Hello all Storm here with the next chapter! Here we'll be seeing plans being made and initiated as various factions making their moves, all leading up to a confrontation that'll end in pain. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
Looking around the rundown cannery, Mizuki frowned behind his mask. Not seeing anyone here or any sign of who sent him that message.
'It was probably a damn trap.' Mizuki thought, scowling that he could've been lured into an ambush.
Only to be pulled from his thoughts when he stepped on something, looking down to see strange purplish-black…he wasn't even sure what they were. As if the building was infected with some kind of disease. Before he looked to a door when he heard footsteps, finding more of the strange substance looking like it was crawling out of the door.
Seeing a strange man with the right side of his face scarred and even stranger looking eyes, especially the right one.
"First time I've been invited to the Lanes. It better be worth my time." Mizuki said, swearing he'll make this freakshow regret it if this was a waste of time.
"Ah, you see, that's your weakness, Mizuki." Said the stranger, shocking Mizuki that he knew his name as the man began circling him.
"You carry your chin so high; you fail to see the opportunity below." The stranger said, as Mizuki now regarded him warily.
"Who are you?" Questioned Mizuki, wanting to know just who he's dealing with.
"You're looking for five children, the ones running circles around Konoha's finest." Said the stranger, ignoring his question.
"What about it?" Mizuki demanded, seeing he knew something about those brats.
"Don't look so concerned. I'm about to make your day." The strange said, smirking slightly as his eyes seemed to glow in the darkness.
*Later*
"Will he live?" The man asked as he looked over a vial of the near-finished substance, as the snake-like man continued working on finishing the perfected version.
"Long enough." Replied the snake-like man, aware that anyone who takes the serum won't have long to live, but the time they would have would be more than enough.
"That's all I need." Stated the man, looking at Hibachi who was staring out into the water.
"Beautiful, aren't they? Yet, up there on the surface, no one even knows they exist." He said, having developed an admiration for the monsters that lurked beneath the waves.
So dangerous and deadly, yet everyone on the surface chooses to remain in blissful ignorance at their existence. Believing they have nothing to fear until the monsters rose up to devour them.
"They're monsters." Hibachi muttered as the man turned towards him.
"…There's a monster inside all of us." The man replied as he held out the vial to Hibachi, making him step back.
"What? No. No, no! It'll kill me!" Said Hibachi, having seen what that stuff does!
What happens when it wears off…
Not reacting to his refusal, the man suddenly reached out grabbing Hibachi's knife, twirling it around.
"I'd like to let you in on a very important secret I learned when I was about your age, boy." Said the man, pointing the knife at Hibachi before tapping it beneath his right eye only to toss it aside.
"You see, power, real power doesn't come to those who were born strongest, fastest, or smartest. No. It comes to those who will do anything to achieve it." The man said as he walked around Hibachi, having learned that lesson years ago.
It didn't matter who you were, what you do, how many abilities you have. The only thing that mattered is how far you'll go to achieve your goals and take the power you want.
"It's time to let the monster out." He stated, holding the vial out for Hibachi.
Gulping at the sight of it, despite the risks, he'd also seen the strength the stuff could give those who drank it. The power he could have...
Looking at the snake-like man, seeing him smirk and nod, Hibachi snatched the vial and opened it. Drinking the entire thing in an instant before he could think of changing his mind.
Grunting, Hibachi dropped the vial before falling to his hands and knees, feeling himself begin to change as purple and black marks spread across his body! His veins glowing purple beneath his skin before he screamed as his body began growing and changing!
The two men watched the transformation, smirking at the sight. Knowing now is the time to make their move.
'Time for a reunion, with an old friend.' The man thought with a dark smirk as the transformed Hibachi let out a loud roar.
*With Kabuto*
Looking up at the Senju estate, Kabuto went up to the gate and tried opening it, only to find it locked, much to his growing despair and hopelessness. Not even caring for the rain coming down on top of him, only wanting a chance to explain himself, to hope Tsunade would give him another chance.
"She won't see you." Kin said, making Kabuto look to see her sitting beside the gate with an umbrella.
"Your name's no good, now. Even Shizune says we can't be friends anymore, that you're a misfit." Kin said sadly, with Kabuto sighing but knew he should've expected this.
"So why are you out here?" Kabuto asked, getting a small smile from the ravenette.
"I'm a misfit too, I suppose." Kin replied knowing even with Tsunade calling her, her daughter, there are still those that saw her as a street rat that got lucky.
It's why she liked being friends with Kabuto and helped him when he asked; they were both just orphans that seemed to have gotten lucky in being found and taken in. Being given a chance to have better lives.
"What will you do?" Questioned Kin looking at him, wondering what he'll do now, if he'll still even be able to work at the hospital after this.
"…Work on making tools for others, I guess. Wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, maybe even medical equipment." Kabuto said humorlessly, doubting he'll even have a position at the hospital with everyone knowing he was tampering with Fūinjutsu, leaving him not a lot of options of what to do.
"You can't do that." Kin said, unable to see Kabuto simply building tools for others to use.
"No…I can't." Stated Kabuto while looking down, before he saw Tsunade step outside, looking at them with a frown.
"Come inside, Kin. Now." Tsunade said leaving no room for arguing, getting a frown from her but she got up, giving Kabuto one last look before running inside.
"I'm sorry. I just wanted to explain…" Kabuto said, hoping she'll give him this one last chance.
"I think you've done enough." Said Tsunade, cutting him off, not interested in hearing anything he had to say anymore.
She spoke in his defense and voted for him not to be banished from Konoha entirely, now the Senju has run out of favors to give.
'It's over.' Kabuto thought looking down.
*Council Chambers*
Meanwhile, the rest of the council was meeting with Yūgao to learn everything she's gathered on the explosion and what lead to it. After learning Kabuto was tampering with Fūinjutsu, they needed to make sure none of it fell into the wrong hands.
"You say this was a robbery? Did they take anything dangerous?" Questioned Hiruzen, worried that whoever caused this got away with anything involving Fūinjutsu.
"Hard to say. We don't exactly know what we did find, let alone what we didn't." Yūgao replied as they were still sorting through the wreckage and everything that survived the explosion, who knows what was stolen and what was destroyed.
"This mention of Fūinjutsu has the people afraid. The culprits must be apprehended." Hiashi stated, knowing the disaster that would come if anyone gained access to Fūinjutsu.
"We're doing our best, Councilor. I assure you." Said Yūgao as she's doing everything she can to find the culprits, while also trying to avoid starting a war with the Lanes.
"Maybe your best just isn't up to the task." Jiraiya said, wondering how hard it is to find the thieves and what they stole.
"We'll find them. Don't worry." Said Mizuki, already knowing exactly where to find them, thanks to the information he got.
"We've conducted exhaustive interrogations, frozen commerce for half the district. With all due respect, Councilor, don't you think we've pushed them far enough?" Yūgao asked, knowing more than any of them that if they keep pushing then eventually the Undercity will rise up in retaliation.
"Do whatever it takes. Turn the Undercity upside down if you have to! Just find them!" Danzō demanded as his mind briefly flashed to the Undercity Uprising from six-years ago, having personally fought in that conflict, himself.
How the vermin thought that could bite the hand of their superiors and get away with it. This, combined with the revelation that someone in the Undercity might have their hands on Fūinjutsu, lead to Danzō wanting the thieves to not just be found and imprisoned. But to be made an example of! To show the Undercity Trash, once and for all, what happens when they cross those who reign over them!
The only solace in all of this, was the fact that he killed the last known Uzumaki in the Undercity. Both her and who he assumed was her lover, with there being no signs that the two of them ever had kids when the Council had sent the Anbu to round up the majority of the remaining Ninjutsu-users in the Undercity. Having given the Anbu that were deployed some off the book orders to arrest and kill any remaining Uzumaki on sight.
'That's all I needed to hear.' Mizuki thought, knowing that's the same as giving them permission to find the thieves by whatever means necessary.
And he knows exactly where he'll find them.
*Later*
*Ichiraku*
Kakashi idly rolled the tube Yūgao gave him against a bottle, trying to think of anything he could do to prevent a war between Konoha and the Undercity. A fight he knew they'd lose yet he could also understand the anger and frustration everyone felt. Being pushed around, treated like they were less than dirt, that they were no better than vermin. But he's seen what a fight against Konoha is like and it's not something he ever wants to see again, let alone risk them deciding to simply kill everyone in the Lanes and be done with it. Which he knows will happen if the Council decides they're no longer worth the trouble of keeping around.
'I really wish they were still here; they were much better at this than I ever was.' Kakashi thought, not for the first time wishing Minato and Kushina were still alive, knowing they'd have a way to fix this mess.
Before the barkeeper was pulled from his thoughts when he heard the door open, putting the tube under the counter.
"Welcome to Ichiraku." Said Kakashi, looking up, only to frown when he saw three Anbu walk inside, getting everyone's attention.
No one said anything as they walked up to the counter with the lead one taking off his mask, showing Mizuki.
"What can I get you?" Kakashi asked, hoping to keep things from ending in a fight.
"Five sump-rats will do. Search the place." Mizuki ordered, sending his men to find the brats he knew were hiding here.
'This fucking idiot.' Thought Kakashi, not believing what he's done, that this is something no one will ignore now.
"While you're wasting your time, how about a proper drink?" Kakashi offered, reaching for a bottle.
"I'll take the strongest shit you got." Mizuki replied, willing to humor him.
Nodding, Kakashi grabbed a bottle along with pressing a button under the counter. Triggering the alarm that Naruko had set up as a warning that they needed to hide.
While in the basement, the kids were sitting around when they heard the sound of Naruko's toy monkey clanging its cymbals together, before they turned off the lights and rushed to hide. All of them tensing when the door opened and an Anbu walked inside, shining a flashlight as they began searching every inch of the room.
Back in the bar, Mizuki was swirling his drink around, waiting for his men to return with the brats so they can be carted off. Glancing at Kakashi who had taken out his book to continue reading it, even with the ending being spoiled.
"Nearly forgot. I ran into an old friend of yours." Mizuki said chuckling, getting Kakashi's attention.
"Oh really? Which one would that be?" Kakashi asked, only for Mizuki to smirk as he snatched his book out of his hand.
"He had some stories." Said Mizuki, looking the book over, not reacting when Kakashi leaned over him or as the rest of the patrons stood up.
Only for the other Anbu to pull out their batons, ready to deal with them.
Knowing he couldn't let things escalate, Kakashi glanced at the patrons. Subtlety shaking his head to get them to stand down.
"You weren't always the peacekeeper, were you." Stated Mizuki as he pulled out a match and lit it against the book before dropping it in his drink, igniting it as he held the book over the flame, scorching it.
"Yeah, well, you can't escape your past. Right? It'd be a shame if I had to take that up again." Kakashi said, glancing at where his tanto hung on the wall, having retrieved it from the bridge after bringing Naruko and Tayuya back home.
Especially with it being the only remaining memento that he had of his father.
"It might be a little outdated, not as fancy as a gun. But nothing cuts cleaner, the only downside…it can get rather messy after a while." Stated Kakashi, giving him a warning look.
'Just fucking do it!' Tayuya thought from her hiding spot directly beneath the floorboards, wanting Kakashi to just kill these assholes for doing something like this.
Before she tensed when she saw Naruko was starting to struggle to keep holding onto the pipe she grabbed, after climbing up. The redhead tensed when she saw her sister start slipping, glancing down at the Anbu below them.
'Come on, just a little longer.' Thought Tayuya, hoping Naruko could hold on for a few more moments, but if she couldn't then consequences be damned she will kill these bastards herself.
Growing tenser with each passing second, Tayuya began bringing her hands together forming a handsign as Naruko slipped more and more. Only letting herself relax when the Anbu left closing the door behind them, just as Naruko lost her grip and hit the floor with a yelp.
'Thank fuck.' Tayuya thought, letting out a relieved sigh.
Returning to the bar, the Anbu shook their head at Mizuki. Having not found any sign of anyone in the basement, much to Mizuki's confusion and frustration until he looked at Kakashi. Swearing he was actually smirking beneath his mask, as if he already knew they wouldn't find anything. Frustrating Mizuki even further, realizing that somehow he warned those brats.
"You people down here are all the same, mistaking arrogance for bravery! You think you're standing up for something, but we all know there's a crime behind every coin that passes through this place." Mizuki said, looking at them all in disgust, hating that this filth was allowed to continue existing like they were innocent people.
"You're just a small man in a little hole the world forgot to bury." Spat Mizuki to Kakashi, before swinging his baton at his glass, breaking it and spreading the lit drink across the bar.
"And I'm gonna bury the lot of you!" Mizuki swore, refusing to stop until the entire Undercity is buried and forgotten.
With him and his men taking their leave, as the patrons turned to Kakashi. Wondering if he really planned on letting this of all things slide. Only for him to head for the basement once the Anbu were gone, wanting to make sure the kids were safe.
"Are you all okay?" Kakashi asked as they came out of their hiding spots, Tayuya jumping down with an angry grunt.
"No, we're not okay. They almost saw Naruko! What if they tried taking her?!" Tayuya demanded, knowing if they saw her sister, she would have killed the Anbu before they took her away.
"No one is taking any of you! I'd never let that happen." Said Kakashi, only for the older Uzumaki to be too angry this time.
"It's already fucking happening! You heard what that fucker said, they won't stop! If they won't stop, then let's make them!" Tayuya said, punching a pipe, no longer willing to stand by and do nothing as the others looked between them in worry.
Having never had to worry about Anbu coming to Ichiraku. But now they have and they'll be back again.
"And if you won't, I will." Said Tayuya, ready to fight and show those masked fuckers what they can really do!
"…I've heard this kind of talk before." Kakashi said, letting out a sigh and looking at Tayuya before motioning her to follow him.
*Later*
"Why are we here?" Tayuya asked, her hood up and holding her face as she was standing in the last place she ever wanted to be again.
The bridge where her parents were murdered, where she and her sister's entire world fell apart around them. Where those same Anbu simply went back to their perfect little lives, ignoring all the lives they ruined. She only came here once before and it was for the memorial held for those that were killed. It wasn't anything special, just some candles and pictures of the dead…it's all any of them could expect to get.
Now Kakashi had dragged her back up here, putting her in an even worse mood than she already was.
"You still don't understand." Said Kakashi, wishing she could see what trying to fight will do.
"What I don't understand is how you can work with those fucking murderers!" Tayuya retorted, surprising Kakashi that she knew of his deal with the Anbu.
"We were here! We saw what they did!" Said Tayuya, hating how her voice cracked slightly at remembering the sight of her parents' bodies.
"I grew up knowing I'm less than them, that my place is down there! That these bastards could see me dying in the street and not give a single shit about some trencher trash!" Tayuya said, feeling her anger turning into frustration and pain.
"…I want Naruko to have more than that…and I'm willing to fight for it!" Stated Tayuya, wanting to do anything to make sure her sister had a better life.
That's what she hated the most, she couldn't give a shit about what anyone in Konoha thought of her nor what they did to her. But Naruko was the youngest, she wasn't even ten when they lost their parents yet to everyone in Konoha she's no different from any of them! Just another orphaned trencher who had no place in their shining city.
And if Tayuya had a chance to change that, to give Naruko the opportunity to show everyone how special and brilliant she really is, then she'll fight for it with everything she had.
"So was I. I was angry, just like you." Kakashi said, understanding more than most why Tayuya was so angry.
Something that not many knew, or even remembered, is that he had originally been born in Konoha. His father, Sakumo Hatake, having been a soldier that helped defend the city. No one loved his home and comrades more than him, willing to put his life on the line to protect Konoha and his allies. Kakashi dreamed of being just like him, someone strong that others could depend on and do everything he can to protect his home.
But…that loyalty hadn't been returned, when Sakumo sacrificed completing a mission to instead save the lives of his team. Only to be vilified by everyone when he returned, hated for his failure to complete the mission, even those he saved hated Sakumo. Until eventually he and his father were thrown into the Lanes, no one wanting someone they deemed a failure in Konoha anymore. That had been the last straw for his father…
To be hated and banished by the village he loved so much. Treated like he was a criminal all for valuing and saving the lives of his comrades. The last time Kakashi saw his father…he was dead.
And he hated Konoha for it, that they would turn their backs on someone who dedicated his entire life to safeguarding the city and everyone in it. Only to be tossed aside like a broken tool. It made Kakashi more than eager to want to fight back, to make Konoha pay for their betrayal. That is until he saw the cost that came with fighting. That the only ones who'd end up dead would be those simply fighting to defend themselves from their oppressors, fighting for their freedom.
"Your parents and I helped lead us across this bridge, thinking things could change. Instead, the only thing that changed is we lost dozens of friends and family members. Maybe if we hadn't…your parents would still be alive." Kakashi said, having thought that if he said something, that he hadn't been so eager to fight, maybe they wouldn't have tried attacking and getting so many people killed.
"I know you want to hurt the topsiders for what they've done to us. But who are you willing to lose? Kiba? Chōji? Shikamaru? Naruko?" Kakashi asked, making Tayuya look away at the idea of any of them dying.
Especially Naruko, just the thought of losing her sister like she lost her parents made Tayuya feel sick to her stomach.
"Nobody wins in war, Tayuya." Kakashi stated as he went and stood beside her, hoping she'll understand that in war, there aren't really winners or losers.
There's only those who manage to survive and live with the memories.
Tayuya couldn't help but slump forward, leaning her head against Kakashi. Now just feeling tired and lost.
"…What're we going to do? The Anbu will just come back." Tayuya said, already knowing they'll be back and now there's nowhere in the Undercity they can hide; it'll only be a matter of time until they're found.
"I…I don't know. I'll, uh, I'll figure it out." Said Kakashi, honestly feeling just as lost, as with this latest stunt nothing he can say will stop the Lanes from wanting to fight back.
Glancing at him, Tayuya turned towards the memorial for those that died until she gained a resigned, determined look in her eyes. Knowing what she needed to do to get the Anbu to back off and keep her sister safe.
*With Kabuto*
'You know…it doesn't seem like such a bad night.' Thought Kabuto as he looked out over Konoha as he stood on the ledge of the destroyed apartment, moving closer to the edge of the hole made by the explosion.
Behind him was his wristband and a letter for his mother, apologizing and explaining why he did it. His reputation was ruined, his life's work was going to be destroyed and everyone will only see him as the fool that messed with Fūinjutsu. Kabuto knew it was rather drastic, but…after spending years working towards this goal. Being so close to achieving it, only to have it all ripped away in an instant…he felt like his life was already over.
'Maybe I can at least serve as a warning to anyone else that tries reaching too far.' Kabuto thought, breathing heavily as he stepped closer to the edge.
"Am I interrupting?" Somone asked, startling Kabuto as he stumbled back, feeling like his heart just leapt into his throat before turning to see the Headmaster's assistant holding a book.
"What the hell's your problem?! What's that? Another list with my name on it?" Kabuto demanded, not believing he snuck up on him like that.
"Actually, yes, but only because you signed your notes. Every page, I might add. A little egotistical, don't you think?" He asked, looking over the notebook he grabbed before it could be destroyed in the morning with everything else.
"Is that why you came? To insult me?" Said Kabuto, tired and frustrated at now being ridiculed for signing his notes.
"No, no, I was…intrigued by what you said at the trial." Said the assistant as he limped over to Kabuto, having been present at the trial and had been interested to hear just what his research involved.
"That makes you the only one." Kabuto muttered.
"Yes, well, I wanted to talk about your work. This…NinTech theory of yours." He said, interested to hear more about it, much to Kabuto's frustration.
"It's not a theory. I saw it with my own eyes what Ninjutsu and Fūinjutsu are capable is capable of. The destruction it can cause, but also the lives it can save. You have no idea how amazing it is." Said Kabuto, having seen that Ninjutsu and Fūinjutsu can lead to untold destruction, but also it can be used to save lives, like it did for him and his mother.
He just wished that others would see its potential too, the potential for greatness, that it was more than simple destruction.
"And now it's gone. No one believed me." Kabuto said before turning away.
"No one's ever believed in me. A poor crippled outsider from the Land of Wind found slumming away in the Undercity. I was an outsider the moment I stepped foot in Konoha, I'm an outsider still to many. I didn't have the benefits of a patron or a name. I simply believed in myself." Said the assistant, having come to Konoha in the hopes of becoming more than he ever could have been as a member of one of the many nomadic tribes that constantly traverses the desert after the fall of Sunagakure.
Instead, all he's achieved is becoming an assistant. Helping others while he remained limping behind, trying to catch up.
"Which is why I'm here, because I think you're on to something. I want to help you complete your research." He said, surprising Kabuto at the offer.
"No one thinks it can be done." Kabuto said, wondering why he believed it's possible when no one else did.
"When you're going to change the world, don't ask for permission." Said the assistant while holding out his wristband, surprising Kabuto again before he hesitantly reached out and took it.
"…I don't even know your name." Said Kabuto, wanting to at least know the name of the one person who finally believes him, and had now just saved his life.
"It's Sasori." Sasori introduced.
*With Tayuya*
Tayuya took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for what she's going to do. Only able to hope that it'll stop everything before it gets any worse.
"Tayuya, where've you been?" Kiba asked when she entered the basement, seeing him along with Chōji and Shikamaru looking to get ready for a fight.
"Rumors are already spreading that the Lanes are going to fight." Said Chōji, not doubting that everyone will be up in arms now.
"It's so troublesome. But I guess we've gotta do it now." Shikamaru said, sighing tiredly, but still was ready to fight for his home if he needed to.
The redheaded Uzumaki didn't say anything as she turned to her sister, seeing her working on some more bombs. Taking a moment to just watch her, wanting to remember Naruko like this; happy and carefree. Before she walked over to her, getting Naruko's attention as she smiled at her sister.
"Look, I made them for the Anbu. These are smoke bombs and those two are full of nails." Said Naruko, handing Tayuya the smoke bombs, eager to show her that she's ready to fight.
"They're gonna work this time, I know it." Naruko stated, refusing to let them fail again, not when she needed them to work now more than ever.
"Me too." Tayuya said, smiling softly as she brushed Naruko's hair behind her ear, wanting to remember her sisters smile.
With Tayuya then dropping her toy bunny in Naruko's lap, surprising her that she got it down before Tayuya held her hand.
"You know, Naruko, what makes you different makes you strong. Always remember that, okay?" Tayuya asked, Naruko nodded absentmindedly, until she saw her sister getting up.
Looking at her sister in confusion, Naruko couldn't help the sinking feeling developing in her gut at her words. As they sounded like she was saying goodbye.
She really hated goodbyes.
*With Yūgao*
"What the hell were you thinking, going to Ichiraku?! Do you have any idea what you've done?!" Yūgao demanded while shoving Mizuki back, not believing he would do something so idiotic, knowing now there's nothing she can do to prevent an all-out war.
"I was getting results! You heard the Council!" Retorted Mizuki, pushing her aside, having actually tried getting results.
"You're a fool. There is no stopping what happens now." Yūgao stated, having wanted to avoid this, but now she won't have any choice but to obey the Council when they send the Anbu to wipe out the Lanes.
Only for their attention to turn to the wall when a message came falling out of one of the tubes, much to Yūgao's relief when she saw it.
"Maybe it's not too late." Said Yūgao, hoping that Kakashi would be able to help her end this before it began.
*Ichiraku*
Naruko headed up to the bar, sitting Tayuya's bunny on the counter as she laid her head down. Not knowing what her sister is doing, only that it's nothing good. Not even reacting when Kakashi poured her some juice in her favorite cup. Only glancing when he pushed the straw towards her, before looking away again.
The sight worrying Kakashi, wondering if something was wrong until he looked at the rabbit she had with her. Frowning as he grabbed it, feeling like he's seen it before, until his eye widened in realization.
'Oh no.' Thought Kakashi, quickly looking beneath the counter, finding the message tube Yūgao gave him was gone.
*With Tayuya*
Letting out a grunt as she kicked open the door to Gai's shop, breaking the glass in the process, Tayuya sighed as she closed the door and grabbed a stool. Dragging it to the center of the shop where she sat down and waited.
'You fuckers want a thief so bad, come and get me.' Tayuya thought as she waited for the Anbu to arrive and take her away.
It was her idea for them to go to that penthouse, her plan that got them and the entire Undercity into this mess. Now it's her responsibility to stop things before they got worse than they already have, and that's by giving the Anbu what they want.
She knew what awaited her by turning herself in, something everyone in the Undercity knew awaited them if they were taken away by Anbu. A place where they were lucky to ever see the sun again, let alone live long enough to be released.
Blood Prison.
Though it's true name is Hōzuki Castle, everyone called it Blood Prison, located in the Land of Grass and controlled by Kusagakure. It was one of the most heavily guarded, maximum-security prisons, so much so that it's where all the nations sent their prisoners. Saving themselves the trouble of building and manning their own prisons. With there being only three ways someone can get out of Blood Prison.
The most common being to be carried out in a body bag.
The second is the village that sent you there lets you out, not as common but it happens enough if a prisoner is considered useful enough.
And the third, and least likely, you live long enough to carry out your sentence and miraculously are allowed to go free.
Tayuya's never heard of anyone that's done so, making it so being sentenced to Blood Prison was a death sentence. And it's where she'll go, maybe be lucky enough to survive whatever sentence she's given and get out. Intending to kick the ass of anyone that tries coming after her, whether it's other inmates or guards.
But if not…then she'll at least know Naruko and the others will be safe.
'It's time.' Tayuya thought, seeing someone through the door as she stood up while steeling herself for what was coming.
But when the door opened, Tayuya was surprised to see Kakashi and Gai walk in.
"Kakashi?" Tayuya said, wondering how he found her or figured out what she was planning.
"We don't have much time." Said Kakashi, relieved they got here before the Anbu, but knew they didn't have much time.
"How did you find me?" Tayuya questioned as Kakashi grabbed her shoulders.
"I'm proud of you. Always have been." Kakashi said, ignoring her question, needing to be quick with what he had to say, with Tayuya looking at him in surprise.
"I'm sorry, I… This is the only way to protect the others." Said Tayuya, needing to do this so no one else will suffer or be punished.
"Kakashi." Gai said, looking out the window, hearing barking which he knew meant the Anbu were getting close, with Kakashi nodding.
"You've got a good heart. Don't ever lose it. No matter how much the world tries to break you. Protect the family." Kakashi said, confusing Tayuya further at what he's talking about.
"What're you-" Tayuya said, only for Kakashi to suddenly push her back into the basement, knocking her back as he closed and locked the door.
"No! Kakashi! Let me the fuck out! Don't even fucking think about it!" Shouted Tayuya, rushing up and began banging on the door, realizing what he's going to do.
Kakashi sighed as he heard the door open, already knowing who it was.
"I'm guessing that's for me." Yūgao stated as she and Mizuki entered the shop, motioning him to go collect their target only for Kakashi to get in his way.
"You gonna let us make the arrest or not?" Demanded Mizuki, getting annoyed with his constant interference.
"If you'll oblige a doomed man one last drink. Won't you?" Kakashi said, taking out a bottle from behind the counter, much to Yūgao's disbelief.
Not believing what he was doing, Yūgao moved Mizuki back and stood beside Kakashi.
"I'm not putting you away, Kakashi." Said Yūgao, knowing without him around, there'll be no one to keep the rest of the Lanes in line.
"The Council needs its pound of flesh." Kakashi stated, already knowing the Council will jump at the chance to lock him up, they were likely looking for any reason to get rid of him, believing it'll take away the Undercity's last Ninjutsu-user.
"Without you down here, it all falls apart." Yūgao warned, wanting him to understand that this won't fix anything and likely only make it worse.
"Gai will handle things. He might not have my devilish charm, but he's still good at keeping things peaceful." Replied Kakashi, trusting Gai can handle things while he's gone, either until he's luckily enough to get out or…if the Lanes will need a new leader.
If it comes to that, then he knows Gai will hold things long enough until the kids are grown up enough to take the reins. Having faith that when it comes down to it, Tayuya will be able to manage the Undercity when she's older.
"Kakashi, don't you fucking dare! You topside fuckfaces, I'm right here! I did it, I blew the shit out of that fucking building and I'll fucking do it again! Fucking let me outta here and arrest me!"
"You won't be coming back for a long time." Yūgao stated, hoping he understood this might be a one-way trip.
"I know." Said Kakashi, holding out his hands, with Mizuki happily slapping the cuffs on him.
"Why?" Questioned Yūgao, not understanding why he is willing to do this, likely walking to his own death.
"It's the only way." Kakashi said simply as he was escorted out of the shop.
"Gai! Open this fucking door right now or I'm shoving my fist so far up your ass, people will see my middle finger sticking out of your damn mouth!" Tayuya shouted as she punched the door to try and break it down, panting as she couldn't get open.
Only to tense when she started hearing shots being fired and screaming outside, making her look around.
"What the hell is happening?" Tayuya said before spotting a window and ran up to see what's going on.
"Hey! Stop right there!" Yūgao said, aiming her gun at what suddenly started attacking them.
'What is-' Thought Tayuya only to gasp when something moving faster than she could see slammed into the Anbu as blood splattered across the window, sending her stumbling back.
While outside the shop, Kakashi, Gai and Mizuki looked around in shock at the dead Anbu on the ground. Blood splattered everywhere from…whatever the hell it was that started attacking them.
"What is this…" Gai muttered while looking around in shock, grabbing one of the fallen batons to try and fight off whatever monster could've done this
"No." Muttered Kakashi, knowing whoever or whatever did this…it's now damned them all…
Before the three heard footsteps echoing through the street as they then saw someone approaching them through the gasses. Narrowing his eyes to try and get a better look, Kakashi watched in shock when he saw who emerged, a shock shared by Gai at who it was.
"Obito?" Gai said in disbelief, not expecting to see Obito Uchiha still alive, before he glared furiously that he was responsible for this.
"You unyouthful animal! Go crawl back into the hole you came out of!" Said Gai, approaching Obito, intent to make him pay for this.
"No, Gai! Stay back!" Kakashi said, since if Obito's behind this then they needed to get away.
"You never did know when to walk away." Obito stated, not moving even as Gai rushed him with the baton held up.
But before Gai could even get close, something big and fast crashed right into him. Sending blood flying everywhere!
"Wait! No!" Shouted Kakashi, watching helplessly as one of his oldest friends was killed in front of him, falling to his knees as the monster dropped Gai's body on the ground.
"Hmm. Stubborn to the end. Seems those Flames of Youth have finally gone out." Said Obito, shaking his head before looking towards Kakashi.
"What the hell have you done?! This wasn't the deal!" Mizuki said while looking at the bodies of his allies, that Obito killed them despite their deal, only for the Uchiha to shrug uncaringly as he walked past the Anbu.
"Deals change." Obito replied, tossing Mizuki his payment, motioning the mutated Hibachi to grab Kakashi.
"No… No!" Tayuya said, looking through the window in horror, upon seeing the monster approaching Kakashi.
Looking at the bodies of the Anbu and Gai, Kakashi glared up at the thing Obito had made before Hibachi slammed his fist across his face, sending him falling to the ground with blood staining his mask. As Tayuya screamed helplessly as she couldn't do anything to help.
While Obito looked at his old friend, someone he once viewed as a brother before turning to head back to the cannery. With Hibachi following after him while dragging Kakashi by his head, leaving Mizuki behind with his blood-covered money.
Sliding down to the floor, Tayuya covered her face as she screamed, punching the ground at how she could do nothing but watch her adoptive father be dragged away by that monster.
*With Kabuto and Sasori*
Meanwhile, Kabuto and Sasori had immediately gotten to work on completing his research, knowing they only had a single night to do it. Leading them to working as fast as they can to complete the formula and equations they needed.
"This entire time, I thought I needed to dampen the oscillations." Kabuto said, not believing he made such a simple mistake.
"The crystals will only stabilize at high frequency. You have to-" Stated Sasori while writing on the board.
"Crank it." Said Kabuto, realizing that if the crystals were to stabilize then he didn't need to lower the frequency, he needed to turn it up.
"…Yes. You have to…crank it." Sasori said, not used to such sayings but understood what he meant.
"And if we're right…it works." Kabuto said, knowing with this then they'll be able to complete his experiment.
"Perhaps on paper. But unless we try it, then this doesn't mean much." Reminded Sasori since even if their calculations were right, they still needed to test it.
"We could test it, but we'd need access to my equipment." Kabuto said while rubbing his head, wondering how they'll be able to get his materials.
"Which is being destroyed tomorrow." Sasori muttered, causing Kabuto to shoot up from his seat.
"What?!" Said Kabuto, not expecting to hear his equipment was being destroyed.
"Oh…did I forget to mention that?" Questioned Sasori realizing he forgot to mention they were on a very short deadline, much to Kabuto's disbelief.
"Th-that research is everything! My…my whole life!" Kabuto said, freaking out that in just a few short hours everything he's spent years on would be gone.
"M-maybe if we showed them the equation, they'd let us-" Said Kabuto, desperate for a way to stop that from happening.
"We would need more than promises. We need proof that it'd actually work." Sasori stated, knowing the Council and Headmaster won't listen without tangible proof it works.
"Not without the crystals. And the Anbu took them all. They're gone." Kabuto said, sitting down and rubbing his neck.
"Yes, locked away in Sarutobi's lab…good thing I grabbed these too." Said Sasori, holding up the keys, with Kabuto look at him with wide eyes.
"No. No. No. You heard the Council. If we're wrong…" Said Kabuto, wanting more than anything get his equipment back, but if they're wrong and they're caught then it'll be both their heads on the chopping block.
"Then let's hope we're right." Sasori said, intending to go through with it, getting a disbelieving and confused look from Kabuto.
"Why? Why would you risk this?" Kabuto asked, not understanding why he's going through all this just to help him.
"Do you think it was my life's ambition to be an assistant. That I came all the way here from the Land of Wind, surviving alone in the Undercity for years before being brought up here. No, I came here to prove what I can do, even after…" Said Sasori, glancing at his leg with a frown, a result of his own mistake before shaking his head.
"Scientists seek discoveries, ways to make the world a better place! This NinTech dream of yours has the potential to do that! To create something…that will last forever, an eternal work of art that will never die…" Sasori said, looking at the formulas they worked on, wishing to help create something that will never fade away or be forgotten, the ultimate art.
Kabuto looked at him in surprise at his determination and passion to see this through, before he stood up putting a hand on Sasori's shoulder.
"Our NinTech dream." Stated Kabuto, knowing if not for his help they wouldn't have reached this point, they were partners now and would see it through to the end.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Mizuki meeting with Obito who gives him the information he needs to find his thieves. Before seeing Obito giving Hibachi the formula, changing and mutating him, knowing it's time for a reunion as he puts his plans into motion.
We then see Kabuto trying to speak to Tsunade, to try and get another chance to make things right, only to be turned away having lost the trust he had, making him realize it's over. As we next see the Council ordering the Anbu to do anything they can to find the thieves, not wanting to risk anyone in the Undercity getting access to Fūinjutsu. Along with learning about Danzō's own involvement in the uprising, having been the one to personally kill Minato and Kushina, believing the latter was the last Uzumaki in the Lanes.
Next we see Kakashi mulling over his decision, what he should do to try and keep things from escalating further, along with wishing Minato and Kushina were still around, believing they'd know what to do. Before Mizuki arrives with Anbu to search the bar, nearly discovering the kids if not for Kakashi warning them to hide. While warning them all he'll be back and won't stop until he finds the kids.
With Tayuya now more than ready to fight, refusing to do nothing when the Anbu would come after them again, having no intention to let them be taken. Leading Kakashi to bring her back to the bridge where it all began, getting some more backstory on Kakashi with his own grudge against Konoha. As Tayuya soon realizes what she has to do to keep her sister safe.
Then we see Kabuto preparing to end everything himself, believing he's lost everything he's worked for, only to be stopped by the Headmaster's assistant arriving with his notes. Sharing his interest and belief in his NinTech theory, that it is possible. Offering his help and advice, bringing Kabuto back from the edge, as we learn his name is Sasori.
Back in the Undercity, Tayuya returns to Ichiraku, giving Naruko her bunny she retrieved and some last advice before she goes off to do what she needs to do. With Kakashi realizing what she's planning and goes to stop her, intending to turn himself over, knowing he'll be thrown into Blood Prison, likely dying in the process.
But before the Anbu can take him away, Obito arrives with the mutated Hibachi, killing the Anbu and Gai, leaving Mizuki to live with the consequences and his blood money, while taking Kakashi captive. Much to Tayuya's despair and horror as she can do nothing but watch from the basement.
Finally we see Kabuto and Sasori having completed the equations they needed to harness the Gelel stones power, but now need to test it to see if they're right. With them being on a short deadline due to all the materials being destroyed in the morning. With Kabuto nearly giving up until seeing how determined Sasori is to see it through, restoring Kabuto's own determination to see their dream through to the end. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out