Author's Note: I realise that there were one or two "slips of the keyboard" in Chapter 1. My apologies for those, I will thoroughly go through this one so as not to publish errors and/or misspells.

I also realise that I did not include a Disclaimer.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of the characters, plot-lines or other Naruto-world related assets.

Kurai's POV

"Can you hear me?"

Someone was speaking to me, but I felt like I was drifting back and forth between a dream and reality. I wanted to sleep forever. I wanted to ignore the world and the voice that spoke to me. It was deep and raspy, and I could have sworn I heard a slight hiss somewhere. But it must have been my imagination.

A cold hand grasped my upper right arm and shook me, yanking me from my dream world and placing me firmly back into reality. My eyes shot open and surveyed the owner of the voice. Green clashed with slitted gold, and for a moment neither of us spoke, until the man smirked.

"I can see recognition in your eyes," he said. "Good to know I haven't been forgotten already."

As if anyone could forget this man or not know who he is. He needed no introduction. Orochimaru. The legendary Snake Sannin. I knew him, but this was the first time I'd ever met him face to face. It had certainly not been something on my to-do list.

I swallowed in an attempt to lubricate my dry and sore throat, but ended up gulping. "Dammit, now he probably thinks I'm scared." Not to say I wasn't scared, just cautious is all. At least that's what I told myself.

"What happened? Where am I? The shinobi of the Hidden Mist..."

"...are all dead." Orochimaru got up, and it was then I realised I was flat on my back, in what appeared to be another part of the forest. There were flecks of blood on my shirt, but it wasn't my blood.

"You looked like you could have used a helping hand," Orochimaru continued. "I was watching you from afar, but I decided to intervene when you lost consciousness. It's a good thing I did, or you'd be dead. I hope my actions won't go unthanked..."

"Er, thank you," I muttered sheepishly. Legendary Sannin or not, manners cost nothing. "But why? Why did you save me? Do you know who I am?"

At this, Orochimaru's eyes glowed in excitement. "I've heard whispers that you were alive. Kurai Akira. The War Prodigy. I must admit that I am quite honoured to meet you in the flesh."

"Likewise."

"However," the Snake Sannin went on, "what I'd like to know is how you are still alive. Four years ago, more than a dozen eye witnesses confirmed your death. Until about a month ago, your name had not been mentioned since the Third Great Ninja War, and now terror is spreading at the mere rumours of your existence."

I sighed. These sorts of questions were bound to be asked, I might as well get this over with. "Who's saying I didn't die?" I smirked at the frown on Orochimaru's pale face. "Whatever you've heard about me is true. I died, but I came back. Don't ask me how – I don't know. I just woke up and presto, I'm alive again."

Orochimaru said nothing, obviously waiting for further elaboration on the subject, of which I could provide him with none. I truly didn't know how I was here, breathing, fighting, feeling pain once more. I wondered to myself if I even missed being alive.

At last, he spoke. "Would you like to know?"

It was my turn to frown. "Know what?"

"Everything..." he said, bringing his face closer to mine. For a moment I was lost in his eyes, paralysed. "If you come with me, I can help you find the answers that you seek. Together we can give new meaning to your Life. You will once again have a purpose, but not one controlled by any village. You will be free. Join me."

He extended his hand and I instinctively flinched, my muscles tensing up out of reflex. He didn't overlook this. "You have no reason to fear me, Kurai," he purred, the hiss long ago wiped clear from his voice. "I assure you, it would be pointless for us to fight. If at any time you wish to leave on your own, then you are free to do so."

His offer certainly intrigued me, and I certainly could use a place to stay that wasn't crawling with shinobi from the Hidden Mist or spies from other villages. Even if it was just for a while. Three weeks or so. I could get cleaned up, get strong again, rest up my aching body and get back into my training. What could go wrong?

I needed this.

"Alright," I said, taking his hand. He pulled me to my feet. "But I'm holding you to your word. If I want to leave, then there's nothing stopping me, right? This is all of my own free volition."

"Of course."

Orochimaru's hideout was two hours worth of travel from where he found me, but it was worth it. The place was secluded, secure and Hidden-Mist-proof. It was perfect. A little dark, but my eyes would adjust.

From what he told me, we were the only two inhabitants there. After the Fourth Great Ninja War – which I had only heard about – Orochimaru returned here. For a man who didn't do anything without good reason to, returning to an abandoned hideout after the end of a Ninja War could mean only one thing: he was planning something.

I hoped I wasn't part of his plans.

Despite his appearance, Orochimaru was a surprisingly good host. He gave me one of his best rooms, gave me a meal fit for a Hokage, gave me a quick tour of he hideout, then left me be. Part of me had been expecting to be strapped to a steel table and opened up to see how I tick, but I didn't even see a laboratory on my tour. If Orochimaru was planning anything, it didn't seem to involve dastardly experiments and forbidden jutsus.

Together we can give new meaning to your Life. You will once again have a purpose...

Orochimaru's words played out in my head over and over again. I was a weapon of war, what other purpose could I possibly have apart from killing? Give new meaning to your Life... Did that imply that my being alive right now was meaningless? The thought made my heart hurt. I didn't want a meaningless existence. I wanted a purpose. I wanted to be needed. I wanted to matter. But not for killing. No, today – right now – that stops. I will no longer be Kurai Akira of the Black Death. No longer will I deserve the title Soul Counter. No, from this moment on I will be Kurai Akira. Nothing more, nothing less. A free agent, searching for a purpose.