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Chapter 53: Blood Money
Three of Utakata's six tails struck with the suddenness of a cobra. The heart, chest, and thigh are all where they would have pierced had Tobi not used Kamui to phase through them.
'All attacks were aimed at vital spots,' Tobi thought to himself. 'Beast or not, he has some level of awareness in this state. My turn–' He blinked.
The Six Tails vanished in a blur.
"So fast," His Sharingan was barely able to track the beast's movements. He raised his guard as the Jinchuriki appeared in front of him. It lashed out wildly with its razor-sharp claws but Tobi slipped inside and was now face-to-face with his target. "You're mine." Kamui activated and began to suck Utakata into his impenetrable void.
The beast roared and resisted, but the struggle proved to be utterly futile. The pull of Kamui was too much to resist through raw power alone. As a last resort, Utataka spat out a wad of acid– the width of the attack was wide enough that not all of the substance could be taken in by the Jutsu.
"Ahhh!" Tobi hissed in pain from acid covering parts of his face and shoulders. It ate right through the ceramic material and his cloak, which exposed portions of his disfigurement. He leaped back to gain some distance, then angrily threw his mask and Akatsuki garb off to the wayside. "That was a lucky shot," He spat. "You couldn't have known that I am forced to re-materialize when I pull things into my pocket dimension. It will not happen again."
"Graar!" Utakata let out a guttural roar. The Version Two State cloak had reduced him to nothing more than a blood-lusted beast. Despite that, it appeared cautious and restrained.
"It's been a long time since anyone has seen my face like this," The right side of his body was permanently scarred. His right eye once closed, now open, revealed a second Sharingan. "Good thing you're just a dumb beast, or that could have spoiled my plans. What am I saying? You're going to die, so it doesn't matter either way."
Without warning, Utakata rushed him at unreal speeds.
Tobi had already prepped his next move with a Ram Seal. "Fire Style: Bomb Blast Dance!" He sucked in a large breath and spat out a spiraling flame that engulfed Utakata in a massive vortex.
The Six Tails roared angrily and thrashed around, but overall appeared unphased by the raging inferno it was trapped in. That was all he needed for a distraction. Tobi was on the beast in an instant; he reared back and delivered a devastating punch that landed clean on Utakata's cloaked cheek. The blow was enough to send him careening into the ground below.
"The color of the cloak changed from red to dark blue right as I struck it," A sharp pain in his hand alerted him that his glove had almost completely corroded away. He quickly removed and discarded what was left of the tattered fabric just as he touched down on the ground. "So– it can not only shoot the acid from its mouth but also secrete it from the skin? Such annoying abilities."
"Argh!" Utakata recovered from the landing and was on Tobi almost immediately.
It slashed, clawed, stabbed, and used every other type of attack in its repertoire to eviscerate the man in front of him. It was all entirely fruitless, made apparent by the beast's growls and howls of frustration and anger. Whatever wasn't outright dodged simply passed through as if no one was there at all. Tobi was unaware if the beast had the cognitive abilities and spatial awareness to comprehend this, but it was amusing nonetheless.
"I believe I have evaluated your powers enough… it is time that we end this," Tobi got face-to-face with his target– closed his left eye, only to open it a second later. 'Mangekyo Sharingan!'
Utakata suddenly froze with his eyes wide open, unable to move. The Version Two cloak dissipated, and the human form of the Six Tails Jinchuriki collapsed with a thud. He was out cold.
"While it may be lacking in the strength department compared to Tails Seven through Nine, its unique acidic abilities could prove to be useful if I ever need to call on the power of the Tailed Beasts," Tobi looked down at his unconscious prize with cold eyes. "The Jinchuriki's Bubble Water Style intrigues me, as well… I wonder if I could–"
The man shook his head, then wordlessly pulled Utakata into the Kamui dimension. "Thoughts for another day," Just a moment later, his presence was completely gone.
Just like the Madara Uchiha of old, all he left behind was destroyed terrains and a pile of bodies.
Kakashi's head was down as he strolled through the streets. To read and still easily get from point A to point B– it was second nature to him. The entire village was mapped out in his head like a grid, and he could mentally keep track of his position on said grid all while not losing his place on the page. It was both impressive and quite sad at the same time that he developed this skill just to read adult novels as he walked. He would get more dirty looks with such openly brandished smut if the inhabitants of the Leaf weren't already so familiar with his eccentricities.
Kakashi suddenly stopped and his one visible eye blinked rapidly. He looked to his side– surprised to see that no one was there. He could easily account for his location on the mental grid map, but the same was not true for a traveling companion.
"Hm? Now where did she run off to? Ah!" Kakashi turned around and saw that the person in question had stopped only a few paces back. Her head was pointed down at the ground, and she appeared quite lost in thought. "Sakura?" No response. He walked toward her and waved his free hand in his visual field. "Everything all right?"
"Huh?" Sakura shook her head and blinked; her glazed eyes quickly refocused and found Kakashi's concerned eye. "Sorry, Kakashi-Sensei, did you say something?"
"I asked if everything was okay," He repeated calmly. "You seem troubled about something."
"Yeah," She awkwardly rubbed the back of her neck and averted eye contact. "Is it really that obvious?"
"I'd say spontaneous dissociation while out in public is pretty noticeable, yeah," He responded dryly. "You seemed fine earlier when we were out with the rest of the team for mission prep. Did something change?"
"Sorry, heh," Her laugh was weak. "I just have a lot on my mind, is all. Nothing to be concerned about; I promise."
"Sasuke, I'm guessing?" Sakura looked like she wanted to protest, but noticeably refrained. "It's to be expected. I don't think any of us, not even Naruto, expected things to play out like this. With him being back in the village for what appears to be the long haul, I mean."
That seemed to ignite something within her emerald eyes. "It happened so fast that I didn't really get time to process my emotions, you know? He comes back only to pick up Naruto for what seems like a temporary thing, then returns again and suddenly helps lead the charge to take down Danzo? To top it all off, Lady Tsunade just reinstated him as a Leaf Shinobi? It's just all so frustrating and difficult to wrap my head around. Am I supposed to be happy, angry, or both? Does he even still consider me a friend?" Sakura looked up at the sky and frowned. "Now I have to go on a mission with him, and what– act like everything is fine and normal? Does she really expect me to be able to do that?"
"Maybe that is precisely why Tsunade wanted you on this mission," Kakashi added sagely. "Besides the fact that you are a great fit for what my team needs, this also gives you the perfect opportunity to hash things out with Sasuke. You should use it to open a dialogue. I'm not entirely sure what happened with him, but he seems more talkative than I remember. Couldn't hurt, could it?"
"Yeah, I suppose you're right," Sakura frowned. "Hey, wait a minute… weren't you the one that requested me for this mission, Sensei?"
"Hm?" Kakashi responded dumbly with his hand tucked inquisitively under his chin. "Is that how it happened? I honestly can't recall."
"Very funny," Sakura managed a smile. "I know you're getting old, but you aren't that old. Not yet, at least."
"Who are you, again?"
"I'll see you tomorrow, old timer," She managed in between giggles. "Thanks for the advice."
"Of course. Enjoy the rest of your day, Sakura."
"Ugh, how much farther? What the hell are we even doing, anyway?!"
Karin grimaced at Suigetsu's whine. She understood his frustration, but that did little to quell her annoyance as he loudly and repeatedly proclaimed it. He just knew how to piss her off better than anyone, is all.
Shortly after their business concluded with the Hokage, and subsequently the mission prep with Kakashi and Sakura, an ANBU escort approached them with instructions to follow. That would typically be of no issue, as they've dealt extensively with the unit since entering the village, but tensions were relatively high due to the events with Danzo's Root ANBU; to make matters worse, they were given quite possibly the least talkative ANBU Karin had ever met, and that was saying something.
Any questions about why, what, and where they were headed simply fell on deaf ears– and while she could sense no malicious intent radiating off of the man, it was considerably harder to read his kind.
The ANBU abruptly stopped. "We are here," He said.
Everyone, even Sasuke, looked at him with varied levels of confusion.
"We're where exactly?" Karin answered for the group. The man had guided them to a rather impressively large tan house. "Is this where we'll be staying until we can afford places of our own?"
"Sure beats the hotel they had us holed up in," Suigetsu let out an impressed whistle. "I gotta say, the Leaf Village is really stepping up their accommodations. They must think we're VIPs now, or something."
"Not exactly," The ANBU pulled a set of keys out of his cloak and presented them to Karin, which she cautiously accepted. "A key for each of you, courtesy of Naruto Uzumaki."
"Naruto?" Sasuke uttered.
"That is correct. Naruto Uzumaki recently purchased this property and left instructions to give the three of you access. I believe the understanding is that this will be your primary residence going forward as Leaf Shinobi."
Karin and Suigetu went slack-jawed, and even Sasuke appeared blindsided by the news.
"I… What are you talking about?" It was rare for Sasuke to be at a loss for words. "Naruto never mentioned one word of this. Where is he?"
"My apologies, but that is all of the information I possess on the matter," The ANBU bowed quickly. "If you wish to contact him directly, I believe he left a messenger toad inside for your convenience. All of your belongings from the hotel have already been moved inside." With that, the man disappeared in a cloud of smoke via the Body Flicker Technique.
Team Hebi shared a moment of quiet contemplation. It was a lot to process, even for the typically loose-lipped Suigetsu.
Karin looks at the keys in her hand, then to Sasuke and Suigetsu. She gave them a knowing look, then gestured toward the front door. Suigetsu slowly nodded as a smile snaked its way onto his face. The excitement in the air was akin to that of a child opening a large present on their birthday.
Karin and Suigetsu scurried up the steps while Sasuke trailed slightly behind them. Now on the porch, they felt small in comparison to the brand-new Uzumaki residence.
"This is quite the step up from the dinky little apartment blondie used to have," Suigetsu impatiently peered inside through a window as Karin anxiously fumbled to put the key into the slot. "The book money must be no joke, huh?"
'Click'
Karin swung the door open to reveal a grand and elegant entrance with a vaulted ceiling. A winding staircase led up to the second floor. The trio stepped into the foyer and closed the front door behind them. To their left was a large living area complete with expensive-looking couches and other furniture, along with an unlit fireplace; to the right, a spacious kitchen with a refrigerator that was much larger than practically necessary. There seemed to be even more space toward the back of the house that they were unable to see from where they were.
"Oh, now he's just showing off!" Suigetsu exclaimed.
"This is… absolutely amazing," Karin barely managed to breathe out. "What on earth possessed him to buy something so extravagant?"
Sasuke, who had remained quiet so far, went to turn his head and noticed something out of the corner of his eye. There was a note taped to the interior side of the front door.
"Whaddya got there, Sasuke?" Suigetsu's question managed to get Karin's attention, and they both quickly huddled around their stoic teammate.
'I have a pretty good feeling that when I go to see Master Jiraiya, he'll drag me off to God knows where against my will. If that happens, I told a rather grumpy ANBU to escort you here. This is our new home– no more sleeping in a hotel; consider this as much your place as it is mine. I wanted to personally surprise you guys with this place after you were officially made Leaf Ninja, but oh well.'
Sasuke turned the note over and they continued reading.
'Oh, and there are six bedrooms on the second floor– pick whichever you like. First come, first serve.'
Karin and Suigetsu immediately exchanged looks of defiance, then simultaneously darted toward the stairs.
"Get outta my way, fathead!" Karin threw an elbow into his side to try and push past him.
"Ya heard blondie," Suigetsu retaliated with a harsh shove. "First come, first serve. I deserve the best room! He likes me better, anyway!"
"As if, jerk," That did not deter Karin, evident by her attempt to trip him. "You should know by now that we all just put up with you!"
Suigetsu stumbled and held onto Karin's ankle for dear life, which toppled them both halfway up the staircase.
Without saying a single word, Sasuke casually stepped over them and continued to make his way up to the bedrooms while the other two continued to butt heads. They narrowly missed his smile as he walked by.
"See what you did?!" Karin hissed. "Now Sasuke is going to get the best room!"
"Me!?" Suigetsu said in disbelief. "This was all your fault!"
"You're actually insane, you know that?" She retorted.
"That means nothing coming from you. Or anyone living in this damn house, for that matter; none of you are in your right mind! If anyone here is normal, it's definitely me!"
"Yep. You are deranged."
They would continue this back and forth while Sasuke deliberately chose his room. Each of the six options had its own attached bathroom and spacious closet. The only major considerations were the room sizes, furniture configurations, and the outside view.
Sasuke settled on one of the medium-sized rooms that he thought had the best view.
Naruto walked up the stone steps and looked at the face of a giant toad statue; out of its mouth spewed a waterfall of what Fukasaku described as the secret toad oil of Mount Myoboku. He looked back over his shoulder; behind him and off to the side, Jiraiya sat cross-legged with his eyes shut. Though typically hyperactive and talkative, the man was eerily still.
"So, all I need to do is use some of this oil to get my body acclimated to sensing Nature Energy?" Naruto asked. "Then, I need to sit completely still to be able to gather the necessary Nature Energy to enter Sage Mode?"
"That is exactly correct, Naruto-boy," Fukasaku hopped and landed right by his side. "However, while simple in theory, you will soon understand that the application of it is far more complex. Here, sit down just like Jiraiya-boy over there; I'll apply some of this oil to your hand so you can begin."
"Alright, let's give this a shot," Naruto did as instructed and dropped into a seated position. Just as Fukasaku was about to apply the oil, Naruto put his hand up. "Boss, I'm trusting you that you'll keep me from turning into a toad for the rest of my life. Please don't make me regret that." He half-joked.
"Don't ya worry, lad; this is not my first time around the block;" Pa got a good chuckle out of that, then gestured to his older student. "Remember, I trained that one over there. If he can do it, I'm certain that you can."
"Yeah… but he's one of the Sannin," Naruto weakly protested.
Fukasaku would have none of that.
"Lad…" Pa held his tongue. The boy's innate abilities were nothing short of spectacular– perhaps greater than those possessed by the Legendary Sannin. "Don't write yourself off; thinkin' like that only does the both of us a big disservice. Believe in yourself just as you always have, and your labors will surely bear fruit."
Naruto nodded slowly, then readied himself. Fukasaku gently applied the oil to the back of his hand, then stepped back with his trusty baton in hand. He would never admit this to anyone, but the old toad rather enjoyed this part of Senjutsu training. For lack of a better word, it was therapeutic to swat the back of his student's heads.
"Hmm," The sensation was immediate. Naruto could sense what felt like an entirely new world of pure energy through the spot where the oil was rubbed. It was wondrous. "I… this feels oddly familiar," Naruto managed to simultaneously speak and maintain concentration on the task. "This is Nature Energy?"
"I'm not sure if you remember, Naruto-boy, but ya said something quite interesting on your first day visiting Mount Myoboku," Fukasaku explained. "Ya mentioned to us that the air felt different; I didn't say anything at the time, but I believe it was Nature Energy that ya sensed. In all my years of training others in the arts of Senjutsu, I've never come across a human child capable of intuitively sensing it without using the oil first."
Quite the praise coming from a master– is what Naruto would have thought had he possessed the excess mental capacity to process Pa's words. During that time, he had continuously taken more and more natural energy into his body with no signs of it stopping. It was as if the small droplet of oil Pa had used opened up the floodgates and the reservoir was nearly overflown. When Naruto tried to cut the flow, he found that he simply could not. He did his best not to panic, but the foreign substance quickly threatened to overpower his own reserve of Chakra.
Fukasaku watched as half of Naruto's face began to expand and adopt distinct toad-like features. It was inevitable for anyone's first time with Sage Mode training. He readied his baton to strike the chakra right out of him but noticeably hesitated.
The progression of the toad transformation had stopped.
Naruto took in a deep breath and slowly exhaled. Sweat accumulated in his brow from visible exertion, and yet he somehow managed to maintain the art of stillness. Through sheer will, grit, grind, and determination he had managed to halt the accumulation of natural energy into his body.
"Jiraiya-boy," Fukasaku whispered in utter awe. Jiraiya opened a singular eye and followed his master's gaze until it rested on Naruto's toady face. "Naruto-boy stopped the petrified frog transformation all by himself on his first attempt using the oil."
Jiraiya said nothing and shut his eye, though it was evident by his now large smile how he felt.
"Hit me."
"W-what?" Fukasaku blinked.
"Hit me with that stick ya got," Naruto said through gritted teeth. "I managed to stop taking in more of it, but I don't know how to release what I've already got stored up. Can't… hold it much longer."
"Of course, lad," Fukasaku couldn't help but grin. Jiraiya found a diamond in the rough. Remarkable.
Smack!
…
"Ahh, damn that stings," Naruto hunched over and nursed the welt as it formed on the back of his head. "That's definitely gonna take some getting used to."
"Better be careful, kid," Jiraiya had finished his own meditation. He switched to a more relaxed position– leaned back with his arms behind him to prop himself up. "Boss'll swing that baton around with reckless abandon at the first sign of toadification. This training brings out his inner sadist."
"Oh, you hush," Fukasaku chided his older student. "I wouldn't have had to smack ya so many times if our sessions weren't always getting interrupted by your Shinobi obligations. You never had the opportunity to really sink your teeth into it, and that truly affected your progress.
"Say, Master, why didn't ya just take a leave of absence from ninja duties?" Naruto finally asked a question that had been on his mind. "Wouldn't the Leaf have benefited a lot from a Perfect Sage in their ranks?"
"Heh. Believe me, I tried," Jiraiya looked up at the clear sky and sighed. "Sarutobi-Sensei refused to let me take a sabbatical to complete my training– said that field experience was more important than anything. However, I think there was a different reason; that, maybe, there were complaints from the Jonin Council that it was unfair to the others and would appear as favoritism since I was one of the Genin that served directly under him."
"May he rest in peace, but I have always believed that was a foolish decision," Fukasaku said as respectfully as he could. "Hiruzen tried far too hard to keep everyone happy, and the village ultimately suffered because of it."
"We all have our faults and have made mistakes. That's why we're here now, isn't it?" Jiraiya asked. "There's no point in lamenting the past when we have no control of what has already happened. Instead, we should be focused on what we can do to change the future."
"I… suppose you are right," Fukasaku admitted. "My apologies, Jiraiya-boy."
"Don't sweat it, boss… you aren't wrong," he turned his attention to his student. "So, Naruto, how was your first taste of Senjutsu; think ya can handle it?"
"You two had already prepared me for this moment back then, didn't you?" Naruto asked. "All of those lessons with Boss in meditation and calming my mind – it was a headstart for when I was ready to become a Sage."
"That was actually all his idea," Jiraiya gestured to the sagely toad. "I wish I could take some credit, but I had nothing to do with it."
"It was more than that," Fuaksaku explained. "At the time, I thought you could benefit from meditation on a spiritual and mental level. However, its connection to this training was a welcomed byproduct. I knew that this day would come eventually and that we'd benefit greatly from a headstart."
"You have no idea how right you were, Boss," Naruto smiled. "Those meditation lessons… They were just what I needed. I really can't stress that enough… Ahem– anyway," He cleared his throat and quickly pivoted the conversation. "I could tell the oil helped me out a ton, so it's hard to gauge how well I did. The sensation felt oddly familiar, and yet completely foreign at the same time. It'll definitely take me some time to adjust."
"Oil or not, that was a hell of a first attempt, kid," Jiraiya slapped Naruto on the back affectionately. "We've got our work cut out for us, but that was a very promising start."
"I agree with Jiraiya-boy," Fukasaku added. "Such complex and powerful skills are not honed and mastered in a single day. This will be a process that the three of us will embark on together. Remember that practice makes perfect; with diligence and repetition, nearly anything is possible."
"I understand," Naruto said with a nod. "Let's go again."
Neither Sage could contain their grin.
"Of course, my boy."
"Wow," Suigetsu said in amazement after his neck effortlessly popped from a light stretch. "That mattress is amazing. I can't remember the last time I'd had such a good night's sleep. Sure as shit beats those lumpy beds in that inn, right Sasuke?"
"Hm."
"I'll take that as a yes. Well said; I agree," A conversation with himself was preferable to the awkward silence that seemed to follow Sasuke wherever he went. The pink-haired girl's silence and occasional hesitant glances in their direction only amplified that. "Any idea when the masked guy is gonna show up– his name is Kakashi, right?" When his stare into the side of his friend's face was ignored, he turned to the kunoichi.
"Oh, uh," Sakura shifted uncomfortably due to the sudden question. "I wouldn't hold your breath. Kakashi-Sensei is notoriously late to these types of things. We could be here for a while."
"I can't believe Karin gets to blissfully sleep the morning away, and I'm stuck here waiting for some chronically late asshole," Suigetsu took one last at Sasuke, then proceeded to walk closer to Sakura. "Why the hell did we all show up on time if he wasn't gonna be here? Sounds like I could have gotten a bit more shuteye, ya know?"
"I had hoped he'd be on time for a crucial mission like this," Sakura shrugged. "I guess I never really learn my lesson. Some things never change."
"Right," Suigetsu awkwardly scratched the back of his head. Sasuke now appeared to be deliberately focused on something in the opposite direction. There was some subtext mixed up in there that he wasn't about to touch. "Definitely seems like an unusual guy… nearly as weird as blondie. Did ya know he bought a house for us to live in?"
"Naruto bought a house?" Sakura blinked. "And the four of you are all staying in it?" Had she heard that right?
"Yeah," Suigetsu whistled. "A real nice house to replace his apartment; damn big, too. He's off doing something with that Toad Sannin– never got the chance to thank him."
Sakura arched an eyebrow. "Huh, that book money must be no joke."
"That's exactly what I said!" Suigetsu exclaimed with a toothy grin. "Hehe, you Leaf Ninja are alright."
"You guys aren't so bad, yourself," Sakura said with a reserved but sincere smile.
"Seems the team is getting along just fine."
There was a voice, but no body attached to it.
"About time," Sakura groaned weakly. "You're late once again, Sensei," She didn't have the energy to shout over his usual antics.
"Oh, you know how it is," Kakashi appeared next to them accompanied by a whirlwind of leaves. "I got caught up with a few things and ended up losing track of time," He turned to Suigetsu. "The new place is nice, I take it?" Kakashi asked.
"Yeah, it is… Wait– how did you know?"
"Word gets around," Kakashi shrugged.
"Lost on the road to life? Walking an old lady across the street?" Sakura asked dryly. "No, let me guess– a black cat crossed your path so you had to take the long way around?"
"Close, but no," Kakashi sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "I stopped by Torture and Interrogation to speak with Sasori one last time before we set off."
"I thought he had already told us everything," Sasuke walked over to join the trio. "Why go see him again?"
"Their scent," Kakashi tapped his nose. "I'll need a way to track them and never thought to ask Sasori if he knew their scent. Now we have everything we need to start our search."
"What did he say?" Sakura asked. "Does a puppet even have a sense of smell?"
"I was thinking the same thin–."
"Be quiet, Suigetsu," Sasuke lightly chided.
"Sasori said that those two… smell like blood and money," Kakashi repeated. "More specifically, Hidan smells like blood and Kakuzu smells like money. That's pretty accurate from what I can remember in our battle with their clones. It seems to confirm my theory that Jutsu is similar to the transformation Zetsu used to infiltrate the village. They can copy more than just appearances and chakra."
"That's… concerning. This might be the only time since I've known you that your being late is justified."
"Thank you, Sakura. I appreciate that. I already relayed that information to the appropriate ANBU, but we can discuss further if necessary."
"You brainiacs have plenty of time to think on the way," Suigetsu slammed a fist into his open palm and smiled devilishly. "I say we finally start this hunt. Does that sound like a plan?"
"I can't think of anything better," Kakashi nodded. "Team Kakashi… let's move out!"
Astral projections of Hidan, Kakuzu, Konan, Zetsu, and Kisame stood in a dark cave in an undisclosed location atop the fingers of the Gedo Statue. Tobi was the only member whose physical body was present.
"These are getting really bothersome now that there are less of us. Seven members remaining is bad enough as it is, and now you're telling me our gracious leader couldn't be bothered to help us seal the Six Tails? What kind of a joke is this?!"
"Hidan; shut your mouth and focus. Your complaining will only delay the process even further. We have assignments that still need completion, and I will not get behind schedule because you decided to run your mouth."
"I get it, Kakuzu; you're a company man. It isn't a quality of yours I respect, but I can look past it for the sake of our friendship. But if you think I'm going to keep quiet about this you have another thing coming. I am pissed!"
"Pain is on an extremely important mission at the moment," Konan explained calmly. "The only assistance he could lend to us was the summoning of the Gedo Statue and maintenance of the Nine Phantom Dragons Sealing Jutsu. We are grateful for your hard work and continued loyalty."
"Say– what sort of mission is our leader on, anyway?" Kisame asked. "From what I've heard, he's been out of commission for some time. It's hard to believe an assignment could tie up someone as powerful as him for so long. Is he hunting the Eight Tails so soon after capturing the Six Tails?"
Tobi remained silent.
"That information is need-to-know," Black Zetsu replied harshly. "Just know that it is critical to the advancement of our goals."
"Sounds like bullshit to me. Something shady is going on and I don't like it!"
"This is the last time I'm going to say it, Hidan, or else I'll–"
"Or else what? You'll kill me?"
"I just might…"
"Good luck with that, hehe."
"We are almost complete with Tailed Beast extraction. I estimate that we have less than one day remaining," Konan's expression didn't move a muscle. She was used to Hidan's volatility. "Please concentrate and allow us to finish on schedule."
"Ugh, fine," Hidan grumbled. "Have it your way."
There was plenty of time to complain afterward.
"Are we sure this is the place?"
"I smell death inside," Kakashi was posted up against the building, smut book in hand. "Unless someone had a really bad case of indigestion in there, I'd say that this is the place. Sasori's intel seems to be spot on with this one. This is a black market bounty exchange point."
"And Sasori is sure that we'll learn something about Kakuzu or the Akatsuki inside?" Sakura sounded skeptical.
"Apparently, Kakuzu frequents places like this. He is responsible for raising funds for the Akatsuki, and one of the ways they do that is by cashing in large bounties through underground dealings."
"Why this one in particular, though? I'm sure there are dozens of bounty stations scattered across the Great Nations. There's no guarantee the people inside have seen Kakuzu and Hidan in months."
"The criminal underworld is far more interconnected than you could imagine," Kakashi explained. "They collect intel and pass it along to their allies– it's almost like a web of intelligence that spans across the entire world."
"Really?" Sakura said with wide eyes. "I-I had no idea it was like that."
"It's not exactly common knowledge," Kakashi continued. "I learned much about it during my time taking over Jiraiya's intelligence-gathering responsibilities while he was away training with Naruto. The Akatsuki are very well known in that world. Word would have gotten around if Kakuzu was at a bounty station recently."
"Are we… sure that Suigetsu was the right person to send inside?" Sakura continued her line of questioning. "Don't you think he's a bit, uh–"
"He volunteered and seemed pretty enthusiastic," Kakashi shrugged off her concerns. "Sasuke or I could have easily used our Sharingan to get what we need, but what kind of cell leader would I be if I told him no? I want him to like me. Besides, this is the easy part of the mission. He can handle it."
"Sasuke?" Sakura asked, albeit with visible reluctance. "You know Suigetsu better than us. What's your take on him?" Sakura frowned at his blank stare and the expected silence. "I'm asking you as a member of this team. Some communication would be nice."
That elicited an eyebrow raise from Sasuke. Usually, he was the one with thin patience. "Suigetsu is wildly unpredictable and quick-tempered," he explained. "He is also loyal and competent. As long as Naruto or I are around to keep him in line, there's nothing to worry about. He's more of a danger to himself if anything."
"Funny," Kakashi chuckled. "That's how I felt about you three back in the day."
"If anyone was a danger to themselves, Sensei, it was definitely Naruto," Sakura was not amused. "Do not lump me in with him from our Genin days."
"Alright, alright," He said in mock defeat and turned the page of his novel. "Whatever you say, Sakura."
"Suigetsu is actually…" Subtle and indecipherable emotions briefly flickered across Sasuke's face. "Quite a lot like how Naruto was back then."
…
…
…
Inside, Zangei let out a yelp of pain when he collided roughly with the wall. Barely able to stand on wobbly legs he clutched his almost certainly dislocated shoulder. It had been one of the typical quiet days before the arrival of the hostile stranger.
"Who are you?! What is it you want!?" Zangei pleaded. "I have money– more money than you would possibly know what to do with! Is that what you want? Just tell me what you seek, and I will give it to you in exchange for my life."
"Who, me?" Suigetsu pointed to himself. His wide smile showed off his threateningly sharp teeth. He walked around the room he had found conveniently hidden via a secret entrance through the bathroom. His experience around Orochimaru gave him a pretty good sense of how to locate and uncover secret lairs. "I'm nobody. You know, just passing through. I've heard a lot about this place."
Sweat rolled down Zangei's forehead and pooled into his brow. He didn't make any sudden moves as he cautiously watched Suigetsu wander around his place of business.
"Such a large room," Suigetsu admired the vast array of compartments built into the walls. "The Shinobi underworld wants a lot of people dead, huh? You really store this many corpses here at one time? I'm honestly surprised Orochimaru never robbed one of these places."
"You belong to the remnants of Orochimaru's forces," Zangei's hand twitched ever so slightly, but his voice remained steady. "What could you possibly want here? While he has since passed on, Orochimaru and the bounty network maintained an amicable relationship when he was a member of the–"
"Akatsuki?" Suigetsu finished, his back still turned to the man.
Zangei's eyes widened. He pulled a kunai out from his cloak and lunged. To his surprise, no blood splattered when his kunai sunk into the young man's back.
Only… water?
"What is this?" Zangei struggled to pull back with both arms, but he and his kunai were both stuck inside Suigetsu's torso. "L-Let go!"
"That was a very bad idea, my friend," The water leaking out from Suigetsu's wound started to creep its way up Zangei's arms and body until it stopped just below his chin. "What are you going to do to make it up to me? I gotta tell ya, I am really broken up about this."
"I-I–" The look on Zangei's face betrayed that he immediately understood the implication. That is– if he did not comply with the man's request, he would almost assuredly drown to death. "W-What do you need to know?"
Suigetsu smiled sinisterly. "Kakuzu, you know him?" He didn't bother to wait for a response; Zangei's shocked expression told him the answer. "I'll take that as a yes. If you tell me his most recent location to the best of your knowledge, you might just be lucky enough to walk away from this with your life."
"Anything but that," Glimpses of genuine terror flashed across his face. "I can't divulge that information. Kakuzu and the Akatsuki… they'll kill me if I do!"
"And I won't?" Suigetsu asked. In response, the water snapped up and engulfed Zangei's entire head. He gasped for air as bubbles rippled to the surface of the aqua sphere. "I don't want to have to do this to you, friend. Just tell me what I need, and I'll be on my way."
Zangei's hands were still bound, so the best he could manage in this precarious situation was to flail around like a fish out of water. It did little good, however. His lungs burned for relief, his head grew foggy, and the world around him started to spin. Suigetsu's sadistic smile only fueled the fiery fear in his heart. He was out of both time and options– just as he was about to lose consciousness and float into the warm embrace of death, the water around his mouth moved to expose his lips to the open air.
He spat out gulps of water and greedily gasped for oxygen– barely able to take in enough for his starved respiratory system.
Suigetsu gave him a brief respite to collect himself before asking again. "Kakuzu. Where is he? Do not make me ask again."
"T-Truly… I-I can't…" Zangei still hadn't fully recovered from his near-death experience. "Disclosing that information to you would be signing away my life. It is better if you were to kill me now. If Kakuzu were to get his hands on me knowing that I betrayed him…" He involuntarily shivered. "I cannot even fathom the agony he would inflict."
"If Kakuzu is who you're afraid of, then I've got good news for you."
"W-What do you mean? How is that good news? You have no understanding of what the man is capable of!"
"My team and I plan on killing Kakuzu for good," Suigetsu smiled wickedly. "If you give him up to us then you'll have nothing to worry about. He'll be gone, and no one will be the wiser as to how we received information on his whereabouts. This will never make its way back to you, I promise."
"K-Kill Kakuzu?" His weak chuckle quickly turned into fits of laughter and coughing. "You're i-in over your head, kid. That man and his partner– they are not human, I assure you. Do you have a death wish?"
"Why don't you let us worry about that," Suigetsu rolled his eyes. Being underestimated was a pet peeve of his. "Listen, I'll cut to the chase. A couple of my buddies outside have Sharingan, and they are really skilled with it. One of them is the man who killed Orochimaru. Do you genuinely think you can resist Sharingan Genjutsu?"
Zangei's eyes lit up in terror and he quickly shook his head.
"That's what I thought. By my count, ya got two options; I could bring one of my buddies in here to put you in the most agonizing Genjutsu imaginable that forces you to tell us what we want right before we kill you, or ya save us both the trouble– spill it right now and I leave like I was never here. What's it gonna be?"
Zangei let out a shaky breath, then looked into his eyes and weakly nodded.
Suigetsu's lips curved into a devious grin. "Now that's what I like to see."
The air around them was practically an ocean of untapped energy invisible to the vast majority of the population. Even after a couple days of training in the Sage Arts, this concept was still difficult to grasp. How could such a thing exist and this was the first time Naruto had heard of it? He had to know.
"Master?"
"I almost forgot you were there," Their hours-long session of silent meditation now interrupted, Jiraiya cracked an eye open. "What is it, kid?"
"I understand that Sage Jutsu is difficult to understand and control, but," Naruto scratched his cheek and looked off into open space. "Why have I never heard of it before? Shouldn't an incredibly powerful technique like this be more well-known and used?"
"Sage Jutsu is… special," Jiraiya opted to lay back and stare up at the sky while he answered the question posed to him. "As you know, handling the chakra carries enormous amounts of risk for the user. If you aren't careful, it can overload your body and turn you to stone. It almost requires you to train under a master, and living Sages are both exceedingly rare in numbers and difficult to find. Mount Myoboku isn't exactly accessible to the outside world, you know?"
"I see…"
"That isn't all," Jiraiya continued. "Even with the proper tutelage, it is impossible for most people to learn Sage Mode."
Naruto blinked. He figured there was some kind of reason like that. "So then… How were you and Boss so confident I'd be able to learn it?"
"Sage Mode requires the user to already possess large reserves of chakra. Without it, you wouldn't be able to take in enough to activate your body before your entire network was overrun. You and I are among the select few who can effectively utilize Nature Energy."
"You and the Nine-Tails made it pretty clear that the Rinnegan makes someone extremely powerful." Naruto decided it was time to address the elephant in the room. "If we both master this, do you think we'll be strong enough to defeat your old student?"
"We have to, kid; we just have to," Jiraiya replied. "I don't think anyone else can. If we got into the Hidden Rain with even a drop of doubt, we'd almost assuredly be killed. Try not to dwell on it too much."
That quick response told Naruto that Jiraiya had asked himself this question before; it was a bit disconcerting that that was the best answer he could come up with.
"Right," Naruto looked down at the ground and rubbed the back of his neck. "Then, there's the issue of Madara… if he's there when we get into the Hidden Rain, I don't know how we could possibly stand a chance against both of them."
Even a child could spot the conflict and worry knitted into Naruto's face.
"Don't get inside your own head. This isn't my first time around the block," Jiraiya began. "First and foremost, our trek into the Hidden Rain should be treated as an espionage mission first and foremost. We're to do some reconnaissance, assess the current situation, confirm our suspicions, and only then would we make the decision to act. If there is even one hint that Madara Uchiha is in the Hidden Rain with Nagato, we will pull out of there and immediately return home. Is that understood?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good; we'll of course talk about this in much greater detail later," Jiraiya settled back into his comfy spot on the ground and closed his eyes. "For the time being, you have Toad Oil training with Boss in a few minutes, right? I'm gonna take a nap. Come get me when you're done and we can pick up where we left off."
"Fine," Naruto stood up to brush the dirt off his pants all while he mumbled something under his breath.
"What was that?" Jiraiya asked teasingly, his eyes still shut. "Did ya say something, brat?"
Naruto huffed. "I said why does your lazy ass get to take a nap while I'm out here working my ass off!" He pointed an accusing finger at his mentor. "Get your old, dusty ass up and master the Sage Mode that is forty years in the making!"
Jiraiya chuckled heartily at that.
"That's just it kid, I am old– fifty-four years old to be exact. I can't put my body and mind through the ringer anymore like you can. Let me get some shut-eye and I'll come back with a vengeance; I promise."
"Whatever, ya old bastard…" Naruto got one last jab in before he scurried off.
"I'll remember that when we spar, ya prick!" Like a true old man, Jiraiya angrily shook his fist in the blond's general direction before he settled back into his spot. "That kid is a piece of work, Minato…" He mumbled to himself as he drifted off into his power nap.
"Man, am I glad that's over," Hidan stretched his neck so far to the side a normal person's head would have popped off. "That whole process was a bitch, wasn't it? I could sure use something to eat. You hungry? Let's head into the nearest town. I'm sick of staring at boulders and rocks all day. I know they call it the Land of Earth for a reason, but man."
"The sealing of the Tailed Beasts has certainly become… more of a nuisance than ever before," Kakuzu agreed in his own way while he walked beside his teammate. "Our numbers have shrunken– it would be wise for leadership to recruit more new blood into the ranks."
"Sounds to me like it would just be more assholes to deal with," Hidan scoffed. "Although, you do have a point; maybe some fresh meat wouldn't be so bad. We still have three Tailed Beasts left to wrangle up, after all– four if you count the half that still remains in the Kazekage. Anyway, did ya hear me? I asked if you wanted to go grab a–" He stopped when he noticed his partner was no longer in lockstep with him. "Kakuzu?" The look in Kakuzu's eyes made his hand immediately clasp the handle of the scythe on his back.
"Do you really think you can conceal yourself from me?" Kakuzu's voice betrayed no fear whatsoever. His eyes were fixed somewhere off in the direction of a few rock formations. "Why don't you come out of hiding before I feel inclined to reduce this entire area to ash."
"You heard 'em," Hidan called out. It was apparent he could not sense anyone, and yet he implicitly trusted Kakuzu enough to not doubt his abilities. "Come out now and your deaths will be swift and painless!"
It happened fast, but not fast enough. Suigetsu descended from the sky above and swung down with all his might. Hidan was ready and brought his scythe up to defend against the fabled Executioner's Blade. The force cracked the ground beneath his feet, but Hidan held firm.
The two wildmen exchanged fiendish smiles.
"You're pretty good with that weapon of yours," Suigetsu touched down on the ground but didn't retract his blade. The metals ground together to create an almost unbearable screech. "It's quite unique; I can't wait to add it to my collection after I kill ya!"
"Kill me?!" Hidan let out a bark of laughter. "Kid, you have no clue who you're dealing with. I can't wait to gut you like a fish… I'm practically shaking with anticipation."
"That makes two of us," Suigetsu flashed his sharp teeth. "It's been a while since I've shed some blood. This is going to be fun!"
"Heh, too bad you picked the wrong one of us to start with."
Kakuzu was on them almost immediately.
'This guy's fast!' Was all Suigetsu had time to think about before the masked man's fist plunged through his chest.
'Splash'
"Bleh, what the–!" Both Hidan and Kakuzu seemed perplexed when there was no blood, but water splattering out of the wound. "What the hell, Kakuzu; disgusting! Some of that got in my mouth, you bastard!"
"Hidan, I can't pull out my arm," Kakuzu's voice was strained. The harder he pulled, the more ensnared he felt in the chest of the man who seemed to be completely made out of liquid.
"Earth Style: Mud Trap!" A feminine voice that they couldn't locate called out.
Hidan watched with wide eyes as his and Kakuzu's legs sunk into the ground just below the knees. "W-What is this?!" He tried in vain to pull his legs free.
"I think that we've been had is what this is."
"You're damn right!" Suigetsu shouted triumphantly. "Kakashi, Sasuke, bring this shit home!"
The sound of chirping birds filled the air. Kakashi appeared behind Kakuzu with a Lightning Blade aimed at his heart. At the same time, Sasuke had charged his katana with Lightning Style and swung it with the intent to decapitate Hidan. Their active Sharingans would almost guarantee they found their mark.
This appeared over before it even started.
A dome of water suddenly erupted out of the ground around Hidan, Kakuzu, and Suigetsu. The current was so powerful that it swept Kakashi and Sasuke up and sent them flying in opposite directions.
"Sasuke!" Suigetsu shouted.
"I'm fine," Sasuke corrected himself midair and landed safely on the ground. "Just get out of there, now!"
"You don't have to tell me twice!" The instant the Water Jutsu ceased, Suigetsu pulled himself off of Kakuzu's arm and fled to join Sasuke at his side. "Where did that come from?"
"Kakuzu knows Water Style, right? He must be able to cast Jutsu without the use of hand signs."
"One that powerful, though?" While a valid theory, Suigetsu had his doubts.
"Do you have another idea?"
"I believe that I do," Kakashi said as he and Sakura landed next to them.
"And?"
"It's not good news," Kakashi spoke gravely. "It appears I made a critical miscalculation…"
Kakuzu and Hidan used their opponents' confusion and apprehension to free themselves from their restraints. Despite being near death just a moment ago, neither seemed particularly worried about their current circumstances.
"We operated under the assumption that there would only be two of them."
"Surprisingly unwise for someone so lauded for their superior intellect." Said a familiar voice.
"Dammit," Kakashi's eyes narrowed. "It's just as I thought."
Kisame Hoshigaki, the scourge of the Hidden Mist, stepped out of the shadows with Samehada casually slung over his shoulder. "That will be the last mistake you ever make, Copy Ninja."
Author's Note: Posting this 2 weeks early since I am about to go on vacation. My gift to you all.
I've gotten more than a few reviews/PMs about upload speed. Trust me, I would churn out chapters weekly if I could. I just don't have the time. This is a hobby at the end of the day. I appreciate you guys - I just ask for the same courtesy in return. I know this doesn't apply to most of my readers.
This chapter was fun to write; I can't say the same for the next one. It's already finished but man, fight scenes are always a grind for me.
Leave a review with your thoughts, theories, questions, or concerns if you feel so inclined. Writing progress and tentative upload schedule is live on my profile. PMs are welcome.
Join the discord: discord . gg / x8YxEFsFpu - PM me if this doesn't work.
Until next time... Chapter 54: "Monster Trio"
Passive Person - Always nice to see your review. And i wouldn't say it's "close" to ending, but we are definitely past the halfway mark. There are still multiple arcs to go.
Ky111 - You were right, the Akatsuki is on high alert. Enough to have Kisame tag along with the Zombie Combo in the event the Leaf tries anything. And they did.
Adventreader221 - Shizune is six feet under, brother. Confirmed.
karasongphoto - Love me some Sage Mode. You're a pretty big NaruSaku fan, huh?
Lilthug - The Team Hebi dynamic is my favorite thing to write. And yeah, nearing 60 chapters. It's been a hell of a ride and will continue to be until the end.
Baahubali321 - It wasn't just the Naruto x Chiyo that made the review weird. Everything about that particular review is just cursed.
SAND - We don't speak of the lunatic's name. Also, peak make Jiraiya made me laugh. Good one.
James77 - Update timetable is 1-2 months.
FTG is cool, but I don't see a place for it in my fic. It's overused imo, and I think Naruto already has a diverse skillset.