A.N: Thank you for all the positive reviews. I'm glad to know that everyone is noticing the ever-changing dynamics between Itachi and Naruto. I got a few negative ones, but you can't win em' all right? I really liked chapter thirteen as well. There are a lot of things to come. Someone asked me if last chapter was me winding up the story. To that I can say no. I don't know how many chapters will be left. I know what I want the end result to be, but how long I take to get there, not so much. I'm guessing chapter wise it will be in the twenties. Most of the stuff after Jiraiya infiltrates Rain is from the anime. I used it as a guide until Konan appears. Then it differs greatly as you will see. Hope I did a good job portraying Nagato. Naruto's freak out kind of just happened, but I don't think it's too out of character. If you think about how Naruto is, she got through her captivity, sex-change and rape so easily. What was fueling her and helping her deal with that was her determination to take down Tobi. She wasn't revenge crazy like Sasuke because of the triplets, but she was/is determined to be a part of the action. Not sure if she will be yet. I mean she is the main chracter and savior, but I already know Obito is dying before the ten tail's is resurrected and any of the weirdness that follows happens. Also in my story there isn't a war, so I'll settle for a big battle maybe use some of his tricks.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Naruto, the plot of Naruto, or the characters of Naruto. I do however own, my OC's and any others I will make.
The Cursed Sharingan: Chapter Fourteen
Last time...
With one long last look at her sleeping children, she went downstairs where Itachi was already waiting.
"So what's the plan Itachi-taichou?" the teen teased, grinning mischievously.
Itachi's lips twitched slightly despite himself. 'Despite her joking, I can see how determined she is. She truly is an admirable creature, a complete contrast to myself for sure. She's like light to my dark, so animated and positive' he observed, inwardly marveling at the young woman in front of him. 'She doesn't belong in the dark' he mused sadly, not really referring to her dark clothes.
At Itachi's silence, she continued "I think I should summon a toad and gather some in-tel on Ero-sennin. If he's still in Myoboku then we can wait until he leaves. As soon as he leaves I can reverse summon myself there. If we're touching then you get to be the lucky tag-along" she explained, smiling. Her smile dropped as she continued, "If he's not there. We reverse-summon to Myoboku then go to Rain. After that it's a matter of finding him and remaining undetected" she added grimly.
Itachi nodded in acceptance. "Once we are in Ame we need to remain unseen. I am adept at hiding my chakra signature, will you be able to hide yours?" he asked diplomatically, making Naruto smirk.
"That's what I forgot! I have a seal-thanks to Kyuubi, that ancient genius-that completely hides your chakra signature. Even if I use jutsu, no one will be able to sense me" the blonde replied cheekily. She could sense Kyuubi's attention to the conversation. In her excitement, Naruto turned her back to him and quickly raised her turtle-neck sweater. She lifted the shirt to her neck, making Itachi choke on his own saliva. The blonde was oblivious to it all, her attention turning to Kyuubi who was now sending her waves of amusement. 'What's so funnY?' she wondered obliviously, not getting a response from the demon.
Obsidian eyes widened, drinking in her luscious tanned skin. The effect was instant, his breath speed up, pulse racing and heart pounding. His eyes quickly found the reason for her actions. Despite this, he spared her seal a quick look before returning to his scan of her body. Itachi had little time to compose himself as she righted her top quickly and turned around.
Naruto's eyebrows furrowed. "How come you activated your sharingan?" she questioned curiously.
Itachi cursed inwardly. 'I must have unconsciously activated it to better my vision. When my sharingan activates, my failing vision clears up slightly. It's only a matter of time until I go completely blind' he noted grimly. "I wanted to examine the seal with it" he lied smoothly, making Naruto smile.
"Did you see anything?" the blonde asked curiously, blue eyes bright.
Itachi's brain couldn't help but take that question the wrong way. 'Not enough' his hormones answered still raging in the back of his mind. "Most seals look the same to my dojutsu. It isn't possible to tell what a seal does from using my sharingan. My ability is limited to seeing the chakra directed to or contained in the seal" he answered truthfully, thinking of her other seal as well.
Naruto nodded. "That makes sense" she mused, turning to look at him thoughtfully. "I've always found the sharingan fascinating. It looks really pretty too, but I like your real eyes better" she added absentmindedly. The blonde immediately realized what she said and turned bright red to the roots of her hair. Her gaze locked on Itachi's and she looked away in embarrassment. The blonde rubbed her neck, a childhood tell of her discomfort. Naruto bit her lip, forcing herself to say something else. "Um I'm not-no" she rambled ending in a squeak. Her eyes doubled in size at his chuckle. His laugh was soft and husky sounding. It had shivers racing down her back and a blush heating her cheeks. "You're laughing at me" she stated slowly, in disbelief.
Itachi couldn't help it, the sight was just too cute. "I'm sorry" he apologized, ending his laughter.
Naruto had to smile despite being the reason for his laughter.
The peaceful moment was reluctantly ruined by Itachi. "If we are both covered from chakra detection and packed maybe we should start the plan" he decided, turning Naruto serious once more.
"Oh that wasn't the only reason I mentioned my seal. I'd like to put one on you, if you wouldn't mind?" she asked hesitantly, looking at him permissively.
Itachi nodded instantly. "Will it take long?" he inquired a little worried.
Naruto shook her head immediately. "Nope ten minutes at most. I'll just get my sealing stuff" she stated, rushing off to get it. When the blonde returned, she placed out her supplies quickly and efficiently. "Where would you like it?" she asked professionally.
"The same place as yours is good" he answered, turning his back and pulling off his shirt.
Naruto's professionalism ended right there. 'Did it just get hot in here?!'. The blonde's breath caught and she had to inwardly slap herself to stop her eye-raping.
'No that is simply a result of your hormones heating the blood in your body as a reaction to this visual' was her given and unwanted answer via demonic parasite.
'So now you answer' she bit out. The blonde sent a wave of ungratefulness at the demon and forced herself to turn back to reality. "Um okay. Could you sit on the couch, you're a little tall for me?" she tried to ask calmly.
Without a word, the Uchiha took a seat on the couch. Naruto was rewarded with a side view of his shirtless state and bit her lip harshly. 'What the hell is wrong with me. I must be sick. Yes I am a very sick disturbed little woman. I'm not actually feeling what I'm feeling. I'm just ill and because I am so ill none of these reactions can be trusted' she decided. With that done, she took a seat on the couch behind Itachi and forced herself to the task.
'You are quite healthy. Do not delude yourself. We both know you have never been sick a day of your life. What you are feeling is very real lust' the fox answered with amusement.
'You shut up. You're not even human so how do you know what lust is?! Wait you don't feel that for other foxes do you? Oh ew' she retorted, mentally picturing a huge fox stalking a tiny fox. 'How would that even work?'. The blonde pulled a face as she set about painting the delicate pattern on Itachi's skin.
'It wouldn't. I am comprised of chakra. I do not have a body nor do I feel desire for woodland creatures. Your stupidity continues to astound me. You can deny it as much as you want. Even if not mentally, your body lusts after that one. I may not physically understand lust or desire but I know plenty about it, be it human or animal. I have witnessed much in my long life. Have you forgotten, you are not my first host' the fox retorted, making Nruto's frown deepen.
'Oh ew. You're talking about Mito and the first hokage aren't you? Wait, even worse. My mom and dad? Ugh disgusting. I'm grossed out now. Thank you for that mental image' she ranted, scowling at Itachi's back unconsciously.
'Your reaction is both melodramatic and illogical. You are a physical representation of their lust for each other' he declared, making Naruto turn green.
'That's it. Conversation over' the blonde decided, using a strong mental push to get away from the fox. Even with the created distance, Naruto could still sense his amusement. "Teme-fox" she mumbled, peeking Itachi's interest.
For Itachi, the situation was quite tense. Being in a state of undress, with Naruto very close did not make a calm Itachi. Even worse, he could feel the warm puffs of her breath on his back and the gentle motions of the brush. Her little slip was a welcome distraction. 'So she's speaking with the Kyuubi. I wonder how often she does that' he mused, pondering her relationship with the nin tails.
"Finished" the blonde stated, setting down her paint brush. The blonde lent forward, placing a hand on Itachi's other shoulder to brace herself. Naruto brought her lips close to the seal and gently blew on it.
Itachi tensed the moment she touched him, his whole body turned alert. The first gentle gust of air had him flinch. 'She can't be purposefully doing this, but is she really so unaware of my attraction for her? Even more worryingly, is she this unaware around every male? Does she act like this with Sasuke, Jugo or any others?' he wondered, feeling a jealous rage at the thought. The elder male thought back to any interactions with the blonde and had to agree with his previous thought. 'She really doesn't realize her effect on the male gender. Wearing such small and alluring sleep clothes, lifting her shirt without a thought' he frowned. 'Sasuke mentioned that they shared a bed. Did she wear clothing like that with him or lift her shirt to show him the seal? It's Naruto of course she did. If she isn't aware of me she is definitely much worse with Sasuke' he decided, emotions taking a dark turn. Having considered the younger Uchiha her brother she would be much less proper with his otōto. So distracted with his thoughts, he jumped slightly, when Naruto laid her palm flat on the seal.
"Ah sorry. I just have to activate it and we're done" she said, hoping to reassure him. The truth was his flinch had concealed her own. The second the skin on her palm made contact with the warm skin on his shoulder, that heat had struck again. This time there was no denying it, because with that heat came the desire to run her hand down that smooth back and catalog every silvery scar she found on the pale skin. The urge was so strong, that she could feel her hand tremble on his back. Her other hand curled into a tight fist. Heat gathered low in her stomach, making the blonde harshly bite into her bottom lip. 'No why am I like this? I shouldn't be feeling this for him...just not him. It isn't right after what happened' she thought, feeling herself getting more upset.
She could sense Kyuubi once more, but he stayed silent this time.
The blonde pulled herself together and quickly sent a small spike of chakra into the seal. With that finished, she ripped her hand away and flew off of the couch. Naruto busied herself with righting her clothing and straightening her disheveled hair. Her traitorous eyes still greedily watched as Itachi stood and cataloged every muscle in his abs and arms flex and contort deliciously as he pulled on his shirt.
'Shiiiiit'. The thought was accompanied with a much harsher mental slap. Getting down to business forcefully, Naruto bit her thumb and flew through the hand seals for summoning jutsu. The physical pain pain proved an adequate distraction. Thankfully, Itachi was dressed as Gamakino appeared in a cloud of smoke.
"Kino, is Jiraiya still in Myoboku?" she asked the small toad, fixing him with an impatient stare.
"No he left a little over an hour ago, why?" the toad answered naively.
"This is really important, did he leave for Amegakure?" the blonde pushed, ignoring the amphibian's question.
"Yeah he did" the toad answered, before seeming to realize something was up. "Wait what's going on here? Naruto you aren't going to do anything stupid are you?" he asked with growing concern, looking from Itachi to Naruto repeatedly.
Naruto's expression changed immediately. The blonde adopted an innocent grin. "Ah sorry Kino. I was just curious. I worry about that old man, but of course I won't do anything rash. I have a family to take care of" the blonde answered, fixing the small toad with all the sincerity she could muster. It worked like a charm too.
'I never would have thought someone as honest as Naruto could lie so effectively' Itachi mused, watching Naruto intently as she exchanged polite good-bye's with her summon. When the last of the smoke dissipated Itachi could see the guilty look on the teen's whiskered face. "Won't they detect us once we appear at Mount Myoboku?" he asked curiously.
Naruto turned her attention to him. "There is a small possibility, but I plan to appear in a place where no one usually is. The only one who will know for sure is Ōjiji-sama. We will get in and out as fast as possible too. The tour will have to wait until next time" she joked, but Itachi could sense a worry laden tension that had been growing in her since the talk with her summon. At Itachi's questioning look, Naruto explained. "Ōjiji-sama is the Ōgama Sennin. He is the oldest and most respected toad in Myoboku. Apparently he can see the future too, but I'm not sold on that. I mean he knows stuff, but he is wacky as hell. When I first got to Mount Myoboku Ero-sennin took me to meet him. He gave me two predictions, that I will meet an octopus and that I will fight a young man with powerful eyes" she explained, pulling a face at the memory.
Itachi hid a smile at her reaction. The way she said the predictions perfectly pulled off disbelief mixed with wariness. The Uchiha was sure that some part of her was taking those predictions seriously.
"Hey I should get him to read yours next time" she stated, making the Uchiha close off. 'I wonder if he would know. That would be much too risky. No matter what, Sasuke and Naruto can't know. It would be bad if they knew that I'm dying' he decided grimly.
Getting back to business, Naruto grabbed Itachi's hand and reverse-summoned them. Just as she said, Itachi barely had time to gaze at the exotic over-grown plants before they disappeared only to reappear in the cold, wet and grey fauna of Ame. The blonde released Itachi's hand reluctantly. 'Stop it' she chided herself. "How are we going to find him?" the jinchuuriki asked, only just realizing that this part might prove difficult. 'Kaka-sensei and Pakun would be helpful right about now' she thought wistfully with more than a little longing.
"That's the easy part" he answered making Naruto turn a skeptical look on him. His gaze was fixated elsewhere though, expression grim. The blonde followed it to a tall foreboding tower in the center of Ame. "That's the original Akatsuki base. I've never been inside, but all members were aware of every base. He will be there, but so will Tobi" Itachi explained darkly, eyes narrowed.
Naruto's demeanor switched to match his. "He won't detect us. We follow Ero-sennin and make sure we all get out" she stated determinedly, expression hardening.
The two set out at a fast pace, making sure to use the darkness as cover and keep their steps silent. As they were nearing the tower, Kyuubi forcefully grabbed Naruto's attention causing the blonde to slide to a stop.
'The toad-sage is in a position to the west of here about six kilometers away' the fox stated helpfully, making Naruto snap her head to where he was indicating.
'How do you know that?' she asked curiously.
'I am a being of chakra. I can sense chakra on a level unparalleled by any of your human sensors. I can even sense emotions from chakra and whether someone is lying based on these emotions. It is a gift you could also use should you ever learn to control me' he explained, but there was some kind of feeling he was trying to hide from her as he said the last part.
Naruto frowned regardless. 'I don't like the thought of controlling you. That would make me no better than Madara or Tobi. Despite how amazing and useful that sounds, I would rather not have those abilities than try to control you. Can't we just work together like we have been since my capture? I've grown very fond of you. Actually I'd like it if we could be friends' she thought back, sending him her emotions.
The fox knew she was telling the truth and secretly he had little doubt she would pass his test. 'It's to be expected' he mused. 'We can discuss this at another time. That Uchiha is getting antsy, he has been trying to get your attention for the past five minutes' he retorted, but Naruto could sense his approval and another warm feeling.
'He's happy' she noted, feeling awed. The blonde grinned and turned to Itachi, startling the Uchiha.
"Well infiltration accomplished. Actually, it was easier than I thought. Perhaps too easy" Jiraiya stated, looking around grimly. Ame hadn't changed a bit since the last time he was there. It was raining heavily, the force of the downpour continued to beat upon him bringing up both good and bad memories.
In the tower, Pein stood gazing out at the weary landscape of Amegakure. His cloak flapped in the harsh winds, but he paid it no mind. Sensing a chakra signature, his head whipped around to face the direction it was coming from.
"Pein what's the matter?" Konan asked, always attentive to her childhood friend's emotions.
"Someone has segmented my rain. From the feel of his chakra, he is very powerful" he stated, narrowing his eyes. 'It's been a while since there has been an intruder. I wonder who it is' he mused, rinnegan glowing ominously.
After some digging around, Jiraiya was able to find out about a 'Lord Pein' a 'Lady Angel' and just how far their eyes and ears covered from a helpful working girl. That same working girl happened to have a husband who, quite conveniently in Jiraiya's opinion, worked for Pein. "So I'm already under this Pein's watch then" he mused, narrowing his eyes.
"Konan when I stop the rain ferret out the intruder with your jutsu" Pein ordered, beginning a rapid string of hand signs.
"Leave it to me" the blunette answered dutifully, face solemn.
"Are you ready?" he asked, holding the last sign, tiger.
"On it" she stated, making her own symbol.
The second the rain stopped, Pein turned to Konan. "Konan do it" he ordered, expression hard.
Without a word, her body disintegrating into thousands of origami butterflies that began to search around the village.
Meanwhile Jiraiya was trapping some rain shinobi for a little Q & A session. One was the aforementioned husband, the other his unlucky drinking partner. "Now that you're done twirling your kunai, I'm guessing that you two are just underling shinobi. Am I right?" Jiraiya mocked, smirking slightly. His eyes landed on the forehead protectors of the men. Both had slashes through the middle of the Ame symbol. "And does that rogue ninja symbol signify that you're loyal to Pein?" he continued, voice now serious.
"Damn it!" the one on the left (terrible husband) shouted, struggling from where his arms were trapped in the stomach walls.
"What the hell is this place?!" the one on the right shouted, also struggling.
"You're inside the stomach of a toad" Jiraiya stated easily. "No matter what you try you'll never be found here. No one will ever come to your aid" he added darkly, lips twitching.
"But who-who are you?" the one on the left asked, making Jiraiya's grin grow.
"I already told you that I'm the one who's asking the questions here remember?" Jiraiya asked cheekily holding out a small white feather.
"Wha-what are you gonna' do with that feather?" talky on the left asked.
"Tickle you of course. If you don't want to die from laughing then I suggest you answer my questions" Jiraiya answered with amusement, grin now splitting his face. "Now tell me all about your leader Pein" he ordered. When both remained silent, he began tickling the one on the right with the feather. Riotous laughter echoed around the stomach. "Start talking. Tell me everything you know about this man Pein" he ordered once more increasing his tickle torture.
"Don't give in!" lefty declared.
"I w-won't talk-k!" the torture victim stuttered out between laughter, now crying. "I won't beee-tray him!" he added in a gasp.
Jiraiya stood from his crouched position. "You're pretty stubborn aren't ya'. Well I still have one other trick" he stated ominously.
"Wha-what're you gunna' do?" lefty asked wearily.
Jiraiya pulled a scary look. "If the both of you refuse to talk than I'll us my jutsu and flog you into frogs!" he finished, receiving two blank looks. His eyes went swirly and a tiny blush lit his face. "Flog and frog ya' get it?" he explained with embarrassment. ]These guys have no sense of humor! That joke was golden. Naruto would have laughed'.
The tickle torture on righty began again with renewed vigor.
"Just what do you want from us anyways?!" lefty snapped.
"For you to talk" Jiraiya simply stated.
"Listen we may only be underlings but we would never betray our comrades!" lefty declared righteously, grabbing Jiraiya's attention. "No matter what you do to us. You better not take us lightly!" he warned.
Jiraiya got serious in an instant. "Well then I guess I have no choice" he declared making a hand sign. He placed a hand on the right man's head. "Ninja Art: Toad Transformation!" he shouted making their eyes pop.
"No don't!" the right one screamed and with a puff of smoke, he turned into a toad. The small green toad blinked owlishly, before letting out a loud croak.
"Huh?" asked lefty, a little slow on the uptake. His eyes almost popped out when he got a good look at his friend. "You bastard! That's not fair!" lefty shouted in outrage.
Jiraiya pulled a demonic look. "Alright then I guess you're next! Come here little toad" he stated threateningly, lifting his hand and approaching lefty who began to break into a nervous sweat. Predictably, the captive sang like a canary.
"Lord Pein lives in the tallest tower on the west end of the village, that's what people say!" the man stated urgently, blush on his face from his betrayal.
Jiraiya leaned close, pulling a huge grin. "Now what was that you said? It was something about not turning on your comrades right?" he mocked, making the captive man sigh. "Well, no matter but what did you mean by that's what people say?" he asked with interest.
"Actually nobody really knows much about Lord Pein, he's a mystery" the man stated, frowning in thought.
"What do you mean by that?"Jiraiya asked surprised by the statement.
"They say that he's of Fuma clan lineage, but no one has ever seen him up close and some people even go so far as to claim that he doesn't really exist" the man explained wearily.
"I just walked through town a little while ago and every single person that I talked to, just sang his praises. So don't lie to me" Jiraiya replied harshly.
The captured shinobi narrowed his eyes. "In this village Lord Pein is considered a god! It's not a question of if he exists, he's always out there watching over every one of us! He has a representative to do things like ceremonial rights, speeches and the issuing of orders. That's all done through Lady Angel" the harassed man explained tightly.
'Her again' Jiraiya mused, remembering the origami angel hung outside of shops. "He's your leader isn't he? So why must he hide himself from the people he rules over?" the sannin asked suspiciously. 'I'm almost positive this Angel is Konan, that just leaves the identity of her god' he decided, eyes narrowing.
The rain shinobi's look hardened. "For times like this" he stated dryly.
Jiraiya's eyes widened. "Well that makes sense" he noted.
"Your not one of the hold overs from the old hidden rain are ya'? Just who the hell are you" the man asked, seeming to regain his bravado.
"Never mind about me now, but what's all this stuff about the hold overs from the old hidden rain village?" the white-haired sage asked keenly.
"Ha you really don't know anything at all do ya? Outsider huh?" the man deduced making Jiraiya's eyes narrow. "Until recently the remnants of the old days would try to infiltrate our land. But that isn't a concern anymore. Only very few, very lucky foreigners like you ever manage to slip in from the outside" he explained.
"It isn't a concern? What do you mean by that? I had heard this land was going through a civil war" Jiraiya stated, eyebrows furrowing.
"I'm not surprised. This land is closed to the outside, but I'll tell you the truth. The civil war here ended a long time ago and we were triumphant" the man gloated, making Jiraiya's expression tighten. "That's why Lord Pein is so legendary, he conquered the Hidden Rain all by himself" the man finished, pride in his tone.
Jiraiya's eyes widened dramatically. 'No way'. "I can't believe it, no matter how powerful this Pein might be the leader of the Hidden Rain was Hanzo of the Salamander. Every shinobi world knows about him" he challenged.
"Yeah, that's right and not only was Hanzo extremely powerful, he was also cautious. He made it very hard for anyone to come near him. He surrounded himself with bodyguards twenty-four hours a day and required full body searches of anyone who approached him even children" the man agreed, confusing Jiraiya.
"So how was Pein able to defeat Hanzo? Just what ability does he possess?" Jiraiya pressed, not believing the man.
"I already told you we don't really know anything about him" the man answered.
Jiraiya thought back to when he fought Hanzo alongside Tsuande and Orochimaru. The man allowed them to escape with their lives so they could get stronger and return to fight him. He also christened them the Sannin of the Hidden leaf Village. "I just can't believe it there is no way he could have defeated Hanzo by himself".
His captive laughed at that. "Of course he could, he's a god. He wields formidable jutsu, even so that isn't the real reason to fear Lord Pein" he answered, grabbing Jiraiya's complete attention. "What's truly frightening about him is his merciless heart of unbending steel. He has systematically eliminated all who threaten or question his vision. He didn't stop at just destroying Hanzo. Hanzo's parents, his wife and child, his relatives and friends. Even their infants, he killed all of them. He burned their homes to the ground and then he killed emissaries of villages allied with Hanzo. He erased them all. It was retribution. Is that not God-like?" the man explained, his worship of the man audible.
"A god huh?" Jiraiya stated, looking down in acceptance.
"That's right" lefty answered.
"Alright then what exactly is your god trying to accomplish here? Even a couple of lowly underlings like you would know that much" the toad sannin asked.
"His are the works of a God! We couldn't know what he has in his mind" the man answered with complete belief in his own words.
"I see. Then enough about your god. At the very least you must know some information about the Akatsuki" the sannin stated, growing tired of this man's endless praising of Pein.
"Never heard of it" the man stated, looking away.
"Your arms and legs have been bound so it's impossible to move, but that's not all that this jutsu does. Your pulse is also being measured and if you lie, I'll know instantly" the sage stated matter-of-factly, making the man gasp. "Now go on, tell me everything you know. Otherwise you're both going to spend the rest of your miserable lives eating flies" he ordered, raising his hand threateningly once more.
"FINE! Turn me into a frog then. I'm not going to say anything else to you! I may be low ranking, but I still have my pride. I'm a ninja! I have nothing to say to an outsider who has no idea what goes on in our nation!" the man yelled with determination, finally grasping his failing courage.
"Hah still a ninja no matter how lowly. Well interrogation was never my fort-ay anyway. Okay talk time is over, but you still need to stay put. I'll just go ahead and ask this 'God' of yours in person then" the older male declared, walking away and exiting the stomach, much to the captive man's disbelief.
Entering the cave, Jiraiya clapped his hands together and spat out the scroll toad inside of him.
"What's the big idea summoning me here right now Jiraiya? Is this about Naruto's key?" the surely toad asked, arms crossed.
"No it's not about training this time. I have my reasons but I'm thinking of removing you for a bit" the toad sage answered vaguely.
"Thinking of removing me? What in the world is going on?" the scroll-toad asked worriedly, demanding an answer from the white-haired man.
"It's just as a precaution" Jiraiya answered, not wanting to get into it with the summon. 'If I tell him to go to Naruto if anything happens to me, this talk will take forever. Ma, Pa and The Great Toad Sage will do the right thing if that happens' he thought grimly.
When Jiraiya reappeared in Ame, he was immediately detected by Konan's flying origami.
'Jiraiya-sensei? Why is he here? Is it possible that he could help us?' she wondered, trying not to feel too much hope. 'Regardless I need to inform Nagato' she thought, breaking apart and reassembling next to another of Pein's controlled bodies.
"Well?" he asked, not turning to look at her.
"It's Jiraiya" she answered simply, waiting for his reaction.
"I see. Jiraiya-sensei, how nostalgic" the controlled body mused, long orange hair swaying in the breeze. Without the continuous downpour, Ame looked completely different.
"What'll you do?" Konan asked. Despite knowing what she wanted to do, she would always follow Nagato no matter what.
"I'm not sure. I think a reunion is in order at the least" he stated, finally turning to look at her.
Being very good at reading him, Konan could tell that Nagato was keeping an open mind, which was much more than she expected. 'It's probably because Tobi's ideas are drifting off course from our quest for peace. I wonder if they had not would this meeting with Jiraiya be a battle?' she pondered morosely, not liking the thought. 'I do miss sensei' she added wistfully, the thought making her think of Naruto and how the teen would tell endless stories about the man while held captive by the Akatsuki. Her lips twitched at the thought, something that Nagato caught. She smoothed out her expression immediately.
"Lead me to him" Pein ordered.
"Very well then" Konan answered, one of her origami paper folding into a small plane. "I will go ahead and stall him until you get there" she stated, before disappearing.
When Konan appeared in front of Jiraiya, she assembled brilliantly from dozens of tiny pieces of origami.
"Well I had been trying to lure out this Pein fellow, but I never imagined I'd catch you. You've honed your jutsu magnificently, but even more you've become quite a catch Konan. It was my understanding that all of you had died, but I never would have guessed that you turned into sheets of paper. So which is it? Is it Nagato or Yahiko who is behind this so called god, Pein that the villagers preach about?" he asked neutrally, not knowing how she would react. 'It's better she doesn't know I knew that she was alive from Naruto. If she's still with the Akatsuki it could cause problems' he thought, eyes tightening slightly.
"We will wait for Pein to arrive" she stated, staring at him calmly. The two examined each other in silence.
It was at this moment that Naruto and Itachi arrived. The two hid within seeing distance. 'Why aren't they doing anything. They are just standing there' Naruto fretted, eyes narrowing with worry. Itachi's eyes were also narrowed, but out of suspicion. 'Pein and Konan are the second and third most loyal to Tobi, after Zetsu. They were all for his ideals. She should be attacking Jiraiya-sama on sight'.
Three sets of eyes widened when a man appeared. 'That is niether Yahiko nor Nagato, but he has the rinnegan. What is going on?' Jiraiya wondered, feeling alarmed now.
'That is not the same person from the Akatsuki. The coloring and metal piercings are the same though. He has the rinnegan as well. What is going on?' Itachi wondered, feeling very wary about the situation.
Being the only one to never see Pein (or who they thought he was) all Naruto could think was 'That's Pein? I love the orange hair. It's too bad he's not on our side. His eyes look super cool, that's probably not good for Ero-sennin'.
"Who is this?" Jiraiya asked Konan, not taking his eyes off of the new comer.
"Jiraiya-sensei this brings back memories. You haven't changed much" the unknown person stated, ceasing Jiraiya's musings.
"Nagato" Jiraiya greeted, eyes tightening "You have changed completely. I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume that because you have not yet attacked me that you aren't planning to-at least for the moment" the toad-sage suggested, not yet relaxing his guard despite his words.
"That has yet to be determined, but at the moment we have no reason to attack you Jiraiya" Pein answered, causing Jiraiya to nod.
"Do you know why I'm here?" the toad-sage asked, confusing both of his students. At their silence he continued, "I found out that the Akatsuki was in Ame and when I infiltrated, it all but confirmed my suspicions. I didn't want to believe that either of the sweet children I trained could be a part of a terrorist group like Akatsuki. Nagato you shared my dreams for peace as much as Yahiko" he explained, making both of them flinch internally at the name. "So I guess my question is, how did it come to this?" he asked, fixing them with a disappointed gaze.
"The three of us founded Akatsuki. We were a criminal group trying to rest control of Ame from Hanzo and his followers. Yahiko was our leader and our goal was to stop the war and finally have peace. Hanzo teamed up with Konoha behind our back. We were ambushed. They took captive of Konan and ordered me to kill Yahiko or they would kill her" Pein explained emotionlessly, making Jiraiya's face turn grim. "He didn't even hesitate before forcing himself on my kunai" this part was spit out full of emotions, all dark ones.
Jiraiya nodded, knowing exactly how far Yahiko would go to protect Nagato and Konan. "I'm sorry to hear that. Yahiko was a great shinobi and an even better friend. Having gotten to know the three of you over those three years, I can say without a doubt that there is no other way Yahiko would have wanted to die than by protecting the two of you" Jiraiya stated fiercely, gazing seriously at both.
Konan had to close her eyes to fight back tears. 'Sensei' she thought, feeling heartbroken at his words.
Pein remained silent, but his acknowledgment of Jiraiya's words was also visible in the grim twist to his mouth.
"That being said, I can't see how you would join a group hell bent on destroying Yahiko's dream" the sage continued angrily, making both regain their hardened expressions.
"We believed we were doing the right thing at the time, but that is no longer true" Pein stated, making both Jiraiya and Konan's eyes widen.
'Nagato it seems you decided to trust sensei after all' she thought happily, gaze unwavering at her friend's host body.
"I see. So then the two of you have split from that organization?" he asked softly, fixing the two with an intense look. At Nagato's nod, followed by Konan's a split-second later, a huge smile broke out on the Sage's face.
'Why is he smiling? Did something good happen? Damn I wish I could hear!' Naruto raged, angsting over the situation. Unfortunately from this distance even her Kyuubi enhanced senses weren't helpful.
Itachi could barely read their lips from their position so he had a better idea of what was happening. As such, he was the first to realize when they were outed.
"What a relief! I really didn't fancy fighting the two of you. One to two aren't very good odds" the sannin joked, letting out a full-belly laugh.
"The odds were more in your favor then you realized" Pein replied, drawing Konan's attention as well. At their questioning looks he explained. "You have hidden reinforcements" he stated, making Konan shoot Jiraiya a betrayed look. 'An ambush?' the blunette thought darkly, eyes darting around frantically.
At the look, Jiraiya held up his hands waving them in defense. "What? That's impossible" he denied, shooting the two wary looks. 'I didn't bring back up, but Nagato thinks I did. This could turn bad'.
"They followed you without your notice" the rinnegan user stated. "Show yourselves" he started, pausing dramatically, "Naruto...Itachi".
Konan's reaction was a mere widening of eyes, head turning to look where Pein was staring. Jiraiya's jaw dropped, eyes popping. He recovered in seconds though. The toad hermit spun on his heel marching for their hiding spot.
Naruto's eyes widened. 'What just happened? Oh shit Pein is looking here. He couldn't have sensed us. Can the rinnegan see chakra too? Shiiiiit. Ero-sennin is coming oh no!' she panicked. Thinking fast, the blonde preformed a henge into a normal looking, if not slightly bustier dark haired female with green eyes.
Itachi already knew they were caught, but decided to watch this play out anyways.
When Jiraiya got closer the blonde stumbled out of the bush looking dazed and obviously lost. "Um excuse me sir, you wouldn't happen to know-" she started in a sweet alluring voice, before taking a punch to the head.
"ITAIIII!" the once-again-blonde whined, crouching to the ground and cradling her cranium. Tears were rolling down her face slightly. She fixed the towering sage with a dirty look that disappeared the moment she remembered her situation.
"Of all the stupid and reckless things you have done this is the worst!" he raged, making Naruto shrink into a little ball. "Why would you do this?" he continued, face turning red with anger. He turned his gaze to the bush. "Itachi how could you have let her go through with something like this?" he added, scowling when the missing nin appeared from his hiding spot.
Now that his anger was off of her, the blonde found the courage to stand. "Ero-sennin you know exactly why and he really had no choice it was either let me go alone or come along. This was all my idea, he's just looking out for me!" she explained, not wanting him to yell at Itachi for some reason.
"No I was looking out for you when I told you to stay home!" her sensei snapped, making her shrink back once more. She ended up backing up against Itachi and stayed there for a few seconds before realizing it and scrambling away.
Konan and Pein had approached by now and the later drew Naruto's gaze, much to Jiraiya's ire as he was currently lecturing her. Her quick looks had turned into full on staring, the two engaging in a staring match that was irritating everyone else present-minus Konan.
Another smack to the head managed to rouse Naruto's attention once more. She turned a hurt look on her Sensei who scowled. "We can't stay here. We're going to Myoboku, all of us. We'll finish this conversation there" he decided, fixing his two former students with an apologetic look.
After the relocation the group of five settled down around a circular table as follows: Pein, Konan, Jiraiya, Naruto and lastly Itachi. There were a few moments of silence after Naruto caught Jiraiya up on her make-shift mission. The teen went back to staring at Pein, much to Itachi's displeasure. Finally Jiraiya had enough of her odd attitude. "Something you'd like to say brat or have you got a crush?" he asked voice still harsh with anger.
The blonde's face flooded with blood as she whipped around to scowl at her sensei. Itachi's lips tightened, but Konan's reaction was the most unexpected. The blunette let out a laugh, dragging everyone's eyes onto her.
Naruto used the moment to collect herself. Clearing her throat, she gained the group's attention. "So what happened between you three?" she asked curiously, blue eyes wide.
Jiraiya fixed her with a stern gaze. "None of your business" he stated, making Naruto pout.
The blonde crossed her arms, emphasizing her breasts in the tight turtle-neck and drawing Itachi's attention. Pein was also staring at Naruto, but at her pouted lips. 'She's like a child. It is fascinating that she can act so childish and still be a strong kunoichi. Her pout has a much different effect than a child's' he noted, gazing at her curiously.
Konan hid a smile at her friend's curiosity. 'He's never dealt with anyone quite like Naruto before. Needless to say the simplest of interactions between them could be interesting. She'd be a positive influence in his life' she observed.
Itachi also noticed his former leader's attention on the blonde, but his thoughts were not amused.
"Ero-sennin please!" she begged. She upped her begging, leaning towards him and tugging on his sleeve insistently.
As Jiraiya's eye brow twitch grew, Nagato decided to help his sensei. "The two of us have also disbanded from Akatsuki, we were in the process of discussing the finer details when I noticed your presence" he explained, gazing fixedly at the blonde.
Naruto fidgeted under his intense stare, but beamed at him happily. "That is so great! I'm glad to hear you're off the bad-side. Go Ero-sennin, I never doubted you!" she cheered, the blonde jumped to her feet and twirled, striking a victory pose. She flashed the peace sign and stuck out her tongue slightly at her sensei. The make shift celebratory dance drew a smile from Konan, and stared from both men.
Jiraiya also jumped to his feet at the words. "If you never doubted me you wouldn't have followed me idiot!" he exclaimed getting in her face slightly.
The blonde pushed back immediately. "I doubted them idiot!" she retorted, pointing a finger towards Konan and Pein. Electricity flew between the twos' eyes, before Naruto seemed to realize how rude she had just been.
She spun on her heel, blushing slightly. "Ah I'm sorry-" she started to explain frantically, before Pein interrupted.
"Not necessary. I was not yet decided on leaving Akatsuki, there was still a small chance of confrontation. In which case, your support would have been needed. Your actions were taken in defense of Jiraiya-sensei" Pein interjected, making Naruto stare at him in surprise.
The blonde blushed slightly, rubbing the back of her neck and fiddling with a strand of her pony-tail. "Ah yes they were. Thank you for being understanding about it. Having met you, I would never think that way anymore. You have my trust with sensei, after all he was your sensei too" she responded, making Pein's eyes widen. The blonde was smiling cutely, but it faded at his silence. 'Hm did I say something wrong?'she pondered, watching him expectantly.
'Is it really so easy to gain her trust? Still, only one person has ever so frankly declared their faith in me in such a short time. I even had to gain Konan's trust. Yahiko, she's like you' he decided, amazed at his thoughts.
Itachi decided to break up the tense moment, feeling vaguely uncomfortable. "How will you leave Akatsuki? I doubt Tobi will let that happen especially after my betrayal?" he asked, drawing Pein's attention. Itachi relaxed immediately.
"You're correct. His exact words were 'No one leaves Akatsuki'. He will have to be stopped regardless, his plans can not come to fruition. I would like your help with this if it's possible. Although he is one person even I do not know his capabilities" Pein stated, looking at Jiraiya.
"I'll help too!" Naruto declared, earning four stares.
"That is not necessary" Pein replied, gazing at her intensely.
Naruto scowled. "Yes it is very necessary! That jerk is due his, courtesy of yours truly" she snapped, glaring at the stoic orange-haired male.
Jiraiya intervened. "Naruto you can't be at the final battle. If Tobi gets Kyuubi he is that much closer to completing his goals. I know you want to be there, but you can't" he explained gently, only succeeding in winding her up more.
"That is complete bullshit Ero-sennin! Then what was all the training for? Did you so easily forget what he did to me?!" she raged, voice breaking on the last statement.
'I knew there would be fallout from what happened eventually. You really dealt with things too well brat, but now is not the time. I would like my own piece of that cretin as well, but this is a much better plan. The risk outweighs the benefit by far. Your anger is drawing upon my own. You need to calm yourself at once' Kyuubi stated, only serving in making her more mad.
'Not you too! You know everything how can you agree with them?' she retorted, feeling utmost betrayal. Without waiting for a reply, she shut him out.
Itachi and Konan both flinched in time with her statement.
Jiraiya dropped the gentle act. "I'm sorry Naruto, but your training wasn't for nothing. Getting stronger is always good. Truthfully it was never my intention to let you participate in this battle. The only case in which that would have happened would be over my dead body" he stated grimly, making Naruto flinch back. At her devastated look he hurried to explain himself. "When I die I'm already going to have a hard time facing your father. I've failed you too many times to count. This won't be another failure. You will stay out of it. The four of us are capable of dealing with him. If need be I can send for Kakashi or Sasuke and his team" Jiraiya stated in a no nonsense tone.
The blonde's eyes were turning red, chakra raising in her anger. "So I can't join the fight but Sasuke can?" she asked angrily, her ponytail snapped loudly, her blonde locks falling around her in a mess before starting to raise threateningly. Jiraiya's face hardened as they took on nine distinctive tails.
"Naruto you will calm down or I'll be forced to make you" her sensei warned, already knowing she was too mad to stop.
Naruto only shot him a hurt look, but her nails and K9's had lengthened and red chakra was starting to coat her body.
Before Jiraiya could move, Itachi swiftly appeared behind the blonde. She only had time to meet his eyes before instantly getting caught under a genjutsu and passing out. The Uchiha caught her, deftly scooping up her small form.
Jiraiya's face had aged noticeably from the stress of the situation. He approached the Uchiha holding out his arms. "I'll take her home. Actually we should all go there. It is going to take all of us combined to come up with a way to keep her in the house. I regret giving her that seal book" he stated wearily, taking the blonde from the younger male.
- - - end chapter.
Translations:
otōto-little brother
Ōjiji-sama-Great Honorable Geezer
Ōgama Sennin-Great Toad Sage