"Don't knock on Death's door. Ring the doorbell and run, he hates that."

I don't know if this story will have any pairings yet. I haven't gotten to that point, but let me say that I love a good romance that gives the warm fuzzies. I guess I just have a messed up mind. But for sure this will not be a yaoi/ yuri or whatever. I don't have that much courage. My writing is a little choppy right now, but I hope the further I go on, the smoother it will be. It tends to be a trend. Anyways, reviewing makes me happy in any form. Even if it's just a random comment, it will be treasured. Any constructive criticism helps and I am willing to take any suggestions.

I didn't expect Kabuto to take such a large role already. I guess I identify with him a little more than what I thought, which is scary within itself.

Naruto knew he was getting stronger. He was waking up more, remembering more about what happened during the day. He could see the face of the person giving him the drugs, it was a smaller sort of man, didn't have much potential for being a ninja. Well, he hoped he was a good judge of that, he had been small growing up. Fortunately, he had a caring teacher in Jiraya, though the man had hardly shown it. Naruto was in a sorry state when they had met, he could count his ribs on both sides though his eating habits were getting better. Naruto was perpetually slender from his years of malnutrition and near starvation most times. Jiraiya doubted that he would gain a lot of weight any time in his future, he lost the potential of having a lot of body fat.

Ramen, was the staple of his diet, however unhealthy it may be. It was the cheapest thing he could afford with his meager salary as a genin, and it helped that the old man didn't overcharge him. He filled up with ramen any time he could, which was usually after training or missions, the best time was after he got paid. He would spend most of his money on ramen, it made it easier than having to fight to keep his money. People wondered how he could eat all that ramen in one sitting, he didn't eat it everyday, only when he could. How he could eat so much? Well, that might be because he was starving. Feeding himself off the generosity of Iruka most of the time, and whatever he could salvage from dumpsters or trashcans.

Jiraiya had addressed his nutritional needs immediately, despite Naruto's insistance that he would eat ramen. Ramen was cheap, though he liked getting his ramen paid for, he didn't like to live off the charity of others. Naruto was forced to eat fruits and vegetables and whatever Jiraya thought would be good at the time. Naruto didn't want to take from his teacher, but he made damn sure that he said 'thank you' to him every time, just two words to repay that simple kindness, but Jiraiya had thought that it was enough.

Naruto reminisced for a moment about traveling with Jiraiya, how he had tried to repay him for meals and all the great food that they had been eating.

Naruto packed up the supplies in an orderly fashion, contrary to his nature, Naruto was a neat person and liked things to make sense and have order. Folding the flap down the front, he cinched the clip and made sure it would be secure for the journey. He turned his attention to the fire and looked at the small pile of ashes, they would be moving out today so they could let this fire burn out. Naruto kicked the ash with a sandaled foot to see if there were still any glowing embers, which were smothered by Naruto's heel.

"Brat, what are you doing?"

"Eh? Ero-sennin, I'm just packing up the camp site. Here, let me get your things for you!"

"Naruto."

"Just hand them here, and I-!"

"Naruto. I know that you feel that you have to repay me like this, but you don't. It was nice the first week, but we both have to do our equal share. I'm the sensei so I'm responsible for the food that I get. It's MY food, but I just decided to share with you. If you feel you have to repay the food part, just go hunting. It'll be good practice, plus we'll be able to have some fresh meat on the road!"

Naruto had remained silent for some time, just watching Jiraiya pack up his things (most likely containing perverted things), and they both knew that some unspoken agreement had occurred between them. From then on, Naruto contributed to the dinner table as often as he could, and they both shared the duties of the camp site when Jiraiya didn't have to go off to do some "research".

He had understood. It was a nice feeling, and he knew that things were going to be okay as long as it lasted. How long had he been here already. He knew it was more than a week by his rationality. The furry demon in him made sure he woke up often, and was none too grateful for the wake-up call, affirming that this wasn't just a dream.

Orochimaru was pleased to say the least, though it was never a good idea to try to what extent. If his plan worked correctly, then he had much to be joyful about with a new power under his control. If not, well, it was nice knowing the boy and getting at least something from him. His texts and ear to the ground had located a legend. This was too good.

"Bring me Sasuke!" he shouted to the guard he knew was posted outside his door. In a few moments he would see his apprentice and get him out of Oto for at least a week. It would take at least that long for travel.

He was broken from his musing by an irritated Sasuke barging into his study. "Well?"

"Ah, Sasuke, we will be leaving on a journey at dawn tomorrow. Be ready."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at his master, "Where are we going?"

"North."

Kabuto was never a mathematician. He always did his equations twice to be sure that he was not going to overdose his special project. It was in this concentration that he was interrupted with the news that Orochimaru would be leaving first thing in the morning, and he was not going with. Sasuke, however, would be. Kabuto showed no reaction to the message but was internally fuming. Orochimaru would certainly speak to him first of something of this kind, he wasn't his right hand man for nothing.

Kabuto went to Orochimaru's study as soon as he could finish his calculations. He entered after he was bid.

"Ah, Kabuto."

He remained silent just staring at Orochimaru until he decided to speak again.

"Don't tell me you're jealous?" Orochimaru smirked.

"No, Orochimaru-sama," said Kabuto, now slightly ashamed. Looking down at his feet. "I was not aware that you were taking a journey."

"It will take a week, no longer, I hope," he said flippantly. "But one never knows with Sasuke. He'll be sure to drag this out into a training exercise."

"I see."

"I found a solution to your problem, Kabuto. If it doesn't work, I hope you can afford to cut your losses."

Kabuto's head shot in Orochimaru's direction so quickly. "I..."

"Hm, I see," responded Orochimaru. "Well, you have a week left before anything really must be decided. I'm going north to find a legend, if she still exists."

Sasuke was annoyed that training was limited on this journey. At night they had a small sparring session and Orochimaru would call it a night. He was frustrated at a lack of progress. He hadn't learned anything new form the snake sannin.

"I want a new jutsu."

"And I want this mission to be a success."

Sasuke fumed.

"We cannot be discovered, Sasuke. Spies are everywhere, that's why we left with little to no notice, and why it is just the two of us."

"Why not Kabuto?"

"He has a special project to complete. Besides, who we are going to meet, I hope she can beat something of use into you."

"Training?" Sasuke's eyes lit up, any training might be an edge to use against his brother. Something unexpected to be an ace in the hole.

"Perhaps, it's up to her."

They passed the night without another word, and left just before dawn. They were coming into mountainous territory with thick forest and a small path. They came to a small village at the base of a small range of mountains. Not big enough for much fame, but stilll high enough to be a strain. The villagers gave them strange looks, and didn't seem to be friendly. None of them spoke to them, and small children were ushered inside. They were three days away from Oto at a fairly strenuous pace, there were no allies here.

Orochimaru led the way to a small path that seemed to have only goats and shepard boys as frequent travelers. They climbed higher and around to the second mountain. There Orochimaru began looking for signs of the hut that was supposedly still there. And they were finally upon it before realizing. It was hidden well, made to look like the forest it was in. The yard was small, but functional.

"Who are we seeing?"

"She's a witching woman. Ancient, from what I know of. She was ancient when I first met her, and she's still here."

He rapped curtly upon the door. Waited for a moment before rapping again.

Sasuke was amused. Orochimaru rapped a third time.

"Well, I'm probably not in the house, I'm sure you can tell," said the voice from behind them. They turned. Sasuke was expecting a hunched over little old lady, but this was far from it. Well, except for the old part. She was old, by the white hair that was bound back from her face, and long. She must have been quite tall when she was younger, and stood almost Sasuke's height, back straight with pride. Her face was weathered and full of wrinkes, but her eyes were black, bright and spoke of things they could never have seen.

"Well? Are you going to stand and stare or are you going to greet this old, witching woman?"

"Greetings, Majou-sama," said Orochimaru respectfully with a bow.

She snorted. "Well, that's a fine greeting. And how about your apprentice?"

"Greetings, baba."

"Now I can say for sure that you two are here because you want something. Same thing it was when you came here last Orochimaru." She moved between them and opened her house. "Might as well. Come in gentlemen, and make yourself at home."

They took off their shoes and packs and left them outside and went into their hostess' house. The hut was quaint and filled with odds and ends, herbs hung from every available place, small workings were left by the fire.

"Tea?" she didn't wait for a response before pouring cups of the steaming liquid. She sat back and enjoyed her steaming cup with a sigh. "Tell me something. A story, I cannot abide quiet with guests."

"Majou-sama, we're here for-"

"That doesn't sound like a story," she interrupted. "You, apprentice, tell me yours."

Sasuke was incredulous. A story? Maybe one from his childhood, perhaps? One told by his mother to get him to sleep. He liked one in particular when he was young. He began quietly, "Once there was a small boy, no bigger than your little finger..."

When he was fininshed Majou sighed contentedly, "It's been awhile since I heard that one. You have pleased me with your telling. It's getting late. Good night, gentlemen."

She ushered them to the door and promptly kicked them out.

Sasuke was confused to say the least. What the hell was this old bat up to? Orochimaru and he exchanged a quick look. They set up their sleeping rolls out in the yard, it was more comfortable than a forest floor and waking up with a rock under your ribs.

He woke up with the dawn and moved to find a place to practice his katas. He found a small clearing not far off from the hut and set to work. In the middle of his training exercise, he was distracted out of the corner of his eyes, he saw a small white blob. It was the witch woman's hair, she was leaving. Determined to find out what she was up to and could probably teach him, he decided to follow. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he grabbed his shirt from where it was laying on a bush and quickly followed.

He stayed as quiet as he could, flitting from tree to tree to not be seen. She soon found a small clearing and set to work collecting herbs and small flowers that were of use to her.

"Stop hiding in the shadows, boy, and come help me instead of staring."

He approached her with a raised brow. Standing near to her kneeling form.

"I play no games, boy. But respect is a must. Help an old lady."

Sasuke kneeled to the ground at a ninety degree angle to her. He was hopelessly lost as to what to do.

"This root is what you're looking for," she said holding up a small tuber. "The plant is small and hard to find, but this small patch will do just fine. It has three leaves in this pattern."

Her dirty fingers showed him the small plant and the shape of the leaves.

He started to work on finding the small plant and digging it up. She talked to him once and awhile while they were digging, telling him the properties of the plants and what they were used for. "By itself, it's nothing, merely a pretty thing when it flowers. Tiny white flowers that are nice in the spring, but in the end of summer, the roots are best for picking. Nice thing to find if you're on the road, can feed you until you find something better. But mixed with a nice soup or broth, it can help with a headache."

He decided it was wiser to not speak back to her. What ever was he going to use this for? He didn't need plants to defeat his brother. This woman is what could help him, if she would train him. He could see the obvious strength of her form, obviously past her prime, but theoretical training, observing what he was doing might help him more.

"I know what Orochimaru is here for," she said out of the blue. She sat back upon her legs, considering for a moment. "Damn him."

She snorted with half-laughter. "I forgot, too late."

"You must have been a great fighter in your day," he began, hopefully getting on her good side, she might be more willing to give him a jutsu or train him in something.

"Ah-ah-ah! I know what you're thinking, and you should be ashamed of yourself. Taking advantage of an old woman like that...Ninjas are manipulative by nature, but you're learning from Orochimaru, that should be enough."

"Are you going to give Orochimaru what he's looking for?"

She looked sad for a moment, then angry. "I must."

"But why?"

"Simple trade, that's why."

"What is he going to do for you?"

She peered into his eyes with a hard look. For a moment, Sasuke thought she could see more than just his face, looking into his soul and mind.

"You have a large curse upon you from him. I hope you know what you're doing. No one ever gets away from him unscathed, though he is not all powerful... it's just that you're so young. Though you are not the youngest by far."

Sasuke tried questioning her more, but she said nothing, only continuing to work. When she was finished she stood up slowly, examining her surroundings with a glance. She handed the basket of roots to Sasuke and made for the hut.

They found Orochimaru leaning against the hut, waiting for their return.

"Three days. I can get you what you want. Less if your apprentice helps."

"Done."

"I expect to be paid in full immediately, otherwise it won't work. I can promise you that."

Sasuke was confused, but didn't let it show. What exactly were they after?

Well, that certainly was an interesting experience. I can tell things are getting less choppy, but I'm up for anything. My brother gets mad at me for using the Japenese language as I do. But he's allowed, he's taking classes for the language and he's been there... I'm jealous.

Anyways, I'm trying to get a broad spectrum of characters through this and it takes time to make sure they're in character. I don't know for sure, and I will listen to ideas if they are sent my way. My picture of Sasuke is frustrated at not being able to learn fast enough, resentful of people and their goodwill (no charity goes unresented), but I always thought he was a curious kind of guy, though he doesn't always show it. The kind of guy that takes something apart to see how it works. In Sasuke's case, dissect it and use it to his advantage.

I am also curious about the technology they have in the Naruto world. If they are as up to date as we are with the added bonus of chakra that does lead to a more innovative society, or are they a bit behind. I imagine them more at a 1930s/40s level of technology, maybe a little more than that. They have radio transmitters/receivers...Discuss...