A.N. Hey all and welcome to the chapter. Just wanted to say; to my new follows and faves welcome, to all old hands welcome back.

another chapter down and more to come; this one may be a little on the short side, but hopefully up to standard.

as usual i'll answer all prev questions at the end of the chapter.

Onwards to Glory.


Another day. Another dawn. Another rising of the sun from the dark shadows, casting a vision of light and new hope.

"The Kazekage has almost fully recovered" a voice rang out in the silent cave. "According to the reports he should be at full capacity within the week."

The figure seemed encased in a massive Venus flytrap, the most distinctive feature about him, along with the fact that his body seemed even split in two tones; one half completely chalk white, the other an infinite black.

"It is difficult to secure more credible data on the Kage" his voice seemed to undergo a change; the overall pitch and flow was lower, with a husk to it. "We intercepted several secure communications from Konoha, but their security protocols are getting harder to crack. Suna itself is difficult to enter, especially considering the heightened security and my own constitution."

The central figure of the group nodded at the appraisal; Zetsu's composition made him a walking plant, in the forests and woodland areas he was very much at home and concealment was as easy as breathing. Suna was a desert, barren for miles, hiding was next to impossible, not to mention the risks of dehydration and wilting. Such a shame as he was one of their best spy tools.

Speaking of,

"And have we news on Sasori?" eyes blinked all around; Deidara shifted slightly in place with a frown.

"No word on Sasori-Dana. I can't even get a lock on his ring" The mad bomber flexed his new hand; the lingering sensitivity was a pleasant distraction to the tedium of the meeting.

"I was able to trace him into Grass Country" The black half of Zetsu growled out, the White half nodding their joined head. "But then I lost his mark; he has either gone to ground or something else….given who owns the territory."

"Orochimaru" Intoned the first voice, the leader of Akatsuki. His concentric grey orbs swept through the cave, burning with unmatched intensity.

"The snake worries himself with what we might do, for now he is contained" the Akatsuki leader said dismissively, "Sasori's loss is of some concern, his spy network is a distinct advantage, losing it would put a severe dent in our operations".

"Deidara" The clay bomber perked at the address, but then grew sullen as the address filtered through him, "You will stay back for the time being. A replacement for Sasori will be tasked to you momentarily."

The Akatsuki leader didn't wait for confirmation before turning to two other members.

"Hidan, Kakuzu. I need you to further disrupt the economic flow. Any and all missions you can get done at further discounted rates. Dry up the market as best you can."

"Our treasury will take a serious hit from that action" Kakuzu monotone echoed around the cave. "At the moment we have expended two-thirds of our revised budget; twenty percent more than the original estimates. We need to build up our contingencies or we will be forced to utilise our reserves, and those were not meant to sustain for any significant length."

The grey orbs glowed slightly as the owner nodded.

"Find significant bounties, take the rewards. Then dry up the low level markets. That will still cause more problems for the major nations. We need to keep them busy and disorganised. The six tails has also been found; for now we will monitor and try find more leads on the others still missing."


Kusagakure – Orochimaru's Base

The steps were disjointed, jarring and aggressive. It fit the darkness that seemed to permeate from the owner. As he drew ever closer to the base, sentries and otherwise could tell of his presence and immediately made themselves scarce.

It would do no good to be caught under the gaze of the mad Uchiha.

If Sasuke realized that everyone went well out of their way to avoid him he didn't care. The pain in his skull was an all-encompassing feeling. All that mattered was that he delivered the message to the Snake and then made his way to the pit.

Movement fleeted on the edge of his sight; like a rabid hound he acted.

A small shriek of fear echoed loudly to his ears. In his hands was gripped a slip of a girl, one of Orochimaru's researchers, from her attire and the contents spilling to the floor.

"Please, Sasuke-Sama" he paused as a soft pained voice sounded to his left. He tossed a blank gaze and met the tear filled eyes of one of the Snake's ninja. Said ninja was on his knees, trembling softly, yet desperately meeting his gaze. The eyes flickered ever so often at the slowly turning blue figure in his hand.

Sasuke release his hold slightly; allowing just enough air for her to breath, but left her dangling in place. He cocked his head at the kneeling ninja.

"Who is she to you?"

The ninja swallowed and bowed reverently.

"I am her brother. Please Sasuke-Sama, take my life it would please you; just let her live." The figure bowed low and then quickly looked up. Sasuke could see his pulse quicken, yet he made no move to act; both were well aware, if he made a single move, his sister's life would be forfeit.

"She is all that I have left. We had nowhere else to go. I beg you, leave her be and take mine as compensation." His voice hitched, growing ever softer; his next words echoed loudly through Sasuke.

I swore to protect her; Kami please, I swore…..

I swore to avenge my Clan. Kami bear witness to my oaths….

A soft keening came from the girl hanging from his grip. Sasuke looked at her and was shocked at the pleading in her gaze. Her hand gripped his softly and her head shook stubbornly. She spoke but his grip muffled the sounds; however to his Sharingan the words were clear.

Please leave my brother alone. Take me instead.

Sasuke stood blank; suddenly his hand open and the girl gave a soft gasp as she was suddenly loose. Her brother acted like lightning, catching her before she fell.

"Thank you Sasuke-Sama" he intoned with heady relief. He held his sister's shaking body to his chest, rocking her gently. He looked Sasuke in the eye again; fear and resolve swam with equal measure.

"My word still stands Sasuke-Sama. If you wish it, my life for my sisters" he ignored her keening as he stayed firm before the Mad Uchiha.

"I accept" a soft parting of wind sent a flinch through both siblings, only to blink in confusion as a slow scraping sounded, followed by a firm click.

Sasuke's had rested on the hilt of his blade, a blade no had realised had been drawn in the first place.

"As of now your life is mine; you are my personal attendant, as payment for your sister's life. As you are her protector and carer both of you belong to me." Sasuke brushed passed both siblings, his headache mostly subsided.

"I will inform the Snake of your new stations; she can remain on his research team. As for you" Sasuke glanced back at the older brother, his Sharingan spinning infinite webs "I despise oath breakers. As my attendant you will not be allowed to fail."

Neither sibling could do much but stare in shock. Sasuke himself couldn't understand what spawned this new level of madness.

Either way it didn't matter.

"My retainers are not to be idle" The warning resonated in the siblings. Hastily they rose; with quick deferential bows they hastened to carry out their duties.

Sasuke blinked rapidly, trying to understand why he was so out of sync. Either way what was done was done; if they turned out to be useless then they would die.

Sasuke turned back to his original destination; the Snake was going to get an earful, Uchiha Sasuke was no errand boy.


Konoha

"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…We need the information Naruto."

"We need his head on a pike"

"…..Fine, but trust me, if he even so much as twitches wrong, those eyes of him will make a good necklace."

Naruto reined in his fury as he went through his medical; it would do no good to upset the Medic Staff. Logically he knew capturing Sasuke alive could possibly net them a lot of information on Orochimaru.

Scratch that; it would definitely provide a wealth of information, much of which Konoha sorely needed.

The thing was though, Konoha was just as good at fishing information out of dead people too; obviously not as much as the living, but dead men do tell tales just the same.

And he so wanted Sasuke dead.

It wasn't personal; Naruto could freely admit he didn't like the Uchiha, never had done, but they were a team and so he put up with him. The problem had been the profile and shadow cast by the Uchiha name. It had nearly tainted everything he worked for; at least to Naruto's mind.

But the worst; the absolute worst, was that he stabbed someone Naruto cared about.

Family was important to Naruto. Sakura had grown up, she went from an insecure fangirl, to a determined young rookie, and then a potentially deadly and worthy shinobi. She had changed. She did her very best to save Kazuki and Umeko. That alone made her family, and their bond had only grown as they spent time together.

Sasuke tried to take what wasn't his; he tried to murder someone Naruto called Kin.

There was no forgiveness for that. There could be no forgiveness for that.

"Uzumaki-San" a soft voice drew him out of his dark mood. Naruto quickly shifted gears, opting for a calm and disarming poise.

"Forgive me Suzume, I was lost in thought"

Suzume merely smiled softly, a look of understanding on her face. Once again Naruto wondered how some one could be so, endearing, for a lack of a better term. As far as he knew she was always polite, helpful and warm. He'd never heard of her raising her voice to anyone and so far most people took to her presence.

Naruto included.

"I understand Uzumaki-San. The check-up is complete, your recovery i must admit is really quite fascinating" she added with a wistful tone.

Naruto smirked and his eye flashed.

"I that a request for a more...detailed examination?"

Her face burned at his words and words failed her. Naruto chuckled quietly for a few moments while she fidgeted with embarrassment. As she hurried to pack away the medical equipment Naruto quickly intercepted.

"Peace, it was merely light humor. I will stop" Suzume bit her lip, still read faced but nodded in thanks.

"The final report will be available tomorrow; from your briefing you experienced no real genjutsu attacks, however you were subject to a number of toxins. despite your robust immune system i will recommend an A-Class flushing solution and rest. if you can avoid it, no missions for a fortnight."

Naruto snorted. Suzume slumped, as if expecting such a reaction.

Why do i even try?


After leaving Hospital, Naruto made his way quickly back to his home. Bypassing the main house he went straight to his workshop. The size had been expanded a fair bit, considering he had more puppets and needed more workspace for his Shadow Clones.

As he entered he took in the noise and bustle of activity.

"You really should be careful Taichou" A clone cautioned as he stepped close. "I know you have recovered much since Suna, but all the same making us as you did is pushing it, even for you."

Naruto nodded at the rebuke but remained silent. There weren't that many clones, around forty in total. Still the sheer amount of chakra in each one was beyond staggering, matching the output of several Ninjas Naruto knew by name and reputation.

"My chakra cap has risen again" The clone sighed at the statement and closed its eyes; slowly it nodded.

"Yes, the battle with Sasori was significant. When you add the Kyuubi to the mix the stress your body went through would have killed others of lesser constitution."

Naruto chuckled as he raised his left hand and made a fist. Chakra sprung to life, dancing all around and through the limb; his right prosthetic was still missing, damaged from his battles.

"The perks of the Uzumaki."

The Uzumaki Clan were well known for their strong bloodline. They had robust chakra networks and longevity that left other envious; the Uzumaki's were known to only grow stringer with age, time was always an ally to the vibrant clan, never an enemy.

Naruto's Uzumaki bloodline ran deep, and this was all before taking into account the Kyuubi.

Also…

"My range and sensitivity has gone grown again. It is as much a pain as it is a boon" Naruto sighed and dragged his fingers across his nape. With a soft pulse of chakra a seal slowly faded to light; the outer boundary was almost gone, while the inner seal seemed to be barely hanging on. Naruto gave a glance to his clone and it nodded. Quickly it moved to the door and ran its hand over the frame.

Chakra sang through the air and seals flitted into view. As the barriers snapped into place Naruto broke the seal on his neck.

For an instant he flinched, then relaxed visibly and took in a deep breath.

"That was unpleasant"

To Naruto the world seemed even duller than ever. His perception was very much a part of him and he couldn't remember the last time he wasn't sensing something, anything. Turning it off was like being fully blind, or even deaf.

The flipside however, was sheer sensory overload. The mind could only take in so much at a time and Naruto's habit of engaging his senses constantly sharpened its edges at an accelerated pace. What's more, the depth of his sensory ability was not to be dismissed; Naruto had gone beyond merely sensing chakra and base emotions, he could emulate them.

With enough exposure, Naruto could reflect on a near perfect scale whoever he was sensing.

Added to that was his fascination with the flows of chakra, he could spend hours merely observing with more than his 'eye', feeling the shifts and eddies of another's chakra, the older, the more powerful, or the more active the better.

All of this had a very real side effect; psychosis, and madness.

Still, as long as he didn't overreach himself, and built up a level of tolerance to each new sensory range and skill; he could stave off the worst of any possible degeneration.

It was all about control; discipline, fortitude as well, but above all, control.

"Where are we with the puppets?" Naruto turned back to his clone, struggling not to engage his perception. The Clone pursed its lips and sent a short burst of chakra. Immediately all other clones paused their activities and took stock. A network of chakra strings fired from each clone to the others, information was pooled, collated and verified; one of the clones straightened and disengaged.

Naruto's eyelid fluttered as he processed the information.

His Goliath class puppet was gone. So too were the bird puppets and wolves. His Valkyrie class somehow only managed to suffer cosmetic damage, but that was probably due to the fact that the bird puppets ran interference for it, plus they were high up and so didn't face the bulk of Sasori's attacks.

His Lightning class puppet was also a complete right off, the Warmonger class needed extensive repairs, same with the Scorch class puppet, and the Frost class might as well be rebuilt from the ground up. The Stalker class and Banshee class were undamaged.

Soprana….

Naruto shook the name out of his head, fixing the thought of Banshee class firmly in mind. it would do him no good to name his puppets, not any more.

"We made enough spares to get the beast types off the ground quickly. They are already sealed and ready for action" His clone passed him the scrolls, before turning back to the work tables. "The others though are going to take longer, even if you make more clones; you can only have so many working on them."

Naruto nodded, brushing his hand over one of the Frost class frames.

"See of you can get at least either a Scorch-Class or Warmonger ready, preferably both. If I thought it possible I would say get Frost done as well but no pressure."

Naruto sighed again, willing away the subtle aches. He was going to have to play it relatively safe the next mission, at least until his puppets were done.

"You know-"His clone began cautiously, almost hesitantly, "You still have one puppet. More than viable and significantly adaptable."

Naruto stiffened at the words but made no comment.

"Would you not consider it? Especially with whom your next target is?"

"Why do you hesitate? He is rea-"

"It!" Naruto snapped out, "Not He! It!"

"He is ready" the clone steadfastly carried on. "I know why we fear, but I disagree with our stance. If he has no purpose then destroy him and be done with this." After a scoff of disgust the clone dispelled.

Naruto hissed in fury; with a wave of his hand all the other clones dispelled abruptly; for a brief moment he blacked out.

More than half of them agreed with the statement; the others felt just as he did, in varying degrees.

It was an old argument he had with himself, though it lent a new perspective when his clones joined the mix.

Naruto knew he was procrastinating, and he was well aware if he carried on for much longer he would dither about until he found something else to enable him to 'put off' his confrontation.

Confrontation….

He scoffed at the thought, but that was exactly what it felt like.

He steeled himself, and moved to the back of the workshop, into a small alcove, purpose built and veiled off.

He parted the veil; his heart skipped a beat at the sight.

Hello Byakuya….

There, in all its resplendent glory, was Naruto's first guardian. His first warrior and protector.

His inspiration, his mentor.

His Truest Friend…never to abandon him.

Not like he abandoned him….

Naruto didn't realise he feet had carried him over to the stationary puppet. The puppets hood, though frayed, looked well cared for, as were the robe like trappings that concealed its legs. Minor rents and tears littered the garment, but lent it appeal. The chest as always was bare.

Unlike his new puppets, Byakuya's design and aesthetics remained untouched. No fibre bundles, no chakra reaction gel. Other than a general upgrade to the frame and weapon protocols, Byakuya looked exactly the same towering figure as ever. The figure was angled as such it seemed look down on him, so much so Naruto felt like small child again, seeking his protectors approval.

Forgive me?

.

Will you still serve by my side?

..

..

..I never left.

Naruto blinked rapidly, sensing something was different about the room. He sharpened his focus but nothing seemed amiss. Taking careful stock he circled the room until he went back to Byakuya.

That was the major difference.

Byakuya was no longer upright. The puppet had dropped to one knee; even then it seemed fill the room. Its hands had split into their four handed configuration.

The lower left was placed fist first on the ground, the upper left met with the lower right, clasped together as if in prayer. The upper right held onto the beast of a weapon; the Hades Forge.

Hades Forge was a sword and shield that interlocked to form a massive war axe. The shield face had a grill-like design and both shield and sword were fashioned with resonance and heat sealing scripts to up their potency. The weapon was currently in axe configuration, with the head planted down on the ground.

Naruto's heart quickened and he fought hard from taking a step backwards.

Byakuya was his favoured puppet; his chosen. He had spent more time with this one more than all the others combined.

Byakuya was supposed to be inanimate. He provided the animus. Without Naruto, there was no Byakuya.

Naruto flinched as cold hands seemed to fall on his shoulders, cold metal hands.

.I have never left. I will serve, always as you intend.

Your will is my own.

.Have no fear.

Whatever you decide, I will…..

"Please" Naruto whispered his voice so very vulnerable. His eye was closed tight. This was a far cry from the confident refined ninja from earlier.

"Are you real? Are you…a-al-alive?" Silence reined heavily, painfully. "None of the others act as you do, save maybe…."

"Please Byakuya….i need you, but I am afraid."

...

"Byakuya?"

Silence was the only response. Naruto closed his eye again, warring internally with himself.

Byakuya was his oldest puppet. Much of its part had been recycled through it so many times it was more original than any of the others. Naruto had bled over this one puppet, working on it personally, than utilising his clones.

He poured a large part of himself through Byakuya. So it had been a surprise to find his connection to the inanimate object to be a tad….odd.

He wasn't sure when it started, and the subtle gaps in his thoughts and memories didn't help. Like just now; how had Byakuya gotten off his-, its, stand and on its knee, without him being aware? His situational awareness was impeccable, one thing he prided himself.

But it never seemed to help with Byakuya.

Worse still, the gaps were growing more frequent, or more like Byakuya seemed to be…more, each time Naruto interacted with it.

That was why he started to limit his interaction, why he refused to name any of the others and change much of their parts and systems as often as possible.

But not Byakuya. Never Byakuya.

Naruto took a deep breath and slowly let the air out. He reached up with his left hand and ran a finger down the right side of his neck. A storage seal etched into the skin, pulsing softly. Naruto felt the pattern emerge from his palm as well.

He turned around to face Byakuya.

He found the puppet fully upright; his feet stood shoulder with apart. all four hands gripped the sword-haft of the giant war axe. Under the hood, through the slightly damaged mask Naruto could make out the glinting orbs.

One orange; one purple.

For something so lifeless, it felt very much like a living thing.

Naruto reach out and placed his palm on the puppets chest.

Has the seal took effect, Byakuya's head dropped a fraction of an inch.

Naruto blinked rapidly; for a moment it seemed something flashed through the mismatched orbs.

A flutter of chakra and he was gone, sealed away until called for battle.

Naruto could feel his heart pounding; he could feel his limb trembling.

Focus…I need to Focus.

Naruto brought himself under control; he needed to keep it together, get Sasuke, bring his corpse back to the village, and carry on as normal.

He had worked too hard and had much to lose; if anyone ever found out he was going cra-

IT IS NOT THEIR CONCERN!

True, but the upper echelons may not look favourably at his….issues. Best get Sasuke out of the way; everything else could be sorted later.


A.N - Another chapter done and dusted. Quick thanks again to all of you and now for the Q&A, only 1 this time i think.

Seta88 Chapter 15 - I read through the manga and wiki again and confirmed something that bugged me; Sarutobi told Itachi that he wont change the barrier formula, so the Uchiha could get in and out without triggering it. Also in the chunin exam, Orochimaru was in and out of that thing like it wasn't even there, that means he either knew the code or had a way to bypass it. That is why Sasuke was with his spies; they knew from Orochimaru, and he had Sasuke kill them so only he and Kabuto know. Until the next spy. Pain saw the barrier but didnt have the code so he triggered it in the manga/anime.

Vincent Argeneau, JokersLastLaugh, raikouplush, and any knew reviewers i might have missed out; welcome to the family and thanks for the support.

as always if you can please C&C, let me know when i've messed up or done something right.

catch ya on the next one.