A.N. You all know the score by now; another chapter in
Thanks for the patience and support - it really does help; to my regulars (jojo, s.k.f.f.f, Tdo3, Seta88, etc) thanks for the comments and support.
Also to new faces (unto-the-aether...and probably several more) welcome and thanks for your support.
Hope you enjoy, Onwards to Glory!
Kabuto replayed the fight over and over; his mind gleamed with activity, processing everything in order to unravel Naruto's secrets.
Truly it was exhilarating, working on such amazing concept with so many handicaps. Lack of direct access to the specimen was an inconvenience, but the records were adequate and would do for the time being.
Kabuto leaned forwards and played the tape again, reducing to half speed. He focused on Naruto; the puppet master through the whole engagement had not left his spot, despite the chaos around him. Kabuto frowned as he took in the details with a season set of eyes; statistically and mathematically may be possible to remain stood still in a melee frenzy and not get hit, the probabilities though didn't bear calculating.
The fact that Naruto had maintained his position through the whole fight, not even lifting a finger was enlightening. The battle flowed around him but to Kabuto it screamed unnatural.
He looked at the second screen, the camera looping the descent before the melee. The volatile forces Naruto had under his command before being unleashed with devastating effect.
"Just how do you do it Naruto-Kun?" Kabuto murmured to himself as he leaned back into his chair. Genjustu alone was not enough to explain the odd occurrences around the blonde Jinchuriki.
Watching the videos again Kabuto cursed the lack of clarity. Somethings could not be readily interpreted second hand, even with the surveillance system Orochimaru employed.
Speaking of….
"Naruto-Kun has become quite the tenacious opponent, wouldn't you say Kabuto-Kun?" a silky voice, weak with illness but still laced with power sounded to his left shoulder. "I see what my former partner had him so enthralled with the Jinchuriki; such drive, such passion."
Kabuto nodded as his fingers danced over the keyboard. More cameras came online across several screens, tracking the movements of Team Seven. Naruto puppet led the charge, only this time it was wielding four swords. Despite what should have been an inconvenience for a skilled swordsman, Naruto's puppets had no problems spinning wildly and slashing at everything that stepped into its path. Several times the blades should have scraped or bounced off walls and the floor, but from the screens they always seemed just short; never losing momentum or needing much redirection.
"Now I'm beginning to wonder the merits of holding Sasuke-Kun back; it would be interesting to test the Uchiha's skills against Naruto-Kun" Orochimaru's eyes gleamed as he tracked Kabuto; his assistant hadn't been able to hide his feelings on the statement.
"Oh, you disapprove?" The query was deceptively light. The hairs on Kabuto's neck rose slightly; the feeling of penetrating appraisal washed over him. He needed to pick his next words carefully; Orochimaru was dangerous and mercurial, especially in periods before and after his body transfers. And the snake had invested heavily in the Uchiha so…
"Sasuke-kun has performed to standard, in fact more than originally anticipated" Kabuto began. He tapped rapidly on the keys and brought up several files; medical logs, video files and personal notes, "We were quite fortunate his genetics responded well to our trials, and he has been consistently pushing the boundaries of his training."
"His bloodline is impeccable; by rights he embodies everything a ninja and a mentor could possibly want in an apprentice…or a specimen."
Orochimaru clucked "An appraisal I am already aware of. Tell me, what is your contrast?"
Kabuto tapped away and new screens popped up; details and notes on Naruto. Two more videos appeared side by side, one of Sasuke and the other Naruto."
"Sasuke you can say was born to power, Naruto though" Kabuto pushed his glasses further in; a smile fleeted across his face, "Naruto was forged for it. Forged by it."
"Every aspect of his power and skill is honed from countless hours of trial and error. Blood, sweat, and tears. Each and every step has been part of an incredible journey; he has navigated a field of apathy and maintains such focus and dedication."
"Ohh, and Sasuke as thrown himself into rigorous physical and mental conditioning? Despite the advantages his bloodline gives him I have not seen such dedication to the arts since Kimimaro."
Kabuto acknowledged the statement.
"I will admit I am biased against him. The point is though, out of both specimens, Naruto is the one whose growth continues to intrigue and interest me. With him, I learn something new."
Kabuto blinked, multiple times. His hands hovered over the keyboard as video logs played snippets of Sasuke and Naruto.
"My my, such praise from you Kabuto" Orochimaru murmured from half lidded eyes, "And to think a few short years ago, Naruto was a none-entity to you."
"Yes, and I paid dearly for that mistake. Underestimating him almost cost me my life." Kabuto glanced back at Orochimaru. "Everyone who has underestimated has always suffered for it. I don't know for sure which one is stronger. However Naruto has always presented so much more."
"I know, it's a trait I am not ashamed to admit I am envious of." A voice sounded at the entrance to the room.
"Sasuke-Kun" Orochimaru chuckled to himself. Kabuto glanced at the Uchiha, surprised to have missed his entrance, and pondering how much of the conversation had been picked up.
Sasuke meanwhile step closer to the duo, but his eyes remained fixed on the videos playing.
"Sasori was an S-Rank Ninja, and a master puppeteer." Sasuke spoke as he drew closer, "Naruto faced him without hesitation and while it wasn't a victory it was no defeat either."
Sasuke stopped as he drew side by side with them.
"S-Rank; the very same rank my brother holds. He resides in the upper echelons of the Shinobi world."
"Not all Ninjas are made equal Sasuke-Kun; S-Rank is no different." Orochimaru stated as he watched the young Nin. Sasuke turned to him, dark amusement in his eyes."
"Ohh, and could you beat Sasori? Would victory be decisive?" Sasuke's tone was taunting; Kabuto took careful note of the Uchiha as Orochimaru went very still and silent. Sasuke's eyes held a fey light and he was altogether off; in one of his moods once again.
Kabuto sighed internally, it was like looking after two toddlers; both very mercurial and the similarities ran deeper than that.
"Were it not for his team, he might not have walked away from that battle at all." Kabuto stated, drawing attention at him.
"But he did, and like it or not he faced off against Sasori, under his own power and almost succeeded." Sasuke's chakra pulsed with dark energy. "For nearly three years I have waited to taste the fruit of my revenge and I find my teammate was closer to my enemy than I was." The outright hostility to Orochimaru was tangible.
The snake Sannin narrowed his gaze and his own chakra lit up in response. Although weakened it wasn't to be underestimated. Kabuto stood in alarm, but gave way to confusion as Sasuke smiled suddenly and immediately stood down.
"As I suspected" He chuckled to himself as he appraised the Sannin. "You are still so terribly strong; I am not as gifted as my teammate, but I am not incompetent. You are still the greater of us."
Kabuto blinked, not fully understanding.
"You are S-Ranked. Itachi is S-Rank. You both belonged to the same organisation, the same as Sasori. You are all inordinately strong. If I don't yet measure up to you, then how can I face my brother? Was that not your promise?"
Sasuke looked back at the screens.
"And in that time, the one who could have been my greatest rival, has already crossed swords with his cage. I left Konoha because it was supposed to be the quickest way. The irony is a bitter pill to swallow." Sasuke shook his head and slowly left the room.
Orochimaru returned his gaze to the data on screen, trying to appear unconcerned. Kabuto however had long been the Sannin's adviser and closest companion; he could see the slight tightening around the Snakes eyes, the subtle tension in his posture.
Sasuke had been fairly close to the truth; Orochimaru couldn't afford Sasuke being too strong too quickly. And with the young Uchiha affinity for the Shinobi arts it was no easy feat to hold him back.
Seeing first-hand the results of Naruto's own training and growth however, was the ignition of a host of problems he would have to contend with the young Uchiha.
"Kabuto" the Medic turned to his master, and noted the dark look in the snake's eyes. "As soon as possible I want you to begin preparations for a host change"
Kabuto blinked at the statement.
"Is that wise? We already had to do an early transfer; the late Sandaime's tenacity and acumen nearly cost you everything." Kabuto stopped as a blast of pure rage and killing intent swept over him.
Still, he was undeterred.
"Changing host so quickly saved your arms, but it has cost you in time; the body begins wearing down quicker than usual. The rejections phases are sharper and last longer. We have been fortunate enough to stave off the worst of it and stretch it out to three years. If you insist on shifting bodies early again, we could potentially lose months, even years of progression-"
"Better that than the alternative Kabuto!" Orochimaru snapped back, silencing his spy. He raised his and upwards and looked on in irritation as the limb began trembling, like a leaf caught in the wind.
"Run as many test as you want, recheck everything again and again." His eyes were manic as he looked over Kabuto. "Once this is over I will take my new body."
Kabuto sighed and shook his head.
"Very well."
"Tenbin no Jugo" Sakura tested out as the moved quickly through the empty corridor.
"The secret behind Orochimaru's Cursed Seals" Naruto nodded, "-and a very well hidden asset at that. It took me over a year to even confirm his existence, much less find a way to retrieve him."
"Konoha has been researching the Curse Seal since we first learned of its existence with limited to no success. Its very nature has stymied every researcher brought on." Sai chirped in. "With this information we could potentially unlock all aspect of the Curse Seal. I think I can understand the reason behind the deception to our mission."
Naruto glanced at his team, noting the bobbing heads and looks of understanding.
"Secure the hive may be; threats are ever present and come just as easily from within; no colony can exist with two queens, vying for control." Shino's soft tones echoed.
"Ohh, you're suggesting others in the village might be undermining our designated commander?" Sakura queried with a raised eyebrow. Her quick glance towards Sai escaped no one and left the Root Nin smiling with what seemed to be bemusement.
Shino brushed over his shades. "That is an oversimplification; other nations could be involved and have influence in our village; in that sense it presents a 'rival queen', one whose goals do not transfer with our appointed queen."
They moved quickly, intent on their objective. They just went passed a closed door; Naruto felt it before he sensed it. Instincts flared alarmed; Naruto reached out with his left hand to a frightened figure.
All movement stopped. Everyone stood tense. The figure trembled, the sound of her fear clear to all present. Slowly she sank to the floor, her legs no longer able to support her weight.
Sai went blank, utterly inhuman. Shino stood motionless, the Kikaichu ceased all activity.
Sakura inhaled sharply, tension coiled through her.
Naruto's hand remained outstretched; his fingers curled in a grasp. Chakras thrummed deceptively over the limb, humming sweetly in the silence….
…..and locked against another.
The soft sound of lightning echoed; chirping like a thousand birds.
"Sasuke"
Sakura breathed, unable to say much more. Everything and nothing seemed to pour from her as she gazed on her teammate. Her left hand unconsciously reached toward her chest, over a phantom ache.
Red eyes drifted slowly over to her, causing the pain to flare and she curled into herself; no longer was she the confident and skill Shinobi; she was an insecure Kunoichi in training, desperate to stop someone she cared about from leaving.
One blue orb; cold and unrelenting.
Two red orbs; calculating and unflinching.
Chakra sang across each side; one with low tones, deep and unyielding. The other loud sharp and frenzied.
Naruto looked at his hand. The speed at which he had reacted; only few could have effectively countered him.
Sasuke had now joined those ranks.
The Uchiha hadn't even made contact. Hovering just below was his hand; lightning chakra arced over the fingers and exerted a tremendous amount of force over Naruto's limb, locking it in place.
Naruto looked back at his former teammate; clearly he hadn't been idle, and given the depth of power hidden deep within the Uchiha, bypassing him would not be an easy feat.
"Mibu" the frightened girl squeaked at the call and looked up. "Leon is waiting for you; forget the files and join him."
The girl shook even more, but seemed to gather herself as she slowly inched across the ground, sticking close to the wall and away from the figures around her.
There was barely any movement but she froze instantly. Split second later Sai himself froze; Sharingans of various sizes swam across his vision, the pinwheels moving at varying speeds. His throat locked up and he couldn't remember how to breathe.
Another force swept over him, wrenching control from the Sharingan induced haze. Sai blinked in shock; his chest was pounding and he found himself taking in deep breaths, as a man who just avoided drowning. His limbs felt heavy and the world seems to sway slightly
A figure brushed against his side momentarily and for once Sai could say he felt something akin to gratitude for the Aburame's presence.
"Leon, stand down" Sai struggled to move his head; his eyes widened as he finally noticed another Sound Nin in a stand-off against Shino. The Sound Nin was shirtless and of a solid build. His skin tone was pale, from spending so much time underground, but Sai even in his dazed state noted his arms were a muddy brown colour; stopping well past his shoulders before cutting off jaggedly over his chest.
Just how long had he been completely out of it?
"Leon, stand down. Get Mibu and make your way out. Kusa will be upon us very soon, I will hate to have to retrieve her." At the command Leo's stance slowly, carefully relaxed. Shino too, noticing his opponents exaggerated motions, relaxed.
Leo shifted past, never taking his eyes of anyone until he reached his sisters side.
"How will you find us Sasuke-Sama?" Leo asked once Mibu was secured in his grasp. It was clear to all the relief of the siblings being close to each other.
"That is not your concern." Leo nodded, familiar with Sasuke's mannerisms. Without hesitation his held his sister close and tore down the passage.
Silence held, for a time.
"Have you come to die, Betrayer?"
"That remains to be determined; are you here to kill me?"
At the same time both Nins pulled their arms back and stepped away from each other.
"Hmm, guess the answer to that is no" Sasuke shook his head and glanced over them all. His gaze lingered on Sakura; the Sharingan faded, leaving his jet black orbs.
"Sakura, A part of me is relieved you survived that night. You have grown far more than I could have thought or ever appreciated."
Sakura flinched slightly at the address but blinked in shock at the words. Sasuke had just complimented her, on his own volition. All that paled however to the fear and anger she had regarding him. Her hand clenched tight against her scar, willing the pain to be over.
"Sasuke, if you wish to keep those eyes cast your gaze away from her, right now" The utter menace in Naruto's voice caused Sakura to flush and his team to blink in surprise. Byakuya was stood just behind Sakura; several clicks and rattles later it was in front of her, shielding her from sight.
"I have no designs for her, and you should be more trusting. She is not the same as she was once."
"Forgive me if I do not accept the words of a betrayer; I wouldn't believe if you told me water was wet and the night was dark."
"Then you would choose to be wilfully blind to universal truths, simply because of petty dislike. No, you are better than that Naruto."
"I refuse to allow a traitor and malcontent to have influence on me or my own. Especially one who uses murder in an attempt to justify his lust for power."
"Not power, freedom. In that, there is a distinction"
Sakura blinked rapidly, taken aback at the comment.
"I am an Uchiha; power is by nature our birth right; it's an indisputable fact. Some may call my words hubris or vanity, but the simple truth of the matter is we Uchiha are a breed apart. Power was ours."
"Except they are all dead" Naruto's fired back. Sasuke nodded, shocking everyone again.
"Yes, but note; it was one of their own that did the deed. All were Uchiha, and only at the Uchiha was the Clan laid low. Power begets power, and only by power can power itself be taken away."
"And how does this equate to freedom Sasuke." Naruto snarled, his chakra flickering. "All I've heard is power; your hypocrisy is becoming stale. No matter how you word it, what lies you sing to yourself you are and will always be a traitor. A dark stain on Konoha's legacy."
Sasuke smirked; the sharp angles and harsh lines cast over his face spiked adrenaline in his onlookers.
"It is hard to betray an institution if it never had your loyalty in the first place."
Sai tensed and his focus sharpened. Shino became frigid; his Kikaichu swarmed in response to hi agitation. Sakura flinched as if struck, and closed her eyes.
Naruto however went deathly still; Byakuya froze. The puppet seemed to loom, leeching all light and warmth. Gears turned so slowly it might as well have been painful. Its death orbs eerily cast their gaze from behind its mask.
"You wore our symbol." Naruto's voice was flat. "You wore our colours. When you took our band you declared that allegiance. I dare you to say otherwise."
Sasuke casually shrugged.
"My name is Uchiha Sasuke, I don't like much, and I dislike many things." The damming smile remained on his face.
"I don't have time for dreams. My sole ambition is to revive my clan…and to kill a certain man."
No one spoke.
"I never hid my thoughts, even then. What you all chose to take from my words is on you. To be a Ninja I needed the headband. To control my destiny I became the squad leader. And in my quest for freedom and vengeance, I left Konoha."
"Call me a liar…"
The gears in Byakuya turned, ever so slowly, until they suddenly stopped.
"You will die, here and now Sasuke." Raw chakra broke free. Sasuke smiled again, madness clear in his orbs.
"Well now" Sharingan spun to life, and his own chakra answered the call. "You can certainly try Naruto."
Naruto!
Sakura shook her head at the turn of events. She took a hesitant step forwards, only a puppet to get in the way. This one was unfamiliar to her; it had a stylised crossbow on its right forearm and a shallow disk on the shoulder of the left. As it turned Sakura made out what appeared to be a speaker in the centre of its chest.
"Shino, lead everyone out; find Jugo and kill him." It was strange hearing Naruto's voice from the obviously feminine puppet; then his words filtered through to her and she stood in shock. Shino titled his head and observed Naruto and his puppet, and then gave a short nod.
"Sakura, Sai. We move out now." Several Kikai fleeted about, flying swiftly down a corridor. "We have delayed for far too long, the chances of getting Jugo out has dwindled significantly. All we can do is deny Sound a vital asset and make what research we can." Shino carried on softly, perhaps sensing the conflict in Sakura.
Sakura turned away from her teammates.
"Hai, let's move."
Orochimaru sat comfortably in the secure room; Kabuto had multiple screens feeding the soon to be confrontation between Sasuke and Naruto from various angles.
"Orochimaru-Sama, the last of the files and personnel has been evacuated. We can scuttle this base at any time" He paid no attention the speaker, content that Kabuto would see to it; all he had eyes for was the oncoming fight.
Despite this, a part of the Snake could help churn over; originally they assumed Sasuke was the target. Seeing as the Uchiha had their attention, why split up? The sudden lack of audio was irritating; however it was a small thing.
The bigger question was what they were after…
"Kabuto, what is the latest we have from our ears in Konoha?" The Medic turned to the Sannin, slightly puzzled. The Sannin remained focused on the screens, but carried on regardless, "Sasuke was never their target; they are after something else in this base, something to do with Sound."
Kabuto paused, his mind rapidly going over the details.
"With Naruto involved I would wager information, something he may not have already had. But once it was confirmed we were present, or at the very least me, he should have pulled back and called of the mission" Kabuto fully turned to the screens. "That tells me he probably has the information and might be seeking some form of confirmation. Sasuke is a side benefit"
Orochimaru nodded. "I agree it isn't Sasuke-Kun. Still, what information do we have that he would be desperate enough to risk his team, especially knowing you are here and I could possibly be too?"
Kabuto turned to one of the last remaining assistants.
"Kabuto-Sama, team seven seem to be making their way to the holding areas. Their route will take them to where we keep the most afflicted with the curse seals and prisoners."
"Who do we have there at the moment? I don't recall anyone in this facility?" Kabuto mused. Rapid taps echoed behind him.
"No one at present, the last one died and was disposed of two mon- wait." More tapping, "Odd, there was a transfer from another secure sight, under heavy security but all information is heavily restricted. Its requesting a confirmation key from…Orochimaru-Sama."
The Sannin gave an imperious stare at the Nin; the Nin shrunk back and tapped furiously at the keys.
"I cannot pull anything further, but it's strange; it's a priority specimen given the level of encryption but it was filed miscellaneously. I'll try something-"More taps echoed, "The last to access this file was Koga, from the Kumo site."
"Kumo?" Kabuto queried sharply. At the nod he turned towards Orochimaru, whose face was even more grim.
"Sasori, I tire of his meddling." Orochimaru stood suddenly, causing Kabuto and the other Nin to take a healthy step backwards. Orochimaru didn't care as his thoughts came crashing to one name.
"Jugo!"
Sakura tried to regain control of her thoughts, but it wasn't easy. Already she could envisage the smug glances and telling sniffs from the Elder Council once they gave their report.
Still seeing Sasuke hadn't done her much favours, everything she had worked towards and her emotions send them spiralling. She had to be better than that
She would be better…
The thought had barely escaped her when several shadows broke through their formation. Her team reacted instantly, splitting and tracking the movements; Sakura shifted her stance and punched one of the shadows, only for her fist to phase through.
She blinked in shock and tensed as the world faded away.
"I'm sorry I had to do this Sakura. Naruto would not allow it otherwise, I must say he has grown especially protective of you."
Sakura turned to the voice, hoping her stare was flat.
"Sasuke…"
The figure unveiled from the shadows, Sharingan spinning its deadly weave.
"Sakura, I need a consultation….."
