The Link: Snake and Fox: Snake and Fox

Hi guys! This is the second to the last chap! Aww, Im going to miss Naruto and Orochimaru! ;0;

 

The Link

Chapter XVI: Snake and Fox

 

There was something strange that morning. Orochimaru could feel the eccentricity of it jerk him out of sleep. The Serpent sat up and gave a wide yawn before rubbing his eyes. The entire house was silent except for Narutos snoring. Wait a minute. Orochimaru stared hard at his student. Naruto was lying on his belly, his face squashed into his pillow as he snored into it. What was so strange about that...? What...? Slowly, Orochimarus jaw dropped open. Wait...its...its... his damaged right hand flew to his chest. That was the thing that jerked him out of sleep. His chest was no longer felt oddly clogged as if he had just swallowed something and the thing refused to slide down his esophagus.

 

The link...OUR link...its gone...

 

Gone... Orochimaru whispered the word. His golden eyes widened as he jumped out of his bed and ran out of the house on bare feet. He continued to run and run until he was sure he had gone beyond the fifty meter limit. And there was no pain. No unbearable tightening and no jerking...no invisible hand that tugged him irresistibly toward Naruto. He was...free.

 

But before he could wallow in his freedom, Orochimaru had to suddenly jump to his right to evade a kunai that would have lodged itself into his forehead. A cold, calculating expression took over the Serpents face as four ninjas from the Rain appeared around him, cornering him completely. What do they want with me? Orochimaru thought as he stared hard at each of his opponents, sizing them up and computing estimates with blinding speed in his head. His golden eyes finally rested upon the largest of the ninjas who cornered him. The...creature (Orochimaru could never think of it as a man)...was well over nine feet tall. The other three he could kill easily even without his jutsus, but this one...

 

Well, well, well...if it isnt the famous Sannin Orochimaru? Rat-face greeted as his fingers turned into blades.

 

Orochimaru ignored him. His mind wandered back to the boys. Naruto and Neji! He made to run back to their house, but the big one barred his way by extending a muscled arm and punching the ground that led up to the climbing, craggy path. Orochimarus eyes blazed as he glared at the creature.

 

Get out of my way. He whispered in his most dangerous voice.

 

Rat-face sneered. So its true then! The great Snake Sannin Orochimaru has grown unbelievably soft! and then man even dared to spit on the ground.

 

There was a crash and a billowing cloud of dust from the top of the cliff. Orochimaru felt his heart skip a beat. Naruto! Neji! But the big creature stood in his way like a rock. Tsking irritably, Orochimaru assumed a fighting stance as Chakra flared around him in a lethal glow.

 

 

 

Neji had been sleeping like a log a second ago. That is, until one silvery eye opened slowly and Byakugan was activated. Slowly, the Hyuuga sat up, all senses on full alert. The house was surrounded. Neji tiptoed up from his blankets and unsheated his katana. He then slowly made his way toward Naruto.

 

Naruto...

 

The response was quick. And excited. I know. How many?

 

Just two.

 

The fox-boy gave a pout. Just two?! Are they underestimating us that badly?

 

Neji smiled as he fixed the brown sleeping cap on his head. Lets teach them a lesson, shall we?

 

Gladly! Naruto bared his teeth eagerly.

 

And then Neji grabbed Naruto by the collar and pulled him to safety by jumping away from the window, which exploded in a rain of wood and paper. There was a wild shout just as a very ugly Rain nin jumped into the room, what looked like a scythe raised ready in his hand. Neji immediately moved and the Hyuugas katana slashed full force into the intruders face. However the intruder vanished in a puff of smoke and Neji ground his teeth. Kage Bunshin! Damn it!

 

Naruto jumped up from behind, right arm extended. Senei Jashuu! Six king cobras shot out from his sleeve to the original attacker outside. There was an agonized scream as venomous fangs buried deep into human face.

 

 

 

Orochimaru ran back to the house with all of his might, ignoring the huge drops of blood that fell from his dead hands and scratched feet. Panting, he finally reached the yard and could not help but give a long breath of relief as he saw Neji and Naruto standing before him, apparently unhurt. Naruto had his hands planted on his hips as he angrily kicked at a bloated corpse by his feet. Neji was wiping blood from his katana before sheathing it.

 

How many of them attacked you? Orochimaru asked.

 

Just two, Naruto snorted in disgust. He lifted his blue eyes to his mentors worried face. You?

 

Four. Orochimaru answered as he led the way back into the house. Apparently they thought I should be first priority. Fatal mistake, that...they should have watched out more for the two of you.

 

They reached the kitchen and Orochimaru asked Neji to fetch the medical box, and the Anbu quickly obeyed after depositing his katana on the table. Naruto quickly fussed over his mentors hands.

 

What did you do? Naruto demanded as he gingerly removed the soiled bandages.

 

I had no choice. Orochimaru replied. The biggest one of them was quite strong. I was hard put without any jutsu on me. Dont worry, I didnt use any. He added hastily as Naruto glowered at him. It was just that...I couldnt avoid one punch and had to shield myself with my arms.

 

Neji came skidding back to the kitchen and Naruto started patching up his sensei. The Hyuuga, uneasy in the strained silence in the room, went over to the refrigerator to take out some bacon and eggs and started cooking breakfast.

 

Who were those Rain ninjas? Why did they attack? Neji inquired as he poured some cooking oil into the frying pan.

 

To kill me, obviously. Orochimaru said with a mirthless laugh. I dont know why they attacked you both, however. He gave a thoughtful frown.

 

Naruto straightened up and ran a hand through his blonde hair. They mentioned my Kyuubi.

 

Neji and Orochimaru gave him a sharp, quizzical look. The blonde fox shrugged. But of course I didnt waste time asking for details I killed the damn trespasser right away.

 

We arent safe here anymore, if you ask me. Neji said matter-of-factly as he tipped the bacon and eggs onto a large plate and shoved it toward Naruto and Orochimaru. The Hyuuga briefly returned to the cupboards to take out a huge loaf of bread. He then sat down beside Naruto and started eating. But the Hyuuga froze just as he was about to bite into his sandwich. Wait a minute. He turned his silvery eyes toward Orochimaru.

 

Orochimaru nodded slowly, his mouth full of bread, bacon and eggs. The link. Its gone, Naruto.

 

Naruto choked on his food and hammered his chest. Neji watched the two of them with an open mouth. Orochimaru hadnt reacted to Narutos choking. The blonde turned to his mentor, eyes wide. When? How? he blurted.

 

I dont know how, Orochimaru replied as he shoved some more food onto a new slice of bread and folded it. When? Maybe last night. I woke up and it was gone which is why I was able to go to the village without you.

 

Naruto didnt answer. He chewed on his food thoughtfully. Neji was the one who broke the silence again. So its true then. The link dissolves on its own. What do the two of you plan on doing now?

 

Naruto and Orochimaru looked at each other for a very long time.

 

Are you kidding? Naruto grinned. Of course were going back to Konoha!

 

 

 

Ichiraku ramen usually closed at nine in the evening, but tonight, it was still open and the clock told the owner that it would soon be eleven thirty. Truth be told he himself were in pajamas. He was smiling behind the counter as he watched a certain loudmouthed blonde eat his nineteenth ramen bowl for the evening.

 

Its been seven months since I last saw you, Naruto. The man gave a fatherly smile. What happened to you? And all of a sudden you came popping out of nowhere and pound on my door. Naruto was and would always be a special customer. The blonde could come here even at one in the morning with never to fear, and always with a ramen bowl ready to be served for him.

 

Naruto took a deep breath of satisfaction and laid the bowl down on the wooden table. I went into a mission and afterwards a special training program! he replied enthusiastically. He took out his bulging frog purse Tsunade had given him a lot of money when she last seen him, adding to the surprising sum that Orochimaru gave him out of the blue. So how much do I earn you?

 

The man smiled as he cleared away Narutos bowls. Just 200 ryo. The ten bowls are my treat. Welcome back!

 

Naruto blinked, and then a very big grateful smile appeared on his lips. Wow! Thanks so much, oji-san!

 

The man moved away to wash the dishes behind a partition screen. When Naruto came to his doorstep he hadnt been alone. He was accompanied by a pale man in Konohas traditional Jounin garb, with his sleek black hair tied into a high ponytail at the back of his head. Narutos mysterious friend did not speak but kept himself busy over his yakitori, smiling at Naruto every now and then. It wasnt his business, but...the man shrugged and opened the faucet. If Naruto did not seem troubled, he shouldnt worry about it as well.

 

So where should we go next? Naruto asked his companion after they said good-bye to the Ichirakus good owner and went back to the warm arms of the summer night. Im not yet sleepy, so... he stretched his arms.

 

Orochimaru paused in his tracks as an idea occurred to him. Do you know where Sarutobi-sensei is buried?

 

Naruto nodded. Yeah I do, but its dangerous to go there, even at this late hour. Someone is always guarding the Hokage Memorial. Best chance you could have of saying hello to him would be the memorial stone in the training grounds.

 

All right, sounds fine with me. Orochimaru replied. But you have to...lead the way. I barely remember it.

 

Naruto laughed and started to run, Orochimaru closely following behind.

 

 

 

Sasuke did not know why his stomach chose such a godforsaken hour to remind him he didnt have time to have dinner earlier. Tossing his sheets aside, the cursing Uchiha lit the house and went to rummage for anything that might fill his complaining belly until morning. He met with nothing in his fridge; it came as a surprise because the Uchiha was sure he went for groceries just five days ago. Where the hell did all his food go?

 

Cursing, Sasuke took a moment to fix his hair before going outside the Uchiha compound, purse in his pocket at the ready. If he was lucky the grocery store in the eastern part of the city would still be open. He could grab a few oatmeal bars and some tinned peaches or so.

 

As he walked down the streets, thoughts conflicted against one another in Sasukes head. Since that terrible episode with Kabuto, he had wanted so much to run away from Konoha and find Naruto himself (and drag him back here, even if he had to break the foxs bones!), but the universe had suddenly decided to interfere. It was as if everything in the world did not want him to find his friend. He was hit by a nasty bout of flu that stuck him to bed for an entire week. That was immediately followed by an A-class mission that went very badly on one part that he ended up in ICU 7 next. And now the Chuunin Exams were fast approaching and he could not break his word to his students. Sasuke glowered at a piece of rock on the ground and kicked it away.

 

He wondered how Naruto and Neji were. Neji was in a really big trouble the moment he came home. The Hyuuga would be very lucky indeed if he could survive the wrath of his Anbu squad, and after that he had to deal with the rest of his clan. Sasuke shook his head. Neji wouldnt probably end up in ICU 7 again after that.

 

Naruto, where are you!

 

 

 

It seemed darker in this part of Konoha. They were well out from the city, and the stars and moon provided the only light available. The big form of the memorial stone stood in front of them. It was very silent; not even a breeze could be heard whispering. Naruto stood in respectful silence and distance, watching as his mentor approached the stone memorial and kneel beside it. It was bad enough that they couldnt go to the actual grave itself, but this was better than nothing at all.

 

Orochimaru silently brought his hands together and started to say a prayer. Naruto tilted his head sideward and gave a small smile. His thoughts strayed back at the beginning the start of every single miraculous change that had transpired. He wouldnt have thought he could do much work on a person everyone thought was hopeless and simply beyond any help. The link was gone now, and Orochimaru was soon going to leave...but Naruto was sure hed miss the Snake Sannin. Besides, Naruto still needed last words to exchange with his mentor.

 

The blonde gave a start at a sudden sob that shattered the silence. Blinking, Naruto looked at the scene before him. Orochimaru was lying as a heap before the memorial stone, crying softly. Naruto took an automatic step forward, but a part of him said that it was best if he let his mentor alone like this for now. The blonde shoved his hands into his pockets and resumed watching in silence.

 

...Im sorry, Sarutobi-sensei, Im so sorry...

 

Naruto grinned. Yep. Hes changed. When I first met him the word sorry had been ruthlessly scratched out of his vocabulary. It seems hes rewritten it now.

 

It took Orochimaru thirty minutes to regain his composure. Lets go, Naruto-kun.

 

Naruto nodded. They walked in silence alongside each other. Sensei...

 

Yes?

 

Will you still wage war against Konoha?

 

...To tell you the truth, Naruto, I havent been confused as this all of my life. I dont know what to do next.

 

Why not come back to us? You can stay with me in my apartment if you like!

 

There was a laugh as Orochimaru had an arm around his precious student. Naruto, Naruto...youre already seventeen and a Jounin and yet you still do not know the politics of the ninja nations. Your idea is most appealing to me right now, but I am afraid I will not be able to. I will never be able to. To come back to Konoha is to hand myself over to justice, and handing myself over to justice means my death. Do not get me wrong, I am not afraid to die now, thanks to you...but do you want me to die?

 

Naruto stopped on his tracks and clenched his fists angrily. I can talk to Tsunade-baachan and tell her that youve changed! And if I have to Ill talk to every head of the ninja nations Gaara will understand I will make them see that youre not evil now!

 

Orochimaru shook his head sadly. Naruto...you cant. There will always be people who will never be able to understand and appreciate your side of the story. The different Kages of the ninja nations will not trust me overnight, Naruto. Im a criminal again. I will always be on the run. You cant do anything to change that.

 

Angry tears welled around the startling blue eyes. Naruto scrubbed them off angrily, but strangely, wiping them only made them gush out more. Stupid tears! Why are you all coming out now?! I will change the world if I have to! He cried. Darn it, if only Im Hokage right now...if only I had Tsunade-baachans power I will, I definitely will!

 

Orochimaru could not say anything.

 

One day, when Im Hokage! Naruto sobbed. When Im Hokage, Konoha will be ready for you! Ill welcome you back myself! Ill Ill work hard to make the people see! Theyll believe me! I know they will!

 

Naruto...you should not use your power to force people to believe in what you believe in. Orochimaru said gently. You should never, ever shackle the free will of your people. I learned that from you.

 

Narutos lower lip trembled. Ill go with you!

 

Orochimaru laughed. No, Naruto. That is something I will not allow, even if I have to kill you. Your place is here in Konoha, not by my side. You will become Hokage one day. You should not leave your country just for me.

 

Naruto bowed his head. What about my training?

 

Oh, I am sure we can meet every now and then along the borders. Orochimaru smiled. Provided I am not too busy in my own country, and you are not too busy with your missions.

 

Naruto looked up. You give me your word?

 

I give you my word. Orochimaru reached up and removed his old Konoha head protector and handed it to Naruto.

 

The blonde bit his lower lip. It seems inappropriate, but... he threw himself around his mentor in a tight, farewell hug. Ill miss you, sensei! I will not stop trying to make the people see that youve changed! I promise, I will let you walk inside Konoha again with nothing to fear! He buried his face into Orochimarus Jounin vest.

 

I will miss you too, fox.

 

They pulled away after a moment. Naruto tried very hard to regain his cheerfulness. Before you go, lets have one last stroll around. Please?

 

All right.

 

 

 

Sasuke went out of the grocery ten minutes later with a plastic bag filled with oatmeal bars and tinned peaches. He was just wondering whether to start teaching Konohamaru Chidori on the morrow when he stopped dead on the street, his inky black eyes locking onto something straight ahead. It was Naruto. He would not forget that blonde head and whiskered face. Naruto was smiling widely and talking cheerfully to a...Sasuke felt a surge of anger. Orochimaru looked like a normal Jounin, what with the vest and his hair into a ponytail, but he would never deceive Sasukes eyes. The Uchihas groceries dropped to the street.

 

NARUTO! he shouted.

 

Naruto and Orochimaru stopped in their tracks at the sight of him. But Naruto was quick to recover from his shock. The blonde immediately grabbed the Serpent by the wrist and started to run away.

 

NARUTO, COME BACK! Sasuke yelled as he accepted the chase. Why are you with that traitor, Naruto? NARUTO!

 

Naruto gave him a strange look and performed the seal for Kage Bunshin no Jutsu. A hundred Narutos poofed into existence, barring the Uchihas way. The Serpent and Fox disappeared into the next street. But Sasuke was not giving up as he formed the seals for Katon Ryuuka no Jutsu. One massive flare of fire cleared Sasukes way. The raven-haired Jounin immediately rounded the same street himself, but it was a dead end. Naruto and Orochimaru were nowhere to be seen. Grinding his teeth in frustration, Sasuke leapt to the walls and roofs of the adjoining buildings and continued the chase by Konohas rooftops.

 

Meanwhile, Naruto was fast leading his mentor to a safe escaping ground by the southwestern forested area of the Hidden Leaf. Sasukes expression upon seeing him with Orochimaru gave him the bitter proof of what his mentor had said about him being a criminal again. Naruto bit his lower lip so hard it bled.

 

Wait! the fox said, holding out an arm. Wait, sensei, give me your hands. Kage Bunshin!

 

There was a puff of smoke as fifty Orochimarus and fifty Narutos materialized. Naruto immediately turned to the clones. All of you pair up and go into different directions, quick! Distract Sasuke! Keep him off our backs in the meantime! Hurry up!

 

Do as the boy said, Orochimaru instructed his clones, who nodded eagerly.

 

Fifty Orochimaru-Naruto pairs scattered around Konoha. Meanwhile the originals sped off into the southwestern direction side by side. Orochimaru saw a second pursuer jump out onto a roof far east of them. He quickly signaled for Naruto to stick close to him.

 

Why, sensei? the fox asked at once.

 

Its Kabuto. Was the only reply.

 

Narutos lips thinned but did not say anything.

 

 

 

Akamaru barked suddenly, making Kiba sit up reluctantly and rub his sleep eyes. The dog-boy fumbled for his alarm clock and looked at it. It was two oclock in the morning. Groaning, Kiba yawned. What was that for, Akamaru? And I was having a nice dream, too...

 

But the dog ignored him. Akamaru kept barking at Kibas window. Senses clearing, Kiba frowned at his seemingly innocent window as he pulled out a kunai from his under his pillows. Who in the name of...wait, I know this scent...!

 

There was a loud crash as Naruto and Orochimaru burst into Kibas room through his window. Akamaru was barking like mad, and Kiba leapt up, ready to kill, his eyes wide in shock. But Orochimaru and Naruto vanished in a puff of smoke, and the smoke barely cleared when a fuming Uchiha Sasuke came skidding in after them.

 

Damn it, Kage Bunshin again! the Uchiha hissed.

 

S-Sasuke! Kiba burst out. What the hell are you doing exploding out of my window at this godforsaken hour -!

 

Theres no time to explain! Sasuke yelled. His eyes were blazing Sharingan red. Come and help me Narutos back! Quick! That was all and the Uchiha leapt out of the window.

 

I...but...well...what... said Kiba, flustered. My window, you! Youre going to pay for my window! Akamaru, come on! They both followed Sasuke outside.

 

 

Naruto leapt from the high wall and landed safely onto the ground, Orochimaru quickly beside him. Fear coursed rapidly inside the fox, but not fear for himself but fear for his mentor. The fox turned to his mentor.

 

Hurry, sensei, Sasukes already woken half of Konoha with his racket! I dont want you caught, sir! Please, leave! Naruto said urgently.

 

Orochimaru nodded. Take care of yourself, Naruto always train hard give your best!

 

I will sir, please go! Go!

 

And then Kabuto landed not far from them. The notorious medic was glaring at Naruto, but the blonde ignored him.

 

Orochimaru pulled Naruto into a tight hug, making Kabuto gape. Take care, Naruto. I will continue being your mentor, I will train you I will help you become Hokage! Promise me that you will become Hokage for yourself, for me and for the people of Konoha! And he gave Naruto a kiss on the head protector. Kabuto swayed heavily on his feet. Orochimaru-sama!

 

I will become Hokage, sensei! I promise I will, and I will make you come back to Konoha one day!

 

Orochimaru pulled back and peered at Narutos face for the last time. I will see you again. Good-bye for now, Naruto.

 

He stepped back, Kabuto quickly beside him. He gave Konohas walls a last look before he turned on his heels and fled into the darkness. Naruto watched him and Kabuto as the shadows gradually thickened around them...and then they were gone.

 

Naruto looked at the head protector in his hands. The symbol of the leaf etched upon it never held more meaning for him. The fox smiled.