Naruto Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ A Strange New World ❯ Search for the Tailed Beasts Part 1 ( Chapter 28 )

Search for the Tailed Beasts Part 1

 

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

 

“You wanted to see me, Tsunade?” Orochimaru asked as he closed the boor behind him, and took a seat. “What seems to be the problem?” The blonde looked up from her paperwork.

 

“I have heard that you have been trying to recruit Konoha Genin for Konoha.” Tsunade said, trying not to laugh. “Surely you have better things to do with your free time?”

 

“What can I say, Tsunade?” Orochimaru asked with a slight smile. “Old habits die hard, I'm afraid.”

 

“That is why I asked you to come here.” Tsunade said. “I want you to put that eloquent tongue of yours to good use for Konoha.” She handed Orochimaru a sheet. “You are going on an S-class mission, my old friend.” She said. “Oh, Sabaku no Gaara shall be joining you permanently as another member of your team. He needs a Jounin instructor, and you have a space free on your team.” Orochimaru sighed. “Feel free to take any Genin and newer Chuunin that you want with you. I cannot afford to lose many more Jounin and Chuunin than I have. However under your guidance, I am sure that you could easily make any Genin as efficient as any Chuunin here in the village.”

 

“I can choose any number of Genin that I believe could be required and whichever Genin I desire?” Tsunade nodded. “Very well, on top of Sabaku no Gaara and Minamino Shuichi, I want Hatake Kakashi's team and Umino Iruka's team.” He took some time to think. “I also want Nara Shikamaru, Yamanaka Ino, Hyuuga Neji and Rock Lee.” Tsunade nodded. She understood his reasoning without asking. He was keeping the Jinchuuriki together, and also keeping them out of the village.

 

“Very well, I shall let their Jounin instructors know. You shall leave tomorrow at dawn.” Tsunade said as Orochimaru stood up, turning to leave. “Orochimaru!” He looked around at Tsunade. “Please be… discrete with Shuichi. I don't want the others to return traumatised.” Orochimaru laughed. “I'm sure that they'll traumatise each other before we traumatise them, considering most of them are `couples' themselves. I believe half of them are in fact.”

 

“The thing is, none of them are as old as you are.” Tsunade said. “The age gap between you and your… partner is quite big.”

 

“Indeed, although you have to remember that he has a spirit fox inside him. He isn't a normal human child. His other half is far older than I am.” His memory travelled to the other beauty that resided in Shuichi, the ancient, aloof Youko Kurama. At first he had only got closer to Shuichi to be closer to the fox inside him, however that had all changed. His love for the redhead blocked out any of the lust that he had once felt for his other side. “We shall keep our… activities to the minimum around the others.”

 

 

The next day and Orochimaru and Kurama met up with the other members of their squad. Orochimaru took his time to look the others over. “First thing, remove everything that shows you as a Konoha ninja.” He said. “We don't know where our targets are, and there are a number of villages that aren't friendly towards ninjas, and those that are less hostile are likely to be sympathetic to Akatsuki. If somebody asks you who we are, think of something believable… like a group of travellers. However if too many questions are asked, kill them.” He started separating the others into groups. “While inside villages, this is the grouping that we shall stay in. Only one group shall be inside the village at any one time, understand?” They all nodded. “Good, remember no acting like ninjas at all. I know it goes against all your training, but it is the biggest challenge you can face.” A moment later and the same Jounin that accompanied the Sound trio in the Chuunin exams stood before them. “Modify your appearances slightly. That way you can make people believe that they had mistaken your appearance the first time they looked.” His eyes moved directly to Naruto and Gaara. “You both need to take extra care. You both have very distinctive features.”

 

 

They started moving through the forest, acting like their age and less like the ninjas that they were brought up to be, and they soon reached their first camping place, and they set up camp early, allowing them all to do their own things when night finally fell. For some, it meant making an escape into the forest in pursuit of pleasure. For others it was a chance to spar. Sakura was one of the former. She sighed happily as she walked through the undergrowth when she suddenly heard a noise, sounding suspiciously like a moan, and followed it to a glade. She saw a suspicious looking orange suit chucked over a bush and giggling. “Shh, you're going to get us caught!” A voice hissed, a voice that she recognised as belonging to Naruto. “Do you really want the world to know how…?”

 

“Dobe, if you don't start moving soon, I'll kick your ass into tomorrow.” The voice of Uchiha Sasuke said. “You're not going to get many chances to do this.” Sakura couldn't help but to look, and she almost screamed and covered her nose to stop a nosebleed. She fled the scene, having heard a waterfall earlier, and she knew that she could spend some time there to collate her thoughts before facing them again.

 

The waterfall was soon found, however when she got there she saw that Kurama had already beaten her there and was already naked in the water. Suddenly Kurama stopped what he was doing. “I know that you're there. Come out.” He said, and just as Sakura was about to do just that, Orochimaru left his hiding place.

 

“Your detection has improved.” Orochimaru said, clearly enjoying the view of the other's body. “This time last year you wouldn't have been able to do that.”

 

“This time last year and Youko would have had you tied up in vines long before now. He would then have proceeded to finish bathing before teaching you not to spy on a bathing kitsune.” Orochimaru stripped off his clothing and entered the water, wading to where his lover was waiting for him, before he wrapped his arms around Kurama's waist before the hands cupped Kurama's ass. Kurama whispered something that made Orochimaru smile before Kurama's body pressed against Orochimaru's, who then proceeded to guide the kitsune to the shore. “Orochimaru, I need you to…” Sakura heard before she fled the scene.

 

She came to a halt below a tree and rested with her back against it. She really didn't need to know what the private lives of Kurama and Orochimaru were like. At least she could relax where she was. “Detective, stop wriggling. You're going to fall out of the tree at this rate.”

 

“I have splinters, you inconsiderate apparition!” She heard Yusuke shout.

 

“You told me not to treat you like a doll.” Sakura couldn't listen to any more and ran from the tree too. She was running out of places to go, and ended up heading back towards the camp before she heard:

 

“Harder, Gaara!” Being shouted to the world. “It needs to be harder.” Sakura whimpered as her nose started to bleed again and fainted.

 

Lee's head turned in the direction of the whimper. “Stop, Gaara.” Lee said as Gaara pulled the sand back before it hit Lee. He went in the direction of the whimper and saw Sakura in a pool of blood. Gently he carried her back to the camp, slightly miffed that his train… physiotherapy had been bothered. He left her in Ino's care. “I don't know what all she had seen, but she bothered my workout with Gaara.” He said before heading back to try and finish what had started.

 

It took no time for Sakura to become aware of her surroundings and she sat up, expecting to hear two of the boys at it again. “What's the matter, forehead girl?” Ino asked as she finished cooking. “See something that you liked too much?” She asked innocently, making Sakura blush. “Come on, tell me.”

 

“I saw Naruto and Sasuke.” She said blushing harder, making Ino laugh. “Then I chanced upon Kurama bathing, then Orochimaru joined him in the water and…” Then Yusuke and Hiei… and Lee and Gaara.” The last was squeaked. Ino laughed harder.

 

“I don't know what the others were doing, but you bothered Rock Lee's physiotherapy.” Ino said. “He was as upset as he ever could be. I swear he won't be happy until he is back in the infirmary again.”

 

 

The rest of the night passed without incident, as did the next day. That night they arrived at their first village. “Remember what I told you.” Orochimaru said. “Keep quiet, and give as little information as possible, while find out as much as you can about any old legends and rumours.” They all nodded. “Stay well away from anybody wearing black coats with red clouds, especially Naruto and Gaara. They are likely to be Akatsuki members. Shikamaru-kun, take your team in first. Try to be back in two hours.”

 

 

Shikamaru quickly led his group into the village, making sure that they stayed close together before linking his arm with Ino's. “This is bothersome.” Shikamaru said. “The whole trip is bothersome.”

 

“You are just lazy.” Ino chided. “We need to do this.” She noticed a woman looking at them. “We're travellers.” She said quickly. “We are collecting old myths and legends, especially those of the tailed beasts that are rumoured to exist.” Shikamaru tried not to groan. “Storytellers from our land pay us a good wage to collect them.”

 

“Where are you from?” The woman asked, now curious.

 

“Please, forgive her, she talks too much.” Lee said. “We are in a hurry collecting supplies, unless you happen to know of any tales that you would like to share with us.”

 

“Well there is the tale of the Kyubi no Youko or the Kyubi no Kitsune as he is sometimes referred to.” The woman said. “Have you got that one?”

 

“Unfortunately so, wasn't he supposed to have been defeated by Yondaime Hokage?” Lee asked. The woman nodded. “That tale is a favourite at our home. We are actually looking for information on the four, five, six and seven tailed beasts.”

 

“Then I am sorry, son, I cannot help you.” The woman said, turning back to the stall that she was at. “However, maybe you could try the pub over there.” She said. “There is always tales to share there.” She then gave them smile. “Good luck collecting those stories.”

 

 

They returned two hours later with no new knowledge. Orochimaru was waiting for them. “Yamanaka Ino, what did I tell you before you went in there?” He asked angrily. Ino gulped. She had heard about the tempers of all the Sannin, and that Orochimaru was the worst one to be in the wrath of. “I said not to give away unnecessary information. Next time you aren't going into the town unless you are in my company, understand?” She nodded. “We need to go now.” There was a lot of loud grumbling from the others. “We can't stay here as we don't know who, or how many overheard what Ino said.” With that Orochimaru started leading them away from the village.

 

 

Later that night, a silent figure stole through the forest. `I saw you, I know I did.' The figure thought as he leaped through the trees. `You cannot remain hidden from me.' The figure stopped as he saw the camp and saw the thirteen people that he had seen earlier, and also that one was heading out into the forest. With his enhanced vision, he knew that this male was the most likely to be the one that he sought. He followed him as far from the camp as he could. “You are far from home, Orochimaru-sama.” The man paused in his step, looking over his shoulder.

 

“Kabuto-kun.” Orochimaru said when he realised who it was. “What are you doing here?” Orochimaru paused as he looked at the midnight roses, a beautiful variety of rose that was rare to find outside a flower shop. `A certain kitsune would like to see this.' He thought as he waited for Kabuto to talk.

 

“I am glad that you are free.” Kabuto said as he approached Orochimaru. “We are waiting for you to rejoin us, Orochimaru-sama.” He reached out to touch the Sannin. “Come home with me.”

 

“Home is where the heart is, is it not?” Orochimaru asked as he pulled away, he felt the familiar energy of his fox approaching, then stop. He knew that Kurama was waiting for his signal to attack if need be. He could see, by Kabuto's eyes, that the other knew that Kurama was there also. “I no longer belong in Otogakure.” He licked his lips. “This is the only time that I will let you run, Kabuto-kun. Next time we meet, you will die.” He motioned to Kurama to approach him, which Kurama did. His green eyes never leaving Kabuto, never losing their hating glare.

 

“I suggest that you run far and fast.” Kurama said as he felt the Sannin drape an arm around his waist. “I will not hesitate next time I feel your energy near my lover.” Kabuto's eyes widened. Was this the same… creature that Orochimaru had tricked into working for him? The same beast that Orochimaru had him transform into night after night because he wouldn't… conform to Orochimaru's desires?

 

Kurama could feel Youko's anger flood through his mind too. `I thought that you didn't like Orochimaru.' Kurama said to his irate other half.

 

`I don't, but I like him more than that silver-haired traitor. I hate him.' Youko replied, snarling at Kurama. `I will not have him drag away what has made you happy either.' Kurama laughed quietly. Youko was beginning to like the idea of having the snake-using man as a lover, even if it was reluctantly. A wave of demonic energy surged through the clearing.

 

“Tick, tock, time is running out.” Kurama said without breaking eye contact with the other male. “I'll happily kill you if that is what you want, or rather I'll let my other half do the deed, he hates you more than I do. I pity you if you don't get away before he breaks free.” It took Kabuto all of two seconds to disappear. Kurama then faced Orochimaru, emerald eyes meeting gold. Then a moment later and Orochimaru felt a pair of lips against the skin of his neck, before he felt Kurama suck on the skin, leaving a mark, leaving his mark. “Don't forget who you belong to.” He purred. “I would hate to have to remind you of that fact.”

 

 

 

Fukuro smirked at Kisame. Why did the group have to give themselves away so easily? It had been so obvious that they were there for the same reason that they had been, and if that was the case, then they had at least one bijuu with them. `Itachi will be proud of us if we get Sabaku no Gaara.' Fukuro thought. `Especially as it will be so easy to bag him too, he won't know what hit him `til it's all over.' Fukuro knew that they wouldn't stay in the area for much longer, but a group that size would be easy to track.

 

They made sure that they stayed well back, using only Fukuro's Mangekyo Sharingan to track their movements, and when the group stopped, they did too. Fukuro counted thirteen in number, three of which were definitely bijuu, and then there was the other little fox, the one that couldn't be decided if he was a bijuu or not. They noticed movement, and one of the group left the site, heading out into the forest. Then a second followed shortly after. Around the same time, Fukuro felt the chakra of a fourteenth person in the area, following the first. `So, Orochimaru has a second hunter.' Fukuro noted, before realising that the group was now virtually defenceless. `This should be even easier than I first suspected.' Itachi had told them to follow any group that left Konoha on the search for the bijuu. He trusted them to follow his orders, and that pleased Fukuro more than he cared to admit. He and Kisame had already bonded quite well in the short time that they had been working together, and understood what the other meant without questioning.

 

They sneaked closer to the group, suddenly Fukuro stopped, unable to move. `What kind of…' he thought when he noticed that both Sasuke and Shikamaru were looking directly at his location. They hadn't picked up on Kisame, but they had with him. He had forgotten about his little brother also having the Mangekyo Sharingan. It was a, potentially fatal, flaw that he had to fix before it would really cost him something precious. Without a word, Kisame swung Samehada, his large sword, and allowed the two Akatsuki members time to escape; they would have to be more careful in the future.

 

 

Soon after the failed attack, Orochimaru and Kurama returned, and the moment that they entered the site, they knew that something had happened. Sasuke's Mangekyo Sharingan was a good indication. “What happened?” Orochimaru asked.

 

“We had a visit from one of my brothers.” Sasuke said as he disengaged the Mangekyo Sharingan. “I think that it was Fukuro, however he wasn't alone. Someone, or something, managed to suck away Shikamaru's chakra while he had whichever brother it was in his Shadow Imitation.”

 

“Sounds like Kisame.” Orochimaru said idly. “That would mean that it was Itachi, however Itachi wouldn't have relied on cover, he would have come in, did what he was going to do and left. We will just have to be more vigilant.” He subconsciously moved closer to Kurama as though to protect the kitsune from the phantom presence of Fukuro. He knew that in this place, Kurama was the one most likely to be protecting him, but he couldn't help but feel protective over his love. What Kurama said in the presence of Kabuto was also how he felt over him. Even the thought of losing the kitsune made the Hatchibi no Orochi's Jinchuuriki nervous. It was something that he couldn't afford to lose. He could feel the cold touch of the snake in the back of his mind, and forced it back. He wouldn't become its slave again. “Get some rest. We move at first light. We have a lot of ground to cover, and very little time to do it in.”