Chapter 10
Kaiya’s shoulder length raven locks flew back behind her as she dodged and jumped passed roots. She shoved back a branch, letting it fly back behind her. Then, laughed at the resulting groan and grunt that followed from Sasuke. White teeth glinted off the sun in her smile and her eyes pulsated the aura of a deep night sky. Glancing back over her shoulder Kaiya couldn’t help calling out “Hurry up, Otouto! If you’re gonna be the best ninja you have to catch me first!”
Sasuke’s eyes glinted at the challenge and his speed heightened, coming up closer behind her. Grinning widely Kaiya turned back around, jumped onto a rock and pushed off it, launching herself into the air with her new trick. Coming back towards the ground she landed and rolled continuing up onto her feet. She kept on going until a clearing appeared in front of her. Breaking through the foliage she jumped in behind a tree, pausing and holding her breath for Sasuke’s footsteps. There were none. Kaiya pouted and started to step out from behind the tree when a bush rustled to the other side and she was tackled down to the ground a moment later. They rolled on the ground trampling through the long grass. When they finally paused, Sasuke had Kaiya pinned his small face alight with pride.
“Looks like I’ll be a better shinobi than you Onee-chan!” he exclaimed grinning brightly at her. Kaiya flashed him a grin before twisting his arm and flipping him, successfully switching their positions. She looked down at him superiorly, “Not quite yet, Shorty.”
Sasuke replied by puffing out his cheeks and Kaiya’s face only lit up further. She jumped back and off of him her grin turning mischievous. “Did you notice at home?” The younger sibling immediately caught on, “Mom was making cookies.” Kaiya nodded slowly lips quirking “And she told Father she had to go to the store today, by now she should be gone.” Sasuke jumped up from the ground grinning ear to ear “Let’s go!”
They shot off together back towards the clan grounds. When they made their way out of the trees they were at the edge of the compound. Not waiting any longer they tore through the streets, passing by fellow Uchiha who watched them run by in amusement. Arriving at their home Kaiya paused outside the door holding a finger to her lips at Sasuke, signalling for silence. She eased open the door and they crept inside. The siblings continued on in silence not spotting any family members. The kitchen was empty and still smelled like cookies. Except that there wasn’t a single crumb in sight.
The pair furrowed their eyebrows and pursed their lips in sync, glancing around the room. Until, Kaiya finally spotted it. She elbowed Sasuke in the arm, motioning up towards the cabinets. Up at the highest shelf above the sink was a jar their mom only brought out for goodies. Sasuke groaned while Kaiya stepped over towards the countertop, “How are we supposed to get it now? We can’t reach it even on the counter because of the sink!” “I can see that, dobe!” Kaiya snapped. Her lips pinched further as she stared up at the container before smiling once more.
She turned her attention back over to her little brother, “Sasuke! Get on my shoulders.” Sasuke crinkled his nose, “No, why don’t you get on mine.” Kaiya rolled her eyes and shot him a smirk replying loftily “Because, I’m older and bigger, remember? Now hurry up.”
As Itachi returned home from yet another mission he could hear a constant mumble coming from the kitchen. Followed by Kaiya’s familiar muttering of “Baka” and he raised an eyebrow. Itachi curiously continued throughout the house discarding his bag along the way. The noise continued, a groan like someone straining to stretch. It only made the Uchiha’s brows crinkle further. When he stepped into the kitchen, Itachi was met with the sight of Kaiya standing by the sink with Sasuke perched onto her shoulders. His hands were reached up on the shelf, clutching a cookie in one hand; Kaiya already had one in her mouth. Sighing softly, he cleared his throat. In sync the pair spun towards him, Sasuke almost losing his balance midair. The youngest sibling's’ eyes widened and Sasuke began shouting “Abort abort! I repeat, mission abort!” “I see that you baka!” Kaiya cried out.
The siblings then rushed off away from him, out the door into the backyard. As they jumped over the steps Itachi could hear a shriek followed by something heavy landing on the ground. A soft laugh escaped Itachi’s lips and he shook his head softly. He made his way over to the shelf replacing the lid on the jar before making his way to his room, still laughing at them. Their faces were hilarious.
Time was an interesting concept. For Kaiya, it somehow went by too quickly. Something a teenager probably shouldn’t be able to say.
Over two years. That long since she’d even felt Sasuke’s chakra presence and currently it had been a month since she’d felt Itachi`s. It made her sad. Luckily she was on the move too often to fall into a self-loathing pity party. Besides she wouldn’t do that for the sake of her brothers. After the battle against Odoshi Tochigi, the Death Bringer, Leader had pretty much completely released her from Amegakure. At first of course it was just time spent healing and complaining about doing just that. But it wasn’t too long for Kaiya until Pein sent her back out into the field again and she returned to the world of S-rank criminals and spying. It was soon after that, that news made it way to her about her home. The Leaf village was in utter disarray, attacked by its ally Suna along with the newer village Otogakure. A scheme supposedly devised by Orochimaru. While Konoha survived, it didn’t do so without casualties. Suna lost their Kazekage and Konoha lost the Hokage. The situation left Kaiya to worry for her younger brother. Fear for his life made her ache to return, but Itachi had reassured her not to attempt going back, even for that reason. She resolved to trust Itachi to protect Sasuke and carried on with her jobs in the Akatsuki. Even with Hiruzen Sarutobi gone, Danzo didn’t seem to go after her Otouto, especially not with Itachi in the shadows. Who had been sighted in the village and nearly gone up against a Sannin in the process. That would have to be enough.
Following that Kaiya truly did resume her jobs, once again hunting down Jinchuriki for a good year. She had complete knowledge of every single one. Until the day finally came that the others completed the Gedo Statue preparations and it was ready for sealings. The time had come for it and Kaiya was moving quick paced through it all because the one thing the statue meant was that Sasori's partner needed to be replaced before anything else could happen. Otherwise the sealing would be too much and take far too long. It meant that Pein was constantly sending her on Intel missions and Zetsu was popping up to give her messages or people to learn about. She was sent everywhere on assorted things to find someone Pein deemed fit for the organisation. He was being pickier for this for a few reasons.
The largest part probably being that he also wanted someone more permanent for Kakuzu since no matter whom he`d chosen before they all ended up dead, so in other words; a more durable partner. For now though Kaiya doubled as a replacement from time to time. Not that she minded having a chance to bug and train with her Senpai, the issue was usually Kakuzu; she still wasn’t sure if he just thought of her as a bug or if he was counting the numbers on her name in the Bingo book. Both theories could certainly be terrifying to the Uchiha. Although she placed her bets on Kisame being the one to kill her off out of all the Akatsuki members with the way he trained with her.
And throughout it all Kaiya grew. She trained on a daily basis whether it was sparring or fights for her life. Kaiya fought to become stronger and stronger for her brothers. Fight for Itachi to prove her strength and for Sasuke…because she simply needed to. Her Butterfly technique could span double its distance from two years ago (nearly two football fields) along with less chakra being needed for it. Farther if the need called for. Her Genjutsu had developed further and further until she could keep the bodily death illusion going for as long as needed, with enough chakra of course. Ninjutsu progressed; her fire jutsu were stronger as her chakra grew in quantity although that still wasn't her main resort. She also kept a vivid knowledge of the human body thanks to Sasori, key to her usage of senbon. Finally though there was her taijutsu. In all truthfulness, on a general level she sucked in it especially in comparison to her brother. But then one day for training Kisame had appeared in the clearing handing her two sheaths. Duel blades that worked perfectly for her. It was a work in progress so much that on most missions she didn't particularly keep them on her person. Instead the blades were hidden away in scrolls. A fact Kaiya kept in mind simply being that becoming a master in swordsmanship could take lifetimes. Not getting her butt handed to her in every fight with Kisame; a Swordsman of the Mist, Kaiya would take what she could get. Besides that she could manage with her genjutsu for now. Also, eventually Kaiya grew more physically, although she was still fairly short. Her outfit had been changed drastically underneath her cloak.Her hair reached her lower back, held in a spiralled braid, bangs still criss-crossing reach her nose along with extra bangs framing her face. Along with a tight kimono that is light lavender, the hems are black, the belt on the kimono is red, length; reaches above her knees and sleeveless, she wears a mesh t-shirt underneath. White bandage on her shoulder ending above her elbow, meant to disguise her ANBU tattoo. On her arms she has a metal wrist protector with navy blue ribbon wrapped around it. Basic ninja sandals with wrap around material crossing up to her knees adorn her feet. Her duel blades when out are attached to the back of her waist crossing each other. Kunai/Senbon pouch attached to her right thigh.
Currently, Kaiya was parting ways once again from Sasori`s side having just met up with Kisame they were now headed to the west coming from the Lightning Country. A bounty was their first stop, orders from Kakuzu and then they’d be meeting back up with Itachi for her to give the partners a jinchuriki to hunt down. Itachi apparently also had a mission for her. For now though she was left dealing with Kisame, alone. Sometimes Kaiya wasn’t sure how she’d made it into being a teenager around him and all the other rogues.
Kaiya walked quickly by Kisame’s side, struggling slightly to keep up with his long strides. It was frustrating but she had a feeling he was doing it on purpose by the sly smirk he kept planted on his face. These were times when Kaiya learned true patience.
They had already been travelling for over a day, keeping in between borders to countries that way. No problems had arisen, but currently she had no idea where their bounty was. It was possible Kisame knew something, but it didn’t seem like it to Kaiya since he’d barely glanced down at the sheet in her hand. He wouldn’t even know the bounty’s name; Amon Kurai
She huffed out a long breath pushing the tassels of her hat away from her face. Pinching her lips, instead she just pulled it off allowing the light of the sun to hit her, she tucked the hat on her waist. Glancing over she began, “Say Kisame—” And she was abruptly cut off when there was a sudden cracking and snapping from in front of them. Out of her line of sight Kaiya could only just see the tips of trees toppling over from ahead of them. Then just as unexpectedly a man had appeared before them leaning against a tree with a wide smile on his face, teeth glittering off the sunlight.
In a deep, flirtatious voice he spoke towards them confidently “Who would’ve thought. A little lady and big brute of the Akatsuki, this just might be fun.”
Kisame snorted from beside her and Kaiya commented rolling her eyes “That’s not usually what most people say when they meet us.” The guy’s attention shifted to her and unbelievably his smile widened towards her.
“Why hello little lady, it’s just too bad I’m going to have to kill you along with him.” Kaiya squinted her eyes at them, completely ignoring the threat towards her life and began looking at the sheet still in her hands. Then up, and back down again. She then reached up on her tip toes, showing the paper to Kisame.
“Hey look, Kisame,” she exclaimed cheerfully. “Our bounty came to us!” An amused chuckle fell from the swordsman's lips and he began reaching up to his Samehada, “Great, let’s finish this quickly then.” At that moment the man, Amon, stepped forward motioning slightly towards Kaiya.
He then stated humbly, “Ah, of course it is the man who takes me on. That’s only to be expected after all. Such gentle hands should not be used for destruction.” The comment immediately made Kaiya’s eyes narrow dangerously before they flashed over to Sharingan and her face darkened menacingly. Taking a deliberate step forward Kaiya cut off Kisame from going further, “Kisame, leave him to me.”
Amon’s smile turned into a wicked grin, “I’m all yours cutie.”
Kaiya briefly reached into the hidden compartments of both of her sleeves, feeling for the pair of scrolls kept there. She pulling just slightly at the string attached to them. A feeling in her gut said this would be a good chance to use them. It was right because not a moment later as Kisame stepped into the background; Amon came charging at her with a closed fist. She began stepping out of the way and caught sight of chakra swirling around his hand just a moment in time.
Immediately, Kaiya pulled the string, prompting her blades to be released from the scrolls and the hilts placed in her palm. The blade snaked out a blocked against the side of his arm just in time. There a steady stream of wind was winding its way around his arm in invisible torrents. The currents screeched off against her blade while Kaiya brought her second arm down to cut it only for the wind to suddenly push off against both of them. The attack successfully threw Kaiya back into the air. She crouched down hand on the ground, her feet sliding back a few feet before she launched back towards him.
Amon smiled at her and palm out towards her sending a second blast of wind out towards her. For a brief moment Kaiya wondered how he did it when she saw his other hand was forming half the seal.
Mystery solved Kaiya then activated her own jutsu just as the edges of the attack touched her. Her body shifted into the swarm of butterflies. They separated quickly in the wind and Amon’s golden eyes widened at the sight when suddenly sharp metal touched on the back of his neck.
“Never lose track of your surroundings.” Amon grinned brightly, “Never did, cutie.”
Her eyes swerved when a clone appeared behind her, driving a kunai straight for her back. Unsure which was real she blocked the kunai sparks flying off the two blades and sent a kick for his gut; sending it into a puff of smoke. Scowling Kaiya turned back around and found a mini vortex propelling its way towards her from the end of his fist. She dodged over, reaching to slice into his arm only for her sword to be frozen mid-way, caught in the current surrounding his skin. At that moment his fist came flying towards her gripping another kunai. She blocked the second one and found herself face to face with Amon his smile still wide as ever.
“Well, I have no problems getting close and personal with you, cutie.” “Yeah,” Kaiya grunted in reply, “But I do.” She then pulled her foot up sending a kick flying into his chest. Pushing him into the ground and herself up in the air, away from him. Still in the air he slid across the ground, Kaiya launched her blade soaring out at him.
Surprising her, his body almost bounced off the ground. He then flipped, twisted and was gripping her blade himself making Kaiya scowl in annoyance. “I’m afraid my swords aren’t for your use.” Landing on the ground Kaiya sheathed her second blade and her hands blurred in seals until, fingers in front of her mouth she shouted, “Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!” Her eyes caught his own chakra lurching and Kaiya smirked already activating her jutsu, dodging the backlash when her flames met his wind. Once again coming up behind him Kaiya swiped at his feet, before pulling back with her blade back in hand.
“Nice trick, little lady. I have one too.”
His body then shot up into the sky making Kaiya bounce back in surprise as the flames cleared. Kaiya’s blue-tinted orbs widened watching him fly up high into the sky, his wind seeming to swirl beneath him, propelling the man further in the air. When abruptly his body twisted and he propelled himself directly head first into the ground. Blinking slowly Kaiya watched him pop his head out of the ground and crouch on his knees. Amon then brushed himself off casually, held a finger up to her and says frankly “Give me a moment.” And then sits back onto his rear, shuts his eyes and begins reciting something Kaiya could only call a chant.
Furrowing her eyebrows she pauses, tilting her head. Briefly turning around Kaiya stares at Kisame for an answer “Should I kill him?”
The swordsman frowns slightly and replies, “Nah, leave him, I’m kind of curious about what happens next.” Glancing over at Amon and back to Kisame, “Same here…but I might end up regretting it.” Her gaze turns back to the odd shinobi.
“Yeah, you might, twerp,” Kisame stated carelessly causing Kaiya to fully turn around and face the shark-man fixing her scowl on him. “Quit calling me that I’m fifteen!” Her response only has Kisame’s smirk widening, “Your brother’s still in denial about that.” Shaking her head Kaiya slowly turns back to Amon when she hears movement from him muttering irritably “So is Sasori…”
When she faces back to Amon as the man began getting back to his feet, Kaiya noting randomly that he had grass stuck throughout his hair, she remarks impatiently “Are you done fooling around yet?” Amon smiles loftily at her, “Good things take time, little lady.” Without further ado the bounty then formed his hands into a seal and his body flies up into the air just as it had before. Seconds later, the jutsu also mimics the previous attempt when Amon’s body flips and he lands on his head again. Kaiya’s face gapes and in sync with Kisame behind her they exclaim, “Is this guy for real?”
For a few moments after the two just sit there bewildered and stare when Kaiya suddenly face-palms making Kisame give her a questioning glance as well. She turns around to face the swordsman, motioning back at the bounty, “Oh for Kami’s sake; he knocked himself out cold!”
When the pair finally got over the shock it was Kisame who moved, going up and collecting Amon, throwing the bounty over his shoulder. Meanwhile Kaiya had gone and picked up her abandoned blade. Frowning at the sword, before replacing both of them into their scrolls and the hidden slots in her sleeves. Wasting no more time they then began making their way towards the nearest bounty station. Another one at yet another murky, musty and gross restroom. They stopped in, retrieved the bounty and were off again. Kisame meanwhile still wasn’t letting go that in the end, Kaiya hadn’t even been the one to defeat the bounty; he’d done it himself. In all truth, Kaiya couldn’t stop laughing about it long enough to argue.
She finally calmed herself down enough though and was catching her breath when they made their way up a ridge that looked down over a small village tucked away in the trees. From their distance Kaiya could spot the busy marketplace, filled to the brim with shoppers and shop-keepers. Everyone’s faces were bright and cheerful, at peace.
Noticing the teen’s halt, Kisame stopped walking and turned to stare at her questioningly. Without looking over at him Kaiya spoke lightly, “That fight did teach me one thing though, Kisame-san.” The ex-Mist Nin snorted, “And what would that be?”
“My swords,” Kaiya began. “Are useless if I ever lose grip on them, they can be out of my reach in a moment’s notice and even used against me.” “Your point, twerp?” Kaiya didn’t bother with a reply she just shot him a smirk and began jumping down the steep hillside. Huffing Kisame called out behind her, “What about me?”
Jumping through the air, Kaiya flipped and landed before slipping off her cloak. She shot him a wide, mocking smirk. “You’ll stay here! I can manage looking friendly and sweet. You on the other hand? Doubtful” The Uchiha allowed her voice to trail off gleefully before she took off in a blur into the village.
Going through it didn’t take long for things to catch Kaiya’s eye until finally she found a keeper who kept ninja tools at his stand. Looking everything over inconspicuously until she spotted it. A red ribbon type fabric with a clip on it, the red matched the colour she already had on her wrists. Quickly buying the two strips of fabric over she bound back off through the streets back to Kisame who stood there with his arms crossed. The moment he caught sight of her the swordsman began walking again heading off towards where they had a smaller hideout for meeting that disguised as a simple traditional hut.