Border of Phantasms, Yakumo Yukari!

"So you're saying I can't do what I did with Mokou ever again?"

"Not exactly", Ran said. "I've taken the liberty to go through your memories-"

"Wait, you did what?"

"-and discovered that you had a rather an unusual technique. This shadow clone… I believe we can possess and use them as a medium just we as can with you. Possibly better due to the fact that they're partially incorporeal."

"What's that got to with anything?"

"Naruto, the reason why we're having such an issue connecting is due to the fact that… well…"

"Huh? What's the problem?"

"You lack certain anatomy that we have."

"What the heck does that mean?"

"IT MEANS YOU DON'T GOT NO BOOBS OR A VAGINA, KIDDO!"

"Mokou! Language!"

They were currently meeting within the epicenter of Naruto's mind. The multi-tailed fox had finished discussing the current situation as well as giving him a tour of his own mindscape. The mental space they were in appeared to be a large open field, reminiscent of that of a prairie. Above them were numerous floating doors, each leading to another imprint within their own private piece of Naruto's psyche. Mokou sat atop of hers, a bamboo door with no handle and was covered in charred black marks.

Tilting his head to the side, Naruto scrunched his face in confusion. "So that means it'd work better as a girl? Why's that?"

Palming her face while the red clad immortal fell off her door in laughter, Ran went on. "It's because the magic would flow more smoothly if the body matched that of its possessor's form. The better the match, the better the possession. Combining that with the immaterial shadow clones, we now can have multiple and stable bodies to reside in."

Mokou stifled herself at the thought of access to the outside world and all of the possibilities of the idea. And with it, all of its limitations. "Wait, doesn't mean those 'multiple and stable bodies' won't be stable at all? One good hit would take 'em out, right?"

Ran raised an eyebrow at the question. "True, but it's better than the alternative of us only being able to experience this world though the actual body. And I see that I'm not the only one invading our host's privacy."

Said host was staring at the both of them with a gaping expression. "Why the hell do people keep looking into my head? First that Satori lady, now you two!"

"Hm, I think this will do fine, Naruto-kun. Not only will this increase our work force, they will also be at ease when it comes to working with your new acquaintances."

"Thanks Jiji. I can't take all the credit though, Ran came up with most of stuff, she really thought this out before hand."

The aged leader straightened the papers lain on his desk before filing them away for his secretary later to collect. "Now, onto another matter. I believe we have yet to resolve the issue on what you are to do for your career. Due to your abilities, I think it would be a shame to restrict someone such as yourself to mediocre D-ranked missions like your former classmates."

"Hm, I certainly hope so. It'd be hopelessly dull if you were to do so. After all, it's so rare to get a chance to find such entertainment."

Both looked up towards the ceiling to see a woman looking down at them. Amber eyes glowed with mirth and amusement at the two baffled below her. A white mop hat with a large red ribbon held coiled blonde hair unnaturally as she hung upside down. She wore a white frilled dress, with a purple gi like cloth as the centerpiece. It was mainly purple with red trigram symbols at the torso area and downwards. At bottom, a red and purple yin-yang ball pattern is seen. She hung from thin strip of questionable space, held open by a pair of red ribbons. The strip appeared to be a gap into a pseudo-space, yet she could touch it as it were a tangible object.

"My dear Ran, how goes the operation?"

Sarutobi looked at where Naruto was to see he had already gone through with on his changes. Yellow fox ears and tails sprouted from his body and his facial features became somewhat more feral. "All as you requested, Yukari-sama. The estimated time of arrival of all the others shall be earlier than anticipated."

Hiruzen's eyes widened at the name. Yakumo Yukari… Naruto had already told him of this woman's abilities and influence. Sweat beaded from his brow at the implications this brought about. This woman… she's a dangerous one.

Yukari's grin widened as she straightened upwards, now sitting on the gap. Pulling an oriental folding fan from her sleeve, she unfolded and pulled it before her face. "Hohoho, and anything else to be noted of?"

Ran nodded. "Hai, this body has a skill that is unlike that I have seen from Gensokyo. They call it Shadow Clone technique. Rather than just making corporal clones, they are semi-corporal; able to change their shape with a few adjustments. Not only that, they also transfer all the memories of its actions before dispelling and can be produced to mass amounts."

The Sage of Gensokyo's eyes widened. This brings her plans to much newer heights. And judging by Ran's fanged grin, she knew it as well. Chuckling, she mused over the prospect. "Ran, I trust you can handle this on your own accord?"

"Hai, Yukari-sama."

She turned to the silent man, amused by how serious he was by the whole situation. "And do you have anything to say at all? You've been quite dull throughout this whole conversation. It's not fun to talk to a brick wall, you know?"

Hiruzen narrowed his eyes at the quip. "Yukari-dono, your vassal has explained to me of your significance and I am fully aware of what you're capable of. Even I were to comment at the matter at hand, I doubt I could sway your opinion."

Sneering behind the fan, she closed the fan and withdrew into her sleeve. She then proceeded to clap slowly, each sound drawn out and mocking. "At least you aren't senile, you know of your role. That's good to know. After all, we can't have humans like you getting too big of an ego. Well, I'm off. Even if you're not the Ran, you're still my Ran. Do not disappoint me."

"I will do what is expected of me, Yukari-sama."

The gap Yukari was sitting on grew larger until it enveloped her whole figure. The ribbons on the both sides gave away and the folds in the air shifted back into place.

"Ino-Pig!"

"Billboard Brow!"

It had been a week after the graduation exams, and all the newly made genin-to-be had gathered at their former classrooms to be made into their new cells. All were assembled into their former classroom, anticipating the soon to be good or bad news. The sliding door opened and a woman they had never seen before had entered the room. Her straight white hair with light lavender highlights reached to her waist. Above it sat a blue pagoda-like hat, the top tied with a large red ribbon. Her dress was dyed a dark shade of blue with white sleeves that reached to her elbows. The collar was a lighter blue with a red ribbon tied to the bottom of it. Under her arm was a clipboard and pen.

Clearing her throat, the fight between the two girls ceased and both stifled themselves to sit down. Walking over to the podium at the center of the room, the woman placed the clipboard down.

"Due to some misfortunate events, neither Iruka-sensei nor Mizuki-sensei will be able to attend today. I am Kamishirasawa Keine and I shall be announcing your new Genin cells within a moment. But first…" Flipping over a paper on the clipboard, she cleared her throat once more. "Congratulations, you have all made your first steps into your careers as a shinobi. From here, you shall be divided into three-man teams under the supervision of your respective Jonin-sensei. The will of fire of your generation will burn bright through the troubled times ahead and your comrades of Konoha wish you luck upon your endeavors. Make this village proud to call you its citizens and protectors!"

The class clapped at the initiatory speech and settled once more. Seeing this, Keine flipped the paper again. "Now then, Team 1 is…"

And that's Chapter 4.