Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ The Lost Soul ❯ The Past Resurfacing ( Chapter 11 )

Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto and not me, but I do claim the Yominokunis, Yakubyougami and the Tekigougan for myself!

 

A Note from Katana Haibane: I'd like to thank everyone who had reviewed my fic. I'd also like to thank XyoushaX for pointing out a glaring error in my spelling. I appreciate it! Also, if anyone is interested I'm now looking for a beta reader to look over my work. PM me if you're interested or tell me in a review.

 

Chapter 11: ThePast Resurfacing

 

The Village Hidden in Clouds - Raikage's Office

 

The skirmishes between Kumo and Mizu had been continuing for a month since Sasuke and Mikomi left the two nations with neither side backing down. They both had been claiming that the other Shinobi Nation had begun the conflict with raids on their ninja. Orochimaru's plan to send the two nations into a conflict that was spiraling out of control seemed to be becoming a reality. The skirmishes were slowly growing in both size and number, despite the lack of deaths since Sasuke and Mikomi had tore through the Nins.

 

There was only one thing that Tatsumaki wanted to the conflict and that was closure. He had to admit that the conflict had begun to become completely pointless with neither side admitting to starting the conflict. They couldn't even pinpoint a date when the tension had begun. All that Kiriken had to do was call off his forces and sign a peace agreement that had him admit that he was the cause of the conflict while giving Kumo the proper compensation for their losses.

 

Of course, Kiriken wanted the same thing from Tatsumaki.

 

So the conflict had continued to escalate and now Konoha and Suna were trying to get Tatsumaki to listen to their bullshit stories. He was tired of hearing the two nations blame all of the problems and conflicts going on throughout the Shinobi Nations on one man. Nobody had that kind of power and Tatsumaki was damn sure that nobody would try to challenge him so openly on his own ground.

 

Tatsumaki felt a headache coming on as he tried his best to reason with the diplomat from the Village Hidden in Sand. He had discovered - much to his displeasure - how persistent and downright annoying Juuboku really was. “I've had enough of this Juuboku-san. You keep placing more and more blame on Orochimaru without having any evidence to back it up. It was hard enough to swallow everything that we discussed at our previous meeting of the Kages, but to blame something this large on one man is downright scapegoating. The Mizukage appears to want to fight this out without admitting to their part in the conflict.”

 

Yakubyougami was starting to get frustrated trying to keep up this jolly persona of Juuboku, “I keep telling you that Mizu has openly admitted to their part of the conflict. Mizukage-sama has admitted that they have been sending raiding parties into your nation for the last month or so. In response to your initial raids of course. Both your village Raikage-sama and Mizukage-sama's village are blaming the other for the conflict. Clearly you must see that there is a third party involved in this matter that was the catalyst for these events in the first place. Does it matter whether or not it actually was Orochimaru-san in the first place? You will save face in your village if you reveal that you know of a third party who was responsible for the conflict even if you can't prove it. Your words alone will be enough.”

 

Gritting his teeth so hard that they squeaked, Tatsumaki glared at Juuboku, “I. Will. Not. That is because I intend to keep my integrity and I will never stoop to such a low level. Acting that way during a mission is one thing but in the game of politics your integrity is the only currency that really counts. Clearly the Village Hidden in Sound doesn't give a rat's ass about integrity. You use it when it fits your needs and bury everyone else under a pile of your bullshit. I've had about enough.”

 

That last remark really grated on Yakubyougami's nerves, “Watch it Mizukage-san,” he said purposely accentuating his lack of respect, “My integrity is one thing that I hold true to as does all of Suna. My last remarks were a last ditch attempt to persuade you to my way of thinking. That is how sure I am that Orochimaru is responsible for this fiasco along with all of Suna. I have been trying to be as reasonable and well structured in my arguments with you but you have repeatedly and rudely shot me down.” Yakubyougami took a deep breath to calm himself down, `God dammit! I hate having to deal with the shit Tatsumaki is spilling without being able to tell him more. He's one of the few in the world who might recognize me and I'm damn sure he'd listen to me then. Or even reveal the information that Kakuzu and Hidan gathered on Sasuke and Mikomi's movements. At least then the Akatsuki wouldn't have to deal with the effects of Orochimaru's power grab as much.'

 

His cheerful smile back in place, Yakubyougami sat back and relaxed as Tatsumaki looked him over once again, “So the happy servant has bite huh? Well you sure as hell chose the wrong way to try and convince me to go along with your claim that Orochimaru is the cause of all of this trouble with Mizu. Come back when you have the proof to back up your claims.”

 

“I will inform Kazekage-sama of your decision Raikage-sama,” Yakubyougami said as he got to his feet and bowed to Tatsumaki, “Although I must admit that you have acted remarkably similar to how Mizukage-sama also acted. You both demanded proof before you would publicly accuse Orochimaru-san. Good-bye.”

 

As Yakubyougami left Tatsumaki's office he spotted a smirked Kabuto sitting in one of the chairs just outside of the room. Annoyance crossed his face as he watched Kabuto get ushered into the office he had just left. `It appears that I have to let the Suna Jinchuriki know of yet another development. Orochimaru is becoming a major pain in the ass. I can't wait to capture Gaara and be over with this damn position as an advisor.'

 

 

Kabuto smirked at the Sand Nin as he left the Mizukage's office. He had heard almost every word that had been said between the two of them and knew that Orochimaru couldn't have timed his `diplomatic' mission any better. With Suna coming here to try and calm down Tatsumaki and put an end to the hostilities things could have gone awry for Orochimaru. But now that a high ranking Suna Nin had seen him about to enter into a meeting with Tatsumaki the seed of doubt might be planted. Now he just had to ensure its growth.

 

After being called into the Raikage's office Kabuto gave a deep and respectful bow before he sat down. Tatsumaki was clearly frustrated with how the previous meeting went and mad it doubly clear when he finally decided to speak, “Okay…so the Sound decided to send the other Konoha traitor. What do you want?”

 

“Pardon me Raikage-sama but despite all appearances I have never left the service of Orochimaru. I am not a traitor, just a very good spy.”

 

Tatsumaki gave a half nod. He wasn't all that surprised at having another person spout crap his way after what he had just gone through with Juuboku of the Sand, “I'll give you the benefit of the doubt for now Kabuto-san. As I asked before, what do you and the Sound want?”

 

“An alliance. The Village Hidden in Rocks has decided to turn on us once our entire part of the bargain was upheld and only delivered half of the promised technologies in return. Also, like your nation, Mizu has begun to place pressure on the Sound by having moved a several Anbu squads near our eastern boarder, killing anyone who leaves the country.” Kabuto leaned back in his chair and pushed his glasses up on his face, “So how does a military alliance sound to you Raikage-sama?”

 

“I find your story hard to believe,” Tatsumaki said as he stared Kabuto down, “I've sent quite a few patrols down to the edges of Rice country and not once have I had a report on a single ninja team from Mizu. Like I said to the diplomat from Suna, you have to bring me some physical evidence to back your story up. I won't believe a word you say until then. That is the only way to keep the Cloud's integrity intact.”

 

`I should have figured that Tatsumaki's honesty and integrity complex would get in the way,' Kabuto thought as he decided to fall back on Orochimaru's contingency plan should the request for an alliance get shot down. “Fine then, no alliance. We'll both just have to settle matters in our own ways. Then how about something far simpler to agree to?”

 

“What would that be Kabuto-san? I would assume that you mean a trade of some kind.”

 

“That's correct Raikage-sama,” Kabuto said with a smirk, “We want to reestablish the trade agreement that we originally had between our two villages. The Village Hidden in Sound was supplying your village with a great deal of foodstuffs after all. We want you to begin trading your ore along with a few of your other specialty products such as some of the mountain growing medicinal herbs.”

 

`Son of a bitch!' Tatsumaki thought, `The Sound noticed how much food they were actually trading to us. That in and of itself is a pretty big bargaining chip. I can't allow my village to show any weakness.' Interlacing his fingers together, Tatsumaki leaned forward slightly, “If you want us to reopen trade simply for the foodstuffs that you supplied our village with then I'm afraid that you can just go home. We are not that desperate for food. You have to make a better offer than that.”

 

`How predictable,' Kabuto pushed his glasses up on his face to hide another smirk, “Very well, then the Sound will also throw in the blueprints for the explosive device that the Rock used in it's annexation of the Village Hidden in Grass. That was one part of the bargain with the Sound that Rock kept. Since they decided to break away from our agreed treaty we feel no need to keep the blueprints a secret.”

 

`That got your attention didn't it,' Kabuto thought as he saw Tatsumaki's posture straighten up and his eyes shine slightly. Shaking his head slightly Kabuto reached into his hip pack and pulled out the only item he had been allowed to carry into the Raikage's office. Kabuto quickly unsealed the scroll and flipped it out across Tatsumaki's desk and then quickly rolled it back up.

“Are you interested in the trade agreement now?”

 

Tatsumaki sat back in his desk to think about this new offer for a minute. To him the answer was obvious: take the plans and have an excellent new weapon. It would help complete the research into chemical explosives they had been doing for months now. “I suppose that we could work things out if you give us the blueprints to that impressive explosive device. Is there anything that we should know about it?”

 

Kabuto nodded, “There really isn't any room to deviate from the blueprints at all. The device has been condensed down as far as possible to still be able to yield the same results. Orochimaru-sama himself experimented with further condensation and modification for the explosive and could not create one with a larger yield for its size.”

 

“I see,” Tatsumaki said, “I doubt that Orochimaru had the expertise that my own explosives experts do. If we experiment using the blueprints then it's our problem. Not yours. If that is all then I suggest that we get down to the business of drawing up the trade agreement.”

 

 

Kazekage's Office- Several Days Later

 

Gaara had been finishing up the last stack of paperwork for the night when he heard a commotion occurring outside of his. Trying to ignore it Gaara continued with his work. Then someone started pounding on his door and shouting, “Kazekage-sama! I must speak with you right now! KAZEKAGE-SAMA!”

 

Feeling a tick of annoyance at how loud his advisor Juuboku was being Gaara used his sand to throw the door open without having to leave his desk. As Juuboku burst into the room Gaara gave him a frosty glare, “Why do you feel the need to scream the house down when obviously I'd be awake to talk with you? You know very well that I never sleep.”

 

Taking a moment to catch his breath Juuboku had the modesty to look embarrassed, “I'm sorry Kazekage-sama but the Chuunin receptionist gave me the indication that you couldn't take any visitors. Naturally I assumed the worst. I'm sorry for causing such a disruption but I have a very serious report to make.” Juuboku watched Gaara give him a nod to continue, “I believe that the Raikage has either already signed, or is creating an alliance contract with the Village Hidden in Sound.”

 

Sitting back in his chair Gaara said only one word, “Explain.”

 

“Absolutely Kazekage-sama,” Juuboku said as he sat down across from Gaara, “It started with when I was leaving Raikage-sama's office. I saw Kabuto, the Konoha traitor waiting to meet with the Raikage. I figured that it would be prudent to try and find out what he was doing coming to Kumo as a ninja from the Village Hidden in Sound so I occupied myself at the door as long as I possibly could. Before I was forced to leave I overheard Kabuto discussing a military alliance with Kumo on behalf of Sound. I believe that Orochimaru wants to put an end to the Kumo and Mizu conflict he started with him coming away with something in return.”

 

“I was waiting for something along these lines to happen,” Gaara said as he quickly wrote a note on a small scroll, “I'm going to have to talk to Tsunade-san from Konoha once again. Please send this to her via carrier pigeon right away. We might have to take steps to guard against further action.”

 

“Meaning that we are to start preparing for eventual war?” Juuboku asked, “Or do you mean further diplomatic talks with Kumo?” Juuboku took the note from Gaara and waited for an answer.

 

“Perhaps,” Gaara said as he paused for a moment to think, “But I would like to avoid war at all costs. I'll review the status on the village armory and begin to intensify the Anbu training program. I want you to deal with the Academy, stepping up the training that's given there a little more.”

 

Juuboku paused on his way out the door, “My mission to Kumo. When would you like me to head off again?”

 

Gaara brushed past him and headed off down the hallway, “The second you've created a reasonable program for the Academy.”

 

 

Roadway in the North Eastern Part of Fire Country

 

Moving through a wide canyon you would find a group of eight people hauling along a rather large shipment of premium grade sake. Four of the eight people were workers for the brewery that made the sake and the other four were Konoha ninjas. Kurenai's team with the newly include Mikomi had been hired for a C class mission to guard the sake shipment from the bandit attacks that had been plaguing the region.

 

Mikomi couldn't remember being much happier in her entire life. What she could remember of it anyway. She was with two friends and her sensei who had helped her so much. While she still didn't like being around people much at all, she no longer constantly flinched away from them. Kiba had decided to help `train' her by throwing her into a large crowd of people during a concert. Mikomi had pounded him into the ground for that stunt but she had to admit that it had helped her a lot but she hadn't forgiven him for that terrifying experience.

 

The last month of training had help Mikomi out immensely in terms of regaining a few of the techniques that she had forgotten and the opinion that the Konoha Council had of the girl. During a training exercise where Kurenai was testing out her student's ability to escape the effects of Genjutsu Mikomi had remembered her `Hell Pit Jutsu.' Being confronted with an image of thousands of soldiers coming right at her had sparked the technique in a fit of fear. She had also been able to remember the `Grand Fireball Jutsu' as well.

 

The Konoha Council on the other hand only saw Mikomi as something that could be used. They still believed that she was a potential enemy that was purposely sent into their midst to cause disruption or an attack from within, especially with the amount of power jutsus she knew. However, they had been convinced that her amnesia was completely real. After Tsunade had ordered an MRI to be preformed on Mikomi and showed them the area trauma they had accepted it as fact. Now they just wanted Mikomi to be entirely loyal to Konoha and had been testing that loyalty all month. Scroll on Konoha's defensive network along with the evacuation routes had been left around her all month and she had left them along after realizing what they were. She could turn out to be a valuable source of information should she regain her memories.

 

Mikomi had been noticing the symbol on the tarp that was draped across the large bottles for a while now and had the sensation that she had seen it before. “Kurenai-sensei,” Mikomi called up to the front of the convoy, “I'm sure that I've seen this symbol on the saké somewhere before. Do you know any place in Konoha where I would have noticed it?”

 

Kurenai couldn't help but laugh as Kiba grinned before she spoke, “It's no surprise that you would have seen that symbol before. It happens to be Hokage-sama's favourite brand of saké. We've seen her sneaking a drink a few times when we've come in to give a mission report.”

 

“Maybe…” Mikomi said as she trailed off. She felt as if she had seen that symbol even before she had seen Tsunade-sama drinking sake of this kind in her office. It didn't make much sense to her at all since she couldn't even recall ever seeing it before she was reporting back for a mission.

 

Mikomi paused in mid stride as two images suddenly flashed into her head. One was of a middle-aged man sitting across from her in a cafeteria drinking saké from a bottle that had the same symbol on it. The second image was of a woman smiling and laughing with her in a clothing store while drinking a bottle of saké, again with the same symbol. The images passed but they stayed in her head as if she was remembering something of her past that she had forgotten. Giving her head a shake Mikomi started walking again.

 

“I just had the feeling that I'd seen that symbol even before I saw it in Hokage-sama's office. And…well…can I talk to you for a second?”

 

Kurenai nodded and moved to the back of the group to join Mikomi when she saw the seriousness in her expression. “What is it?”

 

Mikomi leaned in a little closer while trying to keep from touching Kurenai when she whispered, “I think I just remembered a flash of my past. I saw two people, both drinking saké with that same symbol on the bottle. I was talking to them: one in a cafeteria and the other was behind the counter at a clothing store.”

 

“That may not be such a good thing while on a mission Mikomi,” Kurenai said with a worried look on her face, “The last few times that you started to regain any of your memories they came in a rush. If you feel off - even a little bit - at any time let me know. Rest if you have to.”

 

Mikomi nodded as she continued to push one of the two carts along. She was glad that she didn't have to take the rear guard position nor point. Kiba and Akamaru were able to act as point quite well thanks to their incredible sense of smell and hearing. Shino made an excellent rear guard whey he spread out a network of bugs behind the group. So Mikomi got stuck in the middle to act as support for either end of the shipment.

 

Kiba threw his arm up to stop the group as a narrow section of the canyon came into view, “I'm gonna go check out that passage Kurenai-sensei. Akamaru says that he smells something strange coming from there and it isn't people.”

 

“Go ahead Kiba,” Kurenai said as she looked ahead at the narrowing cliff face, “That canyon looks like an ideal place for an ambush and we'd have to clear the area first anyway. Keep you nose to the ground alright. Mikomi, you follow up behind him to act as back-up. We're taking no chances.”

 

Leading the way into the canyon Kiba and Akamaru followed the strange smell that they had noticed a ways back in the canyon. As they entered the smaller section of the canyon Mikomi slowly started to seal for a technique as Kiba dropped to the ground beside Akamaru to lend his nose to the search. Mikomi was on edge the entire time they were in the canyon. Something didn't feel quite right to her as even she could smell something funny coming from the canyon walls.

 

Then Kiba leapt to the top of a rock outcropping and froze with Akamaru. His eyes widened as he saw what was inside. There was a tarp stretched over two things that scared the shit out of him now that he knew what the odd smell was. Black powder and nitroglycerin. “Run,” Kiba began softly as he spun towards Mikomi, “RUN! GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE AND RUN!”

 

Kurenai slid into a battle stance as she heard Kiba yelling from the canyon, “Shino, stick to the back and get ready! Kiba and Mikomi are coming back fast!” Kurenai's eyes widened as the first explosion began at the far end of the canyon Mikomi and Kiba were running through. In a rapid chain reaction explosions kept closing in on Kiba and Mikomi. Just as Mikomi turned around and yanked Kiba and Akamaru off their feet and hurled them out of the exploding canyon hundreds of camouflaged sheet fell away from the rock face.

 

A grim expression spread across Kurenai's face when she saw the hundred or so armed bandits appear out of nowhere. Her head snapped back around when she heard Mikomi scream.

 

`Oh hell I'm not gonna make it out of here!' Mikomi thought after she had thrown Kiba and Akamaru clear of the canyon. Mikomi could feel the heat of the explosions nipping at her heals as she put everything she had into her running. Glancing over her shoulder she saw how close the last explosion was and realized that she was right beside the next little outcropping the explosions had been coming from. Focusing as much chakra as she could into her legs and the back of her body Mikomi jumped with all her strength. Once she was airborne Mikomi reinforced her body as much as possible as the explosion went off. The heat and rubble from the explosion slammed into her back, tearing a scream from Mikomi's lungs. The superheated rock seared her bare flesh and the flames themselves very nearly set her hair alight and she shot from the mouth of the canyon in a ball of flames and smoke. The flames and smoke petered out as she uncurled from a ball and tried to land on her feet. As Mikomi hit the ground her left foot caught a rock and sent her rolling across the ground.

 

Kurenai pointed behind Kiba and Akamaru as they got to their feet, “Help Mikomi and get back her as fast as you can!” Kiba turned to grab the stunned Mikomi as Kurenai called out further instructions, “Shino, send a wave of your bugs towards the south side of the canyon to cut of their charge! The four of you grab whatever you can and prepare to defend yourselves!” Kurenai's hands began to fly through seals as she started throwing Genjutsu at the northern cliff face. The charge didn't slow down at all.

 

The huge, maroon coloured, armoured figure that was leading the charge suddenly had his sword change from a blue sheen to red as he swung it in Kurenai's direction. `Chakra Fang!' Kurenai thought as she suddenly felt every Genjutsu that she had just cast at the onrushing army come crashing over her senses. Snapping her hands together Kurenai quickly dispelled them, “KAI!”

 

“LEAVE THE CARTS FOR LAST!” bellowed the Armoured Man, “TEAR THOSE PATHETIC NINJA APART! TOUEI TENSHU (god of reflection/projection) WILL BRING US VICTORY! WE'LL TAKE THAT GOLD SHIPMENT FROM THEM!”

 

Fear spread across the faces of the four workers as Kurenai glared at them before she started sealing once again, `Let's see if a wide area Ninjutsu will be caught by that damn sword.'

 

“DOTON: DRAGON MISSLE JUTSU!”

 

The massive head of a dragon rose from the ground and began to spew ball after ball of earth into the onrushing army. Seven men were taken out of action while the leader cut the rest apart. Kurenai leapt away and kept sealing as the men rushed right by the carts and bore down on the retreating figures. Kurenai swore when she felt her back meet Shino's and launched another technique, “Doton: Mass Earth Shackles Jutsu!”

 

Chains of earth erupted from the ground and ensnared the entire front half of the charging men except for the leader. Kurenai sped forward to engage their leader and to try and keep him off Shino's back.

 

Kiba saw Kurenai unleash her Earth Shackles technique and swore as he shook Mikomi, “If you aren't coming to your senses now I'm leaving you to help the others dammit!” When Mikomi only looked right at the leader with glazed eyes Kiba tossed her to the ground, “AW SHIT! AKAMARU! DYNAMIC MARKING” Akamaru leapt into the air and unleashed a stream of urine over the soldiers. Tossing a soldier pill to Akamaru, Kiba quickly preformed the `Ninpo: Man Beast Clone' and charged at the unshackled men starting to circle around to finish the charge at the overwhelmed Kurenai and Shino.

 

 

“MAN BEAST COMBINATION: DOUBLE-HEADED WOLF,” Kiba yelled as he and Akamaru transformed, “GAROGA!” The massive whirling wolf ripped a path straight through the entire group of bandits from one end to the other taking out thirty of the fifty-five men in the northern group. The Armoured Man slashed through Kurenai's kunai and booted her away to go after the massive wolf while the other men kept her busy.

 

Kurenai tried another Genjutsu only to find it fizzle out as the Touei Tenshu turned absorbed it once again. Frustrated Kurenai slammed her hands down onto the ground in another jutsu as one of the swords pierced her shoulder, “Doton: Spike Shot Jutsu!”

 

 

Mikomi's mind was in a haze as she watched the fight take off. She saw the flashing sword of the Armoured Man while the southern group of bandits stalled against the wall of Shino's bugs. Flashes of blood and killing flickered behind her eyes, overlapping with the fight in front of her. Kiba and Akamaru's charge through the group caused several blood flecks to splatter across her face as she saw her own hand's slitting the throat of a man a head taller than she was. More and more scenes of killing flashed through her eyes even as the Chakra Fang the Armoured Man was wielding slashed Kiba's transformation apart. Kiba and Akamaru fell to the ground with slashes decorating their arms and legs. Then Kurenai was stabbed in the shoulder as the earth erupted and shot spikes into the bodies of the attacking bandits.

 

That jolted Mikomi into action. With a primal roar Mikomi unleashed the jutsu that she had been sealing for into the last five bandits in the northern group, “RAITON: CHAIN LIGHTNING JUTSU!” As the massive lightning bolt shot through the five men Mikomi was already charging straight into the southern group.

 

Kurenai saw the five remaining bandit's fall to Mikomi's lightning strike as she ran to help Kiba out. She tackled Kiba and Akamaru out of the way as the Armoured Man's Chakra Fang split the earth where they had just been standing before. Kurenai and Kiba got their bearings back onto the Armoured Man and began to tag team him.

 

Mikomi leapt into the air and right into the middle of the southern group of bandits and swung her leg down in an axe kick as hard as she could. It struck one of the bandits directly on the head, crushing him into the ground. When her foot hit the ground it exploded outwards knocking everyone nearby off their feet and even killing a few of them. Mikomi began swinging her fists into anything that got near her. A sword glanced off her back as she put her right hand into the chest of one of the bandits and her left hand grabbed the arm of another. Flinging the guy off her fist she kicked the guy whose arm she had caught while backhanding the man who had tried to slash her. Again and again Mikomi got slashed as she punched her way through the group. Her arms and legs were covered in cuts and she had taken a slash across her right cheek when the group surrounded her and attacked at the same time. Trapped, another memory flashed through her mind even as she started sealing.

 

“RAITON: STORM OF LIGHTNING JUTSU!”

 

Just as in her memory the lightning exploded out and away from her, charring the bandits to a crisp. Mikomi threw the bodies off of herself and charged right at the Armoured Man, heedless of her extensive injuries. She just wanted to escape the pain of remembering for a little while longer.

 

Kurenai fell back with another slash in her right shoulder as Kiba and Akamaru fell back as well. Their chests were heaving, trying to take in oxygen and recover their breaths. The Armoured Man had been easily keeping up with their speed and his Chakra Fang the size of a katana was decimating every jutsu that they threw at him. Kunai and Shuriken just scratched his armour, never finding an angle of penetration. But the thing that scared them most was the fact that he didn't even seem to care that every single bandit with him was dead. Kurenai's eyes widened as she saw Mikomi take flight right at the Armoured man, intent on launching a flying punch into the back of his head.

 

Just before Mikomi could land a punch on the massive figure he spun and slammed his hand right into Mikomi's face. Mikomi's flight didn't stop due to her momentum and as her body spun to slam into the Armoured Man her hands flashed up and slammed into the forearm that was holding the Chakra Fang, crushing it. The Armoured Man flung Mikomi away and scooped up his Fang in his good hand. Jumping backwards he saw that he was facing down three ninja that were still up for a fight.

 

To Kurenai, Kiba, and Shino's astonishment the Armoured Man sheathed his sword and disappeared in a puff of smoke. Sinking to their knees in relief Kurenai, and Kiba saw Shino pick up a shaking Mikomi. Kurenai quickly pulled a medical kit out a scroll. First she slapped some of the medical cream Hinata had made before she quickly bandaged her shoulder. Ignoring the rest of her wounds she turned her eyes onto the bloody and shaking form of Mikomi. Pouring water over Mikomi's arms and legs to see the cuts Kurenai got Kiba and Shino to help her spread Hinata's cream over her limbs.

 

The three surviving saké workers made their way back to their undamaged carts and sat down to try and nurse their wounds.

 

 

Mikomi was lost in the recesses of her own mind. She started by finding herself locked in a dank, dark cell screaming to be let out. The fear and dread that spread through her body caused her to unconsciously shake. The shakes grew increasingly more violent as her memories continued to flash before her eyes. She could see the yellow eyes that seemed to glow from the grill in the cell door as she tried to press herself into the stonework. Slowly Mikomi could feel her stomach cramping as hours flashed through her mind in the blink of an eye. She felt herself lunging for the stale and sometimes moldy bread and water that was shoved through the slot at the base of the door.

 

Then things began to change in the fluidity of the remembrance.

 

There was a sudden flash and Mikomi found herself outside, standing across from a figure that looked like one big shadow. Mikomi suddenly realized that she was about to get into a fight when a searing pain flashed through her chest as the shadow kicked her, sending her reeling back into the darkness of her cell once again.

 

With the pain starting to die out once again Mikomi suddenly found herself running towards a group of soldiers. She wanted to be sick when she saw herself spin a man's head right around with a kick. Burning, electrocution and being crushed to death by her own hands was the fate Mikomi saw herself dealing these poor souls. When she felt herself get struck once again, Mikomi opened her eyes on the terrifying darkness of that accursed cell.

 

This time Mikomi found herself unable to move at all in the cell. Her body felt like one big massive bruise, a bruise that just wanted to fade away and die.

 

But her body wouldn't allow that to happen.

 

Even as Mikomi felt several hours flash by her body was repairing itself rapidly with the natural healing chakra that circulated throughout it. The gift that her genetics had bestowed upon her was acting more as a curse than a blessing. It refused to let her die because of her injuries. The urge to just rot away and die was almost overwhelming.

 

And so was the hatred that was running through her body.

 

No matter how hard Mikomi fought against the horrible depression and misery that was filling her body with the recollection of these memories she couldn't remember who the hatred was directed at. She could feel that is was more than one person and the burning desire for revenge was welling up from the depths of her soul. The yellow eyes returned to the cell and were joined by a pair of glowing red ones. The hatred suddenly redoubled itself as Mikomi gazed upon the sight of those eyes. Mikomi charge the door screaming at the top of her lungs only to find herself paralyzed with a massive electrical shock. It tore through her body forcing her to gasp in agony as she fell to the ground, breathing very hard. Mikomi tore at the collar clasp around her throat once she could move her body again, desperate to get it off herself. She dug and tore so hard she started to cut her own neck with her fingernails. Then the door to her cell opened up.

 

A very thick-set man stepped inside and looked at Mikomi with malicious eyes before he spoke, “Hehehe, well now Mikomi, it's not a good idea to try and take that collar off. I guess I'll have to punish you for that now.” Mikomi threw herself into the corner even as man grabbed her legs with his thick arms. Picking her up, he threw her out through the door, smashing her against the wall. As her head hit the wall Mikomi suddenly recalled the man's name. Sadisuto was in the middle of sealing as her vision straightened itself out.

 

The electrical shock streamed through her body once again as Sadisuto came over and began to drag her down the hall by her arm. The whole time that she was being dragged the shock kept flowing through her body. Reaching the edge of a balcony Mikomi felt her body get thrown over the top and fall a good ten feet to the ground. As she hit the ground Mikomi realized with a start that she was no longer being shocked.

 

“Get up you useless girl. Time for Taijutsu practice.” Mikomi felt a hardened acceptance wash over her body as she set herself to get pummeled once again.

 

Then the world around her seemed to melt and shift as she suddenly realized that a Mizu Nin was about to kick her in the face. Mikomi once again felt herself becoming a spectator in her own body as she blocked the kick. And she killed the Nin with by ramming it up and under his jaw bone. Moving forwards Mikomi unleashed a massive fireball that incinerated another Nin that was preoccupied by the same shadow that had kicked her so hard before. The battle finally started to wind down as Mikomi wanted to weep in horror but found that she couldn't.

 

Another fight and more killing began to flow and meld into one big massive killing spree. Ninja after ninja was killed by her hands as she looked on in horror. Some were killed in a head on fight while others were killed while they believed her to be their leader. Dead bodies began to form a massive mountain inside her head as Sadisuto beating her half to an inch of her life began to intrude on these scenes of her killings.

 

Yet again Mikomi found herself inside the cage of darkness the cell had become in her mind. As horrible as it was it was still a retreat from the pain that she had been experiencing before. The door suddenly burst open to her dark sanctuary and Sadisuto stumbled in completely drunk. Mikomi felt her hand slide under the hay in the corner of her cell and close around the handle of a kunai and the fear she felt at seeing the disgusting man left her. Releasing the kunai Mikomi set herself for what was to come as her entire world seemed to go black for a moment.

 

Mikomi suddenly found that she was filled with more anger than she could ever remember having as colour came back to her world of memories. She felt the kunai in her right hand as she realized that Sadisuto had just tried to rape her. Mikomi jammed it into the base of Sadisuto's bare crotch, cutting from his body as he bellowed in agony. Blood sprayed onto her naked body as Sadisuto kicked her into her cell door almost cracking it in half. In a crazed rage Mikomi dove straight for Sadisuto's throat and slamming the kunai straight through it.

 

Again and again Mikomi stabbed, hacked and slashed at Sadisuto's neck even after his body had gone limp. Finally, with a vicious crack Mikomi snapped straight through his spinal column. Now a complete emotional wreck Mikomi gratefully slipped into a blissful state of unconsciousness.

 

 

All of Team Eight had tried their best to comfort Mikomi the best that they could without touching her that much. Kurenai had picked her up and placed her on the back of one of the saké carts they had been hauling along when Mikomi had started to shake worse and worse. Kiba and Shino were standing guard nearby as Kurenai tried gently stroking part of her right shoulder. For a moment Kurenai thought that Mikomi had calmed down enough for her to confront the three surviving workers.

 

“You three,” Kurenai beckoned sharply, “come here right now. I want to know what the hell happened here. Why would that massive Armoured Man tell his men to be going after a shipment of gold?”

 

The leader of the three of them paled almost as badly as when he saw the huge number of bandits in the hillside, “I really don't know. We showed you our cargo and I wasn't lying when I said it was pretty much only saké. The middle cart did have a medium sized box filled with money that was being brought along for the payroll in the other villages. I hadn't told anyone that we were even traveling with it.”

 

Kurenai frowned as she glared at the three saké workers, “I'm afraid that this mission has just been bumped up from a C rank mission to a high B ranked mission. If that Armoured Man comes back I'm going to have to bump it up yet again. Although he used non ninja skills until the end he proved that he was no ordinary bandit. This is non-negotiable.”

 

The leader of the saké workers smiled grimly, “After what you just saved us from I wouldn't dare try and back out of that decision. I honestly thought that we were going to bite the big one there. It certainly was nipping our heels until Mikomi-san saved us.”

 

“KURENAI-SENSEI!” Kiba bellowed from behind them as he tried to restrain Mikomi despite her ferocious strength, “MIKOMI'S HURTING HERSELF!”

 

Kurenai spun around to see Mikomi trying to claw at her own neck as she began to scream in agony. Kurenai grabbed Mikomi's arms as well and forced them to her side as tears started to stream down Mikomi's face. Mikomi suddenly wrenched her left arm free as her eyes snapped open for a second. Staring down into those eyes Kurenai could tell that Mikomi wasn't seeing them as she grabbed Kiba and threw him over her body. Forcing her arm down again Kurenai called over to Shino.

 

“Shino I need your bugs to start draining Mikomi's chakra right now! She's totally out of control and I need to get a bandage on her neck pronto now!”

 

Shino didn't hesitate as he unleashed his bugs on Mikomi. Ever so slowly Mikomi began to slow down and weaken as Shino's kikai bugs drained her chakra. Kurenai gave Shino a questioning look as his bugs still hadn't left her body in over a minute, “She has a lot of chakra,” Shino said as he went back to concentrating on Mikomi.

 

Just as Shino was about to call his bugs back Mikomi suddenly burst out of them. Looking as if she was pretending to hold a kunai she lunged at Shino only to just fall short as she collapsed to the ground. She didn't move.

 

Kurenai quickly bent down to feel for breathing and a pulse. Sighing with relief she was able to feel Mikomi's heart beat along with her exhalations of breath. Wiping her brow Kurenai picked Mikomi up and set her back on the cart she had just leapt off of. She looked good and hard at the unnerved people standing around her.

 

“This was her first mission with me that involved killing,” Kurenai began as she took in everyone's questioning looks, “This may just be a result of the shock. Make our way out of here and keep moving.”

 

 

Near the Fire Country/Rice Country Boarder

 

 

The Armoured Man was sitting at the base of a try trying his best to pry the armour off of his left forearm. He had been trying for close to ten minutes with no success as the armour was really cutting into his arm.

 

“Fucking bitch nearly broke my fucking arm again,” the Armoured Man swore as he punched a chunk out of the tree beside him, “I want to kill her! I WANT TO KILL THAT LITTLE BITCH!”

 

Ripping of his helmet Tegatai Kinniku hurled it off into the woods. Swearing again in exasperation Kinniku quickly retrieved his helmet and put it back on his head. Forming a one-handed seal he dispelled the Genjutsu that had been colouring his armour maroon and returned it to its original colour of black.

 

Kinniku unsheathed Touei Tenshu and activated it. The red chakra blade erupted from the end of the sword and he carefully brought it down to make contact with the armour on his arm. Very slowly Kinniku carefully cut and pealed the armour away from his body, leaving only the two jagged edges that were imbedded in his arm.

 

Swearing once again Kinniku held a large shirt that he had found in his mouth as he prepared to pull the metal out of his arm. With a muffled cry, Kinniku ripped the metal from his arm and blood started pouring out. Taking the shirt out of his mouth he tied it around the seven inch long gash as tightly as he could.

 

Gathering up what he was carrying Kinniku started to make his way home as fast as he possibly could.

 

 

The Hokage's Office

 

Several days had passed since Team Eight had fought the bandit army in the canyon and Mikomi had been able to pull herself together after several days of rest. The back to Konoha had been a bit of a difficult trip. Kurenai, Kiba and Shino had been forced to trade off carrying the unconscious Mikomi for almost the entire trip. It had been lest that three hours away from the gate when Mikomi had finally woken up. The four of them had submitted their mission report and had gotten their payment from Tsunade before she had asked Mikomi to remain behind and explain to her exactly what had happened.

 

Tsunade had a grave expression on her face as Team Eight was turning to leave her office, “Would please stay behind for a moment Mikomi.”

 

Mikomi stopped dead in her tracks at Tsunade's request. She had feared that this moment would come ever since they had reported her collapse during the mission. Dragging her feet along the ground, Mikomi turned around and waited for Tsunade to tell her what she wanted.

 

“Hokage-sama,” Kurenai said when she saw how uncomfortable Mikomi looked standing there, “would it be alright if I remained her with Mikomi? Perhaps I can fill in the details of what occurred during the mission.”

 

“You've already told me everything that you know about Mikomi's collapse in your mission report,” Tsunade said as she shook her head, “I'm afraid that Mikomi has to deal with this alone. If she really did have a memory recall similar to the one that she has had before then I need to know about it.”

 

Kurenai gave Tsunade a reluctant nod as she turned to leave the room. Just before she left she turned back to Mikomi, “The three of us will be waiting outside the Hokage Tower entrance for you Mikomi. Come down once your meeting is over and we'll get back to training.”

 

A half smile flitted across Mikomi's face before her melancholy settled back over her, “What is it you wanted to know about what I remembered during my collapse Hokage-sama?”

 

It took Tsunade a moment to respond to Mikomi's question when she saw that Mikomi looked close to tears, “I'd like to know everything that you remembered Mikomi, no matter how painful. Every clue to your past is an important piece of the puzzle that makes up your life. I want to help you as much as possible but right now I can only help you by trying to unlock your past. I don't care what you may have done in the past. You are you. If you have remembered something that is upsetting then you clearly feel remorse because of it. That's good enough for me.” Tsunade couldn't help the narrowing of her eyebrows when she thought of the Konoha Council, `I don't think that the council members would view this situation in the same light. They would condemn Mikomi for her actions in the past if they found something that they didn't like about her.'

 

Mikomi took a deep breath as she tried to calm her nerves. She could feel a chill going up her back even as her stomach seemed to be flip flopping inside of her body. The memories that she had recalled had disturbed her greatly. She had been a killer. A cold blooded, merciless killer. Mikomi couldn't even put her finger on why she had been one in the past but she had faith that the reason was a good one. “I…I…I was…”

 

Trailing off before she had even started Mikomi wrung her hands together for a moment before tears started to leak out of her eyes. A few broken sobs began to wrack her body as Mikomi stood there in front of Tsunade.

 

Tsunade was astonished. In the entire time that Mikomi had been in Konoha she had never seen the girl cry, not even once. And in that same time she had begun to get attached to the strange, red-eyed girl. The fact that Mikomi had no one in her life had endeared her to Tsunade in a somewhat similar fashion to Naruto. Getting up from behind her desk Tsunade came around and stood in front of Mikomi. As Mikomi's knees collapsed from under her body due to her emotional stress Tsunade caught the slight girl and lowered her to the ground.

 

“I-I'm nothing but a dirty rotten killer!” Mikomi cried out as she started sobbing into Tsunade's shoulder, not caring that she was being touched, “They kept me in a dirty, dark cell and then I killed for them! And I don't even remember who they were!”

 

Rubbing the back of Mikomi's head, Tsunade tried her best to comfort the hysterical girl, “Shh, shh, shh, shhhhh. It's alright. `They' don't have you anymore. You're safe with me in Konoha.” Tsunade frowned once again when she realized what she had to ask the hysterical girl, “Mikomi, I'm sorry,” Tsunade said as she felt Mikomi freeze in her arms, “But I need you to tell me as much detail as you remember.

 

Mikomi started to cry softly again as Tsunade helped her back onto her feet. Her face red and tear-streaked, Mikomi felt a gentle memory start to brush the surface of her mind. It was of two people, a man and a woman. `Mom…Dad!' Mikomi thought as they began to become clearer. The woman's face began to become clearer first. She was tall and slender, just as Mikomi was. She stood just over six feet tall and had long, dark purple hair that glistened in the sunlight. Her face was soft, but not slender as Mikomi's face was. Her grey eyes shone with an internal light. As her mother began to embrace her in her memories Mikomi felt her name surface. Her name was Shizuka.

 

Then her father started to become clearer. He stood even taller than her mother at over six and a half feet tall. He too was slender but you could see the strength that rippled through his body. A long white coat covered his body, a coat that Mikomi couldn't place. His hair was midnight black in colour and caused his face to shine like a beacon. It had the sharpness that Mikomi's own face held. He seemed to be perpetually smiling which caused his red eyes to light up with delight. As he too began to embrace Mikomi in her memories his name also returned. Kitoushi.

 

A soft giggle escaped from Mikomi as Tsunade moved back behind her desk and she looked back towards Mikomi. Compared to the darkness that had surrounded Mikomi before, it seemed as if the sun had risen when Tsunade looked at her: Mikomi was smiling.

 

“That…that hug you gave me Tsunade-sama,” Mikomi said as tears continued to carve a path down her cheeks, “It let me remember my parents. I did have a family! I really, really did! My mom was called Shizuka and my dad was called Kitoushi.” Mikomi proceeded to fire off a quick description of her two parents and missed the frown that had crossed Tsunade's face.

 

`I don't know why, but the descriptions and names of her parents seem vaguely familiar. Almost as if I should know who they are. Why would I feel this way?' Tsunade shook her head. She had to concentrate on the latest batch of Mikomi's memories, “Do you feel up to telling me about what you remembered during your last mission Mikomi?”

 

Mikomi nodded, “I think so Tsunade-sama…uh, I mean Hokage-sama. I'll start with what I remember about my cell. It was broken up with other memories of killing, but I felt the youngest in those memories.”

 

Tsunade's eyes widened as Mikomi began to describe her memories. They sounded like something out of a torture session. Horror and disgust for `Sadisuto' started to fill her as Mikomi continued to describe her `training' sessions. Tsunade finally understood why Mikomi had such a problem with being touched if this had happened in her past.

 

“My mind drew a blank on the details of what actually happened during the last little bit of Sadisuto's life,” Mikomi explained matter of factly, “All that I can remember is that he…he tried to rape me. I remember him coming into my cell completely drunk and then I remember myself naked and cutting off his genitalia and then his head.” Tsunade felt a little ill when she heard this. She couldn't believe that Mikomi had turned out as normal as she had.

 

Mikomi started describing all of the killings that she had done, along with the fact that she had been forced to do them thanks to an electric shock collar on her neck. Tsunade's mind started to whirr as she processed this information. `Mikomi is describing involvement with events that mirror Orochimaru's suspected activities! She remembers leading people from Grass to their deaths, and working with a shadow man to kill off Mizu and Kumo Nins. And that description of the soldiers she killed sounds way too close to the way that Rice Advisor was killed. Now I really need to find out her past before the council gets wind of this. They'll execute Mikomi immediately even if she was forced to do all of those things against her will.'

 

“Thank-you for being so honest Mikomi,” Tsunade said as she smiled sadly at Mikomi, “I can't do anything to help you with the past that you've lived through but I can do my best to ensure that you have a happy future. If I can find your family that would be for the best, but if I can't you should always remember that Konoha will have a place for you. A place you might one day call home.”

 

“I already think of Konoha as my home.”

 

 

Orochimaru's Chambers

 

Kinniku had just gotten his arm wound taken care of as he knocked on the doors to Orochimaru's Chamber and he was in an incredibly bad mood. For the last nine days he had been going over the battle in his mind along with the fact that Mikomi had beaten him once again. This time as a traitor fighting for Konoha. He felt even angrier that she hadn't been able to recognize his chakra signature at all, as if she believed that he was beneath her.

 

“Enter,” Orochimaru called from within his room.

 

Kinniku tore the door open causing it to slam into the wall. The crashing sound reverberated down the corridor and Kinniku was met with the amused grin of Orochimaru, “Upset about something are we now Kinniku-kun?”

 

Gritting his teeth and clenching his fist Kinniku forced himself to remain polite while talking to Orochimaru, “Yes Orochimaru-sama. I have two missions to report on, one mission causing the direct failure of another.”

 

“Oh really?” Orochimaru said as he sad down in his shadow shrouded chair, “Do explain. You know how much that I abhor failure.”

 

A little bit of sweat trickled down Kinniku's back at Orochimaru's words, “The mission that caused the failure of my gold collection mission is of far more importance Orochimaru-sama. I have discovered the location of Yominokuni Mikomi.” Under his breath Kinniku muttered, “That stupid fucking cunt.”

 

“So you found out where she is because she was part of the group that you attack I take it? Was she part of a Konoha ninja team?”

 

Kinniku was taken aback by Orochimaru's guess, “Y-yeah she was. She was directly responsible for ending most of the lives of the bandits that I recruited along with my injury. Mikomi took me by surprise as I didn't recognize her until she used that insane strength of hers. I've never seen any of her jutsu until that day and she wiped out almost forty men with a single attack.”

 

Orochimaru frowned, “This is a troubling confirmation. And a good reason as to why you failed. I had Sasuke-kun training her to be the ultimate weapon before his death at Itachi's hands. Did you see her black collar around her neck?”

 

“No, I didn't,” Kinniku said slightly confused, “You mean that it wasn't just some sort of decoration that she wore while she was here?”

 

“Dammit Sasuke!” Orochimaru suddenly roared, “You were the only one besides me that knew the seals of removal! I'd kill you if you weren't already dead!” As Kinniku stepped away from Orochimaru at his outburst he froze once again when Orochimaru's glare fell on him, “Kinniku-kun. You have been waiting to take Mikomi down a peg or two since she humiliated you in the Mess Hall correct?” Kinniku nodded uncertainly, “Well then, how about entering the Chuunin Exams in Konoha that are coming up next week? After all, you aren't officially a Chuunin yet, even if you have the power equivalent to close to half the Jounins of Sound. I'm sure you would enjoy tearing apart all of those little Genins.”

 

 

Hokage's Office- the Next Day

 

Hyuuga Shiro was once again kneeling in front of Tsunade as she gave him instructions, “I may have just been able to figure out where Mikomi was born. The names of her parents just clicked today. I want you to lead a team of undercover Anbu into Ko City in Rice Country and ask around for anyone who knows about Yominokuni Kitoushi, and Shizuka. If they know anything, ask if they remember if they had a daughter by the name of Mikomi. This needs to be done right now and as fast as possible. There is no time to waste.

 

Shiro just nodded, “I'll get right on the immediately Hokage-sama.” In a puff of smoke Shiro disappeared with the Shunshin Jutsu.

 

Tsunade suddenly sensed a presence outside her office door. With a sigh she called out to them, “Hinata, you don't have to hide outside my door anymore.”

 

There was a bang outside the door and then Hinata came inside unsteadily with her usual massive stack of work, “I'm sorry Tsunade-sensei. I didn't mean to eavesdrop but I couldn't help it when I heard Mikomi's name. Do you really think you may have found her parents?”

 

“I fear that I may have found out even more than that Hinata and that's what worries me.” Tsunade sat forward with her fingers laced together that told Hinata Tsunade was very worried, “I fear that she is somehow connected with Orochimaru and the turmoil that has been spreading across the Shinobi Nations. With the killings that she described from her memories and taking her own abilities into account she fits the profile of the partner that Sasuke had during his mission in Grass.”

 

Hinata couldn't help but gape at Tsunade, “B-b-but that just isn't possible! Mikomi is far too nice a person ever do such a thing!”

 

“If you had heard the story about her past you wouldn't think so. You'll have to get the details from her, but I think that because of the trauma in her past she may have developed a severe case of Stockholm syndrome when Sasuke came into her life.”

 

Just then a tapping sound came from the window to her office. Turning, Tsunade saw that a bird with a message was tapping at the window. Opening the window she took the scroll off of the bird's leg and read it as the bird flew out the window again.

 

I am requesting that at least one team from the Village Hidden in Sound be allowed to participate in these upcoming Chuunin Exams in your village. I wish to stabilize relations with the other nations and pull my village out of the perpetual conflict that we have been engaged in since. I am willing to pay up to ten times the regular participation fee.

 

Orochimaru, Leader of the Village Hidden in Sound

 

Tsunade tossed the letter onto the desk and groaned, “There is no way in hell that Orochimaru's letter is just a coincidence. It looks like the Sound is going to be part of these next Chuunin exams.”

 

“Why don't you just refuse them entry?” Hinata asked as she glanced at the note with her Byakugan, “We can refuse them after what they pulled three years ago right?”

 

“No, unfortunately, we can't,” Tsunade said grimly, “It is part of the rules of the Chuunin Exams. We already refused them entrance once and if refuse once again the Sound will still be allowed to if even one other nation agrees. We're stuck.”

 

 

Konoha Training Ground #8

 

“Hey! Kurenai-sensei!” Kiba shouted from the far end of the field while Kurenai was helping Mikomi relearn the jutsu that she remembered having from her flashbacks, “I wanted to talk to you about the Chuunin Exams.”

 

Kurenai sighed, “I knew that was going to come up sooner or later.” Leaving Mikomi to finish working out the `Molten Earth' Kurenai headed over towards Kiba and Shino, “Alright, what is it about the Chuunin Exams?”

 

“Can we enter them again here? All of the other Rookie Nine and even Gai's team have reached Chuunin rank. We haven't been allowed to enter a Chuunin exam since the Sand hosted them and Hinata achieved the rank of Chuunin.” Kiba along with Akamaru looked up at Kurenai with puppy dog eyes, begging her to let them participate.

 

“Well…I don't know…you three have only been a team for a month…”

 

“Aw, come on! You don't think we have good enough teamwork after what we pulled off with the mission those saké workers gave us? PLEASE can we enter the exams, please, please, please, please, please?”

 

Kurenai was trying her best to suppress a grin when she answered Kiba. Putting on a mock angry expression Kurenai stared Kiba down, “Don't think that those puppy-eyes will make me change my answer. I've already decided.” Kiba and Akamaru's faces fell when Kurenai said that, “I've already entered the three of you as a team.

 

Kiba's head snapped up so fast he cracked his neck, “YEOW! HELL YEAH! WE'RE IN THE CHUUNIN EXAMS!”

 

“Thank-you,” Shino said with a nod to Kurenai before he went back to practicing dispelling Genjutsu.

 

Mikomi had heard Kiba shouting about a Chuunin Exam and was coming over to ask what it was about when a piece of paper was handed to her by Kurenai. Glancing at the disclaimer form Mikomi looked around at her teammates, “Uh, what's a Chuunin Exam?”

 

The other three member of Mikomi's team sweat-dropped before they tried to explain the exam to Mikomi.

 

 

Unknown Location

 

The only thing that the figure huddled on what felt like solid rock could tell about where he was, was that it was completely black. This was not the darkness of the night, but a pure, all consuming blackness. Absolutely no light could be seen in any direction. The figure began to shiver in fear, thinking that perhaps he had lost the use of his eyes entirely. Cursing, the figure sat up and tried to feel around him with all of his other senses.

 

He couldn't sense anything at all around him. Not even walls.

 

When the figure tried to tap into his chakra to extend it in a bubble around himself to get his bearings straight he suddenly felt himself grow physically weaker.

 

“I would advise against using your chakra,” A massive and deep voice said to the figure, seeming to come from every direction at once, “At least until you have fully recovered your chakra. After all, it is what you are made up of now.”

 

“What?” A horse cry came from the figure's throat, “How am I made out of chakra? I have a body and I'm alive you imbecile, I just don't know where the hell I am!”

 

That same deep voice seemed to chuckle from all around the figure huddled on the ground, “You would still have a body. If you were alive that is.” The figure cringed as a brilliant white figure suddenly broke the darkness. The figure leapt to his feet and slid into a fighting stance as he tried to understand what his eyes were looking at.

 

The foreboding figure of the Shinigami slowly became clearer to the figure's eyes as the voice boomed out louder than before, “Uchiha Sasuke…what am I going to do with you?”

 

 

A/N: So Sasuke has reappeared in the Shinigami's realm as a dead soul. What fate awaits him? And what fate awaits Mikomi in the land of the living now that Orochimaru has confirmed that she has become a Konoha Ninja?

 

You'll just have to wait to find out.