Asa Gaiden: Asa's Story in Another World

You gasp- your body’s nerves scream out in pain before deadening- everything starts to go numb.

Curled on the floor in pain, you vision starts to blur. This attack…. Why won’t it end?

“An Uchiha. I would’ve never assumed one such as you would come to protect me.” The traitor says, his one good eye reflecting the minimal light in his dank cell.

The Uchiha’s scarlet eyes glower balefully at the traitor, though his expression gives nothing away.

“Ah, the Uchiha never change. How short-sighted you all are; you and your master. How goes the defense? Poorly enough that a rogue enemy agent was able to slip past you and nearly take my life…” the Traitor says, relishing the moment.

 The Uchiha scowls, saying nothing.

“Before you go, scum- take the corpse with you. I don’t wish to share my cell with the newly dead.” The traitor sneers.

The man lifts you up- but you don’t feel it. You can barely see, and even your hearing is starting to go.

“A shame…. She…. such a beauty once… husband…. daughter…” The traitors voice laps against your ears like the ebbing tide.

Tsuki…

Yoru….

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The memory is vivid, even now.

“Yoru- you’re sure we’ll be safe? I won’t shy away from danger, but…” You say, cradling the small bundle in your arms. Your little girl- your entire world.

Yoru laughs, brimming with his unique brand of confidence.

“Asa, my love- We couldn’t be safer. Here in the capital, we have the Daimyo’s men all around us, and all the protection our fortunes can buy. Besides, I’ve already begun to gather like-minded allies. This affront to our family won’t go unpunished.”

He sounds so sure of himself- but then, he usually does.

That’s part of why you love him, you think to yourself. That confidence is charming- and isn’t overbearing or overly prideful- unlike some people. He’s a man that knows what he wants, and does everything within his power to take it.

Yoru turns to you in his swiveling chair, his expression a bit more stoic than normal.

“How is she? Our little princess?” He says quietly, as if addressing her will wake her from her slumber.

You chuckle, and loosen the bundled blankets. A full head of cyan hair greets you, followed by the curious stare of her father’s amber eyes.

“Not asleep, apparently.” You laugh, offering your index finger to your daughter.

Tsuki takes the finger willing- and begins to fiercely gum it to death.

“And hungry, from the looks of it.” You sigh. Yoru laughs, and stands from his seat, walking over to the two of you.

“A demanding little one, isn’t she? Just like her mother.” He teases.

“Uncalled for, you schemer. I never asked you for any of this.” You pout.

“I know. Thank you, Asa.” He says, the scent of his rich cologne meeting your nose. His amber eyes shine brightly from the city lights below.

Damn him.

Your lips meet, and his hand finds the small of your back. Aggressive, but not forceful. You melt against your husband, resting against him… for just a little while.

Until Tsuki coos aggressively, breaking the moment.

“Aha, my little princess is jealous, I see!” Yoru says, grinning goofily.

He quickly hides his face behind his hands, and Tsuki’s expression goes blank.

Just as quickly, he reveals himself- “Peek-a-Boo!” he says in a heightened voice.

Tsuki responds by giving him a big, open mouth smile. Their newest game, you think to yourself, amused. He can always get her to smile.

“Daddy’s little girl, through and through.” He says, satisfied.
Turning back to you, he wears his earlier smile loosely.

“The last two months have been hell to all three of us, Asa. But- it will all be alright. Let me take of things for once, alright? I can’t have you defending me *all* the time.” He chuckles.

“Aye, my big strong husband, first among men.” You tease.

He winks, then gives that stupid smile of his.

…..

A month later, he was dead.

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You had gone to sleep early that night- having a child messed with your sleep schedule more than you had imagined. Hardly the adventurous late nights from your youth- but still just as fulfilling, you’d come to find.

The penthouse suite atop the Norihime corporate offices was lavishly furnished- even more so than the building you had lived in during your stay in Konoha. It was honestly a little much for you, but Yoru had insisted, saying that his queen deserved only the best.

A rogue shinobi was hardly deserving of such a title, you had told him.

Time and time again- but he never wavered. He dismissed your concerns outright, saying that what you had been before simply didn’t matter- that you would always been his wife, and his queen.

He was an idiot, of course- but you loved him anyway. But you had been a greater fool than he ever had been.

So on that dismal, rainy night, awoken by the sound of the alarm, you broke every promise you made to him.

Instead of taking Tsuki and fleeing to the designated safe area, you ran to his office.

As you ran down that long hallway, you heard shots- the sounds of Yoru’s newest mass produced launchers. The enemy was below you- you still had time!

When you reached his door, however, you were greeted by the sound of a familiar voice speaking with Yoru- one you’d hoped to to never hear again.

“Yoru Norihime. For crimes of conspiracy against Konohagakure and aiding and abetting a missing-nin and S-Class criminal, you have been marked for death.”

You had only heard the voice a handful of times- but a true shinobi never forgets.

“Shisui. I’m not surprised that he sent you- would it be distasteful to offer you a bribe?” Yoru says, in a tone more casual than the situation calls for.

“A ROOT operative would never betray his home for such a lowly reason, Yoru.” Shisui admonishes.

“I know. But you cannot blame a guy for trying, right?” He chuckled.

You were about to throw the door open when a slick metal sheet slammed down in front of you- preventing your entry.

Crying out, you pound on the door- but it’s no use; Yoru had designed these things to be blast-proof.

“Can you least least spare my wife and child, Shisui? They are blameless, here.” Yoru says calmly- it seems he’s resigned himself to death… or wants the Uchiha to think that he has.

“Asa Norihime has been marked for death as well. I have orders to collect the baby.” Shisui says, making the pronouncement with no emotion.

Yoru growls- and you hear the whirring of machinery behind the doors.

“That, I cannot allow. They had no choice in the matter- it was my choice alone. He would have me lose them both?”

“The judgement stands. Enemies of Konoha cannot be allowed to live- especially ones with the knowledge you both posses.”

Your hear a single blade being drawn on the other side of the door- and begin pounding again.

“Damn you both- I won’t just accept his judgement lying down! Asa- run! Take Tsuki and flee!” He shouts- his voice quickly being drowned out by the sound rapid launcher fire.

Tsuki.

You turn on your heel, running back to your room. Upon the bed, your 3 month old daughter lies sleeping- ignorant of the world around her.

You throw on the gear you’d kept in the room- only the basics, and what you could take in a moment’s notice. You gently raise your daughter off the bed, tucking her under your arm.

Throwing open the safety door built inside the wall, you’re greeted by an elevator door. Walking inside, you throw open the roof access of the elevator car, leaping upwards.

You throw a kunai at the “Down” button- and the mechanism engages. Crouching on the ceiling, you mentally map out your escape as the elevator descends. Beneath the sub-basement elevator landing, a secret tunnel led through the underground, eventually spilling out a mile outside the city.

You’d have to take it. But where to go afterwards? The temple? No- you had no friends left there. Tsunade couldn’t protect you- and you had no idea where she might be, besides.

Kumo wasn’t an option either- you’d burned that bridge long ago. That only left one person left to rely upon- as loathe as you are to admit it.

After several minutes, the elevator shudders to a stop. Carefully, you crawl down the side, into the narrow access tunnel. It’s dark- you can barely see your hand in front of your face. Thankfully, the tunnel only goes one direction.

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Somehow, Tsuki sleeps peacefully through your escape. As you throw open the evacuation door at the end of the tunnel, you’re greeted by moonlight- and rain.

You curse under your breath. The trip north wasn’t going to be easy, and you had no food. Your emergency gear only had a collapsible bow and a few arrows- and some rations. Looking at the small bundle tucked under your arm, it takes everything in you to push back the tears.

You deserved this. And just maybe, Yoru did too. But she didn’t.

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You only make it a few miles before you notice him. When did he pick up your trail? You’d been careful not to leave any tracks or indication…

However, his crimson eyes glow brightly in the dark, as if to damn the question.

Damn sharingan. Was there truly no defense against it? You were always at a disadvantage against dojutsu users- especially one whose training and skills at least matched your own.

Cursing, you begin to focus your chakra into your legs. You had never been particularly good using this ability- certainly not as good as A or his father had been. It would augment your speed for a time- but it would eventually wear you down. You’ll just need to lose him before then.

Sorry, Tsuki.

You take off, a thundering sonic boom crashing in your wake. The jolt wakes Tsuki, who begins to cry.

“You’ll only need to bear it for a little while, I promise.” You think- you dare not say it aloud.

As you run, you create several clones, who peel off from you. Sharingan cannot track chakra signatures, so it should slow him down… hopefully.

And so, you run. After several minutes of this high intensity technique, you feel your legs begin to burn. You’ll need to drop out of it soon, lest you render yourself invalid, but first-

With a deft movement, you slip your index finger into Tsuki’s mouth. She seemed surprised for a moment, but begins to ferociously gum away at the appendage.

Sighing with relief, you duck behind a nearby tree,letting the technique fade. Using it had used a lot of energy- not that you planned on fighting. With Tsuki here, you’d be at a severe disadvantage- you’d need to get her somewhere safe before you even tried it.

Keeping a low profile, you continue to trek north. You’re not entirely sure where it is you’re going… but knowing your contact, he’ll know long before you do that you’ve arrived.

It goes well for a time- until you pass a by a tree filled with crows. Normally you’d not worry about local fauna… except something about these birds is off.

They all stare at you, unblinking. The entire murder doesn’t make a sound- and at the center, you see it. One crow, larger than the others, sports a pair of sharingan.

Shit.

You take off running again- but the entire murder bursts from the treeline. There have to be hundreds of birds…. Where hell did they all come from?!

Then, in unison, they begin to speak.

“Asa Norihime. Surrender yourself to me, and we will show mercy to the girl. Our mission does not require us to harm her.” The voice of Shisui calls out from a hundred birds.

“Fuck you, freak.” You spit. They may kill you- but you won’t let them take your daughter.

You begin to channel chakra into your legs again. You’ll only have a few moments, but if you can make it….!

“Your resistance has been noted. Please don’t make this more difficult than it needs to be.” The crows caw out in Shisui’s passionless voice.

You grit your teeth- and again, surge forth using your lightning chakra.

Your legs are on fire- but you don’t care.

The sounds of the crows begin to fade behind you as you run- maybe you can out run him after all?

This hope, though, comes crashing down as a lone figure appears directly in front of you- his messy dark hair and pale features illuminated by his glowing crimson eyes.

You feint, trying to dart to the side- and feel a sharp pain in your calves. You fall to your knees, sliding in the wet mud.

You end up lying on your back, staring up at the night sky.

You cannot feel your legs… had they given out on you? You.. aren’t sure.

Shisui’s shape materializes above you, looking down on your form. You glare at him defiantly, and he sighs in response, breaking his emotionless mask.

“I don’t enjoy this, Asa. If you hadn’t harbored him, this needn’t have happened- I’m sorry. I’ll at least grant you a peaceful, painless death.”

What is he planning on doing? Some sort of Uchiha magic? You’d heard horror stories of what the sharingan was capable of… and for the first time tonight you feel fear.

You try to tear your eyes away- but can’t.

“Goodnight, Asa Norihime. Sharingan-”

Before he is able to complete whatever technique he was preparing, he’s thrown backwards. A new voice echoes throughout the woods- one that makes you shiver.

“Shisui Uchiha. I would accept your failure now, before it costs you your life~.” A high airy voice lilts among the darkness.
A large snake, now visible, grapples with Shisui. The Sannin, Orochimaru, appears nearby to you, seemingly out of nowhere.

“The young huntress and her newborn… certainly not what I expected to run into tonight. Where is…” The pale man asks, casting his gaze around the forest.

“Yoru is… dead.” You admit at last.

“Unfortunate. Your husband was a man ahead of his time- though his greatest work may yet still come to fruition. Your luck in stumbling upon my hideaway shouldn’t be understated.” He muses.

“Unfortunate…?” That’s all he has to say? This entire situation as his fault! Him and his damned experiments….

“Orochimaru…!” Shisui calls out, finally having triumphed over the snake set upon him.

“You’re outmatched, boy. Crawl back to your master, and tell him of your failure. Tell him who protects the remnants of the Norihime, and let hit cower.” Orochimaru declares, his voice losing all semblance of amusement.

“Or, you can die here. I care not.” He adds as an afterthought.

Shisui scowls, but eventually retreats into the night.

After a minute of silence, Orochimaru offers you a hand.

“I realize your husband likely died because of his defense of me. I will not apologize.” He says flatly, looking at you at indifference.

“However, the young one you hold is our shared legacy. I won’t let his sacrifice go to waste- come. I will need to abandon this hideout, but I have others. They can be your home, for the time being.”

Home… No, it won’t be home. Your home is gone.

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So, you came to live with the Snake himself- at least, when he was around. He often traveled between hideouts, sometimes having you follow, while other times you would stay behind.

He never really cared much either way about your presence- but he always looked at Tsuki in a mixture of amusement and curiosity. For a year and a half, you continued this shadow life; caring for Tsuki, and training your own body. You didn’t care for much else- you would protect your daughter, and would become as strong as necessary to do so.
Shortly before Tsuki’s second birthday, Orochimaru was approached by several people- strange folks in robes calling themselves “Akatsuki”. They wished to recruit him into their society… at least, that’s what it seemed like. At first, he rebuffed them- he had no interest beyond his own goals. When their leader appeared, however- the man they call “Pain”... His mood changed.

“Rinnegan, Asa. You probably have no idea what they are- but they are legendary. Unparalleled amongst dojutsu… the legendary eyes of the Sage of Six Paths. I *must* have them.” He explained later. He was entranced by them- you’d never seen him be so consumed with anything before that point.

“So, I’ll join them. You will, as well.” He declares flatly.

“I have no interest in joining those people, Orochimaru.” You growl.

“Think of it as repayment for keeping you and your daughter safe. When the time comes, you’ll help me claim those Rinnegan- or I’ll kill you here and now.” He lilts.

His eyes, though, are stone cold. He’s serious.

For a fleeting moment, you consider fighting him- but no, it’s likely pointless. Orochimaru is insanely powerful- and in a straight up fight, you’d stand no chance.

“....Fine. But what makes you think they’ll even accept me?” You question.

He smiles- it’s a disturbing sight seeing genuine happiness from this man.

“Let me take care of that. You’ll find you have quite the reputation already~”

You had no idea then, but he was right.

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“We have no interest on taking on a mother and her babe.” The orange haired man says, emotionless.

“Oh, but I think you’ll be surprised at just who exactly I’ve brought to you~” Orochimaru coos.

“Asa Norihime- the Azure Huntress. Missing-nin from two separate shinobi villages, an unparalleled marksman, and user of powerful lightning techniques. Her bounty is well over a million ryo- several million by now, I’d wager.”

Pain looks at the  young girl standing at his side for confirmation. She looks over you with a discerning eye, before shuffling through her paperwork.
“Asa Norihime- originally Asa Yamamoto, from Kumogakure. Defected before the Third Shinobi World War for unknown reasons. Appeared in Konohagakure some time later, married to the billionaire inventor and business magnate Yoru Norihime. Later both of them vanished again, and Yoru was found sometime later, dead. She is currently the lead suspect in his murder.”

You’re bewildered- they blame you for Yoru’s death!? Who in their right mind would believe that, unless….

The smiling form of that one-eyed traitor, hiding underneath the guise of a kindly grandfather, fills your mind.

Danzo Shimura- the man behind Yoru’s death, and the head of Konoha’s ROOT division.

Gritting your teeth, you remain silent as your evaluation continues.

“She currently has two outstanding bounties, one from Kumo and one from Konoha.” The girl, Konan, explains.

“Wanted alive in Kumogakure, wanted dead or alive in Konohagakure. The bounty on the Konoha listing is…. rather substantial.” She finishes.

“You may be worth our time, Asa- but Akatsuki is an organization dedicated to peace through the domination of this world. Hardly the place for a woman raising a child-”

“Tsuki is not a child!” Your daughter pouts. She had demanded to come to the meeting- so, you brought her along.”

She had grown so quickly, it had amazed you. At nearly two years, she had begun to read- simple things, of course, but Orochimaru had a strange interest in helping her develop. Speech came soon after- and her attitude. She took after her father in intelligence- that much was obvious. Every time she would look you in the eyes, it was like a miniature Yoru.

“That child… will develop into a powerful weapon.” Orochimaru chimes in.

You shoot him a dark look- he’d mentioned this a few times.

“She has powers unlike any other that will develop in time. Surely a long term investment is worth your time?” He continues, unaffected by your glare.

Konan sighs, though Pain seems unaffected.

“Tsuki.” His emotionless voice, addressed to your daughter, seems strange.

“Yes, carrot-head?” Tsuki pouts.

“Do you wish to help your mother?” That.. is a very loaded question.

“Yes. Mommy always looks sad.” She says, her pout fading into a frown.

“Will you become strong?” He asks.

She smiles.

“Unca Snake says so. The strongest!”

Everyone pauses, looking at Orochimaru.

“...She cannot pronounce my name properly. She calls me that, for one reason or another. I don’t mind.” He explains.

Konan starts to snicker- and Tsuki follows suit.

Pain, as ever, is a blank slate.

“You will need to keep many secrets- and meet many mean people. Are you ok with that?”

It seems despite his cold exterior, he has a soft spot for children.

Your daughter seems deep in a thought- at least, for a toddler.

“Tsuki will help. Help Mommy and Unca Snake and Carrot-head and Paper-lady.” She says at last.

Konan frowns at her new nickname, while Pain turns back to you.

“Very well. You two will work together, as you seem to have a history. Be warned- we will not tolerate insubordination. Acclimations will be made to your personal taste, and you are able to embark on missions of your own, with our support, if deemed appropriate. You will be inducted into the Akatsuki- if the two of you pass our trial.


Orochimaru smiles wide- his plan was beginning to come together.

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Ten years. You’d spent over ten years working for the Akatsuki. Members came and went- the missions the organization would accept were extremely dangerous, and occasionally, members would die.

Pain and Konan were always quick to scout out for replacements, always among the strongest of the missing-nin and criminal elements of the shinobi world. These people were almost uniquely unpleasant- bitter, unfriendly, or downright rude. Some were, and likely are, insane.

Despite this, every member’s passing was a somber event- especially for young Tsuki, who despite her environment, seemed to thrive. For some reason, these criminals and misfits always seemed to take to her, as well- as she grew older, the core members came to accept her as sort of a junior member of the organization.

Even the most unpleasant ones respected her- even if it was because they knew that swift death awaited them if they displeased your little princess.

The years had been hard- but rewarding, in your own way. It was like being back in Kumo, all those years ago- working with A and young B on those life threatening missions. With no other way to cope with your anger, you poured yourself into them- and became very successful. Orochimaru and you- even though you both rather disliked the other- became a very formidable combat pair.

Assassination, as always, was your specialty- and one shot was all it ever took. Paired with your powerful lightning techniques and ability to jam radio communications using them, your duo became notorious- and your bounties climbed higher. There was never any misunderstanding, though- Orochimaru was the stronger of the two of you, even as he aged. His plans were always multithreaded and masterful- you never had any reason to doubt his judgement.

Orochimaru’s plan to acquire the Rinnegan seemed to stall after several years- privately, he admitted that he knew little more about the leader of Akatsuki than he did at the beginning of the venture. After assisting him in taking a new vessel- a young Uchiha girl from Konoha- his interest in the entire affair seemed to wane significantly. His body changing practices disgusted you- but you were his partner, and without him, you weren’t nearly as effective.

This last mission, though- it had been unique. Nine of the ten members were to participate, with the strange Zetsu staying behind to guard the organization’s hideout in Amegakure. Tsuki would remain behind as well- despite her insistence on accompanying the group.

“Your abilities are still growing, Tsuki.” Orochimaru had admonished her.

“You will have plenty of time to test yourself in the coming days- but now it is important to hone your skills. If you behave, I’ll teach you something new upon my return.” He promised her.

You still did not like him interacting with her, though your distaste lessened when he explained he had no interest in her beyond developing her abilities.

“She is a flower yet to fully bloom- and I’ve been waiting a long time for her to do so. I would not deprive myself the pleasure of watching her grow- or want to invoke the wrath of her loving mother.”

You still planned on killing him, of course- but not until the time was right. Whenever the chance presented itself, the snake would always regenerate- a frightening ability, to be sure. There had to be a trick to it- and if you could figure that out and hit him when he least expected it- you would sever the snake’s head for good.

Thankfully, he had no idea- you’d been loyal to him all these years, after all.

Before leaving to be briefed on the plan, you took the time, as you always had, to say goodbye to Tsuki, just in case.

“Mom- you always make a big deal out of this. You’ll be fine! Especially if everyone is coming with you.” She teases.

“Not everyone. Zetsu is staying behind.” You correct.

“Zetsu ALWAYS stays behind. They could at least leave someone fun to spar against- maybe that new kid, Deidara. I had him beat during his initiation test, damnit! If only Pain had let me finish him off….” She groans.

“That isn’t the point of the initiation trials, and you know it. You’re a little too eager, anyway- your stellar abilities nearly evaporated poor Hidan.” You scold.

“Mom, Hidan’s crazy. Besides, if I can beat one of the Ten, I’ll be able to join you on missions!” She explains excitedly.

This again. She was so firmly dedicated to the idea of joining Akatsuki fully that she had begun trying to challenge the various members to fights to prove her ability. Most simply turned her down, but Hidan being himself, decided to accept. He hadn’t been taking her seriously- and it nearly got him killed…. maybe. It was hard to tell with his odd abilities.

Regardless, it wasn’t right- your daughter shouldn’t need to dirty herself with criminal work. You had used your reward money to furnish your lifestyles, and provide everything she could ever ask for- you had hoped she would choose to focus on other pursuits. She had her father’s eye for money, and her associations with Akatsuki’s accountant, Kakuzu, had only honed that sense. She could become truly, legally, successful- and that’s what you want for her. Not this life of criminality and danger.
Sighing, you hug your daughter.

“Stop idolizing what we do, Tsuki. We’re criminals. You aren’t- and you shouldn’t want to be.” You chide.

She grumbles- you know you won’t be hearing the last of this complaint.

But underneath it all, your sweet girl is still there- and you see it as she wishes you good luck.

“I’ll be waiting for you, Mom! Don’t let Uncle Snake show you up this time!” She cheers.

 …..

You’d let her down.

You’d let them all down.

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The mission had been sprawling in scope- a massive attack on the Konohagakure settlement itself. Pain intended to capture two of the Jiinchuriki, the vessels for the mighty Tailed Beasts. He hadn't shared the details, but this was apparently was part of his plan for world peace. Orochimaru had pulled overtime with his scheming, managing to convince Sunagakure to participate in the attack after taking the place of their Kage during your last mission.

By timing the attack during the finals of Konoha’s chunin exams, you would create chaos- and swipe the two kids before anyone could react. Once that was done, you had one other major target- Minato, the Fourth Hokage.

By far the strongest of the living Kage, the Yellow Flash would be a major thorn in the side of Akatsuki- by taking him out here, Pain planned to nip the threat his posed in the bud, and pit the other villages against one another.

By and large, the plan had worked. During the finals, Deidara had detonated his explosives right as one of the two Jiinchuriki (who coincidentally had been the finalists) began to lose control and enter Beast form. The creature began to rage, just as planned with the Suna contingent, and the attack began.

Orochimaru and yourself had been tasked with picking off important targets, and being backup if the fight with the Hokage went poorly.

Orochimaru, though, had other plans.

“I intend to kill my old teacher- Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.” He told you privately once the mission had begun.

“The mission-” You began, only to be cut off.

“Won’t suffer from our absence. Not unless the fight with Minato goes poorly.” He coos.

You pause.

“*Our* absence?” You question.

“I don’t require help with the old man- but I’ve come across information you might find interesting. The location of the man who ordered the death of your husband. Danzo Shimura.” He taunts.

Your body goes cold- after twelve years, you’d finally be able to exact revenge upon that traitor.

“Where is he?” You ask, stone faced.

“Prison. Seems the Hokage had a change of heart after some internal spat.”

You spit. Had he realized what type of person Danzo was earlier, Yoru might still be alive…

But no- such thoughts are madness.

“Regardless, our targets are two old men. It shouldn’t take you any time at all, unless your bones are getting creaky themselves, Asa-chan~” He lilts.

Soon. Soon you’d be done with both of them…. But Danzo comes first.

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The prison had been easy enough to find- and in the chaos of the attack, was nearly undefended.

Once inside, you went deep inside to the solitary cells; this, according to Orochimaru, was where Danzo was being held.

Entering the final room, you begin to shake. Twelve years of anticipation… Twelves years of bitter wishes of revenge… it all came down to this.

The traitor sits, alone, at the far of the room.

“Someone has come visit? A rare occurrence indeed. Tell me, stranger- what is happening outside?” He asks.

“Konoha is being crushed under the heel of Akatsuki.” You announce, stepping closer to the bars.

“...Akatsuki? Just who are you? Your voice is familiar….” He says impassively.

You unbutton your tall coat, and remove your straw hat.

“Look familiar, traitor?” You ask in unbridled fury.

“Ah, young Yoru’s wife- or widow, I should say.” He says with a wry smile.

“Asa. My name is Asa Norihime- you killed my husband, and robbed my daughter and I of a happy future.” You spit.

“Such anger. All I did, I did in defense of Konoha.” He says dismissively.

“Horseshit, Shimura! You’re a cold bastard- and after everything Yoru did for you, you cast him aside when he became inconvenient!” You growl.

“He was daft. Defending Orochimaru after he was caught red-handed? Absurd. I expected much more of that boy.” He says, waving you off.

Your hands crackle with electric energy- you’ve wasted enough time here arguing with a dead man. You should’ve known better than him to beg for mercy.

“Do you have anything to say before you die, scum?” You spit.

“Why, yes- it appears my jailor has come to my rescue.” He says smugly.

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Spinning on your heel, you turn to face the intruder- and see him.

Uchiha.

“You. Of course you come crawling to your master’s feet! Your death is a long time coming, freak!” You howl in anger.

Pulling two short blades from your belt, you light them up with lightning chakra- and rush to engage.

He quickly dodges, seemingly knowing to avoid parrying the attack. That’s fine- he wouldn’t be able to dodge you forever.

Unleashing a quick series of strikes, you keep the Uchiha on the defensive, preventing him from taking any offensive actions.

He’s quick on the defensive, though- and you predicted, his Sharingan allow him to predict your moves. As he slips by you again, you embed your blade into the wall. Switching stances, you draw out a third blade and continue the fight. You’ll need to hit him somewhere he won’t expect- and your chakra conducting blades should allow you to redirect powerful attacks to strike him from behind. It’s a strategy you’ve used before in close-quarters combat to great effectiveness.

If you had known he would be coming, you could’ve picked him off from a distance- but this hallway won’t allow for that. Instead, you keep to the plan, slipping the second blade into the wall as he dodges to the side.

“The fight is over. Surrender, and you’ll be taken captive.” He says in a smooth voice.

“Never- you’ll pay for what you did to my family!” You growl, moving in attack again.

“I have no idea what you’re-” He starts, before quickly dodging to the side.

Finally- the third blade embeds itself in the wall. Three should be enough- you begin to accumulate Lightning Chakra in your hands- to prepare for a large multi-directional strike.

“Enough! This is your final warning, Akatsuki!” The Uchiha says, visibly impatient. He obviously doesn’t wish to fight you here while the village is under attack- but his haste will be his undoing.

“Asa. My name is Asa Norihime. Your kind took my life from me- I’m simply returning the favor.” You spit.

“Lightning Release: Javelins of the Thunder God!” You cry out- two wicked lightningbolts form form in your hands, each the length of a throwing spear.

You fire off both blasts- aiming directly for the hilt of your embedded blades, instead of directly at the Uchiha. He dodges deftly, as expected- but his dodging places him closer to you, in between you and the blades.

You smirk. Just as planned.

“Return!” You command- and three lightning spears heading right towards you from behind the enemy. All three strike him in the back- and he bursts into crows.

“Shit..! Where are yo-”

“Here.” He says, appearing right in front of your face- his scarlet eyes glowing brightly.

You slam your eyes shut and roll backwards- the effects cannot affect you if they don’t establish eye contact, right?

“Amaterasu.”

….What?

With no warning, you’re enveloped in intense black flames….!

You gasp- your body’s nerves scream out in pain before deadening- everything starts to go numb.

Curled on the floor in pain, you vision starts to blur. This attack…. Why won’t it end?

“An Uchiha. I would’ve never assumed one such as you would come to protect me.” The traitor says, his one good eye reflecting the minimal light in his dank cell.

The Uchiha’s scarlet eyes glower balefully at the traitor, though his expression gives nothing away.

“Ah, the Uchiha never change. How short-sighted you all are; you and your master. How goes the defense? Poorly enough that a rogue enemy agent was able to slip past you and nearly take my life…” the Traitor says, relishing the moment.

 The Uchiha scowls, saying nothing.

“Before you go, scum- take the corpse with you. I don’t wish to share my cell with the newly dead.” The traitor sneers.

The man lifts you up- but you don’t feel it. You can barely see, and even your hearing is starting to go.

“A shame…. She…. such a beauty once… husband…. daughter…” The traitors voice laps against your ears like the ebbing tide.

Tsuki…

Yoru….

“I’m sorry, Asa. I do not recognize these names- nor yours. I do not know who among my clan hurt you and your family, but I hope you can forgive us.” The Uchiha says, carrying your burnt body.

“Shi...sui?” Is all you manage gurgle in your current state.

“My cousin Shisui died many years ago- I’m afraid your chance for revenge died with him.” The smooth voice explains.

“My name is Itachi- Itachi Uchiha.”

You can just barely make out his face- his eyes have faded from scarlet to a mundane black.

He’s actually quite handsome- and you cannot help but laugh as you lay dying in this man’s arms.

Everything- all of it- was for naught.

As your consciousness fades, you can only think of your daughter's smiling face....
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