It seems I've received quite a lot of questions-Thanks a lot, I really love reading them! As for the age problems, here is a list of what the age gaps are between Keiko and her small circle of friends:

Keiko=8-9 years old

Naruto=5-6 years old

Itachi=10-11 years old

Shisui=14-15 years old

xVentressx - Heh. Your review about Keiko being Shisuis girlfriend made me crack up because I could actually imagine him to be like that. Thank for the many reviews, I appreciate them!

Thomas Drovin - Thanks for your faithful support, I'm sorry it took so long.

Here is one large chapter as a celebration for Halloween since my story does actually suit the theme! Don't forget to place reviews, they are my motivation, people!


So not happening!

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By Angelbloodlover

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~ Future shock is the shattering stress and disorientation that we induce in individuals by subjecting them too much change in too short time.
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Alvin Troffler

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Chapter 12: Shocking News

"I had once been proud of the Sannin but now I could only see a bunch of old people trying to look young...they sicken me.." - Keiko


When I woke up, I screamed in hysteria-"Not again! Not again!"

I could feel a hard mattress underneath me and I went into instant fight mode, my eyes wide like a frightened animal. Where are my weapons? I shouted in the safety of my mind as I tried to find my pouch strapped to my thigh. I ignored the angry tears rolling down, this was too much. Deciding to ditch those weapons, I created my own scalpels and jumped off the bed. I'd kill whoever dared to touch me, I'd skin that person alive.

Narrowed eyes inspected the room and found it strangely familiar but I couldn't quite put a name on it...

The moment I found an escape, I ran straight to it, ignoring the cloth that barely covered my body up. Filth, I felt like filth-dirty and disposable. My fingers reached out to the knob and I twisted it roughly, opening it quick. This place was suffocating me, I needed to get away from here, I needed to slaughter the person who dared to touch me. A bit baffled that the environment reminded me of a hospital, I continued my path to revenge.

"Hey, where do you think you're going?!" came a shout from behind me

I froze.

The blood inside of me boiled like scorching magma. With agonizing slowness I turned around, my eyes narrowed dangerously and lips curled up in a snarl. Whoever this person was, he could be the potential culprit. Sparing him no chance, I flickered behind him, enjoying the way his body stiffened as I inched closer to him. "So, you're the one who locked me up in here? Did you enjoy it?" I gnashed my teeth, fury slowly overtaking my senses.

The man let out a weak whimper, "I-I d-d-don't know what y-you're talking a-about. Would y-you-" "Shut up." I interrupted him eerily quiet, "Filth like you deserves to die." Chakra rushing violently at my command, I clenched my fists and proceed to gut him again and again...until I was shoved towards the ground. Before I could crumple on the ground pathetically, I used that momentum to roll in a ball, softening the fall and stood up in a cat-like manner.

Attention on the new intruder, I growled until I stiffened, my body going still.

"What the hell did you think you were doing?!" was his outraged shout, his black, wide eyes set on my trembling form. "Were you trying to kill that man?" He snapped angrily and his eyes burning but he wasn't done. "Do you know that you could never walk in Konoha again if this medic would've died? Do you want to be banned?!" His voice getting louder at the last sentence, his breathing hard as his life-force, his blood dripped down from his hands, probably from digging his nails into it.

Glancing to my left, I noticed the shaking form of the, now, medic, his eyes watching me weary.

I looked down, clenching my fists. No matter how hard I tried to talk, no words left my mouth. Dizziness overtook me as I squeezed my eyes shut, this was even worse than in my head-"Look at me." My head snapped back to him, "What the hell is wrong with you? What happened to you?" I felt so weak, so exposed, I wanted to run away and crawl in a cave where none could find me.

...and I just did that.

Without uttering a single word or apology, I ran away, even de-activating my chakra weights since I knew how fast he was.

"Stop! Keiko!"

Sight blurred with those damn tears, I flickered from one spot to another, my senses tingling as I felt him on pursue. But even if he used all his speed, he still wouldn't be able to catch me since Orochimaru had inserted more attention on my speed rather my strength. That was one of my weakness, strength, but thanks to Tsunades enhanced strength I found a loophole in it.

No weaknesses were allowed.

"Keiko!" came his faint shout, his chakra spiking alarmingly.

Out of nowhere ANBU appeared, trying to stop me but I was adamant about getting the hell out of this place. This was not my sanctuary anymore, this was not my place to be.

...like it used to.

Far from it, Orochimarus dark lairs was my only home where none would see my despicable form. Orochimaru could have my body, I wasn't fond of this rotten thing. For all I cared, he could even use me as a sacrifice as long as he killed me. I didn't care how he did as long as he did. I didn't want to feel anymore-this pain... I clenched my gown, sniffing loudly.

...even the mighty ones shall fall.

If they could see me now, Keiko, monster-in-training and student of Orochimaru, I'd be the laughing-stock of the entire hideout. I'd lose my reputation as the cold, heartless bitch.

Jumping on another roof, I flickered on the ground-so close, the gate was so close, I could almost touch it.

Then, "Keiko-onee-chan!"

I stilled.

I couldn't move,

...couldn't breath,

...couldn't look.

"Keiko-onee-chan!" There it was again.

Heart stop beating like that.

Feet keep moving, we're so close.

Eyes, don't look back.

...if you do, all your strength will evaporate.

"Keiko-onee-chan! Please stop!" came another desperate shout and I could hear the pitter-patter from his little feet.

I flinched when I heard another familiar shout, "Keiko, for the love of Kami stop running!"

The pressure inside of my heart was building, and I tried desperately to take control of my body but I couldn't reign it in, I couldn't command it to fucking move. It was too late, ANBU encircled me and I could feel eyes on my back, everyone was looking at me; villagers, ninjas, ANBU and them. When their feet came closer, I curled up in a ball and screamed hysterically, "Stop! Don't come closer!" I hid my face and cried loudly-and fuck, I could feel the pity roll off them like giant waves trying to crush me. Whimpering, I whipped back and forth, streams of tears flowing down.

"This is not fair!" I rasped tiredly, punching the ground underneath me, "...not fair..." Sobs escaped my lips and I stayed in that form until I felt two small arms. Flinching, I crawled away, "..please, don't..." When those arms came again, the smell of ramen and sweat invaded my nostrils and something clicked in my mind. I knew whose arms they belonged to. First, it was a weak hug and I trembled, head snapping upwards to the owner of those arms. The intensity of those blue eyes made my resolve crack-he was crying too. And this was also my fault.

"...N-Naruto.."

He nodded and tightened the hug, sobbing into my shoulder, "Don't leave me, onee-chan.."

I couldn't prevent the flinch that came with the tightening, "..I.." My heart went out to the boy but I couldn't speak, it was the same scene with Shisui all over again. Clenching my fists, I slowly lifted my shaking arms-I could do this. This was Naruto, he wouldn't hurt me, not like them. He was innocent, pure, all that I was not.

"...I missed you, onee-chan." came another loud whimper from him.

Warmth, innocent warmth so pure, I slowly inched closer, my mind screaming at me that I shouldn't because I would get hurt. But my heart was telling me to trust him because this was Naruto, no way would he hurt me, he'd rather commit suicide. Ragged breaths and sweat drenching me, I shivered. Narutos warmth was so addicting, "...oto-uto," I whispered softly, coughing softly, "...I'm sor-ry if I disap-point-ed you.." Finally, I snaked my arms around him and rested my cheek on his shoulder. His little body was trembling and I tightened my hold on him even more.

...that was until I noticed that the shaking didn't come from Naruto but from me.

"Onee-chan, you're so cold!" He shouted loudly as he observed me with wide eyes.

I giggled softly, "I..I'm per-fectly f-ine, N-aru-to.." What was that chattering sound, it was annoying me.

He turned his head to look behind him, "Shisui-nii! Onee-chan is freezing cold!"

That name, it was familiar somehow.. "..Shisui.." and then I saw no more as my body slumped on Naruto. All I could hear was frantic shouts, loud sobbing and then silence. A warm smile crept up my face, this warmth was good that I leaned even closer, "..so warm.." and the smell of..sandalwood...made me feel safe and protected.


I sighed in bliss, that same comforting smell was there again. "..mmm.."

"Oi! Keiko if you could stop squirming like that! Damnit!" came a loud shout from above me.

I scrunched my nose in irritation, "..shhhh, too loud.." It really was, and my head throbbed whenever one would shout loud. I snuggled closer and felt something stiffen. What was that?! I froze and snapped my eyes open, the moment I did that I met black, warm onyx eyes.

..I scrambled away from him and ended up falling on the ground. A meek yelp left my lips when I felt the icy floor underneath me. Where was I?! Where was I?! What had happened?

I remember running away-my eyes snapped towards Shisui, running away from him. It seemed he noticed my shock and raised his hands, "Keiko, look at me." I noticed the door, attracted by it, "Keiko." He spoke more fervently, demanding my attention. "I'm not going to hurt you." Was that hurt that I saw in his eyes? Hurt. Would he hurt me? I remembered the times that I had spent with him-pranking Itachi, eating bags of sweets that we stole from Itachi, sparring, ...laughing..

My heart bonked loudly and I looked down, my hands were trembling...why did I feel the need to walk up to him?

"..I..I kn-ow.." came my quiet stutter.

When I looked up, I noticed the dark bags under his eyes, "...I'm s-orry.."

He shook his head, a bright smile lighting up his face and my eyes widened again. How could he be so bright? And that smile, it was ..really pretty. Somehow, my lips tried to curl up and form a smile but instead my cheeks hurt. Disappointed, I clenched my fists, "Psst..don't look down or you'll get wrinkles like 'Tachi."

'Tachi.

That nickname-"Don't frown too much, Itachi-kun, you'll get wrinkles!" I giggled when Itachi turned his dirty Uchiha glare on me.

"..I-I-ta-chi.." I repeated the name hesitantly, remembering the stoic boy that I came to see as a close friend..well, one of the very few.

Shisui nodded in joy, "Yup, Itachi! That weasel was worried sick when he saw you like that. And Naruto, that boy didn't want to leave your side until I forced him to go downstairs, along with Itachi, to grab us some lunch. They must be on their way back by now.." A cute frown appeared on his face.

Suddenly a loud sound rumbled, echoing throughout the white room.

Two things happened-Shisui stared at me and then he was laughing, his sound hurting my sensitive ears. And I felt irritated at his reaction so I settled for glaring at him. My glare worsened when he kept laughing, holding his stomach and pleading to Kami that it would stop. Crossing my arms, I opened my mouth, "It's not funny, baka." Immediately, the laughing seized but then he burst into another fit of wheezing laughter, screaming, "Your face! Oh Kami, your face!"

I was sure that my cheeks were by now a cherry-red and I hated feeling like this.

But all thoughts were rendered useless when the door opened and revealed none other than Uchiha Itachi and Uzumaki Naruto in all their glory.

Their eyes widened when they noticed Shisui laughing his ass off and a sour-looking Keiko on the hard, cold ground.

"Shisui-baka! We told you to keep onee-chan warm instead you're taking her place!" Naruto shouted worriedly, looking like the perfect mother-hen as he scurried towards the wheezing Shisui. My eye brows rose up when he hit the defenseless boy, man? But nothing seemed to deter him from his path of laughing himself to Death. I blinked my eyes when he was punched hard on the side and he fell on the ground. But like the good shinobi he was, he didn't crumble, he flickered to a standing position, screaming in anger, "Hey! What was that for?!"

To the left I could see Itachi with a faint smirk, "That was for scaring Keiko, you idiot."

And then Naruto joined Itachis side, "Itachi-nii is right! You're being stupid!"

...this scene..

"Hey, who are you calling stupid, you brat!" came his offended reply.

Naruto smirked, looking like the perfect copy of Itachi. "Stupid questions deserve no answer." His hair was ruffled up like a chicken, courtesy of Itachi, who looked down at Naruto with pride, "Well said, Naruto-kun." The boy beamed at the praise of his brother figure.

..felt...

"And now you're tag-teaming up on me?!" Shisui yelled in indignation but no pity was returned.

Itachis lips curled slightly upwards, "Sulking doesn't suit you Shisui."

"I'm not sulking!"

...so...

Naruto burst into a laughing fit, holding himself on Itachis sleeve for support. "Shi-sui-nii...aaaah! Hahahaa! My sto-mach!"

The eldest Uchiha sputtered in embarrassment, glaring at the duo. "I'll get my revenge on the two of you!"

"We'd like to see you try." came Itachis arrogant reply.

...nostalgic..

I couldn't prevent the giggles that escaped my throat as I looked at the scene. Ashamed, I muffled the weird sound coming from my lips. When was the time I had laughed? Admittedly, the hoarse sound coming from my vocal cords weren't as melodious as some women I had heard laughing. Mine sounded like a strangled cat... Worse, the trio stopped bickering like a married couple and stared at me.

Somehow I felt my cheeks get hotter at being looked at. For the love of God why was I blushing under their stares when I wouldn't even blink my eyes near the presence of others?

Simple, I care about them...they are the most important people in my life...and the only ones I had in this pathetic world that I came to view as a living nightmare.

Loud footsteps walked up to me and I looked nervously at said person, "N-Naruto..?"

"Onee-chan, the floor is too cold for you."

I frowned, my eyes moving to Shisui and then to Itachi-their eyes were demanding answers but reluctance prevented them from interrogating me in the near presence of Naruto. He didn't deserve any more trouble, he had enough on his plate as it was. I flinched when Naruto tugged on my hand and I stood up with wobbly legs, walking to the warmth of the bed. When I sat down on it, I could sniff Shisuis lingering smell-sandalwood.. Instantly, I relaxed but I couldn't place as to why my body eased like jelly the moment my nose caught a whiff of his scent.

I swallowed quietly, glancing at the eager-looking Naruto, "...ano...Naruto-kun, how have you been doing the past two years?"

His eyes widened and off he went...

..and all the while I tried to ignore the serious stares off two certain Uchihas-I was sure their heads were sizzling with thousandth of questions and hypothetical anwers..and they wouldn't rest until they knew the truth..the dark truth that made Keiko (me) for who she (I) was...

But thankfully Narutos animated stories made it easier to forget their looks. He told me about his training that he underwent under Shisuis guidance ("From today on you shall be known as the pupil of the magnificent, powerful, legendary, handso-" "Nii-san, can we skip your stupid introductions and start the part where I'll be able to shoot fireballs like you!" A hit on his head made his lips tremble as he looked at his brother figure, "Squirt, don't interrupt the magnificent Shunshin no Shisui!" Feeling pity with the child, Shisui smiled widely, "Let's shape you into the perfect Hokage!" And all traces of sadness was gone upon hearing that, "Yatta!"), he told me about Itachis way of teaching him how to read and write ("Itachi-nii, you're really smart!" gushed Naruto with wide eyes, admiration and hero worshipping clear in his voice. Itachi chuckled, "With training you'll eventually reach my level, Naruto-kun."), he told me about the pranks he executed with the help from a certain Uchiha who shall not be revealed (..coughShisuicough), he told me about his meetings with the Hokage ("Jiji! I'll became the best Hokage ever!" A warm, grandfatherly chuckle escaped Hiruzen's lips, "I'm sure you'll be able to.") and many more...

By the time he had finished his tell-tale stories I was slouching in the bed, my eyes warming up at the sight of the little gaki that I had longed to see again after two years. Still seeing him in front me made me fear that he would vanish any moment so I pinched my soft, sinful flesh every hour. And I had been afraid to see him-to see them? Flickering my eyes to Shisui, I could see the fond smile on his lips, sometimes joining Narutos solo conversation with the occasionally inserts from the mighty Uchiha heir.

Suddenly, the door opened and an ancient, wise man appeared, his chakra flickering with worry, curiosity and disapproval. Immediately, Naruto leaped towards the Hokage, screaming loudly, "Jiji!" and the sudden change of his chakra made me very aware of how genuinely he loved Naruto. For that, I was very glad, Naruto deserved all the love he could get.

The soreness in my body had long left my body and I avoided Hiruzen's narrowed eyes as he stared at me. "Naruto-kun, you do know it's past your bedtime, right?"

With a sigh, I averted my attention on the pouting Naruto who had exclaimed, rather loudly might I add, that he wasn't tired. "Naruto-kun, Hokage-sama is right, you should rest, it's very important for your growth." I informed him with tiredness in my eyes. Somehow, with the sudden appearance of the Hokage (though I knew that he would come sooner or later) I felt so drained and I was already dreading the moment Naruto would disappear.

...and then the stream of questions would never stop dissecting me one by one..

Naruto, for some strange reason, agreed to it after regarding me with a serious face. "..Hai, one-chan."

Then, his face became scared, and somehow I understood what he was afraid of. Reassuring him with a slight smile, I visibly blanched at how foreign it felt on my cheeks. Even Narutos eyes widened when he looked at the strange emotion I was displaying, or trying to display. Frustrated I gave up, "I'll still be here tomorrow, that's a promise."

The striking blonde-haired boy stood rooted on the same place and then he bobbed his head once. Shuffling awkwardly towards me, an indicator in my mind telling me that he wanted to hug, I opened my arms as an invite, preparing myself for the worst. His face lit up and his shuffles became running until he clumsily fell on the bed and only my hands were keeping him from cracking his skull open. Frowning with disapproval, I voiced my annoyance, "Be careful Naruto-kun, next time you won't be that lucky." I chided him for his recklessness.

His face flushed from embarrassment and he hid his face in my shoulder. I fought the flinch off that threatened to burst every time Naruto tightened his hold on me. Breaths becoming more labor and limbs shaking uncontrollable. To say that I was having a hard time was the understatement of the year. If I pulled back then Naruto would be hurt and that was the least I wanted to happen. After he had got enough of the cuddling, he straightened his back and placed a chaste kiss on my cheeks.

Shock. And surprise was written all over my face and Naruto took this time to hop off the bed with a loud, enthusiastic, "See you tomorrow, onee-chan!" and then he was escorted by Shisuis clone whom flickered away.


Suffocating silence.

Nervousness and fear threatened to burst out.

Clenched hands and eyes closed.

Stay serene. Stay calm.

"Keiko."

That voice again. Annoyance bubbling from within me, I snapped my eyes open and stared at the owner of that voice.

"You're still unresponsive to my question. May I enquire as to why?" Hiruzen's voice rang clear in my head. Two pair of obsidian eyes watching my every move, my every breath, my every flinch, my everything. I felt as if I was being dissected, limb by limb. Swallowing quietly, I looked down. Strange, I mused, my hands are shaking...

I had never had such problems before. I had no trouble locking up all that I felt so how did they escaped?

A tired sigh, "Keiko, I'd rather not force the answers out of you."

I stopped shaking, and narrowed eyes looked up at the Hokage. "I beg you pardon, Hokage-sama?"

Shisui and Itachi stiffened at my voice, I could see it. Did they think I would go batshit against the Hokage?

Hiruzen narrowed his eyes back at my tone, "I need to know why you decided to attack a loyal shinobi from the village, and one who was respected."

"Hokage-sama, if I ma-" "Shisui-kun, don't interfere. This is between Keiko and I." Shisui flinched and I felt the anger boil underneath my skin, threatening to lash out at the Hokage. Said leader felt the spike of my chakra flare dangerously and raised his hand up. "ANBU, remain on your posts."

The two Uchiha flinched at that-to make the ANBU antsy was a really bad sign, one that I knew too well. Deciding to tone it down, I released the hold on my chakra, allowing it to flow smoothly inside of me. Immediately, the room became clearer and much easier to breath. Time to stop postponing the inevitable. With a sigh, I opened my mouth, "...Hokage-sama..I apologize for my behavior. It was uncalled for." I jerked my head backwards when I saw him smile softly at me. Did those intelligent eyes of his notice my feared thoughts, did he puzzle it out?

..Did he?

"It's nothing, my child." Turning to his shinobi, he dismissed Shisui and Itachi, "You can come back when I'm finished with her."

Reluctantly, the two left stiffly, their eyes telling me that they wouldn't rest until they got answers.

Finally, without disruptions around us-No ANBU, no stubborn Uchihas, no one. I sighed in relief, something that the Hokage recognized quite easily. "Now, my child, tell me everything from the start..." came his gentle, encouraging voice once his hands sped through the seals of sound-proof jutsu.

I tried to remain strong, I did.

I tried to keep the cold, heartless persona, I did.

I tried to tell him about my life as if it was a mere mission briefing, I did.

...but no matter how much I tried, it never seemed enough.

I still knew I had a promise to keep myself to, an unforgotten promise that was also obscured by dust and cobwebs, waiting to be used once again. Though, I had never thought about it, it kept lingering in my head, prodding me into remembrance. I had always pushed those thoughts away, feeling too hurt whenever I would think of Konoha. At one point, I had deemed it worthless and was on the verge of giving up but even then I couldn't simply erase them, my conscience wouldn't let go.

I had scoffed at that-my conscience had no such problems killing innocent people but suddenly when you add Konoha into the mess, it simply couldn't let go.

On that aspect it seemed my mind and heart were united into one, fighting off my inability to think through. I had tried closing off everything around me but no matter how hard I trained, I couldn't stop the swirling emotions within me from escaping my clutches.

On that aspect I was very weak...

Hiruzen's eyes widened when I clenched my fists tightly, the soft, tender pink flesh turning a deathly pale-white. I felt so nauseated but I couldn't throw up. The need to throw up was there but I couldn't. My shoulders were tense it ached under that pressure.

Firstly, an apologize (you meant trying to postpone the inevitable?) but I didn't look ashamed of my deeds. "I apologize for disrupting the peace within Konoha but I will not apologize for what I've done to him." Snarling, I continued, feeding my anger into those words as my chakra fluctuated wildly, "Kabuto deserves more than that." Regaining control over my emotions, I took a deep breath and started to re-tell my story, letting out some private information that didn't threaten Konoha. "I received very harsh training under Orochimarus tutelage while doing missions for him." My face contorted into a very ugly expression and Hiruzen couldn't help but think what kind of training regime his ex-student had put Keiko through, "By now he has started creating a village for himself, Otogakure, or Village Hidden by Sound, which was founded for the express purpose of collecting ninja for his experiments and his quest to learn all techniques."

Hiruzen went rigid at the mention of a village ruled by his mentally sick student. This was worse than he had thought, raising one of his hands, he signaled her to a stop. With a grimace, he spoke, "Two years ago, you told me that only two persons were allowed to hear this conversation, one of them being me while the other one was.." He trailed off and didn't finish his sentence when he saw the slight widening of my eyes.

"...Jiraiya." came the quiet whisper trough my lips, my eyes flickering from left to right. I hadn't even felt him, which meant that Orochimaru was still out of my league. Gnashing my teeth from anger, I tried to pin-point the Toad Sage and finally after concentrating hard, on the point that sweat was trickling down my forehead-eye brows-cheek-chin and down my hospital gown, I felt the slight flare of chakra. With narrowed eyes, I stared at that particular spot until the muscled body of a fully grown-up man appeared in my vision.

His face was etched into such a seriousness that it felt weird to see him like that. After all, I had always seen him goofing around and being the peeping tom that he was, not this seriously shinobi. But then I remembered his final fight with his ex-student and all became clear...

"Jiraiya, this is the girl I talked about." He informed his master spy and super pervert.

Said Toad Sage nodded in acknowledgement, his dissecting eyes never leaving on my petite form. "It's an honor meeting another Sannin," both knew that I was being sarcastic and that I didn't give a damn about that title, which they had received from Hanzo the Salamander as an act of good will after deeming them worthy to live. Really, would it have hurt him if he had accidentally killed off Orochimaru? Many lives wouldn't have been lost and many others wouldn't have been succumbed to a life filled with agonizing pain and inhumane experiments and deformed bodies.

Suddenly, I felt resentment towards this man who was incapable of finishing off Orochimaru because of sentimental worth. And then I remembered that the rotten core of this problem wasn't Jiraiya- my eyes flickered to Hiruzen who raised one of his eye brows at the look he received. It was all because teacher was too weak to kill his student, even after he had committed serious offend towards the village he was supposed to protect.

Maybe Danzo had been sane when he had announced that Hiruzen was getting too soft, maybe he had been right about that statement?

"eiko-Keiko!" was Hiruzen's annoyed reply, he was probably getting irritated by my lack of responding, his chakra was speaking volumes.

Sighing softly, I looked at teacher and student, "I apologize but my mind is a mess right now, Hokage-sama." Taking a deep intake of breaths, I spoke again, "As I had said before, Orochimaru is building a village but this is no ordinary village." I moved my attention on Jiraiya whom was looking eager to hear more information, "Perhaps you're wondering as to why you couldn't find the village?"

Jiraiya stiffened, regarding me with suspicious eyes, "What do you mean?"

Fake laughter escaped my lips, "I'm sure you know what I mean." Continuing, "Orochimarus village is no ordinary hidden village like Konoha, in fact, it's no village at all." This perked their immediate attention, "It's a giant laboratory composed of various hideouts and bases scattered throughout the Land of Sound and various other countries, including Land of Fire." Eyes glancing to the stock-still Hokage, I wondered what he was thinking now-Was he cursing himself for being unable to kill off Orochimaru? Was he torturing his mind with the thought that hundred of innocent people had suffered under the clutches of the Snake Sannin?

I would never know and I had no need to know. I may be called childish but I thought it was a deserving curse, although one that he had no intention of getting. It was an unexpected turn of events and the denial that had plagued his mind that time left him shocked, which Orochimaru took advantage of.

"His shinobis are no ordinary ones, in truth, they are but old shells of humanity. They are not even considered humans ever since Orochimaru modified their bodies, defying all Laws of Nature." I didn't even felt sympathy with the old man when he flinched in shame and regret, Guilt stabbing him continuously. "I have a list of his hideouts, the ones I had visited briefly during missions and there are even more." Biting my thumb, I smeared the fresh blood on my wrist, a loud poof resonated throughout the room and there were a heap of scrolls on my lap, each tied with a red-dyed ribbon.

..it used to be white, I thought darkly.

Slowly, I tugged on the ribbon and opened it, reading the first one as to not confuse myself with the rest of the scroll, "This one is about the Land of Sound base." I rolled it up again to throw it to the Hokage. "This stronghold was built below a has two markings on it reminiscent of a snake and what appears to be a snake's skull on the top-most part. For some weird reason, Orochimaru adores that base. It's his most frequent stay." I suppressed unneeded thoughts, no time to be reminiscing about the good old past, I thought sarcastically.

I threw another scroll, summing up the next base, "The second hideout is located somewhere in Kusagakure, more precisely in the north-west, built entirely underground with the entrance being at the foot of a rock formation. It's his second favorite base." I spoke toneless, continuing to throw and explain shortly. "Then we have the Southern Hideout, which is located on an island in the middle of an ocean somewhere off the coast of the Land of Waves. It is filled with prison cells and wardens are also employed to keep the prisoners in check. This is the place where Orochimaru visits when he picks out his live stock." The screams, the pleads and the terrible silence that followed still haunted my dreams...

If possible, Hiruzen looked guiltily as I kept going merciless. Still not affected. "Then there is the Northern Hideout, Western Hideout, Island Laboratory, Demon Island Laboratory and another hideout, which is still unknown to me..." I trailed off, since that was the place he had found me, till now the location of that secret hideout was unknown to me...

I threw the leftover scrolls, feeling the heavy burden on my shoulder ease up. After nearly giving up, I was glad I could not do it.

"What I don't understand is how Orochimaru acquired such a land under his possession..?" Jiraiya mused out loud, his searching beads locked into mines.

Icily cold, I replied, "It begun all through the greediness and selfish desires of the Sound Daimyo who couldn't resist the thought of gaining more power and increase his status. He had begun changing the policies of his country, which led to a deal in the form a contract between the Sound Daimyo whom ruled the Land of Sound, , which used to be called Land of Rice Paddies, a very peaceful land, and Orochimaru who strengthened the country by creating a hidden shinobi village."

I forced my breathing to remain calm. "But after a while the Daimyo was becoming paranoid, the slithering whispers of his entourage increasing it tenfold."

"Once a powerful man had been reduced to nothing but a puppet, the strings being controlled by his court, which withheld the most darkest wishes none could imagine. He made a big mistake," their eyes were burning with the need to know, "...he made a reckless choice of hiring a ninja-that was his first mistake, second fact, the ninja that he had hired was under Orochimarus command.." The gears in their heads were already working, they knew how this would end and let me tell you, there was no happy end to a story when you lived in the ninja world. "When Orochimaru had found out, he was amused that someone would plot against him. He had sent a ninja to slaughter the entire court of the Sound Daimyo, Daimyo included." I felt my skin become icily cold and it was cold here-freezing...

A shuddering breath escape my lungs, "The chosen ninja followed the command that had been ordered and left the hideout to complete the mission." It felt as I wasn't even in this place anymore, my eyes glazing over, "When the person had arrived at said destination, there were other hired ninjas, waiting. They had expected that something like this would happen but that didn't alter the chosen ninja to go through with the mission. One by one they dropped dead until there was only one shivering mass of bones left. No pity filled that person because it had no heart-what was another pitiful human to its eyes? Chopping his head off, the person stored it into a storage scroll and left, leaving the bloody place where the spirit of those greedy higher-ups would remain haunting that doomed place till infinity." When I was done with my story, I had to blink my eyes a couple of times to regain a sense of reality.

To the duo, it was obvious who the ninja was that Orochimaru had sent off to that mission and neither did I have to elaborate further on that matter. They knew, I knew and that was all that mattered. They also knew the risk that came with it but none dared to acknowledge that, what good would it be?

Nothing.

"Now, moving on to the Akatsuki matter," Jiraiya stiffened at that, his eyes slightly wide, "I had already established that their main goal is to collect all of the tailed beasts, one which resides within Naruto, for their plan of world domination." I faced Minatos teacher fully, my disapproved frown the only indication that I was unhappy, "And here I thought that you, Jiraiya, would complete your duty as Narutos godfather fully. Shame, you didn't." I ignored his flinch and the widening of his black beads, surprise and guilt etched into his black rocks, "I wonder what Minato would say about t-" "Enough." came his hardened voice that could even cut through steel.

Surprisingly, it wasn't Jiraiya whom had spoken but Hiruzen, "Hokage-sama, with all due respect but Jiraiya is a grown-up man. If he can't even handle the truth then he should quit being a ninja." I continued, my voice laced with anger, "Naruto was left all alone, no one to care for him. When he was three years old, he had been kicked out of the orphanage and had slept outside, without a roof under him. The only friend he had, was the Hokage, no offense but you're hardly his friends since he is supposed to have a friend around his age. He had been malnourished to point where his bones were prodding out. Sure, the villagers didn't abuse him but there were ones who dared to raise their hands. But that aside, do you know how their sneers, their glares, their hateful eyes had traumatized Naruto to no end?"

"I said stop." Hiruzen spoke coldly and this time I obeyed but I wouldn't back out without a proper ending.

"As you wish, Hokage-sama." I raised my voice, "But know that human kind may try to hide from the truth, eventually itwill reach them." I cited harshly, my eyes never leaving Jiraiyas shocked face.

Hiruzen rubbed his temples, feeling the animosity between the duo spike. He didn't blame Keiko for detesting Jiraiyas presence but for now, "Keiko, continue with your briefing.." He just wanted this to be over with. All these problems that were stacking up was giving him a migraine. How long before his head would burst out his skull? How he wished Minato had been alive-he was sure that the Yellow Flash would be a far better-suited person for these kind of things.

With a nod I continue, "Akatsuki is a mercenary group for hire and Nagato, your student, is the leader of it all." To say that I didn't enjoy Jiraiyas repulsed and shocked face would be a lie. How much bad luck can one person have? "Of course, the other villages used this to their advantage and employed the widespread Akatsuki to fight in wars, spy on enemies, or carry out assassinations. They have spanned several countries, Konoha included, with agents in various places and have hidden hideouts with many deadly traps for those who got a little too curious.." I chuckled darkly, curiosity killed the cat, was the saying.

"Who is their agent that resides in Konoha?" Hiruzen whispered in anger, thinking that there was a spy running freely around Konoha and keeping tabs on Naruto.

"Simple, Yakushi Kabuto."

Hiruzen stiffened, his eyes wide as saucers, "..no.."

"It was Orochimaru who gave him a new cover: that he was found amongst the dead enemies after the Battle of Kikyo Pass by a certain caption of Konohas Medic Corps, and that captain brought him to Konoha and raised him as a son." I ignored their inner turmoil at hearing all of these information. Surely, they thought that after two years they would be receiving packages of Intel, right? "Now you understand why I detest him and the reason as to why I attacked him. If it weren't for your shinobis, Hokage-sama, I would have killed him." I spoke coldly, my nostrils flaring at the thought of that repulsive persona that was known as Kabuto, his entire existence was defying Mother Nature. "But that's not all. Kabuto was firstly sent to serve as Orochimarus spy to Sasori no Akasuna, who in turn set him to spy on Orochimaru by using the Memory-Concealing Manipulative Sand technique to transform him into his own sleeper agent. Orochimaru had long discovered this and had released Sasoris control over Kabuto. Ever since then Orochimaru had used his expertise in spying for him, playing the role of Sasoris servant to gain knowledge of Akatsukis plans." I felt annoyance at the way these people acted, everyone stabbed each other's back double. "Members always work in teams of two, never a one-man team but there exception."

They had kept silence throughout the entire ordeal and this lessened my irritation-I didn't feel like being interrupted. Tiredness was really making my yes droop down, I wanted to rest and yet I didn't want to be alone, not after witnessing all those memories again.

"This is all that I have to offer for now but I'm sure I can get more from where that came from." Sarcasm had always been my main weapon towards idiots and shallow girls. I was in no way of shape a senseless person but once I got pissed off, I wouldn't care about their feelings. An eye to an eye..

"Keiko," The Hokage started, "I'm sure that there is much more to discuss. For now, I'll let you rest until healed completely. When you're deemed healthy come to the office, we have much more to discuss." His face was solemn and I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking of. So many things had been told to him and there were even more things that I hadn't told him, more darker parts, which I would tell when the time was right.

He left but the Sannin never did, he stayed rooted there, watching me with scrutinizing eyes.

Finally, he opened his mouth but what came out actually surprised me, "At first, when sensei had told me about a certain six-year-old girl who was handing out information about the Akatsuki and Orochimaru, I had been skeptical. I couldn't believe as to how and why a girl like you would care about Konohas safety. But seeing you in real, made my mind think differently of you. Sure, I'm not trusting you but you can't expect me to do that either, neither are you trusting me fully, I can read it in your eyes. I also know the reason why. You have every right to accuse me of blatantly ignoring my godson but whichever the reason as to why remains my business. This is and will never be your business. This is between Naruto and I, and I'm not letting a puny, little girl get into my mess." Throughout your mission briefing I did not once detect a lie but I'm certain that you didn't quite told sensei everything. In face, he even knows it too. I'm sure you have your reasons as to why but if I ever find out that you hid something that endangered Konoha, I will find and I will kill you. He spat out darkly, his eyes narrowed in slits.

I raised my eye brow, "Fair enough, Jiraiya. I will not intervene on this because Naruto actually can depend on me, in contrary to you. By the time you will tell him about yourself it will be too late. You won't be able to recover the shattered pieces, no matter what you try."

"That innocent body doesn't deserve a mind like you, you're corrupting it." He sneered at me, trying to hurt me.

But, I laughed, my laughter hollow and meaningless, "Jiraiya, mind I remind you that I had never been innocent the moment your dear friend tainted me with his touch."

He actually had the decency to flinch at that and look regretfully. "Save it." I spoke harshly, "I understand that this is the path I have to take in order to achieve my dream. Some people got it easy but some aren't as lucky..."

"And what is your dream?" He asked curiously, he may dislike the girl but that did not mean that he wasn't interested in her.

A tiny smile crept up my face, and you would have missed it if you weren't a sharp shinobi. "To marry and start a family of my own." Sure, my mind was messed up beyond reparation but that didn't mean I didn't remember what I once had longed for. Whether Narutos presence had triggered that, I did not know but I sure as hell would remain to that piece of Hope.

One day, I would achieve that dream of mine. For now, I kept giving and giving but I was sure that once this would be over I would be the one to receive.

"That's a very unusual dream." He mused his thoughts loudly.

I smirked, "At least it's better than being viewed as Konohas Perverted One."

He didn't even deny the accusation. In fact, a goofy smile appeared on his face. We may not have established friendship, and I wasn't even planning on doing either, but we were still loyal shinobis (kind of) from Konoha and you were obliged to respect your colleagues. Remembering something that I had once wanted, "Jiraiya, do you still have a copy of the 'Tale of a Gutsy Ninja'?"

Curious, he lifted his eye brow, "What for? Nobody reads that book anymore." He stated as a-matter-of-fact.

"In contrary, I want it."

He shrugged, "Well, they don't produce it anymore and I don't have any copies on me right now." I felt a tingle of disappointment but Jiraiya wasn't finished, "Tell you what, after this is over I want you to fight me. I'm curious as to how Orochimaru had trained you."

I narrowed my eyes at that challenge. "Challenge accepted, grandpa."

He glared at my insolence and with a huff, he turned around and left. If it weren't for my heightened senses, I wouldn't have heard his quiet whisper, "Konoha will be forever in your debt, Uzumaki Keiko."

..and somehow, even though I despised the Sannin altogether, his words warmed up my heart. Maybe I should give Jiraiya a second chance-after all, everyone deserves a second chance.