((I must say, I was surprised by the response I got after the last chapter. I wasn't expecting so many people to still be following the story. I'm glad to see I still have fans! Thank you all so much!

But I do apologize because this is more character development. I'm not too fond of it myself, but I feel it is necessary to set up how things have become after 3 years. I promise I will get to some action before I return to college and have to stop writing again.))

Sixteenth Birthday

Sokudo scowled irritably. He did not like this plan. He rode at the front of the boat that and the rest of his team, including the woman who had replaced Magusa, were on towards their next mission reluctantly. He reached a hand out to the railing in front of him so he would have something to release his frustration on.

He, too, had grown up. His form was surprisingly muscular and fit in his black wool clothes. His light blue hair was a little shorter, only to the base of his skull rather than his neck. Still, despite his somewhat girlish hair, his face was distinctly masculine. Yet, the most surprising change was that, in addition to the weapons pouch he carried around on his hip, he had a short blade, about a foot and a half in length, attached to his back with the hilt poking out the side for quick drawing.

His sensei, Subaya, stepped up beside him, his jaw set in resignation. Unlike his junior, the man hadn't changed much, still with a balding head and black cloak. "I know you don't like this mission, Sokudo. Hell, they brought me out of retirement, again, for this mission, so I certainly don't like it either. Nevertheless, we still have to follow orders." Sokudo grunted in annoyance. "We shinobi are merely tools to be used by our betters."

Sokudo glared at his sensei. "That's not true, and you know it."

The elder Mist nin frowned and stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Until someone is strong enough to defeat Mizukage-sama, I don't see what choice we have."

The blue haired chuunin narrowed his eyes at his senior. He knew what choice he had, and he was extremely tempted to make it. The old man in front of him was the only thing really keeping him from taking it. He didn't like his other two teammates, and Magusa was off in Konoha, probably without a clue about this plan. He had no true bonds in Mist. He didn't fit there, much like his grandfather didn't. Yet, the old man still refused to leave. Sokudo would never understand why he was so stubborn.

"In the meantime, we get to follow Mizukage-sama," continued Subaya, choosing to ignore the short silence that had reign between them.

Sokudo turned away, clenching his teeth. "Even if she wants to attack Konoha…"

Hinashin sat at a table in the most famed bar-b-cue restaraunts in Konoha. Her blonde hair was tied back in a ponytail reaching to her mid-back. Her body, though not particularly well formed, was fit and trim, seemingly built more for agility than power, much like her mother. She spoke animatedly with the people around her.

On her side sat Koukatsu, black hair cut short and clothes, much like what his father had worn at the same age. His build was also agile, though he had a tad more muscle than Hinashin. His build took the maximum advantage of his Sharingan, as was standard in the now small clan. He didn't laugh like the others, but he did have a smile on his face, showing how much he was enjoying things.

The other side of the table sat the entirety of team Lee (the group had run into them on the way to the restaurant and forced them to come alone). Nebin was on one end with his face set in only mild amusement. Still, considering he had been raised by Hyuuga Neji, that was an accomplishment in itself. He had taken to copying much of his father's style, including the feminine hair, although, he did have a number of weapon pouches on his person, as well as a scroll strapped to his back.

In the middle was Koudoukou Hato. His red hair had been cut short so that it was more spikes than the smooth flowing hair that it used to be. His brown clothing still only served to emphasize how pale his skin was in comparison. However, his grin was much livelier than it ever had been three years ago.

Yet, the largest change was to be found in the third member of the team, Shan. It was quite clearly a "she" now, instead of the ambiguous form she had had before. She still had mostly muscle throughout her body, but she now had at least some curve to her figure. In addition, her hair had been grown out so that it was no longer a bowl cut but went down to mid-back, allowed to hang loose the entire length. The spandex she still insisted on wearing had been changed to black, rather than the hideous green, further showing off her feminine side. Altogether, she was much more beautiful than anyone ever could have thought she would be…

"Our flames of youth shall never diminish, even with this incessant rain around us!"

Until you got to her personality.

Luckily, Hinashin and Koukatsu's fathers were both nearby, having offered to pay for the group to get them to come along (although the Uchiha had required it to be somewhere other than Ichiraku's, much to the two Uzumaki's dismay). Sasuke paused in his bickering with the blond to smack Shan in the back of the head, successfully subduing her for the moment. The two returned to their teasing of one another, one with an infectious grin and the other with a smile that he was only barely trying to hide.

"This rain has been going for quite a while," remarked Nebin, putting aside their merry-making for now. "Unusual, seeing as how we tend to get rain that only lasts a few hours before dispersing." The mood, though not exactly somber, did diminish somewhat at that comment.

Considering this rain had continued for four days, it was of some concern. The Hokage had put all available ninja on alert the day before, meaning they had to be ready to move at a moment's notice. That, alone, was never a good sign.

"Pshaw! Whatever's coming should just hurry up and come so we can kick the crap out of it!" exclaimed Hinashin, planting a foot up on the table, ignoring the empty plates that she stepped on.

"Yosh!" Hato quickly elbowed Shan in the side, stopping any further outburst.

"Dattebayo!" shouted Naruto from the table over, showing his support and agreement with his daughter as he also put a foot on his table.

Almost simultaneously, Sasuke and Koukatsu reached up and grabbed their respective Uzumaki by the collar and pulled them back down into their seat.

Hato just shook his head. "We've seen this before. Hell, it's rained for two weeks straight before. We have a substantial sewer system specifically because of our unusual weather. You all know that. Just because it hasn't happened in a while, doesn't mean it can't. I'm not that worried." He paused to let everyone think over what he had just said. "Now, if it starts snowing, then I'll start worrying."

Hinashin leaned over the table to cover Hato's mouth with a hand. "Sh! Don't say that! Then it really will start snowing, and I hate the cold!" She made a face of disgust.

Koukatsu chuckled lightly beside her. "I agree with Hato. Being ready and worrying are two entirely different things."

Shan gave a decisive nod. "Indeed. Instead, we should focus on something far more youthful…" she trailed off, giving an intimidating grin to Koukatsu.

Nebin, catching on and enjoying the Uchiha's discomfort, continued for her. "Koukatsu's birthday party."

Koukatsu groaned. He hated being so spoiled by his parents. He wanted to be able to handle things on his own, and then they go and do something like this, where he had no choice but to let them.

Sasuke chuckled, walking up to their table with Naruto on his heels. "Yes, do focus on that. Seeing as it's his sixteenth, I promise it'll be a birthday to remember." Koukatsu shivered at the mischievous stare that Naruto sent him from behind his father's back. He could tell this was not going to be good. "In the meantime, how bout I get you all home.

Once out the door, Sasuke performed a wind jutsu that would keep the rain from hitting them. Not to be outdone, Naruto performed it as well, putting so much chakra in it that back onto the roofs of the nearby buildings. Sasuke only rolled his eyes and starting walking.

Four days later…

Naruto ducked inside the Uchiha clan main house to be met with raucous noise as he joined a veritable army of people inside. He grinned energetically as his wife stepped in behind him. Scattered around the large entry room were elaborate decorations, balloons, streamers, and confetti thrown everywhere. On an enormous banner running from one side of the room to the other were the words "Happy Birthday, Koukatsu!". Clearly, Sakura had been the one decorating.

Speaking of, the pink haired woman, for once not pregnant, approached them with a wide smile on her face. "Hey! Naruto! Hinata-chan! Glad you all could make it!" Hinashin darted inside, sliding past her two parents and heading toward the other chuunin. Sakura laughed. "And you, too, Hinashin-chan!"

Naruto rubbed the back of his neck. "I wouldn't miss it. Sasuke's first-born is turning sixteen!"

Sakura's eyes flashed dangerously. "Whose first-born?"

Naruto recoiled slightly. "Er…"

"Never mind him, Sakura-chan" interrupted Hinata, saving her husband from the other woman's wrath. "You know he means no offense."

The blone chuckled uncomfortably. "Yeah. I just always seem to think of Sasuke fir-" He was cut off by an elbow to the stomach, courtesy of his wife. The dark haired woman only continued to smile at Sakura pleasantly while her significant other bent over coughing.

Sakura gave them an amused look. Naruto never had had much tact. Or common sense. Or any kind of sense really. Maybe she should just stop now before she got going.

"Come on," she said instead. "We're gathering the old Konoha Twelve back here." She led the two of them back through the building, ignoring Naruto's excited whoop. At the second door on the right, they entered to find the rest of the Konoha Twelve sitting on a circular couch, surrounded by their sensei and other jounin. As people moved around, Naruto even caught sight of the Hokage!

Naruto darted forward and hopped onto the couch, on top of Kiba and Chouji, who both cried out in protest. Naruto laughed, giving them both hugs before standing up and looking at the others. "It's been way too long, guys. Everyone, c'mere!"

Chuckling, the group stood up to start exchanging hugs. The group had become practically family over the years. Having not had all twelve together in over three years, they all welcomed the contact between them, even Shikamaru, despite calling it "troublesome".

As the group finally started to settle in, Sakura gave a bright grin. "We ready to make this party exciting?"

The Twelve grinned, even Shino had a small smile on his face. They had been asked to come up with something they could do to add to the party. Each of them had something interesting.

In the background, Tsunade could be heard muttering. "Oh, this should be good!"

Tounyo sighed, watching as about half of his generation entered an eating contest, hosted by Chouji Akimichi. He must admit, the party had been fun, despite his concern about there being too many people. The surprises brought by the Twelve, which none of the younger generation had known about, had turned out well. Kiba had brought a small pack of dogs, which had become popular as soon as everyone had found them, especially the three puppies among them. Beautiful butterflies and lightning bugs flew around the building, remaining from the swarm that had invaded upon Shino's command.

Still, he glared at Kizui. "I can't believe you managed to spike the punch, even though I was watching you," he muttered.

The white haired boy only grinned. He had used a hollow senbon to carry the powerful alcohol and poured it into the punch while Tounyo was out of reach and incapable of stopping him. "Double-spiked, actually."

The blond gave him an odd look. "What?"

Kizui raised an eyebrow. "Someone had already spiked it. Probably Uzumaki-sama."

Tounyo gave him an incredulous look. Then again, Kizui did look up to the man for a reason, and it would explain why he had steadfastly refused to explain what his contribution was as of yet. How he could have gotten it by all of the jounin here, he wasn't sure. Speaking of…

"How would you know that?"

Kizui grinned at him, raising his glass. It was filled with punch. "I can actually taste the alcohol, so it's a lot stronger than just what I put in there."

Tounyo shook his head, silently making a vow to avoid the punch. He glanced around to see who else was drinking the fruity beverage. To his annoyance, a lot of his generation was drinking it and very few of the people who would actually realize that it as spiked were doing so. The only person that would actually recognize the added alcohol that was actually drinking it was the Hokage. Why hadn't she put a stop to this?

Then, he stopped to think about it. She probably did realize that it was spiked and didn't want to stop it. In fact, it seemed she had started drinking that instead of her normal alcohol.

Tounyo put a hand over his eyes. This was going to be bad, he could tell.

He looked up when he noticed Kizui starting to walk away. "Where are you going?"

The white haired teen gave him a sly grin. "I'm off to get lucky."

Tounyo gave an exasperated sigh. He hated hearing that phrase. "Just try to behave yourself."

Kizui's grin widened. "But I always behave, Tounyo-chan."

The blond just shook his head.

Rokuden had been feeling slightly lightheaded for a while. He had known that something was off about the punch but had kept drinking it anyway. He knew he would regret that in the morning. At least he had stopped for now.

"Let's go somewhere alone, so we can take this relationship to the next level."

Clearly, he wasn't the only one. He turned with a heavy head to Taru, who was at his side with both arms around his body. "You're drunk. You don't really want that. We've both agreed we're still too young. You're supposed to be at least sixteen."

The blond girl pouted weakly in his arms. "But I don't want to wait."

Rokuden chuckled lightly, glad he was still at least somewhat lucid. He took the punch glass out of her hands, receiving no real protest. "I think you're done."

"Hm," she responded with drunken seductiveness. "As long as we can go somewhere alone now."

He glanced around with a sigh. Most of his friends were nearby, having their own conversations, many of them also showing signs of having drunk too much alcohol. They didn't seem to be paying any attention to the two of them.

He turned back to Taru with a slight smile. "Alright, fine," he said, while he thought "I'll get some cold water and pour it on you on the way."

He stood up, pulling Taru with him. The girl stumbled, catching hold of his arm to balance herself, then laughed. He rolled his eyes but started walking slowly, so she wouldn't trip again.

Out of the corner of his eye, the Nara saw his mother and father removing the remains of the punch. They had probably deemed everyone drunk enough that they didn't need any more. "About time."

He smiled when he remembered what they had done to contribute to the party. His father had used some of his jutsu to create a sort of shadow puppet show, which his mother had then added voices to. It had been rather amusing.

He was brought back to the present when Taru grabbed his butt and giggled, causing him to jump slightly. Rolling his eyes again, he grabbed her arm and put it back around his waist, ignoring her cute pout, and started walking toward the nearest bathroom.

As soon they were inside, he walked up to the sink and started the cold water running, grabbing a small paper cup from nearby. As he started filling it, he heard the door lock. Turning, he found Taru giving him what was supposed to be a seductive grin but turned out more wobbly than anything. He stared at her as she stumbled over to him, grabbing his arms to stay upright. He raised an eyebrow as she pulled him close.

Then, she kissed him solidly on the lips, pushing their bodies together with surprising strength. Rokuden's eyes darted open, sobering him quickly. He tried to push her back, but she refused to back down and kept their lips locked firmly.

When he felt water start to pour out around his hands, he realized the cup in his hands was full. Before she started to try to take it too far, he brought the cup up and dumped the cold water over her head.

Gasping, Taru pulled back. "What was that for?" she demanded, sounding far more articulate than she had since starting to drink the punch.

Rokuden only glared at her. "Troublesome woman…"

The blond woman's eyes widened. "Wait, I was…" she trailed off, her face turning a bright red.

The Nara gave her a deadpan look. "Exactly."

She pulled him into a chaste hug in an effort to hide her blush. "Sorry, Ro-kun."

The teen let out a relieved sigh. "Just don't let it happen again."

Taru nodded. With heads much clearer than they had been in a few hours, they returned to the party, only to realize that there were other people they would have to take care of.

Omoi arrived at the darkened meeting place at the exact same time as his leader, right on time. The two stood facing each other for almost a minute, silent tension between them.

Finally, the blue haired leader spoke. "They are attacking tonight?"

His white haired ally nodded. "The Mist should be striking within a few hours, leader-sama."

The whites of his leader's teeth could be seen, even in the gloom. "Excellent. We can begin re-introducing ourselves to those in the know shortly. Even they won't know a thing until we are nearly halfway to our objective."

Omoi bowed slightly. "Of course, leader-sama."

Ever since he had lost his cover in the Sound, the man had been slightly cold to Omoi. Their organization rarely accepted failure and, even now, the only reason he was still with them was because he was found out by Orochimaru, a former member himself and a master of getting inside someone's head, even moreso than Omoi.

After Sound, they had sent to white haired ninja to Kiri to gather information on the other end of that chain. Since Sound and Mist had become allies, they were almost as good a target for spying as Sound had been. Of course, with how much information Orochimaru always kept to himself, it was always hard to tell whether things would actually go as everyone else planned them. Luckily, it would be hard for him to mess up their organization's plans. All they needed was chaos, and the man was a master of that.

Still, despite Omoi giving good information from Mist, the leader gave him a cold gaze. Resisting the urge to snap at the man, Omoi only turned to leave. There was no further need for him to be there.

Besides, things were going to get moving quickly, and he wanted at least some part in it, aside from his role as spy for Akatsuki.