Article 20 - Chapter 16 - A Caged 'Caged' Bird.
Warnings: I do not own Naruto, it's intellectual property is owned by none other than Masashi Kishimoto. I own the OC's that I've added to the story and nothing more.
Notes: Hello! After this chapter I believe it's time to go back and revise the 20 chapters up to this point and clean them up. If anyone wants to help me with this I would welcome you with open arms! I'm always trying to improve the product, as well as my ability to write.
*** If you guys don't mind the rushed updates with little revisions and edits and instead are here specifically for the story, Then speak up and let your voice be heard. If enough people let me know that I should continue with the story instead of halt it temporarily to improve the craft and structure of these chapters I'll definitely consider putting it off to push onward. (perhaps allowing a fan to help with revisions and alterations to the structure and cleaning up mistakes.) ***
-Seriously let me know your opinion or your desires will fall on deaf ears -
Oh, I've also definitely took some liberties with Orochimaru's character to fit my story, but if you think deeply about them, I hope you can come to see they might not be too far fetched. Without further ado, let's get to the chapter!
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(Last Chapter)
A blond haired ninja walked in closing the door behind him. His hair was long, pulled back into a ponytail. The anbu at my side sat more alert and acknowledged our visitor.
"Yamanaka-san." he said.
…
"Hello, my name is Inoraiji Yamanaka. Do you know why I am here?" the blond man asked not pulling his eyes away from his clipboard.
The blood in my veins turned to ice and I couldn't hold back the small shutter from sweeping my body.
"-Because I am considered a risk to myself?" I answered honestly.
If i'm not absolutely careful around this man, he will see right through me. I have to mask any lies that are absolutely necessary behind mostly truthful statements or I won't have any hope. It's a blessing I had experience with psychologist's in my past life and have a rough idea what he's looking for.
He glanced up from the clipboard with eyes of evaluation. I could feel his gaze penetrate trying to see the inner workings of my mind. Cold perspiration seeped through my pores and uneasiness hung over me like a cloud.
"Are you a danger to yourself?"
Well… He certainly already knows I basically strangled myself… Denying it would be a blatant lie, but admitting it also comes with its own problems. His strategy, as infuriating as it was… was undeniably brilliant. -And they praise the Nara's for tactics.
"I… wanted to feel pain stronger than what's inside… to escape from reality."
It wasn't exactly an answer to his question. There is a certain art for giving non answers to paint a picture for someone else. Rather than having him come to his own conclusions, I will influence them.
"Can you see yourself acting similarly in the future?" I could tell he was scanning over me for every scrap of data he could mine.
Why did I get myself into this situation?
"I won't deny the possibility… but I doubt that I am a risk to my survival. I was… so overcome with grief that I lost my ability to think rationally. -Normally, this is not an issue."
Sure… pain is a tool I use to ground myself and get through the most unpleasant situations of my life, but I had never actually endangered my life per-say to this point. A solid half-truth.
An eyebrow raised on the face of the psychoanalyst and I briefly wondered what part of my statement caused the reaction.
"You are 6 years of age correct?" the man casually asked.
Ha! Maybe the psychology of the Yamanaka's is vastly inferior to my own worlds. He just handed me the information that I wanted so carelessly. It is truly fortunate I am stuck in this 6 year old body and he underestimates me.
"Yes, but I am told the Hyuga's mentally develop faster due to the extra information we are required to process through." This isn't a lie at all, and handing out this information so willingly will surely help him accept the reason I see myself as more mature.
The blonds pen scratched at the clipboard secured to his thigh. The point danced around the page adding notes and probably adding his own personal thoughts.
"What are your goals for the future?"
The same deadpanned face as solid as stone masked anything the man might have been thinking. I couldn't glint any hint of his motivation behind this… It was an odd question to ask someone whose parent just died.
"Oh no…" A terrifying thought occurred to me. This man might be probing me for an entirely different reason. I had my own personal anbu trailing me for the past year, and now as soon as I slip up a Yamanaka is here… probably orders coming from the top. Someone must be very interested in me… "what do they know?"
"I used to want to become the strongest ninja in the hidden leaf. Bring pride and honor to my clan. In the over 50 years since the village was established, A hyuga has never risen to the infamous S rank. I used to want to prove myself… To show the Hyuga are not a peg below the other noble clans..."
"Used to? As in past tense? What do you want now?"
As much as I wanted to take advantage of this situation to my benefit, my remanence of humanity thrashed about in my skull. The part of me that refused to let Ayasha-san's death be used to manipulate this man. It would taint the only thing I still had from her, my memories.
I struggled, and fought, but my mind was not stronger than my body. Tears poured out like the rupture of a dam. In this brief moment of weakness, a truth poured from my mouth before I could hold it back. "I just want Ayasha-san back!"
My resolve is so weak… I've tainted her name. I'm certain a part of me, the cold manipulative part, loved spitting that out. It loved that it could be used as ammunition to derail the interrogation.
-But the other half of me wanted to strangle myself again. Using an angel's name for my own self-interest. If I followed her example, I would put others before myself and just tell them everything, own up to my mistakes and gladly take my punishment.
However… that was impossible. As much as I admired and respected Ayasha, I was not her, and nor would I ever be her. I am deeply defective despite how productive I am. I thought I was a neat little monster who always tied up loose ends for a bigger picture… How could I ever actually believe something so grandiose?
Inoraiji Yamanaka paused in place, looking like he hadn't expected my outburst. My mask of calm crumbling before his eyes. The well kept together genius the world saw, was now falling apart at the seams and there wasn't anyone who could help her put the pieces back together.
-Like a beautiful completed puzzle being dragged to the floor by a toddler, everything was apart and disconnected.
The blond man reached out a hand, yet restrained himself from approaching the me. The liquid warped my vision and I could not rein the feral emotions in. They were like a strong primal animal which refused to be tamed.
I was given some time to calm myself, and after a long while of releasing the emotions that felt bottled and restrained, I only felt empty.
…
(Orochimaru POV)
This is perfect. I will be able to test the Senju cells capability to adapt to the human body. Soon the research will be complete enough to incorporate them into myself and I can transcend my old limitations bringing me ever closer to the immortal perfection I crave. The labor up to this point could pay off tremendously as long as everything goes as planned.
"I'm told a body was found inside the village limits. Your carelessness could very well cause scrutiny on myself."
"We have a deal Danzo, I assist you with your little 'project' and I am left to my own devices, or have you forgotten due to your senile age?" I hissed.
The elder's eyes narrowed as he struck the concrete with his wooden cane. An ambient crash resounded throughout the dimly lit area, echoing with loud acoustics. "I needn't remind you what's at stake if you are caught or fail."
Grim laughter, so deep and deranged, escaped my lips. This old relic thinks he can threaten me? We'll see how long that lasts when I return and topple your empire - morphing it to ashes.
"Yes, yes. You are quite correct, all the more reason to begin as soon as possible don't you believe?"
My tongue slipped about inside my mouth. The prospect of this request was so juicy. To create an arm out of the replicated cells to use as a prosthetic. It was cutting edge technology and technique that took years of slaving to even attempt, and now here he was with the opportunity to test it on such a worthy specimen.
It was a shame the Hyuga had the cursed bird seal or her eye's could have been a great asset to future experiments. It is such a shame this world is so stingy about sharing information. How I wish for a world where everyone could be united in knowledge and reach for the pinnacle of perfection. Upon discovery of the path to knowledge, I've learned that no matter how far you travel, the road is ever stretching. Bottlenecks and roadblocks along the way are unacceptable, moving forward is the human imperative and they dare accuse me of being inhumane?
The sadistic smile spreading across my face had the elder in front of me wince. The fool, just like Sarutobi-sensei, mistakes genius for insanity, However this old fart has always known the fundamental truth deep down. -Else why would I be here? Yes… He knows that the work I do furthers our species. Climbing ever higher on the proverbial steps to the likeness of the gods. We are only made in their image, but their decrees that are supposed to restrain us - I can see them for what they are.
There restrictions are actually the path to their likeness. Their greedy attempt at hoarding it for themselves. The gods have killed and allowed death from the beginning. We are to forever worship the gods? Content to remain sniveling at their heels like good dogs? - I think not… You shall not covet, you shall not steal? -But it is written everything belongs to god, did you think we would overlook something so trivial? No- God is dead and empty prayers do nothing which is why mankind must step into the domain of the gods, and I will pave the path. Every damn jutsu will be mine. Every spec of knowledge, mine. In the end - I will achieve what no man has ever achieved...
"Okay… Let's get on with it then." Donzo suggested. It was not an actual suggestion, but more of a demand.
"Absolutely."
This relic best watch his step if he doesn't wish to be trampled underfoot by the predator in front of him. You are lucky you are so very useful, but after you exhaust that, I will have no need for you.
...
(Hiruzen POV)
The group of three huddled around the crystal ball. It displayed the image of a hospital room with three individuals inside. The smallest of the three, the little girl named Mina Hyuga, was trying to fight back the tears that kept pouring out.
Inoichi Yamanaka and Ibiki Morino stood to each side of the Sandaime paying close attention to the scene projected inthe the ball.
"It would appear that the child had legitimate attachment to the woman, however before this outburst I could sense her tailoring her responses to the inquisitor. She is most definitely of a manipulative nature."
The Hokage opened a desk drawer, fetching his wooden pipe already packed to the brim with tobacco. "Ibiki, what is your assessment?"
"There is certainly something underneath. The age old saying 'Where there is smoke there are flames' comes to mind... Shall I transfer her to T.I. to get answers?"
Hiruzen's face which had been pulled together into that of blank stoicism broke. A pained frown manifesting and not being dispelled. "I have had this girl followed for over a year and we're still not much closer to figuring out her true nature. Let's play this one slow, careful to hold all the cards. I want this investigation to be tight and played close to the chest - do you understand?"
Looks of realization appear on each of the visitors before giving their superior a solemn nod.
"Alright - Let's release her and keep an eye on her for a day. Every single move must be watched and documented. Afterwards, bring her in and I will leave her to the both of you to get answers. I want you two to be certain she is not a security risk before being released, have I made myself clear?"
"Yes Sandaime!" They chorused.
"If her clan ask why we have taken her, what are we to tell them?"
The elder sucked on his pipe dragging in as much smoke as he could into his lungs - The burn complimenting his ablaze will, his will of fire.
"Tell them that we are tending to her psychological welfare after close examination. They no doubt will learn that we will keep eyes on her even in the compound, but because of Hiashi's absence we have a brief window to exploit this opportunity… Please do not fail me."
-And just like that the men were excused.
"God… why must you leave me with these types of decisions… They challenge the very essence of my will..."
…
The man kept asking questions. More and more, a sea of them which never seemed to end. I did the best I could manage was some damage control which was miraculous- Actually scratch that word- It was fortunate that I even managed that with how everything was unraveling.
I was finally released from the hospital, allowed to be taken home by Tokuma. The man was still so obviously heartbroken and how could he not be?
I desperately needed to find my anchor. I needed something to draw strength from besides myself or I would be swept away in the sea of madness that threatened to drown me.
"Who could it be? Who could become my Anchor? Lee?" I thought.
...No, Lee has yet to truly find his way in life and I certainly can't trust him with any of my true feelings yet… Perhaps Sasuke? He ends up defecting the village… Well he did before I probably fucked that up causing him to skip a year in the academy. He was a viable option especially if I wait until Itachi slaughters his clan and I tell him it was all directive from the village.
...I simply can't afford to wait that long… No I need someone else. It would be a gamble… but perhaps I can convince Neji to come to my side? The only thing I truly see standing in the way his is dreary outlook that everything was predetermined. Perhaps I can convince him that isn't true and test him… I want to hear his true opinions of the clan and village. He's a genius and I doubt manipulation would affect him so it would all well and good be a complete gamble - But I can at least mitigate the damage by feeling him out. If he seems too adverse to the idea, I could always change my mind.
I felt sure of my idea… Well as sure as I could about an idiotic idea born of necessity and emotion. How I long to return to the pillar of pragmatism and logic, but this accursed village brings out the worst in me. If only I could have stayed stronger, more resolute to fly under the radar… All this attention I created for myself, I hadn't imagined it working against me.
This militaristic aristocracy is shooting itself in its own damn foot. Doesn't it know any of the principles of intrinsic value?
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Authors Notes: Zemptai-sama again, Still haven't got to the Neji scene I want to write Probably won't have the time to finish that scene before the day is over so I figured I'd release this to you guys early. To writing where the characters take us...
Let me know how I'm doing, your predictions for the future, any plot holes you may think you see, and I'll gladly message you back addressing them. Thanks so much for sticking with my story this far! It means a lot to me. SERIOUSLY! I appreciate every reader and expect a much more smooth, polished story when I finally get to revisions!
Enjoy the story and I earnestly ask anyone who is willing to, to write me a review. I will cherish each and every one of them and respond as best as I can. I write so I can share with you guys, and it warms my heart to hear your opinions and interact with the readers.
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