut up brain. I thought accordingly.
“So…” I started hesitantly. “Any time limit you have for me?”
Minato shook his head quickly. “Just get back as soon as possible, all right? And remember to hide yourself. It’s likely…” he lowered his voice drastically, “…Konoha Anbu are nearby.” Ah. Okay. Very reassuring, dad.
I winced when I once again called him ‘dad’ unconsciously. I hadn’t done it out loud yet, but I don’t think I will be anytime soon. Despite the fact that yes, he had raised me when I was younger, he was the former Hokage. And plus, it’s not like he is my real biological father. So wouldn’t it be really awkward to call him dad out loud? And plus, did he even want me calling him something like that? Well, I guess I’ll deal with that bridge when I get there.
I saw Itachi throw a hesitant glance back at me— though I couldn’t see his expression due to the hood but Minato merely gave him a couple of nudges and off they went. They soon disappeared into the crowd. I fought the urge to jump up and down, screaming my head off. Finally! Finally Itachi agreed to leave me alone. I swear if he would’ve suggested that he come with me, I was going to run him through or something. Although, his hovering was a lot less than it was a month ago. Thank the heavens for that.
When I’m shopping, I need peace.
As I approached the market district, I started to scan the shops carefully. First, I need a new pack…
[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]
I blinked and felt a shiver run up my spine. I stopped walking and pretended to look at a few of the things in the shop that I just so happened to be by.
Okay… what was that?
Not taking any chances, I attempted to dim my chakra presence even more, pulling my chakra tighter around me. I doubt anyone who knew me would recognize me by now, except for the chakra situation.
I hadn’t been sure earlier whether I wanted to dress as a male or female, so I settled for dressing in the middle. I wore black slacks that were tight enough to not hinder my movement but loose enough to disguise my feminine hip structure. As for the shirt— well it only took me like an hour to discover the damn thing but I managed to find a long sleeved shirt that contained a built-in tightening strap around the chest area. I think it was for female ninjas, or at least women that tended to do a lot of upper body movement.
I guess it was my lucky day. I had been originally looking for a shirt that hid my breasts, since I was going with the idea of dressing in unisex (so people wouldn’t be able to tell if I was a male or female) and the shirt turned out to be perfect. With those two found, I had simple found a dark parka that fit. And done, voila! I had decided not to find weapons. I think weapon-shopping would be a little suspicious.
I had also debated whether or not I wanted to get my hair cut. I had never really had long hair but since I’d never bothered to get it cut; the tips were now licking my hip bones. But after searching around and finding no place that actually cut hair, I decided to keep it balled up in the dark cap Minato had given me until later on.
But let’s get back on topic. Whoever was watching me (and I’m pretty sure someone is watching me by now) should not be able to recognize me… so who was it?
Chewing nervously on the end of the stick my yakitori had been on, I decided that I couldn’t chance any looking around. I couldn’t let the watcher know I was on to something. But I couldn’t very well go hunting for Minato and enter the place we were staying with this guy following me! I couldn’t lead him back to the others, although I’m sure Minato and Itachi could make short work of him, or her. But for once I want to show my two companions my training for the past year or so in this place haven’t been for nothing.
I can take care of myself!
…I think.
But first thing first now; exactly how was I going to ‘lose’ my so called watcher?
I exchanged a smile with the young shopkeeper and tried to politely back away. While I had been thinking the young male shopkeeper had decided to educate me in the way the different pottery the story displayed was made and shipped. I was dressed in the unisex! This guy shouldn’t be able to realize I was a girl… right?
But even as I backed out slowly the young guy seemed determined to follow me, his brown eyes flickering over my form every now and then. I was sorely tempted to scream at him; ‘Find yourself a person that actually looks like a girl!’
Not that I’m saying I don’t look like a girl. I just… don’t look like a girl now.
Just as I tightened my grip on the handle of my pack and decided to make a break for it, a presence behind my left shoulder made me freeze. Another shiver traveled up my back. It was him. I could feel it. The ‘watcher’ was apparently now standing right behind me. But why did they decide to show themselves?
Though the person over my shoulder said nothing, the shopkeeper seemed cowed and I quickly said my thanks and practically bolted off, wishing sorely for the crowds of people that had been present mere minutes before. The sky was completely dark now. Maybe I should’ve left earlier. Oh, but wait. I couldn’t go back to Minato earlier because of the stupid watcher!
Not bothering to keep an eye behind me, I shouldered my pack more firmly and took a few back roads, ducking and swerving down several streets. After a while, I glanced behind me. No one.
I couldn’t help but let out a breath of relief. But when I turned back towards my front, I nearly slammed into someone.
My gaze rose slowly, but I tried to keep my face shadowed by my cap. It was dark, but I could still make out the man’s features from the street lamp that was lit to my right. Just my luck, I just happened to turn down a narrow alley way that was only about four feet wide. I hazarded a glance backwards. It was a long way until the next turn. And there was no way I would be able to get passed this guy unless he let me.
I deepened my voice deliberately. “Excuse me,” I said quietly. “May I get by?”
The man was handsome; very handsome. But the air of danger that travelled around him was starting to make me feel uneasy. He was nearly a foot taller than me and I tried not to tilt my head too high in fear of my facial features being more exposed. Dark eyes, long dark hair tied back into a low ponytail, high cheekbones, broad shoulders, visible muscles on his torso— holy shit, this guy was the epitome of male handsomenesses… Was that even a word?
I tried to scan his outfit casually to find any sign of ‘ninja-ness’ but I found nothing out of ordinary. He was dressed in… something someone rich would wear—some sort of robes that screamed ‘call me a name that ends in sama!’ Let’s just leave it at that.
But either way, this was likely the guy that had been watching me from afar earlier. That meant he had to be a ninja, right? I mean, his presence wasn’t exactly easy for me to detect. When I opened my mouth to ask him if I could get by again, he spoke.
“In exchange for my assistance earlier, would you keep me company for the night?”
I twitched.
No.
“I assume it is only natural than you repay me for my services.” There was a tint of amusement in his voice.
What assistance? No one helped me do anything. It was my own two legs that got me away from that shopkeeper! And besides-! I’m… oh, wait a second. This guy was probably looking for a ‘girl’s’ company, right? I felt myself grin inwardly. Well, all I had to do was play of that I wasn’t a girl! I could pull it off pretty well. My hair was hidden and I looked like a young boy with my stature at the moment (hidden underneath the clothes, of course).
I deliberately lowered my voice even more. “I believe you are mistaken. I… I am not a female.” Despite how I tried to control my voice, I couldn’t keep the unsteadiness that crept into it.
Suddenly there was a gleam in his eyes that caused me to immediately regret my actions.
“Hmmmm…” He leaned closer, and I tried to curl into myself, my hand clenching onto my pack tightly. “Really now?” I felt myself choke slightly at his tone.
Yes. I begged in my mind. Now please go away!
“…Even better.” He breathed against my cheek.
I felt myself freeze.
… What?!
That’s when I felt his hand encircle my left wrist and I jerked my hand out immediately, taking a couple of steps backwards. Time to run now! I whirled around, and started to book it down the alley. I don’t think the distance to the next turn ever seemed so far in my life. Just when I finally made it to the first turn, I felt a hand latch onto the back of my shirt and yank me backwards.
I coughed as I slammed into something firm and I felt an arm loop around my neck in a loose stranglehold from my back. He was standing behind me. Shit. I think I’ll need to—
Clink.
My eyes widened and lowered to glance down to his left. There, I saw the edge of a forehead protector sticking out of one of his pockets. This guy was a shinobi. My eyebrow twitched. That reminds me… aren’t I technically a shinobi too? Why the hell am I running away like some loopy crazy girl?
Gripping his arm that was wrapped tightly around my neck, I called out a portion of my chakra and merely started to call water. I didn’t plan to use any technique; all I wanted to do was startle him enough for him to release me. I wasn’t sure if I should go full out ninja on him yet. Too bad I couldn’t see which nation he was from; the forehead protector had only showed the edge of a line. Not very helpful.
But the coldness must’ve startled him enough, for his grip loosened a bit— perfect for me to slip out and turn around to deliver a kick towards his torso. I hit air. There was a gust of wind and he was suddenly gone. After a couple of turns, I saw a shadow and I looked up to see—aw, shit— a Konoha Anbu standing on the roof of one of the buildings against the moon. In his hand was ‘rich-sama’s’ robe.
It wasn’t Kakashi. This Anbu was wearing a bird mask. That means the face I had seen before was likely a genjutsu. One that I did not detect— at all. Damn, do I ever feel out of shape!
Now that I think about it, it might’ve been easier if I had just run like any other civilian girl. That way there would be no reason for this Anbu guy to believe that I was otherwise a ninja, right? He wouldn’t have known… since I wasn’t really dressed as one anyway. That would mean the only other reason he was following me was because my chakra was suspicious. Damn, just my luck. He must’ve noticed me during the times I had accidentally let my chakra slip.
He suddenly disappeared, leaving the robe fluttering in the air and I barely stopped myself from flaring out my chakra to find him. If he had been truly suspicious of my chakra before, I would need to be careful about whether or not he had allies close by. One Anbu I might be able to throw off somehow and escape. Anymore and that’s just… not going to happen.
I felt a tingling presence behind me and I jerked left, turning my head. I was just in time to see a fist fly by my right ear. I managed a strangled noise. That had been close. Immediately shooting chakra through my body, I shunpo’ed to the next intersection in the alley, darting left and continuing to use shunpo to travel down it.
I’d take to the rooftops but that would only make me an easier target.
He’s coming!
I faltered in my next step and took a backwards step, avoiding a chakra-fused hand. Eyes wide, I jumped up and landed on a balcony, but didn’t stop. I don’t want to think about what would happen if that hand had actually connected to its target.
The Anbu was behind me, I could feel it. Instead of using shunpo to run on the ground, I used it to travel from balcony to balcony. At the next one, I spotted a basket full of clothes and grabbed it. I mentally apologized to the owner of the clothes and using chakra I flung it behind me. If I wasn’t mistaken, the basket would hit the clothesline right about…
I heard curses behind me.
Perfect!
With the Anbu’s view obstructed with flying underwear and bras, I whirled and ducked into the next balcony doors and immediately dimmed my chakra as far as I possibly could. I prayed that it was enough to deter the ninja. I swear I was even holding my breath.
Silence.
Then I saw a figure zoom by the open door. Hopefully that was him.
But I wasn’t sure, so I virtually did not move for the next ten minutes or so, concentrating on keeping my chakra non-existent. I let my eyes scan the apartment I had barged in on, and was glad to see that the owner of it was not home. The room was dark and very much, I found, like Sasuke’s house. Of course, that was after subtracting the ‘so-much-bigger’ part.
I chanced another peek out the door, but saw no one. I couldn’t detect anyone either, but I assumed that Anbu could hide their presence pretty damn well. I peered down at my watch without moving my head. Since I’ve dived into this place, it’s been about 14 minutes, I thought. And he hadn’t showed up again yet.
But I didn’t want to take any chances and walk through the streets. Anbu should still be lurking about the town.
Glowering at a particular flower vase on the kitchen table, I mentally fumed. Then how was I supposed to make my way back to—
My eyes spotted something through the window on the wall that was adjacent to the balcony door. A river.
Well, I suppose getting a little wet wouldn’t hurt me.
[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]
Clambering over the balcony--- I swear I will forever hate balconies now— I tensed as the old wood cracked slightly from my weight. I wait a few seconds and when it held, I climbed the rest of the way over to land with a resounding thud. Wasn’t I being just so ninja-like? Stomping through the open door and dropping my soaked pack to the floor, I flung off my wet parka. Minato stared at me from where he was lounging in a chair, an open book in hand.
I didn’t see Itachi anywhere.
“Do I even want to know what happened, Yama?” he asked dryly.
No, but I need to tell you anyway. Half of me was thanking the heavens that the place Minato and Itachi had found was right beside the river, the other half was cursing them for putting that Anbu on my tail. Although I had managed to get back undetected, the river was no fun trip. It was stinky, filthy and filled with creepy crawlies. Doubt any man that even says river water is nice and clean. They’re all lies!
“Anbu almost caught me,” I grumped out. I walked over towards a door and flung it open, pleased to find a bathroom. There was one small detail I failed to notice, however. When I turned to close the door, Minato was already on his feet.
“Yama.” His voice had lost all amusement. “What do you mean Anbu?”
I sighed tiredly and gestured behind me without turning around. “Can this wait until after I get cleaned up?” I pleaded. I swear I’ll listen to everything you say and do nothing bad! Just let me get all this grime off of me. Minato hesitated but nodded, his blue eyes scanning my appearance skeptically. Then he looked like he wanted to say something.
But I glared at him, daring him to say another word and he merely shrugged and headed back to his chair. I slammed the door and proceeded to stare at it as if I could make a hole in it.
I heard someone cough nosily and I whirled around to see—
—Itachi in nothing but a towel. I blinked at him. His long hair was still wet, which meant he had just stepped out. I slapped myself upside the head. Well duh Yama! He’s also in a towel, or did your eyes and mind overlook that part? My brother had one eyebrow raised.
…One word. Awk-ward!
Itachi merely sighed and brushed passed me, exiting and closing the door behind him.
Throwing the situation into the back of my mind, I focused on the one thing that was more important than anything right now. Shower! Shedding my wet clothes and letting them hit the floor with a sickening plot, I stepped into the shower and turned on the hot water full blast. I sighed as the hot water ran over my skin, soothing the coldness away. The river had been freezing! It was a wonder that it hadn’t frozen over with ice already seeing how cold the weather was.
I found a soap bar and a bottle that smelt suspiciously like sandalwood that I took for shampoo sitting beside the sink. I focused on scrubbing the grime and smell of river water from my skin, grumbling all the while.
When I stepped out later, rubbing my body dry with the matted towel hanging from a sidebar, I realized something horrible.
I had no clothes to wear.
Everything I had bought that day was soaked from my trip down the river and I sure as hell wasn’t going back into those stinky clothes! I eyed the pile of clothing in distaste. My eyes rose hopefully towards the door. Maybe Minato had something for me to borrow. Or Itachi. Either or works— just give me some clothing.
Wrapping a towel around my body and grabbing another already damp towel to start drying my hair, I tapped on the bathroom door. I would rather not walk out in just a towel.
“Erm… Minato?” I called out.
There was no answer.
Frowning I tried again. “Minato? Itachi?”
Still no answer.
Cautiously I opened the door a crack and peered through. There was no one in the room. The other door (which I assumed was the main door) was firmly closed. Well at least it was kind of safe then. I pushed open the door fully and spotted Minato’s bag lying beside the bed. My mood brightened. Maybe he had extra clothes in there.
I had only taken two steps from the steaming bathroom when a voice made me grow rigid.
“Certainly not the welcome I expected… but it works all the same.” The voice drawled. My eyes darted over towards the door that led to the balcony and all I had spotted was the familiar silver hair before I balled up the wet towel I was carrying in my right hand and launched it at the intruder.
I don’t know if he let the towel hit him deliberately but I managed a grim look of satisfaction when my projectile made its mark on the intruder’s face with a wet smack.
Wow, I feel better already.
Nothing like a warm shower, clean hair and revenge to make a girl’s day.
To be continued…
[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]
XoXSilverDragonXoX
Completed December 26, 2008
And of course here’s a little clearing up: Minato is not Yama’s REAL father. He was the one who found her when she was thrown into that ‘other’ world, as to put it. He is the step-father that raised her.
Last Chapter: After another meeting with Genma and her old team again, she manages to escape, only to land into the hands of Zabuza and Haku. And then after that, she winds up being attacked, again. Nothing is ever quiet and simple for Yama is it? Of course, our favorite copy-nin needs to spice up her day!
Warnings: Foul language from our resident protagonist! And of course grammar errors due to my hurry to put this chapter up.
[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]
A Girl Named Yama
… A Naruto fan fiction
A Girl Named Yama © SilverDragon
Naruto © Kishimoto Masashi
Chapter 25 –
“Kakashi”
Blank stare.
…
‘I have to be dreaming.’ I thought frantically. I mean, there’s no possible way that Kakashi would be all the way out here! Er… down here. And on another note, he’s not supposed to be in the Anbu either! He has a genin team to look after! He’s a teacher! Therefore, there’s no way he would be all the way out—
A hand dropped onto the top of my cap.
“Be careful travelling around so early in the mornings…”
Oh my god. It is him.
“… You never know what kinds of trouble may be out here.”
By now I was steadily repeating a mantra over and over inside my head.
I-won’t-cry- I-won’t-cry- I-won’t-cry- I-won’t-cry- I-won’t-cry- I-won’t-cry- I-won’t-cry—damnit!
My breath quickened and I think for a while I stopped breathing.
A finger flicked the tip of my nose. A low voice joined in, “You might want to try breathing.”
Oh. I let out a whoosh of air and took a gasping breath back in. I did stop breathing. That would explain the burning in my chest. I saw the Anbu’s chest shake slightly. He was laughing. Did he recognize me?
Stupid question; of course he did. You’d have to be blind not to recognize me. But did that mean that the other Anbu members would recognize me as well? Wouldn’t that mean that they would be under orders to bring me back? I tensed, taking a slow retreating step.
A wave of disappointment hit me. I wanted to see Kakashi’s face. It’s been so long… but it probably wasn’t possible. If I am not mistaken, Anbu always remain anonymous, except in regards to the Hokage. Always.
Before I could say or do anything, the dog Anbu seemed to glanced over my shoulder, gave my head another little tousle (since his hand was still on top of my head) and looked like he just disappeared.
When I whirled to follow his path; all I saw was nothing. The clearing was empty. Where had the other two gone? Trees, trees, trees… bush. Nothing. Empty and bare—the trees not having their leaves did not help any either. It made the place seem even emptier. I raised my hands slowly and stared at them. I was shaking, badly. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes to try to calm my racing heart down and listened carefully for any noises. After a few seconds all I could hear was my own deep, gasping breaths. Geez, I sounded as if I had just run a marathon or something. And that’s when I heard it— it was faint, but it was still there. I could hear sounds of battle close by.
So they had drawn the battle away… but under whose orders?
I don’t remember how long I was standing there, staring at the dirt ground. It was really quiet now. Maybe… My vision swirled.
Kakashi had been here, right in front of me. I frowned. And the bastard just left me! Or maybe it hadn’t been Kakashi after all… No. Perhaps not. It was still dark, though the sun was starting to rise, I realized. But still… it was pretty dark. Maybe I was had made a mistake? But that had been his voice, hadn’t it?
Shaking my head in disappointment but knowing that if it was Kakashi, he probably had duties and obligations; I turned and started pushing my way back through the shrubbery in the direction I hoped was back towards decent civilization again.
And here I am again. Alone.
When a hand landed on my shoulder, I yelped and was forcibly whirled around. It was the dog Anbu again… possibly Kakashi. The wind played with his hair and my eyes riveted towards it. I longed to run my hand through it— would it still feel like it did before?
He seemed to mutter something and I frowned. What was he saying? I stared at him with wide-eyes. Don’t tell me he was under orders to bring me back to Konoha… because that would suck. I came all this way only to be caught by an Anbu because I was stuck in some sort of psychotic phase about missing Kakashi? For shame! Just when I thought about preparing to defend myself, the next words that pierced the clearing made me jump slightly.
“Fuck it.”
I blinked in surprise as he practically tore the dog mask off. I blinked as some of the brightening sky showed his face.
… Kakashi. I couldn’t help the smile that stretched across my face. My hand kind of crept up towards the hand that still lay on my shoulder. He still wore his black mask, but instead of a forehead protector covering his left eye it was a black eye patch.
His hand shifted when my hand reached his and gripped mine tightly.
He looked tired. Though he had always had a sort of relaxed and lazy air about him, this was different. I could feel his tense fingers beneath mine, and see the light stress lines that ran across his forehead. My free hand reached up and touched the skin underneath his eyes. It didn’t look like he’d been sleeping at all.
When I opened my mouth to say something, he abruptly yanked his mask down and had pressed his lips to mine. Startled, I didn’t have time to do anything except… freeze really.
His lips were warm… I thought hazily. I shifted and after a few seconds and broke off. I only managed a gulp of air before his lips crashed into mine once again. I could feel his free arm snake around my back and jerked me up, pressing me more firmly against him. I was still holding onto his hand from earlier and my other arm dropped from his face to clutch the arm now wrapped around me.
You’d think reunion kisses would be all rose-tinted and perfect right? No, this was far from it. It was more of a desperate kiss, as if you were kissing someone you would think would disappear if you so much as lessened your hold. It was messy, wet and totally out of control. Nothing like those romantic kisses you see couples share in movies where not a hair is out of place when they were done. But for the moment… I think it was perfect.
After about the fourth or fifth time I broke off for air— yes, I. Kakashi didn’t seem to have any problems with holding his breath for a while (must be that ninja training of his…) but my air seemed to run out waaay faster than his did. It didn’t help that I was already practically hyperventilating from meeting Kakashi again.
This time I lowered my face and merely rested my forehead against his chin. As soon as I did I felt his hand release my side slightly before tightening again. When he did, I winced. That hurt! Just how tight had he been holding me?
Almost immediately, the weight from his arm disappeared and I blinked when he was pulling up the side of my shirt slightly. I felt him tense when we both stared at a very obvious bruise on my left side. I met his gaze and he pulled me into a hug again. “I… apologize. I should have been more careful.” I rolled my eyes and responded by tightening my arms around him slightly.
“It… it’s fine.” I said slowly. “I didn’t really notice it.” I lied. Okay, so maybe I had. But he didn’t need to know that.
I felt his shoulders heave up slightly and heard him sigh. “Yama…”
This time Kakashi pushed me back to arms length and I saw him scan my body quickly.
“… You look terrible.” He commented.
I gaped at him. But I wasn’t really angry. I was focusing more on hearing his clear voice and seeing his face. It wasn’t often that I was able to see his face, after all. I was scarcely alone with him. Whenever he had been with me, some other person had been present as well.
Kakashi… he looks a lot younger than he really is. He’s approximately 27 now. He looks like he only just hit his twenties. It makes me wonder why he has his mask on all the time, really. My left hand trailed up to his face and traced the scar that ran from his left cheek down to his mid chin.
I saw his lips quirk slightly.
Then he frowned. I blinked at him. My vision was blurring slightly. What the… His hand rose and rested on my cheek. “You’re crying.” He said quietly. I blinked again, this time feeling tears trickle down. Oh. I wiped dropped my hand from his face and wiped at them hastily but they only seemed to keep coming.
I tried to step out of his arms. “Um… C… Can I have a moment?” I managed. Somewhere through the tears I saw his eye narrow at me. His hold loosened enough for me to back out and turn towards the trees. Okay, I can calm down. I tried to hold my breath— that seemed to stop my crying every time anyway. It gave me something else to focus on. I pressed my fingers against my eyelids, in hope that the tears would somehow miraculously stop. As if.
But of course, the second I felt two arms envelope me from behind cause me to start straight out bawling. A messy, sobbing, crying ball was what I was. I felt Kakashi’s chin rest atop my head and he tightened his grip around me.
I cried for me, mostly. Selfish, I know. I wanted some real food. I wanted to sleep in a real bed. I wanted to take a shower, bath; something! I wanted the Hokage to not be dead. I wanted Akatsuki to piss off and… die in a hole or something. I wanted to know how Sasuke was doing. And I damn hell didn’t want Kakashi to leave me here again. Which he would have to do, sooner or later.
After a while I managed to calm my horrific sniveling down to a couple of sniffles and I leaned back against Kakashi, dropping my hands. I kind of half-stared up at him, with him looking down at me as well.
“You know…“ I started wearily, “I did ask you to give me a moment.”
Kakashi shot me a downwards wry look. “I will not leave you when you are suffering like that.” I sighed.
“It’s… not a big deal.” I said finally. “Just me going on an emotional rollercoaster…” I quieted and thoughtfully stared up passed Kakashi to the now brightening sky. “God knows I’ve had enough of those this past week.” I muttered. I rubbed the side of my right eye to rid some of the stinging from the crying. It didn’t help, of course.
I heard Kakashi heave another sigh and I found myself pushed forwards slightly before he turned me to face him once again. He had pulled his mask back up. “I… apologize.” He swallowed and closed his eye tightly. “I did not mean to hurt you.” For a second I started to panic. Don’t tell me I’ve got him started on some sort of moody streak?!
I touched the side of his face and he opened his eye again. “It wasn’t your fault.” I said sternly. “Besides… you were probably right in telling me not to return anyway.” I lowered my eyes. “But you don’t know how hard it was to not just walk onto that ship and go home.” I whispered.
“Oh yes I do.” Kakashi started dryly. “It was probably just as hard as it was for me to tell you to not come back to me.”
He pulled me up and this time touched his clothed lips gently to mine for a few seconds. When we parted this time I saw his eye twinkle. “You do not seem to be protesting a lot like usual.” He winked at me. I rolled my eyes at him but didn’t answer. When he spoke again, it was very quiet but I still heard it. “Perhaps… you have finally fallen for me as well?”
I felt myself turn red. Okay so maybe I hadn’t told him that I loved him… but he didn’t have to say it outright like that! Damn him for being so observant. Yes, I hadn’t actually had anything serious with Kakashi before I had left Konoha. It was more of a… testing ground at that time. But at that time, Kakashi had practically been joined to the hip with me. He was always around whenever I was being trained, not to help but to watch. I think he wanted me to learn on my own rather than helping me, although he had taught me a bit about the sharingan. And he seemed to find enjoyment in crashing Sasuke’s apartment as well, meaning that whenever I was there he tended to show up as well.
But of course, there were those times he was sent off on a few missions by the Hokage… but those missions had never been long-term missions.
In other words, I had never really experienced what it was like for Kakashi to be away for a long duration of time. And then the one time it had to have happened I ended up being not able to go back to him at all! Life likes to throw curve balls at you. But I’ve never really liked baseball anyway.
I stared stubbornly at Kakashi’s left shoulder. So maybe I have… fallen for him that is. I’ve experienced love before… but that was back when I was still in high school. And the one I had fallen in love with was surprising not the most popular guy in school but the most popular guy in school’s best friend. The one that had been always overshadowed. But nothing ever went far with that… because I had never told him and then after high school passed… no more contact. Done. Fini.
Kakashi’s voice broke through my musing. “Have you… really?” His voice had an incredulous undertone to it. If anything, his question made my cheeks flame up again. Thanks, really. And after I had just gotten rid of it the first time too! I continued to refuse to look at him.
I think Kakashi was having none of that though because for the second time that day I felt his hand grip my chin and turn me to face him again.
His eye had an anticipated glint in it. “Tell me.” He said quietly. “Please,” he added.
Unable to hold the sigh that fell from my lips, I finally gave a small nod.
Kakashi’s answer was to tuck my head underneath his chin and pull me tighter against him— this time, I noticed, being careful of my already bruised side. He was warm, I thought tiredly. It’s been so long since I’ve been held by him.
Suddenly, Kakashi’s head shot to the side. I winced when he decided to push me up against the tree, standing in front of me. I saw him pull his Anbu mask back up. I felt my arms tense up in alarm. What was it?
After a few seconds of nothing happening besides the breeze paying us a few visits, Kakashi turned to face. “I need to go.”
I swear I didn’t mean to do it, but my traitorous mouth let out a whine of protest. And trust me, it sounded like a whine. Like a dog whining to get what it wants. I felt my hand tighten around the back of his armor. I felt very needy all of a sudden. I did not want him to leave me. Not again. I felt my chest tighten.
When he whirled around to face me, he leaned forwards until his forehead rested again mine. His eye stared into mine. “I will find you.” Kakashi whispered. “I promise.”
And then he was gone.
I let myself stumble forward, my hands touching upon air and I gave my surroundings a quick onceover. Again. And again, it was empty. Had this all been just a dream? Had my imagination decide that it wanted to torture me and conjure up a once in a lifetime meeting?
No. I refuse to believe that. He must’ve been here…
…right?
[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]
I don’t remember how long I went on like that, stumbling around trying to find Ari, Minato, Haku… heck even Zabuza would’ve been okay for me to find. I just wanted to get back on track and with someone before I fall into pieces here.
I kept telling myself that, yes, Kakashi had been there and yes, I hadn’t been dreaming. But as the seconds ticked by I kept second guessing myself. Had he really been there? Really, I had no proof, after all. All I had was… Wait. I froze, and then twisted to jerk up my shirt and stare at my side.
A forming blue and yellow bruise stared blatantly back at me.
No dream or delusion can give you a bruise like that.
Feeling somewhat more giddy and reassured, I gave my head a little shake. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and attempted to get my thoughts back into order. I needed to think rationally here. Kakashi’s appearance had thrown a wedge into my original plans and cautions. It made me a complete mess, I’ll tell you that.
Okay let’s review here. I should technically be looking for Ari right now, because he’s probably top priority. He’s an old man, and not likely as able to defend himself like Minato would be able to. Not that myself would be of any help if I managed to find him and that other Akatsuki member. I reckoned I wouldn’t have to worry about Kisame for the moment, since he was probably still busy with the Anbu. And even if he wasn’t anymore, it was likely he probably retreated (because, um, as strong as he is, I doubt that he could easily take on two or more Anbu members without getting injured… or maybe he can… I don’t know). And he had also been injured earlier as well.
Looking for any signs of Minato, Haku or Zabuza (uhg) would have to come later.
I opened my eyes again and yelped in surprise, falling backwards onto my behind heavily.
Itachi.
I felt like cheering. My heart was certainly pumping a mile a minute now. Covering my face with my hand, I pushed myself off the ground and stood in front of him, lowering my hands. My fingers twitched slightly.
Itachi gave me a wary look. “…”
Giving into temptation, I threw my arms around him and squeezed him as tightly as I could. I don’t think I had to say that I missed him. That was a given. I felt him hesitantly embrace back and I rolled my eyes and stepped back. “It took you a while to find me,” I commented lightly.
The Uchiha gave me a glower. “Well it seems like you’ve at least learned something right during your training hours.” I gave him a confused look. “… You at least learned how to mask your chakra properly. I have not been able to catch any clues as to where you were until just early this morning.”
Oh. Ah… I managed a sheepish look. Um, that would be the time that I finally woke up and left the cave with Minato. Did that I mean his compliment wasn’t exactly complimenting my abilities but Haku and Zabuza’s abilities at hiding me?
“…”
Aw, damn. Now Itachi knows something’s up. I carefully tried to steer the conversation in another direction.
“So… how did you know that I crossed the water and returned back to the mainland?”
Itachi gave me a deadpan look. “I asked around. I figured following the missing mist-nin would help.” He narrowed his eyes at me. “Has something happened recently?” I winced. I hate how he is so perceptive.
Scratching the back of my neck, I figured it would be best if I spit it all out now. “Um… I actually haven’t been… awake, per say for the past four days.” I played with the side of my shirt, trying not to run away screaming in embarrassment. I swear I don’t know how Itachi puts up with me some days. I could hear him saying it already; ‘I leave you for five minutes and you get yourself knocked out for four days? What did I train you for?! What did YOU train yourself for?!’
“I should’ve known…” I heard him mutter. “It doesn’t matter now.” He continued, “We need to get away from this location. There are… others nearby.”
I knew who the others were.
Akatsuki. Anbu.
Kakashi.
I opened my mouth to mention Kakashi but froze. Maybe… that wouldn’t be such a good idea after all. I mean, Itachi and Kakashi haven’t exactly had the best of relationships. The three times they managed to meet up unawares ended up as a fight, with either one or both being injured (or something along those lines). But if I didn’t mention it and they ended up meeting up unintentionally later on, seeing as Kakashi had told me would find me… I’d rather not end up being caught in the middle of a fight again. But telling Itachi would mean—
I flinched when a hand landed on the top of my head. I blinked. That was the second time that day. And from the two people I had not seen in a long time. What was going on?
“Come on, let’s get going.” I felt myself relax slightly at the smooth tone in Itachi’s voice. So he had realized already? I gave him a questioning look and opened my mouth. The words clogged in my throat when Itachi put his hand over my mouth. “It’s fine Yama. You don’t need to tell me.”
I couldn’t help but let out a small sigh of relief, which Itachi either didn’t notice, or pretended to not notice.
As Itachi started off in a direction (that was completely unknown to me—remember I was the one who had been trying to guess which way was back to civilization, here), I hesitated for about two seconds before following him. Hell if I was going to get left behind and get lost.
I don’t know if Itachi had his reasons or not, but we did not travel at a very fast pace. It wasn’t even a ‘ninjas’ pace. We were… walking. Just walking. No using chakra to travel quicker through the trees, no using chakra to run across the ground, no running, period. We were walking along a suspicious dirt path that caused me to constantly scan the surroundings skittishly. If we were going to try and avoid Konoha Anbu and Akatsuki, should we really be following the very obvious path? The path wasn’t obvious in the way that it was big, but it was rather… prominent since the trees lining it were very, very thick. Not thick as in lots of leaves (because… there were no leaves— winter season, remember? There was just no snow) but thick as in there were a lot of trees packed together.
Think of it as a whole cake with a knife-cut down the middle. That cut is the path. It is very much so obvious to anyone who gave a damn. In fact, it was probably very obvious to those that didn’t give a damn too.
I voiced this to Itachi.
“The path being the most obvious choice is what makes it safer, Yama.” Itachi replied, giving me a sideways look. Oh. That didn’t really make any sense to me… but he’s the one who’s been wandering around for years. I’ll trust his judgment. Itachi paused. “But it does not seem like they are after you, or me for that matter.”
I frowned at him. “What do you mean?” Frowning, I tried to see if I could sense any chakra signatures in the local vicinity. I winced when I realized I could sense two faint ones westward. Why hadn’t I done that earlier? It would’ve saved me a lot of that earlier grief about which way I should go— away from those people, of course.
“They are near here, but are getting further away,” Itachi continued. “So it is safe to assume they are already in pursuit of something else.”
Ah. Well at least there’s some good news.
“Um, so where are we headed then?” I asked awkwardly. Technically, now would be a very good time to discuss this. My brother’s lips twisted into a light frown, his red eyes looking at me, but not focusing.
I immediately felt uneasy. He had never really looked much at me whenever he had his sharingan activated. This touched upon another alarm in me. Why did he have his sharingan on? We weren’t in any immediate danger. I understand that he had it on almost constantly while he was a part of Akatsuki, but that was because he had to be always on his guard. I remember when Itachi had stayed in Konoha over a month ago (holy crow, it feels like years ago to me!), I had to constantly remind him to turn it off, for it was starting to –ahem— make a few of the neighbors nervous. But since then he usually only had it on when he needed it.
Would that mean that something made him turn it on? Now? Here?
I gave the surroundings a nervous onceover. I even tried to use my chakra to sense any movement. That is, any movement that could pertain to human movements. But each and every time my senses came back empty-handed. I didn’t sense anything out of the ordinary.
Itachi was still staring at me, but still not looking at me. What was it he sensed? That’s when he jerked his head to our left, towards a thicket of trees and bushes. I eased a few steps away from the location, hand twitching towards my pocket. I grimaced inwardly, realizing for the first time that I, indeed, had no weapons. I was in different clothing, which meant no leg side pocket, which meant no kunai/shuriken, which ultimately meant… no weapons.
That meant all I had were my techniques, my hands and my feet. But then again, if worse came to worse I could run away… right? I’d rather run and be called a coward than stay and be called courageous. I like breathing, thank you very much.
Whoever it was in the bushes shook the branches once more before stepping out into the rising sunlight.
“Ah, there you are, Yama.” Minato said cheerily. “I thought I’d find you around here sooner or later.”
Damn. I glared at him. I’m surprised I hadn’t seen his bright yellow mop from miles away.
I then eyed Itachi, who was keenly watching Minato with growing suspicion. Oh wait, Itachi had met Minato before, hadn’t he? When Minato had first confronted me, that is.
Minato didn’t even look at all surprised to see Itachi.
“You,” the Uchiha said suddenly, drawing mine and Minato’s attention. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Minato raise his eyebrows slightly, as if to say, ‘what?’ “You’re the one who hid her, aren’t you?”
I wrinkled my nose. By ‘her’ I assumed that Itachi meant me.
When I turned my attention towards Minato I saw him quirk his lips slightly. “Quick,” he commented. “Yes, you are correct; it was me that hid her chakra.”
Itachi let out a grunt, but seemed to dismiss whatever thought he had quickly. He then looked at me and raised his left eyebrow slightly. I sort of stared back at him. “What?” I asked in confusion. Itachi jerked his head towards Minato in one smooth movement. I continued to stare at him, I still didn’t get it.
Finally Itachi sighed. “Is it safe to assume that we are going to be travelling with him for the next little while?”
Oh.
Well, duh. I… guess. We didn’t really have anywhere else to go, did we? Itachi and I had never really planned anything further than getting away from Genma and the others. And then there was interference. Interference that knocked me out for four days and led Itachi on a wild goo chase across the water.
“I’ll… take that as a yes,” Minato said slowly. Then I saw the blonde give Itachi an amused look. “You know who I am, don’t you?”
“…”
“…Mmm. Smart kid.”
That earned Minato a glare.
“Alright then. Before I tell you two of the situation… I have a question for you,” Minato nodded his head towards Itachi. “Why is it you do not seem surprised to see me alive if you know who I am?”
“It’s safe to say I know what happened to you.” Itachi gave him a dead-pan look. Minato stiffened. The two then seemed to exchange a series of looks, which had me looking from one to the other for the next minute or so.
“Come on, we should head out.” Minato said finally, giving off an indignant huff. I gave him an incredulous look, but understood when Itachi merely followed him with a smug air surrounding him. Well, that explains why Minato’s a little annoyed. It’s okay dad! Itachi can piss me off sometimes too! Like now— seeing as it looks like neither of you are going to tell me what just took place!
Minato started moving down the path, in the same direction we had been travelling before. And, I noticed, we were still travelling at a quick civilian’s pace rather than a slow ninja’s speed. It looks like I had been right to trust Itachi earlier after all. As I fell in step behind Itachi, I called out to Minato. “What about Haku and Zabuza?” Yes, I have not forgotten about them. Minato stopped for a moment and threw a few words over his shoulder. “I paid them in full. We have no need for their services anymore.” He hummed thoughtfully. “They did a good job.” I rolled my eyes. I didn’t even know what they did. I hadn’t seen them since I woke up in the cave.
When I started to follow Minato’s steps again, I remembered a certain old man. “Wait, what about Ari-san!”
The former Hokage never slowed in pace, nor did he ever turn around. But I did see him falter slightly in one of his steps.
“It’s too late for him.” I felt my hands grow cold. “Ari’s already dead, Yama.”
[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]
I sneezed again. Shivering, I glared at the ground. We were now in a village, but that didn’t make it any warmer. In fact, the people here made me feel even colder. Everyone seemed to have some sort of thick jacket or parka on. Everyone except… me.
When I sneezed for the billionth time, I heard Minato let out a heavy sigh. “Yama, suck it up and put on that parka of yours. You’re not going to look silly wearing it.” I glowered at him.
“I don’t have it.” I said moodily. “I think I lost it during my fight with Kisame or something. I remember throwing it off so I could move around easier.”
“…And what about your pack?”
“Lost it.” I winced. I mentally apologized to my Uchiha ancestors. I didn’t mean to lose those scrolls! I swear! But things kept brightened.
Wait a second… a market? Near here? I could get clothes! I could get a jacket! I looked over at Minato hopefully. I didn’t want to ask. It seemed rude and I knew we weren’t exactly on some sort of pleasure trip but I really, really needed some new clothes. I eyed my tattered clothes. Yes, I definitely needed some new clothes. Plus, it would help to change my image, especially after being seen by the Anbu back there. Maybe they hadn’t realized who I was, but if they realized it later on I would at least have to change my image to make it harder for them to find me.
I glanced awkwardly towards Minato, who was still walking steadily ahead. After he had asked me where my parka was and heard my answer he had continued to walk. I wasn’t sure what he was looking for. Hopefully it was a place to stay for the night. We had been travelling for over half a day now and it was approaching night fall. Surely Minato wasn’t thinking about travelling through the dark?
Itachi, who was following behind him hadn’t uttered a word since the conversation in the forest. The only movement from him recently was for him to draw his hood over his head as we neared the village earlier.
‘At least he doesn’t look like he’s been dragged across mountains.’ I grumped. I wasn’t sure what he had on underneath, since his cloak seemed to cover most of it. All I could see now and then were colors. He was dressed in shades of black and grey.
When I let out another sneeze, Minato stopped in mid-step and whirled around.
I managed to glance up at him momentarily before he had taken three huge steps to reach me and shove something into my hands. I glanced down. Huh. Money. I looked up and did a double take.
Wait. Money?
“Go and get yourself what it is you need, Yama,” Minato said wryly. “Itachi and I will go find a tavern that many have a room open for us to stay in. You’ll be able to find us later, yes?” He gave me a hard look. I gave a meek nod. Yes, sir! I have learned my lesson and will start acting like the ninja I was training to be.
And yes, there is a funny story behind that. Let’s just say while we were travelling today… I had the tendency to do things and act like… a civilian rather than a ninja. I guess my meeting with Kakashi had shaken me up a lot more than I had given myself credit for.
As for the things I did, um, they weren’t exactly things I was proud of, okay?
‘Like nearly walking in on a family of bears like a clumsy hiker, or completely forgetting to dull your chakra presence and leading a group of ninja bandits to the group?’
Shut up brain. I thought accordingly.
“So…” I started hesitantly. “Any time limit you have for me?”
Minato shook his head quickly. “Just get back as soon as possible, all right? And remember to hide yourself. It’s likely…” he lowered his voice drastically, “…Konoha Anbu are nearby.” Ah. Okay. Very reassuring, dad.
I winced when I once again called him ‘dad’ unconsciously. I hadn’t done it out loud yet, but I don’t think I will be anytime soon. Despite the fact that yes, he had raised me when I was younger, he was the former Hokage. And plus, it’s not like he is my real biological father. So wouldn’t it be really awkward to call him dad out loud? And plus, did he even want me calling him something like that? Well, I guess I’ll deal with that bridge when I get there.
I saw Itachi throw a hesitant glance back at me— though I couldn’t see his expression due to the hood but Minato merely gave him a couple of nudges and off they went. They soon disappeared into the crowd. I fought the urge to jump up and down, screaming my head off. Finally! Finally Itachi agreed to leave me alone. I swear if he would’ve suggested that he come with me, I was going to run him through or something. Although, his hovering was a lot less than it was a month ago. Thank the heavens for that.
When I’m shopping, I need peace.
As I approached the market district, I started to scan the shops carefully. First, I need a new pack…
[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]
I blinked and felt a shiver run up my spine. I stopped walking and pretended to look at a few of the things in the shop that I just so happened to be by.
Okay… what was that?
Not taking any chances, I attempted to dim my chakra presence even more, pulling my chakra tighter around me. I doubt anyone who knew me would recognize me by now, except for the chakra situation.
I hadn’t been sure earlier whether I wanted to dress as a male or female, so I settled for dressing in the middle. I wore black slacks that were tight enough to not hinder my movement but loose enough to disguise my feminine hip structure. As for the shirt— well it only took me like an hour to discover the damn thing but I managed to find a long sleeved shirt that contained a built-in tightening strap around the chest area. I think it was for female ninjas, or at least women that tended to do a lot of upper body movement.
I guess it was my lucky day. I had been originally looking for a shirt that hid my breasts, since I was going with the idea of dressing in unisex (so people wouldn’t be able to tell if I was a male or female) and the shirt turned out to be perfect. With those two found, I had simple found a dark parka that fit. And done, voila! I had decided not to find weapons. I think weapon-shopping would be a little suspicious.
I had also debated whether or not I wanted to get my hair cut. I had never really had long hair but since I’d never bothered to get it cut; the tips were now licking my hip bones. But after searching around and finding no place that actually cut hair, I decided to keep it balled up in the dark cap Minato had given me until later on.
But let’s get back on topic. Whoever was watching me (and I’m pretty sure someone is watching me by now) should not be able to recognize me… so who was it?
Chewing nervously on the end of the stick my yakitori had been on, I decided that I couldn’t chance any looking around. I couldn’t let the watcher know I was on to something. But I couldn’t very well go hunting for Minato and enter the place we were staying with this guy following me! I couldn’t lead him back to the others, although I’m sure Minato and Itachi could make short work of him, or her. But for once I want to show my two companions my training for the past year or so in this place haven’t been for nothing.
I can take care of myself!
…I think.
But first thing first now; exactly how was I going to ‘lose’ my so called watcher?
I exchanged a smile with the young shopkeeper and tried to politely back away. While I had been thinking the young male shopkeeper had decided to educate me in the way the different pottery the story displayed was made and shipped. I was dressed in the unisex! This guy shouldn’t be able to realize I was a girl… right?
But even as I backed out slowly the young guy seemed determined to follow me, his brown eyes flickering over my form every now and then. I was sorely tempted to scream at him; ‘Find yourself a person that actually looks like a girl!’
Not that I’m saying I don’t look like a girl. I just… don’t look like a girl now.
Just as I tightened my grip on the handle of my pack and decided to make a break for it, a presence behind my left shoulder made me freeze. Another shiver traveled up my back. It was him. I could feel it. The ‘watcher’ was apparently now standing right behind me. But why did they decide to show themselves?
Though the person over my shoulder said nothing, the shopkeeper seemed cowed and I quickly said my thanks and practically bolted off, wishing sorely for the crowds of people that had been present mere minutes before. The sky was completely dark now. Maybe I should’ve left earlier. Oh, but wait. I couldn’t go back to Minato earlier because of the stupid watcher!
Not bothering to keep an eye behind me, I shouldered my pack more firmly and took a few back roads, ducking and swerving down several streets. After a while, I glanced behind me. No one.
I couldn’t help but let out a breath of relief. But when I turned back towards my front, I nearly slammed into someone.
My gaze rose slowly, but I tried to keep my face shadowed by my cap. It was dark, but I could still make out the man’s features from the street lamp that was lit to my right. Just my luck, I just happened to turn down a narrow alley way that was only about four feet wide. I hazarded a glance backwards. It was a long way until the next turn. And there was no way I would be able to get passed this guy unless he let me.
I deepened my voice deliberately. “Excuse me,” I said quietly. “May I get by?”
The man was handsome; very handsome. But the air of danger that travelled around him was starting to make me feel uneasy. He was nearly a foot taller than me and I tried not to tilt my head too high in fear of my facial features being more exposed. Dark eyes, long dark hair tied back into a low ponytail, high cheekbones, broad shoulders, visible muscles on his torso— holy shit, this guy was the epitome of male handsomenesses… Was that even a word?
I tried to scan his outfit casually to find any sign of ‘ninja-ness’ but I found nothing out of ordinary. He was dressed in… something someone rich would wear—some sort of robes that screamed ‘call me a name that ends in sama!’ Let’s just leave it at that.
But either way, this was likely the guy that had been watching me from afar earlier. That meant he had to be a ninja, right? I mean, his presence wasn’t exactly easy for me to detect. When I opened my mouth to ask him if I could get by again, he spoke.
“In exchange for my assistance earlier, would you keep me company for the night?”
I twitched.
No.
“I assume it is only natural than you repay me for my services.” There was a tint of amusement in his voice.
What assistance? No one helped me do anything. It was my own two legs that got me away from that shopkeeper! And besides-! I’m… oh, wait a second. This guy was probably looking for a ‘girl’s’ company, right? I felt myself grin inwardly. Well, all I had to do was play of that I wasn’t a girl! I could pull it off pretty well. My hair was hidden and I looked like a young boy with my stature at the moment (hidden underneath the clothes, of course).
I deliberately lowered my voice even more. “I believe you are mistaken. I… I am not a female.” Despite how I tried to control my voice, I couldn’t keep the unsteadiness that crept into it.
Suddenly there was a gleam in his eyes that caused me to immediately regret my actions.
“Hmmmm…” He leaned closer, and I tried to curl into myself, my hand clenching onto my pack tightly. “Really now?” I felt myself choke slightly at his tone.
Yes. I begged in my mind. Now please go away!
“…Even better.” He breathed against my cheek.
I felt myself freeze.
… What?!
That’s when I felt his hand encircle my left wrist and I jerked my hand out immediately, taking a couple of steps backwards. Time to run now! I whirled around, and started to book it down the alley. I don’t think the distance to the next turn ever seemed so far in my life. Just when I finally made it to the first turn, I felt a hand latch onto the back of my shirt and yank me backwards.
I coughed as I slammed into something firm and I felt an arm loop around my neck in a loose stranglehold from my back. He was standing behind me. Shit. I think I’ll need to—
Clink.
My eyes widened and lowered to glance down to his left. There, I saw the edge of a forehead protector sticking out of one of his pockets. This guy was a shinobi. My eyebrow twitched. That reminds me… aren’t I technically a shinobi too? Why the hell am I running away like some loopy crazy girl?
Gripping his arm that was wrapped tightly around my neck, I called out a portion of my chakra and merely started to call water. I didn’t plan to use any technique; all I wanted to do was startle him enough for him to release me. I wasn’t sure if I should go full out ninja on him yet. Too bad I couldn’t see which nation he was from; the forehead protector had only showed the edge of a line. Not very helpful.
But the coldness must’ve startled him enough, for his grip loosened a bit— perfect for me to slip out and turn around to deliver a kick towards his torso. I hit air. There was a gust of wind and he was suddenly gone. After a couple of turns, I saw a shadow and I looked up to see—aw, shit— a Konoha Anbu standing on the roof of one of the buildings against the moon. In his hand was ‘rich-sama’s’ robe.
It wasn’t Kakashi. This Anbu was wearing a bird mask. That means the face I had seen before was likely a genjutsu. One that I did not detect— at all. Damn, do I ever feel out of shape!
Now that I think about it, it might’ve been easier if I had just run like any other civilian girl. That way there would be no reason for this Anbu guy to believe that I was otherwise a ninja, right? He wouldn’t have known… since I wasn’t really dressed as one anyway. That would mean the only other reason he was following me was because my chakra was suspicious. Damn, just my luck. He must’ve noticed me during the times I had accidentally let my chakra slip.
He suddenly disappeared, leaving the robe fluttering in the air and I barely stopped myself from flaring out my chakra to find him. If he had been truly suspicious of my chakra before, I would need to be careful about whether or not he had allies close by. One Anbu I might be able to throw off somehow and escape. Anymore and that’s just… not going to happen.
I felt a tingling presence behind me and I jerked left, turning my head. I was just in time to see a fist fly by my right ear. I managed a strangled noise. That had been close. Immediately shooting chakra through my body, I shunpo’ed to the next intersection in the alley, darting left and continuing to use shunpo to travel down it.
I’d take to the rooftops but that would only make me an easier target.
He’s coming!
I faltered in my next step and took a backwards step, avoiding a chakra-fused hand. Eyes wide, I jumped up and landed on a balcony, but didn’t stop. I don’t want to think about what would happen if that hand had actually connected to its target.
The Anbu was behind me, I could feel it. Instead of using shunpo to run on the ground, I used it to travel from balcony to balcony. At the next one, I spotted a basket full of clothes and grabbed it. I mentally apologized to the owner of the clothes and using chakra I flung it behind me. If I wasn’t mistaken, the basket would hit the clothesline right about…
I heard curses behind me.
Perfect!
With the Anbu’s view obstructed with flying underwear and bras, I whirled and ducked into the next balcony doors and immediately dimmed my chakra as far as I possibly could. I prayed that it was enough to deter the ninja. I swear I was even holding my breath.
Silence.
Then I saw a figure zoom by the open door. Hopefully that was him.
But I wasn’t sure, so I virtually did not move for the next ten minutes or so, concentrating on keeping my chakra non-existent. I let my eyes scan the apartment I had barged in on, and was glad to see that the owner of it was not home. The room was dark and very much, I found, like Sasuke’s house. Of course, that was after subtracting the ‘so-much-bigger’ part.
I chanced another peek out the door, but saw no one. I couldn’t detect anyone either, but I assumed that Anbu could hide their presence pretty damn well. I peered down at my watch without moving my head. Since I’ve dived into this place, it’s been about 14 minutes, I thought. And he hadn’t showed up again yet.
But I didn’t want to take any chances and walk through the streets. Anbu should still be lurking about the town.
Glowering at a particular flower vase on the kitchen table, I mentally fumed. Then how was I supposed to make my way back to—
My eyes spotted something through the window on the wall that was adjacent to the balcony door. A river.
Well, I suppose getting a little wet wouldn’t hurt me.
[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]
Clambering over the balcony--- I swear I will forever hate balconies now— I tensed as the old wood cracked slightly from my weight. I wait a few seconds and when it held, I climbed the rest of the way over to land with a resounding thud. Wasn’t I being just so ninja-like? Stomping through the open door and dropping my soaked pack to the floor, I flung off my wet parka. Minato stared at me from where he was lounging in a chair, an open book in hand.
I didn’t see Itachi anywhere.
“Do I even want to know what happened, Yama?” he asked dryly.
No, but I need to tell you anyway. Half of me was thanking the heavens that the place Minato and Itachi had found was right beside the river, the other half was cursing them for putting that Anbu on my tail. Although I had managed to get back undetected, the river was no fun trip. It was stinky, filthy and filled with creepy crawlies. Doubt any man that even says river water is nice and clean. They’re all lies!
“Anbu almost caught me,” I grumped out. I walked over towards a door and flung it open, pleased to find a bathroom. There was one small detail I failed to notice, however. When I turned to close the door, Minato was already on his feet.
“Yama.” His voice had lost all amusement. “What do you mean Anbu?”
I sighed tiredly and gestured behind me without turning around. “Can this wait until after I get cleaned up?” I pleaded. I swear I’ll listen to everything you say and do nothing bad! Just let me get all this grime off of me. Minato hesitated but nodded, his blue eyes scanning my appearance skeptically. Then he looked like he wanted to say something.
But I glared at him, daring him to say another word and he merely shrugged and headed back to his chair. I slammed the door and proceeded to stare at it as if I could make a hole in it.
I heard someone cough nosily and I whirled around to see—
—Itachi in nothing but a towel. I blinked at him. His long hair was still wet, which meant he had just stepped out. I slapped myself upside the head. Well duh Yama! He’s also in a towel, or did your eyes and mind overlook that part? My brother had one eyebrow raised.
…One word. Awk-ward!
Itachi merely sighed and brushed passed me, exiting and closing the door behind him.
Throwing the situation into the back of my mind, I focused on the one thing that was more important than anything right now. Shower! Shedding my wet clothes and letting them hit the floor with a sickening plot, I stepped into the shower and turned on the hot water full blast. I sighed as the hot water ran over my skin, soothing the coldness away. The river had been freezing! It was a wonder that it hadn’t frozen over with ice already seeing how cold the weather was.
I found a soap bar and a bottle that smelt suspiciously like sandalwood that I took for shampoo sitting beside the sink. I focused on scrubbing the grime and smell of river water from my skin, grumbling all the while.
When I stepped out later, rubbing my body dry with the matted towel hanging from a sidebar, I realized something horrible.
I had no clothes to wear.
Everything I had bought that day was soaked from my trip down the river and I sure as hell wasn’t going back into those stinky clothes! I eyed the pile of clothing in distaste. My eyes rose hopefully towards the door. Maybe Minato had something for me to borrow. Or Itachi. Either or works— just give me some clothing.
Wrapping a towel around my body and grabbing another already damp towel to start drying my hair, I tapped on the bathroom door. I would rather not walk out in just a towel.
“Erm… Minato?” I called out.
There was no answer.
Frowning I tried again. “Minato? Itachi?”
Still no answer.
Cautiously I opened the door a crack and peered through. There was no one in the room. The other door (which I assumed was the main door) was firmly closed. Well at least it was kind of safe then. I pushed open the door fully and spotted Minato’s bag lying beside the bed. My mood brightened. Maybe he had extra clothes in there.
I had only taken two steps from the steaming bathroom when a voice made me grow rigid.
“Certainly not the welcome I expected… but it works all the same.” The voice drawled. My eyes darted over towards the door that led to the balcony and all I had spotted was the familiar silver hair before I balled up the wet towel I was carrying in my right hand and launched it at the intruder.
I don’t know if he let the towel hit him deliberately but I managed a grim look of satisfaction when my projectile made its mark on the intruder’s face with a wet smack.
Wow, I feel better already.
Nothing like a warm shower, clean hair and revenge to make a girl’s day.
To be continued…
[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]
XoXSilverDragonXoX
Completed December 26, 2008