Neokenshin: Whew! I hope people didn't think I forgot about this story!
Akemi: Well it took you long enough to update!
Neokenshin: Sorry! I blame it on a combination of getting sick, long work hours, plus going to an Anime Con.
Akemi: If you says so.
Neokenshin: Don't worry. I'm gonna really crack down and do my best to get Naruto's chapter out soon. I'm probably going to make it a really long one, so it might take a while.
Akemi: Just don't take too long! We all miss Kasumi-chan and Hinata-chan!
Neokenshin: I know. Well, hope everyone remembers, Naruto isn't owned by me, and Akemi is used with permission from Dragon Man 180. Enjoy everyone.
Chapter 24: Adventures in Kitsune-Sitting Part 3
"Just how long have we been running, Hanabi-chan?" Akemi asked.
"I think it's been about three hours." Hanabi said. "I've had my Byakugan on the whole time, and I still can't see the village."
"Well we have to hurry! Oka-san and Haku-nee-chan could be in serious trouble!" Akemi said.
"You're right…hey Akemi, can I ask you something?" Hanabi said.
"Huh, what is it?" Akemi said.
"Have you noticed that we've been running for three hours straight, and neither of us feel very tired?" Hanabi said.
"Hmm, I feel a little winded, but not much. I guess being a Kitsune has its perks." Akemi said. "And maybe you don't feel tired because you've already done a lot of training with Hinata-chan."
"I guess." Hanabi said, feeling a little down.
"Are you still bummed that you aren't a Kitsune?" Akemi said. "Look, I guess if I ask really nicely, maybe Oka-san might be able to do something once she's better. But I won't be able to ask her unless we get her the cure she needs!"
"Then we gotta hurry!" Hanabi said. "Come on, let's go!"
The two girls continued towards the village as fast as they possibly could. Even though they were still in their pajamas…that happened to be slightly bloodstained due to Hanabi's injury, they were making good time for a pair of Junior Genin. Meanwhile back at the Kitsune village…
"So you mean this little vial contains the cure for Oka-san's ofuda poisoning?" Haku asked.
"Yes. With help from the Kitsune healers, we were able to separate the poisoning agent from her own demon blood," said one of the shamans. "All we really did was use some cursed charms to create a corruption agent."
"Ok, so you're saying that all you really did was create a substance that would cause Oka-san's own demon blood to create an antidote itself?" Haku asked.
"Of course. The corruption agent simply concentrates her demonic power and overtakes the energy of the ofuda. We believe that Kyuubi-kouhi's vulnerability came from not releasing her full demon form for so long," said the shaman.
"But I thought that her demon spirit merged with that of her human spirit and formed one brand new soul, and that kept her from transforming into a full demon?" Neji asked.
"Not entirely. Her demon form was merely sealed to prevent it from destroying her human form once she acquired it. You see, when Kyuubi-kouhi ascended and became the Kyuubi no Kitsune, she had to cast aside her previous human form due to her immense demonic power. If she had been in full demon form, this poison would have had no effect on her," replied the shaman.
"In other words, she basically weakened herself by holding her full strength back." Momoko said.
"Exactly. However I've noticed from her blood sample that her body has been given enough time to fully accept her full demonic power. Once she is given this cure, simply ask her to try and change into her true demon form. She should be able to with ease now, and be able to return to her human form as well," said the shaman. "It should also make her much stronger than before."
"Well considering Orochimaru still has the Shadow Gem, we can use all the help on our side as much as possible. Especially if we can't free Kasumi and Hinata-sama from that jutsu." Neji said.
"Don't you dare say that! We're going to free them and bring them back. Naruto and Sasuke have it bad enough knowing their girlfriends are out cold! I mean how would you feel if I was the one under that jutsu, Neji!" Haku asked.
"Honestly, I'd feel the exact same as they would, maybe worse." Neji said.
"Well, now that this is out of the way, we have to find Hanabi and Akemi somehow." Haku said.
"The Fourth Princess is missing?" said Gen, entering the shaman's chamber.
"Oh uh, Gen-san, we didn't notice you enter. Actually she was kidnapped last night along with Hanabi-chan. They tried to take me captive, but I was fortunate that Neji stopped that attempt." Haku said.
"I see, then we shall send out our best trackers to help locate them." Gen said. He looked over at Kisuke, who was standing by the door waiting for him. "Kisuke, inform the rest of the guard to begin a full sweep of the forest for the Fourth Princess and her friend."
"Of course, Gen-sama." Kisuke replied, before vanishing in a puff of smoke.
"That's great and all, but Neji, Momoko, and I would like to go after them. They are our family after all." Haku said.
"I see. We shall wait here pending their return. If possible, we should also keep Kyuubi-kouhi's cure here for safekeeping." Gen said.
"I guess we could do that." Haku said, giving Gen the vial with Akane's cure. "Momoko, Neji, come on. We gotta find those two."
"Gotcha!" Momoko said.
"Right behind you Haku-chan." Neji said.
The three left the shaman's hut, not knowing that they placed Akane's cure in the hands of the one person that shouldn't have gotten it.
"Heh, those fools just cost Kyuubi-kouhi her life. And soon they will be dead along with her, and I will ascend and become the new Kyuubi no Kitsune." Gen though.
Momoko, Haku, and Neji made their way to the gates of the village when they ran into some familiar faces.
"Haku-hime, why are you heading out of the village?" Jin said.
"Jin, didn't Kisuke tell you? Akemi and Hanabi are missing and we need to find them." Momoko said.
"I wasn't informed of such an incident. Were any of you informed?" Jin said, looking at the other three members of his squad. They all replied with a negative.
"Wait, this doesn't make sense. Why would Kisuke not tell you? He's one of the five sworn to protect Akemi and myself." Haku asked.
"Maybe he didn't say anything because…you don't think he's working with the ones planning the coup!" Momoko said.
"That traitor! How could he!" Jin said. He then looked at the rest of his team, "Find Kisuke immediately and bring him to me!"
"As you wish." Koga replied. The three took off in a puff of smoke to find their traitorous partner, but were instantly intercepted by a mass of kunai and shurikens, killing them instantly.
"What in the." Jin said, looking at his fallen comrades. He then looked up to see Kisuke standing before him, with a large squad of ninja. "Kisuke, what is the meaning of this!"
"Sorry Jin, but I have higher orders, and they involve the assassination of Haku-hime." Kisuke said.
"Oh really, I've been able to handle myself quite well, so any type of assassination will be futile." Haku said. She then picked up a very familiar scent in the air. The scent of…snakes. "Momoko, do you smell snakes around here?"
"Actually I do." Momoko said.
"There's no way! He couldn't be here!" Haku said.
"Haku-chan, please tell me you're wrong about this!" Neji said.
"He's not here, but he's given us many reinforcements." Kisuke said.
"Who!" Momoko asked.
"Orochimaru!" Haku and Neji said together.
"So how much longer do you think we have until we get to the village?" Akemi asked.
"I'm not sure. You're the one with the advanced senses, remember?" Hanabi asked.
"Oh yeah, I forgot." Akemi said.
"So do you think you can pick up any scents or sounds?" Hanabi asked.
"Well let's see." Akemi said, closing her eyes. She started to listen carefully to her surroundings, and began to sniff the air for any familiar scents. "I can't hear anything strange, but I can pick up a very strong scent…and it smells like a mix of snakes and Kitsune!"
"What direction is it coming from?" Hanabi asked.
"It's coming…from the east! And it's really strong too, so we must be really close!" Akemi said, pointing in the direction of the scent.
"Ok, now it's my turn!" Hanabi said. "BYAKUGAN!" She then looked in the direction Akemi pointed out and could see what looked like the walls of a village. "Akemi, the village is right there!"
"I don't see anything. Are you sure?" Akemi asked.
"Yeah! It's probably under a genjutsu, and that's why you can't see it. Luckily my Byakugan goes through that illusion." Hanabi said.
"Then how are we going to get in? I don't know how do dispel genjutsu." Akemi said.
"I've had a little bit of training in releasing genjutsu. It's not very much, but Otou-san taught me the basics." Hanabi said.
"Looks like we know who's going to be head of our academy class." Akemi said.
"Yep. And I'm looking at who's going to be tied for top of the class as well." Hanabi said with a smile.
"Just what does Orochimaru want with this village anyway!" Haku asked.
"That's not really any of your concern, but I think I will tell you anyway." Gen said.
"Gen! Don't tell me, you're working with them as well?" Momoko said.
"Actually I'm the one that planned this little coup. Because I should be the rightful ruler of the Kitsune Clan, not that weak fool we call the Kyuubi no Kitsune." Gen said.
"Don't you ever speak of her like that! She's more noble and honorable than you'll ever be!" Haku said.
"Well, she won't be much of anything now that I have this!" Gen said, pulling out the vial with the cure."
"I think we're in trouble now!" Momoko said.
"You're in more than trouble…you're facing death itself!" Gen replied.
"Then I think we just need to change that." Haku said. She was preparing to transform, but Neji stopped her.
"Not yet…let's save that for if things get really worse." Neji said.
"Gotcha." Haku replied.
Back in Konoha, the rest of the genin had continued to help out the town with the restoration and defense. Shikamaru spent most of his time helping with stratagems of potential attacks, Kiba and Shino continued their training of their tracking skills to be able to locate the Sound easier.
As for Kin, Arashi learned that she had an affinity to genjutsu, and a little bit of medical jutsu. So for the past two days, she had been working with Kurenai to help with her genjutsu. When she wasn't training, she would usually be at the Uzumaki Mansion, keeping a sharp vigil over Kasumi and Hinata. She made the promise to Naruto and Sasuke that she would watch over their beloved while they were away. It was quiet after they left, but it slowly gave Arashi the chance to get to know the new genin. Kin had opened up quite well and felt much more relaxed in Konoha due to it, thought she was still uneasy around the other genin. Besides, Arashi really didn't have much to do anyway, since Akane, Kasumi, and Hinata were locked in a jutsu, Naruto and Sasuke were out looking for Tsunade, and Haku and Akemi were in the Kitsune Village. Since the two would be keeping each other company in the evenings, they both decided to make the best of it. Arashi even learned Kin had a knack for cooking as well. Maybe until they found Kin's sister, she would be helping Akane in the kitchen for dinner.
Tenten and Ino were having their own times with their training. Trying to get used to the fact that they were now Illumina Knights was shock enough, but trying to get used to their powers without Kasumi helping them…now that was something they didn't expect.
"I don't get it! I know I have three levels of Illumina Power, but why can't I use all of them at once!" Tenten asked.
"Maybe because we're supposed to learn them gradually?" Ino said.
"I dunno why you're bummed out. I mean you have two more elements already Tenten" Chouji said.
"Yeah, that Element Conversion ability is really awesome Ten-chan." Ino said. Tenten's first Illumina Power was revealed to be Element Conversion. After Tenten transformed, she had gained a small amount of both Chouji and Ino's power during their practice. She could now channel that energy into her weapons, creating a giant rock hammer, and creating what looked to be a green glowing blade. She then found out that the rock hammer she made from Chouji's energy was some of the hardest rock ever. And her Leaf Blade (as she called it) didn't cut any enemy. It did however, absorb chakra from whatever Tenten slashed with the blade, strengthening her own reserves. "Not only that, but being able to pull metal weapons to without touching them? It's like you have magnets built in your hands."
"I guess so. I will say this katana is one of the absolute best I've ever seen." Tenten said. "Not even my dad could forge something of this caliber."
"Well, since you can make an Earth and Wood element weapon, what do you think you could do when you get everyone else's power?" Ino asked.
"You know, I never thought of that. Hmm, let's see?" Tenten said.
"Well the easy ones would be Haku and Sasuke. Neji's wouldn't be too hard either." Ino said. "And I'm not sure about Naruto and Hinata's power. I mean a blade with wind surrounding it?"
"You make a good point." Tenten said.
"And what about Kasumi's element? A light powered weapon? That one must be pretty powerful!" Chouji said.
"Not only that, but what if you could even combine elements? Who knows how strong you can make your weapons then!" Ino said.
"I guess I'll have to wait and see. Maybe after Kasumi wakes up, she can help me out a lot more." Tenten said. "Well enough about me, what about your powers, flower girl?"
"Tenten! I told you, my element is Wood!" Ino said.
"Yeah yeah, but honestly. I do have to say I like that new Rose Whip you got. And what was that second power you learned? Nature's Healing or something like that?" Tenten asked.
"Actually the Rose Whip just came with the gear. It's not really one of my powers." Ino said.
"Then just what are your powers so far?" Tenten asked.
"If you must know, Nature's Healing is my first ability. It lets me draw in sunlight and energy from the earth itself and channel it into healing energy. I'm going to see if I can turn it into a jutsu like Hinata did with her Aqua Healing." Ino said. "My second ability is the Pollen Storm. With it, I can create different kinds of pollen from the flowers to inflict all kinds of effects. I can cause paralysis, blinding, poisoning, sleep, confusion, and even slight memory loss. I don't know if I can go as far as mind control with it, but I can always work on learning my family's Mind Destruction Jutsu if I have to."
"So you really don't have any attack type techniques?" Tenten said.
"Doesn't look like it." Ino replied. "Maybe that's my last technique I learn. Who knows, it could be something like a solar energy beam or something."
"Well how about we take a break? You two have been doing fairly well over the past two days, and I dunno if there is any more I can show you." Chouji said. "I mean I just learned my own third level technique and I'm still getting used to it."
"I could use a break. How about we pull a Naruto and go to Ichiraku's?" Tenten said.
"Just make sure not to call it that when he gets back!" Ino said.
The three Illumina Knights powered down and headed over to what had now been dubbed "The Konoha 14 Hangout". When they got there, all the rest of the Konoha 14(except Lee), that hadn't left town on the missions were there. Even Kin had decided to come, though she usually sat by herself since Naruto and Sasuke were gone. That was when Ino's female instinct kicked in.
"Come on Ten-chan, we got work to do." Ino said.
"What on earth do you mean? We've been training all day!" Tenten said.
"Not that kind of work…I'm talking about that kind of work!" Ino said, pointing to Kin.
"I still don't get what you mean?" Tenten said.
"When Kasumi, Hinata, Sakura, and Haku get back, we gotta break you of that tomboyish-ness." Ino said.
"What's wrong with being a little tomboyish!" Tenten said.
"Just come on!" Ino said. "Chouji, you go on and hang out with the rest of the guys. We'll practice more later."
"Okay." Chouji said, heading over to meet up with Shikamaru, Kiba, and Shino.
Ino dragged Tenten over to the booth Kin was sitting in and decided to break the ice.
"Hey, anyone else sitting here?" Ino said.
"Um, not really." Kin replied.
"Cool! It's better than sitting with those crazy boys." Ino said. She threw Tenten into the booth, and then sat down right beside her. "Tenten, say hi."
"Ino, first you drag me like a doll, then just throw me in here! What is the…" Tenten said, before she was jabbed by Ino. "Uh, hi Kin. Nice to meet you. My name's Tenten."
"And you know me, I'm Ino." Ino said.
"Uhh, yeah Sasuke told me a little bit about you. He said you were the president of his fan club or something." Kin said.
"Sasuke-kun said that! He still thinks I'm special!" Ino said.
"But Ino, he does have a girlfriend you know." Tenten said, before getting another swift elbow.
"I think I should get going. I promised Sasuke and Naruto I'd check up on Kasumi and Hinata for them." Kin said.
"Kin wait!" Tenten said. "Ino was just trying to get to know you a little better. Though she seems to be a little too impulsive when it comes to this. She says it's a girl thing."
"Oh…ok." Kin said.
"So from a less impulsive standpoint…how do you like it here in Konoha so far?" Tenten asked.
"Well, it's ok. It's kinda lonely since I really don't have anyone here. Plus I miss my sister." Kin said.
"Don't be too bummed. We already gave you our word. Since you're helping us protect Konoha, we're all gonna help you get your sister back." Tenten said.
"Yeah, that's a promise!" Ino said. "You know, it's too bad you showed up at a time like this."
"What do you mean by that?" Kin said.
"Well, if this attack never happened, and you had just gotten here, we could initiate you the right way." Ino said.
"Initiate me? I don't like the sound of that." Kin said.
"No she mean we would do the same thing to you that we did to Haku." Tenten said. "Kasumi got a hold of her dad's platinum card and we went on a mass shopping spree. Then we had a huge sleepover at her house that night."
"Oh yeah, that was the time when she walked in on Sasuke and saw him completely naked!" Ino said, with a hint of drool falling from her lips. Kin's eyes widened after hearing those words.
"She saw him naked!" Kin said in excitement.
"Oh yeah…and I don't mean with just a towel, I mean the full buff!!" Ino said.
"Of course that's all Ino really thought about after hearing it. But the really fun part was when we were all turned into Kitsune." Tenten said.
"You guys were turned into Kitsune?" Kin asked.
"Well, not really full Kitsune. Akane-sama used a jutsu on us that all gave us Kitsune ears and tails, so we'd all look alike when we did Haku's initiation. All in all, we found out we were under a really powerful genjutsu that Akane-sama and Arashi-sama used." Tenten said. "We still had a blast though!"
"I still say the part about Sasuke was way cooler." Ino said.
"Whatever Ino. Basically, all we really wanna do is help you feel more at home here in Konoha. And we also wanna be your friends, if you'll let us." Tenten said.
"You know…I never really had any friends back in Oto. My sister was the only female friend I could really say I had. Zaku and Dosu always acted like I was weak since I really had no special jutsu or skills except for my bells." Kin said.
"Well guess what…screw them! You were destined to be a Leaf kunoichi, and that is exactly what you are now." Ino said.
"She's right. The moment you came here and helped our village, you immediately showed that you belonged here. As far as I'm concerned, this is your home, and we're your friends. We got your back, no matter what!" Tenten said.
"Really?" Kin said.
"Yep." Tenten said.
"Thanks you two. I feel so much better now." Kin said.
"Good, because that has got to be the hardest speech ever!" Tenten said.
"You aren't kidding! How the heck does Kasumi do it?" Ino asked.
"Kasumi usually does this?" Kin said.
"Kasumi's always been the one to break the ice. She just has a special talent for making new friends so easily, and for making people feel better. I still don't know how she managed to crack Haku." Tenten said.
"You know, I'm sure she'll tell us when she wakes up. Besides…I really want to meet her in person." Kin said.
"Kin-chan, you'll love Kasumi. She'll be like a sister to you. I mean, she's just a wonderful part of this village, and we couldn't be more happy to have her." Ino said.
"Just don't ask to borrow Sasuke…I think that's the ONE thing she won't let you have." Tenten said. After that the three girls just laughed. "Come on, let's go see how she and Hinata are doing."
Neji, Haku, and Momoko had their hands full going up against the mass of Sound Nin sent by Orochimaru. It even pushed them as far as transforming, but Neji insisted they hold out just a little longer.
"I must say, for genin, you two fight really well!" Momoko said, knocking a Sound nin to the ground.
"Trust me, us fighting like this is like practice. We're not even pushing ourselves!" Haku said, dashing out of one of her ice mirrors to attack several shinobi.
"Haku-chan's right. We haven't even tapped into our full power yet." Neji said, finishing up his Kaiten. "Plus it seems Orochimaru sent his weaker squads here. No sense in wasting too much energy."
"So you think he sent his weaker squads, do you?" Gen said. "I believe you may be underestimating Orochimaru-sama." He snapped his fingers and suddenly more shinobi appeared, surrounding the group. Gen then threw off his own robe to reveal his own ninja gear (his gear is similar to Sarutobi's).
"Uh Neji-kun, I think things just got worse!" Haku said, dispelling her mirrors.
"You're right about that!" Neji said. "I think it's time we…"
"Neji-ni-san!" cried a voice. It was then that Neji looked to see Hanabi and Akemi running in the gates of the village.
"Hanabi-sama! Akemi-chan!" Neji said.
"What! They're ok!" Haku said.
"Quick we gotta get to the gates now!" Neji said.
"You two go. Jin and I will give you some cover." Momoko said.
"Gotcha. Come on Momoko, let's fight like we did in the old days." Jin said.
"Jin-kun, you know how to make a girl blush, don't you?" Momoko said.
"Only for you Momo-chan." Jin said. Momoko then squealed with happiness. She always told Jin he was like an older brother, and loved fighting along side him. In reality, she had a secret crush on him, and someday hoped to be his girlfriend. The two charged through the mass of shinobi, unleashing a demonic fury that easily cleared a path to Akemi and Hanabi. In a matter of moments, the pair of relative shinobi was reunited.
"Akemi-chan! I'm so glad you're ok!" Haku said, hugging her sister.
"I missed you too nee-chan!" Akemi said.
"I see you're safe, Hanabi-sama." Neji said. "But why do you have blood all over you?"
"I got a little hurt, but Akemi-chan helped me out." Hanabi said. "I'm ok now, and I'm ready to beat these guys up!" She then took Hinata's hitai-ate from her neck and tied it around her forehead.
"You're not the only one, Hanabi-chan! As the Fourth Princess, I owe them some payback as well!" Akemi said, doing the same with Kasumi's hitai-ate. She then summoned her foxfire in her hands.
"Akemi-chan, you know foxfire now! That is so awesome!" Haku said.
"Kasumi-nee-chan helped me learn it. Now I'm gonna show them why I'm a Kitsune Princess." Akemi said.
"I bet she's really proud of you. Everyone's gonna be real proud of you Akemi-chan." Haku said. "Well Neji, I guess it's time for us to change into something a little more comfortable."
"I agree. Besides, you always look cute in that ice blue outfit of yours." Neji said.
"Flattery will get you pretty far, but you're still not off the hook for what you did to Ten-chan." Haku said with a smirk.
"Ouch. You still remember." Neji said.
"Just what are you two planning anyway?" Momoko said.
"Remember when we said we weren't even pushing ourselves? Well we're about to take this fight into overdrive!" Haku said, flicking her wrists.
"Momoko, you will definitely like what you're going to see next." Neji said, doing the same.
"Overdrive? You foolish genin amuse me. You have nothing that will stop me." Gen said.
"Oh yeah…we don't think so!" Haku said. "ICE ILLUMINA ACTIVATION!"
"LIGHTNING ILLUMINA ACTIVATION!" Neji said. The two instantly assumed their Knight forms and left Momoko stunned.
"I knew Naruto, Sasuke, Tenten and Ino could do that, but you two also!" Momoko said.
"Don't forget Chouji, Hinata, and Kasumi can do it too." Haku said. "Now I think we need to clear out some trash. Neji-kun would you like to do the honors?"
"You're so kind Haku-chan." Neji said, focusing his lightning energy. "Besides, I've been wanting to do this for a very long time! Stand back everyone!"
"Just what is he…" Jin said.
"He's taking out the trash!" Haku said.
"Don't just stand there! Get them!" Gen said.
"I don't think so!" Neji said, calling a bolt of lightning from the sky. The lightning concentrated into his fist before he slammed it to the ground. "LIGHTNING CRUSHER: GROUND CLAW!" Neji sent a massive wave of lightning across the ground, sending it coursing through the numerous shinobi. He easily wiped out a good third of the Sound nin alone.
"I told you he was taking out the trash!" Haku said.
"Now that's a jutsu I wouldn't mind learning!" Jin said.
"Unfortunately, that's a Neji Hyuuga trademark." Hanabi said.
"Hey, Neji-kun should let Haku-nee-chan play too!" Akemi said.
"You know something, Princess Akemi is right! I wanna see what Haku-chan can do!" Momoko said playfully.
"Well, I guess I can't disappoint my fans." Haku said, waving her hands in a fluid motion. She created numerous arrows of ice before unleashing her frozen fury. "FREEZE LANCER!" Her ice arrows sped at another large group of the shinobi, freezing them in ice on impact. One arrow even sped towards Gen, but he simply melted it with his own foxfire.
"Fools, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself." Gen said, encasing his arms in flame. "Taste this! HINOTAMA NO KITSUNE (Fireball of the Kitsune)" Gen sent out a blast of fireballs directly at the group. Momoko knew that as one of the oldest Kitsune, his power and skill were unprecedented. She knew that everyone else couldn't defend against an attack like that.
"Jin, come on!" Momoko said, jumping in front of Haku.
"I know what you mean!" Jin said, moving in front of Neji. The two immediately put their hands up in preparation for a jutsu.
"BOUHEKI NO HONOO (Protective wall of Flame)!" Jin and Momoko said. Out of nowhere, a wall of fire shot up in front of them to absorb the fireball assault.
"That was close!" Akemi said.
"It may be close, but we can't hold up against this forever! He's one of the most powerful Kitsune in the village!" Momoko said, starting to feel the strain from the fireball barrage.
"Well maybe this will help some." Akemi said, channeling her foxfire into her hands. She then walked up and placed her hands into the fire wall.
"Akemi, what are you doing!" Haku asked.
"It might not be much, but maybe what little Kitsune chakra I have can help strengthen the wall." Akemi said, pushing her chakra into the wall. She immediately felt a huge strain on her body.
"Princess Akemi, thank you!" Momoko said, forcing more of her chakra into the wall.
"Then if she's gonna help, so am I!" Hanabi said. "Maybe I can find a weak spot!" Hanabi activated her Byakugan and began to search the area around Gen. She couldn't see anything, until she noticed the ground looked a little weak below his feet.
"Did you see it, Hanabi-sama?" Neji said.
"I did. I noticed the ground below him is weak." Hanabi said. "If we can distract him enough, we can try to attack his feet!"
"But how are we gonna do that!" Akemi said.
"Easy." Haku said, sliding in front of Neji. Neji then took his hands and placed them on hers.
"You're gonna hug him?" Hanabi said.
"No, we're gonna show him our new combined technique." Haku said.
"Get ready to drop the shield on our mark. Then do whatever you can to hit him from below his feet!" Neji said.
"Are you two sure about this?" Jin asked.
"No, but what else do we have." Haku said. "Get ready guys."
"On three…one…two…three!" Neji said. At that moment Jin and Momoko dropped the shield and moved out of the way. Akemi and Hanabi moved to the sides as Neji and Haku unleashed their new dual attack.
"KITSUNE ILLUMINA COMBINATION ATTACK: CRYSTAL THUNDER!" Neji and Haku said, firing a blur of lightning charged ice shards towards Gen. The ice shards connected, creating a standstill between the shinobi.
"Holy cow! That is so cool!" Akemi said.
"It only gets better. Haku, do it now!" Neji said.
"Right!" Haku said, closing her eyes. She began to focus her Kitsune chakra into the attack, adding more power behind it. Slowly the two began to push the fireballs back and Gen was starting to feel the pressure.
"You begin to annoy me!" Gen said, adding more chakra to his own attack, causing them to go back to a standoff.
"Yeah, well now you know what it means to tick off a Kitsune Princess!" Haku said.
"Ok what are we gonna do! He's easily holding them off." Hanabi said.
"Simple. If you two can distract him, then I can use my Fire Pillar Jutsu to really make him hurt." Momoko said.
"You want us to distract him?" Akemi said.
"Of course. You two fight like you've been ninja for a long time. I'll definitely give Arashi-sama and Kyuubi-kouhi a wonderful recommendation." Momoko said.
"Ok! Let's do it Hanabi-chan!" Akemi said.
"You got it!" Hanabi said. "So…how are we gonna distract him again?"
"I dunno. Let's run after him and hit him with something." Akemi said.
"Ok." Hanabi said.
The two, well one Kitsune, and one soon to be Kitsune charged at Gen hoping to distract him long enough for Momoko's plan to work. They could see Neji and Haku starting to weaken from the constant use of their Illumina power, so they had to work fast.
"Akemi, you hit him with a foxfire punch, and I'll use a Juuken strike on him!" Hanabi said.
"Let's do it!" Akemi said.
"Momoko, do you really think those two can distract Gen long enough?" Jin said.
"Actually…I do think they can Jin. You're looking at the Fourth and Fifth Princesses in action." Momoko said, as she began to form seals for her jutsu.
"Wait, I though Hanabi was only under a jutsu, and not a real Kitsune." Jin said.
"You didn't notice? And here you are, head of the elite guard." Momoko said. "I just picked up a very faint change in Hanabi's scent. Somehow, she and Princess Akemi took a blood oath of some sort, and now Hanabi's going to become a Kitsune as well."
"I see. How will Kyuubi-kouhi take this?" Jin said.
"If I'm right, she'll be more than happy." Momoko said. "Just don't tell a soul, or I won't make that sashimi you like so much."
"My lips are sealed." Jin said with a smile.
"What do you little whelps think you're doing!" Gen said, using his own chakra to push back Akemi and Hanabi from attacking. "Do you honestly believe that you can stand up to me! I'm the most powerful Kitsune in the village!"
"Uh, I don't think so!" Akemi said, throwing another flaming punch.
"Akane-sama is the most powerful Kitsune!" Hanabi said. "You're just some wannabe who thinks he's the most powerful!" She used numerous Juuken strikes but couldn't seem to do any damage.
"That worthless excuse of a demon…she's nothing!" Gen said, using his chakra to force the two girls back. "You two are just like her, worthless!"
"Then if they're worthless, why did you fall for their distraction!" Momoko said, finishing her hand signs.
"She's got you there!" Akemi said.
"What the…" Gen said, noticing the ground below him begin to glow.
"FIRE PILLAR JUTSU!" Momoko said, unleashing a huge pillar of flame around Gen. It distracted him enough to lose focus on Haku and Neji. That was when Haku came up with a plan of her own.
"Neji-kun, I should be able to handle him now. Do you think you can seal his Tenketsu so we can finish him off?" Haku asked.
"Sure. Just be careful Haku-chan. I don't want to end up like Sasuke and Naruto." Neji said, breaking off to let Haku keep attacking.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Haku said.
"I just don't want to feel the pain of nearly losing you." Neji said with a smile. He saw Haku blush for a moment, and knew he got a few brownie points.
"Momoko you insolent fool! Do you honestly believe this will stop me!" Gen said.
"Actually I do!" Momoko said, pushing more of her chakra into the fire pillar. She then saw Neji move into a strange stance and saw he had a smile on his face. "Let me rephrase that. I KNOW this will stop you!" She then dropped her jutsu the same time Haku stopped her attack.
"Just what do you think you're doing!" Gen said.
"Hanabi-chan, tell him!" Haku said.
"We're about to watch you fall into Neji-ni-kun's field of divination!" Hanabi said.
"Field of…" Gen said, turning to see Neji. Instantly Neji's divination field spread out, immobilizing Gen.
"Divination. Prepare to feel the pain of the Hyuuga clan!" Neji said. "HAKKE ROKUJYUU YONSHOU!"
"You can't!!!" Gen said, before feeling the first of Neji's strikes.
"2 Strikes…4 Strikes…8 Strikes…16 Strikes…32 Strikes…64 Strikes!" Neji said, striking all of Gen's Tenketsu and knocking him back.
"Yeah, that's it Neji!" Momoko said.
"Show 'em how the Hyuuga Clan does it, Neji-ni-kun!" Hanabi said.
"Oh I'm not done with him yet." Neji said, moving into a second stance.
"Ok now that's just overdoing it!" Haku said.
"This guy deserves it!" Neji said. "HAKKE HYAKU NIJU HACHI SHO…2 Strikes…4 Strikes…8 Strikes…16 Strikes…32 Strikes…64 Strikes…128 Strikes!" Neji used his enhanced Illumina speed to unleash a flurry of strikes against Gen. It was bad enough Gen had to deal with the Hakke Rokujyuu Yonshou, but to have the Hakke Hyaku Niju Hachi Sho follow up…there was no way he'd be able to use any of his chakra at all. When Neji landed the last strike, he sent Gen crashing into a nearby wall, easily seeing his Tenketsu had been sealed.
"Wait…Neji used the same attack over again?" Momoko said.
"No he used the advanced form the second time. Neji actually did more that 4 times the damage of the first attack." Hanabi said. "He really is a true genius of the Hyuuga Clan."
"That's my Neji-kun!" Haku said, hugging him. "Now we just have to get Oka-san's cure, and we can go home!"
"Cure…what cure!" said a voice, crawling from the rubble.
"What! There's no way! No one can get up from two of the Hyuuga Clan's most powerful attacks!" Neji said.
"That's where you're wrong!" Gen said, rising from the debris. "You see, Orochimaru-sama predicted you would possess this kind of ability. That's why he gave me some benefits of my own!" Suddenly Gen began to glow in a dark aura as numerous black markings began to appear on his face.
"It can't be! He has it too!" Haku said.
"What does he have?" Jin said.
"He has a cursed seal!" Neji said.
"That's right. And now I'm going to show you just what this seal can do!" Gen said. He then charged at every member of the team, striking them each with a devastating blow. He finished up by picking Akemi up by her neck, choking her in the process.
"Let her…go!" Haku said, struggling to get up.
"Actually I won't. She will be the first of sacrifices to Orochimaru-sama." Gen said. His fist began to glow with a purple flame, and he had a sickening smile on his face. "So Princess Akemi…ready to die?"
"You…won't…win." Akemi said, trying to break free of his grip.
"Then you've already lost. Goodbye weakling!" Gen said, ready to thrust his flaming fist into Akemi's heart.
"Akemi-chan!" Hanabi cried.
"Akemi, no!" Haku screamed.
Before anyone could react, Jin appeared in front of Gen, pushing Akemi out of the way. In doing so, he took the fatal blow meant for Akemi directly in his heart.
"JIN!" Momoko cried. She couldn't believe that her best friend and secret love had sacrificed himself. She saw Gen pull his hand out, covered in Jin's blood. Gen then threw Akemi to the ground and started to laugh as Jin fell to the ground.
"Jin you fool! Sacrificing yourself for a weakling. You always were pathetic." Gen said. "Now where's that foolish Hyuuga who struck me!"
"You want me Gen, come and get me!" Neji said, trying to draw him away from everyone else. Gen chased after him and began to take on Neji. Momoko took the time to rush to Jin in the hopes of saving him, but she didn't know that it was already too late.
"Jin, hang on! Please Jin, don't die on me!" Momoko cried. The tears were streaming down her face in pain as she looked at Jin.
"Momo-chan…don't cry. Tears never looked…good on you." Jin said, slowly.
"Why did you do this Jin! Why did you sacrifice yourself!" Momoko said.
"Momo-chan, it was my duty. I was…sworn to protect the princesses at any cost." Jin said. He then noticed Akemi make her way towards him.
"You didn't have to do that for me, you know." Akemi said, starting to cry.
"Akemi-hime, I would…gladly give my life to see you and Haku-hime…safe." Jin said, coughing up blood. "You and Haku-hime…you have to save Kyuubi-kouhi."
"What did I tell you, you idiot! Never call me Akemi-hime!" Akemi said.
"I know. Haku-hime, I'm glad I got to meet you and Neji-san." Jin said. "Also I'm honored to be able to protect the Honorary Fifth Princess of the Kitsune clan as well." Hanabi couldn't bring herself to look at Jin, but she felt honored that she was though of as a princess by him.
"Jin, please don't go! There's too much left for me to tell you." Momoko said, holding him closer.
"You silly girl. Did you…really think…that I didn't notice you?" Jin said. "I knew…you had a…crush on me."
"But how! I never told anyone!" Momoko said.
"I could feel…it. Momoko, I've always loved you…from the time we…were kits together." Jin said.
"Jin, I love you too! I just couldn't tell you because I was scared you'd think I was joking around!" Momoko said. "I wanted us to be together forever!"
"I'm sorry…I can't fulfill that wish to you…Momo-chan." Jin said. "But before I go…I want you to know…you were always in my heart. If it's possible…could I get one kiss…from you?"
"Yes…yes…yes!" Momoko said, before reaching down and planting her lips on his. She stayed locked in a kiss with Jin for almost a minute before releasing. "Jin…please…you can't go!"
"Momo-chan…I will always…watch over…you…forever. I…love you…Momoko." Jin said. Those were his final words before he fell into an eternal sleep.
"Jin…Jin…JIN!!!!!" Momoko screamed. She held his lifeless body close to her, mourning the loss of her love. Hanabi did her best to comfort Akemi, since Akemi knew that it was her life that cost Jin his. Haku on the other hand, began to feel a burning rage inside her. She was infuriated that Orochimaru's influence took another precious person away from one of her friends.
"He's going to die for this…" Haku said, looking at Gen while he was fighting Neji. She began to focus all her Kitsune chakra into her hands. Her mind was so clouded that she tried the Shikou Kitsune Houka Taihou, knowing she couldn't perform the jutsu. She tried two more times before she realized what she was doing.
"If only Kasumi and Hinata were here!" Haku said, slamming her fist into the ground.
"How could they help, Haku-nee-chan?" Akemi said, wiping the tears from her face.
"If they were here, we could perform the Shikou Kitsune Houka Taihou, and blast Gen to oblivion!" Haku said. "But without the combined chakra of a Nine Tailed Kitsune, that attack is worthless!"
"Well, what if I helped you?" Akemi said.
"I appreciate that, but even with your help, we only have the strength of a Five Tail." Haku said. "If only Momoko was a Kitsune Princess as well. Her being an Eight Tail would give us more than enough power." It was then that Haku remembered something. "Momoko, Akemi, I have an idea."
"What is it, Haku-chan?" Momoko said.
"First, I want Hanabi to look after Jin." Haku said. Hanabi nodded her head and took her place beside the fallen Kitsune. "Now Momoko, did Oka-san ever show you the seals for the Shikou Kitsune Houka Taihou?"
"Yes, but I always knew that I could never perform the jutsu because I wasn't a royal Kitsune." Momoko said.
"Well, if my idea works, that's all going to change." Haku said, taking out two kunai. "Akemi-chan, here. I want you to do exactly as I do ok."
"Ok, but I still don't know what you have planned." Akemi said, taking the kunai.
"I have this planned." Haku said, slicing open her palm. She then took Momoko's left hand and sliced it open as well. "Akemi do the same to your hand and Momoko's right hand."
"Haku-chan, what are you doing?" Momoko said, as Akemi sliced open her hand.
"Not me, we! Do you, Momoko Kusajishi, accept the blood oath given by me, Third Princess Haku Uzumaki, and Fourth Princess Akemi Uzumaki, to uphold the honor of the royal family of the Kitsune?" Haku said.
"Haku-chan…Princess Akemi…you're really serious!" Momoko said.
"I think this is how Haku is going to let you get your revenge for Jin." Akemi said.
"There's no other way to stop him Momoko. We need your help more than ever!" Haku said.
"Then…dear sisters…I accept!" Momoko said.
"Good! Now, I Haku Uzumaki, Third Princess of the Kitsune…" Haku said.
"And I, Akemi Uzumaki, Fourth Princess of the Kitsune…" Akemi said.
"Name you, Momoko Kusajishi, Fifth Princess of the Kitsune Clan!" Haku and Akemi said. At that moment they combined their hands with Momoko's and initiating the blood oath. Instantly their chakra, memories, and thoughts all became one. It was also then that Haku learned of how Akemi saved Hanabi's life, and unknowingly initiated a blood oath with her as well. The increased surge of Momoko's chakra also gave Akemi and Haku a new addition, Haku got her fourth tail and Akemi got her third. After the oath finished, the three were thrown apart, each feeling much stronger than before.
"Whoa! This feels just like earlier!" Akemi said. She also noticed she had a better idea of how to control her chakra and her foxfire.
"Talk about getting a huge burst of energy!" Haku said.
"Guess that comes from having your fourth tail." Momoko said. "You sure you're ok Princess Akemi?"
"Look I may still outrank you as the Fourth Princess, but you're a princess too…so you can call me Akemi-chan." Akemi said.
"Ok. Only if you call me Momo-chan though." Momoko said.
"I will." Akemi said.
"Alright, enough of this. We have a job to do." Haku said. "Akemi let me show you the seals."
"Oh you mean these?" Akemi said, doing the hand seals for the Shikou Kitsune Houka Taihou.
"How did you know?" Haku said.
"I guess I learned it from you two." Akemi said.
"Well, we have a score to settle." Haku said, noticing Neji was beginning to tire out. "Gen! We're not done with you!"
"Oh really! And just what do you think you're going to do!" Gen said.
"We have the full force of the Kitsune royal family in us! Especially since you now have to deal with not only the Third and the Fourth…but the Fifth Princess of the Kitsune!" Haku said.
"Don't make me laugh!" Gen said.
"They aren't Gen." Momoko said. "You took Jin from me, and they gave me something to fill the void…the power do destroy you!"
"A likely story!" Gen said, landing one more hit on Neji, causing him to fall to the ground. "This one was nothing. Now I'm going to destroy you and be rid of you once and for all!" He began to walk towards the girls until a familiar Kitsune shinobi jumped in front of him and held onto him.
"Kisuke! I thought…" Momoko said.
"Jin was suspicious of Gen, so he had me go undercover." Kisuke said, struggling to hold on to Gen. "He knew Gen couldn't be trusted."
"But why didn't you tell us!" Haku said.
"I couldn't blow my cover! But I can see now that Gen is more dangerous than ever. You have to finish him off now!" Kisuke said. "And don't worry about the cure for Kyuubi-kouhi. I switched the one you gave Gen with a fake. The real one is back with the shamans."
"Kisuke…" Haku said.
"Please! End this now! I know I'm risking myself, but that's what the guards of the Kitsune Princesses do." Kisuke said. "I'm honored to help out the three Princesses today."
"Very well." Momoko said.
"Kisuke, you along with the others will be given the highest honor of the village." Haku said.
"Thank you. I'm sorry that this had to happen to you on your first visit to our village." Kisuke said.
"Kisuke, you traitor! Release me now!" Gen said, struggling to get free.
"Never! You will die with those you have killed as well!" Kisuke said.
"This is for all those who were lost today." Haku said, forming the seals for the jutsu.
"May their spirit live on in this village." Akemi said, following Haku.
"And may the village grow stronger upon their gaze." Momoko said, finishing the final seals.
"My ambition will not be stopped!" Gen said, struggling more to break free.
"Gen, you are hereby stripped of your position and sentenced to death!" Haku said.
"No, you can't stop me!" Gen said.
"It's over Gen. This one's for Jin!" Kisuke said.
The three Kitsune Princesses looked upon their target as a giant golden Kitsune head began to form. "SHIKOU KITSUNE HOUKA TAIHOU!" they said together. Flames began to encircle the mouth of the Kitsune head before a massive wave of flame was released. The flame surged towards Gen and Kisuke, consuming them. All the girls could hear was Gen's screams of pain before the flames died down, leaving a pile of dust.
"It's over." Haku said.
"I know…and at too heavy a cost." Momoko said, looking back at Jin.
"Come on, let's get Neji-kun and go rest." Akemi said.
"Yeah, we have a lot of preparations to take care of." Haku said, walking towards Neji.
Two days later, the village had the funeral ceremony for all those Kitsune lost in Gen's attack. Haku, Akemi, Hanabi, and now Momoko were dressed in the royal Kitsune dress, while Neji adorned his uniform given to him when they arrived. Akemi was holding a small box when she walked up to the center podium with Haku.
"We have gathered here today, to give our final farewells to all those brave Kitsune who defended their village with honor. It is these proud warriors that exemplify the strength of the Kitsune Village." Haku said. "Never will any of them be forgotten in our eyes and in our hearts."
"There are five warriors who went above and beyond to carry out their mission. It was the sacrifice of these five warriors that allow us to stand here today. If not for them, then not only would we have lost this precious village, but we would have lost our precious Kyuubi-kouhi." Momoko said. "We honor these heroes today with the highest honor the Kitsune village can bestow, The Burning Ninetails." She then opened the box Akemi was holding. Haku, Hanabi, and Neji each took a medal in the shape of a nine-tailed fox. Momoko took the last two, and gave one to Akemi.
"For bravery…I present this to you, Koga Izuno." Hanabi said, placing the medal in front of his picture.
"For courage…May you be remembered Shinyu Ganbaru." Neji said, placing Shinyu's medal.
"For sacrifice…thank you for your hard work, Kenshi Hogane." Akemi said. A tear fell from her eye onto his medal as she placed in by his picture.
"For honor…never did your loyalty falter, Kisuke Kagami." Haku said, placing his medal.
"For love…I will never forget you, and what you did for me. I will love you with all my heart. Till the day we meet again, Jin Ishimaru." Momoko said, kissing Jin's medal and setting it by his picture.
"It is with a heavy heart that we must say goodbye, but we must always remember. Their spirits will continue to watch over the village, making sure we grow stronger each day." Haku said. With those words everyone took their leave. Haku and the group returned to Akane's mansion to prepare for their trip back to Konoha.
"Well, I guess it's time for us to go back. I just wish things didn't have to happen like this." Haku said.
"When Orochimaru is involved, we must be ready for anything Haku-chan." Neji said.
"I know. I just still can't believe that Momoko lost Jin." Haku said.
"It still hurts, but I know he's always watching over me." Momoko said.
"Yeah, that's true." Haku said. "Hey what's up with the backpack?"
"Well…since I'm now a Kitsune Princess…you wouldn't mind if I came to stay with you guys…just until I get used to the whole princess thing." Momoko said. "Besides, I still haven't been introduced to my other two sisters yet."
"You're gonna come stay with us Momo-chan!" Akemi said, jumping on her back.
"You bet Akemi-chan." Momoko said. "If that's ok with you."
"What, you think I'm gonna say no?" Akemi said.
"That's good. Hey, where's Hanabi-chan?" Momoko said.
"I'm here." Hanabi said, feeling down.
"Hanabi-sama, what's wrong." Neji asked.
"It's nothing. Just ready to go, I guess." Hanabi said. "Momoko-chan, you can go ahead and release the jutsu on me now."
"Are you sure? I mean I can keep in up until we get back." Momoko said.
"No, that's ok. I need to get back to reality anyway." Hanabi said.
"I understand." Momoko said, forming a hand seal and touching it to Hanabi's head. "Release!" Instantly, Hanabi lost her ears and tails. Little did she know, her own real ones would soon grow in.
"Like I said Hanabi-chan, I'll talk to Oka-san. I know she can do something to make you a real Kitsune." Akemi said, trying to comfort her friend.
"That's what she thinks." Momoko whispered in Haku's ear.
"Well guys, let's get back to Konoha." Haku said.
"I have some special transportation arranged too." Momoko said, once they got outside.
"What do you mean by special?" Haku said.
"This kind of special," said a familiar voice.
"Hishou, I wondered where you were." Momoko said, rubbing Hishou's head. Two more Kitsune the same size as Hishou landed right beside him.
"Nice to see you too Momoko-san, I mean Momoko-sama." Hishou said, bowing in respect.
"I don't think I'm gonna ever be able to get used to that." Momoko said.
"Neither will I." Hishou said.
"Then I guess our work here is done. We'll have to come back sometime." Haku said, climbing on Hishou. "We've got the antidote, stopped a coup, and gained a new sister in the process. I guess Kasumi would say, we did pretty good."
"You're right. We're also one step closer to having our friends and family back." Neji said, sitting behind her.
"Then what are we waiting for! Konoha, here we come!" Akemi said.
The five left the village of the Kitsune, leaving behind them the memories of the wonderful people they met, and keeping the memories of the sacrifices made to save the village. They knew that if it weren't for the help of the entire village, none of them would be where they are now. All that was left now was for Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Jiraiya to find Tsunade. Only then would they all be able to hold their loved family once again.Man this one took a while, but I would never forget about my readers. The first half of the Finding Tsunade Arc is finished, and yes I ended up adding two more Kitsune Princesses. Hanabi was a given, but Momoko is going to be sort of a teacher for the rest of them. She just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I also thought adding a little bit of expo on what was going on in Konoha would help too. Kin got to know Tenten and Ino a little better and now feels more comfortable in Konoha. Now Naruto and Sasuke will be coming back! I know everyone wanted to see them in action and the next chapter or so will do that! Also a certain Sound nin returns too. Stay tuned and send lots and lots of reviews!
