Chapter 25

Rebirth

When Iruka heard the first screams echo down the hallways, he tried to convince himself that there was no way they belonged to Kakashi Hatake...that there was nothing that snake-bastard could do to the Copy-ninja that could break the man down so completely. But there was no mistaking the voice was Kakashi's after the tenth scream reached his ears. Iruka felt his heart constrict with each sound after that. The level of agony he heard in those screams made it clear that Orochimaru no longer cared that Kakashi was his grandson – and that didn't bode well for the jonin at all.

Iruka wanted nothing more than to crawl into the darkest corner of his cell, curl into a ball, and cover his ears to block out the sounds...anything to keep him from realizing this nightmare was real...but he didn't. He moved to the door and placed his hands on either side of the small opening – being careful not to touch the bars just in case Kabuto was around to chakra-charge them again. He owed it to Kakashi to be brave – and he stood in silent vigil while his fellow Konoha shinobi was going through whatever it was that could tear such sounds from his lips.

Iruka didn't think he'd ever hear anything worse than those tortured screams – but when silence followed, he knew he'd been wrong. While hearing Kakashi's voice echo through the hallways made his insides twist in sympathy, when the sounds unexpectedly ended, Iruka feared for the Copy-ninja. After several moments he still heard no further sounds and Iruka let his head hang.

"Please, Kakashi...don't leave me here alone." His whisper was met by a low chuckle just outside his door that caused every muscle in Iruka's body to tighten.

He lifted his head until his eyes could see through the bars in the door, and was met with Lord Orochimaru's yellow eyes staring back at him. The man's lips were pulled back in a farce of a grin as he leaned closer to the door.

"What's this, Kabuto? It seems the chunin is still waiting for Kakashi to rescue him. How quaint."

"Yes, Lord Orochimaru. But perhaps his belief in the Copy-ninja will change when he learns that he is about to be punished for Kakashi's recent lack of cooperation."

Iruka's breath caught in his throat at those words – but at the same time he was glad to hear Kakashi hadn't just given in to Orochimaru's plans for him. He set his face in what he hoped was a look of determination and stared back defiantly at his captors.

"Do your worst."

Now Orochimaru actually laughed out loud, startling Iruka enough that he stepped back a pace or two from the cell's door. When he heard the key in the lock turn, and the door was pulled open to allow the Sannin full access to the small room, Iruka swallowed in a throat gone dry, and he considered that perhaps he should have said something different.

Before he even registered movement, Iruka felt Orochimaru's hot breath on his neck, and his arms were pinned painfully behind his back. "Do you really want me to do my worst, Iruka-sensei?"

Iruka felt his blood run cold as the Snake-Sannin ran his tongue along the contour of his ear. He knew he was trembling, but he couldn't help it. He'd never been so frightened in his entire life. Orochimaru's aura pushed down on him almost physically, and Iruka wondered how the hell Kakashi managed to remain as calm as he had when dealing with the man in the past. As for himself, Iruka found he was unable to reply at all – which only seemed to amuse Orochimaru all the more.

Iruka's arms were pulled tighter, causing him to groan in pain. Then he was tossed to the floor of the cell where he skidded to a stop at Kabuto's feet. The white-haired teen stared down at him with a frown on his face.

"I doubt he'd survive your worst, Lord Orochimaru. He's not one of the better specimens from Konoha, after all."

Iruka felt fingers grab his hair and yank him up to standing – at which point Orochimaru pinned him against the stone wall and looked him over like he was a side of beef. He found himself blushing at the intense attention he received.

"You may be right, Kabuto – but there is something about this particular chunin that keeps Kakashi in check. And for that reason alone we must keep this one alive...at least for now."

Orochimaru stepped back and Iruka found his legs unable to hold himself up any longer. He sank to the floor in an undignified heap. The Sannin reached one hand into the folds of the tunic he was wearing.

"Hold his left arm still – after all, I did promise Kakashi that I'd dole out the punishment personally for the trouble he caused earlier. And I keep my promises."

Iruka heard Orochimaru's orders to Kabuto and a cold sweat rolled down his spine. He tried to duck away from the younger man's grip, but he was no match for the boy, and he soon felt a well-placed knee pinning his left shoulder to the cold wall while Kabuto gripped Iruka's left wrist and pulled it above his head. Orochimaru stepped closer and Iruka's eyes went wide when he saw what looked like a small branding tool in the Sannin's hand – similar to one he'd seen used to sear the village's symbol onto livestock over the years. Orochimaru formed a hand sign with his free hand and the end of the brand glowed to a bright red almost instantly.

Iruka struggled against Kabuto's weight – if he could just break free he might be able to get out while the door was still open. But with no chakra reserve to speak of, and feeling the fatigue of too many days without food, he couldn't even manage to budge Kabuto a fraction of an inch. Hell – he would have settled for kneeing the bastard in the groin – but the way he pinned Iruka down made even that option out of the question.

All he could do was watch while Orochimaru slowly approached his side of the cell. Iruka's throat constricted in fear as the red hot brand was lifted into position over his left wrist. He continued to struggle – even though his mind knew it wouldn't help – but it just seemed wrong to not show some sign of resistance. He felt white-hot pain radiate up his arm the moment the brand made contact with his skin. He bit down on his lower lip in an attempt to keep the scream he wanted to let loose from escaping, and soon he tasted the sweet coppery flavor in his mouth that let him know he'd bitten through that lip.

Iruka's breathing became ragged and the sickening scent of burning flesh made his stomach churn. When, at last, he was released, he slid back down to the floor – his left arm throbbing in a most disturbing way. He found it difficult to keep from passing out – but he refused to do so while Orochimaru and his lackey were still there.

The Snake-Sannin's voice held a touch of amusement to it. "Not even a scream...perhaps there's more to this chunin than I thought. When he's finished his role here we might take a closer look at what the sensei's limits are."

Iruka shuddered at the thought while Kabuto chuckled. "I'll make sure to schedule his sessions the moment his current purpose ends, Lord Orochimaru."

With that, the two turned and left – closing the door and locking it without another word to Iruka. He was left in the dim light of the cell to ponder his fate. The tears he'd held back while Orochimaru and Kabuto were in the room now fell down his cheeks unhindered. He turned his wrist to inspect the angry brand on its surface and felt his tears increase. A single musical note – the symbol of the Sound village – stood out on the otherwise unmarred expanse of skin...a permanent reminder of his time spent here, as well as proof of Kakashi's attempts to resist the Sannin. The mark was dark and angry – with the raised edges weeping fresh blood where they met up with undamaged skin.

He closed his eyes against the pain and tried to think back to the last time he didn't hurt...to when his biggest concern was whether the lesson plans for the following week's classes were finished – or who he'd be working the Mission Desk with after Academy. He frowned – wondering if he'd ever have such simple worries again.

-- --

The darkness seemed never-ending, and the pain...the pain permeated every cell of his being. Kakashi had lost count of the number of screams he'd had ripped from him at this point. And he wasn't entirely sure he wasn't still screaming now...although it did seem quieter...deathly still, in fact. That's when he realized even his heartbeat had stopped. He should be dead – but somehow his awareness remained attached to this body – unable to move on. Kakashi tried to apply reason to what was happening to him.

The seals...that was what they'd been meant for! To keep my consciousness – my very essence – from leaving the confines of the container!

Before he had too long to contemplate why Orochimaru would do this to him, he felt a sickening pull on his mind, and his body convulsed violently. He had such a limited amount of space that the violent movements slammed him against the sides of the container, leaving him bruised and battered. His muscles continued to move of their own accord for so long that Kakashi lost all track of time.

When, at last, his body stilled he felt cold sweat rolling down his neck and his heart was beating painfully fast – although considering it hadn't been beating at all moments earlier, he supposed he shouldn't complain.

So this is what Orochimaru had meant when he talked about 'rebirth' – the sick bastard actually killed me just to bring me back to life. But why? Why go to such lengths? What did he possibly hope to accomplish by doing this?

Just as the last thought passed through his mind, Kakashi felt his chakra pathways flare to life – but unlike the slow, gradual return of his chakra after overusing it in battle, this felt like his pathways were flooded all at once. What was worse was that it didn't feel like his own chakra. It seemed tainted...he couldn't put his finger on it until he felt the curse marks on his shoulders flare to life. It only took an instant for him to realize he couldn't keep those marks from tapping into his chakra network – in fact, they were now an intricate part of it.

There was no longer any pain when the marks activated – rather, they seemed to amplify his strength and energy. No wonder the Sannin had such loyal followers if this was how he could make them feel. It was very nearly overwhelming – making Kakashi feel invincible – but he knew better than to think that was the truth. After all, the Snake Sannin would never allow a follower to have more power than he did.

Eventually the sensation within his body evened out...leaving Kakashi feeling exhilarated and exhausted all at once. He closed his eyes and let his head hang down toward his chest while he tried to steady his breath and slow his heartbeat. Once he was sure he could control such things again, Kakashi felt a tiny bit better. He opened his eyes and took comfort in the quiet darkness...without pain to distract him, he found the steady rhythm of his heartbeat and breathing to be soothing. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been left alone long enough to enter a deep meditative state, and he found it terribly ironic that such a luxury was afforded him in this situation.

Of course – knowing Orochimaru – this wasn't the end of his torture, but he'd be damned if he wouldn't enjoy it while he could. Soon Kakashi's mind was calm and centered – his breathing and heartbeat were in sync – and his skin was no longer covered in a cold sweat. He could almost say he was the most comfortable he'd been in years, if it wasn't for the fact he was still being held inside such a confined space by some very powerful seals.

He sighed. It could have been perfect if only there was enough light to read...and he had one of his prized Icha Icha novels with him.

I wonder what happened to the copy of Icha Icha Paradise I'd been reading when the caravan was attacked?

Kakashi frowned – drawn out of his meditation by the random thought of his favorite books. Then he chuckled at how ridiculous such a thought was at a time like this. After all, shouldn't he be more concerned with getting himself and Iruka-sensei out of this mess than about an erotic novel? Of course, the book in question was a first edition signed by the author...

Kakashi laughed again – the sound bouncing back at him within the small space. He wondered what Iruka would do if he found out he took second place to a paperback novel.

He'd probably turn bright red and level his best 'Sensei glare' at me before threatening to cut my manhood off!

His laughter died down and Kakashi frowned again. After all – he couldn't even be certain Iruka Umino was still alive...and if he was...what shape he was in. A touch of guilt crept over him at the thought that, while he was trapped in this casket, Iruka was receiving punishment from Orochimaru because Kakashi refused to obey the Snake-bastard. He balled his hands into fists – he needed to get out of here – he needed to free the chunin and end this nightmare – he needed to kill his Grandfather...once and for all.

Kakashi let his anger grow – feeling the mark on his left shoulder flare to life. This time, he allowed it to build until he felt the power rippling under his skin...his heart rate increased, and he could feel the nails on his fingers stretch past their tips. The muscles along his neck bunched, and he felt his hair land on his bare arms as it too grew longer.

Part of Kakashi's mind urged him to stop – before he'd given in entirely to Orochimaru's gift – but a larger part reasoned that this would be the only way he'd be able to break through the seals which still pressed in on his body from all sides. Besides – if he didn't break out soon, how could he possibly rescue the chunin?

So Kakashi embraced the changes – which even without light to see by, the jonin knew were more than just his hair and nails. Once he was certain he was ready to attempt escape, Kakashi tried to gather his chakra into the palm of his hand. It came slowly – and was hopelessly mixed with that tainted energy of the curse mark. He swore and tried again – this time, not trying to separate his chakra from the mixture and allowing the combined power to pool in his fingers.

It worked – the strange mixture of silvery-blue chakra and a dark gray that was likely the mark's doing danced in his palm. It sent the familiar burning sensation of his Chidori deep into his hand, and lit his prison in a sickly glow – emphasizing just how small the container truly was.

Kakashi continued to build the ball of energy until its shriek nearly deafened him. Then he pushed that concentrated power up until it made contact with the seals holding him in the container. At first, the seals held...but Kakashi refused to give up. He pushed more power behind his altered Chidori until – with an almost human scream – the seals cracked...slowly unraveling against the onslaught of raw power...and the casket's lid broke away in a hundred pieces.

The rush of cooler air into the container caused goose bumps to rise on Kakashi's arms, and he had to blink back against the sudden change in light. Once certain all the seals had fallen away, he released the gathered power and allowed the concentrated ball in his hand to fade away into nothing. He slowly unfolded himself from the crouched position he'd maintained for hours – if not days. Kakashi had to lean his hands on the rim of the container to keep his legs from collapsing underneath him – reinforcing his thoughts that he had indeed been immobile for quite some time. He continued to blink in the harsh brightness of the room – trying to get his eyes to focus more. Meanwhile, he found his hearing and sense of smell more sharp than ever – and he used those other senses to check for enemies.

He heard two heartbeats...no...three...and a moment more allowed him to pinpoint their exact locations around the room. There was the pungent odor of fear from at least one of those unknown people...mixed with sweat – and something else familiar...blood...his blood. He cracked his eyes open and looked at the hand his Chidori had been in. Sure enough, the skin was charred and rivulets of blood coated his palm.

Heh – that's new.

The one he'd smelled fear from whispered to the others. "We should let Lord Orochimaru know he's loose."

Kakashi shifted his attention from his bleeding hand to the young man who'd spoken. He caught the guard's gaze with his own and smiled at the look of abject terror reflected back at him. He briefly wondered what he looked like to elicit such a reaction, but pushed the thought to the side – choosing to take advantage of the man's distracted state.

Kakashi allowed the new, raw power to flow through him and he lunged for the closest shinobi – eager to keep them from notifying Orochimaru of his escape. Without any real thought, he sank his claws into their throat and pulled...the younger man dropped to the floor even as Kakashi moved on to his next target. He was vaguely aware of more shinobi entering the room, and he felt a surge of what could only be described as blood-lust run through his body. He gave himself over to it – knowing there was no other way for him to escape this nightmare.

-- --

Orochimaru watched his grandson's emergence from the casket with rapt attention. He'd fully expected him to be trapped within the container for several more hours...so – that the boy was already able to break through the seals had been a surprise...but seeing Kakashi's reaction to opposing forces had definitely been worth the risks of the possible overdosing him with the catalyst.

Orochimaru switched to another camera angle – in order to truly appreciate his grandson's transformation. Kakashi's form was like no other up to this point. Although still basically human in shape, his silver hair now cascaded down his back in a flowing wave – nearly to his knees – accentuating the well-defined muscles that rippled under skin turned dark gray with swirls of black staining its surface. The boy moved with a feral grace as he stalked his prey – leaning close to the ground before launching toward his next victim – bringing a smile to Orochimaru's face as he watched the scene unfold.

He hadn't been sure what shape the transformation would take – after all, this was the first time he'd combined multiple curse marks, or administered so much of the catalyst in one fell swoop. Orochimaru ran his tongue over his lips when Kakashi tore out the throat of one of the guards with claws that appeared to be razor-sharp. When the boy was working on the final man in the room, Orochimaru saw reinforcements enter the scene – likely sent by Kabuto to prevent Kakashi from escaping. That boy was forever looking after his interests...but it could be that, in this case, the precautionary move may have backfired.

Kakashi did not back down when ten additional Sound shinobi entered the room – quite the opposite, actually. His grandson launched himself toward the closest one and proceeded to tear him to shreds. When the silver-haired man turned toward the viewing camera, Orochimaru was shocked to see the normally gray eye now mirrored his own yellow eyes – right down to the slit pupil. That was surprising...but, at the same time, somewhat endearing to him. It appeared that Kakashi Hatake bore more in common with him than he'd suspected. Although, when the boy opened his mouth to growl at the next victim, the fangs he displayed reminded Orochimaru more of a wolf's than his own serpentine ones.

He frowned as he watched the boy make quick work of some of his stronger followers and tried to think of the best way to subdue him. After all, it wouldn't do to lose all those he'd worked so hard to bring to his side – and he wasn't ready quite yet to simply destroy Kakashi outright just to stop the rampage.

Orochimaru switched to another camera – one where he had a clear view of the captive chunin. The dark-haired man was pacing back and forth – pausing and glancing toward the door anytime a scream was generated from where Kakashi was eliminating his shinobi. The look on the man's face made it clear he thought those sounds were coming from the Copy Ninja, rather than being caused by him.

A grin stretched across Orochimaru's face – yes – the chunin's presence should be just what he needed to bring his grandson back under his control...especially now that the Sensei had been marked by him. Orochimaru turned the monitor off and slowly walked toward the door, eager to see the reaction of the Academy Teacher to this new version of Kakashi. He had to admit the unexpected addition of Iruka Umino to the equation was providing him with a means to control his grandson that he'd never imagined...which in turn was bound to open the door to experiments he'd never hoped to attempt.

Orochimaru licked his lips once more – this was shaping up to be a most enjoyable day.