Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Twilight ❯ The Long Lost ( Chapter 21 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Chapter 15: The Long Lost

Sasuke sensed the thickening tension and raised a brow. So my guesses were right after allÉ they had a connectionÉ hmmÉ interesting, very interestingÉ He threw a glance at his elder brother, who was eyeing the couple knowingly. He shook his head, knowing that his brother delighted in feuds. He did as well, but strange enough, he found this one startlingly abrasive.

Itachi grinned and nodded at Sasuke, reading the youngerÕs mind. Sasuke just shrugged and looked back at the still glaring couple, clearing his throat. Tenten and Kouji looked at him, as well as the others, lessening the tension in the air.

ÒI think there are some explanations to be doneÉ but weÕll be doing that later. Right now, I need Lee and Neji to bring this guy into a cell roomÑthe one down in the dungeons. Provide him with proper clothing and medicine for his woundsÑif he has anyÑand food. I suppose the necessary amenities needed for proper condition is already provided in the room, right?Ó Sasuke spoke, glancing at Hinata and Sakura, who both nodded. ÒVery wellÉ Hokage-sama, I assume youÕll be needing to return to Konoha?Ó

ÒYes, thank you for the reminder,Ó sighed Tsunade. ÒWeÕre entrusting this to you, Sasuke. Be careful with what you do, thoughÉÓ she said, standing up, along with the others. ÒWeÕre leavingÉÓ

The portal opened and the Jounins and the kages passed through the opening. After a few moments, it closed. Sasuke transferred his gaze to Kouji.

Kouji cast a measuring yet respectful glance at Sasuke, and then lowered his eyes, before being escorted by Lee and Neji down to a tunnel leading to the dungeons. GaaraÕs eyes narrowed.

ÒArenÕt you being a little too kind, Uchiha?Ó Gaara said in a deep low voice which, Sasuke knew, was carefully calculated so as not to show his disappointment with the decision too much.

ÒEven if he is a spy from the enemy, we cannot deny the fact that he is still human, Gaara. Besides, it would do him more harm if he tries to escape, those bars are protected with a runic jutsuÉ and not even Orochimaru or Tsunade can break that jutsu. And even if he breaks it, can he get past me, Naruto, you, Neji, Lee, Itachi and the others? No, he canÕt. ThatÕs utter suicide.Ó

ÒHeÕs got a point,Ó Itachi smirked. ÒKouji, no matter how ÔstrongÕ he is, cannot escape that easily. Besides he doesnÕt even know where he is, or how to get out. YouÕve gotta hand it to the guy, though, he managed to catch on to me, even though I left scarce cluesÉ HeÕs a worthy spy.Ó

ÒAh, whatever. Tenten, youÕve got some explaining to do, so youÕd better get a move onÉÓ Naruto shrugged nonchalantly, waggling his eyebrows at the girl, who was, expectedly, looking flushed and embarrassed. SheÕs got a damn good reason to be.
Tsunade sighed, rubbing her forehead with her palm as she pored over countless documents that needed tending to. ÒShizune, remind me again why IÕm doing this in the middle of a war?Ó

ÒBecause you need to, Hokage-sama,Ó Shizune said imploringly. ÒWe need to support KonohaÕs economy even when in the middle of a war. Besides, the enemyÕs preoccupied, so weÕd better use this opportunity to cement relations with other countries to secure the stability of our economy. ItÕs for the peopleÕs sake, Hokage-sama.Ó

Tsunade sighed in defeat, and, seeing no hope in the subject, dropped it.

Shizune smiled and continued sorting out the documents according to their priority level. ÒThe ninjas really did a great job of diverting the enemyÕs attention away from the city, though. The leaders of Tasogare are making it look like a trifling matter, considering their behavior lately. ItÕs like they arenÕt even breaking sweat.Ó

ÒWell, they are in an advantage. I mean, they do hold the upper hand by knowing the enemyÕs plans and having eliminated the officials that easily,Ó Tsunade muttered, resuming with the stamping and signing of the documents. ÒButÉ I have a bad feeling about whatÕs going on. I think OrochimaruÕs gaining on us. He canÕt be fooled that easily. Itachi will sooner or later be figured out.Ó

Shizune threw a look at Tsunade and the elder woman just raised her brow before returning her attention to the boring work at hand.
Outside of the HokageÕs office, a masked nin leapt off, heading towards the Hoseki no Yama, looming and barely visible in the distance through the thick fog. Indeed, the forest hid special mysteries intended only for the open-minded. It was covered with muddled myths and legends, different stories of different people, some ending in tragedies, some in happiness.

For the first time after a hundred years, the mountain shimmered lightly in the dappled moonlight bathing it, the image suddenly becoming crystal clear over the horizon.

Something is bound to happen very, very soon.
A cloaked figure approached the looming mountain, sighting the camps in the lower valley, just by the foot. Azure eyes narrowed, eyeing several recognizable figures such as Kabuto and Kisame lurking around the area, barking out orders and attending to chores set presumably by Orochimaru andÑthe guy scowledÑItachi.

Come to think of itÉ I donÕt sense him anywhere nearÉ but I can feel his presence in this mountainÉ where could he be?

Sharpened auditory senses caught the conversation Kisame and Kabuto were having down beside the HeadÕs tent.

ÒÑItachiÕs been going to. HeÕs been missing far too often for comfort,Ó Kabuto muttered.

ÒYeah, and whatÕs weird is that Kouji didnÕt even bother to report anything in the past 12 hours. TheyÕve been missing for far too long alreadyÉÓ Kisame sighed, scratching his arm, the bluish skin slightly reddening. ÒDamn mosquitoes.Ó

ÒKouji is far too good to be caught that easilyÉÓ Kisame said again, after a moment of silence.

Kabuto snorted. ÒHavenÕt you learned your lesson? The enemy killed our prized ninjas all in one night, and you still underestimate them? They might be just kids, but their powers exceed those of ordinary ninjas. TheyÕre even stronger than ANBU forces, and theyÕre only 13 to 15!Ó

ÒYouÕve got a pointÉÓ

But their overheard conversation was interrupted by a ninja appearing from the foliage and heading straight for Kabuto. The masked ninja whispered something in KabutoÕs ear, careful not to let other ninjas overhear. Too bad, though. SomeoneÕs got the ears of a bat.

ÒKabuto-sama, I just came from Konoha and I heard a conversation from the HokageÕs office,Ó the masked ninja hurriedly relayed. ÒThe Hokage and her apprentice were talking about Itachi-sama, something about him being figured out by Orochimaru-sama. I have a hunch that Itachi has sided with Konoha, sir.Ó

Kabuto and Kisame glanced at each other momentarily, before ushering the spy into the Head tent.

Azure eyes widened, and the cloaked guy leapt off into the forest, heading towards the mysterious mountain.
Tenten sank back into a pouf and sighed, rubbing her cheek awkwardly, wondering where to start. Hinata handed her a glass of water and she thanked the timid girl, before downing the water in uncertain gulps. She settled the glass down on the table and wrung her hands in uncertainty.

ÒGo on, Tenten-chan, donÕt worry, we wonÕt biteÉÓ Sakura smiled encouragingly. Tenten smiled back and started the relay of the story.

ÒKouji-kun and I were childhood friends. As you may well know, we were very close before, not only because we were neighbors, but he was a student of my father, who was then a Jounin of Konoha stationed in the small village of Ririkagure. It was my home village. Our families used to be really close, but due to a misunderstanding about the properties, a rift between us formed. But despite that, we remained very good friends. We were the destined heirs of our families, and so, we were to rule next,Ó Tenten spoke silently and rapidly, as if the subject was something sheÕd rather not reminisce. ÒWe didnÕt want any more violence, though. The rift between our clans was getting larger and wider every passing day, and there were more violent incidents and brutal scuffles. We were both against this, but since we were still very young back then, the elders didnÕt heed our pleas and thought that we were too young to be deciding for the family even if we were the heirs. And so, we made a blood pact that when the two of us would rule, we would renew the system and place a peace treaty on the two clans. The village was also getting involved, and everything got worse, but we could do nothing else instead of watch and wait.Ó

Tenten paused momentarily, a flicker of anger and remorse passing through her face. But it was gone just as fast as it had come. ÒAs the years passed, the rift seemed to go on forever and it seemed really irreparable. But we couldnÕt back out. The blood pact was permanent, and anyone who broke it would suffer a painful death. And then, it was the year when we would come of age, which was at 10. ItÕs pretty young, I know, but it was tradition. And then, this girl named Kumi came. She was around our age, but she was an advanced ninja. She came from Hidden Mist, and she was already a Chuunin at 10. It was amazing. She was really pretty and naturally, Kouji felt attracted to her. I was her good friend too, until something happened that took my trust and respect away from her, and KoujiÕs friendship away from me.Ó

Flashback

ÒKou-kunÉ Kou-kun!Ó yelled a 10-year-old Tenten. She approached the house, angry and prepared to break down the front door. ÒKou-kun, come out this instant or IÕll break down this door! I donÕt care if your parents will get angry, because IÕve been waiting for an hour at the meadow already! Now, come OUT!Ó

She kicked the door open and charged through the large hallways into the central room. She was met with a horrifying sight.

Blood spattered on the walls.

Bodies strewn on the floor.

Limbs scattered all around.

Death lingered over the airÉ

ÒWhatÉÓ Tenten gasped, unable to process the happenings. Just then, a shadow emerged from the other side of the room.

ÒHello, Ten-chan! Fancy meeting you hereÉ I thought this was a forbidden area?Ó giggled a girlÕs voice. A young lady with black hair and eyes emerged from the shadows and appeared before her, holding a bloody katana and wearing clothes soaked in somebody elseÕs blood. Her face was wildly spattered with blood and her hair was matted with the crimson substance as well.

ÒWhaÑwhatÉ what did you do, Kumi!Ó

The girl giggled insanely. ÒDid you like my surprise, Ten-chan?Ó

ÒBitch!Ó

ÒTsk, tsk, such foul languageÉ whatÕs the matter? DonÕt you like it? I love itÉÓ the girl smiled, psychoneurotic.

ÒWhereÕs Kouji-kun!Ó

ÒOh, you need not worry about him, heÕs upstairsÉÓ the girl said, brandishing the katana wildly towards the ceiling. ÒÉsleeping.Ó

ÒYouÉ you didnÕtÉÓ

ÒOh, no, I didnÕt kill himÉ I wouldnÕt do that! You see, I love Kouji-kunÉÓ she said dreamily. And then her gaze snapped onto her and turned steely. ÒBut you and his clan stand in my way,Ó she growled menacingly. Then she smiled again. ÒBut donÕt worry, I wonÕt kill youÉ I know you love Kouji-kun and I donÕt want to end your suffering so early onÉÓ

TentenÕs brows furrowed. ÒWhat do you meanÉ?Ó

ÒOh, not much, I just induced Kouji-kun into a sleep that made him think that tonight, we were out together, and then he came home to find you above his familyÕs dead bodiesÉ and he will hate you! IsnÕt that nice? At first he might think it only a dream, but when he wakes up and finds you hereÉ well, I would really want to see the expression on his beautiful faceÉÓ the girl cackled madly, her insane laughter trickling through the thick, tense air. ÒItÕs time for me to go, thoughÉ bye bye!Ó

The girl made way towards Tenten, shoving her aside and making her topple into the puddle of blood on the floor. TentenÕs clothes were slowly soaked with blood as she watched Kumi exit the house, cackling madly, still gripping the hilt of the katana tightly and brandishing it skillfully in front of her. Tenten staggered up, but was startled with a crashing sound from behind her. She swiveled on her spot only to find another person.

Kouji was standing there, a shattered vase on his feet, staring at her disbelievingly. ÒTentenÉ?Ó
End of Flashback

A single tear trickled down her face. ÒAnd the rest is history. He left the village in wrong thought, seeking revenge on me. After he left, Kumi decided I was not suffering enough and killed my parents. Luckily my other family members were there to defend meÉ after that, I left as well to get stronger, and I went to Konoha. I knew one day he would come for me, and I donÕt want to be caught unaware. I left the care of my clan to my younger brother, Takeda.Ó

Silence prevailed over the room after the sad story.

Sasuke was staring at the floor, his hands clenched tightly into fists. Itachi glanced at his younger brother and sighed, looking away, slightly hurt. Naruto slung an arm around Sasuke to comfort him, while Sakura, Ino and Hinata went over to Tenten to comfort the sobbing girl.

ÒStrangely enough, I find that story strikingly familiar,Ó Itachi muttered sarcastically.

ÒVery familiar,Ó Sasuke muttered, sighing. ÒVery wellÉ this has beenÉ a very pressing ordealÉ and I think a good nightÕs sleep is in order.Ó

The other ninjas stood up and a mild chatter erupted slowly from the scuttling ninjas who were retreating into their respective rooms. Soon enough, only the leaders were left in the common room. There was silence for a while, before Naruto broke the silence.

ÒWhy wonÕt you tell him the truth, Tenten?Ó

ÒCanÕt you see IÕve already tried? HeÕs a stubborn, hard-headed jerk who wonÕt listen to me!Ó

ÒYou know, it pays to take a second tryÉÓ

ÒThird,Ó snorted Tenten.

ÒThird try,Ó Sasuke sighed. ÒYou know, you shouldnÕt think about it too much, itÕll kill you. Take it from somebody who knows,Ó he muttered, casting a glance at Itachi, who just shrugged back.

ÒI already explainedÉÓ Itachi muttered.

ÒThanks you guys,Ó Tenten muttered, smiling. ÒIÕve never really told anyone about it, and it felt good to let it go.Ó

ÒOf course it does. ThatÕs the way to get rid of problems. Let go of them,Ó Sakura smiled.

ÒHey, Hinata, are there any more of those sundaes of yours?Ó Itachi asked, rubbing his stomach. ÒCraving.Ó

Hinata nodded towards the kitchen fridge, visible through the counter. (a/n: ThereÕs an open counter so that they can place food on it for the others.)

Itachi stood up and scuffled towards the kitchen.

ÒDonÕt worry, Tenten, maybe IÕll talk sense into him. If I canÕt, IÕll just beat sense into him,Ó Ino swore, patting TentenÕs back lightly. Tenten chuckled tearily.

ÒYeah, I hope he listensÉ heÕs never been fond of listening before, I remember. He just ignores every warning sent his way, and every word his mother says. ThatÕs how he ended up with endless injuries and accidents when he was young. He came at a close brush with death, but that didnÕt change him still.Ó

ÒOh, he wonÕt come at a close brush with death, TentenÉ heÕll get a genuine, first class peek in living hell if he doesnÕt crack up,Ó Sakura cackled madly, sparks in her eyes.

Everybody slightly slunk away from the hysterical Sakura, currently daydreaming up ways to torture and kill the poor, unsuspecting boy. ÒSakura will you stop that?Ó Ino said uncertainly.

Then there was the loud shattering of glass.
Orochimaru sat in silent contemplation about the news the spy ninja had brought back from Konoha.So I was right all alongÉ Itachi was a traitor all alongÉ

ÒAnd I donÕt assume Kisame is a traitor as wellÉ?Ó Orochimaru muttered in the darkness, his golden cunning eyes glinting in the moonlight.

Kisame glanced up, startled from his corner. ÒNo, IÕm not. I didnÕt even know Itachi was a traitor to us. I canÕt even think of a reason why heÕd betray Kage and Oto.Ó

ÒHmmÉ youÕd better figure out where your loyalties lieÉÓ Orochimaru said, his slit eyes turning their steely gaze on the man. ÒÉor else you may sufferÉ direÉ consequencesÉÓ

Kabuto smirked and adjusted his glasses, which glinted in the pale blue moonlight. ÒIs there anything youÕd want me to do, sir?Ó

ÒNo, no, KabutoÉÓ Orochimaru. ÒYouÕve served your purpose very loyallyÉ and for that, you may goÉ as for KisameÉ well, we have someÉ business to attend toÉ unless youÕd like to join us and watchÉ?Ó

Kabuto smiled mysteriously. ÒOh, I would be delighted toÉÓ
Sasuke rushed to the kitchen, where the noise came from. He was greeted with the sight of Itachi clutching the counter, a broken mug at his feet.

ÒNii-chan!Ó he called, rushing to ItachiÕs side and supporting him. ÒYou alright?Ó

ÒFine, fine,Ó Itachi muttered, rubbing his forehead with his fingers lightly. His brows furrowed slightly. ÒSorry about the mug, Sakura.Ó

Sakura nodded, entering the kitchen and cleaning up the broken shards, while Hinata retrieved another new mug from one of the cupboards and ladled it with the already melting bowl of sundae and then squeezing a respectable amount of caramel on top of it.

Sasuke guided Itachi to a chair and Hinata handed him a mug of caramel sundae, and another to Naruto, who immediately devoured it greedily.

ÒWhudda mather, Ithaki-nii-kan?Ó Naruto managed through a mouthful of cold sundae. He seemed to be immune to the coldness of the food. (a/n: WhatÕs the matter, Itachi-nii-san?)

ÒSomething weirdÉÓ muttered Itachi. He closed his eyes before shaking his head to clear it. ÒNandemonai. I think Orochimaru caught on, though. IÕm no longer welcome back thereÉÓ

ÒWell, youÕre welcome here,Ó Sakura said, handing him a glass of water. ÒYou can stay here for as long as you like. At least here, you wonÕt get that bored.Ó

Itachi smiled. ÒThanks.Ó

SasukeÕs eyes narrowed as he observed his elder brotherÕs expression. You know full well you canÕt lie to me, nii-chanÉ I know youÕre hiding something and IÕll pester you until you tell me what it isÉ

Itachi caught his gaze and returned a meaning. Sasuke sighed and nodded, before turning away. LaterÉ laterÉ

ÒWell, thatÕs the first time I heard genuine concern for Itachi, Sasuke,Ó Neji said, raising an eyebrow at the Uchiha. ÒNii-chan?Ó

ÒWhat?Ó Sasuke said, shrugging. ÒIÕm human, you knowÉÓ

ÒWell, that was news,Ó snorted Shikamaru. ÒThought you didnÕt possess emotions.Ó

ÒIÕm not that hardÉÓ Sasuke said, taken aback.

ÒWell, you seem so,Ó the genius replied. Then he transferred his gaze to Itachi and Naruto, who were both filling up with the sundae. ÒWhatÕs so special about the sundae?Ó

ÒItÕs good!Ó Itachi smiled. ÒTry someÉ here.Ó

Itachi placed the mug back on the table and pulled the container of the sundae towards Shikamaru, offering the food. ÒI have to admit, IÕm getting spoiled with the food you have hereÉ itÕs heaven compared to what they give at the campÉÓ he snorted.

ÒWe need to maintain proper physique for the ninjas, you know,Ó Sasuke muttered. ÒSpeaking of which, I think we all need some sleep to regain our Ôproper physiqueÕ,Ó he added, addressing all of them. They all nodded and sighed in complete agreement. Shikamaru nodded through a mouthful of sundae before snatching the mug back from Chouji, who was devouring it greedily, much like Naruto.

ÒWait,Ó said Hinata. ÒTenten-chan, maybe youÕd want to deliver some food to Kouji-sanÉ he might be hungry. After all, I suppose he hasnÕt eaten anything since he was spying on Itachi-nii-san all the whileÉÓ

ÒW-why me?Ó Tenten snapped, startled. ÒHe-he wonÕt accept it if itÕs from me!Ó

ÒWho said youÕd have to give it?Ó Sakura snorted. ÒYouÕll deliver it. YouÕll just have to slip it in between the bars or somewhere he could reach, and then walk the hell outta the damn dungeon! WhatÕs so bad about that? Besides, I think we all are aware that youÕre practically DYING to see him again, despite what he might say. I have to admit, heÕs got a gorgeous bodyÉÓ

Sasuke growled lethally.

ÒÉbut not more gorgeous than my Sasuke-kun,Ó Sakura added hastily, in a nervously sweet voice. Itachi snickered while Sasuke calmed considerably.
Orochimaru walked out of his tent. He was fuming, raging, frustrated and mad at the Uchiha. His initial plans were messed up. There was no other way.

He clapped his hands twice, and the attention of the ninjas snapped onto him, some of them a bit curious that he wasnÕt with Itachi. Normally, when there was a council, the other leader would be present. His frown deepened as Kabuto emerged from his tent, wearing a smug smirk and followed by a limping Kisame. He had received one hell of a torture, and it still wasnÕt enough to quench Orochimaru. But to think of it, nothing seemed enough to quench him.

ÒSome of you might be wondering where Uchiha Itachi is,Ó Orochimaru started, his sleazy voice carrying through the thick tense silence enveloping the base. ÒIncidentally, he is not here tonight because once again he has done what he is good at,Ó Orochimaru smirked. ÒBetraying. Being a traitor. He left camp and sided with Konoha and his brother after a supposed reconciliation a few nights before.Ó

Orochimaru was not dumb; he was able to put two and two. Uchiha Itachi would not be speaking of the Shimatani Mansion and the secrets of the forest had he not been aware of it. And the forest was not an easy thing to penetrate. He could only be aware of it if he were allies with the other side, who, unfortunately, had snatched the last of the Shimatani clan, Princess Fukai of the dead village of Hoseki.

He was, after all, a Sannin, and he knew lots of things and had lots of contacts. It was not hard to figure out that Itachi was giving him a hint. He had, after all, always been a playful bastard.

ÒAnd so, this is the last straw for us,Ó Orochimaru hissed. ÒI want you to prepare for battle. Now. We revert to plan B. We attack tonight. One of our spies found out about several entrances into the base. Once we catch them inside, there will be no escape for them. To brief you, I will leave one of my remaining generals. I have something of utmost importance to prepareÉÓ

He left with those words, passing a cloaked figure who smiled mysteriously, his face becoming visible as the clouds removed their shade against the full moon. Kanata smirked, his pale complexion glistening in under the moonlight, his eyes sparking age-old wisdom and excitement.
Kouji sighed in the deep darkness of the dungeon, his hard breathing the only noise against the thick silence. The dungeons were all empty except for his cell. Apparently, these ninjas didnÕt have interest in prisoners, unless they could provide useful information. And there were not much foot ninjas who could produce information. The ones who knew much were either assassinated or cannot be caught. He knew that he was only being kept alive because of Tenten.

Tenten.
GoddamnÉ

Admit it, youÕre really happy to have seen her again!
I am NOT happy! Goddamn that murderous bitch to hell and back!

Oh, come on, we BOTH know that thatÕs a lieÉ

Will you just shut the shut up? IÕll skin you alive if you donÕt, you shit head!

Well then, youÕll be skinning yourself alive, buddyÉ

Kouji growled as the voice started being smart aleck with him. It was NOT funny. He wasnÕt amused at all with these arrangements of his fate. He didnÕt plan to meet with that girl anytime soon! He still wasnÕt over the death of his family, and he still wasnÕt ready to kill his own best friend.

Yes, he still considered her as his best friend. That fact had never changed even all through the years. She was still his sniveling little sister, his charming girlfriend-to-be, his smiling angel, his snotty know-it-all, his stern mother, his understanding confidante. It never really changed. NothingÕs changed. Just like she had said, nothingÕs changed. With him or with her. It doesnÕt matter. It was all still the same, after all these yearsÉ it was all still the sameÉ

He sighed, sagging against the concrete wall. He flinched at the cold texture of the wall touching his almost bare back. He didnÕt know if these ninjas were heartless enough to take his shirt with them or they just forgot.
Proper amenities, my ass, UchihaÉ

When he arrived, he couldnÕt find any futon or even just a blanket. There was no towel inside the bathroom, which consisted of a small shower stall. No linens at all. His inner self decided that the linens were just withdrawn for laundry or safekeeping, claiming there were rodents inside the dungeons. But he could hear no scratching or any other noise in indication of rodents. He hated to admit it, but except for the linens, they had well kept dungeons. It was almost as cozy as his tent.

He sat himself down on the carpeted part of the cell, supposedly for the futon. He was just about to call out for somebody to bring a blanket when his ears caught the faintest sound of footsteps. He caught himself and waited patiently, yet anxiously for the person to turn the dungeonÕs humongous door.

There was a rustling sound, and then the door opened. The dark silhouette picked up the linens and a tray of food and walked over to his cell. As the figure moved to the light, his eyes narrowed, and he growled.

ÒMaiya. What in the goddamned world are you doing here?Ó he growled menacingly.

Tenten flinched but ignored his curse, slipping through as the bars separated to let her pass.

Well, that explains why the cell door disappearedÉ I guess thatÕs for security reasons.

She placed the tray of food down on the table and pulled out the comforter for the futon, along with a matching blanket and started arranging the bedspace as he stood up to give her space and let her do her job.

ÒI asked you a question, Maiya.Ó

ÒDirect orders from our leader,Ó Tenten muttered, uncertain of his reaction if sheÕd say anything else. But she took a deep breath and snatched at the chance. ÒKouji-kunÑÒ

She hadnÕt even started when he lashed out bitterly. ÒDo NOT call me that! You have no right to call me that!Ó he snapped. ÒYou deprived yourself of that right years ago, Maiya. Have shame on yourself!Ó

ÒI have no reason to be ashamed of myself, Kouji-kun!Ó Tenten snapped back, glaring through teary eyes. ÒI did NOT do it!Ó

ÒShut up!Ó

ÒIt was all an illusion, Kouji-kun, all an illusion!Ó

ÒMy parents are DEAD, for goodnessÕ sake! Haul ass and wake up! It was NOT an illusion!Ó

ÒYes, it was!Ó

ÒIf itÕs an illusion, Maiya, then bring me to my parents. Bring me to them now.Ó

Tenten choked back her tears as the silence filled the space between them, widening the gaping crevasse in their relationship.

ÒSh-sheÉÓ

ÒIt was not her, Maiya! I was WITH her!Ó he started shouting. ÒI was with her that night! She was the one who comforted me, even! I was walking with her that night, and then I arrived and I saw you over my parentsÕ bodies like, like there was nothing wrong, like you were INNOCENT! But I knew better than to believe you, didnÕt I? Huh?Ó

ÒWill you stop and think, you idiot! SHE KILLED YOUR PARENTS, NOT ME!Ó Tenten screamed. ÒSHE DID IT, NOT ME! I wouldnÕt touch your parents, Kouji! I donÕt have the strength to kill them back then, remember? I was a WEAK FOOL! Like she said, a WEAK FOOL! I didnÕt even have a motive! And have you forgotten already? You came down the STAIRS, not the FRONT DOOR! Meaning you were upstairs before you saw them!Ó

ÒShut up!Ó

She was about to speak when his eyes turned red and a dark chakra enveloped the place.

Pitch black.

She screamed in agony.