Holy friggin' diculous! You guys are absolutely amazing! Seriously ok you wanna know how many people visited this story over the weekend...aka saturday and sunday...1,500! I bow my head in gratitude for every single one of you readers who take the time to read my story. Seeing those stats make me giddy with delight so thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart :) and for my reviewers you get an extra thank you with a cookie :D
Ok so this chapter is early for two reasons one: those stats made me a writing machine and i finished this chapter on monday allowing me two good days of editing. and two: i'm going on vacation to california tomorrow and won't be able to upload it because my compy will be at home. So here is your next chapter!
DISCLAIMER: For those of you who don't/can't handle rougher scenes please skip the first one...if adds character depth but that's about it. Skip it if you can't handle a very twisted sense of rape. The scene is over at the paragraph break line.
As always please enjoy and review!
The corridors were cool and humid like always, the dirt beneath his feet was solid due to years of foot traffic that he didn't think it could get compacted any further. Not that he couldn't fix the problem with a simple seal but why bother. This place has held up for hundreds of years without a problem, best not to go seeking trouble where none exists. Passing some of the many rooms he could hear the muffled shouts of the shinobi and kunoichi's. Some were moans of pleasure, some shrieks of pains, most were somewhere in the middle; as long as his men were doing their job he wouldn't waste time checking up on them. Besides the group conditioning provided ample opportunity for him to study his subordinates and make sure they aren't forming any type of "close" attachment to any particular kunoichi. That would be counterproductive to his overall goal. After all wasn't it a common teaching in all Hidden Villages that emotional attachments equal weaknesses.
A small sadistic smile crept onto Tetsu's lips as he stopped in front of one particular door and knocked. He listened closely hearing a frustrated groan and a whispered command to another person in the room before the door opened rather abruptly. Tetsu's smirk remained as he stared at his son's disheveled appearance, he was clad only in a pair of boxers and it was obvious from the look on his face that he was about to tell the person on the other side of the door to leave…until he saw it was him.
"Tou-san," Shinta intoned with only a mild case of irritation, "What do you need?"
Tetsu continued to observe his first born and as always, was pleased to see that the boy looked more like him than the Uzumaki would gave birth to him, "You have something I need."
Shinta grumbled before opening the door to his bedroom wider allowing his father entrance. Tetsu walked in casually and his eyes immediately landed on the object of his search…Kaminari. Seeing the kunoichi laying naked and perfectly still on his son's bed sent a jolt through to him and his thoughts immediately turned to Sakura…they did have a similar body type…soon that pink haired kunoichi would be at his mercy. He couldn't wait.
"You through with her yet?" the elder man intoned dryly.
"No," Shinta walked over to a small desk and poured himself a glass of water, "You can have her when I'm done."
"I don't need her for that I have an appointment with another," Tetsu replied, "I need her to deliver the Hokage's new package."
Shinta finished his drink firmly placing the cup on the table, "I'll be done in twenty minutes."
"Don't let me stop you," Tetsu waved his hand in the kunoichi's direction.
Shinta just growled, "I don't need to be under supervision anymore, I'm not a child. I prefer privacy when I'm with one of them."
Tetsu just chuckled, his son was so volatile just like him, "But I haven't seen you in action for a while and you don't bother participating in the group conditioning sessions anymore. Why is that?"
"It no longer interests me," his son replied curtly.
"You have been spending a lot of time with Kaminari…"
"I am her master, it's my job to make sure that she knows it," Shinta glared at his father, "Leave so I can finish then she can complete her mission for you."
"You know Mizuko is due soon."
"So?"
"Are you not excited about fathering your first child?" Tetsu asked while he watched his son drop his boxers and mount the kunoichi again. Kaminari's face clenched ever so slightly as Shinta invaded her and started pumping roughly.
Keep a straight face, Kaminari chanted to herself.
"I'm just doing it for you and for the clan," he grunted holding onto the kunoichi's bruised shoulders.
"And you're doing well," his father praised, "That child should be a great asset to our clan."
Shinta didn't reply as he continued concentrating on his task. It bothered him that his father was here; he didn't get to indulge in the succulent flesh before him while under intense scrutiny. He enjoyed himself a little too much when he was with the kunoichi's and the last thing he wanted was for his father to find out. Indulgence can lead to attachment and attachment, as he had been trained to believe, can lead to weakness. And weakness was something his father didn't tolerate. So for now he kept an impassive albeit mild glare on his face as he continued dominating the kunoichi below him. If only his father would leave…there was no way he could finish with him staring at this scene…and to not finish would just make him irritable for the rest of the day until Kaminari came back. But he would rather get it over with now…he had other things to do today than to waste it trying to find release. His twenty minute time limit was probably accurate…depending on how long his father decided to stand there and observe.
"I'll leave you be for now," Tetsu intoned, "I'm leaving the package on your desk. Just give it to her when you're done and she can leave from here." Without another word Tetsu opened the door and left pulling it tightly shut.
"Finally," Shinta whispered as his head descended and bit down on valley between her breasts.
Kaminari stiffened like a board as he continued to bite her over and over.
"Relax woman," Shinta commanded taking a nipple in his mouth, "Run your hands up and down my back like you mean it."
Kaminari obeyed because she had no other choice, she wouldn't be released unless she did what she was told. So with a small amount of hesitancy she ran her hands lightly along the firm planes of his back as her master continued nipping her neck and chest. Kami she hated herself…she hated life and the only thing she can do now is just count the seconds until the spoken twenty minutes were up. But if she were to be honest with herself she may be here longer than twenty minutes. She had to remain until she was dismissed.
"Wrap your legs around me."
She obeyed hooking her ankles just above his hips as he thrusted harder into her wet core. This was the worst because out of everything that he could do to her this actually…felt good. She hated that thought and it was the main reason she was so disgusted with herself. This was happening against her will, she didn't want this, she hated that since birth she was doomed to this life. So why did it have to feel good? Kami…she just wanted to die.
Before she could consciously stop herself a small groan slipped through her lips before she clamped her mouth shut. Shinta paused his attentions and forced her to meet his gaze.
"You…enjoy this?" he asked holding her chin tightly, "Answer me!"
Kaminari opened her eyes and looked into his violent silver ones, "…No…"
A slow wicked grin spread across his face, "You're lying Raiden. This position pleases you doesn't it?"
"N-no," she answered again cursing her voice for quivering.
Shinta began chuckling, "This manner of conditioning is supposed to bring pleasure to both parties. Shall I try to please you?" he whispered close to her lips.
Too afraid by his implications Kaminari opted to remain silent while her eyes begged to be released.
Shinta just tsked, "Not yet, you can't leave, not until I'm finished with you." He grabbed her wavy maroon hair and lifted her up into the sitting position with him, "And I'm not going to stop until you come with me, because if you don't…" he threatened, "You will not be leaving my room."
Her body began to shake which only enticed the master shinobi to begin his indulgence once again on her velvet flesh. She could feel him pumping into her while she just tried to be as relaxed as possible. This act was so impersonal to her that it didn't matter if it felt good she would always hate it. He didn't really care for her, not in the same way she had seen others who loved each other interact. She wanted what they had…what Sakura and her Itachi had. This meant nothing, if anything it was just a job she had to preform almost every day as part of her routine. And now Shinta wanted to make this something that it was not.
"Moan for me," he whispered again her chest, "Moan like the whore you are."
A small stream of tears started leaking out of her eyes as she fought with everything in her to give in. Because if she did…
"Obey me Raiden!" he bit down hard making her yelp and squirm, causing a small rush of pleasure to run through his veins, "I will keep you here and I will keep going until you give in to me. I'll make you sore, I'll make you hurt, and I'll make you bleed unless you moan!"
Kaminari instantly found herself on her back again with Shinta's hand around her throat, "Choose, my little lightning bolt."
Her hands went around her rock solid wrist trying to wrench it away from her throat. He was cutting off her air supply and he was also sucking the chakra out of her body. He would definitely knock her unconscious and continue his defilement until he was finished. And when she would wake up she would probably be bound to the bed until he returned and he would do it again. And she would have to suffer through everything again…so in the end, to spare herself more pain, she finally gave in.
A hoarse, crackled moan escaped her bruised lips and Shinta smiled in triumph, "That's it Kaminari. Moan my little whore, let me hear your voice sing in pleasure!"
Without warning he slammed into her body making her scream in pain.
The Hokage's office was quiet as the group waited around for their visitor. Tsunade had her sake bottle out and was working on her second glass. Naruto and Hinata were conversing in hushed whispers on the couch and seated next to them was Sai and Sasuke. Kakashi was reading in an open window but everyone could see he hadn't turned a page in the thirty minutes they had been waiting. Itachi stood on the other side his eyes never leaving the lightly clouded sky. Shikamaru had a few scrolls out that he had prepared for the tracker teams being sent out after this meeting. Shizune stood dutifully to Tsunade's left side lost in her own thoughts.
"She's coming," Itachi intoned as he watched the sky gradually darken. It was definitely happening too fast to be considered a normal storm.
"Clear the center of the room," Tsunade ordered putting the sake bottle away, "Can you read anything? Her chakra signature or the lightning paths in the sky?"
Itachi shook his head but continued to stare with his bloodline activated.
"She's thirty minutes late, you think something happened?" Kakashi asked putting his book away.
"We will find out, nobody question her. We don't know how long we have until she has to leave," the Hokage sat up straight in her chair just as the power went out in the tower.
Rain was falling hard accompanied by the resounding thunder and lightning then everyone sensed her presence inside the room.
A hiccupped gasp was the only sound in the office before Hinata stood up and walked over to Kaminari's trembling body. Tsunade had requested for her to be present at every meeting because if their messenger was skittish of them, then they needed someone with a calming disposition and she could trust. And since Sakura had mentioned previously to Kaminari that Hinata was kind and to be trusted, it would just make things easier until the kunoichi got more comfortable in their presence. So with small cautious probing hands Hinata lightly prodded the kunoichi's face up then gasped at the sight as maroon hair fell away revealing her bruised face.
"I apologize for being late Hokage-sama," Kaminari looked up and met the leader's eyes, "I was delayed."
Everyone's eyes widened seeing the sorry state their messenger was in.
"What happened?" Tsunade asked rounding her desk.
"No, please don't," Kaminari put her hands up, "If you heal me then they will know…I have…I," she took a deep breath suppressing the urge to burst into tears, "I have to stay the same."
Tsunade nodded reluctantly and just opted for a visual inspection. She was sporting bruised lips along with a small cut on the bottom that was already clotting. She also had one large red and purple bruise along her neck that could only indicate strangulation. Without her cloak her fitted leather top allowed them to see small red bite marks and one particularly nasty one just above her small cleavage line that had broken skin. Her arms had small bruises around her wrists and the parts of her shoulders that weren't covered. The rest of her body was covered in fitted leather pants and shinobi sandals but Tsunade was willing to guess that her body was covered in bruises. Her hair was a wild mess of wavy locks and her eyes shone with unshed tears, but Tsunade could discern two small tear tracks probably from crying earlier. Last but not least her body was trembling as if she was cold but it was a generous 73 degrees in the office so the only reasonable explanation was something emotional. And from the looks of it, this woman was trying hard to keep herself together…something obviously was very wrong with her today.
"As far as I can tell, you have no…life threatening injuries," Tsunade told her in a calm soothing voice.
"No I don't," Kaminari cleared her throat, "I would have had to get that fixed before I left. I guess I should just start so I can get back. I'm already in enough trouble and I don't want to be in any more if I can help it." Her body began shake more violently as Hinata gently directed her to sit on the couch making Naruto and Sai move off.
"If you need to take a second we can wait," Hinata smiled while sitting between her and Sasuke.
Kaminari just shook her head, "I can't…I need to give a report and then be going. I have to get back to my sisters, we are planning an escape. But we can't do it without your help."
"Tell us when and where and we will be there," Naruto promised her with a small smile.
"Sakura says we have to wait for you guys so the 'when', as you put it, is not set. The 'where'…is the biggest problem."
"Why is that?" Tsunade asked.
"I don't know where. None of our sisters know where home is. We can't ask the men because…" Kaminari cringed slightly, "What Sakura said was that we need to have Sai come up with a type of ink jutsu that can record our voices and imprint it onto a scroll for me to deliver."
"Wouldn't it just be easier to write everything down?" Sasuke asked.
Nobody thought it was possible for already sad looking eyes to fall even deeper into despair, but they watched it happen to a pair of electric blue, "I…I'm sorry…I-I…" her hands came up and she buried her face into her palms, "I don't know how to write."
The tension in the room became heavy at her declaration and Kaminari misinterpreted thinking it was being directed at her.
"I know…I'm no good, I'm just a failure and I'm not going to amount to anything. I'm so sorry, this plan is probably doomed to fail before it even start," she started to sob. Failure…it had never felt as bad as it did today.
"No," Hinata pulled the distraught woman again her, "It's not you." Kaminari gripped her tightly taking comfort in the soft but firm support coming off the woman. She kinda reminded the kunoichi of a mother of sorts giving her daughter the support she needed before her spirit broke into small parts.
Shikamaru sighed, "This just got more troublesome."
"But he's a seal master, it doesn't make sense if he doesn't teach his people how to write," Naruto complained yanking on his hair.
"It would explain the lack of paper trail," Kakashi closed his eye to hide his frustration, "If his subordinates can't write then everything is done through verbal communication. It would explain the constant movement that is making him difficult to track, and it fits the profile of his social skills."
"Part of that is wrong."
Everyone turned their attention back to the maroon haired girl and she expertly schooled her emotions. She wiped the last of her tears out of her eyes then straightened. It was blatantly obvious that she has had years of perfecting her emotional control, "The kunoichi's don't get taught anything we don't need to know. I can make and perform seals though."
"How is that possible if you can't write?" Itachi asked a little bewildered.
"We copy everything. Haruno-sama gives us templates and we're instructed to copy everything and if they aren't perfect we're punished. Needless to say we perfect the art of imitation."
Naruto grumbled, "The more I hear about this bastard the more I hate him."
"You're not the only one dobe," Sasuke pinched the bridge of his nose. He thought back to his time with Orochimaru and Kabuto and everything those sick bastards did to people. He didn't think he'd live to see anything else that could make him feel sick to his very core…but seeing this girl beaten with obvious signs of rape…and then know that she would have to return because not doing so would yield in worse treatment for her and others. He had to fight to keep the bile from rising in his throat. This man was just as sick as those twisted bastards that he slaughtered two years ago…and instead of being granted death they were forced to keep living as some of Orochimaru's subjects were forced to do.
"Enough, we need all the information she can give us now, Sai!" Tsunade looked at the artist, "Get working on your jutsu you have until Kaminari has to leave."
"Hai," he responded settling onto the ground with an empty jutsu scroll in front of him.
"Continue Kaminari," Tsunade told the kunoichi.
"Hai," she cleared her throat, "Sakura said that right now the most important thing I can tell you is about our clan and abilities." She watched everyone nod, "Well aside from Tetsu and Shinta, the most powerful people in the clan are the members of the Elemental Cycle, we don't needs hand signs to perform jutsus...we just are what we're named; there's me lightning, Mizuko who is water, Ryuu whose given name is Ryuujin is fire, and Kamikaze who is air. We just call her Kaze for short."
"And who is earth?" Shizune asked.
"It's going to be Sakura," Kaminari answered and pulled out the new package, "Sakura said there's nothing important on here so you don't have to watch it. But she did want me to tell you to watch next weeks. She said she had a visit from her dad because he sealed some chakra in her like Naruto's dad did to him." She shot a glance at the blonde to see him shocked, "She learned a lot of history that she says will help you guys figure out our location. Oh and Sai, if you can make it so the ink can make a mental picture Ryuu will sneak out and fly over the base so hopefully you guys can match it to something."
Sai nodded and continued his work.
"Ryuu can fly?" Kakashi asked, this was getting interesting.
"Hai, her name is Ryuujin, which means dragon god," Kaminari explained, "She's definitely the most powerful being in our clan. Her ability is to become her name."
"A dragon?" Naruto asked a little excited.
"Hai, her skin hardens into scales, she grows horns and a tail, and then she sprouts wings from her shoulders. She can command fire in all its forms and it's rare for a jutsu to really affect her in full form. She is just raw power."
Tsunade leaned against her desk, "She is the only other shinobi that I heard of that can literally fly."
"Sai has ink birds," Naruto looked back at her.
"That's a damn jutsu baka, the only other shinobi in the world that could just fly was the Sandaime Tsuchikage."
"That's right, Tetsu said so too," Kaminari interjected drawing their attention back, "I'll get to how I know that in a second. Mizuko means water child, her most potent jutsu is the Siren's Song. If she's near water, which she can create a lake with the flick of her wrist, she casts a low humming genjutsu to lure others into her trap where she can control them to do whatever it is that she wants them to do. Nobody has been able to break out of her jutsu once they are ensnared because it increases its potency once she has her captive. She has to release it and that means she has to stop singing."
"So it's a mix of sound and water," Kakashi surmised.
"Hai but it only works if she's near water. And she can make an entire forest shrivel into a broken heap because she can extract the water inside the plants and the ground in a matter of seconds. She wouldn't do well in Suna or any kind of desert but put her in the ocean and she is the goddess of the sea. Then there's Kamikaze or the divine wind, her coolest technique is great to use for spying. She's actually the one who is our spy at the moment so anything that we get from the men is from her spying on them. She literally dissipates into the air around her by expanding her chakra and can appear anywhere at a moment's notice it seems like. She is really quiet though but that just makes it more ideal for her to take on this task. Nobody would suspect her. But she can also manipulate the air molecules around her and fly as well…in a sense."
"Why doesn't she speak?" Naruto asked genuinely curious.
Electric blue eyes switched from looking at the blonde to the ground, "We all deal with our situation differently…Mizuko mediates a lot, Ryuu stays constantly angry and moody, Kaze is introverted not wanting to speak unless it's important for her to do so, and I…I just try to survive."
Naruto felt a little chagrined at bringing the touchy subject up again. He slowly walked over and knelt down next to her, "Sorry for bringing it up again. Didn't mean to do that."
Kaminari smiled slightly at his sincerity, "It's alright. Besides with you guys helping this will all be over soon, right? Everything will just be a bad memory."
"It will be, believe it!"
Hinata chuckled lightly along with Kaminari at Naruto's vibrant oceanic blue eyes lighting up with fire sealing his promise.
"Alright, we need to keep going before she's gone too long," Tsunade called their attention back but was secretly happy that Naruto could make such a battered girl smile at a time like this.
"Hai, I apologize for my distraction," the messenger nodded her head in apology, "My abilities as Raiden are to control the electrical pathways around me. If I could I would transport all of you back to the base and just have you lay waste to everything but…the seals around the base prevent me from doing so and when I travel I kinda dissipate like Kaze does except I travel by thunderstorm. Oh my best technique is Kirin."
"Kirin!" Both Kakashi and Sasuke's eyebrows shot up at that statement.
"You can summon lightning's purest form?" Kakashi was clearly impressed.
"Hai, but it takes most of my strength and a perfect balance between my inner and my physical chakra," her eyes quickly glanced around to everyone, "Did that make sense because Sakura said you would understand?"
"We understand," Tsunade replied, "We've had a lot of experience with Sakura and her two types of chakra."
Naruto chuckled a little beside her and Kaminari shot him a questioning glance.
"Oh her inner self is quite the scary lady. She packs quite the punch."
Kaminari chuckled lightly, "I remember watching her practice once before she was taken. I almost thought she was earth but she told me she learned her super strength from the Hokage. But anyways, other clan members can be described easily. Haruno-sama as you know is Clan Head and his main ability is his poison which he controls inside his body."
"So it's not a Kekkei Genkai?" Itachi asked…this information was new.
She shook her head, "No Haruno-sama's a seal master like you stated earlier and the thing with his poison is that he's sealed it inside his body. The seal is specifically bonded to his spiritual chakra which as Sakura easily described it, our warrior personality. It's nice having a name for our abilities…I've gone so long just being…anyways," she cleared her throat, "There are two options for taking him down, either disabling the seal and he can die by the poison already in his body or just seal his inner chakra and leave him a civilian."
They all pondered her words before Tsunade indicated for her to continue.
"Shinta is Tetsu's oldest son and he's my master," she bowed her head before continuing. She couldn't look at them for this next part, "His ability is literally to suck and store chakra inside his body. His reserves are off the charts, the largest I have ever seen for someone who wasn't a jinchurikki. He is the perfect combination of large chakra reserves and fine-tuned chakra control. He is also a first rate seal master and there is literally nothing he can't accomplish. He's just as volatile as his father and almost just a ruthless. Since he is my master," he body started shaking again, "that means that if I don't get out of this situation soon I'm going to end up becoming just like Mizuko…pregnant with his child!"
Hinata grasped Kaminari's hands tightly in her own offering her as much reassurances, "I'm seventeen years old…at eighteen…all's fair."
"We will get you out Kaminari I swear it," Naruto took one of her hands from Hinata, "That's not going to happen to you."
"It doesn't matter…" she whispered, "I turned eighteen in a month, but if I forget to protect myself and I get pregnant early I'll be killed. There have been times when I've thought about doing just that…so I could leave this pathetic excuse of an existence," her voice became hollow as she stared blankly at the far wall, "But I can't leave my sisters…they need me."
Tsunade sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose…these poor girls, the life they have had to lead. This is far worse than any prostitution ring could ever be.
Kaminari shook her head slightly ridding herself of her recent thoughts, "Sorry, you don't need to hear this."
"Yes we do." Kaminari turned to see Sasuke staring at her with intense yet sympathetic onyx eyes, "Those marks…that Shinta gave them to you didn't he?"
She just nodded looking away again, "He's the reason I was late."
Sasuke watched her depression take hold her and for the first time in his life he actually wanted to comfort someone. Nobody should have to be subjected to such degrading means with no hope of ever trying to escape. Tetsu had created the perfect hostage situation with this kunoichi. He made her powerful enough that she felt the need to protect, but weak enough for her to think that she couldn't do anything about it even if she wanted to. In fact all four of the kunoichi's she described probably felt he same way.
"Anything else we need to know?" the Hokage asked still pinching her nose in frustration. She didn't know how much more she could take of this today better to be done sooner rather than later.
"Yes one more thing. All of us are versed in taijutsu, the kunoichi's will always be naturally weaker. We only get set amount of hours for training and if we are found practicing outside that time we're punished. Along with taijutsu each kunoichi and shinobi will only be versed in one other area, either genjutsu or ninjutsu. Once you identify what that person's power is you can expect for him or her to only use that ability. Sakura said you have someone similar named Rock Lee, a taijutsu specialist."
"Bushy Brows?" Naruto looked a little surprised, "What does that mean?"
"It means that Tetsu keeps his shinobi on a tight leash," Itachi answered staring at the girl, "If you encounter an enemy that uses a water jutsu that will be the only type of elemental jutsu they have in their arsenal. But they are so proficient in water based jutsu that they are still considered a reasonable threat."
Kaminari nodded, "That's right. She said Lee is nigh unbeatable in the taijutsu area. Tetsu does this the same for us. Based on our chakra reserves and abilities determines what we study. But don't forget that all the men will be seal masters as well. I don't believe they have the same…handicap that I do…"
"Thank you for that information," Tsunade smiled at her, "That is very helpful."
"Good," she glanced at the clock, "I have a few more minutes before I'm expected back. So I'll tell you know one more thing…Tetsu will be expanding Sakura's chakra reserves now that she's down to minimum chakra and health. As he heals her he's going to place a seal on her widening her chakra pathways. He's preparing her for becoming earth in the cycle but she wasn't born like us so I don't know how he's going to do it. Her natural affinity for earth though will hopefully help her in the transition."
"Hokage-sama," Kakashi sent a glance her way, this could be the clues they were looking for concerning the missing bijuu, "You don't think…?"
Everyone went silent as the watched the dread play across the Hokage's face.
"Think what?" Kaminari asked she glanced at everyone in the room.
"Kaminari have you or your spy Kaze, seen anything like a large sealing jar that contains a bijuu? One specifically named Gobi," Tsunade asked.
The maroon haired girl blinked and scrunched her brow in thought, "…No…but I'll definitely ask her to search for anything like that. She mostly spies on the rooms, dining hall, training areas, and study halls. If a bijuu is at home then Tetsu is keeping it a secret even from the men. The room they are in might be sealed to keep all forms of chakra out so she might not even be able to find them," she swallowed before suggesting, "I could always try to talk to Shinta about it…"
"No, if you were to broach a subject that not even the men know that could put you in harm's way and give away our plan," Itachi told her, "Just have your spy try and confirm it."
"Are any of you sensor types?" Kakashi asked.
"Sensor types?" Kaminari asked confused, "What's that?"
"It means you can sense chakra from a distance before the person or animal comes into view; either through sight, smell, or other senses," Kakashi explained.
"Oh I use my electricity and bounce it off metal, I can usual tell how many people are coming by how many zaps come back to me," she answered.
"There see, you're a unique sensor type," Kakashi gave her an eye crinkle smile.
A small smile lit up her bruised lips at Kakashi's praise, "Thanks…Hatake Kakashi."
He waved lightly, "Nah just Kakashi is fine."
"Kaminari is there anything else you can or need to tell us?" Tsunade asked taking a seat behind her desk.
"Nei, that's everything that Sakura wanted me to relay."
The Hokage nodded, "Good…you wouldn't by chance know the names of any cities where your jump seals are located do you?"
She shook her head, "No…Tetsu sends me anywhere because of the easiness of my transportation. I've never traveled by the seals."
"Another piece to add to the puzzle," Itachi murmured.
"I'm finished Hokage-sama," Sai announced from the floor staring at the scroll.
"Explain how to use it to her."
Kaminari knelt next to the ANBU operative, eyes completely focused on the scroll in front of her.
"It's simple really, you have to perform three hands signs before speaking to the scroll. The hand signs are rat, boar, ram and then to deactivate the jutsu reverse the signs and it'll stop. Further on the scroll you'll find this box," he rolled it farther and pointed to the area, "Place your hand in here and channel your chakra through it and the image you are thinking of will appear. So Ryuu's portrait of your base should come in after or during her flight. And anything else you can think of can be useful. One can never have too much information." Sai gave her a fake smile.
Kaminari nodded then performed the three seals and began to speak, "My name is Haruno Raiden a member of the corrupted Haruno clan under the leadership of Haruno Tetsu."
Everyone watched as the words appeared three seconds after her speech. Quickly she performed the hand signs in reverse before speaking again.
"Can you make another image one real quick? I can give some information now, that's already in my head, and maybe it will help you before I return again?" She asked glancing up at Sai.
He nodded and quickly poured some ink onto another jutsu scroll then brought his hands together, "Ninpo: Ink Creation," he whispered as the ink began to swirl around before disappearing into the scroll. After a couple seconds a hand sized box appeared and Sai pushed the scroll towards her.
"Just focus my thoughts right and everything will appear?" she asked once more before placing her hand on the scroll.
"Yup, if you allow a stray thought to enter while picturing something it will become distorted. So if you find yourself becoming distracted I recommend stopping before continuing."
"I understand, give me a few minutes," she nodded before closing her eyes in concentration. Focus…what did she want to show them now? What would be useful?
Anything at this point. Show them those who have decided to defect. Show them the seals we can create. Maybe a layout of the base would help, we do walk it every day.
Good idea ok I'm turning you on low I'll need your help.
I'm always here for you…for us.
Kaminari smiled slightly as she opened her eyes her blue giving way to bright grey, "Whatever happens please don't be alarmed."
Before they could think about what her meaning meant the room suddenly filled with static electricity. Every eye turned to the kneeling girl as she placed her hand on the square her chakra flaring brightly. Looking at the floor but seeing the images in her mind Kaminari concentrated on the faces of her sisters starting with their inner circle then expanding to the younger kunoichi's and then the children. Next came the plethora of seals that had been drilled into her head by Tetsu and Mizuko. Once she finished her eyes brightened to pure silver as small electrical charges shot out of her hair and body warning others in the room not to touch her or be risk being shocked. Eyes completely focused on the image in her mind the layout of the base emerged on the scroll layer by layer, floor by floor. Once Kaminari removed her hand from the chakra box she closed her eyes and breathed out slowly letting her electrical chakra fade out and her eyes turn back to light blue.
"There…that's as much as I can give you now. I hope it's useful," She whispered her head bowed.
"Sai bring that to me," Tsunade commanded as she took the scroll from the artist.
Shikamaru and Itachi stood behind her taking in the contents of the scroll while everyone else crowded around the desk.
"These faces," Shikamaru asked, "Are your sisters and others who wish to defect?"
"Hai, the first one there," she pointed to the facial close up alongside a smaller full body version, "That is Mizuko our eldest and leader. Ryuu is next and that is Kaze. The rest are younger children ranging in ages from infant to twelve. At twelve the second stage of conditioning begins for us. It's harder to determine who wants to leave at that stage, most are resigned to their life and find no real fault with the way things are."
Tsunade just nodded and flipped more towards the back, "Are these all the seals that you know?"
Kaminari nodded, "All kunoichi's are given a set amount to learn sometimes we're told what they are for and sometimes we're not. But if Tetsu tells us to use one then we use it for whatever he has in mind. I have a pretty good memory so some of these I haven't ever performed or written, just seen."
"I'll get my men working on these but they mostly seem basic," she pointed to one in particular, "That seal is a barrier seal, this one is a storage seal…in fact the only one I don't recognize off the back is this one," she indicated to one that had Kaminari stiffening.
Without a word she lifted up the bottom of her fitted leather shirt and lowered the front portion of her pants slightly and revealed the seal that the Hokage didn't recognize.
"That seal is the first one taught to us. It's the only seal that every kunoichi learns. I'm not allowed to take this seal off my body until tomorrow at this time," she said readjusting her leather top and pants.
Tsunade's eyes widened in recognition at the woman's implication and nodded sagely, "I understand. Seems the Uzumaki's created all sorts of seals…"
"Uzumaki's?"
"They were a shinobi village that was destroyed a long time ago," Naruto answered, "They were known for their fuinjutsu or as you know it sealing techniques."
"Oh…that's odd…" she mumbled under her breath.
"What is?" Shikamaru asked, something inside told him that this would be interesting.
"Some of our mothers, women who are older than us that have passed the age of bearing children easily, have the last name Uzumaki," Kaminari stated.
"What?" Naruto asked eyes wide, "Are you serious!"
"H-hai…I wouldn't lie…"
"I…there are other Uzumaki's out there! I'm not alone!" Naruto's grin widened, "This is so cool!"
Kaminari remained quiet not wanting to ruin his happy mood that he was currently in.
"Wait," Sasuke said eyeing the Haruno girl, "Why are you looking so down by that statement?"
Naruto turned his happy gaze back to her and she could see some of the light leave his eyes, "What happened?"
She gulped, "Nothing really…it's just…we've talked to them already and…they won't be escaping with us whatever plan we finalize they are going to stay behind and fight for our escape."
Another silence filled the room at her statement. What should they say…the elder women who have been subjected to that life longer than their daughters were going give up their lives by committing mutiny against the males and leaders of the clan. It was a noble sacrifice and one seen throughout history…the older generation giving their lives for the younger.
"I'm sorry Naruto…I didn't think before speaking and I caused you pain," Kaminari apologized her head bowed. Even though she knew Naruto wouldn't hurt her, she couldn't shake off the feeling that her punishment was coming and she inadvertently cringed when Naruto reach out a hand to comfort her.
"Sorry," he mumbled withdrawing instantly, "It's not your fault."
"It's their choice and we tried to talk them out of it but they won't budge."
"Stubborn old women," Tsunade mused, "Can't expect anything less from them."
Kaminari just nodded then glanced at the clock, "Oh no! I'm late, no, no, no! Please don't let Haruno-sama find out. Please Kami above don't let him find out please, please, please! I can't take another session today not after Shinta. I'm not due for group conditioning for another two days. I'm so sorry Hokage-sama I have to go. Do I have permission to leave?" Kaminari looked into worried amber eyes as her own betrayed her intense feelings of fear.
"It's ok Kaminari you can go, we will see you next week," Tsunade watched as the terrified kunoichi made her way to the center of the room, charge her body with electricity then disappear in a literal flash of light after waiting for approval to leave.
The room's power turned back on and the darkness from the clouds outside lessened until the sun pierced through the snow white clouds above.
"Seeing her like that…" Naruto stared at the spot Kaminari left from, "Her attitude, her fear, those marks on her skin…how can anyone treat a human being like that. That last look she gave me…it was like she thought I was going to hurt her."
"Her upbringing has conditioned her to behave as such," Shikamaru answered looking a little tired over the situation, "We should expect that reaction from every kunoichi in their clan. As men we will have to be very delicate in our wording and our mannerisms. We should also consider long term protocols regarding them as well, if their behavior doesn't change then some of the more…persuasive shinobi here might try to score not knowing their past horrors and the…inability for them to say no."
Tsunade nodded while studying the base layout in front of her, "Thank you for those observations Shikamaru. I will definitely be thinking up a plan for those women since their integration into Konoha is inevitable. But for now let's focus on this scroll here."
"I think at the moment the most pertinent information she has given us was this," Itachi indicated to the base layout, "If we give ever tracker team a copy of this then at least the Hyuuga's and Aburame's will have something more specific to search for."
"You right, take this scroll to your Uchiha division and have them draw up exact replicas of the layout for our ten tracker teams. When they are finished they will be mobilized," Tsunade ordered closing the scroll and handing it to Itachi.
"Hai Hokage-sama."
Naruto held Hinata's hand as they descended the stairs from Hokage Tower. They were heading over to Ichiraku's for lunch before Hinata left for an indeterminate amount of time. Their sole responsibility was to locate Sakura and report back to Konoha with her location. Naruto didn't want to admit it out loud but he feared that Hinata would be captured and put through the same treatment that Sakura was currently going through. While looking at those photos and watching that video of Sakura made him physically ill…the thought of that happening to Hinata was enough to make him go fox on Tetsu.
"Naruto-kun," Hinata called out to her boyfriend.
He let out a small sigh then looking into beautiful lavender eyes, "Yeah."
Hinata gave him a small smile before cupping his face in both of her porcelain hands. Naruto's larger hands followed hers engulfing them while she just held his face still.
"I'm going to miss you Naruto-kun, but I'll come back to you, I promise," she leaned forward and kissed him lightly on the lips.
Naruto instantly enveloped her in a tight hug, "You always know what I'm thinking don't you."
Hinata smiled returning his hug, "Hai, you wear your emotions on your sleeve it's something I've always admired and loved about you."
Giving her one more tight squeeze Naruto lifted his head then pressed his lips firmly against her delicate cinnamon flavored ones. He kissed her long and hard pouring all of his insecurities into it, letting her know how much he loved her and how scared he was at the same time. He wanted her to be careful and to be safe while she was out there scouting for their enemy. They managed to sneak in close to Konoha and steal Sakura from right under their noses, who knows what they could do out there in the open.
Pulling away from her succulent lips Naruto gently caressed her face while pressing their foreheads together, "Hinata…please be safe."
"I will Naruto."
Leaning back he let a few tears escape while he reached into his pocket and pulled out a scroll, "Take this and keep it on your person. It's a summoning scroll, if you guys are ambushed by Tetsu's men activate it and I'll be there to help you fight. Hinata if you do end up fighting against them…please just run, I can't lose you…I can't…"
Hinata took the proffered scroll and slipped into her pocket before claiming her hero's lips once again. Naruto responded immediately and before they could stop themselves their tongues were battling for dominance in such a way that any on looker would think this kiss was their last. Naruto broke the kiss only to hold her body tightly against his own protecting her against any foe that dare take her away from him at the moment.
"I love you Naruto-kun."
"I love you more Hinata-chan."
"Come on let's go get some ramen."
Tsunade stood in front of her ten teams of trackers all dressed for immediate departure after this briefing with her. They had all met and formed perfectly straight lines on the top of Hokage Tower with each team captain in front. Each team had four or five members depending on the tracker group. Those members who had five were given an Uchiha if their team didn't already have one. She glanced to her left and saw Shizune, Itachi, Shikamaru, and Ibiki and then she glanced to her right where Naruto, Sasuke, Sai, and Kakashi were standing. With a deep breath she faced front again addressing both Jonins and ANBU.
"My fellow shinobi as of now, all of you are aware that our village is missing a kunoichi," she began in a solemn tone, "You mission is to find Sannin Haruno Sakura and report back her location. You will not engaged in a rescue attempt should you find her, your orders are to send word back to Konoha and keep very close tabs on her and her captors. Once reinforcements arrive they will brief you on the retrieval plan and you will join them under the C.O. I assigned is that clear?"
"Hai Hokage-sama." Was the collective chant.
"Should you be found out and are engaged in battle with her captors you will defend yourselves while retreating. Capture is not an option! You will then report of your whereabouts to Konoha and proceed with your tracking the upmost caution. Uchiha's," she paused for a moment, "Should you cross any seals that resemble the jumps seals you have been studying you are to record said finding, and send it back to Konoha via summons or messenger hawk. Any information that you gather in any city that you cross regarding the whereabouts of the Haruno clan or Sakura herself is useful information. You are to immediately report your findings and your location. There is only one reason that you should return to Konoha before Sakura is located, and that is if you capture one of Tetsu's clan members. You will note the nearest city, time, and exact location that you found said shinobi and then you are to report back to Konoha and deliver your prisoner to Intelligence, is that clear?"
"Hai Hokage-sama."
"Said prisoner should be alive but they don't need to be spoiled. The real target we are tracking operates very secretively. Be smart in your hunting and be discrete in questioning. We do not need this man to know what we're up to or any information for that matter. He may move if he feels we're getting too close. Capture or kill anyone who is following you and act accordingly. And any seals you find, all of you Uchiha's are responsible for them. At this time anything with a seal can lead to Sakura's location. We're hoping that the jump seals will help us formulate a round robin pattern, which is why it's crucial that we receive that information quickly. Your captains have your starting location and all the information that you will need in the mission scrolls. Remember…see but do not be seen, and do not get captured or killed. It might go against your character to run from the fight but at the moment getting caught will make matters worse. Once a team locates the base where Sakura is located you will all be contacted to rendezvous at the designated location for the rescue. Any questions?"
Every shinobi stood at attention, the wind lightly fluttered through their ranks as they all waited for the command to leave.
"Good. Find my apprentice!" she shouted and with a wave of her hand they all disappeared to begin their missions.
Naruto took a deep breath before slowly releasing it, Hinata's in a group of five. Yamato-taichou is her leader since Kurenai is still nursing her baby. She'll be fine…she'll be safe.
"I have a meeting with the other Kages regarding this situation. Hopefully they will overlook our trackers crossing borders," Tsunade said turning towards the staircase.
"They should be willing to allow our trackers across," Itachi replied, "But if their base if found in their country that is when we will need their expressed permission to launch a large scale attack."
Shikamaru sighed, "I'll bet if you bring it up they have had reports of either kidnappings or large disruptions in their countries. Getting consent should be relatively easy."
Tsunade snorted, "Politics are never easy."
"What happened when you reported to the Daimyo?" Shizune asked, "Surely he contacted the others so your briefing with the Kages should go smoothly."
"That laid back, lazy windbag was more worried about keeping in line with the damn treaty that he wouldn't listen to anything else I had to say. The moment I mentioned the missing bijuu and Sakura's kidnapping even he thought that I had planned it."
"That's stupid, why would we do this to one of our own?" Naruto asked with a mix of shock and anger.
"We wouldn't unless we were trying a power play."
"Even our own Daimyo doesn't trust us…that complicates things," Shikamaru sighed.
"The trust between Kage and Daimyo is meaningless at this point," Itachi stated as their group stopped outside the Hokage's office, "The trust between the Kages is far superior than the bonds in the homes countries because of the Fourth War. It's true for each of the Five Great Nations. Whatever becomes of this situation the Kages will all stand behind each other and not with their Daimyo."
With that he stepped out of the group and exited down the outer staircase.
"How's he doing Sasuke?" Tsunade asked staring at Itachi's retreating back.
Sasuke just shrugged, "He's been the same since Sakura went missing…some days he chooses to show it and other days he hides it."
"His self-control is amazing," Naruto commented, "If it was Hinata…I wouldn't be half as composed as he is."
"He's not that composed," Sasuke said, "Kaa-san has had to go to the ANBU offices to bring him home to eat and sleep. Even then if I wake up in the middle of the night his light will be on and he's just staring out into the night sky…"
"How are things internally with the clan?" Kakashi asked.
He shrugged again, "The entire clan has always been behind him. It's the leadership that had to be turned around. After Kaa-san and Tou-san set the elders straight the night Sakura went missing, Tou-san forced them to retire and had Itachi pick the replacements. He hasn't said anything to us but I get the feeling that as soon as Sakura is returned he's going to step down as Clan Head and give it to Itachi after they get married."
"Heh," Naruto smiled putting his hands behind his head, "Sounds like Sakura-chan is gonna have to give up some of her power in the medical field. Being a Clan Matriarch is no easy job, eh Sasuke."
"What would know about it dobe?"
"Nothing…I'm just saying," Naruto replied with a soft smile.
"Naruto is right though," Tsunade opened her office door and walked inside, "Maybe after this whole ordeal is over I'll finally retire and hand over this job to you Naruto."
"Eeeeeeh?" Naruto ran up to the desk and placed both hands flat on the top of the smooth wooden desk, "Are you serious?"
Tsunade sat down in her chair and leaned back, "Yes I'm serious. I was done after the war and with this situation…it'd be a blessing to go back to just focusing on medical things."
As discretely as they could everyone but Naruto exited the Hokage's office allowing the two of them to talk over the succession.
Tsunade pulled out her sake bottle and two cups setting one near Naruto and began to pour. Naruto just watched then picked up his cup and held it in his hands.
"You know," he whispered, "I never knew why you drank so much sake. Or why you wanted to…but after all of this…I guess I can start to be less judgmental." He winked before downing his cup.
Tsunade just snorted pouring both of them another glass, "I started drinking when I lost Nawaki…it got worse when I lost Dan. And now that Jiraiya is also gone…I can't go a day without consuming at least two bottles. If it weren't for this position that that white haired pervert forced me into I would have already lost myself in alcohol and in my own misery," she sighed twirling her empty glass in her hand, "In the end he did me the greatest favor…he gave me something to live for again. But I'm tired Naruto…I took this job to fulfill the dreams of my lost loved ones and I've protected it as well as I could. Now we are in a new era and it's time to turn in my hat. This situation is pushing me further emotionally than I ever thought possible. Sakura and Shizune are like daughters to me…and seeing my daughter going through this…my heart can't take any more heart break. I might not look it Naruto, but I'm old…my body and my bones are weary. Pein's attack brought my physical state into the forefront of my mind but back then I couldn't give up…we had a war to fight against an ancient foe. But times are different now…war is over and your philosophy is changing hearts, so I believe it's time for you to lead it. And with what Sasuke said, now is as good a time as any for this to happen. Sakura already has too much responsibility on her shoulders and she will have to give some up now that she's going to be the Uchiha Matriarch. Shizune and I are perfectly capable to take over the major responsibilities and we can probably just cut Sakura's hours at the hospital because she will pitch a fit if we take her off completely."
Naruto just sat there, elbows on his knees and for once in his life…silent. He was thinking over what Tsunade was saying…just listening and taking it all in. Shadowing her these last few months opened his eyes to the challenges that come with being a leader. Most of the glorious life he sought after was led from this office, buried behind mountains of paperwork. Occasionally things would come up, like this incident with Sakura, which required him to let others do the field work while he stayed a strategized. It pained him to send others out in his stead but someone had to lead the troops from behind…and that was the Hokage. He would be the General of the shinobi, the Commander and Chief of the Fire Nation Ninja Corps, and the ultimate ace in the hole against his opponents. His father held this position and he gave his life protecting him and the village when he was only minutes old. All of his predecessors gave a part of themselves to protect this village and now everyone but Tsunade had given their life. Could he take on this responsibility? Would he give his life to protect his village like others had done before him? Will he be able to make the decisions that may incur the wrath of his peers but is for the betterment of village and possibly the world?
He could do it…and he would. As long as he had his precious people surrounding him, he can accomplish anything. Itachi would have to retire from ANBU once he married Sakura and take up the position of Chief of Konoha's police force. So who could he put in charge once Itachi left? It had to be someone he trusted, but none of the Konoha 12 were currently in ANBU. Sasuke talked about it, so did Neji, Shino, and Tenten but he couldn't wait for one of them. They didn't have the experience and wouldn't have the respect that one needed to be in charge. Maybe Shisui would like the position; he was Itachi's right hand so maybe he would choose to stay more internal with the clan rather than the village. Genma maybe…or Raido…either would do, maybe if he were to explain it'd be a temporary position for someone else they would accept. Or he could just put Sai into the position…he had the experience, the time served, and respect. And above all Naruto trusted him. Yeah he would ask Sai first, but knowing Sai he'd say yes even if he didn't want to do it.
Then that left what to do with baa-chan and Shizune, both powerful shinobi and medic-nins. Maybe he could ask baa-chan to become Headmaster at the Academy, it would be easy and with Professor Hahn as acting head, she would have very little work to do. But she just said she wanted to be back in the medical world, so maybe Hospital Director would be better. She'd be busier but she would be doing something she loved instead of overlooking a bunch of brats. It was decided, Shizune would be offered the Headmaster position, she would be better suited for teaching medical ninjutsu than Tsunade would. And Sakura…he would keep her as Konoha's Chief Medical Officer. The job was more of a broad spectrum position and was meant to be done along with other duties. She was going to have her hands full with the Uchiha clan along with Itachi, so keeping her affiliated in the village through this position would make her happy. It would give her a reprieve from all the clan politics. Kakashi and Shikamaru would be his council as they were already to Tsunade since Homura and Koharu retired after the war. What about his secretary? Well there was only one person he would like as his right hand, because when he took over as Hokage it'd be hard for him to get to spend time with her…Hinata. She may be more tender and gentle but getting to know her as he has, her more stern and demanding side began to rise and he had to admit…she was cute when peeved. Besides everyone knew they were together so if she came knocking on their doors they would know that the Hokage sent for them. She would be obeyed. That left Neji or Hanabi to become Clan Head of the Hyuuga, which Hinata had already told him was fine with her.
"Hey baa-chan," Naurto looked up with a slight smile, "After this whole ordeal with Sakura is over…I'll take your job. I think…I think I can do this now."
The buxom woman studied his whiskered face and saw everything she felt when Jiraiya came to drag her back home. She saw determination, peace, confidence, bravery, and excitement all rolled into one, "For the first time since I've met you…you look ready for this."
Naruto nodded before grabbing the sake bottle and poured them both another drink, "When I'm Hokage…you have to promise to come drinking with me, just like you did with Ero-sennin."
"Ha!" she laughed, "Deal."
I personally love the ending between Naruto and Tsunade. It made me smile and i kinda had to give Naruto a little...maturity. Come on we all know he needs it ;)
Anyways so what did y'all think?