Chapter 47: Playing with Fire

[Chapter 47: Playing with Fire]

"Megumi Uchiha." The ends of my hair stood up as a fellow ninja suddenly body-flicked next to me. Narrowing my eyes, I tilted my head for a small bow. I was just heading off to training— what do they want? "The Hokage requests you come to her office immediately!"

I blinked, the Hokage? I don't remember having any missions scheduled this early. My lips quirked upwards for a smile. "Thank you, I'll be going now." Watching as they bowed their head and disappear, all I could do was sigh.

Well... hopefully, Shiori won't be mad for me ditching.

(╬•᷅д•᷄╬)

"Alright, here's the mission: there's a village near the southwest fire borders that has people coming up missing. Your job is to investigate the problem and do whatever it takes to take them back." Tsunade announced to the five of us. Glancing around, I only recognized Shino from the bunch. Now that I think about it, isn't this my first B-rank mission? The Hokage firmly placed a hand on her desk. "That is all!"

"Yes, Hokage-sama!"

When we all walked out of the room, I walked next to Shino. "How've you been?" Ah yes, small talk— my best friend. It's not like the author didn't have any idea to start this conversation. I mean— what?

"Breeding more bugs." I got shivers. "How about you?"

"Honestly, not much. Life's been mundane." I sighed. Maybe I should just do what Naruto does and paint the world red. I swayed from side to side. Decisions, decisions.

"Listen up," An unfamiliar chunin, the one appointed leader, spoke up. "We will end meet up within an hour at the gate entrance— do whatever you need to do until then."

We all saluted to that. "Yes!"And with that, we settled off.

(๑•॒̀ ູ॒•́๑)

Placing a hand over my mouth, I gave in to the urge to yawn. The hell? I don't remember staying up that late... Turning around, I couldn't help but smile at the boy I sensed. "Hey!"

Hiro in front of me waved with his other hand in his pocket, strolling up to me. "You going out on a mission?"

I tilted my head in curiosity, lightly patting the stuff I needed hidden in my clothes. "Yes— but how'd you know?"

The guy only shrugged. "I met Shino on the way here I wanted to say goodbye."

Ah— then it's good I decided to not body-flicker my way there. I placed a hand over my mouth with a small giggle, not minding how my chest felt warm at the sound of that. "Awww, you care~!" I cooed to him.

"Wh— I literally just—" Hiro stiffen as he then averted his eyes, narrowing his eyes with furrowed brows. Letting out a huff, he rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, sure. Whatever."

I blinked, I know he's a Tsun tsun but... I couldn't help but look away, my cheeks suddenly burning. To think he'd just admit it I— I felt the beating in my chest get louder and louder. Eh? Am I getting flustered?!

"Princess?" My head whipped to look at him. His facial features were creased into an expression of concern— which only made it worse. "You okay?"

I reeled back just as he reached out. "No, no! I'm fine!" I swiftly assured him with a huge smile. Kyaaaaa~ He's just so— I couldn't help it! My feet bounced around as I giggled it off, placing my hands behind my back. "Well, how about you? Any plans at the moment?"

"No, not really, besides from helping my siblings." The Hyuuga heir spoke. I noticed that he had not stopped being so tense. Is there something wrong? "Uh, I mean," His eyes flickered to mine before backing to the ground. "I have..." He trailed off.

Now that my heart had somewhat calmed, I took it upon myself to lean in. "Have what?" I questioned. For some reason, I had an... odd feeling about this. My eyes narrowed.

The dark-haired ninja looked a little constipated as he then huffed, crossing his arms. "No— nothing! I can just... tell you later."

I puffed out my cheeks. He's going on the defensive. I noted to myself. I guess I shouldn't push it. Letting out a sigh, I spun my feet around, giving a small wave at him. "Well, I should go now. I'll hold to that!"

And yet... Why is his chakra source wavering? I felt uneasy. It's been like that for a while: he's flustered, blush, stammer on his words, be really really cute and make me happy and—

Just what does this all mean?

I let out a hum— I can figure it out later.

I never realized how he reached out his hand— once more.

⋋_⋌

I shouldn't be thinking about this now but... I've held it long enough. I stared at the fire flickering against the cold darkness of the night. My team had settled when it became night and as of the moment, it was my turn to keep watch.

I placed a hand on my cheek. Just... why? Why does Hiro act like that?

Well, I already knew he was a tsun tsun but, when he's around others, he's usually aloof and quiet. And when he blushes, he's not really angry but just embarrassed— but, like, a good embarrassed?

The uneasiness I felt in me churned as I continued. It was like the flames in front of me, wild and uncertain of direction.

Now that I think about it, he does it only with me. And, his reactions... they're similar to mine when I—

Could it be that—

I didn't even react. I didn't scream or squeal or anything. Nothing changed. It was as if— as if I knew.

And it was just now that I just admitted it.

Does... does Hiro... like me back?

I wasn't happy with that. I wasn't happy and I didn't know why. No, wait— I was happy but—The urge to slap myself was strong. I was studying to be a therapist and I can't even understand my own emotions?!

"Megumi."

Abruptly standing up, I reached out for a kunai only to sigh in relief. It's only Shino. "Oh, Shino, you should know not to sneak up on a ninja." I laughed in an act, relaxing my body. Did my shift end already?

I didn't know what look he gave me as he sat down next to me. "...that is precisely why I'm concerned." I blinked. Huh? Did I slip up? "The reason is that you are a sensor along with being observant."

My lips pursued together. "Is that so." I didn't feel in the mood to humor him anymore.

"Care to talk about it?"

I resisted the urge to sigh, opting to just smile instead. Ever since a long time ago, putting up smiles wasn't even a conscious effort— yet for some reason, it felt harder to wear it. "Okay then." Plopping my ass back down, I leaned against the ground with my hands. I know I said okay but... I gritted my teeth. It's kinda harder said than done.

Well, I've already beaten around the bush. "I have a crush on Hiro." It was... very weird to say it out loud. "And... and I think Hiro feels the same way." I couldn't help but laugh— despite the fact that none of this was funny. "Hopeful, isn't it?"  

"Yes," Came his curt reply, bobbing his parasitic head. "But at the same time, not. You two do make a good dynamic."

I giggled, averting my eyes. "Ehehe... thanks." To be honest, who would've thought I would have opened up to Shino to all people?

"Are you not going to act out on your feelings?"

An uncertain hum rumbled out of my throat. "I... don't know." I settled, staring up at the stars. They shined too brightly— brighter than what I could ever be. They were, in a way, like Hiro: they were so pretty yet so, so far away. "Even if we do have feelings with each other, I..." I stopped my hand that was unconsciously reaching out. "I just don't think I could do it."

I took a deep breath, grateful that the bug boy sat silently. "You see... I don't— I don't deserve him. He's just so funny and kind and his small chuckles are really pretty and just the way he's always there for me I just—" I stopped myself, placing my head in my hands. Aah... my face feels hot. Hotter than any fire jutsu. "I don't deserve to be with him."

No, it's not just that. I realized. I... hid a lot of stuff from him. Like— I know that's not important but I—

I feel ashamed of it.

So much that I feel like I can't do anything. I don't like it. I don't like thinking about it. I don't like who I was before.

And how can I love someone if I can't even love myself?

I was pretty surprised to hear the boy next to me laugh. He can laugh??? I couldn't help but think, reeling back at the sight of his slightly shuddering shoulders. "How amusing."

"Ah." I pouted, squinting at him. "The hell? I open up and the first thing ya do is laugh?" Regrets have been made. I should've never trusted someone that tortured me with bug facts.

"No, no, that is not it," Shino spoke, looking off in the distance. Well, maybe, I don't know what the fuck goes on in that hive. "Why? It is because I have heard something quite similar to that." I raised a brow. Similar? What, has this happened before?

But before I could question him on it, I yawned, a feeling of exhaustion overwhelming me. "Uwah..."

"You should go to sleep. I'll keep watch."

I didn't object to that.

( ‾᷅⚰‾᷄ )

When we entered the town, we were met with the upper figures. They had caught us up to speed on the actual situation: it was mainly minors who were kidnapped during the night.

After that, we were sent out to an inn to come up with a plan.

"Alright, does anyone have any ideas?" The leader asked, eyeing us with narrowed eyes.

The guy next to her spoke up, a hand under his chin. "We could go on the low and investigate."Another teammate on the other side rose a brow, crossing his arms. "What? No, that'll have more chances of people getting captured."

The leader made a hum of agreement. "That's right." The guy let out a tsk. "Anything else?"

"Well, if we were to go as fast as possible then," Everyone's heads turned to the Aburame, who had his hands in his jacket. "Why don't we get abducted ourselves."

I blinked, staring in wonder. That could work. "Isn't that risky?" The same person who objected to the guy's idea questioned with a stern look.

"Sometimes, the riskiest is the most rewarding."

"If you think so. I think this plan is good.." The leader commented. "However, here begs the question: who will be the bait?"

Everyone fell silent. My eyes darted around to see their carefully blank faces. Is everyone afraid? It was only when I raised my hand that the silence broke. "I can do it."

"What makes you think you are capable of doing so?" The leader pressed. I didn't mind, I was used to it.

Smiling, I placed my hands behind my back. "Well, we don't really know how they capture their victims, just the time and who. So, we can go on two ideas: one is drugs." I placed. A hand over my chest. "Due to my awesome teacher's rather... special training, I have grown a sort of resistance to poison and well," I shrugged. "Drugs are poison."

"And two?

"Two is genjutsu," I explained without a beat, pointing at my eyes. "I just so happen to specialize in genjutsu so I'll be easily able to get out of it, letting me in at advantage when I find out where they go." I tilted my head at them, a bit of pride welling in me. All those months paid off, I guess.

It was then that the leader then grinned, placing a hand on her hip. "I see!" Her eyes looked at the rest of the team. "Does anyone have any better ideas?" No one did, seeming satisfied on their own. And just like that, the leader raised a fist. "Then at night, our plan goes!"

Time passed forward, just a few hours for me to prepare until our plan went into action. And here I was, just going on a simple walk alone.

"Everybody! Put your hands up!" I sang to myself, skipping along the stone path. "Saa we're flying— tsubasa ni nade! Na na... I don't know the rest of the lyrics." I giggled. I could already feel a strange chakra source following me. I swayed from side to side in a carefree manner. Come on— fucking hit me.

Okay, maybe I spoke too soon because I immediately got shot in the neck.

Waking maybe a minute or two later, I found myself weak and carried like a sack of potatoes. Oh, I felt myself think, my mind was a little fuzzy, this guy's going fast. Is he jumping off trees?

By the time I fully got myself awake, I was slammed against a wall. Not again! I managed to not choke out because, ya know, I ain't supposed to awake here! I could practically feel the clock ticking as I laid still, breathing even as I patiently waited for the people to leave. Once I deemed them far enough, I got up, growing from the pain.

The room I was in was dim, barren walls with only a few torches lit. The ground— nothing was clean. But the most chilling part was the fact that I wasn't alone.

My eyes landed on the tired, scared eyes of minors. Teens, children, all kinds as they stared away. "You're... you're not supposed to be awake." One of the older ones spoke, shaking as they stared at me with wide eyes.

I noticed how scarily thin they all were.

I couldn't help but get soft, creasing my brows. Just seeing this myself is just... disgusting. Putting up a smile, I shrugged in a carefree manner. "I guess not— oh!" I blinked, reaching into my pants. Scurrying with my hands, I revealed wrapped bars of energy bars. "Want some?" I handed it out to them.

In an instant, bodies dove in, snatching them all away. I giggled, no— I shouldn't laugh at that. "Wait." In a hushed and cautious whisper, another child examined it thoroughly. "How do we know if it's not... bad?"

I giggled. "If I was working with them or anything suspicious, would I have been slammed against the wall?" If anything, that's gonna be a trend at this point. They fell silent, seeming in thought. Slowly, they opened it up and took a bite. The kids all perked, relishing the taste, and then suddenly ravaged the snacks.

"Thank you, onee-san!" I heard one of the younger ones say. I only smiled and ruffled their hair. Haha, reminds me of the... I sighed, no, focus on the mission.

My head perked up when I noticed an unfamiliar, significantly large chakra source coming near. Is this the main boss? I placed a finger on my lips, signaling to everyone. "Shhhh... someone's coming."

Whether they were skeptical or suspicious of me, their fear overlapped it, complying without complaint. Leaning back against the dirty wall, I stayed silent as the door slid open with a harsh thud. "Well, look here." It was a girl with a pickaxe set on her shoulder as they strolled in, a wide smirk on her face. "Look at all of you. Aren't you just grateful?" Her voice was calm and smooth-- yet so malicious. "You all will be sacrificed for a great cause."

In a facade, I made sure to widen my eyes. Sacrifice? Is this what it's about? I thought to myself. I thought this would be just human trafficking. "Now get up brats!" People let out whimpers as she whipped her weapon out, pointing it menacingly at us. "Tonight's special."

I stepped into the skittish crowd as we all huddled out, the woman in front. Just what is going on here, exactly? I kept silent, not wanting to be noticed. It didn't take long to enter a larger room with what seemed to be a huge bathtub in the middle. A bathtub? I raised a brow. And there's candles on the wall too— weird.

Glancing down, I saw how a child's hand trembled. I frowned. Reaching out, I held it right, causing them to look up at me with wide eyes. "It'll be okay," I assured them softly. I don't think they were okay but they nodded— and that was enough.

"Ahahaha!" I didn't like the sound of the adult's sudden maniacal laughter. What the?! She stretched out her hand wide and high. "Don't you all see?! This is gonna be great!" It was eerily unnerving to see her swing her pickaxe gleefully. This was... this was entirely different from the aura she gave off before--is she bipolar? My teeth pressed on each other. This'll be more difficult than I thought. "Your blood is going to let me be one with my god!"

I blinked. What.

Tub. Candles on the wall. Psycho bitch. The reference to God.

If I wasn't undercover, I would've slapped myself. This is a cult thing?! My eyes trailed down this psychopath's body, only to see a small chain around the woman's neck. Now that was fine by itself.

No, the thing that stood out was the upside-down triangle in a circle pendant along with it.

Holy shit. I had to take this mission, did I? She's a fucking Jashinist.

But before she could do anything, the door suddenly burst open. "What?!" The woman snarled harshly at the newcomer, whipping her head at them. Silently, I dug into my pockets for a weapon. Huh, either my ass is dummy thicc or they were really careless to not get my weapons.

"Gen! The— they are people taking out our forces!" Ah, so they're already here. I noticed how this person was a bandit and not a ninja. Does that mean she's the only threat? That's good.

"Tch." She spat on the ground. "Then take them out!" The guy let out a high-pitched when she aimed her weapon at them, rushing out. "Now, I guess that means I have to hurry it up." She smirked— only to suddenly jerk her head out of the way. "Hah?!"

"Aw, I knew that wouldn't work but still! Sucks." I spoke from behind her, hand stretched out from throwing a kunai. Gen swerved her bony at where my body flickered, eyes wide as my smile widened. I just moved to the side to dodge. "Hey, that's not a nice way to greet someone."

"You...!" She growled out. "You with them?!"

I giggled. "Yep. The name's Megumi." I titled my head, hand behind my back. Honestly, I could've just stayed quiet but... I stole a glance at the kids. I don't want them to be endangered more than they already are. "And this— ya gotta stop. This ain't good."

"Oh... oh...!" It was as if the Jashinist suddenly had an epiphany, her body shaking. No wait— she was laughing. "Ahahaha! So I see! You haven't been exposed to the truth!"

I was not amused. "And that is?" What truth? Don't bother trying to do some Madara or Zetsu bullshit.

"That this— everything doesn't matter! Relationships, people, life— it doesn't matter!" She screamed with a huge Cheshire grin. "All there needs is destruction!"

"And you think doing that will accomplish that?" And to children? I fought back the urge to frown. I should take care of this before it gets worse. "Sorry but, that won't happen."

As if a switch, the woman held a berating expression, glaring daggers at me. "Yeah right— in fact, why don't you be my first sacrifice?" Her voice was calm once more, despite her actions. Raising her pickaxe, she showed no hesitance when she struck it down. "Stain the floor red for my god!"

Yeah no. Was all I thought as I just stood there. I mean, there really wasn't any reason for me to, was there? Watching her charge up at me, I only smiled when she came in to smash my head open—

Only to burst into confetti.

"Ah, can you do me a favor and step back? That'll get a little messy." I smiled at them, watching as their sobering forms shake in shock. I giggled, genjutsu is just the best! My eyes softened, giving them my most comforting look— causing them to hesitantly yet quickly scooted back.

Alright, now that that's covered.

"Katon:" I placed an index and middle finger close to my mouth. "Will O' The Wisp!" Inhaling, I blew out a large flame onto my fingers, swinging my arm out to unleash a wave of fireballs. Watching them float, I had three of them surround me as the last one floated over to the group. And, I snapped my fingers— causing a shit ton of illusion ones to appear. Now things will get a little harder for her.

"Oh?" The ninja in front of me let out, very much amused. "Now this is interesting."

I just giggled, several kunai in my hands. "Glad to know you like my jutsu!" I took a stance, evening my breath. "Now...""Let's dance, shall we?"

I had to dodge when she threw her pickaxe at me.

Bodyflickering, I went low as I swept my leg out. She twisted her body, narrowly missing the fireballs that dashed towards her. Don't let her get too close! I shouted at myself as I activated my Sharingan. I don't know if she can do it but if she gets even the smallest of blood then...!

I let outa sharp gasp as I saw her pull. A chain! I flickered out of there before she could bash her weapon against my head. Stepping back, my eyes narrowed. That's gonna be troublesome. "An Uchiha, huh?" The woman commented, a calculating expression on her face. She then smiled- a huge contradiction to her personality a few seconds ago. "How exciting-- you'll be a fine sacrifice to Jashin-sama!" My eyes darted around. The walls are too hard for my kunai to penetrate. I gritted my teeth, fuck! I can't do my wire tricks.

"Hey, hey!" My focus was brought back to her charing straight at me. "Come on-- let's fight!" She has no hesitation, does she? My lips pursued together-- my hands stretching out as I directed my wisps to attack her. I need to think of a plan!

Blow after blow, I was glad for my quick reflexes as I narrowly avoided bloodshed. God— her personality shifts so much I can't get a good read on her! "Ehe, is that all you've got?" I taunted with a gigged, my smile ever so present. Maybe that'll make her slip up? I grimaced at the small nausea that were accompanied with the drugs in my veins. This sucks— I should cast genjutsu so that it's more of an even field.

"Ha!" She choked out, hissing at the burn I gave her. Sidestepping, I missed the pickaxe directed for my head. "I've got a pickaxe and I'll put it through your teeth!" Flicking her wrists, I let out a gasp as the chain connected to her pickaxe then wrapped around my arm. Shit...! "Raiton:" She pressed her hands together, causing my eyes to widen. "Muchimoumai!"

All of the sudden, all I could feel was pain pain painpainpaiN--

My body jolted around as I fell. Wh-- She knows lighting release too?! I cursed myself for getting too careless. Get up-- get up!Forcing myself to get the fuck up and fight, I barreled the Jashinist with my wisps, creating more time and distance. "Ack!" I struggled under the sharp jolts of electricity, roughly ripping the chain away from my arm. This... just got more difficult. I repeated to myself.

"So you still were conscious enough to still operate this jutsu?" She mused to herself, effortlessly avoiding them. "Nice to know you're this entertaining, Uchiha."

I huffed, stabilizing my balance. "When you get abused by your teacher, anything can happen," I replied with a laugh. How long do I have? When will they get here? I rolled my shoulders, glancing back t the children. Okay, they're safe.

I focused back on Gen. Should I use the mangekyou? My eyes flickered over to the pickaxe. I have to get rid of that first. I intertwined my fingers. "Katon: Bafuku Ranbu!" Spitting out fire, I watched as it swirled onto the ninja-- giving her nowhere to escape.

Or not. As she then shouted. "Raiton: Raishinsen!" With a burst of purple lightning, she canceled out the flames, lashing out. "Come on! Go die for Jashin-sama already!"

Think! Think! My teeth ground together. I guess-- I guess I should just throw caution out the window. Dashing forward, I swung my kunai around-- going for yet another barrage. Swung, shoot, dodge, dodge, go low! Going down, I kicked myself into a backflip as I knocked away her shot at me.

Feeling something wrap around my ankle, I forced a hiss as I got slammed onto the ground. My hands pushed my body up, raising my leg for a roundhouse kick. It missed-- letting her arm go forward-slash my left side.

"Khi...!" Twisting my body, I kicked her away, blood spluttering out. "Damn it!"

"Ahahah! Finally!" She chuckled with malicious glee, swinging her pickaxe around as red dripped her clothes. "Now's the best part!" I could feel my chakra draining... I thought to myself absentmindedly as I clutched my side in pain. One by one, I had to release my genjutsu and fireballs-- it was just too much. I have to contain my chakra...

Slowly, ever so slowly, her weapon neared her mouth. "Aah~!" It was so close now— my doom was near

I smiled. All according to keikaku.

Do you remember? The blood of an Uchiha is like gasoline-- practically made to ignite fire. I pushed even more chakra to my eyes, the sensation of power setting in. "Amaterasu."

In that instant, Gen suddenly burst into pitch-black flames— my blood accelerating the flame's growth. "Gaaaaaaah!" The scream was wet and full of anguish-- as if she was tearing down her vocal cords. I winced at the volume. Oh no, my conscience is gonna have fun with this... "You-- you...!" She yelled, staring back at me with a frantic yet harsh glare. "You et me slash you on purpose!"

Sweat trickled down my face-- along with some bloody tears. Letting out a giggle, I stared her down. "Of course, you think an Uchiha would actually be slow?" I mocked with a forced smile. Just go down already!

I had to blink when she suddenly burst out laughing. Huh? "You think that'll stop me? Do you know who you're talking to?!" Why is she laughing why is she laughing why why why?! Despite the burning flames, she pressed a hand on her chest proudly. "I am a devoted follower to my God-- I'll finish what I started!"

The sudden pain in my eye made me clutch my head. Augh! I winced, my balance faltering. I need-- I need to--

"Ahhhh!" My head whipped up at the sudden sound. No! In my sight was the burning jashinist with a child-- the same child I held hands in her grip. They were struggling with tears in their eyes-- helpless and terrified.

With a flurry of seconds, my body flickered to them. No, no, no— please don't— my hand reached out.

But it was too late.

She stabbed the child in the area and scurried away-- just a few inches away from my kunai.

"Amaterasu! Amaterasu!" I shouted-- trying to make sure that every flame covered every inch of her body. Just go down already! She licked the pickaxe, not good. Piercing her own body, she was quick to use the blood gushing out to draw a circle.

No! I body flickered, only to fall when a chain wrapped around my leg. "Raiton: Muchimoumai!" Before I could even question how the fuck she could speak, I screamed at the new pain all over my body.

It hurt it hurt it hurt ithurtithurtiTHURTSOMUCH--

"Now, time for the grand finale," The beating in my chest got so loud-- I don't know if it was because of the jolts or not. No! No! Not them! From the corners of my eyes, I vaguely saw the flaming body raise a stick close to her chest. "Die for me!"

No...

No...!

Is... is a person going to die in front of me again?

Just like Shisui and Izumi and Mom and Dad and--

Everyone else that I sacrificed?

No...

I don't want anyone to suffer because of me anymore.

I don't want that!

"YOU MONSTER!"

Yeah... you're right. I am a monster.

And yet... please.

Please...

I won't let that happen! Not again!

I will save those and nullify the pain that is given!

My eyes widened as she stabbed herself through the heart-- everything going dead silent. My stomachs churned— I felt like puking. My jutsu had stopped, in fear of hurting the kid, so all was left was a punctured charred body. "Hm...?" For some reason, she wasn't satisfied. "What the...?!"

She suddenly shouted in confusion, ripping the stick out. Blood spilled out like a waterfall-- so much blood. "Why aren't they dead?!"

Huh...? I craned my head weakly. What do you-- my eyes widened. Not including the wound on their arm, they were fine. They weren't dead. "How...?" I felt something wet on my cheek. My mangekyou...? I reached up to touch my cheek, seeing red. But... I turned it off. I turned off Amaterasu.

So what the hell is this?

I shook my head, focusing on the mission. No-- this is my chance! Grabbing the chain, it stopped shooting out electricity, probably because of the sheer surprise , I pulled-- causing her to get dragged out of the circle. "Amaterasu!" I huffed out, body flickering to stab her in the back, stepping on her with my foot.

"You bitch!" She choked out, black flames dancing on her body. My vision was blurring, my eyes hurt, my side hurt, I was getting so tired but I didn't care. I wasted no time piercing all of her limbs, keeping her in place.

"Hah..." I let out a deep breath as she struggled to get up. "Give up. With those wounds, you won't be going anywhere." She screamed, cursed, anything she could do to rile me up.

But I didn't care. I had to not care.

Craning my head at the children, huddled up in the corner with frightened eyes, I forced a smile. "Sorry, I had to make you see that." I felt so weak and tired-- I just wanted this to be done. "Can you cover your eyes and nose? I don't want you to see this."

They were still, trembling at the sight. However, slowly, hesitantly, they all followed. I let out a sigh, looking back at the person.

Should I even call them one? If it weren't for their religion, they would've been dead already. But it didn't matter. They were silent now, probably too tired to struggle anymore. Turning off my Sharingan, I pressed my fingers close to my mouth. "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu." Shooting out fire, I turned around. I was done.I was done. I told myself. I did my mission— and yet—

"...Daddy..." My breath hitched, whipping my head back at her. It was nothing like the psychopath I fought mere minutes ago. No, the voice sounded tired, scared— childlike. "I'm scared..."

I didn't hear anything else.

"Haha..." I let out a humorless laugh, my legs finally giving out. "What the hell..." My lungs felt empty. It wasn't even a conscious action for my hands to press against my face. Now you start acting like that?

I can't believe it.

I just...

I just killed someone.

The door suddenly burst open, causing me to stand up with a bounce. No no, let's not think about that. Nope— nope! Turning my body around stiffly, I forced a smile as I saw my teammates head in. "Heya!" I greeted with glee in my tone as I waved. Well, fake glee— I wasn't in the mood.

"Good job!" I heard the leader shout, rushing in. All of them looked a little disheveled but better than me. Wiping my face, I just giggled, a hand behind my back. She looked around, jabbing a finger at the kids. "Are those the victims?" I nodded— causing the ninja to look at everyone else. "Alright then. Let's get these kiddos back to safety!"

I let out a sigh as everyone went to work. Glancing at Shino who approached me, I tilted my head. What does he want— oh right! Watching as he raised his hand, I heard a small buzz before finding a bug fly off of me. I instinctively got a shiver, huahhh... I can't believe I forgot it was there. "You should rest," I looked back at the boy, watching as he bobbed his head. "Why? It's because it looks like you went through a lot."

"It's fine," I waved him off with a smile, lightly pressing at my wound. Aah... it hurts. I fought back the urge to wince. "Besides, I don't wanna leave them alone." I gestured to the kids.

I don't think he believed me— heck, I don't even know why I'm lying— but he just turned his head. "If you say so." With hands in his pockets, he began to walk away, only to give me one last glance. "Oh, and you perhaps need a new haircut."

I blinked. Huh?

A/N: Help I accidentally thought of the backstory for Gen (jashinist) FUCK.

y'all,,, this was supposed to be two chapter. But then the fight scene was too short so I had to combine it. It'll make the pacing a bit too fast but it's okay.

I feel like Megumi's a bit too lucky: she always gets saved by her Mangekyou but I swear she's strong,,,

Oh, and I'm changing Hiro's name. No— not his current but his former one— the one before he died. I literally just made it cuz I needed a Korean name but now, I think "Seo Joon Kwon" sounds weird lol. Don't worry, it's nothing too important.

Tell me what you think of this chapter and I'll see you next update!