Kakuzu

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Tenjho Tenge

AUTHORS NOTE: We'll be starting off with ANBU Team Kuro this time. Here is chapter 53. Enjoy!

[ ] signifies hand signs

Last time:

Frost Country, Ebony Forest

"Thank the gods she fell asleep." said Maya as she finished taking notes. "You are a cruel woman sensei!"

Yūgao shrugged. "How was I supposed to know she was some kind of foodie and still in training?"

"Urp…I can't believe we ate so much…" said Naruto.

Hinata was in disbelief. "I can't believe that Aiko talked so much!"

"What are we going to do with her?" asked Naruto. "She practically babbled out everything she knew under the influence."

"This is why I never let Aya drink…" said Maya. "She gets even more bubbly and talkative."

Hinata sweat dropped. "I had no idea Aya-chan could get bubblier than she already is."

"Aiko would be considered an informant at best and a traitor at worst." said Naruto.

Yūgao weighed the pros and cons and finally said, "We could take her with us. She might be our ticket through Lightning Country since she knows the territory like the back of her hand. Sending Aiko home to the Raikage could well be a death sentence."

"Let's see what Aiko wants to do when she wakes up." said Maya grimly. "She might prefer a painless death."

Everyone else nodded. "We'll let her decide her fate then." agreed Yūgao.

…

Chapter 53

Fire Country, Road to Konoha

Team Aka found themselves nearing Konoha quickly despite travelling with a horse drawn cart slowing them down. ANBU Dove said to the others, "We're almost there Team Samui. I don't know exactly how the Hokage is going to handle this but I know if there is a cure, Tsunade-sama will surely find a way to help you three out."

Samui, Karui and Omoi were relieved to see Konoha coming into view. "Anything will be better than being locked away like lepers." said Karui.

"If Tsunade-sama can cure us then we will forever be in her debt." said Omoi. "I think Bee-sensei would rather see us alive in Konoha than dead locked up in Kumo."

Samui agreed. "Bee-sensei would want us to survive."

…

Hokage Tower, Tsunade's Office

"So you three have the Withering as well." said Tsunade. "The first thing we are going to do is get all of you a chakra infusion and full physicals to see exactly how far the Withering has progressed in the three months you've had it."

Samui said, "ANBU Dove said the cure was lost with Uzu. Can it really be recreated?"

"If it can be then we will do it." replied the Fifth Hokage. Then she rubbed her chin and asked, "Have any of you heard of the Land of Ōrora to the north of Lightning Country? Supposedly the original cure for the Withering came from there."

Karui said, "No one goes to the Northern Mountains. It's been forbidden since Kumo's founding."

"Do you know why?" asked Tsunade curiously.

It's supposed to be a sacred place." explained Samui. "Legend has it that the land is ruled by the gods themselves. The First Raikage made it a law that we should never go there on pain of death. I think the last time an expedition was sent up north was during the Era of the Warring Clans before the Ninja Villages were even thought of. No one ever returned."

"Ōrora is said to be full of giant animals and plants. Supposedly the ancestors of the greater summon creatures came from there." said Omoi.

'I wonder if Jiraiya could ask the Toad Sages about that.' thought Tsunade. 'They might be able to help us with their knowledge of the past…'

…

Frost Country, Ebony Forest

Team Kuro woke up the peacefully sleeping Aiko only to find the girl wasn't hung over by some minor miracle. "Wahhhhhh! I leaked every Kumo secret I know!" lamented the ten-year-old. "Raikage A-sama will murder me!"

Yūgao lightly bopped her on the head and said, "You are a shinobi Aiko! Think for a moment. We need a guide to Ōrora. If you help us willingly you could join Konoha and the Raikage won't be able to touch you."

Aiko's big blue eyes were filled with hope. "You'd let me join you Cat-san? You're too kind. Ōrora is forbidden you know. It's a sacred place that none may enter. Bee-sama told me only people with pure hearts can go to that place."

"Bee-sama? As in Kirabi?" asked Maya.

Aiko nodded. "Yes, Kirabi-sama is my friend. His Team got really sick and he's depressed so he's been looking for a cure for them."

Raven asked, "How are they sick Aiko-chan?"

Aiko shrugged. "I don't know exactly. They just keep getting weaker and weaker. I know they were quarantined. If they aren't cured soon, they'll die and Bee-sama will be devastated."

…

Konoha, Senju Compound

Jiraiya was talking with his wife Tsunade and his daughter Mito. "I'm going to head out to Mount Myōboku and see what I can find out about the Land of Ōrora from the Great Toad Sage as well as Ma and Pa. This may take some time so I'll send a messenger toad if I'm going to be gone more than a week. In the meantime, I want you to be good for you Kaa-chan, Mito-chan. Tsunade-hime, I'll be thinking about both of you. Stay safe."

Sharing a loving kiss, Tsunade and Jiraiya separated and the Toad Sage vanished in a reverse summons.

…

Mount Myōboku

Jiraiya appeared in a puff of smoke outside of Shima and Fukasaku's cottage. He quickly knocked on the door and Fukasaku answered it. The Toad smiled and said, "Jiraiya-chan, Ma and I were just talking about you. When are you going to have Minato-chan's tadpole Naruto-chan sign the Toad Contract? The boy is old enough."

Jiraiya scratched the back of his neck and said, "There just hasn't been time, Pa. Naruto and his team set out for the Land of Ōrora and I was hoping that the Great Toad Sage might know something about the place that would help us."

Fukasaku's eyebrows nearly hit the ceiling of and Shima came out of the back and asked, "Did you just say the Land of Ōrora, Jiraiya-chan?"

"That I did Ma." answered the sanin as he got a sinking feeling.

"Oh dear." replied Shima. "This complicates things. You'd better come inside…"

Fukasaku, Shima and Jiraiya were sitting together at the table. Fukasaku explained, "The Great Toad Sage Gamamaru said he came from the land of Ōrora long before Mount Myōboku was settled by the Toads and instructed the Sage of the Six Paths in the art of senjutsu. He said that he was very young then and he is over 1,000 years old."

Shima cringed a bit. "Many civilizations rose and fell in that place so who knows what might be living there now. The ancestors of the Toads, Slugs and Snakes all came from Ōrora originally, but it isn't spoken about much."

"Then it's a taboo subject among the Toads?" asked Jiraiya.

"It's not tabooed per se." said Fukasaku. "It's just the Great Toad Sage doesn't like to talk about it. We're under the impression that something or someone made him flee Ōrora but that's just the feeling we got over the years. The wise thing to do would be to ask him personally."

…

Jiraiya soon was sitting in the seiza position before the Great Toad Sage waiting for the ancient amphibian to wake up. The enormous Gamamaru was sleeping peacefully when he suddenly awoke with a start and noticed Jiraiya was there. Opening his squinted eyes for a fraction he said, "Jiraiya-chan, you've arrived. I foresaw your coming here but not why. What brings you here today my young friend?"

The white haired sannin said. "My godson Naruto and his teammates are seeking out the Land of Ōrora. I was hoping you could tell me a bit about it."

The Great Toad Sage blanched a bit and croaked, "Ōrora?! …Now there is a name I haven't heard in a long time… a long time." Gamamaru let out a long sigh and said, "I try not to think about that place. I was very young when the toads were forced to leave there. I'm the only one still alive that remembers it…I wonder what it's like now."

"What was it like then?" asked Jiraiya.

Gamamaru recalled, "We Toads decided to settle here on Mount Myōboku because it reminded us of Ōrora. Imagine Myōboku as a vast untamed land instead of just a mountain and you will have an idea of what Ōrora was like then…" The Great Toad Sage suddenly snorted. "As long as the thunder lizards weren't roaming around anyway."

The Toad sanin asked, "Thunder lizards?"

"They are where humans drew the legends of dragons from." replied the Great Toad Sage. "We Toads called them thunder lizards because they made noise like thunder when they came crashing around."

"Were these thunder lizards big then?" asked Jiraiya in shock.

Gamamaru nodded. "They towered over the most massive of the Toads. Some were wise, some were stupid, but they all were dangerous. We toads crossed one of their most powerful and were driven out of Ōrora as a result. We would have been stomped out entirely if we hadn't fled. Thunder lizards are truly terrifying. If young Naruto-chan goes there, then he could be in terrible danger. What would possess the tadpole to seek out Ōrora to begin with?"

"There is a medicinal plant there called the Dragon Flower that was used in Uzu to cure the Withering." Explained Jiraiya. "Since Uzu was wiped out we have to go to the original source of the plant which was Ōrora. We're combing the land of Whirlpools for remaining plants but we don't have much hope. The destruction of Uzu was so complete that we doubt any remains of those plants exist."

"So, you are looking for the Violet Dragon Flower…" said the ancient toad. "They can be found in Ōrora but are considered valuable for their medicinal nature. Young Naruto and his friends will certainly have his hands full obtaining some..."

…

Lightning Country Border Station

Nii Yugito arrived at the border station only to find it was in shambles and Kakuzu was waiting for her. He asked, "What took you so long? Time is money you know. I have other bounties aside of you, Nii."

"Prepare to die bounty hunter." growled Yugito as she took on the full form of the two tailed demon cat Matatabi. 'We have to kill this one quickly Matatabi. He has already slain far too many of our comrades.' She thought to her demon cat partner.

Matatabi replied, 'Let's do our best then Yugito. There is no time to waste.'

'Come to me kitten.' thought Kakuzu as he prepared to face a fiery onslaught. The former Takigakure ninja dived out of the way of a blue hot fireball. He countered with a massive earth spike that the two-tails danced around nimbly despite her massive size…

Nearby Kireina and Hound Three were gaping in awe as the two titans clashed.

'There is too much power here to comprehend!' thought Hound Three.

Kireina was having similar thoughts but really expected Yugito to dominate the fight given her enormous energy. Alas, Kakuzu wasn't the sort to go down so easily. After taking a direct hit from Matatabi's massive paw; the bounty hunter got back up having sacrificed his Fire Heart to revive himself from apparent death.

'What the hell?!' thought Yugito. 'How is he alive?'

"That cost me a heart you bitch!" growled Kakuzu. "I guess I'll have to take your heart to replace it!"

Matatabi thought, 'Just what sort of creature is this?!'

…

Frost Country/Lightning Country Border

Team Kuro was heading towards Lightning Country when the massive explosion of a two-tailed bijudama nearby knocked them all clean off their feet. Aiko said, "That came from the Border Station!" She immediately donned her Timberwolf Six mask and said, "We have to help! I sense Nii-sama is in trouble!" Then she ran off in the direction the explosion came from.

"Come back here Aiko-chan!" yelled Yūgao as team Kuro pursued her. When the ANBU Team cleared the Forest line they saw Yugito in her two-tailed form battling it out with the monstrous long ranged form of Kakuzu that looked like some sort of octopus made up of gray tendrils that were woven throughout the bounty hunter's body. This was the kinjutsu Earth Grudge Fear *①.

The light blue haired Aiko came to a screeching halt when she saw the sheer scale of the battle taking place.

"…" said Maya as another bijidama shook the earth.

"…And that would be the two-tailed demon cat Matatabi…" said Naruto in a dumbfounded tone.

Hinata asked, "And what is it the Matatabi is fighting Fox-kun?"

"That I wish I knew Raven." said the blonde.

"Damn you Kakuzu!" thundered Yugito as she took a swipe at the bounty hunter. "You greedy, hate filled monster. You'll never make it out of this alive!"

Team Kuro all immediately looked up the S-class Kakuzu in their bingo books. "He has a flee on sight order." said Fox.

"So did Orochimaru." replied Raptor.

Raven added. "So did Natsume Shin if you'll recall."

Yūgao smiled grimly under her mask. "How many hearts does he have Raven?"

Raven looked with her byakugan. "I count three Cat-sensei. The Earth one is in his body, the one moving with his left arm is water and the one on his right arm is lightning."

Yūgao said, "Our target is the lightning heart. Here's what we're going to do…"

…

Nii Yugito was a very practical and pragmatic kunoichi. She knew at the rate she was burning chakra that she was going to lose. Figuring that a strategic withdrawal was in order, the jinchuruki of Matatabi prepared to run.

That's when she saw a flash of yellow in the sky above her and saw a tree bend over and grab Kazuzu on its own simultaneously. Kakazu was totally disoriented for a split second as he was lifted skywards by the tree and yellow flashes began to appear around his lightning heart. "Take the shot at the tree Yugito-sama!" called Aiko over the radio.

Matatabi's massive paw came down on Kakuzu's main body at the same time his lightning heart was destroyed by a wind enhanced strike from Shippuuhime. The Hurricane Princess lived up to its name as the lightning heart exploded in a shower of sparks.

Kakuzu had no choice but to revive himself with his single remaining heart of water. Stumbling to his feet again, the bounty hunter attempted to flee only to have ANBU Cat body flicker in front of him and ram the earth enhanced Kusanagi into his remaining heart. The bounty hunter stared dumbly at the sword sticking out of him. His body seized up as the light left his green eyes. The longest living ninja in the history of the elemental nations was dead…

Yugito sighed as Timberwolf Six signaled, "The battle is over, Kakuzu of Takigakure is down."

ANBU Team Kuro reassembled and Yugito released her two-tailed form. She was exhausted. Kureina and Hound Three joined with Timberwolf Six at Nii's side.

"It seems I owe you Konoha ninja." said Yugito. "The question is, what are you doing in Kumo territory to begin with?"

"We are seeking passage to Ōrora through Lightning Country. Believe it or not we are on a mercy mission." said ANBU Cat.

That was when Kirabi body flickered in and rapped, "No worries Yugito, I'll take care of this; what is this Ōrora business*②?"

ANBU Team Kuro sweat dropped at the rapping Bee did but the Kumo ninja acted like it was the norm for him. Yūgao said, "Team Kuro was sent to retrieve medicinal plants that can only be found in Ōrora. We need help to get there Kiribi-sama."

"Are you serios or delirious?" asked Bee. Seeing the earnest body language of Team Kuro; Bee rapped, "You guys are as serious as a grave. I guess you have someone important to save. Since you rescued Yugito-chan; If you need passage then I'm your man."

Yugito said, "That blonde ANBU with the Fox mask-"

"It will be just fine, I know about the number nine." replied Bee.

"Bee-sama, please guide them safely." said Timberwolf Six. "They spared my life when we attacked them in Frost Country."

"You Timberwolves attacked them on neutral ground?" asked Yugito. Seeing Aiko nod she asked, "Why?"

"Timberwolf One thought they were someone else. We jumped them and lost."

Bee nodded intently. "Then the Timberwolves got wiped out… No wonder you're in such a pout. Come with me Timberwolf Six; Bee-sama's gonna add you to the mix!"

Yugito nodded grimly. "Be careful on your journey Bee. A-sama will be less than thrilled about this."

Bee growled, "A did wrong to me and my Team, he sold them down the river after quarantine. Let A-sama scream and shout. He and I are on the outs."

"As long as you know what you are doing." said Yugito seriously. "Good luck."

Kirabi said, "If you all are ready let's set forth; Ōrora is way up north."

ANBU Team Kuro followed their new guide and hoped it wasn't a trap…

…

Konoha Hospital

Shizune just finished was checking over Team Samui who all needed a major chakra infusion. Luckily for them, Tsunade's chakra pills were very effective and their reserves were refilled without issue. The biggest problem was Team Samui was used to using chakra all the time so now they had to be taught chakra suppression techniques.

It was fortunate that newly instated Konoha Genin Uzumaki Karin was already a master of the art of chakra suppression and could teach them.

…

In the meantime, Naruto's ANBU sealing class got the first copies of An Introduction to Sealing, Volume I which the recently returned Jiraiya was using to teach the ANBU with. The Toad Sanin naturally knew everything in the book but was looking forward to seeing how well the book worked for the others.

At the rate the ANBU Sealing Team was soaking it up Jiraiya figured Volume II would need to be printed soon. Naruto had already completed the rough drafts of Volumes II and III but now that the Oto/Konoha War was over, Jiraiya had the extra time necessary to finish ghostwriting Naruto's work.

…

Natsume Clan Home

Hyūga Natsu was very concerned for the health of Hanako-sama as was Hanabi. "Obaa-chan, let me get those for you." said Hanabi as she grabbed the plates after they finished eating. "There is no need to strain yourself."

Hanako said, "Hanabi-chan, I'll admit my chakra issues slow me down a bit but I'm not crippled. Tsunade's chakra pills are doing a wonderful job and I need to maintain my health regimen and exercise. Now give me those plates! I'll wash them myself!"

While Grandmother and Granddaughter were battling over dishes; Natsu was doing laundry. The kunoichi/maid was wondering how long Hinata, Maya and Naruto would be gone. 'It seems so lonely here without the three of them around. I guess they've become family to me also.' She heard a knock on the front door and went to answer it.

When Natsu opened the door she found Ami, Fuki and Kasumi their waiting. Ami was messing with her purple hair and said, "Hi, we're Team 17 and old classmates of Naruto-kun. Is he home?"

'Who are these girls?' wondered Natsu. "I'm afraid Naruto-san is out on a mission. Can I take a message?"

The three kunoichi deflated. "Ummm, please tell him that Team 17 stopped by and said hi." said Ami lamely. "You wouldn't happen to know when he'll be back would you?"

Natsu shook her head. "All I really know is that he's on a long-range mission. It's classified from me as well."

…

Konoha Ninja Academy

Takayanagi Masataka, Nagi Souichiro, Makihara Bob, and Natsume Aya were all very excited. Tsubaki-sensei had nominated the four of them as possible candidates for the next generation of Elite genins. Souichiro and Bob high fived and the blonde said, "Wouldn't it be awesome to be ANBU Brats like Naruto-Aniki?"

Masataka found himself enthused as well. "I'd say this is all due to the hard work training under Team 11 and Hanako-sama."

Giggling, Aya said, "I think so too. I can't wait to tell Obaa-chan about it!"

Bob was grinning from ear to ear. "I'll bet Naruto, Maya and Hinata will be really surprised when they get back."

As the group went down the path towards Aya's home to spar in the Natsume Dojo, they crossed paths with Team 17 that Aya had seen before when Maya chased them off.

Aya got a cute frown and asked, "What are you three doing on Natsume property again?"

Ami put on a mean smile and replied, "We came to see Naruto-kun girl. We want to know if he's available. Who are you to ask anyway?"

Aya activated her ryugan and said with a mass of killing intent, "I'm Maya's little sister Natsume Aya. Naruto nii-san is spoken for so go bother somebody else. Now get off my property!" Aya's red, slitted eyes were enough to send Ami and her teammates running.

Bob, Souichiro and Masataka were taken aback as Aya quickly transformed back into her cute and bubbly self. "Sorry guys, those three hated Naruto nii-san back in the academy according to Maya nee-chan. I don't want them creeping around my house."

…

Entering the Natsume residence; Aya announced "I'm home and I have friends with me!"

Natsu greeted them immediately and Hanako and Hanabi soon joined them. Aya soon announced, "Tsubaki-sensei nominated the four of us to join the Elite genin program!"

Hanako nodded in approval. "You've all done very well. That's the first step. Now it's time to up your training so you'll be ready."

The four kid's jaws dropped to the floor at the prospect of raising their training levels higher and Hanako smirked. "You didn't think it would be easy, did you? Naruto-kun, Maya-chan and Hinata-chan sweated blood to be as strong as they are now. I expect all of you to do the same."

Hanabi asked, "Do you think Bunshichi-sensei and Anko-sensei would help? I'll bet Hikari-nee-chan would help too."

"I'm sure arrangements can be made." said Hanako with a nod.

'What have I gotten myself into?' thought the four Academy students.

…

Lightning Country, Valley of Clouds and Lightning*③

Team Kuro was racing across the water in the valley filled with fog that Kirabi called his home turf. It was a winding path but with Bee on point they were making excellent time. Under the cover of the deep fog they were well hidden from Kumo ninja patrols as well.

It was not an easy trip and took nearly two weeks but soon the small group of six ninja was nearing the northern border of Lightning Country. It was a very steep cliff face and they were at its base. Bee rapped, "Yo! This is a far as Aiko and I go. You've got to roam but this is our home." Then he said more seriously, "I'm pulling for you, Konoha ANBU. It's my dream that you save my team."

Aiko said, "The passage to Ōrora is believed to be in a cave straight up from here. It is supposed to have a waterfall coming out of it."

Team Kuro bowed to Bee and Aiko. "We thank you Bee-sama, Aiko-chan." said ANBU Cat. "We never would have made it this far without you. From here on out it's a road we must travel alone."

…

POSTSCRIPT:

*① Earth Grudge Fear: It is a secret kinjutsu of Takigakure which transforms the user's body into something similar to that of a ragdoll, held together by hundreds of thick black threads.

*② Your author sucks at any form of rapping which is why Kirabi appears so rarely in my stories. I genuinely like the character and his personality but the rhyming…yeesh. Don't expect much and you won't be disappointed.

*③ Valley of Clouds and Lightning: It is a valley located within the Land of Lightning's many mountain ranges. It's a water-filled valley covered in clouds or fog. Within this valley is a dark cavern where Kirabi trains.

This chapter was short but it is a good stopping point. Next chapter we will catch up with the other teams and their adventures during the two weeks Team Kuro was racing through Lightning Country. After that we will circle back to Yūgao's Team and their attempts to reach Ōrora at last. See you next time. Blue out. 9/9/23