Written: June 5, 2024

Published: June 30, 2024

Edits: 

Words: 3360

Akatsuki votes are still ongoing so for now. 

Remember Itachi is staying alive by default, hehehe.

Also, Shizuki is Naruto, and he is mute because Madara stabbed him in the vocal chords, and so it hasn't been healed yet.

Votes so far:
Kakuzu: 0
Obito/Tobi: 2
Deidara: 1
Sasori: 0
Konan: 1
Nagato/Pain: 2
Kisame: 0
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As the village of Sound burned down to nothing but ashes, Shizuki went on to his next target: The Akatsuki. Their hideouts often changes every other day which makes it impossible to track them down. Although it is cave after cave... after cave... There are probably... thousands or millions of something caves across the land, and searching each one will take forever, and ever to find the actual cave.

For now, Shizuki needed a new approach to gather information about the Akatsuki's whereabouts. Since pinpointing their exact location had proven to be incredibly challenging in his past timeline, he decided to start from scratch. His plan involved gathering intelligence through physical reconnaissance, bar hopping, and eavesdropping on conversations.

Shizuki took a deep breath and exhaled as he traveled through the forests, making his way across the lands. He moved like a ghost through the bustling territories of the Land of Fire, his senses sharp and his presence cloaked in secrecy.

His mission was clear: gather intelligence on the Akatsuki while staying one step ahead of any potential threats, and avoiding the spies of the legendary Sannin, Jiraiya. 

Avoiding Jiraiya and his spy network was a top priority for Shizuki. The thought of encountering his former mentor brought pain and guilt. He wasn't ready to face Jiraiya, not after... The pain he felt when he couldn't find his body in the freezing waters of Ame. Even with the advanced water jutsu he learnt when he had defeated Pain, he still couldn't find his body.

All he had left were a few possessions and an empty grave with Jiraiya's name. Shizuki couldn't bear to reveal himself until he feels..like he can face his sens— no.. his father figure.

'Raiya.. I promise I will keep you alive this time...' Shizuki thought as he made a promi- a vow to himself. 

Throughout his journey, he had learnt different skills to hone his abilities to fight especially learning ones that Sasuke had learnt. The art of kenjustu. The skill that Shizuki had quite literally failed to even grasp the idea of fighting using a katana, and it wasn't quite pleasant.... There was a lot of... patience involved, lots of patience. Sasuke was... warying thin... thin in his patience when trying to teach him on how to use a katana.

It really took every ounce of patience and words to teach his hyperactive idiot. It really didn't go as planned of what Sasuke had originally thought. Honestly, he thought it would be somewhat easy because holding a katana is very simple and easy, you hold the hilt, practice a few swings, and just keep swinging and swinging until you get the hang of holding a katana and knowing what it can do.

Not.. for Shizuki, at first it was going great but it when it came to swinging the katana.. he nearly well.. impaled himself twice.. and again.. then again.. until Sasuke banged his head against the wall of some mountain, and finally stepped in to actually show him how to use it.

Through lots and lots of ... Patience, and patience, and... Yes.. more patience than what Sasuke could muster up for his hyperactive lover.
Shizuki finally... FINALLY got the hang of it. At least that is what Sasuke thought, until he went through katas upon katas which all had failed for Shizuki. It was impossible for him to teach, and so Shizuki just created a mix and mash of random unpredictable katas. Sasuke just stared and stared, and accepted for.. whatever he just did.

Anyways.. His journey was a rough one, no intell at all when he passed through different villages, and all of in which it failed but he didn't lose much hope. In order for him to not get seen as an Uzumaki, he adopted different disguises—a wandering merchant, a traveling scholar, and sometimes just a regular villager. 

Each persona allowed him to blend in and gather snippets of information. He frequented taverns and inns, listening to the chatter of drunk patrons and the whispers of those in the know.

One evening, Shizuki found himself in a dimly lit tavern on the outskirts of a bustling town. The atmosphere was thick with the smell of alcohol and the sound of boisterous laughter. He sat at a corner table, nursing a drink as he listened intently to the conversations around him.

A group of rough-looking men at a nearby table caught his attention. They were discussing recent sightings of rogue ninjas and strange occurrences in the mountains to the north. Shizuki leaned in, straining to catch every word.

"Yeah, I heard there's been some unusual activity up in those caves," one of the men said, his voice low and conspiratorial. "Could be some rogue ninja group setting up a new hideout."

Another man nodded, taking a swig from his tankard. "I heard the same. Some people are saying it might be the Akatsuki. They've been seen around those parts before, but it might just be the rumors."

Shizuki's heart quickened at the mention of the Akatsuki. He silently thanked the fates for this lead. He would need to investigate these mountains and see if they held any clues to the Akatsuki's current location.

Silently, Shizuki rose from his seat, his mind focused on the lead he had just gathered. He set off toward the mountains, the location mentioned by the men in the tavern. His journey through the rugged terrain was swift and silent, driven by the hope of finally locating the Akatsuki.

As he reached the cave entrance, the air was damp and the ground wet from recent rainfall. He moved cautiously, his senses alert for any signs of the Akatsuki's presence. The caves were dark and foreboding, but Shizuki's determination kept him moving forward.

Inside the cave, Shizuki found evidence of recent activity—footprints and disturbed soil—but no signs of the Akatsuki themselves. He scoured the area, hoping to find something that could provide more concrete information.

His eyes narrowed as he spotted a hidden passageway, partially concealed by a curtain of moss. Slipping through it, he entered a smaller chamber. It was empty, but the air was thick with the remnants of chakra, indicating that someone had been here recently.

As he examined the chamber, Shizuki found a small, damp notebook tucked away in a crevice. He carefully opened it, revealing cryptic notes and maps. The handwriting was unfamiliar, but the contents were promising. It seemed to be a log of Akatsuki movements and meeting points.

With the notebook in hand, Shizuki knew he had a valuable piece of intelligence. He exited the cave and continued his journey, using the information from the notebook to guide him. The notes mentioned several potential meeting points and hideouts across the Land of Fire and beyond.

But as Shizuki arrived at each meeting point and hideout listed in the notebook, he found nothing but empty caves. It was clear the information was either outdated or deliberately misleading. Frustration gnawed at him, but he refused to give up.

One evening, as Shizuki made his way through a dense forest, he sensed a powerful chakra nearby. Moving silently through the trees, he approached a clearing where a group of rogue ninjas had gathered. Their conversation was low, but his keen senses picked up on the mention of an Akatsuki hideout.

"The boss said they're moving again tomorrow," one of the ninjas said. "We have to be ready to follow them to the new location."

Shizuki's heart raced. This was the lead he needed. As the rogue ninjas dispersed, he followed them from a safe distance, ensuring he remained undetected.

The rogue ninjas led him to a remote cave hidden deep within the forest. This time, Shizuki was more cautious. He set up seals to detect any traps or surveillance before entering. The cave was dark and quiet, but he could sense the presence of the Akatsuki members inside.

As Shizuki entered the large chamber, he saw several figures gathered. They wore cloaks similar to those of the Akatsuki, but upon closer inspection, he realized they were not the Akatsuki members he knew. Instead, they were missing nin from various villages. Among them were Raiga Kurosuki, Fuguki Suikazan, and Jūzō Biwa, former members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

He noticed the weapon that Fuguki Suikazan was wielding: Samehada. The chakra-eating sword. This means Kisame hasn't killed him nor had he joined the Akatsuki yet. Nor had Itachi. Jūzō was supposed to be Itachi's partner when he joined, but... does that mean Itachi hadn't joined the Akatsuki?

Shizuki shook his head and retraced his thoughts. 'No... Itachi should be on the run. He had killed his clan... Danzo robbed his clan's eyes...' This was true since he had ripped off his arm, which means... The Akatsuki hasn't properly formed yet. Nagato and Konan... 'This might mean they haven't approached Itachi nor had he joined the Akatsuki. Sooner or later, he will join. I also need the full team of Akatsuki... shit, without the completed team, all of this planning is meaningless.. I should have... known I would end up in a timeline where Itachi hasn't appeared or joined Akatsuki..' 

Shizuki paced back and forth, his mind churning with the implications of this new timeline. Each piece of information led to more questions and more adjustments to his plans. He knew with the new changes, and with the timeline changing due to him changing the original flow of the timeline, he didn't care as long as it didn't affect him too badly, his loved ones, and those that he cared about. Although, he had considered the butterfly effect but, this was too early to tell as he had just got rid of three major threats to the world, and to his... past self, and his lov- Sasuke of this timeline.. 

He paused and took a deep breath, thinking through his next steps. 'I need to ensure the right events unfold. If Itachi hasn't joined yet, he will soon. I need to be ready to intervene at the right moment, to either steer things in the right direction or take advantage of the chaos.'

Shizuki considered the other members of the Akatsuki. 'Kakuzu, Hidan, Deidara, Sasori, Zetsu... They will all fall into place in due time. But until then, I have to be cautious. If the Akatsuki isn't fully formed, other players might still be in the shadows, waiting for their chance.'

He glanced at his surroundings, his mind still racing. 'The key is timing. I need to be at the right place, at the right time. I have to gather intelligence, find out where each potential member is, and ensure their paths cross with the Akatsuki at the appropriate moments.'

He took a final, deep breath.. His plans are in shambles, he hadn't thought of the possibility of him entering this timeline. The era before the Akatsuki.. Original members..He cursed in his mind as he thought, 'I can't kill Fuguki either since he needs Kisame to get the damn chakra-eating sword as much as he hates to admit it. I couldn't kill Jūzō either... Jūzō had to remain alive, as his injury was crucial to paving the way for Itachi's entry into the Akatsuki. However, Raiga Kurosuki posed no such complications. Raiga's role in the grand scheme was insignificant, and eliminating him... But he could kill Raiga Kurosuki as he doesn't have any importance, and kill the other unknown lackeys in the Akatsuki...'

The large chamber fell into an uneasy silence as Shizuki's presence was noticed by the gathered missing nin. Raiga Kurosuki, Fuguki Suikazan, and Jūzō Biwa turned their gazes towards him, sensing an intruder.

Shizuki's expression remained calm and collected. He had to act swiftly and decisively. He raised his hand and pointed towards Raiga, his eyes narrowing with determination.

Without warning, Raiga lunged at Shizuki, his dual swords crackling with electricity. Shizuki sidestepped the attack, his movements fluid and precise. As Raiga recovered and turned to face him again, Shizuki launched a series of quick hand signs: 'Wind Release: Gale Palm!', a powerful gust of wind erupted from Shizuki's hands, propelling Raiga backward and crashing him into a wall.

Raiga gritted his teeth, pushing himself up. "You've got some skills, but it won't be enough to save you."

Fuguki, seeing his comrade in trouble, charged forward with Samehada. The massive sword seemed to hum with anticipation, eager to devour Shizuki's chakra. Shizuki anticipated Fuguki's attack, swiftly drawing a kunai and coating it with a thin layer of chakra.

As Fuguki swung Samehada down, Shizuki blocked the strike with his kunai. The clash of weapons created a burst of energy, but Shizuki's chakra-infused kunai managed to hold against Samehada's hunger. With a swift movement, Shizuki redirected the force of the attack, causing Fuguki to stumble.

Fuguki snarled. "You'll regret crossing us, boy."

Taking advantage of the opening, Shizuki unleashed another jutsu:'Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Flower Nail Crimson!'. Small fireballs shot out from his mouth, targeting Fuguki with pinpoint accuracy. Fuguki managed to block some with Samehada, but a few slipped through, scorching his skin and forcing him to retreat.

Jūzō Biwa, witnessing the battle, decided to join in. He unsheathed his blade, Kubikiribōchō, and advanced towards Shizuki with deadly intent. Shizuki knew he had to be careful; Jūzō was a skilled swordsman with significant experience.

"You think you can take us all on?" Jūzō taunted, swinging his massive blade in a wide arc, aiming to cleave Shizuki in half. Shizuki ducked under the attack and countered with a swift kick to Jūzō's midsection, knocking him back. He then formed a series of hand signs and summoned a shadow clone, doubling his combat effectiveness.

The clone engaged Jūzō, matching his sword strikes with precise taijutsu. Meanwhile, the real Shizuki turned his attention back to Raiga, who had recovered and was preparing another lightning-based attack.

"Lightning Release: Thunderbolt Slash!" Raiga's swords crackled with intense energy as he charged at Shizuki.

Shizuki, recognizing the danger, quickly weaved a defensive jutsu: 'Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!'. A solid wall of earth erupted from the ground, absorbing Raiga's attack and dispersing the electricity harmlessly but unfortunately, the wall had broke upon impact. Shizuki quickly jumped back to avoid debris.

"You're full of surprises," Raiga growled, his voice tinged with frustration.

Shizuki then followed up with another wind-based jutsu: 'Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere'. Shizuki exhaled a series of wind bullets, each one targeting Raiga with relentless precision. The wind bullets struck Raiga, breaking through his defenses and causing him to cry out in pain.

"You won't get away with this!" Raiga shouted, struggling to stand.

As Shizuki's clone continued to fight Jūzō, the real Shizuki turned his focus to Fuguki, who was now regrouping for another assault. Shizuki knew he had to end this quickly to maintain the upper hand.

'Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet'. Shizuki summoned a massive water dragon that surged towards Fuguki. Fuguki swung Samehada to absorb the incoming chakra, but the sheer force of the water dragon overwhelmed him, sending him crashing to the ground.

With Fuguki temporarily incapacitated, Shizuki redirected his attention to Jūzō, who had just defeated his shadow clone. Shizuki engaged Jūzō in close combat, their weapons clashing in a flurry of sparks. Despite Jūzō's strength, Shizuki's agility and strategic strikes kept him on the defensive.

"You're tough," Jūzō admitted, breathing heavily. "But not tough enough."

Seizing a moment of opportunity, Shizuki disarmed Jūzō with a swift maneuver, sending Kubikiribōchō flying across the chamber. With Jūzō now vulnerable, Shizuki delivered a powerful kick, knocking him out.

Raiga, now severely weakened, attempted one final attack. Shizuki intercepted him with a devastating punch, channeling his chakra to amplify the impact. Raiga collapsed, unable to continue the fight.

Breathing heavily, Shizuki stood over Raiga, who defiantly glared at him.

"You... won't win," Raiga spat, blood trickling from his mouth.

Shizuki's eyes hardened. He raised his hand and formed a single-hand sign. 'Wind Release: Vacuum Blade.' A razor-sharp blade of wind materialized, and with a swift motion, Shizuki brought it down, ending Raiga's life.

Shizuki picked up Raiga's twin swords: Kiba, and used one of them to cut his head off sealing it into a scroll. He then sealed the rest of the body into another scroll that will later be burned right after he burns the scroll that contains Orochimaru's remains.

Carefully, Shizuki erased his presence and charka in the caves, and left leaving the two unconscious members behind— as they will serve a later purpose for him.

Before he even left the cave, he felt a presence behind him, one that was familiar in a sense. He couldn't quite place it, but it was enough to make him pause. Shizuki glanced back but saw nothing. Deciding not to risk lingering any longer, he made his way out of the cave.

Unbeknownst to him, Zetsu and Tobi were hiding in the shadows, observing his every move.

Tobi, with his distinctive orange spiral mask, turned to Zetsu. "Interesting, isn't he?" he said in a low, amused tone.

Zetsu, with his dual personality, white and black, his black side murmured in agreement. "Indeed. He has potential. We should keep an eye on him."

Tobi nodded. "Yes, let's see what he does next. He might become useful to our plans... or a threat we need to eliminate."

As Shizuki left the cave and disappeared into the forest, he couldn't shake off the lingering unease. Something was off, but he pushed the thought aside for now. He had more pressing matters to attend to, like burning the scrolls and setting his plans into motion.

Meanwhile, Zetsu and Tobi remained in the cave, blending seamlessly into the darkness. They would continue to watch and wait, ready to strike when the time was right. The game was just beginning, and Shizuki had no idea he was already a pawn on their board.

Shizuki moved through the forest swiftly and silently, his mind focused on the next steps. He found a secluded spot, away from any potential prying eyes, and set to work. He unsealed the scroll containing Raiga's body and the one with Orochimaru's remains. With a deep breath, he channeled his chakra, creating a small but intense flame.

As the scrolls caught fire, Shizuki watched them burn, his expression unreadable. He felt a sense of finality as the flames consumed the scrolls, reducing them to ashes. Once they were completely burned, he scattered the ashes, ensuring there would be no trace left.

As he moved through the forest, his thoughts raced. He couldn't afford any mistakes. Every step had to be calculated, every move precise. The fate of the timeline—and the safety of those he cared about—depended on it.

Meanwhile, Zetsu and Tobi continued to watch from the shadows, their interest in Shizuki growing. They knew he was a significant player in the unfolding events, and they were determined to keep him within their sights. For now, they would wait and observe, ready to intervene when the time was right.

The game had begun, and every player had a role to play. Shizuki was determined to stay one step ahead, but he knew the path ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty. He steeled himself for the challenges to come, ready to face whatever fate had in store.

..............TO BE CONTINUED......

Author's Note: 

Sorry for the late update.. I really started slacking off, and my summer class just got started, and I already have a lot of assignments to do...haha.. @-@ Not fun...

Um for future updates, maybe at random... 
But stay tuned for the next chapter!