Vision of Truth III: Fleeting Moments (Naruto)

Sai's Revelation

Chapter 15: Sai's Revelation

"Kabuto!" Yamato exclaimed while we all tensed.

"You're sure persistent!" said Kabuto. He looked over at Sai, who was tied up. "Sai, judging from your condition, it appears you've been captured."

"Don't interfere," said Naruto. "If you do, I won't go easy on you!"

"It's futile."

"We won't know that until we try!" Naruto ran at Kabuto with the Rasengan, which Kabuto deflected. The rest of us ran in to help fight him off. Somehow, Kabuto managed to evade all of us and even freed Sai.

"Man, it's truly pathetic watching you guys," said Kabuto. "You in particular, Naruto. Watching you... What I mean is, it's futile even if you were able to beat me, people change. Sasuke isn't the old Sasuke anymore." I watched in surprise as Sai walked up behind Kabuto and restrained him. Kabuto appeared just as shocked. "What's the idea? Your mission was supposed to be to become the liaison for Danzo and Lord Orochimaru."

"People change," said Sai. "Then the same goes for me."

"What?"

Sai looked at Naruto. "You. Bonds. I want to see for myself."

Naruto's eyes widened in surprise. "Sai..."

"Way to go," I said with a grin.

"Sai, keep a hold on him," said Yamato. Sai held Kabuto while Yamato used his wood release to bind him

"Sai," said Kabuto, still appearing perplexed. "What the heck are you thinking?"

Sai kept his gaze fixed on Naruto. "Why are you so hung up on your bonds with Sasuke and what are those bonds? I want to know from your viewpoint. It seems I can't erase my bond with my older brother. Bonds... If it's something that important to me, then I might understand if I see your bonds with Sasuke. I just thought that way."

Kabuto suddenly started laughing. Naruto glared at him. "What's so funny?"

"You guys don't know the real Sasuke," said Kabuto.

This only enraged Naruto. I placed a hand on his shoulder to keep him from lunging at him. "Where's Sasuke? Answer me."

"He's probably done with his training right about now and is in a room deeper inside the hideout."

"It's true that Sasuke was training with Orochimaru," said Yamato. "I don't think what he said just now is a lie."

"All right!" Naruto said excitedly. "Then let's get right to it." 

"However," said Yamato, "where exactly is this room deeper inside?"

"I don't know, either," said Kabuto. "There are several rooms scattered about in here."

"A room deeper inside doesn't mean just one or two rooms in that case!" said Sakura.

"We just have to search every single one of them!" said Naruto.

"You're right," said Kabuto. "You might find it if you search at random. However, you could stir up a serpent's nest. That's also where Lord Orochimaru's private room is, you see."

"That's a chance we'll have to take," I said.

"Thanks for speaking honestly," said Yamato.

"No need to thank me," Kabuto said with a smirk.

"Are you saying the tables will be turned on us?"

"Yeah."

Naruto scowled. "You jerk! That's something we won't know until we try."