Chapter Sixteen: Preparation
Sitting in his seat of power within his ROOT headquarters in Konoha, was Danzo Shimura. It was the day after the second round of the exams and one of his subordinates had given him a report on the results. He had kept an eye on the exams as they happened. One, to watch on the potential future threat of rival nation growing shinobi. Two, to keep an eye on the Konoha ninja in exams for potential ROOT recruits. To be taken into his organization, whether they wanted to or not.
None of the foreign ninjas in the exam seemed to be any real future threat. However, there was Konoha genin that had caught his keen interest to be brought into ROOT.
Ren Yamanaka.
Danzo had kept an eye on the boy for some time, arguing with himself whether or not. Trying to force the boy into ROOT would be worth the risk. His performance in the second round had finally made him make his decision. The boy had shown tremendous skill and power for one his age. He had defeated the jinchuriki from Suna without that much difficulty all things considered. Not even having to rely on his bijuu to get the job done. However, it was two other things the boy possessed that had truly solidified his choice.
The boy had shown impressive use of his dojutsu. Ever since he had awakened it he had been keenly interested in it. After learning what he could of it and hearing the boy's usage of it. He would have it for his ROOT now and for the future. After all he once he had the boy, he could always have him breed with suitable ROOT kunoichi. To ensure he had a steady supply of Ketsuryūgan users within his ranks for years to come.
However, the biggest surprise was the Yamanaka's capability to use Hiraishin. Someone with the ability to use such a jutsu would be invaluable to ROOT. He would just have to wait until the time was right to make his move for the boy. He was still young enough that if he caught him at the right moment. He would be able to properly mold him into the sort of weapon he should be. While the Sanbi that was housed within the boy posed an issue. It was a minor one at best, that he had ways of dealing with.
Danzo allowed a small smirk to grace his face. Yes, Ren Yamanaka would make for an excellent weapon for Konoha. He would see it done.
Ren awoke in his room, the sun had just finished rising for the start of the day. It was the day after the preliminaries and the official first day. Of the thirty day training period leading up to the finals. Normally one would think, he would be excited about being able to compete in the finals. After how yesterday ended though, Ren's mind was thinking about other things.
Ren, and all the other rookie genin and their jonin-sensei's. Along with Inoichi, Kairi, and Hiruzen. Were all gathered in the ER waiting area at the hospital. Awaiting on Ino's status as she was currently in surgery for what Neji did to her. it was no secret that Neji had lost his cool and had gone overboard in how he ended the match. Possibly killing the heiress of one of the village's most prominent clans as a result. That fact alone was enough to cause a ruckus in the village. With the current tension between the Hyuga and Yamanaka, even more so. If things hadn't already been tense between the two, they certainly were now.
Kairi had immediately ran to her son and embraced him, as soon as she had seen him. Inoichi was equal parts worried and furious about the situation. Hiruzen was here knowing he needed to play some amount of damage control for the situation especially if the worse were to happen to Ino. Not to mention needing to discuss the situation about Ren. After his harrowing encounter with Orochimaru in the forest of death. With that in mind, the Hokage had a room nearby made ready to discuss things. He called Inoichi, Ren, and the boy's mother as well, to accompany him. Once they were all in the room, he spoke.
"Allow me to say, I am sorry for the current situation. As a parent myself I understand the feeling you're going through at the moment. I hope young Ino pulls through." Stated Hiruzen concern lacing his voice.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage." Replied Inoichi, keeping his emotions in check. He was talking to the leader of the village after all. "With that said, the Hyuga boys' actions went too far. It was just a simple match and it was obvious he had won. Regardless of what my daughter had said, his actions went too overboard. He could have ended the match without such force."
I understand Inoichi." Replied Hiruzen. "I fully intend to discuss this matter later on with the Hyuga. I do not wish to see things escalate to full-blown conflict between you two."
"Tell that to the Hyuga." Ren practically growled, attention now put on him. "The Yamanaka have done nothing to stir the flames of all this. The Hyuga have been the only ones causing ruckus pointlessly since the start. The whole clan excluding Hinata seems hellbent on escalating this. For their own petty bullshit reasoning."
Hiruzen simply looked at the boy with a neutral expression. Though he knew that the young man made a valid point in his reasoning. Thinking about Ren brought about his second point. "I also need to discuss with you about Ren."
"This's about my run-in with Orochimaru in the forest I take it?" Ren said more as a fact than a question.
"Orochimaru!?" Kairi said in horror, knowing full well who the man was.
"What happened exactly?" Questioned Inoichi. He had been informed about his nephew's encounter with the traitorous snake. Though he had yet to be given the details.
"The bastard cornered me in the forest and bit me in the neck, giving me this." Ren said as he then turned his head to show his curse mark. "He seems very obsessed with me and my body for whatever reason. He put a mark on Sakura Haruno as well."
Inoichi looked shocked, to say the least at this turn of events. Kairi on the other hand looked nothing short of horrified, the color had drained from her face. She was moving more than she was thinking when she immediately pulled her son. Into a protective embrace, practically on instinct. Granted, what parent wouldn't at the news, such a creep was so interested in their child.
"While it's not great, it could be worse." Stated Ren. "Sanbi was able to remove the more corruptive properties of the mark. Still, I'd prefer to get the damn thing removed completely if possible."
Suddenly there was a knock at the door drawing their attention. "Not to interrupt." Came Kakashi's from the other side of the door "The doctor is finished and ready to give us an update."
With that announcement, everyone left the room back into the waiting area. The doctor was there waiting to give an update.
"First and foremost." Began the doctor. "She's going to live." Everyone let out a breath most of them didn't even know they were holding in. "Secondly, the damage done to her from the strike was extensive none the less. While she will live and recover enough to live life from day to day well enough. I'm afraid the damage is beyond our capabilities to heal enough for her to return to shinobi duties. I'm sorry."
Everyone was left in shock by that. No one really knew what to say. Inoichi had to sit as he fully processed that information. He let out a deep sigh and muttered to himself. "I will need to discuss this with the clan elders."
Everyone had left not long after, Ino wouldn't be able to receive visitors for some time still. They had to hammer out training arrangements for the coming finals. Haku would train with Tsume, while Tayuya and Ren chose to handle training on their own. Kakashi was going to take Sasuke away for training, Kakashi had apparently arranged Sakura. To be trained by Ebisu, though he couldn't find anyone for Naruto. Naruto was fine with it, he would handle training alongside Fū. Seeing how she was without a trainer as well.
Ren got up and prepared for the day, he figured he would head to the training grounds. He spotted Naruto and Fū, both geared up and ready for a day of training.
"Ren." Naruto called out. "Me and Fū were thinking that you might want to train with us since you don't have anyone else."
"Doesn't sound like a bad idea. Let me see if Tayuya wants in as well." Ren replied as then went and knocked on the redhead's door. After getting no answer, he assumed she must have already left. "Looks like it's just us three, might as well head out."
The three jinchuriki took off together and headed to the training grounds. As they were about to get there, they were interrupted.
"There you are kid, I've been looking for you." A voice called out. All three genin turned to see who it was.
"I was wondering how soon I would see you again Lord Jiraiya." Replied Ren.
"Who's this guy?" Asked Naruto.
"Jiraiya of the sannin." Ren explained. "He was of the Third Hokage's students. He's one of the most powerful ninjas to ever come out of Konoha."
"Really?" Naruto said with a little doubt.
"Don't be that way Naruto?" Fū cut in. "He's well known even back in Taki."
Jiraiya grinned a little at the praise. "My reputation does tend to precede me. Anyways kid, I found what you were asking for."
Ren's eyes widened a little at that. "Nice, we're headed to the training grounds. As good as place as any to break it out."
Jiraiya nodded and followed the three genin. Once they reached the training grounds. Jiraiya pulled out a small scroll, with a poof another scroll appeared. It was grey in its color and was just as large as the one on the sannin's back. Jiraiya handed it to Ren, who took it with delight.
"What is that?" Naruto wondered.
"A summoning scroll and the summoning scroll for the salamanders at that." Ren replied with glee.
"You seem awfully excited about this?" Replied Naruto.
"Are they really that big of a deal?" Fū inquired.
"Yes, they are." Cut in Jiraiya. "Summoning contracts and the things they grant. Depending on the contract in question, can open a massive avenue of possibilities. As someone who carries one the best known regarded contracts with the toads. I can attest to that fact. The salamander contract in nothing scoff at I must admit. It's the only summons contract that rivals those of the toads, snakes, and slugs.
"There's also a strong argument to be had that it surpasses the aforementioned in the right hands." Ren mused.
"You're not wrong about that. I've experienced firsthand what the salamanders can do with a proper summoner. It's was one of the few times in my ninja career. I was genuinely fearful for my life. It also should be noted certain summons grant certain properties to their wielders. For instance, the salamanders are supposedly able to grant total poison immunity to their summoners." Continued Jiraiya. "It makes sense considering, the salamanders are un-rivaled in poison making. No other summons or even people for that matter can match anything the salamanders can do. When it comes to poison crafting."
"I can't even begin to describe how amazed I am by all this. Where did you find it?" Ren wondered.
"After hunting clues down, I found it buried. Guess Hanzo was getting paranoid bout someone taking it from him and hid it away far from Ame for safekeeping. What little good that did him."
Ren unrolled the scroll to an open and saw some of the previous names. Finding an open spot, he made a cut on his thumb and signed his name on the contract. Along with a handprint using his blood.
"Why are you signing in blood?" Asked Fū.
"Summoning contracts are signed in blood." Replied the mocha-skinned blond. "All right let's do this." Ren then went through the needed hand signs.
"Ninja Art: Summoning Jutsu!" Ren said as slammed his palm on the ground and a burst of smoke was had. After a moment the smoke cleared to reveal what the result of the summoning was.
Before Ren was a salamander, the size of an adult forearm. It was colored grey with splotches of black going around its body. It also had pitch-black eyes. The salamander took a moment to look over its surroundings before putting its focus on Ren.
"You are our clan's newest summoner I take it?" The salamander spoke in a polite feminine tone.
"It talks!?" Fū said in surprise.
"Most summonses have the ability to communicate in some way." Ren replied before putting his focus back onto the summons. "I am, my name is Ren Yamanaka. Who do I have the privilege to be speaking with?"
"My name is Kimiko, master tracker and main speaker for the salamanders." Spoke the now identified Kimiko. She then began walking around Ren, as if she was inspecting him. Flicking her tongue a few times as she did before returning to her original spot. "You are a strong child, you will be a great summoner for us. It's been a long time since we've had a summoner. The rest of the clan will be excited to know we have one again. Especially a summoner who possess such promise."
"I'm happy to have met your approval." Ren replied. "If I may inquire, just what are the rest of the summons from the clan available to me?"
"Ah yes, allow me to explain." Spoke the salamander. "I am the master tracker, none can escape my sense smell, no matter how minuscule. As the summoner of the clan now. You and I now share a unique connection, should anything happen to you. No matter where you are, as long as you live. I will be able to sense your presence and find my way to you. I'm also an elder of sorts amongst the clan."
"That's awesome."
"Next there is Mio. She's the master crafter of our poison's and antidotes. After her there is Takara. He's the spymaster of our clan, capable of sneaking about any environment undetected. He is also knowledgeable in seals to break through practically any seal he comes across given enough time. There is Ibuse the leader and the most powerful of our clan. His size is comparable to that of Gamabunta, Manda, and Katsuyu. Of the toads, snakes, and slugs respectively. Ibuse can also spew any poison given to him in a massive burst. You can also summon general salamanders of various sizes to assist you in combat."
"Fantastic Kimiko, I look forward to working with you all in the future." Spoke Ren.
"As do we." Replied Kimiko. "I will return to the realm of the salamanders and inform the others. After a few minutes please summon Mio, she will have something to give you."
Ren nodded his head and then Kimiko vanished in a poof. After a few minutes, Ren performed the summoning once again. A new salamander was present this time. it was also around the size of an adult forearm but was colored differently. It had a yellow body with stripes of pink that went all over it. The salamander also had pink eyes and carried a small vial filled with a blue liquid.
"You must be Mio I assume?" Ren inquired.
"Yep, that's me!" Mio replied in a happy and spunky manner. "Mio of the Salamander clan, Master of poisons and antidotes at your service! You must be Ren? Kimiko was excited to tell us about you. We've gone so long without a summoner, we were starting to think that we would never be called upon again. Speaking of which, I have this for you." Mio said as he pushed the vial towards Ren. "Drink up!"
Ren raised an eyebrow at this. "What exactly is this by chance?"
"That is a very special brew that we only give our summoners. Drink it and you'll never have to worry about poisons for the rest of your life!"
"Don't have to tell me twice." Ren pulled down his mask, grabbed the small vial, popped the cork on it, and poured it all into his mouth. Ren's eyes almost instantly bulged in a mix of surprise and disgust. He had to slam his hands against his mouth to prevent him from spitting it out. After a few forced gulps, he swallowed it all. "Holy shit, you could have warned me about the taste? It was like a drink that was piss, rotten fruit juice, and gasoline all mixed together."
"I could have, but your reaction wouldn't have turned out so amusing otherwise." Mio snickered.
Ren's eyebrow twitched in annoyance as he put his mask back on. "Regardless, I appreciate what you did. Having such poison immunity is a pretty big plus for a shinobi."
"True and a necessity for being our summoner." Stated Mio. "My poisons are the deadliest in all existence, no arguments about it. Not all the poisons I make can also have an antidote made in a timely manner. Not to mention antidotes made specifically for a particular poison. Don't last for more than a few hours. While it seems unlikely that you wouldn't need an antidote to last longer than that. You never know what could happen in the shinobi world. The last thing anyone needs is something to happen and you die by accident from your own poisons. That's why I invented that particular concoction you just drank. It's very difficult to brew even for me and the ingredients required for it are so rare. I can only craft a batch once every three years. That batch you just had was my only one, that I made to keep on hand, in anticipation for our next summoner. And before you ask, no, no one else other than our summoners is permitted to take it."
"Fair enough Mio, this talk has been very informative. Your free to go home, I call on you and any of the others when I need to." Ren spoke.
"Sure thing and once again everyone is happy to have a summoner again. So don't fuck it up!" Mio chirped before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
"Well…okay then."
"Well kid, that was something. I'd better get going." Spoke up Jiraiya as he began to walk away.
"Actually, there's something to ask of you, Lord Jiraiya." The mocha-skinned blond stated.
Jiraiya stopped and raised an eyebrow. "What exactly would that be?"
Me and friends are in need of a trainer to help prepare for the exam finals. I'd like you to be our sensei for the training period." Ren replied looking Jiraiya dead in the eyes.
"You can't be serious?" Was the toad sages simple reply.
"I'm completely serious. Ren said without missing a beat. "Who better than one of the sannin? Especially, the one who was responsible for training the Fourth Hokage."
"This guy was the one who trained the Yondaime!?" Exclaimed Naruto in surprise.
"That's so cool!" Chimed the green-haired kunoichi.
Jiraiya smirked to himself in satisfaction. "Indeed I am a man of many great talents, including training amazing shinobi. I'm glad to see you all recognize that. Though I'm afraid I can't train you."
"Please Lord Jiraiya, there's no one more suitable for the job than you." Ren spoke back, continuing to look directly at the sannin.
Jiraiya looked at them all with a look of contemplation. Before his eyes settled on the Yamanaka. "Tell you what kid" He began. "If you can show me something truly impressive, I'll agree to train you and your friends. And before you think about it, something other than what you showed me before. I need to see a more proper ninja technique that will impress me. That will prove that I won't be wasting my time." Jiraiya said with another smirk, certain that he would win. After all, it took an awful lot to genuinely knock his socks off these days.
Ren gave a smirk of his own behind his mask. "Very well then, I think I can handle that." Ren reached into his pouch and pulled out a pair of three-pronged kunai. He immediately stuck one in the ground in front of him and he threw the other into a tree a fair distance away. Ren couldn't but smile underneath his mask seeing Jiraiya looked so surprised at the sight of those kunai. Before the sage could even say anything Ren disappeared in an instant. He appeared by the kunai in the tree and grabbed a hold of it. He then immediately transported back to the other kunai in the ground.
"Will that suffice?" Ren chimed in amusement.
Jiraiya stood eyes wide in shock, mouth practically on the ground, arms hanging limply at his side. If he hadn't seen with his own eyes, he never would have believed it. Never did he think he would see someone who wasn't Minato use that jutsu in his lifetime. But the Yamanaka boy clear as the day had just used Hiraishin in front of him against all odds.
"Well, I'll be damned the kid can actually use it and so young at that." Jiraiya thought to himself. "The old man was right about this boy, he really does have an air about him. The sort of air that only Minato had to my memory. I wonder….could he by chance be the one the prophecy spoke of, instead of Naruto? Hmmmmm…"
"All right kid you win, I'll train you and your friends." Announced the toad sage. Deciding to put his current thoughts away for a later date. He had a group of jinchuriki to train for the finals now. Granted, he had intended to train his godson regardless. While including his godson's girlfriend and brother in all but blood. Wasn't a part of the initial plan he honestly didn't mind including them as well. He was actually very interested in just how much they all could bring to the table.
Jiraiya had a bit of a somber expression on his face when he thought more about the three teens in front of him. If the recent info he had received from his spy network was right. Which he was entirely sure it was and it wasn't good news. A group of S-rank criminal ninja known as Akatsuki. Would be making moves in roughly a little over three years or so. To gain a hold of all the bijuu, for reasons he didn't know yet. However, whatever a criminal group like Akatsuki wanted with them, it wasn't good for anyone. With that in mind, it wound up hardening Jiraiys's resolve about the three Jinchuriki before him. These kids were going to be hunted for simply being what they were. If they were going to survive the dangers to come, they would need all the help they could get. The fact that one of them was his own godson only added to his desire to help even further. After all, who better to train these kids for such trouble than him?
Deciding it was time to get to work, Jiraiya brought himself out of his thoughts. "All right you three I'm gonna figure out a plan for you all to work for the time leading up to the exams" Jiraiya announced as he pulled a giant scroll from off his back. "First thing first, Naruto I think you would benefit. From having yourself signed to a summoning contract like your friend." Jiraiya couldn't help but smile a bit as he saw the excitement on Naruto's face.
Two weeks had passed since the start of Ren, Naruto, and Fū's training with Jiraiya. The toad sage had pushed them all in different ways. Naruto was working on gaining control of summoning various sizes of toads. Something he was doing pretty well at, though he was still having trouble summoning the larger ones. Fū had been instructed to further her expertise with some of her abilities. Exclusive to her due to being the jinchuriki to the Nanabi. Ren meanwhile had been instructed to continue developing his usage of Hiraishin. Though Ren had also taken time to self-teach himself a technique. He realized he could do properly thanks to the increased visual perception his Ketsuryūgan granted him.
Ino had finally woken up at the hospital but was still stuck there for the time being. He took the time to see her of course, while he was still furious at Neji. At least Ino wasn't going to be forever stuck in a hospital. Granted, that did little to make up for the fact that Ino was deemed no longer capable of being a kunoichi. She had taken the news about as well as one would expect. Though she bounced back rather quickly. Saying she would just have to focus on helping run the clan's civilian businesses. Though her no longer being to be a shinobi raised certain questions from within the clan.
Ren was having a lunch break under a tree at the training grounds. Thinking back on the news he had gotten just a few nights ago.
Ren, Naruto, and Fū had just arrived home from the day's training. As they entered the house, they were surprised to see Inoichi. Who had been apparently waiting for them to arrive.
"Hey uncle, is something going on?" Ren questioned in curiosity. It was weird that uncle Inoichi had been apparently waiting on them. It didn't help he had the expression of someone who seemed a bit unsure about what they were doing.
"I'm glad to see you're back. There's something we need to discuss right away Ren." Spoke Inoichi as he motioned Ren to follow him. Ren had no idea what was going on but knew that whatever it was. It had to be serious, to say the least. He followed his uncle to his office, after getting situated. Inoichi got to the point of the impromptu meeting.
"You're probably wondering why I so suddenly decided to have this meeting with you Ren." Began Inoichi from behind his desk. "As you already know while Ino is expected to not be able to continue her career as a shinobi. While I'm sure you as well as myself hope that perhaps something will come about to change that. As of now, we must assume that her current condition will not be changing anytime soon if at all. After talking with the clan elders it was decided…" Inoichi's words died in his mouth for a moment before he found them again. "Ino is no longer suitable to be the heiress to the clan. The Yamanaka is first and foremost a ninja clan, thus we cannot have an heir who is not a ninja. Thus it was voted unanimously that, you Ren. Are now officially named heir and directly next in line to be the leader of the Yamanaka clan. Upon my retirement or death, you will then be the new head of the clan."
Ren for his honestly stunned by this news. He just stared at his uncle as he processed this turn of events. Of all the things he figured this meeting could be about, it wasn't this. He couldn't even think of a proper response for a few moments.
"Are…are you sure about this?" Ren finally managed to say.
Inoichi nodded his head. "I understand is a very sudden thing and I'm sure you never expected to find yourself. In such a position but I full faith in your abilities as a shinobi and a person in general. To be the sort of leader who can confidently lead the clan when the time comes. If there is anyone else, I can have full trust and confidence for such a role. It's without a doubt you Ren and before you ask, I've already discussed this with Ino. You should know that she supports you fully in your new role as heir."
"Still though." Ren said finding this whole thing kind of hard to believe. "Me as heir to the clan. It's a crazy thing to wrap my head around at the moment. However, I am honored all the same, truly. That you would entrust something so important to me. I promise I'll do what I can to live up to my new role and do everyone proud by it."
"I know you will." Inoichi replied with a smile.
After the meeting, he had gone about eventually telling everyone the news of his new position. While everyone was also just as taken by surprise by the news, they ultimately understood. Why such a decision was made, to begin with. As the thought of everyone else crossed his mind. He wondered how training was going for Tayuya and Haku? As he sat up to go continue his own training.
Tayuya was on her hands and knees panting heavily after a series of, particularly difficult exercises. When she went about training on her own she made sure to find a place that no one would be able to locate her. That way she could train herself with the full capability of her abilities. Unlike, when she trained with her team, where she purposely had to restrain herself. After all, she wasn't really training for her fight in the finals. She was training more for her eventual fighting against her now former Oto allies. Once she revealed her heel-face turn come the planned invasion of Konoha. That would take place the same day as the finals.
Granted she didn't have any real worries about fighting the others who made up the sound four. She had always been one of the stronger members of the group, to begin with. Now she was certain she could kick any of their asses at this point. No, the real concern started with Kimimaro. That bone spewing bastard was to tough for even the whole sound four to beat together. And that was when the guy was still sick. Tayuya would be lying if she said she wasn't terrified of how much stronger he was now. Since that four-eyed fucker Kabuto had managed to cure him of his disease.
Kabuto, that son of a bitch was also another major worry for the redhead. In some ways he sicker in the head than anyone else in Oto. Quite the feat in truthfulness. What made her worry the most was that Kabuto never seemed ever to show. Just how much he was truly capable of. It made knowing just how much he could do outside of fucking someone up with weaponized medical jutsu. Difficult to ascertain, Kabuto had always been an overly secretive jackass.
Then of course was the biggest worry of them all, Orochimaru himself. She couldn't deny that the idea of facing down the snake sannin. Was nothing short of a petrifying prospect. She remembered all too clearly how he so easily dismantled her and her teammates in the forest of death. They were probably the strongest team in the entire exam too. Yet it was clear as day, Orochimaru had just played with them the entire time.
Tayuya couldn't help but have worries about all her friends. With all the impending danger to come. None more so than the worry and concern she held for Haku and Ren. They were both strong there was no denying it. Hell, it was downright laughable that they were even genin, to begin with. Still, she knew that fighting guys like Kabuto and Kimimaro would be close to suicide for either of them on their own. Fighting any of the other sound four members would push them to their limits in a one on one fight. She knew that whatever they were doing for their training would help close the gap but still.
Would it be enough for when the time came? Was what she doing going to be enough to make herself ready for when the time came? Would she be able to do enough to help everyone in Konoha she had come to care so much for? Tayuya growled in frustration at herself. At the thought of not being strong enough for her precious people when she would need to be. What if something were to happen to Ren, Haku, or any of the others? Because of her own shortcomings in the heat of the moment? She growled even more so and clenched her fist as her emotions hit a high point at the thought. Never had she ever in her life felt such intense emotions in this manner. The thought of losing any of her friends, scared and enraged her.
She felt her emotions boil over and she slammed her palms into the ground as a result of it. Then something that caught her by surprise, she heard a noise of something breaking the ground a few feet in front of her. She lifted her head up and her jaw went slack from what she for a few moments.
"Did….did I just somehow create a fucking tree?" Tayuya said to herself as she stared at. The small-sized tree that had suddenly appeared right before her. She looked at the tree and then her hands and back again. "How the fuck did I make a tree?" Clearly, she would need to look into this.
Haku was with Tsume at the Inuzuka clan's personal training grounds, within their clan compound. Haku's main goal was to better train her wind affinity in preparation for the finals. While she had always had the affinity alongside water, due to her kekkei genkai. She had never really put much practice into it outside of what was needed to properly use her ice release. Training it in Konoha was easier said than done. The wind affinity was the rarest form of nature release found in the land of fire. Thus Konoha's kept knowledge on it was more scarce compared to the others. Thankfully, Tsume had managed to get her hands on a few wind jutsu's for Haku to study. After talking with some of her friends in the jonin ranks.
Another portion of her training was put towards working on jutsu's that utilized her ice release. While her ice mirrors and ice dome were formidable. She couldn't rely purely on those two techniques alone. Unfortunately, since she had no access to any kind of jutsu scrolls. Related to her clan kekkei genkai, if any even still existed, to begin with. Thus she was forced to have to create all new or re-invent ice release jutsu's in essence.
She was determined to better herself, she would not be a burden to her precious people. She had been utterly dominated in the forest of death and rendered unconscious for the majority of the time. While her enemy had been of the legendary sannin, it did little to alleviate her shame. In how easily she had been beaten, her shame feeling heavier. When she thought about how much Ren and Tayuya suffered at the snake sannin's hands. While she realized she might not have been able to prevent the eventual outcome of her team's harrowing encounter with Orochimaru. She couldn't but feel had she been able to put in a better effort, things just might have turned out better than what they did.
After everything, they had been through together. Haku no problem admitting Ren and Tayuya both. Were to her the most precious people in her life at this point. They had all trained together, fought together, shared their troubles, emotions, and more with each other. By doing so they had forged a bond between themselves, that went beyond simply being teammates. It was this that gave her the resolve needed to push herself like she was. She couldn't afford to let them down as she did again. She refused to let such a failure happen again, while it was within her power to do something about it.
Haku summoned her mirrors and prepared to continue her training.
Tsume watched Haku as she continued to train. She had to admit the girl didn't need much guidance for the most part. Her thoughts couldn't help but drift to her other students. Tayuya had secluded herself away somewhere and training herself. Meanwhile, rumor had it that Ren was being trained by Jiraiya of the sannin. As if that boy wasn't dangerous enough as it was. Tsume in all honesty didn't have any clue just who was the most dangerous of her students. What she did know was that any one of them could wipe the floor. With any genin and probably most chunin if they wanted to. Still, she couldn't help but have worry for them.
She knew that her team's encounter with that bastard Orochimaru had left an impression on her students. Some more so than others, when considering what the snake did to Ren. Not to mention Kakashi's student Sakura by extension. The worst part was they still didn't know the full extent. Of whatever the hell it was Orochimaru was planning. At least nothing that had been shared with her and the other jonin as of yet. She wouldn't be surprised if the Hokage knew something and was waiting till the time was right to share things with the jonin council. Understandable in all honesty, one could never be too careful when dealing with the traitorous sannin.
Tsume's attention was brought to her training student. As she heard the sound of multiple mirrors shattering at once. The Inuzuka head smirked as she saw the jutsu her student was developing go into effect.
"Damn, I feel sorry for whoever she uses that on." Tsume muttered to herself.
It was now four days away from the finals and Konoha had a very special guest arrive. They would have arrived the day of the finals but the person in question. Had some business before the finals to settle, that person.
Mei Terumi, the Fifth Mizukage.
She strode confidently and gracefully befitting a woman of her position. In the time since Konoha's impromptu assistance in helping bring a swift end to the civil war. She had abandoned her jonin attire and now wore something more unique. More suited to her position as the Mizukage. She wore a long-sleeved, dark blue dress that falls just below the knees. It seemed to be closed at the front with a zipper and is kept open on the front-right side from the waist down. The dress only covers up to the upper part of her arms and the underside of her breasts. Underneath, she wore a mesh armor that covers slightly more of her upper body than her dress. She also wore a skirt in the same color as her dress and, underneath those, mesh leggings reaching down over her knees. Around her waist, she wore a belt with a pouch attached to the back on the left along with high-heeled sandals, shin-guards reaching up over her knees, dark blue nail polish on her fingers and toes, and wore purple lipstick.
She entered the Hokage's office with her two personal guards. Dressed in his usual jonin attire was Utakata to her left. To her right was the last remaining loyal member of the seven swordsmen of the mist.
He has short, tufty blue hair, and dark eyes. He also has pointed, shark-like teeth; a common trait of the members of the seven swordsmen of the mist, as well as apprentices, share. He wore square, black-rimmed glasses connected to ear protectors, a blue pin-striped shirt, and camouflage pattern pants. He wore his forehead protector on the front of his holster which he uses to carry Hiramekarei. The sword itself is wrapped in bandages leaving only the double hilt visible. He also has shuriken holsters strapped onto each of his legs.
His name, Chojuro.
"Greetings Lord Hokage, it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person." Stated Mei as she stopped before the Hokage's desk.
"Welcome Lady Mizukage, it's also a pleasure to make your acquaintance as well." Spoke Hiruzen as he stood up and walked over to properly greet his fellow Kage. He also took the moment to study the new Mizukage. In his many long years, Hiruzen had never had to work with a female Kage before. He could tell that Mei Terumi carried all the power and beauty as one would expect from a female Kage. She was also easily one of the beautiful women he had laid eyes upon in his entire life. Shame he wasn't a younger man.
"Shall we get to business?" Mused Mei.
"Indeed let us." Replied Hiruzen.
For the next few hours, Hiruzen and Mei spent hashing the final details of their trade/alliance agreement. Once everything was said and done, both Kage gave the document. Their signature and official stamp of approval.
"I'm glad we finally hammered this out and made it official. I look very forward to working alongside you and Konoha in the years to come. To help ensure the growth and prosperity of both our villages. Once the Kazekage arrives for the finals I would like to speak with him as well. As Suna is currently allied with Konoha as well. It would be wonderful to include them in an alliance with Kiri. To help a create a proper three-way agreement." Mei mused.
"Indeed, you have one of your genin in the finals if I recall correctly." Hiruzen replied.
"Indeed, young Kasumi Hoshigaki." Answered the Mizukage. "She's easily our most promising up and coming kunoichi. She is quite eager to prove her skill and strength. She feels the need to make up for her father's sins in a sense."
"How so, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Her father became a missing-nin and left a very sour spot on Kiri and especially the land of water. After he went and assassinated the water daimyo."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow in surprise at that. "Are you saying that girls' father is who I believe you're implying it to be?"
Mei let out a sigh. "Yes, her father is none other than Kisame Hoshigaki."
"I see." Replied the Hokage. "Speaking of the finals, there are some other things we should discuss for it."
"By all means Lord Hokage, the floor is yours."
It was now the afternoon two days before the finals. Tayuya was in her room, sitting on her bed. In her hand was a picture of her and her team. Ren stood in the middle wearing his mask as he always did giving an eye-smile. Haku was to his left, she to his right both of them sporting smiles. Tsume behind them beaming with pride herself at the three of them. The photo brought a smile to her face but that was replaced with a frown. She knew it was finally time to reveal everything. She could only hope the information would be enough to save her from any severe punishment. That the Hokage would see how much she has come to genuinely care for Konoha. At the same time, however, she was prepared for the worst-case scenario. She decided that before she went to the Hokage to turn herself in. She needed to speak with two people in particular first.
Ren was in his room after his final day of training with Jiraiya, alongside Naruto and Fū. All three had been instructed to rest for the day before the finals. A sudden knock on his door got his attention. He walked over and opened it. To reveal Haku and Tayuya.
"What's going on?" Ren questioned, seeing a nervous expression on Tayuya. Though judging from Haku's face, she was just as lost as Ren.
"I need to talk to both about something. It's….it's really important too." Said Tayuya.
Ren nodded his head in understanding, while he kept a neutral expression. Mentally, he was pretty confident as to what was Tayuya was about to say. If it wasn't for the seriousness of the situation the redhead was in. Ren would have probably celebrated a little at this outcome. Once everyone was situated in his room and he applied privacy tags. Tayuya took a moment to compose herself before she spoke.
"Ren….Haku, I just want you to know that before I say what I need to say." Tayuya began with some un-ease. "I've come to care a lot about Konoha and its people, you two especially."
"I'm glad you find us to important to you." Haku replied kindly, trying to help relax her teammate's nerves. About whatever had her so anxious.
"I'm with Haku but what is it that you need to speak with us about?" Ren chimed in.
Tayuya bit her lip a bit before continuing. "You see I'm not exactly who I say I am. I'm…I'm not just some girl who came to Konoha to looking for a better life. You see….up until recently…I was working for Orochimaru. As a kunoichi of Otogakure."
Haku's eyes widened in surprise at this news, she was speechless at the moment. Ren meanwhile kept up his neutral look as eyed the redhead.
"So you're a spy then?" Ren asked.
"I was a spy in sense you could say." Tayuya spoke. "I wasn't here spying for information. Oto already has people inside Konoha for that. I was sent in to…..to watch someone for Orochimaru, that was all."
"Tayuya…." Haku spoke, she was rather uncertain about what to make of this. While the redhead revealing herself as a spy was a shock. On the other hand, she could tell she was being genuine in her confession. "If you were only here to watch someone then who wa-" The ice user's words die in her throat as she suddenly made the connection. "It was Ren, Ren is the one you've been watching this entire time." Haku spoke as she clenched her fist's a little.
"Yes, it's true. Ren is the one I was assigned to watch." Tayuya said.
"How could you!?" Haku yelled upset. "After all he's done for you! He nearly got himself killed for you, on multiple occasions! Out of the care he has for you!"
Tayuya couldn't say anything in return, her head hung and tears building at the corners of her eyes. Haku was going to continue when Ren raised a hand to stop the ice user.
"Haku, that's enough." Ren spoke calmly.
Haku looked to Ren with disbelief on her face. "Ren, she betrayed your trust, after all, you've done for her. She had a hand in helping Orochimaru put that curse mark on you. You can't forgive her so easily!"
"I forgave you for what you did to me did I not?" Ren retorted, causing Haku pause. Before a somber look of understanding appeared on her face. "After all you tried to kill me on the bridge and nearly succeeded. I only lived because you just happened to avoid hitting anywhere vital. Even though I still could have died from what injuries I had sustained. Without receiving proper medical attention after enough time. One could say I forgave you rather easily, despite your attempted murder on me and my teammates at the time."
Haku kept silent as a ping if guilt hit her. Even though circumstances at the time forced them against one another. Looking back, Haku couldn't help but feel some shame for having done what she did. To people who had since become so precious to her.
Tayuya looked to blond with a look of surprise etched on her face. "You're not seriously forgiving me just like that are you?"
Ren didn't anything at first, he walked over to the redhead. Stopping just a few feet in front of her. "Yes, I am actually."
"Why?...why?...WHY!?" Tayuya suddenly yelled. "Why would you forgive me so easily!? I took all the trust and care you and everyone have given me and betrayed you! I had a direct hand in helping give you that curse mark. I would have tried to convince you to join Oto! I don't understand!" Tayuya's emotions began to boil over. The tears she had been holding back began to fall down her face. "How could you possibly forgive me for what I've done!? You should hate me, despise me! You should want to see me dead! You shouldn't be so fo-" Tayuya was cut off as she suddenly found herself wrapped up in Ren's arms.
"Enough of that." Ren said softly. "I tell you why I can forgive you as I am. The sheer fact that you're here saying all this. Is proof enough of how much you've changed and evidence of how much you truly do care. You were also working for Orochimaru. I can imagine even after you began questioning your loyalty, you were simply too afraid to act until now. Considering how that snake is, it's rather understandable. He seems to rule most people through fear rather than true loyalty. Not to mention you probably had little choice, to begin with being assigned to watch over me. Though I do have to ask, what was it that ultimately caused you to switch sides?"
Tayuya looked directly at Ren so blue eyes met brown. "There were a lot of things, having real friends for once, a place that felt like a real home, being surrounded by an environment where I'm actually cared for as a person." She wanted to say it was also because of how much she had to come to care for Ren himself. But refrained, feeling now wasn't the time to admit that. "I had been questioning myself for a fair bit of time now, but it was the forest of death. That ultimately opened my eyes enough to know I had to eventually come clean. I served Orochimaru as one of his elite, one of his personal guards. Yet had you not stopped him in the forest when you did. He would have killed me without a second thought and not even cared at all."
"It's even more messed up seeing how Orochimaru found me when I was just a little kid still. He whispered sweet nothings about how he could help be so powerful and like a fool I believed it all. In Oto, everything is done purely for Orochimaru's sake. You have to serve him however he wants no questions asked. If you can't then you're dead or put through things that make death a welcome blessing. Orochimaru looms over it all, like a shadow ready to constrict you at any given moment."
Haku frowned as she heard this. While Zabuza was never the nicest person around. Even he never would have simply killed one of his subordinates for no good reason. Especially those that were supposed to be his more vital ones. Plus, he did at times make effort to ensure his subordinates were well off. It made the ice user realize just how terrible being forced to work for someone like Orochimaru. Must have been for the flute-wielding redhead.
"For what it's worth, I'm sorry you had to endure all that." Ren replied. "I don't hold it against for what you did either."
Tayuya rested her head on Ren's shoulder and wrapped her own arms around the blond. "You're too nice for your own good, you know that?" The redhead mused. Then both were surprised when Haku walked and hugged both of them.
"Forgive me for my earlier outburst Tayuya." Haku said calmly. "I can only imagine the sheer depth of the darkness. You had to endure while being forced to work for someone like that detestable snake. For what it means to you. I forgive you as well."
"Thank you….both of you." Was Tayuya's simple reply.
Nothing was said by any of the three as they kept up the embrace for few more moments before finally separating.
"We have to go to the Hokage about all this. I'm going to ensure that you're not going to be imprisoned. Go and grab anything you might need, I'll gather somethings myself and we'll all head out." Spoke Ren.
Tayuya nodded her head and left with Haku in tow. Once the two were gone, Ren opened the draw at his desk. He grabbed the scroll that had Tayuya's DNA results. "I might just need this to keep her safe." He thought to himself.
It wasn't too long after that all three were gathered up and quickly made their way to the Hokage's office. Upon entering, Hiruzen raised an eyebrow of surprise as he saw the genin of team thirteen. All enter his office but he could tell something was wrong looking at the trio.
"Lord Hokage." Announced Tayuya. "There's something I need to confess to you."
Hiruzen knew right away, whatever this was it was very serious. He had privacy seals applied to his office and then lit his pipe. "Very well, speak your mind."
So Tayuya explained everything to the Hokage leaving no details out of anything. Explained her original mission, the planned invasion on the day of the finals, why she turned against Orochimaru, and so on.
As the girl in front of him finished speaking, Hiruzen had a lot of information to take in. Of course first and foremost was what to do about the girl in front of him. While she had been a spy in a sense, she gave no information on Konoha itself to Oto. Her only purpose was to watch the young Yamanaka prodigy, it was obvious to him. That she had come to truly regret her part in helping Orochimaru give him a curse mark. Not to mention he could tell, despite her best efforts. He could also tell the girl had true feelings of affection for the young man. It still left the question of what to do with her. The fact she had come forward so willingly with so much information was a huge benefit for her. Not to mention he could tell she now carried the will of fire within her, quite strongly at that too.
"Tayuya I'd like to say I'm glad that despite your initial reasons for coming here. That you have come to care so genuinely much for Konoha and its people. This information you have provided us will be invaluable for the next few days. I understand you have put yourself in a very dangerous position when it comes to my former student. At this point, your life is essentially forfeit in Rice country after all. I shall do all in my power to ensure you are treated fairly in this matter." Hiruzen explained.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage." The redhead replied.
Ren was not entirely sure of that. He felt a need to throw in his own thoughts for good measure. "Lord Hokage if I may speak?" Ren asked, after getting a nod from the Hokage he continued. "Seeing how the only one Tayuya's actions one could say actually harmed, was myself. And considering I have already forgiven her for her role in things. I ask that you show leniency towards her in this affair."
Hiruzen leaned back into his chair contemplating the Yamanaka's words. "I will certainly do what I can, though I cannot speak for the council when I bring this matter to them."
Ren couldn't keep himself from scowling at that. Those old buzzards caused more harm than good. Especially that bastard Shimura. "Good thing I chose to bring this." Ren thought as he pulled out the scroll he brought. "Perhaps the council will be more entitled to show leniency with the info within this scroll?" The mocha-skinned blond stated. "In this scroll is a DNA test for Tayuya, the results I think you'll find quite surprising."
"Wait, what?" Said a surprised Tayuya.
"Apologize Tayuya, I had some suspicions about your heritage. So I had taken a blood sample of you after one of our spars. I wasn't sure how'd you feel about it. I would have told you the results already but considering what they brought to light. I wasn't quite sure how to go about it."
Tayuya eyed the blond before letting out a sigh. "You know, normally I would be all sorts of pissed about this kind of thing. However, taking everything into account at the moment, I let it slide this once. Plus, I'm rather intrigued about what it revealed."
Ren unrolled the scroll and made a quick cut on his thumb and smeared it across the scroll. With a poof the folder with the test results appeared, he walked over and handed them to the Hokage. Hiruzen took the folder and began looking through it, once he reached the results. His eyes immediately widened and he didn't even bother catching his pipe as it fell from his mouth.
"She's related to Hashirama Senju, Mito Uzumaki, and Tsunade!?" Hiruzen spoke in utter surprise. If he wasn't seeing the results himself he wouldn't have believed it. This girl was both an Uzumaki and a Senju. Not to mentioned she was somehow directly related. To three of the most important individuals in Konoha's history. Now he understood why Ren was so adamant in his stance towards Tayuya. Hiruzen let out a deep breath he didn't know he was holding. He truly was at this point too old, for this sort of thing.
"Holy shit I'm related to the First Hokage and his wife!? Tayuya said as she was understandably more surprised than anyone else by this revelation. Then a sudden thought crossed her mind. "I guess that would explain why I can magically create trees."
Everyone's head snapped to her in a heartbeat at that announcement. Hiruzen stood up in his shock. "You're in possession of Mokuton!?" He exclaimed.
"I just discovered it myself." Tayuya replied sheepishly. "I was training for the finals and I pushed myself to the extremes. My emotions sort of flared up on me in a way they never had before, and I slammed my hands into the ground. Next thing I knew a tree suddenly sprouted up in front of me."
"That's…well….holy shit." Ren said as words failed him at the moment.
Haku meanwhile stood utterly speechless. After coming to Konoha she had taken it upon herself to read up on its history. To know that Tayuya was not only somehow related to but also possessed. The First Hokage's legendary power was baffling, to say the least.
Hiruzen wanted to believe the girl was trying to pull a fast one on him. But he could tell that she was being completely honest. He sat back down into his chair and rubbed his temple with a hand. Yep, he was definitely too old for this kind of shit. "Well then, with all this new information brought to light, the council shouldn't be too hard to convince. In giving leniency to you Tayuya." Hiruzen stated. Tayuya was simply far too important now to simply lock away after all. Not to mention he was already fully committed to helping her keep her freedom. This information while, quite a massive discovery. Would certainly help a great deal.
"With that stated Lord Hokage." Cut in Ren. "I ask that no matter what. Do not allow Danzo Shimura to get his hands on Tayuya."
"May I inquire why?"
"Simple, I don't trust that old hardliner of a war-hawk. As far as I can throw him." Ren explained. "I can't say why but something about him just rubs me wrong in every way. My instincts tell me he's hiding far more than he lets on from everyone, including yourself. Just my gut feeling on the matter."
Hiruzen nodded his head in understanding. While he had trust in his old teammate, he wasn't blind to his more radical tendencies. It was why he staunchly refused to give him Naruto when the boy was born. And why he had already decided that he would not give him Tayuya either. When he would not doubt ask.
"Very well then, if that is all I suppose we are finished then." Spoke the Hokage. "I will convene with the council and jonin council tomorrow to discuss the matter of the coming invasion. This matter is an S-rank secret and you three will speak of it to no one, who isn't already aware. For now, act as though nothing has changed and if all goes well. We can get through all this with minimal damage done to us."
The three genin nodded in understanding and left the Hokage's office. They walked in silence for a while before Tayuya broke the silence.
"This night turned out to be far more eventful than I had anticipated. Ren…Haku, thank you for everything tonight, I really mean it."
"It's not a problem Tayuya." Said Haku. "After all you're one of me and Ren's precious people."
"Haku's right, we'll always be there for you." Ren said.
Tayuya gave an honest smile in return at that. "I'll always be there for you two as well."
As the three continued on their way home, they knew that things were going to be very hectic once the finals happened. The day after tomorrow but as long as they had each other and everyone else they cared for. Nothing was going to be able to hold them down.
A/N: Hello readers! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and the story thus far. The training period is over and the finals are about to arrive. We saw a lot of things happen here. Jiraiya made his return and took Konoha's three jinchuriki as his newest students. Ren finally got his summoning contract too! Some of you probably already figured that it was going to be the salamander contract. The salamanders were made out o be a pretty strong summoning in Naruto. Even though we only ever got Ibuse from the summoning to be shown. So I knew I would have to fluff it up.
Mei also made her big return at last! I'm sure some of you were wondering just when she would pop back into the story. That's also why I had a mist genin make it to finals. It makes for a valid and believable excuse for Mei to show up right around the finals are set to begin to discuss Kiri's treaty with Konoha. Just what will be her role be come the crush? I have an idea or two, you'll just have to wait and see. Speaking of the mist genin, I know I could have just made a toss away character for the part. But I didn't want to do that. one of my goals for this fic was to make a fun OC side character, that I could do interesting and semi-important things at times. As the story as a whole progressed, hence why I came up with Kasumi and have given her such attention so far. Granted, I figured I need to make have some sort of connection of importance to help validate her character. Hence why I made her Kisame's daughter, though some of you probably saw that hook coming. In case your wondering she will have a part to play once Kisame and Itachi show up, post-invasion.
We got to see insight into Haku and Tayuya's feelings and so on. Tayuya makes her heel-face turn official, her heritage is revealed and she's awakened mokuton. And before you say anything, she isn't going to suddenly become a mary sue just because she now has wood release. It will be some time before she'll be able to do anything useful with it. So don't expect any crazy Mokuton shenanigans any time soon. It will have its place, later down the road though. Though I imagine some of you also saw that one coming too, seeing how I did leave a few clues in earlier chapters that pointed towards it.
Not to mention, Danzo now has his sights set firmly on Ren. What will that mean and how will that all play out? I have a few thoughts already in my head in that regard.
Not much else to say, so stay tuned for more. 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!