A.N Hey all, welcome to another chapter - this had a few rewrites and i think i'm finally satisfied with it. Hopefully it's still up to par, i'll let you all be the judges.
I am still blown away at the support; its more than i actually expected or even hoped when i started - At some point i'll go back and do some major editing with grammar and punctuation, quite a few have sent messages to that effect.
Either way thank you all for the likes, faves and reviews - they are well and truly appreciated - As is custom; to new fans welcome, to old hands welcome back.
Onwards to Glory
Another day, another cliff head, another vista.
Itachi calmly observed the view before him, as he paid silent homage to a fallen acquaintance.
No, he and Sasori had been more than acquaintances….
….but less than friends.
The Ex-Suna Nin had been interesting to observe and even more so to converse with. A little over a decade stood between them, their philosophies stood apart, their combat tactics and battle acumen were polar opposites.
However, both respected the others skill and accomplishments.
Sasori had been the last to truly know Itachi; only one other could have boasted such a feat, the equally dead Uchiha Shisui.
Itachi blinked as the wind picked up slightly. He brushed a stray hair from his eyes.
To Itachi; out of all the Akatsuki Nins, Sasori's placement was strange. He had very little reason or motivation towards Akatsuki's end goals or ideals, and yet his loyalty could not be called into question. When Orochimaru defected it had taken action from Pain to keep the vendetta spurred by Sasori from derailing their carefully planned activities.
And so Itachi studied him, as he did the other members of the shadow organisation; from there it didn't take long for Itachi to understand the enigmatic puppet master.
Commitments mattered to Sasori, commitments and truth. He was a man of three parts; one part historian, one part philosopher and one part ninja. All three made him exceptionally deadly; a sharp mind with a myriad bodies.
In Sasori Itachi had found a kindred spirit. It was such a shame that they were never paired together; still for the time the puppet master had been alive their conversations had been adequate.
Itachi brushed his hair from his face again and glance to his side; a small sake jug and two saucers lay innocently. Slowly he reached for the jug and poured two servings of the sake.
"Here is to you, Akasuna-No-Sasori"
Itachi poured out one of the saucers into the wind. He picked up the second saucer and calmly drank the contents.
Another serving passed through his lips. The sake warmed its way down and he looked to his other side; two scrolls lay innocently, open and their contents clear for all too see. Itachi didn't need to go over them again, he had already memorised their words and intent.
Sasori had known him. Sasori had truly known who Uchiha Itachi really was; his goals, his dreams.
Sasori had always known a great many things. But this; this could have unravelled many things best left forgotten. And yet, for whatever reason he had taken those secrets with him to the grave. A part of Itachi despaired against the loss of the puppet master….but also a strong sense of relief. In the last year or two, the puppet master's behaviour seemed to spiral, at least to the untrained eye. Itachi and Akatsuki however knew that something had caught the Ex-Suna Nin's attention, captured it in a way marble captured the attention of a master sculptor. Sasori had gone from quietly respectful, distant and sarcastic, to quietly flippant and sarcastic.
In an organisation such as Akatsuki, made up of some of the most dangerous S-Ranked Ninjas in the shinobi world, none could deny Sasori was among the most deadly. His power wasn't visible, obvious or brash. It was precise, surgical, and cold.
Itachi would miss him; he would miss their conversations.
He glanced at the scrolls once again. The contents were enlightening, further reminding him what a threat Sasori had been in life.
"Even in death, you still offer gifts, and call in debts….very well, old friend."
"I will do this for you; I admit I am rather curious how it all turns out….it is just a shame; I may not live long enough to see it all"
Itachi absently rubbed his chest as he looked over the horizon.
New Base – Otogakure
Things within Sound had grown tense. It was merely days after Orochimaru's arrival; all had heard of the altercation between the Sannin and Uchiha Sasuke. No one could relax; all of Sound literally held their collective breath.
Something was going to happen; it was inevitable.
Sasuke however, lived life without concern. His Sharingan eyes looked over his fingers, turning his hand back and forth as chakra shaped into lightning danced between the digits. The door to the room quietly opened and a figure moved in measured steps, stopping just opposite the young Uchiha.
If Sasuke was aware he gave no sign, merely content to observe his chakra. The figure inclined its head and slowly shifted into stance. One moment he was very still….
-the next he was in motion, hurtling towards Sasuke and poised for an attack.
Lightning surged around Sasuke as he stepped away from the attack. His movements were simply and elegant. His attacker spun on his heel and came again for another blitz strike. Once again Sasuke shifted from the blow, simple motions keeping him out of harm's way.
His attacker paused for a brief moment; he cocked his head as he appraised Sasuke, and then gave a quick nod. Chakra roared and a hundred fists seemed to descend on Sasuke.
Sasuke shifted slightly and smirked; lightning arced across his Sharingan.
As each blow came Sasuke's hand struck back, stopping each fist in its tracks. His hand was a blur, working in tandem with the power of his Sharingan; each path traced in perfect accuracy, each route mapped even as they only began.
Sasuke's neck pulsed; the cursed seal spread.
His opponent took in a deep breath but carried on regardless. No longer content with fists he threw his whole being into the fight. Sasuke smirked as his opponent's pace increased, trying desperately to keep momentum.
It was in vain.
With one step Sasuke shifted out of range. His opponent floundered as he met no resistance. With a second step Sasuke was back in; chakra thrummed and crackled with lightning as he jabbed his opponent's stomach. With his victim bent double Sasuke's knee rose up, sending him skyward. With a spin Sasuke's foot lashed out, catching his exposed jaw and sending him hurtling for the far wall.
His opponent crashed with the sound of thunder. Sasuke calmly lowered his leg and surveyed the situation.
"It seems your heart is not in this today Leon" Sasuke appraised as he attendant extracted himself from the wall. He watched carefully as the rough almost granite like texture around Leon's arms and sides slowly receded; given the chakra activity he was willing to bet his back was more of the same.
"My utmost apologies Sasuke-Sama" Leon said with his head bowed.
Sasuke kept his gaze locked on the Nin before scoffing and closing his eyes. The cursed seal receded and his Sharingan faded behind his eyelids, leaving his black orbs once again.
"It is of no consequence at this time." Sasuke strode passed, "Come, as you are unable to fulfil this duty we shall find another task to which you will be suited."
"As you say Sasuke-Sama." That was one reason Sasuke kept the older Nin as a retainer. No boasts, no pathetic displays of subservience. And absolutely no excuses.
He simply went about his duties with calm dignity.
Their footfalls echoed in the caverns. They wound through the corridors until the stopped at a door, leading into Sasuke's rooms.
Leon held the door open. Sasuke walked in and immediately went for the wet rooms. Leon glanced around the room, carefully noting everything and finding nothing amiss.
"I grow tired of waiting for you Leon. You are not usually this reticent, especially if you feel it is important" Sasuke's voice sailed into the room.
"I am still unsure you have considered the full ramifications of what you are proposing Sasuke-Sama. Your power may have grown, but if we act on what you are suggesting there is no guarantee." Leon replied. Steam slowly coiled around the room and he leaned against the wall.
Since their encounter with Konoha, Sasuke's behaviour had been all over the place. Preliminary examinations detected some hormonal imbalance but nothing stood out. After he had been treated and the test concluded, Sasuke had called Leon and proceeded to send his mind racing.
Our time in Oto has come to an end.
Leon had been too shocked at the time to do anything but nod; however he also had the impression that anything other than agreement would have been met with his swift demise. It was not even a full week since they moved into the new base, Sasuke over the course made it clear they would be moving swift.
Leon sighed quietly, pondering how they would accomplish this feat.
"There is no guarantee we would wake tomorrow should we fall asleep. Does that mean we stay awake all night? I could just as easily keel over as I speak to you; certainly the many test and modifications under the Snakes care have all been gratefully received, yet still who knows….." Sasuke trailed off.
Leon glanced at the doorway dividing the rooms, "Given that analogy, would it not be better to stay? That way nothing befalls you. Besides, you know very well what sort of person we are beholden to…." he trailed leadingly.
"Leon" The sound of water had stopped, footfalls grew closer and Sasuke stepped into view, "This is going to happen. I have everything the Snake had to offer, it is time to move on from this place."
Sasuke padded into the room. Steam rose from his body as chakra dried the excess moisture. His towel dropped and Leon averted his gaze.
"Orochimaru will not let us go so easily Sasuke." Leon tried once more.
"Orochimaru will not have a choice. And besides-"Sasuke stepped back in a simple robe, the Uchiha symbol emblazoned boldly on the back; Leon noted the dark amusement and anticipation running wild in his eyes. "-given the Snake's current health, it will be much easier to remove him."
Leon focused sharply; Sasuke nodded in approval.
They padded softly into an adjacent room; a table laid out for Sasuke. The Uchiha ignored the meal and moved further into the room. He inclined his head to a chair; Leon sat once Sasuke had taken the other chair.
"Kabuto had me run through a series of exercises and tests. Not unusual, however given the level of apprehension from the support staff and the fiasco earlier, I took a greater interest in the results and their intentions." Sasuke paused a moment.
"Kabuto was tight lipped, but his supports are another story. With a little persuasion it has come to my attention that Orochimaru's body is breaking down faster than anticipated. He is looking to change hosts and there are worries that if he moves too early it will worsen the rejection stages. However if he doesn't change hosts he will continue to suffer debilitating and crippling issues; it is also possible that for extended periods he would be completely defenceless."
Leon puzzled through the statement and then leaned forward with a jolt. Sasuke smirked in satisfaction.
"The beating?" Leon queried. Sasuke nodded.
"The Snake was furious, and he did intend to deal with me. I suspected, and now I know; at this moment Orochimaru is weak, painfully weak. And so he is looking to take on a new host regardless of any future risks. And he wants to do so as soon as possible, otherwise-"
"-there is a real possibility he won't be strong enough to stop you." Leon finished as he leaned back into his chair; an explosive sigh left his lips and his mind whirled with activity.
"If" Leon stopped; he licked his lips and began again, "If we do this, we must be quick and beyond ruthless. There are some here who are fiercely loyal to Orochimaru-Sama. I myself can only slow down Kabuto-Sama so much as well; it will have to be you who disables him before doing away with Orochimaru-Sama."
"That was never in doubt."
Leon nodded again and his posture shifted, more cautious. "Sasuke, my sister…."
Sasuke looked his attendant over, his gaze was cold.
"The quicker we accomplish my goal, the safer she will be. When it starts she will be here, in these rooms and out of harm's way. You will not act straight away; only when you get my signal will you strike."
"Understood. When do we begin?"
"…Tomorrow, for now focus your mind. I need you sharp for what lies ahead."
Konoha Training Grounds
Naruto snarled in fury as he felt his jutsu slip. The air crackled and seemed to crumple in on itself. Several trees splintered under the strain. Cracks and distortion appeared over the world visibly; a deep rumble echoed from everywhere and nowhere, sending shooting pains through Naruto's ears; it was as though the universe itself voiced its displeasure.
Naruto kept pushing; his chakra flooded out of him in cascading waves, each one stronger than the last. His hair glowed unearthly; at this point it couldn't even be called hair, just pure chakra. Symbols and sigils flickered all around, appearing and disappearing in rapid succession.
The pressure was growing more intense with every second; Naruto felt as though his very bones were shaking themselves to pieces. He felt a soft dripping from his nose and he knew immediately he was bleeding. His vision blurred and tinted red, but that only served to worsen his mood.
He does not fail, in anything.
Uzumaki Naruto does not fail!
Failure was for the weak, the incompetent and the foolish. And he was none of those things.
His livelihood, his dreams, his very sanity rested on his ability to forge forwards. To succeed.
There was no room for failure….
NO! Uzumaki Naruto Does Not Fail!
…..
I grow weary of your incessant ravings child.
Naruto's eye widened as a felt a small surge disrupt his careful control. Adrenaline spiked and his chakra hastily adjusted but the damage was done. The air stilled; seals froze half seen in the air. Naruto's heart thundered as he carefully unravelled his jutsu; messing with space-time was not to be taken lightly, especially in a state of fury.
His dread only increased as his senses picked up the extent he had destabilised the space-time borders. Already the fringes were collapsing at an astonishing rate and if they crossed with any of his seal layers and actually broke through.
Naruto threw caution to the wind and opted for speed. With nary a thought the first layers of barrier collapsed. He threw chakra into the second layers, hoping to use them as a buffer. With him at the centre he needed to move swiftly. As the second layer started to fall he flash formed another space-time bubble and took a single step.
His previous location collapsed and expanded, all at once. Shattering glass echoed all through the forest along with the sound of rushing wind.
Naruto collapsed several feet away. He rolled over the dust and groaned loudly, the sound giving way to a cry of anguish and pain. Blood pooled from his mouth and cuts and abrasions appeared across his body. His fingers were clearly broken on his left hand and the pain only grew worse.
…..Let this pain be a lesson; you play with forces older than your forebears, older than me. That you would so brazenly shift the boundaries of the material realm, simply out of misplaced fury, you have not displayed such foolishness in a long time.
Raw chakra seared it way through Naruto and left him gasping for air. His wounds bubbled and sealed over; broken bones shifted back into place. Within seconds he was whole.
We need to talk child. Come.
Naruto couldn't say a word as he suddenly blacked out.
Naruto blinked and found himself over the chakra lake, the clockwork forest surrounding the edges. To his careful eyes it seemed to have grown some and the Fire Mountains seemed even more menacing.
He glanced back into the lake, the reflection faded, replaced by Kyuubi's presence.
"You perplex me" Kyuubi began as the lake stabilised; its fur bristled and its chakra simmered, "more of your mortal expressions that I do not care for."
"On the one hand you have proven your mettle; as a warrior and more impressive a hunter, an alpha predator in a world full of prey."
"And yet-"Kyuubi's eyes glowed with barely restrained malice and fury, "-you then display such heights of foolishness that I can scarcely begin to comprehend it. By the Sage's Grace I must have fallen further than I originally thought to even consider you worthy of respect."
"If this is more of you venting Kyuubi, then save your words. I am well aware of my folly and I don't need your very brand of vitriol." Naruto snapped back, his own chakra flickered briefly.
"Watch your words insect. I have disembowelled warriors greater and more terrible than you could ever be." Kyuubi intoned, its hackles fully raised.
"Empty words, for such a 'mighty being' stuck behind cage" Naruto mocked recklessly. A part of him knew he was being petty and yet he was spoiling for a fight regardless.
Kyuubi paused a moment. Its breathing was the loudest noise around and the Biju took a good long look at his Jinchuriki.
Naruto stared back trying to look apathetic; it didn't stop a sense of dread from building.
"It seems I have been remiss, I have given you too much latitude." Naruto blinked. Kyuubi's tone lacked the usual bite or hostility. In fact, if he didn't know any better, it sounded just like his tone at times; careful, measured, and dead.
A tone he used when he was well and truly furious.
"Now understand, just what forces you play with, and understand still, what I truly am, Uzumaki Naruto."
Another blink, this time of shock. Never before had the Biju called him by name!
The shock flowed swiftly into terror, followed shortly by pain.
Naruto dropped to his knees and screamed in agony.
The Shiki Fujin seal lit up like a bonfire. The lake churned and bubbled over. Steam erupted and Naruto flinched from the scalding heat. The gears on the clockwork trees groaned and spun furiously, glowing red hot as chakra fed through them at an alarming pace. The sky darkened and turned red, the Fire Mountains spat their fury and cracks appeared all the way down.
Naruto looked on in pain and dread as Kyuubi continued to exert immense pressure against the seal. The Biju was not unscathed either at its attack on the seal. Large welts appeared across its fur. Wounds opened and closed in rapid succession; at one point Naruto was sure one of the Biju's eyes ruptured, only to swiftly heal over.
Throughout the attack the Kyuubi uttered not a single word or sound; it remained hunched over, utterly still as its chakra continued to strain against the seals. Naruto could only marvel, even as his voice began to give out at the pain. He dropped on his side above the lake and whimpered.
Thankfully the pressure stopped, the pain eased and began to subside. The lake continued to steam but it was no longer choppy. Several clockwork trees had toppled over and the gears jerked, out of alignment or trying to keep spinning.
Naruto just lay there, trying to regulate his breathing and pulling himself back together. Slowly and very carefully he pushed on his left hand and brought himself upright, his legs were unable to take his weight so he remained half seated half slouched on the waters. He swayed slightly but didn't fall over.
"Do we understand each other now, Uzumaki Naruto?"
Naruto flinched at the deep reverb in the dull voice. Kyuubi's gaze remained neutral but ever watchful and for once Naruto wished for the usual annoyed disdain the Biju often favoured.
He swallowed and nodded once.
"Good. Now pay attention brat, I will show you this only once."
Naruto desperately tried to focus, sensing the Biju's ire and not wanting to provoke it anymore. He moved to his knees and fought the urge to vomit. The Kyuubi merely continued to observe, until it was satisfied his Jinchuriki was not in danger of passing out.
Raw chakra surged again; this time it was gently but Naruto flinched and still leaned away from it. Kyuubi's gaze flashed with dark amusement and approval; however it focused on the task at hand.
Inside the seal the Biju's chakra seemed to prowl and shift; suddenly what looked like a spark went off, before shifting into a distortion, about as wide as Naruto's torso.
He looked on bleary eyed; he was well aware of what he was seeing and it shook him to the core, however his mind and body had been battered by Kyuubi so he was slow to express himself. Another presence filled his mind as the distortion solidified; the seals around the border of the lake seemed to glow with a much darker light and travelled straight down to the bottom of the lake. Kyuubi scowled and eased on his chakra. The distortion flickered and disappeared, and the pressure stopped.
"Space-Time Manipulation" Naruto uttered softly, swaying on the chakra lake. The Biju could utilise Space-Time manipulation.
His heart thudded, full of dread.
"To your limited capacity and understanding yes, Space-Time Manipulation" Kyuubi intoned as it lay on all fours. "You mortals do not truly comprehend the forces you seek to command. Where you seem to see skill and growth I have seen an uncountable near misses and imminent annihilation."
"To play with the very boundaries of reality in a fit of thoughtless rage" Kyuubi snarled the last word and surged forwards, slamming into the lake barrier. His fury rose once more and spittle flew out, "-You will cease such behaviour immediately. If you seek ignoble death there are a thousand and one vices that will help as such. By the red blight, I will end your existence if you truly seek death."
"But hear my words now Uzumaki Naruto" This time the threats came out with a soft hiss, "If you ever attempt to play 'Kami' in such a thoughtless fashion, We will see the true strength of the Shinigami's bindings. Such an event will not go well for you."
"Do you hear me Uzumaki Naruto; I will not allow my existence to simply fade because of a mortal tantrum."
Naruto nodded slowly again.
"We will speak again soon brat. Now leave this place, I tire of your presence."
Kyuubi closed its eyes and waited until Naruto was gone, and his presence was no longer around. Sure of its solitude the Biju hissed as the pain took its toll. Its nine lustrous tails lay limp behind it, its fur matted and congealed blood stained it in several places.
He glared balefully at the seals winking in the changing light. He had a hundred years to become intimately familiar with Uzumaki sealing craftsmanship and this one was no exception in terms of capabilities.
Then again, any barrier seal forged with life in exchange and sealed by the Shinigami was not to be taken lightly. There was only one weakness, and it was found on the other side of the barrier. His chakra was only effective when the host gave in, either willingly or in desperation and survival.
Kyuubi growled part in anger and discomfort. It appeared that over time the Uzumaki sealing crafts and improved, the only solace was the Clan was dead, their very skills being their undoing. Added to that the accursed Senju were practically extinct.
And then the Uchiha….
Kyuubi's eyes glowed again.
The Uchiha too had been cut down, but Kyuubi still felt uneasy. There were at least two of the cursed eyes roaming the earth. And given the events at least fifteen years earlier…..
And the Young Uchiha scented by snakes; there is a darkness the likes I have not seen since...him.
The Uchiha needed to die, all living needed to die and their accursed bloodline extinct.
Kyuubi could not, would not seek for freedom until then.
Hurry Uzumaki Naruto. Hurry, and let me taste the fruits of freedom.
Soft….
Those were his thoughts as Naruto came to the waking world. A gentle hand was running through his hair; despite the discomfort in general, his upper body felt warm and relaxed, cocooned in safety.
His eye opened, clear blue orb blinked away the daze and locked onto his carers warm brown ones.
Time stood for a moment. Naruto breathed out slowly and closed his eye, embracing the safety and hiding in his shame.
"Tsu-Hime" His voice sounded weak to his ears and it stung.
"What were you thinking, foolish boy?" Naruto tensed slightly. She kept running her hand through his hair however so he relaxed, somewhat
"I asked you a question Otouto" Her voice sharpened and she tugged on his hair. "Just what in Kami's name is going on in your head?"
…
Tsunade growled and sighed all at once. Naruto tilted his head away from her, but she grabbed his chin and turned it back, a full tirade ready to spill.
"-I failed" Naruto's voice cut through her haze. "My first mission as Jonin, and I fail. Utterly and completely."
Naruto clenched his left fist, cursing his battered state.
"I am not supposed to fail. Not now, not when I'm so close, not when I have this rank." Naruto cut off an inhaled sharply, a soft whistling escaped him.
Tsunade paused her strokes and watched as he seemed to come undone. She pulled her hand back slightly, only to stop as Naruto grabbed hold suddenly.
The fey light in his eye shook her to the core.
"I don't fail, I am not a failure! I am not weak! Not anymore! Tsu-Hime please, I swear it won't happen like that again. No matter what I'll get the mission done-"
Naruto stopped as Tsunade pulled him close; into a hug. Her hand ran through his hair again. Slowly she felt his body tremble, chakra pulsed softly and his right arm appeared. With both arms he held tight to Tsunade as his mind struggled to pull itself together.
Tsunade rocked softly.
"Missions come and go Naruto-Kun. No one is infallible" she felt him tense and she tightened her grip. "You're alive; your team came out alive. That is something."
She pulled back slightly and gripped his face. Her eyes remained trained on his.
"If failing the mission means you come home safe; I will accept that. And no matter what comes, or what is said, you will always have a place in my heart."
"You will always have a place with me."
Tsunade knew her words resonated deep in Naruto; the madness that lurked deep behind his eye shifted at her words, and while they weren't enough to banish it away, it offered something akin to hope.
Naruto took a breath and gave a small nod.
"The Elder Council-"He began haltingly, but she cut him off.
"-Have no say in the mission results from my Shinobi" her grip remained firm, reassuring. "All factors will be considered but ultimately my word is law. I look after my Shinobi, and I look after my family."
Naruto looked on searchingly; it seemed he found what he was looking for and relaxed.
"As you say, Tsu-Nee"
Tsunade lit up at the address, causing Naruto to chuckle. With her help he rose to his feet, swaying slightly. His wounds were healed, but the soreness lingered.
Naruto looked around; he stopped short as the carnage became clear.
It wasn't just the sunken earth; it wasn't even the splintered trees and battered foliage.
The very air around the area itself felt wrong. What little plant life had been spared was blackened and in some cases grey. Everything looked dead and Naruto felt his hackles raise as the feeling of wrongness pervaded.
You do not fully appreciate the forces you contend with brat…
Naruto gritted his teeth as he witnessed the truth Kyuubi imparted to him. Space-Time Manipulation was considered one of the holy grails of Ninjutsu, but like all others it was dangerous, and every bit as lethal to an unwary user as it was to the victim, perhaps even more so.
"The forest will mend, given time" Tsunade said softly. "For now we are locking this place off; it's a small mercy you chose a remote area to vent."
At Naruto's continued silence she gave a little nudge. Naruto acquiesced and with a short burst, the faded in high speed shushin.
Even as they left, the heavy presence lingered, filled with emotion.
Its dark back there…I don't like it….I don't want to go back….
Please….don't let me go back…..
A.N And another one down. This chapter is important to me because it touches something about Naruto that has been built into my rendition; see, he is always careful and methodical, even when things snowball he ensures he has something to mitigate any potential fallout. He is obsessive and not in a good way, and part of that obsession is built on fear - its been a running theme for him sort of.
Also, i get to use Kyuubi again - i'm still iffy about how in cannon Kyuubi and Naruto suddenly became best buds; but it worked for them - this story, it falls apart. So they remain at odds.
Finally it seems an almost 50/50 split between Karin and Suigetsu - in terms of reasonings however Suigetsu edges out. Karin was annoying, true. But her utility cannot be underestimated - a sensor with impressive range and depth, and unparalleled healing and chakra replenishing capability, as weird as it makes her. In any team of fighters, it is always a good idea to have a Medic of any sort.
That also said, Leon's sister IS a trained Medic, not as good as Karin's ability - and she's not a fangirl...hmmm.
Gonna think more on this.
Finally finally (i promise) Dzeddy & Sceptical One, i believe you're both new? Welcome and thanks for the comments - if i've missed anyone l'm sorry, i'll try and spot you next time. To my regulars thanks also for the support and feedback, you guys are the best.
Catch ya on the next one.
