Scroll 3: The Third Uchiha [Naruto]

Chapter 41: The Uchiha Prodigy [Shippuden]

**Authors Note:

So So So aftermath time. I also think this is first time I've ever done Jazmine's POV.

So I had to re-write this one a few times but I think I've got it how I want. So please enjoy.

Also I am still laptopless :(

But fingers crossed I might have a temp replacement soon!

Anyways enjoy and comment!

**

Jazmine

I felt hollow inside, like someone just went in with a scalpel and scraped everything out. I had skipped my shifts at the hospital since we came back. I ignored Sakura and my parents by barricading my door with my furniture. I hadn't been sleeping much, every time I closed my eyes I saw Asuma-Sensei laying on that roof dying. There was some relief when Shikamaru explained that Rin had done all that she could she help them. I just couldn't accept it, that he was really gone.

"You will do great things Jazmine, in love and on the battle field. Remember where you started, and look how far you've come. You have to keep going, keep surprising people" I could hear it in his voice, his last words echoing in my head. I stared at the picture, our first team photo together back when we were Genin. I kicked the photo hard enough that it hit the wall and shattered.

"There is no team 10" I muttered. I swallowed the lump in my throat and stared at the ceiling. I don't know how Rin could hold it together, she lost everyone in one night and she still managed to run away. I can't even get out of bed. The medical reasons are grief effects everyone differently but I didn't want to feel like this, I wanted to be angry. I wanted to get up and finish what was started, take out the Akatsuki like we we're supposed to but, everything else, my body and my mind, said no.

"Jazmine" I thought the voice was in my head, but I heard something hit my window. I ignored it until something else hit my window this time followed by a bark. I got up and had to steady myself, my lack of eating had begun to take its toll. I managed to get to my window just as another pebble hit. I pulled aside the curtains and glanced down to the street. Kiba waved and I could see Akamaru wagging his tail. I sighed and pushed open the window before stepping aside. It didn't take him long to jump up and I nearly fell over when Akamaru followed.

"I didn't think he'd fit through the window" I admitted.

"Are you calling my dog fat?" I wanted to smile, even just a little laugh but couldn't seem to do it. Instead I sighed and patted Akamaru's head.

"Why are you here?"

"I haven't seen you since you came back Jazz, I had to hear from Shino what happened"

"How's Kurenai-Sensei?" I asked and he was silent.

"She's in the hospital for a few days. Grief can really affect the pregnancy so Lady Tsunade thought it best to take her in" He explained. The pregnancy, the baby, Asuma's baby, the baby that no longer had a father and the mother that would have raise it alone. I didn't deserve to feel this down when Kurenai's pain was probably so much worse.

"I'm pathetic" I muttered.

"You're not" Kiba objected firmly.

"Look I'm sorry I didn't show up the day I found out. I honestly thought you wanted your space so I was trying to give it you but your team is worried and your family is worried. You've locked yourself away for days."

"They don't understand"

"We all understand loss Jazmine; we've all lost someone in the field..."

"You still have your mentor" I replied coldly.

"You still have the person that helped you become the shinobi you are today Kiba. We spend more time with our Sensei's than we do our parents half the time, and now he's gone" I had to sit down, the exhaustion becoming too much standing. Kiba followed and I let him pull me into his arms. Akamaru curled up on my other side.

"You need rest and then I'm taking you out for dinner. We're going to go show Ino, Choji and Shikamaru that you're okay and you can spend the night at my place." He said gently. I shivered when I felt his hands run through my hair and gave in, resting my head on his shoulder. I felt him kiss my forehead before he leaned back against the wall.

"It's going to be okay Jazmine"

Itachi

Rin hadn't attended the extraction. She didn't even pop in, in the middle of it like she normally did. What was more of a concern was who she was with last. Hidan and Kakuzu, Hidan despised Rin and I knew would look for any excuse to try and kill her. Kakuzu may have kept that from happening but Rin was good at pushing buttons, and Kakuzu had a shorter fuse than she did. I was relieved that we finally finished sealing the two-tails; it meant that I could personally check on Rin.

"So Hidan, Kakuzu" Pein started as his image flickered and faced them.

"Tell me of Rin, has she been useful to your team?" He asked and they were silent. I noticed Madara grow more serious as glanced at the pair, but was careful not gain any attention.

"She's been..."

"A complete bitch" Hidan interrupted.

"I thought Kakuzu and I argued a lot but hell, spend enough days with that one and I wanted to kill myself. She's a pain in the ass" He ranted.

"Rin's attitude is expected, what I want to know if you used the leverage we gave you?"

"When we fought against the Leaf Ninja..."

"There was no need" Kakuzu fell silent as he glanced at Hidan and in that glance I realized he was lying.

"As much of a pain as she was, she didn't drift from the mission's objective" Hidan said firmly.

"Besides I uh misplaced the vile"

"Idiot" Madara muttered but Hidan didn't seem to hear him. Pein sighed.

"Well, maybe we've finally made some progress" I waited till he vanished, Madara quickly followed along with Deidara and Zetsu.

"Where is Rin now?" I asked before Hidan and Kakuzu left.

"The hideout, she left after the battle"

"Why did you cover for her?" I demanded and Hidan smirked.

"I didn't"

"You may have convinced Pein but I know my sister." I replied shortly.

"Then you should know that your sister is in such a pain that could never compare to physical torture. This is for my own gain Itachi, besides having a favour from Rin could prove valuable" He said with a shrug.

"Tell the bitch she owes me one" I watched as he vanished, quickly followed by Kakuzu. I released the jutsu, the sunlight stinging as I opened my eyes. It took a moment to focus before I stood up. I glanced at Kisame as he put his sword on his back.

"I'll take it we're heading back" He stated and I nodded.

"Just a brief detour"