Author's Note: Okay, now THIS chapter is the beginning of the Root Arc. I hope you find it both revealing and ejoyable:
Chapter 77:
The Enemy From Within
or
The Root of the Problem
"Please let it be good news," Jiraiya said to no one in an almost pleading tone, as he opened the sealed envelope. Upon reading the document inside, the Sannin's face soured, crumpled the paper into a ball, and tossed it to a nearby papercan.
As with the last three reports he got from his ninjas gathering information on the last remaining jinchuriki, it was negative.
This was an unknown that needed to be solved as soon as possible. As far as Jiraiya knew, the reamining jinchuriki (other than Naruto and Fu) were either Han of the Steam Armor, or Killer B. Jiraiya was completely sure that it was the latter –had Killer B been captured by the Akatsuki, Kumo would have retaliated in some way, not just because he was their last remaining jinchuriki, but mostly because he was the Raikage's brother, and Jiraiya knew how emotional A could be.
However, he couldn't just discard the possibility of Han being the last survivor, at least not until they had the confirmation that Killer B was alive. While he knew it would be impossible to take Killer B out of the Land of Lightning, at the very least he could form an alliance with Kumo in order to protect him –and Naruto and Fu– better. Sadly, he couldn't just send the Raikage a message asking if Killer B was still alive, and if that was the case, to reveal his current location.
Because Jiraiya knew that, once Akatsuki had seven Tailed Beasts in their power, they'd turn their attention towards the one village that houses the other two. Konoha.
Jiraiya was snapped from his thoughts when somebody knocked the door of his office.
"Yes?" the Sannin asked.
The door opened, and a bird-masked ANBU peered in.
"Hokage-sama, Danzo of the Council of Elders is here," the ANBU announced. "He wants to talk with you about an important matter."
"Fuck, just what I needed, a metting with Danzo," Jiraiya grumbled under his breath, as he rolled his eyes. "Tell him to come in."
"Yes, Hokage-sama," the ANBU replied.
A few seconds after the ANBU left, the door opened again, revealing the leader of Root.
"Danzo," Jiraiya said. "What do I owe this visit? Please try to be quick. I'm avery busy man."
"You know exaclty why I'm here, Hokage-sama," Danzo said, as he took a seat without Jiraiya telling him to do so. "Our recent failures in curbing the Akatsuki threat has put us in a very... delicate situation."
"I'm aware of that," Jiraiya dryly replied. "Any other obvious things that you want to share with me?"
"It would do you plenty of good if you cast away that façade of sarcasm and nonchalanace, and employed some sobriety just for once," Danzo chastised, almost as if Jiraiya was a kid –and Jiraiya had the feeling that that was how Danzo saw him–. "Your method of dealing with the Akatsuki threat has resulted in failure so far. Obviously a new strategy is needed."
"Not a complete failure. We managed to secure the jinchuriki of the Seven Tails," Jiraiya tried to defend.
"And for that, you'll have my appreciation," Danzo replied. "Or you would, if I didn't know you have the foolish idea of letting her go back to Taki once this crisis is over, instead of trying to make her stay in Konoha permanently. From what I could learn, she started a romantic relationship with the heir of one of our most important clans. Even a kid with no experience in politics should know how to use that to convince her to stay."
"Regardless if she chooses to stay or not, it will be a better option than within Akatsuki's grasp," Jiraiya stated, bringing the topic back on course. Danzo, however, had no option but to agree with that.
"Even then, Akatsuki is in control of six and a half Tailed Beasts," Danzo recapped. "A threat of such magnitude requires a response of appropriated scale."
"I'm afraid to ask what are you suggesting," Jiraiya deadpanned.
"Your informants revealed that the leader of the Akatsuki has strong ties to Amegakure. In fact, the whole village appears to be under Akatsuki's control," Danzo began. "The answer should be obvious: we should invade Amegakure and capture the leader of the Akatsuki. With the leader in our power, not only dealing with the rest of the organization will be much easier, but we will be able to obtain all the Tailed Beasts they captured."
Jiraiya let out a sigh, and repressed an urge to groan.
"Danzo, starting a war is no small business," Jiraya said, now being the one to use a scolding tone. "Much less a war with a village that's still officially allied with us, on evidence that it's shaky at best. It would make our other allies worry that we might also turn on them on a whim."
"Suna and Kiri also lost jinchuriki at the hands of Akatsuki. They should join us in the invasion," Danzo countered. "Plus we aren't attacking Amegakure without reason, so it wouldn't be 'on a whim'."
"This is why you were always passed for the title of Hokage," Jiraiya remarked. "War is your solution to everything."
"It will be a solution this time around. Besides, war is unavoidable at this stage," Danzo rebutted. "We have two of the three remaining jinchuriki. You know that Akatsuki will attack us sooner or later in order to claim them. The wisest course of action would be to attack them first and catch them off guard. You can hide behind Hiruzen's pacifistic nonsense all you want, it won't change reality, not the fact that I am right."
There was a moment of silence as Jiraiya pondered Danzo's words. He wanted so badly to dismiss them, but he had to admit the war hawk had a point. And given the current situation, it wouldn't be hard for him to foster fear of the Akatsuki among the population, and gain support for a war. And thus, Jiraiya did the only thing he knew he could in this situation.
"Thanks for letting me know your concerns, Danzo," Jiraiya replied, now sounding more polite. "I'll meditate on them before reaching a solution."
"No meditation is needed to do such a thing," Danzo said, as he stood up and walked towards the door. "But sure, take all the time you need if that's what it takes to quell your conscience."
Danzo left the office, leaving Jiraiya struggling with his thoughts.
…
Training Ground Eight
"Ice Release: Thousand Needles of Death!"
Several ice spikes formed above Hinata and Kurenai, the former taking a step forward, and slipping into a fighting stance.
"Okay, I can deflect them!" Hinata said, as she started to move her palms forward in a pushing manner. "Protection of the Eight Trigrams: Sixty Four Palms!"
The ice spikes showered over the two women, but Hinata's defensive jutsu blocked all of them efficiently. As the ice bolts were shattered, the air started to fill with little ice crystals that sparkled with the sunlight. This gave Kurenai an idea.
"Hinata, prepare to attack after this," the Genjutsu Mistress said as her hands flew through hand seals. "Wind Release: Great Breakhtrough!"
The raven haired woman blew a gust of wind towards her and Hinata's opponents, the male half of the Assault Squad. The wind also pushed the sparkling ice crystals towards the duo, momentarily blinding them.
"Not bad, sensei. You aren't as rusty as you made us believe," Haku commented, as a smirk appeared on his face, as he jumped backwards and made a hand seal. "Take this then! Ice Release: Multiple Piercing Icicle Shots!"
This time, Haku conjured several frozen spears, which flew towards the two women making whistling sounds.
"You're right, Haku, I'm not," Kurenai replied, and returned the smirk as she made a hand seal. "Demonic Illusion: Mirror of Heaven and Earth Change!"
Suddenly, the icicles turned around, flying towards Haku instead. The Ice Ninja tried to move, but found several roots growing around his legs, pinning him in place. Fortunately, both the roots and the icicles dissolved into nothingness before any damage could befall.
"Are you okay?"
Haku looked around, and saw Naruto grabbing his shoulder.
"Yeah. Thanks for the save," Haku said with a nod. "I guess I underestimated Kurenai-sensei."
"My body might be out of shape, but I had plenty of time to hone my skills in genjutsu," Kurenai said in almost chiding tone. "You still have a long way to go until you can beat me with the very art I taught you. And you've seen only a little of what I learned these past months."
"Let me show you something I learned then!" Naruto boasted, as he made a hand seal, before clapping his hands together. "Wind Release: Riding the Hurricane!"
A tornado started to form around Naruto. Or better said, around Naruto's legs. As the tornado started to grow in both size and intensity, the blond's feet stopped touching the ground, as he elevated into the air. Hinata's eyes were wipe open in surprise.
"I finally did it! A jutsu that allows me to fly! Well, more or less," Naruto say. "You can thank your husband for this!"
"He's so sleeping on the couch tonight," Kurenai joked, letting out a chuckle. "Okay, I'll try not to rely on genjutsu so much, this spar is to help me get back into shape after all."
"Understood. I'll hold back so you'll do most of the work, sensei," Hinata offered. Kurenai nodded in return.
The Genjutsu Mistress ran to meet Naruto mid charge, while making several hand seals.
"Earth Release: Multiple Rising Pillars!"
Like the name of the jutsu suggested, rock pillars grew from the ground in front of Kurenai, each one being a little taller than the one before. The raven haired woman jumped from one pillar to another as if they were stepping stones, until she was at the same height as Naruto. She pulled out several shuriken from her ninja tool pouch, and tossed them at Naruto.
The orange clad Jonin, on the other hand, pulled out his Wind Blade, and after activating it, he used it to deflect the incoming steel stars with expert swings. He was about to dash towards Kurenai, but what happened next surprised the blond.
"Huh?"
Naruto saw Kurenai leaping at him, holding Asuma's trench knives on each hand, glowing with a blue aura as chakra coursed through them, and delivered a double swing in opposite directions, forming an X. Naruto barely had time to parry the surprise attack, and pushed Kurenai back onto one of the stone pillars.
"Since when are you able to use those knives?" Naruto asked in shock.
"Genjutsu isn't the nonly thing I've been working on," Kurenai replied. "While I admit that I'm not as good as them as my husband, they aren't that different from normal kunai."
Kurenai was mostly a long range fighter that relied mostly on genjutsu and ninjutsu, and thus strong close combat fighters were a problem id they were able to close the gap. That's why she decided to learn to use a melee weapon as well.
"Very well then, how about this!" Naruto said, as his hands quickly made more hand seals. "Wind Release: Cyclone Shockwave!"
The tornado supporting Naruto expanded and grew until it doubled in size. Rather than at the top, Naruto was floating in the middle.
"Riding the Hurricane is not just for flying, I can combine it with other wind jutsu and use it to attack!" Naruto said, as he waved his hand forward. "Onwards we go!"
"That's an impressive jutsu indeed," Kurenai said, as she jumped off the pillar, landing on the ground. "Though it has a glaring weakness."
"And that would be?" Naruto asked, almost in a taunting manner.
"I'll show you now," Kurenai said, while her hands formed more hand seals. "Earth Release: Hiding Mole Jutsu!"
Kurenai quickly dug underground, leaving a patch of removed dirt as the only evidence that she was even there. Naruto's tornado passed over it without having any effect.
"Dammit!" Naruto cursed, as he dispelled the tornado, landing on the ground, as he started to franctically look around. "Where did she go? Haku, do you see her?"
"No, but stay on guard. She might plan to ambush us from below, so let's focus on the ground beneath out feet," Haku told Naruto, who nodded. "Let's fight back to back."
The male half of the Assault Squad covered their backs with each other, as they prepared for Kurenai's next move. It didn't take long until they noticed the ground vibrating beneath them.
"There she comes!" Naruto warned, as he prepared to attack.
But rather than Kurenai, multiple wooden roots emerged from below, wrapping themsleves around Naruto and Haku, until the two ninjas were trapped inside a tree.
"What the...?" Naruto asked, as he tried to futilely struggle against his bindings. "When did she put us under a genjutsu?"
"You've been under one for quite some time," Kurenai said, as she appeared from behind the tree. "And to answer your question, it was just after you used that giant wind jutsu."
"Then you didn't go underground!" Naruto said in realization.
"No, I didn't," Kurenai said, before making a hand seal. The tree disappeared, releasing Naruto and Haku. "I made you think that so you'd focus your attention elsewhere and wouldn't think that the attack could come from somewhere else."
"Misdirection," Haku said in realization.
"Misdirection is a powerful tool that, if applied correctly, can allow a ninja to defeat a superior opponent," Kurenai explained. "One that genjutsu specialists just like myself work to master above everything else."
"You did an splendid job, Kurenai-sensei," Hinata praised, as she walked towards the others. "Nobody would say that you've been off duty for so long."
"Thank you, Hinata," Kurenai smiled at her,, before she started to huff. "But truth be told, I'm almost out of breath. That little spar left me torn. Then again, my victory is also due Naruto and Haku's poor performance. Seriously boys, how did you let me fool you like that?"
"Guess I'm a bit rusty as well, since I've been recovering from an injury these past weeks," Haku said a little embarrased, deep down knowing that there was no excuse for failing like that. He could feel Zabuza's disappointing glare weighing on his neck.
"What about you, Naruto?" Kurenai asked the blond. "I don't remember the last time since you've been this distracted."
"I something on your mind, Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked her boyfriend.
"You could say that," the blond replied. "I've been thinking in Akatsuki, and all the jinchuriki we failed to save..."
"Naruto-kun..." Hinata said, almost in a worried tone.
"It's not what you think. I'm done playing the blame game," Naruto reassured his girlfriend. "I've been thinking in those fights, and realized of something: the Akatsuki always managed to capture the jinchuriki just after we located them."
"Now that you mention it..." Haku said, as he also recalled the missions involving them. "You're right."
"Do you think that Akatsuki is following us?" Hinata asked.
"That, or there's a spy in Konoha that feeds them information," Naruto concluded.
"No, that can't be right," Kurenai replied, shaking her head. "If there was a spy leaking intel, I'm sure Jiraiya-sama would have already routed him or her out."
"Maybe, but it's the only possibility I can think of," Naruto said.
"Also, what about Gaara? Or Yugito?" Kurenai asked.
"Gaara and Yugito worked for their respective villages, so tracking them would be easy," Haku countered. "It would be a matter to wait until they're far from the village, or trick them into leaving it."
"But Utakata-san and Roshi-san were vagrants," Hinata continued, as she came to same realization as her teammates. "And Akatsuki found them almost immediately after we did. I'm with Naruto-kun, this can't be a coincidence."
"If what you say is true, and there's an Akatsuki spy in Konoha..." Kurenai began, as she looked at Naruto with worried eyes. "Then both you and Fu are in grave danger."
"Fu and I have been in danger since the moment we became jinchuriki," Naruto replied. Realized the way he sounded he added. "Thanks for your concern, Kurenai-sensei, but this is nothing new to us."
"Anyway, enough of this gloom talk," Hinata said, standing up. "If there's an spy, we must trust Jiraiya-sama will be able to find and deal with them. All this training worked up my apetite a little. Say, how about if we go to Icharaku's, the four of us? It's been a while since we did that. Plus I think that will take your mind off of negative thoughts."
Naruto smiled at her girlfriend's suggestion. "I think I can agree on that."
…
Root Main Hideout, somehwere under Konoha
Careful nobody could see him –Danzo was sure Jiraiya had ANBU monitoring his every move, but the old War Hawk knew how to evade them– the leader of root entered his underground base. There, his two most trusted agents and bodyguards, Fuu Yamanaka and Torune Aburame were waiting for him.
"Welcome back, Danzo-sama," Torune greeted his leader. "We hope your meeting with Hokage-sama went well."
"It went better than most other meetings, that's for sure," Danzo replied, as he started to walk, his two minions closely following from behind. "He insists that this crisis can be avoided without declaring war on Ame. However, soon he'll be forced to face the facts. Time runs against him."
"Indeed. We need to take the war to the Akatsuki before they attack," Fuu agreed. "Those who take the initiative are the ones with greater chances to win a battle."
"Now is time to check how the progress on my other pet project is going," the leader of Root said. "Please go and fetch Sai. Tell him I want to speak with him."
"Immediately, Danzo-sama," Torune said, as he and his partner vanished.
About an hour later, Fuu and Torune returned with Sai. The three of them were kneeling in front og Danzo.
"Here is Sai, as you commanded," Torune said.
"Very well, leave us alone," Danzo ordered.
The two older Root agents stood up and left instantly. Some people would have called Danzo negligent for not having more people present, you never know who can be a spy among those who work for you.
Of course, Danzo knew. He knew very well. And the answer to that question was none. He had made sure to break all the ninjas working for him, before rebuilding them in his image. That method guaranteed a one hundred percent rate of loyalty towards both him and Konoha. Danzo could tell his subordinates to die for no reason, and they would do so without even asking why. How many people could boast about that? Not even a Kage could.
That's why Danzo was so sure of his agents' loyaltly. Naturally, Danzo wasn't foolish enough as to trust them completely. He hadn't reached such an advanced age by being a trusting person.
"Report," was all what Danzo said.
"As expected, the Hokage suspects that somebody within Konoha is leaking intelligence regarding jinchuriki to the Akatsuki," his agent said. "So far, he has been very secretive about this issue, but has been working to rout out the potential spy."
"Of course," Danzo nodded. "Like his sensei, Jiraiya may be an idealistic fool, but one should never make the mistake of underestimating either of them. Continue, Sai."
"As we suspected, he did task Ino Yamanaka with this mission. So far, nobody knows about it. Not even Jiraiya-sama's wife or elder son, or Ino's sensei and teammates," the pale boy continued.
"Does Jiraiya suspect it was us?" Danzo asked. The leader of Root did feel a bit uneasy, worried even, but years of brutal self-imposed mental conditioning didn't allow his stoic façade to falter.
"Fortunately not, Danzo-sama," Sai replied. "He seems to be convinced that the spy is somebody under a genjutsu placed by Obito Uchiha using Shisui Uchiha's stolen eye. Even if the eye was recovered, the genjutsu will continue to work as intended. So far, Ino doesn't seem to question this line of thinking either."
"Those are good news indeed," Danzo said, but once again, if he was happy, he didn't look like it. "What about the Yamanaka? I hope you didn't give that girl a chance to scry your mind."
"She did use some of her mind jutsu on me as part of our training sessions alongside her team," Sai began. "Fortunately, Fuu-san's training prepared me to resist such jutsu, and realize when she was reading my mind."
"And you trust she never did?" Danzo questioned.
"I do. After all, Fuu-san is a more experienced and skilled in the arts of the Yamanaka jutsu than her. If I can resist his jutsu, then so I can hers," Sai replied. "Not that I ever let my guard down with her during any moment."
"As it should be," Danzo replied with a firm nod. "You know, it was a fortunate chance that the Yamanaka heiress showed interest in you, Sai. Being close to her might provide us with more Yamanakas to our organization."
"So I take that you want me to continue my relationship with her?" Sai asked.
"For the time being, yes," Danzo said. "Though I hope that you aren't growing fond of her, Sai."
"I believe I'm not," Sai replied.
Danzo's only visible eye narrowed. "You believe?"
"Ino has been trying to undo the mental training I received at Root," Sai explained. "So far, I've made her believe she's making progress. However, even with my best efforts, it's logical to think that spending so much time with one person might end up influecing you to some extent."
"A logical assumption, yes. For regular people, not Root ninja," Danzo harshly reprimanded. "Emotions are a weakness no good ninja should be prey of. It was thanks to the girl's emotions and dare I say, hormones, that we were able to place an agent following her every step without her being none the wiser. However, we can't allow your mind to be poisoned by such nonsense. If the Yamanaka heiress is giving you this much trouble, I might have to remove you from this mission."
"That wouldn't be advisable, Danzo-sama," Sai countered. Despite the words, Danzo didn't detect any sort of defiance in his voice, but more of a warning.
"And why not?"
"Ino-san has grown accustomed to my company, and might ask why I suddenly disappeared on her without reason," Sai explained. "And if we place another agent to fulfill my role, she might grow suspicious."
Danzo looked at Sai, his façade of impassiveness unwavering, as he processed the pale boy's words. Root agents were trained to think logically and to use foresight, and so far, Sai was showing a marvelous display of both attributes. Danzo couldn't find any fault in his reasoning.
"Yes, I believe you're right. This operation is at a too far advanced stage in order to change the agent carrying your role," Danzo admitted. "However, I think that supplemental training will be in order if we want to counter the influence the girl is having on you."
"Of course, Danzo-sama," Sai obediently agreed.
"You're dismissed," Danzo finally said.
Without saying anymore words, Sai swiftly disappeared from the chamber, as if he was never there, leaving Danzo alone with his thoughts.
So far, the plan was going good. Akatsuki would soon gather the other seven Tailed Beasts in one place, making their capture by Konoha all the easier. Then, it will only be a matter of fueling a sentiment of fear towards Amegakure that would result in a war. Akatsuki would be crushed, and Konoha in possession of all nine Tailed Beasts, as it should have been.
And then, Danzo's dream of Konoha ruling supreme over the Elemental Nations would finally become a reality. Yes, the long years of planning were finally bearing fruit. Soon, everything would come to an end.
…
Valley of Clouds and Lightning, Land of Lightning
Surrounded by steep mountains lied one of the Land of Ligntning's most visually impressive hallmarks. Its unforgiving terrain made an almost impossible task to build anythning there, either be a military outpost or a village for civilians to live. So naturally, most people who go to the valley are mere trekkers wanting to enjoy a beautiful sight.
Of course, Kumogakure took advantage of such terrain, and decided to build a small underground shelter beneath it. Not too big, with only capacity for ten, maybe fifteen people, which wouldn't make it fit as a place to go for an evacuated village. However, it was the perfect place to hide somebody.
Such as the jinhcuruki of the Eight Tails.
Or it would be if Akatsuki didn't had such good spies in their payroll (albeit the best one worked for free).
The Valley had changed a lot in the past hour or so, mostly due the battle of titanic proportions that just took place between its sole human inhabitant and a pair of cloaked interlopers. The battle had deviated the course of a nearby river, shattered some of the nearby hills, fill the ground with craters, and oddly enough, gigantic severed tentacles were scattered around.
The two interlopers, Deidara and Kisame, walked towards their downed prey.
"Goddamit... the fucker took so long to go down," Deidara said, panting. "If I knew this guy was a Ligthning Release user..."
"This has to be the strongest jinchuriki we ever faced," Kisame stated, who, unlike his annoyed partner, sounded rather pleased. "Too bad. Now every enemy I will fight after this one will feel unsatisfying."
"I can't believe you enjoyed this," Deidara said, as he put some of his clay into one of the mouths in his hand, and started to chew. "We've been this close to die! I still don't know how that last attack brought him down!"
"You can say that to me, fighting is an art, and the stronger the opponent, the better. I mean, seven swords at once? These Kumo guys might have a point when they boast about being the better swordsmen. Though in the end, guess that quality trumps quantity," he replied, shooting the blond a bloodthristy grin. He then crouched down and placed two fingers on Killer B's neck. "Good. He's still alive. I was afraid that my last attack would have ended him for good. You can't afford to hold back against an opponent of this caliber. But thankfully, jinchuriki tend to be tougher than average."
"Yeah, whatever, I want to get the hell out of this place," Deidara said, as his mouth released a small bird made of clay, that in a burst of smoke increased his size to a point where it could comfortably carry both Akatsuki and the jinchuriki.
Deidara and Kisame hopped onto the bird, who caught Killer B with its talons, before it flew away.
And as this happened, two Kumo ninja stationed nearby arrived to see the result of the ensuing fight.
"What the... what happened here?" the first ninja asked. "A fight? Is Killer B-sama okay?"
"Hey, what's that?" the second ninja asked, pointing at the retreating flying figure.
Wordlessly, the first ninja pulled a spyglass and took a look. What he saw filled him with horror. "It's the Akatsuki! And they have Killer B-sama!"
"No!" the other one said. "Come on, we have to stop them!"
"We can't," the first one said, shaking his head in resignation. "We have no way to catch an airborne enemy. All we can do is inform Raikage-sama of this."
"Raikage-sama isn't going to take kindly to these news..." the second ninja fearfully said, as he loudly gulped. "Even then, I better try to follow them, so I can find any leads."
"Understood. Good luck. I'm going to report this to Raikage-sama," the first ninja said, as he and his partner took different paths.
And if both Akatsuki and Kumo ninja had stayed a little longer, they would have noticed how one of the many severed tentacles scattered around the devastated battlefield started to wiggle, as if something alive tried to get out from inside it...
…
Downtown Konoha
Walking through the moderatedly crowded streets of the village, the four members of the Assault Squad made their way to Icharaku Ramen, per Hinata's suggestion.
"I tend to eat there pretty often, but man, it felt like ages since the last time I was there!" Naruto said with a grin of anticipation, both hands behind his back.
"Things have been pretty hectic during the past weeks," Haku pointed out, then looked at Naruto. "Especially for you."
"Not having you guys with me has been weird, that's for sure," Naruto admitted. "But now that the whole squad is reunited, things will get back on track in no time! Akatsuki won't lay a finger on any more jinchuriki, and we will rescue the Tailed Beasts they had in their power!"
"You're certainly in a good mood, Naruto," Kurenai observed, before smiling at the blond. "Did my return had such an impact to you? If that's the case, I'm really flattered."
"Hey, the three of us are pretty awesome. But none of them would be were we are if it wasn't for you, sensei," Naruto earnestly said. "A ninja might have potential, but it's a good sensei's job to bring it to the surface."
"I think you give me too much credit," Kurenai replied, even blushing a little. She was aware all her students had surpassed her already, yet they still looked up to her and considered her an important part of the team. "You downplay too much the importance of-"
Kurenai stopped mid sentence when something caught her eye. She could have sworn she saw a certain person she hasn't seen in quite some time.
"Kurenai-sensei?" Hinata asked, tilting her head. "Are you alright?"
But the genjutsu mistress didn't reply. Upon seeing that person turning to another street, the raven haired woman immediately rushed after her.
"Wait!" Kurenai cried as she followed this person.
"Kurenai-sensei? Where are you going?" an alarmed Naruto asked.
But Kurenai didn't reply. Entering the same street as the stranger, she franctically looked around, having losing her out of her sight, until she was able to see her again, about to enter to another street. Rushing along, she followed suit, entering a less crowded zone. But much to her shock and disappointment, she was nowhere to be seen.
"I swear it was her..." Kurenai mumbled to herself, before sighing in defeat. "How I wish I had a Byakugan, or were a sensor at the very least..."
"Kurenai-sensei!" Naruto yelled, as he and his teammates ran towards ther sensei. "What's going on?"
Shaking her head, Kurenai turned around, and forcing herself to smile. "Don't worry. I thought it was somebody I met some time ago. But I guess that my mind was playing with me. Come on, let's go to Icharaku already."
For the time being, her students didn't pry for anymore questions, but she knew that it wouldn't last. And indeed, once they were at Icharaku's and placed their orders, Naruto's overwhelming curiosity got the best of him, and asked.
"Uh, Kurenai-sensei," the blond began. "Who is this person you thought you saw?"
Everybody could see how Kurenai's expression turned somber, and the blond immediately regretted asking that question. Still, Kurenai wasn't mad at him, not after that little display from before.
"I think I told you about how before I got to be your sensei, I was assigned as the teacher of a girl from a dying clan that was very gifted with genjutsu," Kurenai began.
"Yes. Yakumo Kurama, right?" Hinata asked.
A bit surprised that Hinata remembered that, Kurenai nodded. "And you know what happened to her."
This time, nobody said anything, but they knew that she had died in a fire alongside her parents, putting an end to her clan forever.
"I think I saw her among the crowd," Kurenai said. "And foolish me, I thought she was alive. That she somehow had survived the fire and went to live on a secret life. What a stupid thing to think."
"Don't say that, Kurenai-sensei," Hinata told her. "I sometimes mistake some of my clan members with my father. It's possible that you just saw a girl who happen to look like her."
"Yes, that appears to be the most logical explaination," Kurenai admitted. "But the thing is... this is something that never happened to me before. It's not that I haven't lost people I cared for during my life."
"Eh, there's a first time for everything," Naruto said, shrugging a little. "Don't dwell to much on it."
That moment, Icharaku walked towards them, placing the bolws of ramen in front of the four Jonin.
"Alright, your orders are ready!" the ramen chef said. "Hope you enjoy them!"
"Thanks, old man!" Naruto cheerfully said, as he split his chopsticks and digged in as if there was no tomorrow.
"Well, when you think about it, people coming back from the dead isn't that impossible," Haku observed. "Take a look at Kakashi-sensei's teammates, Obito and Rin. Both of them were thought to be dead, and the two of them turned out to be alive and well. More or less."
"While nothing would make me happier than to learn that my former apprentice survived, I would hate to see Yakumo turned into another Obito," Kurenai replied, as she slowly eat. "It's kind of a grim thought, but there are some times were death is the better alternative."
Hinata sighed heavily. "And here I thought that bringing you guys here would distract you from such kind of thoughts..."
"Sorry, Hinata," Kurenai said, as she tried to put on a smile. "It's just that... well, seeing that stranger reminded me of Yakumo. But don't worry, from now onwards, any sort of topic that it's remotely gloomy or grim shall be banned!"
"I can agree with that!" Naruto cheerfully said. "Old man, another bowl!"
Kurenai's eyes shot open, staring at Naruto's empty clean bowl, before looking back at her barely started one. She closed her eyes, and shook her head. "Ah, I definitely missed this."
As they eat, their conversation started to shift to more casual and lighthearted topics, just as Hinata had hoped. While Kurenai and Haku were full after just one bowl, Naruto and Hinata ordered several, with Hinata surprisingly eating more than Naruto, who apparently took Hinata's large apetitie as some sort of challenge.
They had such a good time as Icharaku that nobody, not even Hinata, noticed that somebody had been watching them the whole time. It was the person that Kurenai had mistook for her deceased student.
She decided to leave before they could notice her presence.
…
Turns out, the Assault Squad wasn't the only team whose members were eating together after a hard training session. Coincidentally, Kurenai's husband Asuma was also eating with her students, albeit they were having lunch at Yakiniku-Q, their usual –and Choji's favorite– eating spot.
"Today's training has been a good one," Asuma commented. "You're getting visibly stronger with each day. You guys make me proud."
"Aw, you don't have to say that," Ino said in fake modesty. "But I enjoy being praised a lot, so keep the compliments coming!"
Asuma laughed at the blonde's reply. "Well, this compliment may make your day then. Guys, have you ever thought in applying for a promotion to either Jonin or Special Jonin?"
Naturally, such question drew the full attention of his three students, who looked at him with eyes wide open. Even Choji had stopped chewing on his slice of steak when he heard Asuma saying that.
"Do you.." Choji began, before gulping the piece of meat in his mouth without even chewing it whole. "Do you mean it, Asuma-sensei? Do you think we're ready?"
"Of course I do! If it wasn't the case, I wouldn't had say it," the bearded Jonin stated. "Honestly, I think that you've pretty much outgrown the rank of Chunin for some time. It's about time you guys move forward."
"While the prospective of a higher rank is indeed great, I can't help but notice that there's something more to this recommendation," Shikamaru interjected, narrowing his eyes at Asuma as his lips curved into a smirk. "I suppose that the fact that you have a child now had nothing to do with it. And that if we had a higher rank, you would be allowed to spend less time with us and more with your family?"
Asuma was taken aback by Shikamaru's conclusion. No matter how much time he spend with the Nara heir, he would never stop being caught of guard by Shikamaru's keen mind. Fortunately for Asuma, he didn't have to answer as Shikamaru continued talking.
"Not that I blame you for thinking that," Shikamaru added. "I just want to make sure we're ready for it."
"Er... I'd lie if I didn't admit spending more time with Mirai was part of the reasoning," Asuma bashfully replied. "Don't think I want to get rid of you, guys. You're the best students a teacher could have."
"We'd never think something like that," Shikamaru said. "Besides, Temari has been needling me with that topic as well. Since she became Jonin less than a year after becoming Chunin, she also wants me to get the rank as well."
"A lot of people of our age group are either Jonin or Special Jonin," Ino commended, as her hand rested under her chin. "I mean, Kurenai and Gai's teams have no Chunin among them." Suddenly. Ino's face lit with realization. "That's it! You're afraid Kurenai-sensei will make you feel inadequate and want match her team, aren't you?"
"Ino..." Asuma groaned as she shot the blonde an annoyed stare.
"Kidding! Kidding!" Ino laughed, holding her hands up in defense. "I know you don't have such a fragile ego, Asuma-sensei."
"Say, what would we have to do in order to get the promotion to Jonin?" Choji asked, hoping to bring the topic back on track.
"For starters, you'll need to improve your record a little. Jonin usually do nothing but A and S rank missions, so you'd need do do some more missions like that in order to show them that you're ready," Asuma began. "You'll also need a certain degree of expertise on two different elemental ninjutsu. I think we should focus most of our training on that."
"I'm all for it," Ino replied. "Hinata and Tenten are already Special Jonin, and if I let forehead girl to get the rank before I do, then I'd-" Ino began, before she suddenly shut up. Her mouth was agape, and her eyes shot open. It looked as if Ino had just seen a ghost.
"Uh, Ino? Are you okay?" Shikamaru asked, while Choji waved a hand in front of her.
This seemed to snap the blonde out of her stupor. "Uh, yes! Yes! I'm fine!" Ino insisted, sounding oddly nervous and agitated. "Uh, I remembered something! I need to help my mom with some stuff on the flower shop!" Ino pulled out her coin purse and left a couple bills in the table. "This should be enough for my meal. You guys can keep the change. Sorry for leaving so sudden! I will make up for this, I swear!"
And Ino left the restaurant as if it was on fire, leaving her three male teammates rather confused.
"Do you know what happened?" Asuma asked, deeply confused. "I hope it wasn't something I said."
Choji just shrugged, but Shikamaru looked pensive. It was quite obvious that the blonde was hiding something from them.
…
Ino felt really bad for leaving her teammates like that. It was painfully obvious that her excuse to leave was a very transparent lie, but she had no other options. She couldn't tell them, at least not now. Her mission was too important, and secrecy was key.
She walked at a steady pace, but not quite as fast as to make her look she was in a rush. Fortunately, Yakiniku-Q wasn't that far away from her destination: the Hokage Tower. Wasting no time, she climbed the stairs until she reached the last floor, and walked towards the Hokage's secretary.
"Excuse me," Ino began, making herself known. "My name is Ino Yamanaka. I need to see the Hokage right now. I hope he isn't busy."
"You're lucky, Hokage-sama doesn't have a meeting until half an hour," the secretary began, as she pressed a button in the intercom. "Hokage-sama, a kunoichi of the name Ino Yamanaka wants to see you."
"Sure! Tell her to come in!" Jiraiya's voice replied.
"Tell the Hokage that I bring some inspiration for his new book," Ino added.
The middle aged woman raised an eyebrow, as she shot the blonde a dubious look, but decided to comply.
"Uh, Hokage-sama," the secretary continued. "The girl says she brings something that will inspire you for your next book."
There was a moment of tense silence, until Jiraiya's voice could be heard again.
"I want you to cancel all my scheduled appointments for today. I'm going to be very busy," Jiraiya's voice said. His voice had lost all its usual warmth, replaced by steel cold determination.
"But sir-"
"Do as I say!" Jiraiya insisted, silencing the secretary. "And tell Ino to meet me immediately."
"Okay," the woman looked at Ino. "You heard him, girl. Better not make him wait."
Ino nodded, and walked into the Hokage's office. Jiraiya was there as expected, and stood up the moment the Yamanaka heiress made her presence known.
"I already made all the ANBU leave," Jiraiya began. "You know what to do."
Ino nodded, as she and Jiraiya made a hand seal, producing a single Shadow Clone each. Jiraiya had made Ino to learn the Shadow Clone jutsu. It took some time for the blonde, but in the end she managed to expand her chakra pool enough to produce a single clone. It was necessary for their meetings.
As the clones took seats at a side of the desk each, Jiraiya walked to Ino, grabbed her wrist, and made a different hand seal. The next second, they weren't inside the office anymore, but inside the stomach of a giant toad. Jiraiya remembered the first time she had brought Ino there. The poor blonde had emptied her stomach upon realizing where did he took her. However, it was the only place they could talk one hundred percent sure nobody would listen to them.
"So, what is it?" Jiraiya asked, already dreading the answer.
"It is as we feared, Hokage-sama," Ino began. "It is Danzo who has been leaking information to the Akatsuki."
Author's Note: Dun dun duuuun! And now you finally knew why Ino was having all those meetings alone and in secret with the Hokage. She was carrying a mission only her would be able to do. My beta said he was a bit confused as how Ino learn about Root's treachery, and if you share his confusion, rest assured that it will be explained during the next chapters. I don't plan to leave any loose end.
So yeah, if you like Ino, she's going to shine quite a lot during this arc. I know she's far from the most popular character (or even most popular girl) but I think she's a pretty awesome and underrated character, and I hope I can make people like her more with this story.
Thanks to Ookami88 for betareading this chapter.
So, NOW finally the Root Arc begins! Hope you guys are as excited as I am, because I've been planning this arc even before I posted this story. Tell me your thoughts about both the chapter and the upcoming arc in a review. Reviews make me really, really, really happy!