Permission To Seek

Chapter 48 Evil Intent

Moonlight entering the high windows offered little illumination to the oval shaped office. Dark shadows dominating most of a custom installed bookcase, which circled the room and the high cathedral ceiling. Sitting at a computer evaluating the last test subjects blood sample the old man’s brow furrowed then he swore under his breath, he closed the program and clicked on another file, realizing he would need to go back through his notes to find the missing enzyme.

The new file a map of the Hidden Leaf circled in red the Hokage Tower. He leaned back in his chair his mind on his nephew, wondering how the brat had managed to corrupt the blood samples thus causing his research to come to a complete halt over two years ago. Kuni-te gritted his teeth, as he remembered how swiftly he worked to get the brat out of the village under the Hokage’s nose then fought to keep him out of the Village while he made some changes to the council. Only to discover the brat had moved several steps ahead of him preventing his ‘research’ without the original host. The Elder worked for years trying to duplicate the blood traits, unique to Shino, he thought he’d made progress, however his last viable test subject expired over a year ago and he was not willing to use the serum on anyone else until he’d gotten close to the genetic traits.

The most he could do was branch his research to discover an anti-viral substitute, which could provide a temporary but effective means of increasing Clan members resistance to toxins. Even that portion of his project has failed since Shino returned to the Village, he suspected now the bastard has inside help, corrupting his work. Although he was not willing to admit that samples he alone could access also failed to perform as expected. The conclusion he reached is if Shino did not come to him, he would need to confront him directly. A confrontation at this stage is not appropriate; the lack of progress over the years severely hampered his plans for the Aburame Clan, ‘He is boxing me into a situation that will interfere with our vision for the future!’

“Dam him.” He slammed his fist on the desk. “He swore he would do as I asked, Bastard!” A knock at the door drew his attention. “What!”

A pale yellow eye peered in the door, “Excuse me Kuni-te-sama, your visitor has arrived, and the children are sleeping.

The old man narrowed his eyes, inviting this person not really something he was comfortable with. “Good, show him in and stay with the children until I send for you.” The servant left, the Elder quickly clearing the few files off his desk sitting back mildly as a short knock and open door allowed the gray hair medic to enter.

“So we meet again Gaki.” He chuckled as the boy pushed up his large frames and sat without asking.

“So rude, well I didn’t expect a fatherly hug.” He smirked. Then leaned back in the armchair and crossed his legs. “You are about to have a world of problems Old Man.”

Folding his hands on his lap, he grinned at the boy. “Kabuto, if you would enjoy seeing your snake boss again be respectful.” His Kikai dropped from the ceiling to hover four feet above the gray-hair medic.

Kabuto gazed up interestedly then smiled kindly at the lined face. “I didn’t come here to fight so we can both be cordial for now right?” He grinned as the insects rose back to the dark roof. “Well, we have information that Kimimaro is returning to the Hidden Leaf as we speak, so I guess you will have some explaining to do once he arrives.”

A dark storm rolled over inside the old heart; the desire to kill the boy in the next two minutes tempting. “What do you mean; you were to deal with him, permanently!” He hissed through clenched teeth, his Kikai hissing as well.

Cocking his head to one side and pushing up his frames, he stared at the angry lined face. “Well we slipped-up Orochimaru-sama sends his apologies.”

“Perhaps I should slip-up and send your head back without your body to Orochimaru.” Kuni-te’s anger mounting as his mind sought a means to defend himself when Kimimaro arrived.

Kabuto laughed lightly, “That will not be necessary, Orochimaru-sama has a lucrative offer you will find difficult to refuse. In return for your cooperation he is prepared to assist you in assuming control of the Hidden Leaf and your enemies will be eliminated.” His innocent features alight with amusement.

Kuni-te leaned forward resting his elbows on the desk folding his hands in front of his mouth glaring at the snakes’ medical specialist. “What is the offer?”

“Just one person Orochimaru-sama, finds intriguing Uchiha Sasuke. Deliver him to me and I will escort him to the sound village, so do we have a deal?”

A deep chuckle began to emulate from the old man, Kabuto joining him at first but stop quickly scowling as the chuckle reverted to a howling laugh, complete with tears of amusement as he stared at the darkening face. “You, I should say the SNAKE wants me to help him get Uchiha! I hate that kid! I want to participate in his dissection! It will be a co ld day in HELL before I give him to that dam OROCHIMARU!” He continued to bellow in laughter in the medic’s angry face. “That would be a fate worse than death!” Kabuto rose infuriated.

“Well I see there is nothing further to discuss.” Turning to leave he confronted a huge ninja who’s presence he never detected. Covered in a long dark coat obscuring his head and face with dark shades blocking his eyes, the ninja leered toward him as Kabuto took a step back. “I am leaving, so move.”

“I will have words with you or my nephew will have painful words with you, decide.” He chuckled in a subdued manner staring at the gray hair, Kabuto sat back in the chair. He could not detect a heartbeat from the ninja; he never suspected Kuni-te possessed the ability to perform a dead soul jutsu he narrowed his eyes at the old man.

Leaning back in his chair folding his hands across his stomach while his clone stood close behind Kabuto’s he considered the offer again. ‘I could get rid of that Uchiha once and for all, but then Shino would never have an opportunity to face him. What would the snake want with Uchiha except to assume his body? If that happens my control over the Leaf will be, short lived and my descendants rule will be at a disadvantage. In the end, we may need Uchiha to add strength to the Village.’

“Well I have considered carefully, so please listen your life depends on remembering these important details.” He ginned at the angry face as his clone withdrew a long kunai. “I think that eliminating Uchiha is a wonderful idea.” A warm smile stretched the lined face, Kabuto relaxed about to share his thoughts when the kunai plucked out his right eye. The large ninja attacks stomping Kabuto as he collapsed to the floor screaming in pain. Between the anguished shrieks, Kuni-te laughed adding, “I will reserve that pleasure for my nephew. Tell Orochimaru I am dissatisfied in his handling of Kimimaro.” Kabuto threw his hands over his face attempting to heal his eye the clone closed in swiping the kunai swiftly over Kabuto’s face. The medic howled in bitter pain as his right thumb flew wetly threw the air; blood spurting from the stump, Kabuto threw his chakra lighted left hand in the dark frames.

For several heartbeats, he stared in disbelief as Kuni-te cackled madly. Kabuto’s hand buried in the hollow that remained after the Kikai face dissolved, the head shook back and forth then closed around his arms as the Kikai above fell like an ocean absorbing his chakra. Kuni-te walked around the desk the Kikai retreated opening a clear path; he crouched down staring at the bleeding Shinobi. “Now you will be escorted to the borders of my land never return. I will handle Kimimaro on my own. Why would I trust you to deal with anything for me again?” He burst out in laughter as the clone dragged the medic to his feet.

“You son of a b!tch! You will pay for this!” The medic wailed trying to stop the bleeding from his eye with his bloody hands. “Orochimaru will kill you for this!”

The clone hauled him to the door yanking it open as Kuni-te called after him. “No he won’t and you will be lucky if he waste his time healing your sorry ass!” The derisive laughter echoing through the home while the clone dragged the snakes’ servant down the stairs.

Kuni-te stopped laughing removing files from a desk drawer deciding his next move. ‘The boy must fulfill his obligation.’ He only needed to find him Kuni-te still unable to locate where he lives. None of his Kikai would seek Shino he repelled the Kikai as well as other insects. A unique technique used to hamper trackers; the Elder himself never mastered the secret Jutsu. Narrowing he eyes while he stared at the map of the Village he finally noticed something he never considered, wondering with a dark smirk if Uzumaki has returned to the Village. ‘Perhaps I shall get the brats attention in some other fashion I still owe that boy for the kick.’ He pulled a scroll from his desk slitting his finger with a small pin, and placed a hand on the open scroll.

He gazed at the large moth the size of an eagle with multi-colored wings in gold, red, green, and black. Except for the varied color, most onlookers would presume it a bird at first glance, but this creature far more deadly. “I need your sacrifice, I believe you owe me.” The insect nodded as the elder pointed out Naruto’s home on a map of the village. “Here the kid has gold hair and blue eyes; I need to send a message.” He grinned darkly at the creature as it cleaned its antenna, and twitched its head.


**A Ninja’s confession**

Tsunade gazed thoughtfully out her office window the day ending, she felt troubled by the decisions she now faced. She sensed his presence before he spoke, sucking her teeth as she glanced at her long time friend. “Jiraiya you realize we will not be alone I have called for several people to join us.”

Sitting in her office window gazing at the slowly setting sun the big Seine smiled mildly tucking away his newest volume of Yaoi Paradise. “Well if that’s how it is perhaps we can share the details later, I believe it’s my finest work.”

“What! You have a new book?!” The copy ninja blurted from the corner, he had managed to slip in the office on the tail end of their conversation.

The Fifth eyed him annoyed. ‘This brat always wants to interfere with our private time he shouldn’t be here for at least another fifteen minutes or so, and how about knocking for a change.’

“HaHaHa” The Hermit laughed jovially, “One of my favorite customers, Kakashi you will need to wait until it’s available to the public, sorry about that.” He continued to snicker at the Jonin when a knock drew everyone’s attention.

“Enter!” Tsunade barked.

Gai entered behind a records person carrying a large box of files. “I have the information you requested Hokage-sama.” The young ninja stated placing the box on her desk.

“Thank you, hello Gai I trust you know why you are here?” She reached in the box pulling out a large folder. It contained information she had reviewed the night before in the library concerning a mission from over ten years ago.

Gai stood in front of the large desk staring at the folder in her hands the file person left. “Yes, Hokage-sama what would you like me to discuss about that mission?”

Kakashi looked up from the book in his hands, the title Where to find the Most Interesting Insects. He has never observed Gai in a reserved mood, although if the particular mission involved a death. Kakashi sighed ‘A mission in which you loose a comrade is the hardest to discuss.’

“I have reviewed what medical files we have on the deaths during that mission. If you will relay your part and anything, you recall about the altercation for Jiraiya and Kakashi as well, since I had already left the village at this point. I just want to hear the account from the only survivor.”

Gai knelled on the floor in front of her desk, his face darkened at the painful memory. “I was still a Chuunin at the time and Captain Shibi showed interest in helping me develop as a ninja.” He sighed deeply, every eye on him as he continued. “I will cut to the chase, we arrived at boarder to the Village of Grass to find a massacre, hundreds of ninja lay dead on the battle field, we could not determine who prevailed there were so many dead on both sides. Captain Shibi began to examine the bodies for injuries, noticing that many of the dead had minor physical injuries or no visible wounds at all. After checking several, they agreed we should retreat from the area; there were no survivors and our Captain said the situation looks strange.” Gai sighed.

“Without warning a rumbling sound filled the air before I could determine where it was coming from Captain Shibi used his Jutsu to force me to the ground, opening the earth and burying me nearly three-feet below the soil. He threw his body over the gap he left for me to have air.” He paused, his face a darkening mask. “At least at the time this is what I believed he done. It turns out he was attacked and collapsed on top of my hiding space, as he lay on top of me he said something I will never forget but I fear never truly understand.” The dark eyes filled with tears, he wiped them away with is wrist roughly, staring out the office window behind the Fifth.

“Yes that will be enough Gai, unless you would like to share more.” She gazed sadly one of Elite Shinobi still wondering how he had survived six days buried under his comrades.

“I would like to tell you that he ordered me to remain. Captain Shibi stated that I cannot prevail against this foe, and if I were to die here, it would not make him any happier in the after world. He told me to become one of the greatest Shinobi in the Hidden Leaf, because he has always admired my determination and …” He broke off tears now leaking down his face, “And the will of fire he sees in me. I believe his encouragement was important words for me to hear at that moment. Several hours after he fell silent he spoke again, telling me to slow my heart because ‘they’ are coming, he sounded more distraught his words were fading and difficult to understand. The last words I heard before they took his body were, ‘*seek violet eyes… tell not gold….fame your own future…not gold.*’ I thought for many years that those were just more encouraging words meant to help me, I do not believe that anymore, although I still can not interpret their meaning.” He looked over at the Frog Hermit. “Our Captain is still the greatest man I have ever known.”

Tsunade sat back in her chair, hearing this cryptic message from Gai did not help clarify its meaning, and since his body was the only one removed from the field she wondered about that as well. “I had a conversation with Shino yesterday about his Clan and things that his uncle is concocting after reviewing the death of his father I am greatly concerned as to whether Kuni-te has some involvement in the death.”

Gai eyes traveled slowly back to the Hokage, “Aburame Shino is the son of Captain Shibi?”

“Yes he is; have you had an opportunity to meet with him?” Tsunade answered flipping through the lengthy file on the failed mission.

“After Captain’s death I went to the Aburame Clan to pay my respects, I was told of the fate of his wife in the Uchiha Clan and informed he had no children. Why would they tell me this, I would have liked to meet the child?” Gai face contorted, it had been a long time since he felt angry about anything. The fact that this incident occurred over ten years ago made the situation much more difficult to accept.

Kakashi sighed at his long time acquaintance, “It is obvious Gai that wacky Elder, took over and forbid anyone in the Clan to say anything that remotely attached to Shino. He was in the hospital, well the Clan’s medical facility for about a year after that stunt Sasuke pulled. This is information we were able to obtain from our sources, you know the Clan made it look as if he was not injured. That bastard really gets under my skin I wish we had a reason to lock him under ANBU. Ibiki would get all the information he’s hiding out, one way or another.” The Jonin walked over and knelled next to Gai, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.

“Well, I’ve done my own research Tsunade and it is all correct the population is down about twenty percent many of them children; I have not been able to determine what the bastard is doing with the kids but Shino is correct delaying at this point will only make matters worse.” The Frog Hermit crossed his bulky arms over his chest while he eyed the Fifth.

Tsunade glanced at here companions considering her options. “I think you should share this message with Shino, Gai. Perhaps he will understand its meaning, even though at the time, he was a child and the connotations from his father may have little significance to him now. I know he has given his home to Neji and Gaara for the remainder their stay. Kakashi any idea where Shino may be for the time being?”

However, at those words the Hermit began to chuckle, “I know where he is.”

Kakashi who did not have a clue where the Bug Kid stayed raised his eyebrow at the chuckling Shinobi. “Where?”

“Well, that simple, with my egg of course.” He cackled again shaking his head, only recently had he realized how infatuated the kid is with that Aburame kid even though he could never get Naruto to admit he liked anyone. “Naruto talked about Shino the entire time we traveled back to the Leaf with that sand ninja. So first place I would check is his little apartment.”

Tsunade smirked thinking about the unlikely couple, “Maybe they are just friends.” She smiles wider hoping they were not and planning to corner the blue-eyed ninja and make him confess all the details. “Well, Gai go see Naruto if Shino is there have them both report here immediately. We need to discuss what to do about that Clan and put some things in action.”

Gai nodded silently then stood leaving the office with a remorseful look.

**Tears of a ninja**

Sobbing alone near the training ground Sakura gazed at the three wooded poles. ‘Things were so simple back then.’ She wiped at her face her mind could not escape Sasuke’s harsh words. ‘I guess he’s right, Lee deserves better, if only he would have listened.’ Walking slowly over to the wooden poles, wondering what to do now, she felt empty and lonely as she gazed up at the early evening sky, a large bird with colorful wings passing overhead.

Sakura placed a hand on the pole Naruto once occupied and snickered sadly in the memory of her long forgotten team. ‘Somehow we all ended up on different roads, I wish we could go back and just enjoy our youth and that simple time once more.’ Someone placed a hand on her shoulder, she did not flinch she knew their presence well.

“Why are you sad Sakura-san?” Rock Lee step next to her his hand automatically reaching for her smaller hand. Sakura step away to avoid his touch putting her hands behind her back, not meeting his gaze.

“I don’t know how to say it in words Lee, but we need to not see each other anymore.” She walked to the other side of the poles crouching down on the ground deep in thought.

Lee followed her, knelling down next to her, he placed a small bouquet of daffodils in her lap. “I saw these today and I thought the first flower of spring, enduring through the cool spring nights and lasting until the hottest days of summer. Can you tell me why, my love you can not see me any longer.” Sakura broke down in tears, Lee reached to comfort her but she cringed away from him pushing the flowers off her lap.

“Please don’t Lee, I don’t deserve this, I never will. You need someone who deserves these emotions I can not return them; no matter how hard I try I do not feel the same.” She looked at him finally, Lee’s face somber none of the fire of determination in his over large eyes. “Try to understand that it will never be the way you want, I can not pretend and I don’t want to hurt you by doing so any longer.” She stood intending to go home and think, try to sort out what she can do about letting go of the one she loves. However at that moment strong arms wrapped around her from behind, and she was pulled tightly against the hard chest, he trembled.

Lee spoke softly in her ear his voice shuddering with emotions. “I knew that already Sakura-san, I still wanted to believe you would grow to care for me. I believe we are friends no mater what so if it is ok with you I would be fine with that. I will always be here for you when you need a friend.” She understood every word but the emotions said otherwise and Lee never trembled. Placing her small hand over his she nodded pulling away from his embrace determined not to look in his face and see the pain she caused, she knew it well she felt the same.

“I think I will go see Naruto, he made himself scarce since that fight with Sasuke and I’ve given him enough time alone. I’ll see you around Lee.”

Lee watched her leave with a dull pain in his heart, wondering how he can help Sakura heal the suffering she feels. Always he wanted her to acknowledge him but he found after their short time dating her feelings for Sasuke too strong. Therefore, he reserved what energy he could to prevail hoping to sway her heart. Later he had worked to help her establish her bond, even confronting Sasuke and asking his intentions with Sakura. The guy has an impossible attitude and their conversation accomplished nothing.

Picking up the flowers, “Well, you’ve gone to waste if no one will have you.” He felt his heart lighten for the first time since Sakura agreed to go on a date with him. “I did everything I should as a man and still it was not enough, that’s ok because I believe love is not far, I just need to find it.” Smiling at his own determination, he turned to see his brown-eyed teammate shaking her head.

“Lee what am I going to do with you?” Tenten gazed at him smugly. “You always believe in yourself and that there is good in everyone.” She cocked her head to one side. “If you want I will kick her ass for breaking your heart.” She smiled sweetly at the large black eyes, and then blushed as Lee held the flowers to her.

“I know I didn’t purchase these for you but you are welcome to have them and if you would accept them I swear every future flower I purchase will be only for you, Tenten.”

She accepted the bouquet, her face still flushed while she grinned at him. “Took you long enough Rock Lee.” Then laughed as he stared at her is disbelief blushing as well and shocked.

**World record??**

“Ahhh Shi!”

Shino thrust his hips forward Naruto leaned over him staring in his eyes sweat dripping down his face as they began to kiss. “You like being on top, Tenshi?” The deep voice whispered between kisses, “Because you feel like you are in control.” He smiled as his lover began to quake with excitement.

“You know me well.” Naruto mused, kissing down his lovers’ neck, and nipping at the tight skin. The passion growing steadily he knew he would not last much longer. Digging his feet in the thick blankets his body bounced up and down on the Chuunin; Naruto’s heart racing with the consuming sensation, he started to laugh.

“What is so funny Uzumaki?” Shino felt his own climax approaching humor the last thing on his mind, and Naruto laughing pushing him closer to explosion.

The blue eyes loomed over him again Naruto bracing himself on his lovers shoulders while he stared in the violet-eyes, Shino’s arms wrapped around the small of his back rising with each thrust of the powerful hips. “I was considering we have been doing this for twenty-four hours. That’s got to be a world record, or something.” He snickered, as Shino raised his eyebrows at him.

“You are thinking about world records at a time like this, you are the most unpredictable ninja Naruto.” He gave his own grin to his blond lover lifting his head toward the full mouth while one hand on his back slid up to pull him into the kiss. Shino consumed his mouth feeling his body began to shudder with effort from holding his climax. “You there yet my love, I don’t think I can wait any longer.” He breathed in the sucking mouth, his heart skipping rapidly, as Naruto breathed a delighted yes in his lips.

Shino raised his knees behind Naruto grabbing him tighter around the waist. With both hands, he lifted the smaller ninja off his the impaling cock and pushed him down in a steadily increasing thrust their hips smacking together. Naruto wailed while Shino groaned as he gripped his lovers twitching cock that slapped against his abs and began to stroke firmly, cuffing the head between his thumb and pointer with each stroke.

Naruto dug his nails deeper in the olive skin his body beginning to enter the sharp edge of eternity, all the world felt wonderful and exciting. The Kikai were humming him yet another tune his lover whispering love and devotion. The blissful engulfing power pulled him in every direction while he clung to his lover for balance. Unable to utter a logical word he plunged his mouth on Shino moments before his climatic shock took him to oblivion, the hot sensation of release filling his bottom and the clenching hold that powered through his lover confirmed they had reached the same destination at the same time again.

Shino continued to cling to Naruto several moments after the shock wave stopped. Then easing back on the pillows he stared at the dazed sleepy eyes over him, sweat still dripping off his face, he placed slower kisses around the beautiful red lips. “We have not made love for twenty-four hours straight, we took some breaks between.” He then kissed the full lips Naruto’s tongue slipping out to meet him.

“You can think about that at a time like this.” Naruto whispered smiling at the dark-haired ninja he felt strange inside; he could not put his finger on the sensation. “I feel so strange, I love you Shi.” He lay on top of the broad chest as the thrusting hips eased the semi-hard cock out wetly.

“I love you very much Tenshi; I am tired we need to get cleaned up.” He lifted one hand recalling the Kikai they began to enter his body quickly. “It is good we are here right?”

“Yes, so tired.” Naruto mumbled. He started to slip to the bedding but Shino held him on top.

“I have you, just stay and rest a few minutes longer. It is getting dark, so just a quick nap and then…” Naruto closed his mouth with a kiss.

“Hye.” Placing his head on, the strong shoulder soon both were breathing soundlessly in a deep and well deserved sleep.

**Kuni-te’s message**

Its multi-lens eyes stared at the sleeping blond while it clung to the ceiling the floor now littered with its offspring, The golf-ball sized eggs began to smoke, the moth fluttered its wings releasing still more of the eggs. Then took flight back to the one that summoned it, two hundred enough for such a small place it passed over the green clad Jonin and pink hired girl; the creature wishing it were not bound to Kuni-te. However, since Shibi had allowed the dark man to add his name to its scroll it was required to come when he called. Not long, it would be able to return home it looked forward to that; just see the dark man first.

**An unlikely pair**

“Gai-sensei, what are you doing here?”

“Oh Sakura, I just came to look for Shino, I was told he may be here with Naruto.”

“At this late hour, I believe Shino trains with Morino.” She stared at the sad look in the usually jovial Jonin’s eyes, as he did not respond. “I guess I am not the only one having a disappointing day, do you want to talk about it?”

He lifted his gaze to the green eye medic wishing for his youth, then thinking about how it would have been nice to make Shino a subordinate. If he had known the connection with his Captain, perhaps things would have turned out differently. “I am fine Sakura-chan, where are you headed?”

“Just to see Naruto, he’s been avoiding me since his return I want to see how much he’s changed.” She offered a soft smile.

“Oh I watched him face Uchiha, he is impressive. I was truly amazed, come we can walk together. Hokage-sama asked to see him so you can socialize on our way over.”

The both waked to the small apartment building discussing the fight, and laughing about Naruto’s antics at fooling people. As Gai knocked on the door, Sakura gazed down at white smoke seeping under the door.

“Gai-sensei what is that?”

He glanced down, with a horrifying realization he has seen this before and that was ten years ago. He threw his body toward Sakura, but too late the top of the building exploded in a white flame mushrooming thirty feet in the air.

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Woot! Hey the next chapter, what a cliffy hehe Thanks for reading, thanks for comments. 8>>>>>>>>