Chapter 3-Of Demons and Deals
Maleficent sat on her plush throne. It was quite comfortable actually. In one hand was her staff. On her other hand was a crow with a Sharingan Eye. Around the woman's shoulders was a snake watching for everything and anything. Sitting beside her in a smaller, yet no more regal throne was her son Naruto watching things with his own critical blue eyes. The years had gone by quickly with Naruto growing up into a now healthy young boy, who under the watch of his Mother, and the training of his two ninja senseis had become quite strong for his age of ten going on eleven in a few months.
As things stood, the boy was well educated, and Maleficent made sure that her son was the sharpest blade among all the children his age within Wave.
Sharper then most adults too.
"As you can see your majesty, the bridge I wish to make would help increase our nation's trade up well over sixty percent because we would be directly tied to the main land. Not only that, but it would ensure we don't rely heavily on trading using ships for importing, and exporting like we have in the past," explained the old man named Tazuna, who was ironically enough the man Maleficent met when the group first arrived.
"Yes it would. But I was under the impression the people of Wave greatly feared the idea of some army of bandits or ninjas from invading. Wouldn't this be an open invitation for them to do so? My predecessor was certain it was despite my own opinion on the matter when you addressed it to him at a previous point in time," commented Maleficent with Tazuna nodding in agreement since she was right about her predecessor.
Which was why he was bringing this issue to her now in the hopes she would green light the project.
After Maleficent became the previous Wave Daimyo's Advisor, she used her years of wisdom, and knowledge from her past life to ensure Wave Country became a strong and thriving nation. Her words of wisdom were listened to by the Wave Daimyo roughly a good eighty percent of the time. The remaining twenty percent the Wave Daimyo either disliked or turned down the words of wisdom from the woman, despite her many good examples of how following through with certain deals would have benefited Wave. The Daimyo's decision to go against Maleficent's words would come to bite him in the butt at times and many of the populace felt the man was losing his touch in properly ruling over them. The more screw ups the Wave Daimyo made, the more angry the people became with him, and started supporting Maleficent even more despite her strange dark and slightly terrifying appearance.
So when the time came to have Itachi end the man with subtle manipulation that could not be tied to the dark witch herself...the people didn't really mind the change in terms of leadership. They actually preferred it since Maleficent was now in the seat of power and using it wisely to govern the lands around her.
Hence why Tazuna was here to ensure Wave prospered under his current idea.
"Yes your majesty. He did oppose the idea for one of those reasons. However, the bridge is rather long, and narrow even so only a small army could cross if it happened. Plus, the income gained through additional trade could be used to hire samurai from Iron Country to defend the bridge to provide more security. The greater the security means merchants can will trust us to protect them when conducting trade and they will wish to do future business with us knowing we can protect them from bandits," replied Tazuna with Maleficent nodding at the idea since such security would show merchants that doing business with Wave was safe.
"And while I do not wish to speak ill of my predecessor regarding his decision, its clear to the two of us that the man was a twit. Wouldn't you agree?" said Maleficent, as she saw Tazuna pause for a second to consider his response before nodding.
"To some degree you majesty," replied Tazuna with the woman nodding.
"As such, I do no wish to make the same mistake as my predecessor. To that end, I will grant you the needed resources, materials, and manpower to build this bridge. I expect you to provide me with monthly reports on the progress of the bridge and the expected time it will be completed," ordered Maleficent with Tazuna nodding with happiness in his eyes since the bridge was considered in his eyes to be the ultimate construction project for Wave.
"Thank you Maleficent-sama. I'll begin working on the project right away. You won't be disappointed," said Tazuna before bowing again and leaving to inform the rest of the populace of the good news.
"Such a passionate man. Could do without the need to drink though, but aside from that he has his country's welfare at heart. Don't you agree Naruto?" remarked Maleficent, as she looked at her son, who nodded in agreement.
"Yes Kaa-san. Though I suspect from what I smelled during the meeting with him that he did have a drink prior to coming here," replied Naruto with Maleficent nodding since she smelled it too.
"Not that the matter of the bridge being built is concluded, we need to move onto other business. Particularly the business regarding that foolish businessman Gato. What do you have to report about him Itachi?" remarked Maleficent while Itachi flew off her arm and transformed into a human.
"The man is slime Maleficent-sama. On face value, he seems like an ordinary man with a legitimate business that deals in distributing goods internationally. But underneath it all, the man has connections to the criminal underworld in almost every major country. He deals in racketeering, extortion, blackmail, illegal weapon selling, smuggling, human trafficking, and prostitution while channeling the illegal finances into various secret bank accounts to be a special 'safety net' for himself," replied Itachi while Maleficent narrowed her eyes angrily at the notion of such a human existing.
Gato reminded her a lot about King Stefan. Always wanting more and more from others without the thought or presence of mind to stop taking what wasn't his to take.
"And to think I gave such a man an audience with me just last week over doing business with his shipping company," remarked Maleficent since she instantly disliked the man and his two thug like guards.
"And because you refused him, the man is seeking out a way to 'convince you' that doing business with him is in your best interest. Namely your health and Naruto-sama's health to be precise," replied Itachi while sensing his Mistress was angry at his words.
"And how does this pig of a man expect to get to me? Or more then likely get to my son Naruto?" asked Maleficent with Itachi pausing to consider his words.
"More then likely, Gato will hire ninja from one of the major villages to kidnap him, or possibly kill Naruto-sama should he feel the need to make his message hit its mark," said Itachi while the woman's anger seemed to grow and radiate off her body.
"Don't worry Kaa-san. I won't let anyone hurt me or you by any means," replied Naruto, which calmed the dark witch to some degree, but it still made her eyes narrow at the idea of them being targets, and possibly killed by Gato's hired help.
And yet...this could work to her advantage.
"Do you know who Gato would employ for such a task?" questioned Maleficent with Itachi nodding.
"Yes Mistress. I overheard Gato talking about hiring Momochi Zabuza for this. The ninja in question is a Missing Nin formerly of Kiri after his failed coup. against the Mizukage forced him to flee with what few followers remain. He is called the Demon of the Bloody Mist and is a Master at the silent killing technique," explained Itachi before going further into detail about how Zabuza became a ninja after killing over a hundred recently made Genin at the young age of twelve, which caused the higher powers that be running Kiri to change the rules about how the Academy Graduation was done.
It was shocking and impressive all in one to Maleficent as well as Naruto with the boy almost looking like he wanted to idolize him in terms of skill and strength.
"Interesting. This Momochi Zabuza has certainly earned his title. Let this man come with whoever is with him to claim my life. I will show Gato and his followers what it means to challenge someone with my power. A demon like Zabuza is no match for an entity of darkness who creates them!" declared Maleficent with Itachi nodding in agreement.
"With your permission Maleficent-sama, I would like to investigate what is going on in Konoha. I am concerned about the future of my clan and my little brother," requested Itachi since he had been unable to see his family for so long and knew it was because Maleficent did not want him to somehow communicate with them in the belief they could free him from her spell.
Not that he had to go since Maleficent always kept an eye on things using the orb on her staff and kept the Uchiha in the loop. Still, Itachi feared for the internal structure of his clan, and what his Father had done in his absence. He needed to see things for himself, if only to give himself some peace within his own mind.
"I know you do Itachi. I have seen that worry on your face on more then one occasion. As such, I will allow you to calm your worries, and your fears by going to see them. BUT, I forbid you from communicating with your clan in any way. You will watch your family in your crow form and see what has happened to your clan. Once you have seen all you have seen, I expect you to return to me post haste," commanded Maleficent with man kneeling in front of her nodding and clearly grateful for this opportunity.
"Thank you Maleficent-sama. I will shall go and return immediately," said Itachi before he turned into a crow and took flight.
Itachi just hoped what he saw no when compared to the past was an improvement.
(Konoha-At the Moment)
"So my son Uchiha Itachi has not been found. Ever after all these years," commented Uchiha Fugaku with Hiruzen nodding his head while the Council Meeting had shifted to this old yet no less pressing news.
"Sadly no. Every Konoha ninja sent out on missions has standing orders to keep an eye out for him Fugaku. Alas, no teams have heard anything about your son. Jiraiya's spy network has also failed to pickup anything about your son's whereabouts too," replied Hiruzen while Fugaku let out a grunt of anger at Konoha's failure in retrieving his son.
The only reason Fugaku trusted Hiruzen was doing anything was because each mission pertaining to outside Konoha and Fire Country in general had at least one Uchiha on it. They all told Fugaku that the Hokage had each team keep a look out for Itachi when on those missions with orders to possibly retrieve if not report his location to the Hokage for possible reinforcements to extract him.
At first, when Itachi went missing, Fugaku suspected foul play by the Hokage, or Konoha in general in fear of Itachi's potential for being an Uchiha. However, that all changed when Hiruzen told Fugaku that Mitarashi Anko, and Uzumaki Naruto were both missing as well during the Emergency Council Meeting about it. This had caused an all around perception to shift for the Uchiha Clan Head and the clan overall about this since he knew that Hiruzen was very defensive about Naruto being left alone and unsupervised. Not that Fugaku was surprised by that part on account of how Konoha as a whole treated the boy. Not only that, but it was no secret to knows on the Councils and Clan heads that Anko was something of a special project for the Sandaime after she was recovered literally at the front gates of the village years ago following Orochimaru's betrayal.
As such, Hiruzen wouldn't do anything to those two at the risk of hurting Itachi, and the Uchiha clan Head also knew Konoha's overall Councils were reluctantly in the same boat regarding that policy. So it was clear an outside force had taken his son and the other two for Kami knows what. In a surprising turn of events, the surprising news of all three of them missing had shifted suspicion away from the Uchiha Clan's being suspected in the involvement with the Kyuubi's attack roughly over a decade ago, and that they were as much victims of this as everyone else. Hence why the idea of overthrowing the Sandaime Hokage with an Uchiha being the next Hokage in line was put on hold since acting now or anytime in the near future would just make the people believe that they were behind the Kyuubi's attack.
The last thing Fugaku wanted was to spend the next few years fighting for control of the village or worrying about possible revolts against the Uchiha Clan once he claimed the Leaf for himself.
"A pity. Itachi showed such promise for the Uchiha Clan. What of the Kyuubi Jinchuriki? What is his status?" asked Danzo while seeing Fugaku glaring at him slightly for waving the young prodigy off like he was a footnote.
"Still in a coma. Sleeping peacefully and being properly nourished within my clan home where he is safe from prying eyes," answered Tsunade since she had been told everything by Jiraiya and how she needed to play the part for now over the boy being found yet in a coma with no signs of coming out.
She had not been pleased to hear how the boy was treated and only went along with it to help her sensei keep an eye on the various vermin now infesting Konoha. To keep them from poisoning the village further with their greed and corruption of the Will of Fire her Grandfather preached long ago.
"I see. Another unfortunate piece of news. We need to consider the option or at the very least prepare for the worst case scenario of the boy not waking up. We need another host made available to hold the Kyuubi. We need to acquire some of the boy's sperm when the time is right and impregnate a kunoichi capable of producing a strong enough child to hold the fox," declared Danzo with Hiruzen scowling since this had come up in the first Emergency Council Meeting when the Hokage had told everyone of Naruto being found, yet in a coma.
"That won't be possible for a few more years and you know it Danzo. Even with the fox's chakra still running through his body giving him plenty of potency behind his seed, the boy is not physically developed enough for such a process to produce what you want in terms of reaching its full potential in terms of offspring," replied Tsunade while knowing she needed to ensure they stalled for time and got as much of it as possible.
"Even still, I believe samples should be taken now. Just to be safe should the Jinchuriki die," countered Danzo with Tsunade frowning.
"Would it kill you to call him by his name? Would you prefer I call you old cripple?" asked Tsunade with anger in her voice.
"I am a member of the Councils. The Jinchuriki is not. If and when said Jinchuriki does have a seat on the Council or Kami forbid becomes the Hokage of Konoha...I will address him by his name," replied Danzo with Tsunade frowning further.
"You maybe part of the Councils for now Danzo, but that doesn't give you the right to be a disrespectful asshole to the boy descended from the Uzumaki Clan. Or do you think you are above them? Or above the Senju Clan that are their cousins?" asked Tsunade while seeing Danzo sneering at her.
"I can talk about the Jinchuriki anyway I see fit. If I had my way, the Jinchuriki would be a ninja capable of crushing half of our enemies by now," countered Danzo with his words making Tsunade scowl even further.
"If it was up to you, every single ninja in Konoha would be an emotionless drone, and be sent to their deaths even if it wasn't warranted in the mission given. You would throw away just about every single ninja under your command without a care in the world just because you could," remarked Tsunade with Danzo's eyes narrowing at her.
"Ninja are weapons of war Tsunade. Always have been. I am a wielder of weapons. If I want to throw away half of Konoha's fighting force to preserve the village as a whole, then I will if necessary, and the Sandaime would do the same!" stated Danzo while he stomped his cane at the end as if it would emphasize his point.
"Really? Because the only one who could honestly call himself a wielder of weapons is the Hokage and you are NOT the Hokage right now Danzo," replied Tsunade with the Danzo gripping his cane tighter.
"She's got you there Danzo. If Hiruzen here wanted to, he could order you on a suicide mission knee deep into Iwa, and you would have to take it with a smile on your face," said Jiraiya with a smirk on his face.
"I am retired from active service," remarked Danzo through grit teeth while hating to say such a thing in front of others.
To him it personified weakness.
"If that is your position then you should retire from the Councils as well," added Tsunade while Danzo found himself struggling to not lash out at the woman.
"That's enough Tsunade. Any other news elsewhere Jiraiya?" asked Hiruzen with Jiraiya shrugging his shoulders.
"Just the new Wave Daimyo recently authorizing the construction of a bridge to increase trade and not rely on using ships in order to increase revenue. Nothing major pertaining to us. I already informed the Fire Daimyo about it so he can possibly setup some kind of exclusive trade agreement using the bridge when its completed in a little over a year," remarked Jiraiya dismissively to the Hokage with the elderly man nodding.
"Perhaps a Shinobi representative should be sent there soon to seek out potential clients for missions they might need done," added Danzo knowing more clients meant more revenue for the village and the agent sent could scout for potential children from the orphanages there to obtain some Root potentials too.
"That can wait until after the bridge is complete and the Fire Daimyo establishes a trade agreement with them. If we move in now, it will make us appear to aggressive, and with a neutral country I might add," remarked Hiruzen knowing politics would come into play with the other countries and Shinobi villages since they will want a piece of Wave once the bridge was finished.
With the meeting concluded, Jiraiya stayed behind to talk about Wave on an unofficial level since he picked up some other chatter he didn't want Danzo, or the others to know about.
"Wave Country's new Daimyo is being threatened," remarked Jiraiya in a serious tone with Hiruzen now looking at him with interest.
"How? I thought the people of Wave Country were happy with their new Daimyo? She is considered to be a bit odd, but nothing we haven't heard before since the Wind Daimyo is a bit...what's the word? Hedonistic?!" questioned Hiruzen while Jiraiya shook his head.
"Its not that sensei. The people love this woman. Whoever she is. But the threat isn't from within. Its without. Not that long ago she was greeted by a businessman named Gato. He owns a large international transport company, but the truth is the man's also a criminal as well. Gato uses his vast wealth of money to finance a lot of things in almost every single country. Illegal things. You name it he has some form of control or say in the market," explained Jiraiya with Hiruzen frowning.
"And this Gato wanted to conduct business with the new Wave Daimyo?" asked Hiruzen with Jiraiya nodding.
"Right. He did. Offered her a deal too good to be true from what I heard. Gato wanted to setup shop in Wave. Make it his HQ for a while since it is an island country and relies on ships for transporting goods in and out. Which his company specializes in. But this new Wave Daimyo is much smarter then he gave her credit for and ultimately turned the man down flat. Polite, but still flat all the same. Word is that Gato was cordial enough when he left, but back in his domain of a yacht he was using at the time, the businessman went on a tirade about her, and was going to teach the woman a lesson. Apparently, he doesn't take rejection well, and even less by someone of the opposite sex," replied Jiraiya with a smirk.
"No I didn't think this man would given what you described of him. So what are you thinking about Jiraiya? That we should warn this woman?" asked Hiruzen with Jiraiya shrugging with indecision.
"I don't know. Part of me says we should to get in her good graces. But on the other hand we have no real proof aside from my spy network. Not to mention there is no guarantee this Daimyo will take my word or the word of one of my spies at face value if I tell her about what I was told," said Jiraiya with Hiruzen nodding.
"True, but if we do nothing, and this Daimyo is assassinated we could lose our chance at gaining some favor with Wave Country. Special trade in resources. Clients. We would be losing out on an opportunity to corner the market in regards to these things because of our decision to not act on this," said Hiruzen with Jiraiya nodding.
"So...should I go meet this woman?" asked Jiraiya with Hiruzen smirking.
"And risk you upsetting her with your perverse way of talking? When it comes to you and women Jiraiya, the anger they generate toward you is practically at the level of a Biju," commented Hiruzen with Jiraiya crying anime tears, crouching in a corner, and randomly doodling on the ground with his finger.
"Sensei is so mean to the way of the pervert," mumbled Jiraiya while a cloud formed over him from out of nowhere and it rained heavily.
"Oh quit being overdramatic Jiraiya. I'm sending a simple team there with you to talk to this woman. One Jounin and two Chuunin should be enough. It will show we are serious and that we aren't being aggressive either," remarked Hiruzen with Jiraiya bouncing right back.
Honestly the man always did overreact when someone attacked his perverse manner of doing things.
"Well if that's all, I'll be going now. Need to do some research while I can," remarked Jiraiya with Hiruzen sighed when the Sannin leaped out of the window.
"Maybe I should have told him about how a few of our deadlier kunoichis are there right now? Then again, it might do him some good this time to get caught, and hurt for being a pervert," remarked Hiruzen before he heard the screams of women from the hot springs screaming out about a pervert, the smashing of property, Jiraiya running for his life, and the overall chaos caused by the Toad Sannin's actions.
And the sudden horror that came with the painful realization his student just tripled the amount of paperwork he would have to handle soon.
No matter what, it seemed the Sandaime Hokage just couldn't win.
(Uchiha Clan District-At the Moment)
"Sasuke, you are pushing yourself too hard. Pace yourself!" exclaimed Uchiha Mikoto with worry in her voice at the sight of her youngest training so hard.
"I need to get stronger Mom. I need to get stronger to prove myself worthy of being Heir to the Uchiha Clan. And if not that...then finding Itachi when I'm out on missions," said Sasuke, as he had been training in the backyard all day, and was being mentored by his cousin Uchiha Tekka.
Ever since Itachi had gone missing, the Uchiha Clan had been in an uproar, and they had made their presence known to the Hokage soon after it was confirmed. Itachi had been a prodigy among the clan and was destined to lead the Uchiha Clan to new heights not seen remotely since Uchiha Madara. Itachi had become the youngest member to join ANBU and had unlocked his Sharingan Eyes at such a young age that he was considered to be a prodigy from that act alone. But now with Itachi gone, it was up to Sasuke, who being the next son of a Clan Head, was the next in line to succeed his Father, and become great like his predecessors before him.
Unfortunately, for Sasuke anyway, the bar had been set exceedingly high for him, and his Father made that known...a lot! Itachi had raised all expectations about the potential of the Uchiha Clan and thus it was expected of Sasuke to do just as good if not better then Itachi. For Sasuke, it seemed no matter how hard he trained, his level of skill was always compared to Itachi by his Father. The Clan Head would constantly mention how Itachi did something Sasuke did at a younger age or Itachi would have mastered the Fire Jutsu showed already.
But was the biggest blow of all so far, was the simple fact Sasuke was unable to unlock his Sharingan Eyes yet, and the boy's Father had no problem rubbing it in. In fact, the man had mentioned it just yesterday how he missed Itachi, and would have brought the Uchiha Clan a great deal of pride in being part of the ANBU at such a young age with his Sharingan Eyes showing the power of the clan's blood running through his veins. It also had one other effect that many would wonder was Fugaku's reasons for setting the bar so high for Sasuke when comparing him to Itachi.
It made Sasuke angry. Very angry and very jealous of Itachi.
So angry and so jealous in fact, that Sasuke had no intention of bringing his brother back to Konoha if he found him. Well...at least not alive anyway.
At first, Sasuke wanted to get stronger to find Itachi, and bring him home so they could be a loving family again. Simple right? Sadly, his Father's own constant negativity when compared to Itachi made the young Uchiha hate his older brother, and it got so bad for Sasuke that he started having murderous thoughts over happy ones. Murderous thoughts about finding Itachi, possibly in some beaten, and tortured state with hope in the Uchiha's eyes at seeing Sasuke again. Hoping to be freed from whatever prison held him and once again return to Konoha to become the Uchiha Clan Heir once again.
Only for Sasuke to take his weapon of choice and stabbing Itachi right in the heart before twisting the blade while doing it. Hearing the sounds of Itachi scream out in pain, shock, and sorrow at being killed by his younger brother. Sasuke imagined the tale he would spin about Itachi being killed by the enemy that held, had been tortured for information, and finally killed before the younger brother could save him.
Itachi would be a symbol of the Uchiha Clan's greatness by being a martyr for them and Sasuke himself would become the next Clan Head in the process. Father would be too overcome with grief and be unable to lead the clan and Mother would praise her youngest for leading the clan in a time of sorrow.
"Don't push yourself too hard Sasuke. You're still a growing boy," replied Mikoto in a loving tone, as she worried about her youngest, and feared for him due to the look he sometimes had in his eyes.
There was a darkness in them. A darkness she was trying to prevent them from spreading and growing stronger within him.
And she was slowly losing the battle. The other members of the Uchiha Clan weren't helping either. They kept telling Sasuke that he was doing well. Making the clan proud. That all he needed to do was get his Sharingan and would be a true Uchiha on part with Itachi.
How she missed her eldest son. Mikoto could only wonder what would have happened if her son had not been kidnapped and taken away?
If she only knew, right?
The woman was so concerned for her son that Mikoto didn't see the crow hanging on a tree branch with the Sharingan Eye active. Seeing everything she did. Including the dark hatred in the boy's heart and was quite unhappy about it.
'Foolish little brother. Following the path of darkness like Father was doing before my departure. It seems whether I am involved with the clan or not, it is doomed to fall in some capacity. Whether by his hands or yours. Only I can determine that it seems. I must speak to Maleficent-sama about this and if I can return to somehow stop the clan from destroying itself,' thought the crow before cawing and taking to the air.
"Did you hear that?" asked Mikoto with Uchiha Tekka right beside her watching Sasuke train.
"It is just a crow. No big deal," remarked Tekka while Mikoto on the other hand felt a sense of hope in her heart, yet a sense of sadness at the same time.
'Itachi,' thought Mikoto to herself in the belief that the crow was in fact a sign of her son being alive and somehow finding a way to return to them.
(Gato's Yacht-A Few Days Later)
"So this is the woman you want me to kill? Her and this brat?" asked Zabuza while he looked at the picture one of Gato's goons was able to take of the woman walking around without fear with her son there too.
"Yes and no. I need to send the people of Wave a message that I run things now. If you can't get to woman while there, go for that son of hers. She seems to cherish him a great deal. My guess is she is one of those women, who has a low chance of getting knocked up, and did by some miracle with this kid being the byproduct. Make sure his death is a painful one. Rip out his guts. Impale him to a wall. Something! Anything! That way, when I see her again after it all happens, I can throw my weight around in implying he died through me, and instill fear into the bitch's heart. Don't go for her unless you have to and make sure if you do kill her, that the bitches head is on a pike for all to see with my company banner on it. I want everyone to know it was through me the bitch and her son are dead and I want them to know Gato Shipping is the one running the show," said Gato with Zabuza looking at the picture with narrowed eyes while his masked subordinate was also watching things from her position behind him.
And behind her was the Demon Brothers also looking over the masked girl's shoulder.
"You do realize if I do this, a lot of heat is going to come down on us. As such, this is going to cost you. A lot!" stated Zabuza with Gato frowning at the idea of paying these ninja for this.
"How much?" asked Gato before Zabuza flipped the picture over and wrote a number on the back before passing it back to the businessman.
"That much," answered Zabuza with Gato gritting his teeth in anger at the price tag.
"I shouldn't have to pay that much just to kill some high and mighty bitch on a throne!" protested Gato angrily with Zabuza narrowing his eyes and leaning forward in a very menacing way.
"Listen here Gato. My group is the one doing the killing. My group is going to be the one taking the heat for this woman's death if not her son's when we succeed in doing the job. Killing other ninjas is one thing, but a Daimyo is not easy for ninja to kill no matter what you may think. I tried to kill the Mizukage and failed because he was well protected outside of his own monstrous power. He's the only person with authority below the Water Daimyo and the latter has an army. I don't know what this lady's protection detail is, but I can tell this woman's got some punch to her, and the people of Wave love their devoted Daimyo. If I do this, I'm blacklisted from this place, and I will have Mist Hunter Nin all over my ass once word spreads about what we did. You're lucky I don't charge extra for the gory aftermath that will follow once we take off either or both their heads. A good chunk of that money will go to helping us with bribing people to stay underground and undetected when the fallout of this happens," countered Zabuza since many like Gato would think a price tag on a hit like this would be too much to pay, but most failed to realize a good chunk of the money went to the cost of staying hidden.
He had expenses that came with the life of Missing Nin and they were all heavy in terms of paying. The amount charged would cover enough that the leftover profit could be used to fund his campaign against the Mizukage.
"Fine! I'll pay damn it. Just get the job done on the first try or else I reduce your pay in half!" exclaimed Gato with Zabuza smirking underneath his bandages.
"I only need the one time," remarked Zabuza before he left with group after taking the picture from Gato.
"Are you really going to pay him that much sir?" asked one of the businessman's goons.
"Of course not! You saw the price he was asking. It was ludicrous. Extortion! The only one allowed to do that to anyone is me," stated Gato in the belief that those with money made the rules and he had more money then some Daimyos.
If Gato wanted to screw someone over in a business deal, then he could, and would since it was his money. He had the financial might and right on his side after all.
"But how will you handle him sir? We are no match for a powerful ninja of Zabuza's rumored reputation and we know absolutely nothing about his subordinates," said a second good with Gato smirking.
"The man said it himself. This job will get the attention to the Hunter Nin searching for guys like Zabuza. We make a call to his old village and tell them we know where to find their lost Demon of the Mist. By the time Zabuza finishes the job, those guys will be all over him, and his support when they least expect it. With any luck they will kill him and those other three with the man before taking off. Maybe even give us a little finders fee for our troubles," answered Gato knowing it was the one ace up his sleeve.
(Wave Daimyo's Castle)
"Your majesty. There are some Konoha Shinobi here to see you. They have requested an audience," replied a humble servant selected by Maleficent to oversee the appoints the people made to see her regarding requests for approval or assistance on matters.
"Did they say why they were here to see me for?" asked Maleficent despite the fact she already knew the reason why they were here in Wave via boat the Sannin of the group had acquired to get here.
"No your majesty. They only said it was of great importance that they speak to you," said the man while keeping his head bowed out of fear he had angered her and didn't want to see that face angry.
How he wished her son was here right now. Her son always seemed to bring out the rare gentler side of the woman. Not that she was mean, but Maleficent was not some pushover you could speak to in a disrespectful manner, and get away with it. Few had tried in the belief they could bully the woman out of her throne or weaken its position by laying out subtle hints that her son would suffer if she didn't.
It was on that day, people learned this woman's wrath was not to be tested when she used some kind of power, and obliterated the foolish soul who made that particular threat. And right in front of the man's bodyguards and the rare few nobles Wave Country had when at Court to discuss business.
"I see. Where are they now?" asked Maleficent kindly to her loyal servant.
"In the main waiting area your majesty. I told them to wait there while I went to see you about granting them an audience. I also have several of the samurai we have hired from Iron Country recently in the hall watching them so none of ninja can suddenly decide to leave to snoop around," replied the servant while Maleficent nodded in approval at the man's quick thinking to ensure these ninja didn't look around for anything or anyone in particular.
"You did well in doing that my servant. I would be most displeased if you had left them unsupervised. For all we know, these Konoha ninja could be here to assassinate me, or worse yet my only son. If the latter were to happen...I don't think I need to tell you just how vengeful I can be, do I?" replied Maleficent with the servant bowing his head while shaking his head.
"No Maleficent-sama. I do not wish your wrath upon anyone. But I don't think they are here to kill you. It is only four ninja. One of them is the Toad Sannin Jiraiya. The Jounin is one Hatake Kakashi. They have two Chuunin with them. One Yuhi Kurenai. The other is a Inuzuka Hana from the Inuzuka Clan if what I was told about them with their dogs by her side being accurate," replied the servant while Maleficent nodded and knew the last ninja was the reason she sent Naruto away to another part of the island under Itachi's and Anko's watch to train.
The last thing she needed was for the Inuzuka woman or the dogs with her to pick up the boy's scent before recognizing it. If they did, the group would leave for Konoha, and then tell the Hokage about what they smelled. It wouldn't be long before the old man put two and two together in where Naruto was located. He would send ninja after ninja into Wave or use politics with the Fire Daimyo as a means to surrender her son over to him on the grounds of being kidnapped.
She couldn't and wouldn't allow it.
Not yet.
All the same, it wouldn't hurt to leave a few bread crumbs for them to follow to the end of the road to the truth, and watch their future plans blow up in their faces.
"Send them in, but inform them that this meeting is to be quick, and to the point. I have other country related matters that need attending and I don't want my time wasted hearing pointless dribble when I could be planning how to make my domain better then it already is right now," said Maleficent with the servant nodding since he knew the woman had made so many smart decisions regarding Wave Country that he didn't doubt her words for a second.
"At once your majesty," bowed the servant before leaving in a hurry to carry out his task.
'Now let us see what these fools want with me once they come here. I highly doubt they know Naruto is here. If they did, it would be more then just the Sannin, and three other ninja under his command. No. He would have brought at least five divisions with him and the Hokage himself as well to further enforce their demands. This is a courtesy call on their part,' thought Maleficent while the group entered the throne room and bowed before the dark regal figure in front of them.
"Thank you for seeing us on such short notice Daimyo-sama. I am Jiraiya of the Sannin here on a small mission from Konoha assigned to me by the Sandaime Hokage," stated Jiraiya while Maleficent nodded.
"And what do I owe the honor of your visit pertaining to this mission of yours? To send one such as yourself means this mission must be of vital importance, am I right Jiraiya of the Sannin?" questioned Maleficent while seeing Jiraiya nod while glad the woman was not an airhead like some leaders tended to be at times and relied on their Advisors to do things for them.
Though her dark attire and horns made him a bit...concerned.
"Yes your majesty. My spy network has uncovered a plot to have you and possibly your son...assassinated," said Jiraiya while Hana's three dogs suddenly yet silently whimpered in fear when they started to smell around.
"Assassinated? Me?! And my son?! Who in my country that I love would dare to betray and assassinate ME?" questioned Maleficent though she already knew and had to play the part of being out of the loop.
And seeing the nervous Konoha Shinobi looking at her with a sudden jolt of fear was quite enjoyable too.
"It was a businessman named Gato. He hired a Missing Nin named Momochi Zabuza formerly of Kiri to do the job. Not that long ago you granted Gato an audience regarding a business opportunity he was seeking here in Wave Country and you turned him down. He did not take the rejection well I'm afraid," answered Jiraiya while Hana began trying to calm her dogs while Kakashi and Kurenai easily noticed the woman in front of them was not an ordinary Daimyo by any means.
Not by a long shot.
"Apparently not. I see I was too merciful in letting him leave in one piece. Even if the fool didn't offend me outright when we met, I knew his proposed business offer would bleed my country dry, and my people would slowly starve. Hence why I turned it down. Now the fool is a sore loser in our little game from the meeting we played and wants to get back at me," surmised Maleficent while her magical power slowly seeped out of her, spreading on the ground, the candles in the throne room flickering, almost struggling to stay alive, as if life itself was being choked right out of them, and making the woman on the throne look truly terrifying.
'What is this power? Its as if death or even darkness itself is in this room and coming out of this woman!' thought Kakashi while understanding why this woman on the throne was rumored to be loved, feared, and respected all in one package.
Those horns on her head didn't make things easier either in terms of keeping the feeling of fear down.
"I thank you for your assistance in bringing this news to my attention. Now I must ask that you to leave," replied Maleficent while seeing the four ninja in front of her hesitate to comply.
"But what about protection from Zabuza? Kakashi here is an accomplished Jounin and could be assigned to protect you or your son," replied Jiraiya knowing the rumored child of this Daimyo was also in danger as well.
"I do not need Konoha's ninja for protection. Nor does my son. In fact, I would sooner let the assassin get close within spitting distance then letting any of your ninja guard either of us," declared Maleficent hotly while glaring daggers at the Sannin to the shock of the man and his group.
"What? Why?!" asked Kakashi this time while Maleficent just stared at the man with cold angry eyes filled with darkness and green fire.
"I have my reasons. None of which I have to share with you. Now get out!" commanded Maleficent since seeing the boy's so called Godfather for the first time in person helped the dark witch realize she was not impressed by him in the slightest.
Not to mention the Yondaime's only remaining student was there too. The nerve of them coming here. Maleficent's eyes glowed dangerously at them both. Two people connected to her son's naive Father and they did little to nothing to help the boy when in Konoha. Never once visiting. Never once protecting him. It shouldn't matter what the Hokage had decreed to compromise with the filth in the village. The Hokage was suppose to be the final authority when it came to making decisions in Konoha, but the old fool let such a thing be shared by those that were not satisfied with what they were given! What's more, the old fool did nothing to try taking the power back, and simply let them take more with each passing day.
And these two did nothing to help in any of it. Her minions of old were more competent then these two morons for ninja and that was saying something!
One drowned himself in women at brothels and writing porn!
Disgusting!
The other read said porn, was tardy, and made up lame excuses when explaining why he was late.
Pathetic!
Useless imbeciles! The both of them!
And the mere sight of these two was making the dark witch slowly lose her patience in dealing with them. They reminded her of King Stephan and his betrayals and his lack of courage in telling his loving Queen the truth about his relationship with the dark witch prior to ascending to the throne. Of how he took her wings, yet left her to suffer in pain both physical, and mental to the level that she desired vengeance upon the fool for his past actions.
"With respect your majesty, I must protest your decision to throw us out, when we could help defend your home, and find weaknesses your assassin would use to kill you," replied Jiraiya while slowly walking toward the woman before he was violently thrown back by an unknown source of incredible power coming from Maleficent's staff.
"And as I told you earlier Jiraiya of Sannin, let this assassin of Gato come. I will enjoy showing my enemy what it means to cross a ruler of these lands such as myself. I will ensure it will be the last mistake these assassin and his employer ever do," countered Maleficent with Jiraiya looking stunned at what this woman just did before nodding and slowly motioned for the other three to leave.
"What was that? I've never felt anything like that before. Have you?" asked Kakashi once they were out of the castle and felt they could talk freely.
"I don't know. But...there is something off about her. Something in my gut tells me there is more to her then I suspect as a simple Daimyo of Wave Country," replied Jiraiya while glancing back at the castle in thought.
"What are you thinking exactly Jiraiya-sama?" asked Kurenai while seeing him thinking in a serious way for once and not in a perverse manner that nearly got him castrated for peeping in the hot springs back in Konoha.
"I don't know what to think, but...I think a look into the identity of her son is something we should take a look into. Let's ask around. I'm sure we can get a detailed description of her son," offered Jiraiya with his instincts telling him something was wrong with this picture.
None of them noticed the dark silhouette of a crow perched on the castle roof with a Sharingan Eye watching them. Without a word, it took flight, and made for a nearby window before entering the throne room to land on Maleficent right arm.
"So my pet, does Jiraiya of the Sannin suspect anything?" asked Maleficent with Itachi in his crow form nodding.
"Caw! Caw! Caw!" replied Itachi though Maleficent was able to understand him perfectly just like those of the Inuzuka Clan do their dogs when they bark.
"I suppose my temper got the best of myself. But can you blame me for the small lack of restraint? Those two were very close to Naruto's Father. One was the man's teacher and the other his student. Not once did they come to aid the man's son and they come here to offer protection for him without even knowing it! Why not protect Naruto when he was in Konoha? Why not ensure he was protected from their abuse? Such fools are filth and have no business being on my lands or near MY son!" exclaimed Maleficent before she used her magic to spy on the ninja asking about her son.
"Caw! Caw! Caw! Caw!" replied Itachi in his crow form.
"I know my pet. I know a great number of the citizens in this land have met my son. It doesn't matter. Not once have I called Naruto by his name when in front of the people and the description of my child is not enough for him to present a case to those he serves. Let Jiraiya become suspicious of us and investigate this issue further. It will be all the more delicious when he finally confirms the truth and is too late to stop my son from taking back what is rightfully his by his blood on his Mother's side of the family," replied Maleficent before she let the bird fly off her arm and transform into Itachi once more.
"What if Jiraiya comes back himself and sneaks around. Despite his various faults, he is the best Spy Master that Konoha has to offer. There are places he can go that few can and Jiraiya may try to come back here soon enough. What if the Sannin seeks into Wave to come here for Naruto?" questioned Itachi with Maleficent smirking at him.
"I assure you Itachi, for all of Jiraiya's level of power, mine dwarfs his by far since I have been taking the chakra from my gracious son's body to become stronger then ever before. I am more then ready to handle the Toad Sannin now over when I was first freed years ago by my son. Speaking of Naruto, how is my son doing? You took him to the ruins of his biological Mother's homeland, correct? I trust it wasn't too...horrifying for him to see them?" questioned Maleficent since she was told that the ruin of Whirlpool were not far from Wave and that some pieces of Whirlpool had broken off from the land to become part of what Wave was right now.
Hence why Naruto was granted the right to take a pilgrimage to see it under Itachi's and Anko's supervision to learn what he could about his family's clan before it was destroyed.
"No Maleficent-sama. I scouted ahead to ensure what Naruto-sama was able to see was not too damaging for his mind to handle. I sensed he wished it was possible to know them and wonder what they thought of him. Anko and myself tried to help Naruto-sama as best we could, but alas...our words can only have such a profound impact on such personal matters," replied Itachi with Maleficent nodding.
"And where is my son now? Training with Anko?" asked Maleficent with Itachi nodding once.
"Yes. He is training and digging around the ruins for anything pertaining to the Uzumaki Clan that could be brought back to learn with you watching. Even now, Naruto-sama is doing just about everything in his power to impress you Maleficent-sama. It is rare to see one so young push himself like he does," replied Itachi while impressed by the boy's hard work.
And doing it for all the right reasons too.
"And what has he learned while there? Surely there is something among his clan ruins that will help my son grow stronger?" asked Maleficent with Itachi nodding.
"There was a journal there. Left by an unknown Uzumaki, who was experimenting in the use of chakra chains. After reading the journal myself, I determined this person had the same power as Uzumaki Kushina did, and was possibly a blood relative of sorts. I can only assume it was one of her Grandparents or maybe even Great Grandparents since there has been no official record anywhere about chakra chains since Kushina herself used them," answered Itachi with Maleficent looking very interested at this point.
"Really? And my son can use this too? From what you are saying, these chakra chains are past down from parent to child," questioned Maleficent with Itachi nodding.
"Yes Mistress. It would appear that way. Naruto was able to understand what was being explained in the journals and unlocked the ability to use them. Granted, it was only one chakra chain, but with more practice he will increase the number," explained Itachi with Maleficent smiling a happy smile that told the Uchiha this was good news in her eyes.
"Excellent. I want my son to be stronger then most full grown adult ninjas under the rank of Jounin. I want him so strong that even Momochi Zabuza is nothing compared to him. Do you understand Itachi?" said Maleficent with Itachi bowing his head.
"Yes Mistress. I will. When do you wish Naruto-sama to return home?" asked Itachi with Maleficent thinking it over.
"Train him on the island for two more days, then come back here so I can see his progress with the chakra chains myself. I want him to produce at least two chakra chains upon his return," commanded Maleficent with Itachi nodding before transforming into a crow and taking off to Whirlpool.
And as he did, a single masked figure watched the ninja turned crow leave the castle for that destination before heading off to meet with its Master.
"You were right to suspect something about the crow from the rumors we heard about it being a form of messenger of sorts. Its heading to the ruins of Whirlpool as we speak Zabuza-sama. Possibly to where the boy has been taken for his protection," commented Haku while Zabuza smirked behind his bandages.
"Figures. Gato's contract on the Wave Daimyo and her son isn't exactly a well kept secret if Jiraiya of the Sannin comes to tell her in person. No matter. Whirlpool is where we will go for our first target. We need to hurry though. Just getting there is dangerous enough as it is," replied Zabuza with his subordinates nodding since they heard the stories of how difficult it is to cross the waters just to get to the land itself.
It was time to kill and get paid.
(With Jiraiya)
"So the kid has blonde hair and blue eyes? What about his face?" asked Jiraiya curiously while asking a woman named Tsunami curiously.
"I have never actually seen his face. My Father just did business with the Wave Daimyo in commissioning a bridge be made for the main land. He saw the boy there not that long ago sitting on the throne beside his Mother. She wanted him to learn how to rule over the country in the future so she involves him in almost all major affairs. He told me what the boy looks like so you need to talk to my Father Tazuna," replied Tsunami while seeing Jiraiya nod.
"And where can I find your Father?" asked Jiraiya with Tsunami sighing in sadness since she knew exactly where her Father was right now.
"Knowing him after securing such a major deal with the Wave Daimyo, I imagine he is currently at the nearest bar...drinking. Again!" exclaimed Tsunami since her Father did a lot of that these days.
"Thanks. Oh! One more thing. Did your Father ever hear the boy's name?" asked Jiraiya curiously with Tsunami thinking it over.
"No. Not once. According to my Father, when Maleficent-sama addressed the boy she always called him 'her son' every single time, and never said his name," replied Tsunami with the woman not seeing Jiraiya's eyes narrow slightly at this.
"I see. Thank you Tsunami-san. I will speak to your Father now," said Jiraiya while his group leaving to find Tazuna.
"Do you really think this boy the Wave Daimyo has for a son is really Naruto?" asked Kakashi curiously while Jiraiya nodded.
"The more I hear about the boy, the more I feel it to be true Kakashi. Think about it. This woman was made the new Daimyo within a short time of being the Advisor to her predecessor. She came here with a boy six years old shortly after Naruto was reported missing. Not only that, but the woman wields some kind of power I have never seen, or heard about in my travels. She does not call out Naruto's name when in the presence of others in a clever attempt to keep people like us from knowing the child's identity right away. I doubt she ever considered we would investigate further into that of her child to this level, but if we confirm the boy is Naruto, we must report this to the Hokage, and get the Fire Daimyo involved in this mess," replied Jiraiya with Kakashi and the other two frowning.
"What? Why? Naruto was born in Konoha. He was taken out of Konoha. Possibly against his will or tricked by this woman to be her son so she could harness the power of the Biju sealed inside of him," Kakashi countered with Jiraiya nodding since that was always a possibility.
"True, but we don't know if this woman knows exactly what Naruto is in terms of being a Jinchuriki. Officially, if this is Naruto, he is her son, and heir to Wave Country with all sorts of rules attached. Simply taking him now by force or in secret will only make this woman angry and make us look like the bad guys. By going to the Hokage, who will in turn go to the Fire Daimyo, we can get this issue resolved immediately, and without any unnecessary bloodshed," replied Jiraiya with Kakashi nodding.
"What about the boy himself? After all this time I doubt he would willingly leave the woman he has called his Mother for so many years?" asked Kurenai with Jiraiya nodding and not liking what he would have to say next.
"If we find out it is Naruto, but he refuses to leave with us, I will subdue him long enough to get him back to Konoha, and have Inoichi alter or erase his memories of her. We can't allow such an attachment to a strange and powerful woman here in Wave be stronger and greater then what it should have been with Konoha," replied Jiraiya with Kurenai and Hana both frowning at this.
"My dogs are afraid of her. They sensed an sinister power in her. I don't think we should be provoking such a woman by taking her son. Even if it is Uzumaki Naruto. From all accounts of people who have seen her adopted son, the boy is genuinely happy with this woman," remarked Hana with Jiraiya's frown deepening.
"Even so, if this is Naruto, he should be in Konoha, and become a loyal Shinobi of the village in the future. We cannot allow this woman to turn him into something Naruto is not and follow a path he is not meant to walk," replied Jiraiya with Kurenai frowning at this.
"With all due respect Jiraiya-sama, but who gave you the right to decide just what path Uzumaki Naruto should take in life?" asked Kurenai since she felt it was not Jiraiya's place to decide the life of a child and act like any other path the child might want to take was wrong.
Unless it was the path Orochimaru took and then it was very wrong!
"The Yondaime did when he made me Godfather to the boy," replied Jiraiya firmly with all three ninja behind him looking shocked by this.
"What? Then why weren't you there for Naruto after the sealing?" asked Kakashi with Jiraiya stopping in his path to look at them.
"Because the Sandaime told me he could handle it. And like a fool...I believed him," said Jiraiya before he continued walking while Kakashi followed with Hana following him with Kurenai frowning further at the Sannin's words.
He needed to confirm his suspicions about the Daimyo's adopted son, but deep down in his heart...Jiraiya knew his suspicions were correct before he even setting foot in the bar where Tazuna was drinking.
(A/N: YAY! I updated. One more chapter for you good people tired from Black Friday and made it home alive with the spoils of conquest of invading your nearest store for all the good deals. This is my gift to you in honor of Thanksgiving and Black Friday being over, but needing more time to rest, and give you something to enjoy before getting ready for Cyber Monday. Until next time...PEACE!)
