Chapter 71. Hidden lovers and Family.

The village was bustling with excitement.

The chunin exams were underway and genin and jonin alike were excited.

"Now remember, the goal is to disarm not kill," Iruka repeated for the thousandth time. "If they surrender you get the win so there no need to torture them."

"You say that like we've ever beaten someone up when they surrendered," I said, frowning at our academy teacher.

"Have you already forgotten? Naruto continued to beat Bara Even though he surrendered," I stand corrected.

I looked over at Naruto who turned his nose up. "He was bullying Hinata." was his only defiance. We nodded in understanding and looked at Iruka with a "So what?"

He signed, seeming to give up on us. Kakashi patted him on the shoulder.

"Ma Ma, They might not look like it but they do have some level of self-control," He assured his junior. "Besides, everyone knows the Chunin exam is a place where you could lose your life. So even if someone dies no one will bat an eye." Iruka looked at him in horror.

"Oh I see so we can kill off the competitions," Naruto exclaimed in understanding. "That way we don't have to worry about them having a comeback."

"I don't think anyone is as stubborn as you when it comes to accepting defeat," Sasuke said.

"Not true, is more stubborn," Naruto countered.

I looked at the two who were now giving me weird looks.

"No, I don't think genins will be able to walk off a spear to the heart or an explosion tag so you can use those," I assured them.

"You can walk off an explosion!?" exclaimed. I frowned.

"Yes?"

Everyone could walk off an explosion. Shurikens and explosions were only there to show off how overpowered the character was. Even base Sakura took shurikens to the body and still attacked.

Iruka wobbled on his feet, causing Kakashi to catch him.

"Whoa there," he steadies the academy teacher. "Let's get you in the shade."

We walked over to a bench and sat him down. He looked paled and stressed. Honestly, I didn't know what he was so worried about it's not like he knew the shit show that was about to happen. Dead Hokages, giant snakes, Jinchuriki vs Jinchuriki. I was the one losing sleep preparing for the worst-case scenario. I was going to try and save the Hokage but in case I failed I needed to remove the threat of Orochimaru.

I frown when a certain redhead appeared in my thoughts. I really hoped nothing stupid happen because of her.

Purple hair danced in the corner of my eye and I turned to see a woman dressed in a mask and Anbu attire.

"You Hokage has summoned you," she said.

Purple hair swayed as we walked down the halls to the Hokage's office. The people that walked past seemed incredibly oblivious to the woman that led the way, almost bumping into her at one point. She was like a shadow in the night, a born assassin.

"That most gets annoying,'' I said. Watching the idiot that almost walked into her nod at us and walked off.

"You get used to it," she said, surprising me.

"You know how to turn it off right?"

She nodded. She was only invisible to those not looking. Since she was our escort we were aware of her, but to everyone else, she simply wasn't there.

"Hey kaka-sensei," Naruto turned to the teacher. "Maybe you should use this ability more so you can arrive one time. If no one can see you, no one can stop you."

"Maa Maa Naruto kun, don't be like that."

"Don't bother Naruto, this guy isn't late because he's interacting with the world of the living,'' I said purposely. The Anbu flinched as I spoke, seeing as she knew Kakashi she also knew what he did every morning without fail.

The Anbu knocked on the door and received a come-in printing us to head inside. She knelt before the Hokage.

"I've brought team seven as order," she said.

"Thank you, you may go."

"One sec," I called. Getting her attention. You guys can start without me, I pulled on her hand taking her to the corner of the room. Her charka waved in confusion and a hint of curiosity. I pulled out a hairpin and handed it to her. Along with a matching butterfly necklace.

"The hairpin is for you, the necklace is for your man. You could switch but his hair isn't that long right?"

I didn't know her name, but I knew, thanks to Madara reading through my memories, that she was the lover of the dead guy. He had a bit of screen time so I thought I might as well save him. He was also a kenjutsu master so it won't hurt to have him alive to defend the village.

"You…"

Killing intent rose in the room getting everyone's undivided attention. Anbu girl glared at me through her mask. Over protective.

On instinct, I released our killing intent which was more potent than that of a child.

"Calm yourself, it's a gift," I said sweetly. "I see you two in town flirting from time to time though this is our first time meeting. I thought I'd give you something nice since you were so nice and I'm rooting for you two. Consider it an early marriage gift."

Her eyes went wide and her chakra said she was embarrassed. I smiled warmly at the child that couldn't hide her feelings well. She took the gifts gently and bowed.

"Thank you, and I'm sorry for overreacting," she said sincerely.

"It's fine, I get like that all the time.

With that, she nodded at me and Kakashi before disappearing in a swirl of leaves.

"Now if you're done picking fights with my Anbus I would like to begin the meeting," The Third said in a gruff voice. I walked over to them.

Really old man, you're giving us a mission this close to the Chunin exams!" Naruto exclaimed. This was the time for us to be training and yet this greedy old man wanted us to go on a mission.

"Tch," Sasuke tsked in irritation. From what I heard Itachi was teaching him something so he has every right to be angry. I masked my irritation under indifference.

"Don't worry, your mission revolves around the Chunin exams," Hiruzen assured us. He took on a serious tone as he continued.

"We have a global problem on our hands. It's likely that the Uzumaki clan will be attacking the five great nations."

"!"

"Did enough of them survive for that?" Naruto asked, eyes wide.

"... the Uzumaki clan are known for their vitality. While it's doubtful a 1000 of them survived, it's almost guaranteed that they have multiplied since then."

"So it's a fight against a bunch of kids," Sasuke stated.

"A fight against a bunch of kids like you," Hiruzen corrected. Sasuke frowned.

"Temujin," Sasuke acknowledged. Hiruzen nodded.

"Since Orochimaru was spotted with them on more than one occasion we can assume it's not just Uzumakis that are being gathered. It's possible they aren't fussy about bloodline and are taking everyone with a problem with the shinobi world."

"You mean like Zabuza and Haku?" Naruto asked.

"I'll get more information at the Kage summit but -"

"Kage summit?" I interrupted him. "The chunin exams are in a few days. Do you really have the time to have a Kage summit?"

He smiled. "That's the thing, Young Sakura, the chunin exams will be a cover for a Kage summit. Since we aren't on the best terms with the other Kages they wouldn't come to the Chunin exams. In Fact, only the Kazekage was going to participate. However, if we have a summit under the guise of a Chunin exam."

Sounds like a pain," Naruto groaned. He was never one for underhanded tactics even though he was a trickster, he wasn't very good at mind games.

"Can the village even accommodate that many people?" Sasuke asked.

"It can't," I said. "And it will be hard to keep track of that many people at once. Since we didn't have another Hyuga incident."

"We will be holding the Summit and Chunin exams in the land of iron."

"What!?"

I thought so. There was no way they would have the exams with that many people. In fact, has there ever been an exam in which all the villages participated? When the Chunin exams became a thing, the five great nations hated each other. Maybe exams in smaller villages but I doubt they would come to enemy territory with their up-and-coming shinobi.

Does this mean I don't have to worry about the village getting destroyed?

"The start of the exams will be the same for all the villages. Getting to the land of Iron in a set period of time," Hiruzen went on.

So it was like the forest of death.

"After which you will all take a test and those who pass will take part in the rest of the exams."

"Don't they usually start with a test?" Sasuke asked.

"Indeed, but since it's likely going to be a very big event we need to weed out the weak before the event starts."

"Why are you telling us this?" Naruto asked. "Isn't it against the rules?"

"I find it laughable to think you three won't make it to the finals," Hiruzen said with a sigh. "As such, I want you on protection detail. This time you'll be protecting a princess."

"A princess!?" Naruto was excited. I could art help but sigh. I was wondering what she was doing here.

There was a knock at the door, at the Hokage's command they entered the room.

Tsunade Senju and her apprentice Shizune and their ninja pig Tonton stood before us.

"Huh? You are!" Naruto pointed rudely.

"You've already met the First Hokage grand granddaughter and her apprentice Shizune," Hiruzen introduced.

Who just so happens to be related to her dead lover. Hm?

I looked at Naruto and back at the two women.

"Your mission is to escort her to the Land of Iron on your journey to the Chunin exams."

"Won't she slow us down?" Sasuke asked.

"You need the handicap anyway," Hizuzen sighed.

"That's not fair!" Naruto objected.

"It's this area you don't participate in," Hizuzen countered. "You have no idea how many people are telling me to pull you guys from the exams. Naruto is too precious, Sasuke is one of the last Uchiha and Sakura is a monster."

"Hey!"

"I had to come up with a compromise or risk being accused of favoritism, especially because it's very much like one of you will win the tournament."

"I fail to see how a Legendary Sanin is going to weigh us down," I said.

"She will be a princess on your trip," Hizunesn said with a sad smile. "You won't be able to travel at the speed the others are."

"I see," I said, still not getting it. "And what is the cover story for our escort?"

"She was attacked by the Uzumaki twice so it's only natural. That we would want to protect her."

"Sounds legit."

"I don't expect much from you monsters but I'll be in your care," Tsunade said standing proud.

I grinned. "I guess you get to escort your princess after all huh Naruto."

"Does this even count?" muttered.

"Do we at least get a head start since we will be walking there?" I asked.

"You leave tomorrow," the Hokage said and I nodded. My plan was already completed. With the threat of the village destruction behind me, all that was left was protecting my team and fellow shinobi. There were going to be more people to protect but that just meant more people to fight alongside.

"Well We're going to protect you, we might as well do it right," I walked over to Tsunade looking up into her brown eyes. I resisted the urge to inspect her boobs.

She was flat-chested in the beginning, maybe she can give you pointers on how to get to her size.

Please shut up.

My face heated but my indifferent mask was still in place. At my mental command, Springflys fluttered onto my palm and transformed into a hair stick.

"If you're going to act like a princess you might as well look like one," I said, handing her the ornament. I also handed a bralette to Shizune. The pig got a tracking seal on the pearls around her neck.

Tsunade looked at the Hairstick in my hair and back at the one in her hand.

"Do you always go around wearing your summon?" She asked. I frowned at her taking out my hair stick.

"It's just a hair stick my parents got me," I explained. "While I can protect you if you're near me, it's a bit difficult with you far away."

"So you have limits huh?" She smirked and pulled her hair up in a messy bun securing it with the hair stick.

I stared.

"Well, how do I look?" She asked as though it wasn't obvious.

"Like your grandmother."

Ah! I close my mouth to stop him from saying anything unnecessary.

Tsunade's eyes narrowed on me.

"I've seen her portrait around," I provided an excuse.

Naruto and Sasuke gave each other odd looks but I chose that time to make my exit.

After running a few blocks away from the Hokage tower I stopped atop a building and made sure no one was following me.

"Anything you want to tell me," I said.

I'm sure I don't know what you mean.

"You don't have feelings for your best friend's woman do you?"

She looked too much like my mother for me to have anything but indifference.

…

She stood in silence for a moment then.

Are you going to do something about 'that?'

"Isn't it just Harirama's blood," I said

Then Shizune would be related.

I brushed my hair back, gripping it in frustration. Why do things keep getting complicated?

"I'd have to check the fourth chakra to make sure."

Well, it's a good thing you know where that is.

"No, No, that chakra is corrupted by Naruto, it can't be used."

When you're in denial you're really obvious huh?

"You do realize what it would mean if they're related right?"

The Senju aren't known for being good parents.

I sighed. Crouching down to look over this messed-up village. Trying and failing not to think about the family tree that really should be chopped down.

When Naruto said Grandma Tsunade, I don't think anyone thought it was literal.

It's always when the story is getting good that the author wants to go on break.

Don't worry I have a plan for this arc. I will probably go on break after this arc but don't worry I'll tie up the relevant loose ends before just in case I don't come back.

Next Chapter

November 23