A few days later
3rd POV
The clouds were stained a dark grey as they overlooked the village that was torn apart not too long ago, even sky grieved for all the lost shinobi. All of the citizens, innocent civilians and wounded ninja stood together as the black river came to a stop in front of the picture of their beloved 3rd Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. That's what they thought at least as one girl, unnoticed, ran away from the crowd and teleported into the forest outside of the wooden gates.
"Whatever you want, make it quick, I have to go back before anyone finds out I'm gone"she spoke as she glared slightly at the taller, more muscular figure.
"The leader changed his mind, you are to meet me here tonight, an hour after midnight to be precise"the figure said as the rain started dripping.
"What do you mean he changed his mind, I can't get out of the gates that soon after the attack, the whole village will be crowded with ninja, the only reason I was able to do it now is because everyone is at the funeral"she snapped, already having enough of the leader she has no memory of.
"I don't know why he changed his mind, but I told you already that he is the boss and if we don't obey his orders we die"the boy tried reasoning with her as she was this close to ripping her hair out in frustration.
"Guess I don't have a choice then… if you don't have anything else to say, I'll be on my way"she finally gave up as she turned around without another word before going back to the crowd.
Mai's POV
'Ugh, I hate that so called leader already… ' I growled lowly as I neared the already empty graveyard. As I drew closer, I noticed the pile of white flowers all around the single picture. Sighing, I took out my own flower before placing it next to the others. I did a series of hand signs and second later, a red dome-like soundproof barrier stood, leaving me alone with the 3rd's grave.
"I'm sorry that I wasn't here with the others or there to stop that guy from killing you Gramps, I truly am. And I'm also sorry that I'll be leaving the village you wholeheartedly welcomed me back into, sorry that I barely remember you and that I will use the knowledge you gave me for something you wouldn't approve of and, even thou you're practically a stranger to me with my current state, you still believed in me, earning a special place in my heart that you and you only will forever hold. Thank you for everything and sorry I will probably never visit you again"I bowed as tears dripped down my face, my heart clenching with every single word coming out of my mouth.
After a few minutes of bowing and crying I stood up and smiled weakly at the smiling picture before dismissing the barrier and walking to another set of graves, placing a flower on each while casting another barrier so that no one else can hear.
"Hey guys, it's been a while, hasn't it? The last time I saw either of you was over a month ago… anywho, Oni-chan is doing alright, I'm trying to make him eat something besides ramen as much as I can, he baths every day, doesn't get in as much trouble as he used to and is, all in all, someone you should be proud of, but I'm a whole different story… *sigh* the truth is, I'll be leaving this place when Naruto and the others need me the most to do horrible, horrible things that one should never do and probably won't ever return alive or rot in a cell for the rest of my life... sorry to for being such a disappointment and I can't imagine that you or anyone else could ever forgive me after this, but even so, from the depths of my heart… I love you mom, dad"I apologized one last time before taking down the barrier again and walking back to pack my things, praying that Naruto isn't home.
A few hour timeskip
Still Mai's POV
'It's time. You ready, Kurimi?' I asked as I looked up at the moon as it was casting a beautiful pure white glow over the destroyed village.
'I am. The question is, are you?' she replied as my gaze fell upon all the places I and people visited on this night, those I'll most likely never see again and after all that's happened… I'll miss them, I'll miss them all so so much, but I have to stand strong.
'Honestly, I don't think I ever will be, but it's too late to turn back now… ' my thoughts trailed off as I started going to the gate and the person I now know, with a new part of my memory back, as my partner in crime, Ashikaga Haruki.
??? POV
'It's so cold' I thought as I pried my eyes open while shivering the whole time. Sitting up, I looked beside me to find the place empty.
'She probably went to the toilet or something' I thought as I got up and walked to the open window.
'I could swear i-' my train of thoughts was quickly cut off as I spotted the scroll on the windowsill. Panicked, I opened it and read the neat letters as fast as possible before I dropped it, my eyes wide with shock as I hurriedly got dressed and ran outside and towards the gates.
'I have to stop her, it can't be too late!' my mind raced as I tears rolled down my face.
Back to Mai's POV
Here I stood, not that far away from the gate, looking at everything I'm about to leave behind before my gaze fell upon one thing I had left to do… put a line through the village symbol on my headband with the kunai I held in my left hand. Too caught up in my thoughts, I was late to notice the orange blob as it ran towards me before it nearly grabbed my arm. My eyes widen considerably as I jumped away and started running but for some reason, I couldn't help but run a lot slower than I actually could, thanks to all memories that kept me chained to the blond who was chasing me.
"Mai! Please stop! Listen to me, please!"he cried, his voice getting louder and louder as I kept on running with him on my tail. Not long after, he caught up to me, hugging me around the shoulders.
"Please don't do it again. Don't they mean anything to you? Don't I mean anything to you?"he pleaded, holding me tighter, making my heart ache. I broke free of his hold and turned around to face him with my stoic expression.
"No they don't, you neither"I stated coldly, turning around and starting to walk again.
"Wait!If you don't turn around and come back, I'll alarm the village!"he yelled, making me sigh.
'I'm sorry for all of this, I truly am' I thought as I appeared behind him and hit his neck pressure point, making him go unconscious. After lying him down on a bench, I looked at him for the last time in years before a tear escaped my eye.
"I love you, Naruto"I whispered as I caressed his wet, whiskered cheek and kissed his forehead. Breathing shakily, I let go of my brother before walking the rest of the way to the gates. I took out the headband and before I could have a change of heart, made a slash right through the middle and tying it around my forehead.
Looking back one last time, I smiled at the place I came to know as home before taking my first steps outside of the village as a rogue ninja.
As I neared the meeting spot, I couldn't help but think of the newfound happiness I felt to reunite with my partner. A few minutes later, I caught sight of him leaning on a tree with his eyes closed.
"Blackie!"I grinned as I threw myself onto him for a hug, my arms hanging loosely around his neck. Startled, he nearly lost his balance before glaring at me playfully. Then, it was like realisation struck him as a grin mirroring mine spread across his face.
"You remember me?"he asked cheerfully and I nodded as he hugged me back.
"Thank Kami, if I had to spend more time with you that has no memory of me, I would've probably flipped"he sighed in relief as we let go of each other and he took a coat seemingly out of nowhere, handing it to me.
"Welcome back, Tsumetai Hono"he said as he gave me the black coat with red clouds and we were on our way back to the base. Akatsuki, Here I Go!
Well people, making this book was a journey to remember and I really wanna thank you all for reading the story in the first place which currently has over 700 views. What I'm trying to say is, this is the end of this story
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JOKE!!!
This is only the first book in it's series, I already planned on making a sequel and prequel, so don't worry, this is NOT the end of the story and I have to admit that it earned the title of my favorite fanfic that I wrote/will write in the future. Anywho, hope I see you in the sequel ( I still haven't published it yet but I'm gonna send a notification to all my followers as soon as I do ), thanks again for reading annnd…
You're the best,
Don't let others get you down,
Stay awesome,
Love you all,
~Maja-chan