Author's Note: Quick a quick one, I've added some new art featuring Isae's Kumori design. You can find it on deviant art, the info is on my main page. You may remember that I often draw to better visualize the character. So if there's a character you'd like to see sketched, send me a message! Thanks again for following this story, it means a lot :)
Sasuke causally folded his arms across his chest. He was perfectly at his ease, even as screams echoed through the wall behind him. It was a common enough sound in this particular base which focused on experimentation. Once a subject was thoroughly researched, Orochimaru could hardly release them back into society. Death was the easiest method of disposal. But this particular method was especially brutal. He closed his eyes as he let the agony wash over him, hearing but not internalizing it. It sounded no different than a cascading waterfall that ebbed and flowed in equal measure. He briefly wondered if Itachi had deadened himself in a similar manner the night of the Uchiha Massacre. How else could he have followed through with such destruction without going mad?
He opened his eyes as he watched the Great Kumori feast upon their souls, tearing into them with such ferocity that the wounds reflected in their mortal frames. Far from being revolted, Sasuke observed with cool calculating eyes. And to think that his old Inuzuka classmate got to partake in such feeding, why should she be so lucky? His mouth twitched into a bitter scowl at the memory of her mocking laughter. If he ever got his hands on her again…
The last experiment fell at His feet, only then did He stop to savor the taste. He licked His lips with great relish and for a brief moment He felt immense satisfaction. It felt so much like the old days. Then the taste went sour and bitter, leaving Him frustrated. He spat on the ground in disgust before turning to leave the room, His cloak billowed out with all the majesty of a shogun. In the corridor, He paused at the sound of footsteps following behind. He blinked in mild surprise at the sight of the Uchiha boy, He had forgotten all about him. Orochimaru always insisted on giving Him an escort, but they didn't usually stick around. Mortals have such weak stomachs despite their solid bodies. So, you didn't run away after all," He mused with mild humor.
Sasuke gave a curt bow of the head but the coldness of his eyes showed no genuine respect for His authority. "I've seen worse."
He smirked at that, detecting his struggle to keep his tone even. There was a greedy glint in this boy's eyes, the kind who craved power. He suspected that he wouldn't remain Orochimaru's subordinate for long. He slowly approached him, easily towering over him in this wide corridor. Sasuke looked up without raising his head, his hands rested casually at his side. Was his posture due to confidence or arrogance?
"What is it you wish to ask of me?" He purred with sincerity, the tone that lured others into a false sense of security.
At last emotion twitched on the boy's face, a flash of bitter envy that made Him curious for once. "Why is Isae Inuzuka your Right-Hand?" The contempt in his own was obvious.
"Ah! So, you've met before?" He feigned surprise as He was well aware of his attack on her a few years ago. He was clearly capable of great damage.
Sasuke scowled. "Yes," he nearly growled. "She wasn't that great of a Shinobi. So what makes her so worthy of such an honor?"
"Are you suggesting that you are?" He grinned malevolently. Sasuke wisely stayed silent but he couldn't mask the longing in his eyes. "It was an accident of birth, nothing more. Her Father was my Right-Hand and she assumes the mantle in his place." Truth be told, He was quite proud of her and her abilities. He rejoiced in His success in corrupting her resolve. She was a worthy weapon indeed, but to admit that would give her the validation and acceptance He knew she so desperately craved. He wouldn't give up the advantage so easily.
"But recruitment is possible," Sasuke dared to wish aloud.
"That is true," He tapped the corner of His mouth as if to reconsider. "Especially when defeated in combat, only the strong prevail." That wasn't exactly true but Sasuke's eyes now lit with eager vengeance. "Are you so eager to shed your humanity?" This time He asked truthfully, what was it that inspired this youth?
"I need power at any cost," Sasuke at last raised his chin defiantly.
He was vaguely familiar with his connection to Orochimaru, it was obvious that it was one of ambition and not of personal loyalty. "Revenge against one man is hardly worth the trouble," He scoffed cruelly. "Such ambition is weak."
Fury flashed through the youth's face, his teeth ground with the effort to keep his mouth shut. It would not do to lose his temper here when he was desperate to make a good impression. This may his only chance to gain favor with Him.
He considered him for a moment longer. He had no interest in converting him, but this could be a marvelous opportunity all the same. "Bring her Soul Blade as proof of victory." Sasuke smirked confidently at that and agreed with a nod. "But first, its imperative to level the playing field," He reached out His hand and grasped hold of the hilt of Kusanagi that was strapped to his back. "It wouldn't be much of a triumph to win with such cheap tricks." He teased with a knowing sneer.
Sasuke stiffened with a jolt as he felt the Kumori Chakra drain from its steel. So He knew about that? Would He seek retribution? Far from it, He looked impressed. "Even Lord Orochimaru hasn't been able to acquire anywhere near enough this amount of demonic chakra. You're more resourceful than I first thought." It was praise freely given as it exceeded even His own expectation. Mortals were certainly curious beings, resilient despite all odds.
Sasuke looked smug at the acclaim. "I will surpass Isae, just you wait."
He turned away without acknowledgement, no sense in inflating that ego any further. He smirked as He relished the opportunity to test Isae even further. Another scourge from her past should further cement her distaste for her mortal weakness. It was all coming together nicely. Having paid his final respects to Orochimaru, he declined his invitation to stay longer. This was a business transaction; one of many He had with various mortals, all exploited to serve His own ambitions. Greed and power were easy whims to satisfy. He slipped back into the Shadow Realm and allowed himself a moment of serenity. It wasn't as homey as Heaven, but it was a haven that gave a sense of peace just the same. He was approached by Goro and turned to acknowledge Him.
"Is Isae not with you?" He asked with mild curiosity. The two were often seen together, each one riling up the other to more murderous adventures.
He shook his head. "No, she hasn't been seen since our last feeding. Everyone else has been accounted for."
"Its unwise for any of us to linger longer than is necessary," He made the hand sign that summoned all who had His blessing.
Nothing happened.
Goro looked confused as he looked about them. He frowned as He tried again with the same result. He couldn't sense her returning essence, she wasn't responding. That was impossible!
Isae stirred awake from His Summons. But the pressure was short-lived and quickly faded away. She blinked slowly with a curious frown, marveling at this turn of events. Normally a Summons created such suffocating pressure that you ignored at your peril. This must be what it means to be freed from His Influence. This should have brought her joy, but it didn't really change much in the long run. She was still His Right-Hand so it wasn't over yet. She pressed a weary hand over her eyes with a groan. "Damn it all," she growled under her breath. "Why didn't they just finish me off when they had the chance?"
She looked around, even in the darkness she could make out the details. There wasn't much here, it was a small room, with no windows or doors. There were summoning seals set in the floor, most likely the only entrance or exit. That wouldn't stop her, she'd since been entrusted with the travelling spell. She was seated in the corner with chakra chains that anchored into the floor. They were fastened to the center of her chest where her Soul Blade usually resided. It was a hollow gesture really; her true weakness was the Soul Blade she'd surrendered. That's like fearing the scabbard instead of the sword. The chakra chains glowed in warning as she stood up, but she stretched her stiff limbs with relative ease. That's when she noticed the seal on the floor that gave the chains their power. She recognized the Nara signature, but it was terribly outdated. This might work on an inexperienced Shadowling, but had she had nothing to fear. If anything, she felt irritated. What a waste of time this was but she was reluctant to leave. She had to know what became of Shino, but she feared another encounter too. She didn't think she could face him again either. Why did she bring him nothing but pain?
A light flashed in the center of the room, summoning a familiar figure. Ibiki Morino stood at his usual imposing height, hands tucked casually into the pockets of his trench coat. She burst out with a laugh at the absurdity. "Wow, you haven't changed a bit! I can't believe I ever feared you."
He narrowed his eyes shrewdly. The laughter died in her throat as an unseen hand squeezed her throat tightly. She flinched at the sudden pressure, but still managed a slight giggle. "Seems an odd move considering I don't need to breathe…" She shrugged indifferently.
Another flash illuminated the room as another entered the scene. Isae's amusement died away completely as she felt dread for the first time.
"Stand down Morino-san," The Fifth Hokage gave the order. "I am the Interrogator here; you are my backup."
He gave a brief scowl but complied as he took a step back. Isae felt the jutsu release but didn't feel any relief. If anything, she felt fear begin to gnaw at her insides. Lady Tsunade stood at her ease with hands resting lightly on her hips. A soft smile lightened her features but Isae couldn't bring herself to meet her gaze. She lowered her head shamefully, then a familiar scent made her mouth water. Isae couldn't resist looking up and was horrified to watch Tsunade casually slice her palm with a kunai. A few drops on the floor filled the room with temptation. Ibiki spurted in shock as Tsunade approached her. Isae dropped down to her knees with her hands clamped over her mouth.
Tsunade stood over her, holding out the kunai, letting a few drops land on her face. Isae closed her eyes as she swallowed hard, she didn't know how much longer she could resist.
"I must object!" Ibiki snapped as he approached his superior's side. Had it been anyone else, he would have physically restrained them. "You can't possibly trust a demon, even in mortal form its every bit as deadly."
Her attention was fixed on the one trembling at her feet. "I trust Isae Inuzuka," the Hokage spoke in a gentle tone, encouraging even. "I wish to speak with her."
Isae stared up at wonder at her for a moment before her hands slipped down into her lap. Tsunade's smile grew warmer, and she felt touched by her kindness. It was such blind faith that she knew she didn't deserve. She hesitated a few second more before she opened her mouth. A few drops landed on her tongue. She swallowed and surprised them both as she had a brief gag with an involuntary shudder. "You may want to take it easy on the sake," she made a bit of a face.
Ibiki barked a sharp laugh but quickly disguised it as a cough when Tsunade glared at him. Isae gasped as she assumed her mortal appearance, the air felt chill on her skin. She shivered and rubbed her legs to warm them. Her shoulders hunched as she nestled into the soft fur that lined her sweatshirt. The faint canine scent soothed her anxiety as she struggled to keep the surrounding sensations in check. Tsunade noted her extreme discomfort with some sadness. "You don't often take this form, do you?"
"The reminder of who I used to be, I just can't-" She shook her head regretfully. She jumped as Tsunade sat cross-legged before her. Ibiki took a step back, not as willing to drop his guard.
"Well, I for one, have missed the sight." She said reassuringly. "And I know that I wouldn't be the only one."
Isae flinched at the implication. "There is no going back for something like me."
The Hokage wasn't dissuaded but decided to change the subject. "Then why didn't you escape when you had the opportunity?" Isae's jaw dropped in surprise, which made her chuckle. "Yes, I know you could have. That was intentional. And yet you didn't, so why?"
Isae couldn't help but blush. It was impossible to disguise her emotions now, another thing she hated in mortal form. "I could ask you the same thing too. Surely you know that any damage to my Soul Blade is fatal. So why haven't you crushed it by now?"
Ibiki huffed in a tone that suggested that he'd been in favor of finishing her off. She didn't blame him for it either, he would have been justified. In a way she admired his sense of efficiency. "Call me curious," Tsunade said off-handedly. "You risked an awful lot to save an old friend."
The blush deepened as she swallowed hard. "He's so much more…than that," she squeaked out.
Her smile turned tender. "I'm well aware of that."
Isae pinched her arm hard to snap herself out of it. "Besides, it was my fault anyway. He got caught in my fury, I had to save him."
"But you didn't, you said so yourself," She reminded her. "One less emotional tie to deal with sounds very liberating, especially if you were so desperate to forget."
Isae scowled at being cornered. "Fine, I care about him. Is that really so bad?"
Ibiki grimaced at the confession but Tsunade looked pleased as she shook her head. "Nothing at all." Isae went red again and her gaze dropped to the floor. "What puzzles me the most is the sudden change of heart. We've been cleaning up your massacres for some time now," the Hokage's tone was solemn now, no hint of the earlier friendliness. It was to be expected really. "I thought we had truly lost you, that you had surrendered to the darkness you once feared. The one your Father was so eager to spare you from." Isae flinched at the reminder of how she'd failed him. But she was only speaking the truth, leaving it unsaid wouldn't have changed it. "So, what I want to know is, what changed all that?"
Ibiki noted with mild curiosity the demon's change in position. She straightened up with less defensive posture, her expression softened almost wistfully. "I was reminded of a promise," she slowly began. She went on to explain her battle with Shino and both the damage and attempted repair of her Soul Blade. "That would explain the change in appearance." He murmured thoughtfully.
"What change?" Isae asked as she craned her neck to look up. He produced a photograph; he hadn't been foolish enough to bring the weapon itself. Isae inspected it closely. It was back to a brilliant shade of silver but there was something engraved along its side. She didn't know it, but she felt her Father's memory respond so she could just make it out. The language sounded foreign to the other two. Once said aloud, she was seized with an abrupt memory of the final battle between Him and His Right-Hand.
"I'll have no part in this." Akihiro bellowed with a demonic fury she'd never witnessed the like of. It sounded like heartbreak and devastation of the acutest kind.
He smiled with such cruel sincerity. "Oh, but you have! In fact, I couldn't have it done it without, my dear friend."
Isae watched the battle in silent awe, she'd never seen such ferocity. She barely recognized the Sealing Sword, it looked nothing like the one she wielded. She observed techniques she'd never seen before, and she couldn't help but wonder why she'd been denied both the knowledge and the practice. Both demons fought vehemently but it was obvious that He was superior.
"You were always second best," He taunted cruelly as He slashed His old friend across the chest with His Soul Blade. "The follower, not the Leader."
"You'll be nothing when everyone finds out the truth," Akihiro countered as he returned with a back slice that nearly severed His arm. "I won't let you get away with this treachery!"
He laughed as His Soul Blade slipped through His fingers. "I don't need this silly thing anymore." He held out His hand, summoning the Sealing Sword to His hand. Akihiro's jaw dropped in shock, as did Isae's. No one else could wield a Soul Blade, it belonged solely to their owner. "That's right. It answers to me now." Akihiro was still in a state of shock that he didn't move fast enough. He ran him through with his own sword, straight through the chest.
Isae covered her mouth in a horrified scream, she couldn't help herself. He gave a terrible twist, driving Akihiro to his knees. He stood triumphant over him; His face twisted with maniacal glee. "It looks like the truth will die with you, so much for being a Hero."
Akihiro smirked that cocky smile she missed so much, and spat blood up at His face. "That's what you think!" He grabbed hold of the hilt, summoning white flame to his hand. This burned brighter than the one she used. It was too dazzling to look at, she squinted through fingers to barely make out the scene. Even He was unable to withstand it, taking a step back to shield His face. Akihiro channeled his power into the sword where it radiated the same brilliant light. He cried out in agony as His hand sizzled and He was forced to release it. He cradled His charred hand to His chest. He watched in disbelief as the Sword began to dissolve. It wasn't to pull it within, he was destroying it. Isae couldn't believe it, it was suicide.
"You can deceive us, and even yourself, but this blade only answers to me!" He hissed through clenched teeth. "Now I'll make sure you never have access to it again."
He made a desperate grab, but it slipped through His fingers. "No! No, you can't do this!" Isae had never seen Him in such a panicked state before, He nearly tore His hair out as He fumed. "You've damned us all now!"
"We were fools to ever hope for redemption," Akihiro coughed out as blood trickled down his chin. "I know that you meant well, but I suppose you couldn't help yourself. The Deceiver can never hope to be The Redeemer."
His face pinched with such terrible fury and His hands flew out to throttle him. Akihiro closed his eyes as he faded away, a proud smile on his face. His last words echoed through her mind, sharing his last thoughts.
"Hideyoshi, I leave the rest to you. Please watch over my unborn child, don't let my sins stain their pure soul."
When Isae came to, tears ran down her face. Tsunade and Ibiki looked both puzzled and wary but she was only dimly aware of them. The truth was suffocating as it was an awful lot to take in. It was clear that he never expected to survive that battle, let alone met his child. What happened? And who was Hideyoshi, and what role does he have in this? She knew one thing for sure, the Right-Hand was essential in His ultimate plans for revenge on humanity. She would be responsible for the destruction of everyone she cared about it. The gravity of the situation threatened to crush her.
Ibiki coughed to get her attention and she turned her gaze up at them with a slow shake of her head. "I think…" she swallowed thickly to keep her rising panic in check. "I think you'll regret not killing me when you had the chance."