(Chapter 22: A Serpent Strikes!)
The month of July had fast approached for the serpent Sannin who was more than happy considering that with everything going surprisingly well with his Hidden Village, and his forces continuing to improve, and the multiple projects across his bases were doing swimmingly. As such alongside Isane being more than excited for her chance to replace Tayuya, Orochimaru on the otherhand had finally decided to test run his new body against the Zombie Duo.
(July 2nd 997 S.E, 12:45 Pm, Grass Country)
It would be a quarter till 1 as Hidan and Kakuzu were returning back with the bounty they'd acquired from defeating Jinpachi Munashi, who'd been terrorizing the denizens of Grass Country for months.
"I told you that we'd put that heathen down no problem!" Said Hidan boisterously much to the annoyance of his partner
"...If it wasn't for the fact that this job paid so well, then I would be pissed with how much time this took, you good-for-nothing zealot." Kakuzu spoke as they carried the bag full of money in his satchel
"Especially, with how many detours we went through; because you couldn't go one single day without worshiping that blasted Jashin of yours." Kakuzu further spoke leveling a glare at his companion
"Oh come off it, Kakuzu. It wasn't as bad as your making it out to be. I had a fantastic chance to worship and praise of my lord and savior, we got our payment as we needed. On top of that, we're just a few days short of returning back to base…So I really don't get why acting all bitchy today." Hidan wondered as they continued their trek
"The reason I'm so 'bitchy' is because we wasted precious…" Kakuzu said before a heavy gust of wind and crushing pressure rushed into them
Or rather would have said had a powerful Shinra Tensei now come out of nowhere and sent them hurtling hundreds of feet into the air, with Kakuzu being cognisant enough to have summoned his Jiongu threads to create a makeshift shield to absorb a good deal of whatever had stricken them. Yet as he saw that he and a battered Hidan were about to crash into the forest line at rapid speeds, he further expanded more and more of his threads into a sphere to cocoon himself and his 'partner' in order to shield them from their imminent clash landing.
The large sphere of metallic black threads crashed and thumped violently along the multiple trees, slamming across the ground at forces that would've shattered a lesser mans' bones to dust on impact; before they managed to finally stop after a half mile of being blasted across the countryside…The avaricious Akatsuki member uncoiled his barrier to see their environment, only to look up to see a smiling pale-faced figure descending down towards them…one with a golden Rinnegan with serpentine slits for pupils, that wore black and royal violet colored scale mail, the scales of which were reminiscent of a serpents' own.
The figure in question had a strikingly effeminate face with high cheekbones, sharp facial features, and a smile full of malevolent mirth, their straight pitch-black hair falling to their wide hips that led to pale yet muscular thighs and legs, their lithe yet well-defined figure, well above average bust and the Kusanagi blade tucked away at their hip, made them look like a warrior from another time. However, despite the pale woman's looks Kakuzu as long-lived as he was, was able to recognize who they were in knowing full well that look of unshakable superiority, cruelty, and menace that was amplified by the ominous power he felt radiating from them.
"There's no way in hell that's them? I thought you were off rotting somewhere in Rice Country." Kakuzu said as the pale woman grinned malicious at the Zombie Duo
"Oh, do not worry. The rumors of my weakened state were…exaggerated to say the least. As I can assure you that I have all of my faculties in full. Along with a few new tricks as well." The pale woman said as their grin widened further while the cruelty and menace they radiated only seemed to intensify
"No shit, since you have eyes like him…Then again, if we play our cards right after we beat you, we'd get a hefty price for them. There are a lot of villages that would pay greatly to have eyes like yours." Kakuzu said back seeing dollar signs knowing any Hidden Village would pay handsomely for Rinnegan eyes
"You can certainly try, Kakuzu…However, these eyes are mine and mine alone...So you and your friend here will have to take them from my cold dead corpse." The pale woman replied as they drew their Kusanagi blade
"Kakuzu you know this bitch?" Hidan questioned
"Yeah, your looking at Orochimaru him…or herself." Kakuzu answered back as the Serpent Sannin grinned maliciously
"THAT'S Orochimaru?! When in the name of Jashin did they get fucking stacked?!" Hidan blurted out
"Yes, as an unintentional side effect from the donors being more of the fairer sex, for my final body. This is the end result…Yet the power of it is still nothing it not incredible." Orochimaru told them in regards to why their final body turned out as such
"But I am getting off topic. Seeing as how today, you two will be test subjects to help me explore the limits of what my new body is capable of." Orochimaru spoke as they held their Kusanagi in a one-handed low guard
"You really think that we're gonna participate in…" Hidan tried to say before he felt his left hand and arm get severed faster than he could finish his sentence
'Shit, I barely saw them move…What the fuck is going on.' Kakuzu silently remarked to themselves at the immense speed on display
"Perhaps, I didn't make myself clear. You two are going to be my test subjects, regardless of your protests…Now then, since I want my data to be accurate and not made afoul. I will allow Kakuzu to stitch you back together, so we may begin this properly." Orochimaru spoke with their voice being ethereal and yet the cruel mirth within it made it more terrifying than anything
"Shit! How the hell did they do that?!...Oh I'm gonna make you one hell of an offering to Lord Jashin!" Hidan said whilst Kakuzu began stitching his arm back together
"You may certainly try. However, I must ask you this….What is a God to a non-believer?" Orochimaru questioned their smile becoming a ferocious yet sinisterly joyous one
However, the very moment that Hidan's arm was stitched in place; Orochimaru rushed toward them with their free hand upon channeling the power of the Iron Plate, used a Metal Claw attack to turn his fingers into wicked near-foot long claws; that had Kakuzu not quickly leaped back from knew he would've gained more than 4 deep jagged furrows in his chest. All the while Hidan wasn't as lucky given that the Kusanagi had pierced through skull, his scythe managing to catch the Kusanagi blade and made it so that instead of his brain that was getting pieced that the blade went straight through his nose and out the back of his face.
Yet both of them were sent blasting back by another point-blank Shinra-Tensei from Orochimaru who subsequently used the Asura Path to propel themselves toward the duo like a rocket, and as such upon seeing Orochimaru speed toward them as they sailed through the forest. Hidan used his tri-bladed scythe to hook onto a tree and swing himself toward Orochimaru, whilst Kakuzu in his weariness decided to use his tendril-like threads to latch onto a tree and hang back to formulate a plan; while his zealous partner collided with the serpent Sannin.
Said Sannin quickly and almost with a hilarious amount of ease and speed; deftly parried a bisecting swipe to their side, before using the Asura Path to generate an additional 3rd arm from their left side to nail Hidan in the face with a left cross that cracked him like a bullwhip. The worshipper of Jashin staggered back as Orochimaru raised both of their left hands to unleash vicious Metal Claws that not only shredded Hidan's Akatsuki cloak, but also sliced through flesh and cracked open his ribs like a walnut.
Yet it was at that moment that Kakuzu used his lightning mask to fire off a Lightning Release: False Darkness at Orochimaru, but this was much to no avail given that another mechanized arm form from one of Orochimaru's shoulders as it used the Asura Path to absorb the electrical jutsu. All before the left arm subsequently turned into a high-tech cannon barrel and fired a blast of concentrated wind chakra that not only shattered 4 and a half of Hidan's ribs, but also nearly crushed his stomach and kidneys, as well as fracturing his right orbital to the point it caused his eye to begin rapidly swelling shut.
"Impressive, despite that attack. You still stand…hmm that attack would've killed a low-end jonin at the very least and I wasn't even firing at max capacity. How interesting." Orochimaru remarked as their extra mechanized arms retracted into their back before turning their gaze to Kakuzu
"In the meantime, while I test the extent of this Jashin worshippers' ability to withstand injury. I will leave you with something to busy yourself with." Orochimaru said and with a few hand-signs a 4 headed amethyst skinned hydra with golden Rinnegan for eyes the size of a large house appeared
'Oh you've gotta be fucking kidding me.' Kakuzu said to himself before the multi-headed creature roared and thundered towards him
"You…think that a little wind…can beat…one of Lord Jashin's…greatest acolytes?!" Hidan half bellowed/half-wheezed out haggardly as he swung his scythe at the Serpent Sannin
"Oh no, I have no reservations that it could. However, as I stated beforehand. I want to break-in this new body of mine…You two just so happen to be test subjects that are decently durable enough to withstand my power." Orochimaru replied as they easily parried said scythe swing
From there Orochimaru then nailed Hidan with a blindingly fast roundhouse kick that dislocated Hidan's jaw with an audible crack; sending blood and saliva-covered teeth flying across the ground, as the Serpent Sannin then used an inhuman amount of flexibility to dodge out of the way from a ferocious overhand swing, and just as quickly retaliated with a bone-cracking punch to Hidan's shoulder. The Serpent Sannin then deftly sidestepped outside of a follow-through swipe of Hidan's scythe, which cracked apart the ground as he swung with reckless abandon against Orochimaru, who as able to easily weave their way out of the scythe swings to launch a swift flurry of stabs with their Kusanagi blade to his right side, a swarm of half-inch deep stab wounds piercing through his stomach to the point in turned part of his cloak into ragged tatters.
For the Serpent Sannin then used a Shinra Tensei at near point-blank range to blow away Hidan high into the air…at least until he was at the apex of the tallest tree to send him reeling back down to the ground with a Bansho Tenin. The force of which slammed him so hard that the ground cratered as the Jashin worshipper semi-cartoonishly bounced off the ground, his very bones cracking and popping from the sudden gravitational force, and this was all before Orochimaru thrust out his hand and unleashed a silvery purple beam of energy known all too well as the Flash Cannon that raced toward Hidan at obscene speeds.
Yet as Hidan tried to block the attack with his scythe which held out surprisingly for a brief moment or two…this was met by Hidan's scythe rapidly cracking apart before it shattered, and as such was left defenseless as the energies of said attack shredded his cloak and even small fist-sized chunks of his flesh. Leaving not only a smoking trail of destruction that stretched out nearly as far as the eye could see, it also left Hidan who used the remains of his scythe to root his half-naked and heavily burnt for in place; as only one eye was left visible, and his left arm was lefts severed and torn at the elbow from the concussive force of said attack.
However, despite being covered in disfiguring burns Hidan ran as though he didn't have a care in the world; as Orochimaru used their superior speed to rush behind Hidan and using the Asura Path to summon forth a bladed saw-like tail from around their waist that impaled Hidan through the chest and punched through his left lung like wet tissue paper. Yet despite this, the one-armed Jashin worshipper still tried with an unnatural amount of resilience and strength to launch another scythe swing at Orochimaru, in an attempt to take their head off…only for a quick succession of slashes to take the offending limb off faster than Hidan could blink.
Yet much to Orochimaru's morbid fascination as he used a Metal Claw to slash off half of Hidan's face, that was followed by a lethal kick to his left leg that shattered his femur, and a subsequent slash that disemboweled Hidan to where his innards quickly spilled onto the ground; that like a deranged monster he still tried to attack Orochimaru. So the Serpent Sannin in seeing that Hidan would be better used for his experimentations at a latter date; given his inability to simply die had thrust his Kusanagi blade into his sternum and then drove him into a nearby oak tree down to the hilt.
As such, they left the struggling mess of a man that was Hidan to search for Kakuzu…which didn't take long given the slain and heavily burnt corpse of his hydra that a semi-battered Kakuzu stood atop albeit with his earth 'heart' having been destroyed in the process.
"Let me guess, Hidan couldn't hack it and ran at you like a madman?" Kakuzu queried
"Yes, although I will say that he was more than fascinating to witness. His supposed immortality will make for some fascinating experimentations in the future." Orochimaru answered back keen to see what could come out of the Jashin worshippers' otherworldly resillience
"So that being said, I suppose you won't make what I'm about to do to you any easier? After all, out of the Akatsuki that served that idiot Pein. You were one of the ones that I rather liked...Then again, that isn't saying much when you have the likes of Deidara and Tobi in its ranks." Orochimaru added in having liked the miserly Akatsuki member out of them all
"Same here, it's a damn shame you left like you did. Since you were a helluva lot better than Hidan was." Kakuzu spoke in high regard for the Serpent Sannin as his former teammate
"Thank you for the compliment, that being said. I hope that you will comply in testing more of my abilities. As luckily out of kindness for our former relationship, I will not eviscerate you as I've done with your companion…That seems like more than a fair deal does it not?" Orochimaru replied
"Fair enough, as unlike Hidan I know when to take a good deal when I see it…I'm not an overzealous lunatic like him." Kakuzu said back as he brought his lightning, fire, and wind masks to bare while keeping his water mask in reserve
"Excellent. Now then, as I see that you've kept one of you're hearts in reserve. I want to test out a new technique I have been working on concerning one of the abilities of the Rinnegan." Orochimaru spoke as their right hand began to vibrate and distort with gravitational pressure
'This ought to be good.' Kakuzu said as he went through hand-signs for each of his masks barring the water mask
Orochimaru's hand soon turned a brilliant scarlet as an orb of gravitational energy that caused the area around her to crater and flatten from the immense repelling and gravitational forces concentrated around them. All the while Kakuzu who had gotten a healthy distance away from the Serpent Sannin had the growing mass of gravitational power in his hands, did the trio of his masks begin charging their own attacks with such heat and intensity that the air around him began to distort.
For moments passed before they both fired off their respective attacks with Kakuzu's being a combination of Wind Release: Vacuum Great Sphere, Fire Release Great Flame Annihilation, and Lightning Release: False Darkness to create a mass tornado-like beam of white-hot flames, crushing winds and arcing lightning. Whilst Orochimaru's attack that they'd dubbed Rejection of the False God sent forth a highly destructive and gigantic shockwave of crimson-colored gravitational force that blew away everything in its way, like a herd of raging water buffalo as it barrelled toward Kakuzu's attack at relentless speeds.
The two attacks met and clashed with such force that the whole forest itself shook as though a small earthquake were rocking the very land itself, as trees soon erupted into flame, and pockets of land were crushed and tossed about by the immense repulsory forces at work…However, after nearly a solid minute of the two immensely powerful attacks crashing into each other and warping the land into a fiery hellscape, Orochimaru's eventually crushed and overcame Kakuzu's combination attack and rampaged toward the elderly miser.
All in a raucous cacophony of crushing force, lightning and flame that nearly flattened everything in a 3 kilometer radius as gale force winds further tore apart the ground around them, with Orochimaru in not wanting to scuff up their armor used the Asura Path to fly upwards to see their handiwork, and if Kakuzu had survived…To their surprise given the immensity of their own attack retaliating on top of Kakuzu's own the miser did survive albeit with his fire, wind, and lightning mask having come together to shield him from the brunt of the damage; leaving only his wind one intact as he was covered in heavy 2nd bordering on 3rd degree burns while his cloak lay in ashen tatters.
The Serpent Sannin in seeing Kakuzu who was breathing heavily from having to use a considerable amount of chakra to reinforce his masks to shield him from the damage dealt, gave Orochimaru a solemn look in knowing when they were beaten…However, as they gave a look of respect too each other before said Sannin flew back in contentment to retrieve Hidan's body for future experiments; they did summon a two-headed cobra with their Animal Path to take Kakuzu back to the Hidden Rain out of respect for the former comrade, and given the fact that both their legs were shattered into a bloody pulp to top it off..
And as they departed with Hidan eventually in tow after being sealed in a storage scroll, the Serpent Sannin had a content grin on their face at being able to break in their new body, as now their excitement only swelled in knowing they could do so, so much more with what was at their disposal.
'I cannot WAIT to return home, and show everyone the immensity of what I now hold within me…To think I barely exerted any effort against them. If anything I only feel as though I've barely scratched upon what I'm capable of.' Orochimaru remarked to themselves as they flew back to the Hidden Sound via the Deva Path
(2 days later, Hidden Sound Village, 1:35 Pm, July 4th, 997 S.E)
It was a few days later as Orochimaru was conversing with Kimimaro over having been given the newly improved version of his Curse Mark, of which said Curse Mark had used the powers of both Plates to improve Kimimaro's body and help cure him of his ailment.
"So tell me, Kimimaro. How do you feel exactly?" Orochimaru asked the Kaguya before him
"I feel…incredible Lord Orochimaru. I no longer have problems breathing and if anything I feel stronger than I have in ages." Kimimaro answered back with barely contained excitement
"Yes as luckily with some minor assistance from Kabuto. We were able to have your new Curse Mark repair the damage done over time from both your bloodline and your ailment as it were." Orochimaru told the strongest of his elite guard
"Now you will be able to use your bloodline to its fullest without worry." Orochimaru further spoke with a proud smile
"I can feel it, if I may with your permission. I would like to test one of my techniques to see if everything is still in working order." Kimimaro requested from his master
"By all means go ahead, as I know you haven't had much time after the adjustment period to everything," Orochimaru said as they gestured to the targets infront of them
Without being told to do anything else Kimimaro directed both hands toward the targets before him and performed his 10 Finger Drilling Bullets, which fired from his fingertips with greater force than what he was still getting used too. However, unlike before as they punched dollar-sized holes in each of the targets chests, necks, and heads that they were only conical and longer to add to their penetrative power, but also had a more metallic sheen to them akin to the head on a crossbow bolt.
"I will admit that it will take some time to get used, now that I no longer to conserve my strength. However, I feel that overall I will be able to perform my duties as your lead enforcer with greater skill than before." Kimimaro spoke glad that he would now be able to use his skills with greater skill and power than ever
"And just think Kimimaro, that these improvements plus the enhancements Kabuto have done to reinforce your muscles to better withstand your bloodline. Are only in your base form, just imagine what you will be able to do once you use your curse mark." Orochimaru replied keen to one day see Kimimaro use his Curse Mark without the worry of putting undo stress on his body
"Believe me, my lord. I am interested to see what I can do as well…Perhaps, Isane would be open to helping me see where my new limitations lie?" Kimimaro spoke more ready to see just how much stronger he was at the moment
"I am sure that she would have little to no reservations upon doing so...Given that she has has shown herself more than eager to train alongside everyone in the village" Orochimaru said back in regards to the Lava Release user
"...Speaking of, Isane. Tell me, Kimimaro. How do you feel about her after having spent time getting to know your new co-worker? I assume that she is doing well with the others?" Orochimaru further asked in regards to the Terumi woman
"To be honest, Lord Orochimaru she is integrating herself rather well with everyone…If anything in the short span of time that I have known her. I prefer her much more than Tayuya." Kimimaro told the effiminate Sannin
"Really, now? Hmmm, and here I thought her getting to know everyone as Tayuya's imminent replacement would've been. Considerably more testing given how we are trying to replace a member of my elite guard after all." Orochimaru said with slight surprise in their voice
"Actually no, given how she is far more pleasant and far less belligerent and demeaning than Tayuya...It has made things much easier within the Sound 5." Kimimaro told them in having grown to like Isane since Orochimaru introduced her to the members of the Sound 5 sans Tayuya
"Would you mind telling me more? I haven't had much time to ask Jirobo, Kidomaru, nor Sakon and Ukon more on their feelings about her…Having adjusted to my new body, and making sure that things continue to run smoothly has left me with little in way of an abundance of free time." Orochimaru requested keen to no more on the subject
"To start with she has proved rather helpful toward everyone improving their respective skills. Considering that Kidomaru has been one of the most notable improvements in regards to Isane's help. Seeing as how she has been helping him to increase the speed of which he fires his arrows, as well as adding wind release to them." Kimimaro reported
"Hmmm, Kidomaru has a wind affinity? That is a rather interesting development if I've heard one." Orochimaru said in honest surprise of this news
"It was an interesting one to me as well. However, she had suggested that barring Jirobo who she has been working with to improve his skill with Earth jutsu. That everyone invest in learning more of their chakra natures to further improve our viability to you as your elite guard." Kimimaro told the feminine Sannin
"I had discovered mine with her help as being of a particularly potent lightning affinity…So far I have been working to gain a better understanding of it, so that I may incorporate it into my overall technique." Kimimaro informed Orochimaru
"And how has your progress come in regards to this development?" Orochimaru queried in interest
"So far it has proven to be a trying process. However, it isn't one without rewards given that as of last week I have been able to improve the lethality of a number of my techniques with my lightning affinity…Granted it has proven costly to my chakra reserves, but that is to be expected from my inexperience in combining my new affinity with my bloodline." Kimimaro answered back in having found the trials of doing so to be an arduous one
"If that is the case, then I hope to see the results of your efforts by the end of the year." Orochimaru told the Kaguya beside him
"Understood, Lord Orochimaru. I promise that you will not be disappointed." Kimimaro swore to the Serpent Sannin
"With this being you that we are talking about, Kimimaro. I'm sure that I will not be." Orochimaru replied as Kimimaro nodded
"Anything else I should know of concerning her integrating with the Sound 5?" Orochimaru further asked
"The only other thing of note to mention, is that she has made the suggestion to get to know each other more. As in her words 'The best way to be a better, stronger team is to hang out with each other every once in awhile, I mean if we're gonna be future comrades; then it wouldn't hurt to have fun every now and again.' Which is why I'm considering that after she replaces Tayuya that once a week to once a month we take time to do as she has requested in regards to bonding with each other more often." Kimimaro answered back in the other idea that Isane had been floating around
"That actually sounds like a very good idea…Hiruzen-sensei had Jiraiya, Tsunade and I do things like that when I was still a genin…Granted Jiraiya and I never quite buried the hatchet between us, when we attempted to get to know each to better. However, Tsunade and I did become good friends before I left." Orochimaru told the Kaguya
"I remember quite a few times that you did mention a relationship with Lady Tsunade…I did not know you were close friends with her at one time." Kimimaro replied in having never known the extent of the Sannin's relationship
"Yes, we were. If anything she was moreso the only friend I had while I was still in the village... She and her husband Dan were the small handful of people that welcomed me into their lives. Had actually treated me with true kindness, and friendship when I had lived barely knowing the kindness of my own parents…At least before they passed away to illness." Orochimaru said as their voice took on a more somber note
"She wasn't only one of my closest friends while I was in the village…She also became the closest thing I know to a sister. She was there for me in my darkest hours, and I was there for her. In fact time and time again we would both rally together against Jiraiya's incessant stupidity and lechery…Those were much simpler times." Orochimaru further spoke as they couldn't help but have their mind wander to those kinder times
'It has been a long time since I've seen Lord Orochimaru look like this…They almost look peaceful.' Kimimaro mentally remarked to themselves at the wistful and almost serene expression on their face
"That is why I am fully onboard for what Isane wishes to do; in terms of team bonding. I want my elite guard to build strong bonds between one another, so that not only will the 5 of you be able to depend on each other for help. But rely on each other and become even greater as a collective whole, than what all of you are individually." Orochimaru said to the white-haired Kaguya
"I will admit that does sound rather nice. Especially given that all I have known with Tayuya in our group is strife and dysfunction….Anything is better than her being an insufferable wench to us all." Kimimaro replied in being more than content with anyone other than their teams' illusionist
"Trusts me, Kimimaro. Once everything has been settled in concerns to her imminent replacement. I am more than certain that things will improve in the Sound 5." Orochimaru said
"Does she know that she is being replaced?" Kimimaro questioned
"She should know within a day or a few days at the latest. Now that Sakon and Ukon have made it official, and as such her begin regarded as an official part of the Sound 5. Then she will no doubt raise a fury about it…All I need to do to make it official to the village as a whole is to set forth the 'spectacle' I have planned for next month." Orochimaru informed his lead enforcer
"...Isane informed me of what you have planned between her and Tayuya…All I can say is good luck handling the event. Given how 'fiery' Tayuya can get." Kimimaro said to the effiminate Sannin
"Do not worry, I have everything under control, Kimimaro." Orochimaru replied with a self-assured smile
"That being said however, I do have to get in touch with Sakon and Ukon…Arranging a meeting with the leader of the rebellion in Kiri isn't an easy thing to make. However, if all goes accordingly and we terminate Yagura, then we are looking at an alliance with a Hidden Village firmly at our side." Orochimaru further spoke
"Again, good luck, Lord Orochimaru." Kimimaro spoke before Orochimaru used the power of his Deva Path to fly away
"Now that they are gone, I can practice one of my new dances. I think a perfect name for it would be the Dance of the Tigridia." Kimimaro said to himself he formed axe-like blades of metallic bone from his elbows and knees
(4 days later, Orochimaru's Office, July 7th, 997 S.E, 1:50 Pm)
It was the following Saturday as Orochimaru was conferencing with Isane over as far as paperwork and semantics went that she was now replacing Tayuya as part of the Sound 5.
"And there you have it, Isane. You are now apart of my elite guard." Orochimaru said as they handed her a modest-sized scroll
"This here contains the armor I have had made; for all members of the Sound 5 to symbolize their position. I hope that you will find it to your liking." Orochimaru further spoke as Isane took the scroll
"Thank you, Lord Orochimaru, I don't know what to say except… thanks a ton for doing this." Isane replied as she looked over the scroll containing her armor
"However, with you having 'officially' joined the Sound 5. This comes with the expectation that you will work and perform to best of your abilities. As I will expect nothing less from you." Orochimaru told her whilst sparing a glance at the hourglass they had on their desk
"Don't worry about a thing. Now that I've made it this far, I'm gonna do my absolute best! I promise you that you won't regret this." Isane swore to the Serpent Sannin with an excited smile
"I'm sure I won't. Even moreso seeing as how Kimimaro and Jirobo have spoken quite highly of you so far." Orochimaru said to the lava-release user
"Really? That's great to hear. Since I've been trying to help get everyone on a whole new level. Because I know we're supposed to be some of your best. But I feel like we can do better; instead of just settling." Isane replied with hopes to have everyone escalate their abilities to a new level
"And this is exactly what I want to hear…The Hidden Sound needs more like you if we are to continue to improve." Orochimaru said back glad to see the enthusiasm that Isane had
"That being said and while I am grateful for your help with the other members of the Sound 5, I feel that there is something else you need to be aware of..." Orochimaru spoke while sparing another glance at the hourglass on his desk
"And what else do I need to be aware of?" Isane asked before the door was kicked open to reveal a fuming Tayuya
"That, that is what you need to be aware of. Also, good afternoon Tayuya. I'm glad that you could join us today, considering that by the look of things you finally received the good news." Orochimaru answered back as they put their hourglass into one of their desk drawers
'So that's why they kept looking at that hourglass.' Isane noted to herself as Tayuya stamped over to Orochimaru in a furious huff
"Your goddamn right, I heard about the 'good' news you crossdressing fuck! Who the hell do you think you are to replace me? It isn't like that fat piece of shit, or that spider fucker can pick up the slack, for whoever the hell your replacing me with!" Tayuya barked in indignant fury
"Who I think I am is your leader, Tayuya. So it would be wise of you to show me the respect and courtesy that is deserved of my station. Secondly, I have no doubt that everyone will not only be able to pick up the slack without you. But moreso that your replacement can and has had far more of a positive impact in the few months she's known them vs the years of which you have been part of the Sound 5." Orochimaru told her their voice an unnerving calm in contrast to the belligerent rage of his underling
"And who's the fucking bitch you got to replace me?...Probably some fucking skank that you got to peg your bitch ass, into next week. Which makes the most sense when I think about it, since you look even more like a trashy piece of shit than you did before." Tayuya demanded out of the leader of the Hidden Sound who continued to look at her as though she were a 7-year-old throwing a temper tantrum
"Because at least before you didn't look like you love to get trains ran on you…Now you look like some slutted out cunt out of that toad fuckers' books." Tayuya derisively added as despite the fact that Orochimaru had an outward calm Isane noticed their nails gradually turning into claws
'I don't know if she's got guts to talk to Lord Orochimaru like that, or a death wish. Since I wouldn't speak to them like that on my worst day.' Isane said dumbstruck to see Tayuya's disrespect in person
"If you must know, your replacement who is leagues more pleasant than you is right here…Tayuya meet Isane Terumi the new North Gate of the Sound 5." Orochimaru said gesturing to Isane who stood face-to-face against the illusionist
"You know, I heard a lot about you from Lord Orochimaru and the others in the Sound 5…And they certainly did not disappoint." Isane spoke rising to glare daggers at the furious flutist
"What that I could kick you're useless ass any day of the goddamn week? Besides, how much of his pencil cock did you have to choke down to replace me huh? I bet it wasn't much with how long it took to for one of you cunts from Kiri to get my job." Tayuya haughtily responded in full confidence of being able to beat Isane despite said Terumi having half a foot and 40 pounds of muscle on the illusionist
"From what I heard its because your an insufferable piece of crap that's a spiteful bitch to everybody. Hell, with how much you've pissed off your own teammates, and disrespected Lord Orochimaru. I'm surprised he hasn't had you executed…Especially with how weak you are compared to everyone." Isane retorted as she could see why her new co-workers grew to severely dislike her and this was from barely a minutes' interaction
"The fuck I am weak, if anything I'm worth 5 of you and whatever shithole you crawled out of. Especially when I'm the best one out of that ragtag piece of shit our 'leader' calls and elite guard!" Tayuya indignantly shot back
"Really? Then if that's the case then explain why Lord Orochimaru hasn't seen fit to give you the updated Curse Marks?" Isane asked as she pulled down her collar to reveal a Curse Mark on her neck that was of a 9 sided Star
"The fucking' hell is this bitch going on about you snake fucking dipshit?!" Tayuya bellowed
"If you must know, Tayuya. I have given the majority of the Sound 5 newly updated Curse Marks that are additionally powered by the tablets we've recovered thus far. As part of my new initiative to now only strengthen them, but also to reinvent my elite guard into something greater…Something you would've been apart of had you not been so brazen and callous in trying to undermine my influence." Orochimaru responded although the fact that their hands had started to turn into wicked-looking metallic claws was in contrast to their calm
"I still deserve one, since I'm the one carrying those fuckers through everything! So hand that shit over right now you snake-faced cunt!" Tayuya retorted
"...If you are going to lie to me, then at least make it a convincing one at the very least…I know that you are furious over the fact that your own actions have caused you to be replaced with someone much better than you. However, I would at least have you construct something to save face than that paltry response." Orochimaru replied having grown so used to Tayuya's belligerent behavior that it was more akin to a 6 year olds' temper tantrums to the Serpent Sannin
"Especially, when I have over a years worth of reports saying otherwise. Given how Sakon and Ukon, as well as Kimimaro have had to do damage control on your missions with them to Kirigakure. Given that your belligerence and foul attitude have compromised several missions, of which prevented us from gaining 4 powerful bloodlines that could've been apart of our village." Orochimaru said as they brought out a small stack of folders to emphasize their point
"If you call messing up that bad carrying your team. Then I honestly can't imagine what you actively being a screw-up is like." Isane spoke surprised at the severity of Tayuya's screw-ups
"Shut up no one asked you, magma-breathing cunt!" Tayuya immediately shot back
"Hey, I'm just calling it like I see it. Since you wanna come in here all pissy because your getting replaced. Meanwhile, you mess up enough to compromise that many important missions and get my people sent back to be executed or worse…No wonder I'm being chosen over you." Isane responded her glare growing harsher yet Tayuya's fiery temper refused to let her wilt
"And cry me a fucking river, its not like they're that important." Tayuya said
"They are important enough when it comes to the growth of our village, and the preservation of such strong bloodlines…All of which have been potentially lost because of your mistakes. Mistakes that I allowed because you were at one time irreplaceable, but now I will tolerate it no longer." Orochimaru responded their golden Rinnegan locked onto the foul-mouthed flutist with a penetrative gaze that had their calm yet almost flaccid demeanor start turning more predatory and draconian
"You can't do this to…" Tayuya tried to say before a minor application of the Deva Path had her flung across the room and into a wall hard enough to bruise if not crack her ribs
"I can and will, Tayuya. For this has been long since overdue, in thanks to you're brazen and overt insubordination and continuous disrespect…Consider it a mercy that I have not executed you nor have you sent off for my experimentations with the tablets." Orochimaru spoke as they used their powers to keep her pinned to the wall
"So goddamn what? I'm supposed to be grateful to you now?! Go on and play me the worlds' smallest violin for not giving a hot shit." Tayuya spat back as she was force further into the wall as her bones began to creak
"Perhaps you will change your tune, if I decided to make 'better' use of your friend Kin? After all, with you no longer being needed in the Sound Five. I no longer have to make concessions for her overall, and as such she is rendered free game for punishments, given that nothing I say seems to get through to you." Orochimaru said as after the mention of her friend Tayuya's face went from belligerent rage to growing concern and fear
"You wouldn't fucking dare, you snake fucker." Tayuya growled out
"Oh I can and I will. I already have Guren and Kabuto on standby to take her away; for a few things I have planned down the proverbial line. As I have plans that need more expendable foot soldiers, and she fits the bill as it were…Therefore, if you want her life to not be in danger any further than you have put it. Then you will comply with all further instructions, and cease your undermining of my authority." Orochimaru replied as they were completely done with making concessions for Tayuya's belligerence and incompetence
"If you really wanted to, Lord Orochimaru. Then how about she gets a front-row seat to seeing what happens when someone gets juiced up on one of these tablets?" Isane suggested in wanting to dig the knife in further to this treacherous wench
"That isn't too bad of an idea, Isane. After all, we've reports of a tablet in the Mountains' Graveyard; that can control the spirits of the damned and allow for more spectral abilties…I'm sure that Kin would make for a fantastic test subject too see firsthand the effects of such a thing on a living subject." Orochimaru spoke as they continued to further indent Tayuya into the wall
"That is if Tayuya can behave from now on and after the event we have planned for next month?" Orochimaru questioned
"Fine, I'll play fucking nice for Kin's sake you piece of shit." Tayuya replied knowing that she had to put her pride aside for her only friend
"And say sorry for being a crappy subordinate to Lord Orochimaru as well...It is the very least you can do after being so blatantly disrespectful to them." Isane added wanting to hear an apology from the foul-mouthed redhead
"How about you shove it….Fine, I am soooo fucking sorry for how I've acted Lord Orochimaru…and I will try my best to better behave." Tayuya choked out as she felt bile and vomit rise in her throat from having to speak to said Sannin in such a way but did so after feeling her ribcage start to snap from the Shinra Tensei
"There…now was that so hard to do?" Orochimaru asked sardonically as he released his grip and allowed Tayuya to fall from the wall
"...Anyways, leave my office, as I will have Kabuto come to inform you of what will be happening in the following month…And if you know what is best for yours and Kin's sake, then you will be on your best behavior. Otherwise, there will be quite the consequences." Orochimaru said before Tayuya who was red-faced and fuming stomped off to lick her wounds
"If I may speak freely, Lord Orochimaru. How is it that you put up with that dumpster fire for so long? If this was back in Kiri, she would've been stripped of rank and put on sewer-cleaning duty for the next 2 maybe 3 years." Isane wondered in regards to the now former North Gate
"As I said, Isane. I was desparate and did not have much to work with at the time; I formed the Sound 5. However, now that we are expanding and growing in strength and influence. I can afford to have better options than her at my disposal." Orochimaru spoke having felt a weight lift off their shoulders from being able to be rid of Tayuya from his innermost circle
"Now that I've met the person who I'm replacing, I can't say I feel bad about it at all…She really is a piece of work like I've heard." Isane replied in disgust of the demonic flute user
"Believe me you have no idea how correct you are in that statement, Isane." Orochimaru said in having had to deal with Tayuya for more than he liked
"...Well, I'm gonna go home and try on my brand-new armor…Unless you need anything else?" Isane replied as she grabbed her scroll
"At the moment no, however, I will send one of my summons to collect you should I need anything." Orochimaru said back as he motioned for Isane to leave
"Alright, well thanks again for the new position, Lord Orochimaru…I promise, that you will not regret this!" Isane said before she took her leave in good spirits of her unofficial positon as the new North Gate
'...Honestly, that went better than I expected…Although if had to hear Tayuya whine for much longer, I may have lost my temper and tore that insubordinate tongue of hers from her skull…Hmmm, and what a shame it would've been, I would've dirtied my new floors.' Orochimaru remarked to themselves as they retracted their claws and went about working on looking over proposals from Kabuto on their medical facilities
(Land of Rivers, 2 hours later, 4:10 Pm)
Meanwhile, a meeting between Pein, Konan and Kakuzu was called once the miser had recovered enough from his encounter with the new and improved Sannin to fill in the Akatsuki leader on what had happened and the loss of Hidan.
"And that's the long and short of it, Pein. I'm telling you, I don't know how he or whatever they're going by did it. But they've got a pair of eyes just like yours." Kakuzu informed them over the holographic projection adjacent from the two founders of said organization
"It was only out of sheer dumb luck, and Orochimaru feeling nostalgic over us being partners that I'm still alive and kicking." Kakuzu further spoke knowing they were lucky as can be to be spared by the Sannin
"And what of Hidan, what did Orochimaru do to them?" Pein questioned
"I don't know, said something about using them for some shit they had planned…Whatever it is I don't know and don't want to know." Kakuzu answered back to the zealous worshipper of Jashin's fate
"While it is a detriment and shame that we lost Hidan…At the very least we can count on his madness, and devotion to Jashin to keep our secrets safe. He may be many things, but at the very least we can count on him being unable to compromise what we have planned." Pein spoke glad that the combination of Hidan's faith and his insane amounts of mental resilience that was matched by his 'immortality' made their secrets safe
"Yeah, that's the only thing that fucker was good for if you asked me." Kakuzu replied somewhat glad to be rid of his partner
"That being said, we cannot overlook the fact that Orochimaru has managed to reproduce your eyes. Something like that isn't to be taken lightly." Konan spoke with understandable concern
Given Orochimaru's great amount of intellect on top of his being a much more prodigious shinobi than their former sensei, which was compounded by the power of their Rinnegan and who knows what additional abilities he had with their 'final body' as Kakuzu termed it. Then Konan knew full well that Orochimaru presented an extremely real danger to their plans, even if Nagato was so absorbed in his Pein persona to realize it as a credible threat to even him and his paths of Pein.
"That isn't even on top of whatever the hell else they had up their sleeves. I'm telling you if it wasn't for keeping one of hearts in reserve, then I would be a dead man after that attack threw at me…Shit plowed through one of my strongest attacks like it was childs' play." Kakuzu said still grappling with the fact that Orochimaru toyed with him who faced off against a blood-lusted Hashirama in his prime
"What do you suggest that we do, Pein? We cannot afford to let Orochimaru run rampant given what happened." Konan questioned
"I will have Zetsu infiltrate the Hidden Village that Orochimaru has placed themselves in to better confirm things, and deliver a message to them…If they will not comply, then soon enough the wrath of God will be visited upon them all." Pein answered back
"Even with how handily he dispatched of Hidan, and overpowered Kakuzu. He is no match for someone who has longer since commanded the eyes of the Sage of Six Paths." Pein further boasted to the point of pretentiousness that almost made Kakuzu roll his eyes
"Then I'm going to wish Zetsu the best of luck if Orochimaru catches him. Because if they get a lick of what your cooking, then I don't even think you are going to beat him…and if you do he's gonna rock your shit into the next century." Kakuzu replied as Pein's attention turned toward him
"You truly think that this pretender stands a chance against me? I am a God for a reason, Kakuzu, you would do well to remember that." Pein said back
"Yeah, and so was Hashirama back in the day, and his student the 3rd Hokage. But they all got defeated by someone or something sooner or later, and you are no exception to that rule…So if I were you Pein, I'd be real careful if you go up against Orochimaru. They're on a whole other playing field right now, and I wouldn't fuck with them lightly." Kakuzu responded knowing that even 'Gods' can be taken down a peg
"He does make a good point. Orochimaru was and still is regarded as the strongest of the Sannin for a reason…At the time they may have not had Jiraiya's power and strength, but they more than made up for it with his cleverness and intelligence." Konan spoke in defense of Kakuzu in knowing how much her childhood friend despised his 'godhood' being called into question
"Only now he's got a fuck-ton more power than that smut-selling jackass…Trust me when I say that if you go in half-cocked against them, and think you can win with your usual bag of tricks, then your dead wrong." Kakuzu said knowing that Orochimaru would have a counter...or 3 for anything Pein could throw at them
"...Take it from someone who was their partner once upon a time…Orochimaru is one of the smartest people across the board for a reason. That man is several steps ahead of whoever they're fighting, and can make you look like a green genin without trying...That was before they had their power boost, and made us look like fresh out of the Academy genin…So just what do you think he'll do now that he has eyes like yours?" Kakuzu further spoke knowing that now his former partner had a deadly combination of intellect, power and cunning in their hands
"Those are both more than fair points that you and Konan have made. And while I will take them into…consideration. I know for certain that Orochimaru will still stand no chance against my might...There is nothing in this world that can stand against the might of a God." Pein spoke as he said the word consideration as though it were foul garbage on his mouth
'With an attitude like that, Orochimaru is gonna slaughter the kid.' Kakuzu remarked to themselves
"Now then with Hidan now being taken unawares by Orochimaru. That leaves Kakuzu without a notable partner to work with once we begin our hunt for the tailed beasts…However, until a suitable replacement is found he will continue to find bounties to fund our mission statement until such a time we have found a replacement" Pein declared as to Kakuzu's fate in concerns to his partner
"What about Tobi? They are more than capable enough to be a replacement for Hidan." Konan questioned
"While I do agree with the fact that they would be an adequate replacement. They are already working alongside Kisame, and it would be a disservice to leave him without a partner when Kakuzu is more than capable enough of fending for himself." Pein answered back
"It is going to take me awhile to get back to full strength. After I got fucked up by Orochimaru, I'm down to my last heart on top of my injuries already…So its going to be awhile before I'm back in action." Kakuzu told the two in regard to his current state
"Take whatever time is needed to regain your full power…The very last thing we need is for another one of our own to become further compromised." Pein replied
For even the God of Ame knew it would be foolhardy to allow for Kakuzu to continue in his weakened state, given that with only one of hearts available and his injuries from Orochimaru using him to break in their new body; that anyone worth their salt would take advantage of his lessened state.
"Understood, and anything else you need from me before I go?" Kakuzu questioned as they straightened themselves up in their chair
"No, you are free to leave, Kakuzu." Pein spoke as the transmission ended leaving only Pein and Konan
"...Nagato, this is extremely bad news. If Orochimaru truly has the Rinnegan then this could spell disaster for everything we've worked for." Konan spoke knowing the Serpent Sannin was truly an immense threat
"While I am inclined to agree, Konan. He will still be no match for my own Rinnegan should he not choose to comply with my demands…He may be one of the Legendary Sannin; like Jiraiya-sensei. However, none of them are a match for my power." Pein replied
"Are you serious, Nagato? You heard what he did to both Hidan and Kakuzu, and that was him toying them. What do you think he will do to you when he takes a fight against you seriously?" Konan asked in disbelief of her friends hubris
"I am, I will not fall against someone who has needed to transfer himself from body to body for the past decade to live like a parasite…Someone such as that is without a doubt my inferior. Even if they managed to obtain eyes like mine, they will still be lesser than me." Pein answered back with such overbearing pretentiousness and swagger in his voice that Konan almost cursed at him if not for the seriousness of the matter
"I am telling you this, as your friend, and as someone who cares about you more than anyone in the Akatsuki. If you fight against him, then there is very strong possibility that they will kill you." Konan said to the Deva Path that was once her dear friend
"I know that you are extraordinarily powerful with the Rinnegan, I will not doubt that for a second. However, we both know that the real you, the you I've known for over 20 years is in no condition to fight a prolonged fight against one of the deadliest shinobi to exist…So I am asking…no pleading with you that if it comes to a fight against Orochimaru and things are growing dire. That you will get out of there immediately….I don't want to have to lose another one of my friends, because they went in half-cocked." Konan almost pleaded with the Rinnegan wielder
"You worry for nothing, for I will not lose against Orochimaru. My victory against him if he refuses the generosity of my demands will be swift and decisive. For he is a mere worm against an almighty deity made manifest." Pein replied unphased by the dangers Orochimaru's own power presented
"For your sake, I hope that you are right, Nagato. Otherwise, our plans to bring peace through understanding as we've hoped will have been for nothing." Konan said back as she departed from his sight no longer being able to stomach looking at the corpse of her deceased friend
'I just hope that your gamble on your paths will be enough. Otherwise, I shudder to think of what Orochimaru will do to you, if they get their hands on you.' Konan said to themselves as they continued their stride away from Nagato's Deva Path
So with Orochimaru's having broken in their new body against the Zombie Duo, and having spared Kakuzu alive out of nostalgia for their former partnership. As well as the impending bout between Tayuya and Isane to cement the rebranding of the Sound 5. It seems as though things are taking quite a turn for the Serpent Sannin…So how will things continue to transpire with Orochimaru now starting to tap into their new body's immense powers? Find out in the all new chapters of Naruto: The Pokesage!
Alright everyone that takes care of this chapter as I hoped you enjoyed this Orochimaru-focused one, considering that this brought about a small sample of what Orochimaru is capable of with their new body. Since there's a lot more to come given the fact that I plan on said Sannin being the main antagonist for the story, so I hope you guys will be ready for that.
That all said and done, I hope you guys are gonna stick with things as we venture into Part 2; given that with what I've got cooking up for Orochimaru…canon will go quite a bit differently for what I have planned. And as such I ask you will continue to support the story so that we can see just where things head off too.
All that said done this is Pravus666 signing off until next time, as the next chapter is Naruto going out on his 1st date with Hanabi. So stay tuned for all that good stuff.
Part 2 Theme Song: To the Pain by Nonpoint
Random End Song: Feed by Sevendust
Now then onto some of the reviews from the previous chapter.
Kourtney Uzu Yato: Well, of course, I'd give you well wishes and such since you're a pretty awesome person and as such I know you can do some absolutely awesome stuff Kourtney. And yeah for one Sakura doesn't fuck around whatsoever given that you fuck with her 'brother' and as such she will stomp your shit in and as such Mizore should be glad that she has any hair at all after what Sakura did, and as for Toshiro; getting a Close Combat was the least of what Naruto could've done...seeing as how if he was allowed to go lethal...Toshiro would've gotten concussed for certain. And heck yeah Kazushi ain't gonna have anyone's shit since as far as she's concerned these are her dumbass kids, and anyone who messes with them are subject to her going full Momma Bear on, so expect anyone who tries shit with Team 7 to face the wrath of Kazushi! Also, for how Tayuya got away with all of what she has in terms of shit-talking Orochimaru and everyone; Orochimaru said it themselves; they were desparate and didn't have many options in the way of replacements; similar to how when somewhere is low on workers due to COVID that they're pretty much stuck with shit-tier employees until things even out if that makes sense...so now that Isane is on board things are gonna be changing soon enough.
Skull Flame: Oh yeah, Kazushi has Predaplants' as a pseudo summon of sorts which I thought would be pretty cool to use as a basis for some stuff in terms of what her Wood Release can do, and as such expect for some from the game and some of what I'm cooking up to make their appearance down the line. Also, I will expand more on Iruka's motives as we get to his stealing of the Scroll of Seals later on. Furthermore, with Sakura I'm glad you liked what went down given that she doesn't fuck around with Naruto considering that from her perspective its someone fucking with a person whom she considers as her foster brother given how close they are too each other, and as for Kakashi this is him taking things from someone who is looking at things from the outside looking in..and as such the man has a sugarcoated version of how things are between Naruto, Mizore and Toshiro. Also, Kurenai's alcholism is gonna show itself throughout the story given that as with Hinata its also gonna rear its ugly head on missions as well. And lastly concerning Hiashi its a mix of his honoring his wife's last wishes and his own pride in refusing to admit that he's wrong about Hinata's being a wrong fit for clan heir if that makes sense.
God of Wind 200: I'm saving more of that for when the Chunin Exams come up, as that's when I plan on having things really pop off between Naruto and his siblings.
