Outside the Hidden Sound Village
Team Daichi made it to the clearing around the hidden village.
"Are you getting anything Karin?" Daichi asked.
Karin had been sensing everything within the base. "There are multiple Chakra signatures within. Fourteen of them match Genyumaru's and are together."
Genyumaru looked at the stairs leading into the earth. "My clan."
"There are a number of other signatures inside, but none of them stand out like Lady Tsunade's." Karin finished.
"That's good news." Daichi stated. "Orochimaru should have Chakra comparable or greater than hers. If you aren't sensing something like that, it's likely he's not here."
"What's the plan Daichi?" Genyumaru asked.
"The longer we stay out here the greater the chance we'll be attacked." Daichi stated. "We'll head in; however, we all need to be on high alert. Even though Orochimaru may not be here, we will operate under the assumption he is. Do not underestimate any adversary within."
Hidden Sound Village
The group made their way through the dark tunnels. The only light they had were candles along the walls. Karin was keeping her sense about her since she wanted to continue helping the team. It wasn't long until they came to three different paths.
"What do we do now?" Tenten asked.
"Karin, what do you sense down each tunnel?" Daichi asked.
"The one on the left leads to the fourteen Chakra signatures like Genyumaru's along with most other signatures. The middle and right tunnels end up leading to the same place and away from the cells. There also seem to be fewer personal."
"It's also likely that those last two tunnels are where you'll find the most traps." Tenten added.
"Lee, Karin, and Genyumaru, you three are to go down the left hall and rescue the Soshi Clan. Tenten take Sasame and head down the middle path while I take the right path." Daichi stated.
"That leaves you alone Daichi." Sasame worriedly stated.
Daichi wove some hand signs. "Fusion Clone Jutsu." A clone of Haku appeared next to Daichi. "This fusion clone can watch my back, so let's get moving."
Each group went down their assigned tunnel.
With Daichi
Daichi proceeded down the hall observing his environment for traps, but he didn't seem to notice any. "Someone's either better with traps than I, or there's no traps down this way. Though why have this hall in the first place if you aren't going to…" Daichi's thoughts were silenced as his foot caught on a rope which caused holes to appear along the ground. "Jump!"
The Fusion member and clone jumped for the ceiling and flipped allowing them to latch onto it with their Chakra. A moment after they landed, arrows flew from the holes embedding themselves in the walls.
"Let's move down the hall like this until we reach that door at the end of the hall." Daichi stated.
They eventually came to the end of the hall and jumped down landing before a wooden door. The clone drew some senbon and Daichi drew a few shuriken. He then opened the door and they walked in.
Inside they found a middle-aged man of average height sitting at a table with a tea pot and two cups. He had red hair and azure blue eyes behind glasses. His attire consisted of a dark blue lab coat over a black shirt with matching pants.
"Hello Daichi Ryu. It is an unexpected, yet welcome pleasure to make your acquaintance. Would you like to join me for some tea?"
"You must Shun Uzumaki." Daichi stated firmly. "How do you know my name, where is Neji Hyuga, and why are you not trying to kill me?"
"Quite the inquisitive type, but first I must give you you two options." Shun chuckled good naturedly. "Option one, you and I fight before I inevitably escape leaving you with nothing. Option two, you can join me for some tea, and we can have a chat. What will it be?"
Daichi was heavily skeptical about this man, but he figured that he'd get more useful information by playing along. He took a seat across from the Uzumaki, and the fusion clone moved to stand behind him. Shun moved to pour some tea into Daichi's cup.
"Forgive me." Daichi moved the cup away from himself stopping the Uzumaki. "I do not trust thar cup nor your tea."
"Suit yourself." The man took Daichi's cup and poured tea into it for himself. "More for me." He took a drink. "Still, I do not blame you for being doubtful. It is only natural all things considered. Since you've met me halve way, ask me anything you'd like."
"Who are you?" Daichi asked.
"You already know me, but I am Shun Uzumaki." Shun replied, "I'm one of the few Uzumaki out there, and I'm sitting in here rather comfortably. Thus, you can imply that I work for Orochimaru; however, he is but one of my clients across these lands."
"You're basically a Shinobi for higher." Daichi stated.
"You could say that." Shun took a drink. "I also run my own village. It's smaller than even the smallest village out there, but I'm hoping to change that." He shrugged. "Who knows. I could end up dying someday or disbanding my village to join another."
"What's your goal?" Daichi questioned.
"It's quite simple." Shun smiled. "I believe the world of the Shinobi has become rather stagnant. Forget revenge for my clan or simply joining another village outright. I want to push this world of ours into a new age. What I'm seeking is evolution."
"That alone wouldn't be a bad goal, but you're working with people like Orochimaru to achieve it." Daichi's opinion of this man wasn't changing. "What's more, you led a Shinobi of the Leaf astray."
"You call it leading him astray, but I call it showing him the truth." Shun countered. "The Hyuga Clan is but one example of the rot which infest every village. Personally, I don't mind it, but there are people who turn a blind eye. Some of them shouldn't."
"I'm not going to sit here and pretend you aren't speaking sense; however, how you've chosen to go about it is wrong." Daichi stated. "The villages can be changed without turning Shinobi against them. They can still work."
"Perhaps." Shun stood. "That remains to be seen. Now, I'm going to take my leave, but this has been rather illuminating." He looked at Daichi. "Oh, I almost forgot. You should hurry because Tenten will need your help. She might even die if you're late.
Shun dispelled which revealed that he had been a shadow clone the whole time. Daichi didn't have time to think about that since he had a teammate to save.
With Genyumaru, Lee, and Karin
Genyumaru ran forward and punched a Sound shinobi in the face with his earth covered fist. This sent the man flying into a wall hard enough to knock him out. A sound ninja slashed at Karin with a sword, but she managed to dodge it.
"Chakra Scalpel." Karin declared.
She has only been training with Guy for so long, but the improvement clearly showed as Karin caught her opponent in several places rendering them unable to move.
A Shinobi tried to attack her from behind, but Lee jumped at him. "Leaf Hurricane!"
"The Chakra signatures are down the hall around the upcoming corner." Karin stated.
Before they could move on, a female's voice rang out. "Summoning Jutsu!"
A large, brown snake rushed at Genyumaru from around the corner. The Soshi heir charged it head on as his body became coated in earth. The Soshi heir smashed into the snake hard managing to push it into a wall. The impact forced the snake to dispel.
Lee and Karin joined him only for Hebihime to come around the corner next smirking at them. "I didn't think you'd ever return Genyumaru."
"Hebihime." Genyumaru grit his teeth.
"Who is Hebihime?" Lee asked.
"She's one of Orochimaru's personal apprentices." Genyumaru stated. "When prisoners need 'persuasion' to get them to move, she's the one Kabuto or Orochimaru calls in" Genyumaru punched his left palm. "This time I can fight back."
"I suppose you can." Hebihime smirked. "Let's see what you're really made of clan heir."
Genyumaru pointed at her. "You're going to pay for everything you've done to my clan." He then whispered to the Leaf Genin. "I'll do my best to hold her off; meanwhile, you two need to free my clan."
Genyumaru didn't wait for a reply. He knew he had no chance of beating Hebihime, but he still charged her with the intent to kill. He covered his torso in earth, but she effortlessly stopped him before throwing the heir into a nearby wall hard. Lee and Karin had already ran on.
With Lee and Karin
Karin had stopped before a reinforced door causing Lee to do the same. "This is it." The Uzumaki placed a hand on the door. "The Soshi Clan is behind this door."
"Alright, step aside Karin." Lee declared before yelling loud enough for the people inside to hopefully hear. "Anyone inside needs to get clear of the door." He crossed his arms. "Gate of Opening, open!"
He began furiously kicking at the door intending to kick it down.
With Genyumaru
Genyumaru tried to engage Hebihime with Taijutsu, but he was out classed in every sense of the word. Hebihime was faster, stronger, and moved with the grace of a snake. Everything the heir tried was dodged, and he was constantly nailed moving him further down the hall.
"Earth Style: Earth Shore Return!" Karin declared.
A wall of earth shot up between Genyumaru and Hebihime. The snake apprentice turned to see Karin with her hands on the ground.
Lee lept from behind her with a kick. "Dynamic Entry!"
Hebihime caught his leg and smashed the Genin into the wall Karin created before throwing him into the Uzumaki. Genyumaru came from behind the wall and attempted to punch her. Hebihime simply caught his arm before striking him in the chest. She then threw him at the other Genin.
"You three are nothing compared to the copycat and demon I faced awhile back." Hebihime declared. "Honestly, I'm beginning to wonder how Orochimaru lost to your village. That Mizukage must have done more than I initially thought."
Before she could go on the attack once more, the Soshi Clan's more able-bodied members came to the defense of the Leaf Genin.
An old man with a cane came into the hallway and looked at Genyumaru with a smile. "You've done well my grandson." He looked at Hebihime. "Allow us to deal with her now and earn our freedom together."
"Fine old man." Genyumaru was smiling even though he was certainly hurting. "It's not like we need your help."
Hebihime looked at the opposition, and immediately came up with a multitude of ways she could turn this situation around; however, each idea would end in a prolonged battle. While she was confident in her ability to win, the loss of valuable subjects and time made it ineffectual.
"You actually think you have me cornered." Hebihime chuckled. "Last time I checked; this wasn't your village."
She placed her hand on a candle holder above her and turned it. This caused the wall to flip around.
One of the Soshi members hair became brown and he angrily shouted. "I'm not letting that little snake get away!"
He coated his first in earth and punched the wall down to reveal a hidden passageway with many paths one could go.
Genyumaru sighed and placed his hand on his fellow clan member's shoulder. "It's unfortunate, but it seems she got away." He turned to address his clan. "Everyone, these two are from the Leaf.
They fought hard to free us, and our goal of joining the Leaf is close at hand. We just need to get outside and wait for the rest of their team to join us. Let's move and stay on guard. I want the elderly and young in the middle of the group while our able-bodied fighters cover the rear."
The members headed Genyumaru's words before taking the lead with Lee and Karin.
With Tenten and Sasame
The pair entered a long corridor with many pillars. The only light in the room came from various candles on the pillars. The previous hall they'd been in had been littered with traps, but they hadn't been much of a challenge.
As they walked into the room, the Kunochi were confronted by Kabuto who'd entered from a door at the opposite end of the room. Tenten summoned a katana from her scrolls while Sasame drew a kunai.
"This is quite the surprise." Kabuto stated. "You never made it to the finals, yet you're the only one from the Hidden Leaf Village to make it this far Tenten."
"I don't care about the words your spouting Kabuto Yakushi." Tenten declared firmly. "All I care about is learning where Arashi Fuma is."
"Am I to presume that girl is the reason you asked?" Kabuto smirked. "It doesn't really matter since you'll be dead soon anyways."
Kabuto charged her with two kunai.
"Stay back and cover me if I need it Sasame." Tenten declared.
Sasame nodded. "Right."
Tenten met Kabuto head on and their weapons began to clang as they tried to injure or kill the other. The Kunochi's weapon training was on full display as she managed to keep up with Kabuto's superior speed using her own technique.
Kabuto eventually jumped back and wove a set of hand signs. "Fire Style: Mist Blaze Dance."
The Sound shinobi jumped into the air while shooting flammable gas. The flames from the candles ignited it and a stream of fire moved towards Tenten. She quickly withdrew a scroll and moved to Sasame's side before summoning a segmented, iron dome to protect them.
Once the fire died down, Tenten resealed the dome only for Kabuto to come in nailing both Kunochi with hard, fast punches to the face and body. Tenten eventually managed to catch the Shinobi by the shirt and throw him into a nearby pillar.
The Genin attempted to continue the fight; however, she was struggling to move. "What's going on?"
Sasame was worried and fearful of what this meant.
Kabuto chuckled. "I believe you'll see why you can't move if you just look at yourself."
Tenten did just that and saw that there were Chakra threads all around her. "What is this?"
"It was every time we made contact with one another." Kabuto chuckled. "You're a sorry excuse for a weapon mistress if you couldn't even realize how Chakra conductive metal can be. It makes it rather easy to entangle you. Now, look at me and see where those threads lead."
Tenten followed the threads and found that they led to Kabuto's heart shocking her.
"That's right Kunochi." Kabuto knew she understood. "Those threads are connected to the chambers of my heart. Soon they shall weave themselves into the chambers of yours heart." Tenten's eyes bulged as she could hear hers and Kabuto's hearts starting to beat as one.
"You can hear it, right? Our heart rates are synchronizing." He looked up and gave an evil smile. "In a minute, they will beat as one." Just as he said that it happened. "They now beat as one. We are linked."
"What kind of Jutsu is this?" Tenten thought as she shook. "I can't move at all."
"No, I'm not going to allow this!" Sasame drew a kunai and started hacking at the threads. "This team of Leaf Shinobi are willing to help me find Arashi, so I will not let them die!"
"What's the matter Sasame?" Kabuto chuckled. "Don't have any of those tags on hard? What a pity. If you were more prepared, maybe you could save this girl. Should have been smarter."
"There has to be something I can do!" Tenten thought desperately.
"You haven't even heard what this Jutsu can really do." Tenten looked at Kabuto. "Just think about it. Our hearts are connected, so what do you think will happen if my heart were to stop?"
Tenten froze in shock.
"No, you can't kill her!" Sasame screamed. "If you do this, you'll die to!"
"I know full well what will happen to me, but it doesn't matter since I promised myself to Lord Orochimaru completely." Kabuto reached inside his chest and pulled out his heat with the Chakra threads all over it. ""I think it's time we end this."
He began to squeeze his heart causing Tenten to scream in pain.
"Tenten!" Sasame fell to her knees. "I'm so sorry!"
Daichi ran into the room with his Sword of the Thunder Spirit drawn. He cut the thread freeing the Kunochi. The resulting electricity from the threads shocked both Shinobi to the ground. Daichi gripped his blade and looked at the ground sadly thinking he'd been too late.
"I don't know what effect cutting the thread has." Sasame ran over to Tenten. "Hey, are you okay? Tenten are you alright?
"I'm fine." Tenten slowly opened her eyes. "Thank you, Daichi."
Daichi breathed a sigh of relief. "No problem."
The Fusion member then walked over to Kabuto's body only to notice that it was a fake wearing a mask. He removed it to reveal Kagero's face and hair. Almost everyone was shocked except for Sasame who was saddened to see her.
"I thought you died back on that road." Daichi stated.
"I was given another chance at life as a puppet." Kagero smiled as she turned her attention to Sasame. "Don't be sad Sasame as now I can finally rest in peace, but before I go, don't see Arashi as he is." Kagero 's heartbeat slowed. "Thank you Chunin for freeing me."
Kagero's head fell and her heart stopped.
Sasame looked at the ground saddened. "Master Kagero."
"I'm sorry Sasame." Tenten put an arm around her. "I'm sure before Orochimaru, that woman was someone worthy of you calling her master."
"Well, we've come this far." Daichi looked at the door ahead before turning to Sasame. "It's your call. What are we going to do?"
"I have to see him." Sasame clenched her fist and looked at him with determination. "I didn't come this far to be frightened of what may await me beyond that door."
Tenten smile. "Then, let's forge on together."
"Yeah, let's do it." Daichi stated.
Before they could move on, the doors opened, and Orochimaru walked into the room. "It was good of you to come Sasame."
Daichi immediately drew his swords. "Orochimaru."
"Where's my cousin?" Sasame asked. "Where's Arashi?"
The guy reached for his hair and removed his face revealing that it had been nothing more than a mask. The person underneath was a young man with purple, chin length hair. He wore a green, short sleeved shirt with a white collar and gray pants.
"Arashi." Sasame stated almost in disbelieve that she'd finally found her cousin. "Arashi!" She ran up to him, but he stopped her by putting up his hand. "What's wrong Arashi?"
"You're mistaken." Arashi looked down. "I'm not the Arashi you knew."
His skin changed into a dull red color and from his back sprouted a large bulge that contained the faces and arms of the remaining two ninja that had been with Kagero. It was a freaky sight to behold for all three Shinobi. Sasame even screamed.
"The bodies and skills of the Fuma Clan's strongest have merged." Arashi declared. "I have been reborn as the ultimate Shinobi. Now I will show you the most powerful Ninjutsu you have ever seen."
Sasame was clearly frightened.
Daichi was enraged as tears began to form in his eyes. "Orochimaru is a man that has no respect for who Shinobi are as people. He only see's us as pawns to be used. Experiments to further his own strength. His own agenda."
In the back of his mind, he was thinking about how Shun Uzumaki was no different. The lumps on Arashi's back expanded outwards making Sasame scream again.
"Tenten, look after Sasame." Daichi looked down. "What's more, leave this to me alone."
Sasame shouted, "You can't Daichi…"
"Sasame, your cousin is already dead." Daichi turned to look at Sasame allowing her and Tenten to see his tears. "I'm sorry, but the man your cousin was isn't here." He faced Arashi. "Your life is one that I will always regret taking."
"Jigumo, attack." Arashi stated.
The flesh came at Daichi, but he dodged in before weaving hand signs. "Shadow Clone Jutsu."
Daichi landed and two more appeared. All three Daichi's charged Arashi with their blades. One clone stabbed Jigumo with all his might stabbing it into the ground. Daichi and the remaining clone pressed forward.
"Kimikiri, charge forwards." Arashi stated.
Daichi kicked the flesh up, and the second clone jumped into the air coming down hard on it. The clone made sure this flesh was stuck in the ground as well while the real Daichi stabbed Arashi straight through his chest with the Sword of the Thunder Spirit.
He let the full power of the electricity run wild through Arashi. The bodies of the other Fuma members fell off him and became blobs on the ground. Arashi himself returned to normal and fell backwards. Sasame ran over and caught Arashi before gently lowering him to the ground.
"Thank you for freeing me." Arashi smiled at Daichi. "Please feel no guilt over this action and remain the man that was able to put this soul to rest."
"I will honor your request." Daichi wiped away his tears. "I promise."
Arashi shifted his gaze to his cousin. "Sasame, do not blame this young man for what he's done. He freed me from this curse."
"I won't blame him." Sasame nodded sadly. I don't blame him."
Arashi placed a hand on Sasame's cheek. "Live a long and happy life."
Arashi's hand fell, and as his eyes lost their life.
Some Time Later…
The base was destroyed, Arashi had been put rest, and the whole group, now comprised of Leaf Shinobi, Soshi members, and Sasame, were on their way to the town where the Fuma Clan resides. Daichi filled everyone in on what happened while Tenten comforted Sasame.
Once he was done explaining, the old clan head came to walk beside Daichi. "So, you're Daichi Ryu. My grandson has spoken highly of you. My name is Tomiko Soshi, and I am the current clan head of the Soshi Clan. I hear we owe you much."
"In the end, I couldn't leave your clan with Orochimaru." Daichi smiled. "If you feel as though you owe me something, repay me by doing your best to make Konoha stronger."
"Genyumaru was right about you." Tomiko nodded. "You are an honorable man. That much I can tell just from speaking with you briefly."
Fuma Clan's Town
Sasame's Clan were overjoyed when she returned, and they welcomed everyone to their hospitality for a few days. Daichi accepted as he felt everyone needed time to process things. After a few days of rest, it was nigh time to leave.
Daichi was sitting at one the bar stools and finishing up his report for Lady Tsunade when a Fuma member approached him "Lord Hanzaki wishes to speak with you."
Daichi got up and followed the member into a back room where he saw the Fuma's leader. He was about as tall as Zabuza and carried an equally large sword on his back. He wore sandals, dull purple pants with a purple shirt, and a white, short sleeved trench coat with purple trim.
"What's this about Hanzaki?" Daichi asked.
"I just wanted to thank you for bringing Sasame back to us and putting Arashi to rest." Hanzaki closed his eyes. "Much has happened here in the Land of Rice Fields. To hear what Orochimaru has done to some our best… I wish I had paid better attention as their leader."
"I can't say I relate since I have yet to lead a clan of people myself; however, learn from this experience. Also, get out of the Land of Rice Fields. We may have destroyed Orochimaru's base, but it likely isn't his only one."
"You are right Daichi Ryu." Hanzaki nodded. "Recently, I have heard mutterings on the wind that the Land of Snow has gone through a shift in leadership and Yukigakure has been replaced with Hoshigakure. Perhaps there my clan can find safety and better training."
"It's worth a shot." Daichi stood. "I wish you the best of luck; however, I must depart to pack." He stopped near the doorway. "Wherever you are planning on taking your clan, I'd get out soon. There's no telling how much the snake has tainted these lands."
He then walked out of the room.
