Chapter 21
Hotaru P. O. V
I woke up after some time and notice that Sasuke was already awake.
- Come here, let me take those ligatures off of you. – I said.
He came towards me and I took them off.
- Better? – I asked.
- Much better... thanks. – he said.
- So... what now? – I asked him.
- We'll leave for the battle field. – he answered.
I sighed.
- Fine, let's go then. – I said.
We left and we were now walking in the forest.
- Kurama... something is off.
- Yeah... something's not right.
I was thinking when Sasuke suddenly stopped and I looked forward and widened my eyes.
- Sasuke?! Hotaru?! – Deidara said surprised.
- It's you guys. – Sasuke said to White Zetsu and Deidara.
- Bastards! Why are you alive?! – Deidara said.
I zoned out.
- Kurama... how is this possible? How is he alive?!
- Edo Tensei.
- What?! How?! Who?! Orochimaru was the only one that knew how!
- Kabuto.
- I knew I should have killed him when I had the chance! Wait... that means... what we sensed earlier...
- It's true.
- I'm leaving. – I said to Sasuke.
- To where? – he asked.
- I'll catch up with you when I can, I have to confirm something first. – I said.
I immediately sped into the forest, climbed a tree and started concentrating.
- Kurama, help me find him.
- Hai.
We started sensing.
...........................................................................................................................
- Found him! – me and Kurama said in unison.
I teleported near where he was and stayed hidden.
- Kid be careful, he's under control.
- Yeah... I know. Let's do this... and if we're fighting him we will need that.
- Go kid!
I teleported behind him and was now about to hit him with a kick but he defended himself.
- As expected from my student. – Itachi said.
I was now looking him in the eyes.
- I see you can mix the sharingan with the Kyuubi's eyes
- I see you can mix the sharingan with the Kyuubi's eyes. Well done. – he said.
I was now in a fighting position.
- Relax, I'm not under control anymore.
I widened my eyes.
- H-How? – I managed to say.
He started to explained me how and his fight and conversation with Naruto.
I looked down.
- I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... - I said sad.
- Why?
- I... I failed... Sasuke... I don't know if I can...
Suddenly he patted my head.
- You're strong and wise Hotaru. I trained you well and I believe in you. Thank you for everything you've been doing.
I hugged him and started crying.
- I... I-I missed y-you. – I said breaking the hug and cleaning the tears.
- I missed you too Hotaru. Now let's go, I might need your help.
I raised an eyebrow.
- What do you say, you and me against Kabuto? – he asked a bit amused.
I smirked.
- Bring it on! – I said.
He poked my forehead and then we started going to where Kabuto was.
We were jumping tree to tree when I suddenly passed out.
I started to wake up and saw Naruto.
- W-What... WHERE AM I?! – I said confused.
- We've been waiting for you. – I heard.
I got up and saw the Tailed Beasts and their Jinchuuriki's... I looked behind me and both Kurama's were there.
- Huh... What's going on? – I asked extremely confused.
Then Naruto explained me what happened.
- I see... you know you guys made me FALL FROM A FUCKING TREE BECAUSE OF THIS!!! – I said irritated.
They sweat dropped.
- BRAT!!!
- Huh?.... SHUKAKU! How have you been? – I said smiling.
He smirked.
- Fine brat! – he said.
- So... could I get your names please? – I said.
- Well at least she's polite. – a monkey said.
- So that one is 1 Tail, Shukaku – Kurama started.
- That one and Gyuki and you Kurama I know! – I said.
Then Kurama told me their names including their Jinchuuriki's.
- It's a pleasure to meet you all. I'm Namikaze Hotaru the host of the 9 Tails, Kurama. Now... how am I here? – I said after Kurama was done.
- We're fully linked, you and Naruto are able to enter deeper into the Tailed Beasts Psyche Plane. – Kurama explained.
- Interesting. – I said.
- Yeah... I don't really get it! – Naruto stated.
I sweat dropped.
Then I explained him in a simple way so he could understand.
- I thank you on behalf of all of us Jinchuuriki and Tailed Beasts. – Yagura said.
I smiled.
- I've wanted to meet you, Uzumaki Naruto. And you too, Namikaze Hotaru. To tell you the truth... huh? – Yagura said.
We looked at Naruto who was now crying.
- You look like you're shorter, younger and weaker than me. You must have had it rough as a Jinchuuriki. Knowing how you went through that... and how you've already passed on... it's just so sad. – Naruto said.
I sweat dropped.
- You never knew the taste of good ramen or what it felt like to kiss a girl! – Naruto said.
Me and both Kurama's smirked.
- You've never kissed a girl either! – both Kurama's and I said.
- I am the former Fourth Mizukage! I was quite distinguished! And I am an adult! - Yagura said.
- Actually... - both Kurama's said amused.
- You've only kissed Sasuke! – I said amused.
- NO!!! DON'T MAKE ME REMEMBER THAT! – Naruto said.
- We have more in common that I though Nii-san! – I said laughing a bit.
- NO!!! – he said on his knees.
- What is it like to kiss this Sasuke? – Isobu asked.
- Yes Naruto! Please tell us what is it like to kiss Sasuke?! – I said laughing.
- Honestly, just like as 4 Tails said, you don't listen at all! – Isobu said to Naruto.
I sweat dropped. He's not wrong.
While they were discussing I whispered to Kurama.
- Nee... if Naruto was the one who helped and linked you all... why am I here as well?
- You're connected to us because of other reason, I'll explain it to you later. – Kurama answered.
I nodded.
After some more conversation they decided to give us a bit of their chakra so we all fist bumped.
....................... wow........... so much power..... IT'S AMAZING!
- Naruto, I'll see you soon. I have to go now. Take care you all! – I said smiling and then disappeared.
I woke up on Itachi's arms.
- You're finally awake. You had me worried. What happened? – he asked worried.
I smiled.
- Jinchuuriki conference! – I said.
He looked at me confused.
He stopped and putted me down gently and then I explained him what happened.
After that we returned to our journey. Some minutes passed when we heard.
- WAIT!
We smirked but didn't stopped and continue jumping from tree to tree.
- I SAID WAIT YOU 2! – Sasuke screamed.
He made a Susanoo hand come at us.
I smirked.
- Kurama let's show Itachi what we can do.
- Go for it!
I made a Susanoo hand as well and blocked Sasuke's.
- H-Hotaru... and Itachi?! – Sasuke said a bit shocked.
- Impressive. Both of you were able to master Susanoo. – Itachi said.
- I'm your student after all. – I said with a smirk.
- What are you doing here? And why are you with him, Hotaru?! – Sasuke asked.
- This is Kabuto jutsu... I'm a reanimation now. Regarding Hotaru she sensed me and came to find me. We can't stop now. There's something we have to do. – Itachi explained.
- I don't care! You're here and I have a lot of questions! – Sasuke said.
- Ask me later... but I guess that's not going to happen. – Itachi stated.
- You said yourself! To come find you once I had the same eyes as you! So why are you running? To avoid admitting that you lied to me?! Or don't you have the courage to tell the truth?! – Sasuke said irritated.
I looked down.
- I already know everything about you! That's why I decided to destroy Konoha! – Sasuke said which made me sigh.
- I told you when we fought... that people live under false assumptions. I asked if you could think about it that way. And how one's reality might be an illusion. Is my truth really – Itachi said but was interrupted.
- I no longer live inside an illusion! And I can see through your genjutsu! These eyes... Hotaru made them better! – Sasuke said.
- You're as confident as ever, but I've heard about you from others and from Hotaru... that you have changed a lot. – Itachi said looking at me with a hint of pity.
- NO! You changed everything about me! I was supposed to die! You were supposed to kill me along with our parents. But... why me?! Why did you spare me?! How was I different from mother and father? Why just me?! – Sasuke said.
I looked at Itachi and he looked sad... this must be really hard for him.
- Because you didn't know anything. You had no part in the Uchiha Clan's folly. You were just a child. Also, do you think I did it just for you? I wanted to be judged and dealt with only by another Uchiha. So I took advantage of the hatred inside of you. That's why I failed. Ultimately, I filled you with hatred and made you rogue. And turned you into a criminal! All I wanted was for you to walk the right path. Before I die, I tried to lead you down that one path. – Itachi explained.
- I was supposed to happily walk that one path ignorant of everything?! – Sasuke said and I lost it.
- YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO WALK THAT PATH WITH ME SASUKE! LIKE YOU PROMISED! – I screamed at him.
He widened his eyes and Itachi looked at me a bit sad.
- I... I DON'T CARE FOR SUCH PATH! – Sasuke said.
I widened my eyes and Itachi looked at me with pity.
From that point on I no longer cared about their conversation or what they were doing, I just followed Itachi.
I completely zoned out.
- Kid...
- Kurama... what did I do wrong?
- Nothing kid.
- It doesn't seem like it.
- He's just stupid.
- Kurama... he said he does not care. I thought he cared... about... you know...
- I'm sorry kid.
- Hotaru. – I heard Itachi said.
- Huh?... Where's your brother? – I asked since I was not paying attention.
- I left him behind. You're ready? – Itachi said.
I nodded and looked at the barrier in front of us.
I concentrated a great amount of chakra in my hand and punched the wall breaking it to pieces.
- Found you... four eyes. – I said with a smirk.
- Welcome back. – Itachi whispered and I smiled.
- I'm impressed you were able to pass through my barrier and find this place. – Kabuto said.
- When you were controlling me I was able to pinpoint where your chakra was coming from. That's another risk of this jutsu. Though you won't need to remember that for next time. – Itachi explained.
- Thanks for the tip. I didn't expect any shinobi to counter this jutsu, so I didn't even worry about it. By the way, there's something I'd like you to know as well. – Kabuto said.
I raised an eyebrow.
- This reanimation jutsu will not come undone even if you kill me. I am the only one who can stop it. In other words... you can't kill me. If you do you'll never be able to stop this jutsu. – Kabuto explained.
I widened my eyes and Kabuto started laughing like a maniac.
He's worse than Orochimaru.
- I guess my luck hasn't run out yet! – Kabuto said.
Then I felt another presence and I sighed.
- Things are not always as we wish them to be. – I said.
- Damn it. – Itachi said.
- I caught up to you! What the hell are you 2 doing here?! – Sasuke said.
He then saw Kabuto and went to his front in a fight position.
- Is that... Orochimaru? – Sasuke said.
- You're a little off. – Kabuto said.
- It's perfect timing that my compensation for participating in this war, would show up on his own, at this particular moment. I am so lucky. – Kabuto said.
I narrowed my eyes.
- What are you doing here? – Sasuke asked Kabuto.
- It's rather complicated... let me try to explain. – Kabuto said.
- Go ahead four eyes. – I said coldly.
- And in the meantime, I'll stop Edo Tensei. – Itachi said.
- This jutsu has neither risks nor weaknesses. I want you to understand that Itachi. Even if you do make a move, I doubt Sasuke and Hotaru will just sit back and watch. – Kabuto said.
I looked at Itachi and he looked like he was thinking.
- Kabuto, answer my question! – Sasuke said irritated.
- I guess I have to tell you after all. – Kabuto said.
Then he started telling us what was going on.
- So that's the story of the war. – Kabuto said.
- You bastards. – I said mad.
- But what is a Edo Tensei like you doing here? Your intent to kill is real. – Sasuke said to Itachi.
- The reason is simple... - Itachi said.
- He's not under his control. – I said still looking at Kabuto.
- Correct. I must hand it to you Itachi. – Kabuto said.
- Sorry, but I hate taking orders. – Itachi said.
- I agree with you there. – Kabuto said.
- You haven't answered all my questions! – Sasuke said.
I sighed... baka.
- Just because you asked doesn't mean you're going to get a reply. – Kabuto said.
- I came here to kill you. – Itachi said.
Sasuke looked at Itachi and so did I.
- Edo Tensei... you got hold of a silly forbidden jutsu. – Itachi stated.
- You see, thanks to this jutsu, you siblings and your pupil get to have a touching reunion. I was hoping for a little gratitude here. – Kabuto said.
I got mad and activated the sharingan.
- I'll give you the gratitude! I should have killed you when I had the chance! – I said mad.
- Edo Tensei can't control the heart. You've desecrated souls that were purified and continue to spread unnecessary sadness and hate. – Itachi said.
- Can you understand the pain felt by the dead who are forced to fight? – Itachi asked.
- The pain of the living is even greater. After finally getting over the grief and sadness... YOUR JUTSU HAS STIRRED THOSE FEELINGS AGAIN! – I said mad.
- I'm a little surprised... that someone who slaughtered the entire Uchiha clan has such tender heart. Does it mean you regret it? If so, I'm not interested. – Kabuto said.
- Say whatever you want. You die here. – Itachi said.
- Sasuke... in short, Itachi and Hotaru are a nuisance to both you and myself. Well... shall we team up and take them down? – Kabuto said.
I narrowed my eyes and looked at Sasuke.
What are you going to choose?
- It seems like you don't know anything do you? I chased them here to talk to Itachi. – Sasuke said.
- Well then... whose side are you on right now? – Kabuto asked Sasuke.
Sasuke suddenly threw shuriken at Kabuto but I attached chakra strings on them and made them fall on the ground.
- Fast as always, Hotaru. – Itachi said.
- WHY?! He's just like Orochimaru! Which means he's my enemy! And right now he's your enemy too, Hotaru! Right?! – Sasuke said and I glared at him.
- We'll talk later. First things first, let's take him down. – Itachi said.
- Don't kill him. – I said coldly to Sasuke.
- The reason Hotaru did that it's because if you kill the caster of the Edo Tensei the jutsu can never be undone. – Itachi explained.
- What do you suggest Itachi-sensei? – I asked and he smirked.
- We'll put him under my Tsukuyomi, then we'll make him tell us how to stop this jutsu. And while he's under the Tsukuyomi, I'll control him and – Itachi said
- You'll break this jutsu. Fine by me. – I said.
- Thanks for the play-by-play. I hope it goes as smoothly as you say. But I told you earlier, this jutsu has neither weaknesses nor risks. – Kabuto said.
- Every jutsu has a weakness. – me and Itachi said in unison.
- This jutsu's weakness and risk is... my existence! – Itachi stated and activated the Mangekyou Sharingan.
I smirked.
- Kurama, ready?
- More than ever!
- Let's do this then!
I activated Kurama's eyes and Mangekyou Sharingan as well.
- You really are my student. – Itachi said proud.
I smirked.
- I've been training, not playing around. – I said.
Then Sasuke came to our side.
- This time... I'm holding you to your promise. – Sasuke said to Itachi.
- Stubborn duckbutt. – I mumbled.
Itachi smirked at my statement.
- They say you take your personality to the grave. Well, I've already died once. I intend to honor it. – Itachi said.
I smirked.
- Heee! Come together to gang up on me? How fun! – Kabuto said and putted his tongue out and some other snakes appeared.
- Disgusting! – I said creeped out.
- Hotaru... get ready. – Itachi said.
- Hai, hai! – I said.
Let's do this!