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Path of thorns by Yukimiya
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22/09/2008
Path of thorns [Chapter 19]

Chapter Nineteen

 

The Death of Itachi

 

Sakura woke at the sound of laughter coming outside. As she opened her eyes, she discovered herself tied in a chair and gagged inside a tent. Why that scumbag! She tugged at the ropes tying her arms and legs, groaning in frustration as it all ended vainly. From all the struggles, her chair made scratching sounds, almost attracting attention from the nins guarding her tent. (1) “Shannaro…” Immediately stopping, Sakura took the opportunity to devise a way on how to get out and away from her kidnappers. Rolling her eyes, she remembered the poison needles she kept under the sleeves of her coat. Took you long enough to remember that.

 

Once her hands were untied, she shrugged off the ropes and proceeded on her legs. Rubbing her wrists, she stood up and slowly tiptoed towards the tent’s flap. Looking outside, she noticed it was already nightfall. She saw the group around a bonfire, drinking while waiting for their pig to get roasted. Hm, isn’t it too early for them to celebrate? As she began to wander around the tent to find some sort of path where she could escape, her body reminded her how much she was badly bruised by the crunching of her bones and the caked blood on her clothes. She looked down at herself and sighed softly. As far as she was concerned, her body still can tolerate the pain and with the amount of chakra she had, she’ll be able to heal in a few minutes.

 

Huh? What’s going on? She quickly turned towards the flap once silence replaced the noise outside. What she’d seen stunned her, her feet glued on the spot as her hand remained frozen against the flap.

 

**

 

“We’re travelling tomorrow.” The one with the black cloth on his back spoke, acting as the leader of the group as he stood at the centre of the circle, eyeing each and every member.

 

“Already?” one of the nins spoke. “Don’t you think we deserve a break?”

 

Another nin protested, “Yeah! We’ve been working for almost a month. It took us that long to get the girl! It’s the least thing they can grant us. A little rest!” everyone agreed, slightly aggravating the head of the pack.

 

“Our client doesn’t enjoy tardiness. We can experience leisure after we deliver the girl. As of now, we have to follow.” The man turned, a sign he’s dismissing the discussion.

 

(2) “Demo, Shoda-taichou!”

 

Captain Shoda, the man who feigned many by saying he’s a member of the Daimyo’s army, gave a dismissive wave of his hand and went off.

 

**

 

Sakura couldn’t move as her eyes remained glued on Fudo Shoda’s face until he disappeared back into the forest. It’s starting to make sense… she thought as she slowly backed away from the flap and tried to digest this newfound information. The army’s assigned in Daikon at the same time Sand was attacked… Fudo Shoda and the black nins… they’re the enemies! A simple plot such as this could’ve been easily decoded. Suddenly, she felt ashamed of not seeing through it a little earlier. But they said they have to deliver me to their client. Who is this client? What does this person want from me? So many questions still left unanswered. Yet as of now, her focus was on how she could escape.

 

Taking a peak outside, she saw most of the nins still sitting around the bonfire. The two nins who are guarding her tent seemed to be preoccupied as well. You all think very little of me. Do these people underestimate her capabilities because she’s a scrawny woman who was easily caught by their captain? Just the advantage I need. She then lifted the tent from the other side and slipped out. Seeing that no one still noticed her getaway, Sakura leaped towards the trees.

 

Jumping on the fifth tree, she heard cries and five shurikens went her way. Sakura dodged and the shurikens hit the tree instead.

 

Landing on the next limb, Sakura tripped backwards when a black nin surprisingly appeared before her.

 

“You little bitch,” the nin took out his sword and attacked her with it.

 

Sakura flipped backwards, “Don’t you think your client would love to have me alive?” bending low, she kicked his legs and successfully throw him down.

 

As she stood up, she felt cold metal pressing dangerously against her neck. A gasp escaped her throat as an arm wound its way around her waist, preventing her from escaping. “Escaping would be useless!” the nin behind her said, pressing the blade further.

 

“You can’t kill me.”

 

“Ah yes, but I can hurt you. Hm, just to immobilize you since you’re too stubborn for my liking.” He dragged the kunai knife down to her neck then to her belly. Lifting the blade, he swiftly stabbed it on Sakura’s side, earning a loud cry of pain from the girl. “What the—” The black nin looked down on his victim and saw two planks of wood between his arm and chest. “Kawarimi!” and the next thing he knew, a fist came crashing against his jaw, sending the nin flying through the trees.

 

Sakura dropped gracefully to the ground and started to run. Dashing through the woods while snowing wasn’t your typical, average, everyday exercise. The snow was thick and Sakura had to use the very little chakra she had just to keep herself from sinking. Dammit… sensing another presence, Sakura stopped and looked up. As what was expected, another nin managed to keep up with her. Stepping aside, she dodged the possibility of getting sliced by that large blade the other was carrying. It created a large cavity on the ground and Sakura mentally sighed for getting saved. Seeing that her chances of winning would be thin, Sakura fled, having her enemy cursing behind.

 

Unfortunately, another two was waiting for her not too far, I’m getting tired of this! She then started sprinting down the tree and onto the ground. She launched herself against one of them, casting a flurry of kicks and punches, which the nin easily dodged and hit back in full force. This wasn’t good.

 

Sakura went into a fury. She fought dynamically, bombarding her enemies with punches and kicks that were easily evaded. This isn’t working! Growling, Sakura doubled her efforts, trying to somehow hit one of them. Her hopes immediately shattered when she heard a loud thump behind her. Turning, she saw the nin she left with the broad sword coming her way. Having no other choice, Sakura produced clones. Some Kage bunshin while some were Kawarimi just so to distract them, which was working quite well. Noticing that she had wasted too much chakra, Sakura made a run for it.

 

She ran as fast as she could, choosing the path where trees clustered. The weather started to affect her greatly and she was running out of breath. She was cold, tired, and weak. One more jutsu and she’d probably pass out. No… Kakashi. I must find him! She never felt so helpless her entire life. Lost in the forest with very little chakra and hunted down like a missing-nin to an ANBU squad made her feel really hopeless.

 

She suddenly felt dizzy from over-fatigue. She stopped for a moment, panting as she leaned against the tree trunk for support. Her resting was quickly interrupted by the voices nearing her direction.

 

“Taichou will be upset if he finds out the girl escaped.”

 

“That’s why we should find her before he comes back!”

 

“Dammit, where did she run off to?”

 

“Just start looking. She probably hadn’t gone that far.”

 

Just like that, the conversation ended. Wasting no time, she quickly turned to run again when suddenly, she was pulled backwards as her back went crashing against a tree. Sakura gasped from the pain and the air rushed from her lungs from the impact.

 

She opened her eyes and saw a blurry of white, then black, then jounin clothes. A mask! Her eyes widened in utter shock and happiness. She was about to scream out his name when his hand quickly prevented her from doing so.

 

Kakashi shushed her and cautiously scanned the area. Sensing danger, he quickly grabbed Sakura, wrapped her with his arms and rolled over to the other side of the huge tree. Sakura clung to him desperately, meshing her body against him as the black nins passed by, still searching for her.

 

When they were gone, Sakura rained Kakashi’s face with kisses. “Thank you! I was starting to think you would never come.” Kakashi grinned in return. As much as how he wanted to enjoy her way of appreciating his kindness, they were still under danger and that they still had to finish the mission. They had to go back to Konoha immediately.

 

Kakashi though didn’t deprive himself from hugging her. He had been worried sick. It’s been almost a day since she was kidnapped and he was beginning to think that Pakkun would never find her scent. Fortunately, the two seemed to be using the same shampoo, Floral Green, and expertly tracked her.

 

“Did they hurt you?” Kakashi asked as his eyes frantically studied her form.

 

Sakura sighed, “Just a little tired. Nothing serious, I’ll live.”

 

After that satisfying answer, Kakashi released her then and looked towards a certain direction. “Then we should get back to Konoha immediately.” He then turned towards her, “Can you travel at this state?”

 

Sakura sheepishly bit her lip, “To tell you frankly? I can’t… I lost too much chakra.” Her body felt like jello and her legs ached from all the running. As much as she wanted to hasten the mission, she just couldn’t. She still has to heal her wounds and bruises as well as Kakashi’s.

 

“I see.” Kakashi couldn’t agree more. He couldn’t and wouldn’t let her travel at this condition. “We’ll stop by the nearest village and stay there for the night. As of now, we have to get out of here.”

Sakura nodded.

 

**

 

Getting to the next village wasn’t easy. They had to make sure no one followed them, carefully skirting through the woods with vigil eyes. What used to be their three days travelling turned to five. The Hokage wouldn’t be pleased.

 

Sakura plopped down on the bed, stretching some knots on her back as Kakashi entered and dropped their things on the couch. It was already dawn after that great escape they had and Sakura’s glad they managed to get out alive.

 

“Kakashi, come here.” She said as she began to notice his constant touching of his shoulder. She patted the space beside her and Kakashi sat there without protest. “What happened?” her concern was evident as she worry her lower lip between her teeth.

 

He sheepishly smiled in return. He liked the feeling of getting take cared of, “Pulled a muscle, I guess.”

 

Sakura gave a nod, “Take off your shirt.” Was her offhanded command, which surprised the older jounin.

 

Having his perverted side kick in, Kakashi smiled lopsidedly, “As much as I want to, I think this isn’t the best time to do this—”

 

“Don’t even go there.” Sakura warningly growled, having got used to Kakashi’s innuendos.

 

Defeated, Kakashi removed his vest and quickly pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it somewhere on the floor. He looked down at her and waited for her reaction. Would she be embarrassed? Awkward? Or possibly even… impressed? When Sakura started to observe the non-serious bruises on his arm and torso, he received no reaction, no gasp, not even a blush!

 

How… disappointing.

 

It quickly deflated his ego.

 

Oblivious to this, Sakura inspected his body professionally for quite sometime until she was satisfied. Kakashi had bruises and some scratches but nothing serious. It seems those black nins aren’t worthy opponents for the copy-nin after all.

 

She then began the healing process by touching the inflicted areas and started to use her regained chakra.

 

Kakashi couldn’t help but shiver under her hand. It wasn’t bad, no not at all. Actually, it felt really good… just a little bit weird having something cold and soothing coursing through your body.

 

Once she was done, Sakura withdrew her hand. Kakashi wanted to protest but acted against it. If he gets to experience more of Sakura’s healing, he wouldn’t mind getting injured during missions. As long as she’s the one who will heal him and no other else.

 

Sakura dropped down on the bed, her eyes observing the ceiling above. Kakashi remained on his position, eyes drifting off somewhere.

 

“Did you learn anything interesting while you were there?” Kakashi suddenly questioned.

 

“Not much but…” she closed her eyes and breathed, “… I found out who those nins were.”

 

“Hn,” he signalled for her to continue.

 

“They’re the Daimyo’s army in Daikon. Those bastards are fake. They used the Daimyo’s name and tricked the Kazekage.”

 

“Why are they after you?”

 

“I have no idea. But Captain Shoda…” she could feel Kakashi’s curious gaze drifting towards her, “Neji and I met him in Daikon.” She supplied, “… he said that they were transporters and that I was to be delivered to their client today.”

 

Kakashi began to wonder exactly the same thing bothering Sakura’s mind. Who wants Sakura? Why involve Sand and Daikon just to get her? What’s the conspiracy behind all of these?

 

It was too confusing.

 

“This isn’t good… we have to keep you safe until we unravel this mysterious client.”

 

Sakura sighed, “I’m not sure but...” she looked at him and asked warily, “Do you think Orochimaru has something to do with this?”

 

Kakashi looked contemplative for a moment before nodding, “It’s possible. I heard his arms aren’t healed yet. Transferring from one body to another wouldn’t help his situation either since Sasuke already left his side. He’s helpless right now and his only option is to get his arms back.” and then suddenly, everything made sense. “Tsunade’s the only person who can heal him.”

 

Sakura’s eyes narrowed, “And since I was trained by her, he assumes (3) shishou passed the jutsu to me.” Her hands gripped the sheets out of resentment and fear, “He thinks I can restore his useless limbs?”

 

Kakashi despised the idea and bitterly nodded, “Aa.”

 

Sakura shot up and exclaimed in her defence, “But I can’t do it! Even if I have the ability, I would never do it… not for him!” the thought of helping Orochimaru, their greatest enemy appalled her.

 

“I know.” If Orochimaru even dare lay a hand on Sakura, he will never forgive him. He will never let Sakura get involved with that foul Snake. And he can assure even Sasuke and Naruto wouldn’t let this happen as well. “This is only an idea, Sakura. We’re not sure yet.”

 

“But it is a possibility…”

 

He looked at her and saw fear albeit masked within her eyes. She’s scared not because she fears of getting killed. It’s because she didn’t want to get caught in the middle. A position where she has to choose the enemy’s side in order to save the lives of the people she cares for.

 

Kakashi sighed, “Get some rest.” He then stood up and headed for the door, completely alarming the girl.

 

She sat up and curiously asked, “Where are you going?”

 

“They’re still out there looking for you. The least thing I can do right now is to guard the place. It’s too dangerous.” He opened the door and stepped outside. Before he could even properly close the door, Sakura called up to him.

 

“Be careful!”

 

**

 

“They failed.”

 

“Really now?” a hiss like voice responded in a long drawl, “I wasn’t expecting too much anyway.”

 

Lenses gleamed through the darkness, “What action do you suppose we should do?”

 

The other chuckled, “Have anything in mind?”

 

“I don’t think we should ignore this mishap. I suggest a punishment is the outmost idea.” Adjusting his glasses, he went on, “But I guess a second chance wouldn’t hurt.”

 

Another hiss of laughter was heard, crisp and forbidding, “Exactly what I had in mind.” Snake-like eyes narrowed, “I’ll give them another chance. If they fail me again… they know the consequences.” Looking down on his bandaged hand, Orochimaru clenched it into a fist, “I’m sick of this body. I need another spare.”

 

“Of course.” Kabuto stepped fully out of the shadows, pushing his glasses up, “But if Sakura gets here…”

 

“Then I’d better stick with my own body and get Sasuke myself…” with a nasty gleam, Orochimaru grinned like mad underneath the bandages covering his face. The pervious body he’s possessing was no good. He needed a stronger recipient. It was a shame Sasuke had to go away and escape. Not when he’s been shaping him quite well. If only that other Uchiha hadn’t showed up, he would’ve already possessed Sasuke’s body by now.

 

Well at least he killed Itachi.

 

“Do you want me to deliver your message?” Kabuto inquired.

 

“Yes. Go and inform them.” Chuckling he added, “And wish them luck. They need it.”

 

Kabuto lastly nodded and disappeared back through the darkness.

 

**

 

The night was colder than any night that winter month of December. There was no moon tonight. Everything was dark and cold… the perfect scenario for an ominous twenty-year old, brooding Uchiha. Sprawled on the wooden floor, his eyes impassively stared up to the ceiling with both of his arms and legs spread eagle. Not too far away was the spot where both her parents laid when Itachi killed them. His fingers twitched.

 

Itachi…

 

Sasuke slowly blinked his eyes as if trying to recall that day when he killed his brother.

 

A day he will never forget…

 

-

-

 

“You had it in you. I knew it all along…” Itachi spoke with difficulty with his brother’s hands choking him. He lay on the floor, bloodied and bruised while looking up tiredly with his Mangeky? against Sasuke’s blazing eyes of wrath.

 

“Just… die!” Sasuke couldn’t understand why but as he tightened his grip on his brother’s neck, tears constantly fell down his cheeks.

 

Itachi closed his eyes, as if trying to contemplate something important.

 

Sasuke got annoyed and tried to crush his neck. But as he was about to do so, Itachi opened his eyes and pushed his brother off of him.

 

Hitting trees along his way, Sasuke cried out in pain as his spine hit the last tree a little too badly.

 

Itachi, who was now standing on the clearing his brother made, glared down, “It’s not enough. Maybe you should try some other time.” He spoke so casually, it annoyed the younger Uchiha.

 

Sasuke growled, trying to gain his footing as he leaned against the tree for support. “We’ll… finish… this… NOW!”

 

Itachi shifted his glare, mocking him, “I told you to become stronger so you can kill me and avenge our clans’ death.” Sasuke fisted his hands upon the mentioning of the Uchiha massacre, “You failed me, dear brother. It’s not enough.”

 

Not enough…

 

Not enough…

 

His voice and words echoed like nails screeching against chalkboard. Sasuke felt like he was going to explode.

 

“SHUT UP!!!” With very few energy he could muster, Sasuke rushed towards his older brother. He charges Chidori from his body, thinking of using (4) Chidori Nagashi one last time.

 

Itachi evaded the first attack, but as Sasuke circled and went to try again, the attack was successful. It hits Itachi straight on the gut, sending him towards another set of trees.

 

As the dust and soil cleared, Sasuke made a move to attack his brother again only to find him paralyzed on the ground.

 

Every part of Itachi’s body fell numb. He could only move his eyes, rolling them only to stare at Sasuke’s heaving form

 

It was a good fight, really.

 

But it wasn’t enough… for Itachi that is.

 

Even without the ability to move his mouth to speak, Itachi’s Mangeky? spoke pure smugness. Despite of the silence, Sasuke could hear him taunting him, telling him that he still wasn’t strong.

 

That he’ll never best his brother.

 

That he’ll never get better than Naruto nor anybody else worthy of opponent for the older Uchiha.

 

Shaking, Sasuke approached him in complete measured steps. Along the way, he noticed his discarded katana and took it.

 

Standing over Itachi’s body, Sasuke looked down in unadulterated hatred. This man… the man who killed his mother and father… his whole clan… the man who made his life miserable… the man who made him the way he is now…

 

He’s here, beneath him, helpless and paralyzed.

 

The perfect opportunity… and Sasuke had no intentions of wasting it. He waited for this his entire life…

 

Raising the katana to the full extent, Sasuke’s eyes met his brother’s for the briefest moment.

 

He could swear it said, “Come on. Kill me. That’s what you wanted all this time… take the opportunity. End my life.”

 

With an anguished battle cry, Sasuke delivered the sharp blade down to his brother’s end.

 

After that… everything was over.

 

-

-

 

“SASUKE!!!”

 

The raven-haired Uchiha snapped away from his thoughts and gradually turned his head towards the door. Someone’s banging like mad against it and it annoyed the hell out of him. Let me guess…

 

“Oi! You bastard! Open the damn door!”

 

Naruto.

 

Goddammit. Reluctantly, Sasuke stood up and approached the door with an easy pace despite of Naruto’s urgent calls.

 

“What is it dob—”

 

“Shut up,” the blonde grabbed Sasuke’s collar and started dragging him out of the hallway, “no time to explain.”

 

Sasuke didn’t like being hauled like a sack and forcefully removed Naruto’s grip. “Where’re we going?”

 

Naruto looked like he’s going to explode like a rocket anytime soon. His eyes blazed, his nose flared as his fangs bore. “You bastard! Something came up and we have to see Tsunade urgently!”

 

Sasuke’s eyes briefly widened and then he frowned, “What do you mean?”

 

“Sakura and Kakashi sensei’s in trouble! We have to hurry!”

 

“What??” Sasuke furiously growled and then went off as fast as he could.

 

“O-oi! Wait up!” Naruto hurried after him.

 

TBC

 

AN:

 

1.       Shannaro!”- Doesn't mean anything but is usually translated as "Hell yeah", "Hell no" or "Damn it" depending on the situation.

 

2.       Taichou- Commanding officer

 

3.       Shishou- Teacher

 

4.       Chidori Nagashi- One Thousand Birds Current.


Posted by yukimiya at 5:13 PM JST
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