Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Artifice ❯ Defection ( Chapter 4 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

A/N: Schoolwork is just a blast, I tell you. There were a considerable amount of things I wanted to incorporate into this chapter, but didn’t quite know how. By and by, though, I feel like it came out the way it was supposed to. In other news; Naruto fillers are ending! Woo woo! I’ve been so psyched about it! Ok, this is the chapter everyone has been waiting for: Enter Sakura~!

Wow guys, I got over THIRTY reviews for last chapter! I was -and am- just blown away and ecstatic about that. I sincerely hope that you guys can keep it up and review to keep me this happy XP~. Also, this story was added to the amazing Heaven and Earth’s ‘Great NaruSaku Fic Listing II’. Wonderful people there, so that psyched me also. Thanks guys :D.

Also! This chapter is a belated birthday present for Naruto! I've been swamped with schoolwork lately, so I couldn't get it out on time, but I'm happy just the same. This was also Naruto's worst birthday ever; new filler arc announced on his birthday. How horrible. D:.

Blanket Disclaimer: Naruto and all characters contained there within belong to Kishimoto. I do, however, take sole responsibility of this plot.

Naruto was allowed to sleep in again Saturday, for obvious reasons. Nevertheless, he awoke at eleven on the dot, hastily shifting from the covers. He was far too excited to remain laying there.

He rose languidly, hoping to ease the stiffness in his muscles through brief stretches. It didn’t work, but it helped to remove some of the excess energy he was feeling.

To think this could be the last time he would ever have to get up from this bed....

The usual woman alerted him when his mentor would arrive, but to him it lacked any meaning.

He was no longer ‘Kyuubi’. This time tomorrow he could finally call himself Naruto. The thought alone was outrageous.

Naruto padded into his bathroom, once more repeating his mundane morning tasks.

If he were to be leaving tonight as he hoped, he wondered if he should bring anything.

Removing his pants, he heard a shuffle as the wad of papers fell to the clean white floor. Lifting them he carefully hid the bundle within a pant leg.

He wouldn’t need money at least, which was a very good thing.

Aside from his books, Naruto didn’t have many possessions. The drab clothes he was supplied with...a few other things, but none of which he would need or want in the outside world.

The warm jets of water relaxed him, but couldn’t stop his skin from tingling in anticipation. Tsunade had set up the hard parts, but there were definitely things to be done on his own behalf.

The main issue was actually being in the elevator on time. On Saturday some no-name normally escorted him to his various classes. An even bigger problem than that was that he was curfewed to his quarters by ten p.m., supposed to be in bed by eleven. Roaming about at nine would prove difficult...

To his limited understanding, his lair; this entire laboratory, was about twenty flights below the ground. That was what he’d been distractedly told by Iruka some time ago. Naruto also knew that there were only ten floors of this compound; he had access readily to five of them, and had only been on the sixth a handful of times -generally when an Akatsuki had stern words for him. That said, he assumed that he should try to get to the fifth floor by nine. Then the elevator would halt, he could jump the shaft and presumably run up the stairs. Fifteen whole flights.

The water began to run luke against his skin and he hurriedly donned a towel, stuffing the money into his wad of dirty clothes, Naruto took careful route towards his dresser. Practical clothes, practical clothes...

Light denim jeans and a long-sleeve white tee-shirt. That was practical, right?

He shrugged them on, along with his favorite pair of boxers. The pants were a bit too large and hung low, but so was the shirt so he supposed it made up for it.

The doors to his room were opening, and Naruto cast one more look around. This was the place he grew up, and though he had plenty of bad memories here -far more than a boy his age should have for certain- it was his home for seventeen years.

“Kyuubi, you’re on a tight schedule today. Do hurry.”

Naruto turned and saw his proctor for the day. Ah, Ebisu. The shortish man who wore sunglasses even in this fake light and saw himself heads and shoulders above everyone else. Especially Naruto. What a fun going away present. It could’ve been worse.

It could’ve been Deidara.

And at the very least, Ebisu was fairly simple minded. Enough so to trick for sure.

He stepped through the threshold and stoicly gazed forward as the metal was sealed behind him.

It was only a few minutes later that Naruto realized that he had forgotten his shoes.

He'd take his steps into freedom barefoot, and when he thought about it, he wouldn't want it otherwise.


Lunch had been as uneventful as ever and before he knew it it was already post-noon. Ebisu had snippily informed him that there were no regular lessens planned for thje day and he would be taken back to his room. Panicked, Naruto stuttered out the first thing that came to mind.

“The gym! I haven't been there in a few days...I'm sure no one would mind.”

The black lenses reflected his eager expression as Ebisu seemingly sized him up.

“I suppose you haven't.” He said, taking a moment to push the glasses up further on the bridge of his nose. Naruto knew what Ebisu was thinking. Virtually all of the adults here despised the relationship Tsunade had with Naruto, Ebisu included. He probably thought Naruto wanted to visit with her. “Very well. I'll escort you there and leave you in the care of whoever is on duty -Tsunade is otherwise engaged today.”

That last part was definitely meant to bother him, but Naruto didn't heed in the least. He needed to stay out of his room until nine.
The gym was relatively close to the cafeteria, so the journey was a quick one. Ebisu hardly waited for the door to open before shoving Naruto through the frame and taking off.

When Tsunade wasn't supervising it normally meant that Maito Gai was in charge here. Gai was another person who held a nice attitude towards him. Still, Gai was quite...zealous about training.

And that was using the word loosely.

Sure enough, the tall, well-built man was beckoning him over, straight teeth gleaming in a grin.

The gym was, as one might expect, simple. There were various work out machines, weights, a good sized swimming pool and the changing rooms. Everything was a tone of white or silver and it all looked -and smelled- quite sterile.

“Naruto!” Gai bellowed. “It's been been a while! Have you come to practice the art of youth?”

The boy smiled, nodding briefly and trekking to the male dressing area. Gai was nice to everyone. The only reason Naruto could guess for his not being fired for that was his amazing resume. If there was something to be done athletically with the body, Gai had done, and probably mastered, it.

After securing his garments in a locker and changing into sports attire Naruto stepped into a far corner of the vast gymnasium where Gai was waiting for him. They had the entire center to themselves.

Aside from his required hours per week, Naruto spent a decent amount of time here. Working off stress, frustration. It was easy to lose oneself in the rhythm of running or submerged underwater.

The corner he was heading towards consisted of a large wrestling mat and a few pieces of gear set onto the wall.

“You're ready then?”

Naruto hummed and got into position; a defensive stance towards one end of the mat. Gai moved into a much more offensive posture. A word later and they took off towards each other, exchanging a flurry of blows, blocks and dodges. After a few minutes the blonde found himself flying backwards, landing heavily on his back. Gai and Tsunade always bested him in sparring matches, but he was still quite adept at giving them a run for their money at least.

Gai gazed at him proudly. “Ah, Naruto. You're one of my most prized pupils. Even the time spent with Tsunade is seen in your fighting. Combining kick-boxing with jujitsu is not an easy thing indeed. I must say; I truly look forward to our sessions together. Now then...Again!”

Naruto dusted himself off and stood up, once more in proper pose, a light smirk on his own lips.

--


--
Four hours -many more matches, weight training and some swimming- later and Naruto was once more showered and dressed, watching as Ebisu picked him up. Naruto took his time to say goodbye to Gai but his monitor seemed quite eager to leave.

In compassion to the gym, the hallways were quite cool and the teen wished he had a sweatshirt or something; he hated the cold.

By this time it was about four hours until the operation was to begin and Naruto had thought of something else to keep him occupied for as long as needed. Before the scientist could comment on anything, Naruto casually brought up another request.

“I think I want to go to the craft room.”

Ebisu growled. He wasn't authorized to directly order Naruto to his room, and the boy was allowed access to many regulated rooms if he so desired, as long as it was within his recreational time. All Ebisu could do was follow him around.

A curt nod and they set off again. It was sad that the snobby man had to accompany him in the craft room, but well worth it in the end.

The craft room was another area he enjoyed. Quite small and always warm, it was full of art supplies. It was a class of Naruto's from when he was young. Back then he had learned technique and poise, now he was allowed to free-draw as he felt.

Through more doors and he happily took a seat at one of the workstations in the room. He collected various basic supplies -some paper and a pencil, and began to sketch. The glasses-wearer took a spot by the door, not even bothering to hide the stare, most likely a glare, in his direction.

Drawing was something the whiskered boy greatly enjoyed. When he drew he could be the creator. He was the one in charge of what happened on his humble paper, and each line was lovingly stroked with impeccable care.

As a child he'd drawn simple things; animals he'd seen in books, his room, sloppy pictures of an angry Tsunade. As he matured he'd taken to realistic views on the things he held dear. Caricatures of anyone and everyone. Still lives, even sketches of people he'd never seen before, just off the top of his mind. A mother and her toddler, a group of teenagers having fun outside of a school. Anything within the realm of reason. He seldom if ever kept any of these. Once finished he'd leave them on the table and they'd be gone the next time he came.

This time the gentle wisps of graphite lines were forming a human face. Long and roughish- definitely male. As he continued he unconsciously added discerning features; buoyant, dark eyes and a large smile, thin wrinkles about the edges from laughter. Long, messy hair danced around the features, reminding Naruto of his own locks. For the final touch he added a splash of color, grabbing a red marker and tracing out two tattoos along the man's face, duel tear-lines curving under the jawline and out of sight.

After he was satisfied, Naruto observed the portrait with a critical eye. This person wasn't at random, it tugged at his memory just out of sight. Who was it...

Whatever train of thought he could've grasped was suddenly wrenched from him when a loud beeping noise filled the still room. A snap and the offending phone was answered.

“Hello?” It was funny how Ebisu lost that haughty tone in his voice when talking to anyone but Naruto. He was suddenly polite and standing upright, as though whomever he was talking to was watching.

'Then again,' Naruto thought, spying cameras blaring down at them. 'someone is.'

“Yes. He's here with me, sir.” Of course the call was about him. “Certainly, I'll bring him right away. Thank you, sir.”

An instant change in demeanor and Ebisu was back. “You're required by Akatsuki.”

Naruto's eyes widened and he hastily glanced at a clock. Seven forty-three. Damn, this would cut it close.

He kept a fast pace on his way to the elevator, impatiently awaiting each door to be opened. If Deidara called him up just because he was bored again...

Once in the lobby Naruto carefully made his way to the seventh elevator in the second row.

7-B.

If his plan worked everything should be fine.

He hoped.

Both of them filed in, Ebisu setting the destination to floor six. Cameras watched their movements from the corners of the tiny box. Trying to be inconspicuous Naruto eyed the distinct lines forming the escape hatch along the ceiling.

All too soon for his liking, they pulled to a halt, stepping out into the opulent hall that lay beyond.

Carpeted in deep red, dark mahogany wood doors and an overall feeling of wealth, it was obvious that a different caliber of people resided on this particular level. The only room Naruto had been to was four doors down from where he was, on the right. Deidara's office. Therefore he was rightly surprised to be led to the left, a whole eight doors. Their footsteps muffled by the plush rug, he reveled in the feeling of it between his toes.

The short man opened the door for him, gesturing him inside. Naruto went with hesitation.

At it's base this room closely resembled Deidara's; a continuation of the deep colors, abundant in reds especially. However, where Deidara's had lots of artsy items strewn about -mostly small statues- this room had real class.

Crystal lighting fixtures, golden decor, expensive-looking artifacts...the couches in here -for the entire area was a bit larger than his own bedroom- were all of a stark black leather, a fine glass coffee table in between. Dominating over the space was a vast wooden desk.

Sitting at that desk, in a high-backed chair of superb craftsmanship, was a man he recognized as an Akatsuki leader. Kakuzu. He was in charge of finances, if Naruto remembered correctly. He was a tall man, probably at about six and a half feet. Wide shoulders accentuated the charcoal dress-shirt across his torso, the symbol of a red cloud adorning the right pocket. A matching red tie fell across the front of his chest.

He was a man of dark skin pallor, an almost gray shade even. Pale eyes sternly watched his every move and black cropped hair was professionally swept back from his face.

“Naruto.” The giant greeted in a deep, monotonic voice. “You're probably wondering why I've called you here.”

He didn't answer, standing stiffly at a reasonable distance from the intimidating man.

A higher, more childish voice sounded from the corner. “Of course he is, Kakuzu. The little runt couldn't figure anything out on his own, that's for sure.”

Deidara was looming behind him, arms crossed and a jaunty tweak to his lips. Naruto allowed himself a scowl. How he loathed Deidara.

“What's wrong Naruto? As though I'd pass up the chance to visit with you! Tell him, Kakuzu!” Here he laughed insanely, eyes glimmering. “Tell him the wonderful news!”

Naruto's head, as though at a tennis match, was bobbing back and forth, growing trepidation pitting in his stomach.

“Calm down, Deidara. All in good time.” With a chuckle he continued. “Might I congratulate you on a job well done. Those investors were both very rich and very interested.” A grin here. “Very interested.”

Deidara burst in with glee. “You should have heard them on my end! 'What a monster!' they cried! 'He's a demon!' You put on the most entertaining shows, Naruto!”

None of this boded well at all.

“In fact, they enjoyed it so much that they desire you for their own.” Kakuzu rumbled. “With a proper donation on their part, we, the Akatsuki, are lending you to their weaponry company for tests and experimentation. Imagine combining our genetic power and their machinery? It will be amazing.”

“Yes, amazing indeed!”

Despite the deep desire to do so, Naruto resisted taking a step back. Both of the adults were laughing in a most maniacal way.

“They've made proper preparations for you, and you'll be sent there tomorrow afternoon. May I suggest you dress warmly; their main factory is quite far North.”

Deidara giggled and wrapped an arm around Naruto. “Hehe, you know what this means don't you brat? No more Tsunade to stick up for you! Gyaha! You can damn well bet they won't be going easy on you, boy!”

“A new dawn is rising over this world, Naruto. Akatsuki are the heralders and you are our grail. Now you'd best be leaving, there is a meeting we must attend.”

Passing a cheekily waving Deidara, Naruto snuck a glance at an ivory clock. Eight fifty-four.

He hurried Ebisu again, briskly making it into the lift and back down to the bottom floor. As they were about to leave Naruto faked a sudden thought.

“Damnit! Ebisu, we need to go back up. I have something very important to talk with Kakuzu about.”

The glasses regarded him cooly. “What could you possibly have to say to him still?”

For a heart-stopping moment Naruto didn't think he'd agree. It was to his unyielding relief when the man once more set the elevator to the red floor. Now he just needed to wait...

Each floor felt like a century and he couldn't help but doubt for a moment if Tsunade actually did it. A floor later and he felt like slapping himself. If no one else, Naruto trusted her. Another floor and he was breathing heavily, heart thumping painfully against his ribs. This was it...

Floor five reared when they suddenly jerked still. The lights flickered out and Ebisu failed in hiding a scream. For once in his life, Naruto was grateful for his heightened senses, particularly his night vision. Not nearly as clear as though in light, he could still make things out quite well.

He steeled himself and turned towards the cowering man, whom was currently reaching into his pocket for something.

Naruto had never intentionally injured someone while aware before, but for this he was prepared to. Fisting a hand he reared back and punched Ebisu square in the face, feeling the glasses -and possibly nose- break under contact and watching with disgust as he slammed against the wall heavily. He fell to the ground and didn't get up, a small bit of blood gathering around his face.

The teen swallowed thickly and reached up, stretching just enough to dislodge the small door. Crouching tightly he wound his muscles and leaped up, noisily grabbing the edge and hoisting himself over.

It was extremely warm and dusty on top of the elevator, even more so to Naruto who had never dealt with much dust in the first place, but he knew that time now was precious. Sparing just enough seconds to sneeze he gazed around. A few feet above his head and directly in front of him was a square hole in the wall. Another jump and he crouched under the stone arch.

He ran down the small passageway, panting for lack of air. After a minute or so, the area widened until there was a staircase before him; winding up, about facing and up again. It was these stairs he ascended, taking the steps two at a time. By the fifth set he was heavily gasping for air. His bare feet made an eerie slapping noise on the concrete floor, echoing relentlessly.

By the fifteenth flight Naruto was exhausted like he'd never been, hacking and wheezing. The stairs ended and there was another hall. The darkness here was less obtrusive, the air a bit clearer.

To him this felt like it had taken ages, but it could've realistically been more than five minutes.

At the end of his trek he saw a door take form, large and metallic. There was no window. Above the door was a large grouping of locks.

With trembling hands each one was undone, the noise one of the most terrifying things he'd ever heard. Once the last one fell Naruto grasped the handle, wrenching the door open.

The gust of cold air was unexpected, and so was the dim light. The heavy door slammed closed behind him and Naruto looked around, eyes greedily sucking in every detail.

He was in what must have been an alleyway, some inconspicuous trash cans laying nearby, empty. There was a building directly before him and a tall, barbed fence to the right but to the left nothing. Blue orbs immediately turned towards the sky, seeing a few stars winking down at him and a crescent moon dancing far out of reach.

Books, words, pictures...none of those could do this justice.

The air was clear and crisp, too frigid for his tastes but very different from what he was used to inhaling.

It was then that he heard a noise.

A person was running towards him, too far away to make out. From in their hand glowed a flashlight, briefly blinding him. Naruto was torn. Should he try to fight this one also for his freedom?

Yes, he would. Now that he saw the stars he wouldn't just let them go so easily. If he stayed he'd be sent away...

The shape came closer and Naruto readied himself.

Closer still and Naruto squinted at them. Was that...

“Naruto!” the voice whispered haggardly. “Oh thank God.”

“Iruka...”

“The power is still out, they sent me to check the perimeter of the building. You...you're running away?” He looked distraught.

Naruto gazed at him regretfully. “I'm...sorry, Iruka. I'm leaving.”

A few seconds passed by with no noise made but the wind.

Slowly, Iruka stepped to the side. He picked up the phone at his belt and flipped it open.

“I've just arrived at emergency exit three. Coast is clear.”

A tear fell down Naruto's cheek before he turned and ran off, whispering a goodbye on the wind.

After leaving the alley and being sure to keep to the shadows, Naruto looked back at the building he'd spent his life in. Looming above him was a multi-level sky scraper, though it was far too dark to make out anything more. It still looked innocent to what it had actually witnessed.

He picked a random direction and took off, the sidewalk floor totally foreign against his flesh. All the buildings were so vast. Some were brightly alight with signs or glowing warmly from the inside.

He continued past them, still keeping as close to the darkness as he could.

--
--

He had no way to tell time other than the movement of the moon, but he was positive at least an hour had passed from his daring escape.

Already that seemed like ages past, the elation running through his veins, the adrenaline. All that was left now was a deep feeling of loneliness with perhaps a bit of fear.
It was so cold out.

Naruto passed under a streetlight and fished out the piece of paper from his pocket. In Tsunade's neat scrawl was etched;

He looked around him. Standing next to the lamp-post was a street sign, declaring him to be on '12 Ave.' How was he supposed to find this place? He hadn't run into a single person after Iruka...

Quite tired, Naruto continued on at a lethargic pace, arms wrapped about himself and toes numb.

He watched his feet as he huddled himself closer. How was Tsunade so sure that this person would take him in, anyway? This plan had sounded a whole lot more promising from back in his cage.

A shadow moved before him and he snapped his neck up. A few feet ahead of him a person was passing under one of the street-lamps. Their back was to him with a thick black jacket tucked securely around them.

Naruto strode forward once more, purpose in his step. Perhaps this person would know where to find that address!

He reached out a hand to tap the shoulder but didn't expect for the figure to turn around so abruptly.

Thoughts flew from his head as he gazed down into a set of wide green eyes.

It was a girl, probably about his age. She was a good five inches shorter than he was, and stared up at him with a red tinge to her pale cheeks from the cold. Short pink hair fluttered around her her gentle face. His breath left in a puff of white clouds.

Everything was quiet as they stared at each other, the night lights glinting above and the icy wind passing between them.

Books, words or pictures couldn't possibly do her justice either.

Post Note: Well, that was a fairly long chapter, I think. And a new Akatsuki member, ftw! Kakuzu is awesome! I was a bit saddened by having to 'humanize' him, as it were, but I feel it turned out nicely in the end. And there was the moment you've all been waiting for: Sakura~! I had originally wanted to add her next chapter, but I felt as though you've all been waiting long enough so I rethought the layout. Naruto finally escaped, but you can be sure that there is much more to this story than that, so let's hope for something good and long!

Please please review :D I stayed up until 3+am on a school night to do this. T-T. Hehe.

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-hanyoupu p