"I told you to hide your heart"
Orochimaru looked over at the man slumbering behind him. It was still dark, the early morning air cold enough to make it unpleasant. They had all agreed to start the journey before the sun rose so the Sannin lightly nudged his partner. Kakashi's eyes flittered open and rested on the serpent, he kissed his forehead in greeting and then got to his feet. Saura was still asleep, his face contorted in an unhappy expression, evidently showing his disgust for the uncomfortable sleeping arrangement. Tsukiko stretched his legs bending forwards and yawned, a small whine escaping his mouth as he did so. He then looked at the two ninja and wagged his tail happily. Orochimaru walked over to the NW and then dropped to one knee by him shaking him lightly. Saura jumped awake and the sudden movement frightened the Sannin into leaping away. The man apologized for waking up in such a frantic movement and then got to his feet groggily. He looked around and then realized the ninja had wanted to walk during the dark. It was harder to see and he wasn't pleased with the idea, but he decided he would rather just be agreeable. Kakashi watched the man irritably. He hadn't forgotten the man's words the previous night, and although he had no true worries that his lover would ever leave him for the NW, the fact that he had planted the seed was enough to anger him.
Orochimaru was oblivious and proceeded normally, making light conversation with both men, he soon realized something was up however. The two males spoke in stunted manners and when the conversation moved in a direction where the two would converse they instantly dropped all of their words and let the discussion die. The Sannin didn't know what the problem was, but it put him in an awkward position, both other men only speaking to him and cutting one another off. Orochimaru found himself having two conversations at once, and it wasn't to his liking either. He kept it up to keep civility alive. It was proving harder than he thought and he opted to avoid speaking at all. He picked up his pace saying he wanted to scout a few steps ahead. Kakashi wanted to object, evidently not wanting to be left alone with the NW. Tsukiko sensed the urgency and barked, lunging ahead giving the Sannin a gap to escape and get to the front. He sighed in relief when they were too far ahead to see him, he wasn't far but the darkness hid him. The copy ninja looked at the only other person near him and sighed, he wasn't doing as well as he usually did keeping his composure. Saura looked over at the copy ninja when he heard the annoyance enter the air.
They met eyes in the slight darkness and both could sense the uneasiness. Kakashi decided he would try and be more polite, as to not cause more tension while he was still having issues with the Sannin. It didn't work out the way he had planned. Orochimaru heard the sound of something colliding and Tsukiko leapt two feet in the air and spun to face the way they had come. Orochimaru halted and then realizing where the noise was coming from he raced back a few steps. He stopped when he saw the two males, Kakashi had the NW pinned to a tree, he had an angered expression on his face his arm pinning the man by his neck. The Sannin ran to his lover and grabbed his arm pulling him off. The copy ninja shook the serpent away as he remained fixed on the NW. Tsukiko grumbled in distress. Orochimaru hissed. He didn't appreciate being shaken off, he didn't want to resort to jutsu to stop his lover, he had hoped the man would stop just because he knew the Sannin wanted him to.
"Get off him Kakashi," Orochimaru hissed, his final attempt at making the copy ninja stop.
"We owe this bastard nothing," Kakashi said, the serpent hadn't expected to hear such anger and the loudness in the others passive voice startled him for a moment before his golden eyes narrowed, their unnatural colouring glowing in the dark.
"So you're going to kill him?" Orochimaru asked trying to remain calm despite the obvious hint of frustration in his voice. He could tell his lover wasn't letting go, he was actually trying to decide if he should kill the man. The Sannin wasn't sure if he was doing the right thing but he opted to stop him. He allowed large serpents to wrap around the man's arms, they didn't bite in to his flesh but merely constricted tightly as they struggled to pull him off. They hissed in protest as he electrocuted them off, forcing their bodies to uncoil and move off for a moment. Orochimaru allowed his summons to turn to smoke, he wasn't going to force them to fight with a man he wouldn't allow them to hurt, despite his willingness to fight back.
"Leave him," Orochimaru ordered as he tried to once again physically force his lover away, he doubted the copy ninja would electrocute him, but small blue bolts drifted down the man's arm, they were widening their reach, threatening to get to the Sannin. Orochimaru ignored the blue lightning. It trailed down and he felt the small sensation of it running through his body, he hissed in discomfort but refused to move away. In the distraction Saura had managed to dig something out of his bag. He held it up and Orochimaru saw the flash of movement before the other ninja, the gun shone in the light as Saura clicked the trigger.
Worrying thoughts flashed through the Sannins head, if Kakashi was shot he was dead, he would not have a healer around and he had no regeneration abilities of his own. He reacted quicker than the bullet itself as he knocked his lover aside allowing chakara to flare around him, strengthening his usually weak form as the dark black and purple colouring over took him. Kakashi was sent crashing into the ground and he skidded to a halt, he heard the gun shot at the same time he felt the blow he received from the Sannin. He closed his eyes as he braced for the shot. It never hit him and he looked up soon after to see the serpent holding his stomach blood running down the side of his mouth and hand. Pain was written across his face as he stumbled back a few steps. Tsukiko growled and spun in panic he wanted to join the attack but wasn't sure of who was against the snake and who was with him. His fur was raised and his teeth were bared as he snapped at anyone who got to close, he backed up preparing to lunge at either man. Saura flashed apologetic eyes at the serpent. He hadn't meant to shoot him, he hadn't wanted to harm him, he wanted to fend off the copy ninja. In another blur the serpent had regenerated the old form turning to smoke his body now without injury. He looked up at the NW, his eyes still held the same fear however.
"Don't shoot," He said, he was ready to kill the man if he did not lower his gun, he was ready to send serpents to his living form to crush the air from his lungs. He had use for the man, he did not want to resort to such means. He hadn't meant for his voice to shake, he hadn't realized that he had developed such a phobia to the guns the men held. Saura did not put his gun down, he did not want to, his eyes reflected equal fear. Kakashi regretted his decision. Saura had said something about the serpent once more, it had angered the copy ninja who responded with equal venom. Then Saura had punched him. For some reason, the fact that the NW resorted to violence had made the copy ninja want him dead. Perhaps he felt he was unpredictable. He regretted losing his patience, he regretted pinning him to the tree and considering ending his life. It was not in his nature. But he could not trust the man who had done so much to them already.
"I'm not shooting anyone who isn't going to attack me." Saura tried to be reasonable. But he was now afraid of the jutsu wielders. He did not want to be unarmed in their presence. It was understandable and yet it would mean the entire procedure would be difficult. Tsukiko whimpered. Kakashi tried to get to his feet but Saura turned his gun on him.
"Don't!" Orochimaru said, Kakashi remained on one knee when he saw the mans panic.
"How do I know you won't kill me when I sheath my gun?" Saura snapped.
"We could have killed you already, we can move faster than you can aim," Kakashi said. "We have fought your men before, we know how to dodge bullets. You are a one man army, we have destroyed greater foes than you."
It was not the answer the man wanted to hear, it did not put him at ease and the serpent hissed at his lover for wording it in such a way.
"We don't want to harm you either. Lower your gun, you don't need to put it away just stop aiming it at us," Orochimaru tried, the NW looked in to the serpents eyes. "If I wanted you dead I would have let Kakashi do so. I won't let him attack you-again."
Still he found his usually confident voice shaking in a pitiful manner, he hoped he could collect himself once the gun was lowered, Saura dropped it to his side slowly, it did not help. Orochimaru tried to calm himself, he gestured for Kakashi to get to his feet slowly then demanded his body cooperate and settle. His eyes once filled with fear fell in to something more confident and he soundlessly breathed out, allowing no one to notice his pathetic attempts at calming down.
"Kakashi, you walk ahead scouting for danger. I think it's best if you two aren't so close to one another, I'll guard from the back," Orochimaru said, trying to construct the team in a way which would ensure no one got hurt.
The Jonin did not argue, he had apologetic eyes held on to his lover. He hadn't wanted the serpent to get involved. Orochimaru did not seem too offended, he was shaken, that was obvious, but he met his partners eyes. Although the way the Jonin acted was not to his taste he knew he would never act in such a way without validation, no one did things without reason. Kakashi was usually steady minded, if he had been pushed to do something so drastic the other party must have been to blame to a large degree.
The copy ninja slipped to the front, Saura kept his gun on hand but his shoulders relaxed when the Jonin disappeared in to the blackness. Tsukiko followed the man in the lead, he would run back every few minutes to make sure the Sannin was still following, but his eager paws compelled him to stay in front. They walked in silence until the sun rose. The gun was now visible but Orochimaru did his best to not look at it, it would only further his discomfort. Saura was the first to speak, and it did not surprise the Sannin that he was once again questioning jutsu. He allowed blue chakara to flare again, this time it was stronger, the man having more purpose. Having a key eye for potential, the serpent decided to push his abilities.
"Try concentrating your chakara somewhere else," Orochimaru said, the man looked over to him.
He had a look of confusion and questioning, as if he needed more to go off. There was little the Sannin could really say, so he moved closer keeping his eyes on the gun.
"Like this," He said, he channelled his own chakara through the man, it ran down him and lit up his feet, an area which would allow him to walk on things nature forbid. Up trees or walls, even on top of water. Saura seemed on edge with the chakara around him. It was far more potent than his, if it chose, it could swallow his own energy whole. Orochimaru let his own chakara fall away, he had given the man a sense of feeling what needed to be felt. It would be easier now that all he had to do was imitate the sensation he had just undergone. It was an hour since the Sannin had given the man the advice and frustration was written on his face. He cussed and gave up for the next few minutes. He continued when he had composed himself, but his irritation returned moments later. Orochimaru sensed the change before Saura knew he had accomplished it. Yellow eyes moved over praisingly and soon blue chakara faintly glowed around the mans feet. He was undeserving of praise, he seemed to be more than capable of praising himself. The Sannin allowed the man to mess with the concept for a while longer. Once the man had successfully done it the serpent upped the challenge.
"Try walking up that fallen tree," He said confidently. The large tree was bent, it not being straight meant it would not require too much chakara to fasten the man to its trunk. It was a steep bridge almost and Orochimaru was certain the challenge was not too much. It was going easy on him, easier than Chunin did with Genin. Saura blinked at him, he personally did not think it looked easy. Once again the Sannin decided to demonstrate what he meant. He trotted over to the fallen trunk and walked up it, it was as suspected hardly worth needing chakra for at all. Saura understood a bit better and attempted to copy him. He shakily got to the top and watched as the Sannin gracefully hopped down.
"You can use your chakara to protect you from falls," Orochimaru explained. "Ordinarily I would not be able to jump down from such a height without hurting myself, but when I have chakara I can ascend to higher grounds and land soundlessly or descend without any casualties."
Saura was skeptical, he knew he could hurt himself badly if he failed. The Sannin did not fear for the man, he would know the moment the man jumped whether he would succeed or fail. He could easily help him dare he land incorrectly.
"Don't think about it too hard," Orochimaru said crossing his arms over his chest. Saura took the leap of faith and the Sannin saw him slip up. Large snakes caught him as they materialized out from thin air. The NW landed safely but he seemed a bit shaken from it.
"Try it again," Orochimaru offered, if the man didn't he may develop a fear of it and be even more reluctant the next time he tried. The Sannin was calm and reassured, and his confidence fed the other mans confidence. Either that or he was set on impressing the feminine ninja below. He got back on to the tree this time with less disgrace. He then leapt down taking a moment to simply fall in to it naturally. Orochimaru allowed him to hit the floor and the NW opened his eyes to realize he had landed without failing. It was another step the man did not think he would accomplish. They eventually saw the destroyed village come in to view, Kakashi leant on a wall, cracked down the sides, waiting for the others. Tsukiko lay beside him, tongue lolling out the side of his mouth as he lay tiredly. He barked a greeting and Orochimaru leant down to stroke him before rising. Saura held his gun tight at his side, the copy ninja didn't even pay him attention. They entered the wrecked town, despite it being clear that no form of life existed in its borders.
"We can see if there are supplies here. Perhaps rest for the night even, but no one has been here in ages," Kakashi said. "I already scouted the place. My hounds said there is no scent of life for miles, meaning no one even set up camp here."
"The others did not come this way then," Orochimaru acknowledged.
"Seems that way," Kakashi said. "Let's find a place to rest and discuss where our next destination is."
They had walked all day, from early morning to late evening, the sun started to abandon them again. Not that it had offered much light or warmth in the cold forest leading up to the hidden leaf village. The two ninja instinctively went back to their home, where they had happily started their small life together. It didn't surprise them that it was in ruin, but neither one could hide their disappointment. Saura didn't know what he was looking at, he picked it up a few moments later when the ninja spoke to one another.
"We knew we'd have to rebuild," Orochimaru said, the house was Kakashi's, Orochimaru had lived with him since he did not have a home of his own, not one above ground at least. The copy ninja was more unsettled by the sight, he had called the trusty walls his for so long, it seemed strange to see them broken and disfigured.
"Of course. It couldn't be helped," Kakashi said not really paying attention to his words. The Sannin was never sentimental over bricks and structures, he had never allowed himself to be attached to a place nor to call it home. Home was where ever he was safe. It did not exist in one place under one roof. He leant against his lover and hugged his thinner form to him, he could only imagine what it felt like to miss the residence, after all he did not remember what it felt like for himself. Kakashi appreciated the comfort and wrapped an arm around him back before gently turning him around so their eyes could meet.
"I'm going to scan for supplies," He said. "Why don't you find a place for us to take shelter in. I can sense rain tonight."
The serpent had sensed the wet weather coming as well, he nodded then leant up and kissed his partner lightly pulling his mask down. He moved off and allowed the copy ninja to disappear, the last thing the two could see being the blue evidence of chakara left behind as he leapt away. The two males left the house after, although with less speed as Saura could not keep up with ninja. Tsukiko was sniffing the village, staying close by but straying off every now and then. With his jutsu back the snake did not fear losing the dog. They dug around looking for a sturdy secure resting place. Eventually they ended up in the Hokage building, standing in the office where great leaders should have been residing. The stone faces looked at them, their facial features distorted, cracked and changed. It was almost as if they were frozen into an eternal grief. Distraught at what was left of the fire nation, their very expressions alluding to their disbelief and devastation.
"Who are they?" Saura asked.
"The Hokage," Orochimaru answered.
"What are their names?" Saura asked curiosity wishing to gain a history of the village.
"That is the First, Hashirama," Orochimaru began. "Then it's the Second Tobirama...that's the Third, Hiruzen." Saura picked up on the pause at the man's name. "The Fourth Minato and the Fifth Tsunade-Hime."
"A female," Saura acknowledged. Orochimaru glanced at him with a questioning stare.
"What of it?" He asked.
"We don't have female leaders," Saura admitted as if it were normal. The Sannin couldn't fathom that rule being possible. Female ninja were on equal terms as males. A man would be a fool to deem them incapable. There was no such thing as discrimination in the world of shinobi, and powerful ninja were ranked by ability and skill rather than gender.
"Why not?" Orochimaru asked, it was clear the other man didn't entirely know. He changed the subject.
"What's his name again, the Third. Did you know him?" Saura asked.
"...He- was my mentor," Orochimaru said, he didn't want to say more. The mans very name left a bitter taste in his mouth. He rushed onwards to avoid saying anything else about him, "And that's my team mate, the Fifth, the Fourth is my other team mates student, while the Second is my teachers mentor, the First being his brother."
Saura couldn't keep up with the relations and just nodded in acceptance. He looked at the eerie sculptures, it was a frightening display in its broken shape. They entered further into the village until finally they found a safe looking shelter. Upon further inspection the Sannin found that it had once belonged to the pink haired girl. The young kunoichi being one of the copy ninjas students.
He was sure that it would make the Jonin once again spiral into an uncomfortable set of memories.
"This place is perfect," Saura decided.
"No it won't do," Orochimaru replied going to the door, he was met by eyes of annoyance.
"Why not? We have been walking for hours I'd like to rest," Saura said, "We can't be picky."
"Trust me when I say we can't stay here," Orochimaru said, he wasn't getting in to an argument over a foundation.
"I don't want to go on a wild hunt for no reason," Saura said again.
"Then you stay here. I'll go and look for a better suited house," Orochimaru said, the NW sighed and followed him out. He didn't want to be alone when he had nothing more than a gun to protect himself, the brutal weapon suddenly seemingly insufficient. They walked on and found another building, it was not as perfect as Sakura's house had been, but it had no memories attached either. Saura gave the Sannin a look that screamed he didn't understand the point of down grading. There was only one bed in the house, other than that it had no furniture. The mattress itself was broken and the stuffing had long since blown out.
"This place is shit," Saura said truthfully.
"Glad you like it," Orochimaru retorted.
They settled down and soon Kakashi found them, sensing his lovers chakara. Tsukiko was curled up on a loose piece of stuffing happily sleeping the days walk off. Kakashi and Orochimaru had no complaints sharing the floor beside him leaving Saura to the half busted bed. The two ninja spoke while the NW listened to the names he didn't understand. Orochimaru eventually offered the idea of heading to the Hidden Rock, which was close, and possibly one of the few villages that could remain hidden. The copy ninja agreed and they divided the night up. Orochimaru said he would be on guard first but the Jonin refused the idea. Claiming to be more than awake, the serpent was equally as awake but didn't feel up to arguing. He allowed himself to sleep beside the warmth of his partner.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Orochimaru felt the copy ninja lightly shake him, his yellow eyes lit up in the dark as they opened and he sat up slightly. Kakashi muttered that they should wake up early again and the Sannin nodded. He sat beside the copy ninja running his hand through his white hair as he slept. It was cold and he could hear the sound of rain pelting down on the roof. At least its old frame work had held fast, the water running off the roof far from their cold bodies. Orochimaru let the sound of rain drown out his thoughts as he aimlessly messed with the other mans hair. He and always been fond of the copy ninja upturned white hair, seemingly defying gravity in its positioning. When it slunk downwards, be it due to it being wet or simply because the Sannin had messed with it the serpent could not stifle a laugh. He forced himself to be quiet and to admire his partner silently when he shifted in his sleep. Orochimaru threw his eyes to the door, he could sense someone. The chakara was familiar and yet he could not pin point who it belonged too. He slipped away from his partner and the dog making sure not to wake them. He summoned a small serpent and left it behind. He would check out the danger and then bother to wake them be it worth it.
His serpent would remain behind to be an alarm in case the need arose for the Sannin to wake them up before he reached them again. He exited the broken house and sighed as the rain trickled over him, he pulled the hood of his coat over his head and the fabric clung to his slim body as he was pelted by rain. Soon enough he was gaining on the figure in the distance. Whoever it was had not noticed him yet, as the snake summoner was doing his best to hide his chakara. Since he had lived most of his life in hiding he had perfected the art, and the rain only helped him stay cloaked. He drew closer to the figure, Kusangi in his hand as his fingers clasped tightly around the hilt. He hid behind a wall as he got closer, the man was hooded as well, most likely due to the rain rather than to hide his identity. Since it was obvious he was alone and a ninja the Sannin moved in. He appeared beside the man and slashed his sword towards his throat. He would not kill him, but he would hold him up at the edge of his sword to ensure he was not a threat. The man moved swiftly out the way and drew his own blade countering the attack. The swords made sharp piercing noises as they stayed on top of one another, their metallic bodies grinding together. Orochimaru looked into the other mans face, the rain made it impossible to pick up on his facial features beneath the hood.
The other ninja saw who the Sannin was instantly however, the snakes golden eyes bright even beneath the hood and through the rain.
"Orochimaru," He said stoically. The voice was what gave his identity away, making the Sannin pull his blade off the others now cracked sword. Kusangi could cut through anything, since he knew the person in front of him he opted to rather leave what was left of his sword alone.
"Sasuke-kun," Orochimaru replied, a small smile gracing his face as he took a step back.
"So you escaped," Sasuke said, he had heard what had happened from Deidara and Asuma.
"I did. What of you? Were you ever captured?" He asked, he knew the Uchiha was not in the village during the attack, but that did not mean he was safe from captivity.
"I have never been inside the dome," Sasuke admitted coldly, he sheathed his sword. "Are you alone?"
"Are you?" Orochimaru asked, he was unsure if he could trust the man. Sasuke watched him but the Sannin could not see his eyes. They flashed a brilliant red and snake summoner narrowed his own unnatural orbs. The threat of the Sharigan was unnecessary. He was unsure of the point the Uchiha was making.
"Yes," Sasuke said, he awaited for his own question to be answered.
They had lived together for almost four years, they knew one another well enough due to the time spent and neither one feared the other. Sasuke knew the man was not as frightening in person as people thought, not as impulsive as others may think. He was not uncomfortable in the snakes presence.
If anything, he thought the serpent should be uncomfortable in the hawks clutches. Lying would do his team no good, so he decided to answer honestly.
"No I am not," Orochimaru answered vaguely.
"You're with Kakashi," Sasuke guessed, he had heard of them being an item. He was not sure he believed love ran both ways however.
"And another as well," Orochimaru said, he would not tell the man he was with an NW. That may had led him to think he was a traitor.
"I want to talk to Kakashi. Where is he?" Sasuke said, he obviously knew the Sannin was better at avoiding questions and lying. He wanted to speak to someone who would be honest and who would openly give the man the information he wanted. Orochimaru knew the copy ninja would fall in to the trap, he would answer the Uchiha's questions without getting any of his own answered. The serpent wouldn't allow that.
"Not before we clear a few things up. You know more than you are saying," Orochimaru said. "Why are you here?"
Sasuke narrowed his red eyes, he would not listen to the others orders, he never had and he never planned to. Be it for his own pride, or be it to merely shatter the others pride.
"I'll only ask you to take me to him once," Sasuke said, "after that you're more useful to me dead than alive."
Orochimaru hissed, he would certainly not allow the other to lead him through threats. Sasuke was a formidable opponent, but the serpent had taught him all he knew. He would not tolerate that knowledge being thrown back in his face as he had done to his own teacher. Once again they engaged with one another, the Uchiha somehow convinced the serpent would back down. Orochimaru decided he would sooner roll around in his own blood than give him such satisfaction. There was a growl and then the Uchiha turned from the snake to a blur on the floor. That said blur snarled and lunged but it was not trained in the art of battle and its attacks where too honest. The Uchiha reacted against the animal and slashed at it with its blade. The dark blur whimpered and cried out as metal slipped through its skin, red blood blending in to the rain. Orochimaru backed off for a moment wondering what attacked the Uchiha, it then dawned on him when Sasuke readied his blade to finish off the animal lying on its side snapping upwards.
"Stop!" He said, but he knew the Uchiha would not as blue circuited around his blade slicing the rain with its light. The Sannin appeared beside the Uchiha just in time to counter the next attack, the sharp blade of Kusangi almost sliced through the others sword so Orochimaru turned it on its side so that the flat face of the blade was merely blocking the sword from moving. Lightning moved from one piece of metal to the next and Orochimaru cried out as it hit him. He stumbled back and the Uchiha moved his blade to his side wondering why the man had leapt in the way. Tsukiko whimpered, blood still falling from a deep gash in his leg.
It was bleeding profusely, the wound most likely cut to the bone. Orochimaru did not think Sasuke would attack him while his back was turned, the Uchiha watched him questioningly.
"It's a stray," Sasuke stated.
"No he isn't," Orochimaru hissed, he had no way of healing the dog, he had never learnt the art. He tried to use what basic ability he had but it did nothing but calm the dog down, numbing some of the pain. He decided that was all he could do so he summoned a serpent which bit the dog, it's fangs were needle sharp and thin meaning Tsukiko could not feel the penetration. The serpent injected poison into the canine to make him completely unable to feel, successfully numbing him to the point where he was half falling asleep.
"Is he Kakashi's?" Sasuke asked trying to work it out. The Sannin was not the type to get attached to anything, let alone something with no use.
"Don't move," Orochimaru spoke softly to the dog, trying to get it to understand that it could not get up despite the pain being gone momentarily. Golden eyes snapped to the Uchiha. "You did this you careless bastard. Don't you have any bandages on you?"
"No," Sasuke said bluntly. He was surprised that the male was angry, he didn't know how to take it.
"Then go to the hospital, you lived here once you should find it quickly. Go get supplies," Orochimaru ordered, Sasuke didn't take orders and he stuck to that principle.
"No one else is here. You can go look for the supplies yourself, I'm going to find Kakashi," Sasuke stated, he looked at the dog, who still had his teeth showing when the Uchiha met eyes with him. Tsukiko tried to get to his feet, he could sense the man was not on the serpents side. He was no ninja dog however, and he had no tact in his advances, it was only natural he would be slaughtered on the spot during a battle. Orochimaru hissed, he didn't bother try convince the man otherwise, he would watch his dog bleed to death if he tried to change his mind. Acting quickly the Sannin made a shadow clone of himself, the clone darted in to the village and was gone from sight. Sasuke turned away at the same time to venture further in to the village, Kakashi would make a good ally for the army. If he had his way, he would convince Kakashi to abandon the Sannin, he thought him nothing more than trouble. A snake in the grass waiting to strike when everyone least expected it to further his own goals. Orochimaru watched as the Uchiha went the wrong way, he was heading far from the copy ninja. However the village was broken and small now, it would take very little time to locate him. Orochimaru communicated to his serpent which he had left behind and the summoning slipped over to awaken the copy ninja. It could not speak English, but it did not have to. The message was clear, someone was coming and the Sannin had gone to check it out. Kakashi got to his feet and walked to Saura, he roughly shoved the man up and he leapt to his feet. He didn't know if there was danger nearby or if Kakashi was the danger.
The copy ninja darted in to the heavy rain and Saura looked at him irritably, he didn't know who would willingly go into the down pour. They ran down the streets, the NW struggling to keep up until the other ninja was lost to his eyes. He figured he would keep heading straight but ended up diverting. Kakashi did not look back at him and soon the two of them were split up. The copy ninja sensed his lovers chakara and made a direct cut across the village to him. He was kneeling down beside something, the rain made it hard to see. The Jonin crossed the last few steps between them and knelt beside him to find the dog panting and breathing in laboured breaths. His tail wagged when he saw the copy ninja as he was trying to remain friendly. Blood mingled in the puddles and seeped down the street they knelt in, it ran in to the two ninjas long hanging cloaks staining the fabric in a darkened red.
"What happened to him?" Kakashi asked as his lover tried to stop the bleeding, holding the end of his cloak close to the wound to stop the profuse blood from spilling.
"Sasuke is here," Orochimaru hissed. "He is looking for you, I don't know what he wants-tell him nothing."
"How did he know I was here?" Kakashi asked glancing behind him to make sure the Uchiha did not sneak up on them.
"He didn't. I don't know why he came here originally, but now that he knows you are here he wishes to speak to you," Orochimaru said his voice distracted by the dog still.
Another ninja approached and Kakashi turned on him only to find it was a clone of his lover. He had something in his hands and he knelt down to the original Sannin handing him equipment which could be of use. Orochimaru removed the cloak and worked on the wound with the provided materials, the dog didn't squirm as he should have, making the copy ninja wonder if he was not numbed somehow.
"I should go look for Sasuke," Kakashi said. "I'll help you move him out of the rain first."
"Leave Sasuke," Orochimaru said. "Where is Saura?"
"Catching up," Kakashi lied. He did not know where the NW had ended up when they split up, or more so when the Jonin abandoned him deeper in the village. The serpent picked up on the fact being untrue and let his golden eyes fall to Kakashi temporarily. The copy ninja did not meet his gaze forcing the snake to speak his disapproval.
"Sasuke will kill him if he finds him first," Orochimaru warned. The other knew very well that his lover was most likely right. It wasn't the worst case scenario, the copy ninja did not much care about the NW males fate. Orochimaru evidently did as he gestured for the Jonin to move off.
"Go find him," Orochimaru said.
Tsukiko whimpered and instantly the Sannins attention was devoted to the canine, the dog still felt no pain but he used the moment to get attention.
Kakashi got to his feet and sensed for Saura, he could not locate him but he could locate Sasuke and opted to head there. The Uchiha was no longer in the walls of Konoha. He was just past them. It meant he was in Yunaiteddo. After the last NW war, the surviving ninja and some citizens of the technological world had come to form one village. However it did not remain as peaceful when cultures clashed, so the villages divided again. Cloud returned to their island, Mist to their forest, Sand to their desert and so on. Konoha remained the binding nation, still keeping Yunaiteddo. It was thus the biggest and most powerful nation, and many other ninja joined it regardless of their own homes haven been rebuilt. It was a growing space for change and power and so Konoha lost its sway. Much like the Uchiha clan had a small isolated section outside Konoha, Konoha had a small isolated section in Yunaiteddo. It was why the NW army hit Yunaiteddo first. They were the ones responsible for ending the large city which had first captured the ninja. Sasuke was currently in Yunaiteddo, leaving the Konoha streets behind. Saura did not have strong enough chakara to sense and so it blended with the rain and the animals nearby. Kakashi continued his fast paced journey, racing to the borders he stealthily climbed up a wall and entered the streets of Yunaiteddo before landing soundlessly and heading deeper towards the Uchiha.
Sasuke had stopped walking, he was waiting for the other ninja to catch up and it only took seconds for him to do so. The younger man looked at his old teacher his eyes still held captivated by the red colouring marked by black.
"I heard you were looking for me," Kakashi said.
"I was," Sasuke answered. "How did you escape the dome?"
"We had help," Kakashi said. "You attacked Orochimaru. He is with me, so next time you think about attacking him remember that it is still an indirect affront to me. Next time I will stand against you."
Sasuke didn't bother stifle a laugh as he threw his head back slightly, he settled himself and a small smile was still tracing his lips. He didn't seem to take it as a threat.
"So I have heard," Sasuke said. "I wouldn't use threats to spare your new love Kakashi. It only shows where your weaknesses are."
"He isn't a weakness," Kakashi said, "he is capable of defending himself. It was a friendly warning, not a threat."
"Kakashi," a familiar voice called, the ninja both turned to look at Saura approach. Sasuke raised his blade.
"Is this your help? An NW?" He asked impassively.
"He helped us," Kakashi said, he could see Sasuke would not accept him if he knew he were not a ninja. "But he is a ninja not an NW."
Saura heard what Kakashi had said, and he certainly saw the large katana clasped in the other mans hand. He was cautious to get closer, he would certainly fake being a shinobi if it was what would appease the strong looking fighter.
"I'm not an NW," Saura confirmed, using the ninjas name for his people to make it more convincing.
"How did you help them escape?" Sasuke asked with untrusting eyes, his sword lowered slightly.
"I had connections and they helped us," Saura lied. "I have a lot of information on the people of the city. I can tell you all about them- if you can tell us where more ninja reside."
Kakashi looked at him, he doubted the loner Uchiha had any idea where they could start looking for the others. He was surprised when Sasuke took the man up on the offer. Saura was looking over at the copy ninja with a smug smile, as if he truly felt he had done something so amazing. It made the Jonin grind his teeth in an attempt to hold his tongue.
"I'll take you to the army," Sasuke said almost too honestly, then again the Uchiha never played games, they said what they meant and they did what they wanted. They were a direct clan. "You must tell the Riakage all you know of the NW city. Any information is useful."
"The Riakage?" Kakashi asked. "So it is hidden in Cloud?"
"They are the only ones who were not found," Sasuke said. "It's vital we keep it that way. If an NW follows us we have to diverge completely."
"Of course," Saura agreed. Whether he simply wanted to say what the ninja wanted to hear, or whether he genuinely agreed with him was unknown. Either way the copy ninja was still watching the man carefully.
"Cloud is hidden," Sasuke said, "so I'll take you there myself. If I do not escort you they will attack your team the moment they see you."
"We appreciate the help," Saura said pushing luck with being too friendly. Sasuke could almost sense the difference in him. He didn't buy the bluff any longer the more he spent time the man, ninja and NW citizens had a manner about them which differed.
"You don't look like a ninja," Sasuke said.
"Ninja do not have a look about them," Saura said as he pretended to be wiser than he was, he then allowed blue chakara to flare around him. "See for yourself though. I am a shinobi like you."
The Uchiha could not argue with the evidence presented. No NW had ever been able to show case chakara, and even if the strain was obviously weak, it was still something Sasuke deemed the city men incapable of. He nodded in apology and then gestured for them to follow.
"Not without Orochimaru," Kakashi said when he realized they were simply leaving the borders of Yunaiteddo.
"He can catch up," Sasuke said.
"You wounded his dog. He will need help bringing him with." Kakashi said.
The Uchiha looked tentative to stop, he didn't want to waste time on the Sannin. He did not trust him, and although he knew the snake was not one to strike in sensitive times such as war, he did not put it past him. Orochimaru had never struck fear in the youngest clan survivor, training under him only diminished that fear more when he saw that the serpent truly was rather ordinary. In a weird way perhaps, but he was no monster. Saura did not want to leave Orochimaru behind either however so the ninja was forced to simply follow them back to the place he had last left the Sannin.
They reached him under a sheltered roof, a large white serpent standing beside them, it was trying to help the dog to move. Tsukiko wasn't walking properly at all, he could not function his hurt leg at all. The summoned serpent coiled around him to help him balance as the summoner commanded it to. Tsukiko was trusting of the male and so he was trusting of the snake, but it did him no good when the snake moved off and he fell his legs unstable. The three men arrived by the angered Sannin.
"You severed his nerves and tendons. He will never use that leg again," Orochimaru said when the Uchiha came in to view.
"He has three legs. He can walk," Sasuke commented.
"Your blade did not only hit his one leg. It hit his hind and front leg," Orochimaru replied dryly. "His front leg will heal, his hind leg will not. Either way, he can't walk on two legs, especially since they are both on his left side."
"I'll carry him," Kakashi said.
"To where?" Orochimaru asked his voice slightly hopeless.
"To Cloud," Sasuke interrupted.
"I'm guessing that is where the other shinobi are," Orochimaru mused. "He isn't light. That is a far walk."
"Then leave him behind," Sasuke offered.
"Put him out of his misery," Saura agreed.
"He isn't in pain," Orochimaru said. "It's not a mercy shot if he wants to live and is fully capable of doing so."
"I'll carry him," Kakashi concluded. The dog was by no means light, but the copy ninja knew his lover would not follow if they did not get to Cloud. The sound of wings entered the skies as the team looked to see a large hawk standing by the Uchiha. He gestured for the Jonin to place the dog on its back and he did so, Orochimaru hopped on beside him, Tsukiko would never be able to balance on the slanted birds back, but the Sannin could use his chakara to hold them both. The other three men walked while the hawk glided above them, it at first had to go above the trees but as they entered a valley it could stay nearer. Orochimaru did not like the movement or the hawk but he refused to complain, it would sound weak, Tsukiko didn't seem troubled and his tongue hung out his mouth as he enjoyed the new smells.
Saura did his best to not complain but the rain and the wind created by the birds wings made it a hard journey. He did not have the stamina of true shinobi. The Sannin noticed it, early on he had heard Saura refer to himself as ninja, and the serpent had gathered he was lying. It was for the best, he doubted any other ninja would accept an NW.
"Would you like to join me up here?" Orochimaru offered, he didn't know if Saura would be able to hold himself to the odd moving ride with his weak chakara. However if he could not the Sannin knew he could share his own chakara with him to secure his unaccustomed body. Either way he could underplay the man's lack of stamina by passing it off as him simply joining the Sannin on the large hawk. Saura took his gap and nodded, so the bird landed with a loud caw, it's large talons digging in to the ground creating large holes. Trying to be as natural as possible the snake summoner offered the other man a hand up but to his surprise Saura used the chakara he had learned to control from the two ninja instead. It was badly done, but it was done, he half jumped half fell on to the bird as he used chakara to propel himself. It looked clumsy, but at least it was the way a normal ninja would go about it. The hawk chirped in displeasure at the rude mounting tactic.
They carried on across the valley, the rain was only kept at bay by the ninjas waterproof cloaks, Sasuke wearing his own dark blue one. They neared the shore and Orochimaru realized he had saved the mans bluff. If he had been on the ground Sasuke would have expected him to walk across the water. Thankfully he did not have to now that he sat on the hawk.
It took them longer than the Sannin would have thought to cross the ocean. When they were rather far across he looked around trying to see where the massive island was. Saura was amazed as they moved across the sea. He had never been able to see nature so close up, he almost did not believe it possible. The hawk kept slightly higher up to avoid getting wet, its large feathers not meant for such things. The water moved unnaturally in an area and the ninja soon realized the island was cast in genjutsu, hidden from the naked eye. The hawk landed on the turtle and then left the two males and the dog just outside the village. Cloud Jonin came to greet them, they seemed relieved to see Sasuke return.
"Glad you made it back safely," the one said.
"And with three more ninja," the other added.
"It's an honour to have you both Kakashi-sama, Orochimaru-sama," the first Jonin said respectfully, the other Jonin was happy with the copy ninja but obviously not as keen on the Sannin being around. He would not offer respect to the stronger shinobi, he did not meet his golden eyes either however. He feared he may be turned to stone just by meeting them. Many rumours of him being a devil had been passed around, the snake turned a deaf ear to them when he could. It wasn't long until they were escorted to the rest of the village. Since the ninja were tired and soaked, they were first given a place to stay and rest for an hour, but it was clear the Riakage was waiting for them. While Saura and Kakashi rested the Sannin ran off to get Tsukiko a healer. They planned to meet at the Riakage's office.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Kakashi waited worriedly when it was time to meet the Cloud leader. They had agreed to meet there and it was already ten minutes past the set time. Orochimaru was not present, whether he was still with Tsukiko was unknown. The Riakage was a good leader, but he was a powerful one and he would likely not tolerate rudeness such a being late. Especially when the ninja had a reputation such as Orochimaru. It may be seen as rude, as a clear indication that he did not accept the others laws and rules, their regulations and what was expected of him. The last thing the out of place ninja needed was an event to show case his differences. Asuma greeted them first, when his eyes fell to Saura his anger was clear. Instead of loudly announcing something which could have led them down a terrible road the man pulled Kakashi aside.
"What is he doing here?" Asuma asked in a hushed voice.
"He got us out the city," Kakashi replied.
"He also got you caught," Asuma reminded the man.
"He regrets that now apparently," Kakashi said. "He says he wants to be a ninja, he doesn't like the city either. He could be a valuable ally, he knows them inside out."
"The Riakage will kill you if he finds out he is an NW," Asuma warned.
"He isn't going to find out," Kakashi said. "Saura is pretending to be a ninja. Orochimaru and I have taught him the very basics, we should get away with it."
"Fuck man Kakashi," Asuma snapped.
"What? Isn't it better than disposing of valuable information?" Kakashi asked. He didn't like the man either, but he saw the value in inside information and refused to believe the other man couldn't. It wasn't too much of a risk, one gun was useless aimed at hundreds of ninja.
"You must always bring in dangers," Asuma muttered. Kakashi glared at him, the other danger he was referring to was the Sannin. It was not a comment he appreciated hearing.
"War is dangerous Asuma," Kakashi stated.
"There is never a reason to increase that risk for no reason though," Asuma said his eyes angered.
"You never used to be like this," Kakashi said. "You knew what being a ninja meant. You knew that we had to take chances and risks."
"It's no longer my fate those risks harm," Asuma said, "I found Kurenai Kakashi."
"She too is a ninja," Kakashi reminded, she would never back away from a challenge.
"She is pregnant," Asuma said.
The copy ninja fell silent. It made sense now, the man's irrational worries, his snappy comments. He was worried for their child, he had gone in to a paternal frenzy, he was acting not out of his own fears but out of the fears for his child. A vulnerable creature unable to choose what happened to it or around it. It made sense now.
"I didn't know," Kakashi said. He felt stupid for saying it, of course he did not know.
"Well now you do," Asuma said. "Just promise me this will not endanger them."
"All right," Kakashi said. "I promise."
They walked back to the lobby, still no sight of the Sannin. They were lead to the Cloud leader who greeted them both seriously. He eyed the NW suspiciously trying to figure out what village he belonged to. He had no traits of any village and so the man shifted his eyes away remembering his manners.
He explained what was happening in the army, and he asked many questions. Sasuke stood in the office as well listening in to everything that was said. It had been half an hour and still the snake was not there. The Riakage asked about him but the ninja had nothing to say on the topic. They truly did not know.
Saura did not hold back, he explained in great detail all the things he knew. It was obvious there was more he could say however and Asuma and Kakashi were shocked at his level of knowledge. He didn't have time to elaborate but he briefed them on the NW city's functioning systems, their laws, their attack styles. The many machines, the ideologies. Anything that could aid them in the fight. Since Saura was close to Satoru, he had information most NWs would not have access too. It was clear the Cloud leader was greatly impressed by the mans knowledge, Saura went from looked down upon to highly valued within mere minutes.
"You should discuss more of this with our strategists. Asuma works with them, he can show you how we operate and you will make a valuable ally," the Riakage said. He didn't need to boost the mans ego anymore but he did, and the copy ninja rolled his eyes making sure nobody noticed.
"I suppose I should help with the forces?" Kakashi asked, his ability in battle was almost flawless. Naturally he would be a great ally, he was famous for his fighting, there were very few ninja who could spar on level with him. The number of ninja who could beat him was even fewer, if they existed at all.
"Of course," the Riakage said. "We couldn't ask for better support than you. I noticed Orochimaru is not here, is he injured?"
"An ally of his is," Saura answered. "I think he was making sure everything was going smoothly with his healing before he came through. Is there anything you wish to tell him?"
"I would like to speak to him personally," the Riakage said, he didn't seem too offended with the prospect, although Kakashi wondered if he may change his view on that when he found out the ally was a stray dog. The door burst open and the Sannin gracefully swooped in, his long jet black hair swishing in after before falling perfectly around his feminine face. He dipped his head out of respect as he greeted the Riakage then apologized for being late. Kakashi could see fresh wounds on the males arms, the cloak he was wearing flapping open, exposing some of his flesh. It made the copy ninja narrow his eyes, he hoped the rogue had not managed to get himself in to a fight.
"Speak of the devil," the Cloud leader said back, he was serious but good natured all the same. "We were just talking about you."
"Well I hope only good things were being said," Orochimaru said smiling politely. He had a manner about him that the copy ninja knew well. Someone had pissed him off, and he was subsiding that anger by compensating with politeness.
"There are only good things to say about you my dear," Saura said his eyes landing on the pale ninja, Orochimaru glanced over at him, he didn't know where the mans new found confidence came from. He didn't know the Riakage had boosted his value and inadvertently boosted his arrogance. Kakashi refrained from punching the man.
"You wanted to see him personally," Kakashi redirected the conversation.
"I did," the Riakage said more focused now on the work ahead. "From what I've heard you're a master in poisons, and you could run many laboratories all on your own."
Orochimaru noticed that his past illegal activities were evidently of use to the village, due to this fact the man avoided mentioning his laboratories had been places of criminal activity.
"I'm well versed in poison," Orochimaru said, "and I am no stranger to science either."
He was putting it mildly. There was no one more proficient in the subject than he was, the master of learning all there was to the world. He kept track of any small detail growing his collection of knowledge infinitely.
"My researchers have discovered that the lock the NWs have on our chakara is formed with a poison. We could stop our men from being affected by their devices as a whole if we could cure this," the Riakage said directly. The Sannin had known this, he had constantly wondered how he would make himself immune to all devices, no matter what they typed in to the machines. Something which would mean their chakara could not be influenced by the chemicals the NWs had relied on for years.
Stopping the city from using their technology was one thing, but managing to stop its effects would be an end game scenario. They would be holding empty guns.
"I've done my research on the subject," Orochimaru said, he knew the truth however, they needed to test the cure on actual ninja. He doubted the Cloud leader would give him such permission, and due to that he doubted it would be possible. He surely would manage, he had done greater feats all alone, but time was too precious during war. Ninja were not going to last if he did things the long way.
"Then you wouldn't mind helping my men in the labs," the Riakage said, he didn't sound amused when he added, "they need someone... experienced."
It sounded as if the scientists had no clue what they were doing with the way the man worded it. His tone indicating that his patience was up with their lack of progress. Orochimaru nodded, he had no issues going in to help at the labs, although he preferred fighting, his reasoning for delving in to science in the first place linked to his hobby of creating jutsu.
"I'd be happy to assist," Orochimaru said.
"Sasuke, show Kakashi where the barracks are," the Riakage said. "Asuma, take Saura to the intel unit. I'll take you to our labs."
Kakashi had wanted to speak to the Sannin but he decided he may as well first get the tour of the place he would be spending much of his day. He watched as Saura eagerly left with Asuma. Orochimaru evidently wanted to speak to Kakashi as well but had evidently come to the same conclusion of waiting. He almost ran in to Asuma as they both made for the door. They passed stares at one another, and it was everything but civil. If looks could kill the floor would have been a bloody mess. The Cloud leader had exited first and did not see the tension, he gestured for the smaller ninja to take the left turn with him and they entered the rain. Orochimaru drew his cloaks hood over his head as he entered the horrid weather, he noticed the Riakage did not bother take precautions against the water. They walked down the streets of the village and men and women alike greeted their leader with utter respect and devotion. Some had the same attitude towards the Sannin, others met eyes with him and skittered away fearfully while majority might as well have spat on him. The Cloud leader tried not to notice the ruder gestures of his people, despite it being painfully obvious. He had something he wanted to say, the serpent could tell. Since he was hesitant at saying it, the snake guessed it would be offensive or controversial.
Finally he spoke up as the rain made it harder to hear and impossible to properly see, they got to one of the labs but they did not enter. Not before the leader spoke.
"I'm trusting you with my men," the Riakage said. "However if they are in any danger, and believe me they will tell me if you try anything, I will not ask questions. You're history may be forgiven during this war, but it is not forgotten. I don't enjoy having rogues in my streets. You are safe here for so long as you do not act in any way that causes alarm. Am I clear on that Sannin?"
The first words that sprung to mind were sarcastic and dry, if the man had been thinking over his wording carefully he surely had done a poor job in being polite. The message had been delivered loud and clear, he was not welcome, he was needed, but he was certainly not welcome. Instead of hissing something more truthful the serpent bit his own tongue and nodded, his body language was polite but the burning intensity in his eyes told the leader that he did not appreciate the condescending attitude he was presented with.
"I assure you I have no ill intentions," Orochimaru said, his voice was calm, dishonestly so. The man nodded and entered the laboratory behind them. More eyes locked on to them and not one was happy. They were evidently not going to be cooperative, if they could have chased him out they would have. He didn't care, if he could have left he would have done so too.
Authors note- thanks for the great reviews. I look forward to hearing from you again, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. A huge special thanks to the always lovely Vampiredoll666! Stay so amazing!