"Wake up!" I shouted, flipping Kaname off his mattress. He let out a squawk before he hit the ground.

He groaned, rubbing his lower back before shooting me a menacing look. "What the hell?! Can't you wake me up nicely for a change?!" He demanded.

I placed a hand on my hip as I stared down at him. "I tried. Get up, it's time for breakfast." I simply told him before walking out and heading to the boys room. I knocked loudly on the door.

"Up and at em. Breakfast." I called loudly. I waited a second and only left once I heard shuffling. Good.

Today was a break from early morning training. Something the three of them had been looking forward to.

The boys need to relax their muscles, and Kaname, as strong and powerful as he is, has been lying dormant for a while. He needed a break or his body wouldn't last.

A part of me is a little relieved as well because I wouldn't have to meditate.

Like Kaname said, the more I used and practiced Blood Release the deeper I'm forced into its clutches. And we haven't been doing that much Jutsu's.

A break could do us all some good. I let them sleep in a bit, but I wouldn't let them waste the morning away.

Don't get me wrong, if I could sleep in until afternoon I would. I loved to sleep. But I never really could because of school, training, and missions.

Besides, I didn't want Naruto's habit to get too bad. And we needed to make sure to eat breakfast.

I love my brother, but he's not really much for cooking.

He'd eat ramen every second of the day and he has. Until I learned cooking then it was only because we craved the stuff. So I always woke early and made him as well.

But if I had a choice, I'd sleep well into the afternoon. Even sunset. That's irresp

onsible though. So here we are. I sat in my seat, and poured some juice into mine and Haru's glass before pouring milk into Kaname and Hawaki's.

Soon enough the boys strolled in, their hair a mess. Kaname sat across from me, glancing at the boys before frowning and turning to me. "How come I'm the only one who gets your special wake up call?"

Haru's eye twitches and he sweats a bit. "She used to do it to me all the time at Orochimaru's base. I've learned to get up or I'll be in pain." He admitted.

Hawaki nodded in agreement, taking a sip of his drink. "Woke up late once and found my head acquainted with a wooden spoon. Never overslept again." Kaname's own eye twitched as the boys reminisced and I shrugged.

"Wake up when I tell you." I clapped my hands together and they did the same. "Thank you for the food." We all chorused before digging in.

This is a morning we've all grown accustomed to. And as much as I love it, it made me long for my brother.

I hope he's doing well. Is he awake yet? Has he had breakfast? Probably not.

The memory of me pounding on his door is so clear. Then he exited, wearing that ridiculous sleeping cap and a goofy smile on his face as he apologized. Every single day I miss my twin. But right now, with how peaceful this is, I miss him even more.

It's unbearable.

Naruto . . .

Should I check in on him? It wouldn't be the first time I disguised myself and spied on him.

Although it had always been risky with Pervy Sage around. It's weird. I had always been with Naruto. It had been me and him against the world. Yet I haven't spoken to him in three years. Three years.

"Missing Naruto?" Haru's gentle voice startled me and I looked up to see him staring at me. At his question the other two looked at me curiously.

I chuckled nervously, scratching my cheek.

Yeah. Haru's always known when I dwelled on my brother for too long. Him and Itachi.

He says it's an easy tell based on the look on my face and I'm curious as to what it looks like. "Uh, yeah. A bit. This just reminded me of . . . before."

Before I became a traitor.

Kaname eyed me, probably seeing if it's a negative enough emotion to trigger the Frenzy. Lucky enough though it didn't.

Probably because the only way I've been pulled out of it, besides him, was whenever Haru would speak of my brother. Naruto always pulls me back, even if he's not here.

"Deidara hasn't summoned you lately, and we're resting anyway. Why don't you three meet up with . . . Sasuke?" He asked, looking up thoughtfully.

This piqued my interest. I haven't seen Sasuke in a long, long time. I would love to meet up with him. "That's a great idea." Haru said, his own interest shooting. That's right. Karin.

I haven't asked him about her in a while, but we haven't had much time. "It would do us some good. Considering he's probably pissed about those fake leads we keep giving him." Hawaki added, making me and Haru flinch.

Ugh.

I really don't want to get bitched out about that. But it's inevitable. I rubbed the back of my head and sighed.

"Well I guess that can't be helped." Haru looked off, hand to chin thoughtfully. "We could say our intel is solid, just that they keep missing him."

Well we're already lying to him. Might as well.

As bad as I used to feel about it, it's honestly the least of my worries. Sorry Sasuke, but with leaving my entire life behind, trying to save Itachi, someone who holds a special place in my heart and always will, and also my spiral into madness, I'm feeling a little less guilty with it.

"Yeah. We'll make do. We'll join his group for a couple days then return. We'll take Katsu." Haru jumped a bit, surprised by this.

"Katsu? Really?" He asked, voice going a little higher.

Hawaki raised an eyebrow. "Who's Katsu?" He questioned curiously.

Oh, I suppose he doesn't know. He's only ever seen Kazeya and Masaru. I don't often summon Katsu because, well, he's monstrous in size, tends to scare people. "He's a friend of mine. One of my Summoning Animals and Kazeya's father." I explained.

"I'm not sure that's a great idea. You know how he feels about Sasuke."

Oh, that's true. Katsu has an intense dislike of Sasuke that far exceeds the other hawks. He's even tried to kill him.

Whenever we're out on missions I try to avoid pulling him out unless I need to.

Besides, Sauske isn't a fan of him either. He's not a fan of unwarranted dislike.

Ironic coming from him but whatever.

"Well, I wanted to because we'd get there faster. I can't travel that long of a distance with that many people just yet. But we should still make decent time with Kazeya I suppose." Haru nodded, looking relieved.

My hawks like him just fine. But he's often put in the middle and as part of our agreement he's supposed to look out for Sasuke as well.

The only reason he takes orders from him is simply because I tell him to. That being the case, he's often left trying to diffuse the situation which is easier said than done.

"A summon animal usually looks out for the best of its master. It's probably a good thing to look into if they don't like this kid." Kaname spoke, finishing his food.

I stilled briefly before glowering at him. "Sasuke isn't a bad person. He's just . . . misguided." I immediately went on defense.

I don't like the implication of this. And I don't appreciate it. However Kaname met my hostile gaze head on, with a look I'm not quite sure what to call.

A mixture of indifference and determination. Still, that's not quite it.

"Animals are very good judges of characters. Birds are the same. Besides, isn't he a wanted criminal?"

I gripped my chopsticks harshly, feeling my anger rise up. "I'm a wanted criminal and they like me just fine. His attitude is just not very polished." I stated yet again, though I wasn't sure what else to say.

It's his arrogance that they dislike, as well as the hatred he's so enamored with. "Attitude is part of a person. While yours isn't daisies and rainbows, it's not so bad that your summons dislike you."

My grip tightened so much that my chopsticks snapped in half. Haru and Hawaki looked between us wearily, waiting for a fight to break out.

I grit my teeth and tried to calm myself. "You don't know him." I spoke through clenched teeth.

He leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing. "I don't want to either."

What is his problem?! He hasn't even met Sasuke! How can he say this? Calm down. This is Kaname. He's always been an asshole. Just because he spoke about Sasuke like that doesn't make it unusual. He doesn't really like anyone.

I took a deep breath and released my broken chopsticks, scooting back out the chair. "That's fine then. I'm going to get ready." I stood and turned my head quickly to the boys, making them jump and stare at me wearily.

Like they're waiting for a bomb to go off. I'm already irritated and that isn't helping.

"Be outside and ready in fifteen!" I said, maybe a little too loudly because they immediately chorused yes, while a beads of sweat dripped from their palling faces.

Ugh! I turned and headed to the study, where I keep most of my supplies nowadays. They've got me all riled up.

And it's supposed to be a good day! I'm going to meet up with Sasuke after so many months!

Hell, Naruto's seen him more recently than me.

But Kaname, the jackass, had to make that comment. He's sounding a little too much like Katsu, that's for damn sure.

I furiously packed my small bag with supplies and sealed larger items in scrolls and shoved in it.

Oh. Speaking of scrolls. I looked up at the ceiling where I had put the Spear inside. Should I bring it? Kaname won't snoop around and he doesn't really care enough.

He's not that curious about things. And the boys are coming with me. Besides, I still haven't quite learned much about Blood Release.

Add that to the mix? Now that's just a recipe for disaster. I'll leave it behind.

Let's see, this should be good for packing. Although . . . I pursed my lips. We'll be gone for a few days.

And although I'm mad at him, I better prepare some food for him to last a while. If I don't I have a sneaky suspicion he'll either go back to takeout or resume his experiment on replacing his blood with booze.

I walked out to see only Kaname in the living room, strewn across the couch. Remembering his comments I didn't say anything as I headed to the kitchen to make some food.

It was quiet for a while and I was glad he didn't try to speak to me. I'd only get angry with him, no matter what he said.

I told the boys to be out at fifteen. I can't do a lot of things in that long. So I just portioned out ingredients and wrote instructions on a card before shoving them in the fridge and storming out.

Before I did, I paused at the door, hand on the handle. "I'm off." I spoke, it sounded foreign but I heard it in the Uchiha residence often. "Safe travels." Kaname responded and some of my anger immediately lifted.

Not wanting to give in I hurried out and saw the boys were ready. They turned to look at me, still wary from my outburst earlier. But if they wanted to say something they didn't.

I bit my thumb and quickly summoned Kazeya. He's a large bird, so he should be able to carry the three of us. But doesn't leave the most room.

Oh well, it works. "Hello Mistress. Haru, Hawaki. What can I do for you today?" He politely asked, tilting his head a bit.

I walked over, gently patting his feathers. "We're going to meet up with Sasuke."

As always, his reaction wasn't pleasant. But sensing my mood he didn't make a comment for once, which is nice because I don't want to hear anymore negativity about him. "Very well. Which direction?"

I glanced at Haru who was keeping tabs on their whereabouts. "He should be near the Hidden Grass Village. I'm not sure where but figured Miyu could sniff him out."

And I can. My sense of smell is arguably superior to Kakashi's. And his is definitely superior to the Iuzuka's.

Well, when they're not all furry. "Maybe you should be called Pochi." Hawaki muttered.

On instinct my hand moved quickly to strike him atop his head. He let out a swear before clutching the forming bruise.

Haru snickered and then immediately flinched when I shot him a glare.

I let out a huff and rolled my eyes. Boys. Kazeya seemed to be amused by the squabble and lowered himself to let us on.

We loaded on and I settled near the neck, close enough to lean on his head. Haru and Hawaki settled on, keeping their belongings on them and securing themselves.

I can do it easily but maybe I should invest in a saddle. I'm not sure how that'd make Kazeya feel though.

Once we were all situated Kazeya took to the air without any issues. I leaned back, and stared up at the sky. Or further of the sky. A pretty blue that reminded me of my brother's eyes.

I shut my eyes and relaxed, letting the wind caress my face as we moved.

I wonder if Naruto would like to fly. He'd probably enjoy casual flights with Kazeya. Though he may be a bit too energetic to match their energies. But I'm sure the Hawks would love him.

Everybody loves Naruto. Not right away, obviously. But to those that give him a chance or to look past his reputation they all eventually fall for him.

He has a thing about worming his way into people's hearts. He's been known to barge right in like he owns the place. I chuckled, thinking of some instances in the past on missions.

"What are you chuckling about?" Hawaki asked. I opened my eyes and stretched my legs out, going over both of theirs. They paid no mind to it and rested their arms over them.

I tilted my head up, still resting against Kazeya's head. We're passing under some clouds.

I reached upwards, letting my hand disappear and feel the wetness. They're not fluffy, obviously, but it's still a nice feeling.

"Just a memory. You know, I think when we get there we should convince them to go get some ramen." I said casually resting my arms over my torso.

"You're so weird. Always going on about healthy this and that but when it comes to ramen it's another story." Hawaki noted.

It's my brother's favorite food. And honestly one of mine.

I have so many fond memories of eating at Ichiraku. Of trying brand new flavors or seasonal specials.

"My hobby is trying different kinds of ramens and comparing them." That's what Naruto had said all those years ago.

"Wait, really?" Haru asked. No. It's not my hobby. But I love doing it.

Hey, big brother. Do you think that one day we'll be able to eat some again together at Ichiraku's? Like the good old days?

The blue sky turned a deep black and the clouds were thick puddles of red before flickering back to the beautiful color.

I shut my eyes, feeling a deep sadness swell within.

"No."

I'll never be able to eat ramen with you again. I won't be able to give you rides on Kazeya. You'll never meet my new friends in my summoning animals. We'll never get to live in that apartment together again.

And we'll probably never speak together again.

Because I'm going to die. If not on this mission then by any of the Kage's and their authority.

Hell. I might even go crazy before then.

I never wanted to part from you brother. But if there is a chance, even a small one, to save everyone I'll take it. Even if it means I won't be able to meet any of you again.

I wonder what gramps would say? Probably nothing.

As much as I cared for him I know he wasn't the best figure in our lives. He taught me a lot of stuff, took our sides at times, but that doesn't change the fact he left two small children alone.

Still though. He was something. You'd understand why I'm doing this.

Kakashi, Pervy Sage, Grandma Tusnade. The adult figures in my life.

Kakashi would probably poke all the faults in this mission.

Jiraiya would say I'm too serious and need to lighten up. Then he'd have me run around doing all these errands while he tried to get lucky.

And Tsunade, well all she does is yell at me. She didn't approve of this but was forced into it. She's a good Hokage, but she's new. She doesn't know what to say or do.

It doesn't matter though. What's done is done. We can't go back to how everything was before. Because I'm not that girl you knew, big brother.

Your little sister has become twisted and deranged. The things I've done would make your smiling face twist in disgust and fear.

I don't want to see that. Because out of everyone in this world you are and always have been the most important being to me.

My brother, my twin, my other half.

"You mustn't let him see what you've become." The voice whispered in my ear. I didn't flinch, didn't even open my eyes.

The boys were chatting in the background, unaware of the turmoil inside me. "What would dear brother say?" I could feel her presence.

So I opened my eyes to see her grinning maniacally above me, her long blonde hair drooping down to frame both of our faces. Her ruby eyes were practically glowing.

Haru and Hawaki continued to chat, not seeing the phantom that constantly haunts me at my every waking hour.

"You're a monster Miyuna. Naruto would be disgusted with what you've become."

I know. I know that who I am now is the very thing he despises the most in this world. "Sooner or later, you will let me take over. You'll succumb to who we are and then you'll finally be free. Free of this misery, the guilt, the hatred. You'll finally be free of it all."

Free? Is that what I had wanted? Is that why flying has always been a dream of mine?

She laughed in my unchanging face, terribly gleeful. "It's only a matter of time." She whispered, leaning down so our foreheads pressed together.

Even as an illusion she felt so real. Her skin flush against mine. Her breath as it tickled my nose. Her hair softly trailing my face. She's so real.

And she's me.

I know. I know that I can't hold out forever. My mind is slowly sinking into madness.

Even with Kaname beating it back to submission, he can't always be by my side. At some point, if my will does not remain an iron fortress, if I let my guard down even a little bit, she'll sink her claws deep into me and hurl me into this horrible madness.

I know.

But I can't give up. I will never give up. That's my nindo. My ninja way. We Uzumaki's are stubborn as hell.

I can hold out a little bit longer. I've held out this long. I can go on a little more.

I'm fine.

~

"There he is." I muttered, spotting Sasuke trekking a path uphill, three figures behind him. I recognize that red hair as Karin.

The orange and white haired figures are new to me. Although the scent of fresh water is familiar, something I had smelt at the labs. The other scent is similar to that of nutmeg with a bit of mint.

"Mistress, must I land next to them?" Kazeya asked tiredly. It was a bit of a flight but I know that wasn't the cause of his exhaustion.

He didn't want to meet with Sasuke again.

I resisted the urge to sigh in annoyance because Kazeya is a good bird. "No. You can go. Guys?"

Without needing a prompt, they both grabbed my shoulder. "Thank you. I wish you well on your endeavors." Then he poofed away.

At his sudden disappearance the three of us began to fall, but nobody panicked. I reached into my pouch and took out a kunai, throwing it downwards. Once it landed I Flash Stepped us to it.

I landed on my feet while the boys landed in a crouch. "He's just over there." I nodded to the left before reaching down and retrieving the kunai.

I would have just teleported to him but didn't want to startle them.

Haru bounced back up, his face lighting up. Yeah, Karin is over there. "Let's get to it." He hurriedly went over. "Ah, Pochi wait!" Hawaki called, rushing after.

I chuckled at their behavior but walked after, not in as big of a rush as them. I'd see them soon. Beides, I don't want their first impression of me to be some girl who rushes to Sasuke the moment they meet.

Even if that is what I want to do.

I don't know them. I need to make sure they don't see me as weak in case I need to take them on.

"Haruto, what are you doing here?" Karin's loud voice was the first one I heard. Then it was Haru's. "I just missed you so much, obviously."

Hawaki's sigh followed as well as Sasuke's. "There was no report of you two coming back. Why are you here?"

Always sunshine and rainbows with that one. "Chill out Uchiha. We're here on boss's orders. Ain't that right Crazy Girl?"

I exited the treeline, walking towards the backs of Sasuke and his team. They all turned since I released my presence and I walked up to Sasuke, a smirk on my face.

Although it was hard to keep it.

I had wanted nothing more than to meet him again. To hug him, to speak with him, just to be with him. And he is what I remember. Although his eyes widened a bit, just a bit, they didn't spark like they once did. They weren't warm at all actually.

It was . . . off putting.

I wanted to meet him so bad. Did he not feel the same?

"Miyuna." Sasuke spoke, but like his eyes it didn't hold much warmth. Though it didn't hold any coldness, so that was something, right?

Karin scowled at me while the other two observed me curiously. "What are you doing here?" She all but sneered.

I raised an eyebrow at her hostile tone and crossed my arms. "Checking in." I shrugged uncaringly.

Her scowl deepened. "You should be doing your job." She jabbed. Now this frazzled me and I walked towards her, making her stiff since I have proven more than once that I can give her a concussion in one hit.

I'm taller than her so when I walked up so we were chest to chest she had to stare up at me with frightened, angry eyes,

"In case you were mistaken; I don't take orders from anyone, especially you." I reminded her in a low voice.

Haru inched closer, to remedy it. "Karin. Enough." Sasuke spoke, stepping next to me.

I glanced at him and tilted my head. His eyes remained impassive, and not necessarily soft, but there was a warmer undertone.

It wasn't anything special but it did make some uneasiness diminish. He may be a little rough around the edges, but it doesn't mean he doesn't care about me. Though I'm not the biggest fan of the lack of reaction, but has Sasuke ever shown so much emotion if it wasn't anger or hatred?

Even as a kid he had some anger issues. Can't really call him out because that'd be the pot calling the kettle black.

"It's good to see you. Is there any news?" Hmm.

I leaned more on one leg, and moved an arm in a gesture. "Not as of yet. I had some free time between the mission so I figured I'd check in and see if there was anything else we could do before we had to go back." It's not a lie.

Not exactly true but the closest one I've told him recently. He nodded, eyes calculating.

While he did that I glanced at the other two figures. Both are men, one larger with orange hair and tanner skin. His hair is spiky and reminds me of a kindled fire. His eyes are very similar and he has a calm demeanor despite his muscular form. He's the one who smells of nutmeg and mint.

The fresh water sent came from the white haired man who wasn't as built as the other and has striking almond shaped lavender eyes. His teeth are sharp and he reminds me of someone.

"You must be Suigetsu and Juzo. Sasuke and Haru have told me about you. It's nice to meet you." I offered a polite smile.

The two were studying me, eyes darting from me, to Sasuke, then to Karin. "Um, thanks. Who are you?" The white haired one asked, eyes sparkling curiously.

I raised an eyebrow, turning to Sasuke. "Wooooow. You haven't told them about me? I'm a little hurt." I stated.

Though I really wasn't.

Sasuke pinched the bridge of his nose, shooting the white haired one a look. "I have told you, Suigetsu. But you apparently don't listen. She's the one who has been gathering all of our intel since the start. She's also the one who acquired that sword you're so fond of."

They blinked, looking at me with new wide eyes. I smirked, tilting my head a bit and exuding confidence.

That's right. I'm the hidden member of this team. While I'm sure you two are exceptional members, I'm the hidden ace. A jack of all trades.

Even back at the Leaf I was often used to set the scale and tipping it in our favor.

Afterall, you're looking at the girl they deemed a prodigy and is wanted in just about every land.

"The name's Miyuna Uzumaki."