Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Closer ❯ Chapter 30

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

He was still around and her seal was pulsing instantly. Why? He wanted to meet? They were leaving tomorrow. She could have ignored it until then, but she was pissed. He was still messing with her after all of this the cocky bastard! Would she really have to go head to head with him to gain some control over her seal? Right now, Kabuto was a very big hurdle to overcome and at her level, she wouldn’t be able to overcome him. But…damn it she was being foolish!

“So you’ve come. I should say I am surprised, but I’m not. It’s been a year, but I still know you very well.” He was leaning against a tree with his arms and ankle crossed. The soft moonlight reflected on the lens of his glasses and he had a familiar smirk on his lips.

Be tough Ino. This is something you have to do. She fell into a nonchalant attitude. “What do you want? To take me back?”

He pushed from the tree. “Of course, but something tells me that it won’t happen. Really, all I wanted to see was how you were doing is that so awful of me Ino?”

What the hell? “Quit acting like this. What do you want?” His eyes narrowed and her mark burned. She hissed, and dug her fingers into her arm. At least she had a seal on it. She would have dropped to her knees if not.

“How is Mamoru? Is he getting big? Is his health holding up?”

Mamoru… “He’s fine. As long as he’s away from you he’ll always be fine.”

Kabuto winced at that, looking hurt. “He has a good family then? Are you taking care of him?” The last she heard from her cousin was about a week ago. They gave her the write-up of his monthly check up. They caught the first signs of bone disease when they took him in for the first time and were preparing him to undergo a marrow transplant when he turns two. The medication he was on was helping a great deal and he reached all his infant mile-markers. He was one now with beautiful bright green eyes, almost the color of Sakura’s. His silvery-white hair was longer too and his smile…

“He’s being taken care of by good people. Away from your influence.” She told him with a hand to her hip. He really only wanted to talk? No Ino, don’t let your guard down. Kabuto is always up to something.

“Lord Orochimaru was most displeased with me for leaving him behind. And Sasuke…poor Sasuke has been ten times moodier since you left.”

Ino looked away. Damn him, he knew what marks to hit. Sasuke…no one really said his name around her anymore. It was like a punch to the heart when she thought about him. It hurt to miss him so much…like Reiko…

She saw shiny flying scalpel flying at her and she quickly dodged and batted them away with her own kunai. It’s your fault for getting so lost in your thoughts. It’s what Kabuto wants. She scolded herself harshly flipping away to a good distance.

“Your instincts are good. Show me your powers Ino! I’ll leave once I’m satisfied promise.”

Ino threw some kunai at him, jumping into a tree to get him below her. “Yeah right. Like I believe you! You kidnapped me from my mission and you expect me to believe that?”

He laughed, not moving from his spot. She glared down at him, confused. He was here to take her back right? She threw two of her special kunai on the ground, going through some summon seals. “Summon jutsu!” And just as two Cobra Lilies poofed into existence, she activated her seal and fed them all the chakra she could muster. They roared to life, teeth dripping with poison. Their gleaming red eyes flashed menacingly at Kabuto, and their large flat tongues hissed at him. Her Earth Brand glowed green along with her Cursed Seal. She fed her kunais that were anchoring and keeping the Cobra Lilies under her control.  The man-eating plants were still temperamental, but unlike the last time she summoned one, this time she was better at using them.

“Only one thing keeps the Cobra Lily placated.” She smiled. “Live bait.”

Kabuto screamed when they came after him, disrupting the ground underneath them as they slithered quickly to him. Ino wasn’t fooled one bit by the screams. They were too low pitched to be Kabuto’s. She lurched forward when he appeared behind her with glittering dark eyes. One hand was on her shoulder, and she felt something cold and sharp press against her bare lower back, between her vertebrae. His breath was hot against her neck and cheek. She didn’t move an inch.

“I can feel your struggle with it even now. You hate that we share such a…close bond. You’re fighting with me again and it makes me so nostalgic.”

Something flew through the trees. “Ino!” It was Sakura. She was followed by Hinata and Tenten.

“Ah, back up has come.” He murmured behind her. The girls surrounded them, weapon drawn. “Really, all I wanted to do was talk. I know I’m outnumbered, but I also knew you would come to me. Why did you?”

Ino blinked a few times. “I don’t know myself.” She admitted, and really she didn’t. She didn’t know why she didn’t tell the others about him or why she came out here alone. She had wanted to confront him to face him and see…to see if she could really face him with her current skill. Anyone who didn’t know Kabuto like she did would only see a lanky guy with wire-rimmed glasses who talked politely and was a very skilled medic. She had never seen him in battle, but he had been with Orochimaru for a long time. He was powerful and smart in his own way. So she knew…she knew it wasn’t time for her to take him on just yet. But the stronger she got, the stronger he would get as well. Would she ever be enough?

“I do. I can see a million things running through your head. So, I’m going to give you a chance.”

“A chance?” He removed the sharp scalpel from her back. “What are you talking about?” She stiffened when his free hand crept under her chin, around her neck. Not in a murderous way, but in a creepy affectionate kind of way.

“There will be a day when I will come for you. I will yank you from your family and loved ones and use every ounce of my power over you to make you submit. Even Sasuke won’t be able to stop me, that’s how determined I am. It will be a while, but it will happen. Until then, I want you to master your seal like Sasuke. I want you to grow and become powerful enough so you will actually stand a chance against me. Until then I will remove my influence over you.” Her seal stopped burning all at once. “I know you are capable of it Ino.”

The others heard what he said and exchanged looks. “Why? Why are you doing this?”

He sighed. She felt his chest touch her back with the exhale. “Well…let’s just say it will be an experiment. I want to see what can happen with that light chakra. I already know what kinds of feats are available when you use dark chakra. Sasuke has enlightened me and I want you to do the same Ino.” He pressed his lips to her temple. “Until then.” He murmured and then he was gone without a trace of his chakra remaining. She let out a shuddering breath, wiping that lingering wetness off of her temple.

“Ino! Are you alright? Why did you tell anyone where you were going?” Sakura demanded. “It’s bad enough Naruto goes off by himself! Now we have to watch you as well!”

“You met alone with Kabuto? Are you crazy?” Tenten followed Sakura berating.

Ino sighed. “I’m sorry but this was something I had to do.”

“I-Ino, was he the reason you couldn’t—” Hinata began with a sad frown.

“Naruto told me he saw him but…Ino why didn’t you tell us?” Sakura cried out. “We could have done something!”

Ino grew impatient. “Like what? What good would have come if I told you about him? You can’t do anything about his control and if I had told you then our mission would have failed faster.” She looked away, pride burning her cheeks at their sympathetic looks.

Sakura sighed. “Prideful as usual. We could have done something.” She said stubbornly.

“Hey Ino…just what kind of relationship do you have with Kabuto?” Tenten asked. “Just now he…kissed you.”

Ino felt her stomach revolt and she took another swipe at her temple, still feeling the brush of his lips on her skin. “Not that kind of relationship.” She protested disgustingly. “Kabuto…he…it’s like…” Ugh how could she explain what he felt about her? “He’s like a creepy older brother who toes the line between affection and…ugh…attraction.” She tried to explain. “At the same time he thinks of me as his apprentice and because of the mark, he feel like he owns me too.”

Tenten shook her head. “That one messed up guy.”

Ino nodded and looked around not wanting to think about him anymore. “Let’s get out of here. I feel like I need to shower for hours.” She yanked her chakra from her special kunais. The Cobra Lilies were finishing with their unfortunate meal. The smell of blood was thick in the air and their green speckled heads were fighting with one another for the last arm limb.

“What the hell are these things?” Sakura asked, keeping a safe distance from the man-eating plants.

“Cobra Lilies.” Ino said tiredly. They turned to her voice, eyes glowing right red against the night. Carefully, she pulled at the ninja wire tied to her special kunais to dispel the summons. “I’m still working with them.” She flashed them a smile. “Kabuto is scared of them.”

Tenten chuckled and Sakura snorted in mirth while Hinata gave a weak smile. They started back to the base to get ready to leave.

Sasuke was tired. His battle of wills with Orochimaru took a lot out of him but he had anticipated it. He stared at the disgusting white snake-like corpse of Orochimaru’s true form for a little bit before smirking. Really, he was too arrogant to ever think that he would willingly hand over his fate to him. Sasuke saw him for what he truly was and knew from the very beginning how it would end. He was like Itachi, using people as toys for his own purposes. All his secret training had been worth the struggle and pain. Now he was free of his shackle; free to final move on to the most important battle in his life.

He sheathed his sword and stepped out into the hallway. Now, there were things to be done and promises to keep. He noticed someone lingering in the shadows, pressed to the wall.

“Kabuto huh?” The medic nin stood, eyeing him warily. He was another one he should kill, but no. He had no doubt he would be seeing him again. He would savor that one later. He walked past him dismissively.

“Which one are you?” Kabuto asked him. Sasuke stopped and turned looking silently at him for a moment before giving him a small smirk.

“Which one do you think?” He let his Sharingan emerge to dampen any doubts about which one he was. He captured him and showed him his victory in the specialized genjutsu, relishing in the shock and disappointment Kabuto felt at Orochimaru’s fall. Kabuto idolized the Snake Sannin to the point of obsession. Now what was he going to do? Kabuto was breathing heavily when Sasuke finished. “You should be concerned.”

“Why? Are you going to kill me?”

Sasuke snorted. “Kill you? No. Orochimaru thought he had the upper hand because of my cursed seal.” Was all he said before he turned but not before Kabuto narrowed his eyes in understanding.

“Damn. Maybe I shouldn’t have told Ino I would give her a chance a few days ago.” Sasuke stilled and had him shoved against the wall before Kabuto even finished his sentence. He glared at him but Kabuto only smiled knowingly. “Oh? Lord Orochimaru didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me.” He demanded angrily.

“Tell you what? Where she is? Probably back to Leaf Village. What we talked about?  Power of course. That and the good old days. Seeing her made me so nostalgic. I may have mentioned you a little in passing. We didn’t get to spend a lot of time together you see.”

Sasuke released him and stalked away. He was glad Orochimaru was gone, he would have really killed him if he had known about Ino sooner. How long had it been since they parted? Too long, he thought darkly. He should have never played fair with her and let her go. He regretted it every day.

What was done is done. He needed to get to West Base and find the others in order to get to his next step. Once Itachi was cold and dead, he would be going after her. He smiled. He couldn’t wait.

The travel back to West Base was a quick one since he didn’t have Orochimaru and Kabuto’s slow company to hinder him. It was beginning to darken when he got there in two days. West Base brought back a lot of memories for him. He slowed at the stairs that descended to the spring treatment room.

Sasuke…his mind echoed her voice. Her loud, sometimes shrill voice that could make him smile and wince at the same time. If he closed his eyes he could vividly remember the way her hair smelled and how soft it was between his fingers. Ah, if he thought too much about it could bring forth long suppressed desires. With one last wistful look at the darkened stairs he left to Specimen Room 5.

Spider webs and dust was what had greeted him. The eerie blue lights of the prison tubes Orochimaru kept Suigetsu in bathed him in its glow. He could hear the water bubble behind him and with that came Suigetsu’s soft greeting.

“So it’s you after all. Since you came here I take it that you defeated Orochimaru.” His eyes emerged from the water.

“Yeah.” Sasuke grasped the hilt of his sword. “More importantly, I’ll let you out of here.” With one stroke, his Kusanagi blade sliced through the thick glass and water began to gush from it. The floor of the room quickly filled until his ankles were submersed.

Behind him the water splashed. “I’m finally out. Thanks Sasuke.”

“Suigetsu, you are the first. Come with me.” Sasuke was on guard, aware of everything around him, though on the outside he looked calm with practiced ease.

“So I’m the first.” Suigetsu pulled his pale naked body from the water. “Meaning…we’ll get more company?”

“Two more.” Sasuke said. “Juugo from the North and Karin from the Southern hideout.”

“Really?” Suigetsu sounded disappointed.

“What?” He watched from the corner of his eye. Suigetsu stood all the way erect, water dripping down his skin.

“It’s just that…I’m not fond of them. I don’t think I’ll get along very well with those two.” His eyes looked around. “Where’s Sexy? I get along very well with her.”

It was Sasuke’s plan to use Ino instead of Karin before he let her go. Her sensing skills were beyond average and she was trained in medic skills as well. But now…he had to rearrange his plans slightly.

“She’s not here.” Sasuke said vaguely, catching Suigetsu’s frown. Sasuke never liked their relationship much. They got along too well for his comfort. Not that he thought Ino would ever leave him for the Mist nin, but Suigetsu was as flirty as she was. It just irked him how well they got along.

“Oh? Too bad, I really wanted to hang out more.” He sighed. “So, myself aside, I wonder what you plan to do after retrieving those two Sasuke.”

He didn’t need Suigetsu to ask such questions like he was entitled to them. “Your blabbering is pissing me off. Put some clothes on. Let’s go.” He began walking from the room. Suigetsu laughed.

“Speaking like you’re better than me are you?” The water dripped loudly behind him and Sasuke felt Suigetsu emerge behind him. The deadly Mist nin’s finger was pressed to his temple. “Let’s make out relationship crystal clear okay? Sorry, but you helped me due to your own convenience. I haven’t said a single word about coming with you. You’re not above me just because you defeated Orochimaru. Everyone was after him. As his favorite toy, you were by his side, unshackled. You simply had a better chance at killing him than the rest of us.”

They stared at one another in silent battle. Sasuke knew Suigetsu would follow him, but the other teen had to establish that he wasn’t just going to be one of his underlings. He wanted his worth and skills acknowledge. Like Naruto had wanted…but unlike Naruto, Suigetsu was capable of a glimmer of acknowledgment. He was chosen first for a reason. Suigetsu saw that and smiled. “Just kidding.” He said in a teasing voice, easing the tension between the two. “But since I’m letting you live here, I don’t owe you anything for recuing me anymore. I’m finally free. I’ll do what I feel like.” He walked to one of the tables and picked up a paper flower that had been left for him by a certain someone. “Maybe I’ll go and see Sexy in Leaf. Wouldn’t she be surprised?”

Sasuke’s jaw ticked. Suigetsu was going to be annoying on this trip he thought, glaring at the paper daisy the naked teen was smelling. And why the hell did she leave one of her flowers for Suigetsu and not him? Or maybe she did leave one but he didn’t notice? Whatever.

“I see.” Sasuke said absently, not allowing Suigetsu to bait him with the flower. Sasuke knew he wanted some kind of reaction from him over an insignificant little thing like that. Annoying. “How unfortunate.” He would let him play his little game, but Sasuke knew he would win in the end. When he left the base, he booked a room slept and then started off to South Base when morning came. Up ahead on the well worn road, he saw a big pool of water and smirked. That didn’t take long did it? Now he was going to see what the price would be for Suigetsu’s compliance.

“Come to think of it, it was your team right?” Suigetsu called out to him while he frolicked naked in the water before him. “The ones who defeated my great senpai, Zabuza Momochi.”

Sasuke lifted a brow. That mission…it had been the one where he had finally awakened his Sharingan.

“I wonder what happened to Zabuza’s sword, the Throat Cleaver?” His sword? Sasuke narrowed his eyes. So that was his price. Couldn’t say he was very surprised but that sword? “Let’s do it like this…” Suigetsu stopped his swimming and grinned. “If you lead me to the sword and I get it, I guess I won’t mind helping you.”

Sasuke sighed and walked across Suigetsu’s little kiddy pond. “Put some clothes on.” Was all he said. Looks like a return trip to Water Country.

They weren’t terribly far from Water Country which was a good thing. Making this little detour was cutting into his revenge planning time. The sounds and smells of the sea hit his nose once they cleared the forest. Sasuke halted at the end of the bridge and looked up at the huge painted sign naming it.

“The Great Naruto Bridge? What a strange name.” Suigetsu commented. Sasuke frowned. Really old man Tazuna? You named it after that idiot? Maybe going across it would bring him bad luck. Suigetsu sipped his special water loudly next to him. “So tell me, was Zabuza strong?”

At that time, when he was only thirteen, it seemed like Zabuza was an impossible foe. Even Kakashi had a hard time beating him. It had given Sasuke the first taste of a truly difficult opponent. And he had wanted that kind of power. It had showed him that even if he was better than his age group in Leaf, there were others beyond the village walls that could rival, even surpass him. Like Haku.

“What’s wrong Sasuke?” Suigetsu brought him from his inner thoughts and musing. “Sasuke?”

“Nothing. Let’s go.” But that had been year ago. Things were different now. He was different. He led him to the twin burial mounds where they buried Zabuza and Haku.

“It’s not here.” Suigetsu stated the obvious, looking questioningly at Sasuke like he should know what had happened. Anyone with a brain would have known what had happened. “Hey Sasuke, was it really here?”

“Yeah.”

“But it’s gone now.” Suigetsu needlessly reiterated. “What could have happened to it?”

Annoyed, Sasuke resisted the urge to kill him on the spot. “Beats me. It’s not like I’m a grave-guardian. If it’s gone, somebody must’ve taken it.” Even he heard the cold sarcasm in his voice.

Suigetsu blinked innocently. “I guess so. It’s not like it grew legs and ran away.” He mused in humor, turned to face him. “Sasuke, sorry, but since the sword isn’t here, coming with you is postponed.” They left the place and started toward the main docking village. Sasuke was scowling.

“What do you intend to do?”

Suigetsu glances sideways, amused. “I’m gonna search for it, obviously. For generations, the Seven Great Ninja Swordsmen had a system where they passed down their swords.  I admired those seven and was trained by them. So now that Zabuza is gone, that Throat Cleaver belongs to me. ” In his reminiscing, the white-haired teen ran into someone who had clown make-up on.

“Where the hell are you looking while walking? You retarded asshole.” The young adult muttered bitterly without looking at them. As predicted, Suigetsu’s temper flared and Sasuke caught his hand before he did anything to the rude civilian. But the action didn’t go unnoticed by the idiot. If the idiot wanted to pick a fight with strangers, then Sasuke was tempted to let Suigetsu have at him.

“Hey, hey! You got a problem with me bud—?” Sasuke looked at him from the corner of his eye, letting off some warning killer intent. The man paled and took a step back. “Watch where you’re going. Retarded asshole, idiotic asshole, moronic asshole, dumbass!” Really, a seven year old had better name calling skills, Sasuke thought to himself.

“You’re quite the kind guy Sasuke.” Suigetsu murmured. “So, how are you gonna make up for hindering my revenge there?” Sasuke scowled, Gods, it was like he was taking care of an immature blood thirsty child. If it wasn’t for the Kill-Itachi-plan, he would have just left the Mist nin on his own by now! So he took him to a dessert shop. Which was a bad mistake. Not only did he have to contend with blushing, squealing, flirting waitresses, Suigetsu was polishing off his seventh yogurt. Moodily, Sasuke ignored the frantic girlish whispers of the fangirls and glared at Suigetsu as he sighed in delight.

“Mmmm, this yogurt is the best! It’s been a while since I had it! Yogurt wasn’t included in the water tank menu y’see.” He explained happily like Sasuke cared.

“You’re fine with goofing off here?” He asked, keeping his expression relatively blank to hide his inner seethings.

“Like, aren’t you the one in a hurry?” Suigetsu pointed his spoon at him. “What’s the plan once our little adventure group is set?”

“I’ll let you know when all three of you are together.” Sasuke said dismissively. Maybe he should have ordered some yogurt. Suigetsu was making it look tasty.

“Humm.” He hummed. “Alright, we’ll take that which is beneath the heavens! Or something like that.” He said, reminiscent of Lee in his idiotic spoutings.

“You guys can go ahead and take whatever you want. What I’ll be doing is something far greater.” He said smugly.

Suigetsu blinked and scratched his head with his spoon. “Had anyone else said something like that, I’d never believe them but you have quite the silver tongue. I could believe that, but it’d be a stretch.” Light clicking heels informed Sasuke that Suigetsu’s eighth yogurt was about to be delivered. “Hey, sweetie, about the Great Naruto Bridge…Would you know anything about a big sword that was near it?” He asked the approaching waitress.

“Yeah. Um when you mention it, there was something like that.” Said the brown haired waitress, casting Sasuke a not so subtle glance of flirty-ness. “What about it?”

Suigetsu gave Sasuke a grin. “This fellow is searching for it.” And he barely was able to grab his yogurt glass before Sasuke’s hearing was ringing with a delighted squeal.

“What? U-um, m-maybe someone else knows…so I’ll go ask!” And she fled. Sasuke gazed heaven ward.

“You’re quiet the player eh? Wonder what Sexy would have done in this situation.” He mused before taking a bite of his yogurt with a moan of pleasure. Ino would have attached herself to his lap with a possessive smugness and would have shoved that equally smug smile at the waitresses Sasuke thought with a little mental smile. Suddenly he was swamped with flushing and fluttering waitresses, all vying to be close to him.

“Ask Tazuna! He lives at the riverside!” One of them practically shrieked in his ear.

“I’m sure he knows!” Another said breathlessly. Sasuke ignored them. Tazuna huh? It was not someone he wanted to really see again. They paid the bill and went to the house by the river front only to be told that the old man and his grandson were not in the village but in Lightning Country. Luckily they were able to gather intel on the whereabouts of the sword. Finally.

Now all Sasuke had to do was get it to Suigetsu. Which wasn’t hard and by the end of the next day, they finally were off to the Southern Base. On their way there, Suigetsu didn’t shut up once. After about three and a half days, they arrived to the solitary piece of land in the middle of the sea.

“Can I ask you a question? Why are you gathering companions?”

Sigh. “I have a goal. A platoon will be more effective at closing in on that goal. From the moment I approached Orochimaru, I’ve thought and prepared for the situation after I’d killed him, hand-picking ninja with considerable power.”

Suigetsu hummed and pulled out Ino’s paper flower from his side pouch. “Then, if that’s the case, I don’t see why we’re bothering with Karin. Unlike me, she’s Orochimaru bitch. She’s been devotedly rounding up research subjects for him and is “Miss Jailer” for the Southern Hideout. Plus, she’s messed with my body a bunch if times, under Orochimaru’s orders, or whatever. And most of all, I just can’t stand her personality.”   

There was a small paused before Sasuke spoke. “I don’t have to tell you she was my second choice.” Sasuke eyed the paper flower Suigetsu was spinning between his fingers. “But since I can’t have her in my platoon, I’ve settled for Karin. If she refuses, there are plenty of other strong ninja out there. However, she has a unique and special ability.”

Suigetsu smelled the flower. “Well, I’ll at least acknowledge that.”

The base was older and smaller than the other bases Sasuke had traveled too. The prisoners here had a higher rate of survival as well. Karin met he and Suigetsu after a few minutes of walking down the hallway.

“So you’re here Sasuke.” She looked to the side a little to see if it was only he and Suigetsu. He noticed the little tug of a smile on her lips when she saw that Ino wasn’t with them. “Since you came here by yourself, it seems the rumor is true.” Sasuke was pleased that Orochimaru’s death was spreading rapidly. If only they knew that he wasn’t…but as long as his will surpassed him, he would remain inactive Sasuke thought.

“How mean, giving me the cold shoulder.” Suigetsu commented, feigning hurt. Karin ignored him.

“So, what have you come here for?” She demanded.

“Sasuke wanted to talk with you. Be glad that Sexy isn’t here or we would have never come to this place.” Suigetsu said, annoyed.

“Sexy?” Karin’s eyebrow twitched. “Yes, I’ve notice the blonde bim—ah girl isn’t here.” She quickly corrected at Sasuke’s glare. “What’s this about a ‘talk’?”

“Take us to another room.” Sasuke demanded in which she complied, but not before giving Suigetsu a glare. He sat on one of the wall couches, leaning back while the other two bickered over something stupid. “Karin.” He began. “Come with me. I need you.”

Her eyes widened behind her glasses. “What? From what I hear I wasn’t even your first choice! Why would I go with someone like you? I’m responsible for this place.”

“You weren’t, but it shouldn’t matter. Orochimaru is gone.”

“What about the prisoners?” She protested.

“Yeah, it was rather quite in here. I guess the news about Orochimaru has reached even here.” Suigetsu commented.

“The number of prisoners have decreased in comparison to when I last came here. Also, there seemed to be some recently dug holes in the courtyard before the entrance. Assuming that you’re using you head, you have a forte in information control and such.” He said in observation.

“I see.” Suigetsu straightened. “If the rumor about Orochimaru’s death was spread to the prisoners, and there’s no sign of an uprising, Karin has dealt nicely with it.” He said in understanding. “You mixed in a spy with the prisoners, and if they mentioned the rumor about Orochimaru…you would have them disappear.”

“You did it to save yourself.” Sasuke grunted. Karin’s cheeks reddened.

“Don’t you talk shit to me!” Karin defended angrily, knowing Sasuke hit the nail head on.

Suigetsu sighed in disgust. “You’re definitely a woman trained by Orochimaru. How scary. You must have seen us coming for a while and if we were weak, you probably would’ve killed us.”

Maybe killed you, Sasuke thought darkly. “Maybe you.” Karin said savagely.

Suigetsu pretended to look affronted. “But not Sasuke?”

“Sasuke’s my colleague. Besides, I wanted to know if the rumors that he killed Orochimaru were true.”

“I killed him.” Sasuke confirmed.

Karin huffed. “How can you admit that so easily?”

Sasuke ignored her. Remember, you’re doing this to kill Itachi, to kill Itachi! He coached himself, already fed up with the conversation.  “Suigetsu, release all of the people who were taken captive in this hideout.” He ordered.

“Wha—?” Karin started.

“Ah, bossing me around already huh?” Suigetsu reluctantly got to his feet and grabbed his sword.

“If the prisoners are gone, there’s no need for a warden.” Sasuke said dismissively. “I’ll tell you once more. Come with me.” There was hesitation on her part, but Sasuke knew it was because of Suigetsu’s presence. She wanted to be tough in front of him, but Sasuke already knew she would agree. He almost stopped Suigetsu from leaving, no wanting to be alone with her. She had no shame, as soon as they were alone, she would try to make a move. Typical fan-girlness. Her unwanted advances would have to be tolerated for now. Damn, now he was really regretting letting Ino go.

Later, they made for the final base to get the final person, Juugo. Suigetsu and Karin had been easy, but Juugo…there would need to be some more convicting and control. He could be a handful if Sasuke wasn’t persistent. North Base was the most dangerous, the base he dislike the most. All of Orochimaru’s most dangerous creations and followers were there. Though now, he didn’t know if it would be the same now that Orochimaru was dead.

Juugo would be the most dangerous, but if he had control over him, he would be an excellent addition. The trip there was longer than expected because Suigetsu was being slow. The desert was affecting his body’s water attributes and the sword was heavy.

A prisoner actually came out to meet him, how nice. He quickly dispatched the second-stage enemy and moved on. Because of the rumors, the medics and guards were all killed and the place was overrun by prisoners. He and Suigetsu dealt with them without killing any of them. The last thing he needed was for the Mist nin to kill dispassionately. Needless deaths weren’t something he wanted to add to his sins. He ordered Karin to find Juugo in the maze-y base.

“He’s that way.” She told them and Suigetsu sauntered ahead of them. Karin stopped Sasuke when he began following behind.

“What is it?” And don’t touch me.

She flushed. “He’s actually this way.” She told him.

Great, just what he needed. “Why did you lie? Suigetsu went that way.”

Her cheeks puffed out. “I can’t stand that damn loudmouth!” Sasuke scowled. Just like I can’t stand you. She grabbed his wrist. “Let’s go!”

He shook her off of him. “Let go. I can walk myself.” He shoved her forward to keep her away from him and on task.

Juugo’s door was heavily chained and had multiple locks on it. It took Karin some time to open them all. Already, he could feel that dark chakra churn and grow stronger. He prepared himself for an attack. “I’ll go in first. Stay back.” He didn’t move from Juugo’s charge, and activated his seal to brace himself for impact. One of his clawed wings caught Juugo’s flying punch. Sasuke pushed the enraged older teen back.

“I have no desire to fight. I only want to talk with you Juugo.” He read the crazed disbelief in the older teen’s expression.

“Talk?” Juugo rasped, fire orange hair falling into his yellow and black eyes.

“I want to get you out of here.” Sasuke said calmly.

“Get me out?” He began cackling maniacally at the thought. “Are you an idiot? Without him…” Sasuke felt the threat from Juugo lessen and he let his Cursed Seal rescind back. “Without him…I can never leave this place.”

Him? Sasuke narrowed his eyes. Who was he referring too? Then Juugo’s killer intent instantly intensified. Sasuke ran, he had to get to somewhere open, not be confined in these hallways. Juugo got close but then Suigetsu appeared and fended off an attack, halting the rampage.

“You’re using a different ability aren’t you Juugo? You’re tough.” Suigetsu said with a toothy grin.

“That’s enough Suigetsu.” Sasuke told him, seeing the itch to fight clearly written in his stance.

Juugo narrowed his eyes with a wide grin. “That’s right. I remember you now, Suigetsu.”

Suigetsu brought his sword in front of him in defense. “Ah jeeze. This guy is really dangerous Sasuke.”

“We’re not here to fight. Let me speak to him.” Sasuke coached calmly, trying to keep this moment under control. But Suigetsu was wary.

“I don’t really think that anything you say will affect this guy. We’ll just have to use brute force!”

Sasuke was annoyed. It was really like talking to two kids. “Both of you knock it off.” He growled. But they didn’t listen, so with his anger bubbling, he summoned two of Orochimaru’s white snakes to capture both of them, making sure they felt his killer intent in their grasp. “Do you want me to kill you both?” They trembled in the snake’s embrace, his intent radiating his warning. He could almost hear the hard beat of their hearts, and feel their fear and alarm. But it did the trick, they stopped what they were doing. Juugo’s markings even receded and he looked around him like he was coming out of some trance. He screamed in horror when he saw he was out of his cell and ran back into it, slamming the door shut behind him.

“Hurry and lock it again!” The hulking teen begged, sounding like he was ready to cry. Sasuke frowned. Now this was different. He stopped a monster and it was replaced by a sniveling man-child.

“Juugo, I came to set you free.” Sasuke tried again, calmer now knowing he had to be delicate about this. “Join me.”

“He’s afraid.” Suigetsu said in realization.

“You’re wrong. That’s not it.” Karin spoke up, looking a little sadly at the door, but hiding it quickly.

“I don’t want to kill anymore.” Juugo moaned despairingly. “Please…can you all just leave me alone?”

“What the hell? He’s got two personalities.” Suigetsu commented with a frown.

“I already told you. Juugo helplessly succumbs to his urges to kill. He’s unable to control himself even when he doesn’t actually want to kill anyone.” Karin said smartly.

“I don’t know when I might end up killing again. Please just lock me up!” Juugo begged on the other side of the steel door.  

Sasuke sighed quietly. “Orochimaru is dead. This hideout has collapsed. If you remain here, it’s over for you.” He confidently approached the door.

“So be it. I don’t want to kill again.” Juugo said dejectedly.

Sasuke stopped at the door. “Don’t worry. I will act as your cell. I will stop you.”

“What can you do?” Juugo asked softly from the other side. “The only one who can make it stop is Kimimaro.” Eyes narrowed, Sasuke was thoughtful. Kimimaro…Mamoru…So that was who Juugo was talking about earlier. “I won’t leave without him!”

“Isn’t Kimimaro the only one from the Kaguyu clan? The one Kabuto…” Sasuke held up his hand to stop Suigetsu from finishing. Juugo didn’t need to know about Mamoru just yet.

“Yeah. Orochimaru held Juugo and Kimimaro in very high regard.” She said wistfully, probably thinking about Mamoru right about now as well. Ino told him that Karin got attached to the kid when they were at West Base. Orochimaru wasn’t happy with Kabuto when he learned that the baby fell into Leaf hands. Whatever Ino did with him, Sasuke didn’t know, but he knew that he was probably safe and was being well taken care of. “They remained here for human experimentation for quite a while. Kimimaro was strong and Juugo was important for experiments. Kimimaro was the only one who could contain Juugo without hurting him.”

“But Kimimaro is…” Suigetsu trailed off and Karin nodded.

“Juugo, Kimimaro died for me.” Sasuke said. “He’s no longer with us.” Well he kinda is, but he just a little helpless baby…

“Died for you?” Juugo asked. “Then that would make you…Sasuke Uchiha?”

Sasuke raised a brow. So he knew about him then? “That’s right.” The door heavily creaked open and Juugo finally emerged. From his curious expression, Sasuke knew he had him as well. He smirked.

Karin released Juugo from the iron ball chained to his ankle and they all meet outside of the smothering base. “Now with all three of you gathered, I will tell you my goal.” He paused, looking at each one of them. “My goal is to kill Itachi Uchiha of Akatsuki.”

Suigetsu rolled his eyes. “Pretty much what I expected.”

“To achieve my goal, I want you to lend me your powers. Of course I won’t force you. Karin you said you had other business to attend to. So what will you do?”

She flushed. “R-right…Well, I’ve thought about it and there’s no rush sooo…”

“Karin, when did you get so obedient?” Suigetsu teased. “All you really want is to be close to Sasuke right? Pfft, like you have much of a chance against Sexy.”

“Who mentioned something like that?!” She sputtered. Oh gods, Sasuke thought. They had better find Itachi fast…he didn’t want to deal with this.

“Oh? Must have hit it, right? I always knew you—” Then his face splashed into oblivion with a hard punch from a fuming Karin.

“Suigetsu, stop pissing Karin off. I thought I told you to cooperate.” Sasuke scolded.

His face rearranged back. “Got it. I’m sorry Karin. Also, I’m sorry but I’m gonna stay very close to Sasuke myself. Not only do I have to watch out for a certain friend’s interests.” He whipped out his paper flower. “But one of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, Kisame Hoshigaki is Itachi Uchiha’s partner and I want his great sword, the Samehada, for myself.”

Karin glared at the lavender paper flower. “So you just want another sword? How pathetic.” She looked bored.

“Suigetsu.” Sasuke warned when he saw the other teen glare menacingly at Karin’s dismissive response.

“Yeah I know.” He muttered, holding the paper flower to his lips to hide his frown of dislike. “Juugo, what about you?” He looked to the silent person on his other side.

The red haired man looked to Suigetsu. “Kimimaro said that Sasuke was his reincarnation, and then gave his life protecting him. So I decided to see for myself what kind of ninja you really are.” He finished, facing Sasuke.

“Then it’s decided. We will travel as a group of four and our team will go under the name ‘Hebi’. Hebi has but one goal. Itachi Uchiha.”

It was night, but Leaf was still awake buzzing with the news. Ino was on her roof, absently looking into the sky to count the falling stars that streaked against the heavens. But her thoughts lingered on Sasuke and Orochimaru.

Sasuke really killed Orochimaru? Was this his plan the entire time?

The less you know of my plans, the safer you’ll be. Surely you understand that…All you have to do is trust me…

She turned to her side, gazing at her latest picture of Reiko. Even if it was true, even if Orochimaru was dead, Kabuto wasn’t. To her, he was worse than Orochimaru. He was more of a threat.

Naruto and Sakura had been depressed the whole day knowing that even if Sasuke was free of Orochimaru, he wouldn’t be coming back to Leaf. Ino knew better. Itachi was still out there…

Her slender pinky stroked the smiling face of the now three year old. He looked like a Yamanaka through at through. His hair was the color of hers, his lips belonged to Sasuke, and his eyes…his sage green eyes were most definitely of her father’s coloring. But the shape of his eyes, the almond shaped orbs had impossibly long eye lashes. They didn’t look like hers or Sasuke’s…they had the shape of Itachi Uchiha’s…

“Just a few more months and you come to me. Then what can I tell you?” She whispered to the picture. Her only answer was the murmurs of the village.

Reiko, Sasuke, Itachi, Kabuto, Reiko, Sasuke, Itachi, Kabuto, Reiko, Sasuke, Itachi, Kabuto…

It’s just this one time Ino…When we meet again, I won’t ever let you leave me…

I’m giving you a chance…

You have to get to him somehow, after my...death…It won’t be an easy task Yamanaka…Don’t fail…

Ino pocketed the picture and sat up. What was she thinking about doing? Sasuke would kill her if he knew what she was thinking of doing. But things had changed now. She sharply got to her feet. She needed to find Shikamaru and Choji…