บท 51: The Withering
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Tenjho Tenge
AUTHORS NOTE: Welcome to the newest arc of Curse of the Ryugan. It is called The Withering Arc. Here is chapter 51. Enjoy!
[ ] signifies hand signs
Last time:
Tsunade smiled and said, "ANBU Fox, this is the First and Second Hokages. Please remove your mask and introduce yourself."
Naruto nodded and removed his Fox mask with his uninjured left hand said, "First-sama and Second-sama, I am honored to meet you. "I am Uzumaki Naruto."
"And you are the Uzumaki Clan head judging by the swords you carry." replied Hashirama in a friendly way. "Well met Naruto. You are clearly very skilled for your age. Very nicely done."
Naruto smiled in appreciation of the praise and Tsunade took a look at his shattered wrist. "This is going to take some work Naruto-kun."
The First Hokage said; "Let me take care of it Tsunade-chan."
Tsunade chuckled and said, "Thank you Ji-sama."
…
Within minutes Naruto was good as new. He flexed his fingers and rotated his wrist. "Thank you Hokage-sama. I need to get back to my Team. The battle was over when I got summoned but I want to keep them safe." He slipped on his mask and vanished in a body flicker.
Hanako nodded proudly and said "That's my boy."
"It sounds like you are quite attached to the young man Hanako-chan" said Hashirama humorously.
Hanako smiled and said, "Hashirama-sama, he is like a grandson to me. Naruto would give his life to protect those he loves. He may well be a fine Hokage someday…"
…
Konoha's Outskirts
The three giant boa constrictors were dead. Jiraiya and Gambunta had been cleaning house. They saw that the few remaining Oto ninja were retreating and that his Tsunade-hime had defeated Orochimaru and was waving at him happily from the roof of the Konoha Stadium. There had been property damage and casualties to be sure but the Village of Konoha was standing stronger than ever. It would be days before things were settled down again, but Jiraiya wanted nothing more than to see Tsunade and little Mito-chan…
…
Chapter 51
Fire Country, the Village of Konoha
The celebrations throughout Konoha Village were still laced with sorrow as many ninjas were lost in the fighting. An official Day of Mourning for those lost was declared and many ceremonies and memorials dotted Fire Country. It had been several days since the Konoha Crush when Tsunade found herself feeling extremely tired. Likewise, Hanako and Hiruzen were simply exhausted. At first Tsunade thought it was fatigue but she had Shizune do a routine physical on all three of them anyway.
Shizune soon concluded all three of them were suffering from mild chakra exhaustion and had a single, fist sized yellow spot on their upper middle back. She'd never seen such odd symptoms before and began to research it along with the weary Tsunade. "There are no signs of physical illness except tiredness and that spot which appears to be simple discoloration." said Shizune as she looked through some medical texts. "It's as if something is causing a very low-level chakra drain."
After two days of extensive research the two medics came up with nothing…
Only Hashirama recognized the symptoms and was full of sorrow to share his knowledge with the others. "It's a disease called The Withering that we thought had been long since eradicated by my time." explained the First Hokage. "The only reason I've heard of it was because my late wife Mito's Grandmother said her own Grandmother died of it. It slowly drains a person's chakra for about six months until they perish from chakra exhaustion. I remember her mentioning a jaundiced spot in between the shoulder blades that marked a person for death. The Uzumaki Clan was nearly wiped out from it but somehow, they discovered a medicinal herb or plant that cured it. Unfortunately, I have no idea what that plant is."
"…And somehow Sarutobi-sensei, Hanako-sama and I have caught it." said Tsunade angrily. "I have little doubt Orochimaru left it behind as a final parting gift. He managed to graze each of us with the Kusanagi during the battle on the stadium roof. I have no doubt that's how it was spread. Is it contagious Ji-sama?"
Hashirama shook his head. "To my knowledge it isn't contagious. Mito's Grandmother said they never made the connection until after the disease died out that it was spread by a neighboring clan that used poison needles."
"Damn that Orochimaru." said Hanako. "Surely there's a modern cure."
Sarutobi frowned. "Perhaps chakra pills would work."
Looking thoughtful; the First Hokage said; "I don't know but it's worth researching. That or chakra infusions could at least slow it down."
"There was one survivor." interjected Tobirama gravely. "The only person that ever caught The Withering and lived afterwards without the cure was a rogue ninja from the Village Hidden in the Waterfall named Kakuzu who stole the hearts of others to stay alive. He was a disgusting and loathsome creature driven by greed. He claimed to be around the same age as Hashirama and I but we believed he was much; much older. He's probably decayed into dust by now."
"No; he's alive and well unfortunately." said Tsunade. "He lives as an S-Class bounty hunter and claims he's immortal."
Hanako spoke up. "I wonder if Orochimaru contracted The Withering as well. Considering he swapped entire bodies periodically to retain his youth it would make sense."
"That would also explain how he coated the Kusanagi with it…" said Hiruzen.
After examining the Kusanagi; Tsunade and Shizune identified some unknown pathogens and set to work…
…
Natsume Clan Home
In the meantime, Team 11 was training hard since their sensei Yūgao was recovering in the hospital. Currently they were working on their hand sign speed along with Aya and her Academy friends Masataka, Bob and Souichiro. Hanabi and Mito were calling out hand signs rapidly to help. Souichiro had swirls in his eyes as Hanabi finished off announcing a string of twenty hand signs that the others were supposed to keep up with. He shook his head and said, "I got through seven before I lost track. This is harder than it looks."
Masataka said, "I understand the concept but keeping up is hard. I got through nine."
Aya giggled and said. "I made eleven."
"Eight." said Bob as he shook his head.
Maya smiled at the Academy students and explained; "Remember; this is to teach you not only speed and muscle memory but your mental memory as well. Even if you are slow, it is good to keep going if you've memorized what Mito and Hanabi are calling out."
The fact was this was a jonin level exercise and Naruto; Hinata and Maya never exceeded more than thirty-five. It was very difficult and their current goal was to get to fifty in twenty five seconds.
"You guys are doing great." said Naruto encouragingly. "Remember this will give you a huge edge in combat."
Hinata nodded. "When we started months ago, we were slow too so don't feel like you aren't doing well."
"Still; I hate to admit it but my hands are getting tired." said Masataka. "It's hard to believe that simple hand signs can wear you out."
"Speed, mastery and memory." quoted Maya. "That's what Hanako Obaa-chan taught us. Even Yūgao sensei practices with us."
"How is old lady Hanako anyway?" asked Souichiro concerned. "I haven't seen her around. Fighting Orochimaru must have been really tough."
"Obaa-chan is still really tired and taking it easy." said Aya. "She said not to worry but it's hard not to."
"I understand." said Masataka. "Hanako-sama seems invincible…"
Naruto said, "Let's get back to work for another ten minutes before we have some lunch."
…
On a nearby hill, Ami, Fuki and Kasumi were watching from a distance with binoculars. They thought they were very well concealed in the tall weeds but the fact was Hanabi and Hinata spotted them over an hour ago. The purple haired Ami was drooling over Naruto as she looked through her lenses. "Look at those muscles and the way they move…so sexy!"
"What are they doing?" asked Fuki inquisitively.
Ami giggled lecherously. "They are rippling…"
Fuki face palmed. "Not his muscles… I mean what they are doing as a group."
"Oh!" answered Ami. "I think they are practicing hand signs. Naruto's hands are blurs in motion."
Kasumi sighed dreamily. "I wonder what those hands would feel like all over my body."
"…Guess you'll never know." said a deep feminine voice that scared the three of them out of their minds.
"YEEEEEEEK!" screeched all three genins.
Maya was looming right above them and had had a particularly nasty smile on her face. "What are you three doing on Natsume property?"
Ami saw the malice in Maya's eyes and gulped. "Ummm…We were; uh… spying…?"
"GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE!" yelled Maya as the three took off running in fear. '…Stupid sluts…' thought the silver haired beauty. 'I can't believe they graduated.'
Back with the group, they all heard Maya yell and Hinata started laughing. "You should have seen the terrified looks on their faces! Ahahaha!"
Hanabi was cracking up as well. "Pffft! Maya nee-chan scared them good!"
…
Konoha Hospital
The next day; Team 11 went to visit their sensei Uzuki Yūgao in the hospital. They found she was up and having a lively conversation with her boyfriend Gekko Hayate. "So, the Sword of Kusanagi has been purified at the Fire Temple?" asked Yūgao. "That's amazing! I wonder if it will be locked in the Konoha Treasury Vault or given to someone."
Hayate smiled. "I recommended that they put it in your capable hands Yūgao-chan. Team Kuro has several legendary blades and you deserve one too."
She smiled brightly and said, "I'd like to handle that tsurugi just once regardless."
Hinata tapped on the doorway and said, "Yūgao-sensei; it's so good to see you up and around!" She presented the purple haired sword mistress with a bouquet and said, "These are from all of us." Then the indigo haired beauty asked, "What's this about the sword of Kusanagi?"
Maya and Naruto were both very enthused as well. "It would be so cool if you got it sensei!" said the blonde.
"You would certainly be worthy to wield it sensei." added Maya.
Yūgao chuckled and said, "Thank you kids. Hayate-kun and I were just talking about me getting out of the Hospital tomorrow morning and the conversation somehow turned to swords."
Maya, Naruto and Hinata sweat dropped. 'It always turns to swords with you and Hayate-san; sensei!' was their collective thought.
Recovering from a second of being dumbfounded; Naruto said, "It's great news that you'll be out of the Hospital soon sensei. We can start training and taking missions again."
Hinata nodded. "Yes; it will be great for Team 11 to get back on regular duties."
"We've been training our tails off but the Hokage seems reluctant to send us out on missions for some reason." added Maya.
"Maybe she has a particular task in mind for you guys." said Hayate. "You never know…"
…
Senju Compound
Tsunade was looking through her old handwritten medical texts that were passed down from Uzu and finally found what she was looking for… A medical reference to The Withering and its cure. "Look here Shizune! I think I've found it!" exclaimed the Fifth Hokage. When she turned the page there was a painting of a violet flower and of all things, an ancient poem:
In the land of Ōrora
Far 'cross the mountains
We'll journey there upon the winds of fire
Through the mystic's portal
To find the ancient one
The quest to find the dragon's flower is mine
The gateway to his kingdom
Lies through the cave of dreams
There before us waits the ancient king
In halls of golden splendor
Bathed in blood red fire
The mystery of ages waits within
Now we stand before him
The last one of his time
To seek the ancient knowledge of his kind
He gives up words of wisdom
In a strange forgotten tongue
Tales of samurai and mystics
Lost in time*①
"What the fuck?!" screeched Tsunade. "I'm looking for a cure; not a metaphor or a fairy tale!"
Shizune chuckled and pointed to the next page where detailed drawings of the Dragon Flower were. "Here we go Tsunade-sama. A Violet Dragon Flower; Antirrhinum bellidfolium*② was used to cure The Withering. The description of the disease itself pretty much matches what Hashirama-sama said."
The pair quickly went over to an encyclopedia of medicinal plants and found an entry. The Dragon Flower: The seeds were used to extract edible oils, particularly in Uzu, while the leaves and flowers were considered to possess antiphlogistic (anti-inflammatory) properties and were used in extracts and poultices. They are considered extinct on the Elemental Continent with the small numbers of the plants having been wiped out during the destruction of Uzu...
An entry in another book stated; The Antirrhinum bellidfolium was transplanted from an unknown source but was supposedly mystical in nature much like the legendary God Tree. Its origins are unknown but were grown exclusively in Uzu where they were cultivated for medicinal purposes. With the end of that nation; no surviving examples are known…
"This… is not good." said Tsunade after several hours of research on the Antirrhinum. "The way it was prepared and the flower itself are lost. There are no notes on dosages; side effects or other properties either. We have to dispatch a team to Uzu immediately to find out if this flower survived there by some miracle. Hopefully we can decipher from other texts as to how the plant was formulated into a medicine to cure The Withering before it has too much of an effect on Sarutobi-sensei, Hanako-sama and I…"
…
Hokage's Office
Team Aka was assembled to conduct a prisoner exchange with Kumo. The Raikage didn't want the infiltrator Kireina (who had been captured by Team Kuro during the attempt on the Hyuga Compound) to remain in Konoha and made the somewhat radical proposal of trading three of his upcoming ninjas to serve Konoha in exchange for her safety. They were the students of Killer Bee and were named Samui, Omoi and Karui. All three had recently been promoted to chunin and Tsunade for the life of her couldn't figure out why the Raikage would hand over three outstanding young ninjas for the sake of one (not so great) infiltrator… other than the possibility that Kireina had some sort of hidden bloodline or political connections…
Dove, Bear, Gazeru and Lynx were standing before Tsunade and her two advisors Hiruzen and Hanako. "We haven't found out what is so special about the Chunin Kireina and we have investigated her thoroughly." said Tsunade. "The fact is she was not an infiltration specialist and was her team's combat medic. You will be exchanging her for three chunins who appear to be outstanding young ninja. It's possible that Kireina has some political value. That's all Torture and Interrogation got out of her."
Hanako added; "This is a standard prisoner exchange. As ANBU you all know the protocols. You are to meet at the Hot Water/Frost Country border where third parties from those countries will actually conduct the exchange. Once the three Kumo chunins are in your custody then you are to march them back to Konoha the same way you came…"
…
Fire Country, Road to Hot Springs Country
The next day Kireina was in chakra cuffs being marched along by Team Aka towards the Frost Country Border where the exchange would be made. They were civil enough with Kireina but it was obvious to her that they didn't like Kumo at all. "Why is the Raikage so desperate to capture bloodlines?" asked Lynx. "You lost four valuable ninjas in an effort to capture the byakugan and now you'll lose three more ninja in exchange for your safety. That's seven ninjas for a failed mission."
The mocha skinned prisoner said, "The Third Raikage was the one obsessed with bloodlines. The Fourth Raikage isn't that bad. He decided that the byakugan was valuable to Kumo's future and we were ordered to capture it. It's not my place to judge Raikage-sama's orders. It's my duty to carry them out."
Bear nodded and said, "I can respect your loyalty to your kage but not the methods employed. I hope you realize that Konoha is geared up for war. If this is some kind of trap then the Raikage will find himself neck deep in the next shinobi war."
"A-sama doesn't want a war." said Kireina. "It wouldn't benefit Kumo in any way so there is no need for concern."
"Why does he want you back so badly then?" asked Dove. "Trading three ninjas for one of equal rank hardly seems equitable. As a matter of fact, it's so much in Konoha's favor that it seems like a trap."
Kireina frowned. "If the Raikage decided to give you those three then he will keep his word. That's all you need to know…"
…
Natsume Clan Home, Konoha Village
Two days later; Naruto was feeling grim. Team Kuro was chosen as one of the Six Teams to search for the Dragon Flower. Several Teams were dispatched to Uzu proper to look for the Antirrhinum but Team Kuro had a different task. They were to look for the land called Ōrora and find the source of the Dragon Flower. It was an extreme long shot but someone had to do it. Now they were preparing for a multi month trip to parts unknown…
…
Flashback…
The First Hokage was talking to Team Kuro in secrecy at the behest of Tsunade. He said, "We know next to nothing about this disease. It could well kill Tsu-chan; Saru and Hanako-chan within six months. That may be the end of it but if it is something that can be spread by poisoning then we are talking about a potentially virulent plague that the cure has been lost to. That is why you must go to Ōrora and see what you can find. All we know is it is a place is north of Lightning Country across the mountains. It was legendary in the times of the Warring Clans as some kind of Holy Empire so be well aware there may be a civilization there or just a wasteland. We just don't know."
Yūgao had just returned to active duty and asked, "First-sama; if Tsunade-sama and the others have six months then that gives us only three months to find the Dragon Flower and three to come back. What if-"
Hashirama smiled with an overwhelming confidence. "I have faith in you and your team ANBU Cat. What if's are for after the fact; right now focus on the present. If it takes longer than three months to find that flower, then so be it. You must do what you must do to bring it back to Konoha."
"Hai, Hokage-sama!" said Team Kuro with a salute.
The Second Hokage cleared his throat and grumbled, "Brother…"
"Hmmm?" asked Hashirama with a smile. Seeing Tobirama holding out an item he said, "Oh, yes!" He turned to ANBU Cat and said "Uzuki Yūgao; I present to you the Sword of Kusanagi. It is a legendary blade and I hope you use it well."
The purple haired sword mistress had stars in her eyes as she reverently accepted the double edged sword. She bowed and said, "Thank you so much Hokage-sama! You have no idea what this means to me. I will use is to make Konoha proud." She turned to her Team and said, "This is an extremely long-range scout mission. Do your homework tonight as we will be passing through Kumo Territory and Gods know what else. Time is of the essence and everyone is depending on us…
Flashback End…
…
Konoha ANBU Gates
Team Kuro said goodbyes to their loved ones early the next morning only saying that they were on a long-range mission. At 04:00 they met at the ANBU Gates of the village and soon were off…
As they rapidly travelled northeast towards Hot Springs Country; Yūgao said, "We'll be crossing through Fire Country until we hit the Hot Springs Country Border. We pass through Hot Springs and Frost Country and then we infiltrate Lightning Country and avoid Kumo ninjas at all costs. Then we are going to follow the western coastline of Lightning by the Inland Sea*③ and keep heading north until we reach the Mountain border that divides the Elemental Nations from the area Ōrora is supposed to be in."
"What about a water route from the Hot Springs coast across the Inland Sea, sensei?" asked Naruto. "There are a number of small fishing villages in Hot Springs Country and they are friendly to us and we could avoid Kumo altogether."
"I thought about that route but the Inland Sea has a lot of pirates and Hot Springs and Frost Country have treaties with the Land of Lightning themselves." replied Yūgao. "Once we reach our goal a sea route may be an option be it the Inland Sea or the Ocean to the East side of Kumo. We might land back in Port City in Fire Country*④. It just depends on how things go..."
…
Northeast Fire Country, Forest
As ANBU Team Kuro moved rapidly through the forests of Fire Country; it made them realized just how small they were. Compared to the Tea Country debacle; this mission would take them much further away from their home and those they loved. It would span half a continent and take months. As they shot through the trees in total silence; the group all but vanished to even the Leaf ninjas in the area.
'Missions of mercy aren't my specialty. I wish this was an assassination job instead of a search and rescue.' thought Yūgao. 'The weight of this mission is unbearably heavy. I'd almost welcome a skirmish to get my mind off things. Wait for me Hayate-kun…'
Hinata was thinking of her loved ones as well. 'Hanako Obaa-chan; hold on for me. Hanabi-chan; Aya-chan, I want you to stay safe. Father… when I get back, we'll make amends somehow…'
For his part, Naruto was trying to focus on the mission. 'Once we get the Dragon Flower; Hanako Obaa-chan, Hokage Jiji and Tsunade-sama are going to be all right. We'll all celebrate together like the family we are. (Sigh) I already miss Hikari-chan. I'm so glad I have Maya-chan and Hinata-chan with me.'
'The First Hokage told me he was writing notes down for Tenzo-san and I to learn the Mokuton with.' pondered Maya as her thoughts drifted. 'I wonder how things will go while we're gone. Aya-chan, Hanabi-chan, be good for Hanako Obaa-chan. Obaa-chan; wait for us till we bring the cure home!'
…
Fire Country, the Village of Konoha, ANBU Cell Block 23
Yamanaka Inoichi me down to Cell block 23 and turned to one of the ANBU with the keys. "Open it." said the blonde clan head.
Uzumaki Tayuya looked up from her meal and saw Inoichi. She said, "I wasn't expecting company."
Inoichi narrowed his blue eyes slightly and said, "Uzumaki Tayuya; by orders of the Fifth Hokage and at the behest of the Uzumaki Clan Head you are hereby released from imprisonment. Congratulations on your freedom. I am here to escort you to see the Hokage posthaste to see if you wish to become a Konoha citizen."
The redhead's eyes brightened up and she asked; "Is Naruto-sama here?"
The Yamanaka Clan Head said, "No unfortunately. He is on a long-term mission for Konoha. However, you have a stipend he left for you and your cousin Uzumaki Karin that is dying to meet you upstairs."
"Uzumaki Karin…?" asked Tayuya.
"Would you like to meet her?" asked Inoichi.
The redhead smiled softly. "Sure; why not?"
…
Outside ANBU Headquarters
Uzumaki Karin was eagerly awaiting her cousin Tayuya's arrival along with her friend Haruno Sakura. Sarutobi Asuma's ANBU Brat Team 7 would be leaving for Uzu the next day along with Team 10 under Mitarashi Anko so the rest of Team 7 wasn't there.
"What do you think Tayuya will be like?" asked Karin excitedly.
Sakura smiled at the redhead and said, "Hopefully she'll turn out to be a good friend."
The two of them saw a flash of red hair and then saw Inoichi Walking out of ANBU Headquarters. He smiled and waved Sakura and Karin over. When the girls got there Karin introduced herself. "Hi cousin! I'm Uzumaki Karin. It's nice to finally meet you." she said brightly.
Tayuya was noticing the pair of them could pass off for sisters and said, "I'll be damned; we really do look like cousins! I'm Uzumaki Tayuya. I'm pleased to meet ya!"
As the two cousins bantered back and forth it became painfully obvious to Sakura that Karin and Tayuya really were cousins and truly hit it off. The rosette giggled in amusement as the two redheads carried on oblivious to her and Inoichi who also found the situation rather amusing…
…
Hokage's Office
Tayuya was soon standing before the Fifth Hokage at attention. "So the old snake is finally dead… He claimed that by switching bodies that he was virtually immortal…"
"You don't appear to miss him very much." replied Tsunade. "May I ask why?"
The redhead answered, "I've had a long time to think about it while I was in prison. Orochimaru gave me power and I was loyal to him for it. The cursed seal was like a dream come true. It was a shortcut to power. When Naruto-sama removed it; it was like a fog had been lifted from my eyes. Then he explained the true nature of the cursed seal and how it was controlling me like a drug addiction. I was glad to be without it because in reality it was making me weaker. I want to be a strong kunoichi and a proud member of the Uzumaki Clan. Finding out Orochimaru was killed is a huge relief actually."
Tsunade smiled. "I guess Naruto must have visited you several times in the past few weeks."
"Yes." replied Tayuya brightly. "We talked about our family and how the Uzumaki's weren't really wiped out when Uzu fell."
"Did he tell you who killed Orochimaru for good?" asked the busty blonde Hokage.
"He said you and your advisors fought him tooth and nail and that the snake finally fell." answered the redhead truthfully. "He didn't say how you all did Orochimaru in."
"Your clan head; Uzumaki Naruto-sama killed Orochimaru with a Black Seal." explained Tsunade. "My ex-teammate's very soul was destroyed."
Tayuya's eyes widened. "Holy fuck! Naruto-sama mastered the Black Gate?! That's…Er; pardon my language Hokage-sama."
Tsunade smirked. "No offense taken; we all wanted to say that when Orochimaru's soul went up in flames."
The two women laughed and Tsunade said kindly; "Welcome to Konoha Uzumaki Tayuya!"
…
Later that afternoon; the Hokage was giving out last minute instructions to ANBU Brat Teams 7 and 10. "Both Teams will be going to Port City before separating. Team 7 will head on to Uzu Island by boat. Team 10 will be on a separate boat heading to an island just north of Uzu with a similar ecology called Summoning Island. We don't know much about it other than it's volcanic and summoning research was done there some fifty or sixty years ago." said Tsunade. "Good luck and good hunting."
Anko didn't hesitate. "Let's move out teams. We've got a lot of work to do and not much time to do it…"
Asuma smiled and said, "We'll show those flowers who the boss is!"
The entire group face faulted.
"Was it that bad…?" asked Asuma.
"YES!" was the unanimous reply…
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Paraphrased from the Saxon song, Dragon's Liar
*②: Antirrhinum bellidfolium: This is a wild Snapdragon flower; native to the West but virtually unheard of in the Far East.
*③: The Inland Sea is my own name for the body of water that divides Earth Country and Lightning Country. If Kishimoto named it, I have not found a reference to it.
*④: I'm using the Narutopedia World Map that is under the Geography heading in Narutopedia.
So, we've started a new arc. Lots of adventures are out there to go through in the next several chapters. See you next time. Blue Out. 8/28/23
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