Kratos Hushino: The Omega Village Avenger

by Kratos68

The story of a powerful Konoki village shinobi, Kratos Hushino, as he trains to avenge the death of his mother. Based on a fansite based on the Naruto universe.

1. Part I: The Hushino Squad

Chapter 1: Enter Kratos Hushino!

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The morning sun rose over the mountains. Kratos Hushino prepared himself for the day to come. It was the day after the students of the Konoki Village Academy had graduated and become Genin, entry-level ninja. As one of the village's Jonin, an elite shinobi, he would be given three Genin to take on as students. Kratos was a tall, muscular man at the age of 26. He always wore some type of mask over his face and a skull cap with the insignia of the Omega Village on its front plate. Kratos certainly had the abilities to train Genin, making it in to the Konoki Shadow ANBU squad as a Chunin, secondary-level ninja, but he did not have the patience. Never the less, he put on his armor, including his katana, grabbed his ANBU mask and threw on his black cowl. If he was going to strike fear into his students early, he had to make a good first impression. "Take care of the house while I'm gone Gouryoku. I shouldn't be gone too long."

In a clearing just outside of the village, Sakura Haruno, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakashimi Kodokuna sat on a large stump and waited in silence for their new sensei to arrive; for a little while anyway. "Cha! What's taking him so long? He told us to meet in this clearing at 7 o' clock; that was two hours ago." Sakura had never been the most patient shinobi in the village and hated wasting time waiting. She was a very intelligent girl, possibly the most intelligent Genin in the village. She had considerable weapon skills and her analytical style of battling made her a very defensive shinobi and she was always ready for anything. Despite her intelligence and great chakra control, her ninjutsu and genjutsu skills were sub-par and her taijutsu skills were just above those of an academy student.

"Sakura could you keep that mouth of yours shut, Sakamishi and I are trying to meditate while we wait." Sasuke was one of the most promising students in the academy. He was a balanced fighter that could not only take a hit but deliver a devastating assault on his victim. He was the last surviving member of the once mighty Uchiha Clan and was bent set on gaining more power and strength to kill a certain someone, although he never mentioned who it was.

"Go easy on her Sasuke. She has a point. We have been waiting here for hours with no sign of anyone even in the area." Sakashimi, like Sasuke was an only survivor. Unlike Sasuke, however, he was the only surviving member of an entire village: the Village Hidden in the Clouds. He was brought to Konoki as an infant and was raised to be a leaf village shinobi. He grew up never knowing the truth about his village, but he always felt as if there was a part of him that was missing. Even though he wasn't born in Konoki, he was incredibly loyal to the village and his new teammates.

"Thanks Sakashimi, at least someone on this team is reliable," Sakura directed to Sasuke.

"What's that suppose to mean Haruno?" Sasuke snapped back at Sakura.

"It's just that I can trust him to take my side and not always be so stiff and emotionless."

"Emotions are pointless; they only get in the way. They can turn even the most powerful ninja into a useless weakling."

"What are you talking about? Emotions are what makes us human, not useless."

Sakashimi just watched the two argue as he pulled out two kunai knives and practiced spinning them between his fingers. Just then, two leaves fell from a nearby tree and landed at his feet. That's odd. There's no wind today and this isn't the season for the leaves to just fall. Sakashimi thought to himself, the other two too involved in their scuffle to even notice. He stuck the two kunai into the stump and meandered his way over to the tree. He carefully examined the tree and surrounding area, but there was no sign of life in the entire area, besides Sasuke and Sakura. He turned to go back to the stump when all of a sudden; a dozen kunai fell from above him and landed in a perfect circle around him. This was enough to grab the attention of the other two who quickly ran over to help their comrade. "Sakashimi, are you alright?" Sakura asked as she ran toward him. "Yeah, I think I'm ok." Sakashimi said as he checked himself for anything that may have struck him.

Sasuke walked over to the ring of kunai and picked a few out of the ground. "Show yourself!" Sasuke demanded as he threw three kunai into the tree above him. In an instant, the three knives were caught and Kratos held Sasuke with his arm behind his back and a jagged blade to his neck. "So this is the ragtag group of Genin they gave me? This is going to be harder than I thought." Kratos sighed as he threw Sasuke back towards the other two.

"What do mean ragtag?" Sakura growled.

"It's exactly what I meant, you three don't seem to have any skills whatsoever." Kratos said as he put away his blade and threw one kunai at each of their feet.

"How can you even rate our skills yet?" Sasuke wondered as he picked up the kunai. "All you did was attack Sakashimi and I. How is that a good measure of our abilities?"

"Well for starters, you left me waiting in that tree for two hours, and it wasn't until I started dropping leaves that you even considered the fact that something living was even in that tree."

"We made you wait?" Sakura screamed. "We were told to meet in this clearing, not play hid and seek with a Jonin."

"That's beside the fact. Even when you did find me, you couldn't even dodge my attacks." Kratos said, motioning to Sakashimi and Sasuke.

"I guess we better get started with our training then if we're ever to become anything more than just 'ragtag.'" Sakashimi suggested in an attempt to end the squabbling.

"I guess you're right." Kratos laughed as he walked over to the stump. "First things first, we need to see if you guys even pass the Genin exam."

"What?!" The three said in unison. "I thought we already became Genin when we graduated from the academy." Sakura snarled.

"No, no. That was just to pick possible candidates for the Genin exam. Only nine graduates are going to become Genin." Kratos explained as he made a series of hand signs.

The three just stood there watching like deer in headlights. They couldn't believe they had worked so hard for nothing. Each of them could only wonder what would be in store for them in the Genin exam. The graduation exam was hard enough; and that was just to choose candidates. The Genin exam was going to be the hardest thing they had ever had to face. "Alright, let's get started," Kratos said as he finished his hand signs. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Chapter 2: The True Test Begins!

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As the smoke cleared, the three stared at the image of three sensei. None of them knew what was about to happen. One thing was for sure: if it involved three Jonin, it could not be good. Kratos and his clones then huddled together and appeared to pass around some kind of object. They then turned back toward Sakura, Sasuke and Sakashimi. A heart stopping silence filled the clearing; the clones remained perfectly still and the Genin were too scared to move. Then the clone on the left broke the silence; "Alright, let's get this started." Sakura was the first to snap out of her trance. "Whatever we have to do, we can handle anything you can dish out," she confidently announced. The two boys just looked at each other, both knowing having Sakura on their team would cause nothing but trouble. "I love your enthusiasm. You may just make this interesting," the center clone stated as he pulled a scroll from out of his sleeve.

"I assume you three know what this is," he rhetorically announced.

"Of course we know what it is," Sakashimi facetiously interjected. "It's a scroll. Shinobi use them to transcribe summoning symbols, write down surveying notes, and draw up battle plans."

"Thank you Sakamishi," the left clone said. "But I wanted more than just an academy student ans..."

"It's a Heaven scroll," Sakura interrupted, in a very humble tone.

"…Yes. Very good Sakura," praised the right clone. "It is becoming clear to me that reports about you are quite accurate; you very well may be the most intelligent student to graduate from the academy."

The center clone then took over the conversation. "But intelligence isn't the only attribute that makes a good shinobi. The other factors are about to be tested." He unraveled the Heaven scroll to reveal that there was nothing written on it. "Two of us have scrolls just like this: one is an Earth scroll, the other is this Heaven scroll. Your task will not only be to find out which of has them, but either acquire the information within them or merely take them from us when you find them."

The three Genin couldn't believe this was their test. It seemed too easy to be all that was needed for such an important test. Why would he reveal to us that he had the Heaven scroll? Sasuke wondered to himself. Why isn't there anything written on them if this is going to be a scouting test? This is going to much harder than those two idiots are even aware. He looked at Sakamishi and Sakura, who not only had calm expressions, but extremely arrogant visages. I'll easily prove to Kratos-sensei that I am the most superior Genin. Sasuke kept his face completely void of any emotion, including anger.

The center clone once again broke the silence. "Now then, the three of me will head back to the village, where I will be waiting. You three can return to the village in one hour. Once you return to the village, the test will begin." He then threw two scrolls in front of the Genin. "The two scrolls we posses must be copied, verbatim, onto the two scrolls I have given you three. Once the two new scrolls have been written, bring them to the Jonin briefing house in the center of the village. One of my fellow Jonin will be there waiting for you. You are allowed to use any tactics, jutsus, and weapons necessary to obtain the information within our scrolls. This test goes much easier if you three try to take the scrolls from me. If you are able to do that, then you can just turn in the original scroll. The two of you who bring back the two scrolls will be promoted to Genin."

"Wait, wait, wait!" Sakura angrily interjected. "What do you mean the two of us? You mean one of us is guaranteed to fail?"

"If that's how you want to look at, yes. But on the other hand, the odds are greatly in favor of none of you passing."

Sakura slumped down to the ground, her face of confident arrogance turned into demoralized defeat. I'm doomed. I may be smarter than those two but Sasuke and Sakamishi are more skilled overall. There's no way I'm going to get to the scrolls before they do.

Kratos then put the scroll away and the three clones turned to walk back to the village. The left clone turned his head back towards the students. "Oh, and a little piece of advice: if you're not willing to kill us, don't even bother trying to gain the scroll's information by force."

The three clones left the students to ponder on what they were going to do. "How do they expect us to kill Jonin?" Sakura shouted to the sky, yet rhetorically to the two boys. "We're not even technically Genin yet, and to top it, Kratos-sensei is an ANBU!"

"If we team up on each one though," Sakashimi suggested, "it will make it much easier for us to obtain the information on the scrolls. One of us could distract him by fighting, using non-lethal force to avoid a fatal retaliation, and the other two could try and steal the sc..."

"I don't need you two to get those scrolls," Sasuke shrugged as he began to walk back.

"Yeah Sakashimi. Plus, only two of us are going to pass, so we just became rivals. It's every man for himself at this point, sorry," Sakura said as she walked in a separate path than Sasuke. "I guess we'll see you back in Konoki."

Sakashimi just waited in the clearing as Sakura and Sasuke left for their own plans. Sorry Dad, I guess the old ways are dying. Shinobi are putting themselves above the mission. He grabbed some manriki chains and wrapped a set around each of his arms. He then tied kunai into the ends of each chain. I don't care what they say. I'm going to help them get the scrolls whether or not they want me to. If they're not willing to put the mission before themselves, then I will. Don't worry Dad; the old ways are still preserved. I will fail and remain a student so that my teammates can become Genin like they want.

Chapter 3: Unexpected Reinforcements!

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The three clones met back in the Jonin briefing room, planning how this round was going to be handled. The scrolls traded hands and the two new holders began writing. As they wrote, Kratos' ANBU leader, Akari, entered the briefing room. "There you are Kratos. I was wondering if. . ." Upon seeing three shadow clones, she new exactly what her Lieutenant was up to. "Don't tell me you're in charge of another team of Genin."

"Of course. Who else do you think Kage Goven would choose to weed out the weak?" The unoccupied clone stated.

"What do you mean weed out the weak? Did you even tell them of your passing rate; or lack there of!" Akari was growing very displeased with her highest ranking officer not passing even one squad out of a possible 723 Genin. "Konoki needs new Genin for D-missions, so our more experienced Genin can move on to C-missions and even become Chunin."

One of the clones chuckled to himself thinking about one of Kratos' earlier comments. "What's so funny?" Kratos sternly asked.

"Oh nothing. I just thought your comment, 'if you're not willing to kill us, don't even bother trying to gain the scroll's information by force,' was funny. Do you actually expect them to attack us?"

"As long as they attack as a squad, I don't care if they actually get the scrolls or not. It's just no squad has realized that yet. Since they think only two of them are going to pass, they quickly turn on their friends and go solo."

Kratos was right about his new squad. Just like the 241 squads that had come before them, Sakura and Sasuke were going alone in this test. The hour was nearly up and the three Genin were almost ready to enter the village in search of their sensei. Back in the briefing room, Kratos was finishing the final touches for the test. "Akari, are all of the ANBU on patrol today?"

"Yeah, were haven't planned any assaults for today, other than a few minor Jonin attacks."

"Good. Alright you two, let's make this interesting for once." Unlike past tests, where all three clones had dressed in the same garb, Kratos planned on making three versions. One of his clones would remain masked and would keep on his cowl. The other clone would also remain masked but wouldn't wear the cowl, just the ANBU armor. Kratos himself would wear his ANBU armor, but instead of wearing his ANBU mask, he wore his Jonin mask and headband. Then to make the game even more interesting, he himself would carry both scrolls. At 10:30, the game would begin.

It was time to enter the village. Sasuke entered from the North Gate, while Sakura entered from the South Gate. Sakashimi followed Sakura into through the South Gate, but quickly took to the rooftops. He felt Sakura needed help first, and Sasuke was so adamant about going solo he would refuse any help Sakashimi offered. Kratos and his clones simply walked threw the crowds, which were filled with patrolling ANBU members that were used as bait to lure any enemy to use paths that seemed secret and covert, but were actually filled with awaiting ANBU members. Kratos' cloaked clone walked with seven other cloaked ANBU in hopes that the Genin would not be able to pick him out; he was wrong. No more than five minutes into the test he heard a sound he wasn't prepared for. It was the sound of birds, screaming birds. Not just a few birds either, it was the sound of…one thousand birds! "There's no way a Genin-elect could no that mo…" Before he could even finish his sentence it was too late. "Lightning Edge!" Sasuke screamed as he plunged his chakra charged hand into his sensei's back. In a cloud of smoke, the clone disappeared. Before that even happened, however, the other six ANBU members had Sasuke in submission. "Damn it was just a clone! And he didn't even have a scroll." As Sasuke was pinned to the ground, the ANBU leader, dressed in a white cowl, walked up to him to confront him. "Well, what do you have to say for yourself?" She asked as she lowered her hood.

"I'm sorry, my sensei is testing me and I was using…"

"Oh I see. You're one of Kratos' students. I'm impressed kid, not many Genin can use that move you just used that successfully. If any other Genin had tried to use that move, we would have all be able to catch it. You have amazing skill to do it before we could react.

"Thank you ma'am, but I have to find the other two Kratos before Sakura and Sakashimi."

"Hey before we let you go, what is your name?"

"I am Sasuke Uchiha, and I will rebuild my clan, no matter what."

"Well Sasuke Uchiha, tell Kratos that Akari has promoted you to Genin for the remainder of this test."

"Uh, ok. Thank you."

Wow Sakura, you're right on top of him. Calm down and get ready to strike. I bet he thinks he was clever taking off his cowl. I can see threw his ploy, I could pick that mask out of any sized crowd. Being as skilled as she was with weapons, Sakura knew her only hope to attack him would be four well placed kunai thrown into his back. She reached into her pockets to grab her knives, but before she could strike she heard an unsettling voice. "Fire style! Fireball jutsu!" NO! Why'd Sakashimi have to find him too? I can't compete against Sakashimi right now. I guess I'll go find another clone and hope Sasuke hasn't gotten to him first. As Sakura turned to go find another clone, she heard that same unsettling voice, but the words it spoke were not what she expected to hear. "Now Sakura! You have to strike him now while he's focused on my jutsu!" Sakashimi instructed as Kratos' clone tried protecting himself from the flames. Sakura hesitated for a minute, but didn't think twice about attacking. With amazing precision for a Genin, she placed for kunai on the corners of Kratos' clone's back. The clone fell to the ground and Sakura instinctively jump down to help him. By the time she got there, however, the clone disappeared into a cloud of smoke. "Great job Sakura, I knew you could do it," Sakashimi praised as he searched the ground.

"Thanks Sakashimi, but why'd you help me?"

"My father raised me in the old way of the shinobi: to put the mission and your teammates' well-being above your own selfish gains. As I meditated in the forest, I had a long talk with my father."

"Your father? Is he dead or something?"

"Actually, my whole family is no longer with me."

"Oh, I'm sorry." Sakura blushed at her obviously insensitive blunder.

"It's ok, my father's body may no longer be with me, but his spirit will always be with me. I always talk to him while I meditate, for guidance. During our talk today, I decided to help you and Sasuke get the scrolls, so that the two of you could pass."

"Wow Sakashimi, that's incredibly loyal of you." After a moment of positive reflection, Sakura came to her own decision. "You know Sakashimi, let's both help Sasuke get the scrolls. He can have them both. He obviously needs to be a Genin as soon as possible to help restore his clan."

Sakashimi nodded in agreement as he continued to search the ground. "What are you looking for Sakashimi?" Sakura asked as she helped him look, for something out of the ordinary.

"I'm looking for one of the scrolls. When the clone disappeared the scroll should have been all that remained since it wasn't just chakra."

"Maybe this clone didn't have one."

"That can't be. The clone Sasuke destroyed didn't have a scroll either."

"Wait, you've already seen Sasuke?"

"Yeah, I followed you in to the village, but I saw Sasuke hot on the trail of someone so I chose to follow him. He destroyed the clone in one hit with his Lightning Edge jutsu."

"Wow, he's perfected that jutsu already? He just started practicing it a few days ago."

"I guess so. Alright we've wasted enough time talking and have to go help Sasuke. The real Kratos-sensei will be faster and stronger than both of his clones, and he's going to have both scrolls."

"Do you think Sasuke will fight him?"

"I would never expect Sasuke to simply do reconnaissance when violence is an option. We have to hurry."

Sakura and Sakashimi had less time than they thought. As they were leaving their current position to go find Sasuke, Kratos was already on the defense, deflecting Sasuke's Lightning Edge jutsu. "Very nice Sasuke, I would have never expected an academy student, or even a Genin for that matter, to master that particular jutsu in such a short amount of time. But it's going to take more than that to beat me. How did you even know it was me?"

"I noticed that red stripe across your right eye is the same stripe on the mask you were wearing earlier," Sasuke responded as he took a defensive stance.

Kratos prepared a fireball jutsu but Sasuke caught his hand signs and prepared his own jutsu. "Fireball jutsu!" Both shinobi released their jutsu at the precise moment. Kratos' was of a much higher level and soon over powered Sasuke's. Sasuke was knocked into a surrounding wall. He seemingly played dead as Kratos approached him. "Sorry kid, you just don't have what it takes to damage me." As he walked towards Sasuke, Kratos made a fatal mistake: he did not watch Sasuke's hands. As Kratos talked, Sasuke prepared another jutsu. "Corruption!" Kratos was trapped. Sasuke's jutsu was a direct hit and Kratos was slowly being driven mad.

Sakura and Sakashimi came to the scene to see their sensei huddled over in insanity as Sasuke prepared his kunai for a final blow; he truly was ready to kill his sensei. "Sakura, you wait here and provide ranged support. I have to go stop Sasuke from killing Kratos-sensei." Sakura agreed and waited on a nearby rooftop, a kunai in each hand.

Sasuke thought he had Kratos right where he wanted him, but a Jonin of Kratos' abilities wasn't going to be stopped by a Genin level jutsu. With more difficulty than he originally thought, he formed hand seals for his defensive jutsu. "Release!" He released the genjutsu that had hold of him in just enough time to prepare some taijutsu. "First Gate, open! Fury of the White Tiger jutsu!" Before Sakashimi could use his manriki chains to grab a hold of Sasuke, Kratos unleashed the most powerful taijutsu of Konoki to attack Sasuke. With a twenty-four hit jutsu, Kratos nearly incapacitated Sasuke. As Sasuke fell to the ground, Sakashimi rushed to help him. "Don't worry Sasuke, I'll protect you." Sakashimi jumped in front of him to protect him, but Sasuke had enough energy to reject Sakashimi's help. "No! I don't need you help." That fool. I guess he really isn't ready to pass. Kratos thought to himself as he went into a more conservative defensive stance to rebuild his chakra and stamina from his last attack.

As Kratos and Sakashimi stood across from each other in defensive stances, Sakura noticed a very important detail about her sensei: the two scrolls were tied to his hip. Using her precise kunai skill, she was able to cut the scrolls loose without Kratos noticing until the kunai landed in front of him. Sakashimi saw what Sakura had done. Kratos looked back to see where his attacker was. To draw his attention, Sakura ran right at him, kunai in hand, so that Sakashimi could grab the scrolls.

"I'm impressed Sakura I didn't think you had the guts to attack such a powerful opponent," Kratos gloated as Sakashimi grabbed the scrolls and handed them to Sasuke. "Here Sasuke, you need these more than Sakura and I."

"Impressive, I didn't expect this group to get the scrolls." Kratos had not given up and charged at Sasuke, but Sakura and Sakashimi jumped in front of him to protect him.

"If you want Sasuke you're going to have to go through us," Sakura threatened. "Now Sasuke, go to the checkpoint and turn in the scrolls, pass the test."

Sasuke was overwhelmed by the fact that Sakura and Sakashimi sacrificed their rank to help him. Kratos had lost his head in the fight and began to treat his students as actually enemies. "How admirable of you two. I hope you realize that I can go through you with ease. Those scrolls are mine!" He charged at Sakura, with a fully charged Lightning edge ready. "You are going to pay for you arrogance!" Sakura closed her eyes and prepared for impact. But rather than feeling the cold hand of death, she heard a deathly noise; she heard the sound of two thousand birds dying. She looked up to see Sasuke in front of her. "If you want Sakura, you're going to have to go through me."

Sasuke had blocked Kratos' Lightning Edge with his own. The three Genin now stood side by side prepared to defend against any foe. "If you attack one of us, you attack all of us," Sasuke announced. "That's right," Sakura and Sakashimi said in unison. "Is that so?" Kratos asked in a rhetorical tone. "How honorable. You all stand together, you all fight together, and you will all die together!" Kratos rushed the trio, a stare of death in his eyes. "It's a shame it has to end here!"

Chapter 4: Enter the Hushino Squad!

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As Kratos rushed towards his three students, ready to strike a fatal blow to each of them, Sakura, Sasuke, and Sakashimi prepared for the worst. They were ready to die as a squad, as a single entity. "It's over!" Kratos shouted as he jumped into the air. The three braced for impact, but were completely caught off guard by their sensei's next move. "You pass," Kratos whispered from behind Sakashimi. The Genin couldn't believe their ears. "What do you mean we passed?" Sakura asked as she lowered her guard in utter shock.

"You passed. I can't make it anymore clear."

"I don't understand," Sakashimi angrily questioned. "We didn't gather any information from the scrolls and you nearly destroyed Sasuke before he could even lay a hand on you."

"I know you didn't, it's impossible for Genin to try to steal from me without me finding out. That's not the point of the test. I put you in to an impossible mission in hopes of tearing you apart. A squad must be loyal to each other, no matter what the circumstances."

"Oh I see," Sakura chimed. "You told us that only two of us would pass just so we would compete against each other, not against you as a team."

"Very good Sakura. You see, no other squad before you has ever come to this realization during the test. Even now, I am reluctant to pass one of you." The three Genin just looked at each other with confusion. "Sasuke-chan!" Kratos shouted, making Sasuke snap out of his confusion. "When you realized that there may have been a chance that you would not pass this test, and therefore remain a student, you quickly abandoned your teammates." Sasuke looked down in shame, but said nothing. "You missed the point of this test completely. Once you saw that Sakashimi and Sakura were willing to give their lives for yours, you finally worked with them as a team." Sasuke got a gleam in his eye, thinking he had passed. But his dream was cut short by Kratos' next words. "I'm sorry Sasuke, but you are not ready to take on missions with a team. I'm going to have to send you back to the academy."

It can't end here! Sasuke thought, in deniable about what he had just heard. "I'm sorry Sasuke," Sakashimi said trying to comfort Sasuke. "Your skills are remarkable, and it has been a honor training with you."

"Sasuke-kun…" Sakura whispered to herself, whishing it was not true.

"I know you don't want to accept it Sasuke. But my decision is final."

Sasuke began walking away, defeated and discouraged. Suddenly, he remembered a fact that would soon become his trump card. "Wait Kratos-sensei! I have a message from Akari-sama."

"Akari-sama? When did you meet my squad leader?"

"One of your clones kept its cloak on and walked in a group with you squad mates. I attacked it with my Lightning Edge jutsu and it couldn't defend against it. Akari-sama wanted me to tell you that she was so impressed by my abilities that she promoted me to Genin."

"Is that so? Well unfortunately for you, your fate rested in my ha…"

Before Kratos could finish, Akari appeared behind him. "Come on Kratos," she mewed, seemingly trying to seduce him. "You know his abilities are amazing. He's a fast learner, I'm sure he can figure out the importance of teamwork soon enough. These three are going to go far, but only if you keep them together."

Kratos was left speechless, just staring at the three Genin. Then with a smirk on his face he finally spoke. "You see kids, that is why Akari is an ANBU leader. She was able to steal your fate from me Sasuke. I guess I have no choice but to pass you. But I'm not happy with it, and I going to be toughest on you to make up for it."

Sasuke just stared back, holding back some tears. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Kratos and Akari nodded to each other and disappeared in an instant. The three Genin were left alone to celebrate. "Cha! That's what I'm talking about," Sakura shouted victoriously. "We are going to be unstoppable."

"Don't get cocky Sakura," Sasuke sneered. "Being a shinobi will be much harder than this test, and Sakashimi and I won't always be there to protect you."

"Hey, don't attack Sakura like that," Sakashimi proclaimed, defending Sakura like a brother. "She isn't the one that passed this test on a technicality." Sasuke seemed like he had been hit by a low blow. "I'm sorry Sasuke. We're a team now and I shouldn't have…"

"It's alright Sakashimi. I had no right to snap at Sakura like that. Sakura-kun, please forgive me."

"Don't worry Sasuke-kun, I no have stressed you must be. I have no idea how hard it must be to not have had any parents growing up." The boys both lost themselves in thought, and Sakura realized how she must have hurt them. Way to go Sakura, you already managed to get on your teammates' bad sides and you haven't even gone on a mission yet.

Then Sakashimi and Sasuke both smiled at Sakura and she felt at ease that they had forgiven her for her thoughtless comment. They just nodded to each other and began walking home. "Right, let's get ready for our first mission tomorrow. We're going to have to be at our best if we want to succeed," Sasuke proclaimed as the trio marched as a single unit through the heart of the village, ready and willing for whatever tasks that lied before them.

Chapter 5: The Hushino Squad Takes on Their First Mission!

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Sakura, Sakashimi, and Sasuke met inside Kage Goven's office, where all missions are given out. Kratos had told them to meet him there bright and early so they could get started. The Genin had arrived at seven in the morning. It was now a quarter to noon. "CHA! Where is he now?" Sakura demanded, nearly throwing her chair at the Kage. "Patience Sakura-chan," Goven commanded. "Trust in your sensei. He will be here…" Just as Kage Goven finished his sentence, Kratos appeared behind his pupils. "Well Kage, what's our mission?"

"What?" spouted Sakura. "You meet us five hours late and think everything's ok?"

"It's not very honorable for a sensei to be tardy more often than his students," Sakashimi added.

"I'm sorry," Kratos apologized. "It's just that I'm not used to having students and I had other tasks at hand."

"Other tasks? You told us to meet here. How could you forget your own orders?" Sakura questioned.

As Kratos, Sakura, and Sakashimi argued over Kratos' tardiness, Sasuke noticed something unsettling: Kratos had a jagged, blood-soaked blade in his sleeve. He knew that whatever "business" Kratos had to take care of did not bode well for the three Genin.

"Kratos! Children! That's enough!" Goven shouted, snapping Sasuke back into consciousness. "If I'm not mistaken, you four have some missions to complete."

The four shinobi just stood at attention as the Kage handed Kratos some papers. "These will be your missions," he stated. "Try to complete them by nightfall."

The Hushino Squad began walking out of the village as Kratos read his team the first mission. "It seems an elderly woman has lost her cat."

"That's it?" Sakashimi asked.

"That's it."

"This hardly seems like a mission to me."

"That's why it is classified as a D-ranked mission. We give Genin these missions so they can practice teamwork and going on real missions later."

The three just sighed heavily as Kratos began briefing his pupils. "The cat is a mid-sized, orange tabby, likes to hunt mice in the mountain and hang out in the forest, and answers to the name Naruto. Sakashimi, you and Sasuke check the forest while Sakura and I go into the mountains. Meet back here in this clearing in one hour." The mission was set and the two teams went their separate ways.

"Well Sasuke, are you willing to work with me this time?" Sakashimi questioned sarcastically.

"Sorry Sakashimi. It was just…I have a lot of training to do if I ever hope to restore and avenge the Uchiha Clan."

"I understand Sasuke. We are both powerful shinobi who want to become strong and restore their families."

"Yeah…" Sasuke nodded.

"But we can't do it alone."

Sasuke just looked on to the trees in front of him.

"Kratos-sensei is one of the most powerful ninja in the village. And although you don't seem to see it, Sakura-kun is also quite powerful."

"She does have more heart than anyone I've ever met."

"We should start looking for that tabby." Sakashimi seemed broken-hearted by Sasuke's comment. Sakashimi had always put his entire heart into everything he did. By saying had more heart than anyone else hit close to home and made Sakashimi doubt his past achievements.

The boys searched high and low for the cat. Sasuke had always had the best eyes in the academy, often seeing things that his sensei had not. Yet, even the eagle-eyed Genin was overshadowed by Sakashimi's tracking skills. Sasuke simply searched the entire area surrounding them for any sign that the cat was still there. Sakashimi analyzed every piece of earth that the duo traversed to see if the cat was ever even in the area.

"Sasuke!" Sakashimi called out as Sasuke climbed a tree for a better viewpoint.

"What is it Sakashimi?"

"There hasn't been a domestic cat in this region for nine days."

"Are you sure? Maybe it just…"

"No. There hasn't been a tabby in these woods for nine days."

"Ok, ok. Why don't you just say a week?"

"Because there has…"

"'There hasn't been a tabby here for nine days.' Fine I get it. Let's just head back to the clearing; it's been nearly an hour anyway."

Sakura and Kratos were not having an easier time on the mountain.

"Aaahhh!" Sakura screamed as she lost her foothold and fell from the sheer mountain side.

As she fell, jagged rocks waiting for her fifty meters down, a chain wrapped around her. "I got you Sakura." Kratos had used a Manriki chain infused with chakra to lasso Sakura and reel her back to safety.

"Thanks Kratos-sensei. I guess I haven't had enough traini…" Then Sakura saw something that she couldn't quite grasp. "Oh my God! Kratos-sensei, you're clinging to the mountain without using your hands!"

"Yeah, I needed both hands for this so I just, uh, concentrated chakra at the souls of my feet, and, well I should probably get you to safety first."

"Yeah, thanks. That's probably a good idea."

Kratos reeled Sakura in and continued climbing to the nearest plateau. When he reached the first cliff on that side of the mountain he was very happy to find a cave. Then he had an epiphany. "Alright Sakura, here's the plan. Rather than have the two of us chase down that hairball factory, I'm going to teach you a skill that will be more useful than animal retrieval."

Sakura's eyes lit up like a super nova. "That would be great Kratos-sensei. I'm your lump of clay; mold me." Sakura had felt that she was miles behind Sakashimi and Sasuke since the first day she knew they would be on a team together. She would give anything to be on equal terms with them.

"Alright Sakura, follow me," Kratos instructed as he walked into the cave. "Now, try concentrating your chakra at the bottoms of your feet." Kratos was amazed at how fast Sakura had been able to complete the first step. In fact, she had been able to do so on her first try. Her chakra control is amazing. Kratos thought to himself as Sakura stopped funneling chakra. I have to get her into the medical core.

"What's next Kratos-sensei?" Sakura asked, snapping Kratos out of his daze.

"What? Oh, right. Um, now using your concentrated chakra, place your foot on the side of the cave wall. Then, lock your chakra in place and you can cling to the wall."

Sakura followed Kratos' instructions, and was able to cling horizontally to the wall on her first try, for a few seconds anyway. She lost her concentration and fell to the ground with a thud. "Ow! What do I do wrong?"

"You didn't do anything wrong," Kratos told her, trying to keep her reassured. "You just need to make sure your chakra flow is constant. You must concentrate on turning you and the wall into one entity."

"Alright sensei, I'll keep practicing."

"Good. Then while you're doing that, I'll go check to see if that cat is even on the mountain."

Kratos vanished up the side of the mountain, and Sakura continued practicing. She was doing quite well, being able to take a few steps before falling off. Her goal: to hang on the cave's ceiling by the time Kratos returned. She fell on her back for the seventh time, but this time she wasn't alone.

"Aww, did the wittle girl fall down?" a mysterious voice said from behind her.

"Who are you?" Sakura looked back at her guest.

"Nobody special. I'm just Ares Nakamora from the Village hidden in Shroud. Ya know, it's not safe for a young woman such as yourself to be alone on this mountain. Especially whenyou run into an enemy assassin."

Before she could say anything, Sakura was attacked by Ares. Using four kunai, he tried to pin her to the ground. Sakura, however, deflected all four using her Manriki chains.

"Well, it looks like this little mouse has some fangs," Ares said with a snicker.

"You made a big mistake. You'll never finish your mission. I'll make sure of it." Sakura placed a kunai at the end of her chain and charged Ares, spinning the blade around. As she went to make her move she was completely overwhelmed. Using his speed, Ares hit Sakura with one, chakra infused punch. Sakura was stopped in her tracks and fell to the ground, coughing up blood.

"Wow pinky, you sure showed me," Ares laughed. "I guess I should kill you now, since you know too much. But then again, it wouldn't be much of a challenge. Ok, your choice: quick and painless, or slow and satisfying?" Sakura was left speechless on the ground, struggling to get back on her feet. "Good choice," Ares chuckled, Sakura having not made a choice at all, "slow and satisfying is a lot better."

Ares threw a shuriken into the air and just let it fall into Sakura's back. She screamed bloody murder, but Ares just laughed and continued to throw shuriken into the air. Three more fell into her back, forming a square with other one. "Now we're going to get fancy," Ares said with an arrogant smile. "Five shuriken, to form an "X" on your back. Remember, "X" marks the spot. That's where I'll make the final attack. In fact, I'll be nice and hit you with the "X" and my finishing jutsu at the same time. So you will only feel one immense pain, rather than two agonizing pains."

Ares threw the five shuriken into the air and then jumped up with them, making hand signs in the air. "Final Assault Jutsu: Tens Thousand Years of Death!" Ares called out as thousands of needles began to form around him from his chakra.

No, I can't move. Sakura continued to struggle on the ground, blood running down her sides. I'll never be able to see Sasuke again. Why? Why does it have to end this way? She saw the kunai begin their decent, and she knew she only had seconds left. Good-bye…Sasuke-kun. One tear ran down Sakura's cheek. "Sasuke-kun!"

"Lightning Edge: One Thousand Birds!" Sakura knew that voice, the voice of her guardian angel.

Chapter 6: New Mission, Kratos-sensei's True Power Revealed!

---

Sasuke ran into the cave and propelled off the wall, taking out the shuriken and hitting Ares out of the air. The chakra needles disappeared and Ares slammed into the wall. Sakashimi ran in afterwards and helped Sakura. "Are you alright, Sakura-kun," he asked as he pulled the shuriken out of her back and placed ointment in her wounds. "Yeah I'm fine Sakashimi, now that you and Sasuke are here."

"Well, picking on a defenseless girl?" Sasuke asked Ares. "What kind of a pathetic ninja are you?"

"Aren't we a mouthy one?" Ares sneered. "For your information, she promised to stop me at any cost and charged me first."

She attacked him? Sasuke thought, staring with amazement at the injured Sakura. Sakashimi was right. Sakura is more powerful than I give her credit for. Her bravery is incredible.

"I'm sorry if I hurt your girlfriend, but I can't allow anyone to stop me from my mission. I must find and eliminate a Missing-Nin who belongs to Konoki now."

"We can't let you get away with that. Sakashimi, I'm going to need some help if this guy's a Hunter-Nin."

"But I'm with Sakur…"

"Don't worry about Sakura, she's tough, she'll be alright," Sasuke said, smiling at Sakura.

Sakura just blushed and smiled back at him. She was ecstatic that Sasuke was finally noticing her and her abilities. "Thank you…Sasuke-kun," she whispered. Sakashimi jumped next to Sasuke and they prepared to take on Ares.

"I don't have time for this boys. So since you two will be fighting as a team, I'll just call for my team. Kurosaki! Teminaru! Sosame!" Three more Shroud shinobi jumped next to Ares. "This is my team of Hunter-Nin."

Kurosaki and Teminaru were fraternal twins. They were wearing full grey cloaks and kept their hoods down. Kurosaki had longer than his sister but spiked it up. Teminaru wore her hair straight down. Sosame wore a black cloak with her hood up, revealing just her face and bangs. Her beauty was amazing, and was actually one of her greatest weapons. All four Shroud ninja were Jonin, and Sakashimi new that. "Sasuke, there's no way we can beat them," he whispered to Sasuke.

"Of course you can't," Teminaru said. "We are the Shroud Four. There is no way we are going to be beaten by a couple of brats like you."

"Then what about me?"

Sasuke and Sakashimi were relieved by the voice they heard. It was Kratos, cat in hand. He walked over to Sakura and placed the cat next to her. "Sakashimi talk care of Sakura and the cat," he ordered. "Here is some medicine for their wounds, the cat's pretty beat up too." He handed Sakashimi a vile of some strange liquid that he had never seen before. "Sasuke, guard those three with your life. I'll take on these four." He stood up and began walking toward the Shroud Four as Sasuke jumped back to protect Sakura, Sakashimi, and the cat. "Oh and good news," he said looking back and winking, "you three are now part of an A-ranked mission."

The Genin were excited to part of such a high ranking mission, but were worried about their sensei. Especially when Ares spoke next. "You have a lot of guts Kratos. I can't believe you would actually show your face to Shroud's greatest hunting squad."

"I would be scared if you guys were an actual threat."

"That's some pretty big talk from a Missing-Nin!"

Sasuke couldn't believe it. Kratos was the Missing-Nin they were looking for. Sasuke knew Missing-Nin are immediately hunted down after they leave a village so they can't take the village's secrets with them. But he thought Kratos had lived in Konoki all of Sasuke's life. Why would they wait so long to come after him? Is he hiding something from us?

"I'm glad they sent you four out to get me," Kratos smirked. "Now I get to use all four jutsu in battle!"

Sasuke and Sakashimi both looked at each other in excitement. They were about to see the amazing skills of their ANBU sensei. Kratos put together three hand signs and a blade of shadows appeared in his left hand. Next he streamed together more hand signs. "Which of you guys has is the best at weapons combat?" "That would be me," Ares answered.

"Good." Kratos finished his hand signs. "Lance of the Blue Dragon!" A long lance made of chakra stretched from his blade and with incredible speed, pierced Ares' heart, killing him instantly. "Alright, who's next."

The newly formed Shroud Three just stared angrily at Kratos. They were going to avenge the murder of their leader. "We won't let you get away with your transgressions!" Teminaru shouted, as her and her brother charged it to attack. Kratos performed more hand signs, and Sasuke recognized them immediately.

"Sakashimi, I know that jutsu. Kratos-sensei used it on me during the Genin test."

"Are you sure?" Sakashimi asked as he and Sakura both prepared to witness the amazing jutsu.

"I'm positive. It's called…"

"Ultimate Taijutsu: Fury of the White Tiger!" Kratos shouted as he opened up the First Chakra Gate. His speed increased five fold. He attacked Teminaru and Kurosaki from four directions simultaneously, sending them into the air.

"This isn't the same jutsu he used on me," Sasuke whispered to himself in a worried tone.

Kratos opened up the Second and Third Gates and put all his force into two kicks that sent Kurosaki and Teminaru flying to the bottom of the cave. They created a giant crater when they struck the ground. They were bludgeoned, bloody, and could barely move, but they were still alive.

"Ple-…please…spare us…" Kurosaki said as he lied dying with his sister.

"I'd offer you mercy…," Kratos said looking down into the crater at his next two victims. "But the son of Tyranid offers no one mercy!" Kratos completed another set of hand signs. "Feathers of Suzaku: Crimson Death!" Thousands of feathers appeared above the crater. "Give my regards to Mozinaki…when you meet him in Hell!" The feathers descended upon the twins, exploding on impact, making the crater even larger.

"And then there was one," Kratos announced, staring at Sosame, death filling his gaze.

"Please Kratos…I beg of you…"

"Begging gets you nothing."

"But Kratos, remember when…"

"You have no idea how badly I've wanted to use this jutsu on you." Kratos finished off one last set off hand signs. "Wisdom of the Black Tortoise: Never-Ending Death!"

The three Genin looked in horror as Sosame screamed in agony. Kratos was destroying her from the inside out. Sosame fell to the ground, holding her head in pain. "Stop! Please Kratos! No more!" She howled, but it was too late, Kratos was lost in the jutsu. Blood began to run from Sosame's ears, then from her nose, and finally from her eyes. Sakura had seen enough; "Kratos-sensei!" She ran up to her sensei and hugged him from the back. "No more, please stop! She doesn't deserve this!"

Kratos snapped out his daze. He felt Sakura grabbing him, and he could feel her pain. He looked around the cave. Carnage and destruction filled his gaze. No, father…What have I become? What have you made me…? He passed out and fell to the ground. Sakura and the boys ran to catch him, but he was out cold. "Kratos-sensei? Kratos-sensei? Kratos-sama!"

Chapter 7: Kratos-sensei's Past is Out!

---

Kratos woke up two days later, lying motionless in a hospital bed. He could barely move any muscle in his body, and his memory of the events that transpired on the mountain two days prior were nothing more than an angry blur. For what seemed like hours, he sat lifelessly in his bed, no life passing by his room. In reality, he had only been awake for ten minutes before two people entered his room. "You've really done it now Kratos-san," a woman said as she began working on the various pieces of life support attached to Kratos. Then a man walked into the room behind her. "We've warned you before; never open more than the First Chakra Gate, or suffer the physical ramifications."

Kratos could recognize the two voices. It was his two superiors in the medical corps: Reika Nakamora and Ayake Senji. Reika was a beautiful woman in her mid-twenties. She had long blonde hair that she kept in a ponytail, dark blue eyes, and a body that would make any man turn to putty in her hands. Most of the time she was incredibly sweet, always helping those in need, even as a child. When crossed, however, she would use her super-human strength and extensive knowledge of jutsu to straighten everybody out.

Ayake seemed to be her polar opposite. He was an older man at 49. He wasn't handsome by any standards; his face was riddled with scars and war-torn from battles of old. His emotions had left his soul years ago and he only became a Medical-Nin because it helped make the village more efficient.

Both Reika and Ayake were the most experienced Medical-Nin in the entire corps, and Kratos realized one thing: he had to be in the intensive care units. "What happened to me Reika?" he finally managed to say.

"You took it too far again with your four jutsus," she said as she replaced his IV bag.

"How many Gates did I open this time?"

"Five," Ayake interjected. "In fact, if it wasn't for your students, you never would have made it out of those mountains alive."

"Oh, and I know how much you like to keep your face concealed, so I took the liberty of placing your Jonin mask and cap back on," Reika said with a smile

"Thanks Reika. You know me too well," Kratos managed to push out. Then he came to a terrifying conclusion. "My student's? What happened to them? Where are they?"

"Relax Kratos-san," Reika cooed as she fluffed his pillow. "They have been in the waiting room every day waiting for you. Would you like me to send them in?"

"If that's alright with them."

Reika went to the waiting room to pick up the kids while Ayake continue to check on Kratos' condition. "So…how long…will I be here?"

"If you're lucky, ten days. But I doubt even you could get of here in less than two weeks."

"What will happen to my Genin?"

"They will be placed under the care of Akari, your squad leader."

"And what about Gouryoku? I can't just leave him home…"

Just then, a large black blur ran into the room and jumped into the air. Kratos was unable to defend himself from the impending attack. "Gouryoku stop, down boy!" Kratos' wolf Gouryoku had jumped into bed with him and was relentlessly licking his face. The loyal canine had been alone for two days and was ecstatic to see his master once again.

"He really is a lovable mutt, isn't he Kratos-sensei?" a small voice said from the doorway.

"Ah, Sakura-chan. It's good to see you guys."

"Were just glad you're okay," Sakashimi said, walking into the room.

"You have no idea how grateful I am that you guys did this for me," Kratos said as he held back some tears.

"Don't go crying on us Kratos-sensei," Sasuke sneered from the window. "We can't have our brave leader losing his cool on us."

"Young man, get out of that window!" Ayake demanded. "If you want to visit, just go through the door like everybody else."

"Sorry sir."

The four Hushino squad mates caught up with the events that had transpired, helping Kratos remember what he had done in the cave. Sakura had a chilling tone in her voice, much like a child who had just seen a ghost. The boys seemed to be disheartened by their sensei's actions. Kratos himself was deeply disturbed that he had lost control…again. He tried to lighten the mood by switching the subject.

"So, how has Gouryoku been in my absence?"

"He's been a perfect wittle angel," Sakura mused while shaking the wolf's snout, while Gouryoku just lied next to his healing master.

"Why didn't you tell us you were a ninken trainer?" Sasuke asked.

"It was on my list of things I was going to tell you guys this week. You see I belong to three major groups: The Konoki Shadow ANBU Squad, the Elite Ninken Training Force, and the Konoki Medical Corps."

Sasuke and the others were quite impressed by their sensei's credentials.

"Wow, that's quite a résumé Kratos-sensei," Sakashimi stated.

"You must have been through a lot in your life," Sasuke wondered.

"Sasuke-san, you have no idea."

At that point, visiting hours were nearly over, and Ayake came in to tell the Genin just that.

"I'm sorry you three, but visiting hours are nearly over for the IC Unit."

"Ayake!" Kratos shouted with all the strength he could muster to catch Ayake as he turned to leave. "Allow Gouryoku and Sasuke to stay with me a little longer."

"Well, arrangements have been made to allow Gouryoku to stay with you and act as your body guard. But I can only give Sasuke one more hour."

"Fair enough. Sakura, Sakashimi thank you again. I hope to see you two again tomorrow."

"Try to keep us away," Sakashimi laughed as he and Sakura left the room.

A deathful silence filled the room. Kratos was mustering the strength to talk to Sasuke, while Sasuke himself was on pins and needles waiting for Kratos to speak. After what seemed like an hour, Kratos finally spoke.

"Sasuke, I know you're a very intelligent Genin, probably one of the smartest out of all the Genin. I know you understood who the Shroud Four were."

"They were Hunter-Nin. They said you were a Missing-Nin and you had to be eliminated."

"That is true. But one thing you probably haven't realized yet…is that I am not a former ninja of Shroud."

Sasuke was not very shocked. He had noticed the "Ω" symbol on Kratos' headband and knew it wasn't Shroud's. He was more intrigued by why four Shroud shinobi had been hunting his sensei.

"My father started a small hidden village, just outside the village of Shine. It was the Omega Village. And Tyranid Hushino, my father, was its Kage."

"So does that mean you're in line for the title of Kage in the Omega village?"

"I would be, if my father would allow it. You see, he assumed command of the village to make sure his dream was realized: to make a hidden village so powerful, all other village would be at its mercy. Omega never had many shinobi. In fact, only 27 shinobi have ever garnered this headband."

"How did your father expect to create a strong village with so little shinobi?"

"Rather than create strength in numbers, he wanted to train shinobi to become individual armies."

Sasuke was left speechless by that comment. He couldn't fathom an individual ninja being strong enough to take on an entire army by itself.

"My father, to this day, remains invincible. No other shinobi has the strength to defeat him. In fact the Kage of the Six Great Villages, along with their top ten Jonin, attacked my father all at once. He didn't receive one wound, and not one of their lives were spared."

"Th…that's…impossible. I thought they were killed in the Great War."

"No. That was just the most convenient cover-up. In fact, the Kage didn't tell their villages that they were attacking my father. They all said they were going to negotiate a peace treaty. The villages all just assumed the negotiations had broken down, and the war became even more violent."

Sasuke began to look like someone had stabbed him in the heart with a rusted knife.

"I was born five years after the Great War. I was to be my father's greatest warriors. When I was three, he marked my entire body with a large seal, which would be released when he saw fit. When my mother realized what he planned to do with me, she confronted him. My mother was one of the nine shinobi that belonged to the village at that time, the top warrior in my father's army. She too, however, was not strong enough to kill him. Using all four of his forbidden jutsu…he killed my mother."

"What?! What kind of a monster is he?"

"The worst kind Sasuke. The four jutsu you saw me use back in the cave, those were the forbidden jutsu that my father taught his shinobi. Once learned, the shinobi would become one of the most powerful ninja on the planet. Once mastered, the ninja would become invincible. My father never allowed anyone else to master the jutsu, out of fear that they would overtake his throne."

"So you haven't mastered those jutsu yet?"

"Actually, that's why I am here. See, the seal my dad had placed on me didn't last long. It was supposed to teach my body the four jutsu while I was a child, that way I could use them as soon as I began to train as a shinobi."

"Is that even possible?"

"Very possible. The only problem that my father didn't foresee was that my body ended up absorbing the seal."

"It absorbed the seal?"

"Yes. And within my body, the four jutsu took control. I could use the initial stages of both Fury of the White Tiger and Lance of the Blue Dragon by the time I was five. My father grew worried that I may master his jutsu and avenge the death of my mother and all of the innocent shinobi that he and his men killed."

"But how did you end up in Konoki."

"One day when I was six, my father took up to the peak of Mount Saiyara. He said 'one day Kratos, my son, this is where you will rule.' But what I didn't realize was that he meant my spirit would live within that mountain…after he killed me." Kratos gripped the sheets very tightly. Sasuke and Gouryoku could both feel the tremendous pain in Kratos' heart. "At that moment, he grabbed my arm and threw me off the side of the mountain. He screamed 'No one will take away my dream! No one!' I fell helplessly through the air. There was nothing I could do. Other than the jutsu, I had no ninja skills. I saw the jagged rocks at the foot of the mountain. They were the teeth of death. As I fell through the air, however, I heard a voice."

Kratos looked out the window and gazed at the stars for quite some time, completely lost in a trance. Sasuke did not know what to say. Anything he could think to say at that moment seemed meaningless.

"It was the voice of my mother. 'Fear not my son. I will never let death take you by your father's hand.' At that point, a mysterious purple chakra enveloped me. It took the shape of an eagle and flew me gently into the nearby forest. When I landed on the ground, I found myself within a pack of wolves."

Sasuke noticed that Gouryoku had looked up at Kratos. Is it possible that Gouryoku understands what Kratos-sensei is saying?

"The purple chakra didn't dissipate like you would think it would. Instead, it flowed in to a newborn wolf cub…"

"Gouryoku…"

"Exactly. I new the chakra was my mother's and that she had chosen that wolf cub to be my guardian…my strength!"

"Wait, how is that possible? That was 20 years ago. Gouryoku still seems like a puppy."

It's true that Gouryoku was still overflowing with energy. His tail was creating gale-force winds from him hearing his name so many times.

"I believe it is the work of the chakra. It has slowed Gouryoku's aging process so that we may grow up together. He has always been my source of strength. That is why I have named him Gouryoku ("Gouryoku" means "Herculean strength" in Japanese)."

"Wow, it must be wonderful to always have someone who cares about you," Sasuke said as he began petting the canine. "What's with his eyes?" Sasuke wondered, looking into the dog's pupil-less eyes.

"They are like that when he is in this form."

"He has another form?"

"Other forms."

"He can transform into multiple forms?"

"Of course. But that will have to wait for another time. Sasuke, I have something very important I must ask you."

"Anything Sensei. Please, let me help you."

"I know my father sent those Hunter-Nin after me. Up until know, I think he believed that I had died that day. Somehow, he has caught wind of my existence, and wishes to finish the job. Sasuke, I will no longer be training you in a traditional sense."

"So are you giving up your role as sensei in the village?"

"Not entirely. I am still going to train you, Sakura, and Sakashimi. I just won't be training you for the Chunin exam. You three have amazing skills already, and I will continue to teach you guys everything I know. Sakura has an amazing control over her chakra. It is better than yours and Sakashimi's combined."

I guess Sakashimi was right. Sakura is a great shinobi.

"I am going to train Sakura to become a Medical-Nin, to replace me as such."

"So she will handle all injuries in the squad?"

"Exactly. I won't be able to focus on medical problems during our training."

Sasuke began to wonder how great of a Medical-Nin Kratos really was. He was lying in a hospital bed, barely able to move.

"I will also train Sakamishi to become a Ninken trainer. I won't be able to continue training Gouryoku when our training becomes intense. Sakashimi will receive his own dog and will also be in charge of Gouryoku."

Sasuke just continued to listen to Kratos, but was also deep in thought. If he is trading his roles with us, what does he plan to do? What is he planning on teaching me? It's not like he could train me to be in an ANBU squad, I have to be invited. Besides, there is no training after you become an ANBU, except for general training to improve your skills. What could he be planning?

"Using my influences in Konoki, I am going to get you into my ANBU squad, under my direct supervision."

I guess he was going to make me an ANBU.

"This will give us access to all training facilities and resources so I can truly begin your training."

"What is it?"

Kratos took a deep breath. "You are free to reject my offer. I am not forcing you to do anything. Remember that."

Sasuke's heart began to race. He was anxious as to what Kratos could possibly teach him.

"I…I want…I want to teach you…" Gouryoku became restless and jumped onto the floor. Sasuke became just as restless inside, but remained perfectly still, awaiting Kratos' next words. "The Four Forbidden Jutsu of Omega!"

Chapter 8: Finishing Old Business before Starting New Training!

---

"I know Ayake," Reika said impatiently. "I do have more medical experience than you."

"I'm sorry Reika; it just seems like you've lost your touch with simpler jutsu."

Ayake and Reika had never seen eye-to-eye during medical crises. The last raid on Current had filled the Konoki medical center to the brim and the planned raids on Shine threatened to fill it past capacity. Ayake wanted to heal patients as quickly as possible so they could leave the hospital. The jutsu he used, however, led to painful recoveries that would still keep the patient out of commission for a few days, even though they would be in stable condition and out of the hospital. Reika believed that if shinobi had to be bedridden for days at a time, it would be best if they could stay in the protection of the medical unit and receive more pleasant treatment. When they entered Kratos' room, Ayake unfortunately got his wish.

"Shadow Binding Jutsu!" Kratos shouted from his ceiling. "Sorry guys, but the two of you should have known that you can't keep me locked up in a room all day." He and Gouryoku dropped from the ceiling. Gouryoku ran over to the window and sat down. Kratos began changing out of his hospital garments and bandages and began putting on his ANBU equipment.

"Where do you think you're going?" Ayake demanded, even though he was in no position to stop Kratos.

"I have some unfinished business I have to take care of."

Reika felt quite stupid for the blunder she had caused. It is not hospital practice to keep patients armor and equipment in the closet in their room; especially not with Kratos. He put on his forearm and shin protectors and grabbed for his katana then Reika tried to reason with him. "Kratos please don't do this." Kratos stopped getting ready but did not respond. "You have blood on your hands Kratos. You killed shinobi of an allied village. You killed them!"

Kratos put his katana into placed and put on his mask. He didn't move after that, seemingly in a trance.

"If you leave now…Konoki will not be able to protect you."

"Konoki can't help me." Then Kratos opened the window and he and Gouryoku jumped outside.

"No Kratos! Don't go!" But it was too late. "Ayake, I think we lost him."

"Should we tell his students?"

"No, not yet. They hold him in too high regards. It might crush them."

Sakura, Sakashimi, and Sasuke had no idea what their sensei had done earlier this morning. Sasuke had not told his squad mates what Kratos had told him; he wasn't even sure he wanted to know. Sakura had prepared a beautiful bouquet of flowers, while Sakashimi had brought some scrolls for meditation. When they arrived at the ICU, their hearts became heavy; especially Sasuke's.

"Reika-san! Ayake-san!" Sakura cried. "What happened? Where's Kratos-sensei?" Reika and Ayake were still caught in Kratos' jutsu.

"He caught us off guard," Ayake stammered. "We've been caught in his Shadow Bind Jutsu all morning."

"Hold on, I'll help you," Sakashimi said as he prepared a releasing jutsu. "Release!" Ayake and Reika had been standing in that position for so long, their bodies could no longer stand up. They both fell to the ground and the Genin ran to their aid.

"Where's Kratos-sama?" Sasuke demanded. "Tell me!" He shouted, shaking Ayake fiercely.

"He…said he…had unfinished business…"

"Sasuke-chan, Sakura-chan, Sakashimi-chan," Reika whispered. "Please, you must find Kratos-san and stop him."

"Where is he?" Sasuke asked, dropping Ayake back on the ground.

"He must be going after Raiyu. You must go to Shroud and find him before Kratos does."

"How do you expect us to do that?" Sakura asked. "We're only Genin."

"That's your trump card. Shroud is generally neutral right now. They wouldn't attack Genin from Konoki. And Raiyu doesn't have the greatest reputation in Shroud; he won't be protected by its citizens."

"Sakura-kun, go get a Medical-Nin and ask them to come help Ayake and Reika," Sasuke ordered. Sakura nodded and ran off. "Sakashimi, we must get Kratos-sama back."

"Kratos…sama?"

"Oh…" Damn it Sasuke! Don't reveal too much. You'll only worry them. "I just think of Kratos-sensei as more than just a teacher." Sakashimi is too clever, and so is Sakura. I'll have to be more careful with what I say.

Sakura returned with two Medical-Nin, and the three Genin ran off to prepare for their new mission.

Kratos and Gouryoku ran through the tree tops towards Shroud. In the time of peace, Kratos didn't want to be seen as suspicious, but he had to get away from Konoki as fast as possible. He and Gouryoku stopped in a large willow tree about three kilometers outside of the Village Hidden in Shroud. "Well Gouryoku, I think we've finally reached Missing-Nin." The wolf just whimpered and put his tail between his legs. Although he was a ninken, a ninja dog, Gouryoku was a very affectionate canine and had formed many bonds in Konoki. One bond in particular was with a young Chunin in Kratos' ANBU squad; Snow Kajin. She was a beautiful young lady who had an eye for Kratos. Though nobody else knew, since he hid his emotions so well, Gouryoku knew that Kratos had feelings for Snow too. Gouryoku had been trained to use scent to use hormones to distinguish others' emotions, and based off of Kratos pheromone levels when he was around Snow; Gouryoku knew that he truly loved her.

"I don't think I'm going to need this form any more Gouryoku," Kratos said as he formed a release hand sign. "I have to admit though; you do have a knack for transformations." Kratos had been using a form that Gouryoku had used to appear human in a mission long ago. Kratos liked the appearance so much, he adopted it as his own, making it harder for his hunters to find him. Now that his training had made him second only to the members of the Omega Village, he no longer had to fear his pursuers, nd could finally return to his true form. "Gouryoku, by now the children have found out that we have left the hospital. They will be coming after us in hopes of stopping me. Please undrstand, I must finish this once and for all. I'm going to need your help for this." Gouryoku perked up and knew exactly what his master was about to ask him.

"Howl...bark...no jutsu!" Gouryoku shouted. The mighty wolf had used a transformation jutsu to assume Kratos' newly believed form. "Kratos-sama, I will head back and put the kids at ease. Will I need another ninken to take my place?"

"It's probably best. Sakashimi and Sasuke are some of the sharpest Genin I have ever seen. If they had more genjutsu training, there's no doubt that they would see right through this plan."

"Don't worry master, have nearly perfected this jutsu," Gouryoku explained as he began stretching. "I look exactly like you, sound exactly like you, feel exactly like you, talk exactly like you do, and I have finally been able to change my smell to that of yours. Even Kachi's ninken squad couldn't recognize me."

"I knew I could count on you Gouryoku. Please get back to the village as quickly as possible. And don't use force...especially on Sasuke."

Back in the village, the Genin finished preparing for their retrieval mission. Sakura got some medicinefrom Reika for the journey, while Sakashimi bought all the necessary equipment and Sasuke finished preparing a strategy to be used. Sakura and Sakashimi met at the North Gate and waited for Sasuke to arrive. "Do you think we're going to get him back, Sakasimi-chan," Sakura asked in a disheartened tone.

"Of course we will Sakura-kun," he said, getting close to Sakura in an efffort to comfort her. "Kratos-sensei really cares about us. If we truly want him back, he will come back us."

"But there is no way we can force him back if he doesn't want to come. He is way too powerful for the three of us."

"But why would he harm us?"

"I don't think he would harm us...but if he could kill four hunter-nin, single-handedly, with only four jutsu, what chanc do we have?"

"Kratos-sensei would never kill us! And even if he attacked us, I would prtect you withmy life Sakura-kun. That is my promise to you!"

"Thank you Sakashimi-kun..."

The two of them sat in silence by the gate asthey waited for Sasuke, while Gouryoku rushed back to the village to intercept them. Sasuke finally arrived at the gate, only to be confused by the cry of Sakura:

"Kratos-snesei! You're back!"

"Hello Sakura. Sakashimi, Sasuke, I'm sorry if I worried you three," Gouryoku said with his head down and souding deeply distressed.

"Kratos-sama?," Sasuke askd as he approached the transformed wolf. "Where did you go? Why did you leave us so soon?"

"I didn't want to scare you three Sasuke. But I had to finish the problem with the Hunter-Nin, once and for all."

"I'm really glad you came back Kratos-sensei," Sakura cooed.

"Where is Gouryoku?" Sakashimi asked.

Gouryoku just stood there, his eyes deep with sorrow. Gouryoku was a terrific actor, and his tranformation were always completely believable. "I'm afraid...there was othing I could do." The three Genin stood in horror of what may have happened. "We were ambushed by a group of Hunter-Nin just outside Shroud. They hit Gouryoku in the neck with four kunai. I was able to kill them only using Feathers of Suzaku and Lance of the Blue Dragon, so I wouldn't incapacitate myself again. But I was too late to save Gouryoku..."

"No...Gouryoku..." Sakura whispered as she sat down on a rock, tears streaming down her face.

"This can't be, not Gouryoku," Sakashimi said in denial as he sat next to Sakura, trying to holdback his tear, like a true ninja.

Gouryoku just stood there, looking like he too was trying to hold back an immense amount of tears. Sasuke just chuckled with a smirk. "Very impressive," he finally interjected, "I almost believed you were Kratos-sama."

Impossible, did he figure out my disguise? Gouryoku thought to himself. No, no, he must just think I'm an enemy ninja.

"What are you talking about Sasuke?" Sakura asked. "Nobody but us, Rieka, and Ayake knew Kratos-sensei left. And only Gouryoku knew where he was."

"That's the point," Sasuke stated with a smile. "The only person who knows where Kratos-sama is, is Gouryoku. Isn't that right?" he directed at Gouryoku.

Who is this kid? Gouryoku thought. No Genin could figure out my disguise. The Konoki Shadow ANBU Squad haven't even figured it out. Gouryoku, Sakura, and Sakashimi just stood there in utter shock as Sasuke began to elaborate.

"You see Gouryoku, you made three key mistakes that tipped off your true identity. Your first mistake was forgetting Kratos-sama's skills as a Medical-Nin. When Kratos-sama was in the hospital, Rieka-san and I had a lot of in-depth conversations about him; one of which was the first time you and he arrived atthe village. The two of you were mistaken for enemies by the northern Sentinels, and they attacked you two. Kratos-sama was rendered helpless by a shadow binding technique and you were hit the neck with four kunai. Coincidence? I think not."

Gouryoku held his head in shame at his obvious blunder, but remained silent as Sasuke contined.

"Kratos-sama was helpless as he watched you die, a sight he could barely stand. Rieka was a sentinel at the time and realized you two weren't a threat, ordering him to be relesed while she called for medical attention for you. Kratos-sama could only watch helplessly as the Medical-corps tried to revive you. A successful attempt as we can now see. After that day, Kratos-sama vowed to become a great Medical-Nin to prevent that from happening again. His skills have improved so greatly now, that there is no weapon wound that he cannot heal; meaning he would have been able to revive you after dispatching the Hunters, which would have taken n tim at all with the two jutsu you mentioned."

Sakashimi was deeply impressed by Sasuke's comprehension skills, Sakura was in comlpete awe, and Gouryoku just sunk deeper into embarassement and shame.

"Your second mistake was to neglect your own abilities. Rieka told me about your training as well. After that incident, you heightened your senses to make you completely aware of you surroundings, so yu could never be caught off-guard. Then, you increased your speed and agility so that your reflexes could keep up with your new senses. This makes you virtually impossible to hit with a projectile weapon: let alone four. She also told me that you are now master of genjutsu. You transform into a human all the time to aid Kratos-sama in missions."

I can't believe this kid! How could he have figured all that out by remembering a conversation? His skills of interogationare amazing He's going to make a great ANBU shinobi.

"But your biggest mistake, your unexcusable mistake; you neglected to remember how much Kratos-sama truly loves you Goutyoku." Gouryoku eyes widened in horror of his terrible mistak. He's right... "He would give his own life for you. There is no way he would have made it back here without shedding a tear. He would have carried your dead body all the way back in his arms, looking for any help he coud find. He wold make sure you received a proper burial. Wouldn't he?" Gouryoku fell to his knees, eyes as wide as the moon, tears beggining to form. "Well? Wouldn't he?! Answer me damn it! Answer me!" Sasuke shouted as he shook Gouryoku by the collar.

Sasuke's rage had overwhelmed him and he pulled out a kunai in his excitement. "Answer me you son of a bitch!" He screamed as he raised his kunai.

"No Sasuke!" Sakura shouted as she tackled him fromthe side. "What do you think you're doing."

"Gouryoku, is that really you?" Sakashimi asked the sobbing wolf.

"Yes...it's me."

"Gouryoku-chan...?" Sakura wondered as she lay on top of Sasuke.

"Kratos-sama and I didn't want to worry you guys. So I used a tranformation jutsu t change into this form and stop you guys from going to Shroud."

"So Kratos-sama is going after Raiyu," Sasuke said as he threw Sakura off of him.

"Yes, but how did you..."

"Ayake and Rieka told us that was probably where he was going."

"Oh, of course. Sasuke you're right, my actions have been unforgiveable. I knew I shouldn't have left Kratos-sama to fight Raiyu-sama alone."

"Who is Raiyu-sama?' Sakura asked.

"There's no time to explain, we have to get to Shroud as quickly as possible," Gouryoku instructed. "I'll explain on the way; we have to get to Raiyu-sama before Kratos-sama does.

Goryoku got on all fours and took off into the trees. The three Gnin tried their hardest to keep up but it was quite difficult keeping up with the wolf. Kratos-sama, please forgive me. Gouryoku thought. We both know you can't take him on alone.

Kratos sat in a tree just outside of Shroud, monitering the movements of the sentinels. This is it Raiyu. Our rivalry ends today. My father's evil intentions will end by my hands; you will DIE by my blade!

Chapter 9: A Timeless Friendship Die!

---

Gouryoku led the Genin through the tree tops to maximize speed; but the Genin could barely keep up with the wolf-man. In order to better prepare the students for what was to come, Gouryoku slowed down to tell them the origins of Kratos' relationship with Raiyu. "So, who is this Raiyu-san?" Sasuke asked.

"Well kids, you see, Kratos-sama isn't the only Omega-born shinobi to be banished from the village," Gouryoku shouted, to reach the trailing Genin.

"What...do...you..mean? Sakura stammered, trying to keep up.

"Kratos-sama and Raiyu Kokuzoku were both Tyranid's most promising students. They had the ability to master the Four Jutsu at a very young age. When Tyranid informed them of this, he performedte sealing jutsu on each of them to prevent them from happening; even though he told hem it would increase hs power. You already know that Kratos-sama's body absorbed the seal, but Raiyu-sama's body completely rejected the seal. The jutsu left a mark, but it was utterly ineffective."

The three Genin looked in horror as Gouryoku confirmed he fear they all shared: "Raiyu can now master the Four Jutsu!"

Sasuke was simply moving by reflexes, as his mind was completely lost by the horrible news. How can we stop someone who is probably stronger than Kratos-sama?

"Kratos-sama and Raiyu-sama became bitter rivals after that and swore that one day one of them would be defated by the other and the winner would become Kage. Theywere rivals, but they were also insperable. They went everywhere together and were the best of friends. Tyranid had always overheard Raiyu-sama sayng that one ay he would become Kage, and divised a scheme to prevent that from ever happening. Two weeks before Tyranid planned on killing Kratos-sama, he banished Raiyu-sama from the village on grounds of treason. He planned on having him killed before he made it to any other village, but like Kratos-sama, he survived. Eventually, he made it to Shroud. Both Kratos-sama and Raiyu-sama were members of their villages ANBU squads. In one of thei earlier missions, they met up with each other and explained what Tyranid had done to them. Raiyu-sama was so upset, he swore revenge on Tyranid, which Kratos-sama had done as well, and then vowed to kill Kratos-sama to prevent him fom stealing his revenge from him. Ever since then, Raiyu-sama has enlisted the aid of Hunter-Nin and various ANBU members to bring down Kratos-sama, and Kratos-sama has been practicing his jutsu on them for years without ever going on the offensive. It appears now, Kratos-sama wants to end this rivalry, once and for all."

"Do you think Kratos-sensei can actually...kill...Raiyu-sama?" Sakura inquired.

"Of course he can, Sakura-chan!" Sasuke interjected. "There's no way Kratos-sama can lose to a coward that won't even fight him himself."

"I know Sasuke," she responded, trying to hold back tears, "but what if..."

"You can't have any doubts Sakura-kun," Sakashimi sternly told her. "We are only going to be moral support for Kratos-sensei; he doesn't need anybdies help."

"You got that right Sakshimi," Sasuke shouted.

If only I had your optimism Sakashimi, Gouryoku thought. Please don't anything foolish Kratos-sama, we're on our way.

Kratos stood over the bodies of his victims. "Medical training and surgical needles are perfect for taking out pesky sentinels," he said to himself. "I just wish they could have put up more of a fight." Kratos knew thirty-seven pessure points on the human body that can place the victim in a state of suspnded animation for hours. All eight of the sentinels appeared to be killed, not showing any signs of life, but the were perfectl fine. The next thing he had to do was infiltrate the village and find Raiyu. Sympathy is probably the best method. Using genjutsu, he made it appear as if he had man mortal wounds. He stubbled into the village, searching for somebody that would "help" him. It did not take long for the ramen shop owner to see the "dying" shinobi. "Sir?" she called out from behind the counter. "Are you alright sir? Sir?" Kratos pretended to faint, and the woman ran to his aid.

Gouryoku and the kids arrived at Shroud, greeted by a horrific sight; eight Jonin-level sentinels, dead at their feet. "It looks like Kratos-sensei isn't afraid of killing anybody who gets in his way," Sakashimi said, as Gouryoku inspected the bodies.

"Don't worry Sakasimi, they're playing possum," he stated.

"What do mean Gouryoku-sama?" Sakura asked, releived that the sentinels had not been killed.

"Kratos-sama knows where to place medical needles so the victim's body becomes devoid of any signs of life: movement, breathing, pulse, and even the pupils dialate."

"Wow, he's more skilled than I thought," Sasuke feignly said, knowing full well that Kratos' medical training and weapon kills made that very possible.

Gouryoku instructed the Genin to search the city for any signs of Kratos, returning to normal to maximize his senses to make searching easier.

Kratos wound up in the ramen shop owner's house; not a place he needed to be. "Are you feeling better sir?" she asked.

"Please, call me Kratos. And yes, I'm feeling fine now, but I need to find someone fast. I have a very important message to deliver."

"Well, who is it that you are looking for?"

"I am looking for Raiyu Kokuzoku. Do you know of him?"

"'Know of him?' He's my best customer!"

"Really? Do you know where he may be?"

"Uh...oh! He's probably at the ANBU headquarters training the new recruits."

"Thanks ma'am, I'll go right away." Kratos turned to leave and stopped in the doorway. "By the way, to whom do I owe my life?"

"Just call me Lumina," she said with a wink.

Kratos did not knw how to take her gesture, but it did not matter; he knew were his opponent was.

The three Genin met in the center of the city, all searches yielded nothing. Gouryoku met up with them, and they could tell by his face; they still had no leads.

Raiyu instructed his two new ANBU members in the arts and secrets of the ANBU Black Ops. "So, for now, we are mostly being used as the village's last line of defense when an alert is sounded. Take this peace time to train and hone your skills. I have a feeling war will be upon us again in no time; in fact...I'm hoping for it." The two trainees were a little startled by theircommander's lack of composier, but merely shrugged off the comment and turned to walk out of the head quarters.

Kratos threw two medical needles from the celing, piercing the two trainees in the neck between teir collar bones and trachea. He jumped down from the ceiling and confronted Raiyu. "It looks like they let anyone into the Shroud ANBU ops these days, huh body?"

"Kratos Hushino, I must say it's not a pleasure seeing your sorry face again," Raiyu said as he grabbed a shuriken from his back pouch.

"Likewise, traitor," Kratos said, pulling out two kunai.

"You're calling me the traitor? You were the one who wanted to kill your own father."

"To avenge my mother. You were willing to betray the entire village for your own selfish gain."

"I'm sorry you fell that way..." Raiyu paused for a second, and then without warning, threw the shuriken straight at Kratos' head. Kratos countered with his two kunai. In an attempt to add insult to injury, he threw one kunai at the bottom of the shuriken to send it upward and the scond kunai at the shuriken's new position; he hoped to hit Raiyu with his own weapon. Raiyu, however, was too quick and simply dodged the shuriken. "I'm glad to see your kunai skills haven't diminished over the years.

"Glad to see you are still as fast as ever."

"Let's do this the old way."

"Taijutsu first and first one to use nin- or genjutsu claims he is the inferior fighter?"

"Is there any other way?"

"I guess not." Kratos bent his knees and placed his hands in claws, dangling in front of him. "I'm going to have to use the Lone Wolf, for tradition's sake."

"You would. I on the other hand have evolved beyond using simple kid's stuff. I will go with Tyranid-sama personal style: Spirit of the Dragon!" Raiyu placed his feet in line with Kratos' body and plced his hands out front in the shaped of a dragon's head.

"Age before beauty," Kratos gestured.

"Good, I get to end this quick."

Gouryoku and the Genin had virtually given up on searching the large village. The ony areas they had not chacked yet were the areas that are off-limits to outsiders; such as the ANBU head quarters. Sakura had suggested they go to the ramen shop, Lumina's shop, which they passed on the way in to the village and get a bite to eat while they regrouped. "Cha! I can't believe we haven't found any leads yet!" Sakura exclaimed. "Not even Gouryoku found anything, and he's one of Konoki's best searching ninken."

"Don't worry Sakura, we will find him, and we will stop him," Sakashimi said as he drank therest of his broth.

"Don't count on it Sakashimi," Sasuke explained as he finished his ramen. "If Kratos-sama doesn't want us to find him...we won't."

"Cha! Sasuke! Why do you always have to be so negative?"

"I'm not being negative, I'm being realistic. Kratos-sama has more power than the four of us combined and has the ability to kill all four of us with little to no effort."

Lumina was not much of an eves-dropper, but she could not help but interject in that situation. "Excuse me, why are you looking for Kratos-san?"

"He our sensei ma'am," Sakura explained, "and we are trying to bring him home before he..."

"Shut up!" Sasuke yelled as he punched Sakura's head. "Never reveal more than you have to about your mission."

"Never strike your own teammate!" Sakashimi shouted, pushing Sasuke off of his chair.

"Please stop it you two," Sakura pleaded. "We're suppose to be a united trinity."

"Sorry Sakura-kun, I didn't mean to..."

"I forgive you Sasuke-kun."

Kratos struck Raiyu with a powerful punch, sending him into the wall. Raiyu realized that the offensive dragon stance might not have been the best choice against the balanced wolf stance, but he liked the challenge. Kratos came at him again, infusing chakra into his fist for more force. Raiyu countered with a chakra infused hand of his own and struck down on Kratos' arm, sending Kratos into the ground. He then roundhouse kicked Kratos, but Kratos used his chakra to hold on to the floor to prevent him from going into the wall. "I'll never let you win Raiyu!" Kratos pushed off from the ground and performed some hand signs in the air. He came at Raiyu so fast, it appeared that he hit him from four sides at once. "Lighning Combo," he shouted as he infused chakra into his fist and sent it straight into Raiyu' chest. Raiyu coughd up blood as he fell to the ground.

"Give up Raiyu, you know I've always been better with taijutsu."

"Don't make me laugh Kratos," Raiyu chuckled as he wiped the blood from his mouth. "I just always grew bored of usig nothing but taijutsu. I'd rather be crowned best fighter for beating you, not for using nothing but taijutsu." Raiyu performed a series of hand signs, as Kratos built up chakra in his hand until it became visible. "Blade of the Endless Void!" A sword appeared frm the shadows and Raiyu charged at Kratos with it.

"Lightning Edge!" Kratos used the chakra he had built up and ran at Raiyu. Raiyu swung down hard with the Chaos Blade and Kratos met it with his Chidori.

Lumina explained to the Genin that she had already met with Kratos. She told them that she informed him of where Raiyu was and he rushed off to go tellhim a mesage. She informed them of where to find him and Gouryoku took off towards the ANBU HQ. "Thank you Lumina-san, but we have to go," Sakashimi said as the three Genin ran off after Gouryoku.

Please wait for us master, Gouryoku thought. You won't be able to kill him without cost.

I'm coming Kratos-sama, Sasuke thought. I will help you destroy your enemies, even if it costs me my life.

Kratos and Raiyu laid at opposite ends of the room; it's walls where charred by the explosion of chakra that took place when they collided. "It...doesn't look like...we're getting...anywhere old friend," Raiyu stammered.

"Why don't...we stop waisting chakra...and finish this," Kratos declared as he stood up, performing hand signs as he rose. Raiyu followed suit and prepared to counter. Both shinobi finishe their series, and then shouted in unison: "First Gate open! Second Gate open! Ultimate Taijutsu: Fury of the White Tiger!"

Chapter 10: Battle of Kinjutsu!

---

Both shinobi attack with full force, using no defensive taijutsu. Kratos and Raiyu chose to open the first two chakra gates, increasing their strength, speed, and stamina, which allowed them to tolerate more pain. They did not, however, open the Third Gate, which would increase their reflexes, and their bodies could not keep up with each other's movements, forcing them to take every hit. Kratos launched Raiyu into the air, then forcefully struck him back towards the ground. Raiyu simply rebounded off the ground and kicked Kratos even further into the air and knocking him into the ceiling. Kratos and Raiyu matched each other punch for punch, kick for kick, blow for blow. Neither shinobi could strike the other one with enough force to shift the tide of battle. They each opened up the Fifth Gate to greatly increase their speed. Their strikes became fast and vicious, moving nearly the speed of sound. Eventually, the two shinobi stopped their attacks and faced eachother from across the room; they were beaten and breathless. "We are too evenly matched Kratos, we'll have to move on." Kratos did not respond, he simply looked intently at his enemy, pulling out a kunai. Raiyu did the same. The two ninjas put togther another series of hand signs, causing chakra infused water to build up around the blades of their kunai. "Lance of the Blue Dragon!"

The three Genin met up with Gouryoku at the entrance of the ANBU HQ, only to meet an unfortunate obstacle. "How is the door locked?" Sakashimi asked. "Kratos-sensei got in and this is the only way in."

"Maybe he got in through a window, or through the roof," Sakura suggested,

"Impossibe, all ANBU HQ's have only one entrance so less defenses have to be placed inside," Sakasimi explained.

Gouryoku howled a grueling howl and began bashing the door, all in vain.

Kratos' and Raiyu's lances met at the tip. Once again they were caught in a stalemate with no clear victor. They jumped back from each other and used the physical characteristics of water and chakra to serpintine their lanced throughout the room. Both shinobi had to not only control their own lance, but also focus on avoiding their opponents lance. Their lances eventually snaked around the entire room, cornering the two on opposite sides of the room. With nowhere to run, both ninjas were struck by the full force of the attack. When they were struck, they lost their concentration and the lances faded away. "You will die by my hand Raiyu, even if I have to open all Eight!"

"Gouryoku that's enough!" Sakura shouted. "We cannot get in. The door is sealed with a chakra barrier."

The winded wolf fell to the ground. Gouryoku had no idea what he could to open the door. He did not know any ANBU level releasing jutsu, and the Genin only knew the basic-level genjutsu defense.

"Feathers of Suzaku: Crimson Death!" Kratos and Raiyu became surrounded by by thousands of red feathers. "This is where it ends Kratos!" "You're right Raiyu, this is where I'll kill you!" The two sent the feathers surrounding thm at their opponent. The feathersall began colliding in the air, exploding on impact. A giant fireball formed from the explosions and sent Kratos and Raiyu fying throuh the air and into the surrounding walls.

"What was that?" Sakashimi asked.

"It came from inside the building," Sakura said. "It sounded like...Oh no!"

"What? What is it?"

"Kratos-sensei used that feather jutsu. He must be getting desperate, we don't have much time!"

Sasuke was not going to sit by and let his master die. He collected chakra in his hand until it glowed deep blue. The n he charged at the door with all of his speed: "Chidori: Lightning Blade!"

Kratos and Raiyu could barely move, their bodies were starting to give out. "It looks like we're down to one last jutsu Kratos."

"I only need one more jutsu to kill you Raiyu. Now is your last chance o beg for forgiveness and plead for mercy."

"Don't make me laugh Kratos. Why wouldn't I use Master's favorite jutsu?"

"Then I am sorry for what I am going to do Raiyu. You are truly a formidable opponent and you were a hell of a friend. I will always treausre our time together."

"Always the friend, even as death draws near."

Kratos and Raiyu prepared their final jutsu: "Wisdom of the Black Tortoise: Never-Ending Death!" Both shinobi were hit by the jutsu. They could feel their bodies being destryoed from the inside out. As thir bodies began to decay, it became harder to hold on to the jutsu. Kratos, however, did not need to concentrate. "Raiyu, you have always been a fool," Kratos said as he formed more hand signs. "Never attack your opponent with the same jutsu they're using."

Sasuke was able to destroy the door and the four rushed in to aid Kratos. They were too late to help Kratos, but not too late to see the horror unfold again. "Feathers of Suzaku!" They watched as Kratos struggled in pain as thousands of crimson feathers descended upon Raiyu, completely incinerating him in the coinciding explosion. The three Genin were stopped in their tracks, especially Sakura, who hated envisioning her sensei as a cold-blooded murderer. Gouryoku, however, ran to his master's side. Kratos had falling unconscious, and Gouryoku tried to awaken him. Sasuke was the first to snap out of his trance and he ran to Kratos' side. Sakashimi was second, but he walked up to his sensei, tramatized by seeing death caused by the hands of his sensei for the second time. For some reason, Sakura was drawn to the charred remains of Raiyu. Although she hated seeing her senei kill, she had to see his dirty work first hand. When she reached the body, she broke don crying. "Why Kratos-sensei? Why do you do this? How could you do this? You aren't Death's Leiutenant!"

Kratos awoken the next morning. He was greeted by five faces he couldn't be happier to see: Gouryoku, Sasuke, Sakashimi, Sakura, and most comforting of all, Snow Kajin. "Snow? Where did youcome from?"

"She's been with you all night," Sakura began to explain. "We met up with your squad as we came back to the village. Snow took brought you back here and stayed by your side all night with Gouryoku."

"I can't lose you Kratos," Snow said softly through her crying. "You are too precious to me."

"I'm glad to hear that Snow."

Kratos and Snow were left alone in the room. The two poured their hearts out to each other. Kratos explained his ambitions and Snow vowed to help him defeat his father, become Kage, and establish Omega as a powerful and respectable village. While Snow and Kratos talked, Sasuke told Sakura and Sakashimi what Kratos had told him in the hospital. Suprisingly, the two were fully prepared to take on their responsibilities.

One week later, Kratos met up with Snow and his team. "Well guys, it's time we began our training."

"We're ready Kratos-kun, we give you our lives and our hearts," Snow declared.

"Kratos-sama, lead us to glory," Sasuke said as he he placed his new ANBU mask on.

"I want to become the greatest Medical-Nin in history, so I can one day end the suffering shinobi face in battle," Sakura vowed.

"Joufu and I will become as great a team as you and Gouryoku," Sakashimi said as his young wolf barked.

"Let it be known, the newly formed Alpha Squad will become the most fiercesome force in all the land," Kratos announced.

The members of the Alpha Squad looked on to the sunset, watching as this phase of their lives ended, and a new chapter began. I will avenge you mother, and I will bring you back...one day...I promise!