Naruto: Katsumi

But since I never really used my Curse Mark before, my training was longer and more intense than Sasuke's since he already had some control over it. Orochimaru taught me how to use its power without it eating your insides completely and how to evolve my Curse Mark from a level one to a level two, which was felt like a demon was stabbing me constantly.

Long story short, I had to go through the same process as Sasuke did when we were taken to Orochimaru by the Sound Four. The reason why I couldn't evolve my curse mark then because it took a long time for the process to be completed and there wasn't enough time to do it for me then, Sasuke offered to go first for my safety and making sure we weren't set up, he wanted Sasuke to have as much power within little time, and because at the time Orochimaru wasn't given the permission to do it on me because Sasuke claimed it was "too dangerous" for someone "my age".

It didn't matter regardless, because I could honestly say that I was stronger than I ever thought I was before. I couldn't believe it, but Kabuto and Orochimaru taught me a lot of good stuff.

However, Sasuke was on a whole different level than I was; for the first time, he was stronger than me. Not by a lot though because if we were to battle, it would be a close win I presumed.

Sasuke believed the work he was putting in was really paying off and he didn't want to stop there; he just wanted to get stronger and stronger and he wouldn't stop until he was invincible. On the other hand, I was taught everything I needed to know so my training was basically completed.

I halted my steps when I finally reached the door to freedom. It wasn't even a moment later when I heard footsteps coming closer to where I was in the hallways.

I instantly knew who was coming and I didn't bother looking over my shoulder to see until I could visibly see that person. It was none other than my older, stubborn brother Sasuke.

Sasuke changed a lot since his years in the Leaf Village. For starters, he grew so tall in height; I would be in awe every time I saw him.

He wore dark blue pants, over which hung a blue cloth that covered him from his stomach to his knees which was secured tightly with a purple rope belt; this specific accessory was commonly worn on most of Orochimaru's henchmen. He initially complemented this with a white long-sleeved shirt kept open at the torso and black arm guards that cover his forearms.

I wasn't gonna lie, he looked pretty badass but for some reason, I felt iffy on the belt. Correct me if I was wrong, but that belt sort of said that I was allies or I carry respect for one of the Legendary Sanin who was basically a snake.

That I don't feel comfortable with, but then again he doesn't really like Orochimaru to begin with and I highly doubted he respected him either.

This was a habit of his which was in need to be changed.

I snapped out of my thoughts about my brother when said brother stood in front of me in a waiting matter. Being monotone and stoic, Sasuke normally gave people a displeasing look to show that he would rather shed his own skin with his sword he now had as a go-to weapon then converse with anyone; not that he was a hater, he wasn't a people person and he simply didn't care about almost anything.

But with me, I could never know. There would be times when he wouldn't give me a dark look like he does with other people but he wouldn't give me a welcoming expression either, he would just stand there blank-faced.

I don't take it personally because that was how he simply was; if anything I should be honored. His expression towards me was in between and the only times he would act remotely smug was when he had to do something for Orochimaru and he wasn't able to go around it.

I wouldn't say he wasn't the same person, but I also wouldn't say vise-versa either.

I didn't realize my constant need to zone out was making him wait even longer until he cleared his throat.

"Oh, sorry about that… just… just making sure I didn't forget anything for that kit you needed…" I apologized broadly, trying my hardest to not sound sheepish about the situation I was facing.

Sasuke simply blinked on my apology, then he held out his hand. "It's not like it's gonna make a difference, anyway…" He simply implied with an expressionless tone.

That was true. Like I said earlier, he was much stronger than before.

"Of course, you're ten times stronger than you were before we came to Orochimaru…" I agreed with a smirk as I kindly handed him the bag.

He then gave me his signature 'hmph' as he placed the kit in his long-sleeved shirt, indicating me that he liked that statement I made about him. Even though he was now very distant and spacious towards me, I always counted on him to show a bit of gratitude he carried for me no matter what.

Even the long looks he sneaked, I knew he was trying to say he appreciated me as a sister.

"So, what's the mission Orochimaru assigned to you anyway?" I asked curiously; I genuinely wanted to know about the mission.

"I can't say… Orochimaru wants the details left unsaid…" He answered straightforwardly.

Even my own brother wouldn't say a thing about the mission. How big and important was that mission anyway?

"Alright, sorry for asking…" I sighed bleakly. "I don't wanna keep you here for long, so you should be heading out now…"

With a slight nod for thanks, Sasuke smoothly slid past me as his shoulder slightly brushed mine, giving me the slight chills. I don't know why, but almost every time I was around him, the surroundings' temperature fell instantly.