Hmmmm I wonder who these mysterious strangers are...? Should be interesting- no?
I've got group pictures up on my deviantart account - whispersofduskshade . deviantart . com - here shortly I will be working on individual shots, to better show their nin-wear ((which they'll be "shopping for" next chapter or the one after? Not too sure yet. ))
Just a reminder as to what time we're in. This takes place after Naruto leaves with Jiraiya, but before Shippuden. So during the time-between the two series. ((Hence why Sakura doesn't know Tenzou/Yamato~ ))
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto does.
I however own the 6 female OC's found within!
((That reminds me- another thing that will surface next chapter will be names! No longer will it be 'brunette' or 'raven-haired'. I swear- they have names!))
OH! And speaking of swearing. The Raven-haired female has quite the mouth- so profanity is to be found! You've been warned~
Now, please- enjoy!
Tenzou stood outside the hospital wing, still as stone—waiting. Ever since he had brought back the women he had found in the abandon facility, his mind kept racing in a million different directions.
Somehow—all six were still alive.
Somehow—that first one knew it.
None of them had yet to speak a word since, and it was slightly aggravating. He had so many questions for them—all of them—but most importantly, questions for the raven-haired one. The masked ANBU was so deep in thought he wasn't aware of the door opening or the nurses passing by, until a pink-haired kunoichi stopped in front of him.
"Keep an eye on them? I just need to let Lady Tsunade know the results," Sakura asked, and he gave her a silent nod of agreement. As she walked away, Tenzou shook his head to clear his mind and focused on the task at hand.
'I am an ANBU first and foremost. I can't get caught up in other… other things….'
0o0o0o
"Lady Tsunade?" The older woman looked up from her stack of papers- the frown of annoyance disappearing when she saw the opportunity for distraction.
"Yes, Sakura—come on in."
"The other nurses and I have finished the examinations of the six females that the ANBU operative found."
"What can you tell me?"
"Aside from the unusual marks they all share; each seem like your average person. Due to being left in those containers for who knows how long—each have a few health concerns, but nothing that can't heal with time and proper medicines."
"Anything about those marks?"
"Not that we could tell. Though…." Sakura trailed off, uncertain of herself.
"What is it?"
"Well, during the examinations—it felt like there was an unusual pull of chakra towards the marks. Nothing for concern, just a bit... unusual I suppose."
"Unusual indeed. Anything else?"
"No," Sakura shook her head, and with a small smile," With proper re-training they could potentially be wonderful kunoichi. Makes me wonder what they were like before Orochimaru got to them."
"Indeed… Thank you." Sakura bowed respectfully and left, leaving Tsunade to her thoughts—until Shizune came in with another small stack of papers.
"Did Sakura finish with the examinations then?" Shizune asked, as she placed the papers on the corner of Tsunade's desk.
"She did," Tsunade nodded, thinking things through as she voiced them," Do you think it would be wise to train them to become Kunoichi?" Shizune's eyes widened in slight surprise at being asked her opinion.
"Well, I don't see the harm…" Shizune started, carefully choosing her words," What more danger could it be—then when Naruto was a child and let become a shinobi himself?" Tsunade had to admit—her assistant had a point.
Naruto—who most everyone in the village knew was the Nine-tails Jinjurikki—was allowed to train and grow up becoming a ninja.
These six individuals had a life before Orochimaru. They could have been wonderful kunoichi for whatever village they were from.
Or they could have been cold-hearted killers.
There was only one way to figure out who they were— and once she could answer that, then perhaps she would have her answer.
"Shizune, let Inoichi and Shikaku know that we're going to need their… skills."
"Right away, Lady Tsunade," Shizune bowed, racing out of the room—Ton Ton in tow.
"Tenzou!" Tsunade barked, as the masked shinobi appeared in a puff of smoke.
"Yes, Lady Tsunade?"
"I'd like you to escort the six to the lower level, here."
"Understood."
Just like that—he was gone; leaving Konoha's princess to her thoughts.
"It can't be too bad…... Then again, it's Orochimaru we're talking about."
0o0o0o
Tenzou stood outside the closed Hospital room door for some time before he knocked. He didn't understand why, but a part of him felt nervous. The Raven couldn't be the cause of it.
Could she?
Shaking his head, Tenzou rose his hand and gave a brief knock on the door- then opened it cautiously.
"Err…." He murmured, and after clearing his throat," Lady Hokage wishes for me to escort you to her building."
Ba-thump.
His heart jumped when the Raven's brown eyes connected with his own. Grateful he was, that she couldn't hear it, or see his face for that matter.
"Wishes to see us?" She questioned as she stood up," Did we do something wrong? Is there a medical issue?"
"Not that I am aware of. Lady Hokage does not discuss these things with me."
The Raven nodded as she looked at the three girls near her. The brunettes all looked at her, as if judging her reaction. "I… I guess we haven't a choice, really…."
"Of course we have a choice!" Everyone turned to look at the blonde standing near the window. She placed her hands on her hips and frowned in annoyance. "I don't know who you people think you are—but you can't just order us around!"
"Would you shut up already!" The Raven exclaimed," These people saved our lives! Without them, your sorry ass would still be in that container, shriveling up like a dried prune!"
The two glared at each other until the blonde huffed, looking away- as the Raven turned to respond to Tenzou.
"Sorry about her. Don't know what bit her in the ass, but she's been like that ever since we woke up this morning. Please—lead us to wherever it is we are asked to appear. We will follow. ALL of us." With the emphasis on all- the blonde frowned in distaste, as the red haired woman looked between the two- uncertain of what to do.
"Very well. Please, follow me." As the brunet ANBU turned away from them, he had to keep from chuckling aloud from the scene he had just witnessed. "This may turn out to be a rather…. Interesting time…"
0o0o0o0o
Just as he had said- the masked man had led them to a different building, and into an empty room.
Then just left them there with a simple, "Lady Hokage will be with you shortly."
That was close to an hour ago. It wouldn't have been so bad for everyone—if a certain blonde didn't have to constantly complain. Just when the Raven was about to stalk over to her and strangle her- the door opened. The group watched as a lady walked in, followed by four people- including the masked man that had brought them here.
"I am Tsunade- the Hokage of Konohagakure. I'd welcome you to the village, but you may not be staying."
"Why not?" The red-head asked, but it was the Raven who answered.
"You don't trust us." The statement was blatant- and surprised most- but Tsunade nodded once.
"Well—we don't trust you either, so why would we even want to stay?" Eyes turned to the blonde, as she stepped a few feet forward.
"Where else are you going to go?" The Raven demanded, narrowing her eyes in annoyance," Go ahead—please, go home! Let us know when you make it, will ya? Or don't—I really don't give a damn either way."
"Why you-"
"Enough," Tsunade interrupted, a slight smirk on her face, "You all have the option of staying—but even if you choose to leave, I must have some answers."
"Good luck," one of the brunettes replied," We don't even have answers for ourselves."
"No matter. I have talented shinobi- two of which I brought with me- that can find answers. Even answers you don't want us to know."
Shivers ran down each of their spines, as a feeling of unease was apparent.
"Is there a problem with that?" Tsunade asked, noting the change in demeanor in all of them. The blonde instantly spoke up, before anyone had a chance.
"A problem with that?! Of course there is! That's an invasion of privacy! You can't—"
"Would you shut up?! They need answers—we need answers! Or do you not care that everything is a fucking blank!?"
"Don't tell me what to do!"
"I will if I want—so stop running your mouth!" As the two made to run at each other, Tsunade turned to the man beside her and gave a curt nod. Instantly, he knelt down and placed his hands together. The shadows on the ground raced towards girls- and as soon as it collided with their individual shadows, both instantly stopped- mere inches from one another.
"That will be enough. Now, Shikaku will keep the peace—and Inoichi will delve into your minds. Who would like to go first?" Tsunade asked, cocking her head to the side in amusement. No one spoke, as the silence fell around them all. Then—
"I will."
All eyes turned to the Raven, as she looked into Tsunade's eyes. The Hokage could see determination mingling with slight fear in her eyes.
"Very well. We will begin then," Tsunade nodded," Shikaku, go ahead and release her. Inoichi, go ahead."
The blonde man stepped towards the Raven, as she felt her body be released. Glaring at the blonde, she turned around to face Inoichi as he stopped in front of her.
"Please, sit on the floor. That way you won't fall after and hurt yourself." With a nod, she sat down- crossing her legs and waited. He knelt before her, and placed a palm against her forehead- and before she knew it, he was inside her mind. A part of her—her subconscious—could feel him, as he delved into the information hidden deep with her mind.
Minutes ticked by as the rest of the group watched, anticipation of what Inoichi would find. Then, suddenly- the older man jumped back as if he had been bitten, his hand quickly leaving her forehead. Inoichi's blue eyes were wide, as he quickly worked to compose himself. The Raven opened her eyes and looked around; when her eyes met his, she became confused- yet at the same time, somehow she knew.
"I'm not supposed to know all that…. Am I?"
"Inoichi—what happened?" Tsunade asked, concerned.
"Eh-hmm," Inoichi cleared his throat," She… she knows. Things that most of us probably didn't."
"What kind of things?" The Hokage's eyes narrowed, as she looked at the raven, who was still sitting on the floor.
"Things that have happened in the past. Between Lord Hashirama and Madara… Lord Sarutobi and Orochimaru…. Anything that's happened…. She knows."
"Very well. Take a moment," Tsunade said, turning to Shizune and taking the clipboard from her," Write down some quick notes. Then we need to scan the rest of them." Inoichi nodded as he accepted the clipboard, quickly jotting down notes. Tsunade turned to the other 5 girls, curiosity growing.
"So who's next?"