Aftermath (A Sequel to A Flash to the Future)

Chapter 16 - Confrontation

"Orochimaru of the Three Legendary Sannin." Kitsune said as the said man glared at him. "Also known as the Hebi Sannin."

"ANBU Commander Kitsune. It's a pleasure to meet you." Orochimaru said bitterly. "I've heard many things about you."

"All good things, I hope." Kitsune replied.

"Of course." Orochimaru said as he began to circle the commander. "You were the one who destroyed the Furukawa Village singlehandedly 4 years ago. It's one of your lesser known excursions, however, the fact that there is no evidence of its existence is impressive work, Kitsune-san."

"It's nice to see how well-known I've become." Kitsune replied, narrowing his eyes at the Sannin. That mission was classified. No one, but three people knew of that mission and that included himself.

"You're also the one who has been breaking into a few of my labs over the years." Orochimaru said with a frown. "I can't say that I appreciated that very much."

"I didn't suspect that you would." Kitsune said as he drew his katana. "You know, I've never fought against a Sannin before and they say that I'm the strongest ninja in the village. Let us dance and test those claims shall we." he said.

Orochimaru grinned as he opened his mouth. A sword handle was produced at his mouth as Orochimaru reached for it. He pulled it out of his mouth and ready himself as his tongue ran across the blade. He grinned crazily and chuckle.

Kitsune readied his katana as he pointed it at the Sannin. "I shall have that sword as you die at the end of my blade." he declared.

Orochimaru only chuckled. "Kukuku, we will just have to see about that, won't we." he said as he disappeared from sight.

Calming himself, Kitsune closed is eyes. Feeling the particles in the air shift, Kitsune brought his sword up to block a strike aiming at his head. Orochimaru was surprised when he parried. He was even more surprised when Kitsune disappeared from view. He hissed when something sliced the side of his cheek. His expressions became serious and he used all of his senses. This man was dangerous. He barely had time the block another strike that was aimed for his neck. He needed to do something and fast. He could easily see that the commander was faster than him and was using it to his advantage. He needed to slow him down and make him fight. Changing his strategy, Orochimaru retreated in a burst of speed, wanting the man to follow him.

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Naruto blurred through the trees as his two clones followed closely behind him. They had been traveling for two hours now and had about an hour before they reach the tower. Sasuke and Sakura was knocked out cold so he didn't have to worry about them waking up anytime soon. He frowned as he thought about the information that he had gathered.

After Orochimaru had split up from the his teammates from the Grass Country, Naruto killed them, knowing that they were more than likely disposable in the first place. When Orochimaru confronted Sasuke, he told them that they had to defeat the Sound genin before passing the rest of the exam. He deduced that he was trying to force Sasuke's sharingan to evolve. Upon further inspection, his speculations had been correct. The Sound and Grass were working together, meaning that they would help in the invasion. He wasn't sure about the Sand, but from what he had seen so far and Gaara unstable state, he wouldn't doubt if they were in on it too. Why else would a nation bring their unstable jinchuriki to another village.

Naruto sighed at this. It was the sad truth. Jinchuriki were weapons every since their creation. He couldn't help but feel slight resentment for what the Shodaime Hokage had done. It had been a mistake from the start. A costly one at that. A mistake that would eventually lead to the destruction of his homeland. Naruto shook his head at that. He didn't need to be thinking such thoughts at the moment. Not when he had something more important to focus on.