Happy New years and all that crap! Here's to an awesome 2009 with Chapter 13!
To those that corrected me on the sword issue! Thanks! I'm writing a Bleach/Eva story right now and I guess I was a error on my end! LOL!
I don't own Naruto or its Characters!
The hidden Village of Rain was a very depressing looking village to say the least. Living up to its name, the area was constantly being dumped on by buckets of water, some times for even weeks on end.
Because of this, when the village was constructed, a massive drain and sewer system that took over a decade to built, was in constant use. However, the village was one of the oldest villages constructed. While in the beginning it wasn't originally a ninja village, and that didn't mean anything now. The main work force in the village was shinobi, while engineers made up the second majority.
As time passed, the water eroded away at the ancient sewers, causing the need to make new and better designs for the system. Using the old system as a foundation, they tore it up, repaired and rebuilt the new system with success.
However, methods can always be improved, and with time comes progress. That in mind, the sewers were constantly ripped apart and rebuilt leaving behind a labyrinth of mazes, tunnels and pipes.
There was also one thing Hidden Rain was well known for by the locals that is, and that was God was the village leader. Pein was a god among men they would say, bringing divine punishment to all those that deserved it, and salvation to those devoted enough.
The whole thing however was utter nonsense to Pein, and the people who worked closely with him knew this. It was for this reason why the members of Akatsuki were chosen, not for they knew the truth, but because they didn't let this power effect there assignments. It was that fact that Pein left what he supposed the people called respect, but he didn't really care.
"I have returned Pein-sama," a woman said entering a large room.
The woman was an angel, as the people called her, taking account of her looks, as well as her signature jutsu. Her dark blue hair was tied into a tight bun with a origami flower pinned to her hair, keeping her bangs out of her violet eyes.
"Report Konan," he said not bothering to open his eyes.
"The one through five are secure," she bowed. "Zetsu took Midori to sixth last known location but where unable to track it down. We have reason to believe that they were informed and relocated the Jinchuuriki."
"Its of no concern. It will resurface eventually. Have they returned?"
"We have."
Konan looked to her right to see two figures appear. The taller of the two, emerged from the ground, while the other popped into view from a poof of smoke.
The tall one looked surprisingly like a large Venus fly-trap. Then opened its 'jaws' to reveal a head, one side black and one side white and yellow eyes with green hair.
"We're back Boss!" The small one replied happily with a female voice.
Unlike her partner, the only thing they had in common, was they shared the same color hair leaving her with purple eyes like Konan. Currently, everyone in the room was wearing the same black cloaks with red clouds.
"Did you learn anything of use?"
"Th-."
"Yea! They get more rain then we do! I heard it was some kind of jutsu the leader their uses! Is the same thing happening here Boss?" Midori interrupted.
"That has nothing to do with this briefing," Konan spoke.
"Meanie," Midori pouted. "Whens Tobi-chan coming back! At least he's nice to me..."
"As we were saying," Zetsu began. "We felt small traces of its chakra but it seems we lost our chance. One person we found mentioned something about some foreign shinobi in the village prior to our arrival, I assume they took our target."
"I suspect it was either Konoha, Suna or Kumo," Konan went on the new information. "Those three nations have or have had Jinchuuriki and know what to look for."
"Oh Boss! Any word on Foxy?"
"...No..." Pein finally opened his eyes. "I have waited patiently enough for this matter to be resolved. I have no intention of waiting another three years for our goal to be complete."
"Good things come to those who wait," Midori sang in a sweet voice.
"And those who wait miss the opportunities," Zetsu countered.
"Ohhhhh," his partner nodded in realization.
"If the ninth hasn't been located by the time the seventh is secure, I will take it upon myself to collect him."
"You know, even though both Iwa and Suna look like deserts, I still prefer sand to all this rock," Temari frowned at their surroundings.
"Suna's got beach property too," Kyuusuke added leaping past a group of boulders. "But I hear Iwa has a few good hot springs."
"Hard choice, beach or hot springs..." Temari sighed. "We should be their by now."
After almost a five days of hard travel, Kyuusuke and Temari reached the outskirts of Iwa as the sun began to set in the distance. While camping was fun in its own way, both looked forward to sleeping in a bed and eating a decent meal. Doubling their pace, they reached the gate and calmly approached the guard.
"State you identity and reason for visiting," the guard said cautiously.
"Temari and Kyuusuke of Suna investigating a classified manner," Temari stated presenting a scroll. "I believe the Tsuchikage has been informed of our arrival."
"Ah yes," the guard nodded. "We were informed earlier this morning, but we weren't expecting you for another two days."
"We're really fast," Kyuusuke shrugged. "I suppose the Tsuchikage is expecting us to report in."
"Yes, please go ahead and make your way to the tower." The guard moved aside, letting them enter.
"Thanks," both answered and walked into the village.
"Ah, welcome," the kage stood to greet his guests. "I'm glad to see you arrived safely from your journey."
"Thank you Tsuchikage-sama," Temari bowed while Kyuusuke nodded.
"From what Kazekage-dono has informed me, you're searching for a particular individual that passed though our lands is that correct?"
"Yes," Temari nodded looking at Kyuusuke. "Supposedly they were here a week or two ago at most."
"Any details?"
"They would have stood out," Kyuusuke supplied. "Abnormal chakra, physical appearance, mannerisms..."
"Hmm..." The older man nodded. "I do recall two kenjutsu users passing through last week, the master was looking to obtain elemental training for his student. The boy seemed to be tuned to Doton, or as he calmed."
"Appearance?" Temari asked.
"The man had a look of nobility about him even though he had a few days of scruff on his face. His hair was short cut and black with black eyes. The boy had semi-long black hair and yellow eyes."
"Both wore a grey long sleeve shirt with black pants but the man wore a blue chuunin-like vest. The man wields a nodachi style sword, and the boy a par of katanas." The kage closed his eyes. "The man is a missing nin from Kiri, former member of the Seven Swords, Tensa Kuromuzi also known as Zatarra. The boy is an unknown by the name of Ryoushi."
"You helped a missing nin?" Temari looked shocked. "Won't that cause certain issues on you?"
"Possibly... thought I'm sure us kages know what were doing. Your brother seems to know the risk," he looked at Kyuusuke. "Am I right?"
Temari gave a shocked look and placed a hand on her fan, while Kyuusuke laughed, looking at the older man in amusement.
"Be calm now," the man waved a hand. "I'm not passing judgment. I just hope whatever your investigating won't harm my village in any way."
"If all goes according to plan." Kyuusuke nodded.
"Very well," the man nodded. "You've been tracking them no?"
Kyuusuke closed his eyes and took a calming breath. "Well fox?"
"its faint but the its moving north east.... strange, I know this charka, but it seems off...."
"What's that mean?"
"I'm not sure... it could be... no... that can't be it..."
"What?"
"Nothing. They're heading towards what you call Yuki."
"We'll talk about this later." Kyuusuke opened his eyes. "Yea. Their heading towards Yuki right now if they keep heading that way."
"Hmm," the man nodded. "I curious to know how you know that?"
"They have an abnormal chakra signature that makes it somewhat easy to track."
"Indeed. I noticed the boy had an odd feeling about him." He drummed his fingers on the desk. "Alas, I wished I could be of more assistance."
"Your information has helped us a great deal," Temari bowed. "It will make the search much easier."
"I can only hope," he smiled. "Now, it is late, and you both look like you can use a rest. My secretary will arrange a hotel for you. Please enjoy your time here."
"Thank you Tsuchikage-sama," Temari bowed, while Kyuusuke nodded.
"So we're staying here till Gaara gives us further orders?" Kyuusuke asked as Temari prepared a letter to her brother.
"Yes," she nodded, attaching the note to a falcon. "We have to enter negotiations with Yuki if we wish to enter her boarders. I know Konoha has good relations with them, so maybe being their allies will help matters."
"If it doesn't work.... I know something that might..." Kyuusuke looked away.
"Oh?"
"It was team seven that assisted in the revolution four years ago. If it wasn't for a certain genin, the relationship between the two nations wouldn't be as solid."
"Can't you do anything without being noticed?" She rolled her eyes.
"I think I've been doing a good job so far."
"Hmm," she smirked as the falcon flew off. "Could we use that without blowing your cover?"
"Yukie-hime knows how to keep an act up."
"Well, I don't know about you, but I'm starving."
"I know a good place near here," Kyuusuke nodded moving towards the door. "Had a nice variety, not just ramen."
"You actually eat something other then ramen?"
"If I ate nothing but ramen, I thought I might lose my cover. Never know when a Konoha-nin might walk by and notice a resemblance."
"Paranoid."
"Shut up," he growled as they walked down the street.
"While we're on the topic, who else became a friend of Konoha because of that certain genin?"
"The priestess in Demon country," Kyuusuke said after a thought. "As well as the Fuma clan in Rice and Princess of Nano country."
"Impressive," Temari blinked then smiled. "That genin must have some kind of effect on people."
"So I've heard," Kyuusuke nodded, looking to the left. "Well this is the place."
"Oh? This place looks a bit fancy. Why did you eat here?"
"I was dragged here," he said walking inside.
"Ah, I remember you," the girl at the front desk smiled. "You were here for the chuunin exams! Congratulations on making Chuunin!"
"Thank you," Kyuusuke smiled. "I don't suppose I can get a table for two?"
"Eating with Taya-san again?" The girl winked.
"No."
"Taya uh?" Temari crossed her arms. "That gaki you faced in the exams?"
"We made a bet," Kyuusuke shrugged. "I got a few jutsu out of the deal."
"Sure, I bet that's all their was."
"I have a table ready," the girl stopped the conversation. "Please follow me."
"You got anything else you wanna tell me?" Temari smiled sweetly.
"...Hmm...not really." He said as then noticed a person walk in the restaurant. "Actually, I do."
"And that would be?"
"That you Bright eyes!" A voice shouted happily. "When did you drag yourself back into town!"
"Yo Taya," Kyuusuke waved as Temari watched in amusement.
"Didn't expect to see you back so soon," she walked over to greet them. "Though I can't say I'm really surprised. I know I'm simply irresistible."
"So this is the girl?" Temari asked.
"Yeap. Temari meet Taya. Taya meet Temari."
"Cheating on me all ready?" Taya smiled.
Kyuusuke rolled his eyes and walked to the table that could seat four people. Frowning and looking to the waitress, he saw her flash an embarrassed smile and walked away whistling.
"Troublesome..." Kyuusuke sighed, not realizing what he said.
"What was that!" Temari slapped the back of his head.
"Nothing..." he sighed again, sitting down.
"Achooo!" Shikamaru rubbed his noise in irritation, getting a confused look from Choji as he paused in his food consumption.
"Catching a cold?" He large teen asked.
"Troublesome," Shikamaru muttered, looking at the clouds once more.
"Say Shika..." Choji said after eating the last chip.
"Hmmm?"
"You think Naruto is all right out their?" Chijo frowned. "I mean, Akatsuki is after him, his face is posted in the bingo book, and the Uchiha is running around doing kami knows what."
"Uzumaki...." Shikamaru closed his eyes. "The boy has no order what so ever, he's complete chaos. I can never tell what he's going to do next."
"What's that mean?"
"Nothing..." Shikamaru smiled. "All i can say is that Naruto has a tendency of surprising people at the most critical of moments. He'll be fine, I think, I mean, he's gone undetected so far."
"I wonder where he's hiding?" Choji watched a cloud float over head.
"I have a few idea's... Some more unlikely then the first."
"Knowing Naruto he's risking it in Iwa or some place."
"Seems like something he would do..."
"Achoo!!!" Kyuusuke sneezed for the fifth time.
"You coming down with something bright eyes?" Taya raised a brow.
"I don't get sick..." He muttered glaring at his drink.
"Anyway..." she shrugged. "So your tracking a few missing nin or something like that right."
"In a matter of speaking," Temari answered. "We just want to varify something with them."
"And that is?"
"Classified," Temari grunted.
"Huh? What you got to say about that bright eyes."
"Confidential," he grinned.
"Yea, yea," Taya waved them off. "So your next stop is Yuki then uh? I keep hearing good things about it. They got this big heater thing that can change the weather from winter to spring in an instant."
"I heard the same," Kyuusuke nodded. "Some Konoha-nin were involved some how from what I gathered."
"Oh? I didn't hear that one? Anyone famous?"
"A genin team and their Jounin-sensei," Temari said casting Kyuusuke a look. "Sharingan Kakashi ring a bell."
"I don't know anyone in Iwa that doesn't," Taya frowned. "Almost as well known as that Yellow Flash guy."
"Hmm," Kyuusuke nodded. "Well they were the once that aided in the rebellion and guarded the princess long enough for her to take over."
"One point for the good guys," Taya smirked and looked at Kyuusuke. "So any luck with those Donton jutsu?"
"A bit," he smiled. "I have to force a good bit of chakra into them compared to my Fuuton and Katon, but still useable."
"Just keep at it," she pointed at him. "I want a rematch eventually."
"You got a long way to catch up with Kyuusuke here," Temari grinned.
"You saying I'm weak Suna-nin?"
"No, just that this guy can probably go toe to toe with me know if he went all out."
"You? High Praise coming from one of the Four Winds."
"Four Winds?" Kyuusuke looked at Temari.
"Surprised you haven't heard Kyuusuke," Temari blinked. "Its our version of Konoha's Three Sannin. Composed of Kankuro, Gaara, Asuka's mother; Asakura and myself." She sighed. "Though Gaara was promoted to kage, a position is technically open."
"Hmm," Kyuusuke nodded. "Does Iwa have their version of the Four Winds?"
"Yea," Taya yawned. "The Two Grand Canyons. You actually met them in the exams as the first and second proctor."
"Seriously?" Kyuusuke tilted his head.
"Yeap," she grinned. "While they don't look like it, those two are the most likely to be nominated for Tsuchikage if anything happens to the Fourth." She paused for a moment then frowned. "Hold the phone... you said he could go up against you... if he went all out..."
"Uh... yea..."
"You were holding back bright eyes..." She growled, slowly glaring in his direction. "Care to explain before I hand your ass to you."
"Sure," Kyuusuke said quickly, covering Temari's snort. "Yea see the whole Chuunin exam was a covert way for me to enter Iwa in order to complete a mission assigned by Garra- Err, I mean Kazekage."
"You mean to tell me the whole thing was a scam?"
"No, I really was a Genin that needed a promotion," he mentioned calmly. "You did almost get me with with that last jutsu."
"Tsk..." she crossed her arms and looked away. "Are you really that strong?"
"... He is," Temari nodded. "Between us, Kyuusuke would probably on par with our Kazekage.... in a few years."
"Damn," Taya sighed then pointed her finger at Kyuusuke. "You owe me a rematch sooner or later, and this time I want a serious fight!"
"Well if your going to catch up you'll need all the energy you can get," Kyuusuke laughed as the food arrived.
"Tsuchikage, you sent for us?"
"I did," he said mentioning them to sit, noticing one of them had all ready done so.
The man sat relaxed in his seat, running a hand through is black hair. His female colleague frowned at him as she took the other chair, adjusting her mining hat as she settled.
"Do you recall the subject that arrived a few weeks ago?" He asked, opening the folder in front of him. "The Swordsmen?"
"Hmm?" The man blinked. "The Kiri guy and the runt with him?"
"That's the pare," he nodded. "It seems like they we're far more interesting then what we first guessed."
"Interesting how?" Hitomi asked.
"Bounty?" The man asked.
"Hmm... Bounty is a normal occurrence with missing-nin," the kage sighed. "That isn't the issue here. They have... special abilities... one of them does anyway. A team from Suna is here tracking them."
"Are you concerned?" Hitomi frowned.
"No," He smiled. "The two sent are competent shinobi. "Both of which your familiar with."
"Oh?" The man grunted.
"The Kazekage's sister and the Chunnin Tournament Champion."
"Must be important to send them," Hitomi nodded. "I heard they promoted the boy. Not surprising, he showed a lot of skill and room for potential."
"How so?" The man raised a brow. "He managed to beat Yori on a technicality because of his jutsu, other then that I didn't really notice anything."
"Thats the way he wanted it."
"Pardon?"
"The boy was putting on a show while holding back," the kage explained. "My ANBU observed him while training and reported his progress."
"... What was their assessment...?" Hitomi sat up straighter.
"B Rank."
"This is relevant why?" The man sighed.
"Because..." He held up two pieces of paper. "... Their assessment was way off after I did some research."
The man shot up from his chair, knocking it over, while Hitomi turned several shades whiter. After several moment of silence in the room, the information was fully processed by the two Canyons.
"... Looks like I was wrong..." the scarred man grinned. "...the boy is interesting... interesting indeed."
"So the Bijuu left Iwa before Uzumaki could arrive..." Garra read the report. "This may pose a problem if they keep evading us."
"I wouldn't worry to much," Kankuro sighed. "Uzumaki may be an idiot but he comes through when it counts. Besides, Temari's there to keep him in line."
"That in itself is a relief," the younger man nodded. "How's progress on your training coming along? Last time you were seemed to be capable of five."
"I made a few jumps, improving both quality and quantity." Kankuro grinned. "Right now I'm at eleven."
"Most impressive."
"I also finished planning & modeling on the new production line."
"I thought that would take you a month at most." Gaara blinked.
"I used the Kyuusuke method." Kankuro shurgged. "Ebizou approved the planes himself. Seems the elder knew a thing or two about puppetry as well."
"Cleaver." Gaara nodded.
"How's Setsuka adjusting?"
"She's going quite well. Maaya and Asuka have been training with her while Kyuusuke is gone. At least they're being productive."
"You call this being productive?"
Ashitaka looked in amusement and a slight annoyance at the three girls before him. Asuka and Maaya decided to show Setsuka around the village, with their first stop being the south market district. However that was in the morning when they reported in for duty, it was now close to dinner time for most families.
"Aww come on sensei," Asuka sighed. "That jackass is gone so we decided to have a girls day out for once."
"Sorry sensei," Maaya smiled. "I needed to get some supplies today anyway so I went along with it."
"I'm a guest here remember," Setsuka grinned. "I'm allowed to be non-productive once and a while."
"Tell that to the enemy," the older man sighed. "I hope that you three haven't destroyed Kyuusuke's apartment..."
"Who? Us?" Setsuka smiled innocently. "We would never... well not on purpose anyway... Kyuu seems like a cool guy. No reason for me to trash his place."
"That has to be the first time I heard someone say that about 'Kyuu'," Ashitaka tilted his head. "Anyway. We'll be training tomorrow at our normal area."
"Hai," Maaya bowed, while Asuka and Setsuka simply nodded.
The man nodded before vanishing in a swirl of Sand, leaving the girls to get back to their tasks.
"So what sort of training do you do?" Setsuka asked.
"We're spending a lot of time in specialization right now," Maaya answered. "I focus on my Taijutsu in the after noons. Mornings are used for stamina, chakra control, and teamwork."
"For me its Kenjutsu with some elemental affinity." Asuka ran a hand through her hair. "Kyuusuke usually works on his Ninjutsu."
"Last time I saw him it was Taijutsu," Maaya frowned.
"Weird," Setsuka blinked. "On the way back from Sora, I could have sworn he was working on his elemental affinities..."
"Is he becoming a generalist?" Maaya voiced.
"Maybe... I haven't seen him with a weapon besides kunia and shuriken though. He sucks completely at Genjutsu too last time I checked." Asuka trailed off. "We could ask Kazekage-sama."
"Should we?"
"Why not?" Setsuka looked puzzled. "Your on the same team right. You should know each other capabilities."
"Kyuusuke has to keep a low profile..." Maaya supplied. "He doesn't want to attract the wrong attention."
"So, winning the Iwa Chunnin finals was keeping a low profile?" Setsuka laughed.
"Touche," the girls smiled.
"Achoo!" Kyuusuke sneezed. "Dammit!"
After a nice dinner with Temari and Taya, the group thought it would be a good idea that they'd visit the Onsen. Unfortunately, what they didn't know was that after the exam's, due to the jutsu the Tsuchikage used, the supply of water to the Onsen's was cut off. In order to compensate, a few of the baths decided to have co-ed sections.
"Did someone just sneeze over there?" A familiar voice asked though the steam, making Kyuusuke freeze.
"I heard the same..." Another voice sounded. "If it's who I think it is..."
"Aweee crap...." Kyuusuke sighed.
"PERVERT!!!!" A shriek came from the co-ed section, followed by a gust of wind sending Kyuusuke into the reception area.
Picking himself up from the floor and rotating his shoulder after a moment of shock, he checked to make sure the fox had fixed up his wounds. What he should have done first was grab his towel to cover himself up. It seemed like fate had it out for him that day, as the receptionist, as well as a few females got any eye full.
"Sir?" The manager spoke through a hard blush as she tried to look away. "I think it would be best if you covered yourself up..."
"Hmm?" He looked at her, the group of blushing women with nose bleeds, and then finally down. "...."
"If that pricks not dead I swear to kami..." Temari stormed into the hall as Kyuusuke covered himself up with Taya behind her. Both woman had the common sense to wrap towels around them before entering the new door to the main hall. "What the hell we're you thinking teme!?! That Pervert sensei of your finally corrupt you!"
"Funny," Kyuusuke frowned. "No offense to you Temari or you Taya. While your both attractive woman, do I look stupid enough to try something like that... don't answer..."
"Next time just ask Bright eyes," Taya winked while a small blush appeared on her and Temari's faces.
"Then why were you in the girls bath then?" Temari crossed her arms.
"Ma'am..." the receptionist smiled. "Due to certain events... this bath house is co-ed till further notice."
"...Taya..." Temari smiled sweetly. "Did you know this...."
The younger girl blinked then walked away whistling a happy tune as Kyuusuke shook his head. Temari was about to go after the girl till she notice Kyuusuke's face.
"...You bathe with the mask on..." She deadpanned.
"It was your idea I wear one," he crossed his arms.
"But in the bath..."
"... So your saying the situation would have been better if I wasn't wearing it right now?"
"....Shut up and get in the bath," she walked away.
Kyuusuke simply shrugged and followed her, unknown to both of them that all the other females, including the manager, rushed into the change rooms as quickly as possible.
Hundreds of miles away, looking through a peep hole and writing in a note book, Jiraya felt a shiver run down his spine. The sudden jolt made him stop writing and look to the west.
"My Pervert sense are tingling...." He muttered.
Unfortunately, a woman had walked by the hole and heard him. Looking through the hole, she was a man on the other end and did the natural thing in her defense.
"PERVERT!!!!!" She screamed, pointing at the hole.
To be continued....
Midori. Seeing that they've been killing off Akatsuki members like they're out of style, I thought I'd throw one in and see what happens.
Ebizou, if anyone remembers, was Chiyo's twin brother. Seeing that his sister was crazier about puppets then Kankuro, he had to have learned something about them.
Now, Seeing that Konoha hads the Three Sannin, and Kiri hads the Seven Swordsmen, I thought I'd try a hand at making some. The Grand Canyons were a groaner I know, but deal with it. The Four winds for Suna I'm messing around with currently.