Displaced

Act II— Ouroboros.

And it echoes when I breathe,
Until all you see is my ghost.

You should watch out.

You never know when the weather will turn.

You never know when our luck will turn.

No question.

The first sign of trouble is the black cat.

He sees it.

It sees him.

Slit yellow eyes meet apathetic grey, and an inkling of worry blooms to life at the back of his mind. Yes, he jokes about superstitions— mostly in tribute to Obito and his penchant for dreadfully transparent excuses— but all ninja are, on some level, superstitious. Kakashi is no exception. It's something that comes with dealing with death and dealing death on a regular basis. There is always an element of luck to their missions, a razor-thin wire on which balances the likelihood of life and death.

All it takes is one bad day.

So when the message comes, when Godaime-sama calls one Hatake Kakashi instead of ANBU Inu to the tower, he hesitates.

He stalls, lingering by his favorite bookstore just a little longer than usual. Pauses to tease Anko-chan by stealing a stick of her precious dango, leading her on a merry chase around the village before buying her a dozen more in apology. Drops by to check on the Uchiha, snagging a few tasty morsels from the kitchen for an early lunch, much to Sasuke's annoyance.

By the time he makes to the Hokage's office, the lady in question is maybe a little more riled up than usual.

"Four and a half hours, Hatake." She bellows, a hint of killing intent lacing the air in the room. "Four. And a half! You missed. The meeting. Entirely."

"Ah? A black cat crossed my path, so I had to double back and take the long way around. But the direction I chose— well, there was an accident that involved a fruit cart and an adorable puppy, so of course I had to help them clean up, and..." A lovely hand-crafted statuette of a monkey crashes into the wall beside his head, crumbling to dust. So touchy! Well, maybe I was a little late. "Did you need me for something, Hokage-sama?"

She throws her hands in the air, and hisses in frustration, "Yes. About four hours ago."

He gives her his best innocent expression, grey eye widening slightly, stance relaxed, arms raised, as if to say— who, me? "Hmm?"

The Hokage grumbles something unintelligible, thrusting a manila folder in his direction, a handful of loose-leaf sheets peeking out. "Forming a new team." Taking the folder, he flips it open, flipping through the records inside— dossiers for a new Team Kakashi. Tsunade-sama, meanwhile, continues talking, "This hasn't been announced yet, except to the jounin that actually deemed it important enough to attend the meeting earlier today, but Oto and Kumo have taken the initiative and sent a formal declaration of war."

Given the context of their conversation, the contents of the folder leave him cold. Posture straightening, Kakashi listens, the papers crinkling as his grip tightens.

"Konoha needs a new generation of heroes."

Heroes like your family Tsunade-sama? Like Hashirama and Tobirama of the Senju Clan, who died for this village, for its future? Like the White Fang, first a hero, then a scapegoat, staining his reputation irreparably by standing by his personal beliefs? Like the Sannin, who shattered, all three of them fleeing the village? Like Minato-sensei, who gave and gave and gave pieces of himself to the village, until he sacrificed his very soul to save it?

Kakashi is understandably bitter. And for once, his expression is serious behind the black cloth that hides his face, gray eye sharp, revealing the calculating mind he hides behind feigned laziness and lame excuses. You want to turn a team, this new team, my team, into the face of Konoha, an embodiment of the Will of Fire. "You will make us a target." You will make them as much of a target as 'Sharingan no Kakashi' is.

"They are Konoha's shinobi, my shinobi. They are already targets. They can handle it."

And it is true. The people she would have him lead— Aburame Shino, Uzumaki Naruto, and Uchiha Sasuke— barring Shino, they are obvious high-profile targets. Technically, Shino could be considered a target of interest merely due to his close ties to Sasuke and Kakashi and his status among the Aburame Clan.

"I suppose so." He doesn't elaborate which part he agrees with, instead commenting glibly, "An interesting choice of members for a team you want on the front lines." While teamwork likely won't be an issue, both Sasuke and Shino prefer subtlety. Then he considers Sasuke's fondness for electrocution and setting things— mostly enemy shinobi— on fire, and amends that thought. Shino prefers subtlety. Sasuke can be subtle when it's called for: for assassinations, or when limited to a support role due to his medic training... Hmm. I suppose he has the chakra pool to do some damage on a larger scale, if needed. Much like me. The only typical heavy hitter would be Naruto, with his monstrous chakra capacity and fighting style that has espoused Kushina-nee's overwhelming force rather than Minato-sensei's finesse.

"The team will likely be deployed against Oto first. Since Otogakure is decentralized, with its bases spread through Ta no Kuni and beyond... Likely there will be more guerrilla tactics behind enemy lines than direct fighting." I know. With the four of us, we should be able to handle reconnaissance, assassination, and heavy combat. But we'll need to have seamless teamwork if we want to succeed.

"Will you do it?"

He inclines his head in agreement. Of course he will; Tsunade is only asking as a courtesy. "How long do we have before deployment?" How long do I have to drill them until they can fight together even blind, deaf, and broken? I can't— He cuts that thought off. Now isn't the time.

"Two weeks. That's the maximum I can give you. Besides, they're already familiar with each other's fighting styles."

"Naruto hasn't worked with any of us for over three years."

"Nevertheless. Two weeks."

"— Declared war."

"I suppose it was inevitable, huh?"

"—fault, do you think?"

"No, I don't. You don't either."

"I'm surprised the snake bastard announced his intentions formally, as opposed to just staging another attack, like—"

"You don't know. You didn't live through the last war. It was—"

Konoha and its allies are officially at war with Oto and Kumo, and the village is rife with gossip on the matter. Heading home from a quick run to the market for groceries, I ignore it to the best of my abilities, my thoughts tumultuous.

Naruto, Sai and I can handle ourselves, I suppose. My friends, as well.

Hotaru-chan and her year mates? They are green genin. Luck permitting, they won't see the front lines any time soon.

Still. Yoshi-kun is going to graduate this spring, unless they condense the curriculum. Even if they don't... This war will take more than a few short months, even if we can make a series of decisive strikes early on. I'll have to push him to intensify his training. Ryuuji-kun and Naoko-chan, as well. I'll reorganize and condense the training schedules that Naruto and I used before we graduated, and those I made as a genin.

And Kyouya and Kyoko... depending on how long the war lasts, they could enter the academy while we are still— I shudder internally at that thought. Hell. I wonder if this is what a parent feels like, this persistent fear. Would Kaa-chan have fret like this? Would Otou-sama have worried at all? I do not have to wonder about Itachi-nii's feelings on the matter; I know he will worry.

I find Kakashi-sensei on my doorstep, his posture unusually stiff, expression serious. He is unhappy with whatever he is going to say.

"Sensei."

"Sasuke-kun."

I ease the door open and wave him inside, slipping out of my shoes, and heading off to the kitchen to unpack and sort the groceries. Kakashi-sensei follows me into the room and even helps refill the pantry; his familiarity with how I organize the food a testament to how much time he's spent in my kitchen.

"Thank you." I murmur absently, offering Sensei a seat. "Tea? Something to eat?"

He shakes his head, "No, thank you."

I prepare the tea regardless, and pour myself a cup, sipping it slowly. "You may as well tell me." If you're this reticent, it can't be good news.

"Hmmm— did you say something, Sasuke-kun?" I resist the urge to roll my eyes, instead keeping my gaze steady. Curious.

"Orders?"

"Yes." A pause, a fraction of a second, but enough to know he is drastically unhappy with whatever said orders may be. "You're being incorporated into a new team, under my direct command, effective immediately. We're to be among the first to be deployed."

"Ah." Another sip of tea, semi-sweet and soothing; I am glad I decided on a calming blend of peach and chamomile. "Who else?"

"Aburame Shino. Uzumaki Naruto."

Brows furrowing in concern, "...No jounin except for you, Sensei?"

"Not formally, no." A single silver eyebrow curving into an arch somehow conveys a sense of amusement, "I know what sort of havoc you and Shino-kun can unleash. And Naruto trained with Jiraiya-sama for over three years."

The implication being: the Hokage believes you can handle it. That we can handle it.

"Ah." Suspicious. Is she trying to get rid of me? No; that wouldn't make sense... not with that sort of team composition. "When will we be sent out? If you can tell me, that is."

"Two weeks, give or take a few days."

"Hn?" Seriously? That's not much time to prepare. Then again— desperate times, I suppose.

"We will be in Training Ground Forty-four in the meantime. Be at gate nine tomorrow, zero nine hundred." A sly smile, conveyed by the tilt of his head and the curve of his eye alone, "Oh— and please be there in person, Sasuke-kun."

You noticed that I'm a Kage Bunshin? I smile sheepishly at being caught out, "Ah. You caught me... I'll make my arrangements. That is, he'll be there."

I'll need someone to look in on the kids from time to time. Someone that I trust and that will definitely be restricted to the village? Perhaps Iruka-sensei? Temari— no, she might be recalled to Suna. Maybe. If not, do I trust Temari-chan enough? Dare I?

I stay at the kitchen table, thinking— planning.

Stay there even after Kakashi says his goodbyes and departs. I rouse from my musings long enough to make a quick dinner for my wards, and eat my own portion mindlessly, staying silent when questioned. After shooing the younger Uchiha out of the kitchen, I clean.

And then, I am back in the same seat, in the same position, hands folded on the table, empty cup in front of me.

Thinking.

I tell my wards— my little brothers and sisters— the news before I tuck them into bed.

Nobody is happy.

I'll have to dispel tonight, make sure he knows to head back as soon as possible.

A deep breath. Slow. Steady. I can do this. "I'm not going to tell you to relax, because you're not going to listen even if I say it. But be assured that I'll work as quickly and efficiently as possible." For all that the blasted machine monitoring my patient's vitals beeps a steady rhythm and assures me his pulse, respiration and blood pressure is fine... Shinobi are liars.

Despite everything, Itachi is still a superlative shinobi.

I can do this. I know how to do this. I have to do this.

...There is a very good reason they don't let surgeons operate on family members.

"Do keep in mind it was you who declined to take any kind of sedative. Although I still think a solid thwack to your head would have been just as good as this arrangement. Ready?" A silent nod from my stoic patient.

"Nao-kun, please engage the seal." There is a ripple of ink on flesh, and my patient— my brother— is both immobilized and forced into unconsciousness, his pulse and respiration slowing appropriately. The familiar figure lies supine on a surgical table. The situation is made more surreal by the fact we cobbled this room together from supplies scavenged from Orochimaru's labs. Not the surgical tools, of course. That would be the stuff of nightmares. No, those were a gift from my summons.

The needed instrumentation takes a few minutes to set up, and then the time for dawdling is over. My hands are steady as I grip the scalpel, lifting it from the tray of sterile tools to my right, its diamond edge glinting under the fluorescent light above my head.

"I'm going to begin. Maya-sama, you'll be watching his vitals, yes?"

"Yes, just like we planned. Do stop fretting, Sasuke-chan. You just focus on the surgery, the rest of us will handle the minor details." I can sense her bustling around the room behind me. "Miyu-chan, remember that you're first assist today. Hand Sasuke-kun the tools he asks for and maintain the sterile field."

A long-suffering sigh from the small figure on the raised platform across from me, the salamander standing there is chest-level to the occupied surgical table. "Yes, Maya-sama. I know."

"Nao-kun" Maya-sama barks, "Keep an eye on the seal integrity. Itachi-chan has a high chakra capacity, we don't need that seal to degrade mid-transplant."

"Hai, Maya-sama" the latter salamander parrots obediently, then mutters bitterly under his breath, "…Insufferable old harridan."

I tune out their bickering— the only thing that exists is my patient and the scalpel in my hand, which is as much extensions of my body as a kunai is to a weapon's master. The procedure maps itself out in my mind step-by-step.

It's a nerve-wracking several hours, but the transplant is a success. So far. My patient will need at least a week of recovery before I'd feel comfortable letting him train with the sharingan. Days before he can take off the bandages acting as a blindfold to look himself in the mirror, to see with cousin Shisui's eyes. It had taken a lot of self-reflection, and then a lot of convincing— but Itachi is the only person I feel comfortable safeguarding that power.

Besides, I'm hardly going to let Itachi sit around sans eyes entirely for any amount of time.

And I'm not— I'm not sure I would be able to keep a grip on my chakra enough to keep from dissipating a Kage Bunshin while removing my own eyes. It's not exactly a safe option.

Luckily, while she insisted I handle Itachi-nii's surgery, Maya-sama readily agreed to oversee my own. After some convincing. All right, after months of logical arguments and groveling.

Now that Itachi is safely in the recovery room, it's my turn.

Figures my recovery time is interrupted with new orders. At least I'll be able to see again before we're punted to the front lines. Paranoia has me packed for a long-term ANBU mission, regardless of the supposed two-week time limit.

Our house is stocked for a siege, as well: stacks of bento in the refrigerator, scrolls with favorite foods sealed away in the cupboards, and a truly impressive quantity of homemade food in the freezer. I may have gone a little overboard, I acknowledge internally. No surprise, as I didn't sleep much the night before; too many things on my mind. My bunshin didn't sleep much either. Not that they need to, technically.

A simple breakfast is set out on the table— cereal and fruit— waiting for the children to wake. My hands linger on the edge of the kitchen table, caressing the wood, familiar and unfamiliar at once. I've trained to fight blind in the past, but somehow knowing you can't take the blindfold off makes things... different. Consciously or subconsciously, there is an extra trickle of chakra being channeled through my nervous system, amplifying the rest of my senses.

It's early. I taste the freshness of the morning air on my tongue with every breath. The chilled air raises goosebumps on my arms once I step out the door. There are a few more items on my to do list before I can head to the Forest of Death.

Because I will be— because being deployed means months away from the village, with scarce letters back and forth due to security concerns. And because there' no guarantee I will be back. I need to ensure my siblings have a safety net.

First, the Academy... Iruka-sensei is an early bird. He'll be there by now, preparing for the day.

My feet remember the way. The civilians are still mostly safe and snug in their beds this early, so I can afford to take the scenic route. Let the shinobi in a hurry take the rooftop pathways.

I linger for a moment by the massive tree in the front yard in front of the academy, fingertips touching the weathered rope holding up the familiar, old swing. This place; it feels like nothing has changed. "But I have changed, haven't I?" Nostalgia— a small, secretive smile. "We all have." A hand calloused through hours of training and battle, drenched in the blood of shinobi and civilians alike, pats the tree in a comforting gesture before I finally step away.

Strides measured and confident echo in the empty hallways, which are likely painted eerie colors in the pre-dawn light. My luck holds. The door is open, and Iruka-sensei is currently alone in the teacher's lounge. I rap my knuckles against the doorframe, "Good morning, Sensei."

"Sasuke-kun? My, but it has been a while... I don't suppose you're here to teach another seminar soon, are you."

"Mm. No. I would have dropped by on the first day of the academy, but— hn." My wards didn't start on the first day. Shoulders lifting in a casual shrug, "Naoko-chan speaks well of you." If you omit the whining about lectures.

I cut straight to the point. "I wanted to ask if you would check in on her and the others."

Iruka-sensei pales, expression incredulous. "You're being deployed already? They're just— just sending out the first waves this week!"

"I can neither confirm nor deny that." Yes, soon. And I'll be mostly out of the house 'till then. "Regardless. Sai-kun and my genin teammates" – or rather, just Ino-chan— "can watch over them until they're deployed, but..." Unlike them, you're unlikely to be sent out at all, due to your work. Not unless the situation becomes truly dire. "Well. Hopefully, Ino-chan's specialty is something they'll need here, and not out in the field."

The older chuunin gives me a smile, "Of course, you're right." Troop movements are largely kept confidential. "I'd be glad to keep an eye on your kids for you."

I can feel my cheeks flush and bend into a deep bow to hide it."Thank you, sensei. I appreciate it." I owe you one.

We make a little small talk after that, mostly discussing Naoko's progress in his class, as well as how the other former Root children have been adapting to the school environment. I offer to come in and give the occasional guest lecture when I'm in the village. Really, I should have thought of reconnecting with the man earlier... If nothing else, Iruka-sensei is loyal. And he would protect any child, especially one of his students, with his life. It is one of the qualities that make him such a fantastic teacher.

"Good morning, Suna-chan!" Any other morning it would be forced cheer, but I've been awake long enough and caffeinated myself enough that I no longer resent the universe for being awake this early.

Temari rolls over on her side, likely squinting blearily at the open window and the windowsill I'm currently occupying. "...Uuu-chiii-haaaa." The surname is ground-out like a particularly vehement curse. "Do you know what time it is?" All of it in throaty rasp, words slurred with sleep.

The corner of my mouth twitches slightly, a smile trying to escape. Adorable. But it wouldn't do to laugh outright at her grumpiness. I feign ignorance. "Mm. It's after dawn now. I'm busy for the next two weeks. Thought you might like to grab an early breakfast before I disappear?"

Leaning slightly to the left, I catch the pillow flung at my face, letting it drop harmlessly to the floor. A few shuffling sounds as Temari rearranges herself under the blanket, muttering curses under her breath.

Very adorable, like a sleepy kitten.

"After dawn he says. Kami. I've slept like four hours. And you're letting a draft in!" She murmurs into her mattress, likely regretting her decision to throw the pillow. A sigh. "...two weeks, you said?"

A noncommittal hum. "Training trip I've been volunteered to participate in."

"You're lucky I like you." A second sigh, no less heartfelt than the first. "Give me twenty minutes to make myself presentable." She rolls off the bed, landing on the floor with a muffled thump, before rising gracefully, and striding towards the bathroom door— which slams shut behind her, seconds later.

Damn. She was half-dressed wasn't she?

I don't think I've ever resented a piece of cloth more than this blindfold.

I'm at the pre-arranged entrance to the so-called Forest of Death by half past eight. Unsurprisingly, Shino is there as well. "Shino." I nod a greeting.

"Sasuke." He responds in like, adjusting his sunglasses afterwards. "I will admit to some hesitance in reentering this particular training ground." He doesn't need to elaborate why.

I roll my shoulders, the burn scar hidden under my shirt twinging at the reminder. "Hn," I agree whole-heartedly. "Any clue what Sensei has in mind?"

"Situational awareness and survival training would be optimal in these sorts of environs."

"Kakashi-sensei is usually not so... direct." Considering the man was fond of the saying 'look underneath the underneath' it should come as no surprise.

"Aa."

Naruto arrives at a brisk jog five minutes before the deadline, interrupting our sedate conversation. "Made it!" He rounds on me, lower lip jutting out just so, "Sasuke-nii, why didn't you wake me up?!"

"I had things to do this morning. Moreover, aren't you a little too old for something like that?"

Naruto pouts adorably in response. "My alarm clock battery died a few days ago... I haven't replaced it yet. What things?"

You're still such a child sometimes, Naruto.

I'm tempted to glare at the probing question, but I don't really mind sharing. So instead, I don an impish smile, "My, what an intrusive question, otouto. What if I was out visiting my sweetheart and was offended by your prying?" I tease, letting him flounder for a few seconds before answering. "I was making sure our younger siblings would have someone check in on them while we're away."

"Eh? Who?" I can almost picture his puzzled expression.

"Besides Ino-chan? Iruka-sensei, mostly. The rest of our generation is likely to be in the field soon enough."

"Oh." By the embarrassed flush, he hadn't thought of that at all.

"Don't worry; you're not used to being an older brother yet." And before you were a younger brother, you were remarkably self-sufficient. You're biased. "And they probably don't need as many watchers as I recruited." So I'm a worry-wart; better safe than sorry. Especially with Kumo declaring as our enemy.

We let the conversation taper off, each dwelling on our own thoughts as we wait for Kakashi-sensei to arrive. Surprisingly—or not, considering the seriousness of the matter, he arrives exactly on time, appearing in a swirl of leaves.

And he is not alone.

No, indeed. Kakashi arrives practically arm-in-arm with Mitarashi Anko. Yes, that Anko.

Sensei acts entirely nonchalant, while the three of us stare at the former exam proctor with growing suspicion. "Yo! How are my adorable teammates today?"

"Good morning, brats!" Anko smiles toothily in our direction, like a snake eyeing an unprotected nest filled with delicious eggs.

I need more caffeine to deal with this. A lot more caffeine. Regardless of my feelings on the matter, I maintain a veneer of politeness, "Good morning, Kakashi-sensei. Anko-san." Shino murmurs his greetings as well. Naruto bounces in place, "Morning, Kakashi-sensei, crazy-snake-examiner-lady!"

Speaking of caffeine... Did someone give Naruto-kun coffee? Who hates us that much?

Kakashi, of all people, gets us on track before Anko and Naruto can start a verbal spar... or any other kind of spar, for that matter. "Well, I suppose I should tell you what I have in mind. Anko-chan, her summons, and the denizens of training ground forty-four are going to be our opponents in this little game." He brandishes a handful of black strips of cloth—four, to be exact. Four blindfolds. "Oh, and these, too. Anko-chan deserves a handicap, after all. Four on one is hardly fair, right?"

I swear, I can almost feel the headache coming on. "You want us to survive in that hellhole, while being hunted by Anko-san. Blind." I reply, expression understandably dubious. A new hellish twist on the usual teamwork exercises.

"Exactly, Sasuke-kun! Although, you're already wearing a blindfold, aren't you? I don't see why you're complaining. Besides, I expect all of us have learned tricks for working around a lack of vision." Naruto's and Sensei's enhanced senses, Shino's kikaichuu, my Eyes of the Raijuu and limited chakra-sensing abilities, my mind addends helpfully as I continue to listen with a sinking heart. "And then maybe we'll add these lovely sound-cancelling earmuffs. And these equally lovely ropes to tie our ankles together... A few days in, Naruto-kun, I'll ask that your summons join Anko's. And during the second week, Sasuke-kun, I would like it if yours would join in as our opponents as well."

"We are going to die." I deadpan in a fit of pessimism.

"Or just get very, very good at dodging." Shino contradicts me, though he does not look one iota more enthusiastic at the thought of our next two weeks.

Naruto just groans melodramatically, clutching at his spiky blond hair, "This is even worse than all the crazy chakra control exercises Jiraiya-sensei made me do! And elemental training! Combined!"

Releasing a resigned sigh, I slap Naruto lightly on the back of his head. "No panicking." Brat. And then, turning to Kakashi-sensei, "It's always teamwork training with you, Sensei." Isn't this a bit much?

"So it is! Let's get started, shall we?" He hands out the blindfolds. After securing mine on top of the bandages currently layered over my eyes I find that, much to my chagrin, the relatively thin cloth is layered with seals— to ensure no light passes through.

We spend that first few days of training tripping over each other and what feels like over every single root in the damn forest. Ironically, we function better when under attack, whether by wildlife or Anko and her snakes.

Time. Effort. Pain. We gradually improve as the days pass, adapting to the increasing handicaps. Four days into this exercise in madness, we are attacked during our evening meal of MREs— bland but nutritious, and never delicious. No one wants to try cooking blind; that's just asking for Anko to poison us. Additionally, not building a fire makes it a touch more difficult for the local wildlife to find us, and thus less likely it tries to kill us.

The sound of wind on scales.

We stand as one, muscles relaxed, ready to move.

The bitter scent of venom.

I can sense Shino swivel around me, moving from my left side to the front of our formation, soundlessly calling forth a shield of earth as his hands touch the ground with a resounding clap. The serpents crash into the obstacle with a pained hiss.

A sinister chuckle from our right, before— "Ooo! Improvement!" Somehow, we can always hear our tormentor's voice despite the earmuffs. Some sort of specialized fuuinjutsu, most likely. A volley of shuriken cutting through the air, drawing a kunai, I knock them aside with a fluid motion, ensuring none of them approach the four members of Team Kakashi.

"Definite improvement!" Anko chirps from her position in the trees. "Well, I guess it's time to add more opponents!" She is unreasonably cheerful. I scowl in the direction I sense her chakra and heartbeat, instead of where her voice originates from. I can feel more than hear Shino's allies humming in annoyance.

Naruto, of course, expresses all our feelings, loudly. "You totally suck, scary snake lady!" I can feel the rope tying our right ankles together shift with his, no doubt, energetic gesturing.

"Now, now... No need to get so tetchy. It's your team leader that asked for this, even calling in a favor for it. Ne, Kakashi-kun?"

"Maa, maa..." A tired sigh from said jounin; this is not the first time we're having this debate. Nor even the tenth. "You're right. It's time we make this more difficult."

Naruto, again, emphatically expresses our feelings on the matter, emitting a loud groan. "Melee with the toads? Already?"

Rubbing at the bridge of my nose, my blindfold shifting slightly as a result, I mutter under my breath, "At least they're not poisonous." Most of the salamanders are poisonous.

Our days only get more troublesome from that point on.

As we near the end of the two-week period, we are capable of working together with a frightening about of efficiency while blind. And deaf. And tied together. When, on the last day, we remove our handicaps, the four of us move around each other on the battlefield not as a unit, but as four parts of a whole, fluidly switching between opponents as necessary.

Naruto's wind jutsu boost my flames without prompting. Whether it's the sound of my breath, body language, or some inscrutable sixth sense, my aggravating little brother can flawlessly predict which jutsu I will favor and adapt accordingly. Kakashi and Shino-kun are a formidable duo as well— the former handling offense with lightning, the latter defense with earth. Kakashi and I are a rather terrifying combination when we work in concert at close-range, mixing kenjutsu, ninjutsu, and genjutsu in a terrifying melding of sharp steel and mind-bending feats. Shino and Naruto, on the other hand— Naruto can increase the surface affected by his wind without increasing cutting force or pressure, spreading Shino's kikaichuu around a given battlefield rapidly. And, as always, Shino and I can combine his skill with his allies with our insect-themed genjutsu. They're enough to have even the stoutest adult run into the woods gibbering in fear.

We are all pleasantly surprised when Kakashi-sensei cuts our training short a day early, granting us a day of leave prior to our now-verified departure day. Shino heads home, nodding obligingly when I asked him to pass on my greetings to Hotaru-chan and Haru-kun, and inform them that though I'd be out of the village for the foreseeable future, they were welcome to visit the Uchiha home.

Naruto and I head for home as well, bantering playfully.

The next day comes too soon. Breakfast, as usual, is a little chaotic, half-asleep shinobi-in-training rushing in and out of the kitchen, calls of "Where'd I leave that packet of training shuriken?" or "Ryuu-kun, that's my homework, not yours!" echoing. The atmosphere is merry. It is relieving to see them acting like regular children. Prying them out of their shells had taken months of work; Naruto was much more successful at it than I. I admit to some jealousy regarding that. It took him far less time to convince them to start calling him 'Nii-san' than it did me. I was 'Sasuke-san' or 'Sasuke-sama' to all but Kyo-kun and Kyo-chan for what felt like forever.

Breakfast finished, Naruto and I rise and retrieve our packs. I sling mine over my shoulder, toeing sandals on and opening the front door. "Time to go."

Sai, who I thought had left earlier in the morning, lingers by the edge of our property. "Sasuke-senpai. Naruto-kun. Safe travels." Sai. Keep your promise; watch over our family. I give a nod in response, "To you as well."

Naruto and I are rushed by a small horde of Uchiha, calls of "Sasuke-nii" and "Naruto-nii" crowding the air. It feels akin to a mother duck being surrounded by a crowd of hungry ducklings. Kyouya and Kyoko cling to my legs like limpets. Naoko is clutching Naruto's middle in a tight hug. Ryuuji nudges her aside with his elbow, angling for a hug from me. I ruffle his hair with a chuckle, obliging. Hesitant, Yoshi lingers at the back of the pack, gaze uncertain. Upon noticing this, Naruto rolls his eyes, and opens his arms wide. The reticent boy glowers at the unspoken invitation, but approaches nevertheless.

"Sasuke-nii, do you and Naruto-nii really have to go?" Questions Naoko as she and Ryuuji switch positions. As always, she is the brashest of my little foundlings.

Eyes softening, I flash a sad smile. "Yes. As shinobi, we go where the Hokage sends us." And you are fully aware of this, chibi.

"When you come back, will you tell us how the story ends? Does the older brother ever get to come home?" Ryuuji this time, though all of them don puppyish expressions at his request. If I didn't know better, I'd suspect it was a practiced move.

At one point, I ran out of child-appropriate literature to read out loud and had to improvise a story. I used my knowledge of family lore. Surprisingly, they were enthralled. About a month ago, for some reason the only thing that would come to mind was a barely age-appropriate rendition of Itachi's life... I'd reached a stopping point last night, having spoken of the two unnamed brother's reconciliation and uneasy alliance against the malevolent ghost that had orchestrated their estrangement. Where to go from there? I'm not sure.

"Of course." I'll tell you once I know the ending. "Don't worry. We'll be home soon enough. And you can write; Naruto-kun and I will send our summons to you."

A handful of last-minute reminders to behave, and I turn away. Time to meet the rest of Team Kakashi. And a brief meeting with the Hokage. I swear, it's just an excuse for her to see Naruto one last time… Naruto-kun lingers a few moments longer, before rushing over and falling into step beside me with a wide grin. "Hey, should be fun, right? Being on a team together."

"Mm."

That's practically the only positive about this whole mess.

"Your first task is to investigate what Jiraiya's network indicates may be a former hideout of Orochimaru's." The fact that it could just as easily be a current hideout hangs in the air like a particularly unpleasant smell. Naruto, the most outwardly demonstrative of our group, gives Tsunade-sama a rather dubious look. "This will primarily be an information-gathering mission." I glance to Naruto, then to Tsunade, then back to Naruto, arching my brow, obviously skeptical.

"The base is located on the eastern border of Ta no Kuni, the mission scroll contains rough directions. Information on Orochimaru and Otogakure take priority."

We travel for a week, sleek shadows cloaked in dark grey, weaving among tree branches made bare by the winter season. What limited conversation exists is carried out through sign language. The atmosphere remains tense, to such an extent that even Naruto-kun remains unusually quiet when we make camp. It seems the perverted sannin taught Naruto something about stealth after all.

On the seventh day of travel, we reach our destination: the mountainous region that separates Ta no Kuni from its neighbor. Luckily, the directions provided are not as vague as Tsunade-sama predicted, and we manage to locate the entrance that Jiraiya's spies had mentioned.

Had we not been aware of it already, it wouldn't have been particularly difficult to figure out to whom this 'mysterious base' belonged to— the snake motif is a dead giveaway. You know, I can understand pride in being a summoner, but isn't this just a bit too much? Either Orochimaru is arrogant as fuck, or this is a trap. Or both.

...Probably both.

We are faced with a statue, its massive body, scales carefully detailed in the dark stone, curls around a sheer cliff. The mouth is opened in a wide serpentine yawn, fang-like stalactites and stalagmites displayed proudly. The dark chasm within, and whatever hell it leads, is our next challenge.

"So... Into the belly of the beast?" I flash a wry smile, glad at the company, and the ability to be a touch less serious than I can be as Mugen. Naruto grins widely, "Let's hope it doesn't smell too badly in there. I bet snake guts are rank as hell." Kakashi gives an eye-smile, but apparently decides against adding to our conversation.

Shino gives all three of us a poisonous look, before releasing a resigned sigh, eyes doubtlessly rolling behind his sunglasses. "I'll send my scouts in first. Why? They should be able to detect any overt traps."

We settle in for a short wait, body language deceptively relaxed.

I wonder if we've started overt battles with Oto forces yet. Or perhaps Kumo, considering their stereotypical level of aggression towards Konoha.

The kikaichu that return from the cave are disoriented, their flight patterns dizzying loops instead of straight. The Aburame in question frowns, lips turning downward slightly. "They have been affected by some sort of psychotropic, or a genjutsu. The latter is unlikely; we know of no illusion that can affect insect minds." A pause, "From what the hive can decipher from the scouts, there is some form of natural light within the caverns, and no human lifeforms are present... We should proceed with care regardless."

Well, if the substance affects insects, there's no reason it can't affect humans. "The poison is either contact or breathable..." We can't really do much to protect against the former, but—. I retrieve a rebreather from my pack, a mask-like apparatus of metal and cloth that acts like a HEPA filter. I'd acquired several shortly after beginning my training alongside my summons; a necessity, considering their specialties.

If I remember correctly, Sensei has a seal acting as a rebreather on that mask of his. I glance to Naruto, then Shino. "Either of you want a rebreather?"

Naruto shrugs, nodding, and I toss a second mask-like apparatus to him. Given his healing factor, he probably wouldn't need it anyway, but better not test our luck. Shino, on the other hand, declines with a shake of his head, "My allies should be sufficient. Due to our training with poisons, now that we have encountered the substance once, they will be able to produce an... antibody of sorts."

I place the extra rebreathers back onto the storage scroll and reseal them. Shoulders lifting in a casual shrug, I wait for Kakashi to signal our advance. He does so shortly, and we enter the cavernous mouth of the serpent, all but Naruto having to duck at the entrance, due to the low ceiling.

The light is dim, the various rock formation casting eerie shadows on the walls of the tunnel. We travel slowly, cautiously, into the depths. Our steps are silent, barely stirring the dust layered over the bottom of the cave.

The path varies— sometimes, the walls come so close that we are forced to nearly crawl to move forward. Other times, we move freely through cavernous rooms, the floor slick with water that drips endlessly from the ceiling. One cavern even contains a large, mirror-like lake, still as death but for the ripples caused by falling water. There is a lot of doubling back to find the right path.

The roof of the cavern-like tunnels is covered by a phosphorescent moss, the air filled with miniscule, glowing yellow flakes. Shino relays that it is these that are the source of the hallucinations his allies suffered during their exploration of the caverns. Both he and I surreptitiously collect samples for later analysis. Kakashi gives us a knowing glance, eye betraying his amusement, but chooses not to comment.

After a six-mile trek through eerie, empty tunnels, we locate a pair of doors, again decorated with a snake motif. Kakashi-sensei examines the seal overlaying the doors, hands flitting over the complicated design lightly, never making contact. Naruto stands beside him, eyes bright with excitement, murmuring quietly.

Extracting a bottle of ink and brush from some hidden pocket, Kakashi adds a few lines to the seal, and it dissipates with a harmless fizzing sound. I relax slightly, tension bleeding from my shoulders— as useful as seals are, I've come to dislike fuuinjutsu. Not only because of my experiences with Orochimaru, and later Danzou, but also due to the fact I've no natural talent in that art whatsoever, much to my embarrassment. I've only managed to learn the basics, not having the time or patience to commit to more rigorous studies, and depend on my summons and my teammates to compensate for the lack.

The doors creak ominously as they part to admit us after Sensei— I should really try to think of him as Kakashi-taichou now— applies a little pressure.

Weak fluorescent lights flicker to life as we step inside. Tiled floors are cracked with age or perhaps something more sinister. The area certainly seems abandoned, though for what reason, none of us can ascertain. We split into pairs, me with Shino, Naruto with Kakashi, and separate to explore the compound.

It is a research laboratory. Room upon room of experiments— not so different from what I first saw in juinjutsu-induced nightmares over four years prior, and again when earning my induction into the ANBU. I collect any research notes we stumble upon with little emotion, black eyes scanning over the words; I have no wish to memorize more nightmare fuel.

"It was likely abandoned due to the escalating conflict with Konoha." Shino's words echo in the cavernous room we'd just entered. Twisted, rotting forms are suspended within greenish liquid, constrained to massive, column-like tubes.

"Mm. They left behind a lot of research. Bet their leader was likely unhappy at that oversight." Eyes glinting with dark humor, I indulge in a malicious smirk, tapping the austere metal desk in front of me with the stack of papers gathered from within it. "I would feel more guilt about that fact if they didn't spend their time playing 'mad scientist' with human subjects."

Shino hums his agreement, and then tilts his head to the side, a scout alighting on his outstretched hand. "There is someone alive here. A captive, left behind." He might have useful information... or not. Regardless, he's likely been surviving for days without food and would be of little danger to us.

Nodding to Shino, I follow him until I can sense the sluggish heartbeat of our target. Possibly sleeping. Likely. I would be causing a racket in my attempts to escape, were I trapped in such a place.

The figure we find trapped in the glass tube looks, at first glance, like nothing special. A young man, naked as the day he was born, curled on his side, asleep. He looks close to us in age, and is likely shinobi trained, given his overall musculature and size of his chakra stores. Shockingly white hair. Abnormally sharp teeth, if the snaggletooth peeking out of one corner of his mouth is any indication. It makes me think of Momochi Zabuza. Abducted from Kirigakure due to the unrest? That and the fact that he is sleeping in a tank filled with water without any problems breathing.

I take a quick glance around, but no notes on this 'experiment' are readily available. Gesturing towards the prisoner, I arch a brow in silent query. Shall we wake him? Shino nods, and taps gently on the glass. Both Shino and I stare blankly as the boy springs awake and immediately begins to yell obscenities. Ah, the joys of lip reading. We can't hear any of his yells, of course. Exchanging a glance with Shino, I reach forward and punch the glass container to get the brat's attention. The glass quivers, but does not break. The prisoned stops yelling, staring in confusion. I tap the Konoha headband on my forehead, and arch a brow, "Cooperate and we'll let you out."

Luckily, the young man can lipread. The captive nods in agreement, and I gesture for him to sit. Contemplating the best way to cut, my hand lingers at the hilt of my sword. The blade slices through the air, striking the glass tank at an angle— cutting through easily. Water sloshes out, soaking our feet. The snaggletooth ninja climbs out of the tank with relative ease, despite the high wall. He scowls, grumbling, "You could have cut lower, you know. Thanks for nothing."

"Oh? Would you prefer to go back in the tank?" Smiling mischievously, I slide my blade back into its sheath. "There might be an empty one somewhere. I'm sure we could manage to accommodate your wishes. The snake bastard would be glad to have such a loyal captive." Shino snorts in amusement. Orochimaru's captive laughs outright, "Ha! Good sense of humor... Very cutting."

"Answer some questions and we can go our separate ways." Needless to say, the questions will be answered one way or another. The genjutsu I've cast to make you more 'honest' will help. If we have to drag you all the way home to T&I, the results would be unpleasant.

"Hmm... What'll you trade me for it? How about that sword of yours?"

"No. But I can offer you some clothes, and limited rations." Shinobi clothes are made to be easily adjustable, and all of us are carrying multiple spare uniforms. And ridiculous amounts of MREs and meal bars. "Unless you're a nudist, of course. Nothing wrong with that." My tone is intentionally lighthearted, expression impish.

The sharp-toothed youth rolls his eyes, leaning back onto his heels, stretching slightly. "Yeah, whatever, fine. Sure you won't part with the sword?"

"Hn. When did Orochimaru abandon this base?" Stance relaxed, I watch our new... acquaintance.

"Ehh... Maybe two weeks ago?" His stomach gurgles with hunger at the reminder, "Rations, you said?" I slip a pair of meal bars from my pocket, and then a scroll filled with a week's worth of MRE's from my vest, tossing both to the not-a-nudist. I follow up with a pair of pants, which hit Suigetsu in the chest while he stuffs his face, much to my amusement.

"Ugh! MRE's. Why must it always be MRE's?" Suigetsu grumbles and groans around his meal bar, crumbs spraying, as he inspects the rest of his newly acquired supplies, tugging on the black shinobi pants. He waves away the offer of a shirt.

"Beggars cannot be choosers." Shino retorts, light glinting sinisterly off his sunglasses.

"Thank you, preachy quiet bastard." Suigetsu grumbles, tucking his new foodstuffs into various pockets. I can practically taste Shino's amusement from here. "You're welcome."

I chuckle softly at their interactions, "Right. Did you find anything else?" I direct the question to Shino, who shakes his head. "Stripped the place of anything useful."

"Ruddy tree-hugging bastards, ignoring me..."

"That's Tree-hugging-bastard-sama, to you." I joke with a smile, enjoying the easy banter. Shino just bristles quietly, annoyed.

"Well, weren't your parents interesting people? Mine's Suigetsu."

"Sasuke." I deadpan, cheery mood gone at the mention of parents, I ask more directly— "Anything useful you can tell us about Orochimaru's operations?"

"He's a dick, and obsessed with immortality. And acquiring jutsu. And experimenting on people. Like I said: he's a dick." Useless. Well, if he's intent on not being cooperative...

Shino interrupts my train of thought. "We should get going." Fair enough; Suigetsu doesn't seem inclined to divulge anything useful. If he's a spy, he'll probably agree to come along, and we can keep an eye on him. But if he was a spy, he'd probably have some weapons nearby; we didn't find any.

A sharp nod in agreement. We turn to depart, the water covering the floor rippling at the motion, but pause before stepping back out into the hallway. "Konoha is at war with Orochimaru." I intone, "You could always join us." Get your pound of flesh in revenge. Or we can go our separate ways.

"Nah. I got other shit to do than join a tree-worshiping cult. But... I owe you one, for getting me the hell out of that tank."

"Good luck in your travels, then." We ghost from the room, heading out to rendezvous with Naruto and Kakashi. In the end, we're forced to make a rather faster exit than planned. Naruto and Kakashi encountered and dispelled several large and exceptionally hungry snake summons; Orochimaru certainly knows of our presence by now.

Uhh... This chapter kind of got away from me. Slipped the leash and ran off to the Antarctic.

Oops? Well, you get an extra long chapter in compensation for it being late.

Happy (if slightly belated) Christmas wishes, for those of you that celebrate it! And for all, a Happy New Year!

I'll be taking January off from writing to try and squeeze Internal Medicine into my head—my exam is in February. The next update should be sometime after February 17. After that, I'll be out of mostly-finished chapters into the wild, wild empty pages where the muses frolic (or not). So, yeah. We'll see. It's a given that my update schedule will become much more erratic. I have two stupidly expensive national exams in spring (science help me).

...in other news: methinks Orochimaru won't take encroachment into his territory lightly.

P.S. Thank you to Eikyuu Sonomi for catching my Mizu/Kiri typo in this chapter. And for being such an enthusiastic, diligent reviewer, too!

*Lyrics quoted at the top of the chapter are from "I Of The Storm" by Of Monsters and Men.