"We're in."
Taka spread out across the room, securing it against an attack more out of reflex than actual worry of a threat. They all glanced to Karin as she closed her eyes and extended her senses for any trace of chakra but quickly nodded that they were in the clear.
"Well done Inro. You may go." Sasuke said, looking back to the snake and giving it a nod. The serpent, Inro, seemed to return the gesture before disappearing in a burst of smoke.
"Glagh! I hate it when we travel in that thing." Suigetsu spat, scowling in the direction of their long gone transport. "Remind me why I couldn't use my water form to get in here and just summon you guys?"
"Don't you listen to anything Sasuke-kun says? They have alarm jutsu set up to detect any summonings inside the city." Karin lectured. "Dumbass!"
"It doesn't matter now." Sasuke cut in as he looked to Suigetsu. "Use the liquid form to explore the drainage system, investigate where in this city's underground he may be hiding. Jūgo, communicate with the city's animals to get any intel you can on newcomers and their whereabouts. Karin and I will look for any notable chakra levels and follow them. Report to me in an hour."
He watched as the two disappeared so as to carry out their orders, Suigetsu melting away into one of the drains and Jūgo walking toward the shadows in search of the rats who would know the city best.
Karin meanwhile was fixing her glasses in an attempt to mask the slight blush that had begun to form on her cheeks. It was most likely because they were alone together, her old habits never having quite left, but she kept her emotions in check and simply waited for him to lead the way. He gave her a nod and an all but imperceptible smirk before walking forward toward one of the large open pipes that he assumed would eventually lead him up to the surface.
Deep within the bowels of Amegakure was an empty room the size of a large auditorium, each sound within causing an echo reverberated throughout the empty space. In the center of the room was circular hole in the floor that was approximately fifty feet wide and nearly a hundred feet deep.
Atop this hole in the ground stood sixteen figures, eight standing at the lip while the retainers directly behind them made up the rest.
Standing at the opposite edge of the gap was a single man, garbed from the neck down in bandages while the lower portion of his face was covered with a peculiar gas mask. Unlike those typically worn by shinobi of Amegakure this mask was almost entirely made of polished black leather and rather than a large round filter it was streamlined to appear flat. Most disturbing, however, was the white and red shark teeth crudely painted across the front so as to imply a constant hungry smile that worked well to unnerve all who saw it.
"It seems that my messages were well received." Hei Shineki spoke, his voice low and friendly though it betrayed the potential to become booming. "Welcome. It's rare to find so many of my fellow high ranking criminals in one place, let alone eight of the most notorious leaders in the underground. In fa-"
A scoff came from one of the eight standing at the edge. He was a short aging man who stood at nearly half the height of his retainer, and yet, exuded power with his all black three piece suit and pure white scarf. Atop the gangster's head sat a black fedora which he tilted back to reveal the jagged scar etched across his forehead.
"You find something funny Boss Tanaka?" Shineki asked, cocking his head in curiosity.
"Yes, yes I do." replied Boss Tanaka. "Your 'God' Pain, that psychotic fuck, we could respect. We could fear. But you? You're a very small player trying to fill a very large power vacuum. Were it not for the value of the prize you hold I would have you killed for thinking yourself my equal."
Shineki closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he cracked his neck audibly. Opening his eyes once more he began to unravel the bandages on his hands to reveal ominous swirl pattern tattoos on each palm.
"It's a shame you think that way Tanaka. Before, I'd just take your money and wish you're representative the best of luck in my little tournament. But now, well, I'll have to kill you."
"Impudent bastard!"
The retainer behind Tanaka, a lithe young man with long crimson hair tied in a ponytail, moved with a sudden speed to place himself between his boss and Shineki. In a single motion he pulled back his sleeve to reveal a custom arm bracer, the bottom of which held a small novel, and brought it up in a high arc to point directly at their threatening host.
BOOM!
All motion in the room stopped as it's occupants turned to see one of the doorways they had come in from covered in ash, smoldering flames, and a few steaming corpses from what was left of Shineki's guards.
"Katon jutsu. A damn strong one." one of the other guests surmised.
Footsteps could now be heard coming from the singed doorway, the echoes betraying their owner's steady and deliberate pace.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu. One of my clan's favorites." came the cold reply from within the shadowed hallway.
Sasuke walked out from the darkness of the confined space as though he were taking a nightly stroll, stepping over rocks or dead guards as if they were not even there. He walked through the main hall without changing pace or looking around for other threats. Instead his gaze was set upon the bandage covered man who had called everyone else here, unflinching onyx eyes boring into Amegakure shinobi.
"Sasuke Uchiha." called Shineki, his cracking his neck again once more. "I must say, this is a most welcome surprise. Though, I'll admit, your arrival was an expected outcome considering what's currently in my possession."
"Hei Shineki." responded Sasuke as he stopped just shy of the other guests, all of whom were facing him rather than their host. "You have something of mine. Something I hold dear. I do not allow such insults to go unpunished so hand her over to me before I must take her."
Silence filled the room as its occupants processed the Uchiha's hate filled words. Laughter suddenly spilled forth from behind Shineki's gas mask and his body trembled from the force of it.
"Take her? No, no, no, no that's not how this works. Everyone pays me an entry fee, fights in my tournament, and then I give her to the winner. That's what will happen and you, Konoha scum, will do nothing to change it."
"I am an internationally wanted criminal. I have killed three members of Akatsuki, subdued Jinchūriki, attacked the five Kage in the heart of the Land of Iron, killed a Kage, and defeated a god. I am no less an outlaw than any of you, and will gladly kill all who challenge that fact."
Looking at the faces he was glad to find that many held fear plainly written in their features. A few, however, boldly wore expressions of defiance and challenge that told Sasuke they were not intimidated and would not hesitate to attack should the opportunity arise.
Interesting.
"Will you be so bold against twelve S-Ranked missing nin? You may be formidable, but there's a reason I made this a tournament of the strongest shinobi outlaws. Anyone, even a Kage, would a fool to threaten all of us." Shineki lectured amusedly.
Sasuke closed his eyes and thought for a minute, deciding whether or not to summon up Susanoo and release his full wrath upon them.
"Besides," Shineki added, "cherry blossoms are so delicate. Too strong a tremor and they'll just fall right off the tree."
Sasuke's eyes opened then and he focused his mismatched eyes at them man in a death glare.
Yet, his hand reached within his cloak and pulled free a scroll which he tossed across the gap to land next to the bandaged ringleader's feet. As it fell it unravelled to reveal a seal that burst into a cloud of smoke to reveal an overstuffed duffel bag.
"Ten million ryō, as you said in the video."
Shineki never even looked at the bag, keeping his gaze on the Uchiha as he simply snapped his fingers and an underling flickered in from nowhere to lean down and check it's contents.
"Looks good."
"What a shame you came too late then." Shineki spoke up. "I'll gladly accept your money, but you see, I already have eight participants and nine just will not work. So you'll simp-"
Before the cocky ringleader could finish Sasuke raised a hand, pointed it at one of the more frightened retainers, and without warning shot forth a concentrated spear of electricity. The Chidori Sharp Spear pierced the man, a tall muscular shinobi covered in tattoos, through the chest just between the lungs. As the shocked man gasped in horror and began choking out exclamations of fear Sasuke silenced him with the turn of his wrist that altered the spear's shape and caused five more to spring forth from inside his chest.
Releasing the jutsu the corpse fell to the floor and blood pooled beneath it while the room looked on in dumb surprise.
"I believe there's an opening."
Sasuke sat atop a tatami mat in front of the table which occupied the center of his new sitting room. It was the largest room in this brand new suite he and the rest of the participants had been given to stay in over the next two days. The building that housed their rooms was a skyscraper in its own right, but was made even larger upon knowledge of the spaces beneath. It was in the largest of those spaces that their meeting had been held in and it surprised many of the guests to find they were an elevator ride from opulent luxury.
Sasuke, however, could not stand this room. The bright colors, soft cushions, sweet fragrances. They were all distracting and meant to make one far too relaxed before a battle to the death. Besides, they reminded him of her.
He was brought forth from his brooding by a gentle knock at the door.
"Come in." he called, hearing the door open and soft footsteps as someone entered the room.
Sasuke did not look up at the visitor until she walked around him to stand across the table from him. Looking her over he noticed that she was almost as tall as him, her long jet black hair was held back by a clip, wore blood red lipstick, and had an elegant pink kimono wrapped around her ample curves. She was beautiful and only slightly older than him, exuding a mature sexuality that was unrivaled by any other woman Sasuke had ever met.
"My name is Hotaru." she said, her voice like honey. "Boss Shineki sent me to deliver your meal."
It was then Sasuke looked to the tray in her hands as she dropped to her knees and gently placed it atop the table.
"I brought the onigiri you ordered. I wasn't sure what type of filling you liked so I brought you one order with okaka, one order with tobiko, and my favorite one order with ume-" Hotaru started when she saw the scowl that crossed the silent young man's face at the mention of the sweet fruit. "I-I also brought the sliced tomatoes and green tea you ordered."
"Hn." Sasuke responded, nodding his thanks before turning his gaze the bottle that stood above the other items.
"Oh, and this," Hotaru purred with renewed confidence as she picked up the bottle seductively, "is our finest sake. I took the liberty of bringing it since the boss said I should do anything to make sure you were happy. Anything."
Sasuke reached one hand forward and took the chopsticks in hand in order to snag a slice of tomato and pop it in his mouth. Hotaru looked at him, unsure of whether to feel slighted or frightened at his silence. After all, every one of the new guests were dangerous criminals.
"Open the doors." Sasuke said as he reached out for one of the okaka filled onigiri.
"P-Pardon?"
"The balcony doors." Sasuke said before taking a bite of the rice ball. Swallowing, he pointed behind her with the chopsticks and continued "Open them."
"Oh. I see." Hotaru said, regaining her confidence as she got up and walked over to the balcony. Opening the doors she was met be nothing more than an empty balcony being pelted by rain, which had formed a large puddle.
"It's still raining quite hard. Are you su-" she started before seeing that the raven haired young man was ignoring her whilst eating his meal.
Moving closer she sat next to Sasuke and leaned close to him in order to flirtatiously whisper "We can open this bottle, get comfortable, and you can show me the famous Uchiha Fire..."
"Leave."
Hotaru froze as the word all but slapped her in the face. It was not particularly cruel or harsh, but rather it was the cold emotionless way in which he said it that shook her. As if she meant literally nothing.
Getting up she wordlessly gathered what she needed to return before making her way to the front door. Looking back toward the last Uchiha in the world she wondered how someone so beautiful could be so cruel.
Sasuke ate while he heard her leave, waited to make sure she or anyone else wasn't eavesdropping, and called "It's clear. Come in."
The puddle on the balcony rippled before the water shot up and formed itself into a roughly human shape which then settled into a grinning Suigetsu.
"I love this city." Suigetsu exclaimed before walking in, puddles forming with each step.
Two more hooded figures landed on the balcony and followed the white haired swordsmen into the suite. Pulling off their hoods they revealed themselves to be Karin and Jūgo, the orange haired man in a far more pleasant mood than his red haired counterpart.
"Who was that skank?" Karin asked, though it came out as more of a growl. "Can you believe her? I mean her perfume was nice but, c'mon. Slut!"
"At least she has more to offer than yo-" Suigetsu spoke up before Karin's fist turned is water into a splash of water.
"C'mon you two. We need to tell Sasuke what we know." Jūgo cut in as he stood between them and put a hand on each shoulder.
That calmed the two antagonistic ninja down as they sat around the table with Sasuke. Suigetsu reached over for the sake and opened the bottle before taking a long swig, provoking another attack from the excitable redhead. She in turn took one of the fruit filled rice balls and took slow dainty bites as she looked over her obsession's brooding features.
"What do we know?" Sasuke asked as he looked at each of them.
"Konoha's files are shit." Suigetsu exclaimed before taking another sip. "Ah! They seriously underestimated this guy's man power. This entire building is run by his ex-Ame nin lackies. Seems like he's buying up support left and right, which would explain why he's trying to have everyone throw in a minimum rather than a simple auction."
"Makes sense." Karin nodded. "The chakra signatures all throughout this building are chunin or higher. Except for the others on this and the next two levels. They're definitely near Kage level, especially this Shineki and one of the other participants."
"The animals do not like the leader's chakra. It's...chaotic." Jūgo affirmed wistfully.
"I know the second one. But it ain't good new." said Suigetsu with a sneer. "He's a legend amongst swordsmen. Mugen Miyamoto, he's one of the finest samurai the Land of Iron ever produced. He was Mifune's teacher and is said to have mastered the use of shape transformation and nature affinity chakra in his sword technique."
"Like Naruto's Rasenshuriken?" Karin asked incredulously. "I don't like the sound of that Sasuke-kun."
"It'll be fine. I've sparred with Naruto enough to know how to handle the sheer power of such techniques." Sasuke reassured. "More importantly...where is she?"
The three looked back and forth between each other.
"Shineki showed us participants a video of her bound in this...this chair, With...hospital tubes coming out of her arms." Sasuke started, his voice seeming to hold back a boiling rage. "We need to save Sakura."
"Sasuke, the birds say they've seen a lot of activity on the top floor." Jūgo replied cautiously.
"I can't sense her chakra anywhere in this building." Karin said with a shake of her head.
"Face it Sasuke. You're gonna have to do what he wants until you find out where she is." Suigetsu added in.
The Uchiha sighed in frustration and thanked them for their help. They left without leaving a trace of ever having been in the suite. Yet, when they were gone he felt a disturbing feeling that had been absent in his life for a while. Loneliness.
Sasuke shook his head in order to dispel such thoughts. Now was not the time for weakness. Now was the time for preparation.
"Sir." Hotaru reported, bowing to her master's back. "He was unresponsive to my advances. I'm so very sorry for my failure."
Shineki turned to look at her and she began to panic as his mask made him seem eternally angry. He reached a hand out towards her, causing her heart to nearly stop, until he simply pet her cheek instead.
"It's alright. I expected as much. I've heard rumors on just how devoted the Uchiha can become." Shineki explained as he patted her cheek reassuringly.
"T-To whom? Who could he be so devoted to?" she asked, unsure as to why she was afraid of the answer.
Cocking his head to the side like a bird once more, his eyes crinkled at the edges as if in laughter.
"Why, her of course." he said as he moved so she could see behind him. "His delicate little cherry blossom. And of course-"
Hotaru gasped when she looked upon the pink haired girl bound to the chair, the metal bands that held her in place tight enough to bruise. IVs we're running from her arms and pumped in a steady supply of whatever kept her unconscious. More disturbing, however, was the visible bump on what would otherwise be a flat stomach.
"-his heir."
So here's Chapter 3! Sorry if it's a bit short and bereft of action but everything needs setup so I made sure it was only in this chapter. Next chapter the fights begin, I promise. The review are a big help and I'd love to hear any thoughts or tips you guys might have.