Thank you to everyone who reviewed! It was so appreciated. ) Since two of my reviewers had some questions, I decided to just answer them here.
Kirril- My, my, so many questions:D Did I mention that Harry was going to feel similarities towards someone? Hehe, yep, I bet I did and just have forgotten. Well, anyway, yes. Sorta. It was Sasuke I'm referring to, because I actually think they have a lot of similar things going on with them. Both are considered 'famous' in their respective places and both happen to have creepy snake-dudes coming after them. XD Though, admittedly, their personalities are quite different. And no, Naruto left out most of the information about the Uchiha clan when he explained to Harry about what was going on. He just briefly mentioned that Sasuke wanted revenge, just didn't say to whom. As for your last couple of questions.. They're sorta answered in this chapter. And what isn't confirmed can't be told just yet. Thanks for the review! I actually meant to update this earlier this weekend, but then I got distracted and lazy. But your review got me to start writing. Kudos.
Kirallie- Eh heh. Ironically I can answer pretty much none of those question. n.n;; But I can clear the Tom thing up. Harry is getting better at blocking out the pain, so it only happens once in a while. Which is why he wasn't able to accurately predict Voldemort's presence. Thanks for the review!
And now on to chapter three of Misleading Contradictions
Misleading Contradictions
Chapter Three
At first, only silence was met with the messenger's words, each person having their own expression. Harry's abrupt sitting up was proof enough that he had been awake the entire time, though it was doubtful that Naruto and Sasuke hadn't realized it even before Harry made it obvious. A look of pure hatred was etched across the wizard's features, hands clenched tightly. Naruto looked completely confused, having no idea just who this 'Voldemort' fellow was, while Sasuke seemed rather unnerved at something.
Scarlet eyes narrowed and flashed, flickering with suspicion as the Uchiha stared expectantly at Orochimaru's lackey. Really, he couldn't care less whether or not the so-called powerful dark lord had arrived, nor that it was likely that Harry was going to meet his fate in the near future. What had caught his attention, however, was that the messenger had mentioned bringing two prisoners, not just one. Not just Harry, but Naruto as well. Now, what could possibly be needed of Naruto's presence?
Noticing that the sound shinobi was still just standing there, Sasuke glared at him. "And just why are you still here?"
The messenger shifted on his feet nervously, no doubt having noticed the prodigy's rather foul mood. "Well, I thought.. That is, Orochimaru-Sama said that I should offer you my assistance in bringing the two runts to his quarters.."
"You're not needed. I'm more than capable of handling this on my own. Leave." It was a demand, not a request. This fact must have gotten across because the messenger wasted no time in shuffling off, muttering something about 'spoiled brats' when he thought he was out of earshot.
Sasuke, not one to particularly care about the opinions of mindless idiots, made it a point to ignore the comment as he turned his piercing gaze toward the two prisoners, frowning slightly. He couldn't shake his discomfort at the fact he was supposed to bring Naruto along. He wasn't apart of this whole Voldemort business… Right?
"Dobe." The young man hissed out, fixing his gaze on the usual cheerful blonde, who was simply staring at him with an odd sense of being solemn. Ah, but as was Naruto's way, there was still evidence of determination in his eyes. So much so, in fact, that Sasuke was quite sure that the blonde was going to jump at him the moment he opened the gate. "Che." He was starting to understand where Shikamaru was coming from when he always remarked about how troublesome people were.. Which, considering the fact Sasuke had no intention of turning into the lazy genius, couldn't be a good sign.
Looking away from Naruto, Sasuke allowed his gaze to settle on Harry instead, musing with mild amusement that the wizard was probably going to jump at him too. The older boy looked absolutely livid at the mentioning of Voldemort and though Harry had generally decided against attacking the shinobi on earlier occasions, Sasuke suspected that his current rage would lapse his judgment. Of course, Harry was hardly a threat, and if asked Sasuke would pointedly deny that he considered Naruto a threat either, but this whole situation was going to prove annoying regardless.
Just as he has expected, Naruto lunged out at him as soon as the traitor had slid the gate open. The Uchiha found his attack quite predictable, though, and easily managed to evade his attacks, catching sight of Harry out of the corner of his eye.
Harry moved forward quickly, brushing past the two males and toward the ever-dingy hall, casting a glance over his shoulder at Naruto. He had no intention of leaving the blonde behind, but he was well aware that he'd have to find his wand in order to have even the slightest chance of helping. Sasuke was quick-minded, however, and reacted swiftly to Harry's attempt at escaping. The wizard hadn't even noticed the two kunai being thrown his way until they had already hit the baggy part of his ropes, the strength of the throw causing them to lodge into the stone wall- Successfully pinning the Potter boy where he stood.
Sasuke had Naruto in a tight hold, the blonde's arms pinned behind his back as Sasuke applied a bit of pressure, perhaps in warning, as Naruto growled and gritted his teeth. "Bastard!" Twisting out of the Uchiha's grasp, he aimed a kick at the boy's stomach, recoiling at last minute in order to throw himself at the prodigy, pulling out a kunai as he did so.
Sasuke's back was pressed firmly against the wall, one of his wrists successfully pinned above his head while the other held the hilt of his sword, the blade placed diagonally between them. If his former teammate even moved an inch closer to him, the sword would cut his flesh. Naruto's free hand had placed a kunai at the throat of his adversary, azure eyes meeting the swirling Sharigan steadily.
A draw.
Both could significantly injure the other if not kill them, but not without the risk of being hit themselves. For a few moments, though it no doubt seemed like hours to them, the two shinobis stared at each other, silently challenging the other, daring them to back away.
Ultimately, due to their positions, it was Naruto who moved away first, seeming rather reluctant to release his hold on the pale boy's wrist as well as a tad disgruntled. That had been the closest he had been to Sasuke in three years, even if their intentions had been hostile.
"…Chidori Nagashi." The words were spoken softly, his hands making the proper hand signs the instant the blonde had let him go. Blue lightening cackled about the boy's form, scorching the aspiring Hokage before he could jump away, far too close to Sasuke to avoid the attack.
Startling crimson eyes soon melted into endless black as he stared down at his fallen rival, who looked up at him from his position on the ground, orange and black jacket singed and surprise evident. The blonde attempted to sit up, only to find that he could hardly even move an inch of his body.
A smirk fluttered across Sasuke's lips, just briefly, before his expression shifted into that of his usual indifference. When he used the Chidori Nagashi as he had just now, the chakra didn't focus on anything in particular. In result of this fact, Sasuke was well aware the electricity wouldn't have killed the idiot, simply paralyze him for a short period of time- Just enough time to drag the two prisoners to Orochimaru, Sasuke was sure.
Sheathing his sword through his sash, Sasuke spared Naruto a seething glare, eyes just as cold and emotionless as many believed his heart to be. "Now that you're done fooling around," the teenager began, pulling Naruto up by the front of his jacket. "we have somewhere to be."
Harry sneered at the Uchiha when his gaze moved toward him, tugging on his robe persistently, unwilling to be forced into submission. Cursing sharply under his breath, agitated that the material of his attire, no matter how worn, refused to tear and set him free.
Sasuke, had he been the type to do so, would have sighed at just how annoying his little job was turning out to be. Now, he was fully capable of escorting petty prisoners, but the fact Naruto was one of those captives was making the whole predicament rather complicated. One half of him found nothing wrong with handing Naruto over, letting Orochimaru and Voldemort do whatever they wished with the Kyuubi vessel. After all, doing so would certainly sever his ties once and for all. But the other half of him, the stronger half, didn't like it at all.
"I advise you not to give me any trouble, Potter. I can stop you as well." Sasuke stated coolly, striding forward purposely before pulling the two kunai from their place on the wall, slipping them back into hiding before he motioned for Harry to start walking. Harry growled, noticing that Sasuke hadn't even bothered to grab hold of his arm, proving just how confident the shinobi was that Harry wouldn't be a match for him; but did as he was bid regardless. Perhaps.. Perhaps this was his chance to face off against Voldemort, paying the dark lord for all the heartache he had caused. But what could he do without a wand?
The dark-haired fifteen-year-old hoisted Naruto up a bit more until the other was firmly against his chest. Slinging the blonde's arm around his neck before position his own arm around Naruto's shoulders, Sasuke followed after Harry nonchalantly.
When the three males entered the lavished living quarters, all who were presence glanced in their direction, some briefly while others observed them more carefully. Kabuto dully noted that, based on the state Naruto was in, there had indeed been a scuffle involving the former companions. Ah, but the medical-nin supposed that that was to be expected and almost chuckled when he noticed that both of them seemed a bit uncomfortable with their close proximity.
Just as Naruto was just barely regaining the feeling in his legs, Sasuke loosened his grip on him completely, letting the blonde drop ungracefully to the floor with an 'oof!'
"Che! What, is this place crammed with petty snake-addicts or something?" Naruto inquired loudly, looking towards the corner of the room. "I wonder if he's obsessed with dark-haired bustards, too!"
Sasuke viably twitched, well aware that the comment had been more so a jab at him rather than an acute observation. But upon looking to where Naruto was, he was surprised to see that the first part of his comment was quite accurate. A man, cloaked in a long black robe, stood with a rather large snake at his side. The creature only earned indifference from Sasuke, however, whose time with Orochimaru had made him accustomed to being around such animals. Besides, though the reptile was of a great size, the one Orochimaru summoned was definitely bigger.
The boy did not fail to notice that someone's attention seemed to be locked on the strange man before them, the pure hatred that radiated off him seeming to cling to the air- Whoever this Voldemort character was, his mere presence obviously managed to piss Harry potter off.
The boy-who-lived scowled darkly, glaring at Voldemort with all the loathing he could muster which, needless to say, was quite a lot. On the other side of Sasuke, a similar disgust was being directed towards Orochimaru, Naruto's blue eyes narrowed.
Really, the poor Uchiha prodigy must have disrespected the Gods some how, to be stuck with such fools.
Harry was shouting something at Voldemort, but Sasuke really wasn't paying attention. His focus had stirred over to the figures in similar dress as the dark lord, all lingering near their leader. The prodigy was able to glimpse a strange mark on some of them, at least the ones who allowed their skin on their arms to be visible, and his hand unconsciously went to his own cursed seal.
"I suppose you've brought the wand, Voldemort-Kun?"
Orochimaru's voice cut through the room with surprising ease, everyone's focus shifting to the reason they were there.
Voldemort seemed to scowl, hissing softly that he was to be addressed as 'lord' before answering. "Yes, yes. But for such an artifact, it seems quite… Unfair for your payment to be just one mere boy."
The snake sannin's eyes flashed slightly, but no anger was evident when he spoke. In fact, he almost appeared… Amused, as if it was all just a game. Naturally, that was precisely what the man could have considered it, being Orochimaru. "Those were the terms we agreed on. You came to me, Voldemort-Kun." Apparently, either Orochimaru hadn't heard Voldemort's cross demand on what to be called or he was simply ignoring it. Frankly, the later was most probable.
The power-hungry wizard hissed once more, glaring darkly at his so-called ally, stroking his snake's damp skin when she curled around his legs affectionately. His gaze was hard and cold, however, not liking the fact he had just been reminded that he had been the one to request Orochimaru's aid in the first place. "You need me just as much as you claim that I need you, don't fool yourself."
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, glaring lightly at the man before him before smirking. "What more do you want?"
"Him."
All eyes turned to the boy Voldemort was referring to, who's expression was slightly quizzical.
"Naruto?" Sasuke murmured in mild confusion, but his bewilderment was quickly replaced with a searing anger he could hardly control.
"My… Resources have informed me that he's quite special. His abilities would allow me an even larger upper hand for my side. The wand would give you the same leverage for your own wars. It's a fair trade, you should be grateful for my generosity." Voldemort drawled, glancing towards the ceiling.
Orochimaru's patience was slowly running thin, that was obvious, but he wasn't able to get in a reply.
Harry moved sharply forward, restless and so irate that his judgment was slipping. He cared not that he didn't have a wand to protect himself, nor the fact that he was in enemy territory. The boy had gotten more aggressive over the years, his need to finish Voldemort off before he killed anyone else important to him becoming close to an obsession. Sirius was gone and wouldn't be returning- Harry would make sure no one else was sacrificed for the dark lord's petty ideals. However, someone else beat him to the snake-wizard.
Sasuke's body had practically moved on its own, bringing him before Voldemort as soon as the other had confirmed his interest in the blonde shinobi. "Whatever the hell you're giving Orochimaru is no doubt worth as much as you're getting. You wanted the Potter kid and that's who you're going to get. Leave. Naruto. Out. Of. This."
If the prodigy noticed that various wands being pointed at him, he didn't show it. To his credit, his resolve didn't even wither a bit, enraged Sharigan eyes staring up at Voldemort with obvious resentment. The tip of Voldemort's wand was placed at his throat, the older man likely wanting nothing more than the curse the arrogant Uchiha into oblivious. "You insolent boy!" Voldemort spat, barely taking notice of the future Hokage who was quickly coming over to Sasuke's side.
Kyki's Corner
Hola! Finally, the chapter is finished! I have to apologize for my slow updating. I've been distracted and a bit lazy lately. But part of the reason is also because I want to think ahead a bit before posting each chapter. It's really suck if I backed my self into a corner somehow. Anyway, I'm not entirely happy with this chapter, but it'll suffice. I'd like to thank all my reviewers as well. You make me smile. :-3