A/N: I'm baaaaaaack~ I can't apologize enough for the ridiculous delay between the last chapter and this one. Life has been too hectic for words to describe. Please: Read, Review, and… Enjoy!

The Fox and the Flute

Chapter Ten: No More Wheels

Two weeks had passed since Tayuya revealed the details of her life prior to Konoha. When they ventured out of the house Jiraiya had given them, Tayuya's treatment of Naruto did not seem to be much different to anyone. She still insulted him, yelled at him, and physically abused him; but sometimes she would smile or even laugh at something he said.

Though Tayuya refused to apologize for the way she had acted the first day she met the others, they let it slide, and she was starting to make a genuine effort to get along with them. She still got annoyed with Sakura and Ino fairly quickly, especially whenever they mentioned Sasuke, but she was more careful to hold her tongue, lest she accidently reveal something she shouldn't. Shikamaru, Kiba, Neji, and Chouji all remained wary of her, despite Naruto's assurances, and their attitudes sparked the curiosity of Sakura and Ino.

Tayuya had gone to see Tsunade every other day for continued treatment of her broken legs. And now, after nearly a month of being in Konoha, it was time for the casts to come off of her legs.


Naruto sat in a waiting room, once again with Jiraiya and Kakashi. They had only been there for five minutes but Jiraiya had already managed to irritate his student.

"For the last time Ero-sennin, NOTHING IS GOING ON!" Naruto practically yelled at the top of his lungs.

Jiraiya scowled as he lowered his notepad and pen as he replied, "How can nothing be going on? You and Tayuya have spent every day for almost a month together, surely something has happened."

Naruto paused for just a second as he remembered the night Tayuya had cried into his shoulder, and he had let her use him as a life-sized teddy bear that night to comfort her. He then stated, "She's more complicated than she seems. We're good friends; that's all Ero-sennin."

"I saw that hesitation, something has happened! Come on tell me all the details Naruto, it'll be a bestseller, I promise," Jiraiya insisted once again with a goofy smile.

As Naruto and Jiraiya started up once again, Kakashi, who was sitting a fair distance away, sighed as he tried to keep reading his little orange book.

Suddenly the door slammed open and Tsunade walked in while shouting, "Can't you three give it a break?"

Naruto and Jiraiya cowered in fear while Kakashi's visible eye widened as he started speaking, "Tsunade-sama I wasn't –"

"I don't want to hear any excuses, this is a hospital!"

"But they were -"

"I said no excuses!"

"But I was just -" he paused as Tsunade left the room and slammed the door behind her, "…reading my book." He finished slowly.

Jiraiya snickered at Kakashi's expression, which caused Kakashi to glare at the older man. Naruto on the other hand was busy contemplating how much worse Tayuya's rampages would be now that she was able to walk again.


When Tsunade walked back into the room Tayuya looked up at her and asked simply, "Again?"

"Again," Tsunade replied just as simply.

Shizune had already removed one of Tayuya's casts and was in the process of removing the second. "Now remember Tayuya: your leg muscles will have atrophied a bit, so you may still need to use a cane or crutch to help get around for a while. And you'll have to still take it easy, but you'll back to normal soon enough.

"I figured as much, but I'll just be glad to have use of my legs again," Tayuya replied happily.

Tsunade noted the happy tone in Tayuya's voice, but also of the small smile that was on her face. 'A month ago she wouldn't be caught dead with even the smallest smile on her face. Maybe Naruto is starting defrost that cold heart of hers,' she thought to herself.

At that moment Shizune removed the second cast and Tayuya happily exclaimed, "Finally!" She then began to rub her legs with her hands, as if to convince herself that it wasn't a dream.

"Okay Tayuya, try to stand up," Tsunade suggested.

Tayuya did just that; she swiveled so her legs hung down and then slowly moved into a standing position. She stood there with a small, happy smile on her face for a moment, but her legs started shaking and she grabbed onto the exam table. "Oh well, guess I'm gonna need that crutch after all," she stated with slight disappointment.

"It seems so, but it won't be long until you're back to normal. A week or two of physical therapy should have your legs back to the strength where you won't need any assistance walking," Tsunade replied as she got a crutch out of a closet for her.

As Tayuya took the crutch and used it to help support herself she asked, "Hey… Tsunade-sama. Can I ask you something?"

Both Shizune and Tsunade were awestruck that Tayuya had referred to her using an honorific. "Sure Tayuya, anything," she replied after a moment.

"Back when I first woke in the hospital… you said if I wanted I could become a kunoichi of Konoha, did you mean that?" Tayuya asked warily.

Tsunade smiled at this and replied, "Of course I meant that Tayuya. I take it by you asking me that you want to go through with that." When Tayuya nodded an affirmative she added, "Well then, once you're back to normal we'll get right on that. So let's go tell those idiots out there the news. Oh and you can call me Baa-chan like Naruto does." This last part was said with a wink.

Tayuya smiled at this and replied, "You got it, Baa-chan."


When they entered the waiting room Kakashi was focusing intently on his book, and Naruto and Jiraiya were wrestling over Jiraiya's notebook, so none of them noticed Tayuya, Tsunade, and Shizune entering the room.

"Hey Shithead! Check it out!" Tayuya yelled to him as she stood there on her own two feet, even if she had to use the crutch to help her.

Naruto quickly looked towards her and released his hold on Jiraiya's notebook, resulting in Jiraiya flying backwards and crashing into some chairs. "Tayuya, you're standing! That's great!" Naruto exclaimed happily with his trademark smile on his face.

Much to Tsunade's surprise, a smile much larger than the one she had seen before spread across Tayuya's face as she replied, "I know! And watch this." With that she took a few slow, cautious steps toward him. "I can walk too," she stated in an elated tone.

"This is great, soon you'll be back to normal. Then what are you going to do?" Naruto asked.

"I'm going to become a kunoichi of Konoha. Baa-chan already said I could once I'm back to normal," Tayuya replied proudly.

Naruto was surprised by this, and didn't reply at first. When he did he reply he said, "Heh, I guess I should have expected that. No way could somebody as tough as you stand having a civilian job."

"Damn straight," Tayuya stated smugly.

"Well this is certainly good news, but we have some things we need to discuss," Jiraiya stated as he approached the two young shinobi.

"Now that I think about it, where have you been Ero-sennin?" Tayuya asked him. Naruto realized she was right, they hadn't seen him at all since he showed them around the house he had given Naruto.

"I've kept him busy with very important things," Tsunade stated as she took a seat in one of the chairs, signaling for Naruto and Tayuya to do the same. They sat next to each other, which Tsunade found interesting, while she and Jiraiya sat opposite of them, Kakashi joining them.

"That's right. I've been working with Anko, using the information that Tayuya provided about the Curse Mark, trying to find a way to completely seal it, and remove it. Yesterday I was successful in removing the Curse Mark from Anko," Jiraiya explained.

"You were?" Naruto and Tayuya asked simultaneously.

"Yes. This means I can remove Tayuya's Curse Mark as soon as I gather the proper materials; which will take a few days. I have also used my Toad Summons to confirm the location of all of Orochimaru's hide-outs in this country that Tayuya knew of; he isn't currently using any of them," Jiraiya added.

"And I've sent shinobi to each of these hide-outs to find anything of use, and then destroy the hide-outs. Kakashi will be leaving tomorrow with Kurenai and Asuma to check out the final one," Tsunade explained her part.

"Well that's good, maybe we'll find out where the rest of his hide-outs are, and then do something about him," Naruto said hopefully.

"Well that's the plan, but it may be difficult for us to accomplish that," Kakashi replied.

"Why?" Naruto asked.

"Because, Orochimaru is one slippery snake. I tracked him from the time he left Konoha fifteen years ago, but I didn't know he had taken control of an entire nation that shares a border with ours. Then again, it was because I was able to even slightly track him that I discovered the existence of the Akatsuki," Jiraiya answered.

All were silent for a few moments before Tsunade spoke up, "Okay. Naruto, your training with Jiraiya will start in a few days, he has to take care of something outside the village and gather the materials to seal Tayuya's Curse Mark. Tayuya, your physical therapy starts tomorrow at 10am, don't be late. After your therapy is complete you will be assigned to Kakashi's Genin squad, filling the now vacant spot on the team."

"Wait… I'm replacing… him?" Tayuya asked, trying not to use Sasuke's name.

"Yes, I'm aware that you're abilities are above that of an average Genin, but you will still have to earn any higher rank. Do you have a problem with that?" Tsunade asked.

"Fuck no. I like having the chance to prove myself, and I can't wait to show that fucking fan-girl Sakura what a real kunoichi is," Tayuya replied with a grin.

"Well then it's settled, unless Kakashi wants to test Tayuya to see if she can work on a team," Tsunade stated as she looked at Kakashi.

"I don't see any reason to; Orochimaru selected her to be part of his elite team of bodyguards, which must mean something. I will of course have to run new training exercises since the group dynamic will be different now," Kakashi replied.

"Well then. I suggest that you two take the rest of the day to relax, or celebrate Tayuya's return to the world of non-cripples. I'm sure the others will be glad to hear the news," Tsunade suggested. A moment later the two young shinobi had left the room.

"Those two are growing on each other, "Jiraiya stated simply, Kakashi nodding in agreement.

"You could tell too?" Tsunade asked.

"Of course, it's in their body language. After three weeks they've become accustomed to having the other near them," Kakashi replied.

"I think Naruto is her only friend right now. He's somehow managed to get through that rough exterior of hers, they have a strong bond already, even if they aren't aware of it," Jiraiya added.

"That was quite a romantic thing to say Jiraiya," Tsunade said sarcastically.

"He does have his moments," Shizune added dryly.

They all shared a quite laugh at that statement. Tsunade then said, "I just hope he's able to get her to open up to the others and be friends with them as well. Otherwise it will destroy her when you take Naruto away for training, Jiraiya."

Jiraiya contemplated this for a moment before sighing, "I suppose I can postpone that for a while. I can train him here in Konoha at first, but a lot of what I have to train with him on is too dangerous to do anywhere near populated areas. We can only hold off on that for about a year, then I'll have to take him away for training."

Tsunade nodded before asking Kakashi, "You and the others are ready for tomorrow then?"

"Of course. And Jiraiya-sama will still be accompanying us as planned?" Kakashi asked in turn.

"Yeah, there's a good chance that snake has gotten wind of us finding his hide-outs; so there's a chance that he'll come go to the last one to prevent us from finding anything there. So I'm coming with you in case he shows up," Jiraiya answered.

All three were quiet once more before Kakashi spoke up, "Anyone else have a bad feeling about this?"


Once they got outside Naruto asked, "So what do you want to do now that you can walk again?"

"Hmm… I don't know. You'd think since I've had three fucking weeks to think about it I'd have a list of stuff I wanna do," Tayuya replied. Then her stomach growled so she suggested, "We could always have another rematch at Ichiraku's, as long as you're paying."

"Sounds good to me!" Naruto exclaimed as he started to run off towards Ichiraku's.

"Hey Shithead! I just started to walk again damn it, I can't fucking run yet!" Tayuya yelled after him, attracting the attention of several passerby's.

Naruto froze in place with a sheepish laugh and replied, "Sorry Tayuya, I guess I got excited and forgot."

As Tayuya caught up with him she smacked him in the back of the head and said, "Well don't fucking do it again Shithead. Now let's go, I'm fucking starving."

As they were walking at a slow pace (so Tayuya would not get too tired) Naruto realized something: he had no idea what kind of fighter Tayuya was. It had never come up in conversation and he hadn't asked Shikamaru or Temari when she was in town. "Hey Tayuya, I'm gonna sound stupid for asking this but since we're going to be on the same squad I should ask, what kind of fighter are you?" he asked warily.

"I never told you?" she asked in turn. When Naruto shook his head she continued, "I'm a Genjutsu specialist, and have some long range attacks… I'm okay in Taijutsu, but I try to avoid close range combat if I can. But I don't know how much use I'll be now that I think about it…"

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked in a confused tone.

"My flute was destroyed by Temari's Summon," Tayuya replied sadly.

"Your flute?" Naruto again asked, even more confused than before.

"My Genjutsu use sound to attack the enemy, I had a flute that I used for that, and my Summon is useless without that… It was my mother's flute, it was the only thing I had left to remember her by," Tayuya explained, with tears forming in her eyes.

"Tayuya…" Naruto started to speak, but she held up a hand to silence him.

"I'll be okay. Besides, this isn't the time or place to talk about it, let's eat," she stated simply. Naruto looked up, and to his surprise they had already arrived at Ichiraku's.

Teuchi and Ayame welcomed the two, and quickly took note of Tayuya's improved condition. Tayuya couldn't help but smile when she talked to the ramen stand workers; she found them very pleasant to be around. While they were eating Tayuya reflected on the time she had spent living in Konoha, the place that until recently had been her sworn enemy. 'This place is so much different than Oto. The leader is a rough, but friendly and kind woman. The people all seem to be happy, walking through the streets, smiling, laughing, enjoying each other's company. Even the shinobi are friendly, at least from what I've seen so far… Nothing like what Orochimaru said it was. I have to say… I like it here more than I thought I would,' she thought to herself.

"Hey Tayuya, would you mind if I invited the others to hang out? I know you don't always get along with them, but I think in time you could be good friends with all of them," Naruto asked cautiously.

Tayuya thought about for a moment, her normal instinct would be to tell him not to invite them. But she realized that if she was going to live in Konoha, and be a kunoichi of Konoha, then she should learn to get along with her new comrades. "Sure, go ahead and invite them Shithead," she replied in her usual rough tone, though Naruto new she didn't mean anything by it.

Naruto then made several Kage Bunshin and sent them to retrieve his friends and tell them to meet him and Tayuya at the park near the river. Naruto and Tayuya didn't have to wait long before they started to arrive, and eventually everyone had gathered, each of them encouraging Tayuya to keep at it and she'd soon be back to normal.

When everyone had gathered Tayuya spoke up, "Okay listen up, I've got some fucking news!" When everyone had been silenced she announced, "After my physical therapy is complete, I will become a kunoichi of Konoha."

Shikamaru, Neji, Kiba, and Chouji all looked very concerned with this news, but Naruto nodding at them alleviated their concern: they trusted his judgment of Tayuya by this point. Ino, Sakura, and Hinata all looked a bit happy, they were determined to get through Tayuya's rough and tough exterior and make her their friend.

"You are? For real?" Sakura asked.

"Yep, Baa-chan has it all arraigned. You're looking at the new member of Squad 3," Tayuya replied with a smirk.

Sakura gasped slightly and asked, "You mean… you're replacing Sasuke-kun?"

"Yeah, Baa-chan assigned me to your and Naruto's team for now, since it's the only Genin squad with a vacancy," Tayuya replied, trying her best not to snap at Sakura about Sasuke, not on this happy day.

"Well… I guess that was a good idea, we did need a third member of the team," Sakura replied carefully.

Naruto sighed in relief when that didn't result in an argument, he didn't want Tayuya to be upset anymore than talking about her flute had made her. He then had an idea, one that he was sure was even better than buying Tayuya pocky to cheer her up, but he would need Shikamaru's help.

As the day progressed Tayuya started to loosen up a bit, and occasionally laughed or smiled at something said or done by somebody, though it was still a rare occurrence. Her scowl seemed like it was plastered to her face when she was around people she didn't really know.

Naruto pulled Shikamaru off to side and said, "Shikamaru, I need your help with something."

"What is it Naruto?" he asked with a bored tone.

"Do you remember the flute that Tayuya had when you and Temari fought her?" Naruto asked quietly.

"Of course I remember that thing, her Genjutsu are nightmares and almost unavoidable because of it. Why?" Shikamaru replied.

"Because it was apparently destroyed by Temari's Summon, and it belonged to her mother at one point, I need your help replacing it," Naruto answered in a whisper.

"It belonged to her mother…" Shikamaru trailed off as he turned his attention to Tayuya. He sighed and continued, "That's why she's in such a crappy mood right?"

"Yeah, so will you help me?" Naruto asked.

Shikamaru sighed deeply before replying, "You are one of the most troublesome people I know… but yeah, I'll help."

Naruto smiled and then made his way over to where Tayuya was sitting and asked, "How're you feeling?"

"Eh. I'm okay, but my legs feel like they're made of fucking goo. I can't wait until I'm back to normal," Tayuya replied.

Naruto nodded, if she was too tired to walk right now then that only helped him. "Shikamaru and I have to go take care of something, we'll be back soon. You stay here with the others and rest your legs okay?" Naruto said.

"Wait what the fuck? You're just taking the hell off and leaving me here alone?" Tayuya asked in an irritated, almost panicked tone.

"I'm not leaving you alone, everyone will still be here, right guys?" Naruto turned and asked his friends. They all answered with an affirmative.

Tayuya thought for a moment and replied, "Alright… just don't take too long Shithead. I don't wanna be alone with all of them for too long."

"Got it. We won't be gone long, maybe an hour at the most. Be back soon everybody!" Naruto exclaimed, and then he and Shikamaru took off towards an area of the city where they would find a music shop.

Sakura walked up to Tayuya and asked her, "Did he say where they were going in such a hurry?"

"No, he just said they'd be back soon," Tayuya replied solemnly. 'Why do I feel so down now that he isn't here? I should be relieved that I get some time away from Shithead… but I just feel lousy now…' she thought to herself.

"I can't believe you put up with living with him. I'd go crazy within the first few days," Ino stated jokingly, which everyone got a laugh from, including Tayuya.

"He can be annoying at times… but he's a good guy. I can honestly say he's the first real friend I've had in years," Tayuya stated before she even realized what she had said. 'Is that why I feel so down with him not here? Because he's my first real friend?' she thought to herself.

Everyone was stunned by what she had said, and surprisingly, it was Kiba that broke the silence, "He is a good guy, kinda dim-witted sometimes, but a good guy. Sometimes I think he can make even his worst enemy into a friend… though I doubt it would work on Orochimaru. But know this Tayuya: we're your comrades now, and we can be your friends as well."

"That's right."

"What he said."

"You're not alone."

"…" *nod*

"Friendship fuels the FLames of youTH!"

"He changed me, so I'll give it a shot."

"Definitely."

"I'll have to show you more restaurants besides Ichiraku's."

At all of them confirming what Kiba had said, Tayuya closed her eyes for a moment, smiled, and replied, "Thank you."


Naruto and Shikamaru, after asking around a bit, found the best seller or musical instruments in Konoha, and were looking at the various flutes they had in stock.

"Okay so remind me why I'm here," Shikamaru said irritably.

"Because I want to get her one similar to the one she had, and since you're the only one around who's seen it…" Naruto trailed off.

"Alright I get it, hold on," Shikamaru replied as he scanned through the flutes. Eventually he saw the one that most closely resembled Tayuya's old one. As he pointed to it he said, "That's as close as you're going to get without getting an exact duplicate."

Since it was behind the counter Naruto got the attention of the clerk, who was also the owner of the shop and asked how much that flute cost. "My my, you have an excellent eye for instruments young man. That particular flute is one of a set of two that were the last ones made by a master musician about fifteen years ago," the older woman replied.

"Wait, did you say they were a set? Then where's the other one?" Shikamaru asked, finding it odd that this flute so closely resembled the one he had seen Tayuya use.

"Last I heard it was stolen from the man who purchased it. He was visiting a small town in River Country, not too far from the border. It's been lost ever since," the woman replied.

"How much do you want for it?" Naruto asked quickly, surprising both the shop owner and Shikamaru.

"Now young man, this flute is essentially one of a kind. I doubt you could afford it," the woman said in a patronizing tone.

"How much?" Naruto repeated.

"Nothing less than 500,000," she stated.

Shikamaru gaped at the price, but Naruto simply stated, "Okay then." And then proceeded to pull out a bill for that exact amount.

"No way…" the woman gasped.

"Yes way, I believe that flute has just been purchased," Naruto replied with a smirk.

As they were leaving the store, with the flute safely tucked out of sight, Shikamaru asked, "What was that all about? I'm sure you could have found a cheaper flute."

"Tayuya's old flute was the other one of that set," Naruto replied confidently.

"How do you know that?" Shikamaru asked.

"Tayuya told me she was originally from River Country, she lived in a small town near the border, and her mother was always short on money. So I believe that her mother stole the other flute, intending to sell it, but after she saw how much Tayuya liked it, gave it to her instead," Naruto explained.

Shikamaru thought about it for a moment before admitting, "Well… that actually makes sense. I guess getting her the other one from the set was the right thing to do then."


Tayuya was starting to get antsy. Naruto had been gone almost an hour and there was still no sign of him or Shikamaru. After Kiba had made his little speech, and the others had chimed in, she felt more comfortable around them than before, but she still wanted to go home and rest after what felt like a long day.

Just before her temper blew, Naruto and Shikamaru arrived. Naruto looked over at her and said, "Sorry it took so long, but we're all set now."

"Okay then. Can we go back to the house? I really just wanna lay down and rest for a while," Tayuya said in a tired voice.

"Sure, the rest of you don't mind if we take off do you?" Naruto asked the group. When they all replied in the negative, Naruto turned to her and nodded. They started on their way, but as soon as they were out of sight Tayuya whined slightly as her legs refused to move. Seeing this, Naruto walked up to her, turned around, and bent down.

"What the fuck are you doing?" Tayuya asked, even though she knew exactly what he was doing.

"Get on my back, I'll carry you back to the house so you can rest," Naruto replied simply.

"Do you want me to shove this crutch up your ass Shithead?" Tayuya asked with poison in her voice.

Naruto sighed and replied, "Tayuya, if you let me carry you we can get to the house faster and you can rest. Plus I have something at the house that you're going to love even more than your pocky."

Tayuya was conflicted: she wanted to rest her legs so bad, but her pride refused to let Naruto carry her, and now he was trying to bribe her with the promise of something waiting at the house. She finally said, "Okay fine. But you are never to tell anyone I let you do this. Got it Shithead?"

"Okay, fair enough," he replied. With that they took off towards the house.

A few moments later they arrived in front of the house and Tayuya spoke up, "Okay now let me down. NOW."

"Alright alright. Home sweet home, now you can rest until you're ready to move about again," Naruto replied as he let her down and then unlocked the door.

As they entered the house Tayuya made her way to the couch that had been her bed for the last two weeks, and then flopped down on it. "Oh my fucking god it feels so could to be able to lay down without those shitty casts!" she exclaimed with a smile on her face.

Naruto laughed at her exclamation before saying, "You know there's another bedroom upstairs you can stay in now right?"

"Yeah I know. I just don't think I'm up for tackling the fucking stairs just yet. So what was this thing you said I'd like more than pocky? Is it why you and Shikamaru had to leave?" she asked in a curious tone.

"Yep, it's upstairs. Be right back," Naruto replied as he began ascending the stairs. Tayuya just lay on the couch waiting for him to come back downstairs, less than two minutes later he returned carrying a long, thin wooden case. "Alright, here you go Tayuya," he said with a smile as he handed it to her.

Tayuya looked at it warily, the case itself looked expensive. She didn't know how she felt about somebody getting her expensive gifts. "Uh… what is this?" she asked after a moment.

"Just open it; you'll be happy with it. And it will help your Genjutsu," Naruto replied confidently.

Tayuya slowly opened the case, and when it was fully open she gasped at what she saw: the flute was the length of her forearm which made it slightly longer than her old one, the metal was pristine which gave it a bright silver shine, it had musical notes etched into the metal, and for some reason there was an etching of a fox near the mouthpiece. Eyes still wide, she gently took the flute out of its case to better examine it, she couldn't get over how much it resembled the one her mother had given her. She raised the mouthpiece to her lips and tested the sound the flute produced, and as she expected a mellow, haunting note filled the quiet house.

Before she could say anything Naruto said, "I know it's not your mother's, and I know nothing could possibly replace that one… But this one was made by the same person who made that one, they were a set. I figured that the only other flute you should use is the sister flute of your mother's."

Naruto never saw her move, so he was greatly surprised when he was suddenly locked in a tight embrace. Tayuya had thrown her arms around his neck, the flute still in hand. Naruto hesitantly wrapped his arms around her waist and returned the embrace.

"Thank you Naruto," Tayuya gasped out as tears formed in her eyes. Naruto felt the tears drip onto his shoulder as she added, "Thank you so much Naruto."

Naruto smiled at the fact that she once again referred to him by his name, but decided against saying anything about it. "You're welcome Tayuya," he replied simply.


"So… how is our new comrade adjusting to life here?" A raspy voice asked the man who had just entered the lab.

"He's very impatient. Making demands that you start training him immediately," the younger man replied.

"I figured that would happen, it's that Uchiha arrogance of his. I'll break him of that eventually. Kabuto, tell him that I will start training him in a week, and if he does not like that then he can go back to Konoha," Orochimaru stated.

Kabuto smirked at that and replied, "Of course my lord, is there anything else I can do for you?"

"Have the Akatsuki made any other moves anywhere?" Orochimaru inquired.

"As of now they are simply extending their reach, but are trying to avoid causing any disturbances for. According to Sasori their leader says they will be ready to make their move in about three years," Kabuto answered.

"Three years… how very convenient. That also gives me time to locate the Jinchuuriki before they do. And what of Konoha? Are they still raiding my Fire Nation hide-outs?" Orochimaru asked with an edge to his voice.

"Yes my lord… all but one has been raided and destroyed," Kabuto replied cautiously.

Orochimaru swore under his breath before saying, "Very well. Then I have no choice: you and I will head to that hide-out tomorrow to salvage anything of use before Konoha gets to it."

"Yes Orochimaru-sama, I'll make the preparations at once," Kabuto stated as he left the room.

Now that he was alone Orochimaru thought to himself, 'I don't know how Konoha found the location of all of my Fire Nation hide-outs… but they won't get what's in that one.'

"I'm overworking myself… running a country, countering Konoha's actions, preparing Sasuke-kun for the body transfer, and trying to come up with a plan to stop Akatsuki's plans. I'll never think bad about Sensei's complaining of being tired again," Orochimaru said to himself with a dry laugh.

Once again I am terribly sorry for the long delay, but I think this extra long chapter kinda makes up for it. This is by the far the longest chapter in the story. Please Review!