Here it is! Thanks for all of the positive feedback. It really makes my day! Um, yeah, excuse the cliches I couldn't help myself.

"So," I asked whoever would answer me, "what exactly is going on?"

Predictably it was Kisame who answered me, "Zetsu san spotted Orochimaru about two kilometers away, about ten minutes ago. It's pretty likely that he'll attack very soon. Sasori is incapacitated and Leader is away. This is the best chance he's going to get." He looked over at me and said, "Be careful."

"Please?" Sasuke asked.

"Hn." I replied softly before activating the Sharingan. It was then that I noticed an odd chakra signature below us. Was it Orochimaru already?

I nudged Kisame and silently pointed this out. He nodded and tweaked two fingers in Kakuzu's direction. Then he led me down the corridor, away from the chakra I'd pointed out.

Sasuke bit his bottom lip, knowing the danger we were facing. I reached out a hand to touch his shoulder when the chakra below us started to head upwards at a very fast pace.

I jumped, pushing Sasuke and Kisame sideways.

Two large snakeheads burst up through the floorboards. I turned in mid-air and fire ball no jutsu'd them. I knew my basic weaponry would have little to no effect on a summon, as would running away. So I flattened Kisame and Sasuke against the wall of the corridor.

The snake reared back, ready to strike. I could take the brunt of the blow and allow Sasuke to get away with Kisame…

But I needn't have bothered with such thoughts. Strange, black tentacle-like things wrapped themselves around the snakeheads and brought them crashing to the ground.

I turned to see Kakuzu was the source of this mysterious attack. "Hurry up and MOVE! This damage is already going to cost me THOUSANDS!" he yelled, running in for another attack

Kisame didn't hesitate. Hands full, he pushed me in the back with his knee, trying to get me moving.

The mysterious man known as Tobi flanked my right side as we ran. He was determined to make sure Kisame and I didn't get attacked again.

Actually, this tactic was very similar to some we used in the ANBU when on guarding type missions. Though, I wasn't used to carrying the goods. Being captain I would normally have been protecting the carriers. But this previous experience meant I knew it was mandatory two separate people carried the objects of importance. There was a higher chance that at least some of the goods would reach their destination.

Actually it was an advantage that Kisame had Sasuke. If I were the primary target then Sasuke wouldn't be in so much danger.

Tobi flung a sliding door open, running into the ever-familiar onsen area. He turned sharply to the left and entered the basement. Kisame and I followed, wondering what Tobi was planning. We could get cornered in such a confined place.

I saw Sasori's parts as I passed the screens. They were still bobbing around in the steamy water. Orochimaru hadn't sabotaged that yet.

As I followed Tobi down the stairs he exclaimed, "Zetsu san!" as he almost slipped over.

"SHUSH YOU MORON!" he whispered dangerously as he came out of the shadows, holding a plant. This plant was of a curious purple colour and it seemed to be oozing… something.

It was hard to tell in the dark.

Zetsu handed me a glass phial, which contained a thick, syrupy substance. "This plant originates in a secluded tropical rainforest in the northern continents." He quickly explained. "That liquid deters reptiles and fish alike from harming the plant in any way. If Orochimaru attempts to attack you again, you can throw that phial at him. THOUGH IT MIGHT AFFECT YOUR PARTNER TOO!"

Kisame just gave him a look. "My biological make up is only roughly twenty-five percent shark you know."

"I WAS BEING SERIOUS!" Zetsu exclaimed in annoyance.

"I'll keep that in mind." I replied, gripping the sealed phial, secretly hoping I could use it on Orochimaru himself.

I had to deter him somehow.

It's short, I know. I couldn't help but have the awesomely convenient item.

After being pwned by Itachi on Naruto Uzumaki Chronicles 2, I think I'm getting a better idea of his power. Hopefully it will seem more realistic in the next chapter.