Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto! I have also not seen Boruto, and doubtful I ever will. I don't like Boruto. But Himawari? (KAWAIII~!)
Let's go!
World 5 Scene 5: Return of the Duke Wolf
"KYUUBI'S A GIRL?!" Naruto shouted in disbelief, his brain finally rebooting after witnessing A-Kyuubi's...form.
"THE HELL I AM?!" Kyuubi roared in anger from its cell. "For your information, ningen, I am a mass of powerful, lethal, corrosive chakra! What use could or would I possibly gain to lower myself to take on the form as one of you disgusting humans?!"
'...So, you're not a female.' Naruto asked more than stated, wanting to clear things up.
"I CURSE THE GODS FOR PUTTING ME INSIDE SOMEONE AS DENSE AND IDIOTIC AS YOU! I AM NOT A FEMALE, BOY! I AM NOT A GIRL OR A BOY! I AM CHAOS AND DESTRUCTION INCARNATE! HUMANS TREMBLE AT THE SIGHT OF MY FORM! I-"
While Naruto dealt with that, others also tried to make sense and understand what they had just witnessed. Some were in disbelief. Some found enjoyment, as Kakashi's mask slowly turned red, while Jiraiya wrote in his notebook like a madman, giggling.
Could anyone say "Icha Icha Vixen"?
The females either smirked (the adults) or cheered (the genin) at the fact that the most powerful creature that could destroy mountains and cause tsunamis, was a female.
There was a lot of gloating to be done with that information.
Asuma coughed awkwardly with red cheeks, trying not to have a nosebleed. Wouldn't do to have Kurenai angry with him when he wanted to get back together with her.
Gai...well he was muttering to himself about trying not to have "Un-youthful thoughts" with a red face.
Zabuza...he was a block of ice, thanks to Haku catching her father-figure being a pervert and muttering to himself on what he would do if he was in the same room as that fox woman, and "see who was the true demon".
Hinata both blushed from the fox woman's beauty, and frowned in worry, wondering about Naruto's opinion about her, and if the Kyuubi inside of him was the same. She already had enough trouble with that Haku girl Naruto was close to and Anko-sensei.
Why did Kami (or Shin) have to keep making things difficult for her?!
Shikamaru groaned, finding a whole new meaning to the word troublesome.
Choji, Lee, and Neji (though not as much as the other two) blushed at A-Kyuubi's beauty.
Kiba drooled, his mind forever memorizing A-Kyuubi's large breasts.
Sasuke and Shino were statues. One out of shock, the other...out of normality.
'Interesting.' Shino thought, nudging his shades up, more intrigued by A-Kyuubi's gender than her appearance..
"Alright, snap out of it!" Shin called, getting everyone's attention as Zabuza thawed, while Kyuubi grumbled (not that anyone but Naruto - and Shin - could hear it). "Let's continue."
"Come on Naruto! You gotta be faster than that if you want to catch me!" Said a six-year-old girl while smiling at the younger Naruto who was running after her
Naruto blinked in surprise, along with the others as they watched a young Naruto (who they guessed was A-Naruto) running after a young girl.
"Who's that?" Naruto asked, staring at the hazy image of the girl. Literally, to their eyes, the girl's whole appearance was foggy, barely visible. They wouldn't have even known she was a girl if it wasn't for her voice.
The group watched in confusion as the two children played, before spotting A-Naruto, also observing the kids.
Naruto frowned as he observed his younger-self and the girl he was chasing. Looking down at his body he saw he was semi-transparent.
'What is this? Is this a dream? Or a memory?' Naruto thought confused about what he was seeing.
If it was a dream, why did it feel so real? If it was a memory then why don't I remember it?
"Hey where'd you go?" Said his younger-self.
Looking Naruto saw his younger-self walking around a tree looking for the girl not seeing her anywhere. A quick glance and Naruto saw the girl sitting in the tree covering her mouth trying not to laugh and despite his confusion Naruto felt himself smile at the girl getting a warm feeling in his chest at seeing her smile.
Anko snickered. She had a feeling the mysterious girl might be some childhood crush of A-Gaki. She would have teased her gaki, if Kurenai hadn't nudged her, telling her to behave. Anko pouted, Nai-chan always ruined her fun!
'Who are you?' Naruto though just as the girl jumped down from her perch right on top of his younger-self.
"Gotcha!" Said the girl pinning his younger-self to the ground and held him down despite him struggling.
"Hey no fair! You cheated!" the younger Naruto said.
"Nope I'm just better than you, now admit it." The girl said smiling cheekily.
"Never!" His younger-self said.
"Admit it."
"No!"
"Admit it!"
"No!"
"Yes!"
"NO!"
"YES!"
"You can't make me!"
Several chuckled at the children, while Naruto had a small smile. While he may have had a crappy childhood because of the villagers, he was happy that he had managed to make friends with Shikamaru, Choji, and Kiba. He recalled the fun times he had with them.
"Not that it lessened the pain of loneliness." A voice which was becoming familiar reappeared, making Naruto frown.
Kyuubi stayed silent, merely watching the interaction occurring with a hum.
The girl narrowed her eyes at his younger-self, who had crossed his arms stubbornly, before she smiled mischievously.
"Then I guess you don't get your reward." Said the girl, the younger Naruto perking up at that.
"Reward?" He asked.
"Yep. I was going to give you a reward for admitting I was better, but if you don't want it…" The girl trailed off, while the kid Naruto looked at war with himself.
"Alright, fine! You're… better than me." He admitted in a quiet tone.
"See, wasn't that easy." The girl said getting up off Naruto and pulling him up.
"Now, close your eyes and I will give your reward." Said the girl, his younger-self regarding her suspiciously but closed his eyes.
Naruto raised a brow, wondering what this 'reward' was. Beside him, Haku had an idea, and giggled. She could just picture the looks on the Narutos (the one with her, A-Naruto and A-Kid Naruto) faces.
Then to Naruto's surprise the girl leaned and kissed him on the cheek while his younger-self's eyes flew open in shock.
She was right, as Naruto stared wide eyed, his face turning completely red, much to nearly everyone's amusement.
The only one not amused, was a red faced Hinata, who had conflicting feelings. Mostly embarrassment, annoyance, anger, and jealousy.
Anko was grinning madly. Oh, she was going to tease Naruto so much about all these girls with his alternate versions.
'Who knew the brat was such a casanova? Kukuku!'
"What the heck, dattebayo?!" Naruto shouted, as Haku giggled.
"Wh-what? What was that for?" kid Naruto asked rubbing the spot where she kissed him, the girl giggling at his expression
"It was a thank you, for being my friend Naruto." The girl answered smiling softly at Naruto, as both the older and younger versions looked at her with surprised expressions.
"I'm really glad we met." Said the girl tilting her head to the side.
"I… I'm glad we met to S-"
Naruto's snapped open as he took in his surroundings finding himself back in his room in Uzushio. Groaning Naruto dragged a hand down his face.
"Hey!"
"What the?!"
"Damn!" Anko pouted, crossing her arms. "I hate cliffhangers!"
'Again, another dream with that girl. Who is she? Why am I dreaming of someone I've never met? But why does it feel so real?' Naruto thought sitting up
This wasn't the first time he's had dreams like that, though they felt more like memories than dreams, of that mystery girl. They were all the same him playing with her, playing together, spending time together, and every time just before he can hear her name he wakes up. It was both confusing and frustrating for Naruto.
"I wonder who that girl was." Naruto muttered curiously.
"I'm sure we'll find out eventually." Haku told him.
Getting out of bed Naruto entered the shower and cleaned himself before he got dressed, while his mind was still plagued with questions and no answers.
'If they're memories, why am I only now remembering them? They couldn't have been sealed away, I would have found a memory seal on me after merging with Zen-Aku. Katsumi couldn't be the cause either, otherwise I would have regained them the moment she was released. Could my mind have suppressed them, it's possible something traumatic happened that caused me to suppress all memories of this girl. If so then what exactly happened and where is she?' Naruto thought frowning at the last question
"Who's Katsumi?" Kakashi asked at hearing the unknown name. They haven't seen A-Naruto interacting with anyone by that name before. Though, the way he said 'the moment she was released' gave him a clue, but he prayed he was wrong.
"I'll explain later." Shin said. He had forgotten that Windstorm had illustrated his Kyuubi's name and release without showing the events. 'Maybe I should talk to him about that. Maybe have a flashback.'
Would fill in some gaps.
From the dreams, or memories, he and this girl were best friends as children and yet Naruto knew he had no female friends as a child, or friends in general.
"Hey!" Kiba and Ino exclaimed, glaring at Naruto.
"Other me!" He defended himself, though he didn't know why Ino was angry. The two weren't exactly friends till recently, thought 'friends' might be pushing it.
Acquaintances?
Colleagues?
"Nuisance"
Naruto frowned at the voice, choosing to ignore it.
He had too many questions and no answers, but he'll get them one way or another.
Once he was fully dressed Naruto exited the room and headed to the kitchen, seeing Tayuya and Kin already awake and eating. Sitting down Naruto gazed off into the distance his mind still plagued by his dreams and all his questions. His strange behavior wasn't missed by either of his companions who were both nearing their limit, having noticed he's been distracted for the past few days.
"Alright shithead, enough is enough. Tell us what the hell is wrong with you or we'll beat it out." Tayuya demanded.
"What she said, only with less swearing." Added Kin.
Naruto glanced at them both looking at him intently, before returning to staring at nothing in particular.
"I've been having dreams about a girl." Naruto revealed
The men sweatdropped, while the women shook their heads.
Wrong thing to say.
"What?" Said Kin and Tayuya with narrowed eyes both feeling a spike of jealousy and annoyance, or anger for the latter
Given during the three years they've been on Uzushio the girls had entered a relationship with Naruto, considering they were already friends it was rather easy for them to get used to sharing. So they didn't like the fact he was dreaming about other girls.
"Ehh!"
"Naruto you pervert!"
"Lucky Bastard!"
"Troublesome~..."
"Hehehe!"
"Na-Na-Naruto...kun..." *Thud!*
"Hinata!" / "Hinata-sama!""
"HAHAHAHA!"
Naruto's blush could rival Hinata's, before Jiraiya appeared behind him, patting his back roughly with a laugh. "That's my student! You have finally started to surpass your master! Haha! Two girl?! I've never been so proud!"
"That's not me, Ero-Sennin!" Naruto shouted in embarrassment.
Jiraiya grinned at him. "Now, now! Don't underestimate yourself, Naruto! If one of you could do it, so can you! Hell, this is what, the third version of you to get himself a cutie? First that cute Bloom girl. Then that hot Hilda babe. Finally, that ice cold Anna girl. Sure she's a little flat, but makes up for it in...spirit (no pun intended). And now you have two babes at the same time! You're a natural charmer, kid! We just need to bring it out, and soon you'll also be getting some honey!" He said with glee, thought he eyed Haku, before gazing towards the unconscious Hinata and snickering Anko, his smirk growing. 'You may not know it, brat, but you already have three girls eyeing you! A shy Hyuuga, a sexy Snow Woman, and Anko of all people? Hoho! Naruto, you have surpassed me and your father already in that category! I'm so proud!'
Tsunade was silent, eyes closed with brow twitching. 'Memo to self, kill Jiraiya later. Also, have a talk with Naruto.'
She wasn't going to let any girl get their hands on her surrogate son, unless she knew he was well educated about girls to not be taken advantage of!
"Not like that. And they aren't really dreams, they feel more like memories from when I was a kid. I'm playing with this girl and we're… having fun and acting like normal kids, but I don't remember ever meeting her before and yet when I see her I get this warm feeling in my chest like I'm supposed to know her and that she means something to me. But at the same time I feel pain and sorrow." Naruto explained looking down with a frown.
"It's never good to lose close friends." Asume muttered, frowning. He couldn't even remember how many old friends he lost during his years as a shinobi.
Kakashi frowned deeply, his mind flashing back in time. 'Obito...Rin...'
Tsunade let out a shaky breath. While she may have made peace with her past, the memory didn't sting any less.
"Oh." The girls said their jealousy fading as they looked at Naruto seeing how this eating at him.
It was sad since in all the time they've known him he's never looked this sad before, his eyes even looked broken and empty as he talked about this mystery girl.
Getting Tayuya and Kin both put one hand on his shoulder before kissing him on his cheeks.
"Hmm." Naruto grunted, looking away with red cheeks. His blush increased as the giggling Haku grabbed his hand.
"Looks like they really care for you, Naruto-kun." She told him.
"Please don't tease me, Haku-chan." He begged, his face red.
"If you want, we can help you understand if these are memories or just realistic dreams Naruto-kun." Kin offered
"Yeah and if they are memories we'll also help you find this mystery girl." Added Tayuya, Naruto nodding to them both.
"Thank you both of you." Naruto said smiling at the girls returning the kisses though on their lips rather than their cheeks.
Naruto's blush increased to epic levels.
"Oh man!" Kiba complained. "How did Naruto get so lucky?!"
Shikamaru groaned, scratching the back of his head. "I don't know, and I don't really care. It's too much of a drag."
Kiba glared at him. "How can you say that, Shikamaru?! Aren't you the least bit jealous?! Naruto's getting all of these hot babes left and right! What about the rest of us?!"
Shikamaru cleaned his ears with his pinky, a bored expression on his face. "Unlike you, Kiba, I don't care. All I want is an average girl. Or none at all. Seriously, being in a relationship is too troublesome."
Kiba looked like someone told him that he was the dog and Akamaru was his master. He became too dumbfounded to say anything.
Ino watched the scene with a raised brow. "Wow, never thought I would be seeing Naruto with a girl. These really are alternative realities."
"What's that supposed to mean, Ino-chan?"
Ino tensed, a dreadful feeling falling on her. With shaking shoulders, she glanced over her shoulder, flinching as she met the surprising glare of Hinata Hyuuga.
While Ino always thought the Byakugan looked frightening, she now realized Hinata didn't need to activate hers to be scary.
"Um...no-nothing! Hinata! Naruto's a great guy, and any girl would be lucky to date him." She stuttered, chuckling nervously.
That was the wrong thing to say.
"Any...girl?"
Byakugan!
Spine snapping straight, Ino froze as Hinata's glare hardened as her doujutsu activated. Mentally, she screamed. 'Why isn't anyone helping me?!'
Unfortunately for her, Shin had taken everyone's attention. "So yeah. After this world, we'll be taking a small break. I need to head out for a bit and do some...stuff. I'll leave you guys with some, what I like to call "MIni-Worlds". They are similar to One-Shot worlds, but act more as small windows to other worlds that close after some time, no matter if you get that world's full experience or not. They are just some things to pass the time till I get back."
Tsunade raised her brow at him. "And what's so important that you need to leave?" She asked, suspiciously. She still didn't fully trust this man. A lot about him was a mystery, and he still hasn't fully explained why he brought them to look into other realities.
Shin waved off her stare. "I just need to pick up some things, see some friends. Nothing too serious. I won't be too long. Anyway, that's for later. Let's continue watching."
Sakura blinked in confusion as she looked at the pale white Ino beside her. "What's wrong Ino?"
"...Nothing. Absolutely nothing." She muttered out in a hollow voice.
'Note to self: Never piss off Hinata!'
"So what's the plan for today, training, sparring, screwing like rabbits in heat?" Kin asked with a smirk at the last option, a smirk Tayuya shared.
Jiraiya giggled while Naruto had steam coming out of his ears. Kakashi didn't help things as he sent his student a thumbs up.
'Somebody put me out of my misery~' The Kyuubi container thought hopelessly.
Naruto mulled over those options, sorely tempted to choose the third option, but restrained himself.
"What?! Gaki, how could turn down such temptation?! I'm very disappointed in you!"
"Shut up, Ero-Sennin!"
It's been three years since their arrival on Uzushio, since then they've been training, practicing, and mastering all the scrolls in the Uzumaki Vault, sparring with each other, and after they entered in their relationship, "screwing like rabbits" as Kin eloquently put it.
"I really don't want to hear about this." Sakura grumbled, her cheeks as pink as her hair.
"Shut up, Anko." Kurenai said, brow twitching as she closed her eyes and took a calming breath. She had never been comfortable in hearing about other people's sexual exploits. It just felt weird hearing. Such things should be kept private! It was bad enough she had to constantly deal with Anko and her sexual jokes.
"But I haven't even said anything yet!" Anko pouted.
"Whatever it is, I don't want to hear it."
"You're no fun, Nai-chan~!"
The only time they left the islands was to get supplies, clothes, and for Naruto to take the girls out on dates. Though Naruto also went to the mainland to settle his own private business.
Their skills had come along rather nicely, Tayuya and Kin having increased their number of Genjutsu, along with developing some of their own, both having their own advantage Tayuya with her sound-based Genjutsu and Kin with her now fully matured Sharingan. Tayuya had also come along nicely in her Fuinjutsu studies having added numerous seals to her flute that can have a wide range of effects, from Genjutsu to elemental attacks.
Kin meanwhile learned a large amount of Fire and Lightning Jutsu, given Fire Jutsu was her clans specialty and Lightning being her element.
'So like me.' Sasuke thought, seeing the resemblance in their affinities. However, he could see the gap between the two of them, as much as he hated it. 'I need to learn more Fire Jutsu, as well as Lightning Jutsu. Once we are back home, I'll visit the Uchiha Jutsu archives for more Fire Jutsu, and ask Kakashi for some training in Lightning Jutsu. The only one I have so far is Chidori. Need to expand my arsenal.' He planned, his desire to grow stronger burning as bright as ever.
Only...this desire was different.
Before, his desire for strength was to grow strong enough to defeat and kill Itachi. This time…
It was to match the strength of his...alternate self, his 'sister' as he labeled the Witch-Sasuke, and his 'cousin', A-Kin.
'Can't be a weak Uchiha.' He thought, a faint smirk on his face. He felt...strange. Different.
Calmer, even.
Yes, truly strange.
She'd also taken a shine to Medical Jutsu having seen how people like Orochimaru and Kabuto can use it in combat and given how she's already learned the basics of human anatomy for her Senbon, she decided to increase her knowledge in that area.
Naruto meanwhile had improved in all aspects of his training, he'd master his base Elemental Affinities to the point he could manipulate them without the aid of Jutsu or Handsigns, while his sub-elements while not the same level he could use them depending on the correct weather conditions, such as a storm for Storm Style or a blizzard for Ice Style.
My aite is really strong.' Naruto thought, crossing his arms. He felt jealous of his darker counterpart, but at the same time, it fueled him with the desire to get stronger himself. 'There's so much I want to learn! Sword fighting, like Hero-Me and Shaman-Me. Wind Jutsu too! And fuinjutsu! Can't forget that! First, I need to learn my affinity. Wonder what I have?'
He was now beyond a Fuinjutsu Master creating numerous seals of his own, sharing a few with Tayuya and Kin but keeping the more dangerous ones to himself not wanting them to hurt themselves by improperly handling them. His training as Zen-Aku had also improved greatly, he could now switch between both forms in seconds and remain as Zen-Aku for as long as he wanted.
Naruto had also taken the time to train alongside his summons as well, he'd even earned enough of Fenrir's respect that the Alpha Direwolf had allowed Naruto the chance to learn a powerful ability certain summons grant their summoners.
Sage Mode.
Jiraiya tensed at that. He knew from experience, Sage Mode was quite hard to learn. Even he hasn't fully mastered it, and needed the aid of the Toad Elders to enter it. Not even Minato, his genius of a student, has gotten it down after years of training, and sadly died before he could.
He recalled when the group had first appeared in this strange place, and had seen windows to other realities. His mind flashed to one image of Naruto in Sage Mode.
'Maybe the kid will be the one to fully master it. Kid surprised me with summoning and the Rasengan. Will need to speak with Ma and Pa about scheduling to give it a try.'
It was one of Naruto's trump cards he only uses as a last resort. So far he hasn't needed to use any of his trump cards against any opponents he's faced.
If Naruto were to rank them, he'd put both Kin and Tayuya at a high A-Rank, while he was S-Rank and he wasn't being arrogant in his skills, as he's proved before that he's definitely S-Rank.
Their attire had also changed given their old clothes were ruined from one to many spars.
Naruto's attire was black boots, black pants held up by a black belt with a silver wolf buckle, a black skin tight sleeveless shirt, with a black trench coat with the Uzumaki swirl on the back.
'Definitely taking Naruto shopping.' Ino thought with a small blush. Never would she have imagined that the former class dobe would look so good in black.
Anko felt the same way, as she licked her lips, eyeing the A-Naruto with a predatory look.
Naruto, meanwhile, shivered ominously, much to Haku's concern, while Zabuza nodded at the attire. 'Dressed like a true shinobi.' He thought, glancing at Naruto's orange clothes in ire.
What kind of ninja wore orange?!
Tayuya now wore a grey tunic with the Uzumaki swirl on the back, black spandex shorts that stopped above her knees, her regular black hat, black sandals that went part way up her calves, and her black arm-sleeves that stopped below her elbows.
Kin's outfit was black sandals, grey leggings, a white kimono top with long baggy sleeves where she hides numerous senbon, she'd also cut her hair to mid-back length and kept it in a braid.
"Tayuya seal the Vault, Kin and I will seal away any supplies we need." Naruto instructed standing up
It's been a while since any of them have been in any actual combat and he'd prefer none of them got rusty by becoming complacent.
"Fucking finally!" Tayuya said relieved they're finally leaving the island after months with Kin sharing in her excitement
'She's an Uzumaki alright.' Jiraiya thought, chuckling. Naruto was like his mother, too hyperactive to sit still for more than a few minutes, and it seemed to be genetic if Tayuya just proved it.
While the girls enjoyed the peace and quiet of the islands, and training in all the scrolls in the Uzumaki Vault, they couldn't deny if they didn't get off the island soon they'll go stir crazy.
"Where are we going and I swear you better give us a straight answer and not some vague bullshit like last time." Tayuya warned, Naruto smirking in amusement remembering her anger when they left Konoha.
"We'll be going to Suna." Answered Naruto interested to see what Gaara has been up to since the last time they met.
Naruto smiled widely, excited to see Gaara, even if it was an alternative version of him.
He also wondered if Gaara and his siblings will join them, and if so, when.
"And after that we'll be getting answers about my dreams." Naruto added all traces of amusement gone.
"And how're we going to do that? I doubt we can just stroll back into Konoha and get answers given your defection, along with how we were working with the pedo-snake at the time." Said Tayuya as despite Naruto having technically been a civilian when he left he was still a Jinchuuriki.
"While I don't know the girl's name, I do know what she looks like. Black hair, black eyes, pale skin, and her attire, I think she might have been an Uchiha." Naruto stated, Tayuya and Kin looking at him confused
Sasuke blinked at that, staring at the screen, along with the others.
"An Uchiha?" Naruto muttered. He never knew any Uchiha as a kid, apart from Sasuke. He figured that only applied to that world.
"Well nearly all the Uchiha are dead, with only four if you include the masked man. Plus, I'm the only living female one and I doubt we met before the Chunin Exams." Kin said.
"Masked man?" Tsunade asked, turning to Shin.
"I'll explain soon. Patience, Tsunade." He said, turning to her, smirking as his eyes seemingly began to glow. "Everything will be explained soon."
The ominously way he said it, made the woman shiver nervously. What the hell could he be planning?
"I'm aware. Which is why after going to Suna we'll be hunting down Itachi Uchiha." Naruto stated, now the girls looking at him shock.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes, teeth clenching. 'Itachi...' He thought, as his team looked at him in worry and caution.
"Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean not only is he an S-Rank Missing-Nin, but we might as well be looking for a needle in a haystack, since I doubt he'll just be sitting around somewhere." Said Kin
"Plus the fact he's a member of an organization, the Akatsuki I think, that Orochimaru used to be in, that are hunting Jinchuuriki and Tailed Beasts." Tayuya added remembering Orochimaru mentioning his previous affiliations.
Jiraiya narrowed his eyes in a glare. He had forgotten that Orochimaru was once part of the Akatsuki. Though he had left, no doubt the man knew things about the group.
More than he did.
It stung a bit, being a Spy Master, and he doubted the snake would be willing to share the information with him. 'Always the bastard, huh Orochimaru?' He mentally grumbled at his former rival now sworn enemy. He had always competed against the snake back when they were genin, him the loser while Orochimaru was the beloved prodigy.
Even now, the bastard still found ways to make him out to be a fool.
"Maybe, but that'll just mean he'll be trying to find me too. Either way I'm going to get answers." Naruto said heading for the door.
"And? What will you do once you get them? Like Kin said nearly all the Uchiha are dead, there's a chance that this girl…" Tayuya stopped short, while Naruto stood in place before speaking slowly.
"Depending on who this girl is and what she means to me, if she is dead and Itachi did kill her…" Naruto said holding his hand up as his nails extended into claws and his eyes glowed.
"… Then there will be one less Uchiha in the world."
Everyone shivered at A-Naruto's look, while Sasuke clenched his hands into tight fists, shaking. The thought of Naruto - an alternate, darker, and admittedly stronger one - killing Itachi before his counterpart - before him - angered him greatly. Such a thing was his goal alone! He deserved the right! For his family! The dobe only lost some girl!
'Don't you dare take the right from, dobe!' He thought, glaring at A-Naruto.
Naruto glanced at Sasuke and frowned seeing the expression on his face. 'Geeze, teme's really obsessed with his brother. I don't know what he'll do if my other actually kills his world's Itachi.' He thought worridly, before shaking his head. Whatever was Sasuke's problem, it was his problem. If the guy got angry for something his counterpart did, it was Sasuke's issue, not his.
*Konoha*
With the scene changing, the group found themselves back in the Hokage Office.
Tsunade smirked as she saw her counterpart behind the desk. 'About time I appeared!'
'I swear there are days I hate taking this job.' Thought Tsunade Senju, the Godaime Hokage, as she sat behind her desk doing paperwork, something which no matter how much she did there always seemed to be more appearing out of nowhere.
Tsunade nodded, looking at her counterpart in pity. 'I understand how you feel me. I swear, if I wasn't holding the damn seat away from Danzo and for Naruto, I'd get a replacement!' She thought, grumbling as she longed for the freedom she once had and all the sake she could drive. She held back tear of despair, cursing Jiraiya, Shizune, and Naruto. Shizune for never allowing her to drive while at work, Naruto for convincing her to take the job, and Jiraiya...just for being Jiraiya.
Three years ago if you had told Tsunade she would return to Konoha, let alone become Hokage, she would have laughed in your face, and very likely punched you through a mountain.-
Tsunade nodded in full agreement, making Shizune sweatdrop at her.
-Yet here she was back in the village she never wanted to see again, with a job she never wanted.
Of course after hearing from her sensei, and now her only advisor, about the alternatives she knew she had to become Hokage. Considering she wouldn't let any Kunoichi be forced to have Jiraiya as a commanding officer, Kakashi while a talented Ninja wasn't exactly Hokage material, and Danzo… Tsunade didn't need to be psychic to know the disaster that would be.
Tsunade nodded at the reason, shooting a glare at Jiraiya, who held his hands up. "I would never do that!"
The glares from the females told him just how much they believed him.
Not to mention everything that happened after she took the position, from the Akatsuki infiltrating the village to capture Naruto Uzumaki, not knowing he was no longer in the village, and then the defection of Sasuke Uchiha to Orochimaru.
"What?!" The members of Team 7 minus Sasuke shouted in surprise and horror, Naruto turning to glare at Sasuke, who stayed silent.
"What the hell, teme?!" He shouted.
Sasuke stayed silent.
Naruto continued. "How the hell could you run off to that snake bastard?!"
"Sasuke..." Sakura muttered, staring at her crush in worry and sadness.
Kakashi just watched, aiming a narrowed eye at the Uchiha.
The others stayed silent, observing, while Tsunade, the jonin, and Shikamaru narrowed their eyes at Sasuke.
Naruto started to get angrier as Sasuke kept quiet. He opened his mouth to shout more, when a hand on his shoulder stopped him. Looking up, he saw Shin beside him.
"Let's keep watching." The man-deity said, though it sounded more like an order than anything else.
Reluctantly, Naruto nodded, shooting one more glare at Sasuke, who kept his face towards the scene, not looking at anyone.
'Damnit old man you couldn't have kept the title for just a few more years, find someone else to sucker into this.' Tsunade thought.
As if summoned by her thoughts Hiruzen entered the office.
"Sensei." Tsunade greeted as she continued signing papers
"Tsunade. Has there been any word in regards to Naruto?" Sarutobi asked hopefully, as he and Tsunade have been telling all Jonin and Anbu taking missions outside the village to keep an eye out for any sign of Naruto or word of where he's been.
Naruto frowned, looking away from A-Hiruzen, unsure of his current feeling concerning the man he had throughout his whole life as a grandfather. Hearing the concern in his voice...
"Don't fall for his lies." The dark voice stated. "It's just a mask of kindness. Just a mask. He seeks the return of the village's weapon. But our counterpart is free. Like we could be, if you allow it. Allow me."
Naruto stayed silent, frowning.
Though his hopes were dashed when Tsunade shook her head negatively.
"No, nothing besides rumors of a black clad wolf creature and from what you told me about that giant mech, I'd say it's him. But nothing concrete or an exact location." Tsunade said solemnly thinking about her distant cousin.
Tsunade frowned. If her counterpart had met Naruto like she had, she would have been feeling worse.
She knew she would, if Naruto ever deserted the village.
As quick as that thought came, she shook it away. 'I can't think like that! Naruto would never leave the village. He's not Orochimaru. He never will be. I'll do anything and everything I can to keep him with us. With me. I can't lose him. Like Nawaki. Like Dan.'
Naruto might not know it, but he was the only thing that kept Tsunade from once again drowning in darkness and sorrow.
He has become her light in the darkness.
And if she ever lost that light...she didn't know what she would do.
While Tsunade was a Senju she still had Uzumaki blood from her grandmother, Mito Uzumaki, and learning another Uzumaki was all alone and hated, made Tsunade feel like her grandmother's ghost was constantly glaring at her in disappointment.
Tsunade flinched at that. Mito has always been her hero. Her inspiration. Her guardian after the deaths of her parents, and grandfather and granduncle.
The thought of Mito being disappointed in her...it would crush her.
"Hey Hime, sensei!" Jiraiya said jumping through the open window, much to both Tsunade and Sarutobi's chagrin.
While thankful for her teammate's other's unknowing interruption of her dark thoughts, Tsunade glared at said man for his constant use of appearing through her office window. "Learn to use the door, you damn pervert!"
Jiraiya pouted at her. "Why?! The window's faster!" He practically whined, much to her annoyance.
'Why do we even have a door?!' Tsunade thought wondering what the point of even having a door was if people were just going to go through the window.
"What is it Jiraiya?" Hiruzen questioned, as Jiraiya lost any trace of amusement turning serious.
"I've gotten word that the Akatsuki is on the move. So whatever you're doing to find Naruto, you better hurry since it won't be long before the Akatsuki targets him." Stated Jiraiya, Tsunade and Hiruzen looking at him with wide eyes before exchanging worried looks.
The Sannin also charged look of worry, both for A-Naruto, and their Naruto's safety, dreading the day the Akatsuki came for him.
If the Akatsuki was on the move they'll have to double their efforts to locate Naruto before the Akatsuki can. They can only hope Naruto hasn't already been captured by anyone who would use him for their own purposes.
The scene went black.
"Hey! Who turned off the lights?!" Naruto exclaimed.
"Is it over?" Tenten asked, looking around the darkness.
"Another change in scenery, perhaps?" Haku offered, with Neji nodding in agreement.
Lucky for the ground, they soon appeared in a rocky, enclosed environment. They all wondered where they were.
Lucky for them, the narration helped them, working by information appearing in their heads.
*Otogakure*
Within the Land of Sound was the hidden headquarters of Orochimaru's Hidden Sound Village, though in truth Otogakure was more along the lines of a series of bases Orochimaru has hidden throughout the Elemental Nations.
Scowls and glares appearing on everyone's faces. Orochimaru was the last face they wanted to see.
However, instead of Orochimaru, they witnessed a different figure appearing in the scene.
Though within the base was a very special person. The person in question was a seventeen-year-old girl.
The girl had long jet-black hair with a blue tint going down to her lower back and tied up in a ponytail, pale skin, obsidian colored eyes though currently they were now crimson red with three tomoes circling the pupil. The girls attire consisted of black ninja sandals that went part way up her calves, black form fitting leggings that hugged her shapely rear, a dark blue skirt stopping midway down her thighs, a purple rope belt tied around her waist, a chokuto sword secured by behind her, and white long sleeve shirt open at the chest revealing the bandages wrapped around her breasts.
Everyone was confused on who the figure was, having never seen her before. Though some noted that she seemed familiar.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes at the teen girl, confused about who she was. As he eyed her, he began to spot some similarity she had with a certain woman he knew. It wasn't long, till a thought sparked into his head, as his eyes widened, horror and dread gripping his heart.
'No' He thought. 'No, no.'
The adults soon also connected the dots, and began to chuckle. Or in Anko's case, laugh.
'Nonono...'
The Sannin laughed.
'Nononono!'
Shikamaru chuckled, while the others remained confused.
'Nononononononono!'
This girl was none other than Satsuki Uchiha.
"KAMI DAMN IT! NOT AGAIN!" Sasuke roared, making the genin jump, before laughter filled the chamber. "WHY DO THESE DAMN REALITIES KEEP MAKING ME INTO A GIRL?!" He demanded.
Anko chuckled, looking at the infuriated Uchiha with a smirk. "Once is a coincidence, twice calls for suspicion. Anything you want to tell us, Sasuke-chan~?" She teased, as Sasuke glared at her.
"I'M NOT A GIRL, DAMNIT!"
Now one might question who Satsuki is, given as far as everyone, aside from a select few, know there is no Satsuki Uchiha. The truth is though, Satsuki has lived under a different name for the past few years, ever since the Uchiha Massacre, the name being Sasuke Uchiha, being little more than a disguise Satsuki made for herself.
Ignoring the looks sent his way, Sasuke gritted his teeth, turning away from everyone. 'Someone's making a fool of me! I know it!'
'How did it all lead to this?' Satsuki pondered sitting in her room in Orochimaru's base
It wasn't the first time she wondered this and she already knew the answer no matter how much she wished she could change it. All of it started when Itachi slaughtered their clan and family, then her throwing away her best friend and the only loved one she had left.
'Naruto-kun, I'm so sorry.' Satsuki thought her head hung low.
"That's it!" Sasuke shouted. "I'm out of here!" He turned to leave the chamber.
He could stand his counterpart(s) being female, for in truth of the matter, they weren't him.
They were they, he was he!
However, he will NOT stand for this damn infatuation these female versions had towards his idiot teammate/rival's counterparts, and giving others the wrong idea!
He was DONE!
Unfortunately for Sasuke, before he could leave, he suddenly found himself sitting in a chair, bound by chains with tape covering his mouth.
Blinking, Sasuke glared hard, his shouts muffled as he struggled to free himself.
The cause for his position shook a finger at the avenger. "Now, now Sasuke. Can't have you leaving just yet. Besides, we're almost done with this world. So sit back, and enjoy the show." Shin said, ignoring Sasuke's glare.
Meanwhile, Naruto was completely unsure of how to feel.
'I'm getting a headache.' He thought, groaning. All of this was so confusing and weird.
Her mind went back to the day she first met Naruto.
*Flashback*
Five-year-old Satsuki Uchiha smiled widely as she walked next to her Kaa-san, Mikoto Uchiha, having spent together since her Tou-san and Nii-san were too busy to train or play with her respectively.
Sasuke looked away from the image of his mother, his heart gripping at the sight of her. Seeing her made him remember the last time he saw her.
The final time he saw her.
Currently they were walking through the park as other people went about their business, while children ran around laughing and playing. Though Satsuki suddenly stopped and looked over at the playground but saw no one playing near it, with the sole occupant being a blonde boy her age sitting on a swing.
'He looks sad.' Thought Satsuki seeing the boys downcast expression.
Naruto frowned, not wanting to constantly be reminded of his lonely past. 'Why do I have to constantly be reminded of the past? I've gotten over it! It was bad, yeah, but I moved on!'
"Are you sure about that?" The mysterious dark voice asked, making his frown deepen. "The past and our struggle is what makes us stronger. The pain. The isolation. The darkness...that is what gave us strength. The strength to adapt and grow. Not the light. Not friends. Not these people. No, king. The light and friends makes us reckless and ignorant. True strength...comes from survival. And we survived, but looking out only for ourself. The light has made you weak. These so called friends, made you weak. Look at you. Constantly throwing your life in jeopardy for people who will never truly understand the real you. For what? Acceptance? Why should you risk your life for such foolish goals? You are pathetic, king. You. Are. Weak."
"..."
Naruto didn't say anything. Couldn't say anything. Staying silent, as his right eye flashed red for a split second, while his shadow danced.
More and more, darkness began to spread through his mind and heart.
And he didn't even know it.
"Tsuki-chan what is it?" Mikoto asked getting her daughters attention.
"Kaa-san look, that boy is sitting by himself." Said Satsuki pointing in the boys direction
Looking Mikoto did see the child sitting by himself with no one around or even getting near him.
'Wait, that's…' Mikoto thought recognizing who it was.
Though unlike the majority of the village Mikoto didn't immediately identify him as the Kyuubi's Jinchuuriki, despite being aware of his status, instead she knew as her best friend, Kushina Uzumaki's, son Naruto.
Naruto's head snapped up, staring at Mikoto in shock. She knew his mother? He faintly recalled seeing her a few times throughout the village before the Uchiha Massacre and when she picked Sasuke up from the Academy.
"She knew our mother, yet did nothing for us. Did nothing to ease our pain. She turned her back on us. Just like the villagers."
Slowly. Naruto's hand clenched into a tight fist, as he gritted his teeth. His now red eyes glaring at the Uchiha mother.
It had saddened Mikoto to learn her friend had died and her newborn son made into an orphan and Jinchuuriki less than hour after being born. Only a baby and already he was alone in the world and had a burden he didn't ask for forced onto him. Mikoto would have gladly taken Naruto in, but given the Sandaime forbidding any clans from taking Naruto in or offering him any support, along with the Uchiha Clan being placed under heavy stigma due to people believing that they were responsible for the attack, there wasn't anything Mikoto could really do to help him.
Hearing that, increased Naruto's already high disdain for the Sandaime. He forbid anyone from taking him in?! To support him?! Taking away his chance at having a family?! What the hell?!
'Old man...why?!'
More and more, any lingering trust and love for the seemingly kind deceased Hokage was starting to break, until only a thin strand was left.
So thin...just the gentlest of breeze could snap it completely.
'Damn it, sensei!' Tsunade thought in anger. She was unsure if what she heard was true and if her sensei also did the same, but she was beginning to have her doubts. 'If I knew you would scorn and leave a child to suffer like this, I never would have left! Damn you, Sarutobi-sensei!' Normally, she wouldn't curse the dead...but this case just called for it.
What else could her sensei have been hiding?
'Although…' Mikoto thought looking at her daughter as she crouched down.
"You're right Tsuki-chan, he does look lonely. Why don't you go introduce yourself." Mikoto said, Satsuki looking at her Kaa-san confused.
"Why?" Asked Satsuki, Mikoto smiling and patting her.
"Something just tells me you'll both be great friends to each other." Mikoto said.
Naruto could no longer watch as he turned away from the scene. His eyes filled with conflicting feelings, while his head hurt with conflicting thoughts.
"If she truly cared for her best friend's son, she would have done something similar in our world, but she didn't. She just kept her distance and watched as we suffered. She doesn't care about us. She never did. We were simply a reminder of what she lost. So selfish."
Satsuki was only further confused by that before looking back to the boy. It would be nice to have a friend her age and her Kaa-san was usually right about things.
"Okay Kaa-san." Satsuki said before running over to the boy
"Hi!" Satsuki said getting his attention
Naruto looked up and was surprised to see a girl standing in front of him. Then it registered what she said.
"Hello." Said Naruto unsurely since he's not used to anyone approaching him, most people either glaring at him or looked afraid.
"Do you wanna play with me?" Asked Satsuki, surprising Naruto again
"Wh-what?" Naruto said not sure he heard correctly.
"You looked lonely and I didn't think you'd want to sit here all by yourself. So, do you wanna play?" Satsuki said.
Naruto was surprised that this girl he's never met or seen before just walked up to him and asked if he wanted to play.
"Su-sure, yeah." Naruto said a smile slowly appearing on his face.
Many smiled as they watched the interaction between the two children.
'He's smiling.' Kakashi thought as he looked at A-Naruto's expression with a smile of his own. It was a real smile. Being a veteral that has gone through so many horrible things...Kakashi was fully aware of masks and false smiles. After all, he always had one of his own, like many others. What he was seeing now, made him remember the few times Naruto actually smiled and really meant it throughout his life. 'I've seen a few of those these days.' He thought, glancing at his student. He frowned, seeing his state.
He could only wonder what was going through his mind right now.
'Naruto...'
"Great, let's go!" Said Satsuki grabbing Naruto's hand pulling him up off the swing the boy stumbling a little
"By the way I'm Satsuki Uchiha." Satsuki introduced
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki." Said Naruto, Satsuki smiling brightly at him
"It's nice to meet you Naruto." Satsuki said as both children started playing together
Behind his tape, Sasuke scoffed, looking away. Such a thing never happened in his time, and while a part of him couldn't help but wonder what his life would have been life if he had actually interacted with Naruto back then, the larger part of his mind shredded that thought. The past was in the past, and after the massacre, having friends would have been a waste. Especially when they wouldn't have understood what he was going through.
'Naruto might have...' A small voice, his subconscious, spoke.
Sasuke frowned.
The past was in the past.
*End Flashback*
They had been best friends ever since then, never being seen far apart. It was great for Satsuki to have a friend that only saw her as Satsuki and not as an Uchiha and she knew Naruto loved having such a friend. Neither had expected to create such a strong bond with each other.
Or the heartache and pain that would come from her trying to sever that bond.
It had been a few days after the Uchiha Massacre when Naruto had visited Satsuki after she was discharged from the hospital. At the time Satsuki had been so entrenched in her grief and rage along with Itachi's words echoing in her head on repeat.
"If you want to kill me… curse me! Hate me! And live a long and unsightly life… Run away… run away… and cling to your pitiful life. And then some day, when you have the same eyes as I do, come before me."
That was the first time the group besides Sasuke had heard of Itachi's word to Sasuke that night, and it made the genin gasp, while Shikamaru, the jonin, and Sannin narrowed their eyes.
'For a man who killed his own clan...it almost sounds like Itachi wants Sasuke to kill him.' The genin chunin thought, his mind racing. The adults had similar thoughts.
'Something's not right with this picture.' Zabuza thought. He knew a threat when he heard one, and from what he was hearing, there was a message hidden in the Uchiha's words.
For Sasuke...once more hearing Itachi's words, made him quake in anger, his fists clenching tightly. 'Itachi…!' He thought angrily, as his curse seal pulsed.
Satsuki had only desired to be left alone and Naruto's attempts to talk to her, while sweet and heartwarming, only served to anger her that he just wouldn't leave her alone. It all amounted to Satsuki screaming at Naruto to leave her alone, saying they weren't friends anymore or that she'd ever want to be friends with a loser like him.
While not being his other...those words made Naruto flinch, feeling a sense of betrayal and hurt. Satsuki was his...other's friend, and she said that? For a pariah like him, who spent much of his childhood scorned and shunned, to be casted out by a friend…
Haku looked worriedly at Naruto. Seeing the hurt expression he had, she wrapped her arm around his, laying her head on his shoulder as she entwined their hands, seeking to comfort him.
The look on his face at her words had been truly heartbreaking, but Satsuki was too mad at the time to notice or care.
It hadn't been until Satsuki managed to calm down after a few days to become racked with guilt at her actions and words. She had gone to find Naruto and apologize but when she had found him it had been like he'd never even met her before or even knew who she was. Satsuki hadn't been sure if he was mad at her and pretending he didn't know her or somehow he'd truly forgotten who she was, either it had hurt Satsuki that she had lost her best friend.
Not long after that Satsuki had created her persona of Sasuke, the self-centered arrogant avenger. The only ones who were aware of her identity were the Sandaime, who helped sell the lie that she was a boy, and Kakashi, given he was her sensei and his presence helped her train in private without fear of being discovered.
The lies had worked and everyone believed she was a boy, that is until she started back at the Academy and ended up in the same class as Naruto. Not wanting to end up hurting him again Satsuki ignored him, however this backfired on her when he declared himself her rival and that he'll surpass her. She didn't show it but Satsuki had been happy Naruto still focused on her, even if it wasn't really 'her' he was focused on.
Sasuke was not liking some of the looks the others were sending him, or that snake woman's grin. Response, he glared heavily at them.
But Satsuki still refused to let Naruto get close to her, not only so he didn't get caught up in her problems but also her fear of Itachi's words on how to unlock the Mangekyo Sharingan, that she had to kill her best friend. That was something Satsuki wanted to avoid as she had no desire to be anything like Itachi and she couldn't even imagine killing the one she loved.
Sasuke frowned. While he did indeed seek power to kill his brother, he would not follow Itachi's path in obtaining the Mangekyo through killing…
'Problem is...what other methods could there be to become strong enough to face someone like Itachi?'
He knew Itachi was in a whole other league compared to him - as much as he hated to admit it - so how could he become strong enough to face such a threat?
This lead Satsuki to belittle and insult Naruto hoping to ward him off of trying to be her friend, rival, or anything important to her, but Naruto only proved how stubborn he is by not giving up and only trying harder to surpass her, it was both endearing and annoying for the disguised Uchiha. Not to mention she hated insulting him.
It only got worse after Naruto's transformation, which Satsuki would admit only to herself was incredibly hot combined with his new attitude.
*Snicker*
Try as he might, unfortunately Sasuke could not set the snickering people on fire with how hot his glare was. He struggled against his chains, to no avail, glaring at Shin, who ignored him.
"I..." Naruto started, but stopped, his face an odd hint of purple, struggling between being red in embarrassment, and green with disgust, for no matter how pretty she was, Satsuki was still A-Sasuke. "I have no idea how to feel." He muttered, much to Haku's amusement.
The Ice maiden covered a giggle. "Just think, other counterparts of mine are male. What does that say about our interaction? Our...bond..." She hinted, smirking at him.
"Please don't put thoughts like that in my head, Haku-chan!"
"Hehehe!"
The downside however was that he no longer cared about his team or anyone in Konoha really, which hurt Satsuki all the more, even as she repeatedly told herself it was for the best.
Then it all came to an end when he left the village, left her.
'After elbowing me in the face.' Satsuki thought rubbing her face at the phantom pain
*Twitch!**Twitch!* went the Uchiha's brow as some chuckled, all recalling that event.
'I despise you all...' Sasuke mentally growled.
Can't say she didn't deserve it after everything she said to him when she was Sasuke.
'That and a lot more.' Thought Satsuki chuckling bitterly wondering if this was karma for hurting Naruto or if someone out there just enjoyed tormenting her.
Just then Satsuki was pulled from her thoughts when Kabuto entered her room, much to her annoyance since he didn't even knock first.
"Orochimaru-sama wants to see you Satsuki." Kabuto informed
Not even acknowledging the spy Satsuki brushed past him and made her way to Orochimaru's throne room. Reaching she saw the Snake Sannin waiting for her.
Everyone growled in annoyance at the appearance of the snake. No matter how many times they see him, just his appearance disgusted them.
"What do you want?" Satsuki questioned not bothering to bow or show any respect to the man.
"We'll be moving to the base in the Land of Grass soon, make sure to bring anything of importance you might need." Orochimaru stated, Satsuki scoffing thinking it was actually something important
Turning on her heel to head back to her room only for Orochimaru to speak again.
"Tsk, tsk Satsuki-chan, I thought we talked about that attitude of yours. After all isn't that how you lost Naruto-kun." Orochimaru said tauntingly knowing exactly what buttons to push to get a reaction from Satsuki
Unfortunately the most he got was Satsuki clenching her fists in anger before stalking off.
'Just you wait snake, you'll get yours soon.' Satsuki thought vowing that once Orochimaru has nothing left to teach she'll kill him and then burn what's left.
Naruto and Sakura frowned, glancing at one another. They were unsure on if these events could happen in their future, Sakura recalling the past world they visited with their counterpart's meeting with Orochimaru and the words he said messing with their minds. Both hoped that these events only laid with the world they were viewing, and Sasuke didn't do anything idiotic and ran off to Orochimaru.
Jiraiya hummed silently. While he knew his former teammate had become considerably weaker after his battle with their sensei, he wouldn't believe Orochimaru has become so weak that he would go down that easily. Unless the alternate Uchiha heiress had some tricks up her sleeves, she shouldn't be underestimating Orochimaru as she is. It could come back to bite her.
*Unknown Location*
In a hidden cave six illusionary bodies appeared with no distinguishable features aside from the eyes.
"Now what?" Kiba asked as the group found themselves in another enclosed rocky and dark place.
The jonin tensed, a feeling of uneasiness gripping their chest. Their instincts screamed at them to be on guard, the heavy air slamming down on the audience.
Jiraiya and Tsunade narrowed their eyes, spotting the transparent figures. Wherever they were...it was trouble.
"Report." Commanded the figure with solid purple eyes and black concentric rings
"Deidara and I are approaching Suna and should arrive within only a few hours to capture the Ichibi Jinchuuriki Pein-sama." Reported a short hunchback member with a deep raspy voice
This was Sasori of the Red Sand.
"We are on the trail of the Yonbi Jinchuuriki and will have a location within the coming months." Itachi reported for him and his partner Kisame
"Good. Report again when you have captured your targets and are prepared to perform sealing. Finally a warning to be on the lookout for the one who killed Kakuzu and Hidan, along with making sure to find out where Zetsu is." Ordered Pein
It had happened nearly a year ago, Kakuzu and Hidan had been sent to capture the Nanabi Jinchuuriki only to be attacked by an unknown assailant. While they didn't know who this person was, they knew they were strong to have beaten and killed the "Zombie Duo". Not long after Zetsu had gone missing, which was a major blow to the Akatsuki losing their member who gathered most of their information.
Itachi, Kisame, Deidara, and Sasori nodded before cancelling the Jutsu to resume their tasks, Pein and his partner, Konan, soon following.
"..."
Everyone was still, frozen in place with wide eyes.
Deidara...Sasori...Itachi...Kisame…
Ichibi Jinchuuriki
Which could only mean…
"Akatsuki..." Jiraiya muttered, sweat dripping from his forehead. He didn't expect for them to end up at what could be an Akatsuki base, and being "ghosts" of sorts, it didn't lessen the tension of being in the presence of several S-Rank missing shinobi, much less some of the world's deadliest kind.
The genin were not faring any better than the adults, as they shook in place. Even with no killer intent, their surroundings were suffocating with just the presence before them. Their breaths had gotten caught in their chests, they could not breath, feeling a heavy sense of despair and helplessness slowly crushing them the longer they were in this location.
Everyone let out a sigh of relief as the scene changed. However, they could not feel safe after what they heard, as JIraiya bit his lip.
In three years, the Akatsuki will make their move.
*Amegakure*
Opening their eyes Pein and Konan saw "Madara" sitting out on the ledge of the tower one leg hanging off the edge and the other pulled up to his chest.
"Madara?" Asuma muttered in surprise along with Kurenai and Gai. Kakashi and Jiraiya narrowed their eyes at "Madara". Could this really be the famed Uchiha of legend?
"Status report Nagato." Said "Madara"
"Nagato?!"
Jiraiya gasped, his eyes widening to their limit as he stared at the figure on the ledge. He stared at their orange hair and face which had piercing on it. "Yahiko?" He muttered, before looking at the woman. "Konan?"
How was it possible? Could these….could these really be the same kids he had met and nurtured during the Second Shinobi War for three years before he had to leave them.
'I thought...I heard they had perished!' He thought, his mind in a storm. His old students - albet unofficial - were not only alive, but...in the Akatsuki.
"Ero-Sennin?" Naruto called, a worried look as he saw the distraught expression on his perverted teacher.
"Jiraiya..."Tsunade muttered, looking at her teammate. She was also shocked at the discovery of the brats Jiraiya picked up during their time in Ame in the Second War. Never would she have expected them to be in the Akatsuki.
"Deidara and Sasori are en route to Suna to capture the Ichibi, Kisame and Itachi are on the trail of the Yonbi, and there's still no word on Zetsu's whereabouts or the one who killed Kakuzu and Hidan." Pein, or rather Nagato, said with "Madara" nodding once he was updated on things.
"Good the sooner we begin capturing the Jinchuuriki the closer we'll be to the completion of our goal. But extend our sources to locate Zetsu, losing him means losing our main information supplier, while Sasori's spy network is extensive it still pale in comparison to Zetsu's abilities." Said "Madara".
"We'll do our best to locate him." Pein stated.
"See that you do." 'Project Tsuki no Me has already had enough delays with the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki vanishing and Kakuzu and Hidan's deaths, I can't risk losing Zetsu as well.' Thought "Madara" before vanishing in a swirl of distorted air.
Once more, the scene changed, with everyone watching silently. After the last surprises, they were unsure as what else could appear for them.
*With Katsumi*
"You know how this can end, just tell me who the Masked Uchiha is!" Katsumi said over the screams of her torture victim, said victim being Zetsu himself
When everyone saw a familiar 'woman', they gasped.
"It's her!" Asuma stated.
"The Kyuubi!" Tsunade hissed, more shocked at the A-Kyuubi being free yet Naruto still living. While thankful, she wanted answers.
"How?" Naruto muttered, and known to him, the Kyuubi also wanted to know, wanting to know how it's counterpart managed to escape the seal so it could do the same.
"Never! I'll never tell you anything Kyuubi!" Zetsu said as despite the numerous torture methods Katsumi has put him through, most of which she had to invent on the spot after she ran out standard torture methods, he's refused to tell her anything about the Masked Uchiha.
Though she had been able to squeeze out the identity of all the still living Akatsuki members, including the figurehead possessing the Rinnegan. But she wanted the masked man's name, his true name, as she doubts it truly is Madara as while the man's Chakra was dark and vile it wasn't even close to the darkness Madara possessed.
"So that Madara was a fake." Kakashi muttered, frowning. While knowing that it was not the true monster of a man known as Madara, questions still remained about the figure's identity.
"Fine then you can burn." Said Katsumi releasing a stream of fire lighting the plant creature aflame his screams of agony being music to her ears.
The genin flinched as the white/black being's screams rang through the chamber. They were new to torture, and were not enjoying what was happening. The adults were used to it, but they could tell this was not torture, but merely the female Kyuubi playing around with its food.
"I like her style." Kyuubi muttered, grinning savagely as it observed its counterpart's work.
Katsumi was annoyed at yet another dead to the masked mans identity. Crushing Zetsu's ring, just as she'd done with Kakuzu and Hidan's, Katsumi exited the room once she was sure Zetsu's entire body was ash, she wasn't going to risk him escaping back his master and compromise her freedom.
'Ugh, maybe I should just ask the brat for help. I'm sure he'd enjoy hunting down the man that caused that night to happen.' Katsumi thought not liking to have to ask for help but is willing to ask, if only because her former container kept good on their deal
Either way she's going to get her hands on that masked bastard and take great pleasure in peeling the flesh from his bones.
Finally, the scene went dark, and the group found themselves back in the viewing room. Immediately, Jiraiya appeared in front of Shin, grabbing the man by the front of his cloak. The sage had an enraged look in his eyes as he glared at the god-like being.
"Explain..." He hissed.
Shin sighed, closing his eyes. "Later."
"No, now!" JIraiya shouted, his grip tightening. He wanted answers, and he was getting them. "Was that really Konan and Nagato?! Was that Yariko?! What the hell happened after I left them?! TELL ME!" He roared, having had enough of Shin and his games.
Opening his eyes, Shin stared at the man. "Later. As I told Tsunade, all will be explained later." He said calmly. Blinking, Jiraiya suddenly found himself back beside Tsunade. Looking around in confusion, he glared at Shin, as the man cleared his throat. "Now then, we have one more scene to watch through. After that, we will be taking an extended break as I need to go gather some things. Once I return, we can truly begin the second phase of our little journey."
"And what exactly is the 'second phase'?" Tsunade asked, narrowing her eyes at him.
Shin smirked at her. "Everything that you have watched so far is merely the tip of what the Naruto-verse holds. To truly appreciate the wonders of the multiverse and its infinite stories, you need a closer look. As such, we shall be going in deeper into the edge of the endless void before us. We will be going into the edge of Naruto-Verse."
Happy end of a decade everyone!
Holy crap! This is a big moment!
Right now it is 12:46 a.m (Eastern Time) Monday December 30, and I just finished this chapter.
One chapter of Return of the Duke Wolf, and two days before New Years. Hopefully I will be able to finish it before then.
If not...here ya go!
Until next time!
Happy end of a decade, and hello 2020!
Watashi no kodomo o kakuninshitekudasai!
Ja ne!