Scarlet Justice - ep. 51
"The Cold Corner"
[Sasuke Recovery Mission: Prologue]
"At last...it's here."
I feel my body burning up, my chakra starting to run low. It's shifting into night from evening, and I decide that I'm truly done for the day. Yes, it's enough. A satisfied grin spreads across my face.
These weeks without work have been an opportunity. Not just to rest properly, but to experiment in all the ways that I wanted to. My experiment that I started on in the hospital was a success, and I've reached a new level of strength. Beyond that, I've improved my killer technique even further with new options.
There's the log lying on the ground, cut cleanly into two pieces diagonally. The scorched earth of the training field, and marks from where the ground has been raked by bolts of lightning. All of that is my handiwork. Yes, I'm ready. Definitely ready to prove myself like never before. Though...I don't wish for an opportunity just yet. You tend to get more than you ask for in those cases. A peaceful life is more than fine, if it comes to that in the future.
"I'm home."
"Welcome back, Miss Lilith. I'll rewarm your dinner," Luna says as I step inside.
"Thank you. Oh, it's been a long day." I sit at the table and wait for my food to get warm again, tapping my fingers lightly on the top of it. "Any messages for us?"
"None today." Luna sets a plate in front of me. Tuna and rice with vegetables. "It hasn't been a terribly busy day here, in fact. Lady Midoriko is still away for the time being...though she's been quiet as to what it is she's doing, which is unusual."
"Hm. Might be something dangerous," I say as I pick up my chopsticks.
"It must be so. Still...I do worry sometimes."
"That's only natural. You've become a lot closer lately."
"We have, yes. I find myself having outrageous thoughts...not in the way you're thinking, just dreams, I guess you could call them."
"Those are fine, aren't they?"
"Yes. But you know how I am. I don't want to get ahead of myself."
I raise a brow towards her. "Those dips in self-esteem are what's concerning. Men would fight each other to the death for a taste of you."
"Miss Lilith, that's too much," she scolds.
"Oh, come off it. You saw the way that Toad Hermit looked at you the other day."
"It would be a lie to say otherwise...I didn't just see it, either. I felt it," she mutters.
"Exactly. And beyond that beautiful body of yours, you have a wonderful heart. You have every right to dream as big as you want. Don't feel so guilty about these sorts of things."
Luna moves to clean up the stove. "I shouldn't be leaning on you for things like this."
"Because I'm so young."
"That's most of it."
"Yes, well...we live in curious times. Relying on a young girl for relationship advice is no stranger than her being paid to kill men with her bare hands, far as I'm concerned."
"You have a point. Thank you, Miss Lilith. I'll remember your words."
"Try to. And I'll be here to remind you if you do forget. As many times as it takes, without question."
She gives me a smile. "Of course. You've always been gracious like that, and I'm forever grateful."
I smile back before starting on her delicious meal.
The restrictions are lifted. After a bit over three weeks, Team Eight can finally come together for a proper meeting. General missions are starting to resume, and we meet at the training field this morning. I dress in the standard Leaf outfit for the day, a dark sweater with red spirals on each of the shoulders, and pants that go down to my ankles before stopping. It's nice every day wear, so I made sure to order several more copies of the outfit to mix and match as I want.
"Ladies, gentleman. Today I am proud to announce my promotion to jounin. I am now officially an elite shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village."
My comrades clap joyfully at the news.
"Congratulations!" Hina says, her eyes sparkling.
"Hm. Good work, Boss," Shino says with an approving nod.
"Well done, Lili. We're the same rank now...that's amazing. But that's not the only thing...it also means it's my win against Kakashi!" Kurenai says with a smile. "Asuma accepted a draw on his end, but I might be able to drag something out of him for the difference in rank..."
"A year's supply of liquor, then."
"Yeah. I'm gonna make that scarecrow buy one item for each day in the week, just to be merciful. I don't think his wallet should take too much of a hit...not that I care," she says with a smirk. "I see you haven't picked up your vest yet."
"Oh, I have it at home. I simply didn't want to wear it today. It doesn't seem like we're going to be doing too much, and I want to see if it suits me."
"Fair enough. There's nothing scheduled for today, so you guys are free to do what you like after this. No sense in doing anything else...they're having us upper level shinobi running around because of the loss of manpower. We didn't take a huge hit, but people did die because of the invasion. There's also the goodwill effort with the Sand to consider." Kurenai closes her eyes. "The Fourth Kazekage might not have been the best father, but he was a hell of a leader. I don't think anyone else save for our Fourth could have held a village together with such thin strings."
"The Hokage is also sending aid, isn't he?"
"Yeah. All sorts of humanitarian stuff, basic food and goods...hopefully the Sand builds on this, because this is a big risk the old man is taking on the world stage. It's why we have to run so many protection missions. Kakashi was also muttering about something worrying, but I didn't get all of it. Must be above my pay grade."
"Sensei, are the rumours true?" Shino asks. "Apparently there's a search going on for the Fifth Hokage."
Kurenai shrugs. "Probably. Who knows how long that could take, though...it's possible that the Third could die of old age before a new candidate is approved. They would have to be someone extremely special to get in right away."
"It would be interesting," Hina says. "I wonder...who would be able to take up that role?"
"Kakashi's name has been bandied about in such discussions, which says a lot on its own," I reply. "But it's likely to be one of the remaining members of the Three Shinobi. Orochimaru was once a candidate, but Minato Namikaze was chosen over him. Maybe that made him bitter...who knows for sure. The remaining choices are Jiraiya, the Toad Hermit of Mount Myoboku, and Princess Tsunade Senju...the Founder's granddaughter."
"Ah...I see. She would be a great candidate."
"Her only problem is that she hasn't been around in years, and nobody really knows where she is now. Midori-nee said that if it came down to it, Jiraiya would track her down." She's also told me something else, but I can't talk about it to anyone other than the Hokage. That must have been what Kakashi was muttering about.
It turns out that Eddie had the right idea. The person who was affiliated with his kingdom and breached the Leaf's defenses so quietly and precisely was once a member of the village. An elite member of the ANBU. He returned to the village as a warning to the Hokage and the upper brass, to say one thing.
'I'm alive.'
Watching them, and all of us. But he was also no fool, and took note of Midori's presence inside of the village. Because of that, he backed away and did nothing else. That person...the one who Sasuke has been chasing after his whole life. The Shinobi Academy's all time second place scorer. The prodigy of a fallen clan.
Even as I am...I don't think I'm ready to take on him just yet. I have to work harder.
"Anyways, I've got a meeting to get to. Small thing, but necessary. You guys take care, alright?" Kurenai says. She takes off a moment later.
"Are you thinking about training, Boss?" Shino asks me.
I shake my head. "Nothing like that. I'd rather get some administrative things out of the way first. Apparently your promotion is still in limbo?"
"For now, yes."
"That has to be annoying."
"My father worked something out. I can accept higher grade missions as compensation, since they're convinced the debate will end in my favour."
"Oh, that's good. Sorry that you can't do the same, Hina."
She smiles. "It's alright. There will be other chances, and being rich has its perks."
"Heh. Good to see you're in high spirits. Yes, there's always tomorrow to climb into. Actually, as far as admin stuff goes...we can go over the basics together. It's terribly simple, and I don't understand what makes people whine so much."
"It might be the amount," Shino says as we start to leave the field.
"That can't be it. You can cheat really easily, and on the fly. You see, if you arrange the reports..."
"Oi, Kobayashi."
I turn my head to see Shikamaru approaching. He looks about the same as ever, save for the new flak jacket that came with his new position. But...his expression is oddly serious.
"Shikamaru. Something happened," I say reflexively. "What is it, what's wrong?"
He gathers himself and rubs the back of his neck. "A couple of people...found Ino lying near a stream this morning. She was there all night," he says evenly.
My head is filled with noise. "What...?"
"Right now, she's in stable but serious condition at the hospital. She..." He pauses. "She fought her hardest, but ended up beaten to within an inch of her life by what looks like multiple attackers. She was unconscious and lost about a quarter of her blood."
My throat feels so dry. I can barely speak. "Ino...but why?" I'm shaking. "Why...?"
"I have no idea...that's what I said to myself before I got here. But on my way, I ran into Naruto."
"Naruto. Is Naruto...?"
"He's fine, physically speaking. He told me that he hadn't seen or spoken to Sasuke or Sakura for the past week or so. They had barely interacted since the invasion. There's nothing to suggest that Sasuke or Sakura would do such a thing to Ino, but...there's no trace of either of them. Sakura would have been one of the first people at the hospital to see Ino. It has to be connected to them..."
"Fucking hell. They're gone."
"Gone?" Shikamaru asks.
"They left the fucking village. The only other option is that they were kidnapped, but it's not likely," I say.
"Why would Sasuke leave?" Hina asks. "Something...something isn't right. And Sakura, I understand her devotion to Sasuke...but even that doesn't explain..."
"Do you really think...what happened to Ino had something to do with that trash?" I ask Shikamaru, my voice shaking.
"From all the evidence I've collected, it really seems like it. Choji...he hasn't opened a single snack since he found out. He just sits there by her bedside, waiting until she wakes up. Not eating, nothing like that. It's scary. Asuma-sensei has been out on a mission for the past two days...he's scheduled to be back in a few hours..."
Who...just who would do something like this? What the hell...is this? Ino, I just talked to her, I was...I can't make sense of it all.
Sasuke...it's his fault. It's all his fault. Maybe he didn't put his hands on Ino, but it's just as if he did. If she was trying to stop him and Sakura from leaving the village, he caused this. He did that to her. But where the hell could he be going? Orochimaru is dead, we killed him. He was the one tempting...
'The legacy'. Did that toilet-mouthed bitch from the Sound really get to him? Lured him away from the village with some promise of power? I don't know...I don't know anything. I just know that I feel sick. And that I...I really want to kill something. Right now. I...it's so hard to keep my composure...
"I wanted to let you know about it as soon as I could, Kobayashi. She talked about you a lot...I just figured you were close," Shikamaru says.
"She's...a very good friend of mine," I say as the tears come down. I can feel Hina rubbing my back to try and calm me. "Something like that happening in the village...it's too much."
"I know."
"Shikamaru...we have to put our heads together on this," I say as I sniffle and wipe my tears. "I know you feel the same as I do...you want to get those bastards and tear them apart."
"Yeah. I do. We'll figure something out. Listen, I'm gonna go over to the hospital and check on Ino. I'll see you."
He leaves, and I take a moment to try and get the sorrow out of my system.
"Ino...something like that. It's so horrible," Hina says. "Who would do such a thing...?"
"Whoever these people are, they seem to have no regard for human life. The intent was to let her bleed out on the ground," Shino says. "Boss, I know you want to look into this right away. We shouldn't get so deeply involved yet, not until the promised time."
"Shino's right. We're not quite in the loop yet, and it might be distracting because of our clan responsibilities," Hina follows. "It's in another dimension right now...we will be here when you need loyal soldiers to put an end to this, Lili."
These two...they've gotten incredibly perceptive in the past while. I still feel numb, but I look at them with confidence and nod to acknowledge their thoughts.
"Yes. Thank you. I know what I want to do right now...we need to act with speed and figure out what's happening with Sasuke and Sakura. I'm going over to Intelligence so that I can mine some information out of a certain person."
"Please...nothing too rash," Hina pleads.
"I promise. I won't do anything too extreme."
"Okay. Good luck, Lili."
"We'll see you later, Boss," Shino says.
I let out a breath and make my exit, sprinting across the village to a certain area. The Torture and Intelligence Division, where many prisoners are being held and interrogated. It's not a building that looks particularly imposing on the outside, but that seems to be the point. I head towards the entrance.
"What's all this...what do you need, kid?"
I look up to see a few men congregating around the entrance. One or two are smoking. They're dressed in same sort of grey outfits that I saw at the Chuunin Exams...it seems that they're all part of Ibiki's crew. That makes sense.
"I would like to speak to your CO. Is he in?" I ask politely.
They're all silent for a moment before bursting into derisive laughter.
"What? Listen, just because you use some fancy terms doesn't make you a real soldier, little girl," one of them sneers. "Come back with your sensei and we'll see what we can do for you."
"She's busy. I would like to speak with Ibiki. It's important," I say.
"Oi, oi...don't get cocky. Maybe you're some rich brat who has a shinobi daddy, that doesn't mean you can act familiar. Beat it before we exercise our power as seniors," another man says.
"Scram, kid! This ain't a playground!"
"Ah...you're all hardasses, then. Interesting," I murmur. I don't have time for this, and my day is already ruined. I can't think of anything else but Ino as my murderous intent starts to flare up-
"What's going on out here?"
The door opens, and Ibiki steps outside. His gaze falls to me, and he looks happy.
"Hoh, great timing. I was going to ask someone about you."
I smile and let my anger settle. "It really is good timing. How have things been?"
"Ah, you know. The usual crap. These guys lately have been going down in one hit, just one after the other. We're making a lot of progress as a result, but...it's boring, you know? Little things."
I nod. "That's understandable. Hard to enjoy the work when you can't even get a rhythm going."
He points towards me. "Yeah! See, I knew you'd get it."
"Boss? What's...going on?" one of the chuunin asks. They're all confused by our exchange.
"Hm? What's with the look?" Ibiki asks. He then raises a brow while looking at his men. "Oi, don't tell me you were trying to bully her just now..."
"Sorry, we didn't know this kid knew you, and..."
"Kid? What's wrong with you? Show some damn respect, you idiots," Ibiki says.
"I guess they don't know. I must apologize, I almost cut loose on them myself."
He sighs and rubs the side of neck. "Damn. Then it really was perfect timing."
"Boss, even if she's some snobby girl-"
"Hah?" Ibiki makes a face. "Girl? Snobby? No, you dumbass. She's the Scarlet Viper I was telling you about. A jounin. She outranks every one of us standing here. That's why I said to show some goddamned respect."
"..."
"I have a favour to ask of you. Shall we go inside?" I ask Ibiki.
"Yeah, let's do that. I had something I wanted to ask you myself." I stroll inside past the stunned onlookers and follow Ibiki as the door closes. "Sorry about that. It's what happens when you try to make soldiers out of hooligans."
"It's alright. I know they work hard, or else you wouldn't keep them around."
"Heh. You really should join Intelligence."
"Perhaps when I get to the Hokage's age..."
We go through the building towards an elevator. Ibiki presses a button once we're inside, the doors close, and it starts downwards.
"I'm guessing you heard about what happened to Ino."
"Yes. It's why I'm here. I wanted to ask if you would let me see Kabuto Yakushi."
"Kabuto, huh. We've been at it for weeks with that guy...he's not an easy one to crack."
"I figured as much. Orochimaru's right hand."
"He wasn't at the crime scene. What kind of information did you want out of him?" Ibiki asks me. The elevator doors open and we step out, walking down a long corridor side by side.
"If Ino was hurt...I think it had something to do with Sakura directly, and subsequently would involve Sasuke. Those two haven't been seen in about a week."
"We've heard that much. Kakashi's been sidetracked with missions and won't be back until later today, unfortunately. Whoever did it knew how to defeat the security surrounding the village, which I'm guessing they learned from Orochimaru."
"We need to find out exactly what it was Orochimaru wanted with Sasuke," I continue. "He's dead, but from what Anko-nee told us the brands haven't disappeared. It wasn't just a bid for control, or else Orochimaru could have taken Sasuke, and he would have kept Anko by his side. It's something to do with compatibility...I just don't know what, exactly. I'm still missing pieces."
"I see...you've thought this out."
"Just on the way here," I admit. "It's nothing conclusive."
"You shouldn't be so modest, let your head swell up once in a while, eh?" Ibiki says with a smirk. "In any case...there's someone waiting for us up ahead. She's ANBU, so it's okay."
"Mm."
We stop in front of one door out of the many that we've passed in this quiet corridor. Standing beside it is indeed a member of ANBU, a woman with a cat mask and long violet hair. She removes the mask and shakes her hair out, revealing a pretty face with chocolate brown eyes.
"Good morning to you both."
"Good morning," we reply in unison. The woman extends her hand towards me.
"Yugao Uzuki." We shake warmly.
"Lilith Kobayashi. Lili is also fine." I feel like...there's something about this woman. Hm. Let's test it. "What do you think of Kosugi-sensei?"
"Kosugi...she's...mm." Yugao seems to be searching for a proper answer.
"It's alright, I understand. You don't like her either, as you reported to Hayate-senpai."
She looks to Ibiki. "Where did you find this girl?"
He shrugs. "Yeah. I'm wondering if she's from our world myself."
"Well, yes. Hayate and I are an item. And she really is a cradle-robber, doing those kinds of things with her student. That's really...really gross," she says while making a face. "But all that aside, it's nice to finally meet you, Miss Prodigy. I came out so that we could head off another shady character, so I wanted to gain your trust first."
"Understood. Your secret is safe with me."
"Thought you would say that," she says with a smile. "Ibiki's pretty discerning like that. It's Danzo Shimura we need to be wary of. Him and his organization, ROOT."
"Shimura...ROOT. An illegal army?" I mutter.
"Yes. He won't meddle directly if I'm here, but...with your proximity to the Hokage, you might be seen as a threat. We need to extract the necessary information from Kabuto and close this case up as soon as possible - this has honestly taken too long for my comfort. And for some reason, Danzo is very, very antsy about Kabuto. I first assumed, like anyone else here, that it was because of Orochimaru's history with the ANBU and ROOT back when it was under the purview of the Hokage's Office. But...it looks to be something deeper than even that," Yugao says.
"He hasn't said much of anything since we've put him in there," Ibiki adds. "Lili here thinks we should start with the plans Orochimaru made for Sasuke. He's on the run by now."
"So I've heard...the curse mark, and everything relating to it. So how will we do this? Genjutsu?"
"Not likely to work. We've tried a mind search already and it's a damn labyrinth in there. Inoichi is honestly the only guy who can crack something that complex in such a limited time, but there's no way he's coming back to work right now. Ino's fighting for her life...poor kid. Can't believe someone did that to her," Ibiki says angrily.
"Inoichi...that poor man. He must feel horrible, yes. I would rather let him heal before trying to take on something this difficult," Yugao says with sympathy.
We don't have much in the way of the usual options. But...if I play my cards properly, genjutsu and mind searches won't be necessary to deal with Kabuto. I need to think like Midori would...making power moves. No time for anything else.
"There's something odd. He seems to have gaps in his memories, but they're not all intentional from what Inoichi has mentioned in his reports. He's done work as a spy in the past, right? Before Orochimaru."
"Operating in other countries as a member of our ANBU, yes."
"..." Something to exploit, possibly. We'll see when we get there. "We're moving. I want Ibiki to follow me inside. We'll do this cleanly and look for the best solution. I have cards I can play...we did meet in battle a few weeks ago, after all."
"Understood. I'll keep watch out here," Yugao says as she puts her mask on. "Good luck, Lili."
"Alright, let's do it. I'll back you up if you need anything, but it's your show, Scarlet Viper," Ibiki says.
"Understood. Let's begin." I nod and Ibiki unlocks the door. I stare straight into a small room with a table and three chairs that have arm rests. Nothing else but concrete walls and a single hanging light. Ibiki closes and locks the door behind us while I move the table to one corner and position the remaining chair to face my subject. Close enough to properly see each other, far enough for room to react in a emergency.
Kabuto raises his head, a smirk etched onto it. His limbs are bound to the chair he sits in, the exact same the rest in the room. Aside from his messy hair and a few bandages, he doesn't look too bad. The only thing missing is his pair of glasses. He wears a set of plain grey clothing with slippers on his feet.
"To what do I owe the honour?" he asks in that smooth, disarming tone of his. "Ibiki Morino, head of Torture and Interrogation. And the Hidden Leaf's Scarlet Viper herself, Lilith Kobayashi. Or...is Lili fine?"
"It certainly is," I answer with as little tone as possible. "Have you eaten?"
"Not yet," he answers. "And I am getting a bit hungry."
"I see. Ibiki, I'll have what he's having."
"Oh? You're sure about that? It's prison food, you know."
"I am quiet sure. They've fed you pretty well, I know that much is a fact," I say as I observe his skin and limbs.
"Heh, perceptive. The food here is pretty nice, actually...what was the reasoning you gave the other day, Ibiki?" Kabuto asks.
"Feed a man well, and he'll sing you an opera. Can't expect someone to cooperate with you if you feed them garbage all day," he replies.
"An interesting strategy. Good way to gain trust."
"Ibiki," I say. "Do you have this man's glasses with you?"
"Yeah. You want them?"
"Yes, please." Ibiki hands me a cloth case, and I take out the glasses. I use the small cloth inside to clean the lenses properly, then place them on Kabuto's face gently. He takes a moment to adjust his eyes as I sit down, arms on the rests and one leg crossed over the other.
"This is nice. Was this also to gain my trust?" he asks.
"No. I just want you to see me clearly...Kabuto."
He tries to catch himself, but I can see his eyes widen and his body tense at the sight of me. I let my murderous intent slip out slowly, making it wind around his form. He can feel the weight, like a serpent set to bite into his tender flesh.
This isn't a videogame. I don't have time to deliberate or guess at the right strategy. Inoichi is out, Ibiki has been stumped for a long while, and I doubt Yugao, as skilled as she is, would be able to make any further breakthroughs. Kabuto is our best shot for so many different things, but I need this. I need to get Sasuke and Sakura back...I need to pay the human garbage that hurt Ino, tried to kill her, back a hundred thousand fold.
Be decisive, like my older sister. Tear straight through, like I did to Orochimaru.
"Let me get straight to the point," I say as I keep my pressure up. "Last night a girl named Ino Yamanaka was found bleeding and unconscious near a stream. She died this morning of her injuries...this is why you probably haven't seen Inoichi Yamanaka today."
"The Yamanaka kid...?" Kabuto's brain is moving.
"She was beaten by unknown assailants. But that's not the end of it," I continue. Straight ahead. "The body of Sakura Haruno was found just outside of the village later in the morning with the same kind of blunt trauma. Her cause of death was reported as internal bleeding. She and Sasuke Uchiha had been reported as missing by their teammate-"
"Naruto Uzumaki," he finishes. "The Nine-Tails kid."
"So you know them."
"We met during the second round of the exams. Sakura...she was intelligent, but lagging behind her teammates. Sasuke and Naruto would continually push each other. Even then, I could see they had built up a bond with each other. Naruto was definitely influencing Sasuke, and vice-versa." He pauses before looking at me. "You think Sasuke did these things? To Ino and Sakura?"
"No."
"So why come to me?"
"Because everything is connected."
"How?"
"That's what you're going to tell me, Kabuto. I want to know what your master was planning to do with Sasuke. That brand was not for a pointless reason, and he could have spirited Sasuke away at any time. But he elected to have 'the legacy' secured instead. What reason was there for that?"
"..."
The only thing I can do now is wait. I don't have a hand to play that will definitively force him to give anything up...it's going to be dependant on him and how he wants to go along with it. Shattering him here might make it easy to probe his mind later, but that might take far too much time for one session, and Inoichi is in no shape to work. My best bet is to grab the information now and track down Sasuke and Sakura before it's too late. Enough time has passed.
The bait with Ino and Sakura's deaths has been set, and it seems like he's chomped down. There's a lot to consider...with the Yamanaka head out, it could mean more torture or worse treatment. It might mean hell to pay when Inoichi does come back. And then there's the fact that Orochimaru is dead, and he has nobody to go back to. He might very well die in this place if he doesn't speak.
But the biggest threat...the one he's most afraid of...is me. Ibiki's playing his part well, and seems more than willing to let me cut loose if things start to escalate. I pull up more anger and Kabuto starts to sweat, knowing that there might be trouble coming. I helped put an end to Orochimaru, the S-Class criminal who terrorized the Leaf and conquered countries, who assassinated Kage, who brought the dead back to life, who was on his way to becoming an immortal.
Playing these cards is all I have, and I'm going to bluff the ever loving fuck out of this boy until he folds in terror.
I hear him let out a faint breath before returning his attention to me.
"Lord Orochimaru told me that the best way to become myself...was to absorb knowledge and build on it," he says wearily. "It seemed perfect. I was really good at what I did, and a strong soldier. But...in the end, I lost to love and justice and something silly called 'fighting spirit'. I lost...hahaha. I lost to a combat maid. A woman with two butterfly knives and murderous intent."
"..." Luna. Yes, I remember. The woman who performed a stunning, blessed dance for the village, all for my sake. An angel above all else. Even now, she is providing me strength.
"Lunamaria Daidouji. A name etched into my memories," Kabuto continues with a wry smile. "I realized, then and there, that Lord Orochimaru's method for me was meant to make me nothing but a doll. A plaything for his amusement and a tool for his whims. That's all it really was in the end." He sighs. "He had no real use for me as an individual, as a human being. So...I've got nothing better to do. Ask whatever you please, Scarlet Viper."
I did it. Thank the heavens above, it's done.
"As you say, Kabuto. I want to give you a chance. We should let the Hokage decide what to do with you," I say to him calmly.
"No...if there's anything that I want...it's to see that woman again. The red-eyed killer who felled the strongest colossal serpent...Princess Ryuuchi."
"..." I turn my head to Ibiki. "Would that be possible?"
"I can run it by the Hokage. He'll most likely OK it, anyways. You know how he is."
"Indeed. Then it can be arranged, Kabuto Yakushi. With my blessing, you will be able to see onee-sama."
"Ah...haha...hahahahaha! Really! You're her little sister, for real! No wonder your murderous aura is so pure...to be honest," he says with a smile, "you're more oppressive than Lord Orochimaru ever was."
"Don't compare me to that trash," I growl, leaning forward in my chair. "Never in your life compare me to him..."
"Hahaha...you see?" he laughs nervously. "You're really terrifying when you're angry. Definitely terrifying..."
"..." I pull back and let out a breath. The light above us slowly swings before Ibiki moves to steady it. Kabuto is an interesting child. Pushing my buttons like that...perhaps he's the scary one here. "I suppose we can end the banter and get to important matters. Shall we begin?"
A knock on the door interrupts us. "Looks like the food's here," Ibiki says.
I sigh. "Rough timing on their part. Send it in, we can continue after a break."
"Alright." It's easy to forget that I'm not just making requests from this position, I'm giving out orders unless clarified. But maybe that sort of quality is why Hiruzen picked me for this position. Ibiki and Yugao are following me faithfully, and Kabuto seems to respect my authority enough to start spilling his guts. I'm getting things done under pressure. Hopefully that continues.
"Kabuto, you can't move your hands as you are. Maybe I can sit on your lap and feed you as a courtesy," I say to him.
"Hehe...I would rather move my own hands, if possible. I don't stand a chance against the two of you in here either way, and my chakra's been suppressed," he says with another smile. "And beyond that, it's unfortunate...I'm not into little sister play, or things of that nature."
"Mm. Shame. It's always nice to expand your horizons," I say in a dry tone. Ibiki sets the food on the nearby table and locks the door after the other guard leaves.
"True. But I heard about some of your other exploits, and of your nature. As much as I would try to resist, you would break me eventually. There's a lot you can do when you're liberated from social norms. Some illusions, some subtle touches, a whisper in the ear...I think you can put any man or woman under your spell as you are. I'd hate to see what you could do to someone once you became a full-grown woman."
"Observant, aren't we."
"It's part of what I do. This conversation's refreshingly casual, considering you could kill me at any moment."
"Go figure." Ibiki delivers our trays to us, and I dip my spoon into the bowl of stew. "You're sure you don't want me to feed you? Last chance."
"Maybe another time," he jokes.
"I meant it when I said it was the last chance. You're aware that I like girls, aren't you?"
"I noticed that aura about you."
"Have you heard of something called the 'lesbian aesthetic'?" I ask.
"Briefly." Ibiki undoes the restraints on Kabuto's hands, and Kabuto takes the opportunity to adjust his glasses. "It's something popular among upper-class women over thirty. Apparently it's how they keep themselves safe from the emerging 'lesbian sexual predators' out in the sticks." He stirs his bowl of stew lightly. "It's as stupid as it sounds. There's no such thing."
"I thought as much. What about you?"
"A wife would be nice, one day. I have my doubts about it happening."
"Heaven has its whims," I say. "You shouldn't count yourself out just yet."
"Heh. Calling me handsome?"
"Don't read into it too much. I'm just saying that a girl desperate to have a dick put in her could do a whole lot worse than you."
"Vicious, isn't she?" Kabuto says to Ibiki.
The older man chuckles. "Now you see why I like this kid."
"Indeed."
Today's meal is a bowl of fresh beef stew with vegetables. It's complemented by a sandwich made from a warm, soft bun. There's a small bowl of tangerine slices, yogurt, and juice on the side. The two of us eat in silence. I offer Ibiki my sandwich, but he politely declines.
As we finish, the trays are removed and set on the table. I dab at my mouth with a silk cloth.
"That really was good," I say. "Well...shall we begin now, Kabuto?"
"We can. I should reward your restraint and general hospitality."
"Losing two of my comrades has made me very numb," I say. "I just want to get to the bottom of this so that I can vent my frustrations properly."
"You mean on Sasuke?"
"I don't mean him...but he'll get his at the promised time."
"Heh. Alright..." Kabuto folds his hands and leans forward in his chair, considerably more relaxed than before. "Those brands on Anko and Sasuke are called the Cursed Seal of Heaven, one of our two strongest seals. The other is called the Cursed Seal of Earth, and only one is in use at this time...maybe. Simply put, those seals operate by taking chakra from the user and converting it into a special type of chakra that transforms and empowers them. They're made from the enzymes of a certain young man who underwent frequent transformations himself, and came to Lord Orochimaru willingly for a cure. As you can guess, there are risks...the seals erode the user's sanity with each use. The only way to exercise more control is to advance the seal to its second state. Only a select few of us know the method."
"What else?" I ask.
"Lord Orochimaru's goal was ultimately to learn the secrets of jutsu...all jutsu. No human being has enough of a lifespan to do all of that, so he created an immortality jutsu of sorts. By taking over the body of another, he can transfer his soul and all of his memories whenever needed. But there was a perpetual problem. Every three or so years the bodies would reject him, and he would have to find a replacement. More than anything, he wanted a special body...the prime candidate we had before was willing, but he has a terminal illness. With that body, Lord Orochimaru might have been able to kill even that woman...possibly, based on rough projections. In any case, he changed targets. Think about it for a moment, Lili...a sturdy body with an ability to read all types of jutsu at a glance."
"So that's why. He wanted to tempt Sasuke to come to his side. Sasuke's obsession for power is slowly consuming him. And his mission...he wants to kill Itachi Uchiha," I say.
"That's exactly it. Itachi was also a thorn in our side, so it would have been like killing two birds with one stone. Furthermore, Lord Orochimaru believed that even if Sasuke's body rejected him for some reason, he would have gathered more than enough data to replicate his genetic material for continued use. But our projections showed us that Sasuke had the perfect body for our needs. His compatibility with the Cursed Seal is proof of that."
"It explains why he left. A lust for power, for revenge...he would go that far because of his fear and hatred. The news that Orochimaru died must have reached his ears...but the only other person to contact would have been you, as that man's right hand. Where would he go?"
"That's your dead end...yes, I see." Kabuto straightens up and adjusts his glasses. "They were here with us. The Four."
"The Four...?" I think for a moment before it clicks in. "The four freaks that tried to set up the barrier. The ones that were sent to 'secure' Sasuke during the invasion."
"Yes, them. They're known as the Sound Four, and they also have curse marks. Since they're alive and escaped the carnage from what I know, they must be behind this on Lord Orochimaru's orders. I wouldn't know exactly what they were sent to do."
"From what I've been hearing, they were planting all sorts of suggestions in Sasuke's head."
"They're your best shot when it comes to tracking him down. Given that they were the Sound village's elites, they would have knowledge on how to get in and out of the village without being detected. It's likely that they came upon Ino and Sakura, and decided to eliminate them so that the authorities wouldn't figure anything out until it was too late. Sasuke leaving...they wouldn't just kidnap him, since they need to gain his trust for the ritual to advance his curse mark, and to participate in any further research. But with Lord Orochimaru gone...their endgame is unreadable. I suspect they would have come back for me at some point, since I have a lot of valuable knowledge that would help advance Sasuke's development."
"So they're responsible for what happened to Ino and Sakura," I say.
"Yes...it must be so."
I close my eyes and think for a moment. Sasuke is probably leaving for the Hidden Sound with Sakura. Ino tried to stop them, and was beaten by the Sound Four. Sasuke is trying to gain power, so he's been tempted by a promise to advance the curse mark. Ino's condition is bad...Kabuto is a gifted medic from what I know. But...I also know he's the enemy, and will be looking for any opportunity to escape, even if he has cooperated thus far. He must know it, too. Using that as bait won't be helpful, even if it means Ino recovers that much faster.
Play another card.
"Kabuto. There's more than one base. The Hidden Sound is spread out over several different areas," I say confidently. That I can't know for certain, but it's a good guess with Orochimaru being an S-Class criminal who frequently dabbled in forbidden research.
"You really are a genius. Yes...I suppose there is. What leads you to think such a thing?"
Easy does it. "Human experimentation isn't looked upon kindly, especially not in a capitalist-dominated area like the former Rice Country."
"You're right about that as well. I'm still planning to get out of here at some point, but...well, I've given up plenty already, and you promised me a meeting. I'll tell you about a few of the bases we had set up. Probably not all of them, though. I have research materials that are pretty precious."
I nod. "I can live with that. Science is your romance, I suppose."
"Something like that. Well...are you ready?"
I'm on my way. With this breakthrough...I can take everything back.
And I swear on my life...I will take all of it back. No matter how much blood I have to shed.
I focus and stare into Kabuto's eyes.
"I'm ready. Go ahead."