A/N: Late but updated. Glad to see you guys liked the last chapter, you guys took the whole Tsubasa kills Danzo thing surprisingly well. I was expecting some serious flaming for that. I mean thanks a lot guys. So anyway enjoy.
Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto, not me.
Danzo's Revolt: Aftermath
The West Gate
The news of Danzo's death reached soon, giving Konoha's side a moral boost as they crushed the retreating army. Root suffered very heavy casualty, with 2500 dead, 1496 captured and only 4 escaping. In comparison Konoha had 90 dead and 200 injured, of these 10 dead and 30 injured came from those who defected from Root. Though the loss weighed heavy it was still a low casualty rate compared to other wars they had fought in the past and the fact that Root were taught to aim for the vitals. And so Konoha's soldiers had valid reason to return home chanting, "LONG LIVE KONOHA!" "THE WARHAWK'S DEAD!" and "ROOT HAS BEEN UPROOTED!"
T&I Department Basement
After being retrieved by Okami, Danzo's dead body had gone through a two hour long post mortem with Jiraiya, Kushina and Masaru checking for seals with help from Shisui. Hiruzen had insisted on a thorough check pointing out what happened with Naruto could easily be repeated. And so after two hours the team confirmed the body to be Danzo's.
"I think it's finally safe to congratulate Naruto-kun on delivering the killing blow and by extension ending the war," The Sandaime Hokage congratulated the young soldier boy.
"About time too," Jiraiya grunted in agreement.
"So, what do we do about those four?"
"We can't chase them right now. They will reach their base by the time we catch up giving them home advantage. We won this war with less casualties because of Masaru's info, Kushina-san's Hiraishin and Inoichi's CCD. Unfortunately, CCD is not portable, Kushina-san can't connect with a whole army and she too has a limited chakra reserve. We need a proper action plan before we attack."
"You'll need to speed things up a bit if you want to face them. Kenshin can mobilise an army real quick. By the time you reach the bases they'll probably shift"
"But if I am correct you know all of Root's bases thus they have nowhere to hide. It's either run or fight. And after Danzo's death they didn't put up much resistance, they just gave up. And in the situation like their going rogue nin would be the best option."
"While I have no doubt Feng would get used to rogue nin life, Hikari might actually like the idea of being left to her own devices, maybe even settle a few scores. Nin for all his loyalty is smart enough to know when it's over. It's Kenshin that concerns me. When Danzo-sama found him he was still grieving over his mother. Root gave him a new purpose to live but we just destroyed Root. Trust me when I say that Kenshin is a ruthless avenger."
"You're scared he will come after you?" Shisui asked.
"I hope he holds it against me alone," Masaru answered.
"Whatever the case, letting four S-class ninjas to their own devices is truly unwise," Okami interjected.
"You're right but-" Before Shikaku could continue Hiashi barged in.
"Is it true, Hikari-san is still alive?"
"Yes, she was Hinata's mentor," Masaru replied.
"Have you found either of them?"
"Hikari managed to escape and Hinata, like many others, could not take part in this war as she is on a mission in another country and will be for the next few days till she either finishes her mission or hears about Root's downfall. In either case I'd expect her to return to the Otafuku Gai Base," Masaru replied.
Before any more questions could be asked Kakashi entered.
"Inu-san, is there anything you need?" Okami asked.
"I'd like to ask Masaru-san something," Everyone except Masaru seemed confused. Despite Kakashi's aloof appearance, Masaru could tell by the Copy Ninja's raging chakra that he now remembered, "Ever since I saw you I felt like I've met you before but I couldn't place it but then I thought of the night Naruto was kidnapped. That night Orochimaru was blamed for the attack, but the assailant was much younger though he also had amber eyes like Orochimaru."
"Kakashi-kun, you couldn't possibly be suggesting that Masaru-san was the culprit. Masaru-san would have been about 12 years then."
"Well age is hardly a restriction," Masaru stated with a smirk. The room was filled with pin drop silence as everyone tried digesting Masaru's half-confession. The room lost a few degrees, the cause being Kushina who held Tsubasa in her arms protectively.
"So do you confess to being the real culprit behind Naruto's kidnapping and fake death and also the murder of two Anbu guards on duty?" Hiruzen asked his eyes dead serious.
'Hn, it's not like they won't figure it out eventually,' Masaru sighed to himself before confessing, "Yes."
"Hokage-sama?" Kakashi requested for orders, his eyes calling for bloodshed.
"Leave him be Inu!" The Hokage ordered surprising everyone, "Masaru-san was very young and under orders from Danzo, moreover I have already granted him immunity."
"But Hokage-sama!" The Professor shook his head, Kakashi sighed before marching out of the room and slamming the door shut. Before the others could sigh in relief Masaru's collar was grabbed by Kushina. Tsubasa wanted to break them apart but Jiraiya held him back.
"It's best if you let them talk it out," Jiraiya advised.
"Is it true?" Kushina asked he violet eyes gleaming like hot iron.
"Do I have to answer the same question everyday?" Kushina slapped the younger red head hard.
"Do you think this is a joke? The day you kidnapped Naruto I nearly died, the only thing that kept me alive was revenge. For twelve years, I have been chasing shadows, trying to find the ones responsible for his death so that I could return the favour. I didn't find them but I did find my son but he no longer remembers himself, he doesn't remember being human, he probably never learnt what that meant and what for? Why would you do this to another Uzumaki?"
"I had orders..." Masaru replied trying to keep his temper in check.
"Orders? That's all you can say? Does the clan mean nothing to you?"
"It does! It's just... you can't possibly understand!"
"What's there to understand? You betrayed your mud and blood!"
"WHAT CHOICE DID WE HAVE? When the elemental nations attacked Konoha never came to help, and when they destroyed our nation Konoha was still nowhere to be seen. I'll tell you this much not many lived that day and nothing of our nation was left that day. A few of us were stranded on the islands without food or water, a few were taken captives, very few of us managed to escape scattered all across the world. When Danzo-sama arrived at the island he gave us a choice to serve him or perish, the choice was obvious. By joining Root, I and Kenshin were also able to rescue some captives and even gather some of the refugees. I know it wasn't the best choice but at least we did something. But tell me Kushina-sama, can you say the same for yourself?" And with that Masaru shoved Kushina out of the way and left the room. Kushina wanted to stop the young man but Hiruzen stopped her.
"Do not pay much heed to his words Kushina-chan, Masaru-san is a disturbed young man," Hiruzen advised. Kushina nodded before taking her leave.
"I will attend to the war captives," Inoichi excused himself.
"We still need Masaru-san's knowledge," Shikaku took his leave.
"The word has spread about the Barrier HQ, people are demanding explanation," Hiashi cautioned before taking his leave.
"Well is there anything I can do for you Naruto-kun?" Hiruzen asked with a kind smile.
"Please call me Tsubasa," Tsubasa requested.
"Of course, Tsubasa-kun," Hiruzen accepted without missing a beat.
Tsubasa nodded, "Are you giving me immunity as well?"
"Yes, you boys earned it," Hiruzen replied.
"From the very beginning Danzo-sama ingrained absolute loyalty into our veins, especially mine yet that did not stop me from killing my master. What makes you believe I will not do the same to you?"
Hiruzen was a bit surprised at the sudden question but his smile only widened, "I do not think there is anything to stop you from doing so, however if and when you do so I will not hold it against you because I will know you killed me because Konoha needed it."
For the first time in his life Tsubasa found himself surprised, the old Sarutobi made no sense yet made perfect sense, and his words had such sincerity. He had finally found someone even more loyal to Konoha than even himself, 'So this is the Hokage.'
"And if you even think about it," Jiraiya held Tsubasa in a headlock and gave him a nudgie, "I'll be sure to drill the idea out of you, got it?" Tsubasa nodded, "Good now let's go home. Your mom must be going emo again, I swear that woman needs a personal therapist or something," the Toad Sage blabbered as he dragged Tsubasa to Kushina's flat as Hiruzen chuckled aloud.
"You know the boy's words have merit," Okami cautioned his kage.
"Yes they do," Hiruzen agreed with a smile. Just then four boys in jounin vest entered.
"You may take the body now," Okami permitted.
"Where would you have it buried?" The eldest asked, unintentionally placing the Anbu Commander in inner turmoil.
"Danzo was a traitor,"Hiruzen said, "But what he did, he did out of his delusional sense of loyalty. And when compared to Uchiha Madara, Danzo's treachery pales but even the very first rebel of Konoha received a burial in his clan grounds, I think we can allow the same for Danzo can we not?"
"He will be buried in the Shimura graveyard, no ceremonies. Anything else?" Okami asked. The eldest nodded again.
"The clan elders wish to know if you will lead the clan in his stead."
"That is not possible, I will personally talk to the elders about this. You may leave now," Okami ordered. He watched as the boys nodded before putting Danzo's body in a bag and carrying it out of the room. He was shaken out of his musings when Hiruzen placed his hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sure he would have done the same for you if he were in your position," Hiruzen consoled but Okami scoffed at the notion.
"Hokage-sama, you are far too optimistic."
"So I have been told."
Tanzaku Gai Forest
As the sun set over the cliffs the birds took to their nests, except for the four jet-sized falcons which sped towards the cliffs before diving into a hole. They dove through the tunnel before slowing down when they finally reached the hall where a few agents were waiting for them. They rushed over to Feng and started treating him.
"Where is Danzo-sama?" The kunoichi in Jaguar mask asked. The commanders didn't answer, and they didn't ask again, no one needed to.
"So what now?" Feng asked.
"There is nothing left to fight for, we can either spend the rest of our lives as rogue-nins or surrender to Konoha and face the Hokage's wrath," Nin replied.
"Surrender? Go rogue?" Kenshin asked, finding it hard to check his temper.
"We already are rogue-nins, whether you like it or not," Nin replied.
"No we are Root!"
"Root is finished! Danzo-sama is dead! Konoha knows about our bases, our operators, our routes, our strategies and they have our soldiers. We can't operate any longer."
"No, not yet!"
"And what exactly do you plan on doing?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
"Yes, but it's futile. And I will not let you use what is left of Root for you pointless thirst for vengeance," Nin drew his tanto, Hikari's chakra surged throughout her veins and wind gathered around Feng.
"You sound like Masaru," Kenshin sneered, manifesting a chakra sword.
Kushina's Apartment
Kushina paced towards her flat, still seething despite the heavy workout. She had unleashed all her anger on the dummies but it was still not enough. Masaru's words kept ringing in her ears and what was worse that... those words rung true.
She shook the though out of her head and banged the door open to find Jiraiya and Tsubasa eating some kebabs.
"Hey Kushina! Come in! Check what your son cooked," Jiraiya invited Kushina to her own dining table Set on the dining table were dozens of seekh kebabs with some sauce and cream.
"Naruto cooked this?" Kushina asked, "You know how to cook?" Tsubasa nodded.
"Surprising right? You'd think with Danzo as the leader Root would live on rations, eh?" Jiraiya pondered as Kushina cringed at that thought, "Hey Kushina what're you standing there for, come here and eat, it's your home."
Kushina took her seat as Jiraiya set a plate and Tsubasa served her some kebabs with some sauce and cream. She took a bite and was unable to stop herself from gobbling up more, "This is delicious," she remarked as she dipped a seekh into some Lebanese cream.
"Yeah I know! With Naruto's cooking you'd think Root was a culinary college or something," Jiraiya joked which Kushina didn't find funny.
"Jiraiya-sama, I request that you please call Tsubasa," Tsubasa's request dimmed their appetite for a few seconds, Kushina felt the need to say something but Jiraiya beat her to it.
"Sure, uh... Tsubasa, you're a great cook," Jiraiya accepted, Kushina wanted to protest but Jiraiya raised his hand in a manner requesting that they talk later about it. And so after a sober dinner Tsubasa went to bed at Jiraiya's request leaving Kushina and Jiraiya alone.
"That's not his name," Kushina spoke stubbornly.
"It's how he knows himself Kushina," Jiraiya replied.
"It's the name Danzo gave him," Kushina hissed.
"Danzo may be dead but a part of him still lives on in Naruto. You may have birthed him but was Danzo who raised him and moulded him into Tsubasa. You can't take that away from him," Jiraiya reasoned.
"Yes I can. I can seal his memories-"
"Only his memories, but in his instincts he will always remain the cold hearted assassin of Root. He still won't value life, relations or love. It's how he was raised ever since he was a baby."
"He has already started changing. He killed Danzo with his own hands."
"Yes, Naruto has begun thinking about orders given to him instead of obeying, but that's because of Masaru, someone I suspect was akin to a mentor to him. But he hasn't learnt to care, to love. He has only learnt to kill and wreak havoc the only difference being that now he thinks if Konoha really needs him to. He is now a level above being a weapon but still not yet human."
"I can teach him how to be human."
"Can you?"
"What does that even mean?"
"Kushina, I do love and respect you but ever since Naruto's kidnapping, you had snapped. You shut yourself from everyone in pursuit of your vengeance, Tsunade at least does check on the village from time to time but you never even bothered with a proper greeting, not even to Mikoto-chan who I remember really stopped you from cutting yourself up. You held Kakashi responsible for something beyond his control and don't tell me you still haven't forgiven him because he owes you no apology. You saw what Masaru is capable of. And you still hold a misguided grudge against Minato even years after his death, do you actually want me to tell you how stupid a grudge against a dead man is? Especially the one who died protecting his village? Yes, you did some really good work for the village like the Sensory Barrier but if Naruto, no, Tsubasa knew of your life story he would not see the prime example of Humanity, he would see a failure pretending to play ninja."
Kushina couldn't help but feel like a child again being scolded by her parents, it took a lot of self control and lip biting to control her tears, she had nothing to say Jiraiya except perhaps thank him for not pointing out that everything she did somehow rounded up to Naruto.
"I am sorry for being harsh, but you're a mother now, you can't be holding childish grudges any more," Jiraiya sighed as he got up from his seat, "Tell the kid I thanked him for the kebabs."
"What do you want me to do?"
"If you want to change your son you have to change yourself first," The Sage left her alone to her thoughts.
The Next Day- War Memorial
Right after the break of the dawn Konoha marched to the War Memorial to carve new names on it and lay the martyrs to rest. This included the ex-Root agents who died fighting on Konoha's side.
Those who died fighting on Danzo's side would be buried in the general cemetery with no insignia, not as an insult but to prevent vandalism. Some who were fortunate enough to be born in clans were buried with their clan members regardless of the sides. Konoha believed in honouring the dead of friends and enemies.
There weren't any intricate speeches or wailing. Just a few moments of silence for martyrs and then the mourners dispersed though a few remained.
Masaru happened to be one of them, one of the two former Root agents to actually attend the funeral. The other being Tsubasa, though with the upbringing in Root he saw no point in ceremonies, his mother had been insistent finally convincing him to come based on the opportunity to learn more about Konoha at an intimate level. Though Tsubasa knew the basic layout of Konoha and about the important people, there was always something new to learn. Unlike rest of Konoha, Tsubasa and Masaru wore their uniform and their weapons.
And that's how Kushina and Tsubasa came across Masaru paying respect to the dead. To be specific the Root nins who died on Konoha's side. They respectfully waited for him to finish with his prayer. Masaru turned to them after he was done with the prayers.
"I'm sorry," Kushina apologized.
"It's not your fault," Masaru replied, "You were only a 12 year old Genin when the attack happened and Uzushio had no way of contacting Konoha. They made sure of that." Masaru spat the last sentence. One would think he was refering to the alliance that attacked Uzushio but there was something rather specific about the way said 'they'.
"They?" Kushina asked.
"Don't worry about it," Masaru brushed it off as nothing but Kushina wasn't convinced, "Fine... I'll tell you, just not here or now. Okay?"
Kushina nodded sensing Masaru's apprehension, "Anyway, you said there were many Uzumaki in Root."
"Yeah... but me, Tsubasa and Kenshin were the only ones who participated in the war."
"I was wondering if you could call all of them back and then we shift to the Uzumaki mansion?"
"You mean your 1BHK apartment?" Masaru joked.
"No, I mean the mansion, it's in the Senju Compound. It was reserved for guests from Uzushio and it has sixteen rooms. And I'm sure Tsunade-obaachan won't mind lending some rooms if we need seeing as how no one lives their any more."
"They're on really important long term missions. So important in fact that Hokage-sama actually let them continue the mission on behalf of Konoha. We won't be seeing another of our cousin for a while now. Though I hope they have the common sense to accept the Hokage's orders."
"I'm sure they will."
"Say Tsubasa, how do you like the funeral?" Masaru asked.
"I still do not understand the point of such ceremonies," Tsubasa said.
Masaru ruffled the boy's hair playfully before moving on to another grave. Then Kushina spotted Kakashi near a familiar gravestone that read 'Rin Nohara', "Naruto-kun how about you hang out with Masaru, I'll be back in a while."
Tsubasa nodded and joined Masaru.
When Kushina approached Kakashi she finally felt Kakashi's aura. Earlier whenever they crossed paths though she could sense him, her anger would keep her from feeling Kakashi's chakra but now that her anger had been subdued she could see just how pathetic the young man had become. His chakra reeked with guilt and self-loathing but years of training kept the man from showing his true emotions.
Kakashi had just changed the flowers at Rin's grave when he noticed Kushina approach. Kakashi was about to leave but Kushina stopped him.
"Kakashi wait!" Kakashi stopped and turned to her but kept his gaze down.
"Kushina-san..." Kakashi greeted. They stood quiet for a while before Kushina mustered some courage in herself.
"I am sorry," Kushina apologized, catching Kakashi by surprise who was expecting nothing but rebuke.
"What?"
"I am sorry, it was unfair of me to blame you for Naruto's death and I had no right to behave the way I did," Kushina clarified, Kakashi's uncovered eye widened in surprise but he composed himself.
"You have nothing apologize for," Kakashi said.
"But the way I behaved, I spat on you!" Kushina remembered.
"And I deserved it, for all my failures, for all the people I was suppose to protect but couldn't. Obito, Rin, Minato-sensei and Naruto-"
"But you did protect Naruto-"
"If I had Danzo would never have touched Naruto! He would have grown up with you!" Kakashi took in a few breaths to calm down, "Anyway, if you ever need help please do ask, I won't promise success but I will try my best." With that said the Fourth's disciple left the graveyard.
"What have I done to you?" Kushina said softly.
Next Day- Konoha Councilroom
The room was engulfed in a tense silence except for a few murmurs among a few members every now and then. The Honourable Advisors, the division heads, the clan heads and the civilian representative were all present, even Kushina was present this time. Okami would represent the Shimura clan till a new one was finally agreed upon. Soon the Hokage entered followed by his guards as everyone stood up. They all sat after the kage took his seat. Then Hiruzen commenced the proceeding.
"As you are all aware by now Konoha achieved one of her greatest if not greatest victory yesterday when we crushed Danzo's rebellion and killed Danzo in the process. However we can not celebrate yet due to some pending issues. Though Shimura Danzo died in the rebellion his subordinates are still at large and we have learned about Root's major bases across the Land of Fire."
"Is it true that you pardoned about 300 Root members?" Kurama Mirakumo, the head of Kurama clan asked.
"Only the dissenters."
"And how can we be sure they won't dissent again?"
"I understand your apprehension but you must keep in mind that these men, women and children despite being brainwashed since childhood chose to side with Konoha against Danzo. These dissenters played a very important role in thwarting the rebellion, suffered casualties alongside the mainforce and dealt the killing blow to Danzo and Root. I believe they have proved their loyalty however I have placed them under five years of probation to ease your minds." Everyone was somewhat satisfied by Hiruzen's arguments but still had some issues.
"While I agree that the dissenters are quite deserving of the reprieve but what about the rest?" Fugaku asked.
"I have decided to send the rest into rehabilitation and I would like for Yamanaka-san to explain why," Hiruzen handed over to Inoichi.
Inoichi cleared his throat before standing up and giving his report, "After observing the captives for three days we have come to the conclusion that they hold absolutely no threat against Konoha."
"And what makes you so sure?" Fugaku asked.
"Our conclusion is based on our observation of their mental state and behaviour. The captives in general are almost broken and defeated. They were very docile and co-operative during interrogations, they showed absolutely no resistance physical or mental. With Danzo's death they have absolutely nothing left to fight for."
"For now," Aburame Shibi argued, "We have to consider their absconding commanders. Those four are powerful on their own and held an important influence over Root. They have the potential to rejuvenate Root."
"Not if the captives are merged into our society," Hiruzen suggested which was of course not well received by others.
"With all due respect Hokage-sama, allowing former enemies to walk amidst us does not seem wise," Fugaku said and most agreed.
"I can understand some leniency towards the children but to pardon all of them?" Yamaoka Kotaru, the Civilian Representative, added stroking his flowing black beard. This man was the brain behind the hydro power plant which made Konoha self-reliant in the energy sector and thus held enough respect from the Shinobi and civilians to have a say in Konoha's policy making.
"Your fears are understandable however you must remember that when Konoha was found, your founders had been enemies for centuries before Shodaime-sama brought them together. And they had no way of being sure of each other except for a flimsy paper."
"Surely you aren't going to let their crimes against Konoha go unpunished?" Hiashi asked.
"Of course not, however before we go meting out justice we need to understand to what extent are they truly culpable."
"What's there to understand? Hang them all!" Tsume said. No one blamed her for the outburst as a good number of casualties in the revolt came from her clan.
"What's left to understand," Inoichi interjected, "Is that only forty of them are actually aged 25 and above meaning they were present when Hokage-sama banned Root but did not obey and thus culpable for defying the ban. Then there's also the fact the sixty percent of these captives are 15 and below."
"So what if they are young? It does not excuse rebellion. They are renegades and must be dealt as such," Fugaku said.
"While I agree that there are some radical elements in the group that need to be dealt with, the rest are as good as puppets, most of them were in there cradles when Danzo snatched them, trained to do nothing but obey. That sort of training tends to twist a person's moral compass, but they can be redeemed with proper rehabilitation. I know this because I have dealt with such cases," Inoichi concluded.
"I do not doubt your expertise but why should we take the risk?" Aburame Shibi asked the logical question.
Shikaku answered that, "With the addition of the dissenters Konoha has exactly 343 new recruits, none below Chuunin level. If we allow the captives to join the ranks Konoha will have exactly another 1460 new recruits again none below Chuunin level. With the scheduled raids at Root's bases, Konoha expects to rescue about a thousand trainees and capture about two hundred full-fledged agents who will be given a choice of going home or joining Konoha's ranks and we expect at least a half of them to join us. This should give us another few hundred new recruits. Overall we will have more about 2500 new recruits, most of them properly trained. I think it's a good deal."
"Moreover, many Root agents are members of the clans of Konoha recruited by Danzo," The Hokage added hoping to play on the clans' number games and it worked.
This got the clan heads thinking. When Root was founded and approved by previous council, each clan head who supported Danzo were required to enlist some of their clan members from their clans into the programme. The previous Ino-Shika-Cho trio had voted against Root citing humanitarian and clan secret concerns and Uchiha clan excused itself citing their duties as Konoha Military Police. But Danzo had managed to lure even the members of these clans. Hyuuga clan was the most protected one thanks to the infernal Bird Cage seal, however the clan was rumoured to send some of its rebellious members into Root. Moreover even after the ban on Root, many clan children had disappeared mysteriously. The wars had heavily depleted the clans, the Senju clan in particular was almost extinct. Needless to say, the clans had a lot to benefit. Even those not too keen on accepting former enemies as allies had to accept former clan members to keep up with other clans. And the addition to Konoha's military force was an added bonus.
"It seems we have arrived at some sort of consensus," The Professor noted.
"We will agree to your rehabilitation programme on the condition that we be handed over custody our clan members," Fugaku said on behalf of everyone. Okami, Inoichi and Shikaku had already discussed with the Hokage about it and agreed that the military boost was worth the risk. Kotaru didn't bother protesting.
"We shall discuss all terms and conditions at a later hour," Hiruzen added.
"Before we are dismissed I believe their is an important matter that needs to be addressed," Kotaru interjected, "The matter of our privacy."
"You must understand that the Barrier HQ was not built to spy on the citizens of Konoha but to protect the citizens," Hiruzen assured them but they weren't convinced.
"Does the Barrier not see every movement that happens within the walls of Konoha?" Kotaru asked.
"It doesn't see as such, but rather senses," Kushina answered, "And only in Red Alert cases. On average days, the barrier only senses the people entering and exiting the walls of Konoha."
"And we are to take your word? From what I hear you and Jiraiya-sama were the inventors."
"Even if the Barrier does 'see' everything as you put it, can you really disagree that we need a form of security to monitor who enters and exits our village. I think after the Hyuuga incident you people should take lesson."
"Some good your spy machine did," Tsume growled, "Where was it when Danzo attacked Konoha. It couldn't even warn us about all those traitors."
"I must disagree on that, you see the Sensory Barrier played a vital role in Konoha's victory. It allowed Uzumaki-hime to use Hiraishin efficiently to teleport our forces and save many lives. The only reason Danzo's men eluded the Barrier is because the barrier identified them as registered citizens and travelling merchants."
"To assure you all that the Barrier is not misused, I believe a tour of the HQ is in order."
"That won't assure us of our privacy on general days," Kotaru objected.
"May I suggest that each clan head and the civilian representative be allowed to chose one representative on their behalf to ensure that the HQ does not misuse the Barrier," Shikaku suggested.
Everyone exchanged looks, they all seemed to agree that the idea was sound enough and so a few more hours were spent perfecting the resolutions and raising less important issues.
Amegakure
Word of Danzo's rebellion did not take long to spread, but the details were very vague. Of all the hidden villages, Ame and Oto hadthe best details about what happened in Konoha.
And so in a bland hall with metallic walls, lit by tube-lights on a high podium where Pain was overlooking the occupants. Below Tobi, Konan and Zetsu were waiting for Pain's orders.
"Bring the others!"
Tobi nodded before using Kamui to bring in other Akatsuki members via a portal one by one. Akatsuki had grown in both numbers and influence since their last encounter with Root and close one with Konoha while avoiding coming under radar for most part. Atthe moment it consisted of Kisame no Danna, Akasuna no Sasori, Deidara of Iwagakure, Orochimaru the Snake Sennin, Hidan of Yugakure, Kakuzu of Takigakure, Tobi, Zetsu, Konan of Amegakure, Pain the leader and two new members.
"What the hell Tobi?" Deidara cursed, "I was in middle of an artwork!"
"Fireworks do not count as art," Sasori rebuffed receiving a growl from Iwa's rogue, "But this better be important."
"YOU PIECE O' SHIT! YOU INTERRUPTED MY PRAYERS!" Hidan screeched waving his three-bladed scythe at the man in orange mask.
"Konan-nee! Hidan-sempai is bullying Tobi-kun!" Tobi complained hiding behind the paper user who rolled her eyes at the childish display.
"Tobi-kun brought you all because I asked him to," Pain said his Rinnegan boring into each occupants daring them to challenge him which they smartly didn't, "We have found the Kyuubi."
"As in the Kyuubi has finally reformed itself?" Sasori asked.
"No," White Zetsu replied and the Black half continued, "The jinchuuriki never died in the first place, he was kidnapped by Danzo to be trained as a Root operative," The White continued, "But then Danzo decided to go up against his boss and lost and now the Kyuubi's back with the tree huggers."
"Oh! So the final boss has come out of hiding," Kisame Hoshikage grinned, the blue man looking every bit like a blue shark out for a hunt.
"But didn't Orochimaru kill the jinchuuriki in its crib?" The new member with long shaggy red hair and gleaming golden eyes.
"Which brings us to you Orochimaru," Pain brought everyone's attention to the Snake Sennin who despite his calm demeanour, was quite nervous from the attention he was receiving from his fellow gangsters, "Why was the Kyuubi in Root?"
"With all honesty, I have no idea," Orochimaru scowled trying to remember, "I remember killing the child."
"Then how is he alive?"
"You and Danzo were in close contact before you defected," the new female member spoke up, "In fact," she brushed her purple bangs away from her onyx black eyes, "Danzo had nominated you for the post of Hokage. There is no reason to believe this friendship didn't last after your defection."
Despite his cool smirk Orochimaru was in a world between frightened and confused, for the first time in his life he had no clue about what was going on, 'I should tone down on my smiles,' the Snake Sennin advised himself the eyes of his comrades boring into him. He considered slithering out but his potential killers weren't the easiest people to slip by.
As Orochimaru felt his dreams of immortality and learning every jutsu to ever exist slip by Pain looked up towards the gate. Everyone turned around to find it empty but soon footsteps followed, slowly but steadily increasing in volume till they stopped and the door was swung open to reveal a teenage boy with thick round glasses and long silver hair tied into a pony.
"Yakushi Kabuto, what do you want?" Pain asked.
"Leader-sama," Kabuto bowed, "Pardon my intrusion but I have a valuable item that is very crucial for Orochimaru-sama and to an extension Akatsuki itself."
"Humour me," Pain permitted. Kabuto pulled out a tin can and tossed it to Pain who caught it with ease. Pain studied the can, his rippled eyes shone bright purple causing some patterns to glow on the can, then he threw it to the ceiling just in time for the can to explode into a brilliant white light. When the light dimmed, the ceiling was gone allowing rain to patter over the barrier Pain had created over the Akatsuki members at the last moment.
"Woah! Didya see that!" Deidara exclaimed with dreamy blue eyes checking out a few picture he clicked on the camera like device on his left eye.
"I fail to see the 'woah' factor," Sasori dismissed in a flat tone but the blonde teen just ignored the red head.
"Thanks for the fucking warning leader-sama!" Hidan cursed, "Now where's that brat, he's so getting skewered. There you are! Now die in the name of Jashin," The Jashinist rushed at Kabuto but was stopped by Kakuzu's tendrils, "What gives you-"
"Look!" Kakuzu motioned his bloody eyes towards Orochimaru who was writhing in pain.
"Hey snaky? You okay?" Kisame poked Orochimaru with his gigantic sword which was luckily wrapped in bandages. Orochimaru stopped writhing and stood up straight.
"I am well, thank you for your concern ladies and gentlemen," Orochimaru composed himself.
"I believe you found something you were missing," Pain pointed out expecting an explanation.
"You already saw the can's contents," Orochimaru replied with a knowing smirk.
"Yes, however I want you to tell us," Pain ordered.
"The can had memories, regarding what truly conspired twelve years ago," Orochimaru answered, "I didn't kill the boy, but as per a deal with Danzo I was to take the blame for doing so, or rather allow him to alter my memories so that I would believe I did it in exchange for allowing, in fact helping me evacuate my experiments to a temporary base. You see sensei was getting suspicious of me and Danzo needed a scapegoat."
"Yes and you both had us running for twelve years over nothing," Sasori would have scowled if he could.
"In my defense I was not affiliated to Akatsuki back then," Orochimaru replied.
"True, Orochimaru-san can't be blamed for his past actions," Pain said, "Kabuto, have you learnt anything about the Kyuubi?"
"Training with Root made the Kyuubi's jinchuuriki very strong. According to Anbu records he fought Uzumaki Kushina at equal footing and overpowered and nearly killed her with only three tails worth chakra from Kyuubi. Also during Anbu custody despite having his chakra sealed he was able to match Uchiha Itachi with Taijutsu alone," Kabuto reported.
"Both of them are considered top tiers among the S-class," Kakuzu pointed out, "Some even consider them SS-class."
"Sweet!" Kisame grinned unwrapping the bandages around his Samehada revealing the scaly sword which shared its wielder's shark-like grin.
"Now that we have found the Kyuubi and are aware about other Bijuus, it is about time we moved up our schedule. As it is Kyuubi is already a threat we can't afford to waste time."
"Hn. About time," Sasori grunted putting his straw hat back on.
"You were all assigned your jinchuuriki, now get going!" Pain ordered and soon everyone dispersed leaving Pain and Tobi alone.
"So, we're moving the schedule up now?"
Pain nodded, "We have little choice."
"But the Kyuubi has just resurfaced, we still don't know about the jinchuuriki's abilities."
"We will in time. Kyuubi is Konoha's mightiest weapon, it is only a matter of time before he is sent off to fight battles that will test his limits and we will be ready for him."
"And you have something in mind?"
"Run out of your own plots, have you?" Rippled eyes stared into the blood red.
"Hn." Tobi scoffed before disappearing into a portal.
"Is it prudent to trust that man?" Konan walked up behind him.
"Only a fool would trust him," Nagato scoffed, "He believes himself to be the game-master," Then looked towards the sky as the rain drenched them, "But he will learn soon..."