After Pain
Chapter 1: Wanted: Sasuke Uchiha
Chapter 2: For a Friend
Chapter 3: Anbu
Chapter 4: The Hidden Leaf Jounin
Chapter 5: A Worthy Opponent
Chapter 6: Kakashi Hatake
Chapter 2: For a Friend
Chapter 3: Anbu
Chapter 4: The Hidden Leaf Jounin
Chapter 5: A Worthy Opponent
Chapter 6: Kakashi Hatake
Chapter 10: A Man of Many Shadows
Hiyashi did not stop. He was a ninja trained to take things in stride, but that sudden connection of chakra that he felt was enough to give him pause. It had to be a shadow trace. He was glad now that he had put that poor boy through that test because it ensured that he knew how it felt like to have a shadow trace connect with his shadow. He could sense the different chakra, but it was very faint. Either Shikamaru had learned to control the trace with even smaller amounts of chakra or he was running out of it.
Hiyashi could not suddenly change direction. He was on his way to Danzo's headquarters to demand that his search team - the team that had supposedly gone after Hinata - was allowed back into the village. They should have reported back half a day ago. That they did not report back meant that Danzo's Anbu were keeping them out. Of course he knew that it was hopeless, knew the excuses that would be presented to him, but that did not mean he should give up on demanding his clan's rights. Shikaku had been busy over the last couple of days unearthing documented evidence of all kinds of clan rights from that time long ago when the leaf village had been established. He was encouraging everyone in the opposition to go to Danzo directly and keep him busy with demands for their rights even though they knew it would be hopeless. That was the first step.
It did not take long for the Anbu guarding the door to give in and go find Danzo for him. The man was clearly injured. When Hiyashi saw him step out into the waiting room he immediately knew that this time he had really been attacked.
"It must have been more than just Sasuke," he said directly. "To injure you so."
Danzo waved it away with his free arm. "This is all part of the responsibility of being Hokage."
"But keeping my clan from going in and out as they please is NOT part of the Hokage's responsibility." He pulled out a document - the Hyuga's agreement with the leaf village which he had dug up at Shikaku's suggestion - and held it out in front of Danzo.
Danzo made to take it away, but Hiyashi shook his head.
"You will find a copy of the same document in the Hokage's archives. This copy belongs to my clan. I suggest you read it carefully and consider your next steps. This village that you claim to serve is held together only by this and other such agreements. If, after 48 hours you continue to prevent any Hyuga from leaving or entering the village you may consider my clan outside the village alliance and you shall have to redraw the leaf borders to ensure that not a single Anbu is trespassing anywhere on Hyuga land."
There was an irritating smirk on the man's face that Hiyashi did not like.
"You know the reasons why I have instilled the curfews - I'm just trying to keep the villagers safe." He brandished his injured arm - which meant that it could not be as injured as it looked all wrapped up in those bloody bandages. "Sasuke and-"
"The villagers are highly trained Ninja, not babies. We were trained to protect others, not hide behind these walls and seek protection for ourselves. I suggest you find a way to involve us in the village's protection rather than trying to keep us in like children."
"Surely you understand that even competent Ninja need to be protected - why your own daught-"
"My own daughter is none of your concern, Danzo."
"I only meant to draw an analogy between-"
"There is no analogy that will enable you to infringe on Hyuga rights any longer. I gave you 48 hours, hours in which my daughter could be in trouble without anyone to help her, use them well."
His voice sounded so threatening then that six Anbu came out of the woodwork and began circling him, two of them standing either side of Danzo protectively. They gave him the opportunity he had been waiting for since this conversation began. He activated his byakugan and looked from one face to the other.
Before he even reached Danzo's face he saw it. That eye that was always covered in bandages. A Sharingan eye. His blood ran cold with it. He pretended he had not seen it, avoided looking at Danzo too closely and continued to study every single one of the Anbu int he same threatening manner. Danzo called him men off and they backed away. Hiyashi immediately inactivated the Byakugan and turned to Danzo, keeping his face completely expressionless.
"I also suggest," he said, as if they had not been interrupted. "That you find another Jounin Commander or the Jounin of the village will have to do it themselves. I came across an interesting little law about the Jounin Council while I was looking for this that I think you should also study."
Hiyashi held up the scroll again before tucking it back in his pocket. Danzo did not speak or respond. Hiyashi saw actual fear in the man's eyes. He feared discovery. Let him cower for the next 48 hours wondering whether he had been noticed or not. But whose eye was that? Could it be that he had just taken that eye from Sasuke? No, the man's face had been covered in bandages even before and there was something familiar about that eye. He had to talk to Shikaku.
...
He looked down at the letter. This confirmed all of their suspicions. A letter from the Kazekage himself, with the official seal of the sand village and addressed very officially to the Jounin Commander of the Leaf Village. This was why it had taken so long. His team, once they got out of the village had sought out the news about the five nation alliance like he had instructed them. They had discovered that everything Danzo told them had been a lie. They had then tried to get back in the village and found Danzo's hold even tighter than before. As instructed they had sought out Kakashi and through him had contacted the Kazekage and obtained official proof of Danzo's lies. It had then taken another attack on one of the Anbu border patrols to get one of them back in the village with this important evidence.
"And the others?" Shikaku asked the tired messenger.
The man simply shook his head.
"Their effort will not be in vain." Shikaku said. "I want you to rest up and get some food in you and then I want you to prepare to complete your mission. You and I will be visiting many people tonight and showing them this letter."
Clan leaders would know the Kazekage's official seal. They would understand this to be conclusive evidence that they had been lied to about the outcome of the Five Kage Summit. Shikaku was going to show it to every single clan leader in the village, anti-Danzo or not, and also all the high-ranking Jounin and special Jounin. Word might get out and get back to Danzo, but that was going to happen soon enough anyway and now they were ready.
"Are you sure that is wise, Shikaku?" Hiyashi asked, taking the letter. He paused, his eyes wide. "Shisui Uchiha?"
"You didn't recognize it, but the Byakugan user at the summit knew Shisui and had a much better look at it."
Hiyashi shook his head. Shikaku was impressed that, despite the news that the Byakugan had been stolen by an outsider, Hiyashi was able to focus on the most important task. It was good to have someone clever enough to follow a few steps of his plan available at this critical time. A knock at the door and Inoichi and Choza entered for the "dinner". It would be a good cover for tonight's mission.
...
Ino was getting bored. Keeping an eye on Shikamaru was important, but she was beginning to doubt that he was even in the building that they told her he was in. Watching the building from the outside was pointless. If something was happening to him in there they wouldn't know. Still, through her jutsu she was able to get a great view of the building and was starting to put together a list of people who regularly went in and out. She knew that information may end up being as valuable to Shikaku as her information on the Anbu patrols around the leaf.
She felt the afternoon start to settle in. Less people walking in and out of the building. Almost nobody in the streets as they all went to more interesting parts of the village to eat or relax. The first few days she thought that this quiet time might give her a good opportunity to get at what was really happening in the building and get in closer, but the person she was using the mind-transfer on usually stood out and became very conspicuous. Yesterday he had been asked to go about his business by an Anbu. She was not going to let it happen again. She made him walk away a short distance and then disconnected.
She found herself back in Kiba's sister's room, but something was off. Something was wrong. Suddenly, she realized that there was a lot less barking than usual and many more human voices than usual. Where was her mother? She usually liked to stay close when Ino was activating the jutsu. Ino listened carefully and heard her voice down below. It was rare for her mother to sound this angry.
Ino sat up carefully, still feeling a little dizzy from the mind transfer. She put a hand up to her head and the shadow on the ground moved in a finny way that did not exactly match her arm movement. She turned and looked at it carefully. Suddenly a part of her shadow broke off, staying connected only by a tiny thread, and began to change shape. It looked exactly like a tiny Shikamaru, hair sticking up and everything.
Ino took a large swig of water and ate a bite of the sandwich that was lying on her bed. She took in a few deep breaths and closed her eyes. This jutsu took a lot of chakra from both her and Shikamaru, but at least she could keep her mind where it was and remain aware of her surroundings. She activated it and listened to the silence.
Were you doing a mind-transfer or something? Shikamaru's voice said in her head. It was very troublesome trying to get you to notice me.
I was, actually. Ino said. How are you? Are you alright?
There was a short silence in which Ino heard Kiba's mother yell at the top of her lungs that if they thought they could take her son from right under her nose they were mistaken. So they had come for Kiba at last. Something must have happened to make Danzo move on Kiba now when he hadn't seemed interested before.
Prison is very troublesome, but I learned how to increase my chakra in here, so I suppose it's all for the best.
Tell me how to come get you out, Shikamaru. Ino knew he must have figured out a way out of there by now. He'd been in that prison long enough to figure out an entire battle plan.
No, I'm fine where I am for now, Ino, but I need you to connect me with other people - lots of them - do you have enough Chakra.
He really had learned to get more Chakra. Lots of people. Ino nodded even though he couldn't see her and picked up the sandwich. She was going to need a lot of energy.
"Ino!" her mother called. "I want you to tell your father what's happening!"
Ino knitted her eyebrows. What on earth was happening? She let herself out of the room and down the stairs. Kiba was surrounded by his mother and her many wolves and around them was a large circle of Anbu. There was also another circle of Anbu around Ino's own mother and Kiba's sister. Akamaru growled angrily from his position by the door. Apparently, he was guarding the door and not letting anyone out.
The Anbu had not seen her yet, so Ino stepped back into the shadows and surveyed the scene. Shikamaru the Anbu are trying to take in Kiba and possibly even his family my mother too!
Why would they want Kiba?
He helped Hinata escape the village and save Sakura from an Anbu ambush. That's what they're saying anyway.
Silence. Ino hated silences at times like this, but she had learned to trust in Shikamaru and part of that meant allowing him the silence he needed to think.
Ino, if you activate the second part of the Jutsu I can contact Hiyashi Hyuga and let him know you need help there. After you do that, I want you to somehow make your shadow connect with both your mother and Kiba.
Shikamaru was crazy. He could not possibly have enough Chakra in him for that many shadow traces. But there was nothing else for Ino to do now, but trust in this Jutsu. There was no way they could take down this many Anbu. Not really. Besides, Shikaku hadn't given them the order to come out in the open yet, so they technically had to do what the Hokage and his Anbu said.
She closed her eyes momentarily and made the hand signals for the second part of the jutsu. Hiyashi Hyuga's voice was immediately in her head.
Hiyashi Hyuga, is that you? Shikamaru asked in her head.
Is this a Yamanaka justu? Hiyashi's voice was unmisatakable.
Yes, sir, it is. Shikamaru said. It's a combination of my shadow trace Jutsu and Ino's jutsu. I'm still in prison, but I think you know I managed to get a shadow trace out to you.
Yes, Hiyashi said. I felt it earlier and came to find your father. Do you require assistance.
I'm fine in here and I've learned to build up a bit more chakra. It's more a matter of how my shadows and I can be of use. Before all that, Ino says that the Anbu are trying to arrest Kiba.
Satisfied that the message had got through Ino pushed out of the shadows and down the stairs. She was unsteady on her feet from the effects of the Jutsu, but it provided excellent proof that she really had been taken ill and that's why she and her mother were here in Kiba's home.
"What's going on?" she said aloud, wondering if Shikamaru and Hiyashi could hear her. "Mother, what's happening?"
The Anbu blocked her way to her mothers, but Kiba's sister broke through their circle and picked her up just as she reeled sideways. Another voice was in her head all of a sudden. A more mature version of Shikamaru's voice. She felt extremely dizzy. Suddenly her mother was hugging her and her mother's voice was in her head too, arguing with Shikamaru and Shikaku who wanted them to let Kiba get arrested.
"Here," Kiba's sister gave her some water and a chakra pill that they used in dangerous battle situations to keep a severely injured person on their feet until they could get to safety. The immediate rush of chakra helped Ino get to her feet, but she was still dizzy and her head was pounding now with all the voices talking inside it.
The Anbu were yelling at her mother and Kiba's sister to "take the sick girl back upstairs and get out of their way." Ino put a hand up to her head and tried to control her breathing.
"Tsume," Ino's mother said. "It's useless to resist. Let them take the boy and we can go petition the Hokage-"
"Have any of the other children come back?" Tsume growled. "I'm not letting my son get taken in. They have no authority to be doing this without the Jounin Council to keep their powers in check!"
Ino, get me close to Kiba. Shikamaru's voice said.
How many shadow traces can you make? Ino asked incredulously. But she did not wait for an answer. She began walking over to Kiba. She took one of the Anbu by surprise with a pretty strong punch and broke through the circle. Kiba's mom put a supporting hand on her arm as Ino turned to face the Anbu, back to back with the mother and son.
"I won't let you take him!" Ino yelled a little more hysterically than she had intended. "First you took Shikamaru and we haven't heard a thing from him since or been allowed to go see him and now you want to take Kiba!"
Kiba can you hear me?
What the hell is this? Thankfully, Kiba had the sense to yell at Shikamaru in his mind and not let on tot he Anbu that anything weird was happening. Ino could not feel her feet under her anymore. She began to slip down to the ground, but she found Kiba's arms holding her up, just like Shikamaru used to do when she used the mind transfer in battle. She could not longer hear the conversation that she knew was happening in her head because of her jutsu. It was all just shouting and a pounding headache.
Someone slipped another food pill into her mouth and she swallowed. She needed water.
You're sure about this? Kiba's voice said.
I'm sure, Shikamaru replied. I'll be able to tell where you are and if you're in danger, just like I did when they attacked Lady Tsunade. We can use your position - wherever they take you - as a starting point for an attack or to free other hostages. And you'll be connected with me and with my dad, the Jounin Commander. I know it's weird, but we can make this whole thing work if you take a risk and trust our jutsu.
Ino felt tired just thinking about the amount of chakra all of that would require from her. There was a sudden, glorious silence in her mind and Kiba gently lowered her to the ground where she sat on her knees. He came around in front of her and smiled at her.
Gotta make this look real, he said in her head. Can't let them take me from my fiance to certain doom in an Anbu dungeon without a real teary goodbye, right.
Ino found herself smiling tiredly back. Kiba gripped both her hands in his and spoke out loud for the Anbu's benefit. "I didn't do anything wrong," he said. "So I'm sure I'll be back in a few hours. You take care of yourself and rest, OK Ino? Listen to my sister and the healers and don't worry about me. My sister will get you the best healers to take care of your right here where you're comfortable and safe and I'll be back soon."
"You won't be back," was all Ino managed to say. She was so tired that she sounded extremely sad and depressed about it. At least she hoped so. "Shikamaru's been gone for days."
"He'll be back too," Kiba said in that annoyingly overconfident tone he shared with Naruto. "I'll get him out for you. We'll have a big party all together with him and Choji and everybody as soon as you get better."
"You're not giving yourself up, Kiba!" his mother yelled.
"Come on, Mom," Kiba said, standing up. "You know they'll wear us down eventually. I'd rather go in on my own, head held high, than get dragged in by the Anbu half-dead after killing a bunch of them. I didn't do anything wrong. If they want to interrogate me, that's all they're going to find out."
"Well, I'm going in with you," his mother insisted. "Do you hear that? You want to take my son in you'd better take me as well."
Ino relaxed into her mother's arms and watched as mother and son walked away side by side, surrounded by Anbu.
Did he go? Hiyashi asked calmly in her mind.
Yes, Ino said when she realized that her mother could not hear the question. Kiba's mom went too.
Good, Shikamaru said. His voice sounded much clearer. Her headache was subsiding. If you can get to a good, comfortable spot, Ino, I'd like you to release this jutsu and activate the one where I can see instead of hear.
You can usually switch from one to the other on your own, Ino said, pulled herself to standing position. There were too many stairs. She turned into the guest room instead and found herself a cushion to collapse onto.
Not with this many shadow traces. Besides, you're probably dizzy enough as it is without me randomly switching jutsu without letting you know.
Shikamaru was beginning to sound tired. He was finally reaching the end of his chakra reserves. Maybe he had managed to get chakra pills in that jail. Kiba's sister was offering her another one.
I must return home to take care of clan business. Hiyashi said. You must know, before you release this jutsu that I gave Danzo an ultimatum. Things are moving quickly out here, Shikamaru.
Which is why I need to quickly get a few more shadow traces in place so I can actually help. Don't worry about meeting places anymore. I can connect you with Dad wherever you are.
Well done, Shikamaru. Shikaku said. I am extremely proud and I know your mother would be too when she heard you are working on building more chakra!
...
"Alright!" Suygetsu said mock-cheerfully. "Let's get out of here!"
Sasuke ignored him and looked from Karin to Jugo. He did not know what to say. No one was saying anything. Even Lee and Naruto were keeping their mouths shut and waiting for him to make the next move. It was clear on all their faces, however, that none of them trusted him to follow any deals. None of them except Hinata. She sat in a corner of the dojo arranging clean bandages and kunai and other supplies as if nothing of importance was happening.
Sakura finished checking Jugo's bandages over one more time and gave a businesslike nod, giving the bandaging a little tap as if to seal it magically from more trouble. She was avoiding looking over at him. Once, a long time ago, she used to meet Sasuke's eyes with awe and respect. In those days she thought he could do no wrong. She had been a pathetic little love-struck girl who always agreed with everything he said and never doubted his abilities. Now... well, she had grown out of it. She might still see him as a friend that needed her help, but she certainly did not trust his judgement anymore. Sasuke looked away and found Hinata looking over at him with a small smile.
The truth was that he was still just as pathetic as Sakura had been in those days. His awestruck love for his older brother had morphed into something ugly after that night, but he had always still wanted Itachi's respect, even in that battle in the end. He had allowed Orochimaru to control him like some little puppy because he hadn't known how to live without a more powerful awe-inspiring Ninja leading the way for him. And even when he killed Orochimaru and killed Itachi Madara had come and tried to fill that void. Hinata was right. It was wrong to let someone control him like that. It was just as pathetic as little twelve year old Sakura had been.
He lay back down on his mattress and looked up at the ceiling so that he would not have to look into any of their tense faces anymore.
"Danzo has a lot of Sharingan eyes," he said casually, trying to keep the image of that hideous arm out of his mind. "I want Kakashi's Sharingan on my side. You don't have to stay with me, you never did."
"I'm with you," Jugo said.
"Of course we're with you," Karin said.
And although they were the more powerful Ninja, the closer friends, it was Hinata's quiet presence in the corner of that room that reassured Sasuke the most. Suygetsu began his usual complaining and he and Karin started to argue. Sasuke closed his eyes. He did not have the energy to tell them to stop.
...
Tenten? Tenten almost jumped out of the bed where she was supposed to be lying in a comatose state. Were they giving her something to make her hallucinate along with the food that was dripping into her arm? She tried to stay calm. Why would she hallucinate Shikamaru's voice?
Tenten? the voice asked again. It was definitely Shikamaru.
Yes, she thought hesitantly. What's happening?
Don't panic, Tenten, this is Shikamaru. I'm playing around with a new Jutsu and I wanted to find you and make sure you were ok. They didn't take you to the hospital even though you were badly injured.
Tenten found herself still hesitating. Could she trust this insane voice in her head. What if it was someone else trying to read her mind - someone from the Anbu?
Remember the first time we met? the voice asked her. When you tried to teach me how to hold a kunai safely on that playground and I told you you were such a drag.
That's not exactly what you said. Tenten said, remembering that incident. They had been very young.
I think my exact words were: girls who try to act like mothers are such a drag.
Tenten found herself relaxing even though it did not make any sense to do so. Anyone with a decent Yamanaka jutsu could be probing her mind looking for memories, trying to get her to reveal any hidden information. Perhaps Shikamaru knew this, because his voice completely ignored her and began having a completely different conversation with his father, the Jounin Commander, and Hiyashi Hyuga. They were making battle plans. They were allowing her to listen to them, trusting her with them. But then, they would if they were trying to lure her into a false sense of security. Or she was hallucinating.
...
Kiba was not the only one to be taken in that day. Throughout the next twenty four hours the Anbu descended upon many homes taking in clan leaders, distinguished Jounin, and many others. Even people who had never opposed Danzo were taken in. But they had been quicker. They had spent last night going from door to door and showing the Kazekage's letter to all the clan leaders and Jounin. Let Danzo arrest whoever he wanted, that only made it more obvious that he was desperately trying to cover something up. And he couldn't arrest the entire leaf village. Already, word was spreading in the form of rumors so that even the smallest child had heard the news that Danzo had lied to them and that he was not the leader of a five nation alliance and that he had stolen the Sharingan eye of Shisui Uchiha many years ago.
As Shikaku received one more report through his wife's spy network they began to hammer on his door. That was his cue to move. As the Jounin Commander he had chosen to stay out of all the unrest, to keep his forces from resisting, for as long as possible, but now that they were at his door it was time for the battle to begin. He grabbed the medical pouch his wife was handing him and watched her secure her headband. The Anbu broke through the door and Choza came barreling in, scattering them in all different directions. Inoichi followed him.
"Inoichi," Shikaku said. "We can handle things here, you go get your daughter to safety!"
It was most important that their connection to Shikamaru and all his shadow traces remain secure and right now Ino was the only Yamanaka who could preform the required Jutsu. She and Shikamaru had worked out a method where they checked in on their different shadow traces in turn, speaking to only one or two people at a time instead of having everybody connected to each other. It was easier on both their chakras, but it also meant that Shikaku was not always in contact with the others.
"Already being taken care of," Inoichi said aloud.
But I want to stay here and keep an eye on Shikamaru! In protested loudly in their heads. Inoichi ignored her, but Shikaku opened his mouth to answer.
Ino, his son said firmly. The outcome of this entire thing depends on you. Get to safety and follow the Jounin Commander's orders from there. You'll know if I need help and with this jutsu you're in a much better position to get someone over to help me than you would be just by watching the entrance of the building I'm imprisoned in!
Fine, Ino said in that obstinate Yamanaka tone. But you'd better not expect me to just sit around and connect you to everybody through this entire war - I want to actually get in some fighting!
Shikamaru, Shikaku said as he used his shadow paralysis on yet another Anbu and watched Choza take him out. I'm going to be busy fighting this battle against the Anbu and commanding my forces so that we end it as quickly as possible. We're going to use the Hyuga and Aburame clan territories as our base.
So the Aburame pulled out of the leaf alliance too? Shikamaru asked. Shikaku wasn't sure when he heard about the Hyuga pull-out. His son really was on top of it all. He smiled proudly as he preformed the shadow strangle on the leader of this Anbu unit.
Did you get the shadow traces on Kakashi and the Kazekage son?
Yes, Shikamaru replied simply.
Excellent, Shikaku said. Then from this moment on and until we defeat Danzo I'm handing over command of this war to you. You will be the Jounin Commander of the Leaf Village's anti-Danzo forces.
There was a long silence which Shikamaru finally broke by saying: Oh man, what a drag.
...
Shikamaru shrunk the shadow trace on his father to the smallest possible size and he felt the mind-connection between them disconnect. He was only connected to Ino now, they always kept that one connection going, but neither of them said anything. He wasn't panicking exactly, but Jounin Commander - it was insane. He was not ready for this kind of troublesome responsibility. This was what happened when you took too much initiative or came up with something too convenient. Shikamaru sighed.
Are you giving me a break from the Jutsu or panicking, Shikamaru? Ino's voice broke his thoughts.
I'm not panicking, Shikamaru said.
Good, well then I've caught my breath and I'm ready.
Are you somewhere safe yet?
I'm in the Hyuga compound guarded by Neji, Choji and my mother. Let's get this thing started Jounin commander!
Shikamaru took a deep breath and put a hand behind his head, lying down in his favorite cloud-watching pose. At least he got to relax in this jail instead of having to do this from the middle of the raging battle outside. They could already hear the mad rush and shouting voices from the floors above. Well, he'd better get started.
He focused on the shadow trace that was attached to Temari, making it grow larger and larger until it was large enough to project their voices through Ino's Jutsu.
You'd better be near Gaara, because I kind of lied and told my dad I was connected to the Kazekage. Shikamaru wasn't sure why, but when he and Temari spoke it was always in an argumentative manner.
Great idea, she replied. Go bother Gaara and get out of my head.
Of course they both knew that Shikamaru couldn't do that. Gaara was too busy with his Kazekage duties and his siblings had decided that it was their job to protect him from the strain of Shikamaru's 'dangerous Jutsu'. They had only called it that because Kankurro had reacted badly to the Jutsu. First he was unable to keep any of his thoughts and kept saying them out loud for both Shikamaru and Ino to hear and then he had apparently had some kind of breakdown or become dizzy from the jutsu. So Temari was stuck with Shikamaru's voice in her head whether she liked it or not.
We got word from the RaiKage. There's a team already on it's way to the Leaf Village to rescue the three Cloud Ninja. They're authorized to do whatever they need to to get their team our safe, so you need to be careful. Gaara tried, but they don't care about your power-struggle with Danzo. They should be at the village border tonight at around 7pm.
I'm in a prison cell, Shikamaru said. They don't provide us with clocks here.
You could ask without being rude, lazy idiot! Temari's voice was exasperated, but not too angry. He hoped. That gives you two hours.
Is you messenger with the team? Shikamaru asked her seriously.
Yes, he is, the RaiKage was pleased to have him 'help out' and didn't find it suspicious that we wanted him on the team.
And does he know about the Jutsu?
Yes, of course he does.
Without wasting time Shiakamru focused on the shadow trace he had set on the sand village Ninja. He enlarged it until it connected him to the man and spoke in as commanding a voice as possible.
This is the Jounin Commander of the Leaf Village forces. Shikamaru said, trying his title out. I need you to get close enough to the commander of the Cloud Unit so that I can transfer my shadow.
Yes, sir. Should I tell him anything about the- the voice sounded nervous. Shikamaru cut him off and maintained that same commanding tone.
You needn't mention anything. Just get my shadow to him and I'll handle it.
Shikamaru sighed and closed his eyes for a minute. His Chakra was beginning to drain as he enlarged the shadow trace on the leader of the unit in the jail cell next to him. It had to be done. He needed Temari and the imprisoned cloud ninja to help him convince the leader of the cloud unit to help them against Danzo.
"Listen," he said out loud. "I've just used my shadow trace on you so you can help me with something."
He ignored the arguing voices of the two other cloud ninja and used the mind-connection Jutsu to continue the conversation with their leader. With the help of my friend I can use my shadow traces to talk to you like this.
So that's what you've been doing all this time? The voice of the imprisoned cloud ninja sounded a little impressed. You're not as lazy as we thought, after all. What is it you need help with?
I've contacted the Kazekage on your behalf and he sent word to the RaiKage. A team of cloud ninja are on their way to save you right now. What I need is for them to agree to cooperate with us and not turn this into a village on village fight. Can you help me convince them that it's Danzo at fault here?
Gladly, the team leader said. Who's the team leader?
I have no idea, Shikamaru said. Why don't you ask him yourself?
What is this? a new voice said. Shikamaru resisted the temptation to use his commander voice again. Even Temari was being unusually quiet.
Darui, sir? the imprisoned cloud ninja's voice said.
Is that you, Samui? the voice asked. He sounded very taken aback, but not afraid, not creeped out or panicky like Kankurro had been. Is this a new Jutsu you've developed?
No, sir. Samui said. This jutsu was developed by a Leaf Ninja who is imprisoned with me. He used it to let the RaiKage know we were trapped here so that you could come get us out.
Actually, Shikamaru said, unable to think of a different way to introduce himself into the conversation. I used it to contact the KazeKage's sister, she got the word to Lord Gaara and then to the RaiKage.
Yes, Temari said. The Leaf Villagers discovered that the Cloud Ninja were being held hostage by Danzo's men and when they moved to free them Danzo arrested the Leaf Village Jounin Commander. He was then able to contact us using this Jutsu.
Shikaku? the man named Darui said. He sounded completely unfazed by the whole thing. That was the kind of man that should be a Jounin Commander, not Shikamaru.
I'm Shikaku's son, Shikamaru explained. Shikamaru Nara. My father named me Jounin Commander because of this Jutsu - he thought I would be better able to coordinate all the different efforts especially since he's busy in the real battle outside this prison. The Leaf Village is going through a civil war as we speak, sir. Danzo's actions have harmed us Leaf Ninja more than anyone else. I hope that you will consider that as you move to free your team.
Please work with him, Lord Darui. Without him we would still be trapped in this dungeon, but if you work with him perhaps we can stop this from turning into a village against village struggle.
Danzo is the Leaf's Hokage, Darui said. The village must bear some responsibility for all his actions.
Danzo lied to everyone in the Leaf, sir. Shikamaru said. My father has been working to expose his lies ever since he became Hokage. He has kept the villagers trapped in the village and told us that he was named the leader of the alliance of the five great nations. He's using the Anbu to keep people quiet and imprisoning those who do not keep quiet.
So you want me to get you out of prison too and help you defeat Danzo? Dario asked. His tone suggested that he was interested, but highly unlikely to do any such thing.
Actually, Shikamaru said. I'd rather not be taken out of prison. It's much easier for me to preform this jutsu when I don't have to move around. Safer in a prison cell. I will help you get your team out of here, though, and would appreciate it if you could use the mandate given to you by the RaiKage to help capture Danzo - on behalf of the four nation alliance. Help bring him to justice.
Where's your father? Darui said suddenly. Tell me where I can meet him. I'd like a word with Shikaku so I can coordinate with him and make my decision.
Good, so this man trusted his father. That was perfect. Shikamaru grinned as he enlarged the Shaow trace attached to his father's shadow. No need to go out of your way to meet with him sir, he's with us now. Dad?
Yes, Shikamaru? Would you like a report? His father sounded bored. Had they finished the battle already.? But there were still many loud voices coming down the stairs towards the prison cell. We're still engaged with the Anbu. We have control over half the physical area of the village with the Hyuga compound as our center of operations. I'm in the INuzuka hunting grounds now, trying to break through that Anbu patrol circle. Danzo seems to have placed his best Anbu around the village to stop us from getting in or out.
He can't stop my shadows, Shikamaru said. I got word to the RaiKage about the imprisoned cloud Ninja and a team is on its way to get them out. Talk to the team leader, dad.
Your kid's justu is impressive, Shikaku. Darui said. But I'm coming to get my team out and he wants me to get involved in your civil war.
Lord Darui, Temari interjected. I think you already know that it was my brother Gaara who convinced the other Kage not to attack the leaf - to give them a chance to deal with Danzo on their own. Well, they're doing that now, and they just need a little help. We can't help here at the sand - you know the laws against interfering in the internal affairs of another village, but with your team imprisoned you have the perfect opportunity to help bring Danzo to justice.
You don't know me very well yet. Darui said. I know the RaiKage wouldn't mind if I helped bring Danzo to justice. Civil wars are sticky. I need to know that the person I'm working with is competent. I trust Shikaku, but I don't know this kid, is he even a Jounin?
He's the Jounin Commander of the Leaf Village, Darui. Not just because he's my son.
He's Lazy, Temari said. But his brain works well. He beat me in our fight at the Chunin Exams. If he hasn't become a Jounin until this point it's only because he couldn't be bothered to take the trouble.
Sounds like Shikaku, Darui said.
Connect Lord Darui with your other traces, Shikamaru and show him that he can trust your skill. He's the Jounin Commander of the Cloud. I have to deal with a little problem here.
Thanks Dad. Shikamaru said. I'm going to release you from the min-connection jutsu, but I'll check back with you in a few minutes for a report.
He shrunk his dad's shadow trace until he disconnected and then asked. Can I release the trace on Samui too? This Jutsu drains my chakra quite a bit and she's in the cell right next to me. I can get her back any time.
It's your call, kid.
Shikamaru let Samui's trace completely disappear.
You ready for this Ino? Shikamaru asked.
I've got some Chakra pills, Ino said. I can connect to as many people as you want, but don't go crazy, Shikamaru, if you run out of Chakra just to show off this whole thing will fall apart.
Shikamaru nodded although she could not see him. He lifted himself off the ground and sat in his favorite thinking position, trying to block everything else out, especially the arguing from the next cell over. He started with the trace that wasn't on one of his personal friends, he was, after all, the Jounin Commander, not just a kid.
This is Shikamaru, please report.
We're outside the hospital, Jounin Commander, sir. The older man reported formally and respectfully. The Anbu units surrounding the building have been killed or captured, but we're not sure what the situation is inside.
Did you send someone in to look around?
We've sent three Shinobi in there. Two were killed, one is still missing.
Can you get close enough that your shadow is connected with the shadow of the building?
There were a couple of minutes of silence in which Shikamaru worked on this Chakra training exercises almost desperately. He was going to need a lot of Chakra for this.
I'm going to need more Chakra for this, Temari. He hesitated to be rude to her while Darui was listening.
Good, I thought you'd never leave my head, lazy bones. Check back with me when the mission's over, Gaara wants to know how it turns out.
Sure, Shikamaru said. He didn't want to waste words telling her he would need her again in a few minutes.
In position, Commander.
Shikamaru split the shadow trace in two and took a deep breath. Ino was listening so she would know what they had to do. He did not need to waste words.
Alright, Ino's voice said. Here goes.
Suddenly he was lying on the ground staring up at the chin of the man he had just received a report from. It took a lot of mental strain to shift his position those first few millimeters and then, once he got connected to the cold, linear shadow of the hospital building it became much easier.
You can move back to safety now. He said to the man.
Thank you commander, but I'm a little disoriented from this... I need a minute to...
Shikamaru could use a minute too. He made his shadow trace stop and waited for the man to get away to safety.
Thank you commander I'm in a safe position now.
They continued the dizzying journey as he moved his shadow trace along the shadow of the building in under the door and along the edge of the room in the tiny shadow of the corner of the wall. he continued exploring the place with his shadow, shifting it to get a better view, moving down halls and into rooms, counting the number of Anbu present in each location, until his solider said.
Thank you commander. We can now move in to take the hospital.
Excellent, Shikamaru said before removing the hospital trace and shrinking and disconnecting the one on the man who was about to take control of it.
He did not give himself time to hesitate.
Choji, please report.
The Hyuga compound is safe - they haven't tried coming near it, but they are watching it from a distance. Neji says that Hiyashi wants a word with you.
Will do, thanks Choji.
He disconnected Choji and connected to Hiyashi Hyuga.
You wanted a word with me, Lord Hiyashi?
Who's listening with us, Jounin Commander. I can feel another Chakra I've never felt before.
This is Lord Darui of the Cloud. He's on his way to get the imprisoned cloud ninja out.
There was a brief silence.
When your father first invited you to sit at the table with us at that first meeting I was offended. Now I see that Shikaku was not simply trying to show confidence in his son or train you up. Today I am impressed, Jounin Commander.
Shikamaru gulped. This was getting really troublesome. Thank you, Lord Hiyashi.
Shikamaru, I've just received word that the Inuzuka girl, Tsume's daughter, is in trouble. They've sent out a special unit of Anbu to get her. I sent two Hyuga to help her, but I don't think that will be enough. They are both Chunin.
Where is she? Shikamaru asked.
In the Inuzuka family hunting grounds near the river.
Perfect, Shikamaru said. I'll get a team to her down the river. Would you like to talk to Hinata, sir? She's with Kakashi sensei and I finally managed to get a trace on her.
Is she safe and unharmed?
Yes.
Then please don't waste your chakra for one worried father's benefit. We trust you to make sure we win this war, Commander.
Thank you for your trust, Shikamaru let the trace on Hiyashi shrink and then immediately connected to the one on the unit near the top of the river. A Jounin he did not know was in charge there and she had a big enough unit to spare a couple of people.
This is Shikamaru, please report.
All is quiet, Jounin Commander. She said. We have not yet been discovered by the Anbu and they are treating us like some of their own.
Perfect, Shikamaru said. I want you to send a team of three down the river to the edge of the Inuzuka hunting grounds to help Kiba's sister. She's being attacked by an elite team of Anbu there.
Right away, Commander.
One more thing, Shikamaru said. A team of Cloud Ninja is going to try and enter the village from your position soon. I want you to let them in without the Anbu suspecting.
Understood, Commander.
We still need about a half hour to get there. Darui spoke up.
Shikamaru disconnected the trace on the Jounin. We'll show you the area using the visual part of the Jutsu when you're close enough. He said to Darui.
It's your call, Commander. Darui said, finally giving him the trust that they needed to keep things going. You don't mind if I keep calling you kid, though, do you?
Shikamaru laughed. Not at all, as long as you're with us.
Oh, I'm with you. Danzo's got no chance against a man with this many shadows.
Shikamaru felt a sudden, familiar pang. It was the same as before. Shizune's shadow trace had been disturbed.
Lady Shizune, are you OK?
They're trying to take Lady Tsunade! No you don't!
We're on our way.
Send a big team this time, Commander, and you can stop calling me "Lady" now, it was cute when you were still a little chunin trying to be polite, now it's just annoying.
Hiyashi could not suddenly change direction. He was on his way to Danzo's headquarters to demand that his search team - the team that had supposedly gone after Hinata - was allowed back into the village. They should have reported back half a day ago. That they did not report back meant that Danzo's Anbu were keeping them out. Of course he knew that it was hopeless, knew the excuses that would be presented to him, but that did not mean he should give up on demanding his clan's rights. Shikaku had been busy over the last couple of days unearthing documented evidence of all kinds of clan rights from that time long ago when the leaf village had been established. He was encouraging everyone in the opposition to go to Danzo directly and keep him busy with demands for their rights even though they knew it would be hopeless. That was the first step.
It did not take long for the Anbu guarding the door to give in and go find Danzo for him. The man was clearly injured. When Hiyashi saw him step out into the waiting room he immediately knew that this time he had really been attacked.
"It must have been more than just Sasuke," he said directly. "To injure you so."
Danzo waved it away with his free arm. "This is all part of the responsibility of being Hokage."
"But keeping my clan from going in and out as they please is NOT part of the Hokage's responsibility." He pulled out a document - the Hyuga's agreement with the leaf village which he had dug up at Shikaku's suggestion - and held it out in front of Danzo.
Danzo made to take it away, but Hiyashi shook his head.
"You will find a copy of the same document in the Hokage's archives. This copy belongs to my clan. I suggest you read it carefully and consider your next steps. This village that you claim to serve is held together only by this and other such agreements. If, after 48 hours you continue to prevent any Hyuga from leaving or entering the village you may consider my clan outside the village alliance and you shall have to redraw the leaf borders to ensure that not a single Anbu is trespassing anywhere on Hyuga land."
There was an irritating smirk on the man's face that Hiyashi did not like.
"You know the reasons why I have instilled the curfews - I'm just trying to keep the villagers safe." He brandished his injured arm - which meant that it could not be as injured as it looked all wrapped up in those bloody bandages. "Sasuke and-"
"The villagers are highly trained Ninja, not babies. We were trained to protect others, not hide behind these walls and seek protection for ourselves. I suggest you find a way to involve us in the village's protection rather than trying to keep us in like children."
"Surely you understand that even competent Ninja need to be protected - why your own daught-"
"My own daughter is none of your concern, Danzo."
"I only meant to draw an analogy between-"
"There is no analogy that will enable you to infringe on Hyuga rights any longer. I gave you 48 hours, hours in which my daughter could be in trouble without anyone to help her, use them well."
His voice sounded so threatening then that six Anbu came out of the woodwork and began circling him, two of them standing either side of Danzo protectively. They gave him the opportunity he had been waiting for since this conversation began. He activated his byakugan and looked from one face to the other.
Before he even reached Danzo's face he saw it. That eye that was always covered in bandages. A Sharingan eye. His blood ran cold with it. He pretended he had not seen it, avoided looking at Danzo too closely and continued to study every single one of the Anbu int he same threatening manner. Danzo called him men off and they backed away. Hiyashi immediately inactivated the Byakugan and turned to Danzo, keeping his face completely expressionless.
"I also suggest," he said, as if they had not been interrupted. "That you find another Jounin Commander or the Jounin of the village will have to do it themselves. I came across an interesting little law about the Jounin Council while I was looking for this that I think you should also study."
Hiyashi held up the scroll again before tucking it back in his pocket. Danzo did not speak or respond. Hiyashi saw actual fear in the man's eyes. He feared discovery. Let him cower for the next 48 hours wondering whether he had been noticed or not. But whose eye was that? Could it be that he had just taken that eye from Sasuke? No, the man's face had been covered in bandages even before and there was something familiar about that eye. He had to talk to Shikaku.
...
He looked down at the letter. This confirmed all of their suspicions. A letter from the Kazekage himself, with the official seal of the sand village and addressed very officially to the Jounin Commander of the Leaf Village. This was why it had taken so long. His team, once they got out of the village had sought out the news about the five nation alliance like he had instructed them. They had discovered that everything Danzo told them had been a lie. They had then tried to get back in the village and found Danzo's hold even tighter than before. As instructed they had sought out Kakashi and through him had contacted the Kazekage and obtained official proof of Danzo's lies. It had then taken another attack on one of the Anbu border patrols to get one of them back in the village with this important evidence.
"And the others?" Shikaku asked the tired messenger.
The man simply shook his head.
"Their effort will not be in vain." Shikaku said. "I want you to rest up and get some food in you and then I want you to prepare to complete your mission. You and I will be visiting many people tonight and showing them this letter."
Clan leaders would know the Kazekage's official seal. They would understand this to be conclusive evidence that they had been lied to about the outcome of the Five Kage Summit. Shikaku was going to show it to every single clan leader in the village, anti-Danzo or not, and also all the high-ranking Jounin and special Jounin. Word might get out and get back to Danzo, but that was going to happen soon enough anyway and now they were ready.
"Are you sure that is wise, Shikaku?" Hiyashi asked, taking the letter. He paused, his eyes wide. "Shisui Uchiha?"
"You didn't recognize it, but the Byakugan user at the summit knew Shisui and had a much better look at it."
Hiyashi shook his head. Shikaku was impressed that, despite the news that the Byakugan had been stolen by an outsider, Hiyashi was able to focus on the most important task. It was good to have someone clever enough to follow a few steps of his plan available at this critical time. A knock at the door and Inoichi and Choza entered for the "dinner". It would be a good cover for tonight's mission.
...
Ino was getting bored. Keeping an eye on Shikamaru was important, but she was beginning to doubt that he was even in the building that they told her he was in. Watching the building from the outside was pointless. If something was happening to him in there they wouldn't know. Still, through her jutsu she was able to get a great view of the building and was starting to put together a list of people who regularly went in and out. She knew that information may end up being as valuable to Shikaku as her information on the Anbu patrols around the leaf.
She felt the afternoon start to settle in. Less people walking in and out of the building. Almost nobody in the streets as they all went to more interesting parts of the village to eat or relax. The first few days she thought that this quiet time might give her a good opportunity to get at what was really happening in the building and get in closer, but the person she was using the mind-transfer on usually stood out and became very conspicuous. Yesterday he had been asked to go about his business by an Anbu. She was not going to let it happen again. She made him walk away a short distance and then disconnected.
She found herself back in Kiba's sister's room, but something was off. Something was wrong. Suddenly, she realized that there was a lot less barking than usual and many more human voices than usual. Where was her mother? She usually liked to stay close when Ino was activating the jutsu. Ino listened carefully and heard her voice down below. It was rare for her mother to sound this angry.
Ino sat up carefully, still feeling a little dizzy from the mind transfer. She put a hand up to her head and the shadow on the ground moved in a finny way that did not exactly match her arm movement. She turned and looked at it carefully. Suddenly a part of her shadow broke off, staying connected only by a tiny thread, and began to change shape. It looked exactly like a tiny Shikamaru, hair sticking up and everything.
Ino took a large swig of water and ate a bite of the sandwich that was lying on her bed. She took in a few deep breaths and closed her eyes. This jutsu took a lot of chakra from both her and Shikamaru, but at least she could keep her mind where it was and remain aware of her surroundings. She activated it and listened to the silence.
Were you doing a mind-transfer or something? Shikamaru's voice said in her head. It was very troublesome trying to get you to notice me.
I was, actually. Ino said. How are you? Are you alright?
There was a short silence in which Ino heard Kiba's mother yell at the top of her lungs that if they thought they could take her son from right under her nose they were mistaken. So they had come for Kiba at last. Something must have happened to make Danzo move on Kiba now when he hadn't seemed interested before.
Prison is very troublesome, but I learned how to increase my chakra in here, so I suppose it's all for the best.
Tell me how to come get you out, Shikamaru. Ino knew he must have figured out a way out of there by now. He'd been in that prison long enough to figure out an entire battle plan.
No, I'm fine where I am for now, Ino, but I need you to connect me with other people - lots of them - do you have enough Chakra.
He really had learned to get more Chakra. Lots of people. Ino nodded even though he couldn't see her and picked up the sandwich. She was going to need a lot of energy.
"Ino!" her mother called. "I want you to tell your father what's happening!"
Ino knitted her eyebrows. What on earth was happening? She let herself out of the room and down the stairs. Kiba was surrounded by his mother and her many wolves and around them was a large circle of Anbu. There was also another circle of Anbu around Ino's own mother and Kiba's sister. Akamaru growled angrily from his position by the door. Apparently, he was guarding the door and not letting anyone out.
The Anbu had not seen her yet, so Ino stepped back into the shadows and surveyed the scene. Shikamaru the Anbu are trying to take in Kiba and possibly even his family my mother too!
Why would they want Kiba?
He helped Hinata escape the village and save Sakura from an Anbu ambush. That's what they're saying anyway.
Silence. Ino hated silences at times like this, but she had learned to trust in Shikamaru and part of that meant allowing him the silence he needed to think.
Ino, if you activate the second part of the Jutsu I can contact Hiyashi Hyuga and let him know you need help there. After you do that, I want you to somehow make your shadow connect with both your mother and Kiba.
Shikamaru was crazy. He could not possibly have enough Chakra in him for that many shadow traces. But there was nothing else for Ino to do now, but trust in this Jutsu. There was no way they could take down this many Anbu. Not really. Besides, Shikaku hadn't given them the order to come out in the open yet, so they technically had to do what the Hokage and his Anbu said.
She closed her eyes momentarily and made the hand signals for the second part of the jutsu. Hiyashi Hyuga's voice was immediately in her head.
Hiyashi Hyuga, is that you? Shikamaru asked in her head.
Is this a Yamanaka justu? Hiyashi's voice was unmisatakable.
Yes, sir, it is. Shikamaru said. It's a combination of my shadow trace Jutsu and Ino's jutsu. I'm still in prison, but I think you know I managed to get a shadow trace out to you.
Yes, Hiyashi said. I felt it earlier and came to find your father. Do you require assistance.
I'm fine in here and I've learned to build up a bit more chakra. It's more a matter of how my shadows and I can be of use. Before all that, Ino says that the Anbu are trying to arrest Kiba.
Satisfied that the message had got through Ino pushed out of the shadows and down the stairs. She was unsteady on her feet from the effects of the Jutsu, but it provided excellent proof that she really had been taken ill and that's why she and her mother were here in Kiba's home.
"What's going on?" she said aloud, wondering if Shikamaru and Hiyashi could hear her. "Mother, what's happening?"
The Anbu blocked her way to her mothers, but Kiba's sister broke through their circle and picked her up just as she reeled sideways. Another voice was in her head all of a sudden. A more mature version of Shikamaru's voice. She felt extremely dizzy. Suddenly her mother was hugging her and her mother's voice was in her head too, arguing with Shikamaru and Shikaku who wanted them to let Kiba get arrested.
"Here," Kiba's sister gave her some water and a chakra pill that they used in dangerous battle situations to keep a severely injured person on their feet until they could get to safety. The immediate rush of chakra helped Ino get to her feet, but she was still dizzy and her head was pounding now with all the voices talking inside it.
The Anbu were yelling at her mother and Kiba's sister to "take the sick girl back upstairs and get out of their way." Ino put a hand up to her head and tried to control her breathing.
"Tsume," Ino's mother said. "It's useless to resist. Let them take the boy and we can go petition the Hokage-"
"Have any of the other children come back?" Tsume growled. "I'm not letting my son get taken in. They have no authority to be doing this without the Jounin Council to keep their powers in check!"
Ino, get me close to Kiba. Shikamaru's voice said.
How many shadow traces can you make? Ino asked incredulously. But she did not wait for an answer. She began walking over to Kiba. She took one of the Anbu by surprise with a pretty strong punch and broke through the circle. Kiba's mom put a supporting hand on her arm as Ino turned to face the Anbu, back to back with the mother and son.
"I won't let you take him!" Ino yelled a little more hysterically than she had intended. "First you took Shikamaru and we haven't heard a thing from him since or been allowed to go see him and now you want to take Kiba!"
Kiba can you hear me?
What the hell is this? Thankfully, Kiba had the sense to yell at Shikamaru in his mind and not let on tot he Anbu that anything weird was happening. Ino could not feel her feet under her anymore. She began to slip down to the ground, but she found Kiba's arms holding her up, just like Shikamaru used to do when she used the mind transfer in battle. She could not longer hear the conversation that she knew was happening in her head because of her jutsu. It was all just shouting and a pounding headache.
Someone slipped another food pill into her mouth and she swallowed. She needed water.
You're sure about this? Kiba's voice said.
I'm sure, Shikamaru replied. I'll be able to tell where you are and if you're in danger, just like I did when they attacked Lady Tsunade. We can use your position - wherever they take you - as a starting point for an attack or to free other hostages. And you'll be connected with me and with my dad, the Jounin Commander. I know it's weird, but we can make this whole thing work if you take a risk and trust our jutsu.
Ino felt tired just thinking about the amount of chakra all of that would require from her. There was a sudden, glorious silence in her mind and Kiba gently lowered her to the ground where she sat on her knees. He came around in front of her and smiled at her.
Gotta make this look real, he said in her head. Can't let them take me from my fiance to certain doom in an Anbu dungeon without a real teary goodbye, right.
Ino found herself smiling tiredly back. Kiba gripped both her hands in his and spoke out loud for the Anbu's benefit. "I didn't do anything wrong," he said. "So I'm sure I'll be back in a few hours. You take care of yourself and rest, OK Ino? Listen to my sister and the healers and don't worry about me. My sister will get you the best healers to take care of your right here where you're comfortable and safe and I'll be back soon."
"You won't be back," was all Ino managed to say. She was so tired that she sounded extremely sad and depressed about it. At least she hoped so. "Shikamaru's been gone for days."
"He'll be back too," Kiba said in that annoyingly overconfident tone he shared with Naruto. "I'll get him out for you. We'll have a big party all together with him and Choji and everybody as soon as you get better."
"You're not giving yourself up, Kiba!" his mother yelled.
"Come on, Mom," Kiba said, standing up. "You know they'll wear us down eventually. I'd rather go in on my own, head held high, than get dragged in by the Anbu half-dead after killing a bunch of them. I didn't do anything wrong. If they want to interrogate me, that's all they're going to find out."
"Well, I'm going in with you," his mother insisted. "Do you hear that? You want to take my son in you'd better take me as well."
Ino relaxed into her mother's arms and watched as mother and son walked away side by side, surrounded by Anbu.
Did he go? Hiyashi asked calmly in her mind.
Yes, Ino said when she realized that her mother could not hear the question. Kiba's mom went too.
Good, Shikamaru said. His voice sounded much clearer. Her headache was subsiding. If you can get to a good, comfortable spot, Ino, I'd like you to release this jutsu and activate the one where I can see instead of hear.
You can usually switch from one to the other on your own, Ino said, pulled herself to standing position. There were too many stairs. She turned into the guest room instead and found herself a cushion to collapse onto.
Not with this many shadow traces. Besides, you're probably dizzy enough as it is without me randomly switching jutsu without letting you know.
Shikamaru was beginning to sound tired. He was finally reaching the end of his chakra reserves. Maybe he had managed to get chakra pills in that jail. Kiba's sister was offering her another one.
I must return home to take care of clan business. Hiyashi said. You must know, before you release this jutsu that I gave Danzo an ultimatum. Things are moving quickly out here, Shikamaru.
Which is why I need to quickly get a few more shadow traces in place so I can actually help. Don't worry about meeting places anymore. I can connect you with Dad wherever you are.
Well done, Shikamaru. Shikaku said. I am extremely proud and I know your mother would be too when she heard you are working on building more chakra!
...
"Alright!" Suygetsu said mock-cheerfully. "Let's get out of here!"
Sasuke ignored him and looked from Karin to Jugo. He did not know what to say. No one was saying anything. Even Lee and Naruto were keeping their mouths shut and waiting for him to make the next move. It was clear on all their faces, however, that none of them trusted him to follow any deals. None of them except Hinata. She sat in a corner of the dojo arranging clean bandages and kunai and other supplies as if nothing of importance was happening.
Sakura finished checking Jugo's bandages over one more time and gave a businesslike nod, giving the bandaging a little tap as if to seal it magically from more trouble. She was avoiding looking over at him. Once, a long time ago, she used to meet Sasuke's eyes with awe and respect. In those days she thought he could do no wrong. She had been a pathetic little love-struck girl who always agreed with everything he said and never doubted his abilities. Now... well, she had grown out of it. She might still see him as a friend that needed her help, but she certainly did not trust his judgement anymore. Sasuke looked away and found Hinata looking over at him with a small smile.
The truth was that he was still just as pathetic as Sakura had been in those days. His awestruck love for his older brother had morphed into something ugly after that night, but he had always still wanted Itachi's respect, even in that battle in the end. He had allowed Orochimaru to control him like some little puppy because he hadn't known how to live without a more powerful awe-inspiring Ninja leading the way for him. And even when he killed Orochimaru and killed Itachi Madara had come and tried to fill that void. Hinata was right. It was wrong to let someone control him like that. It was just as pathetic as little twelve year old Sakura had been.
He lay back down on his mattress and looked up at the ceiling so that he would not have to look into any of their tense faces anymore.
"Danzo has a lot of Sharingan eyes," he said casually, trying to keep the image of that hideous arm out of his mind. "I want Kakashi's Sharingan on my side. You don't have to stay with me, you never did."
"I'm with you," Jugo said.
"Of course we're with you," Karin said.
And although they were the more powerful Ninja, the closer friends, it was Hinata's quiet presence in the corner of that room that reassured Sasuke the most. Suygetsu began his usual complaining and he and Karin started to argue. Sasuke closed his eyes. He did not have the energy to tell them to stop.
...
Tenten? Tenten almost jumped out of the bed where she was supposed to be lying in a comatose state. Were they giving her something to make her hallucinate along with the food that was dripping into her arm? She tried to stay calm. Why would she hallucinate Shikamaru's voice?
Tenten? the voice asked again. It was definitely Shikamaru.
Yes, she thought hesitantly. What's happening?
Don't panic, Tenten, this is Shikamaru. I'm playing around with a new Jutsu and I wanted to find you and make sure you were ok. They didn't take you to the hospital even though you were badly injured.
Tenten found herself still hesitating. Could she trust this insane voice in her head. What if it was someone else trying to read her mind - someone from the Anbu?
Remember the first time we met? the voice asked her. When you tried to teach me how to hold a kunai safely on that playground and I told you you were such a drag.
That's not exactly what you said. Tenten said, remembering that incident. They had been very young.
I think my exact words were: girls who try to act like mothers are such a drag.
Tenten found herself relaxing even though it did not make any sense to do so. Anyone with a decent Yamanaka jutsu could be probing her mind looking for memories, trying to get her to reveal any hidden information. Perhaps Shikamaru knew this, because his voice completely ignored her and began having a completely different conversation with his father, the Jounin Commander, and Hiyashi Hyuga. They were making battle plans. They were allowing her to listen to them, trusting her with them. But then, they would if they were trying to lure her into a false sense of security. Or she was hallucinating.
...
Kiba was not the only one to be taken in that day. Throughout the next twenty four hours the Anbu descended upon many homes taking in clan leaders, distinguished Jounin, and many others. Even people who had never opposed Danzo were taken in. But they had been quicker. They had spent last night going from door to door and showing the Kazekage's letter to all the clan leaders and Jounin. Let Danzo arrest whoever he wanted, that only made it more obvious that he was desperately trying to cover something up. And he couldn't arrest the entire leaf village. Already, word was spreading in the form of rumors so that even the smallest child had heard the news that Danzo had lied to them and that he was not the leader of a five nation alliance and that he had stolen the Sharingan eye of Shisui Uchiha many years ago.
As Shikaku received one more report through his wife's spy network they began to hammer on his door. That was his cue to move. As the Jounin Commander he had chosen to stay out of all the unrest, to keep his forces from resisting, for as long as possible, but now that they were at his door it was time for the battle to begin. He grabbed the medical pouch his wife was handing him and watched her secure her headband. The Anbu broke through the door and Choza came barreling in, scattering them in all different directions. Inoichi followed him.
"Inoichi," Shikaku said. "We can handle things here, you go get your daughter to safety!"
It was most important that their connection to Shikamaru and all his shadow traces remain secure and right now Ino was the only Yamanaka who could preform the required Jutsu. She and Shikamaru had worked out a method where they checked in on their different shadow traces in turn, speaking to only one or two people at a time instead of having everybody connected to each other. It was easier on both their chakras, but it also meant that Shikaku was not always in contact with the others.
"Already being taken care of," Inoichi said aloud.
But I want to stay here and keep an eye on Shikamaru! In protested loudly in their heads. Inoichi ignored her, but Shikaku opened his mouth to answer.
Ino, his son said firmly. The outcome of this entire thing depends on you. Get to safety and follow the Jounin Commander's orders from there. You'll know if I need help and with this jutsu you're in a much better position to get someone over to help me than you would be just by watching the entrance of the building I'm imprisoned in!
Fine, Ino said in that obstinate Yamanaka tone. But you'd better not expect me to just sit around and connect you to everybody through this entire war - I want to actually get in some fighting!
Shikamaru, Shikaku said as he used his shadow paralysis on yet another Anbu and watched Choza take him out. I'm going to be busy fighting this battle against the Anbu and commanding my forces so that we end it as quickly as possible. We're going to use the Hyuga and Aburame clan territories as our base.
So the Aburame pulled out of the leaf alliance too? Shikamaru asked. Shikaku wasn't sure when he heard about the Hyuga pull-out. His son really was on top of it all. He smiled proudly as he preformed the shadow strangle on the leader of this Anbu unit.
Did you get the shadow traces on Kakashi and the Kazekage son?
Yes, Shikamaru replied simply.
Excellent, Shikaku said. Then from this moment on and until we defeat Danzo I'm handing over command of this war to you. You will be the Jounin Commander of the Leaf Village's anti-Danzo forces.
There was a long silence which Shikamaru finally broke by saying: Oh man, what a drag.
...
Shikamaru shrunk the shadow trace on his father to the smallest possible size and he felt the mind-connection between them disconnect. He was only connected to Ino now, they always kept that one connection going, but neither of them said anything. He wasn't panicking exactly, but Jounin Commander - it was insane. He was not ready for this kind of troublesome responsibility. This was what happened when you took too much initiative or came up with something too convenient. Shikamaru sighed.
Are you giving me a break from the Jutsu or panicking, Shikamaru? Ino's voice broke his thoughts.
I'm not panicking, Shikamaru said.
Good, well then I've caught my breath and I'm ready.
Are you somewhere safe yet?
I'm in the Hyuga compound guarded by Neji, Choji and my mother. Let's get this thing started Jounin commander!
Shikamaru took a deep breath and put a hand behind his head, lying down in his favorite cloud-watching pose. At least he got to relax in this jail instead of having to do this from the middle of the raging battle outside. They could already hear the mad rush and shouting voices from the floors above. Well, he'd better get started.
He focused on the shadow trace that was attached to Temari, making it grow larger and larger until it was large enough to project their voices through Ino's Jutsu.
You'd better be near Gaara, because I kind of lied and told my dad I was connected to the Kazekage. Shikamaru wasn't sure why, but when he and Temari spoke it was always in an argumentative manner.
Great idea, she replied. Go bother Gaara and get out of my head.
Of course they both knew that Shikamaru couldn't do that. Gaara was too busy with his Kazekage duties and his siblings had decided that it was their job to protect him from the strain of Shikamaru's 'dangerous Jutsu'. They had only called it that because Kankurro had reacted badly to the Jutsu. First he was unable to keep any of his thoughts and kept saying them out loud for both Shikamaru and Ino to hear and then he had apparently had some kind of breakdown or become dizzy from the jutsu. So Temari was stuck with Shikamaru's voice in her head whether she liked it or not.
We got word from the RaiKage. There's a team already on it's way to the Leaf Village to rescue the three Cloud Ninja. They're authorized to do whatever they need to to get their team our safe, so you need to be careful. Gaara tried, but they don't care about your power-struggle with Danzo. They should be at the village border tonight at around 7pm.
I'm in a prison cell, Shikamaru said. They don't provide us with clocks here.
You could ask without being rude, lazy idiot! Temari's voice was exasperated, but not too angry. He hoped. That gives you two hours.
Is you messenger with the team? Shikamaru asked her seriously.
Yes, he is, the RaiKage was pleased to have him 'help out' and didn't find it suspicious that we wanted him on the team.
And does he know about the Jutsu?
Yes, of course he does.
Without wasting time Shiakamru focused on the shadow trace he had set on the sand village Ninja. He enlarged it until it connected him to the man and spoke in as commanding a voice as possible.
This is the Jounin Commander of the Leaf Village forces. Shikamaru said, trying his title out. I need you to get close enough to the commander of the Cloud Unit so that I can transfer my shadow.
Yes, sir. Should I tell him anything about the- the voice sounded nervous. Shikamaru cut him off and maintained that same commanding tone.
You needn't mention anything. Just get my shadow to him and I'll handle it.
Shikamaru sighed and closed his eyes for a minute. His Chakra was beginning to drain as he enlarged the shadow trace on the leader of the unit in the jail cell next to him. It had to be done. He needed Temari and the imprisoned cloud ninja to help him convince the leader of the cloud unit to help them against Danzo.
"Listen," he said out loud. "I've just used my shadow trace on you so you can help me with something."
He ignored the arguing voices of the two other cloud ninja and used the mind-connection Jutsu to continue the conversation with their leader. With the help of my friend I can use my shadow traces to talk to you like this.
So that's what you've been doing all this time? The voice of the imprisoned cloud ninja sounded a little impressed. You're not as lazy as we thought, after all. What is it you need help with?
I've contacted the Kazekage on your behalf and he sent word to the RaiKage. A team of cloud ninja are on their way to save you right now. What I need is for them to agree to cooperate with us and not turn this into a village on village fight. Can you help me convince them that it's Danzo at fault here?
Gladly, the team leader said. Who's the team leader?
I have no idea, Shikamaru said. Why don't you ask him yourself?
What is this? a new voice said. Shikamaru resisted the temptation to use his commander voice again. Even Temari was being unusually quiet.
Darui, sir? the imprisoned cloud ninja's voice said.
Is that you, Samui? the voice asked. He sounded very taken aback, but not afraid, not creeped out or panicky like Kankurro had been. Is this a new Jutsu you've developed?
No, sir. Samui said. This jutsu was developed by a Leaf Ninja who is imprisoned with me. He used it to let the RaiKage know we were trapped here so that you could come get us out.
Actually, Shikamaru said, unable to think of a different way to introduce himself into the conversation. I used it to contact the KazeKage's sister, she got the word to Lord Gaara and then to the RaiKage.
Yes, Temari said. The Leaf Villagers discovered that the Cloud Ninja were being held hostage by Danzo's men and when they moved to free them Danzo arrested the Leaf Village Jounin Commander. He was then able to contact us using this Jutsu.
Shikaku? the man named Darui said. He sounded completely unfazed by the whole thing. That was the kind of man that should be a Jounin Commander, not Shikamaru.
I'm Shikaku's son, Shikamaru explained. Shikamaru Nara. My father named me Jounin Commander because of this Jutsu - he thought I would be better able to coordinate all the different efforts especially since he's busy in the real battle outside this prison. The Leaf Village is going through a civil war as we speak, sir. Danzo's actions have harmed us Leaf Ninja more than anyone else. I hope that you will consider that as you move to free your team.
Please work with him, Lord Darui. Without him we would still be trapped in this dungeon, but if you work with him perhaps we can stop this from turning into a village against village struggle.
Danzo is the Leaf's Hokage, Darui said. The village must bear some responsibility for all his actions.
Danzo lied to everyone in the Leaf, sir. Shikamaru said. My father has been working to expose his lies ever since he became Hokage. He has kept the villagers trapped in the village and told us that he was named the leader of the alliance of the five great nations. He's using the Anbu to keep people quiet and imprisoning those who do not keep quiet.
So you want me to get you out of prison too and help you defeat Danzo? Dario asked. His tone suggested that he was interested, but highly unlikely to do any such thing.
Actually, Shikamaru said. I'd rather not be taken out of prison. It's much easier for me to preform this jutsu when I don't have to move around. Safer in a prison cell. I will help you get your team out of here, though, and would appreciate it if you could use the mandate given to you by the RaiKage to help capture Danzo - on behalf of the four nation alliance. Help bring him to justice.
Where's your father? Darui said suddenly. Tell me where I can meet him. I'd like a word with Shikaku so I can coordinate with him and make my decision.
Good, so this man trusted his father. That was perfect. Shikamaru grinned as he enlarged the Shaow trace attached to his father's shadow. No need to go out of your way to meet with him sir, he's with us now. Dad?
Yes, Shikamaru? Would you like a report? His father sounded bored. Had they finished the battle already.? But there were still many loud voices coming down the stairs towards the prison cell. We're still engaged with the Anbu. We have control over half the physical area of the village with the Hyuga compound as our center of operations. I'm in the INuzuka hunting grounds now, trying to break through that Anbu patrol circle. Danzo seems to have placed his best Anbu around the village to stop us from getting in or out.
He can't stop my shadows, Shikamaru said. I got word to the RaiKage about the imprisoned cloud Ninja and a team is on its way to get them out. Talk to the team leader, dad.
Your kid's justu is impressive, Shikaku. Darui said. But I'm coming to get my team out and he wants me to get involved in your civil war.
Lord Darui, Temari interjected. I think you already know that it was my brother Gaara who convinced the other Kage not to attack the leaf - to give them a chance to deal with Danzo on their own. Well, they're doing that now, and they just need a little help. We can't help here at the sand - you know the laws against interfering in the internal affairs of another village, but with your team imprisoned you have the perfect opportunity to help bring Danzo to justice.
You don't know me very well yet. Darui said. I know the RaiKage wouldn't mind if I helped bring Danzo to justice. Civil wars are sticky. I need to know that the person I'm working with is competent. I trust Shikaku, but I don't know this kid, is he even a Jounin?
He's the Jounin Commander of the Leaf Village, Darui. Not just because he's my son.
He's Lazy, Temari said. But his brain works well. He beat me in our fight at the Chunin Exams. If he hasn't become a Jounin until this point it's only because he couldn't be bothered to take the trouble.
Sounds like Shikaku, Darui said.
Connect Lord Darui with your other traces, Shikamaru and show him that he can trust your skill. He's the Jounin Commander of the Cloud. I have to deal with a little problem here.
Thanks Dad. Shikamaru said. I'm going to release you from the min-connection jutsu, but I'll check back with you in a few minutes for a report.
He shrunk his dad's shadow trace until he disconnected and then asked. Can I release the trace on Samui too? This Jutsu drains my chakra quite a bit and she's in the cell right next to me. I can get her back any time.
It's your call, kid.
Shikamaru let Samui's trace completely disappear.
You ready for this Ino? Shikamaru asked.
I've got some Chakra pills, Ino said. I can connect to as many people as you want, but don't go crazy, Shikamaru, if you run out of Chakra just to show off this whole thing will fall apart.
Shikamaru nodded although she could not see him. He lifted himself off the ground and sat in his favorite thinking position, trying to block everything else out, especially the arguing from the next cell over. He started with the trace that wasn't on one of his personal friends, he was, after all, the Jounin Commander, not just a kid.
This is Shikamaru, please report.
We're outside the hospital, Jounin Commander, sir. The older man reported formally and respectfully. The Anbu units surrounding the building have been killed or captured, but we're not sure what the situation is inside.
Did you send someone in to look around?
We've sent three Shinobi in there. Two were killed, one is still missing.
Can you get close enough that your shadow is connected with the shadow of the building?
There were a couple of minutes of silence in which Shikamaru worked on this Chakra training exercises almost desperately. He was going to need a lot of Chakra for this.
I'm going to need more Chakra for this, Temari. He hesitated to be rude to her while Darui was listening.
Good, I thought you'd never leave my head, lazy bones. Check back with me when the mission's over, Gaara wants to know how it turns out.
Sure, Shikamaru said. He didn't want to waste words telling her he would need her again in a few minutes.
In position, Commander.
Shikamaru split the shadow trace in two and took a deep breath. Ino was listening so she would know what they had to do. He did not need to waste words.
Alright, Ino's voice said. Here goes.
Suddenly he was lying on the ground staring up at the chin of the man he had just received a report from. It took a lot of mental strain to shift his position those first few millimeters and then, once he got connected to the cold, linear shadow of the hospital building it became much easier.
You can move back to safety now. He said to the man.
Thank you commander, but I'm a little disoriented from this... I need a minute to...
Shikamaru could use a minute too. He made his shadow trace stop and waited for the man to get away to safety.
Thank you commander I'm in a safe position now.
They continued the dizzying journey as he moved his shadow trace along the shadow of the building in under the door and along the edge of the room in the tiny shadow of the corner of the wall. he continued exploring the place with his shadow, shifting it to get a better view, moving down halls and into rooms, counting the number of Anbu present in each location, until his solider said.
Thank you commander. We can now move in to take the hospital.
Excellent, Shikamaru said before removing the hospital trace and shrinking and disconnecting the one on the man who was about to take control of it.
He did not give himself time to hesitate.
Choji, please report.
The Hyuga compound is safe - they haven't tried coming near it, but they are watching it from a distance. Neji says that Hiyashi wants a word with you.
Will do, thanks Choji.
He disconnected Choji and connected to Hiyashi Hyuga.
You wanted a word with me, Lord Hiyashi?
Who's listening with us, Jounin Commander. I can feel another Chakra I've never felt before.
This is Lord Darui of the Cloud. He's on his way to get the imprisoned cloud ninja out.
There was a brief silence.
When your father first invited you to sit at the table with us at that first meeting I was offended. Now I see that Shikaku was not simply trying to show confidence in his son or train you up. Today I am impressed, Jounin Commander.
Shikamaru gulped. This was getting really troublesome. Thank you, Lord Hiyashi.
Shikamaru, I've just received word that the Inuzuka girl, Tsume's daughter, is in trouble. They've sent out a special unit of Anbu to get her. I sent two Hyuga to help her, but I don't think that will be enough. They are both Chunin.
Where is she? Shikamaru asked.
In the Inuzuka family hunting grounds near the river.
Perfect, Shikamaru said. I'll get a team to her down the river. Would you like to talk to Hinata, sir? She's with Kakashi sensei and I finally managed to get a trace on her.
Is she safe and unharmed?
Yes.
Then please don't waste your chakra for one worried father's benefit. We trust you to make sure we win this war, Commander.
Thank you for your trust, Shikamaru let the trace on Hiyashi shrink and then immediately connected to the one on the unit near the top of the river. A Jounin he did not know was in charge there and she had a big enough unit to spare a couple of people.
This is Shikamaru, please report.
All is quiet, Jounin Commander. She said. We have not yet been discovered by the Anbu and they are treating us like some of their own.
Perfect, Shikamaru said. I want you to send a team of three down the river to the edge of the Inuzuka hunting grounds to help Kiba's sister. She's being attacked by an elite team of Anbu there.
Right away, Commander.
One more thing, Shikamaru said. A team of Cloud Ninja is going to try and enter the village from your position soon. I want you to let them in without the Anbu suspecting.
Understood, Commander.
We still need about a half hour to get there. Darui spoke up.
Shikamaru disconnected the trace on the Jounin. We'll show you the area using the visual part of the Jutsu when you're close enough. He said to Darui.
It's your call, Commander. Darui said, finally giving him the trust that they needed to keep things going. You don't mind if I keep calling you kid, though, do you?
Shikamaru laughed. Not at all, as long as you're with us.
Oh, I'm with you. Danzo's got no chance against a man with this many shadows.
Shikamaru felt a sudden, familiar pang. It was the same as before. Shizune's shadow trace had been disturbed.
Lady Shizune, are you OK?
They're trying to take Lady Tsunade! No you don't!
We're on our way.
Send a big team this time, Commander, and you can stop calling me "Lady" now, it was cute when you were still a little chunin trying to be polite, now it's just annoying.
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