Naruto Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ A Strange New World ❯ From Friend to Foe ( Chapter 11 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Hiei Jaganshi Urameshi 
Kurama is with Orochimaru, find out what happens within.
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Martial Arts / Adventure / Action | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 10.24.2006 | Pages: 2 | Words: 4.1K | Visits: 408 | Status: Work In Progress
Kurama is with Orochimaru, find out what happens within.
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Martial Arts / Adventure / Action | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 10.24.2006 | Pages: 2 | Words: 4.1K | Visits: 408 | Status: Work In Progress
From Friend to Foe
Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Personal Note To Readers: Starting from this chapter Youko will be named as Kurama, and his human side will be Shuichi
"Orochimaru-sama, I beg you to reconsider." Kabuto told Orochimaru as Orochimaru stared intently at the updated card. "You cannot trust him. He is likely to be a spy sent by the Hokage or Hatake Kakashi to spy on Otogakure, or even yourself. Surely you heard that the Hokage was still alive, even though you pronounced him dead yourself. He had no intention of killing him." He fell silent when Orochimaru looked at him.
"I have heard the reports, Kabuto." Orochimaru said curtly. "Do you not think that I have taken everything into consideration? I have very good reasons why I want him." He gave the card back to Kabuto. "What does your own analysis of his information tell you?" Kabuto looked down at the information, but he couldn't see what his 'master' did. "I see a lot of loyalty in him, and I want all that for myself. However to get that I need to break the loyalty he has towards those he calls his 'friends' and mold him to my own use. I want you to see to it that it is possible."
"Yes, Orochimaru-sama." Kabuto said, knowing that he wouldn't be able to change Orochimaru's mind. "But why?"
"I don't need to explain myself to you." Orochimaru said. "However, I shall tell you why on this occasion."
A week later and Orochimaru knocked on Shuichi’s door. "Please come in, Orochimaru-sama." Shuichi said, standing up as he entered the room. "May I ask what the problem is?" Without saying a word, Orochimaru handed Shuichi a scroll, which Shuichi opened when Orochimaru nodded at him to do so. Slowly his eyes scanned over the page.
Orochimaru-sama
I hope that this letter finds you in good health. You asked me to give you an update on the situation here in Konohagure in your last directive, so I hope that this pleases you
It seems as though the Hokage has survived your attempt on his life, however it is known that he is in critical condition. The Toad has been sighted in Konoha and rumour has it that he is the new Hokage, however he has been sighted leaving the village, heading northwards. Another rumour going around is that he is after the Legendary Sucker to get her to heal the Hokage, and yet another says that she has been named Hokage. He has taken two boys along with him, one is Uzumaki Naruto and the other is Urameshi Yusuke. I am sorry that all I can offer you at the moment are rumors.
Shuichi read and reread the first part of the letter. 'Damn it!' He thought. Orochimaru could see anger flare in the pretty green eyes, and wondered if it was the anger of being found out or if he truly meant for the drug to be deadly. Shuichi reached for his journal and flipped through the pages, eventually finding the right poison and changed 'Quick death' to 'causing critical injury'.
"There is more." Orochimaru said as he took the seat that Shuichi had vacated. "I thought that I would see about getting some information about those so-called friends of yours." Shuichi picked up the scroll again and quickly found where he had left off.
As for your other request, regarding the team belonging to the Jounin named Umino Iruka, there seems to be very little change apart from the fact that they are one member short. The two Genin are preoccupied by their busy lifestyle. Their Jounin is no different having, seemingly, formed a close attachment to one Hatake Kakashi. In fact when your boy is mentioned, he is treated like one would treat any betrayer. In my opinion, it looks like your new recruit isn't missed, and is just another missing-nin to be hunted down by Konohagure's Hunter-nins.
Iruka is even looking at the finishing class in the Academy for his replacement. He seems to have a free reign to choose whichever candidate he wants, and it looks as though he wants another addition to his freaky family. Not that I think that Uchiha Sasuke is freaky of course.
Do you want me to continue keeping an eye or two on Iruka and his group?
K
Shuichi gaped at the part describing his friends. He knew that he would have garnered some reaction of hate and loathing amongst the villagers, but his presence had been totally ignored by his friends? Surely not. "Are you sure that this is correct?" He asked Orochimaru, who gave a slight nod. "But... but they're my friends." He said as the scroll slipped from his fingers.
"Were they really?" Kurama growled, his voice supplanting Shuichi’s. "Maybe they kept us around because it meant that we would do the thinking for them. Think about it. Yusuke and Hiei don't care much about Kuwabara, and he is as much a part of the team as we were. He was ignored when they passed him in the street. Is it too far for them to ignore us now since we are gone?" Shuichi gave a muffled sob.
"But you heard what Kakashi-sensei said." Shuichi said to Kurama. "Maybe this is one of his lies." Tears ran down the red-head's face. "Kurama, they are our friends, and they have shown us nothing but trust since we started working together. I am sure that they would never betray us."
"What reason does he have to lie? We are just spies, remember. We are nothing to Konoha, but missing-nins. We will be hunted, at least if we stay here we will remain safe. If you don't like that thought then curl up and cry like the baby you are." Kurama said, feeling Shuichi's grip on his spirit weaken. "Go on, retreat and hide. Lick your wounds. Let me deal with those that have wronged us." With that the kitsune was released with all his fury.
Orochimaru watched as Shuichi’s hands went to his head. He was sure that he could hear two different voices coming from the boy, one warm, gentle and distraught, the other much harsher and cold. He couldn't understand what they were saying, but it sounded like the harsh one was trying to convince the other about something. He approached the boy, and it became clear that there was two people in one body. "Remain here, with me." Orochimaru said. "I do not care what your original intention was. You are here, and I will allow you to remain here as long as you are loyal to me. You shall never be without a place to stay, Shuichi-kun."
"Kurama, Youko Kurama." The harsh voice said as the hands left the head. "I must thank you, you managed to break Shuichi's tight control over me." There was a flicker and Orochimaru's eyes widened as a silver haired youth stood up, stretching to his full 7' height. Two pairs of gold eyes met each other, one with slitted pupils, the other with normal, round, pupils.
"Well you're certainly different." Orochimaru said, taking in the finer details. This young man had fine features, seemed to like the colour white, such a pure colour for one who seemed to have a soul darker than his own. Kurama was glad for Shuichi being present in his body, as he was able to tap into his human's side and modify his body to fit in. No fox ears and tail in a place such as this. He could feel the power in Orochimaru, a palpable sensation in the pit of his belly. If he could gain this power, he would take his revenge on his old team mates. "I am sure that you will be invaluable to Otogakure."
"It is yet to be seen how you could help me though." Kurama said in reply. "I am not as weak as Shuichi is, in fact if it wasn't for me, that little brat would never have known what power truly was. He is too kind, too... merciful, to use my gifts to their full extent." He ran his fingers through his hair, mourning the loss of his ears, but it couldn't be helped. "I have no such qualms." Orochimaru chuckled.
"I still have yet to decide to teach you, or your other half. My techniques are no use to a weakling." Kurama’s eyes narrowed. "Your boasting will not change my thoughts, only your actions." Kurama growled. 'So similar to a kitsune.' Orochimaru thought as he saw a brief outline of the missing ears and tail of a kitsune's human form. He then reached out and touched Kurama’s face. "I do believe that you aren't human, but use that form as a disguise. That means that you are a kiko kitsune, attuned with plants, does it not?" Kurama looked up sharply. It had been a while since he had heard that term. "Let us say that you have my complete attention for the moment."
'I swear that I will kill him.' Kurama growled inside his mind, but bit his tongue to stop him saying something that he would regret. The training that Orochimaru could give him would be, almost, worth the humiliation that he would have to go through to get it. He was content with that, or he would make sure that he was.
"To prove your usefulness, I want you to go to this village." Orochimaru pulled out a map scroll and showed Kurama the target. "It is a non-ninja village lying just inside the border of the Land of Fire. They have been getting on my nerves by refusing to sell their crops to Otogakure, while they do to Konohagure. I am not usually a spiteful person, but I have a village to think on, and we never seem to get enough food." He smiled at Kurama. "I want some of their crops, by any means necessary, understand? Kill them if you have to." Kurama shrugged.
"You must be desperate, considering that you forget that I could grow you perfectly good crops in a few minutes." He said, sounding bored. "But if you want the crops from that particular village, then I will oblige your choice and retrieve your crop for you. When do you want me to go?" He asked.
"Tomorrow morning." Orochimaru said. "I hope that you aren't planning on wearing that Konoha hatai-ate either. A week ago you became a Sound ninja. You at least need to wear the symbol of your Village if not the usual apparel expected of you." He handed Kurama a black-banded hatai-ate. “I am sure that you will rise quickly in my eyes if you learn to do what I want. Follow me.” Kurama did so, tying the Oto hatai-ate on, making sure that his hair lay over the band. He was led to a large room, where he saw four people sitting, eating and speaking quietly amongst eachother. The moment that they saw Orochimaru, they stopped everything and stood up. Kurama took his time looking each of them over, all of them seemed unusual in one way or another. “Please sit and continue, I just wanted to show you our new arrival, he is Kurama of the Youko Clan.” The four returned to their meal. “Here you will get your meals.” Kurama nodded and wondered why he had never been shown this before. Orochimaru had always had people take food to his room, but now it looked like he would have full reign of the village. Orochimaru approached the food bar and took some of the food, motioning for Youko to do the same too.
Kurama looked down at the poor excuses for fruit that was present, and used a small proportion of his overal energy to regenerate the fruit to when it had been picked, the apple returning to a healthy state in his hand. Selecting a few pieces of the fruit and some of the meat, he followed Orochimaru to a table. He then noticed Kabuto enter and gave a smile into his meal, feeling the human’s glare on him. “Please, Orochimaru-san, let me make those fruit of yours edible.”
“Orochimaru-sama.” Orochimaru corrected, almost angry at the other for not showing him proper respect
“Don’t push your luck.” Kurama hissed. “I will not call someone 950 years my junior by that title. Be thankful that I see you as an equal.” The pair glared at eachother, neither breaking the stare. Eventually Orochimaru was forced to look away.
Kabuto stared at the stranger. He had never seen him before, of that he was sure, yet Orochimaru-sama was sharing a table with him, sharing a meal with him. With rage starting to bubble in the pit of his belly he approached the table. Then he saw the other male smile and place his hand above his master’s plate, and he saw the fruit regenerate, so he approached more cautiously. “Orochimaru-sama, I have news on out patient.” He said before whispering in Orochimaru’s ear. “With your permission, I would like to join you.” Orochimaru gestured towards an empty seat, which Kabuto took, once he had taken some of the food. “May I ask who you are?” He asked hostilely.
“I am Youko Kurama.” Kurama said with a feral smile. “You better get used to me, because you will see a lot of me now and in the future.” He turned his gaze on Orochimaru. “Thank you for showing me around in person, Orochimaru-san. It is such an honour.” The look on Kabuto’s face would have killed a lesser man on the spot, however Kurama was no such person. He returned the glare with his calm gaze. “Hello, Yakushi Kabuto.” He said, and the fact that he knew Kabuto’s name made the Jounin-level Sound nin jump.
“Do I know you?” Kabuto asked, trying to recall the face of the one before him, and Kurama laughed. “Who are you?”
“I already told you, my name is Youko Kurama.” Kurama said as he bit into the apple on his plate, some of the juice ran down his chin. His eyes met Kabuto’s and decided that he would take some pity on him and a moment later his form flickered to his other self’s although the eyes remained gold in colour, proving his dominance. “Maybe you know me better as Minamino Shuichi.” Kurama said, tempted to thrust Shuichi’s mind out to further traumatise the boy. “My other self is a little upset at the moment, so our body is mine.” The form changed back to Kurama’s, more humanised one. “Who will be coming with me tomorrow? I am guessing that it will be somebody who you trust.”
“Kabuto-kun, have you got anything planned for tomorrow?” He asked, Kabuto shook his head. “Good, you shall accompany him tomorrow. Please show him around the rest of the village for me, I have some paperwork to do.” With that Orochimaru left the table and headed out the door. “Treat the village founder with respect, Kurama-kun.” Orochimaru said before the door closed behind him. The two silver haired guys stared at eachother. Neither wanted to go with the other, yet both new that they would probably receive the sharp side of Orochimaru's tongue if they didn't do as he asked.
As the sun began to rise, Kurama was waiting for Kabuto at the exit of the village. 'What a great start this is.' He thought as he waited impatiently for the other to show up. Finally he could see Kabuto leave the building. "What took you so long?" Kurama snapped. "You are later than Hatake Kakashi!"
"Shut up." Kabuto said simply as he lead the way out of Otogakure, Orochimaru had told him to take care of their 'guest' while all he wished to do was to wring his neck. "I would prefer to walk in silence."
"That could be arranged." Kurama growled. "I am sure that I could easily arrange an eternal silence for you." Again the pair glared daggers at eachother as they passed through the countryside, heading towards the border. "Can you go no faster? I want a good exercise, which is something that I doubt that I will get from you." Kabuto could see that the pace that he had set was nowhere near the other's limit, and he ran faster, making Kurama laugh, this was better.
Kabuto looked over at the other, and barely recognised the other as being the same, annoying, man that he had been running with. He seemed to love running through the countryside. Now that he had a good look at him he didn't look antagonistic. "Kurama-san, I'm sorry about earlier." He said as they stopped briefly for Kabuto to examine the area on the map. "I am not a morning person." Kurama only nodded. "I was surprised that Orochimaru-sama asked me to accompany you."
"He doesn't seem to be the type that would willingly let another leave him." Kurama said. "Although he must have a lot of faith in you to be able to stop my attacks." Kabuto looked at Kurama. "He sent you with somebody that is known to have a way with grass and woodland, and that is what we have to travel through." Kurama kneeled on the forest floor and sent his energy out. "We have half a mile between us and the border of the woods." He said as he stood up. "Hiei ws right, this place is more alive." The last was said so quietly that Kabuto almost missed it. "We still have a while to go yet." Kurama said when he saw Kabuto stare at him.
The pair soon arrived at village, immediately heading to the home of the village leader. The villagers, upon seeing their hatai-ate, hid indoors. They knew that everytime that the Sound ninjas appeared in the village that nothing went right. This time would be no different. Kurama looked around the village, at the hiding villagers. They were safe as long as their head gave into Orochimaru's request. He knocked politely on the head's door, and got no reply, yet he could smell life within, including that of at least two young children. "Invite us in, or we shall invite ourselves in." He said, and getting no reply, Kurama smiled. It had been quite some time since he could play. He removed the rose from his hair and then with a flick of his wrist, the thorny whip cut through the door like it was hot butter.
Kabuto could hear the muffled cries of the kids. He knew that Kurama was scaring them, but his tactics were quite effective. The head villager and his wife were trying to protect two boys and a girl from Kurama's view. "What do you want?" The head asked of Kurama.
"I only ask for the crop that Orochimaru has requested of you." Kurama said as he looked at the huddled group. "This time, Orochimaru isn't being nice. I have been given permission to use any force neccessary to make you see sense." He looked at the children. "Maybe I should take two of your children back home with me, I am sure that Orochimaru would love the gift." That had it's effect, making the woman whisper to the man, encouraging him to doas Kurama said for the sake of the children.
Less than an hour later and Kurama had a signed agreement, not only that, but he had the youngest child in his possession as a promise of payment. The five year old cried and howled all the way back to Otogakure, the girl was scared of the strange man that carried her with such ease. "If you don't shut up, I'll gag you." Kurama threatened, the girl falling silent. "Now what is your name?"
"Chinatsu." The girl squeaked as she saw Kabuto look at them.
"Well, Chinatsu, you will like Orochimaru-sama, he is a very nice man, that likes children." Kurama said. "He will take good care of you until your daddy sends us some of his food." He landed at the entrance, and he saw Orochimaru was already waiting for him. "We have a guest, Orochimaru." Kurama said as he showed Orochimaru the girl. "She is the youngest child of the village head and we have a signed agreement that we get 25% of their crop each year. We have agreed that the child shall be returned to the village once the first crop has arrived. They also signed agreeing that we can take our revenge on the village should they not show."
"Good work." Orochimaru said as he took the signed agreement. "Just one more thing, Kurama. It is Orochimaru-sama." He walked towards his office. "Kurama-kun, while you are at it, look after the child. I have some paperwork to do." Kurama glared at Orochimaru's back. "Stop glaring, Kurama-kun, or I'll find something more useful for those eyes to do."
Kurama looked for Kabuto and saw that, he too, had disappeared. He then turned his attention to the girl. "Looks like it is just going to be us, Chinatsu." He said, taking the girl's hand. "I shall have to find us something to do. Please come with me." He led her to an open space. "You know, I think that you would nake a very good kunoichi, much better than a girl that I know." He saw her blush. "You would be much more beautiful and deadly if you chose to stay here."
The girl, who had been afraid of the kitsune earlier, looked at him with shock. "Do you really think that I could?" Kurama knelt down on the grass. "Do you think that I could be like Tsunade-sama?" Kurama nodded, making the girl squeal. "Would Orochimaru-sama help me?"
"Otogakure helps all those that asks them for help." Kurama said as he smirked at his own thought. "Orochimaru and Tsunade were in the same team, so I am sure that Orochimaru would know best how to make you stronger, however you have to prove yourself to him first. I had to leave my old village because Orochimaru-san wasn't well accepted there, however I have never looked back. This is my home now, and this village is now my home, and its people are my family." He smiled at the girl. "I would protect the village and those in it, with my life if I had to."
Two gold, slitted eyes stared at the scene before them. they seemed to gloat over something. "Kurama-kun, I have you now." Orochimaru said to himself as he walked away. "I have you loyal to Otogakure now, and soon, I shall transfer that loyalty to myself only. However there is one more test for you to do."
A few hours later and Orochimaru summoned Kurama and Kabuto to his private rooms. "I have asked you both to come here because I wish for you both to accompany me to get an old friend of mine. I need to convince her to join me. I want you both to join me to encourage her to choose rightly. Also, you both are strong enough to protect yourselves should something unexpected happen." Orochimaru looked from one face to the next. "Shall you accompany me?"
Both Kurama and Kabuto agreed to go with Orochimaru with no hesitation.
Author's Note: Kiko kitsunes are spirit foxes, or demon foxes.
Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Personal Note To Readers: Starting from this chapter Youko will be named as Kurama, and his human side will be Shuichi
"Orochimaru-sama, I beg you to reconsider." Kabuto told Orochimaru as Orochimaru stared intently at the updated card. "You cannot trust him. He is likely to be a spy sent by the Hokage or Hatake Kakashi to spy on Otogakure, or even yourself. Surely you heard that the Hokage was still alive, even though you pronounced him dead yourself. He had no intention of killing him." He fell silent when Orochimaru looked at him.
"I have heard the reports, Kabuto." Orochimaru said curtly. "Do you not think that I have taken everything into consideration? I have very good reasons why I want him." He gave the card back to Kabuto. "What does your own analysis of his information tell you?" Kabuto looked down at the information, but he couldn't see what his 'master' did. "I see a lot of loyalty in him, and I want all that for myself. However to get that I need to break the loyalty he has towards those he calls his 'friends' and mold him to my own use. I want you to see to it that it is possible."
"Yes, Orochimaru-sama." Kabuto said, knowing that he wouldn't be able to change Orochimaru's mind. "But why?"
"I don't need to explain myself to you." Orochimaru said. "However, I shall tell you why on this occasion."
A week later and Orochimaru knocked on Shuichi’s door. "Please come in, Orochimaru-sama." Shuichi said, standing up as he entered the room. "May I ask what the problem is?" Without saying a word, Orochimaru handed Shuichi a scroll, which Shuichi opened when Orochimaru nodded at him to do so. Slowly his eyes scanned over the page.
Orochimaru-sama
I hope that this letter finds you in good health. You asked me to give you an update on the situation here in Konohagure in your last directive, so I hope that this pleases you
It seems as though the Hokage has survived your attempt on his life, however it is known that he is in critical condition. The Toad has been sighted in Konoha and rumour has it that he is the new Hokage, however he has been sighted leaving the village, heading northwards. Another rumour going around is that he is after the Legendary Sucker to get her to heal the Hokage, and yet another says that she has been named Hokage. He has taken two boys along with him, one is Uzumaki Naruto and the other is Urameshi Yusuke. I am sorry that all I can offer you at the moment are rumors.
Shuichi read and reread the first part of the letter. 'Damn it!' He thought. Orochimaru could see anger flare in the pretty green eyes, and wondered if it was the anger of being found out or if he truly meant for the drug to be deadly. Shuichi reached for his journal and flipped through the pages, eventually finding the right poison and changed 'Quick death' to 'causing critical injury'.
"There is more." Orochimaru said as he took the seat that Shuichi had vacated. "I thought that I would see about getting some information about those so-called friends of yours." Shuichi picked up the scroll again and quickly found where he had left off.
As for your other request, regarding the team belonging to the Jounin named Umino Iruka, there seems to be very little change apart from the fact that they are one member short. The two Genin are preoccupied by their busy lifestyle. Their Jounin is no different having, seemingly, formed a close attachment to one Hatake Kakashi. In fact when your boy is mentioned, he is treated like one would treat any betrayer. In my opinion, it looks like your new recruit isn't missed, and is just another missing-nin to be hunted down by Konohagure's Hunter-nins.
Iruka is even looking at the finishing class in the Academy for his replacement. He seems to have a free reign to choose whichever candidate he wants, and it looks as though he wants another addition to his freaky family. Not that I think that Uchiha Sasuke is freaky of course.
Do you want me to continue keeping an eye or two on Iruka and his group?
K
Shuichi gaped at the part describing his friends. He knew that he would have garnered some reaction of hate and loathing amongst the villagers, but his presence had been totally ignored by his friends? Surely not. "Are you sure that this is correct?" He asked Orochimaru, who gave a slight nod. "But... but they're my friends." He said as the scroll slipped from his fingers.
"Were they really?" Kurama growled, his voice supplanting Shuichi’s. "Maybe they kept us around because it meant that we would do the thinking for them. Think about it. Yusuke and Hiei don't care much about Kuwabara, and he is as much a part of the team as we were. He was ignored when they passed him in the street. Is it too far for them to ignore us now since we are gone?" Shuichi gave a muffled sob.
"But you heard what Kakashi-sensei said." Shuichi said to Kurama. "Maybe this is one of his lies." Tears ran down the red-head's face. "Kurama, they are our friends, and they have shown us nothing but trust since we started working together. I am sure that they would never betray us."
"What reason does he have to lie? We are just spies, remember. We are nothing to Konoha, but missing-nins. We will be hunted, at least if we stay here we will remain safe. If you don't like that thought then curl up and cry like the baby you are." Kurama said, feeling Shuichi's grip on his spirit weaken. "Go on, retreat and hide. Lick your wounds. Let me deal with those that have wronged us." With that the kitsune was released with all his fury.
Orochimaru watched as Shuichi’s hands went to his head. He was sure that he could hear two different voices coming from the boy, one warm, gentle and distraught, the other much harsher and cold. He couldn't understand what they were saying, but it sounded like the harsh one was trying to convince the other about something. He approached the boy, and it became clear that there was two people in one body. "Remain here, with me." Orochimaru said. "I do not care what your original intention was. You are here, and I will allow you to remain here as long as you are loyal to me. You shall never be without a place to stay, Shuichi-kun."
"Kurama, Youko Kurama." The harsh voice said as the hands left the head. "I must thank you, you managed to break Shuichi's tight control over me." There was a flicker and Orochimaru's eyes widened as a silver haired youth stood up, stretching to his full 7' height. Two pairs of gold eyes met each other, one with slitted pupils, the other with normal, round, pupils.
"Well you're certainly different." Orochimaru said, taking in the finer details. This young man had fine features, seemed to like the colour white, such a pure colour for one who seemed to have a soul darker than his own. Kurama was glad for Shuichi being present in his body, as he was able to tap into his human's side and modify his body to fit in. No fox ears and tail in a place such as this. He could feel the power in Orochimaru, a palpable sensation in the pit of his belly. If he could gain this power, he would take his revenge on his old team mates. "I am sure that you will be invaluable to Otogakure."
"It is yet to be seen how you could help me though." Kurama said in reply. "I am not as weak as Shuichi is, in fact if it wasn't for me, that little brat would never have known what power truly was. He is too kind, too... merciful, to use my gifts to their full extent." He ran his fingers through his hair, mourning the loss of his ears, but it couldn't be helped. "I have no such qualms." Orochimaru chuckled.
"I still have yet to decide to teach you, or your other half. My techniques are no use to a weakling." Kurama’s eyes narrowed. "Your boasting will not change my thoughts, only your actions." Kurama growled. 'So similar to a kitsune.' Orochimaru thought as he saw a brief outline of the missing ears and tail of a kitsune's human form. He then reached out and touched Kurama’s face. "I do believe that you aren't human, but use that form as a disguise. That means that you are a kiko kitsune, attuned with plants, does it not?" Kurama looked up sharply. It had been a while since he had heard that term. "Let us say that you have my complete attention for the moment."
'I swear that I will kill him.' Kurama growled inside his mind, but bit his tongue to stop him saying something that he would regret. The training that Orochimaru could give him would be, almost, worth the humiliation that he would have to go through to get it. He was content with that, or he would make sure that he was.
"To prove your usefulness, I want you to go to this village." Orochimaru pulled out a map scroll and showed Kurama the target. "It is a non-ninja village lying just inside the border of the Land of Fire. They have been getting on my nerves by refusing to sell their crops to Otogakure, while they do to Konohagure. I am not usually a spiteful person, but I have a village to think on, and we never seem to get enough food." He smiled at Kurama. "I want some of their crops, by any means necessary, understand? Kill them if you have to." Kurama shrugged.
"You must be desperate, considering that you forget that I could grow you perfectly good crops in a few minutes." He said, sounding bored. "But if you want the crops from that particular village, then I will oblige your choice and retrieve your crop for you. When do you want me to go?" He asked.
"Tomorrow morning." Orochimaru said. "I hope that you aren't planning on wearing that Konoha hatai-ate either. A week ago you became a Sound ninja. You at least need to wear the symbol of your Village if not the usual apparel expected of you." He handed Kurama a black-banded hatai-ate. “I am sure that you will rise quickly in my eyes if you learn to do what I want. Follow me.” Kurama did so, tying the Oto hatai-ate on, making sure that his hair lay over the band. He was led to a large room, where he saw four people sitting, eating and speaking quietly amongst eachother. The moment that they saw Orochimaru, they stopped everything and stood up. Kurama took his time looking each of them over, all of them seemed unusual in one way or another. “Please sit and continue, I just wanted to show you our new arrival, he is Kurama of the Youko Clan.” The four returned to their meal. “Here you will get your meals.” Kurama nodded and wondered why he had never been shown this before. Orochimaru had always had people take food to his room, but now it looked like he would have full reign of the village. Orochimaru approached the food bar and took some of the food, motioning for Youko to do the same too.
Kurama looked down at the poor excuses for fruit that was present, and used a small proportion of his overal energy to regenerate the fruit to when it had been picked, the apple returning to a healthy state in his hand. Selecting a few pieces of the fruit and some of the meat, he followed Orochimaru to a table. He then noticed Kabuto enter and gave a smile into his meal, feeling the human’s glare on him. “Please, Orochimaru-san, let me make those fruit of yours edible.”
“Orochimaru-sama.” Orochimaru corrected, almost angry at the other for not showing him proper respect
“Don’t push your luck.” Kurama hissed. “I will not call someone 950 years my junior by that title. Be thankful that I see you as an equal.” The pair glared at eachother, neither breaking the stare. Eventually Orochimaru was forced to look away.
Kabuto stared at the stranger. He had never seen him before, of that he was sure, yet Orochimaru-sama was sharing a table with him, sharing a meal with him. With rage starting to bubble in the pit of his belly he approached the table. Then he saw the other male smile and place his hand above his master’s plate, and he saw the fruit regenerate, so he approached more cautiously. “Orochimaru-sama, I have news on out patient.” He said before whispering in Orochimaru’s ear. “With your permission, I would like to join you.” Orochimaru gestured towards an empty seat, which Kabuto took, once he had taken some of the food. “May I ask who you are?” He asked hostilely.
“I am Youko Kurama.” Kurama said with a feral smile. “You better get used to me, because you will see a lot of me now and in the future.” He turned his gaze on Orochimaru. “Thank you for showing me around in person, Orochimaru-san. It is such an honour.” The look on Kabuto’s face would have killed a lesser man on the spot, however Kurama was no such person. He returned the glare with his calm gaze. “Hello, Yakushi Kabuto.” He said, and the fact that he knew Kabuto’s name made the Jounin-level Sound nin jump.
“Do I know you?” Kabuto asked, trying to recall the face of the one before him, and Kurama laughed. “Who are you?”
“I already told you, my name is Youko Kurama.” Kurama said as he bit into the apple on his plate, some of the juice ran down his chin. His eyes met Kabuto’s and decided that he would take some pity on him and a moment later his form flickered to his other self’s although the eyes remained gold in colour, proving his dominance. “Maybe you know me better as Minamino Shuichi.” Kurama said, tempted to thrust Shuichi’s mind out to further traumatise the boy. “My other self is a little upset at the moment, so our body is mine.” The form changed back to Kurama’s, more humanised one. “Who will be coming with me tomorrow? I am guessing that it will be somebody who you trust.”
“Kabuto-kun, have you got anything planned for tomorrow?” He asked, Kabuto shook his head. “Good, you shall accompany him tomorrow. Please show him around the rest of the village for me, I have some paperwork to do.” With that Orochimaru left the table and headed out the door. “Treat the village founder with respect, Kurama-kun.” Orochimaru said before the door closed behind him. The two silver haired guys stared at eachother. Neither wanted to go with the other, yet both new that they would probably receive the sharp side of Orochimaru's tongue if they didn't do as he asked.
As the sun began to rise, Kurama was waiting for Kabuto at the exit of the village. 'What a great start this is.' He thought as he waited impatiently for the other to show up. Finally he could see Kabuto leave the building. "What took you so long?" Kurama snapped. "You are later than Hatake Kakashi!"
"Shut up." Kabuto said simply as he lead the way out of Otogakure, Orochimaru had told him to take care of their 'guest' while all he wished to do was to wring his neck. "I would prefer to walk in silence."
"That could be arranged." Kurama growled. "I am sure that I could easily arrange an eternal silence for you." Again the pair glared daggers at eachother as they passed through the countryside, heading towards the border. "Can you go no faster? I want a good exercise, which is something that I doubt that I will get from you." Kabuto could see that the pace that he had set was nowhere near the other's limit, and he ran faster, making Kurama laugh, this was better.
Kabuto looked over at the other, and barely recognised the other as being the same, annoying, man that he had been running with. He seemed to love running through the countryside. Now that he had a good look at him he didn't look antagonistic. "Kurama-san, I'm sorry about earlier." He said as they stopped briefly for Kabuto to examine the area on the map. "I am not a morning person." Kurama only nodded. "I was surprised that Orochimaru-sama asked me to accompany you."
"He doesn't seem to be the type that would willingly let another leave him." Kurama said. "Although he must have a lot of faith in you to be able to stop my attacks." Kabuto looked at Kurama. "He sent you with somebody that is known to have a way with grass and woodland, and that is what we have to travel through." Kurama kneeled on the forest floor and sent his energy out. "We have half a mile between us and the border of the woods." He said as he stood up. "Hiei ws right, this place is more alive." The last was said so quietly that Kabuto almost missed it. "We still have a while to go yet." Kurama said when he saw Kabuto stare at him.
The pair soon arrived at village, immediately heading to the home of the village leader. The villagers, upon seeing their hatai-ate, hid indoors. They knew that everytime that the Sound ninjas appeared in the village that nothing went right. This time would be no different. Kurama looked around the village, at the hiding villagers. They were safe as long as their head gave into Orochimaru's request. He knocked politely on the head's door, and got no reply, yet he could smell life within, including that of at least two young children. "Invite us in, or we shall invite ourselves in." He said, and getting no reply, Kurama smiled. It had been quite some time since he could play. He removed the rose from his hair and then with a flick of his wrist, the thorny whip cut through the door like it was hot butter.
Kabuto could hear the muffled cries of the kids. He knew that Kurama was scaring them, but his tactics were quite effective. The head villager and his wife were trying to protect two boys and a girl from Kurama's view. "What do you want?" The head asked of Kurama.
"I only ask for the crop that Orochimaru has requested of you." Kurama said as he looked at the huddled group. "This time, Orochimaru isn't being nice. I have been given permission to use any force neccessary to make you see sense." He looked at the children. "Maybe I should take two of your children back home with me, I am sure that Orochimaru would love the gift." That had it's effect, making the woman whisper to the man, encouraging him to doas Kurama said for the sake of the children.
Less than an hour later and Kurama had a signed agreement, not only that, but he had the youngest child in his possession as a promise of payment. The five year old cried and howled all the way back to Otogakure, the girl was scared of the strange man that carried her with such ease. "If you don't shut up, I'll gag you." Kurama threatened, the girl falling silent. "Now what is your name?"
"Chinatsu." The girl squeaked as she saw Kabuto look at them.
"Well, Chinatsu, you will like Orochimaru-sama, he is a very nice man, that likes children." Kurama said. "He will take good care of you until your daddy sends us some of his food." He landed at the entrance, and he saw Orochimaru was already waiting for him. "We have a guest, Orochimaru." Kurama said as he showed Orochimaru the girl. "She is the youngest child of the village head and we have a signed agreement that we get 25% of their crop each year. We have agreed that the child shall be returned to the village once the first crop has arrived. They also signed agreeing that we can take our revenge on the village should they not show."
"Good work." Orochimaru said as he took the signed agreement. "Just one more thing, Kurama. It is Orochimaru-sama." He walked towards his office. "Kurama-kun, while you are at it, look after the child. I have some paperwork to do." Kurama glared at Orochimaru's back. "Stop glaring, Kurama-kun, or I'll find something more useful for those eyes to do."
Kurama looked for Kabuto and saw that, he too, had disappeared. He then turned his attention to the girl. "Looks like it is just going to be us, Chinatsu." He said, taking the girl's hand. "I shall have to find us something to do. Please come with me." He led her to an open space. "You know, I think that you would nake a very good kunoichi, much better than a girl that I know." He saw her blush. "You would be much more beautiful and deadly if you chose to stay here."
The girl, who had been afraid of the kitsune earlier, looked at him with shock. "Do you really think that I could?" Kurama knelt down on the grass. "Do you think that I could be like Tsunade-sama?" Kurama nodded, making the girl squeal. "Would Orochimaru-sama help me?"
"Otogakure helps all those that asks them for help." Kurama said as he smirked at his own thought. "Orochimaru and Tsunade were in the same team, so I am sure that Orochimaru would know best how to make you stronger, however you have to prove yourself to him first. I had to leave my old village because Orochimaru-san wasn't well accepted there, however I have never looked back. This is my home now, and this village is now my home, and its people are my family." He smiled at the girl. "I would protect the village and those in it, with my life if I had to."
Two gold, slitted eyes stared at the scene before them. they seemed to gloat over something. "Kurama-kun, I have you now." Orochimaru said to himself as he walked away. "I have you loyal to Otogakure now, and soon, I shall transfer that loyalty to myself only. However there is one more test for you to do."
A few hours later and Orochimaru summoned Kurama and Kabuto to his private rooms. "I have asked you both to come here because I wish for you both to accompany me to get an old friend of mine. I need to convince her to join me. I want you both to join me to encourage her to choose rightly. Also, you both are strong enough to protect yourselves should something unexpected happen." Orochimaru looked from one face to the next. "Shall you accompany me?"
Both Kurama and Kabuto agreed to go with Orochimaru with no hesitation.
Author's Note: Kiko kitsunes are spirit foxes, or demon foxes.