Hey y'all! It's Aurora here with a new story. This is something I thought about last night while doing my daily mindfulness meditation. It'll definitely be something that will be sort of a challenge. Rarely do I ever divert from fantasy or paranormal stories. So, we'll see how this goes I suppose. Hehes
I hope you all enjoy the first chappie along with further ones for this. Please remember to favorite, follow, etc. along with leaving some nice reviews.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of its characters.
Pairings: KakaNaru and OroSasu. 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. She inspires and motivates me to continue writing. I don't know what I'd do without her.
Whisper
Chapter 1: Shatter
Naruto
Over the years so far, I have endured more than my share of hardships. The villagers have always regarded me with disdain, cruelty, and harshness. They tend to attack me at whatever chance they can grasp. Usually it's physical, but sometimes it will be in another form. Kurama tries to assure me that I'm not a monster nor a demon. How can this be true? Am I really human like everyone else? I don't see how I can when very few people see me as an equal. The other shinobi and the kunoichi see me as one of them. They're the only people who have. Though even then there has been some distance. Maybe that's partially my fault for that happening. Can I blame myself for it? No, I cannot because this is the life I was thrust into where I grew up on my own. The other jinchurriki have the same situation where most have no siblings to call a family. When we were the age of sixteen is when we made a vow to remain silent because no one really seems to want to hear us. No one gives us the time of day even when we sort of feel ok around other ninja. No matter what we are still outcasts.
Currently, I'm almost nineteen, having my fair share of scars whether they be my own creation or from others. They mottle my body to tell a tragic story that has no happy ending. Those type of fairytales they tell when we are young are just that; a story. They give us no solace when we never had a family to call our own. Sitting at the top of the roof where my meager apartment is, I stare up at the sky. It looks so free up there where the clouds are. It's almost time for when the sun will set. It's beautiful seeing the array of colors blossom over the expanse. How I long for a day when I can feel so carefree. But now I must wear a mask of my own amongst others to not allow anyone close. I need to meet up with the rest of the team tomorrow considering we have a mission. Sighing, I go down the fire escape against the wall of the building, slipping inside of my home after making sure the coast is clear. The last thing I want right now is having to deal with someone trying to harass me. Making some ramen for myself, I feel my stomach growl in complaint. I'll try to eat something then hopefully get a few winks of sleep. We'll see what happens I suppose.
You know the offer is still on the table, kit, pipes up the demon, sounding so tempting with the thought of giving in.
I allow your chakra to consume bits every once in a while, I respond, speaking aloud none of this because I have no energy to do so nor do I want to break the oath I have with the others of my kin. What more do you want of me, huh? Is what I allow not enough for you?
It is for the moment, murmurs the beast in response, seeming thoughtful before continuing. But there is more to this than meets the eye as you can tell. Will it help if we take this at a progression of sorts?
Yeah, I respond after a few moments of thinking this over, taking a few bites of my meal when it's done cooking, sitting on my shabby excuse for a sofa, knowing it pales in comparison to most other people's housing though ti works well enough for me.
Then we'll start tonight. You'll see what has been done in the morning. What I can assure you is that this is something you will not regret in the slightest. It won't hurt a lick either for you since it will occur in your rest.
Shrugging, I decide to agree to this, thinking it seems reasonable enough. Kurama hasn't steered me the wrong way before. Why do I need to doubt them now? Finishing up, I stretch, tossing my plastic utensils and bowl into the trash bin before I head to my bedroom, ensuring all the doors are under lock and key along with the wards up. It makes sure no one can trespass in here. Once that's done, I go to lie down after stripping down to my boxers, slipping under the covers after that's done with, hoping I'll be able to get some sleep tonight. What worries me is how the others may think of me when they find out what I've done. Are they going to hate me? Will they ridicule me? These are people I've grown up with who don't seem malicious in their intent. Maybe I'm just overthinking things a little too much. Turning onto my side, I allow my eyes to shut close, trying to think of better thoughts to let me have some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day, knowing the mission we have is a higher ranked one than the previous ones we've been on before. Consciousness slips away when the darkness consumes me, not fighting against it as I slip into the land of dreams.
()
Waking up that morning, I feel different. Pulling myself up into a sitting position, I look down at myself. The entirety of my body doesn't seem any different. The scarification along with the markings of the seal remain. Though it seems that my body is more so in the shape of a fox. My face and hair are what feel that have the most changes to it. Getting out of bed, I go into the bathroom to look in the mirror. It's only a half hour past dawn. I don't need to be at the meetup spot until nine. Peering into the glass, I gasp in shock at what I see. The whiskers on my face are more prominent along with my hair being in a more fox-fur like shape. My teeth are needle sharp akin to Kurama's canines. This feels acceptable though after the initial shock fades. It's not noticeable for others to see any difference when comparing it to how I always look like to other people. When I'm done looking it over thoroughly, I wash up to get ready.
How do you like it? Asks Kurama after I'm done washing up, trying to decide on what I want to wear for today.
Very well, I admit, not knowing before how much might be changed, but this seems to be a gradual transformation, appreciating how the demon seems to be trying to be accommodating towards me. This is fine.
Good. It won't be until you turn nineteen when more will happen, is all they say further on it before going silent for now.
Unsure of what this means, I decide to brush it aside for now. I can try to analyze that later if I want to. Opting for a black t-shirt and pants, I pull on my jumpsuit over it. The one I have now is purple with orange trimming. Another item I have that I got a few years ago is a pair of gloves. They're fingerless ones that are purple too with black trimming at the ends and base of it. Pulling on my zori once that's done, I grab my pouch, attaching it to my belt. Inside of it are my scrolls, wallet, etc. for whatever might happen. Using my fingers, I comb my hair for it to fall where it may down my back. Hardening my expression, I don my mask at knowing I'll have to interact with others today. Everyone knows that I don't talk anymore.
Leaving my home, I head off to the meeting spot, walking with purpose to the location. Surprisingly enough, I encounter no opposition on the way there. It seems a little weird considering to what I consider as normal. Maybe it's not time for when people will be out or something. I'm not entirely sure about it. Approaching the training grounds, I go to a spot to sit, waiting for the rest to arrive. Shortly after, I see Sakura trudge up, blinking in surprise to see me here early. Sai comes to join us a little bit after that though it'll probably take longer for Yamato and Kakashi to arrive. Those two are always late.
"Hey, are you ok?" Asks the medic in concern.
I shrug, not saying a word. Sai has a fake smile plastering on his lips. He's probably one of the few who understand my situation. He's from the Root after all. He knows what it's like to be face to face with a life that's broken him down to the core. Reaching over, he places a hand on one of my shoulders, retracting it quickly afterwards. The last thing he really wants is for anyone starting to think he's grown soft. An hour after nine is when our team leaders approach, listening idly in the meantime to Sakura and Sai talk to each other.
"Ah, I see you're all here," says Yamato, giving a separate glance my way before speaking to all of us again. "We need to leave now. The mission we have isn't an easy one."
Nodding, I expect as much, knowing we have to deliver important papers to the Kazekage on Granny behalf. What makes it hard is that there's been recent sightings of the Akatsuki. The organization has always been on the search for those like me. It's not long after the short debrief that we leave Konoha, exiting through the front gates. We travel for a day before setting up a campsite. Positioning my sleeping roll away from the others, I break out my instant ramen, eating alone by myself. Apparently I'm not going to have a moment by myself at seeing Kakashi come over. Sitting across from me, I see he wants a word with me. Bringing out a notebook and pen, I have this to speak with instead of using my own voice. Waiting, I wonder what he wants to talk to me about in particular.
"You don't look alright," notes the copycat, genuine concern and worry in his visible eye that's not behind his facial mask.
You know how it is. I don't get much sleep these nights, I show him what I write down in response, glad that he and the others of our team have been some who haven't risen a complaint about this.
"I know," he reaches over, placing a hand on one of my own, tensing ever so slightly; especially at feeling a jolt of electricity flow through our fingertips. "I'm here if you need someone to talk to, you know. I promised your father that I would protect you."
Really? You've done a lousy job so far, I flinch away, scooting a fair distance from him, glaring daggers instead of showing the tears that want to fall instead.
Shock crosses his face first before a frown etches on his lips, "I'm aware of that, Naruto. I'm sorry for what's happened to you. It's not been a normal life for you. Just have a little trust in me, alright?"
Considering this for a several moments, I respond, Ok…. I have so far. Trust is something I dont' have in many people. You're one of those who have it still to this very day. Just don't take it personally when I push you or anyone else away, please.
"Of course," nods the silver haired man, getting up to leave me to rest for the night, knowing we'll all need it for whatever may happen on our journey.
Well, that could've gone better…. At least he still tries to come talk to me instead of giving up after the first try.
()()()()()
Sasuke
Over the years, I train under Orochimaru's tutelage. I've become stronger than I was when I first came here to Otogakure. There's still more to learn before I can go after itachi. The goal I aspire to accomplish hasn't changed so far. What I desire to know is why he did it. If it had truly been to see if he could and test his power then I suppose I can understand. Although if it's for an entirely different reason then I'll consider it whether it is the real truth or more lies. In the training grounds, I meditate while sharpening my katana with a whetstone. There are some snakes that coil around my legs. It's not something that bothers me. One part of the training is learning how to control and use the serpents. They are good companions. The reptiles seem wise like how Kakashi's hounds are. The creatures here don't prove any harm to me. Perhaps it's due to Orochimaru's rule here.
When I'm done for the day, I head inside, knowing I'll need to head to the medical bay to go through with having blood and cells taken. It's to improve Orochimaru's condition. The purpose for it is something that remains unknown. I think when the time comes will be when he tells me what it's really for. Until then, it's none of my business, heading to the location, sitting down in the correct chair to extend one arm. Gritting my teeth, I endure the process, being given permission to leave when Kabuto finishes up. Though before I leave the area entirely has him stop me in my tracks.
"Lord Orochimaru wants to speak with you. He'll be in his chambers," says the ex-medic before shooing me out of there.
Nodding, I leave, going down the correct corridor that will take me there. What does he need to speak with me about exactly? Well, I'll find out shortly enough. Finding the door, I knock once before entering to alert him of my arrival. Motioning for me to take a seat, I do in the one across from him. Eyeing me intently, I stare back stoically, waiting to be told what this is about. Certainly, it must be important.
"I see you're progressing better than I thought," murmurs Orochimaru in a pleased manner. "At this rate you'll reach completion sooner than expected."
"Will I be ready then to seek out my brother?" I desire to know, itching for the moment when I can leave to begin my search.
"Soon, my dear, very soon…. Patience is key of course. If you rush then it will damage the progress thus far," reassures the Sanin, his lips twitching ever so slightly, forming a faint ghost of a smile, seeing a flicker of amusement in his amber orbs. "it's good to see you're still so intent on finding him. What will you do when it happens?"
"I'll ask him the question I want answers for. If he gives a certain one then I will kill him," I respond without hesitation, having given him my answer about this a couple of times over the course of time I've been here.
"Good," he reaches over with one hand, tracing the marking on my wrist with his slender fingers, trying in vain to deny the shivers I feel running down my spine at his touch. "You must not hesitate in anything, Sasuke… If you ever do then it may end in your untimely demise."
"I remember," I confirm, seeing his hand retract, wondering if I'll see Naruto and the others at some point, knowing the fox and I are the same age though I'm a bit older than him. "Is that all we need to talk about?"
"Not quite," he replies, keeping my attention on him. "I must return to Amegakure in a few days time."
"Why?" I want to know, recalling that my brother is a part of that organization.
"Because the leaders desire for me to rejoin their ranks," answers Orochimaru simply as if it's common sense, seeming to know what I might be thinking about. "By that time, I think you will be ready enough. So, I will ask you this, Uchiha. Do you desire to accompany me there?"
It's a tempting offer. How can I refuse? The thought of seeing itachi face to face again after all of this time is a driving force to have me say yes. There's very little to nothing that holds me back to reject it. Perhaps I can grow ever closer to him in the process. There are parts of our deal that I still have yet to complete aside from the training. The last thing I want is to pass this up for a later time. There are no worries nor regrets in my mind.
"Yes, I will go with you when it's time to depart."
Oks, that's the end of the first chappie for this. I kind of went a little overboard with how long this went on for. Hopefully it's a sufficient length for y'all. Obviously, I'm excited for how this will progress from here on out. I hope you all enjoyed it. Hehes
The next chappie will be out shortly whenever I have it finished being written up. Hopefully that won't be too long of a wait for it. Until then, please remember to review, darlings!