Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or gain or will gain any profit from using the franchise's chars, they belong to Mashashi Kishimoto.
Italics - Thoughts
Italics underline – second personalities talking/thinking
Bold Italics - Demons/monsters talking
Bold Italics underline – demon/monsters thinking
Bold - Demon influenced/curse-sealed person talking
Glossary:
Jinchuuriki - Power of Human Sacrifice - A general term used for the containers of the mythical tailed beasts.
Nuke-Nin - A ninja that has betrayed his village and has a bounty on his head).
Amegakure – Hidden Rain
Kirigakure - Hidden Mist
Konohagare – Hidden Leaf
Iwagakure – Hidden Rock
Bijuu - Tailed beasts
Hi no Kuni – Fire Country
Hakumei no Kuni – Twilight country
Raikou no Kuni – Lightning country
Ta no Kuni – Rice Field Country
Yuki no Kuni – Snow Country
Yondaime – The Fourth
Sandaime –The Third
Kenjutsu – Sword techniques
Kikaichuu – Destruction bugs
Sanbi no Kame – Three-tailed Tortoise
Senbon – needle/s
Jyuuken – Gentle Fist
Jutsu - Technique
Touketsu no Akumu – Frozen Nightmare
Ichibi - One tail
Hyouton – Ice release
Youki - Demonic Chakra/Life force
(name) no Danna – an honorific translated roughly as 'Master'
Akasuna – Red Sands
(Two Weeks Later, Five weeks to the Chuunin Exams)
(Gates of Konohagakure)
"Alright, Team! Are you ready for our mission?" The enthusiastic cry of Maito Gai erupted loudly as he stood before his team, the village's gates to his back. The spandex-clad jounin pointed dramatically towards the sky, laughing boisterously in attempts to pump up his team.
His ever faithful protégé Lee waved his fists and called out the elite jounin's name, as always faithfully beckoning on his role model's call. The fact Gai-sensei had informed them they were going on a C-Rank mission promised to make things interesting and Lee always liked a good challenge.
Tenten smiled faintly and nodded her head, unable or more likely unwilling to indulge in such public displays of excitement; it was simply too embarrassing to even consider. Her chocolate colored eyes narrowed faintly as she heard Neji snort and sigh to her right.
The Hyuuga genius had become increasingly aloof over the last couple of weeks. For some reason his disdain towards Lee and Gai-sensei had grown ever since Lee had mastered the Lotus techniques. The genius' more hostile and somewhat dismissive attitude was straining their previously crisp and well-oiled teamwork and was a cause of concern in light of the approaching chuunin exams.
The Hyuuga's silver eyes snapped to his left, his brows furrowing slightly as he watched yet another team enter the area. The slender and impressive form of the bandage-clad Yuuhi Kurenai slipped through the gates, making her way towards Gai in confident stride.
Team eight followed closely in tow, the bouncing figure of Inuzuka Kiba and his familiar, Akamaru were noted and ignored as they took a place to Kurenai's left. Soon after another the immaterial fact the enigmatic, Aburame heir silently took his place on the right of his teacher was also promptly ignored.
Neji's attention was instead drawn behind them to his timid cousin, Hinata. The Hyuuga heiress was softly chatting with one Uzumaki Naruto, the two younger genin seemingly arguing over something amicably. The blonde was insistently pestering the lavender eyed girl that rolled her eyes and retorted softly at him in a hushed tone.
"How dare you be so carefree? How dare you flaunt your freedom before me so callously, Hinata?" he thought darkly, a knot in his chest tightening as his fists clenched unconsciously.
"Team eight plus one, reporting for duty" Kurenai said softly. It was obvious to all that the relatively new jounin would give Gai command over the mission due to his seniority. The older man nodded somberly and his dark eyes drifted briefly over everyone, pausing briefly when they fell on Naruto.
Naruto's glacier blue eyes locked with the older man's neutrally. The young blonde knew he wasn't making any friends by butting heads with the elite Jounin over Lee. But the man's warped ideals of favorism rubbed the Uzumaki the wrong way. He just couldn't help it as the green clad jounin didn't seem remorseful or wiser to what he had done. Besides Uzumaki Naruto wasn't one to be cowed by people's rank or status and he would not begin now with Gai of all people.
He had long ago conceded to the fact his life was not fair and was used to the double standards the village often indulged at his expense. It ached deep within him from time to time to be reminded about how fate pitted circumstances against him but he had learned to grow above such bitter notions and accept it as part of his burden.
His main beef with the elite jounin was not his past sin, he assumed the man paid his penance as Kakashi explained and had learned to live with his actions. Naruto was upset with the man's blindness to the possible consequences of his teachings.
It all came down to one fact that Naruto realized that Gai's blind favorism would get Lee killed or captured sooner or later and could not in good conscious stand by idly and see a fellow genin die. He cared for him as he could relate to him on some level, even if they didn't see eye to eye on many subjects.
Kakashi told him it was not his concern or business to criticize a jounin's methods and he should put the issue to rest, but Naruto couldn't just let it go. Even if Lee didn't care for him, Naruto sought to protect him as a comrade as he played the devil's advocate against him. This was especially true in light of the consequences the death of a teammate could have on someone as he knew personally and from watching Sakura's mental meltdown back in the Wave country.
Kakashi and Iruka kept drilling him that a ninja had to be balanced or at the very least mediocre in all three ninja skills in order to survive. As far as he could tell, Lee was unable to use two thirds of any ninja's abilities base abilities so if he ever fought against an even mediocre, yet well rounded ninja not to mention a master of any one of the branches he lacked – his life would be forfeit at the very least if not the lives his entire squad as well.
Naruto nodded towards Neji that returned the gesture and Tenten that stiffly returned it as well. The blonde sighed at how Lee's eyes practically bore holes into him and how he seemed to upset and alienate the weapon mistress as well.
Naruto felt somewhat guilty as he wasn't as cruel or spiteful person by nature. Therefore, the manner in which he acted towards the green clad genin at times didn't quite sit well with him deep down, though Lee's attitude and dismissal upset the Uzumaki and made it easier some times.
It hurt Naruto to take a leaf out of Sasuke's or Neji's book, even if he tried to be less blunt and tasteful about it. In his defense he focused solely on Lee and had been fair enough to not revealed the sordid truth of Gai's acts and Lee's unfair graduation to team Gai; an act that would most likely ruin their team dynamics irreparably. Currently, he only shared his concerns and reservations with Lee in private and seldom hinted to his faults in general in public.
It was ironic, since the Jyuuken prodigy seemed to accept him and his logical criticism the most and even grew to respect him to some degree due to how he was constantly changing and pushing himself. Though when asked he still proclaimed Naruto was fated to fail in his quest for the tower due to his birthright.
However, personal grievances were something Naruto didn't take to heart, especially since the older genin didn't seem as spiteful or personal in his remarks as he was back in their academy days and simply seemed to grasp of morals and beliefs he had grown up with.
But no matter how much they reached an unspoken understanding, Naruto could not accept or easily forgive Neji for the harsh and unrelenting way he treated Hinata. The blonde had yet to corner the other genin and straighten him up – but he would in due time.
"Konohagakure has received a special request for the assistance from Hakumei no Kuni. Apparently a group of miners and nobles has been taken captive and is being held deep within the silver mines there. The cave's support beams are very delicate so blasting them out is out of the question and so they requested we find alternate paths using the Byakugan and liberate the hostages." Kurenai explained after Gai granted her the right to speak with a silent nod.
"Because the Hakumei Kuni has no military power and acts as a demilitarized country that separates Hi no Kuni from Raikou no Kuni the responsibility falls upon us. Besides, it is unlikely that Kumogakure would dare act with how tense things are and with the mines being deep within Konoha's jurisdiction." Kurenai further elaborated to the genin.
Neji and Hinata tensed at the mention of the lightning country and the Hyuuga genius immediately drilled both Jounin in a cold, analytical tone. "Improbable as it may be, I still find the decision to send Hinata-sama of all people to the very doorstep of Kumogakure…debatable…" He chose his words carefully.
Hinata wilted slightly under his penetrating gaze, her eyes shutting briefly at the animosity and edge behind her cousin's words. The way his eyes flickered towards her and his tone shifted revealed his intent – the reason he doubted the wisdom behind the decision was her weakness and lack of ability more than the dangers of Cloud's lust for the Byakugan.
This caused Kurenai to eye him disapprovingly, the woman was fiercely protective of the young Hyuuga heiress, but her glare was like a soft caress in comparison to Hiashi-sama's icy eyes and therefore the Hyuuga stood proud and sure of himself.
Nor was he deterred when Naruto had to bodily hold Kiba back from charging at the older boy. His lips twisted into a taunting smirk, as if challenging Kiba or the equally upset Jinchuuriki to challenge him to a fight, confident in his superiority.
Tenten sighed and murmured disapprovingly "Neji…cut it out. This isn't the time or place to bring this up…" The Hyuuga was not deterred by her silent warning or Lee's hissed protest of the unyouthfulness of his behavior. They did not, could not understand the complexity of the situation.
"You who are born free…you who do not understand the burden of my seal…cannot judge me behind your blanket of ignorance." Therefore, like many instances in the past Neji simply brushed off their criticism and disapproval with self righteous conviction.
Naruto knew Kiba had no chance against Neji. He had sparred with both the Inuzuka and Lee and knew the bushy browed genin was much stronger than Kiba. And in comparison Neji easily managed to defeat Lee in their spars with Taijutsu alone. Naruto didn't even want to think about how strong Neji could be if he used Ninjutsu and Genjutsu as well when he fought.
So even though he was angered by the Hyuuga's arrogance he held his friend back. They had a mission to fulfill and despite his personal grievances with Neji he couldn't let his personal feelings jeopardize the mission. "I have to calm down, I have to be patient. I won't be like Sakura. I have to get a grip! This isn't the time or the place to fight. Not with everyone tense and worried about the mission as it is. I promised myself, promised you that I won't be an idiotic loser that gets his teammates into trouble ever again, Sasuke…"
"Neji-san deduction is correct. Furthermore, aren't the mission parameters more suited for a squad of Chuunin, Jounin or even ANBU?" the Aburame asked, his tone somewhat sharper when he spoke Neji's name but otherwise the calm and bland monotone that his bug-wielding clan was known for.
Gai cut him off audibly and ignored his somewhat offended glare. "Hokage-sama is well aware of the dangers. However, with the current instability caused by the destruction Taki no Kuni any serious strike force besides might be misinterpreted as an preemptive move and could be used by Iwagakure to further complicate our political situation…" Gai replied morosely.
"Besides, the Yondaime Raikage seems more reasonable than his predecessor; I doubt he would dare further destabilize the area by attempting a bloodline theft." Kurenai added reasonably. "Regardless to that, Hokage-sama has assured the Hyuuga clan that ANBU will be monitoring the mountain passes and mine exits, they will apprehend anyone that tries to exploit the situation…"
Naruto took in the information quietly; it was a very confusing situation. He still didn't fully understand how politics worked and the very delicate balance of power maintained throughout the continent. His history and etiquette lessons were progressing steadily but it would be a long time before he bridged the gaps caused by his isolated and jaded childhood.
"Have no fear, my youthful genin! Kurenai and I will make sure everything is alright! Nobody will harm any of our precious pupils!" Gai reassured in an audible and determined tone. "We will protect all of you and Neji-kun and Hinata-san in particular!"
The blonde caught the flicker of sorrow and guilt in Hinata's body language as Neji's eyes narrowed at her dangerously. Obviously the whole branch protecting the main branch from the cloud ninja still a sore spot for the older Hyuuga. "What is it with Hinata-chan? Why does she take his crap…? And why is Neji such an asshole in the first place? They're family…shouldn't blood be thicker than water…?" he wondered.
Despite cultivating a close friendship with the timid Hyuuga she was tight lipped about Neji and the relationships between Branch and Main families. The little he managed to learn from the books and hearsay was all too formal and limited to be of substantial assistance in fixing the situation between the two cousins.
Naruto walked beside Hinata, and noticed Neji was walking close behind them both. "Hiashi must've assigned him to protect her personally or else he wouldn't come near us. But if it's his job as a branch member, why does he seem so bitter about it…?" the blonde boy wondered and stuck by Hinata's side; giving her silent support, brushing his fingertips against her palm.
The girl rewarded him with a smile as he winked and motioned his left hand into thumbs up. "Don't worry, Hinata-chan! We're both much stronger now than we were back in the academy! We'll show them all what we're made of! This'll be a piece of cake, besides, I'll make sure everything turns out well, believe it!" he declared with a foxy grin; ignoring Neji's doubtful snort with a slight scowl.
"Naruto-kun…Thank you" the Hyuuga heiress thought and nodded, her posture straightening up as she allowed herself to feel a bit more confidence and lost some of her nervousness. She had her personal reservations with undertaking a joint mission with Neji. More so one to such a dangerous location as the twilight country but Naruto's words penetrated through her doubt. If he was there maybe this mission wouldn't be as unbearable as she worried about.
As her blonde friend stated this was Hinata's chance to show Neji she could change, no- had changed. She knew Neji hated her for what happened to his father, but she still held onto to hope that somehow she could prove to him that she did care for him and all the branch family. She wanted to break the cycle of mistrust and hatred within their clan and maybe she could finally begin the process by healing her bond with him.
Shino and Kiba locked a gaze and nodded at one another, they knew their mission above all else – 'Protect Hinata'. As they started walking towards their destination Shino held Kiba back much to the dog-nin's chagrin.
"What the hell, Shino? What your problem?" the Inuzuka complained impatiently as the bespectacled genin grasped his shoulder meaningfully and held him in place.
The Aburame's tone came out in a deadly serious tone "Listen to me, Kiba. I want you to keep your eyes on Naruto in particular during this mission and keep your guard up... "
Kiba looked confused and sputtered briefly before Shino proceeded to elaborate on his point. "I tried tagging him with one of my female Kikaichuu but it refused to approach him. Something about his chakra imprint or aura if you may is abnormal. I've never heard of such an occurrence happening before and my parents and clan would not divulge the reason when I mentioned it. If that wasn't suspicious enough if you've been paying attention you'd have noticed that Naruto's physical and mental growth is impossibly fast for a normal human being of our age."
"Naruto always had a way of defying the norms, Shino! Cut the mother hen act. We've been working with Naruto for a while now and he's always been a good guy. Besides, I know him from way back - he's harmless." Kiba brushed off Shino's concern trying to disentangle himself from the taller boy's grip in vain.
"Kiba, I'm serious. I have been forced to reevaluate my earlier assumptions due to these new variables. For example, before the mission to the wave country while Sakura carried a childish disdain towards Naruto and any negative thought about Uchiha Sasuke she didn't have even a sliver of murderous intent within her. While I cannot and will not sanction her actions I do surmise that something might have triggered such a reaction and I believe my earlier deductions on Naruto may have been inaccurate. Look, I only request you to be cautious until I have finished my investigation and assessed if he is a threat or not…"
"Hey, are you guys coming or what?!" the said Uzumaki called out. Kiba eyed Shino darkly and shrugged off his arms, wordlessly rushing forth, obviously unable to see the reason in Shino's words nor able to stomach his new found deductions.
It was unfortunate but Shino always was the silent sentinel of team eight. It was his job to analyze and deduce the dangers and threats to the team just as his clan protected the village silently from the background. He would play his part in this instance as well and would pass judgment on their fellow genin once he finished his research.
Meanwhile the remaining members of team Gai walked side by side behind Gai and Kurenai. "Don't worry, Lee-kun. Don't let him get to you; he isn't half the genin you are. No matter what Neji or Naruto says, I believe in you and more importantly Gai-sensei believes in you, that's what counts." Tenten consoled Lee with a smile, squeezing his arm when she noticed how tense and upset Lee seemed.
It wasn't a new occurrence as the last few weeks were tough on Lee. His confidence had taken a serious blow and despite his better efforts he and Naruto just didn't seem to get along. The Uzumaki had a chip on his shoulder against Lee for some reason lost to the green clad genin and Lee was tired of his fellow genin's arrogant disregard of his skill and mettle as a ninja.
Therefore, even his kind and polite disposition had finally cracked and shifted to hostility – especially considering Naruto's disdain and criticism branched off towards Gai-sensei, something that was unforgivable and Lee would publicly put the upstart rookie genin in place and prove Gai-sensei's confidence was not misplaced and his dream of achieving greatness through hard work was not an illusion.
Lee eyes burned with flames of determination as he briefly glanced as the jinchuuriki that tried to engage Hinata and Kiba in conversation and his fists tightened. "I'll show you, Naruto. I'll prove I can overcome any obstacle and be a proper ninja with Taijutsu alone. I'll make you eat your words!"
(Two hours later, Southernmost island of the Mizu no Kuni)
Two figures were traversing the mist plagued terrain. The area was full of short and thin vegetation, the muddy and water clogged ground only allowing for a very select variety of life to flourish. The air was icy, cold winds enveloping the poorly illuminated planes as only a pale, sickly light managed to penetrate the dense clouds above.
One of the figures was short, yet massive in size. His black, crimson-cloud decorated cloak barely covered his massive bulk, more so when it was muddy and moist due to the effects of the weather. The man's lower face was covered by black cloth and a few spikes of black hair rose backwards from the back of his bald head.
The other figure was moderately tall but lanky and skinny. The man clutched his cloak around his body as it billowed in the breeze. His complexion was light, fitting his blonde hair that was spilled mostly between his shoulders with the top tied in an upwards ponytail.
The man's eyes were two dark orbs of dark brown; however one was currently covered by a strange mechanical visor. "Are you sure you don't want me to create a lift for you, Sasori no danna, um?" His partner asked casually as they walked onwards. His visible eye narrowed thoughtfully. "Your 'Eternal Art' seems unsuitable for this mud…" the young man deadpanned.
The only response the Akatsuki known as Deidara received was a near decapitation via a massive bladed tail. The blonde man snorted faintly as the blade paused an inch from his neck. The blonde's lips twitched faintly as he rolled his eyes at his partner's antics.
"Have it your way. But for someone that hates wasting time your insistence on walking through this sludge unaided is somewhat...contradicting, um"
Akasuna no Sasori removed the offending bladed appendage and wordlessly shot his blonde companion a glare. "Hiruko is special, Deidara. Unlike your supposed parlor tricks, it can survive nearly any obstacle and has served me well for many years now. Do not question my competence again." The puppeteer legend cautioned authoritatively.
"Geez, touchy…" Deidara thought with a light sigh. As he used his right hand to punch the bridge of his nose his left hand slipped under his cloak, running down his lower back. "With all due respect, Master. While I respect your prodigal expertise in puppetry I will not change my mind. As I've told you before art will always about explosive moments of elusive, memorable glory, um."
When the blonde terrorist brought his left hand out of his cloak he ran it through his moist hair a small white grasshopper stealthily dropped to the ground once, slipping between his fingertips.
"Whatever, we're being watched." Sasori interjected neutrally as his eyes shifted to his right and locking upon a nearby bush. The puppeteer's chakra flared violently and the nearby bramble shimmered, the illusion around it broken, revealing a single figure in a low crouch observing them.
It was a single mist ANBU that held her hands in a tiger seal. The masked woman made several quick hand seals and her chakra flashed violently. The moisture around her condensed and shot upwards and after forming a perfect sphere exploded.
Deidara's grin widened, "Mm, it appears that we've been detected, Sasori no danna. There are multiple chakra signatures around us. They seemed to have been hunting down another individual but they've turned their attention on us, um;" Deidara commented conversationally.
He reached backwards, shoving his hand deeply into his pouch of explosive clay, the mouth in his palm already chewing and molding the dangerous substance. "That must be the target," Sasori stated and then turned his gaze towards Deidara.
The two S-Rank criminals ignored the single ANBU's new hand seal sequence, the single woman insignificant as a threat. The moisture around the black ops agent shifted and condensed, swirling torrents of water converging into a serpentine form as the woman bent nature to her will; invoking the 'Suiton: Suiryuudan no jutsu.'
Before the Mist ANBU could fully unleash her technique she felt something land on her left shoulder, a blur entering her perpetual vision and her eyes behind the mask narrowed in confusion. She only had a moment to filter the fluttering of grasshopper wings and the blonde nuke-nin's right hand was now in a hand seal motion before her world erupted into a flash of white and.
"Pursue the target, but don't go overboard …" Sasori warned in a harsh tone as the sound of torn flesh, blood and splashing liquid hitting against the muddy ground pierced the silent plane. "More importantly don't fool around, Deidara. The target is considered a mid-level threat …"
Deidara grunted in affirmative and took out the small clay figurine of a sleek, four winged bird. The creature's body was narrow and its head sharpened, the creature built for high velocities and aerial maneuvering. He made a single hand seal and in a puff of smoke the creature came to life, the clay figurine standing at four feet of height, three feet of width and ten feet of length.
The blonde arsonist mounted the creature, standing on its back much like one would ride a surfing board or skateboard. "I know the orders. I'll do my best to be quick, but unlike your little puppet show it takes time to work real art, um."
With that said the creature's short hind legs tensed before it launched itself into the air with a massive heave, its wings fluttering rapidly as it short forth at break neck speed. Sasori watched his partner vanish off in the horizon, snarling lightly at the brat's insolence as he reached to unbutton his Akatsuki cloak slightly.
He then removed his face cloth to reveal the puppet visage beneath. "That little shit, I just know he's going to take his good time…" He thought. The puppeteer snorted faintly as mist around him thickened into an impenetrable veil. "Kirigakure no jutsu…is it? How useless…"
"Come on then. Perhaps one of you will be fortunate enough to join my collection…" he thought idly, though he doubted any of the weaklings would truly offer him any sliver of a challenge, though he enjoyed a good surprise as much as any other artist.
"I do not like waiting or making people wait, so I'll finish this quickly" Sasori stated simply as his mouth opened widely and a hail of senbon exploded from the bowls of the armored puppet. The sound of steel piercing flesh rang through the crisp air, accompanied by grunts of pain and two, no; three bodies sliding against mud.
"You aren't seriously attempting to defeat me with kenjutsu, are you?" Sasori asked in a bored tone, his scorpion tail whipping forth in impossible speed as he heard the sound of steel sliding out of a scabbard. The deadly assortment of blades cut through the air in a spiraling, circular motion – meeting steel in a display of sparks accompanied by clanging.
With but a fraction of a moment of pause, his tail thrust forward, sinking into a something with a sickening squishing, squelching sound. Then the deadly appendage slashed outwardly and the sound of dying breathes, spilt blood and torn flesh melding together in a twisted symphony. "Useless insects, this is a waste of time…"
Liquid bathed Hiruko's stinger as it released itself from its fleshly prison. Sasori's battle senses warned him that the scent of blood wasn't as strong as it should be considering how many people he killed. Furthermore fewer bodies actually fell to the ground than the amount of people he had supposedly killed. "Che, transparent and amateurish tactics…"
"Raiton: Raikouarashi no Jutsu!" A unified shout filled the air and even through the blinding mist, flashes of electricity were visible. Sasori shifted Hiruko's mechanical head around and detected at least three chakra signatures that were spread out in varying distances in front of him.
The bladed tail extended and swirled around Sasori at blinding speed. The sound of swishing air and sliding steel was deafening as he applied his tail's defensive qualities. The surface of the weapon flickered with burning blue life force a pale shield of chakra augmenting it just as about a dozen tongues of lightning crackled forth.
The consequent flash of lightning meeting steel and chakra as an audible explosion roared. Such a flashing light might've hindered mortal men, but the master puppeteer had long since abandoned pretenses of flesh and humanity in favor of puppetry prowess. Therefore from within the protective confines of Hiruko the legendary ninja struck unhindered.
He manipulated Hiruko and the puppet lifted its left hand behind the make-shift protection its tail provided. The limb snapped open with the sound of sliding steel and slapping wood and revealed a cannon-like barrel.
His tail stopped rotating once the assailants obviously realized their tactics were not working. They tried to compensate for their lapse of strategy but unfortunately for them, their gamble failed and now their lives would end as any puppeteer worth his mettle only needed one mistake to win, and they had just made that error.
The Kiri-nin quickly sought to crush their pinned opponent, one maintaining the lightning jutsu while the other two broke it off and summoned water techniques to finish him off. They were sorrowfully disappointed and never stood a chance as his scorpion tail flashed forward several times during its rotating motion.
Sasori chose to pierce and disperse a water dragon and the part a wave of liquid might with a horizontal slash. His powerful armored hide absorbed the remaining high velocity spheres and water. The kiri-nin were shocked and disappointed to realize that their attacks slammed and harmlessly slid off the puppet's armored hide.
In between defensive and offensive strategies the puppeteer's cannon hand flashed. Several metallic spheres erupted from the barrel. The projectiles were chrome and their surface was fractured
Their hopes for survival dispersed along with their jutsu and were then cut short the moment the metallic projectiles slammed into the ground before them. The explosives within erupted and the grenade like projectiles exploded into a deadly hail of high velocity shrapnel that ripped through their bodies in a cacophony of stomach churning sounds.
The mist cleared along with a light breeze and revealed a crowd of bodies in varying degrees of bloody disarray ranging from decapitation to other forms of amputation and gore – not that a man of Sasori's age and experience minded such sights. "It's up to you now, Deidara. Do not disappoint me…"
(Meanwhile, back in Konohagakure)
"What you think is going on in there, Shikamaru?" Ino's soft whisper filtered through the shadow users mind as he idly played with his thumbs. The pineapple haired teen's glance fell upon his blonde teammate briefly as he shrugged his shoulders and sighed wearily.
"Asuma-sensei's been in there for a while now; do you think everything's alright?" Chouji piped in hesitantly, his nervousness revealed by his lack of food consumption. Before Shikamaru could brush off their questions the door snapped open in a single, fluid motion, slamming hard against the wall.
"Mark my words, this is a mistake! But who am I to argue with the great Sarutobi Hiruzen's judgment. Your wish is my command after all, Hokage-sama!" the chain smoking Jounin hissed out icily, his tone that was uncommon with his lazy and aloof character.
Team 10 leapt into action, following their sensei when he stiffly motioned them to follow with a gesture of his head. Shikamaru paused to throw a curious and cautious glance over his shoulder, seeing how the Third Hokage cradled his face in his hand, his expression morose and weary. "What the hell was this all about…?"
The moment they stepped out of the Hokage tower, Asuma reached into his flak jacket and took out his cigarette pack. While the elite jounin was reacquainting himself with his nicotine fix team ten tensely awaited his instructions and explanation for his odd behavior.
"C'mon then team, we have a C-rank. I'll brief you as soon as we meet up with your teammate for this mission." The Heir of the Sarutobi clan exclaimed through a sigh. He inhaled deeply, flooding his lungs with calming nicotine as he led his team.
His gut feeling warning him that something horrible was approaching and all he could do was prepare himself and hope for the best, something that never gave the elite jounin any comfort.
Team ten all wore expressions of varying degrees of confusion and apprehension at their teacher's bizarre behavior. They silently made their way to the gates of Konoha where they observed a familiar red haired kunoichi adjusting her gear, a gesture obviously meant to kill time.
"Sakura…?" Ino murmured questioningly and noticed that her childhood friend had changed yet again from the last time she saw her. The blonde genin wondered what sort of training Sakura could be receiving that managed to chisel her body so rapidly and how Sakura had acquired such expensive gear. "Wait a minute…are those chains wrapped around her arms and waist?"
Chouji frowned slightly, even though he had lost the burning edge of his anger with Sakura, he didn't trust his fellow genin. Their last meeting didn't inspire the portly genin to confide in the slightly imbalanced girl, nor did the fact she turned on a comrade.
However, Chouji had admitted to himself he hadn't given the girl a chance to try and explain herself properly and perhaps he was acting a little like those kids that gave him grief during his childhood – a thought that shook him to the core. "Naruto is my friend and I won't ever turn my back on him… but Sakura used to be pretty kind back in the academy and she is friends with Ino…maybe I should give her another chance?"
Shikamaru analyzed the black clad girl critically through his seemingly aloof eyes. She seemed much more focused and in control than the last time they met all those weeks ago. The wild violence in her eyes was gone; instead the emerald orbs were filled with icy neutrality. "Troublesome…" he thought as he watched Sakura greet Ino with a smile and the two girls chatted in low tones.
"Alright team ten…Sakura." Asuma greeted mildly and crossed his arms, eyeing the young Haruno with indifferent eyes. While he had no distaste for her personally, Kami knows he had fucked up plenty in his youth and wasn't a stranger to survivor's guilt or emotionally driven madness. But he mistrusted and generally distanced himself from Danzou and anyone associated with the manipulative old bastard so Sakura was no exception.
He and his father had argued over Sakura lately and both Sarutobi knew the only difference between Sakura and the majority of ninja that would've been dead or imprisoned for her actions in the wave country was that she was clanless. Therefore she had no support or backing in the council as nobody wanted to make an enemy of the seasoned and influential veteran if they could avoid it, especially for a non-entity of all people. They simply didn't care enough to try and rebuke his request. Furthermore she was expendable to them and no clan or political influence meant zero tolerance.
However, that's what made her truly dangerous in Asuma's eyes: her link to the 'Will of Fire' and bonds with the village were brittle and she had no prior ninja background to impede her and thus the perfect putty for the crippled manipulator to mold into his tool. The fact she was a non-entity also made her moving and blending about the village easier. "Unlike you Otou-san, I don't believe in freely giving people second chances. I'm a bit more realistic and suspicious of this girl but I'll play along with your little games as an order is an order. But if she even looks at one of my students the wrong way, we both know what I'll do…"
"Our mission is to investigate a series of disappearances and abductions in the town of Fukuoka on the border of Amegakura. Usually Hokage-sama would send an ANBU operative or chuunin squad but as you're all aware with the current military tension in light of the destruction of Taki no Kuni any such strike force would be translated as an act of aggression." Asuma explained in between puffs of smoke.
"Wouldn't an infiltration and reconnaissance team like team eight be more suited for a mission like this?" Sakura asked quietly, tilting her head at her temporary sensei, not quite understanding why team ten and herself are being sent out in the first place.
"Normally, that would be true. However Amegakure is well aware of our clans and their abilities due to our pacts with them. Any Hyuuga, Aburame or Inuzuka that steps on a border town will be perceived as an act of espionage and will attract dangerously unwanted attention." The bearded man explained patiently.
"I see…" Shikamaru murmured thoughtfully "So Hokage-sama decided to send us instead. With Ino's mind jutsu, my analytical abilities and your experience and knowledge of the terrain we should act as a suitable substitute at the very least." He concluded and a question remained hanging.
Sakura smiled faintly and replied without pause. "I am well versed in anatomy, have decent knowledge of toxicology and know several genjutsu…" the young kunoichi supplied, promptly justifying her presence on the task force.
Chouji's face fell slightly, his abilities obviously ill suited for such a mission. Shikamaru squeezed his shoulder reassuringly and smiled at him. "Hey, don't worry Chouji. Stick with me, I'm sure you'll help me just fine" he whispered and the Akimichi heir smiled and nodded.
"Asuma-sensei, I-I'd like to say something before we set off…" Sakura murmured hesitantly and looked down, biting her lower lip. "Don't do this, Sakura-chan. It will only complicate things. They are known supporters of 'crimson-eyes' this is madness…" her inner voice cautioned snappishly.
"I don't care! I can't take this anymore! I'm sick of being alone, of being mistrusted and hated by everyone I know. I thought I could do this alone, that I could take the loneliness and isolation, but I can't! It hurts too much. Besides, Danzou-sama told me to cultivate bonds with my graduating class, I can't keep on pushing them away…if he thinks I'm failing…he'll kill me…and mom!" Sakura's main persona argued both the emotional and pragmatic sides of her decision as she licked her lower lip. Her alter ego was obviously begrudgingly accepting of her deduction as she argued no further.
"I owe you all an apology…" Sakura whispered softly, bowing her head. Her bangs covered her moist emerald eyes as she continued. "I've been so absorbed with Sasuke-kun's death and the consequences of what I've done that I've pushed you all away. To be honest, I've been a complete bitch towards you all…" she stated bluntly. "I know it's a lot to ask b-but please, please forgive me…" she whispered and bowed before them humbly, begging for remorse.
Shikamaru's eyes narrowed faintly as he crossed his arms, his dark eyes shifting to Ino that looked relieved as she embraced her childhood friend, assuring her it'll be ok. Chouji watched the exchange quietly and seemed somewhat conflicted, something Shikamaru could relate with as his slender brow rose questioningly.
"I don't think you should be apologizing to us. Losing a teammate can make anyone act crazy; you should save that for Naruto since he's the one you've really wronged..." The shadow user shrugged while Chouji nodded; his best friend's word logical as always.
Asuma observed a shadow of rage mingled with sorrow flash through the young kunoichi's eyes before it vanished. It would seem Danzou's indoctrination was not that yet advanced; she still retained her humanity and emotions. Perhaps there was still hope for Haruno Sakura as his father claimed, though her hatred towards Naruto would only give her grief.
"I'm sorry…but my differences with Uzumaki have not changed. I still believe he's dangerous and a threat. I do not feel I can talk to him or face him…" Sakura apologized quietly, and inner Sakura intervened and with the main persona's blessing usurped temporary control.
"You're about to blow it! Can't you see how angry that statement made them? He's got under their skin as we've both determined before. You've got to be more subtle; Sakura-chan if you want to win them over, let me do the talking!" There was a moment of silence and tension before the gleam in Sakura's eyes changed to a somewhat hard and serious one and Asuma's eyes narrowed as he caught the shift in the girl's body language and intonations, as slight as they were.
"However, I am a loyal kunoichi of Konoha! I made a stupid mistake, I was too emotional and things got out of hand. B-but I'm different now. I may not deserve it, but I've been given a second chance and I won't blow it this time. I won't attack a fellow leaf nin ever again unless he or she are a traitor!" Sakura promised heatedly.
"At least not now, but when his true colors are unveiled and the situation is right…you'll all thank me for getting rid of him…" The original supplied inwardly. While she had grown to relate some to Naruto's sordid and isolated past, she could not abandon her duty. She would protect everyone from the crimson eyed monster feigning innocence – it was what Sasuke-kun would do in her shoes.
However, Sakura recently realized that she was a kunoichi and the direct approach rarely worked as efficiently in the ninja world. She was not one of those monstrous ninjas that could destroy countries single-handedly and so her isolation was counter productive and too painful to her cause. She had sat down and realized she was being infantile, immature and pathetic and she needed to grow up and act more like the kunoichi she was, less she bring about her own defeat or demise.
Chouji frowned slightly at her insistence of alienating Naruto. "I don't like this. But I can't force people to like other people. As long as she keeps her word and controls herself, I guess I'll give her another chance and at least be civil towards her. It's what I would have wanted had the roles been reversed, though I won't let my guard down until she's proven herself as she might be lying to us…" he determined.
Ino's earlier smile faltered slightly, some relief filling her though she could not deny she was still somewhat wary and disappointed. "I don't understand what her beef with Naruto-kun is. But I guess this is better than before, maybe another little push and I'll be able to convince her to abandon this silly grudge…" Ino determined and her eyes flickered with burning resolve.
She cared for Sakura greatly but at the same time, Naruto was gradually becoming someone important to her. He had become a friend and potentially more in the future and she hated this rift between them, it left Ino conflicted, confused and pained. It had to end, the blonde kunoichi needed it to end; so her conscience would finally cease bugging her and things could go back to relatively normal.
Shikamaru was still uneasy about Sakura; something about her rubbed him the wrong way. The girl's constant changes in body language and vocal quirks were odd and suspicious. It wasn't the first time he noticed it but he liked to consider himself a fair person and though his instincts cautioned him against it he reserved the right to pass judgment upon her character once he analyzed her actions further; words meant nothing after all if she didn't back them up with actions.
Asuma tossed away his cigarette and observed the various reactions amongst the genin around him before walking out towards the woodlands, his team and Sakura in tow. " Danzou wouldn't have volunteered her if he didn't have some hidden agenda, the only question is what it is and how do I stop him…"
(At the same time, back in the Hokage's office)
Sarutobi Hiruzen inhaled deeply as his attendant shut the door behind his rebellious son. He pushed the remorse and anger back and proceeded to review the mission request in his hands – his own reflections and lamenting would have to wait as more pressing things were at hand.
His dark eyes flicked over the text over and over before he brought his hand to his beard, stroking it thoughtfully. "It's been a long time since we've received a request that entails that country. I hope this time things turn out better …"
He put the paper down and reviewed a different document. It bore the Tsuchikage seal and contained the said leader's reply affirmative reply to Sarutobi's demand of fiscal reparations in exchange of the release of his jounin but a blatant refusal regarding the withdrawal of his forces from the border.
The other kage also added a veiled threat that alluded to violent actions should Sarutobi press the issue any further. It seemed everyone blamed one another for destroying Taki no Kuni though the true perpetrator was still unknown.
Sarutobi only thanked the fates that he had sent ANBU to intercept the assassin's contacts. By sheer chance and luck his operatives managed to retrieve and destroy the assassin's reports on Naruto before they reached the Tsuchikage.
It was quite apparent the captured agent, a veteran whom had survived the third ninja war recognized his passing resemblance to Namikaze Minato. The portfolio they had recovered had an in depth report on Naruto's habits, schedule and other personal information and the conclusion he was most like the bastard son of Iwagure's hated enemy.
It was obvious that Iwagakure knew he was the last Uzumaki at the very least, and that was the reason they agreed to such a risky endeavor in the first place. The Kagome family had vowed to purify and exterminate the Uzumaki blood as penance for their blatant insult and dismissing refusal to join Iwagakure in the times of the Shodaime Tsuchikage.
It was a manner of honor and blood debt, but Hiruzen knew that it alone was not enough to warrant Ishimaru, the new Yondaime Tsuchikage, risking a war over one child. The Earth Shadow was patient and cunning in his own right and would probably wait for a more ripe opportunity to try and realize his ancestor's quest, giving Hiruzen more time to prepare and for Naruto to grow stronger.
However, if Ishimaru ever learned of his true heritage, Uzumaki Naruto's life would have become impossibly difficult. The rock village would spare no amount of resources; risk everything in the name of exterminating the offspring of their most hated enemy, the Yellow Flash – even at the cost of war and political difficulties, the scars Minato left still bled freely in the hearts and memories of the Rock ninjas.
Luckily that disaster had been averted and the perpetrators behind the assassination attempt were now incarcerated, interrogated and some even executed for mutiny. Hiruzen regretted the loss of human life, but in order to minimize the bitterness and anger bubbling beneath the surface he made no public display of his decision and even assured their families' futures instead of seeking the collateral approach most hidden villages preferred.
He was not a bloodthirsty and murderous individual and he believed that their disappearance, the funerals and his proceeding financial actions served as a clear message and two weeks of silence and relative neutrality towards Naruto by the civilian population proved it was effective.
The Sandaime ordered their assets be mostly liquidated and divided between charity, the village treasury and their families. He made sure he left a suitable sum for their families to sustain themselves respectfully. However, he was not completely lax and thus the majority of their real-estate was confiscated besides their main residence.
Hiruzen noted to himself to keep monitoring the situation though he believed the worst of it was now over as he picked up his pipe and inhaled the tobacco vapors deeply. His eyes flicking towards the door as it slid open. "Ah, Kakashi. You're just on time…" the old man commented bemusedly.
The silver haired jounin scratched his head a bit awkwardly. "Sarutobi-sama, I apologize but I was just…" he started before pausing when Hiruzen lifted his hand.
"Spare me the excuses, Kakashi. It's alright. I should've informed you it was regarding a mission assignment but the sensitivity of what I'm about to order you must be maintained…" he explained patiently.
The copy ninja quirked his visible brow questioningly, "As you are most likely aware, Mitarashi Anko has bound herself to the snake clan by blood." Kakashi nodded, the rumors regarding that ran rampant throughout the village. Kakashi wondered the relevance of Anko's plight to himself as he watched the elder ninja blow a ring of smoke and pull his head back thoughtfully.
"The ritual took place two weeks ago. She was hospitalized for the first week, in which time her body underwent a mutation or transformation if you will. She has spent the last week training in a remote location in order to reacquaint herself with her body as well as learning some new jutsu from the snake clan."
Kakashi's eye narrowed slightly, he like most of the village had little love for the snake clan or their mercurial morals in light of the damage they had wrought upon Konoha in the hands of one of the arguably most talented and dangerous of summoners to ever walk the continent, Orochimaru.
"She is ready both mentally and physically to resume her duties as a Jounin. However, I am not as trusting as I once was, especially in regards of all the experiments left behind by my former disciple. Furthermore, I cannot afford to endanger the village with the tension building around us…" Sarutobi admitted.
"Therefore, I have assigned her to an A-rank mission to the Yuki no Kuni. I want you to join her in the guise of her partner for the mission." Hiruzen informed him and cleared the ashes from his pipe before coughing slightly. "Your true mission, S-ranked as will be to gauge her mental stability and mettle as a kunoichi." Kakashi's body tensed briefly, already guessing where Sandaime was going to take this line of thought.
"Kakashi. Though I loathe the very concept of what I'm going to ask you, I have little choice. Anko is very well aware that this is her final chance to prove herself to the council and myself. Therefore, if you feel Anko is unstable and becomes a danger to yourself or potentially the village as a whole…react accordingly…"
The copy ninja's brown eye shut briefly and he nodded once. Even though the thought of killing a fellow Jounin pained him, he understood the reality of the situation and the potential danger to Konohagakure. "Understood, Sarutobi-sama" he acquiesced humbly and bowed his head.
"I'm sorry Anko, I want to believe and do believe in you. But I can no longer afford to make mistakes that will endanger the village – I pray you prove my confidence is well placed, for once" Hiruzen lamented mentally just as the door slammed open.
The snake mistress herself stepped into the room, carrying an unconscious woman over her shoulder. "Hokage-sama, Kakashi…" she greeted smoothly, depositing the young brunette on the ground gently. "Fujikaze Yukie successfully retrieved without bodily harm though she might be a bit spooked when she wakes up. It can't be helped...anyhow, what's next?" the snake jounin inquired curiously as stood at her full height.
Kakashi analyzed her new look with mixed feelings though he retained his aloof and neutral stance and body language. On one hand she wasn't grotesque as Orochimaru, quite the opposite. She was possibly one of the most stunning women he had ever laid eyes upon, even in her black and violet Jounin attire.
Instead of being deathly pale, her skin was a golden bronze which was rich and lively. There were tattoo like markings decorating her skin from what little of it he could see when she moved and revealed her hands and arms beneath her long sleeves. Her hair was smoother and no longer as spiky, its shade a bit brighter as it spilled behind her shoulders.
Her eyes were the main difference between her an Orochimaru. Where the snake sannin's eyes were an eerie yellowish green Anko's were a quite exquisite mix of golden and violet. The woman grinned and revealed longer, sharper incisors, most likely used for puncturing and injecting venom.
"What's Kakashi doing here, Hokage-sama?" Anko inquired curiously.
"Kakashi will be joining you on this mission. It's a precautionary act since the snow ninjas are not to be underestimated…" Sarutobi revealed and now that both of them were assembled and Yukie was retrieved, all the ninja needed was to wait for the client, Asama Sandayuu to arrive and explain the mission parameters.
(Several Minutes Later, Back in Mizu no Kuni)
Deidara was gliding through the air at high velocity, his scope covered eye scanning the ground below him. His other eye was shut tightly in the face of the wind blowing against his face. The world before the blonde nuke-nin was a black and green, electronic view with computerized textual data occasionally flashing before him.
The clay bird's wings flapped furiously and for a moment Deidara was positive he had lost his target before his ninja senses flared and he bent his knees. He ducked low, escaping several shuriken that nearly tore through him. The blonde S-rank ninja clenched his hands in his creation, clutching the clay with fingers and chakra alike. "Hm, these Kiri-nin seriously need to work on their hospitality. Well, Sasori no danna might not approve but I suppose there is no way I can deny these philistine brutes a proper education…"
He pressed his feet down hard and directed his vessel, shooting upwards while rotating just in time to dodge several water dragons. He glued his feet to his creation via chakra and shifted it around as the water constructs bore upon him again. He easily flew around the liquid dragons, concentrating his vision on yellow and red silhouettes flashing before his computerized view.
His lips twitched faintly as he moved his foot forward, pressing down on the front part clay bird, pushing his weight forward and sending himself into a dangerous dive. As the air rushed forward and pressed against him he brought both of his hands backwards, shoving them into his satchel; the mouths within chewing and ingesting the explosive matter.
"Let you, and all Kirigakure know this…!" Deidara shouted above the winds as the ground came rushing towards him dangerously. The water dragons missed Deidara and slammed into the ground around him as the terrorist suddenly shot forward horizontally, gliding mere inches instead of splattering against the ground.
He spun the bird around in a circular motion and at that very moment he spread his right hand outwards, unleashing a hail of small white spheres at the Kiri ANBU below. The bird pitched up once more and rocketed upwards at boggling speed, the arsonist's snickers swallowed once more by the wind.
Suddenly, he felt a chakra signature explode angrily and he turned his visor covered eye towards it. A massive yellow and white figure flashed before him in the distance. "Bingo!" With his target acquired he brought his right hand into a single tiger seal.
He diverted his attention for just a brief moment, throwing his head over his shoulder and scream at the top of his lungs triumphantly: "Art is a Bang!" His masterpieces erupted into a glorious flare of scarlet fire, incinerating and ripping apart everything in their path.
Deidara laughed in joy and delight as he brought his left hand slashing forth, releasing two bird-like figurines. With a puff of smoke they came to life, growing in size until they were both approximately three feet a piece.
The pristine colored birds zoomed forth in one file for a few moments before they broke apart and dove downwards in a sharp angle. Deidara brought both of his hands together preparing to detonate them when his computerized visor flickering warningly as he was blinded by white.
Chakra erupted all around him. "What the hell…?" Deidara stopped flying, surveying his surroundings with his naked eye and an audible curse escaped his lips. He titled his body backwards and brought his bird shooting upwards once more as a massive pillar of water rose beneath him, climbing upwards dangerously.
The blonde arsonist looked over his shoulder, seeing a massive maw of liquid rising at velocities even he could not rival. The water formed hollow pillar of water that rose around him, ensnaring him within an inescapable trap. "I see…so that's what you're trying to do…" Deidara grinned and flipped over abruptly, his momentum shifting as he resumed his earlier dive.
The walls of water around him collapsed and crushing amounts of liquid aiming to drown and otherwise destroy him. The blonde terrorist smirked and shoved his right hand into his satchel once more before slapping his hand against his clay bird. He kicked off it with a mighty heave, the clay construct shattered into white pieces just in time for Deidara to throw a clay figurine through the watery veil and command his earlier two birds to cleave through the water as well.
He then shut his eyes as he felt chakra erupt around him. The liquid that surrounded him shimmered briefly before solidifying into thick ice. Deidara's mouth opened widely and his eyes revealed how surprised as he was encased in ice. "Hyouton…Damn that's nasty…"
"You're pretty good, to have tracked me down and dispatched my pursuers so easily. But none of your little tricks will help you. Nobody can avoid my 'Hageshiitouketsu no Suidou'." A crisp, emotionless voice called out beneath him. The frozen Akatsuki's body changed into white clay like figure before imploding violently.
Meanwhile the clay figurine Deidara tossed morphed and shifted into a humanoid shape as the nuke-nin initiated his clay replication technique. His lips twisted into a frown as the two birds from earlier beckoned his command and came to his rescue, one of his feet now planted on top of each of them.
His uncovered eye flickered with annoyance as the man beneath him chuckled at him with resignation "Impressive, but ultimately futile". The Akatsuki quirked his brow he saw the young man was now standing within the protective array of several walls of strategically placed ice. He snapped her fingers and the ice shattered, once more grant him with all the ammunition he could need for Water or Ice jutsu.
The Akatsuki grinned "Oh, so you're Yagura, or should I say Yondaime Mizukage-sama? You should've kept obeying our orders. It would've saved us both the hassle of me kicking your ass and dragging you back with me."
The Sanbi container was short, his body slim and lanky. He was clad in dark black pants, a dark green shirt with a scratched Kirigakure headband over mesh armor. A bright green scarf was wrapped around his neck and covering his face. The most shocking features about him were his striking violet eyes and the bizarre stripe that reached from his left eye down to his chin.
Deidara sighed softly as the Yagura smiled faintly and reached behind her back and pulled out a long, violet hilt. He gripped it between both his hands for a moment before the ice and water around him levitated and started swirling, shifting and morphing erratically in a dangerous looking manner.
His violet eyes turned hollow, the pupil vanishing as the glowed furiously, his chakra shifting into miasma like green substance. "You've messed with the wrong Jinchuuriki, kid. Now I'm afraid I can't let you live, nobody can know that I'm still alive…"
The cylinder flashed and extended, growing into spear like length while its upper edge curved into a thin, sharp curved blade. The former Mizukage was holding a glowing blue naginata. He tipped it into the water beneath him before he started twirling it above her head, controlling the liquid and creating a vortex of edged ice and churning water.
Deidara shook his head, "I tried being civil but it appears you've decided to be stubborn. That's fine with me; I never did care for manners!" His lips twisted into a wide grin as his brought his hands into a tiger seal and Yagurya's purple eyes widened as the ground around him split open.
Several white clay centipedes formed from his original clay bird were now wrapped around the Jinchuuriki's legs and lower body. He laughed and his eyes flickered with homicidal mirth, before he cried out triumphantly and detonated his creations.
The former Mizukage's voice erupted into a scream as the area exploded in a cloud of flame, smoke and debris. Deidara prepared to collect the wounded and most likely crippled container when the arsonist's computerized visor suddenly flashed warningly.
The former kage's chakra levels climbed at an alarming rate. He laughed audibly and was about to proceed when he suddenly ducked low. His action saved him from a searing comet of fire that nearly roasted him alive.
The demolition expert snarled as he rose higher in the air while looking downwards, he caught sight of a young femme kneeling beside the moderately wounded, but otherwise alive and not crippled Yagura "What the hell! Who the fuck is that?"
"Leave Yagura-sensei alone!" The woman shouted at him menacingly. She was rather short, her small body encased in skin tight body armor. The leather material was midnight blue with the protective shoulder, shin, arm guards and metallic cloves were all colored in bright white.
"Yagura-sensei?" Deidara wondered and his eyes widened, his visor was telling him something that just couldn't be. "Shit…another one of them. I have to pull back, there's no way I can handle two Jinchuuriki on my own; I have to get out of here!"
Intricate seal work sewn across it in similar white as well as decorative stripes of white, the only thing breaking her color code was a single red scarf tied around her neck. A scratched waterfall headband was tied around her left arm; revealing her state of no ninja allegiance.
The woman's was young, perhaps not even past her prepubescent years; her smooth skin was a bright complexion with eerily red eyes with cat-like pupils glaring at him in a predatory manner. Her full pale lips were pushed back to reveal lines of razor sharp teeth and a piercing through her tongue.
Shoulder length bright green hair billowed in the wind, held back by a strategically placed golden pin. He eyes were pulsing with raw flame and she pulled away from Yagura and cupped her hands together, scarlet flame pulsing between her fingers. "My name is Fuu, and I'll be your killer tonight, ENJOY!"
The blonde saboteur however wasn't listening, he instead rose higher and higher, and speeded off, escaping death by searing flame, carrying important news he knew the leader and Deidara would be interested in learning.
As soon as he left Yagura got help woozily and smiled faintly as Fuu helped him stand. He looked up at the sky and sighed heavily. "It seems like I don't have a choice…"
(Later that evening, Border between Rice field country and Fire Country)
Yakushi Kabuto was not for the first time bored out of his mind. One of the many downsides of being an undercover agent for the snake sannin within Konohagakure was the fact he had to disguise himself as a genin in order to avoid attracting attention. Consequently, he was constantly forced to deal with mundane missions and pathetic 'teamwork' exercises.
Currently, his genin cell was camping on the border area between Hi no Kuni and Ta no Kuni. They were on their way back from protecting a merchant caravan that made its way between the two countries and had stopped for the night.
His Jounin-sensei was for no better word an idiot. The silver haired jounin had him wrapped around his finger and so did Misumi and Yoroi. Neither the young rookie jounin, nor Konoha itself were aware that the genin squad consisted of agents of one of Konoha's most bitter enemies.
It was truly a laughable fact for all their prestige as the supposedly strongest of the five their internal security had truly become pathetic. First it was the near kidnap of the Hyuuga heiress, then the Uchiha massacre and other sporadic defections by chuunin and low level Jounin that sought influence and money elsewhere.
Or at least that was the case up until a month ago. The Hokage had obviously taken the recent desecration of Senju Hashirama's grave and a string of unrelated murders seriously. He had bolstered every one of his ANBU squads that patrolled the village with members of the noble clans that specialized in tracking.
This made Kabuto's work all the more complicated and it was only due to that fact that Orochimaru himself had falsified the C-rank mission request for Kabuto and his team that Kabuto could even slip out Konoha and relay his encoded message without the risk of blowing his cover.
Therefore Kabuto was sitting on a branch as he had been since sunset. He expected the courier from Orochimaru and therefore he had made it his business to spike the food his 'sensei' and teammates ate earlier in order to assure no complications and interruptions arose.
The tides of war were blowing through the continent, the great five countries standing once more on the precipice of bloody conflict. The bespectacled ninja fashioned himself someone familiar with Orochimaru and his methodology after serving him for so long; but the snake sannin had proven once again that he was as unpredictable as the snake of his namesake.
Kabuto was somewhat worried but not as much as one would expect. The fact remained that the Yakushi was the ultimate survivor and he knew he would bounce back from any situation he was thrown into.
He had trained himself to be a chameleon and change his morals, loyalties and behavior to suit whatever the situation required. Ever since he was found by his surrogate father on the battlefield, surrounded by bodies he vowed to himself he would never become prey again and so he grew strong and taught himself how to manipulate and cling to the strong for protection and influence.
Orochimaru's new found behavior ever since he learned of Sasuke's death baffled the young medical prodigy and forced him to rethink his choices in life and the cost effectiveness of backing the snake sannin's ambitions.
The serpentine criminal had always had use for him in the past and put his talents into play but lately his master was increasingly distant and the correspondence between them had become rare. Kabuto knew what happened to those Orochimaru lost interest in, they either died or became experiments and none of those were an option.
Furthermore, Orochimaru was making a great deal of enemies with how he was handling things and Kabuto didn't bet on the losing side. That was the reason he betrayed Konohagakure in the first place all those years ago when Sasori found him.
That wasn't to say the silver haired young man didn't have options open for him. He had cultivated several other work relationships over the years, always prepared for the worst case scenario. If the noose around Orochimaru's neck tightened to the point of assured destruction he would not allow himself to become collateral for anyone, not even his serpentine master whom he had grown to respect and admire to some extent over the years.
It was all because of that accursed clan and their bloodline limit. The legendary genius was simply obsessed with the Sharingan and the lore around it to such a degree he screened everything else out. Though, Kabuto had to admit he had learned some interesting things about Konohagakure's past, origins and inner intrigues from snooping around the Uchiha district he didn't believe his master should place all his bets on the sharingan alone.
Kabuto was certain that the yellow eyed monster he served would not be satisfied with his findings on the Uchiha's abilities, as information on that subject was scarce beside the formal and useless jargon available publicly.
It wasn't Kabuto's fault as while in the past sneaking and searching through the district was a cakewalk it became a nearly impossible task nowadays with the new situation surrounding the Uchiha clan's finances. Not that Orochimaru would care, especially considering the amount of trust he invested in Kabuto normally.
With the Death of Uchiha Sasuke, the council of clans had liquidated the Uchiha clan's assets and usurped control over their real estate. The whole outer district had been locked down while the inner compound belonging to the ninja population was being combed from top to bottom by ANBU.
They sought to retrieve all valuable documentation or memorabilia that was ninja related. Luckily Kabuto had already scanned quite a bit of the Uchiha's ninja district in the past before the new security measures were introduced. If it were only ANBU searching the premises it would've been possible to infiltrate the area, but the fact the Hyuuga and Inuzuka were assisting the searching efforts made things much more difficult.
His thoughts were interrupted by an interloper and his sharp eyes flicked to his left, a figure clad in a midnight blue cloak and hood figure now crouching on the branch beside him. His eyes widened behind his glasses when he recognized who it was. "K-Kimimaro? That's Impossible! His illness should be approaching its terminal stages by now…"
He had abandoned hope for saving the Kaguya and yet, here he was beside him. "Kabuto-senpai, it's been a while…" Kimimaro greeted and turned towards his superior who recovered from his shock quickly and got down to business.
The medic-nin reached for his side, procuring a long rectangular box. "Tell Orochimaru-sama that Konohagakure is aware of the presence of spies in her midst and has increased her internal security measures drastically. Also, he should be aware that with the destruction of Taki no Kuni Konohagakure has shaken off her laxness and complacent attitude and is actively preparing for conflict…" Kabuto informed as he handed the package to Kimimaro.
The bone wielder nodded, "Kabuto-senpai, while I'm sure Orochimaru-sama is aware of these facts I fear communicating with him is currently impossible…" he informed as he carefully opened the box, examining its contents.
He then snapped it shut and nodded before removing a small scroll from the confines of his cloak, handing it to Orochimaru's right hand man. "Orochimaru-sama informed us he was leaving and would return when he finished dealing with something important. However, he did not care to share his plans or destination with us. But when I see him next I will inform him of your concerns…" he assured Kabuto.
Kabuto's eyes narrowed at that piece of information. Orochimaru's secretive departure and the previous requests for specific research notes and material had only one possible meaning and Kabuto shuddered at the implications that matched only one specific case Kabuto would never forget.
When he unfurled his new orders and skimmed over the contents his eyes narrowed further, "What the hell are you up to this time, Orochimaru-sama…?" he wondered as he memorized the message and burned the scroll with a spike of his chakra.
Jutsu list:
Raiton: Raikyouarashi no Jutsu – Lightning release: Lightning Tempest technique – A mid level lightning technique that unleashes several, mildly powerful mid ranged electrical currents that narrow in on the target. It is most commonly used by several ninjutsu users at once to create an electrical grid to fry large groups of opponents.
Hyouton: Hageshiitouketsu no Suidou – Ice Release: Furious Frozen Tunnel – High level Ice elemental technique that creates a hollow tunnel of rushing water, once the foe is encased the walls of liquid collapsing around him the water will crystallize into ice and fatally freeze the target.
Suiton: Suiryuudan no jutsu – Water Release: Water Dragon Projectile – A high level water technique that creates a dragon shaped column of water to strike the target, its motions and force dependant on the summoner's intent, power and will.