It's time for a chapter of reflection for several characters while Daichi recovers. *Grins* Of course, there is still one more matter that must be handled next time. Hidan and Kakuzu will be facing off against several Shinobi. (Daichi, Fuu, Kakashi, and Jiro) (Not to mention a surprise apappearance. I mean hey, it's about time Shun did something to help the lighter side. Can't just give out all these guys, power, and help to Orochimaru, Danzo, and Madara/Tobi after all.)

Here's two small hints: This person was dead and hates Orochimaru.

The question, which I already know the answer to, is does this group have a chance of stopping the immortal Duo years before they were supposed to be taken down? You'll have to read the next chapter, and maybe one more, to find out. Enjoy!

With Fuu, A Few Hours after the Invasion

Fuu had woken up and heard from the girl, who introduced herself as Sakura, that a tail, from her beast, had been stolen, but it had regenerated while she'd been passed out. Now Fuu was staring at the bodies of her guards.

She didn't really know what to fell about them. Granted, they'd been around since she was young, but there was always a distance between them. That distance was less than most villagers; however, it was still nowhere near as close as she was with Lord Shibuki.

Mainly it was their actions during the invasion that had her conflicted. She heard from the Grass Medic that had collected them, that the two of them had been searching for her.

It was their job to protect her, but it had to mean more, right? If they hated her like pretty much every over villager did, then why did they risk their lives to find her. They could have just as easily left all together.

In the end, she got down on her knees and rested a hand on each of their chest. "Thank you. I heard from some of Daichi's friends that you tried to help me while I was in that cocoon, and I believe them.

I think that means that you could see me for who I was rather than the Tailed Beast that I contain, or you were beginning to. That makes me sad because I think I could have called you my friends."

She sealed their bodies in some sealing scrolls. "I'll make sure that you two receive a proper burial; however, I will not leave until I'm sure Daichi's alright. I hope that's okay."

She then tucked the scrolls away, in her pack, and left to see if she could visit Daichi.

With Chojuro and Kenjo: Their Hotel Room, That Night…

Kenjo had cut his hand and formed a blood shuriken that he floated above his palm.

"Kenjo, are you okay?" Chojuro asked as tears fell from his partner's eyes.

Kenjo shook his head. "I'm not. Sensei's gone and the person I once thought of as my best friend is the cause of his death. I… don't even know what I'm going to tell Kanja."

Chojuro said, "We'll tell her together. Remember, he may be gone, but he left us with great memories and passed his blood style onto you. I know he loved us all a lot and in the end he didn't want either of us to die."

Kenjo wiped his eyes. "Hey Chojuro, you think you could help me learn Kenjutsu?"

Chojuro nodded and smiled. "Of course. Also, I want you to know that you still have me, Kanja, and Ao. You aren't alone by any means."

Kenjo slightly smiled. "Chojuro… Thank you. I think I can manage to get some sleep now."

He laid down and Chojuro said, "You do that. There's something I have to do first."

Kenjo was already out.

With Chojuro on the Roof…

Chojuro had his sword before him as looked over the wreckage of the village. He'd remain there for a few hours just thinking before finally going to bed.

With Han and Kurosutchi, On Their way back to the Stone Village…

Han sighed, "Did you really have to leave that Leaf Shinobi a note?"

"He's my friend, in some respects my first friend, and you wouldn't let me stick around. Leaving him a note is the least I could do." Kurosutchi stated determined.

Han shook his head, "Lord Tsuchikage isn't going to be happy about this. For numerous reasons mind you."

"Tough. Gramps can have as much of a problem as he wants to have with it. He won't change my mind nor will I just let him hurt Daichi. So what if he absorbed a Four Tailed Beast?

Your beast regenerated it's missing tail anyways, and we already have a Four Tails. It's not like to much has changed anyways. Gramps was already aware of the Leaf's second Jinchuriki, and it still only has two."

Han raised and eye brow. "You know, before this, you would have been all for one of those Jinchuriki dying."

Kurosutchi nodded. "Fair point, but these exams had a big impact on me. Daichi and Fuu opened my eyes. I still love the Stone Village, and will protect it; however, I now see that the Leaf Village isn't the place we were raised to think it was."

Han sighed once more. "I admit that's a fair lesson to learn. I'll even admit that your grandfather is a little sore about the Third War." He turned to here. "Having admitted these things, can you do something for me?"

"What?" Kurosutchi asked.

"If your grandfather asks, tell him that I knew nothing of this friendship you formed with the Leaf Shinobi." Han requested.

Kurosutchi smiled, "That's fine, so long as you vouch for my promotion."

Han turned around and continued walking. "Fine." He thought. "I'm certainly getting the raw end of the deal, but it's worth it if I don't have to face the Tsuchikage's wrath."

With Yugito: On the way back to the Cloud Village…

Yugito looked at the Grass Village one last time before setting off. "Despite everything that happened, this was a learning experience." She tucked away her copy of the exam and invasion tape she'd been given "The Raikage will be interested to learn about the son of Hagane."

Center Base: With Gaara, the Next Night…

Gaara was just staring, sadly, at the body of his brother. He hadn't moved since he found out about his death. Shira and Matsuri stood outside the room looking in worriedly at their Sensei.

"I'm unsure what we should do." Matsuri stated sadly.

Shira sighed and placed a hand on Matsuri's shoulder. "The only thing we can do is be there for Gaara Sensei if he needs us; however, right now we should leave."

Shira looked down the hall prompting Matsuri to do the same. They saw Temari who glanced at the two of them, nodded, and walked into the room. She sat beside Gaara and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Shira and Matsuri left the two siblings.

With Matsuri and Shira

"What should we do now?" Matsuri asked.

Shira replied, "We plan for the future. The person that killed Lord Kankuro is on a whole other level, and we have no idea who he's affiliated with. Even if he's just a Rouge, he's likely to have strong friends out there. We need to be ready for If and/or when they come around."

Matsuri raised an eye brow. "Does that mean you aren't going back to your border village any more?"

Shira nodded. "It does. Lord Gaara, before we came here, offered to move my family to the Sand Village and provide them with the best medical care that he can muster., so I've decided, with everything that happened, to take him up on that offer.

This is also why I shall dedicate myself to reaching Jonin status and becoming a strong Shinobi that Sensei can depend on. With this new strength, I shall also protect the village."

Matsuri closed her eyes. "So, that's what you've decided to do." She smiled slightly. "I can't have you outdoing me; however, I don't believe that the rope javelin is a good tool for catching up.

I mean, you were able to fight a Tailed Beast and live. That is why I've decided to lean how to use puppets." She clenched her fist. "Not only that, but I will do what Lord Kankuro couldn't. I will get Lady Chiyo to take me on as her apprentice."

Shira said, "That is quite the goal. I'll be interested to see if you can stick to it. Even more interested in seeing if you can catch up to me."

Matsuri chuckled. "Don't go getting the wrong idea. I may have said that you're stronger than me, but that won't be true for much longer."

"We'll see Matsuri." Shira waved as he walked away leaving Matsuri fuming.

With Shoto, 2 Day's after the Invasion

Shoto yawned as he sat behind the Leader of the Grass Villages desk. The Village had moved fast to put him in the seat after reviewing the footage and making him a Jonin. Unfortunately, until things settled down, it wouldn't be made official to everyone.

Even as the official/unofficial leader, he still had to deal with paper work. Paperwork that was made far worse due to the invasion. Because of that, he was dealing with at least 3-4 times the amount of work.

Shoto took a break and looked out his office window at the village. "It's a little hard to believe that I was made the leader in such a short amount of time. I honestly don't know what to think.

I mean, I did my part, but there were others that did more than me. That were far more man than I was. Especially Daichi. Without him, there would no longer be a Grass Village."

Shoto turned back to his work and attacked it with a new vigor. "I'll have to make sure that the village knows what he did for us. I'll also have to do my best to become a manly leader.

Once I have everything under control, I'll have to deal with the Grass Flower. Maybe Daichi would be willing to lend us his aid once more." He shook his head. "That's a thought for another day."

With Menma, Night…

Menma's eyes shot open, and he bolted up right. He noticed that he was alone in a hospital room which meant the invasion was over. Then he remembered what happened and looked to his right shoulder.

Despite the situation he found himself in, Menma could help but chuckle. "I was honestly hoping that losing my arm was a dream."

"You're honestly acting pretty calm for a Shinobi that lost an arm and almost died of blood loss." A voice said from the window.

Menma turned and saw a person in Leaf Anbu attire with a mask like a wolf. His hair was a darker shade of blond then Menma's.

"Who are you?" Menma asked prepared to spring into action should the need arise.

The figure entered the room and removed his mask before sitting in a nearby chair. "My name is Jiro Hogo; however, once I enter the Leaf Village my last name shall be Ryu."

Menma nodded. "So you must be the ally Lord Daichi was talking about. Well, I just woke up, but I'm going to continue being a Shinobi. Iwana is as much a threat to everyone in the clan as he is to me."

"If you're what I can expect from the other members of the Fusion Clan, then it seems I've made the right choice for my sister." He got up and moved towards the window. "Well Menma, this has been an interesting little chat, and I hope that we can have more in the future."

"Wait, where are you going?" Menma asked curiously.

Jiro put the mask back on. "I'm staying hidden for the time being and watching over our leader as he recovers. Before you ask, he's fine. He just pushed himself a little to hard. Any other details are his to give as he sees fit."

Jiro jumped out of the room leaving Menma with his thoughts.

With Genyumaru and Shikamaru: Somewhere in Fire Country, Night…

"Alright, we've come far enough for one day. We'll set of for the Grass Village, once more, come morning." Genyumaru stated

Most of Leaf Medics and Shinobi fell to the ground grateful for the rest. Of course, they'd probably have a bit more energy if it weren't for Hana and Shizune pushing the group so hard.

Shikamaru fell onto the grass. "Works for me. Going at that pace was to troublesome."

Genyumaru smiled at the Nara heir. "You've barely changed Shikamaru. Still the same guy that likes to take it easy"

Shikamaru closed his eyes and was now pointing behind himself. "Leader, you mind calming them down." He yawned. "It's making it hard to sleep."

Genyumaru looked at Hana and Shizune. The Two Kunochi were sitting next to each other, with Hana's three dogs, and staring in the direction of the Grass Village.

Genyumaru chuckled. "I'm not crazy enough to try that. They'll tire themselves out eventually until then you're just going to have to deal with it."

"Troublesome." Shikamaru stated as he opened his eyes and looked at then night sky above them.

With Hana and Shizune

"You think they're alright?" Hana asked concerned.

Shizune nodded. "I think they are. The members of Team 7 may attract trouble, but there also extremely good at getting out it to."

Hana patted one of her dogs and smiled. "Daichi's said much of the same. He also says that he passes out constantly. Said it started when he and his friends went after Sasuke. Calls it his tradition." She chuckled.

Shizune smiled as well. "I think that's just a testament of how far he goes on these missions. Kakashi's very proud of him, Sakura, and Naruto, you know."

"Speaking of Sakura and Daichi, do they know about…" Hana said as she pointed at Shizune's belly.

"I've told Sakura; however, Kakashi made her promise not to tell Daichi because he wants to be the one to tell him." She looked at the ground. "There's a lot of things that he has to tell Daichi."

Hana was curious, but decided that it was between Kakashi, Shizune, and Daichi. "What about Naruto?"

"Sakura sent a slug to inform him, and even though she doesn't know why Kakashi wants it to be a secret, she still told him not to tell Daichi." She smiled once more. "Naruto sent a letter telling us how happy he was and that he'd try and convince Jiraiya to return for a visit. Particularly around the time of the wedding or birth."

Hana smiled. "That's good. If we get a confirmed date, then maybe me and Daichi can plan our wedding around that time."

The two girls chatted until they eventually fell asleep.

Grass Hospital, Lobby…

Ino was looking over her medical books, but she wasn't really invested in them. She just hoped that it would take her mind off of things. Sakura was with her and trying to help her.

"Ino, you want to talk about it?" Sakura asked.

Ino shrugged. "There isn't much to talk about. Choji's gone. Me, you, and Sasame have worked at the Leaf's hospital. It's not like we haven't seen death before." She then sighed.

"Though, I would be lying if I said that this wasn't hard. Choji was my teammate and a good friend. Now he's gone. I'm more worried about what this will do to Shikamaru. He's likely going to be crushed."

Sakura rested a comforting hand on Ino's shoulder. "That's why you have to be there for him. You're his teammates. Someday soon, Lady Tsunade will assign another Shinobi to your team.

Before that time come, you, Asuma, and Shikamaru, must understand that his death was no ones fault. Choji died like a true Shinobi. If it helps, I'll say that to Tsunade and try and get Choji a promotion to Jonin."

Ino nodded. "Thanks Sakura." She closed her book and got up. "I think I'm going to head back to the hotel and try to get some sleep."

Sakura got up to. "You do that. I'm going to head to Daichi's room and give him one more check up."

"That Tailed Beast still hasn't shown up in him right?" Ino asked concerned.

Sakura shook her head. "Nope. It seems as though the seal his grandfather made has done it's job. It's likely that the Four Tails has been assimilated like Kenshi was so long ago."

The two girls parted.

Grass Hospital, Shino's Room…

"Wow Shino, that's quite the tale man." Kiba said impressed. "I mean you kept fighting even after losing a leg and arm and you still captured the guy. That's something else."

"You are also something else. Not many can claim to directly combat a Tailed Beast and live to tell the tail." Shino plainly stated.

Kiba smiled and put his arms behind his head. "Many of us would likely still be conked out if we didn't have talented Medical Shinobi among us."

Shino nodded in agreement before asking, "How are Hinata and Yakumo doing?" Shino asked.

"They're doing okay. Yakumo took Choji's death a little hard, but she's resolved to improve more in her Taijutsu and Ninjutsu to be a little more helpful the next time The Akatsuki shows itself." Kiba stated.

"According to the Leaf Village, they're going to become really active in about 2 years." Shino stated.

"It's probably likely that some of us will run into them before that time, but I actually want to move onto another topic." Kiba then sighed.

"Is it about Daichi?" Shino asked having heard their conversation over the communicator.

Kiba nodded. "It is. You heard the way he sounded right? He was terrified. All the time that we've known the guy, and he's never visibly been afraid like that. He doesn't want to lose us."

Shino nodded. "I don't think any differently of him, and it appears as though everyone else feels the same."

Kiba patted Akamaru at his side. "Yeah, but what about the other villagers? I'm starting to think that Daichi knows how a good chunk of them will treat him now. That's probably why he asked me those questions."

"We can not dwell on what may happen. All we can do is treat Daichi how we've always treated him. I think that will be enough for him." Shino replied.

Kiba nodded and smiled, "You're probably right."

The two friends chatted for a while more.

Daichi's Room, With Kakashi…

Kakashi sat in a chair guarding his student in case the Grass Flower decided to try something. He glanced at Daichi and saw that his chest was rising and falling normally.

The Jonin frowned thinking the same thing that had been plaguing him ever since he found out that Shizune was pregnant. "I'm going to have to tell Daichi the truth eventually. The only problem is that I've had almost 4 years to tell him."

Kakashi was interrupted by the door to the room opening. He slipped into the shadows and waited to see who it was because for all he knew, it could have been Sakura or maybe Jiro..

In mere moments, he noticed a Grass Head Band on what appeared to be a young woman. Kakashi appeared behind her and placed a kunai over her throat before she could get anywhere near Daichi's body.

"Just what do you think you are doing?" Kakashi asked.

The girl held up her hand which contained an envelope. "I-I was h-hoping that D-Daichi would read this letter w-when he woke up. I-I wanted to see if he would agree to a d-date with me."

Kakashi lowed his kunai and sighed. "Leave the letter with the rest and get out."

The girl did as she was told and Kakashi took his seat again. That was not the first letter that came nor would it be the last.

With Gaara, Temari, and the Sand Genin: 4 Days after the Invasion…

Gaara stood before his sister and two remaining teams. The group was outside the village and would be heading home today. Kankuro's body had been safely sealed away.

"I wish to apologize for keeping you all here..." Gaara began.

Matsuri stopped him. "We completely understand Gaara Sensei. You lost your brother and that's something many of us can relate to in various respects."

"Honestly, we would have been fine giving you all the time that you needed to mourn." Shira added.

Gaara slightly smiled, "Thank you, but my brother would not wish me to do so. He would want me to carry on and lead our village. Now before we go, there is something that I must address.

As you know, the Chunin Exams were canceled because of the invasion. Normally, this would result in no one getting an promotion; however, times have changed. A new system is needed.

As such, the proctors got together and discussed an alternative way to handle promotions. We have agreed to send reports to the other villages of your actions during the exams and invasion.

On top of that, the Grass Village has sent tapes of both the exam and invasion to everyone who decides promotions in their respective countries. The people who review them should be done by now.

Once I have done the same, I will convene with the Lord and all others to decide proper promotions for all Shinobi involved. This means your promotions are still within your reach." All the Genin smiled. "Now, let's head home."

Grass Village Hospital. Lobby

Sakura, Ino, Masami, Lee, and Hinata stood across from Neji, Kiba and Akamaru, Shino, Tenten, Tayuya, Yakumo, and Sasame.

"It's agreed. The 8 of us will go back to the Leaf Village to deliver Choji's body while you 5 remain with Kakashi, Daichi, Menma, and this ally of theirs." Neji stated summing up what they'd decided.

"That is right." Lee stated.

"Then we'll see you once you've returned to the village." Yakumo stated.

The group left.

"Are you sure you want to stay Ino?" Sakura asked.

Ino nodded. "Choji's funeral is going to take some time to arrange besides it's likely that Shikamaru's group will travel the quick route avoiding the group heading back to the Leaf. In that case, the two of us will likely head back soon after."

Private Message from Knutnputn properly answering my posed Math Question. (He saw through the lies and looked deeper using logic of the Naruto world)

Knutnoutn:I don't know math. Always been terrible at math. But in my simple head it would be 6 tails with all four doors. But i don't feel like it's that simple. I seem to remember something about the massive amount of chakra kurama had. That is was bigger og equal to all the other tauled beasts. So for each tail there would be a drastic change. I don't know how that system works with your doors. Only you can know how much each door is worth or if it's a simple doubling or somehing with every door. That would have to be taken into consideration. I would guess 7 tails with the beast. I know you said difference of two but i feel that 8 is a bit high. With 7 there is more room to grow. Maybe the beast can grow inside daichi. Though slowly. That could give an interesting dilemma later on because the seal was never meant to hold three different entities. Also it should have a negative effect on daichis body. He's not an uzumaki, nor a baby. It would make a «timelimit» where he will have to fix it or die young. Just some thoughts. This became a bit of a ramble :P and don't think i've forgiven you for kankuro and choji yet! You b***! :D Akana kind of made sense. He finally found peace. Even through his regrets. His biggest being kumo going bad. But i approve of that. Didn't want him to die but it seemed... right in a way. Alright rant over! I'm playing a lot of games lately so i'm late on reading. I'll get around to starting your new avstar story. But not yet. I'm prioritizing :)

Quillion9000:Very good. You looked underneath the underneath. In truth, if there are four doors then why would I give people like Daichi a change in appearance so soon, though that's not to say that people like Mizuki and Akana haven't reached their full potential with their entities like Daichi's. I never intended for all four doors to equal even the 8 Tails.
No, his total Chakra, with all four doors open, would only equate to as much as the 7 Tails. This new power he's found, the Four Gates on top of this, boast him one more tail, but as you saw, that took a lot of effort to reach until Kenshi diverted one of the gates to healing. If he hadn't done that, the, Daichi would have been torn to shreds.
It's already been confirmed though that the Beast will be completely absorbed into Daichi to act as a healing factor similar to what the Uumaki have; however, this means that Daichi will receive more power with each gate meaning that he's going to have to retrain, for a bit, to reach the same level of power. Fortunately, the next training arc, will resolve this.
As for the deaths... well... I thought long and hard about them. In my mind, these three seemed like the only character that could die at this particular time. On top of that, I wanted my fanfiction to have death here or there. Think about it, pretty much everyone of the original Rookie 9 and Team Guy live except for Neji. That's not a bad thing. On the contrary, I love the original Naruto.
It's just, things are a bit different. There is more stacked against the protagonist and support than in the original. The Aktsuki is bigger and I have plans to expand it a bit more, (Shun being on of the main contributors to this) (Also, he's going to cause a big change later on Konoha is heading for Civial War, Then there's going to be the 4th Great Ninja War. Two words for that, Blood Bath.
Don't sweat not being able to read my stories right away. I'm just glad that you eventually read them. In case you were wondering, I started that Legend of Korra Story because the urge to write it became to strong after seeing so many reviews of it. I've watched the whole show and seen why this Oc could have actually been a logical chose for this series.
If you figure out why as well, don't review it. Just pm me. Thanks for your continued support.

Knutnputn: i never like it when characters i like dies. But i wasn't trying to cririsizing your choice. Like you said you want the stakes to be higher. For more key people to die. So i just mourn a bit when it happens :) keep writing! If i think of a character i want added i'll tell you :)

Quillion9000: He was the only one to take a stab at who would die so he has won the prize to do this. Again, thank you for your continued support.