Chapter Ten: Why Me?
Team thirteen was currently riding on a boat headed to off to their security detail. They had left Konoha two days ago and arrived at the coast for their transport. It was going to take a few hours to make their destination. The island sat only a few miles outside of Water country's territory. While certainly awfully close to Kiri. The leaf still could do missions in the area, not to say it didn't make them a bit nervous. After all, even though the current civil war in Kiri, made it unlikely they'd run into Kiri ninja. One could never be too careful in the shinobi world.
Tayuya and Tsume, along with Kuromaru. Were currently in the passenger cabin of the ship. Ren and Haku meanwhile were out on the deck of the ship. Ren had a feeling of uneasiness since they had been given the mission. For a few reasons, one this mission never existed in the original timeline in any way. While he knew he would have missions that would be that way. It was the big unknown about it, that made him nervous. Granted, that wouldn't be an issue if it wasn't for the mission itself. They were just simply supposed to meet up with a dig team. Keep them safe as they did their work from potential thieves at the worst. Nothing to worry about, right?
That however was what was playing into the second point. Of it all that was somewhat grinding Ren's nerves a bit. This was the 'Narutoverse' after all. Everything he knew about made it loud and clear that many missions. That looked to be simple and straight forward. Have a very nasty habit of transforming into massive cluster-fucks. Faster than a person could say 'Hokage'. This mission just seemed to scream with such implications to the Yamanaka. He could only hope he was wrong. Was that too much to ask for?
Ren thought to himself about the upcoming mission. He noticed Haku, standing by the railing of the ship. She had the look of someone who seemed to be lost in thought. He watched for a few moments and noticed the ever so slight. Back and forth curling of her fingers as she stared out into the distance. To the untrained eye, it might not seem like much. However, Ren knew Haku well enough, that she was more nervous than she was showing. Ren knew why of course from his past life. Her history with water country was far from pleasant that was a fact. The Haku he was familiar with hadn't spoken much of her past other than she was from water country.
Getting her to talk about with those she trusted. To help alleviate her nerves would be a good thing. Ren heard new footsteps on the deck, he looked and noticed Tayuya. She was looking at Haku as well, having also noticed the Yuki's uncharacteristic nervousness.
"What's wrong with her?" Tayuya wondered.
"I think she's nervous about being so close to water country. Whatever it's about, it clearly doesn't sit well with her. I think we should try to get her to talk, I think it would help her." Ren walked up with Tayuya right behind. "Haku?"
Suddenly snapping out her thoughts she turned to see her teammates. Looks of concern adorning their faces or at least Tayuya's did. It was always difficult with Ren since he rarely took off his mask. Though if the expressions in his eyes were anything to go by, he held concern as well. "Yes?" Haku replied keeping an even tone.
"What's wrong? You're nervous about something? Wanna talk about it?" Ren asked.
"What makes you assume I'm nervous?" Haku retorted with a raised brow.
"Ice Queen." Tayuya cut in. "You do a good job of hiding it but we can tell that something is bothering you. We've been around each other long enough to be able to tell."
Haku was taken aback by that response. She felt somewhat ashamed of herself that she allowed her nervousness to show. On the other hand, however, she felt touched. Touched that her teammates cared for her and paid enough attention to her. To be able to tell such things about her. "Should I tell them?" She wondered to herself. "Do you really wish to know?" Haku finally asked.
"If you want to tell us then please do." Ren replied. "We won't force you too if you don't wish to. Though I will say talking things out about whatever is making you nervous. Tends to be a good way of moving past it."
Haku went back to thinking to herself, her expression unreadable. Before softening a bit and looked away at the open waters around them for a few moments. She turned back to Ren and Tayuya and spoke in a near whisper.
"As you know I was born in water country. Specifically, in the northern parts, where it seemed to always snow. I lived in a small village with my parents, a simple life but a good one. This was during the time when the bloodline purges were at their highest. The fear, hate, and misconception of those with bloodlines were enormous and vicious. If you possessed a bloodline, you were seen as a monster, an animal to be put down. You weren't even considered a person at all, more like a blight upon the world. I inherited my bloodline from my mother, who kept the fact she held one. A secret from my father. When I was little, I discovered my bloodline ability and showed my mother. She scolded me and told me I was to never show it again. For her and my own safety, unfortunately, my father had seen it all. My father and a small mob of villagers cornered me and my mother. My father killed my mother right in front of me and then approached to kill me as well. Out of fear and reflex, I activated my power and killed my father and all others in the area with it. After that, I wandered aimlessly for some time before I was eventually found by Zabuza. Being so close to the land that holds such painful memories. It brings old paranoia and fears to fore-front of one's mind." Haku finished her tale with a somber tone.
"Holy shit…" Tayuya thought. "I figured she had it rough, to have been wandering around with a guy like Zabuza. My childhood was far from sunshine and daisies but it wasn't that bad." Tayuya had a newfound respect for the ice-wielding kunoichi. Anyone who could survive and push through something like that was worth respecting.
"I'll say this Haku." Began Ren, the others focus turning to him. "I can't say, I know what it's like to go through something like you did. I will say though, you'll never have to worry about such things again."
Haku locked eyes with Ren and a small smile came to her face. "Thank you." she said softly. "I can't imagine you've ever dealt with such things back in Konoha."
"I wouldn't say that." Stated Ren. Causing the two kunoichis to look at him in confusion.
"What the hell do you mean by that?" Tayuya questioned. "Why would someone un-justly hate you just because of how you were born?"
Ren just gestured to himself. "It's because even though I was born and raised in Konoha. I look like I'm from Kumo due to my dark-mocha skin, I inherited from my father. I common trait to those in the land of lightning, though my hair is more blond like Naruto's. Then the platinum blond mostly found in lightning country, the point still stands. Konoha and Kumo have never really been on the best of terms. Lots of people in Konoha lost loved ones to Kumo in the last war. They see me, they see someone who looks just like those responsible for killing their loved ones. None of them are foolish to open spout it to my face, due to the clan I belong to. And who my uncle is for that matter. No one wants to piss off someone who helps lead the village's torture and interrogation department. I still see their glares and sneers out of the corner of my eyes. I just choose to ignore it, since such things aren't worth the effort to deal with."
"That's still pretty fucking stupid that people think that way." Tayuya snarked.
"Old prejudices die hard, it's also why the Hyuga clan, minus Hinata. Seemingly have it out for me."
"Why? What exactly happened between the Hyuga and Kumo?" Haku wondered.
"Well…" Ren began.
It had been a few weeks since the mission at Taki. However, that wasn't what bothering Ren at the moment. What had been bothering Ren was why the Hyuga clan seemed to hate him. Since, the clan meeting and the minor spat between him and Hiashi. Tension's had risen steadily between the Yamanaka and the Hyuga since then. While there had been no outright fighting between them or anything like that. Relations had become very strained between the clans' none the less. The rest of the Yamanaka clan saw Ren as someone who could raise them to all new heights. The rest of the clan had his back in this matter, something Ren was quite thankful for. On the flip side of that, however, the Hyuga clan viewed the Yamanaka. As lowly opportunists, trying to pointlessly rise of above their status and challenge their own. To them that as an insult to their position as the most prestigious clan in the village. The fact the catalyst to this was Ren, drove their contempt even further.
So now Ren was going to directly to his uncle hoping to get the clarity he wanted. He knocked on his uncle's office room in the clan compound. After getting approval he walked in.
"Ren!" Inoichi greeted as his nephew walked in. Though he immediately noticed the serious look in the young man's eyes. "Did something happen? He asked in concern.
"No uncle, I just have some questions I was hoping to get answers to."
"What questions are those exactly?"
"I want to know why Hiashi and almost everyone in the Hyuga hates me? I feel there's more to it, then just the dislike of me having a powerful dojutsu."
Inoichi's face took a hard look as he contemplated his nephew's request. He let out a deep sigh. "Very well then, let me make sure we will have no un-wanted listeners." Inoichi quickly placed privacy seals in his office before taking his seat.
"This goes back to a time before you were born and while you were too young to remember such things. Roughly ten years ago, one of Kumo's leaders came to sign a treaty with Konoha. After it was all said and done, that very same night. Someone snuck into the Hyuga estate and tried to kidnap Hiashi's daughter, Hinata. Hiashi found and swiftly killed the would-be kidnapper before he got far. The kidnapper turned out to be the Kumo ninja who just signed the treaty with Konoha. It became clear at that, the treaty was a ruse to try and steal the Byakugan."
"Things went from bad to worse I take it?"
Inoichi nodded. "Very much so. Kumo accused Konoha of being in the wrong of things for killing their ninja. It seemed war would break out between Konoha and Kumo. However, Kumo asked for one thing to avoid war. The death of Hiashi Hyuga."
"Hiashi is very much alive though."
"Yes he is and there's a reason for that. Hiashi had an identical twin brother and he was killed in Hiashi's place. To placate Kumo and avoid war. However, Hiashi has been very bitter about the incident ever since. It makes sense really when you think about it. Kumo tried committing a terrible crime against Konoha and the Hyuga. And yet it was the Hyuga who had to pay the price for Kumo's actions. The Hyuga has greatly disliked anything related to Kumo and lighting country ever since."
"And that's why they hate me?" Ren questioned incredulously. "Since I look like I come from Kumo and it reminds them of that time. That makes them automatically dislike me for it? Not gonna lie uncle, that's petty as fuck to me."
"Indeed it is." Inoichi replied with some mirth. "Don't fret Ren, I'm keeping a close eye on things to ensure the Hyuga. Don't attempt anything foolish against you and if they happen to do so. Let's just say they will find out just how destructive to the brain our mind walking techniques can be."
"And that's more or less the gist of it." Ren finished.
"That's some massive bullshit." Tayuya barked. "That bastard can't get over what happened, so he'd rather focus his anger on you. Just because it's convenient."
"I must agree with Tayuya on that point." Haku stated. "Though I must admit, you're fortunate to have the protection of your clan. It seems to be the thing keeping the Hyuga back."
"For now at least." The Yamanaka muttered. "Granted I've nearly been killed already inside of Konoha's walls. I was only five when that happened."
"What?!" Both young women cried out.
"It's true." Ren replied as pulled his shirt to the side slightly. To show the minor scar on his shoulder from the attack. To the surprise of his teammates. "This's what happened…" Ren went and told them about the whole incident. From spotting the thief to cutting him off, getting stabbed, and then managing to kill his attacker. Being found by Kakashi, the questioning from the Hokage, etc.
"No wonder you're so calm about killing, compared to many other genin. Especially those of Konoha, you learned to steel yourself to such a thing long ago." Haku mused.
"Goddamn…" Said Tayuya with a shake of her head. "Got any other stories for us?"
"Nope, you got anything you'd like to share? Me and Haku kind of bled ourselves out here after all."
Tayuya was caught off guard a bit by that question. Though she figured it would be suspicious if she didn't share something. "I was born in Earth country, along its border near Wind country. My parents died before I was even old enough to really remember them. So I was raised by my grandmother instead." Tayuya spoke somberly. My grandmother was the one who gave me my first flute when I was five. She was a very kind woman, who loved me a lot. She would always tell me how much she adored the fact. I had the same red hair as my mother and what she had as well when she was younger. She had been a ninja herself in her younger days, though she never talked about exactly where she had been one though for some reason. She trained me herself as best she could, so I could properly take care of myself when the time came. I had to take care of things all on my own.
Which was the truth about her childhood. Tayuya wasn't sure why she chose to be this honest with them about her past. She hadn't even told her teammates back Oto about her past. For some reason though she felt that telling Ren and Haku was ok. Now though came the part where she had to lie for the sake of her cover.
"Around a year and a half ago my grandmother died. I wound up wandering around, doing odd jobs. Eventually, I decided to take the talents I had as a kunoichi and go to Konoha. You know the rest from there." In actuality, her grandmother had died when she was eight. She spent almost two years wandering the slums of various border towns before she just happened to run into Orochimaru. Who saw her potential and took her away and made her one of his elite. She didn't think much of it at first, she had been alone and desperate for a long time. The snake sannin's offer was too good to pass up to her young mind. Once she arrived at Oto, she was exposed to the grueling if not downright sadistic training regiments. The forced experiments and more she had to endure. Endure them she did, she wasn't going to be weak, she was going to be strong, she was going to survive and she did. She beat, bled, clawed, and killed her to her position. She suffered the agony and pain, no matter terrible it was, no matter how painful it had been. Weakness wasn't tolerated in Oto in any form. Those who showed weakness didn't live for much longer once they did.
"Well then!" Exclaimed Ren with a clap of his hands. "After all this, I think a bit of a pick up is needed. I do believe I have just the thing." He finished and then slid his mask down and grabbed his ocarina.
"What are you playing for us?" Questioned the redheaded kunoichi.
"This is a favorite of mine, though I've never played it around you all before. It's a tune I find very soothing and relaxing. It's called 'Zelda's Lullaby'." Ren explained as he then began to play his melody.
Unknown to the three out on the deck. Just inside the entranceway to the cabin, was Tsume. She had a smile on her face, having heard the whole conversation amongst her genin. They were already pretty close as a team, now they seemed to come even closer together as a team. Much to her approval.
A few hours later, team thirteen made landfall at their destination. As they all exited the ship, they were greeted by one of the dig team members.
"Greetings! My name is Kazuki. We are glad to have you here." Spoke the man. He was of a decent height with a somewhat lanky build. With short black hair and brown eyes with glasses. He wore casual clothes and work boots.
"I'm Tsume Inuzuka and this is my team. We're here to provide security for your dig site, while you're here."
"Excellent." Replied Kazuki. "In truth, we don't expect much trouble if any at all. However, we felt it was better safe than sorry. Better to have protection and not need it, then need protection and not have it."
"Can't really argue against that logic." Ren chimed.
"Please follow me and I'll lead you to our camp/dig site." Kazuki spoke as he turned on his heel and walked off. Team thirteen following behind him. After some walking, they arrived at the camp/ dig site. The camp wasn't that large as there only appeared to be roughly a small team of a dozen diggers. The dig site itself right next to the camp looked to be the ruins of an old temple of sorts.
"What did this place use to be that you're excavating? If don't mind me asking?" Haku questioned from behind her mask. The question seemed to excite Kazuki.
"As you may know being ninjas. The tailed beasts have existed for over a millennia before the founding of the hidden villages. During that time, some people of the world viewed the bijuu differently. In this place here, evidence suggested this place was a destination to help travelers. From unintentionally running into the Sanbi as they continued their travel across the waters."
"How'd they go about that?" Ren asked, genuinely curious.
"We're not entirely sure, to be honest." Kazuki replied. "From what little information we have discovered so far. We believe the people that once inhabited this place more than a few centuries ago. Somehow devised a device or devices, that allowed them to do so. Of course, we don't know just how true that is, that's one of the things we hoping to figure out during the dig."
"That's pretty neat I have to admit if it's true." Ren retorted.
"Won't argue that but we have a job to focus on." Tsume barked. "Spread out and establish a perimeter, and we'll set up watch rotations."
It didn't take long, to establish a perimeter. Once that done, they did watch rotations in pairs. Unfortunately, that's when things became boring, extremely boring. Thankfully when on rotation during the day, the dig crew was happy to let them ask questions about the island. Still, though, that only did so much before that also became boring. It wasn't until the third day of their two-week detail that something happened.
"I found something!" Kazuki cried out in excitement. Ren not being on his rotation at the time walked to check the find out. As he neared he noticed Kazuki was holding a small palm-sized box. "Let's see what this is!" Kazuki spoke with enthusiasm as the top part of the box was a lid of sorts. "It appears to be some sort of compass, that doesn't seem to point north."
"The Pirates of the Caribbean is going to sue somebody." Ren thought in amusement.
"I wonder how it works?" Muttered Kazuki inquisitively. "It doesn't seem to be pointing in any real direction at all currently. Perhaps it needs some sort of power to it, to make it activate?"
"Chakra perhaps?" Ren suggested. He had to admit this sort of thing really was interesting.
"You may have point?" Kazuki replied, holding out the compass to Ren. The mocha-skinned blond took the compass in hand. He channeled some chakra into it at first nothing happened. Then the compass landed in a specific direction and held it. It was working.
"Holy shit! It actually works by the looks of it!" Ren Exclaimed. "How the hell did they even make something like this, to begin with?"
"Who knows at the moment? Hopefully, we can find those answers as we continue to dig." Stated Kazuki as he took the compass back. "I'll need to put this with our others finds in the main tent."
Unbeknownst to everyone else, one of the workers upon hearing all this. Discreetly walked off out of sight to all. Wrote a message, quickly summoned a small bird. Tied the message to it and sent it off. No one the wiser to the action.
A few days later at night, Ren and Tayuya were on watch. Nothing of any real importance had been discovered since the compass. Though Kazuki was confident more would turn up in time before the time at the dig site was over. Ren was at his post keeping a sharp eye out for anything unusual. He wasn't sure why but things felt different this night. He was a bit on edge because of it needless to say. Suddenly, his instincts shot up in caution. His gut twisted a bit as an uneasy feeling seemed to settle upon him. He put a grip on KubiKiribocho, ready to react if needed.
Suddenly he felt an ever slight whisp like the sound of the wind, coming from behind him. On reflex, he quickly ducked and twisted his body swinging his blade as he did so. His timely duck caused an arm holding a kunai to fly over the top of him. His blade connected with flesh from his swing, carving clean through his would-be attacker. As his attacker fell dead, he saw the headband his assailant wore. It sent a shiver of dread, knowing how bad the situation had suddenly become.
The headband carried the mark of Kirikagure.
"We're under attack!" Ren suddenly yelled out. Before he could make move towards the heart of the camp, he was forced back. By a sudden shuriken barrage that moved him farther away from the camp. He looked and suddenly saw three more Kiri shinobi, running towards him. He brought a hand down in front of him and focused his chakra. To use one of the techniques he had learned from the scrolls Kakashi had given him.
"Lightning Release: Lightning Beast Tracking Fang!" Ren roared as lightning chakra burst forth from his hand and shot off. It took to form a hound and sped off with great speed. The attack caught the charging Kiri ninjas by surprise, two managed to dodge in time. The third was not so fortunate and ate the full force of the attack. The lightning hound exploded upon contact with the enemy ninja. Leaving the enemy ninja as a sizzling corpse on the ground. Ren didn't think much about that though, as he had two more enemies to worry about.
Tayuya snapped to action the moment she heard Ren's yell. As she began to turn in the Yamanaka's direction. She caught enemy ninja out of the corner of eyes, she quickly twisted herself in their direction. Quickly going through hand signs for her attack and slammed them into the ground.
"Earth Release: Earth Flow Spears!" she called out as spears of rock shot up from the ground right in front of the enemy ninjas. One was skewered clean through the chest his corpse hanging limply on the spear of rock. Another was skewered through a leg, falling to the ground in pain. She didn't have much time as she saw two who had escaped her attack and began to close in.
Haku and Tsume were Immediately on their feet and ready to move the moment, they heard fighting break out. They saw a group of enemy ninja making their way to them. "Enemy Ninja?!" Tsume yelled in surprise and aggravation. However, Haku knew where the ninjas came from. She didn't even need to see their headbands clearly. She could tell just from how they were dressed. A cold feeling of dread filled her chest, they were from Kiri. Her worst fear for this mission had become reality.
Haku steeled herself and narrowed her eyes behind her mask. She focused herself and charged forward to meet the enemy, Tsume-sensei at her side. Drawing her senbon she engaged her first target, she threw her first barrage of senbon at the enemy ninja. The Kiri-nin dodged and threw shuriken in return at Haku. The Yuki ducked low to the ground to avoid the attack. She blitzed forward in a burst of speed and tossed more senbon. Planting them firmly in the legs of her attacker, causing them to drop to the ground. She didn't hold back as she flew through hand signs for her follow-up attack.
"Water Release: Thousand Needles of Death!" Haku called out and needles of water slammed into her enemy. In an explosion of water, the Kiri ninja was no longer moving at all. Haku looked to see Tsume tearing a kunai through the throat of an enemy. Kuromaru was ripping out another's throat with his jaws. Tsume sniffed and a look of anger flashed on her face. "More coming at our three o'clock, be ready!"
Ren was not amused at all by the current situation, if anything he was livid. He wasn't sure if it was the situation itself. Or maybe it was that fact about his uneasy feeling about the mission had been right. Either way, he was pissed off but thankfully. There were arrogant Kiri ninjas who he could use as stress relief.
He swung his blade at the two enemy ninja hoping to cut them in two, they both jumped back and avoided the strike. One moved to Ren's left, the other to his right. There was a pause for a moment, both sides sizing each other up. The ninja to the left moved first. Ren brought KubiKiribocho around aiming for his enemies mid-section. The enemy ninja jumped up and kicked a foot forward, connecting into Ren's face harshly. Ren slid back on the balls of his feet trying to steady himself. The ninja that was to Ren's right, moved in on him to strike. Ren did the only thing he could do to avoid being hit. He dropped KubiKiribocho, to more quickly move about. He moved to the side and just avoided his enemy's slash with a kunai. He moved up and slammed a fist straight into his opponent's face. Ren could feel and hear the crunch of Kiri ninja's nose breaking. Staggering back and leaving an opening, Ren whipped out a kunai with an explosive tag attached. He jammed it into his enemy's chest and quickly whipped him around. Throwing the Kiri ninja at his ally. The other Kiri ninja ran past his comrade without a second thought.
That was a mistake as he never noticed the explosive tag because of that. He exploded finishing off the other ninja and catching the other in the blast. The Kiri ninja tumbled across the ground dazed and confused. The ninja only had time to see KubiKiribocho descend and cleave their head right off. Not seeing any more enemies directly close to him. He quickly surveyed the rest of the battlefield. He saw, Haku and Tsume far off engaged with their own targets. He then noticed Tayuya who was the closest to him.
He looked to see her engaged with an enemy ninja in a kunai fight. The corpse of another Kiri ninja laid behind her, their throat slashed open. Just as he was about to move to join her when something caught his eye. An enemy ninja was going through the hand signs preparing a jutsu. His heart seemed to skip a beat as he recognized the hand signs. From the time Kakashi used the jutsu in wave. The Water Dragon Jutsu. Tayuya was too focused on what was in front of her to see it coming. Ren didn't really think as he ran forward as fast as he could. He saw the water dragon form and go full speed at Tayuya. He moved faster than he thought he was capable of. He saw Tayuya still too distracted with the enemy in front of her as she buried a kunai in their skull.
The water dragon was closing in on her and she wouldn't have time to dodge even if she did notice at that moment. Ren with one last burst of force and speed, launching himself forward. He leaned in with his shoulder and slammed it into Tayuya, tossing her backward roughly. Just as Ren had knocked Tayuya back to safety, the water dragon then hit him before he could escape. The force of it was greater than anything he had felt before. He swept clean off his feet as he was violently tossed like a rag doll by the water dragon. He lost his grip on KubiKiribocho and it flew away from him. The water dragon slammed him into the ground in a giant explosion of water and everything went black.
Tayuya wasn't exactly sure what happened at first. She killed a Kiri ninja she was engaged with. The next thing she knew was knocked clean off her feet and thrown back. She looked just I time to see it was Ren who had done it. Then she saw him be swallowed up by powerful water jutsu. Her thought process practically froze up at the realization of what happened. Ren had pushed her out of the way and ate the attack instead. He took a hit for her, he sacrificed himself for her. She couldn't believe it, no one had done such a thing for her. She knew damn well no one back in Oto would have done such a thing for her.
She looked around to see if she could see any sign of Ren once the attack was done. she couldn't see any sign of him he was gone….gone. That word reverberated through her mind and filled her with a sense of sadness. Then that feeling quickly gave way to a feeling of being homicidally enraged. She didn't care about her cover or her mission to Orochimaru at that moment. She just wanted viciously tear apart every son of a bitch responsible for this situation. She clenched her hands into a fist until her knuckles turned white. She snarled and her bloodlust began to peak, suddenly she felt a touch on her shoulder. She whipped around only to be greeted by Tsume.
"We need to fall back now!" The jonin ordered.
"What?!" Tayuya yelled in indignation. "You can't be serious?! What about Ren!? We can't let these fuckers get away with this!"
"Tayuya!" Tsume harshly yelled causing the redhead to shut up. "We're going to be overrun as it is. We have to fall back and call for reinforcements."
Tayuya grit her teeth in frustration as much as she hated to admit it. She knew Tsume was right. So she held her tongue and took off alongside the Inuzuka, linking up with Haku. As all three kunoichis fell back, Haku couldn't help but state the obvious. "Where's Ren?" she asked with a slight tone of dread creeping into her voice. Tayuya looked at the ice wielder with a sad expression and shook her head. Only Haku's years of training under Zabuza allowed her to keep her emotions from breaking out at that news. Though from behind her mask, a single tear slid down her face.
After moving some more, they paused to catch their breaths a bit. Tsume decided to take the opportunity while she could and send a message back to Konoha. She quickly scribbled a note, summoned a ninja hound, gave the message and it disappeared. With a puff of smoke back to Konoha to inform the Hokage. Tsume looked to her remaining genin. "Let's keep moving, if any ninja are coming for us, I want to make them work to find us."
Hiruzen sat at his desk with a grim look on his face and overlooked the message he had received. One of Tsume Inuzuka's ninja hounds had come rushing to him with an urgent message. Her team's mission had turned into a disaster. Her team had been attacked by Kiri ninjas, who weren't even supposed to be in the area. Not just a squad or two either, her team had been attacked by a full-blown strike force. Worst her genin student Ren Yamanaka was missing in action at the moment, potentially dead. Tsume called for reinforcements, Hiruzen had already called those to his office. They soon had arrived, Kakashi Hatake and Inochi Yamanaka. The two jonin weren't sure why they had been called on short notice to the Hokage's office. Though they knew it couldn't have been good news.
The Hokage looked at the men before him with a grim expression. "Thank you for arriving so quickly. I will cut straight to the point. A short time ago I received a message from Tsume Inuzuka. Her team's mission while supposed to be a simple C-rank assignment. Escalated to something far greater than that. For they were attacked by Kiri ninja. Not just a few either, but a full-blown attack force and even worse. Ren Yamanaka at this moment is missing in action, possibly K.I.A."
A feeling of absolute dread knotted in the stomachs of the two jonin, Inoichi especially. If he was dead, how was he supposed to break such news to his sister? "Lord Hokage." Kakashi spoke. "What was on the island that led to an attack of such scale? Especially outside of their own territory, during a civil war no less? Plus, which side attacked them? The rebel forces led by Mei Terumi or those still loyal to the ideals of the late fourth Mizukage?"
"From what information that was received from Tsume. The dig team found an artifact seemingly capable of locating the Sanbi." That news sent a shock of surprise to those gathered. Hiruzen continued with his explanation. "While we have no confirmation on which side is responsible. We believe that it's most like those loyal to the ideals of the late Mizukage. Our intelligence that had kept track of the civil war has noted they have been losing much ground to Mei Terumi the last few years. Such an audacious attack for such an artifact is a move made by desperate men. Moving at a hard pace, you can make the island before this time tomorrow. I'm sending three full teams of ANBU with you as well. Link up with Tsume's team and confirm things. As for Ren if he's dead, retrieve his body, if it's believed he's alive but captured. You have my authority to commence rescue operations. You are to leave as soon as possible, dismissed."
The two men left without any hesitation.
Noriaki overlooked the scene of the dig site his troops had taken. He was a large man, tall with broad shoulders, short blueish hair, and piercing grey eyes. He was head of Kiri's ANBU during the Fourth Mizukage's reign. He was also the leader of the forces still loyal to the late MizuKage's ideals. He was approached by his undercover operative on the dig team. Who then presented him with the artifact that would help lead them. To the very thing that could help change the tide of the civil war against Terumi. What generally surprised him was when a pair of his men approached, carrying an apparent prisoner.
"Commander Noriaki." The man spoke. "We found this leaf ninja unconscious but very much still alive. We figured to inform you first before we did anything." Noriaki looked over the unconscious leaf ninja before him. He was young, most likely just a genin. What he found interesting, was the boy looked more like a Kumo ninja, then a leaf ninja. He wondered what to do with the young shinobi. An idea suddenly crossed his mind and couldn't help but smile about it.
"Keep him alive, I have an idea as to what we can do with them. Also, send word ahead to our fuinjutsu users, they'll be needed soon enough." Noriaki spoke. "What of the remaining leaf ninja still alive on the island?" The subordinate replied. "Send six teams after them and make sure they don't leave the island alive. We can't have what happened here getting back to the leaf, they won't hesitate to send reinforcements. And most likely throw support behind Terumi as well. That cannot be allowed, now let's move out!" Noriaki and his troops quickly departed while still under the cover of night.
Tsume was not feeling good about things, her, and what remained of her team. Had been playing cat and mouse with multiple squads of Kiri ninja hot on their heels. They were too outnumbered to fight them. The chasing had lasted all night and well into the morning. She knew while they had managed to keep ahead so far. It was only a matter of time until they cornered them, she knew it. They could only hope, reinforcements arrived from Konoha in time.
Suddenly she caught sight of a kunai barrage coming her team's way. she suddenly halted, the others doing the same. The kunai landed just in front of them. Then three teams of Kiri ninja appeared in front of them and then three more behind. Tsume cursed under her breath, they had trapped them at last.
"You gave us quite the chase, but it ends here." The Kiri ninja stated. "Our orders are to kill you all, nothing personal."
"Bring it on assholes!" Tayuya roared.
The remaining members of team thirteen readied themselves for a last stand. Then something they couldn't have expected happened.
"Lava Release: Melting Apparition Technique!" A female voice called out from seemingly nowhere. A blast of mud-like looking substance suddenly appeared and engulfed all the Kiri ninjas in front of them. The Kiri ninjas cried in agony as the odd substance seemingly killed them by melting them.
"Ninja Art: Bubble bombs!" A male voice called out as large bubbles of all things, appeared and hit the Kiri ninja behind them. Exploding violently as they did so, once the explosions ended. The Kiri Ninjas were all dead but one, that was no longer in fighting shape.
Suddenly two individuals appeared before them one was a beautiful woman wearing Kiri jonin attire. She was a tall, slender woman with fair skin. She had green eyes, and ankle-length, auburn hair styled into a herringbone pattern at the back, a top-knot tied with a dark blue band, and with four bangs at the front. Two bangs are short, with one covering her right eye, and two are long, crossing each other on her bust, just below her chin.
The other was a man also wearing Kiri jonin attire. He was a tall, thin young man with pale golden eyes and brown hair that reaches to his shoulders. His eyes were very narrow. His side parting let a large portion of his bangs cover the left side of his face.
"We mean you no harm." Called out the woman. "My name is Mei Terumi, leader of the resistance. The person next to me is Utakata."
Tsume studied the two in front of her for some time, she looked to Kuromaru to see his opinion. Her ninja hound looked up at her and gave a nod of approval. Tsume relaxed and motioned her team to do the same. "My name is Tsume Inuzuka jonin-sensei of this genin team."
"Pleasure to meet you." Said Mei as she approached the leaf ninjas studying them as she did. They all looked rough, undoubtedly having spent all night and all morning evading the teams hunting them across the island. "Allow me to apologize for you all being forcefully dragged into the middle of our civil war. I had hoped to catch Noriaki and his forces before they arrived here. It seems they were farther ahead of us than we had realized. The remainder of my forces I brought with me here is at the dig site investigating it. Let us rendezvous there and continue our discussion."
Knowing they had no other real options Tsume and the others headed out alongside Mei and Utakata. Making sure to grab the loyalist Kiri ninja that survived for questioning. After some travel, they made it back to the dig site or at least what was left of it. Noriaki and his troops had been sure to leave no survivors. Tsume went over everything that had happened during the attack and the days leading up to it.
"Noriaki you crazy bastard, just what are you planning?" Mei muttered after hearing it all.
"Lady Mei." Called out one of her subordinates as he approached. "we searched the area and didn't find a body of a leaf ninja."
"I see, that most likely means your student is still alive and being held, prisoner." Stated Mei. "Anything else to report?"
"We found this as well." The subordinate replied as another person walked up, holding KubiKiribocho. This brought an eyebrow raise out of Mei, as she looked to the leaf ninja. "How by chance did the KubiKiribocho fall into the possession of a leaf genin? Zabuza Momochi was its current wielder to my knowledge?"
"Ren was apart of a team that encountered and ultimately killed Zabuza." Haku explained keeping herself emotion in check as she did. "Ren took KubiKiribocho for his own use afterward."
Mei studied the leaf Kunoichi for a moment, though any thoughts that might have been had revolving around her. Mei then looked towards the wood line a fair distance away. "Perhaps our guests would like to express their opinions on things?" She announced coyly.
This caused everyone to immediately tense up. The next moment everyone found themselves in the presence of a strike force of leaf ninja. Most of them being ANBU, being led by two people very familiar to the other leaf ninja.
"Kakashi! Inoichi!" Tsume called out with relief. "I'm glad to see Lord Hokage didn't skimp out on reinforcements. I'd like to you to meet Mei Terumi and her rebel forces, she helped us out against some of the loyalists that attacked us."
"Glad to hear to see the rest of you are ok." Spoke Kakashi as he and the other leaf ninja approached. "What's the current situation of things?" Kakashi was in deep thought after being told of everything. "We must assume that Ren is still alive until proven otherwise. In that case, Lord Hokage has given us permission to commence rescue operations. My question is, why is he bothering to hold Ren as a prisoner? What purpose is there behind the action?"
"Noriaki knows he's losing this war." Mei cut in. "He no longer has the forces for open battle. However, he can do a brutal guerilla war campaign, it's why we have yet to be able to claim outright victory. Even so, he can only keep that up for so long and he knows it. He knows if his side is to win they must make a strong and decisive strike. While his forces still have the capability to do so. Whatever that has to do with your man and finding the Sanbi I do not know?"
Kakashi thought about it all trying to piece things together. Then his visible eye widened at a thought. It filled him with horror at the implications. It brought back memories, very painful ones at that. "They couldn't be planning that…. could they?" Kakashi thought worriedly.
When Ren began to come around, the first thing he noticed. His body hurt like hell and his head. Felt almost as bad as it did after his drinking to forget the green monster. The only thing he could quite recall was being under attack, saving Tayuya from being hit by a water dragon. Only for him to get hit by said water dragon and then losing consciousness. "The others probably got me to safety after I was knocked cold. Hopefully, I haven't been out for too long." Ren thought as he tried to move only to make an unnerving discovery. He was couldn't move because he was tied up, which could only mean…. "Oh, fuck all kinds of duck, I'm a prisoner." He tried to open his eyes, only to realize he was also blindfolded. That didn't last long though as it was removed. He saw a large Kiri ninja standing over him, he assumed must be the leader.
"Finally awake I see." The man spoke as he looked own at Ren. "Who are you?"
Ren glared at that man but figured he was better off answering. He wasn't exactly in a position to argue after all. "Leaf village genin, the name's Ren Yamanaka."
This got an eyebrow raise out the man. "One of the leaf's mind walkers eh? Seeing how you were kind of enough to give your name, I'll do the same. I'm Noriaki, leader of the loyalist forces."
"That's nice and all but where's my team?"
"I'm afraid they're all dead by now. I left six squads behind to deal with them."
Ren's mind seemed to freeze up at that news. All… dead? Tsume-sensei, Haku, and Tayuya…. Ren's face contorted in fury and he stared down Noriaki with all the venom he could muster. "Bastard!" He roared. "If they really are dead, I'll kill you in return! Somehow, someway I will!" Ren wanted nothing more but to blast him with Ketsuryūgan. The only thing keeping him back was the fact he knew it would make his already bad situation. Even worse than what it was.
Noriaki just looked at Ren with amusement. "I highly doubt that kid. If things go how I want them, I will land a crushing blow to that bitch Terumi to win this war. You won't be around anymore and the leaf will be none the wiser about what happened."
"Just what the hell are you planning?" Ren asked in irritation.
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt to tell you? seeing how you'll be dead by the time it's all said and done." Noriaki said with a smirk, as he pulled out the compass. "You see I've gathered the remainder of my forces together. And now with this, we're going to be able to find the Sanbi."
"The Sanbi?" Ren cut in. "What does having me and finding the Sanbi have to do with anythi-" Ren's word died in his mouth as the realization hit him and he blew up in a furious tirade. "Of all the goddamn, unoriginal fucking ideas! You choose that you son of a bitch!? You're going to try to do with me what Kiri did with Rin Nohara….. Fucking kami! Even our names are almost just alike!"
Noriaki's amusement simply grew at the Yamanaka's outburst. "I'm surprised you know about that incident but regardless of that. You're right brat. We're gonna find the Sanbi and seal it into you, with a weak seal. You see I know Terumi is most likely following us as we speak. I want her too because by the time she finds us. That seal will give way and Sanbi will go on a rampage against her and her men. While we simply keep hidden and wait. When it's' all over, we'll just have to clean up is all. Simple as that. After all, why waste one of my men? When you conveniently showed up for the role."
Ren just continued to glare heatedly at the man. "I can't wait to see how this all blows up in your face." The Yamanaka snarled.
Noriaki just looked at him smugly before turning on his heel and walking away. Barking orders to keep moving, Ren was hoisted up and tossed over someone's shoulder. Time seemed to fly by for Ren, he wasn't sure where they were in water country. All he knew was they certainly weren't on the island anymore. Hours seemed to pass until eventually, everyone stopped. Ren could feel the tension rise around him, making his own rise too.
They had found the home of the Sanbi.
Orders were given out and eventually, Ren found himself being guarded, while all the others prepared to subdue the three-tails. Ren could see the area the Sanbi called home. It looked like a valley with a giant lake, surrounded by marshlands. He watched as Noriaki's men approached ready to begin, it didn't take long for the Sanbi to make his appearance. Not pleased by the intrusion into his home.
He rose out of the water, towering like the massive being that he was. Sanbi primarily resembled a large turtle, but with a crab-like shell, spikes all over its body, and three shrimp-like tails. Under its shell, it had red, muscle-like tissue. It had a pair of human-like arms and hands, but no hind-legs. His face was concealed between a large forehead and lower jaw — both of which have spikes. Its eyes are red with yellow pupils. Its right eye kept closed.
Sanbi roared in fury, attempting to intimidate the ninja before him. It was at that point the fighting began. Ren couldn't help but awe at the whole spectacle from his safe vantage point. Jutsu of all types were launched by Noriaki's troops. Intending to weaken the Sanbi into submission. The Bijuu replied by blasting water Jutsu of its own in return. Moving about and attacking with its tails and so on. The whole area shook from it all, like a passing earthquake. Chunks of the area were completely rearranged or blown apart. Never had Ren laid eyes on such a battle before, he actually found it a bit sobering in truth.
As the fight went on, it was clear Sanbi was losing ground. He was simply to outnumbered and taking too many hits in quick succession. As strong as the bijuu's endurance was, it's still had its limits. The men on the ground saw and pulled out a multitude of chains and threw them. They hooked onto the three-tails, glowing as they did. Special restraint chains that were designed to weaken what they hooked. Soon enough dozens of them covered the Sanbi and he slumped to the ground, unable to break from his restraints. Subduing the Sanbi had come at a cost to Noriaki's forces. Out of all the troops that had gone down there roughly a fourth of them had been killed.
Noriaki was glad his plan was moving forward, though he was a bit annoyed. He had lost more troops than he would have liked but no matter in the end. As long as his plan worked out, it would all be worth it. "Bring the prisoner and have the sealing team form up!" The guards by Ren grabbed hold of him and carried him towards Sanbi and the formed up sealers. He struggled how he could, as futile as it was. He was tossed down to the ground, his binds were undone and they removed his vest. Then re-tied him so his arms and legs were extended out and to the ground.
The dozen Kiri sealers brought out various scrolls and laid them out around Ren unrolled. Revealing their contents, then drew a sealing array directly on Ren that stretched to the Sanbi. They took their positions and began going through hand seals. As they did this the array began to glow, knowing what was about to happen. Ren did the only thing he felt he could do, he tilted his head towards the Sanbi.
"I'm sorry this's happening." He simply spoke, causing a look of surprise to cross the bijuu's face.
Suddenly the array shined brightly as the sealing process truly began. Ren's entire body tensed up. His muscles seemed to burn, his veins bulged, his teeth grounded together. It was like a great weight had fallen over his whole body, as the Sanbi was sealed into him. This continued for seemingly endlessly, until it finally did end. Ren was drenched in sweat, his breathing labored and his vision was fuzzy. He could see it clearly enough though, the seal now on his upper left chest.
It was the size of a fist and ironically enough held semblance to a turtle shell. That was covered in intricate lines and swirls. Suddenly Ren felt a pull on his consciousness, he closed his eyes and let it happen. Next, he knew he was in his own inner world, it resembled a marshland.
"Well, this is new." Ren muttered to himself. Looking around, he was surprised when he saw the prison holding the bijuu now within him. It looked like a massive coral-like structure with large circular holes to see within it. Sitting patiently behind it, was the Sanbi, Isobu.
"Interesting," Isobu spoke calmly.
"Pardon?" Wondered Ren.
"You're an Interesting hatchling." Isobu continued. "I have met many humans in my years, but you are the first to ever apologize to me. For anything."
"Yeah, your siblings Kurama and Chomei said something similar, Isobu."
Isobu paused for a moment to ensure he heard correctly. He tilted his head slightly, in intrigue. "You know our names?" He wondered.
"I have a lot to explain to you Isobu." Ren stated as he explained everything to the three-tails. Once finished, Isobu stood there with a dumbstruck look. Or whatever such a look counted for a giant spike armored turtle.
"A most unique existence you live Ren Yamanaka." Isobu responded. "You were always going to seek me out at some point. Though I imagine this outcome was not a part of your plans?"
"This wasn't even remotely what I had in mind." Ren deadpanned. "I had no intention of ever becoming your next container Isobu. Truly I mean that, speaking of which though. The bastard Noriaki mentioned the seals was supposed to steadily weaken overtime. Until you would break free and go on a rampage. How's it holding up at the moment?"
"Hmmmm…" Hummed Isobu as he inspected his prison. "It's steadily weakening, but not that quickly though."
"How long do you think it will hold?"
"A few days by my estimations." Isobu stated.
"Would it be safe for me to rely on your power at all, while the seal is like this?"
"I would avoid doing so."
"I hate to have to do this to you Isobu but I'm gonna have to get this seal fixed." Ren spoke apologetically. "I like living after all and I need to keep my plans moving too."
Surprisingly enough to Ren, Isobu actually began chuckling. "Normally I would be furious about being sealed. However, under the circumstances of things. Being sealed inside of you is probably for the best."
Ren couldn't help but laugh a little at that statement. "Maybe you're right Isobu, though that won't matter much. If that jackass Noriaki gets his way."
"Looks like everything went smoothly, Commander Noriaki." Spoke one of the sealers.
Noriaki couldn't help but laugh in satisfaction. "Good work, now we need to prepare for Terumi's arrival sometime from now."
"Why wait?" A female voice called out.
Noriaki spun around to see Mei Terumi to his surprise.
"Terumi! How the hell did you find us, so quickly!?"
Mei chuckled a little at her enemies' shock. "I have to thank my new friends. They made tracking you down with their hounds so easy." Suddenly appearing behind Mei was Kakashi, Inoichi, Tsume, Tayuya, and Haku. The color drained from Noriaki's face as the realization of the situation hit him.
"You've lost Noriaki!" Mei proclaimed. "Surrender and let this war end. You cannot win. If you choose to fight, you and your forces will be destroyed." She finished with a dangerous edge.
"That seal!" Kakashi yelled out as he examined Ren from his position. He turned his glare on Noriaki. "You son of a bitch! You actually did it!"
A fiendish smirk spread across Noriaki's face. "That's right I did. I was hoping to have time to prepare and let the seal gradually weaken and break. For when the time was right but I can just kill the brat now and let the Sanbi rampage on you all!" Noriaki made a move towards Ren but was cut off by Mei, who forced him back and began her attack on him.
All hell broke loose at that point. All of Mei's forces being led by Utakata and the leaf ANBU teams. Began their assault on Noriaki's remaining forces with ruthless efficiency. The area was soon filled with the noise of jutsu, clanging steel, and death.
"Inoichi and Tsume with me, we'll deal with the mist ninjas closest to Ren." Kakashi ordered. "Haku and Tayuya, grab Ren and fall back to safety."
They launched themselves forward and engaged the enemy. Haku and Tayuya wasted no time, in freeing Ren from his bonds. They each draped one his arms over their shoulders and immediately took off. They traveled as fast as they could, within a few minutes the sounds of battle were far in the distance. It was around this time Ren began to wake up.
"What? What's happening?" Ren asked groggily, yet feeling surprisingly better than he thought he would. Right before everything halted and he was tackled by a blur of red hair.
"Holy shit! You're ok!" Tayuya exclaimed in her impromptu tackling of Ren, as she then sat up. Right before she unceremoniously slapped him across the face. "Ah, fucker that mask! I shouldn't have done that while you still had it on!"
"What the hell was that for?!" Ren yelled in annoyance.
Forgetting about her sore hand, Tayuya put her focus back on the mocha-skinned blond. "Simple you fucking moron! You nearly got yourself killed by saving me!" she yelled.
"What was I just supposed to do? Just let the water dragon slam into you?"
"Yes!"
"Bullshit!"
"And why the fuck do think I'm worth such a risk!?" Tayuya snarled.
"Because your someone I care about!" Ren retorted back, stunning the redhead to silence. "You're my teammate, my friend, one of my precious people Tayuya. Along with Haku, Tsume-sensei, Naruto, and everyone else. I've made my nindo to that of one. Who will do what they can to protect everyone he cares about. No matter the danger before me. I will sacrifice as much of myself as I have to for you and the others. Cause when it comes down to it, I'm a protector and that's what protectors do."
Tayuya stared with shock at the blond in front of her after his declaration. She had to suppress a blush and took a deep breath. "I understand." She finally said in a soft tone. "I still think you're kind of a dumbass but I understand."
Ren laughed a bit and smirked from behind his mask. "I'm glad to hear it." Tayuya stood up and then helped lift Ren up to his feet. At that point, he turned to address Haku. "Glad to see you made it through safely."
Haku removed her mask and smiled. "I'm glad you're alive as well Ren. So… is it true?" She asked gesturing to the seal on his chest.
"Yeah, it's true." Ren mused. "I'm now the jinchuriki to the Sanbi. Though the seal was purposely designed to be faulty. I'll need to have it looked at as soon as possible. First things first though, I need to deliver some payback to the prick Noriaki. My urge to kill is at an all-time high currently, despite my apparent calmness."
Tayuya and Haku looked at each other for a moment before simply shrugging their shoulders in agreement. Haku then drew out a storage scroll. "You'll be needing this then, I believe." With a poof, KubiKiribocho appeared and Ren eagerly grabbed a hold of his sword.
"Let's go make a difference!" Ren called out chipperly with a clap of his hands and they all took off.
Kakashi ripped a kunai through the throat of an enemy. He looked to see Tsume literally ripping out the throat of an enemy with her teeth. While Inoichi was making enemy ninjas kill one another with his mind techniques. Kakashi surveyed the battlefield quickly. He saw Noriaki's troops were being overwhelmed, once this battle was done. Mei will have effectively won the civil war at last.
Kakashi quickly turned on his heel, his senses picking up an enemy near him. However, the enemy ninja suddenly burst in a spray of blood and fell over dead. Revealing a certain mocha-skinned Yamanaka, holding a giant sword.
"Ren!" Kakashi cried out.
"Yo, Kakashi sensei!" Ren replied casually.
"Why are you here still and where are your teammates?"
"Did you really think I was gonna pass up a chance for payback at these guys after what they pulled? Also, Haku and Tayuya are helping elsewhere on the battlefield"
"But what about the Sanbi?" Kakashi asked seriously.
"Sanbi is fine, the seal is in no danger of breaking for the time being." Ren replied, he noticed a group of enemy ninjas approaching. He quickly went to Kakashi's side, he held out a hand and focused his chakra. "Care to join me?"
"Fair enough." The silver-haired jonin replied as he copied the action.
"Lightning Release: Lightning Beast Tracking Fang!" Both cried out as two hounds of lightning shot out and collided with the enemy ninjas. Once the blast subsided, all the enemies laid on the ground. With no signs of movement.
"Nice work." Kakashi chimed.
"But of course Kakashi-sensei." Ren mused as he looked around the area. "Looks like the fighting is beginning to wind down at last."
"Yes, it is." Kakashi replied.
Kakashi and Ren stuck together taking down some more enemy ninja that refused to surrender. It wasn't too much longer and all the fighting had stopped in its entirety. What few remained, of Noriaki's troops were rounded up and kept under guard. Noriaki himself had been beaten and bound up by Mei. Who was personally watching over the enemy leader. Basking in the realization of the civil war being over at last. Her attention though switched when the ninja from the leaf approached.
"While I do apologize once more for being dragged into our affairs. Your help has been appreciated none the less." Mei spoke cheerily. "I hope you didn't suffer any losses?"
"A few injuries is all, nothing serious Lady Terumi." Replied Kakashi. "Or rather should I say 'Lady Mizukage'?"
"I still have to be officially appointed but in essence, I am Mizukage now. Seeing how all this awfulness is over at last."
"Amen, Hallelujah and Peanut Butter to that." Ren chimed. "So what happens to him?" He asked motioning towards Noriaki.
"Well…" Mei mused. "He's going to be put on trial for the crimes he'd committed. Speaking of which, there's the situation of this fool in his desperation trying to use you as some sort of jinchuriki bomb. I cannot have the Sanbi back, without having you killed. Doing so would cause a war with Konoha, Kiri cannot afford and it would be an insult. To the help, you have given in ending this civil war years sooner than otherwise would have happened. I would much rather forge an alliance with Konoha. As for your possession of KubiKiribocho, you may keep it. Consider it reparations for the trouble you were unfairly subjected to."
Ren gave a bow. "Thank you, Lady Mei. I greatly appreciate it."
"Speaking of jinchuriki." Cut in Kakashi with a serious look. "Let me look at your seal. While I'm not a true seal master, I may be able to put enough of a patch job on it. Until we can have one look at it." Kakashi then took to inspecting the seal, after a few minutes. He had his conclusion. "It looks like they purposely shortened up the more basic parts of the seal. I can fix this, to make the seal hold properly without risk of breaking."
About fifteen minutes later Ren was sitting on the ground with a sealing array written on him. "Alright Ren, here we go. This might feel a bit rough but try to bear with it." The Yamanaka nodded in understanding. Kakashi went through hand signs and placed a hand on Ren's chest. The array glowed as it began its work. Ren tensed up as the sealing took hold. After a few moments, it was all over. "There we are, all good now." Chimed Kakashi.
"Never stop being so awesome Kakashi-sensei."
"As if I ever would."
"Glad to see it all worked out." Mei called out as she approached the two. She held a scroll and handed it over to Ren. "That scrolls is an offer for a treaty of alliance, for the Hokage to look over."
"We'll see that it reached him, Lady Mei." Ren replied, taking the scroll.
Mei let out a sigh. "Shame I can't have you stay in water country. It would be nice to have someone as cute as you, around." Mei said as she looked over the mocha-skinned Yamanaka.
Ren was glad he was wearing his mask, so it hid his current blush. "That's very flattering of you Lady Mei, though I'm a bit young for you I think." Then a devilish idea crossed his mind. "However, Kakashi -sensei is closer in age to you."
"What!?" cried out the silver-haired jonin.
Mei put her focus on Kakashi eyeing him up, a playful smile spread across her face. "He is quite handsome I can tell even with the mask. Perhaps next we meet we can have a few drinks?"
"I'm sure he can manage that. After all, I know he's single at the moment."
"Ren, stop trying to get me dates with foreign Kunoichi." Spoke Kakashi in exasperation.
"Oh come on Kakashi-sensei." Ren argued. "It's just like the second book in Icha Icha. The story of a strong warrior and strong warrioress. Who find themselves falling in love even though they belong to separate armies. It also helps the woman in the story is a beautiful, powerful, smart, skilled and, busty redhead. Much like Lady Mei herself. You could have your Icha Icha dreams become reality!"
"Oh my, so you read those as well Kakashi?" Said Mei. "You just keep getting better to me." She purred looking directly at the copy ninja.
Kakashi facepalmed. "This is all besides the point. We need to head back to Konoha Ren. If you'll excuse us, Lady Mei."
"Of course, don't be a stranger now." Mei replied with a wink and turned on her heel to leave.
"I blame you for this." Accused Kakashi, once Mei was out of hearing range.
"I'm not apologizing Kakashi-sensei." Ren chimed with a glint of mischief in his eyes. "If anything I'm officially shipping this, you're welcome. Besides, you can't tell me you don't find her attractive?"
"I'm not answering that."
"That's not a 'no' Kakashi-sensei."
Kakashi sighed in defeat. "Let's just meet up with the others and get back to Konoha."
"Fair enough." Ren mused. "I can't wait to see how everyone back home is going to react to all of this." He thought to himself.
A/N: Hello readers! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and the story thus far. Well, things are certainly building up all the way around eh? Konoha is in for another big surprise or two compliments of Ren. Not to mention the heart to heart between all of the team thirteen genin. The next chapter will be another fluffy one before we finally dig into the chunin exams. I have some interesting thoughts on that. which I'm sure will cause a little controversy amongst you, my readers. Anyway, please review as they do help with giving me the motivation to write. Please like and fav if you haven't already. In the meantime, stay safe, stay healthy and, I'll see you next time. I'm out! EDIT: If the main site is acting wonky still. The ff phone app from you phones app store. Should allow you to, read and review chapter updates and whatnot.