An: Thank you for the reviews as always. S. o. t. A.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit.
Chapter 6: Into the Abyss
Tayuya was running behind her team leader Yaoya. Kyo had split them into three teams. The first team was simply called the A-team with the A standing for assault. Their job was to pretty much kill anything that got in their way allowing her team or the Demolitions Team to set the explosive charges that would bring the complex down. The third team was the Rearguard Team and as the name suggested they were supposed to watch behind the formation.
"Quit lagging behind Tayuya," Yaoya's harsh voice said cutting into her reverie.
"Sorry," Tayuya meekly said while picking up her pace. There was a time being talked to like that would have resulted in Tayuya replying with a profanity laced retort but ever since losing the curse mark she had become more meek and docile. The reason was simple, while in prison most of the other prisoners had kept their distance not wanting to anger one of Orochimaru's chosen. But as was often the case in such environments as soon as word got around he was dead, which was substantiated by her Curse Mark disappearing, they had immediately stopped respecting her. She couldn't blame them though, she had stopped respecting herself shortly thereafter. Especially after she was beaten almost to death, in a prison shower room, by one of the female prisoners to show her where she stood in the new pecking order.
After emerging from the prison infirmary for the second time, the first being when the Curse Mark had disappeared, she had realized she was all alone. She was forced to once again give up her daydreaming as Yaoya fell back with a kunai buried in her throat. Wondering what had happened to the assault team she didn't have time to give voice to her question as a sharp tail burst out of her chest.
"Alright that's enough," the voice of Kyo said as Tayuya opened her eyes the pain of being killed by a curse mark creature quickly diminishing.
"What the hell happened?" Yaoya said to Kyo. "Why didn't we hear anything had happened to your team?"
Ignoring the angry kunoichi Kyo said addressing the jounin that had placed them in the genjutsu, "Thanks Kurenai. I think that'll be it for the day."
"You're welcome," Kurenai said before giving a little shiver as she felt Okubo's eyes on her. If the money wasn't so good, being an A-ranked assignment for the single mother who was staying in the reserve guard since she didn't want her daughter to grow up an orphan, she would never have agreed to be near that particular piece of trash.
After Kurenai left Naruto turned towards Yaoya saying, "The reason you didn't hear anything was because I wanted to introduce the idea that things could go bad just that quickly. We have gotten pretty good at these genjutsu runs but we have also gotten complacent believing we are well prepared. Which can lead to carelessness, something that will get us all killed."
"Yeah, well wouldn't you want our last run to be a success," Saburo said as he got up to stretch his sore muscles.
"No," Kyo said responding to the former chunin, "I want the idea that death is right behind us to be paramount in your minds. Now follow me."
Packing up the camp site that had been their home for the past several weeks the criminals followed Kyo to the tower that resided at the center of training area Forty-Four. Telling them to throw their gear to the ground he said, "Alright, head to the cafeteria for some hot grub and feel free to use the showers to clean up since for some of us it will be the last time. Get a goodnight's sleep because after today it's going to be real."
Tayuya quickly headed to the cafeteria where she found a veritable buffet of food waiting for her and the others. After living on whatever the forest could provide for weeks real food was a true gift. After having her fill she noticed that Kyo hadn't joined them. Tayuya went in search of the mercenary finding him on the top of the tower looking at the setting sun.
"Was the food to your liking Tayuya," he said without looking at her.
"Yes," she replied sitting next to him, "Thanks for not harping on me about losing focus today."
"You were hardly the only one Tayuya," he said kindly, "just don't let it happen again."
The former Sound-nin nodded her head in agreement. After the sun set the idea of a hot shower proved too tempting to pass up so she thanked him for all he's done for her before heading back down. Naruto watched the red-head go hoping that she would make it out of the mission alive since she kind of reminded him of how Sakura had been shortly after Sasuke defected due to her feelings of worthlessness.
Standing, he shunshined away from the tower in order to tell Tsunade good-bye, before turning in for the night.
Kurotsuchi exited the shower room clad in only a towel feeling like a million ryo after feeling the hot water. As she made her way to her room she felt the tell tale shiver that told her Okubo was staring at her. Seeing him down the hall she walked on not giving him any sign that she was uncomfortable in her present state of dress. As she walked by the rapist he said, "It sure is a shame a fine piece of ass like yourself spending what might be her last few days on this planet all alone. How would you like a real man to keep you company."
"Sure," Kurotsuchi said enjoying the momentary thrill that appeared in his eyes till she added, "When Kyo gets back could you send him my way."
A sneer appeared on his lips as he said, "That mercenary will get his as soon as this mark comes off and after I pay him back, I'll be sure to give you a call."
"Well since you want to go in that order, I guess I don't really have anything to fear now do I?" Kurotsuchi said. "I highly doubt Kyo will be as gentle on you as he was the last time. Besides," she added heading into her quarters, "The way I hear it you don't have the equipment to be much of a threat anymore."
"That snake bitch missed," Okubo said red-faced.
"Well, normally I'd say what can you expect from a Konoha-nin but I doubt anyone could hit such a small target," before he could respond she slammed the door in his face. Leaving Okubo to vent his impotent rage in the hallway, while thinking, "Mock me while you can now bitch, because as soon as this mark comes off I'm going to make you my twenty-eighth little lady."
In a port town in Earth Country a meeting was taking place between Madara and the remnants of Sky Country. Meeting with the new leader of Sky Country, Madara was a little disappointed that the talks hadn't progressed as far as he would have liked. But he could hardly blame the man for being cautious considering how things had gone the last time they had tangled with Konoha. The talks would resume tomorrow so he hoped to find something they needed in order to secure their services. Having a powerful sea based air force would be a huge advantage and would allow him to strike at just about any hidden village with very little warning.
Stepping into his temporary headquarters' office a voice said, "Well have you managed to secure yourself some new allies."
"What do you care Kabuto," Madara said angrily, "I recall you saying you would help me win this war and yet you have so far done nothing."
"I have yet to see you produce Sasuke," Kabuto said indifferently.
"Even if I had him, I told you that you wouldn't be able to use him until I was done with him," Madara said calming down slightly.
"True, but why should I use my power for your benefit when you don't even have the bargaining chip you used to gain my services. Perhaps I should offer my skills to your enemies."
"Good luck with that," Madara said his tone showing how likely he found that scenario occurring.
Smiling Kabuto said, "Don't be so quick to write such a thing happening off. While Konoha would undoubtedly be against it, I'm sure E would consider my proposal especially considering Sasuke's attack on him and his brother."
"And do you really think the Hokage would be willing to hand over Sasuke," Madara replied a little agitated.
"Who knows," Kabuto replied heading for the door, "It may be interesting to find out though."
After Kabuto left Zetsu rose from the ground with his black half saying, "Why do you tolerate that guy?"
"He puts up with him because he can summon…" the white half said, quickly being cut off by the black who said, "Be quiet it was a rhetorical questions."
Madara merely said, "Both of you be quiet. Even though he refuses to help, the fact he has not yet gone to my enemies is in itself a blessing. What do you have to report?"
"Kisame is still with the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki although I sense he is getting a little impatient," the white half said, "He never thought he'd have to remain undercover this long."
"Kisame will be okay, he's a professional," Madara said. "Is there anything else?"
"The mercenary Kyo seems to have disappeared from Sunagakure as he hasn't been spotted in the village in sometime," the black half reported.
"I thought I told you not to return to the Sand village since the last time he almost caught you," Madara said upset at Zetsu's disobeying his order.
"Well I collected the report from one of our few cells remaining in the Land of Wind and wanted to test whether or not the rumor was true," the black half of Zetsu said calmly. "I stayed for almost six hours before returning."
"Well I suppose it was worth the risk then because that means he is up to something and that mercenary has been a pain in my side since he first showed up. Any idea on where he is?"
"I'm afraid not. Should I begin a search?"
"Don't bother thus far he has been able to stay away from you despite your best efforts," Madara said, "Instead concentrate on finding out what Admiral Yato wants so that I can secure Sky Country's allegiance."
Zetsu didn't respond instead sunk into the ground to spy on the Sky Country delegation so at tomorrow's meeting Madara would be able to convince them it was in their best interest to join him. He tried to concentrate on what he would say in tomorrow's negotiation however he just couldn't shake the feeling that Kyo's disappearance meant he was about to face another setback to his ambition. Perhaps it was time he and this Kyo met face to face or if rumors of his appearance were true mask to mask. After all the man was a mercenary Madara was sure he could meet his price.
Sakura was tired, as not only was the Five Element Hospital a lot busier than Konoha's, but the dream that had been plaguing her since her talk with Konan had yet to leave her. Although it had now changed so that instead of not choosing she chose Sasuke only for him to kill her in the end.
Filling out her paper work she was assaulted by the images she had dreamed for the last several weeks. The scenario was the same. Konoha was in flames due to Sasuke's attack and like before both Naruto and Sasuke strike each other with their jutsus except this time she answers Sasuke's calls for help. However, once he's fully healed he stabs her in the heart and leaves her to die. Staring at the Uchiha's back as he walks away she feels somebody grab her hand and sees that Naruto while still looking up at the stars has reached out to her not willing to let her die alone even if in the dream, at least, she chose Sasuke over him.
She would always shoot up in bed at that point covered in sweat and feeling on the verge of tears. Needless to say sleep didn't return after being visited by the dream. What she really wanted to know was if her subconscious was telling her that choosing Sasuke was so bad why did she keep doing it in the dream? Having not arrived at an answer yet, she decided to settle the debate by writing a list that showed why she was so hung up on Sasuke.
Placing herself in the mindset of her younger self she began to list all the qualities she liked in both boys. She started with Sasuke listing how she thought he was cool, handsome, and strangely enough the indifference that he showed her and his other would be girlfriends had been one of the things that kept her coming back. She then without thinking wrote down, "Thinks my forehead is cute." She was about to move on to the next one when she stopped and realized that it was Naruto who had said that. Instead an image came to her of what happened shortly after that time on the bench, when after Naruto, as Sasuke, had run off and she had asked what must have been the real Sasuke to pick up where they had left off.
"You're annoying"
She supposed right then she should have known something was up. But she had been so ecstatic that her crush had finally paid her some attention. That she hadn't really given any thought to what truly had been going on that day. In the end, the list for Sasuke consisted of the three attributes her thirteen year old self had originally liked. Sasuke's early dedication to his teammates and his heartfelt good-bye the day he left her and Konoha behind. She supposed if she made a list of his negative qualities it would far surpass the one she had just finished.
She moved onto Naruto. Strangely the thirteen year old girl part of herself that she had used to come up with the good characteristics for Sasuke remained silent as she remembered the first few months of Team Seven. She supposed she shouldn't be surprised considering just how obsessed she was with the Uchiha. Her memories took her to the time they had faced off against Orochimaru in the Forest of Death. She remembered how Naruto had refused to back down even while Sasuke was willing to hand over the scroll. After Naruto had been rendered unconscious she had been overjoyed that Naruto's bravery seemed to kickoff something in Sasuke as he had fought Orochimaru. While she didn't doubt that at least a part of the reason Sasuke fought Orochimaru had been to defend his team, the seventeen year old girl she now was believed that it also had to do with his ambition to kill Itachi.
While on the other hand, the thirteen year old Sakura had seen Naruto's standing up to Orochimaru as him being too stupid to realize he was outclassed. Seventeen year old Sakura understood that the only thing Naruto understood had been his team and friends were in danger and that was all there was to the situation. It seemed that giving up her thirteen year old self's view of the memories caused a floodgate to open as more and more flashes of just how spectacular Naruto had been back then appeared to her. The next flash of memory was of after Naruto had fought Gaara and she had thanked Sasuke instead, believing that only he could have saved her. While she had remembered her opinion of the blonde had shifted after Sasuke had set her straight, now looking back on it the memory showed that Naruto was truly a selfless individual as he had never once said anything about the fight, or the role he had played in saving her life.
Her mind latching onto that selfless idea as it showed her the time at the gate when she had begged Naruto to bring Sasuke back. She had been too busy with her own pain to really appreciate how much it must have hurt Naruto to promise to bring back the one thing he must have believed stood between him and her. But he still had agreed with a smile that had masked the pain he felt. Then upon his return after the training trip with Jiraiya he had all but given up on asking her out. He still did occasionally, but they had lacked the passion his thirteen year old self had displayed, and now she knew why. He had already decided to once again stand aside for her happiness.
As she had remembered she continued to write Naruto's list and wasn't surprised at how much longer his was than Sasuke's. Deciding she had probably wasted enough time thinking about the past and that she had work to do. She placed the list in her desk and left her basement office. As she made her rounds she couldn't help yawning several times. After Avaron caught her yawning for the sixth time the head doctor who hailed from the Sand village said, "Another late night Haruno."
"Sorry ma'am, I haven't been sleeping well lately," Sakura said not seeing a reason to lie.
"What miss your comfy bed in the Leaf Village?" Avaron said teasingly while lighting another cigarette.
"I do miss something that used to give me comfort, but it isn't a bed," Sakura replied thinking about Naruto wistfully.
"I understand, so you're suffering from a case of L.T.B.," Avaron said after taking a drag from her cigarette before adding, "It's time for my cigarette break, would you like to join me?"
Sakura sweat dropped a little since at times it would almost be better to say that the actually breaks were when she stopped smoking but said, "Sure." As they walked she asked, "So what's L.T.B. stand for?"
"Love Triangle Blues," Avaron said, "and if you ask me you probably got the worse case that I've seen in a long time."
Laughing lightly Sakura said, "You make it sound like it really common."
"Are you kidding? Sometimes I think the bastards that make up the genin teams in the villages pick them based on which team compilations can cause the most drama."
Sakura had a hard time disagreeing with her before it dawned on her, "Your team had its own set of drama then huh?"
""You could say that," Avaron said leaning against a railing as they reached the area outside where doctors liked to take breaks. Seeing that they were alone, Avaron said, "My team's L.B.T. was me being in love with the most popular kid in the academy and the third wheel of my team being in love with me."
"Was he the last place student?" Sakura asked intrigued.
"What, no he just was the third wheel because he cut into my alone time with my with the boy I really wanted to recognize me," Avaron said knocking the ashes from her cigarette.
"Did he have a lot of other girls after him?"
"Tons, but it didn't matter because I was his number one fan," Avaron admitted. "My other teammate however, tried desperately to get me to acknowledge him."
"Let me guess, you eventually did when the one you really wanted blew you off," Sakura supplied.
"Hell no, I bagged the boy I was after and married him. Eventually the boy after me gave up and got married himself. But that's where shit started to fall apart for me at least."
"What do you mean?" Sakura said really curious now.
"Well you might find this hard to believe, but before I got married I was one of those girlie-girl kunoichi. Always up on the latest fashions bringing girl magazines with me on mission with articles like how to land your man and the like?"
"Well they worked it seemed," Sakura said.
"True a little too well," Avaron said, "You see I eventually landed my husband by pretty much dedicating myself to pleasing his every whim."
Hearing that Sakura thought back to how she had pleaded with Sasuke to stay in the Leaf Village by pretty much promising to do the same thing. With that in mind Sakura said, "What's wrong with that? Doesn't it mean you love him?"
"Sure it does," Avaron agreed, "But the best relationships are ones of give and take. You see while I did dedicate several years to making him happy. He didn't give a second thought to my own happiness. I wanted kids, he didn't. I had even given up my shinobi career to be a good house wife to him while he smoozed his way up the ladder of success. But eventually the lifestyle grew stale, so I applied to be a medic-nin which are always in short supply in Suna. I found I had a calling for it. My husband wasn't pleased, but my own successes looked good for him so he relented. One day I got called away to solve a plague in a nearby village, turned out to be a case of the local watering hole getting tampered with so we wrapped it up several weeks ahead of schedule. My boss let me leave early I wanted to surprise my husband it had been our anniversary. Turned out I was the one in for a surprise as I found him in bed with Fangirl number two."
"Oh Kami I'm sorry," Sakura said.
"Oh it gets better, as Fangirl number three was in the kitchen getting the whip cream before rejoining the fun. Well a few months later I'm a divorced single woman again with nothing but a blossoming medical career ahead of her even after several years of marriage."
"What about your other teammate?" Sakura asked having a good idea of what the answer would be.
"Still happily married with his wife expecting their fourth child in a few months," Avaron said and although Sakura could tell she was happy for them she knew a part of the woman was asking herself what if.
"Thanks, but if you know anything about my team you know it's too late for me," Sakura said getting up to head back.
She stopped though when Avaron said, "I don't know. I've heard the rumor he's sleeping with that Akatsuki chick, but from what I heard she's given a free pass to anybody that wants to try and get him in their beds."
"That's the mercenary Kyo," Sakura said.
"One and the same aren't they," seeing Sakura's shocked look Avaron said, "I was the head of the medical department in Suna. The only reason I transferred here was because of how quiet Kyo made Wind Country. But before then, somebody had to piece him back together after some of the battles he fought. The kid can be pretty reckless with his well being after all."
Sakura sighed saying, "It doesn't matter. I looked back at how I treated him in the past and even if he still felt anything for me, I don't deserve him."
"Look Sakura, you're a really smart girl which is why I don't want you to take it personally when I say stop being a dumbass. How old are you?"
"Seventeen, but…"
"But nothing. You're a seventeen year old girl. The only good thing you can say about youth is that you are going to make mistakes," Avaron said. "Mistakes only become permanent if you refuse to correct them. You say based on your past with him you don't deserve him. But, if you are willing to live the rest of your life making up for them, then who is to say that you don't."
"I wish it was that simple," Sakura said her voice cracking with emotion, "But too much has passed between us. I think the best I could hope for is that one day he'll see me as a friend again. Besides everyone of my fellow shinobi in the Leaf would feel I don't deserve him"
Rubbing her forehead Avaron said, "You really are a foolish and stubborn girl you know that. I have two things to say to that. First what do you think of the Kazekage."
"He's a good leader who cares for his peo…"
"He was a monster," Avaron said smirking at Sakura's shocked face, "Yes, what you say is true. But in his youth he killed lots of innocent people sometimes just for looking at him the wrong way. But he changed for the better and we forgave him for those crimes. True, his father was the one that made him that way. But he was the one that gave into those blood thirsty tendencies of his."
Sakura was about to speak but Avaron cut her off saying, "My point is Sakura. At which point did he stop being the monster and start becoming the man that is now the Kazekage."
"I would guess after his fight with Naruto," Sakura said causing Avaron to laugh.
"Not an actual point in time Sakura," she said in between laughs, "I mean in a spiritual sense. If you ask me it was when he began living for his people. But when did the good he has done outweigh the bad? The truth is it doesn't matter. He one day decided with his whole heart to change for the better and that was when he became the person he is today."
"As to what others think though, well only one person's opinion on the subject truly matters. Now I think that's enough talking for right now. You have rounds to finish and I need a cigarette."
"Thank you," Sakura said before heading back in feeling a lot better than she had when she had woken up today.
Naruto had just returned from saying good-bye to Tsunade who had made him promise not to die. Once he did, she had said if he doesn't keep it the afterlife wouldn't protect him from her wrath. The way she had said it, made Naruto feel as if Jiraiya was in heaven praying Tsunade lived a nice long life. Having returned to the tower Naruto took up his perch on top of it looking up at the moon. He knew he really should get some sleep, but he found it elusive.
While gazing over the forest he sensed a presence making its way up behind him and from the hint of perfume it carried knew it to be Sada. "Can I help you with something?"
""I believe so," the seductress said sliding up behind him, "There's this itch that I just can't seem to scratch."
"Why don't you ask Okubo? I'm sure he would delight in helping you with your problem," Naruto said shrugging the woman of gently despite a feeling telling him to pull her closer.
Smiling demurely as she slid away from him she said, "I've never been one for bestiality."
Naruto began laughing at the woman's comment. After a few minutes he stopped prompting her to say, "You aren't really a mercenary, are you?"
Naruto turned his head slowly feeling his cheeks burning and asked, "What makes you say that?"
"This mission for one," Sada remarked opening the blouse she was wearing slightly showing she wasn't wearing any undergarments to contain her well endowed chest, "I've known my fair share of mercenaries and they would never have agreed to take this mission. Do you know why?"
"You can't spend money if you are dead," Naruto said surprising the seductress.
However, she quickly recovered saying, "Exactly, but although you do know that you do not believe it."
"Well money doesn't do any of us a lot of good if Madara wins," Naruto replied feeling a little flustered but keeping his cool.
Smiling Sada said, "You say all the right words, but your actions speak differently. For example a mercenary wouldn't spend as much time building up a girl's skills and self worth as you have with Tayuya. He also wouldn't be taking some of the worst scum he could find into a dangerous situation and actually mean it when he said he hoped most of them returned. No you are many things Kyo, but you aren't a mercenary. Furthermore, a mercenary wouldn't have been able to resist my little concoction like you have."
"You mean this feeling of desire welling up in me?" Naruto asked. "A result of the perfume you are wearing no doubt."
"Somehow I'm not surprised you have been able to resist my Siren Song," she said.
"Rather dangerous of you to try it on me," Naruto said feeling the effects fading, "I take it you found the ingredients in the forest."
"Yes, and you are only the second man to ever resist it," the seductress replied.
"The first being Jiraiya," Naruto supplied causing the woman to nod.
"Will you tell me who she is at least," the seductress asked.
"Who"
"The woman you keep close to your heart," Sada said honestly interested, "You see I finally understand why my perfume didn't work on Jiraiya and that is because despite his lecherous ways there was only one woman who could truly move him. You are just like him, in that regard."
"Thanks," Naruto said earnestly.
"You're welcome, now will you tell me please. I really want to know."
"Maybe if we both survive this," Naruto said. "So do you mind if I ask you a question?" The woman nodded her head, "Why did you agree to come along?"
"To gain a chance to kill the man who my heart belonged to," Sada said, her voice taking on a cold tone. Naruto stared at her for a minute before looking away causing her to smile, "You want to know why, don't you?"
Getting up she placed her lips against his mask and when she pulled back smiled at the outline her lipstick had left behind and said, "Maybe I'll tell you if we both survive this."
She got up to head to her room. Naruto caught himself watching her backside as it swayed from side to side. Letting out the breath he was holding he decided on a cold shower before trying once more to get some sleep.
Sakura once more dreamed of Konoha in flames and the two young men she cared for locked in deadly combat. Again she watched as they hit each striking a fatal blow to whoever she didn't help. She didn't know why but unlike the previous dreams where she had felt like she was watching the battle from outside herself. This time she felt more in control as if she could actually control the outcome of the dream and no sooner had she come to that realization then she found herself kneeling next to Naruto healing him. Ignoring the voice of Sasuke as he asked her to forget Naruto and save him.
It still hurt to have to choose but as she felt Naruto's pulse grow stronger and the warmth return to his body she knew in her heart it would be a choice she would never regret. As Naruto healed the ruins around her began to fade as did his injuries. Then there was just the two of them standing in a field and she was staring into his beautiful blue eyes that had always shown such warmth for her. He began to lean down to kiss her….
"RRRRiiiiinnnnnngggggg"
Shooting up in bed not used to her alarm clock waking her after the previous dreams she slammed her fist down smashing it. Feeling rested despite the rude awakening. She got out of bed to prepare for the day. As she took a shower she remembered the warm feeling she had felt as Naruto had been about to kiss her in the dream. Sighing that it had been interrupted she thought, "Would it have been too much trouble for the dream to have sped up just a little. Why is it that when I was dreaming about Sasuke killing me it would always wake me up in the middle of the night? Why when it's a good one does it take all night?"
She was in the middle of brushing her teeth when she had a little epiphany, "Avaron's story might be why I felt like I had more control in the dream. She showed me that what my heart first wanted might not be what's best for me. Maybe the reason I wasn't kissed by Naruto in the dream is because choosing is merely the first step. Now it's up to me to show him I mean it when I say I want to be with him."
Sakura felt good believing she understood what her dream was telling her. However, her good feeling faded as she realized that convincing Naruto she was sincere would be easier said than done. Pushing away her, self-doubts she vowed to do everything she could to show him how much she had come to care for and need him.
She was about to head out the door but stopped when she saw she had mail. One letter above all the others stood out. Quickly opening it she gazed at the single sentence in Karin's handwriting that simply read, "He's gone." Silently thanking the ex-sound kunoichi for letting her know Naruto had left on his mission she whispered a pray for his safe return and for the chance to build a stronger bond with him.
The screaming had started sometime in the middle of the night. By the time Katsuro had made it out of his room the halls of the laboratory complex beneath Blackwood's Prison were already covered in blood. He easily destroyed the creature that was eating the man it had just killed whose scream had awakened him. He had rallied several of his best Deathseekers to storm the lab that seemed to be where they were coming from but had been forced back. Changing his tactics he had instead gathered what few survivors remained and led them up into the prison.
The prison had been almost overrun with the various curse mark creations that Zin had been working on but with the reinforcements from the men outside, as well as his group of survivors, they had managed to force the remaining creatures back into the labs. He had set up a perimeter around the prison when the complex's speaker began broadcasting Zin's voice.
"Hello…can you hear me Katsuro? I imagine you can, by now you must realize that this prison is mine once again. But I do invite you to try and take it from me. I can always use fresh material for my experiments. Oh by the way please tell that fool that runs the Grass Village, I quit for me. Would you?"
Zin ended his broadcast with a cackle which caused Katsuro to grind his teeth in rage. "Laugh why you can now worm, because in a few hours my reinforcements will be here and I'll gladly show you your place then," he thought taking great pleasure at the idea of crushing the scientist's head beneath his heel.
Naruto stopped his teams at the edge of the forest surrounding the prison. He immediately knew something was wrong just by how the guards around it were situated. His thoughts were given voice by Kurotsuchi who said, "Those guards are arrayed in a containment formation. Their focus is directed at the prison. Could there be a riot in progress?"
Naruto stood still allowing nature energy to flow into him. However he knew that wasn't the case as he said, "I don't think so. I feel a bunch of wild animal like minds in the lab complex but almost no life in the prison."
"You don't think they lost control of those creatures do you?" Tayuya asked worried.
"It's beginning to look that way," Naruto answered honestly.
"Sweet," Okado said giving a high five to his fellow murderer and chunin Saburo, "Looks like we get to go on home without doing squat shit."
"Wrong," Naruto said sending a glare that despite the mask still reached the pair, "This mission was to destroy the complex and prevent Grass from perfecting the Curse Mark. We continue on as planned."
"That's suicide," Kazuo the yakuza hitman said.
"Well you did sign on for a suicide mission didn't you," Naruto said, "Don't tell me you thought it was going to be a walk in a park. You're going to have to earn those pardons. Assault team on me."
Following the order despite grumbling Kazuo, Okubo, and Otoya got behind Naruto. The Demolitions team which consisted of Yaoya the arsonist, Kiyoshi the medic, Tayuya, and the chunin Saburo and Okado prepared to follow. The rearguard group of Kurotsuchi, Oden the poison expert, Mizuki, and Sada prepared to go last.
For the Grass Shinobi the attack came without warning as several kunai with paper bombs attached landed among the perimeter forces. The Assault team easily tore through the unprepared men. As they neared the side of the prison Naruto shouted, "Now Otoya," the member of the one king movement ran towards the wall. Pulling his hand back he channeled chakra to it and a large phantom hand appeared around it. Throwing it forward the phantom hand smashed into the wall shattering it.
Making their way inside the prison Naruto kept his senses alert but had already been positive they would arrive into the prison to find themselves alone. However, it didn't prepare him for the amount of gore and dead bodies that surrounded them. An acidic smell filled his nostrils so turning saw Yaoya fast burning tag melting the wall above the hole to cover their entrance. It wouldn't stand up to a real pounding but would slow any pursuit down. Although judging from the carnage he doubted the Grass forces were in too much of a hurry to catch up.
Taking a quick head count he noticed that one of the Demolitions team was missing. Commenting he asked, "Where's Okado?"
"He's fucking dead man," Saburo said angry, scared, and shocked at just how fast it had happened, "A fucking kunai came out of nowhere and caught him in the neck."
Naruto wanted to tell the chunin he was sorry. Even though they were both murders, they had a bond and knowing how much it hurt to have that bond severed could easily sympathize with Saburo. However he merely said, "Alright let's get moving."
He noticed Kurotsuchi staring at one of the corpses a man dressed in the orange jumpsuits of the prison. Walking up to her he could clearly see most of his stomach had been removed and his eyes bulged out in horror. Gently he asked, "Did you know him?"
"You could say that," she replied cryptically before walking away burying whatever she was feeling under her shinobi training. Looking once more at the man he noticed that he shared similar facial characteristics as her. Judging by his age he suspected a close relative, maybe even a brother. Pushing his own sadness that he felt for the Iwa kunoichi he turned his own focus to the immediate concern of completing the mission.
To honor his promise of saving any prisoners they performed a quick search of the prison finding it deserted. Not to say they were alone as death surrounded them since the curse mark creatures that had made it up here before being driven back underground had found the caged prisoners to be easy pickings. He was mindful of Kurotsuchi as she took great pain not to look at any of corpse surrounding them. No longer in sage mode Naruto was as surprised as the rest when Kiyoshi shouted, "I found someone."
Joining the medic in one of the cells they found a young woman who had been half-hidden underneath the creature she had killed using a shiv she had made from a sharpened piece of metal she must have found somewhere. However, she had not escaped without injury as there was a vicious gash running across her stomach an injury she received from the creature's claws.
While the medic worked desperately to save the woman's life Naruto flipped over the dead creature. Unlike the one he had fought when he had been scouting Iwa this one's skin was dark brown instead of black. Furthermore its skin was leather-like as opposed to the slimy texture the other creature's skin had felt like. Also disparate from the other one who had a tail this one did not.. However, its hands had been changed having three wicked looking fingers that ended in sharp points.
He was pulled from his inspection when he heard Kurotsuchi, who could no longer take not knowing who it was, looked in. She shouted, "Shindatsuchi," before running up to the woman taking her hand.
Smiling weakly the woman focused her pupil-less brown eyes on the Iwa Jounin saying, "I'd knew you'd come back Kurotsuchi."
"Looks like you are a little too late though," the woman said sounding weaker.
"Don't talk like that you're going to be fine," however a quick look up to the doctor who sadly shock his head revealed her words were hollow.
Gazing softly at the dying woman whose smile never faltered even while she said, "You're a poor liar."
Knowing her time was short and needing all the Intel he could collect Naruto as kindly as he could said, "Kurotsuchi."
Understanding what the mercenary wanted and blinking back tears the Iwa kunoichi asked, "Shindatsuchi what happened here?"
"I'm not sure…all the sudden the base was overrun by these creatures. But I vaguely remember a voice taunting the Grass leader of the base, Katsuro. Maybe one of the prisoners got loose." The agony she had been in was returning as the pain blocking jutsu Kiyoshi had used lost effectiveness the woman weakly asked, "Don't let me suffer please…just finish it… and bring down this horrible place."
Naruto placed a hand on Kurotsuchi's shoulder letting her know he would do it. However she shrugged it off. Understanding Naruto made the others leave the cell. Shortly after he heard the sound of a kunai piercing flesh, a few moments later she exited as well.
As she walked by Okubo said, "You could have had me do it. I probably would have gotten off on it."
Kurotsuchi didn't say anything in reply merely walking down the hall. Naruto however walked up to the man and slammed him into the wall hard enough to leave an impression and in a hard and cold voice said, "Don't make me pull your choke collar dog."
Letting go of the larger man, he followed after her giving the rest of the prisoners a wave indicating they should tag along. Rubbing the spot where Naruto had grabbed him he walked behind definitely planning on paying the mercenary back.
Zin watched on a monitor as the group that had entered his prison once again appeared on screen. Rubbing the head of one of his beautiful creatures he supposed it was unfortunate they hadn't been more careful as they had rampaged throughout the complex as now half the cameras were no longer working. Studying them closely he was confident that they were not working for Grass Country as he had little doubt the fool Katsuro would be leading the charge personally.
Leaning forward in interest he said aloud, "Now just who do you work for?" However, he supposed it didn't matter as he was positive that whoever they were. They weren't here to do him any favors. Once more rubbing the creature's head that had once been his female assistant he said, "Whoever you are please give my babies a real test and who knows perhaps the strongest among you may find yourself reborn."
Katsuro was still wondering what had happened at the eastern side of the prison. Thankfully his men, although not sure what attacked them, were confident that the creatures were still contained inside the prison. Finding the unfamiliar corpse among the dead had all but assured him of that fact. Not surprising the man had not carried any identification or other means to discover which shinobi village he had come from.
But he had a few ideas. One of which was that the man may have had ties with the kunoichi that had escaped from the prison. That meant that either the dead man had been an Iwa shinobi, part of a group attempting to perform a brave but ultimately foolish rescue attempt. Or, the kunoichi had against all odds been able to alert the Shinobi alliance of what was going on here.
Considering that his village leader wanted Zin continued existence to be kept a secret either scenario could pose equally catastrophic for his country if the truth was learned. His attention was demanded by his number two Kokusa. The younger man although bearing man scars said, "Sir one of the guards around the perimeter has regained consciousness and has reported something you may want to hear."
Waving his hand to proceed, Kokusa had two of his fellow Deathseekers bring the grievously wounded man before him. They threw him before the leader of the Deathseekers before stepping back. The man cursed loudly before saying, "What the hell. If I knew this is how you'd treat me I'd have kept my mouth shut."
Grabbing the prone man by the throat and lifting him to his feet Katsuro said, "That would have been very unwise worm. Now what is it you know?"
"I…I…I caught a flash of the leader of the attack," the man said fearfully, "He wore a white mask and a desert camouflage cloak."
Tossing the man to the side Katsuro said, "Kokusa gather ever able body Deathseeker. We follow him in."
To must such an order would have sounded insane but Kokusa merely nodded his two fellow Deathseekers following in his wake. The injured man though did find it insane saying, "Are you nuts? Why follow he's probably dead already."
"No, he isn't. Not that one," Katsuro said throwing on his lion skin cloak that showed his status as a Deathseeker. "We follow because it was our mission to kill him and the idea that these monstrous creations of that madman may succeeded would be an irreversible stain on our honor."
Stepping out of the tent he saw all twenty five of his remaining Deathseekers standing before him. Pointing to the youngest he said, "You will remain here to report to the reinforcements when they arrive."
"Sir, I am able and can fight," the young shinobi said.
"I know, but you are the newest to arrive and least worthy of the death we seek. However, once the new forces arrive feel free to join us." Addressing the men who would be joining him Katsuro said, "My fellow Deathseekers. The enemy that has stained our honor has seen fit to enter our grasp. It does not matter that he has walked into a veritable hell on earth. I for one will not be satisfied unless his last breath is brought about by my own hands. What say you?"
To answer all the shinobi raised their fist shouting in affirmation. Smiling a grin that wouldn't have looked out of place on a large predatory cat savoring a coming meal he said, "Then let us enter hell together." His men all turned and began to charge the building in reckless abandon. Following behind his smile never faltering Katsuro thought, "You have left your little sand box Desert Fox; let us see how you fare in my playground."
Okubo and Kazuo were holding open the elevator doors for the lab complex below. Looking into the shaft he could see that it was no longer in commission due to the broken cable. That suited him fine as he had been afraid to use it fearing it could be shut down by remote access. Unfortunately there had been no stairway leading down so this was the only access point. That was bad as the grass forces they had blown by to get in here could just sit here and wait for them to come back up. But he would cross that bridge when he got there. Stepping to the edge he looked down, but couldn't see the bottom. He wasn't surprised as Kurotsuchi had said the elevator ride had taken almost five minutes when she had ridden it.
Without looking at the rest of his team he jumped into the abyss, quickly being swallowed by the darkness.