“Shikamaru!” I screamed, though it fell deaf in the empty forest. Shikamaru let out a strangled noise, hand clutching his heart.

Hidan grinned maliciously at the sight. “How about that? Pain can be so addicting, can’t it?” I moved to Nara’s side, gripping his arm to keep him steady, one hand on his back as I looked at him.

His eyes had gone wide and he even seemed to pale. Nara sagged, his legs giving out on him and I went to my knees, catching him as he fell.

“Shikamaru? Shikamaru?!” I shouted, lying him down, facing away from Hidan.

“Heh, how worthless. Jashin must be disappointed it’s already over. Well then. It’s just us girl. Kakuzu must be wrapping things up, so I should as well.” I glared at him mercilessly, setting Nara down and lunged at him. Hidan pulled the weapon from his core and blocked my tanto with his blade.

I flipped over him, landing behind him and forcing him to turn to me. His skin began to turn back to its normal color as he turned his undivided attention to me.

“You think you can take me all by yourself?” I laughed at that and moved my free hand up, taking off my ANBU mask so he could see my amused expression. 

“Y’know, you’re the stupidest member of the Akatsuki. Sasori must have had a handful with you.”

Hidan’s eyes widened slightly at my words and I wanted nothing more than for him to see my real face. “It’s even funnier that the dumbest member went against one of the most brilliant minds of the Leaf.”

He glowered at me, taking a step towards me. “You think you’re that smart?! Huh?!”

I tilted my head, still thoroughly amused by him. “Oh I do. But I’m not talking about me.”

Now this finally turned his anger into befuddlement. Before he could ask or even react, Shikamaru lunged from where he was and slashed his blade at his neck, intending to decapitate him. Hidan, hearing him, turned but not fast enough.

Shikamaru got a good slice at his neck, cutting deep but not deep enough. 

The attack severed his headband in the process and as the metal struck the earth, so did Hidan, clutching at his neck in pain. Seeing that he didn’t strike deep enough Shikamaru quickly used his Shadow to restrain him. But that left him panting, exhaustion seeping in but he wasn’t giving up.

“Damn you! Why are you still alive damn it?!” Hidan roared in outrage.

I reached over, gripping at his short silver hair and pulling back harshly. “Because you’re stupid, eh Nara?” I asked, gripping the hair at the scalp.

“Oh yeah. You were easy enough to fool. You thought you killed me, but you were dead wrong.” Shikamaru wiped the blood from his face to reveal no scratch there. That the blood wasn’t his. 

What a dumbass this immortal is. “That blood dripping off your weapon? It isn’t even mine.”

Hidan tensed and I can see the look of disbelief clearly from this position. Smirking, I harshly pushed his head away, taking a step back to observe the situation.

Shikamaru was right. But that’s nothing new. “That’s right. It’s your partner's blood.” Shikamaru showed the empty blood capsule that I had given him.

“What are you saying?” Hidan muttered through a mouthful of blood. The red substance made something in me throb, but I shoved it down the moment it appeared.

Focus on this nimrod.

“It could have been anybody. If there was an opportunity one of us had to get a sample from Kakuzu.”

I crossed my arms over my chest and peered down on him. “Lucky for them, I’m an excellent person for the job. Making my opponents hurt is my specialty.” I ended that sentence with a nonchalant shrug.

Of course at the words, images flashed through my mind. Tsuyoshi, Keigo, the woman from the mountains, and all those I’ve hurt. I could see them glaring at me with resentment, their bodies broken and twisted and covered in blood.

Most of them didn’t have to end up that way. I killed innocecnt people in the name of the mission on orders from a demented madman.

And then from another.

Their hateful glares seared at me and I heard cruel laughter. It sounded suspiciously like my own.

I tried to shake my mind of it, but the scenes came back in sharp and vivid colors. Screams echoed in my ears and then I saw her.

The other me with blood red eyes.

“Excuses.” She whispered, but it filled my mind as bright colors seemed to etch at her outline and moved jaggedly like a ruined film.

She began to flash violently and then the scenes of gruesome and horrible kills continued to move. She laughed at me and something buzzed inside me as my heart began to thudder madly in my chest.

A surge of panic began to swoop over me and I had the urge to vomit.

She’s in front of me again, Our noses away by a hair and she opened her mouth and let out a horrid scream that caused blood to fly out.

I gasped, taking a step back and collapsing, hands going to my head as the voices screamed in unison.

“Miyu!?” Shikamaru’s shout cut through the phantoms and I looked up to see him staring at me with worry. It was then I noticed I was covered in sweat and Hidan was . . . standing? 

What the? The images and memories are all gone, as is their screaming. It felt like it was only for a split second, but this was not the scene I was just witnessing before they appeared.

What just happened? “Miyu? Wait a second-”

I took action, not letting Hidan finish that thought. My hand gripped his face tightly and with a feral yell I used my monstrous strength to slam him down and smashing his head into the ground.

But in that action I felt her, kneeling behind me, moving her arm around mine to touch his bleeding head. “That’s it.” She whispered and I shouted, releasing Hidan and stepping back, turning around to see nothing.

Damn it. Damn it! “Not now.” I grunted, gripping my head once again.

Shikamaru stood up, and I could feel him hovering behind me wearily. “Miyu?” He asked. 

I shook my head, still hearing her cruel laughter. I have the urge to dig my tanto deep into my friend's skull.

I hate it.

It’s disgusting.

I don’t want to feel this way! Stop! As I moved some, the necklace fell from under my shirt and the ring attached glinted.

I blinked, confused for a second but then Kaname’s face came to mind. Kaname. 

That’s right. When this is done, he’s going to teach me. He’ll help me with the Frenzy.

Just once more.

Push it back again once more.  I released my head and turned, pushing past Nara and digging my knee in between Hidan’s shoulder blades, making him yell out in pain. “Can’t really have you spilling secrets, can I? Genjutsu has always been a weakness of mine, but to think that a moron like you can get a hold of me.” I lied.

I don’t know why. But the mere thought that Shikamaru might know that something was wrong with me frightened me.

I don’t want him to know that I have this crippling weakness. I’m not weak.

Not to them at least.

I’ve always been strong. Strong minded and bodied. That’s something that I pushed myself to be. Something that my friends admired and relied on.  And in this important lesson, revealing it’s all fake, will hurt.

“What are you-?” I couldn’t let Hidan expose my lies.

So I pressed my knee even harsher, making him cough out. “Shut it. Shikamaru we should-”

My breath left me once more and goosebumps began to rise against my skin.

No way.

I stood, abandoning Hidan and turning in the direction from which we just came. My body trembled lightly and I fought back the tears that wanted to spill. “Big bro?” I whispered, voice cracking. 

I feel his chakra.

There’s no mistaking it. It’s him. It’s not just him though. Sakura is there too. Along with two other unfamiliar chakras. One smells like a rainforest, the other like . . . paper?

“Wait, Naruto’s here?” Shikamaru spoke, a smile in his voice. I nodded, turning to face him. “Along with Sakura and two others I’m not familiar with.” I informed him.

He nodded and I could see the gears in his head turning. “That’s probably his new Team. Sai and Captain Yamato.” New team? This wasn’t mentioned to me.

Were . . . were we replaced? Of course. The team couldn’t have run without members to replace us. Why a second Sensei though? 

No, it doesn’t matter. “Sorry Hidan. No matter how strong Kakuzu is, he’s weakened and going against the rest of Team Seven, along with members of Team Ten.”

I glanced at the immortal who was going to his feet once more. “Can’t have them showing us up.” I joked with Shikamaru, who was way more relieved now that backup has arrived.

I don’t blame him. This was a hairy situation, but I wasn’t going to let them die. No, not this time. I wasn’t going to hold back and make that mistake once again.

They’re my friends. They’re my precious people. Immortals be damned. 

Shikamaru may be exhausted and shaky on his feet, but he chuckled despite it all. “They would never let us hear the end of it.” He agreed.

Hidan’s temple throbbed and he practically growled at us in anger. He rushed us. Shikamaru jumped back while I jumped forward to meet him head on, our weapons clashing so hard the vibrations almost numbed my arms.

Let’s see, we’re going into this phase of the plan, which means we need Hidan right . . . “HERE!” I brought my leg up and smashed it into his ribs, crushing a couple and flinging him right in the center. 

I jumped back and landed next to Shikamaru who made a sign. The shadows from the wires moved, shooting out and attaching themselves to Hidan’s body. “Shadow Pull Jutsu!”

He clenched his hand and all the shadows moved, wrapping Hidan up in the wire and abundance of paper bombs.

I whistled, placing a hand on my hip. It’s kind of scary how well this is going according to the plan. “You’re kidding, right?” Hidan grunted, blood spewing from his mouth from his injuries. Shikamaru held his hand towards me and I passed him my tanto.

He threw it and nailed the seal on the ground not too far away. Hidan looked over in confusion before snarling at Nara.

“Kid, what are you doing?” He demanded. Shikamaru chuckled, a glint in his eyes. “See for yourself.” 

The seal was activated and the earth began to crack before collapsing in on the giant hole beneath Hidan. “What is this?! When the hell did you set this up?!” Hidan shrieked in aggravation.

Shikamaru stood, using my shoulder to balance himself. “A while ago, long before we caught up with the two of you.” Hidan gawked, like he couldn’t fathom how far ahead Shikamaru had planned this all out.

It’s funny. Usually I’m the one who gets amazed every time he does this shit. It’s funny when it’s not happening to me. 

He is the Genius of the Land of Fire afterall. Even more so than his father.

Though he’ll argue that till he’s blue in the face.

“When you curse someone, you dig your own grave. You know why, don’t you pal?”

He pulled out Asuma’s lighter, playing with it absent-mindedly. “Enlighten me!” Hidan roared in outrage. Shikamaru wasn’t at all affected by his screaming or hostility.

Not sure if it's because of who he is as a person or because he’s used to it from me when we were back at the Academy. 

“If you curse someone and take them out you’ll also be defeated in retribution. And that’s why you end up digging your own grave.” He flicked the lighter open and Hidan began to struggle against the trap he’s ensnared in.

He sees what his future entails. “You cursed my Sensei dead. Can’t just let you keep living, running around free.” He flicked the lighter, not quite lighting it just yet, the sparks dancing with each attempt. He looked Hidan in his eyes. Even to me, I could tell he was speaking louder unspoken words regarding his Sensei.

“That’s your grave you’re hanging over.” Hidan grit his teeth but then something flickered across his face. His panicked anger turned to wild amusement as he burst out in a fit of laughter. 

Shikamaru closed the lighter, listening to Hidan ramble. Why is beyond me. I’d have blown him up.

His talking gives me headaches.

“I won’t die even if you dismember my body and bury the pieces six feet deep!” Well it’s actually deeper than six feet if you want to get technical about it. “I’ll just chew my way our and come seeking your throat!”

Shikamaru scoffed, turning to me briefly. “I’ve heard scarier threats from you.” I crossed my arms, closing my eyes as I nodded in agreement. “Right? Kind of boring.” I agreed without any hesitation.

My attention then went to the deer that began to come around and I’m remembered once again how mysterious this forest is. It’s the first time I’ve been here.

Invited that is.

When I was younger I showed no care for restricted areas. I mean I’ve been breaking into the Hokage office since I was five. Let’s be real here. 

“Huh? What the-deer?” Hidan mumbled in confusion.

Yep. This place belongs to the Nara Clan. “These woods are a special place in the Land of Fire. Only members of my Clan are allowed in here. Anyone else is forbidden. Once you set foot in here, we can watch you for eternity.”

It was clear that this disturbed him greatly and that brought me a lot of joy. This is the end for him. Rat bastard. Now, for you. 

I turned my attention to Shikamaru who was staring at the lighter intently. This would be where he can avenge Asuma.

I’ve  . . .  seen a lot of vengeful people. Sasuke, Keigo, Wakaba, Hitomi, Chiyome, the people in the Land of Earth, even myself.

And not once has it ever been peaceful.

It turned them, us, all ugly and filled with despair. Even if they were to enact their revenge, I don’t believe they will ever be at peace. So I’m naturally concerned with Shikamaru.

I  . . . I don’t want to see him that way. Twisted with hatred and filled with heartache.

But he's different then the others.

At first, I could see it. I could see it exactly as I said. But then his father spoke to him. And even though he didn't want to listen, he did. And he let me be there for him. He let me support him. He let me help him.

Something no one who wants revenge has ever done. Not that I had seen.

I never did.

I did everything on my own. And Sasuke? He doesn’t ask. He uses people as further stepping stones to it. He doesn’t accept the support they offer. Only the abilities he needs to go forwards. Because it's something he believes he must do.

But you, you are a strange one, Shikamaru Nara. Right now, you look almost at peace. 

Something that is never actually given to those who walk the path of revenge.

I’m glad. I don’t think I could handle it if your heart was warped like the rest of us. 

A small smile made its way onto his face and he held his hand out, flicking the lighter as if lighting a cigarette. Asuma? It must be.

I hesitated for a split second before grabbing his hand in mine. He jumped a bit and turned to me, surprise clear on his face. But not one warped with the darkness that often looms in my own heart.

I smiled genuinely, one I haven’t in a long time and gave his hand a comforting squeeze. He blinked before his face relaxed.

I noticed the shift in his eyes. It was relief, peace, and gratefulness. Something else that resembles what I can only assume is a form of happiness. He squeezed my hand back.

“Thank you, Miyuna.” The sincerity in his voice lifted some of the heavy weight on my chest.

Because finally, finally, I was able to help someone I cared about. Because Shikamaru is still Shikamaru. He’s still my closest friend. 

I went to release his hand but he held tight, confusing me. “Can you do this with me?” He asked.

The corner of my lip twitched. “Of course.” I answered. He nodded in appreciation, turning back to look at the small flame from the lighter that was once his Sensei’s. 

Hidan thrashed, eyes zoning in on the flame that wasn’t going out. “Hey, what were you just doing with that?! I’m talking to you damn it!” He growled.

I stared at him with unflinching eyes. His talking is pointless. Shikamaru isn’t even paying them that much attention. “It’s the Will of Fire. The will to protect our village.” He tossed it towards him, and there was a strange light ot the tiny flame.

There was a sense of a presence, no, multiple. I could feel it. Shikamaru’s grip on my hand tightened briefly.

“Farewell Sensei.” He spoke so softly that even I wasn’t sure I heard right. But I couldn’t see if I did hear right because the lighter hit the first paper bomb and a large, grandscale explosion burst and ravaged Hidan’s body.

We waited until the explosion finished and the earth settled once agains before walking over and peering down inside.

Hidan’s body is broken, dismembered and covered in burns and bruises. That went as planned. Even Hidan’s crazed laughter as he gazed up at us with wide crazed eyes.

Man he really is insane. “How dare you. Look at this! Just look at the state you put me in!” He laughed some more which only further cemented my opinion of his mental state.

“Jashin will have his vengeance! He’ll punish you for this, just you wait! You will suffer the most terrible judgment ever imposed by the way of Jashin!” He screamed from deep down in the grave.

For a dead guy, he sure talks a lot. “You and your god don’t frighten me.” Shikamaru merely said.

I placed my hands on my hips as Shikamaru brought out a kunai with a lsingular paper bomb attached.

“You see, you and I believe in different things. You wanna know what I believe in? The Will of Fire. Right now, the god you should be worried about isn’t your stupid Jashim or anyone else. It’s me. Because I’m the one who’s about to pass judgment.”

Hidna’s eyes went wide and the red veins within were easier to see.

Just what kind of emotions are running through him. Anger. Fear. Amusement. Disbelief. Confusion. A very easy man to read, one that feel many, many things all at once. “You fool!”

We ignored him and Shikamaru threw the kunia again, sticking it in just the right place across at the top of the hole. The paper fizzed before creating another explosion, beginning to collapse the hole on top of the Immortal.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you! The day of retribution will come and the way of Jashin will punish you! Yes!”

He laughed madly despite the rubble beginning to crush him. “And then I’ll be the one passing judgment! My teeth, that's all I’ll need, you’ll see! And I’ll tear you to pieces-!”

His rant was cut short as the hole collapsed, successfully burying him underneath. 

It’s been done. Hidan is officially gone. 

I stepped closer to Shikamaru, pulling out the lighter from my pocket. I had snagged it before it could fall in with the rest of him. “I was never really a religious person.”

I shrugged. Shikamaru chuckled, taking the lighter from me. “Me neither.” He agreed as we stared at the hole.

Well Asuma, you’ve been avenged. Without your students jumping off the deep end.

They really are a different bunch from us. 

Shikamaru flicked the lighter, staring at the small flame for a bit. The longer he did though the more his emotions came out. And soon he was crying again.

Ah-ah. What a hassle.

Still, I remained by his side, looking up towards the sky hidden by the branches above. Right now, he doesn’t need any pretty words.

He just needs someone to stand beside him as he cries. Still. I couldn’t help myself. “You’re pretty awesome Nara.” He chuckled a bit, but his tears kept coming.

I waited a little before making a decision. But once I did he was done with his outburst. 

He wiped his eyes and glanced at me. “How are things going over there?”

I sighed, shaking my head. “Naruto’s gotten a lot stronger than I anticipated. I’d say he and the others will be wrapping up Kakuzu soon. But they sent Sakura and someone this way. Probably to assist us.” I told him.

I sensed them earlier but had plenty of time before needing to do anything about it. However they’re drawing nearer. 

“Are you gonna leave?” He asked, placing the lighter in his pocket.

Yes.

Because even now I can’t bear facing Sakura as I am right now. Let alone Naruto. Even though there’s no way they should be able to tell who I am, Kakashi didn’t.

But I don’t think I could trust myself. I’d break. Because more than anything I was to fling myself into my brother's embrace and feel that sense of belonging again.

But I can’t. Not yet.

Sasuke.

Itachi.

Kaname. I have more important things to do. I pursued my lips, turning to him. “I did what I needed to do. You guys will be fine. I'd say I was even unneeded.” I joked.

But he didn’t laugh. “No. I did need you. Thank you, for putting your mission on hold for me.”

It took me a bit off guard but I smiled. “Of course. No matter what, you guys will always be my top priority. If you ever need me, use that scroll or call for me. I’ll come running.” I assured him.

Him. Choji. Sakura. Ino. Lee. Kiba. If any of them ever need me, mission be damned, I will always come to them.

I walked over and retrieved the tanto Kaname gave me, sheathing it at my side. “I’m gonna go report to Granny, but then I need to return to my base.”

I narrowed my eyes on him, making him jump. Usually what follows is me smacking the shit out of him. “Wh-what?” He asked, taking a noticeable step back.

I kept my eyes narrowed on him and jabbed a finger at him. “If I catch you smoking, I swear to god Nara, you’re gonna be pulling something other than tar from your lungs, do you hear me?” I threatened.

He held his hands up, eyes wide. “Jesus, can’t we have a nice moment without you threatening me?” He asked, his voice going a little higher.

I smirked, standing straight. “Do you even know me?”

We stared at one another before laughing. 

“Alright, I’ll keep that in mind.” I nodded with satisfaction and glanced at the direction Sakura was in. “They’re almost here. Take care of each other. See you later, Shikamaru.”

And I flash stepped away.