Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of the characters in this story.

Hello everyone. It's been awhile but I thank you so much for your patience. I want to thank my reviewer and followers and thank all those who have recently decided to follow me over my little hiatus. I hope you enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 21: Delirare

It had been close to eight hours since the search to recover the taken shinobis and apprehend the criminals had begun. Tsunade, the Hokage herself, felt this mission was too urgent not to go. God knows what would happen if Orochimaru got his hands on Sasuke and his sharingan. He would train the poor boy to be a cold blooded, and she was quite sure, efficient and effective killing machine and the ruin of Konoha. Kakashi, both strong in power and morals, was too good a shinobi to simply sit behind a desk and wait for others to hopefully find him. Lastly, she had had it up to her neck with Kabuto and Orochimaru. They were proving to be quite an annoying and bothersome duo, and frankly, she wanted to strangle one with the other. She had simply had enough.

It were these three strong driving forces that caused her to rush out of her office the moment Pakkun had informed her on what happened, not to mention she partly blamed herself for this mess. Even if alone, there was no time to waste. The lives of two important shinobi and many of innocents further down the line seemed to depend on her at the least catching up to Kabuto and getting her shinobi back, even if she had to do it alone.

It wasn't long before she had some help though. Pakkun had done as he was ordered and had assembled a small team to find and save Sasuke and Kakashi. Pakkun had remembered that Tsunade had always wanted to keep the "Uchiha Sasuke incident" very confidential which dissuaded him from asking anyone other than Naruto, Sakura, and Yamoto. He had little time to find many more shinobi than that anyways.

That wasn't many shinobi, but it would do. "Good job Pakkun." Tsunade thanked him quickly. "Can you smell the trail?" She asked, wanting a second opinion on her estimated route.

Pakkun sniffed the air close the ground briefly. "I can smell the scents of Kakashi mingled with Kabuto and the others, but it's so faint, it won't last long." He warned. "We are on the right track though."

"Then let's speed up!" Naruto screamed eagerly. He was angry and he wanted nothing more than to Rasengan the life out of Kabuto. No way was that bastard getting away again. Last time Kakashi and Kabuto had battled, he did not get a chance at all. This time, he wouldn't be left out and he could give Kabuto a piece of his fist.

"Right" Sakura agreed. Yamato remained silent but focused.

They were all ready to face whatever came their way to get Sasuke and Kakashi back.

Daylight was finally breaking through the shroud darkness of night and faint streaks of light could be barely seen piercing through the treetops. The beams were strengthening by the minute and very soon, it would be light enough to see normally.

It had been 40 minutes since Kakashi's and Sasuke's reuniting and Kakashi was still bonding with his fortune, even if he had fallen back asleep in the comfort of his father's arms around 15 minutes prior.

Suigetsu still seemed nervous about it and wanted this to end quickly, even if he was a little gracious that the jounin could quiet the boy down. Karin, also nervous, spent her time by the dying fire, staring into the fading flames; at the scolding, red cinders, and with her mind collected in dreary thought. There were things on her mind that she wouldn't admit to but it all put her in a dire mood.

Suigetsu and Juugo were patient and watchful making sure that Kakashi didn't try anything with a mind to escape. Kakashi however was thinking of no such thing. Such an action in his state would only put Sasuke's delicate life in danger and of course he was reluctant to disturb and jeopardize his time with the toddler snuggled in his arms.

Kakashi was still somewhat confused though. He could only wonder why his enemies were doing this and acting so strangely, and all so suddenly. Maybe they really were just that annoyed by Sasuke's crying, but here Sasuke had been soundly asleep for almost 20 minutes and they hadn't made a move to take him back. There just seemed to be something else and he just couldn't understand it. Finally, he had to ask.

"Why did you give Sasuke to me…?" It was a very awkward question but he wouldn't feel comfortable with this situation until he asked. They all looked at him with confused faces.

"You seemed to be the only thing that would calm him down." Juugo said.

There was silence after this and Kakashi looked around at them, trying to read the expressions of their faces. "That can't be the only reason." He started again. "I can see it in your faces. I've been trained to read people's expressions and their actions, and apparently, none of you have been trained to hide them very well. I can tell that there's something else. So why don't you just come out. Why are you doing any of this if you don't really want to?"

All of them opened their mouths to speak, but nothing came. They didn't know what to say, and another silence fell over the solemn group of ninja.

"I get the impression that you don't really like Kabuto or Orochimaru, and your hearts obviously aren't in this job. So then… you must be in this for some personal gain? Then answer me this question. What exactly are you after?"

They seemed startled after this and they gave Kakashi all their attention, looking him straight in his eye, which seemed to know their deepest secrets. Kakashi guessed from their reaction that he was absolutely right. These people were obviously nothing like Orochimaru, or even Kabuto. They weren't killers by nature. They were kids, two of them not much older then his students and it was obvious that they were struggling with every thing they did. The silenced sustained for several moments. It was difficult to respond to this. Kakashi showed no signs of speaking again, until they spoke.

"You…you're r-right." Juugo admitted finally. Karin shot him a look, and Juugo did his best to ignore it.

"Then, why?"

"It's not like we have a choice. When we're told to do something, we do it." Karin said suddenly angered. "Did you really believe we had options!? The only thing we have is our mission and our goal. And that goal is to be free from Orochimaru altogether, so that we never have to do this again…and there's no other way to do it."

"So Orochimaru told you all that you would be free from him, huh? Do you really believe that? If there's anything Orochimaru is good at, it's using and manipulating people for his own ends, not theirs. He wouldn't allow you such a reward. There's no way you haven't considered that. You're all going on pure hope and that's just what he wants. He wants to control you all. You'll die before he gives you that. Either by some outside force or by Orochimaru's very own hands."

"It easy for you to say something like that! Well, that's no surprise, when you have a whole village to back you up whenever you're in danger! We're by ourselves. Most of those who are like us back in the sound…they'll even stab each other's backs half the time if it can get them farther out of Orochimaru's way. We're on our own, so we make the best out of what we have…and try not to think too hard about everything else."

Now Kakashi was the one to pause, not knowing completely what to say. It was all about survival, and these young shinobi was doing what they had to do to live and hopefully see a better future. What sort of hell must they have been through already? How could it be so easy to miss such a vital details? And all of this was because of Orochimaru; that ruthless snake who would do anything to have his way. Kakashi understood a bit more, and now he felt guilty for what he had said.

"I'm sorry." He said quietly and team hebi looked upon him again with slight surprise in their eyes.

"I hadn't fully considered what it must be like for you all." He had imagined what horrible things Sasuke would be put through if Orochimaru got a hold of him, but now he saw that Sasuke was not the only one. There had been many innocent children before him and Sasuke would not be the last unless Orochimaru was put to an end for good.

"I'm sorry that you've been put through this sort of torture. Some of what you've been through…you could say it's what I fear for him." Kakashi motioned to Sasuke, whose tiny fist held onto a part of his vest and his head lying on his chest as he slept peaceably. "I can't bare to imagine what Orochimaru will do to him. I realize though that Sasuke is not the only victim. I'm sorry."

The three now looked dumbfounded, as if the Jounin had said something ridiculous. They had not expected such a response. No one ever spoke to them that way. Words of sympathy and regret on their behalf? It was odd and they had no idea how to respond. How were they supposed to react? All of them were searching for something to say, but no one knew.

Before the discussion could go forward, something caught Karin's attention, causing her to gasp and look in a direction of the forest, alarmed.

"What is it, Karin?" asked Juugo curiously.

Karin didn't speak immediately but closed her eyes, in order to improve her concentration. When she eventually opened them, she seemed even more alarmed than before.

"We have to go!" She warned them.

"What? Konoha?" Suigetsu questioned.

"Yes, I think so. There's a number of varying chakra signatures coming from Konoha's direction. It must be a search party. It's also Kabuto. He's approaching fast and will reach us before the Konoha ninja." At this, Suigetsu's eyes widened and he seemed to have to force himself to hold back a resonance of desolation. He honestly didn't know if he feared Konoha or Kabuto most. At least Konoha would kill them civilly in a fair fight. Kabuto would play his teacher's pet card to get Orochimaru's approval to experiment on them until they reached their slow, painful, but eventual demise.

When Kakashi heard the sensor's announcement, a wave of relief hit him. At the same time, Kabuto made him extremely nervous, but Konoha being close was reassuring. He was sure it was the search team, but he was careful to hold his optimism and excitement and keep it to himself.

Regardless of his silence and reserved attitude, team hebi could guess his thoughts and Karin and Suigetsu were sure to look at him with the most evil glare they could possibly endow, as if he was directly responsible for their bad fortune. Juugo was quiet but appeared to be thinking over the situation and the actions that was about to take place.

Karin adjusted her glasses, as she looked closely at the jounin. Kakashi held Sasuke closer under the girls gaze. "You're going to hand him over now!" She ordered. This was a game of double jeopardy, and she was extremely panicky. Kakashi was silent, unsure of what to do about the volatile girl. When Kakashi proceeded to do nothing, Karin only seemed more flustered and irritated.

"Kakashi-San." Juugo butted in before Karin's temper kicked into overdrive. "It's not a good idea to make this difficult. Think of what Kabuto-san will do if he sees you with Sasuke. Your life and Sasuke's will be in danger. So please, hand him to Karin? She won't hurt him." Juugo said calmly.

As much as he hated to admit it, Juugo made sense. Kakashi reluctantly gave Sasuke up as he cursed quietly under his breath. The baby squirmed slightly in his sleep as he was switched over, but thankfully, he did not wake from his somewhat disturbed slumber.

Kakashi then reluctantly allowed his wrist to be tied behind his back… again. It was becoming quite annoying, demeaning, and honestly embarrassing. He was extremely tempted to resist, but left the thought to die, as he knew his strength still was not on his side. It was a matter of time, though. He could feel it etching back into his muscles as his chakra forced itself to flow more freely again, but, it was going to take a little more time.

Suigetsu worked quickly to pack some of the camping supplies, even if he did so a bit sloppily. It was hard working in the little light,… with the thought of violently dying in the back of your mind. It was kind of tantalizing, really.

"Let's go." Karin urged. "That way. We'll run into Kabuto, and tell him about the Konoha squad. I don't think he'll get mad if he knew why we packed up without him." They began moving. Karin in front, followed by Suigetsu, Kakashi, and Juugo urging the quiet Jounin forward with nudges to his shoulder.

Within the next several minutes of pushing forward, Karin sensed Kabuto was close, and felt that it was best to stop and wait or else they should accidentally pass one another. They looked up searchingly into the treetops. Sure enough Kabuto jumped into vision and stood atop one of the taller perches. He did not jump down right away, but looked down on the small number of people on the forest floor. Kakashi also viewed the reviled man quietly from where his was standing, and noticed there was an odd expression on his face. A strange cross between a sneer and a smirk. Kakashi's brow rose.

"You're moving forward. Why?" He stated in a quiet manner. His voice sounded as abnormal as he looked. There was something in it that made it sound venomous and full of warning, almost like the hiss of a snake ready to attack. Team Hebi was surprisingly quiet and Kakashi looked to his side to view their faces. They seemed a bit questioning. They had picked up on Kabuto strange behavior as well.

Kabuto's eyes squinted now, as he received silence. He was careful to control himself, but for how much longer. He was angry. These weak ninja couldn't be trusted. It didn't matter. He didn't need them at all. Orochimaru hadn't much use for them either, and once Orochimaru found out about their reckless betrayal, he would rather have their heads than them alive.

Besides, they had no right to be here at all. How dare they try to take his place? The Uchiha was his mission. His; and these morons thought they could complete it in his place. They got him out of prison, but for what? Only to mess up here? Kabuto could have escaped himself. If given the time, he would have. Now he had to deal with a bunch of traitors.

"I asked you a question!" He barked angrily from on top the branch, and then lithely jumped down, directly in front of Karin. The group was dazed at Kabuto's tone. What had happened to make him like this? Was he still angry about his confrontation with Kakashi?

"W- we…" Karin stuttered, flustered by the incensed man's sudden descend. His glasses glared in the light of the sun rising just behind her, and Karin could not see the rage and maleficent glare in his eyes due to the reflecting glass lens.

The girl nervously looked down, using the baby as an excuse, as Kabuto sudden approach had caused the boy to frighten and jump in his sleep. He started to whimper and Karin backed up.

"What the hell!" Suigetsu said angrily. "What's your problem?" Kabuto was a nutcase, this much Suigetsu was sure of and he did not hesitate to vocalize his annoyance. It was hell listening to Sasuke cry, and it was hell being stuck with Kabuto. He could not deal with both of them together, especially with the thought of Konoha approaching.

"You controlling freak. We packed because it was a good time to. You're not over this mission." Suigetsu pointed at Kabuto accusingly. "We are. Remember. You failed your part! That's why we're taking you back to Orochimaru. You're our mission, just as much as the brat. You're not in charge. You're in no position to be." Suigetsu crossed his arms in defiance, not realizing just how emotionally unsettled Kabuto was at that moment.

"Perhaps it's better to be a failure who has a chance to return some glory, rather than a lowlife traitor who will never be labeled more than that." Suigetsu was left bewildered and confused, not understanding what Kabuto meant nor did Kabuto care to explain.

"Daddy?" Came a low mumbling voice. Everyone looked and for a moment, the eyes left Kabuto.

Sasuke had woken up and rubbed his eyes as he looked around confused. Realizing that he was not in Kakashi's arms any longer, it seemed as if he wanted to cry, but remained quiet until he spotted his Dad just a few yards from him. That's when he began to call out to him, raising his arm towards him. Kakashi of course could not do anything.

"No. Noooo!" Sasuke fussed and whined to his captor, trying to escape Karin's grip, and the girl did her best to make him stop, but he would not. This is when Kabuto took full notice, perhaps becoming truly annoyed with the scene of the boy trying to reach his 'father.'

"Disgusting." Kabuto rebuked, with suddenly a menacing smile curving his lips faintly. "Sasuke will have no use for such bonds. It's best that he's severed from them now, at a young, tender time." He chuckled cruelly. "They learn so quickly at this age. Don't you all think so?" He said. Kakashi stiffened at this. It was clear that Kabuto meant him.

'Shit. C'mon. I could use some back up right about now!' He thought, knowing that hia team of rescue were approaching but still too far. He didn't have the sort of time it would take for them to reach him and he knew that he could not depend on them as a way out of this.

"I want you to watch carefully Sasuke." The boy whimpered and shook his head as if to say 'no' as Kabuto came towards him, sensing the danger he was facing. Kabuto's very presence was associated with fear at this point and the boy was very scared of what he would do.

"Give him to me." Kabuto ordered Karin in that dark awkward voice from earlier. Karin wasn't sure what to do. Normally she would have obeyed just for the sake of getting rid of the kid, and not making things any more difficult than necessary. What Kabuto wanted to do wasn't completely clear, but she realized that he wanted to kill Kakashi and that he wanted an innocent child to watch. Kabuto wanted Sasuke to witness his own father killed in front of him, and maybe that was just enough to make Karin hesitate, even if only slightly.

The girl was hesitating, to Kabuto's displeasure and subsequent infuriation. "Fine" Kabuto said darkly, not giving the girl any further chance.

Sudden fear overtook her as it did the other members of team hebi. Even Kakashi felt something odd emanate within the group. They all felt it simultaneously; a sensation of utter dread; a premonition of something horrible.

Kabuto grabbed Sasuke from her forcefully, causing Sasuke to shriek. Out of fear; out of pain; maybe both. Either way it made Kakashi furious but what could he do. Any action, or even speaking would make Kabuto that much angrier.

Suigetsu, Juugo, and Karin had no idea how to react to Kabuto's actions. As much as they hated to admit it, they had a slight fear of him, and right now, he was the scariest he'd ever been. He seemed honestly psychotic.

Sasuke began to cry loudly now. He was being held too tight and in a strange position, and as if he wasn't scared of Kabuto enough, his fear had just instinctually doubled.

"Quiet!" he barked. "I'll show you what it means to be like me and Orochimaru-Sama!" He directed to the boy crying and twisting in his arms. "After Orochimaru-Sama and I are done with you, there'll be no tears or weakness left in you. And certainly no such useless bonds." He said looking directly at Kakashi.

Kakashi stood there, not certain what to do. His hands were tied, literally. What was he suppose to do? If only he could untie his hands. His best bet was to try and dodge long enough for Konoha to save him. What a stupid and horrible plan. But what else could he do. If he at least had his sharingan eye uncovered.

Kabuto smirked, knowing the man must have felt so trapped. There was nothing more satisfying than having your prey backed into a corner and made so helpless. Kabuto chuckled at the sight of Kakashi who was completely defenseless.

Kabuto's chakra suddenly spiked, and Kakashi knew it was coming, and he guessed that this would be the quickest attack Kabuto would ever throw. He was not sure if his body would dodge but he prayed in the back of his mind as sweat beaded on his forehead. Team Hebi shuffled nervously on their feet. Sasuke continued to cry. The air felt suffocating for everyone, even Kabuto, whose respiration was quick from anticipation and excitement. Kabuto's hand glowed, and Karin could sense the massive wave of chakra coursing through his hand and swallowed hard, but it was difficult because her throat felt so painfully constricted as if a snake was around her neck. She closed her eyes subconsciously.

Kabuto noticed, as he flicked his eyes from Kakashi to the members of team hebi.

And suddenly, Kabuto accelerated forward at lightning speed. And Kakashi focused his eye trying to track the movement; needing to dodge the man at the last moment at all cost. But to Kakashi's surprise, Kabuto did not appear there in front of him as he thought he would. He realized how stiff his body had been in expectation of the blow, but nothing came, and it took a moment for him to understand why.

Kabuto smirked evilly, as he had hit his target. Though not his main target, Kakashi, it was satisfying to feel the warm blood of the body his hand had penetrated. There was a pause as it all sunk in what had happened. Kabuto pulled his hand from the inside of the now bleeding chest.

Kakashi's eye widened, and so did the rest of team hebi. It wasn't Kakashi Kabuto had aimed for, but Karin, who stood there now motionless. She didn't understand at first. Her mind could not register the attack nor did it register the pain right away. Her eyes were no longer closed and she could she Kabuto's evil smirk. And then suddenly, it hit her; the wave of pain that rippled through her chest cavity and across her abdomen.

Karin's breath was blown away, and she could not say a word. She grabbed her chest painfully and with a loud choking gasp, fell to her knees.

"Karin!" Cried Suigetsu as he ran to her side to help. Juugo could only stare in shock, wordless, as if in some trance. The two temporarily ignored Kabuto as he stepped back slowly with the trembling Sasuke in his hands who was crying tears of terror and confusion.

"That is what happens to traitors!" Kabuto half chuckled maniacally, holding the trembling child even closer to him as he noticed a look of complete shock and growing anger on Kakashi's face.

Kakashi could feel his muscles tremulous, but not with fear. It was complete rage. He could not stand to have this happen anymore. He had to get Sasuke away from Kabuto. He had to get his son out of this…before it was too late.

- End

Amaterasu333

Phew. Long wait, I know. But it took me awhile to get this chapter in a state that I felt okay with plus I don't get as much time to type these days. It's a bit on the long side, which is good considering the wait and the material of the chapter. It was the second halve that took so long I'll have you know. It's not easy making Kabuto so darn crazy. I wanted something shocking happen this chapter as well. I just hope I pulled it off okay.

Note:

Delirare

Latin

Etymology: De (Latin prefix meaning to go/to turn away) + -lira (a forrow)

Literal Meaning: To turn away from the furrow or path/To deviate from the path or pattern/

Derived Words: Delirium/Delirious/ Deranged/ Madness.

Delirium: A rapid onset of derangement or madness lasting for a short time.