(Flashback)

Tsunade pursed her lips as she looked over the charts again. I barely spared her a glance, my eyelids droopy as I continued to stare blankly out the window. Sasame was besider her, peering over her shoulder to read the charts.

After a moment, Tsunade placed the charts back at the end of the bed and looked up at me. "I know this is hard for you, Miwako, but... I don't want you to lose hope."

Slowly, I dragged my eyes back over to meet hers.

Tsunade gave me a faint smile. "If I could, I would teach you my regeneration technique, but that would take years. Ever still, this idea might take just long, but... At least it doesn't run the risk of shortening your life span."

"What are you... talking about?"

"Have a little faith in this village, Miwako. We aren't as heartless as you think," Tsunade teased.

(End Flashback)

('･ω･')

"Everyone still alright to continue?" I asked, eyeing each member of the group. No one objected, so I continued, "We'll have to pursue them. They were such a hassle to find the first time, I'm afraid if we don't pursue them now, they'll just escape. We have enough members... so let's split into three groups. Yamato and Sasuke should stay with Hinata and wait for her recovery. Naruto, Shino, Kiba and Kakashi will be the second group, and I'll go alone."

I had Sasuke and Yamato stay with Hinata, because while I knew she was far from done, she was still too weak at this point to properly defend herself. Yet I couldn't spare so many people, so I had to choose the two I trusted the most with this task. Yamato and Sasuke were more than capable of taking care of any unwanted visitors.

"Alone?" Naruto echoed, frowning. "Miwako-chan, do you really think that's a good idea, considering the enemy?"

I shook my head. "I'm not tracking them. Besides... since Kakashi-sensei got here, I'm technically not leader of this mission anymore."

Naruto's brow furrowed and he opened his mouth to ask -

She's giving the orders because Kakashi hasn't assumed command, yet, Kurama's voice echoed in my head and I knew he was speaking to both of us. Kakashi isn't assuming command because this is her second chance. But, right now Miwako needs to check something out and is indirectly switching leadership over to Kakashi. Hence why she's splitting up the groups.

"Why are you going alone?" Hinata asked hesitantly.

I pursed my lips and looked over at Kakashi. "... There's something I need to check out. I think I know why Guren may be here, but I can't be sure. I need to confirm it and it would be... safer... if I went alone."

Kakashi's visible eye narrowed at my emphasis on safe. "I understand."

"Alright," Sasuke said, seeming to understand the implication, and he moved to stand beside Hinata. Yamato cocked his head.

"I don't get it," Kiba said.

Naruto shook his head. "It doesn't matter, now."

"Then we'll go ahead and head home," Gamakachi said. Naruto glanced at his toad summons, grinning at them.

"Aa. See you next time we need your help," Naruto said.

"I'm heading home, too, Miwako-chan, Kakashi," Pakkun said.

I glanced down at my favorite ninken, kneeling in front of him and placing a hand on his head. "Aa. Thank you, precious one."

In a puff of smoke, all the summons had disappeared.

"Well then... let's finish this mission already."

('･ω･')

Good call on ditching the group, Kurama purred.

I did not respond right away, leaping through the trees as fast as I could. I would have to take a detour to avoid running into the enemy – I wasn't in the mood to take them all on, and I was focused entirely on my mission. It seemed reasonable at the time. You know I want to talk to Isobu, and this may be my first chance.

Maybe, Kurama replied. Are you sure you still want to, though? He's just the Sanbi.

Kurama, the Akatsuki still want him.

Who cares if they capture him? Or any of the other bijuu for that matter?

You care.

Kurama huffed. Don't be absurd.

My lips twitched in amusement. ... Well, I'm just glad Kakashi, Sasuke and Naruto seemed to understand my implied reasoning. Giving the reason that I needed to rely on you somehow becomes a legitimate excuse to go it alone.

I'm just surprised they didn't send that hippie with you.

Yamato couldn't be spared. Even Sasuke isn't so good he could solo everyone. Well. Not without causing too much damage to himself and maybe failing in regards of protecting Hinata.

I could feel Kurama shrug.

Ah, hang on. I'll dispel you from the Genjutsu.

Kurama's chakra rang through me and I blinked my eyes, clearing away the spots. The fog had gotten thicker the closer I ran to the lake and I could feel a heavy chakra in it. It seemed the Genjutsu was already taken effect.

Do you think we'll run into Tobi?

Hmm, that's right, he's around here, isn't he? Watching all of it transpire. I doubt we actually will – it would be in his interest not to interact with us, but who can say?

I guess... Kurama?

Mn?

When... When Pein attacks Konoha... have you thought about what we should do?

What an odd time to be asking me that, brat. Of course I've thought about it.

And?

And don't worry about it now. We'll talk about it when it gets closer – there's nothing you can do about it now, anyway.

What about Itachi?

For that, Kurama had no answer. The problem that was Itachi and the Uchiha Massacre was a tricky one to solve, given what power we had. We couldn't touch Danzo, nor could we prove Itachi's innocence. Not like this. The village hated us and the Council wouldn't just take our word for it. If there was even an instant of doubt in my sanity (claiming to know things I shouldn't know about), I would be locked up faster than you could say dattebayo, no matter what Tsunade did.

I was stuck between a rock and a hard place with that problem.

A sigh escaped my lips.

Is it too late to defect to Kumo?

Kurama snorted. By this point, probably. Your brother has gotten so attached t –

Kurama cut himself off, and I felt a strong sense of chakra push down on me, hard. My breath hitched.

It must be that kid – Isobu's going nuts, Kurama muttered.

My hands curled into fists, and I poured more chakra into my feet to increase my speed. We have to hurry.

Too late.

Just as I reached the shore, a massive tidal wave came out of nowhere. I stopped short of running and jumped as high as I could above the wave, and even then the tip of the wave still caught my feet.

Damn, I thought.

('･ω･')

When the last of the waves disappeared, Kurama gave a snort. Your brother got separated from the group. He's worried about you.

Closing my eyes, I let out a sigh. I guess I should head back. We've confirmed that Isobu is in the lake and that Orochimaru is after him. I can safely relay this information to the rest of the team without worry about the information being questioned.

Hmph. It can be such an annoyance at time that they don't know about our knowledge. But, it can't be helped.

I sniffed the air, transferring chakra into my nose and sharpening my sense of smell significantly.

Found them.

('･ω･')

"... It seems that was a Genjutsu."

"Aa," I said, appearing on the top branch of a tree. Kakashi, who had spoken earlier, looked up at me. "This fog is layered with chakra and will cause a Genjutsu."

"Huh...? But..." Naruto trailed off, his brow furrowed.

Idiot boy. Whatever you saw was just an illusion, Kurama scoffed.

"Well, it seems everyone's together now," Kakashi said.

Shino looked down. "But that doesn't mean our problems are over."

Hinata looked over at Shino. "What do you mean, Shino-kun?"

Shino held out his hands, showing how his insects were running around in erratic circles. "They've begun to act weird. Their sense of direction is shot. We can't use them for reconnaissance."

"I would imagine not," I said, hopping down from the branch. "Weren't you listening? This fog is layered in chakra, but not just any chakra."

"What do you mean?" Kiba asked.

I pointed out in the direction of the lake. "This lake belongs to the Sanbi. We recognized his chakra earlier on, but couldn't confirm until now. Orochimaru's men are attempting to either seal him, or gain control over him."

"We?" Kiba echoed.

"Kurama and I," I elaborated. Kiba's brow furrowed, the name unfamiliar to him. Those from Team 7, however, nodded in understanding.

"If that's the case..." Kakashi trailed off.

"It is," Naruto said quickly. "I saw it. Him. I saw him. The Sanbi - it's, he's, a giant turtle, right?" At my nod, Naruto continued. "This kid was controlling him, I think. That reminds me... that kid... we need to get him away from Orochimaru's men!"

"What do you mean?" Sasuke asked, his eyes narrowed.

Naruto looked sheepish. "I... I met him before. We talked and... I might have told him to return and stay with Orochimaru's men. I didn't know they were Orochimaru's though, I swear! I just told the kid to go with the person that is thinking about him - to go home. He's just a kid, though, he doesn't understand..."

"I'd like to get that kid away from them, too," I said, glancing away. "Although I have to confess for different reasons; his chakra is able to tame the Sanbi and if he's with Orochimaru..."

Kakashi sighed. "Alright. For now, we'll send a report back to Konoha. This mission just escalated and we need to retreat before this fog gets the best of us. We'll reevaluate the data we've collected and take it from there."

"Right!"

('･ω･')

"So what do we do now? With all the things that happened, we've fallen far from off track from searching for Orochimaru's hideout," Kiba said, glancing at me.

"Well, the situation has gotten too big for me to make arbitrary decisions," I said, looking over at Kakashi. Kakashi shook his head.

"You're still leader of this mission, but I'd advised you to wait until Konoha's reply before doing anything more, Pakkun should return soon enough," Kakashi said.

I cocked my head, looking over at the darkening sky. "... Mn. Kakashi-sensei, a word in private?"

Kakashi gave a short nod and the two of us separated from the group. When everyone was out of ear shot, I spoke bluntly, "I need to talk to Isobu - the Sanbi, alone."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Kakashi asked. "I understand why you needed to go solo to confirm Isobu's whereabouts, but with this fog and the enemy still loose..."

"They'll just get in the way," I retorted. "Not to be rude or anything, but I can't promise their safety, either. With my Flying Thunder God technique - and Shino still holding onto the dagger - I can leave the danger instantaneously. Whereas if someone came to me, we would be forced to take on Isobu alone."

Kakashi looked away. "... Are you certain you need to talk to Isobu?"

"Yes."

"And if I ordered you not to?"

I thought about it.

"I would go anyway," I confessed.

Kakashi sighed. "Aa. You're Kushina's daughter, and Naruto's sister alright... Very well. Leave now. I'll watch over the group while you're gone."

"Okay. Thank you."

('･ω･')

I continued to walk across the churning waves, taking my time. The fog was so thick I could taste the chakra. Every few seconds, Kurama's chakra burst inside of me, breaking me free from yet another Genjutsu. The moon in the night sky hung above us, shining with a sort of cold warmth.

In the manga/anime they said that Isobu was in an alternate dimension, I commented to Kurama, continuing to walk across the lake.

Bunch of bullshit, Kurama sneered. It's just a very strong Genjutsu.

Really?

If we could just pop into another dimension and leave this wretched world at any given time, trust me, we would have long ago and never looked back.

Mm.

Stop here. He's below us.

I pulled out a glow-stick, snapping it and watching as light bloomed a deep breath of air, I dropped down into the water. Opening my eyes, I began to swim downwards in the dark water. Kurama's chakra ran through me again, and I could begin to see Isobu at the bottom.

You're going to have to make him come up to the surface to talk to him. Unless you can somehow talk underwater...?

I can't.

Then I suggest you use force.

Or you could talk to him, I thought slyly. I know the bijuu can communicate telepathically with one another.

Kurama was silent. What do I get in return?

What do you want?

... When the time comes, I'll be calling in this favor.

Fine. But you could try being a bit nicer, Kurama. Friends help each other out.

Who said I wanted to be your friend, brat?! Kurama was huffing in annoyance, and though I could not see him, I knew his tails would be flickering around in annoyance. Me? Friends with a human? Don't think so highly of yourself, you brat!

You know, I'm starting to get really good at reading in between the lines. And yes, I think of you as a close friend, too.

DON'T TWIST MY WORDS AND MAKE SHIT UP, YOU ANNOYING GIRL!

Tsundere~ tsundere~ tsundere~

Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!

Such a tsundere~

I am NOT!

If I wasn't underwater, I would have been laughing by now. As it was, I stopped swimming down, floating before the bijuu and staring at his closed eye.

Kurama, ready when you are.

I'm tempted not to now.

Kurama...

Humph! Kurama grumbled, muttering, Petulant, petty, presumptions, persecuting pest... Oi. Isobu. Wake up, you useless thing.

Be nice!

The eye creaked open, staring at me. I waved my fingers in greeting, smiling.

- Kurama? Is that you? I didn't know you could change forms... -

The voice that entered my mind was tired, groggy, but somehow seemed heavy and weighed. It felt odd to hear another bijuu in my head. Some part of me felt a little panicked, but when Kurama spoke again (completely calm, confident, and assured), I relaxed.

This is my jinchūriki, Isobu. Go to the surface. We need to talk to you. It's important.

Isobu did not respond right away. When he did, his voice was dubious, but a little worried. - It is not like you to engage in conversation with the other bijuu, Kurama. If you are, then something must be wrong. I will hear you out. -

I swam towards Isobu, reaching out and grasping his jaw. Holding on tightly, I curled up as Isobu began to launch himself back up. The force of the water rushing down on me was surprising, and I almost lost my grip. However, within seconds we had reached the foggy surface.

I gasped for air and released my grip. Falling back on the churning surface, I looked up at Isobu. "Hello, Isobu. It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Namikaze-Uzumaki Miwako."

Bowing lowly, I dropped into a curtsey.

Isobu eyed me with unhidden amusement. - It is rare to see such a polite human. Kurama, you have trained your human well. -

Would you have expected anything different? Kurama sniffed.

My lips twitched and I fought back a smile. "Yes, well. You know me. Docile-san. Isobu-sama - "

Sama? Why do you call him sama and not me? You -

" - you were the bijuu for Yagura, were you not? You know he was controlled by an Uchiha, don't you?"

Isobu cocked his head, the action being slow and sluggish. - I was aware, yes. -

"Then you know about the Akatsuki, do you not?"

- I know of them. -

"They have already captured Shukaku-sama and Matabi-sama," I said. "They will come for you, within the week."

- I see. And? -

I blinked, surprised by his acceptance of this knowledge.

And you better not get captured, Kurama snapped. They'll have shinobi specially sent to counter your Genjutsu. Don't underestimate them.

- I'm not. I just don't care. So I'll be captured again. Freedom never comes for bijuu. Why would I have expected anything different this time? -

I stilled, my eyes widening. "You... You're just accepting this? You aren't... you aren't going to fight it? Isobu-sama - "

Isobu's tails waved around, conveying some level of annoyance. - That's all humans do. We escape our prisons for a heartbeat, and then we are forced back into them. It's a never-ending cycle. -

"You can't just give up!" I shouted, my hands clenched into fists. Bile rose to my mouth, and utter disgust filled me. "No one deserves to be in that kind of prison! No one deserves to just be forced into a decaying body, waiting day after day after day - that's just not right. I can't... I just can't sit by and watch that happen. Not anymore. Not while I can actually do something about it, so... so... you can't just accept this. You have to fight it. You have to!"

Isobu stared at me for a long while.

- You are a strange human, - Isobu commented. He leaned towards me, peering at me. - You call me by my name and your emotions have the stench of sincerity. However, words will not change the facts. -

"You're right," I said lowly, a hot anger sparking in the pit of my stomach. "Actions will. Come with us. We can protect you."

Oi, Miwako... You can't just go off and invite bijuu into Konoha willy-nilly. Your damned Hokage may be partial to you and your brother, but even she -

"Then we won't go to Konoha," I snapped. "We'll go... We'll go somewhere else. Far away. I just - you don't - it's just - no one deserves - "

I broke off, my hands clenching into fists and I struggled to contain my frustration and disgust at the situation.

Isobu peered at me. - A very strange human indeed. -

"I just... I can't just... don't ask me to..."

Kit, if he wants to take his chances with the Akatsuki, let him, Kurama said.

"... Is that what you want, Isobu-sama?" I asked quietly. "Do you... do you really want...?"

- The cycle continues, human. If I'm to be captured again, I'll be captured. It's as simple as that. -

My eyes lowered. "I swear..."

Beepbeepbeep -

"I'm sorry, but your daughter - "

- beeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.

Isobu tilted his head.

No one deserves to be trapped in a rotting body; so helpless.

"I swear... I will... I will break that cycle. I promise."

('･ω･')

"Well?"

I eyed the group apathetically, my face as blank as my tone. "He won't attack us, and he would prefer if we got the child away from him. Shizune-san, what are you doing here?"

"When Tsunade-sama learned about the Sanbi, she thought it would be best if we sealed it," Shizune said, glancing over at Sakura, Sasame and Ino. "We'll be the sealing team, along with you - "

"Absolutely not!"

At my venomous shriek, all eyes widened and stared at me. I was breathing heavily, fighting back the growing sense of loathing. Sealing? They were going to seal Isobu without prompting?! Even when I had gone out and ensured he wouldn't be attacking us? Without provocation they would enslave him?!

I was shaking minutely, and red chakra began to pour out of me, whipping around without prompting.

"Miwako, calm yourself," Kakashi said sharply.

"He hasn't done anything wrong!" I hissed. "We have no reason to seal him! That's just - no! I won't do it!"

They looked nervous. Shizune especially seemed uncomfortable, as she was under my dark glare. She shifted anxiously. "W-Well, Tsunade-sama thought it was best - "

"And what does she know?!" I demanded. "Why should we enslave someone who means us no harm?! Well?!"

Sasuke slapped a hand on my shoulder, hard. I startled, my anger snapping back instantly and I glanced at him with wide eyes.

"Calm down," Sasuke said lowly. "I'm sure Tsunade-sama only gave the order while she was only aware of his presence, and not that he means any harm. I'm certain that when she learns of this, the plans to seal him will be revised."

Naruto stepped forward, placing on a bright smile. "Yeah. Baa-chan's cool, remember, Miwa? No need to get your panties in a bunch."

My cheeks flamed, and I blushed, looking away, thoroughly chastised. "Y-Yeah. Sorry, everyone for losing my temper."

I bowed lowly.

"Maa, maa. It happens," Kakashi said, placing a hand on my head. "I'll go ahead and send Pakkun."

"No need," Sakura said. "I'll send Katsuyu - Tsunade will be able to sense that Katsuyu requires to be summoned and we'll get a reply almost immediately."

"Th-Then we'll just wait for her response, then," Shizune said quietly.

I hesitated, and then bowed again. "I... I'm sorry."

Shizune moved towards me, smiling. "I know. It's okay to speak your mind... just be more careful, ne?"

"Aa."

"Don't worry, Miwako-san," Lee exclaimed. "We'll figure this out!"

Sasuke's hand squeezed my shoulder as Sakura summoned a small portion of Katsuyu. The slug summon then split in half and allowed half of herself to be dismissed and resummoned by Tsunade. He leaned forward and whispered lowly in my ear, "You still seem upset."

"It can't be helped," I whispered back. "Isobu - the Sanbi - has lost faith that he'll ever be free."

Naruto moved to stand on my other side, frowning as he whispered quietly, "Miwa, I know you feel strongly for the bijū, but - "

"I know. I'm sorry again for losing my temper."

Naruto shook his head. "No. I'm not upset about that - I'd be doing the same thing if I felt as strongly as you do about it. What I'm saying is, but what do you want us to do about it?"

My eyes widened and I looked at Sasuke, and Naruto. "You guys...?"

"We're a team," Naruto said firmly.

"We know you'd do the same for us," Sasuke said, withdrawing his hand and offering a small shrug.

"... Thank you. I don't know what to do. Isobu doesn't want our protection - he just wants us to leave us alone, but... the Akatsuki will be after him, and..." I shrugged. "I want to stay with him and fight them off myself, but I know that won't be allowed."

Katsuyu spoke, her gentle voice carrying over our conversation. "Tsunade-sama says that we cannot allow the Sanbi to fall into the Akatsuki or Orochimaru's hands. For now, she would like Orochimaru's men taken care of and when the situation is under control she will station ANBU at the Sanbi's location to guard it."

"Him," I corrected underneath my breath.

Naruto beamed. "That's awesome! The ANBU will be able to protect him."

No. They won't, I thought, my eyes trailing downcast. But I can't very well point that out, can I? I can't... I can't really do anything in this situation can I? I could stubbornly refuse the idea and stay behind with the ANBU and attempt to take on Deidara and Tobi, but... I doubt I'd win that battle, and if they got a hold of me... Tobi could easily drop me off in his own little dimension and I'd have no way to escape him. Besides, Naruto would probably want to stay with me and if he stayed, Sasuke might, too...

... but then... I couldn't go all out in the battle and while Sasuke beat Deidara the first time around, I don't think Tobi would be so easy. And if Tobi got a hold of Naruto...

... I wouldn't be able to fight him.

I don't want to take that chance.

Fucking... son of a... damn... it...

Isobu... I'm sorry. I can't fight off the Akatsuki, not now, but I will free you. I promise I would and I will. Even if I have to fight through Madara and Tobi in the end and rip you out of that statue, I will. I'm not strong enough now, but, I will be. I swear...

Hollow words. You would tackle the Akatsuki after Isobu is captured, but not before?
We can't take on the Akatsuki now, but we will. We'll get stronger. And...

Kurama scoffed, and I found myself standing before him. "I understand your reasoning, brat. You're right - at this point you can't take on the Akatsuki. Which is why you should be thanking me."

"Thank you?" I asked, tilting my head in confusion. "For what exactly?"

Kurama gave me a Cheshire grin. "You'll understand soon enough. Heh."

"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?"

Kurama huffed. "Don't be like that! Have I lead you astray, yet?"

I smirked. "Oh, so this is just one of those tsundere things, ne?"

"SHUT UP!"

A smile found its way on my lips before I knew it, and I blinked in surprise at that.

"... it's nearly daybreak so we should prepare to move out. Right, Miwako?"

"Huh? Oh. Yeah."

Naruto grinned and slung an arm around my shoulder. "Heh? You're smiling."

My smile widened. "Aa."

Thank you, Kurama. You really know how to cheer me up, huh? Such a good friend.

Shut up.

"Regardless, they'll be attempting to make contact with Isobu again," I said. "We should head out to the lake and wait for them. Some of us, at least. I doubt that the kid will be with them, and he'll probably have some sort of guard. Some of us should head to the lake, and the rest should see if we can track down the kid. Sasuke, Kakashi, Naruto and I will head out to the lake. The rest - "

"We should come with you," Sasame said, her brow furrowed with worry. "Such a small group - you know they'll attack you with everything they've got."

"Which is why only we should go out. We have the best dynamics when it's just the three of us," Sasuke cut in. "And this would leave a large enough group to split into two to better search for them."

"I agree with this," Kakashi said.

I felt a pleasant thrill run through me at that. It was nice to have Kakashi's approval on my choice. "Then Shizune, Shino, Sasame, Hinata and Tenten will make up the second group. Kiba, Yamato, Sakura, and Lee will make up the last group."

That way each time has one medic, one tracker, one Jounin, and one heavy-hitter.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Naruto demanded, grinning widely.

"Nothing," Sasuke said. "Let's go,"

('･ω･')

"Oh, Miwako," Kakashi said, looking over at me and giving me an eye-smile, "I forgot to mention, while you were out... talking... with the San - er - Isobu, Naruto left the group."

Naruto cringed as my gaze darkened and I turned to him. "And? Where'd he go?"

"He went looking for the enemy and found them... and disengaged in them alone," Sasuke said slowly.

"Naruto... you put yourself in unnecessary danger... all for some brat...?"

"S-Sorry, Imout - er -really, I am," Naruto said quickly, fidgeting nervously. Kurama chuckled.

My eyebrow twitched and I sped up to him and grabbed him by the ear. "Do that again, I dare you."

"I won't!" Naruto insisted.

Keheheh, I told you she had bigger balls than you.

"Shut up!" Naruto exclaimed out loud.

Kurama, be nice, I thought.

"Stupid fox," Naruto muttered sourly. Sasuke rolled his eyes.

Oi, Miwako, Kurama said.

Mn?

Should that brat up and control Isobu... Isobu won't be able to keep his promise and leave us alone.

A-Aa. That's true.

Then we'll have to subdue him.

W-Well...

We'll have to keep him from interfering, Kurama elaborated, rolling his eyes. To do that, it'll take nothing less than three tails. Are you prepared for that?

I took a deep breath at that, looking over at my team. I thought back to my battle with Hidan and Kakuzu - how I had refused to draw upon an ounce of Kurama's chakra during it and because of such...

Yeah. I can control three tails. And... And I have to have faith in the others. It won't be like last time. I'm not going to lose control and attack them. I'm... I won't.

Aa.

"Here they come," Kakashi said.

"I'm going," I said, leaping above the first crystal-shuriken that were thrown our way. I blew past the large shinobi that had attacked me earlier and went straight for Guren. Her right arm formed a crystal blade around the outside of it and I pulled out my tanto.

Our two blades clashed against each other, sparks flying. My eyes narrowed. "I'm done being weak. I can't protect Isobu against the Akatsuki right now, but I can protect him from you."

"Small fry should just stay out of the way," Guren snapped.

"Hmph," I scoffed, smirking. Kurama's chakra began to hum inside of me, running through my veins and bursting outside as I was wrapped in a one-tail cloak. Guren's eyes widened. With it, came a surge of frustration and anger that I focused towards this woman. She was attempting to enslave Isobu, wasn't she? For her master. What right did she have?!

"Miwako!" Naruto exclaimed and through the corner of my eye, I saw pink crystal rise up in front of him.

"Come at me, then, jinchūriki-whore," Guren bit out.

My tanto glowed a dull red before red lightning burst out it and Guren leapt back. Her large bodyguard jumped in front of her and Naruto and Sasuke flickered to my side, Kakashi just behind me.

"Where is he? Where's Yūkimaru - that kid?!" Naruto demanded.

"Shut up," Guren said.

"Where did you take him?! It's my - It's my fault that he's with you guys in the first place. I won't let you use him like a tool, just to discard him," Naruto growled.

Guren's eyes widened with anger. "Shut up! As if... As if you understand!"
She slammed her hand down into the water and blue crystal shot out from the sprays as sharp, high-velocity, shuriken.

Naruto grabbed my hand and spun me around him before launching me up in the air above the attack. My right hand flew out at Guren, Kurama's chakra wrapping around it and taking shape as lightning.

I will protect Isobu!

The electricity shot out of my hand, this time not so chaotic and more focused. Guren's eyes widened and she slammed both her palms into the water to form a large, thick crystal. The attack blew straight through the crystal, obscuring my view momentarily as it exploded into bits of dust.

I landed back on the water, my gaze focused solely on where Guren and her partner, Gozu, was. When the smoke cleared, I saw she was panting heavily, and leaning on her knees. "You bitch..."

I smirked with vindictive glee.

And that was just a light brush up. Most of the power was lost in the air because it wasn't focused, and I didn't put any real power in that, Kurama commented. Yet it shot right through that crystal...

Imagine what damage it will do when we have it down, I thought.

"Nice," Naruto crowded, giving me a thumbs up.

"Thanks. Heh, I have to keep up with you and Sasuke somehow, don't I? With your Rasenshuriken and Sasuke's Kirin..." I trailed off, shaking my head.

"I'm not done yet," Guren said.

Sasuke gave her a bored look. "It looks like you are."

"Say that again!"

Sasuke pulled out his katana and sprinted towards Guren, and she stretched her hand out. Pink crystal grew from below Sasuke and he leapt above it, twisting out of the way and jumping off it. It continued to grow after him, forming spikes as it went.

I ran behind him, using the extra boost of speed and power from Kurama's chakra to launch myself in the air. I grabbed Sasuke's arm, pulling him out of the way from a mid-air attack and hurling him at Guren. Both of his hands glowed a pale blue as he formed the Chidori in each hand.

Guren jumped back, and just as Sasuke's Chidori would have cut through her, she formed a crystal shield. I landed back on top of the water of the lake and flickered towards the two, my right fist, Kurama's chakra in lightning form covering it, connecting with her shield.

It shattered upon impact and Sasuke continued with his Chidori and sliced straight through her right shoulder. She seized up, her eyes wide with pure rage.

"Y-You..."

I held my right fist, looking down at it. "Damn. I actually broke my hand."

Sasuke scoffed. "That's what you get for being so barbaric and attacking barehanded when you have a perfectly good tanto to use."

"Shut up."

Guren ripped herself out of Sasuke's Chidori, breathing heavily and clutching her bleeding shoulder. "You... You broke my crystal."

"While I admit you're strong, you're still not a match for us," I said, straightening up and standing by Sasuke's side.

Guren glared at all of us. "You damn... Konoha... shinobi..."

She then jumped up into the air, her arms outstretched as dust of red crystal flew out. A red light surrounded her for a heartbeat before red crystal grew out of her. She became engulfed in it, smirking confidently at us.

Sasuke and I ran towards the crystal, his Chidori flaring to life and my red-lightning glowing through the tanto. Both of are attacks landed with accuracy, blowing the crystal to bits - only for it to immediately reform within seconds.

"It looks like it mends itself right away," I said, frustration bubbling inside of me. "Tt."

"Hm." Sasuke glanced around. "Oi, Naruto, stop wasting chakra and hitting it with the Rasengan."

Naruto glared at Sasuke, but stopped in his attack. "Well she'll run out of chakra eventually, won't she?"

"That kind of reasoning is what allowed Orochimaru to escape you two in the first place," I put in mildly.

They both turned to glare at me.

"Let's focus our attacks," I suggested. "I'll start off with my tanto, Naruto with the Rasengan, then Sasuke, you with the Chidori."

"Aa," they said. I ran forward, swinging my tanto out. Kurama's chakra coursed inside of me, directing itself towards the tanto. A heartbeat passed and it had transformed into lightning again. I swung up as I reached the crystal, before bringing the tanto down on it hard. The crystal broke away and I could see Guren cringing inside. Naruto immediately followed the attack with his Rasengan and the crystal shattered away completely.

Sasuke jumped past us, his Chidori formed in his right hand and just as he was about to pierce Guren's heart, a giant mud wall formed.

Guren gave a startled gasp. "G-Gozu..."

"Guren-san," Gozu murmured, before the mud wall began darting out numerous of mud-bullets. I grabbed Naruto and dragged both of us out of out of the way as fast as I could. Gozu had used a mud-hand to grab Guren in the same instant. Sasuke's eyes were narrowed in annoyance, and he planted both his feet firmly on the mud wall and attempted to pull out his arm.

Only his feet started to sink in. Gozu flung Guren as far away as he could, effectively causing her to escape.

I gasped and let out a shriek of annoyance. "YOU SON OF A BITCH!"

Sasuke, however, was just as annoyed with Guren's friend because he flared his Chidori. The lightning ran through Gozu and with a wail of pain, Gozu fell away into a heap, sinking beneath the waters.

"Damn it, damn it, damn it!" I chanted, feeling Kurama's drain away from me and my vision no longer was tinted with red.

"We're going after her!"

"Then I take it you have her scent?" Sasuke asked.

"... W-Well..." I shifted sheepishly. "All I smell is mud now, and given how we're at a lake..."

"Damn," Naruto muttered. "Oi, Kakashi... where'd he go?"

"Here I am," Kakashi said, covered in mud. He looked irritated. "Where'd that mud-guy go? I owe him a favor..."

"You stink," I said, my nose twitching.

Kakashi sighed. "I know."

"... So? What should we do now?" Naruto asked, frowning.

"We need to find Guren before she has time to recover," I said firmly. "Kakashi and I are the only trackers, and it would be faster if we split up."

"Got it," Naruto said. "Lead the way, Imouto."

I gave a short nod, looking over at Kakashi and he nodded his head. "Aa. Sasuke, with me."

('･ω･')

I stopped short on the lake, my eyes widening. "... Naruto, do you feel it, too? Kurama?"

Aa.

Naruto's gaze sharpened into a glare. "Yeah. This chakra..."

"Isobu's broken the surface," I said, my eyes darting around. Sure enough, not too far from here I could see a pale blue light reach up to the sky, signifying that Yūkimaru was using his power to control Isobu.

Against Isobu's will.

"The brat," I muttered crossly. "Oi. Naruto, your friend is over there. And more than likely... so is Guren."

And Isobu won't be far behind, I thought, turning direction and sprinting. Naruto followed closely behind me, his gaze determined.

As we neared Yūkimaru, Isobu continued his steady approach, too.

Isobu reached them before us, and the light disappeared as he did so. I could see Isobu raise one of his tails and slam it down into something, and I could see a figure jumping away from him when he did.

Isobu let loose a giant ball of condensed water and it slammed into the cliff-side, completely obliterating half of it. Isobu let out a roar and slammed into the cliffside, clear anger in his actions.

The lake churned underneath us and it became harder to run across the water.

Almost there... I thought, and my eyes narrowed as the blue light formed again. My hand curled into a fist as I finally reached them. I knocked Yūkimaru away from the cliff side, stopping him from controlling Isobu anymore. I then quickly knocked him out in the same instance and tossed him to Naruto. Naruto caught him deftly and I turned to glare at the shinobi in front of me.

Rinji.

Rinji stepped back from me, glaring at me. "What you doing here?!"

I flickered in front of him, my tanto pulled out and I wasted no time in digging it inside his chest. "Killing you for making Yūkimaru control Isobu. I can forgive a child who knows nothing, but you..."

He gave a strangled gasp, pulling himself out of my tanto and grasping at his chest. He fell to the ground and I kneeled in front of him before burying my tanto into his neck for good measure.

"Imouto," Naruto said, his voice soft.

I pulled out the tanto and wiped his blood off with his scarf. I then put it away, turning back and looking down on Guren. "Guren, answer me this."

She glared at me, panting from her injuries.

"Do you really want to watch over Yūkimaru, or do you still want to work for Orochimaru?"

Naruto's eyes widened. "Oi, what kind of question is that?"

Guren stubbornly refused to answer.

"If that's how it is, then we'll take Yūkimaru," I said. "Come on, Naruto. Isobu-sama, don't worry. We'll finish taking care of this."

Isobu, recognizing us, gave a drawn-out sigh. - I see. -

Naruto's eyes widened and he looked around. "Hey... wait... did that come from you...? How are you inside my head?"

- I leave the rest to you, then, Kurama's human, - Isobu said, backing away. - I am tired and would like to be left in peace. Please make sure that human child doesn't attempt to control me again. -

"I will," I assured him.

('･ω･')

Naruto and I caught up with the others, Yūkimaru still sound asleep on his back.

I'm surprised you didn't kill Guren, Kurama said.

I almost did. However, it might have been a pointless death. Originally, Guren ends up defect from Orochimaru and taking Yūkimaru and Gozu with her to live out the rest of her days in relative peace. I can't say if she'll defect again this time around, but I would rather not cause a pointless death if that's the case. If she comes for Yūkimaru and manages to take him from us, she'll either run away with him or she'll attempt to make him control Isobu. If she tries to take him back to the lake, I'll know it's the latter and I will kill her.

If she heads away from the lake, then I'll let her go and talk to Naruto so he doesn't pursue her.

Besides... she might not even live with her wounds that Sasuke and Rinji caused.

Regardless, at least Rinji's dead. Now I just need to kill the others. Well. Most of them, at least. One of them might be useful for information on Orochimaru and you only need one to extract information from. They were all kept and treated in the same manner, so they would all know the same information.

"Everyone, this is Yūkimaru, the boy who was controlling Isobu," I said, gesturing to the unconscious boy on Naruto's back. "He's badly injured, so...?"

"I got it," Sasame said, smiling warmly at me and taking Yūkimaru in her arms. I surveyed everyone while she did so, noticing all them were battered in some way or form.

"It would be best if we took a break, then, and reevaluated what information we have," I said.

"The base isn't far from here," Sasuke said, glancing in the direction of the forest.

('･ω･')

"... And that's what happened," I said, finishing my explanation. Shizune, Yamato, Kakashi and I sat inside Yamato's wooden house, all of us explaining what had happened after we separated.

"Good grief," Yamato sighed. "The enemies we fought managed to escape and it looks like Guren is still out and about."

"They'll be after Yūkimaru," Shizune said. "So they'll come to us."

"Probably," Kakashi said. "But you said Rinji was the leader of that group, right? From what Yamato said, they completely fell apart without him."

"But I doubt we've seen the faces of all our enemies," I said, thinking of Kabuto who was still out there and acting behind the scenes. Doubtful he would present himself, but I couldn't be too sure.

Kakashi glanced out the window. "Maa. We'll just have to wait for them to show, I suppose."

I stood up, giving a small yawn. "I advise we take shifts in pairs, and give some people some time to recover."

"Good call," Kakashi said, standing up. "I'll take first watch."

"I'll take first watch with you, then," I said. "I'll go ahead and relay the instructions to everyone else."

('･ω･')

As predicted, they came for us within two hours. Just as I had sat down and prepared to sleep for a couple of hours, an explosion rocked the forest. Hinata, who had sat down next to me, jumped to her feet. We both raced out of the house (it was now on fire) and found ourselves standing before the first enemy - Kiho, I believe his name was.

The short, gray-skin man with white hair grinned widely at us.

"Imouto, Hinata-chan, are you okay?" Naruto asked.

"We're fine, go guard Yūkimaru," I called out.

"I'll guard him," Sasame said, racing past us and back in the house.

Through the corner of my left eye, I could see Yamato, Kakashi and Sasuke were engaged with the smoke-user.

"Cover me," Hinata said quietly, darting towards Kiho, her Byakugan activated. I pulled out my tanto and my left hand jabbed forward, glowing with electricity.

"Raiju Hashiri!" A hound-shaped lightning flew out of my hand and Kiho smirked and dodged the attack. However, as he leapt away from my attack, he moved closer to Hinata.

"Jūken," Hinata explained and her hands glowed blue. "64 palms!"

Kiho's eyes widened and he substituted himself with a nearby rock that Hinata deftly crushed. He pointed his weaponized hand at us and shot out several missiles.

As I narrowly avoided another explosion, through the corner of my eye, I saw Guren appear and slam a fist into Naruto's cheek. "I won't let you have Yūkimaru!"

"Naruto!" I shouted, turning to face him, but Guren's attack continued to carry the two of them out of my sight.

"Miwako," Hinata said, jumping down behind me, and pressing her back to mine, "please focus!"

I flushed. "S-Sorry, Hinata-chan. Let's hurry up and finish this battle."

I turned to stand side by side with Hinata. "Aa."

('･ω･')

Taking my chance, I sliced my tanto across his throat. Kiho's eyes widened and he grasped at his throat, but I continued my assault and with lightning dancing around my blade, I cut off his head.

"... There," I said.

Hinata looked around. "It looks like the others are done, too."

Kurama? Is Naruto...?

The brat and that lady had a boring conversation and hardly fought at all, Kurama whined. She took Isobu's whipping boy and the two have long since fled.

Wh-Whipping boy...?

What? Am I wrong? Did Isobu not bend over for that brat?

N-No. It's just... nevermind, I said, hiding my smile behind my hands.

Humph!

A yawn escaped me, and I rubbed at my eyes. Hinata looked at me with concern. "M-Miwako-chan, when's the last time you slept...?"

"Er..."

Kakashi's hand rested on top of my head as he flickered towards me. "Well, I guess that's my cue to come in and save the day. Hinata-san, Miwako-chan, go get some rest. I think it's safe to say this mission is a success."

"What about Yūkimaru?" Hinata asked.

"I wouldn't worry about him," Naruto said, heading towards us. "I think he'll be just fine."

Naruto looked over at me and gave me a knowing wink and I chuckled.

"Idiots," Sasuke sighed.

('･ω･')

Before we left to return to Konoha, I stood at the edge of the lake, Naruto beside me.

I bowed. "Bye-bye, Isobu-sama. We'll meet again when I can fulfill my promise to you."

Naruto mimicked my action. "Er, bye, Isobu. We never really met, but Kurama doesn't really like you so that makes you okay in my book. Hope we get a chance to talk one day."

Ungrateful brat, Kurama muttered petulantly.

- Goodbye, Kurama's humans. -

"Oi, no need to associate me with that guy so easily," Naruto whined.

Isobu gave a small chuckle, the motion slow and surprisingly light. - Then, goodbye Kurama's human and brother to that human. -

Naruto nodded his head firmly. "That's better."

I elbowed him in the stomach. "Be nice to Kurama."

"He started it," Naruto insisted.

Kurama, be nice to Naruto.

He started it.

('･ω･')

About halfway back to camp, Naruto grabbed my hand and tugged me back. We stopped walking, and I looked up at him, curious.

Naruto was staring at my hand, his eyes dark. "... Are you okay?"

"... Aniki...?"

He squeezed my hand. "... Does it... still hurt?"

I squeezed his hand back. "No. It does not physically hurt."

Naruto released his hold on me, tucking his hands in his pockets as he raised his gaze to meet mine. "You didn't hesitate to use Kurama's power against Guren."

"That is correct."

"Are you going to keep doing that?"

"Yes."

Naruto nodded, closing his eyes. "Good."

I blinked in surprise at that. "What?"

What? Did the brat just... approve of you using my power?

"You didn't go all out against Kakuzu and Hidan. I don't... I don't want you to do that ever again. I want you to come home - come back to me, alive - from every mission. So... So no matter what, Imouto, promise me... promise me you won't sacrifice yourself anymore. Promise me you'll do everything in your power to stay alive, and to come back to me. Promise me."

My heart stilled and my stomach dropped. Naruto was staring at me with intense eyes - warm and fearful eyes all at once. They reminded me of Nunnally's eyes when she brought in her baby and she looked at her.

They were loving eyes.

I knew Naruto loved me. But, sometimes...

"Even if it means I lose control in Konoha?"

But sometimes I wondered if he loved Konoha more than me.

He surprised me, then, when he responded.

"Don't hold back anywhere, Miwako. Just come home."

My eyes widened even more so and I gaped at my brother. "I thought... I thought... I mean... if I lost control in Konoha, then our home would be destroyed...? So, then I couldn't, technically, go home...?"

Naruto glared at me. "Are you an idiot? I thought you were the smart one of us! Home is home - it's where someone who loves you and is thinking about you is. Your home is with me, Sasuke, Kakashi and Jiraiya. Your home is with the people that love you. Konoha... Konoha is precious to me, true, but not as precious as you. Don't ever forget that!"

And with an annoyed huff, Naruto folded his arms behind his head and started to walk back to camp. "Now let's hurry up and get back! I've got a fierce craving for some Ichiraku ramen."

I stared at his back for a couple of heartbeats, emotions swirling inside my gut. I wasn't certain what I felt at that moment... just that it was a nice feeling.

A warm feeling.

My lips curled into a small smile.

And yet...

I caught up with Naruto, moving to walk side-by-side with him.

... and yet... you still... aren't... happy.