Chapter 5

Obsession

Gaara sat at his desk reviewing mission reports. He thumbed through the pile until he found the file that contained reports on the border patrols. He extracted the most recent report from the folder. He sighed as he read it. "So there has been another attempt to ambush the ninja I assigned on border patrol and of course the bandits were overpowered and driven off. This is the fourth time this month that this has happened."He grabbed a blank piece of paper and began writing up new orders regarding the attacks on the border patrol. His orders were to bring in the bandits the next time they attacked. He would deal with them then.

He stamped the page with his official seal and placed it in the finished pile. Just as he began to reach for a new file, someone knocked impatiently at the door. "Now who could that be, and just when I was about to look at the last report for today."He spared a quick glance at the clock hanging on the wall, it was six o'clock and almost time for him to meet Kankuro for dinner. They were to discuss the most recent advances on the diplomacy agreement between the Sand and the Village Hidden Among the Stones. Clearing his thought, he beckoned the visitors into the room with a rather reluctant "Enter."

The door crashed against the wall as the kunoichi ran into the room. She stood in formation in front of Gaara's desk; her breathing came in raged gasps. She presented Gaara with a paper, folded and sealed with wax that had the village's symbol embed in it. While handing him the letter she explained its origin. "The message hawk you assigned to Temari just arrived with this letter. I got here as soon as I could."

He nearly ripped it in half as he hastened to open it. As he read it his face grew grim. He read it over several times then finally, he tore his eyes away from the letter and looked up at the ninja. His eye burned fiercely as he addressed her. "Find Kankuro and tell him to come here immediately!" She gave him a brief nod and shot out the door.

He looked down at the message again. "They captured the Leaf's ninja who was carrying the information. Shikamaru, that's who Temari said was taken. I have to send word to Hokage Tasudas." He wrote a note describing the current situation, stamped it, sealed it and, called for one of the jonin standing guard outside the door. The man came and left for the hawk building with the letter.

Moments later Kankuro had arrived with a concerned look on his face. "What is it Gaara, what has happened? Is it Orochimaru?"

"I have just received a message from Temari saying that the ninja she was escorting has been captured. It is safe to assume that Orochimaru is the one responsible." He paused for a moment then almost as an afterthought he added. "I have sent word to the Leaf Village."

Conflicting thoughts began to enter Gaara's mind. He stood and walked around the side of his desk to stand in front of the large window that over looked most of the village. He looked down on the streets below; they were filled with people going to and fro. He watched as two children ran down the street with a little dog in tow. Before he had taken over the position of Kazekage the village had lived in fear under his father's reign. But now the village people were happy and content and due to that the village prospered. He allowed a blank look to cover his face as he attempted to mask his emotions. It nearly wounded him inside to know that soon he would have to announce to the village that they were going to war. Lives would be lost, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters. Families would be broken.

Gaara was pulled away from his thoughts as Kankuro began to speak. "What do you plan to do Gaara? Are we going to go find Temari and go after Orochimaru?"

Without turning to look at his brother Gaara responded, his voice monotone. "I will send all ninja, besides the number necessary to guard the village, to the border were Temari is supposed to be. From there we will infiltrate Orochimaru's hideout, hopefully by then we will have met up with the force sent by the Leaf."

A shocked expression spread over Kankuro's face. "Gaara, is that such a wise decision? Shouldn't we just send a couple squads and try to retrieve the Leaf ninja unnoticed?"

This time Gaara turned to face his brother, his arms crossed over his chest. With determination and an almost murderous intent in his eyes he replied with all the authority due to his rank as Kazekage. "Now is the time to strike down that snake Orochimaru and make him pay his debt to all of the men, women and families who suffered because of his sickeningly insane dreams and desires. With the help of Lady Tasudas and the Leaf's ninja we will soon destroy the cause of such suffering and liberate Orochimaru's captives. Now go and inform everyone and have them meet me at the top of this building."

Without another word, Kankuro disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Gaara walked over to his desk, taking off his hat and robe that represent his status as Kazekage, he folded the robe and placed it in the chair with the hat on top of it. Now that he was only wearing his traditional clothes he opened the door and walked out into the hall. The two ninja posted at the door immediately followed after him as he made his way down the hall and eventually to the roof of the building. There waiting at the top were a massive number of shinobi. They were positioned in lines of three, all facing one direction.

Gaara walked over to stand in front of them, his hands behind his back. His cool gaze swept over there faces. Not one of them showed any signs of fear or uncertainty. He took one last calming breath before he addressed them. With absolute confidence in his shinobi and a fire burning bright in his soul he launched into the details of the invasion plan. This was going to be a war that would go down in history, not a single ninja in any of the hidden villages would not go unaware of the great war fought between the two most powerful ninja villages and the allusive, murderess sannin, Orochimaru, regardless of the victor.

Orochimaru stood before Shikamaru looking down at him with a wicked grin on his face., his hands were crossed over his chest in a cool almost mocking manner. Shikamaru was kneeling on the ground, his right hand griping his wounded shoulder.

He glared at the sannin as he looked up at him. He would be dammed if he showed any signs of weakness besides that of his obvious injury. As Orochimaru had walked up to him, Kabuto had moved to his left and the hooded ninja, Semteru had gone to stand at his right. With the wall at his back he was surrounded. There was no way he could escape. The best thing he could do for himself right now was to keep his cool and cooperate with his captors. Unless of course they just planed on killing him right away, then at that point it would matter any more.

Orochimaru watched the young man intently. "This man's an analyzer he must be well aware of his poor situation, I don't think he is going to try anything stupid."Without taking his eyes away from his captive Orochimaru began to speak. "Kabuto, who did you say this ninja was?"

Kabuto adjusted his glasses to rest more comfortably on his nose and then he replied with an unmistakable air confidence. "He is Shikamaru Nara of the Nara Clan. He's from the Leaf Village."

The expression on Orochimaru's face grew curious. "Nara? Aw yes that is the Clan with the ability to control shadows." An idea began to form in his mind. One that would surly kill this young man, but would greatly benefit his research and sate his unrelenting desire to express his sexual ambitions. "Take him to my secret cambers, oh, and Kabuto treat his wound, I like to start with an unmarred toy." With that Orochimaru turned on his heel and disappeared into the darkness.

Kabuto clenched his fists as an anger fueled by jealousy boiled up inside of him. "He wants me to take him to his "special" cambers! How could Orochimaru want that after only just meeting this bastardtoday? What is he planning? He knows how I feel when he doesthese things It should be me he wants in his chambers not Shikamaru!" Kabuto reached his hand down and stopped just above Shikamaru's. When Shikamaru didn't remove his hand from his shoulder, Kabuto raised his foot and kicked him viscously in the side. Kabuto watched with sick satisfaction as Shikamaru doubled over in pain.

"Aug, you bastard." Shikamaru stuttered as he fell to his side gasping for breath. "Scratch what I thought before about not showing weakness. There's no way in hell I am going to these "special" chambers. I will die here fighting beforeI will let that happen."

Semteru watched on in irritation. "Kabuto, if you continue beating Lord Orochimaru's new toy I don't think he will be very happy with you, you might get yourself killed. And besides jealousy doesn't become you and not only that we are here to help fulfill all of Orochimaru's desires no matter what the cost."

Kabuto snapped his head up to look at Semteru; a wicked sneer contorted his face. "Shut the hell up, I will don't what I like. I could kill you in a heartbeat, so I would watch what you say to me."

Suddenly Shikamaru's fist smashed into Kabuto's face. The Medical ninja was sent flying backward. He landed on his back with an undignified grunt. Shikamaru, now standing, turned to face the hooded ninja. "I am not going without a fight." Shikamaru reached around to remove a kunai from the pouch at his lower back. With what little energy he could muster he lunged toward the ninja. He had only moved about a foot before two bunshin appeared at either side of him. They both made a quick series of hand signs and then using two fingers they jabbed him on both sides of his neck. He instantly lost consciousness and hit the ground. He skidded several feet before rolling to a stop at Semteru's feet.

Semteru released the jutsu; both bunshin disappeared in a cloud of smoke. "Now Kabuto, why don't you get up and come heal this man before Orochimaru discovers that he has not yet arrived in his chambers."

Kabuto rolled over onto his side. He brought his hand up to his face to catch a drop of blood as it slid down his chin. He held his hand out to examine the crimson red drop on his index finger. "The bastard split my lip.He will pay for this! Don't you worry Shikamaru, one way or another you'll get what's yours." Gritting his teeth he got to his feet and walked to kneel beside Shikamaru's motionless body. Kabuto reached out and pulled him over to lay on his back. Without bothering to remove the bandages Kabuto hovered his hand over the Leaf ninjas shoulder and began to heal it. "It's not necessary to remove the bandages when I can clearly see the blood stain were the wound bled thought. This wound is fairlyfresh; it's maybe only one or two days old. I wonder what happened…"

"Kabuto what is taking you so long?" Semteru looked down distastefully at the medical ninjas slow progress.

Kabuto looked up at the man with a piercing gaze. "Shut the hell up I am almost done. Now summon a shadow clone to carry this guy."

Just as Kabuto finished and stood Semteru's shadow clone appeared and bent down to pick up Shikamaru's limp body. Silently they filed out of room and head down the dark candle lit corridor.

One and half days later the hawk arrived in the leaf village with the message from Gaara. Tsunade was standing at the top of the Hokage building when a ninja presented her with the message.

She read the message with a growing feeling of horror and anticipation. "Shizune" Tsunade addressed the kunoichi standing next to her holding Ton Ton the pig. "Orochimaru has captured Shikamaru. Gaara is sending his ninja to war and he wants us to do the same."

Shizune gasped "Oh no! We have to save Shikamaru!" Ton Ton let out a little squeal in agreement.

"We don't even know if he is still alive. And if Orochimaru tried to release the seal placed on Shikamaru it would have killed him." A look of determination spread across Tsunade's face. "More importantly I need you to assemble all of the necessary ninja to this spot, were going after Gaara."

Shizune nodded her head. "Right." Taking Ton Ton with her she disappeared from the roof top.

"The time has finally come; we will strike you down Orochimaru. There's to escaping it this time." She looked up at the Hokage faces her eyes rested on her grandfathers. "Third Hokage, it's time to pick up where you left off."

Drip…drip, the melodious sound echoed in Shikamaru's mind. Each time that he heard it again the sound sent ripples thought his subconscious. The sound grew louder and louder until finally it drew him from his dark sleep.

Shikamaru opened his eyes groggily. "Auh, were am I? Why I can't move my arms!" He looked up to see his arms suspended above him. Two chains about a foot apart dropped down from the ceiling and ended with shackles that were locked around his wrists.

The chains were long enough that he was kneeling on the floor. When he tried to get up he realized that his ankles were also in shackles. The chains that connected from the floor to his ankles were not long enough to allow him to stand.

Shikamaru was beginning to panic. "What the hell is going on? What is Orochimaru planning on doing to me!" He was beginning to sweat and his breathing became frantic. "No Shikamaru, just hold on, you need to calm down. What would Asuma think if he knew you were reacting like this? Come on think, you need to analyze your surroundings."

Shikamaru inhaled and exhaled slowly. Once he had his breathing under control he glanced around the room. The room was eerily light by candles that lined the walls to his left and right and behind him. There were counters with a sink and various drawers and shelves along the wall in front of him. "I can't see a door. That must mean itsstrait behind me where I can't see it. That sink's faucet is dripping, that must be what woke me up"

Shikamaru let his head hang down. His energy still had not returned and he was beginning to feel a scents of hopelessness. "How the hell am I going to get out of here? I can't even move. And not only that my chakras beendrained somehow and I just don't have any energy left. If it weren't for these shackles I am not sure I couldnt even sit up on my own."

"Well well it seems as though your finally awake." The ominous voice let out a soft chuckle.

Shikamaru's head shot up in surprise. Standing before him was Lord Orochimaru. His left hand rested on his hip and the other hung down his side. He rested most of his weight on his left leg. His head was tilted to the side a little as he looked down on Shikamaru with a deceptively friendly smile on his face.

"How are you feeling Shikamaru? I tried to make you as comfortable as possible. That's why I only chained you up high enough so you could kneel instead of stand." Orochimaru squatted in front of Shikamaru so that they were eye to eye. Reaching up Orochimaru took Shikamaru's chin in his hand then he tilted his head from side to side so he could examine his face. "My my, you do have such a nice completion." Then letting go of his chin he patted his cheek gently and stood up.

Shikamaru looked on in shock. "Why the hell does he care about how I look? What does that have to do with anything?" Shikamaru watched as the sannin walked over to the counter were he pushed a button on the wall. Suddenly the shackles around his ankles unlocked and fell to the ground. Then the chains above his head began to recoil back into the ceiling. He was forced to stand as the chains got shorter. His hands were still suspended above his head. There was no slack in the chains and so he was unable to walk even an inch.

Orochimaru walked over to Shikamaru then placing his hand on his own chin, he tilted his head and looked Shikamaru up and down. The expression on Orochimaru's face turned from pleasant to irritated. "I can't get a good look at you, when you're wearing thoughts bandages. They need to come off."

Shikamaru hid his alarm. "No if he takes off these bandages he will see the seal. Then he will know I am carrying a secret message. But I guess I shouldn't worry about compromiseing the safety of the village. Because if he attempts to break the seal I will die before he can get the information." Dismay and relief washed over him. "Well that's not good news for me but at least I won't be responsible for the destruction of the village, aw man this really sucks!"

Taking a pair of medical scissors, Orochimaru cut away the bandages. He eyes widen in surprise as his eyes caught sight of the beep black seal markings. "Aw, it would seem that you have been hiding something from me Shikamaru." His venomous gaze caught hole of Shikamaru's. "There should be no secrets between us my pet. That's no way to start out a relationship." Orochimaru place cold but gentle finger tips on the seal markings above Shikamaru's heart.

Now that he felt completely vulnerable Shikamaru could no longer remain silent. "Get the hell away from me! Let me down!" He tried to kick the sannin away but he just didn't have the strength.

Orochimaru stepped back and crossed his arms over his chest. "I see your still suffering from the effects of Semteru's gas grenades. It's a very effective chemical the saps the energy and chakra of the one who inhales it. Don't worry you will get your energy back soon enough, but as for your chakra, I honestly couldn't tell you when it will return. It could be several hours, days or even weeks. But enough talk about that." Orochimaru placed his fingers on the seal again. "What would you like to tell me about this? Remember there shall be no secrets between us."

The last word came out in a low provocative hiss. Shikamaru tried to ignore it but it was eating at him. Without commenting about the seal he went straight to asking him about his intentions. "What do you mean by, relationship? I will never befriend my greatest enemy!"

Orochimaru let out a soft chuckle as he walked to stand behind Shikamaru. He laid his right hand flat on his chest then brought his head besides Shikamaru's and rested his chin on his shoulder. "Oh, Shikamaru I intend for our relationship to be much more intense than any normal friendship would ever be. He placed his other hand on the jonin's side and allowed it to slide down his stomach and then beneath the waistline of Shikamaru's pants.

Shikamaru gasped in complete shock.

"Soon, you will learn to love me." Orochimaru's tongue snaked out and slid across Shikamaru's cheek, then he ran it over his lips before taking it back into his mouth to savoir the taste.

Orochimaru pushed his hand even farther into the jonin's pants. Shikamaru cried out, it was all he could do; he was completely at Orochimaru's mercy.