Dawn of a New Era

Chapter 9

Effortless

Temari’s face was red with anger and embarrassment as she headed to the West side of the Village.

In front of her as she stopped, stood the Sungimo Estate. The sunken statue head with the red mark was slowly sinking still.

“This is the entrance…” She strolled over to the head and placed her hand on the red mark and rubbed around. The sand around her feet started to move outward. “Sinking sand, felling beliefs, carnage of death, sand revealing…!”

Temari took a back step and the sand formed a small tunnel. She slid down carefully, landing in a large pit underground. The sand above her sealed away, leaving darkness and a small unsourced amount of sunlight.

“Is he down here still?” Other tunnel intersected with the one she had landed in.

“Temari? Why are you in here?” A voice echoed across a sand tunnel.

Her face brightened as she saw his face. “Ga-Gaara?!”

She dropped her coolness and dashed towards her broth in the hall parallel to her. She embraced him tight, as did he.

“Nice to see you again. Again, what are you doing in the Sunagimo Tombs?”

Temari stood straight and looked him straight in the eye. “I understand your new occupation. But our teams that ventured out to the Terrace Valley came back with horrible results. Two people were killed and Tenrai came back brutally injured. And we require your assitance. I need you as a guard and reconnaisance mission. If any Akatsuki members attack, I also know I can count on you to aid us in every way.”

Gaara closed his eyes and nodded. “All right.” He said with a hand onto her shoulder.

Temari beamed. Gaara led her out of the tombs and back into the mansion.

As he entered the office, he whispered to himself, “I haven’t been in here in five years…”

Matsuri stood in her office and turned as the duo approached. Her eyes began to sparkle as Gaara entered.

“Gaara!” Matsuri sang.

Matsuri dashed over and embraced him as tight as Temari had before, a bit more thrust than before, however. Matsuri pushed off and smiled.

A dark environment shrouds figures standing around each other…

A woman’s crisp voice pierced the air in the darkness.

“Hakujou and Hidan have arrived, Uto.”

Another, manly, but clean voice replied, “All right. So no casualties on our behalf. Is everyone here?”

Silence.

“Good. Now, Kakaze?”

A fire flickered, casting a red glow upon the ground and faces inside the darkness.

“Light.”

The flame sparked and spit into many different directions. In mere seconds, torches illuminated a room. The room was very large with three other passageways. Koukishi stepped in from one of the passageways and placed his hand onto the wall.

The floor under the Akatsuki broke into pieces. The holograms of three people faded away.

A large cave was revealed to be hidden outside the room.

“A special, physical genjutsu. My favorite.”

Three pillars rose up from the ground. The scrolls were each placed on them, and Kakaze set the one that had just been stolen.

The scrolls now cast an eerie light upon the face of the cave wall.

“We’re almost there…” A hologram stated as it appeared suddenly.

Koukishi smirked. “Don’t you think we should just bloodrush the other villages with numbers on our side? We’d get the scrolls easily, hohoho.”

“No,” the hologram returned bluntly. “Suna and Konoha are very powerful villages. Their defenses are high and their ninja are strong. Konoha withstood the First, Second, Fourth and Fifth Great Ninja World War, as well as Orochimaru’s Invasion 18 years ago, and many other things. We need to go in high numbers. Suna won’t have to wait quite as long…Let’s get to work.”

A flower petal float gently above the cave opening at the top and soars down easily.

“Flowers are a beautiful part of nature…” A hologram states as it appears by Koukishi.

He grunts and holds up a hand. “I suppose.”

In the Forest of O…

A bright and eerie light is glowing from atop a tree limb.

The weakened body of Jinrai steadily rises to his feet. “I…shall…not…let myself…die again!”

The limb crackled apart as he jumped away from it. His expression was blunt and tough. “I’ll kill you…girl!”

In the Hokage Mansion…

A Mist bird landed on the Window sill. It grabbed Shikamaru’s attention and he slipped the message from its case on its back.

He dropped the scroll after reading it and his face became pale. “The Kirigakure scroll was stolen?!”

Minutes later, TenTen, Yamato and Kiba were in his office, due to being called.

“Kirigakure’s scroll was stolen, so I want you three to go and collect information. Reconnasaince Mission.”

The small team set off towards the Hidden Mist.

Training Field…

Azuma continously punches a a tree with his knives, one punch after another. The marks were deep and he didn’t move on to another until the one he was hammering was hacked apart.

“Can’t…fail…another…mission!” He threw a punch hard enough to knock the top of the treestraight off the stump and send it into the water.

He sighed and calmed himself.

“Azuma.” A voice called out gently from behidn him. He whirred aruond to face Sasuke, smiling.

“Sasuke-sama…” He smiles.

“You’re strong Azuma, you know that. But you need to keep control of your temper and focus on what you’re doing, how you do it, and when you do it.” Azuma nodded, showing Sasuke had his full, undivided attention.

He points to the stump. “The air chakra you forced through the knives is powerful, you just need to learn how to control it better. Let’s see…Throw a punch with air chakra around me.”

Azuma backs up, slips on a knife and thrusts on hand forward. The air slices around Sasuke, barely clipping a lock of his hair.

“Good…Hrm. Now, deflect…”

Sasuke, in a blink of an eye, drew the Kusanagi and threw it at Azuma. Azuma lunged up with his knife before the sword got close and it was deflected with a sharp edge of air.

The sword landed in Sasuke’s grasp. “Great.” He stopped as Suigetsu emerged from the water.

“Sasuke, you sure can be surprising. Tell me exactly why you’re tutoring him?” Suigetsu put forth.

sasuke shrugs. “Because I want to. Why’s there a need for questions?” He opens one eye and watches Suigetsu fom behind him.

Suigetsu crosses his arms and rolls his eyes. “Nevermind. Have you seen Karin?”

Sasuke nods. “She was shopping in the Village earlier. She’s probably still there.” Suigetsu nodded and disappeared.

Azuma sighs and puts his knives away. “Thanks, Sasuke-sama, I needed that bit of practice!” He smiles and puts his arm around the back of his head.

Sasuke smiles and starts to make his way out of the field. On his way out, he meets Sakura.

“Oh, hi Sasuke.” She waves.

Sasuke smiles back and passes her. “Come on Moegi!” She calls out behind her.

A woman appears running after her.

She keels over, hands on her knees, and gasps, “Sorry…Sakura…I’m here…ack.”

Sakura helps her up. She glances behind her. “Where did Hinata go!?” Sakura flusters.

In the Dumpling Shop…

Hinata Hyuuga sits eating a stick of dumplings and sipping a cup of tea. Sakura explodes inside, an angry expression.

“Hinata! I thought you were coming to the training field with us?” Sakura asks, keeping her anger inside.

Hinata frowns. In a small voice, she answers, “Sorry, I was hungry earlier when you saw me, but you left before I had a chance to tell you I was going here. I’ll come, I promise.”

Sakura nods and sits next to her. Moegi follows shortly.

The woman catering there noticed two new people and brought them complimentary tea.

As she set it down, she saw the face of Sakura. “SAKURA?!” The woman exclaimed.

“Ino? Hey, long time no see!” Ino smiles and dashes away. In a minute, she comes back and sits down.

“Break time. Anyway, I haven’t seen you in forever. Where have you been?”

Sakura scoffs. “Question is, where haven’t I been? I’ve been around everywhere, learning moer about medical ninjutsu and things. Now, I’m a Top Medical-Nin.”

Ino shifts uneasily in her seat. “Really…? Interesting…Oh, where’s Tsun-”

Sakura frowns. “I don’t know. We started out together, with her teaching me about Medical Ninjutsu and my power…But I don’t know where she went. About half-way through our journey, she just…left. Shizune went with her. She could be anywhere.”

“Oh, sorry to hear that.”

Hinata dropped the last stick on her plate and paid the bill.

“So, Moegi, Sakura, were we going to the Training Field?” Hinata asked, a bright and eager step in her voice.

“Yeha, sure!” Moegi clapped her hands and pulled Sakura up. Ino smiled.

“I have to get back to work. See you later!”

Sakura, Hinata and Moegi left the shop and Ino got back to her business.

In the cave…

Koukishi sits upon the pedestal, watching over the scrolls.

“Three here…hohoho. I can’t wait until we have them all. Even though it may be a hassle getting them, the end result is always good. Hm?” From up above, a figure drops down in front of him and collapses.

“Jinrai?” Koukishi can’t help uttering, clearly bewildered.

Hakujou and Kakaze appear and notice the body laying on the ground.

“So he isn’t dead…Shame, or a good thing?” Hakujou jokes.

Kakaze picks him up and takes him down a hall. Koukishi continues to sit there, whistling a tune. Hakujou frowns at this.

“Are you…whistling? How un-proffesional of you!”

Koukishi turns his head. “Pardon me? Couldn’t hear you!” And continues to whistle.

Hakujou thros his arms up in despair and leaves the room. “Fine then, you polite bastard,” he mutters to himself as he departs.

In Kirigakure…

Ao finishes answering questions to the recon mission Shikamaru dispatched.

On their way out, Yamato speaks to the crew. “He looked uneasy, like his life was on the line if he stepped one step form his spot.”

“Maybe it is.” TenTen suggested. “Maybe he said something to someone wrong, or maybe…” TenTen’s eyes grew big. “Maybe he was the cause of the theft. He must have failed, or he wouldn’t have been so on edge as he was.”

Kiba nodded in agreeal. “And everytime he’d answer a question, I could hear him speaking under his breath. ‘How could I…Why…Why was I weak…?’, and things like that.”

Yamato signaled to head off and they started through the swamps once again.

As they exited the final marsh, Yamato stopped them again. “That makes three, right?”

Kiba counts the scrolls from the villages. “Yup. There are only two left…So what exactly happens, anyway?”

In the Hidden Leaf Forest…

The wind blows stronger than usual. Leaves start dangling and dropping from the trees.

“An omen.” Neji says simply.

Shino remeains quiet.

Hokage Office…

Yamato relays the information they gathered after their team arrived. When Shikamaru passed it off as passed, they departed.

Leaf Hospital…

Sasuke finds Sauno’s room and enters. He notices Sauno up, speaking with Hizuka and Uzuna.

She waves to her father. “Sauno, I see you’re all right. I also see you used the Chidori.” His sharp eyes pickes up the burn marks on her palm.

“And the Flame Armor acticated during your battle. You’re lucky you didn’t die. That kekkei genkai only activates when your life is in trouble. In this case, you had a bit left in you before it activated. Must have been a tough match.”

Sauno nods. “But I’m sure the Chidori killed him. Uzuna said he looked deader then dead before we left. Oh, and I’m also set to get out of here by tomorrow.”

Sasuke grins. “Great. Have you seen your brother?”

Sauno looks astonished. “Well, no actually. I haven’t paid much attention, but now that you think of it…I haven’t seen him in forever.” Uzuna and Hizuka agree with her statement, as they had not seen him around.

Sasuke stood to the side as Karin appeared at the door and smiled at her daughter.

She handed Sauno two black gloves. “I wanted you to have these.”

Sauno sets them on her nightstand. “I’ll where them when I get out, thanks.” Sauno gives a grin.

Uzuna and Hizuka leave together, along with Sasuke. Karin stays for awhile and chats with Sauno. But Karin soon leaves as Sauon lulls to sleep.

See ya, next time for Chapter 10

Post Author: Paintheclown

Rating: T

Warning:  The title is misleading.  This chapter was suppose to be about Shikamaru meeting Asuma, Jiraiya, and Tsunade in Soul Society, but I decided to hold that off.  And, I can’t think of a name for it.  So, it stays…

Need to catch up? Chapter 001 Chapter 002

(Recap: When we last left, Shikamaru had died and was taken to Soul Society.  While Kisame had followed Shikamaru and Yamamoto into the Garganta to kill Shikamaru, not knowing he is dead…)

“Would you like me to show you to your loved ones?”  Yamamoto didn’t really want to do this.  He had to get back to his “work”.  But, if this kid wanted him to show him around, as the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, he must…

“No, sir.  You’ve helped me find my favorite person in the world.  Just, can you get someone else to help me.  Because, as you already know, I don’t know much about this “Soul Society” and I’ll probably get lost.”  Shikamaru was serious.  He would probably get lost and never find Asuma Sensei.  That would be the worst thing ever!

“As you wish.  I will call my Lieutenant to-”  He was cut off by a mysterious man with a huge sword…  Wait, that wasn’t no “mysterious man”, it was Kisame Hoshigaki!

“I swore that I’d kill you the next time we crossed paths!  And I meant it!  Now… DIE!!!!!!!!!”

He swung his sword at me, but the old man, who’s name I now know is Yamamoto, blocked him with his own sword!  Where did his sword come from?!  And how could he fight this good?!  He’s too old to be this good!

“You will never defeat me.  I am Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto!  Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13!  Shikai!!  Reduce All to Ash!!!”  With that, he tore off his cloak and unleashed what he called, “Shikai”.  A huge amount of what he called, “Reiatsu” spread over the area.  That was a stupid move.  Shikamaru has seen Kisame’s swords ability to absorb Chakra, which is the equivalent to Reiatsu.  He’ll be unstoppable if he absorbs all of this!  But, Yamamoto didn’t care.  He just charged at Kisame full force and shot fire at him.  But Kisame used Water Style: Water Bullet to block it.  Kisame swung at him and absorbed some of the Reiatsu by his body and in the area around that!  Samehada had grown tremendously!  It was the size of a tree already.  Any minute now, Kisame would fuse with it and become the monster that everyone feared.  As they say.  He is the “Tailed Beast without a Tail”…

“You may be strong, but, I have a sword that absorbs your Chakra.  So, I wouldn’t let my guard down if I were you.”  He just continued swinging, but, he wasn’t swinging to strike Yamamoto, he was swinging to absorb the Reiatsu.  Now Samehada was too just to large to measure it to.  And with that, Kisame began to fuse with Samehada.  The look on Yamamoto’s face was stern.  If he was frightened, he didn’t show it…

“You monster.  This is why you won’t defeat me.  You are corrupt with power.  And that is what makes you weak!”  Kisame didn’t care, he was just trying to finish it quickly.  The hideous monster everyone feared had been brought back to life!  The Half Human-Half Shark monster dashed at Yamamoto and clawed at him, all the while producing an arena of water.  This was how he would win every fight!  He would create an arena of water after assuming this form.  That would give him an advantage, as sharks are best in water…

Yamamoto charged at KisHada, as Shikamaru called him.  He tried to stab him, but to no avail.  This was going to be a fierce fight…

Next Chapter: Fierce Unleashing

Sorry that this chapter was kinda boring.  It was mostly just Swords.  I was trying to put some Kido into it, but I couldn’t find the right spot.  But, I still hope you enjoyed this fight! ^(^_^)^

It’s been months since Itachi agreed to be a double agents for both Uchiha and Leaf, he’s been secretly training on his own without the help of his family neither Madara. Itachi stands on the training field shooting  kunai at bulls eyes with his eyes closed hitting every target. He realizes that he maybe strong but not strong enough to take on the entire clan by himself but then he remembers Madara’s words, ” To gain the Mangekyou Sharingan you must kill your best friend!”

Itachi opens his eyes and Shisui and Asami are approaching him!

Asami: There you are Itachi, we’ve been looking all over for ya!

Shisui: You’ve been kinda distant lately, if we are going to be successful in our plan than we have to stick together.

Itachi: So you two truly believe this is the only way?

Shisui: YES!! And you better get in line Itachi , your an Uchiha, and you’d better start acting like one!

Itachi gives off a great amount of chakra making both Shisui and Asami sweat heavily!

Itachi: You who only live for fame and bliss could never know the true struggles of a shinobi, I’ll let you off this one time, next time you threaten me you won’t be so lucky!

Shisui: Why you!!!

Asami: Shisui!!, Please Itachi don’t be that way, lets all calm down and talk maybe we could understand each other.

Itachi: The funny thing is I already understand you and thats the problem!

Itachi Disperses!

Asami: What’s wrong with him?!!

Out on a lake outside the village Fugaku stands looking into the sky, when the Third Hokage appears!

Fugaku: I knew you would come sooner or later, do you feel it?

Third: Who wouldn’t feel the strain between our people? The really question is how can we ease it without any bloodshed?

Fugaku: I don’t know if we can Hokage-sama, I knew you would be the only one who would try, and I also know that the council members including Danzo are already preparing for the worst.

Third: We could end this now, just tell me what you want?

Fugaku: What we want is something you can’t just give us , it’s something we must take. What we want is pride, honor and power!

Third: You know what will happen if a civil war breaks out, people will die, innocent people and that I can not let happen!

Fugaku: Then we have a serious problem!

Third: I’m sorry we can’t solve this with words not with our weapons.

Fugaku: So am I!

Third: Think of your family, your sons, they may also be lost to this nonsense!

Fugaku: My family is willing to die for our cause, can you say the same for the people of this village!

Third: You truly have lost your way. (The Third turns around and walks away)

Fugaku: Let it begin!

The scene switches to Itachi in the Uchiha temple reading the tablet with his Sharingan activated!

Itachi: So it’s true!

Itachi then leaves the temple where he sees Shisui saying goodbye to Asami before his mission. Itachi then walks up and kisses Asami on the cheek and walks away leaving her looking shocked!

Shisui is soaring through the trees with two other ninja from the Leaf, suddenly a swarm of kunai burst out of the trees killing the two the Leaf ninja, shisui manages to dodge the attack and land on the ground safely. He looks up and sees a shadow walking toward him!

Itachi: It’s time Shisui, our destiny’s have finally collided or should I say intersected!

Shisui: What is the meaning of this Itachi?

Itachi: I can’t allow the clan to start this war, I have to stop them and for that to happen I need you.

Shisui: You can’t be serious, you are willing to betray your own family to save those parasites who only care about themselves.

Itachi: And what do you call what you are doing? You are willing to allow hundreds of thousands to die for you own selfishness.

Shisui: It’s more than that and you know it!

Itachi: I have weighed both and the lives of innocent people beats selfishness!

Shisui: You are willing to kill your best friend, for what?………… Uh!! Your trying to gain the Mangekyou!

Itachi:………..

Shisui: Your not the only one who read the tablet, you have the nerve to call us selfish and you are willing to kill to gain power!

Itachi: To stop you!

Itachi dashes at Shisui at full speed kicking him through the trees knocking him into a river, Shisui stands trying to catch his breath.

Shisui: I guess this isn’t a joke, so this is it, this is as far as we go. I can’t let you stop us Itachi, you are my best friend but I can’t let you stand in our way.

Shisui activates his Sharingan and so does Itachi, they both dash at each other at incredible speeds both with their Katana Swords ready slashing away at each other. Sounds of their blades clashing can be heard for miles, Itachi flips above him striking him with massive strength but Shisui manages to block them countering him punching him in the face sending him falling a few feet back. Shisui uses the body flicker techniques impaling Itachi through the chest with his sword but Itachi disperses in a flock of crows making Shisui realize he is in genjutsu. Itachi turns to Crows into shuriken making them all stab Shisui one by one but Shisui’s body split into millions of pieces revealing Itachi is the one actually in genjutsu! Both of the ninja release their illusions because of the strain on their lives!

Itachi: So you’ve mastered your Sharingan already, impressive!

Shisui: Yeah, but you have a talent far greater than mine.

Shisui forms hand signs, Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu, Itachi also forms hand signs, Fire Style: Fire Ball jutsu the jutsus collide causing a great explosion, Itachi stands silently trying to sense Shisui, suddenly Shisui burst from the water below him kicking him in the chest sending him flying in the air, Itachi flips while in the air sending a giant wave of Kunai falling from the sky all attatched to explosive notes. The kunai hit the ground causing a huge explosion, Shisui runs at Itachi but Itachi kicks water in his face blinding him for a second while Itachi lands a few punches to his faces. Itachi takes out his katana and stabs Shisui but he realizes he’s a water clone, the real shisui appears from below him tying iron thread around his legs swinging him around into a wall creating a large crater. Itachi cuts the thread with a kunai and lands on his feet.

Itachi: You’ve improved a lot, I always knew you were excellent in hand to hand combat but this is amazing. I think it’s time we stop playing around and fight for real!

Shisui: I agree, but before we continue, I want you to know I do care about the lives that will be lost but I care about our clan even more. That’s where we are different, you care about the greater good but I care about our clan, enough to want to ensure a place for us in the future. I know you are not stupid, you know that Konoha has always treated us like crap and used us for their own gain, but after this war we will finally be free of their tyranny and we will gain true power and bring true peace to the world!

Itachi: Peace is not war, it will only make things worst, bring new enemies and more hatred, but it’s too late now, I will stop you here and now!

Shisui: If you get what you want and kill us all, what will there be left for you? Aren’t I your best friend, you clansmen? What about your own family, your just going to throw all of us away like we mean nothing!!?

Itachi: No, you all mean everything to me thats, why I’m doing this. Right now our clan is seen as a former shell of what it use to be but our greatness is still known to the world, if we do this we will be known as the ones who destroyed the hopes and dreams of the ninja world if this war is started and we will forever live in shame. The only way for us to have immortal greatness is if I end it here, and who’d better to end it than the heir to the entire clan!

Shisui: You really have lost it!

Itachi: I have a confession to make, I’ve been hiding my true power from you even before all of this pain, I think it’s time for you to see my true power!

Itachi forms a single hand signs and admits a huge amount of chakra causing to water to move violently! Shisui stares in shock at his comrades chakra! Itachi dashes at him with incredible speed punching him in the stomach sending him flying into the side of a mountain, shisui stands and dashes aswell stabbing him in the chest but its a clone, the clone explodes catching Shisui off guard. Shisui swims to the top of the water with bruises all over him.

Shisui forms hand signs Wind Style: Tornado of Death, A giant hurricane appears in front of him and combines with the water creating a water whirlwind!

Shisui: I was planning on destroying countless of leaf shinobi with this but,…. it’s a shame I’ll have to end the life of my best friend with it instead.

Itachi: Incredible he’s controlling it with his chakra and its growing, the sheer force of this will crush me into pieces!!!

Shisui: Goodbye my friend.

The jutsu spins towards Itachi quickly, as the attack is about to hit Itachi forms hand signs Earth Style: Earth Wall, the wall forms from the mud on the ocean floor and he then set it on fire with a fire attack combining Earth and Fire! The water whirlwind eradicated the wall overtaking Itachi. Moments later Itachi floats to the top of the water with a few broken ribs.

Itachi: (Panting) I can’t believe I survived that.

Shisui:……..

Itachi: It seems our bond as clansmen and friends has been broken, I know it may not seem like it but every blow I inflict on you causes me great pain aswell because you are the closest friend I have ever had. It’s sad it has to end this way!

Tears fall from Itachi’s eyes, suddenly with his eyes closed, Itachi flashes back to when he was little during the Third ninja war battlefield with bodies of dead people as far as the eyes can see and he  and his clan is standing in the middle. Realizing this could be the near future Itachi opens his eyes fiercly Shisui suddenly sees a different stronger chakra around Itachi  with his Sharingan emerging, Itachi opens his eyes and reveals his Mangeykou Sharingan!

Shisui: He did it, but how?

Itachi: I feel the power of the Mangekyou flowing through me!

Shisui: I have to end this now!

Shisui activates his sharingan and suddenly the water whirlwind begins to form right under Itachi, Itachi jumps a few feet back as the jutsu forms once more, but this time the attack shoots at Itachi from the top, Itachi forms hand signs, and uses Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu, the attack shoots through the water attack cancelling out the jutsu!

Itachi: My chakras are stronger now.

Shisui dashes at Itachi but with a sweep of his foot he knocks him off balanced and punches him in the jaw sending him crashing to the earth floor. As Shisui arrives at the top of the water Itachi pulls a string attached to his finger activating traps, hundreds of Shuriken shoot out of the trees, Shisui forms hand signs quickly, Water Style: Water Wall, the wall of water blocks the shuriken but with another pull of his finger suddenly two giant Shuriken emerge from out of the trees spinning fast like discs, Itachi then lights the two shuriken on fire making his harder for Shisui to dodge them. Shisui continues to jump as Itachi pounds the Shuriken into the area where Shisui is standing. Shisui forms more hand signs, Water Style: Water needles, a barrage of needles shoot from the water cutting the string itachi is controlling the shurikens with then activates a water dragon jutsu sending it flying into Itachi! Itachi appears from behind kicking him into the air and then into a wall, he throws kunai to pin him to a wall.

Itachi: It’s time to end this.

Suddenly Shisui admits a huge amount of chakra and fiercly opens his eyes as blood falls from them he also reveals his Mangekyou Sharingan!

Shisui: You aren’t the only one who feels they have lost their best friend, and not we will truly see who’s destiny will come to past!

Shisui uses his chakra to force the kunai knives out of his shoulders and punches Itachi in the face sending him flying. Itachi stands and they both cast Genjutsu with their Mangekyou Sharingans, both techniques cancel each other out putting a strain on each others eyes. Itachi uses this time to activate another trap, he tugs his finger releasing another giant shuriken which flies straight at Shisui from behind, Shisui grabs his Katana and uses his chakra to incase it in water and slices the shuriken into pieces but when he turns to face Itachi, Itachi is already in his face and activating is Mangekyou Sharingan.

Itachi traps Shisui into the Tsukuyomi for three days, then releases the jutsu!

Itachi: I told you Shisui, you didn’t know to dept of my power.

Shisui falls into the water unable to move and starts to sink into darkness, Itachi deactivates his sharingan and falls to his knees crying as his friend drowns in the lake. Moments later Itachi is seen walking into the forest back to the village, he passes a tree where he pins a letter to it with a kunai, he then flashes back to him and Shisui running through the park as kids.

Next: The Massacre of Uchiha Begins!

Dawn of a New Era

Chapter 8

Trial

The Leaf Squad gathers at the Leaf Gate two days later…

Konohamaru stepped forward and addressed his team.

“Okay, team, we head out to Sunagakure today and join up with their team, then to Kirigakure. All set?!”

Everyone gave a nod of agreement and they headed on their way.

Hidden Sand…

The team from Hidden Sand awaited at the gate for their escorts. The people waiting were the three Chuunin; a boy named Tenrai, another named Cito, and a kunoichi named Fera.

The Jonin was Matsuri. “I guess they should be here soon. We just have to be pat-.”

She cut herself off as the Leaf Squad arrived and beckoned them to follow. The Sand Squad followed suit.

Kirigakure…

The Mizukage stood at her window, gazing out over the Swamp of Misery, her hope shriveling. “I feel a disturbance. As if the village will soon be under attack…I hate this feeling.”

Chojuro stepped in. “Um, Mizukage-maam, our team is departing.”

The Mizukage nodded. “All right. Come back alive, if you can.”

Chojuro agreed and shut the door.

The Miuzkage stepped out of her office and from the mansion and looked out over the swamp, ten minutes later.

“Hmm…”

She saw the distilled water frenzy a bit and then start swirling into a whirlpool. She also noticed wires of some sort twisting around inside.

She suddenly became distraught.

She formed a hand sign. “Water Nullifying Jutsu!”

The Miuzkage hopped into the water and stood, her hand held upon the surface. The water started to calm and drift slowly, the waires still floating atop the surface.

“Something’s wrong. What caused that and what are those wires?”

An eerie voice screeched across the water.

“I have your answer here.” More wires appeared from the other side of the swamp and almost grasped her, but she avoided them in time.

Another voice crept across the stale air.

“Don’t try to escape…” A figure appeared in front of her and kicked her across the water. She loest her chakra focus and fell inside.

A Giant Fireball Jutsu penetrated the water and was aimed at her. Kakaze and Kuchia appeared above the water.

“Kakaze, go for the scroll. I’ll handle what’s left of her.”

Kakaze agreed and kept going.

“Hmph, I guess she’s done.”

“Not by a long shot.”

Four water serpents struck up from the water and swirled above Kuchia’s head. They suddenly bolted down and crashed upon Kuchia, causing a huge explosion over the water.

The Miuzkage climbed up onto the surface of the water. She realized, even though she had been submerged in water, her ends were singed and split.

Kuchia emerged from the water as well, his Sharingan activated.

“The Sharingan!? Are you…?”

Kuchia dashed forward, sword at length and drawn. “Die!”

The Mizukage kicked water up and onto Kuchia. “Hai!”

Another explosion erupted where Kuchia stands.

The sword was sent through the air and into the water.

“Mizukage, are you all right?!” Ao appeared next to her. “Milady?”

The Mizukage nodded. “Yes, but Ao, I will take care of myself while you go after the one who is stealing the scroll.”

“The scroll!?” Ao bolted away after Kakaze.

At the Shrine…

Two Jonin fall dead from Kakaze’s strength. “This village is weak…Now for the scroll.”

He kicked open the door and waltzed inside, searching warily for the scroll.

Finally, he located a pedestal with a scroll laying upon it. His hand reached out and snatched it.

“Don’t take another step or you’ll die.”

“Is that so?” Kakaze uttered without looking back.

The shrine suddenly was caught in a huge explosion, much to Ao’s disgrace.

Kakaze appeared outside, concealing the scroll underneath his cloak. Ao appeared as well, on one knee.

“What it…took to avoid…one explosion…agh…”

Kakaze smiled and disappeared.

Swamp of Misery…

Kuchia landed another kick to the Mizukage, sending her skipping across the aqua.

Kakaze sped by him, giving the signal to leave immediately. Kuchia caught up and followed.

The Mizukage wiped blood from her mouth and grimaced. Standing up, she scouted the area in case of others. Ao soon appeared by her side.

“Ao…Why the hell couldn’t you defeat him!?”

“I am sorry I have failed you Milady…”

“Shut up Ao! You failed Kirigakure. You possibly failed the world. Shut your mouth!”

Ao seemed fazed by this angry Mizukage.

“I-”

“I don’t want to hear another word! Get out of my face!” She drew a hand out and slapped him menacingly. She slapped him hard enough to send him onto his knees on the water.

She started to walk back towards the Mansion.

Ao picked himself back up and sat there, mulling over the thoughts of what might happen.

In the middle of a small forest between Sunagakure and Iwagakure…

The three squads decided to take a break by a stream in the forest. Rays of sunshines peaked in through some densely packed trees, slightly illuminating the area.

“You know, we have no sure-fire way of finding the Akatsuki’s hideout.” Tenrai observed as he washed his face in the river.

Konohamaru placed his hand on his chin. “Maybe we can try important, landmarked areas. Like the Valley of End. Or…”

“Sand Cave?” Chojuro added.

“Possibly!” Matsuri agreed. “The Sand Cave is home to many things, and it has multiple large holes and indentions in the sides and crevices. One or two could be large enough for the Akatsuki to dwell in!”

“But hold on!” Azuma stated loudly.

“In the Terrace Valley not far from here, there is an open-ended cave called the ‘Cave of Tiko’.”

“Well, I’ve heard of it. Maybe it could also hold the Akatsuki. But there’s no way we can know for sure unless we find out ourselves. So let’s get packed up and head for the Cave of Tiko.”

The squads departed in the direction of Kumogakure.

A few kilometers north would take them straight into Terrace Valley.

In the Cave of Tiko…

“I feel something strange…hohoho…” Koukishi stated firmly.

“What is it?” Hidan asked gruffly as he appeared on scene.

“Something’s coming our way.”

The hologram appeared at Koukishi’s words. “Hmm, so someone is coming, you say? I guess we’d better be armed and ready…Hakujou, can you tell us how many there are?”

A figure approached from the darkness.

“Yes, sir…It seems there are…Twelve, heading straight into the Terrace Valley.”

“Hmph, we must abandon our base. All Akatsuki members except Hidan and Hakujou take leave to our HQ, post haste!”

The other Akatsuki members obeyeed and quickly fled the cave, leaving only the two and hologram left.

“Hidan, Hakujou. I suspect you two must be capable of handling twelve people.”

Hidan grimaced. “Seriously? WHat do you expect from us?!” Hakujou slapped a hand over Hidan’s mouth.

“Shut up…We can handle this. Just go.” Hidan threw his hand away.

“Keep your hand off my face, you bastard!”

Hakujou smirked.

At the opening…

Matsuri’s body slowly climbed out of a cliffside, scoped out the area and gave a signal. “It’s all clear, guys…Moving in…”

Matsuri took out a kunai and chucked it at the opening. The kunai exploded and sand plastered onto the hole. Suddenly, another explosion occured and rid it of the sand.

“There’s definately someone in there, let’s go!”

Fera and Tenrai appeared from the top of the cliff and rushed down quickly. Tenrai formaed a hand sign.

“Wind Style: Fatal Windball!” He breathed a ball of wind from his mouth and it rolled towards the opening. It impacted and the half the cliffside was blown to sheer rubble. Fera made her way in.

Inside, Fera was blinded by a smoke bomb.

“You’d better leave quickly…I like seeing my opponents suffer! 8 Trigrams: Four Sky Palm!” Outside, Tenrai noticed the cliffside start to burst from inside out and quickly backed up.

“It’s gonna-!”

Suddenly, the entire cliff exploded outward. Tenrai ducked behind a large boulder and watched as the cliff fell to pieces.

“Jashin: Chain Blow!” The scythe apeared from the smoke and destroyed the rock Tenrai was conceled behind. It was a Wind Clone so he avoided damage. Chojuro and one of his Chuunin, Terinow, appeared from atop the opposite cliffside at Tenrai’s side.

“What happened?”

“I don’t know, but Fera’s gone!” Tenrai grimaced.

Hakujou and Hidan appeared from the rubble. “Hello, kiddies. I suppose you’re here to take us down, then? Well, too bad, the others already fled…And your friend is long gone.”

Hakujou smirked. “But you can have fun with use if you want! We’re bored!”

Hakujou, with blinding speed, rushed forward and jabbed Tenrai a multitude of time in chakra points. tenrai was thrown back against the rocky hill.

Matsuri and Cito arrived at his side.

The Leaf Squad now stood right behind Chojuro and Terinow, along with the other two Chuunin, Ominow and Usuniow.

“Aqua Squad, let’s go.” Chojuro drew his sword and jumped. “Take this! Sword Art: Water Hammer Eruption!”

The sword slammed to the ground, causing a massive explosion and sweeping Hakujou and Hidan off their feet.

Usinow formed a hand sign along with Ominow and they shouted in unison, “Water Style: Pressure.”

The water condensed and formed in a tightly wound sphere in the air.

Terinow hopped into the air and placed his hand on it. One hand sign. “Water Style: Exploding Sphere!”

The water suddenly packed tight and exploded fiercely.

Usinow cheered slightly, but the mood changed when Hakujou appeared. “Hmph, 8 Trigrams: Aerial Death Strike!”

Hakujou hit the ground, slid and turned, and jabbed Usinow once in a pressure point. The pressure he applied was so sheer, a major blood vessel burst.

Usinow fell to the ground, half dead.

“Usinow!” Ominow shouted with fear.

“Summoning Jutsu: Monkey King Enma!”

Konohamaru summoned Enma, in which he turned into the Adamantine Nyoi.

Konohamaru glared at Hakujou with deadly intent. “I won’t let you kill them.”

He bolted forward, spinning the adamantine around his body. He appeared in front of him and kicked him in the air. Throwing the pole into the air, it split into pieces. The shifted and locked themselves into a cage around Hakujou. “I’ve had it with you! Adamantine: Cage, Crash & Burn!”

The cage started spinning and plummeting to the ground. It made impact and threw up sediment aruond the area.

The adamantine twirled back into Konohamaru’s hands.

However, Hakujou just picked himself up from the wreckage.

“You know, I don’t care what you do, I’m leaving. Hidan, you coming?”

“No you don’t! Flying Sparrow Cut!”

hidan finally found himself and stood up. Suddenly, he saw Azuma heading straight for him, knives in hand.

“Ack!” Hidan slid to the side, only for his arm to be sliced by the wind chakra.

“Ah, searing pain…I like it!” Hidan rose his scythe into the air and lunged it down with force. His arm fell from his body.

“Hidan, you are so stupid. I’m leaving.” Hakujou disappeared out of sight, somewhere so that the team could not track him.

Hidan fell in hot pursuit.

Azuma fell to his knees. “All of that planning and acting…Only to end up with two dead and no results! That’s not fair!”

Matsuri had finally helped Tenrai to his feet. “I know, but we have to report back. Mission Failed.”

The next day in Konohagakure…

Konohamaru stood in Shikamaru’s office. “That mission was a lot shorter than I expected it to be, Konohamaru. Two people died and you barely managed to injure the Akatsuki, just an arm being severed. I believe this is the biggest mission you, or any other Jonin that was on the mission, have failed YET! Please leave.”

Konohamaru left in shame. “i can’t believe I failed a mission like that…And it was so short…With no good results…This is…So…”

Konohamaru dashed out of the Mansion…

This chapter was longer than the last, but short nonetheless.

Yeah, it was seeming to be something alot bigger than that. But the teams failed miserably and that’s all there is to it…

Till You Die

10 –Vengeance of the Thorns

“Thank you,” Loreli replied to the young woman at her side, “I am fine.”

It was a bit chilly, but that wasn’t the reason why she was rubbing her arms inside her sleeves.

…Rope burn.

She gritted her teeth. The muscles in her jaw ached tiredly from clenching so much.

Yet, despite suspecting that her body might protest getting up this early by leaving circles under her eyes, Loreli had wanted to see this.

The rest of the clan was seeing their warriors off to battle. No, not all their warriors. A good portion of them – equally armed and uniformed in black – remained stationary at the sidelines while the higher-ups were rounding up the men.

“That’s a lot of them left behind,” observed Loreli.

“Not for a stronghold of this size,” she was replied with. “Look.”

The young woman beside her pointed out several prominent figures standing at attention on the sidelines.

“Uchiha Murata, second in ninjutsu only to Izuna, he’s staying behind this time. Uchiha Shindara, the best summoner in the clan and the one in charge of defense. There’s Uchi-”

“Even the head medic?” Loreli asked calmly, with a blink.

“Oh, you know of him? Uchiha Ingra.” An ironic grin. “Unless there are unusual circumstances, the medics would always stay behind. It’s something to do with warriors’ honor or something – only those who survive on the battlefield are fit to live. But don’t ask me how that works.”

…

“So, I hear you and the leader met on his visit to the feudal lord who paid for this war,” the woman noted conversationally when Loreli didn’t say anything else.

“How did it happen?” the young woman wanted to know, voice low and eyes mirthful. “Did he just notice you? How did he propose?”

…

…By twisting her ankle, if she recalled correctly. Loreli glanced down at her feet, checking her healed injury.

Evidently, the other woman thought it was a gesture of embarrassment.

“What, you are shy? Then, is it true he fell for you at first sight?”

“…Sorry,” Loreli interrupted, “can we…”

The other woman looked up and saw what was causing her discomfort.

Uchiha Madara, their shinobi leader, while surrounded by his councilors had noticed her among the gathering. Fully armed and regal in his dark glory, Madara’s unreadable eyes returned her gaze. He signaled for Izuna to take over.

The people around her cleared away when their leader approached her.

“Morning.” That mocking countenance and tone he always used on her. Folding his arms and leaning in, Madara asked her smugly, “Slept well?”

Loreli…hadn’t wanted to go near him. The sole reason why she hadn’t hidden away from this was because she suspected doing that would only make their next encounter more difficult when he had her cornered.

Though as soon as tall, powerful frame shadowed her, however, she was starting to regret.

“A farewell kiss?” Madara taunted, quirked brow, when she made no response.

“…No.”

“Perhaps you’ve forgotten whose war we’re siding in,” Madara reminded her.

…She glanced to the side. Really…he was putting her on the spot right before all these people. No room to back out of it either.

Hesitantly, Loreli reached for the cascade of his long spiked hair in front. She raised it to her lips. Tonelessly, “…I bid you victory, Madara-sama.”

She met his eyes, veiled and expressionless. Her heart skipped.

It wasn’t good enough for him.

Warm lips claimed hers, and, because she didn’t respond, she felt him growl – a vibration in his throat – as he plunged his tongue into her mouth, his kiss deep and punishing, strong arms forbidding her from drawing away.

Ah…this man simply won’t allow her any room for freedom.

“Madara!” Izuna’s voice.

The long-haired shinobi released his arms around her. He glanced back to Izuna, who was signaling to him that it was time.

“The stronghold is yours,” Loreli heard Madara’s smooth voice comment as she blinked away the stinging at the corners of her eyes. His thumb brushed her lips. Whispering mockingly, “I expect it to still be intact when I return, mistress of the clan.”

…

By the end of first week, she had swept, dusted, and polished everything in his room. Twice. Only because she was getting bored and fourteen years of servant instincts started taking over, and not that she gave a care if their leader died of lung infection.

The second week, one of the women managed to persuade her to leave the room. They wanted her to join them in the kitchen outside, and it didn’t matter if she’d rather not help out. Sadly, just watching them at their chores got her going stir-crazy. In the end she excused herself.

Life went on for the clansmen within the Uchiha stronghold. It seemed they were more or less used to having the shadow of war hanging over their heads. As Loreli wandered around, she felt it was the most freedom she’d experienced since she’d arrived.

In a field she came across clansmen in white, both male and female, foraging among the bushes. She recognized the one standing, giving out instructions, as the assistant medic who nearly always stayed by the head medic’s side.

He noticed her no later than she noticed him.

“Lady,” approaching her respectfully, “you have a request?”

“…No.”

He followed the direction of her gaze.

“Ingra-san has instructed the medics to gather medicinal herbs in preparation.”

“…There are female medics?” Loreli wanted to know.

“We use the term ‘medics’, but the only one who can constitute as a medic outside these walls is Uchiha Ingra, our head medic. The rest of us are more medicine and surgery-based, we don’t manipulate chakra the same way he can.”

She watched the medics for a while longer.

“Ingra-san is…?”

The assistant looked over at her when she spoke. “If you’re looking for the head medic, follow this path to the right. You’ll know the building when you see it. Ah-”

Loreli glanced back at his interruption.

“It’s just…” he looked a bit sheepish “…if this is about before; Ingra-san was not aware of the status of your relationship with Madara-sama, I ask forgiveness for his bluntness on his behalf.” He leaned forward in an apologetic bow. “I will accept any retribution in his stead.”

Loreli was surprised. That was the kind of impression they had of her? Not that she could complain; she did depict stubbornness on several occasions…and had even dumped soup on their leader during their wedding banquet. Aside from Madara’s councilors who were with him on his trip to the castle, and the young Uchiha men whom he had thrown her to, no one else knew the real picture.

“Don’t worry,” she assured him, “I have no such intention.”

She didn’t know whether he believed her or not. The assistant bowed his head in acknowledgement and she left.

…

Loreli went past it twice. She was still trying to decide if this prison-looking place, partway between one guardhouse and the next, was what she needed to find when she caught sight of two guards up on one tower snickering at her obvious reluctance.

…

Well…they didn’t stop her when she pushed the heavy metal doors open and let herself through. The doors closed by themselves behind her.

The strong smell of warmth and spring hit her. Soon it was forgotten, as Loreli was awed by the sight.

“The genealogy of every member of the clan, the biology of the Sharingan, the components of the Uchiha bloodline, everything is here. Which is why, should any invaders intrude, it would be best they cannot escape.”

Uchiha Ingra rolled up the scroll in his hand, returning it into its rightful slot on the high-stretching scroll library. “My lady,” coolly, the head medic turned to face her, “is there something you need?”

“I-” Her elbow knocked down a handbook from the shelf behind her. She hadn’t noticed she had backed up that much while staring up at the ceiling.

Rolling up her long sleeve, Loreli reached and picked it up. “I apologize…I don’t know from which space this fell from.”

It took her a moment to realize that his eyes weren’t staring at the book she held out to him. He was looking at her wrist.

Her heart skipped a beat.

It…it couldn’t be… The rope burns which had adorned her wrists had faded quite nicely over the past week and a half. Shouldn’t be able to tell.

If the head medic noticed anything, he made no comment.

“This is fine. I needed a look at this.” His long dense lashes curtained his eyes as he looked down, flipping through the pages.

Loreli watched as the tall regal medic went to another shelf with silent steps, continuing his work with serenity as if her presence didn’t matter to him.

“Ingra-san, are you…” she glanced at the sheer amount of knowledge which must be present in the room “…self taught?” Loreli smiled wryly. “Were you forced to become a medic?”

Uchiha Ingra replied coolly without glancing at her, “I chose this path.” He was pacing lightly, comparing the text between two open books.

“My brother was a true warrior,” he continued nonchalantly, still reading, “but no matter how great his achievements or how much he cared about the clan, with eyes like these, he could never become accepted as leader.” There was a pause, Ingra added, “Legitimately.”

Loreli was silent, pondering his words.

“…Teach me to be a medic.”

This time the head medic glanced back. His apathetic gaze assessed her.

Ingra closed the book in his hand.

“My lady,” his cool, disinterested voice questioned her, “what is the real favor you want to ask of me?”

…

Loreli gave him a small mirthless smile.

“…Can you help me?”

Loreli had naturally hidden herself away from it all. She knew any one of them could probably find her easily, but she…wanted more time to think.

A shadow shot overhead, crashing into the branches of the tree she was sheltered below.

Mishura, spreading and refolding her wings menacingly. She let out a shrill shriek.

…Ah…he’d found her.

…

Slowly, Loreli rose up.

His wife had skipped greeting him at the gates. Madara would be furious.

“Welcome back…Madara-sama.”

She didn’t straighten from her bow until she was sure he was beside her. Even then, she didn’t turn to look.

His tall, dark presence was foreboding. Arms crossed, as she saw from the corner of her eyes, he demanded coolly, “The reason for your absence?”

Loreli raised her eyes, facing him.

…Just like how she remembered him. Uchiha Madara wasn’t someone whose image could be easily forgotten.

Bruises, red marks, ripped cloth and dried blood marred his sharp, unrelenting frame. But instead of making the powerful shinobi any less ravishing…the traces of war rather made him look fully in his element. Bloodthirsty, red-rimmed eyes raked her soul, impatiently waiting for a reply.

Briefly, Loreli closed her eyes. It seemed the Uchiha clan’s leader had sought her out straight away.

“…I only wanted to be alone for a bit. Is that too much to ask?”

She saw his red-rimmed eyes narrowing in displeasure. Leaning in with arms folded and long bangs falling over one eye, Madara’s visible eyebrow rose as he bit out mockingly, “Denied.”

…Loreli pursed her lips, silent.

“Ah. My bad.” Madara’s cruel, taunting response. “You’re upset?”

“Madara-sama had not rested in weeks. I shall temporarily reside in a separate room,” Loreli informed him helpfully. She was an outsider to their clan. She didn’t think he would make the mistake of entrusting her with his life in his sleep.

“Doesn’t matter,” he replied curtly. “Your precious princess is safe,” Madara said snidely, voice lightening to another taunt, “How are you going to thank me?”

Pain.

…Fourteen years…fourteen years she’d been with the princess. He was the one who had taken her away in the first place, and speaking every word, knowing they were poison to her ears. Cruel, this man is…

How was she going to thank him?

Loreli steeled her resolve.

…There would be no turning back after this.

He had made it easy for her by leaning over to her the same way he always did while speaking to her. Loreli grasped hold of his hair, on tiptoes, pressing a harsh kiss to his dark lips. An urgent kiss.

As abruptly as she did that, she pulled away. “Madara-sama, you taste of blood.”

Pleasantly, she added, “Please don’t touch me while in such a state.”

He was about to respond. She forestalled it by giving him a sweet peck, again on the lips. “Please.”

Heart hammering inside her chest, Loreli waited a breathless moment to see if he would change his mind. Then she turned and ran.

The second day she had painted the Uchiha symbol on the wall into a flower. He discovered this when he returned from a briefing to retrieve something from his room.

As Madara stared at the wall, arms folded, he realized she might just be more cunning than he had thought.

There was no way he’d allow anyone to live to see that the great Uchiha Madara had failed in getting his wife to respect him.

…He found her with the women, working alongside them in a light atmosphere. For a long time Madara watched the scene with his arms folded, ignoring those who passed by in greeting. While his earlier rage simmered down as the time passed, it was replaced by something utterly perverse. He wanted to go out there and forcefully drag her away from their midst.

She was happy.

A side of her she had never shown him. A change which perhaps occurred ever since he left for battle. A feeling of contentment only brought about by his inexistence.

Long fingers gripped his sleeve at the elbow.

Unacceptable.

It was the woman beside her who had notified her of his presence. The smile melted from her eyes and she stood, putting on a pleasant but guarded expression.

“Madara-sama.” Approaching him calmly, she inquired, “…You are seeking me?”

Harshly. “What happened to your hair?”

“…I cut it,” she replied, her long-lashed eyes peering innocently up at him. “I felt awkward that my husband has longer hair than me.”

Madara’s dark eyes narrowed, pacing a circle around her. “So you cut it even shorter?” he snapped maliciously. Unbelievable. It was her declaration of war.

“…I was not aware I needed Madara-sama’s permission to alter my appearance,” she said.

Heh. If that’s how she liked it, he would play her game.

“You are my wife,” Madara said silkily in reminder, lowering himself to her height.

She watched him with a veiled expression.

“Madara-sama…” she took locks of his long ebony hair into her hands, pulling and telling him lightly “…we’ve already established that.”

As the numerous Uchiha women watched curiously from behind, she raised his hair to her lips before gently lowering it back into place.

“Your wife needs to return to her chores,” she said softly. “Madara-sama, can this wait?”

She didn’t wait long for a reply. Smiling semi-sweetly, she fluttered away.

Ah. Reaching for and snapping her neck would be so easy.

She’d be grievously mistaken if she thought he couldn’t do it.

His murderous red gaze followed her as she flit around the hall, helping the other women. The way some of his men took notice of her did not escape him. She was positively radiant when lively, different from the small, suffering female she was when she had first arrived.

‘Displeasure’ did not quite sum up what their leader Madara was experiencing at the moment.

“Madara.” Izuna frowned without looking up from toying around with his plate. He had received a head injury during one battle, now bandaged, and it resulted in having not much of an appetite. “Your Sharingan. It’s ruining the mood.”

Before any snide retort was made, that scandalous female halted next to the Uchiha clan’s second-in-command. She leaned over and pecked Izuna prettily on his cheek. “Congratulations on your victory.”

SLAM.

Not so much the loudness, but the intent behind it. Uchiha Madara had shot up from his seat, the action so fast and vengeful that Izuna actually started getting up on reflex.

…

“Ah, Madara-sama, forgive me,” she said, approaching him carefully and seemingly oblivious to all the attention centered on her. “…If that isn’t to your taste, I will prepare something else for you right away.”

His red-rimmed eyes never leaving her face, Madara yanked her down into his lap, facing him, hard eyes scrutinizing his woman.

Telltale signs of weakness. There were many.

After an intense, suspenseful moment Madara smirked at this knowledge and leaned back lazily, challenging her, “I may find it acceptable, if you feed it to me.”

Her façade was impressive. There was only the briefest of hesitations before she reached to the table. “Madara-sama knows of my clumsiness in such matters, but if you insist…”

He caught her wrist before she could spill the contents on him, his red eyes darkening. Slowly, he drew the bowl out of her hand, placing it back on the table.

Thumb drawing lazy circles in the palm of her hand, Madara spoke softly and sinisterly, “Tell me what you’re up to.”

A short pause.

Gifting him with the third surprise since his return, she leaned into him sweetly and whispered into his ear, “Madara-sama…I will have you regret making me your wife and mistress of the clan.”

Her scent was light and feminine, triggering memories of her, helpless and submissive underneath him. Violent urges under control, Madara wondered wryly if she had any idea what risks she was taking by pressing herself against him.

She didn’t pull away. Neither did Madara force her to. A lesser man wouldn’t have been able to remain calm and stoic as he told her coolly, “I won’t permit it.”

“I won’t listen,” she replied calmly, not missing a beat.

Time froze. She felt his muscles tense.

Snap.

She had flinched at sound, sharpness amplified tenfold by the malignant atmosphere.

Heart drumming in her ears, Loreli glanced to the floor next to her, where Izuna’s chopsticks have landed, still spinning.

“That was me,” Izuna admitted. “You mind?”

…

Shakily, Loreli gathered her bearings and rose up, not daring to meet the eyes of the man before her.

She wordlessly reached down and picked up the pair of chopsticks, her fingers numb and cheeks cold.

“Not taking advantage of me, are you?” Izuna asked in amusement when she neared him.

She blinked down at his eyes. Red eyes.

Izuna reached forward and steadied her when she swayed on her feet. “My lady is tired,” he said, signaling for assistance from the women. “Have her retire for the night.”

No protest from her. She had no defense against the Sharingan.

Izuna watched her get taken away, idly tracing his middle finger along the rim of his cup, meditatively.

…Brave as she was, there was still no way she could’ve gotten this bold without the right kind of encouragement. It was a change not even he could have brought about.

Someone…already held a high position of trust in her heart.

“Madara, there is probably nothing scarier than a woman scorned,” Izuna observed, conversationally. A crack split down the length of his cup. He glanced at it with a small frown.

…

“Hn. Very well, since you asked,” Izuna responded with a bit of uncharacteristic smugness, “I will show you the way to her heart.”

A/N: Will he succeed? Will she fail? Will the plot receive an advancement next chapter? Will there be character development? Will there be more Madara abuse? Hahahah

Post Author: Paintheclown

Rating: T

Warning:  All the chapters I post will be between 600 and 1200 words until Winter Break.  Sorry, but, I hope you still enjoy these.  Enjoy! ^_^

Need to catch up? Chapter 001

(Recap:  When we last left, Shikamaru had been revealed to be dying.  While Soul Society was awaiting his arrival…)

At Soul Society…

“Captain Unohana, I will need you to stand here and attack anyone that passes through this Garganta while I get Shikamaru Nara.  Is that clear?”  The Captain-Commander had been very tense for the past three hours.  Maybe it was because of another Leaf Ninja was coming to Soul Society.  This would be the 47th this week!  but, something had upset him…

“Yes sir,” Unohana said as she walked away to report the Gotei 13 about their mission…

“Okay.  I will be back soon.” he said as he stepped into the Garganta…

In Shikamaru’s Room…

Shikamaru couldn’t sleep.  His body ached all over.  His head and heart throbbed!  As he turned his head, he saw a ripple in the space by the back wall.  As he got up, the ripple opened to reveal an elderly man.  He was shocked!  This has never happened to him.  Maybe it was a dream.  No, it couldn’t be.  He was awake.  He knew that.  The elderly man stepped out into his room…

“You are Shikamaru Nara right?”  His voice was rasp.  He looked sick.  Maybe he was.  But, the only thing he knew about this man, was that he knew Shikamaru’s name…

“Yes, I am.  And you are?”  This man was weird.  He stepped into his room through a ripple in space.  He knew his name.  This was freaky…

“You are to come with me immediately, as you are to die within the minute.”  He was serious… he thought.  But, he was suppose to die within the year, not the day!  Something was up.  And, he didn’t like it…

“No, you’re wrong!  I’m suppose to die within the year, not this minute.  You must have the wrong man.”  But, he could feel that he was the one he was here for…

“This minute is within the year.  You young people aren’t that bright.  And, your time on this world has ended…”  As he said this, Shikamaru’s body went limp and his soul separated from it.  This was depressing.  Now the villagers would freak out because their Hokage has died.  but, there was nothing he could do, so, he decided that he would have to go with this man…

“Okay, let’s go…”  He really didn’t want to, but, he had no choice…

“Excellent, now, come with me…”  And with that, he followed the man into the vortex in the middle of the room, while his lifeless body was laid there in the room…

This vortex was creepy.  It was just a hole in space filled with darkness.  So, he decided to ask some questions to pass the time.  As he didn’t know how long it would take to get to wherever they were going…

In Shikamaru’s Room… again!

Kisame had finally been fed up with all this crap.  he was the Supreme Leader of Akatsuki.  After he and Tsunade (he couldn’t believe that he had actually worked with that vile woman) defeated Madara, he’s wanted Shikamaru died.  Well, he wouldn’t let Shikamaru get away this time.  So, he went into the vortex with 3 more people…

In the Vortex…

So, you’re taking me to a place named ‘Soul Society’?  And most of the Leaf Ninja go here after they die?  And two of the three Sannin and Asuma Sensei are there waiting for me?”  These were just a few questions he had.  He couldn’t believe this!  he was going to see Asuma Sensei again!

“Yes to all those questions.  Now, here we are.  This… is Soul Society!”  It was huge!  No wonder it was called a Society.  It was so much larger than the Leaf Village.  But, he needed to get to Asuma as soon as possible right now…

Next Chapter: Gathering of Familiars

previous chapters:

1     6      11     16     21     26

2     7      12     17     22     27

3     8      13     18     23     28

4     9      14     19     24     29

5     10    15     20     25

Previously: The number 8 ninja from the moon country has attacked the shadow country and took 3 gennins wih him and is now fighting J-sama Ws Sothe Chaos Shika Sokka and 3 KAEB’s.

The ninja smiles as J-sama stands in front of him and charges at him but he doesn’t come close to him since one of the KAEB’s has stabbed him in the chest but suddenly he explodes in a suicide jutsu that hits the KAEB who gets blasted back and falls down the roof they were standing on but as he almost hit the ground he got caught by one of the other KAEB’s

KAEB2: What have i told you about reckless assasinations against clone users?

KAEB1: The one that looks to be real might be a clone and uses a suicide exploding jutsu when you hit a vital spot.

Back on the roof the other KAEB has captured the 3 gennins in a earth jutsu but they suddenly explode also.

J-sama: Dammit just like i thaught we played right into his trap! men don’t attack them in close range since they might explode when they get hit! the real one is probbaly long gone already.

Chaos: So we are just wasting time here?

Sothe: WS Chaos let’s end this

White Shinobi & Chaos: OK!

Chaos: Swords Dance!

Chaos summons 20 sword and puts chakra threads on them to conroll all of them all at the same time and cuts the enemies outside their explosion range.

White Shinobi: Ice Lance

White Shinobi makes a ice lance and hits the enemies before he comes in their range and when the lance get’s damaged he just fixes it.

Sothe: Illusion Demon Circkle

The illusions surround sothe and attack the clones.

Shika: These powers of them are not half bad.

Sokka: *deactivates gofuuungan* yea but they are not used to them yet so it costs a lot of chakra i won’t be suprised if they collapse.

Just as Sokka said that Chaos begins to get more tired and his accuracy drops letting one clone get inside his guard but because of quick handeling from one of the KAEB members the clone explodes far away from chaos.

Chaos: So it’s you huh? “Gravitron” (This is a nickname for the guy not his real name)

KAEB: You should get used to that power before you’re gonna use it.

All the clones seem to have exploded.

Sothe: I know i should get used to it first but the best way to get used to it is to fight with it right?

KAEB: True but what should we do now? they have escaped.

J-sama: We should recover our strength and tomorrow let’s meet at noon in my office.

All: Ok!

*The nexy day at noon in the genkage office*

J-sama: So are all of us here?

White Shinobi: Yes.

Grand Hokage: Wait iruka isn’t here!

ZepWolfX: Mart isn’t here either

Anbu Quazzie: Same with IO

J-sama: THat’s the reason i called all of you here, they have joined the moon country .

Silver Uchiha: Then we should attack the moon country to get them back.

Darklurker: Yea i’m shure they didn’t join in their own free will.

E.R.nefarious: Shut up you brats! We are not going to attack the moon country at least not now, we need to get more info on them before we go there.

Tailedfox: Well if that’s all we should go back to training.

*all the gennins leave the room together with the chuunin and most jounin*

Whitefangofkonaha: So we really won’t go and fetch them back?

J-sama: No i wish we could but we can’t afford to walk in another one of their traps.

The KAEB members from last night come in too.

Laydee Kay: You guys are late!

KAEB: Sorry.

J-sama: It doesn’t matter much, now take your masks off.

*they all take their masks off*

Chaos: So i was right Gravitron-san

Pain0Avenue: I prefer it if you call me on my normal name.

Chaos: Oh i’m sorry p0a

Sothe: So how’s life in the KAEB guys?

Yellow Uchiha: Well it’s alright, at least we got no annoying gennins around us like you guys have.

Whitefangofkonaha: Yea you’re right but it’s never boring with those guys around.

Paintheclown: Well we shouldn’t forget our own time as a gennin.

White Shinobi: He’s right we were some troublesome guys too.

J-sama: I’d hate to interrupt your conversation but i got a mission for all of you.

Chaos: This should be a super S rank mission if we’re all included.

J-sama: That’s right it’s a super S-rank one, i want you guys to go somewhere *tells the details*

*let’s look at what the gennins are doing*

Grand Hokage: Ok if those old geezers won’t help us we will go on our own!

Kisuzachi: Yea Let’s go we can’t let a commerade go to the enemy’s side.

Darklurker: Wait we will need to leave a clone here to fool the others.

Sephiroth: just who are you guys trying to fool?

All: Sephiroth Senpai!

Sephiroth: That’s my name yes.

Suna no ken: Sensei will you try to stop us if we go?

Sephiroth: If i would try to stop you would you give up on getting them back?

Suna no ken: Ofcorse not!

Sephiroth: Ok then go i saw nothing.

???: I’m sorry but i can’t allow you guys to go out here, you know Enju-san wants to be in peace for now.

Sephiroth: Kids go! i will handle this guy.

???: So you’re Sephiroth the starter of this whole war i’m number 51 Kashi nice to meet you

Kashi uses a earth technique and tries to hit the gennins with it but Sephiroth makes a cut on Kashi’s cheek while he was casting it.

Sephiroth: You will die if you don’t fight me seriously.

kashi: I see you really are strong.

Sephiroth: *smiles* That was nothing

 Kashi tries to hit Sephiroth but Sephiroth dodges him and now jumps at Kashi, kashi get’s into a defencive stance but as soon as Sephiroth comes close he dissapears and kicks Kashi in his back.

Kashi: *coughs up blood* it seems i underestimated you.

Sephiroth: you shure did.

Kashi jumps at Sephiroth but now at far greater speed and both of them fight egually for a while until Sephiroth uses a combination of a fire thunder and wind jutsu. (he first shoots a fireball that get’s dodged by Kashi but it was only ment to block his vision since a lightning spike impales his left arm folowed by a wind blade that makes a big cut on his right arm)

Kashi: Dammit you really are a genious ninja, i can’t win after all.

Sephiroth: Do you have a last wish?

Kashi: Yes.. kill that bitch that has a number 4 on his wrist.

Sephiroth: I will respect your wish i might not be the one that kills him but he will die for shure.

Kashi: Thank you. *Gets decapitated*

*Back to the genkage room*

J-sama: WS where have you sealed “that” scroll?

White Shinobi: It’s right here *Cuts hand open and gets out a small tag*

YellowUchiha: It’s that small?

White Shinobi: Ofcorse not *half ram seal realease*

The tag becomes larger and it seems to be summoning tag where a scroll get’s summoned out.

J-sama: Ok one of you will need to make a contract to the scroll.

White Shinobi: WFK do it.

Whitefangofkonaha: Why me?

White Shinobi: You’re the only one whitout a scroll here so you’re the only one able to do it.

J-sama: Oh and i’ll like to add that Sothe and Choas won’t participate in the first part of the mission.

Sothe: Why not?

Chaos: To give us time to master our scroll?

J-sama: Indeed so for the first part we have 2 others who are late.

Familiar voice: What do you mean late? We were here all the time we just wanted some fresh air.

PainTheClown: That voice… Sokka?

*door opens*

Sokka: Damn right it’s me

Shika: Sokka you’re annoying.

Sokka: Shut up why did you have to come here anyway?

Shika: Because master told us we are the best suited to go to “that” land.

Pain0avenue: Where are we going anyway?

White Shinobi: To a country where only a few humans have lived to tell the tale i’ve been there once but i was not strong enough to stay there for longer then 10 minutes at that time.

Sokka: tell us more we’ll need more details if we’re going there.

White Shinobi: Ok it consists of 2 islands and the one we are getting send is divided in 8 parts.

A huge mountain that is said to reach into the heavens it’s located in the middle of the island

A volcano that is said to be strong enough to destroy a whole country

A icy forest that is said to be the coldest place on earth and it’s locted next to the volcano

Then next to the ice forest there’s a wasteland with no shelter to predetors.

Next to the wasteland there’s a forest with trees as huge as a skyscraper.

Next is the underground cave it’s a dark place and it’s a labirint in there.

Then next are the thunder plains the air is heavy and it’s said lightning will strike there each 10 minutes.

Lastly there’s a lake located between the thunder plains and the volcano even i don’t know much about it.

Shika: This is intresting i would like to see it.

White Shinobi: There’s more, You can only enter the mountain if you collect 7 orbs from the guardians who are hidden in each part.

Sokka: And lemme guess we’ll have to get on the mountain?

J-sama: That’s right on the top of the mountain there live the masters of the island you will need to ask them for an allience.

Yellowuchiha: How strong are those monsters on the island?

White Shinobi: When i was still chuunin i was able to stay there 10 minutes but it almost got me killed so it should be safe to say they are between chuunin and joinin level.

PainTheClown: And about how many are there?

White Shinobi: Too much to count i think about 500 each part.

Pain0avenue: Let’s go then.

*WFK opens the scroll and everyone who toutched it get’s sucked in*

*the gennins have reached the location where Iruka, IO and Mart are*

A moon ninja runs into the room where the 3 are hold.

Ninja: Enju-sama we got visitors.

Enju: So they have come to get you guys back let’s welcome them.

Enju walks outside.

Enju: I know you guys are out here show yourselves this is a clone so it wont help you to kill me.

A sword cuts the clone down and they all rush inside

Enju: They killed it even though i told them not to, well this might get fun i was bored anyway.

2 ninja’s block the way but Grand Hokage grabs his bow and shoots 2 arrows and kills both ninja’s with 2 perfectly aimed shots. when they jumps over the 2 dead ninja’s another ninja attacks them but zep kills him with his gentle fist. but as soon as the ninja is dead 2 other jump at them but get quickly beaten by Kisuzachi and Silver Uchiha. When they turn around the corner they see 3 ninja’s preforming a wind jutsu but Naruto Uzumaki shoots a fireball at them, the fireball becomes bigger because of the wind and the 3 ninja’s get heavy burns then Anbu Quazzie and tailedfox finish the job: Anbu Quazzie uses a doton to prevent 2 of them from moving and hit’s the 3rd one with a nekode while Tailedfox plants kunai in the other 2.

Darklurker: Zep Have you found them yet?

Zep: No but i found sometihng strange..

Darklurker: What do you mean?

Zep: All of the guys we have killed so far had the same chakra it’s almost as if they were all clones.

Darklurker; Maybe it were clones

Zep: But clones dissapear after they get hit

Darklurker: Probally not all clones this guy is a clone specialist remember?

As soon as Darklurker said that they come in a hall with verry much doors

Grand Hokage: Let’s split up so we can search faster.

They all go in a different room but all of them are empty only the door Anbu Quazzie opened led to antoher hallway and he called the others and at the end of the halway there is a door.

The door get’s opened from the inside by Enju.

Suna no ken reacts fast and swings his sword at him but enju just blocks it with his moon tonfa and smashes it in Suna’s belly followd by a kick to his head that sends him flying against the wall.

Zep: You bastard! Shugo Hakke Rokujuyon Sho

Zep tries to hit his chakra points but Enju seems unafected.

Zep: What the?

Enju: So you don’t even know about the moon armor? It can block all chakra attacks as long as i put chakra in it including your gentle fist style.

Just as he had said that a huge wind powered fireball from NU flies at him but it get’s neutralized also.

Enju jumps at Naruto Uzumaki and Silver Uchiha who are combining their powers for another wind-fire combination and knocks both against the wall. Then he blocks a incoming attack from Anbu Quazzie and Tailedfox, but he can’t block the arrows Grand Hokage has shot at him and manages to avoid them by summoning a clone that takes the blow, the clone dies and Enju pushes Anbu Quazzie and Tailedfox back and jumps then he uses Zep as a stepping stone and smashes his tonfa’s into darklurker, but before he can reach him Kisuzachi Kicks him away and Suna quickly uses a shadowstep to cut him.

NU, SU, IO & AQ: Quadrouple Dragon! 

They use a Karyuudan, Doryuudan, Rairyuudan and Fuuryuudan at the same time and the jutsu’s merge together into a 4 element dragon that crashes into Enju who is unable to neutralize it and get’s slammed into the celing and makes a hole in it.

Darklurker: It seems my theory was right you can only neutralize 3 different chakra’s at a time.

Mart: How do you know that? we haven’t used a 3 element technique yet, he might not be able to block that one.

Darklurker: After the attack only 1 dragon survived if he is able to neutralize 3 of them but not the 4th So i think he can only disable 3.

Enju: Ok i underestimated you guys but you won’t be able to keep up with me anymore (looks at the hole in the celing and sees a full moon) Tsuki (moon) *his moon equipment begins to glow* Senkou (flash)

A blinding flash fills the room and when the flash is gone all the gennins are unconsious on the floor.

Enju: I’m sorry it was this shorth but i have to go now or tsukikage-sama will kill me for being late again.

*Some time later SSj Sasuke and Sharingan Leader come to the hideout and see the genins collapsed on the floor*

SSj Sasuke: It seems we’re too late.

Sharingan Leader: Yea let’s just bring them back to the village.

*SSj and SL are back in the village*

SSj Sasuke: Let’s go to the hospital.

Sharingan Leader: Yea.

When they arrive at the hospital they see Guruku Laydee Kay and J-sama waiting for them.

J-sama and Laydee Kay take the gennins to the top floor where a team of medics is waiting already.

Guruku: We will be going to the crimson valley tomorrow at noon if we are fast we might make it before the night.

SSj & SL: Ok!

*Sothe and Chaos are at a special training zone far away from the village where they are sparring to master their new techniques*

Chaos summons 8 swords and he controls them with chakra strings and Sothe get’s into defencive stance.

Chaos: Iron coffin!

The swords get into a position where they surround Sothe.

Sothe: Demonic Circle!

8 Illusion clones appear all around Sothe as soon as the swords are in his range and then 8 more appear and push the swords into the ground. (the clones dissapeard after 1 second)

Chaos: Why don’t you us your clones longer then that? it would give a huge adventage.

Sothe: When i use 10 and keep them all 1 second it costs less chakra then when i keep 1 for 3 seconds so to fight more effective i use it this way.
Now sothe get’s offencive and jumps at Chaos who summons a shield to block Sothe but since he’s in his clone range now he get’s kicked into the air from 3 dirctions and then Sothe has gathered chakra for a huge lightning jutsu that falls on Chaos who manages to block it by summoning a huge sword that he uses as a lightning director and shoots it at Sothe who uses a barrier to block it.

*Nef comes running in the hospital with a letter*

Nef: J-chan! there’s a kage meeting comming!

J: So they took action i was wondering if they would ignore it or not.

Nef: There’s only 1 problem we will need to leave soon we will be too late if we don’t.

J: Ok are there any special things?

Nef: The 2 strongest ninja’s must join the kage so that means me and LK will have to come too.

Laydee Kay: Ok let’s go then we might anger them if we are too late.

The kages are holding a meeting how will it turn out? a big brawl? assasination attempts? at least let’s hope it won’t be a boring everyday meting you have in your office. Next time on the Shannaro Manga: 5 Kages Unite: Tsukikage, Genkage, Musikage, Seikage, and Edakage.

Rating: T

Warning:  This is a Bleach/Naruto Crossover series.  All the FICTIONAL characters names are in Spanish.  Also, this chapter will be MAJORLY short, only 450 words!

In the Hokage’s Mansion…

“You’re finally back!  I can’t believe it’s been 3 years!!  It felt like 10!!!”  Shikamaru was tired of everyone welcoming him back to the village.  Just because he was Hokage doesn’t mean he needs so much attention.  Besides, it was just a 3 year mission…

“Don’t make a big deal about it Choji.  If I don’t care, you shouldn’t.” he said.  Choji could sense that Shikamaru was a bad mood.  Shikamaru never snaps at him.  Not once has he done that.  Something was up…

“Sorry Shikamaru.  It wa sjust that you’re my best friend and I haven’t seen you in forever.  Once again, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay Choji.  I’m just upset.”  He couldn’t tell anyone what had happened on his mission.  Not even Choji…

“Oh, I’m sorry.  Can I help you with anything?” 

“No, I just want to be alone.”  As he said that, he walked away to his room…

This was the worst day ever.  He had just learned was going to die within the year.  If he told anyone, they would just get worried and panic.  He didn’t want his people to worry about him.  He wasn’t worth much.  He wasn’t even a good Hokage.  All the Hokage’s before him had done something to protect the Leaf Village from iminate doom.  The 1st protected the village from Madara.  The 2nd defeated a woman named Enojo from enslaving the people with her mind controlling jutsu.  The 3rd defeated Orochimaru.  The 4th protect the village from The Nine-Tailed Fox.  And Tsunade she killed Madara after The Nine-Tails was taken from Naruto.  What had he done?  Nothing but be defeated by a man named Muerte.  He didn’t deserve the title of Hokage.  And that was why he was resigning tomorrow…

At Soul Society…

“Yes Captain-Commander, a ninja by the name of Shikamaru is to come to Soul Society in three hours time.”  Retsu Unohana knew this because she was the Captain of the 4th Squad.  Since the 4th Squad was the Medical Squad, she should know about deaths in the Human World.  “Should I make a position for him in the Gotei 13?  It says here he was the “Hokage” of the Leaf Village.  It also says that the Hokage is the top ninja in the Leaf Village.  So, should we make a position, or enter him in the Academy?”

“We’ll deal with that when he arrives.  You may leave now Captain Unohama.  I have more important matters to deal with at the moment.”  He had a secret of his own.  And, like Shikamaru, couldn’t tell anyone about it…

Next Chapter: Entering Soul Society

Hope you enjoyed!  Please leave your feedback!  Thank you and have a great day! ^_^

Dawn of a New Era

Chapter 7

Generation Ying

Naruto scaled down the side of the Fourth’s stone face, feeling around every part, trying to find an opening, crevice, or sliding part of some sort. Sai aided in this search. After an hour of fruitless search, teh two of them stood atop the Fourth’s head.

“We aren’t finding anything…Give me that scroll, Sai.” Sai handed him the scroll from before.

“Hidden inside the face…Maybe…” He flipped it and found a riddle inscribed into the back. “Hey, Sai, look at this. I think this is different hand-writing than the old man’s.”

Sai and Naruto peered at the writing. “What you seek hides in the face…Find the one place, you use all the time that you take for granted.”

The duo mulled over the riddle, both of them stymied. “You have any idea of what it could mean, Sai?”

Sai shook his head, but soon hopped backwards. “Hm? Do you know?”

Sai nodded his head beckoned Naruto to draw closer. Sai pointed to an area where the head connected with the cliffside. Naruto thought for a moment and soon realized what he was talking about. “Something you use that you take for granted! The opening is in the hair-shaped-stone!” Sai smiled and nodded.

“It’s sort of smart…Now we must find the opening…” Sai and Naruto searched around the stone.

Suddenly, Sai shouted, I found something!” Naruto dashed over to him.

“What is it?”

Sai took out a kunai and held the knife end. He slammed the handle into the cliff and soon, the piece broke and a large opening was revealed!

Naruto beamed. “Great work, Sai! Now, all we have to do is get inside and break the seal!”

Tanzaku Town market…

Sasuke purchases a Flak Jacket from a market, also buying a pair of black sandals. “Thanks.”

He discarded his old white shirt, his ANBU chest guard and arm and shin guards, slipped on the Flak Jacket, new arm guards and the new Ninja Sandals.

“Karin, buy some new clothes. You too Suigetsu.”

Suigetsu scoffed and closed his eyes. “Why the sudden change in attire?” Sasuke turned his attention away, but talk breathlessly.

“We just need new apparel. Why argue? Just get some new clothes.” Suiegtsu shook his head.

“Whatever.”

Sasuke put his Chokuto’s sheath on his left hip and the Kusanagi on his right. He took his headband from his bag and tied it around his head, securing it tight. Placing his hand in his bag once more, he revealed an ANBU mask. He stared at it for a few moments, but soon crushed it in his hand and disposed of the pieces of fiberglass.

After Suigetsu and Karin had put on their new clothes, Sasuke spoke. “Our team’s name from now is…Team Taiyo. Let’s go. We’re almost back to the Leaf Village.”

Team Taiyo took off towards the Hidden Leaf.

Inside the Fourth’s Stone Head…

Naruto gazed around the hollow stone room. “It really has been hollowed out! Go figure!”

Sai scanned the walls for anything like a seal. “I don’t think the seal is a paper seal…I think it’s chakra. Be looking for a pure chakra source.”

Naruto scanned the walls as well. Soon, he felt a hollow space behind the wall. “Sai, is this an inner wall? Or an outside wall?”

Sai looked for a moment. “Your touching an inner wall…” Before Sai had his last words out, Naruto had a Rasengan ready and slammed into the wall. Dust and smoked filled the room. Naruto blew it away witha Wind Release. A tunnel was revealed that led inside the cliffside.

Naruto sighed.

“I guess there’s more history to this cliff than anyone thought! Come on!”

Naruto and Sai dashed inside the dark tunnel.

The dust scattered as they trampeled around inside the large, dark, arid tunnel. Soon, torches on the wall lit and the tunnel was illuminated.

They found a stone door and tried to open it, to no avail however. Naruto tried a Rasengan, but the door didn’t scratch.

“Don’t tell me we came in vain…!” Naruto moaned.

Sai smiled and revealed his drawing scroll. He scribbled a lion on it and summoned it. The lion exploded on contact to the door, leaving the stone soaked with ink. Sai winked at naruto. Naruto grinned.

“Rasengan!” The Rasengan, now, blew the door apart, revealing another room. This one was illuminated by two green-fire torches. Sai walked down a set of two stairs and scanned the ground.

He felt a huge chakra source right in front of him and looked up to see a statue in the shape of Minato. “I believe this is it.” He placed his hand on Minato’s head, where a marking read, “Kitsune Ying.”

Sai was ecstatic. “Naruto-sama, this is what we are looking for!”

Naruto rushed to Sai’s side. “Well? Does it require the Momentum Seal Release?”

Sai was quiet for a moment as he scanned the seal. “I think so…Back up and we’ll just see!” Naruto stepped back and Sai closed his eyes, two fingers still on the seal.

“…Momentum Seal: Release!” A flash of yellow light enveloped the whole room. The light died down and the statue was visible. The seal had dissipated.

Sai and Naruto waited for something to happen. Suddenly, a red energy flowed from the statue and floated above their heads.

“Naruto, try speaking to it!”

Naruto looked up at the sizzling energy floating above.

“Are you the Ying Kyuubi?”

Silence.

“Are you the Ying Power of the Kyuubi Bijuu?!”

A voice emitted from the energy. “Yes, and I believe you are Naruto Uzumaki, son of Minato Namikaze…the Yang was sealed inside of you…and you must have come after me because the Yang was sealed away from you, am I correct?”

Naruto reacted to the lighter voice, much different than the Yang. “Yes, how did you know this?”

“Haaa, I know everything that happens to the Yang chakra, and vice-versa…So, I suppose you want me sealed inside of you, haa?” Naruto nodded. “Yes.”

“Then you need, haa, the Five-Pronged-Seal…haaa.”

Naruto turned to Sai. “Can you do that?”

Sai nodded. “I believe so.”

Naruto turned up to the chakra. “I want you sealed inside of me!”

“Okay, haa, then you need the seal done upon you twice…haa…”

Sai activated the FPS and touched Naruto’s stomach with it, creating the seal.

The chakra gently flowed inside of Naruto. Once inside, Sai did it once more, sealing the chakra inside of Naruto.

Naruto went into his mind speak mode. Inside his mind with the Ying version of Kyuubi…

A gate similar that held the Yang Kyuubi held the Ying Kyuubi.

“Hello, Naruto…”

Naruto stared at the Kyuubi through the bars. “So, since you’re the Ying, I suppose you aren’t as bloodthirsty and cunning as the Yang?”

Silence…But soon…

“You could say that…”

“And be correct?”

Silence once more…

“Yes.”

Real world…

“Naruto-sama? Are you all right?” Sai placed his hand on Naruto’s shoulder.

He snapped from his transe. “Yes…Thanks for helping me out here…But I guess we should get out soon…come on!”

Hidden Leaf Gate…

Team Taiyo stood at the gate, peering into the village. Karin had not been to this village in at least two years.

“I remember when we left the village…”

The team headed inside.

Sasuke passed by the Ichiraku Ramen as Teichu gave him a look of surprise, and Ayame the same.

Karin took in the sights she had not seen in awhile, some refreshing, some just nice to notice.

Anko Mitirashi happened to be walking towards Sasuke, so she stopped and spoke to him. “Sasuke! Hey, where’ve you been?”

“Hello Anko. Do you know where Shikamaru is?”

Anko thought for a moment. “Yeah, I think he’s with Naruto and Sai on top of the Hokage’s Mansion.”

Sasuke thanked her and the trio headed up deeper in the village; towards the Hokage Mansion.

On top of Hokage Mansion…

“So you two found out a secret about the Fourth’s Stone Face?”

Naruto nodded. “Yeah, it concealed the seal that hid the Ying Chakra of the Kyuubi.”

Shikamaru staggered backwards. “Seriously? That’s pretty epic. So did you guys find it?”

Sai held a thumbs up. “Yes, and we sealed it inside Naruto.”

Shikamaru nodded reassuringly. “I guess that’s great then. Oh, and, another scroll was stolen, if you haven’t already found out.”

“Wow, already…That’s two scrolls. What do they do when they have all five?”

Shikamaru sighed warily. “Well, nothing by themselves. They need a special kind of chakra called, ‘The Key of Calamity.’ What it does is summon the power of the scrolls and the power is granted to who or whatever uses the ‘key’.”

“In other words,” Sai added, “if you have the scrolls, and get the key, you control the fate of the world.”

Naruto gulped. “That seems awful…If taken into the wrong hands. So that’s why we have to stop them.”

“Yeah, because we’ll never know if they have the key. But, the good thing, is that the key is hidden somewhere where only a special scroll can reveal its whereabouts.”

“Then where’s the key?” Sai inquired.

“Some say it’s in a tomb deep under the Hidden Sand Village, but they’re just lost rumors.”

Everyone stood in silence a moment. The silence was shattered by Sasuke arriving with Team Taiyo.

“Shikamaru, Naruto, Sai…”

The threesome turned to see the team.

“What is it Sasuke?”

Sasuke stepped forward. “I thought that I may need to come and tell you about the scroll theft in Iwagakure.”

Shikamaru’s eyes grew big, shocked. “W-Were you a witness?”

Sasuke scoffed in a sarcastic manner and looked straight at SHikamaru. “You could say that, if it also includes being the ones trying to stop the thieves.”

Naruto stomped a foot. “So you three tried to stop the one’s who took the scroll? Why weren’t you able?”

Suigetsu scoffed. “We just weren’t able to prevent it, that good enough for ya?!”

Sasuke sighed gently. “…Anyway, we didn’t stop them. They were like eels; slippery and devious. We needn’t underestimate this organization. They’re not any old child’s play. They’re just as if not more dangerous then the original Akatsuki.”

Shikamaru uncrossed his arms. “If this threat is rising, we’ll need to dispatch teams to locate their hideout before any more happenings occur. We need to get in touch with the two other countries to help us out in doing this. It won’t be an easy task to accomplish.”

“Yes, but we can’t hit it head on.” Sai added quickly.

Shikamaru nodded. “Yeah. All right, I’ll get in touch with the other Kages, study around some more and start trying to assemble teams to dispatch. I’m going to have ot be away from the village for awhile, which I’ll have to also spek to the Eldest Counselours about. And, wait, did you say ‘thieves’?”

Sasuke’s crisp, male voice rang across the evening air. “Yeah, why?”

“How many were there?”

Sasuke said five and Shikamaru disappeared quickly. “What’s his deal?”

“They assumed the Akatsuki traveled in duos…”

Two days later, Shikamaru holds a meeting with the two eldest counsil…

“We understand what you’re doing, 8th Hokage, but who do you have in mind to take your place in your absence?” Hiruna, one of the new members of counsil, asked.

“The only person I actually reccommend is Sai. But I’ll only be gone for a day or two, so it’s not long.”

“I see…What do you think Yudo?” The other member of counsil mulled over the idea for a moment.

“Shikamaru, I think the idea of enstating Sai is an idea worth fulfilling. Pass it through, Hiruna.” Yudo agreed.

Shikamaru smiled and Hiruna called the meeting ajurned.

The Next Day…

Shikamaru stands in his office, getting together the documents and scrolls he needs for his leave-away. A knock at the door greeted him and Yamato walked in with Sai.

“Shikamaru, I heard that I’m going to be the temporary Hokage? Did I hear that right?”

Shikamaru nodded. “Do you have a problem with it?”

Sai shifted uneasily to his left foot. “Not exactly, but do you believe I have neccessary requirements to be posses a job as serious as this one?”

Shikamaru needed no time to think. “Yes, I do, you posses the qualities of a true leader.”

Yamato beamed. “I agree with him, Sai. You really are a true leader.”

Sai shrugged and gave in. “All right. So, when do you leave?”

“Right about now…”

Leaf Gate 10 minutes later…

Shikamaru gave a mental goodbye to the Leaf Village temporarily and set off. “Hmm, I should head to Sunagakure first, since they are the closest to the Leaf Village in fellowship.”

Shikamaru waited a moment. “Where is Azuma?”

Suddenly, Azuma appeared next to him. “Sorry I’m late Shikamaru-sama. I got caught up in something. So, are we off?”

Shikamaru nodded and they took off towards Hidden Leaf Forest.

Cave…

“Kuchia, I understand that your Sharingan is fully developed, correct?”

“Yes, sir. Why do you ask?”

“I just needed to know. Your first task will be to aid in our next raid. We will attack Kirigakure next. If you aren’t ready, the mission will fail, and if the mission fails, the other members and you will pay a deep price.”

Kuchia bowed and disappeared. The hologram phased, but Kakaze caught it right before it faded.

“Leader, Jinrai has been killed.”

The hologram seemed to gasp at the sudden news, but Kakaze was sure it didn’t.

“Hmm, I never would have guessed Jinrai would be killed. And so quick, too. What a pity. Well, Kakaze, you’d better not do as poorly as he did, because your next mission is to Kirigakure. Soon.”

Kakaze bowed and also left. The hologram stood silently.

Outside Cave…

“Aww, Jinrai was killed. That’s too bad, now I don’t have a partner, hohoho…” Koukishi sighed.

“Yes, Koukishi, you sound absolutely, DEVASTATED.” Kibu grunted.

“Who asked you?” Koukishi turned his head.

“Also, Koukishi understands that with Jinrai’s death, he’s ranked as ‘One’ on the board.” Kisame spoke with cracked sarcasm.

“Oh, tsk, tsk, tsk…Always one to jump the gun Kisame…”

Kuchia strode passed the three of them, making his way to the other side of the valley wall.

As he approached it, he activated his Sharingan and dashed forward. “Fire Style: Giant Fireball Jutsu!” The giant ball of fire sprang through the air and collided with the cliff, crumbling it into a rockslide. Kuchia hopped from stone-to-stone, finally reaching the top.

“I’d hate to admit it otherwise, but that boy is skilled.” Koukishi said smoothly in one breath.

“I think he’s just lucky to be able to do what he does. He’ll die in no time.” Kisame objected.

Koukishi frowned and shut his eyes. “Don’t doubt him Kisame. He’s an Uchiha, born directly from Sasuke Uchiha. He’s nothing to laugh at. His talent won’t die.”

Kibu stayed quiet and listened to the two squabble.

“I’m telling’ ya, when Madara was around, he constantly raved about the other Uchiha. But when I saw his real power, it was pathetic. So that boy, being born from Sasuke, is a jo-.”

Koukishi cut into Kisame’s words. “Kakaze told me that…Sasuke Uchiha’s daughter killed Jinrai.”

Silence…

Kisame quit talking about Kuchia and watched him slide down the Cliffside.

“So his son has to be worth much more…hohoho.” Those were Koukishi’s final words on the subject as he walked inside the cave, trailing behind Kuchia.

Kibu stood up and followed. Kisame stayed outside and thought to himself in silence.

Sunagakure…

Azuma and Shikamaru walked inside the Kazekage’s Office.

“Shikamaru, finally here. All right, you told me most of what you plan to do in the message. So, how shall we put this together?”

Shikamaru had been re-thinking off how they should organize the plan on their way there.

“We need to have the Mizukage here first.”

Temari sighed and starting scribbling something down on a piece of parchment. She handed it to one of her ANBU and sent him to Kirigakure. “Try to return within a few hours. Shikamaru, if you want her to be here too, we’re going to have to wait awhile for her to arrive.”

Shikamaru grinned. “We have the time.”

Temari sighed and slammed her head onto the desk.

Three hours later…

The Mizukage stepped into the room, Chojuro on her heels.

The Mizukage sat down in a chair. Shikamaru turned to the two Kages.

“Okay, what we need to do first is assemble a team from each village, three Chuunin, one Jonin or ANBU. Once the teams are assembled, we all unite and pin-point the location of the Akatsuki Hideout, figure the plan of action, and strike.”

The Mizukage and Kazekage listened intently. Temari added, “Okay, so one team from each village…”

“But make sure the four people you choose won’t down the defense on your own village…I guess we’re done here…”

Silence…

The Mizukage stood up to leave, walked out the door and Chojuro gently shut it.

Shikamaru stood up as well and headed out with Azuma.

Temari was left alone with a document she had to approve.

Konohagakure…

Shikamaru walked into the Hokage Office quickly, scattered some scrolls around and found four documents.

“Um, are you back to stay?”

Shikamaru slurred his words. “Sort of…”

He layed down the scrolls and wrote down one name on each, finishing with his signature.

He handed them to an ANBU member to take to the four people.

Leaf Hospital…

Uzuna starts to gather his stuff to leave when the ANBU member appears at the door as he opens it.

“Uzuna Uzumaki, this is from the Hokage.”

Uzuna was handed the scroll and the ANBU departed.

He unraveled it. “Uzuna Uzumaki, I have recruited you onto the Leaf Squad to track down Akatsuki. Once you receive the scroll, go to the Hokage Office.”

Uzuna put the scroll in his bag and shut the door gently.

Dumpling Shop…

Neten Hyuuga sat inside, finishing his last stick. The ANBU member appeared inside and he was handed a scroll. “So, I’ve been added to a squad…to take down the Akatsuki. This should be interesting…hmph…”

Weapon Repair Shop…

Azuma stood repairing his knives. Metal had chipped off the ridges when he dropped them on cement.

The ANBU member left him a scroll. “So I’m one of the Chuunin on the squad?! Awesome!”

Training Field…

Konohamaru stood training with the Adamantine Nyoi pole, when the ANBU member hands him a scroll. “Cool, I’m the Jonin on the Leaf Squad! This’ll be worth while.”

Hokage Office…

“Now that the four of you are here, the reason is that we are uniting with the two countries who’s scrolls have not been stolen to take down the Akatsuki. From the inside. You depart for Sunagakure in two days. This will be no easy task. The Akatsuki are dangerous and evil people. Powerful ninja are what they are and best efforts have to be put forth if we have any chance at beating them.”

The four agreed to meet at the gate tomorrow and disperssed.

Shikamaru stood alone in his office…

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now it’s building up to be somethin’ fierce!!!
Stay tuned for Chapter 8, next time!

See ya!

Special Thanks to:

Author: Me of course ;P

Till You Die

9 – Bloodrose Secunda

…

For a long time Loreli sat at the edge of the bed, her mind drawing a white blank.

It seemed a long time since she had been taken away from her beloved home. Loreli counted and recounted inside her head. One week…was it?

Only one week…?

Yuzuzu-hime…Loreli wondered if her mistress had stopped crying yet.

…A warm, bittersweet, nostalgic feeling.

No…those were dangerous thoughts.

Drawing the blanket around her body, Loreli calmly went to the door. Was he planning to keep her in here?

Two guards.

“…I need clothes.”

No speaking glances exchanged. No hesitation. One of them left.

…

“…Where is your leader?” Loreli asked the remaining guard.

“A missive arrived via falcon earlier,” he replied nonchalantly. “He is with the councilors.”

She looked at the Uchiha guard curiously. He didn’t bother to return her gaze.

“You will really accept an outsider as the mistress of your clan?” Loreli asked tonelessly.

Same indifference, he wasted no time in answering to the space before him. “Betray the clan, and you’re as good as dead. Your authority will only last so long as you still have Madara-sama’s favor.”

“…I see.”

In other words…

…She wasn’t going to get out of this alive.

…

Loreli rubbed her temples wearily with one hand.

The guard who had left earlier returned with an older woman by his side.

“There, there.” Loreli felt herself being patted on the side of her shoulder. “Go back inside before you catch a chill like this.”

She allowed herself to be propelled through the door.

“This should be your size, I would think.” A bundle was pressed into her arms. “Go on, go wash up and change.”

Loreli hesitated, watching as the older woman picked up the remnants of the ripped garments from the floor with a cluck of her tongue. Then the Uchiha woman approached the bed.

“…I will take care of that myself,” said Loreli as the woman started bunching up the sheets. She had bled last night. The thought of having anyone else seeing it… It mortified her.

The older woman paused, looking over at her skeptically. Then she shook her head, but to Loreli’s relief, she let go of the sheets.

A deliberate sigh. “When will that boy learn that relying on force won’t win him everything?”

Loreli blinked.

“Look at this, look at this, all this dust!” the older woman exclaimed disapprovingly, having rubbed two fingers together after running them along the top of a nearby shelf. “What a horrid room to live in! If it weren’t for his younger brother, I wouldn’t be surprised if he died from a lung infection or something.”

“…Izuna-sama indeed seems like a mother figure to him,” Loreli remarked dryly.

The Uchiha woman chuckled. “You would think, right? In fact, it used to be reversed with those two. As a young boy, Izuna detested learning the art of war, so much that the trainers thought something was wrong. Madara repeatedly confronted their instructors for giving his younger brother a hard time. I remember there was not one day he didn’t return from training all roughed up. In the end, they left regular training. The only person Izuna would fight is his older brother. And now, years later…” She shook her head. “Hard to imagine they’re the same boys from before.”

“…What happened to those trainers?” Loreli asked wryly.

Quizzical look.

“…Madara-sama didn’t hold a grudge against them for beating him up in the early days?” Loreli asked half-heartedly.

“What are you saying?” Knowing smirk. “He’s the one who defeated each of the instructors.”

“…Oh.”

…How long ago was this? No-…it wasn’t like she was actually interested.

“Your husband” making Loreli flinch momentarily “had learned early on that it’s not a matter of who’s wrong or who’s right in a warrior clan like the Uchiha. It’s only a matter of who’s strongest. Whoever commands the most power commands obedience. But, you seem like a brave girl. Perhaps he has met his match.”

Ah… Loreli had a vague suspicious this was where it was all leading. It was like the women of the clan thought her to be some kind of heroine for daring to pour a bowl of hot soup over Uchiha Madara.

“…You are mistaken,” said Loreli blandly. She wasn’t brave… “I was…not in my right mind yesterday.” She had been too distressed for her own good yesterday. “He would have killed me if it weren’t for keeping up appearances.”

The older woman clucked her tongue, propelling her towards the bathroom door. “I’m not going to try figuring out what’s going on with you two. But let me tell you this; he could have avoided it if he wanted to. He didn’t. To have done so would have immediately alienated you from the rest of his men. To us, it only seemed like he was issuing a warning to everyone of just how far your influence goes.”

The door shut gently behind her. Loreli stood facing the unlit bathroom, motionless.

The bundle of cloth slipped from her hands, unnoticed, dropping to the cold tiled floor.

They could force her if they had to, but to cooperate would mean that she’d accepted her new role.

On second thought…

“Give me that,” said Loreli. She was going to spike Izuna’s tea with chili.

That’s right. She knew if she remained stubborn long enough, he would come find her.

None of the clansmen had gone against her thus far. She was amazed, appalled. Did they truly think she was going to lie low and calmly accept all this?

And what was with this- this robe? Despite what that Uchiha woman had excused about the size not fitting, Loreli couldn’t help but suspect that it wasn’t the size that was the problem. It was not modest. Not modest.

There was not one person who was on her side.

“Awfully spirited today, aren’t we?”

Loreli spun around.

“Up here.”

Izuna, above her, standing perpendicular to the pillar which was beside her, his long thin ponytail hanging down.

“…Why are you…?”

“You’re not planning to spill anything on me, are you?” replied Izuna, good-naturedly.

She considered this. “…No…come down.”

He did. A small, agile flip which landed him next to her.

Like his brother, Uchiha Izuna was one head taller than her. The same stature, the same build; a lithe but impressively toned frame. Yet there was an overall difference. Izuna was pleasant to look at, despite knowing how deceptive appearances could be. Unlike his brother, meeting eyes with Izuna would not evoke an urge to stare and to look away at the same time.

“A token of my appreciation,” said Loreli, holding out the glass of warm beverage to him.

He winced. “Making gifts to me? Well, this is rare.” Swirling the liquid in the glass, but knowing better than to drink it. Amused tone. “Is this a bribe?”

She responded with a small dry smile.

“…Actually…there’s something I want to ask,” Loreli told him. “Your brother, Madara” she watched his expression carefully “towards this marriage, was he willing or unwilling?”

…

Izuna hiked a thin eyebrow. “I’m guessing nothing happened last night?”

She didn’t reply. He had a way of skirting around questions.

“Hn.” Loreli did not avoid his arm, wrapping around her shoulders. “Don’t be surprised,” Izuna told her, “Madara…doesn’t want any children.”

“Doesn’t want-” she started, and then cut herself off. Izuna was messing with her again, wasn’t he? “Then why did he-…” she paused at the sight of his innocent smile. “You.”

“Madara,” Izuna explained to her unhurriedly, “thinks that having children would mean taking time away from his duty on the battlefield.” Wry smile. “But…I know my brother’s ambition. He can’t seem to accept that it’s not something anyone can accomplish within the course of a lifetime.”

She understood. He wanted someone to give Madara heirs who would inherit his ambition. Loreli felt sick. “What kind of twisted ambition…?”

“Hn?” Izuna suggested, “That, why don’t you ask him that for yourself?”

She slipped out from under his arm. She wasn’t interested in getting pushed into his brother’s arms again. “You…picked the wrong person,” Loreli informed him calmly. “I may be trapped, but you are mistaken if you believe I will eventually give in to persuasions or intimidations.”

She closed her eyes briefly before continuing. “I will never accept that role. Wife to a heartless, manipulative, arrogant,” she went on.

Izuna listened with a pleasant smile. “Behind you.”

Loreli frowned slightly. Did he expect her to fall for that a second time?

Nonetheless, she glanced back. “-vengeful, and-…”

Madara.

…

She watched, frozen, as the tall, dark-haired shinobi slowly bent forward to her eye level. One long eyebrow rose slightly as his impassive obsidian black eyes pierced her. A soft, foreboding voice, prodding, “…And…?”

Lips numb, Loreli murmured monotonously, “…And an insensitive jerk who expects me to say good things behind his back after almost having me killed four times…”

Izuna, laughing. She wasn’t aware. All that was occupying her attention was how close and how sinister Uchiha Madara looked at that moment.

Those dark eyes, cold and hard like black diamonds. Dark lips set in a thin, harsh line. He-…could it be that he had heard everything?

A dragged out pause. Suspense.

“Mistress of the most powerful clan in the land of fire,” Madara mused smoothly, arrogant brow rising in askance. “…Not good enough?”

In truth, she didn’t want to say any more, she only wanted to get away. But nodding her head would mean that she conceded.

“…I…didn’t ask for it…Madara-sama.”

“What she means is she doesn’t appreciate the trivial duties imposed on her,” Izuna interrupted. “Here, I believe this was for you,” he added, handing the glass of tea she gave him to Madara.

Her heart did a plunge.

“Wait…” Both hands on his strong black-clad arm. Madara’s arm. It didn’t matter that she was contradicting everything she’d just said about not giving in to intimidation.

…Uchiha Madara’s mood at the present…

…was dangerous.

“…I’ll get you another one…”

His eyes on her back. Intense. Loreli felt a cold sweat swept over her as she retreated.

Murderous aura.

Izuna watched as Madara shattered the glass of liquid against the pillar. He spoke.

“You need to win her over before we leave,” commented Izuna. “She is confused, trying to be brave, innocent but not naïve enough to believe that she’d find an ally in this place. I have fallen out of her favor. If anyone chooses to show her kindness at this stage…” Izuna paused in thought “…she may become easily susceptible to their influence.”

Irritably. “Then have it known that no one is to show her any kindness!” snapped Madara, loud voice echoing off the walls as he turned away in dismissal.

Izuna kneaded his forehead in exasperation.

Loreli was amazed at her own lack of willpower.

No…he had caught her off-guard …that was all. Having to confront without any warning the man who-…last night- She-…She would be prepared this time.

“…This…is it alright if I leave it here?”

She had set the tray on the table. She didn’t look up or even bother waiting for a reply.

Faster than she could blink, Izuna was next to her, one arm lashing out to shut the double doors close before she could escape. The clang actually resounded inside the meeting room.

…

…Immediately she knew nothing good was going to come out of this.

“You don’t need to run off, this concerns you as well.”

Slowly, Loreli turned around. It wasn’t a pleasant sensation, being the center of attention of a group of men who could have her dead without rising from their seats.

“…What is it?” she asked blankly.

With an arm around her shoulders, Izuna drew her away from the exit. “This is abrupt, but…we, the men, are setting out tomorrow.”

She was silent as he moved away.

“You must be mad, right? Your husband’s going away to war immediately after your wedding. Hn…” deceptively innocent smile “I have an idea.”

Loreli watched warily as Izuna approached a seated Madara at the end of the long oval table. What was he playing at?

“Why don’t you ask him for something in compensation?” suggested Izuna.

Silence.

Standing next to the clan leader in question, Uchiha Izuna encouraged her in amusement, “Go ahead. Ask him anything.”

Her mouth dry, Loreli couldn’t shake off the feeling of being cornered.

Uchiha Madara, facing her at the opposite end of the room, his councilors on either side of the long oval table, watching her. Just watching her. Was he not going to comment on this?

“…Anything?”

Slowly, she met Madara’s dark, veiled gaze. He had propped his head up against the back of one hand, tips of his long, ebony spiked hair brushing the surface of the table. A look of boredom, if nothing else. Yet it was suffocating.

…

Izuna was mistaken if he thought that she would give in to the pressure. Loreli leaned forward in a bow.

“…I ask that Madara-sama relinquish his claims on my person and to send me home.”

…Izuna let out a small laugh. “Told you she’d be mad.”

A sharp and scathing command.

“Leave us.”

…

It was not an order spoken in a tone anyone wanted to argue with. Izuna was massaging his temples while he cleared the room with the others.

The door shut behind them, leaving them in silence.

Loreli straightened from her bow when she heard his chair scrape back.

“You’ve gotten quite bold.”

The observant voice came from behind her.

She felt herself stiffen, listening to his slow footsteps as he paced around to face her.

He leaned in. She held her breath, eyes fixated on a spot ahead of her.

“Look at me,” Madara told her softly, tilting up her chin. His dark eyes mocking, long thin eyebrow arched in pretense, he told her, “I don’t mind.”

Coldness crept up the back of her arms, to her shoulders, settling high up into the back of her neck.

His low, smooth question to her, so close to her that Loreli was afraid to blink, “But are you prepared to pay the price?”

Inhaling sharply, she found herself pressed against the edge of the oval table, her wrists pinned down to either side.

Slowly, Madara lowered himself to her eye level. Feeling him pressing even closer, it took Loreli all her willpower not to arch back, away from the proximity of his dark parted lips.

…He wouldn’t… In here…?

But the long-haired shinobi paused in whatever he had planned. For a long moment, his half-lidded eyes bore into hers.

Silence. Remaining in that position.

Lightly, Madara remarked, “I don’t like those eyes.”

He watched as she blinked once, a hint of a question forming in her deep brown depths.

Women who wanted him for his power, women who cowered before his power, he had seen many in his life. It disgusted him. Yet…

Again, he reached two fingers beneath her chin, even though she wasn’t looking away. Pondering darkly.

Her eyes. She neither desired him nor cowered before him, and all the power he could offer did not persuade her into obedience.

Yet this was what infuriated him more than all the others. Ah, this woman, he thought, dark eyes slimming ominously…only this woman, he would not tolerate such indifference from her.

…

“…Madara-sama…I was born like this,” she said.

“Heh.”

Hands on her waist, he abruptly lifted her into his arms.

Panic was written over her delicate features as she looked up.

“Even if only on the surface,” Madara said silkily down at her. “I am going to tame you.”

It was the second time he had carried her. This time she didn’t bother with struggling, although, like the other time, she looked like she was withholding a scream.

Heh. It didn’t matter if she screamed. His men could pause to stare all they wanted. She was his wife.

He released her once they were inside his room. She stumbled backwards a few steps.

“Your resolve,” Madara commented, pouring himself a glass of wine. He sank back into the chair next to the bed, long legs crossed, before completing his mocking statement, “It’s impressive.”

She was nervous; a fine, nearly unperceivable trembling along her arms. Madara drank from the glass, lazy half-lidded eyes watching her over the rim.

She was but a simple girl, not a single ninja skill to speak of, and she refused to give in to him – Uchiha Madara.

“I’ll give you a chance to make things easier on yourself,” Madara told her in dark amusement. Leaning back into his seat, he returned the guarded look she gave him with a cruel smirk. “Touch me, of your own accord.”

She flinched visibly at his taunting suggestion.

Leisurely, he rested the side of his head into his hand, elbow propped up on the back of his chair.

“Your answer?” asked Madara, knowingly.

She hesitated in giving a response.

Predictable, her reaction was.

“…Madara-sama,” her characteristically light and patient voice, “you ask too much of me.”

He set his glass down on the table next to him. Without getting up, Madara reached over to the side. A sharp, ripping sound as he tore a long narrow strip away from the bed-sheets, barehanded.

Looking back up to see her stunned expression, Madara leaned back again into his seat, holding out one hand to her.

She was not a clueless girl. He could see that she was able to figure out what he meant.

Madara quirked an eyebrow, still waiting.

Long black lashes flickering in fear, she stepped back from him.

He got up.

Faster than she could retreat another step, he was before her. She made sweet, gasping sounds as he lashed her wrists together.

She resisted, but he easily flung her onto the bed, securing the other end of the binding to a bedpost.

Calmly, Madara went back to the table and finished the remainder of the wine in his glass, deliberately dragging it out for her.

She was looking up at the binds which tied her hands. She knew she couldn’t free herself of them without help, biting her lip at the knowledge.

He circled the bed before coming around to her side, slow gaze trailing over her.

“Spread your legs,” Madara ordered.

She stared up at him, motionless, aghast.

“Or we can do this the hard way,” Madara told her, bending over to speak closer, “I can tie down your legs.”

Her face rigid in an effort to keep her emotionless mask in place, she seemed to agonize over this.

Finally, her eyes shut and she parted her legs.

“Wider.”

He saw her jaw clench, but she obeyed.

“If you’re just going to close your eyes,” Madara suggested smoothly, “why don’t I just blindfold you?”

She stiffened visibly. A short moment’s pause. Then she reopened her eyes.

“I warned you, didn’t I?” Madara remarked wryly. “I don’t want to see that look.”

…

Before a snide retort fell from her parted lips, he was above her, a fisted arm against the headboard above her head supporting his weight.

“Ah.” Arrogant face hovering inches above hers, Madara’s dark lips smirked down at her. “That mood,” he warned her, long taunting eyebrows twitching up, “It’s dangerous.”

Whatever remained of her protest silenced when she felt his other hand loosen her robe. Her breathing came quickly.

It didn’t take much to get it out of the way; she was dressed lightly; though he made it torturously slow. Her legs squeezing against his, an instinctive action to protect herself. She didn’t know how erotic that was.

Exposed to his silent scrutiny.

It wasn’t only her face; her entire body was soft and supple, radiant. Her neck was slender, skin pure, her shoulders refined, with perfectly shaped breasts, a small waist and long shapely legs. The sheer amount of feminine allure she exuded was enough to shake the resolve of any man.

Madara felt his own breath starting to lengthen despite himself.

It didn’t matter how many men had been tempted by her in the past. She was his. And he would keep her.

He shifted position. She resisted when he slid her panties away from her legs, but he allowed that to pass. Prying her legs apart, Madara traced lazy circles on her inner thigh with his thumb, eyes on her face.

She tried to slide up, away from him. He yanked her back.

Her eyelids fluttered rapidly a few times, as if blinking back tears.

Madara straightened. He pulled off his black, high-necked shirt over his head, long hair tumbling back down into place. Then the remainder of his clothing, and she looked away.

He turned her head back, long strong fingers grasping her jaw line. “Shhh…” Madara leaned in, an elbow next to her head bracing himself above her. “Behave yourself,” Madara told her smoothly, wryly, “and you’ll see that I am capable of being a gentle lover.”

Dark smirk forming on his lips at the sight of her unappreciative eyes, Madara brushed strands of her hair away from her throat, asking her tauntingly, “Would you like that?”

“No.”

“Heh.” He lowered himself, drawing his hand down her smooth throat, across her rapidly rising chest, over the supple mound of her breast. “You don’t know what you’re saying,” Madara commented silkily, tweaking the peak none too gently. Dark promise. “I’ll forgive you this once.”

Before she could reply, he had reached down and had found the nub between her spread legs. She jerked back. Immediately his arm wrapped around her waist, keeping her in place.

Slowly, Madara teased her sweet flesh with skilled fingers until the most sensitive spot on her body grew hard, her entire body taut, straining against her bonds.

She was determined not to make a sound, he observed. It was unlikely she knew that her squirming underneath him and her shuddering breath had the same effect. He arched her up, lowering his lips to one breast, teasing her with his warm breath rushing over her sensitive skin.

It was good enough. Her peaks were hard and risen, matching the height of his own arousal. He lowered her gently back into the sheets.

“You’ll be watching me,” Madara commanded, gripping her chin lightly, making her face him again.

He spread her legs further, without waiting for a reply. If it weren’t for his own unsatiated need, he thought darkly, he would have dragged this part out for her.

She squeezed against him as he entered her, as if trying to reject him. She was tight, tense, though not as unyielding as she had been last night. He pulled back, only to thrust in a little deeper each time just as her walls had started to accommodate to him.

She wanted to edge away. Madara placed both hands on her hips, keeping her still. He started a slow pace, savoring the feel of her underneath him, the feel of ownership.

…Oh, traitorous. Her body was traitorous.

The pain had faded, that was true, but it still shouldn’t have felt remotely pleasurable. If he had allowed her to close her eyes. If he hadn’t been an undeniably and fatally attractive male.

Loreli had averted her gaze many times, but each time he would pinch the tip of one breast sharply in reminder.

It wasn’t the pain she was trying to avoid by keeping her eyes on him. It was the knowledge that her body was responding to him every time he did that. It was already hard enough attempting to stop her body from arching into him.

The sound of him sliding inside her, slow and deliberate, making sure he filled every space within her each time. The sound of his soft grunts as she fixated on the sinews inside his neck, with strands of his long ebony-black hair plastering against his skin from the sweat.

Even so, this man…doing such things – things no man had ever done to her…no…how could her body react this way?

He saw her troubled expression.

“Give in to me,” Madara breathed, low and seductive.

Loreli gritted her teeth.

Uchiha Madara grasped her hair, dark eyes possessive as he leaned in and told her firmly, eyebrows rising in challenge, “You are mine.”

She shook her head lightly.

“Ah-!”

He had given her a hard thrust, taking her by surprise.

Mockingly. “You like that?” Madara asked with a knowing smirk.

Hands on her waist, he quickened his pace, his rhythm deep and insistent.

Her breathing became ragged. She didn’t want to give him a reaction he wanted to see.

Pain, intermingling with the pleasure which had been building up. It was neither pain nor pleasure. It was both. An intense, an unbearably intense sensation winding itself at her core where his heat reached her repeatedly.

A quiet whimper. Hers.

When- when will he stop?

She felt his arm snake behind her waist, using it to hold her against him as he buried himself deeper inside her. His other hand reached down to flick her nub. His long hair slid back and forth along her skin. And the feeling. The inexplicable feeling building up inside her.

It was too much. She couldn’t endure it. She wanted him to stop. She needed him to stop before bitter tears at her helplessness leaked out.

“I- I am yours,” Loreli choked out brokenly, voice rising to match his force, “I am yours! My god, I am yours!” Stop. Her voice caught.

The spasm gripped her without warning, violent and mercilessly. Loreli gasped sharply, feeling her folds convulse tightly around him as he gave in to his own pleasure, panting above her.

She was still catching her breath, stunned at her own body’s response, when Madara pulled away. He laid facing her on the bed, next to her. A masterpiece, a sculpture of flesh and blood, thin trickles of sweat glistening on his skin.

Loreli stared, speechless, at his smug expression, his head propped up on one hand. What was there left for her to say? Why the expectant look?

Finally regaining her voice, she asked him as steadily as she could make it “…Madara-sama…may I be untied?”

The corner of his dark flushed lips quirked up further. Madara lifted himself slightly and brought himself closer. Speaking low and smooth directly next to her ear, he promised her, “It’s not over yet.”