Chapter Nine: New Things
Naruto sat in his room thinking to himself. He had just finished his training for the day, while he would hang out with Ren. He was currently away from the village on a mission and wouldn't be back for at least a couple more days. Though some woman named Chino showed up a few days earlier. She was a huge surprise to everyone. She had a scroll from Ren that explained she was the only other remaining legacy of the Ketsuryūgan. Inoichi was currently in the process of helping her, get settled into the village.
The whiskered blond thoughts eventually drifted back to the wave mission. More specifically, his freak out moment with the red chakra while fighting Haku. Ren had told him he knew what it was and would explain to him. However, after Ren's own berserk moment on the bridge and what had happened since. With Ren being placed on a new team and everything. Not mention team seven stepping up its training and mission work. Neither had any real time to talk to one another as of late.
"That chakra was so weird, I felt so much rage, malice, and desire to cause death." Were Naruto's thoughts as he reflected on it. "That chakra wasn't normal in any way, it was so foreign. The only thing I know for certain is that it was coming from within me. Ren once mentioned that meditation was one of the best to figure out one's self. Lets' give it a try." Naruto put himself in a meditation pose on his bed and began to focus. An action that didn't go unnoticed by the Uzumaki's tenant.
"So the kit is finally trying to figure things out? It's about damn time, I might as well make myself known. I did make a deal with the other human I would help when the time came. I'm not one to go back on my word." Thought the fox as he focused and brought the Uzumaki to him.
Naruto suddenly found himself in some kind of underground structure, the floor flooded with water. He could sense a strong presence down the hall from him. While it made him somewhat nervous, he knew the answers he sought were in that direction. He traveled deeper down the hall until eventually, he came into a large room, with cage doors within it.
"What…..what is this place?" Naruto wondered as he looked around.
"So, you're here at last kit? it's about time, I was getting tired of waiting for you." A deep voice called out from behind the cage. Naruto looked to now see the face of a giant red fox looking down on him.
Naruto looked at what he was seeing showing surprise across his face. Then as he thought more about it. The memories from the wave mission came to mind, specifically the incident on the bridge. It all suddenly clicked in his mind.
"It was you on the bridge wasn't it?" Naruto asked somewhat accusingly. "You were the one that gave me that power on the bridge."
Kurama chuckled a little at the boy. "Correct kit, that was me. Your anger over the supposed death over the dark-skinned boy. Caused you finally to start tapping into my power at last."
"Your….power?" Naruto drawled out as the gears began to turn more and more in his head. Then it all came together in his head. He had heard the stories, heard the descriptions, and more. "You're the Kyubi, You're the nine-tailed fox bijuu?"
"Here I thought you would never figure it out. You're correct kit, that is who I am. Be fortunate to have the most powerful of all the bijuu sealed within you." Mused Kurama as he awaited the blond's next response.
"Sealed within me?"
"Yes, you fool. What else do you think this cage represents? I am sealed within you thanks to that damnable Fourth Hokage and that accursed woman."
"I get it now!" Yelled Naruto as everything began to become much clearer to him. "That night all those years ago! When you attacked the village, The fourth stopped you and sealed you inside me! You're the reason everyone but jiji treated me badly before Ren found me!"
"Correct on all fronts. Perhaps you're not as much of an idiot as I thought? Yes, I was sealed inside you that night and have been waiting for the time when you finally called upon my strength. Kurama spoke with some mirth as he continued. "Now that you have, as much as I detest the idea. I can help you begin trying to understand my power and use it."
"Why the hell would I want you to use your power? You damn fox!"
"SILENCE WHELP!" Kurama roared, shutting up Naruto for the moment. "Be gracious that I am willing to help in this. Normally I wouldn't bother but things are different now. Different then have been for quite some time." The fox spoke cryptically.
Naruto looked at Kurama with a questioning look. "What do you mean by all that?"
Kurama snorted in amusement at the blond. "I have lived for far, far longer than anyone around who exist today. I have knowledge and insight into things, that have long been forgotten by everyone else. Dangers are coming, I can feel it. Dangers that will threaten everything, how exactly I cannot say at the moment." "No point in telling him the true danger that awaits right now. He would not believe me at this point if I did. Time for that will have to wait until the danger becomes more apparent." Kurama thought to himself.
"I'm not quite sure what you mean by that?" Naruto wondered before a stray thought suddenly hit him. "You're what Ren wanted to talk me about after the bridge incident!"
"Yes." Kurama mused mockingly. "That was his intentions, but he became wrapped in his own affairs not long after. He stumbled across me by accident when he was practicing his clan's mind jutsu on you years ago."
"What!?" Naruto exclaimed in surprise. "How come he didn't tell me before?"
"Because whelp, it was not his place to tell you until the time was right. Blame, the geezer of a kage for that. Now, that you know of me, keeping me a secret is now a non-issue." Kurama explained.
"I…see I think." Naruto replied before one of the fox's earlier comments entered his thoughts. "You said that the Fourth Hokage and a woman helped seal you in me? You make it seem like you knew the both of them?"
"If you knew the half of it, although?" Kurama thought to himself as an idea came to his mind. "They boy will learn of his parentage eventually from what the other one said. However, it would probably beneficial if he learned about it now or at least some of it. In a certain way of course. No need to reveal it all to him, it will be fun to watch him try and figure the rest of it out." Kurama broke out of his thought and addressed Naruto. "I did in a way yes, they are both dead now though of course. The woman's name was Kushina and that is all I will say."
"Oh come on!"
Kurama snarled at the boy bearing his fangs. "Be fortunate I even chose to tell you as much as I have! Besides the most important thing is learning to steadily use my power. However, I do have one request in return though."
"I'm not going to release you from me!" Naruto retorted.
"I wasn't going to ask that." Kurama barked back. "I merely wish to have access to your senses. It would help keep me entertained and it would allow me to help you in ways when needed."
"Hmmmmm…" Naruto pondered the request for a moment. "Alright, I don't see an issue with that."
"Very well then, now it's time for you to leave."
Before Naruto could try to protest, he suddenly found himself back in his room again. "That was certainly something, I'll need to talk to Ren once he returns from his mission."
"Okay, Yamanaka boy. I've started my part in all this. Let's see where you steer things from here. I have a feeling, things are going to become far more interesting very soon." Kurama thought to himself in amusement.
Team thirteen and the soon to be new addition to Konoha. Had all just arrived at the village gate. During the travel back, everyone had seemingly come to terms with how things went in Taki. Well just about everyone that is….
"I still can't fucking believe you convinced Shibuki to let go of Fū." Tayuya spoke still not fully believing what had happened.
"As I said before I did nothing." Ren replied innocently. "Shibuki came up with everything himself. Fū accepted the deal herself. All I did was agree to help keep Fū safe. Nothing more."
"This is like the fiftieth we've been over this. Can you just drop it already?" Fū said, being rather tired of this conversation at this point.
"Shut it! All of you!" Cut in Tsume, shutting everyone else up. "Now that we're back in the village. We need to report to Lord Hokage as soon as possible about our mission.
With that decided, everyone kept quiet as they walked through the village. Ren noticed the wonder on Fū's face as she stared in awe at the village around her.
"It's quite the change for you I imagine?" Ren questioned.
"Yes, it is." Fū replied as her eyes roamed at the village. "Taki had its sights but it always felt so enclosed at times. Konoha is so much more open, it gives the feeling of there being so much more freedom. It makes me feel like….like I can start over for the better here." The green-haired kunoichi finished with a feeling of hope.
"Don't worry Fū, I'll make sure you'll have it better here. Like I promised." Ren chimed.
"Thanks, Ren!" Fū replied with a smile towards the Yamanaka. Unknown to either of them, Haku and Tayuya narrowed their eyes ever so slightly at the former Taki ninja. For reasons, neither one could quite understand. Eventually, they all made their way to the Hokage's office. After a moment they were granted entry in the office.
"Ah, team thirteen welcome back. How did your mission go wi-" Hiruzen began before his words stopped. When a green-haired girl he didn't recognize walked in as well. The Hokage's eyes suddenly shot to the Yamanaka boy. "Ren, who else have you now brought to the village?"
"Why do you automatically assume it was me?" Retorted the mocha-skinned blond.
"Because you're the only person in the village who seems to be making a habit of bringing people back with you. Every time you leave the village, this girl here and the other woman. Who arrived a week ago on your recommendation. Which is something I need to discuss with you, while you're here." Hiruzen called one of his ANBU and gave them orders. Who then quickly left.
Ren meanwhile was trying to make a come back about the Hokage's remarks. Then realized he had nothing. "Well shit, you got me there."
"Ren!" Tsume barked. "Be more respectful to Lord Hokage!"
"Sorry."
Hiruzen chuckled at the little display. "Regardless, I'd like your mission report."
Team Thirteen went about explaining their mission in detail. Stopping at the land of hot water and Ren's side quest. Heading to Taki with Shibuki and dealing with the situation about Suien and his thugs. Then finally the final bit about Fū being allowed to leave Taki for Konoha. After they finished talking, the Hokage sat in silence as he processed everything for a few minutes.
"I see." Hiruzen began "You were offered an A-rank mission to help liberate Taki and accepted. Despite only being genin and not even having your jonin sensei with you. You faced a much larger force with a leader that was stronger than you all. Such a course of action was utterly reckless and foolhardy." He spoke with some sternness.
The genin of team thirteen shuffled a bit nervously under the elder Hokage's gaze.
"That being said." Hiruzen spoke as his lips curled into a small smile. "You all did well."
"What!?"
"In the life of a shinobi, you may be faced with tasks that will challenge you in ways like never before. On levels like you've never experienced before. Tasks that may make you choose between doing what is right and what isn't. You chose to help people who were in dire need. Who also happened to be long-standing allies of ours as well. You saved innocents and strengthened the bonds between Taki and Konoha by doing so. Bonds that could prove quite beneficial in the future." Hiruzen said with a sage-like tone.
"Funny you mention that bit at the end because those binds have already paid off in quite a huge way." Ren chimed in.
"How so?" Hiruzen asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Before that parts revealed. You should know that this is an S-rank secret."
Hiruzen's face took a serious expression, understanding the notion. He quickly motioned his remaining ANBU to leave and placed privacy seals in the office. "Now we may speak without unwanted ears listening in."
Ren motioned to Fū, who then stepped forward.
"You see Lord Hokage, I'm the jinchuriki to the Nanabi bijuu." She simply spoke.
Hiruzen's eyes practically bulged out of his skull from shock. He shot from his chair and then turned a stern glare at Ren. "How?" He asked as a demand.
Ren had the decency to gulp from the older man's gaze before answering. "I convinced no one of anything. Shibuki came up with the offer all himself and Fū agreed to it. My only direct role in this was agreeing to help look after Fū."
"Direct role?" Hiruzen questioned as he sat back down in his chair.
"I can explain." Fū stated as attention turned to her. "You see after the successful assault against Suien's group. The villagers came up to us and congratulated us on stopping Suien. Well, they thanked everyone but me that is. Despite risking myself to help save the village. They still insulted me and degraded me." Fū paused for a moment as a look of hurt crossed her face before continuing. "They called me a monster. They said I only came to satisfy my bloodlust like the demon they saw me as."
Hiruzen said nothing but a frown appeared on his face. As the pieces of everything began to fall into place.
"After that, I became very upset and took off before I lost complete composure in front of everyone. I learned later that Ren had lost his temper at the villagers and gave them a verbal lashing. For there mistreatment of me. Ren came to me by himself and comforted me. I don't know how much time passed but eventually, Shibuki found us. He explained his plans and gave me a choice which I chose to leave Taki and come to Konoha. I have all the official documents right here."
Hiruzen motioned the green-haired kunoichi to come forward and hand over the paperwork. He quickly looked through it all making sure everything was in proper order. "I fully understand everything now I believe. Seeing how everything is in proper order. As Hokage, I officially declare you a genin of the leaf village Fū." Announced Hiruzen as he handed a leaf headband to the girl. Who happily took it and tied it around her right arm. Hiruzen couldn't help but smile at the excited girl. "Now then Fū, it may be some time before we can find a team to put you on, but we will see what we can do."
"Yes, thank you, Lord Hokage."
"Now then the most pressing matter would finding you housing, unless of course…." The Hokage trailed off glancing at Ren.
Knowing where this was going Ren responded. "Don't worry, we have one last spare room available, right next to Naruto's and across from mine. That she can have at Yamanaka compound."
"Perfect!" Exclaimed Fū.
With that business handled, Hokage un-did the privacy seals and had his ANBU return. Once, done the ANBU he had sent out earlier returned and gave the Hokage a message none of the others could hear.
"Very well, send them in." Hiruzen merely spoke. The ANBU disappeared and a few moments later, two people walked in. One Ren noticed right away as his uncle Inoichi. The other recognized was his new surrogate sister Chino, however, she was dressed much differently. She was now dressed in Konoha jonin attire and had a leaf headband tied loosely around her neck.
"Uncle Inoichi! Big sis Chino!" Exclaimed Ren. "Seems a lot has happened in the week since you came to Konoha sis?"
"Definitely." Chino replied happily. "When I first arrived I had to go through a lot of questioning, which was understandable. I had a long talk with Inoichi about outright joining the Yamanaka clan, which I agreed too. As you can tell I decided to become a ninja of the leaf. They put me through quite the testing to figure out where to place me."
"Indeed." Cut In Inoichi with some mirth. "She proved to be very troublesome to gauge for Shikaku. Her mastery with her Ketsuryūgan is very impressive, amongst her other skills. We decided to place her at the level of jonin, I'm not kidding when I say she's as good as Kakashi is right now, maybe slightly better."
"You serious Inoichi?" Tsume questioned with a raised brow. Inoichi gave a simple nod in return. "Goddamn!"
"Speaking of Ketsuryūgan." Chino said as looked directly at Ren. "We will need to work on your training schedule. To make time so I can train you one on one with the usage of your Ketsuryūgan."
"That goes without question." Ren mused. "It's been difficult trying to figure it out by myself."
"Exactly, I've already discussed with Inoichi about putting a large pond of red water in the compound. There's already a good spot for one and needed not just for me and you. But also for any possible future Ketsuryūgan users within the Yamanaka clan. We'll drop off the scroll full of the red water sample you took to be analyzed, so it can be recreated. All goes well, the pond will be finished by the end of the week."
"Are you not running any missions for the village yet sis?" Wondered Ren.
Chino simply shook her head. "Not yet but I would like to find something productive to do in-between training you though."
Ren pondered that for a moment. "How about helping out at the academy? I'm sure they would welcome the extra set of hands. Even if it is for a short time.
"Hmmmmm…" Pondered Chino. "I like that idea actually."
"I agree." Cut in Hiruzen with a smile. "I'm sure Iruka would be happy to have your help, Chino. I believe that settles everything, for the time being, you're all free to go."
As everyone left the room and the door shut, Hiruzen thought with to himself in uncertainty. "Konoha now has two bijuu the nine-tails and now the seven-tails. Two of the three most powerful bijuu. I wonder if Ren even realizes just how much he just shifted the balance of power? Amongst the five great nations, even it wasn't intentional."
Meanwhile, everyone was gathered outside the Hokage tower. "Alright then, I'll take sis to the academy, real quick to get her introduced to Iruka. Here, uncle, I imagine you want to take this sample and get it looked over." Ren spoke as he handed the scroll over to Inoichi. "Me and sis will catch up to all once were done at the academy."
After everyone else took off, Ren and Chino took off to the academy. Thankfully it was only a short walk from the Hokage's office. The large and pristine building. That was in charge of helping get the future ninja of the leaf started on their careers. Upon entering the inside was just as impressive as the outside.
"Nice place." Chino muttered impressed.
"Konoha has always prided itself on having a top-notch academy building." Ren retorted. "Iruka-sensei is probably in his office, I'll take you there." After a brief walk down the hall and a few turns. They found the room that functioned as the office for the academy teachers. "You in there Iruka-sensei?" Ren called out after a knock on the door. A moment later the door opened up and revealed everyone's favorite academy teacher.
"Ren!" Iruka stated in surprise at his former student's sudden appearance. "What brings you here?"
"Well, I have someone here to help out at the academy for a short time. She just arrived at the village some time ago. Looking to do some kind of work before they decide what her role exactly will be." Ren explained as he motioned to Chino.
It was only now Iruka noticed the woman standing next to Ren. Iruka's eyes were immediately glued to the woman he was seeing. He could feel a blush start to adorn his face as he unconsciously began scratching his scar. Iruka couldn't deny how pretty the woman looked. A cough from Ren broke Iruka out of his unintended trance.
Quickly correcting himself from the embarrassing position he had put himself in and addressed the woman. "My name's Iruka Umino one of the head instructors here at the academy." He quickly said a bit sheepishly.
"I'm Chino Yamanaka, nice to meet you Iruka." She spoke as she seemed to look over Iruka a moment before turning to Ren. "He's stronger than he looks, Ren."
"Iruka-sensei is strong enough to be a full-blown jonin. He just stays a chunin because he enjoys his job at the academy too much."
"Well regardless of that." Cut in Iruka, getting his emotions under control. "You wish to help part-time at the academy?"
"I do." Spoke Chino. "Lord Hokage thinks it would be a good thing for me for now until the figure out what other jobs to put me in."
"I'd be happy to help make a schedule with you in my office. Why don't you join us, Ren? It's been some time since we last talked and I hear you've been on quite the adventures. Since you graduated from the academy."
"Tempting Iruka-sensei." Ren mused. "However I need to handle some other things, but I will make some time for a good catch-up talk. For now, I'll leave you two to do your planning. I'll see you later Iruka-sensei, I'll see back at the compound Chino." With a quick body flicker, Ren took off back to his clan compound.
He arrived at the front gates of it, just in time to catch everyone else just reaching it as well. Minus Tsume, who must have headed off to the Inuzuka compound. Ren quickly explained that Chino was back at the academy still. Upon walking inside they were immediately greeted by Kairi. Who once more smothered Ren as a mother would.
"Oh? Who this?" Kairi wondered when she noticed a green-haired girl.
"I'm Fū, a new kunoichi of the village. Ren offered me a place here. Since I don't have any housing of my own yet."
"I see Fū. Welcome to Konoha then." Kairi spoke as then turned to her son. "My Ren, you bring another pretty girl to live here. Upon your return to the village, I can only imagine what you're planning." Kairi finished with a wiggle of her eyebrows.
"Mother! it's not like that at all and you know it!"
Kairi giggled a little. "I know, I couldn't help but tease you a little. Follow me Fū and I'll get you settled in the spare room next to Naruto's."
"Speaking of which where is Naruto?" Ren wondered.
"Oh he's out training with his team but he should be back soon though." Kairi remarked as she then left and took Fū with her.
"Well as great as this has been, I need a damn shower and some good old-fashioned relaxation." Muttered Tayuya as she walked off to her room.
"I agree with Tayuya, some relaxation would be great after our last mission." Haku chimed as she went to her room. Ren not seeing what else to do, decided to do the same. After a shower and a change of clothes, Ren decided to check in on Fū. Noticing her door was open, Ren noticed she seemed to be just finishing up unpacking her things.
"What do you think? An improvement from your place in Taki?"
"Absolutely." She replied. "My place in Taki was just a glorified treehouse. This is so much better in my opinion."
"Glad to see you're liking it."
"REN!" Came the shout from an all to familiar whiskered blond. Who was immediately in front of Ren. "You're finally back from your mission. Good thing too we need to talk about something." Naruto spoke as he then noticed the green-haired and orange-eyed girl in the room. He and Ren were standing in front of.
"Naruto this's Fū, Fū this's Naruto." Stated Ren.
"Hey kit, that girl is the container to my sibling the Nanabi. I can sense it." Kurama spoke to Naruto, though the Uzumaki didn't seem to hear him.
"Naruto you there?" Ren asked as he noticed Naruto seemed to be spaced out as he looked at Fū. Everything else around him seemingly forgotten. A light blush on his face. "Naruto…You there?" Ren asked again.
"Her eyes are such a pretty shade of orange…." Naruto spoke out absent-mindedly, still unaware of those around him. Other than the green-haired kunoichi. Fū meanwhile was blushing a deep shade of red from the compliment. Not being used to others speaking to her in such a manner.
"Oi! Naruto!" Ren barked, finally getting his friend's attention. "You do realize you just said that out loud?"
Naruto paused for a moment, as Ren's word sunk in. Once they finally did, his face turned a deep red from embarrassment. "Wait…I..I…didn't mean to say that! Not….not out loud anyways! I did mean what I said but it as meant to be a mental thing!"
"Naruto just shut up. You're not helping yourself." The Uzumaki immediately complied. Both boys were brought to the attention of Fū as she giggled at the whole display.
"It's kind of cute how he looks when he's all shocked, especially with the whisker marks." Fū chimed.
Naruto was too surprised to do anything but give a half-smile. Ren meanwhile had a glint of mischievousness in his eyes. As an idea suddenly sprung into his head, from what he was seeing. "I have to see where this goes." He quickly thought before speaking his mind. "You know Naruto, Fū just arrived to the village. She still needs a full tour of the village, so she knows where everything is. I have some other business you'll need to do it. Also since she's going to be living here with us. It would be good for you two to get to know each other. We'll all talk later. Ja Ne!" Before Naruto could even get a word in, Ren body flickered away.
"Damn you, Ren." Naruto muttered, as he then faced the green-haired kunoichi. "So…. you ready to head out and see the village Fū?"
"Let's go!" She spoke cheerily.
Ren appeared a few minutes later in front of the Uchiha compound. While he had hoped to handle this sooner. Better late than never he supposed. He walked into the compound and headed for where Sasuke lived. Arriving at his place, he knocked on the door and waited. After a minute the door opened revealing Sasuke.
"Ren?" He asked with some surprise. "What brings you here?"
"It's been some time we last hung out and some stuff I wanted to talk about. Plus, I just returned from my mission and have free time."
"Come on in, I have nothing happening right now."
Ren went and sat down in the living room area. A few minutes later Sasuke came back with some drinks for them. He took a seat across from Ren.
"So what's new with you? It's been some time since we've been able to talk?" Sasuke asked.
"Yeah, I know. Getting put a whole new and what not has that effect. I'll catch you up on things." Mused Ren. For the next hour or so Ren and Sasuke talked about Missions training and whatnot.
"So you saved a whole village from a crazy guy and found a descendent of the Chinoike and everything. That is pretty wild I have to say. How're your teammates?" Wondered the Uchiha.
"Haku is Haku, I have nothing bad to say about her. Though that probably doesn't come as a surprise to you."
"I see nothing new going on between you two by chance?" Sasuke asked a bit playfully?
Ren raised an eyebrow in genuine confusion. "Not sure what you mean?"
"Don't worry about it then. How about that Tayuya girl?"
"Tayuya is interesting. I wasn't sure what to make of her until I saw her skills in action. She's a very skilled kunoichi." "She's one of Orochimaru's elite guards, so no surprise." He quickly thought. "She uses a flute for genjutsu, which is neat."
"So you finally found someone else who shares that unique style of genjutsu with you. That's pretty cool." Mused Sasuke.
"How about you and the others?" Wondered Ren.
"What is there to say?" Sasuke snarked. "Things haven't been bad per se but with you gone. We just lack any kind of real leader amongst us. Me and Naruto keep butting heads here and there. We still work together just fine, for the most part, it's just you were always the center for us. When things kicked up, you were always the one who would immediately take charge and put plans into play. We went with it because we all had enough trust in you. For you to be that person for the team, you've always been that good at it in truthfulness. Maybe that's why you were taken off of team seven and put on a different squad? Maybe they felt we were too dependent on your leadership in the group when things got nuts? Other than that we've been training our skills, not much else to say. I'm surprised you haven't heard all this from Naruto already? You do live together after all."
"I would have but being on a new team and everything that comes with it. Plus, Naruto's schedule with you and the others. There honestly hasn't been the time I would have liked to do so. Though I'll have a chance soon though." Ren paused before speaking. "There is something I would like to talk with you about Sasuke."
"If you say you're in love with me. I'll be flattered but I don't swing that way." Sasuke joked.
"Ahh shit, I had flowers and the dinner reservation all set up too."
Both paused for a moment as they gave a few snorts of laughter.
"No nothing like that, it's…..something else." Ren said with some uncertainty creeping into his voice. "I…want to talk to you about what happened at the end of the wave mission."
"I see." Sasuke said in a somber tone. "This about you going nuts after what Gato said I take it?"
"Well….yeah, the thing is I feel like a massive hypocrite is all."
"How so?"
Ren let out a sigh before continuing. "it's just…. You know however since…that night. I've been saying to how you shouldn't let yourself become consumed by the idea of revenge?"
Sasuke nodded in understanding.
"Then the time I'm faced in a situation where I'm dealing with the feeling of revenge. I completely lose control without a second thought. I turned into a blood-lusting psycho in the moment. Then after I killed the one I was after, I was still so consumed in my bloodlust. I would have killed the rest of the thugs even though the fight had been scared out of them. I would have not because I needed to, but because in the moment I wanted too. I would have butchered them all because they were associated with the object of my revenge. Kami only knows what would have happened to me if I had been allowed to do it. After all that, what right do I have to lecture to you?" Ren finished in vexation.
Everything completely silent for a few minutes between the two boys.
"Ren you're an idiot." Sasuke finally said.
"What?"
"I said you're an idiot." Sasuke barked. "Let's look at the facts of things here. You had been fighting all day, against not one but two strong opponents. The latter of whom nearly killed you after you had exhausted yourself. You were tired, sore, and barely able to keep up on your feet. Hardly in any condition to keep a proper state of mind about things. Gato shows up and reveals that your dad was actually killed, on his orders. Then he goes and mocks you right to your face about it to no less. Who wouldn't be extremely pissed off about that? Then on top of all that your dormant kekkei genkai awakens on you in the heat of the wild emotions, you were feeling. Anyone that knows kekkei genkai, can tell you. When there awakened by intense emotions, those emotions in the moment are amplified further. To top it all off the reason for it all was standing right in front of you ready for the taking. Honestly, it would have been a miracle if you hadn't gone for the kill."
"But-"
"Also" cut in Sasuke. "I've had years to think about and work through my issues with what happened that night. With some help of course along the way." He made a gesture to Ren. "You on the other hand had everything happen, in rapid-fire succession. Without any kind of time to properly process it all. That all makes a big difference."
Ren was quiet for a few moments before he let out a sigh. "You know when you put it like that. That makes a lot of sense, I never really thought of it that way. I guess I am an idiot?"
"Glad to see you realized it."
"Oi!"
"Getting back on track." Muttered Sasuke. "I think your little episode on the bridge helped me realize something. It made me realize….the dangers of allowing yourself to be consumed by revenge. I'll be honest Ren when you lost control and went berserk in your desire for revenge. It scared me, it scared me because I thought if allowed myself to be consumed by revenge. I would become what you did in that moment. Someone who forgets about everyone and everything around them and focuses solely on their desire to kill. That maniac glee you had, that radiating aura of wild bloodlust. I realized after, some time of thinking about it all. That's not something I want to be if I were too. I would go down a path that would destroy myself and those around me. That I care for, as few as they are."
"You still want to get back at Itachi though, I assume?" Ren mused.
"I do still want to bring my brother to justice, but not as an avenger. Such a path will only lead to more destruction then what it's worth. Instead, I will take the path of a protector. I will become stronger and defeat my brother, so I can prevent others that I can from being hurt by him."
"I have to say Sasuke I am surprised." Ren said with some amazement. "Don't get me wrong, I approve of this path you've chosen to take. I have to ask what inspired you to take it?"
"To put it simply….you did." Sasuke spoke locking his eyes with Rens. "You've always been stronger than me, stronger than Naruto, stronger than all of our peers. I had to wonder, what it was that made you so much stronger? Then I remembered what you said when team seven was first formed."
"I don't really care for something like being Hokage and what not. I suppose my only real dream is too simply be strong enough to protect everyone and everything I care about. As much as I possibly can."
"That's what I realized what made you so strong. It was your desire to protect that gives you the strength you have."
"Hmmm…" Ren hummed as he thought to himself. "I guess that only leaves one real choice for us then." He spoke up. "We'll just have to work on becoming stronger together as protectors, won't we?"
"Exactly?" Sasuke replied with a smirk. "So you feel like doing anything else? Now that all of that has been settled?"
"Want to head into the heart of the village and see if anything looks interesting?" Ren suggested.
"Works for me."
Both boys took off together, just wandering around Konoha looking for anything of interest. As they passed by Ichiraku Ramen, something caught the attention of the two.
"Hey, isn't that Naruto? Who's the girl with green hair with him?" Sasuke questioned.
Ren turned his head to look and sure enough, Naruto and Fū were sitting together at the ramen stand. Both had smiles on there face as they talked and laughed with one another. "That's Fū, she's the one from Taki who just joined Konoha, I mentioned earlier."
"Looks like the dobe might have gotten himself a girlfriend, not bad." Sasuke said with a smirk. "Let's leave them be."
Ren and Sasuke traveled more throughout the village once they reached the end of the market district. They were suddenly greeted by something that would haunt them for weeks to come.
"If it isn't the students of my eternal rival!" A voice suddenly called out and the one behind it appeared before the two.
"What….the fuck is that?" Said a shocked Sasuke.
The man had a large frame. He had large black bowl-cut hair, massive eyebrows that made Ren wonder why no performed a fire jutsu to burn them off. He wore a too-tight full-body green spandex suit. That made Ren's stomach turn, at the kami forsaken monstrosity before his eyes. The way his hands and body moved portrayed him for the taijutsu master he was. Then there was the blinding teeth smile, that was practically a weapon in its own right. It all culminated together that the man was dangerous and borderline insane. The man before them was Maito Gai, Kakashi's self-proclaimed rival.
Ren remembered Gai from the series in his past life. Even just seeing him in the anime, made him find the man….weird, so to say. Meeting him in person though just made him realize just how off it. That man truly seemed to be, maybe just maybe. Orochimaru wasn't the most insane person to come out of Konoha?
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Maito Gai, an associate of Kakashi's! I heard great things about the bountiful youthfulness you two possess." Gai said with a blinding teeth smile. "You two are young Sasuke Uchiha and Ren Yamanaka if I'm not mistaken?"
Both boys simply nodded unable to speak coherent words at the moment.
"I've heard fantastic things about you, two youthful boys!" Gai continued to speak in his boisterous manner. That made Ren wonder what kind of drugs Konoha might be secretly slipping their shinobi. "Truly it is a pleasure to see such two young promising ninjas. Fanning their flaming youth for all to wonder and adore!"
Ren and Sasuke watched as Gai suddenly had a look of fire in his eyes as he struck a dramatic pose. Ren and Sasuke froze in place in mild terror. As Gai continued to shout about youth, training, and things that were flaming. Also why the hell was there a sunset and waves behind him all of sudden? Noticing that Gai was too caught up in his monologuing to notice them. Both boys saw it was there chance to escape from the great green evil before them. They both quickly body flickered as far away as they could.
"I….I…..I'm just going to head home….. and try to forget I ever saw that….thing…." Sasuke said with a voice as if he just saw the most horrifying thing in existence. Ren unable to form words in his state of shellshock, simply nodded and walked off.
The Busted Blade Bar was a place that was frequented by many shinobi in the village, looking to unwind. The bartender looked when the doors opened to see, what looked to be a genin from the Yamanaka walk in. The boy had the look of someone who had just seen the single most mind scaring thing in existence. He walked straight up t the bar and took a seat.
"What happened to you?" The bartender mused in curiosity.
"Green…spandex…"
"Ah, I see." The bartender replied in understanding. "You were fully exposed to Maito Gai for the first time, weren't you? I know just what you need." The bartender quickly put together the drink and placed it before Ren. "A glass of 'Anti-Gai Matter' for you." Ren took his mask off and placed it on the bar counter, he took the glass and downed the drink in one go. Without any hesitation, he motioned for more. "I'll get the pitcher."
Kakashi walked into the Broken Blade, he had received a tip his former student Ren was in the establishment. He had been for at least a few hours now, Kakashi decided to see what was going on. He walked in and immediately saw Ren sitting at the bar, mask off and, very clearly drunk off his ass. The silver-haired jonin walked up to the side of his former student. "Ren? Are you okay?" Kakashi asked cautiously. The mocha-skinned blond turned to face who addressed him, almost falling to the floor in the process. Barely catching himself on the bar counter.
"Kakashi-sensei!" Ren drunkenly slurred. "When did you get here?"
"What the hell has he been drinking?" Kakashi asked the bartender.
"Anti-Gai Matter."
Kakashi pinched the bridge of his nose, as everything made sense now. "So, he got his first full dose of Gai eh? Just how much has he, drank so far?"
"He just started his fifth pitcher, damn impressive." Mused the bartender. "With the way that pitcher is mixed, every glass has about four shots worth of liquor each."
"Someone is going to have a very unhappy morning." Kakashi chuckled.
Suddenly a voice called out that both Kakashi and Ren could have gone without hearing. "My young friend! Drowning yourself in alcohol is a most un-youthful thing to do. You will only harm the power of your flaming youthfulness."
Ren looked at the creature he suddenly found next to him, noting how unsettling its caterpillar-like eyebrows were. Glancing at the pitcher next to him and managing to recall what the drink was called. He quickly grabbed it a poured it all over the offending green monster. He stared with squinted eyes and his head cocked sideways. Like he was some sort of old senile cat, waiting to see if his idea would work. Right before his legs gave out and un-ceremoniously collapsed to the floor in an unconscious drunken wreck.
It took every bit of Kakashi's willpower to not break out in laughter at the sight before him. Though he did chuckle a bit. "I always wondered if that would work, how unfortunate it doesn't."
"Ren…." A tender voice called out. "Ren….."
Ren came out of drunken slumber to notice he was in his room. Though it seemed mildly tilted and his head was throbbing madly. He turned his head to see Haku and Tayuya standing over his bed.
"Kami, you look like hammered shit." Chuckled Tayuya.
"Appropriate considering that's what I feel like." Groaned Ren. "Now leave me be so I can die in peace."
"What in the world compelled you to drink as you did?" Haku asked. "Kakashi showed up early in the night with you passed out drunk, slung over his shoulder. He refused to say what drove you to put yourself in such a state.
"Can't quite recall in all honesty. I just remember being in town, then some green thing showed up and shouted about things being flaming. It's all blank after that."
"Regardless" Haku began. "You should know that your uncle got the testing results on the red water this morning. Now we know how to recreate it, the large pond for you and Chino to use for Ketsuryūgan training. Will be constructed and completed in a few days. Now then." Haku created small acupuncture sized needles of ice. She placed them around certain pressure points at his neck and head. "These needles where I've placed them will steady melt away, they will numb certain areas. Which will help alleviate your hangover symptoms."
As the needles began to work, Ren immediately began to feel an improvement. He let out a pleasant moan of relief. "Haku, you have no idea how much I could kiss you right now."
A light blush couldn't help but appear on Haku's face from the response. "Be that as it may, you should focus on recovering. We'll leave you to your rest." Haku then took her leave.
"Have fun sleeping off that hangover." Chimed Tayuya.
"Maybe you could play a tune with your flute? It might help."
"Sorry dumbass, I like you, but I don't like you that much. Yet anyways." She muttered as she left.
Ren let out another moan of satisfaction, as the ice needles worked. He soon drifted off to surprisingly pleasant sleep. He awoke hours later feeling far better than before. He pulled himself out of bed and took a soothing shower before putting on some fresh clothes and his mask. He left his room and noticed, the door to Naruto's room was wide open. Curiosity taking hold of him. He poked his head and was greeted with the sight of Naruto and Fū. Sitting on the floor together, talking to one another.
"Yosh!" Ren said announcing his presence. Naruto and Fū looked and were surprised seeing the mocha-skinned blond.
"So you managed to drag yourself out of bed? I guess miracles do happen." Naruto joked.
"Oh shut up I don't want to hear it."
"What caused you to drink like that?" Wondered Fū.
"I can't remember, and I don't want to. Anyways what are you two up to?" Ren muttered to change the subject.
"Just talking about our lives and stuff. We have a lot in common outside of our unique circumstances." Naruto answered.
"So then you know about your tenant then I take it?"
"Yeah, I know about Kyubi."
"Naruto, I didn't me-" Ren began before being cut off.
"Don't worry about it Ren, I already talked about things with Kyubi. I know you had your reasons for not being able to tell me. Me and Fū were talking about seeing if we could somehow connect our inner worlds. So we can talk to one another's bijuu."
An idea struck Ren at that notion. "I should be able to help with that." He spoke up.
"How's so?" Fū wondered.
"Well, my clan specializes in mind based jutsu in all sorts of ways. I could function as a bridge you could put it." Ren explained.
"Makes sense enough to me."
"Before that however Fū, I'd like to perform one of my clan jutsu's on you. I doubt you have any experience in this sort of thing. Being exposed to such things for the first time can be odd for one on the receiving end. So I'd like you to have some familiarity with it before we attempt the multi-link." Ren explained.
After a moment of thought, Fū gave a nod of approval. Ren made the needed hand sign. "Mind-Body Switch Technique." Ren spoke as his mind transferred and took control of Fū's. He then focused and entered the green-haired kunoichi's inner world.
Ren awoke to find himself in what appeared some kind of jungle-like environment. He noticed a small path and walked down it, after a little travel he came across the sealed cell of the Nanabi. It looked to be some sort of giant honeycomb looking cage. Inside was what looked to be a giant seven-tailed rhinoceros beetle, Chomei.
"Greetings Ren Yamanaka! I am the Nanabi!" Spoke the bijuu in a happy go lucky tone as Ren approached.
"Glad to meet you Chomei. I'm glad to see you're more approachable than Kurama." Ren replied.
Chomei froze up upon hearing its true name being said, as well as its brothers. Taking a few moments to make sure it heard correctly, it then addressed the Yamanaka boy. "You know….my name?" Chomei asked in intrigue.
"Yes, I do Chomei, amongst other things. Allow me to explain, there's a fair bit to go over but I'll try to be quick about it." Ren then went over everything he had told Kurama when he contacted him. "That's the gist of everything Chomei." He said once finished.
Chomei stood a bit dumbstruck as it took everything in. "Incredible, truly incredible I must say." Chomei replied. "In all my many years, this's truly a first for me. Very well, I shall assist as I can in this endeavor. I have no desire to see Kaguya return."
"Thank you Chomei, your cooperation means a great deal. I must now return to my own body and assist with the multi-link. Remember Fū cannot know of anything we just discussed."
"My mouth is shut on the matter!"
With that settled, Ren cut the link and soon found himself back in his own body. After a few moments, Fū came back to her senses. "That was kind of weird, it was like I just suddenly went to sleep for no reason. I have no idea what going on while I was under that jutsu's influence." She muttered to the Yamanaka.
"I did say that experiencing things for a bit before we tried the multi-link would be beneficial. With that handled, are we ready to try the multi-link?" Ren got nods of approval from the other two. "Ok, so this's how it will work. You two place a hand on me, I will focus and create a connection between the three of us. Once the connection is established, we will need to focus together. On bringing our minds to a central point together. If all goes well, we should find ourselves in a shared inner world that's created and supported by the three of us."
With that explained Fū and Naruto each placed a hand on Ren. "Mind-Body Transmission Technique." Ren deployed the jutsu and felt as his mind connected to the others. Taking a moment to ensure a stable connection, Ren mentally spoke to ensure things were going smoothly. "Can you two hear me?"
"Got you."
"Yep!"
"Alright then, now we need to focus together and bring our minds together as one." Ren explained. All three began to focus on bringing their minds together. After what seemed like a minute or so, all three felt a tug on their minds simultaneously. Ren found himself in some sort of massive expansive chamber that didn't seem to end. He noticed Naruto to his left with Kurama behind him and Fū to his right. With Chomei right behind her.
"Well good to see this worked." Ren mused.
"Kyubi my brother, it's been too long since we last met." Spoke Chomei.
"Indeed, Nanabi. I suppose seeing you isn't so bad. You've always been one of the more tolerable." Kurama replied.
"So that's Kyubi? Cool." Said Fū.
"Nanabi looks pretty cool too." Naruto chimed.
"Shut it brats!" Growled Kurama. "The technique the other one is using. Takes it toll on him if kept up for too long. We should get straight to the point of things."
"Agreed." Ren cut in. "The biggest thing to address I believe is Fū and Naruto. Learning how to use your strength in conjunction with their own. Seeing how both are at a point where they can now begin to do so."
"Why would I want to rely on Kyubi's power?" Naruto questioned.
"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth Naruto. You and Fū both have untold amounts of power at your fingertips. You'd be foolish not to try and learn how to properly use it."
"That one speaks correctly." Kurama spoke up. "Remember this, there always things in this world that can pose a danger to you. No matter how powerful you are. However, you then must prepare yourself as much as you can. With what you have at your disposal."
"Kyubi is correct as is your friend." Nanabi cut in. "You two have greater potential than most due to being jinchuriki. Take advantage of it."
"How exactly do we go about that?" Asked Naruto.
"That's the tricky part you see. While me and Nanabi can help with the amount of power we give to you. As you steadily learn our power but exposure to our chakra can cause. You too possibly go a little wild to put it. Thus you will need someone to supervise your training with our power. Someone who has enough understanding of our power and has the power themselves. Needed to put things in line if you start to go out of control." Kurama explained. "As for who that is, it cannot be said. Such individuals are few and far between these days. You will have to keep our senses focused to find one. In the meantime, you should focus on building your own strength as much as you can."
"I think it's time to end this meeting. The boy seems to be feeling the strain of keeping this connection up for so long." Chomei stated, making a gesture with a tail towards Ren. While he was trying to hide it, it was obvious he was feeling the stress of it.
"Cut the connection!" Naruto exclaimed. After a few moments, the three genin found themselves back in the real world.
"Ahh! Mother fucker my head!" Ren growled out as he clutched the sides of his head. "Doing that technique while still kind of hungover was not the greatest idea."
"You going to be ok?" Naruto asked with a concerned tone.
"Yeah, I'll just grab some painkillers and some sleeping pills and crash out, until tomorrow. Catch you later." Ren muttered as he left the room.
A few days later Ren having finally defeated his hangover. He stood with Chino in front of the newly constructed pond of red water in the Yamanaka compound.
"This's perfect it feels just like the red water back in the valley of hell. This we'll make teaching you pre-existing jutsu's. Plus, creating new ones with our kekkei genkai much easier Ren." Chino mused.
"I'm surprised Uncle Inoichi got this done so quickly. I suppose being one of the heads at T&I has its advantages. So what am I learning today sis?"
Chino gestured him to follow her and they both walked out into the middle of the pond. Chino activated her Ketsuryūgan and Ren did the same.
"So Ren the first thing I'm going to go over is genjutsu through our Ketsuryūgan. Let me explain, by establishing direct skin or eye contact with a target, we can lock them within a genjutsu for various purposes. We can brainwash them into mindless drones with a set order to follow or trap them into a dream-like state. For more defensive means we can create a powerful barrier against mind-reading, protecting information from being acquired. We can also place genjutsu guards upon our mind and see through a target's memories." Chino explained.
"Sounds a lot like Sharingan, from what I've read about it."
"True, on a genjutsu and mind manipulation standpoint. Sharingan and Ketsuryūgan are similar in that sense. However, that's where the similarities end. The biggest facet of our dojutsu is the manipulation of heavy iron-rich liquids like this water and more far more commonly, blood. We can manipulate the blood of others through touch or even by a glance when we catch them in genjutsu. With our eyes. There's one jutsu that plays especially strongly to this. Be warned though this is a very dangerous technique and one many would find…unnerving. It is called the 'Exploding Human Technique'. With this jutsu when we make direct skin contact with a target, we can infuse some of our chakra into the target. The said chakra becomes poisonous to the target, making their bodies unstable. Should the target then begin to bleed, the chakra will be set off, causing the victim's body to become consumed in a pitch-black substance before inflating in a grotesque manner and finally exploding on a large and on a very destructive scale."
"That's….. I'm not exactly sure how to word it." Ren muttered. "How exactly did you come up with that?"
"I would have to leave the valley on occasion. Sometimes there would be bandit groups hiding out in the area. I took it upon myself to deal with them, I learned the technique along the way." Chino casually said. "I can make clones with the red water you can practice this on. Now the next important thing plays directly with the red water itself. We can perform certain techniques exclusive only to Ketsuryūgan users. By mixing our blood with the red water."
Chino then took a kunai and cut a finger, allowing the blood to drop out into the pond. She then quickly went through hand signs. "Blood Dragon Ascension!" She called out. The water took on a darker shade of red, a massive amount of it shot up taking the form of eight large dragon heads. Just as the heads towered above the two of them. Chino cut off the jutsu, the water returned to a lighter red color and fell back into the pond."
"That was all kinds of fucking cool." Ren stated in awe.
Chino chuckled a little. "I'm sure it was, those heads can also release fatal hot burning steam on to targets as well. Once they manage to bite them if the bite doesn't kill the target first that is. It will be quite sometime before you'll be able to do that. I wanted to show what one can do at the higher tiers with Ketsuryūgan. I should also note that with red water and our dojutsu you can also perform what is also essentially stronger versions of water jutsu's." Chino then turned to Ren with a gleam in her eyes. It honestly sent a shiver of nervousness down his spine. "It's time to start to start drilling you." she finished with a smirk.
Six hours later Ren was dragging himself to his room dead dog tired. Chino had drilled him in the uses of his eyes. While he still had a long way to go, with it. Still, there was no denying it. Having Chino to help was more helpful then Ren could ever have expected.
"Ren." Kairi's voice suddenly yelled out.
"Yeah, mom?"
"One of your teachers, Kakashi Hatake is out front asking for you."
"What does Kakashi want with me?" He quickly thought. "Ok, I'm headed that way." He retorted a dragged himself to the front of the clan compound. Sure enough, at the front gates. Was the unmistakable form of the copy-cat ninja.
"I see you finally recovered from your little drinking episode." Kakashi mused with his trademark eye-smile.
"Please don't remind me." Ren snarked. "While I do appreciate the visit Kakashi-sensei. I can't help but wonder what this is about?"
"Well while you aren't officially my student anymore. As your original jonin-sensei, I still feel some obligation to check up on your progress now and again. Plus, I heard about the excellent job you did in Taki. So consider this a congratulation of sorts." Kakashi pulled out three small scrolls and handed them to Ren. "Each scroll holds a jutsu to one of your elemental affinities. I think you'll find them very useful."
Ren looked at the scrolls in his hands for a moment. Honestly take aback by the sudden but welcome gifts. "Thanks, Kakashi-sensei, this's great. You sure there's no other reason behind this?"
Kakashi laughed a little at that. "What? Don't believe me?"
"We're ninja, there's almost always an ulterior motive to what we do." Ren deadpanned.
Kakashi smiled behind his mask. "An excellent point, so I'll tell you. A little over three months from now the chunin exams will be starting. I'd figured adding a few new tricks up your sleeve would be beneficial. And before you say anything, I'm gonna be teaching Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura some new tricks too. Well, that's all for now. I'll see you around. Ja Ne!" Kakashi body flickered away.
Ren walked back to his room, scrolls in hand. In deep thought about this news. "Over three months until the exams and the madness that's supposed to come with it. I think it's time I used that." Ren walked into his room and locked the door, he wrote a message and took out a scroll. The one Itachi Uchiha had given him so long ago. He unrolled it and put some chakra into it, summoning a crow. He gave his message to the bird, opened his window and the bird flew away. "Only thing I can do is wait and see."
Far away in the Land of Wind, Itachi Uchiha sat in a canyon. His Akatsuki partner Kisame was away dealing with things for their current assignment. When suddenly to his surprise, one of his crows he didn't summon appeared before him with a message.
"It's must be from Ren." Itachi mused to himself as he took the note and read it. "Interesting, very well then." Itachi burned the note away and then summoned a large flock of crows, that flew out in various directions across wind country.
A month after sending the message to Itachi, team thirteen was on their way to Hokage tower for a C-rank mission.
"Your kekkei genkai training has come along very well since Chino began assisting you." Said Haku, walking alongside her teammates.
"Very true and those other new jutsu's I was given are coming along pretty well too. Even if they still need a little more work but I can use them more or less decently for the moment. Not mention I've been getting better with the hidden mist and silent killing techniques you've shown me." Chimed the Yamanaka.
"Tsume-sensei seemed pretty serious about getting a C-rank mission done. I wonder why?" Questioned Tayuya.
"With the chunin exams only a little over two months away. We still need one more C-rank to qualify for entry. She probably just wants to get it done, so we can focus. Almost solely on training right before the exams." Answered Haku.
Team thirteen arrived at Hokage tower, Tsume waiting for them. They all filed into the mission room, where the Hokage was giving out assignments.
"Team thirteen here for mission assignment Lord Hokage." Announced Tsume.
"Ahh yes good to see you all." Replied Hiruzen. "Now then I understand you're looking for a C-rank mission? Well then let me see what we have available." Hiruzen looked through the list of C-rank missions until he found one, he deemed appropriate. "Here we are, we have a request for a security detail that is suitable."
"Where exactly is this security detail at Lord Hokage?" Ren asked in curiosity.
"It is located on a small island in neutral waters. Just outside of the territory of the Land of Water. You will be guarding a dig team against any possible thieves and whatnot."
"That doesn't sound so bad." Ren thought to himself. "So why do I have such a weird feeling about this?"
A/N: Hello readers! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and the story thus far. We saw a fair bit of things play out in this chapter and the set up with some new things. Ren now has a proper trainer for his kekkei genkai, we see an interaction between bijuu, we find out just how close we are to the exams. Ren begins making moves to mitigate things in that regard. We also had a moment between ren and Sasuke.
I know some may find Sasuke's attitude to be OOC but it's important to remember. Thanks to Ren's interference, Sasuke didn't stumble across all his dead relatives or get mind-raped by Itachi. He still has hang-ups about what happened but there not as bad as they were in canon. Not to mention Ren is the only person Sasuke would be willing to be so open with at this time. Due, to their history together. Also if anyone wants to come up with a real-life version of "Anti-Gai Matter". I'm all ears for suggestions on that.
Now, team thirteen finds themselves on a mission. That puts them very close to Kiri territory, while civil war is still going on. What could this possibly lead to? You'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, please leave a review as they do help keep me motivated to write. Please like and fav if you have not already and stay safe, stay healthy. I'll see you next time. I'm out!