Disclaimer: I do not own any wrights to Naruto or Shadow Skill. I merely use their characters and themes for entertainment purposes.
Naruto blinked his eyes to make sure he was not asleep. For when he first opened his eyes he found he was in a pitch-black room. When he tried to move he discovered that he was bound to the floor with his limps spread far apart. When Naruto tried to summon his chakra he found it to be extremely difficult. All this together could only mean one thing. He was captured and being held prisoner.
After realizing he was captured, the first thought that Naruto had was to escape. But once he tested all his restrains one last time he found at least at the moment that would be impossible. The next thought he had involved the battle he and his team had fought just before he fell unconscious. Naruto became worried over whether or not they survived the Dragon and if they did were they free or imprisoned just like Naruto. While thinking of his team Naruto's thought became focused on one in particular, "Hinata," he whispered.
"I only took you if that is what you are wondering," a voice came from the darkness.
"Who are you? Where are you?" Naruto called out. The voice seemed to come from everywhere in the room, even under him.
"Not in there," the voice said, "I was simply alerted to your waking from the seals you are lying against."
"You still did not answer my first question," Naruto said.
"Aoba," the voice called.
"Aoba," Naruto said, "Why am I here?"
"You'll find out later," Aoba said.
"What do you mean I'll find out later?" Naruto yelled. He did not receive a reply, "Aoba?" Still no reply, Naruto then decided he was not going to get any answers and fell quit somewhat relieved that the others had not been captured.
The leader of the Akastuki turned away from the glowing seal and approached the other members, "Shadow Claw is awake."
"Why is here?" Itachi asked. "What use do we have for him?"
"To call a demon from the demon world one must not only have large amounts of chakra but also a sacrifice," Aoba answered. "And what better sacrifice then the demon's former vessel."
"Speaking of vessels," Sasori mentioned, "What about the One Tail's. We still need to extract it."
"It will take a few more days," Jubei said, "We needed to modify the One Tail's old sphere so that it could hold the Eight Tail. The new sphere is still being constructed."
"How long until it's done?" Kisame asked.
"Another day or so," Jubei said.
"Then it will take at least three days to extract the One Tail from the vessel," Aoba added. "Until then the containment seals and runes will keep him imprisoned."
"Suna and Konoha will be looking for us, yeah," Deidera mentioned.
"They will not find us," Zetsu said.
"You forget about Sound," Itachi said, "Orochimaru has taken my brother, if some how Sasuke is able to escape and beat him then he could find out about this location."
"Has your brother gotten that strong?" Kisame asked.
"He was able to match the Mangekyou in strength with the new forms," Itachi said, "If he had more experience then he could have over power it."
"Then that is a yes," Kisame said.
"Then it may be wise to deal with Orochimaru now before anything happens," Zetsu said.
"Wait until after the Sphere is complete," Aoba said, "Then go and deal with Orochimaru."
In his own dark cell Sasuke was listening for anyone that was approaching his location. As far as he could tell he had woken up about six hours ago to find himself hanging from a wall with his arms and legs bond and blind fold over his eyes. That only left one sense for him to gather information from. The only clues he was able to get however were from muffled voices that would pass by him ever couple of hours. From what he was able to piece together was that he had either lost or tied with his brother then passed out. Then was taken away to Sound and that mean only one thing, he was a prisoner of Orochimaru. Sasuke remembered warnings that the traitor wanted the Sharingan and he figured out that Orochimaru was just waiting for the opportunity to strike.
After a few minutes of listening Sasuke was able to hear muffled voices and the sound of feet hitting stone coming in his direction. Slumping once again to make it seem like he was asleep Sasuke waited until they would either pass of take a few minutes to observe him then leave. Neither happened this time; this time the voices and foot falls stopped right in front of him and a voice addressed, "There is no need for that Sasuke-kun, I know you are awake."
Sasuke raised his head and turned his blindfolded face to the voice, "If you know I'm awake now then you knew I was awake earlier."
"Correct," a different voice said. "There was no need for us to hide anything from you so we just let you play your game."
"And know that I can no longer play my game why don't you tell me which one of you is Orochimaru?" Sasuke asked.
"I am Sasuke-kun," the first voice said.
"Then the other must be that Kabuto that I keep hearing about from the others around," Sasuke said.
"Correct again," the second voice said. "He is as smart as the reports indicate Orochimaru-sama."
"Yes he is," Orochimaru said.
"What do you want?" Sasuke asked.
"I am merely here to tell you that your friend has been captured by the Akatsuki," Orochimaru said. He often took pleasure in seeing the reactions of his victims. And bad news always got several amusing actions. At least most of the time, this time was not one of those as Sasuke began to laugh.
"If they're foolish enough to take him then I would actually feel sorry for them," Sasuke said. "Well all except Itachi that is. When Naruto is done with the others I'm sure he'll leave my brother to me."
"You show great faith in his abilities Sasuke-kun," Kabuto stated. His voice lacked the usual arrogance it normal held when addressing a prisoner. He help anger and resentment, he did not like willful prisoners.
"He crushed the Sound Four didn't he," Sasuke retorted, "Then defeated a small army of Stone Shinobi. And that was months ago. I can only image how strong he has become since then." Even though what Sasuke was saying was true he was not normally one to express his respect for others that much. It was just something you picked up from his mannerisms. But in this situation he need as much information as possible, and after sitting in on some interrogations he learned that information could be past both ways if the interrogator was not careful. And judging by Kabuto's reaction he was making him off balance.
"The Former Sound Four were too weak to take him!" Kabuto retorted. He really did not like the attitude of this Uchiha. He had the same superiority as his brother. And Kabuto hated Itachi for the air about him.
"Former," Sasuke thought, "So that means that the old ones have been replaced and are probably stronger than the ones Naruto killed. Definitely something to look out for when I escape."
"Yes I admit," Orochimaru said, "He is quite powerful, but not strong enough to take on Akatsuki by himself. And if he is still alive after everything I would like to, 'examine' him to learn about the types of jutsus he has learned from the Kyuubi."
"They still think Naruto has the Kyuubi," Sasuke thought. "Something is not right here. If they knew where Itachi and I were fighting then they were watching both of us. They should know that Naruto no longer has the Fox. That could mean their spy network is incomplete. Or just that they assumed Shadow Skill is demonic in nature."
"It won't matter anyway though," Orochimaru said, "Soon I will have my new Sharingan and after that my dream will be closer to being accomplished."
Sasuke then heard the foot steps leaving and thought, "He wants my Sharingan but is not exploring my eyes. I wonder what he has planned." Once they were gone Sasuke started to scratch his finger against one of his chains. Once his blood was flowing he began slow gestures with single hand. "Took me a long time to figure out how but I can do some jutsus one handed. I'm glad Kakashi-sensei insisted I learn summoning one handed it'll defiantly come in handy. For know though I'll have to wait for an opportunity
In Konoha no one was feeling that well. After news of the missions' failure spread among the shinobi many became scared by prospect of the Tailed Beasts and the Akatsuki. But the ones that were feeling the worst were the members, not only for failing the missions but also for the lost two of their own. Enemy forces took two of the strongest shinobi in the village and there was nothing they could do about it.
Tsunade sat in her office looking at the object in front of her. In all honesty when she first received it she had no idea what she was going to do with it. Technically it was a family heirloom that she could not just give away but then again she did not have much use for it herself. That meant she had to find someone whom she thought was worthy of receiving it, some one skilled enough and wise enough. She had her eye on one in particular for some time now.
When she asked her sensei for some advise many weeks ago he had given her the name. She admitted that the person was good enough but she was reluctant in seeing if they were wise enough. After weeks of observation she felt the Third was correct in his recommendation. The only thing she had yet to decide was when to give it to them. And after the mission and the implications of what must be done she felt now was the best time. "Hokage-sama," a Chunin addressed her entering the office, "Your appointment is here."
"Very well send him," Tsunade said. The Chunin bowed and gestured for the person behind him to enter. "Welcome Neji-san. Please have a seat we some things to discuss."
"Yes Hokage-sama," Neji nodded taking the seat. If someone were to ask him even Neji would admit he was nervous about talking to the Hokage. After the mission failure and the news that Naruto was abducted he had heard the Fifth Hokage had acted almost as bad as Hinata. It was no secret that the Fifth was fond of the blonde and even less of one to him after witnessing everything she did for Hinata and Naruto. "Why have you summoned me here, I was training in preparation for the upcoming battles."
"Ironic you should mention training and upcoming battles," Tsunade said. "You know of Kisame correct," Neji nodded, "And his sword the Samehada," again Neji nodded. "Then you know that it is one of best swords made in all of the shinobi villages."
"Yes I know this," Neji said, "Please forgive my rudeness but what are you getting at?"
Tsunade smiled, "When we find out where Akatsuki is hiding we are sending our best shinobi after them. And you are one of the best so you are going." She stood up and turned out to the Hokage Monument, "This time we are going in fully prepared. With specific people against specific targets. You are going after Kisame; the Samehada's ability to absorb chakra requires someone with good offensive and defensive chakra capabilities. That mean you," She then turned back around her face like stone, "However Gentle Fist will not be enough, to be effective you need to get in close to Kisame and that requires coming with the range of his sword. For that you will need a sword just as good if not better than his." She looked down at her desk and Neji followed her gaze. What he saw there surprised him, mostly because he had not noticed it earlier. "I am giving you the Second Hokage's personal weapon, the Raijin." She picked up the sword and handed it to a stunned Neji, "Use it wisely to protect those closest to you."
Neji took the legendary sword and examined it carefully. He was reluctant to believe this was the real thing. After he was done examining it he knew for sure it was the same weapon he retrieved from that traitor Aio months ago. Realizing the faith and trust his Hokage was placing on him Neji bowed as low as he could, "Thank you Hokage-sama. It is an extreme honor to receive this sword." He then stood straight pushing chakra into the handle activating the blade. He brought it close to his face in salute, all the while feeling the electricity from the blade, "And I swear by this sword I will use it to retrieve Uzumaki Naruto."
Inside the apartment she shared with her husband Hinata laid on the bed she had barely moved from for days. Her body hurt all over and it was not from the injuries she sustained from the mission. It was for the simple reason Naruto was gone, and for all she knew he was dead. People tried to comfort her but she was non responsive to any of them, everyone said it was not her fault but she did not feel that way. After all she tried to save him but failed miserably. Nothing anyone could say would take away that feeling. "Hinata may I come in?" a voice called from the other side of the bedroom door. Hinata did not answer, she just turned away from the sound not wanting anyone's company. "I'm coming in Hinata," the door opened and someone who left weeks ago had returned, Naruto's Aunt Isalia. "I came back as soon as I heard. You know I'm beginning to hate this village more than anything else in the world. It seems to nothing but take my family away piece by piece." Again no response, Isalia moved over to the bed and sat down, "I know it hurts believe me I know," Isalia said, "But we must continue to fight."
"Why?" Hinata asked. She was feeling so low right now that she was questioning her own worth.
"Because that stubborn nephew of mine is too stubborn to die," Isalia said with a smile in her voice. "And he would be heart broken if he knew you were crying." Once again she received no reply, "I came to tell you that I am going after him, even if it's on my own. I won't loose another family member without trying again." Isalia stood and left the room. When she was out of the apartment she turned to one last glance and moved towards the hotel she and the rest of her tribe members were staying. She only took three steps when she heard someone land behind her.
"I'll come too," Hinata said. Her voice strong and focused. Isalia turned and smiled at the Shinobi and then continued toward her destination.
On top of the Hokage Monument the Third Hokage and his perverted former student stood staring out over the village. "Which target do we go after first?" Jiraiya asked. "Both are extremely important and have high levels of danger to the village."
The Third nodded in agreement, "True, we cannot let Akatsuki bring the Kyuubi back and finish whatever they have planned nor can we let Orochimaru have the Sharingan."
"We both knew which Tsunade will put more importance on," Jiriaya said he then shook his head, "It's decisions like this that made me not want the job."
"In the end it comes down a single person or the whole village right now," the Third said. "Orochimaru taking Sasuke's body will end the Uchiha Clan. The Akatsuki summoning the Kyuubi back into this world risks ending the village, more like several villages."
"So you agree with her choice of targets?" Jiriaya asked.
"Does not really matter if I agree or not," The Third said. "She is the Hokage now, I am just here for advisory purposes and the occasional diplomatic mission. All we can do is hope that Sasuke can either get himself out of Orochimaru's hands or at least resist him until the Akatsuki business is done with."
"I'm normally not a praying man," Jiriaya said, "But in this case I think I'll go to the local temple."
Kakashi stood with Sakura staring at the memorial stone. One particular spot that had been scratched through in particular. The spot belonged to Naruto's name before it was scratched off after he came back. "You know I find it ironic really," Kakashi said.
"What's that Kakashi-sensei?" Sakura asked confused.
"When we had Naruto's funeral I was disgusted with the village for not showing up," Kakashi admitted, "Almost to the point of leaving. But now I here his abduction in the same manner as Sasuke's, many people wanting to go after just as much."
"Yeah I know," Sakura agreed. She had a hard time deciding which she wanted to rescue more, Naruto or Sasuke. In all honesty she was glad it was not here decision on which to after, no matter what she would regret it.
"As soon as we have any clue on where Akatsuki is located," Kakashi said, "We're going after them. And it will be an all or nothing mission. Finish it or not come back, we can't afford anything else." Because of the alter status anyone that was good enough to even attempt Sasuke's rescue could not leave the village so that meant he was on his own.
"I just wish we could save Sasuke-kun too," Sakura thought.
