Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ The Life of a Ninja ❯ Chapter 8

Chapter 8

(At the Kirigawa Inn…)

 

Keyoko and Kyra walked further down the street until the nearest inn came into view. “Finally, there's one. The Kirigawa Inn looks nice.” Kyra nodded in agreement. “Yeah, and the best part is that we don't have to pay. Te he…” Her grin grew sinister. The two of them stepped closer, a pair of double doors before them. But before either of them could make a move to enter, Keyoko suddenly sensed a presence behind her. Without turning around, she dropped to the ground on her hands and sent both feet flying towards the stranger's stomach. However, the stranger caught her feet as quickly as she'd sent them in a strong, tight grip. Before Keyoko was about to make a move to break free, she turned her head to come face-to-face with Rock Lee.

“Do you always attack those behind you?” Keyoko breathed a sigh of relief as he released her. She got back on her feet and placed her hands on her hips. “Well, I guess you shouldn't have snuck up on me then, huh?” Lee grew embarrassed as Kyra continued to giggle violently. Lee scratched his head nervously. “I am sorry; it is just that I have been looking all over the village for you. I wanted to ask you something.” Keyoko smiled, her hands slipping off her hips. “I'm listening.” Lee grew more flushed as he unconsciously began to fidget with his fingers. “I wanted to ask you out on a date.”

Keyoko's eyes widened slightly. “A date; right now?” Lee nodded. “I was hoping we could get some dinner together, if you want to.” Keyoko smiled brightly in response. “Sure, I'd love to. And I guess I do still owe you for carrying me the rest of the way to the Uchiha manor last night.” Kyra sighed heavily. “Fine, while you're gone I'll go attack Shino. But you better come back, Keyo, or I'm gonna be stuck out here al night!” Though she sounded annoyed, there was heavily hinted tease.

Keyoko's face grew crimson from her statement. Now it was her turned to be embarrassed. “Stop it, Kyra! You know I'm gonna come back! It's only dinner.” She turned back to Lee and sighed. “Sorry, she's practically my little sis. Let's go.” Lee smiled and took her by the hand. “There is a really good place not far from here. I think you will like it.” Keyoko nodded; blushing slightly at the contact. She allowed him to lead her down the street as she gave a final wave to Kyra, who was already waving.

(At the Aburame Manor…)

 

Shino sat still upon his family's manor's rooftop. His face was turned towards the falling sun. He'd removed his sunglasses for a better view. The sky was heavily streaked with about five soft hues, blended beautifully. Shino found himself smiling widely. `The sky is so beautiful today. I almost wish I had someone here to enjoy it with me.' As if on cue, Kyra's head poked slightly above the roof. She had cast several vines along the wall of the manor in a sort-of ladder so she could reach the roof where Shino was easily visible. She slowly stepped onto the roof; making sure Shino couldn't hear her. She crept closer, an evil smile plastered upon her face. Then, without warning, she jumped forward and full-on tackled him. “Shino-kun!”

Shino dropped his sunglasses as he was knocked over on his side. His eyes were wide with shock. “Kyra! You nearly gave me a heart attack!” Kyra giggled as her arms latched themselves around his neck. “Te he, only fat people get heart attacks, silly.” Shino couldn't help but laugh at her comment. She then loosened her grip on him as he resumed his sitting position. His gaze returned to the setting sun as his arm inched around her shoulders; pulling her close once again. Kyra responded by placing her arm around his back. “You're really hot with your glasses off, Shino-kun. You should keep them off.” Kyra said, leaning her head against him. Shino laughed again. “Maybe, but only for you.” His gaze never left the sky. `Wow, I didn't actually think my almost-wish would come true. But who's complaining?'

(Somewhere near the Uchiha Manor…)

 

Kaitoshi walked silently down the dirt path that led to her favorite training spot. Although darkness was descending at an alarmingly fast rate, she could see perfectly with the aid of Kyuubi's eyes. Seconds later, the grounds were before her. She couldn't help but frown slightly at the obvious signs of others using this area as well. The trees had several fresh kunai cuts along their lengths and were missing several branches. She sighed. `Well, I suppose I couldn't expect this place to be left alone for seven years.' She shook her head and decided to forget about the past for now. It was training time. But just as she began to draw her sword, a slight rustle sounded from her left. She sighed yet again, but this time it was heavily laden with annoyance. “Come out, doofus. I can see you.”

The stranger growled in frustration before stepping out of the bushes. The stranger was none other than Naruto. Kaitoshi crossed her arms; clearly not wanting to deal with him at the moment. “What do you want? I was about to do some much-needed sword-training.” Naruto frowned deeply, an accusing finger pointed right at the female Uchiha. “I've come for my revenge! You and your stupid friends left me hanging for THREE HOURS! Kakashi-sensei finally happened to walk by and cut me down.” Kaitoshi's eyes narrowed. “Why couldn't you cut yourself down?” Her tone was bitter and cold. Naruto growled again. “Hello? That net was so tangled that I couldn't use my hands! You think I'm that big of an idiot that I wouldn't think to use a knife or a jutsu to escape!?” Kaitoshi shrugged. “Who can say?”

Naruto crossed his arms. “Well, either way, I'm gonna have to beat you for that.” Kaitoshi grinned wickedly. “Let's see you try.” Naruto nodded and quickly began a series of hand seals. Kaitoshi activated her Sharingan. Seconds later, she found herself surrounded by about twenty clones. Her eyes widened slightly. `So, he HAS changed. The Naruto I knew couldn't do this jutsu at all. This will be fun.' She performed an aerial flip to dodge the charging clones. Then, while she was still airborne, she performed a few hand seals of her own. “Black Fire Barrage!” She yelled as black fire balls rained from her palms. The ferocity of the fire was enough to take out nearly half of the clones. Naruto grunted in frustration; he hadn't expected that she had gotten this strong all on her own for seven years. Thinking up a different plan, he sent away his remaining clones as Kaitoshi landed back on her feet.

Naruto focused as his hands formed a sphere. Kaitoshi's eyes widened as her Sharingan picked up what he was about to do. “The Rasengan, eh? Do you think you can really beat me with a technique that I'm sure you haven't even fully mastered yet?” Naruto's chakra whipped wildly between his hands. He began to yell as the attack was finally ready. “Get ready to eat your words!” He dashed towards her full-speed. Surprisingly, she didn't move a muscle or make any attempt to get out of the way. Naruto thrust his hands towards her stomach. However, he blinked, and his chakra was gone. Kaitoshi had a strong hold on both of his hands; inches away from her body. “If you had better control of your chakra, I wouldn't have been able to stop your attack. You still have a lot to learn, Naruto.”

She released his hands and jumped backwards. Naruto stared in shock at his heated bare hands. “How did you do that?” Kaitoshi issued a sly wink; taking Naruto off guard. “Let's just say I learned a thing or two from my beloved Neji.” Naruto still appeared confused as Kaitoshi suddenly disappeared. Naruto's eyes widened as she reappeared behind him. Her foot collided violently with his face; sending him flying to the ground. She grinned evilly as he rubbed his face. “Hey, that was a dirty move!” Kaitoshi shook her head. “In battle, honor will not always save your life.” Naruto slowly got to his feet. “Well, that's enough for me. I could still kick your ass, but I don't feel like wasting all my chakra on the likes of you.” Kaitoshi nodded. “Same here.” She walked forward and held out a hand. Naruto took it and hastily shook it. “Until next time?” She asked. Naruto nodded. “You better believe it.” And with that said, he teleported away.

Kaitoshi shook her head; Sharingan fading. `I guess Naruto isn't all that annoying anymore. Hmm, he may even be mature now. It's amazing what seven years will do to people.' She sighed happily and finally drew her sword. She grasped the hilt tightly and issued a mighty swing. `Swoosh,' the blade sang lucidly as it sliced through the air. She smiled lovingly at her treasured weapon. “How I've missed you, old friend. You're still as light as I remembered.” She decided to see if it was still as strong as before. She proceeded to dash towards the tree a few yards before her. With a mighty swing, her sword collided with the trunk of the tree; ripping through it like a bullet. She gave a small tug, pulling her sword free. The sword had cut cleanly and nearly halfway through.

She grinned proudly. “You haven't lost an ounce of strength, either. You're just as powerful as I remember.” “I can't believe you're still attached to that old thing.” A cold, familiar voice from behind her sounded; freezing the blood in her veins. She refused to show her fear and didn't move. “You know I'm stronger than you, brother. I could've killed you easily if I'd had the chance.” Itachi grinned wickedly as he pushed his raven bangs from his face. “You have a chance now. Opportunities are the wonderful rarities of this world.”

Kaitoshi remained silent as her older brother stepped closer to her. She could feel his cold breath against her ear. “You can still manage to bear the sword I made you, despite that it brings back horrible recollections of me and my sin?” The lazy way he emphasized `sin', as though it meant nothing in reality made Kaitoshi's stomach churn. “This sword and you are two separate entities of no connection. I could never blame an innocent sword of the crimes of another.” Itachi slowly eased his ringed hand upon her shoulder, causing her to shiver at the contact. Somehow, she could not bring herself to pull away.

“All lives are a single bud. Some are cut down before they bloom, while others hold on beyond the rest. I choose to spare two buds which I knew would hold on quiet some time. You have blossomed little sister, but you have not yet bloomed.” Kaitoshi could take standing there anymore. She slapped his hand off of her shoulder and turned to face him. “Stop speaking in stupid riddles, you bastard! Why did you spare me and Sasuke? Tell me!” Itachi took a step back. “Time resolves all the riddles of the world. Be patient and your answer will come.” With that said, he drifted away, seemingly floating, and was gone. Just as mysteriously and quickly as he had come.

Kaitoshi was now shaking with rage. `What does that mean?! Damn him! Why can't he be normal for once?!' #Now that he knows we're back, he may attack. Maybe we should go back into hiding?# Kyuubi's tone was angry as well, but was laced with concern. Kaitoshi shook her head violently. `No! Running didn't solve this earlier, and it won't solve it now! I should go after him and do what I should've done seven years ago! I'll kill that bastard once and for all!' #No, it's too dangerous. He may have hidden allies lying in wait should you go after him.# Kaitoshi fell to her knees and clutched the sides of her head. Her sword fell from her hands, landing with a `thud' beside her.

Painful memories reinfested her mind once more. She held her head tighter as she could see her dead family once again. She could smell the blood and feel the air thick with death. She could hardly breathe. Then, he appeared before her. The monstrosity that was Itachi. His smile was twisted and maniacal. Little Sasuke was already fleeing the Manor in terror. “Please, no! I don't wanna die! I don't wanna die!” Itachi stepped closer, his grin becoming more and more disfigured. This mental recollection was far too much for Kaitoshi to take any longer. Her body began to glow as her eyes became Kyuubi's. #Little one, no! Calm down! If you change into me, there'll be now way for me to stop you!# Kaitoshi let out a shrill scream as the familiar orange-brown fur sprouted al over.

Within seconds, Kaitoshi had become a three-tailed Kyuubi. She released a ferocious growl, saliva flying from her mouth. She immediately leapt into the trees in search of her older brother.