Welcome to the next chapter!
Igreenpg; Thanks, glad you like it!
joharasbel; Thanks!
batmanuchiha; He has a few uses left, Ryouta does have a certain someone inside so it does slow the process a good bit, but his eyes are still losing light each time he uses them. Thanks, glad you liked it.
TheGreatGodzilla; She is alive yeah. Tayuya will appear again. Mei and Ameyuri didn't have a good relationship. Ryouta has used the Kiba blades lighting release in the previous fights and he might learn more lightning releases in the future. That looks cool. Yeah, that could be an interesting way to take the land of snow. Thanks for the harem suggestions. Pretty much everyone learns that lesson at some point in the story. We shall see what happens with Danzo soon enough. I have a few going on right now.
ShadowUzumaki55; Thanks! Yeah, Guren surely did. Yeah, with his Mangekyou it is difficult getting by them. Orochimaru is quite evil, and will abandon or sacrifice pretty much anyone to save himself yeah~ Tayuya is still alive yeah, she might come back in the future. Maybe they could do yeah~
Guest 1; Glad you liked it! Yeah, I thought it would be cool to have a fire do that. Tsunade showed quite a bit towards Orochimaru, and then Ryouta did the same thing haha. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Silver crow; Thanks. Yeah, I thought it would fit quite well with icy flames. The ice does have special properties. Tayuya did yeah, Guren is still around and we will see more of what Guren is up to. We shall see Mei this chapter, and what she is currently doing. Shizune tried her best. The crystal particles as Ryouta noticed them. Orochimaru surely has some fun reactions. I have some plans for Manda yet. Yeah, Ryouta came after Orochimaru, and nearly succeeded in killing him. It seems Guren likes dramatic flair. Tsunade at that time was tired, so her punches hit a little less hard than when she is at full strength, she still had enough strength to cause a good deal of damage. Glad you liked the description. Yeah, that would be good for the Laxus group. Wendy could do. Kiria could do. Those would be cool feats for him to have in One Piece. Tsunade and Ryouta will spend time together. We will see with the Hozuki brothers what is going on with them pretty soon.
Skull Flame; She is yeah. Glad you liked it! Yeah, Ryouta and Garaga are coming closer together. He is yeah~
Morregen; Thanks very much! Garaga and Ryouta are yeah, it seems Garaga is coming to see Ryouta in more positive ways. Glad you liked Aoda being his summon~ Mei and Ryouta will be meeting again this chapter~ Haha, yeah that would be a fun name for Ryouta~ It is yeah, we will be making a brief stop to Kiri, and doing some stuff there.
Mugetsu700; Thanks very much! Glad you liked it!
Guest 2; He does want to kill those that killed his brother, but he doesn't want to lose himself in the process.
Hinata fan; Glad you liked it! They are yeah, they'll be there for a short time, to discuss some stuff. Haku and Zabuza will do yeah.
Guest 3; Eventually yeah.
With those reviews out of the way, it is time to start the chapter!
Going to the Mist!
The group comprised of Itachi, Kisame and Izumi had finished another mission for the Akatsuki, when they had received word about a new mission that they were going to be going on, or at least a side mission depending on what they were going to be finding.
As they talked, Izumi felt a little queasy all of a sudden.
But, she kept it together, and simply looked on as the group discussed what was on the contents of the letter.
"So, what does it say Kisame-kun?"
Izumi asks kindly, so Kisame shows a small smirk on his face.
"Hmm, well it that we are near an Orochimaru hideout, it seems we have been tasked with seeing if he is there, and if so, then we are to kill Orochimaru and if he is not there, then wreck the place. Guess the leader believes it would be good to take him out."
"It would make sense to get rid of him, but to get a mission for it huh."
Izumi mused, wondering what was going on with Orochimaru, and if he had drawn more attention for their leader to want him gone even more.
Itachi also was a bit curious as to what the leaders plans would be, but he kept a stoic face and began speaking quietly.
"Orochimaru has been a thorn in the Akatsuki's side, for a good long time now." Itachi began, wading in his own thoughts. "Orochimaru can be dangerous, so it is best to slay him if we have the opportunity."
Izumi folded her arms, and took the note from Kisame, reading it for herself.
Once she finished, she handed it back to Kisame.
"According to this, it seems that we could come across a place of Orochimaru's in about half a day if we head west from here. It could be a long shot though, we haven't detected anything in the vicinity for a good few days while we've been here."
Kisame brandishes his blade up into the air.
"Aah well, it might be a fun distraction for us to go and clear out an Orochimaru base. Might have some hidden treasure. I know that Kakuzu would be happy if we found something to bring back. Well, before we go, I will gather some food for us, be right back. Anything you want best friend?"
"Not that I can think...aah, actually, if you see any medicinal herbs, that would be good. Running low. Here, a reference for what I need."
Izumi gave him a book, and pointed out the herbs, Kisame shrugged, then nods.
"Right, then I'll see."
"Thank you!"
Kisame excused himself, and walked away.
Izumi nods, and glances at Itachi.
He nods, so she furrows her brows.
"What couldn't you say then? In front of Kisame-kun, I mean."
"I was wondering, if the order was coming from Pain, or from, what he calls himself, Tobi."
Izumi looks at the ground.
"Because it is Orochimaru, and because Tobi or whatever his real name is seems to want Ryou-kun...maybe he believes that Orochimaru could do something to hinder his plans for Ryou-kun, and believes it would be best if he is dead...but it could still be from Pain. He has made his killer intent known about Orochimaru before."
Izumi poses, Itachi nods.
"Could be, maybe I am thinking too much about it and it is Pains wish."
"Good to be cautious though Itachi-kun, especially when it comes to do with Tobi."
Itachi nods a single time.
"Yeah, you're right. Either way I have heard a rumour of Ameyuri Ringo's death."
"Ameyuri...right, her. The woman Ryou-kun fought...yeah. So she's dead..."
"Unconfirmed reports say it was Ryou who did it."
Izumi widened her eyes ever so slightly.
She wasn't surprised that he could do it, she was surprised that it was known out there enough that Itachi caught wind of it.
"Seriously?"
"Apparently so, can't be confirmed, but it was known that she had attacked him on a few occasions, so it makes sense. Even then, Orochimaru is still after him, and if we have been tasked with taking him out, would give us the perfect opportunity to get rid of him."
"Yeah, I would love for the snake bastard to be gone. Going after Ryou-kun, and your sister as well...he makes me sick."
Itachi agreed with her.
But then they stopped, when they realized Kisame was coming back.
He did so a minute later with the food, and some herbs Izumi wished for.
"Alright, got everything, got some herbs for you too best friend."
Izumi stands and strolls forward, taking the herbs with a smile.
"Thank you Kisame-kun, these will help me a good bit~"
"Then, ready?"
"Yup, lets go Kisame-kun!"
Kisame gave a strong smirk, as he and she walked on ahead with Itachi following quietly behind while Kisame and Izumi chatted together.
It had been a day since the events of the fight. Ryouta laid on his bed, wondering what was going on with Orochimaru right now, and if he was feeling the effects of the damage done to him. He was sure that Orochimaru was still alive, and probably had been able to either take over someone else, or he was about to.
Either way, it wasn't something that Ryouta was curious to see next.
He was glad at least that Naruko seemed to be doing fine. Everyone seemed to be doing fine in fact, even Tsunade had seemingly overcome her fear of blood, and was able to keep going. Even agreeing to become Hokage.
"At least Konoha has such a great Medical Ninja like Tsunade-san, I'm sure she will be really great." Ryouta thought about it, as he turned to the window, looking out of it, and his thoughts turned to Ameyuri. "Going towards Kiri soon enough. I wonder what Mei-san is going to say, Haku-chan will also see Zabuza again, I will see Zabuza again, haha I wonder how he is going to react..."
As he thought about it, he rubbed his eyes.
Thinking on the battle, and his eyes condition, he exhales.
"Even though I have lost a little more light in my eyes, I can still keep going. Using them on Orochimaru is a good cause after all. That bastard...but, Tsunade-san is safe, and we have a good Hokage now, that's good. Maybe I could learn a bit from Tsunade-san. Medical techniques and the likes..."
Before he could begin thinking more about it, Naruko came to life all of a sudden, shooting up from the bed, and threw a fist into the air.
"Haaaaaaaaaaaaah! I'm ready for you! Come on, lets go!"
Naruko threw a few more fists into the air, with Ryouta giving an amused look towards her.
"Naruko-chan, you're in bed right now, you're not going up against any enemies~"
Naruko gave a dumbfounded look.
She turned towards Ryouta, seeing that he was giving off a cool expression.
"Eeeh. But what happened?"
Ryouta did his best to quickly fill her in.
Once he did, Naruko furrowed her brows.
"Aaah man, I missed the best parts! But, we won, right?"
"Yeah, we managed to win the fight."
"Still, what a battle huh!"
Naruko beamed, Ryouta nodded with a soft smile.
"I couldn't believe it either, I never thought I would stand on a battlefield with all three of the legendary Sannin. But, I am glad that everything worked out in the end, and Orochimaru couldn't get what he wanted."
Ryouta expressed his thoughts, with Naruko quietly listening in curiously.
"Yeah, it seems like a wild ride Ryou! Aah man, next time I'm definitely gonna be there!"
Ryouta was glad that she felt back to normal.
But then he heard Naruko's stomach rumbling seeing her rub the back of her head in a sheepish manner.
"Mehehehe, it seems that I'm hungry after all~"
Ryouta gave amused eyes.
"We should go and get you something to eat then Naruko-chan."
Naruko nods rapidly.
"Yeah, lets go and get some food Ryou!"
Just as she was going to get going, Ryouta placed his hand out towards her, stopping her movements.
"Wait, Naruko-chan." Naruko's paused movements made her wonder what he was going to say. But then, as she was questioning it, as Ryouta approached her, and hugged her tightly, causing her to blush brightly. "I'm glad you're okay, I was worried about you when Kabuto struck your heart. Even with your fox companion, I didn't know if it would be enough. I'm glad Tsunade-san was able to work her magic so well."
Naruko looked towards Ryouta who continues to embrace her.
So she does the same thing back, and loves every moment of it.
Having only ever received such affection from a few people, it was nice to feel someone caring so much about her.
"Also Naruko-chan, Tsunade-san has agreed to become the Hokage. And, you won your bet, so she gave you that necklace."
Naruko looked down at her necklace, and then looked towards Ryouta.
"No way! That old woman agreed!?"
"She did, though maybe don't call her old woman, she probably would be pissed at that."
Ryouta laughed it off, though did worry about what could happen if she did indeed keep calling Tsunade that. Though he did suspect that Naruko had gained a soft spot inside of Tsunade's heart, and therefore this was a way for her to express herself.
"S-She's going to be good, right?!"
"She will, don't worry. I saw her during the fight, even after you passed out, she was awesome. She put her life on the line for everyone, and beat down Orochimaru several times. She risked her life, she protected you, and did her best. She is going to be a great Hokage-sama, trust me."
"Well, if you're saying it, you haven't steered me wrong...so, I'll believe in her too~"
Ryouta lightly smiled.
"Great, then lets go and get some food, okay?"
"Food! Yes, lets go!"
Naruko leapt out of bed, and rushed out of the room.
Ryouta looks towards the window once more, and smiled, before moving towards the door, after getting dressed.
Back within the village, having received proper word from Jiraiya and the others, having secured Tsunade as the next Hokage, Hiruzen was rather relieved about this. In fact, as he thought about it all the more, he was confident enough that Tsunade would do a very good job.
Right now however, he was currently discussing what they had heard from Ryouta and the request that he had made.
"So he wishes to go to Kiri, then?"
Mikoto asks, Hiruzen nods.
"Yes, that's right. To bury Ameyuri respectfully. It seems that she has now passed on. Ryou-kun managed to beat her, and according to what we got from Tsunade, he also managed to defeat some of Orochimaru's henchmen, and came up with some good plans together with them to fight off Orochimaru and his forces. And what's more, Naruko also managed to use the Rasengan."
Hiruzen smiled out, he was glad to have said that about Ryouta along with hearing good news about Naruko, Mikoto nods and was also relieved to hear it.
"I knew Naruko would be able to do it, she is growing stronger. And Ryou-kun...so that's another Seven Ninja Swordsman that he has managed to take down. That makes two now, he is showing why he was chosen to be a Jonin."
Hiruzen couldn't agree more.
"Yes, you're right about that. It seems Ryou-kun has been doing a good deal lately. Tsunade has already agreed that he can go and give her a proper burial. On the condition that he goes with his teammates, Anko, Haku and Karin."
"Though Orochimaru tried it, again. This time, he'll have no choice but to go to a new body."
"Though, he wont regain all his Jutsu."
Hiruzen expressed, Mikoto closing her eyes.
"He didn't need all his Jutsu this time to wage a skirmish, sir."
Hiruzen could understand the worry that Mikoto would naturally have.
"Indeed, that is a concern. However, the more he tries, the more Ryou-kun adapts to him, and not forgetting his eyes. I got word from Jiraiya that he managed to nearly kill Orochimaru, even with someone with Crystal Release aiding in Orochimaru's escape."
"Crystal Release?" Mikoto looked bewildered. "I haven't seen that in my life. I thought it was a rumour."
"Indeed, it is very rare to have such a Kekkei Genkai. But it does exist, and it is very powerful. I have heard that it can cause a lot of damage, and among other things, can even crystallize a body of a person. Lets hope that this is the last surprise of Orochimaru. Though something tells me that isn't the case at all."
Mikoto agreed with a bobbing of her head.
"Yes, lets hope that is the end of the surprises. But like you, I highly doubt this is the end for Orochimaru and his nasty surprises, he always has something hidden up his sleeve. Still, with Tsunade-sama coming back to us, we definitely could use such a strong person on our side. Well, it seems that you can think about your retirement once more Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen adopts a small smile on his face.
"Yes, it does seem so."
Hiruzen was glad with what he had heard.
The fact that Orochimaru still lives was something depressing.
But, they had gained more in their favour now that Orochimaru had lost more of his people, and they didn't lose a single thing on their side, that was one of the best outcomes that they could have had, and they did have such a good outcome thanks to the effort, of everyone that was involved.
As that was going on, Ryouta was having a quiet practice by himself, and was getting accustomed to the swords that Ameyuri gave him. While he managed to use the swords during the fights with Orochimaru, he wished to improve with them a good deal, and perhaps even learn more Lightning Releases in the future to use the swords to empower them all the more.
"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
Ryouta swings his blades down, and unleashes a lightning blast towards a large rocky formation.
The lightning splits the rocky formation in half, and sent the rubble flying everywhere.
"Good, then I can use this to increase the output...but with Kusanagi as well...a three handed sword style...I wonder if it would be possible..."
Ryouta thought about it, and used his swords as he moved through the air, and across the ground.
Shizune happened to see that Ryouta was practising, so she walked over towards him to see what was going on.
"Ryouta-kun, what are you doing?"
Ryouta stopped, and turned to Shizune with a soft smile on his face.
"Ooh, I'm just practising, that's all. What about you Shizune-san?"
"Nothing in particular, I was just having one more look around before we head back to Konoha. Once we get there, it seems that I'll have a good few new duties. Tsunade-sama is calling upon me to do my best."
"I see, she does a lot of trust in you. I am sure you can do it Shizune-san!"
Shizune smiles kindly, and sits down on the grass.
Ryouta stops his training and walks towards her, sitting down beside her.
"You're a Jonin right, Shizune-san?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Maybe we'll go on missions together~"
Shizune gave a small shy look, and placed her hands together in a cute manner.
"W-Well, I suppose that you are right...you and I could go on a mission together."
"Yeah, would be great Shizune-san!"
Shizune smiled as a part of her face was turning a little red.
She was able to fight down what she was feeling, and decided to speak up instead.
"I did come here for another reason, actually. I was hoping to find you out here."
"Find me? Did something happen?"
"No, no~" She waved him off. "I was just thinking about the fight of that day, and that Crystal Release user. The girl who fought you, briefly, was on a whole other level, she was a really strong opponent."
Ryouta nods a single time.
"Yes, you're right about that."
"But, you came to help me out. To help me from such a strong foe. I want to thank you for that, if you didn't do what you did, then it could have ended differently. Orochimaru could have had her kill me."
Ryouta lightly laughs to the surprise of Shizune.
But then seeing his smiling face, made her also give a smile at the same time.
"You don't have to thank me for such a thing. You're a comrade, no you're a friend to me. I would happily do that for you anytime, Shizune-san."
Shizune placed a hand on her own cheek.
Looking at the young boys face, and seeing his sweet smile, it made her rather happy.
"I thought you might say that, but I thought that I should at least say something about it anyway."
"It's really kind of you, but I'm good, really. I'm sorry that you ended up in a situation like that."
Shizune shook her head a few times.
"No, you don't have to worry about that Ryou-kun. So, if you're training, do you mind if I watch?"
Ryouta didn't have a problem with that.
"Yes, you can if you wish. But, wouldn't it be boring for you to watch me?"
Shizune smiled cutely.
"Not at all. I'd be happy to watch you."
"Great! Then please watch me!"
Shizune nods a single time, and watches Ryouta begin training.
The more she did, the more she quite liked him after all.
A small time later, with the darkness of the night settling in, Ryouta went towards the bathhouse that was close by.
He thought he went towards the male one, he followed the signs and everything, so when he got there, he was hit by quite the surprise.
"My, it seems that we can't stay away from one another."
Ryouta had walked right into the chest of Tsunade.
He looked up to see the woman looking down at him.
Only dressed in a towel, her eyes met with his own.
"Rather, I probably should say that you can't keep out of my chest, huh?"
"I-I didn't know you'd be here, this is the boys side, you know?"
"Hmm, is it? I was under the impression this was a unisex bath?"
"Is it? It said male this way..."
Tsunade shrugs, and goes towards the water.
"Well, it doesn't matter now, does it? Just don't allow Jiraiya in and we'll be all good. Now come, sit down with me."
Ryouta nods, and moves into the water.
Sitting down a distance away, Tsunade wouldn't allow that, so she moved closer and closer, until she practically was sat right beside him.
He could see the closeness that she had, and the way that her face was slightly red, staring at the sky above them. With it being an open hot spring like bath, the air was nice, as was the water running across their bodies.
Tsunade turned her eyes towards Ryouta, seeing that he was staring at the water with a red tinge on his face, something she found to be quite cute to see.
"So, what's going on inside that head of yours?"
Ryouta turned towards Tsunade, seeing how close she was.
"A-Ah, nothing really. Just thinking about the battle, that's all."
"Orochimaru huh?"
"Yeah, some of it anyway. He is...how to say, a horrible bastard." Tsunade snorted. "But, he got away. Because of that, he is going to try and take over someone...he probably nearly already has done anyway."
Tsunade shrugs.
"Yes, that's probably right. It is hard to know what he's going to do. But together, we showed him that he can't come after us. Even with the fact that he managed to get away, he'll have to think twice before getting anything he wants."
Ryouta thought that was pretty true.
He did wish he could have gotten Orochimaru, but there was always next time. Plus, he managed to take down Orochimaru a good deal.
"Yeah, so...you're Hokage-sama now, Tsunade-san."
"That I am. Never thought those words would leave my mouth."
"Yes...but, I think you'll do amazing. You will be one great Hokage-sama."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence."
"It's true Tsunade-san. I'm sure that you've got a lot of stuff to do now, right?"
Tsunade shrugs.
"That's what they tell me. I don't know yet. But I'll have some good people around me. Like Sarutobi-sensei."
"Yes, he would be good. He would be a very good advisor."
"So, got any advice for me?"
Ryouta tilted his head.
But then shook his head.
"Not that I can think of. Though I'm sure you've got this Tsunade-san, and if I can help, please don't hesitate to ask."
Tsunade leaned back, and allowed the fresh air to wash over her skin.
"Thanks, then I will call upon you when I need some stuff doing haha...but yeah, I am sure that it is going to be a wide ride, that's for sure. I wonder what my first order of business is going to be…?"
"Actually, I do have a suggestion for that." She looked at him to proceed, which he did after a few moments. "There's this man within Konoha, called Hayate-san, and he suffered through a horrific attack, one where he lost the ability to speak for the most part, and to also move as well as he could before, basically putting his career as a Ninja into question. It was that bastard Kabuto that did it, with some kind of Medical Ninjutsu act of his."
Tsunade stroked her chin.
"Is that so? Sounds like Kabuto would do something like that. Alright, I'll go and check that out when we get back to Konoha. Well, when I get back I should say, it seems that your teammates shall be coming soon. Ameyuri, she must've meant a good deal to you, right?"
Ryouta nods.
"In many ways, she did yeah. She showed me a different perspective on life as a Ninja. Her thoughts and her actions, she was apart of the Bloody Mist for a good long time, and then defected to do her own thing. When I think about her life, and how cruelly she had it with her disease..."
"Is that so? I did see that she was coughing a lot during the fight that I saw. So she was ill."
Ryouta nods his head.
"Yes, that's right. She was ill. I don't know with what exactly, but I do know it caused her immense pain. But, she wanted to go out the way that she loved, and that was fighting against someone she considered worthy."
Tsunade nods slowly, and looks down at the younger male.
Seeing his determined expression, it made her smile to herself.
"Aah, enough of the serious talk." Tsunade wrapped her arm around Ryouta's shoulder, and brought the young man close to her body, his face hitting her chest with a giant blush making its appearance. "Lets have a relaxing time together..." Her eyes cocked back, and then she glared. "Which doesn't include you Jiraiya!"
Jiraiya appeared from behind a fence that shut off the hot spring from the outside world, and saw the dark eyes of Tsunade on him.
He began shaking, seeing that her fist was slowly tightening.
"Tsunade please! You let the Uchiha be here!"
"That is different! Now you can go!"
"I don't want to go!"
Jiraiya argued, with Tsunade's face twisting towards him menacingly.
Jiraiya flinched when seeing the eyes of Tsunade on him.
More than before, she really did look quite pissed off.
"What did you just say?"
Tsunade used a voice that told Jiraiya she wasn't messing around this time.
"N-No, it is fine, I shall leave! Have a good bath!"
Jiraiya didn't want to be hit, so he bowed, and ran off, leaving the two of them alone.
With his head still against her bust, Tsunade peered at the nights sky once more.
"This kind of situation, it really could last for a good long time, couldn't it?"
Ryouta believed he understood what she was talking about, so he adopted a small smile on his face, and peered up to the sky as well.
"Yes, I'd love if this situation was going to be like this for a good long while."
Ryouta kept his head at Tsunade's chest, not that he had a choice since she kept it there, and kept watching the nights sky. Enjoying the simple time between them, and knowing that things could get difficult soon, this was at least something they could enjoy together.
A nice hot bath between them.
When the day came, for Ryouta and the others to split, they were waiting for Ryouta's team to come. Because he was going to Kiri, and because he wouldn't be going alone, by orders of the new Hokage, and the old one together, it had been decided that Ryouta would head there together with Anko, Haku, and Karin.
They also went to talk about the situation between Konoha and Kiri now, with Mei, and see where that relationship could go in the future. Also Haku would be able to see Zabuza, Ryouta would be able to deliver Ameyuri to a resting place, and he was quite happy to see Mei and what she would be doing now.
"Aah man, I wish I could have gone~"
Naruko sings out, with Jiraiya lightly tapping her head.
"You have got stuff to do, don't forget that."
Naruko whistles innocently.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. Calm down Pervy Sage~"
Naruko said with a laugh, while Ryouta was quite ready to get going.
Sometime after waiting for a small time, on the horizon, the others could be seen coming.
Anko, Haku and Karin travelling happily together.
They came into sight soon enough, with Anko showcasing a grin.
"Hahahaha! You did that to Orochimaru!? Good one!"
Anko beamed out with her refreshing energy.
Haku bows.
"I am sorry Ryou-kun, it seems that you have been through a lot."
Ryouta gave a wave of his hand.
"No, don't worry about it. It was tough, not gonna lie about it. But, even if he did get away, we took down a few of his members."
Naruko jumped forward, and gave a strong expression on her face.
"You should have seen Ryou! Like wow, he was fighting them off left right and wow! It was just so super cool! I can't wait to become able to do that in the future! Well, we also have a new Kage, Haku! Have you seen her? It's that old woman there."
Tsunade twitched an eyebrow at that.
Ryouta sighed out when he heard that.
Karin found it a little funny, and glanced towards Tsunade who in turn glared right back.
Haku gave her usual polite look, and bowed her head.
"Naruko-san, maybe you shouldn't call her such a thing. She is going to be our Hokage-sama, you know?"
Naruko waved her hand.
"Don't worry about it, she's fine with it. Really."
Ryouta didn't believe that to be true and neither did Haku either.
Tsunade crossed her eyes towards Naruko, who in turn playfully stuck out her tongue.
Karin however showed her grin, and moved towards Tsunade.
Tsunade sighed.
"Alright, out with it Karin. I'm ready."
Karin folded her arms.
"Come on, you aren't even letting me surprise you now?"
"I said I'm ready, didn't I?"
Karin gave a hard stare towards Tsunade who in turn gave one right back.
It seemed that they really did look like one another right now.
"Yeah, but it isn't fun if you give me permission for it!" Karin yells, with Tsunade showing a superior smile. "Ah, well, I suppose it doesn't matter in the end. Actually, Hokage-sama, it seems that you took your sweet time, didn't you?"
Tsunade twitched her brow once more, Shizune murmured "Ooh God." understanding what was about to happen.
"What did you say?"
"I said you took your sweet time, choosing to become Hokage should have been an obvious conclusion. Putting Ryou-kun through all of this, you should be worried about what the other girls might say when we get back."
Karin was joking.
Wishing to have a good banter between them, and also to have a slight jab at Tsunade for fun's sake.
But Tsunade developed an idea.
"Speaking of other girls, I've been thinking lately. Now that I'm Hokage, I can add laws to the village, that all have to follow, can't I?" While asking no one in particular, Jiraiya tried to answer it only for Tsunade to silence him. "I've made a decision. The Uchiha clan, it is on the near extinct list, there's really only one viable male candidate with strong chakra that could become someone that can restore the Uchiha clan."
Karin furrowed her brows, Ryouta looked perplexed, Anko understood now and laughed.
"W-What are you talking about? We all know about the Uchiha and all that. But bringing up the Uchiha clan like that, it sounds like you've got some weird ideas going on. And you said restore...what are you thinking right now?"
Karin voiced her thoughts and was beginning to understand what Tsunade was thinking, with Tsunade herself grinning ear to ear.
"Yes, you heard right, to restore the Uchiha clan. That's why, when I get back to Konoha, the first thing that I am going to do is initiate the Clan Restoration Act!"
""T-The what?!""
Both Karin and Jiraiya yell at the same time.
Naruko looked confused all of a sudden, Ryouta looked wide eyed at her words, Haku looked down at herself, and then towards the area that Tsunade was stood, wondering what Tsunade was going to say next. Even Anko was mildly curious as to what Tsunade was going to be talking about now, and what her plans truly were.
Tsunade laughs and continues.
"That's right, and the first person who is going to be partaking in this act..." She walks over to Ryouta, placing her hands on his shoulders. "...is you, Ryou."
Ryouta looks up, seeing Tsunade beaming down towards him.
"W-What does he do?! What are you trying to do with Ryou-kun now huh!?"
Karin yells, as Jiraiya begins feeling dizzy.
"W-What it means is that she's going to have multiple women marry the Uchiha boy!"
Karin nearly fell over, Naruko looked on curiously, Haku started blushing madly, while Anko said "You are going to be busy boy~" while Ryouta himself was struck with shock that Tsunade was saying that, he didn't even know if she was being serious or not.
"Tsunade-sama, are you being serious?"
Shizune asks, genuinely curious.
"I said it, didn't I? I'm serious, I'm starting that plan, and the boy will have to get married immediately. Of course as the Hokage, I have to take, the best of interests in the welfare of my village, and as Hokage, I put myself forward to become the first bride, and Ryou has accepted. I shall be known as Tsunade Uchiha in the near future."
Ryouta glanced at Tsunade, who gave a small secret wink and a look that basically asked him to go along with it, he was curious what she was doing so he went along with it.
Someone that was shocked by it was Jiraiya, who felt like his world was coming crashing down. His eyes looked towards Ryouta with so many emotions, he didn't know what feeling to settle on. No matter what he thought, he was worried about what was going to happen.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Tsunade, you're going to marry hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiim!"
Jiraiya's screams almost reached the very heavens themselves.
Tsunade gave a fake blank look, before proceeding to adopt a wicked smile, and kissed the top of Ryouta's head.
"Yes. That's what I have decided."
"But, but, but, but...t-this is...yo-you and...he-he...are...you really...ooh no…."
Jiraiya couldn't hold on, and ended up fainting on the spot while Karin was reeling from the news.
"B-But! This doesn't make sense! This is...this is...y-you're Tsunade, and he's Ryou-kun, a-and you and...h-he, b-but you are...and he is..."
Karin wasn't sure how to handle this.
Tsunade loved it, so gave a final push.
"So you see Karin, it seems that we're going to become, sisters."
Karin looked as white as a ghost, and began shaking side to side.
"Sisters!?"
"Hahaha! Yes Karin! Yes! Ryou shall become my husband and I will be his wife!"
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"
Tsunade laughed loudly at that.
She watched Karin freak out, and run away.
Naruko herself looked on, seeing the expression on Tsunade's face, and couldn't determine if she was being truthful or not.
"Erm...so, Ryou's going to get married to a lot of girls then? Aah, Satsuki will be mad~"
Ryouta gave semi bemused eyes towards Naruko, it was always a cute thing when it came from Naruko.
Haku though saw for a few moments some cogs turning within Naruko, and had to wonder what the young girl was thinking about right now.
Ryouta turned to Tsunade, seeing that she was having the best time.
"Tsunade-san, are you really going to do that? Is that clan restoration act thing even real?"
Tsunade snickered.
"Did you see Jiraiya and Karin's faces? Hah, that will teach them to get on the wrong side of me."
Anko adopts a small pout.
"No fair, you should have told me you would do that, we could have got them even better~"
Tsunade looked perplexed, but then found it a little funny.
"Well, I was kidding, but there was some element of truth to my words. It is true that as far as I know, you're the most viable candidate for the Uchiha's restoration, so perhaps I should put in a plan like that. After seeing what one of you can do for the village, and what you did for me, it would be good to have even more of you guys around. Ryou, you think you're going to marry a few girls and have children with them all?"
Ryouta blushed up a storm.
Thinking about such things, he truly was caught off guard.
"W-Well, having a family...I would love to have kids one day..."
Haku looked happy about that, Naruko didn't know why yet, but she also felt happy, Anko found it amusing, while Shizune looked curious about the whole situation.
"I see, though it was just a joke for Karin and Jiraiya's expenses, maybe I'll have to give it some thought. We could always think about it later."
Ryouta looks on, seeing Karin running around at the speed of sound, trying to get what Tsunade said out of her head.
A few days later, the four had set off on their journey's towards the land of water, it was going to be quite the huge deal for a good few of those being in the group. Haku especially hadn't really even thought about this place since she left it shortly after her family situation, the reveal of the Kekkei Genkai that she had.
Ryouta wondered how Mei was going to be, and what changes would have come to the land of water overall.
"By the way, doesn't it look like some kind of huge battle took place here?"
Anko wondered aloud, with the others also observing the same thing.
"Yeah, I guess that this is one of the battlefields that Mei-san would have had while trying to dethrone that person Yagura-san."
"Also, don't forget Zabuza-sama as well. Speaking of...I'll be seeing Zabuza-sama again, I wonder how he has been since we last saw one another..."
While Haku was saying it, Ryouta turned his head around. He could see that several areas had been destroyed as they kept moving through the area. The heavy mist was even enough to cause his Sharingan eyes to not be able to fully see through such a thick mist.
"Well, we do know that they have been having plenty of fights, Mei-san said so herself in her last letter. I do hope that she and Zabuza-san have been able to do what they set out to do."
Haku nods in agreement.
"I do as well, I am sure that they have done though."
As Haku said it, they could hear something.
It sounded like something was being shattered.
Like wood.
So they moved closer to the sounds.
"Okay Karin, it is time to find out what is going on. We might be friends with Mei, but we cannot walk into traps either. This isn't our territory after all."
"Y-Yeah, give me a sec, they are a little distance..."
Karin lets out an awkward laugh, and places her hands together.
Closing her eyes, she does her best to search.
When she did, she releases a breath.
"Is that all? Geez, it is just those two again."
"Mei-san, and Zabuza-san?"
Ryouta asks, Karin nods.
"Yeah, they're up ahead, no idea what they're doing. Feels like fighting to me...yeah, they are figthting one another it feels like."
"But, why would they be fighting? Aren't they on the same side?"
Haku asks, worried if relations between Mei and Zabuza finally broke down.
Anko waved her hand.
"Lets keep going. We will find our answers pretty soon."
They did just that.
Travelling forward, with the sound getting higher and higher. They could even feel as if something was truly happening, like a large scale battle was happening, so they wanted to know what was going on.
"Lava Release, Melting Apparition Jutsu!"
"Damn you!"
They came to a clearing, and saw Mei firing off acidic mud towards Zabuza, who in turn leapt out of the way, and came towards her with his blade.
"Your blade Zabuza? I shall stop it!"
Mei didn't give even a moments pause, and moved her hands out of the way, before she releases a large cloud of strong melting steam towards Zabuza from her Boil Release.
Zabuza jumps back, narrowly avoiding the mist, but saw that some of his blade had indeed melted as a consequence for not avoiding faster, and then saw Mei rushing towards him, firing off more acidic mud towards him.
"Water Release, Water Wall Jutsu!"
Creating a large wall of water, the acidic mud hit it ferociously, and causes the water to disappear.
As it did however, a thick mist had formed, and obscured Zabuza from vision all together.
"Hmph, going with an oldie, are you Zabuza?!"
Mei looked around as she began weaving through hand signs.
Ryouta and the others were lost on what was happening right now.
They could only watch in awe as Zabuza came silently out of the mist, so Mei turned and shot off a large cloud of mist for his body, one that would immediately melt most out of existence it struck by it.
Indeed, when Zabuza was hit by the mist, the body did begin to melt.
But, into water than actual human tissue.
"I knew you'd go with a water clone technique."
As she said it, Zabuza appeared behind her, with his blade to her neck.
"An old trick doesn't make it bad, Terumi."
Mei laughed, seeing the blade close by.
"I suppose not."
As she said it, her own body dropped into a puddle, showing that she was also a clone.
"As I said, a good trick Terumi, but I wont let you get by me."
Zabuza growled, and turned to see Mei leaping down, and firing off a water Dragon.
In turn, Zabuza did the same thing, gathering all of the water around and clashed violently together with the young woman.
The waters crushed against the other, with the four watching on in more curiosity than ever before.
"I still don't know what's going on here. Are they enemies? Friendly spar? I have no idea, it seems to be a bit of both..."
Karin murmured, with Haku shrugging her shoulders.
Anko folded her arms.
"Best guess is that Zabuza asked Mei out, and she said no. He didn't take the rejection well, and now, they are fighting."
"I don't think that would be it Anko-sensei."
Haku dismissed it.
"Why not?"
Anko argued back, with Haku letting out the slightest of giggles.
"Because that's not who Zabuza-sama really is."
Ryouta had to agree with Haku.
However, before they could continue, the pair stopped attacking one another, and saw the four Konoha Ninja.
When Mei saw Ryouta, she placed her hand out, and stopped Zabuza, giving a grin towards Ryouta.
"Zabuza, sorry but my hubby is here~ Hahaha, my cute hubby has come home to me!"
Zabuza rolled his eyes as Mei rocketed off towards Ryouta, and embraced him tightly.
"M-Mei-san, as always, a pleasure to see you."
"Ooh, it really is, we have so much that we can catch up on my Ryou-kun! Aah, I have so much to tell you. So much has happened since we last saw one another~"
"I can't wait to hear it, but about Ameyuri-san..."
Mei waved her hand.
"Yes, about her...lets go to the village, we can discuss the details of her funeral and such there."
"We are okay to go? We are Konoha Ninja, and..."
Anko asks, Mei nods strongly.
"Yes, you shall all be our honoured guests. Now please follow me." She took Ryouta by the hand and began dragging him off. "So much to do, so little time, come with me Ryou-kun~"
Ryouta nods and was dragged off by Mei, while Haku glances at Zabuza, seeing that he was looking at her, so she smiled, she couldn't wait to speak to him about all of her experiences.
Meanwhile, back in the hideout of Orochimaru, he was barely holding on. After everything that had happened with him, he was struggling to hold on. Guren was doing her best, while Kabuto prepared to help him take over another's body.
"Hurry Guren, you have to-"
"I do know, don't order me. I'm doing my best to save Orochimaru-sama as well."
Guren and Kabuto were at loggerheads, and couldn't come to any kind of agreement.
Orochimaru laid on a table, gasping for air. His body was repaired the best that it could be. But, it seemed that even with the best Kabuto could do, and Guren using her own special Jutsu to delay the inevitable, he was able to prolong his life for a little time.
But that wouldn't last him for long.
"Help me...Kabuto...Guren….get me...a body..."
Kabuto looked towards Orochimaru, seeing that he was in true suffering. He looked as if he was on the verge of death. Both mentally, and physically, he had been destroyed, and now that he couldn't fight on so easily, it was a difficult time for Orochimaru.
"Do not worry Orochimaru-sama, we are getting everything prepared for you. We wont let you die."
Kabuto said comfortingly, while Guren nods.
"Orochimaru-sama, I shall be your sacrifice if you wish? I would do that for you sir."
"No...you have...proven...to be good...at being...beside me...I can't...take your body...you are...more important...than that...Guren….a loyal...follower...a strong...follower...I will need you...in the coming future..."
Guren had conflicting feelings.
She had believed it would be a huge honour to be his next body he'd take over.
That wasn't what Orochimaru had wanted now.
Seeing as how Guren had helped him escape the others during that fight, he saw the potential that she has, and how she could prove to be very useful in gaining the body that she would truly want to have in the future.
"Yes...I understand, Orochimaru-sama."
She was happy to serve.
She just wished to be useful, and that's the best way she thought that she would be useful.
Yukine looks on, seeing Orochimaru's pain, and chose to comment on it.
"Orochimaru, it seems that you're going through quite a lot right now, aren't you?"
Orochimaru breathed in sharply.
His eyes looked towards her, and he felt ill.
"Your son...did this to me..."
Yukine moved her hands towards his face.
Though she was merely like a ghost, even that action made Orochimaru want to run away.
"Even if you take over another body, you know it wont get rid of me. I will always be with you."
Orochimaru exhaled strongly.
His eyes displayed power, while Orochimaru began lifting himself up at the same time.
"You...You...can't...do this to me… I am...I am...going to show you...my true power…!"
His voice sounded broken and like a man that had lost many things in his life. Even then, he held a bit of hope within him. Hope wasn't a word Orochimaru liked to use, but for this, this is all he had now. Hope that he would be capable of getting out of this alive.
"Your true power, isn't going to be enough."
Orochimaru gave a defiant look towards her.
"No...I will...show my true power...once I...get a better body...a strong body...one that your son...wont be able to defeat...I can...promise you that….!"
Orochimaru was sure of this.
But Yukine wasn't as receptive to the idea.
"Even if you get out of this, what do you even do next? Huh? Come on, tell me. Because you wont be able to even attempt to try and take over my sons body for another three years. And whatever body you do transfer to, doesn't get rid of the seal that is on your arms. You might have some movement back and perhaps some of your Jutsu, but you'll be a shell of your former self."
"I...I'm not...a shell...I am...going to...know everything...I will alone...understand...everything...and you...cannot stop me…!"
Orochimaru practically yelled it out.
But Yukine shook her head and gave Orochimaru a verbal beat down.
"You wont be able to win, you wouldn't be able to even try either."
Orochimaru gave her a devilish scowl.
He couldn't, wouldn't lose to her, or anyone.
"I wont end up...being defeated...I've come too far...too long...to quit now...and even if it is three years...there is a lot of stuff to do between then, and your son...ooh, your son Yukine, you think this is going to stop me? I've seen his eyes...the power that he has….hahaha, as if I'd give that up now. I've got three years, as you said, so I'm going to be having those three years, using them...just you wait, those eyes, shall be mine!"
Hearing the disgusting voice of Orochimaru, it was clear that he wasn't messing around.
He had some kind of disturbing plan for her son, and she didn't like it at all.
Yukine looked on, before scowling herself.
Yukine watched on, as Orochimaru laughed in a manner that would make most question their sanity.
And especially someone like Orochimaru.
Who by now was on the brink of having a mental break.
He was going to try something drastic, and by how he spoke, Yukine felt like her son was being watched carefully by the eyes of a disgusting snake like human.
Whatever Orochimaru had planned next, it seemed Orochimaru hadn't given up, and his next scheme, might be the most deadly yet...
End chapter!
So this chapter dealt with a little downtime after the big fights. With Ryouta and Shizune having a moment, Tsunade and Ryouta also spoke about a few things, and Tsunade also seemingly has decided on a plan for the future of the Uchiha, and then they, the group of Anko, Ryouta, Haku and Karin, travelled towards the Land of Water, to find Mei and Zabuza once more!
As for Orochimaru, it seems he really is going through a good deal right now, and is having some troubles with Yukine still there, and messing with him. And it also seems that the group of Itachi, Izumi and Kisame are going after Orochimaru.
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Ryouta; Satsuki, Sakura, Naruko, Hinata, Gaara (fem), Ino, Haku (fem), Kurotsuchi, Karin, Konan, Mei, Anko, Samui, Hanabi, Mabui, Temari, Pakura,