Authors Note: Had to deal with a few bumps in life, but I was able to finish it in a decent amount of time in my opinion. Hope y'all enjoy.

Ezeakel: There will be intersections, as for obsession. No.

Orchestra Of Order, YamiSlade, wtfman12, and KunaiKyuubi77: I'm happy all of y'all are interested and enjoying the story. I hope this new chapter will continue to entertain you all.

Heyimgay: ...Glad you like it, honestly not sure how to respond to the rest.


Thud after thud wrung out in a snowy field as young boy actively engaged in a meticulous activity. Strike after strike; the child hit a post with three juts of wood protruding from it. The only protection provided to his limbs being the rope wrapped around its exterior. To the side stood none other than Waki, observing his every move so that he may correct any attack he laid onto the stud. The child had been put off by the initial request, the activity seeming strange and tedious. Weeks had come and gone, his progress and capability steadily improving.

'The lad may not be able to see it, but the exercise is bearing fruit. Even now he is becoming accustomed to lashing out.' The bushman glanced over to his side to find Hana hard at work improving herself as well. Within her palm lay a small pile of earth, one she had been tasked to shape. Refocusing on the child before him, the mountaineer called out to him.

"Lad, that's enough for now. Come here." A look of relief came over Akira, having believed that he'd finished for the day. The older man chuckled, knowing full well that he is about to cause him a small deal of displeasure. "I don't know why you're taking a break; we aren't done just yet." The boy whipped around in surprise. "What, but. But, I finished!" He emphasized by pointing his fingers at the old post. "Oh, and who told you that?" The boy went on to argue till he realized it wouldn't lead him anywhere. With a pout, he walked over without another word. "You're getting smarter."

"You may not have understood the purpose of the exercise, but you will soon." Having come to a decision days ago, about revealing his aptitude to a specific elemental skillset, Waki extended his arm. Fascination is all that is felt in the little clearing, as a seed is converted into a wooden mass. Its branches and roots congregated to form limbs. The process continued till the sapling developed into humanoid figure made of timber.

Hana's eyes widened at witnessing a lost ability be portrayed with such ease. Akira stepped back, warry at the new development. Waki followed the boy, allowing for his creation to finalize its formation. Looking down to the child by his side, he rested a palm on his shoulder. The child turned his eyes up, searching for an answer to the creature's purpose. "This my dear lad will show you the reason behind your training."

Trotting away from the two, he stood in a relaxed stance in front of the figure. Then without warning, the fiend struck out with a lignin-rich fist. A cry of horror wrung out from Akira's lips, initiating Hana to act. Pulling the boy behind her body, the two were able to witness the astonishing display of ferocity.

Waki hindered the limb with the forearm of his own, and consequently hammer fisting the arms joint with his free hand. The creature screeched yet is suddenly silenced by a quick elbow to its jaw. The robust impact shattering its lower chin into splinters and pulp.

Staggering back to regain its footing, the cretin threw out an overhead slash. The Senju redirected the attack to the side, forcing its momentum forward. Now at its side in a semi-crouched orientation, the bushman cratered the creature's sternum in with a left haymaker.

The power behind the punch launching the beast a foot before he grappled a hold of its limp arm with his own. The sharp tug that followed severed a few cellulose ligaments and halting its flight. Waki plowed his fist through its side, carving out half of its torso. With the structural integrity of its midsection hindered, the mountaineer took hold of either part. With a horrendous cry, the fiend is torn asunder. Its two halves falling to the snow.

Its upper half called out in anguish as timber given life tried to piece itself together. With a well-placed foot, atop of the creature's head, its voice muffled by the surrounding snow. Then without warning, a loud crunch further astonished the silent pair.

Waki walked away from still pieces of lumber, stopping to kneel in front of Akira. "Come here, lad." Having never seen such a brutal disposition shown by his caretaker shook the boy to his core. Hana seeing that the fight had been instructional, placed a gentle hand on Akira's head. "It's. It's ok hun, Waki was just showing you taijutsu." Lightly caressing his head through his blond locks, hoping to ease his fear.

"Taijutsu?" The blue-eyed child turned his attention to the post to the right of them. "Yes lad, Taijutsu. It is an art of combat. One that solely uses your body and turns it into a weapon." Waki motioned for the boy to make his way over to him. With a hesitant set of steps, he found himself in front of the bearded man. "Like Kunai?"

The man chuckled at the comparison. "Yes, just like a kunai." Taking hold of the child's hand into his, the bushman held them up to him. "These my boy will be your kunai's." Releasing his hands, Waki pointed and tapped the center of his chest. "No, they will become swords. I will forge them into the mightiest of swords." The boy's eyes widened at the symbolic statement, having seen the weapon in the picture books. The thought of becoming something strong enough to vanquish such foes overtook his mind.

However, the image of a rabid coyote encircled his mind. Fear entered his heart, yet the promise of strength brought about hope. The mere prospect of having a portion of the power Waki had displayed took away his anxiety. "Promise." Waki clutched the back of his head and pressed their foreheads together. "I promise lad."

Separating, the bushman stood to his full height. "Ready yourself Akira, it is time you fully embrace the art." The boy stepped forward, prepared to take on whatever stood in the way. Hana felt a small pain of guilt at not halting the activity. Training ensured injury, but the harm is necessary if someone wanted to learn the art. So she stayed herself, yet worry pierced her soul anyway.

Nonetheless, another troubling note wriggled itself in, Waki's control over nature adding to her suspicion. 'Who are you? How can you harness that power?' In the midst of aiding Akira in performing a push-up, he could sense a pair of skeptical eyes analyzing him from behind. 'It was bound to come out eventually, now how to deal with it.' Choosing to push the issue aside, Waki went back to instructing the child in strength training.

Shimura gradually advanced to the second floor of Konoha's capital building. Every tap of his cane resounding across the cedar floorboards till he arrived at Konoha's Congressional Hall. Glancing up, the elder took note of the pair of Anbu standing guard at the entrance. "Welcome, Director Shimura," Danzo addressed the sentry with a curt nod.

Upon entering, he took in the moderate congressional room and the few occupants already residing within it. Locating his position amongst the executive seats, he waited for the chamber to fill with the countries representatives. 'Kinoto, what has become of you?' Weeks have come and gone without any form of a report from the Huntsman.

'Something must have gone wrong.' The thought of losing such an integral asset wounded the man. The soldier had been one of his most treasured tools. A mere utterance of a child besting an elite is laughable. Despite the absurdity, he couldn't shake the possibility. 'No, there has to be another reason.' Staring out the two-story window, he laid chocolate eyes on the village he vowed to protect at all cost.

'Now that's a thought. A child may not be able to ward off an Elite, but another can.' Spotting the room filled to half capacity, he took stock. At the moment, he could locate a majority of the district representatives. 'If the boy is being guarded, who could be the perpetrator.' This left the man to look about the establishment with narrowed eyes.

Tsume meagerly proceeded into the hall; her world turned asunder. Out of habit, she trecked her way over to a seat in the clan representative section. "Something wrong Tsume?" The Inuzuka looked to her right. "Oh, I'm. I'm alright Shikaku." An inquisitive eye dissected the woman before him. 'That could be farther from the truth.' "You say that, but." Irritation at being overly analyzed by the man issued a change in approach. "But what?" Seeing the pain in her bloodshot eyes dealt even more evidence to his theory.

Seeing his piercing gaze, Tsume avoided his orbs. "Just let me be." She received a sigh for her plea. "Fine, but if your state of affairs affects your competency, I will do what is necessary to rectify it. Understood." Tsume grit her teeth at the added weight upon her shoulders. "Do you understand Inuzuka?" She gave a shaky nod. "I understand Nara." Shikaku having made his point, refocused on the near full assembly.

'That asshole.' Resting her chin in between her thumb and forefinger, Tsume bit her bottom lip. 'Their's no way someone like him could understand what I'm going through.' She pointed her glare out to the residents of the room. In the heat of her rage, her growing dispair snuffed it out. 'How in the world am I going to fix what I've done?' Despite her troubling thoughts, the hall's moderator intervened.

At seeing the full hall, Masako rose from his post to proceed with the council's affairs. "All rise." As the man spoke, the Hokage entered the room as was the tradition. "The presence of our nations Emblem and Charter, recall the principles for which they stand. Primary Congressional Hall is now in session. The honorable Hiruzen Sarutobi, Third Hokage presiding. Please be seated, come to order." At the final declaration, everyone sat at their designated positions.

The leader of the village took his seat before the council. "Good morning ladies and gentlemen, this will be our first call to our Friday calendar. When your department is called, I would appreciate having you state your name and status so that the record accurately reflects who is speaking." Hiruzen gathered the related files to be discussed. Taking a glance at the agenda, he proceeded to call forth the Foreign Intelligence Agency Director.

"Shimura Danzo, FIA Director." The Hokage nodded, taking note of the stenographer proceeding with her work. "Do you have anything to report Director Shimura?" Danzo's eye traveled down to the field reports; he had prepared for the council. "As you all can see from my reports, the primary countries that pose a threat to our territory have been primarily tame. The immediate concerns that have presented themselves are the spike in rouge nin. Escalations in activity are concentrated in the smaller territories but have bled over our borders and routs on a few occasions."

"Last week, we spoke on investigation and containment. Has the FIA begun containment procedures?" Hiruzen asked, from his perch. Danzo gave the nod in response, searching for the details in his notes. "Yes, we have dispatched the strike platoons in order to clear out the larger threats, though we have seen prominent resistance and a few losses in the areas around Amegakure and Takigakure."

The Third Hokage briefly paused, before stating his thoughts. "I believe that it would be in Konoha's best interest that these issues be resolved promptly. I expect an update within the following week. Does anyone within the hall have anything to add?" Having no one offer anything to the brief report, he went on to the next field. "If that is all, you may be seated, Director Shimura. Next, may the Director of the National Intelligence Agency please stand.

Tsume zoned out of the proceedings in favor of reflecting internally over a personal matter. Her family has always been impulsive and brash. However, her transgression had been utterly unacceptable in hindsight. 'I can't believe I almost killed the poor boy.' She could recall the horrified look on her daughter's face. If it wasn't for Waki, she wasn't sure if she would have ceased on her attempt. That concept alone terrified her.

She personally knew the basics in fuinjutsu, and she still reacted atrociously to the discovery of the child identity. 'And that's just me.' The image of other citizens and their reactions to his presence where frightening to consider. Shaking those thoughts away, Tsume focused on a more prominent issue. 'I need to find a way to fix this.' With a pensive gaze, she came to a decision. 'I need to talk to Hana.'

"Are you ready lad?" A soft groan came from a limp position on the ground. Hana, in turn, offered the bushman a weak glare. "Let Akira be; he's tuckered out." Waki knelt down before the duo. "He can rest later, but there is something that he needs to face and overcome." The girl's eyes narrowed. "And, what would that be?" Patting the child on the shoulder, he spoke. "You will see soon enough, come Akira."

"Okay." With a grunt, the child lifted his sore body. "Akira?" He gave the teen a confident smile to quell her concern. "I'm fine." Knowing that he will participate anyway, she kept her thoughts to herself. Seeing the boy approach, he held out his hand. Akira stopped his advance at recognizing the growth of a sapling coming from the man's palm.

At watching it transform, the mass of cellulose morphed into a canine. Akira stepped back in fear as Hana rushed over to protect her child. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" The man sighed, coming to terms that convincing the two of his idea would be difficult. "Akira needs to learn how to protect himself from the wild, the coyote included."

Gripping onto Akira's shoulder and forcing him behind her. "He's not ready for it; I won't let him get needlessly hurt because of your recklessness!" Akira hugged her thigh, finding comfort from their contact. "I am only doing what is necessary; he needs to know how to defend himself." Hana gave off a growl at the notion. "And this is the best way to do that?" The man crossed his arms. "What better way than this? This way, I can teach him while being in full control of the situation." Waki frowned at seeing her stance on the matter. "Hana, Akira ne-."

"No. I'm fine with the exercises, but not this. This. This is too soon, too dangerous." Clasping Akira's hand into her own and directed him back to the cabin. "Hana, you won't always be there to protect him." The young woman ignored Waki in favoring of continuing through the snow. Despite her aversion, Akira turned back to see the disappointment within the mountaineer's eyes. Instead of returning to the cabin, he walked off. Using a mere wave, the timber coyote collapsed.

A meager knock echoed off a porch. Seconds passed before Tsume tried once again. In some time, the Inuzuka finally hears some steps approach the door. A woman peered out to find the Inuzuka matriarch. "Tsume? What are you doing here?" The woman hesitated, unsure as to how to approach the subject. "I. Can I talk to Izumi?" The Uchiha crossed her arms at the request. "May I know why?"

The Uchiha internally balked when the Matron seemed to cave in front of her, her eyes growing misty. "Please, I really fucked up. I need to talk to her. She's the only one who can help me" The woman obstructing Tsume from her goal only staid firm, "Your mistake wouldn't happen to be why my little girls been troubled lately?" A pained expression came over her face and lead to even more strife. "Well, wha-."

"Mom." The woman safeguarding the house turned to take in her own daughter moving down the steps. "Izumi, I." The girl shook her head before she interjected. "It's alright mom, let her in." A sigh escaped the woman's lips, giving a stern look before allowing the matron in. Finding herself in between the two, a pause overtook the occupants of the house. "Mom, can you give us some privacy." The woman grumbled before making her way out. "Fine, but I'll be in the other room if you need me." Izumi offered her mother a grateful smile. "Thanks, mom."

Rather than take a seat, the lone Uchiha decided to lean against the stair railing with crossed arms. "So, what do you want to talk about?" Collecting herself, Tsume went about with her request. "Can. Can you please. Tell Hana I'm sorry, and that I want to talk to her?" Izumi's brow furrowed. "You think a simple apology will fix things?" The girl walked over to the torn woman. "You tried to kill Akira."

"I. I know its ju." However, her words fell on deaf ears. "No, I don't think you do. "The kid's her life, and you tried to skewer him with a kunai." The older woman avoided her gaze by looking at the floor. Droplets hit the timber planks, leaving moist trails on Tsume's cheeks. "Please, I."

"No." A pair of wide eyes greeted her own. "What?" Izumi hardened her heart and continued forward with her stance. "I said. No." Desperation began to kick in as Tsume tried to find a way to circumvent the outcome. "But." The mother is met with a firm gaze. "No buts. What you did is unforgivable." Making her way to her front door, she stiffly drew it open. "Now, Leave." At noticing the woman attempt another go, Izumi intervened. "Leave." Having lost her chance, no matter how slim it had been. The Uchiha had shattered the woman's faith. Silently, Tsume wandered out the door.

In a tranquil forest, the gentle tap of a piece of wood onto the earthen ground can be heard. At the heart of the sound, a severely bandaged man passed through the trees. "Beetle." A stern call originated from the man's coarse lips. Without a moment's notice, a porcelain masked man took form. Taking a knee, Torune waited for his superior to dictate his orders. "What is it that you need of me Commander?"

Shimura took a few moments to collect himself. "At this moment, we are to assume that Kinoto is MIA until further notice." Bowing his head, the root member took in the loss of the asset. "I see. What would you have me do?" Recalling Roots protocols, for situations such as these, he pulled out a manila folder.

"Given Kinoto's last report, he had seemingly found a trail west of Konoha's monument." Confused, Torune braved his superior on the matter. "In the mountain chain sir?" Danzo nodded in the affirmative. "Yes. It seems improbable, but jinchuriki's can be quite capable. However, Kinoto is more than capable of handling himself. Given that there have not been any spikes in diametric chakra, it is highly likely that he has met resistance in the form of a high-level ninja or ninjas. Either way, you and your team are to go and investigate his disappearance."

"As you wish sir." Instead of Beetle being allowed to leave, the man states one more command. "Before you go, there is one more stipulation. Your team are to investigate and observe. But, you are not to engage or attempt to capture the prospect." The still kneeling man looked up, puzzled by the order. "Sir?" Shimura shut the folder in his hands after reviewing the materials one last time.

"I may have lost one of my greater assets do to my impatience. I will not needlessly waste anymore. Your unit is to learn the child's location and status. Once completed, you are to return to the facility immediately. That is when a decision as to what the proper course of action will be made. Am I clear." The man gave a curt nod before standing back up at attention. "Yes, sir." The elder turned and retreated to the village. "Good, now go."

Sasuke kept his sight focused on the ground, following his brother to the desolate orphanage at the edge of the village. It had been some time since he had seen the girl that occupied his thoughts. The child stopped a few hundred paces from the entrance of the building. "Sasuke? What's wrong?" Itachi questioned, as he kneeled beside the child. "I. Can. Can we go back?"

The elder tried his best to quell the boy when he sensed his trepidation. "Sasuke, you need to do this." Said boy's eyes began to water. "But. I. I can't. What if. What if she hates me, and doesn't want to see me again?" Itachi placed a gentle hand on the child's head, wiping a stray tear from his cheek. "That might happen, but there is a chance she may forgive you." By the look the older brother received, it seems as if his statement did very little to reduce his fears. "No matter what happens, I'll be there with you. Alright?" The child thought it over before a spark of hope emerged. "Alright."

However, approaching the building's door, served to heighten the child's tension. At hearing the ring of a bell, Sasuke tightened his grip on his brother's hand. The sound of a click and a creek, the door opened to reveal a slightly frazzled woman. "Hello, how may I help you two?" Itachi gave a slight bow of his head. "Hello to you too, I was wondering if my brother Sasuke could talk to a girl by the name of Tenten?"

The woman frowned when she heard the names. Looking down at the boy behind the teen in front of her, she recalled the drama that had occurred. "Oh, so you're the boy Lady Kudo told me about." Returning her gaze to the teen, she questioned his intentions. "And why should I let him talk to Tenten after what he did to her?" Noticing the animosity, Itachi tried to find the best way to appease the woman.

"He's come to apologize, nothing more." The woman's frowned deepened. "I'm sorry, but I think it would be best if the two of you left." The caretaker made to close the door as Itachi gave off an air of displeasure at the turn of the events. Reaching out, the teen stopped the door from shutting. "Mam, I believe you are making a mistake. Don't you think, it would be best to let the two sort this out amongst themselves." The woman's motions slowed ever so slightly as her pupils unfocused and dilated. "Uh."

Stepping closer, Itachi is now in front of the hindrance. "I think it would be best if you didn't interfere with their relationship, don't you agree?" After a few seconds, she nodded before stepping aside. "Y. Yes." He gave a firm nod before pulling Sasuke with him. "Come Sasuke; she should be over here." Bewildered by the exchange, the boy didn't comment. Making his way past the woman, Sasuke caught sight of the caretaker's unfocused eyes. Deciding to shake away his unease, the Uchiha chose to concentrate on the event to come.

Utilizing his senses, Itachi tracked the young girl's whereabouts. All the while, his faint mahogany iris's subsided into an obsidian hue. With purposeful strides, he led his sibling to the courtyard. Knowing that the two will find the girl amongst the rest of the children bustling about.

With the resumption of the Halls meeting, the gathered group went about the next items on the list. Peering down, Hiruzen came up to a topic he'd rather avoid. "Now, on to the Uchiha clan affairs. Uchiha representative, you have the floor." Within his station amongst the other clan heads, Fugaku rose.

"Fugaku Uchiha, Uchiha Clan Head." From his position, he rifled through the documents on his table. "The Uchiha Clan for the past Five Years has been under immense scrutiny and harassment from the village it has built alongside its senju brothers and sisters. Now tell me, how long will this continue; fore our patience and leniency are waning thin." Receiving an approving nod from the Hokage, the director of the Domestic Intelligence Agency rose from his position. "Tenga Fujimoto, DIA Director." With a second to collect himself, Fujimoto responded to the man. "The agency is still reviewing and undergoing an investigation of the incident and of the Uchiha's involvement in it. It is paramount that we follow the protocols tha." Despite his time on the floor, The Uchiha patriarch interrupted the man.

"Protocols? Our clan has been ostracized, quarantined, and tarnished! Your organization has been investigating a rumor for over five years and has yet to provide any substantial or concrete evidence!" At the Uchiha's outburst another member stood from their post. "You say that, yet there have been hundreds of reports of the Kyuubi possessing a pair of Sharingan eyes, a known trait that can occur in a Sharingan induced Jutsu."

With grit teeth, Fugaku rebutted the statement. "Is it not possible for a dojutsu to be transplanted, is Jonin Hatake not proof of the fact?" The others grew silent at mentioning the prospect. "You have investigated and questioned everyone who could have performed the act, so when are you going to end this search and clear our name?"

With the bow of his head, Tenga resigned himself. "As plausible as that may be, the DIA can not prematurely end its investigation without certainty of the incidents cause and outcome." The Uchiha narrowed his eyes at the statement. "I, see."

Waki adjusted the boy's form as he held a small bow at the ready. It being among the assortment of tools the bushman thought prudent to teach him. "Good, now relieve the pressure." An exhale followed the slow release of tension of the bow's string. Meeting the older man's gaze, an eager air came over Akira. "Can. Can, I do arrow now?" Having held off the child's desire long enough, Waki conceded. "Alright, but you must follow all of my directions. Am I clear."

"Yes!" Following the statement, Akira held out his hand expectantly. Eyeing the quiver of arrows at the man's back, he bounced eagerly on his toes. "Here you go, lad." Providing the child with a practice arrow, he witnessed the slightly sloppy but energetic placement of the object on the bow. "Slow down lad, let me help you with that." Fixing the child's posture, he led Akira down the steps of preparing for the shot. "Steady yourself and pull back on the string." Following the command, Akira drew the fifteen-pound cord back to his cheek. "Good, now hold it and aim."

The blond closed an eye as he focused on the target ten yards away. "Akira, remember to keep both of your eyes open." Taking heed of the reminder, the boy opened his nondominant eye. "Now, release!" Obeying, Akira let go of the thread. The bolt flew, ultimately landing in the dirt before the target. Pouting Akira directed his misfortune to Waki. "I, miss." Patting the kid's shoulder, he offered him another arrow. "That you did. now try aiming a little higher."

After a few moments, Akira set up his next shot. Aiming down the length of the arrow, he steered the bolt above his previous shot. Looking over to Waki for confirmation, he is given a gesture to proceed. The bowstring twanged at the relief of pressure. In this instance, the arrow soared past the board. Frustration began to seep into the child at having missed twice.

"Relax Akira; it will take time before you are competent in the skill." With his part said, Waki removed his quiver and hooked it onto a nearby stand. "Here you go lad." Recognizing that he'll be left to his own devices, an atmosphere of determination emanated from him. Taking another arrow, the blonde sent out another projectile.

Walking over to a pair of attentive eyes, he took a seat beside the woman. Leaning against the tree, Waki observed the boy from his post in relative silence. Receiving a pensive glance on more than one occasion, the Senju decided to confront the teen. "Is there something on your mind las?" Hana frowned and stopped training in her elemental exercises. "Are you a rouge?"

The man sighed as he rested his head on the bark of the tree. "And, if I am?" He can see her tense at his words. 'She is bound to learn eventually.' Coming to terms with an internal debate, he decided to confront the issue. "Would it trouble you?" She distanced herself from the bushman. "Las, if I meant you or the boy harm we wouldn't be here?" Hana paused at the notion. "Still doesn't mean you aren't dangerous."

He eyed the teen with an elevated brow. "When have you ever met a competent ninja that wasn't dangerous." That forced another respite, unsure as to how to dispute the statement. "You know not all rouges are wicked." She frowned and attempted to counter the point. "Then why did you become a traitor?"

He frowned at the term but brushed it aside. "Some of us 'traitors', as your people call us, have valid reasons. Some are simple village outsiders solely wanting to learn the art for protection; others are labeled rouge because we left a village for moral reasons. Not all of us are dangerous criminals, though I will admit that they do exist." Realizing he hasn't answered her query, Hana braved the man over it once more.

"You still haven't answered my question." Noticing her eyes narrow on him, Waki sighed. "I. I abandoned my regiment during the third great war." Hana returned his honesty with a heated glare. "You're a deserter?" She stated accusatorily. "How could you do such a thing; how could you leave your comrades?" Waki stared out into the vast expanse of the wilderness. Not receiving a response, the teen continued with her line of questioning. "Well? What's your reason? Hey, are you."

"I. I was only a genin when it all started. My team was issued to the logistics and noncombatant divisions like most genin of our caliber. For the longest time, I had always envisioned our village as the heroes, the saviors." He paused, reviewing his memories. "Yet, as time passed, I yearned to be a part of the fighting force. It was never meant to be, and I gave up on my quest for combat." Hana became confused, not seeing the correlation.

"It wasn't till the second year did catastrophe strike. A regiment of Iwa forces ambushed our supply route we were assigned to. We were outnumbered and outclassed, those that were on the fringe died quickly. The ninja on the opposite side had to make a choice. Either run or stay." Hana's anger returned at hearing the choice. "At seeing death headed for our group, we dashed into the woods. We ran and hid amongst the brush, hoping for a way out. I remember my teammates, and their fear."

A slight pause came about till a solid thunk resonated from the clearing. A cheer soon followed, with Akira holding his bow above his head. "Hana, Waki, look! I hit it!" The pair turned to find an arrow logged into the largest band of the target. "That's good hun, keep at it." Seeing the boy go to retrieve another arrow, Hana refocused her attention on the bushman. She glowered partially at seeing a spark of pride on Waki's visage. "Well?" Tearing his gaze from the child, the man sighed before resuming his story.

"Minutes would pass deprived of any sound. Then without warning, a pair of chunin's struck out on our position. Chikao fell fast to their might; I tried my best to protect Emi. However, at the cost of her life, we were able to kill one of our attackers. It was in the moment of desperation and anger did I throw caution into the wind. I no longer desired to live. I desired vengeance at seeing her lifeless eyes." Employing his chakra, he forced the roots from the tree to grow a shoot out of the ground and spear the air. Startled, Hana jumped from the action.

"My grief and anger clouded my mind, and awakened a beast that only sought to kill the men and women who took part in the trap. I became a creature of destruction, solely seeking their deaths. It. It wasn't until minutes had passed did my mind clear. In the wake of my wrath, did I truly come to sense with what I had done." Hana became confused by his words. "You did the right thing."

"Maybe, but it was still my first kills. Hours would then pass before a patrol, of a nearby regiment, wandered by. With their help, we buried the dead and secured the supplies. At that moment, the captain of the patrol would take me to his division's commander. It was then and there that my life changed." Enthralled by the story, Hana asked him another question. "What. What, happened?" His broken eyes gazed into her own.

"I. I was promoted to chunin and sent to the front lines. My days were either filled with training, combat, or preparations." Recalling another painful memory, he winced. "We either killed or died at the hands of our enemy. Never once did I see the glory in war, I only ever saw the misery and the tragedy. Day after day we would lose men and women, and then the day came." The Inuzuka hesitated before inquiring him on the day. "What day?"

He gave a bitter smile. "I came to realize that we weren't the good guys, no one was. We killed Jonin, Chunin, Genin, civilians, and children without remorse." Hana gasped at the concept. "Konoha would never do that!" However, she faltered as his dead eyes met her own. With a shake of his head, Waki continued. "If they were affiliated with the enemy, then they were the enemy. One death after another, I came to abhor what I've become. One day, I vowed never to take another innocent life again. So, I ran."

Hana didn't speak after he finished his tale, not knowing what to say. Instead, she went back to her original spot and sat beside him. She dared not utter a word, unsure as to what would come out. His story had left her troubled, and in the furrow of it, she kept mute. Waki glanced at the teen with the corner of his eye, noticing her mental predicament. Deciding to let his case stew, he went back to watching Akira.

"Hound, have you found anything?" The man kneeled motionlessly in the snow, his palm pressed into the earth. With a deep inhalation, Gaku opened his eyes. The man smirked at a discovery. "Seems like Bobbit was on to something." Owl inspected the surrounding valley for any signs of a settlement. Analyzing the foliage from her vantage point, the woman couldn't find any markers. "There are a few scents that are distinctly human." Torune nodded in appreciation for his work. "Good, are they fresh enough to track?"

Groups of children sat and meandered about the courtyard, playing games or chatting amongst each other. In the corner lied a group of young girls. "Like this?" Asked one of the five-year-old's. Tenten gently repositioned the girl's forefingers, correcting her form. "Now you got it." Kie beamed at finally getting the motion down. However, another voiced their doubt at the exercise. "I, I don't get it." Tenten turned to see Oki giving a confused look at her hands. "Don't get what?"

Oki released her hold on the bird hand seal. "How. How does this make a Jutsu?" Tenten grinned, knowing the doubt first hand. "Well, I can show you how." The girls surrounding her became ecstatic of the possibility. Looking around, the orphan checked to see if the caretakers and other students were busy elsewhere. "Come on, show us." One of the students called out. "Okay, but you guys can't tell anyone. Got it?" The group gave out a resounding answer.

Taking one more look around, Tenten went through a single hand sign and breathed in. Placing her index finger to her lips, she exhaled a stream of fire. Her brow furrowed as the heat increased around her lips. Small orange wisps licked at the brick, the girls surrounding her gawked at her display. Deciding that she had shown enough, Tenten cut off the supply of chakra to the technique. Tenten spotted the dumbfounded expressions and smiled. Pleased by the attention, she didn't notice the newcomers enter the patio.

"How did you do that?" "You can breathe fire?" Oki's brow furrowed as she tried to comprehend what had happened. "How do the hand signs work?" Tenten thought on the questions. "Um. The hand signs. They change the chakra. It's kind of like instructions." The brunette twiddled her thumbs. "Well, that's how I think it works."

"Your explanation was sound, they are like instructions." The new voice startled the group of girls. Centering her sight on the pair of dark eyes, the girl tensed. She recognized them, and the face that harbored the pair. "Itachi?" The man nodded in recognition. "It is a pleasure to meet you again Tenten." The girl narrowed her eyes at the teen, those surrounding her grew warry at the new comer. Crossing her arms, the bun-haired girl confronted the intruder. "What do you want?"

"Relax, I just came here so that Sasuke can have a chance at fixing your friendship." At the mention of his younger brother, Tenten's eye's raked over him till they spotted a troubled set behind the teen. "Sasuke?" At seeing is his face, the girl frowned. The boy stepped out from behind his brother and offered a small wave. "Hey, Tenten." An awkward silence permeated the group. Noticing the small audience that still encircled the girl, Itachi made to clear the gathering. "If you girls could give them some space, that would be greatly appreciated."

Kie conveyed Tenten a concerned look. "Tenten?" She gave a thoughtful glance to the ground. "I'm fine, can you guys give us some room?" After a few nods, the girls dispersed to another side of the courtyard. Tenten stood up from her perch and leaned against the wall. "Well, what is it that you wanted to say?" Sasuke stepped up to her and looked down at the ground. "I. I ju." Tenten turned her gaze to the man that was still present. "Can you go?"

Itachi gave a small scowl, at the request. "It's okay Itachi, I can do this myself." The teen gave a hesitant and subtle nod before moving of a few meters away. At seeing Itachi move to another section of the field, did little to ease the tension she felt. Pushing the unease aside, she recommenced the conversation with the boy. "So, what is it you wanted to say." Sasuke rubbed his arm, reasoning with himself. "I. I'm sorry. About what I said."

With a nod, Tenten accepted the apology. "Thanks', that means a lot to me." Sasuke smiled at her admission. "But." At the uttering of the word, a sense of fear entered the child's heart. "But, what?" The girl only provided him with a somber gaze. "Look, I had a good time." At her choice of words, realization struck the child. "Tenten, please I." The brunette shook her head at his plea. "Sasuke, what you said hurt me. It hurt a lot."

In the back of her mind, she could sense an alien desire to rejoin their friendship. It whispered for her to accept his apology and make up for lost time. It felt foreign and it terrified her. She dared not show a sign of discomfort, however, the voice and pressure only increased. With the rise, she could vaguely sense the direction of its origin. Knowing who was in that direction, she glanced to a window. In the reflection, she could partially see the elder Uchiha. Except for one thing that alarmed her, his eyes had a red hue to them.

She avoided his eye's and tried to use her chakra to alleviate the pressure. Recalling the words of her Matriarch, she recited them in her head. 'It is when people lose control of their emotions is when they show who they truly are.' Tenten tried to recall her response to her teacher's words. 'But what if they change who they are?' She can still clearly see the understanding look on Lady Kudo's face. 'Yes, people can change, but that may take years or a shocking experience. People can't change quickly no matter how much you want them to.'

"I've changed! I'm different now! You were right!" She gave him a strained and bittersweet smile at his attempt. "I'm glad. But, I need some space, I'm sorry." Stepping away from his still form she began to make her way back to her friends. Pausing mid-stride, she turned to find a tear tracked face. She debated on comforting the boy with words of hope. To hope in a future where they are friends again. However, she chose against that line of thinking. With a bowed head, she went over to Oki and Kie.

"You okay Tenten?" She shook her head and pulled them with her. "I. I need. Inside." It was getting staggeringly challenging to think. In the back of her skull, anger and disappointment tried to strangle her. Quickly exiting the courtyard, she pulled her friends along with her. After passing a few rooms, the trio settled in on Tenten's bunk. She held her head as the pressure finally dissipated. Oki wrapped a hand around the troubled girl. "What's wrong?" The bun-haired orphan looked up with a face of relief.

"Promise me that you two will stay away from them." Kie gave her an alarmed look at her assertion. "Why, what's wrong with them?" Tenten only shook her head. "I'm not sure, just. Just, promise me you'll stay away from them. Especially the older one." Oki bit her lip, a trickle of fear entering her at Tenten's tone. "Oh. Okay. We Promise." Tenten nodded, glad that the two made the agreement.

Rage boiled through the veins of Fugaku's firstborn. Despite his anger, Itachi's outward appearance remained neutral. Directing his younger sibling down the street. The boy's sobbing continued to permeate the air. "Itachi, W. Why. I. I thou. Thought." Itachi went down on one knee and held the boys head with his hands. "Shh, don't worry Sasuke. I'll fix this." Pulling the grieving child into a hug, he continued to comfort him. "I'll fix this."

Hidden in the foliage, a singular masked kunoichi observed a cabin in the distance. Pressing on her mike, she contacted her superior. "This is Owl. I repeat this is Owl reporting to Beetle. Do you copy" She waited for a response from her perch. "This is Beetle, go ahead." Pressing down on her respective radio Owl replied. "Target J9 has been located. I repeat Target J9 has been located. Two other occupants have been spotted as well. At the moment, they remain unknown. When ready, I will relay their descriptions; beginning with J9." After a brief pause, the woman received an answer. "Beetle is ready for the transfer."

"J9 still holds three linear marks on both cheeks. His hair is sandy blonde and appears to be above average in height for his age. The prospect shows no signs of malnutrition. Instead, it appears to show an above average physique. From the previous displays, it appears that it is being taught forms of combat including taijutsu and bukijutsu." Pausing to recall all the information, she went to the next target.

"The first unknown is a female Inuzuka. The female is marked with the Clan symbols. She also possesses a Konoha headband. The assumption of her rank is that of a Genin, and this is defined by her age and skills she has expressed. Unlike her kin, this Inuzuka shows interest in elemental manipulation. Take note that this Inuzuka female has apparently taken over the role of a maternal guardian to J9." After stating everything she deemed important, Owl went to her finale mystery.

"The final unknown is a middle-aged male and shows ninja like aptitude in multiple combat arts. The individual is currently the only being who appears to be tasked with J9's training. However, there are many qualities he retains that make him a unique target of interest. At this moment, the male seems to be the only person capable of dispatching operative Bobbit. All skills and mannerisms indicate that the male is an elite Jonin. Despite his apparent skill, it is his element in ninjutsu and unparalleled skill in it that seems to set him apart. The element in question appears to be the full control of vegetation without the aid of hand seals. The unknown further shares a clear resemblance to the service branch of the Senju Clan."

After saying her piece, she finished with her closing statement. "Report concluded." She waited a few seconds for a reply. "Understood Owl, you are to continue monitoring the group till further ordered. Understood?" She gave a faint nod out of habit. "Understood." With her part said, she went about preparing for the night.

"Good. Expect further instruction within twenty-four hours. Beetle out" Now finished with the debriefing he looked on to his remaining two subordinates. "Hound, Yamato. We are to alert Danzo of the details at once." With a pair of nods, the trio bounded out of the valley.

The clinking of utensils on a set of plates is heard around a small dining table. Akira sat quietly as he ate from a piece of wild boar, vegetables, and fresh bread. Every once in a while, he will glance about, noticing the tension between his two caretakers. Unsure as to how to resolve the issue, he remained silent and observant.

Regarding Akira's worried glances, Hana gave a subdued sigh. Leaning back, she focused on the man that occupied her thoughts. "Waki, I need. I need to apologize to you." Said man focused lifted his head and provided the teen with his attention. "I. I overreacted and thought the worst of you when you have been nothing but hospitable. I. I'm. I'm, sorry." Waki provided her with a grateful nod. "Thank you, Hana." She gave a small smile to him in response.

The group continued for some time, the tension dissipating after Hana's confession. After finishing her portion of the meal, she went to freshen up for the night. Seeing the teen walk off to the resident bathroom, Akira turned back to the man still seated at the table. In the moment of silence, the boy thought over the day's events. One such affair never seemed to leave him be. Said matter being the terrifying monstrosity Waki had spawned earlier in the day.

Checking to see if Hana had truly left the room, Akira approached the man on a subject he doubted she would approve of. "Waki." The Bushman looked up from his food to find a troubled child. In seeing his wary look to the bathroom, the mountaineer's interest grew.

"What is it Akira?" The boy fidgeted with his food, perusing his feelings. "Why. Why train, with dog?" In receiving the question, Waki scrutinized the child's visage. In Akira's eye's he discovered fear with an undercurrent of curiosity. "I wanted you to learn how to fight one." The man taking another bite from the pork before proceeding. "I want you to be able to beat one on your own. We won't always be around to save you."

The blonde took in what was said, worry encompassing his mind at the thought of not having the support. "How?" It was a simple word yet paired with his expressive eyes spoke volumes. Within his fear laced orbs shown flecks of desire. "By becoming the predator and not the prey. You need to study and observe your prey and discover everything you can. Knowledge is the key to strength and overcoming the obstacles in life." Lifting his plate, he began to take it to the sink. "If prey wishes to truly survive and thrive, it must embrace and evolve into a predator." With his piece said, Waki meandered to the couch.

Akira sat in his seat, his mind coursing with conflicting thoughts. With a pair of whitening knuckles, the child contemplated on his stance at life. He hated the thought of being prey to any creature. To be the embodiment of fear, and have his life robbed at any moment. As he stared down at the table, an image of a coyote filled his consciousness. However, over the course of minutes, the fear that personified his soul transformed. "I. I, become Predator."

Tenten laid on her bed, having had trouble sleeping after the day's issues. Every moment her eyelids closed, the image of Itachi's blurry visage haunted her. Despite her troubles, her exhaustion began to take hold of her conscious. As she began to drift, a pair of ruby eye's opened in the darkness.

Anger surged within a teen crouched inside the sleeping courters. His muscles tense, the deed being among the few to bar him from acting on his rage. With rigid movements, the figure came next to the orphan's cot. At seeing her peaceful face, flushed out a new sense of ferocity from the ninja. With a quick action, his hand ensnared her throat. Its vice grip immediately rousing the girl.

Shock, fear, pain, and a world without air met the orphan as she woke. Finding the source, she froze in panic. Gurgling, choking, and soundlessly gasping for air, Tenten clawed at the offending limb. "You humans. You. You are always so. Disappointing." His visage turning more crazed as he spoke. "Always making wrong. Always, always wrong. Decisions. Decisions, that I must make right." He emphasized his point with the tightening of his grip. Tenten being met with the increase thrashed and tried to remove the offending appendage. "You, wrong. I. I need, make right."

The man clutched his head in pain, blood dripping from his scalp as he clawed at it. "You hurt Sasuke, my Sasuke. You. You, deserve Death." His hold compressed even further, the pressure becoming too much for the for Tenten's trachea. Straining under the force, Tenten's pupils began to roll at the pressure and lack of oxygen. "But, but can't." His wide eye's stared down at her prone form, blood trickling down his cheeks and dripping on to her face. "Sas. Sasuke like's you."

With the mention of her bond with his brother, the Uchiha released the pressure from her throat. With the obstruction removed, Tenten produced a haggard gasp before breathing in. "Since you. Since you can't make. Make the right decisions." With the mention of his sibling's name and his love for the girl, his anger and psychopathy depleted. "I'll have to make them for you!" At the utterance of the phrase, his scarlet irises glowed with power.