Reborn as Naruto's older brother

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***

Two people were walking slowly down a road trampled by centuries of man and said absolutely nothing to each other. One of them was wearing a plain black hooded cloak, the inside of which was dyed a searing blood red colour. The other was wearing a light green Kimono and similarly coloured trousers, under which he wore a mesh T-shirt. On top of this he wore a fancy red haori with two yellow circles on each side, and on his back was a large scroll. They walked side by side at a steady pace, but while one of them was staring straight ahead without distracting himself from his surroundings, the other was just looking around, crossing his arms and trying to catch anything unusual with his vision. It was obvious that Jiraiya was uncomfortable in such company, and he was still holding back from yelling at his companion. But he couldn't do that, and it would be too undignified for him to behave like that and get a condescending attitude in return. So, Sanin, looking at the trees, birds, and just the sky, tried to distract himself from thoughts of Ryoshi and thought.

- "And how did it come to this? At what point did I lose the right path...?"

***

- I'm going to find Orochimaru. And I'm going to do it with or without you.

- That's not funny at all.

- Who says I'm joking? And do I look like the kind of person who would joke about such things? - Jiraiya's look in response to Ryoshi's words was more informative than a thousand words. - Okay, okay. But I'm really not joking.

- Even if you're not kidding, finding him is much harder than you think.

- "Gotcha." - A satisfied Uzumaki said in his head and continued the conversation. - That's right, you've been trying to find your friend for so many years now and you still haven't been able to pick up his trail, am I right?

- What of it? - Although the Hermit had spent most of his search doing espionage for his own Village and travelling to fulfil the prophecy, he still spent a great deal of time on this, so he did not deny what the Red-Haired One had said.

- That's why I came to you, Jiraiya-san. You know your former comrade better than anyone, and with you, the effectiveness of his search will be much greater than if we were to act separately.

- What makes you think I'd be interested?- Because you still haven't left and have already forgotten what you were going to do. - Ryoshi smiled slyly, half-turning to look at Sanin. That look gave Jiraiya goosebumps all over his body and the look on Uzumaki's face made unpleasant associations with his long-time friend in his mind.

- Suppose so, but even knowing that I've searched for him for so many years to no avail and haven't found him, how are you going to find him?

- "Hooh, he's got a way about him. Always taking the chance to get as much information out as possible. But it's even better, I can tell from his actions and facial expressions using the Sharingan that he'll agree to help me." It's simple. I already have information on where he is.

- Wha...?! - Sanin was shocked and at a loss for words. He stood there with his mouth open and even his mastery of his body could not hide his surprise, and he was a master of espionage and could give even his teacher a head start. But the information that his interlocutor knew the exact location of the one he had been looking for for years and could not catch, stunned the man and he could only open his eyes wide and stare at those blood-red mesmerising eyes looking at him without any emotion. After a few seconds he was able to regain his sanity and instantly spoke. - Where is he!!!

***

Remembering yesterday's conversation, Jiraiya wrinkled his nose slightly in distaste and once again turned away from Ryoshi. The Head Uzumaki himself only smiled slightly, amused by his Godfather's behaviour.

- "Is he purposely pissing me off like that? Even yesterday...especially talking about Minato's sons. Maybe there's something he doesn't like about me too? - Sanin thought, turning to his sixth sense. At the same moment, as if reading the Hermit's thoughts, Ryoshi was also thinking.

- "Looks like I went overboard with the taunting. Hmm, I guess some resentment is still present in my mind. Not for myself, of course, but for my little brother, and subconsciously, I decided to get on his nerves, though I wouldn't do that to someone I was going to be working with in the near future under dangerous conditions. I think we can stop this ridiculous childish barbs from now on and concentrate on my own plans."

- So, can you explain again how you're going to find Orochimaru? - Sanin suddenly asked, unable to stand the silence that was too loud for his liking.

- Ha-ah. - Ryoshi sighed, causing the Hermit to gnash his teeth again. - You've heard about the new organisation called Akatsuki, haven't you?

- Yeah, it's only known to a certain number of people and they're not that well known yet.

- That's exactly what "yet" means. The only people who know about them are those who hunt for information, like me as a Bounty Hunter and you as a Konoha spy. At the moment they are gathering people for their organisation and not just any people, but actual S rank Nukenin.

- So you're just assuming that Orochimaru, as an S rank Nukenin from Konoha, could join them?

- I originally did, but now I have definite information that he joined this organisation.

- What does this organisation do anyway? What could have attracted Orochimaru to them? He would always be looking for his own gain and wouldn't do something like this for nothing.

- "Hmm, he seems to have quickly figured out what is required of him and in return for such information from me, he tries to help by telling me about his slippery friend. Well, that's good, but what he's saying was already clear to me, which means he's giving a minimum of information for now." For now, they are doing various kinds of tasks for a certain reward and not doing anything else. "I shouldn't tell him everything right away. It might come back on me someday.

- Just doing tasks? Isn't that too petty for a group of S rank Nukenin?

- It's possible.

- Hey, what possible?! Are you being vague on purpose?!

- Ha-ah. - The veins in Jiraiya's forehead swelled from Ryoshi's sighing again. - Jiraiya-san, I'm not an open book of all the secrets of this world. I know some things and some things I don't. Don't expect me to answer all of your questions, much less those that aren't relevant to our case. - From the explanations of Uzumaki, Sanin a little quiet and as if correctly understood his words thought, and then asked a question of interest to him.

- You said that you know for sure that Orochimaru joined them. Where did that information come from? Isn't it false?

- Hmm, I was expecting you to ask that. The information is accurate, you can rest assured.

- What about the informant?

- All in good time, Jiraiya-san.

- "That little..! Damn youngster! He's the exact opposite of Minato!!! He doesn't even look like Kushina, even though they're from the same Clan and look alike! How could a man with such a harsh tongue become the Head of the Uzumaki Clan?! No, how could Master let this happen?! And how do Naruto and Menma grow up with this man? That's it, I'm going back to Konoha right after this and make sure that this show-off is chased out of the Village!" - Sanin thought to himself burning the back of Uzumaki's head with his eyes. After a while of travelling, the Hermit couldn't take it anymore. - Where the hell have we been going all day?! You said to follow you, that's all!

- We're here. - Ryoshi said in an even tone of voice that made Jiraiya look a bit taken aback.

- What? What are you talking about? Where did we come to? - Uzumaki only nodded towards the building across the road from them. Shifting his gaze there as well, Jiraiya stared at the structure in bewilderment. - What's that? - Ryoshi didn't answer anything and calmly began to climb the steps. - Hey, wait for me! - Jiraiya caught up with Ryoshi and started walking beside him. As he entered the building all he saw were grey walls and a rather damp looking old room. Ryoshi didn't stop and walked along the corridor with Sanin following him. Stepping into one of the rooms, Jiraiya cringed at the smell. - Did you just want to go to the loo?! Why did you have to bring me with you?! - Ryoshi just waved his hand at him and walked on. - Heh, that's fine. I had to take a piss anyway. - While Jiraiya took off his belt and stood in front of the urinal to start urinating, Ryoshi approached the wall between the two urinals and touched it, drawing chakra lightly across it. A second later, the wall collapsed on the other side, opening a passage into a dark room. - W-what?! - Jiraiya cringed at the situation and opened his eyes even wider when he saw a man peering out of the new passage.

- This is a trading post. - Uzumaki said in a casual manner, looking at Jiraiya.

- Why the fuck did they hide it in the latrine! - Quickly putting his trousers back on, the man yelled. At the same time, without paying attention to the grey-haired man, a bald man in a grey button-up coat with a thick black beard and moustache, and even eyebrows somewhat reminiscent of Rock Lee, but with a scar over his right eye, said in a serious tone.

- This way, please. - And disappeared into the darkness. Ryoshi calmly stepped inside, with Jiraiya following in his haste. After walking for a while, they found themselves in a spacious dark room and on the wall to their side they could see some doors, reminiscent of the small doors in a morgue where bodies are kept. Standing in the middle, the man turned to Uzumaki and looked at him intently.

- Uh-huh, now.*Pooh* - with a quiet pop, a puff of white smoke formed under Ryoshi's hand and when it dissipated, it showed a body with Kirigakure's waistcoat. The man only nodded and walked over to the wall and opened one of the doors, from which a wooden board emerged.

- Put it down. - Uzumaki laid the body down, after which the man pulled out some papers and after verifying the authenticity of the body nodded. - Make it quick. - Closing the door with the body he disappeared into the darkness, leaving a few people alone.

- You just wanted to sell a corpse here?! - Sanin, who was watching the whole procession, was a little displeased.

- No, it was just payment. - Ryoshi said in the same measured tone.

- Payment? What?

- The Nukenin of Kiri, worth five million Ryo.

- F-five million?! Why did you have to give it away so easily?!

- For an unhindered secret meeting organised by him.

- W-meeting?! - Jiraiya was surprised, but in the next moment he became very wary.

- Are you still throwing your money around like that, you hairy-haired devil? - A rough, loud, male voice came from the shadows.

- It's good to see you again, Kakuzu-sempai....

***

Ahh, shit. What's wrong with me? My whole body hurts, I can't fucking do it! It burns, it burns, it burns, it burns!!! I-I can't move. I feel like I've been shoved into an oven and put it on high. Aaahhhhhh, it fucking hurts!!! What the fuck is wrong with me?! When I woke up from the unrelenting pain, I just grunted and tried to move, but nothing worked. My whole body felt hot and I could feel the boiling water in my veins. I could barely breathe with the iron taste of my own blood in my throat. Even Biju's hateful chakra didn't make me feel like this. This pain couldn't be compared to anything else. After waking up, I passed out several times unable to even open my eyes. It was as if the energy was almost non-existent. After a while, I felt a wild agony driving through my entire body!

- Menma! - A voice was heard...behind me?

- K-kurama? - I turned around and saw the giant form of my Fox in all its glory.

- You're finally awake. - Fox sighed and covered his eyes, but he didn't hurry to lie down as usual.

- Wha...? Where am I?" I looked around and saw Nine-Tails' cave.

- Wherever, you're in your subconscious. It's a miracle I managed to get you here without killing you at the same time. - I was listening to Fox, but I could only understand a word he was saying. What? I'm in my subconscious? But why? And what's in reality? Such thoughts were going round and round in my head while I was looking around with an incomprehensible look. - Are you even alive? Have you lost your mind?

- Y-so, let me come to my senses. Ugh. - I sighed and exhaled.

- Well, you can take your time. You're not going to come out of reality anytime soon.

- Wait, why is that?

- Why do you think I sent you to the inner world?

- To talk to you?

- No, dummy. In reality, you were in agony feeling the pain of your wounds as well as healing, so if you come back, this personal hell of yours will continue.

- Wait, you can't heal all my injuries?

- Have you been listening to me in the back of your head? Do you remember the pain you felt before you got here?

- Ahhhh. - my whole body trembled and I felt pain.

- That's right, but even though you won't feel everything that your unconscious body is feeling right now, my chakra will still have a negative effect on your body. It may be able to heal some of your wounds, but it doesn't make you healthy to begin with. And you're on the verge of death right now, so let's not take any chances.

- I see. Thank you, Kurama.

- Now explain to me, you brainless kid, what you did that almost killed yourself. - From Fox's words, all the memories before I passed out came flooding into my head, and I could only look away guiltily with a slightly convulsive smile.

- I'm sorry.

- Sorry?! You almost sent us to the Shinigami!!!

- What's it to you? You're going to be reborn in a few years anyway, so why are you so angry?!

- That's right! Why do I care?! Because your death is only good for me!

- That's right! So stop yelling and yelling at me! I can do it too!

- YOU'RE TOO YOUNG.

- Boo-hoo!!! - Kurama's intense pressure almost made me fall off my feet! What the fuck is this nonsense?! - Fuck you! - I turned my back and walked towards the cage and the cave exit.

- You're welcome! - and like the canon version of the fox went to sleep without paying any attention to me. Angry from the pain and this conversation, I jumped into one of the trees as soon as I came out of the cave and climbed higher and just watched the view.

- Oh, man, goddamn Fox. Didn't even wait for my thanks. - At the same time, Kyubey was inside the cave.

- Damn little guy, didn't even say thank you.

- W-what's that? - I felt something unusual and it was outside. - They're doing something to my body?! No, I'm in the Quarter, which means I'm under an impenetrable barrier, unless you've got a Ten-Tail on your side. Either way, we should check it out!

- Stop, Menma. It's dangerous. - came from outside the cage, but I ignored it. Back in the real world, I felt...blood? S-sweet...and tasty? Though no, it was more just pleasant and very rich. I felt my teeth sinking into something and I was devouring someone's blood. As I did so, my body ached more tolerably and my hands clutched something in front of me. I instinctively drank something without opening my eyes, and I drank it greedily, so greedily that I enjoyed the taste. What is it?

- B-brother... M-menma! P-please! - When I heard that, I immediately drew back and widened my eyes in surprise, before opening them of course.

Chakra Recovery X3

Health Restoration X3

- K-ka-rin?! - Sitting in front of me was a Red-haired girl wearing a cute little red coloured kimono. She clutched her hand sitting on the grass and squeezed her eyes shut, trying to endure the pain. Tears had long since flowed from her eyes and she was desperately trying to wipe them away. - W-what's wrong with you! Are you in pain?! I'm sorry! Я...

- N-no! Brother, it's not because of your bite! I let you bite me!

- W-what? B-but why? I mean, I shouldn't have done that, I could have regenerated myself.

- No! Brother!! Mum!!! She's gone!

- W-what?

- She suddenly went somewhere without saying a word, and when I tried to stop her... - she rubbed her swollen and reddened cheek. - Her eyes were glowing red! And she wouldn't listen to me! Please, brother! Save her! Save my mum!

- Yes! Don't worry, Karin, I'll be sure to...

Then there was a big thunderclap and I saw a lot of storm clouds in the sky. But something else caught my eye, something that defied my logic. A huge projection of some white-haired, pale as chalk man dressed in the same white clothes, but all in belts. He began to speak in a loud voice, but it was impossible to tell if he was speaking, because half of his face was hidden behind his collar....

- I am the Shinobi of Konoha, Hiruko...

- Heh, I'm in trouble.

***

- Oooh! Asami-chan, Misami-chan, you've finally arrived! - Smiling from ear to ear he greeted the two Kunoichi with two bouquets of flowers in his arms.

- Hello Daruma-kun, thank you. - Asami smiled back at him, accepting the flowers.

- Just Daruma-kun? Where's Menma-sempai? - Puzzled, Misami muttered, accepting the bouquet of red flowers as well.

- Ah, Menma-dono...he said he was coming, but I haven't seen him anywhere since yesterday. He must be busy or something. It seems like the head of the Uzumaki Clan isn't in the Village right now. Maybe he's dealing with Clan affairs...

- Or maybe he's not feeling well. Shinobi are in good health, but even Menma-kun can get sick, I've seen it happen before. - Asami said it in an emotionless tone, but there was worry in her eyes.- What?!? Then we should go see him right away!!! - Misami was about to rush up the upper paths to the Uzumaki Quarter when she was immediately stopped by Asami's voice.

- Where are you going? We have to report to the Hokage-sama. It's a matter of the utmost importance.

- N-but...

- When we're done, we'll go straight to Menme-kun's place, and pick up something for him if he's not feeling well.

- That's a great idea, Asami-chan!

- Let's hurry up then, let's hurry up!

***

- Okay, good job. I'll give you a week off, you can go. - Sarutobi waved his hand as he sorted out some of the papers.

- Yes, sir. - The Kunoichi spoke in unison and was about to leave...

- Hokage-sama! - Shinobi in the Chunin Vest, one of the employees of the residence, burst into the office.

- What happened? - Hiruzen inquired, peering out from the stack of waste paper.

- Urgently, look at the sky!

- What? - three people said in unison, staring at the guy in bewilderment. Soon everyone present, including the two Kunoichi went to the roof of the residence, where Kenshi was already there, who wanted to wait for the girls and go to the Quarter with them. Daruma looked up at the sky with shock, making his appearance echo his actions and those who had just arrived.

- I am the Shinobi of Konoha, Hiruko.

- What!!!" the Hokage was the first to react, staring at the projection of the strapping white man with great surprise. - "How is that possible!!! What's he doing there!!!" - While he was thinking, the projection piped up to speak.

- With the help of my Chimera Techniques, I took possession of the Enhanced Shinobi Genomes of each of the Four Great Countries. By obtaining the fifth genome, I will become invincible. I will become the perfect Ninja. This power will help me unleash the Fourth Great Shinobi War. Everything will be under my control. - The projection disappeared again and the clouds dissipated as if they were never there. Everyone was shocked and unable to utter a word. Hiruzen was the most surprised, but he wasn't given time for a long stupor.

- Hokage-sama! Mariko Uzumaki has left the Village! - No one present could have expected such news. - According to the gate guards, she was acting strangely and all signs pointed to her being under Body Control Technique. Also... - the speaker pulled a small piece of paper out of his waistcoat pocket. - On her forehead was this seal.

- "What on earth is this!!! Every other person is trying to kidnap this woman, what's so special about her!? Okay, right now, it's not to these thoughts. This situation is really dangerous, the other countries will misunderstand us and certainly Suna won't be happy about such news, we need to deal with everything." Call all Elite Jonin! I'm declaring martial law. Inform everyone, our Village is now in maximum danger! Be vigilant!

- Yes!" they all shouted and left with Shunshin.

- Raven. - A ninja wearing a Raven mask appeared in front of Sarutobi.

- Assemble a squad to retrieve Mariko Uzumaki. Urgently summon the following people to my office....

- Hokage-sama!

- What now?!

- M-m-menma Uzumaki. He disappeared and apparently went in search of Mariko Uzumaki.

- What kind of day is today?

***

- Menma-sempai disappeared?!

- What do you mean? Menma-dono...

- This is not the time for such feelings. I summoned all of you because you're qualified for the next mission and you're the closest to Menma Uzumaki.

- Shall we search for him and Ryoshi-san's wife? - Shikaku came forward and decided to clarify that point.

- That's right. You need to find Menma as soon as possible and bring back Mariko-san if possible, as well as find out all the circumstances of what happened earlier. But to clarify, Menma Uzumaki is the priority, is that clear?

- Is it because he's a Jinchuriki? - Misami asked with a bit of resentment.

- That's right, in our position we can't lose the bearer of one of the halves of the Nine-Tails, especially if he's in danger of being kidnapped by Hiruko.

- Hokage-sama, let me clarify one point. Who is this Hiruko? You don't seem to know this man. - Asami said respectfully, but also with some anger, watching Sarutobi's reaction carefully.

- Hiruko is a renegade Ninja from Our Village. A few years ago he was conducting illegal chimerology experiments on humans and when his deeds were uncovered he disappeared to an unknown destination.

- So he wasn't lying about being a Shinobi of Our Village.....

- Anyway, the purpose of your mission is to find out what happened to him. This is an urgent mission that needs to be completed as quickly as possible. The other countries have already begun to act and reacted quite violently, especially the Wind Country.

- These projections were shown all over the world!? - Daruma was shocked and hardly realised everything that was happening.

- No, it was shown in the hidden Villages of all the Continental Countries. - Itachi clarified this point.

- Hokage-sama, if you say that we cannot lose Jinchuriki Nine-tails at this moment, does that mean we are preparing for war? - Sarikawa clarified that point.

- If it does start, we will have to enter it. It doesn't depend on our opinion.

- What? The Fourth Shinobi World War is still going to happen?!

- We'll do our best to prevent it. So, Shikaku Nara, Itachi Uchiha, Sarikawa Uchiha, Daruma Kenshi, Asami Kobayashi, Misami Fukui, you are on a mission to find Menma and Mariko Uzumaki and destroy the danger to the Village in the form of Hiruko. Shikaku is appointed captain of the search team, your objective is set, execute.

- Yes, sir!

- "We need to get word to Ryoshi as soon as possible about what happened. Except... only Root knows his location. Hell, I can't let any of his family members die. If I have to, I'll have to start a War and use the power of our Biju..."

***

- Everything is going according to plan. She's perfect to complete my experiment. If I can get my hands on her Enhanced Genome, all five elements will come into harmony with my body. I'll be immortal, the world's first perfect Ninja. You, with your enhanced genome, are worthy of becoming the fifth element. Mariko Uzumaki, you're even better than Kakashi's Sharingan, your genes, your regeneration, your abilities, once you're absorbed, nothing can kill me. Your husband so ridiculously left the Village and you were left defenseless. After I'm done, even Ryoshi Uzumaki himself won't be able to resist me. So come to me, after all, we are bound by fate itself....