Title: Admit Defeat
Author: Kisu
Rating: R
A/N: Thank you all for your wonderful reviews! XD I am finally winding down in an accomplishment of finishing this fic. I am officially announcing that it should end in two more chapters! Hurray!
Disclaimer: Naruto does not belong to me. But I do own a very cute Gaara plushie! X3
Warnings: ORONARU…yes you read it right…a lot of mentioning in the last few chappies…and it's unbeta-ed
Admit Defeat
Chapter Eighteen: The Snake's Lair
Sasuke's presence was announced by the sound of the door slamming shut and heavy footsteps that made its way toward the den. If their leader had seen them, he had paid no heed but grabbed the nearest object and hurled it onto the floor.
Unfortunately, it was a priceless vase.
There was a moment of silence as Sasuke glared hard at the mess on the floor before stalking through the house. Ryuujin's members winced every time they heard something crash onto the floor or slammed against the wall.
The maids scurried about, grabbing brooms and dustpans to clean up the mess. When Sasuke noticed their activity, he stopped and glared at them. "Don't touch that!" He scowled. "No one is allowed to pick up my mess."
Startled, the maids meekly obeyed and slowly inched back until their backs were against the wall. Marie patted their backs in a comforting gesture as she watched the young master with sympathy.
Grumbling under his breath he dropped down on his knees and began picking up pieces of porcelain. Wincing as he cut his finger, he automatically placed the injured digit in his mouth, narrowing his eyes at the intrusion of the metallic taste.
"Sasuke." Sakura had approached him when he was distracted. "Let me help you with that."
"Get away." Sasuke growled as he resumed picking up the pieces.
"Sasuke…about Naruto…" Sakura began again.
"Go away, Sakura." Sasuke said, coldly. Sakura winced and walked back a few steps.
"Sasuke! Let me help you with that!"
"Naruto, let Sasuke clean up his own mess."
"But…"
"It's okay, Naruto."
He cursed and curled his fingers around the sharp porcelain, ignoring the pain as it cut into the palm of his hands. He slammed his fist down onto the wooden floor. A few pieces of porcelain jumped slightly and he uttered a sound between a sob and a growl.
"Naruto." He whispered, softly. "When I need you the most..."
"Sasuke." Hinata stood quietly next to him and touched his shoulder. He blinked, looking up to see the Hyuuga heir staring down at him with warm eyes. "Let's get you to the hospital."
"Eh?" Sasuke frowned. Hinata dropped down onto her knees next to him and gently grasped his hands, peeling away the fingers and revealing the bloody porcelain shards stuck in his flesh. "I'm bleeding."
"Right, let's go bandage you up." Hinata smiled as she helped him up. Wordlessly, they walked toward the door, followed by Neji.
"Hinata?" Kiba asked, curiously.
"It's all right. We will be back soon." Hinata said as she closed the door behind them.
Naruto had lost track of time since he had entered the vehicle. The blood stains on his cheeks had long dried and were crusted onto his skin. Halfway through the trip, the man with long white hair had tied a blindfold around his head.
"Orochimaru has instructed us to do so." The man had quietly explained. Naruto had never seen him before but he could tell that the man was strong and a devoted follower of Shinja. He had a pale complexion, almost paler than Sasuke's and wore red eyeliner underneath his eyes.
Their trip was silent and as if the tension in the air wasn't enough, Kin had to pop her gum every few seconds. This greatly irritated the man who sat next to him and he had quietly threatened to strangle her. The man's name was Kimimaro and he held a higher position than Kin did. However, Kin had promoted herself in status just because Orochimaru relied so much on her for errands.
Hands gently untied the blindfold around his eyes after the car had come to a final stop. Naruto sat still in his seat and after a moment, slowly opened his eyes. They were here, Shinja headquarters and Orochimaru's residence.
"The Boss is expecting you." Kin said as she turned around in the passenger seat. "Kimimaro, take him to see him."
The man who had untied his blindfold said nothing but stared at Naruto was passive eyes. Kin smirked before tossing her hair over her shoulder.
"Don't fall in love with him. I'm sure Orochimaru wouldn't like that." She commented, lightly. A hand landed on her shoulder and she jumped as Naruto leaned in, brushing his lips against her ear.
"Let's get to know each other while we are here." He murmured, stirring the stray hairs by her ear. Kin winced as his grip tightened and a cold chill ran down her back. "I'll make sure we'll have plenty of quality time."
Then he exited the car and shut the door behind him.
Kin shivered as Naruto walked past her window and to the mansion beyond.
There had been a killer's intent in those eyes.
He followed Kimimaro wordlessly down the dark hallways, confidence in his steps. His eyes retained a frosty blue color, darkening as they walked deeper into the mansion.
"I've heard great things about you, Uzumaki Naruto." Kimimaro said, quietly. Naruto stared straight forward, not even bothering on a response. When Kimimaro stopped to look back at him, Naruto passed him slowly.
"Then all of them must be lies." Naruto finally said as Kimimaro fell in step with him. They approached grand double doors and Kimimaro knocked once.
"You killed Kabuto." Kimimaro commented.
"I did." Naruto replied as Kimimaro pushed the doors open. Orochimaru sat in a chair, elevated off the floor by three steps. Candles eerily flickered about the room, illuminating Orochimaru's face in a sinisterly way.
"Orochimaru-sama." Kimimaro stepped forward and bowed.
"So, Naruto." Orochimaru smiled. "You came." He nodded at Kimimaro. "You can go." Kimimaro bowed again and stepped backwards, eyeing the floor as he went. When he was finally outside the door, he looked up grabbing the handles on the doors.
As he closed the doors, his eyes met the eyes the blonde who was watching him, emotionlessly. Orochimaru had gotten up and had approached Naruto, arms snaking around the man's slender body. But Naruto paid no attention, his gaze still locked with his.
Kimimaro closed the doors and there was an audible click that echoed throughout the halls. He breathed out shakily and realized that it was then that he could exhale.
Hinata had finished picking out the pieces of porcelain lodged in his skin. Now she was carefully bandaging them. Neji sat in a corner chair, eyes closed and head against the wall. Sasuke was staring out the window, oblivious to Hinata's care.
"Sasuke." Hinata spoke up. "The director of the hospital has requested to see you."
"Director?" Sasuke shifted
"Hai." Hinata said. As she gathered her supplies in a tray and walked to the door. "Follow me, please." Neji got up and glanced at his cousin curiously. They followed the head nurse out the door and down the hallway. Hinata gave her tray to one of the other nurses before walking to the elevator. When they got into it, Hinata waited for the doors to close before inserting a key into panel. They watched her as she selected the button for the fifth floor.
"What is this about?" Neji asked curiously as the doors opened onto the fifth floor. Hinata removed her key and smiled.
"You'll see." Hinata replied as they walked down the hall.
"Is this a restricted area?" Sasuke asked with a frown.
"Hai. It's the morgue." Hinata told them. Neji and Sasuke stopped in their tracks and Hinata laughed. "I'm just kidding. We're here." She inserted her card into the box beside the door and there was a click as she was allowed access.
"Director, I've brought Sasuke-sama." Hinata called out as she opened the door slowly. She gestured for Neji and Sasuke to walk in. She closed the door behind them and a faint light flared to life, illuminating the room softly.
Another woman was in the room, she smiled at them kindly before nudging the person in a large desk chair. The chair swiveled around and they found themselves staring at the woman before them.
"Dr. Tsunade?" Neji was clearly confused now. He had seen the woman many times when he came to visit Hinata at the hospital. Hinata walked over and stood on the doctor's left hand side.
"This is the first time we have met, Mr. Uchiha." The woman named Tsunade greeted him. "I want to thank you for keeping an eye on my grandson through these years."
"What?" Sasuke stated dumbly.
"Naruto is just like his father, headstrong, stubborn, and brilliant." Tsunade continued as her brown eyes softened slightly. "I am just unfortunate to not to have seen either of them grow up."
"Hinata…" Neji began with a frown.
"Listen to her." Hinata interrupted softly. "She has many important things left to say."
"Yes, thank you." Tsunade smiled. "Uchiha Sasuke, I hope Ryuujin will join forces with my division."
"What is your gang?" Sasuke asked, quietly.
"I lead the Shinzui."
"Shinzui?" Sasuke repeated, his eyes widening. "But that is a legend!"
"It is more than a legend." Tsunade told him. "Shinzui is the largest gang with the oldest clans of Konoha."
"I have heard of Shinzui." Neji spoke up. "The two main clans are Hokage and Hime, correct?"
"That is right," Hinata replied. "Hokage is the oldest clan in Konoha with its two branch clans."
"What is the other one?" Sasuke asked.
"Uzumaki." Hinata said, gently. Neji and Naruto froze, eyes widening slightly. "But it is no more, since the whole clan was massacred."
"Except for Naruto," Tsunade nodded, grimly. "My right hand is Shizune who is currently the head of the Hime Clan." Tsunade gestured to the woman on her right. "And I am currently the head of the Hokage Clan."
"Hinata, what is your role?" Neji asked, curiously.
"As heir to the Hyuuga Clan and a female, I have entrusted my power to Shinzui." Hinata explained. "That is why I have never actively participated in Ryuujin.
"We have to work quickly and gather forces." Shizune said. "Orochimaru is on the move and is developing an army as we speak."
"Is Naruto in any danger?" Hinata asked, worriedly. Tsunade patted her arm.
"Not yet. But if he is like my son, he will do what he thinks is best." Tsunade replied. Sasuke felt the world spin and he reached out blindly to grab something to support him. Neji quickly grasped his arm and Sasuke leaned heavily onto him.
"Naruto…is like that." Sasuke whispered. "He'll make any sacrifices that he thinks is best."
"Then, we will move quickly." Tsunade got out of his chair and walked toward the door. "Come with me."
"Is your brother that dear to you, Naruto?" Orochimaru asked as he planted kisses on the blonde's neck. "I don't know whether to thank him or pity the devotion that he doesn't deserve."
"I came on my free will, Orochimaru-sama." Naruto replied, smoothly. Orochimaru paused and looked up at the blonde. "I figured you were the only person who can give me the power that I deserve."
"Oh?" Orochimaru laughed. "Do you think I will believe you?"
"I've been shunned by the Ryuujin Clans since I was young. They would laugh at me and talk as if I wasn't there." Naruto clenched his fists tightly. "I want to take them down. All of them for thinking ill of me!"
"There is a way to show your loyalty to me." Orochimaru said after a moment. "With your loyalty, there is much power that I can give you."
"I will do whatever you say, Orochimaru-sama." Naruto said, respectfully. Orochimaru smiled and raised a cold hand, gently caressing the face of the Kyuubi.
"I will give you a seal. It will enhance the capabilities that were entrusted to you before birth. The seal will awaken your altered DNA. Then, you will only serve only me." Orochimaru spoke up. One pale hand touched Naruto's neck before resting at his collarbone. "Are you willing to sell me your soul?"
Naruto met his gaze steadily.
"Yes."
There headquarters were indeed underground. Below the sewers was a civilization that strived to keep Konoha running. They ran the public facilities such as the hospitals and the schools. Women, Sasuke noted, was prominent in the clan. Most of who were devoted to serving Shinzui from the Hime Clan.
"Hokage-sama, you have returned." A familiar voice greeted them and Sasuke looked up in surprise. Ino stood a few feet away from them, bowing respectfully.
"Yamanaka?" Sasuke blinked.
"Sasuke, it is nice to see you again. It's been a long time since we greeted each other like this." Ino smiled.
"Ino, how is your division going?" Shizune asked.
"It is right on schedule." Ino winked. "Hinata you will have to check in on your forces."
"I will do that now." Hinata smiled as she nodded to Tsunade and Shizune.
"Wait." Neji called out. "I'll come with you." With a pause he glanced at Sasuke and Sasuke nodded, giving him permission to leave.
"Hokage-sama! The board is waiting for your presence." A woman ran up to them and Tsunade nodded.
"Let's go." Tsunade gestured. Sasuke followed the blonde woman, noting the authority and power she radiated. But it was warm, like the sun on a cool spring day. She was the light that Shinzui protected.
This woman... Sasuke thought. Is truly amazing and she looks young too. Wait…isn't she Naruto's grandmother? How old is she really?
"Sasuke, how is Shikamaru doing?" Ino asked as she fell in step with him.
"He's lazy as always." Sasuke replied, flatly. Ino laughed and poked him.
"You've changed Sasuke." Ino commented. "You're more open now."
"Time changes everyone." Sasuke said, quietly. Ino nodded in agreement and they stopped to open a door. Filing in, they were greeted with a large meeting room with many people sitting at a large round table.
"A circle has no corners, Sasuke." Ino murmured.
There were a lot of faces that Sasuke was sure he had seen before but have never noticed anything particularly strange about them. They were all in their middle aged years, older and wiser than any of the new gangs that had appeared over the last decade.
"Uchiha?" Someone commented. "What is he doing here?" A hand touched his shoulder comfortingly and he looked over to see Hinata smiling at him. Neji nodded solemnly at him from next to her.
"He is my guest." Tsunade replied as she gestured for him to take a seat. Neji sat next to him as Hinata walked over to stand again by Tsunade's side. "We will make our move very soon. Shinja can not become more powerful than it already is. Mr. Uchiha, can you tell us of your experience with them?"
"Orochimaru is ruthless." Sasuke spoke up. "The one he sent to invade our headquarters was a man who had been shaped to look like him, act like him, and think like him. But we managed to get rid of his right hand, Kabuto."
"Kabuto was a very valuable asset to Shinja. I was surprised when I learned of his death." A man with long blond hair pulled up into a high ponytail spoke up. "I've heard that Orochimaru has already made another man as his right hand. He controls half of the forces of Shinja, second to a man named Kimimaro."
"I'm sure that would be Naruto." Another man spoke up. He sat next to a man with silver hair that fell over the left side of his face. The man who had spoken was older than most of the people there, his white hair was pulled back casually. What was striking was the pair of red streaks that ran down the each side of his face.
Sasuke suddenly recalled the moment that Naruto had drawn two bloody lines that trailed down his face. Did this man have something to do with him?
Murmurs and soft whispers echoed throughout the meeting room at the man's words and Tsunade held up her hand for silence. When no one paid attention to her, she slammed her hand down onto the table. The force of it sent the table vibrating. It was then Sasuke noticed the bright red spiral carved into the table, centering in the middle of the table and slowly moving outwards.
"It is a memory of the Uzumaki Clan." Ino said quietly from behind him. "They died tragically."
"Jiraiya, couldn't you have waited?" Tsunade frowned at the man. Jiriaya shrugged and folded his arms, leaning backwards in his chair.
"It is true that Naruto is in Orochimaru's possession. He took a great risk in going there but he has already decided his path." Tsunade said. "Like Arashi, Naruto is headstrong and stubborn. He will not sway when he has already made his decision." The next words that she spoke brought a chill to the air.
"Orochimaru is very good at manipulating people to bend to his will." Tsunade said, calmly. "If Naruto is turned against us, we will have to kill him."
"No!" The loud shout echoed throughout the room almost immediately. All eyes turned to look at him and he realized that he had shouted those words.
He was shaking, not from fear but in anger. Raising a hand up, he focused on his hand and then at the spiral on the table that was evident through his fingers. "We can not kill Naruto." Sasuke said, taking a deep breath. "There is no way I will let you."
"Please reconsider Hokage-sama." A man with a scar across the bridge of his nose pleaded. "He is the last surviving member of the Uzumaki Clan."
"If he is dangerous, he will be shut down." Tsunade replied, closing her eyes.
"I don't understand you." Sasuke said, coldly. "He is your own grandson! You are signing his death warrant."
"Shinzui must protect the people, Mr. Uchiha." Tsunade replied, smoothly. "The people have always come first."
"Then," Sasuke stood up from his seat. "Ryuujin will not join forces with you. We will infiltrate the snake's lair by ourselves."
"Sasuke!" Ino protested as she grabbed his arm.
"You are still young, Uchiha Sasuke." Tsunade told him. "You do not know your role in society."
"Hokage-sama, forgive me but I have to agree." The man with silver hair stood up and bowed respectfully. "But I can not go along with this unless Naruto is spared. He was my student and I believe in him."
"Hokage-sama." Hinata whispered, urgently as she shook Tsunade's shoulder. Tsunade sighed and nodded.
"Fine. Naruto will not be killed but if he has turned against us, Mr. Uchiha, you will know what to do." Tsunade said, meeting his eyes. Sasuke stiffened and gave a nod.
"I will do what I think is best." He replied, bowing respectfully.
The first thought that came to his mind was the darkness of the room and the smoothness of satin that he was lying in. He got up slowly as the events began coming back to him, memories that he was sure would haunt him for the rest of his life. The satin bed sheet slid like water from his shoulders and pooled at his waist. A stinging pain made him look down and touch his breastbone with gentle fingertips.
It was a seal, shaped like three curving tear drops and black. It looked foreign against his bronze complexion.
I've sold my soul. He thought. No emotion welled up from inside of him. No regrets or guilt or fear. That emotionless feeling left him strangely disturbed.
He heard him walk across the room and the bed shifted as the man got onto it. Naruto slowly looked up, staring at the Shinja leader. The man was clothed in a dark robe and nothing else. The pale skin of his chest stood out against the darkness of the room.
"You are awake." Orochimaru smiled. "Does it hurt?'
"No." Naruto replied as his hand fell away. He slowly gripped the satin that pooled around his waist and lifted it slowly off of him, fully aware of his nakedness and the chill of the room. He was fully aware of the man's eyes hungrily drinking in the sight of him.
As he moved over slowly untying Orochimaru's robe, he was fully aware of the cold hands that roamed from his shoulders to the place below his waist. He was aware when his hands gripped the pale shoulders above him and the sweat that coated his brow.
He was fully aware when something intruded inside of him, bringing him a mixed feeling of pleasure and pain.
At long last, he was fully aware that he felt nothing at all.
TBC…