Naruto: Tornado of Souls V2
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or RWBY
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Here is chapter 21. Enjoy!
Last time:
"Who are you?!" said Guren. "Where is Sakura?"
The young woman said, "Sakura is all but dead and gone…." She reached up and grabbed the other half of her face and peeled it back showing a very attractive face with red eyes. Then she reached up and pulled her pink hair back and off causing long, wavy jet black hair to cascade out from underneath. The young woman said, "I like you Guren; so out of kindness I'm going to spare you just this once…." She looked at the wall and her red 'sharingan' eye flashed. A portal of red energy appeared in front of her and the mysterious girl walked through it and vanished leaving a trail of dead and broken bodies in her wake…
…
Stepping out of a red portal several miles away; the black haired young woman said aloud, "The strong live and the weak die Sakura. Those are the rules." She paused and felt the breeze blow her long hair and cloak back bit showing her voluptuous figure. She said, "I spared the Uchiha so you should be thanking me….We're going to Konoha. We're going to see Naruto-kun."
She smiled coldly. "Haruno Sakura is no more. From now on I'm Branwen Raven …"
…
Chapter 21
Rice Country, Orochimaru's Northern Headquarters
"Orochimaru-sama; of the twenty three personnel that had a run in with this person that was disguised as Sakura only two survived." reported Kabuto. "They are Guren and Izumi who lost his eyes and was the first cut down. Everyone else was slaughtered with extreme prejudice. I've also confirmed that your prized Kiri Water Edged O-Katana was used and is missing from the armory."
Orochimaru was looking over Guren's report as he listened to Kabuto. "Red eyes, wavy black hair and some sort of teleportation bloodline…Who is she? To think that she has been imitating Sakura and knows Iaido…"
Kabuto adjusted his glasses. "Karin reported gradual physical changes in Sakura's appearance from seeing her in the shower. It could be this person was here longer than we realized."
"What of the guard Izumi?" asked Orochimaru. "Has he given a verbal report yet?"
"Izumi-san is still delirious from the pain of losing his eyes." said Kabuto. "I will give him a sedative so I can get him to talk."
Orochimaru nodded in approval. "Did Sasuke-kun notice anything?" asked the snake sanin. "He was sleeping with her after all."
The glasses wearing nin shook his head. "Sasuke said he didn't notice a thing and he was with her night before last. I hate to admit this but I think this imposter has been here awhile. I believe she had the green eye contacts made as part of her disguise."
"But we both saw her with her sharingan mere days ago." said Orochimaru. "You did routine blood tests to check her DNA for rejection of the contact lens over the sharingan. Double check those for changes Kabuto."
Kabuto bowed. "As you wish my Lord." He then dismissed himself.
The snake sanin pondered to himself, 'Could that young woman actually be Sakura? It seems impossible but with the split personalities…'
…
Fire Country, Konoha
The 'crack!' sound of Naruto's gunblade split the morning at Training Ground 52 as Naruto used the inferior ammunition for practicing his targeting. "There isn't a hope in hell with this ammo." said Naruto as another round veered to the left much to his irritation. "It's no wonder that enemy ninja never hit me at long range. He was shooting all over the place."
Blake smiled from her sitting position on the ground beside the standing Naruto. "You're getting frustrated Naruto-kun. The goal here is to get your arms used to the recoil of the gunblade which you are doing very well with. Besides; you've actually been hitting the targets now even if it hasn't been dead center."
"I agree with Blake-chan." said Pyrrha. The radiant redhead was working on fuinjutsu seals for the ammunition on Naruto's other side on a sketchpad she had in her lap. "You couldn't hit the side of a barn when you started." she added while laughing.
"Pyrrha-chan…." whined Naruto. The redhead laughed more as Blake joined in. Naruto gave up and gave the girls a toothy grin.
Blake stood up and said, "You've shot up enough targets for know. Let's practice your sword katas."
Naruto was soon doing overhead swings to get used to the weight of his new weapon. The three decided he should try firing a few shots to increase the speed of his swings but that ended up with Naruto burying his blade in the dirt. "Well, that didn't work." said the blonde as he pulled his weapon out of the ground.
Pyrrha said, "We'll come back to that step later. Obviously we are rushing things."
It was about that time Yamanaka Ino arrived. "Wow! What was that terrific noise? Is that your new weapon Pyrrha-chan told me about Naruto-kun?"
Naruto said, "Hi Ino. Yep; this is my gunblade. I'm learning to use it so it's rough going right now."
Ino flashed Naruto a huge smile. "I'm sure you'll have it down in no time Naruto-kun."
Blake thought to herself, 'I can smell the damn hormones coming off Ino….' "So what brings you way out here to Training Ground 52 Ino? Where is Team 10?"
"Asuma-sensei gave us the day off." explained the blonde kunoichi. "When Pyrrha-chan left in her combat gear this morning I figured she came out here. I thought I'd see what you guys were up to. Besides, Naruto-kun's here! –with his new weapon!"
'Besides, Naruto-kun's here?' thought Pyrrha. 'Could she be any more obvious?! Blake-chan is going to murder her and I'm inclined to help.' The resident redhead said to her friend, "Ino-chan; we are teaching Naruto-kun the proper way to handle his gunblade so we're going to be weapons sparring until lunch."
"That's cool." said Ino. "I'll just sit back and watch. This afternoon maybe we can all hang out."
Blake's eyebrow twitched and Pyrrha let out a long suffering sigh. "I guess if you want to Ino-chan…" said the redhead.
…
Two hours later a tired Blake and Pyrrha were sitting down with their bokkens and Naruto was sitting with them healing from the beating he'd taken during their morning spars. He wasn't as tired as the girls but Naruto was sporting a few bruises. Ino was fussing over Naruto. "You girls should be more careful! Let me help you Naruto-kun. You're all beat up."
Naruto replied, "I'm fine Ino. I heal really quickly. Besides, I am bound to get roughed up. I'm just starting out."
Ino was about to disagree when Kakashi appeared in a swirl of leaves. He gave a double eye smile and said, "I figured you three would be out here working though it's your day off. Ah, Ino's here too."
"Kakashi sensei; Blake and Pyrrha-chan are merciless!" said Ino. "Look at poor Naruto-kun!"
Kakashi shrugged and said, "Looks like the girls have been teaching you the fine art of swordplay Naruto. Let's have a look at your forms."
Naruto quickly hopped up and went through the basic katas with Kakashi checking them over with a critical eye. "Hmmm…" said the silver haired sensei. "You are holding back Naruto. We need to get you a custom bokken so you won't worry about hurting the others with a cutting edge."
"We've been telling Naruto-kun he's been holding back all morning." said Blake.
Kakashi chuckled, "He just doesn't want to hurt you lovely ladies." Naruto and the girls blushed slightly and their sensei snapped his fingers. "I have an idea. Let me borrow that gunblade of yours for a bit Naruto. I have a friend who I believe could craft you a custom bokken."
"Really Kakashi sensei?" asked Naruto. "I figured we'd see if Tenten could do it."
"She probably could." agreed Kakashi. "But my friend specializes in woodworking only so I think he could get it done faster. Besides, I figure you kids already have Tenten and her Father working on something."
"That's true." said Naruto. "She's making ammunition for Shear Trigger."
Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "I know guns aren't common in ninja villages but I'm surprised she didn't have some bullets already. That store has everything."
"Shear Trigger is a custom size sensei." said Pyrrha in a distressed tone. "Everything about it is custom –including the caliber of the rounds."
"That's going to cost a few ryo." said Kakashi dubiously as he accepted the gunblade from Naruto. "I'll have this back to you by this evening if I can track down my old ANBU buddy. Hopefully I'll have a bokken with it. Later!" Kakashi vanished in a body flicker.
"We so have to learn the body-flicker." said Naruto as his teammates nodded.
…
Hot Springs Country
Branwen Raven came into a bounty station and said, "I'm here to collect the bounty on the Bandits of the Salt Hills."
The man behind the counter looked at the red eyed girl incredulously and then started to laugh. "Hahaha! You've got guts making a claim like that Missy. I suppose you have proof? There leader is and ex-chunin from Taki that goes by the name of Hantā Kusa. He's no pushover. I think you need to learn the rules of the trade before you-"
Raven pulled a bloody scroll out of her backpack and said, "Here's your proof." She unsealed the scroll and twenty decapitated heads rolled out and spread blood all over the counter and floor. Everyone in the room was shocked into silence as she picked up the head of Hantā Kusa and set it down in the middle of the counter with a meaty splat. "That's Hantā Kusa according to the bingo book old man. Now I believe I have a check to cash."
The guildsman was flabbergasted and said "All by yourself…?"
"I needed some easy ryos." said Raven. "They were convenient." 'No need to tell him they were all blackout drunk and passed out. A baby would have put up a better fight than these losers.'
The men from the guild soon counted up the heads and verified they were all the Salt Hill Bandits. Soon Raven had a large stack of Ryo bills in hand and was on her way…
…
Konoha Hospital
Lee was getting his final checkup from Tsunade before he would be would be released from the hospital. "Now remember Lee; you are still in physical therapy for the next two weeks. After that you will be checked again and hopefully we can release you to your normal exercise regimen under Maito Gai." said the slug sanin. "I have instructed Gai on exactly what you can and cannot do Lee-kun so follow my instructions and don't push yourself. You've just been through surgery and aren't superhuman so keep those Flames of Youth in check or you'll end up in the hospital again. Do you understand me Lee-kun?"
Lee saluted with fire in his eyes. "I shall follow your orders to the letter Tsunade-sama! I assure you that in two weeks my Flames of Youth will be stoked to new levels!"
Tsunade sweat dropped. "I guess that's the best I can ask for Lee-kun. You are dismissed." After Lee went roaring out of the hospital at breakneck speed, the busty blonde healer thought to herself, 'Gods, Lee is just Gai all over again.'
…
Gai was in the 'Nice Guy' pose addressing Lee. "And so my apprentice, your exercise regimen with be comparatively light but fear not; we will stoke your Flames of Youth to new heights as soon as you are released for your regular exercise. I the meantime you need to take it easy and recover. I know it will be difficult given your passion for training but we must persevere."
"Yes Gai sensei!" said Lee with a salute. "I cannot wait to begin my full goken training again. I shall start with five hundred one armed pushups."
"Make that one hundred pushups Lee-kun." said Tenten as she looked over the paper from the hospital. "Tsunade-sama's instructions are very explicit on exactly what you are allowed to do."
"Only one hundred Tenten-chan?!" asked Lee with shocked eyes. "That's hardly enough to warm up."
Tenten held the paper up to Lee's face and said, "Read the paper. One hundred and not one more. Gai sensei may let it slide but I won't."
Konoha's Sublime Green Beast said sagely, "Ah yes. Tenten-chan is acting in your best interests Lee. Consider her your conscience during this trying time."
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee-kun!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee-kun!"
Cue man hug with sunset genjutsu and crashing waves from hell…
'That's one thing I didn't miss…' thought Tenten and Neji as one…
…
Northern Fire Country
Team 8 was in a diamond formation around the Konoha Ninja Caravan. Hinata was in front, Shino was behind and Kurenai and Kiba were on either side. They were usually accompanied by several lightly injured or uninjured comrades who were rotating back to Konoha. Everyone was in a festive mood that they were heading home. It had been two days and the ninjas were making good time.
Shino was talking with his clansmen as they brought up the rear. "The Reapers were a real threat but we saw them coming before they realized ninjas were guarding the caravan. We were fortunate that they didn't expect us and Team 8 capitalized on their mistakes." explained Shino.
"You are being far more modest than needed Shino-kun." said one of the Aburame kunoichis. "Your Father Shibi will be most impressed by your actions. The four of you taking out nearly two dozen trained samurai is no small feat."
Another Aburame ninja said, "You'll be seeing quite a bit of bounty money for that lot Shino-kun. Spend it wisely."
…
Hinata was up on point with two other Hyūga women from the branch house named Suzuka and Honoka. They were cousins but hard to tell apart at a glance. Suzuka was slightly taller and had shorter hair than her cousin. Hinata didn't know them very well but they certainly knew who she was….
"Our heiress has such daring kunoichi gear!" giggled Honoka. "I wish I had the legs to carry that off Hinata-sama."
Suzuka said, "More importantly I heard you had a bow Hinata-sama but all I see are the two kodachis on your back." Then she added, "Either is unusual for a Hyuga though."
Hinata said, "The swords on my back are called Midnight and they form a bow. Observe." The Hyūga Heiress flipped her blades in front of her and formed her chakra bow with three arrows at the ready. "I'm in the mood for duck." said Hinata as she loosed her three arrows into three ducks flying overhead in a rather spectacular display of marksmanship. "Please keep a lookout while I collect my targets." said Hinata as she darted off.
Suzuka and Honoka were both flabbergasted as Hinata quickly gathered up her three kills and sealed them in a scroll for later. Suzuka said, "Hinata-sama's aim is astonishing! Why haven't we Hyūgas combined the byukagan with marksmanship before now?"
"I don't know…" said Honoka. "Hinata-sama did that so effortlessly. I wonder if we could do the same."
…
Kurenai saw Hinata shoot down the three ducks from her position beside the caravan. "Looks like Hinata-chan wants duck for lunch."
Anko sweat dropped. "Do your genins always choose what's on the menu so randomly Nai-chan?"
The red eyed jonin smiled and shrugged. "I have a team of trackers; what did you expect?"
The snake mistress looked thoughtful for a moment and said, "When you put it that way I guess it makes sense."
…
Rice Country, Orochimaru's Northern Headquarters
In Kabuto's medical bay Orochimaru's right hand man was questioning the guard Izumi who was finally talking again due to pain medications…
"What do you mean 'We tried to rape her' you fool?!" growled Kabuto. "That…woman slaughtered twenty one of our dwindling numbers all because you and your two friends thought you'd have fun with Sakura?! Damn it Izumi!"
"Who cares about that crazy pink haired bitch?" shrieked Izumi. "What about my eyes?"
Kabuto started, "Your eyes?! Why I ought to-"
"Now, now Kabuto-kun. Temper, temper." said Orochimaru in a silky voice.
Kabuto jumped to attention and Izumi froze. "O-Orichimaru-s-sama?" squeaked Izumi.
Orochimaru patted Izumi's shoulder. "That's right Izumi-kun; I've been listening the whole time. It seems that you and your friends have caused me a great deal of trouble. I said that Sasuke-kun's wives were off limits and it seems that you and the other two weren't very good listeners."
"Forgive me Orochimaru-sama!" squealed Izumi. "It wasn't my idea, it was-"
Izumi was silenced with a slap across the face. Orochimaru said, "Observe my apprentice. I will show you how to make someone talk properly."
Kabuto nodded in fear of his Master's wrath.
…
Three hours later Izumi was dead and Kabuto had a huge mess in his lab to clean up. Kabuto was just glad the screaming was over.
"Make sure the others realize the price for disobeying me before you sterilize this lab Kabuto-kun." ordered Orochimaru as he left…
…
Fire Country, Konoha
Team 7 and Ino were at Ichiraku's Ramen having lunch. "One Team Seven Special Ayame nee-chan!" said Naruto as the group sat down.
Ayame smiled at their favorite customer and his girlfriends. "Do you want your usual orders?" she asked.
"Five beef and five pork for me!" exclaimed Naruto happily.
"I'll have three seafood ramen today." said Blake.
Pyrrha said courteously, "I think I'll have two chicken ramen. What would you like Ino-chan?"
Ino looked a bit dazed at the amounts being ordered and said, "I'll have one vegetable ramen please."
"Coming right up!" said Ayame as she went to the back with the massive order.
…
"So do you guys always order this much?" asked Ino as Naruto demolished his sixth bowl.
"Always!" said Naruto. "Ramen is the food of the gods after all."
Blake finished her second bowl and said, "This is our usual amounts. We've been working hard all morning after all."
Pyrrha was politely eating her second bowl and said, "Ino-chan, you eat more than you used to. Don't tell me you're on a diet again."
Ino waved her hands and said, "No, no! I just can only hold so much ramen you know?"
…
After lunch Team 7 was trying to figure out what to do. "Shame we can't pick up a courier mission." said Blake.
Pyrrha chuckled. "You know that downtime is mandatory after a heavy combat mission Blake-chan. We're supposed to be relaxing."
"Training is relaxing Pyrrha-chan." said Naruto.
Blake stretched and yawned. "I feel like a nice nap after a big lunch."
Naruto was admiring Blake's fabulous frame as she stretched. "Well, we could all go back to my apartment and relax there."
Pyrrha yawned daintily. "Maybe we should go to your apartment and hang out Naruto-kun."
Ino said, "Sure! Can I come with?" 'I've never been in Naruto-kun's apartment before!'
Blake really wanted to chase Ino off but technically the blonde kunoichi hadn't actually done anything. "I guess so Ino. What do you think Naruto-kun?"
Naruto was looking forward to some make out time with his girlfriends but this shot that idea down in flames. "Ummm, sure, I guess so Ino. I think my apartment is a bit messy right now though."
Ino giggled. "I'm sure it's fine Naruto-kun." 'Score!'
…
Hot Springs Country/Fire Country Border
Raven was looking at her new red and black clothing she bought that was much like the gear she wore in Remnant. Her snake patterned Oto uniform was a thing of the past now. "As much as I hated to spend the money a girl needs her clothes." 'It's ironic that both Sakura and I favored red. It's the only thing we have in common.' She adjusted her O-katana. 'I wonder how Naruto-kun is…I'll see him soon enough in Konoha when I join up. It shouldn't be too difficult to join given all the refugees I heard about fleeing Rice Country.' With those thoughts in mind Raven set off for Fire Country looking for more easy bounties to pay her way…
…
Northern Fire Country
Kurenai signaled for a stop. As it was getting close to evening; the Konoha forces decided to set up camp for the night and were soon eating dinner. The caravan would be in Konoha by the next evening.
Team 8 was sitting around a campfire. They were joined by Anko, Tayuya and the Malachite twins as well as Haishi and Hoheto Hyūga. "I wish Hana nee-chan and Kaa-san had been able to come back with us." said Kiba to his team. The dog ninja was a bit down about the situation. Akamaru whined and Kiba said, "It's okay boy; I know you miss them too."
Melanie Malachite said to Kiba, "I'm really amazed you can actually talk with your dog Kiba. Ninken are pretty special."
Kiba grinned. "Dogs are the greatest!" He scratched Akamaru behind his ears and said, "Isn't that right boy?"
Akamaru barked happily in agreement which made Melanie chuckle.
Miltia asked, "So how did your clan learn to speak to dogs anyway Kiba?"
The dog ninja looked thoughtful and said, "The Inuzukas have had canine partners since before Konoha was founded. I really don't know which Inuzuka was the first to speak to dogs but we were teamed with dogs for generations before then. I guess I should ask one of the elders or something. I never really thought about it. I was able to talk to canines as long as I can remember."
On the other side of the fire Hinata was talking to her Father and her clansman Hoheto. Hiashi's eyes were wide as he looked at a picture of his own Father and the other Elders of the Hyūga Clan all completely bald and other photos with makeshift turbans….
"W-w-why?" stuttered Hoheto.
"What is the meaning of this?" asked Hiashi in dismay.
"I thought I would save you the shock of their new hairstyle." said Hinata with a completely straight face. "Last I heard they were looking into fuchsia and chartreuse wigs to cover their bald heads. When I left they were wearing old towels as turbans. I really wonder what got into them."
…
Meanwhile in Konoha…
…The Hyūga Elders were having a meeting about their currently bald pates. "Hinata-sama is hell incarnate!" cried Elder Hiraku. "Hiashi-sama is on his way back and we all are still bald as a bunch of cue balls!"
"At least you aren't a woman!" shrieked Elder Majo. "It's ten times worse for Minako and I!"
Elder Minako cringed. "That omiai was a very bad idea..."
The head Elder sighed. "I never realized that smuggling wigs into the compound would be so difficult."
"I still think the branch house seized the wigs we ordered." muttered Hiraku.
"We have no proof at all." said Elder Minako. "I already discussed it with the head beautician for our clan and she says the only wigs that came in were the bargain ones in fuchsia and chartreuse. She also said they can't use hair dyes on the wigs without them melting. They are simply too cheaply made."
"We need to send out an investigation team to find the rest of the wigs." said Hiraku.
Elder Majo snarled, "I case you have forgotten; the majority of our clansmen are at war. Did that ever occur to you Hiraku?"
They didn't know the head beautician was under direct orders from Hinata-sama…and thought the whole situation was hysterical…
…
The Konoha Ninja Caravan
Hiashi shook his head. "I will get to the bottom of this and find out what possessed them to shave their heads….there will be a reckoning."
Hinata's eyes danced with a mixture of flames and amusement. "It should be interesting to hear their excuses for their actions." 'It's feels so good to be evil!' the heiress thought with a mental giggle.
…
Fire Country, Konoha
Hatake Kakashi knocked on Naruto's door carrying a bokken that was a wooden replica of the Shear Trigger courtesy of his old friend Tenzo from ANBU. He heard his Teams laughter inside and hoped no one was pregnant. 'Who knows what Naruto can do with all those clones…lucky bastard.' he thought with a perverted giggle. Kakashi knocked again and one of Naruto's clones opened the door.
"Kakashi-sensei; come on in." welcomed the clone.
"I brought your new bokken Naruto." said Kakashi. "Are you busy?"
"We were just playing Go." said Naruto. "It kind of became a marathon. Let's take the bokken to boss. I'm sure he'll be thrilled."
Kakashi came in and saw Pyrrha looking carefully at the board as she placed a white stone down. She was playing against Naruto who (unsurprisingly) was using a wild and unpredictable strategy that threw all logic out the window.
"How is it going kids?" asked Kakashi. "Playing a few rounds of Go I see."
Pyrrha looked up brightly and said, "Kakashi-sensei, welcome! I see you have the bokken for Naruto-kun."
"Indeed I do." said Kakashi as he handed the bokken to Naruto and set Shear Trigger on the table beside the blonde. "Feast your eyes on this."
Naruto admired the polished bokken with wide eyes. "This is beautiful work sensei." said Naruto. "How did your friend make it so fast?"
"He has an amazing talent with woodworking." said Kakashi. "Anyway he owed me a favor so he did it for free. Now you can practice properly."
Naruto compared the weight and the balance of his new bokken and the Shear Trigger and said, "This is amazing. I can really practice with this. Thank you, sensei!"
"Any time Naruto." said the silver haired jonin.
"Now maybe Blake and Pyrrha-chan won't be so brutal sparring with Naruto-kun." said Ino.
Blake shook her head, "No, now Naruto-kun can go full force instead of holding back. We can't go easy with blades. You don't learn to wield a sword overnight after all."
Naruto chuckled and said, "I never thought I'd be learning swordplay. Our whole team has swords now."
"You are doing well so far Naruto-kun." said Pyrrha. "The dynamics of using a gunblade are different from standard swords so the learning curve is high."
Blake nodded. "It will all work out Naruto-kun. Just remember you won't be combat ready with the Shear Trigger for some time though."
…
Eastern Fire Country
Branwen Raven set up camp for the night. 'I have to grow stronger. I'm far from my peak but I figure I'm a solid chunin in strength. Considering how young my body is I suppose I shouldn't complain." The black haired young woman carefully set up ninja traps she'd learned from Sakura's memories and dozed off into a light sleep.
"I hate you Branwen Raven!' said Sakura weakly from her cage.
Raven materialized outside the cage in a shimmering red portal. She smiled coldly. "Still clinging to life princess? The cursed seal has finally been absorbed and drained away so Orochimaru has no way of helping you. This body is all me now. I even got my figure back."
The rosette coughed. "W-what about Sasuke-kun? What about Ino-chan joining?"
The black haired young woman rolled her eyes. "Ino won't be joining anybody –or at least not Sasuke-chan. Maybe I'll befriend her just to spite you. After all; I don't want her to murder her own Mother like you did. As for Sasuke-chan…he'll be dead soon enough. I figure Guren will kill him off sooner rather than later."
The pinkette moaned, "H-hate you…"
As Raven disappeared she said, "Fade to black Haruno Sakura…"
…
Rice Country, Orochimaru's Northern Headquarters
After sterilizing the huge mess in his lab; Kabuto was running DNA tests on Sakura. After some investigation he had the pink "wig" of hair that the imposter was wearing and it tested positive as Sakura's actual hair. 'Did the imposter kill and scalp Sakura then? I've run the tests three times and this is Haruno Sakura's real hair.' Kabuto looked inside the wig and saw several strands of wavy black hair. On a whim he decided to test it and got astonishing results. "The DNA is a one hundred percent match?! But….how?" thought the baffled medic aloud. 'There is no dye or other chemicals. It's naturally black and wavy instead of pink and straight….'
Kabuto started checking articles of clothing and everything else that was left behind in Sakura's room to test and always came up with the same results. 'There is no foreign DNA that can't be positively identified. Somehow Sakura transformed from one person into another and I believe it was triggered by the cursed seal. Could it be she had a dormant bloodline all along? She had civilian parents and nothing of note is written about the Harunos except they were merchants. She has no living relatives because she executed her own parents….'
"A ryo for your thoughts Kabuto-kun?" asked Orochimaru. "You've been in deep thought for some time."
The bespectacled medic was embarrassed at his lack of awareness and said, "I'm terribly sorry Orochimaru-sama; I should have been more observant. This mystery about Haruno Sakura is a difficult concept to grapple with."
The snake sanin raised his eyebrows. 'That's unusual.' "What have you found out Kabuto-kun?"
"Sakura-chan and the imposter are identical genetically." said Kabuto. "They are one in the same person. I've run dozens of tests and they all match."
Orochimaru's scientific curiosity was officially piqued now. "Do you have a theory about this phenomenon?"
Kabuto scratched his chin and said nervously, "I believe Sakura-chan may have had some sort of dormant bloodline that was triggered by the cursed seal. It's farfetched but her split personality started then. She was showing more and more signs of her personality stabilizing but that still wouldn't explain her sudden knowledge of iaido of all things. My gut feeling is as Sakura-chan changed into this new person her original personality may have been subverted by a new and more capable one. I plan to ask Karin-chan and Guren some more questions but Sasuke-kun didn't notice anything and he was sleeping with her."
"It seems Sasuke-kun's observational skills are rather lacking." said Orochimaru with a flat look. "How is Guren-chan anyway?"
"Guren is fully healed physically but is in shock as all of us here are." said the silver haired medic. "She was completely at the imposter's mercy –or rather Sakura's mercy. Anyway, Guren is still a bit skittish."
"That's perfectly understandable." said Orochimaru. "As long as she recovers in the next couple of weeks she'll be fine." The snake sannin looked at the strands of pink and black hair under glass that Kabuto was studying. "Fascinating. Keep me informed on this Kabuto."
"Of course Orochimaru-sama." said Kabuto with a bow.
…
POSTSCRIPT:
See you next time. Blue out. 4/7/17
Updated 4/6/22