Sasuke's a brat post-timeskip. Also, the new characters intrigue me, especially since by all logic they shouldn't want to team up with Sasuke. That's all I've got to say about the inspiration behind this drabble. So, musings on the latest chapters and the future, watch out for spoilers. Naruto and its characters copyright to Kishimoto-sama.
-Blind Spots-
Suigetsu. As much as he claimed to hate Orochimaru, he had once come to him of his own free will as well, looking for help on behalf of the Seven Shinobi Swordsmen when they were in trouble with Kirigakure. His loyalty to Zabuza had been stronger than his dislike of Orochimaru – and even in both of their deaths, that was still true. He wielded Zabuza's sword with reverence. Being a prisoner so long had not afforded him time to grieve properly. Sasuke did not know that.
He will be useful to me, a voice had whispered, a fellow enemy to Orochimaru, a strong swordsman. And since the voice could be none but Sasuke's own, he recruited Suigetsu without regrets.
Karin. If she wasn't fully willing to take a kunai for Orochimaru's sake, she certainly was for Otogakure's sake and for Orochimaru's ideals. Quirky though she was, treacherous she was not. Furthermore, she still believed her leader was alive; it was clear in the way she had searched Sasuke's eyes, not hoping to see his soul but to see Orochimaru's, still inside. If she hadn't been satisfied by what she'd found, she would never have joined Sasuke. But Sasuke had no clue.
Orochimaru relied on her for a reason. She must be strong, knowledgeable. A wise voice, almost like intuition. I can bring her to my side, easy. Sasuke thus invited Karin to join his team.
Juugo. Uncontrollable, unpredictable, and another prisoner of Orochimaru, yet a willing prisoner. He was captive more to his own body than he was to any person. Orochimaru had been his beacon of hope. Although, yes, he had used Juugo in experiments, it had always been with the promise that someday a cure would come. Juugo was still hoping, still waiting for his savior. And he had no reason to trust Sasuke. However, this never occurred to Sasuke himself.
He's probably the most powerful guy in Otogakure, other than… myself, the voice in Sasuke said. I can keep him controlled. And Sasuke brought Juugo along.
Suigetsu, loyal even now to Zabuza, and surely wanting justice against those guilty for his senpai's demise.
Karin, patriotic to Otogakure above all else, and not one to stand for high treason against her leader.
Juugo, half of him willing to kill for the promise of a cure, half of him willing to kill for no reason.
Sasuke was quite unaware that he had collected for himself another little pack of avengers. They would be sure to put on quite a show, and Orochimaru was blessed with a view from the inside out, where he could see when the truth finally dawned in Sasuke's mind. Where he could crow about his victory where none could hear but he and Sasuke. Where he could easily rise up and fill his chosen body with his soul when Sasuke had fallen.
My plans are coming together quite nicely, the voice said giddily, masquerading as Sasuke's voice. Soon, I can kill… kill Itachi, and I'll be all that's left.
Orochimaru's plans were coming together quite nicely. Soon, Suigetsu, Karin, and Juugo could kill Sasuke, and Orochimaru would be all that's left.
As wonderful as his chosen body's sight was, Orochimaru mused from within Sasuke's soul, it still had some fatal blind spots.
-End-