Chapter 21

"You idiot! You idiot! YOU IDIOT!"

Tsunade pinched the bridge of her nose as she groaned internaly. The source of her latest headache was (unsurprisingly) Hunter who was currently holding Inoichi up by his collar while several other jonin tried to separate them.

"It's bad enough that I have to co-habit with my own rule sixty-three" Hunter continued "but now I have to live with what looks like the bastard child of me and the shark from Jaws!"

Tsunade didn't understand the reference but she got the general idea. Apparently while they were in Hunter's head Inoichi and the others had unleashed some kind of evil alter ego buried inside Hunter's mind. Naturally only Hunter could see it and from the description she'd gotten Tsunade took this as a good thing. Honestly though she didn't really care about Hunter's state of mind, only that after all this time she'd finally get some answers.

"Hunter!" she yelled.

Hunter dropped Inoichi and started pacing back and forth, muttering to himself and occasionally shooting Inoichi murderous looks.

"Let's start with Thorn." Kakashi began. "What is he and what does he want?"

Hunter stopped pacing and looked up at the ceiling. "Ohhhh, where to start." He turned to look at the assembled ninjas. Tsunade was sitting at her desk flanked on one side by Kakashi and Shizune on the other. There were other ninjas there too, Inoichi, Guy, Jiraiya, Asuma, Kurenai were all standing in a semicircle facing him. There were also three others sitting in chairs on the left wall, some kind of village council. Two of them were old people he'd never seen before, the third was Danzo.

Hunter briefly indulged in a fantasy of ripping the twisted git's head off before addressing the room. "I don't understand all the ins and outs but Thorn and I used to be the same person."

"So you're clones?" Guy asked.

Hunter shook his head "No, I mean we're the same person, just split in two. Think less 'science' and more 'spirit'."

"Well, it's obvious you're the 'dark half'" Tsunade wondered aloud "so does that make Thorn the 'light half'?"

"Actually he's the empty half." Hunter corrected.

"What happened to the light?" asked Guy.

Hunter shrugged "I think I ate it." He noticed that everyone was now looking confused. "OK, back to the beginning. Once upon a time there was a stupid twat" Hunter looked over at a patch of empty space that, everyone assumed, was where the new delusion was standing. "who thought he could use the Power of Darkness to make the world a better place."

"But it went horrible wrong and he ended up killing everyone." Kakashi concluded.

Hunter watched as his new evil doppelganger smiled at Kakashi "Oh, if only you could hear me sum up the terrible events of your life just a quickly Hatake."

"More or less." Hunter carried on "That was when the split happened. Darkness took over his Heart and created me. Ta-da! Thorn is what was left over from that. He's like a husk acting with a will of its own."

Might Guy spoke next "So this puppet wants to be a real boy again?"

Hunter nodded "Yep. All the Nobodies like him work for Organization Thirteen. They all want to be real people again and they don't care who gets hurt along the way."

"Well, that more or less explains our enemy." said Tsunade "But what about you? How do you factor in to this?"

Hunter clasped his hands and started tapping his index fingers together nervously "When I was created I had no mind. I don't know how long that lasted or what I did but eventually I met a girl named Namine and she used her powers to ...sort of fix my head. I don't have any memories from before but I can think properly now."

"That's debateable." quipped Jiraiya.

Hunter conjured a ball of ice in his hand "I will freeze you wang, funny man!"

"Get back on topic Hunter!" Tsunade interrupted. Jiraiya gave her a thankful look which made her think 'If anyone's going to neuter the old pervert it's going to be me.'

"Anyway" Hunter carried on "I met a man called DiZ who promised to help me find my way back home. So I" Hunter grimaced "work for him along with Namine and a guy called Riku trying to stop Organisation Thirteen. Before you ask, no I don't know anything about him other than that he has a huge grudge against the Organisation."

"Do you trust him at all?" asked Shizune.

"I...trust his hatred but...no. I don't trust DiZ."

"Says the man constantly hiding his true from." said the delusion. "Well, not man exactly."

Hunter rolled his eyes "You're a therapist right?" He looked at Inoichi "How do I make him go away?!" he pointed at his new headache.

"I'm not...ah, never mind. You'd need months of therapy sessions to find the trauma that created him, er, it. And then more therapy to come to terms with it and-"

"We don't have time for all that." Tsunade interrupted. "Thorn betrayed Orochimaru and now has access to all his resources, which he's selling to the highest bidder along with other, more exotic technology which I assume he took from other worlds."

Hunter nearly shot through the roof "HE'S WHAT!"

"Sucks to be left out of the loop, doesn't it?" said a very smug Kakashi.

Hunter ignored him. "This...this isn't about money, no. He's trying to make an arms race. Cause a war." Hunter calmed down. "He's trying to create chaos, empower the Heartless."

"More creatures like you?" Tsuande asked.

"Not like me. They're less powerful and mindless but there are loads of them and they're tricky to kill. Magic is just about the only thing that works."

"So ninjutsu is our best option." concluded Kakashi.

"This village had a lot of powerful ninjutsu specialists. So at least that's something." Kurenai added.

"Why is Thorn even here in the first place?" Asuma asked "What makes our world so special?"

Hunter shrugged "I'm no expert on geo-politics and stuff but I'm guessing things 'round here weren't always exactly peaceful."

Everyone adopted a more serious and sombre expression.

"There have been three major wars between the shinobi villages." said Tsunade "And a lot of other minor conflict besides. We have a peace now but it's fragile at best."

Hunter nodded "Yeah, my guess is Thorn saw you as an easy target. He knew it wouldn't take much to set this powder keg off." He looked pensive for a moment, then he spoke again "Alright, here's the plan. We find Thorn, kill him and blow up all his shit before he can sell it."

"That was already the plan Hunter!" said an irritated Tsunade. "We know roughly where he is. Ever since he made his sales pitch missing nin, bandits and other criminals have been sighted heading towards the Land of Rice Paddies."

"He's not exactly keeping a low profile." said Shizune.

"He doesn't have to." to Hunter's surprise it was Danzo talking. "If chaos is his goal then he doesn't care if everyone buys his weapons or if we all invade and start killing each other for them."

"There's something else too." Hunter folded his arms as he spoke "I think Thorn's after Naruto."

Now that got the rooms attention.

"Before you all go there no I don't mean he's after tall, orange and bloodthirsty. I mean he wants Naruto himself."

"Why?" asked Shizune "No offense to Naruto but why would Thorn want him and not the Nine Tales?"

"There's something about Naruto, he can connect with people somehow. He can make them believe again, even when they've lost hope. I saw it with you." Hunter looked right at Tsunade "It's why you're here now. And I saw it again with Neji in that fight pit of yours. Thorn wants to be Human again, and I think he thinks Naruto might help him get there."

"How?" was the next question that Tsunade asked.

Hunter shrugged "Hell if I know but Thorn's desperate and has no moral compass, there's nothing he won't do to get what he wants. Now, I'm fairly certain he won't just straight up kidnap Naruto but beyond that I've got no idea."

"That explains Thorn's raiding of ninja archives." Kakashi thought aloud.

"Alright, my turn to ask questions." said Hunter "For starters, what's the deal with Yugito and that rapper wannabe?"

"Yugito Nii and Killer Bee." Tsunade leaned back a little as she explained. "They're the Hidden Cloud's jinchuriki. I've already sent a message to the Raikage asking him to explain their actions but he's denying everything."

"Ok, well that flaming cat that Yugito has called me a 'Dark One', anyone ever heard of that?"

There were a lot of confused looks, except for Jiraiya. "Hmmm. It's possible..." he muttered

"Well don't leave us in suspense Jiraiya." said Tsunade.

"Well, at Mount Myoboku the Toad Sages-"

"Toad Sages?" Hunter looked incredulous.

Jiraiya wasn't too happy about being interrupted "Do you want me to tell you or not?" Hunter held up his hands in mock surrender and the old man carried on "The Toad Sages keep a record of world history. Apparently during the time of the Sage of the Six Paths there rose a dark warrior who commanded an army of demons. They were described as being humanoid with jet black skin and yellow eyes."

"Heartless." Hunter muttered "I've already heard part of this story, Dark warrior lost, Heartless went away, world safe."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow "You already knew?"

"Yeah, I had a chat with Fantastic Mister Fox. If he knew then all the tailed beasts know and they know I'm a Heartless and they want to kill me for it. Great. Juuust great."

Kakashi nodded in agreement "Yugito did say that you were 'Jinchuriki business'."

"Maybe we can convince them to help against Thorn?" Kurenai suggested.

Hunter shook his head "Nope. Even if they'd listen, which I doubt, we're running out of time here. We need to finish Thorn now!"

Tsunade was quiet for a moment, then she said "Alright, you're dismissed."

Hunter looked surprised "Erm, what?"

"You're dismissed." she repeated "We'll come up with a strategy and we'll call you back when we're done."

"Shouldn't I be here for the planning phase?"

Tsunade's response was a resounding "No."

"Alright, sheesh." Hunter got up and was almost at the door when suddenly "Stopra." Everyone in the room froze apart from Danzo. Instantly Hunter was on him, grabbing him by the collar and slamming him against the wall.

"Alright you old git, here's the deal! I won't tell Sugar Tits that this mess is mostly your fault and you leave me and Hinata alone. Understand!?"

Danzo looked furious for a moment and then his face fell "Deal."

Hunter let him go and the two of them returned to their original positions.

"It's funny." Hunter groaned in frustration as his delusion spoke "Just about every major threat this village faces was made by him. He destroys everything he cherishes most. That's why you hate him so much. He's you. Tobirama was right to pick Hiruzen instead of him."

"Wait, what? How do you know that?" Hunter turned to face his double, who was standing near the confused Danzo. "I didn't know that. How can you know anything I don't?"

Evil Hunter gave him a wide toothy smile "Oh, lest not have that conversation in front of other people." He started to fade away "Their Hearts just couldn't take it."

"God dam son of a-" Then the spell ended.

"Was there something else?" Tsunade asked, unaware of what had just happened.

Hunter just stood there for a moment, then he gave a curt "No" and left.

Once he was gone she turned to Inoichi "If he's going to be fighting alongside our shinobi then I have to know, is he mentally stable."

The Yamaka clan head took a deep breath and said "Long story short, no. His mind is being held together by bad jokes, hope and a whole lot of denial. He doesn't want to face up to all these traumatic memories and as a result his mind is starting to fray."

"These delusions of his?" Asuma guessed.

"Yeah, they're the same as a normal stress related delusion but Hunter's power makes them real, probably because he believes that they're real."

Tsuande leaned forwards and closed her eyes as she thought. "Could we move against Thorn without him?"

"Yes but there's a lower chance of success and even if we win we'd take a high number of casualties." Kakashi answered "And given everything the village has been through lately that's something we might not be able to afford."

Tsunade took a moment to weigh up the pros and cons "Alright, we go in with Hunter. And I want him with you and your team Kakashi. I want him to be as close to Naruto as possible until Thorn is dead." She looked over at Hiruzen's crystal ball on her desk 'What I'd give to hear your advice now old man.' she thought "Alright now let's see if we can work out a plan of attack that won't get everyone killed."

Outside the building

"So they're really going to do it?" asked Choji.

"Yep." replied Tenten "They've given him a full pardon for some reason."

All of the Rookie Nine were assembled just outside Hokage Tower, waiting for someone to tell them what exactly was going on. Until then all they had was hearsay and guess work.

"Why would they pardon him!? He's caused nothing but trouble since he arrived!" moaned Sakura.

Shikamrau took a more level headed approach. "He's also saved us more than once and helped the village during the invasion. My guess is that Thorn has everyone worried so they've made peace with him."

"But he's annoying!" yelled Naruto "Like really, really annoying!"

"Pot, kettle, black." Shikamaru muttered.

"What the hell does that mean!?" Naruto yelled again, causing Shikamaru to sigh in exhaustion.

That was when a black portal opened up right next to the group and out walked Hunter. "Well fancy seeing all of you here." Everyone instantly got into a defensive position. "Now is that any way to treat your new ally?"

"So you're on our side now?" asked Ino.

Hunter shrugged "More like we're both working together against a common enemy. The amount of times I've help you I thought you'd be happy to see me."

"Like the time you covered us in paint?" Neji shot back.

"Humiliated us with that time spell." Tenten added.

"Insulted us." said Choji.

"Messed with our heads." said Naruto, who was at the back of the group. After what happened last time he wanted to keep plenty of space between them.

Hunter looked dismissive "You guys are way too judgemental. By the way I've been meaning to ask, Hinata." the young Hyuga heiress looked surprised, then nervous "Have you noticed anything strange since we fussed?"

Now everyone was looking at her and she was really nervous "S-strange...I don't..."

"Voices in your head, odd dreams, homicidal mania..."

"N-no! Nothing like that!"

"Hmm, so I get brain damage and you get zip. That's fair."

"I get the feeling the brain damage was a problem before he fussed." Ino joked.

"Real funny coming from the blond who lost a mental tug-o-war to the pink haired washboard here!"

To everyone's astonishment it was not Hunter but Hinata that had spoken. She instantly looked mortified and clamped her hands over her mouth.

Hunter looked form the mortified Hinata to the dumbfounded Ino and Sakura, the he burst out laughing "Hahaha! I was right! You did get something from the fusion! Hahahah!"

"I don't see what you're laughing at! The only time you ever get up off your ass it to pull stupid pranks!" Hinata yelled angrily before covering her mouth in horror again.

Hunter looked angry for a second, then he started laughing again. "Hahaha...ahh don't worry Hinata, it will probably wear off soon. Maybe. Hopefully. I think." With that he started walking away.

"Hey! Where are you going!? Fix this!" Naruto yelled after him.

"It will where off soon. No need to worry." Hunter lied. He had no idea if this was permanent but he liked the new Hinata. Maybe this will be good for her.

"Sasuke! You're a giant asshole and your hair looks like the arse of a duck!"

Then again.

Before anyone could stop him Hunter portaled away, reappearing back in the foyer of DiZ's mansion. As usual the place was deserted and in a poor stated of repair.

"Place really needs a good dust." He muttered to himself.

He heard the door on the upper level opening and someone walking out "Hey Riku, I need your help for-WHAT THE!?"

The man who just exited the library door was not Riku. He wore the same black cloak but he was much taller with brown skin, long silver hair and the same golden eyes that all those tainted by Darkness had. Hunter got into a fighting stance for a second, then he looked closer at the man's Heart.

"Riku? Is that you?"

The man gave a sad sigh "Yes. Yes it is." Even his voice had changed, becoming much deeper now.

"How?" was all Hunter could manage.

"I had a battle with...a member of the Organisation. I couldn't beat him on my own so I used the Power of Darkness to win. This was the price."

"Yeah. I can sense you're a lot stronger with Darkness now." Hunter walked towards his friend. "Look, I know you must be going through a lot now but I need your help. I finally got the ninjas on my side and now they're going after Thorn. But we need help."

Riku shook his head "Sorry Hunter. I have to stay here."

"What? Why?"

Riku looked uncomfortable "There's a friend of mine in the mansion. He's been asleep for a year now but now he's nearly ready to wake up. When that happens the Organisation will come after him and I need to be here for that."

Hunter was about to argue but he decided against it. Rikiu's mind was set and there was no way he could change it. "Don't suppose you have any ideas?"

Riku folded his arms and looked thoughtful "Well, Thorn hired mercenaries to come after you..."

"Hay how do you know about...Agh, never mind. That's actually a good idea. And I know where to start." Hunter made his way up the stairs, heading for DiZ computer room.

Several hours later. Hollow Bastion.

Hunter looked down at the piece of paper in his hand. This was the right address. Hollow Bastion main street, just opposite the wizard Merlin's house. Hunter knocked on the door and waited.

No answer.

He tried again but still no answer. Then he heard an electronic beep behind him. He looked and saw some kind of strange digital projection, a disk with a small all on top of it moving along the ground. As he watched it swiftly moved right under his feet, turned orange then exploded, sending him flying upwards.

"Snnaaaappp!" Hunter yelled.

A moment later the house's occupant opened the door and stepped outside. He didn't have time to say anything before Hunter fell on top of him.

They both took a moment to get their bearings and Hunter soon found himself looking at a very pissed of Nick. He wasn't wearing his armour fortunately, instead he had a normal set of cloths. Honestly seeing him in a regular outfit was rather weird for Hunter.

"You!" Nick yelled in surprise and alarm.

"Now before you go postal I-gahh!" before Hunter could finish Nick used his telekinesis to throw him to the other side of the street. "Woah, whoa, I come in peace!"

Nick reached behind him and a futuristic looking rifle flew out of the open door and into Nick's hand, which he aimed squarely at Hunter's head "Insert obvious comeback here!"

"I'm here to give you a job!" Hunter yelled.

Nick lowered the gun slightly. "A paying job?"

"Does a good feeling inside count?"

Nick raised the gun again.

"Ok ok! It's a paying job!"

Nick thought for a moment, then he lowered the rifle. "You'd better come inside before the defence system finds you gain."

Hunter needed no further encouragement and went inside. What surprised him was how normal Nick's house looked. TV, family photos, couches. The computer in the far left corner looked highly advanced but that was the only remotely strange thing.

"Ok." Nick closed the door, but he still kept hold of the rifle. "Talk."

"Nick!" a woman's voice came from behind a door the Hunter's right. "Are the kids back from school already?"

"No Honey!" Nick yelled back "It's just a work thing!"

Hunter looked puzzeled "You're married?"

"None of your business." Nick snapped at him. "Now explain."

Hunter gave Nick a brief rundown of events. The Mewtwo anthro listened, occasionally nodding but otherwise he kept his thoughts to himself. He only spoke when Hunter had finished explaining "Any reason you came to me and not anyone else?"

"Well, I can't find Death's Head and I am not hiring those four Chaos Lords."

Nick nodded. "Yeah, trusting them would be just asking for a knife in the back."

"Erm, no it's because I sent them to Equestria and I really don't want to go there." Hunter shuddered "All those cute ponies going on and on about friendship and light magic. Makes me want to vomit just thinking about it."

Nick's shoulders slumped "I can't believe I lost a fight to you. Now what about my pay?"

At that moment Nick's wife walked in. "Honey can you-" she froze when she saw Hunter. Like her husband she was a Mewtwo antro. She looked like she'd just come back from fixing a car, her face and cloths had some oil stains on it and in one had she was holding a wrench.

"And another furry. This is getting-AGHHH SNAAPP!" apparently she also had her husband's telekinetic powers too, which she used the throw Hunter into a wall, damaging a landscape painting hanging there.

"You!" She yelled "Because of you I had to spend twelve hours fixing my suit!"

Technically it was Nick's suit but he wasn't going to argue with her.

"I nearly missed my daughter's recital!" She threw him into a coffee table that broke into pieces.

"I'll leave you two to get acquainted." said Nick smugly as he went through the door his wife had just come out of.

"Nick! Don't leave me with her she-AHH!"

Smash!

"There goes grandma's vase." Nick muttered as he closed the door.


Hope this chapter was worth the wait guys. I really need to set more time aside for writing.

Next time the attack on Thorn begins. Expect large explosions and destruction as Thorn finally lets the Sound Four off the leash.