Chapter 37

AN: Another chapter! I just noticed that since I've started writing on Google docs, my bolded texts weren't automatically transferring…oops! Hope these fix it. Now, time for the next swashbuckling adventure and post invasion missions.

P.S 931 reviews (those 'good work' reviews on every chapter were adorable, btw to whomever wrote them', 3,306 follows and 2,744 favorites?! Oh wow, you guys spoil me, thank you so much!

Previously…

Orochimaru screamed in agony, the burns eating into his very chakra network, the wounds and the poisons killing him. His hands lay utterly devoid of their chakra network, making his body switch impossible with the other injuries.

If only Kabuto was here. Too bad he wasn't at his base where the samples of his medic lay ready for him to resurrect. Even then, the medic might not be enough.

He needed Tsunade. And now.

"Get the rest of your worthless team together, Kimimaro; we have a little road trip." The sannin hissed before downing several medications. They would only slow down the inevitable, but it would hopefully be enough.

Now, with Naruto…

Naruto looked at the night sky from his perch on one of the Land of Fire's many trees. Angel chewed on some fishcakes they purchased in the last town. The ANBU in disguise felt naked without his face mask, but the urgency of tracking Tsunade-sama down made even mental complaints scarce.

"Naruto, will everyone be okay?" Angel asked for the fifteenth time; his anxiety was getting to her, it seemed.

"I…honestly don't know Angel. It's been three days and we've been led in circles; Tsunade-sama is elusive, but the gambling competition in Tanzaku quarters might be enough to hold her until we arrive." Naruto tried to sound somewhat optimistic but was failing. Angel decided to drop the pestering and jumped up to rest in her partner's now messy brown hair; being able to henge (really a shape shift) into anything or anyone made being inconspicuous a piece of cake, especially as detecting something like changing his hair was nigh impossible with the young ANBU's skill. Getting to Tsunade in order to deliver her orders would be a piece of cake.

It was the 'convincing' the 'Slug Sannin' to follow them that sent shivers through Naruto's still tired body. With a final sigh, Naruto packed up the rest of his food and straightened his tattered cloak; they had eighteen hours to make it to Tanzaku Quarters for the start of the gambling championships.

Hours later and the cloudy night ended up forcing Naruto to channel Kurama's eyes, red slits illuminating the forest. Even with Kurama still sleeping, Naruto had access to the miniscule amounts of chakra needed for the eyes and the extra night vision they gave. Angel snickered.

"What?" He growled, keeping his guard up for any attacks. The hell cat flicked her tail in amusement, jumping beside him in the trees.

"I'm just remembering what Genma said about how your red eyes gave him the 'heebie Jeebies' ever since you used them in that mission."

"Hmm? Which mission, I've had to endure him and Hayate on several missions unfortunately." He groused.

"Oh, just the one you had to be a little noble girl!" Angel said. Naruto choked on air, hating that mission.

"That bastard- he promised never to talk about that, they all did!" Sure, he looked epic when he killed those Suna nins after the 'sleepover' part of the mission and made Konoha gain a long time employer with the shipping tycoon, but the teasing Hayate's squad gave him for having to be and act like a princess always grated on his nerves. Being a 'proper young lady' would never be one of his life goals. Unfortunately, everyone found amusement in that mission, namely Hikaru who still had photos (which Naruto blackmailed him into not spreading) and his adorable feline partner.

"Is it true that you fought three perverts in your kimono and flashed them to get an upper hand?" Angel asked excitedly. Naruto balked.

"W-what?! Where the hell did you hear that?!"

"Oh, the chunin gossip club of course." Angel said, looking pleased.

"…You know, sometimes I worry about your intelligence."

With Hikaru…

The young Hyuga prodigy that nobody recognized paced the border restlessly, Byakugan active. So far not one hint of Orochimaru- not that he really expected any, but still- nor his subordinates. The original plan for Konoha was to launch a war party on Oto and Suna almost immediately following the invasion (especially since they had no Jinchuuriki) but with Hokage-sama incapacitated and the Daimyo wanting to play it safe until his old friend's fate was decided, Hikaru was stuck waiting and playing cleanup.

It pissed him off to no end. Orochimaru being alive altered many plans, and now Naruto was more than likely racing the snake freak to find Tsunade-sama, someone who might not even be able to help.

'No, stop thinking that Hikaru! You're supposed to be the 'positive and easygoing' one of the squad- keep your spirits up.' Hikaru mentally berated himself. But, how could he still be so happy with him separated from his team, some of whom were fighting for their lives?

"Taicho, our replacements have arrived" Hana interrupted his thoughts. She held out a scroll from the village, ready for him to read. With a dutiful nod the Hyuga opened it, eyes widening at the content after he deciphered it.

'Emergency Squad C

Captain: Wolf

Mission: Tracking and Elimination of Key Locations within Otogakure

Location: Land of Rice

Rank: High A- Low S

Details:
Intel from Jiraiya-sama says the Snake is out of the nest, leaving many key locations unprotected. Enclosed is a map with generalized locations of two bases. Seek and destroy these locations while the numbers of surviving Oto personal are within double digits. Additionally operatives are implored to stop by the Daimyo's palace to put it under new management without implicating Konoha or her allies.

Time Range: 2 weeks or when the two bases are destroyed and the 'visit' to the Daimyo's place is complete- whichever occurs first.

Note: Survival comes first in this mission, and if bases prove too well protected, operatives are ordered to return

May the Will of Fire guide your steps.'

Attached was a scroll with the necessary seals, bandit clothes, and supplies. Hikaru had a giddy feeling in his bones, finally feeling useful. Sure his team of trackers was not perfectly ideal for if something went wrong and they were tired, but Hikaru ignored it. If they succeeded, they'd have put another dent into Orochimaru's home and 'taken out' the daimyo. That part of the mission was obviously tacked on by Dragon-sama seeing as it was written in his personal code, not the ones the elders would know.

Clearly his commander wanted the daimyo that sided with Orochimaru dead. Hikaru was glad; he remembered from the briefings before the invasion about how the current daimyo was technically a fraud, as he was merely the former attendant of the actual daimyo who was under Konoha protection until he could reclaim his throne, seeing as the attendant sent fifteen assassins after the young noble.

Looks like claiming the throne was happening sooner rather than later. Hikaru had a hidden grin- ANBU masks really were the best- and clapped Hana on the back.

"Okay Hana-chan, go get the rest of our posse together; team 'Awesome' has a teeny tiny mission!" He cheered and went to burn the scroll; couldn't have anyone find out about his fun 'vacation' in Oto, could he?

Back with Naruto…

"Hey, Angel?"

"Yes, Naruto?" She yawned, the early morning hours making her sleepy even as Naruto kept on running towards their target, carrying her.

"…What did you do during the invasion?" He had already told her about his part, but Angel had been surprisingly silent about her ordeals.

"You know I don't want to talk about it" She snapped.

"Yes, and you know bottling it up will do no good; talk to me Angel, we don't keep secrets between us!" He pointed out. The hell cat sighed, and began murmuring. Shame rolled over her, and Naruto didn't get why, until she began.

Flashback, with Angel in the invasion…

Angel had originally been with Habiki and his assassination squad due to some last minute switch ups. They were in charge of taking out the minions as they crept through the shadows towards the mountains, where the civilian shelters were. Angel herself had already bitten off the head of ten shinobi and barbequed three with her fire breath.

"Angel, conserve chakra young one; fighting with such vigor will lead you to tire before the streets are bathed in blood" Habiki admonished even as he darted ahead to slit five Oto shinobis' throats. Angel grunted and kept attacking, mind distracted by thoughts of her human.

Naruto. Oh, how she hoped he was okay. She hated that he didn't have her with him, she'd tear into anyone who hurt him! But, here she was, stuck killing maggots.

"Stupid Dragon-sama making me not be with Naruto; I'll pee in his shoes for this!" She griped and jumped off another rooftop. Fighting mixed with screams and blood were around her, but Angel was distracted. And that's what became her downfall. She missed the shouts at first, so distracted, and took a detour from the shelters route to end a measly chunin. When she finally made it to the shelter entrance where she would guard for the rest of the invasion, her blood ran cold.

Iruka Umino, the rather plain but good academy instructor, the man Naruto admired greatly and looked up too, was fighting five Suna nin, his students huddled behind him. They were backed against an entrance that had both the under and above ground blown up, blocking them from safety.

"I won't let you harm my students- they are our future and I will kill you all before you spill even a drop of their blood!" Iruka yelled bravely. He summoned more kunai, battling all five while dodging jutsu.

Angel leaped onto the closest enemy with a yowl of outrage when the bastard attempted to reach Konohamaru who stood in front of his classmates with a trembling kunai.

Clearly, he was being brave, though Angel's protective instincts wished it was a brat she didn't care about being the brave protector.

Instead she decapitated her prey and took out another one within ten seconds. The last three launched matching wind attacks on Iruka, tearing his back to shreds.

"IRUKA-SENSEI!" All the students screamed. Iruka shunshined away to stand back in front of his students, fighting off the lone female- at least it looked female- of the attackers. Angel cursed and jumped on another man's back, severing the spinal cord and shot fire at one of the remaining two.

Angel prepared to launch at the final enemy when said enemy used several kawarimi, leaving an active explosive note right in front of the children stuck to the ground, with what Angel recognized as a locked activation making stopping it impossible without sealing ability. The hell cat instantly was on top of it, sending a prayer to Naruto and hoped it wasn't strong enough to still kill the children.

But instead a bleeding Iruka switched with her, then got five hundred feet away with the note, deactivating it. The sparks stopped, and everyone cheered. Iruka looked up, allowing a smile despite his pain. All was well, Angel sighed in relief.

Then the tag exploded, sending everyone crashing to the ground.

Iruka was gone.

Back to present…

"I-I took the kids to the next shelter, Habiki helped me after he finished off another squad sent to finish us off. I-I'm sorry Naruto, I got Iruka killed." Angel, despite being feline, burst into tears. Naruto had stopped and stared blankly at the ground for the entire retelling of what Angel viewed as her greatest shame. If only she hadn't been thinking about something other than her job! Naruto plopped down in front of Angel, and took her into a bone crushing hug.

This was not what Angel expected, not after she killed Iruka.

"You are not at fault." The young ANBU agent stated firmly. Angel opened her mouth to protest but was stopped by the icy blue eyes glaring. "No. You. Are. Not. To. Blame. You saved Konohamaru and the academy students- our future. Iruka… God, I miss him so much. I didn't even think about him before now, I'm such an ass, aren't I?!" Naruto's eyes teared up, realizing he barely thought of anyone outside ANBU this whole time. Angel buried her head in his stomach.

"No! You aren't an ass, and I'm the one who couldn't stop the tag, couldn't keep them from hurting him. He was your sensei, your precious person."

"Yes, he was…and so are you. I am so grateful you didn't die, Angel. Never doubt that. The tag going off was no one's fault except the Suna nin's." He stated firmly.

"W-what?" Naruto sighed, and explained how the false deactivation seal- something he just started learning himself- could fool anyone not a sealing specialist, and that Iruka being able to deactivate the first level was already amazing and spoke of his dedication to learning as much as possible for his students. Iruka's death was an accident of war he reminded Angel- and himself- before noticing it was midmorning.

"I think it's time we keep moving," Naruto mused and lifted to cradle the still teary eyed Angel to his chest. "Now, why don't you describe the Suna chunin who escaped?" Angel blinked.

"Why?"

"Oh, just so that when she shows up one day one a mission or in our possible war with them, I know who to kill very painfully."

Hell cat and ANBU agent spent the rest of the trip discussing various ways to kill the one who took out Naruto's first true sensei. The rift that had threatened to blossom at one's reluctance to talk about the invasion mended and drew them closer with each passing torture method discussed.

Hey, shinobi always had…interesting therapeutic methods.

Meanwhile, with Orochimaru…

The snake sannin sat grimacing atop Jirobo's shoulders, stopping himself from killing the fool for almost tripping on a branch. Orochimaru would punish the oaf later, after he found Tsunade and had her heal him.

The clumsiness almost made him want to just tree hop himself, only the knowledge that he would need his strength stopped him. He was lucky he had enough chakra to summon a snake to transport them into fire country without alerting the border guards and bringing Konoha's ire on them.

But soon, soon he'd be whole once more.

"Kimimaro, where issss Tsunade?" He hissed as Kimimaro appeared next to the traveling Sound Four. Even while hopping the Kaguya bowed, something Orochimaru found pleasing.

"Orochimaru-sama, I have reason to believe the Slug Sannin will stop at Tanzaku Quarters for their two day regional championships in gambling; we should be able to corner her there for you to convince her to aid in your cause."

"Yesss" Orochimaru said after a moment. "Excellent work; how long before we arrivesss?"

"One day, my lord."

"Hurry up, and stop bouncing me, Jirobo!" He said, smacking the mohawk of the teen.

Orochimaru had very little time left, and would not do for a man destined to live forever.

Meanwhile, with Yakumo…

The Kurama heiress stared at her hands, still shocked at what she did despite the proud pat on the head Ferret gave her.

She killed, just like Naruto did. She was…a shinobi? Or just a killer? Honestly, her emotions were everywhere, leading to the medic shinobis asking her if she needed a sedative.

Flashback, Yakumo in the invasion…

Yakumo was holed up in one of the mountains, hearing the screams and fighting down in the village. She felt so guilty, knowing that she had a personal guard while everyone else had only themselves. Ferret had set her down in the bunker, before going to meet with the Konoha shinobi assigned to the tunnels for all the shelters.

"Well, well, Orochimaru-sama will be pleased when we bring you back." A cold voice chuckled. In the doorway, looking smug, was six Oto shinobi.

Crap, Yakumo's mind supplied.

"Be a good little girl and we won't hurt you…much." One of the other five- they all looked the same really- mocked. Yakumo's heart stuttered, and when a kunai grazed her cheek, she let loose.

"Oh, YoU wAnT To Plaaay?" A deep voice echoed through the room, emerging from Yakumo. She wasn't sure what was happening that made her suddenly a bystander in her own body, but the smell of urine informed her that the shinobi were not amused.

'Huh, wonder if Naruto or Kurama ever have their enemies pissing themselves? I'll have to ask over our next ramen date- I mean meal.' The heiress wondered, not knowing if she should be afraid of her suddenly demonic voice and demeaner. At least the Kyubi would find it amusing. He'd probably make Naruto tell her another story of him causing mass chaos and destruction.

She clearly had odd choices in friends.

The enemies at her door had no knowledge of their target's less than sane musings. They were much too busy being terrified out of their wits, one guy going so far as to start some hand seals with the grace of a drunk toddler on caffeine.

"E-earth style" He managed before suddenly stopping and plunging a kunai into his own heart. The room shifted for Yakumo, reality becoming a dozen different scenes in quick succession, each darker than the last. A green version of her, a mirror image save for the coloration and face (she did not have a horn or fangs, no matter how epic that would be, thank you very much), stood next too her.

"Let me take care of, my itty bitty Yakumo. Why don't you take a… little nap?" It said. Suddenly, Yakumo felt heavy, like when the medics drugged her or she ate too much ramen. She felt herself be dragged under, and fighting proved futile.

End flashback…

Knowing that your genjutsu ended up killing five shinobi in two minutes and the last one- their leader- ran away screaming was not as assuring as to Yakumo as everyone thought it should be. Not even she knew what those men saw.

Perhaps that was better? She shook her head of depressing thoughts, and went back to writing to Naruto. The idiot hadn't been by to see her lately, and her chest ached whenever she thought about him. The medics assured her nothing was wrong, but Yakumo disagreed.

A boy shouldn't make her fever spike or her heart palpitate so hard. She'd have to get a second opinion when the village lockdown was over.

Back with Naruto…

Tanzaku Quarters was magnificent in the midday light, bringing hope to the traveling pair that they just might succeed. Currently the ANBU was crouched in a tree, admiring the wall enclosed town and castle that was over a thousand years old (according to the lore, that is). Tsunade was down there, amongst the hordes of travelers. He had to find her- preferably before the gambling started- but first a little recon was in order.

"Summoning jutsu!" Instantly five panthers- including Habiki and Akira- and Hisoka appeared, rested up and wary. They looked ready for war, as that was what many thought would happen.

"Naruto, you're dressed…differently." Habiki mused. The boy just smiled, still not liking not having anything covering his face.

"Yes, yes, well we're tracking down a sannin today and I need your help as Orochimaru is after them too." Recognition dawned in the elder panther's eyes.

"Ah, yes, the slugs still have…her as a summoner. As the monkeys haven't complained about losing Hiruzen, he's still alive, but knowing the invasion, injured gravely?"

"Yes, and we need her or else…" Naruto didn't finish that statement. "Anyways, please patrol the forests and town border for signs of Orochimaru or other shinobi, including Tsunade-sama. If you find anything, let me know immediately."

All the summons nodded before poofing away. Naruto then sent out numerous clones in various henges before he finally got on the main road with the rest of the travelers. Approaching the gate the young ANBU took a deep breath.

Here he would either save his kage and family or doom them to death or retirement.

"Hey, we got this!" Angel whispered. Naruto shushed her.

"Cats don't normally talk!"

"Well they should- we're better than you smelly humans!"

"Uhmmm…did your cat just talk?" A civilian trader looked both disturbed and in awe. Naruto gave a blank stare.

"I'm sorry, did you say something?" He deadpanned, and walked into the city without a second glance.

End….After the Omake!...

Shisui Uchiha was many things, not that he was bragging.

Sexy, badass shinobi? Check.

Killer of enemy Jinchuuriki and rouge ROOT commanders? You got it.

ANBU commander who singlehandedly brought the corps to new heights? Of course that was him.

Overworked kage?... Oh, how he wished it wasn't so.

'Damn you to the nine pits of hell Hiruzen! When you wake up I'm going to enjoy killing you- and it will be legal, as I'll be Hokage! HAHAHAHA- Shit, did my paperwork just REPRODUCE?!'

Shisui, still in Dragon gear, balked at his growing pile from the invasion. Honestly, how did fifteen shadow clones still not put a dent in the pile?! Any more and he'd have to steal from his commander paperwork brigade of clones, which obviously couldn't happen.

"Why did I ever agree to this job? Not even the promise of torturing the chunin was worth it!" He groaned, scaring the chunin that came in with more coffee into passing out on the floor. Shisui stared at the young man in distaste. "Hawk, take the chunin away and get me a competent assistant!"

"Sir" Hawk appeared, "that was our last one- you've sent four of the last ten to the hospital psych ward!"

"And?! Your point?! I thought shinobi were supposed to be strong minded" Shisui griped.

"U-uh, yes sir. But the chunin are…stressed."

"Hmm, perhaps you're right. Hawk!"

"Y-yes sir?" Hawk asked, suddenly nervous.

"You're hired."

"Hired?"

"As my assistant, of course. Now here's my paperwork, I expect it done after my meeting with the council." And with that, Shisui Uchiha escaped the clutches of evil.

He felt no remorse for abandoning his brave man, Hawk; ANBU were supposed to give up their lives for their Hokage, right?

ENDD….

Yay, hope you guys liked the chapter! We've had most of the pov for the invasions now, mainly I just have to have Hiruzen's, another Jiraiya's, and the summons for some of their povs. Those will be finished probably this next chapter. A couple of things.

I cut it off here before Tsunade's part, as I'm shooting for a 5k chapter with the rest of getting Tsunade.

Anyone remember the mission where Naruto was transformed into a little girl for that mission? I was rereading some chapters, saw that mission, and decided to reference it. Maybe we'll have more missions like that!

Hawk's team mission will be right after Naruto is back in the mission, obviously.

ANBU movie mission is decided: The Lost Tower! It will be a nice, long, 1-2 chapter arc that I think you'll enjoy. Naruto obviously goes back in time for it, but who do you guys want to go back in time at the tower with him? All of Ro? Just some of it? Let me know in the comments!

WE ARE are almost at 1000 REVIEWS! OMG SO EXCITED.

Happy birthday to Marquis. Shaxs- glad we know each other, and give Gus a hug for me! This chapter is dedicated to you and released today just for you- be grateful lol.

Have a great week,

Riku

(ps. Join our discord . Shout out to Dragon my beta- may you survive this semester!)

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