Neokenshin: Whew! This one was a big one!
Naruto: Yeah, but we get some good action out of it!
Hinata: Plus Neokenshin gave us gifts in this chapter!
Akemi: And I get a new ability as well!
Neokenshin: Well, it wasn't much. I just do what I can.
Kasumi: Well you've been doing an awesome job, and I can't wait for the next exciting chapter! Man I wonder what the sequel is gonna be like!
Neokenshin: Probably me watching lots of hours of Naruto: Shippuuden, and reading the manga over and over, to be able to put all of it together!
Haku: Well you'll do fine. Hey how about we have one of the newest cast members start us off!
Everyone else: Yeah! That works!
Neokenshin: Ok, Mikoto-sama, would you like to do the honors today?
Mikoto: Thank you Neokenshin. And I'm honored you added me to the story.
Neokenshin: Don't mention it.
Mikoto: Well Naruto isnt owned by Neokenshin, but he does own Kasumi, Momoko, and the Illumina Concept. Also Akemi is used with permission from Dragon Man 180.
Naruto: Let the party begin!
Chapter 29: Orochimaru's Counterstrike
It had been about 7 months since the end of the Chuunin Final Match. Even though the match was deemed a draw, there still were promotions given after the match. Of course the original Team 7 all became Chuunin. Neji was also promoted due to his hard work and training. What surprised everyone was when Shikamaru was revealed to be the last of the genin promoted. Tsunade had found out about his matches in the Chuunin prelims, and learned of his advanced planning skills. She also felt that promoting him to Chuunin would challenge him more and help further his skills. As for the genin, since Arashi already created Team Illumina, Tsunade decided that it wouldn't be necessary to place all the other genin into one team. She decided that the original genin teams would stay the same, but they would shift if needed. She also decided to assign Kin to Team 8 so she could continue her genjutsu training with Kurenai.
Speaking of Tsunade, she soon learned that with the title of Hokage came great spoils…namely piles of paperwork. Arashi told her it would be crazy, but he managed to show her a few tricks for easily getting the job done. He had taken up the position of advisor to Tsunade, seeing as he is the 4th, to help her whenever she needed. But when he wasn't in the office, he was out with the Konoha 15 supervising their training. Arashi soon learned that teaching the Konoha 15 was much easier now that he was a Kitsune Hanyou as well. After all he did promise Akane that once he stepped down as Hokage, he'd undergo the full transformation for her. Let's just say that the night after his transformation…well, what else would you expect out of the Queen and new King of the Kitsune! It pretty much involved a very complex soundproof jutsu that covered the whole mansion, a wide-eyed Haku wondering why they wanted her to set up walls of ice all over the house, and an angry Tsunade for having her favorite bottle of sake gone missing. For those two, it didn't get crazy…it went beyond primal! Needless to say, all the kids stayed at Hinata's that night for fear of emotional scarring.
Life in Konoha had actually gotten back to normal after everything had been repaired from the Oto-Suna attack. The Sand Trio had kept in constant contact with Konoha to help rebuild the alliance between the two villages. It even meant that the Sand Trio spent lots of time together with the Konoha 15. Temari and the rest of the girls definitely bonded quite well, even though she still didn't like it that Kasumi caused her to cry in front of everyone at the Chuunin Finals. Kasumi just looked at her and told her that a girl can cry whenever she wants, but she could still use the "something in my eye" excuse whenever she wanted. Gaara on the other hand had the most significant change of all. After his fight with Naruto, and the help he got with his seal, he and Naruto quickly became good friends. Every time Gaara was in Konoha, Naruto would always treat him to Ichiraku's and slowly started chipping away at his "killer interior". Not only that, but it even seemed that Gaara had acquired a new love interest…namely Kin! When she realized that Sasuke was taken, she often kept to herself about her romantic interests. Sakura and Ino would try to hook her up with someone…like that time they tried to get her to go out with Kiba, but that sure didn't work. Kin just decided that she would let someone come to her, instead of searching for them…little did she know that a run in at Ichiraku's would spark talks. She would go to meet Gaara after he hung out with Naruto and Sasuke, and just talked with him. Gaara soon learned how she had struggled all her life with her sister, and how she was doing all she could to get Tayuya back from Orochimaru. There were even times that she ended up making herself cry, and that's when everything really got freaky…Gaara actually revealed his softer side to her! He ended up comforting her one day, and the next thing anyone knew…they were holding hands on their way out of Ichiraku's…and Gaara…looked love struck! Temari had said that there were times that he would suddenly talk about Kin, but she didn't think that he had fallen in love with her. As for the love issues go, Chouji finally got around to admitting his feelings for Ino. Ino wasn't sure if he was serious, but after a few dates, she learned that he was really quite the gentleman. Soon after the two officially revealed themselves as a couple.
As for Team 7, Naruto had taken his newfound ability and used it to greatly enhance his training. His Sexy no Jutsu, which he now called the Kitsune Girl no Jutsu, easily helped enhance his speed training while he was Natsumi. It also helped with his relationship with Hinata as well. She told him that having the ability to transform into a girl would teach him just how girls are, and it also meant she could have someone to model clothes for her when she went shopping. Naruto didn't really mind since it made Hinata happy, and that was one of the main things he wanted for her.
Sasuke had been spending lots more time with Mikoto now that she was back. After Tsunade publicly recognized that Mikoto was alive, the village was happy knowing that Sasuke was no longer the last Uchiha. It also meant that he had to give up his title as clan head, but he didn't mind. Mikoto told him it was only temporary, and he would have the title back soon enough. Now that she was back, he decided that he should move back home. It really bummed Naruto and Kasumi that he was moving back, but Mikoto said it would only be during the week. On weekends he would stay at the Uzumaki household, so it made things a little better. Plus Sasuke told Kasumi that he could now do the "true" dating experience…the kisses at the front door, talking on the phone all night, all that. Kasumi realized that, and loved the idea.
There was one downside to all the good things going on in Konoha…namely regarding Sasuke…
"Sasuke, are you ok!" Mikoto asked, rushing into his room. She saw Sasuke sitting up in his bed, covered in a cold sweat.
"That dream! It can't be real!" Sasuke said, grasping his chest.
"Oh no, not again!" Mikoto replied. "Sasuke do you think we should go see Akane-chan about this? She might know something behind this constant nightmare you've been having."
"No, it's just a stupid dream. I had it once before when I was training for the Chuunin Finals. I'm ok, I just need a breather." Sasuke said.
"Sasuke, you've been having this same nightmare for almost a month now and you've yet to tell me what it is." Mikoto asked. "Please, tell me so I can do something to help you. That's what I'm here for."
"Alright. I guess if I can't tell Kasumi, then you're the person I would tell Oka-san." Sasuke replied. "It basically goes like this."
Sasuke went on to talk about his dream of fighting Naruto after the seal Orochimaru gave him began to take control. He had become more demonic and had the intent of killing Naruto without hesitation. Sasuke went on to tell Mikoto about him and Naruto charging towards each other, him with a Chidori, and Naruto with a Rasengan in hand. The two would collide in the hopes of taking the other down, but at the last minute, Kasumi pushed Naruto out of the way and took the strike from Sasuke, dying in the process.
"Sasuke, why didn't you tell me this earlier!" Mikoto said.
"I…I don't know. It's just that this has been haunting me for the longest time, and I guess I was afraid…that this is going to really happen." Sasuke said.
"You don't think that it's the Cursed Seal that's causing the nightmares?" Mikoto asked.
"Right now, I really don't know." Sasuke replied. "And what's worse, is that I'm really scared. What if everything is true? What if I do kill Kasumi? What if…"
"Sasuke, stop! No more!" Mikoto said, pulling Sasuke into her chest. Sasuke was already in tears out of fear. "You know that would never happen. You love Kasumi more than anything, and I know you would never do anything to hurt her."
"But what can I do? What am I going to do?" Sasuke asked.
"We're going to tell everyone tomorrow. They have a right to know about this Sasuke, especially Kasumi." Mikoto said. "Not only that, but maybe all of us can figure out what's causing your nightmare."
"I guess so." Sasuke replied, trying to get more comfortable.
"Now go ahead and go back to sleep. Do you want me to stay here with you until you fall asleep?" Mikoto asked.
"Oka-san, I am a ninja and an Illumina Knight you know!" Sasuke replied.
"But you're still my little boy, and I have catching up to do remember!" Mikoto said.
"I know. I'll be ok. Thank you for asking though." Sasuke said.
"Alright, but just call if you need me. I love you Sasuke-chan!" Mikoto said.
"I love you too Oka-san." Sasuke replied, turning back over to go back to sleep.
The next morning Mikoto and Sasuke went over to the Uzumaki household for breakfast, and to finally tell everyone about Sasuke's nightmare. Sasuke himself was nervous, but Mikoto told him, the only way he could solve the problem behind it was to bring it out to the open.
"Sasuke, how long have you been having that nightmare?" Kasumi asked.
"It's been about a month now. However I had the nightmare back when I was training with Kakashi-sensei for the Chuunin Finals, but after my training, I never had the nightmare again. I really don't know what's causing it!" Sasuke said.
"Hmm, what if it's not a nightmare…but maybe a vision." Haku asked. "You don't think you could possibly be seeing the future do you?"
"There's no way that could be the future! I mean, Sasuke's my best friend, brother, and rival. There's no way I'd fight him with a pure intent to kill him!" Naruto said. "And I know for a fact he'd never try to kill Kasumi-nee-chan!"
"Alright, everyone calm down." Akane said. "The best thing for us to do is to not jump to conclusions. For all we know this could just be a recurring nightmare."
"Wait a minute! What if it's Sasuke's seal doing this?" Kasumi asked. "Remember, Orochimaru was able to control Itachi through his seal."
"Kasumi may be on to something! I remember hearing that Orochimaru can control people through the Cursed Seal, which is probably how he's controlling my sister!" Kin said.
"Not only that, but Sasuke has the Cursed Seal of Ages. I remember back when Hinata, Otou-san, and I were fighting Orochimaru, that he said he would use the seal to turn Sasuke to his side." Kasumi added.
"So you think it's my seal? But I thought it was contained by the Four Elements Tetragram Seal that Jiraiya-sama put on it!" Sasuke asked.
"It is still sealed, but my guess is that with all the constant training you've been doing Sasuke, your body is using large amounts of energy. As you rest, your weakened body may feel some slight effects of the seal. That's probably what's causing the nightmares!" Akane said.
"So am I supposed to stop training? What if Orochimaru attacks, what if we have to take him on again?" Sasuke asked.
"Sasuke calm down! No one said you had to stop training." Akane replied. "Right now we need to look into your seal more and possibly see what could be causing your nightmares."
"For now Sasuke, I'll have you downgraded to limited missions. You're not being taken off the roster, nor are you going to be restricted from training. You're basically on light duty until we can figure out what's going on." Arashi said. "The moment we find out what's causing all of this, we'll let you know."
"As much as I don't want to do this, ok. I'll go on this limited duty." Sasuke replied.
"Well now that all that is out of the water, what do you guys have planned today anyway?" Mikoto asked.
"Momo-chan is gonna be helping me and Hanabi-chan with shuriken and kunai practice." Akemi said. "I wanted Tenten-chan to help but she's busy."
"I guess I'll go work with Kurenai-sensei on my genjutsu." Kin said. "Plus Kiba, Sakura, and Shino should be getting back from their mission today, so I can practice with them."
"That's only because Gaara isn't in town and she can't spend time with him!" Haku said.
"Hey, leave my Panda-chan alone!" Kin replied. She the realized she told everyone Gaara's secret nickname and went red faced instantly!
"Panda-chan??" Naruto and Sasuke said, looking at each other.
"Panda-chan! That is so kawaii!!!" Kasumi, Haku, Momoko, and Akemi said together.
"Does Temari know you call him that?" Kasumi asked.
"No." Kin said, tapping her fingers together.
"Oh man, is Gaara gonna hate when we tell him we know his nickname!" Naruto said.
"You tell him and Hinata and I tell him yours and Sasuke's!" Kasumi said.
"Wait…I have a secret nickname!" Sasuke said.
"Yup. And only I know it, Sasuke-chan." Kasumi said.
"Naruto, this never leaves this room, got it!" Sasuke said.
"Got it!" Naruto replied.
"Well then, what about Team Illumina? What's on their agenda today?"
"We're actually going to be training more with Ino. She's very close to learning her Solar Blast Technique." Kasumi said.
"What about Tenten? Doesn't she still need to learn her third ability?" Akane asked.
"Nope. She learned hers about two months ago. Ino's the last one." Naruto said, stuffing a piece of toast in his mouth. "I hope she hurries too! I really wanna test out my Bankai."
"You aren't the only one. I can't wait to go full power!" Sasuke replied.
"Well you guys can be Ino's targets while she practices. I'm still trying to see if I can make some changes with our transformers." Kasumi said.
"What are you trying to do with them Kasumi?" Arashi asked.
"Well, I don't know what changes will happen when we all gain our Bankai forms. I mean, we could all end up having completely new uniforms, new gear, who knows. But for now I figure that if we all got a new power, why not put in a new activation code?" Kasumi said.
"What's wrong with our old activation code?" Naruto asked.
"Nothing's wrong silly!" Kasumi replied. "But wouldn't it look a lot more cool if we all did one single transformation motion? I mean all nine of us in perfect sync would look so awesome!"
"Not a bad idea!" Sasuke said. "So any idea what we should change it to?"
"Um, that's where I'm stumped. I want it so all of us will like it, and it sounds cool too." Kasumi said. "Maybe if we ask everyone else, we can come to something together."
"Works for me." Naruto replied. "Come on, let's get to training."
The entire bunch was just about to leave when Akane stopped all of them in their tracks.
"Hold it! None of you are going anywhere until this table is cleared!" Akane said sternly.
"Hey wait, isn't it Naruto's turn to clear the table?" Haku asked.
"No it's not!" Naruto replied. "It's Kasumi's turn!"
"Nope, I did it yesterday." Kasumi replied.
"I did it the day before Kasumi." Kin said.
"Don't look at me. I clear it on the weekends, so it's not my turn." Sasuke said.
"I clear it during dinner, so it's not on me!" Momoko replied.
"I did it the day before Momoko did." Haku said.
"And I did it last night! So that means…" Naruto said, looking straight at Akemi.
"Oh alright, I'll do it today." Akemi replied, feeling hurt that everyone singled her out. "I just thought you'd help me Naruto-nii-chan?"
"Not today kiddo! I know how you work!" Naruto said, staring right at her. "You're gonna use that move on me, and it won't work!"
"What move is she talking about Akane-chan?" Mikoto asked.
"Just watch. She'll have Naruto clearing this table in seconds Miki-chan!" Akane replied.
"Please nii-chan!!" Akemi said, staring straight at him with the one thing Naruto could never resist…her puppy dog pout! No matter what it was, when Akemi used the puppy dog pout on Naruto, he couldn't turn her down. It was like she put him under mind control! She could tell Naruto to go run around Konoha buck naked, and if she gave him the pout…he'd do it!!
"No, no, no…not this time! I won't break!" Naruto said.
"Pleeeeeeeeease!!!" Akemi said, adding a little bit of chakra into her eyes to make them shine even more. She knew he wouldn't be able to resist after that.
"Oh…alright! You win!" Naruto sighed. He started gathering plates from the table and couldn't believe he fell for it again. "Man why did you have to be so blasted cute!"
"Well, table's taken care of Oka-san. See you later!" Akemi said, as she and everyone else left while Naruto was clearing the table.
"Bye sweetie." Akane replied.
"Wow, she's evil!" Mikoto said.
"Tell me about it." Arashi replied.
"Let me guess, she used that move on you too, huh?" Mikoto asked.
"Numerous times. You'd think she was using an S-class forbidden genjutsu, but it's just her natural self. She's really that cute." Arashi said. "You should see her when she uses it on Konohamaru! That girl has gotten so much free ice cream out of him, it's ridiculous!"
"So Konohamaru has a crush on her as well as Hanabi!" Mikoto said. "I'd hate to see what's going to happen to those girls when they're Kasumi's age!"
"Why do you think I'm training countless ANBU?" Arashi replied. "That girl's gonna have more boyfriends than you know!"
"Otou-san, are you sure she's not using some kind of jutsu!" Naruto asked, coming back for the rest of the dishes.
"Sorry kid. We've tried everything and nothing can counter that move! I've even tried to have Tsunade-sama classify it as a forbidden jutsu, but she won't!" Arashi replied. "I don't think any shinobi would last a minute against her like that."
"I still say it's not fair that she's so dang cute!" Naruto replied, heading back to the kitchen.
Everyone else left the house with Team Illumina going to their normal training spot, Training Ground 3. Tenten and Neji had already been there, since Neji is usually up an hour before everyone else, so he decides to drag Tenten there to train. Hinata was there too, since Neji had been there. Ino and Chouji arrived around the time Kasumi, Haku, and Sasuke got there.
"Morning guys. Hey, where's Naruto?" Tenten asked.
"Take a wild guess." Kasumi said.
"Akemi got him again, didn't she?" Tenten replied.
"Yup. She sure did." Haku said.
"Poor guy. Sucks for him though. Ok well since we're here, where do we start?" Tenten asked.
"Today's mostly going to be focusing on Ino. Since she's fairly close to being able to use Solar Blast, we'll work on her. Let's have Chouji set up a Rock Wall, and Hinata can keep her healed." Kasumi said. "After about an hour, we'll switch it up and have Haku on defense and I'll focus on healing. Other than that, it's just normal training today."
"Anything else we should work on?" Hinata asked.
"Not really. But there is something I want to ask you guys." Kasumi said.
"What's up Kasumi?" Ino said.
"Well I talked about this to Naruto, Sasuke, and Haku at breakfast, and they already know. Basically my laptop can change the activation code for our Illumina transformations." Kasumi said.
"Ok, so why would we want to change the code?" Neji asked.
"It's like this. Once Ino learns her Solar Blast tech, we'll finally be able to unlock our Bankai abilities. That's kind of like us getting a 'super' form, I guess." Kasumi said. "Plus we don't know what else we'll get when it happens. I mean, we may even get a costume change."
"So, since we're pretty much getting an upgrade, why not get a new activation code to go with it?" Tenten said.
"Yeah. Remember when we all transformed at the same time? I mean yeah it was cool when we all did a transformation together for the first time, but what if we did a unified transformation?" Kasumi asked. "We all say the same thing, and transform together! How cool would that be?"
"Kasumi…that has to be the craziest thing you have ever come up with!" Neji said. "And strangely enough…I like it!"
"Yeah, I like it too." Chouji added.
"So do you have any ideas for the new code?" Hinata asked.
"Not a thing! I was hoping maybe you guys had any ideas?" Kasumi said.
"I got nothing." Tenten said.
"Not a clue." Ino added.
"I'm stumped." Hinata said.
"Well maybe after we train for a while, we can come up with some ideas." Kasumi said.
The group commenced with their training with Naruto quickly joining them. The training mostly consisted of Ino constantly using her Pollen Storm while Chouji used his Rock Wall as defense. Though the process was tiring, it helped Ino push further to her limit. When she tired out, Hinata would use her Aqua Healing to help restore her energy so she could keep going. It was during this time when the crazy ideas started kicking in after the second round of Ino's training ended.
"Hey I think I might have a good idea for a new transformation code!" Naruto said.
"Really? What did you come up with Naru-chan?" Hinata asked.
"How about, 'Supreme Illumina Activation Initiate!'?" Naruto said, striking a pose.
"Naruto…um…well, how can I put this?" Hinata said, rubbing her ears.
"How about…not on your life!" Sasuke said. "Naruto, that has the be the nuttiest thing I've ever heard!"
"Sasuke!" Kasumi replied. "Naruto, it's not bad at all. It's just that it's too long. We need to keep the code to at least three words. I'm sorry nii-chan."
"It's ok." Naruto replied.
"What about 'Illumina Ninja Henshin'?" Tenten asked. Everyone just looked at each other and all they said was…"Naa!"
"Maybe 'Illumina Power Activation'?" Ino asked.
"That one's ok, I guess." Haku said. " I had thought about 'Crystal Illumina Activation'?"
"That one's good too. Hey what about 'Illumina Crystal Power'?" Kasumi asked.
"Not bad at all, Kasumi-chan." Sasuke said. "But instead, why not 'Illumina Ninja Power', since we're ninjas and all."
"I dunno. That might be a little too flashy Sasuke." Chouji said.
Everyone kept trying to figure out what the new activation code would be. The only person not in the conversation was Hinata. She seemed to be thinking but not really saying anything. That was before a light clicked in Hinata's head.
"Guys, I think I might have figured out something." Hinata said.
"What is it Hina-chan?" Naruto asked.
"Well, remember earlier. Kasumi-chan said that when we get our Bankai abilities, it would be like getting a 'super' form?" Hinata said.
"Yeah, what about it?" Chouji asked.
"Having a super form, wouldn't that make us Super Illumina Knights? Like Naruto would be the Super Wind Knight, and Sasuke would be the Super Fire Knight?" Hinata said.
""Hinata-sama, just where are you going with this?" Neji asked.
"Basically, keep the code the same, except we don't say our elements." Hinata said. "Instead, we do this!" She released the genjutsu on her transformers, and did the motion to activate her transformation, but what she said afterwards really had everyone staring. "SUPER ILLUMINA ACTIVATION!" Everyone just stood still, looking at her, wondering what in the world just happened. "Uhh, guys? Why are you staring at me?"
"Hinata…" Naruto said.
"That…" Ino said.
"Was…" Sasuke said.
"PERFECT!!!" Kasumi said. "Hinata's right! The code is simple, but it's unified. It also reflects our power upgrade as well!"
"Not only that, but it's just plain cool!" Haku said.
"Kasumi, how fast can you get the code changed!" Naruto said.
"I'm on it right now!" Kasumi replied.
"Oh man, this is gonna be so perfect!" Chouji said. That's when he noticed something about Ino. She looked like she was drained of even more energy, even though Hinata had recently healed her. "Ino-chan, are you ok?"
"I…think so. I just feel weird all of a sudden." Ino said. That's when everyone noticed what was happening to Ino…she was glowing.
"Ino-chan, you're glowing!" Tenten said. "Are you sure you're ok?"
"I…I don't know. It feels like I'm absorbing sunlight…and a lot of it!" Ino replied.
"You don't think…" Chouji said.
"Ino, see if you can focus that energy into a ball." Neji said. "If my hunch is right, then we're all about to get a big surprise! Chouji set up another Rock Wall."
"Gotcha Neji." Chouji said, creating another rock barrier.
"Ok, how should I try to form all this energy?" Ino asked.
"Act like your doing the Rasengan." Naruto said. "Put your right hand out, and try to mold the energy into a ball with your left hand."
"Like this?" Ino asked, doing the motions Naruto did when he first started his Rasengan training. She soon noticed that a small ball of light was forming in her hand.
"Yeah, just like that!" Naruto said.
"Wow, I can feel it getting stronger!" Ino said, as the ball grew to the size of the Rasengan.
"Alright Ino, give it a try!" Kasumi asked.
"Ok. Here we go, Chouji-kun!" Ino said, ramming the ball of light into Chouji's wall. "SOLAR BLAST!" The moment the ball of light hit the rock wall, Chouji was thrown back from the force. Ino also felt recoil and was pushed back as well. "I…I did it!"
"She did it! She learned her last technique!" Naruto said.
"Guys…you know what this means right." Kasumi said.
"Oh man, I can't wait! I get to use my Bankai now!" Naruto said.
"You're not the only one! This is so gonna be cool!" Sasuke said.
"But we're not sure if the Bankai abilities are unlocked yet. I mean Ino just learned her Solar Blast tech, so were not sure what's going to happen." Haku said.
"Yeah, it may be days, weeks, or even months before we get our Bankai. Or it could be…" Kasumi said. She soon noticed her Illumina Gem began to glow intensely, as did everyone else's.
"Kasumi…what's going on!" Sasuke asked.
"I think we're about to find out!" Kasumi said, noticing a white light shoot out of her gem into the sky. The same effect happened for everyone else, and soon they all noticed they were glowing in their respective colors, and feeling some bad effects as well.
"What's going on!" Naruto screamed.
"I don't know!" Sasuke replied. "But it feels…like all of my energy is being…drained!"
"Mine too!" Neji said, falling to one knee. "This isn't…good!"
"You're telling…" Tenten said, before she passed out.
"Ten…chan!" Ino said, passing out as well.
"Kasumi…can we stop…this?" Hinata asked.
"I…I don't know! I…yaa!!" Kasumi screamed, before she blacked out.
One by one, the rest of the team fell unconscious after the power surge overcame them. The light was so intense that it was easily visible from both the Konoha Hospital and the Hokage Tower!
"Tsunade-sensei, what on earth is that!" Shizune asked, looking out at the beams of light.
"Shizune, I don't know, but I have a feeling it involves nine genin!" Tsunade said. "Come on, we need to get over there fast!"
"Right behind you!" Shizune replied.
"Akane-chan, look!" Mikoto said, seeing the nine lights. "Something's happening with the kids!"
"Miki-chan, I think they're hurt! We need to get to them fast!" Akane said.
"I know. Guess it's that 'Mother's Intuition', isn't it?" Mikoto said.
"Sure is. But that's one of the perks of the job." Akane replied.
Within minutes, Tsunade, Akane, Mikoto, and Shizune all made their way to Training Ground 3 where they saw the unconscious Team Illumina. Fearing the worst, Tsunade was about to check to see if any of them were alive, but Akane could easily tell they were only knocked out due to their scents being strong. She had a hunch that Ino finally learned her last tech, and that they all unlocked their Bankai abilities. The surge of power was too much for any of them to handle, and it knocked them out. To remedy this, Akane summoned some Kitsune and had the team taken back to the Uzumaki Mansion.
Meanwhile in Oto, Orochimaru watched as the Shadow Gem was shining with dark energy. He had already tapped into the full extent of the gem's power, and was only waiting for this moment.
"Kabuto, come in here please." Orochimaru said.
"What is it, Orochimaru-sama?" Kabuto replied.
"Take a look at this and tell me what you see." Orochimaru said, pointing to the gem.
"It looks like the Shadow Gem is glowing. I take it something good is going to happen?" Kabuto asked.
"Of course. Summon the Sound Four. It's time I finish their training." Orochimaru said.
"As you wish, Orochimaru-sama." Kabuto replied, leaving to retrieve the four shinobi.
"So I take it you are in high spirits, Orochimaru-sama?" asked a slender boy, with long silver hair.
"Yes Kimimaro. For you see now, we can finally reclaim what had been kept from me for so long." Orochimaru said. "I can finally have my lost shinobi come home."
"And who would that be, Orochimaru-sama?" Kimimaro asked.
"He is the last of his clan…and the keeper of the Sharingan." Orochimaru said. "Soon Sasuke Uchiha, you will be mine!"
"Oh my head!" Haku said, slowly awakening. "Did I get hit by a glacier or something?"
"Not really. You suffered some severe energy loss earlier." Akane said, taking the cold compress off her head.
"Oka-san, how did we get back home?" Haku asked. "Wait, where is everyone!"
"They're all ok, little kit." Akane said. "Everyone is here resting."
"Oh that's a relief." Haku said.
"Haku-chan, what exactly happened out there?" Akane asked.
"Honestly I'm not really sure." Haku replied. "The last thing I remember was seeing Ino use her Solar Blast for the first time. Then Naruto started talking about using his Bankai power and Kasumi was telling him she wasn't sure when we could use them."
"I take it that's when the light show started?" Akane said.
"Yeah. It felt like all of my energy, chakra, and Illumina power was being drained from my body." Haku said.
"How do you feel now?" Akane asked.
"Well I'm ok I guess…though I feel like I have more energy than before." Haku said. "I even feel like I have more power in my bloodline as well." Haku then held her palm out and focused some chakra into her hand. She soon noticed that there were small ice crystals beginning to form. "Whoa! I could never do that before!"
"Haku, remember what the scroll said? Your Bankai gives you complete control over ice." Akane said. "It's possible that a tiny bit of that power combined with your bloodline, making it stronger. The same might have happened for Sasuke, Hinata, and Neji."
"So I guess we did it then. We now have our Bankai abilities." Haku said. "Then that also means…"
"We may have a serious snake problem fairly soon." Akane replied. "Best thing to do now is to wait for everyone else to wake up and see what happens next. For now why not help me make some energy treats for everyone else."
"Sure thing Oka-san." Haku replied, heading to the kitchen.
About two hours later everyone had recovered, they all gathered in the living room to try and find out what happened while they were out training.
"So you think that when Ino learned her last tech, it caused the power surge?" Mikoto asked.
"That's the only reason I can think of. I didn't think it would be so sudden." Kasumi replied. "And I definitely didn't think it would knock all of us out like that."
"Well, should we try to transform and see what new upgrades we did get?" Neji asked.
"Yeah, come on! I wanna try out my Bankai!" Naruto exclaimed.
"Not only that, but we can test out the new activation code as well!" Sasuke replied.
"I think I want to see if we get new outfits as well." Ino added.
"Then there's only one thing to do." Kasumi said. "And I know how much fun you have doing this Otou-san."
"Should I do the old one, or try a new one?" Arashi said.
"Just do the old one for now Arashi-kun. If a new one sounds better, then we'll try it later." Akane said, trying to keep him focused. "Plus it might be better to go outside. Let's head out to the backyard so we don't do too much damage.
"Alright." Arashi said. "You heard her kids, to the backyard!"
"Yeah!" Naruto and Sasuke exclaimed, running out with Arashi.
"Akane, has Sasuke always been like this?" Mikoto asked.
"Miki-chan, those three can be the biggest goofs in Konoha when they're together." Akane said.
"Yeah, at least you didn't have to get slimed by them Mikoto-sama." Haku said.
"Uhh, is that something I should have known about?" Mikoto asked, nervously.
"Not really. When we had the big sleepover after all of us were released from Orochimaru's jutsu, we played some pranks on those three when they were sleep. They decided to get us back by sliming us." Akane said. "Then, they slimed themselves and had all of us sliding all over the floor!"
"Like Akane-sama said, they're a bunch of kids, but they're sweethearts." Hinata replied.
"I'll keep that in mind." Mikoto said.
Everyone made their way out to the backyard and lined up into position. The boys were itching to get things going since they were anxious to see their new powers.
"Time to get started." Arashi said. "Illumina Knights…TRANSFORM!"
"Let's do it guys!" Kasumi said, as she and everyone flicked their wrists.
"SUPER ILLUMINA ACTIVATION!" Everyone said together. What happened next wasn't the normal transformation, but instead the team's power seemed to burst out
"Ok, that's new!" Akane said.
"You think they're ok?" Mikoto asked.
"Guess we need to wait and see." Tsunade replied.
As the energy from Team Illumina died down, everyone could see some definite changes, most noticeably their outfits.
"Is it just me or do the girls now look adorable!" Akane exclaimed after seeing the girls.
"You're right! They do! Makes me kind of jealous now!" Mikoto replied.
"Ok, you two are now just as bad now as you were when you were in the academy!" Tsunade said.
"Tsunade-sama!" Akane and Mikoto said.
"I definitely have to say…the new outfits suit them well." Arashi said.
The boys were now dressed in traditional white ninja pants and tabi shoes, with a traditional ninja top with fishnet, except there were no sleeves. Their outfits were trimmed with their respective colors, as was the sash around their waist. They now also wore a pair of arm guards and leg guards that was in their respective color as well. Each wore their hitai-ate around their forehead and to finish their outfit, they each wore a colored scarf.
The girls underwent an even bigger change in wardrobe. Instead of the sailor top and shorts, the girls now wore traditional kunoichi uniforms. Their outfit was white as well, with the trim in the their own respective color. The tops were sleeveless, and had the fishnet underneath as well, and each wore a skirt that came a few inches above their knees. They also wore the standard tabi socks and shoes, though their shoes came up to just below the kneecap. They also had the arm and leg guards in the respective colors as well. The girls also wore their hitai-ate just like the boys, but each wore a smaller scarf. Ino kept her flower band in her hair, and Tenten still had the two red ribbons to keep her buns tied together. Tenten also noticed that her Illumina Sword was now hidden under a special genjutsu that she could release at any time.
The final change to everyone's outfit was the most noticeable. Everyone now had the Leaf Village symbol on the right side of their uniform, and each one now had a unique emblem on the back of their outfits; Kasumi had a shining star, Naruto had a green tornado, Sasuke had a flame, Hinata had a picture of what looked like a wave, Haku had a snowflake, Neji with a purple bolt of lightning, Ino with a tree, Chouji with a boulder, and Tenten had a picture of a sword. The uniforms even had one last effect that everyone saw when some clouds moved over the sun. The uniforms would slowly change from white to black, effectively giving them more stealth in dark areas.
"Whoa! Never thought we'd become the Illumina Ninja!" Sasuke said. "Guess now we'll be doing missions like this."
"Neither did I! I guess the change reflects our usage of the ninja arts." Kasumi said. "It's not like I mind. I mean, I look cute anyway!"
"I will agree with you on that!" Sasuke replied.
"Oh man! This looks awesome!" Naruto said, jumping a bit to get used to his new costume. "Not only that but they change color when it gets darker!"
"This is going to give us a very good advantage now." Neji said. "Not only do we have very powerful wireless communication, but now with advanced stealth gear, our ninja missions will be much bett…oof!"
"Do you always have to do that?" Haku asked, after she elbowed Neji.
"Sorry, force of habit!" Neji replied, rubbing the back of his head.
"I woulda preferred to wear pants, or even a longer skirt, but if I have to wear the short skirt, then I'm ok." Tenten said, trying to hide the fact that she wasn't really a short skirt type person.
"Tenten, why should you try to hide anything? You have a wonderful figure!" Akane said.
"You kidding! I don't think anyone has cuter legs than you Ten-chan!" Ino said.
"Yeah she's…right…" Hinata said, before she had a flashback of Naruto when he was doing speed training as Natsumi…and then she remembered what happened at the Konoha Fashion show a few months ago as well...when he got to be the one to wear the Grand Prix Kimono!
"Hina-chan, are you ok?" Kasumi asked.
"Kasumi-chan, make sure we never, and I mean NEVER bring up Natsumi around Tenten, ok." Hinata whispered.
"Natsu...holy cow! You're right! I forgot just how pretty Natsumi really is!" Kasumi replied. "You think if he uses that jutsu and changes into her, his outfit will change as well?" The two just stared at Naruto…wondering what would happen if he did change into Natsumi.
"If that happens, then we'll have to kill him for being cuter than all of us!" Hinata said.
"Uh, hey are you two ok?" Tenten asked.
"Fine, nothing wrong here!" Hinata said, with a fake smile.
"Come one you guys! We wanna try out our Bankai abilities!" Naruto said.
"Yeah, we wanna see what we can really do now!" Sasuke replied.
"I'm with them! Let's go crazy!" Chouji added.
"Fine. Naruto you wanna go first?" Kasumi said.
"Yeah!" Naruto exclaimed. "Um, how do I get it to work again?"
"You mean you want to go first, and you forgot how to do it!" Ino said.
"Naru-chan, the scroll said you had to focus your Illumina power, and then say 'Bankai' to release it and activate your Bankai form." Hinata said.
"Gotcha!" Naruto replied. He closed his eyes and began to focus all of his Illumina power. Once he felt he reached full power…"BANKAI!" In a huge burst, he released the limiter seal on his power. Everyone could see what looked like a stream of wind swirling around his body.
"Naruto, how do you feel?" Sasuke asked.
"I have never felt this much power in my life! This is unreal!" Naruto said, looking over himself. "Oh man, talk about a ru…." Those were the last words out of his mouth when he jumped up…and skyrocketed into the air.
"Look at him go!" Arashi said.
"Naruto, dude are you ok up there?" Sasuke asked into his communicator.
"This totally rocks!" Naruto replied. "I'm actually flying! This is awesome!"
"He's fine. He's just having fun flying." Sasuke said.
"Looks like they work. Let's all try ours out now." Kasumi said.
"Let's go over to Training Ground 3. If you guys are going to use your powers, then that's the better place to go." Arashi said.
"That works, Otou-san." Kasumi replied. "Hey Naruto, we're going over to Training Ground 3, meet us there ok!"
"Gotcha!" Naruto replied. "I gotta pick one thing up first!" He then did a dive and flew as fast as he could towards the team. The next thing anyone knew, Hinata was gone!
"What was that!" Haku asked.
"Naruto had to pick up something…or better yet someone!" Kasumi replied.
Meanwhile up in the air…
"Naru-chan! The view…it's amazing!" Hinata said, after being swept off her feet and carried into the sky.
"I know. But you're more beautiful than anything." Naruto replied, kissing Hinata.
"Oh you're just saying that because I'm wearing this uniform and you couldn't take your eyes off me." Hinata replied.
"Well that's one thing." Naruto said. "Hinata, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, what is it?" Hinata asked.
"What do you think our lives would be like if Kasumi-chan never came to our world?" Naruto asked.
"Well, we wouldn't be talking up here for one thing." Hinata said. "I'd probably be just as shy as I was when I was little, and you and Sasuke would probably be the only hanyou in the group."
"It's been seven years since we first met her. She told us that her life was so hard the first time, and now look at her…" Naruto replied. Hinata saw that he seemed a little worried and wanted to know what was wrong.
"Naruto, you seem troubled. What's wrong?" Hinata asked.
"This morning Sasuke told us about a nightmare he had been having. He said that in it he and I are fighting to the death." Naruto said.
"Naruto, that can't be true. You and Sasuke are brothers! You may like to fight each other, but that's just to see how strong you both are!" Hinata replied.
"I know. But that's not the worst part. He said that when he and I were about to deliver the final blow to each other, Kasumi jumps in…and takes the hit I was supposed to take." Naruto said. "And the hit…was fatal!"
"NO! Stop this now! Sasuke would never do that! He would never kill Kasumi!" Hinata replied.
"I know. All of us do. I know that Sasuke would give his own life just to make sure Kasumi was safe. He loves Kasumi just as much as I love you." Naruto replied. "He's really troubled right now, and I don't know what to do to help him!"
"Did he say what was the cause of his nightmare?" Hinata asked.
"He believes it's the Cursed Seal Orochimaru gave him. Haku-chan even said it could be a vision, but none of us are sure." Naruto said. "Right now he's being placed on limited activity until we can find out what it is."
"This is horrible." Hinata said.
"I know. That's why I want you to promise me something." Naruto said.
"What is it Naru-chan?" Hinata asked.
"Hinata, promise me…that if Sasuke's nightmare comes true, you will do everything in your power to stop Kasumi from interfering." Naruto said.
"But that would mean…" Hinata replied.
"It would mean she lives…and that's all. I don't know what would happen, but you have to promise me Hinata." Naruto said.
"Naruto I…" Hinata said, feeling unsure if she could keep this promise.
"Hinata, please. You have to promise me. You have to give me your word as the Heir of the Hyuuga, the Second Princess of the Kitsune, and as my fiancée, that you will stop Kasumi. Her very life depends on it!" Naruto said.
"Naruto…I promise. I did after all give her my word when we took our blood oath, that I would be there for her no matter what." Hinata said.
"Thank you Hinata. You don't know how much this means." Naruto said.
"I understand. But there's one thing I have to ask you now?" Hinata said.
"What's that Hina-chan?" Naruto asked.
"That was the first time…you called me your fiancée." Hinata said.
"Well, Kasumi and Sasuke have already made theirs official, and I mean…we're pretty much destined to be together. So, maybe tonight…we can have Otou-san and Hiashi-sama to make it official for us?" Naruto said.
"Naruto, I'd really like that." Hinata said. "Hinata Uzumaki…that's going to sound so wonderful in the future."
"Yeah it is. Well, I think everyone's waiting for us, so how about we land this flight." Naruto said.
Naruto and Hinata made their way to the Training Ground where everyone was waiting. Of course they knew when it came to those two, it's best just to let the couple have their time.
"Have fun with your head in the clouds?" Sasuke asked.
"Oh whatever. I just wanted to show Hina-chan how cool it was to fly." Naruto said.
"Well you certainly took long enough!" Sasuke said. "Now how about the rest of us show off our Bankai, so you don't get to be the attention hog!"
"Ok ok, go ahead." Naruto said, sitting in indian position…while floating in the air.
"That's Naruto for you." Haku said.
"Alright everyone, focus your energy and get ready." Kasumi said.
The rest of the team all closed their eyes as they began to focus their Illumina power. Naruto could easily feel their power going up and couldn't wait to see what would happen next. Suddenly…
"BANKAI!" everyone said, activating their new power.
"This is definitely cool!" Naruto said.
"You bet it is!" Sasuke said. His body was now engulfed in flame, yet he looked to be in no pain whatsoever. "This is just plain awesome!"
"Oh man, let me smash something! Please let me smash something!" Chouji said, as he was now encased in a shining suit of diamond armor. "Hey Tsunade-sama, wanna see who can make the biggest crater? I bet I can make mine bigger!"
"Oh really! Well then, I'll take that bet hands down!" Tsunade said.
"He just didn't do what I think he did, did he?" Akane asked.
"Yeah…he did." Mikoto replied. "And I have a feeling Tsunade-sama is gonna lose again."
"You know I must say…this is quite shocking." Neji replied, as arcs of lighting circled his body.
"Neji-kun, comedy isn't your strong point." Hinata said. "Now why don't I seem different?"
"Hina-chan, look at your feet!" Naruto said, seeing her standing in a puddle of water.
"I guess I can really can create water from the vapor in the air." Hinata said.
"Guys, look at Haku…she's blue???" Naruto said, noticing Haku had changed a little more.
"I'm what!" Haku said, looking to see that her skin color had changed to a pale shade of blue. "I guess it comes from complete Ice mastery." She then found her new sword as well. "So this is Sode no Shiraiyuki…not a bad looking sword!"
"I agree. The quality of the blade is unreal." Tenten said. "But that's nothing compared to this bad boy!" She pulled out her Illumina Sword, only to see that the blade had increased in size. It now looked like it was made of pure crystal as well, and had nine different colors swirling through the blade. (A/N: Picture Ichigo Kurosaki's Zangetsu, except the blade is crystal.) "Oh I am loving this Gravity Blade, and this shiny metallic look in my outfit as well!"
"So are we ready to take this training to the next level?" Kasumi asked, as everyone noticed what was new about her.
"So I take it the rainbow colored aura is your little bonus?" Ino asked.
"If that bright yellow aura is yours, then I'd say you're right." Kasumi replied.
"So how should we get started?" Naruto asked.
"Why don't we let Chouji and Tsunade-sama settle their bet?" Arashi said.
"Is that a good idea, Otou-san?" Haku asked.
"She agreed to it." Arashi said.
"Ok Chouji, we'll see just how much power you have in that fist of yours." Tsunade said. "If I win, you have to spend a week going after that blasted cat everyone hates."
"Fair enough…but if I win, you pay for a solid night of all you can eat barbecue for all of us!" Chouji replied.
"This is gonna be too easy." Tsunade said, gathering all her chakra in her fist. "Get ready to lose!" She slammed her fist into the ground with enormous force, easily creating a crater 300 feet in diameter. "Try to beat that!"
"Tsunade-sama, are you really sure you want him to do that?" Hinata asked.
"Yeah, I mean, even though we're just Genin and Chuunin, we don't know how much power he's gonna release when he does this!" Kasumi added.
"Like I said, it's in the bag!" Tsunade replied.
"Ok…just be warned that Naruto and Chouji have bottomless stomachs." Kasumi said.
"Alright. It's time you see the full power of Earth!" Chouji said, gathering as much of his power into his fist. His fist was glowing a bright yellow, and even looked to be trembling. "Beat this Tsunade-sama! GAIA CRUSHER!" He slammed his fist with unbelievable force, directly in the center of Tsunade's crater. The sheer force of his attack easily caused the crater to expand, well over 3000 ft in diameter. It even caused all of Konoha to shake from the small tremor. That did however leave everyone wide-eyed and speechless.
"Holy…" Naruto said.
"Cow!" Sasuke added.
"Tsunade-sama, I hope you know, I plan to close down the restaurant we go to." Chouji said with a smile.
"There is no way…there's just no way!" Tsunade said. "Chouji, were you even using your complete power?"
"Um well, I feel winded, but that's about it." Chouji said. "I might not have been using everything I had."
"And you did this!" Naruto said. "This is just…insane!"
"And it's also perfect!" Sasuke said. "Now I will so enjoy destroying Orochimaru!"
"Uh, I think after that…maybe it would be a good time to go get lunch." Hinata said.
"Yeah, I mean, it's been a really crazy morning. Let's go get a bite to eat." Haku said.
"Well if we have to." Naruto replied. "Um one question. How do we power down out of Bankai?"
"Try concentrating on turning off the energy." Kasumi said. "That might work."
"Couldn't hurt." Naruto said, closing his eyes, He focused his Illumina power, and reset the limiter on his power, pulling him out of Bankai and landing him flat on his butt. "Ok, maybe it did hurt!"
"At least it worked." Hinata said, powering down. "So we headed to Ichiraku's?"
"Yup. Let's go." Sasuke said, powering down as well.
"Bye everyone. We'll see you guys at dinner tonight." Kasumi said.
"Speaking of dinner, let's have it at that new barbecue place." Chouji said. "Tsunade-sama's treat."
"Chouji, don't remind me!" Tsunade said, still reeling after losing the bet to Chouji.
"Hey is it ok if I bring Hanabi-chan, and Otou-san?" Hinata asked.
"That's fine with me Hinata." Tsunade replied.
"Ok. Later everyone." Naruto said.
As Team Illumina left, all the adults were simply amazed at the raw power they now possessed. The best thing about it was that the power was in the hands of nine talented shinobi and kunoichi…all willing to risk their lives for each other, their families, their friends…and their home.
That night everyone was at the new barbecue restaurant that had just opened. It turned out to be extra special, since the Sand Trio had come into town earlier that afternoon on a surprise visit. This of course meant that Kin would be quite happy knowing Gaara was with her. The rest of her team had also returned home so they would be joining as well. Everyone couldn't wait to eat…everyone except for Tsunade. She was hoping that Chouji wasn't planning on closing down the place.
"Ok someone tell me, just how much barbecue have those two eaten?" Temari asked.
"Last time I checked…they were at their 10th order of ribs." Haku said.
"And where are they putting all of that food!" Temari said.
"Temari-chan, we have reason to believe that their stomachs are really bottomless pits." Kasumi said. "It's possible that if anything gets consumed by them, it will never be seen again."
"That's interesting and all, but do they have to keep eating that much!" Tsunade said.
"Hey it's not our fault you took his challenge." Tenten said. "The scroll did say his Gaia Crusher could potentially reduce a mountain to dust."
"And the kid said he wasn't even using full power!" Tsunade said. That was when everyone heard Hinata tapping her chopsticks on her glass.
"Um sorry to disturb everyone, but I guess it's time to do this." Hinata said. She then elbowed Naruto. "Naru-chan, stop stuffing your face for a minute so we can do this!"
"Mmf! Sorry Hina-chan." Naruto said, quickly swallowing his food.
"Ok, the main reason we want to do this is because it's already known for two of our closest family." Hinata said. "As all of you know, Naruto and I, well…Otou-san, Arashi-sama, Naruto and I would like to ask for your blessings to officially declare us engaged."
"You want us to WHAT!" Hiashi and Arashi said together.
"We want you to give us your blessing to become engaged to be married, once we come of age." Naruto said.
"Besides, Kasumi and Sasuke already did it!" Hinata said.
"Arashi, did you know about this?" Hiashi asked.
"I'm just as clueless as you are!" Arashi said.
"So can we Otou-san!" Hinata asked.
"I don't know. I may need to think on this." Hiashi said. He then turned to Arashi, "How long did it take you to think on it for Kasumi?"
"About five minutes after she sprung it on me." Arashi replied. "It hurts for the first part, because you realize it's your first daughter getting engaged, but then you realize it was gonna happen anyway."
"So guess we should get this over with huh." Hiashi said.
"Yup. Besides, Akane would most likely make us do it anyway." Arashi said.
"Are you two done talking?" Akane said.
"Fine, we're fine." Hiashi said, clearing his throat. "Very well then, Hinata, you wish for my blessing to become betrothed to Naruto, am I correct?"
"Yes Otou-san." Hinata replied.
"And Naruto, you wish for my blessing as well, do you not?" Arashi said.
"I do Otou-san." Naruto said.
"Well considering your mother would have overridden us anyway even if we were going to say no, which we weren't, then I see no problem in giving you my blessing to become engaged to Hinata, Naruto." Arashi said.
"Arashi's right. We were pretty much going to have to say yes anyway. That's why I happily give you my blessing Hinata. Naruto pretty much will do anything to make sure you're happy." Hiashi said.
"Plus you two really couldn't do anything, since they're already engaged under Kitsune law." Akane said.
"When did that come into play?" Arashi asked.
"Just now. I can make up the rules you know." Akane replied, with a smile. "They just wanted you two to make it official."
"Arashi…your wife is a tough one!" Hiashi said.
"That's why I love her!" Arashi replied.
"So I guess tonight is now an engagement party!" Kasumi said. "Congratulations Naruto and Hinata!"
"Wait! Before we continue…does anyone else here in our family that's dating wish for a blessing to be engaged?" Arashi said.
"Well there is Neji and…" Naruto said.
"We'll wait a bit." Neji replied.
"Yeah, we still like being at the dating level!" Haku said.
"OK then. Now we can resume the party!" Arashi said.
"That's good and all, but we need to know!" Ino said.
"Yeah, Kasumi wouldn't tell us hers, so Hinata…who's it gonna be?" Sakura said.
"Who's what gonna be?" Hinata replied.
"WHO'S THE MAID OF HONOR!!!" Temari, Tenten, Ino, Sakura, Haku, Akemi, Hanabi, Kin, Momoko, and Shizune all asked.
"And please don't say the obvious!" Sakura said.
"Ok. You really want to know who my Maid of Honor is gonna be?" Hinata said.
"Yes, yes, just tell us!" Ino said.
"Ok. It's…" Hinata said.
"It's…" Tenten said.
The tension was so think you'd need a chainsaw to cut it! Hinata had everyone on pins and needles, all because they wanted to know who she was going to choose! Kasumi easily knew it was her, but she had a feeling Hinata was going to throw everyone the biggest curveball in the world.
"My Maid of Honor…is none other…than…" Hinata said.
"Oh for heaven's sake, just say it's her!" Sakura said.
"My Maid of Honor…is Natsumi Uzumaki!" Hinata said. In that one moment, all of the girls crashed to the floor.
"NATSUMI!" all the girls said.
"Natsumi!" Naruto said, wide eyed.
"WHAT! Hinata, you're marrying Naruto! So how on earth are you gonna have him as your Maid of Honor!" Tenten asked.
"Kage Bunshin. Plus I think she'd look cute in a dress." Hinata said. Once again all the girls crashed to the floor.
"HINATA!!!" Naruto said, noticing she started laughing.
"Oh man, I cannot believe all of you fell for that!" Hinata said.
"Guys, Hinata and I already decided, we'd be the Maid of Honor in each other's wedding!" Kasumi said.
"You guys are the worst!" Ino said.
"And that's why you love us!" Kasumi replied.
The rest of the night was spent celebrating Naruto and Hinata's engagement. It was pretty much a perfect end to a good day. The Illumina Team had unlocked their Bankai abilities, and could now fight at full power, Naruto and Hinata were officially declared engaged, and everything seemed perfect in Konoha. Though all good things must come to an end…
A few days later…
"Kasumi-chan, Kin-chan! Good morning!" Mikoto said, answering the door.
"Hi Mikoto-sama. Is Sasuke up?" Kasumi asked.
"Last I checked he was just about ready." Mikoto replied. "So what brings you two out this early?"
"Well it's the last day before Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro head back to Suna, so we're going out to Konoha Lake." Kin replied.
"I see. Sounds like a fun day." Mikoto said. "Sasuke, are you ready? Kasumi and Kin are here."
"Sure thing Oka-san!" Sasuke said. He soon came down the stairs with his backpack, ready to go. As always, the first thing he did when he saw Kasumi was to give her a kiss. "Morning princess."
"Good morning to you too." Kasumi replied. "We'll see you later Mikoto-sama!"
"Have fun!" Mikoto replied.
The three left to meet up with everyone else back at the Uzumaki Mansion. It seemed like just another good day for the team. Unknown to them, they had been watched by five shinobi…one of which Kin knew too well.
"So Kasumi, what kind of swimsuit did you get?" Kin asked.
"I never showed it to you? I found this really cute two-piece at Kunoichi's the other day. It's silver and blue. I think it's really cute!"
"Too bad you'll never get to wear it!" said a mysterious voice.
"Hey who said that?" Kasumi asked.
"The ones that are going to take back what rightfully belongs to Orochimaru-sama!" said a second voice.
"I'm not going anywhere, so show yourselves!" Sasuke said, before he Kin and Kasumi were surrounded by five shinobi.
"No…it can't be! What did he do to you!" Kin said.
"Kin, what's wrong?" Kasumi asked.
"I take it she's surprised to see me," said the female of the group. "It's been a long time, dear sister!"
"Tayuya, why are you doing this? Orochimaru is controlling you!" Kin said.
"That's your sister! You mean she's the one!" Sasuke said.
"We thought you were dead. Guess that useless Zaku couldn't get the job done." Tayuya said.
"Well that's what we're here for," said the six-armed shinobi. "I mean, just me and Jirobu could get this job done easily."
"You got that right, Kidomaru!" Jirobu, the largest of the group responded. "Hey Sakon, Ukon, mind letting us have these wimps!"
"Just don't take too much time." Sakon replied.
"We have much to do." Ukon added.
"Quickly, restrain Uchiha and let's go. We're bound to have a mass of Konoha ninja here soon," said the fifth shinobi.
"Understood Kimimaro." Jirobu said. "Ok you little wimps, time for you three to go splat!"
"So you're going to take on two Kitsune and a Konoha shinobi? I don't think so!" Kasumi said, moving into fighting stance.
"Tayu-chan, please! Stop this now! Why are you letting Orochimaru control you?" Kin pleaded.
"Oh be quiet. It's obvious that I was always one of his best ninja. That's why I was chosen and you weren't." Tayuya said.
"But all he's doing is controlling you! He tried to destroy Konoha!" Kin said. "I'm just lucky I was able to warn the people here before Orochimaru did too much damage!"
"So it was you! You just had to turn traitor, didn't you little sister!" Tayuya said. "Then Orochimaru will reward us well for killing a traitor!"
"No! I can't fight you! I won't fight you!" Kin said.
"Then you'll die!" Tayuya said. "Kidomaru, now!"
"With pleasure!" Kidomaru replied, spitting out some weird looking substance at the feet of Kin, Kasumi, and Sasuke.
"What the…hey I can't move! What is this crud!" Sasuke said, struggling to break free.
"You shouldn't be going anywhere. My threads are nearly impossible to break free from." Kidomaru said.
"Sasuke, we need to transform now!" Kasumi said, flicking her wrist.
"I'm with you! Let's go!" Sasuke replied, doing the same.
"SUPER ILLUMINA ACTIVATION!" Kasumi and Sasuke said together. Their transformation was just enough to break through Kidomaru's restraint. Unfortunately…it would be all they could do.
"Just like Orochimaru-sama planned." Kimimaro said. With one sweep of his arm, he threw three small senbon shaped spikes and hit all three of the Leaf shinobi.
"Hey, what stung me!" Sasuke said.
"I don't know, but it got me too!" Kasumi said. That's when she noticed Kin seemed uneasy. "Kin, are you ok?"
"I…I don't feel so good." Kin replied, falling to her knees.
"Of course you shouldn't. Those were some of my own bones, coated with a special poison that had been infused with some of Orochimaru's chakra." Kimimaro said. "It's designed to immobilize you and easily weaken you. And it has a special gift for Sasuke."
"Orochimaru's chakra! But that means…!" Kasumi said, before she heard Sasuke release a bloodcurdling scream. She then turned to see his Cursed Seal beginning to run out of control. "Sasuke!"
"What did you do to me!" Sasuke screamed, as he grabbed his shoulder.
"Simple. Orochimaru-sama's chakra was amplified by his Shadow Gem. The increase of power in his chakra will cause your seal to become uncontrollable. In time you will lose all sense of yourself and be nothing but a savage beast." Kimimaro said.
"No! Sasuke would never let that happen!" Kasumi said, struggling to keep herself on her feet. Even her Kitsune healing was slow to counteract the poison, and she tried her best to keep from falling out.
"I'm afraid you have no control over what the seal will do." Kimimaro said. "Sasuke does have one chance to survive." He then took out a small vial containing several black pills. "One of these pills will cause his seal to advance to its second stage. Unfortunately, the strain of the advancement will kill him."
"So Sasuke would die no matter what he does!" Kasumi screamed.
"Not necessarily. If he takes one of these pills, the other members of my team can place a barrier on him, weakening the strain to a coma effect. Then we can take him to Orochimaru-sama." Kimimaro said.
"I don't think so! I'd rather die than go to that snake! Not after what he did to my brother!" Sasuke replied.
"Well that's too bad. Because you really don't have a choice!" Kimimaro said, as Jirobu grabbed Sasuke by the neck.
"Let him go!" Kasumi screamed. She used every ounce of strength she could muster and ran towards Sasuke, hoping to stop Kimimaro and Jirobu.
"Silence!" Kimimaro screamed. He swung his arm at Kasumi, throwing numerous senbon sized bone shards. Kasumi was impaled with countless shards before she fell to the ground.
"KASUMI!!!" Sasuke screamed, before Kimimaro forced one of the black pills down his throat.
"Quickly, place him in the barrel now!" Kimimaro said, as Jirobu released Sasuke and took the large barrel off his back. He easily picked up Sasuke and shoved him in. The other members of the Sound Four surrounded the barrel and prepared to seal it to prevent Sasuke's death. The four each formed seals as they all said, "Shikoku Mujin" (Four Seals of the Dark Mist). Slowly a black mist surrounded the barrel Sasuke was placed in and sealed it.
"Let's get back to Orochimaru as soon as possible." Kimimaro said, as Jirobu hoisted the barrel on his back.
"Well dear sister, it seems I must take my leave." Tayuya said, as Kin looked on.
"Tayu-chan…please…don't do this!" Kin cried. "Don't let him control…you…" She soon blacked out afterward.
"Bring…back Sasuke…now!" Kasumi said, struggling to get up after Kimimaro's barrage.
"Sorry, not this time!" Kidomaru replied, as he and the rest of the group took off.
Kasumi used what strength she had to pull her communicator to her mouth, "Naruto…Hinata…anyone…Sasuke's been…kidnapped!" Those were the last words she could say before she passed out.
"Sasuke's been what!" Tsunade screamed.
"He's been captured! Kin and Kasumi were found right outside the outskirts of the Uchiha District. Both were injured!" Shizune said.
"How long ago was this!" Tsunade asked.
"It was about 30 minutes ago!" Shizune replied.
"Then get me Team Illumina! Get Shikamaru in here as well!" Tsunade screamed.
"Right on it!" Shizune said.
Within minutes all of Team Illumina minus Kasumi and Sasuke, and Shikamaru were inside Tsunade's office.
"As you probably know, Sasuke's been captured." Tsunade said.
"And I have a feeling I know who's behind it too!" Naruto said, cracking his knuckles.
"But why would Orochimaru strike now?" Haku asked. "Why would he want Sasuke now?"
"It's because he now has the full power of the Shadow Gem…and he wants the Sharingan." Neji answered. "We unlock our Bankai…and he gets a fully powered gem."
"If he uses that jutsu to transfer into Sasuke's body, there's no telling how powerful he'll become!" Hinata said.
"That's why I need you to go after those Sound ninja and get him back!" Tsunade said.
"Sasuke's not the only…one we have to get back!" Kasumi said, breathing heavily as she walked through the door. "Kin's sister Tayuya was with the group under Orochimaru's control. We have to rescue her as well!"
"Kasumi-chan, you should be resting!" Hinata said. "Please, go back home and…"
"Not this time. Orochimaru has pushed me too far this time." Kasumi replied. "Hinata, Ino, heal me now!"
"Kasumi, no! You need to…" Ino said, before she was staring at Kasumi, who had one hand pointed at her…with a Starburst Beam ready to fire!
"Don't question me! I'm going to get Sasuke back, and Orochimaru is going to die!" Kasumi said in rage. "He's hurt my friends, my family…and now he's taken my fiancée…I won't have it! And if any of you try to stop me, so help me!"
"Ok, just calm down Kasumi." Hinata said, as she and Ino began to heal her.
"Alright, now that Kasumi is calm, we can get down to business." Tsunade said. "It's possible that whoever took Sasuke is headed towards the border of the Fire Country and the Sound Country. They're most likely headed towards the Valley of the End, so that's where you need to go."
"Shouldn't we have some Jounin or extra Chuunin level help as well?" Tenten asked.
"We can't afford that right now! With Orochimaru active again, he may be planning to attack Konoha. You nine are the only ones that can rescue him." Tsunade said. "Shikamaru you're in charge of this mission. I would have Kasumi or Naruto lead, but right now they're not emotionally stable due to their closeness with Sasuke."
"It's ok Tsunade-sama. I just want Sasuke back." Kasumi said, trying to hold back her tears.
"Fine with me." Shikamaru said.
"Don't think you're going to do this without us two." Temari said, as she and Gaara stood in the door.
"Gaara-kun, Temari-chan, you don't need to do this." Tsunade said.
"Sasuke is an ally. Plus this is also a mission to rescue Kin-chan's sister." Gaara said. "They've hurt her, and now they will die for it."
"Besides, Kankuro is headed back to Suna to inform them of Orochimaru's activity." Temari said. "So right now, you have us at your disposal."
"Very well. You have 20 minutes to prepare and move out." Tsunade said.
The 20 minutes passed quickly, and everyone was at the gates ready to go. Kasumi had fully recovered thanks to Ino and Hinata, and everyone was supplied with energy treats from Akane. Shikamaru was going over the strategy for the rescue mission before they headed out.
"Alright guys, we're headed into some dangerous water. They've already got an hour lead on us, so they've had time to set up traps to cover them. Right now we need to plan a formation to minimize any chance of damage." Shikamaru said. "That even means that you follow my orders to the line. If not you risk getting us all killed. That goes for Naruto and Kasumi as well. I don't mean to sound harsh, but I know how much Sasuke means to the two of you, which is why you have to be extra careful."
"Understood Shikamaru." Kasumi said.
"Good. Right now we'll go with a cross formation. First will be Kasumi and Temari. Since Kasumi was in contact with the captors last, she can easily use her advanced senses to pick up traces of their scent. I really wish Kiba and Akamaru were here, but we gotta run with what we've got. Temari will be up front with her as support. I will be second behind them to relay commands. Next will be Naruto behind me, since he's the most versatile of any of us. Hinata will be to his left and Ino will be to his right, since both have healing power and can easily move to help us out. Hinata can also use her Byakugan to cover the middle area. Behind those three will be Tenten and Haku, since they have excellent range attack with Tenten's weapons and Haku's Freeze Lancer. Behind those two will be Chouji and Gaara, the power hitters. If we run into something and can't take it down, then you two will be the ones to deliver the big hits. Finally Neji will cover the rear, since his Byakugan has a much longer range." Shikamaru said. "Any questions."
"None." Naruto said.
"Also Hinata, Haku and Tenten will have extra communicators on to relay information to Gaara, Temari, and myself. Since you have your Illumina Communicators, you should be ok." Shikamaru said.
"That will work Shikamaru." Kasumi said.
"If there's nothing else…" Shikamaru said, walking up to Kasumi. "Kasumi, Sasuke means a lot to all of us, you especially. We're going to bring him back safely."
"Thank you Shikamaru. That means a lot." Kasumi said.
"Ok guys, let's do this! Mission Rescue Sasuke is a…" Shikamaru said, before he heard Mikoto call out.
"Wait!" Mikoto cried.
"Mikoto-sama, what are you doing here?" Hinata asked.
"You're all going after Sasuke, aren't you?" Mikoto said.
"Yes, we're gonna bring him back." Shikamaru said.
"Well, it's probably going to get tricky out there, so everyone take one of these." Mikoto said, pulling out a small pouch with some pills inside. "These are scent blocker capsules I developed to help with stealth. If anyone on their team has heightened smell, this will block it."
"Thanks Mikoto-sama." Ino said, as she and everyone took one of the capsules.
"Good luck out there. Please be careful!" Mikoto said. She then went up to Kasumi and hugged her. "Especially you Kasumi. Don't let you emotions get the best of you. Sasuke wouldn't want that."
"I understand." Kasumi said.
"Ok guys, let's rock and roll! We got a ninja to bring back!" Shikamaru said.
"Yeah!" Everyone cheered in.
The race to rescue Sasuke is a go! I hope everyone likes the new look of the team, and their new powers. Right now I'm gonna be working on the next chapter and on a special project as well. Thanks to all my readers who have continued to read my story! It's because of you that I write this.
Remember please read and review! I love those...lots of em! heck even go back and review my old chapters if you never got the chance to! And feel free to send me potential ideas! I'm gonna need to have something for these crazy characters after they rescue Sasuke!
Neokenshin