Not This Time
Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews. I haven't undated this one in awhile because some other stories were closer to being finished and the plot bunnies are hopping fast. For those of you interested, I have a lot of new ones up. Anyway, I hope that you all enjoy this chapter.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: I've changed my screen name. If you had me or any of my stories faved/follow, you should still be receiving email updates and everything should be listed the same as before. It's just SilverKitsune2017 will appear as the author instead of my old one.
Chapter Notation: This chapter takes place two months after the last one.
Chapter 14
Two months later and Sasuke Uchiha was furious. Though the target of his fury wasn't Kakashi or even Orochimaru in this case. It was Itachi. His own brother.
"Alright, Itachi. What are you doing sneaking around Orochimaru's Lab and why is Rasengan News doing so many interviews with Dr. Sannin?" Sasuke glares at his elder brother. "Oh and don't you dare bullshit me." He couldn't believe that the doctor had been this stupid!
It was one thing for Sasuke to do it, but Itachi?! Itachi was supposed to be smarter than this! Sasuke was supposed to be the foolish one! Not him!
The younger Uchiha had been going for more injections, when he bumped into Itachi. Itachi was there and so was Anko. The graduate student recognized her as a reporter from the Rasengan News and that told him all that he needed to know.
Sasuke sincerely doubted that it was a coincidence that she just happened to be there at the same time as Itachi. He wasn't sure how, but his brother must have convinced her to do a story on Orochimaru. Wonderful. That was the last thing that he and Kakashi needed; Itachi getting involved with Orochimaru's sick experiments.
"Itachi is just a test subject for Dr. Sannin's experiments." Anko quickly stands between Sasuke and Itachi. "It's nothing to get upset about." In a strange way, she was probably trying to protect Itachi. (Which was ridiculous)!
Sasuke just gapes at her. Fortunately, the four of them were now back at Kakashi's place though. That meant that the young man could gape as much as he wanted.
He didn't know what was more unbelievable. The fact that Itachi was stupid enough to sign up for Orochimaru's experiments in the first place or that this woman was acting like his brother doing so was perfectly normal. It was a close call, but he settles on the latter.
Thankfully, his lover knew that as well! "Anko, you've been interviewing Orochimaru for months. I'm certain by now that you realize this is no ordinary experiment and that Sasuke's concern is justified." Kakashi sighs because obviously, he like Sasuke, knew that this was all ridiculous!
Sasuke shoots his lover a grateful smile. Thank God. At least the silver haired man had enough common sense to realize why this was an unacceptable situation!
"And you aren't just saying that because you are hoping to seduce my baby brother later tonight and thus are doing your best to keep him happy because of that?" Itachi smirks.
There were times, when Sasuke sincerely considered strangling his elder brother. "Oh that's definitely a factor. Though Sasuke being right and my wanting to seduce him aren't mutually exclusive concepts." Like now, for instance. Though Itachi's goading didn't seem to bother Kakashi in the slightest.
Still, that didn't stop Sasuke from groaning and smacking his forehead in frustration. He couldn't believe that the other man had just said that. He loved being with Kakashi, but he really wished the History Professor would stop giving details about their love life to his brother.
"My sex life with Kakashi isn't what we should be focusing on right now!" Sasuke glares at Itachi.
Kakashi nods cheerfully. "Though it is fantastic." God help, Sasuke. He was going to strangle both of them.
Anko giggles. Well that was nice. At least someone was having a good time because it certainly wasn't Sasuke.
"That's good to know. Sasuke, your cell is ringing." She gestures towards his phone.
Sasuke sighs. "Right. Thanks." He picks it up and proceeds to answer it.
He probably shouldn't have been surprised by who was on the other line. It was Jugo. Damn it. This was about to get messy!
Meanwhile Orochimaru makes a few more notations in his lap. Everything was going so smoothly. He was discovering more about chakra networks and past lives than he had ever thought possible!
"Orochimaru, aren't you worried that the Uchiha Brothers are too suspicious?" Kabuto still had his concerns though.
They weren't unfounded. The Medical Professor would have been lying, if he pretended not to have some anxieties when it came to Sasuke and Itachi, especially Itachi.
Despite that, the potential rewards outweighed the risks. For whatever reason, Sasuke, Itachi, and Kakashi the ones who were responding fastest to his treatments.
He sighs. "Yes, but not enough to stop the experiments. This is going to change the world, Kabuto." He smiles at him.
He had several theories as to why that was the case. Perhaps, it merely was connected to how powerful they were in their past lives. He suspected that did play some role in determining whose networks were waking up faster, but Orochimaru doubted that was the only reason.
Dr. Sannin also suspected that it had something to do with all the trauma they had each experienced their previous life. One didn't have a seizure, if they were reliving happy memories and Itachi looked so guilty. His own memories had filled in the gaps quite nicely.
"Very well. What about Anko though?" Hmm. That was a good point. "That reporter is relentless." True, she was.
Of course, that was only to be expected of one of his former students. It was such a shame she had dropped out of the medical field. The young woman had shown such promise. Oh well.
He had bigger fish to deal with than Anko. As lovely as she was, she was dolphin and the Uchiha Brothers were most certainly sharks. He was far more interested in sharks than dolphins.
He nods in agreement. "True enough. We'll have to find a way to deal with her." Orochimaru pauses as he considers the best way to deal with that.
Everyone so far, had been connected somehow. Connected during their past lives. Was it possible that Anko was the same? Perhaps, she could benefit from some serum as well.
"How could we convince her to take it though?" That was a fair concern. "She'd never take it willingly and we would need a chance slip it into her drink."
That was true. Anko was also too smart and wary of him to fall for such a ploy. "We'll just have to look for an opening if one doesn't present itself, we'll find another way to deal with her."
Speaking of dealing with problems, there was still Kakashi consider. The History Professor had grown far too close to Sasuke for his liking. While Orochiamru knew that it was unlikely the youngest Uchiha would ever return his affections, it was still very irritating to see the silver haired professor receive them.
Maybe, it was only natural to feel that way though. Apparently, there had been something of a rivalry between them. Orochimaru had offered Sasuke power and the boy took his offer, leaving Kakashi behind last time.
"This time will be no different." He smirks to himself.
Eventually, Sasuke would come to him on his own. Just like last time. The only difference was the motivation was a little less obvious in this lifetime.
After all, Itachi wasn't a butcher in this life. Sasuke had no reason to go on a quest for revenge. He'd think of something though. He always did.
"Orochimaru?" Kabuto looks at him in concern.
What was the old saying? Genius was one part inspiration and 99 parts perspiration? That was very, very true. It only took one stroke of brilliance to bring an idea to life, but many hours or even years of work to raise it to adulthood.
One of his greatest gifts was patience. It was a trait that the younger generations almost never failed to undervalue though. Really, it was a bit maddening.
As was currently the case with Kabuto, no patience. "Yes, Kabuto?" Most likely the other man had been trying to get his attention for awhile. Hmm.
Pity. He was going to have to be more careful about "spacing out" as the kids said these days. It was never a good sign when one wasn't as attentive to their surroundings as they should be. A ninja should expect, the unexpected.
"I was just wondering, if you were alright." He smiles in relief. "What's our next move?"
And make no mistake about it, Orochimaru was still a ninja. His profession might have changed, but not his soul. He knew that much.
Soon enough, he would be able to activate his chakra network. When that happened, everything would change. He was sure of it. Everyone was going to know his name and he would truly be immortal in a way for this discovery! His legacy would be preserved for the ages!
He sighs. "I haven't decided yet, but when I do…I shall be sure to let you know." Orochimaru was starting to reevaluate his relationship with Kabuto.
The man was the most loyal assistant that he had ever had, but he was also extremely cautious. That was both an asset and a liability, depending on the day. Though for now, he was most certainly going to keep him around.
Good help was so hard to find these days. That and Orochimaru was simply too close to making his discovery to changing course now. He didn't have time to bring another assistant up to speed on everything!
Elsewhere Jugo, Karin, Suigetsu, and Naruto were on their way to Kakashi's place. The gentle giant had already texted Sasuke to let him know they were coming.
"Are you sure that this is a good idea?" Suigetsu looks at him as he places his hands behind the back of his head, walking casually. "What if we walk in on them when they're busy getting well busy?"
Jugo rolls his eyes playfully. His friend's mind was almost always in the gutter. Though he supposed that was only to be expected. The man was a college student after all.
He felt a bit guilty for thinking that though. The orange haired man was intelligent enough to realize when he was being stereotypical. It was something that he tried not to be, but he was only human. Every once in awhile, he would have such thoughts. Oh well. Life was a learning process.
"Is that all you ever think about?!" Karin glares at Suigetsu. "You damn pervert!"
Well Jugo couldn't blame the red head for her reaction. The woman had a point. Still, he really wished that they would get together already. It would make things so much simpler for everyone involved.
Suigetsu yawns. "Pft. Don't get your panties in a bunch." The other man must be yawning purely to irritate their friend further though. "Chill out, Karin." Jugo sincerely doubted that he was actually tired at this hour.
That was the wrong thing to say. "WHAT'D YOU SAY TO ME?!" Honesty, it would be a miracle, if they made it to Kakashi's home in one piece.
Naruto blinks as he watches the red head and violet eyed college student go at it. Jugo could only shrug in what he hoped was a reassuring manner at his friend. There were some things that just couldn't be explained with mere words. Karin's and Suigetsu's strange relationship was one of them.
"Give me Sasuke's pining over Kaskahi over this messed up foreplay, any day." Naruto grins at him.
Jugo nods his head in agreement. Damn straight. Pun intended.
Anyway, about ten minutes later, they manage to make it to Kakashi's home and Jugo rings the doorbell. They all had a key, but it would be very rude to just barge in unannounced. They did have some manners, after all!
"Sasuke, it's your friends." Itachi opens the door and gives his brother a look of warning.
Kakashi mentally sighs. Oh boy. If he knew one thing about Sasuke's friends it was that they were endlessly curious. That and they had a knack for getting in trouble.
He was a bit confused as to how his introverted lover had ended up with so many wild friends, but he digressed. They were all good kids. It was just that they tended to get out of hand.
His lover smacks his forehead in frustration. "Come in. It seems like everyone else already has." Really, Sasuke needed to relax.
Kakashi was just as worried about the Orochimaru Situation. Still, getting all bent out of shape wasn't going to help matters. Perhaps, after everyone left…he'd give the other man a nice massage.
That or another dip in the hot tub could be enjoyable. Sasuke did seem to enjoy the hot tub. Not that the silver haired man could blame him! It was a very nice one!
"Sorry about this. I told him that we should have waited for you to answer." Suigetsu rubs the back of his head sheepishly as he walks inside.
Kakashi notes with some amusement that he had a bump forming the back of his head. He and Karin must have had another squabble. Those two fought like cats and dogs!
He had to say this much for Sasuke's friends. There was never a dull moment around Taka. That much was for sure.
"Careful, Naruto. Sasuke's new team is not to be underestimated." He needed to make sure that Sakura, Sai, and Naruto understood what was at stake here.
That was especially the case with Naruto. He cared for his most boisterous student a great deal, but he tended to rush head first into any situation without thinking much about it. To be fair, Sasuke was the same way..if it involved Itachi. Oh wait. He was getting off track.
Naruto growls. "I can't believe that he just replaced us like that!" The silver haired man could certainly relate to what Naruto was undoubtedly feeling, but getting angry wasn't going to help them get Sasuke back.
While the CopyCat Ninja wasn't as verbal as the blonde about it, he also wanted Sasuke back. More than almost anything really. He just smart enough to know that was easier said than done.
Sasuke was as lot like a cat. If he didn't want to come to you, well good luck catching him. He'd tear you to shreds with his claws.
"Suigetsu is known as a Prodigy in the Art of Murder. He was nickname that by Kisame." There. That should help them get some idea what they were dealing with. "He loves killing and fighting for the sake of it. The only real goal that he appears to have is getting the seven swords."
Sakura gasped and Kakashi knew why. His only female student was well aware of who Kisame was. It would take a rather special kind of person to earn that nickname from the eccentric Akatsuki Member.
Eccentric was putting it mildly though. Kisame probably thought that he was half shark or something and based on his appearance, that theory wasn't completely implausible. Kakashi still had no idea why that man had blue skin and shark teeth, not to mention gills…but he digressed.
"What about Karin and Jugo?" Sai looked at Kakashi curiously.
Honestly, the Jonin didn't know what to feel about "Sasuke's Replacement." There was a fairly strong physical resemblance, but in terms of personality…they were nothing alike.
That was only to be expected though. Kakashi knew that the other man was a member of ROOT. Danzo had likely beaten most of his personality of him. ROOT could be quite the cruel organization when it came training and that was saying something, even by his standards.
"Jugo is very strong physically and has a unique chakra. Nature chakra. He can do almost anything with it." But that power came at a price. "Unfortunately, that power makes his mind mentally unstable." He sighs.
"What do you mean by mentally unstable?" Two blue eyes were suddenly fixated on him.
Hmm. How did one put this delicately? Kakashi didn't feel like insulting the man for something that wasn't his fault, but he still needed to get his point across. Jugo was dangerous.
He sighs. "He can't control his rages. He'll lose complete control of himself and a much more aggressive personality tends to surface at random." Kakashi pauses. "That's why he's known as Jugo of the Scales. One never knows what will tip the scales and completely change his personality."
His team frowns and Kakashi knew that at last, they were finally getting somewhere. Sakura, Naruto, and Sai were beginning to truly grasp how serious this was. Good!
"And finally, there is Karin. I don't know as much about her." He sighs. "I do know that she's an excellent Sensory Type and that she has an amazing ability to heal people. I don't believe she's particularly formidable in combat, but I imagine she's proficient. And that's Sasuke's team."
Sasuke rolls his eyes. "Yes, you should have." He shrugs. "But now that you're all here, we can make more plans."
Itachi nods. If there was one thing that Kakashi knew about Itachi, it was that he was a genius. Well that and he was an overprotective brother to the extreme, but he was getting off topic here.
The elder Uchiha was obviously coming up with some kind of scheme. A scream that was likely going to make Orochimaru scream. Which was just fine with the History Professor for the record. God, how he loathed that Sannin!
"It would seem our best bet would be to destroy his lab." Itachi smiles.
Wait. What?! So much for being a genius! Itachi Uchiha was completely out of his mind!
How on Earth were they supposed to destroy Orochimaru's lab?! There were security cameras all over the place. They were going to get caught!
"ARE YOU CRAZY?!" Naruto gapes at Itachi.
Kakashi nods in agreement. The blonde was certainly right. That wasn't a plan. That was an instinct.
Itachi shrugs. "It's the only way that we'll know he can't just do it again. If I know Orochimaru, he wouldn't have dared take his work anywhere else." The elder Uchiha apparently was going to try to explain himself, it seemed. Good because Itachi had a lot of explaining to do.
Sasuke frowns. Great. Now, his lover was out of his mind too! Kakashi knew that look. That look said it all. The younger Uchiha was actually crazy enough to go along with all this!
"I don't like it." Sasuke sighs. "It's extremely risky." Yes, yes it was!
Unfortunately, the silver haired man knew what was coming. He could sense it from a mile away. It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion. There was a but coming.
"But?" Anko looks over at the raven haired man imploringly.
Oh that was it! Anko was off his Christmas Card List. Not that she had ever been on it to begin with. Kakashi didn't really know her, but it was the principle of the thing!
Sasuke looks around warily. "But we're out of other options." Damn it! Kakashi knew it! He knew it!
Honestly, he should just shove everyone out of his home. .After doing so, he'd just chain Sasuke's sexy ass to the bed. And then, he'd screw some good sense back into his gorgeous, though extremely foolish lover.
Now, Itachi's nickname for Sasuke was starting to make more sense. Indeed. The last Uchiha could be extremely foolish when he wanted to be. A trait of his which seemed to span the length of at least two lifetimes!
"Alright, if we're going to do this though…we're going to need to hack into the security system." Karin pushes her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "That's the only way we're going to be able to pull this off."
This was crazy. Note to anyone watching at home, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME OR ANYWHERE ELSE! Kakashi knew that he had been pretty wild in his own youth, but this was utterly ridiculous.
Suigetsu smirks. "And how exactly are we going to do that?"
Karin flips the other college student off and gives him a hair flip for good measure. "You know, I do have more talents than just looking pretty!" Hair flips were not to be trifled with.
Neither were red heads really. Kakashi still remembered Naruto's mother. Kushina was still a force to be reckoned with. There were no ifs, ands, or buts about that!
"Do you really think that you can get us in?" Sasuke looks at Karin.
They were actually serious about this. Kakashi sighs. He was going to have to come along for the ride, he supposed. There was no way that he was going to allow his gorgeous lover to be arrested.
While he might like using handcuffs on Sasuke, he didn't want a police officer to get the same privilege. That was his job. No one else's!
Karin nods. "I can get us in." She looks around warily as if expecting someone to catch them in the act. "It's what comes next that is going to be the hard part." And Kakashi knew at that moment, that truer words had never been spoken.
The History Professor couldn't help, but gaze at Sasuke. He was going to go through with it and they all knew it. He'd do anything to protect Sasuke. That even included blowing up a mad scientist's lab, apparently. Certainly, that had to qualify as an example of true love. Romeo and Juliet could eat their hearts out.