Sealkeeper: He Who Binds
Chapter 93 – Double
Weary black eyes snapped open as quickly as they could, drawn to the flash of crimson in their bedchambers. Every part of Orochimaru's body hurt and his Chakra was almost nonexistent but they weren't a Sannin for nothing. Forcing himself into a sitting position he was greeted by the sight of a golden snake watching him with amused red eyes, a scroll held securely behind glistening black fangs.
Elation shot through his body only to come crashing down just as quickly.
"P-please, please tell me my prince does not need my aid." As his raspy voice echoed quietly in the otherwise silent room any amusement in those red eyes dissipated. Dropping the scroll into golden coils the serpent gave him a suspicious glare.
"You would deny the high-priest?" it accused.
"No, no. Never. I would deny him nothing." A cough racked Orochimaru's new body, still adjusting to its new master's presence and weak from the transfer. "But I would have been far more use to him not an hour ago."
Two crimson orbs trailed over the one they had been sent to find, noting the obvious unwellness, and the serpent gave a satisfied nod. "So it would seem. Still, the high-priest sends for you and father Aū is most interested in this war of his."
"...War...?" Orochimaru didn't know his heart could sink more until he heard that, for as much pride as it filled him to hear that his prince was going to war the crushing guilt of not being able to wage it beside him dragged it down into the cold pit of his stomach.
"Oh yes," The serpent was positively giddy. "War burned brightly in his eyes. Father Aū will be most entertained.
"His words, then, I would know them." Orochimaru's hand reached out for the scroll but fell short. The serpent seemed almost to sigh before picking it back up behind its fangs and slithering over to the vulnerable Hebi-Sennin. It dropped the scroll into Orochimaru's hand and took the liberty of wrapping around his arm.
It was not, unfortunately, as warm as the snake might have hoped but it was still an improvement to the cold darkness that filled Orochimaru's personal chambers.
"Thank you, Honored Child." Even as he spoke his eyes were devouring the words of his prince, the weight in his chest growing more and more until he had finished. Naruto really was going to war and had indeed called for the aid of his godmother to wage it. Orochimaru alone would have been a great asset during the war but her forces were severely lacking- a consequence of using them for experiments more often than not- and what he could send him was a poor replacement for his own presence.
"I see." The mournful tone in Orochimaru's words was not missed by the golden serpent around his arm.
"So, will you heed the command of the High-Priest?"
Orochimaru's eyes closed, a deep sigh escaping his black lips. "I will do what I can, but I fear it is not nearly what he needs."
"Father Aū will be most displeased, but I suppose this matter is between you and the High-Priest now. Perhaps he is more understanding."
"Understanding, perhaps." Orochimaru gave a faint smile. "Forgiving? That's an entirely different matter. I still haven't made up all the birthdays I've missed, I have no idea how I'm going to make up for this."
"Just see to it you do." The snake uncoiled itself from around his arm. "If that was all I'll take my -"
"If I could ask a favor, Honorable Child?"
The snake only seemed slightly irritated at being interrupted. "What is it you need, snake sage?"
"If you would summon for me my best, Naruto has need of them."
"For the high priest? Very well, I shall fetch them."
"Thank you, Honorable Child."
The serpent gave a hiss that sounded very much like an amused snort. "I don't do this for you, snake sage. This is for the High-Priest."
Orochimaru just smiled. "And that is something deserving of my thanks."
The snake paused, turning back to look at Orochimaru with measuring eyes of red.
"Hmmph, well said, sage, well said."
Well, Naruto had been warned- or, at least, her raven was currently on its way to deliver her report- so the only purpose her presence here would serve was to provide updates on Akatsuki's successes and failures. She was sure he'd agree with her that it was much more productive lessening their numbers and getting the fuck out.
And if the one she removed from the picture happened to be one she had a personal grudge against? So what? She was a bit biased.
It was still better than having him remain a part of Akatsuki. Denial of resources, wasn't it? Same general idea. If you're going to retreat, don't leave things for the enemy to use against you later. And while that usually applied to things such as crop and livestock before a siege she had given birth to the bastard- it was almost the same thing.
Now, if only she had a better method of doing it.
"Tobi-chan has seen you watching her again, Itachi-senpai~." She wasnt sure if he was paying her words any mind, his attention seemed to be fully glued to her wiggling hips. "Maybe Itchai-senpai would like to come back to Tobi-chan's room to see even more~?"
"Y-yeah, that sounds...good..."
Well, if nothing else it assured her she still very much had it.
'Oh, Naruto-kun, the things I do for you.'
Really, it was mostly for revenge but if she told him otherwise maybe he'd reward her well enough that she would forget this. The seduction part, at least, she was going to savor the memory of plunging her dagger into the bastard's throat.
"Orochimaru-sama? Are you well?" Guren watched as the – now notably shorter- Orochimaru was helped into the room by a grim faced Kimimaro. He didn't seem to want the help but allowed one of the bone user's arms to remain on his shoulder- just in case.
"Not well enough, I'm afraid, and at a most inconvenient of times. Our prince has called for our aid, but I will not be able to answer his call personally. It will be up to you four to ensure his victory in Mizu no Kuni."
"Orochimaru-sama I can-" Kimimaro began only to be interrupted by his lord.
"No, Kimimaro. We will not be risking you in Mizu no Kuni with your sickness. Even if you were healthier I'd be hesitant, your clan is not looked upon favorably by that country."
Kimimaro bowed his head but was obviously not happy with the answer. "Of course, Orochimaru-sama."
"So, what's he need help with?" Asked Sakon, Ukon popping out of his back to continue. "Does he need swim lessons or something during his vacation?"
"Kimima-" Orochimaru didn't even have to finish his name before his most loyal of subjects was on the task, two fingerbones smacking into both of their heads none too gently.
"Our prince would not call on us for something so trivial, and neither would I be taking it so seriously." Orochimaru's displeased frown seemed to have a better effect in this body, perhaps because it wasn't nearly as attractive as his last one had been. "He goes to war, and has called upon me to support him. Had I received his summons earlier I would be going myself but as I am now I would do him no good. Instead, I am sending you to ensure his safety during his campaign. Do not fail me."
"Don't worry, Orochimaru-sama." Guren grinned. "He'll be in good hands."
Orochimaru gazed over what he had to offer- Kidomaru, the Kon brothers, and Guren- and frowned deeply. "A pair of good hands, perhaps." He had thought about releasing Suigetsu but ultimately decided that letting him loose in Mizu no Kuni wouldn't serve Naruto's purposes at all.
Jirobu, unfortunately, was busy trying to find things that would be of use to Naruto and Tayuya had been in Konoha when Naruto left. Either she was with him- which Orochimaru would prefer- or she had been left behind. Should it be the latter Orochimaru was fairly certain she would have at least been given a task by the young prince.
Actually, now that he thought about it Kabuto was stationed in Nami no Kuni, wasn't he? Yes, serving as his liaison- which hadn't really been necessary considering how much time he had managed to spend with his prince lately- between Otogakure and the House of Wolves. Perfect, he could have at least two subordinates he could trust seeing to Naruto's well-being.
"You four will stop at Nami no Kuni to secure passage to Mizu no Kuni, while there find Kabuto. He'll join you in supporting our prince and should be able to keep you all alive so long as you don't do anything too stupid."
The Kon brothers shot an accusing look at Kidomaru who shot one right back.
"We'll leave immediately, Orochimaru-sama." Guren shot all three of them a withering glare that did wonders in bringing them back into line.
"No, that's not fast enough." Orochimaru bit his thumb hard enough to draw blood before making a rapid series of handseals. In a poof of smoke a great purple snake filled the cavern. It did not seem pleased to have been summoned.
"Orochimaru!" It bellowed. "Why have you summoned me this time? Where are my sacrifices?"
"There will be no sacrifices, Manda." Orochimaru's voice was quiet and calm, he had dealt with Manda far too much to be otherwise.
"No sacrifice?! You dare summon me with no sacrifice?" The large purple head whipped to face the small snake sage, moving to hover mere feet above him. "You think I won't cancel the contract, Orochimaru? You know the terms, I'll revoke your ability to summon us in a heartbeat!"
"You'll do no such thing." Orochimaru scoffed. "The High-Priest has called for aid, you will help deliver it to him."
"You think me a beast of burden, Orochimaru? A horse for you to summon on a whim? I! Am! Manda!" His tail struck the ground with the crash of thunder at each word, his eyes glaring into those of his summoner.
"For the High-Priest you'll serve as a belt, should he wish it." Orochimaru countered. "The Voice of Aū has spoken, you will head his word."
"You are not he, none are he. There hasn't been a High-Priest in generations. Aū's priestesses fell from the faith centuries ago, and their bloodline has been lost for much longer. You speak nothing but lies, as should be expected from the holder of my contract."
"And you speak as a fool, the bloodline may be lost but his amulet has been recovered. A new High-Priest wears it now and has called for us. We will answer."
"Che, called for you, maybe. Follow this false prophet if you like, it will earn you no favors from me. For your insolence alone I demand one thousand sacrifices to my great name before I will head your call again." Manda disappeared into a puff of smoke, vanishing back into the summoning realm.
Frowning deeply Orochimaru once again bit his finger and made the handsigns. Drawing every last drop of Chakra they could he softly whispered "Kuchiyose no Jutsu", his words bringing with them an even larger burst of smoke. When it cleared a massive white snake filled the cavern, its body coiled around itself in a never-ending rope of pure muscle without start or end. With a few seconds of shifting scales a head slid out from between its coiled body.
Two dim eyes, once a brilliant gold, peered sightlessly at the assembled Otogakure Shinobi, a massive black tongue flickering out to taste the air.
Before Orochimaru could so much as greet the snake their entire body seemed to stiffen and jump, the head snapping down to taste the air directly around the Snake Sage.
"That smell..." The snake's voice was deep and gravely, grinding at their ears like the scrapping of steel against rock. It was also terribly old, ancient even, a serpent that may have been around since the creation of this world. "I know that taste..." It shifted more, somewhere between wariness and excitement. "Its' been...so long...so long...but I know that taste."
It took a deep, slow breath before releasing it in a shaky sigh.
"But it is weak...he is not here." There was a longing disappointment in its words, speaking of a great sadness it would never share. "Tell me, who has summoned me, lingering with the taste of our great father on their skin?"
"It is I, Great Elder Serpent Koshi Nii-sama, Hebi-Sennin Orochimaru." With some difficulty Orochimaru managed to lower himself to the ground, bowing deeply to the ancient serpent. Guren and the remnants of the Sound Four were notably surprised but Kimimaro didn't hesitate to take a knee next to his master.
Seeing this, Guren pushed the other two down before following suit herself. If this snake had Orochimaru bowing to it than she didn't want to anger it.
"I have heard about you, Hebi-Sennin." The black tongue continued to flicker out in the empty space the standing Orochimaru had once been. The snake seemed pleased by this, though none of them could see it. "From Manda's complaining, most often, but the children speak of your ways as one of us. Why have you called me from my home?"
"The High-Priest has called for our aid and I fear the forces I send will not reach him in time. I sought the aid of Manda to see his will done but he refused to answer the High-Priest's summons and has called him a false prophet. I turn to you for aid in carrying out the High-Priest's will."
The serpent recoiled as if struck before lowering its head right before Orochimaru.
"What?!" The black tongue writhed through the air in obvious agitation. "He would deny the High-Priest?"
"So it would seem, Koshi Nii-sama. With the High-Priest's command yet unfulfilled I did not concern myself with his disobedience."
Sightless eyes narrowed at Orochimaru. "You would remain unconcerned by his actions?"
"No, Koshi Nii-sama, but the call of the High-Priest seemed more pressing."
The Great Elder Serpent Koshi fell silent for a moment, weighing the response, before drawing his head back from the bowing Sennin. "So it is...so it is." Its focus moved to the others in the room, tasting their air, before returning to Orochimaru. "And these are who you would send?"
"They are my strongest and most capable, Koshi Nii-sama. My recent shedding has left me too weak to aid him personally."
"Hmph, I am blind and I am old but I shall answer the call of Aū's voice." It was obvious the serpent was not impressed. "Climb onto my head, little humans, and I shall take you as far as I can."
"Kimimaro.." Orochimaru began raising himself from the ground, his movements shaky and weak. Rather than come to his master's aid, as he would prefer, the Kaguya picked up a small package from beside him and carried it to Guren.
"This is Orochimaru-samas' gift to the High-Priest, to serve him well in battle. See to it he receives it."
She debated handing it to one of the morons to carry but quickly thought better of it. Orochimaru's gift to the prince was beyond important to the Snake Sage and losing it would have major consequences. She wasn't going to entrust something like that to Kidomaru or the Kon twins.
'Strong' enough to be Orochimaru's 'bodyguards' they might be, they were certainly not especially skilled or intelligent. Well, Tayuya and Jirobu had been, evidently, which is why they had been pulled from the sound four for more important tasks. They were valuable enough to not be on Orochimaru's go-to minion team.
No, that was Kin and Dosu, they were the minions. Kidomaru and the Kon twins were pack mules and meat shields.
"I'll take care of it." Guren assured him. She turned to the idiots. "Alright, you heard the Great Elder Serpent-" She still had no idea what the hell that meant, either, just that it was big and old. "get on his head, we're moving out."
With not a little unease the two complied, Kidomaru nearly being knocked down by a flicking black tongue much to the old snake's amusement.
Current leaped onto the snake and turned back to Orochimaru just in time to watch Kimimaro catch them on his shoulder, throwing one of the Snake Sage's arms around his shoulder and grabbing his hip to steady him. The body transfers had always left him drained but summoning both Manda and Koshi had rendered him unable to stand on his own.
He did, however, have just enough left to raise his head at the Oto Shinobi. "Do not fail me, and do not fail our prince."
"Hai, Orochimaru-sama."
The Great Elder Serpent began to move and the last Guren saw of her Otokage was the body of Uchiha Sasuke slumping fully onto the last Kaguya, completely unconscious.
Naruko's eyes scanned the empty training ground yet again, wondering where the hell her team was and when they were going on a mission. It wasn't like she didn't appreciate a couple of days downtime after leaving the village- even if it was only for a night- but this was getting a bit ridiculous.
Her gaze moved to the head of pink off to the side. Sakura hadn't said much- anything- to her since the mission which Naruko would have assumed was because her first kill had shaken her had it not been for the Sakura's smile.
She didn't seem like she was still bothered by it, but there was something in her eyes when she gave her that soft smile that had Naruko uneasy. Like herself, the pinkette had been stopping by the training ground the last few days to see if Kakashi was going to actually show up. So far there had been no luck.
Of course, they couldn't assume there wouldn't be any training or missions either because there was no way Kakashi would actually make an effort to notify them. Last thing she needed was to get in trouble for not showing up to a mission- which looked really bad on your record- or- worse- to have to hear the Jōnin make comments about it for the next six months or more.
"Well," Naruko sighed. "I'm going to assume we don't have anything today either." Her brother wasn't here again either, which she took to mean Kakashi had told him there wouldn't be anything or that he knew- or was a part of- whatever was keeping Kakashi from doing his damn job.
He had made abundantly clear that he had no desire to actually be a Sensei, so that really could be just about anything.
She was able to see Sakura's smile turn into a small, disappointed pout. "Naruto-senpai isn't here either..." Sakura seemed to care much more about Naruto's presence than their Sensei's which- while Naruko couldn't exactly blame her for- also struck the Uzumaki as odd. As far as she had been aware the two had hardly spoken at all.
Well, there had been the most recent mission, she supposed, maybe working directly with him had changed the way she saw him? They had been really close together when they came back to the group too, so something must have happened. It just seemed rude to pry.
"Kakashi-sensei likes him more, I'm not surprised he knew. Maybe we should just be stopping by his apartment every morning instead of coming all the way out here. If nothing else one of those Wolves he hangs out with should be able to tell us if he's made his way here for a team meeting."
Her words sparked a suspicious interest in the Haruno heir. "Oh, you know where he lives?"
"Well, yeah. He's my brother."
"He is, isn't he?" Sakura's head cocked slightly to the side. "Maybe we should do that tomorrow, then? I'll meet you in front of the Uzumaki compound."
Naruko's eyes narrowed slightly for a moment but she gave a slow nod. "Yeah, yeah. That sounds...fine."
"Great!" Sakura's smile was back-slightly wider- and she seemed genuinely cheerful for the first time since Sasuke had been abducted. "I'll see you tomorrow then." Sakura walked off into the trees around the training ground as Naruko frowned at her back.
Something was really off here, especially because Konoha was the other way.
Maybe she was going to try cutting through some of the other fields as some sort of shortcut? That was generally a bad idea and not something someone like Sakura would try. The fields were bordered by trees for a reason, after all, and that was to catch attacks that might otherwise hit unsuspecting Shinobi.
Which, honestly, might be a good argument to get rid of them. What sort of Shinobi didn't always expect an attack? Might as well prepare the Genin for paranoia as early as possible.
Regardless of that particular decision, it still stood that those cutting though training grounds were liable to be hit by anything from Jutsu, Kunai, or fists to something as horrible as the infamous Sunset of Youth S-rank Genjutsu. Most sane people didn't risk it because, as Gai had said many times before, "The power of Youth knows no bounds".
Really, that just meant that he couldn't be bothered to check which training field he was actually using when he was pumped up and ready to train. Considering his diet was almost nothing but pre-workout shakes he was usually ready to go.
Gai's...habits...aside, Sakura had never risked it when they were so close to the entrance of the fields anyway . Fields one through ten bordered the village so it was a trivial matter to exit them, there was little to be gained walking through them all.
Maybe a more 'real' – for her anyway, she hadn't been too involved in Nami no Kuni- mission had given her a need for danger or helped her remove the fear from it. The first wasn't necessarily good but it would help in her profession- somewhat- and the second option was a terribly useful tool for Shinobi. Either way, Naruko figured it wasn't anything bad.
She still didn't know why Sakura made her uneasy, though.
"We're almost there," The Ship Master announced, stealing a glance at Naruto while the crew maintained course. "Maybe now would be a good time to sort payment?"
Naruto remained silent for a moment, staring out at the sea with a soft smile hidden by his mask, before giving a single, sharp nod. "Yes, now will be fine. Shall we move to somewhere a bit more sheltered to conduct business?"
"Ah! Certainly, certainly." The old mariner seemed more than a little relieved, half expecting that the group of Wolves were going to have him ferry them all the way to Mizu no Kuni to return home empty handed. He was there when Gato was still in power, after all, he knew what the Wolves were capable of even if they tried to restrain themselves now that Nami was under their care.
To that effect, placing Governor Hanna in charge had been a very good idea. She was obviously a lot more suited for her position than any of the Wolves were.
"We can move to the wheelhouse, if you'd like." The Ship Master offered "Right this way."
Naruko paused, staring up at the sky with irritated disbelief. Well, if they had faced it the other way she wouldn't have bothered entering the training grounds these last few days.
Shaking her head she continued on, the billboard above her proudly announcing the release of Icha-Icha Surrender.
It was going to be at least a week until Kakashi left his house, her experience with the last release told her that much.
Still, she had already made plans with Sakura, hadn't she? And she supposed there was no harm in paying her brother a visit.
He didn't seem to get out much when left to his own devices.
"….a distance of 183 miles one way, which we round up to 185 miles as standard. I don't suspect you want us to wait for you- though we can certainly discuss the payment for that if you do – which means we don't have anything we're bringing on the return trip. We charge half-price for that, to cover the time and inconvenience of going back without paying customers. I usually just add half the distance, makes it a bit easier, you see." The Ship Master looked up from his papers only briefly to make sure Naruto was paying attention but it was hard to tell with the mask. The purple eye staring through his soul, however, made him wonder if he really wanted that attention.
"185 is a strange number to divide in two, so we'll divide 190 to get 95 miles of charge. Added back to the 185 and we're at 275. We've provided food and drink from our own stores, you can see the breakdown here-" He slid a piece of paper across the table which Naruto only briefly glanced at. "and so I'll add that on. We hadn't exactly been expecting passengers, so we weren't stocked with our normal fare. I'll give you a discount there and just charge you at cost for the supplies the crew usually settles with. All together, that brings you to-"
"Double it."
The Ship Master stopped, blinking in surprise before his gaze snapped up to the single purple eye bearing down on him. "S-sir, are you-"
"Double it." Naruto's tone left no room for argument and the Ship Master was not going to turn it down.
"Certainly sir, I'll get right on it." The old mariner quickly did the math and added the new total beneath the old, looking back up to get a satisfied nod from Naruto who held out his hand for the Ship Master's pen as the invoice was pushed across the table.
"Very good," Naruto began writing below the total, finishing with a flourish of his written signature. As soon as he was done he reached into his pouch, pulling out a small black container and three Hanko. Just from a glance the Ship Master- though admittedly he didn't normally deal with such himself- could tell these weren't Mitomein or even Ginkōin. The signature stamps seemed to be made of gold with silver inlays in a flower design. The center of each small flower contained a gemstone and the top of the stamp had a larger, matching one.
These were obviously Jujitsu- official seals.
Not for the first time the old mariner wondered who the hell he was taking to Mizu no Kuni because it was obviously more than just a daytrip for some of the Wolves.
Naruto made use of the Hanko with the ruby on it first, opening the black Shuniku and wetting it on the red ink inside before stamping the seal of the Imperial House of Wolves next to his signature. Following that was the sapphire which left the seal of Nami no Kuni right below it. Lastly he wet the amethyst Hanko and pressed his personal seal onto the paper.
He waited a second, lightly waving the paper to ensure everything was dry, and handed it to the Ship Master.
"You can present that to Commander Sai in Nami no Kuni or, if you're more comfortable dealing with her, to Governor Hana in order to receive your payment."
The Ship Master barely heard that, too busy staring at the bottom of the invoice.
'To the holder of this writ the sum above is to be paid by order of the Moon-Reading-Man Tsukuyomi no Mikoto, Daimyo of Nami no Kuni and head of the House of Wolves of the Imperial Court of Hi no Kuni for services rendered on this...'
Tsukuyomi was on his ship. The Daimyo of Nami no Kuni was on his goddamn ship. He was currently ferrying the leader of the Wolves into a war-torn Mizu no Kuni.
By the gods, what was he and his crew about to be accountable for?
Shakily he looked up from the paper to see the young m- no, the man staring at him, patiently waiting.
"There are no issues with this manner of payment then, I would hope."
"N-no, Tsukuyomi-sama, no issues at all. You have been most generous."
Naruto continued to stare at him for a few long seconds before giving a satisfied nod and spinning on his heel to leave the Wheelhouse, the door closing behind him with a soft click.
Moments after one of the crew popped their head into the wheelhouse. "So, we gettin' paid or not?" They took in the Ship Master's expression and gave a concerned frown. "Hm? Yokida? Everything alright old man?"
"...Warn the crew."
"Huh?"
"...Warn the goddamn crew, Suda."
"Y-yeah, sure boss...what am I telling them?"
"...That we have..." Yokida took a deep breath. "...Tsukuyomi himself... as a guest on our ship."
With wide eyes Suda turned to look at the back of Naruto, returning to the rails to enjoy the ocean breeze. "That's...by the gods, what have we gotten ourselves into?"
"I don't know, Suda, I don't know." Ship Master Yokisa carefully folded the promise of payment and tucked it into a leather pocket in his jacket. "But, whatever it is, it's worth double."
"Double? So we are getting paid?"
"Only if we manage to get back to Nami no Kuni."
"Ah." Now Suda really understood. The crew was normally good about leaving passengers alone and they had been very careful to avoid the Wolves due to their reputation but it certainly wouldn't hurt to let them know exactly who their client currently was.
After all, they had bigger problems than payment if one of them ended up pissing off Tsukuyomi.
But it really would be nice to get paid double, he might finally have enough for a ship of his own.
You know, if they managed to survive this.
Luckily they were almost there.
Gods above, don't let those idiots fuck everything up now when they were so damn close.
Hanko – Signature stamps, seals.
Mitomein – Everyday Hanko easily acquired.
Ginkōin – More official Hanko, may be provided by banks for dealings with them.
Jitsuin – Registered Hanko, issued with a certificate to prove ownership.
Shuniku – A pad of red ink for use with Hanko.
If you would like to see my responses to the feedback I received for the last chapter, Commentaries – Sealkeeper Chapter 92 is available at Eyazahrid-dot-net. I have changed my weekly updates on my projects to Wednesdays, the next one will be available on the evening of 2019.08.14.
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Until I next have your attention,
– Eyazahrid