Konoha: Mist Genin Hotel, Night…

Kuma got out of bed and wove a series of hand signs. Nothing seemed to happen, but the Genin went about his work. He removed his headband, took out a kunai, and cut a line through the symbol before leaving it on his bed.

He then wove another series of hand signs for the Transformation Jutsu changing himself to look like any old civilian of Konoha. His hair became dark brown, as did his eyes, he grew a couple of inches, and his clothes became average. A moment later, he vanished from the room.

Entrance to Root

Kuma appeared inside the Foundation and took off running down the halls until he found the very door he wanted. He slipped inside entering a storage room which contained numerous eyes from the Uchiha Clan.

Before going any farther, he made another series of hand signs. From there, he quickly got to work collecting 7 Uchiha eyes. He took another look and found the only known set of Main Branch eye among the selection. He sealed all 9 eyes in a scroll before tucking it away.

Just then, the light turned on, and Kuma turned to see a figure in the doorway. It appeared to be a frail, old man with a cane. He had black, shaggy hair, his right eye was bandaged, and an x-shaped scar was on his chin.

His attire consists of a white shirt, with a dark grey robe over the top of it covering from his feet to just over his right shoulder. His right arm was bandaged and covered with three large golden braces.

He stared Kuma down. "No civilian could have done this. Who are you?"

Kuma smiled. "Me? I'm no one compared to you Danzo Shimura, and I'm sure you'll keep it that way unless you want the Hokage snooping around your business."

With that, Kuma vanished like before. Danzo immediately left the room rousing people wearing Anbu like clothing. They started spreading out over the village.

Outside Konoha's Prison: Surrounded by Trees

Kuma wove made another set of hand signs and changed his appearance to that of Ibiki Morino. He then walked out of the brush and onto the main rode making his way to the prison. Two guards saw him coming and relaxed.

They then realized this wasn't the Head of Interrogation. That was the point. It was meant to fool them just so Kuma could get in close. That's when the ninja wires ensnared them. Before they could scream, the former Mist Shinobi stabbed kunai into their heads.

The Akatsuki member checked the guards and found a set of keys. He entered the prison and walked towards a certain cell while keeping his disguise up. Any time he came across a guard, he'd kill them.

Soon enough, he arrived at the intended cell containing a muscular and well-defined man. He had white, shoulder-length hair and green eyes. His attire consisted of the standard prisoner's uniform: a grey tunic with matching pants. He was barefoot

"What do you…" The man smiled. "I almost thought you were Ibiki. Clever. So, what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

Kuma dispelled his transformation and made the hand signs before opening the door. "My name is Kuma Valumi, and I've come to free you."

He unlocked the door allowing Mizuki to exit. "Do you work for Lord Orochimaru?"

"I work for a far more powerful group of S rank Rouge Shinobi. Right now, I'm here to pick up my partner. I'd heard about your little exploit and decided you'd be a good choice." Kuma explained.

"I'll come along provided I can someday get revenge on those who put me here." Mizuki stated.

"I have no problem with that." Kuma took out a scroll and gave it to Mizuki. "Here's a little gift to get you started on the path to power. While we're fine going after our own goals, the group I belong to has some powerful targets in mind."

Mizuki opened the scroll and smiled as he was looking at the summoning contract for the Hawks. "This is perfect."

Kuma held out his hand. "Partners?"

Mizuki took it. "Partners."

A group of Jonin came around the corner only to see the pair vanish.

Hokage Tower, Morning…

Akana entered the office after having been summoned. Given the fact that his student was gone, he could make a guess why. Especially since there were Anbu now positioned outside the hotel. He'd told his remaining students to stay there until he returned.

Akana walked up to the desk. "You wanted to see me?"

The Hokage turned to him and immediately cut through everything. "Last night, a group of Jonin saw your student in our prison releasing a traitor of the Hidden Leaf Village. They then vanished, and we have found several, broken seals around the village. Care to explain?"

"Lord Hokage, I swear my team and I had no idea." Akana stated sincerely. "The Mist Village is trying to turn over a new leaf. Our new Mizukage ordered it. She's hoping to reach a positive agreement. Not an alliance, but positive trade agreements between our villages."

"You and your team wouldn't mind us looking into this?" The Hokage questioned.

"All three of us will willing go through interrogation." Akana stated. "Whatever Kuma was up to does not reflect the Hidden Mist. I promise you with absolute certainty that the Mizukage and us were completely unaware of what Kuma has planned."

The Hokage said. "My Anbu will be watching. Report to the Interrogation facility, and I give you my word that my men will be as gentle as possible. If what you say is true, you will be free to remain and Kanja can still compete."

Akana nodded. "Understood."

Training Ground 7, Day…

Hinata entered the training ground causing two Anbu to appear before her. The first was a man with a mask that had a short bird-like beak and red flame markings. He has long silver hair and red tattoos on his upper arms. A sword was strapped to his back.

The other was a lady wearing a cat-like white Anbu mask. She has purple-colored arrow-like markings on her mask and long blonde hair that she keeps tied. Yellow needles were in her hair set into six different holding spots.

"Greetings Hinata Hyuga." The man stated. "I am Towa, and this is my partner Komachi."

"We are here to train you." Komachi stated.

"My teams 2 weeks ahead, and I don't want to slow them down." Hinata bowed. "Please, do not go easy on me."

Unknown Location, Day's Later…

Kuma and Mizuki walked into a cave leading to an underground village that seemed devoid of people. The ingenious thing is that the cave leading to this village was a perfectly normal cave. This meant no one would find it unless they found or stumbled in.

The buildings around them were made of beautiful, smooth stone and the Uzumaki Clan symbol was everywhere as were the clan colors. The pair walked through this village until they came to a stone recreation of the Hokage tower.

There they found Shun Uzumaki. "Good to see you Kuma." He nodded. "So, this is your partner?"

"He is." Kuma declared. "Mizuki, this is Shun Uzumaki. He's not part of the Akatsuki, but he's been willing to do jobs for us. That includes the surgery for our new eyes."

Mizuki nodded. "Let's get to it then."

"I'll have the task done in no time." Shun looked back at Kuma. "You do have the extra three eyes I request, correct?"

"Got them." Kuma stated.

"Very good." The Uzumaki started walking. "Come along gentlemen."

Forest Training Camp

Daichi was in the Lion Stance facing down 20 shadow clones.

Kazamae said, "Remember, when employing the Lion Style, one must always attack with ferocity. Once you have your opponent off balance, you keep pushing the attack. Don't give your opponent time to recover or think if you can help it."

Daichi nodded and charged at his clones who all took a defensive approach. He tore through them with fast paced punches, kicks, and a few palm strikes. Once he started getting the Lion Style down, he began combining it with his Mixed Style to improve it.

Zabuza stood off to the side roaring as he usually does. "Faster you worthless pile of trash! I've seen severely injured and/or decrepit Shinobi move better than you! That style incorporates speed above all else so move faster!"

Kazamae had explained the style to Zabuza giving him what he needed to continue his process of yelling at Daichi to motivate him. To be fair, the yelling usually did motivate Daichi better but only when it came from Zabuza.

Once Daichi had dispelled the clones, Kazamae nodded. "You've been progressing well Kid. I think it's time you learn the second Jutsu."

Daichi ran over. "What is it?"

"I heard your first opponent is well verse in Genjutsu." Kazamae chuckled. "Fortunately, you're not the only one to suffer from Genjutsu. Your father set out to correct that weakness by learning from Sensory Shinobi and fighting with Hyuga and Uchiha. He invented a Ninjutsu."

Daichi was excited because this sounded like what he needed. "What is it Kazamae Sensei."

"It's known as Ninja Art: Sensory Shutdown." Kazamae nodded. "A Ninjutsu that can shut down anywhere from one to five senses. As Genjutsu affects senses, so you can see why this would be the perfect defense."

"You have to teach me Sensei." Daichi stated seriously.

"We'll get to that." Kazamae nodded. "First, there is still a bit more I must explain. When you shut down one sense, you gain the ability to sense Chakra. When shutting off your eyes at any time, your mind creates what you'd normally see.

That aspect only grows the more you shut your senses down." He rubbed his chin. "If I had to describe what your mind would do, then it'd create images. Like when you use the Byakugan only it's not black and white, it's all black with Chakra being blue.

In certain circumstances, it could be a different color, but that only makes it easier to nail who's who. In the end, it takes time to discern who's who. Fortunately, the fights in the tournament are one on one. Now, copy the hand signs I do and think of not being able to see."

Daichi nodded and copied the signs. His vision became nonexistent as his mind conjured up complete blackness with two Chakra signatures around him. He knew they had to be Kazamae and Zabuza, but he couldn't feel that.

Kazamae noticed his student looking around and knew it'd worked. "Time to get to work using the best method to train you to fight without sight." He looked at the swordsman. "Zabuza, go wild."

Daichi was immediately punched in the gut. This was going to be a long, painful process.

With Naruto, 3 Weeks In…

Jiraiya was doing his research while Naruto gave his all trying to summon a frog. He weaved the signs, but only managed to summon a large, green tadpole. He then fell to the ground passing out.

This got Jiraiya's attention. "He's collapsed again." The sage stood and sighed. "I suppose it's no surprise. For three weeks he's been getting through his training with guts and determination alone."

Inside Naruto's Mind Scape

He suddenly opened his eyes to find himself standing before a sealed gate which contained a maliciously grinning fox behind it. "You… You're the Nine Tail Fox."

"Why are you here foolish boy?" The fox questioned.

Naruto became determined. "Look stupid fox. You're in my body, so you owe me rent. For payment, I'm taking your Chakra, you got that?"

The fox chuckled. "I suppose I can't kill you as that would mean my death." Red Chakra began to leak out towards Naruto. "Your courage is most impressive little boy. Very well, you shall have a loan of my Chakra."

Real World

"Come on, open your eyes already." Jiraiya declared before hitting Naruto with a bucket of water.

Naruto bolted awake. "What was…" He remembered the fox. "Never mind that! I talked to the fox Pervy Sage, and he's agreed to loan me his Chakra."

"Really." Jiraiya rubbed his chin. "Let's see what you can do now."

Naruto bit his thumb and wove the signs. "Summoning Jutsu!"

A huge amount of smoke spread out.

Jiraiya knew what was coming. "He got the Chakra all on his own, but he's gone and over done it." He ran off. "This training is best left to Naruto alone because Gamabunta is a handful."

Transition

A huge dull, rusty red frog appeared. Over his left eye he had a scar and wore a large blue happi vest that has the kanji 蝦 (ebi) on the back. A massive dosu blade rested at his hip and a large kiseru pipe was in his mouth.

Gamabunta didn't believe Naruto summoned him, and the two got into a competition with Naruto trying to prove he could remain on Gamabunta's back. Naruto ended up failing near the end, but he earned the frog's respect. Jiraiya saw all of this from a safe distance.

Forest Training Camp

Daichi, who currently had his eyes shut down, was sparing with Zabuza. He's been getting better at fighting without eyesight, but he still took one heck of a beating. By this point, The Fusion member was soaked with sweat, only had his pants on, and was panting heavily.

"Well done Daichi." Kazamae nodded. "You're coming along well and are ready for the next test. Return your eyesight."

Daichi made the release sign and could see once more. "What's the next test."

"Pump all your Chakra into the Summoning Jutsu and bring The Great Beast King, leader of the lions, here. He must look at the new summoner. If he deems you unworthy, you will never be able to summon the lions again."

Daichi regained his breathing as he walked away from them. "No pressure then." He wiped his face. "Right, let's do this. "He bit his thumb, wove the signs, and slammed his palm on the ground. "Summoning Jutsu!"

Immediately, there was a large puff of smoke as Daichi felt far more exhausted than he had before performing the Jutsu. He fell to one knee panting as a huge lion with scars all over his body, a chunk taken out of his right ear, and a mightily main of flowing, golden hair appeared.

"That is impressive." Zabuza thought.

The Great Beast King looked down at the three Shinobi before focusing on the Lion Yonnin and Daichi. "Kazamae, I see you believe this one ready to meet me."

Kazamae nodded. "I believe you'll find him a more than suitable Lion Summoner."

The Beast King focused on Daichi. "Tell me, why should I let you summon my kin and I?"

Daichi was exhausted, but he fought through it to stand firmly on his feet.

The Fusion member stared at the lion firmly. "I want your power to protect those I consider precious. I also wish to continue growing stronger as I have these past three weeks. This training has been exceptional."

The Beast King looked at Daichi for what seemed like an eternity. "Protection and Improvement. I can also see a love for battle. Kazamae has made an appropriate choice in you. We are yours to summon should you need us."

The Beast King disappeared and Daichi fell to his back. "I did it!"

He then passed out.

Kazamae smiled at Daichi before turning to Zabuza. "I think he's done more than enough these past three weeks. Other than ironing out his technique, we should let his body adjust to the rapid growth."

Zabuza picked the Fusion member up and put him on his back. "This kid is something special. I didn't think I'd find someone like that after losing Haku. Were you really happy Haku?" He looked straight ahead. "Did you truly have no dreams of your own?"

The Sage and swordsman started to walk off.

Kazamae looked at Zabuza. "Ryo for your thoughts?" Zabuza looked at him. "You don't have to talk, but I'd be more than willing to listen."

So, Zabuza told the Yonnin about his past. Everything from discovering Haku, the coup d'état failing, their time on the road to the Great Naruto Bridge, and everything between.

Kazamae nodded. "What I get from this is that you are beginning to grow attached to Daichi as you had Haku. What's important is that you remember Daichi and Haku are different people. Just because you become attached to Daichi, it doesn't mean you'll ever forget Haku. Those we lose are always with us." He pointed at his heart. "In here."

Zabuza noticed that they were coming to the front gates of Konoha. "I'll take what you said under advisement. For now, I'm going to take the kid to the hospital just in case he needs medical attention."

With Naruto, 3 Day's Later…

Naruto showed up at the training spot and found Jiraiya doing what he usually does. Spying on the ladies.

"Pervy Sage!" Naruto shouted getting the man's attention. "I still need training."

"Come on kid, you know enough." Jiraiya waved him off. "You should just rest up for the competition."

"No way!" Naruto shouted. "You promised to teach me, and I'm going to hold you to it." He crossed his arms. "I have to be ready to defeat Neji Hyuga. Then, Daichi or Sasuke after. No doubt those two are going to have all kinds of new techniques knowing them."

Jiraiya sighed. "You aren't going to leave me alone until I give you something, are you kid?"

Naruto nodded. "That's right."

"Okay, you got Wind and Water natures, right?" Jiraiya asked and Naruto nodded. "Alright, then you can have these to train from." He retrieved two scrolls and threw them to him. "Water Style: Water Bullet and Wind Style: Air Bullets. Go nuts."

Naruto smiled. "Just you watch Sasuke and Daichi. I'm not going to fall behind."

Daichi's Home: Night Before the Competition…

Daichi was deciding what to eat for dinner. The last week of training may have been easier in comparison, but vital in helping him nail his hand signs and Taijutsu. Ultimately, he figured Naruto was likely at the ramen stand. Even if he wasn't, ramen was great. He left his home.

Sakura's Home

Sakura walked into her home and heard noise coming from the kitchen. "Dad, I'm home!"

The noise in the kitchen stopped. "Hi sweetie, dinner's almost done."

She walked into the kitchen and found a sturdily built man with short, light pink hair, azure blue eyes, and fair skin. He wore a light blue, long sleeved shirt and matching pants with a dull yellow apron around his waist. He set a chicken on the table and Sakura gave him a hug.

He hugged her back before pulling away with a smile. "Look at you sweetie, you're training is really starting to show. That Kurenai has been a good Sensei to you."

Sakura smiled. "She has. Kurenai Sensei is pretty attentive with all our training." She looked around. "Anything I can do to help?"

He shook his head. "You just sit down, your mother should be home any minute."

Sakura's face fell. "Oh, mom's coming home tonight."

Her dad smiled. "Sweetie…"

At that moment, the door opened, and a female voice called out. "Kai is dinner ready?"

"Yes Yumi, it's already on the table." Kai responded.

Yumi entered the kitchen dressed in Anbu gear minus the mask which had been left at the door. She had fair skin as well as shoulder length black hair and green eyes. Her build was that of a runner, red curse seal tattoos were on both arms, and a tanto was strapped to her back.

Yumi frowned upon seeing Sakura. "Sakura, what are you doing here?"

Sakura plainly said, "I'm here to eat dinner mother."

"Why aren't you out there training for the Chunin Exams?" Yumi asked as she took a seat.

"It's the day before the Third Exam." Sakura replied. "Kurenai Sensei said I should rest."

"Please, that woman had no idea what she's talking about. What will she say when you end up losing to that so call 'clan boy'? You should have been put on Kakashi Hatake's squad. That man has notoriety and being his student would only be a boon for your Shinobi career."

She shook her head. "Now, you're on a squad with some Inuzuka and Aburame. Don't get me started on the so-called Fusion Clan. Why keep it going? At this point, it's a joke because all the clan heads die after having one child. That is no way to strengthen Konoha.

That boy should either resign from being a Shinobi and make children or marry into the Hyuga Clan. The fact that he's maintained a friendship with that Uzumaki boy is just insulting." She looked at Sakura. "You should either be training or trying to get Sasuke Uchiha."

Sakura liked Sasuke. That isn't what she took issue with. It was that fact that her mother was insulting people Sakura respected. Thanks to her Sensei tempering her attitude, she could see Daichi for the Shinobi he was instead of the obstacle he'd seemed to be.

"Sensei is a great woman, Daichi and Naruto have potential to be great Shinobi, and my teammates are my friends. You don't get to insult them." Sakura firmly stated.

Kai stepped forward trying to diffuse the situation. "Girls come on. It's so rare that the three of us are home at the same time. Let's not fight and have a nice dinner."

"If Sakura would stop being childish and remember to act as I've taught her, we wouldn't be having these problems. Isn't that right, young lady?" Yumi asked sternly.

Sakura walked to the hallway. "You know what dad, I forgot Kurenai Sensei was buying our team dinner tonight. I'll be back later."

"It's alright sweetie." Kai sighed and rubbed his head. "Have a good meal."

They heard the door close.

Yumi scoffed. "Arrogant child. She needs to grow out of this rebellious phase."

Kai frowned but sighed before taking his seat. "Whatever you say honey."

Streets

Daichi was well on his way to the ramen stands when he noticed Sakura walking along the street up ahead. She seemed more than a little peeved. He expected that due to the academy days, but she hadn't noticed him. Naruto wasn't around either.

He watched her walk on before sighing and running to catch up. "Hey Sakura!" She turned to face him surprised. "You seem angry. Did Naruto bug you for a date or something?"

"I don't want to talk about it." Sakura finally said.

Daichi shrugged. "You don't have to." He rubbed his chin. "Oh, have you eaten yet? We could get dinner whereever you want?"

Sakura looked at him suspiciously. "Are you trying to get a leg up on our fight tomorrow?"

Daichi shook his head. "What? No. We don't have to talk about anything. You don't want to talk about why you're angry, so I hear food's the next best thing for it… or is it not being alone…" He rubbed his chin. "Crap, what was it? Do you leave them alone?"

Sakura looked at him surprised. "He's being genuine?" She sighed before dragged the confused Shinobi along by his jacket. "You know what, food sounds good."

Daichi was still confused, but Sakura didn't seem all that angry anymore. He decided just to go along with things which included letting Sakura drag him. Not like he hadn't been dragged away just earlier this month.

Akimichi BBQ: With Sakura and Daichi

Daichi and Sakura sat in a booth across from one another. They'd put in their orders, which was now cooking before them, but hadn't said anything else.

Finally, Sakura broke the silence. "So, I'd like to apologize for bugging you as much as I did back at the academy. I'm sorry. I let my feelings for Sasuke get in the way of common sense."

"Oh, I'm sorry to." Daichi chuckled. "I didn't and still don't like fan girls, but I could have handled things with a little more tact. Bygones?"

"Bygones." Sakura agreed. "Anyways, what made you approach me? I mean the real reason."

"You seemed troubled, and I'd like to think I'm not the type that can let a comrade suffer if he sees it." He shrugged. "You just looked like you could use a friendly face." He chuckled. "To bad you got stuck with me."

Sakura looked at him before looking down sadly. "Yeah, too bad."

Daichi's chuckling turned nervous as he quickly removed the cooked meat. "I'm sorry Sakura, I can go if you…"

"No, it's fine." Sakura shook her head. "Maybe the fact that we aren't close is why you'd make the better person to talk about this."

"If it's something private, maybe you should talk with your team or Sensei?" Daichi offered not wanting to make her uncomfortable.

"It's fine as long as you're okay with hearing me talk about it." Sakura said.

Daichi gave a comforting smile. "I asked you if you wanted to talk." He nodded. "Go on, I'll listen."

Sakura nodded. "It's my parents. My dad's great, but my mom… It all goes back to their Genin days from what I gleam given their stories of events. My dad was a lot like Naruto. The class clown and a loser who was hopelessly in love with my mom.

She had eyes for one of the cool guys in class, yet he ended up marrying someone else. She settled for my dad. He's the greatest guy in the world, but mom's a different story. When I was born, they were Chunin. My dad went inactive to allow my mother to remain a Shinobi.

He's always been their raisin and loving me. I know I shouldn't complain about my family to many people in the Leaf Village. It's just, my mom treats my dad more like a servant and she has high expectations for me. She wants me to be a well-known Shinobi.

You can imagine, given my reaction at the time, how much she disliked my team placement. Even now she still talks bad about them. Kurenai Sensei, Kiba, and Shino. Thinks they're unfit to be my team. Thinks I'm failing the plan she set out for me.

I'm supposed to marry the last Uchiha. I'm not to associate with Naruto Uzumaki or Daichi Ryu. I'm supposed to be the one to restart the Uchiha line. With everything I've failed to do in her eyes, she's putting more and more pressure on me to win the tournament and become Chunin."

Daichi nodded. "Everyone has their own problems Sakura. If you're not insensitive to the problems of others, I think your concerns are valid. Judging by your story, there's a difference between the person you were and who you are now."

"What am I like now?" Sakura asked.

"You're a Shinobi your mother wouldn't approve of, but that's not a bad thing. You've made friends with people she views as inferior and respect a Sensei she does not. You also seem to respect who I am as a person even if we were the biggest fans of one another." Daichi stated.

"What do I do?" Sakura asked.

"That's not for me to say…" Daichi looked at her. "She hasn't physically…"

Sakura shook her head. "No."

Daichi nodded. "Then it's not for me to say any more than it is your mother's. You are a Shinobi. You're old enough to kill, so you're old enough to determine what's right and wrong for you. You just need to listen to your heart. I think you got a good one."

"You know, this is nice." Sakura nodded. "Thank you, Daichi."

Daichi stood and set a good amount of Ryo, more than enough to pay for the meal, on the table. "No problem Sakura. I can only hope I was able to help." He walked away. "I'll see you tomorrow and don't go easy on me. If I earn Chunin, I want it legitimately."

Sakura nodded. "Same."

She smiled feeling a lot better now.

Ichiraku Ramen: With Naruto and Sasuke

Naruto had just sat down when Sasuke entered now sporting a black, one-pieced version of his usual attire with many small belts adorning his left arm and similar bands around both legs. "I thought I'd find you here Dobe."

Naruto turned surprised to see him. "Sasuke? I thought Kakashi Sensei would hold true and come late; not early. Especially not this early."

Sasuke sat down next to him. "He's interested in seeing what Zabuza has taught Daichi. As am I." He then looked at his teammate. "He left me at the gate, and I was hungry. I walked by here deciding it would work for a meal."

"Don't count me out Sasuke." Naruto declared. "I've been training hard for this."

Sasuke smirked. "We'll see what a loser like you can do tomorrow."

Naruto turned his head. "We will."

Ayame had overheard the conversation and smiled. "Well, it's good to see you Sasuke Uchiha. It's been a while since you last ate here."

"Indeed." Teuchi stated. "We've loved having a whole team eating here." He came over with two, premium bowls of ramen. "Eat up boys."

She set them before the boys confusing them.

"Mr. Chief, neither of us ordered yet." Naruto stated.

"It's on the house." Teuchi waved it off. "There's not a doubt in my mind that you boys have been working hard all month long. Plus, you should have a good meal the night before your big matches. Go on, dig in."

Naruto smiled. "Thanks guys."

Sasuke simply nodded. "Thank you."

Team Seven Training Ground

Kakashi walked onto the training grounds where he found Hinata passed out. Komachi and Towa noticed him, nodded, and took off. He walked over to his student, put her on his back, and started walking towards the Hyuga compound.

"I can tell you've been training hard Hinata." Kakashi looked back at her. "Rest well because you've earned it."