Village Hidden in the Sound, Orochimaru's Chamber…

Orochimaru had heard Shun out concerning Neji, and it wasn't a bad idea. Certainly, would make his fury over losing Sasuke Uchiha barrable. Getting the Byakugan, if he couldn't get the Sharingan in time, would be a good trade off.

The Byakugan was strong it just didn't have the Jutsu copying skills the Snake Yonnin was looking for. The boy had even spoke openly and honestly about his disdain for the Leaf Village. His goal was something Orochimaru wouldn't mind granting.

"What payment do you wish for bringing me such a prodigy?" Orochimaru asked.

Shun withdrew a vial and tossed it to Orochimaru. "I'm aware you have a Hozuki and I want some of their DNA. In addition, I request that Neji be trained for five and half years before you take him over. I'm interested to see the effects a stronger Shinobi has on you than the usual."

"That won't work. Lord Orochimaru…" Kabuto began.

Orochimaru held up a hand. "You will have Hozuki DNA for Neji Hyuga; however, I request a powerful vessel in return for holding off on Neji Hyuga. I will have to take a new vessel at around the halfway point."

"Done." Shun wove hand signs. "In three years, I'll provide you with a strong vessel."

"You can leave the boy here." Orochimaru stated. "Kabuto will deliver the Hozuki DNA to you."

Shun smiled. "I'll be waiting."

With that, Shun vanished.

"We must simply find out how he does that." Kabuto stated.

Orochimaru smiled under his bandages. "Oh yes, this one will make a fine vessel." He looked to Kabuto. "Help Neji Hyuga settled in."

Kabuto nodded. "As you wish." He looked to Neji. "Come along now."

Neji looked at Orochimaru before following.

Village Hidden in the Caves

Shun reappeared at the entrance and not even a moment later Pita entered carrying a still unconscious, and now more beat up, Kidomaru. The Akatsuki member had to knocking him out a few times as they came here.

"Pita Paka." Shun happily stated. "Always happy to accommodate the Akatsuki. Come on in and tell me what you need done."

Pita walked with him. "I need this one's curse mark altered so he's no longer fed the negative effects and a place to stay while I hash things out with my distant family here."

Shun smiled. "I have plenty of room. Come."

Daichi's Hospital Room

Daichi had been cleared to go, so he walked out of his room. He didn't get far before his eyes saw what looked like a blur enter the room at the end of the hall.

"What's going on here?" Daichi thought as he ran down the hall.

In the Room

Tayuya was strapped to the bed. Even her head was strapped down which made it difficult to look anywhere but up.

"It's not like I can blame these idiots for strapping me down. They most likely think I'm still working for that snake. He may have had me in his clutches for a while, but I know the truth. There's no way I'm ever going back to him." Tayuya thought.

She was snapped out of her thoughts as a figure in a black cloak appeared in her field of vision wearing a mask and a tanto strapped to their back. Tayuya knew that this person had to be Leaf Village Anbu.

"I suppose I should have expected this." Tayuya sighed. "Just get it over with you creep."

The Anbu drew their tanto and held it above Tayuya. Before They could do anything, the door to the room was thrown open, and Daichi stepped in. He looked from the Anbu to Tayuya. He recognized her from the mission.

Daichi drew a kunai. "Step away from the girl."

The Anbu spoke with a woman's voice and without any emotion. "You have no authority over me. I am simply eliminating a potential threat before it can harm the Leaf Village.

Daichi sighed. "You can't kill her because I've placed her under the Fusion Clan protection for the time being. While that may not seem like much, I implore you to think about the clans who would rally against you should you act against me."

The woman put her tanto away. "I will take my leave."

She body flickered out of the room leaving Daichi with Tayuya. He grabbed a chair and sat beside her bedside. Tayuya was speechless. She'd never been saved by anyone. Her old 'teammates' would have sooner watched her die then do anything to help.

"Seems as though you were the Sound Shinobi we captured. Mind telling me how?" Daichi questioned.

"It was Rock Lee who brought me in." Tayuya responded. "It's what I was told and the logical conclusion since he was the only Shinobi around at the time I passed out." Tayuya stated.

"She seems to be cooperating." Daichi took note of the mark on her neck thinking it looked familiar. "Why are you answering me honestly? I would expect a ninja under Orochimaru to speak with lies if they were ever confronted by an enemy ninja?"

Tayuya sneered at Orochimaru's name. "The only reason I served that monster was because he repressed my memories. He had my father killed and burned down my home. He made me forget that I am an Uzumaki."

Daichi's eyes opened wide and he visibly stiffened. "That's why that mark looks familiar. It's the Uzumaki Symbol. The symbol on the back of our jackets are derived from that.

"I don't care if you believe me or not because it is the truth. I am an Uzumaki." Tayuya firmly stated.

Daichi regained his composure. "I believe everything you've said is the truth. You were a pawn Orochimaru used for his games."

Now it was Tayuya's turn to be surprised. Before the memories of her father, there was no one who trusted that what she said was true. Trust and honesty weren't something associated with being a Sound Ninja. It felt good that someone else could trusted her.

"Just so I'm sure, you do not harbor any feelings of loyalty to Orochimaru?" Daichi asked.

Tayuya became angry again. "If that snake ever dies, I'd dance on his grave."

"You are a Uzumaki?" Daichi inquired.

Tayuya created a few yellow chain links that she immediately dispersed. "Does that answer your question?"

Daichi nodded. "Would you like to join the Leaf Village?"

Tayuya was shocked. "What did you say?"

"I asked if you would like to join the Leaf Village?" Daichi restated.

Tayuya closed her eyes. "Like I'd ever be accepted?"

"That word has multiple different meaning. If you genuinely want to join, then you'd be able to. Zabuza of the Mist and another Uzumaki from Kusa were able to join. Right now, you have a chance at a better life. All you must do is cooperate fully."

It didn't take long for Tayuya to decide. "I want to join the Leaf as a Shinobi. The Uzumaki always had close ties with the village, and I wish to honor those ties."

"It's going to take time to accomplish, but the village needs Shinobi. As you said, we have close ties with the Uzumaki." Daichi stood "I'll inform Tsunade of what happened, and she'll likely send a personal Anbu of hers to guard you."

Daichi then walked out of the room.

Haruno Residence

Yumi Haruno removed her mask and head band slicing a line into both. "From this point forward, the Leaf is no longer my home."

Kai entered the room at that moment. "Yumi? I thought I heard you." He noticed the head band and mask. "What are you…"

Yumi took out a kunai and cut two big gashes into Kai's chest causing him to heavily bleed. Before he could scream out in pain, she knocked him unconscious and placed him in a closet before putting a chair up to it.

"I only need one of you to secure my place in a new village." Yumi opened the nearby window. "You'll either bleed out or we'll be gone long before you come to."

Outside Tayuya's Room

Daichi had been leaning against the door when Tsunade approached him with an Anbu. "Report."

Daichi nodded. "Yes, Lady Hokage."

The Fusion member told her about the Anbu and his discussion with Tayuya.

"A tanto and emotionless… It has to be the work of Danzo." Tsunade thought as she recognized the two key features Root agents were known to have. "The only question is, why did he want a captive Sound Shinobi killed? Is it because he views her as a threat or is there another reason?"

Tsunade turned to her Anbu. "Take Tayuya Uzumaki to interrogation. I want what information she has. Tell them to be gentle unless it absolutely can't be helped."

The Anbu nodded. "Yes, Lady Hokage."

"So, do you back her for becoming a Shinobi of the Leaf?" Tsunade asked.

Daichi nodded. "Everything she's told me is the truth. She's also one of the few Uzumaki out there which means she's family to Naruto. Let's not forget the ties between the Leaf and the Uzumaki clan. We really do owe it to the Uzumaki to help those that remain."

"You're right on all accounts, but this matter must be brought to council as it was with Zabuza Momochi and even Karin Uzumaki. They've gotten word on her, and the meeting is set for next week where a multitude of topic will be discussed besides her."

"Fortunate I'm a Chunin which means I can attend as a Clan Head." Daichi stated. "I can only assume that part of the meeting will be dedicated towards me all things considered."

"You and Sasuke will be one of the topics of discussion." Tsunade sighed. "The council enjoys playing Shinobi match maker. Considering how valuable the Sharingan is and your Clan's history…"

Daichi crossed his arms. "I get it."

While this upcoming meeting would be his first, Hiashi had spoken about what he could concerning the council. The Shinobi side was okay with a few bad eggs, but the Civilian side was corrupt and power hungry.

There were measures in place to ensure they kept the power they currently had and Danzo Shimura was said to be the one they agreed with the most. The Civilian side hated Naruto while according Hiashi, Danzo wanted to make Naruto into a weapon.

"I think it might be time to fix Konoha. After all, Neji Hyuga may have had a stick shoved up his butt, but he wasn't wrong. Konoha has been slowly rotting." Daichi smiled. "This meeting could be a good opportunity to exercise some rights bestowed one me."

"I'm glad you will be making use of your Clan's unique opportunity. We'll talk later and put a proper Duel together." Tsunade smiled. "For now, there's a festival happening at the end of the week." She walked away. "You should go and have some fun."

Hallway

Daichi was making his way out of the hospital when he saw Kazamae leaning against a wall. "Sensei, your back!"

Kazamae smiled. "It's good to see you Daichi." He nodded. "I'd enjoy catching up as much as you, but there's a reason I'm here and not coming into your home for a friendly chat. From what I understand, you ran into some Akatsuki on the mission to find Tsunade."

"I did Sensei." Daichi stated.

"Then you know what they're after?" Kazamae asked.

Daichi replied, "They want me dead and to capture Naruto."

"Exactly, which is why in 6 months I will return to focus on your training." Kazamae stated.

Daichi nodded as he thought about his past opponents. "I definitely need to become stronger."

Kazamae nodded. "Best Jiraiya and I can figure, there are 5 and a half years until the Akatsuki makes it's move. I plan for your training to finish in 3 so the remaining 2 can be dedicated to field experience."

"I understand Sensei." Daichi smiled. "While you're gone, I won't stop training myself. I'll also gain some more mission experience in the meantime."

Kazamae smiled as he placed his hand on Daichi's shoulder. "Keep that mentality because the training I'll offer will make that month with Zabuza and I seem like a walk in the park."

Kazamae patted Daichi's shoulder before walking the other way.

Daichi smiled and began making his way out when he noticed another blur enter a room. "Okay, what is up with everyone having agendas with people in the hospital?"

He ran to the door.

Naruto's Apartment, Same Time…

Naruto opened his window to let some air in, and not a moment later Jiraiya jumped inside. "Pervy Sage!"

Jiraiya smiled. "Hey there kid." He leaned against the wall. "I came to speak with you about something important. A warning that in six months, I'm taking you out of the village for 5 years to train."

"Out of the village?" Naruto questioned. "Why can't we train here in Konoha?"

"It's to keep your mobile." Jiraiya stated. "You're a more important target to the Akatsuki then Daichi is. They just want him dead for fear he might get in their way. You are a certainty that they want captured. Keeping you both here is trouble."

Naruto nodded. "I understand mostly, but why we don't leave sooner?"

"I have some preparations to take care of. Don't worry, there'll be times we stop back into the village on occasion." He walked to the window. "I'll be back."

Jiraiya left Naruto there with his thought.

Sakura's Hospital Room, Some Time Later…

Sakura had heard her door open and turned her head only for a dart to hit her neck. Almost immediately, she was completely paralyzed while still conscious. Yumi walked up to her daughter, picked her up, and slung her over the shoulder before moving towards the window.

"What did she put in me? I can't even move a toe, finger, or my mouth." Sasuke thought.

She couldn't even move her mouth or struggle no matter how hard she tried. This left her with only one thing to do. Scream with her mouth closed as loud as possible in hopes of attracting someone's attention.

"Stop screaming Sakura." Yumi ordered as she opened the window. "I'm taking you to a new life. Konoha doesn't deserve the Wood Style when other villages would treat you so much better."

"Mother… She's gone full blown crazy!" Sasuke tried screaming louder, but it was still muffled given circumstances.

At that moment, the door was thrown open as Daichi ran in and saw what was going down. "Hey, you can't take her!"

"Damn, the false Clan Head!" Yumi thought.

"Daichi!?" Sasuke couldn't move to see him, so she was unsure.

"Hey!" Daichi shouted as Yumi jumped out the window and proceeded to run along the trees. "Sakura Haruno is being kidnapped!" He ran to the window. "Call in anyone!"

He jumped out the window to give chase.

Konoha

Yumi had made it to the roofs and was running away from the gates towards the forest.

Daichi was right behind her. "She's heading towards the forested area where Mizuki meant to meet Naruto. Does that mean there was a secret passage out there? I don't think he'd have gone through the front gate unless he sealed the scroll. Either way, I need to stop her."

"Damn it…" Sakura thought as she could only see roof. "I can't move."

Daichi wove the hand signs. "Lion's Will: 25%."

The orange Chakra appeared around Daichi and he blasted forward slamming into Yumi's back.

She was utterly shocked. "The Lion Sage's Jutsu… Another Shinobi who should learned his place."

She was forced to let go of Sakura and Daichi caught her bridle style. Yumi took out a kunai with some ninja wire on it and threw it into the wood of the building. It stuck, and she wrapped the wire up until it caught. At that point she swung back up.

Sakura was staring up at The Fusion Clan member. "It was Daichi. He saved me."

He looked down at Sakura. "She's limp, yet alive. Must be a paralyzing toxin."

Yumi landed on the roof and charged at Daichi. He jumped back as she went for a kick to his face. The Fusion member managed to avoid her but threatened to fall. He moved his legs in a way that sent him skidding to the edge of the roof. By this point, civilians were noticing this.

Daichi jumped back to the next roof and looked around. "Are there any Shinobi among the crowd? If there are, they may be confused due to Yumi's Anbu attire and attack me."

Yumi jumped across the roof forcing Daichi to jump to another roof since he didn't feel comfortable confronting her head on.

"People of the leave Village!" Daichi shouted. "This woman has used a toxin on her own daughter and is attempting to do something with her! I don't know what, but a mother wouldn't do this to their daughter if it were anything good."

Yumi got an idea as he yelled. "Do not listen to him!" She looked at the gathered citizens. "I was ordered to watch over my daughter by the Hokage and observed recently made Clan Head Daichi Ryu absconding with a fellow Shinobi. My daughter."

The people began whispering amongst themselves, and it wasn't in Daichi's favor. No one who really knew him was in the crowd, and people were more inclined to believe Anbu over a Chunin who's only made a name among his peers.

By this point, Sakura was trying hard to speak, but her mouth was refusing to speak resulting in loud mumbling. "Come on, yell something. Anything to help him."

"Okay, that back fired. I can either try to explain myself or find someone who won't turn on me in a moments notice. I better make that fast because I'm starting to see Shinobi." Daichi thought. It's not like I can attack them as this does look bad out of context."

Leaf Anbu and a few Shinobi in flak jackets began to jump onto the roof.

"I could surrender now, but there's a chance they give Sakura to Yumi. She might even injury or kill a few Shinobi. In the panic, she'd run. Likely, she'd wait until I'm pinned." Daichi backed up to the roof as the Shinobi slowly approached.

"Hokage it is; however, she's a good distance away. Plenty of time for faster Shinobi than myself to catch me. That would also leave Sakura in harm's way which I won't allow. Damn it, I'm not letting them have her. If that means the potential for death, so be it."

Yumi smirked as she came to stand across from Daichi. "It was a nice try, but whatever plans you have end here?"

"I think not Yumi Haruno. You have them fooled because they only know of me; however, I'm not without allies." He looked around as the Shinobi as they began to move into place. "I protect my comrades even if I must risk my life to do so."

"Daichi…" Sakura thought. "I need to move!"

The shinobi charged at Daichi as he braced himself. "Lion's Will: 100%."

Chakra exploded around him in a spectacular display as he launched himself back off the roof jumping clear over several roofs. His face contorted into agenizing pain as he landed, but he wasn't about to give in. The Shinobi, despite being shocked, gave chase.

Daichi turned in the direction of the tower and started sprinting at an amazing speed. He felt as though his body was being crushed by two rocks and rapidly sliced up by a blade. It even brought tears to his eyes as he ran and dodged projectiles.

Hokage Tower

Daichi had jumped from a roof, turned so his back would hit the glass, and smashed through the window. He went right over Tsunade and smashed into the wall across from her before landing on his feet with Sakura still in his arms.

Tsunade jumped to her feet. "Daichi!? What is the meaning of this!?"

Before he could answer, Yumi jumped into the office followed by other Anbu. "First you kidnap my daughter and now you attempt to kill the Hokage. Are you determined to bring Konoha to its knees?"

Daichi ignored her and gently placed Sakura against the wall away from the glass on the floor. He was then surrounded by Anbu who held blades at various points where they could easily kill him. He slowly turned around as the Lion's Will dispersed.

Blood ran down the sides of his mouth, he was sweating profusely, and his body felt like it was being crushed. He just wanted to drop unconscious; however, he couldn't. Not yet. He coughed up blood and started panting.

Just as he was about to speak, Sakura was finally able to speak. "My… mother… drugged… me."

Daichi smiled as he fell onto his back unconscious.

Tsunade looked at Yumi. "What was that your daughter just said?"

Yumi maintained her composure. "It must be the toxin Daichi Ryu used ma'am. Her words aren't…"

Sakura struggled to her knees, fell to her hands, and crawled to Daichi's body. "Please… Help… Him…" She struggled and lifted her arm placing it on his chest. He's… in… pain."

Tsunade looked at the gathered Anbu. "Arrest Yumi Haruno. Inochi will get to the bottom of this."

Yumi grit her teeth realizing that every card had been played. Her tattoos began to glow until Tsunade punched the Anbu in the gut sending her out the hole.

"Now, arrest Yumi Haruno and get Inochi immediately. I also want Daichi Ryu and Sakura Haruno brought to the hospital because I'm giving them personal examinations."

That got the Anbu moving as some went to collect the now injured, former Anbu while others collected Daichi and Sakura running them back to the hospital.

Streets of Konoha

Kakashi was walking by the Haruno household with his book out when Kai, looking pale from loss of blood, came stumbling out. He fell to the ground.

Kakashi ran to him and flipped the guy over. "Hey are you okay? What happened?"

"My wife is abandoning the Leaf Village." He was panting. "I think she may be going after Sakura. Please, make sure my daughter's alright."

He passed out.

Kakashi picked him up. "I will once you get medical attention."

The Jonin put the man on his shoulder and ran to the hospital.

Kai's Hospital Room, A Day Later…

Sakura entered the hospital room to find that her father was awake and smiled. "Dad, your awake."

He looked at Sakura in shock before looking at the bed sadly. "I'm so sorry sweetie… for everything. I truly loved your mother, but she proved time and time again that she never loved me or you. For years, I made you suffer because I couldn't get rid of her."

Sakura walked up to her bed. "Dad, I'm just glad your okay, and it hasn't been all bad. Who knows where I'd have been if my life hadn't worked out like this." She hugged him. "I still have you. You've taken care of me, and I still love you."

Kai was surprised by his daughter's words. "I thought you'd be angry with me. I mean the things I let your mother get away with when it came to you."

"I could never be angry with you dad." Sakura reassured warmly.

"Thank you, sweetie. I promise, I won't fall prey to your mother anymore." Kai smiled. "From this moment onward, you're the only important lady in my life." He looked at the bedding. "I'm just glad that Ryu boy was there to save you."

"Me to." Sakura nodded. "I'll need to find a way to thank him once he's up."

All she could do, before they crashed into the Hokage's tower, was see. She saw his pain. She saw the blood. He'd pushed himself to get her to safety. She truly was thankful for what he did.

Daichi Hospital Room

Daichi sat up and rubbed his head and looked around spotting his teammates and Sensei.

"He's awake!" Naruto and Hinata shouted.

They hugged him while Sasuke and Kakashi stood back relieved. Daichi screamed in pain.

Sasuke sighed, "You two knew full well he's not healed yet."

They backed off sheepishly and Daichi fell onto his back. "Kakashi Sensei is Sakura okay? What happened after I passed out."

"She's fine Daichi." Kakashi informed. "The toxin was worked through her system. Yumi Haruno was quickly sentenced for her crimes which were quite numerous by the end of the whole fiasco. You're expected to make a full recovery."

"I just hope Lady Tsunade isn't mad." He sighed. "Given circumstances, crashing through her window was all I could think of." He winced. "Come to think of it, the Third's retired, so he'd have been at the Sarutobi Compound."

"Actually, he was at the academy as a special guest at the time. As for the window, Lady Hokage blames Yumi." Kakashi replied. "Our Lady Hokage is also ordering you to attend the festival to unwind now. Fortunately, you should be discharged the evening before.

"That's good." Daichi sighed relieved. "I think I'm just going to get some rest now guys."

Kakashi nodded. "Right, come along everyone."

Naruto smiled. "Once you're out, all the Genin of Team Seven will go for ramen, Sasuke's treat."

"You wish Dobe." Sasuke stated with a smirk. "I'm buying everyone but your ramen."

"That's not fair Teme." Naruto complained.

Hinata giggled at the rivals as Kakashi led them out of the room.