Chapter 21 Betrayed

Y'all already know what's gonna happen here so no need to say anything up here beyond I still don't own Naruto. I should've invested into Gamestop lol (￣ﾍ￣)

-Taki-

Sitting within their joint room as the sun rises Team Anko sits impatiently or should we say one of them was waiting impatiently. As lunch draws closer Naruto stands up suddenly much to their surprise and heads back to his and Shino's room. Coming back out he seems to be carrying a unusually large amount of blank tags, sealing ink, and what looks like enough scrolls for multiple platoons let alone one squad. "I'm gonna go sit on the roof. Anko-sensei can you send one of them up here when we get a response from Shibuki." Chuckling a bit Anko nods before going back to cleaning her Dokuga paying special attention to the small bit of exposed fang near their tips.

"If you two want to go with him you can. I'm sure I can send a clone up to you when we get our response." Thanking Anko the two quickly stand and take off after Naruto. When they reach the roof neither is surprised to see he's already created dozens of clones who have taken over the rooftop's open spaces to make ever more seals for him. To their shock though Naruto seems to be adding his own blood to a small bowl holding yet more seal ink. Without even looking up as he mixes the blood into the ink causing it to glow a dark blue for a moment Naruto answers their unspoken question. "Part of the reason our seals are so strong is we use the Octopus Clan's ink and our own blood. That way even if someone copies our seals their versions will be far weaker. From what Kaito-nii has told me there are even a few that won't work without both. Cool right?"

Nodding the two can only smile a bit as Naruto works his frustration out by creating ever more seals. As noon draws closer Hinata heads back down into the hotel to get them all some food while Shino sits and watches Naruto. "Excuse me for interrupting Naruto-san", hearing the slight change in Shino's voice Naruto looks up at him raising one eyebrow, "but could you tell me if it would be possible to create containers that are larger on the inside using seals? As you know as me and my kin grow older we add more partner to our hive. No doubt you've seen many of the adults within my clan use gourds of various sizes to help in that. Unfortunately those gourds are rather limited in just how large they can be and what we can store within them."

Putting his brush down after finishing up yet another barrier tag Naruto leans back against the wall and closes his eyes to think. "Hmmm I think there are a few ways to do it. The problem is you'd need more than just a bigger interior right?", looking up at Shino he scratches his head as the Aburame nods, "You'd need a way to feed them, give them chakra too I bet, a bunch of other stuff. It'd be like a extremely advanced version of our preservation seals for food. I'll look it up when we get back to Konoha though I don't think I can make it just yet." Surprised at this Shino looks around the rooftop at the dozens of seals being made and one eyebrow visibly rises above his glasses. "Oi seals aren't as easy as I make them look. For something like that even one tiny mistake would ruin it." Nodding Shino has a small smile on his face as he watches Naruto try to figure out how such a seal would work.

For a few minutes the two sit quietly before they hear Hinata come up onto the roof calling their names. "Anko-sensei has said we got permission to go." Smiling for the first time all day Naruto whistles drawing his clones attention. "Alright give me those seals!" Yelling in excitement each clown quickly finishes the seals they're working on before adding them to scrolls Naruto had laid out amongst each group of them. As the scrolls are filled they're closed and rolled back to the original who places them within holders and pockets in his pants, jacket, and mesh shirt. The last two scrolls though he tosses to Shino and Hinata who effortlessly catch them. "Those are some of my standard barrier, explosive, chakra storage, and supply seals. I even got a scroll for Anko-sensei."

Patting a scroll on his hip with the kanji for snake on it Hinata and Shino both look down and smile at theirs. Upon Hinata's is the kanji for sunflower while Shino's has the kanji for strength. As the three rush to catch up to Anko who told Hinata to bring the boys to the village's exit they all look warily out at the surrounding Taki shinobi. It quickly becomes apparent that word of their defense of this Fu has made them personae non gratae to many of the shinobi and civilians. Glaring back at the Taki villagers Naruto would silently pray for Fū's safety.

Immediately it's clear that their team isn't the only one going out as they see a few Taki teams composed of younger Chunin. Motioning for her team to take up a spot slightly separated from the Taki nin Anko subtly places down a *privacy seal. "According to Hokage-sama we are to do all we can to help this Fū girl. That includes disabling, but not killing, any Taki nin attacking her is that clear?", as the genin before her nod Anko smiles, "And for the Hokage said Shino's kikaichu may be able to aid in locating her. So here's how we will move Naruto you will create six reinforced shadow clones to cover our flanks and rear, Naruto you will take point, Shino and me will be in the middle, Hinata you will be between us and Naruto."

As the three nod once more Anko smiles at how far the three have come since their first day. "Shino your kikaichu and Hinata your Byakugan will be crucial in this. We need to find this girl before any others do cause these morons definitely won't obey Shibuki's orders." Scowling at the surrounding teams Naruto mutters something that sounds somewhat like idiots not knowing a kunai from a scroll. As the teams begin to rush out of the village Shino's insects quickly swarm out of his coat including a few following rhino beetles from the area. Very quickly the team begins heading south towards their homeland and away from most the Taki teams though a few seem to be either tailing them or taking random routes as well.

For nearly a hour the group moves without ceasing with Naruto occasionally creating weaker Shadow Clones to take other routes away from them. As they stop to rest Naruto hands out quick lunches to the others and the scroll to Anko. Laughing loudly for a bit at the kanji he choose for her Anko nonetheless opens the scroll and quietly whistles at the seals she's been given. Aside from the usual explosive and flash tags Naruto also made her a large amount of Paralysis, B-rank Barriers, Elemental Chakra, and most impressively three Uzumaki style *Wind-Explosive Tags. Looking over at Naruto in between bites of her pork filled riceball Anko nearly laughs at how dangerous her hyperactive, blonde is despite his seemingly harmless exterior. "His clan was and still is feared for their seals but I don't think he quite understands why that is."

Before she can do anything though Shino suddenly sits up before rushing off to the west at a rather frantic pace. Dropping their uneaten food Anko and the others soon catch up to him and begin questioning him about it. Instead of answering he simply points to his right ear while motioning for them to be quiet. Almost as soon as the background noise of the forrest comes back they notice the distinct but faint sounds of kunai striking kunai in it. "My hive was alerted to a ongoing fight between one who may be the girl we are looking for and other Taki nin. The sounds we are hearing lead me to believe she isn't dead but instead is fighting back even now."

As the group enters a clearing they see a familiar Chunin standing before a bloody mint haired girl desperately crawling backwards. Looking back at the sound of approaching footsteps the man freezes for a moment before quickly turning back to face Fū. Charging forward he holds his kunai out so it'll stab into her throat as Naruto and the others scream for him to stop. Biting her right thumb Anko slams her hand into the ground while screaming. "Summoning Jutsu!" From the smoke a pale white shape seems to almost fly out of the smoke before ensnaring the man a mere meter from the girl. To the man's horror the snake despite not needing to bites him regardless at the base of his neck.

Almost immediately the man begins to shake before collapsing as the snake releases him. Rising above him the snake seems to smirk cruelly before it end's the summon and returns home. As the team slowly walks up to Fū Anko is the only one to stop as she injects the snake's victim with a pale green antivenom right beside the snake bite. Muttering about needless cruelty Anko begins tying the man up while her team stops a few meters from Fū. Shakily holding out a chipped and bloodied kunai Fū demands they stay back even as she backs herself into a tree.

Slowly walking forward with his hands out Shino kneels before Fū leaving a bit of space between him and her kunai. "Fū-san, my name is Shino Aburame of Konoha. The blonde to my left is Naruto Uzumaki, the bluenette is Hinata Hyūga, and the Jonin behind us who restrained your attacker is Anko Mitirashi. We were sent by your village head to bring you back to Taki safely. Please let my friend tend to your wounds and then we will escort you back to Shibuki." For a moment it seems like Fū will refuse to listen before she spots a few rhino beetles landing on Shino's shoulders before they lift off once more and land on her legs. "I think you can trust them Fū-chan. And ask the blonde if he's a jinchuriki too when you can." Nodding Fū slowly lets the kunai fall from her hands before looking between Shino and Naruto.

"Alright. I'll come with you guys." With his back to Naruto and Hinata Shino gives the girl one of his rare visible smiles before reaching out to shake her hand. "Then I will defend you." Hesitating for a bit Fū has a small smile when she shakes his hand as Hinata moves closer. Gently having Fū lean back against the tree Hinata opens her small box of medical supplies and begins cleaning the wounds across Fū's stomach, arms, & legs. "Thi...This may sting a bit Fū-san.", as Fū nods Hinata pours alcohol onto a white rag and begins wiping the blood off of her, "You have a few deep cuts and two stab wounds." As Hinata begins to clean and bandage each wound Fū reaches out blindly and grabs Shino's hand causing a small blush to appear on his face.

As Shino and Hinata stay beside Fū Anko and Naruto keep watch for Taki nin. "Man what I wouldn't give for Karin-nee's sensing ability right now." Slowly walking around the clearing Naruto begins placing down barrier and camouflage seals to mask their presence. As Naruto places his last seal he senses the Kyubbi moving within his seal before it releases a bit of chakra into his system. "Boy is she ok?" Starting a bit Naruto has to work to keep the shock out of his eyes as he realizes the Kyubbi is speaking to him again. "Of course I can speak to you moron. This seal allows my chakra to mix with yours. Now answer my question. Is. She. Okay." Nodding slightly Naruto looks over at Fū who seems to be watching him.

"Hinata-chan is treating her. Though I assume you mean the biju inside of her right?" Again he can almost feel the fox moving within it's seal and can almost see it nodding at him. "Good. Later tonight I need you to bump fists with the girl. It has been too long since I have spoken to the Nanabi." Cutting his connection to Naruto the Fox growls slightly as he thinks of how Chomei was almost killed due to the foolish actions of humans. "Father you had too much hope for these creatures..." Laying back down the Fox thinks back to how the world was when He was still alive and with them.

Turning to face Fū while standing where Hinata and Shino can't see his hands Naruto holds out nine fingers when Fū once more looks his way. As Fū realizes what the boy is telling her she smiles knowing at least one person here won't hate her when they find out. Before she can say or think anything though the barrier directly across from her suddenly shudders and cracks appear across it. "Naruto clones now!" "Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu!" As nearly one hundred clones appear they quickly take up positions all around the still downed Fū and facing the rest of the barrier. Again the barrier shakes under an attack as more and more cracks appear before it shatters entirely.

As the illusion fades Naruto and Anko see multiple Taki nin standing with kunai or other weapons out. "Give us the girl. We'll make sure she gets back to Shibuki-sama so she can pay for betraying the village." Stepping between the closest Taki nin and Fū Anko shakes her head. "I'd love to but as you can see my cute, little genin are busy treating her wounds. If you want to escort her you and your friends can follow us back to Taki soon." Shaking his head the man throws a single kunai at Anko which she quickly deflects up and away from her team. "Next one goes into your pretty face Leaf."

Staring back at the man a cruel smirk very familiar to her dead sensei's seems to spread across Anko's face. "Or what? You and your half trained thugs going to try to kill us and her? I'd like to see you try little boy." As Anko stays between the Taki nin and her team Hinata quietly prepares to move Fū while Shino's insects begin to buzz angrily. "Do you know what you're protecting? What thing thing is? She's a.." Before the man can say another word a clone of Naruto tosses it's own kunai halfway between him and them. "She's a jinchuriki just like me. The only demons I see here are you and the idiots who followed you."

For just a moment the Taki nin are still before they charge forward with their blades out. "Get that girl out of here you three! Multiple Striking Snakes!" From both of Anko's sleeves dozens of snakes seem to appear from nowhere and quickly begin restraining the closest Taki nin. With the snakes help Anko begins to throw Taki nin at each other forcing the group to scatter even as some of Naruto's clones join her in the fight. As this is occurring Shino and Hinata quickly lift Fū up and follow the swarm of Naruto clones away from the fight. "Stay safe Anko-sensei!" Creating one last set of barriers to stall the remaining Taki nin Naruto soon catches up to his teammates as they move towards Taki.

Angered at being delayed the Taki nin who first spoke stares down Anko as she effortlessly tears through the leftovers of his platoon. As his last man drops the man cracks his knuckles and a heartless laugh erupts from him as he claps for Anko. "So the rumors of your abilities are true Snake Mistress. But tell me how will you protect your precious little genin and that demon now? Others will find them & sadly they'll die of course due to the demon before she is slain by my village's shinobi." To the man's shock Anko begins to laugh at his threat before summoning a red, brown, & black snake that curls around her left arm. "Anko-san it has been too long since you summoned me. Is Konoha at war with Taki now?"

Looking down at the snake Anko smiles before shaking her head. "No me and my team of brats are protecting a Taki kunoichi who was betrayed by some of her own. We're under both the Taki Village Head and Hokage's orders to save her. Wanna help with that *Yubi?" Nodding the snake exposes it's teeth to the Taki nin releasing a small bit of venom that turns the grass below black almost instantly. "It would be my pleasureee." Not giving the man time to think Anko rushes forward giving Yubi the chance to strike at the man. Forced to jump back both to avoid Anko's strike and the snake's bite the Taki nin scowls before drawing two single edged blades from his back. "If that's the way you want it fine."

Smirking Anko goes to strike once and manages to cut the man across the bottom of his left arm after bending back under his strikes. Reversing his right hand so the blade is coming toward Anko's spine the man screams when instead his arm is halted by the snake. As the viper's fangs inject a burning poison he manages to slash the snake's back forcing it to dispel with burst of smoke. "DIE!" Slashing at Anko like a madman the Taki nin begins to slow as he loses feeling in more and more of his body. Finally after nearly twenty minutes he seizes up entirely and collapses barely breathing. Muttering about morons not knowing when they're outclassed Anko slaps a paralysis seal upon the man before looking up.

"I know you fools are there. First and only chance to backdown or you'll end up like this idiot." As the Taki nin charge at her Anko briefly rolls her eyes before charging to meet them. While Anko fights from deeper in the forest Hinata briefly watches with her Byakugan before checking the surrounding area. When she looks towards Taki she see's a lone Taki kunoichi moving to intercept them before cutting the chakra flow to her eyes and points in the direction she saw the kunoichi. "We have an enemy coming from our left. She's about fifty meters away and closing fast." Looking back at her and Shino as they carry Fū Naruto smiles before taking off the while leaving them and his clones as they continue on towards Taki.

After a few moments of running Naruto stops himself with his chains before drawing his tanto. "I know you're out there. You won't get past me if you wish to stop my friends." As Naruto stares across the small clearing he's facing his chains wrap around him the moment he see's a volley of shuriken coming his way. Smirking as the last one falls Naruto takes a deep breath before forming a final sign. "Fūton: Wind Bullets Jutsu!" Continuously pouring more chakra into his jutsu Naruto keeps the Taki kunoichi on the backfoot as she's constantly forced to dodge the bullets even as they tear the surrounding forest apart. Finally Naruto ends his jutsu and stares out at the kunoichi while taking deep breathes to drive off his lightheadedness.

"That was fun. So are you going to give up now?" Scowling at Naruto to girl charges at him while launching volley after volley of shuriken and kunai giving Naruto a taste of his own medicine. Finally closing the distance the girl begins to fight Naruto with blade and fist only to grow more enraged as Naruto uses clones to constantly deny her openings. After nearly fifteen minutes of nonstop fighting Naruto finally makes a mistake as his clone appears just a little too far out.

Capitalizing on Naruto's mistake the kunoichi quikily eliminates the clone with a kunai to the chest before turning to attack Naruto himself. Not giving the blonde time to distance himself she quickly pins him against a tree with a kunai through his right hand. Enraged at his previous taunts she walks up to him before sticking another kunai into his other hand pinning it to the tree aswell. "You're right this is fun! So brat any last words!?" To her shock Naruto ceases his scream before looking up and smirking at her. "Just one. Boom!" Before the kunoichi can even blink Naruto begins to glow before detonating right in front of her.

Sent flying back by the force of the explosion and burned by it she flies through multiple trees before her flight is stopped. With her world going dark even as she feels every bit of pain she barely manages to groan as Naruto drops down before her. Gently placing multiple seals upon the Taki kunoichi Naruto whistles as he sees the damage his Exploding Clone did. "I'm not a medic but this *Medical Seal will help. Hopefully this will be the only one I have to use today." Taking one last look at the unconscious Taki kunoichi before taking off after Hinata and Shino. But as he moves he's forced to jump back as volleys of shuriken come his way.

Even he can tell the ones attacking are likely recent genin given how inaccurate their volleys are. "Oh come on! WE JUST SAVED YOUR VILLAGE!" Forced to play a very dangerous game of hide and seek Naruto can only yell in annoyance as the Taki nin force him away from Hinata, Shino, & Fū. As the day drags on Hinata's Byakugan begin to show signs of strain with her being forced to constantly use it to watch for enemies. As the clones around her and Shino begin to dispel due to running low on chakra she watches as at least two Taki close with them. "Shino-san we have enemies closing in. What do we do? We need to get Fū-san to Shibuki-sama."

Looking between Fū and Hinata Shino nods before letting the injured jinchuriki go. "I will stay behind and stop them. Why? Because you Hinata-san are the only one who can heal Fū-san's injuries. Get her to Shibuki-san as quickly as possible." Looking back one last time Fū and Hinata can only watch as Shino seems to disappear within his swarm before it too disappears into the shadows.

Looking back towards Hinata and Fū Shino has a small smile on his face even as he readies himself for battle. For a few moments the forest is silent as he stands upon a branch before two Taki nin drop down before him. "Move Leaf brat. We want the demon not you." Shaking his head even as he falls into a defensive stance Shino has a Naruto like smirk on his face. "I can not do that. Why you wonder? Because I will protect my teammate and Fū-san. Hiden: Iron Beetle Armor." To the other's shock the boy seems to be quickly covered in living armor.

Taking advantage of their surprise Shino blitzes forward with two kama dropping from his sleeves and into his armored hands. Moving much like a mantis Shino drives the two back with a barrage of attacks. For a few minutes he manages to keep both Taki nin on the backfoot before he's forced back by one with a water jutsu. Jumping back into the shadows of the forest Shino stares out at the two before directing his insects before silently moving towards his enemies.

The only warning the Taki nin has is suddenly the forest is filled with the buzzing of insects and sound of thousands of chitin legs crawling over bark. Not even able to scream one Taki nin is quickly covered by the swarm and left totally drained of chakra as their comrade barely manages to get away. Looking berween Shino and his downed comrade the Taki nin briefly considers fleeing before shaking his head and looking back at Shino. "You're gonna pay for that brat."

With a very Naruto like smirk Shino once more disappears into the forest with his swarms leaving the forest silent. Working to ensure his voice is echoing from all around the standing Taki nin Shino tells him once more to surrender. "You can not beat me or my team. Why you wonder? Because we are fighting to protect an innocent. Take your friend and retreat I will not attack you if you do." Randomly throwing shuriken the Taki nin shouts he'd never surrender to a demon lover only to hear a cold voice directly behind him. "The only demon I see is you."

Acting solely on instinct the Taki nin drops down off the branch he's on but not before Shino manages to slash his back with both his kama. Staring down at the man the normally emotionless face Shino shows is replaced by one showing only disgust and anger. Sealing away his kama Shino holds out his left arm as swarms of beetles and other insects crawl over it. "*Hiden: Iron Beetle Blade." Dropping down towards the man Shino quickly reengages him with his living blade constantly forcing him back.

For a few minutes the Taki nin can barely keep ahead of the unusually aggressive Aburame genin before finally he's backed against a tree. Not giving the man time to move or even draw another kunai Shino quickly closes the distance between them and not so gently pushes his blade against his throat. Immediately freezing up as a single drop of blood rolls down the blade before falling onto the bark below the Taki nin raises his hands. Dropping the chipped kunai he'd used he wordlessly surrenders to Shino. To his shock the boy keeps the blade up before an identical copy rises beside him and pulls out three tags. "You understand I can't take you with me or trust you to stay out of the fight. I apologize for this it may sting a bit."

With that last word Shino's clone slaps the three tags upon the Taki nin before falling apart as the insects making it up crawl up and into Shino's clothing. Ending his jutsu and allowing his tired beetles to take shelter within Shino not so gently grabs the Taki nin and takes him out of the tree. Showing just the briefest bit of spite Shino begins restraining the man by tying his arms back against the tree while using more wire to restrain and spread each finger. Looking down at the man who can barely move his head enough to glare up at him Shino takes off after his friend. As he moves he smiles as Anko and Naruto finally manage to catch up while appearing mostly unharmed though Naruto's jacket has a rather astonishing amount of new tears through it.

Noticing Shino's attention on the state of his jacket Naruto mumbles something that sounds suspiciously like don't ask even as Anko laughs. "Alright you two let's catch up to Stutters and get that poor kunoichi back safely." Increasing their speed the three soon come upon a immobile Taki nin who glares at them even as they continue on. "That guy didn't have any of my seals on him. Hinata-chan must've hit his tenketsu to leave him like that." After a few more minutes of jumping from tree to tree the trio see Hinata and Fū staring down a rather large number of Taki nin just outside the entrance to the village.

Landing beside their teammate and in front of Fū the three almost immediately begin to glare as the Taki nin refuse to move. "That traitor will not be allowed back in our home! And neither will you four for defending her." As the two sides stare each other down a volley of kunai strike right in the middle between them. "I think you all should relax. Anko is your team ok?" Turning to their right both groups a small group of Konoha Anbu led by Inoichi Yamanaka standing atop the trees. Smiling Anko bows slightly to her onetime superior even as she watches Shibuki exit the waterfall behind the Taki nin.

"We are fine Yamanaka-sama. A few bumps here and there never hurt anyone right?" Chuckling cause he knows her team left more than just that on their attackers Inoichi nods as he jumps down and walks between the two groups. "So Shibuki-sama what exactly is going on here?" Before the young Village Head can even speak the crowd of Taki nin angrily begin shouting how Fū betrayed their village and that Anko's team defended her. For just a moment Anko smirks before the clearing is flooded with very potent but directed killing intent that instantly shuts the Taki nin up.

"I believe I asked your Head not you lot. Now keep quiet before my friends behind me make you." Chuckling slightly at the Yamanaka's effortless silencing of his wayward shinobi Shibuki smiles at Fū before turning to him. "It appears some of my shinobi decided to betray not only their comrade but me as well. They lied and claimed that Fū, someone I trained, had betrayed them during a mission and then convinced the rest of it when they failed due to unforeseen circumstances." Nodding and slightly amused at the stunned faces of the Taki nin before him Inoichi turns to look at Fū before turning back to look at the Taki group.

"I can tell some of you doubt the word of your Village Head. How about I show you all the truth? That way your village can punish her, if she truly did betray you, or the ones who Shibuki-sama says betrayed her, him, & by extension the rest of you." Not even giving the shinobi present time to respond Inoichi walks up to the girl smiling the entire time. "Fū-san would you mind sitting for a moment? This jutsu will allow us to clear any stain on your name to all present." Sitting before the girl Inoichi smiles softly as she gently lowers herself across from him. "This will only take a moment. Please remain still. Mind Transmission Jutsu."

In what seems like milliseconds everyone in the clearing can see Fū memory of that day begin to flow into their minds. For the Konoha shinobi the sight of the needless betrayal of one's comrade leaves even the Anbu members enraged to the point it's almost visible to the Taki nin. But sadly for Taki many of their own appear completely fine with such betrayal though their Head and many of the younger shinobi appear just as disgusted as the Konoha nin. Removing his head Inoichi remains silent for a moment but when he speaks his anger is not only clear but also terrifying in it's coldness. "I hope none of you will even think of accusing this girl of treason anymore, right?"

For just a moment it seems like of the Taki nin is going to respond before he gulps and takes a step back as Inoichi suddenly stares at him with a look that just screams pain will be his only companion for quite sometime. Visibly shaking with rage Shibuki steps fard until he's between the two groups before turning to look at his own villagers. "How dare you! How dare you spit on the grave of MY Father and on me! You lot do not deserve to live in Takigakure. Nevermind serving her people as their guardians! I should strip you all of your records and banish you! I should.."

Before Shibuki can say anymore Fū walks up to him and hugs him from behind. "It's...It's ok Shibuki-nii." Closing his eyes Shibuki takes a few deep breathes before opening them back up and staring down his shinobi. "We are all going to head back into the village. Once Fū has recovered we will decide what punishment, if any, is appropriate for you and the others who believed the lie about her. And the one's responsible will be stripped of their rank and imprisoned."

Wordlessly leading his men and the Konoha nin into Taki Shibuki has one of his genin lead the Anbu and Anko's team to a hotel to stay in while leading Anko, Inoichi, and Fū to his office. "Yamanaka-sama I am thankful your Hokage sent you and your men to aid us. And Anko-sama please tell your team I am eternally in their debt for saving Fū-chan." Nodding the two Konoha jonin nod and thank Shibuki for his kind words. Turning to Fū though Shibuki has tears in his eyes as he looks at the one he trained and had come to see as a little sister. "Fū-chan...I am so sorry. I..I didn't think they'd be cruel enough to pull something like this. I had hoped their views on you were changing..."

Bowing his head once more Shibuki takes a deep breath before wiping the tears away and smiling at Fū. For a few moments the group sits quietly as they each consider what happened and what, if anything, can be done to prevent a repeat. Looking between the Anko and Fū a sad smile once more adorns Shibuki's face as he considers what to say. "Fū-chan...I think it's time we give up on you being accepted by most the village...I think it might be better for you to leave Taki.."

Misinterpreting Shibuki's intentions Fū tries to angrily stand and storm out only for Anko to not so gently keep her firmly seated. "Listen to him Fū. I don't think he's doing this out of hate for you. Quite the opposite honestly.." Clearing his throat Shibuki smiles at Fū even as she refuses to look back at him. "Fū-chan you know I see you as my little sister. And you know I want the best for you right?", as Fū nods tears begin to well up, "So when I say it might be best for you leave Taki just know I think it'd be better for you. Even if that means I'd miss my little sister growing up and becoming the great kunoichi she's destined to be."

Tearing up Fū jumps across the table separating the two and holds Shibuki like a drowning man holding onto a piece of driftwood. Wrapping his arms around the crying girl Shibuki begins slowly rubbing her back while humming a tune that sounds almost like a nursery song. Looking away to give the two at least a bit of privacy both Konoha Jonin hold back their own tears at what the girl has gone through.

After a few moments though Shibuki rubs Fū's head one last time before asking her to sit beside him. Clearing his throat as if nothing unusual had just occurred Shibuki looks once more towards Inoichi and Anko. "I understand this is sudden but I believe it would be best if Fū-chan lived in Konoha from now on. Do you believe Godaime-sama would be willing to take her in?" Looking at Inoichi Anko doesn't miss the almost imperceptible smile that appears on his face before he looks down as if in thought. "Hokage-sama must have had some idea of how bad things were for her. If his look is anything to go by this is probably something he hoped we'd be asked..."

Looking back up at Shibuki the Yamanaka Head nods before smiling at him. "I believe Hokage-sama would accept her into our forces. She may even be placed in one of our teams that recently competed in the Chunin Exams." While Fū is happy she would be accepted the young kunoichi can't help but feel sad about leaving her home. "Chomei-chan do you think I should join Konoha?" Within Fū's seal the biju seems to be smiling sadly at her jinchuriki through the chakra connecting them.

"I believe it would be better for you Fū-chan. Sadly most the people here don't care for you and events like before will happen again if you stay...Plus I know you were listening to our friend's description of that Shino boy." Fighting back a blush Fū looks down even as she smiles at the thought of Shino and his friends. "He and his friends are nice...Plus he's kinda like me." A very gentle laugh echoes out from Chomei's seal causing the girl to once more have to fight down a blush. "...Then it's decided Fū of Taki will be released as a Genin of Takigakure and become Fū of Konoha."

Looking up sharply Fū realizes she'd missed quite a large part of the conversation between Shibuki and the blonde Jonin. Nodding Inoichi and Anko smile at Fū before asking if they can be excused to send a message to their Hokage as an excuse to give Shibuki and Fū some privacy. For a moment the room is silent before Fū once more begins to cry and grabs onto Shibuki causing him to rub her back again and comfort her. "Fū-chan...I'm...I'm sorry it's come to this. I had hoped those idiots would've come to accept you but I guess I was wrong." Tightening his hug Shibuki thinks of how he could aid his little sister when she's in another village. "I could give her access to the jutsus my father created. Or maybe the ones only I am to know?"

With that thought quickly firming up in his mind a very devious smile spreads across Shibuki's face while his eyes seem to light up with a mixture of spite and amusement. Motioning for Fū to get up he quickly tells her to follow him leading her towards the study. "Fū-chan since you're my sister in all but blood I've decided you're going to get a few scrolls my father left me. And since we both hate the councilors I just might accidentally include some of Taki's Hiden jutsu into the list. Totally by mistake of course, right?" For a second Fū doesn't know if she should laugh or cry before she begins laughing to the point she doubles over holding her stomach.

Nodding extremely quickly Fū keeps laughing as she watches Shibuki create copies of multiple jutsu scrolls alongside a very old scroll his father had found. "If anyone can use this it's her..." Placing the scrolls within a small bag Shibuki hands it over before giving Fū another hug. "I wish you didn't have to leave. But just know you will always be family to me Fū-chan." For a few moments the two are silent before Shibuki rubs Fū's head one more time and points out the window. "Let's go invite those Leaf shinobi to dinner for saving you and me Fū-chan."

Nodding Fū quickly pulls Shibuki out the office saying she wants to make dinner for them. But to their surprise upon exiting the building they are stunned at the sight of uncountable thousands of beetles of differing types all crawling or flying through the village. The only person they see who's fine with the situation is Shino who randomly brings some closer to his face as they land on his hands or arms.

Turning to look at Fū and Shibuki they're surprised to see a large smile on his face before more of the beetles fly towards Fū. "I believe they are celebrating the safe return of their queen. Though it appears they come from differing species this is amazing Fū-san." For a moment Fū is silent before she begins to laugh before running forward to hug Shino. While he would deny it Shino immediately began to blush before responding in kind.

As the two stayed still more and more insects gathered around them until Shibuki's view of the two was almost completely obscured. "They view her as a queen? That's a first but I guess it kinda makes sense..." Walking forward Shibuki chuckles at how Fū has managed to position herself at Shino's side while wrapping her arm around his much to his embarrassment. Calling for the kids to follow him Shibuki begins to notice the beetles seem to be thinning out even as some constantly land on Fū or Shino before taking off again. Laughing quietly to himself he isn't surprised one bit when he arrives at the hotel the Konoha teams were taken to and see's the rest of Team Anko sitting outside.

While none of them appear to be as interested by the still ever present beetles and insects they also don't seem to hate them either. Seeing Shibuki approaching with Fū and Shino Anko waves to them before she begins to laugh at how Fū has held onto Shino. "Well Goggles looks like I've got new jokes to make about you." As Fū draws closer to the rest she releases Shino before running forward and hugging Hinata. "I...I couldn't thank you before but thank you. You saved my life..." Gently hugging the kunoichi back Hinata smiles before ending the hug. "Fū-chan here wished to make you all dinner as thanks for clearing her name and rescuing her. I hope that is ok with you all?"

For a moment the room is filled with Team Anko's agreement before a low but growing growling is heard from the back of the room. Turning almost as one they all see Naruto rubbing the back of his head with one hand while trying to silence his gut with his other. Looking back and forth Naruto's friends chuckle a bit before hearing a choked laugh from behind. Turning back to look at Fū they see her covering her mouth and trying to hold back a laugh. As the group looks at her Fū fails to hold back her laugh and begins to laugh leading to the others joining her even as Naruto grumbles about being picked on.

After the laughter dies down Fū tells them she's gonna begin cooking their meal. As the mint haired girl begins cooking Shino and Naruto watch while Hinata offers to help as they unseal food they had brought to add to the feast. Very quickly the table is covered with various simple yet filling food including multiple kinds of udon and a seemingly endless varieties of pork and chicken. Calling everyone to be seated Shibuki holds up a hand to call for quiet.

Standing he smiles at Fū and the others before raising his glass of sake for a toast. "To the Genin who saved my village and my little sister. I hope one day I can tell the Academy students that I knew each of you when you were just starting your lives as shinobi." All around the table the others raise their own glasses of sake or juice while smiling. "Kanpai!" Laughing the genin each clink their glasses before taking a drink of juice before they notice Shibuki's and Fū's smiles are gone.

In a quiet voice Hinata asks what's wrong but gets no answer from the two. "Ano Shibuki-san, what's the matter? Please tell us maybe...maybe we can help." Drinking the rest of his sake Shibuki smiles sadly at Hinata and the boys before sitting down. "Today's events have shown me that despite my best efforts this village will likely never accept Fū-chan. Because of that and to prevent another betrayal I have officially released her as a Taki shinobi..." Before Shibuki can say another word Naruto slams his hands on the table even as his chakra spikes as becomes enraged at Shibuki's words. "YOU DISMISSED HER!? WHY SHE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG! IT'S THO.."

Grabbing Naruto's arm Fū shakes her head even as a few tears fall down her face as he looks at her. "It's not what you think Naruto...He's going to have me apply to be a kunoichi of Konoha to protect me." Looking up sharply at Shibuki who's nodding Naruto's chakra slowly clams down though his anger is still there below the surface. "What about the bastards who attacked her? And the ones who attacked us? What are you gonna do about them?" For the first time since the three met Shibuki they're surprised to see a cruel smile on his face as he thinks about it.

"The one who orchestrated it has been removed from the council and jailed already. Once he gives up his accomplices they'll join him in jail for a decade or two. The rest are going to regret attacking our allies and aiding in the treason. Unfortunately I can't simply jail them as well because our forces are too few to do that. But they'll find it much harder to advance and receive the worst missions. Think your infamous Tora mission but for Chunin as well."

Laughing at the punishment the Konoha team begin theorizing whether Taki has it's own demon cat like Tora for genin to catch. After a few minutes though Shino looks towards Fū who notices his attention has rested solely on her. "Um excuse me Shino-san. But why are you staring at me?" For a moment Shino cocks his head to the side and seems lost in his own little world before shaking his head. "I was wondering Fū-san if you would like to live with the Aburame in Konoha. As you know my clan specializes in insect based jutsu like your scale powder so we could help you."

Looking at the boy Fū seems to lose focus for a moment before a smile quickly spreads across her face. Slightly nervous given her expression one of Shino's eyebrows becomes visible over his glasses while his insects get slightly louder. "I'll live with you but only if I can see what your eyes look like Shino-kun!" Blinking rapidly behind his sunglasses Shino seems perplexed by her request before nodding. "If that's what takes..." Just before Shino removes his glasses he notices everyone, even Shibuki, is staring intently at his face. Sweatdropping a little Shino sighs before removing his sunglasses revealing perfectly normal brown eyes with just a hint of gold in them.

Much to Shino's amusement Naruto yells in annoyance once he see's his eyes. "That's it!? Ah man and here I thought you had some crazy eyes! I was really expecting you to have compound eyes like your friends man!" Laughing at Naruto's overreaction the other's miss Shino winking at Fū as his eyes seem to briefly flash gold before he puts his sunglasses back on. "Naruto-san despite my clan's partnership with insects like the kikaichū that doesn't mean we share traits with them. You do not have an octupus's tentacles despite your clan's connection to your summon's right?" Grumbling even as he nods Naruto nonetheless smiles at his friend.

"Oi Shino now that we've seen your eyes does that mean you'll still wear sunglasses all the time? You look more approachable without them ya' know." Shrugging his shoulders Shino begins eating while occasionally placing a bit of food on a small plate for his kikaichū and other insects to feed from. For awhile the group is mostly silent aside from the sound of eating and asking for a dish to be passed over to refill their plate or bowl. The silence is broken when Naruto unseals a small tank filled with salt water and summons a small orange and black octupus.

"Hey Naruto long time no see! I thought you'd forgotten about me cause those toads." Laughing Naruto drops a large piece of chicken into the tank allowing the octopus to eat beside him. "Sorry Takoshuiro I've just been busy lately." Noticing the others hve looked over at him Naruto smiles sheepishly while the small octopus seems to eye smile. "I'm guessing you didn't ask them if you could summon me right?...Naruto you idiot." Much to Hinata and Fū's amusement the small octopus jumps up and slaps the young Uzumaki on the back of his head and grabs another piece of chicken as he falls back into the water.

For just a second the room is silent before everyone except Naruto begins to laugh while he grumbles about annoying summons. "Oi Naruto you're the annoying one! Not me I'm just the unlucky personal summon for Konoha's dimmest shinobi!" As Naruto begins to argue with his summon the others resume eating though they occasionally laugh at how the two act before Takoshuiro dives under the water completely and activates a seal on the bottom of his tank. Tossing the water proof scroll to Naruto he smiles at the Uzumaki before stealing another piece of chicken from his plate. "Kaasan wants you to read that. The Clan has decided they'll help you work on that idiotic idea of yours once you've mastered the things mentioned in it."

Disappearing in a burst of smoke the small octopus smirks at Naruto just before returning back to his home. Pulling the bones out of the tank Naruto throws them upon his plate before putting the tank back in it's tank. "Blondie what exactly are they going to help you with? You're not making some crazy powerful explosive tag are..", seeing Naruto's face Anko sighs and facepalms, "You are...Just don't set it off near me alright Blondie?" Shaking his head while laughing nervously in a way that convinces absolutely no one the rest of Naruto's team shrug their shoulders before they resume eating. "Chomei-san are you sure I'll be safer with him?"

For the first time in her very long life the Nanabi honestly has no idea and shrugs from within her seal. "I have no clue..." Sighing internally the girl decides to judge Konoha only once she's seen more of it and it's shinobi. "I have a feeing Naruto-san isn't the only strange one I'll meet though." Nodding sagely for a moment Chomei begins to laugh at the kind of person the fox has been sealed in. "Maybe I should see if we can talk tonight..."

As the night goes on Shibuki eventually excuses himself as one of his Chunin knocks and talks to him briefly by the door. Seeing him leave Fū grows quiet as she realizes soon he'll be out of touch for weeks if not months at a time. Noticing her dour mood Naruto pokes the kunoichi gently in the side with one of his chakra chains before whispering conspiratorially to her. "Oi Fū-san wanna prank some of the people here? I've got a few scrolls filled with all kinds of things to annoy them & get a bit of painless payback for you."

Smiling Fū nods before the two slip out using the excuse of clearing out her old home before they leave in the morning. While they do seal away her few possessions into blood locked scrolls the two do their work quickly before starting their revenge. While none would know it that night the coming days would go down in history for more than just the previous fights. After finishing up their last prank the two head back and change before being sent to bed by Anko. Smelling a faint amount of ink on Naruto she smiles before looking out the window and laughing. "I really wish we could stay to watch.."

Soon after breakfast the coming morning Shibuki, a few Taki shinobi, and many of the villages younger students meet Team Anko, Inoichi's team, and Fū at the hidden exit. Giving his adoptive sister one last and long hug Shibuki wishes her good luck before she and the Konoha shinobi begin their long trek back. For a few hours the group travels in peace before a burst of smoke appears on a tree ahead of Naruto making everyone but him freeze. "So yah did it Gamakichi?" Out of the smoke a familiar orange toad appears carrying a small scroll on his back as he smirks.

"Of course Naruto. I told you I'd get the pictures you wanted. I already made some copies for myself so I gotta go I'm exhausted from hiding in that village for so long. As the toad disappears the other Konoha nin begin to laugh while Naruto opens the scroll revealing dozens of pictures of Taki. But unlike the neat and orderly village of yesterday and the morning they see familiar scenes of Naruto's pranks and the ensuing chaos. Upon the Great Tree a massive murals of Naruto and Fū sticking their tongues out is seen while other pictures reveal smaller, but no less aggravating, pranks on the village.

Taking one off the scroll Anko laughs as she see's Taki's Academy dyed a bright pink and neon green. "Ok Blondie just this once I'm gonna act like I don't know who did this. What about you and yours Yamanaka?" Holding up a picture of the village's market with glitter and what looks like pepper smoke bombs going off in it the Jonin can barely keep his face straight as he holds in his laughter. "Well of course we don't know who did this. We left the village hours ago right men?"

Resuming their trek back to Konoha the Anbu around the team all nod solemnly though Naruto smiles as he hears a few muffled laughs and giggles. Sealing the scroll away in his usual gear Naruto smiles at Fū as she openly laughs at what occurred. "Well Chomei at least we can be sure Konoha won't be boring for us!" Laughing alongside the girl the biju allows herself to drift off to sleep listening to her. "You're right about that Fū-chan."

-next morning-
-Konoha Main Gate-

As Konoha's gate comes into view Fū grows increasingly nervous at the sheer size of the village and it's population. Noticing her nervousness Shino speeds up just a bit so he can walk beside her before smiling at her. "Fū-san it'll be ok. How can I say that? Because you already have made friends in Konoha so surely you will make many more." Taking a deep breathe Fū nods before following Anko into the village to start her new life as a citizen of Konoha.

*-seal that can either cover conversation in or outdoors though skilled lip readers those with certain dojutsu or some KG can still listen in
*-a tag with wind natured chakra added into it to boost the boom factor much like Hanzo's fire boosted ones
*-OC snake that appears like a pit viper only bigger than the avg one
*-a high level seal filled with medical chakra with the ability to deal with most injuries that don't totally destroy one's organs or limbs
*-Aburame member directs their hive to create a armored gauntlet & blade over their forearm with the blade typically being the length of a tanto or other short sword

Rewrite-4/13-4/14/2021