Chapter 26 Friends and their Paths

As I said before this will focus on Naruto's friends more than our favorite knucklehead himself. But don't worry he'll be here too just to a lesser degree. Onto the show!

-Konoha-

Sitting atop the Hokage Rock Teams 7 through 11 spend their rare day off catching up and resting from their training or missions like Team 7. "..So then the idiot seals himself off from us as the seal is breaking….Like seriously he's lucky I didn't beat him black and blue for that! Even if he is annoying he's still my friend.." Nodding Sakura sits beside Sasuke as they think back to that mission two weeks before.

Sitting across from them Jūgo seems in his own world as he sits back with a content smile on his face before he opens a single eye. "He did it to save us…Though I agree we should have at least had some words with him regarding that. But at least he's alright." Nodding Team 7 all smirk at the not so subtle relieved sigh from Hinata as she sits slightly apart from Shino who is sitting with Fu leaning against him.

Before the others can say a word though a very familiar toad appears in a burst of smoke. "Gamatatsu-san what are you doing here?" Looking up at Kakashi small toad smiles. "Naruto asked me to deliver this. Do you have any snacks?" Chuckling Kakashi begins digging through his jacket only to stop when Hinata throws a bag to the toad who smiles and tosses a small scroll back. "Thanks Hinata-chan! See yah." Disappearing in another burst of smoke the toad misses the looks everyone gives Hinata who begins to turn red under everyone's gaze.

Looking down Hinata opens the scroll and unseals a small stack of letters and scrolls. As she digs through the stack and hands out the letters Hinata's blush deepens as she see's a letter for her. Quickly grabbing it Hinata slips the letter into her jacket's inner pocket before resealing the scrolls for Karin. As the Genin and two Chunin read the letters from Naruto their sensei up above laugh at how quickly the teens began chuckling or face palming as they read Naruto's letters. "Hey you brats", looking up the teens see Anko and the others standing, "you can stay here and have your fun. Just remember training resumes tomorrow at 8AM."

Nodding even as the Jonin disappear in bursts of smoke only Team 8 notices the almost hungry look in Anko's eyes as she takes off. "Poor Iruka-sensei.." Laughing at their former sensei's luck the teens quietly thank the heavens it's not their teacher going after him. Within the village Iruka suddenly feels a familiar presence behind him before Anko jumps onto his back and wraps her arms around his neck. "Hey Iruka-kun, wanna come over again?"

While some near the man thank the heavens they aren't in Iruka's position a few curse that he's the one Anko is having her fun with. Within his office Itachi chuckles as he watches the two below before turning back to his desk and sitting down to resume his work. As he takes a seat though his own not so little distraction enters the room in the form of Izumi Uchiha carrying two lunches. "Good afternoon Itachi-kun. I think it's time for lunch. Don't you?"

Nodding the young Kage pushes his papers aside before smiling and rising to join Izumi on the couch. Looking out the window as he wraps one arm around his fiancée Itachi smiles at the stone faces outside his window. Atop the Hokage Rock the teams decided to head to one of the closer Training Grounds to have a impromptu spar. Sitting within the trees the majority watch as Neji and Lee stand in the center of the clearing.

Bowing to each other both boys have a smile on their face as they fall into their starting stances. "So who do you guys think will win?" Looking between the two and Sasuke the others shrug their shoulders. "Lee has been training a lot with both Guy-sensei and Kaito-san but Neji has been training with Guy-sensei and Hizashi-san as well. But I still think Neji will win.." Shrugging his shoulders Sasuke nods to Tenten as the spar begins with the two easily avoiding the other's initial strikes.

"Lee your gravity seals are off right? Because I want to fight you at your best not when your held back by them." Nodding Lee's smile almost splits his face as he nods before tightening the straps of his forearm guards. "They are Neji-san. Today is a rest day afterall and Kurama-chan would be disappointed with me if I disobeyed Kaito-san again. She may even scold me again.." Laughing a bit at Lee's answer Neji nods even as Kurama buries her face in her hands in embarrassment.

Laughing at their friend the others quickly turn their full attention as Lee almost disappears as he blitzes forward. Whistling in surprise Sasuke Sharingan unconsciously activates as he watches Neji deflect Lee's stone shattering punch down and away from him before jumpjng back. To his shock even as the ground below Lee craters from the impact the taijutsu fanatic uses the move to launch a sudden spinning kick at Neji that breaks through Neji's block and sends him flying back.

Rubbing his chest a bit Neji smirks as Lee pulls his fist from the ground before charging to meet him. Ducking under another straight punch Neji barely avoids the surprise strike from Lee's knee by slipping just between it and Lee's simultaneous punch. Leaping back Neji despite not landing a hit on Lee yet smiles at his teammate before falling into a slightly lower stance. "I see you took my advice to learn some other styles. I recognize that spin kick from the Uzumaki's Rapizzu style but what was that knee and punch combination?"

Smiling back Lee barely avoids giving Neji the thumbs up before falling back into his usual Gōken form. "I am not surprised you recognized that Neji-san! I took your advice of learning other styles to heart. But the second move is of my own creation. I was struck by Kaito-sensei's youth", elsewhere in Konoha Kaito Uzumaki shivers as his mind suddenly conjures up the image of him in Guy's outfit, "That I took his advice to create my own moves or change them in various ways."

While Neji keeps barely keeps his cool at the edge of the clearing Karin can't stop herself from laughing at Lee's words about Kaito to the point she nearly falls out of the tree. While Karin's laugh sounds across the clearing Lee and Neji once more come to blows as each seeks to break the other's blocks. To the other's surprise Lee is the first to jump back even as Neji pursues him. Looking closely at Lee's arms and Neji's palms Sasuke's eyes narrow.

"Hey Hinata check out the chakra Neji's using. Correct me if I'm wrong but is he channeling Earth natured chakra?" Activating her Byakugan without signs Hinata focuses on Neji's hands before smiling and nodding. "Yes and it's really effective at blocking tenketsu even through armor. If Lee was a normal shinobi his arms would be useless by now." Deactivating her eyes Hinata blinks as the two boys once more come to blows.

Ducking under Lee's punches Neji manages to knock his friend back with a mule kick to the side but his follow up Jūken strike is deflected into the ground as Lee responds with his own kick. Smiling even as he wipes a bit of blood off his right palm Neji taunts Lee with his own Guy like pose before leaping over his punches. While it's clear the two are having fun the others can tell they're taking the fight seriously as the clearing looks more and more like a battlefield.

Finally after nearly fifteen minutes of back and forth the two stop and bow once more before falling onto their butts and laughing a bit. "Neji that truly was a youthful match! We must spar again sometime to see which of us truly is stronger!" Nodding Neji takes a drink of water before rising and offering Lee a hand. "Sure Lee. But let's head over to the others I am sure they wish to spar as well." Nodding as enthusiastically as ever Lee takes Neji's hand and quickly jumps up before flipping over to handstand.

Facepalming a bit as Lee spouts off about spending the rest of their break on his palms Neji looks over at his other teammate and rolls his eyes while smiling. Sitting beside Tenten his pinkie soon finds itself intertwined with her's while Lee stands on his hands beside Yakumo. After a few moments of no one going out onto the field Sakura jumps down from her spot and walks out. "Hey Karin can I show them that seal I learned?"

Sitting beside Yama and Yakumo the Uzumaki heiress gives her fellow med-nin in training a Naruto like thumbs up. "Sure! It's a great seal ya' know!" While the others chuckle at Karin's little joke in Haru no Kuni Naruto sneezes into his elbow out of nowhere. "Weird.." Back in Konoha Sakura facepalms before shrugging her shoulders and pulling out single. "As you guys know I'm working with Tsunade-shishou and Kurenai-sensei. But I've also been dabbling in fuinjutsu with Karin. Mostly medical seals but I found this one. It's called *Stone Skin and it's great for my style of fighting."

Applying the seal onto her left arm Sakura activates it with a small amount of chakra. To the other's surprise her skin seems to darken for just a moment before going back to normal. "It doesn't look like much but watch this….And don't worry it won't hurt." On that concerning note Sakura pulls out a kunai and before anyone can stop her drags it across her palm. Just as the others, beside Karin, start to get up they realize Sakura's palm is unharmed though Sasuke is almost glaring at Sakura before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.

"It makes your skin almost be like lighter mesh armor that reconnaissance specialized shinobi wear though it can be broken just as easily as that. But on the plus side when it's active my strikes hurt a whole lot more." Almost simultaneously each boy present makes a mental note to have Naruto tick Sakura off when he gets back when she has the seal active. Once more Naruto sneezes but this time it's joined by a shiver as he feels like someone or some group is planning something against him.

"Sakura", looking up at Sasuke the pinkette is surprised at the look in his eyes, "don't do that again." Nodding the pinkette presses once more on the seal deactivating it. "Ok Sasuke, I won't. But let me show you guys a genjutsu Kurenai-sensei showed me. Dance of the Cherry Blossom." For a moment the others see Sakura fade away as cherry blossoms begin to swirl around them. Smirking Karin pulses her chakra causing the jutsu to fade away revealing Sakura sitting back beside Sasuke. "Nice one Sakura."

Whistling in appreciation Kiba jumps down after passing Akamaru a soldier pill. "Thanks to my training with Kakashi-sensei I've figured out how to enhance my clan's moves. Watch this. Man Beast Clone!" As A-Kiba transforms and leaps atop Kiba's back the two face out at the training ground. "Dōton: Fang Over Fang!" As the two leap forward and form loving tornados the others notice how their claws are not only sharper but darker. Tearing across the clearing they easily bore through a small boulder without even slowing.

Turning back around the two shatter the stone with their next pass reducing it to rough gravel. Stopping side by side the two have feral grins on their faces before A-Kiba ends his jutsu and returns to his normal appearance. Reaching down Kiba absentmindely rubs Akamaru's head as his quickly growing ninken seems to smile. Watching from the edge of the field Tsume and Hana seem surprised at Kiba's use of a elemental version of their usual jutsu.

"We need to get him to help the others use that." Nodding Hana smirks before she and her mother decide to head home. With the others Akamaru briefly turns towards where the two Inuzuka kunoichi stood and again seems to be smiling. If any but Kiba could understand him they'd be surprised at his thoughts of his good planning finally paying off." As the teens begin to head off Teams 10 and 11, plus Lee, decide to have a small meal before heading home.

Reaching the dango shop they're not at all surprised to see Iruka leaving the building in a hurry much to the amusement of the staff. "Man Anko and Iruka-sensei who would've thought they'd end up together.." Laughing at Yama's comment Karin nods before closing her eyes for a moment and suppressing a laugh as she see's Iruka speed up and take to the rooftops. "Yeah but they must care for each other if he's still with her." Nodding the seven wait to be seated further back in the diner before ordering a frankly absurd amount of dango and red bean soup.

Talking about their friends, family, and training it takes a few moments for them to realize two very familiar faces have entered the small diner. Trying to make themselves as inconspicuous as possible the two teams watch and stifle their laughs at how Kurenai and Asuma are acting. Seeing the usually gruff Sarutobi act almost like a love struck teen while the usually reserved Kurenai is surprisingly open almost breaks their will before the two get their food and leave. "Wanna try to follow them?"

For a moment they all consider it before Shikamaru and Ino shake their heads after looking at each other. "Asuma-sensei may not be the best sensor but he knows our signatures. If we follow him we'd get caught…And the result of that would be such a drag." Turning to look at Ino the others are surprised to see her nodding in affirmation at his words. "Asuma-sensei is nice..But if we interrupt his date I'm sure we'd suffer for it next time we train together." Shrugging their shoulders the others sigh before they resume eating and talking about other topics.

-Suna-

Outside Suna the dunes that surround the village begin to shake as a massive cloud of dust continuously grows a few kilometers away. While normally this would be cause for alarm to many it is instead a relief as it shows the one they once feared and hated has truly changed. Far out in the desert the very ground itself seems to be in constant flux as Gaara stands perched upon a disc of sand above the dunes.

Down below his siblings and sensei stand beside another Suna nin as slowly but surely piles of shimmering metallic sand come a stop before them. While some of the sand appears almost black on either side of it rests two piles on that is golden in color and a smaller pile that has a variety of colors in it. Lowering his arms the disc Gaara stands upon slowly lowers itself to the ground before he steps off and stands before the others.

Looking down at the piles the Suna shinobi's eyes widen in shock at both their purity and the speed at which Gaara collected them. Looking up the man smiles at the reformed jinchuriki who awkwardly smiles back before raising his left hand and causing the smallest pile to rise up and enter his gourd. "Gaara-san you have once again surprised me. You have not only managed to pull pure gold and iron from the sands but also other metals and stones. If you keep this up you just might surpass me."

Smiling awkwardly at the praise Gaara bows his head to the man even as he seals away the other two piles. "Thank you Shigezane-san." Reaching out Gaara shakes the man's hand causing his siblings and sensei to smile. "So what's next Gaara? I know you're experimenting with your Magnet Release. Planning to recreate the Sandaime's famed Iron Sand?" For a moment the redhead seems lost in thought before a small smile spread across his face.

"I believe I might. Afterall both my brother and that strange Genin with a bowl cut wish to have a rematch with me." Chuckling a bit Shigezane bows his head before heading back to Suna with the scrolls containing the fruit of their day's labor back home. "You know Gaara", turning to his brother Gaara isn't surprised to see a smirk on his face, "at the rate you're going I wouldn't be surprised if the last jerks change their minds. You've done alot since meeting that strange Uzumaki."

For a moment Gaara seems surprised at Kankuro's words before he smiles and nods. "He was right though." Lightly tapping the Uzumaki crest he'd been given Gaara seems lost in thought before he lifts his right hand causing sand beneath both Kankuro and Temari to solidify and lift them up. "Let's go home. I think it's time to confront it again." For a moment neither of his siblings move before they look to each other and nod. "We'll be right there with you little brother."

-Haru no Kuni-

Within a small workshop in the rebuilt Kazahana Castle Naruto directs one of the workers on his latest project. Watching from the side of the room Jiriaya is surprised at how quickly Naruto is able to carve the seals into the bō staff even the smith works on it. Looking to the side of the room the Sage smiles at the small pile of gear that Naruto has helped create. "They're gonna love the brat when he gets back." Turning back to watch the work progress Jiraiya smirks as the two place the bō into a oil bath to cool.

Sitting back both Naruto and the forge master take long drinks from large water bottles before they begin cooling the forge. To Jiraiya's surprise Naruto seems to be releasing a slow but steady stream of wind chakra from his palm hastening the process. As the two finish up the forge master wraps his arm around Naruto's neck before tussling the ever longer hair atop his head. "You're alright brat. But your friends better put those weapons to good use. It's rare to see chakra metal of that purity these days."

Nodding Naruto smiles before the two separate and Naruto begins sealing up the gifts in specially designed scrolls. Slowly walking up towards their rooms Jiraiya mindlessly reaches out and tussles Naruto's hair a bit more. "You need a haircut gaki. Your hair is gonna look like mine by the time we get back." Sticking his tongue out Naruto blows a raspberry before shaking his head. "No way you old pervert! My hair would never be as ugly as yours!" Rolling his eyes Jiraiya can't help but chuckle at Naruto's joke before the two go into their own rooms to wash off the soot and grime from the workshop.

-next morning-
-Konoha-

Walking through the Sarutobi Compound Sasuke briefly wonders what the retired Sandaime could want with him. Nearing the man's house he notices the sole barely visible Anbu sitting atop the house next door. "I guess even former Kage require protection.." Just before he can knock on the door it opens and Konohamaru nearly walks into him with a bō across his back. "Oh hey Sasuke! Heard anything from Naruto-nii?"

Shaking his head Sasuke ruffles the young Sarutobi's hair just a bit before chuckling at his pout. "No though I'm sure he'll send you and your friends another letter soon. Is your grandpa home?" Before Konohamaru can answer Hiruzen walks out into the entryway with his cane and smiles. "Ah Sasuke, I thought it was you. Please come in. And Konohamaru you need to hurry to the Academy." Still pouting the younger boy nevertheless waves goodbye and takes off for the Academy. "I swear that boy is part Uzumaki sometimes."

Laughing a bit with the former Kage Sasuke nods before bowing slightly to the retired Head. "That could be why he gets along so well with Naruto. But I must ask San.", at Hiruzen's raised eyebrow Sasuke stops, "Sarutobi-sama why did you wish to meet with me? I am honored but still.." Lightning his pipe, and muttering about hypocritical Senju, Hiruzen smiles slightly before motioning Sasuke to follow him. "As I am sure you know Sasuke you bear the name of my father Sasuke Sarutobi. Would you like to know something about him that very few remember?"

Nodding as they head up a set of stairs Sasuke admires the polished woodworking, paintings, and carvings wondering what the man is talking about. "As you also know my clan was one of the first to join Konoha, alongside the Shimura, after the Senju and Uchiha founded it. Many assume this is because my father was a known friend of Hashirama and Tobirama Senju. And while that did play a role it wasn't the only reason."

Opening the door to his study Hiruzen motions for Sasuke to follow him inside. "The second reason is because he had been saved by a man you may know of. Izuna Uchiha", at this Sasuke freezes momentarily before looking up in surprise, "yes the younger brother of Madara and your direct ancestor. A year before his final battle with Tobirama your ancestor saved my father when he didn't have to. According to my father the client he had been tasked with killing was a monster that abused women and children."

Eyes still wide Sasuke takes a seat as Hiruzen points to a heavily damaged piece of shinobi armor hanging on the wall. "Despite my father's skill his target had hired shinobi from the Kamizuru Clan to protect him. And they managed to back my father into a corner despite suffering heavy casualties. It's only because your ancestor was returning home and decided to help my father that things changed and my father was able to survive that day."

Surprised at the man's words Sasuke thinks back to the stories the clan told of Izuna and his brother. "He never learned why your ancestor did it. But from that day forth my father wished to repay him for his actions. Unfortunately as you know Izuna did not survive to see the village be established. But his sole child, your grandfather Tatsu Uchiha, did and after Madara..left the village he became the Head to your clan." Thinking back Sasuke doesn't remember much of his grandfather beyond the stories of him being a rather strict man even for the clan.

"So to honor my father I wish to aid in training you. Do you accept?" For a moment Sasuke thinks before nodding and smiling up at the man many still call the Shinobi no Kami. "But how will it work? I have my training with Anko-sensei with the Snake Clan, Kakashi-sensei for Team 7, and Nii-san or Kaa-san for clan training." For a moment Hiruzen smiles before forming a very familiar sign. "Obviously with the Shadow Clone Jutsu." Immediately Sasuke stands as he realizes the value of such a move. "I will teach you how to make a single stronger clone so you can train with me and your other sensei. I am sure you have heard the benefits from Naruto?"

Nodding Sasuke is speechless as he thinks of how it will be to train under the man who made the Sannin the shinobi they are. "Thank you Sandaime-sama!" Rising Sasuke bows deeply to the man who smiles and waves it off. "It is nothing Sasuke. Afterall if Kakashi has his way you may need my training. But we'll save that for another day. I'm sure your friends will love to hear about this." Nodding slowly Sasuke quickly thanks him again before bolting out the home and towards his team's usual training ground.

Running and jumping across the rooftops Sasuke can't help but smile as he thinks of how his training will progress. But before he can arrive he shakes his head and stops atop a small store. "No I can't monopolize this. Anything he teaches me I'll teach them. I owe it to them." Smiling again Sasuke resumes his run while across the village Team 8 starts it's own training. Using one of the smaller training grounds behind Hokage Rock the quartet warm up with some light exercise before Anko calls them all to sit down.

"Alright brats today is your free day. That means you work on whatever you want whether it's new jutsu, old ones, or anything else. If you need help I'll be walking around. Got it?" Nodding the trio split up and begin working on their own moves with Fū working on variations of her scale powder, Shino attempting to use a new breed, but Hinata seems to be sitting and working on something on a scroll.

Walking over Anko is surprised to see various both Hinata and Naruto's writing across the scroll describing various chakra control exercises. Lifting a hand Hinata closes her eyes as small chakra threads form and attach to small uneven pebbels atop the paper. Ever so gently Hinata begins to move the pebbels around the paper while the threads become thinner as she tries to maintain control while wasting less chakra. Eventually the thread snap leaving the pebbles spread across the scroll.

Opening her eyes Hinata nearly jumps as she realizes Anko has gotten extremely close to her and is staring down at the scroll with interest. "So Stutters, what yah working on here?" Rolling the scroll up just a bit Hinata seems hesitant to answer before sighing. "Naruto-kun said since I'm already working on my chakra control I should push it as far as possible. The exercise I was just doing is to form chakra threads small enough that they aren't immediately visible but can still be used to move things."

Looking down Anko has to hold back a laugh at one of the proposed methods of chakra control. "That other exercise looks promising too. Standing atop a flowing waterfall…Could be fun to watch." Resisting the urge to shut the scroll before Anko can see the other things the two have been writing as it's sent back and forth with each letter Hinata can only nod before resuming her work.

Chuckling as Hinata not so subtly tries to keep more of the scroll covered Anko moves on to watch the other two. Looking over at Fū she's surprised to see her wings out as the kunoichi slowly runs through a set of hand signs repeatedly. Talking a dee breath Fū shots up into the air a few feet as she quickly runs through the same signs. "Hiden: Scale Bomb Jutsu!" Facing a few targets Fū unleashes four unusually dense spheres of her scale powder that appears to be orange instead of the usual white. Just before Anko can question her student the spheres strike the targets and instantly explode.

Much to Anko's surprise her eyes are still affected by the powder as the flames cause the lingering powder to nearly blind her. Clapping as Fū lands Anko stops once the kunoichi starts walking over to her. "Good one Fū. But why was the powder orange? Isn't it usually white?" Nodding Fū lifts her right hand allowing a small amount of powder to fall from it before ceasing the flow of chakra to it. "Yeah that's how it looks when my chakra makes it Anko-sensei. But if I use Chomei's chakra it looks like this.", channeling the biju's chakra this time Fū keeps her hand up as orange powder falls, "Plus her powder is more..explosive..I guess. It's awesome!"

Making a mental note to not let Fū and Naruto work on collaboration jutsu Anko simply nods before moving on to watch Shino. To her surprise he's transitioned from his usual insect jutsu to more traditional jutsu. Watching him Anko whistles in surprise as he sinks into the soil before coming up below a target and pulling it into the ground. "Was that Kakashi's Headhunter Jutsu? You've gotten surprisingly good at it."

Nodding Shino doesn't say a word and before Anko can say a word Shino falls apart revealing it to have been a Insect Clone. Muttering about her team Anko turns around and watches as another Shino rises from the ground with a frown on his face. "Don't even give me that look Shades. You barely speak at times. If you want anyone outside your teammates and Queen", fighting down a blush at the word Shino resists the urge to turn around, "You've gotta talk more. You're a smart kid and one of My students to boot!"

Nodding silently, and trying to keep his red face behind his collar, Shino neverthless smiles at his sensei as she rolls her eyes and walks away. Watching her go for a moment the Aburame briefly wonders how she heard that word before getting back to work. Standing in the middle Anko decides to work on her own jutsu alongside her partnership with the Snake Clan.

Summoning one of her smaller snakes Anko draws one of her curved kunai before summoning a single clone. "Alright let's go!" With matching grins the two immediately begin to spar as only those who have signed a contract with Ryūchi Cave can as both Ankos and her summon seem to effortlessly weave thorough slashes and stabs. As the two increase their pace Anko's snake is tagged by the clone's blade and returns home prompting the two to leap apart. "So wanna keep going? It's just you and me now. Who's better?"

Laughing at her clone Anko blitzes forward with both of her Dokuga out and ready to rend her clone. Watching from the sidelines Team 8 shake their heads in amusement at their sensei while taking a breather. "They're gonna tie again..In 3..2..1..Now." Almost as soon as Shino says so the two Anko's freeze with a kunai just barely above a lethal spot while the other is locked near their faces. "You're slowing down original. Spending too much time with that boy toy?"

Rolling her eyes Anko dismisses her clone with a laugh before turning as she sheathes her blades within the sleeves of her jacket. Bowing with a smirk for her team Anko looks up when she hears two sets of footsteps walking towards them. Seeing Kaito and Harue with their tiny baby Anko has to fight herself to not act like Hinata and Fū. "Hey Kaito Harue, long time no see!" Waving to the Jonin the two motion for Team 8 to join them in the shade as Kaito lays out a blanket. "Harue-koi wanted to see you all. So here we are. And we brought lunch!"

Shrugging her shoulders Anko smiles before walking towards the Uzumaki family while Hinata and Fū rush past to see the baby. Laughing a bit at their actions the usually crass Jonin nevertheless can't help but smile at the baby. "He's certainly getting big. What are you feeding him Harue?" Nodding a bit as she hands her surprisingly quiet child over to Hinata who holds him tight Harue shrugs. "Oh just the usual baby ramen like all Uzumaki."

Eyes alight with love as she looks over at her baby Harue winks to Team 8 before she falls back slightly giggling. "For a moment I believed that. Why you wonder? Cause your adopted otōto Naruto." For a moment the others fight before they break down and laugh alongside Shino even the baby who's pure laugh seems to fill the clearing. Reaching out with a finger Anko smiles as the red headed tyke grabs ahold of her finger and babbles at her.

Elsewhere in the village Iruka feels like something very big is coming his way in the future before shrugging off the feeling. Back in the clearing Anko smile grows even more tender as Harue lets Hinata put the baby down to crawl. "Remind me again, what's your little ball of energy's name? Please don't tell me something ramen related like Naruto or Menma.." Rolling her eyes Harue leans against Kaito as they both watch their son crawl across the blanket from person to person.

"It's Otoya…Otoya Uzumaki. He's named after his great-grandfather." Cooing a bit as Otoya crawls back to Hinata and tugs at her sleeve till she picks him up Harue momentarily sees a flash of a older Hinata caring for her own blonde bundle of joy. "You seem comfortable with babies Hinata-chan. Practicing for your own one day?" Blushing a bit Hinata avoids looking in the others eyes before nodding slightly much to the amusement of her team.

Rocking the baby for a moment Hinata smiles as he takes her right pointer finger and suckles on it. "He's a big boy already. Isn't he?" Nodding Hinata hands the child back to his mother who begins to feed him from a bottle. Handing out the food to the rest of the team Kaito smiles as the teens and his fellow Jonin relax and simply enjoy the day. Leaning back against the tree with his arm around his wife and child Kaito smiles and closes his eyes. "Otōto can't wait for you to get back and meet your godson..hehe he's a godfather at 13."

Across the village Team 11 spends the day working with their sensei and Team 10. Sparring without jutsus Yama smiles as she weaves through another series of strikes from Choji. "Come on Choji, you don't have to hold back this much!" For a moment the Akimichi boy stops before shaking his head and resuming his attack. Much to Yama's relief he seems to be holding back less as his strikes instead of merely leaving marks in the earth form an ever expanding circle of cracked earth.

Leaping over another strike Yama's eyes widen as Choji surprises her by taking one hand off the bō as she arcs over it. "Partial Expansion Jutsu!" Before she can react Choji's right arm shoots out and he manages to send her flying with a back handed slap. Rolling as she lands Yama trues to rise only to freeze as Choji's bō comes to rest right above her chest. "Goo..Good one..Choji..Maybe next time don't…backhand me though..That armored glove hurt like a motherf.."

Before Yama can finish her statement Kurenai coughs loudly from behind Choji before looking down at her. "If you two are done we may have a joint mission. Go home and grab your mission gear." Jumping up Yama has to fight down her excitement as she nods before taking off ahead of Choji. Taking the shortest route to the Hokage's Office Kurenai and Asuma talk quietly as their two teams rush home.

Before the hour is even up the two teams have regrouped with their sensei outside the Godaime's office. Entering with a knock the two teams are surprised to see Shizune and Sakura within the room. "Godaime-sama you have a mission for us?" Nodding Itachi motions to Shizune who walks forward holding a scroll bearing Tsunade's seal. "Due to our increased training of med-nin we have run low on certain specialized supplies. Tsunade-sama has directed me and Sakura to buy more from our contacts in Kusakagure and a special order from Haru no Kuni. For this we'll need escorts. Understood?"

Nodding the two teams aren't surprised to see Itachi place Shizune as the leader of the mission. Within the hour the two teams are following Shizune and Sakura out the village's main gate. As the teams head for Kusakagure Karin remains surprisingly silent as she thinks back to what nearly happened to her mother and her. Noticing her friend's attitude Yakumo moves slightly closer to her as does Yama before flicking her arm as they leap across a gap between trees. "Relax Karin, those Kusa pricks won't say or do anything. Especially since we're on a official mission with Tsunade Senju's seal."

Nodding Karin decides to relax and smile as they catch up with Sakura while Team 10 is moving alongside Shizune just ahead. "Hey Sakura!", looking back momentarily the pinkette waves as they catch up, "I'm surprised you're coming. Shouldn't you be training with your team?" Shaking her head Sakura taps a medical pouch on her hip before laughing. "Nope Tsunade-shisuo thinks I need more experience with the hospital's management. So she convinced Kakashi-sensei to let me go for a month. Apparently he's taking this chance to take Jūgo and Sasuke-kun on some missions. Lucky…"

Laughing Karin shakes her head before speeding up just enough to get in front of Sakura. "Man you've got it bad for that Uchiha don't yah!? Well if you don't hurry I'm gonna steal him from you! Hahaha!" Taking off Karin closes her eyes briefly so she can see Sakura's chakra with her inner eye. To her amusement the pinkette's chakra is in turmoil as her emotions surge. "As if Karin! You're way too much like your knuckleheaded brother for Sasuke-kun!"

Laughing the two quiet down after a moment and smile. "So speaking of the knucklehead where is he?" Reaching into her pocket there is a brief puff of smoke before Karin throws a handful of snow in the air. "That knucklehead is in Haru no Kuni again and sent me that as a prank! The jerk told me it was a bathbomb and instead it filled my nice, warm tub with snow right before I got in!"

For a moment the others are silent before they all begin to laugh hard enough that Kurenai looks back at them in surprise. "Hahahaha…Oh Karin..hahaha….That's..that's so Naruto! How cou..could you fall for that!? Hahaha!" Rolling her eyes at Yama's jab Karin sends out a single chain to try and trip up her friend only to pout as she effortlessly leaps over it. "Nice try redhead! But you've gotta move quicker than that!"

Rolling her eyes at her team Kurenai looks back ahead at Team 10 and Shizune before looking over at Asuma. "Isn't it odd both Tsunade-sama and Hokage-sama would send two teams on a glorified supply run?" Resisting the urge to grab Kurenai's hand as he runs beside her Asuma nods before looking around. "It's probably nothing…But there have been rumors of leftover followers of Dotō Kazahana moving in and around Haru." Simply lifting one, perfectly shaped in Asuma's mind, eyebrow Kurenai nods before the two continue talking as if nothing is amiss.

Further back from the joint squads a man wearing the garb of a monk has to suppress a cruel smile from showing itself on his face before he turns towards one of the smaller gatehouses. Palming a small message the man soon leaves the village and heads for a small town where he sends a black hawk off with the message. Exiting the small rookery in a different garb the man seems to disappear as he heads towards Kumo.

A week later Kurenai shivers slightly as she walks onto the passenger ship's deck to stretch her legs. Pulling her overcoat tighter around her body the red eyed kunoichi looks at the drifting icebergs with some amazement. "If I didn't know our destination I wouldn't picture somewhere warm…" Walking to the port side she leans against the railing and lets her mind wander as the day slowly goes by.

Within the combined teams conjoined rooms Karin and the others relaxed slightly. Putting her book down Karin has to hold back a laugh as she watches Yama absentmindedly twirl two shuriken on her fingers while Yakumo forms small dancing figures on atop the room's table. Eventually Karin's laugh becomes too much to hide and the others look over at the friend before looking at each other as they realize why she's laughing.

Sitting across from her Sakura rolls her eyes before smiling as she and Ino continue reading their medical scrolls from Tsunade. Sitting in their next door room Shikamaru and Choji look up as their door opens and Asuma enters carrying a large tray of food for that immediately gets Choji's attention. "I got you two lunch. And we're going to reach land soon. Make sure you have all your gear packed away before that." Nodding the two say thanks as Asuma walks back out to get food for the girls and Kurenai.

Within Kazahana Castle Naruto is sparring with Jiraiya within the central courtyard much to the astonishment of the samurai and few shinobi watching. Landing at a crouch after being thrown by Jiraiya Naruto grins as he wipes sweat from his brow as Jiraiya smirks at him. "Come on brat. You're a hundred years too young to beat me but try again." Motioning for Naruto to come at him Jiraiya's smirk grows wider as Naruto draws his tanto before blitzing forward. Blocking the blow with the armored back of his hand guards he laughs.

"Straight at me again? Come on Naruto, think a bit before you.." Before Jiraiya can finish his jab his instincts scream at him to duck causing a strike from behind to just miss him. Kicking Naruto away as he drops down Jiraiya laughs as he sees the clone sail over him. "Nice on.." Again before he can finish he's forced to jump away as a second clone strikes from the right even as the first and Naruto charge at him.

Deflecting Naruto's tanto downwards Jiraiya dispels the first clone with a sharp kick to the chest before he's forced to dodge again as yet another strikes from his back left side. "Oh come on..How many.." Leaping up to dodge a simultaneous strike by Naruto and the second clone Jiraiya's eyes widen as he see's more clones standing on the courtyard's outer wall before they rush forward. "Oh you sneaky little brat…You summoned them when I threw you into the wall."

Drawing his own kunai Jiraiya laughs as he drops down at the smiling blonde and his clones. "Yep! Cause today's the day I beat you!" Rolling his eyes slightly Jiraiya is soon in the midst of the clones batting them away with his free hand while blocking their attacks with his kunai. Ducking under a overhead slash from one clone Jiraiya uses it's momentum against it as he hurls the clone into it's fellows dispelling near ten of them.

For a few moments the sound of steel clashing with steel is joined by the sound of clones being dispelled by strong kicks or punches. Finally Jiraiya manages to pin Naruto down with his own tanto held just beside his throat while those watching stare in amazement. "Like I said brat..One hundred years too youn..Oh come on!" Laughing even as Jiraiya's grip on his wrists tightens slightly Naruto looks up at the sole clone standing behind Jiraiya with a blade against his back.

Releasing Naruto Jiraiya grumbles as he and the clone laugh before the clone dispels itself with a wink. "How long was that clone waiting? And where did it hide?" Pointing to the corner Naruto smiles as Jiraiya notices a small patch of bushes against the wall. "It hid there while you were in the air and then suppressed it's chakra while watching the fight…It only moved when you pinned me."

Surprised at Naruto's plan Jiraiya grumbles a bit more before smiling down at the boy. "I guess you aren't too young….But that won't happen again brat." Smiling up at him Naruto laughs before they both turn as the sound of a train whistle sounds from the valley entrance. Deciding to check out the train the two wipe off using small towels the castle's maids left for them before heading for the main gate and town below.

Halfway there Naruto freezes slightly before a brilliant smile formed as he immediately took to the rooftops much to Jiraiya's confusion. Shrugging his shoulders the older man continued at the same pace with his hands in his pockets before stopping as he reached the station a few moments later and looked around. "So that's what hot him excited. His sister is here.." Waving to the Jonin and their teams Jiraiya can't keep a smile from his face as he watches Naruto and Karin talking a mile a minute each.

"What's got them so excited?" Pointing at the as usual excited Uzumaki Jiraiya chuckles as Naruto shouts in excitement at something Karin hands him. "She's showing him pictures of his nephew I think.." Smiling Yama holds back a laugh as the two cousins continue talking totally oblivious of everyone around them. "Oh yeah…I forgot Kaito and that gorgeous wife of his had a kid. What's his name again?" Before anyone can answer two chains not so gently smack Jiraiya in the back of the head causing him to turn and see both Uzumaki staring up at him with narrowed eyes.

"You better not be perving over Harue-nee Pervy Sage…Kaito-nii will kick your.." Before Naruto can finish his statement Karin slaps him on the back of the head with her right hand. "Language otōto." Grumbling about violent Uzumaki women Naruto rubs the back of his head while the others laugh. Suddenly Karin looks up as her eyes widen. "Dōton: Earth Wall!" As the others look up a grey stone wall shoots up into the sky just before a volley of kunai strike.

Instantly the Konoha nin are reacting with Jiraiya taking command. "Karin how many are there and where? Naruto use your clones to get the civilians out of here! Team 10 and Naruto you two are going to hit him. Team 11 help the clones!" Pointing up across the tracks Karin closes her eyes and focuses. "There are five of them. One has Jonin level reserves and the rest have low Chunin level reserves." Nodding Team 10 and Naruto prepare to move while Asuma and Kurenai face towards the Jonin level enemy. "Now!"

As the wall falls the shinobi burst into motion with dozens of clones forming even as Naruto rushes forward. Covering the younger shinobi Jiraiya looks back towards the castle where the daimyo is. "We need to end this fast!" Deflecting another volley of shuriken with some of his own Jiraiya grins as Naruto manages to easily subdue one of the enemies with quick strikes to his enemies chest and neck before leaving a seal on his chest.

Summoning two of his smaller toads Jiraiya leaps back to watch the fight. Across the plaza Team 10 methodically drives their two enemies back under Shikamaru's direction while Naruto keeps his foe pinned in place. Watching with a seemingly bored expression Shikamaru grins before moving forward slightly. "Shadow Possession Jutsu!" Before the two enemies can react they're suddenly unable to move even as Ino and Choji strike simultaneously. "Mind Destruction Jutsu!/ Partial Expansion Jutsu!" Unable to move the two shinobi can only watch as Choji's suddenly massive bō staff slams into them just as Shikamaru's jutsu ends.

Sent flying the armor upon the two shatters as they strike the ground and continue rolling across the plaza's cobblestones. Motioning for Choji to join Naruto Shikamaru and Ino rush over to the two with standard Konoha paralysis seals. Watching from across the plaza Naruto ducks under a barrage of water bullets before rushing forward. "Come on is that the best you've got? Fūton: Great Breakthrough!"

Using his jutsu to launch himself high into the air Naruto smirks before drawing his tanto as he begins to drop down at the man. Watching from the side Jiraiya for a moment sees another over Naruto as a few tears threaten to fall. "Choji now!" With wide eyes the man looks down from Naruto to see a massive ball hurtling his way just before it slams into him and smashes him into the ground.

Grinning Naruto rolls as he lands before running back to Choji as he holds the unconscious enemy down. "Nice one!" Nodding Choji remains focused as he feels the man below him waking up just before Naruto slaps multiple paralysis seals on him. "Why don't you just relax." Rolling his eyes slightly Choji turns to watch Asuma and Kurenai eliminate their opponent.

Dragging the immobile shinobi back Naruto stretches slightly before leaving them at Jiraiya's feet. "So what are we gonna do with them Pervy Sage?" Before Jiraiya can answer a small platoon of samurai and shinobi come down from the castle escorting their daimyo. "We'll deal with them Naruto. They're former followers of my uncle afterall." Nodding Jiraiya and the others allow the Haru shinobi to take the men away while others are seen atop nearby buildings searching for any lurking enemies.

Strangely the enemy shinobi remain silent as they're taken away prompting Jiraiya to speak with Koyuki before she heads back in the castle. Watching the train workers finish unloading the youngest shinobi cheer when Shizune allows them to take some time off as she, Jiraiya, Asuma, and Kurenai can finish the mission without them. Watching them walk up the castle Naruto shrugs before joining the others as they search for a good restaurant to eat at.

As the sun sets within the castle's dungeon Jiraiya's eyes narrow as he looks down at one of the captured shinobi. "So this is why you won't talk eh?..", looking down at the seal on the man's tongue Jiraiya's eyes harden, "Damn you..Who did you tell." Sighing he releases the man's tongue before turning around and leaving the interrogation room. "I can't break the seal on him. Least not without some more help. But I may be able to figure out where they're coming from if you can tell me where they've been spotted."

For the next two hours Jiraiya goes over the list of confirmed and possible sightings before he sighs. "They're heading for your secret. I bet they still think it's some kind of treasure but…I don't know who is helping them or why." Nodding solemnly the Haru Jonin looks down at the map once more and curses. Across the southern half of the country sightings formed a rough web only broken around the capital and generator itself.

"We can get there in an hour if you would like. We have a series of underground train tracks that we can use if you wish." Thinking for a bit Jiraiya absentmindedly traces the sightings before he freezes as he notices a slight pattern. "They're not heading for the reactor…They want your armor," tracing the sightings from oldest to newest he points out the pattern that draw closer to only one town, "Look at the lines they're slowly drawing closer to where you create your chakra armor. We need to go there now and quietly."

For a moment Jiraiya is silent before he smiles and snaps his fingers. "Do any of your men there have a summons?" Quickly going through his mental notes the Haru Jonin thinks before shaking his head. "Damn there goes that idea", thinking back to the teams Itachi sent Jiraiya's eyes widen, "Or does it. I need to go now! Get the two teams and my apprentice to meet me in the courtyard." Nodding the men rush to follow the orders of the legendary shinobi.

Within ten minutes the Konoha nin are standing within the heated courtyard when Jiraiya walks out of the castle carrying a very large scroll. "We know their target the enemy is going to strike at the facility Haru no Kuni's chakra armor is made at. I assume you all know how valuable that is right?" As those around him nod Jiraiya tosses Naruto the scroll causing his eyes to widen for a bit. "We have reason to believe they will strike it soon. Unfortunately it is high in the mountains and we likely won't reach there in time to stop an attack. That is if we go conventionally…Naruto has a way of carrying us all while transformed so that's how we'll reach it."

"Naruto privacy seals now. I would rather your unique seal remain hidden for as long as possible." Eyes widening Naruto quickly creates and places nearly a dozen seals before placing them all around the group. "Alright we're good. Kai!", as Naruto pulses his chakra the seals glow briefly before the sounds from the courtyard instantly disappears while a haziness rises up around them, "You sure about this Jiraiya-sensei?"

Instantly those around Naruto look surprised at Naruto's rare use of Jiraiya's name instead of his usual nickname. "Yes, I would've preferred to keep it a secret till we're back in Konoha but we need it now.", looking at the others for once Jiraiya's expression is actually serious showing that currently he was more like the man who fought in the last Great War instead of the joking pervert they knew of, "Due to Naruto's experimentation with seals he's discovered a way to seal away live people and unseal them without any risk to them."

Eyes widening Karin looks over at Naruto who smiles and nods before gesturing to the open *scroll beneath. "Otōto how." Shrugging his shoulders Naruto gestures slightly to his abdomen. "I got inspired by this seal and started fiddling around with the idea. You wouldn't believe how many clones I had to go through. Not to mention wild game we tested it on..It was not fun." Nodding Karin quickly steps forward and stands within one of the empty circles and begins examining the intricate lines of kanji around her. Whistling she nods even as the others hesitantly step into their own circles.

Once Jiraiya has stepped in he smiles as Naruto sits and gathers up his chakra. "This may feel a bit weird sorry guys. Fuin!" Before anyone can even blink they disappear in bursts of smoke with their names appearing on the scroll before Naruto rolls it up. "Now for the fun part. Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Creating a single clone Naruto nods as he rolls up the scroll before securing it's caps with a bit of quick drying glue. "Make sure the seals deactivate after I leave. We can't let anyone know how we disappeared."

Nodding the clone places small black tags beside the Privacy Seals before nodding to Naruto. "Alright boss. Have fun." Smirking Naruto wordlessly transforms into a large hawk before gripping the scroll gently in his talons and flying straight up. "Show off! Kai!" To those in the courtyard the the Leaf shinobi seem to just fade away without a sign while high above a golden hawk flies away unnoticed.

Hours later the hawk lands outside a small town where even from the outside it's obvious there is a fight going on as bursts of flame, arcs of lightning, and the occasional blast of water are visible. Landing in a clearing the hawk disappears in a puff of smoke as Naruto falls to his butt breathing heavily. "Not…not doing that again…Stupid Pervy Sage…" Uncapping the scroll Naruto rolls it out before he forms the ram sign. "Kai!" With bursts of smoke Teams 10 and 11 appear beside Jiraiya though it's obvious everyone is out of it for a second.

"So…how was the Naruto Express?" Still sitting on his hunches Naruto's head falls forward in exhaustion as the others get their bearings while a clone of Jiraiya runs up a nearby tree. A few moments later Jiraiya nods before motioning for everyone except Naruto to join him. "Alright here's the situation. The town is still being fought over. Asuma, Myself, Yama, and Choji are going to be the lead team on this that I will lead to draw the enemy's focus. Kurenai you're leading Ino, Shikamaru, Karin, and Yakumo to sneak in and help the Haru shinobi guard the factory. Naruto…stay here for a bit before joining us. Got it?"

With quick nods the two groups take off while Jiraiya leaves one of his toads to watch over Naruto. Nearing the town the Leaf nin see dead bodies, and strangely a few puddles of ink, in lines as if they charged headfirst into the defenders weapons and jutsu without care. Reaching the ruined wall they find yet more dead bodies as Haru Shinobi and Samurai lay dead amongst their unknown enemies. Leading from the front Jiraiya instantly reacts when he sees two masked shinobi stripping the chakra armor off of a desd Haru nin.

Not even giving the two time to react the Sannin breathes in before unleashing a jutsu with only two signs. "Katon: Flame Bomb!" Incinerating the two his eyes harden as he notices the black expressions barely visible beneath their masks. "Kurenai go now. We'll draw their attention." With a few seconds Kurenai and her team have disappeared from view even as Jiraiya and the others come upon the fight from behind. "Help the Haru shinobi and samurai. Do not let your guard down!"

Rushing forward Jiraiya is soon in the midst of the fight using a kunai in one hand and a Rasengan in another to eliminate those near him. Drawing close to a Haru Jonin he throws his kunai into a enemies throat before he can strike at the man. "How many of your men are left?" Trying to keep the exhaustion and relief out of his voice the man says only a dozen shinobi and four samurai even as he bats away a enemy's kunai with a armored fist.

"Get your men into the factory. We'll take over out here!" Drawing back the Haru nin each show signs of hastily bandaged injuries as they stumble back while Jiraiya and the others cover for them. "Alright Yama you're our ranged support, Choji and Shikamaru you focus on the left, Asuma you take the right, and I'll handle the middle." Effortlessly eliminating those foolish enough to charge at him Jiraiya smirks as volleys of shuriken and kunai strike home at those who try to avoid his strikes. "Good kids…But my godson is better."

Smiling Jiraiya bats away another masked nin but his eyes narrow at the man's lack of reaction at the bone cracking hit. "I need to seal one away..This could be what Itachi needs to bring that warhawk down." With a new plan in his mind Jiraiya subtly unseals a tag inside his vest even as he continues to deflect enemy blows. Focusing on the surrounding battles Jiraiya moves when Choji slams down into the the street causing the ground to shake and dust to fill the area.

Shattering one emotionless shinobi's chest with a chakra enhanced kick Jiraiya quickly slams the seal onto his chest even as blood still arcs out from the strike. Pushing his chakra into the tag Jiraiya smiles as the body disappears before leaping back as a black and white lion. Forming a Rasengan Jiraiya's eyes widen as the lion bursts apart under the strike before he jumps back as yet another masked nin tries to attack. "Ink based jutsu…Now that is unique. Where'd you learn it boy?"

"My master taught me." Narrowing his eyes Jiraiya effortlessly destroys more ink creatures that are sent his way before smirking as Shikamaru's shadow nearly grabs the user. "Your master is a fool for sending you here. Unless he counted on you fighting the legendary Jiraiya!" Sighing as his foe doesn't even react Jiraiya smirks at him as he suddenly jumps back to avoid a shadow that nearly gores him. "Good reflexes you must have trained for a long time in the shade. But you can't win here. Surrender and I'm sure we can spare your lives."

To no surprise the shinobi refuses to surrender though he does jump back as does their comrades. "Our mission has failed. Pull back according to Plan Inu." Before any of the Leaf nin can react the masked shinobi have disappeared in bursts of smoke. "Damn…But not a total loss. Asuma go get Karin. I need her sensing ability." As Asuma heads for the building Jiraiya summons one of his more reliable toads. "Kōsuke I have something you'll need to take to Itachi discretely. But wait just a moment.." Nodding the toad sticks near Jiraiya's right leg for protection before looking over as Karin and Asuma come outside.

"Karin can you sense anyone near us? I need to be sure the enemy is gone before Kōsuke heads off." Closing her eyes Karin focuses on her mind's eye and carefully looks over the surrounding area. As she expands her range Karin's eyes widen as she notices Naruto's chakra levels. "What…What has he been doing to expand them that much…They're nearly quadrupled..And it's chakra is more visible.."

Refocusing on the immediate area Karin slowly breathes out before opening her eyes. "The area is clear. Whoever those guys are they're gone. The workers and the armor are safe as well." Nodding Jiraiya reaches into his jacket pulling the tag form earlier out before placing it with a black envelope. "No one but the Hokage can see this Kōsuke. And tell him it has possible dirt against a certain one-eyed fool." Nodding the toad pulls his goggles down before taking the envelope and disappearing in a burst of smoke. "No one mentions that envelope, got it?"

Nodding the two teams set about helping the local shinobi calm the town's populace even as Jiraiya heads out to pick up Naruto. "We're gonna need to move again…But where.." Thinking of the world and the nation's they've been to Jiraiya smiles as he remembers a smaller one between Hi no Kuni and Mizu no Kuni. "That'll work..Only a minor village there. And they won't try anything.."

-Yu no Kuni-

In a unknown village two kunoichi nod their heads as their leader gives them their mission. "It shall be done Honored Elder. I will return with the new apprentice of Jiraiya of the Leaf as my husband." Heading out the kunoichi has to keep her face set as internally her emotions rage. "I'm sorry Sagiri-kun but I have to break the promise I made beside your grave.."

*B-rank due to the difficulty with getting it to harden one's skin without making movement impossible think of it like turning your skin into scaled armor
*A-rank most seals used for storage are not food for use transporting living beings this seal fixes that by essentially coating them in a protective cocoon of chakra even as it freezes them.

Yes I'm changing the canon a bit with regards to Shizuka and when she's gonna meet Naruto. I feel like putting it here will make or easier to avoid needless filler content in Part II. On that note I've already started planning the content that will replace the Tenichi Bridge arc post Kazekage arc. Plus the changes for that & other canon arcs. Sorry about the delay in this chapter life was hectic. See yah soon!