Dying Embers – Chapter 11 – Part One – Blood and Stars; Sand and Death Stained Red Clouds…

Dying Embers

Chapter 11 – Part One – Blood and Stars; Sand and Death Stained Red Clouds…

Well slowly but surely we’re getting more hits on the story, I guess that’s a good thing, though the same number of reviews, or even a tenth of that would be awesome. Anyways, enough complaining, yeah? Let’s get down to this chapter. Well you probably got the hint from the last two chapters, there’s gonna be a band. I know what you’re probably thinking; enough about music. But music’s a big part of all our lives, so indulge me and keep going with this story. So that means some new characters to be in that band – I hope you like them; Momoko chan and I spent ages thinking about names, personalities and appearance. Don’t worry, there won’t be much of it, maybe just some filler chaps in the future. Enough rambling, I know; it’s a problem of mine. Let’s start!

Oh yeah, in case we confused anyone, anything in italics,

e.g. I can’t believe it!

Are the characters thoughts and aren’t said aloud, anything with speech marks is. Now that that’s sorted…

Anyuu!

———-

Mitzuki ran a hand through her hair tiredly, what had they gotten themselves in to she wondered. She twiddled her latest hair accessory and shot Momoko a stern look. Momoko looked up from the book she was reading from her spot on the window sill and rolled her eyes before returning the glare, a glare which said, “Hey, I didn’t wanna come.”

Mitzuki and Momoko had agreed on one thing about a week ago; they were going to start a band. It all sounded promising, but where at first Momoko had been all hands on deck, playing her guitar, strumming new tunes and generally looking for as many outfits as she could; it seemed as though she hadn’t realised that there was some other work involved than just playing in the band and looking good. Soon disheartened at the idea of booking a hall for auditions, naming the band and choosing the band members themselves, Momoko had returned to her favourite past times of book reading, and dinners with Choji. When Mitzuki had tried to protest, Momoko only stated, quite solemnly, that Mitzuki would do better without her, and that she couldn’t be asked to argue; anything was fine. Although Mitzuki thought it ought to be a team effort, she decided that deep down she knew Momoko was right.

———————–

A few days after this decision, Mitzuki ran the idea of auditioning past Ino. Ino had squirmed in delight at the idea of a band and had offered her parents’ hall immediately as an audition room, with only one catch. Ino had taken Mitzuki by the shoulders and looked into her eyes with a solemn dignity, quite unbecoming of her,

“Mitzuki chan, you can use the hall under one condition,” she held up one finger as she leant across the table they were sitting at in the packed café, “all the band members have to be hot guys.”

Mitzuki’s mouth dropped open at this point and she glared into Ino’s eyes trying to see if this was some sort of joke, “Ino chan, you have got to be kidding me. We’re looking for talent, not hot guys!”

Ino had shook her head and kept her face straight, “Mitzuki, Mitzuki,” she sighed as she shook her head, “who’s gonna come see some gargoyles playing even if they have talent? The best you can do is get some good looking guys to draw the people in and then, if they suck, just make up for it with your own abilities.”

Mitzuki opened her mouth to argue, but Ino frowned and cut in before she could speak, “Come on Mitzuki chan, at least that way you can have a little fun at those loooonnnng rehearsals you guys are gonna be having. Gotta keep busy, huh?” here Ino winked.

Mitzuki’s face slowly deepened to a red hue as she realised the insinuation, she waved her arms not noticing the looks their table was now receiving. “Ino! What’re you saying? Do I look like the sort of person who’d-” she stopped as she realised Ino was holding her sides from silent laughter.

Calming down she held her hands over her flaming face, now a mix of combined annoyance and embarrassment as numerous customers grinned and nudged each other, and Ino laughed like a hyena. “Gomen, Mitzuki chan, but the look on your face was priceless!” Breathing deeply, recovering herself, she looked up and gave a warm smile, “at any rate, I’m glad to see you’re not dwelling on what happened with Naruto.” Mitzuki flushed all over again as she remembered the kiss, Ino continued, “Are you still avoiding him?”

Mitzuki nodded looking down her clenched fists, creating bruises on her skin. After what happened and the bliss of the idea, she had quickly woken up to reality and from floating on air she was plunged into a pool of cold worry and dread. What would Orochimaru do if he ever found out? She had to stop it now before it could develop any further, she didn’t want to lose her head, quite literally, and she didn’t want the same to happen to Naruto…

It was at times like these she envied Momoko. Momoko and Choji… their relationship was a safer bet – sure, it was possible that Orochimaru might not be the best man at their wedding, but at least they could be guaranteed to keep all body limbs attached. Her and Naruto, well, as she said, it was over… before it had even started.

Mitzuki found Ino gazing over her tea at her, pensive for the moment, and realised that she must have been carried away by her thoughts. She grinned at Ino’s worried face,

“Hey Ino chan, I’ll be ok, don’t worry. Besides I’m sure Naruto kun just got carried away that time, that’s all, he’ll recover too.” Inside she felt as though each thing was a deep lie and an ache started to tear up her chest… but what could she do but grin and bear it… that was, after all, who she was.

Ino nodded still looking worried, but decided it was best left un-discussed. She knew that if Mitzuki saw her as such a close friend she could tell something like ‘kissing Naruto’ to, then, if she really couldn’t handle the situation, maybe, just maybe, she’d come to her again.

Ino grinned and waved as she stood to leave the shop, “Well Mitzuki chan, I gotta get going, mum’s expecting me to help out at the shop today, but remember, if you need to talk, I’m just across the street,” she pointed through the window towards the flower shop run by her mother, “and have fun on Friday, make sure you keep in mind what I said about the hotness rating!”

She left, laughing, and Mitzuki, sitting at the table, left with uncomfortable feelings, couldn’t help but smile as she watched Ino cross the street, Ino chan’s the best… she always makes me smile so easily.

———————

Mitzuki heard another knock on the door, competitor number 5, she thought wearily. She pulled her face into a forced smile as she called cheerfully “Dozo!”

Momoko rolled her eyes as she looked up from her book to peer disdainfully at the next competitor. Mitzuki’s eyebrow twitched as she continued to smile a strained smile at the man before them. Sure the last lot hadn’t seemed to have acquired any musical talent from their “years” of practising, but Momoko could at least make this look professional and sit at the table. Mitzuki shuffled the papers in front of her as she took up a pen and looked expectantly at the young man. He seemed to be about 20 years old, but for the life of her she couldn’t guess what instrument he’d be playing, considering he didn’t seem to actually be carrying one.

“Can I ask your name?”

He smiled nervously, “Hiroshi, Sakuragi Hiroshi, nice to meet you.”

Mitzuki noted his name on the list of those who had auditioned; here she also made notes of their performance and instrument. So far she had written comments along the lines of “Not too…great,” “not meant to be in a band due to… unique talent,” but with Momoko’s interference, or “help,” this soon became, “not meant for human ears,” and “the worst thing I’ve heard in my life, and I’ve heard a lot from Gai!”

She smiled, “Well Sakuragi kun, would you please play for us what you’ve prepared, you have your instrument with you? If not, we have a number on the stage over there.” She indicated an ensemble of instruments they had borrowed from Kuze’s shop, a variety of choice enough to tantalise any musician, especially as there were at least three of each. Kuze san’s generosity never failed to amaze Mitzuki; he and Ayu had even offered to distribute some posters they had made. It gave the location and day of auditions, but failed to mention that the band needed at least competent players. At least that would explain the quality of the current competitors…

“Oh no, that’s alright,” stuttered Sakuragi casting a quick glance at the instruments, “I’ve got mine here.” With that he reached into his pocket and withdrew a shiny metal bar hanging from a string. It had been moulded into a three sided shape; it was a triangle.

—————-

Needless to say, the auditions had been draining and relatively pointless; the girls succeeded in discovering a variety of “talent” in Konoha, if that was the word for it. However there were a select few who demonstrated something downright breath taking. The people displaying these incredible musical gifts were quickly added to the band’s ranks and by the end of the same day they had a number of pieces perfected. Mitzuki had to admit she was in awe; if these people truly were real, why had Konoha been so musically deprived? Because of this unknown mystery, she often found herself gazing at her fellow band members, mouth hanging open slightly, giving a perfect imitation of a goldfish.

A week later they made their debut; the run up to it had been tense and nervous, many a quarrel and punch up, courtesy of Momoko, had brought Mitzuki to her knees more than once. It wasn’t that she was worried. No. She knew these guys would shine like polished stars when the time came, but had come to find herself dwelling once more on dark thoughts and memories. She had to admit, she had believed being occupied by the band would draw her mind away from such thoughts, and it had, at the start that is. The incident with Naruto wasn’t helping either; she found the guilt that came from avoiding him welling up and often pressed herself to find somewhere quiet, allowing her conscience to chew on her soul uninterrupted.

Momoko on the other hand, seemed to be thriving. For the first time in her life she was waking up at near enough the same time as Mitzuki, having a rushed breakfast, dashing to read with Shino, running back to collect her guitar, dragging Mitzuki with her for practice in the hall, coming back to drop off her guitar and finally speeding off to dinner with Choji. Momoko had found her place in the village and hadn’t even realised it; if Mitzuki could find room in cluttered mind, she would have been happy for Momoko – the girl had longed for a home and routine more than anyone she’d ever met. She deserved this happiness, if only for a short time.

—————–

The night of their debut arrived, which was in a local bar, often visited by the older shinobi and residents in the village. Mitzuki finally found her spirit moments before their performance. She’d been sitting backstage, avoiding the fumes of smoke she couldn’t stand, chewing her lower lip unconsciously. Was it right to deceive the people? Deceive her friends? Was it right to avoid Naruto? Should she become closer or not? Was it even right to start a band while waiting for Orochimaru’s signal? The thoughts churned in her mind for a few minutes as she watched the other band members coming backstage; they’d been mingling with the crowd, trying to get the usual punters to turn their heads from their drinks when the time came. They all seemed more than excited, almost unable to control the urge to run out right now and start playing.

Looking at their excited faces she couldn’t help but join the euphoria; she was excited, and even if this wasn’t necessarily right she could handle it for now. No word had come from Orochimaru; obviously he didn’t care what they did at the moment, it was ok to get closer to these people, it really was. She had convinced herself, and at that moment the joy that came with her spirit taking flight was unbearably infectious. Within moments she’d swung the strap of her guitar around her neck and stood ready; it was time for the pre-performance pep talk.

“Ok, guys! Over here,” Mitzuki grinned as the people, who had been chattering as though their lives depended on it, now gathered round, silent as lambs. “Today’s the big day! I don’t even have to hope that you guys will do your best, ‘cause you always do; every time we practice you give it your all. So here’s the plan,” she looked each person in the eyes, lingering on Momoko who seemed to be enjoying the compliments more than anyone, “all we gotta do is go out there and do the same we do every day. We don’t need luck, ‘cause we’re gonna rock!”

A set of wide smiles and grins, a cheer from Momoko, followed by a scattered, unenthusiastic applause when the manager of the bar announced that, “Your band for tonight is ready! Give them an applause and make them feel welcome,” in a less than excited voice. Moments later the group had leapt out onto the stage, excitement rolling off them and taken their positions.

Green hair and deep brown eyes; Kyo the drummer sat slightly further back than the others, spinning his drumsticks about his fingers, a grin stretched across his face; he twitched slightly, desperate to start. Yu, the red haired, ruby eyed bassist was positioned slightly ahead and to Kyo’s left, he was adjusting the volume of his instrument via the amp, a concentrated expression on his face as he ignored the buzz about him. To Kyo’s right stood Ryo, who played the keyboard; the blue eyed brunet was calmly flexing his fingers as he kept his gaze on the crowd, smiling kindly at a number of girls who had started pointing in his direction and were already whispering about him quite openly.

Finally, ahead of these three, in the middle of the stage, stood Haru and Momoko. Raven haired Haru played the guitar along with Momoko; they made quite a team and stood discussing part of the first piece that kept giving them problems in the past, though not looking extremely worried about it. Mitzuki herself stood to the right of the stage at the front, eyeing the crowd with interest; she played the guitar, but had only a minute roll, instead she focused on the vocals. Perhaps it was the influence of the phoenix she summoned, perhaps just luck, either way she had a good voice and the best position on stage. Not because she was at the front, no, that was irrelevant to her; from where she stood she had a clear view of two groups of familiar ninja, sitting not too far apart. Near the middle, the rest of the Chunin teams sat at two round tables, while Kakashi, Gai, Kurenai, Asuma and a few other Jonin she had only seen in passing, sat at the bar, heads turned.

She flashed a grin at them as she reached for the microphone,

“Hi everyone! It’s great to be here!” her voice carried across the room, causing a few more heads to turn in their direction, while other merely shook, annoyed that their alcoholic traditions would be marred by some bad music. “I guess none of you know us, and of course that isn’t a surprise, we’ve only been a band for just about a week, so that’s to be expected. Because of this, please don’t be too surprised if we make a few mistakes,” her inner voice huffed, she was sure they wouldn’t make any.

She pointed at each member of the band, who grinned or waved as she introduced them, “Making up our band we have, Kyo! Yu! Ryo! Haru! Momoko! And myself, Mitzuki. Together we are ‘Blood and Stars!’ I hope you’ll give us a go and have a listen!”

She turned to the rest of the people standing on stage; Momoko looked particularly flushed, she’d received a great big cheer from the Chunin and Jonin groups, Gai and Lee’s shout of “Momoko, green beast of youth for eternity!” loudest of all. With a nod they turned and played; they gave it all they had.

Mitzuki couldn’t help but smile as she watched the faces of the crowd; what had started as a handful of upturned faces became a sea; what had started as disgruntled and bored expressions became a storm of clapping and cheers, as faces lit up in pleasant surprise; what had started so negatively became a highlight of the week for Mitzuki.

They played three well known songs, which gave the audience the chance to sing along and feel involved and as a finale, a song of their own creation “Roses Burn In Snow.” By the end, after Mitzuki had thanked them for their time and asked if they’d pledge support in the future so the band could play again, the applause was deafening. As the band, already exhausted, faces flushed, traipsed off the stage, tired yet smiling, Mitzuki turned at the chant of her name; Ino, Naruto, Sakura, TenTen and Hinata, looking as shy as ever, were calling her name above the roar, faces impressed and grinning. Almost at the deep stained curtain, she twirled and gave a short bow, smile on her face before disappearing behind it.

‘She was excited, and even if this wasn’t necessarily right she could handle it for now.’ Her smirk darkened,

For she was but a performer… and Konoha was her stage…

—————-

Momoko’s eyes fluttered open. She was lying on her back in her feathery soft bed, looking up at the ceiling, well she would have been if there wasn’t something blocking her view, a black haired, grinning, tanned something with large dark eyebrows that gave an impression of two caterpillars sleeping. She groaned and closed her eyes. This had to be a hangover, and a big ‘un at that, if she was imagining that freak, Gai, in her room… Sure, strictly speaking she shouldn’t be drinking at her age, but as a shinobi, certain privileges were given earlier on in life as, almost a rule, their lives were much shorter than an average human being’s. Besides she hadn’t had a lot… Anyways, she needed sleep, that was a fact, even if Gai being there wasn’t. Slowly her mind started buzzing; despite longing for sleep, she thought over the significance of the name ‘Gai.’

Her breath caught in her throat and her eyes shot open; Gai?! No way! He couldn’t be here! Could he?! Mitzuki wouldn’t let him come in and lean over her, would she?! It was this thought that made her decide to check; Mitzuki could be downright evil sometimes. She had to confirm whether or not he was a figure of the hangover, for her own sake and peace of mind. She looked slightly to her left. Please no Gai, please no Gai, please no Gai. Please no Gai… the voice in her mind sounded like the heathen chant of some religious practice. Despite the religious implications, nothing could save her from reality. There, sitting on the edge of the bed, covers creased from his weight, head turned towards her, grin sparkling like a headlight, eyes focused on her, was the demon in drag, the green beast of Konoha… Gai… Maito Gai…

The light rebounding off of his teeth caused Momoko to cringe and wince in spite of herself and let out a pitiful whimper at the sight of him. Behind him the morning looked bright and crisp, tendrils of clouds spread delicately, like icing on a cake, completed the painting of beauty. It was early morning, that she could tell; there were only a few tell tale traces of sunlight, the sky was still a resilient icy blue; definitely an offensive time of waking on a weekend.

Gai leaned forward looking concerned at her behaviour and placed a hand on her forehead as though checking for a fever, Momoko shook it off quickly with a growl of “I’m fine!” She crawled out of bed wearily to the closet in the corner, searching for her usual attire, her back to Gai. She was too tired to be annoyed at the fact Gai was seeing her in only a large pastel green t-shirt, down to her knees, and her underwear.

Gai’s grin widened, as she rummaged and he let out a greeting as fluent as if he did it every day,

“Good morning Momoko chan! I’m glad you have finally woken up to what promises to be a fine and beautiful day, filled with the love of youth and spring time frivolities. We shall walk hand in hand as we stroll towards our next mission of life under the oaks of time, overcoming it with the grace and pride that people such as us expel.” He finished with a nice guy pose, his teeth flashing the brilliant white of ‘Colgate eXtra,’ causing Momoko, who had turned to regard him in distain to veer away from the light, letting out a vampire like hiss.

She still didn’t understand him anymore than a book of poetry in Chinese, but she registered one thing; the word ‘mission’ jumped out of the rest of the pointless babble, she turned to him again after she’d pulled the curtain to reduce the glare of his teeth. Gai, thinking she was drawing the curtains by Mitzuki’s neat bed to block out the chances of spies nodded appreciatively,

“That’s my Momo chan, prepared as-”

Momoko swiftly cut him off, “Mission? You said mission. What mission?”

Gai nodded regarding her with nothing less than joy to the extreme depths of his soul, “Yes Momoko chan! Can you believe our good fortune? The fountain of youth has brought us together through directing the Lady of Autumn to give us a mission! Let us count our stars of destiny together!”

Lady of Autumn? That had to mean Tsunade, though she certainly didn’t look that old. Still, she was the only one who handed out missions, it had to be her. Something more unsettling pressed her now,

“So wait, I have a mission with you?!”

Gai nodded, opening his mouth to start spouting more nonsense no doubt, but again Momoko cut him off,

“What about Mitzuki? Is anyone else coming?” She sounded desperate, but that’s not too surprising, seeing as she was. I can’t go alone with HIM! Please tell me Mitzuki’s coming too, or someone else at least. I’ll end up killing him otherwise!

Gai’s shoulders visibly drooped and he let out an exaggerated sigh, “Yes, your friend Mitzuki will also be coming, my eternal rival Kakashi and his team too,” he then brightened, “but my team, including my adorable student, Lee, will also be coming! So it’s not a complete loss!”

Momoko let out a relieved sigh, and trailed off towards the door, determined to have a quick shower if she was going to head off on something bigger than a ‘Rescue Tiddles’ mission. It sure sounded big; if they were sending 8 chunin and 2 jonin, it had to be, right? At the door she turned to find that Gai was following her. That was good, she didn’t want him sitting in her room and examining her private stuff; she then registered Mitzuki’s empty bed for the first time, despite having past it to close the curtains. She turned her head towards Gai, hand on the door knob,

“By the way, Caterpillar Brows sensei, where’s Mitzuki chan?”

“Ah, she’s off with my eternal rival. I think they’re in his room doing something.”

Momoko blanched. That sounded incredibly dirty the way he said it! But Mitzuki wouldn’t do something so downright wrong; she was the goody two shoes for God’s sake! Momoko reassured herself and headed through the living room towards the shower clutching a bundle of clothes; she heard the sofa creak slightly as Gai sat down to wait for her. As she closed the door she heard him call to her,

“As soon as you’re fresh and revitalised for a day of blissful song and shivering delight, we shall go fetch your friend and my rival from their youthful activities, and then proceed to the Lady of Autumn’s office.”

Momoko shivered. Youthful activities? Yeah, he really did make it sound dirty! As Momoko took off the shirt and stepped into the shower, heated water hitting her skin, she nodded briefly.

Nah, there’s no way Mitzuki could or would be doing something THAT wrong…

————–

Momoko would be glad to find that, for once, she was totally right. Mitzuki was sitting comfortably on Kakashi’s sofa, right next to the man himself. After being awoken by knocking on the door and opening it sleepily to find both Kakashi and Gai, the latter bright toothed and the first bushy haired, she had agreed to Gai’s begging to let him see Momoko’s “angel like sleeping face.” After getting changed and being told there was a mission waiting for them, she’d asked, quite politely if she could bother Kakashi for a bit while she waited. He’d looked wary but agreed despite this, and allowed her to latch on to his arm as he returned to his apartment, trusting Gai to wake Momoko.

Moments later she’d found herself perched next to him on his sofa, smiling a thousand volt smile. She’d tried getting him into a conversation, but found that he was harder to engage when there were fewer people around. After a moment of silent thinking she’d lent forward, inwardly giggling as she watched him shy away nervously. However when he found himself trapped by the sofa’s arm, he finally turned to face her, regarding her through a droopy eye.

“What is it Mitzuki chan?”

Mitzuki pouted in response, “Well, nothing much, Kakashi sensei,” she leaned another inch or so closer, “I’m just a little bored is all,” this was getting fun.

He leaned as far back as he could, “Yes, and?”

“Well…” she measured the hesitation carefully, “I thought that maybe you could entertain me… maybe teach me some stuff…” she fought a laugh as he blushed visibly; keeping her face straight was getting harder. Her insinuation must have been strong enough. She knew now was the moment, “You know… you could do a lot of things for me… like… read me that book you’re always holding, or maybe sing a song,” she brightened and sat back, “or maybe act a little? What do you say?”

She regarded his face, smiling innocently; he looked rather annoyed she concluded, but what did he want her to do? Actually go through with it? Not that she could say she’d mind too much, she really admired him, and knew she had a little crush on him. She couldn’t pinpoint why he looked so annoyed now though. Shouldn’t he have been relieved that it was all a joke? Maybe she went too far?

Mitzuki furrowed her eyebrows in concentration, her blue eyes narrowed as she examined him curiously. She didn’t get it. She watched as he began to sit more comfortably, moving to where he’d been before her ‘attack.’ Mitzuki was almost lying on the sofa after leaning back and felt relaxed, albeit still curious; she glanced at the clock on the wall. 9 o’clock precisely. She’d left the apartment about 25 minutes ago, shouldn’t Momoko be ready? Shouldn’t they be here? She sighed. She liked being with Kakashi; he was intelligent, good looking and witty, when he wanted to be; but obviously today he didn’t want to make her laugh, and that meant she was rowing her boat through a sea of sticky boredom. Wonder if he’s still annoyed…

Caught up in her own thoughts, she hadn’t noticed Kakashi at all for the past minute or so, so when she turned to look at him she was definitely surprised. He’d crept forward the same way she’d done minutes previously and was now leaning over her. Mitzuki gasped in surprise as his face leaned closer to hers, her eyes widening and shimmering their own astonishment at the new found proximity to his dark one; it was examining hers, a shadow behind it.

His voice was low and suggestive when he spoke, “You wanted me to teach you stuff, right, Mitzuki chan?” Her heart began to thump in her chest, she could already feel the blood rushing to her face and in seconds she was rosy cheeked, mind racing. His face was inches from hers now, one hand propped him up the other reached out to cup her face and gently caress her lips with his thumb. After what seemed like an eternity, though in reality nothing more than a few seconds, he spoke again, “well I’ll give you a lesson right now. And that is: never start something without the intention of finishing it. Maybe we should correct that mistake now?”

He finally, closed the irresistible gap between them, Mitzuki’s eyes automatically closed in spite of her shock, her arms wrapping around him, fingers curled in the jonin jacket, trying to move him closer; she had started melting the moment he touched her face and looked into her eyes. Why was he doing this? Only as a lesson or something more? But she only experienced the feeling of material against her lips for a couple of seconds, for at that moment the door flew open and Kakashi slipped away from her, looking unsurprised, his expression inscrutable. He looked at the door as Mitzuki sat up, concealing her blush with difficulty and settling her fast breathing. She too glanced at the door and saw Gai and Momoko standing there arguing; well Momoko was arguing at least, Gai seemed to be shouting how cute she was when angry over her raised voice.

Mitzuki glanced at Kakashi’s face, it still gave nothing away. She felt strange, as though she’d suddenly seen a darker side of her sensei, something raw and precious. He rarely ever showed emotions, so this sudden reaction seemed special. Mitzuki glanced down at her knees confused. She couldn’t tell whether she ought to be angry with Momoko and Gai or not. She’d felt scared yet excited. She couldn’t honestly say whether she wanted Kakashi to carry on or not… but that was just it: would he have carried on?

——————

Mitzuki sighed pensively as she followed Kakashi, Gai and an unusually upbeat Momoko down the corridor towards Tsunade’s office. It had a continuous curve to it, so they passed a number of other offices on their way, most with doors ajar, windows thrown open wherever possible; today promised to be warm if not scorching hot. Finally, after a long trek, they found themselves outside Tsunade’s office. Momoko seemed excited, perhaps the chance of a real, seemingly important mission made her so; she all but charged the last few metres to the door.

“Alright, let’s go see that Lady of Snow, or whatever you called her, Caterpillar Brows sensei, and get this mission started!” She drew her fist up into a nice guy pose and flashed a grin before she’d realised what she’d done. Quietly admonishing herself, she continued, “Come on, hurry up! I’m raring to go!”

Gai returned Momoko’s charged nice guy pose with a pumped version of his own, he radiated joy, probably from the idea that Momoko was becoming more like ‘them.’ One of us, one of us. “Alright my kawaii, kawaii, student. I’m glad you’re so excited to be on a mission with your sensei,” he threw back his head and released a dramatic laugh, before grinning at her again, “However my rival for genius, Kakashi, and I have to have a brief talk with the Lady of Autumn Years before we may be graced by your presence! You see it’s top secret!”

He gave a great old hearty laugh, while Kakashi slapped his forehead looking exasperated. Gai had probably revealed too much, mused Mitzuki, though it seemed odd that even Gai would have such a slip up – sure he was oblivious around Momoko, but when it came to his job he was a first class example of a ninja. She gave a fine lined frown but said nothing; yes, it was suspicious, but it wouldn’t do to tell Momoko that, not just yet anyway.

“As Gai just said, we need to talk to Tsunade samma,” Kakashi indicated a row of cushioned chairs, lining the expanse of the corridor to one side; they led right up to Tsunade’s office door. “Take a seat, if you would and wait; I’m sure our talk won’t take too much time,” he nodded at Mitzuki who’d already slid into a chair looking bored; “We’ll call you when we’re done.”

Momoko pouted, annoyed; she didn’t like waiting for stuff she really wanted, that’s why birthdays always brought an unwanted torture: birthday presents that couldn’t be opened until the day itself. She’d often find herself sneaking off to her room with a wrapped bundle under her top, to open gifts “illegally” early. She watched the two shinobi knock on the door and enter at the call of

“Enter, you good for nothings! Everyone, just everyone, seems to want to interrupt sake time!” to which Kakashi replied with an innocent laugh,

“Come now, Tsunade samma. So early in the morning?”

The door began to swing to a close behind Gai, but a couple of inches from its end it caught on a rise in the carpet, leaving the door invitingly ajar. Momoko gave Mitzuki a sly grin and began whispering,

“Ne, Mitzuki chan, how ‘bout we have a listen? I really wanna find out a little about this ‘top secret’ talk. Sounds interesting right?”

Mitzuki sighed. Momoko’s face was alight with cheeky desire, but Mitzuki didn’t feel up to it, she was still thinking about the ‘lesson’ earlier. Why does this keep happening to me? First Naruto, then the band and now Kakashi sensei… Every time I begin to feel comfortable they come along and uproot me, make me worry about whether what I’m doing is right or not. They make me guilty… they make me want to betray Orochimaru samma… she bit her lip. They make me yearn to be on their side… she looked up, examining Momoko’s bright eyes; she could already see something changing behind them… just as she is…

She shook her head firmly; she couldn’t afford to have thoughts like this, not before a mission. It could be the difference between life and death. She started as she heard Momoko’s whispered whine,

“Aww, but Mitzuki chan, they’re literally asking us to spy on them!”

Mitzuki felt confused before realising Momoko had taken her shaking head as a ‘no’ to spying. She smiled, “Oh, sorry Momoko chan, I was in my own world just now.”

Momoko grinned, “What’s the food like?”

Mitzuki smirked, playing along, “First rate. And all the sweets are free.”

They shared a wistful sigh. Yeah, free sweets would be great. But there wasn’t time for that now; if they were going to listen in, it had to be now, otherwise they may miss vital parts of the conversation. Momoko was desperate, Mitzuki still torn, however both were interrupted by the sound of voices from inside. Forget spying, they could hear just fine from where they were, the voices were loud; Mitzuki frowned, too loud. Momoko grinned and folded her arms, pricking her ears to listen to the conversation inside; glad she could do so with little effort. Mitzuki listened too, but with renewed suspicions. First Gai, now this? Either Konoha shinobi weren’t all they were made out to be, or…

Gai’s voice floated through the door, almost comical in its volume, considering this was supposed to be ‘top secret,’ “So Hokage samma, about our mission to the Sand, what was it you wanted us to collect?”

A slightly exasperated sigh escaped Tsunade’s lips; that settled it. Mitzuki raised her eyebrows at Momoko, who responded with a confused look. Mitzuki smiled in return at the cute expression; it didn’t matter if Momoko didn’t get it now, as long as one of them did the other could be told later: Either Konoha shinobi weren’t all they were made out to be, or… they wanted to be overheard. The voices continued to creep through the door; exaggerated volume or not, this sounded like the real deal when it came to content:

“Well, as you know, we have a number of valuable, irreplaceable scrolls in the village. Not only are they one of a kind, but in most cases they’re very dangerous, and therefore forbidden to all shinobi, regardless of rank, ability or personal desire. It isn’t so much what these scrolls contain; it’s more a case of how they can be used. Many can grant the reader forbidden techniques of the highest degree, both strong and deadly, while others produce far more terrifying results,” at this point Tsunade glanced at the two Jonin before her. “How would you feel about eternal stamina? The knowledge that whatever happened to your body in battle, you could be healed and live on? How about eternal youth? Eternal life? You’d be tempted wouldn’t you?”

Kakashi shared a look with Gai, then as one they bowed their heads. Sure, who wouldn’t?

Tsunade nodded briefly, “Exactly. It is for this reason that all our scrolls containing such deadly information are locked away securely in a no-access library. It had to be a library,” she added, “due to the sheer number of scrolls in existence.” She rolled her eyes and stood to look out of the large window behind her, her eyes tracing the houses and buildings of the village lovingly. “I love them dearly, but some of the people here are too stupid to know what’s best for them,” she sat back in her chair and swivelled round to face the two in front of her desk. “They are too blinded by the idea of eternal life and too fearful of death.” She let out a pitying sigh, before straightening up.

“Anyway, as I said, many scrolls exist, mainly for this reason: the fear within the hearts of our people at the thought of death. Many have attempted to find the key to an eternal life, and although many have failed, they have created dangerous tools without realising it. Some, for example, created what they believed to be eternal youth. It was in fact a scroll for eternally multiplying cells. The effect would be a cancerous illness, which would devastate the person in question, or have disastrous effects if used on another. Luckily we managed to find the creator in possession of this scroll and apprehended them. The scroll was locked away into our Forbidden Library, never again to see the light of day; thank Kami samma for it.” She paused for a moment, eyes focused on a far off point, before continuing, “Either way, despite the many failed attempts, and dangerous consequences that came from the practice, one person succeeded in devising the formula for an eternal youth and so an eternal life, as hard to believe as it may be.”

“Again, this scroll was confiscated, this time by the Kazekage of the Hidden Sand Village, as it was, in Sunagakure, that the scroll was created. This was a decade or so ago, and now it seems that the current Kazekage, Gaara, has deemed our Forbidden Library a far safer protection than their own vault. He believes the Sand’s vault to be too easily penetrable, and after the many spies the village has encountered during the Orochimaru infiltration and the Akatsuki incident a year or so ago, feels it best to move such a dangerous scroll to our own library.”

She bit her lip, “I was less than keen at first, I must admit; the eyes which come attached to the scroll and hunger it creates in a person’s heart could lead to a number of attacks on Konoha. However, after considering it carefully I felt it best to accept the proposition, for the sake of our alliance with the Sand and the fact that after so many attacks, they are currently extremely weak. They have only begun rebuilding their ranks recently, and the chance of the scroll being stolen at this point is high. I couldn’t very well handle the responsibility which would come from the scroll being stolen if I hadn’t accepted, besides,” she finally let a proud smile sweep across the face; “I also believe that Konoha’s security is the best in all the lands. I hope you both agree with me.”

Gai nodded, grinning a Cheshire Cat grin. He swung an arm over Kakashi’s less than willing shoulders, “But of course! With the eternal rivals of the Green Beast Gai and Sharingan Kakashi protecting it, how could it not be the safest scroll in the world?” He turned his grinning face upon Kakashi, who was at that moment trying to pry Gai’s arm off his person, “Right?”

Kakashi inclined his head, stopping in his endeavours, “Well I must admit with one of the legendary Sannin as our Hokage, another in the village more often than not and our highly trained ANBU, we’d be hard pressed to find a better hiding spot.”

Tsunade smirked, “Well said!” She unrolled a scroll, which had been hidden in a draw below her desk, with a flourish and spread it in front of her, studying it carefully. “So now that that’s settled, I’ll give you the rundown of the mission. I’m sure you’ve already gathered that you, both your teams and Mitzuki and Momoko will be collecting the scroll and returning with it here?” She raised her eyes before continuing, after receiving a replying nod from each of them, “Good. There won’t be any need to tell your teams just what this scroll contains, but do press upon them that this is far more than simply an ‘important’ scroll. This is the sort of mission they ought to be willing to risk their lives for.” She gave both Jonin a hard look over the scroll, “Make sure they understand, and if they’re unwilling to risk their lives tell them not to go.”

Kakashi gave a weak laugh, “On the contrary Tsunade samma, I believe they’ll all be more than willing. The number of D rank missions they’ve been on! I’m sure it’ll be a welcome change to have a little danger – they are shinobi after all, just as we are. It’s what they signed up for.”

Gai gave a hearty laugh, “Oh yes! I agree! Neji has been bored stiff lately and TenTen has been dying to go on a real mission. You should have heard them complain! Not to mention by kawaii, kawaii student Lee. He’s wanted to try out a new move of justice on some villainous blackguards stealing the joy of our world like parasites! Plus I’m sure he’ll be delighted to spend more time with cute Momo chan,” behind the door Momoko stiffened. “So don’t you worry fair Lady of Autumn, we shall all do our utmost, I’m sure.”

Tsunade gave him an odd look, “What did you call me?” before dismissing it as another of his eccentricities; besides, Lady of Autumn sounded pretty good, maybe she ought to use it? A code name perhaps… better than ‘Densetsu no Kamo,’ (the Legendary Sucker) at any rate.

Gai stretched an arm over his head with a slightly impatient yawn, snapping Tsunade out of her musings, “So, my Lady of Autumn, if that’s all perhaps we ought to go inform our young saplings of freedom of their mission details?” He took a step back as though to bow and leave, but didn’t get further as Tsunade’s voice interrupted,

“Ah, wait a moment. There’s one more thing I have to warn you about before letting you go,” she made a pretence of looking through the scroll with intense scrutiny, though in reality she knew the following warning by heart. “Well, as you know, our ANBU investigation forces often keep tabs on who we consider the most dangerous A and S-Rank criminals and menaces, following their behaviour and actions closely – they often make important discoveries in advance, forewarning us of anything important.”

“That pervert, Jiraiya baka, also keeps a close watch on criminal organisations, as you know. He, in recent years, kept a tab on the S-Rank Criminal organisation Akatsuki, and informed us of their movements and need to obtain the Jinchūriki. His information was extremely valuable and while researching into the history of their members, in particular, one, Orochimaru, he discovered that that slimy snake had a desire to obtain a particular scroll.” She gave the Jonin a pointed look before finishing, “This scroll. And I’m sure you know why. His fascination with an immortal life goes far beyond what we have ever encountered. Although he never had time to work on it himself, he has expressed a need to obtain it, in the past, of course, seeing as we have no evidence to support he’s alive, or dead for that matter.”

Tsunade bit her lip, “Either way, he promised a great reward for whoever obtained the scroll for him, and even if he has passed away, there may be someone else who has taken over and wishes to fulfil that desire. If not what remains of Akatsuki may wish to get their hands on it. After the failure of the Jinchūriki plan, they need to claim a different sort of power, least that’s what our researchers predict.”

She slammed a fist on her desk, creating a large crack and small crater, standing with a determined expression, “So, what I have to say is this: keep your guard up! If either of the two still exists then you may have more than just a transportation mission on your hands. For that reason I’m giving this a B Ranking and an immediate rising to A Rank if either appears; though to be honest we have more reason to suspect that Orochimaru may still be alive, so his involvement is more anticipated.”

“So, proceed with caution!” She pointed a finger at her door with enough force to expel a small wave of chakra; a crack appeared in her door, though Tsunade paid it no heed; it was all in an hour’s work, “Dismissed!”

Gai and Kakashi walked towards the door, stopping to watch with interest as it collapsed before them, granting them an exit. As they left through the doorway, Tsunade’s desk snapped cleanly in two, spraying an assortment of documents, scrolls and inevitably sake onto the carpeted floor.

Tsunade merely took a deep breath, filling her lungs to their greatest capacity and let out a loud shout,

“Izumo! Kotetsu! Now!”

———–

About half a mile away Izumo, carrying a stack of shivering papers, tottered to a halt, face white and an emotion commonly described as fear, gracing his features. He turned his head stiffly to look at Kotetsu, who was standing beside him, frozen, a similar expression on his face.

“Ko-Kotestu, did you hear that?”

“God, I hope not.” Kotetsu tried to relax his features, “Nah, it can’t have been. I mean her office is like, how far away? There’s no way her voice could reach us here.”

Izumo was about to nod, relieved when he was interrupted by another familiar scream, this time far more demanding,

“Izumo! Kotetsu! I said now! Move it! Otherwise I’ll dock pay! Oh, and bring another one!” Tsunade’s shrill voice caused both sets of ears to ring painfully.

Kotetsu all but fell to his knees, papers splayed out about him, while Izumo stood still, tears visibly cascading down his cheeks.

Their responding cry of terror echoed about the village like the cry of people subjected to incomprehensible torture,

“NOOOO! Not another desk! Kami samma kill us now!”

———–

Momoko shifted uncomfortably. She was standing at the gates to the Hidden Leaf village, Mitzuki beside her, wondering about the conversation they had ‘overheard’ in Tsunade’s office. It was oddly fascinating, yet rather disturbing at the same time. She shivered slightly and returned the comforting smile Mitzuki had offered her.

When she heard Tsunade tell Kakashi and Gai that Orochimaru had craved the scroll for a long time, Momoko had turned to Mitzuki questioningly; she’d never heard of a scroll. Was it really that important?

“Mitzuki chan, what do you think? Are we supposed to steal it or what? I mean… I’ve never heard of a scroll…” Momoko had whispered, slightly dejected at the thought of being left out of the loop.

“Mitzuki had nodded pointedly in return, “Exactly, Momoko chan. We haven’t been told anything about a scroll, which means it’s not part of our mission – least not as of yet.” She’d shifted her head closer, whisper becoming little more than a breath of air, causing Momoko to lean in too, “Besides, don’t you think it’s strange? That we’re the only one’s here to overhear, and that the door just happens to get caught on the carpet?”

Momoko suppressed a gasp; she got it, “You mean they wanted us to hear? They want us to steal it?”

Mitzuki nodded grimly, “You said it yourself, just before they started talking so loudly,” she then quoted Momoko’s words perfectly, “‘they’re literally asking us to spy on them!’ You were right Momoko chan, they want us to hear and they want us to act.”

Momoko bit her lip nervously, “So you mean they know who we are? Where we came from?” The very thought of having to leave the village made her stomach clench uncomfortably.

Mitzuki shook her head reassuringly, “No, I don’t think so – more like they suspect us. That’s way different. Don’t worry,” she smiled calmly, “we haven’t been told to get a scroll, so we won’t take action and by doing so won’t rouse further suspicion.”

Momoko had nodded, surprised by the wave of relief that shot through her; she couldn’t pretend she’d expected it. She raised her eyes hopefully, “So, until then…?”

Mitzuki inclined her head, “Until the word comes, we are Konoha shinobi, and we’ll risk our lives for their cause.” Her next words were more of a warning, “But when the time does come…”

Momoko brushed it aside carelessly, “Hai, hai. I got it, don’t worry.”

Mitzuki pursed her lips as Kakashi and Gai stepped through the doorway, the door lying in a crumbling heap. They’d given the girls instructions to go collect any supplies they needed for a mission and to be at the gates by 10:30, Gai even offering to help Momoko pack, which she declined, voice cool.

So that’s where they were now; standing at the gates with five minutes to spare, waiting for the arrival of their teammates, both were quiet and thoughtful. Mitzuki hadn’t spoken a word to Momoko about the scroll after leaving the building, and instead chattered about whether or not she ought to bring more shuriken or kunai. Momoko knew this was Mitzuki’s way of making sure she didn’t worry; act like nothing happened and maybe Momoko would forget. Momoko snorted; Mitzuki was taking her short memory for granted again.

Momoko was snapped out of her thoughts by a sudden rush of orange; it past her like a bolt of lightning, there one second, gone the next. She turned her head to follow its progress and found it had already stopped. Momoko grinned; standing about a metre away Naruto, the orange blur of Konoha, was hugging Mitzuki as though he hadn’t seen her in years. Mitzuki returned the hug with one of her own, and gave a smile which caused him to visibly blush.

Mitzuki had stopped avoiding Naruto after the band’s debut at the bar and gave a sincere apology to him the moment she saw him, waiting with the other Chunin, after the performance. Naruto, being Naruto, had forgiven her before she’d even started, claiming that she was probably too busy with the band on the run up to the debut. Mitzuki had, of course, gotten rather emotional at this point and hugged him round the middle, like a five year old being praised for saying the alphabet backwards. Once more they’d become almost inseparable and continued with the routine that had been developed previously, much to Kiba’s dismay.

Momoko turned at the sound of a disapproving sniff. Trailing behind Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura had finally arrived; Sasuke seemed vaguely impressed at the attention Naruto was receiving, probably wondering if he put something in Mitzuki’s food; Sakura, however, looked rather sour. Momoko could only guess that seeing someone else showered with the attention she once received made her feel lost. She turned back to focus on Mitzuki. She was now trying to make something out of Naruto’s hair; being shorter than him, she had to reach up slightly to achieve anything; she was muttering something about him looking too cute with his hair like that while Naruto still blushed wildly.

“So what did he do? Drug her? Hypnotise her?” Sasuke’s voice made Momoko turn to regard him questioningly.

“What d’you mean?”

Sasuke smirked, “Well he must have done something to make her act like that around him. I vote drugs, Naruto isn’t smart enough to hypnotise. If he tried he’d probably just end up hypnotising himself in the mirror. Besides that sort of stuff requires brains, something Naruto is sorely lacking.”

Momoko let out an unwilling giggle; she couldn’t help but like the Uchiha more after their talk about Sakura sometime ago. Well perhaps ‘like’ was too big a word, more like she didn’t feel the urge to snap his neck when he spoke; that was an achievement, right? She shook her head, smiling slightly, “No, no, he didn’t do anything like that.”

“Ah, so he did do something?” Sasuke’s interest was obviously piqued, Sakura too; she’d drawn her eyes away from Naruto and looked at Momoko with half hidden curiosity.

Momoko shrugged, “Well kinda, but not really. Well it’s big for Mitzuki, but, yeah…” she trailed off, frowning slightly; she’d managed to confuse herself somehow.

“So what did he do?” Sasuke pressed, eyeing her with his dark eyes, arms folded.

Momoko, still in a daze of confusion, barely paid attention to her answer, not until it was too late, “Like I said, nothing much. All he did was kiss her at the park memorial thing a while ago – whoops… I shouldn’t have told you that.” She spared a nervous glance at Mitzuki, who was now chatting animatedly with Naruto about his latest edit of his signature rasengan move.

Sasuke’s eyebrows had raised, impressed that Naruto could work so quickly. Where he showed an impressed expression, Sakura showed a far more shocked one; her mouth was open, a round ‘o’ shape, eyes large, pupils contracting to form tiny pinpricks. She let out a small gasp of “Really?”

Momoko couldn’t tell whether she was happy or upset; all she radiated was surprise. Deciding there was no point to deny it she nodded, “Yeah, but I don’t think I was supposed to tell you guys that and if Mitzuki finds out she may do a whole lot of really evil things,” she shuddered, “so please promise me you won’t tell anyone, ‘kay?” She looked at each of them; sure the desperation was clear on her face.

Sasuke shrugged his shoulders, uncaring, “Yeah, that’s fine. It’s not like I have anyone I want to tell or anything.”

Sakura looked far less willing to commit, it looked as though her mind was racing, probably wondering how else this latest gossip could be let out, “Does anyone else know?”

Momoko shrugged, “I guess anyone Mitzuki or Naruto decided to tell.” She rubbed her chin thoughtfully, “I suppose Ino would know, she’s quite close to Mitzuki these days. Other than that I dunno.”

Sakura nodded, if Ino knew then she could hold her silence, “Okay, I promise not to tell anyone who doesn’t know.” Inner Sakura smirked punching her fist in the air, but that doesn’t mean I can’t talk to those who do! Shānnarō!

Momoko looked relieved and let out a sigh just as another blur came speeding towards her; this one was green and was followed by TenTen and Neji, both walking at a leisurely pace. Momoko jumped back as the blur came to a sudden stop before her; Lee bowed his head slightly and gave Momoko an ecstatic smile, before gripping her hand in his,

“Oh, Momoko san, isn’t it wonderful? We have a real mission at last? I heard it was a B Rank, is that true? Do you know?” His uncontained excitement made Momoko smile – she felt the same way, after all those D Rank missions she was glad at the thought of a little danger.

Before Momoko could respond Neji’s cold cool voice interrupted, “So does anyone know what this mission is actually about?”

TenTen nodded at his side, “Yeah, all Gai sensei would tell us was that it was a B Rank, and then he started talking about counting the stars of destiny with Momoko chan or something.”

Sakura shook her head while Sasuke folded his arms and said nothing. Naruto looked confused, “You’re right. I’d like to know what it’s about; hope Kakashi sensei isn’t too late today.”

Mitzuki sighed, “Well it’s real important, I can tell you that much.” Eyes swivelled to look at her; noticing, she carried on, “Well we went to Tsunade samma along with the sensei’s – can’t really see the point as we didn’t get to see her or anything – and then they went in to have a ‘top secret’ talk with her. Well we were sitting outside waiting and what not when we overheard something,” Momoko’s breath caught in her chest, would Mitzuki tell them everything?

“It’s not like we were spying or anything, the door just caught on the carpet. So yeah, we heard Tsunade mention Orochimaru along with a scroll. The main thing we deduced is that we probably have to get the scroll and that Orochimaru could be after it, if he even exists that is.” She gave them a cool look, as though daring one of them to doubt her, before finishing, “So, basically, that means keep your guard up while on this mission. It could be more than just a little B Rank. Even if we’re not getting the scroll and the mission’s something completely different, be prepared.”

She nodded significantly at Momoko, “Whenever you hear even a whisper of Orochimaru, even if he has nothing against you, keep your eyes and ears open and your weapons close.”

A silence followed her talk; she supposed that news of Orochimaru supposedly being alive was new to them. Momoko appeared relieved that Mitzuki hadn’t said more, she may even have been upset that she’d said that much. Mitzuki shrugged; they’d wanted to now so now they knew, besides while she was on their side she didn’t want deaths, they always awoke something darker within her; she’d rather they were prepared than having to protect them with Momoko, if they lost it due to fear or surprise she’d have to do just that.

“Well said! Guess that means I don’t have to tell you guys much more seeing as Mitzuki chan and Momoko chan seemed to have deduced most of it.” Kakashi was standing behind the group of Chunin, hand raised in greeting, “Yo.” Gai stood beside him trying to slip an arm over his shoulders, while Kakashi kept shifting conveniently to avoid it.

“So it’s true, is it?” Sasuke’s eyes had narrowed, though he still maintained a cool facade, “That damn snake might still be alive? I killed him, how can he be?”

Kakashi and Gai looked at each other for a moment. Orochimaru was a delicate subject for all concerned, they didn’t want to bring false fear, but at the same time couldn’t afford for them to be lulled into a false sense of security. Gai had a go,

“Well, we can’t be sure either way. You see, either way, Orochimaru was and if alive, still is, a Legendary Sannin. They do have exceptional powers, perhaps enough to avoid death for a time.” He sighed when he saw Sasuke’s expression hadn’t altered, “Look we’re not saying he’s alive, we just don’t have proof that he’s dead. We later sent an investigation team of ANBU to where we believed he had perished in his fight against you. When we arrived we found nothing. The area was damaged as though from a fight, but not a trace of blood or clothing was found anywhere.”

“So don’t get into a fuss. We can’t provide the answers, not yet, anyway. We just don’t want you to take for granted that he’s dead. He still has powerful subjects either way, and they may be out for revenge. Just keep it in mind.” Kakashi gave a weak smile as a general assent of murmurs replied, “So is there anything else we need to tell you? Hmmm, ah yes just confirm a few details.”

He cleared his throat and waited until a calm silence followed, “So, we will indeed be collecting a scroll. It is valuable and worth far more than a couple of shinobi lives. I need you to expect the unexpected when it comes to this scroll; many hungry eyes will be following it, and before you ask-” he raised a hand to silence Naruto who’d opened his mouth to speak, “- no, I can’t disclose any information on what the scroll contains or why there are so many criminals dying to obtain it.” Naruto gave an annoyed growl, folded his arms but said nothing. “Don’t worry Naruto; this next part will cheer you up.”

Naruto eyed Kakashi with interest, “What is it Kakashi sensei?”

“Well, we will be retrieving the scroll from a neighbouring country by request of their Kage. And that Kage is the Kazekage of the Hidden Village of Sand.”

There were more than just a few smiles as Naruto’s eyes lit up; he looked as though he’d been told he had won a supply of ramen for life, “You mean Gaara? We’re going to go see Gaara?! Alright!” He punched the air excitedly “Yes! Yes! Yes! I haven’t seen him for sooo long! I wonder how he’s been holding out. Oh, man, I can’t wait!”

Kakashi gave him a mock disapproving look; Gai laughed loudly at the blond haired ninja’s hyper excitement, “Now, now, Naruto! We’ll be going to the Sand village, but it’s to retrieve the scroll and bring it back, not just to see the Kazekage, though the youthful ties of your friendship warms my heart dearly. Right, Lee?” He turned to look at the younger version of himself, “We shall always endure our own friendship. Be it through the battles of our hearts, the mind or even death. The cruel temptress known as adventure, the icy voice that is jealousy, the hot scream that is anger; nothing shall separate us and break our bonds of manly friendship as not only student and teacher but also true friends. Right, Lee? Right? And now of course with Momoko chan by our side we won’t fail!”

Lee gave a shout “Hai, Gai sensei!” before leaping into the hug Gai was offering him, tears streaming down both their faces as though their tear ducts had malfunctioned. Momoko, who had been standing in the path between them was caught in the crossfire and found herself crushed between their ‘hugs of manliness.’ A wave appeared and crashed onto the shore they were suddenly standing on, a flurry of froth and spray bursting forth with the power of youth. A brilliant sunset had appeared, despite the fact that it was still the morning and both Gai and Lee were exchanging super charged nice guy poses. A spread of stars and a meteor shower appeared above their heads while Gai called to them, “COME! Let us count the stars of destiny, Lee, Momoko! Let us count together!”

The faces surrounding this strange scene, though already used to it, showed lingering embarrassment, though Naruto’s voice carried above Gai’s shouts of “100001, 100002, 100003, 100004, oh no look! That one! We counted it twice! Let us start again my kawaii students!”

“Wow, they’re so cool!”

Kakashi cleared his throat, clearly at a loss of what to do, tearing his eyes away from the disturbing scene of Gai and Lee, now singing what sounded awfully like ‘YMCA’ while Momoko tried to crawl out from between them. “Anyway. We will travel for one day and set up camp, before reaching Sunagakure on the second day. We’re in no rush, so we’ll have a full night’s rest and as always take turns guarding. After meeting with the Kazekage and staying in the village for no more than a couple of days, we will return to Konoha. When it comes to camping, we’ll probably find it safer not to sleep more than half the night and leave before the sun rises; we will, of course, be in possession of the scroll and so it is important to ensure we return to Konoha as quickly as possible, for both our own safety and that of the scroll. You can sleep as much as you like when we return.” He creased his eye as he smiled, “Any questions?”

After a pause, he nodded. “Ok then! Team, as soon as Gai, Lee kun and Momoko chan are back in our reality, we shall set off!”

Momoko gave a weak moan. Great, they were already associating her with the green leotard team, the ‘Gai Grenades.’ Yes, that’s what Gai wanted to call them… scary, isn’t it?

—————

The wind whistled in Mitzuki’s ears and scenery rushed past her vision, almost a blur at this speed. They’d left the village about half an hour ago and had been travelling ever since, jumping from branch to branch at a fast, though still rather relaxed, pace. Gai had joined Kakashi at the head of team, and was giving the poor silver haired man the entire history of himself, Gai, the Green Beast of Konoha. He was going to write a book, apparently, for the next generation of people who may not have the luxury and honour of being graced with Gai’s presence. Apparently he’d only just finished reciting the introduction and yet already Kakashi’s eye was droopy and threatening to close.

Next came Sakura and TenTen; they sped alongside each other talking casually about the latest incident that had shocked the nation in one of the soaps on TV. They seemed to be talking about spoilers now, as every now and then, one of them would cover their ears with the palms of their hands and squeal, “Don’t ruin the surprise! I want to see it myself!”

In the middle of the travelling group, Momoko and Lee ran side by side; Momoko seemed to be receiving a similar treatment to Kakashi. She was being treated to stories of ‘the brilliant and often underestimated, Gai sensei!’ as told by Lee, someone who swore he had studied the ‘great man’ and all his actions, for many, many years. Momoko stifled a yawn as Lee’s voice, full of energetic reverence continued,

“Each year I’ve been under Gai sensei has been like a dream, but still a reality. The number of times I’ve had to pinch myself to make sure it’s not a genjustu, and that this great man before me truly exists…” he let out a contented sigh, “and now you too Momoko san. You too get to experience the greatness that is Gai sensei!”

Momoko nodded briefly, “Oh, joy…”

Behind them, Sasuke and Neji, who travelled in a companionable silence; the two weren’t known as the greatest talkers. Despite this, they seemed pretty close; probably respecting each other’s abilities and personalities more than either would like to admit. That and they most likely wouldn’t hear themselves over Naruto’s chatter behind them.

Bringing up the rear were Naruto and Mitzuki. Naruto was jabbering incessantly about how excited he was to be seeing Gaara again, Mitzuki giving him half her attention. She had an odd feeling and she didn’t like it, not one bit. The moment they’d stepped through the village gates she’d felt a pair of eyes searing into her, drinking her image hungrily. She sensed the eyes as they started moving; she felt them when they leapt into the tree tops; she feared them, they never lost sight of the group. Even though she couldn’t sense anyone moving, couldn’t hear the breathing of a pair of lungs or sense the blood pumping through their veins, she could feel those starving eyes…

Even when they seemed to get out of the eyes’ sight, their presence would appear a few seconds later, almost in front of them, staying there until they passed out of range before repeating the process. Whatever it was, it wasn’t letting up in its pursuit. They glared at Mitzuki, as though daring her to voice her fears, taking turns at focusing on her, Momoko, Naruto and Sasuke. They, however didn’t seem to feel the interest they were attracting, or if they did, kept silent about it, just as she was doing. Mitzuki found herself wondering vaguely if she was getting paranoid as Naruto’s voice carried on; was it possible that those eyes were all in her mind? She shivered involuntarily before deciding she’d have a scout around the area when they set up camp. She wasn’t going to risk the Kyubi or the Container’s attack; she wouldn’t let Naruto or Sasuke die, least not while she had no orders to the contrary.

“… and when we get there I’m gonna invite Gaara to have some Ramen with me. Oh-” Naruto put a hand to his chin pensively, “I wonder if they make ramen in the Sand…” He suddenly became teary eyed, “No! I don’t think I can take separation from ramen – not again – I vowed, after returning from that 3 year training journey with Ero-sennin, on my ramen dish, that we’d never be separated for more than a day again.” He sniffed, “And now it looks like it might be about 6 days or more…”

Mitzuki smiled uncertainly; it seemed best to steer the conversation down another root, “Oh, Naruto, tell me, what’s Gaara samma like?”

Naruto looked up, eyes clear and a grin back on his face, “He’s the best! Not only did he become the Kazekage, but he also came back to life after a run in with an organisation called Akatsuki, though a nice old lady helped. Her name was… um, Chiyo Baa san. She was great; she gave her life to save him.”

Mitzuki frowned as memories flashed through her mind; these names sound familiar… “So, I’ve gathered that he’s great, and so’s Chiyo san, but what about appearance? What does he look like?”

Naruto scratched his chin, thinking, “He has dark red hair, kinda spiky and real light green eyes with black rings around them.” A grin stretched across his face at the thought of his friend, “He doesn’t smile a whole lot, but he’s a kind guy. He and his brother and sister, they’re called Kankuro and Temari, saved some of us when we went after Sasuke baka. They’re great allies and awesome people!”

Mitzuki nodded vaguely; that description sounds awful familiar too… but it couldn’t be… could it? She grinned at him, “Well he sounds one of a kind, guess he must be if he’s your friend, Naruto kun.”

Naruto laughed, “Yeah, they’re all one of a kind! Most of the people I know are great!”

Mitzuki smiled, before allowing it to slide off her face when she caught a glimpse of something in the corner of her eye. In the blur of her vision that was the forest, a large green plant grew on a tree branch. It was formed of two great, green leaves; open slightly, the edges great big jagged claws. In the few milliseconds that she saw it in, she guessed it was probably an insect consuming type.

She gave a fine frown; were plants like that native to the fire forests? It seemed more adapted to rainforest like area, not here. She bit her lip; first eyes and now vegetation? She glanced at Naruto who was now asking Sasuke and Neji the age old question,

“Are we there yet?”

“I told you already, Naruto, no.”

“Oh, ok… how about now?”

“I said no!”

“Well, when will we-?”

“When we are-” Sasuke spoke through gritted teeth.

“Yeah?” Naruto, oblivious, noticed nothing.

“I’ll let you know.”

“Ok! How?”

“By sticking this kunai where the light of day will never reach! Now shut it!” Sasuke had finally snapped; brandishing a kunai, he barked his response at Naruto with a heck of a lot of venom.

“Ha ha! Sasuke, you’re such a sour puss! Right, Neji?”

Neji veered away slightly at the vicious look Sasuke threw him, daring him to speak. “Please… don’t get me involved.”

They hadn’t noticed. Yes… this had to be investigated…

——————

Chapter 11 Part One by Kamio Mitzuki

A word from the author:

Well it has been a while, hasn’t it. In fact I haven’t gotten round to completing this chapter – at this point it’s already 45 pages and still going strong – but after some thought I decided to put this up seeing as it was going to be split at some point anyways. I reckon the total will be about 50 pages, maybe a little more – so please look out for it soon.

Yes, we have been neglecting our fic – but we’re sure to make up for it – coming out soon there’s an Ouran fic that’s been planned for a while now and we’re also currently working on a D.Gray-man fiction too. Finally, though it’s still in the planning stages, there’s a Bleach/ D.Gray-man fanfic cross – believe me this one could be really good!

Love you lots!
Please review!

Mitzuki (a.k.a. Viz)

xxx

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