"How... How the hell did he get away?" Naruto continued to mutter to himself as the two of us began our trek home. It was a sullen trip back to Konoha—well, not sullen since Lee and Gai was there, but rather depressing still—and the report was rather annoying, too. We had to carry back all those that we had captured—all the Edo Tensei ones, along with Jūgo. Guren and Kabuto managed to escape as well, which was also a bit of an annoyance.

Although, we did apparently manage to rip off Orochimaru's arm. Or, well, Naruto did when he tapped into a bit of Kurama's power and momentarily went berserk... And we did quite a number on him, too. We wouldn't hear from him again until he was in a new body, that was for sure. Still... I would have preferred it if he had died.

Absently, I rubbed his back. "We'll get him next time."

Naruto muttered, "There shouldn't have to bea next time."

I didn't disagree.

('･ω･')

I drummed my fingers along the top of my knees, humming a tuneless song under my breath. Another minute passed before the doors to the Hokage's office opened up and out stepped a team I didn't recognize. After they had left, I stood up from my seat and entered the office, shutting the door quietly behind me. Tsunade glanced up from her paperwork.

"Miwako-chan, what can I do for you?" Tsunade asked, a single eyebrow raised in question.

I gave her a shy smile. "I was wondering if I could obtain... visiting rights."

Both of her eyebrows rose at that.

('･ω･')

"There's really no need to escort me, Kitsune," I told the ANBU who was walking to my right.

Kitsune tilted his head at me, his thoughts completely unreadable due to his mask and posture. The doors before us swung open as the ANBU guarding the T&I apartment opened them for us. Their postures straightened significantly when Kitsune became noticed, unsurprisingly. ANBU Commanders tended to demand respect from those under their command.

"Sir," the ANBU chorused. Kitsune cocked his head in reply, not bothering to respond to my words or them verbally. Instead, we continued to walk down the hallway, passing locked door after locked door. Finally, six sublevels below, we reached the destination.

The guards before the door straightened and one of them unlocked the door for me.

"Thank you," I murmured automatically.

Kitsune moved to follow me into the room, but I stopped and sent him a withering glare.

"... I will wait for you out here," Kitsune finally settled on.

I smiled at him, nodding in approval before entering the room. The door swung shut behind me.

"Well, well... if it isn't the little brat."

My eyes roamed over the bare and painfully white cell, settling on the red-haired boy—man, really—before me. Though Sasori was returned to his puppet form, I knew first hand that they had dismantled and sealed away any and all things dangerous about the puppet. He was no more dangerous than just a walking, talking wooden doll.

"Hello, Sasori-san," I returned pleasantly, taking a seat on the floor across from him as there wasn't any furniture.

Sasori snorted, eying me disdainfully.

I stretched out my legs, pulling out a bag and presenting a stack of books, ranging from fictional fantasy to dry history. I pushed all of them towards him. He stared blankly at them.

"I figured you would be bored," I supplied after it was apparent he had no intentions of speaking.

"How thoughtful," Sasori replied, his tone dripping of sardonic acid.

I shrugged, unbothered by his attitude. I had been on the receiving end of far worse. I shifted so I laid my back against the wall.

"... How did you do it?" Sasori final asked after a long silence.

I blinked, having to think for a moment what he was referring to. "Oh. When I engaged you in taijutsu previously, I had severed your arm."

I held up the palm of my gloved hand, peeling back the cloth and presenting the sealing array to him. "I had tapped that arm as well, transferring the seal over."

"I thought as much," Sasori muttered. "How's the old bat?"

"Dead."

"Good."

"You don't really mean that."

"I could have sworn that I actually did try and kill her, not even two months ago. Yes. I really do mean that."

I shrugged again, more for lack of a response than anything else.

Sasori continued to stare at me, and I felt mildly uncomfortable.

Well, I thought dryly, this is going to a fun hour.

('･ω･')

Kitsune trailed behind me as I began to make my way back to the apartment. I wasn't sure if I was irritated by his insistence to follow me (as it felt a bit like babying), or flattered that he cared enough. I settled for just ignoring his presence for the time being, and just continued to walk ahead.

My eyes looked up at the sky, staring at the orange reflection the sunset had cast upon it. The streets were empty, aside from us, so I wasn't concerned about running into anyone.

A shame, though, because someone actually did run into me.

"Ouch!"

I looked down after I felt a small thump against me. A little girl - no more than five, perhaps - was on the ground, her eyes watering up and her bottom lip quivering. Kitsune moved to her, but I had already kneeled in front of her.

"Are you alright?" I said, smiling softly. The girl's bottom lip continued to tremble, until she bit on it and nodded her head. She sniffled.

"Are you lost?" I asked gently.

She nodded her head again, looking nervous. "M-Momma..."

Extending my hand, I beamed at her. "I bet I can find her. Come here, what's your name?"

The girl stared at my hand a moment or two, before she hesitantly reached for it. I grasped her small, cold hand in my own and pulled her up to her feet in a swift motion. She giggled at that, as I had also lifted her above the ground briefly before setting her back on her feet. She gripped my hand tightly and I continued to smile gently at her.

"Aya," she said.

"Well, Aya, I'm Miwako. Do you want me to take you to your mom?"

She nodded her head, looking shyly at me. I glanced over at Kitsune for a fleeting moment, before I swooped down and picked her up, bridal style. Without hesitation, I leapt up onto the roof tops and sniffed the air delicately. The girl smelt of salt and dirt - her mother would have a familiar scent, no doubt. It didn't take me long to find her, or at least to catch her scent.

Aya giggled and clung onto me as I leapt across the buildings before I landed into a small street.

"There she is!" Aya exclaimed, pointing to a woman who was frantically looking around the street. I could hear the woman calling out for Aya repeatedly, and I gently set the girl down.

Aya looked at me, smiling brightly. "Thank you, Nee-chan!"

I patted her head, before I leapt back up to the roof tops. I lingered a moment or two, making sure the woman saw Aya before I turned away.

"That was nice of you," Kitsune commented.

I didn't turn around to face him, just shrugging. "... I like kids."

"You said that before," Kitsune murmured.

My lips twitched. "You were listening?"

"I'm always listening to you."

I shrugged again. "... It's my dream, ya know... to be a mom. I always wanted... Always wanted to be one. I don't care too much for this kunoichi business, but..."

Blushing in sheepish embarrassment, I looked down at my hands. "I guess the thought of someone loving you so unconditionally is appealing... and I guess there's just something nice about it."

"Mn."

('･ω･')

"You want us to what?" Naruto repeated incredulously.

Four of us stood in Tsunade's office—not counting Shizune or Tsunade herself—Raion (Now as Jōnin Yamato), Kakashi, Naruto and myself.

"You heard me," Tsunade said blandly. "Naruto, it's time for you to start up your training again, the same goes to you, Miwako."

"What about Sasuke?" I asked, frowning.

Tsunade smiled. "Jaguar has kidnapped him for the time being. For the moment, though, you five are off the mission roosters again. I don't want another Orochimaru fiasco occurring again. That, and we have reason to believe the Akatsuki are once again on the move. It's best now to take your time and train up so you can defend yourselves, because they will clearly come for you soon enough."

"... So... Who's that guy?" Naruto asked, pointing towards Yamato.

Yamato gave us a smile. "Hello, you can call me Yamato. I'll be supervising your training for the moment, just a precaution as Jiraiya warned us about the Kyūbi's chakra."

"You're there to suppress it," I concluded. Yamato nodded.

"Well, alright," Naruto said slowly. "When do we begin?"

"Now," Kakashi replied.

('･ω･')

"Well, then, since Naruto-kun's started on his training, I believe it's time we got started on yours," Kakashi said. I gave him a small shrug, peering behind him as Naruto continued to attempt to split the leaf in his hands for the exercise. Well, him and a couple hundred shadow clones.

"... What do you want me to do?" I asked curiously.

"I can't help you further the Flying Thunder God," Kakashi began, "but I can assist you in your offense."

My eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

"The only edge you possess—and are willing to use—is the Flying Thunder God," Kakashi pointed out. "Which is great and all, but you don't really have any sort of significant offensive moves."

"I don't really need—"

"Yes," Kakashi interrupted, "you do. You need another ability that you can rely on, because you haven't mastered the Flying Thunder God. That move drains you too much to really use in battle. You remember that fight with Orochimaru? You should have been able to outpace all of us in stamina and chakra. Even Naruto wasn't as drained as you. But one quick battle and you were already dancing on your edge. You cannot rely on that technique anymore. You need a move that you can use in battle, one that is significant to your style, and doesn't drain you."

"Alright," I conceded, a bit annoyed. "What do you have in mind?"

Kakashi gestured to the tanto strapped to my back. Taking the hint, I pulled it out, presenting the well-kept blade.

"This is the tanto that my father used, that I used, and now that you use," Kakashi began. "It's unique in the manner that it has a very special affinity for lightning, automatically changing the nature of chakra channeled into it—if the user has a lightning affinity of course—into lightning."

I nodded. Kakashi had explained all of this to me the first time he gave me his old blade.

"It's how I became so adept at using more refined lightning techniques. It almost provides muscle-memory, of sorts. By constantly using it to channel chakra, and feeling how it turns my chakra into my affinity, I learned to subconsciously do it on my own," I added.

"Correct," Kakashi said. "It's the perfect tool for refining one's ability with lightning and chakra control with it. What I have in mind... is something that will require absolutely perfect control, and something only you can do."

My eyes widened.

"It's mostly in theory," Kakashi added, seeing my shocked face. "And frankly, I'm not entirely sure it can be done."

"There's only one way to find out," I said. "What do you have in mind?"

"The blade can turn your chakra into your affinity," Kakashi began, "but I wonder what would happen if you used his chakra for it?"

Inside me, I heard Kurama cackle.

('･ω･')

My chakra has no set affinity. It changes to automatically match my hosts' affinity.

Part one of training was mastering the change of Kurama's chakra to lightning. I knew it would be a long and tedious process because I couldn't use clones (because clones couldn't use Kurama's chakra like I could), so I was all on my own in the endeavor. It was a little unnerving, drawing upon Kurama's chakra. Ever since... Ever since I had lost control over it with Jiraiya and Naruto... I had become rather hesitant in using it. I knew I could control myself perfectly up to five-tails... or at least not become too much of a hazard to my loved ones, but it was still... unnerving.

After I had enough control over his chakra, and changing it to my affinity, I would begin phase two of the jutsu. A technique, only I could use. Naruto might have been able to, but his wind-affinity would result in something far more different.

I suppose, in theory, if you had enough control you could draw upon the raw stuff, and create a completely neutral chakra. But I highly doubt you or your brother would achieve that in your lifetime.

Probably, I agreed. As awesome as it would be, I think I'll just stick to stuff I actually have a chance of doing.

Kurama snickered again.

The blade glowed a pale blue as electricity crackled around it. I could feel the hot thrum of Kurama's chakra as he slowly gave it to me and I guided it into the blade. The electricity began to darken rapidly, turning into a dark murky purple before lightening up again, this time a dark red. The red lightning flickered and I could feel the significant difference in using Kurama's chakra as such, than using my own. It was an odd and foreign sensation, heightened by small reluctance in using Kurama's chakra. I had to be very careful not to allow my emotions to get the best of me. Not even drawing upon a full tails' worth, I could feel the small spike in anger rising up in me.

I let out a slow breath as I released the chakra.

I then started again.

Yep.

It was going to be a long day.

('･ω･')

"I've reached my limit," I panted, fairly late into the night. Kakashi glanced up at me from his well-lit spot in the grass, closing his book in the process. Yamato and Naruto had to retire due to Yamato's stamina not up to par with Naruto's and Naruto had less control and experience using Kurama's chakra, so he couldn't safely tell when to quit. And it wasn't like Kurama was going to bother helping him in that position, either.

"Alright. Go ahead and retire," Kakashi said, standing up.

"Mm. Hai, hai," I muttered.

One of the side effects to using Kurama's chakra frequently was the almost hangover-like feeling it gave your body. True, you weren't nauseous and you didn't sport a headache, but your entire body was sluggish and felt like shit. Kurama emphasized that the more often we used his chakra, the easier dealing with his chakra afterwards would become. Something I could vouch for, as what I was feeling now was significantly better than what I had to deal with three years ago.

That aside, it still took conscious effort to move my legs and attempt to drag myself home. Kakashi, however, didn't give me a chance after watching me move two steps.

"Alright, I guess I'll just have to carry you."

"I can walk just fine," I protested. "I've felt way worse, trust me."

"I'm sure you think you're fine," Kakashi agreed, already moving towards me.

I pouted in annoyance.

When Kakashi reached my home and dropped me off at the front door, it was still an effort just to get in and head straight to the bathroom where I drew a nice, warm, bath. I let out a groan of relief when I laid in it, my eyes closing in bliss

Kakuzu and Hidan are next, I thought.

Any ideas what you want to do with them?

I like Kakuzu, I thought slowly, he reminded me of my, um... my first Grandfather. Grandfather was a bit of a miser and rather... harsh? But he was gentle to me and Mommy (and I think Sister; not that I would know since those two were rarely together that I know of) and I did love him... However, I can't honestly think of a way to... to help Kakuzu. The only reason I want to, after all, is for my own selfish purpose. Because I see someone I lost in him and maybe some part of me wants to...

You've risked enough already with keeping Sasori alive, and the brat is ungrateful. The only reason they aren't torturing him or pulling information from him is because they're physically incapable. With Kakuzu, though? Nothing would stop them. You would only be damning him.

I know, I responded softly, shifting my body in the hot water.

So, I think we both can agree that nothing we can say or do will assist Hidan.

It would be useless torturing him, and pulling information out of him might prove useless, as well. I doubt the Akatsuki would trust Hidan as far as a civilian could throw him. I'm not going to go out of my way to help him, as he would undoubtedly hurt the ones I call precious and I have no real reason to help him. We'll just have to cut him up and lock him away; he'll die from being malnourished.

Mn. So how do we want to do this? Just stay close to Shikamaru and Asuma when we can and when they just so happen to catch wind...?

Is there any other way to do this? I'll have to think of an excuse... Do you think you could play a bit hissy for a while?

What do you have in mind?

Why not just tell Kakashi I can't draw on your chakra because you're in too foul of a mood to indulge me. You know... that you need some time to yourself; but you will still assist me if it's a life and death matter?

Humph. You're making me sound like some whiny bitch.

Do you have a better idea?

Let the chain smoker die?

You would rather risk someone's life than have your ego bruised for a handful of days?

He'll get cancer and die anyway.

Kurama!

What? It's true! Not to mention we'd be helping the baby. Second hand smoking is just as lethal as—

I highly doubt Kurenai would allow him to smoke in front of the baby, you know how prissy she gets when Asuma smokes around his own team! And that's beside the point.

Then what's the point?

I'll tell Kakashi that you're acting like a whiny bitch anyway.

Damn it, woman! Fine. Now I'm really in a foul mood and I refuse to help you with training even if you begged me. As for life and death? You're on your own.

I sighed, rubbing my forehead. Why do you have to be so difficult?

Kurama sniffed.

('･ω･')

The lie seemed to work and I was excused from training for a while. Two days passed until, another day of daydreaming alongside Shikamaru, he was called to Tsunade's office. I (forcibly) tagged along, entering the meeting with them as well as Tsunade explained everything. When she was done, I hesitantly spoke up.

"Can I tag along with them? My training is in on hold and I already have experience with dealing with the Akatsuki," I said.

Tsunade eyed me carefully. "Hmm... I see no problem against it, but Asuma will be leading this mission, so it's up to him."

Asuma gave a short nod to me. "I'm sure we'll need all the help we can get."

I smiled.

('･ω･')

After much insistence on my part, I was placed in Asuma and Shikamaru's group, however in exchange, we no longer held the two Chūnin from Canon. It was just the trio of us, and I wasn't sure if that made me more nervous or not. The only goal I had for this, was to either eliminate Hidan or Kakuzu (which I sincerely doubted I would be able to this time around), or to ensure Asuma and Shikamaru's safety.

Some small part of me demanded I didn't even allow them near this mission.

But the more pragmatic side of me largely ignored it. Shikamaru desperately needed to learn of Hidan and Kakuzu's abilities. That was something I could not tell them about without playing too big of a risk, and something Sasori would never say himself (and the probability of him telling me their abilities was so laughably pathetic, I knew I couldn't lie and claim that route). In order to eliminate Hidan and Kakuzu's threat, I needed a solid strategy to take them out—something Shikamaru would do better in than I or Kurama. So he needed to see them up close and personal, he needed to know what they could do so that way we could for sure eliminate them.

"Miwako," Shikamaru inquired, his eyes moving over towards me. I leapt high up from the branch I was currently on, glancing back at Shikamaru.

"Mn?"

"You've already fought the Akatsuki before. Anything you can share?"

"Nearly all of them have invested in immortality," I muttered under my breath before raising my voice and saying to Shikamaru, "Each member travels in pair, and each of those pairs has abilities to complement one another. Either if it's to cover the other's weakness or to just provide more efficient combat, each pair is deadly. Other than that? No."

"Troublesome," Shikamaru muttered.

('･ω･')

I gripped my tanto tightly in my hands, waiting at the side of the building for Asuma and Shikamaru's first move. Hidan sat on the stairs, a glower on his face, but remained silent. Asuma was behind him, I knew, but from my angle I couldn't see anything transpiring. Suddenly, I saw shuriken fly towards Hidan—from what I knew to be Asuma's position.

Hidan, fast as can be, shot up and pulled his scythe out in time to deflect the shuriken. He threw his scythe towards Asuma, the long metal rope attached to it whipping out as Hidan slammed his three-bladed scythe into the spot where Asuma once was. My focus wasn't on them anymore, instead it was on the shadow that had now attached towards Hidan.

I flickered out towards Hidan, noticing in the corner of my eye that Asuma had side stepped quite a ways from Hidan's blade. My tanto then dug deep into Hidan's chest, slicing into his heart.

"Way too slow," Shikamaru smirked. The shinobi was crouching down on the roof of the building, eying Hidan.

"That's one of them down." Asuma said, his stance still tense.

Hidan blinked a couple times, frowning in mild annoyance. In a bored tone he said, "Ow, that hurts. Who are you people?"

A chill ran down my spine.

It was one thing knowing about Hidan's immortality... and quite another to see and feel it yourself. My brain just didn't seem to wrap around the fact that despite being stabbed through a vital spot, he seemed completely unfazed.

"Ow. Quit moving it around, knock it off." Hidan peered down at me. "Now then, once again... who are you people?"

Hidan glanced away from me, looking towards Asuma and scrutinizing the man. His eyes narrowed. "That symbol... aren't you one of the Guardian Shinobi something or other?" His lips twisted in disdain and he gave a groan, rolling his eyes. "Oh, terrific. Looks like I'm going to have to go back into that stinking collection office. Ugh."

"We are shinobi of Konohagakure, our orders are to capture or kill you, Akatsuki. My original plan was to kill one of you first, then capture the other, but I guess that's going to have to change," Asuma said, pulling out his chakra blades.

Hidan snickered. "Not your lucky day, I'm afraid you chose the wrong one of us to start with."

"Your partner, where is he?" Asuma asked, his voice low and eyes narrowed.

It was then that there was a loud commotion from the roof top and I looked just in time to see dust and debris cloud the area. I saw Shikamaru shoot out of there, rolling to the ground and I knew immediately the shadow wouldn't hold anymore.

I felt a brief brush against my upper thigh, but quickly dismissed it; instead I ripped my tanto out of Hidan, leaping backwards. Hidan just ignored me.

When I glanced back at them, Kakuzu was standing before a poised Asuma, who had placed himself between him and Shikamaru.

"That fellow in front..." Kakuzu observed. "Well, well, for once you struck gold, Hidan."

"Kakuzu, just stay out of this, alright? I want them for my ritual," Hidan said, pulling back his scythe.

"Very well, but don't get careless... or your dead," Kakuzu drawled.

"Not that again..." Hidan's foot began to move back as he used the blood dripping from his wounds to begin forming his ritualistic circle. "Knock it off, will you? Believe me, I wish someone would kill me. But that's... not possible."

I stared at the Jashin ritual circle, feeling a thrill of fear through me. It was dangerous and risky, this mission. But I needed Shikamaru to garner more information. I had to absolutely ensure Hidan and Kakuzu were out of the picture before the war, and I had to make sure their bodies were properly disposed of so Orochimaru and Kabuto couldn't resurrect them.

In the long run, I needed to keep this mission as close to Canon as can be... with the exception of Asuma's death, of course. But because I was playing it so close to Canon, I had to run the risk of losing Asuma. And frankly... and frankly...

I would rather we lost Asuma, a single person, than if we allowed those two free reign any longer and permitted them in the war.

That didn't mean... That didn't mean I wouldn't do everything in my power to stop from losing Asuma.

Asuma raised a single chakra blade, a blue glow wrapping around it as he began to channel his chakra. Hidan raised his scythe, sneering at Asuma. The two ran towards each other, intent on battle. I could see Shikamaru's shadows race towards Hidan as well and Hidan was forced to leap up into the air. He threw his scythe towards Asuma, the man in turn narrowly dodging the blade. It soared past him, the ropes twisting and turning before the blade slammed into the ground.

Hidan used the rope to pull himself towards his scythe, lifting him off the ground and soaring away from Shikamaru's shadows.

I flickered towards Shikamaru, my eyes moving towards Kakuzu who seemed relatively indifferent. Originally, he hadn't intervened for a while yet... but I couldn't count on that.

My gaze returned to Hidan and Asuma, just as Hidan leapt away from Asuma, glowering.

"Hidan... don't underestimate them," Kakuzu warned.

"You stay out of this. Just keep your mouth shut," Hidan snapped.

It was a flurry of blades and shadows, neither able to make a direct contact for a while longer until, finally...

A single slice, a single scrape where Hidan managed to scratch Asuma's face before pulling his scythe back entirely, a leer on his face. Asuma began rushing towards Hidan, his hands making a flurry of handseals as Hidan licked the blood off his blade and hurried back to the ritual diagram.

Smoke—ash—covered the area Hidan was in. And just like that, Asuma lit it aflame.

When the fire died down, I winced, finding Asuma covered in burns and Hidan in his ritual form.

"Hurts, doesn't it?" Hidan asked softly. "Judgment has been passed. So what do you think? Helps you understand the suffering of others, doesn't it? I have already cursed you... and the ritual... shall now begin. Hehehheheheh." Hidan lifted his head, a toothy grin on his face. "Well then... let's experience the ultimate pain together, shall we?!"

What'd I miss?

Hidan just cursed Asuma. Wait, what have you been doing?

Ruining Naruto's training by constantly trying to take him over and having Yamato stop me.

... Why? Why would you do that?

... He started it.

Then you better finish it, or I'll finish it for both of you.

Hidan laughed gleefully, pulling out his long, sharpened pole. "All the preparations have been completed, now you and I will share in the ultimate pain."

Just hurry up and realize what's going on Shikamaru. I'm not as smart as you, so it'll look too odd if I figure it out before you. I can't seem knowledgeable, and pointing this out to you of all people would be too chancy. I can't risk us. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

Asuma straightened up, finally able to fight off the pain and he raced towards Hidan. Hidan sneered at him before jabbing his left knee. Asuma's eyes widened and he paled as he fell forward, clutching his own left knee. I saw and smelt the blood slowly pool through his pants.

"Hurts, huh?" Hidan cackled. "And I didn't even hit a vital spot! Hahahaheheheha! But that kind of pain is the best. When the other person's agony of the final moment seeps into my body, the pain is transcended into the purest ecstasy, hahaha!"

My eyes moved over to Shikamaru and I could see his eyes widen before narrowing, a calculating glint in his eyes.

Yes, hurry up! Figure it out. Figure it out so I can get us the hell out of here and we can properly regroup and take these guys down!

Hidan ripped out his pole, giggling. "Now then, where do you want to feel pain next? Up here, maybe? Or further down? How about your legs? What do you think? Or should we just end it already? Well?"

Shikamaru's shadow shot out faster than I could blink, wrapping into Hidan's just before the Jashinist could stab his own heart.

Shikamaru was breathing heavily as Hidan struggled against his shadow.

"Hmph... you think you can stop me?" Hidan muttered, trying to break through Shikamaru's hold.

I couldn't tell you exactly how much time had passed before Shikamaru figured out Hidan's weakness. If you asked it from my perspective, it was ten minutes. I knew that couldn't have been right, but that's what it felt like. Everything had slowed down to a heart pounding crawl where every second counted.

Little by little, Shikamaru began to pull Hidan out of his diagram.

"You figured it out," I breathed in relief.

"Of course I did," Shikamaru muttered, sweat dotting his face from the strain.

And the moment Hidan was out of the diagram, Asuma threw a shuriken at him, slicing his ear. A heartbeat passed before it became clear that Asuma was no longer affected by Hidan's injuries and in that moment, Shikamaru brought forth a string of shadows and each one lifted off the ground and jabbed into Hidan, piercing him and holding him.

"How dare you..." Hidan growled.

"I'm at my limit... can't... hold him much longer," Shikamaru panted. Asuma gave a slow nod and began to move towards Hidan, his blade glowing once more.

Okay... Okay...after Kakuzu stitches Hidan's head back on, I'll suggest a retreat and get us the hell out of here. Simple as that. Okay... Okay... I can do this.

I (im)patiently waited for that very event to occur, before my hand drifted towards my special dagger.

On the way here, I had dropped my dagger at just the limit I could safely teleport from this building. I had made adjustments to the seal so I could carry more than one person, but it limited my range in doing so. It was enough, however, to get us a head start. Then I could just start throwing the dagger and teleporting us until we either ran into our back up, or we could start running. Given their fatigue and injuries, I wouldn't bet on that happening.

My hand moved down towards my thigh and I felt... nothing.

I froze, ignoring how Kakuzu began stitching Hidan's head back together.

My dagger was gone.

I had learned my lesson in fighting Sasori. I knew that there would be times where I would not have my dagger available and having to find it would be a hassle. That was why, at Kiba's suggestion, I coated it with its own, special scent. Something close enough to mine that no one else would be able to differentiate between the two unless they were specifically looking for the difference.

I sniffed the air, my eyes sharp.

I had it when I came here... where did it... what happened...?

The scent... was coming from Hidan's body.

My mind blanked out.

...I felt a brief brush against my upper thigh, but quickly dismissed it...

Oh my God.

No.

No.

Hidan... grabbed my dagger... the moment he was free of Shikamaru's shadows far back in the beginning. I doubt he knew what it was, or else he and Kakuzu would have been targeting me, so he had merely grabbed it for... what? In case he lost his pike?

Did it even matter why he grabbed it?

Because he grabbed it... and he was alive and moving again. And that dagger was no longer available to me.

Which meant... Which meant...

I couldn't get us out of here.

Cold fear washed over me.

Oh my God. Oh my God.

I had—I had to get them out of here! Oh my God. Holy shit. I had—I thought I had this—I thought it was safe. It would be my fault now if they died now! I couldn't—that guilt—I couldn't bear it. I couldn't ever look Kurenai in the eye if that happened, or Ino, or Chōji, or anyone. I had to get them out of here. I had to get them away from these maniacs.

Because I knew they were in danger on this mission. I knew Asuma would die and it would be so definitely my fault if I knew his death was coming and I failed in preventing it. I couldn't... I could never look Naruto in the eye again. How could I fail my dear brother in that regard—protecting one of his precious people?

I loved my brother. I wanted to be his right hand woman. I wanted to be his support, his pillar, his aide. I owed him everything, because if it was not for him, I doubt I would have stayed sane in this world. I doubt I would even be able to smile, to laugh to be happy, if he had not supported me; if he had not loved me through those years.

The very idea of failing him was just... not... bearable.

I would rather—I would rather—

I had to get them out of here.

But how? Without the Flying Thunder God, what could I do? My new technique wasn't ready yet and I—I couldn't fight the Hidan and Kakuzu and—and—

Be honest with yourself. If it was you or him, who would you pick?

My fingers twitched, as I recalled Kurama's words to me all those years ago.

I asked you before you or him. Now I'll ask you him or them.

My hands curled into a fist.

And now... And now I ask myself this: Them or me.

"We need to retreat," I said softly to Shikamaru, he looked up at me, his sharp eyes narrowing.

"I'll make some shadow clones and henge everyone. I'll make some more to carry you guys," I whispered.

"Retreat... is our best option," Shikamaru muttered, "But I don't think we can pull it off. We're too—"

"Trust me," I whispered. "Please. I have a plan."

Shikamaru frowned. "Miwako... What are you planning?"

"Trust me," I repeated.

Shikamaru gave a slow nod. "Alright. I'll trust you."

I raised my hands up into the ram sign. "Oi! Atheist and miser!"

Hidan's head snapped towards me. "What the fuck did you just call me?"

"Allow me to introduce myself," I said, "I'm Uzumaki Miwako! Right hand woman to Konoha's future Hokage!"

The clearing was then filled with clones of myself, some henged into Asuma and others into Shikamaru. Clones grabbed onto the real Asuma and Shikamaru before making a speedy retreat.

"And where do you think you're going?" Kakuzu drawled as multiple groups of me, Asuma and Shikamaru left.

"They're retreating," I said, flickering to stand before him and the real group that was leaving. "And you two are staying."

Hidan sneered. "It doesn't matter how far they go. That man will still—hey! You little bitch! What the fuck do you think you're doing?"

My clones had ruined his diagram.

"Uzumaki Miwako," Kakuzu contemplated. "Aren't you one of Konoha's jinchūriki?"

"That's right," I whispered, dispelling the extra clones after realizing that Shikamaru and Asuma were a ways away. "And I know mere clones wouldn't hold you back, that's why... That's why I'm staying here myself and I will hold you off long enough for my comrades to escape."

I couldn't count on back up. I couldn't trust in Pein intervening with us. Those were things that happened in Canon, but right now it's far too critical to rely on them. I can't play the risk of doing so and not having them follow through in time.

Brat? What's going on? I felt your panic a moment before, but... What are you doing? Brat! Answer me.

I can't rely on those nick-of-time saves, I thought softly. And I can't... I can't be intimidated by these two! I'm going to have to face much stronger, and much scarier opponents than these two. And not to mention, I can't allow the Akatsuki to have Kurama... So I have to...

I have to trust in my own ability, and I have to take down Kakuzu and Hidan!

Or die trying.