The Red Flames
Chapter 13

I was now at the front gates of Konoha so I decided to teleport to the Hokage's tower and then knocked at Tsunade's office door. - Come in. Tsunade said.

I came in and saw that Otou-san, Sakura, Sai and a frog were there.

- H-Hotaru. - they all said.

- Hello... it's been a while. - I said emotionless.

They were all looking at me with pity in their eyes.

- Hotaru... Tsunade started.

- Save it... I know about Jiraiya-sensei already. I came here with a different purpose... I came here to report something. - I said.

- What is it? - Tsunade asked.

- Uchiha Itachi... is dead. I said fighting back tears.

They all widened their eyes while I stayed cold.

- That means... - Sakura started.

- Sasuke did it... regarding him coming back to Konoha I don't know that yet. I left the battle scene as soon as it ended. - I said.

Suddenly Otou-san hugged me but I didn't respond to it... I just stood there... it hurts so much... all of this... both my senseis are dead and I couldn't do anything to stop it. Otou-san stopped hugging me and then Tsunade spoke.

- Leave... I want to talk with Hotaru... alone. - Tsunade said.

Sakura, Sai and the frog left.

- Kakashi... you too. - Tsunade said.

- No, I'm not leaving her again. I can't. - Otou-san said.

- It's okay Tsunade-sama. He should see this anyway. - I said.

- Fine. Hotaru... did he do it? - Tsunade asked me.

I nodded and she came towards me.

- Does it hurt? - she asked looking at my eyes.

- A bit, not as much as it did when the transfer happened though. - I answered.

She putted her hand above my eyes and started to heal so the pain would go away.

- It is completely, is the pain fading away now? - she asked.

- Yes, thank you Tsunade-sama. - I said and she looked at me with pity.

- What transfer? What did it hurt? - Otou-san asked confused.

- Otou-san... - I said.

He then looked at me and I activated the sharingan which made him widened his eyes.

- H-How? - Otou-san asked.

- Itachi transferred his eye powers to her. - Tsunade said.

- B-But why? - Otou-san asked.

Tsunade looked at me.

-You'll replace out when it's time. Now if you excuse me... I have to go and replace Naruto before I leave to see how Sasuke is doing and what he wants to do now. They nodded and I teleported to where Naruto was.

I was now behind him.

- Nii-san. I said quietly.

He immediately turned around... his eyes... he suddenly hugged me and he started crying which made me cry as well.

- Why Nee-chan... why people we care about die?

- I... I d-don't know... Nii-san... Itachi is dead as well. S-Sasuke killed him. - I said crying even harder.

He hugged me tighter and so did I.

We stood like that crying in each other's shoulders for a while until we had no tears left.

- Nii-san... I have to go to Sasuke and see what he wants to do next. - I said.

- I'll go with... - he started but I stopped him.

- No. Naruto you always try so hard to do things by yourself... let me help you.

He looked down.

- Naruto... let's make a deal. - I said and he looked at me.

- If I bring Sasuke back first than you, you'll buy me ramen whenever I want for the rest of our lives. - I said and he smiled a bit.

- If I'm the one who brings him back then you'll be the one that has to pay for all the ramen I want until the rest of our lives. Deal? - he said.

- Deal! I said smiling a bit.

- Nee-chan... arigato.

I poked his forehead.

- I'm always going to be here for you... you're not alone anymore, Nii-san. - I said smiling which made him smile.

- I have to go now... I'll see you when I can. - I said.

He nodded and I teleported to the Hokage's office.

- How is he? - Tsunade asked me.

- He'll get through it... he's strong. I'll be going now. I'll report when I can. - I said.

She nodded and I left.

I teleported to the hideout where they were.

- Hotaru. Suigetsu said quietly.

I ignored him and went to the room where I sensed Sasuke.

I entered and closed the door.

- I see you're already awake. How are you feeling? - I asked kneeling beside his bed.

-F-Fine. Where were you? - Sasuke asked.

- I went to Konoha to tell them about Jiraiya's death. Let me heal you.

He nodded, some minutes passed and he was now healed.

- Hotaru... did you know?

- Know what Sasuke?

- The truth... about the Uchiha massacre.

- What? - I asked surprised.

- The truth why Itachi had to do that... did you know Hotaru?

No... how does he know about this?!

- Yes... I did.

- I see...

- Sasuke... who told you this?

- I'll be right back. - I said getting up since he didn't answer and I left the room.

- Suigetsu... where is he? - I said.

- Who? Suigetsu asked confused.

- The masked guy. - I answered.

- Looking for me? - I heard.

- Madara. - I said under my breath.

I sped to him and pinned him against the wall.

- Was it you who told Sasuke the truth behind the Uchiha massacre... about Itachi? - I asked.

- That would be me. - Obito said.

I widened my eyes and let Madara go.

-You... you'll pay. - I said quietly.

I reappeared behind him and kicked him and started fighting against him, punching and kicking him with all my strength.

- I'll finish you right now! I'm done with you! Chidori! - I said going towards him.

I was about to hit him but Madara stopped me.

- Sorry but as much as I enjoy see my pupil fight against other's I can't let you kill him. I need him... alive. - Madara said.

I reappeared behind him and kicked him.

- I know it was you who ordered that piece of shit to tell Sasuke. I'm going out. - I said.

- You were well trained. Where are you going? - Madara said.

- NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS! I DON'T NEED TO REMIND YOU THAT I'M DO NOT TAKE PART IN THIS STUPID ORGANISATION OR IN YOUR SCHEME! - I screamed mad at him.

He just nodded.

I teleported out of there.

- Where are you going kid?

- For a walk to think. Besides if I stayed there longer I would've probably activated the sharingan and tried to fight with them. And let's be honest... Madara just let me do that, we both know that I'm not at Madara's level. If I fought him there for real he would've destroyed me.

- You're right... he's Madara after all. What do you think the Uchiha brat will do now... now that he knows the truth?

- Honestly... I don't know Kurama. That's what scares me the most.

*Meanwhile after the walk*

I was now at the hideout and Madara was the only one there.

- Where are they? - I asked him coldly.

- Outside. he answered.

I teleported there and I was now behind Sasuke.

- From now on, we will act under the name "Taka". Taka has but one goal. We will... crush Konoha. Sasuke stated.

I widened my eyes... no...

I putted my hand on Sasuke's shoulder and he turned around. When he saw that it was me he immediately hugged me and I started to feel my shoulder wet.

Is he... crying?

I teleported us to the room where he was when I first arrived here. He fell on his knees crying nonstop.

I never saw him so vulnerable, not even when he would wake up in the middle of the night because of the nightmares.

- S-Sasuke..... love.

- I'm sorry... I'm so sorry. I... I should've listen to you... if I did that he would still be alive.

I started crying as well.

- Sasuke... you didn't know...

- I... I killed my only brother... I killed him.

- Sasuke look at me... please love.

He didn't.

- It was his last wish... love please look at me.

He did it... his eyes... he awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan.

- I didn't tell you the truth because... Itachi asked me to. You have no idea how many time I begged him to tell you... - I said cleaning his tears and caressing his cheeks.

- I'm sorry I wasn't able to save him... I'm so sorry love. I really am. - I said.

He stopped crying after a while, I could tell he was tired.

- Let's go to bed love, you need to sleep.

He grabbed my hand and said.

- Please... stay... please stay with me beautiful.

I nodded and laid down next to him.

He putted his head on the crook of my neck and fell asleep with me passing my hands through his hair and I slowly fell asleep as well.

* A couple of days passed*

I got up before Sasuke and did my morning routine.

I was about to leave when.

- Where are you going? - Obito asked.

- If I don't owe Madara any explanations I certainly don't owe you either. - I said with venom and I teleported to Konoha.

I was now at the Hokage's office.

- Hotaru? By your face you don't bring good news do you? - she asked.

I looked down sad.

- Is Sasuke coming back... Hotaru? - Tsunade asked.

- A person from the Akatsuki told Sasuke the truth behind the Uchiha massacre. - I said looking at her and she widened her eyes.

- And now... what is he planning? - Tsunade asked.

- He... his plan is... to crush Konoha. - I said.

She widened her eyes even more.

- What are you going to do now... Hotaru? - Tsunade asked me serious.

- The same I've been doing until now... I'll protect Sasuke and Konoha. Itachi and I both love him and Konoha. I'm not abandoning him or the village. - I said determined.

- Very well... dismissed. And good luck Hotaru. - Tsunade said.

I left and decided to go for a walk to think, until I was pinned to the ground.

- OW!!! WHAT THE... - I said.

- AKAMARU! WHY DID YOU RUN... H-Hotaru?

- Kiba! Hi! I said getting up.

- H-Hotaru... can we talk?

- Sure, what is it?

- Why were you with Sasuke the day of the explosion?

I widened my eyes a bit... great if he knows then...

- No... I didn't told them. I thought that maybe it was your mission.

- Yes... it is Kiba. I'm sorry I didn't tell you.

- It's okay, I got your back! - he said grinning and Akamaru barked agreeing in what he just said.

I smiled warmly at them.

- Thank you. Now... let's eat RAMEN! YOU PAY! - I said since I was hungry.

- Heee!!! Why me?!

I laughed nervously.

- You don't have your wallet with you... have you? - he said amused.

- Y-Yeah... and well... I'M HUNGRY! Pretty please! - I said.

He sighed.

- Fine, let's go.

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- YAY!

He sweat dropped.

We were now lunching when he said.

- Are you gonna go back to where Sasuke is?

- Yeah... there's some things I still need to do, but I'll be coming here as well. How are the others?

- They're all fine, we are strong so don't worry! - he said smiling.

- That's true. Well I should get going. Thank you Kiba... for everything.

- No problem! What are bestfriends for?

I smiled and hugged him.

With that I left to the hideout, but I decided to walk there.

I need to think about everything so I'll walk.

*At the hideout*

When I arrived there I widened my eyes.

- What is the meaning of this?! - I asked and they all looked at me.

-Who's that on the ground? Why is Karin and Suigetsu passed out on Juugo's arms? And last but not least, why are you all beaten up Sasuke?! - I asked irritated.

- We just captured the 8 Tails. - Juugo answered.

I widened my eyes and immediately glared at Madara.

- You ordered them to go and capture THE FUCKING 8 TAILS?! WHEN THEY HAVE NO EXPERIENCE WHAT SO EVER?! ARE YOU INSANE?! - I said.

If you haven't been killing our members than I wouldn't have to ask them that. - he said.

I WAS VERY CLEAR WHEN I LEFT AFTER THOSE 3 YEARS! I WARNED THAT IF I SAW ANY OF YOU I WOULDN'T HESITATE IN KILLING ANY OF YOU! THEY COULD HAVE DIED, YOU BIG PIECE OF SHIT!!! - I screamed at him.

-

-

- Watch it! - Madara said.

- COME AT ME IF YOU WANT! - I screamed glaring at him but then I turned to Sasuke.

I DON'T FUCKING CARE ANYMORE! THEY COULD'VE DIED KURAMA!

- KID STOP, HE'S MADARA!

-

- Kid just calm down for now.

- And you?! What were you thinking Sasuke?! - I said mad.

- I owed him for telling me the truth. - Sasuke said and I narrowed my eyes.

- He went against Itachi's wish and you're okay with that...- I said quietly.

- Huh? - Sasuke said.

- You and me... we talk later. - I said looking at him.

- Uhhh! Someone's in trouble! - Madara said.

- SHUT THE FUCK UP! Juugo come. Sasuke when you're done come as well. - I said.

- Where are you going? - Madara asked.

- THEY'RE HURT YOU ASSHOLE! I'M GOING TO HEAL THEM... you retarded bastard. - I said.

With that I left with Juugo and the others to another room.

- Lay them there please. I told Juugo.

I started analyzing them to see who was worst... Karin... her back.

I started healing her and in that moment Sasuke came in, I didn't bother to look at him.

- Kurama... her back is extremely damaged. What do you think it was?

-

I have a guess... you won't like it though. But why don't you ask that to the Uchiha brat?

- Sasuke. I said.

- Yeah?

- What happened to Karin? - I asked.

- She got caught on Amaterasu. - he answered.

I widened my eyes.

- How is she still alive? - I asked impressed.

- I was able to take the flames out of her. - he explained.

I sighed and continue healing her.

Now that I was done with her I went to Suigetsu and did the same.

- Juugo let me heal too. I said.

He nodded and I did it.

Now... the Uchiha.

- Juugo I'm going to heal Sasuke now. Please call me when those 2 wake up.

- Hai. - Juugo said.

I grabbed Sasuke's hand and teleported us to his room.

- Lay on the bed so I can heal you. - I said coldly.

He did as I said and started healing him.

- There, all done. You should rest. - I said getting up but he grabbed my wrist.

- Why are you acting so cold? - he asked.

- You promised... you promised Sasuke... you promised you would come back to Konoha and start a family with me. Apparently you forgot about it. - I said looking down.

- I didn't.

- REALLY?! Because what I see is YOU wanting REVENGE again!

- They deserve it. - Sasuke said coldly.

- Can't you see the big picture?! Sasuke look where the first revenge led you to! It's not worth it!

- Itachi didn't deserve that life.

- I know he didn't! You dumb ass! He protected his village and now you're going to destroy it?! AND FOR WHAT SASUKE?! IT'S NOT GONNA BRING ITACHI BACK!!! - I said irritated.

He got up and looked me in the eyes.

- They need to pay... the elders... Danzo... the village.

I widened my eyes.

- MY BROTHER IS THERE! MY ONLY FAMILY MEMBER IS THERE! KAKASHI IS THERE AS WELL! YOU WANNA KILL THEM TOO?! THEY DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THE TRUTH SASUKE! - I said getting extremely mad.

- They must know the pain.

I didn't hold it anymore and slapped him and I started crying.

- I get it if you want the elders... Danzo to pay... but the whole village? There's children there... they... it's not their fault! You'll be worse than Danzo and the elders if you do this Sasuke. Please... please... stop.

- I... I have to.

I looked at him with Kurama's eyes and pinned him against the wall, my tears falling uncontrollably.

- If you really wanna do this FINE! But I won't be by your side. And if you do this... you'll have to fight against me. I promised Itachi... I promised YOUR BROTHER that I would protect you no matter what BUT... if I have to break every bone you have so you don't destroy THE VILLAGE THAT YOUR BOTHER LOVED SO DEARLY SO BE IT! Because Sasuke if I have to I WILL DO IT without giving it a second thought. - I said.

He was looking at me surprised by my outburst.

I let him go.

- And one more thing. - I said.

He looked at me and I slapped the other side of his face.

- You know very well about the Akatsuki wanting the Tailed beasts, including you know the truth about me! Besides I bet Madara knows my true identity! So if he asked you to bring me to him you would?!

-

Of course not!

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- SO WHY DID YOU DO THAT?! YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT THEIR PLAN IS AND WHY THEY WANT US! IF THE TAILED BEAST IS TAKEN OUT FROM HIS OR HER HOST THEY DIE!!! WHY WOULD YOU EVEN AGREE ON SOMETHING LIKE

THAT?!

- JUST SAY SOMETHING!!! - I screamed mad at him and he looked down.

- Kid calm down.

- I know... I just... DAMN IT! JUST... STUPID UCHIHA!

- I'm sorry kid.

Someone knocked at the door.

I took a deep breath and then said.

- Come in.

Juugo opened the door.

- Suigetsu and Karin woke up. - he said.

- I'll be right there. Thank you Juugo. - I said.

He nodded and left.

I was about to leave but before I said.

- You should know me better Sasuke... Akatsuki has already killed 2 people important to me and to others. First Asuma and now Jiraiya... I'm not becoming an Akatsuki member Sasuke and neither should you. You want to follow the path of

revenge again when the first one was a failure and you regret it... you should know better Sasuke.

With that I left to the other room.

- Juugo where's Karin? - I asked.

- I took her to another room. - Juugo answered.

I nodded and went to Suigetsu.

- Hey... how are you feeling? - I asked with a warm smile.

- Tired, dehydrated and in pain, but a bit better. Thank you. - he said.

I smiled and putted my hand on his forehead and concentrated so I could take his pain away.

- Better? I asked after finishing it.

- Yes, thank you Hotaru-chan. - Suigetsu said.

- Here, so you can hydrate. - I said smiling giving his bottle.

- MY WATER!!! THANK YOU HOTARU-CHAN, YOU'RE THE BEST! - Suigetsu said happily.

-You're welcome! Juugo do you need anything? - I said.

-

No thank you.

- Okay then. I'll go see Karin now.

I left and then knocked at her door.

- Come in. I heard her say weakly.

- How are you feeling? - I asked nicely.

-

F-Fine.

I went towards her and kneeled beside her bed where she was laying and I started healing her a bit more.

- Why are you doing this? I thought you hated me. - she said.

I smiled.

- I never hated you Karin. I hate when you flirt with Sasuke, but I don't hate you.

- Oh... I just thought.

- Don't worry... I get it. I'm used to it anyway.

- What do you mean? - she asked confused.

- Well... back in Konoha Sasuke had many fan-girls, including one that was on our team. She always hated the fact that he chose me over her. After I left to train under Orochimaru she thought I was a traitor when in fact it was just my mission.

She just didn't know about it.

- What happened when you got back to Konoha?

I smiled at her question.

- Let me just remind you that at that time I was already trained by the Akatsuki for 3 years and by the 3 Sannins, she was only trained by the Sannin Tsunade in 3 years while I only needed a couple of months to learn what she learned in 3

years.

- You know you're kind of a beast right? - Karin said.

I sweat dropped.

- Anyway, when I got back to Konoha she wanted to fight against me. I said yes to her but I didn't fight back or defend myself when she attacked me. Summing up, if the people that knew about the mission I was in didn't show up I would be

death, since her intentions were to kill me and not just hurt me a little.

-W-Why didn't you fight back?!

I smiled at her and said.

- People who break the rules are scums that's true but... people who abandon their friends are worse than scums. Our sensei told us this once. I couldn't fight her, hurt her or worse... kill her even though I could've defeated her in minutes. She

might hate me, but I never hated her even with all the things she said and did.

-You... you consider m-me your... friend?

- Of course! I admire all of you and I consider all of you my friends and team mates! I'll do anything I can to keep you guys alive. - I said smiling and she looked the other way.

- I... I... I consider you... as a friend too. - she said.

-

I'm sorry Karin. - I said sadly.

- For what? she asked looking at me.

- You got hurt and so did Suigetsu... all of you got hurt and I wasn't there to help.

- It's okay... it's not your fault anyway. You're really good at medical-ninjutsu.

- Well... I was trained by Tsunade, Orochimaru and Kabuto, so if I wasn't good at it that would be a bad sign after all the training and death experiences I've been through with those weirdos just to learn the best techniques and how to heal

perfectly people.

She smirked.

- It's done, how are you feeling now?

- Better... t-thank you.

-You're welcome. Try not to move too much.

- Sasuke wants to go to Konoha as fast as possible. - she said worried.

I

sighed.

- Well, too bad! You can't and we won't leave you behind so he HAS TO WAIT!

She nodded.

- Now, try to get some sleep, you need it. - I said getting up.

- Hai... and Hotaru.

-

Yeah?

-

I won't act differently towards you just because of this.

- Neither do I.

We smirked and I left her room.

*Some hours passed*

- You need to sleep kid.

-

I can't Kurama... how can I? He wants to destroy my home... my family.

-You'll replace a way to bring him back. I'm sure of it kid.

- Yeah... maybe... but until then this journey won't be good Kurama.

- I'll be here all the way kid.

I smiled at him and patted his muzzle and he closed his eyes enjoying it.

- Arigato... Kurama.

-You're welcome. Now go to sleep.

- Hai, hai.

With that I let myself fall asleep.