Sum of our Parts
Reunion
***If I owned Naruto the 'time skip' would have brought way bigger changes to the story. ***
"Le gasp!" normal talking
'das fuken?' normal thinking
"set-you-on-fire-no-jutsu" Jutsu and other techniques
"I will murder you!" Tailed beast talking
***SooP***
Three Years
It had been three long years for the blonde Senju as she sat in her office, taking a sip from the sake bottle she had managed to smuggle in past Shizune.
Three years and there had not been a single message from Jiraiya on her Granddaughters' progress.
She silently swore that if they came back as perverts that nothing would save that man from her wrath, he would be stuck doing 'Catch Tora' missions for the rest of his days with academy students. Deep down she also missed the big oaf. Sure he was a perverted old lecher who was constantly ogling women and making those Kami awful books but he still had a way of lightening the mood whenever it needed to be.
He could always bring a smile, however small, to her face.
The Hokage had been hoping that upon her return that she might even be able to catch up with the man, especially after she began considering taking the hat from her Sensei. However, it seemed like luck had once again not been on her side.
At least she still had her two apprentices, although Shizune had long since stepped onto her own path as a Kunoichi and Hinata was often busy with work at the hospital, training with Kurenai, or working on her Taijutsu with Neji.
That had been a shocker to say the least, within a day of the two Uzumaki Sisters' departure Neji had approached the Branch Clan member and offered to train her on some Hyuga techniques if she would give him some pointers on combining elemental Chakra with his own Gentle Fist.
She had agreed and since then the two had grown remarkably close considering how much she had detested the boy as a Genin.
Overall the two Hyuga had grown marvelously.
The same could be said about the other members of their class as well.
Kiba had practically bullied Kakashi and his mother into continuing his training, and had thus grown both physically and mentally from it.
Shino and Shikamaru were being considered for promotion to Jonin soon due to their personal and teamwork skills.
Sakura and Ino had finally seen the error of their ways and began training seriously, often with Kurenai in the art of Genjutsu due to Sakura's Chakra control and Ino's proficiency in her clan Jutsu.
Choji had finally 'grown his wings' so to speak and was becoming an increasingly skilled Shinobi with the help of Might Gai and his training regimen.
All of the remaining Genin from that year had reached promotion to Chunin, much to their parents' satisfaction.
Then there was Sasuke Uchiha.
This thought cause Tsunade to growl in annoyance as she remembered the conversation that had taken place mere months ago.
***Flash***
"Hokage-Sama" The two Uchiha bowed respectfully as they entered the woman's office.
"Ah Itachi-San, and Sasuke… it is good to see you both. I assume this is for our monthly report Itachi? Though I must say you are a bit early and I think it would be better for these briefings to be in private."
Part of Sasuke's 'parole' was that he would be analyzed by either his brother or another Jonin each month to watch his progress both psychologically and physically. Tsunade wanted to ensure that any traitorous thoughts or actions would be avoided this time around.
"Actually Hokage-Sama this is a separate matter entirely. I will allow Sasuke to make his case." The elder Uchiha brother took a step back as he gave his brother a slight comforting gesture.
"Hokage-Sama, as you know my psych evaluations have been normal for the past two and a half years. My teamwork has shown dramatic improvements, and I have even been promoted due to your generous suggestion."
The blonde nodded slightly, it was true that the boy had shown impressive improvements and even Ibiki and Inoichi had given him their approvals. Tsunade was not a fool and knew a talented Shinobi when she saw one, hence the promotion.
"As such I would like to make a request, normally this sort of training is handled entirely separate from the Hokage since it falls under Uchiha clan jurisdiction but I felt that this would be sending the wrong message so I wanted to ask your approval and opinion before even attempting it. I have already spoken with Kakashi-Sensei and although he is against the idea he does concede that it would improve my abilities dramatically."
"And what is this training that is so secretive Sasuke?"
The boy took a deep breath to steady his nerves before staring back at the woman, trying not to show fear or hesitation.
"I want my brother to help me achieve the Mangekyo Sharingan."
The silence in the room was stifling as Sasuke began to sweat in nervousness.
He knew what he was asking for, that it sounded as if he was falling back into his old ways of desiring power in order to surpass his brother and to prove that he was the best, but it wasn't the case. Not this time.
"Your reasoning?"
Sasuke was actually a bit shocked at the lack of hatred or killing intent in the Sanin's words. He had expected everything from being thrown through a wall to flat out imprisonment.
"My last mission involving Team Seven almost ended in catastrophe."
Tsunade nodded in remembrance. It had been a 'simple' B ranked mission to The Land of Tea and due to Konoha's lack of manpower she had been forced to send Sasuke, Sakura, and Kiba without Kakashi or any other Ninja as backup.
They had run into a high level missing Ninja and it had cost them dearly. Sasuke's training had been put on hold during his evaluations and was still focusing on teamwork, Sakura was still developing her Genjutsu skill and was still considered a novice, and even though Kiba had been training diligently with his Sensei being pulled into more missions he had been struggling as well.
The result was that they were completely unprepared for facing the Jonin ranked Ninja, and they nearly lost their lives in the process.
Amazingly they had pulled a come from behind victory, albeit barely, by injuring the man with a complicated teamwork formation.
The blonde woman sighed in acknowledgement before nodding her head.
"I understand that Sasuke and I know you do feel partially responsible for this but…"
"No, I don't feel 'partially responsible' I am 'completely responsible'. If I hadn't left then Kiba would not have been stuck in a hospital recovering for weeks. If I hadn't been such an asshole in the first place and just worked and encouraged the others like I should have been then we would have been more than ready for what happened."
"What is needed for this evolution?"
Sasuke gave a hesitant glance towards his brother who decided to answer for him.
"In order to awaken the new form you must undergo extreme psychological trauma, usually the death of one's best friend. I plan on doing this by using the Tsukuyomi on him and forcing him to experience this."
"Absolutely not, I will not risk the future of one of the last remaining Uchiha Ninja as well as one of our most promising Shinobi on the potential success of a psychologically scarring incident."
"It's more than that Hokage-Sama, Itachi is going blind."
The woman directed her piercing gaze towards the older Uchiha, who failed to meet her stare.
"Is this true Itachi?"
"Yes" the man muttered out before continuing his explanation. "Using the Mangekyo Sharingan leads to blindness. The only way to reverse this would be to swap the eyes of two blood relatives who both wield those eyes."
"So it's not just about your own abilities but ensuring that both of you expand in power."
"It's about saving my brother. For once I want to do something for him and improve his life rather than just my own and help my team as well. If that means that going through some stress then so be it."
Tsunade took a deep breath before letting out a big sigh.
"Fine, but if this ends badly and we have to put him in a mental ward you will be taking his place on all of his missions as well, and I hear tell there is quite the buildup of D-rank missions right now."
Itachi flinched, and looked as if he was about to change his mind before Sasuke accepted the terms.
***End Flashback***
The next day the Uchiha brothers had emerged from their clan compound, and although Sasuke looked as if he had been through hell the result was a success, and Tsunade scheduled the operation.
Now though the Hokage's thoughts turned to the two missing Kunoichi whom she had been missing for so long. She had wanted to catch up with them, to make amends for all the times she hadn't been in their lives.
Yet here she was stuck behind a desk doing paperwork and sipping…
"YES I THE AMAZINGLY GALIANT, SUPREME, FANTASTIC, COURAGEOUS, SUPERB…"
Without thinking the woman leapt to the window and shouted her response to her teammate
"JIRAIYA SHUT THE HELL UP SOME OF US ARE TRYING TO… WAIT GET YOUR ASS UP HERE RIGHT…"
In a flash the man was sitting on the window ledge, his face mere inches from her own, the same contagious grin as always covering his features.
"You rang my lady?"
"J-Jiraiya…" For a moment the woman was speechless as her heart seemed to flutter in excitement. Before it was once more covered by an unyielding rage.
"WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN!"
"I told you, we were out training, seeing the world, indulging on life's…"
"I SWEAR TO ALL THAT IS HOLY I WILL CASTRATE YOU IF YOU TURNED MY GRANDCHILDREN INTO PERVERTS."
Jiraiya had the decency to look shocked.
"Hokage-hime have you so little faith in me?"
"Yes"
The man pouted.
"So where are my two favorite…"
Before she could finish a blonde projectile tackled into her, crashing the poor woman into the ground in a fit of giggles
"Baa-Chan!"
"Excuse me!?"
"Lady Tsunade it appears as though… oh you already know…" Shizune interrupted, as Akane also stood in the office.
"Thanks for the warning Shizune." The woman growled, earning a giggle from her secretary.
After managing to pry the blonde ball of sunshine off of her The Hokage took a look at the three Ninja that now stood in front of her.
Jiraiya hadn't changed much but both girls were now considerably taller.
Natsuko's hair had grown out and was now down to her waste, the childhood wonder was still in her eyes even as her Ninja attire still contained stripes of orange.
Akane still had the same dark attire, although there was considerably more crimson incorporated into the outfit than before.
It appeared that she was completely unarmed, although based on her skills before departing Tsunade guessed they were hidden away in storage seals.
"So Jiraiya how did the trip go? I assume it was very productive and…"
"I HAVENT HAD SEX IN THREE YEARS!"
For the first time in longer than she could remember Tsunade sat in stunned silence, her mind trying to process what had just been shouted at her by the white haired man.
"Excuse me?"
"OH YOU DAMN WELL HEARD ME HIME, ALL THANKS TO THAT STUPID BET I WASN'T ALLOWED TO GET LAID ONCE!"
The blonde shifted her gaze to the redhead who merely shrugged in response.
"I never said you couldn't have sex, the terms were that you were not allowed to do any 'research' while you were accompanying us. That meant no abandoning us to go peeping. You could do whatever you wanted on your free time."
The Sage's expression resembled more of a gaping fish rather than a toad at that moment.
"But you… and I… and she… and wha…"
"Jiraiya are you…"
Once again the elder Senju was interrupted, this time by a shout of joy, as the man leapt to the window frame and jumped out into the village, crying tears of joy about how he was going to "have so much sex that he would die from exhaustion"
Tsunade feared for the women of Konoha
***SooP***
"Come on Hinata get up, you can do better than that." Anko coaxed in an encouraging voice.
"I-I'm trying Anko-Sensei." The girl panted, completely covered in sweat as she pushed herself slowly to her feet.
Meanwhile Kurenai watched on as her remaining student and best friend continued the intense sparring that Hinata had requested.
The girl's progress had been remarkable these past three years. Not only had she become a skilled medic but the Hyuga had also found a drive that most Ninja could only dream about. Through that her skill with Genjutsu, both of her elements, and her unique Taijutsu style had improved in leaps and bounds.
There had been no debate when the red eyed Jonin had recommended her for Chunin.
Since then the pale eyed Kunoichi had only pushed herself harder, struggling for some unknown goal.
When asked about it Hinata had only replied that she would be able to stand by her teammates when they returned.
Kurenai was starting to believe that when the two sisters did return it would be the opposite as before. They would be struggling to keep up with Hinata.
The Sensei of Team eight was brought out of her thoughts by the sound of her student being thrown to the ground once more.
"Not bad Hinata-chan, I must say you have improved remarkably. Sure you still can't keep up with me yet but that's to be expected. I am a Jonin for a reason you know."
"A-again"
"It's okay to take a break Hinata. You have been pushing yourself for close to eighteen hours a day since you made Chunin. You have proven that you…"
"Again"
Kurenai sighed before shrugging and giving a nod to the purple haired woman.
"Your call, alright then Hinata-chan!" The snake summoner smirked before lunging once more for the Chunin, who looked about ready to collapse.
Just as she reached the poor girl a blonde blur tackled her from the side, while Hinata herself seemed to vanish in a streak of red.
"What the…"
"ANKO-CHAN!"
Kurenai's jaw dropped as she saw the grown up Uzumaki trapping Anko in a death grip of her own, before catching a glance of Anko holding Hinata bridle style a few feet from where she had originally been standing.
"GAKIS!"
Anko cried out happily as she returned the hug in full force.
"Hinata"
"A-A-Akane-chan!"
"Akane, Natsuko your back!" the Genjutsu mistress cried out happily as she moved towards where the redhead was carrying Hinata.
"We just got back today Kurenai-Sensei" the blonde exclaimed happily.
"You are looking well Hinata. I see you have developed quite nicely and…"
Hinata had already passed out though, a combination of exhaustion and excitement.
"Perhaps we overdid our return a bit?"
"Nonsense onee-chan! 'If you have to make an entrance make sure it is remembered'."
"Let me guess Jiraiya taught you that?" Anko mused happily, as she brought the other girl into a fierce hug.
"That among other things." Akane answered.
"Nothing perverted I hope…" Kurenai muttered, earning a laugh from Anko, the first one that the red eyed Kunoichi remembered hearing in a long time.
Finally Team eight was back together again.
***SooP***
Tsunade sat across from Jiraiya who was sporting a smug smile.
A smile that made her want to knock his teeth out.
"Now that… was a welcome home party." The man sighed in contentment.
"If you are quite done 'getting your rocks off' could we move onto a serious conversation?"
"Of course hime, what would you like to talk about?"
The blonde stared at the man incredulously.
"Are you serious? You have been out of contact for three years and have the nerve to ask me 'what I want to talk about'?"
"Uh…. yes?"
"MY GRANDDAUGHTERS YOU PERVERTED ASS!"
"No need to be rude about it hime…" the man muttered, earning an eye twitch from the Hokage. "So what is it that you want to know first?"
"Well I hope that you taught them a few things over the training period, so let's start with that. How have they improved as Kunoichi?"
The white haired man paused, before unsealing a rather large bottle of expensive sake and tipping it back to take a very long drink.
"That bad or that good?"
"Both"
Tsunade felt a twinge of fear, she knew that the two would become much stronger out of Konoha and its influences but they couldn't have improved that much right?
"Did you know… that Mokuton users are natural Sages?"
The Hokage snapped back to the conversation wide eyed. Sure she had heard the stories of her grandfather's abilities but she never considered that he might have developed those types of powers on his own.
"It's true," the man continued after seeing her shocked gaze. "I took them to Mt. Myoboku for Sage training pretty early on. You know it took me around a year to grasp the concept and still I have trouble with it right? Well Natsuko picked it up after about a month, Akane took a little bit longer."
"That's… impressive."
"Oh I don't think 'impressive' is the word for how much they have improved. Those two girls are practically monsters now in terms of raw power. Akane's Fuinjutsu has improved well beyond mine and her physical ability is into the Jonin level by now. The only real problem I had was teaching her new tricks since she can't use Ninjutsu at all we had to improvise a bit. So we traveled for most of the time, picking fights with random Ninja and Taijutsu experts to get her experience."
"That… is actually pretty clever considering what I have heard about her abilities, what about Natsuko?"
"She… is an army unto herself."
Tsunade's eyes widened once more in shock.
"What do you mean?"
"Oh I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise on that one, let's just say that when she first showed me even I didn't fully grasp what she had accomplished but once I did…"
The Senju nodded. "What about their personal lives? I was hoping they would be able to return to their old team eventually."
"No worries there, sure Akane is still a bit anti-social but their teamwork together is rather terrifying. Oh and Natsuko is dating someone right now."
Tsunade smiled before doing a double take.
"Wait what the hell do you mean 'she is dating someone'? Who the hell could she be… JIRAIYA I SWEAR TO KAMI IF YOU ARE DATING MY GRANDDAUGHTER I WILL RIP YOUR TESTICLES OFF!"
The man immediately covered his crotch with his hands protectively.
"Of course not! What kind of pervert do you think I am…. You know what don't answer that."
"So then who is she… oh God please don't tell me she is dating her sister…"
The Toad Sage immediately stared off into space, a perverted grin on his face as blood seeped from his nose.
"Icha Icha, the forbidden fruit… I COULD BE RICH!"
"Ah hem…."
"Oh I mean, of course not Hokage-hime!"
Tsunade paused, going over the situation in her mind. Natsuko was currently dating someone, which meant it wasn't a long term relationship and she had just gotten back. She wasn't dating Jiraiya or her sister, and there was no one else traveling with them.
"Then who the hell is she dating Jiraiya?"
"Well the thing is, it's actually kinda funny when you think about it and…"
"Get on with it…"
"She is sorta, kinda, dating the Kyuubi?"
Tsunade froze as her jaw hit the desk.
"Jiraiya, this isn't funny… is she being…"
"Manipulated? No, Akane is regularly inspecting the seal after I explained everything I knew about it. Plus she has already had 'the talk' with both of them."
"The talk?"
"The 'if you manipulate or hurt my sister I will make your existence a living hell' talk."
"Ah, well she would be the best one to do it."
"Yeah… she is scary with Fuinjutsu."
Tsunade nodded before taking a calming breath. "Well if that is the case then I only have one thing to say about this.
"And what is that hime?"
"WHAT IN THE NINE CIRCLES OF HELL ARE YOU THINKING!?"
***SooP***
"Natsuko, Akane your back!" Ino exclaimed as the rest of the two sisters' classmates approached the ramen stand where the three youngest members of Team eight sat.
"Hey Ino-chan! How are you guys?"
"Oh I'm doing fantastic! You two have been gone so long and missed so much gossip!"
"Troublesome woman…"
"Oh can it Shikamaru you were just as eager to see them as the rest of us. In fact you actually got up from a nap when you heard they were back in the village."
The boy muttered something incoherent before looking away.
"So what have we missed Ino-chan?"
"Well the big thing is that…"
"Sasuke-Kun and I are dating!" Sakura happily squealed out.
Ino growled as the pinkette 'stole her thunder' and turned to glare at the other girl.
"I told you that I wanted to tell them forehead!"
"Excuse me pig? It's my relationship and I will tell whoever I damn well please!"
"Yeah no kidding, we all practically heard your shout of excitement after your first date!"
"Oh yeah well just because I won and you lost doesn't mean that…"
"Sakura-chan, be nice." Sasuke's voice called out from the back of the group as he stepped forward.
Although there was no killing intent released there was a noticeable drop in the temperature as he approached the two girls.
Neither tensed, but everyone could tell that they were immediately on guard.
For his part Sasuke's eyes widened a bit in shock at the change in the two. They had gone from casually relaxed to prepared to kill without so much as drawing a weapon.
"I uhm… just wanted to thank you two for what you did… without the two of you I wouldn't be standing here right now, heck I don't even know if I would be alive at this point so… thank you." The Uchiha bowed respectfully before taking a step back to try and ease the tension.
The apology seemed to have helped as the two girls relaxed a bit.
"So any other changes since we have been gone?"
"Uh try a ton!" Kiba exclaimed excitedly. "Were all badass Chunin now and rumor has it that a couple of our class might be making Jonin soon. Also Hinata-chan has been getting training from The Hokage herself! Oh and Sasuke's got these super cool new eyes that make him ever bett…"
He was interrupted by Neji elbowing him in the stomach, hard.
"Seriously Kiba were you always this dumb?" Tenten muttered in shock. Even Lee knew better than to mention their ranks to someone who wouldn't have had an opportunity to progress, meaning that the two sisters were undoubtedly the last of the Genin from their group. Not to mention that he had blurted out the improved power of someone who had tried to kill them the last time they had a mission.
"What does he mean by 'new eyes'? They look the same to me." Natsuko questioned, tilting her head to the side in a way that made all the Kunoichi want to scream 'Kawaii'.
"Oh they are most definitely not the same. Sasuke-Kun evolved his eyes to a super advanced version of the Sharingan and then switched them out with Itachi's so that they are even better now!" Sakura shouted out in a dreamy fashion.
Sasuke nodded, enjoying the praise when he could.
"So you like the new and improved eyes then?" the blonde Uzumaki questioned curiously.
"Of course! They are even more dreamy than before, he's so much more handsome and charming and…"
"Doesn't that mean you like his brother's eyes more than his?" the redhead interrupted, causing the various Ninja to freeze at the reality.
"I… no… cause that's not…"
Meanwhile most of the boys were snickering as Sasuke gaped at the conclusion.
"She's got you there Sasuke-kun looks like your girl has the hots for your bro's eyes." Kiba laughed as he smacked his teammate on the back.
"Quite embarrassing indeed, I can't imagine what it would feel like if Tenten-chan enjoyed someone's eyes more than mine." Neji stated with a chuckle.
He hadn't realized what he said until the excitable young blonde's grin threatened to envelope her face.
"So it's Tenten-chan now huh Neji? And how much does she enjoy your eyes?"
The Hyuga heir glanced around nervously as he began sweating, seeing the girl in question's face with a mixture of curiosity at what he would answer and annoyance at being exposed this way.
"I… uh…"
"AH HA! So your flames of youth have indeed found a suitable match in Tenten's! YOUR FLAMES SHALL BURN EVEN BRIGHTER NOW MY RIVAL!" Lee shouted, now directing the snickering towards the pale eyed boy instead.
"Wow Hyuga it looks like you have your own set of woman troubles to deal with. Luckily my woman knows her place in our relationship." Sasuke taunted, only to freeze in fear at the killing intent being directed towards him.
"And what place would that be Sasuke-kun?" a voice far too sweet inquired.
Slowly the boy turned to see his girlfriend, smiling far too brightly for comfort, slowly walking towards him.
"W-well I mean… what I meant to say was that… uh… LOOK KIBA IS PEEING ON INO!"
For some reason the distraction worked as most of the Ninja, including Ino and Kiba themselves, turned to look in the direction the boy was pointing allowing him to quickly make his escape.
Unfortunately Kiba, Ino, and Sakura all took offense to the statement and the three proceeded to chase after the boy, screaming about the pain he was about to be put in.
The others chuckled before Choji shouted about a 'ramen eating contest' and proceeded to sit down next to Natsuko.
It would be the first time Choji would ever lose such a contest.
***SooP***
As the two Uzumaki walked towards the Senju Clan home, where Tsunade had practically demanded that they stay, both halted and turned back to face one of the empty alley ways.
"I don't like being followed, especially by someone who has been watching me all night." Akane called out.
Moments later Itachi walked out of the shadows, a hand on the back of his head in mild embarrassment.
"It seems as though you have quite the acute senses still Akane-San."
"I just remembered I have some ramen boiling at home, I'll see you later onee-chan! Don't wear her out too much Itachi-kun." The blonde sister giggled before running off.
"Very discreet of you Natsuko…" the redhead muttered, her stare never leaving the Shinobi before her.
"I heard you just got back into the village today…"
"Correct."
"I was wondering if you wanted to get something to eat with me."
"Why?"
The question caused the Uchiha to blink in surprise. He had thought that the answer would be fairly obvious but perhaps after three years with the Sanin something had changed.
"Well I was hoping to spend some time with you."
"I understand that, but again I ask 'why'. If you are looking for a one night stand then go somewhere else I'm not interested. If you are hoping to start a relationship then look elsewhere."
"Why is that?"
"You do not want to be in a relationship with me."
"You are so sure?"
"Yes."
"Why is that?" The Sharingan wielder questioned, taking a step forward towards the girl slowly.
"Because I am not the type of person that can be in those types of relationships."
"Oh? I think you can be if you chose to."
"Why me? Is it because of my heritage or some crap?"
Throughout the conversation Itachi had continued moving towards the girl, who had thus far continued stepping back away from him.
"No… I began to 'see' you before that. You are… interesting to me. You are a puzzle that I cannot figure out no matter how hard I try."
Finally Akane's back hit the wall, allowing the boy to come within arm's length of her. Here he stopped though.
"Can you truly say that you have no interest in romance at all? That you are not the least bit curious in experiencing the physical side of intimacy?"
"I have had enough of the 'physical side' to last me a lifetime, and none of it was by choice."
The Uchiha's eyes widened in understanding as he took a step back to give the girl, who he had just now noticed was trembling slightly, some space.
"I… did not know… I am truly sorry for pushing the subject like that…"
"It isn't your fault, I try not to talk about it."
The boy turned to leave before glancing back at the girl in concern, "You should".
He disappeared a moment later using Sunshin.
***SooP***
"Jiji"
"JIJI IS HERE!" Natsuko happily shouted as she practically torpedoed into the older man, who smiled happily.
"Good to see you both again. How was your trip with Jiraiya?"
"Ero-Sensei? It was AWESOME! We went to a mountain full of frogs, and then we went like all over the place and saw all these cool villages and stuff. And then there was these island ruins that were really important and…."
As the blonde happily recounted everything that happened The Third was content to just sitting back and listening to the tale. He was glad that the girls had been given the opportunity to travel and see the world as he had longed to do. Free of the politics and bureaucracy.
Unfortunately he was far too recognizable to leave on such a journey now, even if he was healthy enough to do so. It was one of the few opportunities that he had longed for later in life.
"Are you okay Jiji?"
His attention snapped back to the conversation, noticing the two girls were giving him worried stares.
"Yes yes I am fine, just getting a bit old I suppose." The man chuckled as he rubbed at the pain in his back.
"Perhaps you should lie down and rest, can I get you something?" The redhead continued as her sister gently helped the aged man stand.
"Quite unnecessary, I just need to be a bit more careful where I walk and how much I exert myself. One of the problems with growing old I'm afraid."
The two Kunoichi nodded, but the former Hokage could tell that their suspicions were not averted.
"Jiji… are you sick?"
The man's eyes widened for a moment, before they gently closed as he gave the two a warm smile.
"Yes I am afraid I am. Another problem with getting old is that I seem to get worn out and catch colds far easier than I used to. Tsunade has been demanding I spend more time relaxing in bed but I know that if I do that it will just hasten the aging process. I would rather walk around while I am still able."
The two girls nodded before firmly, yet gently, embracing the man in a group hug.
***SooP***
"Teams seven, eight, and nine I have a joint mission for all of you. Suna has requested aid due to rumors of several S-Class missing Ninja entering the country a week ago. This coincides with our information that someone has been actively seeking out and kidnapping Jinchuriki." The Hokage announced to the Ninja assembled.
"No offense Hokage-Sama but shouldn't Team eight not be deployed then? If there is a group hunting Jinchuriki then sending Natsuko and Akane would be placing them in danger along with the Kazekage." Kurenai pointed out.
"Actually Jiraiya, Sensei, and I have spoken about this and we agree that the best way to keep them safe is to keep them on the move. The more stationary they are then the more likely someone would be able to find their location and plan a way to take them. After all if they are indeed a threat to the Kazekage then they would certainly be one to the two of you." Tsunade answered, gesturing towards the two sisters.
Both nodded in understanding.
"Besides with Suna's aid there shouldn't be any risks involved, but just in case be very careful and under no circumstances are either of you two allowed venturing out alone." The blonde commanded in her 'Hokage' voice.
"Okay baa-chan."
"AND QUIT CALLING ME THAT YOU BRAT!"
***Omake***
"Hey there Itachi old buddy old pall, how bout you come out with the boys and have a drink with us eh?" Jiraiya called out in a friendly tone as he put his arm around the Uchiha's shoulders
"Actually I was in the middle of…"
"Nonsense think of it as a direct order." Tsunade replied with a smile while giving out the feeling that it was to be considered as such.
The ANBU sighed and nodded as he watched the two Uzumaki continue on their path, never being the wiser as to his intention of speaking with them.
As the three arrived at an exclusive Ninja bar they were met with quite the welcoming party, including Kakashi, Hayate, Yugao, Kurenai, Anko, Gai, and even the two Sarutobis.
"Ah the man of the hour has arrived I see." Asuma greeted with a friendly smile.
Itachi took the empty seat that was offered, conveniently between Anko and the silver haired Shinobi.
"So Itachi, now that Sasuke is back in the middle of things what are your plans?" Hiruzen inquired as Tsunade began ordering a round of drinks.
"I hadn't thought much about it Hokage-Sama, I suppose I will either rejoin the ANBU immediately or stay as a Jonin to look after the village for a bit. I have missed being stationed locally after all."
Gai nodded in understanding, "A MOST YOUTHFUL GOAL ITACHI-SAN! MAY YOUR FLAMES OF YOUTH GUIDE YOU!"
The others winced slightly at the man's shout before turning back to the Sharingan wielder.
"Rumor is that you have taken quite the interest in a certain redheaded Kunoichi eh Itachi?" Jiraiya joked.
But one did not become an ANBU captain without picking up the subtle differences between an interrogation and a friendly conversation.
"I suppose so, she is quite interesting is she not?"
"Oh Akane certainly is interesting." The red eyed Kunoichi agreed with a smile.
"So is this the part where all of you threaten me with bodily harm should I break her heart or take her innocence?" The Uchiha suddenly inquired.
The table fell silent before most of those present burst into laughter.
Now Itachi was legitimately confused, he had never really had much luck in relationships in his life but the few that he did have usually ended up like this. The girl's parents threatening him bodily harm should he sleep with them or what not.
"Oh no Itachi-kun you misunderstand, we aren't here to threaten. Our job is just to let you know who would be cleaning up the mess after Natsuko literally tears you to pieces in the most violent and painful ways possible. And just in case that it isn't clear that would be me and Anko. Meanwhile Kakashi, Gai, and Hayate would remove any witnesses, Kurenai and Yugao would cover up the scene while the Hokage's would change the incident reports to say you fell off a mountain or some such nonsense." The toad Sanin replied with a bright smile.
Itachi merely gulped and nodded in understanding.
***A/N***
It feels a bit odd writing a 'what happened over the last three years' chapter when I personally didn't take a break or put anything between the two sections.
Regardless I hope no one is super upset at the various interactions, or the power up for the Uchiha. Considering their situation I felt that the two would eventually fall into that situation, especially if Sasuke stopped being such a huge prick.
I was originally debating on whether or not to include the Suna mission but I opted to do so since it felt like a nice intro to the Akatsuki, rest assured that after this stuff will be changing from the Manga, hopefully in a good way.
Now that my other story has come to an end I plan on putting more time into this one, after I complete a side project, which might mean two updates a week instead of just one.
Until next time I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter!