New Lives

Chapter 37

Sixteen.

Kidoumaru had never thought he'd live to see it, the life of a ninja, especially a ninja in Otogakure, was short and bloody. Only the best and luckiest ninja made it into their early thirties, Orochimaru, in his sixties, was ancient for a ninja, and he'd escaped death through means both forbidden and unholy. But he had no desire to think about the Detestable Snake, his mind was on celebration. Lots of food, lots of cola and, hopefully, lots of friends. He'd invited almost everyone he knew, everyone he knew who didn't hate him or consider him trash, that is. He walked outside toward the forest that adjoined the Nara home, this was where the family kept their deer. Food, clothing, medicine, anything that was needed a Nara could get from a deer.

"So, I guess destiny has something more in store for you."

"Who knows, Neji? I'm just glad to be back in the game."

The Hyuuga emerged from the forest, "I take it I'm early?"

"By about two hours. I hope you bought me something big, considering how you killed me..." Kidoumaru laughed, he held no grudge about his unfortunate demise at Neji's hands.

"You win some, you lose some, right? Don't worry, I got you a consolation prize."

"You'd tell me if Hiashi-Sama had sent me a bomb, right?"

Neji smirked, "Maybe. Maybe not. After all, he is head of the Main Branch of the Hyuuga clan. You really don't trust my clan, do you?"

Kidoumaru crouched on the ground, "Well, the whole 'figured out the secrets of your Blood Limit in a single game' thing probably made you guys uncomfortable."

Neji sat beside him on the grass, "Yes. Hiashi-Sama was very opposed to your life being spared, much less your presence in Konoha. However, after seeing your honorable behavior, willingness to help this village and it's people, as well as your usefulness as an instructor, he's begun to change his views."

Kidoumaru grinned, "I'm honored. See, I'm not so bad once you get to know me. Sometimes I'm worse." He paused, "Really, though, I'm grateful. You guys could of killed me at just about any time, and probably hid me so that no one would ever have known what happened to me, not even the Hokage, but you didn't."

Neji looked out toward the forest, "Yes, but that's not our way. Besides, it became clear fairly quickly that you were neither an enemy or a threat."

Sakura applied her Wild Cherry lipstick and looked over herself in the mirror, Not bad, not bad at all. She straightened her long pink hair, Happy sixteenth birthday, Kidoumaru. She sprayed some cherry scented perfume onto herself. We're going to give you a really happy birthday...

"Hey, loser!"

Kidoumaru and Neji turned to see Zaku and Kin exiting the back door of the Nara house. "Hey, Wind-Bag, Kin. You made it!"

"No thanks to Eiji, he had to walk here! We lost three days getting here!"

Kidoumaru laughed, "He did seem uncomfortable flying, didn't he?"

Kin nodded, "Uncomfortable nothing, terrified!"

"Well, acrophobia, or any phobia, can be a terrible thing... Did Akira and Tomoe come?"

"Yeah."

Kin and Neji were looking each other over, "Man, your hair really does look just like mine." Kin observed.

Zaku wrapped an arm around her, "But it looks far better on you."

"Do Sakura and I look like that too?"

Neji smiled, "No, you look much worse. Not as bad as Kankurou and Hana though..."

Iruka was already walking to the door when he heard the knock, "Okay, I'm coming."

He walked over and opened the door, "Bet you didn't expect me, eh 'Ruka?"

"MIZUKI!"

Mizuki grinned, "I was pardoned! I can come back anytime I want! I came here with the Eiji and his family for Kidoumaru's birthday party, but I wanted to see you first."

Kotaro the Summoner walked into the ambassador's office, "Kankurou-Sama, a message has just arrived for you."

Kankurou picked his head off of his desk lazily and blinked, "Sure, bring it here, jan." He yawned and stretched as Kotaro lay the letter on the desk, bowed and left. Kankurou opened the envelope and began to read,

To Ambassador Kankurou of Sunagakure,

I have news of Temari, brother. She has been released from the hospital and allowed to return home, though she still requires medication and therapy. She sends her greetings to you and Hana and asks that you convey her sincerest apologies to Shikamaru for her actions, as she was insane at the time. Baki also sends his greetings, as do I. I also wish to commend you on performing your duties in such an efficient and successful manner. It appears I made a wise choice appointing you to your post.

Your Brother,

Gaara, Godaime Kazekage of Sunagakure.

Kankurou smiled and stuck the letter away in his pocket.

About an hour until the party. I wonder how the Twins will react...

"I still can't believe he invited me. I hope this isn't a trap of some kind..." Sasuke was debating whether or not he should go, after all, much of Konoha now hated him with a passion and the Yamanaka clan was understandably bitter about his treatment of Ino. Maybe it's a favor to Obito? He looked over at Obito, who was distracted talking to Rin, He actually looks happy... Obito was always smiling or laughing, but the pain was always there, just below the surface, but now, he seemed as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders

Tsunade listened intently as the medic detailed the new injuries to appear on Danzo's body, "Yes, I have a good idea who is responsible, though I can't really say I wouldn't do the same in his situation. I'll have a guard placed on the room, and Suigetsu will not be allowed back onto this floor."

"Will you speak with him?"

"Of course."

Jiraiya, official ambassador of Konohagakure to Amegakure, walked down the rain swept streets, taking notes. Yes, a tale of romance set in the lush rain forests of Amegakure! He stroked his chin, A tough, handsome young teacher meets a beautiful, innocent young student who's being pursued by a evil curse, and only he can save her! Jiraiya you are a genius! He smirked and began writing again.

"Jiraiya-Sensei."

The Sannin turned to see Konan standing behind him, "Ah, Mizukage-Sama, may I help you?"

She smiled, but kept out of groping range, "Please, just Konan. Intending on writing about our beautiful village?"

"Of course, this place is full of stories to be told." And bedrooms to be explored...

"I'm glad you approve , Pein and I made many improvements since we came to power."

And killed many, many people, not all of whom deserved it... Jiraiya looked at Konan, for once looking at a woman without perverse thoughts, "It's still amazing to see you as a powerful, beautiful young woman, instead of a little girl."

"Thank you. In all these years, you're still handsome as always."

Jiraiya looked at his feet, "I never really forgave myself for what happened, you kids deserved much better."

Konan sighed, "That was our decision, not yours, our mistake. You tried to help us, if not for you, I wouldn't have survived. You gave us a chance..."

Kiba pulled back a bit, "I should have known he'd invite you."

Ukon smirked, "We're not to happy to see your flea-bitten #!, either, Dog-Boy."

"Kiba we..."

"We regret nothing! Right, Sakon? Sakon? Don't you #! Dare go soft on me!"

"It was war, but we didn't have to be so cruel about it..."

Ukon rolled his eyes as Kiba stood stunned, "Do you two ladies want a room? What the hell's wrong with you? Did they neuter you too, Sakon!? Never apologize to the enemy!"

"Ukon, some people will always hate us because we look like monsters to them, but everyone will hate us if we act like monsters."

Ukon closed his eyes, "I'm going to sleep, wake me when it's time to eat."

Kiba was speechless for a moment, he and Akamaru just stood there and stared. "I guess... Uhm... You know I can't just forgive you for what you did to us."

Sakon shrugged, "I didn't ask you to forgive me, mutt, I just said that we were wrong."

He turned and walked off into the crowd.

To be continued...