Chapter 13: Favor Fulfilled

Date Posted: 7-18-2021

Author's Note: We're getting closer and closer to the end of Part 1 of this series! I thank everyone for their continued support thus far, and I hope to see you for the second half. Couple of things I want to get off my chest before the start of this chapter, mainly towards the future. As of right now, Yuina and Kori would've already been in the Leaf Village (see Demigod's story on that); I'll probably explain how they got into the village in the last chapter. Expect the chapters to roll in this week to next week at best, I'm writing these like crazy and I want this half done so the juicier Shippuden part begins, and believe me, there's going to be a lot thrown at you guys!

Well, enough of my rants, time for the chapter to begin, yes?

I do not own any Naruto characters aside from my own OC's.

Yorukō and Aya had been walking for quite some time since the events of Tempest unfolded, both of them a far distance from the village at this point. Yorukō looked over his shoulder at the unconscious Tatsuya, tensing slightly at the fight between the two and the eventual murders he committed in the end. He thought more on the survivors, wondering if they listened to him and took towards the Hidden Cloud. Then there was one more thing that came across his mind.

Aya.

When he first saw the little girl being manipulated by Tatsuya's lies, he could not help but get directly involved thereafter. A being so innocent, so pure being corrupted from that age just made his blood boil to the point he had to intervene then and there to stop the man from continuing any longer. When he explained Tatsuya's words as lies, he saw the comfort she had listening to him while subsequently seeing the potential behind her eyes, prompting him to take her on as his student.

Noticing Yorukō being tensed up, Aya tugged at his pants while looking up towards him which brought the teen back to reality. Looking down at the girl, he could not help but let a small smile out towards her, causing Aya to smile along with him.

"Say, sensei? Who was your toughest opponent yet?" Aya asked.

"My toughest? That would be a mix between my father and this one Konoha ninja I fought three years ago. I think her name was Yuna Uzumaki or something." Yorukō answered.

"What was fighting your father like?" Aya asked.

"Nothing too pleasant." Yorukō bluntly replied.

"Oh…" Aya said, looking sad before her expression brightened again: "What about Yuna?"

"She was one of the best I've ever fought in my life. Fighting her was a blast." Yorukō admitted.

"Could you tell me more?" Aya asked.

"Sure," Yorukō said, turning towards the direction of Orochimaru's hideout: "it's going to be a while, so I'll tell you along the way." The little girl nodded before the two began walking.

"It was three years ago… I was just minted as a jōnin in my old village, the Frost. Around this time, you had to really, really earn your ranks, being put through grueling and rigorous trials for extended periods of time. There were days when my body would give out and refuse to function during these tests. Despite all of that, I finished my tests, and as a 'reward'," he chuckled dryly, "my first mission not even a week removed from finishing these trials, I was tasked with capturing someone who had avoided paying us for our services."

Flashback: Three Years Ago…

The Taiyōkage summoned Yorukō and three other shinobi to his office, each immediately kneeling upon their arrival. Soon after, the Kage beckoned towards Yorukō with a scroll in his hand, handing it to the boy once he faced him directly. Moving to the side, Yorukō read the contents of the scroll while the Taiyōkage addressed the other shinobi directly.

"You four will be tasked with capturing a certain individual, one who hasn't fulfilled their end of the agreement when he contracted us for a mission. Find him and bring him back alive so we may discuss." The leader instructed, the kneeling shinobi nodding in quiet understanding before he continued: "Yorukō has the details of the target's appearance inside that scroll; he will be the leader of this unit. Are there any objections?" they all shook their heads to the Taiyōkage, prompting the man to turn towards Yorukō.

"I heard through a source that he may have hired protection in case we go after our payment, so be careful out there." The leader informed Yorukō. He nodded.

"Alright, we have our orders. We can leave within the next two hours; this will give us time to have everything we need. Understood?" Yorukō said while looking at his teammates, each nodding in approval before disappearing via smokeless shunshin, Yorukō following suit soon after. The Taiyōkage began to get out of his seat when he saw a familiar figure standing at the door.

"Mighty convenient you found that mission one week after Yorukō-kun just became jōnin, don't you think?" Sayuri noted, arms folded.

"It wasn't really my choice, Sayuri. Between this man dodging us and Reiki pushing the council to force me to make this call, it was beyond my control at that point."

Sayuri took a step in the office, the glare from the sun showing her well-proportioned body. Her tanned skin blended well with her cream dress which hugged at her angles and curves tightly. She kept her hair in a ponytail, leaving two bangs on the right side of her face, covering some of her grey eyes.

"Reiki, huh…" she said while chuckling dryly, "such a shame he has even the council around his fingertips for him to continue abusing us, while you, the Taiyōkage, do nothing but 'follow orders' like a good little boy. Now, I'm going home to make sure my son is ready for this mission, because I will not have him be hurt any further on this mission." She turned around and began walking towards the door.

"Big talk for someone who suffers the same abuse from Reiki." The Taiyōkage muttered under his breath which Sayuri somehow heard, stopping her dead in her tracks.

Turning to the leader, Sayuri took a deep breath before walking to his desk, a tear rolling down her cheek as she looked at the man: "I 'suffer' the same abuse because I want to be as close as I can be to my Yorukō-kun. You, Reiki, and those damned council members just about forced me back then to treat Kazuma-kun horribly until he ran away, something I'll never forgive myself for." She reached over and grabbed the Taiyōkage by his collar: "If my Yorukō-kun comes home worse than how he left for this mission, hell be damned, this village will feel my wrath. Understood?"

The Taiyōkage numbly nodded before Sayuri's expression changed to a jovial one while she basically skipped towards the exit. Once he was certain she was out of sight and sensing range, the leader let out a sigh of relief and fell back into his chair.

"Reiki is definitely stronger than Sayuri in all aspects, but it seems a mother's love cannot be challenged, not one bit."

"Wait," Aya cut in, stopping Yorukō: "how do you know all of this if you weren't there?"

"After I came back from my mission, both my mother and the Taiyōkage told me what happened during their 'chat'." Yorukō answered.

"Ah, okay!"

Both Yorukō and Aya were a far distance away from the village at this point, taking minor breaks if each had to rest or if nature called, usually the former for Aya, the latter for Yorukō. Because Yorukō was uncertain on what Aya possesses from what she doesn't, he opted to walk the entire journey so that she would be protected at any given moment.

"I'll speed up the story best I can, we're not that far from where I need to be, anyway. I may have to tell you the rest while we go on our next stop, okay?" Yorukō told the little girl, Aya nodding in approval.

After his squad's briefing with the Taiyōkage, Yorukō wasted no time in making it back home to collect his belongings. He grabbed his essentials, weapons, and a couple paper bombs should things go south during his mission. He tensed slightly when he felt a familiar hand touch his shoulders but relaxed it soon after.

"What's going on, mom?" Yorukō asked, not turning to look at his mother.

"You should have about an hour and some change left. Why don't you finish packing your things and come on a walk with me?" Sayuri suggested.

"Sure, I'm down for a walk."

Yorukō quickly finished packing his things and placed them on his person before accompanying his mother outside the complex and onto the streets. Today wasn't that cold, nor was it hot in any way, but it was serene. Then again, there was people who were shivering cold each time Yorukō walked past them, yet it was always warmer next to his mother. He thought that it could just be a motherly warmth, something he could never get enough of, nor is he complaining about it. Before long, the pair stumbled on Sayuri's favorite tea shop in the village, Yorukō grabbing the curtain so she could go in first.

Sayuri took a seat around a table first before looking over at Yorukō: "Is there anything you want? I know you don't like these types of things that much…"

Yorukō shook his head: "It's fine, I'll get what you get – and don't worry about paying for it either, I got you. Not often we do these things, you know?"

Sayuri nodded: "You're right, but let's talk about something more pressing. It's your first mission as a jōnin, a leader no less. How do you feel before doing it?" the look in her eyes held comfort and concern, as if it hurt her asking the question, but needed to know how her son felt despite finishing his trial.

Understanding what his mother asked, Yorukō became distant: "I don't really like this, if I'm to be honest. My body still hurts from the training, and I would be lying if I said I did not mind doing it. However, a mission is a mission, right?"

"Right…" Sayuri said before a female worker approached them for their order. Sayuri ordered her favorite: Jasmine tea with lemon extract. Yorukō got the same thing, he never really liked these outings, so it saved him time just getting the same thing as his mother. Soon after, the worker reappeared with their tea, gently placing the tea on the table for them. Slightly bowing, the worker returned to her work.

"I don't have much time left. I'm going to have to drink this here and head for the gate soon after." Yorukō told his mother.

"I understand." Sayuri replied, nodding: "Just don't forget the bill!"

"I won't. Trust me." Yorukō laughed.

After a minute or two, Yorukō finished his tea which tasted good for the first time to him. Knowing how much it costs, he placed enough money for both and got up from his chair. Walking to Sayuri, he gave her a kiss on the cheek before stepping outside and taking off for the gate. He felt slightly nauseous from running due to the warm tea in his stomach, but he pushed on. The gate in sight, he saw his teammates there waiting for him before their scheduled meet-up time.

"I see you all got here early." Yorukō complimented, now standing in front of his teammates.

"We couldn't let Yorukō-taichou down, now, could we?" one commented.

"I suppose." Yorukō shrugged before looking forward at the gate: "We don't have much time until our meeting. How about we save time by taking off now?"

The other shinobi nodded their heads, following Yorukō as they took off towards their mission.

Standing in front of a peculiar hideout, Yorukō extended his hand, stopping Aya from continuing. He gestured her to not talk while he continued walking towards the hideout's entrance. Standing at the door, he charged his chakra into his fist before banging on the door.

"I'll tell you more about the story once I'm done here. Don't say or do anything while we're here, okay?" Yorukō told Aya with his back turned to her, Aya nodding at his directions.

The door creaked open after Yorukō's banging ceased, revealing a none-too-pleased Guren standing there with her arms folded. The teen laughed nervously while using his free arm to scratch the back of his head, not wanting to anger her any further. After a few moments of this, she let out a sigh before unfolding her arms.

"Yorukō… why did you have to bang on the doors? Knocking like a normal person would've done the trick too, you know?" Guren asked, irritated.

"Sorry, Guren-san. I just wanted to make sure this body gets to Orochimaru before he either dies or wakes back up, then in that case, dies." Yorukō answered, glancing at Tatsuya's body slung over his shoulders.

"I guess you may have reason to then, but for my peace of mind, knock next time." Guren told Yorukō before seeing Aya hide behind Yorukō's leg: "We don't take stowaways, Yorukō. Why is that little girl behind you?"

"I picked her up while I was in Tempest dealing with Tatsuya. I was wondering if you could keep watch of her while I discuss with Orochimaru." Yorukō explained.

Aya stayed quiet per Yorukō's orders during his and Guren's exchange, keeping a vested interest in what they were saying. She immediately got scared when Guren noticed her hiding behind Yorukō's leg but relaxed when Yorukō asked to watch her. She meekly walked from behind his leg and stood in the middle of the two.

"She's just…so CUTE!" Guren gushed, looking at the girl: "What's your name, child?"

"A-Aya, miss." Aya answered.

"And polite. Well, come with me and I'll take care of you." Guren said before turning around and waking further into the hideout, Aya following her soon after. Smiling, Yorukō walked into the hideout himself, intent on completing his job with Orochimaru. He arrived at the front of his room and opened the door, not bothering to knock or anything.

"Orochimaru, here's the body of Tatsuya Yagi, as you asked." Yorukō said, placing Tatsuya's body at Orochimaru's feet. Turning around, he noticed Kabuto glaring at him before returning an icier glare at the medic-nin, causing him to turn around. Not forgetting what Kabuto did the first time they met, Yorukō grabbed the man's wrist and twisted it around, causing Kabuto to fall on his knees, Yorukō not letting go of his grip.

"What's the meaning of this?" Kabuto hissed.

"I wasn't at full strength the last time, but let me make one thing clear, you piece of shit. If you ever, and I mean ever make another attempt at my life, what you feel now will be NOTHING compared to what I'll do to you." Letting go of his wrist, Yorukō turned to Orochimaru who looked at Tatsuya's body with interest.

"I brought the body, how about you honor your end of the agreement?" Yorukō reminded the sannin.

"Right." Orochimaru noted before snapping his fingers, summoning a young boy with pale green hair: "Yuukimaru, show Yorukō-kun our library, will you?" Yuukimaru nodded, walking out of the room, Yorukō following soon after. Once he was out of the room, Kabuto looked at Orochimaru, the former shaking with rage.

"How dare he do this to me?! I'll make him-"

"You'll do absolutely nothing, Kabuto." Orochimaru cut in, silencing his apprentice. "You brought this upon yourself when you attacked him first."

"But-"

"But nothing. Help me get this body prepared, will you?" Orochimaru told him. Defeated, Kabuto began preparing the body so the sickly sannin could possess it. While they prepared Tatsuya's body, Yorukō followed Yuukimaru as the young boy walked further into the hideout, the pair passing many rooms. After some time, Yuukimaru stopped at a large set of double doors when he pushed them open, granting the two entries into Orochimaru's library. Looking in, Yorukō could not help but be amazed at the number of scrolls inside the library, his excitement constantly rising by the second.

"His original scrolls are in a hideout elsewhere, so feel free to take what you want." Yuukimaru explained, turning to leave.

"Understood, I won't be long. Before you go, what room is Guren-san located in again?" Yorukō asked.

"She's in the room closest to the exit." Yorukō nodded before going further in the room to take a proper look at the scrolls Orochimaru had. He skimmed through the minor ones and ones he didn't like before falling on ten particular scrolls.

"These would definitely be useful to me on my journey, and even for added protection against the Frost, so I'll hold onto these…" he told himself before summoning a box big enough to put the scrolls in. he grabbed the ten scrolls he eyed and placed them into the box before closing it and sealing it away. Satisfied with his findings, he turned to the exit when he saw someone standing at the doorway.

"Satisfied with your finding?" the person asked.

"I am, actually. Why do you ask?"

"Nothing," the person began, "just make sure you don't get in my way." He walked away after saying that, much to Yorukō's confusion. Shrugging, he walked towards Guren's room to pick Aya up so they could leave. Standing in front of her door, he knocked slightly when the door opened itself, revealing Guren and mini-Guren, the former playing with the latter (she dressed Aya up almost exactly like her, the only difference being their hair color).

"What in the…" Yorukō began but stopped himself, unsure if he wants to know why. Shaking his head, he continued: "I have to take Aya with me, Guren-san. Thanks for keeping her, but we need to go."

"Does she really have to go?" Guren asked, pouting while playing with Aya's hair. Aya didn't really move, but her eyes silently asked for help when she saw her sensei.

"Yes, I promise we'll visit someday, but we really have to go now."

"Alright…" Guren said, letting go of the girl's hair so she could leave, "where do you guys plan on going anyway?"

"The leaf village." Yorukō simply replied.

"Why the leaf?" Guren asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"Because I told two of my precious people to go there and wait for me."

Satisfied with his response but still wary, Guren escorted the two outside the hideout, giving Yorukō and Aya respective hugs, Guren playing with the girl's hair one final time before letting her go. The pair began walking away from the hideout as they continued their journey to the Leaf Village, Yorukō intent on reuniting with Yuina and Kori. As they continued walking, the air around the two of them began getting colder, Aya shivering slightly from the drop in temperature. Yorukō kept Aya close to him in case it was a Frost ninja intercepting them but relaxed slightly when he realized who this chakra belonged to.

"I must say, I would've never expected you to be the one to find me." Yorukō addressed the chakra's owner.

"Well, I couldn't leave you by yourself now, could I, Yorukō-kun?"

"Knowing you, Mom, no, no you couldn't." Yorukō said while smirking at the sight of his mother in front of him…

And cut! Never expected me to end it this way, did you? The story is coming to it's end soon, all the pieces will be together for the second part, and it will all make sense. This is Ancient, signing out. Peace!

Next Chapter: Another Fated Reunion