The halls of the Konoha Penitentiary were dark and made from rock and concrete. Each cell was monitored by a constant guard shift, consisting of over thirty shinobi, that switched out every twelve hours. Normal prisoners, that consisted of common criminals and thieves, were jailed towards the top of the prison. More dangerous prisoners were located further underground.
Over the years, Danzō was continually impressed by the structure of the Konoha Penitentiary. Above ground, it was a standard prison. There was nothing special about it or anything that stood out. It wasn't until Danzō entered the building and ventured down into the depths of the prison that impressed him.
Over a mile down from the surface, a spiraling system of cells that were specially designed imprison shinobi. Each cell was covered in chakra suppression seals, squashing any attempt of regulating an ounce of chakra. And each cell was assigned two guards for maximum overwatch. Nothing happened without the guards knowing.
And that wasn't the most impressive part.
At the very bottom of the massive spiral, which was about a mile underground, was the maximum-security section. That's where the powerful shinobi were confined.
"How is he settling?" Danzō approached the watch commander.
"As well as one would in that cell, I suppose." Ibiki responded. "He hasn't said much, which was to be expected. This is Rōshi of the Lava Style, after all. He's as hard-headed as they come."
"He'll talk...one way or another." Danzō examined the outside of the seals. The seals that lined the door were far beyond what any normal shinobi could achieve. Even he would have trouble breaking out from this cell. "This cell is impressive."
"I'll say, sir." Ibiki chuckled. "It was designed to keep a Nine-Tails jinchūriki locked up in case their seal had degenerated beyond repair. The Third Hokage felt it necessary to have some type of preventative measure after the Nine-Tails incident. Luckily, this the first time we've had to use this cell."
Danzō was pleased to hear that his longtime friend had some sense. He often would berate Hiruzen about his softness towards the current Kyūbi jinchūriki. It contradicted the policies and operating procedures that he set in place for Kushina. Hiruzen was much stricter on Kushina, in terms of behavior and freedoms. She wasn't allowed much unsupervised access. There was even a limit on how far she was able to move inside the village. She had to remain inside of a chakra barrier that helped strengthen her seal.
Though, Danzō did recall one incident where Kushina broke containment and safety of the chakra barrier. The Kyūbi nearly broke through the seal. The beast's attempt was thwarted, and the seal was quickly repaired by Minato, who, at the time, was only seventeen years old.
Seventeen.
Not even the First Hokage had that kind of ability at that age.
Minato Namikaze was the true definition of a genius and a prodigy.
"I'll speak to him."
"Yes, sir." Ibiki nodded. He released the seal over the entrance, allowing Danzō inside.
Inside the cell was like any other typical cell. There was a bed, a small sink, and a toilet in the corner. Rōshi laid on the bed with the black rod still embedded in his leg. For added measure, his arm was chained to the metal frame of the bed.
"It's cozy in here." Rōshi comment.
"Your accommodations could be worse, that I will say." Danzō had no intention of stalling or beating around the bush. "What were your intentions with the Akatsuki?"
Rōshi chuckled. "Spoke to the boy, did you? Then you should already know."
"I'd much rather hear it from the source. Word of mouth is how rumors start."
"I respect that." Rōshi sat up in his bed as much as he could. "Jinchūriki and Bijū have been the catalysts and tools for war for centuries. Only useful until the blood stops flowing. My entire existence was fabricated to be that tool...until it wasn't, and I tossed aside like a rusted saw. What I'm trying to do is prevent the future generations knowing this pain."
"You're trying to end the jinchūriki lineage by handing over your own kind to the enemy. An interesting strategy. Are you aware of what the Akatsuki plan to do with the Tailed Beasts?"
"Something about a dream world, ending wars to maintain a level of peace...something along those lines. I never really cared. It's not about their goals for me."
"I do not mean to insult your intelligence in asking this but, you are aware that you'll be killed when the Akatsuki extract your Tailed Beast, correct?"
Rōshi rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Life and death are meaningless when compared to one's goal. When I die, my goal becomes meaningless, and it doesn't matter anymore. If I couldn't do it, then no one else needs to."
Danzō was quite surprised by Rōshi. It was very rare for someone to have this kind of outlook. "A fair, yet interesting take."
"For you, maybe."
Danzō motioned with his hand. "Ibiki...leave us."
The commanding officer of the Konoha Interrogation Force remained for a moment, wondering exactly what his leader was doing. He nodded and silently left the area.
"A rusted saw can be repurposed when given some oil and elbow grease."
Rōshi considered his words and looked underneath the meaning. "What do you mean?"
"You are a walking dead man. I'm sure the Akatsuki have made their intentions clear to you. I will give you a chance to reconcile and change your ways. Fight with Konoha, help us win this war, and I'll grant you the freedom to hunt down the remaining jinchūriki, to include Naruto Uzumaki."
Seeing the light shine in Rōshi's eyes momentarily made Danzō believe he could convince Rōshi to fight for them. But instead, Rōshi burst into a fit of laughter.
"You naïve bastard!" Rōshi yelled through his near hysterical laughter. "If you thought that tactic would work, then you don't understand what my goal really is! I don't give a shit about your war!" He continued to laugh. "I want end this endless cycle that creates people like me! Aiding your twisted agenda only further creates these people that make people like me! It's a cycle that needs to be broken! You're foolish for thinking I would ever help you or this forsaken village!"
Now frustrated, Danzō began to unravel the bandages around his head. His left eye was now completely visible.
Rōshi's loud laughter quickly stopped when he looked into Danzō's mesmerizing eye. The hypnotic nature made Rōshi's eyes go blank. Then his body followed by going limp, falling against the wall.
"You will fight for us."
The man did not respond. His eyes were desolate.
"Konoha is your home. I am your master."
There was a slight smirk on Rōshi's face, but it wasn't his. "Nice try."
Danzō was taken back. "What?!"
"Your visual powers may be strong enough to convince a normal human...but not a jinchūriki." The eyes of the man had changed, they were no longer his but of the beast that resided within him. "Genjutsu doesn't work on jinchūriki that have the power and support of their Bijū."
"Impossible! This genjutsu to the strongest genjutsu ever used!"
"It is impossible to completely hold a jinchūriki under a genjutsu. Even if you manage to successfully cast the jutsu, it won't hold. The beast inside will figure out a way to override and break through!"
Danzō couldn't believe it. His genjutsu was the strongest genjutsu to ever be created. There was never one like it and never could be something like it. The mind controlling genjutsu gave false experiences and made it seem they were doing things of their own free will. The victim was entirely unaware they were manipulated. How could a Tailed Beast break something like that?
Danzō clearly underestimated the true power of a Tailed Beast.
"Whatever your intentions are, Shinobi of Darkness, we will not be a part of them."
Son Gokū let out howling laughter as Danzō frustrating left the cell.
-Konoha Main Gate-
The usual hustle and bustle for the village was in full swing. Traveling merchants and returning shinobi passed by each other without incident. Izumo and Kotetsu kept a watchful eye over the gate and all the travelers, closely examining each person for a possible threat.
Sakura used to think that those two slacked off because the job looked easy. In reality, Izumo and Kotetsu worked harder than most shinobi. They handled so many possible threats before they could ever reach inside the walls of Konoha. The diligence and discipline it took to perform their duties must be strong.
"You sure you'll be alright traveling with him, Sakura? I can have him escorted by Black Ops, if you'd prefer."
"I think I'll manage, Master Shikaku. Thank you."
The Nara clan leader smirked. "Yeah. I have no doubt about that."
Kaito grumpily stood off to the side, waiting for Sakura to finish her goodbyes. He wasn't allowed to leave without her, per the terms of his release from Konoha's custody. Similarly, Kaito wasn't allowed back to Konoha until the Kazekage and the Hokage agreed to it.
Shikaku said he wasn't confident they'd see each other again.
"Send me something from Suna, Sakura!" Fū exclaimed. "I need to have something from a village completely made of sand!"
Sakura giggled. She rubbed the young girl's teal hair. "Of course, Fū. And you eat enough ramen for both of us. Got it?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
Fū and Sakura took a quick shine to each other. Fū would bring out Sakura's silliness like Naruto could. And Sakura could get used to having the young girl around, almost like a little sister. Both Ino and Sakura were taking Fū under their wings, being like big sisters to the girl that needed it.
"Take care of yourself, Sakura." Ino wrapped her arms around her childhood best friend. "Send that asshole over there into orbit if he tries anything."
"Trust me, I will." Sakura glanced to the other blonde. "And keep him in line, would ya?"
"Who do you think has been doing it? Not Sai."
Sakura giggled. "Thank you, again, Ino-Pig."
"Anytime, Forehead."
Sakura was still baffled by how much Naruto had grown in the short time they had been apart. It was abnormal. But those with Bijū sealed inside them were marvels. There wasn't much predicting when it came to the growth of a jinchūriki.
"Are you sure about this?"
"I am. I gotta get ahead of this thing."
Sakura couldn't help her anxiety. Despite everything that had happened, she couldn't stand the thought of him dealing with this problem alone. "The second you know something, you come straight to me, and we go together. Got it?"
Naruto smiled. Sakura loved how he smiled because she knew it was just for her. "Yes ma'am."
"We're good for now, right? We'll be okay?"
Naruto knew this restart of their relationship wouldn't be easy. It was going to take a lot of work and rebuilding of trust. But he was just glad he had the chance to do this. He wasn't going to mess this up.
"I made a promise, didn't I?"
That calmed Sakura's anxiety completely. She full heartedly believed in Naruto, there was no doubt in her mind towards him. She wanted this to work just as much as he did.
"Be safe."
"You, too."
A quick kiss between lovers. The bond they shared was damaged but never truly broken. It would take time, but both believed they would return to how they used to be. They were no longer scorned lovers, maybe they never were. Now, Naruto and Sakura are reunited, and it felt so good.
Sakura and Kaito disappeared from vision, traveling down the road towards the Land of Wind.
"I really like her!"
Naruto chuckled. "Yeah, I do too, Fū."
"Naruto, may I have a word with you?" Shikaku asked.
Naruto nodded. "You guys go on ahead. I'll meet up with you guys before I head out." Ino and Fū waved as they disappeared into the crowds of villagers. Naruto and Shikaku moved off to the side, away from the crowds. "Yes, master?"
"First, I would like to congratulate you on the success you have been having on the western front. You have been an important piece in our efforts. You've earned this time off."
Naruto nodded in thanks. "Is that all?"
"Anxious to find Itachi, are we?"
Stunned, Naruto was immediately skeptical. "What are you talking about?"
"Don't play the fool, Naruto. I know what you're doing. It's not that hard to figure out." Shikaku looked at the boy square in the eyes. "Do you really think Itachi Uchiha is going to willingly hand over information about the Akatsuki leader? He's a former ANBU Black Ops Captain. You won't be able to extract information from him so easily. And, for all we know, it's a ploy. A trap set up for you."
"Going after Itachi isn't just about getting information about the Akatsuki. It's a bit more than that."
"What do you mean by that?"
Naruto remembered that day vividly. "When I was younger, two ANBU Black Op operatives came after me. They chased after me and cornered me. I never figured out why they were chasing me or who they really were because a third ANBU came in and killed them. That ANBU was wearing a weasel mask. And Itachi has that same mask. I saw it the day he defected from the Akatsuki. Itachi held off the enemy while Kakashi and I got away."
Shikaku remembered Kakashi's briefing about the Kazekage Retrieval mission. "That's right. Supposedly, you encountered someone claiming to be Madara Uchiha." Then another mission briefing about that weasel mask rose in his mind. That's right. Itachi saved Sakura and her team on that mission as well.
"And Itachi held him off for us. That's gotta mean something."
Shikaku nodded. "You might be on to something. Maybe this is worth pursuing. Do you have an idea where to look?"
"Howling Wolf Village. That's where I'm going to start. According to the Akatsuki member I got down the other day, Itachi was frequently visits that village for some reason."
Shikaku knew of the village. "Howling Wolf. It's a small village in an older part of the world. They annexed from the Land of Lightning to become the Land of Medicines. They've been a neutral village for decades and I doubt they intend to change that."
"Then it should be a smooth trip." Naruto was slightly worried about running into the opposition.
"Hopefully. Depending on the route you take, you might cross Kakashi's division headquarters. Maybe you should stop and see if he needs some help."
"I've got only thirty days until I have to redeploy back to Gateway with Shikamaru and the others. As much as I would like to help, finding Itachi and working on taking down the Akatsuki leader is my top priority. Once he's out of the way, I can fully focus on finishing this war."
Shikaku was hoping he didn't have to question Naruto about this, but now he felt like he had to. "I understand Lord Jiraiya meant a lot to you, Naruto, but tell me this isn't about revenge?"
Naruto remained silent. He wasn't quite sure how to answer.
"Look kid, it's hard not to hate. It's hard not to give into those awful feelings and take out all your anger on someone. But what makes a person truly strong is overcoming those feelings. True strength comes from family, from friends."
"Are you saying I shouldn't go after this guy?"
"No, not at all. The Akatsuki are a world threat that needs to be dealt with. I just don't want you to be going after them for the wrong reasons. It can lead you down a dark and dangerous path."
"You're fighting to watch everyone around you die!"
Rōshi's words would never truly leave him.
"I'm not doing this just because of revenge or anything like that. It's just...I can't let anyone else fight for me. I've been chased my entire life. I'm done running. These guys...they want the Tailed Beasts for their own twisted agenda. To use them for something. That doesn't sit right with me."
"Well, you are a jinchūriki. I would hope it didn't."
"No, you don't understand. Bijū aren't mindless masses of chakra. They have names. Personalities. I've spoken to a few of them and learned some of their history. I don't think they deserve this."
Shikaku was rather surprised. While it made sense, he never considered that the Bijū were living beings, like a human or an animal. Perhaps he was blinded by their raw power and secretive nature. There wasn't much information about Bijū out in the world. Not even Konoha, whose had the Nine-Tails sealed in their possession for decades, knew much about the beasts.
Maybe there's some merit to all this.
Naruto felt he could trust Shikaku. "When I trained with Pervy Sage to become a sage, I was brought before the toads Grand Elder. I guess when he dreams, they become prophies."
"...Dreams that become prophies?"
"I know, it really doesn't make sense. But Pervy Sage really believed the one the Grand Elder had one about me. It's just...I don't know..." Naruto never knew what to make of it. "Do you believe in that kind of stuff?"
"Believe in what? Fate?" Shikaku clarified. Naruto didn't respond. He didn't like the word 'fate'. "No, I really don't. What I've always believed in was that people have a purpose. That when a person wakes up in the morning, they know that they have a purpose for what they are doing. Big or small, that purpose gives them the motivation to finish out the day and do it all over again the next day. Or what you probably have heard before, the Will of Fire. The oldest tradition in Konoha's history. That's what I believe in."
Naruto took that in. "What's your purpose, sir?"
"Mine?" Shikaku paused for a moment, considering his next words. He knew he handled responsibilities because he was a father, a husband, and appointed by those above him because of his abilities. But that's all they were. Responsibilities. He never considered a purpose. "My purpose...I'd would like to leave a positive mark on the world. Though, I suppose that sounds more like a dream than a purpose."
"It gives you motivation, doesn't it? Just like the Will of Fire?"
Shikaku smiled. "I suppose it does." The Nara Clan leader stood from the bench. "Well, if you only have thirty days, I suggest you get a move on, Naruto. Don't want to miss your redeployment, do ya?"
Naruto smiled with determination. "No, sir!"
Shikaku extended his hand. "Good luck, kid. Give that Akatsuki bastard a shot from me for Jiraiya. And don't worry about Danzō. I'll cover you."
Naruto firmly returned the handshake. "Thanks, Master Shikaku. You can count on it!"
-Yamanaka Flower Shop-
"So, she's going to be staying with us?" Inoichi clarified her daughter's words.
Ino nodded. "I'm the only one she trusts, dad. And it'll be temporary."
"Oh, I'm not worried about it. And your mother should be okay with it. Especially if everything you say is true." Inoichi watched Fū sniff nearly every flower in the shop. "She seems like a good kid."
"Yeah, she is."
The doorbell rang from the door hitting it as it opened. Naruto's nostrils were instantly assaulted by the numerous different flower aromas.
"Hey, Whiskers!"
"Hey, Fū." Naruto rubbed the girl's head as he walked by. She was too busy smelling the flowers. "Thanks again, Ino. I think she'll like staying with you over being alone in my apartment."
"It's not a big deal. I probably would have offered for her to stay with me anyway." Ino stated. "And you really don't have an apartment to stay at. The building still hasn't started reconstruction."
"Good point."
"So, where are you off, too?" Inoichi questioned. "You just returned yesterday and already taking off?"
Naruto nodded. "There's something I gotta do."
"Are you going to be back before your R&R is over and you have to redeploy?"
"I hope to be."
"Was this approved by Danzō? I don't think he'll be happy if you just up and leave." Inoichi was a smart man. He didn't have to think too hard as to what he was going after. And it was going to be very dangerous.
"Master Shikaku said he'll handle that."
Inoichi chuckled. "Of course, he did. It's really no surprise that he knows. So, when are you leaving?"
"I came by to say goodbye. I'm leaving so soon as I leave here."
Inoichi nodded. "Best of luck, Naruto. Come back safe." The two shinobi shook hands.
"I will." Naruto turned to Ino. "Thanks again."
"Quit thanking me. It's getting weird." Ino's expression turned worrisome. "Don't die on me out there. I'm not dealing with Sakura by myself. You got that?"
"Crystal." Naruto chuckled.
The chūnin faced his fellow jinchūriki. She had stopped smelling the flowers and patiently waited. Fū rushed in and held Naruto tight. She didn't want to let him go. That was her big brother.
"Are you sure I can't come with?"
Naruto knelt to her height. "This is for you, Fū. I'm doing this to keep you safe. Not only because of the Akatsuki plans but because you are the best of us all. You were able to show me that it's okay to be a jinchūriki and to accept that part of me. You can be the one to show the world that jinchūriki aren't just weapons and can be so much more." He placed his hand on her head. "You can be that change, Fū."
Fū was amazed that Naruto had such high hopes for her. "Do you really think I can do something like that?"
"I know you can. And I'm going to do everything in my power to help you."
Fū smiled brightly. Knowing that Naruto would be with her every step of the way, she felt like she could accomplish anything. She pushed in for another hug, hoping that this wouldn't be the last time.
"I'll be back, Fū. I promise."
Naruto, now, had two promises to keep. There was no way he could lose.
-With Hebi-
"I sense a powerful chakra signature up ahead."
Karin's Kagura Shingan (Kagura: Mind's Eye) ability was second to none. It was exactly why Sasuke sought her out. Her abilities to sense chakra signatures from exceptional distances would be invaluable when they began hunting down Itachi. Even if he was hiding his chakra signature, Karin could get a generalized area of where he could be.
It wouldn't be much longer until their hunt began.
"Just one?" Jūgo questioned. "The birds are telling me there have been two others searching these parts."
"Who the hell could be out this far in the middle of nowhere other than us and that jinchūriki?" Suigetsu was still bitter about his loss against Haku. It only made it worse that Sasuke had to step in and save him. He would have much rather been killed.
"It doesn't matter who." Sasuke stated. "We're here for a reason."
"Utakata is our target." Haku addressed the team. "From the intel I received from the Mizukage, this is going to be a tough fight. Utakata utilizes a kekkei genkai known as Shabondama and creates these bubbles with a pipe."
"Hold on just a damn minute." Suigetsu needed to make sure he understood that correctly. "Did you say Soap Bubble? As in he uses fucking bubbles?"
"Yes." Haku clarified. She knew it was somewhat odd. "It's a form of Suiton. Do not underestimate the ability. According to the Mizukage, the technique is extremely volatile and deadly. I was told not to underestimate him."
Haku positioned her rebuilt mask on her face. "That's all the intel I was given. We can proceed now."
"So, the Mizukage never said anything about your target being a jinchūriki?" Karin questioned.
"...I suppose not."
"That's lovely."
"I have a question." Suigetsu rose up quicker than the others. "Jinchūriki, as we've pointed out, are powerful. If we hadn't shown up, how were going to be beat this guy?"
Haku felt it was a valid question. She noticed that the others were wondering about that as well. "Utakata's Soap Bubble ninjutsu is powerful, yes. But I developed a technique that renders that technique useless."
Sasuke, being the genius that he was, connected the dots. "That breathing technique you used...it froze Suigetsu's liquid form. You plan to use that against these bubbles."
"That was the basis of my strategy, yes. But now, considered that the Mizukage withheld information, I'm beginning to believe that I was set up."
"Yeah, meaning we're in wayyyy over our heads on this one. Hunting down a S-Rank shinobi was one thing. But going against jinchūriki? Yeah, I'm good. I have no intention of fighting a literal abomination today."
Sasuke hardly cared for that. He gave his word to help Haku in her mission. "Then stay back and watch. But don't expect help when you need it, Suigetsu." The Uchiha turned to their sensor. "Lead us to the target, Karin."
The red haired Uzumaki nodded. She closed her eyes and began to focus to get the exact location of Utakata. It only took her about ten seconds. "Got 'em. He's roughly three hundred meters northwest. He's not moving. I think he stopped to eat."
"Then this is our chance!" Haku leapt into the trees, heading northwest.
"Let's go."
Hebi followed their new member towards the battle. Once all were gone, there was momentary swirling distortion and a man in an orange mask appeared from it.
This is an interesting turn of events. Perhaps I should watch this unfold.
The man's body distorted again and swirled into a vortex, disappearing just as quickly as he appeared.
-Utakata vs. Hebi-
With quiet elegance, Utakata sat underneath the fallen tree and slowly at his food. He loved the silence of solitude, especially in nature. Being the nomad that he was, he had become appreicative of nature and what it had to offer. It made living this way that much easier.
But this life he lived came with a fair share of hardships. Being branded a missing shinobi, Utakata preferred to be called a nomad, was just shy of a death sentence. He had to be forever vigilant, never letting his guard down. Bounty hunters were always lurking, same with Black Ops from every major village. All with the same intentions of bringing him in, either for the money or the power of the Bijū sealed inside him. Sometimes, it was both.
Though, Utakata wouldn't change it. There was no going back to his old life. Even if he missed his old life, Utakata could never abandon the freedom of being a nomad.
Utakata felt the presence of others approaching him. He calmly reached for his bubble pipe and blew into it.
"Suiton: Hōmatsu no Jutsu!" (Water Style: Bubble Jutsu)
Dozens of bubbles quickly filled the area around Utakata, creating a protective barrier that resembled a mine field. Hebi landed on separate branches above Utakata, carefully avoiding the bubbles. But it didn't matter. Once Utakata knew how many enemies there were, he waved his hand and the bubbles flew towards them all simultaneously.
"Burst!"
With a snap of his fingers, Utakata detonated all the bubbles. Each bubble created small but powerful explosions that rocked the forest. He was sure he that took down all the assailants.
But once the smoke cleared, Utakata realized he would be in for a fight.
Sasuke had summoned snakes to surround the others and himself to take the explosions head on, completely protecting everyone.
"Good work, Sasuke." Jūgo complimented.
"You are much stronger than you used to be, Uchiha." Haku was very impressed. She couldn't have escaped that explosion at pointblank range like that.
Utakata held his pipe just below his lips, waiting to counter their attack.
"Are you Utakata? Former shinobi of Kirigakure?" Haku questioned as the snake in front of her dispelled, as did the others.
The man kept his pipe ready. "I am."
"I have been assigned to bring you in under the order of the Fifth Mizukage. Lady Mei does not wish harm upon you, nor do I wish to fight you."
The mention of the Fifth Mizukage caught Utakata's attention. "Fifth? What happened to the Fourth Mizukage?"
"He was assassinated by an unknown assailant." Suigetsu stated. "Good riddance, I say. That guy was a tyrant. He was the reason Kirigakure was nicknamed the 'Bloody Mist'. And why the Swordsman disbanded. I hope the bastard rots in hell."
"Then, are you all from Kirigakure? I don't recognize any of you."
"It doesn't matter who we are or where we came from." Sasuke spoke up. "We're giving you the chance to peacefully return to Kirigakure. This will be our only offer." The Sharingan shined brightly in his eyes.
Utakata instantly knew of those powerful eyes. He had learned about them in Kirigakure's history books. "Those eyes...you're an Uchiha. That means you're either Sasuke or Itachi. And your cloak doesn't have those red clouds, like the Bingo Book describes. That makes you Sasuke Uchiha."
"If you know who I am, then my suggestion is surrender."
Utakata blew into his pipe and created a bubble that surrounded his form. He quickly waved his hand and he ascended into the air inside the bubble.
"You aren't getting away!" Suigetsu threw a kunai at the bubble, attempting to pop it. But the kunai simply bounced off the sphere. "What?!"
"The bubble is chakra enhanced!" Karin quickly deuced. "It's going to take something strong to break through it!"
"Haku, with me!"
Sasuke and Haku leapt into the air, summoning a large hawk for them both to land on. The hawk soared into the air, tracking the bubble. Suddenly, Utakata disappeared without a trace.
"He can camouflage the bubble, making himself invisible with it."
"Not to me." With his Sharingan, Sasuke could see exactly where the bubble was. Just like the Byakugan, he could see through the illusion. "There." He pointed to where the bubble was. "Use your jutsu now!"
"Hyōton: Kogoeru Iki!" (Ice Style: Freezing Breath)
Freezing air built up in Haku's lungs and blew out with a soft breath, incasing the bubble that was camouflaged. The camouflage shattered with the bubble, causing Utakata to free fall back to the ground.
"Suiton: Hōmatsu no Jutsu!" (Water Style: Bubble Jutsu)
Utakata blew hundreds of bubbles out of his pipe, trailing down as he fell. Both Haku and Sasuke figured the bubbles would explode like landmines. He was trying to create a buffer between them.
"Ripe for the pickin'!" Suigetsu came jumping in, his arm enlarged to increase his power.
Utakata was quicker than Suigetsu. He was able to manifest a large bubble that captured Suigetsu and stopped the attack.
"God damn it!" Suigetsu pushed against the bubble, trying to make it burst, but it would only stretch. "C'mon!"
"Don't bother. You won't be able to break out. That's special bubble formula that can't be destroyed from the inside." A soft wave of his hand and Suigetsu began to drift into the sky and float away. "Drift away."
"Someone get me out of this freaking bubble!"
"Karin! Jūgo!"
"We're on it!"
As the two other members of Hebi went to save the third, Sasuke used his Sharingan to examine the bubbles to try and discover a possible weakness.
"These bubbles are coated in Suiton chakra nature. Even if some of them are possible duds, I can't tell the difference between them."
"Utakata strategically created large bubbles to cover more air and used smaller bubbles to fill in the cracks for possible escape. And my assumption is that these are proximity explosives. Or, at least, we should treat them as such."
Sasuke nodded. It was going to take some nimble flying to get out of this bubble mine field. He tossed his cloak aside, while removing his arms from his shirt. Quickly, his body changed, and he drew upon the power of his Curse Mark, immediately entering Level Two.
Haku had to duck under the sprouting wings. She could feel the power emitting from Sasuke. "This transformation...I've never seen anything like it."
"You haven't seen anything yet."
Sasuke dive bombed off the hawk. His wings stretched and he began to zip through the bubble field, being extremely careful as to not fly too close to any bubble. He double backed, flew under, and free fell past so many bubbles until he reached the ground.
Utakata was highly impressed. "The Uchiha clan...your clan must've been impressive. You must be very proud."
Sasuke said nothing. He flurried through hand seals, compressing chakra in his mouth. "Katon: Gōryūka no Jutsu!" (Fire Style: Great Dragon Flame Jutsu)
That compressed chakra changed into a dragon head-shaped fireball. Sasuke spewed the flaming dragon head directly at Utakata.
"Suiton: Bōgyo Baburu no Jutsu!" (Water Style: Defensive Bubble Jutsu)
Using his Bubble Ninjutsu, Utakata created a bubble dome around him to protect him from the flaming dragon. The two elemental jutsus collided. The flaming dragon burst into steam upon impact. Utakata kept the dome alive to keep himself protected from other attacks.
The steaming mist dissipated, revealing that Sasuke was gone.
Utakata quickly went through the possible avenues of attack.
Left!
There was nothing.
Right!
No one in sight.
Above!
Only bubbles in the sky.
Behind!
Green vegetation filled his vision.
That only meant...
"Below!"
Bursting through ground beneath Utakata's feet, Sasuke, who had reverted back to his normal state, thrusted his Chidori at Utakata's chest. Utakata used his agility to evade, blasting through the bubble dome.
But it seems that's exactly what Sasuke wanted.
"Now, Jūgo!"
"HAHAHAHA!"
Jūgo appeared underneath Utakata. His arm had partially transformed to create a booster, like a jet engine, that gave his punch extra power. Jūgo's punch hit Utakata square in the jaw and sent him flying into the air.
Utakata flew directly into the bubble mine field and ignited the sky.
The members of Hebi had to take shelter from the immense back blast. Haku was blown off the hawk and she crashed through the branches of a tree.
Sasuke waited for the smoke to clear before he emerged from his protective shelter. He saw no sign of Utakata, or even parts of him.
"How powerful was that?" Karin questioned.
"That could have leveled a small village, I'd say." Suigetsu commented. He had no honest idea. It sounded right to him.
Jūgo appeared next to Sasuke, his arm had returned to normal. "Do you think he was killed?"
Karin focused her senses for a moment. "No. He's still alive. I sense his signature. Though…" She could feel the rise in the power from within him. "…he's starting to draw on the power of his Bijū."
And as soon as Karin said it, the others began to feel it as well. Everything in the air changed drastically.
Red chakra bubbled through the dust and smoke. Ripping off tattered parts of his clothing, Utakata stood tall against his opponents. His wounds healed and closed as the blood stained his body.
"I have denounced this power within me…you will not be the ones that make me use this power!"
Straining, Utakata was able to reign in the wild chakra and stop it from completely overpowering him. The struggle made Utakata collapse.
Watching Utakata fight with the Bijū's power reminded Sasuke of Naruto's struggle with the Kyūbi during their battle in the Final Valley.
"He doesn't have control over his Bijū." Sasuke deduced.
"How are you sure?" Haku questioned.
"He suppressed the power rather than gave into it. More so, I think he doesn't like using that power. It maybe be a stretch, but I think that's what's going on."
Utakata pulled himself off the ground, still clutching his bubble flute. "You're correct. I don't like using this power, it brings nothing but pain and suffering. I have been condemned, betrayed, and abandoned because of it. I will not allow it to control me!"
Utakata fiercely blew into his flute, creating hundreds more bubbles.
"Santōka!"
Sasuke's Sharingan instinctively activated, trying to predict the path of each individual bubble. "Disperse! Don't let them touch you! They'll explode!"
Hebi jumped in all separate directions, avoiding the bubbles as best they could. It wasn't long until each member was surrounded by the bubbles.
Haku quickly tried to counter. "Hyōton: Kogoeru iki!" (Ice Style: Freezing Breath)
The freezing mist escaping from Haku's lungs. She continued to breathe air as long as she could until she couldn't expel any more. The frozen mist encased the bubbles around her, stopping them from exploding.
But the frozen mist began to evaporate as contact was made with the bubbles.
"What?!"
Haku couldn't believe it. It worked before. What changed in such a short time?
"You're freezing technique may have worked before on my regular bubble jutsu. But not this one. Thanks to the small portion of power, I can control from the Bijū sealed inside me, I can imitate the corrosive nature and merge it with my Bubble ninjutsu."
Utakata knew he was technically contracting himself, but he understood the difference between what he was saying. He could care less about their thoughts.
"Now…" Utakata held his open hand to the sky, watching Sasuke. "…Corrode away!"
The hand closed, causing a chain reaction of corrosive explosions. The nature around the explosive bubbles began to corrode away, leaving nothing remaining.
Utakata watched as the acidic liquid drizzled down into the ground, corroding the grass. The vegetation quickly turned from living green to deadly brown before being completely corroded away.
Such unnecessary destruction. This power only causes destruction. There's no need for it in this world.
Utakata waited to confirm that his foes had been killed. His corrosive ability was certain death. Even if they weren't killed by the acid in the liquid, they would completely immobilize from the corrosion.
It seemed only one had survived the initial acid explosion.
Clinging to life, Sasuke could barely breathe.
"I wish you did not make me do this. This world is filled with destruction. I do not wish to add to it." Utakata pulled a small tanto from his back pound. He pulled the blade from the sheath. "Goodbye Sasuke Uchiha…your clan ends here."
Just as Utakata went to plunge the blade into Sasuke's chest, he felt a shift. Sasuke's body disappeared into nothing.
Briefly confused, Utakata realized he had been placed under a genjutsu and it had been dispelled somehow.
It was you…Six-Tails?
"Chidori!"
Lightning encased Sasuke's hand as he plunged it into Utakata's stomach. Blood spat out from mouth and wound, coating the green grass.
Utakata looked over his shoulder. Sasuke may have pierced him, but it looked to be at great cost. He was in that transformed state, but it seemed a wing had been corroded, along with some of his clothing.
"H-How…?"
"Genjutsu. Plain and simple. Your gaze met mine and I had you dead to rights. Though, you were still able to denote those acid bombs. The momentary distraction of my genjutsu gave everyone a chance to escape. You almost had us."
Sasuke pulled his bloodied hand out of the midsection. Utakata fell to the ground without the electrical current running through his body.
The Curse Mark retracted into the mark on Sasuke's neck, returning him to a normal state. He collapsed from the damage he sustained while in the form.
The rest of Hebi held burns from the acidic nature of the bubbles. Except for Suigetsu, he transformed into pure water before the explosion and received no injuries.
"You didn't hit a vital spot, but that's a lot of blood." Haku pointed out. "Are you sure he'll survive?"
"I've seen what a jinchūriki can take. He'll survive." Sasuke pulled himself up, trying to ignore the burning sensation.
"Here, Sasuke." Karin lifted her sleeve, revealing dozens of bite marks. "Bite me."
Momentarily confused, Sasuke looked up at Karin. In the times they laid together at night, Karin always kept her shirt on. He had never seen these marks before.
"This…was another reason why Orochimaru kept me around. I have a kekkei genkai that allows me to heal others through a chakra transfer. You just have to bite me."
"That's kinda…dark. How'd you figure that out?" Suigetsu asked.
Karin faltered for a moment, only wincing as Sasuke bit down. "…I'd rather not talk about that."
Sasuke instantly felt his chakra reserves being restored to full capacity, and his injuries were completely healed.
Karin quickly covered herself up, not wanting to be exposed any longer. That simple movement exhausted her remaining energy.
"Karin?" Jūgo showed an odd moment of concern.
"I'm fine. This technique just drains me."
"Go get some rest, Karin." Sasuke stood tall, showing his complete recovery. "Jūgo, Suigetsu…go with her. Haku and I will finish up here."
Jūgo hoisted Karin in his arms, much to her displeasure.
"Hey…" She weakly berated. "Only Sasuke can get fresh with me."
"Sasuke's the only one brave enough to try anything with such an ugly broad."
"S-Shut up, you shark looking fuckhead! No woman would ever let you near them!"
"You'd actually be surprised how many women are curious about my…"
"Enough, Suigetsu." Sasuke really didn't want to hear anything to do with Suigetsu's anatomy. "Just get her out of here and somewhere safe so she can rest. We have a long journey back." The Uchiha knelt down and used some rope to bind Utakata's hands.
The three members of Hebi disappeared through the vegetation, headed in the direction of the nearest village.
"Now that we have your target captured, what will you do now?" Sasuke questioned.
"I gave you my word. Once Utakata is delivered to the Mizukage, I'm going to end our arrangement and accompany you on your travels."
Sasuke nodded. He moved to hoist the unconscious jinchūriki on his shoulder.
But then, chakra spiked and sent a shockwave of energy. Both Sasuke and Haku were sent back from the pure energy.
"What's going on?!"
Sasuke gritted his teeth. He was afraid of this. "The Bijū is taking over now that the host is unconscious! Not good!"
Utakata slowly staggered to his feet, nearly falling back over in the process. The hole in his abdomen had completely closed and healed. His eyes turned a paler yellow, showing that Utakata was no longer in control. The red chakra flared like a fire before taking form around Utakata's body with six tails dancing behind him.
"What…is that?"
"I've seen this once before." Sasuke remembered the battle with Naruto in that valley. "But not to this level. I think the beast is in full control now."
"What do we do?"
Sasuke activated his Sharingan, trying to find some kind of weakness. Chakra coated Utakata and the air around him. It was like a protective shell. It was a fair assumption that attacks needed to hit the body, the cloak would probably block everything else.
The precognition of the Sharingan told Sasuke take Utakata was about to charge.
"Move!"
Both Haku and Sasuke dove in separate directions, avoiding the red blur attack. But the tails extended further out, swiping Sasuke and Haku with direct hits.
Sasuke smacked against a tree. I didn't even see the tails move with my Sharingan! Are they acting on their own?!
Sasuke flurried through hand seals. Utakata turned towards Haku. "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!"
The massive flaming sphere hurled towards Utakata. The rampaging jinchūriki turned and blasted a shockwave of chakra to destroy the fireball.
Haku took her opportunity. She gathered chakra to create her own ice. "Hissatsu Hyōsō!" (Shattering Ice Spear)
Dozens of massive ice spears shot up from the ground around her and Utakata.
Haku slipped through the spears, escaping before her enemy could. Sasuke leapt around to catch her as she nearly collapsed.
"Are you okay?"
Haku needed to catch her breath. "That technique takes a lot of chakra without using a natural water source to draw from."
Sasuke examined the ice spears. While massive in size, they were extremely cold to the touch. He could see how much chakra it took without an existing source.
Steam began to bellow up from the center of the spear conglomerate. More chakra coated the air, making the air heavier.
"We need to withdrawal." Sasuke determined, whatever was coming next would be much worse than what they we're currently facing. "We're outmatched with this."
"But…my mission…"
"I'm not forgoing my quest for your mission." Sasuke hoisted Haku into his shoulder. "We're leaving."
The spears exploded from the pressure, shattering into tiny shards that melted from the intense heat.
A dark orb of malevolent chakra surrounded Utakata. Winds howled as energy caused the earth to rumble. The orb began to shrink and take form on Utakata's body.
The end result was much more terrifying than what they were already facing.
Six dark red, almost black, tails danced behind an equally dark cloak of terror. Utakata's body was covered in a horrific chakra that screamed pain and suffering.
"My god…" Haku couldn't believe her eyes. Was she facing death itself?
Sasuke's gut twisted. Is this the power of a jinchūriki?! Have you been able to do something like this all along, Naruto?!
The mouth of the beast opened wide, wider than it was supposed to. A black orb appeared as chakra particles of different colors began to gravitate towards it, causing the orb to slowly grow in size. The pressure continued to increase, making it to difficult to breathe.
"What is that?!"
Whatever it was, Sasuke knew it meant death. They needed out of here now!
The orb gathered all necessary particles. It was complete. Death was upon them all.
Burn away!
Sasuke yanked a scroll from his pouch and slammed it on the ground. He pulled Haku in close as blinding white coated their eyes. This was their only chance at survival.
The blast lit up the sky, scaring the earth itself. No living thing could survive a blast like that.
The surrounding areas felt the shockwave. An earthquake struck nearby villages that had no idea something this powerful could exist and cause such damage.
The rumblings died down, leaving a scar that would never fade.
"That was in Sasuke's direction!" Jūgo shouted. Karin had passed out in his arms. "I can't sense his chakra! Or Haku's!"
Suigetsu pulled the same scroll off his belt. There was an inscription of a snake on the front that faded away.
"Damn it!" Suigetsu unrolled the scroll on the ground. There were summoning symbols written across the paper. He popped the cork on a small jar filled with blood. He poured the blood over the center seal and smeared it with his thumb. "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!"
A large plume of smoke rose from the scroll, covering the area. Inside the smoke cloud, an equally large object appeared and collapsed to the ground in a massive thud.
Suigetsu cleared his throat. "S-So…this is Orochimaru's summon…Manda. I never expected this to be your plan with this, Sasuke."
Both Haku and Sasuke stumbled out from Manda's mouth, collapsing to the ground.
"What the hell happened to you two?!" Suigetsu couldn't believe the state of these two. They had just left them not too long ago. "Was that guy holding back or something?"
Sasuke held his Sharingan for a moment longer, keeping his hold over Manda. "…No." He heaved. "The Bijū took over and started rampaging. He transformed and…well, this happened." His Sharingan dropped, as did the hold over Manda.
"You insolent bastard…you hypnotized me with those damn eyes." Manda's life began fading from him. The blast was too much to bear. "Fuck…you…"
Manda, the largest snake in the world, died from his injuries.
"Oh dear. He's dead." Suigetsu sighed. "You should really treat animals better than that. Just because he was Orochimaru's favorite pet, it doesn't mean fly can abuse him like that."
"I had no choice. We would have died without him."
"Then why are you so beat up?"
"The shockwave still hit us before we teleported back to Ryūchi Cave." Sasuke fell back to his butt. Even with Karin restoring his chakra and healing before, he was still quite beaten down.
Haku was far worse compared to Sasuke. "This is just like when Naruto fought that beast in the Land of Waves. The entire island was blown to hell. Still, it's hard to imagine power like that existing."
"Do you think he survived his own blast?" Jūgo questioned, looking off in the distance of the blast.
A monstrous roar from the deep scar in the earth, telling all that there was still a threat.
"How are we supposed to fight someone like that?"
"You're really out of your element Suigetsu. You should leave it to the ones who know what they're doing."
All turned to see one of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist and current Akatsuki member, Kisame.
"It's you…" Sasuke remembered him. As did Haku.
"Look at you. A band of misfits if I've ever seen one." The swordsman chuckled. "An Uchiha, two wannabe swordsmen, a weirdo, and an Uzumaki…some group you assembled."
"Those red clouds…he's Akatsuki, right?"
"Yeah, he is. He's the guy that put me in the hospital in Kirigakure."
Kisame smiled, showing off his shark-like teeth. "That's right. I've been hoping to run into you again for a rematch. You were certainly a good opponent. But unfortunately, I can't spare the time. I'm here for that beast over there."
"You're going to fight that thing?!" Suigetsu knew just how strong Kisame was.
The swordsman chuckled. "No. But he is."
A large, white dragon flew above them, sending strong gusts of wind as it soared by. Atop his creation, Deidara prepared two more clay bombs. Once he was over the jinchūriki, he tossed the bombs overboard.
"Take this!"
The two clay bombs expanded in size and fell towards Utakata, making direct contact. Two large explosions combined into one colossal blast that scared the earth even more.
"Art…is an explosion!"
Deidara marveled at the sight. It was beautiful. There was something amazing about the explosions that made Deidara unbelievably happy. The end all and be all for him.
Watching on, Hebi braced from the blast wave to hit. Kisame shook his head in amusement, taking in the gust.
"That guy…he really does love to blow things to hell."
Dark smoke bellowed from the explosion site. Deidara circled the scene, waiting for the inevitable reaction.
The ground rumbled with power and might. An oozing slime rose above the trees and began taking form of a bipedal slug with stubby arms, feet, and six long tails.
"Is that…?"
"Sure is. An ugly looking fellow, isn't he?" Kisame was surprised by the look of the Tailed Beast. "I suppose it's time to get to work." Kisame drew Samehada from his back, preparing to battle this slimy beast.
"Hold on!" Sasuke jumped to stand in his way. "Tell me where Itachi is!"
"Itachi? Oh yeah. I suppose you're still looking for revenge on him. You do know he betrayed the Akatsuki, right? He's not with our organization anymore."
"I'm aware of that. But that doesn't change what I need to do." Sasuke's eyes transformed into the Sharingan. "Now…tell me what you know about Itachi."
Kisame refrained momentarily. Nothing ever truly added up for his former partner. Somewhat shady and rather inconsistent with the Akatsuki's goal. They had the golden opportunity to capture the Nine-Tails three years ago but Itachi chose to double check their tracks to make sure no one was aware of their presence in Konoha. He disappeared and conveniently reappeared when his younger brother came into the fray.
Then there was the failed assassination of Orochimaru. Orochimaru was dead to rights but Itachi, again, went against the grain and chose to let the Snake Sannin slip away with Sasuke in his grips.
"I'm in a very vulnerable position…There are many things I must do before my time comes…before my time comes, will you allow me to do what I need to?"
Sasuke was always a soft subject. Itachi never spoke about Sasuke unless he was prompted by a third party. Even then, he gave short responses and quick answers. It made Kisame think there was something more to that fateful night than what was on the surface.
Perhaps, this was what he needed to do before his time comes…
In his own way, Kisame would always be loyal to Itachi. Regardless of the defection, Itachi was the closest thing Kisame would consider a friend in this life.
"…Itachi would frequent a small village called Howling Wolf. He had a contact there that would sell sell him drugs for a disease he had contracted. The seller might know something." Kisame began walking past Sasuke. "That's all I know."
Kisame stopped, towering over both Haku and Suigetsu. "The student of a swordsman and the younger brother of a swordsman…you two have a long way to go before you're recognized as one of the Seven."
Kisame continued to trek on towards the Bijū, going to fulfill his quota. Man, he really did love this job.
Sasuke was quick to get back on track. "Let's go."
The rest of Hebi shuffled behind Sasuke as the battle played out behind them.