3rd Person's POV

Kakashi was about to be appointed Hokage until they got urgent news that Tsuande had awoken. She was informed that Madara Uchiha was alive and that his plan was to start a war. "What about Nue? I heard she escaped from the Leaf Village Prison. Did you find her?" Tsunade asked.

"That's another thing I wanted to tell you. Nue never escaped from the prison. She was kidnapped by Madara. We ran into them with Sasuke." Kakashi explained. "Is Nue still with them?" She asked.

"No. She refused to go with them."

"That's good. Is she in the village? Tell her I want to meet with her."

Kakashi gave a nervous chuckle. "About that... Nue isn't in the village. She ran off with one of Sasuke's old comrades." He said. "But why? Why would she do that?" Tsunade asked, confused and desperate for an answer.

"She thinks we're taking advantage of her. Because of the village thinks of her nothing more than an outsider, Nue doesn't see the point in coming back. She's tired of trying to prove herself worthy to everyone and she's tired of seeing those around her get hurt. So, she decided to disappear." Kakashi said.

Tsuande was devastated about the news she heard, but she refused to give up on Nue. "Find Nue. Find her and bring her back tot he village." Tsunade ordered.

"But-"

"No buts! Just do as I say and go!"

Kakashi gave a quick nod and left. 'Nue... I know you're scared, and I know you're tired of all the crap the Leaf has given you. But I'm not giving up on you. I know there has to be a way we can resolve this. This is your home, Nue. Even if the villagers still find you as an outsider, you're still a citizen of this village' Tsunade thought.

Madara's POV

"WHERE IS SHE?!" I yelled, throwing a chair against the wall, breaking it into pieces. I've searched high and low for this damn girl and she's nowhere to be found! I was in Nue's room, looking for any clues to where Nue might be hiding.

I've searched everywhere, turning the room upside down. When I moved the bed aside, I saw a small message carved into the wall.

"Suck it, Madara." Was written there as smiley face was next to it with the tongue sticking out. I glared at her message as my rage began to boil. "Dammit!!" I punched the wall in front of me, making the whole thing crumble to the floor.

"That damn brat! When I find her, she's as good as dead!" I shouted, angrily. But of course, it was only my anger talking. I actually needed Nue by my side so I can rule. I have a plan and I need her in order for it to work.

I stomped out of her room, feeling even more pissed off. Why am I having such a hard time locationg her? Her power can't be that strong! Unless...

She manage to copy my jutsu somehow and made her own world! I could kill her, but like I said, I have plans for that stubborn bitch. Megumi returned as I walked past her. "Did you find her?" I demanded. "I've searched most of the area, but I couldn't find her." She said.

"Keep looking!" I ordered. "Yes, sir." Megumi replied, quickly, before going back to searching for Nue. "Temper, temper," I frowned and faced Kabuto as he stood the bone of an animal. "Let's start with greetings, Tobi. Oh, that's right. I hear you're going by 'Madara' these days." He said.

"I'm impressed you found me." I commented. "You shouldn't underestimate my volume of intel from crisscrossing the land of a spy and as an Akatsuki member." He replied.

"That's right. You were one of Sasori's spies. You're a traitor to the Akatsuki!" I said before lunging at him. Kabuto leaped back and I followed after him until he slapped his hands together, summoning five coffins.

"Is it...?" The coffins opened, revealing the corpses of Itachi, Sasori, Deidara, Kakuzu, and Nagato. "The Reanimation Jutsu." I mumbled.

"A forbidden jutsu known only to the Second Hokage and Lord Orochimaru. Now, I'm the third one to know. I surpassed the two of them in other ways as well. This show was for your benefit so you would believe in my power entrusting you. Rest assured, I did not come here to fight you." Kabuto said.

"Then, what do you want?" I asked, frowning. "I want us to join forces." He said as his snake hissed.

"Join forces? And what would be in it for me?"

"I hear that you're staring a war, and I've noticed you're looking for Nue as well. I can offer you more strength and information in battle in the form of Itachi, Sasori, Deidara, Kakuzu, and Nagato. They're all stalwart warriors. Also, they're not the only pawns that I posses."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "And in return?"

"Sasuke Uchiha."

"What are you plotting?"

"Nothing in particular. I'm just interested in finding the pure truth behind high ninjutsu. Sasuke is merely necessary for part of my research. I need a young, living Uchiha specimen."

"And if I refuse?"

Kabuto smirked before slapping his hands together again. "Summoning Jutsu! Reanimation!"

Another coffin appeared and the lid fell open, revealing the real Madara Uchiha. "Th... That's...!"

"Surely, you didn't think I'd come unprepared to a meeting with you. See? You cannot refuse me." Kabuto said. "Why, you...! Where did you get that?" I asked, angrily. "Oh, I have my needs. But don't worry. I haven't told anyone else about this." He said.

I stared at him until I began to chuckle. "Did I say something funny?" Kabut frowned. "Kabuto Yakushi, I never would have imagined you would become such a formidable vessel. Quarreling with you now would only lower my battle strength. You came here with the perfect opportunity. You are very clever." I said.

"So, what's your answer?" He asked, smirking again. "Very well, we'll join forces. But I'll only handle with Sasuke after you've both completed your moves in the war. Until then, you can't even see him." I said.

"You comprehend quickly. As expected from Madara, your vessel's unique." Kabuto mentioned. "And you're insolent. I'll reformulate my strategy after I confirm your battle strength. Come along." I ordered, leading the way back inside.

Nue's POV

The sun is going to set soon, but I'm not sure what I should do next. Well, my first priority is taking care of Karin. She's the princess that I must protect. I glanced at her as she started regaining consciousness.

"Nue?" She turned on her side and adjusted her glasses as she looked at me. "You're back to 100% health now. You're a very lucky person, Karin. I'm glad I was able to stop Sasuke before he could kill you." I said, looking at the blue sky.

I closed my eyes as I recalled how Sasuke was going to kill her.

"You know... I've made so many promises to the people I love. But... I'm starting to wonder if I should stop making promises. I wanted to kill Sasuke so badly when he hurt you. But... every time I look at him... I see Itachi's face, reminding me of the promise I made him." I said.

I opened my eyes and walked over to her. "Where are we? Whose house is this?" Karin asked. "Don't you recognize this place? We're... home." I said. "Home?" She repeated.

"Yes. We are... home."

I moved out of the way so she could see what I meant. Karin gasped when she figured it out. "This is... We're in the Houjuu Clan." She said. "Yes." I confirmed. Most of the houses and buildings were burnt down as some were in terrible condition.

But I was able to find one building that was in okay shape. Karin suddenly gasped and took my hands in hers.

"Your hands!"

"What about them?"

"They're covered in blood!"

"I know. I cut into them so my blood would spill over your wounds. It was the only way to save you. As long as you're better, that's the only thing that matters to me."

Karin gave me a worried look as I gave her a reassuring smile. "What are we doing here?" Karin asked. "I thought this would be the only safe place we could hide for now. Here,"

I gave her some food that I had already prepared. "I made this for you, in case you were hungry." I said. "Thanks." Karin said, then began eating. I watched her eat, then looked out the window. "Nue, why did you bring us here? Why did you choose this place of all places?" Karin asked out of curiosity.

"Because... I knew they were going to take you, and I... didn't want them to. I didn't feel... that you were going to be safe there. So, I took you here. Our home. You were the fist person, the only person... who didn't see me as a freak." I said, pausing between my sentences.

"So... What are you going to do now?" She asked. I glanced at her and looked back out the window. "Well, first things first. I have to become stronger so I can defeat Madara. But I also have to make sure nobody finds me." I said.

"Why?"

"Because I'm dead."

"You're dead?"

"There's no place for me to go. No place is safe for me, or you," I closed my eyes as I remembered the day Karin and I first met as kids.

"Everywhere I turned, I got nothing but looks from the humans. Inside their minds, I knew they're plotting something to kill me. I just kept wondering what it would be like to be one of them. To live like one of them. But honestly, I just wanted them to accept me. I envied how they could walk around without looking like... this. I even envied how they got along with each other so well. I wanted something like that, and I've tried so many times to gain their trust, but they won't give me a chance. But then... I finally realized something." I said.

"What's that?" Karin asked. "Some things... just don't change. As I was growing up, I swore to only fight for me and me alone. But then, I met you. You... were the first person... who saw me as an equal. You gave me and my people a chance, and I'm grateful for that. So, I started fighting for you... those who were important to me. So, thank you, Karin... for helping me see your wonderful colors." I said, quietly.

Karin gently placed her hand over mine, making me look at her.

"Nue, I never wanted you to fight for me. I just wanted to fight with you. When we were kids, I kept fearing I'd be getting in the way, that I was nothing but a nuisance to you. But you kept telling me otherwise that I was the only reason why you fought. After what you did for me back at the battlefield between Sasuke and Danzo... all I want now... is to follow you and support you." She said.

"Karin..." I stared into her eyes. "But I can't keep putting you in danger. If you fight with me, you'll-"

"I don't care what happens to me. I just want to fight by your side. Instead of you protecting like you've done, let me protect you. Just give me a chance." Karin insisted. 'A chance that could possibly turn into a risk. But I'm willing to give you a chance if it means that much to you' I thought.

"Very well. I'll give you a chance to fight by my side. But I'm still going to protect you... because you're a princess." I said, repeating what I said when we were kids. Karin smiled and hugged me. I hugged her back.

For some reason, I feel that the two of us have went through something similar. I broke the hug and took her hand. "Come on." I said, making the both of us standing to our feet. "Where are we going?" Karin asked. "There's some place... I would like to show you." I said.

I led her out of the house, exiting the Houjuu Clan. "Why are we leaving the clan, Nue?" Karin asked. "Don't worry, it's not far." I informed her. We walked some more until we arrived. "We're here."

We stood in front of a dome-like building as it looked worn down and was critical condition. "What is this place?" Karin asked. "When one of our members of the clan passed away, this is where everyone came to pray for them." I said, leading the way inside.

Karin's POV

As we entered the building, I noticed a statue ahead. "Wait here." Nue instructed before approaching the statute. When she got close enough, she got down on her knees and bowed to the statue.

"I'm sorry it took me so long to come here. To be honest, I forgot about this place after... after everything went downhill." Nue said, lifting her head to look at the statue.

"I can fight... and I should've fought harder. I didn't mean to abandon you. After my mother was attacked, I came here every day, promising myself that I would get stronger. I've lived up to my promises as the days went by. Each day as I trained with the Jinchuriki, they kept asking me what my purpose was, why I wanted to become strong. I always answered that it was a testament for my family,"

Nue stood to her feet and took a step closer towards the statue, resting her hand on it while closing her eyes.

"I know I can't ask for much, and I know I don't deserve it after forsaking you, but I beg of you... Please... Please lend me your strength. There's a very powerful enemy that must be defeated. He's starting a war, and he might win. I need your help. I can't do this on my own. All I ask... is for you to be there for me. Watch me fight. Watch me become strong. Watch me... avenge your deaths." Nue said.

Nue opened her eyes and took a step back, taking her hand off the wall as she began to sing.

Countless times, I try

I stop and start to find a path through the dark

Stumbling through my tears

My doubts and fears

My way back inside your heart

Though the odds are low, I'm breaking through

You know I'd do it for you

When you're by my side, I'm justified

There's nothing that I can't do

I'll stand and fight through the sorrow

Pick up my dreams, face tomorrow

Make this curse unwind like a rope

And turn our fate into chance

To hope

Our ties make us braver

For nothing is greater

Holding you is all I wish

I promise

I'll be there through each lonely night

Someday, I will make this right

For love and for honor, I carry the future

Faith leading me through the dawn

I'll go on

If I fall, I'll get up again

Til the end

Out of this nightmare

Evermore onward, this is the oath I swear

"Beautiful." I whispered as Nue finished singing. She turned her head to look at me and smiled.

Nue's POV

We left the building, going over to a lake. "That song you sang was beautiful." Karin commented as I gently splashed some water on my face. "Thank you." I replied. "Where did you learn that song?" She asked.

"I made it up. It's actually the first time I sang it in front of someone. But I'm glad I got to sing it in front of you." I said, looking at her with a smile. Karin smiled back before adjusting her glasses. "Nue!"

I turned around with a fireball in my hand, then sighed as it was just Kyo running towards me. "Damn it, Kyo! Don't scare me like that! I could've fried your ass!" I said, distinguishing my fireball. "Sorry. But I've been looking everywhere for you!" He apologized.

"What are you doing here, anyway?" I asked. "I could be asking you the same thing. On second thought, I think I can already guess." Kyo said.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I heard what you said back there, telling everyone that you're dead."

"Yeah. What of it? I just wanna disappear from everybody for a while."

"Fine by me." Kyo shrugged.

"Thank you for your services, Kyo. I'll summon you with I need you again."

"Aye, aye, Captain. But a little word of advice. If you're going to disappear, you might wanna change your appearance and find a place to hide for a while. Someplace safe. Someplace where the ninjas won't look to find you."

"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Kyo." I made him go back to the summoning world and faced the lake again, staring at my reflection in the water. "I need another haircut." I said. "Why not keep it long?" Karin suggested.

"Why?" I asked. "You're hiding, right? Remember what Kyo said? He said, you should change your appearance. The Leaf are looking for Nue Houjuu with short hair. But if you have long hair, they might not recognize you." Karin said.

"That's pretty smart. Okay, I'll keep my hair long." I said. Karin smiled at me. "Nue, why do you keep your hair short?" She asked.

"Well... when I was twelve, I always kept it short because of some rumor about Sasuke liking girls with long hair. I didn't want him to like me, so I kept it short. Plus, if I kept my hair long, it could get in the way if I were assigned a tough mission." I explained.

"Well, I think you look nice with long hair." Karin commented. I blushed slightly and tucked some hair behind my ear. "Nuuuueeee-kkkuuuunnn~."

I turned around and screamed when I was tackled into the lake. "Nue-kun! I missed you so much! I was looking everywhere for you! Why did you leave me?! Do you know how worried I was?!"

I looked down as Megumi was rubbing her head into my chest while she hugged my waist, both of us sitting in the shallow water.

"Megumi? What are you doing here?" I asked. "Well~," She sang while getting off me. "Madara was asking me to look for you, and ta-da! I found you!" She said.

I got out of the water and made a fireball in my hand. "Now that you found me, are you going to take me back to him?" I demanded. "Are you kidding? Of course not! I'm tired of taking orders from that prick! All I want is to be with you, Nue-kun!" Megumi said.

"But there's a catch, isn't there?" Karin said, frowning. "I wouldn't really call it catch. But there is something I want." She mentioned. "And what's that?" I asked, the fireball still in my hand. "I want to join forces with you." Megumi smirked.

"Join forces?" Karin repeated. "You ran away to become strong and defeat Madara, right? Well, I want in. I want to destroy that bastard just as much as you do. So, I want in." Megumi explained. "Megumi, we're not-"

"Why else would you pick Karin over me?!" Megumi interrupted me with teary eyes. "It's nothing like that!" Karin objected. "Why do you wanna defeat Madara, anyway? What's your purpose for getting rid of him?" I asked.

"Nothing special, really. I just really hate the guy."

"Why?"

"Hel-lo! He beat you, broke you, and tried to take over your mind! Nobody touches my freak! You're my property! You belong to me!"

Karin and I sweat dropped at her answer. Is it me, or did Megumi hit her head when she was young? Like, hard. I sighed before looking at her.

"So, let me guess this straight: You betrayed Madara just because of what he did to me, came all this way to find me, and you want to form an alliance?" I asked. "Ding-ding-ding! Give this girl a gold star!" Megumi cheered.

"I'm not buying it, Nue. For all we know, she could be lying." Karin warned. "Now, why would I lie to my precious little freak? I love her to bits!" Megumi said, honestly.

'Yeah, and that's what kind of bothers me. I think she loves me too much' I thought. "Hmm... All right, fine." I said.

"Yay!"

"Nue, are you serious?!" Karin asked.

"But let's get one thing straight, Megumi. If I find out you're lying to me, I'll kill you myself. And if you hurt Karin, I'll kill you for that, too. Got it?" I said. "You don't trust me? After everything we've been through together? After I helped you get you back to perfect health?" She said.

"I'm serious, Megumi. Do you understand the consequences?" I asked. "Uh-huh." She grinned. "Good. One wrong move, and I'll gut you like a fish." I threatened. "Ew." Karin commented.

"Your threats make me all tingly inside. Please, continue to threaten me." Megumi begged as she hugged her body with a blush. Karin and I looked at each other, then back at Megumi. "Matter of fact, please hit me! Please? Pretty please?" She said.

"Uh... Exactly, what is she?" Karin whispered to me. "A masochist who just happens to be a lesbian." I said. Karin looked at Megumi as she was twisting her body from side to side while holding her face with her eyes closed.

"Suddenly, everything about this girl makes perfect sense. That also kind of explains her 'feelings' towards you." She said as the two of us sweat dropped again.