Hebi's Hunt

"Lord Orochimaru, is there a reason why we are waiting?", Kabuto inquires, trying not to sound impatient or rude. The monster known as Orochimaru, the evil Sannin, looks down at his subordinates; Kabuto Yakushi, Karin & Jugo before replying, "Not everyone is here. We're still waiting on Guren & Suigetsu to return.". Suddenly, the door flies open & a man is thrown into the chamber. He yells, frightened, before an orb of water forms around his head. He continues to scream for a second, the sound muffled by the water before starting a vain attempt to hold his breath. "Ah, just in time. We were talking about you two.", Orochimaru remarks with a snide grin, looking at the man in intrigue before seeing Suigetsu Hozuki walk in.

Guren, the Crystal Shinobi, walks in after him & states, "I apologize my lord, somebody refused to walk unless they were well rested.", glaring at Suigetsu. He says nothing, just smiles a toothy, shark-like grin. "You're going to kill him if you don't let the guy breathe.", she says as she tries to pull his arm away. Suigetsu starts trying to step away from Guren, firing back, "He's soooo annoying though, always yelling & begging. He tried to bribe me! Killing him, that's the best way to go." Orochimaru clears his throat, a slight hiss echoing with it, catching their attention. "After Lord Orochimaru is finished with him, of course.", Suigetsu adds before snapping his fingers. The orb of water drops away, flowing back to Suigetsu.

The man tries to run, but Guren quickly crystalizes his hands & feet, preventing him from moving. "Please! What do you people want from me?", he pleads fearfully as he sees the pale, white faced leader walk toward him. "Are you the Guardian of the Mizukage? ", Orochimaru asks him calmly. The man responds with a nod, fear still etched on his face as he looks back up at the villainous man. "Have you seen anything that looks like this?", he inquires while signalling for Kabuto. He stands next to his master, unfurling a scroll to show a drawing of a large, white, slimy slug-like creature. It has 2 small feet that it stands on, with 2 small arms & 6 massively thick tails behind it.

"I..I think I have. In a cave outside the village. Lots of noise has been coming from it lately, but that thing you're showing me, looks kind of familiar, like I've seen its shadow.", he responds shakily, nodding rapidly to sell that it's the truth. Orochimaru smiles, "I believe you. Thank you, & don't worry, everything will be just fine.", he states with in a light-hearted tone. The guardian starts to smile, thinking he'll get to go free. "Kill him.", Orochimaru orders darkly, & a look of horror falls upon the guardian's face. It's the last thing his face would ever show.

Orochimaru sits back down, like nothing had happened, & watches as his minions fall into line. "Now that my suspicions have been confirmed, it is time to put my plan into action.". They all look up at their master, but Kabuto is the only 1 who speaks up, "What plan Lord Orochimaru?". The old man smirks & shifts in his seat before answering, "Akatsuki has made an error, 1 that I shall capitalize on. For years, Pain has been looking for any hints of the Tailed Beasts or any Spirit Hosts. Now with news of the Mizukage being captured spreading, they have exposed the stage they are currently at in their plans.".

They all look up at him, somewhat confused about what Orochimaru is talking about. He shakes his head with a smirk & continues, "They are after the Tailed Beasts. The Mizukage, Yagura, he was the Spirit Host of the 3-Tailed Turtle. Now we know that they have 3 of the 9. We can't take them away, not yet at least, but we can spoil their plans. Hebi, my greatest team, you have a new mission. Head to the Village Hidden in the Mist, find the 6-Tailed Slug & capture it.". They all rise, & Kabuto asks, "Doesn't the 6-Tails have a Spirit Host?". The Sannin shakes his head, replying, "No, not anymore. It was sealed in Yagura's little brother, named Uta...Uta... something with 'Uta' in it. The child's master unleashed it several years ago though, it's been free ever since.".

"So this is the perfect chance to capture it, with the Mizukage gone.", Kabuto remarks knowingly. Orochimaru responds, "Yes, very good Kabuto. You're almost a genius now aren't you?", his voice teeming with sarcasm. Either nobody acknowledged it, or nobody dared to respond. They decided to leave quickly, before they angered their master.

Meanwhile, outside the Village Hidden in the Mist, in the deepest recesses of a hidden cave, a boy was throwing down some vegetables. "Eat up Namako. I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner. I'm expected to be around all the time now while they search for Yagura.", says the boy. He sits down on the cave floor, sitting on the train of his light blue kimono. He pushes aside his dark brown hair to look at Namako, & smiles at the large slug as it happily eats its meal. "It's fine Utakata. I did miss you though, a lot. Thank you for the vegetables, they're exquisite!", the slug replies softly, almost like it has no real voice.

Namako scoops up a carrot with 1 of its long tails & starts to eat it. "I missed you too buddy. I see you've been practicing holding things with your tails. You're getting really good at it.", he states happily. Namako's head wavers as it eats, which the boy known as Utakata has learned is how it nods. "I have been, I have to pass the time by somehow.", the slug replies. Utakata stands up & walks up to Namako, putting his hand on 1 of the slug's small arms. "I'm sure after they find my brother, we'll get to spend lots of time together. Just be patient, & don't forget that I really care about you Namako.".

As Utakata holds the slug's small arm, he can feel Namako's slimy skin grow warmer. "I will, for you Utakata. You mean a lot to me too.", & as they look at each other they smile, believing that everything will get better.

Ninja Facts: Utakata

That's right, Ninja Facts is back! Today is about the jinchuriki of the Six-Tailed Slug, known simply as Utakata. A teenager who believed his master betrayed him, he turned his back on most people. He instead seeked companionship with his Tailed Beast, even naming it Namako. He usually puts up an emotionless facade, staying silent & stoic around all but the select few he can trust.

Age: 17-19
Birthday: Unknown
Weight: Approx. 120 lbs
Height: 5'11" (approx.)
Rank: Jonin
Chakra Type: Water
Signature Jutsu: Soap Bubble Ninjutsu
Reg. # & Mission Stats: Unknown

Random Points of Interest

Utakata can refer to bubbles on the surface of a liquid. It may also mean "transient" or "ephemeral" depending on the usage.

The Mist's Bingo Book states that he has a 50 million ryo bounty on his head.

I'm sure you'll learn more about him as time goes on. Enjoy, & remember to watch out for more Ninja Facts!