Author's Note:
Ok, everyone, I wanted to address something before we move on with this story. Sasuke indeed received some of the answers to his question, but it was more so from his clan's side. Being Sasuke, he knows that there is more to the story than just what his clan says. Hence the reason he needed to revive Orochimaru for help. However, as I have said before, my story will dramatically derive from the cannon anime/manga. Please try to stay with me especially through the war and everything going on. And please, if you have any questions, message me. Thanks!
"Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness if you truly need it,"
-Badbutt94
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Chapter 70: War Arc: Naka Shrine's Secrets
Normal P.O.V.
"Well, Sasuke… I'm waiting…" growls an impatient blond fox.
The thick tension suffocates those engulfed in it. Trying not to submit to Naruto's dominating aura, Sasuke swallows the lump in his throat and tries to speak. But when he opens his mouth to speak… nothing comes out.
"What's wrong, little Sasuke? Fox got your tongue?" Orochimaru teases, "Naruto-Kun, don't be so hard on little Sasuke here. He's only being the curious kitten in his nature. But can you blame him?"
"I don't remember asking you to speak," Naruto hisses as he releases more of his alpha aura.
"Testy this morning, aren't we?"
"Will both of you shut up!" Sasuke yells, causing everyone to look at him. With all eyes on him, Sasuke takes a deep breath before continuing, "Orochimaru, I brought you back from death to answer my questions, nothing more. I really don't care what you do afterward. However, I can't have you running rampant like before, do you understand?"
"Oh, I'm shaking in my sandals. Sorry Sasuke-Kun, but you're several decades too early to threaten me like this. You may have defeated me before, however, do you find yourself so lucky to do it again, child?"
"I am not a child!"
"But you throw tantrums like one," Orochimaru smirks, effectively quieting his former student, "Tsk, tsk. What a fine mess I come back to. Oh well, I guess it can't be helped. Alright Sasuke, I'll help you get the answers you're looking for. Follow me,"
"Wait for a second! Do either of you think that I'm just going to let you leave here without answering me?!"
"Of course not, Naruto-Kun. You're invited to follow us as well. After all, you may discover somethings you need to know where we're going. That is… if you're interested,"
"And just where are we going, Orochimaru?"
"Naka Shrine of The Uchiha Clan hidden in the Hidden Leaf,"
"Wait a damn minute! You mean we had to wake up before the ass crack of dawn, run all the way out here just to go back to the village?! What kind of bullshit is this?!" Suigetsu whines.
"I have to agree with Suigetsu. Is all of this necessary?" Jugo asks.
"It is if Sasuke wants the absolute truth. So, what will it be, Sasuke-Kun?"
He doesn't answer right away. His anxiety spiked at the thought of another secret from his clan. But this is what he wants, right? All the answers he has been searching for are finally within reach. Is he ready to finally know the truth? Can he handle it? After all, he did say he wasn't a child anymore.
"Sasuke," a calmer Naruto calls out, "Are you sure about this? Is this really what you want? At this price?"
Giving it some more thought, Sasuke finally takes a deep breath and answers, "It is,"
Sighing, Naruto crosses his arms but doesn't look away. Fine, I guess. But don't think you're off the hook after this. I'll deal with you later. Orochimaru, lead the way,"
"As you wish. Everyone hold on tight. We're leaving,"
As everyone comes together, the same anxieties remain with Sasuke. Was he making the right decision? What did Orochimaru have in store for them? Is the price for what he wants going to be higher than he can afford? What if what he learns makes him hate the village again?
"No, Itachi died protecting both me and the Hidden Leaf. That means that there must be more to it than I understand. That's why I must do this,"
With his sights set on his goals, Sasuke will brave whatever comes his way next.
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It doesn't take long for them to teleport back into the village. As they look around, they notice that the village is completely and entirely empty.
"Where is everyone?" Karin asks.
"Granny Tsunade already lead them to the battlefield. The civilians were evacuated. If I'm right, they should have already started. We can't stall too long," Naruto asks.
"Agreed. Follow me,"
Orochimaru leads them towards the Uchiha Compound. He turns to Sasuke and instructs him to use his chakra to undo the seal. After doing what he's told, they continue to follow Orochimaru through the Uchiha Compound.
"Man Sasuke, your family must have been wealthy! Look at all of this!" Suigetsu says while looking around.
"My clan was one of the founders of the Hidden Leaf. From a young age, every child is taught the history of how the Senju and the Uchiha formed an alliance and created the Hidden Leaf,"
"How was the Hidden Leaf founded anyway? I don't think I've ever heard the story," Karin asks.
"Madara and the First Hokage: Hashirama Senju were born in a world surrounded by war and death. They were rivals in everything. However, after becoming leaders of their clans, Madara and Hashirama formed an alliance to create a world of peace. Eventually, they grew apart because of their differences in what a world of peace should look like. That is how the First Shinobi War began,"
"AH, but there is more to that story too. You'll see what I mean once we enter inside," They stop in front of an old shrine, "This is the Naka Shrine of the Uchiha Clan,"
"Why did I never know about this? It's not like it's hidden," Sasuke asks.
"That's where you're wrong, Sasuke-Kun. The only reason this shrine reviled itself, is because you used your chakra to undo the seal. Little do you know, there are two seals over the Uchiha Compound. The outer seal is the one that Tsunade placed on it after you defected to me. But before that, your clan put their own seal on the gate. It's an invisible seal that only activates when an Uchiha uses their chakra to undo the seal. By using your chakra, it not only undid any present seals but undid the genjutsu to hide the shrine. After all, you can't plan a coupe in broad daylight, no? Naruto-Kun, I'm sorry to trouble you for a favor,"
"You need a favor from me? I never thought I would see the day," Naruto tsks.
"Well, you see, even though I was just revived, I don't have many chakras, especially after teleporting us here. I need to borrow a small portion of your chakra to complete this task. That is all I ask,"
Hesitant, Naruto adds some of this chakra to his hand before cautiously reaching towards Orochimaru. Their fingers barely touch as Naruto's chakra flows into Orochimaru's body. The snake screams as the toxic chakra fill his veins and nearly kills him. However, after a while, Orochimaru recovers enough to continue.
"What they say about the Nine-Tail's chakra is true. Now, allow me to take it from here,"
They watch as Orochimaru uses one of his snakes to remove a mask off the front of the shrine. Mask in hand, Orochimaru instructs Sasuke to use his chakra again to open the doors. Once he breaks the seal again, they enter through the doors.
"Now, before we continue, I need to warn all of you. Sasuke, during your time with me, I secretly implanted some of White Zetsu's cells inside of your body. Now, before you get upset with me, I did it for a purpose. I figured, eventually you would search for your answers and I planned on bringing you here. However, due to certain events, things did not work out that way. Well, at least we're here now. I am going to perform the Dead Demon Consuming Seal. It will deal damage to my body, but will also both restore my arms and revive the Four Hokages~"
"Wait another damned minute! We're reviving the Four previous Hokages! What the hell did I sign up for?!"
"How else do you expect Sasuke to get his answers? They're the only ones who can help Sasuke. Now, once the souls are released, I need you and Jugo to unleash the White Zetsu cells within your body to use as dummy bodies. We need to get this right the first time, so you all need to be ready,"
Orochimaru puts on the mask, summoning the Shinigami. With a blade, Orochimaru tears a large wound through his stomach with the Shinigami mimicking his movements. Suddenly, souls escape from the wound, causing Sasuke and Jugo to go into action. Four cells emerge from Sasuke's back and lay on the ground. Before White Zetsu can form, Orochimaru releases his snakes to restrain the clumps of cells. Once they have been subdued, Orochimaru slams his hands onto the ground and in a pile of his own blood. Seals and writing spread to and circle around the makeshift bodies. A wild wind blows within the shrine as the bodies take shape. Soon the clumps of cells take their final forms, and four powerful beings stand before the shocked group of teenagers.
"Naruto and Sasuke, I would like to introduce The Hidden Leaf's First Four Hokages: Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and your father Naruto: Minato Namikaze. Say hello everyone,"
No one says anything as they gaze upon the faces of the legendry Hokage of the Hidden Leaf. Stories of their tremendous powers are passed down from parent to child before they even enter the Academy. But, seeing them all together and within the same space, is overwhelming. Anyone who is not an alpha tries their hardest not to submit under the intense and suffocating pressure inhabiting the small space. For the first time ever, the Legendary Four Hokages are reborn.
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To Be Continued…
