AN: Yes! Another chapter! I'm pretty proud of mself mainly becasue I got distract with another story and then I got my inspiration back. Anyway, here is the new chapter. It hasn't been beta-ed yet but that is going to change soon. Hopefully.
What do you need to know about this chapter...mmm...Okay, there are alot of encounters on this one. Some facts about the Bijuu are reveled and there are some unexpected meetings.
Read and enjoy!
Chapter 21
The fights we fought:
The lurking enemy and the unexpected encounters
Blood-red eyes flickered with recognition and a hint of amusement.
Itachi shifted briefly pressing his foot against Yugito, tempting the blond who was glaring down on him. The young girl gasped feeling all the weight of Itachi's body sliding against her neck. Uchiha Itachi raised an eyebrow in defiance.
He never thought; however, that Naruto would be this fast. Or strong.
While Itachi knew there was potential behind Naruto, giving who his parents were, the lousy teachers he had over the years hadn't been capable of putting that potential to his fullest use. Of course, Itachi knew Yugao and Yoruichi had done their best and it did show on Naruto. But, now? Now, someone else had taken Naruto's teaching seriously.
In the blink of an eye Naruto was in front of him. His face just under Itachi's chin, blue eyes sparkling with anger as Itachi felt a knee collided with his stomach and a tail grabbing him from his neck.
He was sent flying backwards but Itachi hadn't been called a genius for nothing. He recovered rather quickly falling on his knees his arm twitching to grab his aching chest. He lifted his head to see Naruto staring wide-eye at Yugito who had two white tails coming from behind her. Her eyes were gleaming with a yellowish light and she was sending a conflictive stare to Naruto.
"Whoa, Yugito-chan! Since when can you do this?" Asked Naruto waving at her while eying the tails curiously. The young girl blush lightly under Naruto's stare before allowing herself a soft smile.
"That's all you're gonna say to me after all this time?" Naruto blinked bemused, he stared into Yugito's eyes before shooting her an answering smile.
"Nah, I was also going to say that it's good to see you again." Yugito nodded turning slowly to Itachi. "I was also going to say that maybe, next time, we can see each other without me trying to save your ass. Tails…eh, yeah."
Naruto winced, his eyes gleaming with mirth at the sudden punch he received for his words. The blond girl didn't appreciate his comment and was glaring at him while straightened herself up ready to help Naruto.
"I have you know I have the situation under control." Naruto tilted his head before turning his eyes to Itachi, the black-haired man was watching them impassively looking as if Naruto's appearance wasn't about to change the end result of their approaching fight.
"One never has any situation under control when you're facing Itachi-nii, Yugito-chan."
Itachi bowed his head, a smirk forming on his lips, "I'm glad to see you again, Naruto-kun. This certainly is going to make my mission easier."
"Humph, I'm not going to let you take Yugito-chan, Gaara or me." Itachi tilted his head to the side walking slowly towards them. Yugito put a kunai out of the holster, the tails behind her twirling around.
"I know that." Itachi disappeared for a moment, Yugito narrowing her eyes trying to guess where the next attack was about to come. She didn't have to wait too long as Naruto push her out of the way, putting the katana out and blocking the kunai Itachi was holding.
Naruto and Itachi where now face-to-face, the shinigami narrowed his eyes while holding against the pressure applied by Itachi. There was tension in the air, wind blowing slowly and growing in intensity as Naruto took a step forward, pressing hard while raising his reiatsu.
Yugito glared at Naruto but couldn't bring herself to interrupt the fight. There was something in the way both of them were looking at each other that made Yugito aware interrupting would be a bad idea. So she just watched and waited for the signal that it was okay to help Naruto out.
"I'm impressed." Itachi used the weight Naruto was putting behind his sword to destabilized the blond. There was a quick series of punches and hits, each one of them blocked or hitting the mark.
Itachi evaded and blocked Naruto kept pushing, both of them determined to get on top in the fight. Itachi grabbed Naruto's wrist twitching it painfully making Naruto gasp while lifting his leg in an attempted to kick his opponent. Itachi raised an eyebrow blocking the leg with his free hand finally getting Naruto under his control.
"And now, I'm surprise. You were fighting so well, Naruto-kun, what happened?" Naruto was breathing hard, sweat rolling down his forehead.
"Well…" Itachi hardened his hold on Naruto's wrist and leg making the blond winced in pain. "I…I've been told by my…my teachers that I'm…Unpredictable."
The expression on Itachi's face was something Naruto would cherish forever, and later on he would tease the older Uchiha for it.
There was a moment of confusion, realization and then uttered, and sincere, shock.
"Futon: Kaze Kiri!" When had Naruto made a clone of himself? Why could he cloak his presence from Itachi's watchful eyes?
Itachi realized the diversion behind the attack but never expected for the blond to actually create several clones that would attack at different moments. Itachi narrowed his eyes already trying to think of the different outcomes of facing multiple Naruto-clones, Naruto himself and the blond Kumo-nin.
"I'm not the same kid you fought against to three years ago." Naruto's voice was firm, his pose was pretty much demanding and ready to attack. Itachi bowed his head eyes spiraling slowly.
"I can see that." And Itachi did, he took in the blond in front of him and couldn't help the bubble of pride he felt inside. "I never thought I would get to see you so soon, Naruto-kun. The rumors about your sudden disappearance had been feeding our Intel."
Naruto tilted his head taking slow steps forward, he didn't need to look around to know Yugito had gone and was just waiting for him to send the signal. Itachi remained impassive, almost looking boringly at Naruto, the only thing in motion were his eyes.
"Now, I'm gonna beat you for hurting Yugito-chan and because you may have the answers I'm looking for."
Itachi's lips quirked upwards and he readied himself watching the quick succession of hand-sign Naruto was making. Then…
"Raiton: Ikazuchi Hakai!"
Another surprise, Itachi didn't know Naruto could use Raiton based jutsu.
The blast of electric power advanced with an intensity that Itachi had never seen before. As if that wasn't enough, the blast felt different, there was something overwhelming suffocating about it. But the Uchiha didn't have much time to think what could be that made this Raiton different as he had to evade the blast.
Quick enough his clone dissipated as it received the full blast, Itachi turned around to see the blond girl attacked him from behind. Itachi could almost look impressed at the very coordinate attack if it hadn't been for the fact he, now, had to protected himself against two well-trained and pissed off Jinchuuriki.
Yugito was smiling softly concentrated on not letting Itachi out of her sight. A quick glance to Naruto told her about the little changes the blond had suffered during the years. If anything he looked even handsome that he had done so three years ago.
"You have fought well, Naruto-kun, Yugito-san." Said Itachi holding on his right hand a gleaming kunai. "But, this little fight has to stop now and you to have to come with me."
Itachi spread his arms and a group of crows left his form, disintegrating it in front of the two blonds. Naruto frowned feeling slightly disrupted, a hand grabbing his pulling him out of the way before a Katon jutsu could fried him. Yugito was moving fast, hands put in a dispelling sign, mumbling 'Kai' over and over again. Only for the illusion to still be up.
Naruto was turning around, his hand moving rather quickly to his zanpakutou, he didn't lose any time in unsealing the sword and the red blade gleamed dangerously as the blond's eyes gleam with a familiar blue light.
"It is useless." Itachi's voice was everywhere; Naruto turned his head left and right narrowing his eyes while Yugito engaged herself with another illusion. The young woman ripped the man that soon after transformed in another set of crows flying around her.
"You are under Tsukuyomi." Itachi's voice was carried but the empty space that started changing slowly; inside him Naruto felt a strange stirring slowly trying to overcome his own energy.
"No one but another Uchiha can break this illusion."
"The hell we can't!" Exclaimed Yugito closing her eyes for a moment only to reveal them with a gleaming yellowish light, Naruto looked at her impressed just as a couple of black heavy chains started making their way to both Jinchuuriki.
Naruto blinked as the chains attached themselves to his legs while Yugito suddenly broke her stance. It was then Naruto felt it. The spiritual pressure surrounding him, the sudden changed in the atmosphere and the silver blade going through Yugito's chest.
"No!"
Brat! Let me help.
´What? Why? Why would you wan…'
This isn't the time, let me help!
Naruto only hesitated a moment, then he remembered the blade on Yugito's chest and he decided that letting the Kyuubi help would be a good idea. If this was Genjutsu then there was nothing he could do without some help.
Yugito grabbed the blade, her hands already changing slightly, taking the form of soft yet deathly claws that crushed the blade with a single squeezed. The young woman turned around with a rapid swift of her leg colliding straight with Itachi's midsection.
Naruto's eyes gleamed, this time they were red, his whisker marks were more noticeable and his punch was stronger than ever. Itachi felt the full contact straight on his face and he could taste blood as well as a blinding pain all through his skull.
How did he know I was here? It was a question Itachi would later on ask himself again, and he would try to replay the fight with Naruto to find the answer. For now, he had two pissed off Jinchuuriki, both of them giving away killer intent and strength.
And then, just as sudden as it had appeared the Genjutsu was gone and Itachi found himself with a red blade against his neck and a kunai closely to his heart. Blood-red eyes drifted slowly to observe the blond male to his left, long hair falling to his now blue eyes, whisker marks still enhance after the usage of the Kyuubi's chakra. He wasn't as tall as Itachi, so the Itachi was looking down on him, down on the smug smile drawing on Naruto's face.
Itachi was watching closely, never stopping his examination of Naruto. Where the hell had Naruto go? Because, as far as Itachi knew, Naruto wasn't this good the last time. Even after having been trained by Yoruichi and Yugao Naruto had been lacking determination. He had lacked discipline to move beyond what was expected of him. It wasn't as if Itachi didn't know the blond wanted to be the best and was trying hard; it was simply that Naruto had never been this collected, this decisive and this much sharp in his fighting style. As far as Itachi knew Naruto hadn't been in a place where he could learn what he was showing off.
Still, the Uchiha watched and couldn't help the bubble of pride growing in his chest when he realized that the little kid he had helped to protect a long time ago had become a fine shinobi.
And Itachi, of course, never thought he would find himself face to face with Naruto. At least, not so soon; with reluctance Itachi realized that there were some people who needed to be aware of Naruto's sudden public appearance.
"Well, I got you know, Itachi-nii." There was pride and a little smugness in Naruto's voice; his eyes were dancing merrily while he glanced at Itachi. There was a tug on his lips the blond was trying to hold. He was here to help Yugito and to capture Itachi not to try and receive praise like he had gotten from the man in front of him when he was a kid.
Itachi smiled bitterly, "I'm not done yet, Naruto-kun. But I have to admit you have done a wonderful job."
Hoshigaki Kisame smirked, his hand wrapped tightly around Samehada's hilt.
The wave of sand approached him at a constant speed serving as a distractor from Gaara's real purpose. The missing-nin slashed Samehada with a single movement of his hand, the sword cut through the sand without much success.
The kiri nin turned around slightly impressed by the brute force behind the kick directed to his head. Kisame grunted, but his smirk never faltered as he let the foot belonging to Gaara collided with his face.
The red-head jumped back, sand spiraling around him in a protective gesture. Gaara looked out of the corner of his eyes having felt the flickered around them. He saw a flash of yellow, black and red and Gaara knew, without a doubt, Naruto was there.
"Well, this is certainly surprising." Green eyes turned to the blue-skinned man in front of him, "Nobody told us you could fight beyond the uses you have for your sand."
"Your information is outdated." Kisame rested his sword against his shoulder, tilting his head to the side while contemplating the young man in front of him.
Gaara took a step forward while the sand kept moving around him. Kisame shook his head, smirk growing as he sprang into action. Gaara's sand struck with speed the falling sword, surrounding it while Gaara lifted his left leg in an attempted to hit Kisame. The man grabbed Gaara's leg tightening his hold on it making the young man wince at the sudden pain he registered there.
For a brief moment Gaara locked eyes with Kisame, the man was clearly amused and self-satisfied with the end results on his fight. Neither of them were paying any real attention to the fight happening behind them.
Suddenly, Kisame felt heavy. It was something pretty strange to be honest, a feeling he only got when his partner in crime usually got mad. But, this time, it was different. There was killer intent behind it; he could sense the sudden change in the atmosphere around him. The heaviness in the air, and then…Gaara's eyes were gleaming. They were actually gleaming with a yellow light, his expression showing the tiniest of smirks, his eyes devoid of any other emotion.
"Now, let me show you what a real Jinchuuriki can do." Kisame felt the excitement coming from Samehada at the sudden bust of power. And then, he realized with shock, it was too late to react. The only thing he could do was endured the sudden pain engulfing his torso as Gaara's transformed arm hit him square on his abdomen.
Just as Gaara counted with his sand, Kisame activated the power he had on water. The jutsu on his arsenal helping him out to start an all-out attack against the red-head before he could something to assist the rest of his kind.
"Suiton: Bakusui Shōha!" Gaara narrowed his eyes jumping backwards his sand ever present forming a firm shield in front of him, a shield that soon dissolve under the touch of water.
Cursing softly the red-head worked a couple of hand signs making the ground below him raised in an attempted to stop the oncoming water. Kisame smirked showing off his teeth as he directed the water wave towards the ground wall Gaara had made.
The fight went on like this for a while. Gaara was aware of the fact his ability with the sand and the rock was weak under the pressure and properties of the water. It didn't stop him, though. It was the only thing he could do and soon enough blue and dark yellow were spiraling around the young Jinchuuriki and the old Missing-nin; both of them engaging in a battle of wills that include, not only water and sand, but also their own fists.
"You fight well, Jinchuuriki. But, I think I have to…" Whatever Kisame was about to say was cut short by a loud explosion and a sudden wild wind cutting through the forest.
The moment of distraction cost Kisame. And later on, he would find out it also cost the advantage Itachi had built against the other two Jinchuuriki. As he returned his attention to his present enemy he realized the slow process of congelation the water technique he was trying to hold up was suffering.
"What the fuck?" He mumbled grabbing Samehada while eying his surroundings.
"A ninja should never let his back unattended." A voice whispered behind him, Kisame turned as quick as he could, the young man standing behind him had already moved, there was a sword on his hand, shinning a silver color, touching the surface of what had been water and was now a huge iceberg.
"Who are you?" The question came from Gaara who was wearing a suspicious frown, eyes gleaming as they focused on the young man who had suddenly appeared in front of him.
"I'm Haku." The young man titled his head to smile at the red-head. "Please to meet you, Gaara-san."
Gaara raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything in return; instead, he used the now frozen water to slide down his sand already forming a spiral around him forming spears. With a flickered of his hand they went flying at a dangerous speed towards Kisame.
The man slashed Samehada with expertise. Kisame realized with a bubble of anger the back-up for the Jinchuuriki could mean more trouble that Itachi and he were willing to take. At least not on their own, if Ulquiorra or the other guy were with them…well, Kisame smirked; things would have been a hell of a lot different.
With a sharp tilted of his head, Kisame his two opponents just as he directed a quick glance to Itachi. The man snorted, it appeared he wasn't the only one welcoming strangers into his fight. And yet, Itachi seemed to be playing with his own foes. His moment of distraction was short-lived as a dark shadow fall on top of him.
"Hozukimaru!"
Kisame opened his eyes wide in surprised as he watched a bald man, with a maniac smile on falling on him. The bald man started lowering his arms, fast and determinate to make Kisame falter on his hold of Samehada. It worked. And Kisame couldn't help the growled of annoyance that left his mouth because, really? There weren't many people out there capable of make Samehada tremble and make one of the former Seven Swordsmen of the Mist falter in his stance.
Ikkaku grinned while waving Hozukimaru left and right, always pushing to the point Kisame had to resort to taijutsu, his kick was equally challenged the moment he felt something harsh, and grainy moving up his leg. The sand started covering him up and Kisame wonder briefly when and how the situation had turned out to be one of disadvantage.
There was a blinding light, a lot of black smoke followed it and then Kisame felt someone tugging at his black cloak. A few seconds later he was on top of a branch with Itachi beside him. The Uchiha looked tired, part of his cloak was frozen and there was blood running down his eyebrow. Kisame gasped raising an eyebrow at the sight. Even he had accepted, a long time ago, the fact Uchiha Itachi was dangerous, pretty powerful and rather cunning when fighting. Kisame turned to look down to see the group standing down there.
Three Jinchuuriki, two of them with clear signs of the usage of their Bijuu's chakra, one of them the blond brat he thought had disappeared. Kisame narrowed his eyes at the sight of said blond.
"It seems our fight has to be postpone, Naruto-kun."
"It doesn't have to be, you can come down here and we can keep going." Itachi almost returned the smirk Naruto was giving to him.
"I'm afraid that, even if I can take all of you without much effort from my part," Itachi's declaration brought several dark looks and incredulous stares. "Fighting four Jinchuuriki that are able to tamper the power of their demons would be tempting an imminent dead. Until we see again."
"What the hell was that?" Itachi glanced sideways to Kisame before turning his eyes to the road ahead.
"What?"
"That! What you did back there! Look at you! These brats were too much for the great Uchiha Itachi!" Itachi raised an eyebrow amused at the sudden outburst coming from Kisame. It was a pretty unusual sight, but an amusing one.
"That was information gathering."
"Infor..?What?" Kisame blinked bemused opening and closing his mouth several times. "We were supposed to capture both or one of those Jinchuuriki."
"Yes, and now we know the long lost Kyuubi is back." Replied Itachi. "And it would be a good idea to start moving the plan to capture the rest of the Jinchuuriki."
"Pain isn't gonna like this." Itachi shrugged, Kisame shook his head before snickering. "But, oh well; now there would be more fun to be had in the future."
Naruto turned around opening his mouth to ask something when suddenly a pair of arms wrapped themselves around him. He blinked for a few seconds feeling the warm body put some distance between them.
"See? This is how you say 'hi' after meeting with someone you haven't seen in a long time." Naruto commented with a half-smile adorning his face, Yugito rolled her eyes before hitting Naruto on the shoulder trying to hide away the blush tingeing her cheeks.
"Idiot, I was worried sick for you!" She replied not really caring there were some unknown people watching the scene, some of them with amusement in their eyes some others merely curious. "There I am, waiting for what you have to say about my proposal and what do you do? You leave!"
"It's such a long story, Yugito-chan!" Yugito's reply was cut when Gaara, Haku and Ikkaku appeared from behind them.
Naruto's eyes flickered briefly to Gaara, both of them studying each other. It was Gaara the first one to break the silence, his lips quirked upwards for just a moment as he nodded his head in greeting.
"Naruto, I hope you're not expecting a hug from my part." Naruto snorted shaking his head holding onto the smile threatening to break free. "But, I assure you, I'm not gonna hit you."
"Good to know, it's nice seeing you again, Gaara. This time sane and not wanting blood or anything." Gaara shrugged while tilting his head to the side, frowning lightly.
"I've changed. Yugito…" The young girl turned to Gaara and after a few seconds she too frowned.
"What? What is it? What's…" Naruto trailed off having it felt as well. He raised his head to see a man leaning against a nearby tree. He had on oval shaped sunglasses, his arms were crossed as he eyed the group in front of him.
Hitsugaya Toshiro sighed, his teal eyes drifting quickly around them, locating other three people surrounding them. He eyed Naruto and the dark-skinned guy who was now walking towards them.
"I really hope this is not one of your friends, Uzumaki." Naruto eyed his taichou as the young man stood beside him.
"Uh, why?" Toshiro rolled his eyes while looking pointedly at Naruto.
"Because, so far, our meetings with your friends have led to some kind of fighting." Toshiro went silent for a moment then, "But, now that I think about it, I'm not sure I want to know your enemies in this place."
"Fear no, Chibi guy." Toshiro twitched, Killer B smiled and Yugito and Gaara glanced at each other knowing they were in deep trouble. "I've no intentions to fight…but, you two are in so much trouble it's not going to be funny."
Gaara and Yugito winced already imagine the screaming and punishment that would probably be delivered to them from their running away. Just then another man made his appearance, just like the others he was a dark-skinned man, eyes small with a look of half open lids with white, shaggy hair. His eyes moved around lazily until they settle on Naruto.
"You must be Uzumaki Naruto." Naruto fidgeted slightly, his blue eyes turning to Yugito and Gaara before he glanced carefully to his taichou.
"Yep, that's me." The blond smiled scratching the back of his head. "Nice to…meet you?"
Darui smirked cocking his head, "I'm Darui. Personal guard of Raikage-sama."
"Oh, I get it. Then…it's a pleasure to meet you, Darui-san." This time Naruto remembered his formal education and bowed his head as a way of greeting.
"Oh, no, the pleasure is all mine, Uzumaki-san." Darui took a step forward his eyes never leaving Naruto but it was evident to him the tension coming from the rest of individuals. "It is always an honor to meet members of the Uzumaki Clan."
Naruto gasped straighten up with narrowed eyes, Darui stopped just at arm's length still eying the blond with curiosity. Then, the young man's eyes swept carefully from left to right taking in every detail the group of strangers.
"And of course, welcome all of you to the Land of Lightning." Toshiro couldn't help the slightly twitched of his eyebrow, the glint in his teal eyes the moment he found himself staring at the young man.
"That's very kind of you." Darui raised an eyebrow and Toshiro stared at him challenging. "Even though, this looks everything but a welcoming party."
Darui nodded lowering his head while placing a hand on his chin, "Yes, well…as soon as we found out we lost two important people in our village we decided to send the best to retrieve them."
Yugito grimaced when she noticed the glare Darui sent her way. The man then turned his attention to Toshiro an easy smiled on his face while he dropped his arms in a casual gestured meant to reassure the young man and Naruto he didn't have any intentions to fight.
"These are dangerous times for Jinchuuriki to go around without some back-up. They know it but decide to ignore it."
"Well, seeing as they dealt with those two Akatsuki members on their own I don't see what's the problem." Replied Naruto crossing his arms. "Yugito-chan and Gaara were doing just fine taking care of themselves."
Yugito was looking everywhere but at Darui, Omoi, Karui and Killer B, all of them which were staring with understanding gleaming on their faces. Now, they understood, partially, the strange obsession Yugito seemed to have with the boy.
"Yugito-chan?" Mumbled Darui before chuckling lightly. "I see. Then, Uzumaki-san, people I don't know yet, I thank you for helping out my friends and, as Yugito may have done so a long time ago, I extend an invitation for all of you to come with me."
"What?" Ichinose perked up walking to place himself just beside Naruto. "Go where, exactly?"
Darui's eyebrows shot up into his hairline, "To Kumogakure, of course. You are guests of Raikage-sama. Please, I bet you all are tired after this fight."
"And, if we say no?"
"Ichinose…" It was Toshiro who spoke first, behind the name was a warning that Toshiro didn't need to make obvious. The man was ready to protest but a glance from Naruto stopped it. Ichinose held back a grunt and crossed his arms.
"I guess we don't have an option, do we?" Darui looked genuinely surprised but there was a dangerous spark in his eyes.
"I wouldn't say it like that." Started Darui only to be interrupted by Naruto.
"Wait a second. Yeah, you guys gave me an invitation along time ago. You also told me if I go I would obtain some answers."
"That's true, yes. Yugito was allowed to give you some of them." Darui frowned not understanding what was Naruto's goal. The blond leant forward mumbling something in Toshiro's ear.
The white-haired Captain lifted an eyebrow, eying Naruto for a second before smiling, "I'm impressed. By all means…"
Naruto turned a toothy grin to Darui, "I guess we're going with you. As long as you keep your part of the deal and answer some questions."
Killer B, Gaara and Yugito all chuckled while Darui was looking disconcerted he frowned shrugging.
"Sure, as long as it's nothing about the village's security or…" Naruto cut him off with a wave of his hand.
"Nah, of course not, my questions have little to do with that. But…what are we waiting for?"
Haku turned to Ichinose with the same questioning glance, Ichinose merely shrugged. Really, he had stopped trying to understand his Master a long time ago, his only goal was to keep him alive and out of trouble.
Naruto glanced at Haku giving the young man the thumbs-up. Haku snorted shaking his head while following the Kumo-nins. As they walked Haku couldn't help the uneasy feeling forming on his chest as he too followed the Kumo-nin.
Shikamaru woke up with a groan leaving his lips.
He curled up trying to bring his bed sheets over his head when he noticed he didn't have any. Slowly, reluctantly, he opened his eyes. He saw the hard, brown surface of stone in front of him; he could feel the hard surface under his body. Turning around Shikamaru could feel the muscles on his neck contracting painfully before settling in an uncomfortable pull and staying there.
"Shit, this hurts…" He mumbled while standing up working the muscles of his legs and arms. His mind was already going over what had happened the night before his face darkening while he approached the entrance of the cave.
The morning was advancing faster; looking up to the sky Shikamaru could tell the sun was in its highest point. It was probably past mid-day and it was not enough to time to do everything Shikamaru wanted to do.
Placing a hand on his forehead while letting out a tired sigh, he turned sharp, black eyes to the distance of the nearest forest.
"What are you really planning to do, Naruto? Damn, if you have just waited…now…" Shikamaru shook his head; at least he had put the chakra tracker on the scroll he had given the blond.
"Now, to locate Yugao before any of the others can do it."
But, where to start? He had heard that Kakashi and Yugao would attempt to go to the outskirts of Kumogakure, the place were the rumored Uzushiogakure was re-building itself.
It was worth a shot. Really, and he needed to do it before Neji and the others had any success on their mission. By now, Shikamaru was pretty sure his friends had given the alarm to Konoha about his disappearance and Naruto's sudden comeback. With a last swept around the place Shikamaru took off, ready to face Yugao and the consequences of his own disappearance.
Shikamaru wasn't mistaken when he thought about Neji sending some message to the Hokage.
It was Ino using Katsuyu's summoning who sent the message in a safe way. They couldn't take any chances of the information falling on the wrong hands. So, after sending the slug summon they started planning. It hadn't been easy as they really didn't know a thing about the people Naruto was with, nor did they know why they would take Shikamaru.
"I don't think that's a good idea…" Hinata mumbled as Sakura and Neji face each other, both of them glaring with badly contained anger. Kiba growled exasperate while Sai watched the situation with an impassive smile.
"No, you don't get it and you're out of place here, Sakura." Neji's voice was just a pitch lower than it normally was deep and dark leaving no room for argument. "This is something we should deal with ourselves there is no need to make this a fucking big deal!"
"But it is a fucking big deal!" Replied Sakura just a little bit louder than before. "What if this is really Edo Tensei? Uh? What if Sasuke…what …Naruto is…Ugh…I think we should tell somebody else besides Hokage-sama!"
"Who else pray tell? Who else who isn't going to send a whole army to hunt down Naruto? OUR friend." Neji was breathing hard by now his byakugan long ago activate. "As soon as somebody that isn't us finds out, there is going to be an all-out Naruto hunting out there. Have you forgotten Akatsuki?"
Sakura closed her fist tightly gritting her teeth before replying in a low menacing tone, "That's what I think we should warn everyone. That's why..."
"You're going to shut up now." Neji pulled back, frowning and still angry but trying to go back in control. "Since this is still a mission and I'm the second in command you, Sakura, would shut up and follow my orders. As of now, Naruto's comeback is going to be classified an S-rank secret."
"You can't do that…"Started protesting Sai but soon after shut up as he found himself under the glares from everyone around him. Sai shrugged smiling soothingly. "I'm just saying..."
"Yeah, well…no one ask your opinion, Freaky boy so shut up."
"As I was saying, until I have more information this is going to be kept a secret from other people that isn't the Hokage or the Squad in charge of Naruto's retrieval and not assassination." Neji glared at Sakura one last time before turning to the others. "I think now that we sent word to Hokage-sama we can go looking for Yugao-san and Kakashi-sensei."
"I think that's a perfect idea." Said Hinata approaching Neji with a soothing hand on his shoulder. "And what about Shikamaru-kun?"
"He can take care of himself." Said Ino looking at her nails with disinterest. "The guy may be a lazy ass but he would get out of the situation…either way, if we find Naruto we find Shikamaru, right?"
Neji nodded frowning slightly; there was just something off about the situation. Something that has been bothering the Hyuuga prodigy for quite some time but…he just couldn't pin-point it.
"Well, then let's stop this nonsense and let's get moving!" Kiba jumped up to sit on Akamaru who barked in agreement. "Were to, Hyuuga-taichou?"
Neji snorted while Kiba grinned wolfishly at the young man, Ino merely snorted pushing Kiba off of Akamaru.
"Stop fooling around and start working." Kiba blinked for a few seconds sending an utterly confused expression to the rest of the group.
"Uh? Me? Why?"
"Because, oh mighty one, you're the one who can follow smells."
"You know, Ino, when you said it like that it sounds…disturbing." Ino smirked waving her hand.
"It was meant to be disturbing. So?"
Kiba scowled scratching the back of his head. "Well, I don't really know…Oi, Sakura, don't you know where Kakashi-sensei may be right now; maybe point some direction so I can try tracking him?"
For a moment it seemed as if Sakura was hesitating if she should help or not. She did know something; after all, Kakashi-sensei had taken it upon himself to try and be close to Sakura. Trying to make up for the time he lost while trying to become a good teacher.
"He told me he would be scouting the surrounding area from the former Uzumaki Clan's home." Sakura shifted uncomfortably. "He said something about maybe Naruto being taken there by someone who claims to be a part of the Uzumaki Clan."
Neji narrowed his eyes at Sakura, nodding briefly. "It's worth a try. Well, let's go, it is rather late and we need to cover a great distance from here."
"So, you're the infamous Jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi no Kitsune." A approached Naruto with a calculating stare, his arms were open but his expression was close not giving away anything that Naruto or the rest of the shinigami could work with.
They had met at a rather discreet cottage just outside the main village; it didn't go unnoticed by Toshiro the heavy guard protecting the place. He didn't miss either how everyone seemed to be expecting them. Specially Naruto. What was it about Naruto everyone seemed so interested in?
The demon? No, it had to be something more….or maybe; it was a combination of the demon inside him and who Naruto was in this world. After all, the shinigami knew everything about the father but nothing about the mother.
"I don't know if infamous should be a word to describe me but…It's a pleasure to meet you, Raikage-sama." Naruto bowed respectfully dropping all smile of foolish demeanor.
A raised an eyebrow the only sign he was impressed and, apparently, he wasn't expecting it. Yugito looked just as impressed while Gaara could only watched with interest and amusement.
"These are my friends and my companions." Continued Naruto introducing each one of the shinigami present. "We have come after Killer B-san and Darui-san extended the invitation to us."
"I've heard some stories about you." A tilted his head eying Naruto for a long moment. "I have to say some of them were…exaggerating about your lack of etiquette or manners."
There was a collective intake of breath signaling a snort. The corners of A's lips quirked upwards as he directed his eyes to the one Naruto had introduced as Haku and then to the one called Toshiro.
"So, either you're a good actor or you actually learnt something from whoever took you in." A waved a hand to Toshiro and Haku. "Of course after hearing them snort in disbelief I would say you're a splendid actor."
"Thank you!" Naruto grinned widely. "I was taught how to behave properly…I wouldn't want Nii-sama to kill me because my 'witty, rude and highly inappropriate' tongue decided to just have some fun."
A laughed out loud, Yugito rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile on her face. So far so good, as long as Naruto didn't do or say anything stupid…
"A pretty wise man, I take it."
"The wisest I know."
There was a silence following Naruto's words, everyone was paying close attention to the blond. Some of the presents had curious looks in their eyes; some others were just eying the blond with suspicion. The Raikage for his part was trying to determine how much of a threat the blond was.
As the man let his eyes evaluated the rest of the foreigners he decided, whoever they were, they were dangerous. It was in their eyes, the way the hold themselves, arms to their side, twitching ready to grab their weapons. Eyes clever, muscles tense.
"A lot of people are looking for you, Uzumaki Naruto." A signaled Darui to come forward, the man did so handing the Raikage a Bingo Book. "Lots of people actually. But, of course, some of them do it for the money, some others for the glory…and then, there are the intelligent ones, the real dangerous ones…"
"You mean, the ones after the demon Naruto has inside."
Toshiro stepped forward his arms crossed in front of his chest while evaluating the man in front of him. As soon as he was closed enough Darui had placed a careful hand on top of his kunai holster just the same as Karui and Omoi. Toshiro allowed himself a smirk when he felt Matsumoto's presence behind him.
"Yes, I meant them." A didn't even move or bother to do anything. He was trying to get as much information about this encounter before giving Kensei the heads up about the situation and Naruto. He didn't need to say anything to Kushina…not yet anyway. The woman should already be in the city, let her find out the hard way.
"We aren't interested in these matters." Commented Toshiro his eyes focused on the man in front of him. "The only thing we care about are the recent happenings around here. Those strange disappearances and, once we have obtained the information we want, we will leave."
A lifted his chin, his eyes narrowing to slits focused on the white-haired boy. There was something old in the boy which made the Raikage curious about it.
"You're not a ninja." It was meant to be a statement but Toshiro didn't react, A leaned forward placing an elbow on his knee. "No, a real ninja would have hidden behind his second in command when in charge of a platoon and if captured. What exactly are you?"
Haku eyed Naruto stopping any reaction from the blond with a gesture of his head. Naruto dropped his shoulders holding back while watching the discussion between the two leaders. Matsumoto, ever loyal, placed herself just behind her taichou her eyes gleaming with suspicion while observing the people around them.
Toshiro smirked raising a single eyebrow, "I'm not a ninja and, even if I was, I have never liked to hide behind my subordinates. I'm guessing you're speaking from past experiences, right?"
A snorted shaking his head before leaning back on his chair, "You are far too arrogant and rude, boy. You should learn your place when talking to people who can kick your ass."
Toshiro held himself taking a deep breath, if the man only knew Toshiro was a hundred years older than him. The Raikage shrugged staring down at Toshiro before speaking again.
"You really should be grateful to the Uzumaki over there." Naruto pointed at himself half surprised, half confused. "It is because I owe a debt to the Uzumaki Clan and because I feel certain attachment to the Jinchuuriki that I would answer your questions before you answer mine."
Then, as an afterthought, the Raikage smirked amused, "And, I won't kick your ass, boy. Even though I'm sure you can learn a lot from it."
Toshiro observed the man for a moment, holding back his own smile, and then Toshiro bowed his head, "Thank you, Raikage-sama. Your help would be very valuable for us."
"Don't thank me yet, boy." The Raikage smirked noticing the obvious discomfort coming from the little guy. It was evident he hated being called a boy. "There are lot of things we need to work out before I can let you go. But for now…B, tell them."
Killer B nodded turning his attention to Naruto, with a smile dancing on his lips Killer B started talking, and sometimes Gaara or Yugito would help with the story. But each word, everything it was said show Naruto that there was something far more dark lurking around that the mere banishment of souls. Judging by the expressions of his friends he wasn't the only one thinking the same thing.
"As you can see, Akatsuki is a real threat and one we don't really want to escalate more than it has to." Started Killer B to which Naruto replied in a mere carefree manner.
"Uh, yeah well…the only thing I could see was me kicking Uchiha Itachi's ass and Gaara kicking the other freak's one."
A snorted while Killer B shook his head, with a single glance towards his brother A waved to B.
"You say you want answers to your questions then…let me explain to you what we know that nobody else does."
Naruto nodded his head, Yugito stepped forward glancing warmly at Naruto while the rest of her body tensed up. "I don't know what they do or…we're not sure exactly how they could do it but…they're using Jinchuuriki to eat the human souls."
Silence filled the room. Disbelief, shock and wariness drawn in the shinigami faces; Gaara shifted uncomfortably, he lowered his eyes while speaking.
"It is one of us, Naruto. It is another Jinchuuriki they're using to steal souls." This time Gaara did lift his head and his green eyes met with Naruto's blue ones, "But, that's not all…"
"Well, this ought to be interesting." Mumbled Ikkaku who was just as distressed as the others.
Jiraiya of the Sannin glanced sideways to the newcomers. He decided to stop talking as soon as the group sat down, voice loud enough for everyone in the vicinity to hear what they were saying.
The man let out a snort, tales of adventures and missions, of women and drinks…it was obvious these guys were rookies. Probably first S-rank mission or something. There was always some ninja who would do something like this. In Jiraiya's experience they were the first ones to die in a real S-rank mission.
"There is nothing." The white-haired man redirected his attention to the slump figure of one Hatake Kakashi. The man took the saucer in front of him drinking it fast.
"Rough night?" Kakashi shrugged leaning against the table while letting his single eye fixated on the table.
"Rough life…"Mumbled Kakashi before serving another cup of sake. "This is so useless. Who would have thought Naruto could hide this well? And now those rumors about disappearances and war….It would be so easy if someone back at Uzushiogakure took Naruto with them."
"It would make us feel less guilty, uh?" Jiraiya gave Kakashi a bitter smile the young Jounin returned half-heartedly.
"Maybe…at least, we can pretend."
The door of the bar opened again making Jiraiya and Kakashi lifted their stares to glance at the door. Yugao was there, her eyes glaring at the two men just as she approached them.
"Are you gentlemen done for the day?" Jiraiya glanced at Kakashi both of them knowing full well it wouldn't be wise to tempt Yugao.
"Aw, come on, Yugao-chan…"As soon as those words left Jiraiya's mouth the man found himself glancing at a pretty pointy and sharp kunai.
"Please, Jiraiya-sama, abstain yourself from calling me that." Yugao glared at the man who tried a sheepish smile. "We're not in familiar terms with each other and you would live longer if you remember that."
"Sure, Yugao-san, sure…no need to…" Jiraiya waved his hands to the sudden display. "It's okay."
Yugao's expression softened a little but she didn't say anything else. It was obvious to the three of them this mission to find Naruto before Akatsuki or anyone else could find Naruto was getting to them. Of course, for Yugao her worrying was direct to different Naruto relate thoughts. She could never stop thinking about Naruto, wishing he had a good time. Wishing he would always be away from anyone who may want to hurt him.
"I guess we're all about the same, eh?" Mumbled Kakashi trying to catch the stare of the bartender for another round of sake.
"Come, Kakashi, Jiraiya-sama. We need to get back to Konoha; I don't think we can find much in here."
Kakashi glanced at the bottle with longing just as a look of determination crossed his face.
"You're right, Yugao." Kakashi put some bills on top of the counter. "We should keep moving."
The morning had progressed without any troubles, the group had found Jiraiya by chance and the man had decided to join them on their way back to the village. It was way past mid-day when they entered the outskirts of the Fire Country taking a path leading towards Konoha. So far there hadn't been any incidents and they hoped things would remain the same since some of the Kumo-nins frequent these areas.
They had already established another course of action while finding Naruto was the main priority mission, their efforts were also placed into finding as much about Akatsuki as they could. After all, the group of Missing-nin was as much of a threat as the missing Naruto and even the vengeful Orochimaru were.
It had been almost a month since they left the village so; going back with information was the next step. Yugao was playing with the goggles she always carry with her, her eyes sweeping distractedly around the forest covering one side of the road. Ahead of her Jiraiya and Kakashi were engaging themselves in a conversation involving some of the newest work from Jiraiya and some pointers as to how some scenes in the book should go. Beside her Tenzo looked embarrassed and mortified as neither man was being silent in the graphical descriptions.
Yugao was so tempted to throw in a couple of knives when her eyes caught something. It was a shadow, but there wasn't any sound…with her brows knitted together the purple-haired woman stopped. There was another glimpse, this time the shadow was more defined and her eyes went wide open when she realized who it was.
"Eh, Yugao-san, are you okay?" Yugao jumped startle, her eyes focused on a very concern Tenzo who was looking at the same spot Yugao had been watching.
"Eh, yes…yes just…" She trailed off feeling a pang of panic hit her straight as she thought of a valid excuse.
"Is there someone there?" Tenzo took a step forward, Kakashi and Jiraiya watching with some curiosity from a distance.
Yugao shook her head smiling apologetically, "No, no is just…you see…I need…um…the bathroom."
Tenzo blinked taking a step back, his cheeks growing red with each passing second. Yugao almost let out a smile enjoying the reaction her words had.
"Oh…OH, right…I …mmm, I guess…" Yugao smiled before waving her hand in the general direction of the forest.
"Yes, I'm just…going to…be right back."
"Yes, yes of course…"
Yugao rolled her eyes once she was out of the watchful eyes of Tenzo, Kakashi and Jiraiya. Of course, it wasn't as if any of them were going to follow her, they knew when not to cross her and her excuse gave her the perfect opportunity for a little privacy.
Once she was sure none could see her from the road she turned sharp eyes to the undergrowth. There it was the shadow. She narrowed her eyes not daring to say anything but merely taking a step forward towards the figure.
It didn't take long until she felt someone behind her. Looking sideways she didn't bother to turn, instead her hand twitched ready to react.
"You better start talking before I hit you."
"I'm sorry, Yugao-san but they're close and what I have to say have to be said only to you." Yugao turned around to see Nara Shikamaru eying her carefully before his black eyes turned to the left.
"Shikamaru? What is it? What are you doing here?" Shikamaru messed with his hair in a nervous gesture. He knew this was wrong, the right thing to do was to approach the whole team not only one of the people in it. But…he couldn't help it. He had seen Naruto, he had seen the honesty behind his eyes…and he also knew…He also knew Naruto need all the help he could get.
"Naruto…" Yugao felt the color drained from her face, she felt her heart rate speed up as Shikamaru told her without words what she had long to hear for a long time. It was, however, one of the things she feared the most as well.
"We found Naruto."
Kakashi and Jiraiya were back to their early conversation much to Tenzo's chagrin. He crossed his arms trying to ignore the other two but failing as the conversation reached his now red ears.
They stood there for a few minutes when suddenly the three men turned their attention to the road. Kakashi was frowning slightly while Jiraiya looked perplex. In less than a few second there was a loud bark and a voice screaming out.
"We found them!"
The three men waited patiently as one by one the members of the infamous Konoha Eleven landed in front of them. All of their young faces showed the worry and reluctance of the information they held. Neji took a step forward but. before anything could be said by the young Hyuuga Sakura spoke.
"He…he is alive, Kakashi-sensei." Neji glared openly at Sakura but the girl just ignored it.
"Sakura!" Ino exclaimed indignant to her childhood friend but the girl shook her head.
"Who is alive Sakura? What are all of you doing here and how did you find us?" Started Kakashi, Neji stepped forward grabbing Sakura by the shoulder.
"There's been a development, Kakashi-sensei." Neji squeezed Sakura's shoulder hard making the girl winced in pain. "We…we found Naruto."
"What? Where? Where is he? What happened?" This time it was Jiraiya who was standing in front of Neji while Sakura freed her shoulder form Neji's grasp.
"He is alive and he was with Naruto." Replied Sakura glaring at Neji.
"Okay, stop! All of you." Kakashi waved his hands stopping any other comment. The man turned his attention to Sakura, his eye gleaming with seriousness. "What happened? How do you know it's Naruto?"
"We…Neji and the others applied the test and Naruto passed." Started Sakura, Jiraiya, Kakashi and Tenzo all raised their eyebrows at that.
"Your test?" Asked Tenzo.
"We all knew Naruto better than you." Explained Kiba while eying Sakura suspiciously. " We knew what to ask and if he was the real one. He was."
"But…what happen…"
"That's what I'm trying to explain." Started Sakura, Neji was about to speak when Jiraiya stopped him.
"No, let her talk you will have your chance once she has finished." Neji was reluctant, not sure if they should let Sakura talk but before he could say anything the girl was already speaking.
"He was there…Naruto was with him." Sakura was shaking her head before turning her eyes to Kakashi. Pleading with them for Kakashi to believe her.
"Sakura, what happened?"
"It was Haku, Kakashi-sensei. Haku was with Naruto."
Kakashi stood frozen in place, his sole eye watching his former student carefully, trying to assess the true behind Sakura's words. It wouldn't be the first time she lied about Naruto but…Kakashi lift his head and saw the girl was not lying. At least, the others thought whoever Sakura had identified as Haku was with Naruto.
"Sakura, you know that's impossible…"Sakura shook her head laughing bitterly as tears formed in her eyes.
"I know! I know! But he was there and Naruto…" Sakura grabbed Kakashi's hand. "Please, Kakashi-sensei… Naruto is with him and…I just need to know Naruto is alive and not…"
Kiba lowered his eyes to see Akamaru lifting his muzzle; his friend was sniffing the air with his tail moving fast. With a frown in place, Kiba decided to follow Akamaru's nose. He also sniffed the air and then…
"Shikamaru!" Kiba took off without thinking it twice, Neji saw before turning to Kakashi.
"Right, Naruto scape and he took Shikamaru with him." Then, Neji was also gone.
"Damn brats!" Jiraiya, Tenzo and Kakashi went after them.
They were running fast but even at this distance Jiraiya could see the look in Yugao's eyes. He could identify the decision in them, Jiraiya hesitated for a moment. If there was anyone who loved Naruto more than life itself was Yugao. That moment of hesitation gave Yugao the opportunity she need. With a firm hand she grabbed Shikamaru and disappeared.
"Move!" He started making the hand signs but…Yugao had already left dragging Shikamaru with her.
Kiba made an attempt to follow them but was stopped by Jiraiya, "No, wait…we need you to tell us everything about your encounter with Naruto."
Kiba and Neji looked at each other; Sakura was trembling under Kakashi's consoling hand. With a heavy sigh and reluctance evident in his eyes Neji started talking.
Yugao looked taken aback; she grabbed the goggles tightly while grabbing Shikamaru by his Chuunin vest.
"What did you say? Who is 'we'?" Shikamaru turned nervous eyes to the woman breathing down on him. This was why he hated talking with scary women when he had important information.
He took a deep breath before speaking again, "We…me and the others, we found Naruto."
Then, because Shikamaru seemed to have a dead wish he continued, "You knew, didn't you? You knew Naruto…Naruto was out there somewhere."
Yugao narrowed her eyes, pushing Shikamaru to her, "And what if I did?"
"No…that's cool…totally cool, really…"Said Shikamaru smiling nervously lifting his hand in a peaceful gesture. "Just...wondering…"
Yugao opened her mouth to speak when a commotion coming from the path she had taken to look for Shikamaru called her attention. She turned to Shikamaru with a slightly panic expression but there was also a determination Shikamaru had come to associate with trouble.
"You're coming with me." Both, Shikamaru and Yugao turned to see Jiraiya and the others running towards them but before neither of them were closed Yugao took off dragging a very reluctant Shikamaru with her.
~ Konohagakure no Sato ~
Tsunade dropped heavily on the chair behind her desk.
Her forefinger and thumb squeezing the bridge of her nose while trying to appease her growing headache. Her morning had been a long one with reports of sightings of Orochimaru, the Uchiha brat, the older Uchiha brat, the Akatsuki and so on. It was rather annoying to be honest when some of the reports had ridiculous pieces of information that went from naked sightings to some cross-dressing ones.
Then she had moved onto the organization of the hospital which seemed to forget they also had to take care of the villagers as much as they have to do it with ninjas. And then, of course, there was the organization of the newest graduates from the Academy.
Tsunade glanced at her desk which was blissfully devoid of any sign of paperwork. She really needed to give Shizune something nice for all the help. Tsunade was about to close her eyes to rest her eyes when something moving out of the corner of her eyes called her attention.
"Tsunade-sama." A small, squeaky voice spoke and Tsunade found herself looking at one of Katsuyu's summons. She frowned turning her chair and signaling the summon to approach her.
"What is it? What are you doing here?"
"I apologize by my sudden presence but, Ino-san sent me." Tsunade was looking at the slug summon with some alarm in her eyes.
"Ino? Is she okay? What happened?" The slug turned sharp ayes to different locations inside the office.
"Would you mind sending away your ANBU?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow at the strange request. "Ino-san was pretty specific about this information given to you and only you."
Tsunade sat back on her chair waving a hand as a silent order. Seconds later she and the slug summon where alone in the Hokage's office.
"Well, we're alone. Go on."
"Ino-san wanted me to tell you she and the others had found Naruto-kun."
"What? Where?"
"Near Iron Country, however, there is a problem." Tsunade stood up pacing around with a grave expression on her face.
"What kind of problem?" The slug lowered her eyes before looking up again.
"Apparently, Naruto-kun has kidnapped Shikamaru-kun, and their whereabouts are unknown."
Tsunade took her hand to her forehead, massaging gently as the implications of the news could have in the village.
'Iron Country…what the hell was Naruto doing there?'
"Is that all?" The slug summon nodded, "Thank you, then. You can go now if you wish."
"Good luck, Tsunade-sama." And with that the slug disappeared in a white smoke.
Tsunade hit the closest wall, "Luck? Luck…yeah, I probably need it if someone else finds out about this."
Now, to try and contact Kakashi, Yugao…and (Tsunade winced at the thought) Kushina also needed to know about this.
~ Kumogakure no Sato ~
C was walking ahead of the woman, the blond-hair guy, and the petulant brat. Not that he was going to say it out loud, of course. C had always had a self-preserving instinct when near dangerous and untouchable people.
They were walking down the main street leading the Raikage's building a great construction just standing in the middle of the village, watching the place in a protective and intimidating manner.
"Shinji." C hold back a sigh, this was the fifth time they do this.
"Uh?" The girl twitched glaring at the blond-haired man with anger in her eyes.
"Don't 'uh' me! What the hell are we doing here? I'm tired, hungry and this is fucking unnecessary!"
Shinji lowered bored eyes to the girl, lifting a single eyebrow in a nonchalant manner which only made the girl angrier.
"Don't swear, it doesn't sound nice in a lady." Then as an afterthought, "Then again, you're not exactly lady material…Ow! What the hell Hiyori!"
Shinji grabbed his bleeding nose while Hiyori was looking pretty satisfied with herself. Then, another discussion exploded and C found himself embarrassed on their behalf. The red-head, a woman he had come to know as Kushina smile sweetly at him.
"Sorry about that." And she really sounded apologetic, C waved his hand to dissipate her worries.
"It's okay, Kushina-san." C hesitated not really knowing what else to say.
"No, it's not. But, between you and me, I think they love each other too much to show it in any other way."
C snorted and Kushina laughed freely making the young man admired the way all stress leave the woman's features. He felt his own responding smile shaking his head while indicating the path with his arm.
"Please, Raikage-sama is out attending to some urgent matters but I was told to take you to the guest's quarters as soon as you arrived. And, for what I could hear, you must be hungry."
"Yes, thank you." Kushina rolled her eyes while Shinji and Hiyori kept on their shouting contest. Kushina turned her attention back at C, "Oh, I really hope you have ramen."
"Ramen?" Asked C confused only to be blinded by the toothy grin the woman sent his way.
"Oh, yes. A lunch is never complete unless there is ramen involved."
C frowned puzzled shrugging lightly, "I think, Kushina-san, that can be arrange. You aren't the first guest to ask for ramen after all."
They didn't stop until they were safely away from Kakashi, Neji and the others. Once out of their reached Yugao pressed Shikamaru against the nearest hard surface which turned out to be a pretty turned out to be a pretty uncomfortable rock.
"Now, speak! What do you know? Where is Naruto?" Yugao trialed off her eyes softened suddenly as she fixated her gaze on Shikamaru. "Is he…How is he?"
Shikamaru almost sweat dropped at the mood change but decided this situation required from him to be alert. He took a deep breath and tried to move Yugao's hand from his vest without much success.
"He…he is okay, I guess." Shikamaru shrugged, "He was with this group, strange people and he…told me some things hard to believe…About him being this…well, like a shinigami…"
Shikamaru trailed off when a look of alert mixed with skepticism crossed Yugao's face. "What is it? What was…that?"
"What?" Replied Yugao perplexed, Shikamaru narrowed his eyes before exclaiming.
"You knew?"
"Knew what?" This time Shikamaru's hands grabbed Yugao's wrist rather forcefully.
"About Naruto. Where he was, who was with him…what he claims happen to him."
Realization hit Yugao, she lowered her gaze letting go of Shikamaru. "Oh, that."
Shikamaru dropped on the ground massaging his temple with exhaustion, "Please, I just want answers…and I'll tell you everything you need to know."
Shikamaru glanced up to Yugao, "He is fine, he looks strange as if time hasn't touch him at all. Still the same Naruto, though."
A soft smile crossed Yugao's face, taking a deep breath she started talking.
"Of course I knew where he was or rather…what had happened to him. But, nothing in this world would have made me say anything about it."
Shikamaru nodded his head, he knew it. If there was someone who knew something, anything, that was Yugao.
"And you really believe this thing about shinigami and he being dead and not from here?"
Yugao chuckled shaking her head, "He has some heavy evidence that support his claims. Believe me."
Shikamaru nodded resting his head against the hard surface. "Okay, then…what now?"
"Now, you're going to tell me everything he said while you follow me."
"Follow you? Where?" Yugao turned to Shikamaru as if the answer was obvious.
"Where? Well, to find Naruto of course! Now start talking, I want to know everything."
Yumichika wrinkled his nose, leaning in to see inside the crater.
There wasn't anything there. As far as the story went, the ninja had buried the bodies and tried to clean up the place. By the looks of it, they didn't do a pretty good job.
Nemu was taking samples here and there, her eyes catching things Yumichika wasn't even sure how they could be useful. The man walked slowly while eying the fukutaichou of the Twelfth division. The only thing he was certain about was the left over feeling of reiatsu. It wasn't much, just enough, as if a heavy concentration of energy had been there.
"You know? You fellas aren't the first ones to try and discover what happen here." Yumichika cocked his head, one single eyebrow raised as he watched the young man approaching them.
"We aren't?" The young man shook his head, smiling kindly at them while pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose.
"No, a lot of ninja had been interested in knowing who the horrible creature capable of such slaughter was." Yumichika nodded presenting his front to the young man
"But, I bet there have been some strange sightings, something people may recognize before or after this."
The young man shrugged leaning in to look down the crater, "Yeah, probably. But no one is too eager to snoop around."
Yumichika looked disappointed, at first it was looking as if this man knew more than he let on. He certainly knew how to approached Nemu and himself to pick up their interest. He was the one to bring them here but…
"Of course, there is one thing…a small one actually." Yumichika perked up looking the disconcerting expression on the man's face.
"Yes, what is it?" The young man shook his head smiling at the absurdity of his thoughts.
"You may think I'm crazy or that these are the stories of drunken men but…there is something some people do remember."
The young man fixed his glasses again before speaking, "They spoke of a black-haired man with a tattooed four."
"It's that unusual?" The man shrugged shaking his head.
"No, really. But something the four is a sign." Yumichika blinked confused.
"A sign? A sign of what?"
"Of a Jinchuuriki, of course. Some think the Jinchuuriki are ready to rise and rip the elemental world as we know it." The young man tilted his head, smiling nervously. "How else do you explain these dead bodies seem half eaten?"
Yumichika made a gesture of disgust because he knew what else this…this creature had taken when ripping the people away. It wasn't only flesh what they took.
"Thank you very much for your help, Kabuto-san."
"Oh, nonsense. It was my pleasure." Replied Kabuto with a half-smile.
Hitsugaya Toshiro remembered those times in which live used to be simple. Sure, there was the pressure from the paperwork and managing a Division. But life was easy, manageable.
Then, something like this happened.
Toshiro turned his teal eyes to the blond who was now engaging himself in a conversation with the red-head and the blond-haired girl. Toshiro understood they were Jinchuuriki, holders of demons who terrorized these lands when they were free. He understood some part of their being Jinchuuriki was trying to adapt their demon and control some of its power.
What Toshiro could not understand was how such creatures were capable of so much damage in a human body? How could they devour souls? This line of thoughts brought Toshiro to another matter he rather didn't think about it now. If possible, never.
What exactly where these Jinchuuriki? Or, better yet, what exactly were the Bijuu?
"Taichou?" Toshiro turned to Matsumoto standing behind him; she had on a worried expression while eying her Captain with concern.
"What shall we do?" That was the question, right?
Toshiro couldn't very well go back to Soul Society and tell them Naruto's demon could, someday, consume the blond's soul and take over Soul Society. He couldn't tell them maybe there wasn't only one but nine potential Hollow-like people in this world. Not only would it be disastrous but it would end up with the homicide of nine possible innocent people. Just for the greater good.
But then, Toshiro was turned between duty and loyalty. The young man felt a pair or arms wrapping themselves around him putting him closer to a pair of soft breast. He growled annoyed glaring up at a smiling Rangiku.
"Taichou! You look so grumpy!" The woman turned him around and started dragging him outside the room that was given to them by the leader of the village.
"Come! We were allowed to wander around I wanna see this ninja cities!" Matsumoto shoot her taichou a blinding smile Toshiro couldn't bring himself to ignore. He shook his head agreeing with her.
"Very well, let's go." Rangiku squealed hugging him once again.
"That's the spirit, Taichou! Let's enjoy before you have to make any decision."
Two hours later Toshiro was shooting amused glances to Matsumoto who was now watching with a scrunched face the live-show present by the man they knew as Killer B. Toshiro cringe everything he heard the singing, but it was obvious his fukutaichou was enjoying greatly.
Without looking, Toshiro turned abruptly his face colliding with a cup of hot tea. He yelped in pain and suddenly there was a feminine hand on him and a voice apologizing for her actions.
"Oh, damn! I'm so sorry! I really am." Toshiro lifted his eyes to see a beautiful red-head smiling apologetically to him. "I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention."
Toshiro waved his hand trying to stop the woman from fuzzing around but giving up when the woman kept her hands on him. Cleaning up and making sure he wasn't hurt.
"It's oklay, really." Replied Toshiro relief when the woman stepped back watching critically at the young man. Suddenly she smiled satisfied.
"I'm glad."
"I'm sorry about your tea." The woman waved dismissing the apology.
"Don't worry, it was my fault after all and here…I can buy another one, you want one?" Toshiro hesitate, he turned to Rangiku who was now singing along with Ikkaku and Killer B.
"Yes, tea sounds like a wonderful idea." He replied, the woman followed his eyes before giggling softly.
"Friends of yours?"
"You could say that." Toshiro glanced at the woman bowing slightly. "I'm Hitsugaya Toshiro, pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is all mine, Hitsugaya-san." The woman returned the bow smiling brightly at the young Captain. "My name is Uzumaki Kushina."
AN: Some of you told me you didn't want the meeting between Kushina and Naruto so soon. And well, I hope you like the last part. There is something I want to make clear, even if Naruto meets Kushina now she isn't going to say to him (yet) she is his mother. Naruto won't figure it out just like that and the people who know won't say anything. It would be ameeting in which Naruto and Kushina would sort of, kinda but not really, bond before Naruto finds the true about the woman.
Also, this is all about interests. The Raikage needs Naruto because it would mean a fourth Jinchuuriki helping him out. But, Gaara, Killer B and Yugito had other plans for him.
Anyway, now that you know the conditions for Naruto's meeting with Kushina...what do you say, should they meet or let other's cross paths with the woman? And, what about Yugao? Should she find Naruto or should I bring Ulquiorra into the game? I would like your opinion but, as you could see in this chapter, sometimes the story takes its own path.
This chapter was hard to write mainly because I started writing another story (a Naruto/Thor/Avengers story) and got side-tracked. So, i may come later and change some things, but for now, it stays as it is.
So, don't forget to review and comment!