AN: Again thank you for all the reviews. They make writing this really enjoyable. So again thanks, your humble author S, o. t. A.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit.
Chapter 31: Moving Out, Moving On
Sai sat in his temporary residence as he only had a few days left in it before Danzou would expect him to return to the Root Compound located beneath the grounds of his home. After reading the transcript of Danzou's conversation with Kushina Uzumaki he had come to one conclusion the Root Leader had chosen the perfect assassin to get rid of Naruto.
It had taken sneaking back into the Records Room to find what he needed to about the woman since his mouse hadn't told him anything other than her name, the most important being she was Naruto's mother. Sai was convinced that no matter how thin the bond between them, if Naruto found out of their connection he would not be able to kill her. So he needed to find a way to not only communicate Danzou's intentions to his friend but also a way to sabotage his efforts to train the woman.
The second part would be easy. Since Sai was fairly certain Danzou expected him to train Kushina in how Naruto fought. He would have to be careful not to show his true intentions at first but he was sure over time Danzou would give Sai free rein to attempt what he had in mind.
It was in how to get around the curse seal on his tongue that was giving him the greatest trouble since he couldn't even write down what he wanted to tell Naruto. However, that didn't truly matter since once he was back at the Root base his mail would be read before being passed along. He was sitting at a table while absent-mindedly drawing to help clear his mind in order to find a solution to the problem. After several hours he still hadn't thought of anything so setting his pencil down he was going to prepare a meal. Having not really been paying attention to what he drew he looked at it and smiled at the surprise waiting for him.
Sitting on his desk was a picture of Kushina sitting next to a baby crib with the nine –tailed fox in the background. He then realized that perhaps his drawing could tell the tale he hoped to pass on. He would of course have to hide the fox perhaps make it look like flames. So that they would really have to look at the picture to figure out what was hidden inside and also change Kushina's face perhaps to how Naruto appeared when performing his sexy-jutsu. It would be a stretch, but it could work.
Smiling he realized that he could in effect use the idea of creating a picture book like he had planned with his murdered teammate. He would have to send the pages out of the compound slowly so as to not draw attention. But he had time, figuring that Danzou would wait until Naruto returned before sending Kushina after him. He would also need somebody to collect the pages for him preferably somebody close to Naruto.
The final problem to his plan was Naruto himself. While Sai knew that Naruto could be quite brilliant during a fight he was also rather simple minded when it came to seeing underneath the underneath. His continued obliviousness, to Sakura and Hinata's deeper feelings for him, being a perfect example. He had little doubt if he gave the pictures to Naruto directly that the blonde would look at them say, 'That's nice' and then file it away until the next one came. But with any luck the person he actually gave them to would be clever enough to see the coming threat he planned for the pictures to warn of. With the idea of dinner forgotten Sai set about making the changes to the picture he noted and hoped it would be enough.
In the proceeding weeks after Sasuke's defection Konoha seemed to return to normal if somewhat quieter now that Naruto was gone. As news of Sasuke's defection spread it became apparent that the civilians of the village were split down the middle as to how to take that revelation. Half believed that Tsunade did the right thing in marking him as a missing-nin to be killed on sight, while the other half held on to the notion that he was being controlled somehow. Unfortunately, for Tsunade the half that wanted Sasuke to be absolved of his crimes was a rather vocal half which was why she was on her way to a meeting between the civilian and clan councils.
Taking her seat at the head of the room on a raised dais, she watched as many of the other councilors and clan leaders filed in. The truth was she didn't even want to deal with this, due to one of Konoha's spies having uncovered a lead that may have led to the identity of one of the other Akatsuki members. Jiraiya may have been the best, but he wasn't the only source of information available to the village and recently one of those spies had spotted a man in a black robe with red clouds heading into a bounty collecting office to drop off a corpse to collect his payment. After swiftly and violently shutting down the office after the robed man had left the Anbu responsible for the find had brought the man who ran the office to the village and was currently entertaining Ibiki. The special jounin had promised he would squeeze every bit of information available about the robed man out of his captive.
Ibiki had also asked to speak to Tayuya, but Tsunade informed him that she wanted Anko to handle it. However he was most insistent and said it was related to another matter he was investigating. After he had said it would only take a minute and he wouldn't even need to break her, Tsunade had agreed.
Sighing as the last councilor took his seat Tsunade said, "Alright, I hereby call this farce to order."
"Lady Tsunade please refrain from such remarks," one of councilors said, obviously a Sasuke supporter, "This is a forum in which the people who disagree with your marking Sasuke as a missing-nin wish to have their opinions heard."
"Which is why I'm here instead of dealing with real Leaf business," Tsunade replied alright fed up with the proceedings.
Another councilor said, "This is real Konoha business and you should at least be willing to listen to our complaints seeing as we have fulfilled the necessary requirements to have this meeting."
"You mean minimum requirement, don't you councilor? As I believe the requirement you speak of was a simple majority vote," Hiashi supplied. "A vote I believe that passed by only a single ballot."
Tsunade nodded her head at Hiashi's words while directing a glare to the woman whose vote had allowed for this meeting. If Misaki Haruno felt or cared that the Hokage was glaring at her she did not seem fazed by it. Instead she coolly said, "What does it matter by how many votes the motion was carried? It still passed; therefore perhaps we should turn our attentions to discussing the matter at hand."
"Agreed," Tsunade said. What proceeded for the Hokage were three of the most boring hours of her life as the councilors bickered among themselves. As they fought the clan heads stayed out of it for the most part only occasionally interjecting a point or a particular counter-argument. Although, it seemed that the civilian council wouldn't be able to get the mandatory two-thirds vote among themselves to overturn her ruling on Sasuke's status. However, if too many of the Clan leaders or village elders sided with them, they could still pull off the win. So with that in mind she decided to gauge how each of the Clan Leaders was responding to the argument they were witnessing.
The first was Tsume who looked like she was about to jump into the pit of Sasuke supports and begin ripping them to pieces. While Tsunade had been surprised at first that the Inuzuka matriarch had shown up to the meeting, in light of the number of meetings the lady had blown off before. In retrospect she knew she shouldn't have been since the matter being discussed was whether or not to allow Sasuke off scot-free should he ever return or be captured. She obviously wasn't going to side with the Uchiha's supporters.
Tsunade's gaze next fell on Hiashi Hyuuga. Another of the Clan Leaders that she was positive would not be voting in the Uchiha's favor. Although, she knew it wasn't the reason. She couldn't help but feel that even if it was proven that Sasuke was being controlled that he would side against the Uchiha due in part to the two clans ancient rivalry and hatred of one another. It had surprised many during the founding of Konoha that the Hyuuga had joined the village shortly after its establishment despite the Uchiha presence. Many attributed it to what a great man her grandfather had been.
The next seat was empty and where the Kurama Clan head would sit, but since she wasn't a shinobi and kept in isolation it was always empty. The next three were the previous incarnation of the Ino-Shika-Chou team who usually voted in a block. But with two of the three's children risking their lives to capture Sasuke she was positive they would shoot down the notion of letting the Uchiha run free.
The Uchiha seat was of course empty. A thing that rubbed her the wrong way about the chair even still being in the room was the lack of one for the Uzumaki. The council thirteen years ago had voted that they would be granted Clan status but after the Kyuubi being sealed in the only know Uzumaki survivor it was never put into effect. Although, Jiraiya had been planning for it for some time, which was why he had bought Naruto's apartment building and spent so much money renovating it.
Sighing internally as the councilors seemed to be going around in circles Tsunade thought, "No, if I want to be honest with myself the only Clan Head I'm afraid will side with Sasuke is Sarutobi-sensei." The reason she felt this way had less to do with Sasuke but instead centered on the debt the former Hokage perceived was owed to his brother.
She was pulled from her thoughts when a councilor suggested that it was Naruto who had somehow planted a means of control on Sasuke and had then forced him to leave the village. Tsunade was about to object when much to everyone's surprise Tsume smashed her fist through her table breaking it in half. Getting up from her chair she slowly walked to the councilor who had opened his mouth everyone between her and the main clearing from her path. If not for her then for Kuromaru, her nin-dog, that was snarling at her side as she made her way to the petrified man.
Getting right in the taller man's face she asked, "What did you say?"
"I said we should consider that the demon brat…" which was as far as he got before Tsume slammed her fist into his gut causing him to stagger back.
One of his fellow councilors asked, "Are you insane?"
Tsume just met the woman's eyes causing her to meekly take her seat before saying, "I've tried to keep my peace as you morons argued about that little piece of shit Uchiha. The only thing that allowed me to do that was the confidence that this motion would fail. However, I will not sit back and allow the only reason that I still have a son to be insulted in my presence. With that being said, allow me to make the Inuzuka position on the matter clear. Any further attempts to tarnish Naruto Uzumaki's reputation will be met by the harshest punishments that I can hand out as the Inuzuka Clan Head. Furthermore the Inuzuka Clan pledges that it owes the Uzumaki Clan a Blood Debt and as such will always stand by their side as allies."
As Tsume began to return to her seat one of the bolder councilors asked snidely, "And how exactly do you expect to punish us?"
Turning to the man Tsume said, "The Inuzuka may not be as rich as some clans but we are not without influence. Your district's butcher shops for instance flourish due to us. Your mouth just cost them those contracts."
Tsume took her seat as the man tried to sputter an apology. The pro-Sasuke side seemed to deflate under the fear the Inuzuka would punish them further. However one woman who hadn't argued for one side or the other raised her hand saying, "I would like to speak."
Tsunade who found the last few minutes enjoyable said, "Very well, Councilor Haruno."
Standing the councilor who had pink hair like her daughter as well as a slim and athletic build made her way to the front of the room."I would just like to say that for one I would like to cast my vote that Sasuke Uchiha remain marked as a missing-nin," Misaki said throwing the room into chaos.
One of the pro-Sasuke councilors shouted, his feeling of betrayal easy to hear, "It is only because of you we got this far."
Conceding the point Councilor Haruno replied, "True, however the only reason I voted for today's assembly to take place was so we could hear all sides of the argument. However, I haven't heard anything to make me believe that the boy who attacked my daughter didn't do it for his own personal reasons and therefore deserves to be punished accordingly." She paused for a few moments to let her point sink in before saying, "Yet, I also think it is important to understand the reason that he has abandoned the village."
"That being?" Tsunade asked cautiously.
"While it may have been unfortunately worded, I do believe my fellow councilman does have a point in suggesting that Sasuke Uchiha left due to the presence of Naruto Uzumaki. However, instead of some fantastical theory about secret methods of control his abandonment of Konoha was due to the special treatment the jinchuriki has received since his return," Masaki coolly suggested.
Tsume growled causing the council woman to respond by saying, "You may snarl all you like but that doesn't change my opinion. In addition, unless I'm wrong this is still Konoha where people are allowed to have differing points of view."
"Regardless," Tsunade cut in, "This isn't the venue for this discussion."
Before she could get the meeting back on track an Anti-Sasuke councilor said, "I think we should hear her out."
This was followed by shouts of agreement from both sides of the previous argument causing Tsunade to think, "Great, the only thing they can agree on is that they hate Naruto." However, a closer look showed that again the room seemed to be divided equally among Pro or Anti Naruto councilors they were just not in the same camp on the Sasuke issue.
Gritting her teeth Tsunade said, "Okay Councilor, enlighten us."
"Well to begin I imagine that learning from a missing must have seemed like a golden opportunity to Sasuke when one considers Uzumaki did," Masaki began. "Why shouldn't Sasuke have considered it a viable option when Uzumaki, not only was allowed to leave but welcomed back with open arms."
"Those were extenuating circumstances," Tsunade shot back, "Unless you count almost being murdered by one of his teachers a positive experience. A teacher, I might add, who threatened to kill you daughter if he returned."
"I'm not saying the jinchuriki didn't have a reason to leave. Only that his subsequent return is the reason behind Sasuke's defection."
"You also claim, he has received special treatment," Hiashi stated, "I believe he was ostracized from the village for the first six years of his life."
Scoffing Masaki countered, "How out of favor can an orphan be when he has the backing of the Hokage as well as two of the Sannin? Let us take a look shall we, does anyone honestly believe that a man of Zabuza's reputation would have been allowed to join this village if he hadn't of been in possession of Uzumaki. Furthermore, he was snuck in under an assumed name instead of being brought before this council to be judged…"
"I object to that Councilor Haruno," Sarutobi said. "Any, number of candidates have been allowed to join Konoha using the Chunin Exam method."
"Yes Elder Sarutobi," she conceded, "But how many under a fake name."
"I call bullshit," Tsume shouted, "the fact that Elder Sarutobi felt that he needed to hide Naruto's identity only shows he feared the kid wouldn't get a fair shake in the council."
"Or to guarantee that the opponents he faced wouldn't know they faced a jinchuriki and give him an advantage," Councilor Haruno argued
"He didn't use the Kyuubi to pass the exam," Sarutobi countered.
"That we know of. In any case, what I'm trying to say is that despite having extenuated circumstances of his own. Sasuke was expected to fit into the Konoha mold of how Shinobi are brought up while the mold was made to fit Naruto's circumstances."
"So basically you are saying that we should have come up with a whole new program for Sasuke," Tsunade said.
"Why not," Councilor Haruno stated, "He could have been fast tracked for the hunter program in order to make him feel like he was closing in on his goal of killing Itachi. It's practically written in his file that was the only reason he joined the shinobi program."
"Well the Shinobi program doesn't divide people into the different divisions like that," Tsunade replied, "Instead it's the shinobi themselves that choose what fields they wish to proceed in. If Sasuke wanted to join the hunters then he should have worked at it like everyone else."
"I agree," Masaki said, "But aren't you fast tracking Naruto to fulfill his dream of becoming Hokage. After all how many chunin are allowed to take potentially years off in order to train with a Sannin. Or are those more of your extenuating circumstances."
Tsunade gritted her teeth again but kept silent. She so desperately wanted to shout yes. That the boy Masaki had so casually dismissed as having it, 'not that bad' was in fact being targeted by a group seemingly composed entirely of S-class criminals. But that was top secret for now so she kept her mouth shut.
Masaki having seemingly made her point proceeded to return to her seat and much to Tsunade's anger a few of the councilors she had placed in Naruto's camp seemed to have switched allegiances. The vote was called for shortly after and Sasuke was still marked as a missing-nin as a result.
Leaving the Council Hall, Tsunade stormed to her office slamming it behind her and pacing her office let out every conceivable cuss word she could think of and a few she was sure she created. Still not satisfied she eyed her desk and was about to punt it the distance of Fire Country but stopped when she heard, "That desk has seen many great accomplishments and many important documents have been signed upon it. It would be a shame to see so much history destroyed because of a bad council meeting."
Turning and seeing Sarutobi sitting on the couch in her office she said angrily, "You call that a merely bad meeting? I'd hate to see what you consider a horrible one."
Chuckling as he lit his pipe he said, "True Misaki's turning the meeting into one against Naruto was unforeseen. But, you are focusing solely on the bad. Tsume's decree was a powerful display in Naruto's favor. The only other man to ever elicit a Blood Debt from the head of the Inuzuka Clan therefore gaining the whole clan's support was your Great-Uncle, the Second Hokage and the man who brought the Inuzuka under the banner of Konoha."
"But what about the councilors that were swayed by Misaki's words," Tsunade said after a moment's pause.
"Any allies so easily swayed are allies that aren't worth having," Sarutobi supplied before getting up and heading for the window.
As her old sensei prepared to leave, she said, "You're getting as bad as Jiraiya with this coming and going of yours sensei."
"Perhaps but just consider it a perk of growing to be my age," he replied before leaving via the window
Hiashi sometimes envied the other clan heads the freedom to decide their clans' paths the way Tsume did at the meeting he was returning from. If he could, he would have made a similar statement on the Uzumaki's behalf. But if he did, he would have had half the Main House up in arms against him. Entering the Hyuuga compound he was met by his eldest Hinata who still not having received permission to train was helping him in hopes of learning the game of politics.
Bowing to him, Hinata said, "Father, you have a guest waiting for you."
"Who?"
The distaste for his guest reached her face, for a moment, before she quickly hid it as she answered, "Hideki as well as several elders."
A similar look appeared on his face for a moment causing Hinata to giggle lightly as he sighed, "I'll be along shortly." He then handed her the folder of the days meeting's transcripts which she had requested before freshening up in preparation for meeting his guests.
"To what do I owe the pleasure," Hiashi said entering the room he used to greet his visitors and deal with clan business.
"If it was such a pleasure," Hideki responded contemptuously, "I doubt you would have been avoiding us for so long."
"I'm sorry for the oversight, but surely you can understand seeing as my daughter and nephew were recently wounded," Hiashi replied.
"That is precisely why we wish to speak to you," Hideki said.
"And why would that be?" Hiashi asked.
"Simple. It raises the question of, just what are you teaching your daughters," one of the elders said speaking up.
"Well that would be the Gentle Fist Technique," Hiashi said slightly amused.
"Cute, what he means is," Hideki said clearly not amused, "what are you teaching her that a heiress of the Main Branch would think throwing herself in front of an arrow for a House Branch Member is an acceptable way to act?"
"Well perhaps we should ask her?" Hiashi said. "Hinata, what were you thinking at the time you were wounded?"
"I was thinking that a fellow Leaf Shinobi and my cousin, was in trouble, Father," Hinata answered.
"Well gentlemen there is your answer," Hiashi said keeping his face unemotional.
"Do you think this is a joking matter, Hiashi?" Hideki said.
"No Hideki, I do not," Hiashi said stern but calm.
"Good, because there is also the matter of your teaching Neji, several Main Family fighting techniques to discuss," Hideki said challengingly.
"I see," Hiashi said calmly, "What exactly do you find wrong with that might I ask?"
Looking at Hiashi as if he had lost his mind, Hideki said, "Perhaps that it is against the rules of the Main House. There is a separation between the two families for a reason?"
"While I agree that it normal is against protocol for a member of the Branch Families to learn from the Main Family. I believe it is in our own best interest to teach Neji the techniques in question," Hiashi replied calmly which is why one of the elders with Hideki asked him to explain himself.
Thanking the elder Hiashi explained, "Neji is a special case and is every bit the prodigy that the Branch Family claims. Let us consider gentleman that he taught himself Rotation." Seeing the elders mulling his statement over he continued, "Therefore it only stands to reason that he will continue to learn techniques many of which he has probably only heard of the Main Family possessing and since as a Branch Family member he will more than likely be the face that many people attribute the strength of the Hyuuga to. I reasoned that it would be best if he uses the techniques properly."
"Mere posturing to cover the fact that you wish to blend the two families into one," Hideki countered
"Believe what you will," Hiashi countered, "However, seeing as your questions have been answered. Unless you have other business you need to address to me. I believe we are done here."
"For now Hiashi, for now," Hideki said before leading the elders out of the room.
After they were gone Hinata said, "I'm sorry Father."
"Perish the thought,' Hiashi said proudly to his daughter, "What you did was a noble and brave thing. It also has aligned the Branch family solely behind me."
Hinata was surprised by that saying, "I didn't know."
"I'm not surprised. Seeing as I know you didn't do it for political favors," Hiashi said, "But it appears that the Branch family thinks that I must be doing something right as a father if my daughter is willing to almost die for one of them."
"In any case," Hiashi said, looking at the folder he had handed Hinata containing what had been said in the council meeting earlier, "I'm sure you will want to take a look at the contents of that folder." Hinata nodded her head and scooping up the folder headed to her room to do just that.
Dosu was getting tired of being led around by the nose. He had showed up to the boat and the captain had transported him to Water Country telling him to head to a nearby town to meet someone. Well when he arrived at the hotel where he was supposed to meet the contact he had been handed a note by the clerk that told him to head somewhere else. The place he was heading now would be his sixth destination and he vowed if the contact wasn't there it would be his last. However, he had said that about the last one too.
Although, he had a feeling that he was close, his feeling emanated from a tidbit of information he had heard when he had asked for directions to his new destination. And that was that the town he was supposed to head to, had once resided near the Kaguya's old compound. He didn't know what the lady he had met with in Tea Country was up to, but he was fairly certain that considering the Kaguya's fearsome reputation and that most people seemed to avoid it even now. That it was the perfect place to stage an operation as big and secretive as the one she seemed to be.
As he walked the road to the next village he became aware that he was being watched. As discretely as possible he hit the Melody Arm he wore causing it to give off a low tone. Able to perceive the sound waves that returned as they bounced off objects he formed a mental picture and realized he was surrounded. Hoping this was the end of his journey he said, "I know you are out there and that there are six of you."
"Seven," a voice said behind him causing Dosu to spin around.
Standing there giving a friendly grin was a man wearing the standard uniform of the Kiri Hunter division. But instead of a mask Dosu could see that the man was wearing a patch over his right eye. He also not surprisingly was wearing the Kiri Headband that kept his blue-green hair standing up straight. Wondering if these were in fact the people he was supposed to meet Dosu calmly said, "In any case, may I help you?"
Giving a friendly smile the man said, "Actually it's we, who can help you get to where you are heading."
Remembering the password that he had been given at his last supposed meeting spot he said, "This is the road to nowhere."
Smiling at the phrase the man replied, "All roads lead to Kirigakure."
Recognizing the counter sign Dosu said, "Finally. What was with the cat and mouse game?"
"Sorry about that. But we can't afford to be too careful. My name is Ao by the way, it is a pleasure to meet you."
Taking the offered hand Dosu said, "Likewise, I take it you'll be taking me to the Kaguya Compound now?"
Ao looked surprised so Dosu said, "It is the only logical place that a group as cagey as yours would have a base if they wished to remain undetected."
Chuckling lightly Ao said, "She was right about you it would seem. You do possess a head for tactics."
"She," Dosu asked, "The woman from the bar?"
"Yes, let me take you to her and she'll answer any questions you may have?"
Ao led him from the road into the deep woods. They traveled for over an hour until they came across a hilly area that Dosu realized was the Kaguya Compound as most of the buildings were built into the surrounding hills. Being led into one of the bigger building he was escorted to a central chamber stacked with various supplies. At the center of the chamber was a woman standing near a large table that had a map of the Kirigakure on it.
Looking up from the map the woman's visible eye seemed to light up as she said, "Ah good you decided to join us."
Turning to his escort she said, "You better hurry along if you want to meet up with Chojuro on time to unload the boat that is set to arrive with our medical supplies."
"Yeah," Ao said, "Wouldn't want to leave him waiting after all the times I've told him to be prompt, I guess."
However Mei had stopped listening only hearing, "Leave waiting at the altar."
Mei mood instantly darkened as she approached Ao and said, "Keep it up and I'll kill you."
Ao confused at what he said to upset Mei wisely retreated. Her mood shifted right back into joy as she said to Dosu, "I'm sorry about the run around we've been giving you but we have to be careful that you weren't followed."
Dosu nodded his head in understanding so she said, "Please come with me." Following at her side they walked through the carved halls of the compound. As they walked Dosu saw lots of children his age but very few adults.
Getting curious he said, "I take it the operation you have planned is against Kirigakure."
"Yes"
"I don't mean to be rude but surely you have more than these kids to help you," Dosu said wondering if it had been a good idea to join after all.
"There are a few Missing-nins scattered around the compound," Mei said not insulted in the slightest, "These children are the remnants of several of the clans with Kekkei Genkai that have been wiped out over the years. Unfortunately, they have never received any real ninja training and even fewer display the Bloodline abilities that were the reason their homes were destroyed."
"Still you can't honestly believe they stand half a chance of helping you take Kirigakure," Dosu said.
"Given time I believe they will," Mei said, "And your task for now is to help. Besides these aren't the only people dedicated to seeing Yagura fall."
Surprised that Mei seemed to be willing to give him such responsibilities right off the back he said, "Again not to question you, but don't you seem to think you're placing a lot of responsibility on a guy who just joined your outfit. How do you even know that I can handle it?"
Laughing her musical laugh she said, "Because as I said we are very cautious. While the diamond job was the one that made me decide to approach you it wasn't the only time you have worked for me. I'm confident you have the skills I need and one of those skills is being a leader. You need to have more faith in yourself. I know you feel you screwed up once. But, if you want to know what separates the men from the boys it's their ability to bounce back from their previous failures and come back for more."
He was mulling it over so placing a hand on his shoulder and meeting his eye she said, "In addition I have faith in you." His spirit was bolstered a little by what she said and he also chuckled after she added, "Besides, if you screw up this time we'll all be dead. So don't worry so much."
Tsunade sat in her office worried as she read over the file of the expected Akatsuki member, Kakuzu. What worried Tsunade most was that the file was located in the, 'Missing but expected to be dead' category. Especially since, he was believed to have carried out an assassination attempt against her grandfather. Did Akatsuki really have people so powerful even death couldn't touch them?
Turning to look out the village she wondered if it truly deserved protection after the meeting she had to suffer through earlier in the day. But she shook such nasty thoughts off gaining confidence it was from the display put on by Tsume early. Hearing a knock at the door she turned to see one of the other reasons entering as Sakura came to report the successful completion of the task she had sent her on. Her face lost its worried one putting a proud smile on her face as she spoke to her new apprentice.
"Did you tell Tenzo to report to me tomorrow as I asked?"
Nodding her head Sakura said, "Yes Milady, he also thanks you for the praise in shutting down the collection agency. Is there anything else you require of me?"
Tsunade thought for a moment, as she fought down the small grimace that Sakura apparently hadn't learned anything of interest from Tenzo regarding why he shut it down. Having worked with the girl for the past couple of weeks she knew just how smart she was and that she had also come to realize there was more to Naruto's training trip then she was being told. That was why Tsunade had been going out of her way to get Sakura to see the truth without actually having to tell her. Due in no small part to her disagreeing with Naruto that he didn't want her or Hinata to know about Akatsuki.
Unfortunately the major roadblock she kept running into was that Konoha was a shinobi village and for the most part those in the know, knew when to keep their mouths shut. She had even sent Sakura to get the file on Kakuzu hoping the young girl would get curious. While she was sure the girl was curious she knew better than to ask since she knew she didn't have the necessary clearance. Sighing internally Tsunade thought, "Well looks like I'll have to use the old leave the file I know you're curious about in the open trick."
Finally she said, while getting up to leave the room, "Yes actually I want you to organize these files on my desk alphabetically with the A's on top."
"Yes Milady," Sakura responded and Tsunade almost laughed as she eyed the Akatsuki folder hungrily. She knew it stood out from all the others having placed a red tab on it for just that reason. Tsunade walked out of the room confident that soon Sakura followed shortly by Hinata would have all the information pertinent to the boy they both hoped to make theirs and the dangers he faced.
Sakura at least counted to thirty before she was at the desk opening the folder with the red tab. She had first become curious about it when the tab had appeared on it. But she had blown it off figuring that Tsunade knew she would be reaching for it more than the others so wanted to make it easier to find. However, that curiosity became an itch that she had needed to scratch from all the worry that Tsunade showed after reading it. Having found her master lost in thought several times with a quiet fear on her face that was easy to see and the file always out on her desk at those times.
Today had been the final straw as after Tsunade had read a report handed in by the Anbu Tenzo. Sakura had been tasked to find a folder on a Missing-nin named Kakuzu. She had looked inside since it was in a low clearance file seeing as nobody cared about a ninja that had been alive around the time of Konoha's founding. What she had seen of his record had been frightening, to say the least, but even more so was that she had seen Tsunade put that file in the one she was currently going through.
Skimming through it quickly realizing she could be in a lot of trouble if caught even if a part of her believed Tsunade wanted her to see it, she read, "Akatsuki is a organization that is composed of Ten S-class criminals," a little side note said that number had dropped to nine due to Orochimaru's defection causing Sakura to wonder why he had never been replaced picking up where she left off she read, "Current known members are Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki." She saw that her master had written in the name of Kakuzu in a category marked suspected but unverified. Sakura could see why this group worried her Master so, but it was in seeing what they were after that made Sakura positive that Tsunade wanted her to read this file as it said, "The group's goals remain unknown however they seem to have a desire to locate all the jinchuriki. Itachi and Kisame have already shown up in the village once to ascertain Naruto's location."
Closing the file Sakura staggered back at the news that a group of S-class criminals were after Naruto. When Naruto had told her and Hinata he was leaving she had been positive he hadn't been entirely truthful. A feeling that Hinata had said she shared when they had discussed it later. Now she knew why and was both angry and grateful to the Blonde.
She was grateful initially because as many would say ignorance is bliss, but anger soon won out because he should have told them. Didn't he trust them to help shoulder the burden and also just because they didn't know didn't mean they were safe. But she calmed down knowing that Naruto just didn't want her and Hinata to spend the next few years worrying if Akatsuki had made a move against him. However when he got back she planned to have a stern talk with him about just what he should keep to himself. Because no matter how he looked at it that was information that he should have shared with them if he valued their friendship as much as they did his. After all, friends worried for one another.
Completing her task she left a thank you note for Tsunade fairly confident that the Hokage would know what it pertained to and then went to tell the other person who deserved to know the obstacles that Naruto would face in the future.
Hinata was fuming as she read over the transcripts for the meeting her father had attended that morning. She had found the first half faintly amusing as the councilors argued over whether Sasuke deserved missing-nin status some of the excuses the councilors had come up with being rather farfetched but that amusement had disappeared when one of them had accused her Naruto of being the puppet master behind his defection. She was glad Kiba's mother had responded the way she did having felt the urge herself.
But what made the normally calm girl absolutely livid was Sakura's mother having turned the meeting into an 'it's not Naruto's fault but it's Naruto's fault convention.' That was why when she heard a knock at her door and Sakura entered after receiving her permission to enter she hadn't been able to help giving her friend a dirty look.
Sakura immediately asked, "What is it? Did Naruto's last letter to you declare his undying love for me?"
Unable to help herself Hinata replied laughing lightly her bad mood evaporating, "No, I'm sorry just something I read bothered me."
"Does it have to do with Naruto?" Sakura asked.
Hinata didn't want to be responsible for any bad feelings between a mother and her daughter said, "Just something to do with the meeting about Sasuke this morning."
"They marked him as a missing-nin why would that upset you?" Sakura asked now positive it had to do with Naruto remembering how sour her Master was after the meeting. A little testy Hinata was holding out on her she said, "Fine, if you won't tell me then I won't tell you what I learned about the real reason Naruto left."
Hinata's eyes grew wide so she jumped up to grab Sakura's arm before she could leave the room saying, "Alright, you can read for yourself but you will not like it."
Hinata handed Sakura the folder she had been reading from and then asked, "Please tell me. What was it that Naruto didn't tell us?"
Sakura repeated everything she had learned to Hinata, who had reacted similarly to her. Hinata had first tried to say, "I see, well I'm sure Naruto felt it was for the best." She got as far as felt before frustratingly saying, "Ow, that makes me so mad. Doesn't he realize that we would worry about him regardless? Why does he think he's the only one with the right to worry about others?"
Sakura smiled at Hinata as she vented and then sitting on her friend's bed began reading the report. At first it was rather boring but when she reached what her mother had said regarding Naruto she felt her temper hit the roof.
Hinata's irritation with Naruto was running out of steam when she noticed Sakura clenched the folder in her hand so tightly she accidently ripped it in half. Hinata worriedly said, "Sakura…"
Giving a false smile Sakura said, "I'm fine Hinata." Getting up from the bed she said, "I have to go. I have to get up early for training tomorrow. I'll have to train even harder if I'm going to be able to protect Naruto."
"So will I when they finally clear me for duty," Hinata said in good humor before worryingly asking, "Are you going to be alright?"
Silence was her only answer as Sakura had left the room. Sighing for her friend Hinata picked up to the two halves of the folder and deposited them in the garbage before thinking still a little upset, "When you get back Naruto, we are going to talk about your habit of shielding your friends from your worries."
Masaki Haruno was having a very good day, especially after the morning she had enjoyed. Her little speech had gone over far better than expected and already several councilors had approached her about working with her on projects she endorsed. Her district was one of the more profitable so even if the Inuzuka tried to hurt it for her speech she was fairly confident they would be alright.
Steeping into the house after a long day she was surprised that all the lights were turned off sure that Sakura would already be home. Turning on the light in the living room Masaki was surprised when her daughter was sitting in a chair staring at her. Her good mood easy to hear in her voice she asked, "What are you doing sitting in the dark?
Sakura didn't respond so Masaki figured that maybe Tsunade had taken her anger, about the meeting's outcome, out on her daughter so asked, "Are you hungry have you eaten?"
Heading to the kitchen to prepare a meal she stopped when Sakura asked almost frighteningly calm, "You just can't help it, can you?"
"What do you mean dear?"
"You can't help, but try and make Naruto's life miserable," Sakura respond getting out of the chair to face her mother her green eyes burning angrily.
"Sakura you'll understand…"
"What…," Sakura shouted interrupting her, "…I'll understand when I'm older? Is that it? Well, when will I achieve this understanding of why you are such a horrible person to him?"
Masaki tried to say while trying to keep her composure, "Sakura, I wish I could tell you but I can't…"
But what Sakura said blew her calm away, when she cut her off saying, "I already know."
Getting angry now, Misaki said, "Then what is there to discuss. He's a monster, that man he killed is proof of that. No six-year old should be able to kill a jounin."
"He did it for me and Hinata," Sakura shouted back, "He did it to protect us and how did you try and convince me to repay him by scorning his memory when we thought he was dead. You wouldn't even let him have a proper burial. It was only when Hinata's father stepped in that you relented. And now you want to tarnish his character by making it his fault that he grew stronger in his time away and that Sasuke was jealous of him. When will it be enough, Mother?"
Snapping at her daughter's defense of Naruto and losing all traces of her normally tranquil persona she yelled, "When that thing is locked up in a cage where it deserves to be. Its mere existence is a mockery to all the people that thing has killed."
Sakura stopped surprised at the vehemence in her mother's voice. Putting a humorless smile on her face Sakura said, "I'm sorry you feel that way, because if I have my way, you are looking at his future wife."
Masaki's face took on a look of horror as she replied, "Absolutely not, I will not allow you to see that thing in such a way. I'll get you discharged from the Shinobi program if I have to."
Surprised at how calm she was now that her intentions for Naruto were out in the open Sakura said, "You don't have the authority to tell me who I can and cannot see."
Masaki moved quickly trying to slap her willful child across the face. However after several weeks of training with Tsunade whose primary rule for combat medics was, 'don't get hit,' Sakura's hand caught her mother's wrist stopping it dead. She then yanked her mother off her feet before catching her and holding her fist up ready to clean her clock. While Sakura never intended to hit her, the fear that she would was in her mother's eyes. Letting go of her mother who fell to the ground Sakura walked to her room slamming the door behind her.
Masaki getting to her feet and following after her screamed, "As long as you live in my house you will live by my rules…"
But she stopped as a second later the door opened and Sakura exited holding a bag that contained all her clothes with the rest of her stuff sealed into a scroll. Seeing her daughter ready to go she asked, "Just where do you think you are going?"
Smiling her calm smile she said, "It isn't your concern anymore mother. But somewhere I can see Naruto without your interference."
She then pushed passed her shocked mother who weakly whispered, "Sakura…," before breaking down into tears.
Tsunade smiled as she watched Sakura dodge the various medicine balls that she alternately threw or kicked at the young girl. While her apprentice seemed down about something she knew that Sakura had read the file seeing as the medic in training seemed to be applying herself even harder.
Calling for an end for the morning training Tsunade said, "Alright that's enough Sakura."
Panting on the edge of exhaustion Sakura replied, "I can keep going Lady Tsunade."
"I'm sure you can," Tsunade responded a smile splitting her face, "But I want you to have some chakra left in order to resuscitate a fish later. So why don't you head home for a quick shower and head to the hospital." Tsunade's grin dropped a little at the frown that appeared on Sakura's face at the word home but let it slide for now.
When her apprentice split off to follow her advice she noticed that it was in a different direction then normal but figured she had to make a stop first. Heading to her office she found the files stacked and a note that simply read, "Thank You," on it. Glad her apprentice was now fully versed on what being with Naruto would entail. She would phrase her questions for the girl in such a way that she could bring Sakura into the loop fully while making it look like it had been the result of an accident on how she had learned of Akatsuki. Probably something simple like while organizing the files it had dropped on the floor or something along those lines.
Hearing a knock she told the person to enter putting thoughts of her apprentice to the side for now and watched as Anko sauntered to her desk. "You wished to see me," the newly minted full jounin asked having completed her exam in order to form a genin team.
"Yes, it's about the matter we discussed regarding the captured Sound kunoichi," Tsunade said, "Ibiki has asked for first crack at her and I've agreed."
"What," Anko said whining, "There won't be anything left of her mind once he gets done with her. I thought you wanted to do this in such a way as to redeem her."
"I do," Tsunade replied, "However there is another matter that he needs to address. Don't worry he says he will be in and out."
"I don't know Lady Tsunade," Anko said, "Thus far she hasn't been the most cooperative of prisoners. Her language alone can peel paint of walls."
"True, have you figured out a way to get her to activate the curse mark like I asked?" Tsunade asked.
Giving a predatory grin Anko answered, "Oh yeah, I'm just going to have Kinnie pick a fight with her." Losing her good humor Anko said, "I just wish there was a better way to show her how highly Orochimaru values her."
"So do I," Tsunade agreed and then asked, "Do you have everything you need?"
"Almost, I have to pay the Cyclops a visit to get him to rig a room up to use Lord Jiraiya's seal in order to seal the curse mark. I don't want a future member of my team to have it. Not to mention we can't be sure Orochimaru doesn't have a way to monitor it."
"Very well, I leave it to you then," Tsunade said dismissing her, "Let me know when you are ready to begin."
Shizune was lying against Kakashi in his bed having decided to sleep in with the jounin figuring she deserved it. The past couple weeks for her had been a dream come true as the two discreetly saw each other. When she had asked why he wanted to keep it quiet, afraid that he was in some way embarrassed to be seen with her. He had replied that he was afraid that if Guy got wind of their relationship he would come up with some crazy challenge in order to prove himself better than his eternal rival. Having witnessed many of the eccentric jounin's challenges in their youth she could understand.
She was also thankful to Kakashi that he seemed to understand why she hadn't slept with him again since the first night not wanting to have a relationship with him based solely on sex. Something she was especially thankful for when she became aware of a set of eyes watching her from the foot of the bed. Opening them she shrieked, "Aiiii." Causing Kakashi to sit up in bed as she rolled out glad she was wearing wholesome pajamas.
Grinning manically from her spot at the foot of the bed Anko said, "Not bad Kakashi, does the Hokage know you are sleeping with her apprentice?"
"As you can see we were just laying together Anko," Kakashi said. "Is there a reason you are sneaking around my apartment."
Pouting slightly Anko said, "It never bothered you before." Seeing Shizune's look of jealousy Anko teasingly added, "Oh don't worry, me and lover boy only have each other's keys so we can look after each other's apartments when we are assigned long missions."
Turning her attention to Kakashi, Anko asked, "Are you free today, I need a favor?"
Feeling a little of the familiar melancholy due to why his day was free Kakashi answered, "Sure, what do you need?"
"I need you to prepare a room to seal Tayuya's curse mark," Anko said.
"Okay, I'll head out right away," Kakashi replied.
Anko smiled before saying, "So I should expect you to actually get started on it in a couple of hours than huh?" Her smile turning mischievous Anko then turned to Shizune, "Try not to wear him out to much after I leave."
After Anko left the apartment Shizune asked, "Why didn't you ask her to keep our relationship quiet?"
Giving an eye grin he replied,"The peace and quiet was nice but if the worse I have to put up with are Guy's crazy challenges for the news that you are off the market to spread then I guess I should just face them like a man."
Giving him a hug, she asked, "Kakashi can you do me a favor?"
"Now, Anko's not going to like it if you tire me out before I can work on preparing her counter-seal."
Shaking her head in his chest she said, "It's about the counter seal. There is a method of applying it that I would like you to test for me."
Sakura was surprised when there was a knock at the door of her new residence as she stepped out of the shower. Opening the door she was surprised even more when her visitor turned out to be Sai. "May I come in?" the pale boy asked.
"Um, sure" Sakura replied making room then calling over her shoulder," let me get dressed real quick." Heading into the empty room she had appropriated last night she quickly got into fresh clothes.
Heading out she wasn't surprised when the first thing Sai asked was, "Does Naruto know you are living in his apartment?"
"Not yet," Sakura answered nervously, "But I intend to tell him in the next letter I send to him. I don't think he'll mind. I'm pretty sure he didn't know what to do with all the extra space, since one of the bedrooms had no furniture in it."
Sai merely nodded his head having heard Naruto say something similar after he moved back in and finding his old tiny one room apartment was now a three bedroom one. Not wishing to pry and wanting to get down to the nature of his visit Sai asked, "Sakura, I was wondering if you would be willing to do me a favor."
Surprised but willing to help a friend of Naruto's she answered, "Of course. What do you need me to do?"
"I'm working on a picture book for Naruto to be given to him when he returns," Sai said, "Unfortunately, since Danzou has requested me to return to his compound and to stay there in order to train some new up and comers much like I was. I fear he wouldn't understand my desire to work on a project like this, so I would like it if you could hold onto my completed works and then compile them into the book for me. Feel free to look at them if you like as a matter of fact I hope you do. Perhaps should we meet after it is finished you can tell me what you thought?"
Finding his requests a little strange she said "Sure, but why not just hold on to them and give them to Naruto when you're done. Won't this Danzou wonder why you are sending me pictures."
"Perhaps," Sai said, "but he has already given me permission to write to Naruto and may figure it is just a way to express myself. I would prefer nobody else be made aware of my little project. I just hope Naruto enjoys it."
Seeing the anxiousness in Sai's eyes she wondered why but figured it was due to his not having had much experience with people she said, "Don't worry, I'm sure he'll love it because you are making it for him."
Sai thanked her and handed her the first page before leaving. Sakura opened it and saw a beautiful if slightly disturbing picture of a woman that looked like an older Naruto in his sexy jutsu without the whisker marks sitting next to a crib with a large fire burning down a village visible through the window in the background.
Setting the picture in a safe place she wondered what the story Sai was trying to tell through his pictures would be. Judging by the first one it may end up being a tragedy.
Tayuya didn't know what to make of the man sitting in front of her. Her broken legs were now fully healed according to the doctor who treated her, some dark haired woman who often seemed to be traveling with a pig. She had then been promptly thrown in a cell being kept awake and isolated. They had let her sleep for some strange reason the night before and then in the morning threw her into this interrogation room. After being kept waiting for several hours and with her extensive vocabulary of swears being exhausted she had quieted down and waited. Finally after two more hours the door had opened and in stepped a man wearing a bandana with scars marring his face.
He had simply sat in front of her and slipped a picture towards her. Looking at it she saw a beautiful woman with red hair and violet eyes. Turning her attention away from it she asked, "Who the fuck is this? And why are you showing me her picture?"
The man just stared at her for a minute before collecting his picture and walking to the door. As it closed after he stepped out she thought she heard him say, "It's your show now."
In the observation room Tsunade waited for Ibiki to enter. Both stared in silence at the young woman in the room next door before Ibiki said, "Orochimaru didn't take Kushina."
"How can you be sure you didn't even ask her any questions?" Tsunade asked.
"According to what Kin knows about the Sound Five they were Orochimaru's personnel soldiers and they were tied up helping contain the third during the invasion."
"It doesn't mean he didn't have another group take her," Tsunade said playing devil's advocate.
"True, but seeing as Orochimaru was pretty badly messed up when he retreated and the girl was last seen carrying him. It is highly unlike she has never seen Kushina before since he is the type that would like to know right away if a mission was successful," Ibiki said to which Tsunade nodded her head. Causing the special jounin to add, "Therefore, based on the fact that she wasn't lying when she said she never seen her before I can conclude Orochimaru didn't take Kushina."
"Fair enough," Tsunade said agreeing with his conclusion, "So any movement on who did?"
"Not at the moment but expect a mission to help us move forward on that front to appear on your desk in the next few weeks," Ibiki said, "We'll be assigning it under the pretense of finding a means to locate Sasuke."
Smiling into the glass she was looking through Tsunade said, "At least the whole mess of him defecting will prove useful to provide a cover story for it. Any ideas on who you want to staff the mission?"
"I already have a genin in mind." Ibiki answered heading for the door, "I'll allow him to pick the rest of the team."
Tsunade nodded her head and watched Kin enter the room.
Kin was nervous but just remembered what Anko told her outside the room which was a simple, "Don't screw up or I'll have you running through the Forest naked next time."
Smiling despite a nagging feeling that Anko wasn't joking she took a calming breath which lasted until Tayuya said, "So are we going to have a fucking staring contest too?"
Kin thought to herself with some amusement, "Well at least my orders are to get her pissed and ready to fight. That should be simple enough."
Sitting across from her Kin noticed her eyeing her old Sound Headband and said, "It's mine. I used to be a Sound-nin."
Tayuya eyed her angrily saying, "You little traitorous whore. You're lucky I'm chained to this chair or I'd fucking kill you for betraying Lor…"
Tayuya stopped in surprise as she was suddenly looking in a different direction that was until her cheek began to sting with the pain from the slap she received. Smiling into the shocked Sound-nin's face Kin said, "If you want to cuss like a drunken sailor that's your business. But you'll get worse the next time you try to say that bastards name with respect. Do we understand each other?"
Having joined Tsunade in the observation room Anko said a little choked up, "I'm so proud of her."
"You fucking little bitch do you have any idea who the fuck I am," Tayuya screamed trying to get out of her chair.
"Tayuya of the Northgate," Kin said not in the least bit intimidated by Tayuya's supposed importance in Sound. "I suppose you like to think that makes you some sort of big shot, but I'm afraid that to Orochimaru you are quite expendable. Especially, since he has Sasuke now. I doubt he even remembers your name."
"Lor…"
Slap
Glaring at the genin in front of her after the slap Tayuya corrected herself, "Orochimaru would never abandon one of his chosen."
Kin reared her head back laughing at Tayuya who would have liked nothing better than to rip the girls head off. She was surprised when Kin stopped and wiping a fake tear from her eye said to the mirror, "Was I that delusional when I was captured Anko-sensei?"
She didn't need to see her sensei to know she was shaking her head yes. Just like she didn't need to be looking at Tayuya to know that the Sound kunoichi was ready to chew her way through her restraints in order to get at her. So turning back to her, Kin as condescending as she could be said, "I'm one of Orochimaru's chosen. I'm special because he thinks I am. He must have given me power for a reason?"
Kin could see that Tayuya was surprised at how well she had read what the Sound-nin was thinking so said, "I know that what you are telling yourself because I was doing the same thing when I was sitting in that very chair you are. What finally woke me up was that a bastard named Kabuto tried to kill me in this very room."
Kin saw Tayuya's eyes light up upon hearing the name, "I don't know if you know this but I was sent to kill Sasuke Uchiha. But in reality my sole purpose in Orochimaru's grand master plan was as a sacrifice to demonstrate the power of the Curse Mark to him. That was it. All the training and power he supposedly bestowed on me to end up as worm food in a forest so he could get his teeth into Sasuke. Do you know what yours was? To deliver him, that's it."
Kin could see that a part of Tayuya believed her but the need to belong, to matter, was too strong for the kunoichi to give up so she continued, "That was the sole purpose you existed for him. Sure I suppose if you made it back he might welcome you with open arms while telling you how much you mattered but since you didn't he discarded you. He didn't even collect the remains of your two teammates we killed or send anybody to see if we had collected them. Even the secrets they carried in their bodies didn't matter to him."
Trying to give a little back Tayuya said, "Don't try and compare yourself to me bitch. I'm better than you in every way and if I wasn't chained to this chair I'd show you."
"Would you like to put your money where your mouth is?" Kin said smiling while leaning forward.
Confused Tayuya asked, "What do you mean?"
"You think you are so much better than me a lowly former sound genin," Kin replied, "So you and me, no holds bar in the training grounds. We'll even make it interesting and if you win you are free to run back to Orochimaru with your tail tucked firmly between your legs."
"What do you get if you win, not that you stand a chance you rat? Do you expect me to spill all of Orochimaru's secrets?"
"Not at all," Kin answered confusing the Sound Kunoichi. "This is merely to show you how special you truly are," she added honestly.
Tsunade quickly had the Sound kunoichi transferred to one of the training fields as far from the village as they could possibly get. As Tsunade and Anko got ready to follow the prisoner to the training field they saw Kakashi stroll up with a smiling Shizune at his side holding what looked to be a giant rolled up sheet of paper. When they stopped near them Anko asked, "Is my room ready Kakashi?"
"Yeah but it isn't a room," he answered while indicating the sheet Shizune was holding, "it's on these sheets of paper."
Looking at them skeptically Anko said, "When Jiraiya sealed mine it took a whole room and he had to paint the marks on me. You're telling me that those pieces of paper can contain all those characters."
"That's right," Kakashi said then pulling Shizune closer he added, "it's a technique Shizune has come up with. Basically you place Tayuya in the outline contained in the center and then place the other one on top so that the corners match and instant sealing jutsu."
Tsunade arched an eyebrow at her apprentice and asked, "Why didn't I hear anything about this Shizune? And where did you come up with the idea?"
A little embarrassed at being the center of attention Shizune said, "I was only working on the technique in my spare time, Lady Tsunade and didn't think it worth mentioning. The idea was born from something I've always considered lacking in many of our more complicated seals and that was time and space necessary to prepare them or them being reliant on having someone well versed in seals on hand. This technique will allow even those with only a basic understanding in seals to perform them and it makes them portable as well."
Nodding her head Tsunade said, "Very good Shizune." Smiling she added, "It seems Kakashi is good for more than a pillow then isn't he? I'm glad being with him is making you more assertive. Keep up the good work."
Blushing from the praise Shizune said, "Yes Lady Tsunade."
"Alright let's go see my Kinnie show off what she's made of," Anko said leading the way.
Kin was ready as she stood across from Tayuya. She could see the Hokage and Anko-sensei watching from the edge of the training field. The Anbu was just taking the last of the Chakra seals off as she waited.
When Tayuya felt the chakra flowing in her again she said, "Now I'm going to pay you back for those slaps of yours earlier."
Before she charged in though, Kin threw an object at her feet. Bending down to pick it up she inspected the flute and then sent a confused look Kin's way who said, "I told you. No holds bar, and according to the report on you that is the only weapon you carry."
"You just sealed your fucking fate bitch," Tayuya said.
"Actually I just want to make sure that after I beat you. You'll know it was with you at your best," Kin said. "You see I know why you only carry that flute and that is because of how you were trained. As soon as you were found to be able to use genjutsu. They turned you over to a group of instructors to receive specialized training for it. That training only gave you the basics in Taijutsu including shuriken practice. I'd be willing to bet you couldn't hit me from there even with a whole bag filled with kunai. That's why you had to get in close to Shikamaru in the forest, you didn't have a choice."
Kin saw that her words had hit the mark so slowly reaching into her coat she pulled out two senbon as she said, "I can see that you are wondering, 'How does she know this?' The answer is simple I was in the same program but unlike you I taught myself how to overcome that difficulty."
She then let her senbon fly forcing Tayuya to dodge them. Putting her flute to her lips she tried to place a genjutsu on Kin but two bells jingled behind her dispelling her attempt. Smirking Kin said, "I already told you. I was in that program also; it's a simple matter to defeat your genjutsu by using my bells to counter your melody."
"Let's see you counter this bitch," Tayuya said as the lines from the first stage of the curse mark began spreading over her body.
Kin stiffened at that except not in fear of Tayuya, but afraid the girl had just turned herself into a bomb. But when nothing happened she thought, "The trigger must be when she changes into that second form of hers. Oh well looks like I'm going to half to push her buttons a little harder."
Tayuya smirked saying, "Let's see who good you are against my ogres." However her face took on one of confusion as nothing happened after she pressed her hands to the ground. It would have been comical if Kin didn't know the pain she felt as she tried to summon them two more times.
Finally Kin said noticing tears appearing at the corner of the girl's eyes, "I'm sorry, but it looks like I'm right. He has already moved on and taken your summons from you."
"No," Tayuya shouted her voice taking on a sound of desperation, "It's just some Leaf trick. You found a way to server my connection, that's it isn't it?" Before Kin could respond she said, "Well it won't work." Showing off her curse mark Tayuya said, "This proves Orochimaru will never abandon me." As she spoke, the marks on her body turned red joining together as she assumed her second form. She stood there for a moment probably to let it sink in to her opponent how much trouble she was in. But just as she was about to taunt Kin she let out a horrible scream as large purple marks that looked like veins began appearing on her body.
Falling to her knees Tayuya screamed, "I can't turn it off. It feels like my insides are on fire."
Tsunade appeared next to her injecting her curse mark with her counter agent. A few seconds later the angry purple veins began to disappear as she reverted to normal. The last thing Tayuya heard before she lost consciousness was the Hokage saying, "I'm sorry."
In a Sound base in Sea Country, Orochimaru was watching Sasuke train when he felt a sudden build up that suddenly gave way. As he was no longer able to sense the curse mark of Tayuya, unaware that it had been sealed, he began to chuckle. His sudden amusement caused the ever present Kabuto to ask, "What do you find so amusing Lord Orochimaru?"
"It would seem that poor Tayuya is no more, I'm afraid," Orochimaru answered, "We can only hope that she took a few of our enemies with her. I'm sure it's what she would have wanted."
"Would you like me to verify it, Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto asked.
"By all means, please do."
Tayuya woke up still feeling as if her chakra network was on fire. Trying to move she found she was once again chained to a bed in the hospital. Looking around the room she was surprised to see the Hokage staring at her from a chair in the corner.
Getting up from it Tsunade walked over giving the girl a glass of water that she eyed for a moment but decided that she was just to thirst to care that she should hate the woman. After gulping it down she asked, "What happened?"
"Orochimaru placed some sort of agent in your body that triggered when you activated your Curse Mark," Tsunade said.
Tayuya wanted to argue but then remembered the shot Kabuto gave her and the others before they left to retrieve Sasuke. Mumbling angrily to herself she said, "Booster shot my ass."
Smiling grimly Tsunade said, "I'm surprised. I figured you would have accused us of doing it to you first."
"The fact I couldn't summon my ogres seems to prove what that bitch was saying about me being abandoned." Looking weak and vulnerable she asked, "What's going to happen to me now?"
"That depends on you," Tsunade answered causing the red-head to look up at her. "Tell us everything you know about Orochimaru's operations and I'll give you the same chance that was given to Kin."
"Why," Tayuya asked, "why would you do that for me?"
"Well to be honest a part of me wants to lock you away and throw away the key for the part you played in attacking my sensei," Tsunade said sternly. But then her voice got softer as she continued, "However according to two of my jounin. You stepped in and prevented them from being killed. Also, according to the chunin you fought you almost took their place as a result. So let's just say I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, since I owe two of my shinobi's lives to your intervention."
Heading for the door she said, "You'll be in here for a few days. Most of which you'll be telling us everything you know. After that and if I'm sure that Curse Mark of yours is properly sealed, I'll let your new sensei come pick you up."
Before she stepped out Tayuya asked, "You knew about the agent in me from the start didn't you?"
"Yes," Tsunade said, "And before you ask, the reason I let you trigger it was. If I had told you that Orochimaru had done something too you after I already cured you what would you have said?"
Tayuya was about to snap an answer about Orochimaru wouldn't do something like that but caught herself. Smiling sadly Tsunade said, "Exactly," and then left the room.
She was about to settle back into bed when a card on her nightstand caught her attention. Reading the front she saw, "Get Well Soon." Opening it she read, "Because then the real fun begins. Signed the woman you'll love to hate."
Setting it down feeling happy and worried at the same time Tayuya let sleep over take her. Before she was completely out she wondered what challenges awaited her and whether or not she would ever get the chance to thank Orochimaru for betraying her.