Kanabi Village

Genyumaru Soshi was walking toward the mail place with a letter addressed to the Leaf Village. Since escaping from Orochimaru, he had changed his clothing to a dull blue shirt, pants, and hat which hid his hair. He greeted the citizens, and they greeted him back.

This village was peaceful, and a small part of him liked that; however, the warrior inside hated it. His clan was bred to fight, but he had no one he could spar against. Especially since he needed to keep a low profile. Even in the Land of Fire, he didn't feel safe.

Genyumaru dropped the letter in the mailbox before walking away. "At this point, I can only hope they come." Genyumaru thought. "I can't free my clan alone."

Leaf Village: Tsunade's Office

Daichi stood before the 5th Hokage. "Well, it seems as though your mission was a resounding success. You not only fulfilled the mission but brough back a Rouge Shinobi as well as my great uncle's sword."

"I certainly didn't expect to come across either of those things Lady Hokage, but I had to try upon seeing them." Daichi took out the changed sword. "On that note, this sword may have changed to suit me, but it belongs with your family."

"So, the sword has indeed changed to suit him exactly as Kakashi said." Tsunade shook her head. "Keep it. That won't work for anyone else as long as you live, so I don't see a good reason to deprive you of it."

"As you wish Lady Hokage." Daichi tucked the weapon away on his person. "If that is all, I would like to head on home for a bit."

"I'm sorry about that Daichi, but another mission has just come in." Tsunade stated. "There is little time to rest these days."

"Understood Lady Hokage." Daichi nodded. "Is it a mission for me, or do you have a team in mind?"

"I would have assigned your team with you as commander, but Sasuke is currently leading Naruto and Hinata on a mission in the Land of Snow. I also sent Kakashi back out the moment he arrived with Aoi. Fortunately, I do have a team in mind." Tsunade stated.

At that moment, Lee, Tenten, and Karin entered the office.

"Alright, I finally get to do another mission with my eternal rival." Lee gave a thumbs up. "Let us give it our all Daichi with the power of youth."

"Sorry Daichi." Tenten sighed and shook her head. "Someone's been rather eager to do all these missions lately."

"I don't think it's a problem." Karin stared lovingly at Lee. "It's one of the things I like about him."

"Don't worry Tenten." Daichi waved it off. "Shinobi are all different from one another. If we were the same, life would be boring. Either way, I'm glad your three will be backing me up." He turned to Tsunade. "So, what is our mission Lady Tsunade?"

"A couple years ago, the Soshi Clan of the Land of Rice Fields went silent." Tsunade folded her hands on her desk. "That wouldn't be unusual for most Shinobi, but this clan loves to fight. It's never hard to keep tabs on them, so we assumed they were taken.

Now, the heir to the Soshi Clan, Genyumaru Soshi, has seemed to pop up here in the Land of Fire at Kanabi Village if the letter he sent is anything to go by. He has a mission for us, but he will only divulge more, in person, to a team.

Your mission is to go to Kanabi Village and see if we are dealing with the Soshi Clan. If this is truly the Soshi Clan, hear them out and decide if your team will handle his mission. Obviously, you are the leader Daichi, so the decision will fall to you. Understand?"

"Got it." Daichi turned to Team Guy. "Go home and back your for a standard mission. We will depart from the front gates in an hour."

All three Genin nodded. "Right."

Fusion Clan Home

Daichi had made sure he was set for this next mission. He had put his old katana away and now carried the Sword of the Thunder Spirit and Dragon 's Blade on his person. He then made sure his bag was adequately prepared before walking down the stairs.

Just as he was about to open the door someone knocked, so he opened the door to find Sakura standing outside. "Hey Sakura, what are you doing here?"

Daichi couldn't help but think that Sakura looked better today than the last time he saw her. There was even a noticeable smile on his face at seeing her.

"I'd heard from Kotetsu and Izumo that you were back." Sakura stated. "I was wondering if you wanted to do something tonight." She noticed the bag on his back. "I see you've immediately been sent on another mission. Maybe we could reschedule."

"Reschedule." Daichi frowned as he rubbed the back of his head. "Sakura, I'm not sure if we can continue to hang out like we've been. Naruto would have loved for you to show interest like this. Even though he seems to be with Hinata, I'm..."

"Daichi, I don't like Naruto." Sakura stated. "I think much better of him than I did before, but I don't like him like that. I think I like you like that, and I want to see what we could become."

"I won't deny that I feel the same way." Daichi shook his head. "In the end, Naruto's one of my best friends, and I can't hurt him this way. If you're willing to wait until I talk with him, I can give you a better answer."

"You really do care about not hurting those close to you." Sakura shook her head. "That's just another thing I like about you." She nodded. "Alright, I wouldn't want to come between you and Naruto, so I'll wait." She walked away from him. "Just don't keep a girl waiting to long."

"I'm really hoping Naruto will be fine with this." Daichi shook his head before heading out.

Kanabi Gates, A Couple of Days Later…

Team Daichi had left Konoha and it was smooth sailing straight to Kanabi village. It was rather serene and a decent size. There were farms scattered around the outskirts of the village, an inn, shops, and homes.

"Do we even know what this guy looks like?" Tenten asked.

"There are a few traits we can look for if we wish to locate him. The Soshi or Godaido, as some call them, have a hair color reminiscent of the five basic elements. While their hair can shift between these colors, it will never be anything more than those five." Daichi explained. "The same can be said of their eyes."

As if on cue, they were approached by a young man wearing dull blue farmers clothes with a matching hat and green eyes. "You four wouldn't happen to be Leaf Ninja, would you?"

"We could be." Daichi stated. "Am I to assume you are our contact?"

"Your assumption in correct." Genyumaru stated. "Follow me and I'll tell you the details of the mission."

Inn: Genyumaru's Room

Genyumaru closed the door and his posture tensed. "Were you followed?" He was currently scanning the room to determine any means of escape. "Are you here for anything other than to hear out my mission?"

"We were deployed by our Fifth Hokage to hear out your mission." Lee spoke up. "To have alterative motives would be disgraceful to her."

"I'm not bragging, but I have been told by my new Sensei that I am a superb tracker with my sensory abilities." Karin added. "I did not detect anyone trailing us."

"I see." Genyumaru took off his hat revealing his neck length, red hair. "In that case, I'll cut to the chase. "My name is Genyumaru Soshi, and I am the heir to the Soshi Clan." He got down on his hands and knees before the four of them. "Please, help me rescue my clan."

"Genyumaru must value his clan greatly for the Soshi Clan is prideful. They would not beg like this for anything less." Daichi nodded. "I must say that you have me interested. Alright, we'll hear you out. Tell us more."

"It all started a few years back." Genyumaru stood looking rather solemn. "Our clan was small, but our skills made up for it. For the longest time, we reigned as the strongest in the Land of Rice Fields. That's probably why we were the first be approached by the Orochimaru."

The Leaf Shinobi tensed upon hearing the snake Yonnin's name.

"We refused his offer to join him, so he took us by force." Genyumaru continued. "Every step of the way, we fought the snake as he conducted experiment after experiment on us. Every time we fought; things got worse.

One day, after losing many, my grandfather concocted a plan. We would swallow our pride and become obedient servants. In reality, we were waiting for the right time to have one of us to escape. Since I'm standing before you, that moment came.

Orochimaru's arms had been injured and he was slowly dying, his apprentice was distracted getting things ready for his next vessel, and a good number of his men had been sent out on an important mission. I broke down the door while making it clear that I was acting on my own.

My fellow clan members had to stay behind and play complacent since we would not risk the young or elderly in a desperate escape tactic. I managed to get out and escaped to the Land of Fire. My first contact was the Leaf Village.

If you help me save my clan, then we will swear loyalty to your village. We will gladly serve the Leaf. Once we declare loyalty loyal, we remain as such." Genyumaru looked at them. "Please say that you will help me rescue my clan."

"We need a few minutes to discuss what you've told us." Daichi stated. "Would you wait for us on the ground floor?"

"I understand." Genyumaru opened the door. "I implore you to help me."

With his final peace said, the Soshi heir walked out of the room.

Daichi turned to the Genin. "What do the three of you want to do?"

"I say we go through with it." Lee stated. "I cannot ignore this after hearing Genyumaru's tale."

"What if we run into Orochimaru?" Daichi asked. "We've all come far under our Senseis, but we're not on their level. Even if we worked together, I doubt we'd be a match for him. Heck, I went up against him, and I have no doubt that the snake was holding back big time."

"What if Orochimaru is the lead we need?" Tenten questioned.

"What are you talking about Tenten?" Karin asked.

"Shun Uzumaki's Shadow Clone seemed to walk into the village during the invasion without any problems." Tenten stated. "In fact, there were now Sound nor Sand Shinobi around the front gate at the time. What if Orochimaru is the key to finding Neji?"

"That is just speculation." Daichi replied. "Fact is, we are faced with two paths. Path one: We attempt to liberate a clan and bring them to Konoha while risking our lives. Path two: We head home and bring this information to Tsunade. I'll leave it in your hands."

"As I said, I cannot abandon this clan." Lee stated. "I know there is the possibility that they may already be gone, but I will not risk losing them over our inaction now."

"Disregarding the potential to find Neji, I think this is worth a shot." Tenten stated. "Lee makes a good point. If we leave, there's no telling what more experienced Shinobi will find later."

"If Lee and Tenten think we can handle this, then I'll put my faith in them." Karin stated firmly.

"I'm not going to sugar coat this." Daichi stated. "If we accept this mission, it may very well be the last mission any of us take. We'd be lucky if all of us made it out alive, and if Orochimaru is there, I doubt any of us will. Knowing that we could die, are you three still willing to go?"

"I speak for my teammate when I say we are committed to helping Genyumaru." Lee declared. "Worry not my eternal rival, for the Green Beast of Konoha will do everything in his power to see us all returning home."

"Looks like it's decided." Daichi nodded. "Let's inform our client of the decision."

Ground Floor

The team found Genyumaru leaning against the wall.

"We've decided to take the job, but I have a few conditions." Daichi stated firmly.

Genyumaru quickly nodded. "Name them."

"One, this mission is not to the death. If Orochimaru is inside his lair, we will pull out and get a message to the Leaf. Two, you listen to my orders. I can't have you running off on your own and jeopardizing my comrades." Daichi looked right at Genyumaru. "Are these acceptable?"

"What you say goes." Genyumaru declared.

"Well then, it's only right that I make proper introductions." Daichi stated. "I'm Daichi Ryu, the red head is Karin Uzumaki, the one in spandex is Lee, and the girl with buns is Tenten."

"A pleasure to meet all of you." Genyumaru stated.

"So, where are we heading?" Daichi asked, "Was your clan imprisoned in the Land of Rice Fields or somewhere else?"

"They are still within the Land of Rice Fields the last time I say them." Genyumaru declared. "That's where Orochimaru's base is located."

"Alright, staring now you are part of Team Daichi for this mission Genyumaru." Daichi came to stand before the four of them. "We now know our mission, so follow my orders to a tea. I will do my best to ensure we make it out alive."

The four Shinobi all set out from Kanabi Village and booked it for the boarder.

Land of Rice Fields, Evening…

Daichi dropped from a tree to the ground followed by his companions. "We'll set up camp for the night and make our way to the Village Hidden in the Sound tomorrow. Tenten gather firewood. Lee, you and Karin will set up camp. Genyumaru we'll fill the canteens."

Riverbank

Daichi knelt beside the water and filled the canteens as Genyumaru handed them to him.

The Fusion member decided to speak up as he continued to work. "So, your clan genuinely wishes to join the Leaf Village?"

"We do." Genyumaru stated. "With people like Orochimaru around, we've had enough of our old lifestyle. In addition, our strength was starting to stagnate, so we wish to apply our talents within a village."

"Interesting." Daichi sighed. "If you're serious about joining, there is someone you should be made aware of. Normally, I wouldn't talk of such things with an outside, but be weary of Danzo Shimura."

"Danzo Shimura?" Genyumaru questioned.

"Back in his hay day, he ran a separate division of Anbu known as ROOT. Supposedly, it was shut down, but our always had the hunch that he kept it operational. Young men and women have vanished with no trace. Mainly orphans, but clan children have gone missing as well.

No clan head speaks about these disappearances because Danzo is respected. It's not that much of a stretch that his 'position' may have led to the clan heads offering up their children under certain pretenses. A general sign of a ROOT Anbu is the lack of real emotion." Daichi explained.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but this Danzo sounds like a traitor." Genyumaru stated. "Why hasn't he been dealt with?"

"That's the tricky part about him." Daichi replied. "His actions are traitorous in nature, but they are for the good of Konoha. Danzo is an ends justify the means person. Don't worry, for the Hokage doesn't condone these actions.

We just have to wait for the right time to take him down." He stood with all the canteens. "I want you to take some time and think over what I've told you. The truth is, Konoha has some rot to it, so decide for yourself if this is the village for your people."

Daichi started to walk away, but Genyumaru stopped him. "Do you believe in The Leaf Village even with the faults you've admitted?"

"Konoha may have its rot, but I believe in my home." Daichi smiled back at Genyumaru. "I will do my best to shape it into a better village. With certainty, I can say that I would give my life to protect the people back home."

The Chunin left Genyumaru to his thoughts.

Just Before Dawn

Daichi had taken the last guard rotation of the night and was carefully listening for any signs of other Shinobi.

He smiled as Genyumaru walked into camp and took a seat across from him. "Good to see you didn't leave us.

"I thought about what you told me, and after thinking on it, I want to reaffirm the words I said as a promise." Genyumaru held out his hand. "If you help me rescue my clan, I promise we will join the Leaf. Beyond that, you will have my help in reforming your village for the better."

"I'm glad to hear that." Daichi shook his hand. "I give you my word, as head of the Fusion Clan, that your clan will be able to live in Konoha."

They let go and Genyumaru stood. "I'm going to get some sleep with the few hours we have left."

Daichi was left alone as the sun rose on the new day.

Land of Rice Field

Team Daichi made their way towards the Hidden Sound Village when Karin came to Daichi's side and spoke in a hushed tone. "We're being followed."

Daichi made it seem as though they were casually talking. "How many?"

"One Kunochi with at least high Genin levels of Chakra." Karin informed.

"I see." Daichi moved back to Tenten. "Think you could capture our follower without her noticing if I provided the right opportunity?"

"It'll be easy." Tenten declared.

"I want everyone to fan out wide in formation." Daichi moved ahead of the group. "We need to cover our bases."

Fair Distance from Group: In the brush

A Kunochi in brown shorts with a light purple, sleeveless top and matching shoes had been watching the group while steadily following them. Her face was covered by a dark purple mask as she waited for her time to strike.

"I just have to wait for the opportune moment to strike." The Kunochi was determined. "One of them must know where Arashi is."

Unfortunately for this Kunochi, she was tracking a team with a sensory Shinobi. She suddenly screamed as ninja wire constricted and pulled her back.

With Team Daichi

The team had met back up with Tenten soon joining them holding the bound Kunochi who was struggling. "Let me out of here!"

Daichi looked at Tenten. "Put our guest on the ground." The Kunochi complied and he approached the bound girl. "I wouldn't try anything hasty even if you do free yourself. Why don't you just calm down and explain what you want?"

The girl glared at him. "Where is Arashi?"

"Who's Arashi?" Daichi questioned confused.

The girl opened her eyes in shock. "Did I get it wrong?"

"Seems this is merely a misunderstanding." Daichi stated. "I take it you don't work for Orochimaru."

"Of course, I don't." She studied everyone closer than before. "Now that I get a good look at you, I can tell you don't either."

"So, you thought we worked for Orochimaru." Tenten decided to release the girl. "Now that you can tell we don't, what will you do?"

The girl looked down sadly before pulling off her hat which allowed her long, orange hair to fall.

"The Feudal Lord of this land wanted to increase his sway over the neighboring countries; however, this land just can't compete with the bigger nations. My clan, The Fuma Clan, lost many members. Some died, but those who remain await the day we flourish.

Then, an emissary of the Hidden Sound approached our clan. We were offered hope if we worked under Orochimaru and granted him access to our Jutsus. My cousin, Arashi, was the best of us, so he left with the emissary."

The Kunochi began to tear up, and everyone could understand what the rest of the story was.

Daichi looked at Genyumaru. "Would you mind if we also looked for Arashi while we save your clan?"

"My clan knows what being under that snake is like." Genyumaru nodded. "We will rescue him if we can."

"You really mean it?" The girl asked hopefully.

"We were already heading to the Hidden Sound Village, so we might as well look for Arashi while we try to rescue Genyumaru's clan." Daichi stated.

"My name is Sasame Fuma, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart." The girl bowed. "I also ask that you allow me to accompany you on this mission. I want to help rescue my cousin."

Daichi looked to the team to see that none of them had a problem with it. "Very well." He nodded. "Let's move out."

Some Time Later…

The group pressed ever onward towards the Sound Village now accompanied by Sasame.

"We have trouble." Karin spoke up. "Three people with large chakra pools are heading for us."

"Tenten and Sasame, Genyumaru and I, and Karin and Tenten." Daichi quickly assigned. "These are the pairs we'll use to handle this threat."

As he said that, two men came out of the brush. One of them was a man with a bald head, long, spider like limbs, thick eyebrows, and a scar over his right eye. He was wearing a green sleeveless top with purple pants.

The other man had short, black hair, dark colored eyes, and thick eyebrows. He wore a sleeveless, brown top with fingerless black gloves and gray pants. He had a set of scissor pincers strapped to his right arm.

"Genyumaru, the guy with the pincers is ours. Lee and Sasame, handle the spider like man. Tenten and Karin, stay on guard. Their third companion must be somewhere so be ready." Daichi order.

Daichi and Genyumaru vs Kimikiri

Genyumaru punched the pincer man with his fist coated in fire. The man struck back with his pincers, but Daichi blocked them with his dragon blade. The Fusion member then ducked allowing the pincers to fly over his head before grabbed the man's arm.

Daichi forced the scissor pincers away from him causing the man to jump back. The Fusion member then chucked the weapon into the woods hard enough so that his opponent could not reclaim them during this fight.

The man grit his teeth before trying to escape, but Genyumaru's hair changed to green. He punched him in the gut with his fist coated in wind. The force of the punch sent the man flying into a tree knocking him out.

Lee and Sasame vs Jigumo

Their opponent threw kunai at Sasame, but Lee withdrew a pair on nunchucks. He got in the way and moved his weapons with fluid motions deflecting every kunai. In the heat of the moment, only Sasame saw that the kunai had explosive tags on them.

She rushed forward and tackled Lee clear of the resulting explosion. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, thank you for the save." Lee got back to his feet quickly. "Now, stand since the fight is not over yet."

Road

"Everyone, there's a larger source of Chakra beneath us!" Karin shouted.

"Ninja Art: Ant Lion Jutsu." A boy's tone declared.

The third Ninja revealed himself and the ground became a sink hole.

"Everyone, jump!" Daichi exclaimed.

Most of the group managed to avoid it, but Karin and Sasame were trapped by the Jutsu.

Daichi noticed this. "Lee, keep me covered with Genyumaru and Tenten." He wove hand signs. "Shadow Clone Jutsu."

A single clone appeared alongside Daichi helping him form a Rasengan. The clone then threw him at the last enemy. The opposing shinobi started throwing weapons at him, but the allies in the tree countered with their own weapons ensuring the leader was safe.

Daichi reared back his hand and thrust it at the enemy. "Rasengan."

The boy screamed as he was slammed into the ground by the force of the Jutsu. This also resulted in the Ant Lion Jutsu ceasing allowing Genyumaru and Lee to help Karin and Sasame. Once Daichi was certain his enemy was unconscious, he jumped back to everyone.

"That's one opponent down." Lee declared. "Nice going my eternal rival."

"Sorry to contradict you Lee, but I don't think this is over just yet." Karin declared. "That last opponent is giving off an exuberant amount of Chakra as we speak."

Before anyone could ask her what she meant, the enemy in the pit jumped back to the surface panting. His skin was cracked revealing that he was wearing some sort of disguise.

"No way." Tenten declared. "That Jutsu of Daichi's should have been more than enough to put him down."

"It is time." The boy looked at his comrades before facing forward and closing his eyes. "The ant lion appears from under the earth and spreads its wings in the sunlight for only a moment. With its birth, the Kagero you know dies."

The boy began to change until he turned in an earth colored chrysalis that cracked open.

"Stay on your toes and be prepared for anything." Daichi ordered.

The whole group watched on as massive amounts of Chakra came out of the shell and a figure began to rise from it.

"This isn't good!" Sasame shouted worriedly.

Before anyone could ask her what she meant, the figure emerged as a young girl. She was wearing a white dress, had wings made of Chakra, blue pupils, and blue hair.

"What the heck?" Tenten questioned. "That guy's really a girl?"

"Lord Orochimaru has promised that our clan shall spread its wings in the sun, but for that to happen, I must use the ninja art that sacrifices it all. A ninja art that can only be performed once in a lifetime." The girl flew into the air and wove hand signs. "Kagero's Ninja Art: Ephemeral."

Daichi wove his own hand signs. "Fusion Clone Jutsu." A clone of Hinata appeared and took up a defensive stance. "Everyone, get close to the clone!"

The team moved behind the fusion clone of Hinata before she spun in place while expelling Chakra. The wings made of Chakra rushed at the group ready to kill them just as the clone generated a Palm Rotation. The Jutsu took the attack and dispersed most of the power.

Daichi prepared his dragon blade and Sword of the Thunder Spirit. "Drop the Palm Rotation!"

The fusion clone dispersed and Daichi rushed forward slashing his swords in front of him. This resulted in the Chakra from the attack being split down the middle causing it to hit the ground on either side of the group.

Everyone looked up at the girl who was clearly shocked by this turn of events. "I believed Orochimaru. I thought it was for the good of the clan."

The girl turned completely blue and collided with her comrades before teleporting them all away.

"What just happened?" Hinata asked.

"Her Chakra was rapidly depleting." Karin stated. "She's dying."

"Who were those three anyways?" Daichi asked.

"They were Jigumo, Kagero, and Kimikiri Fuma." Sasame replied forlornly. "They left with Arashi to join Orochimaru and 'help' our clan."

"Yeah, that girl mentioned Orochimaru." Tenten stated. "If Orochimaru is at this base, they'll have already told him of our presence."

"A fair point." Daichi nodded. "We'll have to proceed under extreme caution."

With the Sound Ninja

Jigumo and Kimikiri woke up outside Orochimaru's base only to notice their fallen comrade. They brought her before the Yonnin asking that he bring her back. Orochimaru said they failed him meaning they did not have the right to beg for his help.

Orochimaru then tells them there is only one way to atone for their failures. The two members look at each other and nod. They know they only have one course of action left to them. They attack The Yonnin only to be dispatched.


Flame Wolfe: Glad you enjoyed the last chapter, so here's the next one.