The Red Flames

Hotaru P. O. V

I was now on the top of a tree relaxing for a bit and watching the view when.

- Hotaru... it's time to go. - Itachi said.

I smirked and jumped to where he was

- Hai, Itachi-sensei. - I said smiling.

- You know what to do... be careful.

- Itachi-sensei... I was trained for 3 years by the Akatsuki, I'm sure I can handle an idiot, a pedo snake and a four eyes.

He smirked and poked my forehead.

- Go on then, update me when you can so I can keep Pain posted.

- Hai! Well, say goodbye to those creeps for me.

He smirked and nodded. I hugged him and said.

- See you soon... Itachi-sensei.

- See you soon Hotaru. Be careful.

I smiled and went away.

*Meanwhile at the Konoha Gates*

3rd P. O. V

A blond haired girl with a jounin vest, a cape with red flames on it entered the Konoha Gates and headed to the Hokage Tower.

- That's... - Kotetsu said.

- Namikaze... - Izumo said.

- Hotaru. They said in unison.

Hotaru P. O. V

It's good to be back home, it's a shame that it won't be for long. I was now at the Hokage's office door so I knocked.

- Come in. I heard Tsunade.

I entered, she and Shizune widened their eyes the moment they saw me.

- H-Hotaru? - Shizune said.

- Y-You're back... - Tsunade said.

I smiled.

- Long time no see... Tsunade-sama, Shizune-san. It's nice to see you again.

- So 3 years have passed. It's good to have you back Hotaru. I have some questions though. - Tsunade stated.

- I thought so. Go ahead. I said.

- Why did I received a letter from the Kazekage to say "Thank you" to you when you get back? - Tsunade asked.

- Well... I warned him about the Akatsuki striking that day, although it wasn't good enough. - I explained sad.

- He said... if it wasn't for you the village would have suffered tremendously. He also said that he owes you and Naruto again. - Tsunade said calmly and I smiled.

- I'm just glad he's okay and so is Kankuro. Now... how's Otou-san? I know he fought an Akatsuki member as well.

- Yes, he's at the hospital but he will leave today so he can rest at home. - Tsunade said.

- And the rest? - I asked and she smirked.

- Naruto and Sakura are fine. - Tsunade answered.

- You trained her well, even though she had help she did fight and helped kill Sasori. - I said a bit sad... Sasori was one of the people I got along with in the Akatsuki, he taught me a lot and was nice to me as well.

- So... now I can put you on Team Kakashi, since you're back and Sasuke's replacement will be in there as well in fact the team will meet him today but your father won't be there since he's not 100% yet. - Tsunade informed me.

- Yeah... about that... I won't stay for long.

- What do you mean?! - Tsunade asked.

- You just got back! - Shizune said.

- The reason I'm here is to tell you and some other people something. Could we meet here after lunch, so we can talk?

- Who's gonna be here? - Tsunade asked and I smiled.

- Guy, Asuma, Kurenai, Otou-san, Shikamaru, Shikaku, Kiba and Hinata. - I answered.

- Why am I getting the feeling that this won't be good?! - Tsunade said.

- Besides this people no one can know, so be sure that nobody is here or around here at that time. I'll go find them now and tell them to come here after lunch. - I said.

She nodded and I went away. I went to Shikamaru's house first, I knocked at the door and his father opened it.

- Hotaru?

- Hi there! How are you sir?

- Fine. When did you get here?

- Just now. Is Shikamaru home?

- No, I think he's with Choji at the moment.

- Oh, okay. By the way, you have to be in the Hokage's office after lunch.

- Why?

- Everything will be explained there. Could you inform Guy, Kakashi, Kurenai and Asuma of this? Oh! And don't tell them I'm here.

- Fine.

- Thank you, it was nice to see you!

With that I went to look for Hinata and did the same thing and she went to tell Kiba. Now... the only one missing is that lazy boy! Let's..

and Naruto and with some other person that I don't recognize.

With that I sped there because I didn't want to teleport.

WHO THE HELL IS THAT GUY?!

- You just got back and you're already going to have fun. - Kurama said.

I smirked.

- Let's do this Kurama. - I stated which made him smirk.

FOUND HIM! He's with Choji

They were now fighting and Shikamaru was about to be attacked so I teleported there and slide the... thingy in half with my sword (yes she has a sword just like Sasuke. She's as good as Kisame since he was the one who taught her.) Is this... ink? I was now looking at the guy who attacked them.

-Y-You... I heard Shikamaru behind me say.

The guy was preparing to attack again... so it is ink, interesting.

- Shikamaru, you know what to do. - I said to him without taking my eyes out of the opponent.

- Huh.... H-Hai. - he answered and he started to pursue the guy with his shadow jutsu, Naruto was already speeding towards the guy and was about to be attacked but Shikamaru and Choji blocked the attack. Now...... my turn.

I sped to the guy and both of our swords clashed with each other.

- Who are you? - I asked coldly.

- You're sure weak. - he said with a fake smile.

I smirked and reappeared behind him, I kicked him in the back which made him now cough blood.

- You were saying? - I said standing a bit away from him.

Shikamaru almost got him but he got away.

- We'll be seeing each other again... Naruto and also... Red Flames. - the guy said and then poofed.

I narrowed my eyes and then I jumped to where those 3 were and smiled at them.

- How have you guys been? - I asked them.

- F-Fine... Choji answered.

- When did you get here? - Shikamaru asked.

- It's nice to see you too Shikamaru, geez! I arrived a few minutes ago. I was looking for you actually, you have to be in the Hokage's office after lunch. - I said.

- HEEEE?! Why?! - he asked.

- I don't know. - I lied but he immediately understood.

- Say... who are you? - Naruto asked me.

- HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!! - Kurama laughed.

I got depressed... my own brother doesn't remember me.

The others sweat dropped.

- Choji! I thought you'd be here! For crying out loud. Asuma-sensei's angry and wants you to get a move on. - we heard.

- Ino... sorry. We got attacked by a weirdo... - Choji said.

- Hee!! Hotaru is that you?! - Ino asked.

- I don't know why don't you ask my brother that?! - I said irritated.

-N-Nee-chan? - Naruto said widening his eyes.

- Oh now you remember... BAKA! DO YOU KNOW HOW IT FEELS NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN BY MY OWN...

I was suddenly interrupted by Naruto hugging me which made me smile. I pulled out from the hug and looked at the others and said.

- It's nice to see you guys again, I'm going to talk with Naruto for a while. Shikamaru... see you in the Hokage's office.

He nodded and they left.

- Nii-san... let's go take a walk and lunch. I'll buy ramen for you.

He grinned and we went for a walk.

- Nee-chan... why did you left?

- Well... to train and to clear my head, it was difficult being here after he left... everything reminded me of him so I just needed to get away for a while. - I said looking at the sky. - I see... we're going on a mission to bring him back, we leave today afternoon.

Great!...... just great!

-

I see. I said.

- Wanna come?!

- Nii-san I think Tsunade has other missions for me to do... but I trust you and your abilities. - I said smiling.

- BELIEVE IT! - he said grinning.

We were now eating ramen when suddenly I realized I was late.

- DAMN IT! I'M LATE! Nii-san it was great to hang out with you but I have to go, Tsunade is gonna kill me!

I paid for the meals and left.

I teleported to the Hokage Tower and after I arrived at the office door I knocked.

- Come in. - Tsunade said.

I did as told and she smirked.

-You're late. - Tsunade stated.

- Sorry... a black cat crossed my path, so I had to take the long way. - I said with a closed eyed smile.

Just then everybody looks at me.

- H-Hotaru? - Otou-san said surprised.

- Nice to see you Otou-san.

He came towards me and hugged me.

- Welcome back sweetheart. - Otou-san said.

- Thank you... Otou-san.

- SUCH YOUTH!!! - Guy screamed and tried to hug me as well but Otou-san punched him which made me laugh.

Suddenly I was pinned to the ground and was licked... WHAT THE.... no........ it can't be.

- AKAMARU! GET OFF OF HER! - Kiba screamed.

- WHAT?! Akamaru... is that really you?! WOW!!! You're so big now! - I said.

He licked my cheek again.

- I missed you too Akamaru. - I said petting him.

He got off of me and Kiba helped me getting up.

- Yo, Kiba! How have you been? - I asked smiling.

- BAKA! Why didn't you come to see me when you got back?! - Kiba said mad.

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- DON'T NEED TO BE MEAN! BAKA! - I said irritated.

We both pouted but immediately smiled at each other, then Tsunade cleared her throat.

Right...

- You all are here because Hotaru wants to speak with us about classified information. You can start. - Tsunade said.

I was now between Shikamaru and Otou-san.

- Before starting... as Tsunade said this is classified, no one besides the ones here can know... not even Naruto. Just us... got it? - I said.

They all nodded.

- Very well. I'm going to tell you everything and in advance... Otou-san I'm sorry.

He looked at me confused.

- Over the past 3 years I've been training with the Akatsuki. - I stated.

All of them except Tsunade and Shizune widened their eyes.

- WHAT?! - Otou-san said.

- Let her explain Kakashi. - Tsunade said.

- As you can see I'm didn't become rogue and neither a member of the organization. I just trained with them. - I explained.

- How were you able to train with them without becoming a member? - Shikaku asked.

- It's why you are all here... I made a deal. - I said.

- What deal? - Guy asked me.

- The deal is I would go spy a person they want to see dead. - I answered.

- And who's that? - Shikamaru asked.

- Orochimaru. - I answered once more.

- NO! - Otou-san said.

- Otou-san... listen first. The deal was, I train with Orochimaru for 3 months and when I leave I make sure he gets murdered by someone. That's why I didn't become a member, I'm here to tell all of you that in 2 days I'll leave to train with Orochimaru. I said.

- NO AND NO! Hokage-sama you can't let her do this! It's too dangerous! - Otou-san said.

- He's right Hotaru. Tsunade said.

- With all respect... I was trained by S-rank criminals, do you really think they would let me or send me there if they thought I wasn't strong enough or ready? - I asked.

- Hotaru you're NOT going! - Otou-san demanded.

- It's okay... you... all of you know that I'm the one who has the best chances to actually find Sasuke and I could also update you on Orochimaru's moves. It's a win-win. It's the best option, you know I can teleport to Sasuke, deep down you

know that I'm your best shot. - I concluded.

- She's right. - Shikaku said.

- WHAT?! - Otou-san said surprised.

- I'm sorry Kakashi, but Hotaru is right. - Shikaku stated.

- Hotaru... how strong are you? - Shikamaru asked serious.

- Well... same level as Uchiha Itachi. I can't win the fight but neither can he. - I answered and all the jounins widened their eyes.

- Do their faces answer your question Shikamaru? - I asked him and he nodded.

- Hotaru... is Itachi the strongest member? - Kurenai asked.

- No... you see... Otou-san the one you fought is probably the weakest one. - I answered her.

- The weakest?! - Otou-san said surprised.

- Exactly, Itachi is like in the middle and then you have others in a much higher level. - I stated.

I agree with her then, she's our best shot to find Sasuke and spy Orochimaru. - Shikamaru stated.

-

-

I now see why you wanted the Nara's here. - Tsunade said looking at me.

I smiled at her statement.

- Kakashi... I'm sorry. - Tsunade said.

- Tsunade-sama! - Shizune said worried.

- Hotaru... you have my permission to do that mission. - Tsunade announced.

- WHAT?! Hokage-sama! - Otou-san said.

- Otou-san please... calm down. I survived 3 years with a bunch of creeps, believe me when I say that I can deal with this. Also, one more thing... I will probably be considered a traitor. - I said.

- Why?! - Kiba asked me.

- W-We k-know it's a m-mission. - Hinata stated.

- Yeah... I'm afraid that I'll encounter Team Kakashi when I go to Orochimaru... if that happens don't tell them the truth. It's better that way, at least for now. - I informed.

They nodded.

- Is that all? - Tsunade asked.

- Do me a favor and tell Ero-Sannin this, I'll tell the Kazekage myself. - I said and she nodded.

- Dismissed. - Tsunade said.

With that me and Otou-san went home so we could talk more privately.

- Sweetheart are you sure you wanna do this? I mean... are you actually prepared to confront Sasuke? - Otou-san asked.

I looked down but then smiled.

- Don't worry... I want to do this and plus if I see him... I can punch him for what he did! - I said and he sweat dropped.

- Now I'll go see who's Sasuke replacement, Tsunade said that they would be meeting today. - I informed.

He nodded and I teleported to where Naruto was. The moment I saw who the guy was I smirked and he faked smile.

I don't know if you have a lot of courage or if you are just too stupid to appear here after what you did. - I said looking at him.

-

- Nee-chan!

- Yo! - I greeted him.

Naruto said surprised.

- H-Hotaru? - Sakura asked.

I looked at her and smiled.

- Nice to see you Sakura, you've changed. - I stated.

- So did you. - she said with a smile.

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- I thought you weren't coming with us! - Naruto said.

- I'm not... I was just curious about who was Sasuke's replacement. - I explained.

- So you know him too? - Sakura asked.

- Well, I don't really know him. I just fought him when he attacked Naruto and the others. - I answered her.

Then I looked to the other side and saw another person.

- You must be Kakashi-sensei replacement. I'm Namikaze Hotaru, is nice to meet you. - I said.

- I'm Captain Yamato, nice to meet you too. - he said.

- And you? What's your name? - I asked the guy who attacked us.

- Sai. I'm sorry about before, I just wanted to find how strong Naruto was. - he explained.

- You didn't have to do that just to know that. - Naruto said calmly.

- Thanks to that I now know you're a worthless guy with questionable "equipment". - Sai said.

I blinked multiple times.... ohh dear...... well at least he's direct just like Sasuke used to be.

- WHAT DID YOU SAY?! - Naruto screamed and Sakura held him back.

- WE'RE GOING TO BE TEAM MATES! DON'T START FIGHTING RIGHT AT THE START! But... you're kind of a rotten guy aren't you? - Sakura said.

- Is that so? Sai said laughing a bit.

- People won't like you if you say stuff like that. - Sakura stated.

- I like nice... ugly women like you. - Sai said.

- Ugly.... - Sakura said quietly.

I sweat dropped, here we go again!

- WHAT DID YOU SAY?! - Sakura screamed and Yamato held her back.

- H-Hey, don't you remember what you just said to Naruto?! - Yamato asked her.

- So much noise! - Kurama said.

- Yeah... they didn't change, not even a bit. I wonder if duckbutt has change.

I sighed.

- Sakura, Naruto... stop. He's our team mate now even if you don't like him. - I said and they glared at him which made Yamato sigh.

I went towards Sai and stopped beside him and then asked him quietly so only he could hear me.

- Who do you work for?

- What do you mean? - he asked.

- Cut the crap! I'm different from them. That fake smile of yours and that indifference towards things, people like that are usually in the Anbu... more precisely in the root. And I sense a different chakra in you so... I'll ask again. Who do you work

for?

- Danzo.

I narrowed my eyes.

- Listen carefully Sai. If you try or do something that might hurt this team... or more precisely since I know how Danzo is, if you try do anything to Sasuke... I will hunt you and Danzo down. You can tell him exactly that, also tell him to be careful because I'm a person that does not have a lot of patience, take a false step and it may be your last.

He faked smile and nodded, I went towards Yamato and said.

- Well, good luck. It looks like you'll need it. Naruto, Sakura... don't kill our new team mate, okay? - I said.

They didn't answer and only glared at Sai...

- DID YOU HEAR WHAT I SAY?! - I screamed at them.

- H-HAI!!! - They said scared.

- Very well then, be careful... and good luck. - I said.

With that I went to the Hokage's office.

- What's the matter Hotaru? - Tsunade asked.

- You let DANZO sent a guy to be OUR TEAM MATE?! - I asked mad and she got serious.

- I didn't have a choice. Why do you think Yamato is there? He's from the Anbu, he'll keep an eye on him and on Naruto. - Tsunade said.

I

sighed.

- Anyway, I'm going to Suna so I can tell the Kazekage my plan and after that I'll go to Sasuke, Orochimaru is probably with him even if he isn't Sasuke definitely will know where to find him. And I will NOT bring Sasuke back, I know he won't

bring Sasuke back, I know he won't come back until Itachi is dead.

- Fine... just be careful. - Tsunade said.

- I will, I'll see you soon.

I smiled since I sensed Jiraiya outside hearing everything.

- Arigatō Jiraiya-sensei... for training Naruto and taking care of him.

With that I went to Otou-san and told him what I told Tsunade, after that I did the same with Hinata, Shikamaru, Shikaku and the other jounins, I was now going to tell Kiba.

- Hotaru! - Kiba said and gave me a hug and I smiled.

- What are you doing here? - Kiba asked and I looked down.

- I'm going to Suna to tell Gaara my plan and after that I will put my plan into action. - I told him.

- Oh... I see. So... you came to say goodbye, is that it?

Suddenly I was being hugged by him again but this time tighter.

- Something like that. - I said with a smile.

- Please be careful. - Kiba said quietly.

- Don't worry Kiba... I will. - I assured him.

I smiled and poked his forehead.

- I'll see you soon. - I said.

With that I left.

- Are you sure you wanna do this kid?

- Kurama... it has to be done, besides... I WANNA PUNCH THAT STUPID UCHIHA!

He sweat dropped.

With that I went to Suna.