História The Lethal Duo(A Naruto Fanfiction) - Chapter 5: Ethereal Alteration

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. :-) But I sure love it! ^_^

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**Naruto Namikaze:**
"Naruto, you should get some sleep." Frost tells me, squeezing my right shoulder for comfort. "You haven't slept for six days now. You should rest. I'll watch over Minashi."

"I'll be fine, Frost." I tell him, forcing a smile to form on my lips. "Thanks for the offer though."

He sighs and then seats himself on the bench that I'm currently sitting on, watching my sister's unconscious form just as I am. "I'm sorry, Naruto." He tells me in a tone that sounded so guilty. "For dragging you into all of this."

"Don't blame yourself, Frost." I tell him. "At least that's what Minashi would say if she's awake." I sigh. "But as for me, I can't say the same." I turn to him. "Truthfully, I blame you for all of this. But I can't say I hate you either. I just.." I pause. "I don't know what to do, Frost." I scrunch my forehead, trying to keep back the tears. "I don't know what to do if my sister would--" I cut myself off. "I can't even bring myself to say it. Even the very thought of her death brings so much pain to me."

"I understand, Naruto." He tells me. "I know what it feels like to lose a sibling. Fortunately for you, Minashi is still alive."

"But for how much longer?" I can't help but ask him, making him turn to me with a look of disbelief.

"Don't say that, Naruto." He tells me seriously. "Minashi *will* make it."

"It's already been six days, Frost" I tell him sadly. "She hasn't woken up ever since she became unconscious and Mashika already said it's a miracle she's still alive."

"You mean to say you're giving up on her?!" Frost yells, glaring at me. "Aren't you the one who's supposed to believe in her?!"

"I know!" I shout, ruffling my hair out of frustration. "I know I should, but I feel like there's no hope now. And it scares me to no end! What if I lose her?! What do I do?!"

"Believe." Frost tells me, making me turn to him. "I am here, right? And so are Mashika and her men. We are here, doing our best to help you and your sister. Don't forget that."

Frost then stands up. "I'll go and check on Mashika." He says, turning to walk away. "I hope by the time I return you'll come back to your senses." And then, he leaves the room, closing the door behind him.

I sigh, turning to Minashi. "You were right, Minashi." I tell her though I know she won't answer anyway. I chuckle sadly, trying to sound cheerful. "Frost *did* change. He thinks more like us now." I then smile slightly. "And don't you worry. I'm not giving up on you either. I promise. I just said those things so I'll know what Frost thinks." I walk up to the bed and kiss Minashi's forehead. "Just hold on for me, Minashi." I tell her. "We'll get you to the Snow Country soon. Just promise me you won't die, okay?"

"Naruto!" The door slams open and Frost enters.

"What is it?" I ask, turning to him immediately.

He smiles. "The Snow Country." He mutters. "We have almost arrived!"

I sigh in relief and I can't help but smile. "Finally." I say, turning to my unconscious sister. "We're almost there, Minashi. Just a few more hours."

***

**Third Person:**
The boat finally reaches the snow-covered pier and immediately prepares to dock.

Naruto and his comrades waste no time and ready themselves to leave as soon as the boat finishes docking.

"The Snow Country is completely covered in snow. It would make it quite hard to travel but we'll push on." Mashika tells Naruto, going over their plan one last time. "Once we reach the island, Prince Frost will lead us to this healer that he speaks of. We'll do that while my men are in a defensive position. When we get there, my men and I will form a perimeter around the area and look out for enemies, in case some will try to attack us."

Frost and Naruto both nod and Naruto gently lifts Minashi in his arms.

"Well then." Mashika says, opening the door that leads outside the room that they're staying in. "Let's get this over with."

Mashika is the first to go out, with Frost and Naruto following right behind her. Once they are outside the boat, the coldness of the place immediately greets them, making them shiver slightly. However, they ignore it and proceed on.

"My men are ready." Mashika turns to Naruto and Frost once they cross the plank that's used as a ramp to get off the boat. She then turns to Frost. "Frost, lead us."

"You are not going anywhere." A man states, making Naruto, Frost and Mashika turn to him in surprise. And as if on cue, about a hundred armored men surround them. "Only my nephew may pass from this point on." He turns to Frost. "Shall we, Frost?"

"General Karasu Akuma, King Mashisa's brother." Mashika says, bowing slightly. "I respect your authority but you are not yourself as of now." She then gestures a signal and all her men immediately ready themselves to fight. "So, you'll forgive me if I decide to go against you, right?"

Karasu chuckles, smirking amusedly at Mashika. "Do you really think you'll match against me?!" He says. "Our numbers are more than yours. All the soldiers of the kingdom have been deployed here to make sure nobody goes past this boundary." He laughs. "And now you decide to go against us?! Don't be foolish!"

Mashika smirks, gesturing a signal and more of her men emerge from the water and surround the enemies.

"What?!" Karasu exclaims, looking around in surprise before glaring at Mashika. "So you had more men to spare?! It doesn't matter! I'll just take Frost from you and leave!"

Mashika chuckles. "You are too easy." Now, it is her turn to smirk. "Do you really think we are stupid?! We knew that Milana is expecting us. So, we were able to consider the possibility of men trying to stop us when we reach this place." She pauses. "And that's not all either."

With a snap of Mashika's finger, Naruto, Frost and Minashi all erupts into puffs of smoke and are turned into three of Mashika's men.

"WHAAT?!!!" Karasu exclaims, eyes widening in surprise.

"That's right." Mashika says. "You fell right into our trap. Naruto, Minashi and Frost are not here anymore. They got off the boat before it reached the pier and took a different path. Clever, don't you think?"

"Damnit!!" Karasu yells, turning to the direction of the castle.

"With all your men here, your castle is left defenseless." Mashika adds. "And we won't be allowing you to go back there either.

"Tch!" Karasu grits his teeth in anger. "Damn you!"

(Elsewhere)

"It's just up on this hill!" Frost says as he runs his way up the snow-covered hill, slipping here and there but forcing himself to get up every time he does.

Naruto follows behind him, carrying Minashi in his arms. However, the said blonde is not at all struggling to keep himself from slipping. "Is it still far?" Naruto can't help but ask. "It's quite cold. Minashi shouldn't be exposed to this environment."

"Just a little more." Frost replies.

And true enough, a cottage comes into view. It's small, but it's size is just enough for a single person to live there. Though covered in snow, a soft light illuminates the inside, radiating a welcoming feeling of warmth. And the small chimney is letting out smoke.

"There it is!" Frost says, immediately running to the door and knocking. "Granny Hinaca! Granny Hinaca!"

Nobody answers so Frost knocks even louder. "Granny Hinaca!!" He yells. "Are you in there?! Please open up!! It's me, Frost!!"

Just after Frost says that, the door immediately opens and reveals an old woman to both Naruto and Frost.

The woman, though in her old age, stands up straight and is wearing a dark kimono with a yellow belt tied to her waist. The wrinkles on her face are not that visible but her long hair is purely white.

"Prince Frost, what brings you here?" The old woman says, her voice not at all matching her age as it doesn't sound ghastly.

"Please Granny!!" Naruto immediately says. "Please help my sister."

Hinaca focuses her gaze on the blond before fixing her eyes on the red-head that he's carrying. The color of her skin had turned tremendously pale and not to mention, darkened veins are found all over her body. However, despite seeing such a terrible sight, Hinaca is not at all frightened by it. In fact, she had seen this kind of situation many times before when she was younger.

"Granny, they are my friends." Frost tells her. "They saved me many times and they plan to help me against Milana. Please help them."

"Carry her inside." Hinaca immediately says, opening the door wider so Naruto can enter with Minashi. And then, inside, he places Minashi on a futon.

"This is Akuma poison." Hinaca says, as she kneels and immediately checks Minashi. "And quite strong too. I've only seen one person use the poison with such skill. Could it be.." Hinaca turns to Frost, waiting for him to confirm.

"I think so too." Frost answers. "It was probably Uncle Karasu who did this to her."

"What do you mean - uncle?!" Naruto asks, narrowing his eyes at Frost. "Your uncle was the one who poisoned Minashi?!"

"Not by his own will." Frost replies. "Uncle Karasu is my father's younger brother, and also the general of the whole army. Milana must've had him under her control."

"That damn Milana is so gonna pay for this!" Naruto grits his teeth in anger. "I will make her pay!"

"She used her chakra, didn't she?" Hinaca asks in a slightly weighed-down voice, her hands glowing a soft green as she runs it along Minashi's body. "Your sister, I mean."

"She did." Naruto answers, looking confused. "What's wrong with that?"

Hinaca's hands stop glowing and she stands, looking at Naruto seriously. "It's too late."

Naruto's eyes widen before he scrunches his forehead and glares at Hinaca. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN - TOO LATE?!!" He yells, his voice dripping with so much emotion. "You're a great healer, right?!! So heal her! You can do it, right?!" When Hinaca doesn't say anything, Naruto grabs her arm. "Why aren't you saying anything?" He asks, this time, his voice sounding like he's about to break down and cry. "Please. You have to help her."

"When the Akuma poison has entered the body, the victim should not use chakra. Because if they do, the poison will also enter the chakra network." Hinaca tells Naruto seriously. "Your sister's chakra has already been poisoned, Naruto. Removing it would only kill her." She pauses. "In truth, I am quite surprised that she's still alive now. The poison should have killed her days ago."

**Frost Akuma:**
My eyes widen and I unconsciously clench my fists when I hear Granny Hinaca's news. I've tried to hide away my feelings of guilt from the twins. They'd only lecture me about it. And after all they've done for me, I wanted to be strong for them.  But now, I just can't do it anymore.

"T-that can't b-be." I mutter. "I knew this might h-happen! T-this is my fault! I shouldn't have let yo--"

"Don't even think about finishing that sentence, Frost!!" Naruto cuts me off, making me turn to him in shock. The look he gives me is not of blame like I expected, but a look that's reprimanding. "Minashi wouldn't want you to say that."

He then turns to Granny Hinaca. "I'll leave my sister here for a while. Find a way to help her. I know you can. But if there really isn't a way to do that, then there is nothing else I can do." He tells her in a voice that showed no emotion, and then he turns away, walking towards the door. "If she dies, then my life is not worth living. But, before that, there is one last thing I want to do."

Naruto goes out the door and I immediately chase after him. "Naruto!" I call to him but he doesn't stop walking. "What do you plan on doing?!"

He still doesn't listen and just continue walking. "NARUTO!!" I yell in a much louder voice. "Answer me!"

He stops walking and slowly turns to me. However, I can't help but clench my fists once I see tears stream down his emotionless face. Though he puts on an emotionless mask, the pain I see in his eyes seems too tremendous to explain. I would not blame him though. I know just how much he loves his sister.

"Minashi.." He mutters, smiling a sad smile and he looks like he's reminiscing some memories. "She was always such a smart-ass, always so bossy, always so mean." He utters in a voice that is not at all wavering despite the fact that he's crying. "But despite that, she was always there for me. Though she doesn't show it, but I know she cares. She always loved me." He turns to me. "Now, she's dying and there's nothing I can do."

"Naruto.." Is all I can say. Though I know what it feels like to lose a sibling, I still can't find the right words to tell him. Minashi may be my friend now, and I also feel pained to know that there's no way of saving her, but I know very well that this pain cannot surpass what Naruto feels.

"Well, that's not entirely true.." Naruto says, wiping away his tears, a look of determination forming on his face. "There *is* one thing I can do now." He mutters. "I'm going to kill Milana!"

My eyes widen at his declaration. "Are you insane?!" I can't help but yell at him. "That's suicide! Milana is a demon, remember?! You'll only get yourself killed!!"

"You think I don't know that?!" He yells back, teeth gritted in anger. "I know the consequences, Frost. I just don't care what happens to me anymore."

"And you think this is what Minashi wants?" I ask him seriously, trying to make him reconsider his decision. "She cares for you, Naruto. Do you really think getting yourself killed would make her happy?!"

"If I die, then so be it." He smirks. "But I'll make sure to take Milana with me."

"You're not thinking rationally." I tell him. "Minashi needs you now, more than ever." I turn to Granny Hinaca's hut. "Go to her, Naruto. Stay by her side. You don't need to do this anymore. You've done your mission. You escorted me back to my country safely."

"I'm going, Frost." He says, now walking away. "Whether you come or not, is entirely up to you." He stops walking, turning his head to the side and waiting for me to answer.

I sigh. I know there's no stoping him. And though I know that he's not being reasonable here, he needs my help. I can't just let him go alone.

I sigh. "There's no convincing you, is there?" I can't help but tell him as I walk to his side. "Damn, but you're frustratingly stubborn."

"Look who's talking." He retorts but then turns serious. "If you come, you might end up dead, you know." He sighs. "The same goes for me but I have my reasons. As for you, you can just go."

"I can't let you go alone." I tell him. "This is my mess so I'll help you. And besides, I am the Prince of this country. It is only right that I fight for it. Till my last breath."

"Very well then." He tells me as we start our journey to the castle. "I take away everything I said about you. You are not just a useless coward after all."

***

Though I kept trying to tell Naruto that there are no more guards that are deployed in the castle, he still went through the trouble of staying out of sight, saying this is what Minashi would have done. I had no other choice but to go with it.

Now here we are, all scrunched up in some random bush that's right outside the castle gate.

"Is this even necessary?" I whisper to him.

"Shhh.." He shushes, peeking through the leaves of the bush. Then, his eyes suddenly widen. "Someone's coming." He whispers to me in a dire way as he grabs me and hides us both deeper into the bushes.

True enough, I hear light footsteps crunching through the snow. And it's not too far from us either.  I hold my breath, hoping whoever is there, won't find us. But, fate seemed to have different plans for us.

"I know you are there." I hear the person say and I can't help but pause at the familiarity of the voice.  "Come out now."

"Tch!" Naruto grits his teeth and slowly gets up. "Guess it can't be helped then. We'll have to beat him."

"It's not that easy." I grab his arm, making him turn to me. "His attack types are both melee and ranged. And since both of us are melee fighters, we are at a disadvantage in an open area. He'll just start attacking us from a distance. We should wait until we are inside the castle. The area there is not that wide, just enough for a melee fight."

"So, you know what he can do?" Naruto says as I let him go and we both get up slowly. "Do you know him?"

"He's my father." I tell Naruto and this makes him turn to me, incredulous. I, however, ignore him and focus myself on the person that stands in front of us now.

And indeed, my father is right there. He looks the same ever since I left to get the amulet. He wears a gray kimono, coupled with black, loose trousers. For his footwear, a pair of simple black shoes.

His long, ebony hair is tied up into a tight ponytail and fortunately, I see that he is not hurt at all. However, I cannot miss just how lifeless his dark green eyes are. *It's just as I suspected.* He is under Milana's control.

"Father.." I give him a small bow, showing respect. Though he is not himself now, he is still the King. "I see you are well."

"I am." He replies before turning to Naruto. "I see you brought a visitor. Naruto, I presume." He then smirks. "How is your sister, by the way?"

"Dying." Naruto replies, now glaring at my father. "No thanks to *your* sister!"

"And I take it you want revenge then?" Father says with a smirk. "Fortunately, I was commanded to escort you inside. So, I won't fight you. Unless, you decide to attack me, of course."

"I'd prefer to see your sister right now." Naruto answers.

"Right this way then." Father says, now heading inside the castle. Naruto and I follow him.

As father leads us through the dark corridors of the castle, I can't help but notice how the castle had develop an eerie feel to it. It's just so dark and silent. The only light that illuminates our way are a few lighted torches and the only sound I hear is the sound of our footsteps.

***

"My queen.." Father bows to the person who now sits on the throne that's supposed to be his - Milana. "I have brought the visitors as you commanded."

"Very good, Mashisa." Milana replies, gesturing Father to come to her side. "Now come, stand by my side."

Bewitched, father obeys her and does what she commands.

"Such a good brother.." Milana says but pauses to blow away the golden locks that cover her face. Once it falls back to cover her face again, she glares at it before resorting to ignoring it for now. She looks at me, that innocent look of hers making her seem so harmless. *If only that were true.*

Milana has the appearance that would match an angel's. She seems so innocent, so kind, and so caring. Her dress that has a bluish color only adds up to her *fake* innocence. Her golden hair and cheerful blue eyes seems that of a child, so sweet and beautiful.

If one does that know what she truly is, then you are surely easy prey.

"That's her?" Naruto asks, turning to me. I can see that he does not believe what he sees. "Are you sure she's as evil as you make her out to be?"

"Do not be fooled, Naruto." I tell him lowly. "She's the same Milana that I told you about. Do not be fazed with her innocence. Trust me, I've been there. If one of us is caught, we might be forced to fight against each other. To the death."

What I said seems to have gotten through Naruto since he nods and immediately turns serious.

"Frost.." Milana suddenly says, her voice echoing all around the room. "The amulet, if you please."

I pin my gaze on the floor. "Release my father first." I demand.

"Ohh.." I hear her say in a mocking tone. "You have no right to command me, Princeling." Though I don't look, I can feel her eyes on me. "I am your queen now. *I* am giving orders."

"You will never be my queen!" I hiss through gritted teeth. "I will never serve a monster!"

"You speak so ill of me like you haven't done anything wrong." She mocks me. "Tell me. Who was it that killed his own little brother?"

I clench my fists at the reminder. "You're the one who made me do it!" I yell. "I would never ever harm him!"

"Yes, however, you didn't do anything to stop yourself." Milana states, making me pause. "If you really cared for him, you should've tried to break free. I did not even see you try. What you *did* try to do, however, was look away when you launched the final blow. Tell me now, is that how *caring* you are towards your brother?"

"You have no right to question how much he cares for his brother!" Naruto speaks up and because of that I can't help but turn to him out of surprise. He's staring at the ground but I can see that his eyes held a look of hate. "You,  who don't even care what happens to your own siblings! You, who had hurt my sister!!"

"SILENCE!!" Milana yells, and chills are sent down my spine when I feel her killing intent in the air. It's just so strong that I can almost puke.

"You have not yet been spoken to, Dear." Milana says, her tone now back to being all sweet and calm. "You are a commoner. You should respect royalty."

"Do I look like I care about those kind of things?" Naruto asks. "Besides, you are not the kind of royalty who deserves to be respected, judging from the way you treat your subjects."

"How dare you speak to me in such a way!" Milana says. "Mashisa-dear.." She then calls to my father. "Get rid of the commoner."

**Third Person:**
Once the command was relayed, Mashisa immediately obeys. His right hand glows in a green light before a sword materializes from it. He brandishes the said sword and smirks, staring at Naruto with those lifeless eyes of his.

Once Mashisa attacks, however, a certain raven-haired prince comes in between him and Naruto, blocking Mashisa's attack with his very own sword.

"Frost.." Mashisa says, now glaring at his own son. "You are in the way."

"Your opponent is me, Father." Frost mutters, matching the tone of his father.

"Frost, are you sure about this?" Naruto can't help but ask, clearly worried for the prince. "He's your father."

"I know his fighting style very well." Frost tells him. "I should be able to hold out. It's *you* I'm worried about." Frost tells him. "Can you handle Milana?"

Naruto turns to Milana but avoids any form of eye contact. He seems to hesitate at first but then he clenches his fists and unstraps two of his scrolls from the side of his thighs.

"Yeah." Naruto replies.

"Going against me would only mean death, Boy." Milana states as she smirks evilly, all form of innocence gone as she seems to be excited by the thought of killing someone. "Are you sure about this?"

"It's because of you why my sister is dying." Naruto says, tone shaking out of anger. "There might even be a possibility that she had long passed already." He pauses. "With her gone, I see no reason to continue surviving. However, if I do die, I'll make sure to take you with me!"

Right after that, Naruto dashes towards the  enough, Naruto flings both arms towards Milana. A number of shurikens appear in the air, where he had flung his arms, and are now propelling their way towards Milana.

However, with one chakra-infused yell done by golden haired woman, the shurikens are sent ricocheting to random directions, none are able to harm her at all.

"Damn! Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" Naruto yells and a number of his clones appear and attack Milana.

However, the said woman's arm grows spikes and enlarges into a demon's arm. In one swipe, she takes out all of Naruto's clones.

The woman smirks, looking even more psychotic as before. "Is that all, boy?" She asks, her voice taunting. "Is that all you've got?"

"Nope." Naruto mutters, readying himself to attack. "I'm just getting started."

~~~

**Granny Hinaca:**
I sigh once more, looking out the window for what seems like the hundredth time. But I, myself, know that it hadn't been that many.

More or less thirty minutes had passed ever since the boys left, leaving the girl here with me. Miraculously, she's still alive and I see no signs of her, giving up either.

I heave a sigh again, contemplating about the choices I have right now. I look at the girl and the very sight makes me want to save her. *She seems so persistent.* Perhaps she can undo the mess that I have made.

A long time ago, Frost's grandfather had fallen in love with me: a mere commoner. Me, being such a naïve girl at that time, also fell in love with him. However, as beautiful as it sounded, it was not meant to be.

When he came of age, he had to marry someone with a decent family, as what a prince should do. And there I was, alone and with a child growing in my womb.

A few months pass by and I gave birth to a daughter. She had her father's golden hair and blue eyes. She was so beautiful but I knew I could not keep her.

So, for the first time in nine months, I grew the courage to face the prince once again. He had brought me pain and loneliness. The least he could do is provide for his own daughter.

So, I stormed the castle, not at all minding the guards that are trying to stop me. In no time, I am face to face with my former lover with his wife by his side.

The prince, of course, was shocked to see me there.  He even told the guards to take me away. His wife, however, stopped him. I could still remember how I came to understand why the prince chose her over me.

She has ebony hair that's so silky and long. Her eyes are like emeralds that glows in golden sparkles whenever light pierces them. Her skin tone is just right and her whole aura could tell you she's just right to be the next queen.

She let me speak to the prince about providing for our daughter without as much as a sign of anger showing on her face. All I saw was a look of understanding.

By the time I stopped talking, the prince was left with nothing to say. But the princess, without even hesitating nor bearing me any hate or anger, she offered to take care of my daughter. She even offered me shelter in the castle but that was not the life for me. Instead, I lived in my very own cottage that's far from the kingdom. Before I left the castle though, I could still remember the time when the princess asked me what my daughter's name was.

With a smile, I turn to her and mutter, "Milana."

Eighteen years went on after that. The prince had become the king and the kingdom thrived under his rule. I had not seen Milana, though. I chose not to. It would be for the best. But anyway, I became a well-known healer by that time. I studied healing ninjutsus and other ways of curing illnesses. Many had come to me, seeking aid. Fortunately, I was able to help them.

One day, as I was having a peaceful breakfast, I hear  a continuous chain of frantic knocks on my door. Before I could even say anything, the said door flings open and numerous knights enter with the queen along with them.

I immediately bow down in respect. "Your highness!" I mutter. "What brings you to my humble abode?"

"Hinaca.." The queen mutters, grabbing both my shoulders and making me stand up. I could see worry in her eyes and I knew then that something must have happened to Milana.

"Where is she?" I ask. "What has happened to her?"

The queen gestures an order to her knights and they all exit my cottage and then two enter once again, carrying a stretcher. And on the stretcher lies my unconscious Milana.

The sight was unbearable for a mother to see. Milana's skin had turned very pale and I could see dark veins visible all throughout her body. I could tell, based on my previous patients, that she had been unconscious for days now. But, there was something else among the sympthoms. *It can't be.*

I immediately concentrate chakra on my hands and scan it all around her body, while at the same time, praying that my suspicions aren't true. "This is akuma poison. How did she get it?"

"From Karasu's weapons." The queen mutters. "While they were on a mission, one of their enemies took hold of one of Karasu's daggers. It was used to injure Milana later on."

I continue to scan my hands on Milana's body but after a few more seconds, I drop my hands and shake my head in frustration. "Did she use her chakra?" I ask weakly.

"What?" The queen asks.

"Did she use her chakra?!" I can't help but raise my voice as I speak.

"Well, yes." She answers. "When Karasu and Mashisa were defeated without her aid, she had no other choice but to join the fight."

Tears threaten to fall from my eyes but I try to keep them at bay. "The poison." I mutter. "It's in her chakra. I c-can't save h-her." After I say the last sentence, I turn towards Milana.

However, instead of crying, a thought suddenly came to me. *Perhaps it might work.* A jutsu that might save her.

So, without wasting a second, I used all my time to create one such jutsu. I did not accept any other patient. All I did was research and tried to perfect the jutsu.

However, there was not enough time. When Milana had almost died, I used the jutsu on her. *What other choice did I have?* I wanted to save her. I wanted to give her a second chance in life.

Fortunately, the jutsu was successful. It saved her life, not a sign of poison was left in her body. However, there was negative effect: there is no sign of chakra in her too.

For a while, it was okay. She learned to cope with it. But, being a warrior, it was very hard for her. In time, she found out her kekkei genkai had remained intact since it doesn't use any chakra. In fact, it had become stronger. I was happy for her. She won't have to change her whole lifestyle now.

I thought it was all going back to normal. But then, it happened. It turns out, without her chakra, Milana relied mostly on her bloodline limit during combat. She often used her partial demonic transformation to the limit.

Little by little, her demonic side took over. Now, she is nothing more than an uncontrollable murderer. All she wants is power. She even sacrificed her fellow Akumas just so she can attain it. She needs to be stopped.

I break from my own thoughts when I suddenly feel a hand grab my wrist. I sigh once I realize it's Minashi.

"You should sleep, Dear." I tell her. "You'll need the rest."

I start to walk away, expecting her to be too weak to maintain her hold. However, I was wrong. I stop on my tracks when her grip tightens and she pulls me back near her.

"H-help me." The words were almost inaudible, nothing more than a whisper. "I m-must help my b-brother."

I can't help but feel sad for her. "I'm sorry, Minashi." I tell her. "There is nothing I can do to help you."

"T-there is." She states weakly yet surely, making me turn to her in surprise. "I can s-see it in your e-eyes. Please."

I can't help but sigh. *Am I that easy to read?* I turn to Minashi. "There are risks, Minashi." I explain to her. "And since you're a ninja, I know you won't be able to cope with it."

She lets out what seems like a scoff. But it sounded too raspy to seem like it. "Try me." She mutters. "Y-you'll be s-surprised."

"Brash even though near dying." I can't help but say with a shake of my head.

"Just do it, Granny." She tells me.

"You'll lose all your chakra." I warn her.

"I'll manage." She tells me.

I sigh. *So persistent.* Perhaps she might be able to stop Milana. Even without her chakra.

So, I ready myself for the jutsu. "This might sting a bit." I tell her before I do the hand signs. "Forbidden Jutsu: Ethereal Alteration."

**Naruto Namikaze:**
I ignore the sting of the scratches I've gained during the fight. I've also overused my chakra but I try to ignore that fact and just focus on the half-demon in front of me.

No matter what I do, nothing seemed to work. Shurikens and kunais can't even leave a scratch on her hardened skin. My clones are easily destroyed by the spikes that suddenly grow from her body.

*Whatever doubts I've had about her being a demon, I take it all back.* She is definitely a demon. No question about it. Now, if I could just figure out her weakness.

"Boy, give up." She says, her voice accompanied by the growling of her demon. "There is no hope for you. I can feel you weakening." She then pauses. "But wait.." An evil smirk then spreads on her lips. "There is something within you - a demon. Perhaps we're not so different after all."

"Shut up, Lady!" I yell, not wanting to hear the same old you-are-a-demon news. "I know very well what's inside me. And no, we are not the same!"

"Is that so?" She asks. "May I ask why?"

"Because you hurt your own siblings!" I reply. "While I would never hurt mine!"

Just after I say that, I charge at her. Stupid, I know. But what else can I do?

**Minashi Namikaze:**
As fast as I can, I run to the castle. I'm alright now. Granny had made the poison disappear from my body. But in return, I have no more chakra. Meaning, I have to figure out a way to fight without using chakra. Fortunately, I am not such a dud at taijutsu so maybe I might be alright. *Maybe.*

Once I arrive at the front of the castle, I slowly open the gigantic door and slide inside, hoping nobody has noticed me yet. I just like it when I have the element of surprise on my side. That way, I get to see the priceless looks on their faces.

I come to an intersection along the way and stop. Sighing, I stare at each path. But then, since I have no idea where to go, I pick out a random direction and just continue running. The next other intersections are also chosen at random. And before I know it, I find myself in front of the throne room.

Inside, I hear a fight take place. The clanging of metals and then some minor explosions are heard from inside. No doubt my brother's in there. *That idiot.* Once we get through this, I am so gonna smack his head.

"Naruto! Snap out of it!" I hear Frost's voice coming from inside. "Wake up!"

*Naruto?* I can't help but clench my fists. That idiot probably got himself in Milana's control. In that case, I need to hurry up. Frost is fighting alone in there.

I think of the possible choices I have. If Naruto is under Milana's control, he'll be fine for now. She won't kill him unless he has no more use to her. *Man, she might even keep him for herself if the idiot shows what he can really do.* As for Frost, he is an Akuma. The chances of Milana wanting his soul for herself is big. Which means, she needs him alive for now.

So, barging in now would only force me to fight my brother. As much as I hate to admit, I won't last five minutes against him without my chakra. And not to mention, the king must also be inside. My chance of winning is definitely low.

There's only one thing I can do. I should look for an entrance where they won't notice me enter. *There must be one, right?* I turn to a different direction and run as fast and silently as I can. I just hope I'm right about another entrance.

~~~

"Let me go, Naruto!" Frost yells as he struggles to break free from the chains that have him bound to the wall. Almost like what Naruto has done to Sasuke back in Konoha. "Snap out of it already! Remember who you are and why you are here!! Remember your sister!" He struggles more but to no avail. I am not surprised though.

The chains that have him pinned to the wall is fortified by Naruto's chakra. It was I who bought Naruto those chakra-infusing chains and it was also I, who taught him how to fortify the chains. Naruto had gotten quite good at it. Well, not as good as I was but still, he's good enough to hold even a partially transformed Frost.

I just keep myself quiet here above them. Luckily, the throne room seems to be under construction. The scaffoldings and temporary trusses are quite useful for me to get inside without being noticed. And another lucky thing for me is that none of them are sensory ninjas. Naruto may be able to sense chakra but right now, I have none so he probably doesn't know I'm here.

"Naruto!" Frost yells again, looking at my brother with hopeful eyes. "Resist! Stop Milana from controlling you!"

"She is my queen." Naruto replies, his tone hard and serious. I could just hit my forehead. *Seriously?! His queen?!* I am definitely gonna smack his head. "Why would I want to resist her control?" Naruto adds.

"That's right, Frost." The only woman in there speaks up. I assume she's Milana. "I am his queen. And he shall serve me." She adds, embracing my brother in a way that seemed to say 'he's mine'. I roll my eyes and gag. *Ew.*

Though she may look eighteen right now, I know very well that she's probably thirty or so. Granny explained to me that Milana never aged ever since her demon took over.

*"Every Akuma is cursed with a demon fused in their body."* Granny's words seem to replay in my mind. *"In time, however, the Akumas learned to manipulate the demon inside them: thus explains why they can partially transform into demons. But in Milana's case, she took it too far. In the end, her demon now controls her; that's why she can fully transform into a demon.*

"Now, Frost." Milana says, pulling me back to their conversation. I see Milana strolling her way towards Frost. "I will be taking what's rightfully mine."

"Get away from me, Milana!" Frost yells, struggling to escape from the chains once again. Once he realizes it won't work, he turns to Naruto. "Naruto, wake up already!"

"He won't listen to you." Milana mutters as she takes half of the amulet from Frost. She then shows the other half of the amulet that's around her neck. "And with the amulet whole again, soon, I will take your soul and have it stored in this very amulet. That way I will become even more powerful!" She turns to another grown up in there - probably Frost's father. "Isn't that right, Mashisa?"

"Yes, My Queen." He replies.

As soon as Milana puts the two parts of the amulet together, it flashed in dark light and in no time, the amulet is whole again.

"Finally." Milana mutters before turning to Frost. "Now, you are mine." She raises the amulet high in the air and it starts to glow in a dark light once again.

Milana starts chanting some sort of ritual in a foreign language. And suddenly, the light of the amulet extended and seem to connect itself with what I assume is Frost's soul, making the prince scream in agony. *Damn, I better hurry up.*

*"You cannot kill Milana."* I hear Granny's words again.  *"If you do manage to catch her untransformed, a fatal wound would only allow you to break her concentration and free those whom she controls. Perhaps destroying the amulet might be of help.*

I look at the weapon that Granny had given me: a senbon needle that is said to contain the counter jutsu to the one that repairs the amulet. With it, the amulet will be destroyed.

So, without wasting time, I grab two smoke bombs from my weapon pouch and toss it towards my brother and Mashisa, just to blind them for a few moments. At the same time, I launch myself at Milana, piercing a kunai to her shoulder and simultaneously snatching the amulet from her.

The piercing scream that the woman lets out due to her wound, rings in my ear but I ignore it and use the senbon needle to destroy the amulet. With just one stab, the amulet grows multiple cracks before finally exploding into nothing.

"HOW DARE YOU!!!" Milana screams, and I widen my eyes once I realize that a fully transformed her, already launched herself at me. I try to get away but having no chakra, left a huge penalty on my speed. "DIIEEE!!"

"Minashi!" I hear Frost yell my name but I have no time to even turn to him. Milana's too fast and probably too strong. I don't even know if I'll survive this blow.

And suddenly, I feel myself getting light-headed and all I see before me is a blur. Once I recover and the surroundings had become clear again, I realize I am in Naruto's arms, being carried in bridal style. He had saved me from Milana.

"M-minashi.." He looks so relieved to see me right now. "Is that r-really you?" He asks, looking like he's about to cry right now. "Or maybe.. I'm already dead? Then.. I failed to kill Milana."

I can't help but deadpan at the last things he said and smack his head. *Oh, I've been waiting to do that.*

"OW!" He exclaims, growing an anime vein. "What the hell, Minashi!"

"See? Still alive." I mutter. "And if you still want to be, DUCK!!" I yell the last word with outmost emergency, making Naruto obey without questioning me.

He lowers to the ground with me in his arms, just in time to dodge a strong swipe from a fully transformed Milana. The attack soon creates a giant crater on the wall, leaving the whole area in dust.

"Clones. As many as you can." I order my brother as I jump out from his arms and stand beside him. "Show me just how far you've surpassed me at Kage Bunshin."

He smirks, doing a familiar hand sign. "With pleasure. KAGE BUNSHIN NO JUTSU!!"

The whole room erupts into smoke, and I smirk once I see that the whole place is indeed covered with my brother's clones. "You've done well." I mutter, turning to my grinning brother. "Now, use two clones and have them take Frost and his father to a safe place. The remaining ones is to  keep Milana busy." I say as I run off, dragging my brother with me. "Come with me."

~~~

"Why are we running away from Milana?" Naruto asks me as we continue to run. "Aren't we supposed to beat her?"

"We are not running away." I answer him as I take another left. Naruto trails right after me. "I'm getting us to the ceiling. If I remember correctly, the roof of the throne room is a dome that's only held up by two giant beams. If you can get rid of those beams, the dome will fall on Milana. It might be enough to end her then and there."

"Why do we need to do that?" He asks. "You're here. You can just use your chains to hold her still while I beat the crap out of her."

"That won't work." I answer, as I take a right. *Man, this castle's like a maze.* "Let's just go with my plan, okay?"

"How come it won't?" He mutters. I know very well that he has a confused look on his face without having to look at him. "That always works. If it won't work, we have strong ninjutsus. It should be enough, right?"

"No." I mutter. "Just drop it already. Let's just stick to my plan and this will be all over."

I hear him stop on his tracks, also making me stop and turn to him. "Damnit, Naruto." I tell him. "We don't have much time! Let's go."

"You are not, Minashi." He says, glaring at me.

"Don't be stupid." I mutter. "It's me."

"My sister would never pass up when it comes to showing off her skills." He tells me, the glare not leaving his eyes. "So why are you?"

"Because showing off just won't work right now!" I yell, feeling frustrated. "Now let's go!"

"If you really are my sister, why are you running away?" He asks, sending a pang of pain to my chest as the feeling of uselessness that I've been trying to ignore up till now overcomes me. "My sister would never ever run from an enemy. She would face them head on. You are not her!"

"Well, I'm sorry, okay?!!" I yell, trying to keep back the tears that threaten to fall from my eyes. Naruto's glare softens once he sees me this way. "For being so useless that my own brother can't even recognize me!"

Once those words leave my mouth, I just can't help it anymore. I let my tears fall. I know I look so pathetic right now but I don't know what else to do.

"I don't have chakra anymore, Naruto." I mutter, clenching my fists out of frustration. "It is the price I paid in exchange for my life. It sucks, really. I don't have any idea what to do. I can't even walk on walls or stick to ceilings!" I let out a frustrated sigh. "Damnit! Knowing that my uselessness might get you killed makes me hate myself. It would be better if I'm just dead."

"No. Don't say that, Minashi." Naruto says, wrapping me into a hug. "Im sorry. I didn't mean to." He mutters, regret obvious in his wavering voice. "Chakra or no chakra, I don't care. I am glad you're still alive. I don't know what I would do without you."

I can't help but smile. *He always manages to cheer me up.*

I suddenly feel him tense up. "What's wrong, Naruto?" I ask.

"Frost." He mutters. "He's gone back to the throne room. Man, he'll get himself killed! We should go back."

Without waiting for my answer, Naruto carries me bridal style and zooms us back to the throne room.

We arrive in mere seconds and before I could recover from my light-headedness, I am left somewhere near the throne room entrance, before I hear Naruto zoom away once again. What I hear next is the sound of something crashing on the walls and then Frost's voice yelling my brother's name in what seemed like a panicked tone.

Completely ignoring the dizziness I feel, I immediately look up only to see such a devastating sight. It is Naruto, unconscious and all scrunched up on the far side of the room. The wall that's right behind him has a giant crater on it, no doubt the result of Naruto, crashing on it.

Blood drips from his head and slowly stains his favourite orange clothes. Bruises and scratches are found all over his body and not to mention his tattered clothes. Based on the scene, I know that he had saved Frost and took the blow for him.

I clench my fists tightly as anger overcomes every fiber of my being. The feeling of outmost anger is so intense that it hurts. But I didn't care. There's only one thing that matters. *I will kill Milana.*

**Third Person:**
The demon turns to Frost, giving him a look of disgust. "Seeing just how the kid sacrificed himself for you.." It mutters, tone mocking. "Tell me, are you not going to do anything after what I did to him?"

Frost clenches his fists and gets up, glaring at Milana with both arms enlarging and becoming a demon's. Milana smirks at the sight, knowing that Frost is going to fight her and the thought of having to beat someone up delights her. She balls her fists and readies herself to smite at Frost.

But suddenly, an adamantine chain that has blue chakra engulfing it latches itself unto Milana and flings her away easily like paper. The wall that she crashes into is left with a giant hole.

Surprised, Frost turns to whoever had done that. He is met by a sight of a wrathful Minashi.

An enormous shroud of raw chakra seems to emanate from the said red-head, dancing all around her like blue flames. Her hair then changes color, from crimson red to a brilliant white. And lastly, her eyes mirror nothing but anger and now glows in a grayish light.

"Your opponent is me, Demon." Minashi mutters, voice dripping with anger so intense, it sends a chill down Frost's spine. "I will make you pay!"

"Minashi.." Frost can't help but say, not knowing if he should be in awe or be scared at Minashi's display of power. It is as if he no longer knows the girl that stands before him now. There is too much anger coming emanating from her and that scares him.

An explosion sounds when Milana returns from the hole, now looking angered. She roars angrily, fixing her rageful eyes at Minashi's. But Minashi doesn't falter. In fact, she wants this. She wants Milana dead.

In a blink of an eye, Minashi disappears and reappears just near Milana. Before the demon could react, Minashi sends a chakra-infused punch to her face, sending her rolling to the other side of the room.

Then, before Milana could even  stop rolling, a chain grabs her and flings her to the wall and then to the floor repeatedly, to the point when the whole throne room is in ruin.

Frost had gone to Naruto's side and tried to wake him up but it would seem the blonde had taken such a huge toll on the impact. Frost can't help but clench his fists as he looks up, staring at the wrathful Minashi that's fighting Milana right now.

It was his fault why the twins had to suffer like this. If he did not accept their help, they would be fine right now. If only he did just that.

Suddenly, numerous people appear out of nowhere, surrounding Frost and Naruto. They are all wearing black clothes and Anbu masks.

Not knowing who these people are, Frost immediately takes a fighting stance, ready to defend Naruto with his life. "Who are you people?!" He yells, glaring at them.

"Prince Frost.." one of them steps up, bowing to him respectively. "I am an Anbu of Konohagakure. The twins call me Yamato. Minashi-san had sent for backup some days ago and we've managed to get here as fast as we can."

Frost sighs in relief, lowering his guard. "Minashi never mentioned anything about backup." He says. "But I'm glad there is one."

Yamato nods. "Now if you don't mind, Your Highness.." he says, gesturing to Naruto. "We need to tend to Naruto-san."

Frost immediately steps aside as Yamato calls for medics. "What about Minashi?" He can't help but ask as the medics patch Naruto up.

Yamato turns to the rampaging Minashi. "There is nothing I can do about her." He says, then turning to Frost. "Only Naruto can stop her now."

"But she will calm down, right?"

"She has to." Yamato replies. "We are here to make sure of that."

"Captain, it is done." One Anbu says, getting Yamato's attention.

"Anything fatal?" Yamato asks his medic.

"None so far, Captain." The Medic replies. "Just a few broken bones and most of his wounds are already starting to heal. As expected."

"I see." Yamato nods as he kneels beside Naruto and then starts shaking him. "Naruto-san.. Naruto-san. Wake up."

They hear him groan and see him flinch before he finally opens his eyes. He has a look around the people that surround him, doing a double takes to make sure they're really there.

"Yamato?" Naruto can't help but ask, recognizing the familiar mask of the said Anbu. But then he rubs his head in confusion. "That's impossible. Why are you here?"

"Details later." Yamato says, offering his hand to help Naruto get up. "For now, you have to stop Minashi-san. She's on beast mode again."

Naruto looks to his sister and immediately stands, not even stopping for the pain he feels from his still broken bones. Naruto knows quite well it's time to get serious. With Minashi this way, he has to act immediately. To avoid any more damage and to prevent Minashi from hurting anyone.

"Minashi told me she had no chakra anymore." Naruto says. "How is she in beast mode now?"

"I don't have the answer, Naruto-san." Yamato answers. "Perhaps when she's back to her normal self she can tell us."

With a nod, Naruto immediately dashes to his sister. "Minashi!" He calls to Minashi. Frost wants to help him but is stopped by none other than Yamato.

"No, Your Highness." Yamato says, his tone hard and serious. He didn't need to remove his mask to make Frost see how serious he is. "If you value your life, you will not go after Naruto."

"I can handle Milana." Frost insists. "Besides, Minashi seems too strong for her now."

"It's not your aunt that I'm worried about." Yamato tells him truthfully. "It's Minashi-san. When she's angry, she can be a whole lot worse than your aunt."

"What?" Frost can't help but ask in disbelief. "What do you mean? That M-minashi is the same as Milana? A monster." Realization leaves him stunned. But then again it was the only explanation to how strong she's gotten at such a short time and the killer intent she's now releasing.

"No. Minashi-san is not a monster." Yamato says, shaking his head at Frost's conclusion. "However, there are times when she *can* be one." He mutters knowingly. "*If* you piss her off. Like what your aunt has done."

Frost turns to his beaten up aunt. She had already dropped her demonic form and is desperately trying to get away from Minashi. But it was pointless. In her beaten up condition, Minashi was too fast and too strong for her. There is no way she could get away.

"STAY AWAY FROM ME!!" Milana screams as she leaps away from Minashi. But Minashi doesn't stop. Her anger is still blinding her. "STAY AWAY!"

Minashi suddenly appears in front of Milana, the reason to make the terrified blonde scream and back away from her. But Minashi's chains had already circled her body, not giving her a chance to move. And slowly, the chains tighten around her.

"L-let me go!" Milana tries to break away from Minashi's chains but to no avail.

"I will kill you." Minashi says, her voice sounding sadistic. "I will break every bone in your body."

"Minashi.." Naruto grabs Minashi's shoulder and squeezes on it, hoping it would stop her. "Stop it. That's enough."

But as if not hearing him, she smirks and continues to tighten the chains around Milana. "And once all your bones are broken, I will tear you to pieces!" She yells, seemingly excited. "I will kill you!"

**Naruto Namikaze:**
"Minashi, stop it already!!" I yell, this time making sure I am right in front of her so she can look me in the eyes. "Please. This isn't you."

Minashi pauses, looking at me. Her hardened gaze softens. And then, with one flick of her hand, the chains that have Milana captured disappears, dropping Milana to the floor.

After that, Minashi gently pushes me aside, looking at Milana once again. This worries me. *What does she plan to do now?* "Minashi?"

"It's alright, Naruto." She says, not bothering to look at me. "There's just one thing I need to do. Trust me on this."

I nod. Then, Minashi does a series of hand signs at such a fast pace. Once she's done, a large sealing circle starts glowing on the floor beneath Milana. I smile, knowing what Minashi plans to do.

"W-what are y-you doing?" Milana asks, trying to push herself up. But it doesn't work. She's too weak to do it.

"I'm doing you a favour, Milana." Minashi mutters, a smirk on her lips. "Now, just stay still while I get this over with." Minashi takes out a scroll from her pocket and opens it before laying it down near her feet. "Fūinjutsu: Disunion Seal!"

And just like that, the sealing circle glows ever brighter and Milana's screams of agony could be heard, echoing all around the throne room. And then, slowly, the seal beneath sucks her demon from her body.

By the time it's over, Milana is unconsious and a small version of the sealing circle is now written on the scroll that Minashi had prepared. Above the said sealing circle, the kanji characters for demon appears.

"It's over." Minashi mutters before she drops to her knees, clearly drained after all that rampage. I knew this would happen though. This always happens after she loses control.

So, without wasting time, I come to her side, supporting her weakened body. Her glowing eyes than return to their normal colour and so does her hair.

"Damnit." She mutters weakly, her eyes drooping due to sleepiness. "I lost control again."

"It's alright, Minashi." I tell her, giving her an assuring smile.. "It's over now. Get some rest. You need it."

***

**Minashi Namikaze:**

I groan and slowly open my eyes. I have a look around as I sit up on the bed. I'm in a white room of some sort, probably the hospital. Naruto has his head resting on his arms as he sleeps near my bedside.

I sigh, looking at his peaceful expression. He's always there whenever I black out after my episodes. I'd always find him asleep near my bedside. I've been told he would never leave my side: no sleep, barely eating. And even though I told him not to do it again, he just wouldn't listen. I shake my head. *He wouldn't be suffering like this if I didn't lose control again.*

But wait. My eyes widen a bit once I realize something. I feel chakra inside me again. But it's not the same chakra I once had. It's confusing me. It's like I have the chakra of a totally different person. *How is this even possible?*

"Finally awake." Frost says, breaking me from my thoughts. He goes through the door, closing it behind him. He notices my troubled look and seats himself on my bedside. "Is something wrong, Minashi?"

"Nothing." I mutter, shaking my head. It would probably be best to keep it to myself for now. "How long was I out?"

"Almost a week." He replies, making me turn to him in disbelief. "Six days to be exact. It would be your seventh today if you didn't wake up yet."

"You're kidding me." I can't help but say. "It's usually only for a day or two. Please tell me Naruto slept and ate during the time I'm unconscious."

"Now that you mentioned it, Naruto *did* mention something about it being weird and that you should have awoken days ago." He mutters, nodding and seemingly in thought before smiling. "And don't worry Minashi. I made sure he took care of himself. I even had to drag him out of this room just to let him eat. He can be really stupid sometimes, huh?"

I sigh, relieved. "Yeah." I tell him. "He cares too much for me." I turn to my stil sleeping brother.

"Should you really be saying that?" Frost asks me, smiling knowingly. "You care for him all the same. You even destroyed the throne room when Milana landed a hit on him. Well, you also beat Milana to the point when she's barely concious."

I playfully glare at Frost. "Shut up, *Prince*." I tell him. "Or I just might enjoy doing the same to you."

He chuckles, knowing I'm only joking. "My.. my.. I wouldn't want that." He says, grinning. "A commoner ruining my handsome face? How distasteful."

I roll my eyes and shake my head. Then, I turn serious. "What of Milana?" I ask.

He sighs. "After your fight, her wounds were treated and then she's sent to the dungeon." Frost says. "Also, after you sealed away her demon, she's back to her normal self. No more murders."

I raise an eyebrow. "No more murders?" I can't but ask, not bothering to hide my disbelief. "That's quite hard to believe after everyone she's already killed."

"I'm sure father will know what to do with her." Frost tells me. "He'd also like to talk to you once you're well."

I nod. "Well, I guess it's time to wake Naruto. The faster we get things done here, the closer we are to getting home." I mutter.

"Why in a hurry?" Frost asks, a smile on his lips though I can't miss the disappointment in his eyes. "You are welcome to stay as long as you want. I'd be happy to cater to your needs."

I chuckle. "A prince serving me?" I tell him, doing a thinking pose. "Hmmm.. quite tempting indeed."

He chuckles. "Is there anything I can do to make you stay longer?" He asks. "I've never had friends like you and your brother before. I.." He pauses. "I greatly enjoy your company."

I shake my head, chuckling. "It's not like you'll lose us, Frost." I tell him. "We'll still be your friends even though we are far from you. Besides, our village needs us."

"Yeah. I suppose you are right." He smiles.

I nod. "Well, I should wake him up." I turn to my sleeping brother and grab both his shoulders. And then, without further ado, I shake him like a rattle as violently as I can. "NARUTOOOO!! WAKE UUUP!!"

Frost sweatdrops. "Now I know what Naruto means when he says you're his annoying alarm clock."

***

"Milana is stable, now that her demon is sealed away from her. She will be spending all her days, repenting for all the things she's done." I tell Gramps, summing up everything that happened to our mission. "And King Mashisa sends you his regards and thanks for sending us to aid him. That's pretty much everything that happened during our mission, Lord Hokage."

I sigh as I then look at Gramps. We had just gotten home and now, I had finished relaying everything that happened to Gramps, excluding my weird chakra. As of now, only Naruto knows about it.

"I see." Gramps says, huffing smoke from his pipe. His eyes scan everyone that's in the room: Me, Naruto, Yamato and all the other Anbus that came to help us. "You've all done an excellent job. Especially the twins. I believe you deserve some rest. You've just come back from a very long journey after all. You can pass the paperwork tomorrow."

"Yes, Hokage-sama!" All the anbus, including Yamato bow down and then disappear in a puff of smoke.

I sigh as Gramps puts out his pipe and becomes serious. "Children.. I am very sorry for the things you have to go through while you're there."

"Yeah." Naruto is the one to reply, pointing an accusing finger at Gramps. "You should be more careful at choosing mysterious missions like those, Gramps."

I stop Naruto from talking further by elbowing him. He sends me a scowl but he understands nonetheless and shuts himself up.

"There is no need to apologize, Gramps" I immediately say.  "As you can see, I am alright. There is no reason to worry further."

Gramps nods. "I am glad you're alright, Minashi." He says, a look of apology evident in his expression. "I am glad you're back safely."

I smile at him. "I thought I was gone too." I tell him honestly. "But I overheard a certain idiot say something so stupid that I just had to get back up." I  sling my arm around my brother's neck and raise both eyebrows up and down to indicate I'm talking about him.

"Hey, don't dump all the blame on me." Naruto defends himself, removing my arm around his neck. "I was angry! I wanted to beat some sense into Milana."

"You actually said you were gonna kill her." I correct him, raising an eyebrow. "And to make things worse, you fell under her control even when Frost had already warned you like a hundred times to be careful."

"Did Frost tell you all this?" He asks and once I nod, he immediately scowls. "That Frost is so gonna get it next time I see him."

I chuckle and so does Gramps. "I am glad you got along with him in the end." Gramps says, a genuine smile on his lips. "As expected from two among the best in Konoha."

"Of course." I smirk as Naruto grins proudly.

"Well, you both are probably tired." Gramps says. "You are dismissed. Go and take the rest of the day off."

"Yes, Hokage-sama." Both Naruto and I say in unison, bowing to Gramps respectively.

"Let's go, Naruto." I smirk, tiptoeing and slinging my arm around my brother's neck once again. "You still need to treat me at Ichiraku."

His shoulders droop and he pouts. "I was hoping you would forget about that." He takes out his fat frog wallet, looking at it like it's gonna die soon. "My poor gama-chan."

"I'm not gonna kill your gama-chan. Except perhaps get rid of some fats." I grab hold of his arm and drag him out the room, smiling at Gramps as we exit. "Come on! Hurry up!"

"You sure look pretty excited about this." Naruto points out, as he goes along with me.

I just chuckle and continue dragging him till we're at Ichiraku.

---

And there we have it! :-). Minashi and Naruto finally finished their mission.

Up next on The Lethal Duo, Chapter 6: Back-up has arrived.