~Authors Note
Hey everyone TsukikoUchu here with another chapter of Inheritance, you guys don't know how long I've been planning the beginning of this chapter and if you didn't notice I now have a chapter title for every letter of the alphabet.
On that note I hope you enjoy this jam packed adventure filled chapter with Kakashi getting a smack down he'll probably never forget.
Authors Note End~
Partway through their week back, Naruto and Sasuke went around with Sakura, meeting up with their old friends as many as they could, the biggest surprise however was when someone not even Sakura had seen appeared before them in a plume of smoke.
Crinkling his eye at them and masked bunched up at the corners as he smiled "Well, well the whole team is back together again, Naruto-kun, Sasuke-kun welcome back, before you guys go on the mission I want to see how strong you three have actually become" Kakashi saluted.
And Sakura huffed "Could say the same thing to you Kakashi-sensei the master of avoidance" Sakura deadpanned, she'd missed him to, here he had the grace to shoot her a somewhat sheepish look until she couldn't hold back any longer.
So she rushed forward and gave her sensei a quick side hug, no need to press Itachi's buttons who was her ever present shadow since he had a few weeks off "So you said you wanted to see how strong we've gotten huh, does that mean a training session" Sasuke questioned.
Knowing that they would get way off track catching up with one another "Ah come on this is supposed to be our week to re-acclimate ourselves" Naruto complained not wanting to train at this particular moment in time.
His sensei sighed "Come now don't you want to show off a little, let me see how strong our Future Hokage is currently" their silver haired sensei taunted, being a smooth talker as he was, he knew exactly what to say to get Naruto to do what he wanted.
Like he thought Naruto perked up "Get ready to go down Kakashi-sensei, me, Sasuke and Sakura-chan are gonna totally defeat you, like we did during your bell test" the blonde boasted marching his way down the streets to their team training grounds.
Remaining teammates shooting exasperated glares at their sensei "Better hurry after him otherwise that knucklehead will get in trouble" the second Uchiha heir sighed taking off after one of his best friends, the other on his heels.
Meanwhile Kakashi simply body flickered to meet his students on their training field "Honestly don't see the man in over two years and he pulls that on us during our reunion" the rosette grumbled under her breath.
Itching to bash her sensei over the head, a few feet behind her a chuckle reached her ears "You'll just have to show him up won't you Sakura" Itachi commented, intending on watching as did Tsunade who was sneaking after them.
This time Sakura perked up as a full blown grin spread across her lips "Hatake has no idea what he's getting himself into" Tsunade shook her head as her granddaughter and apprentice disappeared without another word.
Next to her Itachi nodded "Quite, though formidable on her own, Naruto and Sasuke add to her strength, they empower each other, Kakashi-san won't stand a chance I believe" the Uchiha heir smirked having faith in those three.
And Tsunade couldn't help but agree "Together they will do impossible things, if only I hadn't been off wallowing I could have been here from the beginning to watch her and them grow into who they are today" the honey eyed woman sighed.
One of the few things she regretted not being there when her family had needed her but despite that she was doing everything she could to make up for it by being there now while keeping the memory of two of her most important people alive by becoming the embodiment of their dreams.
Just a few minutes later the two of them arrived on the training field that was used by Team Seven and found a few others settled in tree's watching as the teenagers stood around "I see you've come to watch the show" Ay spotted the unusual duo as they perched in their own tree's.
Cee and Darui were silent as Kakashi finally arrived, keeping to his usual antics even now "Okay, I'm sure you remember these don't you" Kakashi wiggled two bells in his students faces, Sakura barred her teeth while Sasuke scowled and Naruto groaned.
Signaling they did indeed remember "Good, you must get them from me before the end of the day understand, if you fail Sakura you'll be demoted and all three of you will be stuck as genin for the rest of your lives" the silver haired Jonin bluffed.
While attaching the bells to his waist "And seeing as you aren't little kids anymore there's no reason to hold back so I'll be using this, ready….go" Kakashi lifted his headband revealing his sharingan before disappearing.
All three of his students went rigid and Sakura she looked up, left, right and behind her before realizing there was only one place left "Naruto, Sasuke jump, you think you can hide from me Kakashi-sensei think again CHA" Sakura ordered as she clenched her hand into a fist and punched the ground.
The earth promptly shattered revealing the hidden Kakashi and all three males on the team went as pale as ghosts "Sakura-chan your really scary" Naruto gulped before straightening up his act, he couldn't be left in the dust after all.
He'd trained like hell and just as Kakashi was attempting to body flicker on them Sasuke tossed shuriken in every which direction, ninja wire attached to the throwing stars "Oh no you don't Kakashi, Naruto now" Sasuke made a hand sign.
Which turned the ninja wire into long snakes all of whom wrapped around Kakashi preventing him from disappearing on them again, Naruto dashed forward but he was a hair second to late as the man vanished anyway.
"Kakashi-sensei ran into the forest Sakura-chan, my clone said so" the blonde of Team Seven informed, having made a few clones ahead of time, knowing that his sensei would be predictably late, allowing them a few minutes to set up a couple of traps.
Sakura smirked quite viciously "Lure him back into the clearing you two, I've got a lovely surprise for our sensei" the pinkette gestured her two teammates ahead of her, knowing they would do exactly as asked of them as she went about setting up the clearing.
Not having had enough time to do so earlier because Kakashi had arrived a little ahead of his usual schedule despite his late tendencies and once her task was accomplished Sakura made a wood clone of herself and hurried after Naruto and Sasuke.
"Finished already, dare I ask what your planning against Kakashi" the raven of Team Seven asked but Sakura shook her head indicating he didn't want to know, their task now was simply to maneuver their sensei back into the clearing.
To enact their final strategy against their sensei which was two years in the making "Alright as far as I can tell he doesn't know that we know exactly where he is, Sasuke managed to get one of his snakes on him, a baby snake but one all the same, so what's the plan" Naruto questioned.
Randomly appearing as he'd been scouting out Kakashi's exact position "We lure him back to the clearing and trap him in a specially made genjutsu, Naruto your clones will be the perfect bait, Sasuke your our eyes essentially and I'm the illusion specialist" Sakura instructed.
"Understood, okay clones now Naruto, each of you get one for communication" Sasuke smirked handing over a few of his summons, the littlest snakes he had forged a contract with they were perfect for their current task.
With that Naruto's clones were gone, along with their creator "Just to keep him from getting suspicious prepare to use a couple of lightning jutsu's in conjunction with my water jutsu" the fuscia haired heiress said.
Scanning the forest below her as they were settled in a tree, her chakra completely suppressed to nonexistent levels, making Kakashi think hopefully that she was back in the clearing alone "You are frightening" the second Uchiha heir shuddered.
Even if he was smirking at the diabolical plan that had been thought up mere minutes before they'd started their second survival test "Bad news guys Kakashi-sensei is heading further into the forest" the knucklehead Uzumaki returned.
Bringing with him bad news, apparently luring Kakashi where they want him wasn't going to be as easy as they'd thought "Then we physically involve ourselves, my clone can extinguish her chakra" Sakura shrugged.
There was no need to panic, they still had all day after all, one little glitch in their plan wasn't going to hurt anything "Here we go then" Sasuke blew out a breath, leaping to the forest floor teammates on his heels as they headed after their sensei.
Kakashi was honestly surprised "Mm and here I thought you three would have learned patience by now" the silver haired Jonin taunted intent to rile them up clear only to duck as shuriken whizzed over his head from behind him.
Making his brow twitch "What is it with you three and setting up traps, your poor ole sensei won't be able to take much more of this abuse you know" Kakashi sulked, more than a little wary now and it was only thanks to his sharingan that he didn't miss Sakura leaping at him.
Flying through a set of unfamiliar hand signs, "Oh yeah Kakashi-sensei and what about us, haven't we suffered enough mental abuse at your hands, those D Ranks were like murder back when we were still twelve and freshly minted genin" the rosette scoffed.
Pointing her index finger at her sensei and firing off her jet stream jutsu at him, his face paled at the strength behind the jutsu while still managing to get out of range by leaping over her head but to his horror that jutsu followed him.
And he got blasted with it despite his best efforts until he felt the pulse of unnatural chakra in his network so he quickly released himself from the genjutsu "Mean there you are still using those bloody genjutsu's on me" the Copy Ninja huffed.
Ducking under a barrage of kunai and shuriken before he saw the glint of ninja wire "We're going to beat you just like we did last time Kakashi" the raven haired fifteen year old declared, red eyes shining, displaying his sharingan proudly within the iris, three tomoe.
"Better not forget about me either Kakashi-sensei" the blonde Uzumaki reminded as there was suddenly over thirty shadow clones surrounding him and Kakashi glared realizing he might have underestimated his students a bit.
However that didn't mean he was willing to admit defeat as he flashed through his own set of hand signs "Doton: Earth Dragon Bullet, Katon: Fire Dragon Bullet" Kakashi used two consecutive jutsu's in a row.
Nearly at point blank range but Sakura was a crafty one as she dragged her teammates by the collars closer and used two of her own jutsu's "Suiton: Waterwall, Doton: Mudwall" Sakura countered quickly.
Protecting the three of them from the differing elements as the thirty shadow clones of Naruto were utterly decimated "Damn, guess he wasn't just lazing about this whole time while we were gone believe it" Naruto groaned when the protective jutsu's were lowered.
To find the area they were in completely destroyed, sensei no where in sight "Either way if we don't hurry we won't be able to catch him, he's headed for the clearing" Sasuke interrupted causing the three teammates to scramble after their sensei.
Where they finally caught up with him in the clearing, the onlookers were perched precariously on the edge of their seats as the younger members of Team Seven squared off against their Jonin "I must say I'm impressed that you've managed to keep up with me so far" the Copy Ninja said.
Sweat beaded on his brow from avoiding the multiple traps that had been set and sprung on him, not to mention his own students coming after him "However time is ticking down and I'd say you only have a few hours left so if you don't want to be stuck as genin I'd hurry up and get these bells" Kakashi taunted.
Only to get three matching glares "We're getting to that Kakashi-sensei" the knuckleheaded blonde huffed making a hand sign and creating over fifty clones this time, Sasuke and Sakura instantly caught on to his plan.
As they disappeared into the sea of orange by transforming into Naruto clones themselves and matching their chakra to that of a Naruto clone as well deceiving their sensei "Come on Sasuke, let's trap Kakashi-sensei here in the clearing with a barrier" the pinkette urged.
Grasping Sasuke's wrist knowing instinctively without even trying that it was him without a doubt as the shadow clones charged, distracting Kakashi "As impressive as the amount is, they won't do you a lick of good Naruto-kun if you can't reach me" the silver haired Jonin taunted some more.
Easily avoiding anything the teenager could throw at him not realizing that it was simply a diversion "Good thing I practiced fuinjutsu while gone otherwise this would be difficult for me" the second Uchiha heir grimaced.
Following Sakura around as they hurriedly placed down tags with the barrier formula on them, finishing in the nick of time as Kakashi figured out what the attack was for and raised the barrier "Ah, ah Kakashi-sensei no more running" Sakura tsked, unveiling herself.
Since the start of the clone attack "Perhaps but your as trapped as I am and if the barrier activator goes down so will the barrier" Kakashi shrugged not to concerned, launching himself at his sole female student.
Who countered by punching the ground, Naruto and Sasuke jumping at the precise moment the earth shattered yet again "Futon: Multilayered Gale Jutsu" Naruto launched his own jutsu at his sensei using his element for the first time since the start of the training session.
"Katon: Phoenix Flower Jutsu" Sasuke not one to be outdone, fired off his own jutsu, the two elements of wind and fire mixing and Kakashi had to quickly retreat to the edge of the clearing right where the barrier was.
Allowing him to see that taking down the barrier wouldn't be as easy as he thought it would be "Heh those brats are smart" the Raikage couldn't help but laugh as Kakashi ducked under the next attack, a barrage of kunai.
Though he was wising up to the ninja wire "And I've no doubt they have yet to use their ace" Itachi chuckled thoroughly enjoying himself as Sakura decided that now was the best time to start adding more than just the regular elements into the fight.
By sprouting wooden wings and charging directly at Kakashi who couldn't get away fast enough and she slammed into him, at exactly the same time her clone activated the genjutsu she'd crafted specifically for her sensei.
Poor Kakashi was sucked deep within probably his worse nightmare, his precious MakeOut Tactics were being ripped to shreds and by the time he managed to free himself of the illusion like last time his students were gathered before him.
Wiggling the bells they'd stolen from him in his face "Told ya Kakashi, that we would beat you just as we did last time" Sasuke smirked while crossing his arms over his chest, even if they had cut it a little close.
"Admit it Kakashi-sensei we had you totally thrown for a loop" Naruto sniggered as Kakashi glared at them but stood and slanted his headband over his sharingan seeing as he'd lost against his students again to his frustration.
Obviously all those missions and training sessions to keep himself in tiptop condition wasn't enough now that the kids were growing into their abilities "Fine, well done you three, I couldn't be prouder, so good luck on your mission in three days time" Kakashi saluted.
Vanishing in a plume of smoke before he could be subjected to further humiliation "Stupid Kakashi-sensei what a baby" Sakura scowled after her sensei with a roll of her eyes, stuffing the bells in her pouch, she would have to return them some other time now.
In the tree's familiar laughter rang out "Good job brats, that was a magnificent smack down" Tsunade waved from her seat in the tree before she jumped to the ground and started back to the Tower to continue working on paperwork.
"Quite, I don't think Kakashi-san will take you three lightly again after today, he probably assumed that you wouldn't be able to manage what you did last time" Itachi body flickered to Sakura's side as they to started from the training grounds.
Once the barrier was deactivated "Must say though, you three are quite tactical during a fight and understand one another without having to even speak" Cee spoke for the first time since the training session or rather survival test had begun.
Having simply watched "That's cause we've known each other since we were five and despite being separated for two years, we still know how each other think" the second Uchiha heir explained standing tall, no longer the scrawny brat from before.
Sasuke had grown "Since you were five, guess that's reasonable, with all that time spent around each other of course you'd be in sync" Darui whistled following after his partner, no longer doubting the credibility of the two teenagers even if they were still genin.
That was the only downside really "Whatever I'm counting on you brats to get me a treaty with the Tsuchikage understand" Ay snapped, even though they already knew of their mission and stalked off to elsewhere in the village, escorts on his heels.
Leaving them alone once again, well as alone as they could be with a team of five Uchiha tailing Sakura and her shadow named Itachi "But still that was awesome how you sprouted wings and just charged through the air at Kakashi-sensei, you really got fast huh Sakura-chan" the blonde chattered suddenly.
"I can manipulate wind nature to propel myself through the air at high speeds when I'm using my wings" the pinkette explained, feeling no need to keep any secrets from her teammates as they continued doing what they had been before it was time to head home.
And then it was time to head off to Hidden Stone with the Raikage and his escorts "I should be going" Haku frowned not liking that Sakura and Karin were going off without him, it kind of hurt a little since he was so use to going on missions with the two girls.
Sakura tapped his arm "But you can't, you have Shimo-kun to think about, there's only a couple more years until he becomes a genin and then you'll probably be considered for a position as a Jonin sensei in charge of a squad of genin" Sakura reminded firmly.
Haku sighed unable to argue with that logic "Just make sure you bring back souvenirs Sakura-nee, Karin-nee" Shimo waved still not use to Naruto and Sasuke constantly hanging around so he'd kept rather close to Zabuza.
"Be safe, please, your about to go trekking through Grass and who knows how they'll react" the doe eyed eighteen year old pleaded, feeling like he might go insane before their return which would be three weeks from then.
She was just opening her mouth when the door flew open and nearly slammed into the wall if she hadn't reacted so quickly while shooting a glare at the culprit "Oops, sorry Sakura-chan but old man Raikage is waiting" Naruto laughed sheepishly.
Then informed his teammate that the Raikage was waiting, Sakura nodded, bid her family farewell and followed Naruto out the door to Haku and many others chagrin "So you brats know what your meant to do right" Ay growled when they signed out and started in the direction of Earth Country.
Which would like Haku said lead them straight through Hidden Grass "Get you a treaty Raikage-sama which would then stop Stone Shinobi from running amok in your country" Sasuke intoned seriously.
Probably having read over the mission scroll a million times and that wasn't counting what else they had to do "Yeah that" Karin chimed in with a grimace, it would be the first time she'd passed through Kusagakure since transferring and she was deathly terrified of what might happen.
Not that she had need to worry as Sakura smiled reassuringly "Everything alright you're unusually tense" Darui seemed to pick up on the tension in the younger members of the group as they marched forward.
It was his partner that understood "Grass, your former village, how do you think they'll react should they see you" Cee commented and Karin grew tenser, Ay rolled his eyes, but it was cause for concern considering the last time he'd been in the presence of these four brats together.
Reconsidering his course a bit Sakura couldn't help but smile as they changed direction a little, intent clear to avoid Kusagakure at all costs "Raikage-sama" the onyx eyed blonde raised a brow only to get a sneer.
"Faster route, will take one day less, I don't intend on messing about with Kusagakure Shinobi on this diplomatic mission" the Raikage snarled leading the group straight for the border of Tea instead, where they'd cross and be in Earth Country a half day early than their original route.
Darui grinned "Wise choice Boss, besides who knows what sorts of trouble those four could get into after all" the younger dark skinned shinobi nodded, teasing the teenagers, two of whom scowled not use to his antics.
"Hey….ouch Sakura-chan why'd you stop me for" the Uzumaki of Team Seven whined as he was elbowed in the side, proving that despite growing up he still was immature somewhat, not as bad as he was before but still immature.
The girl in question rolled her eyes "Diplomatic mission knucklehead, have a little tact and that's just Darui-san's way, he likes to tease people into insanity, don't let him get to you" the rosette warned, staring intently until Naruto nodded his head eagerly.
Just like that she was back to scanning their surroundings, Darui bit his lip to keep from laughing as Sasuke inched away from Sakura a little "I daresay your more frightening than before" the second Uchiha heir shuddered lightly.
Karin giggled under her breath "Course she is Sasuke, Hokage-sama is training her after all" the lone redhead of the group snickered, grateful for the change and that she wouldn't have to come face to face with her past nightmare as they continued marching onwards to Hidden Stone.
It was hours later after a couple of pit-stops that Ay called for a final break and Sakura was alerted to a hidden chakra that had been following them, she went rigid then relaxed but the Raikage had noticed and was immediately on the alert.
Right as a familiar person burst through the brush riding on Hotoke, all manners of weapons were thrown "Yikes" Hashirama cringed, glad that he was a reanimation for once otherwise he would have gotten skewered just then.
Sakura's eye twitch "Grandfather what are you doing and Hotoke I specifically told you to stay home this time to keep an eye on Hanami" Sakura scowled not happy in the least with either her grandfather or ninken.
Hashirama slipped into a sort of depression at the scolding and she was tempted to throttle him now that she knew how Tobirama felt "But Sakura-chan I wanted to see Ohnoki to, he might listen to be as well since we know each other" the raven haired reanimation whined.
"The Tsuchikage's a stubborn fool and if he saw you Senju he'd be more likely to throw us out of his village than listen to us" Ay snapped and Hashirama continued to sulk until Tobirama appeared via transportation seal, expression thunderous.
As he gripped his older brother by the shirt collar "I'll just be taking him back with me and don't worry about Hanami, I'll keep an eye out in his stead" Tobirama pointed at Hotoke then both reanimated Hokage's were gone nary a sigh of the wind to signal their departure.
Leaving behind Hotoke who avoided his Mistress's penetrating gaze "He wouldn't leave me alone until I brought him" Hotoke finally relented and Sakura let out a long suffering sigh that he whimpered at knowing she was frustrated.
But instead of ranting or making a fuss she simply sat and started making dinner "Guess it's not so bad having him along" Cee shrugged, accepting the presence of the ninken that was bound to Sakura, at least he'd provide extra fighting power.
"Yeah think on the bright side Sakura-chan at least if one of us gets separated or impersonated Hotoke can sniff out the fake like that" Karin snapped her fingers demonstrating how quick it would be to find an impersonator with Hotoke.
Who inched forward until he was at Sakura's side "Exactly so it's better to have him with us than at home where there are several capable people to watch Hanami" Sasuke nodded in agreement knowing that in her own way Sakura was sulking.
Only because she was worried about her little sister possibly being kidnapped "That's right Hotoke's better suited to fighting at your side than waiting on the sidelines" Naruto added and Sakura flashed them small smiles.
Making the final touches on their dinner before calling it, Ay was predictably the first one to get his dinner followed by Cee and Darui, and lastly them "Mm this is good Kid what do you call it" Darui groaned at the delicious soup.
Sakura smiled widely at that "Daikon and rabbit soup, I found wild daikon during our last pit stop and caught a few rabbits" the pinkette informed, enjoying her own bowl as well but not once lowering her guard until the entire pot had been demolished by hungry people.
It was after the dishes had been washed that Ay made them crowd around the fire once again "Set up traps, anything you can think of brats, I need you four in tiptop shape when we reach Stone tomorrow so no ones taking watch" the Raikage ordered.
Which sent the four teenagers scrambling to do as commanded and from the Cloud Jonin's perspective it was frightening watching them set up traps "You know I'd really hate to be on their bad side" the younger dark skinned shinobi grimaced.
As Sasuke sealed one of his potent raiton jutsu's in an enclosing seal employing the use of fuinjutsu, if he wasn't mistaken there were several different genjutsu's cast all around them as well "I have to agree" the onyx eyed blonde commented.
Though intrigued as well he didn't dare ask "Finished Raikage-sama, we're going to bed now then" the crimson haired teenage declared after thirty minutes as a protective barrier was activated around their encampment.
Keeping them safe should someone accidentally spring one of the many traps, that wasn't to say Ay wasn't taught how to deactivate and reactivate the barrier if he needed to as he waved them off to crawl into their bedrolls to get some shut eye.
"Goodnight Dope, Sakura, Karin" the ebony haired teenager yawned though not entirely exhausted seeing as he'd trained like hell the past couple of years so his stamina had shot through the roof.
Naruto huffed "Teme, okay, okay sheesh Sakura-chan, goodnight you guys" the blue eyed blonde shot back starting a round of insults until Sakura raised her head where it was buried in her pillow and glared at them to shut up and a few minutes later the four teenagers were fast asleep.
Even Hotoke who cuddled up to his Mistress as he was so use to back in the Leaf Village, he shared the bed with her every night after all, soon to follow them were Cee and Darui and finally Ay himself as he took one last good look around before falling asleep.
Morning came swiftly and after a glorious breakfast of steamed fish and rice, the seven of them continued their march to Hidden Stone "Alright you brats this is where things might get tricky" Ay stopped them four hours later when there was a half day left before they reached their destination.
"Because we can't be sure how they'd react to Cloud and Leaf Shinobi together right" Karin blew out a breath realizing a fight might break out if they didn't do this mission right, she certainly didn't want to end up dying today after all.
Ay nodded shortly in response "Sakura-san walk three steps behind Raikage-sama starting now" Cee ordered as they started their march again, deeper into Earth Country, the farthest any of them had ever gone into earth territory.
Sakura hastened her pace to do as said "How come Sakura-chan has to…ouch Teme the…" Naruto complained suddenly not liking that he couldn't walk next to her anymore only to get elbowed and when he complained about that Karin shot him a glare to shut up.
Now wasn't the time for that "For your question Naruto so that I can explain our peaceful intentions" Sakura did answer his question but looked to Hotoke who kept pace with the others on her team more specifically Karin.
Who wasn't really much of a fighter "Exactly since Kid is a born diplomat" Darui nodded, before tensing as several powerful chakra signatures picked up on their own chakra and started heading straight for them.
It would be their first confrontation "Prepare yourselves Naruto, Karin" Sasuke warned just as three Stone Shinobi blew into sight, glaring at them but they each held their ground waiting until the Iwagakure ninja made the first move.
"You have a lot of nerve to come here Leaf Shinobi, with the Raikage no less" the one in the lead began, obviously hating Konohagakure ninja more than Kumogakure ninja as he glared furiously at Sakura who kept an easy expression on her face.
Holding up her hands as well "We mean no harm, all we want is to talk to your leader Tsuchikage-sama" the rosette smiled, disarming them somewhat into lowering their guard as no one made a single move during this tense moment.
"Just what would stupid Leaf Shinobi want with our Tsuchikage-sama, let alone why your in the accompaniment of the Raikage" the one in charge of the others spat, despite the reassurance, he didn't believe it for even a second really.
Knowing that Sakura glanced up to Ay who nodded, allowing her to speak for him "Raikage-sama has come to ask for a treaty" Sakura answered carefully earning incredulous looks from the Stone Ninja, they were probably thinking she was stupid.
One of them even started laughing "So why'd he bring you, if he wanted a treaty, he should have come alone, Leaf Shinobi are useless naive softies" the one who laughed insulted and Sakura had to nod in agreement.
"Maybe but my teammates owe him a debt and naturally I had to come along" the pinkette grinned not one to be outdone, charming them further into relaxing as the Iwagakure ninja had no idea how to respond to that one.
Finally the last one who'd been quiet thus far and assessing them stepped forward "Very well, I'll take you to my Father, you two continue scouting, just know any funny business and you'll be cut down where you stand, including you Raikage, I'm Kitsuchi by the way" Kitsuchi introduced.
Sending his companions off and they left reluctantly "Heh the Tsuchikage's son who better to get us in the village after all" the Raikage snorted relaxing now that one of the hardest parts had been managed by the brat.
Like he'd thought she could smooth talk anyone into doing anything which included gaining access into an enemy village "Nice work Kid but remember that was only one piece of the whole picture that we have to put together" the younger dark skinned male pat Sakura on the shoulder.
Considering he was closest to her, Sakura nodded quietly and glanced to her teammates who were keeping formation thankfully "Don't worry about us Sakura-chan, we can handle ourselves" the ruby haired teenager whispered reassuringly.
Grateful that she had the added protection of Hotoke who kept his own silence as he padded along behind her "Yeah we're fine" the blonde knucklehead waved her off and Sakura sighed but looked forward once more.
As they were getting closer to the Hidden Stone Village "I can't believe that the first village we're getting to go to besides our own hates us" the second Uchiha heir muttered under his breath in realization and Cee snorted.
"Be lucky you weren't there when those two, Haku-san and Itachi-san went to our village, the animosity was pretty much the same" the onyx eyed blonde pointed out with a roll of his eyes though he couldn't ever go back to the way he was before.
Sasuke grimaced but soon they were at the gates to Iwagakure "Just to make sure, we're going to confiscate your weapons and put chakra suppressants on you to prevent any attacks in case you were lying about your intentions" Kitsuchi turned.
Daring them to argue and the first person on the chopping block so to speak was Sakura who emptied out her pack and removed her hidden weapons then sealed them all in one of her storage scrolls which was taken by Kitsuchi.
Followed by the chakra suppressants "Ah the ones in your hair as well" the Tsuchikage's son realized that the girl before him was still sporting weapons and Sakura sighed and reluctantly removed the hair spikes.
Which completely undid the bun and the braid, allowing her hair to become a curtain that rested at lower thigh length "On second thought, seeing as those can't do much harm, keep your hair up so that you can see" Kitsuchi grimaced.
Realizing why she hadn't removed them in the first place, her hair was ridiculously long "Thank you Kitsuchi-san" Sakura smiled gratefully as she redid her hair up in the braid and bun to keep it out of the way.
The Raikage snorted "Let's move along shall we, it is late and I'd like to get this first meeting over with" Ay snapped and Sakura jumped out of his way as if on fire obeying the command without a single second of hesitation.
After him was Karin who sealed away her regular pair of glasses as well to Naruto's confusion "I have a serrated blade in the temple Naruto" Karin informed showing her adoptive brother the knife concealed within her glasses.
Until she switched them for a normal pair "When the heck did you get in the mind of doing that" Naruto gaped in horror, handing over all of his weapons without even bothering to seal them in a storage scroll and Sakura rolled her eyes.
Shooting a look to Sasuke who handed over a scroll for Naruto to use "Ugh this is such a pain" Sasuke grumbled reluctantly allowing the chakra suppressants to be placed around his wrists so that he couldn't use chakra.
Kitsuchi shrugged unsympathetically "Perhaps but it's the only way to get things done by going along with whatever they want right now" Cee also shrugged, not use to the two boys and their antics as the girls were.
So their complaining was starting to grate on his nerves just a little "Relax Cee, we're in the village and soon we'll be having that meeting with the Tsuchikage" Darui pat his partner on the shoulder knowing the blonde was still quite intolerant of many things.
But the most important thing now was to keep their heads on straight as Kitsuchi deemed them safe enough at long last and they were allowed to sign in, Hotoke went to follow but Sakura shook her head "Mistress" Hotoke asked to be sure.
Only to get another shake of the head so he flopped down to wait on the outside of the village as Kitsuchi led the seven shinobi through Hidden Stone and to the Tsuchikage Tower where his Father waited.
And to say Ohnoki, the Fence Sitter, Third Tsuchikage was pleased to see them would be a complete and utter lie "You dare walk in my village Raikage with Leaf shinobi no less" Ohnoki spat, wincing as he did so as his back pain flared up.
Immediately the three medics of the group honed in on that "Calm down Tsuchikage we come in peace" the Raikage rumbled, shooting a glare at Sakura who got the hint and stepped forward, radiating a calm aura.
"That's right Tsuchikage-sama, we have no intention of fighting or anything of the sort, we simply come to ask for a treaty between you and Raikage-sama" the fuscia haired heiress smiled easily and Kitsuchi raised a brow.
No doubt wondering why she was the one doing all the talking as his Father spluttered in surprise, losing his momentum 'Between me and Unruly Ay you say" the Tsuchikage asked incredulously obviously not sure what to think.
Sakura nodded without skipping a beat "Not to say we don't also wish for you to consider another treaty between Leaf and Stone but that's not our primary mission" the second Uchiha heir interjected and got a death glare for speaking out of turn.
Because almost instantly Ohnoki was glaring at them again and Sakura had to think quick before they were kicked out of the village "Please Tsuchikage-sama I can see your experiencing some pain, ignore Sasuke, our task is to simply get a treaty between Cloud and Stone" Sakura blurted.
Tactfully of course and everyone stared at her "Oh Kid your something else" the younger dark skinned shinobi chuckled the first one to laugh and her cheeks turned red in embarrassment but Sakura kept her head held high under their scrutiny.
"Can't help it, I just don't like seeing people in pain alright" the pinkette said, cursing her caring nature right then and there, even if it was one of the things Itachi loved most about her sometimes that kindness got her in trouble.
Like possibly now as the Tsuchikage simply continued to stare at her "Hmm, how about this then, you three whippersnappers there have to help out around my village, if you want to see a treaty between any village from my own" Ohnoki began.
Pointing to Naruto, Sasuke and Karin, two of whom nodded without complaint "That's not fair, Sakura-chan should be helping us as well….ouch Teme that was owww" the knuckleheaded Uzumaki sulked unhappy that Sakura was being exempt.
Only to get elbowed yet again by Sasuke and whacked over the head by Karin "Quiet Naruto, Tsuchikage-sama wasn't finished you knucklehead" the redhead hissed and if that wasn't enough Sakura shot Naruto a raised brow.
And he went as pale as a ghost while slamming his mouth shut determined to not say another word as Ohnoki cleared his throat "Girly there isn't being exempt, I daresay she has the hardest job of all, you have to get the Legendary Medical Ninja to agree to heal my back" the Tsuchikage smirked.
Thinking it would be an impossible task for the girl, Sakura blinked, cleared her throat, then finally nodded without a single word "We'll also scout if you don't mind Tsuchikage" the onyx eyed blonde offered.
Wanting to also do his part, while trying not to laugh, Ohnoki had no idea who the girl before him was which was to their advantage right now "Very well, Kitsuchi take them to get their weapons and have the suppressors removed then escort them to a hotel for the night" Ohnoki ordered.
Cringing when he was finished and Sakura grimaced herself "Understood Father" Kitsuchi nodded leading the assorted group of shinobi back through the village to the gates and at their reappearance Hotoke jumped to his feet "Good job Hotoke" Sakura praised.
Being the first person to have the chakra suppressants removed and her variety of weapons returned "Interesting, is there a reason you brought a pet along or am I wrong" the Tsuchikage's son eyed her strangely.
As she ran her fingers through the short silver fur of the massive dog "He's a ninken Kitsuchi-san, their bonded to one another" Karin chimed in, answering for her friend, watching the two interact with a smile, despite their beginning they really were quite close now.
"Really and how did you get bound to one another" Kitsuchi prodded, curious, the only clan he knew that utilized ninken were the Inuzuka's and the girl definitely wasn't an Inuzuka given the crest emblazoned on the back of her yukata.
His eyes widened at it actually "The Inuzuka's felt they owed her a debt, but the Matriarch asked Sakura-san to bond with Hotoke via sharing their chakra, their bond is the scar on her arm" Cee explained and Sakura lifted her sleeve to show off her mark.
Kitsuchi hissed at the sight of it but judging by the way the massive ninken growled softly under his breath didn't dare insult it "Wasn't it painful though Sakura-chan" Naruto who'd wizened up a little since the office debacle asked with a frown.
Sakura snorted "Course it hurt Knucklehead, however I wear it proudly knowing that Hotoke chose me to be his new Mistress" the fuscia haired heiress intoned proudly rubbing her ninken's ears just the way he liked it.
"Chose you huh and how did he choose you" Ay in spite of himself couldn't stop from contributing to the conversation as they were finally let back into the village and led to a hotel so that they could rest for the night.
The girl nodded seriously "Yes, my scent and chakra met his requirements during the bonding process" Sakura admitted, keeping her guard raised, when everything was said and done they were still outsiders and many probably wanted to get rid of them.
Not that she would harm a single hair on any resident of the Hidden Stone Village's heads but still better to be safe than sorry to avoid having anyone sneak up on her "I'm actually surprised you didn't bring Hisashi" Sasuke commented.
And Sakura rolled her eyes at him "Probably because he's attached to his mate Kid and those little ones have yet to hatch" Darui reminded and Sasuke rubbed the back of his head, then they arrived at a hotel and split up two to a room, except for the Raikage who got his own, then after dinner they finally went to bed.