Another Uzumaki?!: Naruto's Sister?

Chapter 10 - Fated Reunion

The next morning, Team Kakashi had gathered in a room for a strategy briefing.

Amidst their discussion, Akira had her attention diverted to her sleeping brother, who continuously rolled on his bed while smooching a pillow.

"Sakura-chan~" he cooed in between his giggles.

"This idiot..." Akira muttered, observing Naruto with eyes squinted in disgust. Then, she glanced at the other pinkhead and saw her blushing madly. Was it due to embarrassment or anger? With the sight of her fist trembling, ready to strike the blondie at any given moment, the answer was obviously the latter one.

Soon, Naruto fell over and a groan was heard.

After regaining his senses and chatting with Pakkun, he turned to the team.

"So? Have you found the enemies' hideout?" he asked. Kakashi nodded, and Pakkun explained his journey and the route they would be taking.

"Are we going to set out now?" he added.

"No." Akira answered, with her back still facing Naruto. "You'll stay here and provide security assistance to Suna while we attack their base."

Everyone was taken aback and immediately turned to her for an explanation. Naruto objected, "What?! No! I'm going with you 'ttebayo!"

"Naruto," His azure eyes met a stern gaze of the same color. Akira continued, "You're a jinchuuriki, and our enemy is the Akatsuki. Letting you participate in this mission is like serving you on a silver platter."

"But nee-chan, I-"

"No."

"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto tried to convince him instead knowing that his sister wouldn't budge.

And at the same time, Kakashi received a threatening glare from Akira.

Seriously, why do I have to get involved in this? he thought and sighed.

"Sorry Akira, but I had already included Naruto in our battle plan." He tried to rationalize. "Besides, by the orders of Hokage-sama, it is evident that he as a part of our team should participate and contribute to the success of this mission."

"But-"

"I'm the team captain, and my decision is final." Kakashi stated with unyielding resolution. And this put the pinkhead to silence. She simply clicked her tongue in defeat.

"Yoooshhh!" Naruto cheered.

Afterwards, Akira remained silent throughout the meeting, which was an obvious sign of discontentment.

Naruto observed her expression and knew that she was out of focus with her train of thoughts running wild. He bent over to avert her attention, in which he was successful.

Akira flinched in surprise at his sudden actions. Naruto grinned at her and said, "Nee-chan, don't worry. I trained a lot these past few years. If we run into them, I'll beat them up, you'll see!"

Her eyes widened as their father's face suddenly flashed through her mind. She sighed but inwardly smiled. "Fine fine. But if I sense that you're in danger, I'll send you back to Konoha immediately."

"Yes, ma'am!"

♨️

Their departure was postponed for about half an hour. This was practically due to a miscommunication between the Sand's superiors and Temari's team, who was supposed to assist the rescue team but was assigned to guard the borders. In the end, Chiyo went instead as the representative of her village.

A day later, they entered the forest. Amidst their silent travel, Sakura suddenly spoke up.

"Naruto, can I ask you something?" She waited for his response, which was expressed through a simple nod, then continued. "Since when did Akatsuki start targeting you?"

"I would like to know as well." Akira said. "5 years ago, I never heard of their organization even once."

The air around Naruto suddenly changed which, of course, didn't go unnoticed. Akira managed to get a glimpse of his face and his eyes full of remorse.

"I don't know," was his silent answer, before he leapt unto another tree, successfully widening the distance between himself and the team.

Kakashi knew it was a sensitive topic so he gave them the details instead. "It's been 3 years since they last made contact with Naruto and now they're moving again."

"So there was an interval?" Akira asked. "Why did they wait?"

"Naruto was traveling with Jiraiya-sama. Getting near him might have been a difficult task."

"No." The old counselor, who remained wordless since their departure from the village, finally broke the ice. Everyone curiously glanced at Chiyo, waiting for further explanation. "I heard there were other reasons."

Throughout the discussion regarding the tailed beasts and its hosts, Akira remained silent.

"I don't know what the Akatsuki wants to do with these uncontrollable weapons, but I'm certain they're up to no good." Chiyo said.

"I won't let them have it their way." Akira stated beneath her breath. Her hands curled into fists while azure eyes glowered with unyielding tenacity.

I won't let them have Naruto. I will slaughter anyone who attempts to lay their hands on him.

As they were about to run into the fields, Kakashi suddenly stopped and ordered sternly, "Everyone, halt!"

Immediately, the team did as told. Kakashi's uncharacteristic yell put everyone in alert, and they nervously peered at the man who was standing in their way. He was wearing a long black cloak patterned with red clouds. Upon further inspection of his face, Akira's eyes widened.

Sakura glanced at Kakashi in confusion. "Who?" she briefly inquired.

"Those eyes..." Chiyo muttered, observing their uninvited guest.

Meanwhile, Akira remained unmoving and speechless.

Time had seemed to stop, and so did her heart the moment she recognized the man. Her lips moved and her voice slowly escaped her mouth as she uttered his name.

"Itachi...?"

♨️

Author's Note:

Okay. This chapter is for teasing purposes. So I shall end it with a cliffhanger! (●'艸') //slapped  The next chapter will be hella longer. Please look forward to it! Belated Valentines' day!