Naruto/Aliens Versus Predator (Earlier this Year/2013)
Empress of the Xenos
Rebirth of a Species
Private Journal of Nejireta Shimura dated 23-11-1242 ARS (Around 250 years pre-Kyūbi Attack)
An amazing discovery, while searching through some old ruins I found what looks like some advanced technology. However it doesn't seem to be human in origin, could there be another form of life out there?
However that is not the most amazing thing, it looks like whatever owned this place was working on humans, trying to improve them. From the looks of it, their experiments may have lead to the potential for chakra usage being introduced into humanity and the creation of the summon creatures.
The notes keep talking about something they referred to as Yautja, maybe some form of enemy or disease?
The last thing I've found is a name, something they considered so terrifying that even the Yautja were considered less of a threat. The only word in the whole page other then *** Top Secret *** and Apocalyptic-level threat was…
Xenomorph
A strange word, there appears to more data on this weird strange device, but it is encoded somehow, perhaps I'll sleep on it and start again fresh in the morning.
Private Journal of Nejireta Shimura dated 15-2-1243 ASR
It has been a while since I wrote in this old journal of mine, I eventually cracked the code with the help of a interesting young man known as 'Hebikyō' I wondered if that is his real name or one he has chosen himself as I hope that no mother would name their child 'Snake Lord', then again my own name means 'Twisted' so I cannot really comment on this.
About the Xenomorphs I found it is a word from an ancient language of these beings, the language was called Greek and the name translates as 'Alien Form' this obviously has a deeper meaning somewhere, but I cannot figure it out just yet.
I have discovered that the Xenomorphs possessed extraordinary strength, many times greater than that of even a chakra enhanced human. Their blood and saliva is also apparently fatal for humans to interact with, the notes mention that contact with either of these substances is dangerous, but they don't mention whether it is due to the substances being poisonous, acidic or diseased. More research is required, I have a feeling that there is more knowledge here waiting to be unlocked.
On the matter of the Yautja I discovered that they are a race of beings that evolved from a highly dangerous desert like environment (Similar to the lands of Sunaonenshō to the far west, but far more brutal) they are also mighty hunters, they appear to ignore those who are not worthy 'prey' from what I've read the Shinobi would all be considered choice 'prey' due to our unusual strength and speed compared to civilians and even lower class Samurai.
That apparently take the skulls of their defeated foes as 'trophies', a interesting idea I must admit, a way of not only proving yourself but also providing visceral proof that you have slain that foe.
The Yautja appear to mainly hunt the Xenomorphs, why that is I cannot fathom, however it is mentioned that they constantly follow both the beings whose data I am perusing and Humanity itself, apparently wherever either of our races are the Xenomorphs soon follow. Perhaps there is some connection there, oh Hebikyō has decrypted another portion of the data, I must go.
Private Journal of Nejireta Shimura 16-2-1243 ASR
Xenomorph, they are a beautiful species. A perfect specimen of creation, they have no wasted effort or emotion. Hebikyō managed to decrypt all of the files on the Xenomorphs after looking through them all and seeing the images of these wonderful beings, there are not enough words in any language to describe their perfection. Emotionless, mindless killing machines, they are referred to almost like a plague.
They apparently breed by 'infecting' beings above a certain size and complexity (The average dog appears to be the least complex animal they can infect) through the use of a Xenomorph known as the Facehugger, after a period of gestation it leads to the birth of the next stage, the Chestburster the name appears to be a reference to the fact that as the next stage leaves the body it does so either through explosive force or gnawing through the sternum, the heart always takes irreparable amounts of damage and even if it didn't the amount of blood loss from such a wound would inevitably be fatal. The Chestburster then enters a cocoon and matures into a full grown Xenomorph, there are six recorded Xenomorph castes. They are the Drone, the Warrior, the Runner, the Predalien, the Praetorian and the Queen. The caste appears to be a combination of either the host and/or the Facehugger, for example Warriors are born from Human hosts, Drones from herd animals like Cows or Sheep and Runners from predator animals like Wolves or Lions. Predaliens are born from Yautja. The Praetorian is born from any host but they must be infected by a Queen Facehugger, however these Queen Facehuggers seem to focus on Humans or Yautja compared to other simpler animals. Then should a Xenomorph Hive lack a Queen then a Praetorian will 'molt' into a Queen, usually after a free-for-all between all of the surviving Praetorians until all but one are dead or have submitted to the victor, this appears to be a mechanism to ensure that only the strongest of Xenomorph Praetorians will be allowed to lead the Hive.
As I read more and more the Xenomorphs only intrigue me more, they appear to have some sort of tri-communication language, it seems that they have a Psychic or Extrasensory communication system, should they be closer but out of hearing range (Around 500 meters) they use a pheromone system (This also appears to be one of their hunting techniques, they are noted to be more… 'sadistic' to an enemy or prey that is aware of them and terrified, often taking several minutes to slowly kill the unfortunate being, whereas when hunting an unaware enemy they simply take them down with instant kill or disabling shots). Finally they have a audio language based on hissing and screeches, the audio language is basic with simple words like 'prey', 'enemy' and 'hive' being among the most sophisticated.
Lastly they seem to use echolocation and heat sensing rather than sight, smell is also a major part of their senses, as such ordinary Genjutsu would be useless at best and counter-productive at worst. Also crafting an anti-Xenomorph Genjutsu would be impossible as the Genjutsu maker would have to know what it is like to see the world via echolocation and heat sensing. Although the Xenomorphs are said to have at least a rudimentary visual ability, perhaps a compound eye like an insect?
Private Journal of Nejireta Shimura 8-5-1243 ASR
I have not written an entry in a while, however the reason is most extraordinary. Hebikyō managed to get Xenomorph genetic profiles, using the data we have discovered and our own knowledge we have started working on adding Xenomorph traits to humans, the Uzumaki clan is best for these experiments due to their extraordinary healing abilities.
However three of the experiments have died, the Xenomorph genetic profile conflicting with the hosts till they are slain by the incompatible genetic data.
I will now be using this as a combination of a journal and lab note holder.
Experiment Xeno-Uzumaki hybridization number 5
Subject has died, their blood turned into the Xenomorphs blood (which appears to be an extremely potent acid) and it burned the subject from the inside out. Horrible way to die.
Experiment Xeno-Uzumaki hybridization number 12
The subject has stabilized and is showing some signs of enhanced strength and senses, no other benefits.
Experiment Xeno-Uzumaki hybridization number 34
Subject is alive despite having a Xenomorph/human blood mix, perhaps their circulatory system has changed to be immune to the acid? Or perhaps the Human portion of the blood is negating the acid?
Experiment Xeno-Uzumaki hybridization number 58
The Subject appears to be able to psychically commune with the other surviving subjects, is this a sign that we are on the right path.
Experiment Xeno-Uzumaki hybridization number 89
Subject is dead, their blood turned into Xenomorph blood, then their circulatory system super-pressurized until they exploded violently. Very messy, Kami rest her soul. On that note Lab 11 is no longer functional.
Private Journal of Nejireta Shimura 18-1-1244 ASR
I have been discovered by the Uzumaki, I am fleeing to Moeruyōsōgen, to my descendent who is the only one who will be able to open the seal on this journal thanks to the bloodline seal I have placed on it. I have included all of the data on the Xenomorphs and Yautja as well as the data from all of the experiments.
Continue the research, the Uzumaki now all contain some Xenomorph genetic data, thanks to a hidden genetic altering drug I placed in the water supply. Unlock its potential and complete the job.
Nejireta Shimura
Root base Omega-12. 14-06-1488 ARS (4 years Pre-Kyūbi Attack)
A hand closes the book, it is slightly wrinkled and is showing signs of aging, however the owner is only in their late-forties at most. Danzo Shimura looks down upon the journal of his ancestor, he smirks slightly 'I am not the only Shimura to desire a emotionless killing machine it appears, this data is useful but looking over the experiments it not surprising they failed. Such barbaric and soft-hearted methods, similar to the ones that Orochimaru is trying, I wonder if he is aware that someone knows of his past time? Never the less, using pills and slow release genetic changes Kushina Uzumaki will be this super weapon, a Jinchūriki and Xenomorph hybrid, no-one will be able to stop her and Konoha will prosper' Danzo despite all of his training begins to do a maniacal cackle, his Root ANBU guards just shake their heads at this.
Laboratory Log of Danzo Shimura 15-06-1488
After reading through my ancestor's journal, I have been inspired to keep a research log just for the purpose of recording my experiments upon the Specimen. While my ancestor methods were useful to read about, they were too soft hearted. He actually told the Subjects what he was attempting, preposterous. Using specialized chemicals in her water and food I will alter the Subjects genetics without her ever being aware of what is happening.
I have found a section of the Xenomorphs genetic profile that will stabilize the problems, my ancestor avoided using the genes from the caste known as the Queen. He seems to have forgotten that as a hive species the Xenomorphs relied on the presence of their Queen for survival. I am sure that no major problems will occur from the use of this genetic data, what is the worst that could happen?
Four Years Later
Hiruzen Sarutobi looks down at the piece of paper handed to him by Ryu (Dragon) commander of the ANBU with Hideaki Itou the general director of KGH(Konoha General Hospital) standing next to him.
"Is this it?"
Ryu nods
Birth Certificate
Kaede Uzumaki
Gender: Female
Parents
Father: Classified
Mother: Kushina Uzumaki
Clan: Uzumaki
Chakra rating: 1457 (Rank A) Taken 12 hours after birth
Date of Birth: 10-10-0 YK (Year of the Kyūbi)
Other information: Jinchūriki of the Kyūbi no Kitsune, slight Genetic Abnormality, major blood abnormality.
Signed
Hideaki Itou, director of Konoha General Hospital.
'Genetic abnormality?' Hiruzen turns to the doctor with a raised eyebrow "Genetic Abnormality? What is the problem"
Hideaki shrugs and looks down at some notes he brought with him "Well, that's just it sir, there seems to be a slight deviation in her DNA that is for lack of a better word, unnatural. But it appears to have absolutely no correlation to the Kyūbi, it's a pre-existing condition. I would say that it is due to an experiment, but she has only just been born there is no way for an experiment to have affected her in such a short time period, and it has nothing to do with her mother either. By testing her and her mother's DNA together there is a slight difference in the Alpha X-Chromosome. Which sir, is absolutely impossible by all the laws of Genetics we know, the Alpha X-Chromosome comes from the mother and hasn't changed in over two billion years of evolution, every dual gendered species has this Chromosome and its near identical with only slight variances per differing species and animal orders, for this to have happened, makes absolutely no sense at all. Add the abnormality in her blood on top of that"
"Abnormality in her blood?" Hiruzen interrupts with
Hideaki looks up from his notes at Hiruzen "Well sir, her blood has a slightly lower Ph nature than normal. Normally blood has a Ph of 7.34 to 7.45, her blood however has a Ph of 1.5 which should have killed her immediately"
Hiruzen frowns in confusion "Excuse me doctor, despite Tsunade telling me I should have looked into biology and chemistry more I still only have a basic understanding of them and their terms. What is wrong with such a low Ph scale, for that matter what is the Ph scale"
Hideaki's eyes widen "Oh, sorry sir. I thought you were as knowledgeable about biology and chemistry as I am, I keep getting told I talk too technical around other think they know what I know. Basically sir the Ph level is the level of Acidity or Alkalinity in a fluid, solid or gas. 7 is water and it is neutral neither acid nor alkaline, below seven is acid, above seven is alkaline. To put it in perspective… how do I put it in perspective? You know about stomach wounds right sir?"
Hiruzen nods "Yes, if a person's stomach is injured they have around fifteen minutes before the acid in their stomach causes them to die from destruction of vital organs, correct?"
Hideaki nods "Yes sir. Now Stomach acid has a Ph of around 1 to 2. Basically sir, Kaede Uzumaki's blood is highly acidic, if even a drop were to land on someone it could do serious damage. Before coming I poured ten milliliters (around two US Teaspoons or 0.3 ounces) of her blood over a 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) piece of pork, I also poured ten milliliters of hydrochloric acid over another piece of pork the same size. The Hydrochloric acid slowly ate its way through the pork until around halfway through it was neutralized or cancelled out by the blood in the pork"
Hiruzen nods in acknowledgement "And Kaede's blood"
Hideaki pales "Sir, not only did it eat through the pork, it also melted through the ceramic table and metal floor, it made it around three floors before it stopped. I originally had it in a glass vial almost 4 centimeters (1.5 inches) thick. There was only about 15 millimeters (0.59 of an inch) left at the bottom of the vial when I poured it out. Sir this could cause a lot of damage if people are not careful or Kaede gets injured"
Hiruzen nods and then stands up "I'm afraid this knowledge just became an S-Class secret, does anyone else outside of this room know about these experiments?"
Hideaki shakes "No sir, Ryu-san here was the only one present when I actually did the tests. The rest of the staff simply believe that Kaede has some sort of contagious blood disease that could infect them and they are not to draw blood or give injections to her"
Hiruzen nods "Good, if you don't mind you will be Kaede's personal physician until she is old enough for the information to come out about her blood"
Hideaki nods "Of course sir"
Six Years Later. Southwestern Quadrant of the Mercantile district of Konohagakure no Sato. 11:25 PM.
Six years, six long years, that's how long these men had waited. For six years they had waited for the Hokage's vigilance to falter and for his guard to drop. Six years they had waited, so they could kill the Demon. Now, those years were over. Last night someone had slain the Uchiha clan, now the Hokage's gaze was on the Uchiha clan compound, the Demon was unguarded. They watch as the Demon in its sickening disguise of a young girl with red hair in two long ponytails on either side of her head, about three foot eight in height, tall for her age, wanders the streets at night, they had lured her out with the smell of her favorite food, Ramen. Now they would strike.
One of the three men, raises a spear he'd had in his family for generations, it had been used in the Samurai wars long since over that were fought before the Rikudō Sennin brought Chakra to the world, and throws it at Kaede. It hits her in her right shoulder and she screams, but her scream is high pitched and almost inhuman, sounding more reptilian or insect-like than human. The spear drops to the ground with the front end of it melted by the acid that is Kaede's blood. Kaede acting on instinct jumps back avoiding a kunai thrown by one of the men. Now they were unnerved, they had thought the Demon's power had been sealed and she was no more powerful than the average human girl, yet she had just jumped back nearly ten feet. The ground sizzles and melts where her blood had landed after it was thrown around by the force of her momentum when she jumped backwards.
Kaede acting on pure instinct releases a high pitched hiss/screech and jumps at the men, her arm swinging out wide like a wild animal about to claw someone. The man she jumped at laughs thinking that Kaede can't hurt him, then she strikes. Kaede's fingernails had elongated into talons or claws, they quickly tear through the unfortunate man's body, killing him instantly. Kaede on instinct spits out some of her blood using a defensive mechanism that her body had created, one of the men catches her blood straight in the face and dies screaming, the other merely gets a glancing blow on his left arm. Kaede quickly remedies this with a barrage of acid shots that slam into and melt the survivors chest.
Following her instincts Kaede spits some more blood out to melt a manhole cover, she jumps down and instinctively uses her chakra to traverse the walls of the sewers towards some distant point. She releases soft hisses to use her echolocation to move around, as she is travelling through the rank sewers she discovers an entry point to some tunnels below Konoha.
Unbeknownst to Kaede beneath Konoha there is a massive warren of tunnels that reach nearly a mile down and has thousands of empty rooms and spaces and nearly fifty levels to the warren, few people know about these tunnels, even fewer have explored them. None have ever entered any of the lower tunnels, the darkness combined with some heat from an underground lava flow that feeds the hot springs makes it dangerous for them to enter the lowest tunnels. Root ANBU are present in the top six or seven levels of the warren and drifters and other malcontents are present as well. There are also utility pipes and wires all over the place, with some utility workers coming down to check on them pretty often.
Following her instincts Kaede descends into the labyrinth like warren of tunnels, she quickly drops down below the upper levels, through the middle levels and eventually winds up in the lower levels. Where others would be terrified by the darkness and burnt by the heat Kaede discovers a peaceful place where she can rest. Relying once again on instinct she starts spitting up a strange substance, black and web like the substance sticks to the walls and grows via a combination of a sub-sentient plant and hardened resin excretions. Within minutes Kaede has a small nest of the stuff, smiling she lays down in the small nest and closes her eyes. As she drifts off she thinks 'I don't know what those mean men wanted, but I'm not going up there again if I can help it. I like the darkness down here, it makes me feel safe, down here will be my home, I'll miss you Jiji'
Six Years Later, Hokage's Office. 15-07-12 AK (After Kyūbi)
Hiruzen clears his throat and faces the Shinobi in his office "You may wonder why all of you are here. The answer to that question is that you'll be doing a joint B-Rank mission" the Shinobi teams, three of which are rookie teams and the only active team from the year before look at the Hokage in surprise while their Senseis worry slightly about the mission.
Might Guy, the leader of Team Guy voices their concerns "Hokage-sama, while I believe my team may be ready for this youthful undertaking, the rest of the teams here are rookie teams who have only just completed their first C-Rank missions. There is no way they could be ready for such a mission"
Hiruzen raises his right hand to stop any more comments and says "I am aware of that, however this mission is only a B-Rank because of its secrecy and length, if you manage to end up fighting enemy Shinobi I would be surprised… and alarmed"
Kakashi Hatake leader of Team Kakashi takes the bait "Why would you be alarmed, sir?"
Hiruzen smiles gently "Because the mission involves a search and communication in the Konoha Warrens, it's an outstanding mission that you especially know very well Kakashi"
Kakashi's head shoots up away from the Icha-Icha book he is always reading to face the Hokage "The Kaede Uzumaki mission, sir. That mission has been outstanding for almost six years, is there any proof she is still alive"
Hiruzen nods "Yes, a utilities worker managed to get an eyewitness account of her fighting a drifter a few days ago. Apparently she overwhelmed the drifter and tore him to shreds"
Kakashi nods and is happy that his sensei's daughter is still alive. Asuma and Guy are smiling remembering those times they had met Kaede before she disappeared.
Kiba Inuzuka a member of Team Kurenai pales "She tore a guy to shreds! How dangerous is this Kaede Uzumaki?"
Hiruzen frowns "Very, her danger level is around A-Rank, however she doesn't attack without provocation from what some drifters have mentioned. She has been nicknamed the 'Empress of the Depths' and apparently spends most of her time below Level Forty of the Warrens, something that should be impossible due to extreme heat and humidity from the lava flow that goes under the Warrens. About her abilities, any reports are few and far between and often fragmented at best. She is far more powerful than an average Jounin, can effortlessly wall walk without problems, has basic water walking skills. Has no recorded jutsus as far as we know. However that's not the most terrifying part about her"
Kurenai Yuuhi gulps and asks "What is the most terrifying thing about her sir?" Kakashi, Guy and Asuma avert their eyes, having seen Kaede's blood at work when they entered ANBU.
Hiruzen takes a puff of his pipe and says "The most terrifying thing about Kaede Uzumaki is the fact that her blood is a highly potent acid, not only that but she appears to have the ability to launch this acidic blood from her mouth, however it isn't as powerful as directly from her veins"
The gathered Genin and Kurenai look nauseous except for Sasuke Uchiha 'This Kaede Uzumaki, she seems strong. A good choice for the matriarch of the new Uchiha Clan. I must have her'
Hiruzen notes the greedy look on the Uchiha's face and inwardly smiles 'Kaede will either tear his ego down or tear him apart. Either way there won't be an arrogant Uchiha around anymore. Ah I do so love a Win, Win situation where no-one worthwhile is hurt' Hiruzen then clears his throat and says in his Hokage voice "Will you take the mission?"
The Jounin-Senseis have a small conference before they all nod and Kakashi turns to the Hokage and says "Hai, we will sir"
Hiruzen nods "Then get the equipment for an extended mission and meet up at the Konoha Power Plant, Yoko Satou a utilities worker will guide you down to level twenty of the Warrens, from there on out you will precede down to level forty and begin searching for Kaede Uzumaki, be careful you don't wander into drifter territory. They don't much like us up on the surface coming down into their turf. If you encounter Kaede Uzumaki, don't make any hostile moves, just try to talk to her and convince her to come back up to the surface. Kakashi you have Operation Command"
Kakashi and the Jounin nod "Hai, sir"
Kakashi turns to the genin and says "Go home and pack enough equipment for at least two months, don't bring anything like shampoo or perfume or anything of that nature. Kaede most likely has powerful senses and we don't need to give her more warning that we are coming" The Kunoichi nod with Ino and Sakura looking a little upset.
The assorted Genin and Jounin scatter to their various homes to gather supplies for the mission.
Konohagakure no Sato's Primary Power Plant, location (Classified)
Yoko Satou nods at the group of Shinobi standing before her "So you are the group looking for the 'Empress' huh?"
Kakashi nods in answer "Yes, you are Yoko Satou I presume?"
Yoko nods "Yep, that's me and I'm gonna tell you this for free, don't piss her off. That 'Empress' is far stronger than any of you Shinobi, on top of that she's fucking fast and damn near unstoppable when she wants something. No matter how hard you try you can't beat her, nearly three hundred drifters attacked her once in a massive group to try incapacitate her. She killed them all, without mercy or pause."
The Genin shiver while the Jounin narrow their eyes in thought. Kakashi sighs 'This might not be as easy as I hoped it would be'
Yoko seeing their expressions smiles "Well, you're now in the right mindset to enter the Warrens, come on. Oh and you'll get used to the smell… Eventually"
Kiba pales "Smell?"
Ten minutes later
Kiba is pale and Akamaru is green "Oh Kami, this is horrible" despite being a little angry at his moaning the rest of the group agree, this is a horrible smelling place.
Kakashi nods in agreement and hands two of his signature masks to Kiba and Akamaru, they both resize to fit the boy and dog perfectly "These masks will filter out the worst smells, We are only on level twenty, we need to go deeper. It will get better, around level thirty the heat from below evaporates the leakage from the sewers and the smell weakens, slightly"
Sakura shrieks "You mean this fluid is sewage!"
Sai smiles "Of course it is Ugly, what else would it be? Why are you screeching about it, it's not the worst thing you could be wading through and today won't be the only time you'll be wading through sewerage or worse, so I ask you. Are you a Kunoichi or a pampered Howler Monkey?"
Miracle of all miracles Sakura shuts up as she thinks about what Sai had said and then another miracle occurs, Sasuke sniggers at Sakura's reaction to Sai's comment. But the snigger is hidden under the laughter from Kiba, Chōji, Asuma and Shikamaru about the 'question' Sai had asked.
Kakashi notices the snigger and eye-smiles at it, it's a good sign after all. He then shakes his head "Come on, let's go"
The group sets off they head to the right towards what Kakashi calls 'The Grand Stairway' it's a large spiraling stairway 40 meters wide that goes from level twenty down to level thirty-five. Kakashi knows that he won't find Kaede this high up, he'd already checked the Warrens upper levels five times after the Uchiha Massacre and her disappearance, he'd only given up when Guy had physically dragged him from the tunnels. While they are walking towards the staircase Shikamaru asks a question that has been bugging him since the meeting in the Hokage's office "Kakashi-sensei"
Kakashi turns his head and looks at Shikamaru "Yes Shikamaru?"
"When you said that the 'Kaede Uzumaki' mission has been outstanding for six years, does that mean it happened the same year as the Uchiha Massacre?"
Sasuke suddenly takes an interest, along with the rest of the Genin and Kurenai. Kakashi sighs and says "Yes, in fact she disappeared the night after the massacre, Kaede wasn't very well liked for a S-Rank secret about her that was no fault of her own. But still she was isolated and despised by the rest of the village, at least the majority of the civilians anyway, some few civilians saw past the prejudice and saw Kaede for herself, while some Shinobi could only see the S-Rank secret she represented. Since then a majority of the civilians have come to realize the horror of what they were doing and have since been trying to make amends for their actions ever since her disappearance. This was mainly due to a six year old boy asking a single question after seeing a group of civilians celebrating her disappearance two weeks later"
Shikamaru pales, he'd been the one to ask that question, he remembers the faces of those men and the looks of horrified realization on them. Ino frowns "What was the question?"
Kakashi opens his mouth to answer but Shikamaru beat him to it "Mommy, why are those men happy about hurting that nice girl?"
Ino turns to Shikamaru and gapes "How'd you know?"
Asuma sighs "Because Ino, Shikamaru was the one who asked the question, when the men celebrating heard the question they stopped, since Kaede had been gone for two weeks they'd started to think more rationally about the situation and realized the horrible truth of what they had done. Two of those men joined a temple in penance, while the third man committed Seppuku to rid his family of his dishonor."
Kiba shakes his head "I don't get it, what did they do?"
Kakashi sighs "Simple, they tormented a six year old girl for something she had absolutely no control of, the fact she was the only child born on the day that the Kyūbi no Kitsune attacked Konoha. Because of that and a S-Rank secret, she was isolated. At age three she was kicked out of her orphanage and made to live on the streets for a month until the Hokage could find her a place to live, whenever she went into shops she was charged twice or three times as much as everyone else, and often was given rotten food anyways. The realization of this caused many civilians to rethink everything they had believed in for six long years, at least five percent of those who were regretful committed Seppuku, around a hundred or so joined various temples and many of the remaining civilians gave money to orphanages or to help pay for the academy. The regret of those civilians still lingers in places, hence the six-year long mission to discover the location of Kaede Uzumaki"
They reach the bottom of the stairway and the tension from Kakashi's words hang over them like a dark cloud. The girls have expressions of horror or disgust at the actions of the civilians, the boys are all thinking over the strange looks and actions of people that they remember and that now suddenly made sense due to the information Kakashi had given them. Shikamaru especially is seeing his memories in a new light thanks to that revelation. Kakashi, Guy and Asuma are all thinking of the bright ball of sunshine that they remember Kaede being, while Kurenai stumbles around with a blank look on her face as she remembers the comments of the people six years ago after the disappearance of Kaede Uzumaki.
Suddenly a voice interrupts their thoughts "That's a sad story that is, Kakashi-san"
The group all turn to face the speaker, he's an old man of around forty wearing ragged leather armor, despite that he's well shaved and doesn't look all that dirty or starved. His eyes are a brown and look like they had seen things no other man had seen, they held a great deal of wisdom… and sadness. His hair is pure white. Kakashi gasps at the man "You!, I remember you, you told me that Kaede didn't wish to be found"
The Man nods "That I did Kakashi Hatake, I said that because if she had returned to the surface at that time the anger would return and two-fold what it once was. Now is different, now the anger has completely died out and all that is left is regret and sorrow. Despite that I still have a warning for you Kakashi Hatake, Kaede Uzumaki is an 'Empress' in more ways than you think, the Hive will answer to her and only her, soon an ancient species will return and that girl will be their leader. If you make the wrong choices and attempt to enforce your ideas upon her, then all of humanity will die. So a choice now approaches you Kakashi Hatake" The Man walks towards Kakashi and when he is mere inches away "Will you kill Kaede Uzumaki on the chance she might destroy all you hold dear?"
Kakashi smiles a grim smile under his mask "Never, for she is all that I have left dear to me. She is my Sensei's daughter, she should have been my adopted little sister and would have been had things not gone horribly wrong. So I will not allow any harm to come to her, I will not fail my Sensei again!"
The Man smiles widely and steps back "Well said, she is not far from here. Ten levels down, look for the black webbing. You will find her there. And you little Aburame, what is your name?"
Shino frowns under his jacket "Shino, Shino Aburame"
The Man nods "Shibi's son I would imagine. You are about the meet someone whose very presence will be enough to cause your Kikaichū to submit to her, I wonder what your clan will do when they find out?"
Shino steps back in shock "You mean Kaede Uzumaki is the 'Kodaikōgō'" for the first time those listening can hear emotion in the boys voice, a combination of surprise and… awe.
The Man simply smiles before seeming to vanish Kurenai raises her hands to perform a 'Kai' only to have Kakashi put his hand over hers "Don't bother, it isn't a Genjutsu, he's just gone. I once asked Hokage-Sama about him and found out that he actually advised Shodai-Sama on the construction of Konoha. I don't quite know who or what he is, just that his advice has never steered those who listened wrong. Madara chose to ignore the advice and we all know what happened to him"
Kiba however having thought back over the conversation turns to Shino and asks "So what exactly is the 'Kodaikōgō' anyway?"
Shino pauses for a moment "I believe it is similar to the Inuzuka legend of the 'Ōkamikyō' If I am remembering correctly, however unlike the legend where the 'Ōkamikyō' was the founder of the Inuzuka. The 'Kodaikōgō' is said to be the leader of the Kikaichū and therefore the leader of the Aburame, that's why our clan head is actually referred to as the Clan Regent by those of our own clan"
Kiba thinks this over for a moment and then says "So basically Kaede Uzumaki, when your clan finds out about her, is now leader of one of the biggest and most loyal clans in Konoha?"
Shino nods "That is correct"
Kakashi laughs, Shino turns to him and frowns "What is amusing you, Kakashi-sensei?"
Kakashi sobers up "While I said most of the civilians now regret their actions, the Civilian Council hates Kaede Uzumaki with a passion as she is by birth one of the richest people in Konoha, in fact the Yamanakas, Naras and Akimichis all owe her clan for helping give them the money and goods to start a new life in Konoha. If she asked those three clans would follow her into hell itself, she has their loyalty above even the Hokage. The Inuzuka respect her clan for helping increase the intelligence and chakra capabilities of their Nin-hounds. On a darker note the Hyūga's 'Caged Bird Seal' belongs to her clan as well, but if I remember correctly if she asks they are honor bound to remove it from a member of their clan or every Branch House family member, that was the payment for getting the seal. The Sarutobi clan also owe her clan for giving them the Monkey summons scroll" The Genin and Kurenai were shocked at this revelation. Kakashi continues "So with the last of the great clans of Konoha, the Aburame. Now following her, the Civilian council will be spitting fire. But will be unable to do anything as she will effectively have absolute control over Konohagakure no Sato's clans"
Neji then joins the conversation in full "I wonder, if I asked her would she actually use that power to release the Branch House?"
Kakashi then looks Neji dead in the eyes and says "Neji, the moment she finds out she has that power she would most likely use it immediately. That girl has an absolute hatred of slavery in all forms, probably because although the Hokage was protecting her and she only disappeared due to an attack while he was busy with the aftermath of the 'Massacre'" Sasuke looks down with sadness in his eyes "She was still treated horribly whenever the people could get away with it. She grew up learning to hate those who use their power to subjugate others, she hated the 'Cursed Bird Seal' when a friendly branch house member told her of it. The moment she finds out she can have it removed she would without a doubt. Maybe you can ask her that when we meet her, at the very least it might give her a good reason to come up to the surface"
Seeing the looks of surprise on the faces of the other Jounin Kakashi turns to them and says "Is me saying something like that so surprising?" They all nod. Sakura and Sasuke also nods.
Kakashi sinks to ground with a black cloud over his head murmuring 'no trust'. He quickly jumps up soon afterwards "Anyway, let's get going"
The group slowly traverse their way through the winding tunnels, with each step the Warren gets more and more confusing with new twists and turns appearing as they enter the uncharted lower levels. At level forty they begin to search around for Kaede, they quickly run into the webbing the Man had mentioned. Kurenai turns to Shino and asks "Have you ever seen this before?" to her surprise he nods
"Yes, the Kikaichū also create this resin webbing when building their hives, but the resin is softer and not as dark. This appears to be an older version of it… But strangely it seems to be a more evolved version as well" Shino finishes his sentence with a great deal of confusion evident in his voice.
A slight hiss sounds out but the Shinobi ignore it thinking it's the sound of steam escaping a pipe, Shino focuses closer on the webbing and comments "Do not attempt to cut this webbing, it appears to be some sort of early warning system" Shino then loosens his collar slightly "We must be careful, the temperature isn't too dangerous right now but if we stay here we may boil from the heat and humidity. Logically I wouldn't suggest entering the tunnels beyond this point, the humidity and heat rises sharply, maybe it is a side property of the webbing or some other cause, either way I wouldn't suggest staying in there too long"
Kakashi nods at Shino's analysis "You're right, the soon we get this done the better. We aren't equipped to survive this type of environment like Kaede is"
Sakura frowns in thought "Hold on, how is Kaede equipped to survive these temperatures?"
Kakashi shrugs "I have no clue, but she has spent the last six years down here with no ill effects. That alone suggests that she is more than she appears"
Sai hums in thought "Perhaps spending so long down here is the cause of her acidic blood?"
Asuma shakes his head in response "No, Kaede has had that since birth. She could also leap long distances and had near infinite stamina when she was younger"
Gai nods in agreement "Indeed, her Flames of Youth were very powerful. Even I couldn't out last Kaede when she was younger. She has most likely grown far stronger since then, but that isn't her most powerful attribute"
Kiba frowns in confusion "It's not?"
Kakashi laughs quietly at the boy's confusion "No, her most powerful attribute is her agility, followed by her intelligence. She most likely excels at finding an enemy's weak point and striking it with massive amounts of force. The only reason she tore the drifters apart was most likely that she didn't see them as a threat"
A feminine voice interrupts them "Thank you Inu-san, It's nice to know that you thought so much of me. I see that Tora and Saru-san are here as well"
All the Shinobi turn to see a young woman around 5'3" in height with bright red hair and cerulean blue eyes standing there