Hey, thanks for checking out my little story. This is my second attempt at putting fanfiction on display for readers on this site, and I've had fun with it so far. I am trying to get back into the swing of things and will try and stick to an upload schedule of once every other month to give me ample time to write ahead and edit things before posting. I ask only that you give it a try and let me know what you think about it. Other than that enjoy.
Chapter 1 – Eyes in the Shadows
"Desperation is the raw material of drastic change. Only those who can leave behind everything they have ever believed in can hope to escape." - William S. Burroughs
The forest was still and quiet in the cool of the night. Leaves fluttered on the trees as a small breeze swept through. The branches would shift on occasion, almost as if they were adjusting to a sudden weight. The moon shone brightly, and its light illuminating the night making it quite easy to see. What was unseen, however, was far more interesting. The untrained eye would not know what to look for. For those who had the skill, a glimpse of a woman would appear for the faintest of moments. Dashing through the treetops at breakneck speeds, she left only a red streak created by her long hair as it trailed behind her.
She had forgotten how long she had kept this grueling pace. Hours for certain, but the pain in her legs and the burning in her lungs made it feel as though it had been days. Yet, she could not stop. She dare not stop. There could be no rest now. She had a mission to accomplish, and that mission was one of survival. The life of a ninja is one of risks. She knew that when she began her training as a child, but it had been years since she had actually felt the fear of failure. Her skills had been honed and mastered over the course of decades, and rarely had she been faced with something that could possibly be beyond the scope of her ability. Now she was faced with this precarious situation, and life was in the balance.
His eyes told the whole story. She didn't even know for certain just who he was, but she didn't have to. The look in his eyes revealed his power, and the way his words flowed off his tongue spoke of confidence. The way he carried himself showed he was experienced. The fact he knew who she was and where to find her meant he was dangerous. It didn't matter what he wanted. All that she knew was that she couldn't let him have it. He seemed the type that would take by force no matter if the victim was willing to cooperate or not. Those golden, serpentine eyes bore into her soul and let her know that she would die.
Death was the only guarantee for a ninja. She had escaped it for many years, and now it seemed death had again come to her doorstep. Under normal circumstances this would not be a problem. She would have fought against the man. She would have struggled with fate, and forced it to yield life to her once more. Conversely, if she failed to defeat him she would answer the call of the grave gladly, knowing she died in battle with honor. This time though, things were different, and running was the only option at the moment. A small weight shifted in her arms, and she looked down at the bundle she carried. Her life was the only thing to shield this small child from her pursuer. Whatever her fate may be this night, she would die to make sure that her son was safe.
Her eyes scanned through the thick cropping of trees. She needed to find help, and her options were quite limited. She had family that lived in the safety and security of a large village, but it would take at least another day to get there. The various traps she set for her opponent were clever, and skillfully hidden, but would buy her an hour's time at most. There was only one person in the immediate area that she could trust. The problem was that she knew only where he had been last, and where he was going next. There was no promise that things had not changed, and no guarantee that he could be found tonight.
Her pursuer, luckily, had been toying with her during the initial chase. It was that fact alone that gave her the time to escape with her child. It also helped that she was well prepared to leave at any given moment. Yet, it had been nearly a year since she had committed herself to the intense training her body had been used to. Now, her muscles screamed in agony with every move, every breath set her lungs ablaze. The only reason she was able to press on now was adrenaline, fueled by fear.
Clouds covered the moon, and brought the night into true darkness. Perhaps it was only paranoia, but she could feel the eyes of her enemy upon her as the soft light faded to black. There was something about that man that caused a primal panic in her soul. It was only her own experience that propelled her initially, her desire to protect her son strengthened her will, and now there was a glimmer of hope. The light was dim, well off the main roads some distance away, but it was unmistakable now that all other light was eclipsed by a passing cloud. It was her only lead. If the camp did not belong to her friend then she could possibly lose all of the precious distance she had put between herself and the man hunting her. In spite of all of the risks, the slim chance was too much to pass up.
She moved closer to the camp, trying to be especially quiet in case it housed a new threat. There was a humble camp and a fire that flickered gently. The glow of the flame outlined a pull-cart that likely held some personal supplies and wares that were bought or to be sold at market. There was an empty bed roll on the ground. Other than those things there was nothing indicating that there was a person nearby. She would have to be careful. She dropped down from the branch she was resting on to analyze the area. The sudden jolt from landing reconfirmed the tortured state of her body. Slowly edging closer to the small pile of blazing wood, she held her child protectively against her chest.
Without warning she was greeted with the cold, sharp feeling of a blade at her throat. While it was not a pleasant greeting, it was better than having the edged steel bite into her neck with no hesitation at all. All things considered, things were looking good so far.
"Identify yourself," a calm voice commanded with a whisper in her ear. Given the location of the camp, and the quiet in this man's voice, he was possibly trying to stay hidden. This was another good sign. "Be quick about it, and choose your words carefully."
"Katsushiro, it's me," she responded with a simple prayer that this was the man that she believed it to be.
"Akane? Is that really you?" The slight pressure against her neck was removed as the man spoke. She turned to meet him, and she felt an overwhelming joy. Maybe, just maybe, there will be some good to come of this madness. "How did you even find me?"
"It isn't important. I don't have much time to explain, but they found me. At first I thought they were just after some Intel, but they were hunting me down. I don't know what they are after, or what they want me for, but the person they sent after me is good. He's really good. I don't think I'll be walking away from this one, so I need a favor of you," Akane responded. This was not really how she wished to see Katsushiro again, but it was better than nothing at all.
"I will help you as best I can," he said sheathing his sword. There was a reassuring calm in his voice, and a look of sympathy in his eyes. He would die for her if she asked, but the favor she had in mind was a bit bigger than that.
She handed the small bundle in her arms off to him, "I need you to take care of him for me. If they want me for my heritage, then they will take him for sure. I will lead the guy chasing me away from here, but we have to be quick."
"When did you," Katsushiro started breathlessly. The small look of shock on his face became more pronounced as he looked at the sleeping form of the baby boy in his arms. "When did this happen?"
"About a year ago," Akane didn't want to play twenty questions right now. "I would have told you but the last time we were together you told me that you had to disappear for a while. If they were close enough to finding you that you believed you had to go off the grid then I didn't want that anywhere near my son. The only reason that I brought him to you now is because I won't be able to make it to my cousin in time. Also, I trust you above all others. You may not be the safest choice, but you are the best."
She began rummaging through her pack drawing out some supplies that she had prepared in advance. She didn't need to hear Katsushiro agree to her favor. He would raise her son with or without her approval at this point. He would feel guilty for having not been there to help when she was pregnant, or delivering, but he would have to get over it. There was little time to waste, and Akane would spare none of it on sob stories, or guilt trips. She would ensure her son was safe, and then leave before her presence put his life in jeopardy.
"Very well," the response came quietly. She expected more questions about the how's and the why's that led up to this, but he must have become aware of the gravity of the situation she was in. "What would you have me do?"
"I don't really want my son involved in my mess or yours, but there is a good chance that he'll get caught up in it anyway. I need you to train him. Teach him as you see fit, and for as long as you deem necessary. When you think he is ready, or when it is too dangerous for him to be near you, take him to Konohagakure to live with my cousin. Speak nothing of his heritage to anyone other than the Hokage, he will know what to do. He knows who I am, and he owes me one. I have more detailed instructions written out for you in this scroll," she spoke quickly depleting her pack of the provisions she did not need. Placing the bundled parchment firmly in his hands he studied it for a moment as if trying to read its sealed contents.
"Alright, and what should I do in the meantime? I am ill equipped for child rearing," Katsushiro said. Akane knew he was nervous. The man probably had not thought this day would come in a million years, but now it was thrust upon him without warning. Story of their lives.
"I have a number of supplies that you will need. It isn't much, but it should last you a few weeks. There are dyes for his hair included with them, and instructions to make more. It will be necessary to help you stay hidden. You would be surprised how many people can identify the clan I am from simply by the color of my hair," she wasn't sure what else he needed.
"Do you have any other instructions?" He asked pleadingly. He wanted some sort of a game plan.
"Umm," she was semi-frantic now. You can't really make plans to leave your son to be raised by someone else because you feel you are about to die. "I guess you shouldn't let him stay up late, make sure he eats his vegetables, be sure he washes up, and,"
"I'm no fool," Katsushiro bluntly interrupted. "I wanted to know about any instructions you had regarding his training."
"Nothing special really. I left all of the scrolls I have that detail my clan's techniques. If he shows interest in learning them, then let him learn at his own pace. I know you can't teach him much about fūinjutsu, but help him where you can, and don't push him in the subject. I don't really have anything for beginners. Outside of that just make sure he is strong enough to deal with all the madness that will be thrown his way. You know better than anyone the people who are after us, so just make sure he can handle it," Akane was growing more anxious as time wore on. She couldn't stay much longer, but she didn't want to leave.
"Would you like a moment with him?" Katsushiro offered her son to her as if feeling out why she lingered. He held the boy awkwardly, but the whole situation was awkward. He seemed to be handling it well considering he was just handed a child and expected to care for him. As she took the babe into her arms once more she could feel the tears start to well up.
It wasn't right. It wasn't fair. She had been so excited to be a mother, and she had wanted so much out of this new aspect of her life. She kissed the brow of her baby and thought of everything she had wanted. She wanted to watch him grow. She wanted to teach him about the world the he would explore as a toddler and young boy. She had hoped to train him as a shinobi when he became older, if he showed interest. She wanted to see him become a man, and face whatever destiny held for him. She had wanted to see him fall in love, and begin a family of his own. So much was being robbed from her, and the only way she could secure any future for her boy was to lay down her own life.
"I want you to listen closely to Katsushiro," she instructed her sleeping son. She combed a hand through the tuft of dark hair, and kissed his forehead again. She wished that she could look in his eyes, but couldn't afford to have him awake. Too much noise would draw unwelcome attention. "Obey him, and apply yourself to everything he teaches you. Make friends, and find someone precious to you. Find something in life worth fighting for, and protect it with all of your strength. Have dreams, set goals, and strive to achieve them. Always remember," she was starting to get choked up. She had to say it. She just didn't want to say it like this. She wanted to say it more. She wanted to speak these words every day of this boy's life. Alas, fate is a cruel mistress and her will cannot be denied. Merely delayed, and Akane had put her fate off for as long as she could.
"Yurushi, my sweet little boy, always remember your mommy loves you," she nearly cried as she handed her child away and turned away. She was about to set off, before she remembered another important thing. Withdrawing a scroll from the pocket of her jacket, she turned back to Katsushiro. "I almost forgot about this," she put the scroll down amongst the other supplies that she set next to him. "This is the key to something very important. I wrote about it in those instructions I left for you. They will detail what it goes to and why it is important, but this is the key. Give it to him when you think he is ready."
"I will," Katsushiro looked at her strangely. He was staring off into the distance. Perhaps, he was trying to piece together the differences between the woman she became and the shadow of the girl that she once was. Akane could tell that he wanted to say something important. He probably wanted to say some sort of goodbye. Katsushiro hated saying goodbye though. To him it was a word that held far too much finality, and suggested that he would never again see the one he said it to. It was a strange idiosyncrasy, but it really described how much he valued his friendships. For him, you never say goodbye to a friend because you always plan to see them again.
"Thank you Katsushiro, and goodbye. Goodbye Yurushi," she turned away and began to plan her method of attack.
"Good luck Akane," he responded just as she leapt away into the trees.
Racing through the treetops she put distance between herself and her son. Yurushi may never know just how much she loved him, but as long as he was safe this was worth it. To lay down her life for her child is the duty of a mother, and for her it was a privilege to be able to express her love for him in such a way. She would not give in willingly though. Whoever it was that was chasing her would find a fight, and would have to prove they were her better. She would take no quarter tonight, and expected none in return. Death would meet someone in the woodlands she strode through, and if she had anything to say about it the creep with the sadistic smile and golden eyes would meet his maker. If this was to be her end, however, she wasn't going out alone.
"Uzumaki Yurushi," Katsushiro spoke absently to the sleeping child in his arms, "I guess it's going to be just the two of us for a while then."
He really wasn't sure what to think right now. There was too much to process, far too much to unravel, and he was far too tired to try right now. He felt the subtle vibrations of the earth shaking in his feet. It was likely created by a large explosion several kilometers away. He hoped and prayed that Akane would return later that night or the next morning. He couldn't play the role of a father. He didn't know the first thing about it. He never even had a figure in his life who modeled that role for him. There was no example he could follow, and no training manual for this. He realized that he had been pacing frantically on the outskirts in his camp.
The night was cold, and the blankets would only provide so much warmth for the baby. Under normal circumstances, he slept within sight of his camp but far enough away that he could get a good head start if the wrong people came looking for him. This child in his arms would need the added warmth of the fire, as well as his utmost attentions. All things considered, he had led a simple life up to this point. Life, it seems, was not so simple.
"What was she thinking?" He said out loud running a free hand through his long dark hair. "Why on earth would she leave you with me?"
He drew his cart closer to the flames and established an area where he could nestle the young boy in for the night so he wasn't rolling around in the cart or lying on the ground. It was makeshift to be sure, but it would do for now. He hoped that Akane would come back. He already felt like a complete idiot. The last thing that he said to the woman was 'Good luck,' and he instantly regretted not saying something more meaningful. He should have said something else, anything else. Now he may never get that chance. Clearly, he had not done right by their friendship. She had conceived, given birth, and started to raise a child without him even being aware. He would make up for that.
He wondered how little Yurushi could have slept peacefully through all that had been happening around him, but he didn't want to wake the boy. His sleep was likely the result of a genjutsu. An illusion Akane would have placed on him so nothing disturbed the infant as she fled for their lives. It would wear off in time. The child looked so peaceful, so innocent. To start life with such a tragic circumstance, it was harsh. This small boy would have a complicated life, and the older he got the more dangerous the world around him would become.
Katsushiro was road weary, but knew he would find little rest tonight. There was too much to think about. He had planned to bathe at a natural hot spring that he had found nearby during his previous travels, enjoy a light meal, and perhaps write a poem or two. It would have been a simple, yet relaxing way to end an evening. Life, it seems, enjoyed complicating things. This was evident, because what he just received complicated all of the plans he had for the immediate future. Akane, a long-time friend, dropped back into his life, handed him a child, and left just as suddenly as she came.
Clearly Akane had been desperate. He had spent the better part of a year hiding from powerful enemies, and trying to make them forget he still existed. Now, it seemed, Akane had found powerful enemies of her own. Why had she not been with family to begin with? Perhaps it was a matter of loyalty. Maybe it was bad blood between family members. It could have simply been her own pride that kept her from seeking help. He kept himself scarce when it came to Akane. Many details about one another's lives were hidden, and this had been established for her protection. They both knew the danger Katsushiro lived in, and he did not want to see her harmed because of him.
He thought of her words. If they were after her for her heritage, then the prospect of acquiring an infant Uzumaki may appeal to someone with the patience and time to see a powerhouse develop. The sealing arts of the Uzumaki clan were feared throughout the world, and if the boy had a natural talent, or even half of his mother's skill, then he would become a legend in his own time. If she left him with family, then it would only draw unwanted attention to her surviving clan members. Those clan members would likely become the newest targets, and the boy would still be in danger. This may have been why family was avoided.
Leaving her child with him had its own share of risks, the most immediate being his own past. It was a past riddled with tragedy and danger. A host of people who wanted to kill him, and a good number of them were still actively searching. Yet, the past few years Katsushiro was a ghost. He interacted with few people, and disguised himself well. He had created an effective alias by which he could make his living, and keep on the move. He had ceased to exist to the rest of the world, and this would be to the child's benefit. None would find the boy because none could find Katsushiro.
He looked into the makeshift crib he created and lay Yurushi down in his bed. Akane had asked to look after him, and train him. He had been fretting over having to act as a father. Akane must have known his trepidation on that front. Having never known his own father, and having no real male role model left him feeling like he would be an inadequate parent. Perhaps she knew he felt this way, and perhaps that was why she never asked him to be a father to the boy. The job Akane had given him was not one of father, but of an instructor.
She wanted her son to be strong enough to protect himself from the eyes that hunted for him, and the shadows that stalked him. She wanted Katsushiro to teach him this power. While he was unsure he could be an effective father, there was no doubt in his mind that he could make the boy a great soldier. This boy would be well prepared for the dangers to come. Katsushiro would take him, tear him down, strip him of all unnecessary components, and sharpen him. He would hone Yurushi into a dangerous weapon set at the throats of those who would dare to harm whatever the boy deemed precious.
The boy would not be a boy for long. Katsushiro knew that as soon as he showed any amount of talent or skill then the training would begin. The boy would mature fast, out of necessity. The childishness of youth would have to be purged from him. The only casualty would be the child's innocence. There was no need to awaken the boy to the dark truths of the world just yet. No, he would let the child sleep until it became too dangerous to stay in his dreams.
Katsushiro lay down on his bed roll and settled in for what would likely be a long and restless night. He picked up the scroll that Akane had given him and tried to find comfort in the glow of the firelight. His hand toyed with the parchment in its possession. The dried paper carried something of great importance and he debated whether or not to read it now. He opened the scroll and studied its contents. Little of it made sense, but there were a few things that he knew were the tell-tale signs of fūinjutsu. Having not been very learned in the sealing arts, there was little he could gather from this supposed key, and so he rolled the scroll back up and placed it in the pack nearby. He reached for the instructions Akane had left for him.
He skimmed over the words written down, and found them to be fairly generic. As he got toward the end he saw some key words that interested him. A pit formed in the bottom of his stomach, and he couldn't believe what he was reading. Katsushiro could feel himself growing in ire, until his anger was beginning to boil over. Frustrated with himself, with Akane, with their circumstances, and frustrated with the paper he held in his hands. He had never imagined that this was the way things truly were. In retrospect in made plenty of sense, but it was still a startling revelation all the same. He held nothing against Akane for hiding the truth from him, and knew that her reasons were more than justified. It still did nothing to abate his rising anger. He stood up and returned to the cart where Yurushi now lay.
Looking down at the child he knew that this boy's life would be struggle for survival. If he found any peace, any joy, any semblance of normalcy it would be a miracle. There was a chance; a glimmer of hope still remained. The only hope this boy had was a family the resided in a village full of ninja. It would be a long and harrowing road. Yurushi would likely face his fair share of betrayals, or would possibly have to commit a few of his own. Katsushiro prayed that his distant family, which was blissfully unaware of his existence, would have the ability to help. Events around him were shaping in strange and terrible ways. After the Third Great Shinobi War Katsushiro had hoped things would stay quiet for a good long while. Life, it seems, would march on relentlessly.
"Get some rest Yurushi," Katsushiro instructed the infant as he stroked the top of his head. "We have a big day ahead of us, and you will need your strength."
A lone man stood atop a hill. His form was silhouetted by the light of the full moon, and that man's presence marked his destination. Bristling with a confidence that was evidenced in each stride he took. Long dark hair draped past his shoulders and swayed in the passing wind. A wide grin formed on his face as he remembered the entertainment he had been provided evening. He began to crest the hill and approached the man waiting for him to return. His features became more recognizable as the distance closed between them, the orange hair, the various piercings, and most notably the flat purple eyes that bore a pattern of concentric circles.
"Orochimaru," the man called out in the night. "I trust you succeeded."
"But of course. Did you expect anything less?" Orochimaru responded and he carelessly tossed the limp body of the woman whom he had been dragging by her hair. It was rather ungraceful the way her crumpled form lay lifeless at the man's feet. She had been a skilled opponent. Horribly out of practice, but her near inhuman stamina, quick wits, and natural talent made her quite the challenge. The chase through the woods and the various traps he encountered during the effort to catch her solidified in his mind that she was worthy prey.
"Is she alive?" Questioned Orochimaru's leader. "She is of no use to me dead."
Leader was such a strong word though. It suggested that Orochimaru was following him blindly. It also suggested the possibility that this man was his superior. While Orochimaru was not eager to challenge the man in combat, it was not because he feared victory was impossible. He simply preferred to act with certainty, and if not absolute certainty then he wanted extensive knowledge of his opponent. The eyes of his leader bore into him, and tried to discern any hints of betrayal. Orochimaru would not give him the satisfaction though. "She is, but I fail to see why we needed to capture her alive. Whatever bounty that is on her head must be more than sufficient, dead or alive," his words trailed off suggestively. He was trying draw out emotion from the man, but to no avail.
When emotions were flared tongues were loosened. Information was power, and Orochimaru knew his leader jealously guarded all of his secrets. Time was slowly revealing them though. One by one he was learning the secrets surrounding the man's eyes, past, and the organization they worked for. The goals of this organization were critical pieces of knowledge. This knowledge would determine when Orochimaru made his next move, and the nature of his departure from the group called Akatsuki. He did not want his plans hindered by this group, and needed contingencies in place for dealing with Akatsuki should their interests be conflicted.
"She is necessary, and more useful alive than dead," and again Orochimaru was stonewalled by the response. One did not become as powerful as he had become without being able to read between the lines of a person's words, actions, and circumstances. Piecing together facts and drawing them to their logical conclusions was far more reliable than a direct answer. Yet, the choice of his words piqued Orochimaru's interest.
This woman was necessary. No one bounty had been necessary before, and even so it was never the target but the money that was necessary. This mission was an anomaly from the beginning. Akatsuki had found a sort of niche in the international community as a group of incredibly skilled hunter ninja. They would perform other jobs as the need arose, but the bulk of their contracts were to hunt down ninja that had defected from the military that employed them. Ironic, since the largest secret Akatsuki held was that the entire organization was comprised of traitors and deserters. This entire time, however, not a single bounty had been taken alive. It was too much of a risk to fight against highly skilled ninja without intent to kill. Yet, the order was to take this woman alive. Killing her was simply not an option.
"I find it interesting that you came all the way out here to oversee the operation," Orochimaru stated, playing coy all the while. "I am honored that you feel compelled to appraise my skills." The lie was designed to cause response, but the man stood as cold as ever. It was the second oddity about the mission. His leader never oversaw an operation in person. Never.
"I wanted to give you your next assignment," the response came with an even tone. It was a lie to be sure, but one that would not be challenged. Orders only came in person if Orochimaru had been called in to headquarters, or if he had been there to complete an assignment. His leader was there to ensure that his prize was left unspoiled. Had Orochimaru killed the woman, his leader would have tried to end Orochimaru's life. He would have tried, not succeeded. This woman was central to Akatsuki's goals.
Orochimaru's gold eyes searched for any sort of tell on his superior, but could find nothing. The woman he had captured was undoubtedly an Uzumaki. Her red hair, her abnormally high chakra reserves, and the way she had been tossing fūinjutsu around their battlefield like candy in a parade left no doubt in Orochimaru's mind as to who she was. The Uzumaki, above all else, were feared for their knowledge of the sealing arts. If he needed this woman alive, then his leader needed something to be sealed. The question was what exactly.
"I wonder," Orochimaru started. His superior seemed intrigued, or as intrigued as a stoic can look. "The woman had a young child with her when I first encountered her. Finding the child again would be a simple matter. If you like I could go and collect him for you."
The answer to the offer would be telling. The Akatsuki leader had an abundance of patience, and if he needed a sealing technique immediately the child would be of no interest. If his need for a seal was a long term goal, then the child would be captured, raised, and trained into the perfect weapon. Children were perfect tools. They were so very trusting, so full of potential, and so malleable. A child was a blank canvas that needed only an artists' touch. With time, a child would grow into a loyal weapon that is both eager and willing to serve. It was an idea that corresponded so beautifully with Orochimaru's appreciation of youth and his desire to maintain his own.
"The child is of no consequence to me," the detached tone of voice portrayed an attitude of indifference and apathy. It was no different than any other response the man would give, but once again, Orochimaru was not fooled. The child was of no consequence because he needed the skills of a master, and he needed it quickly. There was simply no time to invest in the training of a child. This was a tragedy to be sure. If the mother was any indication, then the child would have a high potential. Hope remained. If his leader was not interested, then the child was fair game. Perhaps in a few years after the child has grown some Orochimaru would seek him out and collect a new recruit.
"Now, if I do recall," Orochimaru began. "You were going to give me my next assignment."
There was a hard stare from the orange haired man before him. There was always an angle to be played, and always a secret agenda in this game. Orochimaru was known as a snake, and a surprising few regarded him as such. His leader was no fool. This man understood Orochimaru's true nature quite well, and Orochimaru enjoyed the challenge. As long as his superior stayed focused on his movements, Orochimaru would be hard pressed for a perfectly clean break. The key would be to find a moment that both furthered his own goals, but made him seem to be harmless to the organization. It would be a challenge, but one well worth undertaking.
"This assignment is of the utmost importance to the Akatsuki," his leader stated handing a scroll off to the long haired ninja. Orochimaru took the scroll and glanced at its contents trying to display an attitude of indifference. Answers to long standing questions would soon present themselves. "The details are given in that scroll, but you are to infiltrate the diplomatic agencies of Kusagakure and use that as a front to spy on and gather information on all of the villages mentioned in the scroll. You will report in regular intervals as directed."
"I see, so you needed someone who could easily infiltrate the inner workings of the village and steal all of the secrets they have collected," Orochimaru concluded aloud. There was an interesting collection of villages that he was supposed to spy on. There was Konohagakure, Iwagakure, Kumogakure, Kirigakure, Sunagakure, and Takigakure. The five most powerful villages in the ninja world, and one minor village were all his targets. The connection between them was the key to Akatsuki's goals. "What sort of information were you looking for? Kusagakure's data on other nations is quite extensive. Their diplomatic efforts have resulted in one of the most effective network of spies in the world. If I knew exactly what I was looking for I could certainly have this mission done within a week."
He was fishing for more information, and would get nothing judging by the contemptuous scowl on the face of the man with strange eyes. "You will be thorough and collect all available information. I will personally contact you when your mission is completed. There can be no trace of your presence left behind. Kusagakure is a valuable asset to our efforts in collecting the finances we need, and as such you will receive no direct help from Akatsuki. Whatever contacts and agents you utilize will have to be your own. During this mission you can have no visible affiliation with Akatsuki, and the utmost discretion will be expected of you."
This was an opportunity that Orochimaru could not afford to pass up. Kusagakure was the perfect staging area to bring his organization to life. He had collected a few loose agents over the years, but he had to gather them slowly, and under the noses of the Akatsuki's leadership. This mission would allow him to collect followers at a much more rapid rate. Should any questions arise it would be easy to portray it all as a part of this mission. It would also shed light on the Akatsuki's end game. "Well, I had better get going. Infiltrating Kusagakure without drawing suspicion will take some time."
With only a nod of the head in recognition his leader heaved the body of the woman onto his shoulder. "Failure is not an option. Remember that well Orochimaru," and with his final warning stated the strange man disappeared into the night. Things were starting to develop in very interesting ways. Orochimaru couldn't help but wonder how the rest of the world would respond as his plans came to fruition.
"Very well Pein-sama," Orochimaru answered to his now absent leader with no shortage of derision in his voice. He began to move toward his destination, all the while mentally drafting plans to utilize and accomplish the mission at hand. The steps he took toward Kusagakure also brought him that much closer to realizing his own dreams.
"Soon, very soon," he said to no one with a chuckle. "Soon I will know the secrets of those eyes, and when I do you will not be able to stop me. Soon I will solve the mysteries of life and death, and when I do I shall be the master of both."
His eyes pierced the darkness before him, and time would tell if he could reach the vision of the future his eyes could see.