The Art of Being Used
DISCLAIMER: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended and no funds have been acquired for this work. This is an adult themed story and may contain some of the following: violence, swearing, and strong sexual, and/or adult situations.
SUMMARY: Kabuto Yakushi was comfortable being used. However, what's a spy to do when he finds himself longing to be more than a tool to Orochimaru: a master he knows he must betray?
Chapter Twenty: Deadly Innocence
The river flowed smoothly, its surface a makeshift mirror. Reflected on the watery surface were two silver haired people. They were dressed as shinobi and their resemblance to each other was nothing short of eerie. Their faces were serious, drawn tight, and it was clear to anyone who happened to be looking by that they were conversing about matters of import.
"Jashin-sama gave us life, he protected us, showed us the true path to righteousness. When the darkness came, Jashin-sama sacrificed his life for his children, but before being imprisoned, he passed on the sacred secrets to the monks. It contains all our jutsu, rituals, and information on our clan and our wondrous healing powers."
"What darkness?"
"Jashin-sama favored the Yamamoto clan. He gave the gift of healing to a select few of us, extended the life span of all of us, and he led us personally in matters of finance and commerce. We built marvelous wonders in homage to him; our children were superbly educated in both the civilian and ninja arts, our cities were glorious, rising up to the sky and beautiful to behold. We ruled over all the other countries both monetarily and in military might."
"What happened?"
"It is said that Jashin-sama favored us too much. The other nations looked to us and were not only frightened but also envious. They conspired against us and fell upon us as a swarm. Yet, we overcame them and held the dark armies at bay with Jashin-sama as the head of our army. However, in his infinite kindness, he accepted refugees, only asking that they swear their loyalty to him and serve him and the Yamamoto clan to work off their debt. They betrayed us. The armies gathered their full forces and fell upon us at our weakest, the refugees that we had shown mercy to picked up arms against us, and in an effort to save the clan, Jashin-sama sacrificed himself and charged at the combined might of our enemies, allowing some of us to escape."
"Those that escaped pledged everlasting allegiance to Jashin-sama and swore to get our revenge on the infidels and release Jashin-sama from his prison."
"I've never heard of Jashin, or the Yamamoto clan, in any of the Leaf history books."
"It's Jashin-sama, Kabuto. It is no wonder you haven't heard this tale before. This was many years before the Leaf Village was even founded. The victors write history and it seemed that we had lost and our name and that of Jashin-sama's were forgotten. Nevertheless, we did not forget and we have our own history books. We bided our time and served Jashin-sama privately, behind closed doors. We raised our children to do the same and slowly but surely our numbers grew again."
"If you trying to rebuild the clan to what it once was then why do you sacrifice so many on the altars."
"Jashin-sama gave up the peace and light of the beyond to be reborn among men just so that he could show us the path of true righteousness. This life, this mortal existence is a prison. It is not who we truly are. Those of us here in the mortal realm were cast out of the beyond and it is only by living our lives by the law he set forth that we are able to repent of all our sins and allowed entry back into the beyond."
"To be sacrificed to Jashin-sama is a holy rite, a blessing. When you die on the altar of Jashin-sama, in his service, you pass from this life, with all its troubles, to the beyond, where peace reigns. The sacrifices were observed when the Yamamoto clan was in power and they are observed today. Upon the altar, you are cleansed of all your sins, your heart is made pure, and at the moment of your death you are granted entry to the beyond. Death is not something to be frightened of and not to observe the sacrifice deprives people of their chance at real peace."
Kabuto looked skeptical. Kasa merely smiled at him. "I know you do not understand, not yet. But you will Kabuto. However, seeing as we are needed right now on the earthly plane in order to free Jashin-sama from his prison, the amount of sacrifices is kept low; usually only one person a year. However, you may still reach the beyond if you die in battle on behalf of Jashin-sama."
"And how does all of this tie in together with Akatsuki?"
"The alliance with the Akatsuki is needed to free Jashin-sama. Once that is accomplished, we will no longer have any need for them. You will cut your ties to them and the Sannin and rejoin your family, as it should be."
Kabuto opened his mouth, questions on the tip of his tongue. Kasa silenced him with her finger.
"I know you have more questions Kabuto. But, for now, this is all I can tell you. Trust me. Follow our plan and everything will be all right. Can you do that Kabuto?"
Kabuto smiled. "For you Kasa I can do anything."
It was warm at first. The first tendrils of shadow wrapped around his body as he fell. The connection was almost joyful. Kabuto wondered why he was so afraid to fall and then he had his answer. The tendrils coiled around him, winding tighter, and soon the touch was more than warm. It was burning, boiling, acid fire, eating through him, dissolving flesh where it touched.
The entire mass rose to meet him, engulfing his body. Kabuto screamed as he burned from the inside out, his body engulfed in black hatred that knew no bounds. His conversation with his twin, hissister, came rushing back to him, tinted in darkness. Kabuto had never wanted another person dead so much and yet the thought of her death made breathing unbearable.
Inky black recoiled and surged anew, burning away at his feelings for her, and in her place showed him pale smooth skin, masses of ebony hair, and purple framed golden eyes that were alight with desire.
Gasping, Kabuto jerked awake, eyes darting around the cold sterile lab for any signs of danger before his muscles relaxed. Shaking, he clambered to his feet. His dark eyes caught sight of a single chair and lust swept through his veins. He remembered. He remembered how Orochimaru had touched him, kissed him, degraded him, and brought him to climax in a lab very similar to this one. Shuddering, Kabuto leaned against a wall for support.
He remembered the white-hot jealousy that had briefly overcome his good sense. Remembered the vicious caning that was his punishment, the harsh words his master had spoken, and the salty taste of Orochimaru's spent desire on his face.
Emotions raged as Kasa's influence fell to the onslaught of his real desires. Pushing away from the wall Kabuto stumbled out of the lab and made his way blindly to the shabby waterlogged room that was his. He fell into his hammock senseless, his dreams overtaken by visions of nights spent in pleasure.
The room was dank, smelled of mold, and years of unwashed grime. Threadbare covers draped listlessly over an ancient mattress in the middle of the room, its middle sagging, and the metal frame near to buckling. Lights flickered on and off in, doing little to illuminate the shabby interior of the hotel room.
Kabuto nodded eagerly. "Don't worry. I've taken care of everything. I'll be back in his good graces soon and then we can make him pay for what he's done."
The room's other occupant shifted a little uneasily. "Our orders are not to do anything except gather information."
Kabuto appeared angry for a moment and then his features smoothed out. He looked down, contrite. "Hai, hai. Forgive me, it's just that..., but you're right. We're only to gather information. I know. I let my temper get the better of me. Forgive me."
The other nin exhaled relief evident in his voice. "That's alright, I understand. You want to go home. I miss Leaf myself."
Kabuto nodded. "I can't imagine what my family must think of me...to be declared a missing nin…," his voice was strained. Abruptly, he shook his head, hardening his eyes. "But this is important and all shinobi have to make sacrifices. Jiraiya-sama entrusted this mission to me and I will do my duty!"
The other man smiled, completely at ease. 'Don't worry. I'll watch out for you. This spying business can be tough. Can't always be sure of who trust."
Kabuto relaxed and heaved a sigh. "Thank you, sempai. I think I got in a little over my head with this one. But, it's not every day one the Sannin ask for your help."
The other man laughed. "Almost tripped over your own feet you were so eager to say yes, huh?"
Kabuto shrugged ruefully. "I don't usually go on hard missions. A few B's, but mostly C and D rank missions. I wanted to prove that I'm capable of more. Stupid, I know…"
"Don't sweat it," He's just a kid, the other nin thought. "Everyone wants to prove they're useful. Just stick by me."
Kabuto smiled sheepishly and nervously adjusted his glasses. "Hai, sempai…but I guess I should call you taichou though?"
The man seemed to inflate a little and waved his hand nonchalantly. "No, no. Can't have you doing that. It might make someone suspicious. Sempai will do fine."
Kabuto nodded. "Hai, sempai."
The man nodded, pleased. "Well. Then. Let's get going. Gotta get this latest news to Leaf."
The two men left. Only one of them came back to the room, sighing at the lackluster furnishings. 'Well, at least it's better than my own quarters,' Kabuto noted. He pulled out his pack and began cleaning his instruments, humming under his breath. One spy down, two to go.
Orochimaru stared at the dead Sound nin at his feet. "Is there any particular reason there is a Sound nin bleeding all over my floors?"
Kabuto smirked, adjusted his glasses, and bowed his head. "I have only done what you asked me to do, Orochimaru-sama. You wanted the Akatsuki spy and here he is."
Surprise flickered in the Sannin's eyes briefly. Next to him, Jin cleared his throat. Around them was the hushed murmur of the Sound nin on duty that day.
Kabuto retained his smirk, kneeling on the floor of the mission room in the Sound Village. He scrutinized the reactions of his fellow shinobi, pleased with himself.
The mission room was full, numerous nin and others milling about. Exactly as Kabuto wanted it. The medic peered at the man standing in the middle of the room. Orochimaru was only one of many in the room that day but his presence drew Kabuto's eye unerringly.
"It is rather hard interrogating a dead man."
Kabuto rose from his subservient position without permission and the hushed murmurs grew at his audacity. "I've already interrogated him and based on the information I was able to –extract- from him, I sent a three man team to his village. I hope you don't mind Orochimaru-sama."
Jin backed up, coughing to cover his astonishment, and slowly made his way to the opposite side of the room. What was Kabuto thinking?
Orochimaru continued staring down at the dead nin. He finally shifted his gaze to Kabuto. A smirking, insolent, and audacious Kabuto who under direct orders was not even allowed into the Hidden Village since his demotion. For him to deliberately and publicly disobey that order, interrogate and kill Sasori's spy on his own, and order a squad out on a mission was…perfect.
News of this would travel fast throughout Sound and further. Satisfaction welled up. Orochimaru caught a glint of obsidian behind those glasses and his blood quickened. He knew that look.
"You appear to be rather sure of." Orochimaru mused. "Well, perhaps we can put your talents to better use. Jin, what current missions do we have planned that could use someone of his qualifications?"
Jin nervously switched his gaze back and forth between the two men. "I…there are…,"
"Is not our newest gennin team leaving on D-ranked mission?"
"Hai, Otokage-sama…but…,"
"Sounds like the perfect mission," Orochimaru interrupted.
Jin eyed the two men warily and swallowed. Kabuto's smirk and insolent air was gone and now he looked positively furious.
The Sannin raised a brow, his voice saccharine sweet. "Report to the mission desk and pick up your orders. Hurry, though. Your fellow gennin left about an hour ago. You would not want to miss out on the action would you?"
Kabuto continued stuffing his travel pack and ignored the man behind him.
"Sasori informed me that Yakushi Kabuto is one of his best spies. Clever, quick on his feet, and insightful. This leads me to believe Sasori is obviously going senile. What did you hope to gain from that spectacle you put on?"
Kabuto hefted his kunai, the weight reassuring in his palm, and threw his pack over his shoulder. He looked around the drab quarters, knowing it would be the last time he ever saw them. The room was dark, he hadn't lit any candles, the floors were cracked and damp, and an unraveling hammock was the only piece of furniture in the room.
He gestured to the door, "You're in my way."
The man smiled, teeth flashing white in the gloom. "Feisty. You know Sasori forgot to mention how…attractive you are. But, then again, I should have assumed as much. Orochimaru did take you on as his lover, albeit briefly. It's a well-known fact the Snake Sannin prefers his companions to be aesthetically pleasing."
Kabuto remained quiet, taking in the other man's appearance. He was just under Kabuto's own height, brown hair curling above the collar of a rumpled overall. Strong calloused palms clutched the handle of a broom and keen hazel eyes peered at him.
The man smiled and ran a hand over the stubble on his jaw. "So, do you have a Plan B? Because I don't think your Plan A went over so well with your paramour."
"I can handle Orochimaru."
"You think so? I don't."
"I don't recall seeing you there."
The man shrugged. "No one ever notices the grunts."
"But you're more than just a grunt who picks up the odd tip here and there."
He shrugged again. Kabuto watched him warily. So this was Sasori's main source of information. The disguise was good, the medic conceded grudgingly. Even he had not noticed the man in the mission room.
More importantly, however, was that the Akatsuki spy didn't seem the least bit concerned about revealing himself. Which indicated that the man wasn't afraid of confronting a jounin level nin.
"You have ninjutsu training. You don't use any titles when speaking of Sasori-sama and you mentioned that he pays you. It's quite simple to figure out you're not a subordinate of Sasori. A missing nin turned mercenary?"
The man's teeth flashed in a quick grin as he gave another shrug. "Who can say?"
"Do you have a name?"
"Perhaps." The man's hazel eyes leisurely made their way down Kabuto's body. "What would you give me for it? Money usually works for me, but I am open to other options."
Kabuto returned the smile, his lips thin and tight. "I'm sorry, but I don't fuck grunts."
Genuine laughter pealed from the man. "Prefer the aristocratic types, eh? Well, to each his own, although, I think fucking the grunts as you so eloquently put it would be safer for your health than dallying with one of the Sannin."
The laughter died down and the man grew somber. "I would have never imagined the double agent was you. Perhaps Sasori was right about you. Still, ever since you began supplying the Sand nin with the information he wants, for free I might add, my income has gone down quite a bit. You're bad for business Yakushi Kabuto."
The stocky man shrugged again, giving an exaggerated sigh. "Still, killing you outright might seem a tad suspicious, especially seeing as how he just recently informed me of your role. What to do, what to do?"
The spy cocked his head, intent hazel eyes locked onto Kabuto. He had a square strong jaw, firm lips, and the faintest of scars across one cheek. "Well, at any rate, since your demotion business has picked up a bit, but it's not what it used to be. I have no doubts that once you manage to ingratiate yourself back in Orochimaru's good graces you'll become Sasori's number one source, you being a loyal little pawn and all. Oh, he'll keep me around for the small stuff, and maybe I'll even pick up a profitable tip or two. Like I said, you're bad for business. What would you suggest I do?"
Kabuto pushed his glasses up, adjusting his stance subtly, the kunai held ready. "Are you threatening me?"
Hazel eyes grew large in mock astonishment. "Whatever gave you that idea? However, I've grown accustomed to a certain lifestyle and it's hard to upkeep when I no longer have the money. I don't give two shits about Sasori and his little band of criminals or even Otogakure or the Sannin Orochimaru. I really don't take sides. I'd just as soon as betray one for the other as long as the price is right and worth the risk."
"You, however, I have pegged as the loyal type. You went through an awful lot of trouble to become second-in-command here in Sound and as soon as you were able, you immediately began spying for Sasori and the Akatsuki. It would be difficult to continue your mission if Orochimaru ever found out who you really work for."
Kabuto didn't have to fake his look of shock. His eyes narrowed. "You have no proof."
The man laughed again, the sound beginning to grate on Kabuto's nerves. "Really? Are you willing to bet your life on that? Your mission?"
Kabuto lowered the kunai a fraction. "What do you want?"
"Not much really. It seems that Sasori wants any nugget of intel on that Uchiha brat. I imagine once you're back into Orochimaru's good graces, you'll have plenty of information on Sasuke. Information you'll send to me, not Sasori."
"What makes you think I'll go along with your scheme?"
His voice turned cold. "I've been supplying Sasori for years and like I said I don't really need you. I can do that myself and arrange it so that Orochimaru finds out who you really work for."
"Then why haven't you already?"
"Well, I don't want Sasori getting suspicious of me if his little spy were to die right after I find out about him. Still, I could arrange for you to have an "accident" and no one would be the wiser, even Sasori. But, mainly, it's for the money. See, once you wriggle your pretty body back into Orochimaru's arms, you'll have access to all kinds of information. Hell, you probably know half of Otogakure's secrets now being the former second in command. That information is worth a fortune and not just to the Akatsuki. There are plenty of other people interested in the Snake Sannin."
The man smiled. "You become one of my sources and feed me what I want to know and I won't tell our legendary Kage about your secret life. I'll even give you a small percentage of the profits."
"I could just kill you now and tell Sasori-sama why."
"I wouldn't be much of a professional if I hadn't thought of that angle. I've taken precautions. If anything happens to me, such as my death, your secret will be leaked to Orochimaru within minutes. If either Orochimaru or Sasori find out I'm double-crossing them your secret will still be leaked and I'll make sure you die with me."
"You haven't left me much of a choice."
The other man laughed once more. "Oh, don't sound so put out. Think of the money! That always cheers me up."
He picked up his broom and shot Kabuto a parting grin. "You better hurry or you'll miss catching up to your teammates."
Kabuto had the gennin team eating out of his hand, their jounin leader included. The hero worship on the gennins' part and the respect accorded to him from the jounin was refreshing and flattering. It mollified his bruised ego, especially after that deliberately humiliating charade the Sannin had enacted. The man was a royal bastard.
Landing lightly on his feet, he signaled the other three silently and cautiously checked their surroundings. A simple escort mission that he could do with his eyes closed. The leaves rustled in the wind and Kabuto squinted to reduce the sun's glare. He had always enjoyed watching Orochimaru playing with his prey, toying with them, humiliating them, and breaking their spirits. Now that he was the one being toyed with, Kabuto found he didn't hold quite the same appreciation for it.
Briefly glancing over his shoulder, he took in the gennin behind him. His new 'teammates' as Orochimaru has so tauntingly put it. A quiet but steely kunoichi, which he was extremely grateful for, was leading the other two. Jataya in many ways reminded him of Tatsuki-chan and Kurenai-sensei. The other two gennin were just as good; Chang was more outspoken and friendly but had steel trap of a mind and while Quintel was exceptionally more aggressive than the other two he was actually a damn good tactician.
Kabuto moved his head marginally, silently acknowledging the other man landing next to him. The man wore the standard jounin uniform, the camouflage colors blending into their surroundings. "We have trouble sempai!"
"Technically, you're my superior. What kind?"
The man waved Kabuto's protest off. "Everyone knows it's only a matter of time before Orochimaru-sama reinstates you as his right arm and you're back to being my leader. I found a body after scouting on ahead. He isn't one of our nin, but he appears to be from Sound, and there's evidence of a ninjutsu battle."
Kabuto shifted and signaled for the gennin behind him to hold their position. "Show me."
The two nin teleported to a small grassy knoll. It was balmy, the wind lightly tugging at their clothes and all seemed peaceful. However, lying face down with numerous kunai embedded in his back was Sound nin. Kabuto's muscles tensed, his thoughts racing. Crouching down, he examined the man closely. Teeth gritting, Kabuto exhaled softly and stretched his senses outward. Straining, Kabuto leaned forward, muscles quivering.
A kunai appeared in his hand. "This is one of the nin we dispatched to help protect the daiymo. Tell the gennin to keep their charges quiet and then follow me. Be quiet and use no chakra."
The jounin nodded. Kabuto rose from his crouch into a sprint, the wind coursing along his body. Adrenaline pumped and his fight or flight instincts clamored. His companion joined him a few minutes later, the two nin rapidly closing the distance between themselves and their target.
"Kill everyone, don't hold back. We can't afford to take prisoners, not even for interrogation. There's no telling if or when they might have backup coming. Rescuing the daimyo takes priority. If he dies…"
"I know sempai. Orochimaru-sama is not the most forgiving of men. How do we sneak up on them? They have two nin hounds with them and they'll catch our scent soon. Even if we manage to surprise them, there's too many surrounding him."
The thrill of battle shivered its way through Kabuto's system. He smiled, the expression taking the other jounin aback. "Don't worry, I have a foolproof plan."
The daiymo was terrified. He could not run for help, could not even try to escape. He had watched the men holding him captive ruthlessly slaughter his family and he had no doubts it would be his turn next. For the first time since the day he had lost his legs he prayed that the two serpents Orochimaru had left to watch over him found him quickly. Death by them would be preferable to being forced to hand over his country to a rival clan. Not that he had anyone left to inherit his title, his mind replaying the slaughter of his family over and over.
An explosion shook the earth, the men guarding him pulling him out of his chair. Everything blurred and the daiymo gasped for air as a pair of strong arms wrapped around his waist, struggling to understand the suddenly shifting terrain.
His eyes watered and his skin felt as if it was burning. They were moving so fast! He opened his mouth to scream when the world stopped moving abruptly. The arms loosened their grip and he fell to the ground, his stomach protesting, and heaved.
He wiped his mouth shakily, eyes still bleary, and peered out at the battle unfolding. A single Sound nin stood guard over him and a flash of silver streaked by his captors, spraying blood as it passed.
The carnage was over in minutes. The daiymo had never seen anyone who could move that fast. He had heard the stories about Konoha's Yellow Flash, but even the tales he heard could not match the speed and ferocity of the silver streak his blurred eyes managed to glimpse. Another tremor racked his body and he gagged, dizzy and off balance.
Nausea overcame him again and he bent forward. A hand touched his back, soothing him, as he came up for air. Dark eyes peered at him from behind thick glasses. The man's hand glowed and he passed it over his stomach, offering him a reassuring smile.
His stomach quieted immediately. A medic then. The medic had silver grey hair pulled back into a low ponytail, large glasses giving his already boyish face an innocent air. However, there was a steely strength behind his touch, a wariness to his stance, and something glinting in his eyes that warned him that this was no innocent boy.
"I apologize. The human body isn't used to moving so quickly. Unfortunately, it was the only way to retrieve you without you coming to harm. Don't worry though. Your stomach will settle and your equilibrium should go back to normal soon. In the meantime, just hold onto me if you feel off balance."
The daiymo nodded, focusing on the purple outfit the man wore. "You're a medic then?" It had to be him; no one else in Sound wore such attire. Only the former Sound Five and Orochimaru's right hand man were allowed different uniforms.
"Hai. My name is Yakushi Kabuto and this is my associate. We were on an escort mission when we came across your dead guard. I'm glad we were able to get to you in time."
The other jounin spoke up, his voice wry. "And those three sneaking over there is my gennin team. Get over here, all three of you!"
The daiymo watched a trio of three teens come reluctantly out of hiding.
"Where are the men you're supposed to be escorting?"
The female spoke up. "We used an earth jutsu to bury them. But only temporarily. We thought you might need help."
The jounin shook his head, muttering under his breath. "Not only did you disobey direct orders but you also left your charges in danger. I'm disappointed in you three."
"We should get moving, they may have back-up," The medic interjected.
His subordinate nodded in agreement and then gestured to the daiymo. "Is he well enough to move yet," he asked.
The medic peered at him closely. "Yes, he can fully recuperate after we've gotten him to safety. We're not far from Sound. Let's head back there. The businessmen will have to postpone their trip. You lead the gennin ahead and scout. I'll watch over him and if anything happens, get him out of here."
The medic wrapped an arm his body, placing one of his arms around his shoulders. "Lean on me, and if we have to make a break for it, hold onto to me tightly."
The daiymo nodded and leaned into the medic. "You were the silver blur."
One of the gennin, a boy, spoke up. "You should have seen him!"
"That's enough Quintel! We have a job to do, and it must be done quietly or else we run the risk of being found! The three of you, weapons ready, and let's get the men you buried."
The brown haired jounin turned to the medic. "We'll all be scouting and watching for any danger."
The medic nodded. "I'll stay behind you about a half mile in case of trouble. If something happens, I'll take him back. Dump the men and get the gennin back to the Village safely."
"Hai, sempai. Be careful."
At that, the medic grinned. "I should be telling you that. I'm not the one scouting with three over-ambitious gennin."
The man turned his dark eyes back to him and the daiymo blinked. It was like staring into obsidian. "I need you to hold onto me tightly."