BORUTO'S MASTERS – THE ACCUSATIONS
The Camp
The sand explodes with every step as the biggest players within the camp approach. Shikadai would have been afraid of this before, but not with the present company. He isn't sure about the others, but Boruto is on his side and Sasuke hasn't spent enough time in this world to turn against them. For now, they are safe.
Approaching are the trio of Senju Hashirama, Senju Tsunade and Tao Ma. Shikadai assesses their motivations, Tao Ma likely instigated this, and he was the one who abducted Hashirama and Boruto from the beginning, so he cannot be trusted. Hashirama changed in the pocket-world when Mito died, it was like he became a completely different man, Shikadai wants to believe that he is still the Hokage before anything else, but faith is not a luxury they can afford right now. Lastly Tsunade, he still thinks that she can be trusted; she has no malice towards Homeworld, only a burning desire to make a difference in this conflict.
Sasuke doesn't need to use his enhanced eyesight to judge the authenticity of what he's seeing. The man before him is a living breathing Senju Hashirama, far too realistic to be any form of forgery. Tsunade is more telling though, her skin demonstrates a more natural youth than what he remembers from earlier in his life, indeed, this is a genuinely younger 5th Hokage. He is also certain of his partner's judgement, if this was a fake Tsunade then Sakura would be the first person to notice.
"You have something to report Shikadai?" Hashirama asks.
"When we were on patrol a group of 'death' users tried to kill us. It probably isn't a coincidence that this would have meant that only you 'death' users would have survived Lord 1st. No, this attack was designed to purify the group and I am certain that only one person could be behind it. That is, you, Tao Ma."
Tao Ma smirks, raising his eyebrow, "Me? Surely not. Why would I want to assassinate you? No, you are a very useful asset to our group Mr Nara, my first concern is for your health. Do you need anyone to look over your injuries?"
Sasuke wonders if this is sarcasm, Tao Ma's appearance doesn't help. The majority of people here are wearing slightly damaged clothing, but Tao Ma's black cloak looks over a hundred years old. A permanent smile seems to be etched onto his face, perhaps a manifestation of a deep-seated insanity. The Shadow 7th Hokage doubts that a sincere word has passed the man's lips in years.
"We can't know," Hashirama says, "Shikadai, is there any evidence that your attackers were acting on instruction?"
"There was a second wave shortly after the first, they were well coordinated."
"Everyone here is trained to be well coordinated," Tao Ma chuckles, "If coordination were a sign of guilt then you three would be the guiltiest parties here."
Meanwhile, Tsunade approaches and looks carefully at Sakura. She recognises the eyes of a woman who helped her in the future. She didn't know Sakura for long before the Sasuke revival incident, the incident in which Sarada lost both her parents, but there is an undeniable resemblance between that woman and this one. Mostly, there is the same jutsu, always active with a clear mark to prove it.
"Is that you Sakura?" she asks.
"I didn't think you would know me yet Lady Tsunade."
"I know the future you."
Sasuke glances sideways and listens to a few words from their exchange. It's good. Every word spoken between Sakura and Tsunade is verification of what has happened here. Every word is more evidence of the story everyone is sticking to. He turns back to the argument between Shikadai and Tao Ma. Shikadai is well composed and argues with a concise logic that definitely rivals Shikamaru, but Tao Ma isn't bad himself. Every accusation the Nara clansmen levels at the crazy man is met with an equally potent rebuke.
Sasuke notices he has caught the eye of the 1st Hokage.
'That woman is Haruno Sakura,' Hashirama determines from his granddaughter's conversation, 'then this man is Uchiha Sasuke. Naruto's best friend, his Madara. Sarada's father.'
Hashirama notices that Boruto is more subdued than usual. He supposes that this is likely due to the presence of Sasuke. Uchiha Sasuke, he was Boruto's previous master. Hashirama wonders if he is likely to side with Naruto, how that would affect their mutual student. With the newest arrival, where do Boruto's loyalties really lie. To Hashirama, it is vital that Boruto remains on their side, that he leads the fight against the empire, that he be the one to defeat Naruto.
Sasuke thinks similar thoughts, he heard mention that the 1st Hokage had become Boruto's master since coming to the future. He once met the 1st Hokage, thanks to Orochimaru. During the war, Boruto's masters had spoken at length about what the village is, about Itachi, and about why they should stop Madara. Looking back Sasuke now appreciates that he was lost and that Hashirama was enlightened. He doesn't dare to proclaim that the situation has been reversed, but this is clearly not the same man he met, something has changed in him.
"Whether these allegations are true or not doesn't matter," Sasuke says, "Boruto, consider that it's possible they are true. What are you going to do to protect your friends?"
Boruto runs his hand through his hair and sighs, "Shikadai, there aren't many ways to keep you safe if what you're saying is true. Would you be willing to stick with me, it's the only way to keep you safe all times?"
"That would be ideal," Shikadai smiles.
This is the perfect solution as far as they are concerned, a solution that Sasuke approves of too. The only people who would be able to overcome Boruto in a fight are among this group and none of them are accepting responsibility for the attack. If this affair is to stay in the shadows, then there will be no more danger to Shikadai's group. If it is to come to the light, then they will finally learn of Tao Ma's true intentions.
"It's a good idea," Tao Ma says, laughing loudly as ever, "Since I am the one under suspicion, you should stick with someone stronger than myself."
"Our new guests will need somewhere to stay," Hashirama says, "I will construct you a temporary residence for the time we will spend here. I'm sure you have a lot of catching up to do."
"Thank you," Sasuke says.
Once more Hashirama's eyes meet Sasuke's. Boruto can feel the tension between the two of them. He had thought as his teacher's they would understand one another better, but perhaps he doesn't know them as well as he thought. He believed that they each learned lessons from his father, that they took his ideals and pursued them. Perhaps they have each learnt something different from Naruto though. Perhaps only one of them remembers the important lessons.
On the Patrol Route
Shikadai's attackers lay shivering on their backs, doing their best to recover from the severe wounds inflicted upon them. When they came this route the expected Shikadai himself would be able to provide some resistance, perhaps even break a few bones, but they did not expect anything like Sasuke.
Now those who survived lay in the sand, their bodies broken, their limbs in agony and their pride shattered. Eventually someone will surely come for them and help them but depending on what happens at the camp that could go in two very different directions. Either Tao Ma's plan comes to fruition and they will be saved, or his plan is foiled, and they will be punished for their treachery.
Unexpectedly though, the nearby dunes move as their rescuer approaches. He bursts through the sand, sending it scattering like a wave as he closes the distance to them. When they notice his black cloak brandishing years of wear and tear, they know that it is him. They each force themselves to their feet, gritting their teeth as they ignore the tremendous pain that they still endure.
They line up and politely greet Tao Ma, their commander.
"I'm sorry, this is all our fault," one of them admits, "We were attacked by an outsider and even when we worked together, we were unable to kill them."
"You failed?" Tao Ma laughs, "And you believe some sort of apology is adequate? You believe that can compensate for what you've done?"
"Please let us live, we will leave so that the others cannot question us about your motives."
Tao Ma scratches his head.
"No."
Tao Ma balls his right hand into a fist and squeezes gently. There is a deafening roar as grey and feathery 'death' energy pours outwards in all directions. To them his fist is the centre of all energy in the world in this moment, such is his power.
The warriors all grab their heads tightly as they are overwhelmed by the pain, like their heads are full of hornets trying to get out. Their screams fill the surrounding area to be heard only by their silent attacker. They full to their knees as their shouts fail to quieten, the agony echoing through their brains completely overshadowing the pain they felt from their broken bones.
Eventually, Tao Ma releases his fist, remaining unusually voiceless as his subordinates finally stop their cries of pain. When Naruto emerged, things became complicated for him, he is not used to dealing with dissent from people like that, pocket-worlders who are stronger than he is. Dealing with these people is different though, for they cannot hope to stand against him.
The group of warriors rush Tao Ma, recognising that in this situation if he is allowed to live, they will surely die. As the first approaches he drives his elbow towards the head of his insane leader.
But it doesn't work.
He cannot summon any 'death' energy.
Tao Ma catches the unpowered strike effortlessly, the muscles in his face not tensing in the least as his palm blocks the attack.
The others who rushed forward before finding their movements significantly slowed, their power zapped, and their strength entirely diminished. Their 'death' energy no longer answers their call, their power has been taken from them, now only one person wields divine energy in this arena and that is their opponent.
"You, you shouldn't kill us," one of the 'death' users boldly says.
"Oh, and why is that?"
"If you kill us Boruto won't forgive you, he will kill you."
"But you attacked his friends, why wouldn't I consider you my enemy."
"He will work out what's happening."
Tao Ma laughs. "You know, I've managed to keep my lies together for a long time. Most people don't appreciate how I do it. I've got this thing in my head, like a voice. When I do what the voice says, things go well, but when the voice is disobeyed, things go very badly."
The 'death' users back away, increasingly aware of how crazed their commander is.
"The voice has had its way for so many years," Tao Ma continues, "But then you people messed everything up. Now the situation is out of control again. Now you have brought chaos down on our heads, and I don't have a clue what that will mean. So, if we're going to win, I need to keep all these secrets to myself. I can't risk you telling anyone."
"You're insane!"
"And yet you followed me. That ends now."
Within a second everyone but Tao Ma is dead. Each of them penetrated by a tiny strand of 'death' energy, piercing their heads with near perfect precision.
Tao Ma has covered the most important aspects of his recovery; he has eliminated the witnesses. Now he needs to think of some way to eliminate the most important obstacle to his plans, that being Uchiha Sasuke. So far nothing has come to mind, and he fears that nothing will. From what Boruto has said Sasuke is a resourceful man, there is likely no way that Toa Ma can get rid of him. In which case he will simply have to wait for Sasuke to leave. Then and only then can his plan be completed.
The Camp
Tsunade knocks and patiently waits to be called before she enters. The creaky wooden door isn't perfect, but considering her grandfather made it in less than a minute she is gives it a passing grade. It is noticeably warmer on the inside than on the out, though that is due to the fire techniques of the two shinobi residing inside.
Tsunade pokes her head around the door and Sakura beckons her inside.
As Tsunade enters she shuts the door behind her.
"So, you and Sasuke are still sleeping in separate rooms then."
"Of course we are," Sakura replies, her face turning as red as a tomato.
"Sorry, I couldn't help but tease you," Tsunade grins. "I expect you have a lot of questions about this time for me to answer."
Sakura considers her questions and prioritises one. "What happened to Sasuke and I in the future? Where are we now?"
Tsunade nods, adopting a sombre tone for her story. "Sasuke became Naruto's shadow, working for the Leaf's safety outside the village. You became an important figure in the hospital, a great healer. I met the future Sakura, you taught me how to perform a new procedure. As far as I am concerned you are a genius."
"I probably learnt how to do it from you originally," Sakura smiles, "What happened to us?"
"When General Clyde and his soldiers attacked our pocket-world, I've been told that the future Naruto and Sasuke came out of retirement to battle the General. They were defeated and both died.
"Eventually, Sarada mastered the technique she used to bring you here. She summoned the Hokage, calling upon us to defend the village. However, our enemy used this technique to revive deceased pocket-worlders, to turn them against us. A colonel, Sheer, she used the technique to bring Sasuke back from the dead. Sasuke almost killed us but you gave your life to stop him."
"So, we died?"
"Yes."
Sakura nods, unsure of how to process the information. She knows that she won't die in the same way, that it isn't the same as looking into her future, but that is a death that Haruno Sakura has experienced. The fact that the enemy was able to defeat Naruto and Sasuke, it's discouraging to say the least. She wonders what changed. Why, having travelled through time, was Naruto able to defeat Clyde the second time they fought?
"What happened to you?" Sakura asks.
"Me? I wasn't able to control divine energy. I had to watch as Dan died, as my grandmother died, as my grandfather fought against Naruto. Mitsuki, that's Orochimaru's son, he helped me to train but I still couldn't break through. That changed when my grandfather and Boruto brought me here. They used one of our enemies techniques to help me master 'death' energy."
Tsunade brings the 'death' energy to her hand and smiles contentedly.
Sakura smiles, "You're so young."
"Sakura?"
"This is the youngest I've ever seen you Lady Tsunade. In the past, uh, when you were the 5th Hokage you hid your age so well, but it's your eyes. You have such young eyes."
"Thank you."
The master and student realise that they are comfortable with one another in spite of their weird interactions. Sakura knew an older version of Tsunade before moving to the future. Tsunade met an older version of Sakura after moving to the future. Now the two young women, despite never having met at this stage in their lives, know each other better than anyone else in this time.
Suddenly, Tsunade clutches her head, groaning.
"What's wrong?"
"It… it's nothing," Tsunade says as she sits back up, "I've just experienced these headaches since I learnt 'death' energy. It's worth it for the power I've gained."
"You should let me have a look," Sakura says, "I am a doctor you know. Don't worry, I've been trained by the best."
Tsunade smiles as Sakura begins to check her over. Chakra leaves Sakura's hand and enters Tsunade's body in one of many standard diagnostic techniques that are taught to advance medics. The 5th Hokage appreciates the complexity of the technique and appreciates even more how effortless Sakura makes it look.
"You coming to the future is one of the few good things that happened to me," Tsunade says, "There are plenty of people here that understand the pain I've felt, but not many who understand my desire. I know about how you wanted to keep up with Naruto and Sasuke, that's the same way I feel now."
"I understand."
"When I lost Dan, I felt hopeless."
Sakura's eyes snap wide open and she withdraws her chakra from Tsunade.
"Do you know what's wrong?" Tsunade asks.
"I could feel the synapses in your brain. Even when you mention these events in passing, you're experiencing pain. When you mentioned my coming to the future, it being a good thing, your pain lessened. When you mentioned Dan, it became worse. Not just mental anguish but physical pain."
"How is that possible?"
"I don't know but the very layout of your mind has changed. This isn't like anything I've ever seen before. There is no disease that could have done this to you, at least not in our world."
"Are you saying it was deliberate?"
"I don't know," Sakura admits, "If this was deliberate it was done by someone much smarter than I."
"So, you don't know how to reverse it?" Tsunade asks hopefully.
"Not unless my future-self told you any brilliant techniques to reconfigure the brain."
"You didn't."
"Then I suggest you work on your mental health," Sakura says. "Do whatever you need to do to keep the bad thoughts at bay and be happy. Otherwise I don't know how this pain will end up changing you."
Author Note
Hi All,
It took a bit longer than yesterday but here you go another chapter.
See you tomorrow if all goes according to plan.
Thanks for reading,
Me