Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and Ninja Gaiden they are the rightful property of Kishimoto-san, Tecmo Koei and Team Ninja.
Italics are thoughts
Bold and Italics are flashbacks
Chapter 4 A dark shadow looms
(Time skip: five days later)
(Location: Hayabusa village forest region Tokyo Japan)
It was just another day in the dragon clan village. The shinobis their daily routines like training, others were doing their patrol watch and others we're helping the young ones with their training. It wasn't any different for Naruto he has gotten used with waking up very early and start his own routine. Sometimes it will consist of having training with Joe or Ryu in any field from close combat, long range or just simply meditate. Relaxing the mind relax the soul making it easier to concentrate when it comes to fighting to sensing others presence. Today it was different for the whiskered blond since both his father and older brother have chosen to have a private training session. He understood sometimes they would to train on their own and it didn't bother him since he has received plenty of training from both dragon shinobi. After doing some quick morning exercises and breakfast he proceeded to check on everyone in the village.
He smiled walking the small streets watching over the villagers do their work. The civilians working on the soil while the children played on the street. Only a few will get chosen to be train as shinobi but even if the village wasn't that big he has come to earn a lot of respect and love for this place. This was his home where he grew up and was raised. It didn't matter if he was originally born in Konoha the Hayabusa village became his true home where he would fight to protect the people in it. Many people have become close and precious to him a smile spread his lips meeting some of them. He spotted Omitsu giving Sanji lessons to use a bow and arrow after Joe and Ryu she was the most skilled with the long range weapon. Not too far from the archery field stood Genjiro teaching the young shinobi sword training using a bokken since they weren't ready to handle a real sword. There were also some of the shinobi feeding the hens and the chickens which it was a normal thing in this village.
After leaving the training grounds the blond stopped by the dragon shrine and smiled again. Near the front gate he saw Kureha and Momiji having a cleaning showdown to see who the first to finish polishing the floor was. Even if they were shrine maidens they would do things siblings will usually do. Now he knew better not to interfere with their duties knowing they were always busy, Monohime was a lot like his adoptive father very strict when it comes to training. The whiskered blond felt like going to the tower of the dragon but he was aware it wasn't the right time to go. Ryu and Joe were still there and whether they were training or discussing something personal he had no right to interrupt them. After sightseeing he reached the riverside looking in thought or more like he was waiting for someone. His expression was that he was annoyed while tapping his foot repeatedly. Finally he sensed the presence he's been waiting for and he wasn't a bit happy about sensing it now.
"It's about time you got here" he saw Jiraiya walking to him.
"Give me a break gaki. I'm a very busy person I have a spy network to run and places to go. You can't expect me to arrive on time whenever it pleases you."
"I know how busy you must be peeping at women" the blond gave a frown.
"That is one of my missions. I need as much research material I can get" the toad sanin didn't deny his peeping hobby.
"Why are you doing research by peeping?" the blond was afraid of asking.
"You see gaki I'm more than just a shinobi and sanin. I'm also a writer, I write the best work of literature you can ever read."
"You're a writer!" Naruto was shocked that a pervert like him had a professional job.
The white haired man gave a chuckle standing proud for his work. He took an orange book and gave it to the whiskered shinobi feeling like cry of joy. Till this day he was still proud he wrote his masterpiece.
"Behold the best novel declared by my loyal readers. It has received so many positive reviews that they held me in the highest regards. That's why I need research material so I can write a sequel."
"Itcha Itcha Paradise…." The blond frowned giving the sanin a suspicious stare.
"This doesn't sound like a good book. I bet it's a dirty book that's where you get all the information from your so called" research" by peeping."
"It's a novel for grownups gaki. You won't understand yet on your age. When you get a little older I'll give you a special copy of it."
"Thanks but no thanks I don't like reading garbage."
"Why do you have to be so cold!?" the sanin face faulted.
"I know about your book pervy sage. Father warned me about it."
"Warned you….?"
"It is essential for a shinobi to gather information. You can gather large amounts of it from reading many types of books. Our clan has its own library you can read as many books as you like. But be warned, there is one book you can never read. It is forbidden to even lay eyes on it. The book is tittle" Itcha Itcha Paradise" it is considered taboo in our clan you must never read it no matter what."
Jiraiya was now sulking in a corner after Naruto told him.
"That Joe-sama some people don't have any good taste in literature" he cried comical tears.
"A perverted book can never be called a good work of literature. Sorry pervy sage but I'll stick with real books that can give me the right amount of knowledge I need to become the best shinobi there is."
"Stop calling me pervy sage!"
"Then stop calling me gaki!"
"Hmph…Enough you shouldn't get convinced by someone else that something is bad unless you try it yourself. When you're older you can read my book and judge if it's good or bad, don't let others opinions judge something for you."
"It's a hentai book I will never approve of it!"
"You can be colder than Joe-sama. Someday you'll understand the true intention of Itcha Itcha, you will see Naruto."
"Whatever we wasted enough time let's get back with the training. I already passed the first step of the rasengan hurry up with the second."
Jiraiya stood in thought after hearing that and he still couldn't get through that. Just three days ago he gave the whiskered blond dozens of water balloons in order to master the first step in learning the A rank jutsu. To think he actually did it in only two days when he thought it was impossible to do such thing. It took him weeks to master the first step and the blond did it in two days. It should be impossible for anyone to achieve that especially with his chakra levels. In fact it will take the Uzumaki months to do because of his large chakra reserves but it was proven wrong. The only reason for him to be able to do that is if he has above normal chakra control the toad sanin gave a grin. No doubt Joe and Ryu put the blond under heavy chakra training for him to be able to have good control at his age. He could very well see it this boy is destined to surpass both his student and his red head wife. At the same time he was so glad of Joe Hayabusa for taking great responsibility in taking Naruto under his wing raising as he was his own son. In the end he fulfilled his promise to him and to the Sandaime.
"Come on what are we waiting for? I want to learn the second step now."
"Didn't Joe-sama teach you about patience? As a dragon shinobi you should have plenty of it."
"Fine, I guess I'm a little eager to start" he scratched the back of his head hiding his excitement.
"Naruto you're so much like them…."
"Like who?"
"Hmm…It's nothing. You want to start on the second step I'll tell you all about it."
"Wait Jiraiya…."
"…" the toad sanin was shocked he has called him by his name.
"I remind you of who….?"
"…"
"Or do I remind you of more than one person?"
"It's not that important to know for now Naruto. I think it's time we get back to the training."
"Is it…My parents?"
"What….?" He stood wide eye shocked.
"Do I remind you of them?" the whiskered blond lowered his gaze.
The white haired shinobi gave a sigh walking to the blond.
"Yes you do. Every time I look at you I see their faces."
"Father told me the same thing…."
"Hm…Did Joe-sama tell you about your parents?"
"He only told me their names, he wasn't been very specific."
"Would you like to know more about them?"
"Yes I want to. I'm curious to know who they were and what kind of people were they."
The toad sanin gave a smile while petting his head messing his hair more than it already is. Naruto frowned at the gesture reminding him to wear his shinobi mask next time to prevent this from happening again.
"All right you get started on the second step and later we'll sit down to grab a bite. I'll tell you about your mother and father while we eat, what do you say?"
The whiskered shinobi gave a big smile liking the challenge.
"You got it! What are we waiting for? What do I have to do this time?"
"It's basically the same thing you did during the first step. Only this time you'll be using a rubber ball instead of a water balloon."
"Oh please this will be easy."
"We'll see about that. It's won't be as easy as with the water balloon you'll see."
"I only wish Sasuke was here to see how long it will take him to burst a water balloon using his chakra."
"Speaking of Sasuke, where is he? I know Joe-sama likes to keep the two of you busy but I haven't seen him in the village."
"That's because he's not in the village" the blond took a long look at the rubber ball trying to burst it with his chakra.
"He left the village….?" The toad sanin got a little worried not forgetting about Itachi.
"He went fishing volunteering to bring food for everyone. He's very sure he'll catch a lot of fishes."
"I see…."
"Maybe he's safe after all. Joe-sama isn't taking any precautions watching over him. Then again, after I talked to Sarutobi sensei it's still hard to believe all of that regarding Itachi…."
(Scene change)
Sasuke was in one of the many rivers that connects the Hayabusa village. The raven haired shinobi was wearing a brown muscle shirt with long grey pants and black sandals he also had a triangular straw hat and black fingerless gloves The Uchiha was holding a fishing rod as it was calmly laid on the clean water patiently he waited for any fist to take the bait he set up. Near the river spot stood a camp fire with over ten fishes on a stick nearly cooked from the necessary heat. Looking calm with no hurry he fixed his eyes on the water waiting for the many fishes swimming by and eventually another one fell to the worm bait. He may not have enough to feed everyone on the village but they were enough to give for the children because he was always thinking about the young ones. The raven haired shinobi returned to the camp fire as soon as he got seated his sixth sense kicked in sensing a presence far from his position. There was someone watching him all right he could feel it.
His onyx eyes widened as a kunai was shot right straight at him. The Uchiha used his straw hat to stop the projectile weapon as it shattered the hat to piece from the speed it was going. He eventually grabbed the kunai with his hand seeing the design of the weapon it had a lavender flower spinning where the ring stood. A grin has formed on his lips knowing very well the identity of his attacker and quite frankly it was about time since he was getting bored from the fishing. The young shinobi grabbed the sheathed Kagutsuchi next to the camp fire with the rest of his gear ready for battle. More kunais of the same design were shot and he blocked them all using his sword, he grinned again at his opponent's attempt. From the shadows of the bushes came a lavender blur clashing weapons with the Uchiha. Ayane kept focusing crossing her two short swords with the raven haired shinobi's katana, their eyes met.
"You almost let your guard down."
"But I didn't…."
"I could've killed you."
"But you didn't…."
"I just might!"
The lavender haired kunoichi swung her swords as Sasuke kept his grin blocking her attack. They clashed a couple of times both going at the same speed that anyone in an average sword skill level could simply gotten killed. Ever since the Uchiha was put together with Ayane to work for the Haji Mon in aiding the Hayabusa clan they have sparred quite a lot. In both types using weapons or their fists it was important for both to sharpen their sword skills as well as their taijutsu skills. It wasn't so bad they have found a worthy opponent in each other since both were almost in the same level they were fighting for quite a while. They didn't seem to realize as they remain together they were getting closer, way closer from when they first met a few years ago. It seems they have formed a strong friendship as they fought with everything they had sparring will give them an advantage when they engage hostile forces. They will know to read each other's moves improving their teamwork.
Sasuke charged ahead with one strong swing from his Kagutsuchi blade knocked back the kunoichi's blades from her hand. She was hiding her grin the entire time as she performed a quick kick knocking his katana from his hand. Now they were even they were still sparring changing now to taijutsu choosing to leave weapons out of it for now. The Haji Mon kunoichi performed a guillotine throw grabbing the Uchiha on his neck, sending him to the ground. The raven haired shinobi got back quickly charging with impressive speed a kick that she blocked send her to the river. He followed her as both were standing on the water resuming their taijutsu spar but the kunoichi took a few glances at her sword not too far from her location. After blocking a punch Ayane jumped away from him rushing to pick up her weapons, never seeing the grin Sasuke gave. He activated the sharingan for a moment and vanished reappearing next to his sword. Both charged in with their weapons until they were pointing at their necks.
They stood still lost in the moment holding their weapons in the same position. One move and both can lose their heads but that didn't matter. Both shinobis eyes met staring at each other like time has stopped. It wasn't the first time they have been under a draw most of the times either Sasuke will move or the lavender kunoichi will be the victor. But this time it was sure a tie between both shinobi and yet they didn't say a word when remaining quiet wasn't an option. Neither will admit defeat until there was a tie breaker and not one has chosen to move their gaze from the other. Been this close the Uchiha took notice the beauty of the Haji Mon kunoichi her eyes brought his attention a lot. It was the same thing with the kunoichi noticing the shinobi's good looks she needed to act or do something from continued thinking in not a right way about her partner. Sasuke was the only person she has spent more time with than anyone especially when members of the black ops sect usually work alone.
"Give up."
"You first…."
"You lost."
"You too…."
"I beat you."
"Me too…."
"I don't want a draw" growled the lavender kunoichi.
"Me neither. Let's see if we can find a way for the tie breaker."
"Killing you will be a nice tie breaker" she gave a grin.
"Killing you…I thought the same thing" he followed with a grin.
Ayane acted so quickly she kicked him upward one attack making contact was enough to end their bout.
"I win."
Her eyes widened as he vanished replaced with a wooden log, her worst fears came true.
"No, substitution…."
The kunoichi couldn't react as she felt the cold blade of a sword on her neck. Gazing at the source he saw the Uchiha holding Kagutsuchi. On his other hand he was holding a stick with one of the cooked fish he was gladly taking a bite enjoying his victory. While the kunoichi was frowning not liking that she has lost this match.
"I win."
"I saw you using the sharingan before you used the substitution. You predicted when I was going to attack."
"Are you been a sore loser? That's not like you" he gave a small grin.
"Whatever" she sheathed her blades getting seated to a rock the match has made her hungry.
"What happen with saying" please?" " he sheathed Kagutsuchi getting seated next to her.
"I'm taking one there's plenty more" the Haji Mon kunoichi picked one of the cooked fishes.
"Help yourself…."
Sasuke joined her since the sparring match has also opened up his appetite. They enjoyed the taste from the fish meaning it was well cooked. The raven haired shinobi made sure not to overcook or it will get burn and taste bad. Turning to the lavender haired kunoichi she looked like she was too enjoying the meal and probably by now her anger vanished for losing to him. Though she has beaten him before they had a record of three on three well now four with his current victory she still gave it her best. Obviously it wasn't over they will have another match later to make the tie and then another one to determine the tie breaker. It will eventually become a never ending fight since they will keep on getting a draw followed by a tie breaker and so and on. But he didn't wanted any other way because he'd rather much enjoy fighting, and that will be his little secret. As he took another bite he noticed she has stopped eating and looked in deep thought.
"What's wrong?"
"…"
"You'll do better next time."
"It's not about the fight…."
"Then what's bothering you?"
"I don't even know if it's bothering me."
"That makes a lot of sense" he was completely confused by her statement.
"What I mean is. It is bothering me. I just don't know why."
"Maybe it will be better if you tell me what's bothering you."
"It's personal…."
"Don't want to talk something personal about you, I understand."
"It's not personal to me. It's personal to you" she turned to him.
"What?"
"It's about something I think it should've been brought to you a while back."
"Like what?" the Uchiha got curious to what could the Haji Mon kunoichi might be hiding from him.
"I'm sure Joe-sama hasn't told you about it. The day Genra-sama and Hayate were discussing with him and the sanin Jiraiya about the organization Akatsuki."
"Yeah what of it?" now he was really interested in knowing.
"Your brother joined the organization."
"….."
"I didn't fill you in and everyone else completely on that day…."
"I see…." his tone was calm.
"That's it?"
"After what he did to my clan, to my parents it doesn't surprise me he will joined an organization like Akatsuki. It doesn't matter anyway he will come after Naruto or he will come after me. Either way, I'll be ready for him" his onyx eyes showed the fury and determination.
"And that's all right with you?"
"Yes…."
"Good then I'm glad I told you. But it seemed like a waste of time. You're planning on killing him whether he joins Akatsuki or not."
"My clan demands for vengeance. It's the only way I see to reclaim back their honor which it was taken by him that is all."
"No regret that's your resolve" she gave a nod understanding his situation revenge was the only solution.
"Thanks for telling me."
"It doesn't matter."
"It matters to me, thanks Ayane."
"….." she finally resumed her eating thinking if she did the right thing in telling him.
"Think you can bring all the catch back to the village?"
"Since when have I become your delivery girl?" she gave him a frown.
"Since now I need to finish up here once we're done eating. Think you're up for it, it's no big deal?"
The lavender haired kunoichi took another bit looking in thought. She gazed at the Uchiha from the corner of her eye and she kept on eating. The raven haired shinobi was patiently waiting for her answer there was nothing to worry about she looked like she would accept his request. She finished the fish still keeping her gaze on him and this time he chose to ignore her finishing up his fish. Honestly she will let him do it since the only people she will take orders are Genra and Hayate someone else she will neglect the person's favor in a heartbeat. But this time she will have to make an exception since the Uchiha was a close friend of hers, however not with adding a catch.
"If you agree to a rematch…."
Sasuke just gave a grin finishing his fish his answer was clear as day.
"Deal…."
"Done then…."
(Scene change)
(Location: Hayabusa village)
After hours of training to learn the rasengan Naruto and Jiraiya have decided to take a break and the results were good. Needless to say the toad sanin was really impressed with the whiskered blond never he thought he will see him advancing so much in the training. The rasengan was an A rank jutsu which it's very difficult to learn only those with perfect chakra control and enough chakra might actually have a chance to master. Yet the blond has already passed the first step and he was very close with the second step. This is when he was able to see the kind of person he has become it was visible the intense training Joe put him through. Just looking at him and spending time with the whiskered shinobi reminded him of the times he spent with Minato the boy was truly the living image of his father. Been with him brought back the memories when he was teaching the young Namikaze jutsu and even listening to his ideas of creating different types of ninjutsu the memories could easily bring tears to his eyes.
They got seated on a bench holding a dish of food. Naruto was eating some dango while the white haired sanin chose to eat sushi in the mood for something raw. Both took a bite and they seemed to have enjoyed it they stood quiet focusing on their eating. Jiraiya gazed back at the blond wondering if things would've been different if he was grown and raised in Konoha. Firstly he wasn't going to be with him since he was busy with managing his spy network. The only reason he was here now it's because he was far away from the leaf and promised to look after him. But it seemed it was Joe who did all of the work becoming his adoptive father and guardian, raising him and training him to become the best. He took a bite from his plate surprised the whiskered shinobi was almost done with his plate. Looks like it was another thing he has inherited from his mother, her appetite. It brought him some funny memories regarding the red head Uzumaki.
"How is it?"
"Delicious! Omitsu-chan's cooking is very good."
"I admit it's not bad, quite exquisite from the food of Konoha."
"Once we're done here I will get back to the training. And this time I will pass that second step."
"Take it easy no need rushing in. We have plenty of time I'm not planning in going anywhere any time soon. This training isn't easy and it takes time it's best to be patient."
"It's not that I'm being rush or anything. I just know I can do it right now I'm very close to master the second step. I've been thinking of the solution to pop the rubber ball the right way."
"Always full of energy" the toad sanin gave a chuckle.
"I can sure use another bowl and you're still eating. So maybe this is the right time for you to start talking" the whiskered blond lowered his gaze at his almost empty plate.
"Talk about what?"
"You promised you will tell me about my parents. We're not leaving this place until you talk."
"I didn't promise you but I will tell you. You have a right to know about them" the sanin took another bite while the blond was starting to get inpatient.
"Well are you going to tell me or not?"
"Calm down gaki keep your pants on, so who do you want to know first?"
"M-My mother…."
"Kushina….? From what I know about her she's a member of the Uzumaki clan in the village hidden in the whirlpool. Their village was attacked and destroyed during the second shinobi war so members of the clan chose to separate and live in many parts of the world. Kushina was brought to Konoha when she was six she was sent to the shinobi academy until graduating with acceptable scores…."
"And….?" Naruto wanted to know more as the toad sanin has paused.
"Is it right to tell him she was the previous jinchurikki of the nine tails. Maybe I should keep this information from him for now. Until the time is right he will know…."
"Anyway Kushina met Minato your father during their academy years. But skipping through that they got together before reaching the rank of jounin they were the happiest couple in the village" he smiled remembering the good old days.
"There was this one time when Minato was reading my first book and he really like the story. Especially the protagonist-"
"What the-What do you mean he liked your book?" the blond frowned.
"Don't worry gaki. The book I'm talking about isn't like that at all. My first book was a story about a shinobi that breaks all bounds and it's always determined to fulfill his dreams. He never gives up, that kind of story."
"You actually wrote a book like that?" now Naruto was shocked at the revelation.
"Unfortunately I never finish writing it and I never gave it a tittle. I just stopped writing it when I lost all inspiration to continue working on it."
"It can't be help if you gave up writing a real good book for peeking" the blond gave a frown.
"Cut me some slack gaki. I remember Minato asking me how much he liked the protagonist that he was willing to give his name to his future son. Kushina agreed with him and their son was given the name I chose for the protagonist of my story."
"You mean…." The blond stood shocked.
"His name was Naruto I'm basically the person that gave you your name."
"That means you're my…." He paused from the shock.
"Godfather….? Yep that I am…."
"….."
"My godfather is a pervert" he replied flatly.
"Naruto" Jiraiya got upset at his remark.
"Fine super pervert you always sound so proud to hear that. I can't believe you're basically family to me."
"As for your father Minato was my pupil. I took him under my wing when he became a genin after graduating from the academy. He was a genius truly a prodigy I knew from the first time I met him he was going to be a great shinobi, one of a kind."
"My father was that amazing?" his cerulean eyes were shinning.
"Got that right he made history in the hidden leaf becoming quite famous. He was given the nickname" Konoha's Yellow Flash" he eventually became the Yondaime Hokage."
"Wow my father was the leader of the leaf….?" His eyes were still shining.
"The fourth one to step into power and one of the best…."
"But he eventually died along with my mother" Naruto lowered his gaze in thought.
"Joe-sama told you?"
The whiskered blond gave a nod touching his stomach the location where the seal of the Kyuubi was placed.
"He briefly told me they died because of the demon fox when it attacked Konoha. The same monster inside of me is the one responsible for their deaths."
"Don't start feeling guilty Naruto it's not your fault. Minato sacrificed himself for the sake of the village he knew the great risk sealing the Kyuubi n you but it had to be done. Though it looks cruel for a father to do such thing to his own child he wanted you to be seen as a hero for carrying the nine tails in you. He also wanted you to be able to control the fox's chakra by your own will everything he did was for you. He truly loved you both he and Kushina."
"I never got to know them but I have a feeling they were great parents. The only thing I can do is to honor their memory living my life. To fight for their sake and for my clan I think that's what they wanted" he smiled gazing at the sanin.
"You're right. Through their sacrifice you're here alive and you will honor their memory and their dreams with fulfilling your own. They were proud of you as I am about you, gaki."
"Things weren't so bad. At least I know my father wasn't a super pervert like you" he gave a grin.
"Yep that's the only thing I was disappointed in Minato. He had so much potential to become a professional writer following in my footsteps, but even if he chose Kushina wasn't going to let him. She would beat him up and would never forgive him if he becomes into my successor."
"Was my mother that scary?"
"You had no idea gaki. You had no idea…."
"Okay!" he got up looking pumped up.
"What's with you?"
"I'm heard what I needed to hear. Now it's time to get back to the training. I'm going to master that second step right now."
"I told you to take it easy. I forgot to mention Minato was the one who created the rasengan. It took him exactly three years to finally master it and you already looked like you're going to surpass him."
"Really…? That long? I guess it's very challenging. That's why I want to try now come on pervy sage let's get to it!"
"Fine, back to the training then" he smiled feeling proud of the blond before him.
As they left the small food stand they didn't realized they were been watched. On a corner stood Ryu who was keeping an eye on both more precise it was his father who ordered him to keep an on Jiraiya. Though the toad sanin was an ally he still didn't trusted him when it comes to looking after his adoptive son. He didn't wanted him to teach the blond anything perverted that will corrupt his son's mind and turn him into future image of the sanin. It was enough to have one Jiraiya in the world, having two will be a catastrophe. After they were gone the dragon shinobi vanished going back to report to Joe.
(Scene change)
Sasuke has finally finished gathering all of the fishes he caught he has also changed to his shinobi attire. He also finished packing his fishing gear and was ready to return to the village. Ayane stood on a corner waiting for him she has been in the same spot since they finished eating. The lavender kunoichi was impressed that he has made his decision so quick to kill his older brother his resolve was made so quickly. Though she will never tell him how she feels of the situation she held some admiration and has him on high regards when it comes to respect. She was planning to keep the truth to herself about her point of view regarding the Uchiha she stopped her thinking noticing he stood without moving. Sasuke was in deep thought and he felt something wasn't right he had a bad feeling but he couldn't tell what it was. He has forgotten that the Haji Mon kunoichi was waiting for him so they can head back together and her patient has officially died down getting annoyed with her partner.
"Are you listening to me!?"
"Hm….?"
"Are you done? We're heading back to the village."
"Right…." He stood again in deep thought.
"What is it?" she turned to him as she grabbed the fishes and the gear.
"Do you feel that?" he looked behind him and followed to look around the river side of the forest.
The lavender haired kunoichi walked over to him gazing at their surroundings over where he was staring at.
"I don't sense anything. All that fishing must have rotten your brain."
"Maybe you're right" he was still feeling uneasy.
The Uchiha finally decided to let it go as he followed the kunoichi leaving the area. From the bushes in the distance there was a snake passing by its eyes seemed to have been fixed on the raven haired shinobi. Behind the snake stood a cloaked figure who has been watching them for a while his wicked grin was been hiding under his hood. He was suddenly gone along with the reptile.
(Scene change)
"Way to go Naruto! That's how you do it!"
Jiraiya happily cheered as the whiskered blond never thought he will actually see it so soon. The blond shinobi stood holding an empty rubber ball for succeeding in passing the second step to learn the ninjutsu the rasengan. Though he was probably feeling exhausted because that was the tenth rubber ball he has blown up using his chakra and in order to do that you have to use an immense amount of it. Even as an Uzumaki has large reserves of chakra performing this step must have cost him a lot of it. He was feeling so proud of him it felt like when Minato showed him the rasengan for the first time and just when he thought he wasn't going to pull it off today. But once more the whiskered blond has proved him wrong this boy was truly Minato and Kushina's son so much filled with determination. The sanin walked over to him hitting his back in a friendly way.
"Congratulations gaki you did great."
"…." the blond has lowered his gaze changing his expression.
"What's wrong? I didn't hit you that hard did I?"
"N-no it's not that. I just suddenly got a bad feeling."
"A bad feeling, what do you mean?" the white haired sanin got a little worried.
"I don't know it happened so quick I can't really tell."
"Well if you want to. You can take the rest of the day off, you deserved it gaki."
"N-no I'm okay, I want to learn the final step."
"You sure….? You looked tire and I don't blame you. You'd probably used too much chakra to continue with the training."
"Yeah I'm okay I want to continue."
"Okay then…."
"….."
"Why do I still feel uneasy? What was that bad feeling all about? Should I listen to my instincts? I still can't explain it…."
(Scene change)
(Location: Hayabusa household)
"Ryu what's the matter?" Joe got worried seeing his older son acting weird.
"…" the dragon shinobi reacted strangely after having a bad feeling that was still bothering him, he didn't like it one bit.
"Ryu….?"
"Something bad is about to happen. Karma must be acting up in an unfortunate way."
"What? Are you sure?"
"…"
"I can't shake this feeling why….?"
(Scene change)
Sasuke and Ayane were jumping the three branches from the deepest region of the forest. They were still a little far from the village and so far it has been a very quiet journey back. The lavender kunoichi was holding on the fishing gear while holding some of the fishes the Uchiha has caught. The raven haired shinobi has agreed to take an amount of the fishes but that was the last thing on his mind. He was still in deep thought troubled because the feeling won't go away, he was still feeling uneasy. He had no idea why he was feeling this way it's been like this since he left the river location where he was fishing and it had to do that he sensed someone back there. Or maybe he was imagining things and like Ayane said all the fishing must have messed with his head. If he really didn't sensed no one then the question he was asking is why he was still feeling like that presence was still there, following them. Yet the Haji Mon kunoichi hasn't sensed a thing so he may be acting paranoid.
"I'm not making things up. I could swear someone was watching us, I sense the presence in a short instance…."
And he was right because neither of them saw it coming. A giant snake emerged from the bushes and charged at Ayane the kunoichi gasped from the surprise she reacted unsheathing her short swords but it was too late. The large inhuman size snake has opened its jaw took the kunoichi in swallowing her while Sasuke stood wide eyed shock at what he has just witnessed. The lavender haired kunoichi was taken out while the snake left heading deeper into the forest.
"Ayane!"
"Forget about her…."
His eyes widened turning to the source of the creepy voice. The Uchiha looked behind spotting a figure wearing a black cloak with hood he glared with so much hatred at the figure. He knew he was responsible for what happened to the kunoichi.
"She's the least of your worries."
"Bastard I'm going to kill you!"
"Now that's no way to say hello. I've gone through a lot of trouble in finding you…Sasuke-kun. I've traveled a long way just to find you."
"What the hell do you want!?" he reached for the sheathed Kagutsuchi.
"You're a very important asset to my plan, I need you. But first, I must test your skills."
"Crazy bastard I'm done talking. You're going to regret doing what you did to Ayane!"
He charged with his speed and performed a quick strike with his sword only for the stranger to have vanished. A snake has suddenly wrapped his neck preventing him from breathing he gasped as the figure appeared behind him.
"Not bad but it was a careless move. Your attack was filled with so much hatred. You're angry with me for what happened to your kunoichi friend. A shinobi is supposed to hide his emotions, and yet you're doing the opposite."
"Who the hell is this guy….?"
"One move, that's all I need to kill you right now. The neck is one of the weak spots of the human body."
"I'm not planning on dying today" he activated his sharingan glaring at the stranger.
"….."
The Uchiha has vanished and performed another quick strike making contact with him. But he vanished and his body turned into a swarm of snakes they all charged at him. Sasuke countered multiple quick attacks killing the reptiles. The raven haired shinobi glared at the direction where the cloaked figure was located, just a few feet away from him. He didn't even knew who he was and he wanted him dead already for what he did to Ayane was enough to fueled his hatred to a maximum level. But this time he was reflecting not attack on hatred or he will lose complete focus of the battle. He already knew this stranger was no ordinary opponent he needed to be careful how he chooses to fight him.
"He's skilled and he's probably holding back so I have to be cautious. This guy is no push over…."
"The sharingan, the dojutsu bloodline of the Uchiha clan it gives the wielder great power. Or should I say many powers. The ability to read the opponent's moves like you just did now, the ability to copy any ninjutsu and use it as your own, the ability to take control over someone's mind and the ability to cast genjutsu without the need of performing hand seals."
"You're very knowledgeable of the sharingan. Who are you?"
"I am someone who is interested in the Uchiha bloodline dojutsu. As I said you're an important asset in my plan Sasuke-kun…."
"You've lost it I'm not going to help you in anything. Because I'm going to kill you right here!"
The Uchiha focused his elemental chakra carefully on Kagutsuchi and the sword reacted as the blade was now in flames. His sharingan eyes glared at the stranger spinning the fired katana and vanished from sight. In a blink of an eye he was in front of the cloaked figure and unleashed the fire attack that burned down a large group of trees along with him. The raven haired shinobi jumped to the ground to get away from all the flames, he grinned since burning the trees was his intention. With the fire no doubt the scouts of the Hayabusa village will spot it in a second and they will warn everyone. It won't be long before reinforcements will arrive at his location. But he intended in ending the fight himself because he didn't needed help to finish this opponent, though he was sure he was nothing but ashes right now. The battle was over while his thoughts drifted off to Ayane hoping she was all right.
"Impressive."
"What?" Sasuke gasped turning to the source of the voice.
The cloaked figure was before him looking unharmed and without a single burn on his cloak or himself for the matter. The stranger has suddenly removed his hood revealing to the Uchiha his face. He had long dark hair, pale skin, yellow snake eyes and silver earrings with an odd shape. The raven haired shinobi stood calm he obviously didn't recognized him since he has never met him before. But no doubt he was an enemy he got the clear idea when a giant snake swallowed his kunoichi partner. He had a bad feeling about this man his face and expression was enough to tell him he was truly an evil character. That only made his determination to kill him even more this man can't be left alive especially when he was planning in using him for his plan.
"This guy is creepy what a psychotic look he has on his face."
"I don't know how the heck you escaped from my attack, and I don't care."
"A snake will always shed its skin whenever it senses danger, thus protecting itself from harm."
"You do look like one, all twisted and psychotic."
"I think it's unfair that you're fighting me using a sword and I don't have one. Let's even the odds shall we?" the pale man gave an evil grin.
Sasuke saw quite the disgusting sight as the pale skin stranger has widely opened his mouth and removed a sword from deep within his throat. The handle of the weapon was made from snake skin and the blade looked very sharp and it was probably more menacing that his sword. He kept his focus on the opponent this fight has gotten more serious than he thought. He held Kagutsuchi ready for the incoming battle it was still bothering him that this man hasn't shown his true potential to him.
"This is the sword of Kusanagi it is quite a blade as you're about to find out, Sasuke-kun."
"Don't hold back. I want to see what you got before I kill you."
"I have no intention of killing you, I need you. But I assure you to give you a good workout."
"I won't hold back!" the Uchiha shouted performing quick hand seals.
"Fire release dragon flame jutsu!"
(Scene change)
(Location: Hayabusa village)
Ryu, Naruto and Jiraiya ran through the streets with a group of shinobi. The scout patrolling the forest that surrounds their village has given word to the dragon shinobi about a large fire coming from the northwest. They quickly ran reaching the front gates, they stopped on the main bridge as their eyes widened. In the far distance they could see the smoke that was coming from the fire both the older Hayabusa and the whiskered blond didn't like the look of that. They started thinking if this had anything to do with the bad feeling they had earlier, and that's what it looks like. They already knew this wasn't a regular forest fire thinking it might be the cause of a fight. Something like this can be considered as a high alert emergency and the village needed to be secure just in case there was an enemy invasion.
"What is going on out there?" asked the toad sanin.
"We're about to find out" Naruto turned to his older brother who gave a nod.
"Secure the villagers and prepare our forces to go for the offensive just in case" said Ryu.
"Ryu-sama, Sasuke-san hasn't returned yet" said one of the shinobi.
"No…You don't think that the fire…." The whiskered blond paused looking worried.
"Let's go."
"I'm coming too" said Jiraiya.
"All right…."
"Sasuke I hope you're okay. Was this the bad feeling about? Was my intuition-no my karma warning me that you might be in danger….?" The blond shinobi left in a hurry with Ryu and the sanin.
(Scene change)
The sword fight between Sasuke and the pale skin stranger was something he'd never dreamed of. He never imagined he will be fast or quite skilled and the worst part he didn't had time to cast a ninjutsu. Using Kagutsuchi's power was also out of the question the times have been successful, the man will find a way to survive. It's fire attacks weren't doing much because he will protect himself and he has seen it sheading his skin like he was a real snake. It was pretty clear for the Uchiha this was definitely no ordinary opponent, this was a person who had a lot of fighting experience. Somehow the realization that he was fighting someone who out rank him and probably overpower him was actually scaring him in a good way. It gave him the more reason to fight him and kill him knowing this person was evil to the core. Even with the sharingan he was still having some trouble dealing with him he was still inexperience using the bloodline since it's been over a week since he unlocked it.
"Who the hell is this guy? I know he's experience more than me. But the way he fight's it's like he has fought in a war…."
"Not bad Sasuke-kun you're quite skilled with that sword. As expected of someone who has been trained by the Hayabusa clan" the pale man gave a grin unleashing s snake from his sleeve.
The snake reached for Kagutsuchi and removed the weapon from him the Uchiha wasn't giving up. Sword or now sword he can still fight and take him on he charged taking many shurikens from his pouch. He released them all only for the pale man to block them quickly with his Kusanagi sword, he blocked some quick punches and kicks by the raven haired shinobi. Another snake was released from his other sleeve, this time it wrapped around his torso preventing him from moving then another one went around above his waist. He was now at his mercy he couldn't move a muscle the Uchiha glared at the pale man with his sharingan eyes he couldn't let it end here. He tried so hard to break free but a third snake found its way to his feet now he was truly helpless and defenseless. The sharp tip of his sword reached to his neck the fight was over. Yet Sasuke kept calm and showed no fear all shinobi were ready to die someday even if refuse to he will find a way to turn all of this around his favor.
"You have proven yourself to be quite the opponent Sasuke-kun. I expected nothing less from an Uchiha who was taken in by the legendary dragon clan."
"I'm going to impress you even more" he grinned as he vanished in a cloud of smoke.
"Substitution….?" he saw the wooden log hit the ground.
He never saw it coming as the Uchiha punched his face and kicked him upward, he quickly performed hand seals.
"Fire release phoenix flower jutsu!"
He unleashed so many small fire balls straight at the pale man but his body has turned into so many snakes that they made their way towards him. The raven haired shinobi picked up Kagutsuchi from nearby and charged at the reptiles. One of them opened its mouth releasing the Kusanagi sword straight at him but that wasn't all. He was shocked that pale stranger emerged completely from that one snake it was creepy yet disgusting sight. Without giving it any thought he charged with a quick strike and he used his sword to block the attack, or at least that's what he thought. Blood was dripping from the pale man's right cheek he finally noticed the regular size cut the Uchiha has inflicted on him. He turned towards the raven haired shinobi giving such an evil grin reaching to the cut he licked his own blood, like he enjoyed receiving the small wound. Sasuke kept his guard up not having a clue what he was going to do next after watching him emerging from a small snake he was truly unpredictable.
"Very impressive he's truly a force to be reckoned with when he fights with so much anger in his heart. His sharingan may not be as well developed as Itachi's but still…."
He gave the dragon shinobi with a bigger grin that will send a chill to anyone's spine
"It has the potential to become even stronger than Itachi's. No doubt, this boy is the one I've been looking for."
"You have truly met my expectations Sasuke-kun. You fought well my complements to your sensei."
"Crazy bastard, you've been holding back on me ever since we started fighting. That really pisses me off you think I don't have what it takes to take you on evenly?"
"You are indeed strong but still you have ways to go before you can fight someone in my level. But you can become stronger than you are now, that is why I'm here…."
"What do you mean?"
"As I mentioned before I don't want to kill you. I need you as an asset in my plan."
"And I already told you I'm not interested. I will never betray my clan I'd rather die than to help you!"
"But I want to help you get stronger than you can ever imagine. So you can fulfill your goal…."
"My goal….? What the hell are you talking about?"
"Your revenge" he gave another grin.
"What….?"
"I know about Itachi and the fate of the Uchiha clan. You want to kill him and avenge your fallen brothers and sisters, am I right?"
"Yes…." It was his only reply but he was very curious to how he knew about it.
"I can give you all the power you will need. If you join me I will unleash your true potential and your strength will be unmatched. Itachi won't stand a chance against you."
"I told you I will never join you. I will fight you with everything I have, at least long enough until my clan brothers arrive."
"Yes I am aware that all of this fire will bring attention to unwanted guests."
A kunai flew towards the pale as he dodged it and he was taken aback by the explosion. He managed to avoid it but he turned to the source where it came from. Sasuke turned and has given a smile as he spotted the one person he wasn't expecting to see, he felt so relief to see her again.
"Ayane…."
The lavender haired kunoichi stood on a tree branch her entire attire covered in blood and she wasn't looking in the least happy. She looked pretty much pissed as she was glaring at the pale man with so much anger. She was giving him such a killer intent that will bring fear to anyone it was more menacing the pale man's evil grins. She was holding her two swords ready to strike her enemy especially when he was a threat to the Uchiha. The Haji Mon kunoichi was worried about him but she hide her concern and as always she will never admit it. Right now the only thing that will please her is killing the bastard who tried to have her killed. The pale man ignored her death glares and gave a grin laying eyes on the kunoichi.
"So you're still alive, impressive. I was sure my friend will be able to keep you company."
"Your friend is the worst company I could ever need. I killed it for failing at the department…All four of them" she hissed remembering the four giant snakes she killed on her own.
"Hmm…but at least it kept you busy, long enough for Sasuke-kun and me to have our fun" he grinned again turning to the Uchiha.
"I'm the only one who can give you the power you need to kill Itachi. But maybe you need a reminder."
Ayane growled in hatred releasing more of her explosive kunais but the pale man was fast enough to dodge them. Sasuke charged with Kagutsuchi in hand performing a quick strike he gasped at the evil stranger blocked it with his sword. They kept on crossing blades as the pale man gave him a wicked grin.
"A small taste of the power I can offer you…."
Sasuke was shocked as his head stretched like he was made of rubber and bit the right side of the lower back of his neck. The raven haired shinobi cried out feeling uncontrollable pain he got on his knees while dropping his sword. The pale man grinned as he quickly dodged more kunais from the lavender haired kunoichi who was giving him such a glare after what he did to the Uchiha.
"Sasuke!" she jumped the three branch kneeling next to him.
"…." her eyes were on the location where the man has bit him she noticed there were three tomoe which obviously that was never there before.
"What the hell did you do to him!?" her fists tightened her swords shaking in fury
"I gave him a gift, one that he will eventually thank me for" he chuckled while fixing his hair.
"Bastard I'll kill you!" thought she was very angry she was concerned for the Uchiha who was still crying out in pain.
"My name is Orochimaru and in due time Sasuke-kun you will come seeking me. You will seek me out begging for me to give you more power."
"Orochimaru…You're the missing nin from the hidden leaf!" Ayane kept her glare at him.
The snake man kept on chuckling he started descending into the ground slowly he was really vanishing.
"We will meet again Sasuke-kun" he went completely into the ground he was gone.
"Aaahhhhh! Make it stop it hurts so much!"
"Sasuke, I have to get you back to the Hayabusa village hang on" the kunoichi grabbed his arm over her shoulder ready to get him to safety.
"Sasuke!" shouted Naruto in the distance he arrived at a fast pace along with Ryu and Jiraiya.
"Sasuke…." His cerulean eyes widened seeing the condition of his brother.
"What happened?" asked Ryu.
"That crazy son of a bitch bit his neck, it did something to him" spat Ayane.
"Bit his neck?" the dragon shinobi sounded surprised to hear something crazy like that.
"Who are you talking about?" Jiraiya was afraid to ask.
"Orochimaru…."
"Orochimaru he was here?!" the toad sanin stood shocked.
"Come on let's get Sasuke back to the village!" said a frantic Naruto.
(Time skip)
Sasuke stood resting on the futon of his room in the Hayabusa household. Joe, Monohime and the rest of the group that brought him back to the village were also present too. As they were bringing him back to the village they heard the Uchiha's screams of agony whatever he was done to him was really serious. Joe stood looking upset after Ayane told them she and the raven haired shinobi were ambushed by none other than Orochimaru. Ryu stood in thought while Naruto was worried for his brother's well-being and the lavender haired kunoichi remained in thought while it was quite hard to hide her concern for her partner. Jiraiya was the only one who was in serious deep thinking his worst fears were true when the Haji Mon kunoichi mentioned of the Uchiha getting bit on his neck. He could clearly see the three tomoe mark on the poor shinobi he knew it has become bad for him. The leader of the dragon clan went to the sanin wanting to break the silence.
"Will he be all right?"
"….."
"Jiraiya-san I must know…."
"It's not looking good. What Orochimaru did to him is really bad."
"What is that mark on his neck?" asked Ryu.
"That is the cursed seal of heaven…."
"It's one of his strongest curse seals you can call it a power up. It will eventually take over Sasuke's mind infusing him with a lot of power its dark energy will corrupt him. The most recommended thing to do right now is to seal it off, no matter what happens he must not use the curse seal."
"Monohime….?" Called Joe to the head shrine maiden?
"I'll see what I can do Joe-sama."
"He'll be fine as long as his mind isn't completely taken over by the curse seal" replied the toad sanin.
"Sasuke" Naruto never took his eyes off the young shinobi.
"…." Ayane was shaking her fists in anger remembering when the Uchiha told her he sensed someone before they left the river.
"Joe-sama I would like to have a word with you in private."
"Very well…."
"If you don't mind Jiraiya-san, I would like to be present too" said Ryu.
"All right" the sanin left the room with both Hayabusa.
"…" the lavender kunoichi has moved softly near the door making sure she will be able to hear their conversation.
"Judging from your tone Jiraiya-san, it seems you have more grave news to tell us" said the clan leader.
"I'm afraid I do about Sasuke…."
"Why did Orochimaru went after him?" asked Ryu.
"Those are the bad news. I think I know why he went after Sasuke, the fact he gave him the cursed seal of heaven could only mean one thing. Orochimaru has always been obsessed with achieving immortality and after countless years with experimenting on others and on himself, he found a way."
"Achieving immortality is beyond human reason" said Joe.
"He did by creating a forbidden ninjutsu that allows him to transfer his mind and soul from one body to the other. By doing this he will continue to live on, maybe forever."
"Then Sasuke…." The dragon shinobi gave a brief pause.
"Orochimaru has chosen him to be his next vessel?" Joe was upset further.
"That's what I think. Giving him the cursed seal is the first step, if it activates and it gets to a point that Sasuke has been taken over by it then he might end up going to Orochimaru. The possibilities are high he wants to take over his body."
"That will never happen Sasuke will never betray this clan. Monohime will find a way to seal the cursed seal and she will make sure he never gets to use its evil power."
"Then everything will be all right as long as the curse seal doesn't activate" said Jiraiya.
"…" Ayane was still listening looking in deep thought.
(Time skip)
Sasuke was still on his bed but he was now awake realizing he was in his room alone. His eyes widened touching the right backside of his neck where Orochimaru bit him. The pain he felt when his sharp fangs pierced his flesh was unbearable. The Uchiha glared thinking about the fact that he has fought against a dangerous missing nin and managed to survive, only because he was holding back. He thought in training even harder and be ready for him his hand was still touching the same spot. Images from his battle were running in his head and the anger flowing inside of him just thinking about the pale shinobi. He could still imagine staring at his face and the way he was grinning evilly at him, this was someone who needed to be stop even if he didn't know what he was up to. Not a good plan someone as evil as him definitely was a big threat and it angered him further that he wants him to help him as part of his plans.
"Orochimaru…."
"A small taste of the power I can offer you…."
"I gave him a gift, one that he will eventually thank me for"
"In due time Sasuke-kun you will come seeking me. You will seek me out begging for me to give you more power."
"Damn bastard I would never help him I'll kill him for even suggesting me as part of his plan. No matter what power he gave me I'll get strong enough to stop him."
"Sasuke…." Naruto entered his room.
"I'm fine" the Uchiha didn't wanted him to ever react about his condition.
"You are now. Thanks to Monohimene-chan she placed a protective barrier around the cursed seal Orochimaru gave you."
"Cursed seal…." He touched the location of the mark.
"You don't have to worry now, you're safe."
"Whatever power he gave me I am not interested in using it. I'll use my own strength earned from my training."
"That's how it should be we'll continue to get stronger together."
"Is father around?"
"No. He, Ryu and pervy sage are having a private meeting."
"I see. Guess I can talk to him later."
Suddenly Naruto has hugged him that caught the Uchiha off guard. This proved he was worried about him and he couldn't blame him after fighting someone as dangerous as Orochimaru. He thought everyone else must have gotten worried about him. After a couple of seconds he got the whiskered blond away from him breaking the bonding hug. His expression was showing annoyance though he didn't mind family was family.
"Don't do that again" he gave him a frown.
"Sorry I was worried. You fought an S rank missing nin."
"Naruto….?"
"Hm…."
"We're doing some serious training later."
"A sparring match?"
"Better get ready."
"Right, I'll wait for you at the training grounds" the blond smiled leaving the room.
Sasuke gave a sigh turning to his window which had a nice view of the forest.
"You're not going to hug me too are you?"
Ayane emerged from the window staring at him with so much annoyance at his question.
"Not a chance."
"Thanks. It was awkward enough to get hugged by Naruto. Getting hug by you will be creepy."
"I feel the same way" at this the lavender haired kunoichi gave a soft smile.
"How are you feeling?"
"About you getting hickey from a snake man? You expect me to be jealous?" she raised an eyebrow.
"It's not a hickey" he frowned in annoyance.
"I don't feel anything about it. However I want to apologize to you…."
"Apologize?" he got confused at her statement.
"You sensed Orochimaru all along that there was someone when we we're at the river and I denied it. I honestly didn't sense anything but you did. I should have trusted your judgment more especially since you're my partner…."
"It was only very faint I could have easily disregarded it."
"But you didn't, you still sensed him! Don't you dare try to make me feel better because it's won't" she glared at him knowing that he didn't wanted her to feel guilty about it.
"Ayane…."
"Save it. Next time I will trust your judgment you can count on it."
"How about if we learn to trust each other more, we're supposed to be partners?"
The Haji Mon kunoichi gave a nod as she left his room without saying another word not wanting to gaze at his face or avoid any eye contact. She walked the Hayabusa household with a glare remembering when they got ambushed by the missing nin. She was taken in surprise by the giant snake separating her from her partner and even if she managed to kill all four of them she didn't make it in time to help Sasuke fend off the enemy. What's worse she was unable to do anything as he let him bit his neck and eventually giving him the cursed seal of heaven. Today her hatred has grown in capacity and it was towards the snake missing nin it grow faster than her envy towards Kasumi. The kunoichi was going to make sure nothing like that happens ever again especially when she always learns from her mistake.
"Orochimaru you're going to pay for this…."
To be continued
Another time skip is coming and I want to thank everyone who has reviewed and are still marking the story to favorites and follows thank you very much. Yep I was planning in Orochimaru to give Sasuke the curse seal like in canon manga because it's necessary for the plot of this story. I'm so excited I am finally going to the first arc which is the first NG sigma game I will make more exciting than the game itself. A lot of characters from the narutoverse will be appearing on this arc that's the only hint I will give I will not say a word on who are those characters. That will be all I will see you next time!
Next chapter: The Dark Dragon Blade