Naruto Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ A Strange New World ❯ A Journey to Remember ( Chapter 20 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

A Journey to Remember

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1


Koenma paced back and fourth. It had been two full years since his Reikai Tantei team had disappeared. People had moved on, believing that their friends and loved ones were dead, however Koenma wasn't so sure. He couldn't help but believe that his dreams meant something important. He desperately needed to know for sure. That was why he set up a little experement to see if he could find anything that could help him. Anything at all. Things had taken two years, but finally they were ready for his test.

Two years before, he had collected samples of DNA from the rooms of his team.He then realised that all he probably needed was Kuwabara, and therefore he had started a cloning process, to recreate the large human. Now that the two years had passed, he was going to see the results of his efforts.

He spproached the cloning tank, and saw an identical copy of Kuwabara there. 'At least we know that the tanks still work.' Koenma thought. He knew that with the limited time that Kuwabara-clone had been in there, he would only have one chance. All the human's spirit energy was on the same level as it had been at the time the sample was left, but the clone didn't have Kuwabara's trining to be able to use it properly of its own free will, so Koenma had used another little ingredient in the liquid that surrounded the growing clone. That was a chemical balancer that attuned the clone to Koenma's will only. He was quite proud of that fact. "Now, Cloneabara, lets see how well you do." Koenma said as he set the controls to release his clone from the tank.

Once the clone was free, it looked at Koenma with dead eyes. That was the only problem with Reikai clones. They really needed a spirit to make them work if they were not controlled by one of the Reikai's own. Koenma led Cloneabara out of the room, and knew that he needed to find a demon that had similar powers to the demon that his team faced, but preferably the same one. Only then would he be happy.


It took another week of searching, but he eventually got a similar demon to the one that the Reikai Tantei had last faced, and he positioned Cloneabara in the same position as he last had recorded. He then gave Cloneabara the order to attack the demon using his Jigen Tou, and as with the Tantei that he had lost, the attack was reflected back at him. 'Oh, shit.' Was the only thing that went through Koenma's head as the blast struck him. The next thing that Koenma remembered was his face being somewhere warm then getting punched through a wall by a woman. 'This is not my lucky day.'


Yusuke and Hiei were walking through the streets when they saw a familiar cape. It took them a while to realise just who it was, but when they did they ran over to him. "Koenma, what are you doing here?" Yusuke asked as he helped Koenma to his feet. "How did you end up in a heap?"

"You're alive!" Koenma exclaimed, just falling short of hugging Yusuke. "I think I arrived with my face loged between a woman's breasts." Koenma said, blushing furiously. "I don't think she liked it either." Yusuke and Hiei looked at each other and laughed.

"Don't tell me that it was Tsunade." Yusuke said, trying to stop laughing. "I heard that she has got a good punch." Koenma looked at Yusuke. "Oh, yeah, you don't know Tsunade-baachan. She's the leader of the village." Yusuke said, seeing the blonde haired woman walking down the road. "Good morning, Hokage-sama." Yusuke said, before he relised that her eyes were firmly on Koenma. He grinned, seeing Koenma squirm. He was enjoying himself. He doubted that Koenma had ever been on the wrong side of a woman before, but now he was going to get a taste of what it felt like.

Koenma could see that Tsunade was angry and started to back away from her, however he didn't get very far. "How dare you molest me when I'm trying to do paperwork." Tsunade said, having rearranged her clothing slightly. "I have never been so insulted... and pleased, in my life." Koenma went white. "I hate paperwork, and you gave me an excuse to get away." The two boys could only stare at her. "since I am in a good mood, I'll let you off this once. Next time you won't be so lucky." She looked at Yusuke and Hiei. "You're Urameshi Yusuke and Uchiha Hiei, correct?" She asked, both boys nodding. "Then it is good that I bumped into you then." She said. "I trust that I can give this scroll to you to give to Kakashi-sensei."

"Of course, Hokage-sama." Hiei said as he took the scroll that was offered. "We are meeting up with Kakashi-sensei's team for training in ten minutes, we can give the scroll to him then." Yusuke nodded his agreement.

"Very well, thank you for doing this for me." She said, heading off towards one of the bars. Yusuke and Hiei then started walking towards the bridge, and they soon realised that Koenma was following them.

"Where is Kuwabara and Kurama?" Koenma asked as he followed them all the way to the bridge. "Aren't they here with you?"

"Kuwabara is currently doing private training with Iruka-sensei." Yusuke said. "As for Kurama, he is currently imprisoned." They stopped on the bridge, next to Sakura, Sasuke and Gaara, who was now taking Naruto's place. "Morning." Yusuke said as he stopped next to Sasuke, who was moodier than normal, which was only to be expected. Koenma looked at the small group. "Oh, forgive my rudeness." Yusuke said. "Koenma, this is Uchiha Sasuke, Haruno Sakura and Sabaku no Gaara." Yusuke said. "Gaara, Sakura, Sasuke, this is Koenma, our ex boss." Yusuke said as he sat on the side of the bridge. Koenma nodded to each in turn, before his eyes locked with Sakura's.

Yusuke could see the slight blush in his ex-employer’s face. “Koenma, here, is in the Hokage’s good books, he helped her get out of her paperwork.” Yusuke said, knowing that Koenma would kill him if he could. “He and she are bosom buddies, at least his face is buddies with her bosom.” He laughed when he saw Sakura reach back an give Koenma the first slap that the prince had ever got. However Yusuke didn’t stop there. “I always knew that you had a toddler’s mentality. It must be psychologically ingrained that when you see a pair of breasts, that you would rather them being your pacifier. A see-them-suck-them thought?” What happened next surprised Yusuke, as the next thing he remembered was looking up into Kakashi’s face.

“What happened?” Yusuke asked before he felt the stinging of his face. “Ouch.”

“It seems that you got slapped by an already angry Sakura.” Kakashi said. “I hope it taught you a lesson.” He said as he helped Yusuke to his feet. “You have already missed half an hour of training, now snap to it, before I tell Iruka that you were slacking off.” Yusuke’s face went white, apart from the handprint on his cheek. “You know what he will do to you if he is told that.” Yusuke could see Hiei sparring with Gaara, obviously trying to help the Sand ninja to get used to fighting against speed-orientated foes. He saw Sasuke and Sakura facing off, every so often; he could see one or the other using the seals to dispel Genjutsus. He realized that he was going head-to-head against Kakashi before the Jounin told him. “We will be practicing your Ninjutsu skills.” Kakashi said. “Also we will be working on your reaction time. You should have been able to avoid the slap.” Yusuke blushed when he realized that Kakashi had watched the humiliating experience.


At the end of the day, Kakashi allowed the group to leave slightly earlier than they normally would have been. He didn’t tell them, but it was the first anniversary of his and Iruka’s relationship and a) he still had to get the other a present and b) he wanted to cook something special for his beloved. He quickly gave all those present money to do with as they pleased for the night, he wanted some time alone with his little dolphin after all.

Koenma stared at the foreign money until Yusuke called to him, and the group walked through the streets, whose restaurants were beginning to open. As they passed the first restaurant, Koenma could see the Uchiha stiffen, and Hiei walked beside him, pulling the Uchiha closer to him in an unspoken show of support. “That is Ichiraku Ramen.” Yusuke said to Koenma quietly. “We rarely take Sasuke this way any more. It causes too many memories to resurface. Ichiraku Ramen was his boyfriend’s favourite place to eat.”

“What happened to him?” Koenma asked, curiously.”

“My older bastard of a brother kidnapped him.” Sasuke snapped facing Koenma, Sharingan eyes activated by the mere thought of Itachi. Koenma could see a keen resemblance between Hiei and Sasuke then. Koenma could see blood dripping to the ground from Sasuke’s clenched fists.

“Your brother can’t be that bad.” Koenma said, trying to sooth the angry Uchiha, but that didn’t help.

“What do you bloody know?” Sasuke shouted. “You know nothing of me nor of my family!” He handed Hiei some of the money he had been given. “Can you get me some barbecued pork and ribs?” He asked Hiei. “I’ll be back at the mansion, feel free to join me.” A moment later and Sasuke left, leaving the group to get their own stuff. Hiei then led them to the Barbecue shop where they ordered their food.

“What is the story with him?” Koenma asked nobody in particular.

“He and his two brothers are the only members of their Clan left alive.” Hiei said quietly, so nobody else could hear. Nobody outside the group, the Hokage and Morino Ibiki, knew of Fukuro being alive, and even less knew who the real murderer of the Uchiha Clan was. “Give the boy some slack when another page in his life goes wrong.” Hiei said when he was handed the group’s orders. “Come on, it looks as though we have to suffer through your company once more.” The group went to the Uchiha Mansion, having to pass through the ghost of the village that has once hosted a complete clan.

“Where are all the people?” Koenma asked, getting a suffering look from Hiei.

“I already told you that the Clan had been murdered.” Hiei said, pointing to the fan imprinted on the wall. “Only Sasuke lives here now.” He led the way to the mansion and entered. "Sasuke-kun, we're here." Hiei called as everyone removed their foorwear. He led them to the kitchen, where Sasuke had set out everything for their meal. "Thank you, Sasuke." Hiei said as he deposited the bags on the table.

"Everyone, can start eating now." Sasuke said.


After dinner the group moved through to the living room, where they sat in silence for a moment. Then Yusuke suddenly remembered something about Koenma and had an idea. "Sasuke, I have been thinking, and we could make good use of Koenma." He said, watching his old employer. "He can locate Naruto with ease." The look of surprise, happiness and... was that excitement, in Sasuke's eyes was plain to see. "Koenma should be able to pinpoint Naruto's location using his powers... You see, in our world he's a-" Koenma's hand covered Yusuke's mouth before he could continue.

"I'm sorry, but I can't help you that way. I haven't been able to use my powers since I got to this world. It took me a little while to realise it, but I can't feel the energies of my world anymore." Koenma said, before realising that he said too much and he started to try and change what he said, to little effect.

"Look, we aren't stupid." Sasuke said. "We figured out that they weren't 'normal' when we first met them. They told us why soon after." He then looked at Hiei and Yusuke. "They told us about your world, or should I say worlds." He said, forgetting that Gaara knew nothing of what was being said.

“It is fine if you do know. “ Gaara said, speaking up. “However I had no idea that they weren’t from Konoha, not to mention that they were from another world. I didn’t even know that other worlds existed.” His eyes scanned over Yusuke and the others. “I am interested. Tell me more.”

Koenma wondered where to start, there was so much for him to talk about. Yusuke, seeing that Koenma had fallen silent, nudged the god. It made Koenma realise just how long he had been sitting in contemplation. “There are three worlds that comprise the world where we originate.” He explained. “There is Makai, the home of demons and apparitions like Hiei.” Kornma said, getting a glare from the demon. “You have Ningenkai, the home of humans, like Kuwabara Kazuma. Then you have the third world, the Reikai. Which is the world of the dead, and it is my home.” Koenma looked at Yusuke. However there are always exceptions to rules, isn’t there, Yusuke?” The ex-Reikai Tantei leader nodded.

“Well tell us then.” Gaara said impatiently. “What do you mean by that?”

“Yusuke and Kur… Shuichi are different from Kuwabara and Hiei.” Koenma said. “Different circumstances has altered their place of belonging.” The Reikai prince looked at Yusuke. “Take Yusuke for an example. He was born and raised in Ningenkai, however after a couple of deaths, ancient, powerful, demonic DNA was awoken within him and although he originally belonged in Ningenkai, because of the blood that runs through his veins, be now is classed as an inhabitant of Makai.” He closed his eyes. “Kur… Shuichi is different. He was once a powerful A-class demon, named Youko Kurama, a kitsune thief of the highest degree, and he was an expert at breaking locks. One fateful day he was caught raiding in the Reikai and he was seriously injured. He fled from Reikai to Ningenkai and bonded with an unborn human, thus creating the Minamino Shuichi that you all know and love. Shuichi doesn’t really belong in any of the worlds, but he has more ties in Ningenkai than in the Makai.”

“In case you don’t remember, Gaara-kun, Shuichi was the red-head that faced Sasuke in the preliminary match of the third Chuunin exam.” Yusuke explained. “He and the silver-haired companion are the one and the same. The red-haired boy is Shuichi, the silver haired guy is Youko Kurama.”

It took Koenma a moment before he remembered about the powers of the Jagan. “Why haven’t you asked Hiei to help you in the search?” Koenma asked. “He has the ability to find whatever he desires.” It took Hiei a few minutes to realise what Koenma meant, before his eyes opened wide, seeing Sasuke’s hopeful glance.

“That is impossible.” The fire apparition said. “Most of the abilities that I had associated with the Jagan eye disappeared when it did.” As if to prove the point, he removed the hitai-ate to reveal a smooth forehead. The sight made Koenma speechless. Never had he imagined that something like this could happen. Hiei replaced his hitai-ate, before giving Sasuke an apologising look. He really did wish that he could help Sasuke, and had this happened two years before, then he would have been able to use the Jagan to find Naruto. "I am sorry, Sasuke-kun." Hiei said, seeing the look of hope squashed once more.

Sasuke forced his expression to become emotionless, although inside, he was just like his eight year-old self when he had found his whole Clan murdered. He was screaming in agony, screaming in pain and anger at the unfairness of the situation that he was forced into. "It is okay, Hiei, I know that you would do all that was in your power to help me. I know that if you had the aility that you would have used it by now." His eyes looked at Koenma. 'None of us can do anything.' Sasuke thought, feeling down. 'Not even Tsunade-sama knows where Akatsuki is based. I just wish I knew what was happening to my poor Naruto now.'


Naruto's eyes opened as he felt his back touch the mattress. Itachi removed the gag that had been keeping him from speaking, and looked the Kyuubi host over. He seemed to be well, even though he had been forcefully taken from his little brother. "How are you feeling, Naruto-kun?" He asked as he pressed Naruto into the mattrass with a knee as he removed the bonds that his brother had tied on the Kyuubi host. Once the ropes had been removed, Itachi pulled back and allowed Naruto to sit up.

"I feel like I want to be with Sasuke." Naruto said, his eyes following Itachi as the Uchiha walked around the room. "Why did you do this?" Itachi paused a moment before he looked at Naruto. Then Naruto could see something strange in Itachi's eyes, was it concern.

"I can't let you go back to him yet, Naruto-kun." Itachi said. "Sasuke needs an incentive to get the Mangekyo Sharingan. You are as good an incentive as he can get." His hand moved to cup Naruto's cheek. "He doesn't know what is happening to you, for all he knows, I could already have you broken, or worse." He lowered his face to Naruto's ear. "What he doesn't know will plague him, and will force him to get his ass in gear and to hurry up in finding the way to unlock the only thing that will help him get to you." He smiled slightly. "If you are a good boy then we will become friends, if you aren't, then I will be forced to take thngs into my own hands. Understand, Naruto-kun?" Naruto only nodded. "Looks like we understand each other."


Kurama could hear the door to the cell open and another entering the cell. It looked like they had another cellmate. He raised himself on his elbow to look at the new arrival, then he heard Orochimaru give a slight grumble and try to pull him back down. "Orochimaru-sama, please waken." Kurama said as he gently shook the other man awake. Slowly the eyes opened, focusing on the kitsune. "We have a new cellmate, Orochimaru-sama." Orochimaru looked over Kurama's body at the new arrival, who had taken a seat at the table. Much to Orochimaru's surprise, it looked as though Uchiha Itachi had been caught too.

"Well, if it isn't Uchiha Itachi." Orochimaru said with a smirk. "How did you get yourself captured?"

"Why does everyone take me for my younger brother." The stranger said as Orochimaru and Kurama slipped out from their shared bed. "Do I really look so similar to Itachi?" Orochimaru looked the other over. 'So he is an Uchiha, but he is neither Sasuke, nor Itachi. He also mentioned that he was their older brother.' Orochimaru thought as his mind worked over all the facts. 'Could he really be him?' He took a moment to think over all the others that could have been, but there was no others. "If you aren't Itachi, but are from the same family, you must be Uchiha Fukuro." A nod greeted his assumption.

"Back from the dead, Orochimaru-sama." Fukuro said, instantly recognising the Sannin. "I see that they have managed to get their hands on you once. Who is this, your new love interest?" Kurama blushed, as he heard Youko laugh at that statement. Orochimaru draped an arm around Kurama's shoulders, pulling the kitsune closer to him.

"Touch him and find out." Orochimaru said, knowing that Fukuro wouldn't want to get on his wrong side, even if he has a chakra repressing tag attatched to his body. Kurama felt a tingle run up his back, even more so when he felt Orochimaru's hot breath on his neck, teeth scraping against the skin.
"I get the hint, Orochimaru-sama. I shall leave your... partner alone." Fukuro said, his eyes never leaving Kurama's body. Forbidden fruit always was the most tempting dish.