• Kunoichi Syndrome: Origins
    Chapter 4 Assignment

    After a quick snack, I try to deploy. Itachi stops me.
    “Where are you going?” Itachi asks.
    “On assignment.” I answer.
    “Granny said to bring someone with you. The Nakano Shrine is Uchiha Clan property. You wouldn’t be able to set foot on the property without me or someone from my family.” Itachi snaps.
    “You tapped my phone while I was talking to Granny?!” I growl.
    “Yes, I did. I am only trying to warn you about the barrier ninjutsu my clan set up. Please allow me to come with you.” Itachi commands.
    “Saa, hai. Kite kudasai. (Well then, okay. Please come.)” I answer.
    “Arigato gozaimasu. (Thank you).” Itachi whispers.
    Itachi and I deploy to the Nakano Shrine. We slip through the barrier with ease. A spirit taps my shoulder.
    “Itachi-san, do spirits reside here?” I ask curiously.
    “Yes. Why do you ask?” Itachi counters.
    “I felt someone tap my shoulder a little bit earlier, that’s all.” I explain.
    A familiar tap on my shoulder, I acknowledge the spirit. I see an old woman in her mid-fifties. I bow as I give my name and formal greeting. The woman responds peacefully, while starring dead at Itachi.
    “Ashuri-san, you can see Obaasan (Auntie) right?” Itachi asks carefully.
    “I believe so. I think your aunt is going to kill you.” I say meekly.
    Without warning ‘Obaasan attacks Itachi. He orders me to run, yet my legs were taken out from underneath me. An actual person drags me across the dirt. The person forces me to watch Itachi be brutally beaten by his own aunt. I close my eyes for a moment. When I open them, everyone freezes in shock. Black flames had already appeared and disappeared. ‘Obaasan’ approaches me carefully. I see Itachi bleeding from multiple wounds. ‘Obaasan’ gives her blessing to me. I instinctively rush to Itachi’s side. I treat his wounds quickly and thoroughly. The actual person identifies himself as Madara Uchiha, the founder of the Uchiha Clan.
    “’Granny Tsunade’ sent you to clean-up after a squad of ANBU Black Ops.” Madara states. “And retrieve this scroll that I have no use for. Kids these days.”
    For the first time I see the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. Itachi steps in front of me defensively.
    “I suppose you would like to make a deal with me.” I say calmly with a hint of unforgiving scorn.
    “Astute for a naive child.” Madara laughs. “Name your terms then.”
    “Alright. First of all, tell me why everyone is looking at me with shock; second, tell me what happened to ANBU Black Ops; third, give me the scroll.” I snap.
    “Ashuri-san, be careful. I really don’t approve of this.” Itachi warns.
    “You wisely drive a straight forward bargain that only benefits you and your allies, Miss Ashley.” Madara schemes. “Do you have ‘fail-safe’ in case this backfires? Forgive me, but I am not complying. You barely earned ‘Obaasan’ blessing.”
    “It’s an ancient philosophy: ‘The book is mightier than the sword.’ Pulling master rank will not help you. Page 75, paragraph 3, line 5 of the Medical Ninja Handbook.” I counter.
    “Fine then. Everyone here is shocked that you have the Sharingan, let alone the Mangekyo Sharingan. Black Ops are being sent to ‘Granny Tsunade’. Catch the scroll.” Madara sighs.
    Itachi catches the scroll with ease. I drop to my knees, unable to move. Madara mysteriously takes his leave. Itachi carries me on his back. The assignment is deemed a success.