An: Thank you to everyone that reviewed as always they make my day. Your humble author S. o. t. A.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit.
Chapter 46: Being Human
Tayuya after collecting Kin made straight for the restaurant that often bought food from Isaribi. Marching in, she found the slightly pudgy owner chatting with one of his clientele. The restaurant was rather upscale as made evident by the fancy decorations and well dressed patrons. The man who seated the guests tried to bar their entrance but a smoldering gaze from Tayuya mixed with a smidge of her Killer Intent was enough to stop him in his tracks.
The owner seeing the two plainly dressed young women began walking to them saying, "No, no, no this simply won't do we have a dress code here." Placing a hand on Tayuya, he said, "I'm afraid you two will have to…urk."
Unable to finish his sentence as Tayuya grabbed his arm twisting and locking it she slammed his head on the table where he had been chatting with the patron. Growling to him she said, "I'm not here to eat in this shitty restaurant, fuckhead. This morning you bought some seafood from a girl wearing bandages…"
The patron at the table angrily said, "You fed me food caught by…"
"Shut the fuck up," Tayuya said directing her ire at the snooty man for a moment. When the owner tried to say that he didn't, she gave his arm a little twist promptly silencing his false denial. "Unless you want to learn what it's like to go through life one handed. You better fucking tell me where she lives."
"Outside the village," the man said weakly as his arm was near its breaking point. "There's a little hut about a half-mile west of the village on the beach. That's all I know I swear."
"You better be telling the truth," Tayuya said letting his arm go, "I won't ask nearly as nicely next time."
The man nodded holding his abused arm and remained silent so the two kunoichi left following the directions he gave them. Sure enough the shack was exactly where he said it would be. Tayuya searched inside finding nothing while Kin made a search of the surrounding area.
"Tayuya," Kin shouted urgently finding the signs of the recent battle.
Appearing from the small hut Tayuya approached asking, "What've you got?"
"Blood," Kin said finding splotches of the drying liquid. The two kunoichi saw that there had been a scuffle recently and saw that the winners had walked to the ocean. However one set of footprints led towards the rock wall that surrounded the area. However they became deeper as they headed towards the sea following the other two. Indicating that whatever left them had been carrying something heavy. Strangely the footprints didn't appear human.
"Do you think the Kaima attacked them?" Kin asked looking over the area.
"I think the Kaima was working for the two people Sasame was fighting," Tayuya answered before bending over near the wall to pick up something. When she turned towards Kin she was holding Sasame's daggers in her hands. Tucking them in her pouch she said, "We need to find out where they are going somehow."
Before Kin could ask how the kunoichi caught sight of Iruka who was running to join them. Coming to a stop he asked, "Did you find her?"
Shaking her head Tayuya said, "No, but she was definitely here." After filling Iruka in about everything they found she asked, "Where's Anko-sensei?"
"She's pursuing her own lead," Iruka said vaguely although the girls could easily read between the lines.
"We'll never find her in time," Kin said worried for her teammate.
"Don't be so sure," Iruka said going over the area again to form his own idea of what happened. More experienced at reading a scene he said, "I'd wager that the creature that appeared was Isaribi."
"How do you fucking know that?" Tayuya asked.
"Well if I'm reading these footprints right, the fight started here," he replied ignoring Tayuya's crass language and moving to where it was apparent someone had been knocked to the ground. "Most likely as a result of the two newcomers that showed up and apparently had words with Isaribi who met them here."
"How do you know it was Isaribi?" Kin asked watching in amazement as Iruka broke down the scene easily since he had taught dozens of classes on the subject.
"I'll get to that in a moment," Iruka answered. "Sasame apparently took affront to them hitting Isaribi and ran to the girl's defense," he said pointing out the longer strides indicating somebody was running. "She fought the two men, but then the Kaima appeared and it did so exactly where Isaribi had been standing," pointing out the footprints that appeared smudged but with Iruka's analyst were in fact where Isaribi had transformed.
"Still unless you can read where they went after they entered the ocean then…" Kin said trailing off as she let the worry she felt enter her voice.
"Not necessary," Iruka said, "I already know where they went."
"Where," both girls asked at the same time.
"Kikai Island," Iruka said with certainty.
"We already searched it," Tayuya said disappointed.
"I know, however you only searched the top of the island," Iruka said beginning to head back to the village the girls falling into step behind him, "and while there may be an entrance on the island it is most likely camouflaged. However I'm willing to bet that if this Kaima is Isaribi and she can breathe underwater hen there is probably a passage to and from whatever base is on the island that won't be hidden nearly as well."
"But how can you be sure that is the island?" Tayuya asked.
"Simple, Orochimaru likes to pray on peoples' fears. What better way to secure your base from nosey locals then to spread a legend of a sea creature that spirits people away and to grab the brave few that ignore those tales to use for experiments."
Picking up the pace Iruka began running back to the village planning to rent a boat and some oxygen tanks to perform a more thorough search of Kikai island. As he ran he hoped that the inner demons Anko was facing would also help them in the search for Sasame.
Anko dropped out of the tree from where she had been overlooking the compound Orochimaru used to have on Jiro Island. Time had apparently been kind to the place as it was in remarkably good condition despite being abandoned for almost a decade. Walking through the compound she felt more than saw visions of some of her experiences from her time there.
Although colored by her current feelings of hate for Orochimaru she was surprised that not all of the feelings here were bad. Mainly just ghost like feelings of pleasure when Orochimaru would praise her for doing well in training. However alone in the back of the compound was a building that held nothing but bad memories for her. For it was the building where she woke up alone, scared, confused, and marked with the Seal of Heaven.
Reaching the front of it she paused for a moment wishing that she hadn't sent Iruka to support her girls. But pushing past her fears opened the door and stepped in. Closing them behind her she made her way to the center of the room surrounded by total darkness. Sitting cross-legged she tried to remember her time here and in Sea Country. She didn't know how long she sat there in the darkness but eventually she felt a phantom pain where her mark had been. Instead of pushing it away as she usually did she embraced it and was rewarded with a vision.
Orochimaru had just bitten her, she didn't know why only that if felt like fire was spreading from the wound through her veins. "Lord Orochimaru what's happening?" she asked afraid, a hand pressed to the wound.
"I've merely given you a gift," Orochimaru said closing the door behind him as she began rolling around on the floor in pain.
As she convulsed she began remembering some of the things she had been since coming to Sea Country with her sensei and the questions that they raised in her about Orochimaru. The work he had been conducting with that man, Amachi. Time seemed to blend together for her as she rolled on the ground in pain, but eventually she stopped staring out with a blank look the tears still leaking from her eyes. Amachi had stood above her first turning to Orochimaru saying, "She's still alive," the surprise he felt evident in his tone.
"Well one out of ten," Orochimaru said walking to look down at his disciple. "I believe I'll be leaving after this."
"But my lord the research we've been conducting here, I'm sure we're close to a breakthrough," Amachi had said.
"Then by all means do what you like with it," Orochimaru said turning to leave, "I've lost interest with that."
Anko grabbed Orochimaru's foot begging to know, "Why Lord Orochimaru, I've always respected you?"
Turning and lowering himself to her level he said, "You lack the drive to power the gift I gave you. But perhaps you may still serve a purpose in my ambition. Well Anko how about it?"
Young Anko stared into the eyes of her master that she had been positive used to look at her with warmth but now all they showed was the sinister intent that lurked within them. Unable to find the words she merely looked away betrayed by what he showed himself to truly be. "Fair enough," Orochimaru had said before leaving Amachi leading the way opening and closing the door for him, leaving her in darkness once again.
Anko realized that the blanking of her memories must have happened later. But she was pleased to know she left him. That deep down she hadn't been able to follow him down the dark path he chose. She also realized that the memory she had just witnessed had been the crossroad for not just her, but Orochimaru as well. Perhaps that was why he hadn't simply killed her as another failed experiment but had allowed her to live as the last kind act of a man that had done much good in his life.
Making her way to the door she decided she could analyze her recovered memories later as she remembered where Amachi had conducted his research into creating the ultimate underwater warrior.
Amachi watched as the two shinobi that Orochimaru had lent him as bodyguards and enforcers pulled themselves out of the water. Staring at Misumi who was holding his side he asked, "What happened to you?"
However it was Yoroi who said, "He was owned by a kunoichi looking into the Kaima attacks."
"I see, so our activities have brought us some unwanted attention then," Amachi said walking towards the man inspecting the wound. "Very well, head to the medical bay have one of my assistants look at it."
Masumi nodded leaving the room. Yoroi said before leaving as well, "We also brought you the kunoichi Isaribi is on her way with the girl now. Your little experiment was talking to her when we arrived."
"Was she now?"
Amachi waited a few moments for the girl to arrive, which happened shortly after Yoroi left as Isaribi jumped from the water the girl in her arms. Once on dry land she returned to her normal appearance before setting Sasame down.
"Isaribi, what's this I heard about you talking to enemy shinobi?"
"I didn't know she was one," Isaribi said defending herself, "I didn't tell her anything."
"Hmm, alright I suppose I can believe that. Now what of the gold shipment?"
"I don't know which ship it's on," she said stepping back as a dark look appeared on his face quickly adding, "They have loaded all the ships with similar looking boxes and the cargo seems to be all about the same weight."
Cursing Amachi said, "Probably our shinobi's doing no doubt. Very well, I'll have Yoroi and Misumi handle finding out things from here. Take the prisoner to the cells."
"What are you going to do with her?" Isaribi asked trying to sound merely curious and not concerned.
"I suppose I'll perform the Kaima procedure on her," Amachi said disinterested.
Which changed when Isaribi said, "You can't."
Wheeling on the girl he said angrily, "Excuse me."
"You can't do that to her please," Isaribi pleaded but was silenced when Amachi hit her across the face.
"Listen here girl, if you ever want to be normal again. You will never tell me what I can and cannot do again. I was going to turn you back to normal should the procedure bear results but perhaps I should simply leave you as the freak you are."
Isaribi's eyes lit up with hope but frowned when he said it was dependent on giving Sasame her curse. However she meekly replied, "I'm sorry, please forgive me."
"Fine, take her to the cells and be quick about it," Amachi said leaving the room.
Although she felt guilty about betraying Sasame and in effect cursing her to become a freak, for the chance to become human again she dutifully picked the girl up to carry out Amachi's orders.
Iruka surfaced near the boat they had rented pulling the rebreather from his mouth. Pulling himself in, he said, "I found a cave that leads to the base."
"Should we get Anko-sensei?" Kin asked.
"There isn't time to go back," Tayuya said worried for her teammate.
"Agreed," Iruka said adding, "I'm sure Anko is already on her way in any case. Hopefully we'll have this wrapped by the time she arrives."
The two girls agreed before putting their own rebreathers in their mouths and followed the chunin into the murky depths of the cave.
Sasame awoke someplace damp. Opening her eyes she felt the back of her head where she felt a rather large bump. Remembering what happened to her she sat upright quickly which her head protested by throbbing painfully. Taking in her surroundings she saw she was in a cage and that the nearby walls seemed to be made of rock. Figuring she was in the lair of whoever was behind the attacks she got to her feet and made her way to the bars. She checked them carefully afraid that a seal may have been placed on them to discourage tampering. However she didn't spot one so she began testing their strength and after several minutes concluded they were pretty solid.
Sighing she tried to pry the chakra suppression seal off of her but found that it was one of the ones that required an outside chakra source to release it. After several hours and reaching the point she was considering gnawing on the bars she heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Assuming a sitting position at the back of the cell she glared when Isaribi appeared in front of her without her bandages.
Returning Sasame look with a blank one Isaribi said, "It's your own fault you are in this predicament."
"Forgive me for trying to help someone," Sasame said crossing her arms in front of her. Isaribi looked away guiltily so Sasame asked, "What's going to happen to me now."
"Most likely you'll be experimented on," Isaribi replied still unable to make eye contact with the girl.
"I guess that's not too bad all things considered," Sasame said lightly.
But to Isaribi it was no laughing matter as she shouted, "How can you say that? Look at me! I'm a freak."
Sasame shook her head before sadly saying, "Maybe, maybe not. But you are a monster."
"What!" the girl replied her jaw dropping, "How could you say that?"
"You are helping the very people that did this to you," Sasame said harshly. "It doesn't matter what your outsides, insides, or any combination of the two look like. All that matters is what and why you do something. You're so caught up in your own problem that you ignore the fact that by helping these people you're aiding them in destroying a country and a whole way of life."
It was Isaribi's turn to glare as she said, "Let's see how high and mighty you are when you are the monster."
Sasame sadly replied, "They may do the same thing to me that's been done to you Isaribi but I won't have to throw away my humanity."
"And why's that? What makes you so much better than me?"
"I have friends who will help me," Sasame said with a smile, "Something I was hoping to be to you."
Isaribi stared at the girl before looking away and saying, "Your friends can't help you now."
"We'll see," Sasame said confidently as Isaribi left the room.
Anko arrived at Haha Island and saw something that she knew would make her job harder. Running up to the Admiral in charge of the fleet about to set sail she shouted, "Hey what the hell is going on you're supposed to leave port two days from now?"
Turning to the irate woman he said, "Our plans changed I'm afraid. The governor feels we are as prepared as we are going to get so wants us to set sail."
"Damn it, can you delay launching for a few hours I believe I know where the kaima is," Anko said afraid that if the ships left Amachi would simply move on once he attacked the massive fleet.
"I'm afraid I can't, orders from the top," the admiral said genuinely sorry since if the shinobi took care of the creature then his men would be safe. But the governor was anxious to get the payment to the Water Country Daimyo. "However we aren't scheduled to leave for another hour so make the time count," the man said motioning to a small boat sitting on the dock.
Thanking the man she ran to the boat he had mentioned and quickly pushed off hoping to arrive in time to save her student.
Isaribi wasn't able to get what Sasame had said out of her mind. While at first it was easy to blow Sasame off as being naïve it became more difficult as she remembered the girl's eyes. As they carried a sadness that told Isaribi that the girl knew a great deal about pain and suffering and was willing to bet they even paled in comparison to her own. Isaribi's mind then turned to the night she was spirited away.
Isaribi remembered sitting around the dinner table with her mother and father around supper time the night she was taken. Her father had been telling her about his days catch being one of the most skilled divers on the island when the door to their home had been kicked in. Her mother was grabbed first being pulled out of the hut kicking and screaming. Her father had gone to her aid but was overpowered and dragged out as well. Whatever it was came for her next rendering her unconscious before taking her as well.
The events that happened next were a blur but she would get glimpses from time to time, mostly of herself floating in a tank, Amachi staring up at her writing something down on a clipboard. She could also see people in various stages of being turned into Kaima in the tanks behind him. The next time she was fully conscious she had managed to escape getting away from one of Amachi's assistants when he was studying her on a table. She had managed to get to the underground pool that led out of the base instinctually transforming into her Kaima form once in the water. When she pulled herself ashore she was horrified to see that that she had become some sort of monster. Eventually she had learned how to change back except for the sections of her skin that remained marred by the scales.
When she had first appeared in public again she had expected some sort of warm greeting even with the bandages. But instead found only disdain, it had been a few months later when Amachi had showed up at her hut telling her that he would change her back in exchange for her assistance in his plans. Isaribi supposed that moment was when she had truly become something less than human as she had put herself above the people that Amachi plans had hurt.
Getting out of the cot that she had been trying to sleep in she made her way back down to the cell where Sasame was. Sasame was sitting in the back of the cell again probably having moved when she heard someone approaching. Sasame didn't say anything this time merely looking at the girl sadly. An image of what she would look like if she underwent the Kaima process superimposed itself over her for a moment. In truth Isaribi wasn't the only person transformed ,but was the only one that still had a human mind. Afraid that the first person to show her a little kindness would suffer the same fate as the other people Amachi had experimented on she grabbed the key from the lock box and opened Sasame's cell door.
Sasame stared at her in confusion before asking, "Is it time?"
"Time to get you out of here," Isaribi replied.
"What about…"
"It doesn't matter let's go," Isaribi said. Not willing to look a gift horse in the mouth Sasame got up to follow behind the girl mindful that it may be a trick of some sort.
Amachi was furious as he received the report from his spy in the governor's office who had informed him that the fleets were getting ready to sail. He still had no idea which of the three fleets would be the one carrying the gold. He reasoned that he could attack all three but that would spread him rather thin and the fleets would be heavily guarded.
He was so fixated on the current situation that he hadn't even had time to begin to experiment on the new test subject. He reasoned that he should probably interrogate her but figured it was a waste of time after all he already knew why she was in Sea Country. Besides he wasn't an interrogator and his two shinobi were more thugs than anything else so he doubted they would succeed in learning anything.
He supposed he could let the fleet go, which would probably return shipping to normal if a few ships made it to their destinations. However, the kunoichi represented the reason why he wanted to grab the gold and that was he was running out of time. One kunoichi meant there were undoubtedly more out there and it was only a matter of time before they found his base of operations. Furthermore, Orochimaru hadn't responded to his request for a new location despite the generous amount of gold he had sent the snake Sannin.
"The bastard is probably too busy with his new toy," Amachi thought bitterly. He supposed he could strike out on his own as his research had finally come to fruition and he owed it all to Isaribi. When the girl had escaped he hadn't been too worried as he knew that she would return in time when her human mind broke down. They always did as it was an instinctual response that on some level they saw Kikai Island as their home. However as the weeks turned into months and she didn't return and there were no stories of a creature on a rampage he began to worry. That was until he had heard rumors of the girl that had returned from being spirited away.
He had to marvel at human nature, since if someone had offered the girl a little compassion he had no doubt the Sea Country's modest navy would be breathing down his neck. But no one did and so all it had took for him to get the girl to return was some vague promise to cure her once he was done with his experiments. "So sad really," he thought mockingly, especially since he had no intention of curing her and every intention of dissecting her.
But that was for later as due to her contributions his goal had been achieved and he was the walking proof of that. He entertained the thought of showing Orochimaru his new power, but decided it would be enough to sell the data to one of the Sannin's enemies. He smiled as he thought of a way to use the kunoichi to further his new goal. "Why not throw here into a life or death battle with the kaima and video tape it?" he thought figuring it would be better than turning her into a creature. That way when he went to sell the data he could show it as proof of their skill in battle. Granted they were simply mindless beasts but they were extremely territorial. All he would have to do was throw her in the cave they had taken as their own and then watch as they ripped her to pieces.
Deciding on that course of action he turned to his monitors to see who was closest to the cells but noticed that it was empty. Quickly searching through his screens he saw that not only was Isaribi aiding the kunoichi but that he had uninvited guests most likely the kunoichi's teammates. Summoning Yoroi and Misumi he decided to simply let the Kaima loose to claim the island as their own. That way he could dispose of his staff having no further use for them and insure that they didn't fall into the shinobis' hands. Entering the command that would raise the heavy door that segregated the creatures from the rest of the island he began moving to his secret dock to escape.
The sound of something heavy lifting into place put Iruka and the rest of Team Anko on guard. "What was that?" Kin asked having pulled several senbon out.
"I don't know," Tayuya said, "But it kind of sounded like that one scene in the newest Princess Gale movie."
Kin looked at Tayuya confused so she said clarifying, "You know when Gale and her remaining vassals enter the labyrinth of High Priest Mao and he releases the beasts."
Iruka staring into the darkness got a really bad feeling especially as he began to hear the sound of something approaching. Tayuya put her description of the beasts in the movie on hold as she began to hear the noises as well.
"You and your big mouth," Kin said focusing her attention on whatever it was that was coming towards them.
"Don't fucking put this off on me," Tayuya shot back.
The three tensed as the noises grew closer and as the tension reached a boiling point it almost exploded into action, despite the fact that Sasame was the one that appeared from the darkness. Blowing out a held breath Tayuya said, "You fucking bitch you scared us half to death."
"Tayuya…" Sasame said surprised but then quickly grabbed the girl into a hug.
"We don't have time for this," Isaribi said quickly, "The kaima…"
"Save it we already know you are the Kaima," Tayuya said angrily prying her teammate off of her to pound the girl into the ground.
"No…I mean I'm one too, but not the ones we have to be afraid of," Isaribi said hurriedly.
"Like we're going to trust you," Kin said irately, "You kidnapped our teammate."
"Guys she was helping me to escape," Sasame said to her friends moving in front of Isaribi to protect her from their ire.
Iruka taking charge said, "Regardless we can settle this later. Right now we have to go after whoever is behind this."
"You don't understand," Isaribi said beginning to pull Sasame towards the way Iruka and the others had come, "If he has released the Kaima then Amachi is already on his way out of this base. They aren't human anymore and will attack whatever they come across."
Sasame allowed herself to be pulled along, so with no other choice Iruka nodded his head to the other two girls to signal they should follow. The trip back to the pool that led out of the base was without incident but as soon as they made it to their gear three large scaled creatures sprang from the water landing in front of them. Once the Kaimas' gazes settled on them a large fin on the back of the biggest one sprang up as it roared at them.
Attacking Iruka since he was the biggest the creature ran at him while the other two seemed to settle for watching. Iruka tried to reason with the creature first saying, "We are here to help." However a look into its yellow pupil-less eyes showed that even though it had started as a human it had long since ceased being one.
Avoiding the swipe of the kaima's webbed-hand which ended in sharp nails Iruka threw a kunai at its exposed back. However the creature spun around snatching the kunai out of the air and tossed it aside. Team Anko moved to help which seemed to be all the other Kaima needed to jump into the fight as well.
Tayuya tossed Sasame's daggers to her who deftly caught them as she ran to meet the charging creatures alongside the red-head. Tayuya caught the creature she targeted by surprise opting to tackle the creature bodily. She continued along her forward trajectory leaving the kaima behind as she rolled back to her feet. The creature scrambled back to its feet targeting the red-head again leaving its back open to attack by the senbons that Kin threw. All of which buried themselves into the creatures vital organs killing it.
Sasame targeted the other one avoiding a claw swipe before lashing out with her dagger taking the hand off at the wrist. The creature struck out with a kick despite the pain which Sasame blocked by crossing her daggers in front of her. Still the kick packed enough power to knock her back several feet but before it could capitalize Tayuya ran by hitting the creature with a clothesline that caused the creature to spin in the air for a moment. When it crashed down to the ground Sasame ran by it slashing its throat before it could recover.
Iruka was knocked back by the largest Kaima but recovered flipping away several times. Looking behind it he noticed that several more kaima were appearing from the pool. He dodged the creatures follow up attack slapping an exploding tag onto its arm as he grabbed it and spun throwing the creature towards its fellows. It slammed into several of them knocking them into the water. Activating the exploding tag he saw a geyser of water erupt.
However a few seconds later several new creatures jumped out of the pool. Turning to Isaribi, Iruka asked, "Is there another way out of here?"
"There's a hidden entrance that leads to a dock a few levels above us," Isaribi said as they moved back towards the exit of the room. Clearing the doorway Tayuya slapped an exploding tag on one side of it with Kin placing another one directly opposite. When the creatures moving to follow them crossed the tags, they exploded killing the creatures and collapsing the doorway.
"Anko-sensei's missing one hell of a party," Tayuya said to Kin as they followed Isaribi to the exit she had mentioned.
Smiling despite the danger Kin replied, "I'm sure she'll show up you know how she likes to make an entrance.
Anko arrived at the island just as things were going to hell. Almost as soon as her boat had hit the shore several creatures had burst from the water. She had made short work of them but more had appeared. Disengaging she made her way to the disguised entrance doing her best to stay ahead and away from the kaima that appeared to be covering the island.
As she almost reached the entrance she heard the sound of rocks sliding against each other. Moving towards the source she saw a large hanger like door sliding open on the side of the island. From out of the exposed entrance a small skiff appeared. Standing above the now open door she recognized Amachi who was looking away from the island with a smug look on his face. Also onboard were two men that looked familiar but she couldn't place them. Getting a running start she leapt from the cliff above the boat landing on the skiff right behind Amachi.
The look on his face as he spun around was priceless especially as she said, "Going somewhere?"
"Anko…how," he began, but was silenced as her leg rose up connecting with his jaw knocking him to the front of the boat.
Anko next attacked Yoroi who was steering the boat by raising her hand and sending several serpents to wrap around him, which appeared from her sleeve. They succeeded in snagging the man but before she could capitalize, an arm wrapped around her throat almost like a snake as Misumi used his ability to dislocate his joints. She saw Yoroi getting back to his feet, the snakes that had been wrapped around him all dead as he had drained them of chakra.
Recognizing the two men's abilities she said despite the arm around her throat, "You two… are the punks that were teammates with Kabuto. I guess since you got owned Orochimaru recognized you as the pair of losers you are and handed you off to Amachi."
"Laugh while you can bitch because you're about to be killed by a pair of losers," Misumi said into her ear.
Amachi agitated that with nobody manning the sail the boat was stopping shouted, "Forget about your pride you fools we have to get away from the island."
Yoroi who had been closing with Anko stopped to look at Amachi but ignored his saying, "Relax, this'll be over in a moment."
However a moment was longer than they had as the Kaima closed with the ship. Suddenly several of the berserker kaima sprung out of the water onto the deck. Anko took the opportunity to kick off Yoroi flipping over Misumi who had relaxed his grip enough for her to get loose. As she passed over Misumi's head she grabbed him by the shoulders pulling him over the side of the skiff as well.
Once in the water Misumi tried to get away from Anko to get back to the ship recognizing the danger they were in. Several Kaima began to circle them as Anko struggled with the man. Finally one of the larger creatures closed with her so Anko kicked her opponent in the stomach pushing off of him while shoving him in the creature's direction.
The Kaima cut into Masumi's side with its claw as he floated near. The blood entering the water excited the creature causing it to begin ripping into him in a frenzy which in turn excited the other creatures. The creatures nearest her began circling wanting a victim of their own. Recognizing she was at a disadvantage Anko bit her thumb as the kaima stopped circling to attack.
Sticking her hand in front of her after performing the hand-signs necessary for the summoning jutsu, Anko disappeared in a large mass of bubbles before a sea-green blur shot out with Anko holding to the darker green head of the sea snake she summoned. After it broke the surface of the water the snake said, "It would seem that someone should post a sign here that says to stay out of the water."
Smiling Anko said, "I'll take that under advisement."
Spotting Amachi's boat sailing away Anko was tempted to go after him, however with the kaima on the loose knew that they needed to be stopped before they chose to spread to Haha Island. "Umihebi, I need you to patrol the island make sure none of these things escape."
"Okay, but what about you," the snake asked.
"Drop me off on the island we'll stop them there," Anko said riding on top of Umihebi's head as he responded to his commands. When the snake passed close enough to the island Anko leapt off making her way to the revealed entrance.
Iruka was breathing hard but marveled as the three girls seemed hardly phased by the hard fight they had just gone through to reach the hidden dock. However they seemed to wilt slightly as they saw that there wasn't a way off the island.
"Can we run across the water?" Kin asked.
"We may have the chakra," Iruka answered, "but I doubt we'll be able to run as fast as these things can swim. Plus we may lead them to Haha Island endangering the inhabitants."
"So what do we do?" Sasame asked getting worried.
"We blow up the Island?" a voice said from above causing everyone to look up.
"Anko-sensei," her team said happy to see their leader.
Dropping down Anko took in Iruka's more haggard appearance and said, "Looks like being a teacher made you a bit out of shape."
"So it would seem," Iruka said grinning. "I take it you remember…"
"Yeah," Anko replied calmly showing Iruka she was at peace with whatever she learned. "Thanks," she said before slugging him.
"What was that for," Iruka asked surprised.
"I know what you were planning," Anko said angrily. "You planned to get my girls off the island before charging back in all macho looking for a way to bring this island down."
"What would you have had me do?" Iruka asked not bothering to deny Anko's assessment.
"You lead them into the island like the kunoichi they are," Anko replied proudly. "They know the stakes and you shouldn't coddle them."
Turning to the girls he noticed them standing a little straighter due to Anko's proud way of speaking about them. Anko turning her attention to Isaribi said, "You're not a shinobi so you are free to do what you like. We'll handle things here."
Isaribi looked conflicted for a moment before turning into her kaima form and with a simple, "Good luck, turned to dive into the water. However before she did so Anko said, "Be careful I have a summons making sure the rest of the creatures don't escape."
Isaribi nodded before diving into the water. Turning to her team Anko said, "This maybe a one way trip for us so if you want to chance making it for the boat I reached the island with be my guest."
"We're with you Anko-sensei," Kin said for her team with a serious look mirrored on her teammates' faces.
A predatory smile appeared on Anko's face as she said, "Good, well then this ought to be fun."
Iruka just shook his head saying, "I think we need to talk about your idea of fun."
"You only live once, Iruka," Anko said playfully.
"Well I hope you don't mind if I plan to live a little longer," Iruka said jokingly.
"Who knows you may get your wish," Anko replied before heading back to the door that led into the base.
As Isaribi swam away she couldn't get the three kunoichi out of her head especially the scared and determined look that they had all sported. It made her feel even worse about herself for helping Amachi. There they were about to stay behind and possibly die to clean up a mess she had helped to reach its current point and she was swimming away from it.
Shaking her head she kept going having already made it pass the snake which was swallowing the kaima that tried to get to Haha Island whole. Stopping she looked back the way she came certain that if Team Anko did find a way to destroy the island they would probably be trapped there.
Underneath the water Isaribi's hearing was far superior to her normal hearing which was why she picked up the sound of a body hitting the water. She could also smell the fresh blood as well as the muttering of Amachi as he said, "Useless, absolutely useless," while dumping the body of Yoroi who had been killed by the creatures that had piled onto the skiff.
Actually growling to herself that the bastard responsible not only for her pain and suffering but for so many others' was going to get away she made straight for his skiff. She caught up just as he was dumping the last dead body, a kaima. She could see that his jacket was gone and that his clothes appeared to be ripped but not by claw marks. He just rolled the body over the side when she sprung out of the water tackling him to the deck. He recognized her instantly saying, "Isaribi you traitorous little…" which was as far as he got as she used her increased strength to toss him bodily from the boat before making for the rudder turning it around and hoping that one or two creatures found him before he swam to shore.
The trip through the base was exactly as horrible and tough as Team Anko expected since most of the staff of the base were not shinobi so offered very little resistance to the Kaima. In some places the walls were literally painted with blood and gore. Furthermore it appeared that the creatures were carnivorous and liked the taste of people.
Using Anko's recovered memories they easily found the throne room where they hazarded to guess the self destruct mechanism that Orochimaru seemed to build into all his bases would be. However a careful search of the room revealed nothing.
"Fuck," Tayuya shouted in frustration. Sending a weary look to the door that led out of the room as several Kaima pounded on it to get in. "Where the fuck else could it be?"
"I don't think it matters," Kin said sitting against a wall to catch her breath.
"Yeah," Iruka agreed vowing to definitely step up his own training program since he was badly out of shape it would seem at least by active shinobi standards.
"What do you mean?" Sasame asked.
"Well you remember the base in Sound, it wasn't rigged to blow but to collapse. I'm willing to bet this base is rigged to do the same thing," Kin answered.
Seeing where her student was going Anko said, "Which wouldn't do us too much good against these creatures since they could survive underwater."
"Exactly," Kin said standing.
"You could've had that thought before we fought all the way here," Tayuya said.
"At least I had it," Kin snapped back.
"Hey you two settle down," Anko said feeling the strain herself. But what was worse for her was that she may be taking her girls on a one way trip. While she had meant what she said, she couldn't help but feel that she failed them in some way. Iruka must have sensed her thoughts as he placed his hand on her shoulder. Placing her hand on his she closed her eyes and leaned into him basking in his warmth.
The lights flickered just then prompting Tayuya to exclaim, "That's it."
"What's it," Sasame asked for the group.
"Anko-sensei, where's the power coming from?" Tayuya asked.
"From generators a level below us. Why?" Anko said confused.
"Would that be below sea level?" Tayuya asked ignoring Anko's question in favor of her own getting more and more excited.
"Yeah, they are in a special r…" Anko replied trailing off as where Tayuya was going became apparent. Her smile reappeared as she said, "They're in a special room so water can't get in."
A grin appeared on her other girls' faces as they got it too with Kin saying, "I imagine it would be quite catastrophic if they were to get wet."
"We won't know until we try," Sasame said her own grin splitting her face.
Watching the members of Team Anko all grinning at each other as they talked about causing a massive explosion Iruka thought, "Kami help me."
Tayuya moved to the door that led out getting ready to open it as the others pulled out their weapons. Pulling it open, the first kaima stumbled in but quickly fell due to the senbon that Kin threw hitting it in the eyes. The next two however made it into the room one targeting Iruka who made quick work of it by stabbing it in the throat with a kunai. The last one fell to Anko who after avoiding its initial strike maneuvered around it slashing the back of its knees with a kunai. It was dead before it hit the ground as Anko almost as an afterthought spun away from the creature throwing her kunai into the back of the creature's skull.
Moving into the hall they killed the few creatures that came between them and the generator room. Entering it they saw that a few creatures had apparently made it their new home but they made quick work of them. Having just finished off her opponent by breaking its neck Tayuya asked, "Which wall is the ocean behind?"
Anko pointed to the one farthest from the glass encased generators. Tayuya moved towards it as did Kin and Sasame slapping several exploding tags against it. "How long should we give ourselves?" Kin asked wanting to know how long to charge the delay built into the tags.
"Ten minutes," Anko said as Iruka and she weakened the glass so that when the wall blew the water would finish the job. Setting the tags to blow the five of them quickly made their way to the surface only to see that the boat Anko had brought had been destroyed by some of the rampaging creatures.
"Hurry we'll run for it" Anko shouted planning to run across the water hoping that Umihebi had taken care of the creatures beneath the surface. However the call of, "Sasame," directed her attention to the boat that was passing by the island. Seeing Isaribi at the rudder driving it Anko said, "On second thought I don't feel like running."
The skiff passed close enough that the shinobi could easily leap from the island onto the boat as it moved so as not to make a target for the kaima. Landing Sasame said, "You came back."
"I…" Isaribi said but was cut off by Sasame's simple, "Thanks."
Smiling at the first friend she had in almost two years Isaribi simply nodded as she directed the boat away. A moment later the wall in the generator room blew causing water to quickly fill the room. Once it was completely filled the pressure buckled the glass causing the generators to explode as they were exposed to the sea water. Most of the island was vaporized as the powerful generators released their energy.
Watching what remained of the island burn Tayuya said, "I hope our next mission doesn't have a daring escape from a facility in danger of being destroyed."
"What's a matter Red," Anko said teasingly, "Too much excitement for you?"
"I'm just saying it's getting pretty fucking old," Tayuya replied.
A groaning from the water attracted their attention so looking over the side of the boat they saw Anko's summon floating in the water its body bloated with all the kaima it had eaten. Noticing the woman staring at it Umihebi said, "I never thought I'd ever get sick of seafood."
"You did good, thanks" Anko said bowing slightly to the snake. Inclining its own head at the show of respect Umihebi disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
"Where too?" Isaribi asked. But before Anko could answer the skiff was rocked violently before picking up speed heading for Haha Island. They all held on for dear life as they cut through the water while wondering what was happening, except Isaribi who had been surprised by the initial hit and fell into the water. Reaching a deserted beach on the island the boat was tossed into the air hitting the beach before flipping end over end several times.
Anko was first to recover, spotting her girls and Iruka lying on the beach, the hold of the small skiff split open to reveal the gold that had been stored in it. Looking around for the missing Isaribi, she directed her attention to the water where she saw what had pushed them ashore was most likely the creature that the sailors had described which had attacked the ships not carrying gold. Standing atop its head looking arrogantly at her was Amachi.
"Well done Anko well done," Amachi said mockingly having summoned his sea monster, a product of his experiments, after Isaribi had tossed him into the water, "You managed to save Haha from being swarmed by the Kaima, but I'm afraid this is the end of the line for you."
Getting to her feet catching that Iruka was doing the same as well Anko said, "Come down here and say that to my face."
"No thanks," Amachi said crossing his arms in front of him, "I think I'll let my creature handle the likes of you." The creature in response took a step out of the water revealing that although the head resembled some ancient type of fish with a rounded armored skull and a mouth full of sharp teeth as well as a body which resembled a large Koi's covered in black and white scales, could move on land as it had four legs that looked like they belonged to an alligator. The creature took another step towards the recovered Shinobi but before it fully emerged from the water Isaribi appeared leaping out of the sea and tackling Amachi into the water.
The creature didn't seem to care about its master plight as he disappeared beneath the waves instead almost using it as the sign to attack suddenly rushing out of the water towards Team Anko and Iruka. Jumping in separate directions to confuse and make the creature chose who to focus on it seemed to follow Iruka. Anko landing next to Tayuya said, "Is this a big enough change of pace for you?"
"Fuck, it's enough to make me miss the exploding bases," Tayuya quipped.
Smiling Anko bit her thumb before placing her hand on the ground summoning Naga. Taking a look at the giant fish hybrid the summons said hissing her s's, "Awww, I was hoping to eat some of those tasty creatures Umihebi was describing."
"Maybe later," Anko said figuring a few may have survived that may cause trouble later. Naga moved to intercept the creature with Anko and Tayuya on her head. The sea monster sensing the greater threat turned towards the fast approaching snake. Opening its mouth a pair of glands began spraying a liquid at the summons which ignited into flame upon contact with the air.
"Fuck," Tayuya said having to increase her chakra to remain on the Naga's head as she quickly changed course to avoid the fire. Naga came in at the side of the creature which seemed unable to turn quickly to follow her. Coming up around its belly Naga began wrapping her body around the creature's midsection while her two passengers jumped off. Recognizing the danger it was in the creature began rolling about trying to dislodge the snake. Eventually, it rolled into the ocean hoping to drown the snake before it could be squeezed to death.
Sasame watched as Anko and Iruka followed the summons into the ocean in order to aid it against the creature. She wondered if she should follow but stopped when Isaribi flew from the water. Landing hard the fish girl rolled to a stop and attempted to pick herself up. Directing an angry gaze towards the water she shouted, "You mastered your procedure but never intended to turn me back."
Sasame wondered who she was talking to until a kaima appeared grinning maliciously at her as it made its way towards the beach. "Sorry, I simply strung you along to get you to return. You see you were the missing piece to the puzzle as some part of your D.N.A allowed you to retain your humanity. Eventually, I managed to isolate it and ta-da here I stand the ultimate underwater warrior, far superior to a prototype like you."
"I'll never be human again," Isaribi said sadly but looked up when Sasame said, "You never stopped being human Isaribi."
"Sasame…" Isaribi said staring at the girl her eyes conveying the gratitude she felt at Sasame's words.
"Ha-ha, how droll," Amachi said snidely, "Do you truly think you can stand before me? I told you I'm the pinnacle of my research."
"But you're still just some punk lab jockey," Tayuya shouted coming up from behind Amachi running along the water. Reaching him she kicked the half submerged merman in the chin launching him out of the water and onto the beach. Amachi rolled to his feet preparing to meet Tayuya's next attack which showed how much of an amateur he was since there were three angry young women behind him as well. Sasame reached him first slashing along his side with her dagger but was surprised when it failed to cut into him due to the scales.
Despite being surprise Amachi recovered quickly smashing his fist into her back sending her towards Tayuya who caught her. Kin leapt in next but was blown away when Amachi turned towards her opening his mouth and expelling water which hit with all the force of a fire hose. Isaribi did the same but her jutsu wasn't as powerful as his only causing him to stagger a few steps. It was enough to cause him to end his jutsu and to by time for Tayuya to close with him. He spun around in time to catch Tayuya's punch and her follow up one causing the two to struggle against one another.
Smirking he said as he began to win their test of might, "You can actually believe you are a match for me in raw strength."
Tayuya gave a dangerous smile in return saying, "No, I know I'm stronger," she then tapped into the prototype seal that she had been given as a result of Jiraiya's research. Although still a work in progress it did allow her to change at will and thus far maintain her transformation for ten minutes. Hearing her bandana rip away she cursed since it was her favorite. But she considered the surprise on Amachi's face worth the destruction of it especially as he began to struggle against her increased strength.
Pulling him off balance she grabbed him around the midsection before lifting him in the air and power-bombing him into the ground hard enough that it sent up a dust cloud. Kin watched as Tayuya jumped out of the cloud and taking a deep breath blew a stream of fire into it which lasted for a minute.
Once the dust and fire settled the girls were surprised to see Amachi still standing but he collapsed to his knees weakly saying, "Is that the best you got?" With a last ditch effort he charged at the girls. Pulling a scroll from her pouch Sasame unsealed a Fuuma shuriken. Spreading the shuriken's blades she said, "Here Isaribi throw this."
Doing as instructed and despite not being particularly skilled the shuriken flew true. Amachi probably could have avoided it but put faith in the defense his scales provided. However due to the stress of the fire they had just been subjected to and Isaribi's strength the shuriken caught him in the chest, piercing it and causing him to stop dead in his tracks to stare down at it before toppling over dead.
The girls stared at each other about to pat themselves on the pack until Tayuya said, "Fuck Anko-sensei." However before they could reach the water several large explosions went off and a minute later the creature floated to the surface belly up like a dead goldfish. Pulling herself onto the dead corpse and helping a panting Iruka, Anko said, "See all the fun stuff you don't get to experience by simply staying a chunin instructor."
"I think I can live without almost being eaten by a thirty-foot sea monster," Iruka said dryly. Earning himself a, "Part-pooper," in reply from his girlfriend.
Naga poked her head out of the ocean saying, "I think I'll be returning now. Do call me if there is something to eat next time."
"Sure thing," Anko replied chipperly before the summons disappeared.
Left alone Anko leaned done and kissed Iruka prompting several catcalls from the beach. "What's that for?" Iruka asked ignoring the teasing girls.
"For believing in me," Anko said referring to the things Iruka had told her about believing she left Orochimaru.
Standing she said, "When you start teaching those brats in Kiri you should start them off with a paper about what they did over the summer."
Laughing Iruka asked, "Why's that?"
"That way you can tell them how you killed a sea monster," Anko said, "give them a taste of what real shinobi do for a living."
"Iruka monster slayer does have a nice ring to it," he said, "but I doubt they'll believe me."
"I wouldn't be so sure," Anko said noticing a fleet of ships approaching.
Unable to get close to land a small rowboat disengaged from the lead ship. Recognizing the admiral Anko shouted, "I thought you had a gold shipment to deliver."
"I managed to convince the governor that we should help save our land instead simply letting you shinobi get all the glory," the admiral said good-naturedly.
The admiral spotted Isaribi who despite reverting to human was missing her bandages so her scaled sections of skin were exposed. Watching her warily he asked, "I take it you found the kaima that was attacking my ships."
Following his gaze Anko stepped in front of him blocking his view and said, "Yep, he's right over there," while pointing to the corpse of Amachi. The admiral looked at Anko for a moment showing that he knew that wasn't entirely the case before saying, "Good enough for me."
He then motioned for his men to signal the ships to send a landing party to secure the gold as well as corpse before saying, "Allow me to take you back to Haha please."
Anko nodded stepping from the dead creatures belly into his boat while waving her girls forward. Running over the water they joined their sensei in finally relaxing in the back of the boat now that they were all together again.
Yoshino watched as her son and Temari returned from Suna. Although they weren't holding hands or anything so overt she could tell that something had changed between them. She smiled as she recalled what her mother-in-law told her when she joined the family. "One day you're going to find a young woman showing up on your doorstep. That'll probably be the girl that your boy marries."
She had wondered how the woman had known she would have a boy but apparently the Nara were predisposed to having male children. Therefore most of the women of the clan were outsiders like her. But she had instantly known that Temari was the girl her mother-in-law was referring too. As she thought about it, the similarities between her and the Suna kunoichi were rather striking.
When she had been a kunoichi she had been in the same graduation class as her future husband. They had even taken the chunin exams at the same time and had faced each other in the last match of the final round. Despite the fact that she had been the heavy favorite to win she had lost to him. The loss had eaten away at her till the point that she had showed up at the Nara's household. She had demanded a rematch which he had lazily refused. Sure enough her future mother-in-law had brow beaten her boy into accepting. From that match, which she had won, but knew that he had thrown simply so that she would leave him alone a grudging respect had been born. That respect had blossomed into admiration and eventually love but now she understood that it had all been a part of her mother-in-laws master plan.
Walking out of the house she greeted them saying, "How was the trip?"
"Troublesome," her son said walking into the house probably to take a nap.
She was about to lay into him but Temari said, "It was fantastic. They not only made Gaara the Kazekage, but me a chunin."
"Congratulations dear," Yoshino said genuinely pleased, "This calls for a celebration lets all head down to the Akimichi Restaurant to celebrate." Turning she shouted into the house. "Shikamaru, Shikaku get ready to head to the Akimichi district we're celebrating." She heard a pair of groans so more insistent and with an undercurrent of anger that promised painful consequences if disobeyed she yelled, "You both better be ready in forty-five minutes or Kami help the both of you." Hearing the heavy footprints of her husband as he rushed to comply followed by the slower and still shuffling footprints of her son, she turned to her guest slash future daughter-in-law, if she had her way that was, who was looking at her in wonder and said sagely, "Remember dear, all men need a strict guiding hand. Nara men just need it more than most."
Nodding at the pearl of wisdom Temari followed the woman into the house to get ready herself probably only needing a fraction of the time the two males of the household would. Before jumping into the shower she truly wished she could remain at the Nara residence forever.
Anko was standing on the docks in a sundress with one of the big brimmed hats that women going on cruises always seemed to wear. Standing before her were Sasame, Isaribi, and Tayuya. Kin had left the day before heading to surprise Haku at the island he was training on. Before the large sail boat that would take her and Iuka to Water Country, on the cruise Iruka had promised, left she was giving some last minute instructions to her team.
"So remember your mission is to escort Isaribi safely to Konoha and also to deliver the forms that will transfer us temporarily to Kiri to the Hokage. Think you can handle it?" Anko said with a mischievous smile that had her girls on edge.
"Piece of cake its only a C-ranked mission," Tayuya replied.
"Actually I'm bumping it up to an A-ranked one," Anko said far too innocently.
"Why," Sasame asked confused, "Are the papers that valuable?"
"Nope," Anko said making her way to the boat as it was about to leave, "You'll find out soon enough." Boarding she moved to the end and began waving cheerfully as the boat set sail.
"I wonder what she meant," Sasame said to Tayuya as they made their way to the end of the pier.
"She was probably just blowing smoke up our asses," Tayuya said waving it off. "Come on lets go buy some tickets for the ferry to Tea Country." However as she reached for her money pouch she found that it was missing. Instantly knowing where to look she spun around to see Anko dangling it in front of her along with what she assumed were Isaribi and Sasame's. Running down the pier she said, "Give it back you crazy-ass-bitch. How are we supposed to buy a ticket without any fucking money?"
"You're a kunoichi figure it out," Anko said turning away from the still cussing Tayuya.
Bringing her a drink Iruka said, "What was the point of that display if I might ask?"
Giving a smirk before sipping her drink Anko replied, "Why to teach them to keep a better eye on their money of course."
The ship had just slipped below the horizon when Tayuya had finally stopped cussing, "Crazy bitch stranding us here. How are we supposed to pay for a ferry, let alone afford a hotel if we can't get enough?"
"Uhm," Isaribi said shyly, "Iruka gave me this," holding up a wallet that both Tayuya and Sasame recognized as Anko's. Both girls smiled vowing to travel in style all the way back to Konoha at their sensei's expense. Heading off to purchase a expensive cruise ticket that would take them to Wave instead of the ferry they were going to take, Isaribi remembered what Iruka told her as he gave her the wallet.
"Here," he said thrusting it into her hands.
"What's this for," Isaribi asked confused, "You'll find out later. But make sure Anko's not around when you pull it out." As she nodded he asked, "So have you thought about what you'll do in the future."
"Right now I just want to be cured," Isaribi said.
"I understand and if anyone can do it the Hokage can. But perhaps you'll consider another path?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well with that data we found in the skiff I'm sure Tsunade will be able to complete the procedure." Before she could argue he said, "It's your choice Isaribi nut it isn't necessarily a curse but a gift."
"A gift that cost me my old life and friends," she replied with anger.
"True, but one that led you to a new one and friends who will stand with you to the end," saying the last part while directing his gaze to Sasame and Tayuya. Following his line of sight she smiled. Iruka patted her shoulder saying, "Think about it," before walking off to board the ship.
Isaribi wasn't sure what she would do if given the choice but she did look forward to what the future held something she hadn't done it quite a while.
Hinata arrived home from a day of filling in on a genin team as they performed their tasks due to an injury. Apparently the new genin teams had been selected from the academy according to the kunoichi of the team she was helping and Fuki was among them. Wondering if that would pose a problem for Ami in the future she wondered if she should inform her old teammate, who was studying in Suna. Figuring it was for the best she promised to write a letter later when she noticed something on the counter.
Seeing that it was another picture from Sai and that Sakura must have left it out for her. She picked it up to study it. This picture had the faceless boy acquiring the traits of the demon it had met in the last one. While she still believed Sai was using Naruto as a reference she couldn't help but wonder if it meant the boy was turning evil as a result of being forced out of his village.
She also wondered if that was all Sai was trying to tell them something that Sakura had brought up before. For some reason neither of them could shake the feeling there was more to the pictures than they were seeing. The newest picture seemed to confirm that as why would Sai tell a story and base it off of Naruto if the boy turned evil. Of course it could simply mean he was acquiring the traits of the man he was learning from. Much like Naruto wore the face wraps around his mouth like Zabuza did.
Bringing out the bin Hinata noticed that Sakura had done the same thing she was planning to do which was look at the pictures that had come before in more detail. However one thing bothered her still which were the pictures with the mother in them. Why put them into a story you were basing on an orphan at all, it kind of was like rubbing salt into a wound and even though Sai could be rather socially inept he wasn't cruel or heartless. Whatever she was doing in them, Hinata was positive she was the key to understanding the story.