Past the Land of Waves there lies a chain of a couple hundred small islands, most of them unexplored, all uninhabited by man. It was on one of these small islands that Kanzaki chose to make his new home with his animals and his new apprentice. After leaving the Shadow Village and killing two of his Gennin, Kanzaki decided to teach Ailish Karin Zanjutsu, the secret sword style that Kanzaki wielded. It hadn't been too long since the two of them found their new home and they had just finished building a makeshift house around the mouth of a cave that would serve as their home until Kanzaki prepared material to build a real house.

Ailish was in the cave preparing a dinner of fish and potatoes that they acquired on the way to the island. Kanzaki's animals were out scouting the island, and see what they had to work with. As for Kanzaki, he was down by a small cove, working on perfecting his new Sharingan. Though he knew how to use it, he still had a ways to go before he could aim it with 100% accuracy at any distance greater than a few yards, something that he planned to correct as soon as possible. Kanzaki still had no idea what, if anything else, his Mangekyo Sharingan could do.

One thought plagued his mind though, the two ultimate jutsus of the Uchiha Clan still alluded him. Tsukuyomi, the Genjutsu wasn't that interesting to Kanzaki, he was fine wielding the Jagan, but the second jutsu that his old teacher had told him of, Amaterasu. The most powerful of all the Fire Jutsu. Black flames that supposable burn for seven days and seven nights at the temperature of the sun. Both of which Itachi knew, and Kanzaki knew that Itachi wouldn't hesitate to use them if he needed to. Off in the distance, one of Kanzaki's tigers roared, dinner was ready.

OOC: This is SSJHK, I just made another name so it'll be easier to play Kanzaki's apprentice.

Ailish feel to her knees and looks at her hands, the burns were close to 3rd degree, but she had to keep going. Kanzaki's sword, Tokijin, lay on the ground before her, the swords black chakra flames slowly pulling back into the handle. Kanzaki had told her that Tokijin was extremely temperamental about who uses it, though at the time, Ailish had thought that he was using that as some sort of metaphor about how hard it would be to master the style she was trying to learn. But no, Kanzaki had spoken the truth. Tokijin, a sword that was forged for the soul purpose of killing, needed proof that the person wielding it was worth, and so far, Ailish was falling short of the bar.

Taking a deep breath, she reached for the sword again. She tightly wrapped her burnt hands around the handle and lifted the sword off the ground. Standing once again, Ailish placed her other hand on the handle, wincing as she squeezed tightly on the handle. Within three seconds of Ailish placing her second hand on Tokijin's handle, the black chakra flames once again sprang forth and engulfed her hands. Ailish let out a scream of pain and dropped the sword. Again, she fell to her knees, breathing hard. And once again, she reached for the sword. Kanzaki hadn't told her how to prove herself worth to Tokijin or how he had done it. All Kanzaki told her was to first learn to hold Tokijin, that was the hardest step.

This time, she was stopped before she could grab the sword. One of Kanzaki's tigers softly head butted her hand away. She looked at the massive cat and nodded. Since Kanzaki had been taking his trips away, the animals had been making sure she didn't push herself too hard. She wasn't sure how the animals knew when she had reached her limit, but somehow, they did.

Slowly and carefully, as to not damage her hand any more than she already had, Ailish picked up a bright red glove that was on the ground next to her. She slowly pulled the glove on and picked up Tokijin. The glove, through some process she didn't understand, kept the swords chakra in check, not for long, but long enough to put it back in the sheath, which was all she needed to do at the moment. Once it was back in the sheath, Tokijin was be sealed until it was drawn again. Quickly and carefully, Ailish slipped the sword into its sheath and headed back towards the place where she and Kanzaki has she up camp.

Since Kanzaki was gone for most of the time, save for five to thirty minuet visits, it had been up to Ailish to make things livable. And as far as she was concerned, she had done a fantastic job. Over the mouth of the cave that they originally had been sleeping in, Ailish, with some help from the animals and a lot of help from the Shadow Clone Jutsu, had built a three room house. One room served as the bathroom with a drainage system that the animals had dug. One room was her bed room, furnished with a cot and a table. The final room was sort of a sitting area, where they'd have their meals or whatever else, should Kanzaki ever be around for any extended period of time. Off to one side, she had built an over hang with two walls the covered the fire pit, the third "wall" was a thick netting that Kanzaki had brought with him, it wasn't pleasing to the eye, but it was thick enough to keep most of the wind out, so the fire would stay lit and warm the area a bit. As for Kanzaki, he slept deep in the cave with the two bears and the three tigers. Ailish wasn't sure, but she believed there was another exit to the cave, because the bears came and went as they please, but were too big to fit through the doors she had made in the house.

She was very curious about what was in the cave, but Kanzaki had ordered her to stay out of the back areas that served as her quarters, and from the tone he used when he told her, she had no doubt that she would die if she ever disobeyed that order. Another thing that slightly troubled her was that, she never saw Kanzaki come or go. One second he would be there and the next, he would be gone. But Ailish had always summed that up to some sort of jutsu that he knew.

When she got back to the house, she was happy to see that there were several fish that had been laid out on a small table in the fire pit room. At first, she had been put off at eating something that the bears had caught, but slowly she became aware that it really didn't matter. Very carefully, and very slowly, Ailish cleaned the fish, something the bears couldn't do, and began to cook them. Soon, the smell of cooking fish would bring the bear cub, who would be in a playful mood, Playing with the cub was something that Ailish had always enjoyed.

Ryuk appeared standing knee deep in the water, casually looking around. From this vantage point, anyone looking around would believe this small island was still uninhabited, but in fact, it was home to a number of animals that had been brought here and two people. Slowly, Ryuk waded out of the water and up to the shore, he could sense the presence of multiple animals, most of them watching him. He took another few steps and bent down, examining the patch of ground in front of him. Carefully, he swept the covering of dust off of a pile of exploding notes.

"Well this is new."

Ryuk jumped back and the notes went off as soon as he landed in a crouch. Several more explosions went off behind him. 'She's getting better at this. Would have gotten anyone but a ninja.' With a smile Ryuk looked around, knowing that the person who planted the traps would be here soon, if she wasn't already there. There was a sound of crackling fire from Ryuk's feet and he looked down to see a circle of black flames had sprung up around him. Ryuk raised an eyebrow as his entire body was engulfed in a massive black flame so dark that it couldn't be seen through.

From one of the nearby trees, Ailish dropped down to the ground, holding Tokijin. There was a look of slight pain on her face, apparently she still couldn't fully wield the sword. "You may have gotten past the exploding notes, but those were just a distraction. Now one could have been prepared for this." She sheathed Tokijin as she stared at the column of black fire that she had made around the stranger, thinking back to Kanzaki's orders to attack anyone that came on the island for reasons other then shipwreck.

"You're technique is excellent, but you didn't gather enough information of your opponent before attacking." A voice that was familiar to her sounded out of the black flames and she stumbled back a few steps. "If you had stopped and bothered to look at the animals, you would have known instantly." Ailish looked around and indeed, none of the animals that Kanzaki had brought here looked angry or afraid, if anything, the looked almost happy. "Something you should have realized from your training. Tokijin does not harm those that it calls master." There was a bright flash of light from inside the flames, which caused them to disperse, leaving the familiar form of Kanzaki Onihe standing there, though he was dressed the same as his new identity Ryuk, leader of the Crimson Tigers. Kanzaki pulled off the wrappings that covered his face and forehead before putting back his normal mask and tying his headband back around his waist the way he originally wore it.

"Master Kanzaki! I-I'm sorry. If...I didn't mean to....you just said......" Kanzaki put a hand on her shoulder. "It's alright, you were just doing what I told you to. Besides, like I said, Tokijin can't hurt me as long as it calls me master. Now lets get back home, the others should be joining us shortly." Ailish smiled and nodded, then followed Kanzaki back to the house.

Izon sat in a small boat with in the guise of an old sea weathered man. If this is really the island then he has probably set traps. He rowed to the beach and stepped out of the boat. I need to tread carefully. He released his transformation jutsu and started for the forest.

He’d walked only a few feet before he came across the first set of traps. These traps are to simple and far to obvious to be traps laid by Ryuk. He ventured on avoiding the traps or disarming them as he went. He stopped dead in his tracks when he came across scorch mark on the ground. Izon knelt down to examine the scorched earth more closely. I’ve seen a scorch mark like this before, but what was it that made them? I just can’t remember even though it’s just on the tip of my tongue. He stood up and continued deeper into the forest.

Kanzaki sat alone with Ailish in the living room of their shelter, explaining to her everything that had happened. His new identity, the destruction of the Shadow Village and Konoha's "hunt" for the remnants of the Shadow Ninja.

"So that's the deal. Only the Sannin of Konoha know that this is just a mock hunt, the rest will be aiming to actually capture of kill us. So you need to be ready to kill Ailish, regardless of who your opponent is. Friends and allies of yesterday aren't always friends and allies of today and tomorrow. Remember that."

The two continued to talk for a few more minuets then there was a soft rapping on the wall by the door. Kanzaki stood and left the house. Kneeling by the door was a ninja dressed similar to Kanzaki except he didn't have the wrappings covering his face and the flames on his cloak were light blue instead of red. "There's been another sighted on the island." Kanzaki nodded and the ninja melded into the wind.

"Well Ailish, Master Izon is here. You could come and watch this if you so wish, it should be interesting."

Kanzaki grabbed Tokijin from its resting place and set it on his shoulder, resting it between his neck and the handle of Mirokumaru then headed out to intercept Izon.

Izon had discovered that he wasn’t alone in the forest when spotted traces that someone had been moving through the forest towards the beach he’d started on. I don’t like it when I’m being followed. He made sure to continue on further into the forest and wait until he could discover just where exactly they are.

He did so for as long as his patients would last, which wasn’t very long it wasn’t his style to wait for something to happen. I’ll flush them out. He thought as he continued down the path. But how exactly should I do it. He stopped next to a tree that was nice and thick. He raised his left hand and with a quick and seemingly light punch he knocked it down.

Now that the tree was down he picked it up and through it as hard as he could behind him. The result being: numerous small animals getting out of the way and other trees being knocked over.

“That was a warning, either show yourselves or I’ll hit you with the next,” He said as he up rooted an even larger tree.

"I see your fight against Lady Tsunade did nothing to shorten lengthen the fuse for your anger. I would have thought having the living hell pummeled out of you by a fifty year old woman would calm a youngster like you down."

Kanzaki stepped out from behind the tree he had been leaning against, Tokijin strapped across his back, Hiroshimaru and Mirokumaru were resting safely under a bush a few hundred yards back.

"Your looking well Izon, I'm glad to see that you were able to move forward despite the unfortunate turn of events that had befallen our village. A lesser man would have given up. I knew you wouldn't."

At the mere site of Kanzkai, Izon initiated the shadow meld technique without having removed his vest or shoe. Both were torn apart by his shadow as he and it became one. The equipment in the vest was either destroyed or went flying when it had been torn apart. I end this with my bare hands. He thought as the transformation was complete and he now stood before Kanzkai, the majority of his body covered in a pitch black skin and his eyes dark pits.

His head twitched and he was off at high speed towards Kanzkai in a murderous rage. The only thought he had now was to destroy everthing in his way, just like every other time he has entered this berserker state.

Kanzaki chuckled and shook his head.

"How long can you hold this form for? I doubt it'll be long enough to find the real me."

Kanzaki stood there as Izon passed directly through him.

"So, how do you like my Mist Clone? It's something I've been toying with for a while, but this is the first time that I've actually tried it out. As soon as you calm down we can talk. Until then, I guess we're going to have to play this game of keep away. Luckily, it isn't too hard to outsmart a berserker."

Izon let out a yell after he’d ran through the clone. With nothing to fight he was unable to sustain his rage, so shortly after he’d entered the berserker state it was released and he was once again able to think clearly. Damn it, I should have known better than to enter the berserker state against Kanzaki without first making sure it was really him. At least I didn’t use up enough chakra for the shadow meld to be released as well. He thought as he looked around to see what damage he’d caused. He was easily able to see the path he’d taken because the trees were destroyed and craters littered the ground. It seems I’ve traveled quit a distance from where I started.

“Kanzaki, I’ll listen to what you have say for now, so choose your words carefully because I will still kill you for the murder of my sensie and betrayal of our village. If I find what you have to say as nothing important,” He shouted.

"You don't even know half of what's been going on in your own home. There's another war coming, it was only a matter of time before the village fell. Would you rather have had the village fall with an invading army or ninja a few minuets away, or have some time to think about what you're going to do before the war comes."

The Mist Clone raised Tokijin and swung it gently at a tree. The sword scattered into a fine mist when it connected with the tree, but reformed a few seconds later.

"So tell me Izon, what do you think happened to our village? What have you been led to believe that has forced you down the path of hunting down two of the remaining three council members?"

“You killed Lady Kage to attain the ultimate form of your shaningan then murdered the rest of the council except for Sanjuro and Kazuma.” His calm had returned, “I went after you, but was unable to track you down and while I was away Kazuma attacked and destroyed the village.”

He’d walked closer to the clone has he spoke.

“So am I wrong; the village wasn’t destroyed by Kazuma and members of the council and Lady Kage were not murdered by you. And if I am then please tell me what do I not know.”

"You've got the general idea. Though it was never my intention to destroy the village. I murdered the council that was all. But they had it coming. Their inability to make a decision on such important matters. If they're not going to do anything, then there is no need for them."

The mist clone watched and Izon walked closer.

"I'm not going to deny what I did, nor am I going to pretend that I have any regrets about it, for I don't. But you need to stop and think. What would you have done? A council or fools who would sit by and do nothing while Akatsuki is running loose and threats of another war are looming over their heads? You were there. Your friend warned the council of what was to come, but they did not act. I spared Sanjuro and Kazuma because I knew that given time, they could be brought around to see things as I do. Though I was wrong about Kazuma, he has chosen his own path, though sadly, his path means that one of us will end up killing the other. So it's up to you Master Izon, will you go forward with your hunt and die by my hands, or will you join me in crushing Akatsuki?"

It took more then he thought to control his temper as he listened to the clone. I've been left no choice.

"I wish not to die until I've completed my own goals, so I shall join you." he said as he swallowed his pride and bowed to the clone.

"Your own goals? And what would those be I wonder? Avenging the village? Your Master? Some personal grudge against persons unknown? It doesn't matter. Whatever they are, I'm sure you'll be able to achieve them. Remember, I'm not forcing you to follow me. I have no desire to kill you my friend, but I will defend myself if attacked. Make your choice now Master Izon. You've got two days, the others and I shall be waiting."

The Mist Clone vanished, leaving Izon alone to decide his next move.

Izon had been able to control his anger just long enough for the clone to vanish. Once it was gone he let bellowed like a wild beast and struck the ground, creating a large carter along with a dust cloud that rose above the trees.

He walked out of the dust cloud headed deeper in to the forest a calm expression his face now that he’d vented his anger. The only logical choice is to join him and I use that time to work improve upon my skill. He thought as he looked for a place to make camp.

He’d stopped at an old dead tree. This will do for two days of waiting. He set up a makeshift camp and started a fire.

Two days passed fairly quickly as he occupied his time basic exercises to keep his mind off other things.

On the last day he’d made his way back to where the clone had vanished. Izon pulled flare out from one of the pouches of his vest and fired it into the air. That should get his attention.

The two days had been fairly calm for Kanzaki. Most of the time was spent watching Ailish train with Tokijin or working on his new abilities, neither of which took much effort, but the later did drain his chakra after a while. ON the morning of the day Izon was to decide, Kanzaki and Ailish were out for an early morning training session, when Izon's flare went up.

"Well, I guess that's one way to get attention. Hope there aren't any boats nearby or that could cause a potential problem for us."

Kanzaki watched as the flare slowly fell back towards the ground and died out, and then motioned for Ailish to follow him. She nodded and sheathed Tokijin before following Kanzaki towards the flare. Kanzaki moved slowly, making sure to make no noise until he reached the place where he had hidden his other two swords. Quickly, Kanzaki grabbed them and strapped them across his back, then moved out towards Izon, not bothering to be silent anymore. The two ninja pushed through the final bush between them and Izon's camp, and Kanzaki wasn't surprised to see Izon standing there with his arms crossed, glaring at the two.

"Master Izon, you might remember Ailish, one of my students?" Kanzaki motioned with his right had to Ailish, who had taken up a position of hiding behind him. Kanzaki smiled slightly underneath his mask, 'At least she knows that she doesn't stand a chance if things got serious here.'

"Well, judging by the fact that you are still here and there don't seem to be any Konoha troops waiting to ambush us, I'd say you've made your decision."

“I see you’ve brought along your other swords to limit my ability to use the shadows if I’d decided to fight you and as for Ailish.” he turned his gaze from Kanzaki to the girl behind him, “I know who she is I read a report in the Hidden Leaf Village of your killing of two of your students as a third watched then obediently followed you.”

Izon looked back to Kanzaki. My abilities are limited as long as he as those swords with him. So for now I’ll side with him.

“I’ll join your fight for now, Kanzaki.”

Itachi's face was emotionless, he had been on the island for a few days spying and listening in on there conversations. Even though the real Itachi was hundreds of miles away, his clone looked at Izon then to Kanzaki, ~Thanks for the info, Itachi will love to know this~ Then simply stepped out of his hiding place and walked towards the water, not really caring if they caught him, he was only a clone, and the real Itachi had heard everything he had because of his radio that fit snugg into his ear.

His Akatsuki's cloak flapped slightly in the breeze as he walked, he held slightly onto his straw hat with his hand to ensure it didn't blow away, if it did, it would proboly mean they had more chance of spotting him, wich would be troublesome, as he was supposed to keep his presense there hidden, and he also had more information he would like to get back to Itachi, especially about the camp and the shinobi there. He would then have to find him in person, or atleast get a few miles away from the island before he spoke to Itachi on the radio.

He could then again, just kill everyone on the island and be done with it, although he was a clone and only 10% with the original strengh as the true Itachi, he may still stand a pretty good chance, but that also was unwise. Itachi may have something else planned, and right now he wasn't going to go against his orders.

So he made his decision, he kept walking towards the ocean, after he was a few miles into the main land, he would contact Itachi through his radio. He also saw no point in staying any further, as he had got all the information he had been ordered to get.

"For now..........." Kanzaki echoed Izon and let his words trail off. "That's how everything starts off my friend. Our village was something that was supposed to be just 'For now' but as we both know, that didn't happen:

Kanzaki didn't respond to the comment about Ailish, because even he knew that there was no way he could justify her actions beyond wanting to get stronger and to survive.

"And this swords aren't here to limit your shadow abilities. I know most of them, and I'm sure that I could handle what I don't know. Stop and think for a second, what does light do beside obscure shadows?"

Kanzaki turned and headed back towards the camp, motioning for Izon to follow.