An: Thank you to everyone that has reviewed as always your humble author S. o. t. A.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit.
Chapter 51: Demon vs. Monster
Two men wearing cloaks with red clouds approached a crossroad having entered Fire Country. Reaching the split in the road the smaller of the two asked, "Are you sure you wish to handle this alone?"
"I don't need help to deal with Zabuza," Kisame said sounding offended. "Besides when you have it out with that little punk brother of yours, you said for me to stay out of it."
Itachi's nod was barely noticeable but years of being partners made it easy for Kisame to see. Hearing the grin in the former Kiri shinobi's voice he listened as Kisame said, "Besides I thought you had something of your own to take care of."
Itachi didn't respond so the man said, "Don't be getting all emotional on me now Itachi. In a week's time Zabuza will be dead and we'll be able to capture the four-tails you were assigned."
"Don't underestimate him, Kisame," Itachi cautioned, "He's been looking forward to killing you for a long time and is bound to be prepared. Not to mention he was the one that selected the battle ground."
"Let Zabuza prepare all he likes," Kisame said unconcerned, "He had the weakest sword of the group. He'll need all the tricks he can muster just to get me to break a sweat. Well, I'm heading this way have fun." Splitting up as Kisame headed to Wave, Itachi watched his partner go before heading deeper into Fire Country to visit a man he once looked up too.
Kushina stood in the modest hideout of Natsuhi, her star thief. Upon noticing the second bed of stone that was carved into the wall she asked, "Where's your husband?"
"He died shortly after our exile," Natsuhi said sadly looking towards her husband's bed. "The star training having begun to take its toll on him is what prompted us to steal the star. But the Hoshikage's men…" Kushina tensing a little at her mentioning of what they called the village leader prompted Natsuhi to say, "You must be from one of the Five Great Villages."
Making sure her mask was still in place Kushina said, "What makes you so sure of that?"
"The way you react to the title Hoshikage," Natsuhi replied.
"I could simply be from a minor village that feels it's arrogant for a speck of a village like this one to claim the title Kage for itself," Kushina replied dryly. "Regardless of my personal distaste for the title you've given your leader, where is the star."
"It's safe from all who would misuse it."
"Well in order for you to receive my help, I'm going to need that star," Kushina said.
"I'm not sure I want your help," Natsuhi said warily. "For all I know you are working with Akahoshi and this is simply a cleverer trap then his usual attempts."
"Fair enough," Kushina said, "However, as I said part of my mission is to destroy Hoshigakure as well."
"Yes, let's skip to that. Why is it that you think I'll allow you to destroy the village?"
"Simple, you wish to see it done as well," Kushina said matter of factly.
Standing quickly Natsuhi said, "Take that back, me and my husband have sacrificed everything for the village."
"No you didn't," Kushina said calmly but with a hint of sadness, "You did it for your son."
Picking up on the sadness she heard Natsuhi said, "You've lost a child yourself."
"Twice," Kushina said referring to the death of Naruto to the Kyuubi and the loss of her genjutsu. "However, by completing this mission, I'll be a step closer to getting him back."
"Still, I can't allow you to do it," Natsuhi said standing. "I'll fight you if I must."
"Actually I'm counting on that," the masked Kushina replied causing the woman to stare back at her in confusion. Continuing she said, "My mission is to destroy the village. Not the people…"
"The people are the village," Natsuhi countered.
"Let's just say the man I'm doing this for views things differently."
"And you expect me to hand the star over to such a man?"
"You won't be handing it to him. You'll be handing it to me. I promise he won't touch it," Kushina said. "But anyways, you'll also need Akahoshi and his ilk to be removed from power. I can handle that."
"I'm beginning to see what it is you have planned but I can't participate in it," Natsuhi said sadly standing and leaving the hideout.
Following she saw the woman standing at the edge of the canyon her hideout overlooked. Kushina asked her, "Why? Don't you wish to see your son again?"
"Of course I do," Natsuhi said spinning to face the masked woman, "more than anything in this world. But I was banished to watch over the village from afar. Instead of forcing our child to live in exile with us the story that we had been killed by a foreign shinobi was concocted. What do I tell him if I go through with your plan? Sorry Sumaru, I've been here all along, but couldn't tell you so you'd have some semblance of a normal life."
For a moment Kushina thought of the real Naruto a child she had never actually gotten to hold. Feeling an iron grip of pain around her heart she said, "At least you can tell him that. My son was taken from me at birth and all I was left with was a dream that has been getting less and less clear since I've been pulled from it." She paused and cursed Sai for a moment as she replayed herself calling the genjutsu a dream. Pushing on she said, "I'd give anything to tell my son I love him. What you're afraid of is he'll hate you for the deception, but he may come to understand your reasons if you explain to him how toxic the star training truly is."
"Don't you think I've told myself that a thousand times?" Natsuhi asked. Sighing she said, "I used to think the exile was a form of mercy the third Hoshikage gave my husband and me. Now I understand it was the worse punishment imaginable. Sitting here watching Sumaru growing up without me has been like a knife wound that only grows deeper and never heals."
Again Kushina felt her heart begin to hurt as she imagined the other side of the coin. The child that grew up without a parent, however she vehemently thought to herself, "It isn't Naruto. It's the Kyuubi the thing deserves to be alone." But deep inside her, a part of her that had been growing stronger due to Sai's training rebelled at the thought. Fighting the feeling back down, she pushed on saying, "He'll understand, especially since you'll be fulfilling the role of guardian that the third set you up as."
Zabuza stared up at the full moon from the bogus site he had given his wife where Kisame and he were due to have their battle. She had insisted on accompanying him of course along with Ao and two squads of Anbu. He was playing a dangerous game to be sure, as he didn't doubt that even if he made it to Wave and beat Kisame he might not survive his wife's anger. Tonight was the night he was going to make his move and leave, but first he needed to handle his babysitter.
"Are you going to sit in the shadows all night?" he asked.
"Depends, are you going to continue to pretend this is where Kisame is coming too?" Ao responded stepping from behind a tree.
"Can't slip anything by you, can I?"
"Actually, it's the Mizukage that knows. However perhaps you can explain something to me?"
"What would that be?" Zabuza said surprised.
"You have returned home a hero. You are husband to the Mizukage, and could return the Seven to its former glory. Why attempt to skulk away in the middle of the night to face a man like Kisame alone?"
"You're a hunter-nin, so I don't expect you t understand," Zabuza replied.
"What's that supposed to mean," Ao said insulted. "I joined your wife's cause despite being a hunter-nin."
"Agreed, but the Hunters were created by the Third Mizukage and has always been an organization with one purpose to hunt down and eliminate people that defected since they no longer could stomach what Kiri was becoming." Pausing a moment Zabuza said, "By contrast the Seven Swordsmen was a group that always had a reputation for honor and skill. That was only tarnished by the inclusion of Kisame and then Raiga. They did all they could to tear the group down. Kisame was right. Like a broken sword, I can't reforge it, until the reason for its breaking is taken care of."
"I suppose you are right," Ao admitted, "I can't understand your reasoning."
"Well that's because of how your group started they can easily be reformed into something greater. For the Swordsmen it will only be a returning to the lofty heights its founder envisioned." Zabuza began to chuckle a little before adding, "Let's not also forget Kisame is targeting a boy that I've raised since he was six years old. Killing Kisame will hurt Akatsuki, therefore it is worth doing."
"Then let us help," Ao said.
"Sorry, but even Kisame is going to show up alone, if only because admitting he needs help to kill me would hurt his pride."
"He isn't the only one," Ao said.
"You're right," Zabuza admitted.
"Still you have to know the second you leave we'll be right behind you," Ao replied.
Zabuza didn't reply instead stepping on a twig which activated the trap he had prepared earlier in the day when he wasn't being watched. A kunai shot out of the brush and Ao reacted as expected turning to the perceived threat. Zabuza moved quickly slamming an injector of the sedative Haku made during the fight against the Leaf in Wave. Ao went slack almost instantly. Placing a seal on his forehead which would keep him asleep well after the sedative wore off he left for Wave. He didn't doubt they'd be able to break the seal, but it would buy him time. He just hoped it was enough that should he fail to kill Kisame that the man and his wife wouldn't meet.
Sai landed next to the still masked Kushina as the sun began to set having put on his own root mask and armor."Have you secured the star?" he asked.
"Not yet," Kushina replied, "But I made a deal with the thief. She'll make it so I can get my hands on it while I take care of Akahoshi and his men."
"Can we trust her?" Sai asked.
"I suppose we'll find out," Kushina said not all that concerned.
"How do you wish to proceed?"
"I'll handle this," Kushina said. "You stay here." Before Sai could complain Kushina flashed through six hand-signs and a bevy of clouds began to form in the night sky which began to produce rain. Closing her eyes she then began to allow her senses to expand so that she could sense all the chakra signatures in the rain storm. Opening them she took off down the hill side they had been standing on running through the forest. Deciding on the direct approach, she made for the path that led to the front gate. As soon as she appeared she heard the guards shout for her to stop, but handled them quickly. Picking up one of the guards she threw him through the gate.
As expected many of the village's jounin had responded to the alarm and not surprisingly Akahoshi and his two stooges weren't among them. Allowing the rain storm to pinpoint the three in question she found them near the building that served as the village's town hall. Guessing that trying to reason with the Hoshi-nin was pointless, she charged right into their midst.
Ducking under the punch of the first shinobi she reached. She responded with an upward palm strike to his chin. As he staggered back, she grabbed him tossing the man into a kunoichi that was trying to come up behind her. She swept another ninja off of his feet before coming up and kicking a fourth in the stomach.
Jumping back to prevent herself from being surrounded she heard one of the shinobi say, "If it's the star you are after it's already been stolen."
Trying to sound as menacing as possible she said, "Pathetic. This is the level of skill this village is capable without the star to protect it. I'm going to wipe this village off the face of the earth for daring to take the title Kage."
Naturally many of the shinobi spines straightened at the insult. However, her purpose was to show the people here that taking the title of Kage was about more than just respect. It also came with a measure of responsibility. A responsibility, which had led many great men to their deaths, in order to protect all that the Kage held dear.
A few of the braver shinobi attempted to attack her for her remarks but minus the Mysterious Peacock Jutsu that the village had become so reliant on they proved to be no match for her. They apparently were some of the best the village had to offer as the other shinobi became more hesitant upon watching their defeat. Placing her foot on one of the defeated shinobi's chest she shouted, "Where is the man that claims the title of Fourth Hoshikage?"
The shinobi of the village still standing began looking at each other obviously feeling that was a very good question. Walking over the defeated man she said, "It doesn't matter, I'll take this village apart piece by piece until I find him." Creating a cross hand sign a hundred copies of her sprung into being. Sticking her hand out and ordering her clones like she would an army she said, "Take this village apart." The clones tore into the Hoshi ranks to do exactly that, watching as her clones caused chaos among the village she hoped Natsuhi upheld her end of the plan.
Natsuhi stood in the center of the star crater having returned it to the pedestal where the star had rested before she stole it. She knew that village's protocol would have the younger shinobi helping to evacuate the citizens of Hoshigakure to the crater as a last line of defense to protect them. However knowing Akahoshi's character she knew he would arrive here first. No doubt to claim he would protect the citizens himself while secretly hoping some other shinobi dealt with the threat that assaulted the village. Seeing him coming down the stairs that led down into the crater she was tempted to handle the man herself. However, decided to follow the masked woman's plans.
Natsuhi couldn't explain what it was about the woman that caused her to trust her. Perhaps the shared pain of losing a son, as she felt the emotion in the masked woman's voice couldn't be faked, was responsible. But whatever the reason she decided to have faith in her since if everything went according to plan she may very well return to the village in a way that would allow her to explain to her son why it was so important that she did what she did.
One of Akahoshi's men spotted her standing in front of the hut that housed the star. Following the plan, instead of confronting him, she simply shunshined away. He'd no doubt search inside and probably upon finding the star back in the village would move to confront the woman attacking confident with the star's power he would win. Natsuhi only hoped the masked woman was as good as she claimed she was.
Samaru was helping an elderly couple to the stairs that led up to the crater along with his girlfriend Hokuto. As they passed them to the genin on top of the stairs to help them the rest of the way Hokuto said, "Do you think we'll be able to stop this invader without the star?"
Before he could answer the Akahoshi walking up the stairs said, "Luckily we won't need to find out." Holding it in front of him many of the villagers' hopes were renewed along with the shinobi. "Children continue to see to our people's safety. Come Yotaka, Shiso, we'll send this invader packing."
Kushina caught the punch of a Hoshi-nin saying, "You reliance on the star makes you weak." Smashing her fist in his chest she sent him flying into the wall of a house and right through it. A family stared at her in fear, before she had to avoid several shuriken thrown by a group of genin hoping to drive her away to get the family to the crater. Allowing herself to fall back, she almost smiled as she felt the star's chakra getting closer to her, due to the rain laced with her own.
Dealing with another shinobi she sent him skidding along the street, but then had to avoid a purple looking beast made of chakra. Landing in the middle of the muddy street she said mockingly, "So the famed Hoshikage finally decides to make an appearance."
"I don't know who sent you fiend, but now that the star has been found, prepare to face the full might of Hoshigakure," Akahoshi said flanked by his two lackeys each with a chakra beast of their own hovering above them.
"Good," Kushina replied charging the trio. However the beasts moved too quickly and forced her to retreat. Landing on the roof of a nearby house she said, "If this is the famed power of the star, I'm not impressed."
Akahoshi smirked up at her, but it was his two men that acted disappearing quickly and reappearing behind her on the roof. Jumping from it as the beast they created tried to capture her she was caught by Akahoshi's which smashed her straight through a house. Landing on the other side of the structure she moved out of the way as Yotaka landed where she had just been lying. Pulling a kunai she threw it past the man hitting near the hole she just made as Akahoshi came towards her through it. The tag attached exploded collapsing the house on the man leaving her to deal with the lackeys.
Creating another hundred clones she became aware of the fact, due to the rain, that the shinobi of the village were gathering around the battlefield. Hiding among her clones which were avoiding the two men's attacks as skillfully as her, she waited for the perfect opportunity to strike. Finding it when Yotaka's attention was focused on one of her clones she threw a kunai which buried itself into the side of his neck. As he grasped the wound and sunk to his knees, Kushina made her way from the clones grabbing the handle and pulling the blade the rest of the way across his throat.
Tossing the bloodied blade away she said to Shiso, "You're next."
However Shiso's time was up without her aid as he attempted to call on more of the star's chakra. Although his chakra flared for a moment he suddenly grabbed his chest in pain as angry purple blotches began to appear on his skin. "What's happening?" he croaked out as his chakra failed him.
"The downside of the star training," Kushina responded unemotionally. Walking past the dying man she stood in front of the collapsed house waiting for Akahoshi to emerge. He didn't fail to disappoint as the house seemed to explode in the purple energy of the star. A moment later he emerged looking more beefed up with longer hair and the star merged with his chest.
Taking a step towards the woman he was stopped by one of his shinobi saying, "Lord Akahoshi you must stop. Look what it did to Shiso."
Staring at his man Akahoshi coldly said, "What of it? He wasn't strong enough to handle the stars power and deserves to die. This is what I killed the old fool who stopped the star training for."
Stepping back the man said, "You killed the Hoshikage."
"Of course I did," Akahoshi said, "His policy of suspending the star training was weakening the village. Look at me, I'm a god now."
"A god," Kushina said cutting in, "This village's arrogance truly knows no bounds. So be it, I'm just going to have to crush that arrogance out of you."
"Come then," Akahoshi said.
Kushina charged but a serpent like dragon of chakra surrounded him. However unlike the beasts before this chakra construct could shoot a powerful blast of chakra. It caught her, blasting her across the battleground. His follow up blast she managed to avoid by flipping over it and landing on her feet.
As she created more clones Akahoshi said, "Clones, is that all you know what to do?"
The clones began running at the leader who fired several blasts into their ranks but a good portion made it to him. The first clone reared back like it was going to punch him, but surprised the man by exploding in his face. Sent staggering back the next one reached him doing the same. Over and over again it happened, until the area was covered in dust so that Akahoshi couldn't see more than a few feet in front of his face. The only thing keeping him standing was the purple chakra which had protected him from a good portion of the damage. However within the smoke he could see a blue light which seemed to make the dust swirl around it as it got closer. Firing a blast at it he smiled as it disappeared followed by a poof, but heard a, "You missed," from behind him.
Turning he saw the woman holding the swirling ball of chakra which she slammed into his stomach. Feeling the excruciating pain as the jutsu tore apart his abdomen, he was sent flying before smashing into the Hoshikage building collapsing a good portion of it.
Kushina allowed the dust to clear before making her way towards the dead leader of the village. She walked slowly almost daring the now cowering shinobi to attack. Reaching the man's corpse she pulled it from the wreckage throwing it closer to the shinobi gathered. Again walking towards it, she then flipped the corpse onto his back with her foot before placing said foot on his chest. Reaching down she yanked the star loose from his chest.
As she inspected the star one of the shinobi said, "You have the star, please leave us in peace."
Shaking her head, Kushina said, "My beef with this village isn't due to this." To punctuate her point she tightened her grip on the star causing it to crack and break into dust. The shinobi of the village all stood back in fear causing Kushina to say, getting into her villain role, "My attack on this village stems from the simple fact you dared to call your leader a Kage. But look at you, you're nothing and without your precious star you are even less. I'm going to enjoy wiping this speck of dirt off the map."
A shout of, "We'll stop you. You'll regret picking a fight with Hoshigakure." Looking in the direction it came from Kushina wasn't surprised to see Sumaru standing there looking defiant, for a moment the image of the real Naruto superimposed itself over the boy. She actually took a step back causing the boy to charge, her instincts taking over she blocked the boys punch before bringing a knee up into his midsection. As he grabbed his stomach, she placed a leg behind his and pushed him back tripping him. Placing a foot on his throat she again saw the image of Naruto and was torn between crushing his throat and letting go. Leaving it in place, she said, "With that kind of spirit you might one day be worthy of such a title. Too bad I'm going to crush that spirit today."
"Get away from him," Natsuhi said wearing her gas mask and swooping in on her chakra wings much to the amazement of her fellow Hoshi shinobi.
Landing in front of Kushina, the woman's blue chakra wings folded and turned into a chakra beast that charged at the woman forcing her to jump away and to land on the roof of the Town Hall. "Sumaru," Natsuhi said helping her son sit up. She sent a glare at the masked woman, but stopped as her son said, "Who are you?"
Pulling the mask off Natsuhi said, "It's me Sumaru. It's your mother." To prove it she reached under the collar of her vest and held up the necklace she had worn and whose mate had been given to Sumaru by the Third Hoshikage."
"It can't be," Sumaru said, "You were killed when someone tried to steal the star ten years ago."
Shaking her head Natsuhi said, "No, I'm afraid that's a lie. We were banished by the Hoshikage ten years ago for trying to take the star."
The shinobi behind her began mulling and whispering to each other. "I'm sorry," Natsuhi said dejected to her son, "But when we learned the harm the star did to people… all we could think of was to get rid of it. We failed, and the Third tasked us with watching over the village from outside it. So you wouldn't share in our shame we told him to tell you we were killed."
Sumaru stared at his mother his face not giving away anything of what he was feeling, till he suddenly lurched up and began to hug his mother. Natsuhi was shocked at first, but quickly responded in kind hugging her son tightly. Kushina found the sight touching but getting back into character said, "Hello, this is touching and all, but I'm sort of here to kill you and the village remember."
Standing, Natsuhi said, "I'll defeat you."
"How? I've destroyed your precious star," Kushina said.
"With my own power," Natsuhi replied her chakra flaring like a peacock's feathers behind her.
"Well at least try to entertain me please," Kushina said leaping off her perch heading straight for Natsuhi. Pulling a kunai she attempted to stab the woman several times but was rebuffed by Natsuhi's chakra. The chakra turned into a beast that attempted to grab a hold of the woman, but Kushina proved too nimble. When Kushina came in a second time, she was surprised when Natsuhi dropped her jutsu to engage her in taijutsu. Trading blows they skidded away from each other.
Natsuhi seemed to recover first flaring her chakra and turning it into the beast again. The jutsu caught the masked Kushina dead center blasting her through another building where she landed on the street that led out of the village. By the time Natsuhi and the rest of the Hoshi shinobi arrived all that they found was the painted mask the woman had been wearing.
Natsuhi turned to see the other shinobi staring at her before one of them dropped to his knee with his head held down. Many others followed, "What are you doing?" she asked.
The first man to kneel said, "It is obvious, you are the only one with the power to claim the title Hoshikage. Please, lend us that power."
Staring at the kneeling shinobi she said, "If I'm to be leader then the title of Hoshikage dies here." The shinobi looked up shocked, but she continued saying, "Take a look at our village. One shinobi did this."
"But you sent her packing," one of the kunoichi shouted.
Picking up the mask the woman had worn Natsuhi said, "No, she had simply made her point. We aren't a village worthy of that title yet. But one day we will stand among the Five Great Shinobi Villages as an equal. On that day, let the leader wear the title with pride."
Many of the shinobi nodded so she began organizing them to perform the tasks necessary to get the village back on its feet. Turning she saw her son and smiled gently. Holding her arms up she was glad when he responded by hugging her. "Once we finish helping the others we'll catch up. There is so much I want to tell you."
Stepping back, her son said, "What should I do to help?"
"Help the civilians return to their homes," Natsuhi said proudly.
"Yes mother," he said running off his girlfriend following him.
Looking at the mask in her hand she whispered softly, "Thank you," and then proceeded to help her fellow shinobi after sticking it in her pouch.
Kushina was limping a little as her and Sai made their way out of the Land of Bears. However, she considered the pain a small price to pay for the reunion of the mother and son. They had just crossed one of the bridges that passed over Hell's Valley when their path was blocked by Rin.
"What do you call that?" Rin asked wearing her dog mask.
"I call that a happy ending," Kushina said sending a small glare at the younger woman.
"Yet, it was a failure of a mission," Rin stated dangerously. "The star was destroyed and the village still stands."
"My mission was to remind the Hoshi shinobi of their place. The new leader has agreed to remove the Hoshikage title. As to the star, well accidents happen."
"You did it on purpose," Rin said.
"True, but Danzou really should be thanking me as the star was poisonous to those who used it," Kushina said.
"That wasn't for you to decide," Rin countered.
"Excuse me," Kushina said her own voice gaining an element of danger to it, "I'm not Root. If he wanted this mission carried out to his satisfaction, he should have sent little ass kissers like you."
Despite her emotional training Rin took a step towards her old sensei's wife. Kushina simply smiled in response almost daring her to. However, Rin calmed and said, "Whatever, Sai you are to return to Konoha. You did an excellent job. Kushina is to come with me."
"Why?"
The Kyuubi is due to return shortly," Rin said. The attack will happen outside of Konoha; therefore it will be best if we are stationed outside of it."
Sai kept his face calm, but felt slightly panicked at the news. Nodding, he handed Kushina her pack having been carrying it due to her tweaked ankle. Before he gave it to her though he slipped the picture he had been working on into it.
Placing the pack on her shoulders, Sai could see there was a lot she wanted to say. He wondered if she was conflicted about her mission, if he had done enough to get her to question it. However all he received was a simple, "Thank you Sai."
Rin looking at Kushina said, "Will you be able to keep up with that ankle?"
"Just set the pace. I'll be fine."
Rin nodded jumping into the trees. Kushina sent one last look towards him before following.
Sarutobi was sitting on the porch of his home petting Tora. There were times when he had considered giving the cat a Leaf headband due to all the money it generated for the village in leaner times. In mid stroke Tora suddenly reared up on its legs while arching its back before darting off into the woods.
"I've always suspected you had some sort of alliance with that cat," said a voice Sarutobi never thought he'd hear again.
"I find animals can be more trustworthy companions then people," he replied. "Not to mention they are far better at reading people, Itachi."
The Uchiha stepped out of the shadows of Sarutobi's porch appearing fully in the mid-afternoon sun. Staring at the young man's emotionless face he asked, "Have you come to kill me. I assure you even if I am old I don't plan to go down easily."
"No," Itachi said, "Merely to talk one last time."
"I see," Sarutobi said, "it seems to me that you believe one of us is bound to meet his end soon. What is it you wish to talk about?"
"I looked up to you like no other, so wished to explain my current course of action," Itachi said.
"What is there to discuss?" Sarutobi said, "You've seem to have joined an organization that plans to take the jinchuriki and plunge the world into war."
"Not war," Itachi said, "But peace. The current Shinobi system is flawed. By spreading the Bijuu out the First Hokage made it so that each country felt secure in its own power. Secure enough that they had no problem waging war on each other. Removing the jinchuriki from play and concentrating their power in one place will strip away that security."
"Doing so will only unite the Shinobi world against you," Sarutobi said. "What will you do then?'
"Unleash that power crushing the current shinobi world in favor of a new one. One in which they fear going to war again," Itachi said.
Shaking his head sadly Sarutobi said, "Fear will only lead to a short term peace. Even a cornered mouse will attack a cat. The reason for this isn't because it doesn't feel fear, but because it can't feel more."
"Wasn't it fear of the Uchiha that led to me being ordered to destroy them?" Itachi asked. "Has Konoha not enjoyed nearly seven years of peace as a result of that fear?"
"No Itachi," Sarutobi said, "It has only lead to more problems. Your brother is now working for Orochimaru. You a loyal son of Konoha were forced to abandon your home and seem to have lost your way. These things are now coming back to roost, and will inevitably lead to more bloodshed and death. Something you would have once worked diligently to avoid."
For a moment a look of pain crossed Itachi's face at the mention of his brother's defection, "I had not accounted for Orochimaru's ambition for the Sharingan," he said after schooling his features.
"I wish I could say that it was entirely Orochimaru's doing behind Sasuke's defection," Sarutobi said sadly. "However I believe it would have happened regardless."
"Sasuke is still pure and can go either way," Itachi said.
"Pure," Sarutobi scoffed, "Your vision is clouded Itachi. The boy abandoned his village; he tried to kill one of his fellow genin."
"Was it any different when I was forced…"
"Yes goddamit it is," Sarutobi roared glad his home was empty, "Kiba was not embroiled in a conflict between his village and clan. He was trying to return a boy he thought of as a friend and he was almost killed because of some suggestion that you put in Sasuke's head. What is your end game, to use your brother to raise the Uchiha back to prominence? Well I'm sorry to report that it has failed. No matter what great things your brother may achieve, he will always be a traitor who would bask in the blood of his allies to accomplish his goals."
"That may very well be," Itachi said, "but seeing as how the shinobi world Konoha built is about to come crashing down what your or the village's opinion of my brother is does not matter."
"Has it come to this Itachi," the elder said sadly, "Have you come to hate the village you sacrificed so much for that you would gladly see it destroyed."
"Gladly? No I think not," Itachi replied, "However much as my clan's destruction was required to maintain the peace for the good of the many. Konoha's destruction may be necessary for the world the Leader has envisioned."
"Why bother telling me all of this?"
"Sadly even within Akatsuki there are people working behind the scenes against us. Although on the surface the Leader is in charge, there is another force at work. One which may pervert our goals to his own ends."
"Considering where it seems your ends would leave Konoha you may be informing me of a potential ally," Sarutobi said.
"Unfortunately, should you learn of him. I'm afraid you'll find him to be a far graver threat," Itachi replied. "I will be taking my leave now. I trust I will be allowed to leave as peacefully as I arrived?"
"Yes, Konoha does owe you much," Sarutobi said. "However know this, should you move against Naruto again Itachi. No matter the debt owed to you, I will end you myself." Recognizing that despite his new view in a sense he was warning Konoha of a threat greater than him Sarutobi said, "There is one last thing Itachi. Find something worth living for."
"I'm no longer worthy of such things," Itachi said disappearing back into the shadows.
Using the Executioner's Blade, Zabuza carved an X into the ground at almost the exact center of the Three Demon Bridge. He had already warned Tazuna to not let anyone use it from the Wave side as he doubted anyone would from the Land of Fire since that was where he planned to meet Kisame at. The X was part of his fall back plan and if he needed to retreat there he was pretty much screwed.
Placing the sword on his shoulder he began walking towards the Land of Fire's side of the bridge feeling the fog covering the area was a perfect touch to his and Kisame's confrontation. As he made his way down the bridge Zabuza felt almost a surreal feeling of stepping through the past as images that had led him to this point appeared within the fog. Such as his meeting Heishiro-sensei after killing a graduation class to become a shinobi. The countless hours of training with the old buzzard where he pounded his three rules into Zabuza's head, first of which was never become too over dependent on whatever special abilities are gained or born with. His second rule was, always be mindful of the surrounding area especially if the enemy picked the spot where you are to do combat. His final rule was, to remember that anyone can kill anyone in the shinobi world, since titles didn't mean strength. While unlikely a genin could kill a jounin if the conditions were right.
Walking deeper into the fog he saw others that had an effect on his life, his first meeting with Mei, finding Haku in the street alone and starving, and finally Naruto's showing up with Haku in the forest. He realized that it was the meeting with Naruto that probably had the greatest effect on the direction his life had taken. While both Mei and Haku were god sends, Naruto was the piece that made everything come together. He gave Haku a desire to be more than a tool, and had even made him the Demon of Mist strive to be a better man then a hired thug for scumbags. Ultimately he believed that had fate led him to this bridge without Naruto three years ago he most likely would be dead today. Seeing all the images of times spent with his boys as well as the newer one with his wife imposed over the fog brought a smile to his face. But seeing the shadowy image of Kisame further in the fog forced him to concentrate on the task at hand.
Stepping closer to the image he heard, "I have to admit, you've chosen the spot of your death rather well."
"Well if you must know Kisame," Zabuza said seeing that Kisame was standing right at the beginning of the bridge, "I chose it so that after I take your head I can simply kick your body into the river and be done with it."
"My how cold," Kisame said coolly, "and here I thought we could catch up on old times."
"No thanks, I save the reunion for when we're all in hell together," Zabuza said.
"Well guess there's no point in delaying this any further," Kisame said taking his blade from his back.
"No, guess there isn't," Zabuza said.
Both men charged at each other swing there blades and locking them. Fighting for position Kisame said smiling, "Give it up Zabuza you could never beat me."
"I've never needed to beat you before," Zabuza countered straining. "But if I don't stop you here you'll go after Naruto."
"Even if you managed to kill me they'd simply send someone else," Kisame said pushing Zabuza away easily. "It's almost a shame I have to kill you. I'd much rather leave you alive to feel the pain of knowing you failed to protect him."
Roaring Zabuza charged back in swinging his blade recklessly forcing Kisame on the defensive. Kisame stepped out of the way of an overhead swing and lashed out with a backhanded fist that knocked his fellow swordsmen back several steps. Zabuza shook his head to clear it and placing the Executioners Blade on his back formed over twenty hand-signs, having cut the number he used to need in half due to training, to create a powerful water dragon that began to rise on the side of the bridge.
Shaking his head Kisame said, while swing Samehada, "Is this the first time you've face me Zabuza. You should know better." However his eyes widened in surprise when nothing happened but Zabuza's blade glowing blue for a moment before fading. A moment later he was setting flying as the dragon hit him dead center. The dragon then rose up with Kisame still pinned to the front of it and dove into the ground before destroying itself as it piled more and more pressure on him.
Once the jutsu abated Kisame pulled himself out of the ground leaving behind an imprint of his body behind. Staring questioningly at Zabuza he asked, "How?"
Zabuza pulled the blade from his back saying, "Everyone always assumed my blade was simple a lump of metal. But its name describes exactly what it is meant for. It is a blade meant for executions and who most often deserves to be executed." Kisame didn't say anything so he continued, "Traitors, that's who. This blade was meant to be used to kill traitors to the Seven Swordsmen as well as Kiri. So its ability is simple, it robs your blade of its ability to eat chakra so just like a prisoner being led to his execution you are powerless."
Standing Kisame said, "Funny I didn't hear about you using that little ability against Raiga."
Snaring at the larger man Zabuza said, "Rule one: don't become so over depended on a skill that everyone can begin to plan how to counter it."
"Hahahahaha, what is with you and following that old buzzard's rules?"
"Because they work," Zabuza said, "I've had a long time to plan how I was going to kill you and that's why I've never used this ability in all the spars against Raiga and you. I've saved it for today so when I unleashed it you would have no way to counter it."
Losing the constant grin Kisame said, "Don't get ahead of yourself, boy. I don't need to use Samehada to kill you. I have way more chakra then you."
"True," Zabuza said with a tight grin, "But all your jutsu require huge amounts of chakra. Let's see how well you do without the ability to replenish your own supplies for a change."
Zabuza took a small amount of pleasure in seeing a bit of hesitance enter Kisame's eyes. But Kisame was confident enough in his own abilities with a blade to push pass his fear and charge Zabuza. The Demon of Mist and Monster of Hidden Mist clashed blades several times till Kisame managed to slam Samehada against Zabuza's side. Pulling the great blade towards him he shredded Zabuza's flak jacket as well as causing some superficial wounds to the man's side.
Jumping back Zabuza bought some room between them. Grinning again as his blade moved under its wraps Kisame said, "Samehada's upset he won't be able to feast on your chakra."
Studying his opponent, Zabuza said, "I'll try and shed a few tears for it later."
"Oh you'll shed more than tears," Kisame said before clapping his hands together and then spitting up a huge amount of water. The water then took on the form of a giant wave that began traveling straight at him.
"Shit," Zabuza cursed as the wave crested over him.
Kisame began chuckling as he searched for Zabuza wondering if perhaps he'd been thrown over the side of the bridge. He was just about to leap into the ocean below to search for him when he sensed an attack from behind. Blocking with Samehada he smiled, saying, "Clever, you hid in the water itself and emerged from one of these puddles."
Zabuza pushed off of Kisame saying, "The old tricks are some of the best ones," before swing at his midsection while the Akatsuki member was off balance. His blade bit into flesh but Kisame managed to avoid the worse of it.
Creating space he shouted, "Water Style: Water Shark Feeding Frenzy." From out of the ocean literally hundreds of Water Sharks appeared. Zabuza began retreating deeper and deeper across the bridge as he avoided or smash all of the sharks coming at him. Finally one connected blasting him into the railing. Holding his side positive that a rib or two was broken he turned to see the smiling Kisame walking closer a few dozen of the sharks hovering behind him.
Resorting to a jutsu he had only recently mastered he shouted, "Water Style: Water Hydra Jutsu." A large column of water rose from the ocean below and landing in front of him before taking the shape of a large four legged beast with a long neck. The watery head looked like some great and terrible dragon with fins that sprouted from the side of its head. The head shot formed attempting to capture Kisame in its jaws but he easily decapitated it. But instead of the jutsu ending two more heads sprouted from the creature as the neck split. Kisame sent the rest of his sharks against the water jutsu only for them to be destroyed or damaging a head resulting in two more appearing.
As the last of his sharks was destroyed Kisame was faced with a water creature with over twenty heads that suddenly began attacking him directly. Realizing that destroying them was only making the jutsu stronger he created as much distance as he could between them. Placing Samehada on his back he called, "Water Style: Super Shark Bomb."
A giant water shark appeared in front of him which shot towards the Hydra which sent all of its heads at the jutsu at once. However as they collided the Hydra began to get smaller as the shark bomb drained Zabuza's jutsu of chakra and grew stronger itself. Zabuza attempted to get out of the way as it smashed into the spot where he had been standing but he was caught up in the violent release of the jutsu's energy.
"That was an impressive technique Zabuza," Kisame said walking towards the bruised and bloodied swordsmen. "However, not all of my chakra draining abilities were due to Samehada. Still, I haven't needed to use that jutsu in a long time so take a small measure of pride in that."
Zabuza managed to work his way to his feet prompting Kisame to taunt him saying, "Give it up Zabuza. I outclass you in every way possible."
"Rule number three," Zabuza said, "Anyone can ki…"
"Can kill anyone," Kisame said with the smile that Zabuza really hated, "Well I hate to break the news to you. But today I'm killing you. Feel free to try again in the next life."
Kisame ran at Zabuza closing the distance swinging his great sword. Zabuza managed to block but as weak and drained as he was from using the Water Hydra was batter back. Again and again Kisame hit Zabuza's own blade forcing the battered jounin to retreat more and more. Zabuza attempted a swing of his own but was caught in the stomach by a kick which knocked him on his back. Digging deep he rolled backwards out of the way of Kisame's downward strike and leapt to his feet.
Holding his blade in front of him, he took several more steps back until he felt the X that he had carved into bridge. Staring at Kisame who had placed Samehada on his shoulder and was calmly walking towards him taking his time. He waited for the man to get closer before relaxing his guard.
Zabuza tossed his blade behind him causing Kisame to ask, "Giving up? Got to say I'm a little disappointed."
"Nah," Zabuza said, "I've already killed you. Remember rule number two?"
"Rule number two?" Kisame said thinking for a moment before saying, "Always mind your surroundings. I'm on a bridge what am I supposed to be mindful of?"
"How about the fact you walked into the Perimeter Barrier Jutsu," Zabuza said before making a hand sign to activate the four exploding tags.
Kisame noticed the weak genjutsu dropping as the tags revealed themselves fashioned to the supports of the bridge. Two in front of him and two in back all of them directed so that their blasts would blow inwards. He only had enough time to say, "You son of a Bit…" before the section of bridge exploded.
Zabuza was blown on his back as the section of bridge ceased to exist. Looking up at the sunny blue sky as the fog had lifted sometime during the fight, he wondered how pissed Mei would be. "Probably won't get out of this one by taking her to a fancy restaurant," Zabuza thought trying to move but feeling drained. A creaking noise attracted his attention before the section of bridge he was on began to tilt towards the ocean. Grabbing a hold of the groove he cut, he looked down seeing the water and only one thought came to mind, "Shit." The piece of bridge gave way and seeing as he could barely move he accepted this was probably the end for him right before he hit the water.
Feeling as weak as a newborn he tried to swim to the surface but simply couldn't find the energy. Looking down in the depths he thought he caught site of Kisame but shook it off as his oxygen starved brain sending him hallucinations. Just before he took the big gulp of water as he couldn't hold his breath any longer, he could of sworn he felt a tug on his collar but couldn't be sure as he passed out.
Itachi was almost to Wave when he felt a shifting in the wind. Almost positive he knew what he meant he said, "So this is how you meet your end Kisame. A pity." Wondering if he should even bother to finish the trip to Wave he felt a presence hiding close by.
"It is pointless to continue hiding," he called out.
"I see you're still as difficult to sneak up on as you were when you were younger," was the mechanical reply of Fan as the helmeted figure stepped from behind a tree.
Staring at the figure whose helmet reminded him of the Uchiha fan he briefly wondered if the person standing before him was an ally of Madara. "You speak as if you know me," he said calmly.
"I thought I did," Fan replied.
"I take it you are not here to catch up then?"
"No, no I am not," Fan replied throwing the hooded cloak back. As Fan did this it revealed the light armor that was underneath, which made identifying whether the person beneath it was male or female all but impossible. Fan got into a fighting stance which resembled the Interceptor Fist of the Uchiha except instead of standing there with closed fist they were open. At the end of each pinkie finger of the cloaked person resided a large ornate but fake fingernail.
"I take it a fight is inevitable between us," Itachi said calmly opening his own cloak to prepare for battle.
"Don't tell me you shy away from shedding blood now traitor," Fan replied before charging.
Itachi blocked or avoided the swiping hand movements that Fan made before lashing out with a kick that caught the helmeted individual in the chest. Creating a shadow clone that followed up the attack he was surprised when Fan performed the Phoenix Flower Jutsu destroying it. He countered by opening his cloak and a flock of crows emerged from it hoping to make a connection with Fan's eyes to place the helmeted person in a genjutsu.
However he was surprised to learn that he was already in a genjutsu when Fan disappeared into crows. Breaking it, he found Fan had already closed the distance between them. He avoided most of the swipe the cloak figured made at his face but was scratched by the long fake finger nail. Responding he brought his hand to his mouth blowing a stream of fire that his attacker didn't entirely avoid as the left side of the cloak caught on fire.
Taking the burning cloak off Fan threw it at Itachi who fired several fireballs. They hit the cloak easily passing through it and hitting the forest behind it. Itachi scanned the forest looking for his opponent and asked, "Am I to take it you have had enough?"
Hiding behind a nearby tree Fan held an arm to the shouldering exposed flesh due to Itachi's jutsu and replied, "I've already succeeded in doing what I wanted too."
Before Itachi could respond he felt a burning in the cut he received which suddenly almost crippled him in pain. Dropping to his knees and resisting the urge to vomit he heard Fan say, "It's a poison called the Wasting Disease. While there is a cure it was known to only one person, me."
"This was unnecessary," Itachi said getting back to his feet, "My destiny was always to die at Sasuke's hands."
"Oh you still will," Fan said, "The Wasting Disease effects can be postponed using herbs. But using Chakra will hasten your demise. I've come to learn that when a person is faced with death. They may choose to avoid it at the last moment, this way regardless of what you choose when you face Sasuke you will die. By the way, you did an excellent job of turning Sasuke into the weapon you were always meant to be."
"That wasn't my intention."
"Perhaps not, but I'm sure when it comes time to destroy Konoha, he'll do so happily thanks to you, Itachi," Fan said preparing to leave. "How does it feel to be such a failure in everything you attempted to do?"
Itachi didn't answer as he got back to his feet feeling the poison spread through his system. Shutting down as much of his chakra as was possible, he began to head to one of the Akatsuki facilities nearby. As he stumbled in its direction he wondered if there had been a better way to create the world and clan he had envisioned.
As Mei approached the Three Demon Bridge she looked towards Ao who pointed ahead. She didn't really need the hint as the area obviously had seen signs of battle. Moving across the bridge they came across some of the villagers checking out the damage done to their structure.
"Zabuza was definitely here," she said to Ao. "Is he still nearby?"
"Yes, he's stationery about a half kilometer ahead. But milady if he died recently…"
"He isn't dead," Mei said knowing what Ao was going to imply which was if his death was still fresh there would still be some amount of chakra for him to sense.
Leaping across the gapping hole in the bridge she landed among some of the civilians. Most appeared fearful but one appeared more annoyed then anything saying, "Great more shinobi of Kiri. Going to blow up the rest of my bridge?"
"Speak to the Mizukage with respect," one of her Anbu shouted landing next to her.
"Mizukage eh," Tazuna said, "Take it you're here looking for that Zabuza fellow."
"Yes," Mei said her voice tinged with hope, "Is he…"
"Alive, yeah thanks to my foolish grandson who rowed a boat out here wanting to see a real shinobi fight. Saved the damn fool from drowning. Come on he's at my home."
"Thank you, I'm in your debt," Mei said breathing a sigh of relief.
"Don't think I don't know that and you can start paying that debt by paying for the repairs to the bridge," Tazuna said leading them to his home.
Arriving he introduced him to his family before pointing her up to the room. Ao followed and when she opened the door saw Zabuza lying on a bed swathed in bandages. His blade was lying in a corner against a wall. Turning to Ao, she said, "Stay out here."
Obeying he imagined his Mizukage having a tearful reunion with her husband as he knew how worried she had been. But it wasn't to be as he heard the sound of a slap followed by a howl of pain as Zabuza shouted, "Damn you woman these bandages aren't for show."
"Don't worry darling," Mei replied stressing the word darling, "I'll have you up and about in no time only so I can put you right back in the hospital."
A moment later the door opened and the Mizukage said, "Ao, see to my husband." Pointing to one of her Anbu she ordered the man to see about securing a ride back to Kiri, adding to make sure the ship made the trip extra bumpy.
Stepping into the room Zabuza asked, "So how pissed is she?"
"Well not quite enough to kill you, but probably enough to make the next few years of your life a punishment for surviving."
"Great," Zabuza said annoyed, "She plans to make me a jounin-sensei." Ao simply nodded before leaving to stand outside the door as Zabuza contemplated having to train another group of brats.
Jiraiya had been on his way to pick up Naruto when he heard of the damage done to Hoshigakure. Hearing that one person had been behind it he decided to investigate. Sneaking into the village he found it in the midst of repairing itself. Entering the building that served as the village leader's headquarters he saw the woman giving orders to her men. She smiled at the youngest of them proudly, undoubtedly her child, before they all left to fulfill their tasks. She then headed up to her office where Jiraiya had hidden himself.
She sat at her desk before saying, "You have three seconds to reveal yourself before I call my guards."
"That won't be necessary," he said stepping from out of the shadows.
"Lord Jiraiya," the woman said recognizing him from his previous times in the village, "Why have you come?"
'Well I heard the village was attacked by a single individual strong enough to take on almost all of your shinobi at once. Fearing it was an organization I've been looking into I decided to investigate."
"Why would this organization attack us?" Natsuhi asked.
"For the star," Jiraiya replied, "They've been after objects of power for quite some time."
"Well if it was this group they'll be disappointed since their agent destroyed the star," Natsuhi said. "However she made it sound like she was working for an individual not a group."
"Interesting," Jiraiya said, "Is there anything else you can tell me?"
"Not much I'm afraid," Natsuhi admitted, "She hated the title Hoshikage. She claimed to have lost a son at some point and was proficient in the Shadow Clone Jutsu to the point she could make hundreds of them."
"What?" Jiraiya said paling a little.
"Are you alright?"
"Y-Yes…" Jiraiya said wondering if it was possible that Kushina had been responsible for the attack.
"You seemed to know quite a bit about her," Jiraiya said.
"I admit that she helped me remove Akahoshi from power. It was her plan after all."
"What of the attack on the village?"
"Also part of her plan, hoping to show the people of this village dependence on the star was weakening us not the other way around. She only killed the three ring leaders behind the Third's death."
"I see, thank you for your time."
"Wait," Natsuhi said reaching into her desk, "She left this behind."
Taking the painted mask Jiraiya stared at it wondering why it seemed familiar before flashing back to a visit to Minato's. It had been shortly after his being told that Kushina was pregnant. He was dropping off the book he had written that would serve as the inspiration for Naruto's name when he noticed a picture on the mantle. Getting up he noticed that Kushina looked embarrassed. It was a collage of pictures, but one of them stood out which had been the picture of a painted up Kushina as she took her shinobi I.D. picture. In it she was painted as a Kabuki actor, if he remembered correctly the Third Hokage had made her take it over again. Naturally being the fiery red-head that she was, she tried to get away with various different combinations of make-up. But the Kabuki one had been Minato's favorite which was why it featured so prominently in the collage.
Thanking the Natsuhi, he left the village as quietly as he entered before summoning a toad and telling it to reverse-summon him to the mountain. He was positive the masked woman was Kushina. There were literally hundreds of questions floating around in his head, but first he had to get Naruto back to Konoha. Then he would dedicate his resources to finding the woman and the mysterious person she seemed to be working for.
Kushina arrived at the Root Base located in the Land of Birds. According to Rin, who insisted that Kushina call her Inu to which she refused, while at the base they would wait for the signal to attack Naruto. Once the signal was given they would head to one of the preselected battlefields where the blonde and most likely his team would be lured to somehow.
Entering the small room, with a single cot, she had been assigned. She began searching through her bag for some clothes to change into when she felt the paper envelope she guessed Sai had slipped in there. Having felt it before during the trip to the base, she decided to open it now that she was alone. Gently pulling it from the brown envelope she saw a beautifully drawn picture of her sitting in a chair with a gentle smile, Naruto knelt next to her giving a large one that she had never seen appear on the face of the Naruto from the genjutsu. Standing behind them was the ghostly image of her husband giving the smile she remembered so well, making her wonder how Sai captured it. He had a hand placed on each of their shoulders.
Seeing the picture of the family that never was, she couldn't help the tears that appeared in her eyes or began to leak down her face. Dropping the picture she pulled her knees to her chest wondering, why she felt so conflicted about what she needed to do to return to her dream. She knew what she saw in the hospital that day, so why was she fighting so hard against herself to go through with it now that it was time to kill the Kyuubi. Allowing herself to cry, she prayed that someone would show her which was the right path she was supposed to take.