Neokenshn: Well here we go! It's time to kick off the new arc! And what a way to go too! Naruto Shippuden ep. 1 was unreal, and there's a brand new chapter out! Oh man, can it get any better!
Haku: Dunno, maybe you have even more planned for us!
Neokenshin: Well, Since I overcame my huge writer's block with the Chuunin finals, I've had so many more ideas, so yeah it's gonna get good. Besides, I think giving Hinata and Kasumi a vaction was what they needed. I've been overworking them too much.
Haku: Well I'm sure they're enjoying the time off. I heard they took up yoga for a while.
Neokenshin: Eh. At least they're enjoying it. Now for the important stuff. I don't own Naruto, and Akemi is used with permission from Dragon Man 180. Now everyone enjoy the new chapter!
Chapter 21: The Calm after the Storm.
"What in the world!" Sasuke said, seeing the beam of light shoot out of his power gem.
"Don't worry about that now Sasuke. We gotta get back to Konoha as soon as possible!" Naruto said. "For some reason, I have a bad feeling something's not right."
"You don't think Orochimaru won, do you?" Sakura asked.
"No, I'm sure he was defeated. But he's not the one I'm worried about." Naruto said. "I'm really worried about Otou-san, Oka-san, Kasumi-nee-chan, and Hinata-chan."
"Well, don't worry Naruto-kou. I'll get you there immediately." Shakaku said.
As the three shinobi, along with the three Sand genin, and the two Kitsune rushed to Konoha, another one of Konoha's genin started recovering.
"Oh man, what hit me?" Haku said, rubbing her head. "That's right! Akemi and Hanabi! I gotta…whoa, what in the world happened while I was out!"
Haku got to her feet to see most of the crowd unconscious from Kabuto's jutsu. She even saw traces of the destruction on the rooftops, and knew something was wrong. She pulled herself together and rushed off to hopefully find some allies. Hopefully Kasumi and Hinata were ok as well.
"Kasumi, Hinata, this is Haku. Are you guys ok?" Haku said into her communicator. "Kasumi, Hinata, are you there…hmm, no response. This isn't good. Wait maybe I can get Chouji. He should still be here. Chouji, come in. This is Haku. Are you ok?" Haku was beginning to worry since she had no response from Kasumi, Hinata, or Chouji. "Great. My sisters are out, and Chouji isn't responding either. I should try to reach Naruto and Sasuke."
Before she had a chance to call Naruto or Sasuke, her advanced hearing caught wind of a flying kunai and she barely avoided. When she turned to see where it came from, there was a Sound nin coming towards her, ready to strike.
"Holy…" Haku said, before she saw the ninja being struck with a fierce open palm. She saw that it was Hiashi who had given her cover.
"Hiashi-sama! Am I glad to see you! What's going on? Has Orochimaru started attacking? Where's Akemi!!" Haku said.
"Haku, don't worry yourself. Come with me down to the infirmary. Akemi is down there with two of my finest guards. I will explain what I can to you when we get there." Hiashi said.
"Ok. I'm right behind you." Haku said, running behind Hiashi. She took the time to get in touch with Naruto on her way. "Naruto, this is Haku, can you read me?"
Naruto heard the transmission and responded, "Haku-nee-chan, I'm here. Is everything ok?"
"I don't really know. I tried calling Kasumi, Hinata, and Chouji, but none of them responded." Haku said.
"Haku, what's the situation? Has Orochimaru continued any more of his attack?" Naruto asked.
"He did start his attack! Oh man, what a fine time to be knocked out!" Haku said.
"Knocked out? Haku, are you ok? You aren't wounded or anything, are you?" Naruto replied.
"No, I'm ok. I was just unconscious. I've already met up with Hiashi-sama, and I'm heading to the infirmary. Akemi-chan is ok, and Hiashi-sama is gonna fill me in on what's been going on. Then maybe I can get out there and find everyone else." Haku said.
"Ok, just try to find Kasumi, Hinata, and Chouji as soon as you can! Hopefully Neji should be feeling a little better after our match, so maybe he can help you out. Sakura, Sasuke, the Sand Trio, and I should be back in about 5-10 minutes." Naruto said.
"Ok, just be careful Naru-chan. We still don't know what the situation is out there. There may be some ambushes or battles going on, so stay alert. Haku out." Haku said.
Chouji was slowly beginning to come out of the genjutsu, however he didn't notice two yellow lights coming out of his power gem, combining with the blue light from Hinata and the red light from Sasuke. Unknown to everyone, the lights combined, forming a brown crystal gem, and a black onyx gem. The two gems then honed in on their targets and immediately bonded with their new carriers. Chouji then came out of the jutsu to see Kiba, Shino, Ino, Tenten, Lee, and Shikamaru were still out cold. He then saw Kakashi and Gai finishing off the last of the Sound ninja around them.
"What the heck is going on here?" Chouji asked.
"Yeesh Chouji, can't a guy take a nap?" Shikamaru said.
"Nap? Dude, it just looked like we've been under attack!" Chouji said. "And who the heck ate the last of my potato chips!"
"Like anyone really cares about your potato chips." Shikamaru said.
"So, I guess we have two more that just woke up. Too bad they missed all the action." Kakashi said.
"Quite a shame Kakashi. All that fire wasted on sleep." Gai said.
"Oh well. We're done here. Shikamaru, go ahead and release the genjutsu on the others and head to the infirmary." Kakashi said.
"How troublesome." Shikamaru said, walking over to the others.
"I better try to find Naruto and see what's going on." Chouji said, flicking his wrists. "EARTH ILLUMINA ACTIVATION!"
"Well I see we do have some extra reinforcement. Though late, it will still help." Kakashi said.
"Listen, I'm going to find the others. I'll meet back up with you in the infirmary." Chouji said.
"Yeah yeah, go be a hero." Shikamaru said, releasing the genjutsu on Tenten and Ino.
"Oh man, look at this place! It's been crazy around here!" Naruto said.
"You said it. Hey Naruto, isn't that Gamabunta over there?" Sasuke said, pointing to the east.
"Yeah, and he's got Ero-sennin on top of him. No wonder I couldn't summon him." Naruto said.
"Naruto-kou, I can smell strong traces of blood…and you're not going to like who it's from!" Shakaku said.
"Wait…oh no!" Naruto said, looking towards the main building in the stadium. He pushed a small amount of chakra into his eyes and could see three figures lying on the ground. "Otou-san's up there, and it looks like he's hurt! Those other two…it can't be!"
"Naruto, who is it?" Sasuke asked.
"I think it's Kasumi and Hinata!" Naruto said.
"Naruto, Sasuke, look over there!" Sakura said, pointing to an adjacent building. She could see a flame dying off, but wasn't sure if anything else was over there.
"Kitsune Blood…and it's…" Naruto said, smelling the air. His hunch was right. His family was hurt…badly! He had to do something fast, or who knows how bad their conditions could get…it could even be the worst!
"Hishou, take Sasuke and I towards the main building. Shakaku, take Sakura and head over to where Oka-san is." Naruto said, as he and Sasuke jumped onto Hishou. "Let's just hope the worst hasn't happened!"
"As you wish Naruto-kou." Shakaku said. "Let's go Sakura!"
"Right!" Sakura said.
"Quickly Hishou, we have to get to them fast!" Naruto said.
"Yes, Naruto-sama." Hishou said.
The two groups parted, heading towards their destinations. When Naruto and Sasuke arrived, they couldn't believe the chaos.
"Oh man, Orochimaru caused all of this!" Sasuke said.
"Looks like it." Naruto said. "Blasted snake! When I get my hands on him…"
"Naruto, you better get over here!" Sasuke said. "You were right, it is Kasumi and Hinata!"
"Hinata! Kasumi!" Naruto said, rushing to Hinata's side. Sasuke did the same to Kasumi. "Hinata wake up!" Naruto picked up his girlfriend in his arms, hoping she would awaken. However, that wouldn't be the case. "Hinata! Come on, Hinata wake up!" When she didn't answer he feared the worst. "Sasuke…"
"I know! Kasumi's not responding either! Could they really be…" Sasuke said.
"No, they're ok. Naruto-sama, can you not hear it?" Hishou said.
"Hear what…maybe!" Naruto said, placing his ear to Hinata's chest. Sasuke did the same and the two suddenly felt an air of relief. "They're alive!"
"Yeah! Oh man, thank goodness!" Sasuke said. "Now what about Arashi-sama!"
"It looks like he's ok. He seems to be worn from the fight as well. Come on, let's get these guys to the infirmary." Naruto said. He and Sasuke helped Arashi onto Hishou, when Shakaku and Sakura met up with them. Shakaku was carrying Akane, and didn't look too happy.
"Oka-san! Is she ok?" Naruto said.
"Naruto-kou…Kyuubi-kouhi…she's…" Shakaku said, with a tear slowly forming in her eye.
"Shakaku, tell me…TELL ME!!!" Naruto said.
"Naruto…Shakaku discovered that Akane-sama's been poisoned. What's worse…is that the poison contained energy from ofuda talismans." Sakura said.
"What is that supposed to mean! Someone, tell me!" Naruto said frantically.
"Naruto…Akane-sama's dying!" Sakura said. "And it looks like Kabuto was the one that did it!"
"No…it can't be…" Naruto said, falling to his knees. "Orochimaru…"
"Naruto, are you ok?" Sasuke asked.
"OROCHIMARU!! MARK MY WORDS, I WILL DESTROY YOU!!!!!" Naruto screamed!
For about a minute, no one spoke to Naruto. They all decided it would be best to let him vent his rage towards Orochimaru.
"Naruto-kou…we should get everyone some kind of medical attention. We don't know how their conditions are going to get." Sakura said.
"Ok. Let's get down to the infirmary." Naruto said, picking Hinata off the ground. He held her in his arms and looked at her face. Though she was out cold, he couldn't see a sense of happiness on her face. He could tell she was hurting, even in whatever dream she was in.
The group headed down to the infirmary to see Haku and everyone else waiting for them, and the reaction was definitely not a good one!
"Hinata!" Hiashi said, rushing to Naruto and his daughter. "What on earth happened to her!"
"Orochimaru, that's who!" Naruto said, laying her in an empty bed. Sasuke did the same for Kasumi, and then they helped Arashi and Akane to two remaining ones. Temari did the same for Gaara. "How's everyone else?"
"We're all ok. Neji's still sleep, and so is Akemi and Hanabi." Haku said. "Kin's still out cold as well. She took some pretty bad injures and struggled enough to get here. Wait…Naruto, when did you…"
"Oh, the ears and tails. Let's just say I have Gaara to thank over there. I have a feeling he's not gonna be too happy with Orochimaru when he wakes up." Naruto said. "Kin's probably the same way."
"You know we should be thankful Kin showed up when she did. If it wasn't for her, things might have been worse." Sasuke said.
"Now here's the big problem. What the heck are we gonna do? I mean we don't even know the condition of Kasumi and Hinata, and we're not sure how Otou-san is!" Naruto said.
"Trust…me. I'm…not beaten…yet." Arashi said, slowly waking up.
"Otou-san, are you ok?" Haku said.
"I've…had better days. How…is everyone?" Arashi asked.
"Not good. Oka-san's been poisoned and it's slowly killing her. As for Kasumi and Hinata, we can't get them to wake up." Naruto said.
"They won't. Not until we can figure out a way to release the jutsu." Arashi said.
"Jutsu? That's all?" Sasuke said.
"I know what you're thinking, but trust me it won't be that easy." Arashi said. "Orochimaru said he used some sort of sleep jutsu on them. He said he copied it from Tsunade for some reason. What's worse is that he used the Shadow Gem to strengthen it." Arashi said.
"Hmm, then if it's one of Tsunade's jutsu, then it may be possible to see if Jiraiya can release it." Hiashi said.
"No, I don't think it will be this easy. I remember Tsunade making several experimental jutsu for medical purposes. Since she still had them in the testing stage, she never taught anyone else how to release them." Arashi said.
"So then we have to go and find Tsunade-sama?' Sakura asked.
"That may be the case." Arashi said.
As the conversation continued Neji slowly awoke from his injuries. Two more also joined the group…though not as refreshed as everyone else.
"Hey, do you guys have to be so loud?" Akemi said, rubbing her eyes.
"Yeesh, what does it take for a girl to get some beauty sleep." Hanabi said.
"Looks like you two had a good nap." Naruto asked, picking up Akemi.
"Yeah, but I missed the last of Sasuke's fight. Hey when did you get ears and tails?" Akemi asked.
"Heh, long story. I'll fill you in a little later." Naruto said.
"What happened to Hinata-nee-chan!" Hanabi asked, after seeing her sister.
"It was Orochimaru. He placed her and Kasumi-chan under some sort of jutsu, and we don't know how to release it. But don't worry Hanabi-chan. She's only sleeping." Haku asked.
"What about Oka-san?" Akemi asked.
"Well, she's been poisoned by Orochimaru, and unless we find a cure for her, we're not sure if she's going to survive." Naruto said, with a slight tremble in her voice.
"Do you think that we can do what she did to me to save her?" Akemi asked. Surprisingly the little Kitsune was taking this very well.
"It's not likely Akemi-chan. But we're gonna find a cure, no matter how long it takes." Haku said.
"Well getting back to the task on hand, what are we gonna do about Akane-sama?" Sakura asked. "I've never heard of anyone having being poisoned with ofuda energy in their system."
"It's possible I might have a solution to that." Shakaku said. "Kitsune shamans are well known in their studies of herbology and talisman spells. It's possible that they may be able to form a counteragent to the ofuda energy using some demon energy catalysts."
"Then we need to get to the Kitsune village as soon as possible!" Sakura said.
"It may not be that easy. Even though Kyuubi-kouhi is well respected within the clan, there have been rumors of a potential coup against her, because she has been away from the village and the clan for so long. If the village gets overthrown, then we may have no chance of saving her!" Shakaku said.
"So we have two choices now. The first is to find Tsunade to help save Kasumi and Hinata and the second is to get to the Kitsune village to save Akane." Arashi said. He then grimaced and grabbed his shoulder where Orochimaru's snake bit him.
"And we still have to take care of you Otou-san!" Haku said.
"Don't worry about me. A little chakra venom won't stop me." Arashi said, with a small smile.
"Chakra venom! You do realize that if it stays in your system too long it will permanently seal your chakra!" Shakaku said.
"That may be the case. But knowing Orochimaru, he was only planning to seal one kind of chakra…Kitsune chakra, since his attack was originally targeted at Kasumi." Arashi said. "Guess that means I won't be getting my tails and ears for a while, eh Naruto."
"What!" Sasuke, Naruto, and Haku said together.
"I'll tell you after everyone is back to normal. For now, we need to do some recovery and see just how well Konoha is." Arashi said. "Then we can go from there. But for right now, I think I'm gonna sleep for a while."
"I hate to say it, but a good rest will do everyone good." Naruto said. "Let's get everyone to the hospital for now."
Everyone took their leave of the battered stadium and headed to Konoha Hospital. Arashi, Gaara, Kin, Akane, Kasumi, and Hinata were all given check-ups. Arashi was even able to have a majority of the chakra venom extracted from his system, but small amounts still remained. As for Akane, none of the current doctors could do anything to cure the poisoning. For the time being, everyone returned home, though Hinata, Kasumi and Kin were taken to the Uzumaki house. Hishou returned to the Kitsune village to get some possible information about a cure, and the potential coup. The Sand trio took their leave early to try to find out the status of Suna. After Arashi heard their story, he felt it no need to retaliate for their actions, and still acknowledged the alliance between Suna and Konoha. Shakaku took up residence with the Uzumaki clan as well for a few days while plans were being made to set out.
A few days later…
"You know isn't there another name we can call you Shakaku?" Naruto asked. "Not to be mean, but your name kinda gets confusing with Shukaku."
"Oh, I'm sorry Naruto-kou. Shakaku is merely my codename. My real name is Momoko (peach child.)." Momoko said.
"Your name means peach child?" Haku asked.
"Yes Haku-hime. I kinda…have a weakness to peaches. They're my all time favorite food ever!" Momoko said.
"Well then Momoko, we'll call you that from now on." Akemi said.
"Very well Akemi-hime." Momoko said. When she said Akemi's name and title, Akemi seemed a little down. She noticed Haku wasn't too happy as well. "Um, did I say anything wrong?"
"No, it's just that saying Haku-hime is so formal." Haku said. "I mean I know I'm a Kitsune Princess, but I'm only the Third Princess."
"Yeah, and it makes me feel old." Akemi said.
"Well, what would you like me to call you?" Momoko said.
"Just call me Haku, or Haku-chan. I like either of those." Haku said.
"And you can call me Akemi-chan, or wait…I like Princess Akemi better." Akemi said with a smile.
"Very well. If that's what you'd like, then that's how I'll address you, Princess Akemi." Momoko said with a smile.
"Now was that so hard?" Akemi said, smiling back.
"Not at all." Momoko said. "Well I guess someone else just woke up." She noticed Kin coming down the stairs from one of the guest rooms.
"Hey Kin. Sleep ok?" Haku asked.
"I guess." Kin said, rubbing her eyes. When they came into focus, she realized she wasn't in the infirmary and felt a little defensive.
"Hey no need to worry. You're ok here. Besides, consider this thanks for the information." Naruto said.
"Information…did the attack happen?" Kin said.
"Yeah, but the damage wasn't as bad as we thought." Haku said.
"What about Sasuke! Is Sasuke safe!" Kin said.
"Well yeah. I'm ok." Sasuke said, coming out of the kitchen.
"Sasuke! Oh man! I thought I was too late!" Kin said, running up and hugging him.
"Well, you were too late for one thing." Naruto said.
"Oh no! What happened!" Kin said, releasing the hug slightly.
"Sasuke's already taken!" Haku said. "His girlfriend is upstairs sleep!"
"Girl…friend?" Kin said, blushing heavily.
"Sorry Kin, but my heart belongs to Kasumi. I hope I didn't break your heart or anything." Sasuke said.
"Oh, um…no, it's ok." Kin said, feeling disappointed. She thought to herself, "Oh man…I can't believe it! I lost him after all!"
"Don't worry Kin-chan. You'll find someone." Akemi said.
"I guess you're right." Kin said, cheering up a little.
"Besides, considering you're probably gonna be taking up residence here in Konoha, you'll have lots of chances to meet new people." Naruto said.
"What do you mean?" Kin asked.
"Well, Haku told us the whole story. Orochimaru thinks you're dead, so you can't go back to the Sound Village. And since you brought the information on Orochimaru's attack to us, my father took it as a sign of your defection from Oto. He felt that you were trying to ally yourself with us to save your sister, so he's decided to let you live here in Konoha." Naruto said. "Also, when we rescue your sister Tayuya, she'll be free to stay here too. You'll also have the option of becoming Leaf shinobi if you choose, since he saw your scratched Sound hitai-ate."
"Why are you being so nice? I mean, I tried to kill you once before." Kin asked.
"You see, unlike Orochimaru, Arashi-sama values each person of the Leaf Village. He values their strengths, and he even values their weaknesses." Sasuke said.
"Otou-san does what he can to help each person become the best they can be, and that's why Konoha is so strong. Hopefully you'll decide to become part of the Leaf Village family." Haku said.
"Well, all I can say is, I'm really gonna love it here then." Kin said, with a smile.
"Good. Then for the time being, you're gonna stay here with us, until we get your sister back." Naruto said.
"Thanks…Naruto, is it?" Kin said.
"Yeah. Since you already know Sasuke, and probably still remember Haku, I'll introduce you to our newest member." Naruto said.
"Yeesh Naruto, I'm not some little kid. Remember, I'm older than you…well in Kitsune years." Akemi said. "Ahem, I'm Akemi."
"Hi Akemi." Kin said.
"You may be older than all of us, but you're pretty much a 7 year old kid." Naruto said.
"So Kitsune are older than humans? And what about you? Last time I saw you, you didn't have the ears and tails." Kin asked.
"Well that's a long story, but I guess I can fill you in on all that." Naruto said.
Naruto told Kin everything he knew about the Kitsune, from how Kasumi became the first hanyou in the family, Hinata's transformation, Haku's ritual, Akemi's adoption, and then his own transformation, and Sasuke's eventual transformation. Kin was definitely shocked when she heard all this, but it slowly began to sink in.
"So…if I'm right. Technically Kasumi was an ordinary human, like myself, until she was nearly killed by a cloud ninja. Then due to a transfusion from the Kyuubi no Kitsune, which happens to be your mom, she became a half human, half Kitsune. Hinata changed due to a blood oath with Kasumi. Haku underwent a ritual that changed her. Akemi's really a pure blood Kitsune, but became a royal Kitsune similar to Kasumi, and you were originally thought to only have Kitsune chakra, but really had dormant Kitsune blood, which Sasuke now has due to your own blood oath?" Kin said.
"Yep, that's pretty much it." Haku said.
"And I thought I was crazy for thinking some crazy snake was a father figure." Kin said. "But what I don't get is why Akemi is older than all of you, but yet it seems like she's just 7 in human years." Kin asked.
"I think I can clear that up for you." Momoko said. You see, Kitsune age physically and mentally at about 1/4 the speed of normal humans up until what you would call their 7th birthday. Then we go through a weird aging cycle where we age at the same speed as normal humans until we reach the human equivalent age of about 18. Then our aging slows intensely to 1/20 of a normal human. Don't know why we age that way, but no one really thought about it."
"So technically, Akemi is about 28 in Kitsune years, but 7 in human years?" Kin said.
"Yes. And since she's reached this age, she will start aging like a normal human for the next 11 years." Momoko said. "As for Kasumi, Hinata, Haku, Naruto, and Sasuke…they're probably in the same phase, and will go through the same life cycle now."
"Speaking of which, just how old are you Momoko? You look like you're not even 20 years old." Naruto asked.
"Naruto, you never ask a girl her age!" Haku said angrily.
"What! I mean you're 13, Hinata's 12, Kasumi's 22, but now 13, and Akemi's like 7…or 28…or something." Naruto said.
"Yeesh! Boys!" Haku thought.
"Actually I don't mind telling you my age. In Human years I would be around 21.2 years old. So in Kitsune years I'm actually 97 years old." Momoko said.
"Holy cow! Hmm let's see if Oka-san's like 35 then…" Naruto said.
"Trust me, not even I know how old Kyuubi-kouhi is. I've heard she's well over 1000 years old." Momoko said.
"That's crazy! But tell me something. How did you already become an eight-tail at such a young age…I guess." Naruto asked.
"Well, when I was about Akemi's age, Kyuubi-kouhi noticed I had a large amount of untapped potential. So she took me in and trained me personally, which is how I moved up so fast." Momoko said.
"Unbelievable!" Kin said.
"Well that's Kitsune life for you." Momoko said.
Meanwhile Neji had recovered from his battle with Naruto and was already busy training. Since Lee was still injured from his fight with Gaara, he had one other partner to train with.
"Yeesh Neji! You've only been down for a few days and you're still up for training!" Tenten said, dodging a kick from Neji.
"Of course. A Hyuuga never stops training." Neji said, thrusting another punch. He had been sparring with Tenten for a solid 4 hours, and still showed no sign of wearing out.
"Well, I'm no Hyuuga, so I'm gonna take a break!" Tenten said, backing away from Neji. "Honestly I think you're getting an advantage with your Illumina Powers. Either that, or you took a blood oath with Haku to get some of her Kitsune ability."
"Trust me Tenten, My skill comes from training. I have no added help." Neji said. "Though I have noticed ever since Temari beat you, you've been slacking in your own training. Maybe if you had Illumina Power, you might be able to keep up with me more."
"WHAT! Neji, you think that just because you're a Hyuuga that's going to be training with the Main Branch, and you're an Illumina Knight, you think that you're better!" Tenten said.
"Not really. I just know I'm better." Neji said, with a smile. That statement pushed Tenten to her limit.
"You…why you…" Tenten said. She was getting mad, and fast.
"I mean come on Tenten, even Lee can use the Eight Celestial Gates. All you have is weapons training."
"NEJI!!!" Tenten said, almost at her limit.
"You know, I even got the rankings in for the kunoichi genin. It seems that you ranked in last, even below Ino and Sakura." Neji said.
"THAT'S IT! Neji Hyuuga, you think you're so good and all! I'll show you!" Tenten said, jumping back from Neji. She was ticked! How could Neji, her own friend and teammate, think she was so weak? Tenten would show him just how strong she was…and just was she was capable of. She pulled out two scrolls from her pocket and set them to her sides.
"OK Neji, see if you can handle this… I'm gonna throw so much at you, there will be no way for you to dodge!" Tenten said.
"Tenten, before you attack, I have one question. Lets say you did have Illumina Power. Just what element do you think you would control?" Neji said.
"ELEMENT!! Yeesh Neji, I use weapons, so what do you think! I dunno, probably metal or something!" Tenten said, furiously.
"So…what would be your transformation words? I mean if it was Metal?" Neji asked.
"Neji, you're the freaking Illumina Knight and you don't even know what I'd say if I was one? I mean I've seen you guys do it before tons of times." Tenten said. "Now can I get on to pummeling you?"
"Just one last thing. Why not show me how you'd activate the transformation. Just for speculation." Neji said.
"FINE! You're already pushing me way over my limit any way! Ok now will this make you happy?" Tenten said. "I'd do it like this. METAL ILLUMINA ACTIVATION!" Tenten said the words and moved her arms as if she had actual Illumina Transformers, and the split second before her wrists connected, two transformers appeared, and immediately she began glowing in a column of light.
"I knew it. Guess I just had to get a little energy flowing in her." Neji said.
When the energy released, Tenten was now dressed in the normal girls uniform, except her color scheme was black with red trim. The buns on her hair were now tied each tied with a red ribbon. She also had a katana strapped on her back.
"What in the world! I'm a…" Tenten said, overlooking herself.
"You're THE Metal Knight." Neji said. "While I had my Byakugan activated, I could see that you had a weird color to your chakra, and then I saw the power gem inside you. My guess is that it was waiting for you to activate it."
"So you knew this whole time?" Tenten said.
"Pretty much." Neji said.
"Then the whole stuff about training and…" Tenten said.
"Made it all up. Had to get you angry some how. I thought it might help activate your gem." Neji replied.
Tenten just looked at him with an evil glare. She was going to get him back for this…after she thanked him. "Neji…I'm telling Haku you were mean to me."
Instantly Neji got worried. If there was one thing that was just as scary as having his caged bird seal activated, it was an angry Haku Uzumaki! "No! Don't tell her! Please not that!"
"Nope. I'm gonna tell her, and you're gonna get in trouble. Matter of fact…I think I'll go over there right now!" Tenten said, running towards the gates of the Hyuuga Mansion.
"Tenten! I'm sorry!!" Neji screamed, running after Tenten.
"Too late!" Tenten said, rushing to the Uzumaki mansion.
On the other side of town, Ino was in charge of running her family's shop while her parents were busy helping with the town recovery. Since everyone was either in cleanup, or recovery, the flower shop was practically empty. Shikamaru was out helping his family, and Chouji was spending more time with Naruto and Haku on Illumina business. That pretty much left her on her own, since Hinata and Kasumi were out of commission, and Sakura was busy with Kurenai. And Tenten…well it was obvious that Neji kept her occupied completely. So she pretty much sat at the counter, staring at the flowers.
"You'd think that as much time as I spend around all these flowers, they'd talk to me or something." Ino said, watering some daffodils. "I bet you flowers would have all kinds of things to talk about." She smiled, and said to herself, "Look at me, I'm talking to daffodils hoping they would talk back. I really have to be crazy."
"Not necessarily, Ino." Said a voice.
"Huh? Wait…who said that?" Ino said.
"We did." Said the voice again.
Ino was definitely confused this time. Was she hearing voices?
"Ok, I'm losing my mind here! Unless…wait, there's no way my dad could use the Mind Transfer Jutsu on flowers. They couldn't talk anyway."
"You're not crazy Ino, we really can talk to you." Said another voice. This time it was coming from another part of the flower shop.
"Now I know I'm crazy! Maybe I should go out into the forest for a while." Ino said to herself.
"Don't go Ino. We're not trying to scare you." Said the first voice. "We're trying to reach out to you."
"Wait…you're not…trying to scare me?" Ino said, still confused. She began walking towards the daffodils she tended to earlier. "Then, just what are you trying to do?"
"We're trying to tell you about your hidden ability." Said the voice.
"So…a daffodil is trying to tell me…I can talk to plants?" Ino said.
"Yes. And you can also do much more." Said the daffodil.
"I…can?" Ino replied.
"Trust us Ino, after all that you do for us, this is our way to repay your kindness." Said another flower. Ino turned to see it came from a carnation.
"But all I do is just water the flowers, and sometimes do some arranging, but that's about it." Ino said.
"But you put your heart and soul into caring for us, and all the flowers." Said the daffodil. "You have a gift, and you should use it to help your friends."
"The only thing I really have is my Mind Transfer Jutsu and one or two healing jutsu. Besides, I'm really not that special in terms of a kunoichi. I mean Kasumi alone is like ten times better than me, let alone Sakura, Hinata, Tenten, and Haku." Ino said.
"Why do you say that Ino?" asked the carnation.
"It's obvious. Tenten is a total weapons master. Sakura has awesome chakra control, and her genjutsu skills are really getting good. She even has better healing ability than I do. And then there's Haku, Hinata, and Kasumi!" Ino said.
"What makes them different?" said the daffodil.
"Well, first of all, the three of them are Kitsune Princesses. Then you have Haku's ice manipulation bloodline, and Hinata's bloodline, the Byakugan. Not only that, but the two of them are Illumina knights, AND they even have boyfriends!" Ino said.
"What about Kasumi?" asked the carnation.
"Kasumi! That girl has it all! She's heir to the Kitsune Clan, the adopted daughter of the Hokage and the Kyuubi no Kitsune, the Leader of the Illumina Knights, and she even has Sasuke as her boyfriend!! Face it the girl has it all!" Ino said. "I love all of them and would do anything for them, but sometimes I just get so jealous! Maybe I wasn't cut out to be a ninja."
"Ino, don't feel sad. You should be happy that you have the same gift as Haku, Hinata, and Kasumi." Said the daffodil.
"What gift! I don't have a bloodline, I'm not a Kitsune, I don't have a boyfriend, and I don't have Illumina Power." Ino said.
"That last part may not be true." Said the daffodil.
"What do you mean? Ino asked.
"Look deep inside yourself. You know you have the power to help your friends. You just need to bring it out." Said the daffodil.
"Ok, I guess." Ino said. She closed her eyes, and began to look inside herself. As she searched her soul, she could feel a warm light. She continued into the light and felt stronger, as if she could do more. "I…I see it!"
"Now Ino, you know what you need to do. Call out to that light, and become one with it! Become one with the power of wood and nature!" said the daffodil.
"I understand." Ino said. She drew herself closer into the shining light, until she had completely engulfed herself in it. She soon felt herself flowing with the energy of wood and nature. Opening her eyes, she noticed she had some new changes about.
"I…can't believe it!" Ino said. "I'm the Wood Knight!" Ino now donned the Illumina Knight garb, her colors a deep forest green with amber trim. Her hair tie was now decorated in flower petals as well.
"Now do you feel better Ino?" asked the daffodil.
"I do. I feel like I can do much more to help my friends!" Ino said. Suddenly Tenten burst in the shop after running from Neji.
"Hey Ino, can I…whoa!" Tenten said, noticing Ino was now an Illumina Knight. "When did you become an Illumina Knight?"
"I could ask you the same thing Tenten." Ino said. "So…what element are you?"
"Metal. And I have a wild guess that you're the Flower Knight?" Tenten said.
"Not really. Wood is more like it. Now I have another question. Why are you rushing in my family's store like that?" Ino asked.
"I'm hiding out from Neji. He's afraid that I'm going to tell on him for what he did earlier." Tenten said.
"What did he do?" Ino asked.
"Well, let me tell you…" Tenten said. She told Ino the whole story about how Neji made fun of her and made her mad just to get her to activate her Illumina Power.
"He did WHAT!" Ino exclaimed.
"Yep. And I said I was gonna tell Haku, and he flipped! Now that I've lost him, he's probably on his way over to Haku's to try to keep himself out of trouble." Tenten said.
"You know…I have an idea. Why don't we…" Ino said, whispering some things in Tenten's ear.
"Ino, that's so mean! I love it!" Tenten said. "It's going to be a shame that Hinata and Kasumi will miss it."
"Yeah, I know. I hope they're ok in that jutsu or what ever." Ino said. "If my Mind Transfer Jutsu would have worked, I could have found out how they were."
"You did you best Ino. Now let's go watch Neji squeal!" Tenten said.
Back at the Uzumaki Mansion…
"Kasumi…I hope you're ok…wherever you are." Sasuke said, rubbing her forehead. He looked on her face and couldn't see any trace of her trademark smile. They didn't get to share one full day together as boyfriend and girlfriend before they were separated again. "Orochimaru…it's bad enough you killed Itachi and now, you take away the love of my life. I swear this…I will thrust my Chidori through your black heart for what you've done!" He then heard a knock on Kasumi's door.
"Um…Sasuke?" Kin said.
"Kin? Oh, uh sure." Sasuke said.
"Haku wanted me to come up and get you. I think everyone's getting ready for the upcoming mission." Kin said.
"Ok. I was on my way down." Sasuke said. He then noticed Kin looking at Kasumi.
"She…means a great deal to you, doesn't she?" Kin asked.
"Kasumi…yeah. She means the world to me." Sasuke said. "She's even been known to give me the strength I need to do anything." He then noticed Kin looking down at the ground, with a small tear forming in her eye. "Uhh, are you ok?"
"Sasuke, I'm sorry!" Kin said, beginning to cry. "I tried to kill you and her, and I'm sorry!"
"Kin, that wasn't your fault. Besides, from what I was told, you were on the opposite end there for a bit." Sasuke said. "I should be the one to apologize for nearly killing you."
"Really?" Kin asked.
"Yes. Anyway it wasn't your fault for attacking us, and it wasn't my fault for retaliating. It was all due to that sorry snake Orochimaru." Sasuke said. "He's already number one on my hit list for taking my brother from me. Now he takes my girlfriend! I will take pleasure in destroying him."
"Sasuke…" Kin said.
"Don't worry. Not only do I promise to help defeat Orochimaru, but I promise to help you get your sister back Kin." Sasuke said.
"You really mean that Sasuke?" Kin asked.
"Well considering Ino and Sakura would have made you the third member of the 'Sasuke Uchiha Fan Club', then I couldn't say no to one of my fans." Sasuke said with a smile.
"Then…I promise to help you get Kasumi back." Kin said.
"Thanks Kin. Now we should get downstairs to meet back up with everyone else." Sasuke said.
"Yeah." Kin said.
Kin and Sasuke headed back downstairs to meet up with everyone. Neji had just gotten to the house, hoping Tenten hadn't gotten to Haku before him.
"Neji, dude, are you ok?" Naruto asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Neji said, catching his breath. "Has Tenten gotten here yet?"
"No, was she supposed to be coming by?" Haku asked.
"No, no. I just wondered if she had been here." Neji said.
"Well come on, we need to get to Otou-san's office. We're starting the mission planning soon." Naruto said.
Naruto, Haku, Sasuke, Akemi, Momoko, Kin and Neji left the Uzumaki mansion. The rest of the Konoha 14 would be there, along with Hiashi and Hanabi as well. That was before they had a startling visit from two unexpected guests.
"There you are Neji Hyuuga!" said the first voice.
"How dare you upset the heart of a young girl!" said the other voice.
Everyone just looked at Neji, especially Haku, who was starting to get suspicious. "Neji-kun, did you do something wrong?" she asked.
"Um, no Haku-chan. Trust me, I didn't do anything wrong!" Neji said.
"Oh really!" Haku said, crossing her arms.
"Hey Sasuke, I think Neji's about to get in trouble!" Naruto whispered.
"Yeah, wouldn't want to be in his shoes!" Sasuke said.
"Enough talk! We have come here to right wrongs, and triumph over evil!" said the first girl.
"And you happen to be our target, Neji Hyuuga!" said the first girl.
"Oh boy…I think I'm in trouble." Neji said.
"It looks that way!" Haku said.
"You two girls, reveal yourselves immediately!" Naruto said.
"Very well. I am the Mistress of Weapons, and the master of Metal." Said the girl. "I am Tenten, the Metal Illumina Knight!"
"I am the guardian of Nature, and protector of the flowers, trees, and plants. I am the Illumina Knight of Wood, Ino!" Ino said.
"Holy geez! Ino and Tenten are Illumina Knights!" Naruto said.
"Looks like it." Sasuke replied.
"In the name of Metal and Wood, we will punish you!" Tenten and Ino said, flashing a trademark pose. (Yeah they did the Sailor Moon, thing.)
"Tenten, Ino, when did you guys become Illumina Knights!" Haku asked.
"Just today. Neji made fun of me and told me I was weak, just so it would spark my transformation." Tenten said.
"You could say, a little flower told me about my powers." Ino said.
"I see…wait Neji made fun of you Tenten?" Haku said. Her ears twitched when she heard that.
"Yeah, he said I was the worst kunoichi and that he was better than me just because he had Illumina Power." Tenten said.
"I said I was sorry! Besides it was to help you out Tenten. I mean it did help you transform!" Neji said.
"But you still made fun of her!" Haku said.
"Hey did it suddenly get cold?" Naruto asked.
"Yeah it did." Sasuke said.
"Uhh…I…uhh…" Neji said, nervously.
"Neji-kun…you're in trouble." Akemi said.
"We'll talk later, Neji Hyuuga." Haku said.
"Oh great." Neji said, hanging his head.
"Come on guys, we gotta get going." Naruto said. "Besides, Otou-san's gonna want to meet the two new Illumina Knights."
Ino and Tenten powered down, and the group made their way to the Hokage Tower. Arashi, Hiashi, and Jiraiya had been there discussing possible plans for the missions, but decided to get input from the genin as well.
"We're here Otou-san." Haku said.
"Excellent. Since everyone is here, we can finally get started." Arashi said. "As you all know, Orochimaru's attack on Konoha a few days ago left us battered, but not beaten. However we didn't escape without some serious damage."
"Stupid snake…he's gonna pay for this!" Naruto said.
"Calm down, Naruto. You'll get your shot at him, as will everyone else. Now we have a serious situation. Kasumi and Hinata have been placed under a jutsu that none of us can release. We have speculation that Tsunade, the third Legendary Sannin, may be able to release them. We think she's a small village just north of the Hidden Grass Village." Arashi said. "We plan to form a small team to go there and ask her to return to Konoha. I have asked Jiraiya-sensei to lead the search for her."
"You asked Ero-sennin to go after a woman?" Naruto asked. "Are you sure that's a smart idea?"
"Well, they are teammates, so I had to!" Arashi said. "But continuing on, the second task is the status of Akane. So far, she has stabilized herself with a jutsu she learned from Tsunade. However she still needs to be cured of the poisoning she received from Kabuto. Shakaku, I mean Momoko has volunteered to take a small group to the Kitsune Village in the hopes of recovering a cure."
"Don't worry, they'll be in good hands with me." Momoko said.
"The final task is to make sure Konoha's defense is brought back up to par. We can't be sure that Orochimaru will attack again, so we should be prepared in any case." Arashi said. "Hiashi and I will be leading this group in the defense and rebuilding."
"These are the missions we have planned. However each is not without danger. Like Arashi said, with defending Konoha, Orochimaru is still a threat. We also have some intel that says he was severely injured in the fight with Arashi, Kasumi, and Hinata. Therefore he may be trying to seek Tsunade as well." Hiashi said. "And with the Kitsune Village, Momoko has said there may be a potential coup rising. So the Kitsune team will need to be on alert as well."
"These are all A-rank missions, due to their importance, so upon completion of each mission, you will all be paid accordingly. Now to decide the teams…" Arashi said.
"Otou-san, we already have an idea of how we want to do this." Naruto said. "Since there are seven Illumina Knights, we thought we would send two with Ero-sennin, two with Momoko, and three would stay here."
"Seven? But Kasumi and Hinata are out of commission now. There should only be five." Arashi said.
"Not necessarily." Tenten said, holding up her wrist to show off her transformer. Ino did the same.
"I see. So you and Ino are the last two members of team Illumina." Arashi said. "Well, we'll have a formal welcome for you when Kasumi and Hinata are back. So Naruto, who did you have in mind for each mission?"
"Well, considering the possibility of the coup in the Kitsune village, it would only be fitting if Haku or I go, due to our lineage. But someone has to go with Ero-sennin to make sure he stays out of trouble. So I'll go with Ero-sennin." Naruto said.
"Since he needs a second Illumina Knight to go, I'll go with him." Sasuke said, giving Naruto a high five.
"Then Neji will go with me. Having the Byakugan will be quite handy." Haku said.
"That leaves Chouji, Ino, and Tenten to stay as village defense. That's good thinking, since Ino and Tenten would probably like time to train with their new abilities." Arashi said. "Now we need to divide the rest of the team up."
"No offense Arashi-sama, but we took care of that too, didn't we Shikamaru." Sakura said.
"Yeah, whatever. Well the rest of us thought it better that small teams go out while the larger team stays in Konoha, and since Naruto and Sasuke need someone with some healing training, then Sakura would go with them." Shikamaru said.
"Very well. Sakura will join Naruto and Sasuke in the search for Tsunade." Arashi said. "Is there anything else left to add to the missions?"
"Otou-san, we want to help too!" Akemi said.
"Yeah, just because we're not genin, doesn't mean we can't help either!" Hanabi said.
"But I can't just let you go off like this." Arashi said.
"Otou-san, I'm the Fourth Princess of the Kitsune Clan. I can be a big help to Haku-nee-chan if she needs it!" Akemi said.
"Yeah, and I have Akemi's back if she needs it! Plus Neji-ni-san would be there too!" Hanabi said.
"She makes a good point, Otou-san." Haku said.
"I had a feeling this would happen." Arashi said. "Well Hiashi, what do you have to say about this?"
"She's just as persistent as her sister." Hiashi said. "Neji, I expect you to keep a sharp eye on her. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Hiashi-sama." Neji said.
"Then Hanabi Hyuuga and Akemi Uzumaki, please come forward." Arashi said. He opened his desk and took out three hitai-ate. "I know you want to help your sisters any way you can. Even though you haven't officially started academy yet, you both have training in chakra control and simple ninjutsu skills. I believe you will be able to defend yourselves if needed. Therefore I am promoting you both to the rank of Junior Genin. Take these hitai-ate, and wear them proudly."
"Don't worry, we'll make you proud Otou-san!" Akemi said, removing her bandanna and tying Kasumi's hitai-ate on.
"We sure will!" Hanabi said, tying on Hinata's hitai-ate.
"Hey aren't those Kasumi and Hinata's?" Naruto asked.
"Yes. I believe that these two will do well, knowing their older sisters are watching over them." Arashi said. "Now for one last thing…Kin, I would like to ask a favor of you."
"Uhh, ok." Kin said, nervously.
"Recent events have shown that you possess skills that may be useful to Konoha. Therefore I would like to request your help in this mission." Arashi said.
"Even after what happened?" Kin asked.
"As far as I know, everything you did while you served Orochimaru no longer means anything. And this is proof of that reasoning." Arashi said, holding up her scratched Sound hitai-ate. "Since Orochimaru thinks you're dead, you are technically a wandering nin. Thus you have a choice before you. Regardless of your choice, you are still free to take up residence here in Konoha. Now I ask…would you like to become an official shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village?" He then moved the third hitai-ate in front of Kin, awaiting her decision.
"You're really serious?" Kin said.
"I am. I also add, if you choose to become a genin for us, then as payment for your service, you will have the Illumina team, along with myself, the Kyuubi no Kitsune, the remaining Konoha 14, and the entire village at your disposal in the search for your sister." Arashi said.
"In easy terms Kin, you help us, we help you. No questions asked." Naruto said.
"Then, I accept your offer." Kin said, taking the hitai-ate, and tying it around her head.
"Excellent. Today you will all have time to prepare for your missions, and tomorrow you will set out. Everyone will meet at the gates at 10AM tomorrow morning. You are all dismissed." Arashi said.
Everyone left the tower and headed back home to prepare. After resting up for the night, they all met at the gates, ready for one of the biggest missions in their lives.
"Are we ready to go?" Momoko asked.
"We're all ready here, Momoko." Haku said.
"Yep. I'm all packed up!" Akemi said.
"So am I!" Hanabi said.
"Then I guess I should get your transportation ready." Momoko said. She formed a few hand signs and transformed into a fox, just slightly larger than Hishou. She laid down on the ground and let Haku and Neji climb on, while using her tails to seat Akemi and Hanabi.
"Are you comfortable, Princess Akemi?" Momoko asked.
"Yep. I'm good to go!" Akemi said.
"Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, do you have everything you need?" Jiraiya asked.
"Ready as we'll ever be." Naruto said.
"Most definitely." Sakura said.
"Let's do this!' Sasuke said. "Oh, before I go…Kin can you do me a favor?"
"Sure Sasuke, whatever you need." Kin said.
"Look after Kasumi and Hinata for me. Naruto would appreciate that too." Sasuke asked.
"Sure thing Sasuke." Kin said.
"If anything happens, make sure to contact us." Tenten said.
"We will. And good luck with your Illumina training, you two!" Naruto said.
"Then, Team Sannin and Team Kitsune, good luck to you both." Arashi said.
"Yeah!" Everyone cheered, before rushing out of the gates.
"Orochimaru, you thought you had us beaten, yet like the phoenix, we rise from the ashes even stronger than before. These kids are the future of Konoha, and they have made their choice that they will defend their home with their lives. Just wait Orochimaru…your demise is slowly approaching." Arashi thought.
And the search is on! With Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Jiraiya searching for Tsunade, and Haku, Neji, Akemi, and Hanabi looking for a cure for Akane, anything is bound to happen! Not only that, but what new abilities do Tenten and Ino posess now that they've become Illumina Knights? And how will Kin adjust to life as a Leaf Genin? Keep reading to find out! And to all my readers...thank you so much for continuing to read my story. After everything that has happened, I'm glad to know that many people still enjoy my work.