Kimiko

(3 years later)

Two figures approached the gate one with fire red hair the other short purple hair with a single pink stripe through the center.

"So kid. Hows it feel to be home?" The taller one asked.

"This isn't my home, and it never was. This is your home." The smaller one said as they reached the gates.

The other stayed silent as they came through the gate.

"I'll see you later Kushina-Sensei. I'll make the report to the hokage." The girl said before blurring away.

"Kimiko! Ughhhh." Kushina sighed as she tried to grab her student before she left.

"Mom!" Kushina turned as a young man wrapped his arms around her as they both laughed.

"Ohhhh I missed you Naruto! Let me look at you." He pulled back from her as she cupped his face and could see a spitting image of Minato in him.

"You look exactly like you father. My growing boy." She pulled him into her chest as she burst into tears.

"OHHH HE'S NOT A BABY ANYMORE!!!!!"

*Hokage Tower a few hours later*

"That's all ma'am." Kimiko said at attention in front of her leaders desk.

"Thank you Kimiko. I'll Get Kushina's report from her later. I'm sure she would like to have some time with her son." Tsunade said watching the young girl in from of her. She had a empty look in her eyes as she bowed and left out the door.

"What do you think Kakashi?" Tsunade asked as the one eyed ninja peeked over the window seal.

"What do you expect? She's attacked as soon as she gets home after nearly dying at her former love interests hands. I hate to admit it but she's broken Lady Tsunade." Kakashi stated.

"That's what I thought. Maybe you should talk to her. Even if you were a crappy teacher in the beginning she's still your student until she makes chunin. I have no doubt that she'll be gunning to rank up as soon as possible. When that happens she'll be out of your reach Kakashi." Tsunade said looking back at the one eyed ninja.

"I'll see what I can't do Lady Tsunade." With that he left heading to find his student.

*With Kimiko*

Kimiko sat on top of the second hokages head thinking as Kakashi appeared behind her.

"What do you want Kakashi?" Kimiko asked as she looked at the copy cat.

"Calm down now. I just wanted to talk is all." He held up his hands in surrender.

" Then talk." She said as he stood next to her.

" Do you mind if I sit?" He asked as she sat there for a while before scooting over as he sat down beside her. It was a long while as the two sat in silence before Kakashi spoke up.

" I'm sorry Kimiko." He finally spoke as she turned to him in shock. THE Kakashi Hatake just apologized to HER.

" I know I've been a horrible teacher over the years since I started. Truth is... I never wanted to be one, I was forced into it by the council for Sasuke." He sighed as she looked down at the village.

"Then why take a team? Why not teach Uchiha privately instead of leaving us out to dry?" Kimiko asked.

" I don't know. I just accepted and thought I could pawn you off on another teacher or something after I trained Sasuke and he got his Sharingan. Plus I owed someone." He sighed now that he said it he realized how stupid it sounded.

"So we could have died on some of our missions Kakashi all because you owed someone and you are the councils dog? Last I checked the council has no say in shinobi affairs." Kimiko growled looking over at him.

"I know. But I promised a teammate of mine long ago that I would help him with his clan. But he died before we could ever start." Kakashi sighed before pain exploded in his face.

"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH I WOULD LOVE TO KILL YOU RIGHT NOW!? YOU THREW ME AND THAT BANSHEE OUT TO THE WIND TO HELP A TRAITOR GET MORE POWERFUL ALL BECAUSE OF A PROMISE TO A DEAD TEAMMATE!!??" She roared as her eyes became slit and her fangs grew.

" Please Kimiko calm down! I know what I did was wrong! Let me make it up to you!" He yelled holding one hand in front of him while the other started to do hand signs just incase she attacked.

"Yeah and what's that?" She asked eye him feeling his power increasing as she began doing her own one handed signs.

" Please, let me be the teacher I should have been. I want to right the wrongs of what I did Kimiko. I want you to know that you're not alone in the village. You do have people who care for you. You're friends care for you, Naruto cares for you, Kushina and all the others care for you. Even if the villagers don't, you do have some who do." He said canceling his jutsu as he slowly walk towards her as she looked down.

"Then where were you that day when the villagers attacked me in my hospital room?" She glared as he looked down?

"I was making my report to the hokage then I was going to go see you. I wanted your side of the story on what happened. But when I got there I saw the room and the blood. When I got back to the tower Lady Tsunade told me you had already left. I'm sorry Kimiko." She started to calm down as he wrapped his arms around her.

"I promise I'll do better. As a teacher and a comrade." He said hugging her.

" I'll hold you to that Kakashi..... Sensei." she said as he smiled a little as he pulled back from his student.

"But just to let you know. I won't be trying to bring Sasuke back. He made his choice, and the Hokages orders are absolute. The kill order on the traitor Sasuke Uchiha is still in effect. If we see him I will carry out that order." Her own sharingan came to life as he looked down.

"I won't stop you." He said as she nodded.

" Thank you Kakashi."

*A few days later*

Kimiko sighed as she sat on top of the hokage mountain. After training most of the day and finding out Sakura had actually become reliable with the training the hokage gave her, she was a bit tired.

“Oh man. I’m beat, I wonder what Naruto and the others are doing?” She leaned back on her hands looking out over the village when she sensed someone approaching her. She looked over to see Kakashi land a few feet away.

“ Kimiko lets go we have a mission and a desperate plea from the Sand.” He said in his usual bored tone as she jumped to her feet.

“ What’s happened? Is everyone ok there?!” All she could think of was the sand siblings and the friends she made there.

“ Garra has been kidnaped… It looks like its the work of the Akatsuki.” He said as she growled.

“Damn it! Alright lets move. I won't let them hurt Garra.” The two disappeared in a puff of smoke.

*Hokage Tower*

“ The situation is bad. The Kazekage has been taken and Kankuro has been wounded. Sakura, your mission is to assist in anything you can do to help Kankuro. “ She saw Kakashi and Kimiko walk in making her smile a bit at the serious face of the girl.

“Got it Lady Tsunade. I won’t let you down.” Sakura smiled confidently and looked back at her last team mate.

“ When do we leave?” Kimiko asked as the Hokage smiled.

“ Good to see you ready Kimiko. You head out immediately. Since this is the Akatsuki we’re dealing with I’ve assigned squad 4 with you.” She said as Ryu, Santi, Rai and Draco walked in.

“ You summoned us Lady Hokage?” Draco asked as Kimiko hugged Ryu smiling.

“ Glad it’s you guys that are coming.” She said pulling back.

”Its been far too long Kimiko, how have you been lately?” Ryu asked,

“ I’ve gotten stronger with Kushina sensei's training. We should spar some time when you have a time. How’s your family?” She asked as Tsunade cleared her throat.

“ You’ll have time to talk when there isn’t a crisis at hand. Team leaders your mission starts in 30 minutes. Pack for a long mission.” Tsunade said as they gave a salute and disappeared.

*Village gates*

“ Come on team. Lets move, we don't’ have time to waste.” Kakashi said as they took the trees with Team Draco pulling up the rear while Team Kakashi took the lead.

“ We’ll be meeting with our third member up ahead. His name is Sai, he’s a bit strange but he’s a good fighter.” Kakashi called back as the two girls nodded. They continued on their way before coming to clearing.

“ Lets go Sai! We don’t have all day!” Kimiko called out looking around the clearing as her sharingan activated.

“ I can sense you. Come on out. There’s no hiding from me.” She called out as a pale boy landed in front of them.

“ So impatient.” He sighed as she growled.

“ Calm down Kimiko. Come on lets move your pale ass.” Santi said as Kakashi nodded and the lept into the trees heading for Suna.

*Later that night at the border*

“Come on we can make it to the border! Why are we stopping now?” Kimiko yelled as she looked out to where the desert started.

“Kimiko we need to rest. If The Akatsuki truly do have Garra, we will need our full strength to stand even a small chance against them. I understand how worried you are about Garra and his family, but we can't rush into this. We still have a long ways to go.”

Ryu said calmly,placing a hand on Kimikos shoulder, Kimiko shot Ryu a hard glare.

“Which is why we need to keep moving. If we get there too late what happens then?We need to get there as soon as possible, they need our help!” Ryu lowered his head and backed away from Kimiko.

Kakashi let out a sigh before saying,” You're Right Kimiko, but so is Ryu, we've got a long journey ahead of us. It will do us no good to travel at night either, we will be too open to ambushes or worse.”

She sighed and looked back out into the desert with a worried look on her face.

“ Fine. I’ll take first watch. I can’t sleep right now, I’m too nervous right now.” She said as she looked at Ryu.

“Sorry I shouldn’t have yelled at you. I’m just really worried about Garra. He’s like me you know. He understands me more than anyone.” She pulled him into a hug and gave a sorrowful smile to him.

“I understand that Kimiko, I'm worried as well. I know how much you care for Garra and those close to you in Suna....Personally what I'm most worried about is facing the Akatsuki, they are unquestionably the most dangerous group of rough ninja in the world. Are you in such a rush to face them that you need to place yourself in even more danger than necessary? Garra wouldn't want that...I don't want that.” Ryu said sadly.

“ No. I just can’t help it… But you’re right. I’ll try to get some sleep after my shift. Thanks Ryu.” Kimiko smiled before making some shadow clones and jumping into the trees.

“ You think she’s going to be ok? You’ve known her the longest out of all of us.” Santi said setting up his tent.

Ryu looked at the tree Kimiko jumped into and let out a sad sigh before saying, “I'm not sure honestly. Shes lost much in this life, far more than anyone should. But, shes very strong, the strongest person I know. But I don't know if she'll be okay, All we can do right now is get to Suna as soon as we can. I hope that we dont arrive too late.” Ryu then began setting up his tent.

*Next Day. Suna Gates*

The teams were having a hard time keeping up with Kimiko as she shot through the gates flashing her ID and made her way to the Kazekage tower.

“ Ugh. Seriously. She could at least wait up for us.” Rai said as they ran through the gates after their teammate.

*Kazekage Tower*

As they got to the tower and were pointed to the where Kankuro was Sakura went straight to work as they saw Kimiko comforting Temari.

“ Hey guys the council wanted to see us as soon as you got here. Kakashi-sensei and Drako-sensei are to meet with them now and then debrief us.” She said as they nodded and disappeared.

“ So what’s your story?” Rai asked turning to Sai.

“ Yeah you haven’t said a thing since with left camp. You weren’t in our school but you’re about our age.” Santi said eyeing the pale teen suspiciously.

Sai gave a strangely pleasant smile before saying, “I wasn't taught to be a shinobi in the conventional sense. But rest assured, you have nothing to fear from me, so long as we do not become enemies. If we do...You won't see what kills you.”

“That a threat?” Kimiko growled as Temari grabbed her fan stepping to her friends side.

Sai only kept that strange smile.

“No it is not. But neither is it a warning, it is simply the truth. As it stands all of us are working together as allies. But if one of them should turn traitor, they need to be killed as quickly and efficiently as possible don't you agree?”

Kimiko stepped up to Sai until they were nearly face to face. “ Are you insinuating that my friends could actually be traitors? Be very careful with your next words.”

Sai still had the strange pleasant smile on his face.

“ I only speak truth, after all one student from your class already turned traitor, is it not wise to suspect the others? Or at the very least make the punishment for said betrayal very clear?”

Ryu quickly realised that this was going to escalate fast and pushed Kimiko and Sai away from each other gently before saying, “Look right now we can't fight amongst ourselves, Sai is clearly out of line here Kimiko, but if you attack him things will only get out of hand.” Ryu then looked over to Sai.

“Sai you might not trust us, fine and your suspicion is not unwarranted. But right now you're causing conflict between us, we are working together here and we need to keep it that way if we are to accomplish this mission.”

“ Just stay out of my way when the fighting starts. People only get in the way when the fighting starts.” She glances over at Sakura as Temari put her hand on her shoulder to help her calm down.

“ I know. Look, just shut up and back me up when the time comes.” She said and looked over at Team Drako.

“ Most likely we’ll be split up with each team taking on one of the members. Temari said there were only two. But they are still S class for a reason. Be careful.” She smiled as Kakashi appeared with Drako along with a old woman.

“ Councilwoman Chiyo?! What are you doing here?” Temari asked as the old woman huffed.

“These leaf ninja have no idea how to navigate the desert. So I’m going to be guiding you and will be helping in the mission. I have a personal score to settle with one those criminals.” She said narrowing her eyes at Kankuro.

“We’ll meet at the gates as soon as Kankuro is cured.” Kakashi said getting a nod from the others as they left the room so Sakura could work.

*Waiting room*

“ Hey Ryu what do you think about the councilwoman joining us?” Kimiko asked watching the old woman.

  Ryu looked at Kimiko curiously, “From what i've heard about her, shes one of the most experienced and wisest kunoichi alive, she knows the lands around Suna better than almost anyone alive. But when I look at her...Its like I’m looking at a ordinary grandmother and that unsettles me. Its said the greatest shinobi and kunoichi are the ones you never expect to even be one. If thats true, then I’m glad shes on our side aren't you?”

“ Hmmm. I don’t know. Any other sand ninja could be our guide. Why her?” She asked looking up at her friend.

“Perhaps because she knows something we don't? Perhaps because they feel that we arent experienced enough for what we have to contend with? Or perhaps she has some personal reasons for being here that run deeper than we think. There could be many different reasons as to why she is here, they simply haven't seen fit to tell us yet I suppose.”

Ryu said matter of factly, “ I'm also sure that she can hear everything we say ,can't you councilwoman Chiyo?” Chiyo only smiled and started reading the book she had brought with her.

*Later*

The teams were outside a cave that had a huge bolder and a barrier with five seals stopping them from entering.

“ Ok looks like we’re going to have to split up. Drako take your team and find the others. I have this one here.” Kakashi said jumping on top of the bolder.

“Right. Come on. Lets get moving.” Drako said as they jumped away.

“Alright we’ll stay here until we get the word. Sakura, get ready when I tell you.” Kakashi said.

*With Ryu*

{Remember team we need to take them off all at the same time for this to work.} He heard Drako on his radio.

Ryu nodded as he found the seal on a bolder in an open field making him smirk.

“I found mine. Just say when.” He radioed.

{I found mine.} Rai reported

{ Found mine to} Santi radioed.

{ Alright I have mine. Ok everyone on three.} Draco said as they prepared to take the seal off.

{ THREE!!} They all broke the seal as they heard a loud explosion.

‘I suppose that the fight has already started. Better get back before it’s over.’ He thought as he sensed something behind him and dodged jumping into a tree.

Ryu looked down from his vantage point in the tree at his clone and thought, ‘It certainly is strange having to fight myself but I can't let that phase me.’ Ryu took out several shurikens and threw them at his clone, the clone reacted quickly with its own shurikens and they countered each other. The clone then threw several Kunai at Ryu who dodged them and they imbedded in the tree behind him, Ryu instantly noticed the familiar sound of paper bomb fuses and lept off the tree before it exploded.

Ryu landed in the nearby tree, but quickly took note that his clone was gone and sensed an attack coming from behind. He tried to dodge it, but his clone was too fast and the blow connected with his back, He was momentarily disoriented before blocking his clones next attack. The clone then slashed at Ryu with a hidden kunai that Ryu barely dodged.

Ryu retaliated and threw a swarm of Kunai at his clone which in turn threw its own Kunai swarm, however inside the Kunai swarm, several more were hidden in the shadows of the clones Kunai which connected with Ryu who recoiled with pain.

Ryu pulled several Kunai out and saw his clone rush towards him to deal a finishing blow, ‘Damn it, I have no choice. I have to use it!’ Ryu thought to himself.

Ryu then placed his hand over his bleeding wounds and channeled his chakra into it, he felt his blood harden and grow sleeker and thinner.  When the clone was in close range Ryu took his hand off of his chest and threw the sharpened blood blades at the close, which tore it to pieces.

Ryu then let out an exhausted sigh and activated his radio and said, “I just killed myself, how are you guys doing?”

{I’m good.} Santi reported followed by the others of his team.

{ Ok lets go see if we can help Team Kakashi.} Drako said.

{ RIGHT!} The others yelled as Ryu heard laughter behind him.

“ Such a amazing bloodline you have boy. Kukukukuku.” Ryu looked all around before he turned to see Orochimaru smiling at him.

“What the hell? Why are you out here talking to me….Come to think of it, why am I not dead right now? You could have killed me easily right then.” Ryu asked cautiously holding a hand over his wound and a Kunai in the other.

“Kukukuku, come now. I have no reason to kill you. Besides I have an offer for you, something that I think you will find hard to say no to.” Orochimaru smiled as he began to circle Ryu.

“ What would you say to an alliance with Sound. I can offer your clan far more power than the Leaf ever could. The Leaf has never really cared for you or your clan, the others look down on you as freaks. Am I wrong?” He asked with a look of understanding on his face.

Ryu was silent for a while before saying, “ What could you possibly know about my clan? As far as the Leaf cares, we don't even exist. We are just the living weapons they pull out for their great wars.”

“ Ah but I know much about you. I was there during the second great shinobi war when your clan begged to be part of the Leaf for protection. I saw so much potential in your clan, and it saddens me to see such and amazing clan go to waste and be considered even less than the Inuzuka’s dogs.” He said stopping in front of him.

“ But I see so much more. I see a clan far more worthy than to only be fed scraps from the founding clans and looked down on as monsters for what you were born with.” He says his voice sincere.

Ryu started to think some rather unpleasant thoughts, ‘He doesn't seem to be lying to me...But how can I trust this snake in anyway?’ Ryu lowered his Kunai and said, “Give me one reason I should believe a word you say? If I betray the Leaf Village, my whole clan will be put down like animals. There will be nowhere left for us to go, we’ll be hunted every step of the way.”

“ Join me and when the Leaf is destroyed then there will be no one to hunt you. No one to stop you from gaining the power that your clan deserves. The Leaf will burn no matter what, would you rather burn with a village that only sees you worthy to die for it but never to stand and lead with it? Join me and the Kyuketsuki will be an unstoppable force and will have a personal seat on my council. Think about it Ryu Kyuketsuki.” With that he melted into the ground with a smile on his face.

Ryu was left alone with his thoughts, deep down he resented how he was treated in the Leaf Village by others from founding clans. How they always lorded it over him, how they treated his family like they were simply weapons and nothing else. It always made him angry when he thought about it. But now here was a chance for them to forge their own path, to be what they deserve to be. If not respected, feared. But still, a part of him knew that he would leave behind his team, his freinds and most importantly Kimiko. His best friend. ‘What am i supposed to do? I can't simply ignore this, I can't say yes...But at the same time I can't say no….I need to talk with my family about this.’

{Ryu? Ryu? RYU! RYU You there?} He heard Draco call him worried.

“Yeah, im here, sorry Draco, I guess I was just lost in thought for a second. I mean I did just fight myself.” Ryu said trying to calm Draco down.

{Alright get back to the cave entrance. We need to regroup. Santi is hurt pretty bad and Rai is exhausted. We might have to sit this one out till we can recover, it sounds like the battles already started.} He said.

“Yeah thats for the best I suppose… How are you faring Draco, get hurt too bad or?” Ryu said his voice trailing off.

{I’m a little worse for wear but I’ll be fine. Just get over here before something else happens} He radioed.

“On my way, be there soon.” Ryu said and then began to walk towards the cave entrance clutching his wounds, but not before looking back at the spot where the snake had approached him, one last time.

*With Team Kakashi*

Kimiko and the rest of the team rushed into the cave to see two members of the Akatsuki while the rest looked like shadows.

“ Which one is the Nine tails you suppose?” One asked as they looked at the three teens.

“ Itachi said to listen for the loudmouth.” One said as he sat down on a lump as Kimiko’s eyes went wide seeing who it was.

‘No…No no no no no no!!!!’ She chanted in her head as tears began to go down her face.

“ Get off him.” She growled as they looked up.

“ What was that dear? Oh are you talking about this waste of space?” The skinny blonde asked as she clenched her fist.

“ Kimiko.” Kakashi growled as the teen grit her teeth.

“ Looks like we found her.” The hunchback man sighed as the blonde summoned a clay bird.

“ You want him so bad? Come on and get him.” *The bird ate him swallowing Garra whole as the blonde jumped on the bird and flew out of the massive cavern.

“ GET BACK HERE!!” She took off after him as Kakashi called after her.

“ Kimiko!!” He growled and looked at Sai and the others.

“ Go. We’ll handle this one. Go after the girl before she’s killed.” Chiyo said as he looked hesitant before nodding.

“Sai with me!” Kakashi yelled as he summoned a ink bird and they took off after their raging comrade.

Sakura and Chiyo watched them go before turning back to their own opponent.

“ It’s been a long time…. Sasori.” Chiyo said as the man smirked under his mask.

“ I’m surprised to see you still alive old hag. But looks like I’ll get to kill you myself before old age does.” He stated as Chiyo and Sakura got ready.

“Sakura, I’ll support you as best I can. The real Sasori is inside that puppet. You’re going to have to break it to get him out of there.” Chiyo said getting a nod from Sakura.

“Got it.” Sakura nodded as Chiyo handed her a vial.

“ This is an antidote for the the poison that he no doubt has coated his weapons with. No matter what, Don’t let him land a blow or you’re done for.” Chiyo said as she gulped.

“Yeah, no pressure.” She narrowed her eyes at her opponent as Chiyo connected her chakra strings to her.

“ Your reaction time is to slow. I’ll be taking control of your body. You just make sure that you hit him when you got close enough.” Sakura nodded as she shot off toward Sasori.