A.N. I'm back - sorry for the extended break but i just couldn't find my focus. I hope you all like this chapter.


Konoha's Unseen Ones;

Keepers of the darkness. The ones concealed in shadows, who support the great tree of Konoha from the deepest places of the earth.

The leaves may fall. The branches may break. The bark may scar. All may burn….

But the Roots. As long as the Roots remain, deep within the earth, then Konoha may yet thrive.

After all, the Roots are the support of a tree, providing nourishment from shadowed places, storing wealth for darker times, and determining which tree outlasts all other competitors.

We are "Ne". We are Konoha's dark sons. We are the ANBU "Roots", keepers of the darkness.

We will never die out…..


You know your assignment….failure is not an option.

Sai blinked as the attention of his new "team" fell on him. He shifted slightly and the calibrated his expressions; his eyes closed and a smile grew on his face.

"Hello, I am Sai; it will be interesting working with you."

Although not a sensor Root's training was very thorough. He had learned to pick up subtle physical cues from his opposition.

Sakura was the easiest; her dislike was rather blatant, along with her suspicions of his intentions. Shino was much harder to determine, still Sai could infer the Aburame was 'sceptical' to his presence.

Naruto however, would have made a fantastic Root.

Apart from the initial display in the Hokage's office, Sai could no longer determine anything from the Jinchuriki. It was like standing in front of a ghost; no physical cues or uncontrolled expressions.

With that said, something lingered. A soft ambiance; beating in tandem with his heart. And while Root eschewed emotions, they valued practical things like caution and sense, the uncommon kind.

Common sense got people killed.

Caution told him to be wary of the Jinchuriki.

"That remains to be seen, drone."

The words flew over Sai; with no emotions he went unfazed by the rather blatant aggression. Still it sharpened his focus. Sai opened his eyes and quickly noted the surprise in Sakura; Naruto's action clearly was unexpected, at least by the female member of the team.

Shino remained motionless, however a faint buzzing drifted from him. Naruto's seemed unmoved, but Sai got the impression it was a stand down request.

Interesting…

"Ah, I assume this is the nickname stage. I had read of such things, but I didn't anticipate it would be this early in our acquaintanceship." Sai chirped. As he spoke he didn't miss the narrowed glare from the Jinchuriki. Also the physical tells that were missing were beginning to show. It seemed the longer he spoke the more aggressive the response he got.

Sai was about to continue when a sharp burst of chakra choked the words from his lips. Sakura visibly flinched and Shino tensed. The false smile faded from Sai and his eyes fully opened, dead but with frank appraisal.

Clearly the Jinchuriki had something against him, something that influenced his behaviour deeply. It would be interesting, not to mention informative, to find out what.


Outwardly Naruto looked calm, if not stern. Inside though he was furious.

The one thing he prided himself on was his control, rigid, uncompromising self-control. There were times when that self-control was tested, even broken. But he was quick to rally himself, analyse the situation and implement a solution of sorts.

Sai tested his control, simply with his very existent.

The vacuum in his emotional centre was unnatural. Whatever process Sai had gone through, the damage to his mind was significant, specifically dealing with emotions.

Feelings surged through everyone's chakra, even ones like Itachi and Sasori to name a few. Their emotions were tightly reined but Naruto could still feel them, perceive the echoes left in their passing.

Sai's felt like an emotional collapse, a dark dank void with dregs of battered vagaries and impulses. It was a chasm that stretched to infinity, a hungry expanse that threatened his own mental existence. It was a sense of 'other-worldliness', something that wasn't quite right.

To an average mind such a person gave an 'off' feeling, to ninjas it was more profound, triggering varying flight or fight responses.

With Naruto, especially as a gifted sensor it was terrifying. With powerful chakras and emotions he was at risk of being subsumed by them, losing himself to their sensations. Raw chakra and rage burned him, filling his mind with an all-consuming fury and battle lust. Even gentle chakras and emotions offered a different yet no less dangerous kind of trap, a sense of peace and serenity, in an unruffled vista. Older more experienced chakra sang with such history it drew out the scholar in him, seeking ever more to wander their depths.

All such roads led to madness.

In the case with Sai however his mind couldn't pull away quickly enough. It was another kind of madness; a blanket hysteria from running, trying to escape or destroy the source of his unrest.

To Naruto it was reason enough to be outright hostile. This thing was sentient but might as well be dead. He couldn't stand the feeling, and the false face made it even worse. It was trying badly to imitate life, hiding behind a mocking face.

The falsity was too much to stand. The fact that he bore the stench of Danzo was an added bonus to his dislike.

Still, they had pressing work to accomplish. He would bear with the drone, until it proved to be a detriment to the team.


Naruto turned and walked away from the Root agent.

"I have little regard for those who spy on me, without any warrant or reason to do so. I had thought my warnings would be clear-"He paused and turned slightly; his eye narrowed sharply. "Let your brothers and sisters know from here on out, I will tolerate your presence no longer. The next combat doll I sense I will break."

Sai merely blinked. He remembered his own near miss while observing the Jinchuriki. Others that had been observing him also spoke of the same; how he would accurately determine their position, regardless of how well they disguised their signatures, and then launch whatever projectile was at hand. Once caught or suspected the Root agent would promptly withdraw. Rinse and repeat.

Now though it seemed the Jinchuriki was no longer content with simple warnings.

Naruto turned away again, his point on the matter made.

"We have our objective and our window is dwindling. We make for Kusagakure at speed; I'll brief you once we clear the border."

"Kusagakure?" Sai parroted as his eyes narrowed. Even Shino looked up in surprise. Sakura looked around in confusion.

"Otogakure is roughly north of Konoha. Kusa is on our western side." Shino queried softly.

"We are entering into the bad lands" Sai interjected his face bland but alert. "Kusa is very dangerous when it needs to be; their diplomatic ties and skills is not to be underestimated, considering their location it is justified."

"Also we have to consider the two villages that border them; Hidden in Rock and Hidden Grass. All three border on Wind Country, Fire Country and Earth Country. The geopolitical situation in those places shift rapidly; historically battles have been staged in those places simply due to their strategic influences. The villages there are hardened to constant conflict."

"It is good then we are not setting out to cause a diplomatic incident" Naruto replied. He took a quick look around before sighing and elaborating further. "Orochimaru has a secondary base, hidden somewhere in the territories controlled by Kusagakure."

"An impressive feat" Shino's tone held some admiration. "Given what we know he is using the country's political and strategic location to camouflage his activities. Kusa have some close ties to us so we risk damaging them by performing unsanctioned operations."

Naruto nodded.

"Except we don't have time to go through international channels. The Snake has us in a vice on this one; that said we have a limited window of retrieving our mission objective now. Given their movement patterns and Intel, we may not get another chance like this for a while."

Seeing the looks of understanding Naruto nodded.

"Good, let's move out."


Orochimaru Base – Territories held by Kusagakure

There was a subtle pleasantness, floating idly in one of the many medical tanks in the labs. The noise of the outside world was kept at bay, the simulated weightlessness while drifting in the revitalising fluids. The almost transcendent feeling as time simply passed you by.

A sharp knock on the glass woke the dreamer.

As his eyes opened and his body shifted, the various scanners and equipment registered his awareness. Across one screen his vitals registered as all clear. With a hiss the tank prepared to open; the medical fluids drained slowly, allowing his feet to touch the ground. Several stimulants and other drugs pumped into him, waking him fully, exciting his muscles and nervous system.

With the tank fully drained the door opened.

"I would not have expected to find you of all people in the tank Kabuto" Sasuke looked over the white haired Nin with undisguised intensity.

Kabuto flashed a quick smirk but said nothing. Slowly he moved across the room, grabbing his spare clothes along the way. He felt Sasuke's gaze following him as he dried himself of the excess medical fluids.

"Well?" Sasuke called out. Kabuto turned to his as his shirt went over his head, one eyebrow raised.

"Are you going to keep silent? Or do I have to guess how you of all people ended up in that state?" Sasuke clarified.

"Ara, is that concern for my health I hear Sasuke-Kun. I must say it is an honour, flattering as well."

Sasuke scoffed and pushed off the tank.

"Very well, keep your secrets. Let the Snake know I have no desires to run his errands today. I have other business to attend to."

Kabuto lost the smirk and gave a small frown.

"Tread carefully with your words, young Sasuke. Disrespect can only be tolerated for so long. This power, this invincibility you seem to think you have, none of it would come about were it not for Orochimaru. Do not forget this in your hubris."

"The Snake and I have worked on a trade. He has delivered some, but until Itachi is dead, until my Clan has their due in blood, his, and yours, are but words." Sasuke crossed passed Kabuto. The air thrummed lightly with his volatile chakra.

"I left Konoha because they were of mere words. Do not think yourselves so special."

Kabuto watched as Sasuke left the room. The Uchiha's attitude had been mercurial as of late, but overall it was worsening. And it was taking every ounce of guile to keep from wiping that smug attitude off him.

The problem was though Sasuke had reason for his overconfidence. He was strong, much stronger than Orochimaru and he had anticipated. His growth rate was phenomenal and he took to the training and medications like a bird with wings.

He could beat Sasuke, but only if he wanted to permanently cripple him.

Kabuto frowned again at the thought. Perhaps it was time to work on his own skills. Lab work was well and good, but he was letting his edge dull and that was a tragedy waiting to happen.

Kabuto looked over himself, satisfied with the presentation. He stepped to one of the many computers, as he did so his hand brushed over his glasses.

The lenses shifted. His hand paused. His breath slowed. His eyes flashed.

Time resumed; he tapped away rapidly at the keyboard, and looked satisfied with the results.

Sasuke wasn't the primary concern. The brat could do whatever he wanted. His medical details however would prove useful in his own research projects.

Among other things…

With a light spring Kabuto left the room, dimming the lights as he went to report to his Master.


The trip to the Land of across Fire Country was uneventful. On the way they linked up with one of the surveillance teams Tsunade had set up and had gotten more up to date details.

"There has been a hive of activity in Kusa territory. Nins bearing the mark of Sound have been scrambling under the cover of darkness. They are most likely scuttling this base." One of the watchers commented.

"What is our timetable?" Naruto queried sharply.

"Difficult to say" Another watcher shook its head. "Best guess, you have days. Fortunately we know the rough location. "They have been moving in and out of this area specifically" The watcher pointed to a marking in the map.

"One thing concerns me" The first watcher trailed in cautiously, "They aren't being subtle anymore. They are literally moving unchecked through Kusa territory….and unchallenged"

Silence reined. The new Team Seven narrowed their collective gazes at the implications.

"Has Kusa confirmed to be compromised?" Shino queried.

Another watcher shook its head.

"Nothing verifiable, but the circumstances cannot be overlooked. From what we have observed and gathered they were aware of an operation hidden in their lands. From the chatter a few days earlier their internal security spiked but then suddenly stood down. But they are tense; their border patrols have increased, oddly enough these places-"again they indicated to three spots on the map, "-have zero coverage, the closest one bordering on Fire Country"

Naruto perused the details with a critical eye and traced the points with his left hand.

"They know, or have a rough idea of who is moving in their lands" His words cut through the silence. He looked up to see nodding heads, the watchers had already come to that conclusion, and his teammates weren't far behind.

"Orochimaru is an international criminal, but even Kusa don't want to get tangled up with any mess regarding him, especially considering his exploits so far with Konoha and Suna. Those points were left open to get him out."

More nods. The lead watcher leaned forwards and spoke. "Internationally their position is somewhat solid. Still they are not going to remain passive for long. They are gearing to mobilise and that will draw attention. If they get word to the right people they avoid any backlash and potentially eject Orochimaru's operation to who knows where. And that is only if the Snake hasn't already completely moved on by then."

Naruto nodded decisively.

"Thank you for the update. Maintain surveillance, document as much of the political situation and send back to Hokage-Sama. My team will push forwards and complete our assignment. If anything seems amiss, report back to Command immediately."

The lead watcher nodded and his team faded into the background

"Good Luck, Jonin Uzumaki."

By the time they crossed into Kusagakure territory every member of Team Seven was geared up for confrontations. Shino had made contact with the local insect fauna, providing additional detail on movement patterns and impressions left by passing shinobi. Sai seemed relaxed; however his equipment had been reposition for easier access.

Naruto glanced as the scroll binding the Root Nin carried, along with several writing brushes and chakra laced ink. He hadn't anticipated such a combat style, but it was interesting and impressive. He couldn't wait to see it in action.

Sakura had merely checked her supplies and carried on. Naruto could feel her resolve, a strong base in her chakra, unmoving much like the earth she commanded.

He focused back on himself. His chakra was churned like the waters in an ocean. Powerful waves that threatened to spill over into violent storms. He was prepped. His puppets were prepped.


"Kabuto" A raspy voice called into the flickering light. The white haired Nin stepped further into the room and closer to the figure hidden in the dark.

"Orochimaru-Sama" He returned the greeting. His sharp gaze caught the state of his master; the feverish look in the still strong eyes, the clammy parlour and discomfort in his breath.

"The rejection process is taking its toll on you."

Orochimaru clucked, his eyes never leaving Kabuto. The Nin moved to a table, hosting an array of drugs. Deft hands mixed the dosages while taking note of the latest medical readings. The mixture was then carried over to Snake Sannin.

"We did not anticipate this. You are rejecting this body faster than any of the others. Also there is nothing we can do to halt or reverse the sensory disturbance and convulsions."

"Unacceptable" Orochimaru hissed out. His hand trembled, much to his growing fury, as he reached for the medication. As he clasped tight around the container the trembling grew even more violent, however none of the contents spilled. He brought the container to his mouth, his temper building the closer it got.

Until suddenly it was halfway across the room, finally smacking into the far wall.

"Unacceptable!" He roared. His chakra exploded out of him; sharp pain burned through all his receptors but along with the pain his fury grew. "Redo all the tests! Recheck everything! I will not allow this to be part of my fate Kabuto!"

Kabuto nodded but remained unmoved by the chakra or the rage. Smoothly he retrieved an Epi-Pen from his pouch and held it out to the Sannin. Orochimaru's eyes narrowed into slits and the hiss became more deadly.

A heavy silence then enveloped. Kabuto adjusted his grip and pressed it against Orochimaru's exposed arm. The contents emptied and began its work.

Orochimaru raised his hand again and the trembling seemed to slow. He glanced again at Kabuto, who had another container ready for him. He quickly snatched the container and in one gulp downed the contents.

"Your symptoms bore striking similarities to epilepsy, so our research went along similar lines. It was an oversight on our part. That said we did get some promising data and the new solution should prove viable for a much longer period. I will need some tissue samples now and again in forty-eight hours for comparison."

Orochimaru already had his hand outstretched. Instead of waiting for Kabuto however the skin around his neck seemed to ripple and stretch. A white snake slithered out, like lighting it darted and tore through his hand. Orochimaru was unmoved as the bloodied snake slithered over to Kabuto; he ignored the sigh from his spy as the samples were collected.

"Oversee the remainder of the clean-up." Orochimaru ordered as he tried vainly not to slump. Kabuto nodded and proceeded out the room.

"And Kabuto-"the Nin paused and turned slightly to face him "-ensure our guests receive a warm welcome. For now do not directly confront them, merely observe."

"And Sasuke?"

"Leave him to his devices. And I am rather curious to this little reunion."

"Who is stronger now; Uchiha Sasuke, or Uzumaki Naruto?"


"What did you just say?" Sakura asked incredulously.

"The base is underground."

Shino had his palm to the earth, surrounded by countless bugs. A millions feelers relayed information to him of the surrounding area, creating a virtual interactive map.

It hadn't been difficult to spot the disparities after that.

Naruto knelt beside the Aburame and slowed his breathing. He placed his hand on the ground and focused on his heartbeat and chakra. With more slow precise breaths he sank deeper into his senses.

He followed the echoes made by the bugs, but they were a maze of tracks and tunnels. Yet as he sifted through he could sense more powerful presences the deeper he went.

"He's right. Now that I focus there is a vast amount of chakra, almost directly below us" Naruto opened his eye and scanned the area. "There has to be an entrance nearby, hidden from prying eyes."

Shino nodded in agreement while Sai kept watch. He looked calm but Naruto could tell his unnatural teammate was on full alert. Begrudgingly he had to admit the stance and poise was that of a seasoned and experienced Ninja.

Sakura wound her arm as she considered the situation carefully.

"How deep do you think it is? Roughly?"

Naruto shook his head while Shino replied, "Deep. However I may have found a large open area, or at least several converging paths."

"What are you thinking?" Naruto asked as he observed the calculations running through Sakura's eyes. His eyebrows disappeared as she pulled out a soldier pill and promptly ate it. Her chakra spiked considerably and her hands went into seals.

"Everyone take a deep breath and try not to struggle; this is going to be a pain as it is." Her voice was strong, amplified by the chakra boost. Slowly she sank into the earth. Naruto first the earth shift around him and he too began the descent. He glanced at others, just in time to see them sinking as well.

"There is no way to be sure we will not be discovered. We might end up on top of enemy patrol" Shino deadpanned.

"Well we can't spend all day looking for any entrance" Sai spoke in what passed as cheer. "Personally I approve of this plan, quite ingenious in its own way; on the other hand if she has overreached herself we might end up crushed and flattened by the surrounding pressure. Or asphyxiate due to the lack of clean or even sufficient air and then die horribly, painfully even."

Naruto shook his head and bit back a scathing retort. They were almost fully submerged and already he could tell Sakura was making a path through the earth. He again marvelled at her proficiency with earth jutsus, far greater than his skill with the element; she was using what he tentatively dubbed a variant to the 'Head-hunter Jutsu' to move through the earth, whilst taking care to leave as few visible distortions or disturbances as possible. She was also taking care to keep the adverse pressure from them while traversing the various earth layers to the base.

At times she seemed to 'swim' around areas, rather than push through; Naruto attributed it to probably denser layers of earth, where going forward would be too difficult and dangerous. Already her chakra had taken a significant hit, and while it was bearable it was by no means a comfortable means of travel.

Still, surprise was mostly on their side. And once Sakura had done her bit they would quickly take stock, disable anyone who crossed their path and complete their objective.


Sakura ignored the tremble that shook her limbs. Shino hadn't exaggerated when he said the base was hidden deep in the earth. What he failed to realise was that bugs had significant time, in terms of their combined lifespans, years to dig through the earth.

Orochimaru had chosen his location well. The stone was tough to move through and densely packed in several areas. She had to manoeuvre around the tougher areas, expending precious effort and chakra; the strain on her reserves didn't increase incrementally the further she went, but exponentially.

Still, she pushed further into the earth, through the various layers of rock and dirt.

Finally she felt the area ahead was thin and uniform. Despite her fatigue and strain she slowed to a crawl. She opened a little hole, careful to keep the noise to a minimum.

A quick glance around and the area was secure. Sakura slowly pulled through the earth, stopping midway. She braced against the surface and focused on pulling her teammates; a faint rumble sounded as each one cracked through the dirt and stone.

"Next time you guys find your own damn way into the base" Sakura growled to her team. Sweat clung to her as she desperately tried to control her trembles. She ignored the whispered "good job" from Naruto as she pulled all of them the rest of the way through.

As they came free Naruto swept his left arm over the area. A subtle wave of chakra sped through the tunnel, muffling sound and diluting the senses of any who wandered through. He righted himself midway and dropped down silently; his gaze was alert and his stance wary.

Seconds later Shino dropped beside him. Immediately several bugs fleeted around him and flew off through the passages. Sai too dropped down, his tanto in hand.

Naruto glanced back at Sakura and beckoned her to join them. She shook her head slightly and her chakra flared. All eyes turned to her and noted the holes the came through slowly closing up, the area becoming indistinct from the surrounding rock face.

Sakura finally pulled herself free and sealed off her entry. With that done she let go and dropped the rest of the way.

A figure flashed; a series of clicks and rattles echoed. Byakuya intercepted the fall, cradling her in his arms before lowering her to the ground.

"Sakura, we can't stay here forever" Naruto quietly intoned as he maintained overwatch. He felt more than saw her nod, Byakuya help her back to her feet and kept her from swaying.

"I'm good now"

Naruto nodded and closed his eye again. Now they were in he could clearly read chakras that were hidden from him earlier.

"Orochimaru is here" Those words sent his team on high alert.

"Kabuto is here, along with Sasuke." Naruto paused and cocked his head. "Strange, there aren't as many as I thought, I had hoped to cause some discord, mask our approach and get what we came for. At best there are fifteen signatures." Naruto cursed silently and shook his head.

"My bugs have found what appears to be the exit and entry way" Shino indicated down the left side. He then swept to the right, "More tunnels and paths this way, along with several rooms."

Naruto nodded

"That's were all the signatures are focused." Naruto looked through his team and made his decisions.

"We move in low and fast. Orochimaru's chakra is weak but he is still dangerous. We move down this way and disable everyone we encounter, quietly."

"And what is our escape contingency?" Sai chirped as they began moving. "We're effectively in a box; rats in a maze. Death is really not on my agenda."

"It's not on anyone's agenda" Naruto threw back as the sped through the tunnel. Then he cast a sidelong glance at his pink haired teammate and nodded before speaking "That is our contingency."

Sakura nodded at the walls and roof, "For the most part these caves seem solid; Oto were very careful carving out this place and ensuring even weight distribution. Moving through I could tell large portions above us is open terrain." She shook her head clear and focused her breathing, "When it comes to it I'll bring the roof down."

"….Are you single? What do you bench press currently?"

Sakura stumbled, but immediately recovered. Her face grew red and she gaped at their crazy team member. Naruto turned to Sai, eyebrow raised. Even Shino gave off an aura of bemusement at the insanity of the Root Nin.

Sai miss all this as he mumbled to himself, "Butch? Possible, given she likes punching things, but no real build. Smasher? Maybe even Basher. Hulk…no, same reason as butch.

Sakura grew redder as the mutterings continued. Naruto snorted, remembering Sai's comments about nicknames; however his dislike was still evident. A hand reached for his shoulder and he sighed at the tacit support.

"Worry about your fetish later drone. We need to focus" He swept his gaze forwards, missing the surprised looks and byplay from his team.

So far they hadn't encountered anyone, but Naruto could sense two signatures moving along their path. Perceptions threads latched onto his team and fed them the sensation. Naruto kept them connected, letting a sense of anticipation build as they moved closer to their targets. Byakuya broke formation, moving ahead of the group in his loping gait.

As soon as the caught a glimpse Naruto reacted; his chakra flared and the space between them seemed to shrink. Byakuya launched between them, catching them completely off guard. Two senbons fired from his back, striking the base of the neck of the Oto Nins. Both froze, locked in place and unable to speak. Their eyes widened with fear as Naruto swept passed them.

SLEEP…..

It was an overwhelming command, one they couldn't ignore. Like puppets with broken strings they crumpled to the ground, the command so strong it displaced all higher brain function.


His brush just stopped short of the scroll, a small drop of ink dangling precariously on the end.

Something was strange.

Red eyes revolved slowly, face suddenly pensive.

Something wasn't quite right. He didn't know how or why, but deep in his bones Sasuke knew.


The lack of activity around the base was a boon for Team Seven, despite the how unnerving it seemed. Still, it was only a matter of time before they were found out.

Thanks to Naruto they managed to avoid the populated routes and found themselves in one of the reserve storages. Most of the drawers were empty, bits and pieces of paper and data rolls strewn across the across the floor.

Sai immediately went for the files, only to halt as Byakuya blocked his path.

"Keep a look out." Without waiting for a response Naruto went passed the drawers and tanks and straight for the computer terminal. Shino traced the room but kept close to the door while Sakura looked over the bits of data left behind.

Sai unravelled his scroll; with brush in hand elegant scripts and patterns traced. With a quick pulse of chakra his drawings came off the scroll and over the walls, blending in well thanks to the flickering lights. Satisfied with the sentries he turned back to the room, only to find Byakuya still barring his way.

Sai blinked and cast a glance at Naruto. The Jinchuriki seemed fully immersed in his task from the rapid clicks across the keyboards. He turned back to Byakuya and focused fully on the puppet.

Something about it, felt almost like a kindred spirit.

They were both solidly still. No unnecessary movements or sounds, although in all fairness Byakuya cast a shadow that would make any Root green with envy. Every action from the puppet was deliberate and calculated; something Sai found refreshing.

It sparked a curious thought really; he hadn't realised just how uncomfortable it was, being around others so unlike himself.

Sai turned his gaze back to the puppets master; Naruto was a dangerous figure, and one he had to tread carefully around. Methodical and patient, striking swiftly and brutally, before fading into the shadows once more.

Pity, he would had made a great Root.

His sentry pinged softly, but Sai didn't react. He carefully panned around the room, taking stock of the team's reactions. Naruto seemed to be fully focused on the monitors, probably only peripherally aware of anything around him. Shino and Sakura had migrated closer to him, though Shino periodically had bugs coming and going.

Sai shifted position and looked down his scroll. Markings etched into existence over its surface. It seems several of his ink creations had managed find a service room, with controls to the power system for Orochimaru's base as well as the alarms.

Silent alarms.

Sai's face was as marble…

His hands shifted. Light swift strokes darted over the paper. A soft ripple spread across its surface.

Byakuya clicked rhythmically and Sai froze. A light ruffle from Naruto; his posture shifted, and then relaxed. Byakuya stood down. It turned away from Sai and prowled the room, as one confined, before moving to the entrance before going still.

Sai remain frozen. With economy he rolled up the scroll and moved further into the room.

Mission Part One….complete.


The candles provided poor light in this section of the base. A darkness and sense of death and despair pervaded the air.

Soft footsteps were like music to the ears of the occupants; hope had abandoned these ones. Fear and hatred was lost to many of them. Madness and instinct was all that remained.

Fallen as they were, even they knew the hierarchy.

Kabuto smirked as he looked on the cursed thralls of Orochimaru's failed experiments. They were to be abandoned in the base, having outlived their purpose.

Using them against Naruto would be therapeutic, if not satisfying.

Kabuto's smirk widened.

"Kabuto-Sama" a Nin appeared beside him and shivered at the oppressive air and the raw power of cursed seals warping chakras into frenzies, "The silent alarms have been tripped. Invaders has penetrated the base."

"That is not your concern. Complete the evacuation and take the last of the data to the new location. Have Orochimaru's suite and medical detail prepared for our arrival."

"Hai" the Nin departed.

"Naruto, as much as I would love to fight you personally" Kabuto's chakra pulsed and the cell doors opened.

"I am still a scientist, and I will enjoy observing every aspect of you for our next encounter."


A.N. And done, with the next one well underway.

As alway reviews, comments and critiques are welcome...

ill answer questions from the prev chapter and this one in the next.

Seeya all and thanks for the support