Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and that is probably a good thing lol
Chapter 22 - The Meeting at Tenichi Bridge
March 11th, 67 AFL
Just three short days after their adventure in the Sand Village the Uzumaki-Namikaze trio found themselves in the Konoha hospital, standing adjacent to Kakashi's bedside. Guy and his team had left the group just a few seconds before in order to report to the Hokage but surprisingly, just a few minutes after they left the woman they said they were going to see walked through the door of the hospital room.
She spotted Kakashi and the trio and asked for their report. They told of their battle with the Akatsuki as well as the information Sasori had left them but Hinata and Naruto still held back the truth of how his battle with Deidara ended up playing out. Tsunade frowned at the information before saying, "So you only have six days left and that's if the information you got was even accurate, for all you know it could be a trap and now on top of that Kakashi won't even be cleared for at least a week." Sakura and Kakashi shook their heads,
"It might be a trap Lady Tsunade but I seriously doubt it," the jonin replied. "They were his last words Tsunade-shisou and I'm inclined to believe him," Sakura added. Naruto decided to add his own two cents, "Regardless Ba-chan if this a chance to bring Sasuke and Ino home then we're going to take it, believe it and besides I want to meet my cousin," he said while grinning like the overconfident fool he was. The blonde then put his arms around Sakura and Hinata and pulled them close before continuing,
"And with the three of us working together I know we'll succeed." Tsunade looked at the trio before sighing, "Normally I'd completely agree with you but unfortunately a new problem has come up," the Hokage said causing all heads to turn to her in confusion. She looked at the trio directly before her gaze shifted to the Hyuga heiress, "While you three were gone the Hyuga decided to let every single member of the village's council know about Naruto's true status as the son of the Fourth Hokage." She finished while all of the teen's jaws nearly fell to the floor,
"But Tsunade-shisou wasn't that kept a secret in order to protect Naruto and stop the Rock Village from seeking revenge against Lord Fourth's family?" Tsunade sighed again before her gaze returned to Hinata, "That's exactly what it was for but the council doesn't care about that, what they care about is the next generation of shinobi which is why they're forcing me to remove Hinata from your team in order for her take this year's chunin exams and so the three of you can get legally married as quickly as possible. Just last year we changed the date of the exams from Summer to Spring and if someone could have kept their mouth shut for just a little longer we could've avoided this whole situation," Tsunade explained. Hinata looked to the ground disappointed that because of her actions Naruto could possibly now be in danger but was surprised when the blonde only tightened his grip on her shoulder,
"It's not Hinata-hime's fault, I was one that told her to do everything and anything within our power to keep her from getting that screwed up seal and it's not the end of the world. Truth be told the only thing that would keep us waiting anyway is the fact that Sasuke and Ino aren't here but in six days Sakura and I will bring them both home." The blonde then turned to the Hyuga heiress and kissed her cheek before finishing with, "Don't worry about a thing Hinata-chan, just make sure you're ready for this year's exam." Hinata smiled at the boy and Tsunade's annoyed glare shifted to another sigh,
"Well regardless what's done is done, now…" The blonde Hokage was cut off by the blonde chunin opening a window before leaping down to the ground below, "Now I gotta find us a new teammate!" He said before disappearing from view. Tsunade then turned to her apprentice,
"What I was going to say is that someone has already been assigned as a replacement for Hinata while I have someone who's perfect for taking Kakashi's place and in fact..." Tsunade chuckled a little before finishing with, "You've actually met them both Sakura now go and get your damn baka before he does anything stupid. I have a feeling that Naruto's identity will start spreading through the village and he doesn't need to look like the annoying little idiot he's always acted like." Sakura chuckled a little before exiting the window herself and disappearing from view. Tsunade's gaze then drifted to the last member of the trio and she managed a half smile,
"So Hinata, the old pervert told me that you're primary chakra nature is Lightning, is that correct?" "Hai Tsunade-sama," Hinata replied respectfully thinking she might still be on thin ice with the elderly woman. Tsunade formed an evil grin before turning to the incapicated jonin,
"Guess what you're doing until the start of the exams Kakashi, that or Shizune and I can watch as Obito, Anzu, and Mito play tug of war with that mask you're always wearing." Not needing any more convincing Kakashi unsealed several basic Lightning style jutsus as well as a scroll detailing exercises on lightning manipulation. Hinata gratefully accepted and said, "Thank you, I'll get to training right away," before disappearing in a flash leaving Kakashi and Tsunade alone. Kakashi turned his head to Tsunade and asked, "So who do you have in mind as my replacement?"
Meanwhile Sakura had managed to catch up to Naruto and after traveling a few blocks they ran into some of their old friends, "Kiba, Shino, Fu, hey what's up; long time no see," the blonde said with a grin. Sakura smiled at Naruto and Kiba's antics before Shino pulled Sakura off to the side surprising her but it was Fu who spoke first,
"How did your fight with the Akatsuki go?" Sakura looked on in confusion at first but then she finally remembered that Naruto wasn't the only jinchuuriki in Konoha, "We killed one but the other escaped, don't worry though; with Lady Tsunade around those bastards don't have the balls to attack the village itself," Sakura replied trying to reassure her friend of her safety. Fu nodded but with a worriedly look she asked,
"And Gaara, sorry I mean Lord Kazekage, is he ok?" Sakura nodded and explained the situation in its entirety. Fu and Shino were both shocked at the fact that Gaara's bijuu had indeed been stolen but thanks to Lady Chiyo's sacrifice had managed to live even without Shukaku. Eventually Sakura finished her tale and Fu and Shino gave her a look of understanding, "Alright if anything new happens be sure to let us know and we'll do the same for you," Fu said in an oddly serious tone that was rare coming from the usually happy and playful girl. Sakura agreed wholeheartedly and the Aburame made their departure while Fu pulled Kiba away from the blonde.
Sakura was forced to pull Naruto away in a similar fashion since the boys teasing each other had evolved into a small brawl. Eventually Sakura released the blonde, not really wanting to as she felt his muscles but did so nonetheless. Naruto mumbled something under his breath which sounded like,
"Stupid dog breath, thinks he's going to become Hokage before me; no chance in hell, believe it." Sakura giggled a little, thankful that even though her baka could become so serious in battle he was still able to have fun with his friends, even with the troubled and lonely past he had. It wasn't a few moments after that thought crossed her mind that they ran into another pair of old friends. "Choji, Shikamaru, man it's good to see you guys," the blonde said with a smile.
"Holy crap that really you Naruto," Choji said in surprise and immediately put an arm around the jinchuuriki's shoulder, "Come on Shikamaru, let's go get barbecue with Naruto and Sakura. It's been like forever and I'm starving." The Akimichi stated his stomach agreeing as it let out a sound somewhere between a growl and a roar. Shikamaru let out a near mute,
"Troublesome but I can spare a few minutes," and slowly started walking behind the two nearly bottomless pits in front of him. Before they could make it far though a kunai shot right by Naruto's face, actually scraping his cheek in the process,
"What the hell was that?" Naruto said in anger as he turned around to see who had the balls to attack him while his back was turned, "If that kunai was poisoned you'd be dead now Naruto Uzumaki." A person who barred an odd resemblance to his old teammate said.
"What the hell do you think you're doing, I'll kick your ass you bargain bin teme, Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Said person didn't respond, instead he whipped out a scroll and what appeared to be a paint brush. Finally he shouted,
"Ninja Art - Super Beast Scroll!" Several black and white creatures emerged from the boy's scroll and engaged Naruto's clones. They appeared to be evenly matched but unfortunately for the blonde his clones were eventually overwhelmed by the unknown nin's powerful drawings. The nin looked to his opponent who was smirking and when his drawing's finally reached their target it too vanished into nothing but smoke, 'Damn where did he go?'
"You shouldn't throw sharp objects at your fellow shinobi, prick!" Naruto shouted while throwing his own kunai directly at his enemies legs. The unknown nin easily avoided the seemingly poorly aimed weapon, it landing just a few feet behind him while his gaze drifted to his opponent. Then he saw the blonde grin and remembering his intell the nin could only think,
'Shit.' In a matter of seconds the blonde vanished in a flash of light, the nin turned around quickly and with only seconds to spare managed to parry Naruto's own kunai with his own. The nin actually showed the slightest bit of emotion as he smirked,
"You could have killed me if you wanted but instead you only blocked my counter attack. I guess the rumors are true, you really are a ball less pansy afraid to take life." "What the hell is your problem?" Naruto asked but the nin just smirked again before backing away from the blonde,
"Don't worry we'll see each other later but for now, farewell Naruto." Without another word the nin disappeared in a puff of smoke. Naruto snorted irritably before rejoining Choji, Shikamaru, and Sakura on the ground,
"Do you guys know who that was?" The blonde asked but his friends provided little help. It was Sakura who explained that she had seen him once with Danzo in Lady Tsunade's office along with the girl Naruto and Hinata met while on their training trip. Sakura finally explained what Tsunade had told her after the blonde had left the hospital and how that guy was more than likely their new teammate.
Naruto grumbled a little at that fact and said his goodbyes to Shikamaru and Choji having lost his appetite as well as his good mood from the information. Sakura saw this and grabbed his hand, shifting his attention once again. The blonde turned to her with a bit of confusion while she just smiled back at him. Naruto blushed, even with all the years he had known her that smile would always make the blonde's heart race.
"Come on, let's go see the Ichiraku's, I'm sure after seeing them and smelling your favorite food will make you feel better," Sakura said sincerely. The blonde smiled back before pecking her forehead about half a dozen times. "Sakura-chan you always have the best ideas, alright let's go!" He shouted but instead of running full sprint they walked hand in hand to the restaurant they had eaten at so many times before.
Just a short while later and stomachs full of the finest ramen in the village Sakura and Naruto proceeded to where they would meet their new teammate as well as their team leader. They eventually arrived and Sakura couldn't help but blurt out,
"Tenza-san your Kakashi-sensei's replacement?" Tenza frowned at Sakura's words and corrected her, "Actually for this mission, my code name is Yamato." Sakura and Naruto both shared a snort, "That's dumb but ok Yamato-san," Sakura replied. Naruto immediately asked Sakura how she knew this guy and she explained how Kakashi had introduced them about a year ago and how he had helped a lot with building their new home. Naruto started liking this guy more and more, with a smile he said,
"Ok Yamato-san you sound just as cool as Kakashi-sensei and thank you for your help. You have no idea what it means to me to have a place of our very own." Yamato smiled thinking this was going smoothly but that was only until their other teammate finally revealed himself.
"Long time no see dickless, my name is Sai," The previously unknown nin said happily with a fake smile. Naruto's anger started to rise at the insult to his manhood and Sakura saw that this was going to be a long mission if she didn't set these two straight. A small part of her was even amused as she was reminded of how Naruto and Sasuke would act and decided to settle it the same she always had,
"Oh Naruto-kun, Sai-san." Naruto immediately knew what was coming and even if he didn't like him he was obligated to warn the pale skinned boy, "Sai run!" Sai turned back to the blonde with confusion and saw him moving his legs at pace so fast his feet failed to hold any traction. As if the baka appeared to be running in place then the boy heard a loud,
"Double Sakura Smash!" Within seconds both boys were on the ground holding their heads. Sakura leaned in close to Naruto and healed his bump with her medical jutsu while whispering in his ear, "I don't like him either but we have to work with him if we want our friends back, remember baka," she said before kissing the now healed bump and getting to her feet. Sai actually looked at Sakura expecting to be healed as well but when he saw her glare the thought vanished just as quickly as it appeared. Sai got to his feet and decided to just keep his mouth shut for now.
Yamato sighed but ordered the new Team Kakashi, technically Yamato to introduce themselves and then to get their gear, they would be heading out within the next hour after all. With that the jonin as well as Sai vanished in a puff of smoke while Naruto and Sakura headed to their home to prepare for the coming mission that would, with any luck. allow them to see their friends again.
As the Uzumaki pair headed home and as Sai went to go get his mission briefing from Danzo, Yamato was meeting with Jiraiya and Tsunade back in Kakashi's hospital room. He had just entered when he heard Tsunade say, "So the battle was pretty much over when you and the others showed up." Kakashi simply nodded his head,
"If Naruto used the Nine-Tails chakra or that other chakra I don't know but I did notice that Hinata was holding onto Naruto as if he had expelled a large amount of chakra." The pair of sannin nodded and that's when he finally noticed Yamato's presence, "Tenza, I see so you're my replacement." Yamato frowned and tried to explain, "Yes Kakashi but for this mission it's Yamato." Kakashi turned back to Tsunade, "Good choice." The current Hokage smirked,
"I know with his wood style he'll be able to neutralize the fox's chakra if it gets to be much for Naruto to control," she bragged. However she then noticed her old pervert looking toward the ground as if in deep thought, "What are you thinking Jiraiya?" The toad sage sighed before responding,
"There's something I need to tell you three…" Jiraiya informed the shinobi of what happened during their trip and how he had tried to loosen the fox's seal himself, "I… I don't know how to explain it but it was like Naruto had turned into a completely different person, his chakra felt so wrong and I don't think it was the fox's doing either." The other's in the room took a moment to gather their thoughts before Tsunade finally responded,
"So what exactly does that mean Jiraiya?" The sage finally looked up and with a stern voice he answered, "No matter which way you look at it, the fact remains that those three are hiding something very important from all of us." He got to his feet and chuckled,
"For all we know, whatever information they have could be the missing piece we need to finally figure out what the Akatsuki's are after." Jiraiya sighed and after kissing his hime walked to the door, "I have to go and see what information my spies have picked up about the Akatuski's whereabouts so it's up to you and Kakashi to try and get whatever intel they have out of them. Whether you go find Hinata now or wait till they return from Tenichi Bridge, oh and that reminds me not a word of this around them, ok Yamato." With that the sage left Kakashi's hospital room leaving the three shinobi behind to figure out what to do next.
Just a little while later Yamato, Sai, Naruto, and Sakura were at the village gates and after a short word that quickly headed toward Tenichi Bridge. They were making good time, they still had a few days before the meeting and so far nothing had gotten in their way. That was until Naruto shot Sai a dirty look remembering what Sakura had told him about the boy's apparent superior Danzo.
"If you keep looking at me like that Nine-Tails, I'll kill you," Sai responded in a tone lacking any real emotion. Naruto and Sakura went wide eyed but the blonde quickly recovered and yanked Sai by his collar, "What did you just say you pale faced bastard!" Before the blonde could land a blow he felt his fist held back and heard Yamato say, "Naruto enough, if you and Sai can't get along I swear I'll cancel this mission and we'll go right back."
"But Sai..." He said, turning to Sakura for support; she was glaring at Sai but eventually huffed, "You know we have to work together with this teme if we want to bring Ino and Sasuke home, please Naruto-kun." Naruto finally released Sai and started moving again but stopped dead in his tracks when he heard him chuckle, "What!" Naruto barked which caused the pale faced boy to calm down,
"You're angry at me for only telling the truth, your own comrade and a fellow Leaf shinobi." "So!" Sai looked him straight in the eyes as he replied, "But yet you're so desperate to save Sasuke Uchiha and Ino Yamanaka, traitors who tried to murder both you and Sakura at the Valley of the End. Honestly I really don't understand it."
"Why you.,." The blonde stopped when he felt Sakura's hand on his shoulder again, "Ignore him Naruto and let's just move on." Naruto wanted to argue but stopped when he felt Sakura's fingers caressing his cheek and eventually started moving forward again. Yamato sighed thankful that Sakura at least could keep her emotions in check. That was until he heard, "Oh and Sai…" The wood style user turned around just in time to see Sakura's fist lodged deeply in Sai's gut. The root nin flew back several feet before landing on his back,
"If you ever talk badly about my friends or my Naru-kun again, I'll kill you, ok!" Sai got to his feet slowly while the blonde looked at Sakura in shock while he thought, 'Kami I love that woman.' Then another thought occurred to him, "Sakura-chan why did you stop me if you were going to hit him anyway?" Sakura looked at Naruto with a smile that was cute but also somewhat terrifying,
"Silly I hit harder Naruto-kun." She replied devilishily while Sai let out a few coughs of blood, effectively gaining the Uzumaki's attention. "Wow you put on such a sincere smile just before you hit me but I guess it was a fake one... interesting." Naruto and Sakura looked at each other having had just enough of this bargain bin teme but before they could do a thing they heard Yamato shout, "Wood Style - Four Pillar Prison Jutsu!" Suddenly four wooden pillars shot up from the ground encasing all three of the younger shinobi inside,
"I said enough, either you stop your bullshit now or the three of you can spend the rest of the day inside this cage!" Surprisingly enough it was Sai who apologized first and Naruto and Sakura also admitted their faults so Yamato released them but not before announcing, "Good then we can enjoy our day at the hot springs." 'Hot springs?' the three shinobi under Yamato's command all thought at the same time.
It wasn't more than a few hours later when Naruto found himself relaxing comfortably in the warm water of the hot springs that Yamato had been ever so kind as to pay for. He was just about to close his eyes when he heard his new teammate snicker, "What?!" The blonde growled out actually standing up from how aggravated this guy made him,
"Well looks like I was wrong, you do have something between your legs after all but I still say you have no balls," Sai replied the faintest hint of amusement behind his normally unemotional expression. Naruto flustered a bright red and submerged himself into the water as quickly as he could. When he finally regained some level of composure he shouted far louder than needed,
"Please for the love of Kami stop talking about my junk!" In the span of just a few seconds giggles were heard from across the wall that separated the males and females sides. Naruto stuck his head into the water hoping to drown out his embarrassment while Sai just grinned clearly satisfied with the results of their conversation. Unbeknownst to them a certain pinkette was mirroring her blonde soulmate's actions but taking up one more step choosing to submerge herself and repeatedly bash her head against the rocks at the edge of a spring,
'Kami, I'm in love with such an idiot.' Sakura thought as she wished she could at least give her baka a good bonk for being so damn embarrassing. Back on the boy's side Yamato had decided that he had enough and was getting ready to leave. Before he did so though he warned Naruto not to do any peeking with his most serious voice. This failed to gain the reaction the jonin wished for though because surprisingly enough the blonde only chuckled,
"Trust me I heard the story about Pervy Sage and Ba-chan but my scenario is a little different. If I actually tried something like that I doubt Sakura would try to kill me just because I saw her, hell we live in the same house now. Not to mention if the council has their way we'll be having our wedding in just a few months anyway. She would definitely slaughter me for looking at all those other girls though, believe it." He finished which made Yamato think for a moment, 'Well it saves me some ryo if I only get three rooms and not four.' He figured before heading back to the changing room.
After a nice warm meal paid for courtesy of Yamato, Naruto and Sakura found themselves in their rented room. They talked about Sasuke and Ino, the village and their crappy way of running things as well as Hinata and her likely promotion to chunin. At some point their conversation turned to the Akatsuki as well as their last mission.
"That guy was really messed up huh Sakura-chan," Naruto said referring to Sasori. Sakura nodded, "Yeah he was but I've been reading Lady Chiyo's diaries," she started while pulling out the items she had been gifted after said mission. "But just like everyone else he was once just a little boy who had his parents taken away from him by this cruel shinobi world, sound familiar, Naruto-kun," Sakura finished. Naruto looked to the ground as he replied,
"Yeah he's just like me and Sasuke." The blonde slowly lifted his gaze and directed his attention solely on the pinkette, "But I'm not him Sakura-chan, I will never allow my darkness to consume me. I will save Sasuke from his own hatred and when I become Hokage I promise I'll do everything within my power to ensure this kind of messed up shit doesn't happen anymore." Sakura was already flushed from the blonde's damn determined look and his words struck a chord in her. The damn fool suffered so much but yet he just wants to save others from a similar fate,
"I know Naruto-kun and I'll be there to help and support you... always." Sakura saw the blonde's grin go wide after that and Sakura couldn't help but to tease him a little, "Now you just got to go get my damn ring baka." Unfortunately for Sakura Naruto saw through her little game and tackled to the bed, after lavishing her face with kisses for a few moments he whispered over her lips, "I have it just got to wait for the right timing Sakura." He said in a tone that she had not heard from him before and inadvertently forced her to let out a moan. Sakura immediately pushed the blonde off and both teens looked at each other red in the face but eventually they both burst out in laughter. After a few moments they managed to calm down and finally drifted off to sleep.
March 12th, 67 AFL
Sakura awoke to the sound of Naruto's heartbeat, her head resting on his chest as he continued to sleep. She smiled before getting to her feet and stretching. She grabbed her shinobi gear and headed to the bathroom in order to change out of her sweatpants and tank top. When she emerged she walked over to the window and spotted Sai sitting under a tree apparently writing something in a notebook.
Deciding it would be worth it to at least try to get to know Sai a little better she slipped out of their room letting the blonde baka get a little bit more sleep. Her attempt was in vain however because as soon as she shut the door the blonde awoke from the sound. Figuring Sakura had already left he put on his own jumpsuit after changing out of his nightwear and went out to find her.
Meanwhile Sakura had already reached her destination and being the inquisitive person that she was couldn't help but take a peak over the pale boy's shoulder. She noticed that his journal was full of drawings and Sakura smiled, "I really like your art, what's this one called?" She asked while pointing toward the book. Sai immediately shut his sketchbook but did reply,
"None of my drawings have names, I never thought of giving them any." Sakura frowned, "But doesn't a piece of art have to represent something that you're feeling at the time? It's kinda weird not having a name for any of them." She replied while Sai looked at his sketchbook as if in deep thought, "Well I guess it's because I've never felt anything." Sakura glared not angry with Sai but at his master Danzo,
'How the hell can you treat people like this, teaching them that it's a good thing to be an emotionless machine.' Before Sakura could ask Sai any more questions her baka and Yamato finally showed themselves, "What's up Sakura-chan, Sai," Naruto said. Sakura waved and then returned her attention to her other teammate, "So is there a specific reason you draw?" She asked, trying to get the boy to open up to them a little more. Sai looked to the ground before he replied solemnly,
"I made this book for my brother." "Your brother?" Sakura inquired but Sai started walking toward Yamato and she could sense the boy was done talking at least for now. Just a few minutes later Yamato told the group they were moving out and they left the hot springs behind.
Over the course of the next few hours Naruto and Sai would throw quiet insults toward the other which was starting to drive the pinkette mad before Yamato stopped them in their tracks. He led them off the trail and into a dark secluded location where he informed his team that this very well could be a trap and to be extra careful if any members of the Akatsuki showed themselves.
With that done they resumed their journey until the last of the day's light finally disappeared over the horizon. As soon as it did Yamato stopped his team and told them they would be camping for the night. The younger shinobi thought it was odd until Yamato used his rare wood style jutsu to create a full sized house for them to spend the night. Naruto couldn't help but grin which the wood style user noticed,
"Yup Naruto, it's the same way we built your home." Naruto grin grew to a genuine smile as he tackled the wood style user while lavishing him with gratitude, "Thank you Yamato-sensei, you have no idea what it's like to be able to come home to your own place for once," he said. Sakura huffed and looked away, "I was one who oversaw that whole project while you were away, remember." The blonde immediately dove from Yamato to Sakura causing the pair to tumble to the ground. He immediately started pecking her forehead while repeating things like,
"I know, I love you, and thank you so much." Sakura laughed and pushed him off, "I was only teasing, I know my baka." She replied and then took the blonde's hand while they made their way inside. Inside the house was a bit disappointing considering there was absolutely zero furniture but the team of shinobi made the best of it deciding to meet up in the largest room to discuss their mission.
Naruto and Sakura retold the tale of their mission to save the Kazekage as well as gave an in depth profile on the Akatsuki member they would be impersonating. Together they were able to give enough info for Yamato to be satisfied that he could accurately impersonate him. The jonin explained that he would go in first disguised as Sasori and would signal them when it was time to strike, reminding them that they had to take their target alive.
Unfortunately for Naruto, Sakura being a medical nin was considered vital to mission success and was paired with the more experienced Yamato while he was stuck with the bargain bin teme. The blonde wanted to complain but he was able to hold back due mostly to Sakura sensing an outburst and reverting to the old tactic of rubbing his cheeks and eventually the team of shinobi was able to drift off to sleep without anymore confrontations.
March 13th, 67 AFL
Yamato thought the practice run for their mission was going perfectly, Naruto and Sai appeared to be working together and Sakura was behind them ready to support in any way she could. This was until he saw Sai use one of his own jutsus to tie up his partner, "What the hell is wrong with you!" Naruto shouted, luckily for the blonde he hadn't trusted Sai from the beginning and unbeknownst to the root nin had steathfully put a seal on his teammate's back.
"Fine you want to play that way, Flying Thunder God!" 'Damn I forgot he could do that but where…' Sai's thought process was cut off as his face came into contact with the blonde's right fist, "Now I asked you a question, what the hell were you thinking? Do you even know what a comrade is?" Sai got to his feet and replied in that same emotionless tone,
"You're pathetic, you fall for such simple techniques, it's like you're trying to get killed. If you're of no use to me then I'll leave you for dead. That's the way I was taught and if you're curious," Sai pulled out a blank scroll and mocked Naruto by writing out the word comrade along with a very detailed definition. Naruto growled when Sai handed him the scroll and immediately threw it to the ground in anger,
"I will never consider someone like you a comrade let alone a friend. As soon as we get Sasuke back I hope I never see you again because as far as I'm concerned you'll never be a member of Team Kakashi or Team Yamato!" Sai actually let out a chuckle as he looked his teammate straight in the eyes,
"I wonder what Sasuke would have done? Would he have covered you, protected you. I'm sorry but how you can call someone who betrayed his team and his village a comrade is beyond me." Sai stopped chuckling and looked on ominously, "Sasuke Uchiha and Ino Yamanaka are traitors, end of story. They deserve nothing more than a long painful death for what they've done or maybe you just really enjoyed being the Uchiha's pet fox."
"That's enough Naruto Sai, how can you act like this in front of your squad leader? Now break it up or I swear I'll cancel this mission right now," Yamato ordered the two boy's. Naruto scowled at Sai but didn't reply, instead deciding to go for a short walk to clear his head. Sakura went over to Sai and Yamato, had he not ordered them to stop Sakura would have punched the pale skinned boy through a few trees herself.
"Why do you care so much for these traitors?" Sai suddenly asked Sakura, actually showing the slightest bit of aggravation through his normally unreadable face. Sakura scowled at the boy but did reply, "Sasuke was my first crush and Ino is my best friend just like Sasuke is to Naruto. Sasuke and Ino are our family, they're like siblings to us and they left the village for a damn good reason!" Sakura actually ended up shouting. She noticed Yamato looking at her and deciding she didn't care she continued, "You have a brother don't you? How would it feel if your brother left the village?" Sai thought about it for a moment before responding,
"I see, I guess I should've looked like you two then." Sakura raised an eyebrow in curiosity while Sai finished, "My brother is already dead, I always wondered what someone would look like after they lost someone so clo…" Sai was unable to finish his statement as Sakura was unable to hold back any longer though she only sent the boy a few feet, "Stay away from us! Naruto and I don't even want to talk to a heartless scum like you so unless it's mission related you better leave us the hell alone, understand!" Sakura yelled and then immediately headed off in the direction that Naruto had gone. Sai got to his feet again and without saying a word he left heading the opposite way. Meanwhile Yamato let out a groan wondering how this mission could possibly not end in disaster.
March 14th - March 16th, 67 AFL
Over the next few days Team Yamato practiced and ran numerous simulations of how the bridge mission might go. Their teamwork improved slowly but Sai would only speak to Naruto and Sakura if it concerned their training or their mission. The first day Naruto and Sakura were more than grateful but on the second they started to think maybe they had been a bit hard on the root nin.
He had grown up alone in the foundation and had already lost his brother forever while they still had a chance to save theirs. By the third and final day the Uzumaki pair decided that once they got back to the village they would apologize to Sai and maybe try to integrate him into their friend group. Since they figured they'd have Sasuke and Ino back they figured they could have Sai meet them himself and then he would understand, they hoped. Eventually it was time, tomorrow at noon they would meet Sasori's spy and hopefully some intel that would lead him to Orochimaru.
March 17th, 67 AFL
It was just thirty minutes before the spy was supposed to show up, Sai had used his drawings to scope out the area looking for any signs of an ambush while Naruto did the same with the clones that he had transformed into birds. Both boys agreed that there appeared to be no one hiding in the surrounding area and the team all formed up to go over their strategy one final time.
With that done, Sai, Naruto, and Sakura took their positions while Yamato henged into Sasori's Hiruko puppet and made his way to the bridge. With the Leaf nin all in position the clock finally struck noon and just as planned a hooded figure made his way to the bridge. The Leaf nin regonzied him immediately after he removed his hood, it was Orochimaru's right hand man Kabuto Yakushi. Yamato, still disguised, attempted to ask Kabuto about Orochimaru's whereabouts as well as Sasuke Uchiha's but he was shocked when Kabuto burst out laughing.
Suddenly he lunged at Yamato while ranting, "You dare speak Orochimaru-sama's name and that bastard's in the same sentence!" Yamato backed away but the fake Hiruko puppet was shattered revealing Yamato's true identity. He immediately signaled his comrades to come out of hiding and Kabuto just continued to laugh like a mad man, "Oh I get it, so the Leaf actually managed to kill Sasori. I would say I'm surprised but I've learned never to underestimate the shinobi of the Leaf," Kabuto said.
"We don't care about any of that, just tell me where Sasuke is you bastard!" Naruto growled out. Kabuto's laughing stopped dead in his tracks, "I'm surprised word hasn't reached you yet but fine I'll tell you what I know. It's not like it matters to me now anyway." "What are you talking about?" Sakura asked, her anger clearly visible. "Enough you two, Kabuto, tell us what you know now," Yamato demanded. Kabuto started chuckling again, "I honestly can't believe it myself but fine it all started about ten days ago."
Flashback: March 7th, 67 AFL
The snake sannin was sitting in his lair patiently awaiting the arrival of his apprentice, in just a few months his current body would be close to death and the transference ritual would be more than ready. He wore a sick grin as he thought about the power the sharingan would provide him. He hadn't noticed that the hideout had been even more quiet than usual nor that Kabuto was nowhere to be found, the only thing on his mind was Sasuke.
"Where is that damn brat?" He said to himself, wanting to get this training session along. Suddenly the sannin sensed something was off and rose to his feet but before he could do a thing he was tied to the chair he was sitting in by metal wires and shuriken. "What's the meaning of this Sasuke!" Orochimaru growled out causing the Uchiha to snicker before finally appearing from the shadows. "Sasuke!" The snake sannin growled and attempted to break through the wires, cursing his old sensei for maiming his arms. He was just starting to feel the decay of his current body.
"Do you remember my first words to you Orochimaru? Well Karin and I will refresh your memory! Burn you son of a bitch, Fire Style - Dragon Flame Jutsu!""Fire Style - Fireball Jutsu!" Sasuke and Karin yelled respectively. Sasuke's jutsu traveled down the wires reaching the sannin while Karin stood on the ceiling sending her ball of fire directly toward the snake's head. Orochimaru let out a wail of pain and Sasuke couldn't help but taunt,
"Thanks for helping me master my fire chakra sensei." The sannin appeared to burn into ash but Sasuke knew better, "Karin on me be ready for anything." Karin nodded and just as predicted an attack came from their rear, "Striking Shadow Snake!" Snakes shot from Orochimaru's damaged hands, he appeared to be in great pain but Sasuke was able to counter in time,
"Chidori Stream!" He shouted while pointing his sword at the oncoming attack. Instantly lightning shot from the sword, bouncing off the ground before it vaporized the dangerous reptiles. Orochimaru could only scowl, he had let this boy become too arrogant, too powerful, and scariest of all too uncontrollable. Sasuke started to laugh at the sannin's pathetic form,
"Did you really think I was just going to give you my life? I am an Uchiha and honestly even with all you've accomplished you're still no match for us. That's why you came after me in the first place isn't it because a child was all you could handle, you really are a pathetic joke." "I will have your body Sasuke!" Orochimaru shouted in rage and slithered just like the snake he was at a remarkable speed toward the two Uchiha. Luckily for them their plan had managed to work,
"Water Style - Giant Vortex Jutsu!" "Karin, hold on to me," Sasuke said when the roof suddenly gave way and a devastating amount of water came through landing directly on the sannin. Meanwhile Sasuke held Karin in his arms as he navigated his way around the water based attack and up to the outside world. They managed to find the third member of their trio panting, "Well done Ino." Sasuke said, "Now I'll finish it."
'Well done my ass, he has no idea how much time it took to store up all that water in those damn scrolls not to mention the amount of chakra that it took to flood the entire room.' Ino thought in annoyance while Karin started trying to replenish her counterparts reserves with medical ninjutsu. Sasuke smirked before noticing the weather, he raised his right hand into the air and began to gather chakra, and lightning started to spark erratically around his entire body. Sasuke was just about to execute his jutsu when he saw the snake's ugly face emerge from the water, it more psychotic than the Uchiha had ever seen, "Sasuke, Sasuke, Sasuke!"
"Now die already, Kirin!" Sasuke shouted and suddenly lightning came flying down from the very sky itself and was sent directly toward the sannin submerged in water. A flash of light went off blinding the trio of Uchiha while the snake was seemingly electrocuted. When Sasuke opened his eyes he knew his attack hadn't finished the job,
"So you've finally revealed it, the power of the white snake." Just as Sasuke said an enormous snake with white scales was staring them down, slithering just on the water's surface. "Yes it's far earlier than I would have liked but now you're mine!" "Ino, Karin, stay back, the rest is up to me." The Uchiha said but before he could make a move the snake lunged at Sasuke so fast he was swallowed up in one gulp. Just a few moments later Sasuke and Orochimaru were in the mental plane the sannin had created himself. Even though he wasn't prepared to take the Uchiha's body today, the ritual seemed to be working perfectly. That was until he noticed something very important about his new vessel's body,
"Sasuke where is your curse mark?!" The snake said in surprise about how a power like his could be so easily removed. Sasuke just started to chuckle in a deep voice which gained the sannin's full attention, "Well you see sensei you're not the only bastard after my body and guess what…" Orochimaru gritted his teeth in rage,
"What the hell are you saying Sasuke? There's no way you could have removed that mark! Now tell me what is going on…" The sannin was silenced as he felt a spike in the Uchiha's chakra and dark aura fill the landscape, "What is this?" Orochimaru questioned as he saw his snakes fall off of Sasuke and burn in what appeared to be dark flames. Slowly the entire room was engulfed in nothing but shadows and when he looked at the boy whose body he was so desperate to have he actually stepped back in fear.
"That arm… That's… That's why you've kept it bandaged for the last year. Just what the hell is that power… What the hell are you Sasuke?" Sasuke stood there for a moment looking blankly at his enemy before his gaze drifted to his arm which from his hand to his shoulder, appeared to have been burnt severely,
"I gained this power just a little over a year ago, the same day your curse mark disappeared. I was curious as to why but then I started hearing his voice…" Whose voice?" Orochimaru questioned trying to gain any intel he could but Sasuke just continued on, "I hated him for trying to tell me what to do but the more I learned about his past… my past… The more I started to sympathize with him. Ironic isn't it?" The snake just looked confused, what the hell had been going on in his apprentice's head he wondered but before he could get an answer Sasuke spoke again.
"I agree that this world needs to change… that it needs to be saved or people will just continue to suffer and die again and again." Without warning Sasuke's sharingan flared and his attention became solely focused on the man who had not only used his own clan for his benefit but as well as the man who had made thousands of others suffer his cruelty,
"And it all starts with you, Sharingan!" Suddenly the darkness surrounding the mental landscape constricted violently against the sannin's very consciousness, "No this can't be!" Without blinking Sasuke managed a chuckle, "It's like you're being squeezed to death, fitting for a snake." Sasuke flared his chakra one last time and shouted, "Now begone!" The darkness's grip tightened at once and the man who had shedded his true body long ago was finally stripped of the only thing he had that was his, his very mind.
The Uchiha blinked and found himself on his knees with Ino and Karin supporting him each holding one of his arms. He looked and was grateful that in the physical world his bandages had remained in place, telling Ino and Karin would just cause them to worry and besides he had an idea on how to get rid of it. "Is it finally over?" Karin questioned looking toward the water, just on the surface the trio could see the snake remnants scattered about but just as quickly they started to dissolve into nothing but sludge.
"Yeah Karin-chan, he'll never bother you again." Sasuke said as he gathered himself back up. "Now we need to go free Suigetsu," he added, causing the redhead to groan, "Sasuke-kun why him, he's annoying and gross." She said with a snort which caused both Ino and Sasuke to chuckle. "What!" Karin said annoyed that there was apparently a joke she wasn't getting.
"Nothing Karin, come on let's go find the freaky fish dude, if I know anything it's that our work is far from over." Ino said and started following Sasuke back inside the hideout. Karin huffed but eventually followed as well. Several minutes later Sasuke had released Suigetsu from his specifically designed prison. The white haired teen splashed to the ground in a pool of water before turning back to his human form using his special ability. The ex Mist nin laughed before saying,
"Orochimaru's gonna be pissed, you freed his pet fish." "Orochimaru is dead, Sasuke killed him," Karin replied before the boy could get in another word. Suigetsu's eyes widened for a second before turning to the Uchiha who gave a slight nod of recognition. Suigetsu laughed his ass off at the news, "You actually killed that bastard, I'm impressed but there's still the matter of why you decided to stick around and free me?" Sasuke didn't answer him at first, instead he asked Ino and Karin,
"Can you two go around and free the rest of the prisoners. Be careful though, you know how some of them can be." Ino and Karin both nodded, more than happy to help others who had suffered at the hands of their tormentor and left the room without another word. Sasuke returned his attention to Suigetsu before explaining, "I'm putting a team together and I need you on it," he said flatly. Suigetsu snickered, "Yeah and what's in it for me?" Sasuke smirked his classic Uchiha smirk,
"Something I think you'll want, one of the seven deadly swords of the Mist." Suigetsu's eyes widened for a second before he composed himself, "Alright Sasuke I'm listening." Roughly a couple of hours later, Sasuke, Ino, Karin, and Suigetsu were walking out of Orochimaru's hideout and heading toward the location of the final person that Sasuke wanted for his mission.
"Ino make sure you are not seen and if you're captured make sure you tell them that I threatened you. I don't want you being held in prison for decisions that I made." Sasuke said as he discussed her special assignment. "Don't worry Sasuke-kun, I'll get in, grab the scroll and get out." 'And with any luck information about the Uchiha massacre,' the platinum blonde thought. She still hadn't told Sasuke about her theory and was frankly quite afraid of what he would do if she was, Kami forbid right.
"Good, we'll meet you at the Northern hideout, we'll be stopping by any hideouts along the way as well to release Orochimaru's prisoners." "After we get my sword," Suigetsu chimed in causing Karin to scowl, "You selfish ass, there are people in cages right now and all you care about is a stupid piece of metal." Suigetsu scowled right back in turn, "At least I have a hobby other than being one of Sasuke's…" His statement was cut short when he felt Sasuke's blade at his throat,
"Enough, both of you." Sasuke growled while scowling at the nin from the Mist and then turned his head to Karin shifting his expression to merely annoyed. Karin huffed and looked away, "He's still gross." "And you're still ugly," Suigetsu muttered under his breath. Ino was giggling at the pair interactions when she had a thought,
"Sasuke-kun are you modeling this team after…" The blonde was silenced when Sasuke put a hand out in front of her and she saw who they had run into. "What are you four doing out here?" Where is Lord Orochimaru?" Kabuto questioned having just returned from his task. Sasuke chuckled darkly and looked the sound nin dead in the eyes,
"Sharingan - Genjutsu!" Before he knew what was going on Kabuto witnessed his master's final moments at the hands of the Uchiha. After what seemed like forever the jutsu finally ended and Kabuto awoke. It was now dark out and there was no trace of Sasuke or his team. Kabuto immediately returned to the base and screamed in horror finding all of the test subjects had been set free. He traveled as quickly as he could to the sight of the battle and found what little remained of his master still floating atop the water's surface. Through his grief he gathered liquid remains into vials and swore that he would do what his master could not, to master every jutsu as well as to kill Sasuke Uchiha.
March 17th, 67 AFL (Present Day)
"And that's what happened, now if you'll excuse me I have some important work to do today so I'll be taking my leave," Kabuto said and turned to start walking away from team Yamato. "Not so fast Kabuto, you're still a wanted criminal and you know where the other hideouts are so I'm afraid we'll be taking you in," Yamato replied,
"Naruto, Sai, let's do it." "Right," Naruto said as Sai simply answered with a nod, he would have to report this information to Lord Danzo as soon as possible he thought. But just as the team of shinobi got in close Kabuto spoke again, "You know it's a shame you failed to bring a Byakugan user with you." "And why is that you bastard," Naruto shouted, a Rasengan in one hand and a kunai in the other. "You've forgotten my specialites Naruto…"
"Just shut up, Rasengan!" The blonde chunin shouted his attack making contact and sending the sound nin into a tree. Within an instant Sai's ink creatures had secured him tightly to the trunk. "Looks like you were all talk, what!" Yamato said as Naruto, Sai, as well as Sakura came up to their prisoner. Kabuto grinned,
"Like I said, you forgot I'm a master of escape and evasion techniques," Suddenly Kabuto's body dissolved into several disgusting gray snakes that all slithered away before the Leaf shinobi could do a thing. "Damn, Damn, Damn, where is he?" Naruto growled and immediately created a horde of shadow clones to survey the area. Sai also created several small birds, snakes, and rabbits having them help scout as well but after an hour of this it was apparent Kabuto was far too elusive for them to find. Finally Yamato called out,
"Naruto, Sai that's enough. It's clear that he's long gone and we have to report this information to Lady Hokage as soon as possible." Sai complied, commanding his ink creatures to return while Naruto released his clones. Sai got right back in formation wanting to report to Danzo as soon as possible but Sakura and Naruto didn't budge at first, only staring at the ground blankly. Yamato was just about to call out their names but it was Naruto who spoke first while collapsing to the ground and slamming his fist upon it in frustration. "Dammit all to hell! Ino, Sasuke where the hell are you!?"
AN: Hey sorry it took so long, needed a bit of a break, not much to say here lol. Like I said, the story I have planned for Sasuke is already in motion and honestly I don't want to explain away every little decision that I'm making right now. We'll be focusing on Naruto's rasen shuriken and Hinata's lightning training and her chunin exam to an extent hopefully Hidan and Kakuzu and that story line as well as the formation of Sasuke's team and a few other scenes I have planned. Will likely include both boy's journey's in the next chapter and we'll be flowing through time a little faster than the previous chapters. Have a lot planned and honestly could have included a bit more here but I want to keep you guessing a little. I am planning a 5 chapter crossover but I'll be posting that all at once but it will not be the characters from this fic it will be based off of the canon versions up to the first battle of the valley of the end and start from there and a main pairing for that will be NaruSaku but you'll have to wait till I post it to find out more and working on the Au Pokemon endings as well Serena is next probably the easiest girl to do for Ash lol That's really it for now like I always hope you enjoyed at least a little and will try to be a bit faster with the next chapter but no set date yet but it will come. Thank you all and for now farewell
