KG: Well, this is later than I initially wanted it, but I had a lot of fun writing it. So... here you go!
Music of the Week: Heavy Is The Crown by League of Legends ft. Linkin Park
Quote: "Children have a lesson adults should learn, to not be ashamed of failing, but to get up and try again. Most of us adults are so afraid, so cautious, so 'safe,' and therefore so shrinking and rigid and afraid that it is why so many humans fail. Most middle-aged adults have resigned themselves to failure." ― Malcolm X
Yukimaru cleared his throat as he watched Naruto usher in the beginning of the Five Kage Summit. The young genin never thought he'd be here, sitting amongst the world's leaders and listening to talks and decisions whose structure could change the fate of the world at large. It was a little nerve-racking if he were being honest. He knew that he just had to take notes and become acclimated to the political environment, yet still he felt his breath hitch in his throat, especially when he looked at his clan's patriarch.
Taking a moment, the adopted son of Guren turned to his fiancee. Hanabi seemed to be handling the pressure a little better than he was. Her eyes remained focused on the whole group. Naruto hadn't begun speaking yet, but she seemed ready to take any note that she could. Based on the stories she told him of when she was growing up, Yukimaru knew that she'd been in environments like this before. As her future husband, he couldn't afford to appear lacking. He took a deep breath and then turned to the rest of the group.
When he turned, he stilled and noticed Naruto glance at him. The blond was still under the full might of the Shinigami, his whitish-silver cloak gently waving in a breeze created by his own power. The blond then offered Yukimaru a small smile. The youngest member of the Uzumaki Clan returned the smile, ready to begin working while Naruto turned to the rest of the Kage.
Immediately, Kurotsuchi leaned back in her seat. Her finger tapped the table impatiently. "Look, as much as I'd like to start all the introductions, I really want to know what you've got to say, Naruto. The Raikage and I have been thinking about this pressing news you've got for us. Care to explain that one right now?" Kurotsuchi inquired.
The Tsuchikage had to suppress a shiver when the Summoner of the Shinigami turned his gaze toward her. After a moment, his power relaxed. His silver hair turned back to its usual yellow color. His silver eyes turned blue once again. After a moment, his lips thinned. "You sure you want to rip the bandaid off right now? I thought no one eats the main course first," he replied.
Kurotsuchi snorted. "It's nearly 5:30 in the morning. I haven't eaten yet and I didn't get a lot of sleep last night. I'm going to get a headache one way or the other, and I'd really rather not leave the meeting on a note that makes me want to smash this table. Nevertheless, I guess I'll submit to the wishes of the other Kage," Kurotsuchi claimed, glancing at the others.
"I shouldn't have to voice my opinion, but I agree with the Tsuchikage. I would like this mysterious matter announced now," the Raikage replied.
Naruto noticed Tsunade sigh out of the corner of his eye. "I'm not thrilled to be given such heavy news so early, but the Kage Summit was created for matters such as this. Nothing good comes from taking more time to be made aware of an issue, especially if it sounds as severe as what Tsuchikage-dono and Raikage-dono are claiming. I agree to listen to the matter."
Mei nodded. "I have gotten enough sleep. I would like to listen as well, Naruto-san," the Mizukage answered.
Finally, Gaara nodded. "I agree with the others," The Kazekage uttered. Then, all the Kage turned their attention to the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki. Immediately, Naruto realized he was a little more tired than he thought. He scratched the back of his head for a moment, gauging the reactions of each of the Kage.
The blond exhaled slowly. "Fine. Then, I'll make the point quick. I was met by two Otsutsuki on my way here a few days ago. One of them was able to subdue one of my summons," Naruto answered.
The Kage didn't speak. They didn't even seem to express shock. After so many meetings, they'd definitely thought that the possibility wasn't unlikely. That said, it was a little unsettling to have some idea of how powerful Naruto's summons were. For even them to get subdued painted a rather grim outcome.
"Fucking wonderful…" Kurotsuchi muttered to herself. Unfortunately, it wasn't so soft that the others couldn't hear her. While they wouldn't have put it so crass-like, they each agreed with her sentiments.
"They held the summon hostage. If they could subdue it, then it's likely that they had the means to do worse to it. Is that why you didn't engage?" Gaara inquired.
Naruto exhaled slowly. His eyes narrowed for but a moment as he remembered the incident. So far, all the notes he'd made back in the house he'd been staying in with Yura and Yuri weren't doing much help. Sure, they helped organize his thoughts, yet they didn't seem to help in lessening the severity of the story.
"Not exactly. There were two towns fairly close by. Additionally, Kagura warned me of just how powerful they were. From the way she made it sound, it doesn't seem like I would have been able to teleport them away without consequences. Plus, it seemed like they knew that as well. They captured my summon because they wanted to speak with me," Naruto explained.
The others glanced at each other. "I thought Otsutsuki don't converse with 'inferior creatures.'" Mei Terumi uttered. There was a bit of a chuckle from Ay's voice. Nevertheless, he cleared his throat when the others noticed Naruto's stern expression.
"Kagura told me there was something unusual about these two Otsutsuki. Both of them are even more powerful than her. Suffice to say, I felt a little compelled to listen to their request. Apparently, they wanted me to… switch gods I guess. They worship some being called The Great Will. Kagura explained it to be the supreme deity of all Otsutsuki, the only one to ever reach godhood. I don't know a whole lot of truth to her words, but it this guy's as powerful as she says then he's above even the Shinigami," Naruto answered.
The Kage widened their eyes. Even their guards felt a shudder roll through their bodies. Tsunade pinched the bridge of her nose while the Raikage clenched his fist. The frown on Gaara's face deepened as the Mizukage hid her expressions in her hands. The Tsuchikage bit her thumb's nail with a harsh scowl on her face.
Nevertheless, Naruto continued on. "They called me a Lower Heir. I've bounced this idea off Kurama, Kagura, and the others for some time. Kurama and Mōryō believe that Lower Heir is a connection to the Shinigami. Perhaps a "lower" god when compared to Kami or The Great Will," Naruto uttered.
Gaara held up a hand. "A moment, please. So these Otsutsuki seem to be extremely powerful, more powerful than even the average Otsutsuki. They also obeyed the local Otsutsuki deity, The Great Will. And this Great Wiill seems to have its sights set upon recruiting Naruto-san to its cause. What does it need you for?" Gaara asked.
Naruto breathed slowly through his mouth, almost as if he were trying to make noise that might help him think. "I wish I could tell you, Gaara, but I don't know. Those two Otsutsuki weren't exactly willing to go into details. They didn't look like they were happy with speaking to me either. What I do know is that they said it was best that I join them. They believed we're not going to survive the coming invasion of the Otsutsuki. Apparently, it's already started."
Those were not the words that the Kage wanted to hear. Each of them provided varying degrees of shock. However, upon each of them was a lot of worry. "What? So then the Kāma has already been implanted into someone?" Ay inquired.
Naruto scratched his head. "No. Or if they have then it hasn't been recent. I'm not sure how long it might have begun. We've all been very busy so it's likely that something happened somewhere when we weren't looking. However, Kagura, Kurama, and I think it has to have started because those two Otsutsuki gave me some information. They claimed that Sasuke was going to die at some point in the future," the blond claimed.
Of them all, Naruto, predictably, noticed Tsunade, Kakashi, and Jiraiya appear to be the most affected. While the other Kage didn't seem that invested, it didn't take them long to understand the magnitude of what Naruto was trying to claim. During the battle for the entire world, the Kage had been given more than their fair view of what Uchiha Sasuke was capable of. It was easy to say that he was one of the most powerful shinobi in the world. Many were even aware that he established his power just below Kushina, Yuri, and Yura. He was by no means weak. Yet, even if Naruto could revive him, the odds that something could best the Uchiha to the point of killing him were… chilling.
"Where is Uchiha Sasuke now?" Tsunade asked.
Naruto's eyes narrowed. "I have him on an assignment to track down Shimura Danzo. After Sasuke, Kakashi, and Yugao were attacked by that unknown assailant. Kagura claims they're still on the Moon which still has Kaguya sealed. Unfortunately, I can't go there without being merged with the Shinigami. You know I asked him if I could investigate things here, but he told me I should settle affairs here before looking into matters beyond our world. I assumed that to mean that despite the peace there would still be trouble while we've begun rebuilding, and I have to say that one of the biggest problems we've had was Danzo. I don't deny his loyalty to Konoha, but… it's one that's clearly passed into obsession and fanaticism. If anyone could somehow screw all this up, it'd be him," Naruto explained.
The others nodded slowly. As much as Tsunade didn't like such a blatant truth, she knew she was forced to confront it. Danzo had been a pain even when her sensei, Hiruzen, had been Hokage. She'd never gotten rid of him because she couldn't find the evidence of any wrongdoing. Well, at least none that went against Konoha's best interests. However, this was the perfect time to get rid of him. Even better was that the rest of the Kage realized this as well.
"And you're sure that Sasuke can even find this guy? Even I've heard of Shimura Danzo. My grandfather heard of him as well. Still, if the Uchiha's life is in danger then shouldn't he be provided with backup? Assuming it's an Otsutsuki that takes him out, do we really need one finding Shimura Danzo as well?" Kurotsuchi inquired.
Gaara leaned forward, putting his elbows on the table. "Shimura Danzo is known for having a wide network and having very crude, yet effective methods. Before the Elemental Nations were remade, I heard plenty of reports that the councilman of Konoha was found in neighboring towns and villages near Suna. I believe that such a large manhunt would only alert him. It's necessary to keep the force as small as possible. However, I'm a little inclined to agree that we should recall Uchiha Sasuke. If he's defeated by… whatever force this is, it could provide others a gauge for our strength. They might think they can attack us again, especially with a greater force," Gaara replies.
Mei leaned back in her chair, brushing a piece of hair from her face. "Perhaps, but we are shinobi. We do not run away from death. We also can't just hide. They will be coming eventually. Besides, I believe Naruto would have already set countermeasures in place to protect Uchiha Sasuke. Additionally, I believe we've all gotten the chance to see how the young Uchiha does things. He doesn't seem the type to be coddled. Naruto, did they offer you any other information?" she asked.
Naruto shook his head. "None that we didn't already know. Aside from the fact Kagura told me those two Otsutsuki are different from ordinary Otsutsuki I don't know much else. Though, she just told me, the Otsutsuki wouldn't send more than five or six Otsutsuki to deal with us at the moment. They're very egotistical like that," Naruto answered.
"Then are you at least confident in whoever you sent to guard him? One of your summons was already subdued right? What's to stop this one from being taken down too?" Kurotsuchi inquired.
Naruto was getting ready to answer before the Raikage interjected. "A moment. Before anything else, have you confirmed that he's alive? He could have been one of those who turned into Jashin's little demonic army. Spirits listen to you, don't they?" Ay asked.
Naruto glanced off to the side for a moment. "...Give me a minute," the blond replied before he quickly closed his eyes and concentrated the Honshou through his body. He slowly absorbed the divine spiritual energy around him and entered his Death Sage Mode.
"Shimura Danzo, stand before me immediately," Naruto ordered, pushing his voice throughout the realm of the Shinigami. His eyes narrowed when he noticed the old warhawk appear before him. He frowned momentarily, especially when he took in Danzo's state. Even for those spirits who stepped before him, they usually approached with a whole body, perfect as they should have been in their old age. Yet… Danzo looked incredibly worse for wear.
"What… happened to him?" Gari asked in surprise. It seemed to be a question that no one else had the answer to. Shockingly, even Kagura took notice of the man's state. Her pupil-less eyes took in his decrepit form.
Being as old as she was, especially before Kaguya even stepped on this planet, Kagura had seen many things. However, just as many things had she forgotten as well. Being the Princess of the Otsutsuki Main Branch, she had become rather acquainted with those of the Main Branch Family. Of course, that could have changed over the centuries that she'd been gone, but she knew a main branch member's work when she saw one.
"Either this is the work of Isshiki… or there is another member of the Main Branch that has come upon your world," Kagura said which made the frown on Naruto's face deepen. He surveyed Danzo's soul. Bits and pieces of it were missing and others were a mangled mess. He looked more like a grotesque ghoul than a human being. He was unnaturally skinny, like he hadn't eaten a day in his life. His eyes were devoid of all life. Nearly every spirit that Naruto had seen, no matter how bad their end was, had some life left in their gaze. Danzo just had… nothing.
"Whatever happened to him, it must have been horrific. He's even standing like he's comatose," Dan claimed.
While the others continued to talk amongst themselves, Kurama and Pakura continued to survey the former Konoha war hawk. "Whoever did this seems to have some understanding of the realm of the Shinigami. They were likely experimenting on Danzo-san for a long time. If not for his death, I'd assume it was Orochimaru. People like him tend to leave their victims alive as long as possible. However, this is even more macabre than what the Sannin is used to," Pakura uttered.
After a moment, Naruto spoke. "Shimura Danzo, when did you die?" Naruto asked.
"...I do not remember, Shikyō-sama."
He didn't… remember? Of all the things, Naruto was expecting that wasn't one of them. His other summons glanced at each other before the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki addressed Danzo again.
"Who killed you?" Naruto inquired.
"...I do not remember, Shikyō-sama."
"Where did you die?"
"...I do not remember, Shikyō-sama."
"Where did you live?"
"...I do not remember, Shikyō-sama."
"Which village deserves to rule over the others?"
"...I do not know, Shikyō-sama."
"What… is your name?"
"Shimura Danzo, Shikyō-sama."
Suiren floated over to Pakura. "So he only remembers his own name? Are we sure that Naruto-sama didn't pick a different Danzo? There may be people with the same name and surname," The former Kiri kunoichi explained. Suiren didn't really believe this herself, but there had to be some reason this guy didn't know anything.
"If that were the case, then numerous men claiming the name of Shimura Danzo would have come forward when Naruto called for the name. Notice when he called only one appeared. This has to be the man that we're looking for. As for why he doesn't seem to remember anything, that is a mystery in itself. Unless… you know," Mōryō answered, turning one of his numerous heads toward Kagura.
The Princess of the Otsutsuki continued to look upon the pitiful state of Shimura Danzo. This certainly reeked of Isshiki's work, yet this was much more barbaric than she remembered. It could be that he didn't have Otsutsuki resources so he was forced to undertake these… crude methods, yet there was a masterful aspect to this crudeness.
"This would be Isshiki's work. I am unsure how he's done it, but he's perfected the technique of Spirit Corruption. Your Sharingan and illusion arts are diluted products of this technique. Even when I had been free, not many Otsutsuki had mastered this technique. Isshiki conquered the mind of Shimura Danzo and extracted every piece of his chakra. He then reshaped it and implanted his own into Danzo, overwriting the very soul and all that makes it up. We have made use of this to subtly invade… more troublesome worlds. Use of the Kāma was always an Otsutsuki's last resort, especially since we prefer not to mingle with lower lifeforms. This might be Shimura Danzo, yet he is simply a husk of whatever creature any of you knew. Body destroyed, soul conquered, and spirit crushed, there is nothing left of him save his own name."
"...There's seriously something wrong with you Otsutsuki. Each and every one of you."
The others remained quiet against the full weight of Naruto's chill tone. He didn't scream at Kagura. He didn't condemn her either. He just let his anger stew as he stared at what Danzo had become. Oh believe him, he had no personal love for Danzo. The man was better off dead as far as Naruto was concerned, yet even this…
After a moment, Naruto held up his hand. He then covered it in the violet flames of The End. He then grabbed Danzo's head, covering the old warhawk in the burning flames. As far as Naruto knew, these flames were supposed to hurt. He'd experienced just a portion of their strength when he fought Jashin. It was supposed to be soul-crushing, spirit-breaking agony. Yet, Danzo didn't even mutter a single scream. Even as his very spirit was burned to cinders, never even to be revived. All that was Shimura Danzo would never appear again.
"Pakura, I'd like you to do something for me," Naruto said, shocking the others when he addressed the former Suna kunoichi, none more so than her. It wasn't exactly difficult to know that the road for them both was still rocky, much better than before yet not where it was before.
Pakura bowed. "Yes, Shikyō-sama," she said. She then continued to nod as Naruto fed her information and plans. Once he was done, she quickly flew out of his sword.
"It will be done, Naruto-sama," Pakura claimed. She then flew through the building's ceiling and blasted off in the direction of Sasuke's signature, covering miles of land in a few moments.
The others were strangely very silent before Naruto dismissed them. Kagura didn't see what the point of the summoner's anger was. Then again, she also didn't really care to know either. If this Shimura Danzo was weak enough to be captured by Isshiki, then his life was meaningless anyway. After all, insects were useful even if they were insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Either way, Kagura went back to contemplating her own affairs.
In the meantime, Naruto finally addressed the Kage who'd been watching him perform a myriad of strange actions. When his eyes opened, they and their guards shivered when they saw anger there. No one was sure what happened to put him in such a mood, yet they didn't say anything. They just let him gather his thoughts for a minute.
It was a minute Naruto was thankful for when he finally addressed the Kage. "Shimura Danzo is dead. I've sent someone to warn Sasuke that he can stop his mission," Naruto finally spoke, addressing the room.
The Kage took that as the time that they should finally speak. "Well, that's good, right? What's the problem?" Kurotsuchi asked.
Naruto contemplated this matter slowly. "As the Summoner of the Shinigami, I have a few benefits of speaking with those who've passed away. When they appear before me, they can't lie to me or attempt to deceive me. When I summoned Danzo, he appeared but something happened to him. He didn't remember anything except his own name. His spirit was in such a corrupted state that he looked like he'd been… suffering for almost ten thousand lifetimes. Kagura says an Otsutsuki technique did this to him," the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki explained.
The group remained quiet, digesting this… uncomfortable information. They could tell Naruto was even downplaying the issue for the benefit of Hanabi and Yukimaru.
Mei's expression turned grave. "Otsutsuki. Is it this Isshiki that she spoke of?" The Mizukage questioned.
The other Kage looked at each other. "Or it could be another Otsutsuki. If there was one thing Kagura-san made clear, the Otsutsuki are clearly very arrogant. Yet, I suppose they have reason to be, especially if the history of Shinobi is to be believed. I find the thought that no human knew how to use chakra rather… concerning. When we look at the grand scheme of events, we see that humanity hasn't been using chakra for a long time. And, given the lifespan of the Otsutsuki, they have clearly had a greater time controlling it than we have. However, if this is another Otsutsuki, I struggle to find why they would use such… subtle methods," The Kazekage claimed.
It was at that moment that Naruto turned to Gaara. "That's what makes Kagura think that it could be Isshiki. If it is, then Danzo's not the only one who's fallen to Isshiki. I could potentially summon more victims but if they're anything like Danzo, it'll just be a waste of time. Unless…"
Naruto frowned before he ordered those who had been killed by Isshiki to stand in front of him. More than a few spirits came in front of him. As expected, Naruto noticed a few less worse than the worst of the lot. He quickly burned those too far gone with the dark violet flames of The End. He then addressed the others. Unfortunately, they couldn't provide him with a whole lot. They were taken in the middle of the night from various locations around the Elemental Nations. Now their injuries, Naruto could fix. Touching them with the golden flames, the corruptions to their spirits were corrected. Unfortunately, Danzo and others like him were too far gone for his level of understanding. Even then, he wouldn't have fixed Danzo's mind. That had long been crushed. Yet, he could give them a true death, one with no more pain or suffering, The End of All Things.
Naruto was beginning to think the matter was worthless until one of the spirits claimed that they'd heard bubbling. They'd somehow woken up early from all the others. It wasn't much but… it was better than nothing.
The blond summoner dismissed the spirits and addressed the Kage again. "Well, I have… a small lead I guess. One of them said they heard bubbling," Naruto answered.
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Bubbling? That doesn't provide a whole lot. Water bubbles under the ocean. Lava bubbles in a volcano. Water bubbles on a stove, or in this case I guess a fire pit is a better comparison. Either way, that's too little to go off of," Tsunade said.
Kurotsuchi hummed. "Well, we could cross one of those off our lists. There aren't nearly as many volcanoes as there are oceans or fire pits. Besides, many of them are in Iwa. As long as an Iwa shinobi leads the group, I don't mind assembling a task force to look these volcanoes over. We can't just let these guys do whatever they want without taking some sort of active approach, especially if 'bubbling' is all we've got for a lead."
The other Kage immediately agreed. "Then I suggest we begin quickly. Perhaps it would be best to come to a recess. We can submit our recommendations and go over them later. For now, I would like to discuss other matters," Tsunade said.
With the five Kage in agreement, Naruto called for a recess. Yukimaru and Hanabi leaned back and dropped their writing pads. Both were utterly exhausted while they saw Naruto walk away.
"Naruto-nii, where are going?" Yukimaru asked.
The blond glanced back at the two. "I need to go speak to Kaa-chan real quick. I'll be back soon," he said as he opened a portal. He immediately stepped inside and made his way back to Uzushiogakure, leaving Yukimaru and Hanabi alone.
"So… did you understand any of that?" Yukimaru asked.
Hanabi didn't respond. Yukimaru turned his head and noticed his fiancee looking away from him. He couldn't help but utter a chuckle when he saw that. No, she definitely didn't understand a whole lot of that.
-x-
Sasuke sat on a bench with his team, each of them feasting on some of the delicacies from a local town that they were in. They'd been traveling for the last few days, not exactly going anywhere specific. They'd taken down some bandits and guided some citizens to a nearby town, but their own mission had been going very slowly. At this point, there was no information on Danzo anywhere. They could walk the entire world and there was no way they'd ever find him.
"So what should we do now, Oh Fearless Leader?" Tayuya asked, kicking her feet aimlessly while looking down at the hot sun. The day was perfect, but the sun was scorching. She really wanted to go home right now. At least there she still had her own bathroom and tub.
"Tayuya-san, must you always antagonize Sasuke-san?" Konan asked, taking a bite of some sliced oranges. Usually when Tayuya went on a tirade, which was a lot, the others just tended to ignore her. Of course, Sasuke was a bit more irritated since her anger was normally addressed to him. Yet, the Uchiha figured it was just a good lesson in patience.
Tayuya sucked her teeth and just shoved a piece of lamb meat in her mouth. She glanced away while Sasuke stared at his own food. He couldn't say that he didn't understand her frustration. They'd just been going around from town to town with nary a lead to go off of. It was like walking through a dark cave looking for a gold coin… with no map, no flashlight, and the coin was buried in the ground. Utterly impossible.
"Hey femboy, I'm talking to you! What are you… Mnnghghgh!"
"Please be quiet. I need to focus."
Sasuke's ears perked up when he heard that. He turned his head, Itachi and Konan with him, and saw Neji with his Byakugan activated. He was looking into the distance, watching a caravan slowly ride out of the town. The Uchiha frowned when he saw a bead of sweat fall down Neji's face.
"What's wrong?" Sasuke asked, his eyes narrowing. The longer he looked at the caravan, the more he noticed a problem. That group, the chakra around them was unusual. It was almost like an amalgamation of chakra from over a hundred different people was pulsing through various members of the group. Even more strange than that was that Sasuke could sense power very much like Naruto's in them.
Upon observation, Tayuya and Itachi quickly noticed the matter as well, both chastizing themselves for missing such an obvious thing. Hell, as an Uzumaki, Tayuya should have been the first one to notice. "Why do I sense my shithead Patriarch in those guys?" Tayuya asked.
Sasuke quickly stood to his feet. Tayuya's rude question aside, the Uchiha heir wasn't sure if this related to Danzo or not. However, Naruto always kept Sasuke up to date about the things related to the Otsutsuki. The black-haired young man never forgot about the figure who attacked him either. Naruto claimed that guy was an Otsutsuki too.
"Get your things. We're following them," Sasuke said.
No one spoke against him. They immediately finished their food and sealed up their things. "Konan, how close would you have to get to plant a piece of paper on that carriage?" Sasuke asked.
If Konan wasn't Konan, she would have felt rather insulted by that question. "An easy matter from here," she said. She quickly morphed a piece of paper into a senbon. She then flicked her wrist and stabbed the paper senbon into the side of the caravan cart. The group watched the caravan slowly disappear down a hill.
"What was that?" Sasuke asked toward the Kindred.
"It certainly felt like the brat, albeit a severely diminished state. It was so small it even slipped past us. However, those guys also smell strange. They smell of decay, yet I don't see death on them." Wolf said, a growl reverberating through his teeth while Lamb continued to observe.
"What does that have to do with anything?" Sasuke inquired.
Wolf snarled. "Fucking think, welp!" The other half of the Kindred growled which ticked a nerve for Sasuke. The Uchiha was about to retort before Lamb's smooth voice broke the aggression between them.
"We are always attuned to the natures of Death and the realm of the Shinigami. Though there is a decaying aura surrounding those people, I do not sense the nearness of death upon them. By all accounts, they are so close to death that they should be dead, yet they still walk. Such decay is unnatural," Lamb replied.
Sasuke didn't bother saying anything after that. He wasn't the guy versed in matters of death like Naruto. That said, it didn't hurt to offer some speculation. "The Edo Tensei?" Sasuke inquired.
"What is that?" Wolf asked.
…Sasuke had to slowly exhale. For the next few minutes, the Uchiha explained the mechanics around the Edo Tensei, giving Wolf and Lamb an inkling into what he was implying. Unfortunately, Lamb shot his theory down.
"They would not smell of decay if such was the case. Nevertheless, the principles of this Edo Tensei might have been based off… whatever is going on here," Lamb explained.
Sasuke frowned before he turned to his team and explained the situation to them. They continued to wait for at least twenty minutes before Sasuke ordered them. "Let's go," he said.
The others agreed and were about to give chase until they noticed Pakura instantly appear in front of them, seemingly out of thin air. Her gaze was intense, looking upon them.
"Shimura Danzo has passed away. You may return to Uzushio if you wish."
The group wasn't even able to process her statement before she quickly vanished again, making them wonder if they'd even heard her in the first place. Tayuya was the first to react. She sucked her teeth.
"Well, that's fucking great. Please tell me we didn't travel all this way for nothing!" Tayuya exclaimed. However, unknown to others, she had a feeling something was going on. Being closer to Naruto than the others, she was a little more sensitive to spiritual pressure. As such, she could still feel Pakura close by. She seemed to be just on the edge of the team's range, surveying them. Either she was waiting for them to leave or there was something her patriarch wasn't telling them, or at least not Sasuke. Well, she wasn't going to let it slip. Despite making numerous jokes at his expense, Tayuya trusted Naruto more than anyone, not an easy thing for someone like her who'd been around Orochimaru for way too long.
"What do you want to do, Sasuke?" Itachi asked. Konan still had the paper senbon. She could still track the caravan that left. Even if Danzo was dead, this mysterious issue still nagged at the back of Sasuke's head. As the leader, it was Sasuke's call.
The others looked at him as well. After a moment, the Uchiha turned to his brother. "Send a message to the Dobe and Kushina. Tell them we're going to investigate this problem. I don't know how much time Naruto's going to have since he's participating in the Kage Summit, but who knew if this was an important enough issue to need him," Sasuke said to his older brother.
Then again, Sasuke was sure he could handle it. That said, he hadn't forgotten the warning of the threat to his life, but he wasn't about to hide in a basement because he was worried. He'd just have to proceed carefully. "We'll follow them now. Itachi, catch up to us as quickly as you can," the younger brother said.
The older nodded as he watched Sasuke, Konan, Tayuya, and Neji dash off after the caravan. In the meantime, Itachi summoned two crows. He then writes notes in two scrolls. Handing them to the crows, they disappeared in puffs of smoke. Once that was done, Itachi swiftly ran to catch up with the rest of his teammates.
Thankfully, it wasn't that hard. They must have waited for him because it only took Itachi about ten minutes to catch up. The group quickly settled into a standard formation, keeping their eyes peeled for any enemies.
As the group of five journeyed, they quickly realized more and more that the group they were following wasn't human. It simply couldn't be. They'd been tailing the group for about three days now and the caravan hadn't stopped even once. They just kept moving through the roads, not even checking a map or talking amongst themselves. In those days, Sasuke's team hadn't slept, nothing new for any of them, but it was a little irritating. Of course, they always kept just far enough away to remain vigilant but not caught.
However, on the fourth day, the group stopped. Sasuke and the others stilled, quickly scanning the environment. "Tayuya, do you sense anything?" Sasuke asked.
Tayuya focused her chakra and expanded her senses. She could see over the next ten miles around the area, but she found nothing worthy of notice besides animals. "Nothing's around. Fuckers must have finally gotten tired," she whispered on top of a large tree branch.
"They might have noticed us. It might be better if we pulled back," Konan advised.
Sasuke bit his lip. "Have we maintained the proper distance the whole time?" he asked.
Neji nodded. "We have. They haven't shown any movement to indicate that they've noticed us. If they've stopped, then it's through no fault of ours," the Hyuuga answered.
Sasuke slowly leaned out his head and glanced at the caravan. They still weren't moving. They didn't even turn their heads to check for enemies. Granted, there weren't too many violent cases given the recent peace between the nations, but surely they would keep an eye out for any dangerous animals. Either way, the Uchiha continued to watch until a half hour turned into an hour, and an hour turned into two hours.
Finally, Sasuke sighed. "Alright, we'll rest here for now, a few miles from their spot. I'll take the first watch. Whatever you have to do, make sure you do it quickly since we won't know when they're moving," Sasuke claimed.
The others agreed and decided to make a quick camp. Unfortunately, the quick camp turned into a long one as two whole days passed for the group. If there was anything fortunate to come out of the group, at least they managed to all get some much-needed sleep. They continued to keep track of the caravan until the others were alerted when a paper crane that the caravan was on the move.
They quickly picked up their things and rushed off to meet up with Konan. Thankfully, they could catch up quickly as Konan had been traveling at a leisurely pass, one fit to match the caravan. Sasuke landed next to her. "When did they start moving?" he asked.
Konan glanced at the group before she turned to Sasuke. "Not too long ago. They just lifted their heads and continued toward their destination. However, it seems that we're close by since they seem to be picking up the pace. I believe we'll be at our destination soon," Konan replied.
Sasuke turned his attention back to the caravan, not knowing that Konan was right. The caravan approached one more fork in the road before heading into a large canyon. From their vantage point, the group gazed into the large canyon. Tayuya whistled. "Lots of ways to get lost in there," she remarked while the others gazed over the area.
"Not a lot of places to hide either without making a lot of noise. We'll have to tread carefully," Neji replied. He quickly activated his Byakugan, his eyes looking through the rocks and grooves of the canyon. He could at least keep track of the caravan this way. However, he frowned as he noticed the numerous chakra signatures littered about the canyon.
"There are traps," Konan said, her paper senbon reacting to the chakra that lay around it.
Sasuke frowned. "How many?" he asked.
"About fifteen at different checkpoints. The caravan just passed through two. It seems they're going to walk through all fifteen points before they get to wherever they are going. What would you like to do, Sasuke?" Konan inquired.
The Uchiha ordered Tayuya to take out a piece of paper and draw the canyon. The Uzumaki gave an indignant reply, yet followed through on the order. By Neji's instructions, she dotted all the areas where the checkpoints were. Sasuke then stood to his feet. He ordered his team back at least twenty miles, very much a pain for them all, yet one that was necessary.
Sasuke and Itachi vigorously sped through handsigns. "Katon: Gōryūka no Jutsu (Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique)" They both hollered, blasting grant dragon heads of fire into the air. They fired as many as they could into the sky, thunderclouds slowly rolling over the area. The harsh sound of thunder rolled across the skies before rain started to fall. The group then made haste back to their original location, the downpour running over them relentlessly.
Once they made it, Konan held up a handsign. In the darkness of the storm, sheets of paper floated through the air, gaining in weight from the drops of rain. Unknown to the fifteen sentinels the sheets of paper, mixed with the rain, landed at their feet, Upon each sheet of paper was a fuinjutsu formula that began to cackle with lightning. Sasuke then held his hand in the air, connecting the Chidori in his left hand with the lightning on the seals. Amidst the rain, the fifteen sentinels screamed as their bodies were overcome with surges of lightning. One by one, they each passed out, Sasuke controlling the intensity of the technique so that he might not kill them, after all despite the strangeness, it wasn't like they'd done anything wrong… yet.
"Neji, where are they located now?" Sasuke asked.
The Hyuuga activated his Byakugan, gazing into the canyon. Unfortunately, he found nothing. "I don't know. It seems they made more progress than we were expecting. However, it could also be that they have something to mask things from their chakra from the Byakugan. I don't have the sense of smell of the Inuzuka, and, likely, the rain washed away any scent that remained. Konan, what of your senbon?" Neji asked. The others looked to her.
"It was destroyed. There's no trace of it left," Konan answered. Well, it wasn't like that senbon was special one way or the other. She also hadn't particularly reinforced it with chakra. She just applied some of it to that paper for tracking purposes. Either it had been spotted and thrown in a fire, or it slipped out and broke apart in the rain. There were numerous possibilities.
Tayuya quickly stood up. "Then what say we start looking for these guys as quickly as possible? Yo Emo Nuts, you were Orochimaru's apprentice once. You should have a snake or two that can do some tracking," Tayuya remarked.
The others, attempting to not laugh at the nickname Tayuya just gave their squad leader, settled for trying to remember the seriousness of the issue. "Naruto, even when you're not here you're annoying. I can't rid myself of an Uzumaki no matter what I do," Sasuke thought as he glared harshly at Tayuya. Having been around Naruto for too long, Sasuke was nearly close to giving Tayuya a retort. Yet, he, somehow, managed to allow a cool head to prevail. Pun not intended because of the cold rain.
"We'll head inside. The last checkpoint sentinel was a few miles into the canyon. We'll search around that area. But we'll do it quietly. We don't know who else might be around, especially if they change patrols and realize that the ones we knocked out won't respond. Let's go," Sasuke said, his voice heavy against the rain.
The others agreed and entered the canyon, passing through every checkpoint while looking for signs of anything unusual. Lightning and thunder masked their footsteps and the rain left them as shadows against the dark cliffs and grooves. The ground was wet, mud sticking to the bottom of their sandals. The few animals spotted them, hopping up and down the cliffs while they shook their heads, wiggling the rain off their bodies. As they walked the route the caravan passed, they surveyed the area, keeping an eye on anything unusual. The silencing hum and whistle of the canyon provided a rather discomforting ambiance as they arrived at the place where the fifteenth sentinel rested.
"Itachi, could you get information out of him?" Sasuke asked.
Itachi hummed for a moment before he nodded. Konan bound the person while Neji sealed their chakra points. Sasuke then grabbed a bunch of water and threw it on the person's face. The person spurted awake only to be met with Itachi's Sharingan. In the eyes of their captive, the wheels of the Sharingan began to spin as the prisoner was put under heavy hypnosis, courtesy of the years of experience gathered by the elder brother of the Uchiha heir. Of course, much to Itachi's surprise, the target was sturdier than he anticipated. Yet, with enough time, they fell just like so many others before them. Once Itachi was done, he cast a genjutsu on the target to keep them under his control.
Itachi slowly stood to his feet. "And that's the gist of it. It's a group that's been kidnapping numerous civilians over the months in a very discreet manner. Through brainwashing, the people have been trained to become part of this organization, Kara. It seems their leader is looking for something called a 'vessel.' The caravan we saw was actually a new group of captives. It seems that the group only keeps the civilians for a limited amount of time. They usually send back those who have been gone for over a month. The offended party just usually has some headaches and never remembers anything. Even these guards are some of them," Itachi commented.
The others frowned for a moment before they looked around the canyon. Neji was the one who spoke next. "I see. No one usually suspects a caravan of being the prisoners. You'd normally put them inside the wagon to prevent them from being seen. However, it makes me wonder how long they've been doing this. An organizational structure like this doesn't just happen even after a few months to a year, especially not with precision like this. There's only one outcome to this…" Neji mentioned.
Konan was the one who finished his thought. "They have likely been doing this even before the Earth was destroyed. Now, they're looking to continue their work. Either they're not worried about the consequences, or they have a wait to contest Naruto. I would assume they were lacking in intelligence, but this doesn't seem to be the work of simple bandits. I believe we've assessed the threat. Have they said if there's any way to get into the canyon? It's very large. An opening could be anywhere," she replied.
Itachi nodded. "There is a way but it only happens during the guard shift. Given that these sentries are supposed to be patrolling the area, it'll look suspicious for any reason if they appear when they're not expected. I believe we'll have to wait," Itachi said.
Tayuya frowned for a moment, continuing to gaze out into the canyon. She looked off to the east, a strange feeling rolling through her body. She'd never had a feeling before. Well, perhaps that was wrong. She had it but only from one person, Naruto. It also wasn't Pakura. She was still floating around them, looking off in the same direction that Tayuya was. However, what was supposed to be out there?
Tayuya noticed Sasuke also looking in the same direction. "Just one question," Tayuya said, gathering everyone's attention.
"This shithead said this leader of theirs is looking for a vessel. Well forgive me if I'm wrong, but everyone was reborn with nearly perfect bodies. What the hell could he need another vessel for?" Tayuya asked.
Unfortunately, it was an answer that no one had.
-x-
Shion opened her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose with a heavy sigh. She looked up from her bed and stared at the moon outside. This had been happening for the last few days. She just hadn't been able to get much sleep as of late. She'd been plagued by visions for the last few days. She'd been able to make sense of portions of some of them, yet more often than not she was left in a cold sweat. Sometimes, she'd see figures. She'd see her cousin, Naruto, or Kushina. She'd see Yura and Yuri. Other times she'd make out the Uchiha clan members. Then, the Shinigami was looming over them all, even the Elemental Nations as a whole. Then she'd see figures that she couldn't identify. Pale skin, horns, eyes like those of the Hyuuga, and… bloodshed the likes that could only be matched by Jashin and… distrust. So much distrust.
Yet, at the center of all of it, in almost every recurring dream, stood Amaru. It got to such a point that Shion was constantly sending letters to Amaru, who had been outside the village with her teacher, Shinnō, asking if she was alright. Shion wished she could speak to someone other than Karin. Of course, her cousin was a happy listener, but Karin just didn't have what Shion needed. They bounced ideas off each other, but Karin was more akin to the scientific field. Even if she'd seen many spiritual aspects, her mind struggled with relating to them. Kushina wasn't around, still patrolling the skies, looking for this… person who attacked Sasuke, Kakashi, Yugao, and Yuna. Shi, Risa, Guren, Fuka, Komachi, Yukimaru, and Tayuya were all out and busy.
Shion sighed for a moment. "Shinigami-sama, what are you trying to show me?" The Uzumaki Priestess inquired to herself. What she wouldn't give to have Naruto summon the god of Death. Well, maybe that wasn't such a good idea. It wouldn't do for her to be bothering such a deity casually. Even then, if these were visions from the Shinigami, then it was clear that they weren't meant to be said out in the open. Yet, that also begged the question. If he did send them to her, then why didn't he send them to Naruto?
"Then again, who am I to complain about the way deities work? I need some air," Shion thought to herself. She stood up and dressed herself in a robe. She brushed her hair and made her way outside. The air was rather cool, a little chilly even. Shion stood against a wooden railing in the shrine and gazed up at the moon. It just seemed so far away, above the concerns of men.
Feeling like she wouldn't return to bed, Shion entered the temple kitchen and grabbed some water. She then returned to the deck to finish her stargazing. She thought about grabbing a snack as well, but food was still in short supply for a little while. The situation had greatly improved, but there was not the abundance that many were used to.
The sole priestess of the Uzumaki enjoyed her drink, feeling it cool her throat before the smile on her face fell to a deep frown. "Who are you and what do you want? If you've gotten lost, then I'll give you one opportunity to leave. If not, I'll make you regret setting your feet in my clan's temple. For your sake, you better not let me repeat myself," Shion suddenly said, taking note of the two presences that had, strangely, ended up in her room.
"I see your sensing abilities haven't dulled while you've enjoyed this peaceful period, Shion-sama. Amaru's just like you, albeit a bit too trusting I'm afraid."
At the mention of her cousin, Shion was ready to unleash the full strength of her Uzumaki blood as she faced her adversaries. However, to her surprise, she noticed Shinnō standing there. There was a sinister glint in his eye and Shion's blood ran cold when she saw her beloved cousin, Amaru, unconscious over the shoulder of Shinnō's partner. Shion could immediately spot the bruises on her cousin's body. Her eyes hardened.
"Put. Amaru. Down. Right. Now!" Shion threatened. She wasn't sure if Shinnō was being controlled or not. However, she wasn't going to allow anyone to harm a member of her family. She'd already lost her mother. Even she had died in the chaos of Jashin's rampage. She would lose no one else.
Shinnō and his partner couldn't help but shiver when they felt the spiritual pressure course through Shion's body. "Ah, ah, ah, Shion-sama. You forget that we hold Amaru's life in our hands at the moment. Cease the spiritual pressure and we'll guarantee her life. Don't want anyone else getting involved in this matter do we?" Shinnō asked.
Shion bit her lower lip and clutched the shrine bell around her neck in her hand. "How about I make you a counteroffer?! Shinnō, if you're under control, then I swear I'll do all I can to release you. If you're not, and if you're doing what I think you're doing, release Amaru right now and I'll kill you as harmlessly as I can. However, if you lay one further hand on my cousin, I will make Naruto rend your very spirits to the furthest reaches of The End without rest!" Shion snarled out, her face contorting in anger and fury, already preparing to release the chakra and Honshou stored within her bell.
Unknown to Shinnō, his partner narrowed his eyes. "So she's planning to kill us either way. I've never met this Uzumaki before, but it's clear she has received their passion for their family. You'd almost mistake them for Uchiha in some ways," he thought to himself.
Shinnō felt a bead of sweat fall down the side of his face. He'd lived on Uzushio for many years. He'd had more than enough time to learn about the entire Uzumaki clan and the structure of the village. He'd even found himself feeling stronger next to Amaru. The young Uzumaki was a prize that even she didn't know. He'd already felt himself strengthened little by little just from standing next to her. Yet, facing the full brunt of Shion's rage was chilling. Every time Shinnō saw her, Shion had a welcoming smile on her face. The young woman he was looking at now seemed like another person entirely.
"Are you sure you are willing to risk that, Uzumaki Shion? Sometimes, there are beings not even the Shinigami can revive. Would you like Amaru to join that list? Could you live with yourself knowing that whoever you see will be a mere shadow of her former self? All because of your own stubbornness?" Shinnō's partner inquired.
They both noticed the pressure get heavier, so much so that there came rapid knocking on the door. "Shion-sama, are you alright in there?" a guard asked.
"I'm fine. Now get away from the door and go about your duties!" Shion replied back, barely keeping her anger in check as the guards quickly nodded and left her alone. Meanwhile, Shion turned back to her adversaries. After a long, harsh glare at them, she slowly exhaled. She then turned to Shinnō's partner.
"Uchiha Obito, you're pathetic. Naruto already gave you what you wanted and yet you still play the fool as if you can't even help yourself. Look at the world, there is peace now and you want to throw it away, all for the sake of living in a lie. Don't insult me by trying to capture me in a genjutsu," Shion responded.
Shinnō frowned while his partner stepped out of the darkness. The familiar orange mask for Uchiha Obito appeared in the darkness, his Sharingan flaring behind it. "You have quite the mouth on you, Uzumaki Shion. I see you've heard about me. Then you've also heard what I can do. At this distance, you'd have to either be Naruto, Kushina, or Minato-sensei to touch me. So you can keep your threats. Come with us and Uzumaki Amaru will not be harmed. Don't and we'll take her and disappear. Her fate will rest on your actions," Obito said, producing a kunai from his long sleeves.
Shion's gaze hardened before she closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. "And you will both share a fate more wretched than you know if you Don't. Put. Her. DOWN!" Shion growled out. Obito's glare deepened and he was sickened with himself when he felt his arms shake in fear. Nevertheless, he found himself slowly approaching Shion. He then placed Amaru in front of Shion. The priestess quickly approached her cousin and inspected her. She immediately recognized a sealing matrix placed on Amaru. In the event of her captor's death, she would die as well. Of course, Shion was aware that she could break the seal, but whether she'd be given the time to do it was another matter.
"Amaru? Amaru, can you hear me? Wake up! Please," Shion begged, checking her cousin's pulse. She breathed a sigh when she heard Amaru groan. The latter coughed which made Shion touch her head. Amaru was running a small fever, but there wasn't much Shion could do about it. She turned back to Obito and Shinnō.
"I don't know which of you this seal is attached to but you better pray to any of the other gods that Shinigami-sama doesn't set his sights on you. Trust me, even death won't be a peaceful sleep for you," Shion said as the two approached her.
"Little do you know, priestess, but there are places even the Shinigami can't reach," Shinnō claimed with a wide grin. Shion's glare tightened, yet she didn't struggle when Obito's Sharingan turned into the Mangekyou Sharingan. He then, using the Kamui, sucked Shion and Amaru into the Kamui's dimension.
With the priestess and Amaru secure, Obito turned to Shinnō. "We've wasted enough time here. Let's go," he said. Shinnō didn't respond. Instead, he simply cast a glare at his partner before they left the temple and sought to find ways off the island. They stepped on the window sill and dashed off into the night completely unaware that they were seen. A pair of eyes watched them as they dashed off into the darkness. The figure stood on their feet before they wrapped their scarf around their neck. They then dashed off, heading for the nearest Uzumaki settlement.
Luckily for the figure, the nearest settlement wasn't far. They landed on the ground in front of a watchtower. Immediately, a guard came out to meet them. "Halt! Who goes there?" the guard inquired, quickly stepping out to meet the figure before their eyes widened.
"Yugao-sama! What are you doing here?" the guard asked as the former member of Hinoken revealed herself. Ordinarily, she'd have faulted at the honorific attached to her name, but it just wasn't the time for it. Instead, she patted the guard's shoulder.
"Who's the highest authority you're under right now?" Yugao asked.
The man saluted her. "Uzumaki Risa-sama. I can get here if you'd like," he said.
Yugao urgently nodded and the guard quickly took her away to a far-off building. It stood on top of a large hill. The guard escorted her inside and Yugao immediately saw Risa sitting at a table underneath a candlelight, going over some papers. She looks tired, brushing a hand through her red hair.
"Risa-sama, you have a guest," the guard said.
The dear cousin of Kushina looked up and spotted Yugao in the doorway. Risa leans up, trying to appear as if she hadn't been about to fall asleep. "Yugao! I heard you made it to the island. Sorry, I couldn't be there to greet you. As you can see, I've been a little… what's wrong?" she asked, quickly taking notice of Yugao's stern visage.
"You need to hurry and assemble a team. I saw Uchiha Obito and Amaru's master, Shinnō, leave the Uzumaki Shrine. By all accounts, it looks like they've kidnapped Shion."
Immediately sleep was the furthest thing from Risa's eyes. She quickly stood up, clenching her hands on the table. "Explain."
Yugao's gaze hardened. "It was a coincidence really. I was just out on a walk. I hadn't been to the Uzumaki shrine in a while so I decided to visit. I heard it was quite the tourist attraction these days. Anyway, I saw Shion on the balcony. She seemed upset before she was handed Amaru. I was going to intervene, but I then saw her nod. She was then sucked into some type of hole. Based on the techniques I've seen from Kakashi I surmise that it was Obito. Shinnō was a little harder to spot, but the moon managed to hit his face. It was him. I'm not sure if Obito hypnotized him somehow but either way Shion and Amaru were likely captured," Yugao explained.
Risa bit her lip and scowled. She then clenched her fists. "Fucking great. Just when every Uchiha is out of the village on business. Mikoto is with Kushina, Yuna is helping guard Haku on a diplomacy assignment, and Itachi is with Sasuke. Either way, we need to secure the perimeter. Thanks for informing us. I'll put a team together to go after them," Risa claimed.
Yugao agreed and glanced off to the window. "Though, as far as I was aware, Shion wasn't lacking in power. While Obito's abilities require… timing, she wouldn't be captured so easily. She certainly didn't fight back even though they were close enough," Yugao returned.
Risa glanced off to the side. "So either she let herself be captured or Obito managed to subdue her. How long ago was this?" the redhead asked.
"Me getting here, I hate to say it but maybe half an hour or so," Yugao commented.
Risa cursed before she turned to the guard who was standing there. "Alert anyone in the vicinity, close off all ships going out of the village until any cleared Uzumaki or Hyuuga gives the all clear!" she claims.
The guard nodded and ran off while Risa quickly turned to Yugao. "Ordinarily, I'd be more than willing to assign you to this mission, but I assume you didn't come here just to say hello. You're on an assignment from Konoha?" The mother of Tayuya inquired.
Yugao shrugged. "Among other things. Although, I don't think Tsunade-sama would be remiss if we give Uzushio some goodwill," the purple-haired former Anbu agent answered.
Risa gained something of a smirk before she closed her eyes and sensed the signatures of her family. Unfortunately, Yugao was telling the truth. Even with her sensing capabilities, she couldn't sense Shion or Amaru anywhere. That said, she could sense Guren, Fuka, Karin, Shi, and Komachi. She quickly released her chakra, pulsing it numerous times. The other chakra signatures pulsed almost immediately.
After ten minutes Guren and Shi landed on the ground. "What's the problem?" Shi asked.
Risa exhaled. "Long story short, Obito's kidnapped Shion and likely Amaru as well. I've sealed off the docks, but who knows if that's going to hold him. I'm assigning you guys to the retrieval mission along with Yugao. If Kushina returns then I'll try and send her out to back you guys up. For now, you guys need to get moving. It'll have to be the three of you until I update others. We're thinking that there was a reason Shion allowed herself to be taken. Try and find out what it is. Also, look, I'll level with you guys. If you can bring in Obito alive, then do it. It'd make Kakashi's day, but don't break your backs if you can't. He clearly doesn't want to let things go so if you have no choice, take him out!" Risa ordered.
Guren nodded. "I'll go get my things. Which way did they go? I'll catch up," The blue-haired Uzumaki claimed. She hated that she had to leave her date with Kotetsu, yet Shion and Amaru were far greater concerns.
"I'm ready to go," Shi claimed.
Yugao nodded. "They headed to the southwest. We'll head that way quickly. Shi nodded as the two dashed off. Guren and Risa watched them go before the former quickly headed back home to gather her supplies. As soon as she left, Komachi dropped to the ground. Risa sighed and turned to her other blond cousin. This was going to be another long night.
-x-
Obito quickly activated the Kamui and unsealed himself from the other dimension. He then quickly unsealed Shinnō as well. The two landed in a cavern deep underground. "That's quite the handy jutsu you have," Shinnō remarked while Obito noticed Jigen approach out of the darkness.
The monk didn't even bother asking whether they completed their assignment or not. He could tell by the confident, if pompous look in Uchiha Obito's eyes that they'd clearly been successful.
"Hehehehe Shinnō-san, does it not stir your heart strings to betray the beloved student you've been mentoring for so many years? To betray her trust and the trust of her clan so ruthlessly? Not many men have a heart as black as yours," Kisame said, coming out of the shadows behind Jigen with other members of Kara.
Shinnō cast a glare at him before he slowly shook his head. "Not in the slightest. If I should be upset over anything it's that a waste like Amaru is a part of such a legendary clan. I researched her numerous times, yet the only thing impressive about her was her large reserves of chakra, as well as her physical conditioning, yet even that was simply a byproduct of being close to Uzumaki Naruto. She wouldn't be so impressive without it. As far as I'm concerned, she's outlived her usefulness," Shinnō replied.
His ruthless statement made Kisame grin, lugging Samehada on his shoulder. "The priestess is but one part of the matter. Have you found the other piece?" Jigen inquired.
At this, Obito turned to Shinnō. The former master of Amaru nodded and produced a Shinigami festival mask. "Right here. What do you need it for?" Shinnō inquired.
Jigen swiftly took the mask and inspected it for a moment or two. "Did you ever wonder why the Shinigami showed such special interest in Uzumaki Naruto? Think of the eons that it has lived, and yet… Uzumaki Naruto was chosen. Why do you think that is?" Jigen questioned.
Obito, Shinnō, Kisame, and even Zetsu seemed to ponder the question for a little while. The only one who seemed unamused was The Regent. He continued to watch them all behind his mask, his eyes glimmering behind his mask. After a while of not receiving answers, Jigen turned around.
"Uchiha, release the two captives. However, see that no harm comes to the priestess. She is integral to our plans," Jigen ordered. It was an order that Uchiha Obito greatly despised obeying. Nevertheless, he quickly released Shion and Amaru.
The two fell on the ground. Immediately, Shion gently laid Amaru on her lap. She then glared at those gathered. She spotted The Regent, but didn't acknowledge him. Instead, she stared at the man with a shaved head. A bead of sweat fell down the side of her face. This man, he was different. He was very, very different. He was dangerous, incredibly dangerous. He was… just like her cousin, perhaps an inferior version, but… for someone like her there were depths to his might that she just couldn't fathom. No, that was a lie. She had sensed far deeper, but for someone to exist like this and not be Jashin, the Shinigami, or Naruto was a chilling thought.
"Greetings Uzumaki Shion. We apologize for the rough treatment, but we have need of you. Remain amicable and we shall bring no harm to you nor to Uzumaki Amaru. Make no mistake, we know your family name and we know the might of Uzumaki Naruto. However, there are things which not even he can comprehend. Things… much bigger than he is," Jigen said.
Shion scowled. "Let me guess. You?" Shion hissed.
Rather than answer, Jigen order the two girls to be led away. Shion's frown deepened as she descended further into the cave, her eyes glancing back at the strands of light blonde hair left on the cavern floor. She then faced forward and continued on her way, holding her precious cousin's arm over her shoulder.
KG: So... does anyone know a good cheesecake place? I could really use a good cheesecake.
Wifey: You don't need a cheesecake, stupid.
KG: Sure I do. I need something to compare to how sweet my wife is.
Wifey: ...(did my heart just swoon?)
KG: You okay?
Wifey: Huh?! Yeah, I think...
KG: Better yet, someone give me a recommendation for Korean Fried Chicken! I'm just plain hungry! All this writing makes me hungry!
