The Red Flames
Chapter 21

Hotaru P. O. V

I woke up after some time and notice that Sasuke was already awake.

- Come here, let me take those ligatures off of you. - I said.

He came towards me and I took them off.

- Better? - I asked.

- Much better... thanks. - he said.

- So... what now? I asked him.

- We'll leave for the battle field. - he answered.

I sighed.

- Fine, let's go then. - I said.

We left and we were now walking in the forest.

- Kurama... something is off.

- Yeah... something's not right.

I was thinking when Sasuke suddenly stopped and I looked forward and widened my eyes.

- Sasuke?! Hotaru?! - Deidara said surprised.

- It's you guys. - Sasuke said to White Zetsu and Deidara.

- Bastards! Why are you alive?! - Deidara said.

I zoned out.

- Kurama... how is this possible? How is he alive?!

- Edo Tensei.

- What?! How?! Who?! Orochimaru was the only one that knew how!

- Kabuto.

- I knew I should have killed him when I had the chance! Wait... that means... what we sensed earlier...

- It's true.

- I'm leaving. I said to Sasuke.

- To where? he asked.

- I'll catch up with you when I can, I have to confirm something first. - I said.

I immediately sped into the forest, climbed a tree and started concentrating.

- Kurama, help me replace him.

- Hai.

We started sensing.

- Found him! - me and Kurama said in unison.

I teleported near where he was and stayed hidden.

- Kid be careful, he's under control.

- Yeah... I know. Let's do this... and if we're fighting him we will need that.

- Go kid!

I teleported behind him and was now about to hit him with a kick but he defended himself.

- As expected from my student. - Itachi said.

I was now looking him in the eyes.

- I see you can mix the sharingan with the Kyuubi's eyes

- I see you can mix the sharingan with the Kyuubi's eyes. Well done. - he said.

I was now in a fighting position.

- Relax, I'm not under control anymore.

I widened my eyes.

- H-How? I managed to say.

He started to explained me how and his fight and conversation with Naruto.

I looked down.

- I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... - I said sad.

- Why?

- I... I failed... Sasuke... I don't know if I can...

Suddenly he patted my head.

-You're strong and wise Hotaru. I trained you well and I believe in you. Thank you for everything you've been doing.

I hugged him and started crying.

- I... I-I missed y-you. - I said breaking the hug and cleaning the tears.

- I missed you too Hotaru. Now let's go, I might need your help.

I raised an eyebrow.

- What do you say, you and me against Kabuto? - he asked a bit amused.

I smirked.

- Bring it on! I said.

He poked my forehead and then we started going to where Kabuto was.

We were jumping tree to tree when I suddenly passed out.

I started to wake up and saw Naruto.

- W-What... WHERE AM I?! - I said confused.

- We've been waiting for you. I heard.

I got up and saw the Tailed Beasts and their Jinchuuriki's... I looked behind me and both Kurama's were there.

- Huh... What's going on? - I asked extremely confused.

Then Naruto explained me what happened.

- I see... you know you guys made me FALL FROM A FUCKING TREE BECAUSE OF THIS!!! - I said irritated.

They sweat dropped.

- BRAT!!!

- Huh?.... SHUKAKU! How have you been? - I said smiling.

He smirked.

- Fine brat! - he said.

- So... could I get your names please? - I said.

- Well at least she's polite. - a monkey said.

- So that one is 1 Tail, Shukaku - Kurama started.

- That one and Gyuki and you Kurama I know! - I said.

Then Kurama told me their names including their Jinchuuriki's.

- It's a pleasure to meet you all. I'm Namikaze Hotaru the host of the 9 Tails, Kurama. Now... how am I here? - I said after Kurama was done.

- We're fully linked, you and Naruto are able to enter deeper into the Tailed Beasts Psyche Plane. - Kurama explained.

- Interesting. I said.

- Yeah... I don't really get it! - Naruto stated.

I sweat dropped.

Then I explained him in a simple way so he could understand.

- I thank you on behalf of all of us Jinchuuriki and Tailed Beasts. - Yagura said.

I smiled.

- I've wanted to meet you, Uzumaki Naruto. And you too, Namikaze Hotaru. To tell you the truth... huh? - Yagura said.

We looked at Naruto who was now crying.

- You look like you're shorter, younger and weaker than me. You must have had it rough as a Jinchuuriki. Knowing how you went through that... and how you've already passed on... it's just so sad. - Naruto said. I sweat dropped.

- You never knew the taste of good ramen or what it felt like to kiss a girl! - Naruto said.

Me and both Kurama's smirked.

- You've never kissed a girl either! - both Kurama's and I said.

- I am the former Fourth Mizukage! I was quite distinguished! And I am an adult! - Yagura said.

- Actually... both Kurama's said amused.

- You've only kissed Sasuke! - I said amused.

- NO!!! DON'T MAKE ME REMEMBER THAT! - Naruto said.

- We have more in common that I though Nii-san! - I said laughing a bit.

- NO!!! - he said on his knees.

- What is it like to kiss this Sasuke? - Isobu asked.

- Yes Naruto! Please tell us what is it like to kiss Sasuke?! - I said laughing.

- Honestly, just like as 4 Tails said, you don't listen at all! - Isobu said to Naruto.

I sweat dropped. He's not wrong.

While they were discussing I whispered to Kurama.

- Nee... if Naruto was the one who helped and linked you all... why am I here as well?

- You're connected to us because of other reason, I'll explain it to you later. - Kurama answered.

I nodded.

After some more conversation they decided to give us a bit of their chakra so we all fist bumped. wow.....so much power..... IT'S AMAZING!

- Naruto, I'll see you soon. I have to go now. Take care you all! - I said smiling and then disappeared.

I woke up on Itachi's arms.

-You're finally awake. You had me worried. What happened? - he asked worried.

I smiled.

- Jinchuuriki conference! - I said.

He looked at me confused.

He stopped and putted me down gently and then I explained him what happened.

After that we returned to our journey. Some minutes passed when we heard.

- WAIT!

We smirked but didn't stopped and continue jumping from tree to tree.

- I SAID WAIT YOU 2! - Sasuke screamed.

He made a Susanoo hand come at us.

I smirked.

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- Kurama let's show Itachi what we can do.

- Go for it!

I made a Susanoo hand as well and blocked Sasuke's.

- H-Hotaru... and Itachi?! - Sasuke said a bit shocked.

- Impressive. Both of you were able to master Susanoo. - Itachi said.

- I'm your student after all. - I said with a smirk.

- What are you doing here? And why are you with him, Hotaru?! - Sasuke asked.

- This is Kabuto jutsu... I'm a reanimation now. Regarding Hotaru she sensed me and came to replace me. We can't stop now. There's something we have to do. - Itachi explained.

- I don't care! You're here and I have a lot of questions! - Sasuke said.

- Ask me later... but I guess that's not going to happen. - Itachi stated.

- You said yourself! To come replace you once I had the same eyes as you! So why are you running? To avoid admitting that you lied to me?! Or don't you have the courage to tell the truth?! - Sasuke said irritated.

I looked down.

- I already know everything about you! That's why I decided to destroy Konoha! - Sasuke said which made me sigh.

- I told you when we fought... that people live under false assumptions. I asked if you could think about it that way. And how one's reality might be an illusion. Is my truth really - Itachi said but was interrupted.

- I no longer live inside an illusion! And I can see through your genjutsu! These eyes... Hotaru made them better! - Sasuke said.

-You're as confident as ever, but I've heard about you from others and from Hotaru... that you have changed a lot. - Itachi said looking at me with a hint of pity.

- NO! You changed everything about me! I was supposed to die! You were supposed to kill me along with our parents. But... why me?! Why did you spare me?! How was I different from mother and father? Why just me?! - Sasuke said. I looked at Itachi and he looked sad... this must be really hard for him.

- Because you didn't know anything. You had no part in the Uchiha Clan's folly. You were just a child. Also, do you think I did it just for you? I wanted to be judged and dealt with only by another Uchiha. So I took advantage of the hatred inside of you. That's why I failed. Ultimately, I filled you with hatred and made you rogue. And turned you into a criminal! All I wanted was for you to walk the right path. Before I die, I tried to lead you down that one path. - Itachi explained.

- I was supposed to happily walk that one path ignorant of everything?! - Sasuke said and I lost it.

- YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO WALK THAT PATH WITH ME SASUKE! LIKE YOU PROMISED! - I screamed at him.

He widened his eyes and Itachi looked at me a bit sad.

- I... I DON'T CARE FOR SUCH PATH! - Sasuke said.

I widened my eyes and Itachi looked at me with pity.

From that point on I no longer cared about their conversation or what they were doing, I just followed Itachi.

I completely zoned out.

- Kid...

- Kurama... what did I do wrong?

- Nothing

kid.

- It doesn't seem like it.

- He's just stupid.

- Kurama... he said he does not care. I thought he cared... about... you know...

- I'm sorry kid.

- Hotaru. I heard Itachi said.

- Huh?... Where's your brother? - I asked since I was not paying attention.

-

I left him behind. You're ready? - Itachi said.

I nodded and looked at the barrier in front of us.

I concentrated a great amount of chakra in my hand and punched the wall breaking it to pieces.

- Found you... four eyes. - I said with a smirk.

- Welcome back. - Itachi whispered and I smiled.

- I'm impressed you were able to pass through my barrier and replace this place. - Kabuto said.

- When you were controlling me I was able to pinpoint where your chakra was coming from. That's another risk of this jutsu. Though you won't need to remember that for next time. - Itachi explained.

- Thanks for the tip. I didn't expect any shinobi to counter this jutsu, so I didn't even worry about it. By the way, there's something I'd like you to know as well. - Kabuto said.

I raised an eyebrow.

- This reanimation jutsu will not come undone even if you kill me. I am the only one who can stop it. In other words... you can't kill me. If you do you'll never be able to stop this jutsu. - Kabuto explained.

I widened my eyes and Kabuto started laughing like a maniac.

He's worse than Orochimaru.

- I guess my luck hasn't run out yet! - Kabuto said.

Then I felt another presence and I sighed.

- Things are not always as we wish them to be. - I said.

- Damn it. Itachi said.

- I caught up to you! What the hell are you 2 doing here?! - Sasuke said.

He then saw Kabuto and went to his front in a fight position.

- Is that... Orochimaru? - Sasuke said.

-You're a little off. - Kabuto said.

- It's perfect timing that my compensation for participating in this war, would show up on his own, at this particular moment. I am so lucky. - Kabuto said.

I narrowed my eyes.

- What are you doing here? - Sasuke asked Kabuto.

- It's rather complicated... let me try to explain. - Kabuto said.

- Go ahead four eyes. - I said coldly.

- And in the meantime, I'll stop Edo Tensei. - Itachi said.

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- This jutsu has neither risks nor weaknesses. I want you to understand that Itachi. Even if you do make a move, I doubt Sasuke and Hotaru will just sit back and watch. - Kabuto said.

I looked at Itachi and he looked like he was thinking.

- Kabuto, answer my question! - Sasuke said irritated.

- I guess I have to tell you after all. - Kabuto said.

Then he started telling us what was going on.

- So that's the story of the war. - Kabuto said.

- You bastards. - I said mad.

-But what is a Edo Tensei like you doing here? Your intent to kill is real. - Sasuke said to Itachi.

- The reason is simple... - Itachi said.

- He's not under his control. - I said still looking at Kabuto.

- Correct. I must hand it to you Itachi. - Kabuto said.

- Sorry, but I hate taking orders. - Itachi said.

-

I agree with you there. - Kabuto said.

- You haven't answered all my questions! - Sasuke said.

I sighed... baka.

- Just because you asked doesn't mean you're going to get a reply. - Kabuto said.

- I came here to kill you. - Itachi said.

Sasuke looked at Itachi and so did I.

- Edo Tensei... you got hold of a silly forbidden jutsu. - Itachi stated.

- You see, thanks to this jutsu, you siblings and your pupil get to have a touching reunion. I was hoping for a little gratitude here. - Kabuto said.

I got mad and activated the sharingan.

- I'll give you the gratitude! I should have killed you when I had the chance! - I said mad.

- Edo Tensei can't control the heart. You've desecrated souls that were purified and continue to spread unnecessary sadness and hate. - Itachi said.

- Can you understand the pain felt by the dead who are forced to fight? - Itachi asked.

- The pain of the living is even greater. After finally getting over the grief and sadness... YOUR JUTSU HAS STIRRED THOSE FEELINGS AGAIN! - I said mad.

- I'm a little surprised... that someone who slaughtered the entire Uchiha clan has such tender heart. Does it mean you regret it? If so, I'm not interested. - Kabuto said.

- Say whatever you want. You die here. - Itachi said.

- Sasuke... in short, Itachi and Hotaru are a nuisance to both you and myself. Well... shall we team up and take them down? - Kabuto said.

I narrowed my eyes and looked at Sasuke.

What are you going to choose?

- It seems like you don't know anything do you? I chased them here to talk to Itachi. - Sasuke said.

- Well then... whose side are you on right now? - Kabuto asked Sasuke.

Sasuke suddenly threw shuriken at Kabuto but I attached chakra strings on them and made them fall on the ground.

- Fast as always, Hotaru. - Itachi said.

- WHY?! He's just like Orochimaru! Which means he's my enemy! And right now he's your enemy too, Hotaru! Right?! - Sasuke said and I glared at him.

- We'll talk later. First things first, let's take him down. - Itachi said.

- Don't kill him. - I said coldly to Sasuke.

- The reason Hotaru did that it's because if you kill the caster of the Edo Tensei the jutsu can never be undone. - Itachi explained.

- What do you suggest Itachi-sensei? - I asked and he smirked.

- We'll put him under my Tsukuyomi, then we'll make him tell us how to stop this jutsu. And while he's under the Tsukuyomi, I'll control him and - Itachi said

-You'll break this jutsu. Fine by me. - I said.

- Thanks for the play-by-play. I hope it goes as smoothly as you say. But I told you earlier, this jutsu has neither weaknesses nor risks. - Kabuto said.

- Every jutsu has a weakness. - me and Itachi said in unison.

- This jutsu's weakness and risk is... my existence! - Itachi stated and activated the Mangekyou Sharingan.

I smirked.

- Kurama, ready?

- More than ever!

- Let's do this then!

I activated Kurama's eyes and Mangekyou Sharingan as well.

- You really are my student. - Itachi said proud.

I smirked.

- I've been training, not playing around. - I said.

Then Sasuke came to our side.

- This time... I'm holding you to your promise. - Sasuke said to Itachi.

- Stubborn duckbutt. - I mumbled.

Itachi smirked at my statement.

- They say you take your personality to the grave. Well, I've already died once. I intend to honor it. - Itachi said.

I smirked.

- Heee! Come together to gang up on me? How fun! - Kabuto said and putted his tongue out and some other snakes appeared.

- Disgusting! I said creeped out.

- Hotaru... get ready. - Itachi said.

- Hai, hai! I said.

Let's do this!