Chapter 41:
Missive of the Fox
ANBU proved too much for Kaede. The next ten iterations fell in short order; the ANBU assassins never broke a sweat. Unlike Konohamaru, Udon, and Moegi, the masked warriors successfully fought her then him, then her, then him one-on-one, in repeating fashion. While the genin paid special attention to each repetition, ANBU easily dispatched the army of individuals named Kaede.
First, each Kaede attacked as an individual. If they wanted to scare or unnerve Konoha, they were failing miserably. There had to be another reason. Each Kaede appeared different. Obviously, the gender cycled. Also obvious, each Kaede had different body types and muscle tones. Less obvious in the heat of battle, each Kaede had different combinations of hair and eye color. Skin tone also changed each reiteration.
Second, tactics hardly changed. Kaede attacked full strength and ignored openings. Kaede only concerned him or herself with defending sensitive, non-vital areas that could paralyze. Kaede also instinctively avoided jutsu meant only to paralyze. No matter what, the attacker(s?) wanted to avoid capture. The single-named army seemed to rush to death while confident in victory.
Third, every Kaede killed left behind a corpse quick to rot. The first body already decomposed to naught but dust. The wind carried it aloft while ANBU and Kaede continued to fight. Though Moegi found it disgusting, she investigated every corpse she could. They appeared to be regular bodies at first glance, but they rotted far too quickly. They also fell apart at little provocation.
Fourth and most disturbing, somebody died an instant before the next Kaede appeared. The cause was always the same. Without exception, an elder or infirmed faded into the black from natural causes – usually cardiac arrest. Stranger still, the victim was always the same gender as the most recent Kaede.
"There's a link." Moegi spoke up suddenly as the eleventh Kaede died. She watched the freshly fallen corpse begin to decompose. "I don't know how Kaede does it, but it's all linked." Konohamaru and Udon exchanged confused looks as another civilian gasped his last breath. The civilians again panicked, and Moegi continued. "We need to capture Kaede."
"What if that doesn't stop anything?" Udon countered. He looked to Konohamaru for support, but their leader contemplated in silence. He shook his head and returned his attention to Moegi. "Besides, ANBU knows what they're doing."
Moegi bottled an aggravated sigh. "It's not enough. Look at Kaede!" Her teammates followed her advice, and she felt relieved. "He…" She paused to correct herself. "She doesn't care what happens to her body." She paused and bit her lower lip. "I don't think 'death' affects Kaede the way we think it does…"
Konohamaru finally responded. "Okay, we have to capture Kaede. If…" He forestalled Udon's complaint. "…that doesn't stop anything, we focus on finding wherever the enemy encampment is and leave Konoha's defenses to ANBU." He looked up to another hysterical cry for a lost loved one. He drew a deep breath and prepared for the worst. "Move!"
"Whoa there!" Two massive pairs of arms caught them in mid-leap. Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon looked over their shoulders in surprise to see the brothers Iwafutae. The giants gently placed the genin on the ground.
Ichi spoke first. "Small genin should not interfere in adult business."
Ni nodded. "Yes, even if it is little adult business."
"Otouto-san! Your rudeness reflects poorly on Iwa."
"I'm sorry onii-san!"
Ichi punched his little brother's shoulder. "You small genin will only get in the way."
Ni nodded vigorously. "That fellow is dangerous indeed. Let ANBU handle whoever it is."
The genin looked at each other as a plan coalesced in their minds. With a confident grin, they nodded. Konohamaru started. "You want to help protect Konoha, right?" One brother nodded in affirmative; the other shook in the negative. They looked at each other and reversed their answer. After a moment of confused looks, Konohamaru and crew looked to the brothers expectantly.
Ichi scratched his temple. "It's not that we don't want to help…" He started nervously.
Ni scratched his eyebrow. "We only came here to help rebuild…" He finished hesitantly.
"Besides…" Ichi added positively. "Kaede is no match for your ANBU."
"That's the point!" Konohamaru almost yelled. When the brothers looked at each other perplexed, Naruto's protégé continued. "We don't know how, but, every time 'Kaede' is killed, one of our sick or elderly isn't far behind."
Ni looked over the crowd of civilians. "If the small genin are right, the situation is most dire." The brothers nodded in agreement. They observed the situation between Kaede and ANBU for a moment longer before separating from the genin. They also wanted to see the relationship between Kaede's death and those that followed.
Moegi looked around to assess the situation once more. She spotted three additional corpses decomposing at an accelerated rate. She looked around and spotted the new Kaede. He was large, and his muscles bulged and rippled under the weight of the large katana he recovered from his first incarnation.
She turned to her teammates and nodded. They nodded back in agreement. They needed to end Kaede's rampage. Quickly. Even still, they did not know how to disengage ANBU. They had no reason to listen to inexperienced genin, even if their theory was sound. No, their theory sounded ludicrous. How could Kaede rise again from the life of another? Worse still, how could Kaede change appearance and gender?
Nevertheless, the brothers Iwafutae were able to distract ANBU long enough for Konohamaru and crew to renew their attack. However, Bat and Elephant left their respective crews to deal with the brothers. They intercepted the genin team before they could reengage the dangerous and seemingly deranged Kaede. Before Konohamaru could complain, Elephant held them in place with a simple Fuuin. Bat moved to intercept Kaede.
"You disappoint me, genin." Elephant maintained perfect calm even as he berated their apparent childish actions. "I thought Ebisu would do a better job as a jonin sensei." The genin grunted as they tried to complain, but the Fuuin paralyzed all but autonomic functions. Elephant sighed. "I suppose I should hear your defense."
"You won't hurt Ichi and Ni, right?!" Konohamaru blurted out the instant he could speak again. He breathed a sigh of relief when the ANBU captain nodded. "Kaede… We don't know how he does it. He's dangerous. You can't kill him!"
Before Elephant could say anything, Moegi clarified. "Somehow, Kaede uses the life of somebody nearby to revive. We don't think you've been fighting a small army. We think you've been fighting the same person!"
The ANBU captain's pregnant silence was enough. The genin could almost feel his incredulous gaze. "We don't have much time." Udon insisted. "Look at the bodies. They're rotting too quickly." He waited almost breathlessly. They had to convince Elephant, Bat, and the rest of ANBU to withdraw from the latest Kaede.
Elephant did as the genin asked of him. With a sickening feeling settling into the pit of his stomach, he noted the incongruities. Something definitely was not right. Still, any number of jutsu could explain the situation. With no time to counter their argument, he rushed through hand seals. In what seemed like an instant, the genin felt the grip of paralysis, and Ichi and Ni stood off to one side unable to move.
"We have to remove this threat." Elephant looked to the inexperienced genin. "While I applaud your ability to observe the battlefield, your analysis shows your lack of experience." He sighed. "I have to admit I admire the certain creativity." He turned and paused. He was not willing to completely ignore their conclusion, but even Orochimaru required a host body.
Elephant rejoined the fray, and Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon could only observe. The pattern repeated. When a Kaede fell, another Kaede jumped in. The warrior looked different each time, and his/her gender cycled perfectly. However, each iteration matched in both psychology and fighting style.
To conserve chakra, the ANBU teams took turns fighting. Ebisu's genin team decided to make the best of the situation. The paralysis prevented them from doing anything, so they decided to focus. They had to regain lost chakra, and they had to come up with some sort of plan.
They knew what worked. Kaede never really cared to understand jutsu used against him/her. Moegi could stay afloat to act as their eagle eye and snare. Udon could damage Kaede without landing any fatal blows. Konohamaru could provide support, and he had one more trick up his sleeve.
They just had to figure out how to escape. Elephant's Fuuin was the difficult part. He was incredibly skilled. They witnessed four more Kaede warriors fall before they could even form a plan. Then, their answer came like a force of nature. The ground shook with righteous indignation, and they almost felt the heat from the origin's fury.
"Stand down!" Tsunade's voice boomed over the battlefield. The effect really was instantaneous. Even Kaede stopped to take a defensive look around. She stood firm between Ebisu's genin and the battle raging before them. Bat and Elephant appeared kneeling before her. Kaede chortled beyond. "What's going on here?"
Bat responded to the question for what it was. A demand. "We have engaged an enemy threatening Konoha, Hokage-sama. Unfortunately, their numbers are larger than we anticipated. Other ANBU teams scour the surrounding forests for any signs of their reinforcements."
Tsunade motioned over her shoulder to Konohamaru and his gang. "Release them." Elephant never hesitated. She turned to the young genin and repeated her question, far gentler. "What's going on here?"
Moegi countered Bat immediately. "ANBU won't find reinforcements!" She met the Hokage's questioning gaze with all the courage she could muster. "I, uh… You see…" She stammered helplessly.
However, Konohamaru inherited Naruto's refusal to adhere to societal norms. "Moegi-chan noticed it, first. Whenever Kaede dies, one of our people dies. He is the…" He tried to count and gave up. "Over a dozen have died."
Udon nodded. "Kaede at first seems mad." He paused as he reevaluated his choice of words. "Psychologically unstable?" He shook his head. "Anyway, he just doesn't care about defense. He just attacks, attacks, attacks until you're forced to kill him."
Bat and Elephant nodded. They agreed. However, there had to be another explanation. Then they noticed the heat. They raised their heads and slowly noticed a glow. When they stared Tsunade in the eyes, they knew what was wrong.
"Tsunade-sama!" Shizune panted as she caught up with her mentor. "You shouldn't use that Fuuin!" Of course, it was too late. Tsunade woke in a cold sweat. When she assessed the situation as best as she could, she activated the rejuvenating Fuuin and rushed out of her private, secure medical room. "Tsunade-sama…"
She witnessed the destruction – the devastation – for the first time. "You save Kaede the trouble." Kaede's malicious drawl floated across the battlefield. He attacked the nearest ANBU and awaited retaliation. Instead, they fought defensively and only pushed him back. He frowned. "You bore Kaede!"
With ANBU changing tactics, Tsunade turned to the genin. Her face already grew pale. "Do you have a plan?"
Konohamaru nodded. "Yeah." He took a deep breath. "ANBU's too strong, so Kaede draws them in to kill him." There was a slight pause. "…or her." He added hastily. "We have to capture him, alive." His emphasis indicated he meant the male Kaede currently engaged with ANBU. "We have to incapacitate him before anybody else dies!"
Tsunade turned to the ANBU captains. "Tell your squads to pull back. If Ebisu's genin think they can stop Kaede, I believe them." She was honestly counting more on Naruto's guidance. He specialized in the unexpected. Perhaps in combination with Ebisu's training, the genin could surprise everybody.
She did not have to wait long. Elephant and Bat quickly ordered their squads to retreat. Without hesitation, Konoha's Fifth molded her small reserve of chakra. She had not fully recovered, and she knew she was pushing it. Still, Konoha was her village. She knew she had to put a stop to Kaede's rampage.
Tsunade shaped the desired jutsu, grabbed the genin, and made a mad dash for Kaede. It was one of those moments when the entire world seemed to pause. It was a moment when everything could pass in the blink of an eye. "Get. Out. Of. My. Village!" Tsunade punctuated each word as she bellowed, and the moment was over. Konohamaru, Moegi, Udon, and Kaede were nowhere in view.
Tsunade panted. Her entire body trembled. She closed her eyes, and, for a second, her genjutsu dropped. Her body glistened with sweat, and she fell to her knees. Shizune walked to her shaking body and gently wrapped a tarp around her shoulders. The senior nodded her head in thanks, and the junior held back tears.
Kisame was at a significant disadvantage. Even with Samehada's chakra-stealing ability, he was vastly outnumbered. The shinobi knew his strengths, and they quickly studied his weaknesses. Before long, they would easily take him out. He smirked. Everything was going according to plan.
The guardians acted in concert with the shinobi of Konoha. Upon closer inspection, they were a lot like the bijuu. They appeared to be raw chakra, but there were some differences. They were beings purely in tune with the elements. The four elements represented were fire, earth, water, and wind. Respectively, they appeared to take the forms of a bird, feline, reptile, and serpent.
Hawk showed little sign of juuken. While her taijutsu relied on reading her opponent, she did not seek to control his tenketsu. Instead, she got in close to disrupt his rhythm. His massive head cleaver was no use while she was in his face. She took advantage of every opening. She grappled him into a headlock. She buckled his knees.
Kisame bucked and fought his way free. Anko quickly met him. She ducked under the wide arc of his swing and sent jabs of pain through his kidneys. She was relentless and chased him as he tried to recuperate. She sent a painful roundhouse to his jaw and leapt back just before he could retaliate. To rub salt in the wound, she flung her arms forward and summoned snakes to wrap and bite at him.
His head spun, but he smiled in ecstasy. If he died here, he joined his fellow conspirators without regrets. He was Madara's lieutenant. He had known the true leader of Akatsuki since before he picked up his first sword. He ensured Madara's vision continued. He also knew he was merely a diversion. However, he was dedicated. He would die in battle or bite off his tongue before capture.
He almost laughed when Kiba's altered hand tore through his shoulder. He barely avoided Akamaru's fangs. He admitted they were an annoyance, but he gave them little more credit. He swung Samehada in revenge and clipped Akamaru's rear heel. He puffed up when Kiba growled, and he spat out a small pool of water before the altered shinobi could retaliate.
Yamato watched from midrange. Kisame was not desperate. He narrowed his eyes. Their opponent was fighting a losing battle. As he attempted to dissect Akatsuki's motives, he planted his good hand upon the soft loam. He carefully molded chakra. In order to craft Mokuton jutsu, it was easier to use both hands. Still, he sent waves of branches forward. He had to be ready at a moment's notice.
After their initial distraction, Shino and Sai mostly waited and watched from long range. Shino took what opportunities he could to drain off Kisame's abundant chakra. He did not allow his insects to gorge themselves, but their opponent seemed to overflow with chakra. Kisame also gained more with every successful swing of Samehada.
Shino was just as concerned as Yamato. The battle seemed too choreographed. True, Konoha and Void desperately tried to stop Kisame. However, Kisame danced around their efforts. His head cleaver Samehada sung with every drop of blood it drank in. Still worse, he almost appeared to hold back just enough to facilitate escape.
Kisame was deadly, and Samehada could kill in an instant. Shino could not explain it. Twice, their opponent could have capitalized on Kiba's aggressive mistakes. Instead, Anko nearly crippled his knee, and Hawk mutilated his off wrist. Kisame refused to give up. He fought hard, and he was still a ferocious warrior.
Yamato took advantage of Kisame's mangled wrist. He created pillars of wood to block his retreat. He created branches to needle his disfigured wrist. Kisame grew enraged with pain, and Sai sent creatures of ink to blind him. When they exploded on Samehada, they covered Kisame's world in inky blackness.
He thrashed and swung wildly. The heat of battle went to his head, and more than darkness blinded his abilities. Anko and Hawk easily slipped within his guard. Kiba and Akamaru dug deep gashes into his back. Kisame yowled in both anger and pain.
He backed up as he tried to wipe the ink from his eyes. His head slowly cleared as pain and anger battled for dominance. He stopped making genin mistakes just in time to back up into a corner. He was desperate. He knew Madara intended for him to die, but he needed to buy as much time as possible.
He held Samehada in front of him as a shield. Its bite forced his opponents to flank him, and he guarded well his vital areas. With a smirk on his face, he observed his opponents. They were clever and well organized. Even if he were fighting to win, he admitted he might have a difficult time of it. He was certain he would be victorious, but he would not be without injury.
With an ever-widening smirk, he decided exactly how to buy Akatsuki more time. He leapt forward and grabbed Anko by her neck. His mutilated wrist convulsed with unrelenting pain, but he only used it to fuel his attack. He swung Samehada and bit into Hawk's side.
He threw Anko to the ground, and she gasped for air. If not for Orochimaru's training, she hated to admit it, but his vice-like grip would have crushed her esophagus. Meanwhile, the world seemed to stop as Kisame looked at his real prize. Hawk struggled to dislodge from Samehada, but the head cleaver held fast. With a wicked laugh, Kisame swung Samehada and flung Hawk straight into a tree.
She landed hard on the ground and clutched her side. Her vision fogged and tinged black as she lost blood, and unconsciousness threatened to take her. "Kiba! Get Hawk out of there!" Yamato ordered even as pillars of wood erupted under Kisame's feet. Kiba complied with a growl. He knew he had to get Hawk to the medic, so he made a beeline for Sasame. He also knew he had to get back quickly. Kisame was liable to capitalize on the sudden momentum shift.
Neji and Tenten walked the merchant-lined streets outside the miko daimyo's estate. Neji said he wanted to reconnoiter around the village. Tenten had to agree. Zetsu had obviously targeted them, so she wondered if Akatsuki knew about Momiji. She was worried about Shion, but she needed to clear her head. Spending time with Neji on an investigation sounded like one solution.
Her mind wandered back to Hinata's trip out of Demons. Neji's cousin ran across rogue shinobi hired to kill Momiji. The Hyuuga heiress fought off and captured the rogues, but not without raising the ire of those who loved Momiji. Tenten had to admit. In the short time they'd known the sprout, Naruto's friends grew quite fond of her.
However, the questions were unusual. "What do you know of the 'red-haired demon'?" Neji asked some merchants. "Have you seen the 'red-haired demon' near the daimyo's castle?" He asked still others. A good portion of the merchants seemed offended. Some refused to talk to him, and others still corrected him. She was a sweet, unfortunate girl whom fate did not seem to favor.
Tenten thought she knew Neji's plan. He wanted to get information out of those who wanted Momiji dead. If his plan was to get on their good side, he managed exactly that. A nearly impoverished merchant cheered up at Neji's question. "I've heard you know something about the 'red-haired demon'." The few customers he had looked up in eager anticipation.
Tenten looked around. The merchant and his patrons burned with a passion she instantly detested. They hated Momiji and wanted desperately for her destruction. To them, the innocent little girl was a monster. Internally, a portion of her being boiled with rage at how Konoha once treated Naruto. She controlled her inner fire in favor of gaining valuable information.
"A pox on the witch!" One patron said grumpily. "That monster brings nothing but trouble." Another patron heartily agreed. "Why I hear the demon made all the farm animals go on a rampage." The shrill voice of another patron cut through the noise. "Rampage? Killed 'em all I wager. Got some horrid sores all over their bodies." On and on, the clamor grew. Everybody tried to get their opinion in, twice if they thought it would help.
Then the merchant whistled with fore and pinky fingers. The merchant's wife stepped forward. She measured the shinobi gracing her husband's establishment with their presence. "I'll have to speak for my dearest. He's been mighty sick as late; no doubt that demon's fault." She paused to gauge their reaction. Rather lack thereof, as the case may be. "Professional, huh?" She nodded. "Well, why are you here?"
"Rouges were hired to kill the 'demon'." A general clamor went up with Neji's words. The patrons quieted down with a glower from the merchant. "We came to see if there was profit to be had." He looked around the establishment. "I'm not sure you can afford our services, however."
Tenten tried to figure out what Neji was playing at. The merchant's wife spoke before she had long to think. "We've seen better days, but we're willing to pay anything to get rid of that demon." She paused and lowered her voice. "The creature is afraid of us. Can't seem to control our wills, so it keeps whatever patrons it can away. We'll be glad to be rid of that demon, so we can start making real profits again."
Tenten fought back a smile, but the fight did not last long. Neji seemed to have another take. "You did not hire those rogues." It was a hard statement, and the merchant, his wife, and the patrons hemmed and hawed as they looked around. "I didn't think so. You can't afford it." He paused for a moment. Tenten thought he wanted to let the insult sink in.
After a moment, Neji continued. "You hate the 'red-haired demon', but you can't do anything about it." Tenten blinked in surprise. Did he call Momiji by 'it'? "As such, I'll settle for some information. Have you seen the 'demon' use any of its powers? Can you describe its appearance?" He half chuckled. "Perhaps you can tell me who hired those rogues to kill it?"
Tenten felt she had to bite her tongue! "It, it, it?! Even if Neji is trying to warm up to them, I can hardly stand calling poor Momiji by 'it'!" She screamed internally. "I want this to be over soon. You better have a good explanation Neji." She felt less confident in her teammate.
The merchant and his wife gave Neji an icy glare. "You come into our house and threaten us?!" The wife almost yelled. Seeing Neji's glower, she calmed and returned to a more normal volume. "We've seen the demon talk to animals, and it sometimes glows when we have the mind to chase it away." She sneered. "It looks like a normal girl with red hair, but we know the truth."
She went on to describe Momiji in more detail than Tenten felt she should be able. She still embellished with her own devilish details. At the end of her diatribe, the wife shook her head. "We don't know who hired those ninja, but we'd thank them if we could. Perhaps another village outside the demon's influence." She practically spat. "Now if you're not going to buy anything, we'd thank you to leave."
They did leave. With nothing more to gain, Neji had no business with the merchant, his wife, or the patrons. He remained unnervingly silent for a long time. They continued to wander the streets, but Tenten could not guess their purpose. After a long walk, they stopped near the banks of a swollen river. The daimyo guardsmen inspected the rushing, muddy waters.
Tenten finally spoke up. "Are we going to tell Mizukura about what we discovered?" Neji just continued to look on. She tried to find what he was looking at. After an uncomfortably long silence, she repeated her question. "Well, are we going to tell Mizukura about what we discovered? I'm sure he could use the information for his investigation."
Neji looked at her. "No." To her questioning look, he elaborated. "Mizukura and his men have too much on their plates as it is. They need to investigate the floodwaters to find survivors and survey damage to lands, crops, and livestock." He turned and led her elsewhere.
Tenten was not satisfied with his answer. She was not satisfied with his behavior. Something was different. She just did not know what. When he suddenly stopped, she almost ran into him. "It's been a long day. Perhaps we should stop for a bite to eat."
Caught unawares, Tenten happily agreed. She did not pay attention to the menu. She just ordered something that looked good. However, the events of the day played back in her head, and she soon crashed back down to terra firma. She still tried to piece together everything that happened since Zetsu waylaid them.
Neji politely wiped his mouth and cleared his throat. "What's wrong, Tenten?" His voice and tone were the same as usual. He waited as she finished chewing. He stared almost intently into her eyes. It was hard to tell if he studied her or not.
After taking a moment to study the weather, she finally responded. "What exactly are you looking for?" She did not know how to interpret her teammate's apparently blank stare. "I mean…" She paused. "…those questions. What were you hoping for?"
"I'd like to know that, too." Mizukura pulled up a chair beside them. "I've heard you were asking around town about rumors of a 'red-haired demon'." Venom lightly bit his words.
Tenten looked between Shion's captain of the guard and Neji as her teammate answered. "I'm just trying to get a clear picture of the threats to this land." He turned his glare to Mizukura. "It is bad enough that a member of the main house was attacked, but they threatened the heir."
Tenten blinked. Neji could be cold, but he was rarely impersonal in his passions. He used to hate the main branch and Hinata, but he had long since reconciled with his estranged cousin. His icy tone seemed to suggest otherwise.
Mizukura grunted in acquiescence. "We wanted to investigate that as soon as we got back, but we're preoccupied with search and rescue efforts." Tenten nodded her understanding, but she found it difficult to read Neji. "However, you know how private we are. Leave the investigation to us."
Neji narrowed his eyes. "Of course." He indicated his food to the guard captain. "However, we have our own matters to discuss."
Tenten almost blinked. However, Mizukura politely excused himself and returned to his duties. Once he left, they returned to their meal. More than a few restaurant patrons watched them warily, but they enjoyed a peaceful respite.
The dignitaries of Old Tree turned and beckoned the leaf shinobi to follow. In short order, they arrived at the office of Gavin Marshall. The waning light streaming through the window highlighted his stout form. He stared into the distance and watched as the sun dipped below the horizon. Before anybody could say anything, he started calmly. "It's done, then." He spoke confidently, and his inflection spoke volumes to his composure.
Hideo spoke first. "Do you know what you've done, Gavin-kun?" He spoke softly, but his tone addressed his disappointment. He continued when Gavin responded with a shuddered breath. "Did you know how these ninja would take the language of the contract?"
Gavin turned to face the dignitaries and shinobi. His face was set in stony confidence and icy indifference. He regarded the shinobi with some gratitude, but he revealed no further emotion. "I could not, in good conscience, tie the hands of these fine shinobi." They noticed the glass of liquor for the first time as his hands trembled. As the ice rattled, he continued. "You were too gentle with that murderous slime."
"It was never your call to make!" Eiji exclaimed angrily. He shot the leaf shinobi an angry glower, but he humbly recognized their contract fulfilled. "Junichi is…" He paused with a grimace. "…was a member of this land, same as you!" He was obviously hot under the collar. Then again, Eiji seemed the type to always be hot under the collar.
Sakura grew tired of the bickering. "Now that we've settled the contract, we should really be going." The dignitaries turned to look at her as if they forgot about her for a moment. "Well, we do have other obligations." She was irate. Their squabbles kept them from their next assignment.
Jun chose the moment to speak up. "You'll be paid, but perhaps you should hear just why we are so troubled." His calm, contemplative tone told Shikamaru diplomacy was in order. The chunin nodded his understanding, and Jun continued. "Gavin first met Junichi behind the bars of his slave cells nearly two score ago."
The leaf shinobi decided to mostly listen. Combined with information gathered from Junichi, a lot of puzzle pieces finally fit together. They interjected to ask questions or gauge Gavin's reaction. He did not appear repentant. However, he did angrily interject his own perspective or opinion. The important facts still painted a tale waiting for revenge.
Gavin and his elder sister came into Junichi's possession. Junichi hated selling children, and he had connections within the growing rebellion. Among his connections, Junichi found Hideo, Jun, and Eiji. Perhaps ironically, the late daimyo trusted them with the treasury, diplomacy, and internal affairs, respectively. Jun was even in line for the daimyo's throne.
They held power and influence in Old Tree, and they secretly supported the growing rebellion. Until they were ready for a coup d'état, they did little things to disrupt the power and control of the late daimyo and his cronies. They even bought and freed slaves, as the laws allowed at least. After all as part of Junichi's deception, Old Tree officially reported 'slaves' as 'indentured servants' paying off a debt. Junichi even proposed using debtors' prisons to sell the façade to other lands.
In spite of his proposals, Junichi much preferred selling children to rebels. Unfortunately, the staunchest supporters of the late daimyo often demanded young slaves to more easily bend to their wills. While the rebels were able to pool resources to purchase Gavin, the daimyo's favorite courtier easily outbid for his elder sister.
The courtier trained her. He used her until she was broken beyond use. He finally disposed of her.
Having escaped such cruel tortures, Gavin continued to blame Junichi. Even after Hideo officially freed and adopted him as a young boy, his resentment and hatred grew. Though Hideo desired Junichi brought to justice, Gavin refused to see reason over his vendetta. The courtier died in the coup d'état, so everything fell onto Junichi's shoulders.
"A fair trial would only highlight the supposed good that vile man did!" Gavin spat not without reason. Naruto felt a familiar knot in his stomach. Hatred was easy to give into, and it was easy to feed. He saw his battle with Nagato all over again. Junichi committed heinous, disgusting crimes, but he tried repentance in the one way he thought he could.
Naruto hated the atrocities committed by Junichi. He pitied the man who wanted to be a farmer and ended up dragged into power-abusing schemes of evil tyrants. He felt Kyuubi no Kitsune nod grimly. He felt more than heard her message. The trip to Old Tree was worth the headache. They learned how woefully underprepared Naruto was to use the bijuu's chakra, and they again learned how twisted lives can form from innocent dreams.
The leaf shinobi left Old Tree with a fulfilled contract. They decided to leave Junichi's treasure in the land they were stolen from. Besides, Konoha would receive payment, and Old Tree's authorities arrested Gavin for his part in Junichi's death. With grisly realization, Naruto knew Gavin would have a hard road ahead. In his quest for vengeance, he falsely represented the creed of the shinobi, and he effectively stole from the land's treasury.
Distracted as they were, they were still proud shinobi of the leaf. They easily noticed a hulking figure come into view, strangely void of chakra. They recognized the armored figure easily. The lamp-like globe bobbing around him was a dead giveaway. Gayt simply stood and awaited the young shinobi, and Star happily sung in the breeze.
Her voice was soothingly airy; though, they understood none of her foreign lyrics. On the other hand, Gayt's voice seemed to boom with uncharacteristic authority as they approached. "I have come to deliver your next orders." He held out his hand, and green flame erupted just above the palm of his hand. As it spread, a scroll appeared.
When the green flame dispersed, Shikamaru reached out to grab the parchment from the solemn warrior. He unfurled it and read it carefully. With a slight sigh, he handed the orders roughly to Naruto. Confused, the blond genin read as Shikamaru explained. "We have three assignments clumped together in Earth, of all places. Troublesome."
He let the revelation sink in for a moment. Naruto was wide-eyed as he stared at the orders. "Earth-sama wants us…" He pointed at Naruto to indicate what he really thought. "…to guard and entertain his youngest daughter while he's out hunting." He sighed again and muttered something reminiscent of 'troublesome' under his breath.
"When he returns, his regular guard will take over as we head to next location of the chunin exams for guard duty."
"Wait!" Sakura interrupted. "Why wouldn't Earth-sama hire rock shinobi to protect his daughter while he's out?"
Shikamaru again indicated Naruto. "Earth-sama still has political relations with the Uzumaki. I realize it's troublesome, but I'm sure Kanaeru has her reasons." He paused for a moment. "I wouldn't put it past Taketo-san to use Naruto diplomatically." He noticed Sakura and Hinata's concerned looks and mildly regretted his words.
"Listen, no matter how we slice it; the Uzumaki have diplomatic ties they have to maintain. They've helped relations between Fire and Earth, so we're in no position to complain if they want us to return the favor. As shinobi, we're even more obligated because we're being paid." He was glad nobody interrupted, but he grew more curious at Naruto's continued silence.
"Guys…" Naruto started slowly. His mission teammates leaned slightly. The orders mostly concerned him. Suddenly, he smiled and gloriously rang out news Shikamaru seemed to gloss over. "This is a great opportunity for a future Hokage!"
They all nearly face planted.
"Of course, he sees the best in everything." Shikamaru and Sakura thought. Of course, they were somewhat impressed. Whether intentional or accidental, he tied the importance of diplomatic relations in with the office of Hokage. Naruto looked at his teammates as if they were strange. Hinata only smiled. He never let go of his dreams. He never stopped looking towards his goal, even if he meandered and life sidetracked him.
The long silence broke when Gayt cleared his throat. Star's melodious voice dropped off as the armored man spoke. "I have my own assignment. I've delivered the document as requested, so I'll be on my way." The leaf shinobi stared at him as he continued into Old Tree. His voice was clearer than ever, and it boomed authoritatively.
As they heard Star break into her melody again, the shinobi of Konoha pressed on. They decided on a slower pace. The seat of Earth was much closer than Whirlpools, and they had plenty of time before their hosts expected them. They were curious about Gayt's task, but they had a timetable to keep. With a complicated task behind them, they moved towards the dawn of a new assignment.
They called him a runner. It was not a title or anything fancy. It was close, to be sure. His job often involved running from shinobi, after all. He was famous and had no talent for disguises. In his line of work, that combination was usually fatal. Instead, he made it his calling card. If you wanted information stolen from shinobi or meetings set up for illicit dealings, you called Koyama Rei – the man who could outrun lightning.
To a man who relied on his reputation, a smoldering heap was never a good sign. He looked over what was once Junichi's base of operations with a mingled feeling of disgust and dread. He had been just one small step away from the biggest deal of his career, and he did not see the leader of Akatsuki as forgiving. He groaned as he approached the collapsed cliff side.
He knew he had to bring something back. He could not afford to return empty-handed. He kicked a rock and cursed his luck. Junichi promised Akatsuki the son of a former jinchuriki. He scratched the base of his shoulder-length ponytail. "Ther'in not'in' Ah can thin' to offer Akatsuki tha' Junichi mighta had." His voice was deep and did not waiver even in his fear.
A tumbling stone drew his attention from the defaced cliff. A single bead of sweat rolled down his dark, suntanned skin. He looked around with some anticipation. If somebody stalked him, he might have to make a quick escape. "Musta been mah imagination." He shook his head to clear the start. Koyama Rei was a professional who could ignore such nonsense.
He returned his attention to the ruined cliff side. With a heavy sigh, he began his investigation. After a short while turning over stones, he noticed one excavation site. As he approached, his keen senses roughly told him what happened. "Tha' Junichi fella really tore da house down he'e." He knelt down and picked up a blackened aukasou. "Blew the place to smithereens hi'self."
Rei whistled. He was impressed. Junichi died a free man rather than succumb to the law. He tossed the useless stone aside. It could no longer hold jutsu. Instead, he concentrated on signs piled up around the excavation site.
Whoever hunted Junichi took most of his treasure. Not that it really mattered. It was useless to Akatsuki, so Rei found it just as undesirable. He was a professional above such temptations. He pocketed what gold he could find.
As his hand brushed another aukasou, he froze. His skin prickled with goose pimples. The stone was half-buried, but he still felt the power it held. With a gleeful expression and near giddy laughter, he eagerly dug the blue, flame-like crystal from the ground and palmed it. It was the most beautiful object he had ever laid eyes upon. It would ensure many future jobs from Akatsuki and a bigger paycheck than some kid of a former jinchuriki was worth.
The aukasou had touched an actual jinchuriki!
"I' was worth bein' born a sensor. Jus' for dis moment!" With all the self-control he could muster, Rei stood and secured his prize. He drove thoughts of further treasure from his mind. He had what he needed. He had something far more valuable.
He looked in the direction he came from, towards Earth. He showed off too much, and an Iwa shinobi patrol spotted him. He was not about to make that mistake again. He had to sneak quietly back to Akatsuki. His reputation depended on it more now than any other time in his career.
With a single bound, he took off into the forest at top speed. He was confident no one could match his speed. Konoha's Fourth might have been able to match him, but he was long dead. Koyama Rei was the man who could outrun lightning, and his destination was clear in his mind. He aimed for Akatsuki's most secure and well-hidden research facility.
He did not care for dealing with Tobi, but the only two remaining members seemed to take orders from him. His career depended on it, so Rei made no more complaints than mild, internal disgust. Notwithstanding whom he had to deal with, he would maintain top speed and only break when necessary.
He needed minimal rest. His only real concern was caloric intake. He had to hunt big game to keep up his speed, so he had to be extra cautious of shinobi patrols. Still, he knew the terrain well and made excellent time. In half the time it would take normal shinobi, he knocked on the doors to the secret Akatsuki laboratory.
Rei held in a groan when he saw the mad, cackling scientist accompanying Tobi. In spite of the genial greeting, he knew they would not invite him over the threshold of the facility. They sat comfortably and drank tea outside. It was not his first visit, and he desperately hoped it would not be his last. After what seemed an eternity, Tobi finally spoke.
"When does Junichi wish to meet?"
Tobi's lucid demeanor took Rei aback. He shook his head and pulled out a small box. "Unfortune'atley, Junichi is no long'r able tah join us." His teeth clenched and face tightened as he felt searing anger wash over him. Obviously, his client was not pleased.
"I hope you did not come all the way here just to tell me this rather…" Tobi paused as he pretended to grab the right word from the air. "…disappointing news. I heard you were the best in the field." Though anger radiated from him, he maintained a pleasant tone.
Rei fought through the unpleasant feeling. "Ah heard Junichi changed plans while Ah was en route. Ya see; he foun' a big'er prize." He pushed the box towards his client. "Ah thin' you'll fin' tha' rad'er interestin'." He knew the box contained his only out. If the pitch shifts in the background cackling was any indication, he would not enjoy a displeased client.
Behind his mask, Tobi narrowed his eyes. The mad scientist grew more excited, and the reason was obvious. If Rei failed to deliver anything of value, he was the next test subject. He opened the mask, and his eyes widened. He eyed the confident grin plastered on the face of the man across from him. "Koyama Rei…" He broke into flamboyant laughter that momentarily stifled the mad scientist behind him.
"This is a prize!" Tobi exclaimed more in character. "You do not put your reputation to waste. Oh no, I rather like you actually." He chuckled delightedly. "In fact, I think the morbid fellow has another assignment ready for you." Under his mask, he actually smiled. The aukasou itself was worthless. However, it had touched something of splendid consequence.
The cackling mad scientist stood, and his eerie laughter reached the foreground. Rei refused to shrink back from the frightful presence. Instinctively, he knew, somehow, Tobi was no in charge of Akatsuki. He almost shuddered when a notebook was set before him. Maybe, Tobi had always been in charge of Akatsuki. That thought frightened him more than anything else did.
Nevertheless, Koyama Rei prized himself as a professional. He picked up the notebook and thumbed through it. As he skimmed the pages, he realized it was similar to the various Bingo Books. Only, it had a lot fewer entries with far more detailed biographies. "If dis is da next task ya has for me, Ah'd like tah at least know what e'is Ah'm lookin' a'."
Tobi maintained his chipper tone. "Why, I want you to recruit them." He paused to watch the wide-eyed expression cross Rei's face. He enjoyed the mixture of surprise and apprehension. "You'll find all the information you need if you read each page thoroughly. I'll authorize any assistance you need, but none of Akatsuki's men will accompany you."
He chuckled as the other man squirmed almost imperceptibly. "I recommend you offer some prize or incentive." His words were obviously condescending. "The first one for example…" Tobi waited for Rei to turn to the first entry before he continued. "…simply wants to fight strong opponents. He has one rival, in particular, you might…" He paused with some delight. "I don't know. …direct him towards." He phrased it almost like a question.
Rei swallowed hard. "Ah dun know if dey'll lis'en to me, but Ah'll give it mah all." He stood up from the table. He understood his time was up. As he backed away, Tobi held up a hand to forestall him. He looked around and half expected an attack.
"You'll receive double your normal commission for bringing me this otherwise unremarkable rock. It has witnessed something of immeasurable value." His voice was once again solemn. "You'll be paid your regular commission for each rogue you bring me from that book. If you manage to bring me all six, I can guarantee that you'll be set for life."
Koyama Rei disappeared into the shadows more pleased than he had ever been. He knew the aukasou itself was worthless, but it told a story that saved his life. He also scored six jobs with near unlimited access to Akatsuki's resources. They were six very difficult jobs to be sure, but he was up to the task.
With his departure, Madara dropped all pretenses. He harshly grabbed the box containing the aukasou and shoved it into the waiting scientist's arms. "Take that inside immediately and begin the necessary experiments."
The mad scientist's grin spread impossibly wide. "Sadly, patience is required. It might take years to set it up properly. In the meantime, the bond between jinchuriki and bijuu grows stronger. I'm sure there are faster ways to track our quarry. Are you sure of this course, Tobi-sama?"
Madara waggled his finger mockingly. "Consider it a backup plan." When the mad scientist did not budge, he decided to indulge the maniac's curiosity. "I have learned never to leave anything to chance. My spies tell me easily enough where the Kyuubi no Kitsune wanders. However careful my planning, you will notice Akatsuki is in shambles. If my current plan fails, I shall require more followers and a very special item."
The mad scientist nodded in understanding and moved to open the box. "I would prefer you do that inside." Madara interrupted. "I have a…" He paused to turn and look towards a thick brace of trees and branches. "…guest to attend to."
Madara did not turn to ensure the mad scientist retreated into the laboratory. He could tell easily enough from the fading manic laughter. "Oh, I know you're there. It's no use hiding." He shrugged. "I don't really know how you managed to follow Koyama Rei, but you're in my territory now!"
A heavily armored figure dropped from the trees. He landed with a surprisingly graceful thud upon the soft loam. As he stood, a fleck of light flittered around him. He stood firm and unflinching under the heated gaze of the masked Uchiha.
"It seems you are a kousotsu of the Uzumaki." Madara admired the intricate Fuuin etched lightly yet permanently on the armor's surface; no normal eyes could see them. "I wonder what sumitsuki you serve. Who could completely mask your chakra, even from me?"
Thus ends the fourth arc of The Path We Walk. The final arc starts next chapter. It is not the end of my Naruto divergence fan fiction just yet. It is the end of the current book.
As always, I hope you enjoy the new chapter, and I hope to see some constructive criticism. Of course, outright flames will be ignored.
Story Word Count: 8,020
Story Page Count: 16