Nine ran. He didn't stop. Minutes blended into hours which eventually turned into days, he wasn't sure, and he still ran. He couldn't afford to pause, couldn't risk a break. He had to keep going. His clones carried his friends, their faces mirroring his own. Terrified.
Four was dying. Nine couldn't stop the bleeding. He had used every bit of his training, meagre in the healing field as it was, to try and stop but the blood kept flowing. Why had they never thought to practice medical ninjutsu? Even as he asked himself the question, Nine knew the answer. Who would need a doctor when you had a bijuu sealed in your gut that granted you accelerated healing powers? Four's breathing was laboured and he barely stirred when Nine shared his chakra with him. If it wasn't for the Yonbi, he would be dead ages ago. Five wasn't in much better condition. He hadn't sustained as many injuries, but his head carried a wound that the blonde jinchuuriki was sure the cause of him not waking yet. The Gobi was sure to be working on it, and the fact he hadn't fixed it yet meant it was indeed a serious blow. One guy caused this much damage to them? And he was holding back?! If One hadn't been floating between awake and asleep, Nine thought he would crack.
The few minutes the sand user was coherent kept the hysteria at bay. His injuries were treated, but the chakra exhaustion ran deep. Even with Shukaku not trying to take control, One needed at least another week if not a fortnight to replenish his stores. No wonder he had came to his side so quickly after his battle. He had went all out at the get go. Crushing his playful opponent in less than a minute. Nine hadn't discussed the talk he had with Shikaku, or even tried to open the scroll that was tucked firmly into his pouch. His friends needed to focus on healing. As it was, his clones weren't the best hospital beds. But they had to keep moving.
He had tried to stop, when he reached the boarder of River and Fire, but the stag, Shika, had appeared from no where to confront him, his crown of blades glinting maliciously in the dimming sunlight. Not even pausing to see if the summons was there to talk like his master, Nine bolted. Ever since then, whenever the temptation of pausing came to him, to rest, whenever his steps slowed or faltered, he would see the stag and know he was not free of his pursuers yet.
He headed south. It was his last idea. Secretly he was thankful to Shikaku for not engaging him in battle and so when he began his marathon his chakra stores were still full to bursting, giving him the much needed energy to push on. His supplies would last him another two days. Four if he stretched it. He dare not take from his comrades, they needed all the energy they could get. His exhaustion would only stay at bay for so long. If his plan didn't work, he would have to fight. And fighting would reveal their location to the Tsuchikage. Kyuubi would not let him die and would step in when his energy ran out.
Distantly he heard the sound of the ocean. He was almost to the coast. The forest started to thin out and from the corner of his eye he saw a white flash. Not bothering to turn his head, he knew it to be Shika, he put on an extra burst of speed, his clones following close behind. The trees fell away suddenly and soon, he was running along a pristine white beach. If he wasn't fleeing for their lives, he would have stopped and appreciated the beauty that was before him. As it was, he didn't even note the soft sand or the gentle waves, instead he focused his chakra and created three stronger clones. With missing a step, they took his fallen friends from the previous clones, and dispelled the weaker ones.
Shikaku said that they had a ninja capable of tracking them anywhere on land. And as much as he hated taking advice from an enemy, he refused to be careless even more. Heading this piece of information had no instant repercussions he could see, so he would use it. His first idea was to use One's sand to get away. No matter how good a tracker you were on land, you had no hope following people through the air. But with One's condition, that plan was out. His next best idea was what he was attempting. Water.
Nine collected chakra to his feet and not even pausing, ran out onto the waves. His clones followed. They ran. South. They ran. Out onto the ocean. Recalling a map he had studied what seemed like a lifetime ago, he knew that land was about a week away if he kept up his pace and not slowing for breaks. One week of constant sprinting on the open ocean. Exposed to the elements and enemies alike. He could not hide with his wounded comrades, he could not stop less a rogue wave take him over. He could not slow down with his enemies pursuing him.
Thinking of his enemies, Nine looked over his shoulder for the first time in days. At the edge of the forest, unable to hide in the shadow due to his gleaming crown and glowing pelt, Shika watched him run. Nodding his majestic head once, the summons turned and walked back into the woods, disappearing from his sight. Frowning at the odd behaviour, Nine tucked the observation in the back of his mind to be reviewed later. When his friends were well again.
For now, he ran.
.*.*.
The Tsuchikage eyed the unconscious woman before him. Her red hair was splayed across the ground like a puddle of fire, hiding the blood that cooled beneath her body. They were alone in an underground room he had made with his ninjutsu. Having earth jutsu made creating hideouts very easy. No matter where he travelled, he knew he could create a safe haven to camp in.
Oonoki focused back on the woman. She was alive, barely. He allowed none of his rage to show. Kurai had failed. The village still stood. He was driven back, forced to retreat. Beaten down by two retired shinobi. Barely able to escape with their prisoner. Which meant villagers were able to give witness.
And not just any villagers, Uchiha. Not just any Uchiha, Itachi Uchiha. Prodigy and heir to the clan. One of the most talented ninja since the first Kage. What he was doing in the Hidden Whirlpool village he did not know, but he would find out. By now they would have returned to their village and reported the Iwa Uchiha to the Hokage. His secret was out and he needed to distract them with something so they did not think to attack the Stone. Danzo was sure to retaliate when he discovered a village under his protection was attacked. When he found out a rival village had possession of one of his most prized kekkai genkai, the old War Hawk would not hesitate to strike. A war with the Leaf was not what he wanted...
Well not yet anyway.
He needed his Sacrifices back to bolster his military power. When he had four of the jinchuuriki under his control, no army would be able to stand up to him, even a challenge would be suicide. But now... He would need to solidify his data on the other bijuu holders as well. Knowing the enemy was half the battle. Leaf and Sand had none. That left two other great villages and five containers. Thinking of the morals of the First Hokage, he would have divided them out evenly. Iwa had two, the Four and Five. Sand being so closely allied with the Leaf at the time they were practically one nation, received the One tail and Konoha kept the Nine, to keep the balance the Shodaime had claimed. Kumo had the Eight and Two. That was common knowledge, especially with the Hachibi being so well tamed by the village they broadcasted the information globally. That left the Three, Six and Seven and Mizu. Two of them would belong to Water and the other one would have to be in an allied village. A close one. Whirlpool would have been his first guess, but if his attack hadn't revealed a hidden jinchuuriki, then it would not be there. The next closest allied village to the Leaf would be... Waterfall. That's where the last one was.
Tsunade will make another problem. She hadn't been seen since defecting from the Leaf thirteen years ago, it seems she was living out her remaining days with the white haired man who helped in the defence of the village. Whirlpool was a wise choice, out of the way enough that no one would notice her, but connected enough she would be able to keep track of those who hunted her. She would not sit idle when her home was just attacked. And by an Uchiha. Hopefully, it would send her after the Leaf. That would be amusing. Granddaughter of the First Hokage destroying the village.
Amusing but unlikely. Kurai had informed him the two Uchiha came from the same hospital Tsunade emerged from, more than likely she knew his Uchiha did not come from the Leaf. Especially with him flashing his hitai-ate around. The boy had been proud when he received his headband. Immensely so. His desire to prove himself as an Iwa shinobi is what aided in making him so easy to deal with. Acceptance, it was such a basic desire yet made people such malleable tools. But back to the Senju, he would need to keep an eye on her. She didn't know he had lost his containers, but she could still attack if she was as reckless as he remembered her to be. And an attack by a Sannin would create some very big problems he did not have the time to deal with.
He needed jinchuuriki, and he needed to keep the Leaf from attacking. The Tsuchikage smiled when he realised his two problems could be solved with one brilliant move. Waterfall was smaller and weaker than Whirlpool, and should have no hidden surprises like Uchiha and Tsunade. It was time to take their sacrifice as his own. They would be older and have no conditioning or sense of loyalty to him or the Stone, it didn't matter. That's what he had Kurai for.
The woman currently on his floor would stop his escaped weapons from attacking him. They may be tools, but even Nine wouldn't dare raise a hand against him while he held the brat's mother. That certain problem was neutralised for now. It was a temporary solution but it would allow him to come up with a more permanent plan, like recapturing them. Killing them was his next choice.
Suddenly the underground room shook with the thundering of hooves and the screams of enraged horses reached his old ears.
.*.*.
Shikaku gazed around the room, his slumped shoulders and weary demeanour hiding his active eyes and fast working brain. He and his fellow Akatsuki members had been summoned, most likely due to the escaped targets. Two of them had been incapacitated successfully, one of them gave Orochimaru a solid beat down and the Namikaze child took off like a bat out of hell with all of them before they could be captured. He smiled inwardly. Shika had followed them to the coast and watched them as they ran out over water. He was glad the Namikaze child took his advice and used it well. Zetsu would not be able to follow them over the ocean. His best bet would be to guess where they ran to and then search from there. It wasn't much but it gave them some time to recover. Kisame had bragged about his fight, almost killing one and seriously injuring the other, they would need as much time as they could get to recover. Shika had reported apart from Namikaze, the others were in terrible shape. Once again he appreciated his summons. He stayed with the group, and kept out of sight of Zetsu. The Akatsuki's plans were delayed. Kabuto would be pleased, as would the Hikage.
Too occupied with his thoughts, Shikaku didn't sense the presence behind him. As such, he didn't dodge when the pole pierced his shoulder, or block to punch that knocked him to the floor. What he could feel was the warm, wet sensation of blood soaking his coat, and the familiar throb of a fractured bone. Was it an ambush? No the other's were still in their positions. He was the only one attacked and the other's were not surprised by it. His vision started to go dark and he distantly heard the voice of Leader.
"I think it's time to deal with the traitor, he has interfered too much."
Damn.
.*.*.
Danzo stepped over the quickly cooling body of the broken tool. Failure was not acceptable, and would be punished as it deserved. Itachi had escaped with Sasuke and his ninja could not find out where they were hiding. The Black Flash had aided in the treason but now even he was unable to be caught. Danzo had been waiting years for an opportunity to kill that pest and when he finally had a situation that would not cause the clans to revolt when he called for his execution, the filthy Namikaze could not be found.
The clans. They were becoming more of an issue every passing day. Refusing to accept any mission above A-rank, and doing the missions they accept to half standard. Oh, he punished them, suspension for a couple, dishonourable discharges for many, sometime a few assassinations, but he was just crippling his own military force and causing him to rely heavily on his own personal force to bring in revenue. Something had to be done. The heads were too ruined by the teachings of the Third, they believed to much in that Will of Fire nonsense and it made them weak. No, he needed to get the next generation on his side. They were still young enough to be saved from soft thinking. The academy started them off with a basic teaching of what was needed to help support a strong village, but they would need to be further educated. And he must do so in a way their elders would have no choice but to agree to his regime. He needed to get the heads out of the village.
The last time he could remember all the clans leaving the safety of the walls was during the second shinobi war.
That's it.
He needed a war.
For a war, he needed a cause. One people could rally behind. One people wouldn't question when he sent the heads of the clans that opposed him into fighting, leaving their children to him. And what did the clans care about? Namikaze. Or rather the brat that was stolen. His weapon. His tool to help him crush his enemies. It was perfect. In one move he would solidify his power and destroy his adversaries. He would find out where the fox was and retrieve him. Then, send the clans out to attack the ones who had taken him. He would have the next generation, ready for conditioning and he would be so loved by the village there would be no question when he took control of their training. It was brilliant.
"Get me Jiraiya."
.*.*.
"Hey Shikamaru! How's it going?"
"Gah!" Shikamaru yelped. He sat up and scanned his surroundings. From what he could tell he was alone on the grassy hill, his only companion a small toad that sat happily next to him. The Nara heir eyed it suspiciously. It wasn't there when he had decided to use this spot for his cloud gazing, and he hadn't sensed it hopping around at all. Maybe his mum was onto something, maybe he was too lazy and needed to train his senses.
…
Nah, there must be something up with the frog. One way to test this theory.
"You're interrupting my down time," Shikamaru told the frog. He felt a little silly, but it was worth it when the amphibian grinned.
"No fooling you, huh? Boss said you were clever. Most people don't think we can talk." Shikamaru hid his surprise with all the training he had received from the Black Flash in espionage. The frog could freaking talk! He stowed that away in his head to be suitable awed over later. For now though,
"Boss? Do you mean Kabuto?"
"Ding ding ding! Right on the money! You are smart. Since Boss can't walk around the Leaf right now he sent me to give you a message!" The toad croaked happily
"Makes sense, so what is it?" Shikamaru asked
"What's what?"
"The message?"
"What message?"
"The one Kabuto asked you to give me"
"You know the Boss?" Shikamaru smacked his head into his palm. No wonder Kabuto used these things. If they were ever caught by enemy interrogators, they could annoy them to death. He tried to think what Kabuto could possibly want. The last week had been pretty quiet amongst the clans. Their small rebellion seemed to be finally grating on the Hokage. After all, he could only use his own personal force for so long. He hadn't heard from his father in a while, could he have a new message from him? No, Shikaku was too careful to send him a letter whilst undercover. Maybe Kabuto had a new mission for him and his team? If so why not send his usual message to them? So it was a mission just for him, huh? What a drag. If so, the frog needed to tell him something.
"Did Kabuto tell you anything?"
"Hmmmm, now that you mention it, Boss did say to tell you something funny. He said to make sure you get this word, you ready?"
"Yes, yes," Shikamaru said impatiently, quickly getting tired of the frogs antics.
"Here is goes. The word is: Ero," and with that the toad poofed out of sight, leaving Shikamaru staring at the space it once occupied. Ero? What the hell did ero have to do with anything? Heaving a sigh, the Nara heir lay back down and stared at the sky. Thought now consumed by his commander's confusing message.
.*.*.
Sasuke jumped down from Hayasa's back. His legs, now used to horseback, didn't have any stiffness in them and absorbed the impact easily from his leap. His shoulder twinged at the movement, still needing some time before it was fully recovered but otherwise didn't bother him. They had been in the Land of Tea for just over a week now. He still couldn't believe how fast the horse summons had brought them here. Her name was well and truly earned. It had taken them just over two days of constant riding before they came to the secret hideout Tsunade told them about. Usual travel would have taken them about ten days.
Petting Hayasa's nose, he left her to her grazing. He had taken to training every day, away from the base and the stares, riding Hayasa until they were in a secluded place that left them in peace. Tsunade and Dan had arrived three days ago and the two had commandeered Itachi to do various missions and tasks for them. Something had happened at the Whirlpool Village that had put them all in permanent bad moods. They wouldn't let Sasuke know what was going on, he was too young, too inexperienced. He was expected to play with the other children of the small village they had come to.
It was unbearable. The children here did not know anything of what was happening. They didn't even know how to fight or even defend themselves! They hadn't even finished their basic education and not one of them knew how to mold chakra. It was like this village had been sectioned off from the rest of the world and had existed without shinobi.
He had attended their 'school', what he assumed was their version of academy. But he did not understand even half of what was discussed. What did he care for writing a form called an essay? What use was it to him to learn the types of soil erosion that existed? When he asked about learning angles and projections to throw a kunai, they gave him sheets of paper filled with something called the Pythagorean Theory and gave him an hour to fill it out. He did not attend after that. Sasuke had even tried talking to some of the other boys his age, they were playing some game that involved a ball and two nets on either side of a field. After five minutes though, he was kicked out. He easily out ran and out manoeuvred all of them and they did not like it. Now whenever they saw him, they either ran or teased him. He had taken to avoiding them all together. He didn't want to bother his aniki and so Hayasa was his only companion these days.
And he loved it. The mare knew much about jutsu and was willing to teach him. She even showed him exercises for chakra control that would help him improve his ninjutsu. She couldn't stay in a stable, less she set it on fire with her mane and tail and would have refused even if offered. She was a wild horse, no matter her contract and her demeanour. She was free, and would not be locked up like some tamed beast of burden. She slept under the stars and Sasuke had taken to joining her. Her fiery mane and tail giving off a comforting heat that no blanket or futon could match.
"Hey Hayasa," Sasuke said, getting her attention while he prepared to climb a tree. The trick was to do it without your hands. Just chakra at the soles of your feet. Too much and you repelled yourself, too little and you didn't even grip. He had managed to make it to the top by running, now he had to do it at a slower pace, to not just manage the technique, but master it. "Why are you still here?"
The mare lifted her head, pausing in her meal. Sasuke swore she was raising an eyebrow at him. "Why is that, young colt? Am I no longer welcome?"
Sasuke stumbled in his assent up the tree, nearly losing his footing. "No, no! I didn't mean it like that! You know I like -" He stopped and frowned, seeing the amused glimmer in her eye. "You're teasing me."
"Why young colt, were you going to say you like me?" Hayasa nickered, and with what Sasuke knew was a grin. He blushed. He had never really had a friend before, and he liked the feeling, even though he hardly knew the mare, her presence was comforting in a way he hadn't experienced. His comrades from the Leaf had never been deliberately mean or ostracised him, he just never fit in. He never felt welcome. And somehow with this summons, he was welcome. As if sensing his insecurity, Hayasa dropped her playful tone. "I am honoured to count you one of my herd, young colt," she whinnied sincerely. Sasuke smiled.
"Why do you call me that?" He asked curiously, turning back to his training. Hayasa tilted her head in confusion before understanding what he meant.
"Young colt? Because that is what you are," she said with toss of her head. "A foal still in the care of the herd. You are strong, yes. But you are still a foal and still need protecting. You are precious. It is what I called my own colt before he became a fine stallion and left to care for his own family."
"Your son?"
"Yes. You are a part of my herd, so I will refer to you as such. Now what did you mean by your first question?"
"Nothing really. I thought a summons only stayed around as long as their contractor was near," Sasuke shrugged, half focusing on the conversation as he stepped carefully around a branch that was in his path. He wobbled a bit.
"That is not how summon contracts work, young colt," Hayasa explained patiently. "The holder of the contract summons us from our home and, once we are here, the connection is severed and we remain until we have completed the task our master has assigned us but we may remain however long we wish. It is not common for us summons to remain long from our territories once we have completed whatever task our master holds for us, but I have chosen to stay and see what happens."
"Oh, so you don't have any connection to your summoner now then?" Sasuke pressed, his focus on the talk made him forget three of the toes on his left foot and he slipped two inches before he fixed the problem.
"Not unless she was to summon me to her location," she confirmed. "Why are you so curious, young colt?"
Sasuke felt another blush rising to his pale face, and with enormous self control, forced it back. "I was just wondering how the princess was doing. We haven't heard from her since we left Whirlpool." So focused on his feet as he was, he didn't notice her worried expression.
"She is alive young colt. If she were to perish, our contract would be broken and every horse in the Western Herd would feel it. She is alive and Sokuryoku is with her by now. He would never let any harm come to our mistress." Hayasa reassured, the words doing nothing to calm her own fears. Sasuke however nodded, believing in the wise mare and continued his exercise, he was just over halfway.
Seeing the boy was unable to focus on conversation Hayasa returned to grazing at the base of the tree. Once he reached the top she would show him the art of water walking. Once he had his control mastered, then she would begin to teach him some of the jutsu he was so desperate to learn. She smiled to herself at the young Uchiha's desire to learn. He had absorbed all she had shown him so far. What she really wanted to do though, was help him overcome his aversion to fire jutsu. Some traumatic event in his young life had made him so adverse to use the skill he was so gifted in. She had sensed it from him, the inferno that burned within, that would make him a fire master, all he had to do was embrace it.
So absorbed in her thoughts she missed Sasuke leaping down from the tree. She didn't notice until he had jumped on her back. She raised her head in surprise, he was practically vibrating with eagerness.
"What could possibly have you so wired, young colt?"
"C'mon Hayasa! Let's check it out!"
"Check what out?"
"There's a barrier jutsu set up about a mile away! I saw it when I got to the top of the tree! Isn't it weird? I didn't know anyone in this village knew how to manipulate chakra!"
Hayasa started walking in the direction the boy was urging, utterly confused and suddenly alert. "That's because no one in this village can use chakra, it's why its our hideout young colt," she said distractedly, she sensed no chakra in the area, and her range was nothing to scoff at. None of the ninja in the village or their group had such skill with seals to create a barrier so undetectable she was unable to even get a hint of its existence. Which meant that the person or persons responsible were skilled and she was unfamiliar with them.
Which meant enemies.
She needed to scout them out, but she couldn't leave the colt alone. He was unlikely to return to Tsunade as she wished, and he would resent being sent away. No, he would have to accompany her. If they were followed here by that man from Whirlpool, he may have information about her mistress.
Making her decision she moved into a canter towards the direction Sasuke was urging.
.*.*.
Nine knelt, carefully inscribing the ground with chakra in an intricate pattern. It was one of five arranged in a circle around the clearing. And the six was one layer of seven. He did not know how far their enemy was or if they had truly gotten away or if there was anyone dangerous in the area. Until he had a certainty they were safe, seven layered pentagonal heaven seal barrier it was. It was the strongest barrier he could make and it was undetectable even to chakra sensors. Finishing the last seal, Nine stood and walked to the large tree that stood in the centre of his barrier. One lay against the trunk, eyes following Nine as he walked towards him, catching every stagger and shake as exhaustion finally took its toll on his body.
Nine's legs collapsed when he stopped. For a moment the Kyuubi jinchuuriki was confused. He should be moving. Should be running. His body was so used to that one thought driving him, pushing itself past all of its limits that when he stopped, it felt wrong. He needed to keep moving, keep doing something. A tingling sensation drew his attention to his torso.
Sand was gently wrapping itself around his middle and pushing him down. His tired eyes dragged themselves to where One was leaning against the tree.
"You need to rest," the container of the Ichibi stated.
"I need to make sure we're safe," he muttered back weakly, eyelids already drooping shut.
"I will watch over us, you sleep. When you wake we will search for a medic."
"You're so pushy,"
"Says the one who ran for a full week without stopping. Sleep."
"I will once I transfer more chakra to Four. The bleeding hasn't stopped yet." Nine insisted tiredly.
"You have no chakra left to spare, any chakra you give him will be converted to blood and just flow straight out his body."
"But if I don't he'll die," Nine said determinedly
"I will do it, I have enough chakra to spare some. Now rest" One demanded.
"Yes, sir." Nine mumbled, finally allowing his body to rest. He watched as a line of sand made it's way to the two prone figures lying side by side close to them under the tree. Gently the sand began to glow a soft blue that was absorbed into Four. Nine's eyes stayed glued on the two figures as the chakra transfer continued. Only once One had finished and slumped slightly as he released the energy did Nine succumb to his exhaustion. Sleep overcame him instantly, or was it unconsciousness? Either way he was dead to the world.
One smiled as his friend finally gave in to his tiredness. Slowly and with the assistance of the tree, he stood. He was glad Nine was so tired and out of it he didn't sense it. He was not in a condition to confront anyone. One walked slowly to the edge of the barrier where he had sensed the disturbance. Someone had touched a seal.
As he rounded a tree, his green eyes met with black ones and a boy his own age stood on the other side of their protection. One's eyes narrowed in hatred. Not just any boy. One who was the spitting image of Kurai. An Uchiha.
The boy started as he met One's glare. Confusion and surprise flittered across his face, before a mask of indifference covered his features. His clan had taught him to hide his emotions, the less he gave away, the less the enemy could take advantage of.
Sasuke profiled the boy on the other side of the barrier. His eyes were full of hatred so strong, it was almost physical. He could feel the daggers slicing his flesh. The boy was small and skinny. A plain black shirt covered a fishnet undershirt with matching black pants. Instead of the customary ninja tool hip bag, he wore a sandy brown over-the-shoulder bag, secured to his body by numerous belts and buckles. Strapped to his back by a sash the same colour as his blood red hair was an enormous, sturdy gourd nearly as big as he was and twice as wide. It was unlike any kind of uniform Sasuke had ever seen. He could not associate any village to him without a hitai-ate. Was he rogue? He was about the same age as himself.
Maybe he was on the run just like he was. No thirteen year old boy could be that dangerous could they? Plus, he was an Uchiha. He could handle anything. And if he really got in a bind, Hayasa would surely help out, and he knew for a fact the horse was strong. His indifferent mask broke when a small, confident smirk appeared on his face. The other boy's eyes narrowed.
Cocky, arrogant, Uchiha. One suppressed his shaking fists by clenching them. His headband said Leaf, so he probably wasn't involved with Kurai and the Stone. Pretty sure the Stone and Leaf had the highest tensions between them out of all the Five villages. Or what was left of them anyway. The Leaf has been the only to really survive and flourish since the Tsuchikage began his aggressive stance on politics and got off his fence.
"What do you want?" One asked, not hiding the hostility in his voice. The horse shifted hearing the hatred. The Uchiha didn't flinch.
"We were scouting the area and came upon an unknown barrier. Duty compels me to inspect it," Sasuke said his smirk still in place. One was more doubtful. What thirteen year old used the world 'compels'? And he basically just told him he had a camp in the area. Since One didn't know where they were it was highly probable they were near a village of some sort. But which?
Not Konoha. No, they were too far south to be in the Land of Fire. If he had to guess, they were in the Land of Tea. But there were no ninja villages in the Land of Tea? Did the Leaf have an outpost here? But this child was no older than himself. Maybe it was some form of training camp? If that was the case it meant there was a Leaf jounin somewhere nearby. They were in no condition to take on a jounin. He was barely standing and the others were not waking any time soon.
One looked the Uchiha up and down, evaluating. He was no threat. The boy was full of eagerness to prove himself. He may mask his emotions well, but his body language spoke what his face would not. Fingers twitching, weight pushed to the balls of his feet. The boy was gennin at most with that little control over his body. No the real threat was the horse.
She was magnificent. Mane and tail of blazing fire, coat as white as fresh snow and hooves that shined bright silver. She was definitely from one of the great herds. But which? One knew that Five held a summons with the North Herd, but the chances of being able to use that? Not likely. The North Herd were the wind horses, he didn't know which herd was the fire horses. And from the way she was standing, angled that little but towards the boy, she would protect him.
One evaluated the Uchiha again. How could one so young and undisciplined hold a contract with one of the Four great Herds? Perhaps there was more to him than first thought. If that was the case, he was extremely outmatched. He needed to send them away.
"What are you doing here?" The Uchiha asked, curiosity seeping into his voice. One stopped mulling over his thoughts to answer him.
"My team and I needed rest, we have decided to camp here," he replied. Always good to let the boy know he wasn't alone. He could see the horse got the message from the way she shifted almost imperceptibly closer to the Uchiha.
Sasuke thought about what the green eyed boy said. His team meant there were more people beyond the barrier. The barrier was enough to show their skill level. Would he be able to take them? He doubted it, even with Hayasa's help. No he needed to get back to his brother and report the potentially hostile group that was camped near them. But he knew the minute he left, the group would move and then they would be lost to the wind.
The two boys stared at each other, each weighing their options. The silence stretched into minutes, neither moving nor making a sound. The crunching of leaves made One twirl in surprise, and the Uchiha to look beyond him into the barrier.
Four leaned heavily against the tree, blood soaking his tunic. His usually tanned skin was pale and clammy. His bright hair was dull and his breath came in pants. One rushed to him and caught him just as Four lost what little strength he had. And that was the extent of One's effort as well. His legs, which had been fighting the chakra exhaustion, pushed further after the transfer, collapsed under him.
Fear spiked in his heart. They were showing such weakness in front of the enemy. The barrier was their only protection, and the only person able to reinforce or repair it was unconscious just a few feet from them. With Four's heavy breathing in his ear, One turned his glare back to the boy, who was watching it all from the other side of the barrier with a horrified look on his face.
Wait, horrified?
Sasuke took in the scene before him, the angry enemy now a weak boy, protecting his friend. No wonder he was so hostile towards him. They were injured. Seriously injured. So he was right. They were on the run. Maybe something similar had happened to them? Either way they needed help, and he knew the best medic in the world was just a few minutes away. His shoulder was well on the way to recovery after an injury that left him believing he would forever lose all mobility in his arm. The thought they could still be enemies still lurked in the back of his mind, but his aniki and Tsunade could easily take a couple of injured shinobi.
"Hayasa," Sasuke murmured, quiet enough for only her to hear. The mare shifted to let her know she had heard him, still maintaining her protective stance. "Go and get my brother and Tsunade," he said. At this the mare turned to fully face him.
"Are you sure about this, young colt?" she nickered gently, knowing where his heart lay.
"Yes, they need help and we can give it to them. I would be no better than the Hokage if I refuse on the small chance they are our enemies."
Hayasa nodded her graceful head, pride swelling in her heart. It would be easy for them to leave these strangers where they lay and walk away, but her colt insists on helping them. It may not be wise, but it was right and that is what matters in her opinion.
"I will will return momentarily, be wary," she whinnied before turning about and galloping back into the forest. Sasuke watched her leave before turning back to the boy behind the barrier. The red haired man had fallen into unconsciousness in the boy's lap. The boy had placed his hands over the man protectively and was glaring at him, as if daring him to attack them.
"My friend has gone to get you help," Sasuke said in what he hoped was a reassuring way. The boy just tightened his grip on the unconscious man.
"Help, huh? What makes you think I trust you?" One said icily. Sasuke didn't flinch at the hostility, it was to be expected.
"You don't trust me, I get it. But can you really afford not to take our help with your friend in that condition?" The Uchiha reasoned calmly. He was using the tone of voice his brother used on him after he had a bad training day and his father had beat him harshly. He had hated his brother for being so perfect, so amazing, so everything he wasn't. But his brother had always understood and had always stayed with him. Now he would do the same for this boy and his friends.
One looked at Four. If possible his face had gotten paler and he could feel the blood soaking through into his own clothing. His transfer had done little to staunch the bleeding. Nine had kept this up for a week? The bleeding was near a dribble when he had woken and hadn't flowed any faster. He must have been keeping up a constant stream of chakra to Four even whilst keeping himself strong enough to run, as well as keep his clones active. One shook his head in amazement at his friend, he always put them first. As One came to that realisation, another one hit him square in the chest. He had no where near enough chakra to constantly transfer it to Four. He had barely recovered from his chakra exhaustion and what little he had recovered he had already transferred. If they didn't find help soon, Four was sure to bleed out and die. He couldn't let that happen. Not after all they had been through.
"I will accept your help Uchiha, for my friends", One told the waiting boy. Sasuke grinned before frowning.
"How did you know I was an Uchiha?" he asked.
"You all look alike. We have experience with one from your clan. He was most unpleasant."
Sasuke's shoulder's sagged. "Yeah, I don't have the greatest experience with my family either. But," he perked up, "My brother and I are nothing like our clan. And we have a great healer with us too. I'm sure she can help you and your friends!"
One nodded and turned his face back to Four. So there was another Uchiha here as well as the young one. He must be correct in assuming there was a Leaf outpost somewhere near. The comment about him not getting along with his family was interesting though. Something to talk about with his friends later. They had a lot to talk about. Nine's mysterious scroll from the supposed spy in the Akatsuki, finding out what the scroll from Iwa says and it wouldn't hurt to find out what was happening in Iwa and what the Tsuchikage was up to. But first was getting them all well again.
A loud crashing sound brought the return of the summons as well as two passengers that rode upon her. Recognition hit One harder than the seal the Tsuchikage used to have on him. They were the secret weapons of Iwa, so of course they were well versed in the bingo book and the two that were jumping down of the horse's back were high up in those pages.
Tsunade Senju, granddaughter of the First Hokage. She took one look at the barrier and turned to the boy, her brows drawn into a sharp frown of disapproval. What the old man wouldn't do to get her on his side, or have her killed. She was the world's leading healer. The boy was not wrong when he said he had a good medic with him.
The other was none other than Itachi Uchiha. Anbu captain at just thirteen, and one of the few men to pull of a mission that was in direct opposition to one of them. Not just pull off a mission, completely massacre all of his squadron. The only reason the man was still living was that One had been ordered not to interfere unless the Uchiha turned to Iwa, but he still remembered the Iwa nin's screams as they fell to that cursed eye jutsu. Itachi had a hand on the younger boy's shoulder and was shaking him slightly, speaking to him quickly and sternly. The boy was looking crestfallen, his gaze directed towards the ground. Tsunade had started to approach the barrier.
The boy said Itachi was his brother. That would make him of the main family of the Uchiha, that would mean he was Sasuke. What the hell were the Uchiha princes doing all the way out here? In any case, these were solid Leaf shinobi. They could not receive help from them. They would kill them first. One, using all the energy he could muster, climber to his feet and withdrew a kunai. As light glinted from his drawn weapon, all movement on the other side of the barrier stopped. Sasuke stepped forward.
"Hey, its ok! This is my brother and the medic I told you about. They'll help you and your friends," he said, trying to calm the injured boy. He stopped when he felt Itachi's arm around his shoulders, drawing him back. The boy on the other side of the barrier had drawn his lips over his teeth in a growl.
"We require no help from the Leaf," One spat. Fear coursing through him. The barrier could hold them off for a while, but Nine had created it to avoid detection. Sure it was sturdy, but it couldn't hold off a determined Sannin or Konoha Anbu captain. He didn't have the chakra for clones or sand platforms to escape, and that horse would catch up to him in no time. His sand shield would last no longer than paper against these opponents. He had to get them away. He needed something that would stall them. When the barrier fell, he would aim for the boy. With him as a hostage, he could bargain for their lives.
It was the only plan he had.
Tsunade eyed the seal on the ground beneath her. It was a masterful piece of work. She had no idea how it worked or what was it's function, but she had been around seal masters all of her life and could recognise quality work when she saw it. She flicked the glowing chakra in front of her with her forefinger. Ripples spread across the surface before fading, but not before she saw six other ripples react to the first. She whistled lowly. Seven layers in what looked like a pentagram arrangement. Whoever made this was very skilled indeed. She noticed the boy tightened his grip on the kunai as she touched the seal, and his eyes flicker towards Sasuke. Hers narrowed in return. Oh, she knew what his plan was. It was the act of a cornered animal, one that was out of options. Luckily for her, she was used to patients like this.
"From the looks of it, you need help whether we were from Konoha or Iwa," Tsunade stated. Oh, flinch. That struck close to home. What a guess, so they were from Iwa, no wonder the boy considered them dangerous. Konoha and Iwa were the bitterest of enemies. Good thing they had technically defected.
"We promise not to harm you or your friends," Itachi spoke up. The boy's eyes narrowed further, until his glare were just slits of green.
"And why should I trust the word of Itachi Uchiha?" One demanded sarcastically. Some very small part of his mind shook it's head at his show of emotion. Some very small part that was overwhelmed by fear and his strong survival instinct at the moment so One didn't pay much mind. What he did notice was the shifting of the group opposing him.
"You know my aniki?" Sasuke asked grinning in triumph, "Then that means you know he'll help you!" His smile faded however as Itachi pulled him behind his back and out of view. Confusion covered Sasuke's features.
"Otouto, the only people that know me by face outside of the village that I haven't met, are enemy villages through the bingo book and enemy shinobi I have encountered during missions," Itachi explained softly. "Most likely I faced this boy or someone he knows in battle." Realisation dawned on Sasuke as he turned to the hate filled gaze of the injured boy he wanted to help.
"But... He needs our help?" Sasuke protested weakly.
"He is an enemy, otouto. He would kill us if he could," Itachi replied, keeping a firm grip on the younger Uchiha's arm.
"Understand now, little Sasuke?" One sneered. It was one comment too far, and he knew it the second it left his mouth. Itachi threw Sasuke on the back of the horse, which wheeled about and ran back into the forest, all whilst Tsunade charged her first with chakra and let it fly at the barrier.
A loud crack resounded throughout the clearing and the seals shook with the force of the attack. As the rippling subsided, two layers cracked and shattered, dissolving into nothing. Tsunade stood, her fist poised ready for another attack, Itachi by her side, kodaichi drawn.
"Regular bingo books do not have such detailed information on the Leaf. The only way you could know the Uchiha family by name is through the books held only by the other Kage. You flinched when we mentioned Iwa. You serve the Tsuchikage closely. Close enough that you are an enemy of every Leaf nin," Itachi stated, his calm voice not betraying the rage within him. This was the second Iwa shinobi to stand before him. The last had nearly destroyed a village and had kidnapped the Whirlpool princess. How had Iwa found them so quick?
One was close to panic. He had lost the key to his plan. Of course the older brother had to be overprotective and smart. Now what was he to do? His only other option was to release Shikaku, but with his low chakra levels, he might not get control back. His sand spirit was always fighting for control. But if it meant saving his friend's lives, he would sacrifice himself a hundred times over.
Taking a deep breath, still feeling the blood of Four on his clothes, he made his release sign. Before his could mould his energy into the seal, a gust of wind from behind him nearly knocked him over. Chakra, dark and powerful buffeted over him and he was never so glad to feel that menacing aura. One released his seal and allowed his exhaustion to take over. He knew it wasn't fair, he knew he had already pushed himself far beyond his limits, but he knew Nine would be able to save them all. Somehow, he would make it alright.
Violet eyes watched as his friend collapsed alongside Four. He was glad he put that extra circle in the seal. Whatever chakra that went into the barrier was passed along to him. He just got a kick start, enough to let his powerful companion through to help protect them. Not a complete takeover, they were well beyond that stage, but a strong enough presence to take the majority of his fatigue off of his shoulders. Nine stepped out from behind the tree and turned to the stunned duo on the other side of his barrier, baring his teeth in warning. He would protect his friends.
Tsunade stared in disbelief. All strength left her limbs as she stared at the ghost in front of her. It wasn't possible. There was no way in any hell that her godson was standing in front of her. How could he be here? But sure as she was breathing, there he was, poisonous chakra rolling off him in waves. Where had he been? Who had taken? Were they near? More importantly, the Kyuubi had taken over! Panic squashed the quickly rising hope and longing. She had to save him, like she should have saved him that night so many years ago.
Itachi was just as shocked. He was the spitting image of Kabuto, just with less blonde hair and a face not scarred by the passage of time. Violet eyes, not the sky blue of the Namikaze clan, shone from a face that glared bloody murder at them. And that aura, he had only ever felt an aura this dark once in his life and he was not about to forget it. This was the Fourth's legacy. This was the lost Namikaze.
"Naruto," Itachi breathed.
.*.*.
Jiraiya stared at the lake, not really seeing it. His mind was so occupied with his thoughts he didn't even register the three gorgeous women who were frolicking in the water on the opposite bank. Their giggles of joy completely ignored. His meeting with the Hokage had disturbed him, more than usual. Events were finally in motion and he was worried they were moving too fast for him to be able to keep up.
Danzo wanted his godson found. Had issued the order for him to use his spy network to find where Naruto had disappeared to. Thirteen years and now he wants him found. But for what purpose? He had never been allowed to make a serious effort into finding him before, all too happy for the Namikaze heir to remain lost. The only thing he had been bothered about was the loss of the bijuu, his weapon. If it was any other day, Jiraiya would have jumped at the chance, no questions asked.
Except he had found him.
He had found Naruto.
His growing hope and happiness was quickly squashed by worry and fear. Was this a test? A way to prove his loyalty to the Leaf? Was Danzo aware of his plans and his connection to the Hikage? The timing was almost too close to be a coincidence. He had received Shikaku's message just three days ago, telling him all he had found.
Akatsuki had discovered the location and identities of four hosts all at once. They used a scroll to lure the jinchuuriki out, and it worked. The four were ambushed and severely injured, except his godson. He took his comrades and fled south and the east across the ocean. What was the interesting part was the scroll. It was stolen from the Tsuchikage's personal information safe. It contained all the knowledge that Iwa had on the four jinchuurikis. It was a valuable scroll. A scroll which Shikaku had managed to read before passing it on to Naruto.
Naruto had the key to his heritage and birth, all he had to do was read it.
Shoving thoughts of his godson aside,he was also worried about Shikaku. The actions of the Akatsuki didn't make sense. According to the report, Nara didn't find out about the planned ambush until the night before. Didn't find out they knew where the jinchuuriki were until he read the scroll. He had a terrible feeling that the missing nin's were on to him, he had been compromised. It was time to pull him out. They had the information they wanted, they had Naruto, keeping him there would be a waste of resources as well as an unnecessary risk.
Decided, Jiraiya turned his mind to his next problem. Kabuto had gone to ground. Had completely dropped off the map, and not even he knew where he was. Which was frustrating. Kabuto had been one of his strongest and capable agents. He had organising the resistance of the younger generation, and progressing well from what he had heard, he would have to find a new leader. Itachi couldn't do it since he had to flee with Sasuke.
Which was another issue. Reports of what happened at Whirlpool had gotten back to him, and he was scared. Kushina had been kidnapped. She was like a daughter to him, and she was gone. With great effort Jiraiya suppressed the rage within him so his mind could remain focused. Tsunade and Dan had managed to defend the village and relocate to the safe zone in Tea Country with the Uchihas. There they could organise the rebel forces outside the village.
Wait...
Tea Country is east of the Land of Rivers. Naruto had fled east, Akatsuki hot on his tail. Naruto could very well be in Tea Country, within a shurikens toss of Tsunade, with a group of S-class missing nin on his tail. Tea wasn't a large country, the chances of them not running into each other were a lot smaller than the odds of them all meeting at once. He needed to be there. More importantly, he needed Kabuto to be there. Someone of Namikaze blood to convince Naruto.
The only problem was Danzo. He couldn't up and leave the village without some sort of excuse. And after the last mission he assigned, the old War Hawk would connect the dots of where he was going, even if he knew where Naruto was and it was all an elaborate scheme to out him as a traitor. There were too many unknown factors. He couldn't make a move, and he couldn't not make a move. He was trapped between a rock and a hard place and his godson's life was on the line.
"So you must be Ero, huh?" A bored voice interrupted his thoughts. Jiraiya turned and came face to face with the Nara heir, who looked like he would rather be anywhere else but here. Distantly he heard girls screaming and splashing as they made their way out of the lake. "Do you usually hide like this? If so I have no idea how you survived so long, I could spot you from a mile away."
The Sannin was confused before he took in his surroundings. Out of habit he had gone to his favourite spot by the lake to think... the bushes. It had the best view of the other shore and was totally obscured from the opposite side. Its only draw back was it was totally visible from this side.
"What did you call me?" Jiraiya decided to ask, ignoring the boy's question with as much dignity he could muster.
"Ero. Kabuto sent me a message to find you. It wasn't hard, the most common place the women complain about perverts watching them was the lake. I just had to spot where you were hiding, which was easy, but still a total drag," Shikamaru yawned, stretching. Actually, he had been to all the bath houses as well as the springs before trying the lake, but he didn't need to know that.
"Kabuto sent you? How?"
"Sent a frog with a message," the boy shrugged.
Jiraiya's mind whirled. This solved all of his problems. Kabuto had sent him the way to move forward without compromising himself. Brilliant. Next time he saw that blonde pain in the neck, he would buy him a lap-dance.
Shikamaru cringed and the manic grin the old man was now wearing. No doubt this was about to get troublesome.
.*.*.
Nine's head whipped to the Uchiha, hearing the sound come from him.
"If you value your lives, you will leave this place and never return," Nine growled, flaring his chakra to make sure they got the message. Their reactions confused him, but he ignored that in favour of focusing on getting rid of them. He felt Kyuubi within him, giving him power. Nine recognised both of the people beyond his protection and knew they were strong opponents indeed. He had the chakra to hold them off, if they didn't call for reinforcements. Otherwise he would have to play defensive. If only Kyuubi's chakra could be used to heal others and not just himself. He could restore his friends and they would be on their way. But as they found out years ago, the fox's chakra was poisonous to all except him.
"Naruto," Tsunade said clearly, pleadingly. Nine's head turned towards her.
"You are to leave," Nine commanded, "or I will make you,"
"Naruto please!" Tsunade begged, not knowing what she was begging for, just that she needed to.
"I am not this Naruto. You will leave, now,"
"You are Naruto! You're our Naruto! You were taken from us just after you were born. We are your family!" Tsunade insisted, trying to break through the possession of the beast. Tears started to stream down her face, hysterics slowly building.
"My family are behind me, they are dying, you are threatening them. Last chance Leaf nin, leave!" Nine roared. The words the woman spoke were ringing in tandem with the speech the Akatsuki gave him and the taunts Orochimaru gave. Maybe he really was from the Leaf? But all of that was not important now, what was important was the blood he could feel soaking into his sandals. Four's wound was not getting any better.
"I can help!" Tsunade begged desperately. She was not about to leave him, abandon him again. Not after all these years. "I'm a medic, I can heal them!"
Nine tilted his head, considering. He needed a medic, he could not heal his friends. Tsunade was renowned throughout the world as the number one healer, undisputed. If anyone could save them, it was her. But he could sense her ulterior motive. Motive that did not seem to wish them harm. The Uchiha on the other hand, he could not read apart from disbelief and awe. Which could always be hiding something more sinister. He would have to keep a close eye on both of them.
Nine weighed his options, and with great resignation; he nodded. With a swipe of blood along his arm where he had drawn the anchor seal, his barrier dissolved.
"You will heal them. Only you," he growled to Tsunade. "The Uchiha prince will leave."
Tsunade nodded, tears still streaming down her face and ran towards Nine. Itachi watched as the boy stiffly stepped back from the woman and directed her towards the two ninja unconscious at his feet. Getting into her medic mode, he could tell from her facial expressions that the wounds were serious.
"Itachi, go back to the village and bring me my med kit." Tsunade instructed without looking, green healing chakra already pooling in her hands above the red haired ninja's wound.
"I do not feel comfortable leaving you on your own," Itachi replied. Nine smirked at the Uchiha, showing off sharp incisors. Despite who they believed him to be, he did not trust him. Smart man.
"I will not harm her as long as she cares for my friends,"
"You two talk as if I cannot defend myself," Tsunade interrupted angrily, wiping tears from her face before turning her angry brown eyes onto the Uchiha heir. "Get me my med kit. If it makes you feel better, get Hayasa to bring you back. Have Dan watch Sasuke. No doubt he's already trying to get back."
Hesitating for only a moment, Itachi nodded before running in the direction of the village. As fast as he could, he was not comfortable leaving Tsunade alone in the presence of a boy who was possessed by the Kyuubi, no matter who's long lost child he was. He was a threat.
Nine watched as the Uchiha heir left the clearing. That was one less enemy. All that was left was the woman, but she could help. He would watch her closely and if she made one threatening move towards his friends, she would die. Legendary Sannin or not. Her attention had shifted back to his unconscious friend. Her brow furrowed in concentration. No longer being watched, he freely observed her.
She was young, maybe late twenties. She must be using a seal or jutsu of some sort to hide her age. Nine nearly snorted. Females and their vanities. But a jutsu such as that requires extreme chakra control. The small purple diamond that sat in the middle of her forehead must be the anchor. It rested above two large chocolate brown eyes that were slightly puffy from the tears that were still flowing down her face. She said they were related. If was really related to a Senju, that would explain his large chakra reserves and skill with seals. There were very few Senju left and all of them well known and accounted for as far as he knew. More than likely, if their story was to be believed, he was an Uzumaki. It was common knowledge that the Uzumaki's of the Hidden Whirlpool shared their family tree with the Senju, and the Uzumaki's were the masters of sealing techniques. Maybe they could visit while they were looking for places to live? He always wanted to visit Whirlpool.
A low groan interrupted his thoughts. Four's eyes were fluttering open, his arms and legs spasming. Nine caught his breath, it was the most he had seen his friend move since their encounter with the Akatsuki. Pain and confusion flared briefly in the jinchuuriki's eyes as his gaze rested on Tsunade before confusion and wariness overtook as recognition hit.
"Sa-Sandy," Four coughed, blood flying from his lips, attempting to turn his head, trying to locate his companion. Tsunade frowned.
"Don't speak. You'll aggravate your punctured lung," she commanded in that voice all in the medic profession adopted when dealing with patients. Four ignored her, succeeding in turning his head far enough that Nine came into focus.
"Sunshine," he whispered weakly. Nine was instantly at his side, hands hovering over his broken body. Wanting to reassure him with touch, but not wanting to hurt him any further than his wounds were.
"I'm here, Melty," Nine said softly, taking a hand. It was one of the least damaged parts of his body. "Sandy is here too, so is Steam." Tsuande's head rose sharply at the mention of a fourth person, but otherwise she focused on her work, tuning out the soft murmuring of her lost godson. There was a lot of internal damage that needed immediate attention before she could begin healing the other wounds, but something was making it hard to heal him. Another chakra was attempting to heal the wounds, but it was so weak it could only stop the injuries from killing the man. What was this chakra? It was almost like ….
Nine watched as the woman's eyes widened in fear and surprise, but still kept up the stream of reassuring nothings he was whispering to his injured friends. She had been examining Four for less than five minutes and discovered his guest. She obviously knew about his own friend, it was hard to ignore the suffocating chakra that was surrounding him like a cloak. How would she react knowing that they were both jinchuuriki? Her obvious care for him would explain how she could ignore his bijuu, but what about Four?
Nine flexed his free hand, he would not allow harm to come to his friends because some tiny Leaf nin didn't understand they were not weapons. He felt his nails lengthening, fingers curling into claws. He would gouge out her throat before she even knew what was happening. Four felt the stiffening of nine's posture. Understanding something was about to happen, he allowed unconsciousness to claim him again. Nine was protected by the Kyuubi, they would be fine.
Nine tensed his muscles, preparing to strike, but the rumbling ground made him pause. Looking up, a horse of purest white with a mane and tail of fire burst into the clearing, the Uchiha prince riding on its back. That was a summons from a great herd. That was no easy animal to tame, Four had only managed to get one of the East herd's stallions as a summon. Who held the contract? But that wasn't important right now, now he had another enemy.
As if sensing his hostility, Itachi pulled a kunai from his pouch as he approached the working medic nin and her patients. Nine eyed him as he came closer.
"Tsunade, I have your kit," The Uchiha prince said carefully, gaze not leaving the newly found Namikaze.
"Thank you Itachi, put it next to me," Tsunade instructed, eyes still wide and hands unmoving. Both things which didn't go unnoticed by the Uchiha heir, who immediately shifted into a defensive stance after he placed the medical bag by her leg.
"What has happened?" He asked tersely, sharingan swirling to life. Nine grinned, fangs gleaming.
"She has discovered his prisoner," he said smoothly, portraying a lack of alarm he certainly did not feel. Adrenaline rushed through his system, making his nerves tingle.
Itachi's face remained its stoic mask, hiding the confusion and alarm he felt. The man was a jinchuuriki? The odds were near impossible, there were only nine of them in the world. More importantly, who could do this to a person who held a being made of pure and limitless chakra?
"Who did this to you?" Itachi asked, curiosity overwhelming his confusion. Nine frowned, this was not an expected reaction. Where was the surprise? The fear? The loathing that came with knowing they had monsters sealed in their bodies?
"Akatsuki," The name slipped out without him realising. He was instantly silent, furious with himself. It wasn't like him to let information go, but their reactions were just so unlike the usual ones they received. Tsuande's head snapped to Nine at the mention of the S-rank mercenaries. That meant...
"Did you meet a man called Shikaku?" She demanded, turning away from the injured man completely.
"Heal my friend," Nine growled, her inattention noticed.
"Not until you answer me," Tsunade insisted firmly. If he had met with the head of the Nara family, then he might already know who his family is, his origin. It also meant that things were finally in motion and the Hikage needed to be informed.
"You call yourself a medic?" Nine sneered, angered at her negligence. "Information is more important to you than saving a man's life?" He stepped into a crouch and flared his demonic chakra, smothering them in the hate and blood-lust that infused his energy. Tsunade shook and nearly gagged at the amount of malice that washed over her, but held strong. She would get her godson back.
"Tell me, and I will heal them all," she repeated. Itachi stood by her, sharingan still watching, waiting. The second the boy moved he would be so deep in a genjutsu it would take all nine bijuu to get him out.
Nine clenched and unclenched his hands. He hated being forced into a corner, but he needed her to heal his friends. And he would do anything to save them.
"Yes, I met Shikaku," Nine said through gritted teeth. "Now heal them."
"And he is a Jinchuuriki too?"
"Yes, heal them."
"What about your friends?" Tsunade pressed.
"Yes, now HEAL THEM!" Nine roared, losing his patience. The Senju princess flinched at his rage, but didn't back down.
"Who are you running from?"
"What does it matter?!" Nine demanded, his chakra fluctuating with his agitation, but remained still. He had seen the dojutsu swirling in the Uchiha's eyes. He would only move when it was time to dig those eyeballs out of his face, before the boy had a chance to realise what was happening. "You promised to heal them if I answered your question! And I have and you still have not saved them! My friends are bleeding out and all you want from me is meaningless information!" The strength of his emotions started to tear at his throat, causing it to catch.
"Naruto -" Tsunade
"I am not Naruto!" Nine yelled, he was losing control. He could feel Kyuubi's chakra reacting to his feelings. "I am Nine! I'm Sunshine! My friends gave me that name, my friends who YOU are letting DIE!" He needed to calm down, he needed to get a grip of himself, he couldn't hold onto the Nine-Tail's energy. It was that or let go of the chakra all together. He could not afford Kyuubi to take over, he would kill Tsunade and she was the only hope for his friends. But if he let it go he would have no way to defend himself. He could still feel the exhaustion that had settled deep in his bones, still there at the edge of his conciousness, waiting to claim him once Kyuubi had left his system.
Tsunade was staring at him wide eyed. Gone was the confident, intimidating enemy ninja. Replaced by a neat hysterical teenage boy who's friends were dying. Self loathing tore at her heart. She was putting him through this just so she could satisfy her own agenda. Her godson who she had already failed, she was now prolonging his torture. Without thinking twice, she tore open the skin on her thumb and allowed her blood to flow free.
"On my blood and my life, I will, to the best of my ability, heal you and your friends. No harm will come to you and yours whilst you are under my protection, this I swear," Tsunade declared, before making a simple seal on her opposite hand and pressing the blood imprint to her neck.
Itachi faltered as he realised what Tsunade had done. Resigning himself, he put away his kunai and dispelled his Sharingan, sighing as he did so. Sannin and their bull-headedness. If he was to attack the boy now, he would be killing Tsunade. Now he had to protect the boy to ensure that didn't happen.
Nine was stunned. A Leaf ninja, a Sannin no less, had just sworn a blood oath to him. An oath that would result in her death if broken. And from the reaction of the Uchiha, it was real. He now had the protection of a Sannin and the Uchiha heir. He let go of the chakra. The last thing he saw as he collapsed was Tsunade reaching for him with open arms, and that strange name on her lips.
"Naruto!"