13

The masked man mentioned in the chapter!

Enjoy reading! <3

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I curled up on the bed after returning from the Hokage's office. I spent the whole day in my room occasionally going out for bringing snacks to my room. 

What was he thinking?

He asked me to save them from war. That's impossible.

The weight of my knowledge weighed heavily on my shoulders as I started to truly feel the pressure. What am I supposed to do?

Should I not interfere with anything or should I change it?

Should Sasuke get the curse mark or not?

Hiruzen had made it clear that it was up to me. He refused to hear another word about the future unless I needed to inform them about upcoming battles.  

What about his death? If he doesn't die, will Tsunade even return to Konoha?

I cluched my head in frustration. It was a mission to protect the world or selfishly protect my family. If I choose to protect everyone, then I need to go rogue and infiltrate the Akatsuki and Orochimaru. That might probably kill me. But, if I choose to protect Sasuke from the curse mark, he might not go rogue. But then Naruto will lose his determination to grow stronger and catch up to his difference of strength. Sasuke needs the mangekyo sharingan for future battles and needs the experience as well. He needs to battle Itachi, but I want to save him. 

This pressure was killing me inside.

My family or the world?

I thought that Hiruzen would help me with all this, that Shikaku would as well. I foolishly let myself hope that I could live a peaceful life but that isn't true. I admit in the beginning I decided to help and save the world and help in battles. It wasn't a part of my plan to let my parents die or do everything by myself. The biggest mistake I made was not considering the fact that I'd get attached.

I can't inform Kakashi or anyone else. Should I even save the third Hokage?

What am I supposed to do?

The shinobi world or family?

Why do I have to choose?

I could understand what everyone was thinking. By the look on their face they were pitying me and thinking that a 12 year old girl will be responsible for the future. 

I groaned into my hands. Its giving me a headache. 

You are in some deep shit, Akina.

I shot my eyes wide open. That voice..

Yeah, its Yume. Ever since you visited me, the link between us became stronger. So we can now talk to each other like Inner Sakura and Sakura.

I paused before speaking out loud. "What do you want with me?"

I... wanted to apologize for my behavior. 

"What, why?"

Look, we are basically the one and the same with different personalities. I can feel your emotions and even though I don't have any attachment with those characters I know how you feel, sort of. Its still sickening to me how you like those anime characters but its fine.

"Wow, I'd never act like that in front of mother." I heard her scoff.

Its you who made us get attached and now you are paying the price. Mother and Father always told us not to.

"This is a different world. I have a new family."

Yeah, but the rules still apply. Its your selfish desires or the world. If Sasuke and Naruto don't become as strong and determined as they were in the anime, its obvious Madara will win. 

"But I don't want them to face all that pain. I-I want to protect them. My plan just went up in crumbles."

... Its for the best that they grow up quickly. And that plan wouldn't have worked. 

I snapped. "You are acting as if they are pawns in your shogi game! You are using them. You act like-like you don't have any feelings!"

Remember we were once the same. I don't know what you see in them but you best snap out of it. Break your bonds and save the world. That's my advice for you and its in your best interests to do that for the future. They are just characters of an anime. You can't fit into this world. 

With that she went silent and the atmosphere became silent once more.

"I thought she'd understand what I'm going through. She's really a cold hearted bitch, isn't she?" I talked to myself out loud as her voices echoed in my head. 

We were once the same. 

Groaning I forced myself out of bed and made myself look presentable. Worrying about this isn't going to help me now. Grabbing my kunai pouch, I headed out of my compound. It was night time and I was hungry for some ramen. I headed towards Ichiraku's ramen stand hoping it was still open. Humming a tune under my breath I squealed in delight to see it open.

"Ahh Teuchi san, can I get one bowl of miso ramen please?" I asked as I entered the shop and sat down.

"One miso ramen coming right up!" Ayame shot me a smile.

"Akina san?" I turned to my right to see Team 8 minus Kiba sitting down along with Kurenai.

"Hinata! Nice to meet you, Shino san and Kurenai sensei. I'm Akina Senju Uchiha from Team 7." I gave them a friendly smile.

Kurenai gave me a warm smile and Shino nodded. 

"I didn't expect you to recognize me, Akina san. I am happy." I sweat dropped. 

"Akina san, how are your missions going?" 

"Well we just came back from a C rank! It was intense but we killed some people and saved lives so its pretty cool."

Kurenai gasped. "I didn't realize it was Team 7. I thought it was a group of Chunin who brought back Zabuza Momochi."

Hinata looked at me wide eyed. "You killed people?!"

"I didn't. I did the saving part. Sasuke, Naruto and Kakashi sensei did the killing I think."

Shino nodded. "That must've taken a lot of bravery. Anyhow, I'm glad everyone is alive."

"Two miso ramen and shoyu ramen are up!" Teuchi announced as he gave us our bowls. 

"Itadakimasu!" I dug in. In the middle of eating I noticed Kurenai looking at me, observing me.

"Akina san, may I talk to you for a second outside?" She said as soon as I finished eating. She bid Hinata and Shino a goodbye.

What does she want?

"Um sure." After paying for my meal, Kurenai gestured for me to follow her. We walked in silence.

She broke it first. "Do you know why I'm talking to you?"

"No. I'm curious though." She slowed down her pace and now we walked side by side.

"I am a genjutsu specialist. I can travel through surfaces and sense others by their chakra. I can also seal away one's kekkei genkai, and enter the subconsciousness of a person to see their true nature without them noticing."

"Why are you telling me this?"

She stopped walking and turned to face me, her black unruly hair swaying in the wind and her red ringed eyes reflecting the light off the lamp posts.

"Because.. you are undergoing pain. That's all I can figure out. There is something blocking me from figuring out more."

"Well do you always enter people's subconscious without their permission?!" I snapped.

What if she figured it out?

"I usually don't but you are different."

"How am I different?"

"I.. can not tell you."

"Can't or won't?"

"Both." She simply said but there was a certain gleam in her eye I could not figure out.

"That's all you wanted to tell me?"

"No.. I know you are hurting, badly. I know that your parents have died and that you feel guilty for not protecting them. I also know that you are responsible for a decision. A very important and big one which is burdening you."

"H-how do you know?"

She gave me a smile filled with warmth.

"I just do. You have to let yourself loose sometime. Mourn for them. Do not bottle it up."

"I have so much to do and there's no time. I can't let myself mourn. I'll be overwhelmed by my hate and sadness. Its my punishment for not realizing it. I could've prevented it. All the signs were there but I ignored them." 

"Do you know who you remind me of?"  

"Who?"

"Uchiha Itachi."

My eyes widened slightly. "How?"

She started walking again. "I knew Itachi Uchiha. Everyone did. Prodigy of the Uchiha clan, next of kin. But then he massacred his clan. I talked to him quite a few times before and I realized how much of a kind soul and pacifist he was . And do you know what I felt from his subconscious?"

"What?"

"Pain and a major decision to make." Just like you. The words were left unsaid in the wind.

I remained silent, waiting for her to speak.

"I can not help but feel that Itachi san was forced to do this. By whom, I do not know but I did not inform anyone about my intuition or feelings. I was too late to help him. But I don't think I could've. It was inevitable. Anyhow, I understand how you feel. During an... attack on our village about 12 years ago, my father was one of the many shinobi who died. I could've done something, but I listened to my father's orders to save myself instead."

"The Kyuubi attack right?"

She turned her gaze on me. "How-"

"Its not hard to find out why Naruto got bullied by people in the Academy and by the villagers. They should've cherished him. The Kyuubi was sealed inside him to protect Konoha. Indirectly he saved them. But since the Yondaime died they despise him. How blind are they? Can't they see that Naruto is Minato's son?!" I spoke with frustration. 

The way Naruto was bullied in the Academy was horrible. Almost everyday he'd get bullied by villagers. I started to walk with him to and back from the Academy to protect him. The beatings stopped, but the glares never did. I hated the villagers for that reason.

"I do not know who told you this-"

I waved her off. "Kakashi sensei did. Naruto doesn't know." Kakashi would cover up for me.

We reached the front door of my house I realized with a jolt. She gave me a hug and my eyes watered. It had been so long since I got a hug. She gave me a motherly vibe which I was missing.

"I-" My voice slightly cracked.

Don't cry now Akina. You won't stop.

"Shh. Let it all out." She hummed softly.

I guess I still have the qualities of Yume for not showing weakness. 

"I-I need to g-go." I pushed her off and ran inside the compound with tears trying to escape my eyes.

I can't break down, not now.

"Yume?" I gasped trying to control myself.

What is it?

"Knock me out."

I can't do tha-

"You are my subconscious. Do something!" I yelled at myself in frustration as I looked at myself in the mirror. I was on the verge of breaking down.

Go to the bed and lay down. I'll do the rest.

I did as she followed and I fell asleep but not before a few tears escaped my eyes.

4th person POV

As the Senju went running inside the compound Kurenai sighed. She was so close to relieving her with another burden but she failed. 

No, she wouldn't repeat her mistakes and let her become another Itachi. They were almost going down the same route and this time she'd save her.

The shadows following them disappeared and in front of her appeared her secret lover and mutual friend.

"So, Kakashi, you never told her about the Kyuubi attack did you?"

The silver haired nin sighed at Asuma's question. He couldn't tell them anything under Hokage's orders.

"No I didn't. But you should just trust her. She knows unusual stuff because of her kekkei genkai."

Kurenai frowned. "No, that isn't it."

Kakashi turned a lazy eye towards her. "And how do you know?"

She bit her lip. "Under the Hokage's orders, I can't say." 

Kakashi and Asuma's eyes slightly widened. She knew something about Akina, but what is it?

She huffed. "You both heard the whole conversation. Kakashi, you've been following her since she left home. What's going on?"

"The decision she makes now will decide the future. I am forbidden to say more." He replied.

Asuma took out a cigarette as he lit it. "My dad is really an ass. What the hell is going on?"

"She's carrying a big burden on her shoulders. It seems as if its a boon but in reality its a curse." Kakashi said as he glanced towards her room. The lights were off.

"Kurenai, did you mean that about Itachi?" Asuma inquired.

She slowly nodded. "I believe he has a reason for doing what he did. I feel guilty for not finding out more about it. Maybe I could've helped in some way."

Kakashi smiled sadly. "That's what we all think."

Asuma thumped his friends back. "You have quite the team huh Kakashi. An Uchiha, your sensei's son, a Senju and the youngest medic nin of Konoha who is civilian born and reminds you of Rin."

The silver haired nin chuckled. "Maa, I need some sake. You guys interested?"

The two secret lovers looked at each other and agreed. They started to walk.

"Lets call Gai." Asuma said.

"Yosh! You called for the mighty green beast of Konoha? Well I am here!"

"Gai! Where did you come from?" Kurenai gasped.

"I need to ask my rival Kakashi for a contest. This time I won't lose!"

"Maa, lets have a sake drinking competition."

"How youthful!" Gai dragged Kakashi with him running at full speed.

"Kakashi really wants to forget today hm?" Asuma said.

"Something bad must've happened in Hokage sama's office. He probably disagrees." Kurenai answered back. They held hands and enjoyed the silence.

Akina POV

"Okaa san? Otou san?" I saw my parents standing in front of me, smiling.

"My dear Akina. How much you've grown!" My mother hugged me tightly and twirled me around.

"Y-you both left me! Why?" My eyes watered. 

"Gomen Akina. We thought we could kill him." My father gave me a look filled with guilt.

"Tell me who was he? I'll avenge you both." I snarled.

My parents shook their heads. 

"Stay away from the masked man! He'll use you." My father warned.

"I'll take him down as soon as I become stronger. Just tell me who he is!"

My parents gave me a sad smile as they started fading away. I reached out to grab them.

"Okaa san, otou san! D-don't leave me. Tell me!"

"Gomen."

"I CAN'T LOSE YOU BOTH AGAIN!"

I screamed loudly as I woke up. It was a dream. A horrible dream.

Why won't they tell me? What's going on?

I need to find out who killed them. That's the only way I'll feel better. 

"Yume?"

Yeah?

"Can I visit you again?"

Why?

"I need to re watch the memory of my parents death."

That's pretty harsh to see even for me. You sure?

"Do it." 

In an instant I found myself back in the black colored landscape. Yume was standing in front of me.

"Akina, I need to tell you more about your landscape. Listen to me first."

I motioned for her to speak. 

"You need to learn from the Yamanaka Clan on how to show people memories of yours. Just in case you need proof in the future. But you can visit me anytime. You just need to meditate."

"Okay. I'll go tomorrow. Show me a zoom in of the masked man. Is he Obito?"

"No. He's someone new." Yume frowned as she inspected him closer. The mask worn by the man was completely white in color with a purple lightning bolt passing through the left eye. The mask had a creepy wide grin.

"Is he even an Akatsuki member?" I asked.

"I'm not sure.. He isn't wearing the cloak with red clouds. Its a simple black travelling cloak which you can get anywhere. We have no information about him." She sighed.

"That's odd. Maybe its Obito in a another mask.." I trailed off.

"It could be him. But he wouldn't act so rashly and kill your parents right?"

I paused. "He wouldn't even know about me that time, nor would he care. I mean no one knew about them being together and having me except Hiruzen."

"We don't know that."

"Yeah, but who else is powerful enough to defeat them?"

"Obito and Madara wouldn't have known about them. They got together after Madara 'died' and left the village before Obito was born."

"So its probably someone we don't know."

"An enemy from war?"

"We should ask Hiruzen about that."

I threw my hands up in frustration. "So he's a new character like me or something?!"

"Wouldn't Death have told me?" Yume asked considering the possibility.

I started pacing. "Kurenai is on my case and I have to make a decision soon. Fucking brilliant."

Yume hummed. "Just remember I have to help you. We are each other after all. So you aren't alone."

I stopped to turn and look at her. "Since when are you so... kind?"

"Because I care for you. I'll just revert back to my old self if anyone comes in. Honestly, you are so dumb." She huffed and looked away.

"Okay...? Anyways, did you see my dream?"

"What dream?" She glanced at me curiously. 

"Ah.. I saw otou san and okaa san. They told me to stay away from him because he's too dangerous." 

"Maybe you should listen to them. He's as powerful as Obito from the looks of it."

"You do not have the same emotions as me. You can't possibly understand how much they meant to me. I'll kill him no matter what." 

She snapped. "What about the fact that you forgot Mother and Father so easily?!"

"I do not have time to waste arguing with you. I hear someone knocking. I have to leave." Without sparing her another glance, I left my mind landscape.

I got up and walked towards the knocking sound coming from the window. Light was streaming through it. Opening the window I saw an eagle. 

The Hokage was calling for me.

"I'll be there after getting ready." The eagle flew away.

I got ready quickly and wore my red colored kunoichi outfit after braiding my hair. I grabbed my kunai pouch and ths time decided to take my sword. After meeting with him, I'd train with Zabuza in kenjutsu. I got out of the Senju compound and made way to the Hokage office. 

During my whole walk I didn't encounter anyone I knew for which I was relieved. I can't wear my mask any longer. But as soon as I see them, I'll need to wear it again.

I knocked the door upon reaching his office.

"Enter."

"You called for me, Hokage sama?" I asked professionally. 

He sighed and beckoned me forward. He began speaking.

"Akina chan, I was very indirect about my orders yesterday. Kakashi says that you seem to be in a lot of trouble regarding your situation."

"Hai. That is true. I do not know if I should go along with what I've seen or I should protect my family from future threats by changing it all completely."

"That is quite a tough decision. Shall I help you?"

"Yes." I was desperate to know what he'd advice me to do.

"Now, I'm assuming you know about the truth of the Uchiha massacre?"

"Oh yeah about that-"

He got up and turned to face the window. "I am very ashamed of the fact that Danzo forced Itachi to massacre everyone. And I don't want you to fall into the same cycle. That's why I'll advice you but won't make you choose."

"I understand."

"Being the Hokage, I'm forced to choose between Konoha and my family everyday. For me this is a tough decision as well. But I am happy in the fact that by guaranteeing a better future for Konoha, my family will be safe as well. Its not the fact that I'm choosing Konoha over my family, but in the end, it protects everyone. My family might be angry at me, but they understand. If I had selfishly chosen not to do so, I wouldn't be the Hokage."

"I see what you are telling me. Yume mentioned the same thing."

He laughed. "Yume is certainly very interesting. You were quite the sadist before. I'm sure Ibiki and Anko would be thrilled to have you."

I giggled slightly, the pressure slightly decreasing. I had lost myself in my emotions. I need to think practically and rationally. I'm not going to be one of those fools who died running into battle because of emotions. That is Naruto's forte.

Ahh! Don't talk about me you blithering fool of a Hokage. I still hate you for the Uchiha Massacre and tons of other shit...

I tuned out Yume's rant as she bitched about the man in front of me. It was filled with wonderful curses which I had forgotten. 

He gave me a kind smile. "Now, its up to you."

I slightly hesitated. Am I really going along with this?

"Hokage sama?"

"Hai?"

I gave him a determined look and he took a step back, his eyes widening in shock. 

"My mission. I know what to do and I request your assistance."

He smiled. "Let's begin with what you need first."

"I need to go rogue."

Omake (Snippet)

Those eyes remind me of Daichi so much.. The will of fire is burning strongly within her. I hope it will never get extinguished. 

I hope you are seeing Akina right now, Kana and Daichi. She's truly remarkable.

Hey guys! 

I completed writing this chapter. I was pretty happy with the outcome. I had always planned on her going rogue but not like this.

This chapter shows the inner turmoil and pain she is going through. No Sasuke this chapter sooorryyy!

She's basically going down the same path as Itachi. There were a lot of references to them being similar which I hoped you guys picked up on. The omake was what Hiruzen saw and thought when he looked into her eyes. Remember, he saw Tsunade and Kana grow up together. He knows them well. 

Also I feel Kurenai and rest of the girls are such underrated characters smh. I made them powerful and smart. #GirlPower

Things are gonna get so fucked up after Chunin exams I swear. I have everything planned out till Pain's attack on the village. That's it so far. 

PS: I'm not sure how much I'll be able to update but I promise I'll update 1 chapter every week. My 12th grade started. Ughhh I hate school.

Q: What do you think Kurenai knows about Akina?

Hint for future chapters: She is half Senju and half Uchiha. She should have some extraordinary power right?? ;)

Don't forget to vote and comment! Gaara my baby is making an appearance soon uwu.