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Rivers of Hades

Chapter 16

-- -

"Hey there, sensei."

Sarutobi looked up from the folder in his hands to see Jiraiya standing in front of the desk, an unusual mix of expressions on his face.

"Ah, Jiraiya. What can I do for you?"

"I came to tell you that I finished the exam on the gaki's seal. If I didn't know better, I would swear it was just done."

"That was fast. Is there anything I should know?

"Depends. I could give you a more detailed account, but you look like you're in the middle of something."

"Yes, well, it's nothing that can't wait a little while more. One of the shops in town filed a request to buy some vacant property next door to them and expand their store. I'm supposed to review the information and decide whether to approve or reject their request."

"I see. Not exactly time-sensitive, then."

"Not at all. So, what do you think of my youngest student?"

"Well," Jiraiya began, "we sure met in an unusual way. I was doing 'research' at the hot springs when your student managed to sneak up behind me and alert all the women that I was there, who then proceeded to pound the crap out of me. Once that was over, I was about to introduce myself when he said that he already knew who I was. He didn't even let do my introduction dance!"

Sarutobi mentally rolled his eyes. "That's a shame, Jiraiya. What happened next?"

"I took him off to one of the more isolated areas and did a preliminary inspection of the seal. It was a little worn around the edges, but was still holding fine. The Kyuubi is still contained, but the beast has exerted some form of influence over the boy's physical condition."

"Well, yes, I knew that. The boy heals rapidly, faster than is achievable with most medical techniques."

"Okay, that wasn't quite what I meant, but it works too."

Sarutobi grew concerned. "You weren't speaking about his healing abilities? What did you mean, then?"

"Give me a sec. When I started going more in-depth with my inspection, I found that the amount of chakra he's gained from the Kyuubi has dropped."

"Are you saying that his overall reserves have shrunk? You said the seal was in perfect working order!"

"Sorry, I misspoke. His reserves haven't shrunk, and the seal is working. It seems that there is a little loophole in the seal's workings no one anticipated. The Kyuubi can, for lack of a better term, 'donate' some of its energies in addition to what the seal siphons off daily. When I said the amount he received had fallen, I meant that the Kyuubi was no longer giving the extra youkai."

"I see. It was probably trying to gain some sort of influence over the boy. When that failed, it decided to try another tactic. Can you tell when the drop-off started?"

"From what I could tell, around two and a half to three years ago. Why do you ask?"

"Two and a half years? Interesting. I gave Naruto his mother's scroll a little over two and a half years ago. There could be a connection."

"It could also be a coincidence. Were there any other events that happened to the kid around that time?"

"Not really. I gave him the scroll, and a few weeks later, I arranged for Kakashi to start working with him on some chakra control exercises designed especially for members of the Uzumaki clan. The morning after their first session, Kakashi came to see me. Naruto had inadvertently let slip enough information that Kakashi was able to guess as to the identities of his parents."

"Hmm. Chakra control..."

"What is it?"

"Well, I have a theory. When the Kyuubi attacked, it was with raw power. When it was sealed, it may have decided that what had worked for it would work equally well for Naruto, and started donating extra youkai. Then, when the boy started working on his control, the beast could have realized that the rules were different for humans, stopped donating, and began looking for other ways to ensure Naruto's, and by association, his, survival."

"That... does make a certain amount of sense, though it troubles me to think that the Kyuubi is so aware of the world around Naruto."

"I wouldn't say that the Kyuubi is aware of the world around Naruto. Instead, I'd say that it's aware of what Naruto's body is going through. As long as the seal is holding, the Kyuubi is completely cut off from the outside world."

"It still doesn't explain what you meant by saying that the Kyuubi has another influence on the boy."

"I'm getting there. I went to the Hyuuga compound to see if I could borrow the services of a Hyuuga to observe the boy's training sessions from start to finish. Imagine my surprise when Hyuuga Hiashi himself volunteered to watch."

"He has taken an interest in Naruto lately, so it doesn't really surprise me."

"Huh. Anyway, on the way to where the gaki was training, he mentioned that you had told him that you, Gai, and Zabuza were becoming frustrated at how the boy was adapting to mutually exclusive styles. Well, when Hiashi started watching with his Byakugan, he began to notice trace amounts of youkai in Naruto's system when he was stretching. Not enough to raise any alarms, but more than could be explained by the seal, and it was always concentrated on the muscles that he was stretching at the time."

Sarutobi sat up in his chair. This could be the answer he had been looking for. "What was the youkai doing?"

"Hiashi couldn't tell exactly what was happening, but he said that it appeared to just be loosening them up. All we know is that he is apparently much more flexible than he should be."

"So Naruto-kun is basically getting a deep-tissue massage at all times, completely unaware, which makes him more flexible and increases his range of motion. That would explain why we never noticed it before. We were all looking for something obviously unusual. We never thought to look for something this subtle from the Kyuubi. Very clever. Were there any complications?"

"Yeah, there was. That Uchiha kid was spying on us."

"Really? Can you prove it?"

"Sure I can. Three separate times that idiot was hiding in trees surrounding us. Hiashi and I scared him off each time, only or him to reappear again a few minutes later, in a different location farther away than the last time. Finally, I threatened to gouge out his eyes if he didn't leave. Honestly, the little prick thought he was good enough to hide from a jounin and one of the Densetsu no Sannin."

"Jiraiya, are you pressing charges?" Something in Sarutobi's eyes begged him to say 'yes'.

"Damn straight! Why wouldn't I?"

"Let me show you something." Sarutobi reached down and produced two items from a desk drawer, a thin folder and a filled binder.

Gesturing to the folder, Sarutobi spoke. "This isn't the first time he's done this. In this folder is every complaint filed on him by someone he's been spying on. It include members of various clans, high-ranking and skilled shinobi, and all ten finalists in the Exams."

"This, however," Sarutobi continued, indicating the binder, "contains every incident of his observation as recorded by several ANBU I've had trailing him for a while now. As you can see, there are many more incidents that aren't being reported for one reason or another."

"What do you suspect?"

"One possible reason is that the other shinobi know he is there, and simply don't care to report him. The second most likely reason is that they are unaware of his presence, which either speaks very highly of his stealth skills or very poorly of the ability of our shinobi to detect the presence of other nin, which is troubling."

"So what's your plan?"

"With the testimony of both you and Hiashi, I can take action. I will make the necessary arrangements."

"Any ideas as to what you're going to do to him?"

"Yes, actually. I was given the idea by one of the people he spied on."

Jiraiya put his hands behind his head. "Man, I haven't heard of any village doing this in the last five years, and its been at least ten since the last time we did this to a Uchiha. I'd almost forgotten about this little ritual."

"I know. It's doubtful that young Sasuke would even know what he's brought upon himself. I also highly doubt he realizes what damage he may have done to the village politically. Which is why I must take action now."

"Is that why you've waited so long to pull this off then, sensei?"

"No. The evidence in most of the charges was too weak to hold up to the scrutiny they would have undergone. With the exception of the Suna team, none of the genin were able to conclusively identify Sasuke as the one spying on them. They knew someone was watching, but not who it was. The Suna team, however, confronted him and took pictures proving it was him, then reported it. That was yesterday.

"Of the other nin he has been caught observing, two are not credible because they are on probation. Others have filed multiple complaints that were later proved fraudulent, so their accusations can't be entirely trusted. I can't submit the ANBU reports as they automatically become classified documents and because I'm not supposed to have ANBU following Konoha shinobi for something like this. This sort of thing normally fell under the jurisdiction of the Konoha Military Police, and that never changed after the decimation of the Uchiha clan. The testimony of a respected jounin and clan head, along with that of one of the Densetsu no Sannin, should be sufficient to quell any doubts that he has spied on at least one fellow Konoha shinobi. I intend to charge him on the strongest cases: the one to be filed by yourself and Hiashi and those of the Suna genin.

"You've really planned this out, sensei. All this, just so that you could skip the usual punishments for a first offense?"

"As you said, it has been quite some time since anyone has been found to have committed this particular crime, and even longer since it was a Uchiha. I didn't expect you to remember that when a Uchiha is found to have done this, we skip the initial punishments and proceed to the second level of sentencing. Besides, the boy has complete access to all of the Uchiha clan's money. Fines and doing missions for free or half-price aren't going to faze him in the least. As the Hokage, I am held to a certain level of ethical behavior by the civilian populace, but I am first and foremost a ninja, and it is my prerogative to do whatever I see fit to accomplish my goals."

"I just hope you know what you're doing, sensei."

"I hope so too. I know I am human, and have made more than my fair share of mistakes and bad decisions. I had hoped it wouldn't come to this. I don't want to do this, but I know it must be done, for the sake of this village and those who call it home."

--

Two days later, all off-duty shinobi in the village, whether they were active, reserves, or retired, were summoned to an immense training ground near the arena were the Exam finals would be held in three weeks. Even the Suna team was present. Civilians were denied entrance. This was a matter for shinobi only. Eventually, a large ring was formed, with the Hokage in the center. Sarutobi cleared his throat.

"Everyone, please take a seat. Thank you for coming. I have summoned you all here for a very important reason. Before we begin, however, I feel I should explain what is to happen to those who are too young to know and to refresh the memories of those of you who may have forgotten.

"It is often said that it is both our right and responsibility as ninja to grow stronger using whatever means necessary. This is true, although in order for ninja to be able to work together, certain restrictions have been in place almost since the beginning of the shinobi era.

"It is the right of everyone here for your private training sessions to be just that, private. It is one thing to hear something and investigate the cause, and another to spy on your comrades and fellow shinobi for your own personal gain. If you do investigate and realize you have stumbled across a training session, you must either announce your presence or leave immediately. That is standard policy in every reputable shinobi village. For someone to covertly observe the training of another is a grave offense, though the actual punishment varies depending on the village and the record of the ninja convicted of observing.

"While spying on ninja from your own village is shameful, it is even more reprehensible to spy on visiting shinobi who are in your village under a truce. Uchiha Sasuke, step forward."

Sasuke stepped out from the crowd, his perpetual glare set on his face. He walked forward towards Sarutobi.

"Uchiha Sasuke, you have been formally charged with multiple counts of covert observation of fellow Konoha shinobi, as well as observing the training of the three Suna genin, who are here under the truce of the Chuunin Exams. Do you have anything to say in your defense?"

Sasuke said nothing, continuing to glare directly at Sarutobi.

"I will take that as a no. Very well. In accordance with standard procedure involving shinobi accused of crimes against their village and those under their village's protection, a panel of shinobi of all ranks was convened, its purpose to determine whether or not a crime was committed. Uchiha Sasuke, you have been found guilty by your peers. You will now be sentenced."

Once again addressing the audience, he began. "Allow me to explain. Normally, the punishment for a first offense is a combination of fines and performing mission at discount prices. However, a Uchiha has the ability to gain more from watching a single training session than most others, so we have a much harsher sentence for them. Uchiha Sasuke will face an opponent of my choosing in a fight right here on this field."

At this, various shinobi stood and began yelling in protest at this sentence. Sarutobi silenced them by flaring his chakra.

"Be silent! By illegally observing the Suna genin both individually and as a team, he has committed at least four separate acts of aggression against Suna. The Suna genin are well within their rights to demand his head for what he has done. Should it be reported that he received leniency after committing these acts, we could stand to lose both business and our standing as an honorable village, where those who commit crimes of their own volition are punished for them. However, I have spoken with the Suna team, and we have reached an agreement. Sasuke's actions will not be reported to Sunagakure, provided he receives the maximum punishment for a genin. Now tell me, which is truly more important: preserving our village's reputation and good name, or allowing a genin to get away with committing crimes that are acts of war, each of which would warrant a death sentence to anyone above the rank of chuunin?"

There was grumbling from some of the assembled nin, but no one else raised their voice in further protest.

"Good. I have spent the majority of my life in service to this village and the principles it stands for. It would pain me to think that the village I thought this was existed only in my imagination. Now then, Jiraiya, administer the seal."

Jiraiya appeared behind Sasuke and slammed his hand into Sasuke's neck, next to the curse seal.

"Fuin!"

Sasuke fell to the ground, writhing in pain. Sarutobi continued.

"The seal you have now received prevents the usage of your Sharingan while it is on you. It wouldn't be much of a punishment if you come away with new jutsu, now would it?"

"Y-you have no right to take the Sharingan away from me."

"On the contrary, I have every right. You are a shinobi under my command, and you have broken several laws. As such, I may do whatever I wish as punishment. Should you do it again, the next step will be the surgical removal of your eyes."

Sasuke glared. "Let's get this over with."

"Very well. Uchiha Sasuke, your opponent... is me." Sarutobi removed his hat and robe to reveal an older style of shinobi uniform.

The Konoha shinobi present stiffened. The Hokage was going to fight a genin? Nothing they could say would change anything, but they hoped the Hokage wouldn't be going all out against the boy.

"Jiraiya, you may proceed."

"Hai, sensei. Combatants, take your positions. HAJIME!!"

At Jiraiya's signal, Sarutobi dashed forward, sinking his fist into Sasuke's stomach. When Sasuke bent forward, Sarutobi grabbed his arms and spun around, the force causing Sasuke's feet to leave the ground. The Hokage then let go, sending Sasuke flying. Sasuke landed roughly, managing to cushion himself only enough to prevent serious injury. The jarring pain that shot through his body stunned him enough to cause him to lose sight of the elderly Kage. Whirling around, Sasuke found himself being launched skyward as Sarutobi caught him from behind. Mid-air, Sasuke began making seals for a Katon jutsu, only to be interrupted by having to avoid a swarm of shuriken.

"You would do well to conserve your chakra for using Kawarimi rather than trying to attack me, young genin. But if you wish to step this up, I am happy to oblige."

--

Among the crowd, the genin teams had gathered. Kurenai took the opportunity to ask a question that was on the minds of most everyone present.

"Kakashi-san, why didn't you try to defend Sasuke-san? As his jounin-sensei, that is your responsibility, is it not?"

Normally Kakashi would have brushed her question off, but he didn't feel like being asked that question incessantly.

"Kurenai-san, it is my personal belief that adhering to the law is of the utmost importance, second only to loyalty to one's comrades. I also believe that if these laws are broken, one deserves the following consequences. My student violated laws enforced by ninja villages and daimyos alike, and he is now paying the price. As for why I did not defend him, there really is no excuse for his actions. Ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse, no matter where you are. Besides, had I ever done the same thing, I could have been made to face the Hokage, and as good as I may be, Hokage-sama is still a much better shinobi than I.

"Why would you have had to fight the Hokage? You aren't a Uchiha."

"When it was determined that I could use my Sharingan to full effect, the law was changed from 'any Uchiha with an active Sharingan' to 'anyone in possession of an active Sharingan'. Sensei and Hokage-sama both made sure to close any loopholes, ensuring that I would not have any excuse should I ever do what Sasuke-kun has done."

'Why else would I tail him and write most of the ANBU reports on his attempts at espionage for Hokage-sama?'

Shino arched an eyebrow. "Hokage-sama is generating killing intent and focusing it at the Uchiha. Most unusual."

"Actually," replied Asuma, "the only rules for this sort of thing are that pop... er, the Hokage, can't do anything that would directly lead to your classmate's death. If he dies of the injuries he receives, that's legal. So, no poisons, intentional death-blows, or stuff like that. Beyond that, he can do anything he wants. That includes using killing intent."

Sakura asked the next question. "Kakashi-sensei, if Sasuke was charged with a crime, why didn't he know?"

"Civilian crimes get civilian trials, which are open to the public. This was a shinobi crime, and shinobi trials are different. As we are trained to kill, it would be rather senseless to let the accused see the faces of those who will decide his guilt or innocence, as they are our comrades, and we need to be able to work together. It could cause bad blood, and jeopardize the village if the accused were to go around killing the jurors for his trial. So, the trials are conducted in secret."

--

Sasuke was in trouble. After his failed attempt at retaliation, the Hokage was showing him no mercy. Actually, the fact that he was still alive meant that he was being shown some mercy. Now, instead of just dodging physical blows and weapons, he had to contend with jutsu as well, all the while being blasted with just enough killing intent to interfere with his reaction time. He was having trouble performing the most basic movements now. The Sandaime had scored enough solid blows and done enough damage that Sasuke wouldn't last much longer.

Sarutobi called out his final jutsu. "Doton: Ishi Kyanonbo-ru!" The ground next to Sarutobi swelled and spat out a stone sphere the size of Sarutobi's head at Sasuke. The jutsu connected, and the entire clearing was filled with the sound of Sasuke's ribs breaking and the accompanying cries of pain.

Jiraiya stepped forward. "I'm ending this. He's completely defenseless and will be out of commission for a while."

Medics were called in. They began stabilizing Sasuke for transport to the hospital. Sarutobi spoke up again.

"Before we adjourn, there is one more thing. As I said, this little spectacle was young Sasuke's punishment for spying on the Suna genin. Uchiha-san was also found guilty of spying on fellow Konoha nin, and I must now hand down the sentence for this offense. The seal that disables the Sharingan will remain on him until both Jiraiya and I decide it is to be taken off. Any attempt to remove or alter the seal will result in the Sharingan being permanently sealed. You may go now."

The shinobi began to disperse. Sarutobi walked over to where Naruto was standing.

"Naruto-kun, I believe I have you to thank for how well I did."

Naruto scratched his head. "Um, what are you talking about? I didn't have anything to do with your fight."

Sarutobi laughed. "Naruto-kun, until I started training you, I hadn't realized precisely how out of shape I had gotten sitting in that office day in and day out. Were it not for you, I could have easily gotten hurt or made a complete fool of myself. Now, if you would, run up to my office and get out the basin, the salts and liniments. Also, put on some water to boil. I may not have hurt myself, but by the time I get back to the office, the adrenaline will have worn off, and I'm going to really feel the pain."

"Hai, sensei." Naruto took off in the direction of the Hokage's tower.

'Getting old really sucks sometimes,' commented the elderly Kage as he made his way towards the same destination.

--

There was a knock at the door of the Hokage's office.

"Hokage-sama, we have an update regarding our mission."

Sarutobi gave permission to enter and looked up from his desk. His feet were still aching, so he had them soaking in the basin filled with epsom salts and hot water. The two ANBU he had assigned to investigate Yakushi Kabuto were in front of his desk. "So soon? It's barely been a week since I gave you the mission. Alright. Let's hear it."

"We are nowhere near the conclusion of our investigation, Hokage-sama, but we have uncovered evidence that we felt could not wait."

"Go on."

"Outwardly, he has done nothing suspicious. If he knows we are watching, he does not show it. However, we were able to recover a set of chakra-responsive data cards from his apartment while he was out. Whatever information was on them has since been wiped clean, but we were able to retrieve fingerprints from the surface of the cards."

"Whose fingerprints did you recover?"

"Yakushi-san's prints, as would be expected. Also, the prints of several of the rookie Konoha genin, and one other source."

"The genin admitted to looking themselves up, so that would explain the presence of their fingerprints. What of this 'other source'? Have you identified this other person?"

The ANBU shared a look. "We have, sir. The prints belong to... Orochimaru."

If they were expecting an outburst, they were sorely disappointed. Sarutobi simply leaned back into his chair and steepled his fingers.

"I see. It makes sense that in order to gain access to Training Ground 44, not to mention the village, he would need someone on the inside. Is there anything else?"

"It appears that in order to maintain his cover as a genin, he is actively masking his chakra. As a result, we can only guess as to his true level of skill."

"Very well. Continue watching him. Again, no confronting him. His adopted father was a medic of considerable skill. Kabuto may be able to use some of the medical jutsu that can be adapted for use in combat. Report directly to me if anything else should arise. I will also be assigning additional ANBU to assist you. Should I be otherwise occupied when you need to inform me of some new development, the emergency pass-phrase will be 'Kunai and shuriken are on sale downtown'."

"Understood, Hokage-sama."

-- -

Doton: Ishi Kyanonbo-ru–Earth Release: Stone Cannonball

-- -

Next Time: A Deal is Made