(Uzumaki: Subject Zero)

by Piro-san

Rewrite. Naruto Uzumaki: A child gifted with an old Uzumaki Bloodline soon finds herself in Danzo's clutches. To turn her into the perfect Kunoichi, he experiments on her and trains her. Using this training, Naruto will rise and bring hell to those who thought they could control her. Fem!Naruto. Godlike!Naruto. EMS!Naruto. Elements from Mass Effects 2&3. Pairings Undecided. Rated M

2. Chapter 2

..::..

Hey there peeps, I know it's been a while huh? Things have been … difficult, with recent circumstances – both with the departure of my oldest and dearest of friends, and then with my health and other personal issues.

I will be updating some smaller works before concentrating on the bigger fictions like Red Eyed Master and Pretty. With that said I feel the need to inform you that while my obligations have lessened, and my schedule has been cleared … updates may still be infrequent.

Now onto the chapter, if you've read the original version, you'd know that I concentrated on the Namikaze side to Naruto's lineage, but this newer version concentrates on the Uzumaki side. I've also watered down her other gifts in order to concentrate on her Biotic Powers. I do admit to further adding to her character as I have been overwhelmed by Star Wars, so I've decided that she may inherit some Jedi/Sith powers later on.

I guess that that is everything, please enjoy the chapter update.

..::..

I DO NOT OWN NARUTO OR THE MASS EFFECT GAMES.

..::..

"Ramen" – Speech

'Ramen' – Thoughts

"Ramen" – Biiju/Summon/Entity Speech

'Ramen' – Biiju/Summon/Entity Thoughts

..::..

Hiruzen Sarutobi, otherwise known as the Sandaime (Third Hokage) grit his teeth in frustration as he read over the official report of his spy from within ROOT … how had the things mentioned in the report gone unnoticed for so long? Orochimaru had been working with Danzo and they had conducted several experiments that were inhumane in nature on someone, a child at that simply known as called 'Subject Zero'.

Of course this was just before the Sandaime had discovered Orochimaru's experiments on babies to successfully integrate the Senju's famed Mokuton or Wood Release into the DNA of others, oh the Sandaime wished he could turn back time to prevent these atrocities from ever occurring but he couldn't. He could only stop the events set into motion in the present and that was why he'd shutdown Danzo's hold on Konoha's Psychiatric Facility, but that mattered little to him, for the only person on his mind was one Naruto Uzumaki.

After she'd been placed in the facility there'd been an 'unfortunate accident' and she'd apparently perished – but that was clearly incorrect as his spy reported her to be alive – the only question was: would she be sane and safe to be released after so long in the facility?

Hiruzen frowned angrily, this was his fault. It was only two or three months ago that the truth of Naruto's treatment by the Orphanage and Village had come out by strict interrogation. Konoha had changed while Naruto had been gone as people knew that they weren't simply allowed to bend rules for their own reasons … it was the Sandaime's first step in retribution and it succeeded with an overwhelming amount of support by the Ninja Council.

It was as if they'd been waiting for him to snap out of his dream world and to act as he was meant to act, as their leader. True, he still answered to the Fire Daimyo but that was the only person he had to be held accountable to, aside from himself of course … he wasn't so foolish to believe himself the perfect human being after all.

All of that however was moot as his thoughts drifted back to Naruto once more. A sudden and terrifying thought then crossed his mind … what if … what if Naruto was this Subject Zero? He certainly wouldn't have out it past Danzo as he was there to witness Yuki Uzumaki's incredible power when they were younger, but if Naruto was this Subject Zero then his shame would be too much to accept. He had imprisoned her in that place without understanding the whole story, and the thought of that tiny, little red haired girl being subjected to the various experiments on top of the already deplorable hatred from the villagers that had been placed on her shoulders … well, there'd be nothing that he could do in recompense but die to atone for the blood that she'd most likely have spilled.

The Sandaime sighed as he shifted to the two folders that held the details of the experimentations and training on Subject Zero.

'Untested mental boosters and drugs, DNA splicing and insertion, DNA manipulation, ROOT Elite Training, Mental and Physical cracking and reworking, Torture and Interrogation Resistance Training, Emotional Conditioning …' he paused to quell the nauseous feeling in his stomach before widening his eyes. 'T-That's just the first folder! This Subject Zero has undergone two of these procedures and followed up with the very same regime of drugs and training/torture.'

The Sandaime fell lifelessly back into his chair. 'There's no doubt about it … if this Subject Zero is still living, then the only person who could have survived that is an Uzumaki. Adding that to Naruto's 'death' then it all fits … oh how I wish it didn't.'

A tear slipped down the Sandaime's face as he came to grips with his discovery. 'Why didn't I do more? Why didn't I tell the council to go and screw themselves and act like a Hokage should have? Oh Kami … please forgive me!'

A fire lit in his eyes as he stood tall once more. 'I guess I'll have to discover this Subject Zero's identity for myself, I was able to bring his/her existence to the Ninja Council so Danzo had NO choice but to hand him/her over.'

The Sandaime was pulled from his thoughts as a gentle, cool breeze blew through his office and he frowned. 'When did I open the window?'

It was as he stood to close the window that he felt the soft caress of something brush past his mind. Less than a second later, he snapped to a battle stance and analysed his office for the threat that he'd instinctively sensed. As his gaze swept through his office, he idly noticed that his ANBU were all out cold. 'Not Genjutsu – too subtle to be Genjutsu, but not physical either … no one has been able to accomplish this since Itachi Uchiha.'

He was interrupted by a soft coughing noise and he snapped his gaze to see a beautiful, young black haired teenager crouching on the open railing. He blushed when he realised that she was only wearing a very tight and revealing hospital-like gown, not to mention she was NOT wearing any under garments.

'Wait a moment,' Hiruzen paused. 'That window was completely empty; I should have noticed her presence!'

"Identify yourself," Hiruzen ordered in a no nonsense tone. To his surprise the raven haired teen started to giggle.

"You haven't aged well huh asshole?" she giggled, more to herself than to the Sandaime and it caused a slight shiver to go down his spine … it was like all those years before when he watched a young girl with terrible power giggling to herself like she'd told the …

"World's funniest joke?" she smirked at his unnerved expression before she giggled once more as her form shifted and appeared before his desk.

'Was that Genjutsu or pure speed?' Hiruzen analysed critically.

"Oh I'm rather useless at Genjutsu, but with my mental abilities, Genjutsu is rather pointless for me to learn." she shrugged nonchalantly as she once again, interrupted his thoughts. She eyed him analytically in turn before a vindictive smirk made its way onto her face, "So you finally put the clues together … I am Subject Zero."

The raven haired teenager mockingly bowed as she introduced herself and Hiruzen lowered his gaze in shame, but was spared any more painful thoughts by the girl in front of him yet again. "The things that Danzo and your ex-student did to me were horrific and I would wish them against no-one, but I'm strong now … stronger than his ROOT ANBU and stronger than Danzo."

Naruto trailed off towards the end and Hiruzen stood in sudden shock as her eyes bled into Sharingan red, the three tomoe spinning ominously as they morphed further into their EMS form. The design looked like a pure black gear looking symbol with a bio-hazard symbol inside it that merged with the sides and it was a menacing design that caused the Sandaime to shiver. [AN1]

"He belongs to me now," Naruto continued as soon as she'd memorized the look of the Sandaime's shock.

The Sandaime tensed and his eyes hardened. "What have you done?"

"Who me … I erased your mistake Lord Hokage." Naruto promptly responded, before adopting a thoughtful look. "You know, you really should be thanking me … did you know that his ROOT outnumber your Shinobi almost eight to one? That ROOT's Medic Core is more equipped than the Konoha Hospital or how about the fact that he has hundreds of children ready for Ninja training right now?"

"Surely Lord Hokage you could see how he was going to be a problem for you, he already had plans to overthrow you … he had a deal with Orochimaru. They intended for Orochimaru to invade Konoha and he and his ROOT would've merely overlooked their coming and goings … I believe that Suna is in on it too, but I couldn't extract that little piece of information out of Danzo." Naruto's smirk grew as she pointed out the details before she took a calming breath and shifted her eyes back to their royal purple colour.

"He had to pay for what he did to me." Naruto hissed menacingly and for a second Hiruzen was reminded of another woman that'd been under Orochimaru's tender care as his apprentice. "It was either kill him or use him … I chose the latter. Despite what you may think Lord Hokage … I do not hate Konoha. I merely hate those that did me harm, like that mob."

Here she giggled once more. "That mob of swine got their reward for trying to harm a cornered animal … and make NO mistake Lord Hokage … I am an animal created by Konoha. You and this Village saw to that but I have nothing, no-one and nowhere else to go or return to."

Hiruzen spared a moment to finally take in Naruto's face, he wasn't surprised to see bitterness expressed in her eyes but it was the genuine desire to belong that burned the brightest, it was just exactly the same expression that the woman who he'd thought of earlier … Anko Mitarashi.

Naruto continued after a tense minute or so of silence. "I-I'm tired old man … I want to be given the chance to choose my fate … not have it chosen for me by someone that stood aside and imprisoned me without just cause, and not by those who know nothing about me or my pain."

The Sandaime flinched but otherwise nodded pensively, it was true. Naruto wasn't a registered citizen after her 'death' and if she so chose … she could simply leave but she wanted to stay, all she knew was Konoha.

His thoughts flashed to Minato, Kushina, her twin Kenichi, and finally her god parents Tsunade and Jiraiya. Jiraiya knew she lived but had legitimate reasons for not being able to care for Naruto, Tsunade had lost too much and wasn't suitable to raise a child like Naruto, and then there was Kushina … Naruto's biological mother and Naruto's twin Kenichi … he didn't know why they left but he assumed it was to do with Kenichi being the real Jinchūriki.

His mistake was thinking about these things with an emotionally charged teenager that could read minds … it was her ironic laugh that drew his attention, and with it … the realisation that she had just learnt all of which was kept from her for her safety.

'For her safety?' the Sandaime berated himself mentally. 'Like that matters after all of this.'

"Naruto Uzumaki," he started only for her to rear her head back as if struck and growl in the back of her throat.

"If that … woman and her son are Uzumaki then I refuse to be addressed with the same fucking name!" she boomed, as did the various pieces of furniture in his office, that drew the attention of the ANBU, who'd just woken up and they burst into the room and took up defensive positions.

"Stand down ANBU." The Sandaime ordered firmly.

They obeyed, albeit reluctantly but Hiruzen cut off their protests by talking to the irate teen. "Your ex-mother took the Namikaze name when she married your Father, Minato Namikaze. Likewise, your twin brother has the Namikaze name as the male child."

Hiruzen coughed before continuing. "That means if you wish to use the Uzumaki name, you are free and entitled to do so."

Naruto was momentarily caught off guard; the old man was listening to her? She scanned his thoughts and was genuinely surprised to find the man actually cared about her wellbeing; even if it was late in her life.

She thought about names, they were supposed to mean something but for whatever reason, her mother left her and for what … the right twin? No, she didn't want to share a name with that woman, she was Subject Zero … Naruto Uzumaki was dead, she'd died the moment Danzo had her in his grasp but she couldn't exactly be known as Subject Zero for the rest of her life, not if she wanted some semblance of a real existence.

She recalled the many stories and legends that she'd read or learned of but it was the deepest in her memory that sparked.

'Huh … I forgot about that,' she thought with an emotionally exhausted laugh. She had just recalled the very first story that she'd read … it was what she'd taught herself to read first. It was an old book but it'd drawn her attention because of the pretty picture on the front cover of rainbows and flowers. It was a joke to her now of course, but she could clearly remember that the book was so old that in the whole book only one story/rhyme was able to be read … it was a children's story/rhyme called Jack and Jill.

It was an absurd thought to call herself a name based on a rhyme but it was probably the only time in her life that 'happiness' was freely expressed … clearly she wasn't a 'Jill' … no that was too girly for her tastes but neither was she a 'Jack' … but then she remembered something. It was a name that was messily scribbled inside the book on the front cover, obviously the book's original owner, but the name was 'Rin'.

Rin, to her knowledge the name meant dignified, severe or cold and though she could easily say that dignified was not one of her qualities ... being severe or cold in battle was one of them.

"Rin …" she replied at last, completely unaware of the fact that her emotions were practically rolling off of her in waves to those who knew how to read them. She repeated the name softly to herself, as if testing it on her tongue before a sad smile made its way onto her face.

"You can call me Rin." Rin replied with a noncommittal shrug of her shoulders.

..::..

The Sandaime dismissed the ANBU and sat down at his desk whilst gesturing to the knocked over chair that used to sit on the other side of his desk. Rin understood the gesture and waved her hand absentmindedly … it caused the chair to lift itself into the air and place itself back in its original position where Rin then decided to sit down. Hiruzen straightened his desk a little and sighed at all the paperwork that he'd now have to sort and then complete. He heard an awkward shuffle and spotted Naruto … Rin … trying to get comfortable on the chair, and doing an incredible job of making her 'outfit' look even more revealing than before … she stopped when she picked up on his thoughts and pouted at him.

"What? They don't exactly give you cushioned chairs in a place where Danzo makes the rules and the only comfort I had in the Orphanage was a ratty old blanket," she deadpanned with her pout still in place before she blinked. "Come to think of it … they really didn't have chairs either."

The Sandaime couldn't help but chuckle at the last comment and at the seriously in thought expression on her face, but he settled himself down and after Rin had settled down, he started the long explanation of everything! Hiruzen really felt that he owed the entire truth to the young woman in front of him and together, they chatted until mid-afternoon.

Rin sighed as she nursed the small throbbing pain in her head, it'd been quite some time since her last one … she'd never lost control like that before but the last time her emotions got the better of her she had headaches until she calmed her mind down again. She felt her unconscious power picking up traces of worry from the old man and she couldn't prevent the tiny smile that formed, it was nice to be cared about.

"I'm fine," Rin spoke quietly, a stark contrast to her usually fiery attitude. "It happens if I lose control of my emotional training … those mental boosters and drugs really did a number on me during training and this is the price ne?"

The Sandaime frowned momentarily at the new piece of information, before asking a question that Rin decided to let slide instead of interrupting. "Is there anything at all that you can do that's not in these reports?"

At first Rin was silent but if she was going to try and attempt a new start she had may as well cooperate. "Yes, I can summon … the Hebi (Snake) Clan to be precise."

Hiruzen paused and sucked in a breath; Rin picked up his surface thoughts and hissed like her summons. "Until you handed over the Hebi Clan's Summoning Scroll – a sacred item meant only for the Uzumaki Royal Family – to a child that later became a monster, they were respected and even honoured as summons, even more so than the Gama (Toad) Clan of Mount Myōboku."

The Sandaime flinched at the reference and meekly responded. "If I had known that the Summoning Scroll was as sacred an item as you say, I wouldn't have given it to my pupil."

"Yes, I imagine that your council would've attempted to steal it away," Rin harshly snapped back. "As they have tried to erase my Clan – an ally – from Konoha's history, just as they have already tried to access the Uzumaki fortune."

Hiruzen swallowed a hard lump, this was news to him. Did the old council's power really extend so far?

"Yes it did old man," Rin sighed. "They have tried to steal my Clan's heritage from me and any surviving kin that may still exist. Make no mistake right now Hokage-sama … I can already access it without your permission and I have no problem whatsoever with removing it from Konoha and calling debts due."

A bead of sweat rolled down the Sandaime's brow. 'To call all debts due would bankrupt Konoha!'

"Indeed it can bankrupt Konoha," she interrupted his train of thought once again. "But as I said, I have nowhere else to go Sandaime-sama."

Hiruzen sighed in relief, but his comfort was short lived by Rin's next comment. "If they attempt any action towards the Uzumaki Clan, I shall obliterate them with extreme prejudice."

"Understood Uzumaki-san," Hiruzen replied with a bow of the head. "Now back to my question – are there any skills not in this report … the Uzumaki Clan's Kongō Fūsa (Adamantine Chakra Chains) perhaps?"

"No … I can't utilize the Uzumaki Clan's Kongō Fūsa (Adamantine Chakra Chains)." Rin replied bitterly. "I believe that I could have, if Orochimaru hadn't experimented on me."

Hiruzen paused and cursed his ex-student. 'Damn that foolish boy.'

The Sandaime could tell that she wanted to curse up a storm as she mentioned Orochimaru, but she held back. Whether that was because she was trying to turn over a new leaf or because she held some level of respect he didn't know, but judging from the pulsing vein in her neck he'd better …

"Stop fucking talking about me like I'm not here asshole!" she huffed angrily, but she did seem far more relaxed afterwards.

'Interesting … cursing as an outlet?' he smirked. 'Who knew it was so effective?'

Coughing to cover his laugh at her pouting face, the Sandaime placed a hand down on the reports and eyed her seriously. "My spy within ROOT …"

"You mean Tenzou?" she supplied innocently. "Or do you still insist on calling him Yamato these days?"

He glared at her and she held up her hands in mock surrender. "Sorry, my bad … shoot old man."

"My spy Tenzou has taken copies of your … 'training' and I'm impressed. You could take a position of Jounin or even ANBU if you had enough experience – which I understand you do possess – but I have another plan for you." The Sandaime responded grumpily. "I plan on making you a Chunin. This coincides with your first mission, that will begin the moment you choose whether or not you wish to become a Kunoichi."

Rin thought about it for a few minutes and Hiruzen could tell that there were many colourful things that she wanted to express herself with, before she turned a blank face to the Third Hokage and nodded briefly. "On two conditions."

"And they are?" he responded, equally serious.

"First; I wish to take my Clan's name … you owe me that much and I can hold my own," Rin demanded. "And second … I need money and clothes … at least until I can safely utilize the Uzumaki Clan's assets."

Since the second demand was made in such a serious tone and with a look to match, the Sandaime couldn't prevent the chuckles from escaping his throat this time.

"Granted for both requests," he chuckled. "I'll get someone to take you to the Ninja Store."

Rin blinked. "Seriously, you say 'granted' so easily? I figured you'd bitch and moan about enemy Ninja and targets due to grudges and shit. And I'm perfectly capable of finding my own clothing … sir."

"Yes I did think about that and I do need you to get your full files from Danzo for me to properly gauge your abilities," he replied cheerfully. What the hell? Did the old man just play her? Wow that was a new one … the first person to ever pull a fast one on her … interesting.

She watched as he wrote something on a scroll and then send some chakra though a seal on his desk. Seconds later a young man with a Hitai-ate on appeared and took the scroll and then disappeared … he reappeared moments later with another scroll and handed it over to the Sandaime with a bow of respect.

"Anyway," he continued with a smile that read 'busted'. "I Hiruzen Sarutobi in my power as Sandaime Hokage, grant you Rin Uzumaki … Chunin Status effective immediately. Your first mission is to watch the FRPT (Flight Risk Priority Target) known as Sasuke Uchiha. How you interact with him is your prerogative and you are to report to me immediately if he exhibits any signs of defection … am I clear? Report to me tomorrow to retrieve further instructions, understood? This scroll details your mission and also has directions to a Ninja Store."

"Ooooh," Rin replied giddily after taking the offered scroll and directions. "Traitor watching? Cool … Ne Ne? Old man … can I cripple him if he attempts to flee?"

Hiruzen stared nervously at the girl in front of him and found himself drawing a blank on how to respond.

"That's a yes right?" she looked positively ecstatic now. "I can almost imagine the hunt that he'd give me or the blood I could spill, or the bones or other organs I could crush!"

"…" the Sandaime just stared at her in sheer confusion, once again reminded of Anko.

"You can relax old man," she replied dismissively. "That was a joke."

"O-Oh" he responded with relief colouring his tone. "That's good."

"At least I think it was a joke … do I know how to joke?" she pondered out loud, causing the man to sweat. "Meh … I guess if he isn't a complete bastard and doesn't look down on women then he'll be fine … mostly."

The Sandaime sighed softly but pushed the paperwork for her to sign, then reached under his desk and pulled out a standard Hitai-ate. He threw it at Rin, who caught it effortlessly and tied it around her neck. She then offered a half-hearted bow before signing the necessary paperwork … she then turned and left the office back through the window.

..::..

Rin didn't really need them, but she still made a show of using the directions to find the Ninja Store as a means to appear unassuming. Rin wasn't particularly bothered by her current state of dress, but the other villagers certainly were – at least the women were … which was why she took a deliberately slow pace for her anyway. Oh she knew that it was pissing the women of Konoha off, so why not rub it in their faces?

In truth she was walking rather quickly, certainly quick enough to catch the eye of some teenagers about her age. One glance was enough to determine that it was the InoShikaCho group of this generation and that meant Clan Heirs and a Clan Heiress. A sly grin made its way onto her face … by appointment of the Hokage to Chunin Rank and her acceptance of her Clan's name she had become the Clan Head of the Uzumaki Clan, furthermore as a member of the Royal Family, she held substantial influence in the Fire Daimyo's Court. She idly wondered if the Hokage had known that when he gave her Chunin Rank … hmmm.

..::..

In the Sandaime's Office, Hiruzen suddenly sneezed rather violently, which startled his advisors Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, as they were there to be updated on any Clan Matters pertaining to the Council.

The action just happened to blow off the newly signed paperwork and sent them sailing right into the feet of his advisor Koharu.

"What the …?" Koharu asked as she picked up the document. "Hiruzen? The Uzumaki Heiress has become a Clan Head?"

This was bad; she knew that Homura and Danzo had been siphoning the Uzumaki Clan's funds for years to fund something called 'Project Zero' but despite this knowledge; she lacked proof to bring them both down.

The Sandaime faked a choked breath. "Whatever do you mean Koharu-chan? I know that you know how Danzo's been training her ... illegally I might add. I ranked her as a Chunin, though with her skills she could've been dropped into ANBU and have had no difficulty adjusting."

Hiruzen keenly watched the reactions of his two advisors and was disappointed to see that Homura seemed unmoved by the revelation … Koharu however was shocked … Danzo had been illegally training the Uzumaki Heiress?

"Hiruzen … letting that child become a Chunin instantly made her a Clan Head. As the oldest of the Uzumaki-Namikaze Children, Kenichi would have taken the mantle but by leaving with his mother he abdicated his position as head of the family – especially since Kushina took the Namikaze name. Kenichi should've been able to claim the Namikaze Clan Seat as the Namikaze Clan Charter states that only a male may take the Clan Head position. The Uzumaki Clan's Charter however refuses a single child claiming multiple titles, this means that only an Uzumaki can take the mantle but only by blood and as the only child of Kushina without the Namikaze name … she's blood related and can claim the throne of Uzu." Homura commented flatly, sweat marring his forehead … if the Sandaime or the Uzumaki Heiress knew then he could be executed. "Y-You just made an institutionalized teenage girl a Clan Head and reportable to the council for any Konoha Ninja Council or Full Konoha Council meetings."

The Sandaime hummed in thought before turning and shrugging. "Okay, you caught me … I thought it was time the Uzumaki Seat was dusted off. I thought she was dead, so imagine my surprise when I find that the one that Danzo was experimenting on … your side project …" he trailed off but when they looked as though they didn't get his point he continued with his KI (Killer Intent). "YOUR SIDE PROJECT … SUBJECT ZERO … THE PERSON YOU WERE EXPERIMENTING ON WAS NARUTO UZUMAKI-NAMIKAZE!"

Of the advisors, Koharu looked faint and Homura swallowed the heavy lump on the back of his throat. It was Koharu that responded, albeit shakily. "I-I didn't k-know H-Hiruzen … I s-swear it … D-Danzo just told me that s-she died."

It was a tense moment of silence that had Koharu turn a betrayed look to her old ex-friend Homura.

"Y-You knew … didn't you Homura? You old bastard, have you forgotten the vow we made to Mito-sama … to protect the future of the Uzumaki Clan?" Koharu wailed in despair. "Oh Kami, that poor child was just left with that war-mongering monster?"

Homura looked decisively guilty but he held his head high and nodded as he confirmed Koharu's suspicions. "I-I didn't know w-who he was u-using … I'd h-have stopped him h-honest!"

The Sandaime increased the density of his KI but now his death glare remained solely on Homura. "I tolerated your dealings with Danzo as we ALL thought that his intentions were for the betterment of Konoha but it appears as though you were happy to deceive both your friends and your HOKAGE."

The statement brought a prominent frown to Koharu's elderly face. "What do you mean Hiruzen, what has happened?" Koharu prompted desperately.

Hiruzen remained silent for a painfully tense few seconds before sighing and sliding Tenzou's report to Koharu and Homura. Koharu all but snatched the report, her usually proper appearance in shambles. She devoured the information with a frantic air about her, and once she had read both reports, she turned a truly terrifying glare to Homura. The Sandaime then had to actually leap over his desk to hold the distraught woman back from killing Homura, who had only just finished reading the reports for himself.

The man was pale and shaky. "I-I swear that I didn't know anything of these … these inhumane experiments."

"But you knew about who he was torturing," shrieked Koharu. "You say that you didn't know who he was using but I know that you and Danzo had been planning Subject Zero ever since we all saw Yuki Uzumaki in action back when we were Gennin."

Koharu continued when Homura couldn't meet either of his old teammate's faces. "No! You knew exactly who Danzo was using you lying bastard. And don't you think I don't know about you siphoning off funds for the project from the Uzumaki Clan's Coffers."

The Sandaime's glare narrowed further on Homura and they were instantly reminded of just how terrifying the God of Shinobi was. "Is this true Homura?"

The deathly quiet and dangerous tone somehow managed to echo throughout the office and there was a collective shiver that descended down the backs of the advisors and the hidden ANBU.

"Even I didn't think that you could be so foolish my old friend," Hiruzen hissed as his eyes flashed dangerously. "ANBU … arrest ex-elder Homura Mitokado and place him in the tender care of the TI Department (Torture and Interrogation Department)."

Homura gasped as ANBU moved swiftly on their leader's command and grabbed the futilely struggling ex-elder. "Remove this scum from my office and tell Ibiki that he doesn't have to hold back on this man … Homura … you are dead to me and your fate is in the hands of the Uzu's new Queen … take him away and do make it publically known that he is a traitor to the Village of Konoha!"

Homura screamed obscenities as he was unceremoniously dragged through the doors and into the streets instead of the standard Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique).

Hiruzen grunted in approval before turning to Koharu that looked conflicted with what she'd just been witnessed to. Hiruzen got her attention once more and then proceeded to explain the news that he'd learned from Naruto in regards to ROOT, Danzo, Orochimaru and the Invasion.

"I intend to summon Jiraiya and have him report if there's truth to these accusations … but before you go, is there anything further you need to know?"

Koharu gulped, clearly disturbed by the question that she wanted to ask. She nodded resolutely and nodded … she just had to know. "Was Danzo successful, did he complete Subject Zero? Is the child … Rin okay?"

"I'm unsure of Rin's state of health, I'll order her to be examined at the hospital tomorrow," Hiruzen answered thoughtfully before a frown worked its way onto his face again. "And I'm afraid to say this … but yes. Danzo was successful in his experiments with Orochimaru."

Koharu sobbed miserably and nodded. "I was hoping you wouldn't say that Hiruzen."

The Sandaime nodded and tiredly waved her off, dismissing her … Koharu left in silence.

..::..

"Whose that?" Chouji asked as he munched on his chips.

"Who knows Chouji, but she has a Hitai-ate so she's a Kunoichi." Shikamaru stated logically.

"Whoever she is … she has horrible taste in clothing." Ino snorted with disgust clearly on her face.

"Damn it Ino open your eyes …" Shikamaru reprimanded. "She's wearing a hospital gown for Kami's sake!"

Ino blinked twice before looking back at the raven haired beauty, though she did glare at the curves that she had … how was she supposed to entice Sasuke when that was walking around Konoha.

..::..

Rin giggled softly at Ino's thoughts … wow, Kunoichi standards were falling if that was all she thought of … nothing but this Sasuke. She frowned momentarily … he was her target; her assignment but from the thoughts of the three to her left, they were just about to graduate from the Academy … at least she now had a rough idea why Danzo wanted to train his 'tools' so much … a ROOT Trainee could take out the three of them right now and it'd be over before the Nara could figure out any extra plans.

Rin made a show of being confused by the directions and it wasn't long before Chouji, who was bushing just a little bit, stepped forward asking if she was okay.

"I was just dismissed from Hospital and I'm afraid that the routes have changed to the store I'm looking for since I was admitted about 8 years ago," she frowned and looked around again before pointing to the road straight ahead. "This way perhaps?"

Chouji looked back to his childhood friends and gave them a look that asked them for help and Ino and Shikamaru sighed before walking forward to meet them.

"You mean to say that you've been in hospital for 8 years?" Ino asked bluntly. "That explains your clothing but surely the nurses gave you underwear right?"

Let it be known that Rin knew what underwear was but she could fight with them on or off, so just for the hell of it she decided to screw with Ino a little bit.

"What's underwear?" she pondered out loud while chewing on her lower lip … just to make a show of it.

Shikamaru raised a brow, but a blush was full on his cheeks while poor Chouji looked like he was going to explode from embarrassment … but Ino? Ino stared at Rin, completely horrified by the statement.

"D-Don't go saying things like that." Ino hissed in a scandalised tone. "Surely your mother taught you better than that …"

"Shit … Ino!" Shikamaru shouted but it was too late. At the mention of her mother, Rin's gaze narrowed and her eyes glowed briefly. Her face then lost its cheer and a decisively cold mask that sent the trio shivering replaced it.

Shikamaru instantly recalled the few times his father had possessed that look … the most prominent memory of it was when his father had returned from a mission covered in blood. One glance at his mother had her pale dramatically and for almost two days, she hadn't bothered him about anything. If a look like that could stop his mother, then it wasn't a good thing that the girl before them shared it.

"Girl … you really talk too much." Rin hissed … a horrible presence descended upon the street as her eyes flashed crimson, her Sharingan activating and spinning menacingly slow … a sign that they had said something that they shouldn't have.

For a tense minute everyone, even the onlookers – who were stunned to see another Sharingan user in the Village – were frozen in fear at the somehow familiar feeling of dread. Then as quick as it had appeared, Rin's Sharingan faded and the feeling evaporated.

"I'm sorry Akimichi-san," Rin turned her gaze towards Chouji. "It was kind of you to ask if I required aid … I believe that it would be best that I continued my journey alone. It is meant as no disrespect to your kindness, but I feel uncomfortable around others that needlessly open their mouths without thought of repercussion."

Here she turned to Ino. "I do not know your name girl but from your features I'm guessing Yamanaka Clan … your attitude says high up on the food chain and that expensive set of clothes tells me money … I'm going to guess Clan Heiress?"

Ino squeaked but nodded mutely as Rin continued. "If that's correct then I can guess that your two friends are Clan Heirs too?"

Ino seemed to grow a little bold so she retorted. "Yeah … so don't mess with us or our dad's will make you pay."

Shikamaru groaned and rubbed his brow. 'Why did she open her damn mouth … damn it Ino.'

Rin froze and Ino thought she won, but that was just a moment before Rin burst into laughter at her. "I'm so scared … not … I'm a Clan Head … Heiress Yamanaka."

Ino and the boys froze. 'Ooooh Shit, if our parents learned of our disrespect.'

Rin turned her gaze to Chouji once more. "Other than Hokage-sama, you're the only person today that's not been rude to me, so thank you Akimichi-san."

Rin turned and made to leave after re-checking the directions for image's sake. She turned and smiled cutely at Chouji in thanks before she left … leaving an annoyed Shikamaru, a terrified Ino and a poor, smitten Chouji.

..::..

Rin halted her journey as she arrived at her destination: a Ninja Store simply called 'The Emporium.'

It boasted the finest of weapons, clothes and other such Ninja related items … it was also a ROOT controlled business. True, the owner and his daughter weren't a part of ROOT … but Danzo owned the land and in exchange for cheap prices for his 'special' orders or discounts to those bearing 'the code' … the owner didn't pay for rent, power, and water … a good deal in Rin's opinion.

She debated on entering for a brief second but ended up coming face to face with an irate Kunoichi. She introduced herself as Tenten, the owner's daughter and then all but demanded why she was hovering in their doorway.

Rin merely gestured to her clothing, then pointed to her Hitai-ate and then finally lifted the scroll that was marked as 'funds' from the Hokage. Tenten paled and apologised, it seemed that she thought that Rin was homeless and chose their door to stand under.

Rin shrugged her shoulders but that was when the gown started to fall off … Tenten all but grabbed the Rin's arm and dragged her inside the shop … and just in time too as the moment the shop door closed, the right shoulder of Rin's robe ripped and the whole 'article' of clothing hit the floor. Tenten was blushing pure crimson … and was that blood dripping from her nose? So a lesbian then or bisexual … Rin didn't care, she personally had no preference. That Chouji boy was nice, but too gentle for her tastes … meh; someone would come along and be the right match eventually.

Rin tilted her head to the side. "Where might I find the Kunoichi clothing section?"

Tenten, who was trying to appear neutral in the situation, despite her eyes travelling over Rin's form pointed towards the back of the store … Rin bowed softly and made her way over.

There were many styles of clothing available and most of them were FAR too flashy or hampering so in the end she went with a simple pair of skin tight black pants that were made of a chakra conducting fibre that was not only useful if one wanted to use Fūinjutsu on their clothing, but it was also the strongest form of armour aside from outer body armour like the ANBU used. Instead of buying a shirt, Rin went right ahead and selected a sports bra/top made of the same colour and fabric. Rin removed the tags from the items as she went so that she could wear them immediately. A pair of black knee high Kunoichi sandals went on her feet and she bounced on her feet to test them as there was a slight heel on them.

Rin made a noise of acceptance and took ten pairs of the same items before she then made her way over to the equipment section.

She proceeded to buy a Kunai/Senbon/Shuriken Pouch for each leg as the training and genetic experimentation had made her ambidextrous. Rin also doubled up on her Medical Pouches for the same reasons … it was then a simple matter of filling the pouches so weapons were next.

The Kunai, Shuriken and Senbon were typically added but it was as she was making her way to the counter that she discovered a peculiar weapon lying on a dusty counter marked 'discounted – 75% off'.

Being naturally curious, she ignored the startled noise from Tenten as she grasped the handle of the weapon. It was a strange looking but lightweight two handed handle that was cylindrical in design. The weapon had strange markings on the hilt/handle and Rin marvelled how unique the item was. The fact remained however, that it was simply a two handed handle and nothing else. Activating her Sharingan she took a closer look at the handle. She smirked rather prettily as she recognised the artwork of Uzumaki Seals on the weapon.

"Uzumaki Seals, how is this possible?" Rin murmured a little too loudly. "Fūinjutsu (Sealing Techniques) … advanced ones too … hmmm chakra conversion seals on both ends and, oh my … form seals … they're only used in chakra isolation networks … ooh there they are … tied into the reinforcement seals."

Rin played with the weapon for a few moments, spinning the strange contraption in circles on her open palms, before flicking the weapon to spin around her wrist in a rather spectacular show of weapons handling. She eventually ceased all movements as she spied a tiny Seal that was otherwise invisible to anyone other than an Uzumaki. "An activation array, but it's tied into the central mechanism … this weapon is a work of art!"

Never one to do anything by halves, Rin then pulsed her chakra into the activation array. She squeaked cutely when the device suddenly pricked her hand and took her blood. 'Probably to test whether or not I'm an Uzumaki.'

The strange weapon then hummed to life and two beams of pure red energy burst to life at the ends of each hilt. "Aha, it was a chakra weapon!" [AN2]

She cautiously spun the weapon, addicted to the thrumming of pure energy at her fingertips. "Now the question is: how does an Uzumaki Clan weapon appear here of all places? Oh well, it's perfect for me!"

She flared her chakra again and the weapon hissed as the beams disappeared into the device again. It was as a giddy Rin continued to play with the weapon that she took a closer look at the central mechanism. "A release seal … why would that be there of all places?"

Rin poked her tongue out as she carefully twisted the release and almost squealed happily as it separated into two single handed versions of the larger weapon. "So they can be used as single handed weapons as well as a two handed weapon!"

"How to hide them in combat though … Fūinjutsu is probably the best remedy." Rin realised, so she backtracked to the clothing section and took a moment to brainstorm. "On second thought, I don't want to hide them, I'll clip them onto my belt for now but I'll need gloves to aid in gripping the weapon until I can perfect using them in combat."

Rin felt triumphant when she found some fingerless gloves that worked like her pants and were made from the same armour fibre with a single metal plate to protect the top of her hands. Her happiness increased when she slid them on and discovered that they covered her arm up to just under her elbow. She hummed softly as she decided to find a belt for her new weapons; she took a while longer before settling on a black armoured belt that could have seals engraved on them for her weapons to clip to.

She turned to head towards the counter when she spotted a zip-up sleeveless hoodie with a larger than normal hood on it, much like the ANBU cloak hoods that covered most of the face … or masks in ANBU's case. The hoodie was simply black in colour and it seemed the only outstanding feature of the article of clothing was the fact that the hood was larger and it was sleeveless. However as Rin picked it up she got the shock of her life when there as clear as day … was the Uzumaki Clan Symbol proudly displayed on the back of the hoodie. It instantly went on over the top of her outfit and she nodded to herself as she unzipped the hoodie to reveal her barely covered chest … her outfit was complete.

Tenten was very surprised when Rin returned; not just by her new clothes that emphasised Rin's figure but by the weapons. They had been sitting in the store longer than she'd ever known and she'd seen many Shinobi and Kunoichi sneer at them for their foreign or otherwise useless appearance. The ones that were interested simply couldn't figure out how to use them. Even Tenten with her more than average interest in Fūinjutsu could make heads or tails of the strange weapon. Then as her father was contemplating disposing of them an incredibly attractive girl had just wandered in and after a mesmerizing display of figuring them out and then testing the weapons she approved.

Tenten wanted to squeal in joy but settled on sighing rather dreamily despite herself as she heard the beauty admire the seal work and even recognise them … if she didn't know any better; Tenten would have said that she was in love!

Then to her shock and delight to, the raven haired beauty walked back to the clothing section where Tenten overheard her practical assessment on getting gloves … to think … a Kunoichi her age with actual skills in Konoha … and she was very beautiful and all those things added up to one thing for Tenten … she wanted to know and woo this girl … she was everything that she was attracted to.

Tenten blushed when Rin arrived at the counter. "I'd like these please Miss Tenten … oh … are you feeling well? Your face is red."

Tenten instantly deflated. 'I guess she's straight girl … damn' "No, I'm fine Miss …"

Rin tilted her head once more … "Oops sorry Miss Tenten … the name's Rin … Rin Uzumaki."

Tenten swooned internally at the adorableness of the head tilt and found herself feeling aroused as Rin's eyes bore into hers … wait … did she say Uzumaki … as in the Uzumaki Clan?

Unfortunately that train of thought vanished as Rin suddenly sniffed the air and blushed.

For you see that while it was true that Rin had no preferences to sex, she wasn't used to being appreciated so … purely. A laughable concept … lusting after someone 'purely' but after being subjected to the mental tortures of both Danzo and Orochimaru … and then add in the village's thoughts on the night it all began … Rin just wasn't used to wanting to be 'wanted' without dark intentions or hidden meanings … this girl, Tenten just wanted her as in the whole package.

So then why was Rin blushing? Because she could smell Tenten's arousal and it made her feel … odd. Not bad or good odd … just odd; she'd have to think about things deeply later but for now she was tired and add in that she'd have to do all of her Fūinjutsu by that night so that she could report on time … it was going to be a long night.

Rin spied movement and nodded in greeting to the rather imposing figure that was Tenten's father.

"Uh … Miss Tenten? I'm flattered by your … um …" damn her odd feelings … it was making her nervous and Rin was not a nervous girl. "I'm flattered by your attraction but I'm kind of new and I wanted to settle in Konoha before staring a relationship."

Tenten turned bright red and stuttered. "I-I'm sorry I … I d-didn't mean to … oh Kami; I'm so sorry Uzumaki-san"

Tenten's father watched as Tenten tried to flee out the door but the Uzumaki girl paused for a second before a very familiar feeling actually pulled Tenten back to stand in front of her, thus stopping her from escaping.

"W-Wait." Rin huffed. "I-I don't exactly have friends or anyone like that but if you wanted to start as friends first then we could see later if it was actual attraction or s-something else."

Tenten sucked in a breath but turned her head slightly and nodded happily. "S-Sure! Um when are you available?"

Rin tilted her head again but responded. "I don't know … I report for duty tomorrow … um are you working tomorrow? I can visit the store later."

Tenten nervously shuffled on her feet. "Before lunch I am … but I'll be here from 3pm until we close at 11pm."

Her father decided to make his presence known by coughing and speaking over his stammering daughter. "Why don't you take tomorrow off then Tenten? Your friend can meet you here around then and you can spend the afternoon together?"

Tenten squeaked, as she really hadn't noticed his presence at all but looked hopefully at Rin and Rin not knowing the appropriate response just agreed. "Sure tomorrow then, I'll be sure to send a summon if I can't make it."

Tenten smiled brightly and glomped Rin before she released her and fled back out of the store and into the living area connected to it.

"Did I say something wrong sir?" Rin asked 'Why are hormonal girls so fucking confusing?'

The man boomed a laugh. "No … no, she's possibly the only lesbian Kunoichi her age and the other girls don't spend time with her for her interests, the only people she knows are her teammates and one of them is gay and the other … is really a mystery."

"I see … um sir? I have a lot of Fūinjutsu to do tonight so could I please pay for these and leave?" Rin spoke.

"Oh sure … sorry about that. Name's Han by the way Han Fujiwara." Han introduced.

"Oh I knew that already sir," Rin responded quietly and at his confused expression she added. "It is because of the ROOTs in the shadow of the great tree that the great tree stands tall in the sun."

Han was immediately on edge and he took a closer look at teenaged girl. His eyes widened and he understood who she was. "The power from earlier … I should've known it was you … I never thought I'd see you get set free Subject Zero. When I saw you at that place years ago, I was sure that you'd eventually get out."

"Indeed, Danzo wasn't nearly as careful as he should've been," Rin replied. "Especially when he asked you to provide me with weapons to train with Han-san. I really must thank you for slipping Tenzou-san that information with his order."

"Think nothing of it Uzumaki-san," Han replied.

"Oh please, Rin is fine," Rin interrupted. "I do believe that you've earned the right to address me less formally."

"Then Han is fine too," Han countered.

They smiled at each other after a moment of silence before they talked like old friends while Han worked out the prices minus the discount. Of course he gave the Uzumaki Weapon to Rin for no charge.

Rin paid for her purchases using the ROOTs Funds and pocketed the scroll from the Hokage.

"Oh, before I go Han," Rin prompted. "Danzo is no longer in charge … you now live here for free – no extra charge. I'll have someone drop off the deed to this land to you at some point. Or perhaps I'll deliver it to you personally tomorrow."

Han was speechless at the seemingly casual statement. "Good day to you Han."

"A-And to you Rin." Han stuttered out.

"Oh wait … is Daisuke still in business?" Rin suddenly asked out of the blue.

Han gulped but nodded. "Yes, he's still working out of the warehouse in the Red Light District … why do you ask?"

"Hmm … I thought I'd get a tattoo or two," Rin brushed off lightly with a pretty smirk. "Until tomorrow Han."

..::..

"What a fucking dump," Rin muttered as she walked down the main street of the Red Light District before a smirk made its way onto her hood covered face. "It's wonderful."

The appeal of the Red Light District was that anyone could find anything if you knew where to go, and her destination was in the seediest part of the Red Light District … the warehouse area. Finding the building that Daisuke worked out of, she casually knocked a code on the door. A rather scruffy man with shaggy black hair and no sense of hygiene answered the door and he shrunk back as Rin removed her hood.

"Good afternoon Daisuke-san," Rin greeted with a grin.

"W-What do you want?" Daisuke stuttered out. For you see, Daisuke didn't look like much but he was in charge of Danzo's underworld connections, and as such, he'd personally met Rin when she was unable to fight Danzo's seals. Rin left a rather … memorable impression on the scruffy man.

"Oh poor Daisuke-san," Rin cooed playfully. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't have business with you or your shithole."

"T-Then w-what can I do for you Zero?" Daisuke tried to sound important but a savage grin from Rin shattered that bravado. "I came for a special job Daisuke-san … nothing more, and who knows … do a good job and I may be back for more custom work."

That was not what Daisuke was expecting, so he ushered Rin through the dirty, sleazy warehouse into a perfectly sterile back room. He flashed through some hand seals and in an instant even he looked clean.

"Whatcha after then Zero?" Daisuke grunted out.

"Hair and tattoo," Rin responded promptly. "Remember, do a good job and you'll see a boom in business."

So Daisuke carefully cut at Rin's hair until it was to her liking. It was shaved on both sides of her head, with the bulk of her length being butchered off. It left her with enough hair on the top of her head to be pulled back into a ponytail that reached her lower neck in length, but still leaving the shaved part of her head visible. Then a Rin's insistence, Daisuke used his special ink and equipment to place a tattoo on the sides of Rin's head, where her hair used to be. It almost looked like a barcode of unusual symbols that crossed the back of her head and linked to the other side of her hair. What most didn't know was that that particular tattoo was always there, it was carefully hidden by Danzo using special ink. The design was in fact her Processing Number ID that marked her as Subject Zero, and while she loathed what was done to her … it wasn't something that she was going to hide away. [AN3]

The ink that Daisuke used was a special sealing ink that was permanent and easily stood out on her creamy pale skin, but it suited her and she couldn't give a fuck if people didn't like it. The interesting thing about the ink that was being used was that it could store weapons, scrolls and the like … so Rin had a statement tattoo that could double for storage.

"Good work Daisuke-san," Rin complimented. "I'll be back should I want more work done."

She paid extra from the scroll that the Hokage gave her and he eagerly scooped up the Ryo. "Anytime Zero … anytime."

Rin nodded before re-donning her hoodie and left. The many prostitutes and drug dealers called for her attention but she had better things to do that night. She had seals to engrave and fix into her new gear and clothes.

..::..

AN1 – I tried to describe it this time, but picture the Sith Gear-like symbol from Star Wars and then overlap a bio-hazard symbol on the inside.

AN2 – Think of a twin-bladed lightsaber, except that it can be separated to become to single lightsabers. Design wise, google Satele Shan's lightsaber, except with a red beam instead of blue. The Fūinjutsu is hidden in the artwork.

AN3 – Jack's hairstyle from Mass Effect 3 and the barcode style tattoo on her head.

..::..

That's it for the newest chapter of Uzumaki: Subject Zero. I hope you enjoy it.

..::..

AS ALWAYS: PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!

..::..

\^o^/