Part 1 – The Birth of a Snake…

Somewhere in the Mediterranean, near Crete, March 2nd, 2024…

Lady Tsunade, Commander of the PMC Konoha sat in her office with her Second-in-Command Kakashi Hatake watching the video that was sent to them which looked like it had been water-boarded, buried in the sand, pulled out, and used to play football.

On the screen was their best soldier, Naruto Uzumaki held hostage, the barrel of an AK-103 pressed into the back of his head, "No attempts have been made to free the brothers held hostage by the American and British Dogs," Naruto said, "Cowards, you make me fucking laugh," he was then struck across the forehead with the butt of another AK, causing blood to explode from his forehead, his captors screamed at him to read the rest, "If they are not released within one week, they will kill me."

The camera then cut, "This video was swabbed for prints, there's absolutely no prints on it that belong to any members of the Akatsuki anywhere on it," Tsunade said, "You sure this is their work?"

"Naruto was tracking an Akatsuki lead when he went missing," Kakashi said, "Right now though, he's stuck inside some abandoned Soviet Base in Tajikistan, and probably being tortured half to death. We need to get him out, now."

"Who's left?" Tsunade asked.

"No one can take the job," Kakashi said, "They're off where we deployed them. Naruto however left something behind in his locker," he pulled out a small file, and handed it to Tsunade who opened it to reveal the file of a former U.S. Army Soldier, the soldier was six foot three, Caucasian/Japanese mix, had spikey black hair, onyx black eyes, and his left arm had been replaced with a synthetic one, "Sergeant Sasuke Uchiha, formerly of the 75th Ranger Regiment, 2nd Battalion, five years' service history, Iraq, Afghanistan, Baltic Sea, Ukraine. Silver Star, Bronze Star, Presidential Unit Citation, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, and also the youngest Army Ranger ever to receive the Medal of Honor."

"I've heard of him," Tsunade said, "Some say he was the best, right behind Big Boss Snake himself. He's listed here as retired?"

"No one knows how he was discharged," Kakashi said, "Some say he quit, others say the Brass were tired of his heroics, and fired him. But as I said, no one really knows. Ever since then he's been off the grid for the past four years."

"This is who Naruto wants to rescue him?" Tsunade asked.

"Our hands are tied," Kakashi said, "We have no choice but to trust him."

"Where is he now?" Tsunade asked.

An isolated Japanese Island near Kōzu-shima…

Sasuke stood in front of his opponent, and the two bowed to each other.

His opponent charged first, unleashing a fury of punches which Sasuke quickly blocked, and kicked his opponent back.

His opponent jumped to his feet, and charged.

He came at Sasuke with a flying jump kick which Sasuke used, grabbing his opponent's leg, he used the momentum to throw him across the room.

The man went headlong into the wall, and collapsed onto the floor, completely unconscious.

The leader of the dojo clapped as he walked up to Sasuke, "Well done Sasuke," he said as Sasuke bowed to him, "Top of the class, now come, there is something I want to show you."

Sasuke followed his master to the center of the temple where upon entering, he poured them each a cup of Japanese Hojicha Tea.

As the shōjis (Japanese sliding doors) were closed, Sasuke's mentor passed Sasuke the tea cup, "It has been a while since we've had tea master." Sasuke said.

"You came here to forget your past," the teacher said as they swigged back their tea, "I told you that you would eventually find your way back. You have become my best student."

"And you my best teacher," Sasuke said, "You have taught me the Seven Virtues of Bushido, and I have taken them to heart."

"Then repeat them to me," the teacher said, "What is Gi?"

"Integrity," Sasuke said, "Warriors make a full commitment to their decisions."

"Rei?" The teacher asked.

"Respect," Sasuke said, "The true strength of a warrior becomes apparent during difficult times."

"Yu?" The teacher asked.

"Courage," Sasuke said, "Heroic courage is not blind: it is intelligent and strong."

"Meiyo?" The teacher asked.

"Honor," Sasuke said, "You cannot hide from yourself."

"Jin?" The teacher asked.

"Compassion," Sasuke said, "If an opportunity does not arise, you find one."

"Makoto?" The teacher asked, placing a box in front of him.

"Honesty," Sasuke said, "Speaking and doing are the same action."

"And finally, Chu?" The teacher asked.

"Loyalty," Sasuke said, "To everyone that you are responsible for, they remain equally responsible."

"Very good," the teacher said as he picked up the box in front of him, "I have something for you," he opened the box to look inside, and the closed it, "My mentor was given this by his master, and his master gave it to him. Now I'm giving it to you, my greatest student," he bowed, and handed the box to Sasuke who bowed as he took it.

Inside the box was a nine inch knife, "A Tantō," Sasuke asked as he unsheathed the knife, "It's beautiful, but I don't recognize the make."

"This Tantō was made for my ancestor by a swordsmith named Gorō Nyūdō Masamune." The teacher said.

Sasuke looked up at his master, Gorō Masamune is considered the greatest swordsmith in Japanese History, "Thank you master," Sasuke said, "This is a gift I will not let go to waste."

"You will have plenty of time to use it," The teacher said, "Your journey is not over yet," Sasuke looked at his master, "I was contacted yesterday by a Mr. Hatake."

"Kakashi Hatake?" Sasuke asked.

"Yes," The teacher said, "One of your brothers is in trouble. They want you on the first flight to their base."

"They want me to join their PMC?" Sasuke asked.

"Yes." The teacher said.

"Am I ready master?" Sasuke asked.

"Yes." The teacher said.

Sasuke nodded, the two stood up, and walked out at separate entrances.

Sasuke went back to his room to see that his possessions had been packed up, ready to go.

Sasuke placed the box with his main possessions, and got dressed in the clothes he got when he arrived, his military boots, a pair of Wrangler premium denim jeans, a black tee-shirt, and a leather bomber's jacket.

He threw his bag over his shoulder, and walked out the dojo's door to see his brothers bowing to him.

As he walked down to the dock, he saw a Hacker-Craft Runabout, a six-foot Japanese male with loose black hair, pale skin, and onyx black eyes.

"Sergeant Uchiha?" He asked.

"Yes." Sasuke said.

"Sai," he said as he held out his hand which Sasuke shook, "Commander Hatake and Colonel Tsunade are waiting for us."

Sasuke stepped into the back of the boat, and placed his bag on the seat next to him.

Sai took his seat in the driver's seat, and started the speedboat forward.

It took about four hours to get back to the mainland, and when they arrived, a Range Rover Evoque luxury edition was waiting for them.

It was a thirty minute ride to a nearby airfield where upon entering the gate, a Gulfstream G650ER was waiting for them.

As they entered, there were two others inside, the first, a tall Caucasian male, about six foot two with auburn brown eyes, and a black, flat-top hairstyle, the M9A3 Beretta identified him as ex-MARSOC.

The second, a shorter Japanese male, about five foot ten, black eyes, and a hairstyle that makes you think every-time he goes to his barber he asks, 'Can you make me look like a caricature of my ethnicity please?' By the looks of him, the Glock 19 holstered at his hip was a dead giveaway he was ex-Force Recon.

"Ex-Marines," Sasuke said as he sat down, "Interesting."

"I have to say, it's a pleasure," the ex-Force Recon said as he held out his hand, "Private First Class Rock Lee."

"Shino Aburame." the ex-MARSOC said.

"Mind if I smoke," Sasuke asked as he pulled out an electronic cigar.

"Not at all," Shino said as he held out an iDroid, "Need a lite?"

"No need," Sasuke said as he held up his prosthetic hand, snapped which caused a small flame to appear above his thumb, and the cigar came to life.

Twelve hours later, the plane was flying just above the Mediterranean, "So where's this fantastic base?" Sasuke asked.

"We're right over it," Shino said as he pounded on the entrance to the cockpit, "Hang on."

The engines then cut, folded inward, and then the entire plane nose-dived into the ocean.

As they went under the waves, Sasuke could see the base was a group of about six oil-rig looking platforms underneath a large glass dome.

"Impressive isn't it?" Shino asked.

"Indeed." Sasuke said.

The plane flew into a small docking port inside the base, when they stepped off, Sasuke, Shino, Sai, and Lee were greeted by Tsunade and Kakashi who were standing at the entrance to the base.

The three saluted Tsunade and Kakashi, "Sasuke Uchiha?" Tsunade asked.

"Yes," Sasuke said, "You must be Madame Tsunade."

"Indeed," Tsunade said, "Come with us please."

As Sasuke followed Tsunade and Kakashi through the base, he noticed that a lot of people were looking at him, his reputation was second to Snake and his father, but then again he was trained by Raiden who was just as good as Snake.

As they entered Tsunade's office, and took their seats, a five foot two female with long, flowing bubblegum pink hair, and emerald green eyes.

"This is Naruto's handler," Tsunade said as she pointed at the woman, "And Konoha's resident medical wizard, Sakura Haruno."

Sasuke thought Sakura was hot as hell, and as the feeling was mutual with Sakura.

"Honor," Sasuke said as he held out his hand which Sakura shook.

"Now," Tsunade said, "Take your seats."

Tsunade played the recording for Sasuke, at the end, she turned toward him, and spoke, "This was sent directly to us from a former Soviet base located in Tajikistan," Tsunade said as Sasuke expelled the smoke from his cigar, "We have one week, but that usually means not a lot of time. Why did he choose you to come save him?"

"He's my best friend," Sasuke said as he put the cigar back in his mouth to take a puff, "We grew up together," he removed the cigar, and exhaled the smoke, "We went to school all the way to collage, we were even fraternity brothers. When we joined the military to pay for our collage, he went with the Marines, I went with the Army. We went on several missions together, but we haven't spoken since I left the Army."

"Think you can rescue him?" Kakashi asked.

"You mean how long would it take," Sasuke asked as he put out the cigar, "I can rescue him alright. But if you want it done right, no witnesses, just," he snapped, and opened his hand, "Gone, back here? It'll take a week, but we don't have that time, do we?"

"No," Tsunade said, "How fast can you do it?"

"Fast," Sasuke asked, "As in sending me in blind? I can be there and back with him in twenty four hours. But I'd need six other men, two assault rifles, two LMGs, a sniper rifle, and an SMG."

"Can you do it in a week?" Tsunade asked.

"Yes," Sasuke said, "But I'll still need a few things," he then turned toward Tsunade, "And a few men."

"You can take Shino and Lee," Tsunade said, "And a few others, you ship out for Tajikistan tonight."

"I'll do it," Sasuke said, "But you have to show me what I'm taking in."

"Wouldn't have it any other way," Tsunade said as she stood up, followed by everyone else in the room, "Follow me."

The four followed Tsunade down to the toy chest, the base's gadget room which was developing various weapons, vehicles, and armors.

"Meet our resident armorer," Tsunade said as she walked up to a female soldier wearing a white coat, blood-red pants, and U.S. issued military boots, "This is Tenten," Tenten looked up, and removed her welding glasses, "Tenten this is…"

"I know who this is ma'am," Tenten said as she wiped her hands on her pants, and held her hand out to Sasuke, "Sergeant Uchiha."

Sasuke shook it, "I'm familiar with your work," Sasuke said, "Some say you can make a gun out of scrap metal, wood, and a rubber band in one hour."

"I've actually learned to do it in half an hour," Tenten said, "It's an honor to meet you," Tenten then looked at Tsunade, "You hired him?"

"No," Tsunade said, "He's here to help us get Naruto back. You're outfitting him."

"It'd be an honor," Tenten said as she gestured toward the back of the room, "This way please."

As they walked through, Sasuke noticed they were creating a lot of interesting guns, 'frankenguns' if you would: a G36C with an AKMS wire-stock, and vise-versa with the AKMS.

"This is what you'll be taking with you to Tajikistan," Tenten said as she held up a small iDroid, "The latest iDroid. Camera, 3D map projector, x50 zoom lens, x-ray document scanner, and a built-in satellite radio."

"I'm impressed," Sasuke said as he took the iDroid from Tenten's hand, and slid it in his pocket.

"Also," Tenten said as she pulled out an M1911A1, "Standard-issue sidearm, and I even built in a suppressor."

Sasuke took the 1911, ejected the magazine, checked the slide, then raised it to point at the wall behind Tenten, and pulled the trigger, a perfect 'chink' as the hammer hit the firing pin.

"Beautiful," Sasuke said, "What kind of bullets am I taking?"

"I made these myself," Tenten said as she pulled out a box of bullets, and opened them, pointing to a row of bullets with a needle-tip, "Tranquilizer bullets, can take down a fully-grown man with one shot," she moved to a row of bullets with a sharp white tip, "Explosive-tip darts, there's a piece of C4 in the tip the size of a pee," she then moved to the final row, "And your standard .45 ACP rounds in case you want to get dirty."

"Very nice." Sasuke said.

"Next we have something incredible," Tenten said as she reached under the table, and pulled out a small sealed box, "I just put the finishing touches on this just yesterday," she pulled out a Solid Eye, "My own version of the Solid Eye used by Solid Snake back in 2014. I've added a few upgrades of my own along with a few different modes like sonic, thermal, and x-ray."

"Bullshit," Sasuke said as he took the Solid Eye, placed it against his left eye, and switched through the visions, "This thing doesn't have," Sasuke switched over, and switched to x-ray, getting a view of Sakura's cherry-red Victoria Secrets strapless Dream Angle bra, and cherry-red Cotton Lingerie Lace-Waist thong, "Oh…" Sasuke tightened the strap on the Solid Eye, and looked at Tenten, "It does, nice feature. What else you got?"

"This is something I'm particularly proud of," Tenten said as she went under the table, and pulled out a weapon's case, she opened it, and inside was a heavily customized AKM with a UTG quad rail mount, ERGO rail covers, and an Aimpoint sight with a 3x Aimpoint magnifier, "Try it out," she held it out to Sasuke who took it without hesitation.

"Kalashnikov AKM," Sasuke said as he racked the action, "7.62x39mm rounds, UTG rails, ERGO rail covers," he then raised the rifle to his shoulder to look down the sights, "Aimpoint sights, very nice."

"It's specially modified to shoot either full metal jacket or rubber bullets," Tenten said, "You can go full or semi-auto."

"Suppressible?" Sasuke asked.

"Absolutely," Tenten said, "I have made a very special suppressor for this one," she took out a small suppressor as big around as a shot glass, as tall as a coke can, and was rifled to increase bullet-spin.

"Impressive," Sasuke said, "Anything else?"

"Yes," Tsunade said, "One more thing to complete the look," Tsunade pulled a swatch of black fabric out of her back pocket, and walked up in front of Sasuke, "Head down please," as Sasuke lowered his head, Tsunade tied the piece of cloth to his head.

As he raised his head, he heard people gasping in awe, "Now you have become death, the destroyer of worlds," Shino said, "You are now the legendary soldier."

On the way to the hanger, everyone started looking at Sasuke who was starting to feel very important.

When they arrived, there was a retrofitted Bell 280-Valor waiting along with their weapons and ammo.

"Sasuke," Sai said as he walked up to Sasuke, "I'll be piloting the Valor to Tajikistan," he held out a small iDroid, "I'd like you to select the landing zone."

"Right there," Sasuke said as he tapped a small area about fifty miles from the village.

"I can do that sir." Sai said.

As the team boarded the chopper, Tsunade walked up to the side-entrance, and looked at Sasuke who leaned down to her, "Ma'am?" Sasuke asked.

"We need for you to remain as undercover as possible," Tsunade said, "You go on this one without a cover, then your family's in danger. So we've decided to give you a codename on this one. From now on, you will forever be known as… Lightning Snake."

"Lightning Snake," Sasuke asked, "Doesn't that violate some kind of Konami copyright law?"

"It's bought and paid for," Tsunade said, "Besides, we've got enough money to pay for the use this one time."

"Good," Sasuke said, "See you on the return trip."

Sasuke stood up, walked over to the seats, and sat next across from Shino as he activated the Solid Eye, as the VTOL took off, Shino could have sworn that he could see Solid Snake himself could be sitting in front of him.

Guess what's next…