Fukō's POV

The person standing a few feet away from me was obviously one of the pawns behind this whole scheme, his presence wasn't needed in their eyes which is why they put him to this task, it was quite understandable. He was expendable, even if everyone died the people inside would be blamed which would lead to their execution. It was honestly quite funny how they were most likely mislead into some false sense of hospitality.

"You seem different from everyone, how about you join us? We can make you whatever you want." Mizuki gave his trademark warm smile, the same looks that we're able to fool everyone. It must've been easy to trick Jonin if he was able to.

"Why would I trust someone that isn't useful to the people he's following? You're simply two-faced, I have a question though how long have you been deceiving everyone?" I never held back what I was thinking when it interested me, it was a fault I wouldn't fix. Why would I fix something that helps me?

Mizuki almost forgot who he was speaking to, this was the very child that had no motivation in anything. "I was trying to take the easy way out, but it looks like you're too stubborn." Looking up at the child on the branch, the older male took a step forward killing the grass under his heel. "You know this village isn't that special, everything around here is control by the person with power...with power, you can do anything."

I didn't respond to his beliefs, he wasn't wrong in some aspects people with higher power could get away with anything. For example, the Hyuga had a hand in eradicating the Uchiha I think and they didn't get some punishment instead they gained more power? My history could be off, maybe I am wrong it's not like I care. "If power is what makes you special, I see why you're stuck fighting a bunch of children."

It was a nice shot at him, Mizuki grabbed his shaking arm. "Brat, you don't know the first thing about the world and everything that goes on and happens."

"Wrong." I knew what I needed to know, if anyone was delusional here and stuck with their own ideals it was the man under me. The world was black and white in my eyes, and what was I myself? Looking down at my hands, I couldn't make anything out. I was different. Neither black nor white, maybe I should cover my hands with bandages like my arms? It would mess up my archery though.

"What do you know about the world brat? Let me guess, you watched your family die and your view on everything changed? Get in line, the universe doesn't revolve around you." I watched as he cracked his neck, it looked like he was planning to speak for a bit longer. "People die, just cause your parents are gone doesn't mean you can get all sad."

Sad? I wasn't sad when my parents died, I hardly favored my father he was too busy with my brother I was more loved by my mother but even that didn't affect me. When my parents passed away, my mother still had the same look on her face like she was expecting things from me. Maybe, I did take after my mom; I didn't look anything like my father in the broad sense, hell I even got my mom's personality. I guess, she showed Kei a different side of her? His idea of our family was something I could only imagine.

"Quiet all of a sudden? Looks like I hit a nerve." The look on his face wasn't enough for me to blow a fuse, "Since, we are talking...how about you explain to me why you were absent so many times?" We weren't fighting yet, I could live with this.

The question wasn't out of the ordinary, many people were confused about me ditching. I used the same excuse many times, "I don't want to become a ninja." How many times had I said that myself? Somewhere down the line, I started believing it, and if I was being truthful that wasn't a reason. I just despised people. Maybe, that wasn't the accurate way to put things yet people completely irritated me. Being around everyone gave me migraines, I could only listen to someone for so long before I'd want to leave. No, it was worse than that one time in the academy I was minding my own business when those annoying group of boys flocked around me, it didn't take long for a headache to come and when it did, so did ways to get them to leave me alone. I tried everything, from poisoning a family member to causing physical harm. I never got caught for the poisoning and they took my hits as a joke, so I either adapted, pushed through, or left.

It's not only that group, everyone gets on my nerves. Teachers, grown-ups, and even my brother rarely. Interestingly enough, Hotaru hasn't got on my nerves yet. I think it's the opposite, I get on hers. She hardly spoke and did anything, which was a reason I sought her out when I had a headache. Although being a genius, I'd stay around her until she starts branching out then I'd take my leave. If anyone would figure me out it would most likely be her, at least in my eyes. Well, there was Masuo. Mizuki's voice shook me from my thoughts, and his question left me wondering.

"Being a ninja is all you can do in this world, without that no one will know you. Knowledge and power come from being a ninja, let me tell you this; that Uzumaki isn't normal. He has something inside of him that puts the villagers in a trance, they shake to their boots when he's around but lash out. Once he's older who's to tell what would happen, so I suggest you get your act together to protect this village you hold dear!" Mizuki's hands raised in the air like some crazed person, the moonlight slowly but surely going behind a tree.

"I don't care for this village." As the source of light started to move, I began stretching the forest could become completely dark on occasions to the point where one could go insane. I had no friends, I was doing this to make up for my debt. It was what I told myself, maybe as I grow I will find out more about myself? My hand reached the hilt of the blade on my back, fingers wrapping around I pulled it from its holder. Its sheath was under the bandages around my chest, using my other hand to toss the cloak in the air; my silver eyes narrowed on the male. I was put to a disadvantage all around, I could only strike when darkness covered us.

Mizuki watched as I took out my blade, his expression changing solemnly. "I think I finally understand you, long ago I was on a mission and I met someone exactly like you. She was the exact same going on about having a comfortable life and not being a ninja, at the time she was pregnant with her second child I believe? Let me tell you, she was anything but normal. She even said it herself, the only thing that saved her was her family." The story sounded believable, sadly I didn't pay him any mind the moonlight finally leaving us.

The forest submerged in darkness, the sound of metal hitting metal echoed out multiple times. Grunting and some groans even made the cut, the wind around the area moving in arbitrary directions from the movements of the pair.

Clank, Clang, Clank.

Not long after the battle started, the sounds stopped. One of the two set a tree on fire for viewing pleasures, Mizuki was still standing the kunai he had on the floor with his hand. The orange haze flashed his expressions showing his anger, "C'mon brat, you got a good hit on me and I know I did also."

Resting behind a tree, I took deep breaths. My arm was bleeding, I didn't know how bad it was furthermore my chest was in a worse state. I felt my bandages getting soaked, I knew it was a losing battle.

"The more I think about it, you are just like that woman; she was scary as hell and had these great stories, but she wouldn't stop talking about her baby saying she'll favorite this one over her eldest boy." Mizuki stepped on some leafs the crunching around alerting me, allowing me to change locations. His shadow only grew bigger as the fire started to engulf the tree.

-Nine year's ago-

Sitting down on the porch, I watched as my brother trained with my father. I was a mere four but I was at the age where some people would learn self-defense, my mother's hands wrapped around my abdomen before picking me up. She was a beauty, I didn't know how my father was able to find someone like her. Pressing my hands against her cheek I attempted to get myself out of her grip.

"Calm down my little snowflake." Whining at the nickname my mother gave me, I continued my one-sided fight. "You always look at the fight, do you want to learn?" Shaking my head, I stopped the meaningless struggled and placed my head next to my mother's "Good, you'll be learning from me anyway. You are my twin after all and not to brag but I am stronger than your father." She opened the door to my room and placed me on the ground, her white hair was tamed and straight her fair skin glistening with the sun coming through the window. "I picked your father." I watched as she crouched, her eyes boring into mine. "Out of everyone I picked your father because I needed him in my life, he's that thing that keeps me calm next to you." Her soft fingers rubbed against my cheek, "You'll be just like me, your hair proves it." Her finger ran along my skin to my hair, a giggle emitting from me. "When the time comes I will train you, until then do you want to play a game?"

"I love mommy." I watched as the woman in my eyes expression changed from joy to curiosity, although she put me down she ended up picking me up again.

"I would hope you love me...cause." Turning to a mirror, both of our white hair blessed the reflection. Our expressions were the same but different, she wasn't smiling but happy and I was confused.

-Present-

Death surrounded the general population of ninjas, "You want to know what was funny, half of you guys were in the way; we only wanted to get a test on those we were interested in! After, this little task you know what I will get? Leaving this village and having my own riches!" Mizuki popped up from the side of a tree only to slam the kunai into the bark, the tip of the object lodged into the wood. "

Undoing the bandages around my chest, I carefully tied the white fabric around the open wound my slim frame shaking from the cold air and blood loss. Holding onto my blade in one hand and its scabbard in the other, I took a deep breath. The weapon wasn't long, it covered a short-range it made for close combat not like I was good at it. "You know, maybe I pegged you the wrong way." His breath hit the back of my ear, the sudden sensation forcing me to turn around. "Look, you know how to use people it's what you are good at right? So, why are you fighting? Did playing hero give you hope in people seeing you differently?" Mizuki stepped in front of the tree, the battle was almost over.

"I-I don't care what anyone thinks of me." My voice was shaky, my body was steadily growing colder. People feared death, I never understood. I didn't understand a lot of things people normally do, all I knew was it annoyed me. Being alone was my greatest strength at least it gave me time to think and figure out things, my mind traced to my brother's reaction to my death. His soft heart would break if he found me dead on the ground, I didn't want to leave him alone yet. Was it motivation that gave me this odd feeling, who knew? Lunging at the stronger man, I caught a knee straight to the chest my body falling back into the grass. Mizuki hovered above me, the blood from his missing hand hitting my face. To some people, this would break them. Was it weird I could stay calm at this moment in contrast to Danzō?

A flurry of wind migrated over the terrain, the crickets making their trademark sound as the world kept moving. The fire on the tree died down fireflies coming out to enlightened the scene, "I'll be generous since this was a one-sided battle, any words you want me relay?" Mizuki must've been stupid not to realize he was being used, he was blinded by his greed to see it. My lips moved but no words came out, the standing shinobi rose a brow before placing his foot against my neck. "Did, you really think I would fall for some cheap trick like that?"

The sound of metal rushing through flesh shot in my ear my sheath out my hand along with my blade, hot metallic liquid splattering on me; the pain caused him to remove his foot, using the time I gave myself I grabbed the sheath and stuck it in the ground forcing myself to stand. Time was thinning, my weapon was stuck in Mizuki's leg and I had one last trick up my sleeve. During my time away, my brother and I trained in the forest in the short time span I picked up on something.

Ox, Ti-

My hand slipped, out of all the times it was during this crucial moment. Luckily, Mizuki was pulling the metal out of his ankle.

Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Bird: Wind release: Dangan (Air Bullet)

After finishing the sign, my cheeks expanded the air leaving deflating my mouth a compressed bullet of air hit the male directly in the chest. It wasn't enough to kill someone, the strike pushed the older man to the ground. He would be stunned for a second, limping my way to his body I stopped as he grabbed ahold of my leg. "Nice try, bu-" Falling to my knee's my hands dug into his eye socket, his screams piercing the air. Not long after taking away his sight, he pushed me away his screaming not stopping. I bought myself some more time, rapidly kicking like a baby I got hit in the face my vision dazing for a second. Closing the distance again, I took my blade from his foot; the blood-covered tantō entered Mizuki's body once again.

Applying my own weight to the weapon, I watched as he took his last couple of breaths. "C-cold...y-you'll be a monster like all these other k-kids...maybe w-wors-" Silver eyes watched as the life left the Chunin's eyes, not breaking the contact once I waited until his body stopped fidgeting. I was weak, falling to the side I rolled over. The battle was over, and I knew my time was ending.

The fireflies were a sight, it was calming the sound of wildlife coming and leaving. Lifting my hands, I attempted to capture one of the interesting insects; from my current point of view it looked like they were close but they weren't at all. The blood on my hands rolled down and soaked into the loosely wrapped bandages around my arms, the bleeding on my arm had stopped unfortunately my chest was still going; the bandage could only do so much considering I tied it in the dark, was I going to leave this world? Closing my eye's I found solace in a familiar voice, no matter how I viewed it I was her twin, and being her blood meant I was different.

The fireflies left the area, the wind brushing some of the leaves together in a dance, insects all-around came to enjoy the corpse that harbored their land some larger prey even came to enjoy the fresh meat. My sheath stabbed into the earth, the tantō inside to lessen the strain on my body; moving towards the top of the hill I dragged myself towards the direction of the exit, maybe I was off by a few meters but I'd find my way. Was it wrong for wanting to be buried where I was born? Would I make it? My strength gave out, my head came into contact with a tree and I was out.

Kiaryari's POV

I woke up not long ago, it was a little after Seiko started working on Kiba's puppy. I wasn't one of the only ones awake, Hotaru was awake being tended to by her grandfather I've been hearing about. I was told my parents were on their way, I didn't want them to see me. I wasn't in a bad state but apparently, I was suffering from extreme exhaustion. Looking in Hotaru's direction once again, I sucked in the sour taste in my mouth. No matter how I tried to communicate with her, she hardly responded; did she think she was all high and mighty because of her clan? It felt like it, she was someone I hated. Hate is a strong word, I disliked her to an extent I preferred Mia over her. Mia didn't come from a clan background, she worked hard to get where she was and it paid off.

Turning to Sakura, I took in the marks on her legs. I felt sorry for her, they did everything they could with limited resources. It left many scars, and it wouldn't just be physical...would she want to continue being a ninja? Would anyone? This could be our official start, and here most of us were. My palms filled with the bright color yukata, the fabric currently being abused by my strength. In the last couple of months, I managed to grow closer to the pink-haired girl. When she wasn't fixated on Sasuke, she was someone different. Loud but supportive, smart yet always the one to remind me when I missed something. I was fearing for my life in the forest now that I was out...my hold on the clothing didn't waver. Masuo's hand clasped around my shoulder, the sudden contact breaking me free from my headspace.

"I am sorry, maybe if I did something different she wouldn't be in this state." Looking at him while he spoke, I found myself nodding. It wasn't his fault, it looked like the damage they endured was equal. Letting go of my own outfit, my legs and arms cracked my body taking a stand.

"It's not your fault, it's whoever decided to attack a bunch of aspiring ninjas.-k-kira." My words matched my thoughts perfectly, the simple assignment turned into something else entirely. One was supposed to brighten the mood at a time like this, yet Aju wasn't here to help in that department. Who I considered I was closest to wasn't present with the injured students, I didn't know what to feel. At least not yet, she could still be alive in the forest.

Masuo removed his hand his name ringing in his ear, "Don't get your hopes up, we are lucky to survive anyone still inside...you should prepare for the worse." Staying positive was something he wanted to do at this moment, but taking in the circumstances and the probability of survival it was low. My heels turned as I watched Masuo run to embrace his worried parents, not long after my loving family came. It was hard to envision a day without your loved one, seeing my mother's face only burned it into my brain.

Feeling their warmth surround me gave me all the comfort I needed, exhaling I buried my face into my father's thighs. My breathing was shaky as tear's rolled down my face, silent crying was one of the worse types. I was scared, it was a normal reaction. If I looked around, maybe I would've noticed those who shed a couple of tears. It was a normal reaction, it only proved you were human.

Kurenai Yūhi approached me and my family and crouched without me noticing, "You did good Kirayari, I was informed on how you saved one of your comrades. You should go home and rest, we will take care of everything else." I didn't turn, who would want to show themselves in such a state. Rubbing my face against my dad's legs, I pushed my head back but still didn't alter.

"T-thanks, but staying here will show I am more than ready for everything. K-Kira." Before I could hear the response, I was picked up by the very man who I concealed myself.

"She will get some much-needed rest, thank you for saving her." My mother bowed as my father started walking away, his grasp on me tighter than it's ever been. I threw up complaints and even attempted to kick but he didn't fret, he kept moving with a stern expression. I didn't understand, I stated what I wanted to do but here we were. Perhaps, as I got older I would understand this decision.

"Don't worry, I already spoke with your mother and we both agreed that this wouldn't change anything; we saved up some more Ryō and plan to hire or at least find a decent instructor for you. We want you to be overly prepared for the world." His voice calmed my nerves, but it didn't change the mood.

No one's POV

Hotaru sat near her grandfather after he did a brief check-up on her injuries and demanded some more medical attention, she found herself looking at the badly injured Uchiha. She knew he wasn't in a stable condition to catch her back then, so who was nearby to help her? She recollected the smell of coconut, not being able to give it more thought she licked her lips as her guardian placed a gauze on her cheek. "You had a cousin participating, it's likely you overlooked them." Mitsukaze voice strained for a second. His hand setting on Hotaru's head.

'He isn't wrong, I didn't notice anyone that resembled a family member among the groups...unless they left a little later?' She couldn't recall an individual at all, there could only be a handful inside, not minding the hand resting on her head the female shook her head. "I don't remember seeing anyone that would stand out, do you perhaps know the name?" The dumb question was answered, and the more I thought about it I never heard that name in class. Could it be someone infiltrated using a fake name in a notable clan to escape suspicions?

"Now that you mention it, I can't seem to remember ever meeting a child." Mitsukaze held his grandchildren dear to him, and the older he grew sometimes his mind would slip; the name wasn't familiar in the clan as far as he knew of.

"I think you guys should start heading back to your compound." Hotaru turned looking up at Reina, time was ticking, and having treated students lounging around while people worked wasn't efficient. "You can rest assured Mr. Kyokai that we will make sure your daughter's friends are safe, and if you want updating status you are freed to ask the Hokage." Hotaru blinked as she stood, and it caught Reina off guard.

Mitsukaze followed his granddaughter's steps, thanking the Jonin the two started walking. Reina watched the two, her eye's fixating on the child. "So far, many were putting up a fight to wait though the parents had a different outlook and ended up taking their kids away." Going back to helping she let a sigh out, whatever happened was being planned from the start. That was obvious.

Shinobu dragged himself from the forest, the sight of everyone bringing him a sense of safety. Twigs, dirt, and even blood filtered in his hair. Medics quickly came to take the girl that was around his shoulder, the weight freeing him of the pressure. He was in a better state than her, taking a step he was stopped by a hand.

"You did good, saving yourself and your peer." Asuma looked the boy right in the eyes, he knew better than anyone the look of defeat. The kid had a glint in his eyes that said he ran away from the fight. "Did you see anyone else while traversing this way?" A simple nod, caused Asuma to pinch the bridge of his nose. "How about you tell me what happened?"

Shinobu parted his lips,

Shinobu's POV

-A few minutes prior-

I watched as Naruto led everyone still, his sense of danger was getting worse and worse. When the orange jumpsuit left my vision, I turned to look at the attacker. Not much could be made from his look alone the mask covering his face was a key figure in proving he was on a different level than we were. Mia was on the opposite side of me, we had the target in a good spot. Now, all we needed to do was execute.

Consequently, as soon as I thought about attacking my body froze. Mental images of what would happen filled my mind, I vividly pictured my arm being ripped off the pain imprinting in my head. My body began to tremble and it looked like I wasn't the only one affected, looking past the attacker and at Mia, I saw her arms shaking. We knew what would happen once we acted as bait, why were we having second thoughts now? A picture of needles taking out my eyes came into fruition, hearing my mother yelling and crying at my dead body. It wasn't real, but it couldn't have been a Genjutsu. My insides began to twist, my stomach rejecting what I had earlier. I could only imagine what Mia was experiencing.

The lingering taste of puke, caused me to shut my eyes. Was I really okay with this? Not being able to answer my own question, my eyes opened only to see the attacker grabbing whatever Mia threw at them. She was able to move, so why wasn't I? I needed to help...pushing the fear of dying to the side my hands shakily moved to my head.

Mia gulped, she knew she wouldn't be able to last that long when it was only her fighting. That didn't mean she wasn't going to buy some more time, "I have a question, why are you doing this?" The masked figure tilted its head at the question, before shrugging. A faint whistle emitted, and a flock of birds rushed at Mia forcing her to leave the branch. I could only watch as they descended down onto the ground, my jaw clenched was this the limit of my abilities?

As soon as Mia touched the ground she took a defensive stance, and in little, to no time the masked attacker came at her. Watching his movements, the growing girl twisted to the side. She figured they would just straight-up attack, so as they stopped in place the dust blowing where they dashed a hand came out. It was slow, but she felt the ongoing danger. Bending backward, her hands came out balancing on the earth; raising her legs she finished her reverse cartwheel coming back to her feet.

Mentally thanking herself for the trousers she wore under the dress, her feet pivoted her body moving to the side again as they continued pressing. After a series of repeated dodging, the female broke the cycle a body shot landing pushing the mask-wearing weirdo back. Two needles came into the equation, and Mia bought her leg up the white pointed greaves blocking the two thin gadgets. At that moment her dark brown ponytail was grabbed, the strength the attacker used taking her off her feet as she was thrown into a gang of prickly bushes.

The bushes ruffled, and out came Mia and a clone. One of them running faster than the other, throwing a random jab that was caught the clone turned into water; Mia rounding a high knee to their chest, the strike forced the ash-grey haired intruder in the air. Mia's heel pressed against the floor before she leaped, and although it was hard to make out it was like a sawn from my perspective. Passing up the foe, she turned her body; her leg hitting the back of their head forcing them back onto the ground. She was worthy of top Kunoichi, she was handling this without my help.

The foe picked themselves up, "Your fighting style is indeed unique." A swift hand movement, forced Mia to dropped to one knee. Another forcing the female to lose feeling in her right arm, "Unfortunately, you never assessed my capabilities." Another needle hit the female's thigh forcing her to fall to the side.

Full lips parted, she was ashamed. Still, she couldn't catch when they threw those needles; is this where the skill gap started? "You landed a couple of decent hits on me, maybe if you applied chakra into your attacks it would've put me out."

Mia was in trouble, if I was going to be of help I would need to snap out of this dreaded fear. Erasing the images from my mind, I calmed myself. Regaining control of my movements, I prepared my attack. I haven't tried mixing the two techniques together, but right now was a perfect time.

Dragon, Horse, Dog, Monkey, Ram: Ninja arts: Hair extension

My scalp started to loosen bright red hair started growing and my chakra started to drain, letting go of the Ram sign; I exhaled and started once again my next jutsu.

Hair Binding Technique

Combining my new hair length with how many strands would need to be infused my chakra was now at an all-time low, the eight sections of hair quickly wrapped around the opponent's hands and body. I didn't have enough to outright immobilize him, but I could separate us. My hair lifted them off the ground, bringing them up to where I was I knew I didn't have time to remove the mask. "I'll remember you." Tossing the figure, my chakra ran out my hair coming back to its natural length. Leaving the tree, I landed next to Mia. We didn't have teamwork, if we did she wouldn't have been put in this position. Bending down, I tapped her cheek only to catch the metal pin in her neck. I was out of chakra, that wouldn't stop me from helping. Picking the flat-chested girl up, my feet began moving. There wasn't any blood, and I didn't think they were the type to use poisons, which put me at crossroads; I did not know what to do besides run.

-Present-

The older man gave me a rewarding smile, but even then I didn't feel like I did much. I lied, I didn't have enough chakra to combine the two Justus. The truth was, we were freed by sheer luck. I was able to clump dirt together in my hair and toss it at their face, and then I took my leave with her in my arms. A simple mismatch of the story, Mia most likely couldn't see the whole thing so she'd follow what I say. I was sorry though, it was only smart to retreat. One thing was for certain, I would remember his voice.

No one's POV

Tossing the mask off his face, the young man shook his head. "Throwing a mass of dirt at me to stop me from finishing her off, if he managed to get her to the proper care she could be saved," Kabuto recalled the pin he tossed in the female's neck as she fell to the ground, scratching the back of his neck he knew she would only grow from this point; who knew maybe they'd meet later on? Moving along the forest he listened to each sound, he came here with a small number of people the fact it was quiet was proof this generation had brilliant characters. Not paying attention, the male nearly tripped over a tree trump. Exhaling he looked down to see it wasn't a tree but instead a boy. Flipping the boy over, he took notice of who it was. "You were one of the ones we were supposed to keep alive."

Letting a muffled giggle out, the young man could only guess what happened. "You survived but at what cost? You won't make it in the next couple of minutes anyway." Some wise words echoed in his head, and the male let his lips curve into a twisted smile. Placing himself on the ground, the male took out his medical unit. "I won't save you but slow down the process of you dying, I am curious about how you work out with everything that will surround this generation." Picking up a pin, he placed it in the child's chest. His hand coating in chakra as he started running along the smooth skin, "Normally I could correct the wound and leave you without a scar...sadly it'll be a reminder to you Fukō." Kabuto had information on everyone, and it didn't stop at this particular child. It was less, but as time progressed it would grow.

"I'll give you some words of advice, everything that happens from this day onwards will shape everyone differently and Danzō will hurt anyone and everyone who doesn't fit his agenda." The ash-grey male thought about his childhood, the face of his caretaker bought a smile to him. She was the very person who taught him what he knew, it all changed once that focal problem of Konoha came.

Would he had turned out differently if he wasn't put into Root? Certainly, Nonō would be among the living sharing stories with people or at least helping with what she did best. Danzō was the main issue in this village, he had deep connections all around. The emotion Kabuto was showing before washed away, it was all in the past. When Orochimaru told him about what the old Kage level threat did, revenge was all he could think of. Somewhere down the line, everything changed. Zoning back into the problem at hand, he noticed he healed the chest wound completely. Taking the needle that was sticking out, he gave the child a smaller injury in the same spot. "It's all in the past," Placing his medical equipment away, he stood facing the sky.

It was somber to be inside Konohagakure, whenever he passed the gates images of the very woman would fill his head. Knowledge was key, pushing his glasses upwards the male took a step. "Past or not." He buried all these emotions and thoughts long ago, swallowing he took a couple more steps. He left this dreaded place, 'Hopefully, this idiot doesn't travel down the path I took myself.' Stepping into the shadows, all previous thoughts washed away. 'Well, either way. Danzō would have trouble controlling this one...after what I witnessed.'

Kabuto disappeared in the darkness, any trace of him was nonexistent.

Orochimaru leaned against the wall with his eyes closed, the dark shack they chose was overlooked by many. Hearing the door open, the long-haired male cracked one eyelid to see his informant.

"Making a deal with Danzō to render everyone sleep wasn't necessary. We still could've carried out the task at hand."

"Kabuto, I didn't simply cut a deal with that fool to make our life easier; I wanted to know who he had on the inside, overall we came out on top." Catching what was tossed in the air, his eyes narrowed on the cards grouped together.

"In any case, I have a list of those we should keep an eye on." Kabuto fiddled with one of his needles, the thin object keeping him entertained as he explained. "To start there is Kiyoshi Narukami, strange is one word we can use to describe him." Upon mentioning the silent preteen Orochimaru's tongue extended, his mouth parting as his organ slithered around the card. "In my opinion the Uchiha you had high hopes for was pretty lackluster, on another note everyone still has room for growth; that Kyokai girl is pretty promising."

Nodding the pale-skinned man couldn't stop himself from looking at Kiyoshi's card, the boy looked quite familiar. Releasing the card, his tongue rolled back into his mouth. "Danzō is interested in a couple of the students, but someone told me he had a small altercation with one of them. As you know yourself, getting tangled up with him without knowing..." Not finishing the sentence, he began walking the thick purple rope-like belt bouncing as he moved. "I take it everyone we worked with was disposed of?"

"Not exactly, I haven't gotten in touch with Leumi. I confirmed everyone else's death, if she does happen to get caught she has been told to take her life." The two men stood in silence, a small grin hovering above the taller one.

"Then we are done her-" Orochimaru turned his head coming towards the entrance, "Kabuto scatter." The lackey listened, disappearing without a second thought the door opened. Iruka stood in the doorway, his grip on his large shuriken cracking the metal. His knuckles paled as he took a step forward, the dust on the floor pushed out his veins outlining around his neck.

"I heard the gist of things, you have some mind thinking you'd get away with this." Anger clouded his mind, his next course of action would dictate everything. "You must be wondering how I found you, the Genjutsu you cast around this shack normally would've worked but I had chakra echolocation rapidly going in a small burst." Teeth grinding against each other, the Instructor smashed one of the edges of his weapon into the wall. Concrete falling from the small hole he made, Orochimaru blinked taking in the one who sought him out.

"It seems, I have another guinea pig." Two shuriken shot in the darkness, the sound of them moving with the wind alerted the leaf ninja. Taking his weapon from the wall he blocked both of the miniature armaments, bringing his arm to his chest he used the metal to block Orochimaru's hand. His nails slid off the triangular edge sparks flying around, Iruka threw a knee only for the other party to sidestep. Hand coming into contact with his head, Iruka braced him as he was thrown through the wall.

Orochimaru stepped through the hole he made, the dust clearing up as Iruka stood debris falling off his shoulders. His brown hair had a patch of grey from the small accident, not minding he took an attacking stance. "You can call me whatever, but my students are not the ones to mess with!" Tossing the weaponry, Orochimaru merely extended his hand to catch it; only for Iruka to appear on the side catching his jaw with a firm hook.

Blood spilled as Orochimaru took a few steps back, his arm coming back to its normal length. Using his other hand, he rubbed his cheek. "You should know you are outmatched, I don't want to give away anything else and you know far too much."

Iruka held onto his shoulder, he thought he had the upper hand. One second, he got a nice hit in but then he got cut? "Y-YOU...ENDANGERED THE VILLAGE AND MY STUDENTS!" Taken back by his loud voice the crafty male rose the weapon he acquired in the air, tossing it right next to his foot Orochimaru took a step forward.

"If they aren't worthy, shouldn't they leave? You need to have talent and promise to survive, the ones that died had none." Head shaking, Iruka watched as the attacker laughed. Ignoring the injury ran at the male throwing a quick palm, Orochimaru countered by parrying the male; feet shuffled around the ground as if they were dancing, sweat and blood lingered off of Iruka as he kept throwing predictable strikes only to get countered or punished. Footprints labeled the earth, both men taking a step back. Iruka knew he wasn't making progress but in the shuffle, he got ahold of his weapon again, he had one chance to end everything.

His chakra entered the weapon, the grey color outlining blue around the edges; the cracks filling with his own energy. Thinking about all of those who were injured and all those he let down, his chakra continued to pour the sheer power blowing the wind away; his headband even slipping off his forehead, bringing his arm back the light from his chakra illuminated the area. His foot dug into the ground, his eyes reflecting the odd attacker. Bringing it forward, he released the shuriken.

For a second a blinding light engulfed the area only to die down moments later, crimson metallic liquid spilling onto the terrain, grime and insects getting caught in it. Blood began to leak through lips, the sound of metal exiting skin echoed into the air. The air was cold, life was always ending. No, one was safe. People often died protecting something, it was a cycle of life.

Iruka fell back onto the ground, Orochimaru started retracting his neck; his sword sinking back into his body. The very weapon that was trying to kill him was in his hand, as he returned to his previous state, his hands dismantled the damaged goods, turning them into metal pieces. Taking a look at where he caught it, he saw the cut on his hand. Normally, it would've healed but it was taking longer than usual. "Well, tata~" Leaving Iruka to wallow in his defeat, the world slowed for the dying man.

'I-I never got to tell anyone what I think the perfect cells would be.' His lips parted, a shaky breath escaping out. He wondered if he'd see his parents again, would they be proud of him? He didn't have enough time to even leave behind a lover or child, so his heritage would end here would it not? 'Mia, Hotaru, and Kirayari would make a good team. Masuo, Fukō, and Shinobu would also make for an interesting dynamic. Sasuke, Ino, and Naruto. Seiko, Kiyoshi, and Aju.' He was trying to make himself happy in his last couple of moments, just thinking random cells would work. Eye's shutting, the wind blew a leaf around. It flew by the medic's taking care of Mia to the forest where Aju was still in the heat of battle, passing many families and friends. It landed on Iruka's roof, his window was open allowing a fresh breeze. The wind knocked over some ink onto some papers and the papers read:

This speech is something I felt the need to get out, if I am reading this everyone graduated. Congrats, even to you Naruto. I never would've thought I would be giving you identification of you being a leaf shinobi but here we are, you came a long way like everyone else. From this point onwards you will make your own stories, some of you may never see each other again; anything can happen. After teaching most of you guys for so long, I know who'd you want to be in a cell with. Honestly, if most of you had your way none of you would be passing as a shinobi. Once you get called into your cells and meet the Jonin that will be leading, you are in charge of your own life. If you are looking for advice, get closer to your teammates and cherish them, dear. Don't be afraid to spread out and mingle with other teams either, friends are what keep most of us sane. Your best friend may be a part of another cell, all I can say is don't break that bond. Those bonds are what will pave the way. Good luck, and when you have some money come to treat me?

The ink rolled down covering the last paragraph, but it read:

The team's I think will prove to be beneficial for the village and the kids themselves.

Sasuke, Hotaru, and Kirayari.

This team may seem odd, but it has promise. Sasuke will thrive being with two other capable people, the mindset of doing everything alone and depending on someone will form; Hotaru naturally quiet and gifted will slowly but surely come out of her shell as Kirayari talks them to death. Lastly, it'll force Kirayari to express her shortcomings more among other things; no doubt being placed with two gifted people she will start to see things differently.

Mia, Hinata, and Shikamaru.

A cell that will be great over time, the tradition with Ino–Shika–Chō is well implemented but sometimes changing one thing will prove to be conducive. Mia already has leadership traits and with her two teams, she'll be forced to adapt to the personalities. Shikamaru will offer a different view of Mia's ideas and responsibilities, while Hinata will grow. The two will seek her when they needed to come to some understanding, she's the middle piece of the team. Taking in Shikamaru's clan specialty it'll work for both of the exceptional taijutsu users.

Masuo, Kiba, and Shino.

This team was thought about when I took in what they thrived at Kiba was decent close range while Shino could handle long to medium range, Masuo can put someone in an illusion and let his team work around that; it'll be one of the best offensively and defensively teams to date. Masuo is well versed in intelligence and Shino isn't that far behind, what they lack in strength Kiba makes up for it.

Fukō, Sakura, and Choji.

Now, this could either be the worse cell ever seen, or a crucial one that'll fly under the radar. Choji can hold the frontlines with Sakura backing him up, and Fukō can play around the edges. Think of it as a fairytale, Choji being the knight while Sakura plays support the assassin coming in from the sides; the problem with this team would be cooperation and disagreements.

Aju, Kiyoshi, and Ino.

Offense, this team will flourish around that viewpoint alone. Aju and Kiyoshi if one can balance the two can make for a dangerous duo that'll take the world by storm with Ino moving behind the two, with her clan jutsu Aju and Kiyoshi will make everything look easy. Unlike the other cells, the problem with this team would be communicating in general. Ino and Aju have no problem but Kiyoshi does.

Seiko, Shinobu, and Naruto.

Experimental, I haven't found anything they wouldn't lack in. Naruto has decent taijutsu, Seiko and Shinobu can make up for that; if the two work together they can make up for what Naruto lacks, but once Naruto finds his footing this team will be a game-changer in areas. May switch Naruto with Kiba will hold the same but may change the flow of things.

The ink painted the paper black, before soaking it.

Mistakes were made, that was obvious. After thinking it thoroughly, he came to a conclusion it had to be about the jinchūriki that took the exam. Tapping against his desk, the chair turned the shadow from his hat covering his eyes. He knew he had to make amends with everyone or explain what his true intentions were. Being sly wasn't cut for some humans, and he was one of them. "I take it you few are curious?" Asuma straightened out which followed by Kurenai going into attention. Not long after, Jiei and Reina corrected what they were doing.

How could he explain this without losing everyone? "The exam was supposed to examine the student's comprehension and companionship over greed and self-belief." Feeling a sense of deja vu he continued, "The only way to pass this test was to work together, the colors of the flag were an important piece of the puzzle. They were supposed to look for which color corresponds with what they had and when those colors mix what does it get." It didn't sound well thought out, but the Hokage had faith someone would've figured it out. Once the correct colors came together, a map would've been outlined that showed them the locations of some of the stray flags; it was enough to make each trio graduate."

Jiei was thankful for the piece of cloth that covered his eyes, if the Sandaime Hokage saw him squint his eyes questions would've been thrown. It sounded fine at first, but somewhere along the line's it gotten complex. Then there were variables, which could be self-explanatory.

"It sounds quite complicated for mere students to achieve," Reina regretted opening her mouth immediately.

"Indeed it is, but this group has a lot of promise. We need to capitalize on expanding, if any of the meetings showed me anything is teamwork, and thinking outside the box is something almost everyone lacks and it shows that hardly anyone has faith in each other. Arguing constantly and going against each other, I want the next generation to be better than the previous...skills and bonds." The Hokage knew he was asking for much, he couldn't dictate how the years would play out but it was a start. "To add onto that, neighboring villages have also begun to develop beyond the boundary some of the other academy schools have been teaching the students how to find which chakra nature they are attuned to." Hiruzen knew when he was wrong, but people looked up to him. This type of deed was going against his personal convictions, but in order to be on top still changes needed to be made.

Two fights concluded, one more to go perhaps? Well, let's air it out Iruka done messed up, his emotions were the downfall of him. At least he got a decent hit on Orochimaru it shows the progress he had, the Hokage opens up about the key points in the exam but it doesn't sound right to some. Shinbou and Mia's battle was one-sided considering Kabuto wasn't trying, the teamwork of the two was abysmal one attacked without checking on the other. We have some soft moments with family and that Fukō POV hopefully, gives you some insight into him at the same time I hope I keep you guessing haha.

From this point onwards, I am not going to try to skip that much around the remaining days as an academy student. With that Mizuki and Fukō'a fight scene was intense, along with Iruka and Orochimaru! Will get to reviews/PMs in the next chapter, until next time!

Thanks!