Jiraiya sighed as he sank into the comfortable leather chair. He made a mental note to talk to Naruto about getting a few for the manor. He looked around the room, Hiruzen's study. It felt odd being here, he'd rarely spoken to his sensei outside the Hokage's office so this felt unfamiliar. Adding to the dissonance was that his sensei wasn't the Hokage anymore, a scenario neither man had much time adjusting to the first time it happened and three years away hadn't allowed the reality to sink in. A cough brought his attention back to Hiruzen and his reason for being here.
"I want you to call it off, Sensei," Jiraiya said, His tone was resigned, he hadn't come here to fling accusations or relive the past or anything like that. He just needed the elder Sarutobi to stop.
"Call what off, Jiraiya?"
"Whatever plan you have, whatever new stage in this sick little game you're playing with her needs to end. If she goes off the deep end, if she crosses the line Hime and I will stop her. Your involvement isn't necessary," Jiraiya argued. Hiruzen's glare could have melted glaciers.
"My involvement is the sole reason we know what she did last time. I have not planned anything but I will not be treated like some doddering old man, especially not by one of my students," Hiruzen exclaimed in offense. Jiraiya simply scoffed.
"And yet you didn't manage to stop Danzo so clearly your vision isn't all-seeing," Jiraiya retorted. Hiruzen didn't react visibly but internally he winced. His permissiveness with Danzo was one of his great shames and, apparently, made him look like a hypocrite with how diligent he was to uproot Orochimaru.
"You have to know she cannot be trusted," Hiruzen said in a much more subdued tone.
"You're probably right, Sensei. Hell, more than probably but you've yet to discover anything; not that you've been looking," Jiraiya finished sarcastically. "If it were just a matter between you two I wouldn't care. You both enjoy your little games, that's fine. It isn't just between you two and I won't let Naruto get dragged down because you're fixated on her."
"I am doing this for him," Hiruzen protested, clearly offended.
"Well, judging by what I witnessed this morning, you're too late," Jiraiya shared, mortifying Hiruzen.
"No, it can't be," Hiruzen denied. "How, Jiraiya, how could you let this happen?"
"What was I supposed to do, Sensei, camp outside his door? Follow him around for the rest of my days?" Jiraiya said with a laugh. "Just for once listen to me, let this go."
"Has everyone forgotten what she's done? Those cruel, sadistic experiments? Her complete betrayal?"
"I have not but here's the problem, she did those in full view of Danzo. That's the kick in the nuts, Sensei. It's not that no one cares or that we aren't mortified. It's that you want to condemn her when you permitted your former rival to do as he pleased. Even after he ordered the genocide of a founding clan. Makes you look like a hypocrite. That's before you add in the whole banging her and coerced abortion aspects.
I'm going to save you a few trips to Inoichi, Sensei. What she did she did. And you know what? I'm guessing part of the motivation was she knew you'd eventually find out and carry the guilt and the pain of her fall. You resent her for doing it, you hate her for doing it to get back at you and you despise her for rejecting that which you find most sacred, the Will of Fire. She desecrated it.
But the thing that eats at you, the thoughts that keep you up at night all center around one idea. One scenario you wish to deem impossible. What if she changes? What if she changes for and because of Naruto? What if they are actually happy together? Then your role in why she broke bad is undeniable and you can't cast her as the one true villain.
Get over yourself. If she does something, we'll catch her. If not, my godson is happy and I won't have that threatened. It's not in your control and it's not your job. Enjoy your retirement and try not to alienate Naruto even more than you already have." Jiraiya stood up and exited after his words, hoping Hiruzen would listen just this once.
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There were very few things Kabuto disliked about his Mistress. She'd allowed him to indulge in his sadism and scientific curiosities without judgment so he felt duty bound to be no less accepting of her. However, every time he heard her giggle Kabuto wanted to murder a specific redhead. It just wasn't right. Nor was her spending hours playing with iron sand. They had real breakthroughs to attend to, real science to conduct. Just the thought of it made him adjust his glasses.
Naruto Uzumaki was the bane of his existence. This fact was made all the more galling as the boy didn't even know how ruinous he'd been to Kabuto's life, how fraying he'd been to Kabuto's only real tether. She came back to the village for him. Dulled her edge for him. Limited her work for him. It was infuriating and now because he tried to remove the boy and his taint from Orochimaru-sama Kabuto was stuck. Forced to betray her, to shamelessly cling to life just for the chance to make things right.
Spying for the Sandaime was just below killing Nono as his most reprehensible act. Not just for the treason, though that would have been sufficient. The extra sting was through his observation he realized how much Orochimaru had started keeping from him. She suspected him of something and was freezing him out. Kabuto's inquisitiveness and lack of boundaries pushed him to want to know, he needed to know her secrets. Just beyond his conscious mind, a small voice would sometimes whisper to Kabuto that had the Sandaime not ordered him to spy the medical ninja would have done so anyway.
The silver-haired young man was closer now. He'd taken Orochimaru's absence as a chance to go through her study. Looking through every book he'd finally found a break, a biometric seal that likely opened up the passage to her secret facility. The medic took several pictures of the seal, making sure not to include anything that could reveal its origin. He needed help, Kabuto only understood the most basic of fuinjutsu but he was lucky he had a willing pawn. A silly, little girl that led with her emotions. Kabuto would never allow himself to think his well-hidden disdain for Karin might parallel some even deeper buried sentiments for Orochimaru-sama.
It was easy to manipulate the Uzumaki medic. She was all too willing to please him. He showed just a little interest and she clung to him like driftwood in the middle of the ocean. She was pathetic but useful. It took no effort to trick her into deciphering the seals. However long it took for her Kabuto would wait. And once he gained entrance, once he knew all there was to know he'd make things right. Somehow, some way.
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"Ok, that's enough," Naruto spoke and chuckled when he saw the relief in Hanabi's eyes. Before he could train his student he needed to know her limits so their training session was meant to do just that. It was only thanks to his experience with Konohamaru, Moegi and Udon he even had an inkling as what his expectations should be. Hanabi was about where they all were at her age. He could certainly work with that.
"Tomorrow we'll start on your new taijutsu and maybe get you a weapon so be thinking about that."
"Why a weapon, Naruto-sensei?"
"Because you're short and weak," Naruto said without missing a beat, causing Hanabi to faceplant. When she returned to her feet he saw her look of indignation but cut her off before she could speak. "I was short and weak once, as well. Unfortunately, not everyone you'll ever fight will share your measurements and skill level. Weapons even things out. So, what will you be doing tonight?"
"Thinking of potential weapons I want to learn?" Hanabi asked.
"Good answer! Enjoy the rest of your day, Hanabi."
"Same to you, Sensei," the Hyuuga said back, politely. Naruto exited the training grounds and saw a Hyuuga waiting in the corridor.
"Hiashi-sama would like to speak to you," the Hyuuga said and Naruto nodded and followed the man. As he was led through a parade of similar looking corridors, Naruto emptied his mind. He didn't want to go into this exchange with any expectations or assumptions. Tsunade requested he not create a political incident and he'd do his level best not to. Finally, Naruto was ushered into a courtyard, where Hiashi was sitting.
"Uzumaki-san," Hiashi said in acknowledgment but never took his eyes off the small garden in front of him. "Please join me," he requested and Naruto walked over to the man, taking a seat. "Ko, you are dismissed, thank you," Hiashi said and the now named Ko departed.
"Hyuuga-san," Naruto said in return. The pair sat in silence for several moments until Hiashi chose to speak once more.
"What is it to be free, Naruto?"
"I don't think I'm the right person to ask that question to," Naruto answered and meant it. Naruto's fate had been tied to the village since the night he was born and only extreme action would have changed that. In all likelihood, for Naruto to be free of the village, he'd have become something tyrannical in exchange. No matter his antipathy toward Konoha's residents or the suite of negative emotions he held for the Old Man, mass slaughter was never something he wanted.
"It is because of your unique position I think you are the very best person to ask this question to. My brother and my first born only found freedom in death; that's how constricting and limiting they found being a Hyuuga. It is only in retrospect that I saw my role in their suffering. Maybe that sounds familiar." Naruto nodded at that last statement as it did sound a lot like the Old Man, casting himself as powerless when he was anything but.
"I was raised to value the Hyuuga way. I believed, and believe, it kept me strong. During the war, shouldering the burdens of being a clan head, losing my wife. I leaned on those traditions to prop me up when I felt nothing else could. They were my pillars of support. Somewhere at some point, I came to believe the Hyuuga way was the only path, that it could only be failed but never fail anyone. I alienated my eldest daughter because of it.
I didn't encourage her, only pointing out what I deemed her flaws. And when I realized she saw me for who and what I was, I resented her for it. I loved her but I resented her all the same. And then she was taken from me. She died a hero, protecting her team but I'd much rather have her here. I'm sure that too is something you are familiar with.
I asked Tsunade-sama personally to let you be Hanabi's tutor. I may not be able to walk down her chosen path with her but I'll do whatever I can to make sure she's as prepared as she can be. Whatever she wants to learn, there will be no clan restrictions so teach at your own discretion and if you need anything from me or the clan don't hesitate to ask."
Naruto didn't really know what to say to the man that had just bared his soul to him. His pain, his regret were palpable. It reminded Naruto of someone else, a man of tradition and standing that only amended his ways after irreparably failing his daughter too. "During my travels, I met another man who faced something similar. He couldn't cast off his traditions for his daughter and the pain of her loss changed him. For what it's worth, you're handling it better than he did," Naruto shared with the Hyuuga leader.
"What makes you say that?" Hiashi asked.
"Because that man's path led him to the end of my sword," Naruto answered. "As for Hanabi, I'll do my best to give her the tools to follow her ambition and prepare her for life as a ninja."
"It's all I can ask. Thank you, Naruto," Hiashi said. Naruto nodded and then left via shunshin. Naruto didn't exactly pity the Hyuuga leader but he wasn't devoid of sympathy either. Regret could be a corrective or could be poison. He'd also almost been swallowed whole by it, a wrong call during a mission. He was fortunate he had Bagheera and Mageela to keep his head on straight, and then his team to see him the rest of the way.
'Sigh,' Naruto thought but it wasn't due to his previous topic of rumination but the kunai that was hurtling toward his head. The Uzumaki caught the multi-use knife by the handle and then shot a bored look to the owner of said projectile.
"You know, if you'd pulled this three years ago you'd have a pissed off Jinchuriki trying to kill you," Naruto said.
"Aww, don't be mad. I just wanted to challenge my fellow discipline is all," Anko replied, though a part of her was grateful she didn't have a rampaging Jinchuriki after her head. The snake summoner watched for any signs of hostility, which allowed her to catch the kunai he'd thrown back to her.
"Oh. Couldn't you have just asked, 'ttebayo?"
"That's boring. So, what do you say? Wanna find out who's the stronger student of the Snake Sannin?" Anko asked with a playful smirk but frowned when she saw the Uzumaki shake his head.
"I'd spar with you for fun or whatever, I'm up for making new friends. Fighting to see which of us is stronger, though, is a waste of time. It's me," Naruto said with a shrug.
"And what makes you so sure of that? Being a container doesn't make you invincible," Anko argued back with a bit of heat. Then she felt… off. Her heart raced and her knees shook and she felt like her skin falling from her bones. It went from panic-inducing to visceral agony in seconds.
"You didn't even know you were under my genjutsu, Anko, so you certainly don't know how long you've been open for my attack."
Anko stopped her chakra circulation, seeking to disrupt the flow. She held it and then performed the genjutsu kai technique. As she did, the Naruto in front of her dissolved and Anko stood in the street alone. Once her breathing came back under control, Anko smiled. The annoyance at having been dismissed given way to anticipation. He may have gotten the better of her just then but it was only round one.
Naruto continued on to his destination. He wondered if Anko managed to deduce how he activated his genjutsu. He doubted it. Channeling the chakra through her kunai wasn't a common practice so she likely wouldn't think her catching it was the triggering event. He didn't know a lot about his fellow Special Jounin but he assumed she wouldn't be deterred by his trick. He wouldn't mind it, though. He arrived at his destination, being welcomed by the ice cream scooper.
"Hey Naruto, welcome back," the Daily Scoop employee said. The brunette had known Naruto for years, him coming into the shop as a chubby-cheeked boy just wanting to be treated fairly.
"Thanks, Urei-san," Naruto replied.
"What can I get for you today?"
"I'm going to have the butter pecan, two scoops in a waffle cone. I would also like two scoops of rocky road in a bowl."
"Oh, do you have someone joining you? Is it that adorable little panther?"
"Mageela? No, not today. She's also not so little anymore."
"Neither are you, time is funny like that," Urei said as she was preparing his order.
"I suppose," Naruto said. He took his order and grabbed a seat at the marble counter. He didn't have to wait long for his guest to arrive. The atmosphere in the room changed when she entered, though her face showed no sign she noticed or cared. Naruto wondered if she were truly apathetic or feigned it to secretly increase her enjoyment.
"Naruto-kun," she said while taking a seat beside the Uzumaki.
"You have really good timing," Naruto said.
"What can I say, I am a woman of many talents."
"Humble too," Naruto observed.
"Humility is for farmers and monks, Naruto-kun. I will never pretend to be less than what I am out of some notion of social desirability, I hope you wouldn't either."
"False humility isn't my bag but I've was very much in need of humbling at one point. Thankfully, it was Bagheera who set me straight as it possibly saved my life. Now though?" Naruto shrugged, "I don't have that same need for external validation. I know who I am and what I can do."
"As long as you don't become meek," the Sannin replied.
"I don't think I could pull of meek anyway, I'm so obviously impressive."
Orochimaru gave him a once over, "Yes, quite obvious," she said and then finally tried the ice cream in front of her. She couldn't help it, her face completely betrayed how good she found the frozen treat. When she looked back to Naruto, she wanted to wipe that smug, knowing grin off his face; even if she did find it cute. Naruto soon returned to his own treat, elated he'd made a good choice.
"Anko challenged me today. Wanted to see which of your students was the superior ninja," Naruto said.
"Oh?"
"Yep, threw a kunai at my head and everything," Naruto added.
"Is she still alive?" Orochimaru asked, knowing about his rule against unprovoked attacks from the villagers. Naruto laughed.
"Of course. I didn't harm a hair on her head though I'll probably have to fight her so the surprise attacks to ramp up."
"Kukuku, yes, Anko-chan can be quite tenacious." The two continued to chat, even as they departed the ice cream parlor and headed to her home.
"So, you wanted to take me there as it was part of your plan?" Orochi asked.
"I wanted to take you there because they treated me like a normal person and I thought you would like it. Your enjoyment made it the first step of my plan."
"Which is now abandoned," she observed as she headed towards her door but noticed Naruto had stopped moving behind her. She turned to see a puzzled look on his face.
"What makes you think it's abandoned?" he asked, closing the distance between them.
"Last night-"
"Was just incentive to be more diligent. Sorry, plans already in motion and there's no stopping it now," Naruto said lowly, their faces mere inches apart.
"Hmm, we shall see. You coming in?"
"It would save me the trouble of breaking in tonight," he answered softly, close enough to feel her smile.
"Yes, that energy could be put to better use," Orochi said as she opened the door while never turning away from Naruto, swiftly pulling him into a kiss. Naruto returned the gesture, one-upping the infamous Sannin by wrapping his arms around her and lifting her up. Orochimaru wrapped her legs around her fiery haired lover as Naruto carried her inside, closing the door behind them with his foot. No one would see the two for the rest of the day.
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Darui sighed in boredom. The trip had been dull. The need to move in absolute secret not only made it a longer trek, but he could go nowhere nor do anything interesting. It was one of the realities of being designated the Raikage's Second, his essential man. Darui's movements drew notice, spies of the four great Hidden Villages and even some minor ones would be interested in where he went and why. So, this had to be as clandestine as possible. It didn't help that Darui was doing something he categorically didn't believe in.
The person he was meeting was located on the coast, the campfire illuminating the lush forest that stood behind the elder man. He noticed Darui and the Kumo Jounin could feel those yellow eyes analyzing him, taking his measure but the storm style user didn't care to delay this any more than necessary.
"The Raikage has agreed to your stipulations, Shinno-san," Darui announced. "The prisoners will be provided to you five days before your attack."
"Hahaha, excellent. Then he will have my cooperation, Konoha will fall and in its ashes, the Land of Sky will rise once again," Shinno said, sinister grin visible in the light of the fire. The pair would iron out more specifics before Darui departed. It was only after he was sure the Kumo ninja was out of the vicinity did the third person in attendance reveal himself, emerging from the ground.
"You were right about letting Kumo find me, Zetsu-san. They are going to give me everything I need to not only crush Konoha but them as well."
"Yes, and once you do you can become the Sky Emperor you were always meant to be, just as I told you when you were a boy."
"With the power of the Zero-Tails, I'll be unstoppable and lord over all from the sky. Like a god."
"Yes, but first Konoha must fall and two members, in particular, cannot survive this attack."
"Tell me their names and I will see them dead."
"Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto."