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Warning: Angst. Language. USUAL. Fluff.

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Interlude – Omniscient – 18

"You want... to play... rock-paper-scissors?" Nao stated, completely surprised by Lee's simple task.

Lee's eyes lit up with glee and he nodded his head furiously. "It was the last task that Gai-sensei and Kakashi performed together before Kakashi left! It seems only fitting."

"O-kay," Nao said, still giving Lee an odd look. She held out her hand, forming it into a fist and Lee mimicked her actions.

"One – two – three!"

Lee and Nao presented their hands – Lee's hand had kept its rock form, while Nao's hand had flatten out. Lee gasped in horror. "I lost?! Then I must perform five hundred push-ups – no! One thousand!"

"Okay," Nao said hesitantly, while Lee sprinted away in a burst of speed. Nao watched him leave for a couple of moments, scratching her cheek sheepishly.

.

. .

. . .

"A summoning?" I asked hesitantly. I was carrying a tray of snacks and I set the tray carefully on the table. Surrounding the table were Papa, Shikaku, Chōza, Kakashi, Yagura and the ANBU Commander. They were the makeshift council, seeing how the real council members were no longer in play (both were discredited with Danzō, apparently) and the Hokage was out of commission. I knew Hizashi, the Hyūga leader, would arrive shortly, along with Tsume and Shibi.

They weren't exactly talking in a private place, so the information wasn't sensitive, which was why I was able to remain there without worry.

"That's right," Papa said, sighing. "Neko called us here because we need to decide how to deal with it. We can't send our Hokage to the summit, but there's not enough time to properly appoint a new one, and we can't afford to seem weak. The Kumo shinobi already have seen the devastation the village has suffered..."

Neko, the ANBU Commander, gave a curt nod. "Which is why I propose we send a publically strong team."

"Forgive me for my tardiness," Hizashi said sharply, taking a seat at the table.

"Given the current state of affairs, I think it's understandable to be a bit late," Kakashi said dryly.

"I suggest sending Hatake Kakashi as representative," Neko proposed. "He's well-known and respected, and the Feudal Lord has expressed interest in his appointment as Hokage."

Kakashi seemed to cringe at that. "Tsunade-sama isn't dead, yet, let's not get ahead of ourselves."

"And while I agree with the fact that Kakashi is a strong shinobi," Hizashi said blandly, "he has little political experience, and this is clearly a political gathering."

Shikaku nodded his head. "You have a point, Hizashi."

Feeling a little like I was eavesdropping, I finished giving everyone their snack and promptly headed away. I had little to say in the matter, so it was moot. Besides, I promised Itachi I wouldn't be away for long.

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"There are things I'd rather leave unsaid, fear of opening a long forgotten wound. There, inside the castle I had built all for myself, it was filled with an emptiness so deep I could drown," I sung softly, the words coming easily to me.

Itachi slowly opened one of his eyes, his obsidian eye resting on me. He was laying on a matt in a secluded section of the medical tent. It was easy to ignore all the other patients, in that little corner it seemed like it was only the two of us. "What song is that?"

"I don't know," I admitted. "I was just thinking about something when it came to me, to be honest."

"Do you know the ending?"

I shook my head, offering a sheepish smile. "No, I'm sorry. I can't seem to remember it at the moment."

"What were you thinking about?"

At that, I hesitated.

"... Obito."

Itachi opened both his eyes at that, looking at me fully. His once relaxed face tightened, and a small frown tugged his lips down. "What do you want to do about him?"

My eyes trailed down and I sighed. "I... I don't... I don't want to tell the others about him. It would destroy Kakashi, Itachi. After this whole fiasco and to find out that Obito was behind it... I don't think Kakashi could handle it. And... and... to be truthful, I'm still not sure... I'm still not sure he really is Obito now."

That was true. I didn't know if he was Obito or not. Did Obito still exist, or was he swallowed up by Tobi and Madara? Did a kind-hearted boy still beat inside that hollowed-man's chest, or was he as dead as Kakashi believed? I didn't know. I didn't understand. How could someone so wonderful grow into something so twisted...?

I didn't want to believe it. I wanted to shut my eyes and shove that memory far away. It was a painful, perpetuating wound that stung and left all sorts of aches. For a man I had idolized to have fallen so far into darkness... it physically hurt. It felt like someone had taken my heart and used it as a pin cushion before dropping it into a pit of dry ice. That kind of betrayal, I knew, would never really leave me. It would be there; a constant reminder that this world was a cruel place.

How many more people must I watch be hurt?

"It would do no one any good at this point," Itachi said softly. "Perhaps it might prepare them... perhaps not. If we tell someone, we have no way of knowing what detrimental consequences it may have. Kakashi might break from this, true. However, on the other hand he might not and will be given time to prepare. It would do us no good, strictly physically strategically, to tell them about Obito. Our past knowledge on him would be detrimental, if not useless, to this current one. We do not even know if he is the real Obito. For all we know, he could be a clone... or a manipulated Edo-Tensei."

I did not feel like that was the case.

In my gut, I knew that Obito and Tobi were the same. I knew it with every fiber of my being.

But did they need to know?

Was it wrong of me to hold my tongue on this information, when I knew it would only hurt? Itachi was right – the only good that could come out of them knowing was mental preparation. However, there was a good chance, if not a higher chance, of it back-firing and causing distress and loss of motivation. It seemed unlikely that Obito would reveal his true identity to anyone on purpose, so perhaps... just perhaps... they could eliminate Obito without anyone finding his identity.

Maybe... maybe after they....

My heart constricted painfully and my stomach dropped. I didn't like this. I really didn't like this. Thinking about eliminating Obito like an enemy. Treating a war hero like a villain. Treating a martyr like a pariah.

.... Maybe after they had taken him down and discovered his identity... it could be assumed he was just an Edo-Tensei. A puppet. Unable to control his actions. In doing so, his sacrifice could be preserved...

But it's a lie.

"What a horrible choice," I mumbled.

"We do not know all the facts," Itachi said softly, firmly. "When we know for certain that this man really is Obito... and that he is in full control of himself... then we should tell them. If we do so sooner, it could cause needless panic and pain, seeing how we have no real proof. Do you... agree?"

"Yes," I answered after a moment of careful thinking. "I think... I think that will do just fine."

I wonder, though... if we're doing the right thing... or if we're doing what's easier?

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"Leaving...?" I echoed, trailing off. I sat next to Naruto on a bench, watching as his clones set to work around the village. The two of us were taking a small break after working for the majority of the day.

Naruto nodded his head, sipping his juice. "Mm-hmm. Kakashi-sensei, Gai and Shikaku are heading to this Summit meeting or whatever. They already left – didn't have time to really say goodbye, I guess?"

"I guess," I said. "Ah, most of our compound has been rebuilt. Do you want to stay with us tonight?"

Naruto beamed at me. "Sure! What time should we head over?"

I looked up at the sky – still blue, but the sun was beginning to dip down. "We can head back in an hour for dinner. If you see Sasuke, invite him, too, please?"

"'Course!" Naruto exclaimed.

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Momma set down the last plate on the huge table. It seemed that our celebrations had yet to end, because the Akimichi, Nara and Yamanaka clans were hosting a giant bbq. Ino had dressed me up with her, and we met the other girls outside of the party. We stood in the trees, and watched over the party, whispering to each other. Or at least most of them. I, along with Hinata, just stared out at the party and watched our friends and family enjoy themselves while our girlfriends talked.

Even the Hyūga clan showed up! Even the Aburame clan appeared, and everyone knew they hated loud, obnoxious parties. Unsurprisingly the Kurama, Yuhkei, Inuzaki and whole other list of clans.

"No, no, no, for once you have to wear your hair out of their buns," Ino argued, folding her arms across her chest. She wore an elegant purple kimono with our clan's flower covering it. Tenten and I wore our summer kimonos – hers was a light, soft baby pink and mine was a vibrant blue. Hinata wore a graceful Hyūga kimono – rich with colorful flowers and a white background.

"No," Tenten said stubbornly. "I'm not letting you dress me up like a doll like you do with Nao!"

Ino pouted. "But it's fun! Right, Nao?"

"I have no comment on the matter."

"Imouto!"

I sighed, exchanging glances with Hinata. Tenten and Ino continued their silly squabble, and I dropped my voice to a whisper. "Do you think we could get away with sneaking away now?"

Hinata giggled, covering her mouth with her hands to smother it. "I don't see why w-we can't try."
"Let's give it a shot," I declared, before I dropped down to the floor. Hinata dropped down beside me and we both looked up at the tree. Ino and Tenten hadn't even noticed. We smiled shyly at each other, before taking each other's hand and walking into the party.

Laughter and shouts of stories filled the air, along with the smell of delicious food. I could hear wolves howling not too far, and the sounds of squealing children. Hinata and I maneuvered through the crowd, neither of us going anywhere in particular, but simply enjoying the atmosphere and company.

"Y-Yagura told me what you did," I said, moving closer to her so I could drop my voice so only she could hear.

Hinata blushed. "I-I, um..."

"Thank you."

Hinata blinked in surprise at me.

I smiled at her. "Naruto is a precious friend of mine, and Yagura a precious teacher. Thank you for risking your life for them. Um... if you don't mind... do you think you could help me take pictures of tonight?"

"Pictures?"

I rummaged through my small purse before producing two disposable cameras. Hinata's eyes lit up with understanding. "Oh. I see."

"Itachi won't be able to make it, and I thought these pictures would help," I explained, "and I know Nee-chan will want some pictures for her albums."

Hinata gently took one of the cameras, smiling serenely. "I would be glad to help."

"Imouto, there you are!" Ino exclaimed, flickering to my side and huffing at me. "I can't believe you left me behind."

Tenten landed beside Hinata, slinging an arm around her shoulders. "Probably because we were boring them. Enough about that silly squabble, though, let's enjoy this party, ne?"

"Mn!" we all agreed.

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We had split up after a while – perhaps some hours or so ago – and I maneuvered through the long hallway in our home. A bottle of sake was in one hand, and a juice in the other. At the end of the hallway, I held out the bottle of sake and Papa took it gladly. He kissed the top of my head right afterwards. "Thanks, pet."

"Happy to help, Papa," I said leaning on his side. Anko and Ibiki, the two people Papa were talking to, both offered me faint smiles – okay, Anko's smile was more of a leer. "Momma wanted me to tell you that she was with Noshiro and is going to set up fireworks at midnight."

"Alright!" Anko exclaimed, fist-pumping. "Does she want any help, kiddo?"

"Um, I don't think she'd decline any help," I said quietly. Anko's leer widened into a wicked grin.

"Excellent. Later, girlies!" Anko cackled, taking off into the night. Ibiki snorted and Papa rolled his eyes.

Papa said, "It'll be a while longer until midnight. Hizashi and I were going to get a game of poker going. Would either of you care to join us?"

Ibiki smirked. "You know I'm not one to back down from a challenge, Inoichi."

"N-No thanks, Papa," I said, scratching my cheek sheepishly. "I'll see if I can get others to join, though."

"Thanks, pet. We'll set it up on the roof in about five minutes."

"Okay."

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I was on my way back up to the roof, walking swiftly through the hallway. The game had gotten so large, they had to add a couple more decks into it and change it into bullshit, no longer poker. To say the least, it was an interesting turn and there were many laughs and accusations of cheating – nothing major, mind you, and all in good-nature.

I had gone back downstairs to use the restroom, but I was hurrying back up.

The fireworks would be starting soon.

As I walked quickly, I found a mirror resting at the edge of the hallway – likely placed there as there was nowhere else for it at the moment.

I stopped.

My only visible eye drifted over to the bang-covered eye. My pale hand lifted up and brushed back the dull blonde hair and tucked it behind my ear.

I stared at my reflection.

Not of her. Not of them or of it. Of me.

Just me.

I recalled my words to it... How I told her that this was my life, regardless of the mistakes I had made. I would rather be here, in this actual reality, than in that happy make believe it had created. I told it that, and I meant what I said.

It made me think of what she had said to me before she left me. She told me to be proud of my life and what I had done. She said not to regret my actions, nor her own. I didn't regret her leaving - she had finally made peace with her own life and was ready to move on and out of my head. But, at the time, I wasn't sure if I regretted my actions.

I remembered how Sai's words had stung me, all those weeks ago. I remembered how I had felt so ashamed of my appearance - of my mistakes - that I had shied away from him and the others. It seemed so silly now, that shyness I held.

My eye would never be okay again - I would always only see out of one eye, but did I regret that? No. Not anymore. Why? Because I realized, somehow, that I would not change the outcome. I protected my teammate, and while it cost me my eye, it spared him some pain. I couldn't change that outcome, I wouldn't want to. Because I lost my eye, I found new motivation to grow and become stronger - I trained harder and for longer hours to make up for the handicap and in the process I found self-discipline.

The mistake defined me - it spurred me on. I gained the Curse Mark, but in exchange I learned fūinjutsu. I wouldn't have bothered with the arts if not out of necessity, but it was still a defining mistake.

I trembled and shook in the sea, too terrified to even move. In doing so, I found out that I could rely on others - that it was okay to have moments of weakness, so long as I faced them, and I did not let them control me.

I was captured by the Sound Four, but that only made me want to grow stronger. To learn and train and fight until I could hold my own against the world. Until I could stand on equal footing with my comrades and know that I had the power to help them.

Each mistake I had made in my life changed me - for better or worse, I could not decide.

But it made me who I was today.

I couldn't regret who I was today... because... I liked who I was today. I saw this girl in the mirror, and I knew she wasn't her, or it, or them... she was me. She was what I had become. She was the product of my achievements, my experiences and yes... my mistakes.

She wasn't fake.

She was reality - my reality.

I liked that. I especially liked the thought that... she wasn't done growing, yet. There was still life out there, still possibilities of her changing, of new things defining her.

It was an attractive idea.

I knew I would always be shy. I would always hesitate when it came to social choices, but I was okay with that.

It was who I was.

And I liked who I was.

Above me, I could hear the first of the fireworks explode and the sounds of warm laughter.

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Interlude – Nao's POV – 18

I pulled out the brush from the soapy, warm water and placed it on the wooden walkway. Beside me, I could hear three other brushes being pulled out of buckets and being placed on the long wooden walkway.

To my left was Ino, squatting down and grinning at me. To my right was Tenten, in the same position and Hinata beside her, smiling softly.

"You ready girls?" Ino asked. "Operation: Clean Sasuke's home is a go!"

"I-It's Naruto-kun's home, too," Hinata pointed out.

"Fine. Operation: Clean Team 7's home is a go!"

I giggled. "Someone's got to keep this place in shape while they're gone. Thanks for helping me out, girls."

"No problem-o," Tenten said. "The sooner we get this place cleaned up, the sooner we can have another party!"

"Is that all you care about?" Ino teased. "Partying?"

"You know it!"

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Just more fluff in prepeartion for the heavy angst in the final chapters. So much angst. You guys are gonna hate me for it. I just know it. Thankfully, I am preparing myself a nice flame-shield wall to hide behind. Midnighter67 made me cute fanart. Link is definitely on profile, or ya can check out their dA gallery or my favorites.

Answer: Madara, Deadpool and Nagash. Nagash would win, as he's able to just make little mini pocket dimensions and deposit both in there. And he's able to rip souls from bodies, so I think that would kill Deadpool. Unless Madara got the drop on him, then maybe Madara would win. Maybe.

Question: Favorite cartoon when you were little?

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Next chapter will be the first war chapter.

Down to the last few chapters of the stories, ya'll...

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