Hiya again! The chapter was uploaded without any cleaning up - not the first time I made that mistake :P
I just want to thank the people who've been reviewing this story, It's great to know people are liking what they're reading!
Tearfully I must confess that this ninja world of Naruto wasn't my creation, it's the work of a guy called Masashi Kishimoto - regardless, enjoy!
Despite the dire need of manpower – Konohagakure's senior bodies had overlooked one area of their government institutes. Situated in a secluded corner of the village there was a long pathway, neglected from maintenance, which housed many wild trees and plant-life. With the temperament climate of the village, along with the boycott many of the adult citizens had over this place, many of the teenage villagers found this place a haven, at least for rendezvous.
If Konoha had a make-out point, this place surely would have been it, however the pathway was more populated by expectant girls than it was by young couples. Hiding behind the plant-life was the perimeter of a compound. Emblazoned onto this perimeter wall was a symbol – the symbol of a fan; white on the handle and red flap, as if it had been nurturing flames. This pathway led to the compound of the Uchiha Clan.
The former resident of this compound was the only source of attention from the village, as stated, the younger female residents in particular. Some would even wait outside the compound, desperate not to believe the reports three years ago that he had not gone renegade. They were disappointed. Along with these regular spectators, the compound saw the presence of another two people of the village, whom would walk the path daily on their way to the Konoha Military Police Force Headquarters.
On the day after the border patrol order, these same two patrons walked the familiar road. One; an elderly and senile old man, balding on top, hunching over a stick and with one glass eye. The other man was a lot younger and broader. Standing tall, the man was on first observation rather unclean, sporting a gruff beard and long, tangling hair. Both walked in unison, in hushed discussion and wore similar attire: Blue garments with silver fishnet vests. Each wore gray glove protectors on their arms with small cloaks and armoured vests of the same colour. On the collar of their vests and on the back of their capes was an emblem striking similar to the one etched into the hidden walls of the Uchiha compound. The emblem was a black shuriken with the famous fan symbol in the centre of it.
Despite his fragile appearance, the older man was the louder and more aggressive of the two.
"This is inexcusable, Kaishin! Those old morons at the office have gone too far this time!" He exclaimed.
Shaking his head, the younger man laughed, and then drank from a hip-flask.
"Buraindo, Buraindo, what did you expect? Why on earth would they call on us?" He began, as Buraindo growled in disagreement.
"No, no, listen," The younger man continued, "four years ago, right? Some Chunin working over at the academy becomes traitor, right? We weren't told a goddamn thing until after it's all over."
"Yes, so -" Buraindo interrupted.
"Then the same little bastard breaks out with the help of those two fatsos Raijin and Fujin, right? Where were we? They send a group of Genin in! After that I gave up on them ever informing us of anything!" He cried, laughing in what could be described as a manic manner.
"Even so, for something like this, don't you think we'd have at least been given instructions? To tell you the truth, I've been wanting to get on the front lines for a long time now!" The old man clenched his fist and stared on as if remembering days of glory long gone. This provoked his college to laugh again.
"Going to the front lines! You're not that many years off of the Third Hokage, but I think age has probably caught up with you more than it did him. We won't be getting any word, I guarantee it!"
At this moment, a Kunai struck the ground before them. Staring up, they identified a cloaked ANBU staring down from the trees above.
"Wha? What is this!" Kaishin shouted.
"There's a scroll attached to it!" Buraindo pointed out. As Kaishin looked down, the ANBU had vanished. The Konoha Military Police Force was never on pleasant terms with the Hokage's private forces, even before the massacre. Despite not being an Uchiha, Kaishin had nevertheless inherited their disdain for operatives ranked higher in law than them.
Reaching down to retrieve the scroll, Kaishin opened it out and began to read.
"What does it say?" The old man asked.
"…we're to report to the Hokage. It doesn't say why." He sighed, before taking another drink from the flask.
Inside her office Tsunade waited impatiently. Discovering that the Root ANBU had been deployed was too unsettling to ignore. Hopefully, the new measures of surveillance would ensure Danzo's involvement of her Shinobi would be minimal. Before pondering much further, the door to her office was opened and in walked Kaishin and Buraindo.
Tsunade, having had to speak only to Danzo and his two decrypted fans on the council, displayed a genuine smile for the first time that day. If truth be told, she'd a soft spot for the Police Force.
"Gentlemen, please come in." She gestured both to sit. Stopping for a moment to look at each other, the two cautiously proceeded to sit before her. It had been too long since anybody in the governing system of Konoha paid the Police Force any respect.
"I presume you are already aware of the situation?" Tsunade asked, leaning forwards to analyse their response.
"Err, well, we're aware you've order the majority, if not all, Chunin and Jonin to border patrol, Milady, but, ha-ha, we're not aware why?" Buraindo laughed, clearly nervous. Despite his ramblings, he was always too sheepish around superiors such as Tsunade.
"Uh-huh. The ANBU operative this morning informed me as much -" She began.
"So you're spying on us now as well?" Kaishin grinned, sipping on the flask.
Tsunade turned with an equally callous grin before speaking.
"Yeah, actually. Buraindo's been through so much in his past, it's no wonder his body doesn't have the capabilities to detect ANBU. But you, sipping on that sake every minute or so will dull your senses past his!"
Kaishin raised his flask and laughed; despite the animosity his former sergeant had for anyone connected to Senju descent, he knew Tsunade's reputation well enough to know she wasn't being too critical of his habit.
"Ah, you're just jealous because you can't drink on the job." He mocked.
"Kaishin! Shut up! Milady has called us here for a reason!" Buraindo hissed through his teeth.
"Thank you Buraindo. Yes, I've requested your presence here, because I require your specific services." Tsunade allowed these words to sink in slowly.
"Services?" Both asked in unison. What could they do that her ANBU couldn't?
"There is little to tell about the border patrol; three Feudal lords were nearly assassinated the night before last. Since no village is claiming any responsibility over this," She began.
"Thus, leaving you in a stalemate, yeah, yeah, we know the procedure. I'm still waiting to hear why we're called up. From the neglect the council's given us over recent years, I was beginning to think you didn't need us." Kaishin spoke.
"…true, you're institute isn't as celebrated as much as, say, the Academy or ANBU; but that's because there was little need for your services thus far; my predecessor's work in the village reform has meant only a handful of cases in the last seven years have warranted your involvement." Tsunade explained, and then looked at their sullen expressions.
"Look, I'm sorry but that's the truth! I want to use you two more often, I do. But for day to day activity, what are you going to bring? There are no ninja criminals in this village or any neighbouring settlements. Crime's at an all time low -"
"W-what about the bandit activity in the woods?" Buraindo interjected. Despite paying her respect, he felt he couldn't let that slide.
"…wh-what about the bandit activity?" Tsunade asked.
"Well, that does fall under our jurisdiction to investigate, but when I went to go yesterday, ANBU seemed to deem the case as, what did they say? Oh, yeah, 'a lost cause'." Kaishin smirked.
This wasn't what Tsunade had expected to hear. In truth, she had heard of the situation outside the village, but thought little of it. On closer inspection she would have appreciated it if these two were allowed to conduct an investigation into that – it could have done well for the Force's depleted reputation. But she wasn't aware of any ANBU who'd deny Kaishin allowance to follow through his duty…at least, not her own ANBU.
"Huh, is that so? Kaishin Shinikaru; take it from me personally that none of my Shinobi have authority to tell you what you can and can't do in relation to civic duty – none of them would exercise any restraint on your institute when it came to apprehending criminals. However, I doubt ANBU operating from the organization Root would be so obliging."
Both Police officers drew breath. They hadn't anticipated Tsunade would so readily accuse ninja ranked high enough to join Root.
"This brings us nicely to the situation I want you to help me with. Root ANBU have been placed in certain parts of border patrol across our nation – without my authorisation I may add. Their presence amongst my troops is unnerving at best; Danzo of ANBU has repeatedly attempted to unhinge my position within the village."
"Stop right their Lady Hokage. I was only a cadet, but both Buraindo and I were in the Force when Itachi was cited as a suspect for Shisui's murder. As I recall the primary factor in his immunity to investigation was on account of his ANBU title." Kaishin responded.
"That's right. It was made loud and clear that we aren't to touch ANBU – a lot of good that turned out to be…" Buraindo shook his head. He lost a lot of friends to that sociopath.
"If you're suggesting we bring Danzo and/or his boys in for questioning, it'll be a resounding – if begrudged – no." Kaishin finished.
"I'm not asking you to make arrests or even interrogate. But just…assess the situation, y'know? With so few Shinobi active within the border, you two are my best bet at uncovering what exactly he is up to." Tsunade could see their growing eagerness to accept the case.
She had an ulterior method of persuasion active throughout the entire conversation, one that was amplified when the younger officer mentioned ANBU. She knew these two were on friendly terms with the Uchiha, and were against the discrimination Danzo and the council placed on the clan following the Kyuubi attack. Plus, the neglect they received around Itachi's massacre of the clan left them with icy impressions on Danzo and his men, regardless if they would openly admit to it.
"…I'm afraid all we'd be able to uncover is what you probably already know about him, Milady. From the sounds of it, you've had your eyes on him for a while; what can we bring?" Buraindo finally asked.
"A fresh perspective to it all. With him distributing his own followers, it will be easier for the two of you to search for evidence on his activities." Tsunade replied.
"Activities? It would help if you'd tell us what you already know." Kaishin urged the Hokage to at least give them a lead.
"…It was only a couple of months back; Kakashi Hatake's squad was sent to rendezvous with Orochimaru's henchmen, under the guise of Akatsuki. Due to Sasuke Uchiha's defection, and injuries sustained to Kakashi in a previous incident, an ANBU operative was placed by my recommendation."
"Just one?" Kaishin asked.
"No, as it turns out. Danzo took a peculiar interest in the mission, stressing the inclusion of one of his own would be needed. Thus a young Root ANBU was also assigned to the squad. Following the encounter, it was uncovered by my ANBU operative that the Root Shinobi had two secret objectives to carry out on the mission; both were to be kept secret from his teammates and myself."
"What were they?" Buraindo asked.
"The first was to strike a supposed deal with Orochimaru, wherein an alliance would be forged – in a similar method to the one he once made with Sunagakure, in order to pose a…coup d'état on my office. In exchange for his services, Danzo handed him detailed information on all my ANBU and security measures."
The two officers mused, if Orochimaru had information on the village, why hasn't he attacked?
"It is also worth stressing the second objective; to assassinate Sasuke Uchiha at all costs. Despite attempts by the Root ANBU, neither objective was considered a success, nor can any real evidence be brought forwards to denounce Danzo's intentions. Ever since then I've had growing anxiety from his constant interference and I'm concerned as to how far he may actually go."
"You want us to see if he has any other plans like this?" Buraindo asked ominously.
"Yes; specifically to do with these assassination attempts." Tsunade practically whispered this last statement.
Both officers leaned back in shock.
"Whoa, hefty claim Lady Hokage." Kaishin laughed.
"That may be taking it a step too far, but nevertheless, if we've the Hokage's backing to investigate,: then consider it done." Buraindo said, rising from his chair.
"Thanks, you two. I want frequent progress reports, oh, and…" She summoned her slug, "take her. Messages via birds are too easy to intercept."
The two officers nodded and stepped out of the office. It was at the point onwards, that no matter what revelation Danzo may throw at her during this crisis, she knew she'd get a second, more thorough opinion from informants without an agenda of their own.
The day was long and dreary, the humidity of the fight between the two Akatsuki had brought upon rain clouds. It appeared as though the weather reflected Kisame's mood the previous day. In an effort to halt the coming massacre, Itachi was forced to make a decision. Following his brawl with his former partner, Itachi's deteriorating form quickly began to take its toll on him; so much so it was only half an hour after deciding to pursue Kisame, he'd realised he had not recovered the cloak and ring he abandoned.
He had, fortunately, covered up any trail he may have left, thus he felt secure that if anyone – including Zetsu – had decided to investigate, it would be a while before he was found. This gave him time. Time to rectify the mistake he had made in challenging Kisame. Curse his stupidity. He found it ironic that it took so much damage to his own body in order to make him see sense.
How could he have even thought of intimidating Kisame into backing down? Had he accepted Kisame's proposal, he'd have been in a prime position into directing all that aggression into the search for the Jinjuriki. Now, he only had a broad idea of where Kisame will be heading – the border of the Fire Nation was a large one; and his friend could attack it from any position, he had the luxury of a head start in this chase.
He forced his weakening sinew to grind the bones of his legs. Leaning forwards and closing his eyes in pain, Itachi's will was all that was dragging him forwards. It was at times like this that he questioned whom he truly descended from; he possessed the manifesting power of fire that the Uchiha Clan inherited, yet he admitted to having the will of fire found within the now liquidated Senju Clan.
He questioned what drove him forwards. He already heard the answer: Sasuke. Yet rational thought argued his will; this was of no concern to his little brother – then why was he halting Kisame's advance on Konoha? He guessed that, no matter how far he had fallen over these years, no matter how much the public around him brandish him with titles of 'monster' and 'demon', he cherished the peace.
He witnessed enough fighting in his youth. The pain of his clan's falling opinion of him cut deep. He lived – or existed – with ever-present sent of blood resonating from his hands. He awakened each day with the realisation that only his brother's hand can end it all. He sacrificed his life for his brother's and their village. He felt compelled to continue onwards, keeping oath to that end.
Groaning under the strain put upon his body, Itachi staggered and collapsed again. Allowing a small laugh to escape his lips, he then questioned his earlier thoughts; if he did have the will of fire, then why was he stopping so soon? If his brother's vengeful destiny was all that could release Itachi from this hell, then why did this feel like the end?
He felt truly insignificant. As tainted as he was, he felt fate owed him enough to end things on his terms, not Kisame's. Cursing such cruel destiny, Itachi's defiant nature – nurtured within his clan's genes – practically dragged his body off of the ground, and began to pedal his legs forwards. Such was the concentration that was needed for him to walk onwards, that the thought of actually stopping Kisame never crossed his mind – what was the once untouchable Itachi going to do in this fragile state?
Miles apart from his partner, Kisame's thoughts weren't lingering on the organisation he'd left behind. His assault was quick, faultless, calculated, and above all else, ruthless. Before appearing anywhere near the border Kisame noted the condensation in the air, coupled with the low currents of wind. Ideal. It was mere hours after the fight, yet the sky was shrouded in dark clouds. All that was needed was a little mist.
Positioning himself half a kilometre from the border, Kisame's Secret Mist Jutsu was executed with moderate range, and only when the downpour had reached heavy density. Perfect. With the clouds slowly departing, the uneven ground left numerous puddles scattered on and around the path he was haunting.
From within the puddle, he felt the tremors from the ground, originating from the trees. From here, he learnt that six Shinobi and two Kunoichi were present in the trees, with four more Shinobi in the bushes beneath. However, the tremors told him more. Of the two Kunoichi, one's movements were harsher, more identifiable, whenever she would breath her body would twitch – she was nervous. Her fellow Kunoichi was more composed, leaning on the branches, her lack of movement told him her heart rate had yet to elevate – a Jonin no less.
The ten Shinobi included seven Chunin – three of which were greenhorns by their clumsy movements between the trees. He allowed a tiny snigger to escape into the air, these Leaf Shinobi really were amateurs. The four more experienced Chunin were heavier, built with more muscle, and thus moved less to accommodate to that notion. As for the three ninja yet to be mentioned, they hardly registered to his senses – Jonin at the very least, ANBU trained, no doubt.
The twitchy Kunoichi and the three greenhorns would be easy. They would react to an attack, not initiate one. If he bore on the Jonin on the ground, he would at least have them stunned before attacking. Their response wouldn't be of concern, yet he was concerned about those he would initially be attacking – unless he killed at least one of the ANBU in his first move, he'd have to face the Jonin in the tree and three facing him on the ground. He noted the water around him, perhaps ninjutsu was more appropriate than Taijutsu, yet the identity of Konoha's attacker shouldn't be quickly established – disarray on the border would be far more effective for his assault than if concentrated ninja were accurately informed of his presence.
He heard the ninja girl move again, and the movements of the men on the ground echoed it, they were talking. Raising his head, Kisame could see their outlines. He made his move. He was sharp, painful, and above all else, accurate. Two of the Jonin fell; the Chunin's reactions were weak. It cost them their lives. Above him, Kisame saw little of the movement of the two women, he just felt the rain of Kunai and Shuriken bear down upon him. Raising Samehada to block the bombardment, he realised for a second time in the last day and a half, that blindly defending would leave him…well, blind. Any trace of the Jonin Kunoichi was gone, yet he caught sight of the nervous ninja.
Striking down the tree she had landed on in an attempt to escape, Kisame noted her appearance. Those eyes! The Hyuga clan really did have the misfortune of running into him, this time it would cost them dearly. Bearing down on her laying body, the surviving ninja in the trees opted for another aerial assault, this time with several element releases – Kisame was never a fan of thunder attacks, yet stayed off the blitzing shocks he received.
In a similar manner, he now found he had a dislike for wind-guided projectile weaponry, as he removed a kunai from his shoulder. Time was growing short. Mere seconds had transpired since he rose from his hiding place, yet if he didn't confirm twelve bodies within the next minute, the border would be alerted and any element of surprise would be wasted. Opting to kill the injured girl first, Kisame turned again, but was faced with two Kunoichi. One he had met before.
"Hoshigaki, right? You haven't got Uchiha this time! You're mine!" Kurenai growled.
Her figure had changed. It was subtle, but it was clear to him.
"You're talking big there, but you're not just risking your life here, are you?" Kisame grinned.
"Kurenai-Sensei, don't!" Hinata screamed, as her mentor and the enemy rushed forwards.
Locking weapons, Kurenai's Kunai began to snap under the pressure. Kisame breathed in.
"Ahhh, that scent. Asuma Sarutobi, am I right? He's the only guy I've met who wore that cologne. Ahhh, that's right! I heard Hidan had fun with him!" Kisame roared with laughter. Kurenai's rational thought was slipping away.
"So that's the future of the Sarutobi clan, huh? Shame the poor kid's parents…just…couldn't…stay…at…home!" He knocked her down with each word as he finished this statement.
His own enjoyment of the situation cost him greatly; Hinata had called for the Shinobi to inform the border patrols, she wasn't going to allow this man to harm her Sensei.
Thrusting her palms onto the lower of his spine, Kisame bellowed and leapt back from Kurenai and Hinata.
"Bitch! Hiding behind a pregnant woman! You're just as cowardly as you're pitiful little sibling!" He roared. This information was something she had not expected him to say.
"W-what?" Was all she could say.
"You're sibling, I had the displeasure of running into her yesterday; I even had my hands around her neck -"
Hinata didn't know what came over her. Between her growing confidence, her sense of duty to defend the border, her nurturing affection for Kurenai and her child, and her sisterly instincts, Hinata was up close to Kisame within a heartbeat.
"Y-you…bastard! How…dare…you!" She screeched, wavering his resolve as he struggled to counter her bombardment of chakra attacks.
Raising a fist and knocking her to one side, Kisame had realised over a minute had elapsed. He was too late. He could already hear the footsteps of the other ninja. His thoughts couldn't manifest further, as Hinata was again on two feet, gripping her hands around his string vest and pulling him close.
"What did you do to her?" She hissed.
Kisame was stunned by the obscenity of the situation. Was he being interrogated by this hysterical girl?
"She was my sister…y-you bastard!" Hinata's eyes were blistering with tears.
Kisame threw a punch to her stomach, as Kurenai attacked from the side, thrusting two Kunai into his arm and leg. Allowing Hinata to collapse from her wound, Kisame threw the same punch at Kurenai, but found her evaporating into lily petals.
"Arrgh, Genjutsu!" He roared.
He heard the calling cries of reinforcements. He had only one hostage at his feet, and one Jonin who had already drew his blood. Was he being fool-hearty? Had Itachi been right?
If Kisame think's he can just toss our timid little Hyuga into the category of 'hostage' he'll be sorely mistaken next chapter - plus our Heirs finally catch up with thier target 'Deidara'...
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