Naruto: Tenth Dragon's Poison
Chapter 32
Mission Outlook
At long last the foreseen meeting had finally come. After a long distance traveled they finally came face to face with the supposed master mind who had led them to this very point. From what they perceived of the one who they now stood before they couldn't help but feel notably underwhelmed. This was something he could see through his line of sight; it however didn't stop him from proceeding with his reasoning for summoning them all to this very place.
"Now that you're all here I'm pleased to announce that we can now begin."
"Hold on Captain director wannabe," Mirror Master interjected. "Just who the heck are you, and how did you transport us to wherever it is we are.. let alone know who we are to begin with?"
"An understandable question, I'll humor you no matter how insignificant the details may be in comparison to the agenda itself," He replied. "My name is Sosuke Aizen, but as I announced to you before you can refer to me as Captain."
"Alright Captain Aiz," Mirror Master lightly provoked. "Just simply stating your name gives us very little as to who you are, and on the flip, why have you brought us here?"
"That's Captain Aizen to you, and who I am is something of small detail which can wait," Sosuke smilingly replied. "And of course, you'll know exactly why you've been summoned here."
"Yes, let's," Medusa replied in agreement. "Because as it stands now I feel like an ample of time has been wasted these past hours, and quite frankly I could care less who you are."
"Ouch," Sosuke said maintaining a grin. "Perhaps I can coax you all into my ranks by letting you in on an offer I feel you may all find it difficult to turn down."
"An offer," Metallo said voicing an interest. "You don't say?"
"I'd first like to start discussion off by saying I'm fully aware of who you all are and what you're capabilities allow of you."
"Then would I be right in assuming you're the one directly responsible for bringing us to wherever it is we are as well?" Lady Shiva asked in response to that bit of information.
"Yes, in one way or another," Sosuke replied giving confirmation. "But the details of why can wait, I'd first like to go over my offer to you all which would compensate for what I'd like from you in return."
"We're listening." Metallo said speaking an intrigue.
This statement of acknowledgement pressed for him to continue, which is exactly what he did.
"As stated I'm familiar with all of you in some capacity or another; your interests, what drives you, your goals."
"Get to the point Captain.. Aizen," Mirror Master interjected while crossing his arms. "I didn't come all this way to listen in on some extended pep talk about my own history."
The smile that once stood high on his face quickly loomed away as he spoke the name that explained all.
"The Justice League," Sosuke asserted as he gazed over them all. "I can have them removed from your crosshairs, permanently."
There was not a hint of hesitation or faulty in his voice, what he spoke was positively he felt assured. But regardless of this there was one amongst them who wasn't buying into it.
"Huh, you're not the first person to declare that, and certainly won't be the last." Mirror Master said before turning left to where a dark tunnel could be seen. One which he assumed was the exit.
"Where are you going?" Lady Shiva asked of him
"You can count me out of this wild scouts group, in no way am I interested in taking part in any of this."
"But where will you go?"
Her question was ignored completely. He wasted no time in making way toward the dark tunnel, having no real idea as to where his travels would take him next. It was after having this thought come to mind that a sudden sound from below interrupted his thoughts.
"What was that?"
Curious as to what he had heard he looked downward only to find something resembling a snake wrapping his left and right ankles. It tightened in a matter of moments with a force that could be compared with stringed chains. He tried to break free with a step forward, a move which proved to be unsuccessful.
"What kind of sorcery is this?" Mirror Master stated as the grip on both ankles only strengthened.
It was only after posing this did someone respond, a voice which came from above.
"Not so fast darling, we can't have you departing before the dinner course has even yet to be set."
"Who is that?"
He immediately turned and shifted his head upward see someone slowly ascending downward on what appeared to be a vine, a view which made things all too clear.
"It's you," Mirror Master pointed. "You're Ivy."
Even with it being as dark as it was he was still able to make out a smirk which fell in place in those next seconds.
"Poison Ivy." She enunciated in correction after finally making way to the ground.
"Release me at once," Mirror Master demanded of her. "I have no interest in sticking around here any longer."
The thick vine she had found seating upon slowly ascended back toward the ceiling as she took a single step toward him.
"Not that it matters to me, but if you were to leave here where exactly would you go?" Poison Ivy inquired.
"I don't see how any of that concerns you, nor do I actually think you'd care one way or the other."
"Before making such a rash decision don't you think you should at least listen to the full scoop of what a partnership between us all could bring." Someone spoke from the far side of the room.
"That voice.. could it be?"
Everyone including himself looked to the far right of the room to witness two figures assemble from the darkness, one which belonged to none other than Killer Frost with the other being of that of another face a familiarity.
"Black Manta," Metallo said at the sight of him. "So you're here as well."
"We're all one big happy family." Killer Frost remarked.
"I brought him here just like the rest of you." Sosuke conveyed.
"I advise that you all listen to what Captain Aizen has to say, his offer cannot be overlooked," Black Manta said before looking directly at him. "That includes you Mirror Master, I find that you especially will be interested in with what this arrangement could manifest in the long run."
"Is that right?"
"At least hear the Captain out," Poison Ivy said before stepping off to side. "You'll never know what any of this could bring if you simply choose to walk away."
Not a moment later the vines that were latched to his ankles fell loose.
"Much better." Mirror Master commented after regaining the freedom of his legs.
"Now that everyone is attentive, why don't we begin, yes," Sosuke began before placing his arms behind his back. "As I alluded to before, I can rid you all of the ones you call the Justice League."
"And how do you plan on accomplishing such a feat?" Metallo asked.
"I've spent the last few months observing them just as much as I analyzed you, I have no doubts in mind that the plan I have in place will prove to be successful."
"If anyone is going to see the end to Wonder Woman it is going to be me." Medusa declared with the bulge of her fist.
"Well noted," Sosuke replied taking her semi request into mind. "Then you'll also be happy to know the first part of my plan is to only neutralize the League and nothing more, of course in the process I'll have all who look to them as their sense of hope turn their backs on them completely."
"From the sounds of it, I'd say this plan of yours is rather sophisticated." Lady Shiva said after learning the first line of detail.
"Not as sophisticated as you might believe." Sosuke replied.
"I have no ideas as to what your ultimate plan is, but what if I told you I had no interest in having the Flash dead?" Mirror Master spoke out.
His eyes immediately met with his, dropping the smile that had been on his face since the moment they had arrived.
"On the contrary of all the members of the Justice League we need the Flash alive, he is of momentous importance concerning our ultimate goal," Sosuke disclosed to all. "He's not only arguably the most dangerous member of this so called Justice League, but his unique abilities will prove to be of absolute use to us."
".. Ok, let's say you've just sparked my appeal if even a little," Mirror Master admitted to. "But with that said I'd first like to know what we're trying to accomplish here before I agree to anything."
"Understandable, it was only a matter of time before one of you posed the asked," Sosuke said as he began to pace. "And since you inquired of it I'll tell you."
"I'm listening."
"All of us." Medusa added.
His hands fell forward from where they had been before as he chose to begin.
"What I'm after is quite simple.. yet so complex, close but also far."
His words were clearly indirect, but within them told a story.
"What I seek is a power, one that cannot be held in hand nor completely explained, nor comprehended without understanding its true merits."
"Enough with the riddles," Medusa stated. "Tell us exactly what we would be going in search of."
He stopped in his tracks upon hearing the asked.
"The words in which I spoke tell just that, I know very little of the potential of its power but am fully certain of its presence," Sosuke continued. "The source of where it resides is in the bedding between three separate universes, one of which we stand upon now."
"And let me guess, one of the other two universes being from where we're from, correct?" Mirror Master asked.
He nodded in confirmation.
"I would ask of the third and final universe in the equation, but I feel that isn't the question to ask."
"And what is?" Sosuke questioned clearly interested in what his response would bring.
"How do we obtain this power you speak of, and furthermore what would its gain bring to us?"
The sharpening grin from before was put on display once again as he spoke a detail, one which came as a personal surprise.
"The Klarax." Sosuke relayed to all.
"The Klarax," Lady Shiva questioned. "I don't know where, but I've heard that name before."
"Well of course, it is the name of the device I used to power my machine before everything went haywire," Mirror Master reminded before looking to the captain himself. "Surely you're not talking about that same Klarax."
"As a matter a fact I am," Sosuke confirmed. "Its harnessed power alone was enough for me to transport you all here."
"So, you manipulated the machine huh?"
"Yes, I needed to test its capabilities," Sosuke spoke in truth. "And I must say expectations reached the foreseen."
"I guess the results don't lie."
"Tell me, do you have the Klarax with you now?"
"Unfortunately I do not," Mirror Master replied. "The last I saw of it was when I placed it into the machine I was about to pose for a demonstration."
"I see.."
"By now I'm sure it is in the hands of the authority, possibly even the Justice League," Mirror Master noted. "There's no way with the events that erupted that night that someone on the outside of that meeting didn't take notice of what occurred."
"I have no doubt about that," Sosuke replied already prepared for the spoken scenario. "No matter, we will get the Klarax back in due time."
"And how do you plan on doing that," Killer Frost asked. "As you mentioned before it could now be hands of the police or even the Justice League, do you have a way of tracking the Klarax?"
"That should go without saying," Sosuke confirmed. "We'll put a halt on discussion concerning that until the Klarax itself is retrieved, for now I'd like to go into what your first mission will bring, for us all."
"Finally, this is the part I've been waiting to hear." Killer Frost voiced.
"And that mission is to establish supremacy."
This declaration left more to be clarified than anything else.
"Establish supremacy.. while the message of sentiment is there I don't quite understand what you mean." Black Manta stated.
"It is actually quite simple, the plan is for you all to go out and spread the word of your arrival to this world in a, how should I say.. commanding fashion."
"Other than cementing possible supremacy as you noted, what would be the ultimate reason behind such a move?" Black Manta asked.
"Patience, the first step into the amiss must first be taken before the second can be reached," Sosuke gave in response. "Our beginning is one of the most important points in the many stages to come, failure to execute this first step in full could jeopardize the mission entirely."
"But we know very little as to where it is we are or what we might face, surely you plan on giving us details concerning all potential obstacles?"
"That was going to be my next point to make."
"Well of course, but before we can get to that you must first be given all there is to know about this.. shinobi world."
….
After a nights travel and a dawn's continuation of the walked path the destination had seemingly finally been reached. The two glanced out from a tree they stood behind to now face the view of a city.
"Do you think this is the place?"
"I'd say so, look," Uryuu pointed. "If that isn't confirmation enough then I don't know what is."
The singled out was immediately looked toward, which brought the sight of a large sign which read 'Kumogakure'. Every detail was taken in, from the layout of everything to the material which everything was constructed of.
"Yep, this is certainly the place," Bart said beginning to explore the features of every detail that presented itself. "This looks nothing like any city I've visited before."
"That's beside the point, stay focused," Uryuu pressed. "Remember what brought us here."
"Never you worry, these guys won't fall out of my sight unless I allow them to."
"And with a statement like that I'm starting to wonder if I should be worried."
"Hey," Bart said beaming over at him "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Focus." Uryuu said reverting attention back to the matter at hand.
With that he looked back to the two individuals in apparel of dark purple silk, noting that the two of them had come to a complete halt as they commenced with discussion.
"I wonder what the two of them are talking about, can't hear them due to the distance between us and them," Uryuu coursed in mind. "Either way we know they've located here to meet with someone, question is.. who, when, and where?"
Without knowledge of the three points listed in mind he knew keeping in range of the two was of high importance. But that wasn't the only thing in mind, even with the disturbance directly faced he couldn't but think of his friends and their wellbeing. The thought of this would be cut short by the feel of a hand tapping his right shoulder.
"Hey after we're done busting the operation of these tube heads, what do you say we take a snack break?"
He rolled his eyes in his way before responding.
"Why on earth are you thinking about a snack break at a time like this?"
"Dude, you completely skipped the part where I suggested taking one after routing these guys up."
The annoyance was well noted in his expression as he turned back to lay eye to the ones who had lead them this far.
"They don't appear to be ready to move just yet, so if you want to go ahead and take that snack break now be my guest."
"Approval accepted." Bart jested with the salute of his left hand.
With nothing to add he reached for his bag, taking the time to dig through the contents inside before finally grabbing hold of something of interest. In the meantime Uryuu continued his watch over the two who resided several feet away at the bottom of the hill which made way to the city, taking the time note all details pertaining to body language to map out what it was the two of them could possibly be talking about.
It took only moments for the sound of a package being ripped open to fall upon his ears, followed by the crack of munching. He paid little mind to this. Every second the sound seemingly got louder hindering what focus he had, and fueling an irritation which slowly surged its way to the surface.
"So, what do you think those pajama wearing wannabe ninjas are whispering about?" Bart asked taking a bite into another chip inches away from his right ear.
The last thread was pulled, bringing a vocal uproar in its wake.
"Would you stop that, it's getting really annoying." Uryuu stomped.
"What's getting annoying?" Bart asked clearly unsure of what he was referring to.
"The crunching, how do you expect me to keep my focus with all that noise?"
"Well gee, it was you who suggested taking the snack break now."
With a gained clarity on his complaint he tightened and sealed the chips shut before placing it back into the bag that hung over his shoulders. It was after completing this that the ones they were currently in pursuit ended the talks they currently held before focusing their sights upon the city.
"Check it out," Uyruu whispered. "Looks like they're about to make their next move."
"Which means it's our move to piggyback on their trail, roger that." Bart said.
Their thoughts were confirmed moments later after the two masked individuals began walking once again.
"This is it," Uyruu thought to himself. "The root of whatever we witnessed in the woods is close, I can feel it… but what will this all amount to?"
…
So much had been learned in the last twenty four hours, and yet with each reveal brought a bundle of more questions to ask. There was an inner clutch that felt as if the progress made was no different than where they had begun. But no matter there was not going to be any quit.
By this time the sun was shedding its first eye of the day, bringing view to all who stood in its wake. She made her way down the streets of Konohagakure in a silent matter, keeping to herself as she simply looked to those who went about their routine opening activities. It didn't take long for her to become lost in it all, thoughts not only clouded with fact but imaginative possibility surrounding it all. It was the call of a familiar voice that pulled her back to what lied in front of her.
"Congratulations."
She turned around to find him standing just feet away.
"Kakashi-sensei." Sakura said upon seeing him.
"Good to see you too."
"You just congratulated me, may I ask for what?"
"For your given position in regards to S.S." Kakashi replied.
"S.S... oh yes, you mean Squad Shadow."
"That's right," Kakashi confirmed. "I learned all the details when the decision was made almost two hours ago."
"Then if that is so, then is it also true you were named as one of the members of Squad Shadow?"
"I thought you might ask that, and to answer your question, no," Kakashi disclosed to her. "I have not been given a position on Squad Shadow due to another disclosed task given to me."
"Disclosed huh, not only secretive but I'm guessing highly important."
"Aren't all our missions important?"
"Fair enough," Sakura conceded with a smile to give. "Where are you coming from anyway, I didn't see you on my way out of the office."
"And you wouldn't have being that I just left the infirmary."
This announcement brought a worrisome look to her face.
"What were you doing at the infirmary, did something happen, was someone else hurt?"
"No, my visit had nothing to do with anything like that," Kakashi replied to her relief. "I was merely there to check in on our guest."
The worried look that had been expressed quickly turned into an inquiring one.
"Guest, what guest?"
"That's right," Kakashi realized. "You were already on your way to () when she was initially brought in from one of the recent attack sites tagged in relation to the titled Shadow Revenants."
"This is my first time hearing about this."
"I'm certain a full breakdown will be given to you the next time you speak with Tsunade-sama," Kakashi said. "I'm actually looking for Inoue-chan right now since she wasn't in the infirmary, if you're not busy you're free to come along as well, perhaps there's something you can gain from her experiences that will help with your coming mission."
"I'd love to, but I don't think I'd be much help in locating her."
"What makes you say that?"
"For starters I don't even know what she looks like."
"Perhaps not, but if I'm not mistaken she should be with Ino-chan," Kakashi noted. "After all she's the last one I left in charge of keeping an eye on her."
"So if we find Ino, we should find her." Sakura concluded.
"Exactly."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Sakura said regaining her smile.
"You lead the way." Kakashi replied nodding his head.
With that the two of them began marching on.
"Could this be it.. could this be a break in this mystery that we've needed?"
Her hope was now at a high, but even still she knew there was a long way to go before a means of an end would be reached.
…
A rundown of the location where they now found themselves was given to them in full, giving them a clarity they did not have beforehand.
"So now that you're all educated with the land that now precedes you and its many territories I'd like to now revert all discussion to your first official task," Sosuke announced. "Gaining supremacy."
"You emphasized that very point before, so what exactly is it you're asking of us," Medusa asked. "I for one don't find it wise to reveal ourselves so early on, retaliation from the natives would surely knock several options off the table for later strategy."
"I couldn't agree anymore, which is why the goal will be for none of you to be visually documented," Sosuke detailed. "In other words, if anyone does come in contact with you.. no survivors."
"That's genocide." Mirror Master detested.
"As I said, that's only in the case you're engaged directly," Sosuke reminded. "But I can assure that's not what this whole first step represents."
"And what does it?"
"Nothing but mere misdirection, one which will shed light away from our ultimate goal."
"And what might that be?" Metallo asked.
"Gaining complete control of not only the entire terrain of the shinobi lands, but this entire world," Sosuke confided to them all. "And once that is accomplished, we'll be one step closer to reaching the ultimate power."
"Umm… Captain Aizen," Metallo questioned with the raise of a hand. "Is a full on take over really necessary for obtaining this power you speak of?"
"Yes, and in some ways no," Sosuke replied. "Just like with the attacks, it will be nothing more but a misdirection from the true plan running in play, and to add onto that this takeover won't be like any other.. not in the least, by the time anyone realizes what is happening it will already be too late."
"From that statement alone I take it this takeover won't be through direct force?" Black Manta inquired.
"That is correct," Sosuke confirmed. "It has nothing to do with force, and everything to do with scheme and a patience that will come attached."
"Count me in as interested." Poison Ivy said.
"Now that you all are clear on where we stand it's time for you to receive details of your first operation," Soskuke stated. "To begin I will start off by grouping you all in pairs of two."
"Now this is something I wasn't expecting." Killer Frost admittedly spoke.
"Interesting.. and how do you plan on going about pairing us up?" Metallo asked out of curiosity.
"Solely based on attributes," Sosuke said looking them all over with the shift of his head. "Wu-san Sandra and Metallo the two of you will operate as group sharp eye, any task requiring a stakeout or ambush attack of any kind will squarely be handed to the both of you."
"Not many people know me by name, but I guess it should come as no surprise since you've been observing over us all for some time," Lady Shiva noted. "However with that said, I would like to know why we've been chosen specifically for what you've just described."
"That's actually quite simple, for beginners given Metallo biological makeup he has a reiatsu that can almost go undetected, making him an obvious choice for the chosen," Sosuke explained. "And then there's you, not only your patience but your awareness coupled in with your tactical mind wrapped around stealth makes you just as qualified for the job."
"What is this 'Reiatsu' you speak of?" Black Manta asked.
"A chat for another time," Sosuke said pushing back to matters. "Group infiltration will consist of you Ms. Isley, and Mirror Master."
"Infiltration, hmm," Mirror Master remarked smiling for the first time. "I can think of several reasons why that makes senses, however I am curious as to what it is we'll be infiltrating."
"You shall know soon enough," Sosuke assured in his words. "Next is group Enforcer, as the name implies these two individuals handed this title will be given any mission that may require any kind of physical confrontation, though I'm hoping it doesn't have to come to that."
"And which two have you assigned to this group?" Black Manta asked.
"Medusa and Killer Fro.."
"I will not team with anyone," Medusa coldly interjected. "If there's anything you'd like of me I'll do it alone, I don't need the presence of another to hinder any progress that I would otherwise make while alone, if you want me as part of this team of yours then I advise you grant me this one request."
Seconds passed as he thought on what was asked of him before finally answering
"Very well, I can agree to those terms," Sosuke answered. "But with that said you will report in after any given mission just like everyone, is that clear?"
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
"So does that leave me paired with Killer Frost?" Black Manta asked.
"No, I have something of high importance I'll have you be looking into which will have you going solo.. a quest if you will," Sosuke detailed. "One which will take you outer reaches of the Shinobi Nation altogether, further details on just what will be given in a short time."
"Being that both Medusa and Black Manta will be operating alone, where does that leave me," Killer Frost asked. "Will I too be traveling alone?"
"No, there's an alternative which I'll get to soon enough," Sosuke assured. "However before we get to that I'd first like to state not only what your first missions will be but also where your travels will take you."
"Finally, just the part I was waiting to hear."
With that he wasted no further time in speaking what the coming days would bring for each everyone.
"Metallo and Shiva the two of you will travel to the Land of Earth, once there I want you to make enough noise to get the attention of that regions leader, the Earth Daimyo."
"What kind of noise?" Lady Shiva asked.
"I'll leave that for the two of you to decide my dear," Sosuke replied sending an inner message. "And once that is accomplished you'll head back here immediately."
"I don't know what that will accomplish, but I understand."
"And that's all you need to know for now," Sosuke stated. "Medusa your mission will be the same, only difference is you will speak your wake in the Land of Wind."
She said nothing, clearly understanding what was asked of her.
"Next is group Infiltration, the mission set for you two is very different than the others," Sosuke informed. "Your journey's will take you to the land of fire, once there the two of you will head straight to Konohagakure'."
"And after we arrive?" Mirror Master asked.
"Seed yourselves as outside visitors on business," Sosuke replied. "Your first objective once in will be to simply observe their reactions for what they will do in response to all that is about to ignite around them in the neighboring lands."
"And the second objective?"
"That one is simple, to turn Konohagakure's greatest weapon against them.. the Jinchuuriki, Uzumaki Naruto."
"Who the hell is that?" Metallo asked.
"He is one of Konohagakure's mightiest shinobi, by breaking him down into doing our bidding that will not only weaken their forces but it will lead directly into the next step in our plan."
"Which is?" Killer Frost asked.
"Something that will be relayed to you all when the time comes." Sosuke replied facing her.
"I've got just one question, what is it you'll be doing while all of this is going on?" Lady Shiva inquired.
"I'm glad that you asked, once you all have commenced with your assigned missions I will return to your world and see to it the Justice League is neutralized," Sosuke answered. "The ones you know as; Green Lantern, Zatanna, Martian Manhunter, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg, and Superman will all be handled accordingly, and as I said before the Flash will be kept around for.. an important step in our plan."
"Of all the people you mentioned in your little rundown aren't you forgetting someone?" Metallo asked.
"And who might that be?" Sosuke asked.
"The Batman." Black Manta replied from a short distance away.
"I'm not in the least bit concerned that some crazed mere mortal parading in a bat costume will foil our plans in any kind of way," Sosuke replied in all honesty. "This proclaimed Dark Knight is a non-factor as far as I'm concerned."
"The bat may be one thing, but how do you plan on neutralizing the others as you've declared," Metallo asked. "It's not like they're your everyday walk in the park challenger."
"While what you say is true, I can assure you the plan we have set in place will work to perfection, without fail."
"We?" Lady Shiva questioned.
That very moment brought a sudden sound, the approach of something coming from the dark tunnel left of where they all stood. It took only seconds for them to sight a dark figure of a person before their arrival was spoken in full.
"It is a certainty that our plan will succeed, the mighty dark one has foreseen it himself."
The one standing as one with the shadows moved forward, stepping out into the light to reveal their very presence.
"Welcome back to the lair," Sosuke smilingly greeted. "Granny Goodness."
To Be Continued