Warning, this chapter is un-beta'ed. Ignore bad grammar, please.
Preview
Shinigami helped seal the Kyuubi, but instead of taking Minato's soul and life, he took away Naruto, who was mere hours later found by Madara.
Madara adopts the child, sort of, and calls him Shirushi, due to doujutsu he presumes the boy to have.
In fourth chapter, Shirushi is kidnapped by Hyouton users that ran from Mist. He's saved by Madara and after that lives with Akatsuki.
For years Minato tries to find his son, even when Jiraiya stops believing he's alive. Years later he gives some of his attention to Neji, and Neji's mother.
The clan of foxes erases Madara from their contract and accepts Shirushi as their summoner. They teach him the use of negative nature energy.
Shisui plays large role in the Uchiha massacre. Itachi still joins Akatsuki, and starts to pay attention to the blonde boy.
He finds that Shirushi is Namikaze Naruto.
Shirushi engages Zabuza in a fight and after killing him finds that his Uzu family signed a contract with a Shinigami. Each time he kills someone, he may 'make a wish', but not ask for life, neither for death. After the fight he let Haku live.
Kakashi becomes a jounin sensei for Neji, Lee and Tenten. A year later Guy becomes a jounin sensei for Sasuke, Sakura and Kabuto.
At some point Shirushi takes away Orochimaru's memories – when the man confronts Itachi, to be exact. Orochimaru starts a new life in Rice and becomes Hakujin.
When facing Killer Bee, Shirushi's nature as Kyuubi jinchuuriki is revealed. Madara is shocked speechless for a long time. Itachi acts on impulse and whisks the boy away from the base, to ask Minato for help later.
In Konoha, Minato seals their chakra – Itachi's and Naruto's – and promises them his protection.
Team Kakashi and team Guy find the lost stone tablet of Uchiha clan.
Itachi is attacked by unknown group, and while he's in a hospital Shirushi ambushes the squad that was ordered to kill Itachi.
Minato orders the death of the trio of advisors, and fails to get rid of Danzo,
Shirushi steals the crystal of the Shodaime from Lee.
We see the beginnings of the Shinigami cult in ancient times, born in Uzu clan.
In the spar with Minato Shiru reveals that he knows the lightning shock jutsu the man created when he was a chuunin. One that killed Kushina's fiance.
Minato's housemaid Aloa is a kunoichi that specializes in kenjutsu, and she also tries to get into the man's private safe. Later she and Iruka take a long road to Suna escorting Shirushi there for exam finals. An attack orchestrated by Danzo reveals Iruka to be a traitor.
Minato defeats Danzo.
Shirushi meets Sound ninja, and sees Orochimaru.
XXX
The corridors were the same as always. Dust covered the levels that weren't used and those that were shone clean and smelled different. On the highest floor, all the windows were opened, letting the light and fresh air in. That air was always humid, a bit metallic, a bit salty, as if tears gathered for generations and fell from the sky and then accumulated to fill the very atmosphere.
It was quiet and his steps echoed off the bare walls. His eyes were looking straight at the pair of doors that led to the main office, but his senses continued to be as sharp as half an hour ago when he got close to the building.
He did not doubt that people he walked to expected him now and waited till he reached his destination, but still he was surprised that they did not come out to greet him, did not move to look out behind the glass to confirm his presence. It gave him just a little bit of doubt about his determination but he stifled it till it was suppressed and far back in his mind. He made his decision and should care less about circumstances.
All too soon, his hand was on the handle, and he breathed in deeply the familiar air he could not get enough of. He opened the huge door and immediately saw what he expected to see. Nagato standing with his back to the entrance, like always , most probably gazing onto the terrace. Transparent curtains shifted in the wind, the same pale blue colour, and his father sat by the wrong, left side of the table, relaxed in the chair, leaning back as he played with a small scroll in his hand, and red ribbons connected to its edges.
For a minute, no one moved and no one said a word, tension grew and he felt awkward, just as he expected it to be. With a small sigh, he walked in and closed the damn heavy door, watched it close without a sound, and finally, made a tentative step inside.
"How was your vacation?" Madara asked, his tone surprisingly soft and caring.
For a moment, Shirushi looked for words, he didn't want to sound sad but neither happy. Maybe telling the truth, twisted, sure, was the good answer. "Strange."
The man looked up. There was no mask on his old face. Both of his eyes, red and sharp with intelligence, showed surprise and curiosity. Even Pain perked his ear.
Unable to elaborate without giving pointless details, or details he'd take to the grave, Shirushi shrugged and looked down.
"Now that you came back, it means you are ready." Pain spoke clearly, in monotone as always, hands behind his back, no twitch nor change in his chakra emanation. Shirushi grimaced, inwardly. "unless you came with a plan and solution."
His father continued to gaze at him, but now there was hope in his features, expectancy. It was almost alien there, but suited so much his heart ached; he realized it was what he wanted to see, realized it was why his father hadn't come, had not disturbed him, because it was what the man was waiting for, for Shirushi to come himself with the answer. His dad believed that Shirushi could find the solution and he hoped for it so much that it made Shirushi's heart ache even more. Because he could not give the man that hope. He would have to crush it. He had no answer. No solution. With a gift of seeing through arrays and layers of seals and all signs that skill proved to be ironically useless against perfection and power of God. The only force in this world that could tear them apart was Shinigami himself and even if he went on killing spree to satisfy the god of death and get a chance or even an ability to make it possible he was sure now that he wasn't so heartless and cold to go and kill innocent people. He didn't even want to abandon the demon lord like that, like all his clan of foxes did. Worse, they went and cursed his and his fellow lords' existence. But separating from him now was like becoming a coward and jumping off the sinking boat, which the fox was tied to.
"No, I do not have a solution. And yes, I am ready." His voice was surprisingly strong and so calm, as if he found peace. But it wasn't true. He felt pins under skin. Felt like breath left him. There was sadness too vast in his soul for a moment he regretted ever deciding to come back.
Madara slowly looked down, his expression resigned, no, broken. But he did not speak. He continued to play with red ribbons, absently. Pensive.
Pain turned back to the terrace. Curtains shifted, danced and teased. There was no emotion in Akatsuki front leader, he was calm, collected, like he expected it to be this way. Shirushi wondered if the rest of organization felt the same. Where was Konan? He didn't sense her when he entered. Usually, if Nagato was in the building, so was she.
"Did you get some rest? Had some fun?" Madara asked, quietly. He really wanted to know, despite the lack of insight into words he used for this question.
As if touched by unknown force, Shiru's expression changed from sad to serious, and his purple eyes looked through his father, into his very soul and mind, to see that it really will end like that. Without denial. But he shouldn't be mad, right? He was given as much time as he needed, wanted. He wasn't forced. And yet unless he came to terms with the fact that his father's dreams were more important than his life, he'd break down. He should have known, should have seen it. They're the same. Minato gave him up for the sake of his duty, beloved village, dream of being the savoir, hero. Madara will give him up for the sake of his dream of power, beloved world under his feet. Surprisingly, there was no disgust at the thought of that. Distaste, maybe. He felt like an object, cherished, polished and even loved. But there were other objects around that were better, nicer and more useful than he was.
"yes." He replied just as quietly. Did it even matter what he said, in the end?
"Good." Pain added, louder and stronger. "We can get started soon. Can't we?" He turned to Madara for confirmation, demanding it with his burning gaze.
Red eyes rose up, without challenge, staring back for a full minute. And then a terse nod.
The leader turned on his heal. "I will organize the rest." His steps were long and purposeful, in four, he was beside Shirushi and the door. He gave the boy a meaningful gaze, with so many emotions that Shiru gave up separating them into known quantities, and walked out.
That left the two of them.
His dad looked down again, then threw the scroll on the table. The man leaned on it with his elbows, covered his face with palms.
"Come here." He muttered at last.
Shirushi hesitated. The hope bloomed in him again even as he stomped on it. He didn't really want to get any closer than that. But he was curious if the man would say something important. Unlike his doubting mind, his feet made decision sooner and took him a mere step away from the man.
Man who shook himself, leaned back in the chair in undignified position and stared forward. He looked so tired. Shiru has never seen him tired like that.
Eyes shifted in his direction, took him in, whole.
Lingered on his face and long, yellow hair.
Shiru saw pain, puzzlement and tiny disgust. He hoped it was because his father remembered Namikaze. He didn't want to believe the man felt about him in such a negative way as disgust. Maybe he should have dyed his hair? In that moment Madara probably pulled all he knew into one pile, the Yondaime, the Kyuubi, the seal, the Juubi, the years he spent raising him, the thoughts he wasted on bettering him, the actions he took to ensure Shirushi grew strong, smart and resourceful. So much effort put into one thing, that will be wasted.
The man raised his right hand and touched Shiru's cheek, gently. And searched his face. "You knew for a long while."
Shirushi stayed quiet. He could not deny that truth.
Slowly the hand fell.
His father leaned away, closed his eyes for a minute. There seemed to be a weight on his shoulders, heavier than any other. Shiru wanted to see it there. He even mused that it wasn't enough. Minato gave him up too and twelve years of loneliness did not look to be enough. He agrees to go with the plan, because he believes that fate decided so, and because he believes the lord of the foxes has a plan to win against Akatsuki's ambition. Let it be so. It's not like he could run long and far. And running forever wasn't his answer.
Madara rose and went to the door. His steps were slow, he clearly expected his son to follow. Rooted to place, the boy expanded his senses and noted that the tower was still empty save for their trio. He thought that extraction could not start without the rest of members, so his dad might have some purpose before they faced the statue chamber. Feeling numb, he turned around and went to the door where the man undoubtedly waited.
His hand froze on the handle though, because Madara was no longer there. He couldn't feel him. Brows furrowed, Shirushi pulled the door and made a step forward in the corridor. It was empty. The row of windows on the side showed the same picture of Rain village, grey and quiet. He couldn't see any people, but he rarely did in this area. For a moment he marvelled at the peace in the air, just bathing in the feeling of the place. He wondered if it was nostalgia or if he really missed it and preferred it over lively atmosphere of Konoha.
Decisively, he found himself in the same corridor, hands fisted and eyes narrow. Then, he looked further and inspected shadows.
Courage controlling his steps, Shirushi went there next, and just for a moment he became too bewildered to have a good grip on his facial expression. It melted and made him gawk, he looked more like a child than his usual, little adult appearance. Grey and blue world of Ame faded into yellow and red halls of labyrinth, and before long, his grimace came back, his steps became fast, and hands hit the walls to lessen the storm of emotion.
Bars were as large and wide as always, and demon Lord just as cute, orange. The boy found solace in cold metal of the closest rod, his forehead pressed to the surface and Kyuubi probably heard him taking shaky breaths.
"Another nightmare, or sweet dream?" He asked sarcastically.
Purple rose to grace the fox with a tired gaze. "..just a repeat of the same old story."
A minute of silent exchange of questions followed, and seemed to last forever. Shiru sighed.
"I think I want this to be over."
A snort. "It's pretty obvious you ran out of excuses to stall,-"
"I'm not stalling!
"-and you don't even bother to make a plan to survive, no self preservation at all. All the power at your fingertips..-"
"I don't want to run for the rest of my life! I don't want to hide from people I care about! I'm not a coward , and I don't want to fight them either!"
"Then don't hide, don't fight, let others do the job. You had a chance to get to third party." Demon's voice was calm, in contrast to fire that burned in the blond. He dumbly digested the last sentence in silence for a bit longer than necessary.
"Umino Iruka? Shimura Danzo? Enemy of Minato is not a friend of mine or a friend of Akatsuki."
The fox shrugged, scratched his longish ear rattling chains in the process and replied. "Still a contact that could give you advantage. You're hopeless, even for a human."
Loud clang echoed through the cage. Another one. Shiru kicked the pole harder. It didn't hurt his feet, but it didn't lessen the frustration as it should have either. He used palms to hit the poles instead, felt the skin burn. Anger at himself, feeling pathetic, like an excuse for whatever bright future might have been there for him, but where only agony and death awaited. Red eyes turned away, so much understanding in them that Shiru wanted to scream at the fox Lord to go back to usual bite.
After one last slap at the metal, he sighed and leant forward. Cool metal met his forehead. A storm in his head agreed that it was high time he made a choice or moved forward, anywhere, just stop letting events hold him on the tide that went on forever and in every turn but appropriate one.
"I never wanted power, or life of a ninja for a sake of being one." He muttered, to fill the silence, and open himself a bit more. Some part of him wanted Kyuubi to be disgusted with him to the point of fighting like it happened several times before.
"I wanted to make my dad proud of me. I wanted to be close to him, by resembling someone he was."
Dreams of childhood, sweet and innocent, and then, almost pointless. He strived to be perfect, planned to prove himself, and where would he be now if he truly was what Madara believed him to be? A child of promise. He'd be hunting after demons, he'd be standing on the cursed finger of another demon, feeding it power to give someone else even more power, so that a pair of maniacs could realize their dream of world destruction, wrapped in the colourless wrap of world salvation. And then, history would repeat itself, civilizations would fall, dimensions would collide, and history will be written by someone else. Shiru snorted, he'd be a part of something grand! He'd be bathing in blood, red, metallic, sticky, rich in taste,… he'd be mad. He'd go there just to see how much and how far the human kind could go into fooling itself. So that he'd be rid of the nightmare, of them, of himself.
"I just wanted to belong." His whisper was quiet, the softness of it scared him by reality in the meaning. Something wet appeared on his lip. Ah, salty. He didn't notice when a tear slid down his face. One, or more.
"Now I know I don't belong anywhere, with anyone." He laughed. "Well, maybe beside the bunch of freaks my mother's side of family had been. They're all dead though, so I guess, my aim isn't that bad."
"If you actually wanted Akatsuki to succeed, then why did you ask for power against Juubi." The voice was low, spreading like a rumble.
He stifled a sob, feeling weak and stupid but unable to help it. He wanted to believe that at the point in time he cared about himself and his future only. Faced with reality of the fox Lord and memories of the statue that terrified him. Now though was the time of truth, why run from it, running didn't look to be helping.
"I wanted to protect them, maniacs. From the… oh, Kami."
It was just another night, another morning following. He wanted it to be different from the others. He wanted to know at last who, or what, he was protecting.
Chapter 21
She asked for life,
Unknown location, unknown time
Since she could remember, her parents were very loyal to the main family, to ideals, and traditions. They went on their knees willingly, followed orders proudly and taught her that it was important to learn lessons. She was supposed to be a perfect servant and protector, it was an honour.
It started to change when she was fifteen. Old enough to remember, to understand, to think.
Long, brown hair of her mother were in disarray. She was pale and exchanged whispered words with her father when they stood in the hallway. The man was more shocked, surprised than mad at the time. His beard from then on was getting longer as days and weeks went on. Some nights, they visited her bed and she pretended to be asleep, and if she couldn't manage that and asked questions, they never gave the answers. Some later observation showed that they were no longer happy to be of service to the main family. She was no expert of body language, but the difference was visible, and topics discussed over dinner, missions and obligations sounded to be forced on them, to anger them. Soon, she noted that other families that resembled their status behaved in similar way. Something happened, so important and fundamental that it changed the view of the family in the eyes of people that gave their loyalty to it.
Once, her mother explained it was because they were informed their children will be denied the benefits they had as part of the clan. What those benefits were she wasn't told, and for many years, had only speculations to amuse her mind with.
That quiet animosity within a group so large, there were dozens of families involved, after all, was probably the reason of the fall.
The attack came at night, sudden in its appearance. By the time her mother dragged her from the bed and onto the street there was chaos, battles, fire everywhere. She was numb with shock and everything around her was happening so fast. One moment there were screams, another, she was stumbling, falling, and being dragged again. More than ever she regretted never treating her lessons seriously. And she never bothered to take active role on missions and request anything more than low ranked, easy tasks. She knew she was useless more often than not and was only good enough to be of support for someone else. And her parents wanted her rather to be well married than well trained. Wanted her to become a noble, not a kunoichi. For some reason such thoughts gave her excuse for being a weakling when the village was drowning in blood. Her blind gaze landed on Chiro, her cousin, his bright red hair shone even in the dark, but he didn't react to her presence, what was he doing lying on the ground? As her mother pushed her to the corner of the building it came to her that Chiro was probably dead, the quick look she got while being moved so fast showed that he wasn't moving and she didn't look close enough to see if he was injured, but it's not like they will go back to check.
And just where were they going anyway? The village was large, surrounded by water almost on all sides. There couldn't be ships or boats on hand in shore to get away that easily. As a first logical route to get away from the village, it would be definitely blocked.
There were two simultaneous attacks on both sides of them and at last, when sharp edge of knife got under her collarbone it awakened her from being numb, from the dream she wanted to wake up from, but not to this reality. This was nightmare. Reflexes assured that she dodged the man's other aim, she disrupted his stance by kicking his shin, and stabbed him with his own weapon. Only because he was sure she was done for after one strike. Well, she was useless but not a pig for slaughter. Her mother was back a second later and they moved again, trying to be stealthy and quick.
Faces she recognized, faces she didn't recognize. Shouldn't they rather go to the centre of the settlement to protect the main family? Isn't it their duty? Why were they running away from danger in that manner? She turned behind to ask her mother just that, only to see the enemy advancing on her. He was swift in cutting her middle, and then turning to slash her as well, but she absently dodged, terrified of seeing her mother on the ground with a puddle of dark red growing under her. She tried to fight and use a rising anger to defend herself and kill that monster, if only she was good at using the blade in her hands she might have had a chance. But it was too quick, and she was too slow, what a pathetic way to go!
He grabbed her long hair, brown like her mother's, and plunged his sword in her stomach, she felt shocked more than she felt pained. Discomfort, anger, guilt, hopelessness. He was an enemy ninja. His breathing was laboured, eyes crazed a little, wide, observing her dying expression of shock and realization that it was over. His clothing dark, no headband to reveal the symbol, nothing major to recognize about his person, she assumed. Her killer was a nobody. Pathetic. She was pathetic, and her whole family too, and their cousins, and other members. Was it karma or revenge of main family? Darkness gathered in the corners of her vision, all thoughts that went through her mind in a matter of seconds came to halt.
But she noticed his eyes go just a bit wider. He went down gasping, she went down with him, his hold on her hair loosening, causing her to look down and see his sword handle protruding from her centre. Stifled shouts came from close by, she lifted her head to the voice like a withering flower up to the sun. Her mother, all bloody and mad, was stabbing the body of their killer, time after time, into his back, enraged and teary eyed.
"Die!" She gasped, weakly, blade finally left in his flesh, his body stopped struggling. Her mother went down, dying and her glassy eyes looked up at her daughter.
"My baby girl… live. My baby girl will live." It was said as if to herself.
The girl looked on incomprehensibly . Darkness closed in, and she slumped back, against the wall, gently. Sword still in her abdomen.
What a pathetic way to die.
….Pain was….. painful. Dry throat was only worse.
A bit dull, everything was, if she was asked for opinion.
Her eyes must have opened, because she started seeing blurry images. Thoughts got tangled.
Then there was a lot of light, and sounds of birds chirping. It was hard to go back to sleep with that.
She blinked many times before she could finally see.
It was such a beautiful, warm, bright and early morning.
All would be good, if it weren't for bodies on the ground.
Her mind was empty, and it had better stay that way for quite a while, she believed, because she wasn't ready to think. Ah, she looked down to see the damn sword. Its presence hurt. The cause of her pain. She found strength somewhere inside her and her hands grabbed the unwanted item. Even the slightest touch brought discomfort. Grimace appeared on her face but voice stayed unheard. She pulled then, trying to do it faster rather than slowly. It was long so she had to stop, bring her hands closer to hold the metal, and pull again. She didn't bother to throw it away, just let it slide down. Blood flowed out of the wound and she was surprised to find herself still alive after receiving it. It was precise enough to kill.
Her head leaned back on the wall and it took several minutes of rest to realize that pain wasn't as grand as it could be.
She decided to try and move.
Sloppy, clumsy her movements were, but even if she was broken, her limbs were agreeing to cooperate. She ignored the bodies littering the ground. Ignored the chirpy morning. The bloody streets. Silence. And she walked. Somewhere. Wherever. Preferably where scenery was better.
And she walked for hours, then days. Then years. Forward.
Lifetime later, when images and memories became a blur, but thoughts behind them gained wisdom, she would realise why they were running away instead of fighting, why only the most important and most loyal members stayed alive. Why betrayal hurt and families killed their own. It wouldn't change much of what she could have done in the past.
But it definitely shaped her mindset in the future.
Earlier in the story
Since he let Yuusen invite his new friend to their quarters, and the boy accepted to tag along, he could tell that there was something strange, something familiar about him. Something absolutely scary, if he were to believe his own innate reactions.
His adopted child always got into trouble, whether he did it consciously or accidentally. Could not be left without a bodyguard even for a minute. And Hakujin didn't trust the most trusted men to keep an eye on the youth so if there was a chance he was there himself. On some level he regretted taking on the role of Sound leader because it took so much of his precious time, that could be used to spend with Yuusen, with Yuurin. He felt obligated, true. But he also had a different outlook on life and dreams than before, and it somehow clashed with the life of Orochimaru, and the zeal he had toward creating his own army.
The boy was giving him glances again, knowing and amused, and curious, and satisfied. And Hakujin had no idea why it made him oh so weary. Because, really, it was just a pretty boy ninja, confident stride and all; so he had interesting eyes, but there was enough oddity around to ignore a little detail like that. Even if it was a doujutsu. Even if it was a potentially powerful doujutsu. Even if it was a potentially dangerous bloodline doujutsu, like sharingan. Dammit, and here Hakujin could not stop a grimace he tried to transform into smile from forming on his face. Eyes closed to hide the worry in there, he cursed Yuusen's luck. So he had a reason to be weary of the little ninja that walked beside his son and for a moment looked smug about something. Kidomaru and Yuusen went on and on about the trio of genin they observed, description lively and excited, and all he could do, was try to find a reason to get rid of the company he accepted so thoughtlessly. He wasn't stupid, and lack of memories did not make him as careless as others might expect him to be. He noted the lack of symbol of any village on the boy's attire, the quality and practicality of said attire, the pools of chakra that emanated steadily, a hint of hidden pocket or a row of them in that cloak, black with a hood, no red cloud thankfully, sleeves just wide enough to reach inside and conceal whatever item might be there, and that stare, again. He felt a shiver. Didn't the boys have any instinct at all? When something screams dangerous, it should be avoided, not invited home.
All too soon, they reached their building and before he could utter a word or give a set of rules, Kidomaru called Zaku, Kin and Tayuya over, and Yuusen made introductions. There was movement in the hall, it quickly became a crowd, and people approached for one reason or another, and ten minutes later, he turns around to see that most talented group of genin discussed jutsus and the third part of exams, that's due to start tomorrow. He listened to Kimimaro's report with one ear, and kept attention to children with the other. Now they discussed the best way to get rid of sand that found its way into every thread in the clothing. Yuusen complained that if he were a wind user like all sand ninja he'd have no problem with it, while the blond agreed, adding that if Yuusen had no clothes then he'd have no problems at all. Then pointed out into silence, that wind manipulation was good for making pieces. However Yuusen found humour in that, Hakujin didn't know, but he was the only one laughing at the joke, and that occurrence worried the man even more. He was convinced there was no person in the world that could actually understand the boy's sense of humour. See, there were two of them now.
Afternoon quickly turned into evening, and a little party for those that participated in the last part of exams. No alcohol was allowed, of course, but snacks, drinks made of juice and plenty of advice from every comrade made it a very merry and wide wish of good luck.
For finale of the gathering, Karin asked to turn lights dim, made everyone sit in a circle, and promised to tell them the gross fairytale, her way of saying goodnight to favourite people.
She took a candle to lit her face for others, making it seem even darker in the spacious room.
"A long, long time ago, when people didn't walk on the face of the earth, and living beings were animals, intelligent enough to speak, to gather into clans, and the sun was shining bright for twenty hours a day, and nights passed in a blink of an eye, spirits old and young wandered the lands. And spirits good and evil hid from open spaces. The most important of all was not blood, not power, but a name." She started. Shadows flickered in the room.
He heard that tale, from her, before, once. It was interesting and made young thoughtful. He let her sprout different stories, sometimes full of blood, or drama, or adventure, so that she'd keep the genin's attention away from reality of the day, and it kept them in a group, which was important to integrate the members of the family together.
"A good name, a privilege of giving one, and the meaning of one, gave the meaning of life. Like a script that one followed despite having other plans. You couldn't decide your own fate, given to you by another. But you could give one to someone else, if you were allowed." The red head continued.
Hakujin observed the faces of people present. Took in their mood and wondered how they'd fare in their battles tomorrow. He let the girl's voice wash over him, lulling him into late evening. And then, he noted the absence of the blond that was present by Yuusen's side through the party.
"I'm here." The voice said.
Hakujin knew who it was before he turned to his left. Of course the boy knew that he was searching the crowd for him, no matter how discreet the man tried to be. How?
"You know, it's so enlightening to see you again, here of all places, Hebi-san."
Hakujin blinked. The name did not ring any bells though he felt it should. It was very fitting, if slightly disrespectful. He looked at the boy at last, to see him sitting lazily, head supported by arm, eyes observing Karin in the centre of children.
"We've met before, you say. In what, circumstances?" He asked, hoping that the boy wasn't another one of his experiments. He had enough of regrets and sins on his shoulders to last him hundred lifetimes.
The red head's whisper reached all corners. "Reign and power was shared and equal, and wars few and in between. Until someone decided that everything is not enough, and it would be a good idea to have power over all fate. And it started so innocently!"
He cringed at the volume in the last sentence.
Purple glanced at him, then spoke. "You were a bad babysitter."
... he had no proper answer nor reaction to that statement, so he did not grace the boy with one.
"And you were one scary and slimy... character. Never really got to learn what was bouncing in your head."
Well, those were not the worst of slurs and insults, he agreed even, gathering that Orochimaru was one son of a bitch, but he wasn't sure what supposed to be bouncing in one's head. Going on, sure, but bouncing off some surfaces?
"Two brothers, complete opposites, were born, like yin and yang, one never complete without the other. Even their mother thought she had only one child, not two. And it was so ugly too. Neither animal, neither spirit. Not of a sound mind nor useful body. And she named it Voracious. In hope that if it were hungry and ambitious enough, it would grow into something worthy. Ah, but the little ones did not like the lack of the second name. Their questions made the mother angry, and so they killed her."
Shadows grew ominous, voices quieted. Hakujin continued to observe his guest, ignoring the tale told by Karin.
"Then they went in search of their father. He did not give the second name either, and neither accepted the child that was surely his. Denied being a father, even. They felt his fear, and decided he wasn't worthy too. And so they killed him. And ate him, because journey was long and strenuous."
Omen boy listened to the story with a glint in his eyes. He was no longer smiling. "You've avoided voicing your affiliation all evening, I find myself very curious to learn how we met."Hakujin asked.
"After that, brothers travelled the lands spread before them. Observing the world, learning. One always led the way, the other followed. Where one was hungry for flesh and blood, the other for knowledge and power. One a body of flesh, other invisible spirit. Harmless at first glance, in reality they swallowed all that stood on their way."
He noted that she did not change the details of the tale, unlike the times she retold her adventures, where numbers of enemies always grew, and jutsus seemed impossible to replicate.
"You had this weird obsession with people's eyes. And you lacked patience." The omen child replied at last, smile plastered, eyes closed.
Hakujin did not find anything funny in what the boy said. "Sky never suited you anyway." The blond added.
He furrowed his brows in thought. What did he mean by sky? All hints that he got did not give a clear picture. Orochimaru would not babysit anyone, and if he could get his hands on doujutsu he'd surely have the boy in his grasp, probably in one of those hideous hideouts. But the blond was no follower of his, and doubtfully a result of his experiments.
"The world was too large, too beautiful. And brothers felt so lonely and ugly in the world full of beings they did not resemble. So when hunting was boring, they gathered bodies and chakra residue of their victims to try and create something resembling themselves. One brother mixed flesh and bones, the other forced the spirit residue, and by trial and error, they managed to create life. But they feared that it'd be as insatiable and as powerful as they were, so they gave them meaningless names. They were ugly too, walked on hind legs, had long fingers with small nails, body without protection of fur or scales, harmless weak beings. But those weak beings resembled them, and depended on them , even if just a little."
The spacious room became completely quiet. Everyone was following Karin's every word, shivering from the chill of the evening, afraid of shadows that seemed to form the shapes from her story.
"Some things are not meant to be spread, to be known. You knew too much, Hebi-san. And you were so unhappy. Now look at you, you know so little, and yet that satisfies you more. Do not seek answers to questions of the past that brought you to this point. It might just bring you back there."
Hakujin heard a warning and advice in that, and wondered how the boy was involved in the past that haunted him.
"Voracious brothers found short solace in creating their own race, especially since it was so disorganized in comparison to other beings with meaningful names. They left them to die or survive, and went in search of the most powerful spirits and lords to challenge them and to establish new order. If only to prove that weak and ugly did not mean unsuccessful."
At this point Hakujin realized he was at a loss at what to do. Ignore the boy that was a source of information on another aspect of Orochimaru, or not heed the advice and pursue knowledge of the past anyway. As he thought of that, the boy rose from sitting position and started leaving.
Unsure of whether or not he was ready to make this decision, Hakujin followed him, missing the last part of the tale. But when he crossed the threshold, the boy was nowhere to be seen. The street was empty, save for several guards that were present all day. His senses searched the area for a possible hint of direction the boy took, but there was no reasult. As if the boy did not exist in the first place.
It might seem to someone that Shirushi cared and was incapable of admitting it.
It might seem to someone that he found he belonged but could not show it due to upbringing. It might seem that it was just another day and he was there to stay. Beside his older brother, Itachi, who sat at the moment on his right, and any jounin assigned to be his bodyguard that day. Genma sat to his left. Minato was meant to be not far away, protecting, keeping an eye open, guiding. It was an idealised picture, that was supposed to grow and morph into reality that existed in Minato's mind and minds of all other people.
In reality, Minato could not keep his son close. The Hokage knew that Shirushi came here on his own volition. He just didn't know why.
Shirushi came to watch the last part of exams extremely late, but just in time to see Leaf combatants on the arena. One team that was composed of older generation, included very young anbu operative that pretended to be a genin. A tactic that couple of times was used by other villages as well. They made a good show of standard fire techniques in a fight against a team from Stone, which had surprisingly weak defense. They also tried not to overpower their shots to avoid killing their opponents. At some moments the operative came close to that point. If any member of Iwa village were to find his or her death on arena it could be used to paint Leaf in dark colors. And Rock country looked for littlest reason to start a conflict for years. So, the fight was pretty good, but in no way bloody. And people needed entertainment.
Later, team Kakashi faced a team from Kiri. They were well prepared, variety of skills and tactics against powerful water techniques and quick sword techniques. Mind always wins against body. And in this case, their teamwork and plan they designed against an opponent worked in their favour. Surprising the spectators with their use of unorthodox traps-those sprang into picture as if they were there all along, detonated bombs that deformed the field to a point where next teams will have to even out the landscape before starting a new round-, unusual taijutsu combo-Lee tired the oppponents out with unrelenting attacks, Neji finished the job by closing their main tenketsu-, unusual use of ninjutsu-Neji made hand seals for a technique that Lee and Tenten provided chakra to, how they combined it is a mistery but people whispered Minato got involved-, unusual use of weaponry-Tenten went for quantity this time as opposed to quality, thankfully her teammates knew when to hide. In other words, they stormed it.
Kakashi, who stood as close to arena as possible, was glowing, despite all the gloom he tried to present.
Shirushi caught himself smiling, despite the fact that he didn't know the kids all that well. He spent little time with them, it was even funny, but it shouldn't make him care. He didn't. He rose from the seat in the middle of ecstatic crowd and went down the aisle.
Itachi and Genma followed, of course.
Kakashi was surprised to notice him from the corner of his eye. His happy trio of students was on the way to here, but they had to make a circle around the arena first. So they had a lot of time to exchange couple of words.
"Congratulations are in order, Hatake-san. They made a good show." The blond started, when the man fully turned around.
"Thank you, Shirushi-chan. Why, I regret we could not see you there as well, showing off your remarkable abilities." The man eye smiled and answered without missing a beat, though he wasn't stupid and had to be confused about sudden approach. The blond saw his puzzlement and worry, as well as tension that started to build and did not look to plan on stopping.
"I don't give shows, surely you remember. But I promise not to hesitate to flaunt my skills on battlefield." he grinned to ease the man just a little, though his words sounded like a threat, depending on perspective one had. Ah, Kakashi sweat dropped, catching the variety of meanings.
"I'd expect nothing less." Kakashi answered good naturadly. Shiru smiled, made a step forward and with a gesture bade the man to lower to his level. Kakashi did so.
"Make sure to expect nothing less from your students as well." He whispered and grabbing the man's headband pulled him even closer. "If you want them to survive." this whisper was even quieter. He let go and went away. Itachi followed. Genma showed thumbs ups to fellow jounin and Neji, his past student, and went after the blond as well. Shiru heard excited exclamations of genin behind him, as they made it to their sensei to share happiness over victory. He didn't want to see their happy faces.
The arena was occupied again, the show continued.
Minutes later, beyond the walls of stadium, the blond walked on determined to stay true to his plan. Nothing could stop him,
"What was that for. Or, better yet, what do you need this for?" Itachi asked, steadily going in the same direction right behind the boy, but from outside, it seemed his pace was vastly different.
Not even Itachi.
He stopped, posture relaxed and ready, hands in pockets of his cloak. He pulled one hand out and played with the shiny, blue stone. Tossed it up a bit, to catch it in his palm again.
Genma moved his senbon from one corner of the mouth to the other. "Gotta be shitting me."
Definitely not Shiranui Genma.
"I don't know yet." Shiru smiled, and put it back where it for a moment belonged.
"I can't believe it. Kakashi wouldn't-"
"He didn't." The blond cut off Genma before he went into that territory. "Didn't even suspect, I think. It's location, I mean." He turned his torso a bit to have a better view of the pair behind him. "There wasn't a place better than the darkest hole in Konoha, a nook in front of Kakashi's eye, or behind his headband, if you prefer that terminology."
The senbon changed corners again. "So,"
"Sharingan eye needs rest, peace and absolutely no contact with outside world so that it's useful. It isn't his originally, after all. Not even byakugan can see behind the seals placed on Hatake's metal plate. It's the best hiding place in Konoha village. The best I could find on short notice." The blond revealed, calm and serious.
The jounin looked at the pocket the stone disappeared to. It was such a fuss to find the replacement that half of Konoha population was engrossed in it. All this time, it was in front of Kakashi's eye. Irony? Karma? What was it?
Shirushi observed their reactions. As it sometimes happened, Itachi's was a bit at odds with outward behaviour. Incredulity and bafflement, acceptance; visibly Itachi was stoic. Genma was a bit shocked, a bit mad, definitely wary. Visibly, he was ready for violence, his eyes were narrowed on the blond, calculative. He was seeing a threat. It didn't surprise Shirushi. He couldn't expect anything else. Minato learned from his mistake and designed a rotation plan, where one never knew who'd guard the blond the next day. He chose good, loyal shinobi that could not be below Kakashi's level of intelligence. Genma resembled the man quite a lot actually. Just as laid back, as sharp and as alert as that man.
Thinking about it made him feel like he was enclosed in a box, and postmen that were responsible for him kept on wondering what was inside. Where was Aloa? He started to miss that woman. Having her around wasn't so bad, he even developed a certain level of trust in her. Minato must have noticed that and decided to separate them. Not because she was inadequate, but because he himself had resevations about her loyalties. Looks like she lost her position of housemaid. It didn't suit her anyway, Shiru thought. She deserved better, despite her average skills. There were traits far more important than one's power. Shirushi liked her determination, ambition, spine and ability to function when one would expect her to be out of the game.
So it's obvious she was somewhere around, waiting for the right moment to join the party.
"You got some balls, kid." Genma muttered, chewing on the needle. He gave a glance to Itachi, measuring the threat and wondering about allegiances there, and moved his attention back to the blond. "The moment Tsunade-sama finds out is the start of your vacation in the hospital. She doesn't like her property to go to other hands than the ones she trusted."
Shirushi snorted and started walking forward. "It is not her property, I assure you. Isn't the property of her grandpa either."
Itachi was way too stoic, in Genma's opinion, he moved his legs forward as if what they saw was a regular occurence.
Maybe it was. But the least the man could do was send a messenger to the Hokage. Why wouldn't he? Or maybe he should send a clone himself. It doesn't look like things are clear here. Just as a thought crossed his mind, one young Uchiha made an appearance from beyond the corner of the building. It stopped Itachi in his tracks.
The blond continued forward without a care in the world. Genma passed the Uchiha pair, and noted the suspicious gaze Itachi gave his charge. Did he suspect the blond to be responsible for this encounter? He added speed to his step and had this feeling that this was a set up. He didn't like it one bit.
"What do you want me to say, Sasuke? This is the worst timing." Genma heard behind him, Uchiha's voices getting quieter in the distance.
"Stop avoiding me!" the younger shouted and he heard a scuffle. Genma dared not look back and lose sight of the blond. Seemed like Itachi became preoccupied with the sudden appearance of his brother and it meant he was left to guard the blond on his own. It also put him in position where he had to decide whether or not to summon a clone to call for additional ninja. He hesitated.
"I don't care about this anymore!" the voice of young Uchiha reached Genma's ears. He twitched. Call him paranoid but this definitely smelled like set up. And to be frank, this kid was number one suspect. The one that didn't even look back to keep track of his bodguards. Though, who knows what abilities of those eyes were. He could have Hyuuga's range for all the knowledge the Hokage gathered about it. Come to think about it, if getting rid of tails, no pun intended, was Naruto's, Shirushi's, whatever, plan, then actually, Genma was next to have something happen to.
The jounin blinked.
He wouldn't put it past the kid to get rid of him premanently. Subtlety or not.
The needle went from the one corner, to the other.
He itched to get his hands on good old rope, tie his foolish brother up and continue his duty. Sasuke had the worst timing, and why was he standing here alone, without his team? Though remembering who was the boy's sensei, Itachi found he was actually glad.
"I'm tired of walking forward blind!" Sasuke was shaking, frustration filling him. Itachi didn't like the choice of words. "I just want to know where you stand. Where we stand, as family. It's not so much to ask, isn't it?"
He looked sideways at the backs of Shiranui and Shirushi, anger deflated but resolve not defeated, and wondered if there was any magical word that could fix this attachment Sasuke had developed.
"Everything you know, everything you hear is true. I don't care about our family, never did. My allegiances and plans lay elswhere. I left our family issues and duties to you, do as you please. Was that clear enough for you?" Itachi made sure to sound cutting and sharp. He knew that some parties got involved and revealed truth and lies about his past and present to Sasuke. And Sasuke was old enough to separate those. And if he couldn't, then Itachi did not believe himself to be the right person to guide him. He truly had other interests. Besides, he preferred it if others believed him to be indifferent to younger brother. That was safer for Sasuke as well. As long as they lived separate lives they will not share enemies.
"I like your wariness, Shiranui-san." Shiru commented a couple of minutes later, crossing the village without a care in the world.
"Hard not to be wary." came a swift reply. The jounin realized that he couldn't walk after the boy forever. Definitely not to possible destination. Couldn't attack him either, when he was ordered to protect. "It's the only reason you came back, isn't it? This little shit." He also couldn't help himself but be snappy.
"The stone?" The blond turned to the jounin behind him a little. "Yeah."
"What's so special about it?" Hands in pockets, relaxed as he walked forward, Genma didn't look like someone who asked really important questions at the moment.
"it's purpose is somewhat different from the one generally believed."
"And?"
"And it's a secret." Shiru grinned.
"Fine." Heartbit later, Genma continued. "What's the plan then?" He had to get as much information as he could before the boy attacked him, disappeared on him, or found the means to leave him behind.
"The plan is to stick to the plan." Grin stretched wider, Shiru turned around and walked backwards. "You sure you want to join?"
Genma grimaced. "Not really.."
"It could be fun!" The blond added, "Fontain of blood, adventure, life or death situations.."
"You mean it just happens and all I need to do is stay close?" The jounin asked, a shade of humor coloring his voice.
"I'm just that awesome." Shiru smiled widely, eyes closed. He was proud of making the man lose the tension that clang to him since the very morning.
"Sure." Genma smirked, hand raised, fingers touching the tip of the needle in his mouth. He sounded like he didn't believe it, but was agreeing anyway.
"Hey, I can show you-" The blond started but didn't finish the sentence. He opened his eyes and was looking at the jounin, but there was something wrong with the man. Genma was still smirking but his body tipped forward. A thin, rose line appeared across his features.A little frown formed on the man's face. Something had registered. He was pushed further, his body falling slowly and shifting, separating itself, revealing to be two severed parts, cut precisely, cleanly, in a diagonal line. Then the river of blood came, going in different diractions, like a minuature fountain that formed in the middle of Genma's body. The splash of red lasted for half a second it had in the space in the air, then gravitation worked, and all was going down, like work of a painter, into the sand. But Shiru wasn't seeing it anymore.
He was just staring at his father who was stepping closer, not a drop on him, face behind the mask serious, and relieved at the same time.
Shirushi was staring at the point where Genma's face was a moment ago. He was still smiling at him, ready to taunt and tease the man, maybe show a little trick to see an awed, shoked expression.
How strange that his smiling, excited face was presented to a different person than the one it was directed at.
His father raised his hand to touch Shirushi's cheek. His other holding a naked wakizashi ."Missed me?"
A hundred random thoughts about how to reply to that passed through the boy's head. He was a bit surprised at the sudden visit, and planned to say just that. His readiness to that action was met with black universe though.
Uh, wide, deep void full of dozens directions that led to dozen events that happened all at once. In a blink, it disappeared to be replaced with other picture.
Then, Deja vu.
He was looking at the line of buildings that he saw a couple of minutes ago. No, it was no travel back in time.
From his left Itachi strolled forward, stopped, turned around, studied him with all states of his eyes. Turned around again, checked the street, studied the point in the distance and then rushed to his person. The young man came to a stop in front of him, took a fistful of his cloak, and dragged him in some other direction.
He's never been subjected to any sort of illusion, due to the fact that it simply could not happen. So whatever happened a moment ago was real. His mind just couldn't comprehend it yet. It needed more information. He tolerated the manhandling for a time being, and let his sight and senses roam. Itachi was taking him in direction of less populated area of the village, fruitlessly arguing with his brother about whether or not he could follow them. Sasuke was furious, jealous, determined to get to the bottom of things.
And in place where he stood half a minute ago, Madara joined a staring contest with Minato, who couldn't have appeared there so fast unless he'd put the seal on Shirushi again, to keep track of his location and like now, switch places with him. The thought was troubling. He tried frantically to find the seal anwhere on his body but he couldn't. Another focused shot at the last scene showed Genma's body. Ah, it was there. Hidden until activated. But the man couldn't have appeared so fast, taken stock of the situation, and made a switch before Shiru noticed his presence.
He was jerked back to reality, breaking his train of thought about technicalities of transportation technique when he noted Itachi's attempt at getting to his flesh at the base of the neck. "What are you doing?" Shirushi caught Itachi's arm and was giving the brush in his fingers a glare. The young man prepared the brush and ink for a new seal extremely quickly.
"Trying to save you, perhaps." Itachi freed his arm.
"By taking away my ability to protect myself again? Thanks but no." He turned and went to go back, but itachi grasped his shoulder.
"Where are you going?"
"To my destiny, obviously." he huffed and tried to control irritation that crept up to spill out. "Let go of me. Right now."
"let him go where he wants. You don't have to put up with his majesty." Sasuke spoke up from several feet away. Arms crossed and stance tired of waiting.
"You're supposed to be at Headquarters, if anywhere at all." Itachi snapped taking his eyes off the blond.
"Why is everything revolved around him anyway?" Sasuke asked, while Shiru addressed their older brother at the same time. "it's hard to choose, isn't it? Which is it you want to protect, or which is it you want to destroy. By which means to preserve or prevent something."
The young man stared.
"I suggest you choose your brother and focus on him, instead. My fate is sealed, you see. However we go about it. Whatever we do. Wherever I go. I kind of accepted it. Why can't you?"
"It affects the fate of the world." Itachi stated matter of factly. There was a little note of disbelief in his voice, like he did not understand the way Shirushi treated his own position. In that moment Sasuke, who appeared to be fighting his impulses to get involved, gave the pair a doubled focus. No matter the amount of rumours in Konoha, it appeared no one shed the light on this issue. Probably because genin like Sasuke didn't need to worry about things they couldn't stop nor change.
Itachi pulled Shirushi to him sharply, unwilling to let him go. The blond foght the hold and they wrestled. It wasn't about hurting the other, but their argument couldn't be settled in other ways. Blow for blow, kick for kick, a bit of hesitation on Shirushi's part and Itachi managed to punch him hard enouch to twist the boy's head. He went to grab him by the collar of the shirt, but his hand went through. The blond stepped away and cracked his neck, almost in a casual manner. "That wasn't nice."
Itachi pressed his lips and jerked his hand backwards. It was too late for the boy to notice invisible wire attached to his clothing. Itachi was smart enough to avoid using any chakra, so it didn't hint the boy about anything on his body. He was pulled to the jounin that had some vial prepared in his other hand. Quick thinking brought Sasuke in Shirushi's place. Replacement technique never failed to save a person with good reflexes. Brothers fell in a heap, previous movement plus disoriented genin didn't equal finese, the vial shuttered upon touching the ground and vapour spread, putting Sasuke into coughing fit; and then Itachi was upon him again, his copy advancing from behind. Intangible to any of their attacks that rained in quick succession a second later, Shiru made sure to project boredom and sadness. Surrounded in a cloud of dust, he just took assault that could not harm him, and waited for the young man to give up.
He did.
The dust settled.
The yound man panted. His worry great.
They just looked at each other.
A sound of explosion reached them, but it didn't break the staring contest between Shiru and Itachi. The chain of explosions that followed didn't either, though the world around them appeared to be swarmed with activity. Squads of different allegiance rushed to the centre of the fire, ignoring their trio. In the back of his mind, Shiru thought it unprofessional of them to pass by without giving them proper attention. After all, they were not that far away, and two of them used to belong to a very dangerous organization. Not that it made him disappointed, he'd rather not deal with another batch of people that asked questions. Shirushi sighed and closed his eyes, made a step forward and touched Itachi's shoulder. He squeezed it. He actually liked Itachi. As a person. And the way the young man pushed himself into position of older brother, advisor, and a guard that liked you but still had to keep an eye on you. That didn't change the fact that his involvement complicated things. "You're a good person." he admitted out loud and looked up. "But you have your priorities wrong." He pulled his hand away. "Take Sasuke to Headquarters."
Itachi blinked.
"Take Sasuke to Headquarters." Shirushi repeated and watched Itachi become expressionless. "Go." The young man nodded, turned around to his brother and grabbed him instead.
"Hey!" The pair started moving away, Itachi dragging the genin with him. "Hey, what did you do to him!?" Sasuke fought the tight grip, uselessly, confused about the turn around. Shiru watched them leave, glad that his skill of forced sugestion did not become rusty with disuse. Itachi easily succumbed to its power, most probably because protecting Sasuke was something he really wanted to do. Shiru turned away at the sight, both sad and glad. At the same time, the sounds of battle were getting closer and he mentally prepared himself for inevitable.
He wondered who was going to win.
"I look at you and start remembering things. I have this uncontrollable urge to suffocate you with my bare hands for all the stupid things you did. And then I look closer, and don't recognize you." Tsunade said and took another gulp of the best sake in the world, the one produced in Rice.
"I am past the point where I cared for each opinion people had of my past self. When you meet them by family groups, crowds and whole villages, the sentiment gets old way too fast." Hakujin replied, toying with his cup rather than drinking out of it.
They sat by a large, square table that was meant to be used for conference and group meetings, but at the moment was occupied only by the two of them. As a result, its surface looked way too empty and too wide for the pair, separated by the distance it created between them, while they sat in front of each other, studying each other's face from time to time. Haku and Karin stood behind Hakujin, little sideways, observing two of the sannin that have met for the first time in many years. Lifetime in between them changed the way they looked at one another, with new knowledge, experiences, regret and accomplishments. Behind Tsunade stood a masked shinobi that haven't said a word since he entered the room. He took strategic place between the door, window, Tsunade and at such an angle that wil make protecting her easier. Not that Slug Princess needed it, from the tales of her exploits.
"Your village is not one of great five, you weren't invited to the Kage booth, not even close to it. Does it anger you?" She asked curiously, remembering that Orochimaru was always a prideful person.
"I'm there supporting my people, that's what counts. Meeting you here is just a bonus. I was wondering what Tsunade was like, since I had no recollection of her but was known for sharing a past with that woman. It surprised me that you wouldn't care to watch the finals where Leaf ninja display their skills to the best of abilities, and would rather meet with a clone of an old friend and foe." He paused, choosing next words. "Now though, I think you couldn't be any other way."
"Why would I go watch some brats break their bones? If they want to kill themselves, fine. If they want to win then that's fine as well. They're not my children, duty, nor students. I have enough of seeing their ugly faces when they turn up at the hospital. Watching them deliberately bleed on that cursed sand arena is not my idea of passing time." Tsunade explained and refilled her cup. She missed a smile on Hakujin's face.
An explosion went off in a distance.
"It's the sense of our lives. I don't think your Kage likes the direction in which you're thinking. How do you get along?"
Tsunade's brows shot up. "Why would you ask about that brat you never respected? I'd rather expect you to be ineterested in how Jiraiya's doing."
Hakujin raised one brow in turn. He stayed quiet.
She shrugged. "We have a deal. Nothing special. I came back to work at the hospital and train several skilled medics of new generation. He lets me drink in turn." She smirked. "And make debts."
"You're so not serious." Hakujin muttered in disbelief. Several other explosions were heard outside, far away from their seclude location.
"I had enough of being serious for the first half of my life." Her tone was a bit bitter, bit sad, but her eyes showed that a lot of weight already went away, and maybe this part of her life was also getting to a close, for the start of another. From what he learned of her life story, it was full of unfulfilled dreams for a family, and full of trips in search of losing one's self. He felt sorry for her, and could see a strong woman in front of him, that chose to be weak. No one gave her a right motivation for living yet.
"And Jiraiya?" He casually asked, feeling the name roll off his tongue in a familiar way, but not ringing any bells whatsoever.
"A World famous pervert as ever. Still pretending to be a goofy, easygoing magnet for women. Now he's just a tired, wary old man. I think in a couple of years he will replace Shimura Danzo. You know, the vacancy of a well wishing villain uncle cannot stay empty." She sounded both serious and amused, to which Hakujin found himself chuckling. Amusement was contagious, even when he wondered what kind of traits Shimura Danzo shared with Senju Jiraiya. The possibilities that appeared in his mind were still hilarious.
"Well then, I hope I do not have to personally meet him. Especially if he's turning into a villain."
Tsunade guffawed and it scared all people present just a little. "He will not forgive me for having a sitting with you like this!"
Hakujin felt surprised, both of dark brows raised. "He's not supposed to be mad at you for something like this."
She guffawed harder, her boobs merrily dancing with each move of her diaphragm. "For not making it possible for him to join in!" She clarified.
Hakujin 'sweat dropped'.
"Tsunade-sama!" A shinobi exclaimed barging in and startling a pair behind the Sound leader.
Tsunade wiped the tear off her face, she laughed so hard, and turned to look at intruder. "What is it, ...Genma?"
The jounin was kneeling beside her, distressed. "Shirushi-san, Naruto, is about to be abducted, I believe." His tone was brisk.
Suddenly' she rose from the chair, it fell with a bang. "Then why didn't you go to Minato! Why did you leave him!?" She appeared angered.
"I cannot Tsunade-sama!" He was quick to reply and bowed, forhead touching the ground. "I...!" He took several breaths.
"Genma?" She looked confused and suspicious as she watched him. Her gaze piercing, sober.
"I am already dead, Tsunade-sama. ...Please relay to Raido that he is not to follow in my footsteps for the next fifty years. And Tsunade-sama," he paused at finally looked up at her. His eyes resigned, despite the strength in his voice. "the boy has the stone."
Next in his place was a puff of smoke.
Silence reigned in the room.
"That blonde guy from yesterday? So he's from Konoha after all." Karin spoke aloud, humming in thought.
"Blond?" Haku prompted, interested.
Tsunade turned to shinobi that came with her and ordered him to follow her. They left without saying another word. Hakujin stared after them.
"Yuusen made a friend, a weird, blond, long haired guy that has some fishy business here in Sand. I kinda thought we have met him before." Karin replied.
"We?" Haku asked surprised.
"While traveling or something. But I can't recall."
Hakujin turned to Karin as well. "You feel like you should remember, but you don't?" He had a feeling that they all met the boy before.
"Hakujin-sama?" The girl woke from her reverie, seeing that their leader had a look of revelation.
"Akatsuki!" The man breathed out, surprised.
Haku started, understanding something with that name and then ran out, after the Slug Princess.
"Then these explosions outside are not coming from exam arena..?" The girl asked a bit puzzled.
"Karin you shall go to our headquarters and warn everyone not to get involved in whatever skirmishes happen in this village. This is not our war."
She blinked and looked at the door where the rest of people from the meeting disappeared. "What about Haku?"
"I will bring him shortly."
She listened.
When she was out of sight, his expression tightened and hardened. He didn't want to get involved and didn't even remember what sort of past he shared with the blond. And he didn't know what Haku knew of him either. Only that his previous master Momochi Zabuza was killed by Akatsuki member. it also looked like Karin met him in the past. Either at Orochimaru's laboratories, or some place else, which after her memories were wiped away in a way similar to one Orochimaru lost his and became Hakujin. Though his loss was far more thorough. He didn't regret it though. Actually, he felt he had to thank Akatsuki for doing him that favour.
Minato's exitence fasinated him since the beinning. Orphan ninja that had unconfirmed Iwa origins took all exams by storm, brought with him a row of waves that changed the standard of ranking in shinobi world, and showed that one man can still be an army and legends were not dead. Young, bold and ambitious, he left his rivals behind and despite Minato having enemies among older ninja and noble clans, it was him the Third chose to be his successor.
Madara kept an eye trained on his movements from time to time, curious about the future the man is sure to bring.
he even expected them to trade blows at some point.
He didn't expect them to fight over Shirushi.
It still puzzled him that he never made connection between the blonds.
Staring the Yondaime down now excited him. He would prove that Namikaze was way too young to measure up to true legends. That the brat needed another century of training before he could inflict any damage.
The staring contest became too boring soon, and the blond was the first to act. He did not waste time for spectacular ninjutsu because he knew that what truly killed was sharp edge and speed of movement. the blades of wind and metal cut air in blur as the man went on offensive. Just to humor him, Madara avaided the contact skillfully in a way that proved he predicted Minato's movements. Unrelenting, the Hokage quickly noticed that he needed to change tactics, so he did, and utilized his legendary orb techniques. Rasengan and its variations didn't even nick the nimble body of Uchiha as he danced around the ferosity of Minato's attacks.
He flowed around the area until he found a good spot on the roof of the building that gave the best view of the fight. His ability to blend in and seem invisible made it so people that passed by or chose to monitor the area as well, ignored him. After a moment's thought, he bit his thumb and smeared blood on his arm down to wrist. A tattoo appeared a glowed. A couple of hand seals later, and a small puff of smoke, a medium sized red fox made appearance. Migarui quickly made several circles around Shirushi, tail wiggling joyously.
"What do I get to do? Spying mission? Hunt? Or diversion?"
The blond smiled seeing genuine excitement in his summon. "This time a delivery assignment. Very important one." He reached into the inner pocket of his cloak and took out a normal looking scroll. He gave it to the fox and watched the summon tie it to a leather belt that went around its middle and shoulder. "You remember who's it for, right?"
Migarui sat and nodded seriously. Shirushi petted his head. "If you get into trouble then forget the mission and go back home. This can't get into anyone else's hands. Undestand?"
The fox nodded again.
"Go."
The summon disappeared.
Shirushi went back to observing the battle. It escalated now and he noted that Madara's fire manipulation singed the Hokage some. The surrounding buildings still in flames. The diameter was so large it made the boy wonder how the man escaped more damage. On the other hand, it was also visible that only speed saved Madara from being turned into mince, the way several places had glaring holes and rubble spread around. Both of them upped the level of difficulty, so to speak. It looked to be the reason the circle of spectators widened; they wanted to escape mutilation.
Surprisingly, out of nowhere, Minato's effort was joined by a blonde woman, whom Shirushi quickly recognized to be Senju Tsunade. Without question, she used her unbelievable strength to thwart Madara's attempts at getting close. It still baffled Shirushi that such an old lady could give a man so much trouble. Her true age, hidden beneath elaborate illusion and the way she intruded Namikaze's life made him believe the rumours about her being Minato's mother. Even now she went to his aid without question. It showed great deal of faith and trust between them. If he didn't know better, he'd fear having relation to Senju family. He already feared Tsunade's fist. That was enough for now, he thought and made a face. The woman brought earthquake to Sand village.
Shirushi also caught sight of another arrival, one he didn't anticipate.
The teen still looked like a girl, if a bit older. He stepped on the roof on the opposite side of the street, clearly looking for something. His big eyes stopped on Minato for a minute, then dismissed him, and continued to survey the surroundings. He changed, from what Shiru observed. His guard came up, something soft inside of him became smaller. That pure feeling he gave off when Shiru considered him the enemy, a feeling which changed that opinion, was now gone. A trace of it, like fragrance, was present still, but not as grand as a previous thing. It made him wonder. He kind of expected that it will come to that. All men sin. All give in to temptation. All have good and bad days, we all learn to love and hate. One can't avoid the touch of evil forever. So that little piece of something clear and sacred had gone. A pity.
Shiru frowned. He wanted to believe. He used to, anyway. At crossroads, it didn't matter all that much when your head is full of other priorities. He mused and observed the teen. He turned around and Shirushi saw someone come up behind him. The sight made him giddy. The blond grinned widely, the frown gone for now. Excitement the kind of he thought he will not feel again filled him and thoughts from years ago invaded his mind and brought forth something he lost on the way to grow from a student into his own person.
Haku turned around to see Hakujin stand behind him. They silently appraised each other. "I won't leave, won't hide until I have some answers."
The older man knew there was no point in arguing so he nodded. "Let us get them, then."
Haku seemed puzzled at this. His forehead creased but before he could ask, the man tipped his head toward something. The teen turned back to the edge of the roof.
Someone sat on the railing, smiling widely at them. It was a beautiful boy. His eyes shone. The sun reflected off his lustrous, yellow hair. His bright, purple orbs spoke of happiness, small and flickering, but happiness nonetheless. It was amazing that seeing him like this, Haku could not compare him to the monster he met years ago. One that had madness in every step he made. Every comment. Every drop of blood on his face and hands. This boy was just a... Whoever he was, he wasn't that person, whose name he didn't even know.
"I couldn't have set this up better than it came to be." The boy admitted, and closed his eyes as the grin he sported took half of his face.
"And I should have known that all things inexplainable come from the darkest part of my past. Akatsuki, isn't it?" Hakujin asked evenly, though a tremor went out from deep within him, accompanied by fear.
Haku made a step back, to stand closer to the man.
Shirushi watched them and felt a wave of peace come over him. "It's so wonderful to see you two together. Beside each other. Complete opposites that I helped create. Isn't it fitting? Haku and Hakujin! Like soul brothers!" He exclaimed and spread his arms.
The pair exchanged glances.
An earthquake reminded them that a battle went on on the ground turned sandbox below them.
"What do you mean?" Sound leader spoke suspiciously gears started to move in his head faster than beore. The boy just smiled and appraised the pair.
Haku shook his head and quietly spoke. "I... I want this game of yours to be over."
Hearing this, the Sound leader narrowed his eyes.
The wide smile slid off the boy's face. He became serious. The glint of madness returned. Haku blanched at appearance of that person. As if an evil twin took place of the boy that sat before them a moment ago. Revealed himself.
Haku changed his posture at that, feeling danger. A needle found its place in his hand, he prepared his chakra reserves and started paying attention to every little shift the boy made.
"How can it be over if there's no winner yet?" the blond asked
"I see that we served a certain purpose for your amusement." This came from Hakujin, who still waited for his answers.
The blond relaxed on his improvised throne, remembering how his father had this quirk about being a king no matter the circumstances. it felt fitting since he had the knowledge these two were after, even if he didn't plan to share all that much, he could still make it enjoyable on his side of things.
"I believe that both of you benefitted from this form of entertainment." Shiru replied, and inspected his nails playfully.
Haku shook, full of anger at those words. "You killed my master Zabuza! he was a good man! How can you speak of this like it was some entertainment!?"
"I can kill you." The blond replied evenly and looked up.
this left the teen speechless.
"We are not killing each other, I want this to be clear." Hakujin stepped forward in front of his subordinate.
"You became such a noble, Hebi-san." Shiru commented aloud, and he truly believed that. Since losing memories of his life as a mad scientist, the man took a differet route and stood on the opposite side of evil, going so far as to fixing the mistakes of his past. At the same time, Haku who lost the meaning of life had regular visits of spying foxes who gave sound advice about moving forward. It worked, in the end, and somehow led the teen to Rice, to a new village and a new Orochimaru. The man became a new master, a replacement of Momochi to give orders and guide Haku when he had no direction. It worked but not quite. Hardened the ice user, yes. But also made him less naive and less open to the world at large. Made dark thoughts and shadows dance in his mind and soul, turned him into your usual person that followed their own or someone else's goals without second thought. It wasn't a bad thing and soon Haku would become independent. All of this proved Shirushi's point and theory. Orochimaru lost his memories and with that everything that defined him; as a result, Hakujin was born, a gifted man that upon awakening was faced with kindness, and with kindness his story is to be retold. Haku was a weak person that needed to become strong, and so he did, at the cost of something he probably didn't know he had.
"It suits you." Shiru continued, admiring the result of his work.
"Thank you, for whatever involvement you had in that change." The man answered earnestly after a pause. "Though it looks like my case was vastly different from Haku's. I actually needed to be changed, or killed on the spot." Hakujin gently placed his hand on his subordinate's shoulder. "He had a good man looking after him."
"Doesn't matter to me. Neither of the things I did were from the kindness of my heart or out of spite." The blond waved him off.
Hakujin looked puzzled. "Then..."
"Time's up. Gotta go. Be sure to do something funny. I will be keeping an eye on you." The boy spoke quickly and stood. He was quite suddenly pushed from behind, grabbed in a tight hold, courtesy of Tsunade.
"There you are!"
"Old hag, you wanted something?" The boy asked with a smirk. He payed no attention to amount of force she used in the hold though it should have broken a rib or two by the look of it.
"I think you took something that's mine." Her expression was furious.
The boy closed his eyes and gave her a grin. "Then I suggest you go and try to find it." he exploded in her arms without warning, making Tsunade fall off the building with a scream. The blast was strong enough to push the white pair off their feet. They recovered quickly but the smoke covered the roof area blocking their sight of anything in vicinity.
Minato watched the appearance dissolve into unknown individual and looked like he expected it. He ignored all destruction that surrounded him and his fallen foe, and disappeared into the void instead. Many paths and possible destinations led him onto the the roof of the other part of Sand village, that had yet to see the fight on the Kage level. Madara waited for him there, patiently, not upset about Minato finding him there. so soon.
"I'm glad you like my company so much. It would be such a pity if we were to part our ways before all matters are settled, and all words are said." The masked man voiced in geniuine tone.
Minato stayed silent, opting to give divided attention to the pair of Madara's that jumped onto the roof, literally out of nowhere. He was very interested in the technique applied in here, and information Itachi gave on it before explained very little. These clones did not bother him, though. As long as he was capable of fighting, and as long as Naruto was safe, nothing Madara threw at him was going to bother him. And he knew that Naruto was at headquarters with Itachi, he saw it through connection in the void that led to young man whom he trusted wholeheartedly. The boy was unconscious but he was away from danger at the moment, and it counted the most. He felt a pang at the loss of Genma, clouding his mind for just a moment. But resolve filled him all the more, and he stood determined to win. "I see no need to talk to a dead man."
Two miles away from the Sand village Shirushi jerked and blinked. He still felt Tsunade's arms around him, a last embrace of Konoha, in his mind. It was over, at last. He looked around. He stood beside the sitting form of Madara who focused on using Shoten no jutsu. The vast area of a desert surrounded them, and clear blue sky along with a glaring sun beat down on them. Other than that, they were alone in that expanse. Shirushi had a bit of time left for his thoughts, uninterrupted, while waiting. He looked at the horizon and wondered about the Uzu family, and Senju. About how Uzumaki ceased to exist and how Senju survived the taint of the demon, while Uchiha were cursed into bearing the worst of it. He fingered the stone in his pocket and wondered, not for a first time, why did Rikudo master give this crystal to the weaker of the brothers and not the one that uncontrolled could bring more harm. Or did he? How did it wind up in the hands of Hashirama? Why did Uchiha not fight for it? Or was it one of the reasons they never got along?