Naruto Fanfiction
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto
Author's Note: About two months have passed since last chapter.
Extra Note: Thanks to Otaku97 for helping me find a name for the land of the Monkeys. I still have to change it in the previous chapter.
A major setback.
How in the world did that little brat get to being such a great threat to his plan. His plan he so carefully put together over decades. Uchiha Obito was a perfect tool, shaped to obey his every order as his beliefs were orchestrated by him.
Did he really have to revive Madara just to deal with one shitty human? Nagato would be completely confused, as well. He didn't want to lose another tool either.
"I should eat the snake."
"I'm not sure. I've heard tales of Orochimaru's tenacity and willpower. That particular human is probably best left completely burned to a crisp." Black Zetsu was pondering over possibilities as he glanced at his twin-brother Yakusu.
"The eye-stealer, won't he feel our presence in his only dimension?"
"He's not as advanced as we are... yet. The Hatake will surely catch up, however. We shouldn't rely on the Kamui too often. The more we use it, the more it might awaken someone we definitely don't need around."
Yakusu nodded. "The eyes we use were his, after all." Not noticing how much of a hypocrite this statement made them.
"This Kamui Dimension is originally his as well. Such a bother to maintain, though." Zetsu stood up from his crouching position, motioning to Yakusu to join him where he was standing. "Ok, I've fed it enough Nature Energy for at least a month. We should be safe with our movements again."
"The world should be thanking us." His whiter twin-brother cringed. "I don't want to become a plant again."
"We won't. Let's go."
With that, the two Ootsutsuki brothers left the Kamui Dimension.
The Black Apple
Chapter 12: Fissure
Patience was one of his stronger traits. He was proud of it, too. He stood, overlooking new ground he had procured some months ago. Of course, there was incentive from many directions. Necessity and survival. But those who wanted a job done well, needed to respect time more than anything.
And thus, he stood… looking at brand new buildings, training grounds, even hot springs and many other facilities.
"I must admit I was rather surprised you needed me on an three-month-long S-Ranked mission… in Konoha. At first, at least."
"Your skill is invaluable." Danzo inclined his head towards him companion. "You've performed exemplary, indeed."
"It would've been impossible to finish without your help, Danzo-sama. I never would have thought you possessed the Mokuton, as well."
Danzo knew Tenzou would not spill the beans of this to anyone. The two only Mokuton users in Konoha had put in a lot of effort into creating a new estate in Konoha, increasing the size of the Shinobi Village even more. They had to tear down the northern gates and then rebuild them several miles further north. Very close to the Valley of the End.
"This will be the Uzumaki Estate." Danzo named the grounds. "Of course, not only Uzumaki will be staying here."
Tenzou wryly smiled. "Of course, otherwise there would only be one person."
"On the contrary. Konoha houses several Uzumaki Members." Danzo sent the ANBU Captain a calculating look. "Tenzou, you've always lived without a clan name. Although you are not familiar with Uzumaki Naruto, he wishes to speak with you very soon. I have been given permission to inform you that he wants to grant you the Uzumaki Name."
Danzo held up a hand to keep the other man from talking. "I know. It seems very odd and unexpected, but perhaps you should speak to the boy first."
"Uzumaki Naruto… One of my subordinates speaks very highly of him."
"You should probably know he is my superior."
Tenzo blinked. "... sir?"
Currently, the Uzumaki Clan only had eleven members.
Uzumaki Naruto was the Clan Head, though he left most matters to Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo.
Uzumaki Tayuya was a former Sound-nin turned Leaf-nin and held the rank Genin, undeservingly. The loss of the Curse Seal had set her back big-time and she needed to restore her Chakra Capacities. She was very talented in Genjutsu and held the Summoning Contract for the Blind Ogres.
Uzumaki Karin was a Genin as well. She was a former Kusa-nin turned Konoha-nin. She possessed the Mind's Eye of Kagura, which surpassed every other Sensor Abilities in the Shinobi World. The girl also had the peculiar ability to heal people once bitten.
Uzumaki Haku was actually Yuki Haku, but his original name would actually bring forth more trouble than it was worth. He was also a Genin, but was of a much higher rank in truth. He possessed the Hyouton Kekkai Genkai and was advancing in its art.
Uzumaki Gaara, formerly known as Sabaku no Gaara, was a Shinobi on probation. Together with his siblings Uzumaki Temari and Uzumaki Kankurou they were being integrated as Konoha Shinobi. All three carried no specific rank as of yet. All three were also still being continuously monitored by ROOT ANBU.
Uzumaki Hyo, formerly Nara Hyo. Naruto was rapidly advancing and evolving his Shizentouta abilities, even being able to alter smaller genes, appearances, voices, even Chakra Presences, but most importantly… Blood. Uzumaki Hyo had, instead of the natural Nara dark-colored hair, red hair now.
Like Nara Hyo, Fuuma Yukio and Kedouin Akari were former ROOT Agents Naruto had absorbed on the same night he had taken in Danzo. They were now known as Uzumaki Yukio and Uzumaki Akari. Yukio was extremely talented in Chakra Threads, choosing another art over Kugutsu no Jutsu. Akari's ability was impersonation, Henge had nothing on her. Both women also had red hair now.
The Uzumaki Estate had a guard squad, Naruto had named the squad Souran.
The squad's members were Momochi Zabuza, Kaguya Kimimaro, Kidoumaru, Jiroubou, Kushimaru Kuriare, Jinpachi Munashi, Ameyuri Rino, Yakushi Kabuto and Karatachi Yagura. A formidable organisation of nine members with Yagura as its leader.
The eleventh Uzumaki Clan Member was a Rinne Tensei revived Uzumaki Danzo... Another thing Naruto was able to do was adjust body type and aging. His skills in Shizentouta were advancing. Danzo still had one eye bandaged, concealing his Sharingan Eye. He had dark red hair and was most noticeably… 35 years old. A lot younger than he previously was. He served as the advisor of Uzumaki Naruto.
The Shimura Danzo talking to Tenzou was actually a Shinzui Bunshin.
Naruto was planning on bringing into the Uzumaki estate the cult Hidan had been part of, but he was unsure on whether this was even remotely possible.
Naruto had also used Rinne Tensei for Zabuza, Haku, Hyo, Yukio, Akari and Yagura. Ever since the clash in Kiri, Naruto hadn't used Shizentouta to absorb anyone. The event had been very traumatizing for him.
At the moment, Naruto was in the lands of the Monkeys.
Kazan Naka no Mori, the Jungle Volcano.
"The truth… Is it uncomfortable for you here now?"
"Of course." A sullen reply, but Kakashi could feel several surges of anger in his student's voice. "My family wanted to rule over Konoha and planned to overthrow the government. But my brother betrayed them, sided with Konoha and crushed my family, his own family, before they even had the chance to do anything."
"And now you don't know how to feel."
"I don't really need someone to talk to, Kakashi." Sasuke clenched his right fist in evident anger. "Actually, I wouldn't mind talking to Naruto. I haven't seen that clown for a month."
"Ah, yes. Naruto was hospitalized for quite a long time after his latest mission. Chakra Poisoning and Exhaustion, as you already knew. But he left a few days ago for a new mission. He'll be gone for at least two weeks."
The two Shinobi, one Genin and one Jounin, were waiting for the final member of Team Seven.
The pink-haired girl swiftly appeared. "Anything I miss?"
"Not really." "Probably."
Used to receiving nonsense answers, Sakura straightened her clothing. "What's today's mission?"
"Actually… I have received a request. A certain party is interested in you. We are heading for the Uzumaki Estate."
"... Uzumaki Estate?" Sakura eloquently repeated.
Sasuke already knew. "I guess I'll be seeing that other guy again."
He had no recollection, memories or even myths about this place before they entered it. And now, about a month in, the blonde was getting accustomed to insane temperatures in this forest.
Inside a Volcano.
His human companion was less, but still quite uninformed about these sacred lands.
He coughed once before he let out. "I remember where we have to go when we finish business here."
"IF... you finish." The taller than even Jiraiya Monkey King Enma responded. Hiruzen's summon was leading the way. "The task is not so easy to accomplish. They don't take too kindly to even us… let alone outsiders like you humans."
"If we have to fight, I will not hold back." Naruto darkly uttered. "A damp jungle won't be a place where I will come to rest."
Enma appraised the young boy silently. 'He has two Bijuu inside of him and a multitude of experiences and murders on his hands. The experience and the power he carries actually backs up his arrogance.' Enma smirked though. 'But if the legends are true… Goringata was one of the reasons all fled from the Black Apple.'
"Enma."
Jiraiya's head moved upwards to see the faces of three huge orangutans looking down at them. What he had mistaken for trees before seemed to be their legs! How they so rudely addressed the King of the Monkeys was also quite telling.
All three of them also seemed to wear Battle Armor.
"Get the fuck out of here."
Naruto noticed how Enma had turned anxious. "The Sanshouzai… They guard the entrance to the true Jungle Volcano. Naruto, step forward and unleash potent Chakra, if you could."
From very high above, the three Elite Orangutan Guards watched with disinterest how the youngest stepped forward with closed eyes and the-
All three gigantic Apes flinched at the feel of Naruto's Chakra. Their surprise lasted for about a second or two, as they were quick to school themselves.
"Interesting, it hasn't been that long ago when the other tried… Only the boy can enter… You two can still go and fuck off." The central Orangutan thundered from above.
Jiraiya and Enma both sighed, before Enma turned to Naruto. "I've only been there once, many decades ago, but…. You'll have to enter the underwater volcano through the sea of magma, volcanic ash and extremely high levels of poison." The Monkey Summon put a hand on Jiraiya's shoulder to drag him away.. "He'll be back in a week or two… or maybe not."
"There's a... family in Kumogakure that we have been keeping our eyes on for a few years now."
He was lying down completely tied up, blindfolded and Chakra restricted, in a prison cell about a mile under Konoha. In a Root Base.
After having been taken to Konoha and delivered to Ibiki, Shimura Danzo had stepped in and taken him away from the interrogation quarters after they were done with the former Konoha-nin.
"Uchiha Obito... While you were a disappointment as a Konoha-nin, you deserved the highest of praise dead. Now that you have miraculously revived yourself, perhaps you can be of use once more." Danzo started as he entered the prison cell, sending the man who was interrogating him away. "I am Shimura Danzo and I have an offer for you."
"You won't let me die, right?" Came a weak response. "First chance I get you will be seeing me take my own life. You realize this?"
"The former Sanbi Jinchuuriki… What if we found a way to revive her?"
Silence dominated the prison cell as Obito tried to register Danzo's words.
Her. That means he isn't talking about Karatachi Yagura. Was this man truly talking about Rin? Was this man, known as Yami no Shinobi, goading him?!
Obito turned enraged, and immediately felt a small pulse of electricity zap him.
"Calm down." The warhawk seemed very much pleased with Obito's emotional reaction. "You are one of the very few names on the Memorial Stone I looked at with genuine respect. A most important piece of the board sacrificed to gain crucial ground against Iwagakure."
Obito was Chakra Sealed at the moment, but he could feel a Jutsu being formed by Danzo.
"However." Danzo harshly continued. "You sided with an enemy of Konoha, allowed important information and secrets to be spilled outside of our walls. You are a traitor of the highest degree. Therefore, I shall free you from this prison."
Obito screamed in excruciating pain as Danzo slammed his hand on and over his face, Chakra burning into it.
"And brand you with my Curse Seal."
Ignoring the groaning and cussing from inside his mindscape, Naruto bit back a gulp of fear and tried to put on a more intimidating pose. He still looked mighty afraid.
Kurama and Isobu had been bitching to him about constantly having to heal him because the magma and poison kept on burning his body, while the poison ash was doing a good job of melting his lungs.
But that all went away completely when they finally came face to face with the THING they were looking for.
"I knew it was him! Shit on a stick!" Was Kurama helpful input.
"Not him!" The fright in Isobu's voice was palpable.
"Goringata..." They both let out in a fearful whisper.
The creature before them bore some resemblance to their brother, Son Goku the Four-Tail, but this Beast was much bigger than the Yonbi.
Naruto's expression perfectly accurately mirrored their feelings.
After finally reaching a cave under the poisonous water they were swimming through and walking miles through it, they reached what seemed like a whole other world.
Another jungle, this one filled with purple-green smog, with the smell of sulfur permeating everywhere.
"It feels not too long ago..."
A huge dark purple Gorilla, almost twice the size of even the three Orangutans from before, towered above him. Magma, Poison Gas and Poison Gloob seemed to ooze and roll off of him.
"...When I saw another Black Apple descendant melt to death."
"I thought you said I fought like a foetus undeserving to be born."
A short chuckle answered him. "Truth is, you might serve well as decent cannon fodder. We are in need of some."
Sakura was very much confused and above all, frightened… Wasn't this Momochi Zabuza?! What was he doing in Konoha?! Shooting a panicked look Kakashi's way, she only found the Jounin enjoying some nice Icha Icha.
And who was this grey-haired kid standing next to him? The pink-haired girl had also noticed that Zabuza's sword and the grey-haired kid's staff, both strapped on their backs, were coloured a nice bloodred.
"Nice to see you haven't informed your female subordinate, Kakashi." Zabuza annoyedly let out as he noticed Sakura's perplexed expression. "Name's Momochi Zabuza, last time we met I tried to slaughter all of you. Naruto stopped me from doing so."
"N-Naruto?"
Sasuke looked like he was wasting time.
"Yeah, you know… that blonde asshole that goes about ruining people's lives?" Yagura muttered coldly.
As they were talking to Sakura, Sasuke was checking out Yagura in unimpressed fashion. This kid looked out of place standing next to that massacre-loving Zabuza.
"Anyway, we are a guard squad for this area, the Uzumaki Estate. We are hiring and it's good pay." Zabuza changed subjects. "Naruto suggested we ask you, Uchiha. The only requirement is rank Chuunin. So you'll have to take the Chuunin Exams first."
"Why would I want to guard the Uzumaki Estate? The Uchiha Estate doesn't even have a guard squad." Sasuke was still unimpressed.
"Ah, yes. I do believe they do. They're called ANBU." Kakashi helpfully supplied. "Although I guess this was secret information."
"Why not just let the ANBU guard this piece of shit area too?" The Uchiha drawled lazily, seemingly already turning away from the situation.
"Because the Uzumaki are more important. And ANBU Squad won't cut it."
Sasuke looked annoyed at this, but also slightly interested. Annoyed because Zabuza just called Uzumaki more important than Uchiha, which he will kill him for someday. And interested because… you have to be better than ANBU?
"He also part of this elite squad?" Sasuke nodded to Yagura. "Doesn't seem like you have to be particularly skilled."
Kakashi nervously swallowed and hid his book, instantly sending an apologetic look at Yagura. It's not wise to piss off Kage level Shinobi…
Zabuza snickered evilly and Sakura shivered as if death had just come to pay them a visit.
The former Mizukage, Karatachi Yagura, simply pleasantly smiled at Sasuke. "Ah, seems we haven't been properly introduced before. My name is Karatachi Yagura… I am actually the captain of the Guard Squad." Yagura paused and narrowed his eyes at the Uchiha. "I'll be handling the interview."
Killing Intent.
And a massive amount too… All positively, accurately and solely focused on his figure.
Uchiha Sasuke couldn't move at all.
"Ah, yeah… Yagura is about twice as strong as I am, Uchiha." The Demon of the Mist seemed immensely amused.
Well shit.
"You pose significantly different, human. I suppose Kurama and Isobu color you confident. Be advised that a Bijuu's healing comes with a price and they too, have limits."
"You were with Ootsutsuki Hamura?"
"Hamura-sama was my master, yes. He deserved my allegiance, his blood was much purer than yours."
"I am an Uzumaki."
"Ootsutsuki's dilutions… I know of a few. The Senju, Uchiha, Hyuga, Uzumaki, Kaguya and Shuurai. Of course, all who wield Chakra are somewhat dilutions of the Ootsutsuki. Dilutions are weak, you will learn."
Naruto inhaled deeply and closed his eyes, while holding his hands together at the same time. "Kokunai Kinkou!"
Goringata's massive form leaned forward in interest as Naruto's complete presence changed. His appearance had also changed, with dark symbols scattered all over his arms, legs and face.
"A curious appliance of Nature Energy… created out of urgency, I assume?"
"Complete Silence."'Naruto started. "I forced it upon myself as I was slowly losing sight of who I was. In turn, Kurama and Isobu noticed and encouraged me to push further as my identity was slowly ebbing away into a multitude of existence."
Goringata's eyes were narrowed. "A Focus."
"I am Uzumaki Naruto. No one else."
"Very well. It seems you've seen through me." Goringata huffed, creating massive clouds of corrosive smoke.
"Let's see how many steps you can take, human child." The massive Gorilla seemed intrigued. "Perhaps you will learn how the Bijuu were truly born..."
"I know, right? But that was definitely not him!"
"Ark!"
Aburame Shino was very much used to his teammate's odd antics. The bug user simply continued his slow trek through the streets of Konoha, Kiba following after him in the same pace.
"I tell you, that had to have been an ANBU, Akamaru! But why would an ANBU have Naruto's scent?"
The subject was intriguing, so Shino chose to listen to the conversation between Kiba and Akamaru. The white dog was letting out barks in short succession.
"Yeah, I guess he did perform really well in the Chuunin Exams… Still, it's hard to believe Naruto is in ANBU now."
"Erasing presence and scent should most likely be a requisite for ANBU. As Uzumaki Naruto's scent is still detectable, we can effectively deduce he is not a member of the ANBU." Shino cut in. "Perhaps a…. quarrel of some sorts?"
Kiba frowned and glared at Shino's back, not liking the sudden barging into his private conversation with Akamaru. The dog-boy shrugged it away however. "You mean you think that blonde idiot fought with the ANBU?"
"Merely, a possibility." The Aburame nodded. "Familiarity can't be ruled out either. Perhaps he is an acquaintance."
Thinking back on the Chuunin Exams where Naruto pretty proved he was much more skilled than previously shown, Kiba had to admit that it perhaps wasn't a stretch the blonde was in ANBU now.
"Perhaps he was scouted by ANBU." Kiba uttered slowly. "He did show some serious power back then."
"A moment." Shino had stopped walking. "I need not remind you I am incapable of smelling scent, but right now… My allies are informing me of an uncanny resemblance between that man's Chakra Presence and Uzumaki Naruto's." Shino's allies were obviously his insects.
Kiba's eyes followed Shino's directions and his eyes landed on-
His breath got caught in his throat.
Both of them were from prominent clans in Konoha. They both were informed on important figures in Konoha.
This man was Shimura Danzo. Both their fathers told them enough about this man.
Using Chakra to fill his nostrils, he confirmed Shino's observations. Or his bugs'."... You're right." He managed to breath out as the warhawk continued walking away towards the Hokage Tower. "He also smells like Naruto."
"Peculiar. Why would a Member of the ANBU and Shimura Danzo both have similar Chakra and scent, known to us as Uzumaki Naruto's." Shino actually put a hand to his chin. "Perhaps it is best… we ignore this matter."
"Wait what?!"
"My father once gave me advice on my sensor and reading abilities." The taller boy started to explain. "This advice applied to you as well. On friendly grounds, silence is more oft than not the clever road."
Kiba offered him a dry look. "And on enemy grounds it isn't?"
If he was surprised Kiba understood so quickly, Shino didn't show it. "Assumptions can lead to great regret. Perhaps an explanation will come to us in the future."
"Nagato?"
She hadn't heard from him for days now and she assumed her friend was on a mission, gathering information or even hunting down a Jinchuuriki. But she would usually hear from him after three days.
It's almost been a week and she was starting to worry.
"Yo, Konan!"
The purple-haired woman recognised the orange mask instantly, but also realized this was a different person from the one who always wore that mask. "Who are you?"
"Oh, you're perceptive, as I thought! I am not Tobi, indeed!" The Mask seemed amused as Konan just remained glaring at him. "You can call me Tonaga!"
"... Tonaga?" She shook her head once. "Where's Pein? And what happened to Obito?"
The demeanor of the man changed, with Zetsu taking over Yakusu's speech. "Pein's in a… struggle at the moment." The Mask tilted his head. "And I believe you can consider Uchiha Obito dead."
"Who are you?" Konan knew something was off with the vocal change and was ready to fight this person.
"Fighting you won't be favourable for me. My body will fight me on all fronts should we take that path." Tonaga uttered snarlingly. "Instead, I will tell you why you are Akatsuki's biggest disappointment, Shijou Konan."
She involuntarily took a step backwards at that. "You… you know my..."
"Of course. The last record of any successful awakening in your clan was decades ago. You are an experiment. The Shijou Clan was the only clan in history capable of being able to wield a fraction of the Mokuton's power. We had hoped it would awaken powerfully in you when we experimented on you with Hashirama's DNA. Unfortunately, all that awakened was a silly ability of paper manipulation."
"I…." Konan was at loss for words.
"Surely, you've always wondered."
"Despite all the tinkering, you didn't quite reach the potential your blood carried. Realize that Junnou Yahiko was also an experiment. Truly a shame he had to die so young." Tonaga turned away from the quivering woman. "I have some matters to attend."
"Ugh, fucking Uzumaki are hard to keep down." Came a different voice, Konan noticed right before the man vanished through Kamui.
'Tobi and Obito… Tonaga and Nagato.' Konan's fists clenched. 'What is he?'
Materializing in his Kamui Dimension, he released Nagato from his predicament.
The Uzumaki was panting heavily as he fell to his knees in front of the white figure with the orange mask Yakusu and the black weird shadow Zetsu.
"You bastard!"
Zetsu held up a black shadow-dripping finger. "Careful, Nagato. We have your Rinnegan now."
He would glare, but Nagato was indeed without eyes.
"We stopped the bleeding and healed everything as best as we could! You're welcome, Nagato-kun!" Yakusu cheered.
"You have little say left, Uzumaki." Zetsu started after silencing Yakusu with a gesture. "Yakusu has one of your Rinnegan and can control the Mokuton Kekkai Genkai, whereas I have a Sharingan with Kamui ability and your other Rinnegan.."
"But with your body it's all so much easier to control!"
"Yakusu, shut up!" Zetsu was really tired of Yakusu's spiller mouth. "But it's true. Our bodies aren't exactly complete. We need each other to survive or we take over other people's bodies and survive. You're an Uzumaki, your body would be perfect would it not be for your tenacity and willpower. We prefer to take over Uchiha bodies, they're a lot less of a hassle.
"What do you want?"
"Well… It's easy. We take your body and gain the ability to fully control the Mokuton, Sharingan and Rinnegan and then... Konan gets to live."
"..." Nagato knew a lost situation better than anyone. "You planned all this from the start?" Nagato couldn't stand up because his legs had been damaged beyond control because of Hanzo in the past. The reason he could stand in front of Konan in Amegakure was because Zetsu and Yakusu could stand.
"You won't get away with this!"
"Ah, but we will. Won't we, Tonaga?"
"We're not allowed to set foot in Konoha outside of the Uzumaki Estate without our masks on."
"Obviously." Kakashi supplied. "You would be recognised instantly."
"Problem is." Zabuza wasn't too happy. "There aren't any places to eat at in here yet! All the buildings are still empty! How will you get stores and establishments in here if only about twenty people live here?"
"Danzo should have a plan for that. Patience, Zabuza." Yagura tried to reassure his friend.
Kakashi had sent Sakura home after Yagura had kicked Sasuke unconscious during the job interview.
The young Uchiha was currently slung over the Copycat's shoulder. The three plus unconscious Sasuke were heading for the biggest building in the Uzumaki Estate.
The building where everyone currently lived in.
"So the plan is to give Sasuke one of Obito's eyes, huh?"
Kakashi nodded to Zabuza. "Yeah, Naruto believes Sasuke is still one of Orochimaru's targets. And the Kamui will be very helpful should Sasuke face Itachi one of these days. Giving him the Kamui should also tie him a bit tighter loyalty-wise to either me, Naruto or Konoha."
"You sure the runt isn't actually hearing us from your shoulder, Kakashi?"
"Impossible." Yagura answered. "I forced him into slumber."
"Wow, you had time for that insane long handseal sequence of yours? Sasuke must be as slow as a moving continent."
"He underestimated me." Yagura admitted. "And he's extremely arrogant. It's easy to defeat and misdirect cocky people."
"Or manipulate them." The Demon of the Mist was of course referring to the whole Bloody Mist Fiasco.
"Shut up, Zabuza."
"Too soon, Zabuza."
The man shrugged carelessly.
As about five people in the room suddenly popped into nothing but smoke, Danzo sighed a bit worryingly.
"I believe we all know he has probably gotten himself into a bit of trouble. The deactivation of Shinzui Bunshin means he's either close to Chakra Depravity or he's using his Sage Mode. Both are not welcome news. "
"I have no idea where he could be." Kakashi let out as he, Zabuza and Yagura entered the room. The others in the room were the remaining members of the Souran.
The thirty-five year old Danzo eyed the sleeping Uchiha on Kakashi's shoulder with a bit of trepidation. He still believed Naruto was putting too much faith in the Uchiha boy, considering the distribution of one of the Kamui Eyes currently residing in Kakashi's sockets.
"Didn't Jiraiya and the Monkey King travel with him?" The Copycat continued. "They should be fine. And if it's Sage Mode he's in, there's pretty much nothing surviving against him."
"Very well. Let's move on." The warhawk turned Uzumaki conceded. "Souran. Your mission is money. Kakuzu's death has left a hole in the market. Presumably Akasuna no Sasori will be all over it, so take over his share of the Bounty Market. It's time we put life in the Uzumaki Estate. There's no life without dead bodies."
"We have to capture Sasori, but that will prove to be a handful. The man turned puppet does not eat, drink or sleep. We have to seal his movements." Danzo stared at the Nara turned Uzumaki in the room. "Uzumaki Hyo will prove vital in that department. A Nara with Fuinjutsu skills is a danger indeed."
Hyo sighed. "I've really got my work cut out for me. You guys and Naruto really are slave drivers."
The dawn has broken.
He could no longer feel the traces of Chakra locking the areas around the Village and the rain no longer had any of his Chakra in it either.
Itachi wasn't too worried. Maybe Nagato actually went on a mission by himself? Rare, but it happened. Movement from behind him caused his partner to activate.
"Hm. Now this is interesting. I wasn't informed you would be returning." Came a somewhat robotic voice, coming from the figure standing next to Itachi.
"Past clashings proved to be informative… Akatsuki is not a threat to me."
The Uchiha regarded the new arrival warily, but with no fear. "I trust you received my message, then?"
Sasori and Itachi both looked on as Orochimaru walked from out of the shadows. The three were currently on the roof of a small building surrounded by buildings towering above them and around them, effectively obscuring them from the populace of Amegakure.
"I did. You should know that as Kazekage, I am actually quite busy."
"Busy? I've heard that you're missing a Jinchuuriki." Sasori quipped. The two kind of left on bad terms. "And what of your 'daughter and son'? Surely you're not going easy on Konoha?"
"Tch. They seem to be several steps ahead of me. Sensei is shrewder than I realized. No records can be found anywhere on their whereabouts." The Snake Summoner was not amused. "I even tried to infiltrate with several people specialized in the art, to no avail. Konoha has a sensor-nin unlike any other."
Months ago, he had sent Juugo, Suigetsu and Guren on a mission to gather information o the inside of Konoha. But they were discovered almost instantly after entering Konoha and had to flee immediately. Uzumaki Karin was now part of Konoha's security. Her Mind's Eye of the Kagura could see everything.
"I did not call for speaks of an alliance, however." Itachi started. "You seem to have misunderstood."
Orochimaru clicked his teeth. "Annoying as always, Uchiha Itachi. There's no verbal fun with you around."
"Sasori and I were privy to this information, but the masked Akatsuki Member was Uchiha Obito. He's either been captured or killed. Though his direct input was minimal, his lack of presence will surely cause ripples in Akatsuki. The ones who controlled him will probably try and hasten their ambition."
"Nagato is not the true leader of Akatsuki." If Orochimaru was surprised about Obito, he didn't show it. Or he didn't care."I had my suspicions about Akatsuki… The three orphans that Jiraiya picked up years ago couldn't become as powerful as this. Who is truly pulling the strings?" He dared a glance at Sasori. "No offense, Sasori."
The Puppet Human didn't show any emotion, just staring at Orochimaru.
Which in itself could have been considered a glare.
"I'm not too certain." Itachi put a hand to his chin. "I believed I knew the threats in the world."
'To Konoha, you mean.' Orochimaru thought.
Akatsuki's information gatherer wasn't too sure either. "One of their abilities is taking over bodies." Sasori supplied. "Just like you seem to be able to do, Orochimaru."
"I've called for information swapping. I am unsure of the ongoings in Konoha, but I do know about Akatsuki." Itachi explained the reason why he called for Orochimaru.
"Why are you here?"
All three looked genuinely startled to find someone able to sneak up on all of them.
Floating above them was a Paper Clone.
Ah. That explained everything. They were without Chakra, Smell or even genuine Presence. But somehow it still carried Konan's consciousness.
The question was of course aimed at Orochimaru.
"Pardon the Intrusion, Konan." The Snake Summoner seemed amused as always. "Itachi-kun wanted to meet with me."
"You haven't been here for almost a year. I must insist viewing you as a traitor to Akatsuki."
Holding up his hands in surrender, with one hand holding his Akatsuki Ring, Orochimaru also bowed his head. "I apologize. I simply did not see eye to eye with the Akatsuki's previous leader. Who is it now, if I may ask?"
Konan's Paper Clone dwindled into nothing, not bothering to answer Orochimaru.
"She'll be here shortly." Itachi explained. "The Paper Clone is a technique full of limits."
"But that was most definitely confirmation." The Puppeteer in their midst interjected. "With Kisame and Hidan missing, Kakuzu killed and Deidara still being somewhat of a rookie rebel here, Akatsuki is quite weak."
This was news to Orochimaru. "I didn't know things were this bad. I somehow doubt Akatsuki will remain weak, however. Your true leader's plans… If my assumptions are correct; things might turn drastic." He seemed intrigued. "Who killed Kakuzu?"
"Uzumaki Naruto." Itachi answered. His tone gave away confusion, though.
"What? That little Kyuubi brat from Konoha?" Orochimaru turned away from them and put a hand to his chin. "Interesting. What about Hoshigaki? Even I wouldn't able to defeat that man..."
"Zetsu told me Kisame got cornered by a few Mist-nin specialised to deal with him. Kaguya Kimimaro, Momochi Zabuzu and… I forgot the third guy's name." Sasori supplied. ""Zetsu hasn't been too… forthcoming… with information. Something has been off, recently."
"Kimimaro-kun, huh?" Clenching his fists, Orochimaru turned back towards Itachi and Sasori. "Danzo's the one behind this, I am sure." It still got to the snake how one of his best soldiers simply abandoned him in favor of Konoha. That was too suspicious!
Itachi was surprised to see Orochimaru angry. "Danzo? That man always overcomplicates things."
Orochimaru calmed himself down as he stared at Itachi. "I saw your little brother, by the way." Itachi wasn't too happy with how Orochimaru changed the subject from Danzo to Sasuke. "He's a compassionate one… Very surprising."
The Uchiha didn't show any change on his expressions. "I'll get to that eventually." This time Itachi changed the subject. "I've heard about a… meeting… between the Kazekage and the Raikage."
If he could, Sasori would have cringed at Orochimaru's chuckle. "Yes, gullible, indeed. Quite unlike you, Itachi-kun. The Raikage is an emotional man. I believe you and I both know that when it comes to betrayal and treachery, emotions come first place "
"Hn. As expected. I hoped otherwise, but I assume he's none the wiser about the entire ordeal."
"A. An emotional man easily manipulated." Sasori confirmed. "A Sunagakure and Kumogakure Alliance seems powerful."
"Even with Edo Tensei, Konoha will crush me and Sunagakure." Orochimaru admitted. "It pains me to say it, but… Even with Kumogakure on my side, I don't feel confident at all."
"We will not be joining you."
Orochimaru tsked as Konan, the real one, entered the scene. "I sure hope not. It should go without saying, but you Akatsuki are a group of backstabbers. I'll trust you in a coffin."
"Likewise." Konan glared at the former Akatsuki Member.
"Pein?"
The purple-haired woman sighed as she turned to Itachi. "It is as you said."
The Nuke-nin from Konoha removed his Akatsuki Robes and tied a different Hitai-Ate around his forehead. "Then I suppose we will make the next move."
"I can't believe we let Deidara lead this one." Sasori let out, though he we probably would have like to mutter it.
Both Itachi and Sasori were now donning Iwagakure Headbands.
Orochimaru looked intrigued. "Hoo… You guys seem to be going to have a lot of fun."
Thanks for reading!
Danzo's Curse Seal he applied to Uchiha Obito is called the Gisei Fuin, which roughly translates to (?) Sacrifice Seal. So now Obito has a Seal put on his heart by Madara and a seal put on his face by Danzo. Poor, poor Obito.
Kokunai Kinkou is Naruto's Sage Form: It basically banishes all inner noise and fuses it all together into one being. It's when Naruto truly feels like himself, with the power of all that he has absorbed.
Shijou means branch. I chose it as Konan's clan name. A descendant of the Senju.
I chose Yahiko's clan name to be Junnou, for adaptation. In Canon, all I could see was Yahiko use the Water Element. But I feel there had to have been something special about him to lead powerhouses like Nagato and Konan. So I chose his skill to be Environmental, as in he adapts and makes his surroundings his will and skill.
I really wonder why Yahiko, the White Fang and even Kushina were never revived through Edo Tensei in Canon.
Fanfiction has no limits!