A/N: Hey y'all! It's Marcus here. Welcome to a new story. Yes, yes, I'm aware updates need to be in order. They're in progress of course. But this randomly came to mind while trying to sleep last night. It's also something I've really wanted to work on for a long ass time by now. Hehes
I hope you all enjoy it. This is an AU like usual. Don't tell me you're here for just one of the ships because that really annoys me. I'm looking for helpful, constructive, and positive feedback. Got it? Good!
Please remember to favorite, follow, etc. along with leaving some nice reviews. Do all things with kindness, loves. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of its characters.
Pairing: KakaNaru. Any others will be implied and/or added like usual.
Dedicated: to my amazing best friend who I consider as an adoptive mother, CapricornKitty1975, who I love and adore to pieces. This is for her birthday that's in a few weeks time. She's one of the people that inspire and motivate me to continue writing. I don't know what I'd do without her.
Foxfire's Blade
Chapter 1: Ember
Naruto
Returning home from my last mission, what I hoped is to have some rest and relaxation time. Unsure if that would be happening, I doubted it considering how much people seemed to like appointing me to certain ones. There are only a few professions that they employ me for anyways. There are others in the ranks aside from myself who do this. The home I live in is our boarding house where the others live too. Going inside, I went to the kitchen, making some ramen, feeling my stomach growl. Damn, it's been a long ass time from last I've been back now that I think about it. What I didn't know is then and there I would be appointed the most important job of my life so far. Being nineteen, I've dealt with a lot of bullshit. Somehow, I've been able to trudge through it without too much damage caused in the process. Sure, I have plenty of seen and hidden scars. That's to be expected I suppose. When my meal is finished being prepared, I take it out to put into a bowl, going to sit down. Hearing someone approach me shortly after I began eating, I looked up to be met by the teme.
"Yes?" I asked, glancing up to be met by his onyx hued gaze, sitting down across from me, obtaining my full attention.
"I have something that the boss needs you on," answered Sasuke, making me groan in annoyance.
"Why? I just got back," I sighed, unsure if this would be even worth my while. "How much is it going to pay then?"
"Twenty-five thousand yen," replied the Uchiha simply, not even batting an eye at my behavior considering he's used to me with how we grew up with each other.
"Ok, go on," I went back to eating while listening to him intently, interest perked at the amount this would bring in.
"The ruler of the land's son, the prince, you know of him, right?" Asked Sasuke, receiving a nod from me before he continued further on the details. "You're sent on a seduction mission. Get in his good graces."
Swallowing, I asked, "Uh, so, that's it? Any restrictions?"
"Nope, do as you see fit," answered the Uchiha before getting up to go about his business, having his own set of duties to see to, wondering what he'll be placed on next.
Finishing up, I went to go prepare. What I know is that it'll be a long-term mission this time. At least that's what it seemed like considering what I'm supposed to do. Probably this is to get in their good opinion to ensure the organization grows. The place that Sasuke and I along with others are a part of is the Akatsuki. It's comprised of what the rest of the world deemed as the undesirables or otherwise known as freaks. It doesn't bother me, knowing I'd receive hate anyways because of the beast sealed inside of me. Going into my room, alone with my thoughts, I continued to prepare for what's to come. The good thing is that this won't be boring. Maybe this could be what I've needed.
I can hope at least, right?
()()()()()()
Sasuke
Why did Madara give him that mission to begin with anyways? Sometimes, I question my elder's judgment. Sure, the dobe is resourceful enough for it. What bothers me is how he's the only one given such a high ranked duty to see through until the end. Having been called into his office, I inwardly dreaded what this could be about. Does he want to lecture me? Or is this about what my next priority will be? It has been quite some time from last I've had a task to complete. Here, I've been able to be with my brother, learning plenty from him throughout the hears to prosper in my training. It's aided in me becoming as powerful as I am now. Still, I hungered for more, wanting to grow to my full potential. Itachi always says that I must be patient.
Arriving outside of the door, I knocked before going inside. He's expecting me after all. So, it shouldn't be a surprise of me being here. Going to sit in one of the chairs in front of the desk, I see he's been helping Nagato deal with the immense amount of paperwork they receive at times. Seeing that I came approximately on time, he gave a slight nod of approval. Remaining impassive, I wouldn't give away what I truly feel on the inside. Showing weakness isn't something an Uchiha does. Raising a brow, I waited for when he'd begin telling me what this is all about.
"You did as I asked?" He inquired, peering over at me with mild interest.
"Hn, of course," I confirmed, eyeing him suspiciously.
"Good… I have something I want you to uptake," began the much older Uchiha to explain to me. "You recall the Sanin, right?"
"Everyone knows of them," I told him in response, brow raised as my curiosity grew of what this meant, wondering if perhaps I'd be given something to seek out.
"One of them in particular has asked to take you on as theirs," explained Madara, causing me to furrow my brows in confusion, unsure of why one of legendary status would even dream of being interested in someone like me. "You're to head off for Otogakure tomorrow."
"Oh," I just nodded in response, uncertain of how else to respond to this except from asking. "Is this similar to Naruto's mission?"
"Yes and no," sighed Madara, thinking he wouldn't have to put it into simplistic design though casted such thoughts away. "He'll tell you everything you want to know when you're there."
"How long am I supposed to stay there for?" I inquired of him, growing even more curious behind this, having wanted to find someone to take me on as their apprentice to further myself in life.
"He'll let you know. Now, you can leave," said the older male before shooing me out.
Getting up, I left, going to prepare for the journey to Sound. What bothers me is how little information he gave me. How do I even know this will pan out well? Inwardly sighing, I guess I won't know until I'm there. Perhaps this will prove better than expected except I won't know for certain until I'm there.
Well, this might be just the opportunity I've been waiting for.
()()()()()
Kakashi
Upholding my position as the prince of the lands isn't as easy as anyone thinks. It contains a great deal of stress. Most of which I would prefer not to have, but oh well. That's life whether I like it or not. Having finished up with my chores for today, I went to go read. The latest edition of Icha Icha Paradise had recently come out. Thanks to some connections I have made it feasible to obtain it before they had run out. Going to my usual place that's up in a tree, I opened it to begin, having a pleasant time away from everything for a while. Having a break like this helps from things becoming too overwhelming. A breeze wafted through, not minding it in the slightest.
The palace in its entirety is extravagant I suppose. Comprised of onyx stone has its spires extending a decent amount of height. It's situated in Konoha. There are other such places equivalent within Suna and Oto. Enjoying my time here, I became obvious to the rest of the world around me. If I had it my way then I wouldn't have to deal with royal obligations. Unfortunately, everything goes on still even if I don't want to face it sometimes. Besides, the last thing I'd want is for my father to be upset with me. There are certain expectations I have to live up to with being Sakumo's son.
What I didn't know is there would be a new face around here sooner or later. Unsure of why I felt an unknown chakra signature approaching, I took in my surroundings. There didn't feel like there's a threat lurking. Then, why do I feel uneasy? Hmm, perhaps father decided to appoint someone to me. That could be the case. Well, maybe, it could prove to be an interesting development.
Perhaps….it could be him… If it is, then would I be ready?
()()()()()
Sakumo
My son still has many things to learn until the day I perish for him to carry the torch. So far, he hasn't disappointed me. Hopefully that trend continues. Having received word from Madara, I'm aware of who will be arriving. The said individual will have an audience with me before I allow him to go see Kakashi. It's only right for me to give approval to this engagement. Being approached by my partner, Minato, I see concern in his face.
"What?" I asked, raising a brow at the distressed look.
"Do you think he's really prepared for this?" Asked the Namikaze skeptically.
"I know my son well enough by now. He'll be fine," I reassured, wondering if he'll be able to face his own considering he hasn't seen him since his birth all of those years ago. "That question is better suited for you than me."
Heat rushed to his face, coating his cheeks in a dusting of pastel pink, "Oh…..right."
Placing a hand on his shoulder, I gave him some comfort, reassuring him it's not his fault. He had given up his son for the reasons he thought were right at the time. Besides, his son's birth had killed his mother. That had been expected from what Minato has told me. It's been my duty to ensure he's brought back into one piece from the shattered remains of losing his wife and having to give up his child. It's why he and I have been together for so long amongst other reasons. It's helped him see his true self that's been brought out during his time with me thus far. Kakashi isn't aware of Minato's past. It's best to remain hidden until it's deemed necessary to unveil it all. Until then, he would remain in obliviousness about it. Minato has helped me raise my own son though. Without his help I wouldn't have been able to do this properly considering emotions like how it is with my own flesh and blood aren't our easiest thing. More likely we are to act first.
He should be fine. What worries me is how he'll react upon finding out the truth…
()()()()()
Orochimaru
Receiving word from the organization I used to be a part of way back when pleased me. Being promised what I asked for hadn't been difficult in the slightest. It's nice when such things come together, looking forward to when the Uchiha is here at last within my clutches. Once he is then the real plan triggers into action. Kabuto has ensured to make all of the necessary preparations. Folding the scroll back up after I read it, caused it to burn to ashes. Resting my chin on one of my hands, I noticed that one of my pythons coiled around my other arm. A faint ghost of a smile graced my lips, liking how my serpents are at ease around me.
"Mmm, not much longer now," I murmured to myself, a glimmer of mischief within the amber orbs, knowing when he's here will prove to be more than what meets the eye.
Yes, I did agree to him being my apprentice. What Sasuke doesn't know is I need him for other purposes. Some of which would be….rather personal in nature. Only a Sanin could give him what he truly wants in every way possible. What I'm interested in will be his response to when I explain all he wants to know. Why? Because I'm sure as hell that Madara didn't tell him a single thing about my intentions. That's all well and good, but I would've thought he'd at least give him something to speculate upon. Maybe I shouldn't be that way towards an old friend. Aside from this, I do wonder as to what Jiraiya and Tsunade will think. Clearly, they either haven't noticed or don't give a damn about what's going on in this world of ours. Oh so much has changed here… Hmm, well, sooner or later…we'll meet again no matter what circumstances those may be.
Now, it's just a matter of time… Sasuke, I'll be waiting for you…
A/N: Eep, done with chappie one! I did think of making this longer, but nah… There's always next time for that. Hehes
Sekito: Precisely so. It's good to see you having fun.
Marcus: *innocent look* Of course.
Agami: Indeed, he's right. It's always good to have fun with stories.
marcus: Yeps, hopefully it'll be well received. I'm really sick and tired of receiving hate on the internet. *sighs*
Sekito: We know that all too well. Anyways, we hope you all enjoyed what happened this time. The next chappie will be out shortly whenever they have it finished being written up. Until then, please remember to review, loves!
