Thank you, Monster King, for your reviews. They do help me write. Between you, Mr.P, and Mr.K, you guys keep me going. Anyway remember folks I have no beta and if I screw up you got to let me know. I got so much in my head that even though I do relook at this constantly. I still will miss things
I do not own squat
Back with Naruto
Sasuke…
Hearing that single name prompted Naruto to move faster than ever.
"Naruto, you know what to do." Yamato replied as did Kakashi over the ear com's. The blonde boy moving faster, he now created over a hundred clones and sent them ahead to clear the way. Many of them getting into fights and taking them out, the teenager is able to grow stronger with each step he or his clones take. Finally arriving he knows many have taken off under his order to help Yamato get here.
Now in an open air arena with Sakura and a minute later Sai emerges as well from a different hall. The boy is silent and all look up at Sasuke who looks at them with cold indifference.
"Hn, so it seems you have already replaced Naruto, Sakura. Where is Kakashi? Where is the other? This Harry."
Before he could respond, that is when Yamato emerged. Kakashi whispered in their ears to keep his presence above a secret. Tonks had cast a couple of spells that allowed both of them to get closer. The Uchiha looking up for a moment, his eyes trigger the Sharingan as if making an effort to see something.
His eyes narrowing, he throws a kunai that promptly bounces off a shield that the witch casts rapidly. Knowing now that she was discovered she still keeps Kakashi's presence beside her quiet. Said copy nin telling her to go ahead and land as things might get ugly. He hops off with soundless steps. Maintaining the look of the mist ninja she looks determined in her gaze.
"So you found me." Tonks states as she twirls her wand in her hands. The teenager notices as he just tilts his head in regards. Throwing another Sai defends her by knocking it back with his own sword. Pointing it straight at the teenager's heart.
"SAI DON'T!"
"Still in love with me eh Sakura?" The Uchiha stated mockingly. A growl emanating from Naruto as he holds himself back. "And who you are to point a sword at me."
"I am Sai, I am Root assigned by Danzo to join this team and kill you."
"WHAT!" Came an incredulous cry from the members of team 7. Both Sakura and Naruto are ready to kill him themselves.
"Hn. I take it you did not know eh dobe." The dark-haired boy mocked. "Not really surprised. You always were dense. Now answer my question: where is this Harry I hear of."
"Sasuke I'm warning you! Leave him out of this!" Naruto replied with his anger and desire to knock sense into Sasuke's head growing by the minute.
"Potter-san is none of your concern Sasuke Uchiha. In the time I have joined this team, I have never seen such loyalty or friendship that he as well as Ugly have for you." Sai interrupted. His dark eyes flashing with the beginnings of emotion. "As I have been with them, they have spoken highly of you and of your missions together. Their intent to bring you back. I want to help them achieve it."
"I'm here to take you back Sasuke." Naruto growled out. His eyes started to flash the crimson red of the Kyubi. (At Hogwarts, no one but TenTen notices as Harry's own eyes respond in kind to the power flow.) But both are taken aback as the dark haired youth shushins towards him with ease. His arm around Naruto's shoulders one of his swords is held against the pinkette's neck.
"Isn't it your dream to become Hokage Naruto?" Sasuke murmured in his ear.
"How can I become Hokage, when I can't even bring home a friend, eh Sasuke?" Pausing in that response. It is In the next second as his eyes whirl with the Sharingan. Sasuke forces himself into Naruto's consciousness.
"So this is your mind Naruto hn?" The Uchiha stated as he walked through. The darkness dripping water, everything speaks of the childhood that the blonde had was dark and uneasy. Not letting it affect him, he comes face to face with a cage, holding a gigantic red beast.
It's eyes staring at him, the fox just looks at him with malevolence and disdain.
"So you are the true source of Naruto's strength."
The boy has his own strength. But I do admit he does draw on me from time to time, The fox replies. On the other hand you and your family steal yours
"What do you know about my family!"
The fox simply grins as he glares at him. There was a smell that night, this prison knows of it. I recognize it now boy as you exude something quite similar. It means one thing… A Uchiha released me from your former home 15 years ago.
"YOU LIE!" Fully angry now and ready to kill him and Naruto in one shot, the fox laughs in amusement.
Why would I lie when that night caused a father to seal me in to his son and one other. I do not want to be here in this cage. He chuckled as Sasuke reacted with surprise at this piece of news. Now I give you a piece of advice. Don't kill my jailor Uchiha. You will regret it.
Pushed out by a combination of the fox and Naruto's power, it takes Tonks before vanishing once more in a puff of smoke to begin the battle as she cries out one word.
Expelliarmus!
Apparating to a place further away as per Kakashi's instruction. The Nin having shown her a hideout of his in the area. The sword is blown away from that spell as the witch vanishes.
It was at the same moment Orichimaru appeared on the wall of this arena of sorts to catch it. The teenager dodges Sai with his other sword as Sakura punches a hole into the wall behind him. Naruto and him getting into a one on one, the Uchiha stops and shushins away as Orichimaru sends in two snakes. Both venomous and dripping poison, they look to Orichimaru for permission to attack.
Nodding his head, the Snake turns to Sasuke with intent. "Come Sasuke, an emergency has come up. My pets will keep them busy, I must return to Sound."
"Hn…"
"SASUKE!"
The blonde yelling in rage, the Uchiha turns to his friend. "On a whim I let you live, Naruto. Next time I won't. And if I see this Harry. I will kill him."
Vanishing, with the Snake Sannin, the two snakes still in the arena hiss with murderous intent. About to go to town with them they are shocked as the two snakes seem to taste the air with their tongue. Confused to say the least one of the snakes strikes and wraps around Naruto with ease. His tongue hissing against his cheek, the two look at the blonde with interest.
"You taste like a speaker." The Snake hissed. "But we know the fox is in you."
Looking confused for a minute, the blonde remembers stuff his cousin had told him. The incident with a giant snake when he was 13. Having shown him the scar on his arm, Naruto speaks up.
"You mean someone who talks like a snake. I know someone who does." He says carefully. Knowing the full danger these summons possess, he can sense the others getting ready. Making a gesture for them to stop as an idea hits him. "I know of one" Jiriaya, having instilled to treat the summons with respect as he learned their ethics, he knew to be respectful when they decided to speak outside of their summoners.
"One of our elders wishes to speak with this person. We demand you bring them to us."
Confusion at the moment in the others faces as they have no idea what's going on. Naruto continues to talk. "Regretfully I can not. He is away right now on his own mission. I shall ask the toad messengers to inform you on his return."
The two snakes look at one another, hissing once more as if tasting the air, they seem to be talking with one another and nod their heads.
"For your respect we will not fight you as you have spoken the truth. And we need no messengers" One snake stated. The other comes forward, he continues to talk as he gazes at Naruto. Hissing something long and involved, Naruto feels something attach itself to him. Looking at the two they nod, "It is done, the mark will alert us when this speaker is present."
The group reconnects outside of the lab. Many things that are still there are of interest to Konoha and even though it was not much. It was with hope of study that it was decided that with ANBU as his guard, Bill would be notified of the lab and come out to investigate. The Toad sent out to inform the Hokage, the others now look at Naruto for an explanation.
"Snake speaker? Naruto, what the hell." Sakura shouted." I mean if you know someone.."
"It's Harry." Tonks said quietly. The shapeshifter having returned to her normal looks, she stood beside the blonde with intent to defend him. "Harry can talk to snakes in their language."
"How?" Asked Kakashi. His one visible eye is still looking at Naruto with curiosity. Yamato nodded his head as both Sai and Sakura listened. The blonde youth thinks, and he decides to start from the very beginning of what Harry had told him. Tonks adding a detail or two, the other Shinobi hears of what happened during Harry's second year of school.
Listening with each and every word, the two jounin look at one another with thought. "Does the Hokage know about this?"
"Yes." Naruto replied. "There was an incident when Harry first arrived where he was almost bitten by one. Baa-chan was there as well." Looking sheepish as he explains what happened, the teenager proceeds to look at the people around him. "She told us the first chance we got, to try and get back the snake summons for Konoha."
"Harry comes back in about 6 months, correct?" Kakashi asked thoughtfully. In contemplation, the man thinks of the young wizard and what this skill of his could mean. Deciding what to do he turns to the three teens with a plan.
"Naruto, next time Hedwig comes, you, Sai, and Sakura go see him. Consider it a mission. If Harry can indeed get it back for us. That would indeed be a boon for Konoha."
All three nodded their heads, but that is also when Naruto looks pleadingly at the copy nin and Yamato. "Do I have to take Sai though? He's annoying!"
Said youth at that moment saying something inappropriate, the blonde lunges for him once more only to be held back at Yamato.
The others laugh as Naruto keeps shouting curses at Sai who only looks confused and wonders what he said wrong. They sit and wait for the other wizard and ANBU to arrive. Knowing of the importance that the redhead has at the moment to many, they will aid in keeping him safe as they clear out any remnants of Sound that may still be in there. Any little bit will help in getting rid of the curse seal.
In the meantime as they sit and wait, the next day Sasuke is supporting the Snake back at the Sannin's own village. The latter having used a summons to bring forth the snake, it had sped up the degeneration of the body he was currently in. Kabuto coming forth to take him in, the man looked at Sasuke underneath his glasses. His face guarded, the teenager just showed no expression as he stared right back.
Being the Uchiha that he was, Kabuto just remained silent as he escorted Orochimaru back to his rooms. His own desire to see Sirius evident, the teenager traveled to the prisons, noticing how bruised and cut up the man was, Karin was at that moment treating him.
"Will he be up to traveling?"
Startled by his presence, the girl nodded. "Perhaps in a day or two. Kabuto did a number on him this time, but he lives. He's unconscious at the moment and should come around by then."
"Good."
The dark-haired boy had a determined look about him, as he left. It was time to start putting his own plans into fruition.
It was time to go and kill a snake…
88888888888888888888
Elsewhere at that moment
Walking towards the lightning country on a mission, two shinobi were bickering amongst themselves. Their cloaks black with red clouds. They paid no attention to those trying to collect the bounty on their heads. Instead they just take them out as they walk. Not even blinking an eye to the situation on hand, they were doing some hunting of their own to pass the time. Mostly fighting each other verbally as they approach the land of storms. Both considered immortal due to the bounty on their heads, they hated each other with a passion.
In their constant fights with each other in the past, neither one had been able to kill the other. One due to his skills at taking others organs to become his own, the other in his faith could as a certain blonde might say. Take a licking and keep right on ticking.
Thus their fights were more or less cutting off parts of the other's anatomy and having it fail. Arms being reattached easily, or even surgically to make them their own. It provided them both with a little amusement as they did so. Their purses already full from the bounties they have already collected, Kakuzu and Hidan kept moving.
Their job? To collect the two-tailed beast Matabi in one of clouds two jinchuurikis. Both if possible, but knowing full well the difference in chakra. It was decided to hold off on the eight tail Gyuki. They knew this would bring the attention of the Raikage, because the two-tail holder was not only a favorite of the man's. But the 8-tailed holder, they knew very well, was the Raikage's brother.
88888888888888888888888
Hogwarts 1 week later
Not knowing what was coming his way when he returned to Konoha, Harry found himself being thrown to the ground once more. Wincing in pain alongside Draco, the two had begun to form a sort of truce. With Neji's help in pinpointing areas, the blonde was getting the cabinet working as they prepared for Voldemort's breaking in,
Dumbledore was well aware of it, as Gai related to him Hermione's idea. The Headmaster had approved with a renewed vigor. Despite the cursed hand he has, this new plan of the girl's has the potential to save many lives. Even though he may be lost, the old man wanted his students to survive. Snape's potions doing their job at the moment, it was discussed having him looked at by the Hyuuga med techs from Konoha hospital.
Neji even though experienced could see that the headmaster's hand was seemingly infested with what he could only call a dark chakra. And it was killing the points in his hand and arm. Having had enough experience in his learning from his clan. It was thought that maybe the med techs of his family might be able to do something.
Luckily understanding the situation, one would be coming out next week. Until then, the teen had been able to stall it by closing it consistently to keep it from spreading. So between Neji and Snape the elderly headmaster was able to keep active in running Hogwarts.
Still though battered and sore alongside Ron and Hermione, Draco took the offered hand from the latter to get up. During these last few days the Malfoy heir had a healthy respect for the brunette as she was often his partner. Of course at first he had balked at it, but considering what happened their 3d year when she punched him?
He knew she was strong. So reluctantly he had agreed. It turns out Hermione was a quick learner and was praised by Gai. In fact she even had a good throw, so Gai had TenTen working with her on kunai and targets set up earlier. The older man is currently aiding other students who were starting to get up there in talent. He even commented on the new ones being quick in their abilities to their pleasure.
Almost all the students were out there now. Some of the students such as the Patil Twins, and Neville were helping others with their stance. Even Susan and Hannah were getting in on it. Surprisingly Blaise was turning out to be quite a quick learner as well when he threw his own partner Goyle into the ground.
Madame Pomphrey on standby, in case of a major accident, the class was turning out well. Even the other teachers stopped by from time to time when they noticed the unity of the students emerging. Hufflepuff helping a Ravenclaw, Slytherin helping a Gryffindor. These classes were uniting the students in their will to win.
Earlier on the Patil twins teacher had been able to come out a few days before, much to TenTen's delight. He and Gai had a long discussion about their forms of course, before a light spar for which both enjoyed immensely. His agility and flexibility fantastic in the eyes of the jounin, he had asked if he could teach Lee some of these moves that he had observed.
Considering he was going to be in the area for a few days, the man had agreed to work with the younger boy in enhancing his speed and acrobatics. In fact he volunteered to help teach as he would be off for the next month was a boon indeed.
"How do you keep doing this Potter?" Draco muttered.
Said wizard groaning at the second, he responds with purpose as he winces in pain. "Why do you keep asking Malfoy?" the dark haired boy replied sarcastically. Both of them growling at one another as they stretch before starting again. It was then that it was time to stop though luckily for them as the school sounded for breakfast.
House elves popping up left and right with food and pepper ups that the mediwitch had worked on over the break. They were passed out to the students who wanted them as they ate. Their energy slowly but surely being restored, the students one by one or in groups begin to head back to get ready for classes.
Some of them congratulating one another on their moves in class, Malfoy is surprised as Ronald speaks up.
"Hey Malfoy…"
"What Weasley?"
Looking like he was about to say something insulting, the redheaded boy breathed once then twice. "You did good."
Startled by the actual compliment, he just stood there as the Gryffindor moved on to rejoin the others. He was just praised, by Ron Weasley no less. It was no secret that he didn't like the red head and the feeling was mutual between them. Mostly because the boy was friends with Potter first. Many kids had this dream of finding and befriending the hero of Voldemort's first destruction. Himself being one of them.
He doesn't know why the teenager didn't take his offer to this day.
Shaking his head Draco pushed it all to the back of his mind. Putting on his cold demeanor he chased after Blaise and the Slytherins who were ahead of him. Animatedly talking to them, they all pause as a huge puff of smoke explodes in front of them all. In the distance there stood what could only be a white phoenix with black markings.
Singing a song of joy, they all watched as it flew to the golden boy with ease. Nuzzling and giving the occasional chirp, the bird nodded its head as it flew towards the tower.
"Harry is that?" Hermione asked among others. The dark-haired boy looking confused for a second becomes sheepish as he nods his head.
"Yeah I can't quite explain it but that's Hedwig, she kind of got turned into a phoenix." He replied. "She's been keeping Fawkes and the Headmaster company as she runs packages for TenTen's dad." He grinned. "Ron knows about it as he volunteered to help run it part time when he's on break."
Explaining stuff to Hermione about the Quality Quidditch supply store, others begin to listen as well as the walk. Hearing of the deal and the fact that her father is going to run it with Ron helping. Many find themselves thinking about this village and others in the east. Even now as Draco watches TenTen join Harry and the others. The thoughts about the opportunities they could have was staggering. n the plus side, if she was an example of how the girls looked there, going to Konoha may actually be interesting.
He kind of wishes he knew what life there would be like. Giving a sigh, he pauses as he speaks up, not really wanting to ask this as it was the golden boy of all people. He still wants to know. If all goes to plan, he and his mother will be safe from Voldemort's insanity. He needs to know so he can protect her… protect her if something happens to his dad.
"Hey Potter!"
"What?!" Said boy tersely. Looking sore all over, the Golden boy was at the moment desiring to take a shower real fast before class. His sweat shining off his forehead and through his clothes, the dark-haired wizard was glaring at him with irritation. If anything, it was a typical response, Draco thought. But having to ask this, the blond asked with a tone that shows how scared he is. This feeling of intense fear is something he isn't used to.
"What is it like over there?" He whispered.
Surprisingly, Draco watches something akin to understanding emerge in his gaze. He knows that Harry and his two friends know what is going on. Hell after Granger thought up a plan, it was something he wasn't too thrilled with, but it made sense. If it kept his family alive, he would do it.
"It's great," he replied. "It's peaceful. Sure, you might hear the occasional explosion or feet running across the roof. But it will be the shinobi just training or going about their own business. The village is peaceful, there is food, stores, plenty of others around our own ages working in their family stores. When not on missions TenTen is usually helping her dad." He smiles happily, much to Draco's amusement. The blonde has to insult him about that later. At least to keep up appearances.
"You can do a lot there at younger ages, Konahamaru is already a shinobi and he's 12. They consider if you graduate from the shinobi academy that you are an adult."
"Really?" Draco stated in surprise.
Harry nodded his head and then began to speak once more, but this time with a look of seriousness. "But I won't lie to you Malfoy, it is dangerous. Did you know that just guarding someone, my cousin and Sakura had to kill people to defend themselves and their client." He replied. "One of my new friends there, her and her entire clan make the Imperio curse obsolete, another friend controls shadows and has an extremely high IQ. You have yet to really see what Neji, TenTen and Lee can do, and they are our age. Can you imagine the power of the older ones?"
Paling at the news, Draco was already having second thoughts, but Harry spoke once more. "That's why the self-defense Malfoy, in case you or your mother is attacked. Wands can be broken easily here or there. How are you going to defend yourself or your mother if that happens? I don't know about you, but I don't want to find out the hard way."
That said Harry leaves Draco alone, his words deep in the pale blonde's mind. The Malfoy heir renews his determination. Even though they disagree on a lot of things, his last comments are going through his mind.
"Neither do I Potter, neither do I."
888888888888888888888888888
Okay this I admit was a little bit of a pain to write. Got a whole new roommate who compared to my former is 1000 times better. So, I was distracted over the last week YAY!
But in the meantime, I am still here, and I am still going at it. This one I wanted to establish some more of the unity which will come into play later. Remember though this is not fully canon. But the whole deal with Slugworth is coming up next.