All right guys, this is the last chapter before Shippuden! Hope you enjoy! 

Ko felt like she was suffocating. Her blood burned as she tossed and turned in her bed only able to see darkness. She was breathing heavily as she tossed the covers off her body trying to cool down. She tried to calm herself when a small voice echoed through her ears. She couldn't sense anyone in her room but she could've sworn it was coming from the door. She activated her eyes looking for the intruder but didn't see anyone.

Her eyes scanned the hideout unable to see Orochimaru, Kabuto, nor Sasuke. The prisoners were gone also which made her panic.

"Did they leave me here?" She thought still looking for any sign of life. "Wait, where did that voice come from then?"

She heard it once more but further this time as if it was down the hall. Surprisingly, she felt better than the day before and was able to get up from the bed without the pain crippling her. She rose to her feet catching herself before she fell onto the floor. Ko gained the strength to walk out of her room once again greeted by darkness. There was another whisper to her left but still low enough that she couldn't hear what it was saying.

The hideout was still bare as she continued down the hall which made her start to panic. Something was definitely wrong, she could feel it in the pit of her stomach but she had to continue following the voice despite her fears. Ko took out a kunai as she opened a door but nothing was inside.

"Closer," the voice whispered in her ear making a shiver run up her spine.

Ko quickly turned around slashing the source, but she only slashed the air. She deactivated her eyes saving chakra.

"Come," it whispered again but further down the hall.

"What is happening?" Ko wondered as she followed the voice again.

She kept walking and walking trying to find someone but the voice hasn't spoken in a while. Ko stood still listening for it but could only hear something dripping. Ko's curiosity made her follow the dripping noise leading her into a room. She stepped into the room looking around spotting a dark figure in the right hand corner. She activated her Subete Miru trying to see who it was but of course she didn't see anyone so she drew a kunai getting into a defensive position.

"Show yourself!" She demanded.

Suddenly, a torch lit revealing Sasuke wearing the clothes he wore back in the village. He stepped forward getting closer to Ko making her move her right leg back.

"Were you the one whispering?" She questioned putting the kunai away.

"No," he answered with no emotion.

"Then who was it? Didn't you hear it?" She questioned not knowing what was happening.

Sasuke only stared at her not even blinking. "We're the only ones here Ko."

"How come I can't see you with my eyes? I can't see anything."

"We're the same Ko," he said ignoring her question.

"W-What?" She stuttered.

He caught her off guard with his response. He stepped forward again standing in front of her putting his hands on her shoulders keeping her in place.

"Our Father's treat us the same; like we're a disappointment."

Ko's heart dropped hearing the word disappointment. "B-but I'm not a disappointment. He's just hard on me so that I succeed."

"He puts everyone before you...but I won't."

"Because they need more help," She registered what he just said making her look up at him with a shocked expression. "Wait w-what did you say?"

"I would put you first, not last." He repeated getting closer.

Ko tried to step back but her back hit the wall trapping her. "Get away from me, you're too close." She warned.

"I'm not close enough Ko," he said inches away from her face.

Ko turned her head trying to suppress the blush forming on her face. Sasuke wrapped his arms around her waist bringing his face closer but suddenly disappeared.

"What the?" She questioned looking around. "Where did he go?" The fire on the torch blew out leaving her in the dark once more.

"Come closer,"

Ko whipped around looking for the voice she heard behind her but could only see the wall.

"Wasn't my back just against that wall?"

She heard it again only outside the door making her fling it open. She followed it down the hall leading her to a room she didn't recognize. She opened the door greeted once again by darkness. She heard it again on the other side of the room making her walk inside but it slammed shut behind her making her turn around trying to pry it open. She tried all she could, but it wouldn't budge.

"This door doesn't even have a lock! None of them do except for Father's lab and office."

Suddenly, something grabbed her waist dragging her to the middle of the room making her scream. She tried to fight back but she was frozen in place.

"Hello again my dear," she heard a familiar voice say right in her ear.

Ko's eyes widened with shock and fear.

"No, it can't be."

"Did you miss me? It seems I left quite a mark on you darling, I can just smell the fear radiating off you. Now, why don't we continue where we left off before that nuisance barged in a ruined our fun."

Ko felt many hands roaming her body making her cry for help. She tried to see anything with her eyes but of course nothing. Someone held her hands together as the hands continued and all she could do was cry. It felt as if water appeared around her ankles then she slowly started to sink into it. She cried for help once more but there was no one to come to her rescue this time. Just as her head was about to go in, she held her breath. It wasn't long before she needed air which made her gasp. She was ready to reexperience drowning once more but she didn't suffocate like in the chuunin exams.

Two figures appeared before her but she was only able to see one, Airi Akimoto. She looked exactly the same as she did before her death but the image of her death still haunted Ko. She was smiling like a mad man when her eyes met Ko's as if she lost all her sanity. Airi didn't say anything but looked over at the figure next to her who finally revealed themselves.

"Kimmimaro? Were you the one calling me?" She questioned looking next to him not seeing Airi anywhere.

"We're the same now Ko." He said with a blank expression.

"What are you talking about?"

"We are one, but, I'll be taking your body."

Ko was shocked once more. Her and Kimimaro never had a close relationship in the past but she never expected those words to ever come from his mouth. He came closer to her making Ko try to get away but he grabbed her wrist. She screamed begging for her life when he started to absorb her.

"Please stop! I don't want to die yet!" She screamed as she was inches away from his face before stopping.

"You'd do it if Orochimaru was the one absorbing your body."

"That's different!"

"How? He wants your power and so do I. He wants my body as well which he will accept anyway."

"But I'm not ready!" She screamed as she continued to get absorbed only to meet darkness once more.

Ko shot up from her bed in a cold sweat heavily panting. She looked around frantically seeing she was back in her room which made her calm down.

"It was only a dream," she sighed in relief.

She stretched her limbs only feeling the burning sensation at the injection site thankfully but was sore. She still felt hot though as if she had a fever but anything was better than feeling like she was on fire. She looked over at the clock reading three twenty.

"Three in the morning or afternoon?" She wondered.

She leaned back against the wall thinking about the dream she had replying it in her head. It started to get a bit fuzzy but remembered the part with Sasuke and Kimmimaro. She started to blush thinking about what Sasuke almost did in her dream.

"Ugh, I spend too much time with Sasuke." She thought as a look of disgust showed on her face.

She activated her Subete Miru to calm her nerves. She sighed in the relief when she was able to see everyone in the base. Her attention turned to Kabuto's room when she saw movement.

"What is he doing up this early?" She thought watching him open his door and walking down the hallway.

Ko got up from her bed and swung her legs over the bed only to feel fatigued and dizzy. She placed her hand on her head until the room stopped spinning.

"Must've gotten up too fast but why do I feel so weak? It feels like my chakra is gone."

She managed to walk out of her room following Kabuto once she got use to the weakness she was feeling. She followed him through the forest curious about where he was going so late. Ko could see a figure in the distance waiting in a clearing. She masked her chakra waiting for them to meet and have a conversation.

Once she saw Kabuto was about to leave, she approached the two getting a kunai ready. Despite feeling weak, she still could rely on her eyes and reflexes. She could see a puppet hunched over about to reach for kunai which she easily deflected once he threw them. Kabuto looked over at Ko with a shocked expression as she walked closer.

"It really is you Master Sasori." She greeted bowing in respect.

"Do you know this brat?" He questioned turning towards Kabuto.

"She's one of Orochimaru's subordinates,"

"Why am I not aware of this?!" His deep voice shouted with anger.

"She's been away on a mission for years; we thought she died." Kabuto explained looking at Ko who had stars in her eyes.

Sasori looked back at Ko staring at her glowing red eyes then at her pale white skin. Her eyes intrigued him knowing he has heard of them before. He went to lift his tail about to stab her but stopped just a few inches away from her face. The way she stood still unmoving not even flinching intrigued him, it was as if she knew he wouldn't strike her.

"How do you know she won't tell Orochimaru of this encounter?" He questioned.

"This is my dream right now Master Sasori, it's an honor being in your presence. I won't tell a soul."

Sasori looked between Ko and Kabuto before grunting and turning away.

"Very well, but if you betray me. It won't be pleasant." He warned before trudging away.

"What are you doing here Ko?!" Kabuto said in a scolding voice.

"I saw you leaving and wanted to know why....So you're a spy for the Akatsuki? I knew my feeling about you was right when we first met. You should tell Orochimaru of your betrayal...if he doesn't know already."

"How did you manage getting here in your condition?" Kabuto asked ignoring her.

"What do you mean? I feel fine, just a little weak." She said losing her balance but was steadied by Kabuto.

"Ko, you've been out for a week." He told her which made her eyes widen.

"A week? I guess that explains why I don't feel like I'm on fire."

"Let's get back to the base so I can check you over." He said supporting her as they started to walk.

Once they reached the base, Kabuto led her to his room setting her on the bed. His hands glowed green and examined her.

"Seems like the infusion was successful but your chakra is a little off."

"What do you mean?" She questioned trying to hide her concern.

"It keeps fluctuating, try to get some rest and I'll be back in the morning." He said heading towards the door.

"But," she started but he already closed the door. "I just woke up."

Ko was half asleep when a knock on her door jerked her awake followed by the door opening. She wiped her eyes seeing Orochimaru standing before her bed; her heartbeat quickened as fear took over.

"Get up and have breakfast then meet me in the training room." He ordered before turning around exiting as quickly as he came.

Ko stretched feeling a little better but hated that she hardly slept. She got ready putting on her ninja outfit, a red top with a black vest with matching black shorts and sandals. She patted her back making sure she had her sword. She suspected Kabuto told Orochimaru of her awakening and wants her to train with Sasuke. She settled on oatmeal quickly finishing it then headed to the training room.

"You wanted to see me My Lord?" She greeted as soon as she opened the door before closing it.

"I want to see if the experiment was a success," he told her.

She glanced at Sasuke feeling nervous but he was staring into space with an apathetic expression. She remembered her dream feeling a blush run to her face but tried to suppress it.

"How do I do it?" Ko questioned.

"Try focusing on your bones. Envision them exiting your palm." He instructed.

She looked at him then back at her hand. She held out her arm thinking of nothing except her radius exiting her palm. It was a few minutes before she started to feel pain in her palm making her hiss. Ko clutched her hand looking at her palm seeing a red mark on the right side of her palm. She repeated the steps but this time pushed through the pain which started to get worse with each passing second.

Ko looked over at Orochimaru seeing the hunger in his eyes as he watched a bone slowly emerge from her palm. The pain was worse than when she was injected with the serum but she had to push through if she was going to use this technique. With a scream, the bone finally dislodged from her palm able to use it as a sword.

"Excellent, it worked." Orochimaru said with a smirk.

"But Lord Orochimaru, it's painful to produce." Ko informed hoping he'd have a cure for it.

"Push through it Ko, as a ninja you need to be tolerable to pain. How are you feeling? Have enough energy for traveling?" He questioned making Ko turn her head in confusion.

"I feel fine now," she answered.

"Good, go pack your things, we're leaving at dusk." He informed her heading towards the door.

"Lord Orochimaru, why so soon?"

"You've been out for a week, we've had this planned for days." He snapped making her take a step back and look at the ground.

"Where are we going?" She questioned pushing her emotions down not wanting them to interfere.

"The Northern Hideout but we need to make a stop at the Sound Village." He told her then shut the door.

Ko held out her hand examining her palm seeing it completely red. She wished it wasn't so painful to perform but she knew it was only because her body wasn't made for the ability much like why Kakashi's body gives out after using too much of the Sharingan. Ko heard Sasuke walking out the door as well but turned to glance at her but only for a second before exiting. She sighed following their lead heading back to her room packing her belongings once again.

Dusk finally arrived and the four left right away. Ko didn't understand why they had to go back to the sound base even though it was already destroyed thanks to their former comrades. She was thankful that they didn't. run into anyone during their journey to the next base. As they traveled, she hardly saw anyone in their path which disappointed Sasuke who was itching for a fight. They reached the Village by the next morning standing on a hill looking over it.

"Stay here and rest," Orochimaru ordered, "I'll be back shortly."

Ko and Kabuto sat down in the grass while Sasuke leaned up against a tree. It was silent between the three but none of them minded. Ko continued to look down at the village looking like they didn't notice Orochimaru was gone; it still looked rundown. She turned her head when she sensed Orochimaru approaching and stood up.

"Ko, Sasuke," he called. "I have no use for this village, destroy it for me." He ordered waving his hand towards the Village.

Ko couldn't believe what he just said, she didn't want to destroy her home. She looked down at the village seeing the people walking in the streets. There were families down there, innocent ones. Then she took a closer look at them. There were so many who didn't look happy, most were thin trying to bargin for a cheaper price. The shinobi that walked around didn't bat an eye as they passed by.

"Why should I care? I don't know these people and if I don't kill them, I'll be the one who's killed. If I don't do it then Father will do it. I've only lived here for two years then a few months when I came back. This isn't my home...I've only been in this village four times in my life and the rest was spent in the hideout. They're all test subjects anyway."

"No thanks, I'm not killing anyone." Sasuke spoke up.

"You will,"

"Lord Orochimaru, if I may. I will destroy the village, I know Sasuke wants Itachi to be his first kill." She said bowing to him before standing up and facing Sasuke. "You can help by trying out our new technique to keep these people in."

Orochimaru looked at Ko then towards the village. "Very well, make it fast."

Ko nodded then sprinted towards the village with Sasuke in toe. It didn't take long for them to reach the entrance. They both jumped in the air weaving hand signs.

"Fire/wind style: Fire whirlwind vortex!" They shouted simultaneously.

Sasuke shot fire from his mouth while Ko used her hands to manipulate the wind directing the fire around the village making it impossible to escape for the civilians. The shinobi wouldn't leave the village if they were honorable enough to stay which was Orochimaru's orders before they abandoned the Sound. She could hear the screams of the villagers as she started to land. Once she landed, she left Sasuke and jumped over the flames.

As she ran, she drew her sword when she saw the panicked villagers. Before they could see her, she had already slit their throats. She started to feel bad but killing them instantly made her feel a bit better knowing they didn't suffer and won't have to suffer anymore. One by one she killed each subject she passed until Akira stood in her way.

"What are you doing?! Why are you destroying your home?!" She questioned with an angered expression as she held her kunai.

"This isn't my home and it never was. This village is of no use to Orochimaru and must be destroyed." Ko responded with a blank expression.

Akira lunged towards her but Ko easily side stepped. She threw her elbow down on her back as hard as she could making Akira fall to the ground.

"Pathetic," Ko spat lifting her sword.

Akira managed to roll away from Ko's sword quickly getting to her feet. Ko rolled her eyes starting to get impatient. Three more shinobi appeared not hesitating to attack her. She activated her Subete Miru easily dodging their attacks.

"Is this really what you have learned? No wonder Lord Orochimaru sends you on suicide missions; you're worthless shinobi."

Ko wasn't in the mood to play with her enemies; she just wanted to go to the next base already. She started to weaved hand signs with a smirk forming on her lips.

"Earth Style: Rock thorn bed jutsu!" She shouted then slammed her hand to the ground.

The earth began to shake making the Sound ninja look down with panic showing in their eyes. Spikes emerged flooding the area killing the shinobi and civilians within seconds. She stopped the jutsu the proceeded with the merciless killings of the village. The smell of blood was all she could smell around her as she looked at the bloodied bodies sprawled out on the ground and the blood that covered her own.

The flames surrounded her as it burned the village to the ground. She didn't see any more living bodies in the area so she jumped above the flames returning to Orochimaru and the others.

"All civilians and shinobi have been eliminated," Ko said bowing in front of Orochimaru.

"Excellent job, and only within ten minutes." He praised.

Ko's heart fluttered with joy hearing his compliment and tried to suppress her smile. "I understand why you wanted it destroyed, they were nothing but weaklings." She responded.

"Let's keep going, we'll arrive there within a few hours." Orochimaru said as he turned away.

Before following, Ko met Sasuke's stare but he quickly looked away and followed Orochimaru. Ko was the last to follow, she had to give one last look at the village she destroyed...the lives she had ended. The journey to the next hideout was just a blur to Ko, her mind had been elsewhere for the whole trip. They reached the shore seeing a rock formation in the distance.

"The hideout is in that formation just on the other side." Orochimaru told them.

They nodded and started to run on the water heading towards the other side of the rocks. At first glance it didn't look like much but once they were on the other side, a huge building was there as if it were a house. They walked into the cold and damp hideout hearing the moans and groans of the prisoners that were spread out through the halls blocked by chakra cells. Footsteps were heard approaching them, Ko and Sasuke were on guard while Kabuto and Orochimaru were calm.

"Lord Orochimaru," a man said as he approached then bowed. "It is an honor to see you again."

When he finished bowing, Ko got a good look at him. His light green eyes held fear as he looked at Orochimaru and nervously brushed his long brown hair out of them. He looked pretty old to Ko, he had to be older than her Father. Before he could say another word, Orochimaru stabbed him. He looked up at Orochimaru as he coughed up blood.

"W-why?" He gasped.

"Because you betrayed me...I know you gave out this location to a nearby shinobi village." Orochimaru scoffed as he pulled the sword from him watching his body fall to the ground.

Orochimaru walked pass the man as if he wasn't there and continued to lead them down the halls to an isolated cell. He didn't open the cell but stood before it peering in the barred windows only to hear a grunt and banging against the door.

"Hello Jugo, how have you been since I last saw you?" He questioned casually as if he cared.

A growl was heard on the other side of the door. Ko looked over at Sasuke seeing him move a bit trying to get a good look at Jugo. Ko knew all too well who Jugo was and didn't want to be near the unpredictable man.

"Doesn't sound good, hm well this won't make you feel any better then. I'm afraid that your friend Kimimaro has perished."

It was silent for a few seconds until an angry yell came from the cells followed by many bangs. Ko felt a bit sorry for Jugo knowing Kimimaro was the only person he was actually calm around.

"His death wasn't in vain my dear Jugo," he motioned for Sasuke to stand at his side. "He brought me my prized pupil Sasuke."

It was silent once more before Jugo approached the window. His orange eyes narrowed at Sasuke then quickly landed on Ko with recognition in his eyes.

"S-sasuke....yes...Kimimaro spoke of him." He said as his voice started to get less aggressive, but he continued to stare at Ko. "K-ko" he started, "I remember."

Ko walked forward as Sasuke moved away giving her room. "Yes Jugo, I was with Kimimaro when we brought you to Lord Orochimaru."

Orochimaru looked down at Ko then back up at Jugo.

"Jugo, Ko will be in charge of you for the time being." He said making Ko's head turn towards him. "She is in charge of the hideout now...you will have a familiar face taking care of you."

Jugo nodded then turned around going back to the other side of his cell.

"Lord Orochimaru, what do you mean by I'm staying here?" Ko questioned hoping it was only a joke but she knew with Orochimaru, he never kids.

"You heard me," he said turning away and proceeded to walk back to the entrance. "You will be guarding the hideout while I'm away. The previous guard was the one that is dying up ahead. I need someone who I can trust and can defend this hideout; you are the perfect person." He explained which made Ko happy that he trusted her with this responsibility but was sad knowing he is abandoning her once again. Ko inwardly sighed knowing it was an offer she couldn't refuse.

"What about my training?" She questioned.

"The destruction of the Sound was proof that you no longer need my assistance, I don't believe you needed my instruction to begin with."

"I accept this mission," she stated staring up at her Father.

"Excellent, I will be back with a replacement when I'm heading this way again." He said as he stepped over the now dead body on the ground. "These prisoners are test subjects of the cursed seal, do not let your guard down. I will communicate with you by using our snake summoning." He opened the door letting Kabuto and Sasuke step out. "Farewell, we'll be in touch." He said before closing the door.

She ran down the halls up the stairs where she had seen windows before. When she got to the window, she watched as the three figures run further and further away until they disappeared. Ko didn't know how to feel except for numb, she wasn't sure how long she will be there but she hoped not for long.

Once she couldn't see their figures anymore, she slowly turned aroundobserving the concrete walls and floor. All she could hear was the groans ofthe prisoners and water dripping. A small cry escaped her lips as they began toquiver. Despite the many prisoners in the building, she never had felt soalone.

Edited: 2/18/2021