Disclaimer: Don't own Inuyasha or related characters they belong to the respective owners. OC's are mine.

Chapter Three:


Jiraiya walked into the Hokage's office with a massive grin plastered on his face, "Well, the rumors are true. My prized student has truly gone up in the world. Hard to believe you were that orphan baka when I first got you as a Genin."

Minato chuckled, "Sensei that was a long time ago. So what brings you back?"

Jiraiya shrugged nonchalantly, "No real reason. Can't an old man just stop by and check up on his student?"

Minato crossed his arms, "Sensei, you spend more time away from the village than most workaholic shinobi, and from the reports you're not spending all that time working your networks for nothing."

Jiraiya laughed, "What? Of course working on the network is only half of it, the cover also takes time. Can't be as famous as me and successfully manage one of the top information networks in the world without a good cover story."

Minato nodded, "So, what information do you have? Something drove you to come back sooner than expected, and don't say word of my promotion to Hokage, because I just got the job this morning."

Jiraiya nodded soberly, "Orochimaru."

Minato expression became strictly business, "That's a name I was hoping to never hear again."

Jiraiya pulled a scroll from his robe and handed it to his student, "This is every shred of information I've been able to dig up on him since he left the village. Seems he set up shop in the Land of Sea. Had a few associates with him along with that student of his, Mitarashi Anko." Jiraiya pulled out three pictures, "Orochimaru himself hasn't been seen for years. Keeps himself hidden pretty well, but about a month ago I started hearing rumors of people disappearing around the Land of Sea."

Minato frowned as Jiraiya laid the first picture down, "Is that even human?"

Jiraiya shrugged, "I got this picture from a naturalist who was passing through the area when this thing was found. He took the picture for further study, but when I saw it, I recognized if from some of the bodies we pulled from Orochimaru's lab here in Konoha."

Minato took the second picture, "Who is this?"

Jiraiya frowned, "That's the most recent picture of Mitarashi Anko that I've acquired. Her whereabouts are currently unknown, but about six months ago she was found wandering around by herself. She was taken to a local hospital and treated for exposure, dehydration, and several unexplained wounds. She was promptly checked out of the hospital by two men who fit the description of known associates of that Snake-teme."

Taking the final photo Minato rubbed his chin, "Where is this?"

Jiraiya crossed his arms, "The Land of Sea. Apparently our slippery friend has set up a new lab. Though I'm sure this one was set up while he was still playing loyal to us. One of my contacts snapped this picture and sent it to me, but I haven't been able to get in touch with him since."

Minato rubbed his forehead, "So, you're asking me to send a team into a situation that we have no solid intel on?"

Jiraiya shook his head, "I was going to ask you to accompany me, but seeing as you're the Hokage now, you can't leave the village unless the threat is verified. Though, perhaps a few Jonin to assist wouldn't be out of the question."

Minato nodded, "I may have just the type of assets you're looking for."


Third Training Field

Kakashi and Tenzo spared through a series of taijutsu and ninjutsu attacks. On the other side of the field Koga sat before an open scroll transcribing a seal as Kushina instructed him. After finishing the seal Kushina nodded, "Alright, put the target specification on kunai."

Koga placed the kanji for kunai in the center of the seal array.

Kushina turned to the other two, "Alright you two throw all your kunai."

As the others turned and threw their kunai Koga made the standard ram seal, "Sealing Art: Vortex of Containment!"

Kakashi and Tenzo watched as a vortex of wind erupted out of the scroll and drew their kunai into it. Not only had the kunai that were thrown, but also those lying on the ground begun flying into the vortex.

Tenzo finally blinked as the vortex began to recede, "What was that?"

Kushina smiled, "That was a containment seal from Uzushiogakure. The seal creates a small tornado that claims everything identified by the target specification and seals it into the scroll. The true difficulty with this seal though is the wielder has to keep constant watch on the targets until they've entered the vortex. The chakra drain maintaining the vortex it massive, but with the Byakugan, Koga can spot everything within his field of vision without actually following it with his eyes."

Koga placed a hand on the scroll, "Release!"

Three piles of kunai appeared. Koga looked at his teammates, "Kakashi your kunai are on the right, Tenzo yours are on the left."

Kakashi frowned, "Whose are that third pile?"

Koga shrugged, "They're just random kunai picked up off the ground."

Kushina nodded, "Once collected into the scroll it can organize and sort items collected based on the specifics that Koga assigned."

Kakashi turned to Kushina, "Can Koga seal people with this technique?"

Kushina nodded, "Yes, but unlike with inanimate objects he'd need to know the person's name, and also their chakra affinity."

Tenzo frowned, "So, to seal Kakashi all he'd have to do is write Kakashi's name in the target array, put down his affinity, and then keep him in his sight until he's pulled into the vortex."

Kushina nodded, "Yes, but as you can see this technique would not be prudent for that during actual combat. While it'd be easy to learn your opponents name, their affinity is not always readily apparent, and they're not likely to inform you. In regards to capturing a prisoner, this technique is better employed when targeting a non-shinobi. With them, instead of a chakra affinity all he needs is a title like Daimyo or Ramen Chef."

Kakashi nodded then turned to Koga, "We'll need to work on some tactics so Tenzo and I can supply you enough time to prepare one of those scrolls in combat."

Koga nodded, "The seal isn't too complicated, but I'm also a sitting duck while sealing, maximum of five minutes to make the array and initiate the sealing."

"Well, isn't this interesting." They turned to see Minato and Jiraiya standing near the memorial stone. Jiraiya nodded his head, "You're right Minato. These brats might just be able to handle this."

Minato crossed his arms and looked down at the ground, "Very well. Seeing as this is an S-rank mission." Minato looked up at his students, "Alright, you three will be accompanying Master Jiraiya to investigate rumors of an S-rank missing nin from Konoha hiding out in the Land of Sea. You'll all remember hearing about Orochimaru turning against the village. We have some sketchy intelligence that he might be there. This is merely an investigation, if you do find solid evidence Orochimaru is present, you're to summon reinforcements."

There were three immediate nods of understanding. Minato turned to Kushina, "Kushina I'm also sending you, Uchiha Mikoto has agreed to go as well. That makes this a six man squad; you can divide up into teams in route."

Kushina nodded then turned to the three boys, "Alright. You three are to get your supplies and report to the main gate within the hour."

After the three blurs which signaled their departure vanished, Minato turned to Jiraiya, "Sensei, can you keep an eye on those three. I've already lost two."

Jiraiya nodded, "Don't worry; I won't let them get into anything they can't handle. Kushina and I should be able to handle Orochimaru ourselves along with Mikoto. Those three will just take on any small fries. Besides, we'll probably get there and find the place abandoned."


Konohagakure Main Gate: 1 Hour Later

The two Jonin and Tenzo stood waiting next to Kushina as Mikoto approached followed by Uchiha Fugaku and a three year old. Tenzo frowned, "Who is the kid?"

Koga thought, "His name is Itachi. He's Fugaku's brat, I used to stay at the Uchiha Compound whenever I was kicked out of the Hyuga compound for one reason or another."

Tenzo turned to his teammate, "But you are also related to the Inuzuka, why did you not stay with them?"

Koga shook his head, "Because frankly I rather not wake up with a kunai in my back. My Aunt's husband has made it perfectly clear just how welcomed I am there." Koga stretched his arms, "Anyway, Fugaku used to be my father's teammate, now they just argue a lot at council meetings, and then go get drinks afterward. Funny story, that's kind of how my father met my mother."

Kakashi rubbed his chin, "So the lesson here, don't go get drunk with you teammates, because they'll also be too drunk to stop you from sleeping with some random person."

Koga narrowed his eyes at Kakashi, "Thank you for summing up the circumstances of my birth in such detail."

Kushina coughed slightly bring their attention to her. A single glare from her was enough to make them start acting like shinobi, instead of the children they looked like.

They watched as Mikoto said her goodbyes and then moved to join the squad. Itachi looked at the three older boys who were standing behind Kushina, "Mama is they going too?"

Mikoto turned back to Itachi, "Yes little one, they are assigned to the mission. One day you'll no doubt be a great ninja just like them."

Itachi noted that the three boys each had patch on their vest with a number in kanji. Itachi looked up to his father, "Father, what's that badge those guys have, and why don't you have it?"

Fugaku didn't look at his son, instead keeping his gaze on his wife and her team for this mission, "Those badges signify they belong to an elite unit. It's known they also act as members of ANBU, but there full spectrum of duties is unknown. The numbers signify the order in which they were selected. Hatake Kakashi is number one, Hyuga Koga is number two, and Tenzo is number three. The squad's name is Konoha's Guardians of the Will."

Itachi nodded, "I'm going to become strong enough to join them one day."

Fugaku nodded, "That is a great aspiration son. Just remember they take only those who can prove themselves useful to the squad's dynamics, duties, and the village."

Jiraiya finally arrived and led the group out the gate. As they went Mikoto moved up next to Kushina, "Master Jiraiya wasn't very thorough when explaining the mission."

Kushina nodded, "We're investigating what we believe to be Orochimaru's base, or at least one of them. We're only supposed to confirm his presence. If we do we call in support and take it from there, if not we examine the location thoroughly for any leads then make it so Orochimaru can never use that location again."

Mikoto nodded, "That why we're bring those three?"

Kushina nodded, "Those three combined have some destructive jutsu at their disposal, and this will give Koga a chance to practice some of his seals that are too dangerous to use at the village."

Mikoto smiled, "So you've been teaching him along with Minato?"

Kushina shook her head, "Minato taught him the basics. I'm just showing him what seals can really do."


After several hours of running through the branches Jiraiya signaled for a stop, "Alright we'll set camp here, alpha defense pattern."

The three younger ninja looked confused.

Kushina took pity on them, "Ignore the old man, he forgets what era we live in. He means standard camp setup, which used to be referred to by alpha defense pattern."

Tenzo cocked his head, "So, wire traps and exploding tags set at random intervals at 20, 30, and 40 meters from camp."

Mikoto nodded, "That's right. The council changed the name after the Second Shinobi World War because the alpha defense pattern had become the standard which most teams in the field used."

After the camp was set up Jiraiya sat down with the others, "Okay, seeing as half our squad is too young to really remember much about Orochimaru I guess some explanations are in order."

Koga shrugged, "What's there to know? He's an S-class criminal, and he needs to be stopped before he causes any trouble for Konoha."

Jiraiya shook his head, "To defeat your enemy you must first understand your enemy. I'd figured a veteran of the Third Shinobi World War would understand that."

Kakashi frowned, "We were more of the, our commander pointed at it let's kill it type of soldiers. We didn't really have time to analyze the enemy when they were coming at us with everything they had."

Koga nodded, "Yeah, even threw a blasted Jinchuriki at us."

Kushina narrowed her gaze at him, "Is that really how you feel about us?"

Koga looked surprised, "Lady Kushina?"

Mikoto giggled at the boy, "Don't worry. I've known about Kushina's secret from the start. I was assigned to her guard just after the transfer."

Tenzo turned to Jiraiya, "What about master Jiraiya?"

The Sannin nodded, "Knew since she was first brought to the village to take over as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."

Koga turned to Kakashi, "For an S-class secret there's sure a lot of people who know. Even that Han guy from Iwa knew."

Kushina frowned, "Han…he wasn't always like that. His village turned against him, even shun him out of ignorance."

Kakashi stirred the fire, "You knew him before the war?"

Kushina nodded, "Han is one of two Jinchuriki that Iwa processes. The other is Roshi who contains the Four-Tails; he's probably the oldest living Jinchuriki since I took over jailing the Nine-Tails. About a year before the war broke out the Sandaime Tsuchikage came to Konoha as our Sandaime Hokage was attempting to prevent the war we all saw coming. The Tsuchikage brought his jinchuriki in an attempt to bully Konoha and bolster his position."

Jiraiya nodded, "So to counter Sarutobi-sensei had Kushina flanking him when the Tsuchikage arrived. There was of course the normal irate flustering by the Tsuchikage, because two lesser biju will always be trumped by the Nine-Tails. No questions asked."

Kushina bowed her head, "I was nervous throughout the entire meeting. I was afraid what people would do when they found out, but then after Iwa's ninja had left Lord Hokage announced to the village that I wasn't the jinchuriki, and it was all a ploy to throw Iwa off balance after their blatant hostility at bringing both their jinchuriki to the village."

Koga bowed his head, "I'm pretty sure I know some of the feeling. I used to not be able to leave the compound without a branch member. If I ran into any Inuzuka besides my Aunt, things tended to get messy. I'm just thankful the ninken never listened when their masters ordered them to attack."

Kakashi frowned, "Did they truly expect their dogs to attack a fellow leaf villager?"

Koga nodded, "They were usually drunk, and figured killing me would gain them some prestige within the clan. See, by Inuzuka customs I'm still in line for the position of clan head. Since I'm the son of my aunt's older sister I still have claim. If no proper heir is named before my 18 birthday I have the right to claim leadership."

Mikoto thought, "But Tsume has a child, Hana."

Koga shook his head, "Inuzuka are a patriarchal clan. Hana would only lead if I turn down leadership when I'm 18, I die before I'm 18, or she has no younger brothers. Then she'd only lead till she's married, after that her husband leads the clan."

Mikoto frowned, "Tsume still attends the council meetings though?"

Koga growled, "That's because the lazy, good for nothing, piece of cat shit, two faced, pug nosed, jackass the Inuzuka elders made her marry doesn't do a damned thing but sit on his ass ordering the rest of the clan around."

Tenzo's brows rose at the description, "I see you have great respect for the man."

Koga shrugged. Kakashi spoke up, "So what happens if Inuzuka Tsume has a son?"

Jiraiya spoke up, "Well, then a real pickle of a situation starts up. You see Tsume was also a student of mine; she and Kuromaru was a great asset to the team. She told me the reason her sister was the clan head was because two of their cousins who were both eligible for the position challenged each other for the title. Unfortunately, they were too evenly matched and they killed each other. Tsume's sister was the next in line."

Koga nodded, "The kid would be the designated heir, as he'd most likely be legitimate. Though he wouldn't take over till he's 18, and at that time I could challenge him for position." Koga spat away from the fire, "There's no way in hell I'd ever want that job."

Tenzo frowned, "What of the Hyuga?"

Koga looked surprised, "Yeah, if someone even whispered that within earshot of the elders, I'd have the cursed seal branded on my forehead faster than sensei can decimate a battalion of Iwa ninja."

Kushina looked at the boy sadly, "Having a place to sleep doesn't make that place your home. It is merely a house that gives you shelter."

Koga nodded, "I've known that since I was three…my stepmother though…it's almost like she's trying to bridge the gap between my father and me. I've basically given up trying to push her away, seems the harder I push the harder she pushes back."

Kakashi frowned, "So, why have you stayed at the Hyuga compound?"

Koga shrugged, "Never really thought about it. Lord Sandaime Hokage visited me once when I was four, he offered to label me an orphan, and grant me money from the village's orphan support fund so I could live in my own apartment and attend the academy. By then I'd already started learning Juken, and my father had informed me through the elders that I'd be attending the academy."

Mikoto nodded, "You didn't want to break the statu quo. By then you'd been living there for a year, I know a week later Lord Hokage brought you to the Uchiha Compound. He said Master Jiraiya had just removed a seal from you, and you needed somewhere to stay while he calmed down the Hyuga and Inuzuka clans, who were at each other's throats."

Koga shivered, "Don't remind me. That botched seal was the closest I ever came to actually getting that stupid curse seal."

Kushina frowned, "Botched?"

Jiraiya nodded, "A main house member attempted branding Koga. He was next in line for the clan head position as long as Hiashi had no kids. He wanted to remove Koga as a possible obstacle to his rise to power."

Tenzo turned to the Sannin, "You said was."

Jiraiya chuckled, "That's because that particular individual was branded and placed in the branch house to appease Tsume."

Kushina turned back to the boy, "I've seen your forehead without your protector, there is no mark there."

Koga nodded, "Master Jiraiya and Minato-sensei were able to undo the seal. The baka had messed up, and instead of destroying brain cells when activated, the seal he placed on me sent false signals of pain throughout my entire nervous system, and made my skin ultra sensitive to touch so when anyone touched me the pain intensified."

Kakashi nodded, "So that's how you fought through the pain when you had that kunai lodged in your leg."

Koga chuckled humorlessly, "Yeah, compared to that seal incident, a kunai to the hip is nothing."

Jiraiya stood up, "Well, that interrogating Koga about his family life isn't the most cheerful activity. We're off topic." He narrowed his gaze at the fire, "Orochimaru is not someone you can underestimate. He's willing to do anything to obtain his goals, and cares nothing for those who get in the way."

Kakashi turned to the Sannin, "So why'd he leave the village?"

Jiraiya crossed his arms and bowed his head in thought, "While you lot may think Sarutobi-sensei just recently chose Minato as his successor, I've known for quite some time. So did my teammate, Orochimaru. Let's just suffice it to say Orochimaru was not pleased with being passed over for Hokage, especially for one of my students." Jiraiya looked at the other ninjas with a stern look, "After Orochimaru stormed out of the Hokage's office I went to speak with him, I was worried he'd do like Tsunade and leave the village. I found him at his home, which was a small hut on the outskirts of the village near the forest of death. When I went in he wasn't there, but I found a trapdoor leading to a basement."

Tenzo bowed his head, "That is where you found him."

Jiraiya nodded, "It was a type of lab, and the experiments Orochimaru was doing were horrific, and the worst part of it was his test subjects. We'd had a number of disappearances, kidnappings, and other nefarious deeds. We were at war and looked to outside sources for the troubles, not in a million years would I have thought my genius teammate was behind it all. He tried to convince me what he was doing was for the good of the village, but there was nothing good in torturing the people we're sworn to protect as shinobi of the leaf." Jiraiya bowed his head again, "Sensei followed me, and he and a pair of ANBU showed up. There was a minor altercation. The fight spilled back into the main portion of the house just as Orochimaru's student returned home. He ordered her to run and they both fled the village."

Koga frowned, "So there's another criminal we're looking for as well?"

Jiraiya shook his head, "No, if anything Anko just needs to be deprogrammed from Orochimaru's brainwashing. If we find her and she puts up a fight go easy on her, from what my sources tell me she hasn't had the easiest last few years, and we don't want her to view Konoha in a negative light."

Kushina nodded, "Then it seems this mission has gained a new level of complexity."

Jiraiya nodded, "You could say that, but for now we should all get some rest. It'll take us a few days to reach our destination, so we'll want to get an early start to make any serious headway."

Tenzo nodded, "Yes Lord Jiraiya, who has first watch?"

Jiraiya summoned a couple toads, "They do."


Border of Land of Sea: Three Days Later

Jiraiya stopped his team as they came upon the border, "Okay, this is where some stealth is necessary. We can't have a large group of Konoha ninja just traipsing through this country. If Orochimaru is present it'll draw mass attention."

Koga turned to Kushina, "Well, we could use cloak disguises, but we my draw attention that way."

Kushina rubbed her chin, "No, that won't work. The only ones in this group that won't give us away immediately are Mikoto and Tenzo. With a little change of clothes they give no outward sign of being shinobi, save a sensor ninja who could detect their chakra usage."

Jiraiya nodded, "Well, good thing I have this covered." Jiraiya laid two scrolls on the ground, "This one has some civilian clothes. Mikoto and Tenzo will change into those clothes, while the rest of us will be sealed into the second scroll."

Koga frowned, "From studying sealing I thought you could only have one living human per scroll?"

Jiraiya nodded, "That would be true with your normal containment seal, but this isn't a containment seal. This seal is more of a dimensional portal. We'll be able to fully see what is happening outside the pocket dimension, and can even release the seal from the inside if necessary."

Kakashi crossed his arms, "Um…couldn't I just change clothes?"

Jiraiya shook his head, "Your sharingan has to remain covered, and believe it or not kid, but your face is pretty well known. It doesn't really help you resemble your father so much."

Kakashi frowned, but his mask hid it.

After a quick clothes change and their teammates entering the pocket dimension Tenzo picked up the scroll and handed it to Mikoto who hid it in her sleeve so it was readily available.

As they walked toward their destination Mikoto spoke to Tenzo, "You seem quieter than your teammates."

Tenzo nodded, "I allow them to do most the talking, also I feel responsible for what happened to our fourth teammate."

Mikoto frowned, "What happened?"

Tenzo bowed his head, "During the final hours of the war Lady Kushina left me to guard the bunker where the medics were stationed. She'd taken Kakashi and Koga to reinforce the front line. Our team's medic Rin was left there to help the medics. A man wearing a stolen Leaf forehead protector was brought in; Rin was tending to his injury when a group of Suna ninja came with some more wounded. Rin turned her head to call for something; the imposter used that opportunity to stab Rin with a kunai. The medic said it hit a major artery, there was nothing anyone could do."

Mikoto nodded sadly, "While it is horrible what happened, we are shinobi, and death is waiting for all of us. I doubt your teammates blame you for it, and no doubt the man responsible was punished accordingly."

Tenzo nodded, "He struck after we'd already been notified that the war had ended, and all fighting was to cease immediately. Sensei labeled him a murder and ordered his execution. The day we got home a messenger from Iwa was waiting for us; he had an apology from the Tsuchikage stating he was sorry for the stupidity of his ninja."

Mikoto shook her head, "There is no forgiveness for their brand of stupidity. We didn't fight them for so long because they were intelligent, it was because they were too stupid to realize they were outclassed and should give up."

Tenzo nodded, "Yeah, considering thirteen year old Jonin and Chunin were beating thirty and forty year old Jonin."


As the sun set Mikoto and Tenzo came upon their destination, a small fishing village that was at the center for the disappearances and other strange happenings. Once checking into an inn Mikoto laid the scroll on the floor and they watched their squad emerge, which basically was them appearing out of thin air.

Kakashi turned to Tenzo, "Tenzo we don't blame you for what happened to Rin."

Tenzo frowned, "Wha…oh yeah you could hear us."

Koga nodded, "Tenzo, we might only been out of the academy a little before you, but we've lost teammates before. In fact my entire original team was killed because I was transferred to Sensei's team to replace Uchiha Obito. My replacement on that team was not able to function in the capacity that I once filled, and the inability of that team to adapt led to their deaths."

Kushina turned to Tenzo, "We all, even Minato, blame ourselves for what happened. There are a million what if scenarios for that day, what if I'd left Kakashi or Koga with you, what if I'd brought you both with us, what if Minato had arrived sooner. We can't focus on what could have been, and we can't blame each other for what happened."

Tenzo bowed to them, "Thank you."

Koga sneered, "And just for future reference, don't hide it if you've got a problem like that. We're a team, and we have to fully trust each other. If you felt we were angry with you needed to confront us about it."

Tenzo nodded.

Jiraiya laughed out loud, "Ah, such a strong team." He then calmed down, "Let's get to work. Orochimaru's suspected base is just up the coast."


The six ninja slipped out of the village unnoticed. They had quickly found the rock formation that was suspected as being Orochimaru's lair. Jiraiya turned to Koga, "Can you scope it out for us?"

Koga nodded then activated his Byakugan, "Hmm…what…that's not possible."

Jiraiya quickly got irritated, "Kid, some of us can't see what you see. So could you possibly reveal to us what the hell you're looking at?"

Koga nodded, "Well, the base isn't actually in that rock formation. It's under the water, just about at the edge where the ocean floor drops off."

Kakashi edged closer, "Where's the entrance?"

Koga frowned, "I see four, no three, the forth has been blocked off. The closest is in the rock formation, another is about a hundred yards out to see directly over the base. That one is a vertical shaft that just barely breaches the surface; it looks like some fake rocks have been placed to keep boats away."

Mikoto frowned, "What do you mean fake rocks?"

Koga shrugged, "I've never heard of floating rocks. I'd suggest caution though, it's at the edge of my vision, but I think there's explosive tags on the rocks." He then pointed back toward the village, "The last one leads off back to the village."

Kushina frowned, "Probably how they abducted people and got supplies to the base." She turned to Koga, "What about that forth one?"

Koga frowned, "It also leads to the rock formation, but I don't see any way to get to it. It might actually be a dungeon or something. I can see at least one chakra signature coming from there."

Jiraiya frowned, "Could it be Orochimaru?"

Koga shook his head, "No. Both you and Lady Tsunade have Kage level chakra stores. That signature isn't much more than a high Chunin or low Jonin."

Jiraiya nodded, "Any other signitures?"

Koga frowned, "Um…maybe…there must be some sort of barrier that's blocking my sight, because everything inside the base is fuzzy."

Jiraiya shook his head, "Well then it looks like we'll be taking the rock formation entrance. Koga, I want you to keep an eye on those other entrances as long as you can. I want advanced warning if anyone comes to the base before we're in, or if anyone leaves."

Koga nodded.

The group then carefully made their way to the rock formation.

Koga pointed to a cave about four feet up the side, "That cave leads to a cavern just below the rocks. It connects to a tunnel that will lead us straight to the base."

Access to the cave was not difficult for any ninja. As they entered the cavern Koga stopped the group, "We're not alone."

Dropping from the ceiling a man landed on his feet and cocked his head, "By your appearance you are shinobi from Konoha. I am amazed a Hyuga was sent, but unfortunately you are too late. Master has long since departed this place."

Jiraiya grinned, "Is that so. So what are you the night watchman?"

The man bowed, "Excuse me, my manners. I am known as Test Specimen number 45356. Master considered me a failed experiment, and left me to guard this base. I expect he'll return someday."

Jiraiya scoffed, "Not likely, so you alone here?"

Specimen 45356 shook his head, "No, several of my fellow failed experiments also roam the base, plus our toy is also here."

Kushina frowned, "Your toy?"

Specimen 45356 nodded, "Yes, our toy, that ungrateful little bitch Anko, who shunned master's most generous gift. In fact after I deal with you intruders I think I'll see if she's recovered enough to be amusing."

Koga growled, "That's a leaf shinobi you're talking about."

Mikoto stepped forward, "Master Jiraiya, Kakashi and I will handle this. You four go on ahead, it seems this mission has become a rescue mission after all."

Jiraiya turned to Koga, "Can you see how to get there from here?"

Koga nodded, "Yeah, we have to enter the base, go down a level, then down the tunnel that leads back this way."

Jiraiya nodded then turned to Mikoto, "After your done here follow those directions to catch up with us."

Specimen 45356 frowned, "What are you talking about? I'm not letting any of you past me."

Koga and Tenzo moved first, each darting around the reject and sliding to a stop at the tunnel entrance. The reject turned to attack, but was blocked by Kakashi, "Didn't you hear? I'm the one that's going to teach you how to play dead." Kakashi spoke over his shoulder, "Get going you two, and no dying understood."

They nodded as Jiraiya and Kushina joined them and the four dashed down the tunnel.

Mikoto activated her sharingan as Kakashi revealed his. Mikoto smiled, "Kakashi, it's time you learned the true power of that eye of yours."

Kakashi nodded, "I'm always willing to learn."

Specimen 45356 growled, "Don't think so highly of yourselves. I am nothing to be scoffed at." The man's arms and legs seemed to enlarge and split until he had eight tentacles writhing around his body, "Now let's see you get past me."

Kakashi jumped backward to dodge a strike by one of the appendages, "They cross this guy with an octopus?"

Mikoto shook her head, "Doesn't matter, just as long as he fries like any other. Katon release: Great Fireball Technique!"

Kakashi watched as Mikoto sent a massive fireball at the octopus man.

At the last second Specimen 45356 threw up his tentacles to block the attack. The fireball exploded, and when the smoke cleared the two sharingan users were shocked to see their opponent was practically unscathed.

Specimen 45356 laughed, "Nice try, but the skin on my tentacles was imbued with fire resistance cells, plus a rubber like coating just below the surface allows for grounding against lightning based attacks."

"Then how do you feel about steam attacks." The two leaf shinobi turned to find the armor clad Han standing behind them.

Specimen 45356 frowned, "Who are you? Why are you interfering with this fight?"

A second older man stepped out from behind Han, "Because I told him to." Roshi spoke to the Leaf Shinobi, "Orochimaru attacked us a few days ago. Said he was working for an organization that wanted us captured. We sent him packing along with the freak he was traveling with. We learned this could be one of his hideouts."


Jiraiya's group was halfway down the tunnel when Koga stopped them, "This could be a problem."

Kushina turned to him, "What?"

Koga swallowed, "Two jinchuriki just showed up."

Jiraiya frowned, "Are you sure?"

Koga nodded, "Yeah, one of them is Han, I recognize his chakra patterns…the other like him and Lady Kushina with two types of chakra."

Kushina's frown deepened, "Must be Roshi, but what are they doing here."

Koga looked surprised, "Whoa…that wasn't quite what I was expecting."

Tenzo turned toward were they'd come from, "What's happening…do the others need assistance?"

Koga shook his head, "No, they'll be just fine. Han just attacked that reject from the sushi bar."


Kakashi and Mikoto watched as Han fired bullets of steam at the octopus. Roshi nodded, "So he's heat resistant? There is one truth about a resistance such as that. Apply enough heat and eventually you'll burn through the resistance."

The others jumped back as Roshi executed a jutsu that turned the ground under Specimen 45356 into a pool of lava.

The Specimen shot each of his tentacles out to cling to the walls holding him above the lava.

Kakashi nodded, "I've got this." Pointing his hand toward the ground he started gathering his lightning chakra, "Sorry sensei, but I'm going to have to use it. Chidori!"

The two Iwa Jinchuriki and Mikoto watched as Kakashi dashed toward 45356. Kakashi leapt at him and drove his fist into the enemy's heart. Specimen 45356 gave a final earsplitting scream as he convulsed, and releasing his tentacles from the cavern walls fell into the lava. Kakashi would have joined him in the lava, but Han caught him and tossed him to safety.


Koga stopped again, "Damn it!"

Kushina turned to him, "Now what?"

Koga shook his head, "That idiot. He used Chidori."

Jiraiya rubbed his chin, "Problem?"

Tenzo nodded, "Kakashi was forbidden by sensei to use that technique."

Koga slammed his fist into the wall, "Kakashi will be just less than worthless for the rest of the day now."

Jiraiya turned back toward the base, "We'll have to trust Mikoto to take care of things on their end. Who knows what lies ahead of us?"


Mikoto slid Kakashi's forehead protector over his sharingan, "That technique used a lot of chakra."

Kakashi nodded, "I'm sure Koga's cursing at me about now."

Roshi knelt next to them, "Good move, but you'll be useless in a fight with most your chakra drained." He turned to Mikoto, "I'll stay here with him. You and Han go ahead and join up with the others."

Mikoto narrowed her gaze on him, "I'm to trust one of my comrades lives in the hand of an Iwa ninja?"

Roshi shook his head, "The war is over, plus Han and I aren't much of Iwa ninja as of late. I abandoned the village before the war ended, and after his defeat Han wasn't exactly welcomed back."

Mikoto shook her head, "I'm sure I'm going to regret this." She looked at Kakashi, "Don't you dare let that eye of yours fall into Iwa hands."

Kakashi nodded.

Mikoto turned to Han, "Well, let's see if there's any more freaks in there needing an express ticket to hell."

Han nodded then followed her down the tunnel.

After they were gone Kakashi turned to Roshi, "So, why are you the one staying here?"

Roshi chuckled, "Well, I'm not sure about you, but using lava based attacks that are liable to bring the whole base down around our heads doesn't sound like a smart idea."


"Finally!" Jiraiya glared at the door to the base, "You'd think Orochimaru was paranoid."

Kushina nodded, "He probably is." She turned to Koga, "What's the situation at the entrance?"

Koga frowned, "Mikoto and Han are on their way here. Kakashi, and the guy we suspect is Roshi are holding at the entrance."

Kushina nodded, "So wait for the reinforcements or bust it down?"

Jiraiya placed a hand on the door, "I don't see any doorbell, so how about I just knock!"

Jiraiya punched the wooden door causing it to splinter and the hinges to give.

Tenzo frowned, "That door wasn't very secure."

Jiraiya wiped the few splinters from his hand, "Orochimaru probably didn't think anyone would get past his watchdog. Let's hurry though, no telling if something heard that door giving in."


The four of them dashed down the hall until they entered a massive three story room with scrolls and books lining the walls. Koga shook his head, "If Orochimaru abandoned this place, why'd he leave all this here?"

Kushina frowned, "Not sure, but his lose is our gain. Koga you know what to do."

Koga nodded, "I'm on it." Jumping down to the main floor he unrolled a scroll and quickly created the vortex containment seal.

Kushina called down, "Use archives as the target!"

Koga nodded then placed his hands in the standard ram sign, "Sealing Art: Vortex of Containment!"

They watched as the vortex grew and began pulling the scrolls off the shelves. It took five minutes for all the scrolls to be sealed.

Koga was just rolling up the scroll when a voice spoke up from behind him, "And what do you think you're doing?"

Koga turned to face the speaker, "Knew that was too easy."

The others dropped down beside him. The speaker stepped into the light. He was a remarkably thin man who seemed to be nothing more than bone, his skin was almost translucent, and his oily white hair was slicked back. His compound eyes bugged out from their sockets.

Tenzo shook his head, "Okay, now we've walked right into one of those bad horror movies they show on weekends at the cinema."

Koga shook his head, "Actually, I prefer the movie monsters, at least with them you see the zipper. This guy definitely has issues."

The bug eye guy bowed his head, "I am neo-Hyuga 5. The last attempt by Master Orochimaru to augment a none Hyaga with a Byakugan like ability."

Koga growled, "Oh you are so dead."

Neo-Hyuga grinned, "I take it you are from the Hyuga clan."

Koga stepped forward, "I am Hyuga Koga, son of the current clan head Hyuga Hiashi."

Kushina frowned, "Koga, can you take him?"

Koga nodded, "If I'm an aberration of the Hyuga, he's a mockery. I can't allow something like him to exist."

Jiraiya nodded, "Kushina and I will continue on. Tenzo will stay behind as your backup."

Koga nodded, "That's fine. Tenzo, don't interfere."

Tenzo nodded, "Just tell me if you need assistance."

Jiraiya and Kushina headed down the passage Koga said would lead to where Anko was held. Koga then turned back to his opponent.

Neo-Hyuga smirked, "Shall we begin?"

Koga slipped into the Juken's primary stance, "You will soon learn the true power of the Hyuga clan."

Neo-Hyuga grinned, "I am so excited to learn whatever you know."

Koga dashed forward and slammed his palms forward. Neo-Hyuga blocked by bringing his bonelike arms up. Koga frowned as his freakish enemies arms did not drop to his sides useless.

Neo-Hyuga smirked, "Oh was something supposed to happen?"

Tenzo shook his head, "Koga, what happened?"

Koga jumped back and reassessed the situation. Looking closely at his opponent's chakra system he noted the differences "Don't worry Tenzo. I see what went wrong. I missed his chakra coils. Seems Orochimaru altered this guys system to try and counter the effects of Juken."

Neo-Hyuga chuckled, "Oh, was that all. So if you made contact with my chakra coils what would happen?"

Koga focused on his opponent, "Just get ready to find out."

Koga stepped forward, "You are in my field of divination." Koga took his stance, "Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!" Koga began the strikes, "two palms…four palms…eight palms…sixteen palms…thirty two palms…sixty four palms!"

Tenzo watched as his teammate seemed to vanish and reappear striking the skeleton like enemy.

Koga stepped back, "Now…do you understand."

Neo-Hyuga coughed up some blood, "That was interesting. I guess it's my turn now?"

Koga looked shocked, "You're still standing?"

Neo-Hyuga chuckled, "Of course. After all, I've not even shown you what I truly look like." Neo-Hyuga limbs began to lengthen. His legs became a single pole rooting him to the ground as his arms stretched and his fingers elongated into blades. The creature chuckled again, "You look surprised. As I said I was the master's last attempt. I like all others you might encounter here are abject failures. Now, I will admit you did serious damage to my body. Damage I must say will no doubt be fatal in about twenty years. You see master did a little splicing, and I have quite the life span, also I heal by creating a sap like substance to mend bones and patch organs. Unfortunately the sap is also toxic to me, and the amount needed to heal the damage you caused will lead to a slow and painful demise."

Koga frowned as he slipped into a Juken stance, "Then I'll just have to cause enough damage so you'll die."

Neo-Hyuga slashed his clawed hands downward, but Koga dodged and ran up to get closer to his target. As he was about to strike one of the elongated arms snapped back, and caught him in the chest. Rolling backwards he stopped in a kneeling position.

Tenzo stepped forward, "Koga, you can't take that thing on along."

Koga nodded, "You're right. Especially since I now have a couple cracked ribs."

Tenzo nodded, "Mokuton: Great Forest Technique!" His arm turning into trees shot toward their opponent pinning the two arms down, "I got him! Finish this now!"

Koga nodded, "Alright, this ends now!" Koga ran back toward their opponent and pouring his chakra into his palms struck the bug eyed creature three times, once in the heart, throat, and head. "Now if you survived that I'm out of options?"

Neo-Hyuga was silent for a moment before blood started pouring out of his mouth and nose, and he seemed to be crying blood.

Tenzo released the dead creature, "Is he really dead now?"

Koga nodded, "Yeah. It was that final blow to the head. Orochimaru knew part of the Byakugan was the increase chakra flow to the eyes, those were the only coils he couldn't alter."

They both turned as Neo-Hyuga began convulsing, but before they could act Han landed on the skeletal creature smashing its head.

Mikoto soon landed next to him, "You two alright?"

Tenzo nodded, "I'm fine, Koga's got some cracked ribs."

Mikoto frowned at the dead creature, "How many of these freaks are there?"

Koga shook his head, "Not sure. My Byakugan is still being affected by that barrier, I can only make out the room structure of the base, someone could be standing just outside this room and I'd never notice."

Tenzo turned the direction Jiraiya and Kushina had gone, "We've only encountered these two, maybe that's all there was."

Han shook his head, "No…there were four more. They were little more than animals, we put them out of their misery quickly."

Koga frowned, "We didn't encounter anything like that."

Mikoto crossed her arms, "They were investigating the remnants of the door. Who's bright idea was it to smash down the door?"

Koga and Tenzo bowed their heads, "Lord Jiraiya."

Mikoto shook her head, "Well, let's join up with the others."


Jiraiya and Kushina were having troubles of their own. Once they entered the tunnel they found a series of door each having a different seal placed on it. There was also a hand mark on the seal, which after a failed test by Jiraiya, where obviously keyed to the chakra of certain individuals. If it wasn't keyed to your chakra it had a nasty surprise.

Jiraiya currently had his hand bandaged as that trap had been a blade impaling the hand.

Kushina ripped the third seal off the third door, "How many more do you think there are?"

Jiraiya shook his head, "Without Koga, it's hard to tell. Hope those kids aren't in over their heads."

They came to the fourth door. Kushina shook her head, "This is bad."

Jiraiya nodded, "This seal will take three people at least to break."

Kushina frowned, "We should have waited for the others and brought one of those freaks hands with us."

Jiraiya shrugged, "Well, at least we'd have the third person we need to pass this door."

Han spoke up as they finally caught up, "You need assistance?"

Kushina smiled, "Actually Han, we do. Mind lending a hand a removing this seal."

The Five-Tail Jinchuriki nodded, "What do you need?"

Jiraiya pointed at the seal paper on the door, "Just direct your chakra at that paper, we'll do the rest."

Tenzo helped Koga lean against the wall. Kushina spoke over her shoulder, "What happened to him?"

Mikoto grinned, "He underestimated that freak. It's just a couple cracked ribs, give me fifteen minutes and I'll have him patched up."

Jiraiya nodded, "It seems you dealt with that poser."

Koga huffed, "He was just that a poser, he used the Hyuga name but those eyes of his couldn't do a thing. He was a failed experiment."

Jiraiya turned back to the seal, "It's good to have you back with us kid, mind shedding some light on how many of these blasted doors there are?"

Koga nodded, "We're outside the bases barrier, I can see three more doors. The third one is the cell door."


After Koga's ribs were patched up and he was able to move on his own again it took them thirty minutes to reach the cell door. Kushina looked through the small hatch into the cavern beyond, "I don't see anyone. Are you sure she's in there?"

Koga nodded, "She's there, but we have another problem."

Tenzo shook his head, "What now?"

Koga pointed behind him, "Those doors all just closed. The seals reactivated, and unlike coming down here, we can't get out unless we're keyed into the seals."

Han looked around the walls, "Boy, are we near the other cavern?"

Koga glared at the armored giant, "Yeah that caverns about fourteen meters above us. You know any way to bust through that much stolid rock without bringing it all down on our heads."

Han nodded, "Actually I do, but I suggest we ascertain the condition of this girl you're searching for."

Kushina nodded, "Right, Tenzo bring the door down, it doesn't have any seals."

Tenzo nodded, "Mokuton: Great Forest Technique!"

Once the door was out of the way they entered the dark chamber. A pool of water nearby was the only definable thing. Koga walked toward the water's edge, "Now I get it. This is why Kushina couldn't see her." He knelt down, "It's alright Anko, you can drop the genjutsu now we're from Konoha well most of us are."

The pool of water vanished and the others saw the girl sitting huddled in front of Koga. She frowned at them, "How'd you find this place?"

Koga pointed to his eyes, "I might not look it, but I'm a Hyuga, got the Byakugan and everything." He pointed to Jiraiya, "Master Jiraiya found out about this place and assembled a team. Lord Hokage sent us to verify that Orochimaru was here or not, our second objective was to find you and where your loyalties lie."

Anko bowed her head, "I…I don't remember…I remember going to talk to Orochimaru-sensei about something…then I woke up in here and those thugs…"

Kushina knelt next to her, "Don't think about that okay. We'll get you home to the village, and then we'll sort this all out."

Koga nudged Kushina's shoulder, "Lady Kushina, her leg is broken in three places. She's not walking anytime soon let alone climbing out of here."

Kushina turned to Mikoto, "Mikoto. Take a look at her leg, and see what can be done for it."

Jiraiya and Han who'd been talking in the corner observed the Uchiha tended the injured girl. Han stepped forward, "I'll start making the passage to the surface, but you'll all want to wait out in the hall. It's going to get a little hot in here."


Three Hours later entrance cavern. Kakashi had recovered enough to stand and was waiting for the others to return, "It shouldn't be taking them this long."

Roshi frowned, "Don't worry so much. They have two jinchuriki with them, the chances of them getting into something they can't get out of is slim."

Just as Roshi finished speaking the ground began to shake. They were both standing ready for attack when a part of the floor blew open as steam gushed forth. Moments later Han emerged followed by the others.

Kakashi nodded to his teammates as they rejoined him, "So have fun down there?"

Koga looked at the still cooling lava pit, "Obviously not as much as you."

Roshi nodded to the other adult ninja, "So, I take it Orochimaru is long gone."

Jiraiya nodded, "Yeah, this place is just full of his failed experiments, might as well demolish it to ensure they're all terminated."

Roshi bowed, "Then if you'd all step aside." They all moved toward the exit. Roshi silently activated a jutsu that reheated the lava pit and sent it down both the passage to the base, and the tunnel Han made. Roshi turned to the others, "Han and I will ensure nothing escapes from this direction."

Koga turned to Jiraiya, "Those other two exits."

Jiraiya turned to Roshi, "How long will it take for that lava to reach the base?"

Roshi shrugged, "A few minutes…what'd he mean other exits?"

Koga spoke, "There's an exit right above the base out at sea. Doubt any of those things knows how to water walk, but I wouldn't want to take chances. There's also an underground passage the lead off to that fishing village."

Roshi turned to Han, "Go take care of the one at sea."

Koga turned to Han, "Be careful, it's surrounded by traps."

Han nodded then departed.

Roshi then turned to them, "If you'd be so kind as to seal off that last passage."

Jiraiya nodded, "Sure, I believe this is where our paths should part anyway."

Roshi bowed his head, "It has been an honor to work alongside the one of the Legendary Sannin instead of against them."

Jiraiya nodded, "Yeah, I must say it's much better when the jinchuriki are fighting with you than against you."

Kushina shook her head, "Old men!" She turned to the others, "Alright, Jiraiya, Mikoto, and I will deal with the passage. You three start out for Konoha, with Kakashi well on his way to chakra exhaustion and Anko's leg we'll catch up to you in no time."

They nodded and departed. Roshi chuckled, "Keep those kids in line Nine-Tails. They might just turn out to surpass some of the heroes of the third war."

Kushina narrowed her gaze at the floor, "They are heroes of the war…we just don't let it go to their heads."


Land of Sea Boarder

Kakashi stopped and looked at his two teammates, "We'll stop here."

Koga nodded then eased Anko off his back, "We made a half a day's journey in only a few hours."

Tenzo nodded, "We made good time, even after stopping for our supplies at the inn. We still have a three and half day journey ahead of us, maybe two and a half if we push it."

Koga turned to Anko, "How are you doing?"

Anko rubbed her splint, "Its sore, but the medicine Lady Mikoto gave me it's not nearly as bad."

Koga nodded, "Well, you're lucky that it hadn't healed wrong. The medics back at Konoha will have you fixed up in no time, I should know they've had to patch me up a time or two."

Kakashi nodded, "Yeah, but why do they have use restraints whenever I go there?"

Koga sneered, "If you'd just listen to the medics and stay till they released you."

Tenzo frowned, "Koga…as soon as the nurse leaves the room you bolt out the window."

This light banter had its desired effect as Anko smiled at the three slightly older boys antics.


End Chapter Three

A/N: Wow…this chapter just kept going, and going. I felt it was missing something, but I'm not entirely sure what. Well, you know the routine.