Thanks for all the reviews and favs!
No manga or anime this week. Oh well. I was able to catch up on One Piece finally. I'm still way behind with Bleach though (about 30 episodes I think and considering I really like that show I can't believe I did that.)
Disclaimer: Naruto is owned by Kishimoto.
Chapter 48 – That Remembrance From Long Ago
All things considered, Itachi was at least glad that there had been no murders so far, although the way Kisame and Jiraiya had been glaring at each other for the last few hours certainly made him wonder if it was just a matter of time. While Jiraiya had been the one to acquiesce to the Akatsuki offer to accompany them, it was obvious the reason behind it had been more to keep an eye on them than to combine forces. And Kisame seemed to be in a rather foul mood to begin with. Although travelling with Sasori and Deidara could drive one partially insane if they started arguing about art or some other nonsensical subject.
On the other hand, Deidara and Naruto had been chatting almost non-stop all day. And the most remarkable thing about that was how meaningless the conversations had been thus far. Itachi was in awe over how in depth the two could get over their favorite subjects of art and ramen without boring each other. Naruto had even gone into a thirty minute rant at one point about how he was going to become the Hokage and be the most respected man in Konoha.
"Since when were Kage's respected?" Kisame had muttered, so quietly that only Itachi and Jiraiya had heard him.
As the sun dipped over the horizon Kisame suggested they spend the night in a nearby cave and pointed to a hole in the cliffs above them. It was about a hundred feet up and overlooked the valley they were currently trudging through. "It has a good view of the area and we shouldn't be seen travelling together in any of the towns."
Itachi and Jiraiya instantly agreed, Deidara frowned, not liking the thought of spending the night in the cold but didn't argue. Naruto, on the other hand....
"What? Are you out of your mind? It's cold out here!" A confused look crossed the boys face when his four companions groaned. "What's so bad about people seeing us?"
Jiraiya rubbed his forehead and glanced worriedly at the two Akatsuki members and Itachi. "Naruto, there are probably a dozen reasons why Kisame's idea is sound. The first few that come to mind are that you and I are supposed to be on a training mission, Itachi is supposed to be wandering around looking for clues as to where Sasuke is, and neither of us should be seen travelling around with members of a criminal organization that has openly declared it's intent to capture Jinchuurikis and steel their demons. It could raise questions that, if they lead to Itachi's involvement in said organization, could throw Konoha into chaos. And you, my boy, are a Jinchuuriki in case you had forgotten. Do I really need to go into the other five-hundred reasons?"
"Yeah I…Ouch!" The white-haired sannin hit his godson over the head and pointed at the cave.
"Let's get up there and brew some tea. I'm getting thirsty."
Kisame grinned as he watched Naruto rubbing his head and glaring at Jiraiya, "I've got some sake to stick in that tea."
"Ha! Let's get going then!" Jiraiya liked the sound of that. Turning around to face the cliff he stepped back suddenly when he saw a blue-haired woman in a black and red cloak standing against the embankment.
Konan clasped her hands in front of her and frowned, obviously displeased at having run into them, "Good evening gentlemen. What brings you here?"
"Sasuke, may I have a word with you?" A teenager, about fourteen-years-old, with long white hair, very fair skin and two red dots tattooed over his forehead stepped onto the small underground training arena, interrupting Sasuke's Taijutsu practice.
"Um, sure." The boy wasn't pleased about the interruption. He had come down to train an hour early specifically to have some time to himself before Orochimaru joined him. The snake-man had moved that morning's training session to early evening and he was still a little upset about that. However, he recognized the teen from Kabuto's clinic and was curious about why he would go to the trouble to seek him out.
"I don't know if you know who I am, so I'll introduce myself. I am Kimimaro from the Kaguya clan of Water country. He held out his right hand in a show of manners that rivaled anything Sasuke had seen thus far. It was rather surprising and he hesitated a couple seconds before shaking it.
"Is everything okay?" Perhaps the teen had come down to tell him Orochimaru was going to be late again. Sasuke's mind couldn't think of any other reason why he would come to see him. All he knew about Kimimaro was that he was supposed to have been the vessel for Orochimaru's soul, but had become ill and was now undergoing treatment by Kabuto.
Kimimaro turned around to face the door and called out in a friendly, "Juugo? We're not interrupting him, come join us."
A teenager approaching six-feet tall stepped in. His unruly red hair and simple gray pants and tunic gave him the appearance of someone who had just woken up. It was a stark contrast the clean, well-pressed appearance of his companion. Sasuke recognized him from the day before. He had inadvertently insulted Karin, but strangely enough, the girl had been rather quick to forgive him for it, something that seemed to go against her personality.
"Sasuke, this is Juugo. He is the source of the curse Orochimaru has gifted both of us with."
"I wouldn't call it a gift." Sasuke added bitterly as he subconsciously reached up to rub his shoulder.
Kimimaro gave him a patient smile, "You will. The power you will be able to unleash will be beyond your imagining."
"If you're asking me to thank him for that, forget it."
"No, Juugo isn't very happy with being used in that way. He would not appreciate your 'thanks' if you gave it. Anyway, that's not why I'm here. Sasuke, I spoke with Karin and Juugo about the quality of your chakra, and Kabuto about your eyes. I believe you are, to put it bluntly, my 'heir'."
Sasuke interrupted, "I am going to be Orochimaru's next body, if that's what you mean."
"You are. But what I'm getting at is that I will be dead soon. Maybe a few months, a year at the outside. Kabuto isn't able to do anything for my illness except extend my life a short time. However, I made a promise to protect Juugo. To be his friend. When I am gone, I want you to take over that promise."
"I… why does he need to be watched over?" Sasuke thought perhaps the tall boy was physically or mentally incapacitated, but there was nothing to back it up. He looked very strong, very fit, and perfectly capable of protecting himself on his own.
Juugo spoke up for the first time, his soft voice had a way of garnering attention and Sasuke found himself wanting to hear everything he had to say, "I came to Orochimaru looking for a cure for my condition. I go into uncontrollable fits of rage on occasion and kill everyone around me. Kimimaro is the only person who can calm me. He wraps his Kekkei Genkai around me and the chakra calms me somehow. Only then can I return to normal."
"When I die," Kimimaro continued, "Juugo will have to be locked up not only to protect others, but to protect himself as well. Even though he is a gentle person who wouldn't hurt a fly, his rages are beyond comprehension. If he weren't locked up, he would eventually run into someone stronger than himself and be killed."
Sasuke sighed, "If you are asking someone to give up their life and let themselves be killed because Juugo is a 'good guy', then I…"
Kimimaro laughed, "No, no… that's not what I meant. They would have a perfectly justifiable reason to kill him, or anyone in that matter. It's just that I made a promise and I am a man who keeps his promises. What I want Sasuke, is for you to take over that promise. I can look at you and tell you aren't like the others here."
Looking up at Juugo, Sasuke considered the request, but felt he needed a little bit more time to think, "What are you dying of?"
"It's a genetic Kekkei Genkai related disease. Since you also come from a clan with a blood-line trait you are probably familiar with it."
Sasuke nodded his head, but kept quiet. He knew that saying anything about his own brother's experience could put Itachi at a disadvantage.
"I hate to put you on the spot. It's clear you would like more time to think."
"I'll do it." Sasuke looked Kimimaro directly in the eye.
"For real? You will help me?" The disbelief in Juugo's voice made Sasuke smile.
"Yeah, I'll help."
Kimimaro clapped Sasuke on the back once to show his appreciation, "You have no idea how much I appreciate this, Sasuke."
The boy watched as the odd pair exited the arena then dropped down onto the ground when they shut the door. "Great." He slammed his hand on the stone floor. He had promised to help Suigetsu, he was feeling sorry enough for Karin to want to help her, and now he had Juugo to watch over. And he was wondering if Tsunade could possibly do something to help Kimimaro. He looked up as the door opened a few minutes later, half expecting another of Orochimaru's minions to come looking to him for rescue, but instead it was the snake-man himself. Surprisingly, it was a relief. At least he knew that was one person he wouldn't have to rescue.
"You are keeping some rather odd company." Konan replied sternly.
Deidara decided to be sarcastic, "I agree. Why should I have to wander around with Itachi?" The woman glared at him, then shook her head, deciding the comment wasn't worth the trouble of responding to.
"Do I really need to answer that?" Itachi asked quietly.
Konan sighed, "Itachi…"
Jiraiya stepped forward, "If I didn't know any better…" He paused, stopping about five feet away from the small woman, "If I didn't know that she had been killed a long time ago…"
Konan looked him in the eye for a second then stared back down at the ground. She and Pein had been getting ready to leave the cave when they sensed the approach of several shinobi, including three of their own Akatsuki. Curious about who they could be Pein had asked his companion to intercept them. She regretted making a personal appearance. There were other methods she could have used to learn their identity, but it was too late now.
Naruto spoke up in a shaky voice, "You know her?" He remembered his godfather's comments about Akatsuki and it made him nervous. What if they were going to kidnap him after all? Would Itachi really let them take him? He glanced at the teen, who was standing firmly with both feet planted firmly on the ground and his hands held slightly away from his body, as if preparing to fight. His face, however, was calm and from the side it looked as if Itachi was staring at the ground.
"Yes, he does." Konan admitted, then turned to Jiraiya. "Meeting you is… unexpected…"
"If you are alive, then the others…" Jiraiya replied softly.
Konan ignored him and turned to Itachi, "Please wear your cloak, Itachi. It will keep Konoha out of trouble if you do something they would disapprove of."
The teen nodded once and dropped his backpack to the ground. Pulling out a scroll he activated a seal that released his Akatsuki cloak, sandals, ring and hat. As he pulled them on, Naruto looked on nervously. Itachi hadn't put up a fuss or even made so much as a grunt. In fact, despite Deidara's initial comment, all three of his Akatsuki companions had become very quiet and were showing the older woman a great deal of respect. Even Jiraiya was behaving oddly.
"That's better, Itachi. Thank-you." Konan said after the teen shouldered his pack. "Now, I am aware that a mission was given to Kisame, Sasori and Deidara to meet up with Itachi and search for Sasuke. However, where is Sasori and why are you travelling with Jiraiya and Naruto?"
"You know my name?" Naruto gasped. He felt Jiraiya reach up and squeeze his shoulder, silently asking him to be quiet.
Kisame spoke up, "Sasori decided there were too many people around and left. I suspect he may be following us. I am sure he would like to have a few words with his former partner after all. As for these two…" He scowled at Itachi.
"That's my fault." Itachi spoke up, "Jiraiya guessed what I was up to and invited himself along. I didn't know you had ordered an Akatsuki escort for me. I apologize."
"Don't be so quick to blame yourself." Konan said quietly, "The order was given after our last conversation."
Itachi realized who had given the order and nodded his head once to show his understanding. He still felt he should have checked in before he left the village. It was an unforgiveable oversight. However, now he had another problem. "What do you suggest, Konan?"
Jiraiya interrupted, "Konan, where are the other two? Where are Nagato and Yahiko? If you are still alive…"
This wasn't something she wanted to discuss in front of an audience, or at all to tell the truth, "A lot happened after you left. More than you could understand."
"Are they in Akatsuki as well?"
"I see no reason to discuss this." She raised her hands to do a jutsu, but Jiraiya jumped forward quickly and pulled them away.
"Answer me!"
"Let go of her." Jiraiya felt a hand on his shoulder and turned around to see Kisame was now behind him, teeth bared in a scowl. The blue man nodded his head in the direction of a clump of trees and when Jiraiya followed his gaze the woman's hands fell from his grasp and he stepped back a couple paces, nearly running into Kisame.
"Yahiko?"
"I am called Pein, Sensei." Pein was standing a short distance away with his arms folded across his chest and emanating a rather strong, intimidating chakra.
Naruto gasped in surprise, "You were his teacher?"
"A long time ago," Jiraiya explained, "I took in three starving orphans and taught them ninjutsu. But after I left, I received word that they were dead. However… how is it that Yahiko stands before me with Nagato's eyes? And your chakra is different. It doesn't feel like Yahiko at all. More like… Nagato… yet different…"
"You could spend all day conjecturing, Sensei, yet the truth would still elude you. Know this, I am God and that is all anyone needs to know or understand." The words were not only arrogant but carried the surety of one who moved forward through life without any doubts or hesitation.
Itachi moved closer to Naruto and pulled his back several feet, "Whatever happens, don't leave my side."
"What's going to happen?"
Itachi gritted his teeth, "Nothing, I hope."
The situation grew increasingly tense as Jiraiya and Pein continued to face each other. The sannin was glaring at the red-headed Akatsuki leader, who was, in turn, radiating a rather menacing amount of chakra. Konan and Kisame had stepped back and were now about twenty feet behind Pein. Deidara had created one of his clay birds and was circling the small group. However, the two powerful ninja seemed to have forgotten that there was anyone else around.
Snow started to drift from the sky again, small white flakes that fell lazily only to disappear into the already snow-laden earth. Dusk had settled quickly over the quiet forest while the ninja had conversed and now nightfall was only minutes away. The darkness was alleviated somewhat by the bright snow, but Itachi, who had already activated his Sharingan as soon as Konan had appeared, had no trouble seeing the area. And what he saw shocked him.
Jiraiya had been Pein's teacher. Jiraiya now knew who the leader of Akatsuki was. Jiraiya was now in a position to ruin the treaty Fugaku and Pein and put together two days earlier. It was clear Pein was not happy about the reunion.
"I..Itachi… c...c…can't you do s…s…something?" Naruto was trembling so bad he was stuttering.
Itachi couldn't blame him. The sight of Pein and Jiraiya, two Shinobi so powerful that they easily exceeded the concept of "S" rank, was certainly intimidating. "Let's wait and see what happens."
Kisame pulled out Samehada and crashed it down onto the ground, "Get it over with, whatever it is you two are planning to do to each other. I'm getting hungry."
The two men glanced over at the scowling swordman. Jiraiya laughed, "You did say something about having some sake, didn't you?"
"Humph." Pein motioned for Konan to join him, then took a deep breath and released it slowly as he glanced up at the sky, "Danzou and Hanzou had an alliance. At one point, the two combined forces and set a trap for the rebel group we were running at the time. Yahiko was killed. Akatsuki was born from the ashes of Yahiko's sacrifice. That is all you need to know."
Jiraiya's face fell and he closed his eyes. "Sacrifice? So he died to protect you?"
Konan's sudden interest in the ground was all the answer the middle-aged ninja needed and he shook his head, as if trying to clear it before continuing, "He swore to protect you two. It must have eased his heart to know he died doing just that. However, joining Akatsuki is nothing more than a slap in the face. He would never have wanted you to sink that far."
She couldn't keep her mouth shut any longer, "You have no idea what we went through after you left us! How dare you even to presume to know what Yahiko would have thought! And as for protecting us? His sacrifice was a waste. Nothing changed. It was a matter of Danzou playing games with us and nothing more!"
"Konan." Pein's stern voice quieted her and she quickly dropped her gaze to the snow covered ground. "There is no point discussing this with him. Especially in front of an audience."
"The crimes you have committed in that organization could not possibly justify your beliefs." Jiraiya was yelling now, his red face and clenched fists a clear indication of his growing anger. "How many have you killed, Nagato? A thousand? A million? Ten-million? Is this the peace you prayed for as a child?"
Pein stood quietly, not responding to his ex-Sensei's chiding. His clear, penetrating gaze was locked onto the older man, waiting for any indication that battle was about to begin.
Jiraiya growled, "You don't care anymore, do you?"
Itachi glanced down at Naruto and back at Jiraiya. He needed to speak with the older man, but he couldn't leave the boy unguarded. Angering Pein was getting them nowhere and he wasn't at all sure Jiraiya could beat the Akatsuki leader if they fought. Returning to Konoha with the sannin's dead body would probably be a bad idea.
Naruto looked up at his foster brother and whispered, "That's the guy that was at our house. Why was Fugaku meeting with him if he's a criminal?"
"He was what?" Jiraiya turned on the pair.
A quick trip to an alternate dimension of cute multi-colored stuffed bears that danced and sang cloyingly sweet songs about rainbows and flowers suddenly sounded infinitely appealing as Itachi returned the Sannin's gaze and desperately wished he were somewhere else.
"He has good hearing, doesn't he?" Naruto took a few steps back, suddenly wary of his godfather's rage.
Itachi stepped forward, deciding that leaving Naruto for a few minutes was probably the only way to defuse the situation. He glanced over at Pein, then waved him over. "This may or may not be a mistake, but I think we should come clear on a few issues before this gets out of hand."
Both men glared at the teen, but years of dealing with top-ranked Shinobi with over-inflated egos had long ago steeled his heart to the forces of intimidation. Instead he stood his ground and continued to look up at them. Both men were around six-feet tall, muscular and very formidable. While Itachi had gotten taller and filled out some, he was still considered rather skinny and that had the effect of making him look a little smaller than he really was.
Kisame and Konan stepped forward, inviting themselves to the conference, however Itachi wasn't surprised to see that Deidara had decided to remain aloft. The blond had little interest in politics and would just as soon save his own skin if it came down to it. When Naruto decided to step forward Itachi raised his hand to stop him. Luckily, this time at least, the boy did as he was told.
Itachi spoke up, "Is Zetsu around? I don't sense him, but…"
Pein answered firmly, "No."
"What's this about?" Jiraiya's anger had been partially replaced with curiosity.
"I made an alliance of sorts with Lord Hokage Fugaku." Pein replied, "The purpose is to discover Madara's plans and stop them."
"What? Aren't you working with Madara?" This wasn't what the white-haired Sannin had expected hear.
Pein sighed, "Openly, I still am. He isn't a man to take kindly to betrayal, even if…" He let his words trail away.
Jiraiya was now completely confused, "I don't get it."
Kisame shifted as he placed his sword back into its holster. The expression on his face was pretty close to a sneer and Itachi suddenly wondered if it was such a good idea to have the big man listening to the conversation. His link to Madara was long and they seemed to get along rather well. If he passed this information on to the elder Uchiha it would definitely ruin everything.
"It's simple," Pein continued, "Our original plan has been delayed to such an extent as to throw suspicion onto whether it was ever his intent to go through with it. With the advancement of Sasuke I have reason to believe the boy is now central to whatever new plans he may have."
"What about the Jinchuuriki?"
"Part of the agreement was that no more would be sealed. However, at this point I'm not sure what Madara's plans are with the demons. If it is what I suspect, he needs all ten still. Your student is still in danger, Sensei Jiraiya, don't ever doubt that."
"Oh, I don't doubt it in the least." His eyes rested on Itachi who in turn, was having a staring contest with Kisame.
Pein noted the intensity of the situation and turned to face the blue man. "What will you do, Kisame?"
The swordsman looked up at the sky and closed his eyes, "I have my own path, as you well know. As long as nothing blocks that, I have no reason to repeat what I have heard."
Itachi spoke up, "Do you have reason to believe it will block it?"
"None whatsoever." Kisame grinned at the teen, "Frankly, Madara came closer to ruining my plans with that execution he ordered than anything Pein and Fugaku are up."
Jiraiya's eyes opened wide and he looked at Kisame with shock, "Are you implying that you want to overthrow the government of Water country and set yourself up as Daimyou?"
"What the hell?" Kisame stared at him in shock, "I think you've lost the rest of your marbles, old man."
"It was just an idea." Jiraiya muttered despondently. "And I'm not old."
Pein straightened up and placed a hand on Konan's shoulder, "Let's get out of here."
"The sooner the better." She raised her hands as she stepped back and a moment later she and Pein had disappeared. A couple seconds after that there was a popping sound from the cave, followed by a faint flash of light. Deidara flew up to the entrance and glanced in, then signaled his companion that there was nothing inside to account for the commotion.
"I feel like getting drunk." Kisame declared.
"Me too." Jiraiya muttered.
And for the first time in his life, Itachi agreed.
Itachi heard Naruto stirring next to him and opened his eyes to see two blue orbs staring back at him. He had insisted the boy unroll his bedroll nearby since Jiraiya was currently passed out near the cave entrance, happily drunk. Kisame was sprawled out a few feet away from the Sannin and snoring rather loudly.
"Can't sleep?" Itachi asked quietly.
"Kisame keeps waking me up, I think." Naruto sounded sleepy and a little depressed. An odd combination for the usually rambunctious boy.
Deidara, who was keeping watch nearby grunted in agreement, "Kisame could keep the entire province awake with his snoring. And he probably is."
That was impossible to argue with so Itachi sat up and leaned back against the stone wall. The cave itself was rather large, considering its location and upon entering Deidara had told them that it was very probably Stone Shinobi who had carved it out of the cliff. He recognized several cuts that could only have been made with a jutsu.
Naruto joined him, "So why did you do what that lady told you? Put on that cloak?"
"Why?" Itachi thought about it for a moment. He had always had a certain amount of respect for the woman, and she had never done anything to antagonize him. "Her request was logical. If I were to do something I… shouldn't… I could claim I did it for Akatsuki and Fugaku and Konoha would be absolved of all guilt."
"That makes sense. I guess. But doesn't that make you… um… a sacrifice or something?"
"I'm a ninja, Naruto." He thought that would end the conversation, but Naruto seemed confused.
"So?"
"Huh?" Itachi repeated softly. "What do you mean?"
Naruto's voice rose, "What do I mean? What do you mean?"
Itachi huffed in annoyance, "Don't tell me you have failed to grasp the basic premise of Shinobi culture that states you live for the mission and only the mission."
"Yeah, I know that. Kakashi told us. But that doesn't make it right."
"But that's the way it is."
"'That's the way it is. That's the way it is.' That's all anyone ever says." Naruto sighed, "But when I'm Hokage it won't be that way. Ninja won't be tools anymore."
Deidara snorted, "Then what will they be? Ninja were created as undercover spies and assassins for hire by warlords looking to kill each other. They weren't allowed to have their own lives."
"They'll be people. That's what they'll be. People."
"I've never been a person before." Deidara smiled, "Not sure that would work out for me."
"Or anyone else." Itachi added.
Naruto frowned, "I know. It'll be hard but it's my dream and I'm going to make it come true. And you can come live in Konoha, Deidara. You, me, Sasuke and Sakura could go get Ramen on my lunch break"
"Sakura? Oh… that pink-haired girl that was kidnapped when you guys were a few years ago?"
"Yeah. She's a lot of fun to be with. And Sai too, we'll invite him. And Itachi doesn't like Ramen, but if we invite Sheeta she'll make him come with us."
Deidara laughed, "That's quite a party. But I think I'll pass. I'm never going back to a village again."
"Offer's open if you change your mind! Right, Itachi?" Naruto gave his foster brother a big grin.
Itachi returned the smile in spite of himself, "Don't ask me, you're the Hokage."
"That's right!" Naruto jumped up and clapped his hands together once, "The suns coming up, let's get going! We can't find Sasuke if we sleep all day!"
Itachi and Deidara glanced at the two sleeping Shinobi at the entrance of the cave and shook their heads. Things were going to get interesting from here on out. That was certainly guaranteed.
Next week – more stuff happens! And it'll be interesting!
Updates on Fridays
Please review