Natsumi walked beside Oto in silence, keeping her hands in her pockets underneath her ANBU cloak as she looked at the woman from the corner of her eye and scowled.
Her expression is completely blank, but her eyes are smug. She really has no remorse for what she's done to me and put me through.
She looked upward at the midday sun, partially eclipsed by dark, thick clouds.
That's a big storm rolling in...
Oto slowed to a stop and placed her hand against the trunk of a nearby tree.
"This is a good place to stop."
"Stop?" Natsumi repeated and looked at her.
"Yes, stop. So that we can set up a shelter before that storm comes any closer." Oto chuckled and tapped her cane on the ground.
"Why not just teleport back to the village the same way that we did to get to the shrine?" Natsumi put her hand on her hip, turning to face her.
"It only works at night, and then only when the skies are clear and the stars are visible. It's impossible to do at midday."
Natsumi sighed quietly.
Of course it is. That would be too convenient.
"Step back, dear." Oto waved her hand at Natsumi. "This will only take a moment."
Natsumi took several steps back and watched as Oto closed her eyes and took in a long, slow breath. After a moment, she released a large cloud of smoke and formed a series of hand signs.
"Yin Style: Double Smoke Sanctuary."
The smoke cloud shuddered and darkened, swirling in a singular column before it split into two, then formed two egg-shaped masses. The smoke solidified and Oto turned to look at Natsumi over her shoulder.
"All finished now." She stepped toward one of the egg formations and peeled a section back as if it were a door. "These will do nicely... don't you agree?"
Natsumi looked over the second pod, pressing her lips together.
I hate to admit it, but that was pretty cool.
Thunder boomed in the distance as the sky darkened, and Oto nodded shortly.
"Let's rest here for a bit, now. I'm quite exhausted."
"Sure." Natsumi lifted her hand to peel open her own pod and stepped inside, only to step out again and look the woman over. "Oto, you look terrible. Are you alright?"
"Hm?" The woman looked down at herself and held a hand. Her skin was graying rapidly and her movements became stiff. "Oh, this?" She lowered her hand and chuckled. "Don't worry, dear. Just a minor side effect of the pilgrimage. It'll pass soon."
"Okay... if you say so..."
"Ah, but... don't disturb me for the next twenty-four hours, do you understand?" Oto smiled and leaned against her cane as she stood. "I need plenty of rest, and you should rest, too. Receiving that gift can be... taxing on the body the first day."
"Okay..." Natsumi crossed her arms and Oto disappeared inside the pod.
I'd say that this was odd and creepy, but I'm not really in the mood to question it.
Natsumi stepped inside of her own shelter and sat down inside, thunder sounding closer until a heavy downpour broke out and she sighed.
Looks like we're going to be here a while... I just want to go back home.
She sighed again, then lay on her back with her arms crossed behind her head.
I might as well sleep while I have the chance. I've been awake over a full day now, and survived all those attempted assassinations, after all.
Her eyes closed slowly and sleep overtook her quickly.
All of a sudden... I'm so... exhausted.
Falling.
Falling faster and faster.
Heart pounding.
Screams stolen by the wind.
Shut my eyes tightly, bracing for the impact as I get nearer to the ground.
Except... I sink through it.
Sinking.
Slowly sinking.
Smoke swirling around me.
I can hear it. A thousand voices whispering.
But I can't make out the words.
Sinking. Sinking.
Until I land softly on a hard floor, my feet setting down gently and without any sound.
The voices in the smoke grow louder, and I can hear them chanting now.
But I can't make out the words.
They're in a language I don't know.
The smoke takes form around me, and I see an enormous cavern.
Deep grooves and channels have been carved into the floor, forming sigils and writing that I can't understand.
Glowing crystal dot the ceiling, mirroring the constellations, with the Serpent glowing the brightest.
An enormous white snake is coiled in the center of the cavern.
Finely dressed women are seated on cushions in a circle around the snake, each playing their own instrument.
The rhythm is hypnotic... almost otherworldly...
I feel dizzy, and a strange chill sets in.
Figures appear all around me out of the smoke- young women all dressed in the same black and red kimonos, with their hair made up elegantly and small kanji painted on each of their cheeks.
'Sacrifice' on the left cheek.
'Rebirth' on the right.
An older woman enters and smiles at the girls, and gives a brief speech.
Her voice is distorted, as if listening through water.
The girls bow, and the woman steps away from the doorway.
Young girls enter, and each wears a silver kimono with a red ribbon in their hair.
Each holds the hand of a young man that they lead into the room.
The boys blink, heavy lidded, in a sedated trance as they are led to the young women.
Each boy is paired with a black-clad girl, and stands in place without any expression.
The young girls stand in a ring near the outer walls, holding glowing crystals in their hands as they begin to chant.
Their small voices echo, and the light from their crystals shine brighter.
The young women bow slightly their partners, and they begin to dance around them, joining their voices in song.
Softly, slowly they sing together with their voices rising higher and higher.
I move around the space, watching everything carefully as I try to figure out what is happening.
I look long and hard at the snake, sitting in silence as it observes.
Then, it meets my eyes.
I'm shocked, and I step back, nearly bumping into a dancing woman.
We don't touch. Instead, she passed through me entirely.
"Join them." The serpent hisses.
And suddenly, I am now one of the dancers.
The fine, black silk is comfortable on my body and I move perfectly in time with the music.
I continue to sing, not knowing the words, but understanding them all the same.
These are the worshipers, and the serpent is the deity.
"Hear us, oh mother." We chant.
The music gradually grows faster, and the dance mimics it.
"We who are loyal, grant us your powers."
Faster and faster we dance, nearly dizzy.
My movements are crisp and sharp. I'm graceful. I'm elegant.
And yet, all feels cold.
There is no joy to this. No warmth in the song. No heart in the beat. No soul in the steps.
It feels wrong, but the movements and music are hypnotic.
I am compelled to keep going. To dance faster and sing louder.
We all stop suddenly, drawing daggers from the folds of our gowns, and slit the throats of our partners.
Against my will, my mouth moves to the boy's throat.
I take a single, long drink, then shove him to the ground to watch him bleed.
One after the other, the other boys are thrown to the ground.
Their blood fills the channels and pools in the sigils.
The serpent hisses in approval, and the blood illuminates brightly.
"You who are loyal, receive my gifts." It hisses.
Electricity fills the air, crackling red around us.
The blood burns and the stench fills my nostrils.
The room is silent for a moment, and then the same writing and symbols appear on our skin, glowing crimson.
It fades in time, and my body tingles.
Yes, I feel the difference.
My Chakra has swelled, and my chest feels... lighter. Colder. Emptier.
My mind is clearer.
I exhale, and I feel my anxieties and attachments fade.
I simply... am.
We turn toward the giant snake, bowing deeply.
"You honor us, mother."
The snake seems to smirk as it nodded to itself.
"Now... only one of you may keep this gift."
We look around at one another, narrowing our eyes as we hold our daggers up.
"The last one to stand will gain the compounded power of the others."
"Yes, mother."
Natsumi sat up, breathing heavily as her wide eyes adjusted to the darkness of the pod.
W-What kind of dream was that?!
She shook her head quickly, making a face as she looked down at her clothes, soaked in sweat.
No... it didn't feel like a dream. More like... a memory.
Her eyes narrowed and she turned toward where Oto was sheltered beside her.
Could it be... her memory?
She stood and stretched, pushing open the pod and lifted her hand to block out the sun.
It's morning already?
Natsumi sighed and stepped outside. Her stomach growled and she clutched at it with a frown.
I haven't eaten in a long time... I guess I should find something, then.
She pulled off her cloak, then dug through the contents of her bag until she found a fire starter. After some searching, she collected brush and sticks and arranged them carefully.
They're still a little damp from the rain, but these were the driest I could find.
A few minutes later, the small flame flickered and Natsumi sat back for a moment. Her stomach growled again and she sighed.
Alright, while the fire grows, I should find something to eat.
She stepped lightly through the forest, listening and watching carefully for movement. A deer leaped out from the underbrush, running from her quickly and she stopped.
Well, that's too big for just one person, anyway.
Making a face, she continued to walk.
I don't recognize these woods at all. Just where did that old woman bring us?
Natsumi stopped at the edge of a still pond and broke into a grin at the fish swimming in the clear water.
Fish sounds good.
She retrieved a small hook from her pouch, tied it to wire, and stuck a fat beetle to it as bait, then tossed it into the water. Humming, she smiled to herself as she sat beside the water.
Come on, you fat little fishies. I promise I won't hurt you... I just want to asphyxiate you, slice open your bellies, take out your guts, and then sear your flesh and shove it down my throat.
She laughed under her breath, then wiggled the line gently to coax a fish closer.
Fishing sounds really violent when I put it that way.
The fish snapped its mouth on the bait and Natsumi tugged the line, pulling it out of the water as she stood.
"Got you!"
She held it up to poke its belly as it thrashed and dangled from the hook.
"You're a pudgy one, aren't you?"
Lowering her hand, she pressed her lips together.
Naruto and I used to fish like this all the time when we were little... but we haven't in so long.
Sighing, she began walking back to the camp.
Natsumi stopped and shivered, her eyes wide.
It's that Chakra again...
Trembling, she stepped back several steps.
He's at the camp... but why?
Natsumi pressed her back against a tree.
Oto's there... and she handled him before and made him leave... everything will be fine. In a minute, he'll—
She bit her lip hard.
Except, she's still sleeping! And my mission is to guard and escort her...
Natsumi swallowed the lump in her throat and shut her eyes tightly.
I can't fight him! The difference in our power is obvious. I'll be dead before I can blink!
Letting out a slow breath, she cursed under her breath.
But I can't just stand here and refuse to do my mission. If I go back to the village with her body, when I don't even have a scratch, I'll be suspected for sure.
Balling her shaking hand into a fist, she took a step away from the tree.
I don't want to risk my life for a woman that nearly had me killed several times, and then stabbed me herself... but I also can't ignore my mission.
She ran towards the presence, muttering to herself.
I can't believe I'm doing this. This isn't even bravery— it's completely stupidity. This is stupid. I'm stupid. I'm the stupidest person in the world.
Natsumi stepped out of the trees and her breath caught in her throat as she saw the dark-haired man reaching out to touch the second egglike shelter.
I know I resolved myself to do this... but now I can't move!
"I was wondering where you'd run off to, little Uzumaki." He smirked, lowering his hand as he looked over his shoulder.
Natsumi balled her fist tighter, digging her nails into her palm to clear her head as she shook. Her eyes darted to her pack, where her sword was propped against it.
Idiot. I should have brought that with me.
"Y-You should leave." She murmured, and he laughed.
"Where's that determination from before?" Orochimaru turned to face her, watching her carefully. "You're not so confident when the old woman isn't around."
Of course I'm not! You're leagues ahead of me in terms of power.
"I'm not stupid." Natsumi muttered and slipped her empty hand behind her back.
If I can just summon my Ninjato, at least, I won't be completely defenseless...
"Tsk tsk... thinking of attacking an unarmed man?"
Natsumi's eyes widened and she shuddered again.
He's behind me! But how?!
He released the tight grip on her wrist, chuckling to himself as he stepped away.
"Even if you look unarmed, I doubt that you're not a threat." She pressed her lips together, speaking softly, and took several steps away from him.
Being near him makes me feel sick to my stomach. Why did he show back up, anyway?
She let out a breath, slowly walking to the fire in a curve, keeping her back from turning to him.
Even if he's just talking right now, I can't let my guard down. Obviously, there's something here that he wants.
Unhooking the fish carefully, Natsumi placed it on top of the small, flat stone over-top the flames after gutting it.
Remember to breathe. Try not to look afraid. Try to figure out why he's here. Act natural.
Pressing her nails in her palm again, she bit her lip.
Hah. That's going to be impossible.
"I'm surprised to see you survived the sacrifice." Orochimaru chuckled as he watched her intently. "It's typical for the accompanying party to never come back out of that place."
"It wasn't for lack of trying on her part..." Natsumi muttered and gripped her knees tightly to distract herself from her nerves. "First it was those snakes, then the sword..."
I still can't believe she stabbed me.
She glanced over at Oto's pod from the corner of her eye with a glare.
Devil woman.
"I did warn you not to trust her, did I not?" He stepped closer, and Natsumi bristled as he closed the distance. He looked down at her from across the flames with a faint smirk. "Yet you refused to listen."
He does have a point there. He did warn me.
She narrowed her eyes.
Look at me. I'm arguing with myself. This is ridiculous.
"And I'm sure you did it out of the kindness of your heart."
What am I doing? Am I really having a conversation with this man?
Natsumi took a stick and prodded the fish begrudgingly.
Although... as long as Oto is in there... I have no backup, I can't run away, and I'm not nearly strong enough or stupid enough to attack him first. I could ignore him, but he might get irritated. So... it seems like my only choice is to talk to him.
He laughed and crossed his arms. "Perhaps I had my own motives, though the same could be said of that woman."
Oh, don't worry. I don't trust her the way I did before.
"What did you get out of surviving the sacrifice, I wonder?" He narrowed his eyes as they glinted curiously. "Despite their nature, the Hebihime were said to always value power and skill, and reward it accordingly."
Sure; like I'm about to divulge information about my abilities to a known enemy.
"Not feeling chatty, anymore?" He smirked and held out his arm, and snakes appeared from his sleeve, lashing out at Natsumi.
Her eyes widened and she leapt to her feet quickly. The snakes passed through her torso and the man's eyes narrowed slightly as he chuckled.
"So, you've received that power, then."
The snakes retracted and vanished, and Natsumi touched her stomach as her heart pounded.
I did it without using the words at all... through instinct alone...
She swallowed and let out a short breath.
That was close.
Orochimaru sat cross-legged and kept his eyes on her as she breathed slowly and regained her composure. After a moment, Natsumi reluctantly sat back down.
I hate this. I hate you. Go away.
"You... know a lot about that cult." Natsumi spoke up, turning her eyes away to stare at the fish. "...For not being part of it."
He laughed and crossed his arms. "Oto was right about you... you are curious."
Her cheeks warmed and she frowned, her mouth moving on its own.
"If you're going to insist on staying here,making me uncomfortable, and throwing snakes at me, you might as well have the courtesy of answering my questions, you annoying snake perv."
Natsumi covered her mouth quickly.
Why did I say that out loud?!
Orochimaru laughed louder, then leaned forward slightly to meet her eyes. "There's that fire again!"
He chuckled and his voice hissed behind his inhuman smile. "Your impulsive tongue reminds me of someone I know."
"Don't associate me with any of your friends."
"Hahaha! Oh child, he's not a friend. At least not anymore. You would get along well; He's a lot like your brother."
She glared furiously with a burning gaze. "Don't ever talk about my brother. Don't even think about him. And if you ever go near him..."
"You'll what, kill me?" Orochimaru cut her off. "That snake-tongue of yours is going to get you in trouble someday."
He paused, smiled, and chuckled to himself. "But much like a true Hebihime, you should not be underestimated either. Make sure your strikes are as precise and lethal as your words and you will do fine."
Natsumi sat frozen, but her tension eased as she muttered to herself in thought. "Precise and lethal..."
Wait, is he giving me advice? Am I actually listening to him?
And... how does he even know anything about Naruto, anyway?
"Well if it's answers you seek then I don't mind sharing. However, nothing is free in this world. We'll just say you owe me for not killing you and sharing my knowledge. That sounds more than fair, doesn't it?"
This is weird. I don't like it. He's too cooperative and... nice?
"...Fine." Natsumi sighed, and shut her eyes briefly.
I am so not telling anyone about this. It's too weird.
"What are you even doing here?"
"As it would happen, there are answers that I seek as well... and I am confident that woman has them."
I knew he wanted something.
Her eyes darted back to the pod, then back to him. "Well, she's sleeping, and told me not to disturb her."
"I'm aware that there is a waiting period." He narrowed his eyes at the egg momentarily. "However, that knowledge is worth patience."
It... seems like he knows more about what's going on than I do. A lot more, actually.
"How do you know so much?" Natsumi lowered her eyes, shuddering slightly. He looks too much like a snake. It's creepy. "She told me that the snakes favored women only, and that the boys were only good for being eaten."
"Perhaps that was true before, but a nearly extinct cult can't be picky, can they?" He chuckled. "The Hebihime value strength... even if it resides in a male... even if it's an outsider. As long as you are able to prove yourself in the trials, you can receive power."
The corners of Natsumi's mouth twitched upward. "Oto told me that you were rejected, though."
"Tch. That irritating old hag." He rested his hands on his knees. "I didn't need to waste my time on those foolish customs in order attain power."
"Obviously, you do." Natsumi turned the fish over. "Or else you wouldn't have gone to the shrine at all."
He smirked. "You're smart. You'd make a fine specimen for my research."
She clenched her jaw, remaining silent.
Dream on.
He paused and watched her unblinkingly. "As I am, I'm stronger than any of those fanatics... stronger than even Oto. I didn't need their trials to gain power... but there is one thing that I do need. And, naturally, there was only one place to find it."
"From what I've heard... you're too strong to be interested in having the smoke form ability." Natsumi muttered to herself, thinking.
If he wasn't there for that purpose, then what else is there at the shrine that he could possibly want?
"Tell me, little Uzumaki, do you know what eternal life is?"
Natsumi blinked and sat up straight, staring at him.
Why would he ask me that?
"I-It doesn't exist." She pursed her lips and furrowed her brows. "And if it did, it would be a curse."
Orochimaru chuckled. "Is that so?"
She paused, prodding the fish again.
"Life only has meaning if you give it a purpose... that purpose is all of the people you care about, and all of the precious memories you make with them. If you lived forever... then all of the people you loved would die." She bit her lip, and skewered her meal with a stick. "Then, you wouldn't have a reason to live anymore."
She shook her head, looking into the empty eyes of the fish.
"One lifetime can be hard enough to handle on its own. Living forever would be masochistic, I think. It'd be just a cycle of loving, and then having to lose them, then starting over. No one in their right mind would want a life like that..."
"Life has no meaning... not when it's so fleeting. One lifetime is never enough. That is why so many die with regrets and unfulfilled dreams." Orochimaru's mouth widened with a grin and he held up his hands as he spoke. "Imagine having the ability to have an unlimited amount of time... to be able to master an infinite number of Jutsu, to explore every bit of the world, or to learn every secret there is."
He leaned forward to meet her eyes. "Now, wouldn't a life like that have more meaning than struggling for decades before succumbing to age and withering away?"
Natsumi shook her head. "No. That sounds horrible. That kind of life is empty and selfish."
She blew gently on the fish before taking a small bite. "All that knowledge and strength is meaningless if you hoard it. It's meant to be shared, just like a book is supposed to be read. Leaving it on a shelf to collect dust takes away its value and purpose. That's what living forever would be like."
"And what if you are too weak to save those you care for in your lifetime?"
"That's why you give it your all and don't give up... that way, you won't have any regrets."
It's no wonder he's not well liked. His crimes and ethics aside, he's twisted and insane.
"Besides, it doesn't matter either way what I think about eternal life. It's just fiction." She took another bite and her eyes rose as he laughed.
"Are you sure about that?"
She blinked and lowered the fish from her mouth.
"Um... yes?"
Of course immortality isn't real. If it were, more lunatics would already have done it to themselves.
He laughed louder, and Natsumi frowned and put a hand on her hip.
"What's so funny?"
Why doesn't he just leave? He's creepy and really annoying. If it was anyone else, I'd already have chased him off or defeated him. But, he's one of the Sannin...
Orochimaru's laughing trailed off and he grinned, leaning forward as his eyes narrowed.
"You may be intelligent, but it seems you lack in common sense."
Natsumi bristled and clenched for jaw momentarily. "What?"
"My dear girl, it seems you haven't pieced it together yet."
"Pieced what together?"
"Just how old do you think Oto is?"
Natsumi shifted where she sat on the earth uncomfortably. "She's..." Her eyes widened slightly.
She's been around since the Leaf was first founded...
She sat in silence and glanced at Oto's pod from the corner of her eye.
But... how?
"You've finally figured it out." He leaned back, crossing his arms as he smirked slightly. "What was it that you believed her pilgrimage was really for? You couldn't have believed that she was merely coming to pray as a devoted worshiper."
She bit her lip with a scowl.
That's exactly what I thought at first... but if it's connected to her extended life... then the purpose for the sacrifice is to steal their lifespan?
Natsumi clenched her hand into a ball tightly.
So, she wasn't just intending to sacrifice me out of insane loyalty to a cult... but she was going to use me to extend her own life. I can't forgive her for that...
"...That snake..." She muttered under her breath and tightened her jaw. And I was the idiot who fell for it.
"Yes, Oto betrayed you. It's likely that she selected you as her next sacrifice the moment that you first met. Since that time, she has manipulated you completely until you trusted her enough to obey her whims."
I'm such an idiot! Why did I ever trust her in the first place?
"That anger and hatred that you're feeling... you should use them. Let them be the tools you use to grow stronger." Orochimaru held out a hand. "And I can show you how."
Natsumi furrowed her brows and moved backward.
"No. I made the mistake of trusting Oto; I'm never going to make that mistake with you. You're just as bad— if not worse." She paused and placed a hand on her lap, glancing toward her sword from the corner of her eye. "You do horrible experiments on people... even babies that you kidnapped, I've heard. I'd never trust someone like that."
He chuckled.
"I can't deny those accusations, but I can assure you, I wouldn't lie to you as Oto has." He lowered his hand and recrossed his arms. "You're a special girl, miss Uzumaki. That is why I've decided to extend to you this offer of complete honesty, should you join me."
Special?
She shook her head again. "I'm special? Why? Because I'm an Uzumaki?"
"So, you're aware of the talents you posses?" He grinned slightly, with his eyes only reflecting greed. "Yes, you are special. You're just the type of person I've been looking for."
"You mean, you're only interested in me for your own benefit. Just like Oto."
Why are the Uzumaki so special?
"I can't deny that I have my own reasons, however, I think in time you'll come to understand that our goals are not so different, and that our alliance could benefit both of our ambitions."
"You're crazy." Natsumi glanced at her sword again, inching her hand closer to is slowly. "You both are crazy. And selfish. And dangerous. The only thing I want to do with either of you is to stay away."
"What a shame. We would have worked well together."
No, we wouldn't.
"Pity." She flexed her fingers slightly, sitting up straighter.
No, it isn't.
Natsumi palmed glowed and the Ninjato appeared in her hand as she stood. Her eyes widened and she stared at the serpent wrapped around her throat, while several others hissed and readied to strike.
Orochimaru chuckled as he held his arm out, with his snakes waiting for the command.
"Well, well, well. Someone's feeling brave." He smirked broadly. "Or rather, foolish."
How did he...?! That fast?!
She pressed her lips together tightly and scowled.
I don't even stand a chance against him.
"You never were one to play nicely, Oro-chan."
Natsumi's eyes widened further at the voice, and Orochimaru scowled and narrowed his eyes as a silvery snake wrapped around his own throat and met his eyes.
Is that...?!
"Tch. Meddlesome wretch." Orochimaru glanced over his shoulder at the woman behind him, his eyes widening slightly. "You—!"
"You have no business here. Leave." Oto glowed faintly blue again and narrowed her eyes at him, which now bore red colored markings around them. The rest of her features were the same, with the exception that her deeply wrinkled skin was smooth and taut.
She looks younger!
"Tell me what you did, Oto, and I'll go."
Oto glared and her snake hissed. "It wouldn't do you any good now, even if I did tell you. The Preservation method was lost long ago. I'm afraid the answer you seek doesn't exist."
"Don't lie to me, woman!" Orochimaru's serpents tightened around Natsumi's neck. "It's simple; you'll tell me, or I'll kill this girl."
"It is simple." Oto chuckled, and exhaled a large cloud of smoke around them. "You'll release Natsumi, and then you'll leave. If not, even if you kill her, you will still be bitten. My bite is not venomous, no. However, it will seal your Chakra, Oro-chan. Then, you'll have nothing."
"Why, you—!" He returned her glare and met her gaze with equal intensity.
"The girl. Release her. Now."
After a moment, his serpents retreated back into his sleeve and disappeared, and Oto's retracted in turn and the light around her form faded.
"Good boy." She chuckled and walked around him to stand beside Natsumi. "And, goodbye."
"For now." Orochimaru looked from the woman to Natsumi, then flickered away.
Oto sighed and smiled faintly to herself, running her fingers through her hair.
"Ah, it's been a while since my last pilgrimage. I nearly forgot how refreshing this feels."
Natsumi looked her over, blinking several times.
I'm not imagining it... she really is younger.
Oto met her eye and the corner of her mouth twitched in a smirk. "Curious?" She started to away and motioned for Natsumi to follow.
Oto snapped her fingers and the shelters vanished into smoke and exposed a strange gray mass. Natsumi stepped closer and covered her mouth.
She... shed herself?!
Gently, Natsumi touched the face of the form, and the dry husk crumbled at her touch and fell into an ashen pile on the earth.
"What—?! How—?!" Natsumi turned to the woman and studied her face. "How...?"
"When the Golden Elite swallowed you, and the seal spread over your body... it was really siphoning your Chakra and your life, and transferred it to me." Oto picked up her cane from the ground, then retrieved a small mirror from a hidden pocket in her gown to examine her reflection. "For a typical sacrifice, my body is restored to that of approximately twenty years old. However..."
Her eyes rose to look at the girl. "You are still very much alive, and even managed to break the seal on your own. The transfer was incomplete, though I still received enough to put me back into my early forties. Quite an impressive testament to how much Chakra you truly possess."
Oto put the mirror back and returned the pipe to her lips. "I knew I was lucky, finding an Uzumaki."
"So, he was right." Natsumi frowned. "You really did have this in mind the whole time, didn't you?"
"I would deny it, but you wouldn't believe me." Oto chuckled and waved her hand. "My legs gave out months ago, making it impossible to walk. I've been making due by maintaining a smoke form on my lower body at all times, but it's taxing on my Chakra reserves and on my body as a whole. My only other option was to make a pilgrimage, which is exactly when I decided it had to be you."
"Glad to be of service." Natsumi muttered, turning her face away as she crossed her arms.
"Don't complain; we both benefited from this." Oto leaned against her cane out of habit and blew out smoke. "My body has been restored and I can walk with ease now, and you have a new power."
"So, you think that I should be grateful and just forget that you tried to kill me?"
"Ideally, yes. However, it's ultimately up to you." Oto gathered her things into her small pack, and put it on. "While you wrestle with that, we should be going. It will take four days to get back to the village."
Natsumi let out a long, hot breath, then quickly packed her own things and slipped the backpack on.
"Fine." She grumbled. "Let's go, then."
Natsumi glanced sideways at the woman.
"...Was that a lie, too?"
"Hm? Breaking your silence after these four days?" Oto chuckled. "What do you mean?"
"Before, when he wanted to know how you got younger. You said that it was impossible for him to do it that way." She paused. "...Was that a lie?"
"That?" Oto laughed. "No, child. That was the truth. The technique was lost when my people were destroyed. It wasn't something recorded and passed down... only the Great White Mother's sacred seven Matrons knew it, and all seven have to take part in the ritual for it to work. Two of the Matrons I have confirmed to be dead, and only one so far that I have confirmed as living. The others, I have been unable to track down to confirm either way. Even if the surviving Matrons were to tell me the ritual, it is impossible without all seven."
"Who knew immortality would be so... complicated?" Natsumi sighed under her breath and pulled the hood of her cloak over her head. "And violent..."
"The natural law of this world is balance, child." Oto stopped and drew the Yin Yang symbol in the dirt. "For darkness, light must also exist. For life, there must also be death. And, even defying death— or, rather, postponing it— a balance must exist there, as well. I cannot regain my youth or extend my life without another's youth and life being taken in exchange. It may be a dark affair, but it's spiritual and in balance all the same."
Still, human sacrifices are wrong, even if the explanation makes sense.
"Ah, we're almost back." Oto looked ahead as the village gates came into sight. "I daresay I've missed it, somewhat."
Natsumi sighed again, a faint smile forming.
I'm finally home... this week has been exhausting.
"Once we return, I understand that you'll have to report to Hiruzen." Oto's tone lowered and her expression turned serious. "You must be aware of a few things to bear in mind, without my telling you."
"Like what...?"
Oto slowed her face and met her eyes directly.
"You cannot, under any circumstance, reveal the true nature of the pilgrimage. You may not reveal any secrets that I have shared with you about my people. Above all else, you mustn't mention meeting my former disciple at all. Do you understand?"
Natsumi opened her mouth to protest, then shut it again.
If anyone were to find out that we saw him, a Rogue Ninja... we could be under suspicion as traitors as well.
"...I understand."
"Good." Oto smiled and patted her shoulder, walking once more. "All things considered; this pilgrimage was a success. I'm quite pleased with how it turned it, though it's a shame that you aren't in the same opinion."
They passed through the gates, and Natsumi gave a short wave at Kotetsu, keeping her voice low so that only the woman could hear.
"I meant what I said before. After this, I'm going to stay away from you."
"Of course. If that's what you want." Oto chuckled and patted her shoulder again. "Goodbye then, Miss Uzumaki. I do look forward to seeing how you make that power your own."
Oto flickered and vanished, and Natsumi sighed deeply.
"That woman..." She grumbled, and crossed her arms, looking up at the stone face of the Third Hokage on the monument.
Guess I shouldn't keep you waiting, should I, old man?
Biting her lip, she started towards the Hokage's office.
Now, if only I can figure out what I'm going to say...