3/20/05 11:50am Pacific Time
The group of genins eagerly awaits the end of the preliminaries of the chuunin exam inside where the matches took place. Outside a tall man leaning casually against a pillar can be seen waiting for the arrival of his trusted right hand man. His face thin and his skin a sickly gray is frame with limp black hair, dark purple streaks surrounds his sinister eyes. Another younger man approaches the menacing man nonchalantly. The young man's posture appears timid and soft. He sports light silver hair and a pair of glasses that rest loosely on the bridge of his nose. Standing front of the evil man, the youth drops to one knee in a deep respect. "The preliminaries have ended." His comment is only answer with silence by Orochimaru.
Kabuto rises from his kneeling position while adjusting his spectacles. They converse briefly on the brewing war that lies in the future and their trigger for the start of this chain reaction, Uchiha Sasuke. Upon speaking of this subject, the naissance known as the Kyuubi brat, Uzumaki Naruto surfaces. "Orochimaru-sama sir, perhaps you may find this new discovery of mine quite fascinating. During my encounter with Naruto-kun during the exam, I took the liberty of taking some tissue and DNA samples from him. This is with out is knowledge of course. At first I was simply curious has to how the presence of the great Kyuubi no Kitsune has affected Naruto-kun's body. As we know accelerated replication of one's body cells results in a shorter life span, since one's cells have a limit to how many times it can divide. While analyzing his tissue sample, I came across something quite fascinating.'
At this Orochimaru simply raised a brow in interest. Now he that he has Orochimaru full attention on him, Kabuto continues to voice his findings. "I had a few tests run on Naruto-kun's tissue sample. The damaged cells in any normal circumstances would have died and the healthy cells surrounding the cells would multiply and divide to produce new cells to replace the damaged ones. In Naruto-kun's case, the damaged cells continue to survive and repair themselves. Even the cells damaged beyond repair miracaously heal itself to perfect condition. I performed a few more tests to determine the age of the cells. The cells in his body have not aged a day at all. It is as if his body has no age, he is in essence immortal. Nothing short of decapitating his head or tearing out his heart will kill him."
It is a well-known fact that Orochimaru's goals in life is to find immortality and learn all the jutsus in the world. His body switching jutsu allows him to transfer his soul into other's bodies to create only an illusion of immortality. It is not true immortality. The method works, but much time is needed each time to seek and prepare a vessel. The actual transfer causes the body to erode heavily and the body needs much time afterwards to heal. The ideal result would be to have a body that does not age, an immortal body. Finally, all the years of research the perfect subject has presented itself to him in the form of young Uzumaki Naruto.
Reevaluating the blond hair blue eyed boy that radiated purity and innocence; the prospect of taking the boy seems much more appealing than before. The innocence and the purity that the boy embodies are almost sickening. The prospect of having the opportunity to tear that innocence apart pleasures him to no end. Images of the blond angel torn, broken and free for him to put back together to his liking drifts through is mind. Seeing the boy tainted and soiled, drowned in hatred elicited a pleasurable groan to erupt from his body.
Kabuto shivers involuntarily at the sadistic pleasured look on plaster on Orochimaru's face. A deep groan of pleasure from Orochimaru snaps Kabuto back to what he is saying. Kabuto abruptly clears his throat to bring Orochimaru's attention back to himself. The snake like man glares briefly at Kabuto for disturbing him of his current fantasies. Kabuto adjust his specs and smile a sinister smile unfitting of his image. "There is more Orochimaru-sama. His DNA is fascinating; it is not human, not completely any ways. It is still inn small amounts but there are sequences in his DNA that do not belong in the normal human genome. It contains properties that are out of this world. I could even say it is demonic in nature. I have no doubts that in time he will evolve into at least a half demon."
Orochimaru breaks into hysterical laughter. The silver haired man looks somewhat disturbed. "Orochimaru-sama, you seem some what pleased to hear of my discovery. May I inquire why?"
"Kabuto, for all your genius you seem to have over looked the beauty of this whole situation." The snake man licks his lips in anticipation. "I have in all my life been seeking eternal youth and to learn all the jutsus of the world. Do you not see Kabuto, what this situation has presented me? With the cursed seal, Sasuke-kun will seek me out for power. He is already in my grasp. As perfect as Sasuke-kun's body is for my taking, it will only serve me for a short amount of time, but nether less the Sharingan is mine. You have just presented before me the means to perfect immortality. I want Naruto-kun's body to house my soul for all eternity."
"Orochimaru-sama, does this mean you will also be giving a cursed seal to Naruto-kun?" Kabuto asks intuitively.
The snake man shakes his head, "No, the cursed seal will not bring Naruto-kun to me like it will bring Sasuke-kun. He is not seeking that kind of power. The bond between Naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun is strong. When Sasuke-kun comes to seek me, Naruto-kun will follow. Then we shall take them both when they are out of Konoha's protection."
"Ah, I suppose you would want me to perform an eye transfer/implantation procedure in the future my lord."
Orochimaru smiles merrily at his intuitive servant. "Yes, Kabuto you are correct. In addition, continue to monitor both Sasuke-kun and Naruto-kun's progress. As for right now, Kakashi has placed a containment seal over my beautiful masterpiece. I want you to remove it."
Kabuto bows deeply before departing to complete his master's orders. "Yes, Orochimaru-sama." Unfortunately, Kakashi's presence spoils Kabuto's attempts and his spy cover is blown.
At the Valley of the End, the batter body of the dark haired, Sharingan wielding boy stands above the prone form of the unconscious blond-haired boy. Sasuke stand motionlessly staring at his best friend lying there for him to kill and gain the Mangekyou Sharingan. In all desperate attempts to harden himself to kill the loud blond boy, something inside of him refuses to let him do so. A bloody kunai grip tightly in his trembling hand, poise to make the killing strike; a figure with silver hair approaches the two boys. At first glance, Sasuke begins to panic, mistaking the figure to be his sensei, Kakashi. Upon closer inspection the figure sports a pair of spectacles and a sound-hitate, it was Kabuto.
"Sasuke-kun, you are late. Orochimaru-sama has been waiting for you. Now come along now we must move along before any more Konoha Nins come." Kabuto kneels down to gather up the body of the blond boy laying there, inspecting briefly at the already healing wound on the blond boy's body. It would seem that during the short time since their last encounter, the demon has further assimilated with the boy. However, the boy's body does not seem to have matured any at all.
Sasuke stares confusingly at Kabuto picking up Naruto's body, wondering why they would want to take Naruto's body. Sasuke voices the question plaguing his mind weakly. "Kabuto why are you taking Naruto's body?"
Shifting the small body on his shoulders, "Do not worry Sasuke-kun we do not want him returning to leaf and informing them of your new developments now do we. The may send hunter-nin after you if they find out. Plus, Orochimaru-sama has plans for Naruto-kun for being such a naissance." It is a blatant lie, but Sasuke seems to buy it. "Now come along, we are losing time." Sasuke silently follows Kabuto as they head toward Sound.
Moments later Kakashi arrives at the battleground in The Valley of The End. The scene before him is not one he expected. He had hoped to find both boys or at least to find a body there. Before him are definite signs of a destructive battle of great magnitude, but no traces of the boys can be found. If no body parts are present, that signifies that both boys are still alive at least. If they are indeed alive, where are they now? In the area where evidence of a body use to lie; a trace amount of chakra not of Sasuke or Naruto's can be found. The trace was too small to determine whom it belongs to, but if both boys are taken then there is a serious problem. Confusion racks Kakashi's mind. He knows Orochimaru wants Sasuke, but why have he also taken Naruto or it the Akatsuki at work? Getting up, Kakashi races back to Konoha to inform the Hokage the news of Sasuke and Naruto's disappearance.
Kakashi returns to Konoha in record time, going directly to inform the Hokage of their present predicament. Teleporting into the Hokage's office, Kakashi the anxious faces of the Hokage and Jiraya greets him. Seeing that Kakashi has return without either of the missing boys with him, their faces fell. Tsunade is the first to speak, "Kakashi, where is Naruto?" The look Kakashi gives her is enough to confirm her fears. Shakily, Tsunade falls to her seat. A feeling of dread looms upon her. In a shaky voice, she asks Kakashi "Is he dead?"
To her relief Kakashi shakes his head negatively. "No, I do not think he is dead, but he is missing along with Sasuke. When I arrived at The Valley of The End, I found no traces of them. I only detected a small trace of foreign chakra from a third person, but I do not know whom. I believe it may be possible that Orochimaru has taken them both. However, I do not know the purpose for taking Naruto. He has shown no interest in Naruto before. It is also possible that Akatsuki arrived at the scene before me, and has taken Naruto's body."
Tsunade panics after hearing this news. Immediately declares a need to rescue them. "I will send teams of ANBU to retrieve them immediately." Jiraya steps away from the wall he is leaning on. "No, we can not spare any ninja for a rescue mission that would have a one hundred percent failure rate. Do not let your emotions impair your judgment Tsunade. You know yourself that Konoha is on high alert right now. The Sound-Sand invasion greatly depleted our forces. Any action against Sound will bring upon a full out war that we cannot win right now. My sources tell me Orochimaru grew impatient and changed bodies already. It will be exactly three years until he can change again, so Sasuke is safe for now. As for Naruto, if it is Orochimaru's doing, I do not know why he is taken, but at least in his hands Naruto will be safe from Akatsuki. That snake bastard will not hand a potential threat more power, by handing over Naruto. I do not believe he will kill Naruto right now. Knowing how sneaky that bastard is, he will use Naruto against us as a hostage when we engage in war. If it is the Akatsuki then there are going to be problems. I will personally go to see if it is the Akatsuki that have Naruto or not."
Hearing this, both Tsunade and Kakashi seem to slightly relieved, but still worried nonetheless. Recomposing herself, Tsunade spoke firmly. "Then we have three years to prepare for the upcoming war and to bring back Naruto and Sasuke."
Inside a dark chamber, a pair of blond lashes flutters open to reveal a set of dazzling sapphire orbs. Blurry vision clears has he surveys his surroundings. He is lying in a medical ward of some sort and his body is hook up to numerous medical apparatuses. He is certain he is not in Konoha. To his right a set of doors open and a man he recognizes as Kabuto enters the chamber. A spark of hope ignites. Perhaps he is in Konoha, but the small hope quickly disappears when the gleam of the Sound hitate on Kabuto's forehead catches his eyes.
Kabuto reaches Naruto's side before speaking in a soft yet stern voice. "Ah, Naruto-kun I see you are awake. This is simply remarkable; you have only been unconscious for an hour. I would say your healing ability is quite fascinating."
Naruto gave Kabuto a confused look. "Where am I? Why are you wearing a Sound hitate? I though you are a Konoha ninja."
Smiling gleefully, Kabuto claps his hands together. "Is it not obvious? I am a spy for Sound and right now, you are in Orochimaru-sama's fortress in the heart of Sound."
Naruto shocked, sends Kabuto a petrified look. "Now Naruto-kun, do not look at me like that, it makes you look stupid. Now get dressed, Orochimaru is waiting to see you."
Fear clenches his heart as he puts on the provided clothes, simple black sweat pants and a gray long sleeve shirt. Naruto simply do not know what to do in this predicament. He cannot simply run; he would be killed before he reaches the door. Not knowing what else can be done, Naruto reluctantly follows Kabuto's orders. When he finishes dressing, Kabuto suddenly grabs Naruto's arms and attaches a pair of chained cuffs on his wrists. Angry, Naruto yells, "What the hell are these for!" Expelling chakra in his anger, Naruto screams in pain.
"These are chakra restraining cuffs. Whatever amount of chakra you expel will be absorbed and sent back at you in the form of electricity. This is to ensure you are a good little fox and follow orders. Do not even think about trying to take them off you cannot, no one but Orochimaru-sama has the key to them. Now behave and come along. You have kept Orochimaru-sama waiting long enough."
Naruto follows Kabuto through a series of corridors before reaching a large set of steel doors. The Sound spy opens the set of heavy doors to reveal a man sitting in a chair wrap in bandages from head to toe. Kabuto bows and greets the man sitting in the throne like chair as Orochimaru, but he certainly does not look anything like the Orochimaru he seen before; except for the serpent like eyes.
Orochimaru smirks sinisterly at the terrified boy. "Ah, Naruto-kun, it is good to see you have healed nicely, so quickly too might I add. What is the matter Naruto-kun? You seem so quiet; this is so not like you."
"Argh, shut up you snake freak! Where the hell is Sasuke? What have you done with him? Why am I here?" Naruto spats venomously.
Chuckling at the loud blond boy, Orochimaru leers intensely at the boy. "My my Naruto-kun, you care so much about your best friend don't you. Even though not an hour ago he was trying to kill you. Tell me Naruto, how much do you care about Sasuke? How much are you willing to give to have him returned to Konoha alive? Are you even willing to exchange your worthless life to return to Konoha their precious Uchiha?"
Naruto remains silent at what Orochimaru is conveying. "What exactly are you trying to get at bastard?"
"Oh my, such foul language from such an innocent looking boy. I have a proposition for you Naruto-kun. You will stay here by my side to serve me obediently and in three years time, I will guarantee Sasuke will have his revenge on his brother, fulfilling his ambition and he will be return to Konoha alive. You will remain here by my side to do as I please for the rest of your life. Do we have a deal?"
Naruto contemplates his offer. Is he willing to throw away his life and his dreams for the sake of his friend? To fulfill a promise to a precious person? In truth, yes, he is willing to die for his few precious people, Sasuke included. Of all people, he believes Sasuke deserves a chance to fulfill his ambitions and a chance at life without darkness; they are so much alike. If he, himself cannot accomplish his dreams then he will do anything for Sasuke to accomplish his. For Sakura he is willing to give everything to fulfill his promise to bring back her precious person. His own well-being is insignificant after all to the people of Konoha, but Sasuke's is not. They will cherish him; Konoha will mourn for the loss of Sasuke, not for him.
Silence fills the chamber; Orochimaru grows impatient waiting for Naruto's answer. Cooperation on Naruto's half is not necessary, but it will make things much easier. Regardless of his answer, it will still be fun to break the blond boy. One way will just take more effort than the other will. "Well, have you decided Naruto-kun? Time is running short, make your decision now."
Giving a reluctant nod, Naruto gives his answer with determination shinning in his eyes. "I will accept your offer, but only under one condition."
Gazing at Naruto curiously, as to what kind of demand he will make, the snake man rests his chin in his folded hands. "Oh, and what is that one condition?"
"I will not attack Konoha under any circumstances." Naruto demands.
Orochimaru smiles wily while licking his lips with is long snake like tongue. "That is done. I will not force you to attack Konoha. Is that all?" Naruto nods in response, "Yes, then I accept your offer. My life for Sasuke's."
At that very moment, the doors of the chamber burst open to reveal Sasuke with Sharingan ablaze, storming into the room. "No! Call this agreement off, leave Naruto out of this. I came to you for power; I will face my own consequences. I do not need him to help me!"
"It is too late Sasuke-kun. A deal is a deal. Besides should not you be happy. You came to me for power for a price, but now you will still get the power you desire except you will not need to pay any thing for it. Your best friend here has willingly taken your place. You should be glad. It is good to have such giving friends isn't it Sasuke?" Orochimaru stands up from his throne, placing a possessive hand on Naruto. "To think that you tired to kill this friend just a few hours ago, what a shame. You should thank him and say good-bye. You may not see this Naruto ever again."
Sasuke stalks toward Naruto, grabbing his shoulders and tries to shake some sense into him. "Call it off Naruto! Leave me; just go back to Konoha where you belong. I do not need your help nor do I need your charity! Just go back! Leave!"
Naruto gazes intensely at the ground. Raising his hands, he gently grasps Sasuke's wrists and pries them off. "No, a deal is a deal Sasuke. I made a promise to Sakura that you will return to Konoha. I will fulfill that promise. You will get your revenge and return to Konoha in three years time. They will take you back; they need you. Just promise me, when you return, do not ever make Sakura cry. Never, do you understand me?"
Dropping his head in defeat, "Dobe, Why? Why are you doing this for me? Why? What about your dreams, Dobe?"
Raising his eyes to meet Sasuke's, obsidian eyes glaze with unshed tears. "Because you are my best friend, Sasuke. As for my dreams, that is just what they are, dreams. Konoha will never accept me as Hokage, I know. That was only false hope. Sasuke, if I cannot fulfill my dreams then you can fulfill them for me. Now promise me you will return to Konoha in time and that you will take care of Sakura and never make her cry ever again."
Overpowered by Naruto's stubbornness, Sasuke tighten his grip on Naruto. In an unsteady voice he answers, "I promise Dobe, I promise."
On the side smirking with glee at the loving scene before him, Orochimaru laughs inwardly at the naivety of the boys. Do they honestly believe he will keep his word? He will take Sasuke's Sharingan and take Naruto's body. Perhaps just to torment Sasuke for the rest of his life he will give Sasuke Naruto's eyes as a reminder. With the Sharingan and eternal youth in his grasp, he will be unstoppable. Voice dripping with sincerity, Orochimaru says, "Sasuke, you should return to your room and rest. As soon as you are in good health training will commence. Kabuto, escort Sasuke-kun back to his chamber, while I have a few private words with Naruto-kun."
Sasuke is reluctantly escorted out of the chamber, leaving Orochimaru and Naruto alone. Back in his room, anger consumes him. Anger at his own weakness and anger at Naruto for being a stupid selfless Dobe. Venting his frustration, Sasuke repeatedly punches the walls of his room, causing a noticeable dent and cracks all along the wall of stone. His hand is bloody from the repeated abuse. While punching, Sasuke curses aloud, "Why am I so weak? Damn you Naruto, damn you Orochimaru, and damn you Itachi!" He continues to abuse the wall and yell obscenities until exhaustion consume him and he falls into a deep restless sleep.
While Sasuke is escorted out, Orochimaru begins a set of hand seals. With a call of "Shieki no Juinjutsu" (Enslavement Curse Seal Technique), he places his palm on Naruto's forehead. On contact, Naruto falls to his knees screaming in pain. Excruciating pain erupts from his head for what feels like an eternity before it slowly ebbs away. Whimpering in pain, Naruto struggles to ask, "What did you do to me?"
"It is just a seal, much like the seal of the Hyuuga branch house. This is to ensure you stay true to your words Naruto-kun. If you disobey me in anyway I will use it. If you die then the deal is off. I will take Sasuke in your place. If you do not perform to my satisfaction, the deal will also be off. Is that understood?"
Naruto gives a labored reply, "Y-yes", before succumbing to unconsciousness from pain. Darkness engulfed his being as he drifts off to sleep, knowing he has just made the biggest mistake in his life, sealing his fate.
