Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Sounding in the Dark ❯ Snake Eyes ( Chapter 2 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, ever...

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Chapter 2: Snake Eyes

 

“Are we there yet?”

 

“No...”

 

“When will we get there?”

 

“Soon...”

 

“How strong is this Orochi guy again?”

 

“It's Orochimaru, and he's very strong.” It has been like this ever since the pair has left Konoha. The silver haired Genin had managed to smuggle the blonde out of the village without anyone catching on. Now traveling past the boarder of Fire Country, they would arrive at the temporary base of Orochimaru in a few days...if a certain blonde would keep his mouth shut and just concentrate on moving quickly.

 

“So, where is this place again and why are we moving so fast?” Naruto asked as they leapt from tree to tree. At first, Naruto couldn`t get the hang of it until Kabuto explained the basic method of using ones chakra to stick to things. It was the first time anyone had truly tried to teach the boy something and he did his best to learn it, which he did in a few days of falling out of trees. It was a good thing the boy was traveling with a medic-nin because at the rate he was going, he would have bleed to death by the time he was one mile outside of the village. Kabuto sighed at the blondes' question.

 

“I told you, it's in Rain Country. We're moving so fast because soon ANBU will be coming after us and also, I have to get back to Konoha as soon as possible. I have other work to do, you know.” Kabuto explained as he stopped on another tree branch to let the boy catch up. One purple blur later, they started to move again. Ah, purple. That was the first thing Kabuto had taught the boy, if he wanted to be a ninja, his obsession with orange would have to go. After much arguing in a ninja clothing store, the settled on black pants, like Kabuto's, a dark red shirt, so Naruto could wear a little color, and a dark purple cloak that went down to his ankles. The boy seemed to like it as he never took the thing off.

 

“Oh, that's right, you're a spy...” Kabuto had decided to tell the boy he was working for Orochimaru once they were out of the city. Naruto wasn't too keen on the idea that someone was spying on his former home.

 

“Well, yes. But that is also part of being a ninja, you know? If it's any consolation, Konoha has spies in other countries itself, so they are no better if you're holding that against me. Remember though, since you came with me you no longer have any ties to that place, one day you might even have to fight the people there, I hope you can deal with that.” the Genin said as he leapt down from the trees. They were finally on the boarder of Rain Country. From here, they would have to walk to a town called Kosame where they would meet up with Orochimaru and the rest of his group. “Now, we'll be there in a day so I want to make some things clear.” Naruto stopped to look at the older boy. His face was stern and left no room for Naruto to argue. “When we get there, you will address lord Orochimaru as `Orochimaru-sama', I know how you like your nick-names so let me tell you Orochimaru-sama would kill you over most of them. Another thing, you will have to go through some tests to check some things. They might hurt, but they will not kill you so don't complain. Also...” He trailed off. His senses were picking up something closing in on them. He wheeled around in the direction it was coming; it was a single large chakra source moving in on them quickly. “Damn it! Naruto, prepare to defend yourself!” Kabuto shouted as he summoned his chakra scalpels. Naruto hurriedly pulled out a kunai from his pouch but kept his hands under his cloak, it was one of the assassination lessons Kabuto had taught him. Suddenly, there was a flash of swirling water twenty feet in front of them and a man wearing a rain hitai-ate grinning at them. Kabuto brought his chakra-covered hands up in a neutral stance.

 

“And what do we have here? What is your business in Rain Country?” asked the Rain-nin. Kabuto looked the man over, he was large and powerful with a set of tonfa he was grasping lightly. Kabuto shifted his eyes over to Naruto. The boy was obviously nervous, but still managed to hold his ground. He was relieved that he had taken off his own hitai-ate as Rain and Leaf are not on the best of terms at the moment.

 

“I am a lord-less Chuunin traveling with my Genin apprentice. We are trying to meet up with the rest of our group in Kosame. Now, if you would kindly get out of our way...” Kabuto let the sentence end. He wasn't too sure what the man had in mind, but he was not about to let his guard down.

 

“Ah, so that's it. Well, I don't care about your business in Rain, because I am a missing-nin myself.” The man said as he whirled his tonfa around. “But as such, I do have to make a living and you two must have some money on you, I`m going to relieve you of it.” Kabuto smirked.

 

“So, a former ninja become a bandit, how...noble. No, I don't think we'll give you anything and if you value your life, you'll leave. Trash like you shouldn`t threaten your betters” Kabuto said as he flared his chakra. The man snarled and launched himself at the silver haired boy. Naruto only watched in awe as the two nin's began their dance of death, each putting their very survival into the battle. The missing-nins' tonfa spun out and tried to crush Kabuto's skull when the man saw an opening, but the medic-nin twisted his body in ways the blonde boy wouldn't have thought possible. Kabuto seemed to be running out of steam, however, as a tonfa finally caught him in the arm, sending him to his knees from the shock. The missing-nin tired to follow up with his other weapon, but before he could bring it down he found Kabuto's hand on his chest.

 

“Goodbye.” Kabuto said before he sent his chakra scalpel into the man, cutting into his chest with surgical precision. The man just stood there shaking for a moment before bursting into a puddle of water, much to the shock of Naruto and Kabuto.

 

“Mizu bunshin?-!” Kabuto didn't have time to react as a tonfa was plowed into the side of his head from behind. His body spun in the air before crashing into a nearby tree with a thud. He could only sit up with the tree's support as the missing-nin stood over him, tonfa raised.

 

“Too bad, shouldn't have shot your mouth off you damned brat.” He said as he brought the tonfa down. Kabuto could only weakly raise his hands in a token effort at defense. So, this is it? My ambition...He heard the sound of blood dripping on the ground, bringing him back to reality. He looked up; the man had stopped in mid swing, his face in anguish, his free hand digging at his side. Kabuto looked at the man's side and saw a kunai lodged deeply into his flesh, further over he saw a shaking Naruto with his arm still stretched out from the throw. Kabuto didn't need another minute to react, he summoned every ounce of strength he had and jammed his hands over the man's heart, ending his life with five chakra scalpels that eviscerated every artery in his chest. The missing-nin coughed up blood then fell backwards as Naruto fell to his knees shaking. Kabuto braced himself with the tree and started to heal his worse wounds with a medical jutsu. He then walked over to the man and pulled the kunai out of his lifeless body, tossing it at Naruto's feet.

 

“Let's keep moving.” He said with a calm that made Naruto's blood turn to ice. He nodded and stood on shaky legs, grabbing the bloody kunai before following the silver haired spy.

 

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“So...that was the first time you helped kill someone, right?” Kabuto asked as he and Naruto walked into the small town of Kosame. They had just arrived at twilight and were going to find a place to rest for the night. Kabuto decided it was best to deal with the boys' problems with killing before he met Orochimaru. Something like that, if you weren't used to it, would probably break the boy. When Naruto didn't answer, Kabuto continued, “In our line of work, you can't help things coming to that. I gave him a chance to leave, but he didn't, thus he died. You will have to make those kinds of decisions in the future if you ever want to be a Shinobi, you know. With power comes obligation. You will definitely have missions where you will have to kill people you've never even met before, much less people you don't like. If you can't deal with that, you can't be a Shinobi. Do you understand, Naruto?” Kabuto watched the boy take a deep breath and nod after a few minutes of reflection; that would be enough for now. “Ok, shall we find a place to stay, then? I take you to meet Orochimaru-sama tomorrow and he'll begin your training, if he finds you acceptable, that is.” Kabuto knew the snake sannin would be ecstatic to have the Jinchuuriki in his force but he didn't want the boy to get a big ego, there were some children under Orochimaru that were Naruto's age that could even beat him.

 

“Kabuto-san...” Naruto started up. “What...will my purpose be when I'm a ninja? I have no village to protect or goal...I can't go back and be the Hokage of the village now that I've left...” Kabuto nodded thoughtfully. So, it's beginning to set in, eh? Guess he is growing up some.

 

“Well, not everything important is based around a village, Naruto. Right now you might not have anything to protect, but one day you will acquire something worth betting your life for. When you do, you'll find your ninja way. Whether that thing is a person, place, ideal...it doesn't matter. You'll get your inspiration.” Just like my ambition gives me strength...

 

“...thanks Kabuto-san.” Both stood in the street for a moment before Naruto broke the silence. “Well, after kicking that missing-nins ass, I want something to eat! Since I had to save you, you're buying.” Declared the blonde as he headed towards the nearest ramen stand. Kabuto rolled his eyes as he followed the young boy for a night of the ramen banquet the boy was famous for ordering...

 

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“Kai!” Kabuto yelled as he held the cancel seal. It was early morning when the two departed deep into the forests outside of Kosame. After a few hours of travel, they arrived at a large spring with huge trees. They were seemingly older than time itself as they stood majestically over the large pools of water, their massive roots plunging into the depths. It seemed normal enough when Kabuto said that they were here, but when Naruto said he didn't see anything, Kabuto informed him that a massive Genjutsu was put in place to hide the complex. As Kabuto canceled the jutsu, the picture in front of Naruto's eyes wavered for a few moments and a window opened, what he saw as they both walked through was a complete shock...

 

“W-wow...that was here the whole time...” Naruto said as he took in the place. It was a large building that seemingly grew out of the very forest and into the massive trees. Rope bridges connected the massive trees and lights were flickering around the place. Kabuto led him over to a rope ladder and motioned for him to climb up. Further and further they went until they reached a planked area that used the fork of two massive limbs to stay stable. Several people were engaged in training on the plank structure but they all stopped to look at Kabuto and Naruto. A man in flowing white robes held his hand up to the ninja who had their hands on their kunai pouches. He slowly walked up to the two. He was older than Kabuto, but not by much. His white hair and clothing was a contrast to his slightly tanned skin, and Naruto could just make out a pinwheel symbol on his chest.

 

“Ah, Kabuto-san, I don't believe we were expecting you back so soon, especially with...” He turned to look down at Naruto with cold eyes. “...company. What is the meaning of this?”

 

“Something of vital importance to Orochimaru-sama. Please tell him I would like an audience with him, tell him I bring someone I think he should meet.” Kabuto said locking eyes with the man.

 

“...of course. Please stay here why I go inform him.” The man said as he walked off towards a building at the back of the planked area. It was one story with two smaller buildings on either side. Twin snake symbols were on either side of the door. Naruto tried not to look nervous, but that was all but impossible since every person that was formally training was now looking at him. He noticed several children his own age off at the back talking to one another. There are other kids here? Maybe I won't be so lonely any more... After a few minutes, the man in white comes back out and walks over to Naruto and Kabuto.

 

“Orochimaru-sama will see you know.” He said and then went back over to the group of children.

 

“...scary...” Naruto said as he and Kabuto made their way over to the building.

 

“Better get used to it; he's one of the highest-ranked ninja here. You'll be associated with him the rest of your life.” Or until he keels over from his family's genetic disease. Kabuto opened the door and walked into the dimly lit room. Naruto couldn't make out much, but there seemed to be a chair in the middle with a person sitting in it.

 

“Kabuto...what is so important that you jeopardized your mission to show me? And who is this...boy...” The man asked as he leaned forward in his chair.

 

“He is Uzumaki Naruto, Orochimaru-sama. He came here by his own will to serve you and receive training.” Kabuto said as he bowed.

 

“So...this is the Jinchuuriki? He seems...weak.” The man said as he leaned back to a normal sitting position.

 

“Weak? Well yeah, that's why I'm here. I don't want to be weak anymore! Train me, old man!” Naruto shouted. Kabuto paled and gagged for a moment before glaring at Naruto. The man in the chair sat still for a moment before breaking out into a subtle chuckle.

 

“Kukuku...You certainly inherited her temper, didn't you?” There was suddenly filled with light from two torches on either side of the room. Startled for a moment, Naruto looked up into the face of the man in the chair. His eyes were slanted like a snakes and he had a very angular face. He was wearing the same outfit as the man from outside. He seemed to be in his mid-forties but no part of him showed he was old. “I like this one, he has...spirit. Ninotsugi, take him to the medical ward and get him prepped for surgery.” Orochimaru noticed the scared look on the boy's face and laughed his strange laugh again. “Don't worry, I am giving you a special gift for pledging your loyalty to me, that is what you want to do, right?”

 

“H-hai, Orochimaru-sama!” Naruto said as a previously-unseen ninja appeared behind him. The ninja, who Naruto guessed was `Ninotsugi', opened a door off to the side of the room and waited for Naruto. The blonde bowed once to Orochimaru and headed off with the other man. Once they were both out of the room, Kabuto spoke up.

 

“Orochimaru-sama, what `gift' are you planning on giving him? He is rather young for...” Orochimaru held up his hand.

 

“I know he is too young for a cursed seal and I can not use his body because of the Nine Tails but he will make an excellent pawn. He has much potential.” The Snake Sannin then rose from his seat and moved to follow the other two towards the medical complex. “We have a boy with a unique gift, right? It is within my power to transfer that gift to Naruto-kun. I think it will serve him, and me, better than it would that fool Zaku, don't you?”

 

“Hai, Orochimaru-sama!” Kabuto motioned for another ninja to go and retrieve Zaku. “Of course, he'll have to die to give up that power...” Kabuto said as he followed Orochimaru.

 

“Yes, but pawns are made to guard better pieces. Kukukuku...right, Kabuto?”

 

“...Hai.” Orochimaru, I think you will find that even a pawn can beat a king if used correctly... The two continued to walk down the corridor as a scream sounded from further down the hall. “So, seems our pawn has been sacrificed for our knight.”

 

“Yes...” Orochimaru walked into the lab area where a now unconscious Naruto was strapped to a large table. A corpse of a boy with spiky black hair was also lying on another table across from him. Orochimaru chuckled as he examined the dead boys' hands. He felt along the length of the arm and stopped at his palm. There was a red stone set into it; it was the same for both arms. “Now, Naruto-kun, here is my gift to you.” He said to the unconscious blonde as the sannin started making hand seals. “Use the `Kuuki Taihou' and grow strong.” As the room whites-out due to the jutsu, Kabuto smiles.

 

Yes, Naruto…grow strong indeed...

 

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Hehehe, I couldn't help but give Naruto the Air Cannon. Props to whoever remembers what that is from the manga, for those who don't know I'll explain it next chapter which should be up tonight or tomorrow. Thanks for reading and don't forget to review!