Earlier in Konoha
The veil of darkness was a gift to the cautious ninja. The silence of night was his ally.
Sasuke ignored his escort through the village perimeter; more of the Snakes assets, although those were dwindling quite sharply under the relentless purge by the Fifth Hokage. The Snake had been concerned that his prize was insistent on making this journey, Kabuto on the other hand seemed to vacillate between amused and exasperated.
Sasuke remained resolute in his decision. He needed to do this; he acquiesced the first year, and then again the second.
Having breached the walls Sasuke quickly made short work of his escorts – they were no longer necessary and Orochimaru could ill afford loose ends. Either way, it suited Sasuke just fine; his blood was a lot calmer and his mind clearer for it.
Under the cover of darkness he made his was slowly to his destination, the shrine of the Uchiha Clan.
His heart wept at the sight; abandoned, unkempt and in disarray.
His heart raged on as more came into view; vandalism, graffiti and theft.
Sasuke made it to the steps and paused, the weight of the atmosphere on his shoulders. The lamp braziers on either side remained silent and cold. He knew it would be a mistake, taking too many risks were sure to backfire. There was no need to court more trouble…..
Sasuke narrowed his gaze. Chakra softly pulsed. With a simple sweep of his hand the braziers lit up, the flames greedily fed on the chakra and a rush of warmth, as though welcoming the lost Uchiha.
Sasuke closed his eyes as he looked further at the state of the shrine. The long handle broom lay in its place, gathering only dust. Sasuke moved slowly to the item and gently picked it up. Gently, the soft sounds of sweeping echoed around the shrine. Before long the floor was relatively clean and the dusty air was gone.
Sasuke lamented over the ruined sections and graffiti, but there was little he could do. He turned to the shelf that held the plaques, containing the names of all the Uchiha that fell to Itachi. Although dusty and worn they stood defiant; Sasuke moved closer, drawing strength from their presence.
"Minna-San" His voice was halting, holding a tide of raw emotion. "It-I'm sorry for the delay, circumstances have conspired to keep me away from this place." Sasuke sucked a deep breath at his blatant lie. He bit his cheek viciously and drew dark satisfaction from the pain. He looked up at the plaques with tears in Sharingan eyes.
He reached over to the plaques.
"I'm sorry, I have not been able to avenge you, not yet." He lovingly stroked the names as he spoke. "But I have grown stronger; I am doing well, as well as can be expected. The might of the Uchiha may be lost, but it is nowhere near forgotten."
Sasuke braced his hands on the shelf and opened himself in full to his emotions. War and Grief. Pride and Shame. Loathing and Vindication. Everything and Nothing.
"Maybe I could have stayed. Maybe I could have listened and remained in the village" Sasuke mumbled; his hands gripped the shelf tight but carefully, as not to splinter it. His head shot upwards, eyes red with desperation and defiance.
"I swore to avenge you, with every possible means. Does that not count for something? Itachi roams free, twice I faced him and twice-"Sasuke groaned out in fury and cut himself off. The flames flickered violently.
It doesn't matter. None of it did….
"I know my duty" Sasuke spoke calmly, the fury dying out. "I know the path I will walk; this is my chosen course."
"I have devoted myself to my Clan; our vengeance. Blood for Blood. Life for Life."
"I will kill Uchiha Itachi. On this oath I swore to my Clan, and on this oath I stand thrice bound"
Sasuke's eyes seemed to glow with those words; as his chakra rose the flames seemed to rise with it, until the crescendo…
Then the lamps snuffed out…his oath had been accepted.
"It was good to see you all again. Whatever else may happen, please do not think any less of me."
Sasuke took one final sweep of the shrine and gave a low bow. He rose up, his heart lighter and he moved once again with purpose.
"I do not appreciate being spied upon. That was an intensely private moment with my Clan, to intrude on it is rude at best, unhealthy at worst." His chakra sang and the barest of sparks light across his fingers, "unhealthy for you that is."
At that Sasuke disappeared.
His opponents were very well trained; so well trained they barely made sounds, and that was their undoing.
The first one fell, his body giving out while the mind wondered how it came to pass. His companions registered with muted shock but were to slow to react. The Sharingan spun a web of lies, ensnaring two more and making them easy pickings for Sasuke's blitz attacks.
The four remaining Nins scattered. As planned they split in different directions; regardless of who fell first one of them would make it to report the intruder.
"And just where do you think you can run to?"
All four blinked in muted surprise as they faced each other. Immediately they fell back to back and scanned all possible directions. Chakras flared dramatically as they tried to break the illusions.
"Cease your meaningless struggles, and take heart; I have no interests of playing with you this day"
Uchiha Hijutsu: Enkai
Flames surrounded the four Nins, oppressive with its heat. Now fully alarmed the Nins tried to dispel the illusion; some physically trying to put the flames out. Sasuke watched dispassionately at the side as the Jutsu burned out their chakra networks.
Such was the way of Enkai; Flame Commandment. It set the opponents chakra ablaze, fuelling itself with their own chakra.
The final vestiges of life withered and gave way to silence.
"I let you live, because you showed proper respect to the dead. A Shinobi does not always have the luxury for a graceful memorial" Sasuke's eyes drifted to an area of deep shadow.
"In consideration to your kindness, your death will be swift and with dignity." Sasuke suddenly appeared behind a small figure. His sword sang silently, a sure kill.
He blinked as his blade hit nothing but air. No; not just air…
He glanced at the figures new position. He took note of the bleeding from the shoulder; his sword and pierced deep; it missed the spinal cord, but hit the shoulder regardless. From what he could see the arm would be next to useless until treated.
The figure tensed and reached into its robes. Suddenly its throat was in a vice grip, just as it revealed a scroll. Sasuke could tell the person was calm, but whatever was hidden under the coat his Sharingan could not pierce the veil of darkness. He gave a quick glance at the scroll and recognised the markings immediately.
"You are one of the snakes" His hand didn't bother to release and the figure seemed content to hang their while bleeding out. Slowly it offered the scroll to Sasuke but was ignored.
"I am not one of his errand runners; and you live at my whim. Why should I not have you turned in to Konoha authorities" The figure had the audacity to cock its head at the statement. Sasuke himself ignored the hypocrisy at his words; his headaches had reduced thanks to the killing and he had visited his Clan Shrine so he was content.
So, with his improved mood he could act on this one errand for the snake, hopefully he would die of shock.
The figure however seemed tired of hanging from Sasuke's arm; it slowly reached up with the wounded arm, to Sasuke's surprise, and ran a single finger over his forearm.
Sasuke shivered and to his shock he released hold of his captive.
His heart pounded and adrenaline poured through him. He struggled to make sense of what just happened. His skin prickled and his face itched. His confusion gave way to fury and he made to strike when the figures hand ran over his chest.
Slowly, softly.
It was a long time since Sasuke felt such…comfort, such safety and yet almost…intimate.
It was a long time he felt such overwhelming fear…such complete loss of control. It was like a soft web, a liar's peace, stripping his will away, leaving him empty.
Sasuke snapped away, breathing harshly. His nose burned him and his eyes bled. His chakra was erratic.
The figure stepped backwards. It motioned to the scroll and then lifted its uninjured arm to the air; a flare trailed through the sky startling Sasuke. He turned back to the figure, in time to watch as it slowly faded away.
Sasuke brought his erratic thoughts under control. There was something seriously wrong about whoever that person was, and coming from him that was saying a lot. He tried to recall everything he processed about the figure; it was fast sure, but not unduly so. It was not particularly strong and moderately skilled. It would have evade him for a bit but not if he kept the pressure up. By all rights it should have been easy to defeat.
And yet, its touch was….terrifying. it poisoned and consumed his mind.
Even now Sasuke shivered at the lingering effects. Once he returned to the Snake he will make his way back to the pit.
Orochimaru had enough rejects for a good culling.
"Intruder! Disable him! And wait for T&I!"
Sasuke smirked as he turned to the new arrivals. His chakra pulsed sharply and his cursed marking came to life. The looks of abject terror on his victim's faces were already lifting his black mood.
"In light of former allegiances, you will not die…but I cannot say for certain, if you will be permanently undamaged."
Konoha Front Gates – After Team Seven and Team Eights Return
Naruto was the picture of an unflappable ninja. The news had been taken in stride and to all he simply seemed to wait for the orders or updates to carry out his duties.
Shino however could tell otherwise; all of Team Seven were in right states.
Kakashi churned with barely restrained lightning; Shino's Kikaichu told him it was like being exposed to the heavens cries, sharp and unrelenting.
Sakura seemed to vacillate between fury and fear, pain and wrath; understandable, going by her last encounter with the lost Uchiha. The news had been fairly quiet but the perks of having Uzumaki Naruto as an ally and a friend, meant you got accurate summaries of incidents.
Speaking off…
Shino glanced again at the blonde Jinchuriki; there was no trace of the Biju's chakra, but Naruto's presence seemed to have grown, significantly since original training trip. His Kikaichu could sense the vast reserves under his command, along with the iron clad control he exerted over it.
And while the control remained firm, the chakra still churned with fury. A fury that showed no signs of abating.
Shino discretely sent out a few bugs; the Kikaichu landed unseen on Naruto's neck and struck deep. Naruto didn't flinch. The Kikaichu rapidly beat its wings, the vibrations were felt along his neck and so was Shino's message;
Calm Down!
Naruto gave slight nod and reigned in his fury. His summons, the elderly Keeper, cast a knowing glance between the two shinobi but said nothing.
"Let's go, minna" Kakashi called out. "Tsunade-Sama is waiting for our report."
Moments later they stood before the Hokage, along with the Elder Council.
"We haven't got time to waste" Tsunade barked out. She indicated for Shino to go first.
The Aburame gave a brief overview of their part; nothing of real significance. Tsunade all seemed to agree; once the summary was complete she dismissed Team Eight.
Just as Shino brushed passed Naruto he felt ghost thin strands of perception threads connect to him, their message brief and to the point.
Find out more
Shino didn't react; calmly he walked out and closed the door.
Shino crossed the village deep in thought.
Truthfully there wouldn't be much he could find out that wouldn't already be known to Konoha's ruling body. At best he would only confirm details they would tell Naruto, still it wouldn't hurt to verify.
"Shino-Sensei!" three figures sped for his location, their presence pulling him out of his mental exercise.
"Konohamaru, Udon, Moegi" He greeted each one, slowing only a fraction. "You are aware that I am not your Jonin-Sensei, correct? It is unnecessary to give me that title"
"You are training me with my glaive, which makes you a Sensei" Konohamaru pointed out resolutely.
Udon nodded and cocked his glasses "We do spend a lot of time with you, improving our combat and tactical skills, Shino-Sensei"
"Yeah, and you always have some exercise for us, you've always made time for us. That makes you our sensei, Shino-Sensei" Moegi added with flourish at the end.
Shino sighed and shook his head at the very young shinobi.
Like Konohamaru, Udon and Moegi had changed somewhat. Udon it turned out was more suited for the softer arts of the shinobi. As such he focused on long range illusion combat and medical support. The boy had excellent and to eye coordination; so much so that Shino had been adamant in his weapon choice and had him outfitted with a custom arm-mounted crossbow. It took up the entirety of his left forearm, but was durable enough as a makeshift shield.
When used in tandem with the stealth jutsu Shino had gotten from Naruto the boy had become quite the dangerous ambush fighter.
Moegi too had changed. Her combat skirt had been changed for shinobi trousers, with shin guards. Across her back was a simple looking double edged sword. Further inspection however showed the blade to be segmented; with application of chakra the sword would extend and become a whip, increasing its range and deadliness. Over her left hand was an armoured brace, the back of her chest piece was also heavily reinforced; as shown from the scratches from the whip-sword.
Overall the three young shinobi had grown, and would do so for years to come.
"I don't know why I even try at times" Shino sighed at their gleeful expressions. "I take it Ebisu-San is on mission? That's why you've decided to bother me?" emphatic nods, "And you have permission from him to seek me out to run drills?" more emphatic nods and a sign notice.
"Very well." Shino raised a palm, stopping the cheer, "Not now though. I'll come find you; right now I have something to finish."
With Team Eight have left the office the atmosphere seemed to thicken.
"I need to know everything that happened once you got to Suna, leave nothing out" Tsunade ordered.
Kakashi nodded slowly as a formulated his thoughts.
"For the interest of disclosure, I was not present during the encounter between Chunin Uzumaki Naruto and Akatsuki Nin Akasuna-No-Sasori" seeing the glances he elaborated, "Gaara was still in Akatsuki clutches; he was barely alive and Sasori's partner, Deidara absconded with him under orders. Sasori was the bait and rear guard, it was decided my team split up; myself and Sakura proceeded to engage Deidara while Naruto and Elder Chiyo faced off against Sasori"
With that clear Kakashi began his report. From the notice left with Kankuro, the seal puzzle deciphered by Naruto and the stalling tactics Akatsuki utilised via Hoshigaki Kisame and Uchiha Itachi. Kakashi also mentioned his observations on the number of security seals that had been pre-emptively disabled around Akatsuki's base, seals that would have been more than a little difficult to disable and cost them time; had they been fully operation it was most likely Gaara would not have lived at all.
Homura adjusted his glasses and leaned forwards slightly, "Do you have any ideas why the security was disabled before you arrived, unexpected the boon might have been, it is still a cause for concern?"
"I have no concrete answers at this time Honourable Elder" Kakashi shrugged lightly, "merely speculation."
"By all means, speculate" Tsunade insisted. Kakashi paused; he visibly scanned the room, until finally resting on his blonde student.
"We believe it was a deliberate sabotage on the Akatsuki defence grid" Naruto took a deep breath, before going for the plunge.
"Specifically, it was a challenge, an invitation to the only Puppet Master outside of the Suna doctrine."
Naruto seemed unruffled as the weight of the room fell on him.
"One of the few bits of data we have on him is an almost pathological need on punctuality." Tsunade blinked at the statement. Danzo however gave a slight nod, already aware of this trait.
"This was confirmed by Elder Chiyo I imagine?" he queried. Naruto nodded in agreement; Danzo leaned back into his seat, "taking that into account and this challenge, he must have felt the delay was not worth it and expedited your encounter"
"That is the assumption I am working under as well, yes." Naruto conceded, "Bearing in mind the fact that Gaara was barely alive and feeling the full effects of the extraction process" Naruto chose his words with care as he glanced meaningfully at his pink haired teammate, "I doubt the Kazekage was even a full consideration, other than what we would have done in terms of retrieval."
Tsunade frowned slightly, irritated at the sudden need for information control. And from the looks of Sakura she was aware that something was deliberately not being said.
"Lock this place down"
Everyone blinked at the weight of the order. The windows sealed and strong pulse of chakra swept through the room.
"Information control is rescinded for the duration of this debrief. Sakura everything you see and hear is held under the highest levels of operational secrecy, punishable by death, without exception" Tsunade's eyes flashed with a warning, even as the Elders tensed with disapproval.
"I understand Hokage-Sama" Sakura demurred with a bowed head.
"Naruto, you are free to disclose further to her, after this meeting" Naruto nodded and Tsunade continued, "So, in summary Sasori wanted to fight you and had gotten impatient. Somehow I don't see that going well with the other members."
Something fleeted on Naruto's face.
"Ohh, you disagree?" Danzo scented out like a shark, Tsunade barely a second behind him.
"I wouldn't presume to know a lot about Akatsuki, we are still awaiting more information from Jiraiya-Sama" Naruto began cautiously, "Still, as with all things, everyone has a motive that governs their actions, the decisions they make."
Naruto looked around the room.
"Sasori, and Akatsuki, it felt like it was a means to an end" Naruto cut himself off, visibly struggling with the choice of words.
"Sasori joined, most likely because he had nothing better to do. He stayed because it was convenient, not out of fear. And he disabled the security because he was vested in something, regardless of how it could affect Akatsuki."
"He won't betray Akatsuki out of hand, that is against his principles, but he is not above engineering scenarios, just to observe the outcome."
The silence was disturbing; all minds contemplated the scenario laid out for them.
"How sure are you of this?" Tsunade's voice was like lead. Naruto cocked his head slightly and gave a mirthless smile.
"A shinobi's instincts are occasionally wrong" Meaning, in broad terms he was very sure of Sasori's motives. Useful to other shinobi; useless everywhere else.
Tsunade chuckled depreciatingly. Even the Elder Council shared her feelings; Homura had taken of his glasses and was worrying his eyes, Koharu seemed to vacillate between indignation and resignation.
Danzo was the only one who seemed visibly immune to the proceedings, except Naruto could tell from his chakra he was not happy at the news.
"We will continue to monitor the situation, so far they have three of the Biju; Gaara's extraction may have failed but they have enough of the Shukaku that it cannot be overlooked."
"They would not act brashly for the time being" Danzo commented, gripping his cane tight. "Given the battle and the destruction of the landscape, nations are scrambling to get eyes and ears out. Already reports and whispers have begun, we must do our best to derail or benefit from it."
Tsunade rounded on Kakashi.
"Hatake gear up." Tsunade tossed him an epi-pen. "I understand the difficulties with your eye but we are short on time. We have a very small window of opportunity and I need my best on it. Your former unit is on this mission so rendezvous with them."
Kakashi nodded slowly and gave a quick glance to his team.
"And what of our previous mission? Has that been scuttled, or….?" He trailed of slightly as the Elders looked visibly uncomfortable.
"Your student would handle that." That perked their attentions; Naruto straightened; his thoughts firing, and realisation slowly dawned on him. Tsunade smiled and nodded; she rose up from her seat and casually tossed an item at the blonde.
Naruto's hair reached out and snagged the object; it was much thinner than standard, and had fewer pockets and concealments. However the design was undeniable.
"No time for ceremonies, so for now, congratulations Jonin Uzumaki"
Danzo stifled his irritation as what he had tried hard to prevent came to pass. He had no problems with the Jinchuriki advancing, in fact he had strongly advocated to Sarutobi to take more active measures in his training and promotions.
The problem however, was the fact that he was still beholden to Sarutobi's ideals. And Tsunade had an iron clad grip on him; it would be even more difficult now to secure his loyalty.
"Congratulations on your advancement, young Uzumaki." Homura commented neutrally. Koharu gave a sharp nod but elected to remain quiet.
Danzo merely busied himself with the strewed files.
"You intend to send Jonin Uzumaki to retrieve the Uchiha?" he commented out of the blue, focusing on the previous meeting notes.
"That was the original assignment" Tsunade sat back down and leaned back into the couch, legs crossed, "And from what I understood they were mere moments away from completing the mission when I had them divert. As you can understand, the situation with Akatsuki and the Kazekage took precedence"
"Depending on one's point of view, but in this case I am in agreement" Danzo replied. He too leaned back into his seat and pinned Naruto with a flat stare.
"His record is accomplished, there can be no doubt. However I am still…concerned. Ones teammates can be strength, and a curse. A sense of betrayal can affect one's judgement."
"All too true" Homura smoothly cut in, "Older and wiser heads have fallen, due to allowing their emotions to cloud their judgement. And the Uchiha is a source of great controversy."
"Uchiha Sasuke chose to betray Konoha" Sakura snapped out, her eyes flashed with anguish and fury. "He betray Team Seven, he betrayed the bond of this village. He chose to spit on the foundations we have fought, lived and bled for. There is no controversy on the facts."
Danzo turned his gaze on her, forcing her to shrink slightly, still her defiance was commendable. He turned his gaze from his fellow Elders to Tsunade, as if to validate his concerns.
"What are our orders Hokage-Sama?" Naruto queried; Kakashi lingered in the background, lending support to his students.
"Your mission parameters are unchanged. As fortune would have it we managed to get a secure message from Jiraiya; Orochimaru has another base, a secure installation hidden somewhere in Kusagakure. He has managed to triangulate a rough area the base is hidden, but you would have do the final leg work."
Naruto nodded and Tsunade carried on.
"According to the Intel Orochimaru has already moved base, but it is still operational; given its supposed size it is not entirely easy to shut down all his operations. That means-"
"Scouting, fact-finding, information retrieval and assassination" Naruto finished. Sakura started slightly and then a slow smirk grew across her face.
Tsunade nodded in approval.
"I want that place cratered; anything to deny the snake further assets. Now as much as I would love sending just both of you, I would be more comfortable with a standard unit composition; Four-Man team. I can have Aburame Shino seconded again to your squad for the duration of this mission…" Tsunade trailed off.
"Shino would make a useful addition to the mission Hokage-Sama." Naruto stated, more than pleased with the choice.
"Good, we are still putting the mission profile together, report in tomorrow, zero-five-hundred, for full briefing. Kakashi, stay a moment; we need your insight on separate matters."
"Well, Jonin Uzumaki Naruto" Sakura gushed at the title. Naruto made a face and she burst out laughing.
"So how does it feel?" Naruto cocked his head to the question, and gave a smirk.
Pretty damn good….
Slowly the levity left them as thoughts went to their mission; their original mission.
"Will you be alright, Sakura?"
She subconsciously rubbed against her chest and retreated slightly. Naruto's hand came up to her shoulder.
"I'll gut him. Say the word and he won't make it back for interrogation."
"Like that there was any doubt, with you on the team" she smiled lifelessly. Naruto remained silent; left to him Sasuke wouldn't get the opportunity to crawl his way out of his charges.
"We need the information Naruto." she stated
"We need his head on a pike" came the swift reply. She looked away and said nothing; Naruto closed his eyes and gritted his teeth.
"Fine, but trust me, if he even so much as twitches wrong, those eyes of him will make a good necklace."
