Well, it's been a while. A lot has happened since I've last replied, but the main thing is I HAVE MY CANADIAN PERMANENT RESIDENCY AT LAST! Honestly, I was really surprised I didn't have issues after all my info was in the system. I was sure I'd have to at least have to have some sort of meeting with IRCC. I was also worried about my disabilities and lack of pictures my wife and I have. The biggest thing was the photo for my PR card, but thankfully the second time was okay because I received my PR card yesterday! :)

Other news: so I'm in this program to help me settle/get a job/that kinda thing, and I've been taking this edting/proofreading class. If I get an 80 or above in both courses, I'll be guaranteed a job. I can do that shit just fine, but my Lord, Microsoft Word is so damn confusing. I use Google Docs (because I didn't have Word for a while and I share things and all that.) So that's the biggest issue for the course.

I've been having quite a bit of MS flare ups as well, but thankfully, where I live is cool-cold most of the year. Give me cold weather any day.

Anyway, enough rambling until the end of the chappie :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Naruto Shippuden. This is just for fun, no profit will be made from this (and I don't want to either). This is purely for my and the entertainment of Naruto fans.

Dedication: To my beautiful, amazing, intelligent, girlfriend Phillipa (Shadow Spirit Dragon-wolf) for being there for me through not only my writing (both fanfiction and my original story) but real life in general. You have been my inspiration and my support through everything.

Warnings: Violence, explicit sexual conduct (no rape!) homosexual relationship, relationship with a large age gap, struggles with belonging, self-hatred, obsession, self-harm, self-experimentation, human experimentation, mental disorders, a dark view of the "afterlife", (bonding of) pain and isolation, self-worthlessness, and male pregnancy.

Pairings: NaruOro, canon pairings (except, obviously, NaruHina).

Summary: Sometimes, the deepest scars are the ones no one can see, but in a world moving into the light even the oldest inner wounds can be seen

Enjoy! :)

Chapter Fifty-two: Toxicity

Obito

Kakashi and I walk through the streets of Konoha. Well, he walks; I float more like it. It feels strange being back here after all this time. Still, it's nice in a strange, nostalgic way.

People happily greet and bow to their Sixth Hokage. It's both strange and exciting that Kakashi is living my dream for me. I know he hates being Hokage, but as I've told him, he is the best for the job until Naruto is ready.

I keep myself invisible to most here. I don't want anyone to "freak out" seeing a "ghost". Knowing Guy…

I smirk. Maybe…

"What are you smirking about? Maruta and Mitsuki are waiting for us," Kakashi deadpans, stopping halfway to the training ground we used as brats.

I roll my eyes. Yes, eyes. It's still strange that I have… I reach up, covering my left eye for a moment. "We'd have gotten there sooner if someone let me use Kamui," I scoff.

"We need to conserve your chakra so you can get back. Plus, it's nice to just walk sometimes."

"Fine, but I want to mess with Guy later."

Kakashi looks at me for a while then we start heading to our destination. The village is slowly changing over time. I suppose it would since the times are. How much will it change when Naruto becomes Hokage? Further than that?

"Try not to scare Guy, too much," Kakashi says as we enter the training grounds.

"You really are no fun."

He waves me off. "Seems they're not here yet. Maruta did have physical therapy with Lee today after all. Well, let's just wait for them then." He sits against a tree, pulling out one of the many favourite porn books.

I sit on one of the posts used to tie misbehaving genin up during the bell test.

Boruto won't be coming. He wanted to help watch over his mom. He's not allowed in the room where the test is being held, but he's being helpful to Sakura and making sure Orochimaru's room is set. He seems the most protective out of Naruto's kids.

"I can't believe you still read that trash."

"It's very insightful and deep," he replies, flipping the page.

"Insightful for your cock, maybe," I scoff.

Kakashi glances up at me for a moment with a shrug then gets back to reading.

I roll my eyes, and look out.

"Sorry we're late!" someone calls.

Kakashi and I look over to see two boys: one snake-like and the other not heading towards us.

Maruta and Mitsuki Uzumaki…

"It's fine. We just got here ourselves," Kakashi says as the boys finally reach us.

Maruta looks up at me, hiding behind his younger brother. Despite being older, he's a lot smaller than both of his brothers.

"It's okay, Maruta," Mitsuki says gently. "Right Lord Sixth?"

"You don't have to call me that, Mitsuki. And yes, it's fine," Kakashi says. He gestures to me. "This is Obito Uchiha. He's my best friend and one of my old teammates. He brought your brother back, and is here to help your mother."

Maruta peeks out, staring at me.

"You're an Uchiha like Sarada is," Mitsuki says.

I nod. "Yes."

"My name is Mitsuki, and this is Maruta. He's shy around new people."

"Well, I'm not going to eat any of you even if I am a ghost."

Mitsuki laughs. Maruta hides his mouth, giggling a bit.

"You know, Maruta, I heard you want to meet Lord First."

His eyes light up. They're actually very pretty. Blue and elliptical. It's as if he's the perfect combination of his parents. The other two, especially Mitsuki, not so much. I have to wonder where the blueish hair comes from though. Then again, I'm not into genetics like Orochimaru is.

"Y-yeah," he says softly.

"I think he'd enjoy meeting you."

"Even though I'm a naga?"

"Naga" is the name of the "creature" Maruta is officially called even though, apparently, he doesn't fit into the myth of how they were created.

"Yeah," I smile.

Maruta smiles back, moving away from his brother a bit more.

"Daddy is with Aunt Ino doing a test on Mama, right?" Mitsuki asks.

Kakashi nods, flipping his page.

"I hope Mama will be okay," Maruta whispers, touching the bandage on the right side of his face.

"Your mother will be just fine. We're here to help him after all," I say.

The boys look at each other then at me, nodding.

"Mama doesn't want to hurt anyone…"

"He's just…"

"That's why he's getting help," I say. "And I'm not leaving until he's okay."

"Thank you, Mr. Obito," Maruta whispers.

"You don't have to be so formal. It's a bit strange.""

"Says the man who wanted to be Hokage," Kakashi mutters.

"That's different!"

"You wanted to be Hokage?" Mitsuki asks.

I nod. "Yeah, but well, I went crazy more or less."

"Like Mama?" Mitsuki asks.

"Mama isn't crazy," Maruta mutters.

"No, it's different, and I don't think you two are ready to know about such details," I say.

"Boruto would complain if he were here," Kakashi says.

"Yeah! He's just like Daddy!" Mitsuki giggles.

"Lord First thought he was Naruto."

"Really?"

"Oh yeah, but the best part was when your brother first arrived in the afterlife. He fell on Madara's head!" I cackle.

"He didn't hurt him, did he?" Kakashi asks, putting his book on his lap, finger holding his place.

"Nah. I think he likes the kid, honestly."

"Boruto is very likable!"

"Yeah, he's a good kid. His grandparents sure enjoyed spending time with him."

"Do you have any kids, Obito?" Maruta asks.

"No."

"Can you even have kids being dead?" Mitsuki wonders.

I shrug. "I have no idea."

"What's the afterlife like anyway? Do you like it?"

I look at them. They're a lot more eager to know things than before. Maruta is still staying close to his brother, but he's more relaxed and confident in asking and saying things that are on his mind.

"I do. After all, I get to be with Rin at last."

Kakashi

Father sits across from me in the Hokage office as I go through the paperwork for the day.

"How did Maruta and Mitsuki enjoy meeting Obito?""

"They seem to really like him. Then again, Obito has always been likeable."

"Yes, I remember when you had a crush on him," Father chuckles.

I blush. "It was a stupid childless crush, Father."

"I'm not so sure about that, but either way, you seem a lot happier than you used to, and I'm grateful for that."

"Yeah, I have good people in my life," I say, smiling.

"I can tell. How are you and Guy doing?"

"We're doing alright. Guy is just as wild as ever. Obito wants to scare him."

"Guy's still afraid of spiritual beings, huh?"

"Yeah."

"That's too bad. I wanted to see him. I'm sure he's had to slow down a lot because of his leg."

"Ironically, I think he's gotten more energy," I chuckle, putting the paper I've been working on in the "done" pile. "Though, he tends to overdo it."

Father chuckles. "That's just like him. I'm glad Naruto was able to save his life."

"Yeah, me too. I don't know where I'd be without Guy. He's weird and way too out there for my tastes, but…"

"He's exactly what you need," Father finishes.

I stop filling out the next paperwork mid-sentence. "Yeah, but even so…"

"Love is strange like that. You can love multiple people for various reasons."

"I suppose that's true. I've never been good at such things."

"You never were good with your emotions, it's true. You get that from your mother."

"How is she?"

"She's just fine. She's excited to meet you, but doesn't want you to come too soon."

"I'll try not to," I say, finishing the paper I've been on.

We sit in silence for a bit. The only sound is the sound of the pen hitting the papers.

"I loved Orochimaru at one time."

I look up at my father. "You did?"

"Don't be so surprised. We had missions together, and we did have a bond."

"Because of our clans."

"That, and there's just something about him that draws you in."

"Seems Naruto feels that way too, so then why didn't you and Orochimaru ever get together?"

"I was with your mother, and he was with Jiraiya."

"I see."

"Besides, it wasn't the kind of love where I'd marry him. Even if I had…" he trails off, looking out the window.

"Father…"

He looks at me. "What I'm trying to say is don't beat yourself up for having feelings for Obito still. It's natural to want and need bonds like that. Sometimes it's better than even our lovers, but they can never be replaced."

I nod. "I just don't want Guy to think he's a replacement for Obito."

"I doubt he thinks that. He knows you love him."

"I feel I neglect him a lot with being Hokage, helping Naruto, and now Orochimaru. It's… difficult."

"You're being too hard on yourself. Why don't you and Guy spend a day together? Go somewhere and just relax."

"But I'm-"

"Kakashi." I look up to see Father putting a hand on my shoulder, smiling gently at me. "Relax. It's going to be just fine. You have advisors for a reason; you can leave the village sometimes."

"Alright, but only after we know what's going on with Orochimaru."

Naruto

I stare at Ino as she whips the tears away. We immediately left Oreo's mind as soon as she said that. Neither of us said anything as we did. Shizune took Oreo back to his room. Sakura let Ino cry on her shoulder. Boruto wanted to help, but I made him go to Iruka-sensei's house with his brothers. He was lucky he got to be here at all. But, he's been a big help.

No one asked us anything. I could tell they wanted to, but seeing how Ino was reacting, they knew it wouldn't be a good idea.

I'm not sure how to feel right now. I barely feel myself walk into the meeting room, nor the voices of the others. Everything feels like it's in slow motion. It's as if I'm drowning, and I can't move to reach the air above.

"Naruto," Hinata says softly, touching my face.

I blink, looking at her. Why is she here?

I look around as she takes her hand away. Obito, Old Man Sakumo, Kakashi-sensei, Sakura, Shizune, Kabuto, Snake Lady, Jugo, Suigetsu, Karin, Granny Tsunade, Captain Yamato, Shikamaru, and Ino are all in here as well, staring and waiting for me.

I made a shadow clone to talk to everyone while my real self is with Oreo.

"Sorry; I'm fine now," I say. "So…"

"Is it true that Orochimaru-sensei has schizophrenia?" Snake Lady asks.

"Yeah. The way his mind is, and looking at all the evidence, he's definitely got it."

"Do you know what kind?" Sakura asks.
Ino shakes her head. "Not definitely, but I have an idea."

"Guys, what is this schizo-whatever?"

"Schizophrenia: when a person is unable to tell reality from not. They believe the hallucinations they either see and/or hear are real. They're delusional into believing this false reality, and no matter if you prove that their hallucinations aren't real, they believe they are, and more or less, "out to get them"," Karin says, pushing up her glasses.

"So, the reapers are…?"

"Hallucinations his mind is making up," Shikamaru says.

"I never knew his mind was so warped. It's kinda crazy," Suigetsu says, sipping on his water.

"What do we do now?" Shizune asks. "He's going to have to know, but…"

"We'll have to develop medication for him. There are different kinds, and we need to know exactly what kind he has before proceeding to make any sort of medication," Sakura says.

"Ino, you said you had an idea of what kind of schizophrenia he has?" Jugo asks, petting Keiski coiled around his arm.

"Yeah. Based on how he's been acting, I'd say it's paranoid schizophrenia."

"What's that?" I ask.

"It's just as it sounds, Naruto. He's paranoid that we're out to get him. That's where the delusions come in," Obito says.

"Oreo…" I whisper.

Jugo puts a hand on my back. "We're going to help him, Lord Naruto."

I sniff, looking up at him. "Thank you, Jugo."

"Another thing we need to consider is his chakra during one of his episodes," Kabuto says.

"I think we need to make him have an episode," Obito says.

"W-what? But Oreo…"

"It's not to hurt him; it's to see exactly what we're dealing with here, Naruto," Kakashi-sensei says.

"Yeah, but wasn't that why Ino and I went into Oreo's mind."

"That's just the first step. Now we have to determine medication, dosage, how it'll be given, when it'll be given, and emergency precautions," Ino says.

"So we need to see how his mind and chakra are in a calm vs. a hallucination state," Kabuto says.

"I can watch his chakra levels," Hinata says.

"Thank you, Hinata," Sakura smiles. "We need to make sure we record everything. This may take a while to figure out."

"We also need to make sure he doesn't go catatonic," Ino says.

"What's that?"

"Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder. There are different variations. We're still trying to understand it, but it seems that sometimes a person can become catatonic, or unresponsive."

"Naruto, has Orochimaru ever become unresponsive while awake?" Granny Tsunade asks.

"I don't think so…"

"Like I said, we need to monitor him."

"I agree."

"What about that wall and the dragon summoning?" I ask.

"That's going to have to wait," Sakura says.

"Yes, he needs a clear mind. We may get an idea if he doesn't have anything impairing his ability to think clearly," Shikamaru says.

"Naruto, we'll need you to stay with him, and let us know if you notice anything unusual in his behaviour," Sakura says.

"What about the kids? They're with Iruka-sensei right now…"

"They can stay with us," Karin says.

"Aww! We have to watch three brats?" Suigetsu complains.

"Shut up, Suigetsu. Hasaki and Sazamani want to see them."

"Yeah, but you're…"

"We'll take turns. Sakumaru znd Seishin want to see them as well," Anko says.

"Alright, Naruto, you and whoever wants to watch your kids, make a schedule," Kakashi-sensei says.

"You act like it's some training for a mission," Obito smirks.

Sensei rolls his eyes.

"Let's just keep an eye on things, and keep this from the rest of the villagers, Maruta, Boruto, Mitsuki, and Orochimaru until we know more," Sakura says.

Orochimaru

Naruto runs his fingers through my hair as we lie next to each other in my hospital bed. I feel it's been quite a long time since I've been here. No one will tell me where Boruto was, but I think I know where.

I close my eyes, sighing in content. Naruto has been unusually quiet today. Even if I don't mind the quiet, it's disturbing that my husband is. I feel something is wrong, but I can't say what.

Or, perhaps, I've just gone crazy. Anyone would be in here, subjected to all that testing and invasion of one's mind. But, I promised Naruto I would be tested to prove myself right, and I know such things take time.

I've been poked and prodded quite a bit during my stay. Especially after the last test Naruto and Ino did together in my mind. Hinata has even come in here to check my chakra. Everyone has been acting so strange, especially Naruto. It's as if they're waiting for something to happen, or are afraid I'll hurt myself.

It's not as if I'm trying to. Those reapers are dangerous and show no mercy after all.

"Oreo," Naruto whispers.

I look at my husband. His eyes are intense and sad. Naruto, what…? What is going on? I wish he wasn't acting like this. It hurts.

He closes his eyes, taking my hand, squeezing it gently. He looks at me, tears brimming.

"Kit…"

"I don't know how to tell you this, but we've… we've found answers to what's going on with you…" he says shakily.

I stare, waiting.

He takes a few shaky breaths. "Oreo, you have umm… schizo… schizo…" he bites his lip. "Schizophrenia," he barely manages.

I stare at him.

"Oreo?"

I sit up, and Naruto does the same.

"Oreo? Are you-?" he reaches for me.

I jerk away, glaring at him. "Don't touch me!"

He drops his hand. "Oreo…"

"I can't believe you, Naruto."

"W-what? But I…"

"You know damn well I don't have any sort of disease or disorder. You know the truth."

He looks at me for a while. "Yeah, I do know the truth. Oreo, you're sick. What you see and hear at times, it's not real-"

"Just because you aren't special enough to be chosen to save the dead doesn't mean that I'm lying!" I hiss.

"Oreo, listen to me, it's already been proven you have it, and now you can finally get help. Sakura, Ino, Kabuto, and Shizune have been working tirelessly to make medicine to help you. So please…"

"I'm not taking drugs so you fools can make fun of me while I act like a mindless zombie!"

"It's not like that! It's to help you realize reality!"

"I do realize reality! You're the one who doesn't! Go away, Naruto!"

"No. You need to accept the facts. There are no reapers, and the afterlife isn't suffering!"

"How would you know?! You can't see what I see! You don't hear the screams or see them running just to survive knowing they'll have to for eternity! I''m their only saving grace! Why are you denying them? Why are you so against me actually mattering and being able to do something for a change?!"

"You are important, but you're destroying yourself! I won't let you!"

"I agreed to take these tests to prove I was right, but since that was a waste of time, I'll be leaving," I say, attempting to move the IV and other machines, but I suddenly can't move.

I glare at the doorway to see Shikamaru using his shadow paralysis jutsu.

"Sorry, Orochimaru, but you can't leave here right now. We can't have you having schizophrenic episodes anymore."

I hiss. "Don't test me, boy!"

"Oreo, stop it. We're only trying to help!"

Others come in. The ones in charge of this stupidity. They''ll pay for what they're trying to do to me!

"They want your power. Don't let them put that medicine in you. It's to subdue you so you'll be powerless to save them," Shiromaru says.

Of course, I know that. I have to break out of these stupid shadows! I watch as Sakura holds up a syringe, checking it. So that's the…

"Not good. They're serious about getting your powers."

I won't let them! I struggle to move.

Shikamaru struggles to keep me still. "I can't hold him for long, so please Sakura-"

I let out an explosion of my chakra, breaking the stupid paralysis and knocking over quite a few people and machines. I pant heavily, glaring at everyone. I stand up a bit shakily. Naruto pulls me against him. I struggle.

"Let go!" I hiss.

"Stop," he whispers softly, tears falling. "Please just… just stop!"

"I won't let you take my powers! I… I have to save them! I'm the only one!"

"Save us from what?" A familiar voice asks.

My eyes widen when Sakumo and Obito appear in the room.

"I told you two to wait," Lord Sixth sighs.

"It's better that we come in now, Kakashi," Obito says.

I stare at them both. They're spirits, yet different at the same time.

"Lovely, this isn't like you to be so against something to help you," Sakumo says.

"How did you escape?" I ask.

"I can go between space-times because of Kamui. Boruto ended up in the afterlife because of what you did," Obito snaps.

I glare at him.

"Glare all you want, but the fact of the matter is Sakumo and I live in the afterlife, and we can tell you without fail this delusion you have about death is nothing more than you being insane."

"Obito!" Sakura exclaims.

He shrugs. "Even so, there is hope for you."

"I. am. not. crazy!" I hiss, chakra flaring and whipping around me.

Naruto holds me closer. "Oreo, please calm down."

"Why don't you let me go?! I should've never come back here!"

"Oreo…"

"I'm going home, and taking the kids. Where are they?" I demand.

"You're not seeing them until you agree to take this medication. You're a danger to them and yourself. Why do you think that we've been having you monitored?" Lord Sixth says.

"You can't just decide when I see and not see my children!" I hiss.

"Oreo, you can see them if you take your medicine-"

"No! I will not! Why don't you take it?!"

"This is so lame! He's really trying to fight against us."

"Why not just give it to him?"

"We'll have to hold him down."

I hiss as I feel myself being taken to the bed and strapped down. My snakes lash.

"Shh, it's going to be okay. No one is going to hurt you," Sakumo says as his white chakra washes over me.

I stare at him. My body feels heavy.

"He's fine now, but I'd keep the straps at the ready just in case."

"Right."

"Nice work, Nikia! Now he can't move!" Xinu grims.

"All in a day's work," Nikia grins widely, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "And now it's-

"I… won't… let… you…" I growl.

Nikia tries to subdue me again, but I fight back!

"Why isn't your chakra working, Old Man Sakumo?!"

"Orochimaru is desperately fighting against it."

"He's having an attack," Hinata says.

"This really is entertaining! Soon, we'll have Shiromaru's bitch's power to destroy!"

"Then get on with it, Xinu. I'm tired of being in this filthy place," Zaikko snaps.

"Want me to snap your neck?"

"Just shut up. Lord Vairu is waiting for results, not stupidity."

I let out a scream, thrashing about wildly despite the restraints the reapers have put on me. They're taking over everyone! They're all reapers! I have to… I have to…!

Sakumo's white chakra envelops me again.

"Try now," he says.

"Alright, here we go," Sakura says.

"You have to get out of this. Nikia is using her ability."

"Ability?"

"She's able to alter the truth. She's using those you care about as those who wish to harm you. She's dangerous. Kill her now."

"I… can't move…"

"Then get out. You have my powers. Use them!"

I feel a power well up inside of me and I blast the reapers.

"Shit, what was…?""

"Ow! What the hell was that?!"

"He's loose! Grab him, Naruto!"

"Yeah, yeah, I know!" he yells, doing so.

"Again! Kill them all!"

I let out a scream as Naruto holds me close and I let out Shiromaru's power.

Naruto gasps, but doesn't let me go.

"What is that he's even using?"

"Is that…?"

"It's possible, but I don't think he even realizes he's doing it."

"His chakra is all over the place. He's going in and out of this schizophrenic episode," Hinata says.

"Should I use mind transfer?" Ino asks.

"No. It'll be too dangerous," Tsunade says. I feel her grab my face. "Orochimaru, stop being an idiot and take your medicine."

I glare at her.

"They can't hurt you now. You'll save them all."

I have to…

The reapers laugh at me weakly as they slowly approach me.

I have to…

"Let it all out! Break the seal, and unleash your power! Prove to them that you're right! I am real! And I will-"

More sounds. More screams.

More laughs. More blood.

They're all holding me down.

They're all trying to take my power!

But I won't…!

"That's enough, Orochimaru."

Sasuke stands in the doorway.

"Sasuke!"

"Naruto, everyone, back up before you get hurt. I've got this."

"You…! Are you here for my powers too?!"

He walks up to the bed, and activates his sharingan. Before I have time to close my eyes, I'm trapped!

I try to break myself out, but I can't move!

This is…!

I let out a scream as the world grows darker, and I slowly lose my powers to the reapers.

Well, there we have it. I'm sure y'all figured out that Orochimaru's POV has already happened, but I wanted to show his/their (still trying to get used to calling Oreo "they") perspective. I felt it made sense.

I'm in the middle of Chapter-fifty for this story. There's a part I'm probably going to move elsewhere because I feel it'd fit later. I'm trying to make things flow together for this overall plot. I know what I want to do, but getting there has been a bit difficult to be honest.

In other news, my partner and I have been working on the first book of our novel series as well as my course, and just life in general, Coiled, Hostage, and Thunder have not been my focus. I apologize for my lack of updating, but the novel comes first.

At any event, I hope y'all enjoyed! :)

Preview

Anko

I spin the kunai in my hand. "Then what? You wanna learn how to lick a kunai without getting cut?"

"Wouldn't Mama be better for that?" he deadpans, rolling his eyes.