Okay so this is going to be my first continuous Naruto fanfic. However we're not going to be focusing on Naruto far as much. Rather, we're going to give Kakuzu the Kage level background, hype, and feats an immortal truly deserves. So please don't complain about it being "Kakuzu-Centric" or "not having enough team 7", they won't come into play until much later :)
This story will follow our favorite Earth-Style Kinjutsu bounty hunter through his life, which will be altered heavily but interwoven with the natural storyline. Hope you all enjoy, and write reviews to let me know what you all think.
Now, onward to the Hidden Waterfall..
"You bastard! How dare you defile this temple with you- AArgh!"
"Predictable.." Kakuzu thought inwardly, staring at the gargling mess he'd just made of a temple gaurd. Breaking into his own villages shrine had been a miniscule task at best, all of the guards being traditional naginata wielders and not shinobi. Not that jonin would've been any more troublesome.
"Now where is that damned scroll?..." The hooded nin searched the corridors of the sanctuary, occasionally eyeing the intricate but more importantly valuable decorations that adorned the halls. Various statues embedded with jewel encrusted symbolism lined the pathways, almost slowing his search. Upon several minutes of searching he came across a wider hall, it's width unquestionably bizarre.
"Somethings here…" he reasoned. There wasn't any obvious purpose for this hall to be wider than the others. There must've be a passage or tunnel of sorts nearby that concealed it's true purpose.
"Doton: Shindō Kensaku"(1) The tanned shinobi spoke while clasping his hands together and closing his eyes as vibrations radiated forth from his body, bouncing off of the structure and back to the figure. Closing his eyes, the man was able to sense a hidden pathway behind a wall in the corridor, utilizing the technique to mimic a bats echolocation.
"There it is. I guess they weren't complete imbeciles. Normally it'd take someone with a dojutsu or some type of senjustu to find a hidden tunnel behind that much mass." The pupil-less man reasoned in his head before raising his hands once more to breach the wall that obstructed his path.
"Doton: Kyojakuna Doro"(2) A thick spewing of mud lathered the wall in front of the hidden entrance, before quickly infusing with the surface and hardening. Kakuzu then proceeded to merely real back a fist and punch the area, it crumbling to dust and pieces before him as he began running down the path. Several minutes later he came to an open area. As the pathway had a general decline he was now several stories lower than the shrine itself. Upon entrance to the large expanse there was a large erection, a wall of sorts engraved with ancient writing only somewhat readable by the trespasser that stood before it. Moving closer he attempted to utter the words silently.
"Here lies the evil, for which the God of Greed shall claim, it's tendrils writhing beneath it's better, forever to be buried in the depths of its origin.. This must be it. The Earth Style Kinjutsu I've been looking for. With this I'll leave this pathetic excuse for a ninja village and show the Nindaime that I will not be laughed at."
He reached forward and dragged his hand across inscriptions littered upon the stony surface, only for the symbols to begin glowing with an ethereal light, before a form of shining energy, reminiscent of fluorescent wind flowed into Kakuzu body before a scroll appeared magically before him, hovering as if laying on an invisible surface. He reached to grab the very thing he longed for before he was assaulted by a booming, malevolent sounding voice.
"You… Yes… You will be my new incarnation. The ultimate proliferator of Greed!"
Kakuzu couldn't even form words before thick, black tendrils shot at unimaginable speeds from the rapidly unraveling scroll, impaling the ninja from multiple angles. They pierced every organ, cutting through the soft tissue, calcified muscle, and the strong bones Kakuzu had earned through his many missions in the past. Small worm like appendages stitched into his flesh at various segmented points along his body, a writhing scream coming from his hoarse larynx before he lay unconscious from the painful procedure. As he faded away, he knew his life had just changed forever… what riches would he be able to obtain now that he had grown more powerful?
(Two weeks later)
He had done it. Successfully stolen the one thing worth the time to steal in Takigakure. Sure he'd heard the legends of the chakra water, but with his already massive reserves he felt that fairy tales like those were best left discovered by weaklings with aspirations of being true shinobi, not esteemed and proven warriors. Now over the last few days he'd had time to get accustomed to his new found power and abilities. Currently, he only had the hearts of the four village elders he had killed upon his initial rampage. An old group of Takigakure's strongest shinobi, they each had thier own strong affinity toward wind, water, fire, and lightning respectively. However, Kakuzu knew that he now had the power to gain up to 5 extra hearts, and they didn't necessarily have to be limited to basic nature transformations. These could be from ninja of varying elemental affinities, or perhaps even Kekkei Genkai or Kekkei Touta? Perhaps a plan to Kiri would be in order eventually to test that theory. It was well known that the land of waves held the most clans with unique elemental powers. He could imagine it now - the famed Ice of the Yuki clan, Steam, Lava, and Acid of the Terumi… The possibilities were endless.
He was currently on a trek toward the land of fire however. While he'd come across a couple of well paying bounty missions, he also had a score to settle.
"That damn Tobirama won't embarrass me a second time. The one thing without a price in this world is pride." The rogue hunter thought while he silently journeyed closer to Konoha, reminded of his pitiful failure that day to even touch the First Hokage.
(-Flashback-)
Hashirama Senju, the legendary First Hokage stood before a crowd of thousands in one Takigakure's many courtyards for a monumental alliance speech he had prepared. A decade had gone by with the Land of the Waterfall bitterly resisting Konoha's growth, a development born partly out of resentment, and partly out of fear for the village. Understandably, they were afraid of so many powerful ninja clans joining forces to form the largest and most powerful cohesive group of shinobi the known world had seen. The elders of Taki couldn't fathom how they would ever survive in a world where the Sarutobi, Nara, Hatake, Aburame, Inuzuka, Akimichi, Yamanaka, Hyuuga, Uchiha, and Senju all fought for the same flag. And so they had fought until every last capable warrior they had besides themselves had fallen. All but one remained of course.
"Today marks the glorious conclusion to years of bloodshed between the The Hidden Leaf and Takigakure! Let us rejoice and embrace each other as comrades. United by the strife and grief of war, death, and destruction, we turn toward a new day! One on which our two people's hold hands toward a brilliant display of peace and equality, of resilience and prosperity, of contentment and respect! For we have - Unh!-"
Just then a flash could be seen, blue armor and a white mane with an almost unnatural gleam of pure snow suddenly blinked into existence in front of the traditionally robed god of ninja, the orator's brother holding his famed Raijin no Ken(3) against the serrated wakizashi of a masked assassin. The attacker had the eyes of something less than human the defender revealed to be Tobirama Senju noticed, almost like a cold tool, only touched when needed. The two blades quickly parted, leaving a terrified crowd running back for cover, even the civilians knowing that a battle involving any of the two Senju would mean a new landmark could be formed. Hashirama furrowed his brow and stepped forward, before the cold arm of his brother raised out in front of him, preventing him from getting closer.
"Hashi, let me handle this. It wouldn't do for the one giving the peace talk to kill a ninja of Takigakure right now would it?" Tobirama asked, a soft sigh from Hashirama affirming his position. He then turned to their eery attacker as he looked like he was going to say something.
"So you really are as smart as they say Tobirama, God of Science and Water. How'd you know I belong to this land and wasn't hired?"
The assassin inquired, both generally interested and buying time to plot his battle strategy to complete his mission.
"It wasn't hard to realize I was looking at the famed Kakuzu, the shinobi of death. There's only one ninja that this land has ever birthed that would even be reasonable to send on an assassination attempt on brother or myself." Tobirama states stoically, the lack of emotion visibly irritating Kakuzu who lowered into a battle stance.
"Well I guess you've got me all figured out. I should be flattered that you already know the name of the man who will dig your early grave." The pupiless man stated arrogantly, only to receive a dry chuckle in return.
"You misunderstand. While you are the closest to us here, you are leagues below us in every single way. Allow me to demonstrate to you the difference in our strengths! Hiraishingiri!(4)"
Before the tanned, teal eyed fighter could react, the blue clad Senju had appeared behind him, the audible squelch and shining light of burning flesh and space-time ninjustu overwhelming his experienced senses as he leaned over instantly, clutching the side of the right side rib cage wincing in the most horrible of pains.
"DAMn it! Wha-tt What was that! You… you bastard…" the assailant tried to yell, his partially cooked diaphragm failing him dramatically.
"That was my brother's lethal space-time ninjutsu! Quite frankly I don't know how my brother comes up with this stuff, but it gets the job done." Hashirama stated somewhat genuinely, as he watched his brother approach his would be killer in bitter contempt.
"To try and kill someone who showed all of you mercy. You clearly don't belong in a world with those such as we Senju. You're nothing more than another pathetic Jonin level shinobi. I've killed dozen of Uchiha more impressive than you'll ever be." The future Nindaime stated with disgust before kicking the downed man in the nearly cauterized wound, eliciting an embarrassing moan of agony from the being, before he raised his blade once more above the ninja's head.
"There's no room for trash like you in this new shinobi world were forging. If your lucky, I'll bring you back with a new jutsu I've been developing." the red eyed man said callously has he prepared to behead the man before him.
"Tobirama, stop!" Hashirama barked, knowing the tendencies of his brother were sometimes those of a vengeful animal.
"Brother I'm putting an end to this creatine before he pops up later killing more people! Can't you recognize an enemy of Konoha when you see one!" the man shouted back, edging his blade unbearably close to the skin of Kakuzu neck, it's ration energy tickling the tissue it was only moments away from touching.
"Brother, I said stop." was all Hashirama said before he flared his chakra, the overwhelming weight of his yang energy instantly superseding any thought of superiority or sovereignty his brother may have had in an instant.
The person whose face was adored with red markings drew their blade back, slowly sheathing it as they sighed in defeat. Kakuzu could do nothing but lie there in complete shame. Not only was he defeated without even utilizing a single jutsu of his own, but now they denied him the right to a just death? A voice croaked out just as soon as the two Senju were going to turn their backs.
"YOuu.. damned senju.. just kill me! Give me a good death. I'll be ridiculed forever for this failure.. to even scratch either of you. Don't yo-uu dare leave me aRkuhh-!" the assassin said as he coughed what remained of his innards up, livid st the possibility of being shunned or even cast out in his own land. This time Hashirama spoke however.
"No. Let this be a reminder that the Hidden Leaf knows mercy and an opportunity for good. Kakuzu, go forward and get strong. Get strong and forge your own destiny. One where your superiors don't send you to your death on fruitless and hatred driven suicide missions. They knew you weren't up to the task, and probably downplayed our feats. You were set up, which is why I give you this chance. You'll thank me later." he said with finality, as he and his brother gave a last glance at the man in pain, before making their way back to the safety of the Leaf. The council would have to be alerted to the failed peace agreement, although with the Hidden Waterfalls military essentially decimated, this result would change very little in the end.
Kakuzu, in a state of non function couldn't do much in his state, unconsciousness eventually claiming his visage as feelings of rage and acceptance mixed admit the blurry image of medical shinobi surrounding his body. Yes… this was the end of his esteemed career… and the beginning of his revenge.
(- Flashback End -)
" All of this. My fame, my money, lost because of you. I'll be sure to crush you under my boot like you did me, then I'll sell your head to the highest bidder." the masked man mused, starting to see more and more passing travelers as he got closer to the ninja village. Some nodded in his direction, silently recognizing his apparent strength in the ninja arts or slightly intimidated by his large statue and darker tanned skin that signified he hailed from farther away. A few women had given him a curious gaze, their curiosities obviously intrigued by the mysterious shinobi persona he exuded. His appearance wasn't particularly special. Kakuzu typically favored versatility and realistic clothing as opposed to a cloak, but the four hearts on his back had to be concealed at all cost to avoid unwanted attention. Upon his was fastened his traditional Taki ninja outfit, altered into a matte black fashion as well as a matching mask. Over that was a long and hooded cloak that was a dark indigo in color, it's inner lining designed to adapt to heat or cold based on the temperature and it's wearers chakra flares. Being a bounty hunter sure had its perks in the accommodations department, for none of his gear was cheap. He'd decided to keep his mask on everywhere he went of course, the stitched lines upon his face being particularly bad for business, while he let his long but slightly unruly hair flow down to his shoulder blades, giving him a very menacing but capable appearance. Upon his feet were his basic matte black shinobi sands and black foot wraps, along with a weapon holder along his hip concealed underneath the cloak. All in all, he was comfortable with his attire for now. He had no need for clunky armor like the samurai or senju, at least not anymore.
After a few more hours it looked like he was finally reaching the village gates. He had to admit, the beginning of great nation this surely was. Never had he seen so many civilians and shinobi in the same place, side by side. Before he could continue his thoughts he felt a tug on the bottom of his cloak. The zombified giant looked down with a raised brow.
"Wooaahh.. Mr. you're really tall! And you you look really strong!" a child clamored, his appearance being that of about a six year old boy with already long and flowing white or silvery hair flowing down to his back. Kakuzu sighed, why now?
"Yes yes, now go away child. Don't you have somewhere to be?"
"Ummm actually no." the kid replied.
"No parents? A sensei perhaps? It's not safe to talk to random travelers." Kakuzu attempted to reason with the little boy, not wanting to waste anymore time.
"Uhh.. actually no. I uh, don't know if I ever had parents. I'm an orphan and I don't have a sensei yet, but I will soon! One day I'm gonna be Hokage, you can bet your life on it!" the boy exclaimed to the total stranger.
"oh I'd bet all four" Kakuzu mused, trying to continue walking, hopefully his ignoring would make this nuisance leave him.
"You don't talk much do you ?" The boy asked innocently.
"and you don't shut up do you…"
"DAN! Dan is my name so don't forget it. And don't be mad because of the zombie thing, you just look like you're dead" the boy know as Dan explained with a toothy grin, leaving a deadpanned Kakuzu with more than a few tick marks above his brow.
"Look, you're interrupting something I have to do. Get lost alright!" the masked nin slightly yelled, angering the small child.
"Fine! I'll leave for now. But this isn't the last you'll hear of Dan of the ghost powers! Together, zombie and ghost. We'd be so cool together! Later " Dan yelled as he ran back inside the village gates, exactly where Kakuzu had been headed.
"I can already tell this village will be full of distractions…" The stitched up voodoo doll of a man said to himself as he nears the village gates.
He'd better not waste time this time around.
Alright so how'd y'all like it? Let me know with your comments and stuff, I wanna know what directions you think would be cool to take this in and what characters you want to see first. We're currently in the era of the Second Hokage and the coming Second great ninja war so keep that in mind! And in case you were wondering, yes that is Dan, Tsunade first real love interest. Both he and Tsunade are super young right now, but they'll play a bigger role in the future of course. Once again leave your feedback I'm the comments and be sure to follow me and and follow, favorite, and keep this story in your thoughts. I plan to keep new chapters constantly flowing out. This story will follow Kakuzu for as long as he lives in the Naruto world and perhaps onward?
Thanks for reading!
JUTSU / ITEM LIST
"Doton: Shindō Kensaku" - Earth Style: Vibration Search. Earth style technique that allows the user to utilize the group and surrounding structures vibrations to locate hidden objects, people, or valuables in hidden locations.
"Doton: Kyojakuna Doro" - Earth Style: Frail Mud. Earth Style jutsu that utilizes adhesive and quickly hardening mud to destabilize the structure or composition of anything it lands on, making for a demolishing or very destructive offensive technique.
"Raijin no Ken" - Sword of the Thunder God. Experimental and one of a kind weapon designed by Tobirama Senju that utilized pure electrical energy in a retractable blade.
"Hiraishingiri" - Flying Raijin Slash. The first offensive technique created by Tobirama Senju in tandem with the Flying Raijin time space ninjutsu.