Two months later, Itachi and Kisame walked through a remote village in waterfall country. Currently, they were on the trail of an A-rank, a bounty that was boring in strength, but extremely covert.
"I hate this," Kisame grumbled, as they walked through the bustling street. The shark man had an acute sense of smell, and Itachi was an elite sensor, so they were the perfect choice for hard-tracking missions. Challenging fights, however, were more the Kiri swordsman's style. If they didn't get an exciting target soon, Itachi feared the man would start slaughtering people.
Fighting the sound ninjas during Orochimaru's takedown had apparently not been enough to settle his partner's nerves…It had only made them worse. Kisame seemed embarrassed at being beaten and used by Kioshi and was seeking out ways to prove himself.
Allowing an actual fight against his old teammate, however, would have been worse though. Kioshi had personally taken down both of the immortals. Jiraiya had confirmed the details to him. Kisame wouldn't have stood a chance.
The Kiri swordsman probably would have been beaten even if Itachi joined in. Not only would that draw suspicion if either of them were left alive, but it would also expose more of Kioshi's abilities.
The simple ability to cause mental pain without a signature was enough to make many in the organization concerned and on guard, even if the actual perpetrator wasn't fully confirmed. His partner had been annoyingly detailed in his report. Kisame didn't believe that Kioshi had simply taken advantage of another person's attack. His old teammates current level of strength was the only thing that kept Itachi from sending word for him to stay near strong allies at all times.
The list of Kioshi's enemies was growing longer by the day. Itachi didn't know if he could bear it if his friend got killed or captured again.
Those two years had not been pleasant. It had likely been even worse for Kioshi. Itachi felt like a coward for not asking about the experience or agreeing to come back to the village to give support when asked, but he didn't think he could handle hearing or seeing any more pain due to his actions.
He'd failed Kioshi. He'd failed Sasuke. And he'd failed his clan. He should have found a way to save them. His only comfort now was that two out of the three weren't completely destroyed.
Things would never be the same. His parents and clan were never coming back, and even now he was failing in his duties as a brother and friend.
Kioshi's capture also had future consequences. Jiraiya had informed him of the children that Kumo likely had. He was to keep an eye out.
The revelation caused a mixture of feelings. It mainly was guilt, but there was also a combination of hatred and concern. Logically he knew the children weren't to blame, and the fact that they were Kioshi's made him feel protective over them, but at the same time, the stolen bloodline holders were a reminder of his friend's pain. He wished they didn't exist.
The children would need to be recovered soon if they were to live. Too much influence from Kumo could turn them into dangerous, unreformable enemies.
Unfortunately, however, the lightning nation was being extremely secretive and tight-lipped on the matter. The nation also had high defenses. It would take a lot of information, luck, and skill for a retrieval mission to be logical.
Where exactly were the targets right now?
Just as Itachi was thinking this, he caught a glimpse of something that caused him to freeze. What?... His current thoughts must be making him hallucinate.
Standing by the exterior gate of the village was a young man with light olive skin. He looked almost exactly like Kioshi, but about five years younger with solid black hair and purple eyes.
"What is it?" Kisame asked, when he noticed the Uchiha wasn't keeping pace.
"Oh...This isn't good…" Itachi thought, slightly panicked. If Kisame noticed the figure, he'd kill the boy for sure. His partner was quite vocal and gruesome in his descriptions of what he'd do to Kioshi due to their last meeting. This boy was obviously someone different, but the similarities were close enough for the teenager to be used to enhance the man's fantasies.
"I don't feel good," Itachi suddenly said stiffly, quickly making his breath purposely come out more labored. "I need…I need some time alone."
This excuse and request would hopefully make the shark man turn around from their current course. Itachi always became exhausted and tired when his lungs acted up. Of course, this wasn't a problem now after being healed, but his partner didn't know that.
"Are ya all toped up on your medicine?" Kisame asked with a concerned frown.
"I have what I need," Itachi grimaced with fake strain, gaging once as if barely holding in a cough.
"I'll go get ya something healthy and hot then," Kisame said without hesitation. "This village is small so you should be able to find me when you are ready."
Itachi nodded. It was a time like this that the shark man showed his humanity. Kisame didn't like waiting or sleeping in public spaces, but when Itachi got like this, he didn't complain and usually did all he could to help without infringing on the moment of weakness.
It almost made Itachi feel guilty about the charade. Almost. Right now though, he had something more important to investigate.
Who was the boy? It couldn't be any of Kioshi's children. The age was wrong. But the likeness couldn't be ignored.
Could it be a different relative? Purple eyes were more common in these parts, but the color was still rare. Kioshi had described his mother as having such irises. Could this boy be in the same family tree?
Once Kisame was gone at a safe distance in the opposite direction, Itachi continued forward until he was only 50 yards away, hiding in one of the last building's shadows. The person of interest was still standing stationary by the village exit. He appeared to be one of the village's low-ranked military guards, but a competent one judging by his keen visual scans of the surroundings.
The sword strapped to the teenager's back along with the ninja headband gave him even further likeness to his old friend. The only difference was that the clothes and gear looked more worn and the ninja plate showed the symbol of Taki.
Itachi double-checked with his chakra, making sure none of what he was seeing was a genjutsu, then settled down to wait.
A lot of information could be gathered through observation, patience, and stealth. Most guard shifts changed in the evening, so hopefully, it wouldn't be long until the figure lead him to his home and more personal acquaintances.
An hour later, Itachi wasn't disappointed. The clouds hadn't even become orange before new guards replaced the old.
The person of interest headed out into the forest after being relieved. The land of waterfalls didn't have massive gigantic trees within like in the land of fire, but it was still densely forested, so Itachi had to find the boy's aura at times to know the correct trail to follow.
It wasn't long until he was led to a small rundown house in a clearing. Itachi felt the boy join another signature inside.
Itachi examined the structure in thought. He couldn't stay here till morning. Kisame would come looking for him before then. He'd need to approach the boy and housemate soon, if nothing else than to warn them of the danger. Looking like Kioshi was deadly in a nation that was a travel point between Iwa and Kumo. It was a miracle the boy hadn't been killed or tortured already.
Looking around the area, Itachi saw signs of repair tools and that the house was in the middle of being repainted. Did these people just recently move here?... Looking and the amount of patched new wood, the house looked to have been a rotting gap-filled shack not long ago.
If the doppelganger was from someplace even more remote, then perhaps the boy's current carelessness made sense. Civilians usually were unaware of bounties outside their nation, but only new or incompetent ninjas also remained unaware. If not for money, studying all the bingo books helped you gauge and understand the possible threats you may come across. The boy should have known of his likeness if he'd been in the business long.
Itachi dressed down to his necklace, meshed clothing, and black underclothes, leaving his Akatsuki cloak, ring, and slashed headband behind a bush. Missing ninjas didn't get the best reactions, and this was an unsanctioned mission, so it was best not to give any indication of who or what he was. Word might spread.
He slowly walked up to the porch and knocked twice. Itachi admitted that the action caused some anxiety. This was one of the few times he wasn't hidden behind a blank and deadly facade. Could he even act normal?
This was also a potential lead to Kioshi's family. His friend had been looking for more clues for more than a decade.
There was sudden silence at the interruption, the talking figures inside pausing in their soft conversation. Wary footsteps then came closer and the door was opened.
I was Kioshi's mirror who answered. "Can I help you?" The boy asked, polite, but on guard.
"Yes," Itachi replied. "I need to you ask a few questions… There are things I must confirm. Have you recently moved to the area?"
A woman came up behind the boy's shoulder at the words, her being the other occupant in the house. She was slim and beautiful with long black hair and deep amathest eyes. By the faint wrinkles and bags near her eyes, however, Itachi could tell she was past her prime.
"Yes, we moved here almost a month ago," she said. "What is the problem?" Itachi's serious tone must have indicated that this was not a social visit.
"Is this your son?" Itachi asked.
"I am," the boy, eyes narrowing, not moving away from his protective position. "What do you want?"
"Are you aware that you look similar to a person with an S-rank bounty?" Itachi asked bluntly.
There was silence at this.
"What?" The boy then finally asked, voice shocked and confused.
"There must be some mistake!" The woman pushed passed in slight panic. "My son only joined the ninja forces recently! It is impossible for him to be in anyone's bad graces yet!"
"You misunderstand," Itachi assured. "The features are only similar to the individual. Others, however, might not be as perceptive. I came here to warn you."
The mother and son looked at each other at this.
"Are you a bounty hunter?" The woman then asked after a moment, studying his dark eyes suspiciously.
Itachi sighed. It seemed he couldn't fully hide his true nature fully. "I am. But I am a friend of the target of interest. His name is Kioshi. Do you know him?"
Now was the moment of truth. Itachi studied both reactions intently for any recognition at the name.
Both figures stiffened and became very still in response, causing Itachi's heart to soar. Could it be?...
"Wha- K-Kioshi…?" The woman asked in shock, then seemed to get a handle on herself, instantly going on guard and biting her lip as if worried about the slip. Did the woman doubt his honesty and intentions?
"Are you his mother?" Itachi decided to ask outright. "If you are, then he's been looking for you for some time. As I said, I am a friend. I'm not here to cause harm." Hopefully, the assuring words would be enough for her to confess. This had to be her…Everything matched except for the hair color, which could be easily dyed.
The woman stayed silent for another long moment, then answered slowly. "You say this person looks similar to my son? What are the differences?" The tone was still soft, but cautious and challenging now.
"Kioshi has inner red rings in his eyes and two purple streaks in his hair," Itachi described, hopefully passing the woman's test. Actually, he had something better… He unsealed Kumo's bingo book from a scroll in his belt, finding the right page and handing it over. The photo attached to the bounty was a bit outdated, but it would prove Kioshi's existence and target status.
The woman simply stared at the picture on the page for a moment, then ran a hand over it softly. "Konoha… She asked, looking up at him. "He's in Konoha?" The question was more of a statement now. The headband symbol and information were written clearly on the page.
"He's been living there since he was five," Itachi confirmed. "His father was killed by two rock ninjas, and he eventually made his way there."
The woman's eyes teared up at this, being a mixture between happiness, grief, and guilt.
The ninja teenager beside her also showed conflicting emotions. This had to be Kioshi's…brother? By the grief shown at the rock ninja's actions and the likeness shown, he was likely a full brother as well. The woman must have been pregnant at the time of the separation and attack.
"Thank you for bringing this to our attention," The woman finally said, handing the bingo book back. "I still do not trust you though. I wish to discuss the matter privately with my son before taking any action."
Itachi bowed his head in respectful departure. "Very well. But please do consider hiding your features until you receive better protection. I'm currently unable to escort you to Konoha at this time, so if you do not wish to make it there on your own, stay here so Kioshi has the chance to visit. It would mean a lot to him."
His friend still had a large reward posted in discrete circles for anyone who could find helpful information. Hopefully leaving behind a crow would be enough to make sure the reunion took place.
"Stay safe…" Itachi mentally intoned as he walked away.
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That same day, hundreds of miles away, Kioshi sat meditating at one of Konoha's training grounds. Personal development had been a rare commodity in the last couple of months, so he was trying to make up for lost time.
Multiple villages had needed help recovering from the attack of Orochimaru. There was also the healing, rehabilitation, and trials of all the people retrieved from Orochimaru's base. Kakashi had appointed Kioshi as a council member, so Kioshi's couldn't even escape the judgment part of the duties. It was a long process getting everyone properly settled.
Now, however, there was finally time to focus back on his goals. Kioshi was currently trying to learn how to move and stay aware of outside surroundings while using mental techniques. If the trick could be discovered, then it would greatly help in his ability to surprise and defeat powerful opponents.
Any day now the Akatsuki could go full out in targeting the tailed beasts, and once they did, it could spell disaster.
Tobi and Zetsu were slippery and hard to track down. It was one of the reasons Kioshi hadn't yet defeated the two dangerous threats. Being powerful enough to win directly was only part of the battle. Tobi could use his Kamui to transport himself to another realm or place at any time, and Zetsu was a high master at stealth and speed. It would be almost impossible to kill the opponents if they were smart and picked their battles. To eliminate them, he'd need stealth or quicker movement of his own. That, or get the threats mad enough so that they wouldn't run away.
Whack!
A rotating board from a genin-level obstacle course hit Kioshi directly in the face. Ugg! This was impossible! Right when he got to stage of actually being able to do something with pure mental chakra, his other senses went out the window. How could he ever defend and attack at the same time?
"The best solution I've come up is to use my opponent's thoughts as a warning." A mental voice suddenly said, causing Kioshi to jump in surprise. "That, or you can increase how fast you can switch into and out of meditation. Both those things still have their weaknesses though."
Kioshi glared at the familiar invisible space behind him. "Dammit, Shaed! How many times have I told you not to sneak up on me like that! You almost made me hurt myself again."
"It's not my fault you like to run into things," The whisper cat scoffed, but with a hint of humor.
"No, it's my damn limitations," Kioshi grumbled, plopping down on the grass, and placing his head in his hands.
Shaed was silent for a few moments at this, then asked more compassionately. "You're still worried about this Tobi man, I see."
"Yeah," Kioshi sighed. "Killing the immortals might have set him back a bit, but he hasn't given up on his goals. He's a decent strategist so if I let him know I am after him, he might be threatened enough to send the entire Akatsuki against me."
"And this is bad?" Shaed asked. "It would save time tracking all of them down. Isn't this your problem?"
"I appreciate the confidence," Kioshi grimaced, "But fighting multiple S-ranks at once is not a challenge that I'm confident in winning. There would likely be no escape, and the fight could happen around defenseless civilians or loved ones. I need to do it on my own terms. Tobi and Zetsu would also likely not come personally."
"Humm…" Shaed intoned thoughtfully. "Then perhaps I should help."
"Excuse me?" Kioshi asked.
"I know I like to stay out of conflicts," Shaed sniffed. "But you are obviously overwhelmed and need some support in order to stay safe. I do not wish for your death. I admit, I'm not even neutral towards it. Also, if the information from your other life remains true, then the whole world's freedom is at stake. That is something I can get behind."
"Okay…So what do you want to do?" Kioshi asked, now a bit excited. Shaed was one of the most deadly forces out there, even if most didn't know it. His support could change everything.
"I will go and track down Tobi and this Zetsu fellow," Shaed explained. "Once I find them and study their thoughts and actions, I will come back and we can form a plan of attack."
"Are you sure it is a good idea to go alone?" Kioshi asked, worried. "Shouldn't I follow a bit behind, just in case? You admitted yourself that you can't stay aware and read minds at the same time. These people are dangerous."
"It is a risk." Shaed agreed. "But if no one knows you're there, then there is not much need for defense. Besides, you are needed elsewhere..."
As if proving the point, an Anbu member's aura was felt flash-stepping in his direction moments later, appearing before him in a swirl of leaves. Had the cat sensed the figure before him?
"Ninja Hirano, the Hokage needs to speak with you."
"I'll be there shortly," Kioshi sighed. His expression then turned a bit annoyed when he turned back a moment later and confirmed with a mental scan that Shaed had left. Little prick. He never gave proper farewells. Ah Well…Hopefully, the cat would stay safe...
Kioshi got up and flashed across the village rooftops to the Hokage building. Kakashi usually summoned him for a good reason, so it was best not to delay.
When he came through the door of the Kage's office, an argument was at play.
"Come on Sasuke! Please! Please Please!" Naruto was begging, pulling at an irritated Anbu guard's arm who was standing resolutely in the corner. Naruto had recently returned with Jiraiya to the village once receiving word of Hiruzen's death. The Sannin Sage had gone back out into the field a week ago, but Naruto had stayed behind so he could "better protect his precious people."
The Jinchuriki's angry and grief-stricken mood had lighted through the days, but it seemed he was still determined to get stronger. That, or the yellow-haired boy was bored.
"We can just train for an hour! We don't even have to get ramen afterwards!"
"No. I already told you. I'm on duty," Sasuke replied.
"But your shift is over!" Naruto protested. "I know. I read it!"
"You read my schedule!?" Sasuke shouted, suddenly becoming enraged. "Have you been in my room again!?"
"He hee. No. Of course not," Naruto chuckled nervously, scratching his head sheepishly, not giving much confidence to the words.
"You know, he does have point," Kakashi interrupted before Sasuke could rise up in greater fury. "Your shift is over. Why don't the both of you settle this outside."
"But I want to hear what you're going to tell Kioshi!" Sasuke protested, explaining the true reason he wanted to stay.
"Are you a guard or a village gossip?" The Hatake Hokage glared. "You wouldn't have this problem if you didn't both act like children. NOW OUT!"
Sasuke's Sharingan's activated behind his crow mask as it turned to Naruto. "Fine. You get your wish, Naruto. We'll duel." The tone and glare promised pain.
"YES!" The yellow-haired boy shouted in triumph, running out ahead in anticipation, apparently feeling suicidal.
"Please don't let it get too out of hand," Kioshi pleaded, grabbing Sasuke's arm as he stormed past. "I want to get to bed early tonight."
"He has Kurama to heal him," Sasuke said blankly, pulling away and slamming the door in Kioshi's face.
"Quite rude aren't they," Kakashi said in the silence afterward, picking up and starting to read his orange icha icha paradise book. "You'd think after becoming Hokage, they'd show me more respect. But no. They still pile abuse on their poor sensei."
"Are those reports giving you grey hairs as well?" Kioshi sighed with a small smile, looking at the tall unattended stack next to the silver-haired man.
"More than you know," Kakashi glared, looking up from his page with slight irritation. "The hairs blend right in with my natural pigments."
"Is that what you called me for?" Kioshi asked. "Is there a paper you need my help on?"
"Now that you mention it. Yes." Kakashi said, taking the hint and picking up a scroll and handing it across the desk. "There is something specifically I need your opinion on. We got a response back from Iwa."
Kioshi took the scroll slowly. Iwa…A missive was sent to the rock nation about a month ago, informing them of the Akatsuki organization and the corresponding threat to the four and five-tails. It was a long shot, but it was a good excuse to offer an alliance. They had responded?
Hopefully, it was good news. Kioshi wanted peace, and Iwa had been getting less and less hostile towards Konoha through the years. They had even canceled their bounty on him, so there was a chance an accordance could be reached.
Kakashi didn't look away from his porn book, as Kioshi began to read.
"They want me to be a healer in the next Chunin Exams?" Kioshi reiterated out loud, once he'd scanned the contents. "You've already read this, I'm assuming."
"I have," Kakashi affirmed. "Interesting, isn't it?"
"Do you think their intentions are legitimate?" Kioshi asked. Iwa was the exam's next host and would get more applicants if an S-rank healer was advertised as staff, but Tsuchikage was still a hard and crafty man. Just because the rock Kage no longer openly sought his capture, didn't mean he wouldn't try something.
"The rules during the chunin exams are strict and will need to be upheld for honor and trust." Kakashi replied. "It is part of the standing peace treaty. Asking you to come during this time shows promise."
Kioshi nodded. "They likely want to talk to both of us directly."
"I can ask Jiraiya to return and watch over Konoha while we are away," Kakashi said.
"Yeah. Just in case."Kioshi agreed. The last thing they needed was for this to be another trick for someone to attack or steal something in their absence.
"So is that a yes?" Kakashi asked.
"Yes. I'll go," Kioshi said. "It looks like I'm going home."