Sorry about the wait guys, been busy. I feel like this chapter sucked but I was running out of ideas so hopefully the next one will be better.

Months have passed since I woke up and training has been brutal. Father has not been easy on me despite not training me himself. He would always instruct me or have Sasuke and Kabuto fight me which I didn't mind; I know he needs to rest. Ever since my nerves have healed, I have been training constantly wanting to get stronger and I have seen improvements. The training weights have been a pain but I always got use to the new weights after a few days. Despite what I said in my coma state, I did need someone to train with me. That was a mistake I will never make again. I couldn't get stronger by myself, I needed someone with experience and more knowledge than me.

I myself have changed, I thought being isolated had changed me back at the Northern Hideout but it only kept me sheltered from the pain of disappointing Father. Ever since I realized that no one else's opinion mattered, my spirit became strong along with my will. I hardly felt saddened by Father's criticisms or even happy from his praises for they didn't matter anymore. I had to make my own path but I still haven't figured out what it is yet.

As of now I was training with Kabuto and Sasuke with Father on the sidelines. Kabuto and his clone ran at me with their chakra scalpel while Sasuke and his own clone came at me with their swords. I took out my own as I saw what they were going to do next. Both Sasuke's were about to swing their sword towards my torso and legs while one Kabuto was about to attack my arms and the other was going for my legs also. Kabuto and Sasuke both didn't have a knack for teamwork which I took advantage of.

I easily jumped out of the way but Sasuke jumped onto his clone's back and swung his sword at me which I blocked. When I landed, Kabuto lunged towards me trying to hit one of my chakra points but I grabbed his arm and threw him at his clone who jumped out of the way. These training weights were still a little heavy but I still managed to dodge their attacks one after another receiving no damage. Taijutsu was starting to become simple for me and I couldn't wait to take these weights off to test my improved speed but Father ordered me to keep adding more and more weights until he believes my speed will be perfect. I was at forty pounds on each limb which was starting to feel like nothing.

I sent a kunai towards Sasuke's clone then sent another slightly to the upper right where he moved to dodge but was hit in the chest with the second one. Both Kabuto's ran towards me still having their chakra scalpel activated. Speed and taijutsu weren't his strong suit so I was going to take advantage of it. I put my sword away and ran towards Kabuto and his clone. A look of surprise flashed across his face. Usually, no one heads straight towards a shinobi with their hand glowing, especially Kabuto.

He held out his arm ready to attack but I side stepped grabbing his hand and hitting a chakra point in his hand dispelling his chakra scalpel. I raised my foot kicking him away as his clone ran towards me. I swiftly pulled out a kunai stabbing it in the chest making it disappear. Sasuke was behind me weaving hand signs sending his chidori stream towards me. He wasn't aiming for a vital point so I decided to test how strong Needle Jizo is. I made the proper hand signs making my spiked hair descend to cover my body as his lightning came closer. At first, I thought it was working but after he put some more pressure on his jutsu, it started to break through going into my arm.

I dispelled the jutsu and clutched my now injured arm. Kabuto and Sasuke ran towards me so I made two seals and looked straight at Kabuto. He easily fell for my genjutsu and started to attack Sasuke thinking he was me. Sasuke looked irritated and tried to dispel my genjutsu but Kabuto wasn't giving him a chance. I watched as Sasuke dodged Kabuto's attacks avoiding the chakra scalpel he had on his other hand.

"That's enough for today," Father spoke up which made me dispel my hold on Kabuto.

Kabuto looked around with a confused expression but soon realized he was in my genjutsu. I was thankful Father gave me books to read and they have taught me a lot. How to find chakra points in the body, genjutsu, and fighting strategies. I looked over at Father seeing him pant heavily most likely wanting to go back to bed and rest.

"You need to work on ending it quickly if you want to get out alive." Father said turning towards me. "Your Needle Jizo defense needs more work, Jiraiya was able to block any attack with it." He criticized but I felt nothing.

Kabuto walked over to Father most likely to assist him if he needed help. I turned to leave with Sasuke surprisingly in toe.

"How is your arm?" He questioned once we were in the hall.

I looked down at it seeing the singed skin showing through the hole in my shirt. I honestly forgot about it since I hardly felt the pain.

"Hardly noticed," I answered looking straight ahead.

I decided to make a quick snack before going back to training. I sent chakra to my hand then put it over my wound healing it since it was still bleeding. We entered the kitchen just as I finished healing my wound and I headed over to the cabinet taking out instant ramen. Sasuke was still with me so I took out another for him knowing he hasn't eaten all day also. I stuffed both into the microwave and sat at the table waiting for it to heat up. I started to understand why Naruto hated the three minutes you have to wait; it was pretty boring just staring at the cup spinning around.

I looked over at Sasuke watching him fiddle with his sword. Father was getting worse by the day meaning it was almost time to choose a vessel. It was either me or Sasuke but I'm guessing it will be Sasuke. It did bother me but I've come to realize that Father is immortal and will need me eventually; I can wait. Sasuke is strong, probably stronger than me right now so he'd be the perfect choice. I'll have plenty of time to train and maybe, figure out my purpose. There had to be another reason why I was born.

The beeping of the microwave tore me from my thoughts. I grabbed two forks before getting the hot cups then placed one for Sasuke and sat down with mine. We ate in silence but I turned my attention to the door seeing Guren and a young boy walking in.

"Who's the kid?" I questioned raising a brow.

She turned her attention to us then glared at Sasuke but bowed when she saw me. She must know who I am to Father. I've heard from Kabuto about her disapproval towards all of Father's followers believing she was the most loyal so I expected a glare also.

"Yukimaru," She answered. "Lord Orochimaru is sending me on a mission with him." She finished while rummaging through the cabinets for something to eat.

"What is the mission?" I questioned eying the young boy. I remembered seeing him downstairs with the rest of the prisoners but he was treated much better than them.

"The kid here has a connection with the three tailed beast. We have to get rid of it before the Akatsuki gets their hands on it."

I was surprised that Father trusted her with such a mission; possibly going up against the Akatsuki alone with a little kid. Just by looking at him I could tell he wasn't well.

"There's soup in the cabinet above the fridge," I suggested which she immediately went for. "Did Lord Orochimaru warn you about the Leaf Shinobi?" I questioned which made Sasuke's jaw clench.

"He mentioned it but I don't think they'll be a problem."

"Don't underestimate them Guren, despite your crystal release, it won't help you if you're outnumbered."

"I'll keep that in mind,"

I finished my ramen and headed back towards the training room. The past me would've been upset that I wasn't sent on that mission but maybe Father sent her hoping she would be killed. The child interested me making me wonder how he was connected to the three tails and how he was able to control it. Must be why he is so sick, the beast must be the reason. I was close to the training room but stopped in front of the door.

"Maybe I should practice my ninjutsu, it's been a while." I thought as I turned away heading for the exit.

Father had taught me some of his escape jutsu which will most likely save my life when in a pinch; hopefully that moment will never come again.

~Time skip~

"Lord Orochimaru wishes to see you," Kabuto said from behind me just as I finished training.

I looked behind me watching as he approached.

"Did he say why?" I questioned turning towards him.

"Just a mission is all," he answered.

"Very well," I sighed hoping this mission wouldn't take long.

When I reached Father's room, I would be lying if I said I wasn't shocked. He was panting heavily with sweat beading down his face looking deathly ill; even the room smelt of death. I kept my composure and walked towards his bed.

"Kabuto said you wanted to see me?"

"Yes," he answered with a pained tone. "The Akatsuki are on the move," he panted again, "I need you to track them," another pant, "and dispose of them."

"Of course, My Lord," I bowed.

"There's a map," pant, "on the dresser. Leave as soon as possible, you're dismissed."

I bowed once more and grabbed the map before heading towards my room. I couldn't help but feel worried for Father.

"Don't worry Ko, he'll be fine...by the time you get back he'll probably have already taken Sasuke's body." I thought to myself.

Once I reached my room, I packed Sinju along with various weapons including my new twin swords. I figured after my last battle, having two swords would be a great skill to have and would be easier to take care of the Akatsuki members. I opened the map seeing that Father circled the area the Akatsuki was last sighted which was in the Lightning county.

"Great, all the way across the world." I thought not looking forward to this long journey.

There was another area that was circled labeled Akatsuki base. The area was big so Father must not remember exactly where it was. If they captured the tailed beast, then they must be nearby. They were last spotted there two days ago which means they must be almost finished with extracting the beast. I hoped that they would be easy to track but I doubt it. I put the map in my weapons pouch then threw on my bag.

I took haste immediately running as soon as I exited the base; I didn't want to waste any time. The journey would take almost four days if I don't run into any trouble, but I always manage to. I had to hurry through the rest of the Earth Country since there was hardly any cover so I would be easily spotted. I was a bit concerned about going East since the Village was located that way which would mean I'd come across a few ninja sooner or later.

Hours had passed since I left and thankfully, I was out of the Earth Country getting close to the Village Hidden in the Waterfalls. I didn't plan on going anywhere near that village but it wasn't as populated so it might be a good place to stop for food and hopefully they'll have more information.

Once I neared the Water Fall Village, I used my transformation jutsu to make my skin darker, change my eyes to green, and covered my scar. It would've taken a while to reach this village without my eyes activated. I had to swim to find an underwater cave followed by a genjutsu making it hard to find the one with the village behind it. To my surprise, there was a huge tree in the middle of it. I deactivated my eyes looking at its beauty along with the lights from the houses and shops below. I was always told this village was near extinction since the last war but it looks like everyone was wrong.

I approached the village through the vast forest getting my fake traveling passport out. There was a single guard at the gate who seemed bored like the guards at the Leaf. I shook my head getting that memory out of my head.

"Why do I always compare everything with the Leaf? Everyone there is dead to me." I thought as I flashed my passport.

I walked around the village wishing I had my eyes activated to find my way. This place would be the perfect place for anyone to hide. There are so many people no one would notice an outsider. Everyone looked pretty happy and friendly; I haven't even seen a shinobi yet. I turned a corner seeing a large building ahead of me looking like an academy. As I neared, I looked through a window seeing children in their seats but on the board, there was nothing about anything shinobi.

"Must be a normal school," I thought as I continued to walk through the village.

I reached into my weapons pouch pulling out my bag of money which was feeling pretty light. Being on the run and having a bounty over my head makes it hard to get money; it makes me wonder how Father pays for everything in each base. I saw a bar in the distance hoping there would be a sucker to steal from and when I walked in, I immediately spotted one. I sat at the bar eyeing the man at the booth across from me. The man wore fancy clothes with expensive jewelry on each arm which were draped around two women.

The bartender started to approach me most likely wondering if I was old enough to drink; I wasn't. I caught his eye casting a genjutsu on him making me look much older. His puzzled look soon turned into a smile as he got closer.

"Hello Ma'am, what can I get for you?" He questioned.

"I'll have a dry martini hon," I replied with a smile. "And I'd like to buy a drink for the man at the booth over there."

"Will do,"

I scanned the bar not sensing any shinobi nearby so I turned my attention back to the man. One of the women left leaving only one. He reached into his pocket pulling out a hefty money bag showing it off to the girl. He looked away from the girl and over to me meeting my eyes giving me a wink.

"Perfect," I thought as the bartender placed my drink in front of me.

I took a sip cringing at the taste of the alcohol. It wasn't my favorite thing but it's always suspicious when not drinking at a bar. I watched the bartender walk over to the table and hand the man his drink. They exchanged a few words before the bartender walked away. The man looked back up towards me and I gave him a wink. He smiled and waved the girl off before getting up and taking a seat next to me. He moved a strand of his red hair from his face and looked at me with his golden eyes.

"Hello there beautiful, haven't seen you in here before." He greeted flashing me a smile which I returned.

"How would you know? This place is pretty big along with this village." I answered taking another sip.

He turned towards the bartender. "Another round for the lady," he said which made me inwardly cringe; I wasn't planning on having another.

I knew what he was doing, just like all the men I had to seduce on a mission, he was trying to get me drunk then lead me back to his place.

"What's your name princess?" He questioned.

"Yumi, and yourself?"

"Aki, it's a pleasure to meet a beauty such as yourself."

"So are you from around here?" I questioned as I took another sip of my first drink.

"Grew up here but left when I was a teenager; I decided to come back a few months ago." He answered placing his hand on top of mine making me resist punching him.

"What made you come back?" I took another sip finishing my first drink.

"Got homesick, wanted to see how much it changed and boy did it. When I left it was half the size it is now." He slurred taking another gulp of his sake as I took a few sips from my new drink.

There was laughter behind us followed by someone getting pushed in between us making me spill my drink all over me.

"Sorry," he chuckled as he returned to his friends.

"Hey how about we get out of here." He suggested. "You can freshen up in my hotel room."

"Okay, it's a bit crowded in here." I agreed.

He took my hand as he paid for the drinks and led me out of the bar. Once we were walking down the road, he let go of my hand and snaked it around my waist brushing my ass in the process.

"Stay calm Ko, you'll get your chance soon."

"Has anyone told you how beautiful you are?" He questioned looking down at me.

I looked up at him giving him a smile. "Yes but never from a looker such as yourself." I complimented. "Where is your hotel? It's getting pretty cold out here." I questioned faking a shiver.

"Almost there princess," he answered pulling me closer.

He led me to a building which had stairs leading to the other floors.

"Perfect, no one will see me with him."

He took out a key as we stopped at a door on the second floor. When he opened the door, he held the door open for me before quickly closing it after himself. He didn't waste any time and grabbed me turning me around roughly kissing me. It took all my strength not to pull away and kill him on the spot. As he kissed me, I reached into his pocket swiftly pulling out his money bag and placed it in my weapons pouch. I felt a kunai and slowly pulled it out as he was trying to take my shirt off. I pulled away pushing him off and that's when he noticed the kunai.

He jumped away from me hitting the wall giving me a chance to flash in front of him holding the kunai to his neck.

"W-what do you want?" He questioned trying to hide the fear in his voice.

"Your money of course. What idiot flashes his money in a bar when there are hardly any ninja in this village?" I questioned.

"I-it's a peaceful village. The ninja are all scattered around it. We don't have the need for so m-many."

"That's too bad for you then," I said before slitting his throat. His body fell to the floor with a thud as blood poured onto the carpet. "I was hoping you'd secretly be a shinobi but I guess I was wrong." I sighed out of boredom.

I cracked my neck then quickly exited the room. "Guess I'll get new clothes and some food with my new found money."

Edited:2/20/2021