TimeShifter: I certainly enjoyed my Easter. Though unfortunately, I had a lot of work to do (as my boss decided to take a vacation - leaving me with a lot of responsibility). Sadly, it meant little time to work on my other projects as my school finals came first. Again, excellent questions, but I can't answer them just yet.
samueltm2: I'm a bit more interested in balance, and this arc will see if I can bring Pein out of god mode territory...
Fritter: I never actually changed my mind... From the beginning, Momiji was supposed to be exactly who she currently is. I will admit that, originally, my concept for Momiji was born from a 'What if...?' scenario where Naruto and Shion did have a child. However in this story, Naruto only met Shion a few months ago - certainly not enough to have a three-year old daughter.
Chapter 19:
Uchiha Drops a Bomb
Four shinobi bearing no village insignia ducked inside a cavern as a patrol of shinobi bearing the cloud insignia passed. The unaffiliated squad consisted of three teenagers and one preteen. The teenagers were two males and one female. The teenage males had jet black and albino white hair. The teenage female had flame red hair. The child was a brunette.
The albino complained loudly. "What's his?! We're Hawk!" He stated their team name adamantly, as if it meant something. "What are we hiding from these second-rate ninja for?" He crossed his arms over his chest, resisting the urge to draw his sword and start a fight. He didn't care that they were outnumbered.
The kunoichi shushed him loudly. "Quiet Suigetsu-baka! What'll you do if they have a genjutsu specialist in their midst?!" She was confident in her skill set, including genjutsu, but she was also certain her hated teammate was loud enough to wake the dead.
The dark haired teen sighed. "Both of you be quiet." His eyes narrowed as he focused his Mangekyou Sharingan. He wanted to make doubly sure the persistent pursuit didn't follow them into the cavern. He was also getting a headache from the near constant squabbling.
She turned heart-filled eyes to him immediately. "Yes, Sasuke-kun!" She held her hands, fingers intertwined, near her cheek as she tilted her head to one side.
"He means you too, Karin." The preteen chided the kunoichi. He readjusted his oversized clothes. It was humiliating to think he was the one slowing them down.
She eyed him contemptuously. Even knowing he could snap and decide to kill them at any moment, she was secure in the knowledge that their leader could and would stop him. "Shove it, Juugo."
Sasuke rubbed his temples, but he managed to look over their smallest companion. "We'll rest here tonight. The cloud nin won't find us here." He didn't continue by saying that the seeming preteen needed time to recover his chakra; though, he could tell the looks from his other companions meant they figured as much.
Suigetsu let out a guttural sigh as he picked a particularly jagged rock to sit against. He stared heatedly at their leader. Begrudgingly, he had to admit he owed his life a few times over to the former leaf nin. "What's the rush, anyway? You suddenly pull us out of Lightning, and I know for a fact you ain't scared of those second-rates."
Karin gave him an incredulous look. "Eh? Didn't he already explain it to you?" He returned her look, and she took on a smug expression as she folded her arms over her chest. "That hit you took do something to your short-term memory?" The look she received was instant gratification to her.
Sasuke interrupted before another, meaningless squabble broke out. "I know we're still recovering from our battle against Kira Bi, but I managed to get some intel off one of our pursuers." His subordinates turned their attention towards him with their own, unique gazes. "Kumo intercepted some communications indicating Akatsuki is on the move. They don't know the whereabouts of Hachibi, so who's their logical next choice?"
Suigetsu gave their leader a condescending look, obviously not understanding the question's importance. Karin mouthed an 'oh' of understanding. It was Juugo who spoke up. "You think Akatsuki's ready to handle Kyuubi, then? Are they ignoring that Konoha has killed several of their members, including two immortals?" His emphasis clearly conveyed his skepticism.
Sasuke merely nodded. "My former comrades are no pushovers. I'm sure Tsunade's made sure to put that idiot out of reach, but Akatsuki will do anything to get to him." He narrowed his eyes and looked disdainfully to the floor. "They'll disrupt my revenge and harm Hawk's purpose."
Karin rubbed her chin thoughtfully for a moment. "Hey Sasuke-kun, what about our little spy? You could use Tenganyume to make contact." She paused for a moment before amending her comment sheepishly. "…once we're in range, anyway."
As Sasuke nodded, her comment had an unexpected result. Suigetsu broke the silence to ask a question about something that had been bothering at least him for a while. "Hey, didn't you say you'd explain why you had to involved pinky and that Hyuuga girl in your last scheme in Konoha?"
His question got Karin and Juugo's attention as Sasuke looked up in thought. "I did; didn't I?" He looked at each of his companions in turn. "We were so caught up in Madara's little plan to capture Hachibi that it slipped my mind." Even Suigetsu was rapt in the preamble, awaiting the explanation.
"Orochimaru introduced me to Karin shortly after he started training me. It wasn't until our third meeting that I saw her worth and took advantage of her skills. Even working for Orochimaru, she carried out experiments for me." He ignored her fawning expression and continued with barely a sigh. "I had blood samples I wanted analyzed. It was around that time I discovered how true a brother Naruto was to me…under the right circumstances."
"Get to the point already!" An annoyed Suigetsu blurted out as his eyebrow twitched. "What do blood samples and clandestine experiments have to do with your revenge on Konoha?!"
As Karin was about to reprimand him, Sasuke calmly continued. "You've always been impatient, since the first time I met you." He paused to eye the kunoichi disapprovingly. Though she pouted, she nodded in understanding. "What I have to say is very important and will explain the importance of what comes later." The pale shinobi grunted and crossed his arms in acquiescence.
"Now as I was saying, her experiments were a great boon to me. They helped me solidify my plans. I had to overcome Orochimaru, kill my brother, and restore my clan. As such, I had to ensure the best genetic samples to re-secure the Uchiha and make them a pedestal of shinobi nations."
"Oh, so did you involve the Hyuuga girl 'cause you wanted to mate with her…or was it pinky?" Suigetsu hadn't seen the dreams created by Tenganyume. He was proud of his deduction despite it being a mere assumption, so he was thoroughly confused by his leader's expression.
Sasuke sighed before answering the guess. "Don't assume things." He looked to the kunoichi before speaking again. "Karin has an exceptional ability to track chakra. It's a genetic mutation, but it's not enough to be called a kekkei genkai. Given time or the right circumstances, it could develop into one…or it could blend with an existing one to make it stronger."
She puffed her chest proudly as he continued. "In fact, not everybody can manipulate or mold chakra. What we call kekkei genkai is a mutation Orochimaru hypothesized is caused by the ability to mold chakra. In fact until the first ninjutsu, crude uses of chakra included Fuuin and taijutsu, such as the samurai's bushido."
Juugo's spoke up curiously. "Why is Fuuin a crude use of chakra? It takes fine manipulation of chakra up to the point of including impeccable somatic and written cues."
Sasuke nodded. "Of course, but it took too long. It has always been impractical to use in a fight because preparation time always left the user vulnerable to attack. The reason Konoha's Fourth was and is considered so great was because of his mastery of Fuuin. He was able to successfully deploy it on the battlefield."
Suigetsu growled and slammed his fist against the floor. The lecture, as it was becoming, was driven off course by the preteen's question, and he wasn't interested in the history of chakra manipulation. "That's enough! I want to know why you're talking about the Kyuubi like he could be a brother and why you used Tenganyume like you did!"
Sasuke smirked and continued. "Orochimaru studied the past because the Sharingan is supposedly descendant from Byakugan. At one time, he may have been seeking to blend them, but I never cared to confirm it. His research, combined with my own, revealed the best way to revive my clan. I cannot allow Akatsuki to destroy Konoha before the future of the Uchiha is ensured."
Suigetsu gave the last Uchiha an incredulous glare. "You swear revenge on Konoha, and now you say you gotta protect the place from Akatsuki. I kinda understand your reasoning and all, but, more importantly, what are you protecting?"
As his smirk broadened slightly, Sasuke had one thought. "Now that's the right question." He opened his mouth to explain. It was finally time to reveal the truth of one of Hawk's goals.
Kankuro was watching his genin train. Hanabi was training with Tsume again. Though the girls were the same age, it was obvious who the more skilled fighter was. Hanabi had been trained and groomed in the juuken taijutsu style since she was very young, and her expertise showed. Even without the Byakugan active, she was quick and agile.
Tsume was at a disadvantage, but she was a fast learner. She was blind and had to rely on subtle vibrations through the earth and air. He thought it a bit strange how readily she caught onto things. She had already learned how to detect feints. It was perhaps evidence that he and his other wards had been too easy on her. Did the Byakugan see something they couldn't? Were they just fretting over her ankle?
Hanabi knew nothing of the 'ankle incident' as Mori and Hishu referred to it. She sparred Tsume without thinking over it, and she didn't miss on purpose. Kankuro didn't know if either would admit it, but they seemed to have formed a bond. As he watched them continue, it was difficult to miss their improvement.
His head jerked as he felt something and looked over his shoulder. He raised a brow in curiosity as he saw Hiashi approaching, but he quickly returned his attention to his genin. "Didn't expect to see you here, Hyuuga-san." His eyes shifted to view Mori barely escape a powerful blow from Hishu.
Hiashi set his harsh gaze on the spars. "I came to observe Hanabi's progress." He noted whom she was sparring. His daughter ducked low to deliver a sweeping kick, a common feint to throw the opponent off guard. Instead of jumping over it or stepping back, the blind girl sidestepped and caught the next strike in her elbow. He raised a brow. "If Hanabi had been using chakra, the Tomoyuki would have lost use of her arm."
Kankuro smirked and nodded. "Yeah, but the lesson's not about that." He had seen what the Hyuuga patriarch did, but he was more concerned about how rough the boys were getting. In retaliation to Hishu's violent strike, Mori launched several senbon from small openings in his Karasu's hands.
Hiashi nodded. "I can see that. The Tomoyuki is using what her senses tell her to dodge, parry, and counterattack as necessary. She's adept at handling normal taijutsu styles by turning them against the user." His emphasis was to push home the fact that his daughter was restraining herself from using the real advantages of juuken.
Kankuro chuckled. "She's learned a lot more than that thanks to Hanabi." He didn't miss the angry glower he received. "I must have been too soft on her 'cause she's learned to recognize and deal with feints. I was always worried about going overboard, but that girl of yours has no restraint."
Hiashi returned his gaze to his daughter. He didn't feel like arguing with the Kazekage's brother over formalities. He could live with it as long as the sand jonin was polite. He had, after all, just complimented his daughter's skill and precision. He was certain his daughter, like him, had seen the old ankle injury with her Byakugan. It was very important to be well informed in any confrontation.
"I came for another reason." When he had the puppet master's attention, the Hyuuga patriarch continued. "One of my meetings ended earlier than I expected, and I want Hanabi to attend the next with me. I need to speak with her before the meeting, and I require her to clean up first as well." He looked expectantly to the young man.
"Ah, of course Hyuuga-san." Kankuro stood to call the training to a stop. "Hey, it's time to stop. I'll give you all a break. Say goodbye to Hanabi 'cause her tou-san needs her." The genin stopped and looked at him. With some reluctance, they stopped and gathered to say farewell.
Hanabi quickly left the group and rushed to her father's side. She politely bowed and followed after him when he walked away. The silent exchange between father and daughter was unusual for the genin. Hishu, coming from a pack-like family similar to the Inuzuka, spoke up about it. "Wasn't that a little cold? He didn't even say anything to her!"
Kankuro shook his head and wore a wide smirk. "Nah, don't worry about it. That's just the Hyuuga for you." He turned to face his confused charges. Well, Tsume wasn't all too confused. "They don't need to talk about every, little thing. They say the Byakugan sees everything, so sometimes just a glance is enough for a conversation."
Mori and Hishu didn't really understand, but they accepted their sensei's explanation. Tsume understood better, but she still thought it was a little cold. Hiashi didn't show any signs of disappointment, but he did regard her with a level of neutrality she wasn't used to. She shook her head and followed her sensei and teammates as they walked off to get a treat.
Rikka stared out the window of Kurenai's living room. It was strange to her to suddenly be without her mother and elder sibling. Tsunade still didn't know who did it, but it didn't bother her as much as she thought it might. She was old enough to have plenty of memories of them, but she had never been shown physical affection.
She sighed half-heartedly when she felt her guardian's presence enter the room. The off-duty jonin sat down on the other side of the room. "What are you thinking about?" She was curious why the faux young girl had been so contemplative lately.
"Am I a bad person?" The question seemed to come out of nowhere. She saw the faces of her mother, fathers, and brothers. She shed no tears over their loss, even if her younger sibling was still alive. She just felt...apathetic towards them.
"No, I don't think so." The pregnant woman watched as the young face turned to look at her. "From what I've been able to read up on your file, you didn't come from the best environment. Maybe you don't quite understand what you're feeling, but you're not a bad person." She smirked. "After all, you're thinking about becoming a legitimate Konoha shinobi."
Rikka nodded. "I am." She paused to consider the admission. "Well, as long as I am satisfied with what I observe..." She wasn't sure she was satisfied with her observations. Naruto was certainly better treated than her mother led her to believe. The denizens of Konoha were far kinder than she expected.
Kurenai's face brightened. "Oh, I heard from Iruka that you made some friends in class today." She suppressed a giggle as the younger-looking occupant fought a blush from forming. She appeared more angry than embarrassed, though, and she seemed to grumble something under her breath. "Oh? Are you disagreeing with your sensei?"
The pale girl looked at the expectant mother dangerously and scoffed. "No, I just don't see the point of calling brats who refuse to leave me alone 'friends'." She really didn't. They were annoying, immature, and far more in need of education than she was. For her, attending Konoha Academy was a punishment, probation.
The genjutsu mistress smiled knowingly before forcing herself up to head to the kitchen. "Now, now, calm down." She paused as she passed through the portal to prepare dinner. "There's no need getting into a huff over some small incident. I'm sure you'll come to accept them in due time." She felt the girl attempt to bore holes through her head with her stare, and her smile only broadened.
Hinata returned home with Shion and Momiji to see the hawk masked ANBU captain waiting. "No..." She reasoned with herself. "She's been following me the entire time, or more precisely Shion. Hawk-san probably wants to talk about a security detail." She stopped when she saw Hawk moving towards them and bowed swiftly and politely. "Good evening Hawk-san. What can I help you with?"
The trained warrior bowed deeply in a show of respect. "Hinata-sama, preparations for Demons-sama and Momiji-chan have been prepared." She rose from her bow after concluding her report. She then turned to address the guards. "I have been assigned a guard detail which involves my presence on Hyuuga clan grounds. Under ANBU authority, I'll be making patrols as necessary."
The guards nervously nodded which caught Hinata off guard. She spoke up with certainty of her deduction. "Hawk-san, you are Hyuuga. Why do you need to use your authority to patrol clan grounds?" She was certain she knew that voice.
Hawk suppressed a giggle as she turned to face the shy heiress. Her head was tilted to one side as she spoke. "Hinata-sama, I can't tell you." When she saw a reply coming, she stopped it short. "As much as I would like to obey orders to the contrary, I still wouldn't." She paused only long enough for the heiress to blink confusedly. "Now then, shall I escort the guests to their room?"
Neji, Tenten, and Lee sat together at a booth in a dimly lit restaurant. They seemed in deep concentration as they ate their food in silence. The story they heard from Shion hit close to home. It reminded them of Naruto. Neji, of course, knew the hyperactive blonde's secret. He was sure his teammates had their suspicions, but he had promised to keep and S-class secret.
"That was so horrible." The boys looked Tenten's way as she spoke. "I mean; I know it's not unheard of, but she's just a small girl..." She trailed off as she thought about Naruto and Gaara. Their cases were far too similar to be a coincidence. She knew she didn't have the sharp eyes Neji and Hinata had or the smarts of Shikamaru, but she still had her suspicions.
Lee nodded earnestly. "Yes, it is unyouthful to damage a child's flames like that!" He managed to keep his voice down, but there was the unquenchable passion clearly visible in his eyes. He added, almost uncharacteristically quietly, his opinion on Naruto's matter. "It is most fortunate our own village's mistakes did not damage the flames of our dear friend." He didn't need to say who he was talking about.
Neji nodded and made up his mind. He was sure they would find out soon enough, but he needed to keep his clues subtle enough that they 'found out' on their own. "It is sad that people cannot see past the demons one carries. With such mistakes, more people will walk the path of destruction as Gaara once did." He paused as a dangerous look overtook his eyes. "We are fortunate Momiji seems kind and receptive to warmth."
Fortunately for him, they had once discussed Naruto's merits and the 'strange' chakra he exuded. Tenten caught on quickly enough. With a smile, she had something else to add. "I bet we can break Momiji out of her shell. She just needs some time, and it's perfect she's away from scornful words."
Lee's eyes opened in realization. "Oh, your plan is filled with the flames of youth!" He was too loud and earned a swift kick to the shin from the weapon mistress. He blinked as he returned his voice to a more reasonable tone. "I am sorry. I meant that it I good that Momiji is around people who can accept her. I am sure she will eventually accept our flames and become good friends." He wore an expectant grin.
Neji nodded. He was sure his teammates had caught on well enough. He wasn't sure if they fully understood, but he couldn't come right out and say what he wanted. "As Momiji has shared similar childhood experiences as Naruto, I'm sure those two will get along very well. I'm also sure she'll be receptive to his...blinding warmth."
Tenten and Lee couldn't help but agree.
Hitohana stood and politely bowed to Tsunade. "It's getting late, and I think we've come to a mutual understanding." He was rather pleased with the results of the day's two meetings.
Tsunade nodded and rose from her seat. "Thanks for the information on Akatsuki and Oto. I hadn't realized how well your spies had penetrated those organizations." She felt she could trust the leader of the Juunihana no Kumo. After debriefing Hinata and Shion between meetings with him, she felt like he was a trustworthy man.
"Oh no..." He carefully corrected the esteemed leader. "I'm only sorry I couldn't tell you where either organization called headquarters. I'm actually surprised I can walk away from this knowing that Rain is where we should concert our efforts with you." He paused to look over his shoulder, a sensation running down his spine. "I suppose that ANBU is to escort me to the hotel?"
She nodded and added nothing more. She had one more meeting before her day was done; though, she just wanted things over and done with. Before he opened the door to leave, she decided to wish him a good night. "Don't dawdle; ANBU don't like to be kept waiting. Oh, and enjoy your rest."
He smirked and gave her an approving nod. He was certain his leader would like Konoha's Fifth. He stepped lightly out of her office and paused to watch two younger shinobi walk in before the door closed on him. "Hmm, the leaf and the sand have a meeting with Hokage-sama?" He shook his head. "Oh well, none of my business."
He quickly located his escort. Cat was there to escort him. She nodded and walked out towards the street. He smirked and shook his head before following. He could accept her reluctance to speak to a foreigner, and it was unlikely she had any inclination to slow down. It didn't bother him. He might not have been in his prime, but he was still capable of keeping up with a little effort.
About halfway to the business district, he felt something ominous fill the air. Eyes wide, he looked to the ground where a powerful Fuuin had already been placed. Before he could warn his ANBU escort, the powerful genjutsu took effect. Cat fell unceremoniously to the ground as he shielded his eyes.
He heard footfalls behind him and quickly spun. What he saw surprised him. An elderly man with a badly bandaged head and scarred chin approached him. He seemed to have a slight limp, but his most outstanding feature was most certainly an absent arm. The man came to a stop a short distance from him before speaking. "I am Danzo, war hawk of Konoha."
Hitohana raised a brow and instinctively reached for his bokken. He carefully controlled his emotions even though he felt naked without his weapon. "I am Hitohana, Juunihana no Kumo. What business do you have with me?" He was also concerned about why he had to use a Fuuin to catch an ANBU in a genjutsu.
The war hawk drew a sword, and the elder cloud shinobi recognized it was held offhanded. He was compensating for losing his main hand, but the important fact was that he was attacking. He lunged forward with a clean swipe to behead his opponent.
Hitohana leaped back and set his sickly eyes on the man who attacked him. He rushed forward and pumped chakra into his forearms. Even without his bokken, he was still capable of fighting. Electricity charged and danced around his forearms as he threw one, two, three punches. He leapt back to avoid another slicing sweep. "Why attack an ambassador?"
Danzo practically ignored him as he rushed forward. He took another swing, but his adversary jumped clean over the strike. As his opponent sailed through the air, he turned and stomped the ground. The Fuuin reacted for moment before a sharp spire rose out of the ground. "You are a danger to Konoha."
Hitohana felt the air catch in his lungs. He concerted his chakra to his legs and feet. The maneuver was going to be dangerous, but he'd survive the earth spear. As he extended his legs, the earthen technique crumbled under his power. "You're making a poor choice, war hawk. It would be foolish to incite war with Kumo."
Danzo actually smirked. "War doesn't sound too bad. After all, I'll soon be Hokage and lead Konoha into its rightful and glorious future." He lunged forward and swiped his blade again. As he did, a spark seemed to light the tip of his blade.
Hitohana ducked under the swipe, a task made easier by the sunken earth he created. He pushed forward with his forearms leading. He crackled with power as he tried to stop the man he now saw as deranged. "You fool! People will die!"
The smirk Danzo wore turned dangerous. The spark that lit the tip of his blade faded for an instant before exploding into a pillar of fire. As his adversary was caught in it and fell to the ground, he almost sang his next words. "You have to break a few eggs to make an omelet!" He swung down, hard, only to hit solid ground.
Hitohana stood a good distance away, having barely escaped death. "If you don't stop this foolishness, Raikage-sama will find out!" He paused as his attacker raised his blade for another strike. "Don't you know that the power of the Hitohana records the seeds of vision? If you don't stand down now, your treason will be known!"
Danzo's expression twisted into maniacal seriousness. "The Third and Fifth were weak. Though the Fourth also believed in peace, he was at least strong enough to force others into it." He shook his head. "I not only know about the powers of your Juunihana; I'm counting on it."
He swung his sword down hard, and a fierce blaze came into existence. It seemed the Fuuin molded his chakra for him because he hadn't made any hand seals. It also shifted slightly whenever he prepared his chakra for a strike. The powerful technique made enough noise to drown out anything that was said.
Hitohana, however, could read lips. He read perfectly what his attacker said. "If the Third had only handed over the Kyuubi like I wanted, we would have had a powerful weapon." As anger flooded him, he pushed as much chakra as he could into his hands and thrust forward. He managed to overwhelm the dense inferno and cut through to...an empty space!
He looked up too late to see Danzo over him with his sword held in execution style. "...and now you die." He swung his sword down hard, confident he wouldn't miss. He was confident his mission was cleared and a final obstacle removed.
Hitohana barely managed to cast a genjutsu over his own eyes. He saw the leaf symbol come into existence over his attacker's chest. He saw a scratch clearly bisect it. As he felt the sharp edge of a katana cleanly cut through his neck, his last thoughts lingered on the message he sent. He could only hope it was interpreted correctly.
Danzo stood over the bloody corpse and violently shook his katana to clean it of blood. "That ought to send a clear message to Kumo. They won't ever try negotiations again. The war hawk has fulfilled his duty, and Konoha is safe from a threat I cannot recover from." He walked away from the bloody scene not at all concerned for the blood splattered on his robes.
Back in Danzo's quarters, two ANBU watched their quarry sit in deep meditation. One suddenly jerked his head up and looked around. He spoke quietly. "Hey, did you feel that? I thought I felt his chakra spike, and I could have sworn I saw a seal flash into existence for a second."
The other ANBU shook his head in the negative. "I didn't sense anything suspicious." He was silent for a moment before amending his comment. "I think you're getting tired. Maybe we should request a break; we have received a lot of shifts lately." They were quiet for the remainder of their shift as nothing new happened.
Tsunade nodded her head in greeting as Shikamaru and Temari entered. "I'm glad you came. I know its short notice, but I think it's important that we discuss what we've learned so far." She was anxious to get more information on Akatsuki, and she was sure Jiraiya's extensive notes had to have left behind something.
Temari nodded and was the first to speak up. "I think it's important we discuss the information we intercepted between rogue elements in Wind and Akatsuki." She awaited a confirming nod from Konoha's leader before continuing. "As you know, Suna recently killed two missing nin from Iwa. We also confirmed they had connections with Akatsuki and were apparently to observe Gaara."
"We can assume Akatsuki has done the same for Naruto." Shikamaru said without hesitation, earning a suspicious glance from Tsunade. "It's troublesome, but I'm not stupid. Akatsuki's after Naruto. It doesn't take a genius to figure out he contains the Kyuubi, but nobody really cares enough about it to really think about it."
Tsunade sighed but relented. It was good enough the lazy shinobi didn't hate the blond genin. She motioned for Temari to continue, which she promptly did. "Those communications weren't very important, at least at first. They were observations on Gaara's behavior after the extraction." She stopped to sigh before continuing. She didn't like the discovery. "However, they did indicate a certain...readiness to move on Konoha."
Shikamaru nodded. "Yeah, they're ready for something big." He paused to place a manila folder on the heavy oaken desk. "From what we gathered from Jiraiya's notes, he suspected pretty much the same thing. After confirming the container for Hachibi, Akatsuki's next target was Kyuubi. Since Kumo announced the capture and very likely death of their jinchuuriki, there's little doubt Naruto's next."
Tsunade sighed as she took it all in. She was already studying the contents of the folder; things were looking grim. On the bright side, Naruto was out of the village and in great care. Few knew where he was, so it was less likely anybody could be tortured into revealing that information.
"There's more." Shikamaru's statement brought his leader out of her musings. He scratched his head with a yawn before continuing. "Jiraiya made sure any information he gathered was written in a very strong and complex cipher. He made certain his knowledge was passed along, but he probably hoped his written reports would never be necessary."
He shook his head and shrugged. "Its troublesome, but we've found four ciphers for his works. I won't go into the boring details, but that means we have a lot of information. Naruto, Kanaeru, and Isaribi have been as vital in finding the ciphers as Temari and the rest of the code breakers."
Tsunade wore a smirk as she commended them on their hard work. "Thanks to you, we might have a good chance of stopping Akatsuki before they've gone too far." She looked to the outline on various topics covered in Jiraiya's research. "Well, when can I expect the full report?"
Shikamaru and Temari blinked at each other before the latter answered. "Uh, we're still compiling all the information and sorting it. There are personal letters and a will mixed in with it all, and we want to respect his final wishes..." She took the dangerous glare she was receiving from the buxom blond in stride. "We can probably have it done by the end of the week..."
She trailed off as she felt several chakra signatures appear in the room. She instinctively reached for her fan, even knowing it wasn't there. Cat, Dog, and their squadrons appeared kneeling before their leader. Dog spoke up; Cat was too ashamed. "Hokage-sama, Hitohana-san was found dead moments ago near his escort's unconscious body."
Her eyes went wide. "How could this happen?!" Her voice shook the walls as he hands nearly slammed through the desk...which would need to be replaced. She stared vehemently towards the assigned escort. "You were assigned to ensure his safety! How could you fail your mission so spectacularly?!"
Cat showed no signs of response even as she cowered under the harsh reprimand. Dog, again, spoke up. "Hokage-sama, we found evidence of a massive Fuuin at the scene. It appears to have been used to power an unidentified genjutsu and harness several ninjutsu. Currently, Elephant, Tiger, and Bat are investigating the scene. Dispatches have been sent to any other taichou who could help in this matter."
Tsunade wasn't pleased, but there was nothing she could do after the fact. She turned a scrutinizing gaze to the assigned escort. "I expect a full report. Normally, a genjutsu should not have affected your ability to perform your duties. Until further notice, you are relieved of your status as ANBU...pending a full investigation." She had little doubt the Fuuin amplified the genjutsu beyond her abilities to quickly dispel.
Cat understood the required reprimand. She held no fear of punishment, even if it meant a visit to Ibiki. She would endure it for, in her mind, she had failed Konoha spectacularly. Still kneeling, she tightly wrapped her hand around the grip of her blade and unsheathed it. She laid it against the ground and stood.
She looked at Shikamaru and Temari before reaching for her mask. Tsunade held her hand up to stop her. "Dog will escort you to Bull. Once there, he'll explain the situation. You can turn in your mask there." It was no use revealing who an ANBU was even if being decommissioned. She was angry, but she had to think like a leader. Failures happened, and it was quite plain to see that the ambush was prepared ahead of time.
The ANBU disappeared as quickly as they had appeared. Tsunade turned weary eyes to her remaining guests. "You two get some sleep. I expect to see reports on my desk..." She looked at her ruined desk with an anguished sigh. "...as soon as they're ready. Give them to Shizune if you need to, but I expect to see them. Dismissed."
Shikamaru and Temari nodded before they left, exiting through the door. It wasn't nearly as flashy, but it was just as effective. They all shared the same thought. It was going to be a long night, and morning wasn't going to make things any easier.
Fukusaku tapped his foot impatiently as he awaited Naruto. The tadpole told him he would only be a few minutes, but it was taking entirely too long. When he finally heard the door latch click, he yelled at his latest pupil as soon as he was in view. "What are you dillydallying around for? We need to continue your training so you're ready for whatever Akatsuki throws at you!"
He stopped to observe Naruto as the hyperactive blond sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "Ah, come on Fukusaku-sensei. I'm not that late. Besides, I finally remembered I had this change of clothes!" He spread his arms wide to proudly show off his very orange choice of clothes.
The sagely toad had to admit the genin was bold. He also had to admit that the blue outfit he had been wearing was easier on the eyes. Well, he had no real complaints as long as the tadpole was willing to learn. He turned and started hopping away. "Well, come on. No point being later than need be. We'll start off with some light meditation."
The hyperactive blond rubbed a hand against his face. He knew it was important for senjutsu, but he couldn't get used to how boring mediation was. He sighed and followed after his latest sensei. At least he felt a whole lot stronger since he arrived. Maybe he was ready to protect his precious people from Akatsuki rather than the other way around. As much as he hated to admit it, he could only take credit for the removal of one of the criminals.
The current leader of Kumo rapped his fingers against his desk several times in rapid succession. He hated admitting he was bored. He had pursuit teams chasing after Uchiha Sasuke and his team. Even if he was still awaiting permission from Konoha to kill the brat, he still fully intended to be the one to capture him.
The reports he was receiving from the field weren't to his liking. The pursuers hadn't found anything. They had lost all traces of his little brother's killer. He also had relatively nothing to do since all missions for the day had already been assigned. He forcibly resigned himself to his office to await news.
He was awaiting a report from Hitohana. He was awaiting some permission or denial to execute a foreign shinobi, not willing to risk war when he could have allies against Akatsuki. He was awaiting any kind of information that would either make or break his day. He hated admitting that bad news was better than no news. It was so wrong that it was against his morals!
He looked to a picture of his little brother on his desk, and, in an overdramatic display of emotions, tears spilled forth from his eyes in a magnificent waterfall. He loved his little brother. He missed his quips and poor singing...if it could be called that. Well, he could admit his little brother was at least poetic.
He looked to the door, and, in a moment of little brother-induced wit, said something he knew sounded stupid and un-poetic. "My chakra sense is tingling!" He almost groaned at the stupidity even as the door opened and a chunin entered. He wore a frantic expression as he rushed in, nearly tripped, and spilled what he was carrying on the leader's desk.
The Raikage, always believing himself a good-humored man, took it all in stride. His attention was quickly riveted, however, on a small, comma-shaped object. He raised a brow as he commented on it. "Is that a Hitohana memory seed?" The only response he received from his subordinate was a worried nod. "Has anybody else viewed it, yet?"
The chunin nodded hurriedly. "Yes, Raikage-sama." He nervously sighed and swallowed. "The other members of the Juniihana no Kumo agree that immediate action is vital." At the incredulous look he received from his leader, he carefully continued. "The current Hitohana is dead, and his last memory seed reveals his...murder."
The leader's eyes went wide. "Hitohana is dead?!" He was in a state of shock for several long moments as the information sank in. "He has been a long time supporter and advisor..." He looked up shaking a fist with tears in his eyes. "His murder won't go unpunished! Now, show me his last memory seed!"
The chunin nodded. "Of course, Raikage-sama." He paused before nervously continuing. "The Juniihana no Kumo also request permission to seek the next carrier." He knew how much the imposing man valued friends and family. He was obligated to bring up any requests from the Juniihana no Kumo, but he feared any coming reaction.
The powerful man half-snarled as he waved it off. "They can seek the next bearer of the name Hitohana at any time they wish. I want to view his last memory seed now!" He watched as his subordinate wordlessly responded. In a few moments, the final moments of his valued friend and advisor's life flashed before his eyes.
As he watched, he also observed the chunin's reactions. The younger shinobi seemed genuinely surprised that a one-armed, badly mangled, and old man could ever hope to defeat the esteemed leader of the Juniihana no Kumo. The intricate Fuuin adorning the ground didn't seem to catch the young man's attention, but it certainly caught the elder's consideration.
As a bisected leaf emblem appeared on the old war hawk's chest, Kumo's leader sighed in recognition. "I see, old friend. You're final wishes have been received." The chunin looked at him confused. "Hitohana was a wise old man. He had a knack for figuring things out. You might not have noticed it, so I'll explain it to you."
"First, Danzo, as he called himself, prepared a massive and intricate Fuuin ahead of time. He knew where Hitohana was going to pass through ahead of time, and he knew this because he was either told by legitimate or illegitimate sources. Second, he spoke of Konoha's jinchuuriki with contempt. Third, he spoke of usurping the rank of Kage."
The chunin nodded. He saw where his leader was going, but he did not interrupt. It was usually best to let the imposing man finish any speeches or monologues. "Hitohana might have been wrong, but he was always more interested in peace and this village's welfare than his own."
The elder shinobi nodded his head as he crossed his arms over his chest. "I do not know what Danzo's purpose was or why he treated the attack like a mission with a zealous attention to detail. However, his actions were labeled as treasonous by somebody I would trust with my life."
The chunin nodded and, hoping his leader was finished, finally spoke up. "Should I pass the message on to the rest of the Juniihana no Kumo? They were deeply saddened by Hitohana's death and would like to ensure a worthy successor." He waited nervously through several, long moments of silence.
Kumo's leader took a deep breath as he thought over his options. He didn't want to play his hand too early, and he felt it only appropriate to allow Konoha to investigate the event before reporting who the culprit was. He figured there was a good chance delaying any action would give Danzo a chance to slip up and reveal his motives. He also wanted to have a civil conversation when he finally got to see the five Kage in person, including Konoha's esteemed leader.
He, however, couldn't leave the Juniihana no Kumo completely dissatisfied. He was already thinking up some angry response to the message he was sure Konoha was preparing. He felt the Hokage was partially responsible for only assigning one ANBU as a security detail. At the same time, he figured more protection would have made little to no difference. Even he had to be realistic; Danzo was well prepared.
He reached his decision, even if he felt it was already made for him by his most trusted advisor. "We'll give Konoha time to investigate this incident. While the Juniihana no Kumo will be informed of all the details, we won't give any to my counterpart in Konoha just yet."
The chunin nodded, but the leader of Kumo continued. "We need help to defeat Akatsuki, and Konoha feels the same way. I doubt the slug sannin, as wise as rumors tell..." He knew she was also a legendary sucker when it came to gambling. "...would be so willing to risk her village or jinchuuriki. I want to see just where her loyalties lie and if peace is really so important to her."
The chunin nodded. He wasn't sure of Konoha's intentions, but he was certain in his Raikage. He trusted his superior and didn't believe he'd do anything to purposely harm the village. He politely bowed. "As you wish, Raikage-sama. The Juniihana no Kumo will be informed of your decision."
As the imposing man watched his subordinate leave, he hoped he was making the right decision. The fact that Hitohana cast a genjutsu on himself definitely meant something. He could have easily dodged the attack that beheaded him. Instead, he chose to, quite literally, leave a message in a bottle.
He trusted his old friend; he really did. He just didn't know how the game would play out. Why was the old war hawk planning a coup de tat? Did the Hokage know his intentions? He doubted she agreed with the bandaged man if she did. The biggest question on his mind, however, dealt with Konoha's jinchuuriki. What were Danzo's plans with imprisoned Kyuubi?
He had a lot of questions and very, very few solid answers. Each question only expanded his confusion. As his attention turned back to his little brother's photograph, he was even forced to wonder if Akatsuki would receive its karmic just rewards. They had killed his little brother and another valued jonin of his village for what? ...to power some super weapon?
He actually shuddered to think what that kind of power could do in the wrong hands. "No..." He corrected himself. "I'd shudder to think what that kind of power could do in the right hands, too." As much as he hated to admit it, he couldn't think of just who possibly had the type of responsibility to wield the great power of the bijuu and not become corrupt.
Sasuke looked over his shoulder to eye Karin for what felt like the hundredth time. He relied on her to be the most level-headed of the group, and she was. He still kept an eye on her to ensure he knew when any pursuit teams were nearby. For what felt like the hundredth time, there was no pursuit team.
Suigetsu and Juugo were distracted, but they would easily get into any fight they were forced into. Team Hawk's leader understood perfectly. He dumped a lot of information on them before anybody could get to sleep the night before. He was sure they were experiencing something similar to when he first made conclusions from various research subjects.
Suigetsu stared at Sasuke in disbelief. "You expect me to believe that?!" He looked around. While Juugo seemed skeptical, Karin looked like she'd just discovered several missing links. "You're saying some no-name half-pint has the necessary genes to be a possible...prognator of the Uchiha?"
Sasuke sighed. "It's progenitor, and yes." He really hated explaining himself again. "At first, Orochimaru thought he could blend the Byakugan and Sharingan because genetic characteristics in elders were very divergent. At some point in his studies, he found that any attempt at blending would cause only one to manifest, with a high likelihood of it being the Byakugan."
Suigetsu rolled his eyes. "I understand that part." He growled in annoyance. "The Hyuuga girl ain't gonna help repopulate the Uchiha clan, so she ain't your target. The problem is the half-pint! He's just some no-name who ain't even from a clan. It's like you're saying...I don't know...he's from some forgotten clan!" His exclamation was almost a question.
Sasuke closed his eyes to ward off the encroaching headache. "I don't know, nor do I care. Somehow, perhaps through some miracle, the half-pint without even a clan name is capable of giving rise to the Sharingan. Perhaps, like Karin, he has a simple genetic mutation, and his just happens to provide what is necessary to evolve the Byakugan."
Suigetsu's head was reeling from information that didn't make sense to him. He wasn't a scientist like Karin, and he had no interest in genetics like Juugo. He knew the latter was only interested to overcome what he saw as an affliction. The swordsman tapped a finger against the cave floor impatiently. "You wasted all that chakra just to try this...blending experiment of yours?"
Sasuke nodded. "I formed Hawk specifically to help me accomplish my goals. I always planned to take care of Itachi myself, and, as I've accomplished that, it's no longer important. Now, I need Hawk to take revenge on Konoha and ensure the survival of the Uchiha. As such, that means defending one half-pint and one Hyuuga as necessary."
Admittedly, I think this is about my worst 'lead-up' chapter, yet. I think I've answered a few questions created previously only to cause a lot more. To be perfectly clear, I probably put too much thought into background and real reasons to everything. Though I hope you enjoy, I'm sure this chapter is pretty bad.
I'm a bit disappointed in the poll results as it had so few votes. Nonetheless, I'll carry out the landslide victor by referring to Sasuke's team as Hawk (as opposed to Eagle previously).
Is it just me, or does Nagato seem like a little brat? I mean; he admitted that his parents were the ones who attacked and were killed in self-defense. I've lost a lot of respect for him I might have had as a big bad.
As always, reviews are appreciated, and flames outright ignored.
Story Word Count: 8,013
Story Page Count: 17
Terms and Jutsu:
Tenganyume - Clairvoyant Dream: see my story Naruto: School Daze for more information...