On a cliff in the night, a young man by the name of Utakata, a girl by the name of Hotaru, and her servant, an old man by the name of Tonbee, were attacked by a group of ninja.
Tonbee sent word to the Hidden Leaf, and sent Utakata to leave with Hotaru.
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"Lady Tsunade, we just received this." Shizune handed her a paper.
Tsunade nearly froze when she saw it "This can't be." she took out a small vial from her desk and dipped her thumb in it "Summoning Jutsu!" she slammed her hand on the ground.
Then a medium-sized blue dragon appeared "You summoned me Lady Tsunade?"
"Mizuryu, I need you to deliver a message to Tatsu."
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Tatsu, along with the others, was heading back to the Leaf Village 'I still don't get how Lee got us a treaty with the Hidden Waterfall. Still though, I wonder how things went for Naruto and Sasuke this time around.' then he heard a poof noise and looked ahead "Stop!" he held out an arm to stop the group "Mizuryu, what is it?"
Mizuryu dropped down on a branch in front of him "Slave driver sent me here, apparently Lady Katsuyu was dealing with something else so she sent me."
"Must be trouble brewing, the only time Tsunade would try to use Katsuyu would be in case of some kind of emergency. What's going on?"
"It's about the secret treaty with the Tsuchigumo clan."
"The what?"
"I've heard of this." Hayate spoke up "Back during the Third Great Ninja War, the leader of the Tsuchigumo clan, En no Gyoja, passed down a jutsu responsible for wiping out an entire village. The Third Hokage demanded that such a dangerous and destructive jutsu be classified as forbidden, and in exchange for that the Hidden Leaf agreed to provide them with aid whenever the Tsuchigumo clan found itself in danger. En no Gyoja passed away a few months ago and the fort on Mount Katsuragi is now occupied by his granddaughter Hotaru and her servant, whoever is attacking the fort is most likely after En no Gyoja's forbidden jutsu. We must prevent them from getting their hands on that jutsu at all costs."
"So what's the plan then? We all head to meet up with this Tsuchigumo clan?"
"No, half of us should go back and report while the other half heads to Mount Katsuragi to find out more about the situation. We're battling against time, so I say Kurenai and I take two others and head back to report back to Lady Tsunade, while Tatsu, you take three others and head for Mount Katsuragi immediately?"
"Me?"
Hayate put a hand on his shoulder and gave a kind smile "You're more than capable of leading a team, just have some faith in yourself."
"Well if you say so…" he looked around "I think for this mission it's best to have a combat specialist, a medic and a tracker. Ino, Lee, Kiba, you guys are with me. Let's move." and he took off.
"Right!" and they all followed him.
Hayate looked on in the direction they'd gone 'Tatsu… I guess it's almost time for us to pass the torch…'
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Though he put up as strong a fight as he possible could, Tonbee was soundly defeated by the enemy ninja.
Despite that, he refused to divulge any information to them.
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Tatsu led his group forward "There it is guys, the fort of the Tsuchigumo clan."
"Tatsu!" Kiba stopped him "Look."
Tatsu looked and saw several kunai lying around "Doesn't look like there was a fight. Guys?"
"Fresh footprints in the direction of the fort." Lee told him.
"Kiba?"
"Hold on." Kiba sniffed the ground "I think it's a group of four."
"These kunai are from traps set around the fort, the enemy tripped them but escaped unscathed."
"So there are other traps in the area?" asked Ino.
"Most likely."
"What's the plan?"
"Let's just follow the trail of the traps they already triggered, that way we'll reach the fort without triggering any of the other traps unnecessarily."
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One of the bandits, named Akaboshi, managed to deduce that Hotaru had the information on the jutsu and decided that they should leave, seeing how he Tatsu's group approaching.
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Tatsu stopped the group at a cliff "A dead end." he formed a hand seal "Earth Style: Rampart of Flowing Soil: Horizontal!" a slab of rock shot out from the cliffside, stretching until it reached the other side of the ravine.
"Not too shabby." Kiba commented.
"Dosu's better at this stuff than me, but this'll work for now. Let's move." he rushed off, with the rest following.
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Once they reached the fort, they found Tonbee unconscious.
Tatsu knelt down beside him "Hang in there old man. Ino."
"Right." Ino knelt down and checked on him "He's weak but he still has a pulse, he'll be alright." she started healing him.
"We're a step behind them. Kiba, you and Akamaru go check the area and see if there's anyone else around."
Kiba nodded "Right." and he and Akamaru took off, sniffing the ground.
Tatsu noticed Tonbee coming too 'Good, he's coming around. Don't worry, we're from the Hidden Leaf and we've been dispatched to help you. You're Lady Hotaru's servant, am I correct?"
"That's right." Tonbee gave a weak nod "I'm Tonbee. Lady Hotaru is on her way to a small village in the mountains that the Tsuchigumo clan uses as a hideaway."
"Guys." then Kiba and Akamaru came back "There's a collapsed opening in the hillside behind the mansion, looks to me like an escape route."
"Yes that's it, that's how she got away."
"We'll follow to make sure she's safe." Tatsu assured him "Lee, Kiba, you guys are with me. Ino, stay back with Akamaru and finish healing the old guy."
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Hotaru was following Utakata through the forest "Utakata, there's something I wanted to ask you."
"What is it?" Utakata didn't look back.
"When we reach the hideaway, will you still continue to teach me jutsu there?"
"Continue? I don't recall teaching you anything."
"Don't recall? What about all the lessons you gave me back at the fort?"
"Whatever you learned, you learned on your own. Besides, after we reach the village you won't need me."
"But there's nobody that's stronger than you in the village, nobody! And I want you to teach me, there's no one else that I'd rather learn from. You saved me the first time we met, don't say you've forgotten. Those people attacked me but you defended me and got injured in the process, so I took you back to the fort. Ever since that moment, I've wanted to be just like you."
"But I didn't actually save you that time."
"You did!"
"The ninja who attacked were coming after me not you, I merely fought them in order to protect myself. I wasn't trying to save you."
"Even so, after watching you handle them I knew that I wanted to be strong like you. No, I must be strong. I simply have to be, that's why I wish to learn your amazing jutsu."
"Being strong is all that matters to you?"
"What do you mean?"
"I fear you may end up regretting that I was your teacher, you really don't want to get mixed up with someone who's a wanted man."
"I don't care about your past, I trust you. No matter what happens, I will always consider you to be my master."
Having been triggered from hearing that word, Utakata promptly lashed out at her "I'm not your master, don't call me that!" then he sensed someone else "Damn."
"Fire Style: Crimson Dragon!" a red fire dragon shot through the trees, and Tatsu appeared and charged him.
Utakata promptly dodged it and blocked the Dragon Blade using his bubble pipe.
Tatsu kicked Utakata in the gut.
Utakata winced, but took the chance to chop Tatsu on the neck.
Tatsu disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
'A Shadow Clone. How annoying.'
More Shadow Clones appeared and charged.
"Water Style: Drowning Bubble Jutsu." Utakata unleashed some bubbles from his pipe, trapping each of the clones and drowning them, causing them to disperse.
"Wind Style: Skybound Wind Barrage!" the real Tatsu appeared and fired several sharp slashes of wind, cancelling out the bubbles "Alright pretty boy, you're coming with me."
"No!" Hotaru cried out suddenly "He's not your enemy, he's protecting me!"
"Tatsu!" Lee showed up, with Kiba on his trail "Kiba say this guy's scent doesn't match up with the scent of the ones who attacked Tonbee."
Tatsu blinked "Oh, sorry guys."
Utakata just nodded and looked away.
"Sorry about that, Tonbee only told us about Hotaru coming this way."
"So Tonbee's still alive and well?" asked Hotaru hopefully.
"Don't worry, he's fine. Our medic is caring for him as we speak."
"I'm so glad."
"From here on out, we're protecting you with Mr Bubbles over here."
"My name is Utakata." he sounded rather irritated by the crude nickname "Anyway, you can take over then. I leave it to you."
"Alright."
"She's all yours, take care." he started walking away.
"Utakata wait!" Hotaru rushed after him and stopped him "Can't you stay for a little longer? At least until we reach the village?"
"Those guys are each very strong, especially the one I fought just now. You can rely on them to guard you now."
"I don't need bodyguards, I need someone to teach me jutsu of my own! Come with me, I beg you!"
Utakata merely summoned a giant bubble, stepped inside it, and started floating away.
"I'll take my training more seriously than ever! I'll endure any and every hardship and I'll never ever cry about it, and I'll never call you my master again. I promise you… and you're not my master!"
"I told you not to call me that." his voice was soft, barely a whisper "Master… I'm not foolish enough to be called that." and with that, he floated out of sight.
"Utakata…"
"I don't know about that guy." Kiba muttered "He smells off to me."
"You think so?" asked Tatsu, his tone unreadable.
"Yeah, that guy's chakra smells foul and it reeks of slug."
"Oh trust me Kiba, it does more than reek. I recognize that type of chakra. Guys… I think we might be dealing with a jinchuuriki."
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The four bandits, Akaboshi, Benten, Chushin and Nango, all met with their leader at their hideout.
The leader told the four of them about how the secret jutsu of En no Gyoja unleashed its true potential back during the Third Great Ninja War and how if they acquired it, then they could all become the rulers of various lands.
However, he also advised them not to engage the team from the Leaf that had been sent to provide them with assistance, claiming that once they reached the Tsuchigumo village, they would depart and that would be their chance to swoop in and take the jutsu for themselves.
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Hotaru was walking through the woods, not keen on the being followed 'What part of leave me alone don't these guys get?' she picked up a rock and promptly threw it into a tree behind her.
Tatsu threw a dazed Kiba onto the ground and stormed up to Hotaru "What the hell was that for?"
"That's what I wanna ask you! Just why are you guys following me?"
"What the hell do you mean why? We're here because we were assigned to be your bodyguards."
"How many times do I need to say it? I don't need any bodyguard, I'm capable of protecting myself just fine so all of you Hidden Leaf ninja can leave now."
"Nice try, that's not how it works. No matter how much we might want to, we can't just say "Oh okay, bye." and leave like that, or else we'd already be out of here."
"Why not? Really, please, I don't want you bothering me anymore."
"It's not bothering, it's called guarding. Look, if you're gonna be this difficult about it then let's see you get out of the forest." and he leapt back into the trees and formed a Shadow Clone, his voice low enough so she couldn't hear "You know what to do."
"Right. Water Style: Liquid Manipulation: Leech."
'I've gotta thank Dosu for teaching me this jutsu.'
"Finally, they're gone." Hotaru kept walking, but froze when she felt something land on her and slowly turned to find a leech on her shoulder.
The leech hissed at her.
Hotaru screamed and started running around frantically "Get it off me get it off me, GET IT OFF ME!"
Tatsu appeared and threw the leech off her "There it's gone, you're welcome."
"That… That was horrible, what was that?"
"A river leech, they migrate up here around this time of year. There's a whole ton of them around here, so many in fact that they just come raining down on you all the time."
"R-Raining down?"
"Yep. Well see ya, have fun and be careful out here all by yourself-"
"Wait!" she grabbed his arm.
"Oh so now you want me here."
"Please Tatsu, stay with me. I could never touch anything as gross as that, I can't! It's simply impossible, if it's going to rain leeches then can you please stay and block them Tatsu?"
"But I thought you said you didn't need a bodyguard."
"Just until we get out of this forest."
"I don't know, to be honest it's really a tough call."
"Please Tatsu, please!"
"Well… alright, if that's what you really want then I guess I could."
"Thank you." Hotaru breathed a sigh of relief and kept walking.
Tatsu followed her, throwing off the water leeches 'How long until this gets old.'
"You know, now that I think about it, I guess Utakata would probably still be my bodyguard if all you Hidden Leaf guys hadn't shown up and taken over for him."
"Utakata… that's the name of that guy with the water style bubbly jutsu in the blue kimono right?"
"That's him. He's the man that I consider my master. I hope I can become as strong as he is, at least someday."
"Your master huh? Well I can't say I know the guy very well, but he kind of seems like a prick to me."
"Well what do you consider to be a good master?"
"Well this might come off as a little fanboyish and sound like I'm worshipping the guy, but this is honestly how I feel. If I had to pick one person I know as a good master, it'd have to be my own master, Hayate Gekko."
"You mean the Leaf's master swordsman?"
"That's the one. He's more than just my master, he's the closest thing to a real father figure I have in my life. The guy's been sickly and kind of frail for years, longer than I could ever know, but aside from that he was still a great ninja. He's not dead though, Lady Tsunade just cured him of his sickness. He's always taught me that I have to follow my heart and do what I feel is right, that I should never leave behind any regrets, and that if I cherish something then I should protect it with every ounce of my strength. So when it comes to being a ninja he's really strong, and he's dependable, and above all he's got a really good and kind heart. He might look a little frail, but that just means you can't judge a book by its cover, and I could only dream of becoming someone like him someday."
Hotaru smiled "It sounds to me like you really care about your master Tatsu."
"It's just like I said before, he's the closest thing to a father I've ever had in my life."
"Somehow I must become as strong as Utakata, because if I can then I'll be able to master the jutsu that grandfather left to me, and then perhaps I can even restore the Tsuchigumo clan to greatness."
"For someone so young you really are carrying a lot of responsibility on your shoulders."
"What do you mean young? I'm 15."
"Fair enough, so where do you think Utakata ran off to anyway?"
"I have no idea, and for some reason everytime I call him master he gets very upset with me and seems really defensive about it."
"Sounds to me like he's got a problem with the whole master-student relationship in general."
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Utakata sneezed as he lay against a tree 'Someone must be talking about me. Oh well, nothing to do about it now. At last, I'm finally back to my vagabond lifestyle, travelling the world at my own pace." he looked at his reflection in his bubbles "She'll be okay, that guy can protect her. But that chakra… no, it couldn't be… it felt different from anything I've ever felt before, and yet at the same time it feels similar to that… Either way he's strong, I know he's more than capable of protecting her…' he shut his eyes, recalling his past from when he'd met Hotaru.
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After protecting her from the enemies after him, he'd been injured, and Tonbee and Hotaru took him back to the fort.
Once his wounds were healed, Utakata made to leave, but Hotaru begged him to take her on as his student and be her master.
Of course, since master is his trigger word, he'd refused. However, Hotaru reminded him that he was getting free food and a room and that he should pay them back by teaching her.
Utakata caved and told her that he'd consider it if she was able to walk on water. She initially failed, but after practicing all night she got it by the time he woke up the next morning.
Now desperate to get her off his back, Utakata showed her the Water Style: Raging Waves jutsu, and told her to master it before she became his student, thinking that she wouldn't be able to due to needing water chakra.
Of course, by the next morning, she'd master it.
After that, he'd gone to Tonbee, only for him to request that Utakata act as Hotaru's bodyguard and protect her.
That's brought up some bad memories, where he was chained and bound with a seal on the ground, and his master had placed his hand on Utakata's stomach.
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With a scream, Utakata woke up and looked around 'I guess I dozed off there for a bit.' then he noticed four figures passing nearby and decided to follow them.
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Those four figures were actually Akaboshi and the rest, known as the Magaki Group, making their way.
"What do you think?" asked Nango "Can we really become lords of our own domains?"
Chushin scoffed "Of course we could, isn't that right Akaboshi?"
"That's right, even if we just sold that jutsu we'd still have enough money to live the rest of our lives in leisure." then he stopped when he felt something.
"What is it? What's wrong?" then they noticed several bubbles appear.
"Be on guard, there's somebody nearby."
"There!" Chushin fired off some kunai at a nearby Utakata, only for him to suddenly pop like a bubble and disperse "Damn, what was that?"
"There!" Nango fired off some kunai, only for that Utakata to pop as well.
"What's going on here?"
"Me, that's what." Utakata chuckled from a branch above them.
"Who the hell are you?"
"Doesn't look to me like he's one of the Hidden Leaf's reinforcements, maybe this guy's after the jutsu." Akaboshi guessed.
Utakata smirked "Since you guys know about the jutsu, that means you must be the band of thieves who infiltrated the fort. Makes me wonder, is that jutsu really so impressive? If so then maybe I do want it for myself."
"I suppose you think we're just going to let you take it?"
"So what do we do about him?" asked Chushin.
"Kill him!" they all charged.
"Is that the best you can do?" Utakata dodged their attacks with ease.
"After him!" Nango found himself stuck with a strange slime on his foot "What is this slime?"
Utakata dodged an attack from Benten and used his bubbles to blind him and send him falling to the ground.
"Spread out, we'll surround him!" Akaboshi and the others split up.
Utakata looked around and his eyes narrowed and hardened 'This chakra flow, their movements have suddenly become much faster.' he forged onwards, leaving a trail of bubbles behind as he advanced 'Barrier jutsu?'
"Now!" they all formed hand seals "Shifu Jinrai!" they trapped him in a pyramid-shaped barrier.
"That's just great."
"It's over." then the pyramid exploded.
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Tatsu looked in the direction of the explosion 'I can't tell what's going on over there, but it feels like Utakata's chakra is wavering violently. He's in a fight.'
"Just how long do you intend to follow me?" Hotaru snapped him out of his thoughts.
'I'd better not say anything to Hotaru or she might do something stupid. I'll tell Lee and Kiba about it later. What are you talking about? You asked me to stay with you until you got through the forest."
"Yes I did say that, but…"
'The thing is, the forest is the only thing between the fort and the hideaway.'
Then Lee and Kiba dropped down "Hey."
Hotaru groaned "You guys are still here?"
"Looks like we'll complete this mission without incident." Tatsu looked over a cliff "I can see the village from here."
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By sunset, they made it to the village.
Tatsu looked around and found the people hiding and glaring 'Great, it's the Naruto-glare all over again.' his voice was low "Lee, Kiba, stay sharp."
"Right." they muttered.
"Hotaru." a figure came out to meet them.
Hotaru instantly recognized him "Uncle."
"Thank you for bringing her here. I'm the one responsible for the welfare of this village, En no Gyoja instructed me on what to do if Lady Hotaru were to come here. Your job is done, you can leave the rest to us."
Tatsu tried to suppress his uneasiness "Very well, then we'll be on our way."
"Stay a moment if you would, we haven't had a chance to thank you properly."
"Your thoughtfulness is truly appreciated, but our teammate is still back at Mount Katsuragi and I can imagine she's worried at this point. We really should be getting back to her as soon as possible."
"Very well, although that is unfortunate."
"Lee, Kiba, let's go. We don't want to keep Ino waiting any longer than we have to." they started walking away.
"Tatsu." Hotaru's voice stopped him, barely a whisper "I…"
Tatsu put a hand on her shoulder and gave a reassuring smile "You'll be fine."
"Thank you…"
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Nightfall came, and the three were on their way back.
Tatsu suddenly stopped "Guys."
"What's wrong?" asked Kiba.
"Lee, Kiba, you guys go on ahead without me."
"Why?" asked Lee.
"Something about that place is bugging me, I can't stop thinking about the looks they were giving her. You guys go fill Ino in on the situation, I'll catch up later." and he rushed back 'I can't leave her there alone. I've got a bad feeling about this.'
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The Tsuchigumo Chief put a hand on her shoulder "You must be tired from your long journey Hotaru, please come."
"Sure…" Hotaru was uncomfortable with the looks the villagers were giving her.
"Follow me."
She did so, but was still very uncomfortable, and followed him to a small room "Uncle… should I not have come back?"
"No, don't be silly." he opened the door "You're finally home, just as you should be. Now get some rest."
Hotaru stepped inside "Thank you."
"Of course." he closed the door.
'Okay, now to-'
"So we finally meet, granddaughter of En no Gyoja."
Hotaru whipped around "Who are you?"
Four shadowy figures stepped out, revealed to be the Magaki group "I knew you'd count on this village to protect you, keep you safe."
"You must be the ones who attacked the fort!" Hotaru suddenly found that the door wouldn't open "Help! Let me out! Uncle please open the door!" she had no idea her uncle had barred the door.
"Give up, it's useless. Hand over the forbidden jutsu."
"No, never!"
Nango suddenly dissolved into mud and grabbed her from behind through the door "Don't give us any trouble."
"Take it easy." Benten called him off "You really shouldn't handle a lady like that you know."
Chushin snickered "Like you've ever been nice to a lady."
Nango reached into Hotaru's bag and threw a scroll to Akaboshi "Here it is."
Akaboshi caught it "At last, the jutsu is ours." he opened it, only for it to explode.
'Now!' Hotaru took off running through a hole in the wall.
Chushin coughed "Should've guessed it was rigged."
Benten looked around "Where is that brat?"
"Quick, we can't let her get away!" Akaboshi barked.
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Hotaru looked back as she ran 'I can't believe those thieves have already infiltrated the village, I have to get away from here and fast!'
Akaboshi and the rest watched from above "Trying to hide in the forest?" and they took off after her.
Hotaru dodged a shuriken and attempted to run.
Chushin appeared in front of her "It looks like we found you young lady."
"Water Style: Raging Waves!" Hotaru pushed him back with a blast of water.
She attempted to run, only for Benten to catch her "I can't believe you let a jutsu like that stop you Chushin."
"Shut up!" Chushin barked "She caught me by surprise, that's all!"
"Enough, playtime is over." Akaboshi shut them up "Tell me before I lose my patience, where is the forbidden jutsu." the only response he got was Hotaru drawing a kunai.
Benten sighed "What a pain."
Chushin smirked "I'd start talking if I were you, Benten may look like a girl but when he gets mad he's actually quite scary."
"I won't talk." Hotaru said firmly "That jutsu is my people's last hope, you can't have it."
Benten drew and licked a kunai "This is getting ridiculous, if you don't feel like talking then I guess I'll just have to convince you to change your mind." he held it to her throat.
"Don't kill her yet." Akaboshi warned.
"That just depends on whether or not she's willing to cooperate." he prepared to strike with the kunai, only for something to knock it out of his hand "What?!"
"What is all this racket? Can't a guy get a nap around here?"
Hotaru was relieved when she saw him in the trees "Utakata…"
"He's back?" Akaboshi raised an eyebrow "I can't believe you're still alive, I thought we killed you."
"Sorry to disappoint you." Utakata let out a yawn, then turned serious "Look, it's not like I'm particularly eager to fight the four of you, but she and I have a little unfinished business to take care of."
Akaboshi and the rest growled.
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Tatsu's eyes widened, then hardened at what he heard "What the hell do you mean she's gone? What the hell happened?"
"I'm not entirely sure myself I'm afraid." the Tsuchigumo Chief lied "This house is where I hid Hotaru to try and keep her safe, but I heard a loud noise and when I rushed over to see what happened she was gone."
Tatsu took a moment to calm himself down "Don't worry, I'll help you guys out with the search. But first I need you to tell me where you've already looked."
"Oh… well you see, the thing is we haven't actually started looking for her yet so…"
"You wanna run that by me again? Why the hell wouldn't you guys look for her right away? Judging by the damage anybody could tell something bad happened, she could be severely injured."
"Yes I know, it's just…"
"Don't bother finishing that sentence, what the hell is wrong with you people? She's one of your own, you should be doing everything in your power!"
"Yes, but…"
"You know what? Don't, just don't. Arguing with you grungy mutts isn't gonna help. No offense Kiba."
"None taken." Kiba called from where he and Lee stood behind.
"What're you guys doing here anyway?"
"We were worried about her too, so we rushed back to help you out while I sent a Shadow Clone to fill Ino in on the situation." explained Lee "Looks like we were right."
"Let me try this again." Tatsu glared hard at the chief "When did you last see Hotaru?"
"Just awhile ago, after you three brought her here I showed her directly to her room right there in that house." the chief told him.
"Then not a lot of time as past, I doubt she could've gotten too far." Tatsu looked at the villagers, then picked up the chief by the collar of his shirt "You're lucky Hotaru's concern or I'd pound your bloody and beaten ass into the ground." he let the chief go "Lee, Kiba, let's move. Kiba, see if you can track her scent."
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Hotaru was relieved to see Utakata "I knew you'd come, I just knew that you'd come to save me."
Utakata was still trying to act cold and distant "Well that isn't quite the situation, but now that I'm here I guess I'd better do something."
Benten picked up his kunai "What's with this guy? I was completely certain that we'd taken him out with our jutsu back then."
"Why are you scheming?" Chushin strapped his giant shuriken onto his back "You think you can steal our treasure away from us?"
"Not on my watch." Nango melted into the ground using his earth style jutsu.
"Acid Flower." Utakata blew out acidic bubbles.
Nango found himself burned by a few of them, but retreated back into the ground.
Utakata took Hotaru into his arms "Oh well, it looks like I missed him." and he leapt off.
"Get him!" Akaboshi and the rest followed "Surround him, he won't get away this time." they all surrounded him
'Damn, that again.' Utakata leapt up to avoid it.
"He's out of range." Chushin noted.
"Bye bye now."
"No you don't!" Akaboshi threw a kunai with a paper bomb, detonating when it neared him.
When the smoke cleared, Utakata and Hotaru were nowhere in sight.
"Quick enough to dodge that kunai."
"Even if he is fast, he couldn't have gotten very far." Chushin noted "So let's go get him!"
"Forget it." their leader suddenly showed up and stopped them.
"We can catch him, you're not just going to let him get away with our treasure are you?"
"Here." he threw something in Akaboshi's direction.
Akaboshi caught it and looked at it, and his eyes shot wide "This is a Bingo Book from the Hidden Mist!"
"And it tells us that we just stumbled upon a very interesting man."
Chushin looked at it "Oh I see, the price on his head is so big he made it into this book huh?"
"No way, that guy's worth 50 million?" Nango muttered.
"I guess we're in luck." Benten noted "That girl's jutsu is worth a fortune and now this? We'll all be rolling in money soon."
"But a bounty this high means a serious downside." Chushin pointed out "He must be a pretty formidable guy."
"Don't get cold feet now Chushin, this is finally our chance to hit it big."
"Cold feet huh? Listen you little-"
"Quiet!" Akaboshi cut them off sharply "I've heard enough out of you. Alright, so what's the plan then?"
The leader smirked and leapt over to them "Now listen up."
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Tatsu frowned as he and Lee followed Kiba 'This is my fault, I should've returned right away when I felt something off. And with Utakata in that fight, who knows where he is or how or what he's doing right now.'
"Tatsu." Lee spoke up "Let me ask you something."
"What is it?"
"Our assignment was to protect Hotaru until we reached the village right?"
"Yeah, at least that was supposed to be the situation. But if we can't completely guarantee that she's safe in the village then the mission has no meaning. This mission is based on a treaty that was drawn up by the Third Hokage and En no Gyoja of the Tsuchigumo clan, that means that the clan isn't able to protect her right now. If that's the case, then it's our responsibility to do so. Kiba, go. Scan the entire area if you have to."
"Got it." Kiba formed a certain hand seal "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" three clones suddenly poofed into existence "Find her scent, comb the entire area if you have to." and the clones all scattered.
'Hold on Hotaru, we'll find you. I give you my word.'
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The sun was rising, with a certain bubble floating over the forest.
Inside it, Hotaru came to and found Utakata in front of her "Utakata… where are we?" she looked down and realized they were in the air "We're up so high…"
Utakata lowered them towards the ground "This looks safe." he formed a hand seal and the bubble disappeared, leaving them by a small waterfall.
"I thought I was done for, you truly are an amazing."
"Don't get the wrong idea, it wasn't really my intention to come and save you."
"Then why did you show up and fight those guys?"
"Well I… it's because I've become very curious about this forbidden jutsu of yours that they want so badly."
"You're lying, I know you are. You're not like that at all."
"Well you never can tell, there isn't a single person in this world that doesn't love money, and some are way worse than others." (Far away, Kakuzu sneezed.)
"Oh stop, don't pretend to be a villain."
Utakata looked away, then let out a sigh "You really have this knack for knocking me off balance, you know that? So what will you do now? Those guys aren't the only ones who want that jutsu, I'm sure others are bound to turn up sooner or later."
"I know, you're right. That's exactly the reason why I have to become stronger, why I must become your student-"
"Not again, I cannot keep having this discussion. Besides, this memento of your grandfather's or whatever it is, why do you feel so driven to protect it?"
"Well first and foremost, it's to honor the wishes of my master. My grandfather. You see, he was the first person to teach me. A master and student must be one in thought, and I want to fulfill my grandfather's dream: to restore the Tsuchigumo clan. That jutsu must never leave my possession."
Utakata thought back to the last memory he had of his own master "Be one in thought… you're deluding yourself." he started walking away.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm under no obligation to stay, so if you want to play master and student then go find someone else."
"I'm not playing, I'm totally serious about this. It's important, I need you to be my master."
"You can't stop me from leaving now."
"I know I can't, but still… My feelings aren't going to change. That's why…" she began removing her top.
"Hey, stop that? Why are you doing this?" he covered his eyes.
"I don't want any secrets between us, I want you to know."
"I- But- That- I don't-"
"To see absolutely everything about me." she turned around.
Utakata's eyes widened considerably at what he saw on her back "Hotaru… you didn't… how could they do that to you?"
Hotaru pulled her shirt back up "No one else knows anything about this. I didn't want to hide it from you, not after everything we've been through." she bowed "Please Utakata, be my-"
"No! Don't you dare say that word, just don't." he looked around and suddenly realized they were surrounded by mist 'Oh crap.'
"Hidden Jutsu: Kirisame." then it started raining.
"Dammit." Utakata tried to blow some bubbles, but found that they were useless "I knew it, this rain is Kirisame."
"Utakata, there's no escape for you now."
"What's going on?" asked Hotaru.
"We cannot keep the village waiting any longer."
"You certainly are persistent, I'll give you that." Utakata noted "Hotaru, stay back." he pushed her to the ground and dodged several kunai.
"Water Style: Water Whip!" a whip made of water chakra suddenly wrapped around Hotaru's waist and pulled her away into the grip of a Hidden Mist ANBU.
"Hotaru!"
"I'll only say it once, stop resisting and come with us. Try anything and this girl dies."
"Do whatever you want with her, that girl means absolutely nothing to me. I couldn't care less what happens to her."
"I see. Well I guess we'll find out." several more water whips wrapped around him "I thought that would work, now will you return to the village with us?"
"No matter how many times you ask, the answer is no!"
"Then we have no choice."
"Lighting Style: Earth Splash!" lightning was generated along the water whip, electrocuting Utakata and causing him to cry out in pain.
"Utakata!" Hotaru cried out.
"This isn't personal, I promise you." the ANBU told her "But it's essential that we take him back to our village."
"Must you be so cruel? Stop it, please!"
"Don't worry, this isn't going to kill him. We're just draining him of his strength, that's all."
"Please, he's had enough. What could he have done to deserve to be treated this way?"
"A monstrous crime, he killed his own master and then fled from the village."
"What?"
"We need to restrain him, get started on tying him up."
"Tunneling Fang!" a Tunneling Fang sent one of the ANBU flying into a boulder.
Then Tatsu stepped up with Lee and Kiba "You guys have a lot of nerve, holding an innocent woman hostage just as a means to an end."
Hotaru smiled "Tatsu!"
"Sorry if we kept you waiting."
Utakata broke free and leapt up to join them "You came."
"Of course we did. What about you, are you alright?"
"Yes."
"So what are you doing here anyway, are you worried about Hotaru too?"
"Hardly, it was just… coincidence. Besides, these guys didn't come for Hotaru."
"What do you mean? Who are these guys? They remind me of Haku. Wait, that mask… So their real target is-"
"Master!" Hotaru cried out.
The ANBU surrounded her "Why are the Hidden Leaf here?"
Tatsu stepped forward "I'm gonna have to ask you guys to let the girl go in peace."
"That I cannot do."
"Plan B then, take her back by force. I'll take the one in the middle. Lee, Kiba, take the guys on either side of them and we'll attack together."
"But these ANBU…" Lee trailed off.
"We've gotta let it play out, at least for now. We need to find out exactly what these guys are doing here.'
The ANBU holding Hotaru formed a hand seal "Hidden Jutsu: Kirisame." mist and rain poured down.
"Wind Style: Skybound Wind!" Tatsu fired a blast of wind, only for it to dissolve almost immediately "What the hell is with this rain?"
"It's a jutsu that dissolves any chakra it touches." Utakata told him "It's called Kirisame."
'Dammit, I'm gonna have to back off.'
"Water Whip!" the rain subsided and the water whip launched forward and grabbed Tatsu around his waist.
"Wind Style: Skybound Wind!" Tatsu fired several slashes of wind, cutting the Water Whip to pieces and causing it to dissolve, freeing Hotaru.
"Master!" Hotaru rushed forward.
"Water Whip!" the ANBU again trapped her and pulled her back, then punched her in the gut and knocked her out "That will keep you quiet for awhile."
"What the hell did you do that for asshole?" Kiba snarled.
"Kiba, Lee, stay back." Tatsu stepped forward "My team is here on a mission, we've been charged with keeping that girl safe. Please return her to us and there won't be any trouble. Judging by your masks, am I correct to assume you're ANBU Black Ops from the Hidden Mist and you're after Utakata here? That means Utakata is listed in your Bingo Book as a rogue ninja. Hotaru has nothing to do with you, please release her."
"How about a deal?" the leader of the ANBU suggested "We'll trade her for him."
"No deal."
"What?"
"Hotaru seems to be very attached to Utakata, if we simply let you guys take him away then I have no doubt that she'll follow you. She'll be in danger and we'll be in trouble, hence why we can't hand him over."
"Then we won't give her up."
"If we're forced to fight then our actions could have serious consequences that could even lead to full scale war, are you willing to risk that?"
"Men of the Hidden Leaf." and with a small shower of rain, another ANBU appeared "I'm the commander of this unit, talk to me. I am Tsurugi, head of the Hidden Mist ANBU Black Ops. It is certainly not our desire to let this impasse escalate into a war between our nations. Perhaps it is still possible to negotiate?"
"It is. I am Tatsu Kamikaze, jonin of the Hidden Leaf, let's discuss this and see if we can come to an agreement."
"Let us meet alone, just the two of us, the leaders of our two teams." his eyes wandered over towards Utakata "And Utakata as well."
"I'll agree to that." he turned to Lee and Kiba "Stay here." and he followed them.
Kiba looked at Lee "So what do you think is gonna happen now?"
Lee shrugged "Knowing Tatsu, he'll probably work something out."
"For the Leaf's sake, he better."
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5 minutes later, further along the river…
"Then we're in agreement." Tsurugi noted "Until you complete your mission with the girl, we will postpone apprehending Utakata."
"I'll be sure to let you know as soon as her mission as guaranteed." Tatsu assured him "But in the meantime, there's something else I want to confirm."
"And what would that be?"
"Utakata is a jinchuuriki isn't he?"
Tsurugi looked at Utakata sitting by the river "Yes, he is."
"Don't worry, I don't plan on trying to capture him."
"Good, but be sure to keep in mind that if you and your group fail to honor the agreement that we've made here today then war between our nations may be inevitable."
"I understand. Also, if you wouldn't mind giving a message to the Mizukage. There is a group of rogue ninja, all clad in black cloaks with red clouds, hunting jinchuuriki. They're known as the Akatsuki. They've already claimed the the One-Tail that lies within Shukaku, and for all we know Utakata might be their next target. Your village's Kisame Hoshigaki is one of them."
"I'm aware, Juzo Biwa was one of them as well before his death."
"I see."
"You guys are too much." Utakata waltzed over to them "I'll be doing exactly as I please."
"The hell you will pretty boy, until our mission is over you're staying with us and you'll be under our supervision. After that, whatever you want to do is between you and the Hidden Mist."
"Very well."
"Btu tell me Utakata, just what did you do that would warrant Hidden Mist ANBU chasing you as far as here?"
"That information is none of your business." Tsurugi cut in.
"So be it, my apologies."
"I wish to speak with him alone now."
"So be it, I'll wait over there." and he walked off.
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Lee looked back to see Tatsu return "How did it go?"
Tatsu shrugged "It went well enough."
"Where are they?"
"They're off having a private discussion right now."
"Is it true? Is Utakata really a rogue ninja?"
"Yeah. And I was right about the other thing too, he really is a jinchuuriki."
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Tsurugi led Utakata to another part of the river "Look, don't cause us trouble. Surrender and come back home."
Utakata scoffed "Why would I do that? Why would I go back just to get killed?"
"The village has changed, our old nickname no longer applies. We're no the Blood Mist Village now. Things even seem peaceful. The balance of power between the Five Great Nations remains extremely tenuous and delicate. The importance of what you possess increases and research into its use has also increased. The village needs that power, so you definitely won't be killed if you return. Trust me."
"I don't think I can trust anyone anymore. You know why, my master tried to kill me, and that thing that's inside me… Without question, I sacrificed myself for the village. I trusted my master and did all that he said, and in return he betrayed me and tried to kill me!"
"No Utakata, you're wrong. Harusame did not try to kill you, you must believe me. It wasn't like that at all. He performed that terrible ritual not to bring you harm, but to separate that thing from you. He was trying to save you."
"You actually think I'm gonna buy that? You're either lying or you've grown senile."
"It's true."
"My master… That man used me and tried to kill me, and that's all there is to it. And then, as a result, he ended up dying. If you ask the villagers then they'll all say I killed him even if I didn't."
"Please Utakata, just come home and then you can see for yourself and know that I'm not lying to you."
"No thanks."
"Then we'll have no choice but to kill you, you know that."
"Do as you please, and I shall do as I please too."
Tsurugi sighed.
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Hotaru was relieved to see Utakata and Tsurugi return "You're alright."
"Let her go." Tsurugi ordered.
"Yes sir." they did so.
Hotaru rushed towards him "Oh master-"
"That's enough!" Utakata exploded, stopping her "I told you already, never call me that again."
Tears brimmed in her eyes.
His voice softened "Do you understand?"
"Men of the Hidden Leaf." Tsurugi addressed the group "As agreed, we will retreat for now. Let us hope that both our missions will be successful. However, we will continue to watch you to make sure you honor our pact."
Tatsu nodded "Understood."
"Farewell. Scatter!" and the Mist ninja all departed.
"Well that was fun. I haven't dealt with something like this since the night I became a full-fledged jonin."
"So what's your plan from here?" asked Lee.
"For now, I think it's best if we avoid Tsuchigumo village. It's pretty obvious the place is no longer secure, Hotaru wouldn't be kept safe there. For now let's return to Mount Katsuragi, there we can plan what our next move is going to be."
"I'd like to go back to." said Hotaru "I want to make sure that Tonbee is okay."
"But the ones who came after your grandfather's forbidden jutsu may also return there, it could be in danger as well. For now we should meet up with Tonbee and Ino, then decide what course of action we should take." he looked at Utakata "And guess what pretty boy, you're coming with us too."
Utakata let out an annoyed grunt "Fine."
"Good, now let's move." they started walking away, with Utakata following close behind, albeit very reluctantly.
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Later, as the group was travelling, Tatsu noticed Hotaru looking down "You alright?"
"I guess." Hotaru let out a sad sigh "It's just, I wonder why he doesn't want me to call him master." she thought back to what the ANBU told her 'What could possibly have happened between Sir Utakata and his own master?'
"There's no way we can know what's going on between Utakata and the Hidden Mist. But still, I don't think that's really important right now. I mean, if you've already decided that you want to be his student then it doesn't matter."
"Yes it does, I have to become strong and restore my clan's honor, so I have to learn from him."
"I know exactly how you feel, you want him to teach you everything he knows."
"Well it's not quite like that…"
"It's alright, I get it. I feel something pretty similar about that myself. I don't remember anything at all about my parents, they both died when the Kyuubi attacked my village when I was a baby. After that it was me and my brother, but he died the same night the Uchiha clan was massacred. I was really lost after that, but Hayate-sensei was there for me. I think that's why whenever I was training or spending time with him, I wonder if that's really what it felt like to have a true father figure in your life. I'll admit that I acted like a spoiled brat with him at first, but the thing is that training isn't easy, not by a long shot. You have to think things on your own, and you have to think things through on your own, or else you'll never get anywhere. After all, if Hayate-sensei hadn't been there for me then I doubt I would've ever figured out even the most basic of shinobi skills. Trust me Hotaru, you're not alone in this. The thought that someone is near, that they're watching over you, acting as your guiding hand, that can make you so much stronger than you ever thought possible."
"I think I understand. You know Tatsu, I really do envy you. So just like you say, I'm really going to think of Sir Utakata as my master." she stopped.
"Woah, you look really pale."
"No, I'm… I'm okay, really…" she fell forward.
"I've got you." Tatsu caught her and felt her forehead "Damn, you're really burning up." he looked at a wound on her shoulder "And you're hurt. Is that from the fight with those Hidden Mist ANBU? Lee, Kiba!"
"Let me." Utakata took her and received a nod from her "I need some medicinal herbs. Let me see… the dokudami plan should be abundant nearby a roundward stem, a purple plant with leaves shaped like a heart."
"The purple is underneath the leaves right?"
"Yes that's right."
"Got it." he rushed off.
Lee knelt down beside them "So what's wrong?"
"Hotaru is ill, please leave it to me." Utakata carried her away.
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Tatsu found himself by a river "If that plant grows best in damp areas then the riverbank oughta be the first place to look." he looked and saw some bushes "There, that must be what he's talking about." he rushed down and picked them up, only to see something that infuriated him to almost no end "Are you f*cking kidding me? This is just a chameleon plant, there were tons of these things the whole way over here! You know what, f*ck it." he grabbed a bunch of them and started running where he sensed Utakata's 'I took way too long… Utakata!"
He looked back "You've got them?"
"Yeah-" he paused when he saw the mark on Hotaru's back "What in the hell-? What is that?"
"That's the Tsuchigumo Clan's forbidden jutsu, it was engraved onto her."
"How could they do that?"
"To hell with this forbidden jutsu or whatever it is, to hell with our clans, to hell with our masters, and to hell with all of the selfish people that do atrocious things to those who serve them without a hint of remorse." he put Hotaru's robe back on her "They think of those beneath them as mere vessels, as vessels with no choice."
"Hotaru…"
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By sunset, they were moving again.
Tatsu couldn't stop thinking about Hotaru's mark 'Come to think of it, the way the villagers were looking at her was pretty similar to how Naruto was treated. Ever since the day I first met him.'
"You're thinking about Naruto?" asked Kiba quietly.
"Yeah, how did you know?"
"Just a hunch."
"Okay…"
There was a pause, and Kiba spoke again after a moment "You were the only one."
"Hmm? What was that?"
"The only one who's never looked at Naruto with that glare for as long as I've known you. The villagers, they always looked at him like he was the shit on their sandals, even the kids, younger or older than us. Everyone at the academy, the students, the teachers, even me as ashamed as I am, all because of that thing."
"Kurama. His name is Kurama."
"Whatever. The point is that you never did that, you never looked at him like he was a monster or some kind of pariah. You were the only person who saw him for what he really is."
"Come on Kiba, everybody sees Naruto for who he is."
"But he had to earn it, nobody should have to earn acknowledgment like he had to. You're the only one who's always seen Tatsu for a real person with great potential, not some monster or screw up not worth their time."
"You wanna know what I saw when I first met Naruto? What I saw was a kid who had potential great enough to surpass even the First Hokage, the man who captured eight of the nine Tailed Beasts and ended up trading them to the other Great Nations, and a kid who needed a good friend to always be there for him. I wanted to be that friend."
"What did Hayate-sensei think of it?"
"He approved, and even if he didn't I would've anyway, because that's one of the most important things he taught me: to follow my heart and do what I feel is right." then he turned serious 'But still, this whole thing with Hotaru and that forbidden jutsu, I just can't believe any of it.'
"Something else wrong?"
"No, just… about this whole forbidden jutsu. It's just unbelievable."
"The fact that the key to it is in Hotaru's back?"
"How'd you know?"
"Don't forget, I can sniff out how strong an enemy is.
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The leader of the Magaki group hid behind a bush on Mount Katsuragi "It's a good thing I took all those extra precautions, looks like I needed them." he formed a hand seal watched Ino caring for an unconscious Tonbee using his Dragon Spying jutsu "Looks like they haven't returned yet."
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Ino looked up and saw Tatsu and the others return "You're back."
"Yeah." he knelt down beside Tonbee "You knew didn't you? You knew the jutsu is in Hotaru's back."
Tonbee slowly and sighed "Friends from the Hidden Leaf Village…"
"Please stop all this." Hotaru pleaded "It was my grandfather who-"
"You served Hotaru's grandfather for years didn't you?" Tatsu cut her off "Why didn't you stop him from doing this?"
"I said stop Tatsu!"
"I'm sorry but I can't, it's because of this damned jutsu that-"
"I told him to do it!" her declaration made the room go deadly silent.
"...What the hell did you just say?"
"I asked for it. I asked to be given the forbidden jutsu!"
Tonbee sighed "Lady Hotaru, please…"
"But why?" asked Utakata "Why would you do such a thing."
"If you all wouldn't mind, I'd like a word with Tonbee in private."
"But why-"
"Just let her have her moment with the old guy." Tatsu walked out of the room.
Hotaru gave a relieved smile "Tonbee, I'm glad you're safe."
Tonbee shook his head "I should be the one saying that to you, Lady Hotaru. All of you from the Leaf Village, Sir Utakata, words can't express how grateful I am for what you've done."
"Don't mention it." Tatsu waved that off "But you should know, the Tsuchigumo village was under the control of the bandits."
"I understand now, that's why you came back."
"Yes, but we have other matters discuss. I want you to finish what you were telling us earlier."
"About the forbidden jutsu?"
"Go one."
"That jutsu, it was part of grandfather's dream…" Hotar murmured.
"En no Gyoja?" asked Utakata.
"Yes. The Tsuchigumo clan was once one of the proudest in all the nations. With our powerful forbidden jutsu, it was said that we could even tip the balance of the Great Ninja War. But at the same time, other clans often targeted ours because we possessed that jutsu, and so one life after another was lost."
"When the great war was over, only a few remained who were capable of wielding the forbidden jutsu." Tonbee took over for her "Also, lord En no Gyoja and some of the village elders had disagreements over what our clan's future should be, and that led to the clan splitting into two fractions, with one group settling in the Tsuchigumo village and the other at Mount Katsuragi. But by then, lord En no Gyoja was already quiet advanced in years, so few people opted to follow him when he left for Mount Katsuragi."
"Grandfather believed that restoring the Tsuchigumo clan's name was the key, our name was the way to make amends and honor those who lost their lives to the forbidden jutsu. So that's why I must carry out the wish of my grandfather and master."
"How foolish." Utakata muttered, catching everyone's attention "That's why you had the forbidden jutsu imbedded inside of you? For your master, for your clan? So senseless."
"Believe what you want, it's the student's duty to carry out the wishes of her master."
Tatsu stared at her "Hotaru…"
"I just don't think you really understand how I feel."
"Lady Hotaru, I think Sir Utakata may be right about this." Tonbee admitted.
"Tonbee?"
"It's clear to me that the Tsuchigumo clan no longer has the strength to keep the forbidden jutsu safe, if it were used for the wrong purposes then Lord En no Gyoja's legacies would be tarnished beyond repair. To prevent its misuse, I believe we have no choice but to destroy the forbidden jutsu while we still can."
"And how exactly do you propose we do that?" asked Tatsu "The forbidden jutsu is still inside Hotaru's body, remember?" then he froze "Hold on a minute, you're not suggesting that we-"
"Don't misunderstand me." he suddenly clutched his stomach, his hand now covered in some blood.
"Mr Tonbee, you shouldn't move around." Ino told him.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine." Tonbee used his blood and summoned a bat, which then transformed into a scroll.
Tatsu picked it up "What is this?"
"A scroll that Lord En no Gyoja entrusted to me long ago. It contains the method for how we may safely remove the forbidden jutsu from Lady Hotaru's body."
"So there's really a way to remove it?" asked Ino.
"The great Lord En no Gyoja would never have embedded it in her body if there hadn't been a way to remove it once it had been implanted. What kind of master would even think of doing such a dreadful thing?"
'Orochimaru.' Tatsu thought dryly.
"Please forgive me, I should've told you this long before now. But once the forbidden jutsu is removed from inside Lady Hotaru, it will no longer have any power. I had also longed to restore our clan's glory, without the forbidden jutsu, I know that dream will fade away. Still, this is how it should be."
"No, it's not." Hotaru protested.
"Please, I'm going to need your help. I can't remove the jutsu from Lady Hotaru by myself."
"There's just one problem." Tatsu pointed out "We can't make that decision alone. We'll have to send a message to Lady Tsunade to get permission, but we still can't leave Hotaru like this."
"Just hold on!" Hotaru cut them off "I haven't decided if I'm going to give up the forbidden jutsu yet!"
"But Lady Hotaru please, if we don't do this then not only the jutsu but your life will be in grave danger." Tonbee pleaded.
"But it's my life to risk!" she felt her hand and found Utakata grabbing her shoulders "Utakata-"
"Enough." Utakata cut her off and slapped her across the face "Just knock it off."
"Sir Utakata…"
"I… I'm sorry…"
"Do you know what you're asking me? Do you? I can't abandon my clan's pride and honor!" and she rushed off.
"Hotaru!" Tatsu tossed Ino the scroll "Don't worry guys, I'll get her." and he ran after her.
"My dear Lady Hotaru…" Tonbee murmured.
"I'll go and convince her." Utakata told him.
"Not so fast, we can't let you just wander off." Lee pointed out.
"She couldn't have gotten too far. I'll be right back. I'd never put Hotaru in any danger."
"Alright then. Ino, you go with him. Kiba, hold tight. I want you to do something else."
"Right." Ino left with Utakata.
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Hotaru was praying at a certain grave "Grandfather…" she began reflecting on times with her grandfather.
"Hey." a voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
Hotaru looked to see some flowers being placed on the grave, then looked to see Tatsu standing next to her "Tatsu…"
"So this is your grandfather's grave, huh? I found those growing nearby."
"Thank you Tatsu, that was very kind of you."
"I've gotta admit, the guy's got a pretty good view. He must be really happy to be up here." he knelt down "But you know something? I think he's really worried about you too."
"Tatsu…"
"He's right Hotaru, we should go back."
Hotaru looked back to see Ino and Utakata standing behind her "Sir Utakata…"
"Well come on, let's go."
"But I haven't decided yet."
"If your wish is truly to restore the glory of your clan then you don't need to rely on something like that to do it. Listen, too much power only gives rise to great suffering. I'm a prime example, right Tatsu?"
"Hang on, why are you dragging me into this?" asked Tatsu.
"I know another way, there's someone who can help." Hotaru told them.
"Really? Who?"
"A man by the name of Shiranami, he's from the Tsuchigumo clan and he can wield the forbidden jutsu."
"Hang on, you know this Shiranami guy?"
"He was once a student of my grandfather."
"A student of En no Gyoja?" Utakata repeated.
"Well more accurately, he was a student of my grandfather's student. It was Shiranami's father, a man by the name of Sir Hato, who was the very first pupil my grandfather taught. I've heard that Sir Hato was a brilliant with exceptional ninjutsu skills, and it was said that his son Shiranami possessed even greater skills than his father. But during the Third Great Ninja War, Sir Hato was unfortunately killed because he was trying to protect the forbidden jutsu. My grandfather sensed that Shiranami was also in danger and had him sent away from the village to keep him safe. Grandfather often said when I was young that if those two men were still here with us today then this village wouldn't have fallen as far as it has."
"If this Shiranami guy can help you then we need to find him, do you have any idea where he might be?" asked Tatsu.
"I'm not sure."
"Look, sooner or later those bandits are gonna come right back here." Utakata pointed out "We simply don't have enough time to look for him, so decide Hotaru."
"Actually we do." Tatsu cut in "At least a fraction of the time, and I can take advantage of that really easily." he looked at Hotaru "You know Hotaru, I know a guy who's in the same situation as the one you're in right now."
"I don't understand." Hotaru muttered.
"I can't go into all the details, but deep down you and him are a lot alike. He's got a secret giving him a lot of trouble too. He used to be a real loner, but now he doesn't have to carry the whole weight of it by himself because he's got friends with him, and by friends I mean me, Ino and the other two idiots. Look Hotaru, you're a strong girl who chose to take this burden on yourself and you've been suffering with it all alone. All this time you've carried your clan's future and your grandfather's dream on your shoulders, and that's why I want to help you and see your dreams come true, so if I can find Shiranami then you'll have another ally by your side and you won't have to bear the weight of this burden by yourself, and you won't have to suffer all alone anymore."
"But Tatsu…"
"Don't worry, just leave it to me. Like I said, I've got a way to track him down so fast your head will spin. Give me 2 days at the most and I'll find this Shiranami no matter what it takes. Oh, and Lee's in charge while I'm gone." and he jumped off the ledge.
The leader, actually Shiranami himself, was watching from the bushes and chuckled 'What a surprise, never in a million years did I expect my name to come up in this conversation.'
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By morning, Tsunade and Shizune had received word from Mizuryu about the situation.
In order to prevent the forbidden jutsu from being used by an enemy nation, or worse, Orochimaru or the Akatsuki, Tsunade agreed for the Leaf to give Hotaru refuge while the jutsu was either removed or passed on to Shiranami.
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Tatsu was running through the forest, his mind racing 'I'll find him in less than 2 days I said, it'll be easy I said, me and my big f*cking mouth. Well no use crying about it now I guess, I've gotta put my idea into action. Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu!" hundreds upon hundreds of clones poofed into life and scattered.
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Lee's jaw dropped "Tatsu's doing what now?"
"If Shiranami does return then that would certainly help." Tonbee admitted.
"But can Tatsu find him in just 2 days?" asked Ino.
"We may not even have that long." Utakata pointed out "If those bandits attack again before Tatsu gets back then it may not even matter if Shiranami returns."
Lee frowned "That's true, so we'd better prepare just in case. We should make preparations to remove the forbidden jutsu."
"Do you understand Hotaru?"
"Yes." her voice was soft.
Lee looked over the scroll "It looks to me like this diremption jutsu uses a special potion to work. Ino, you should take care of that and make sure the potion is properly mixed."
Ino nodded "I understand Lee."
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Later, Utakata was wandering outside and watched Hotaru caring for an unconscious Tonbee, recalled Tonbee's words about removing the jutsu 'What kind of master would do such a dreadful thing? That's what the old guy said. Well I've got news for you old man, one painfully familiar man comes to mind.' then he paused and recalled what Tsurugi said to him before 'Could it be? Did Tsurugi really speak the truth? If so, then what exactly did Master Harusame try to do to me? I must speak to Tsurugi again.'
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Tatsu and his Shadow Clones were getting absolutely nowhere searching for Shiranami, and now he was almost out of chakra 'Son of a bitch, almost completely out of chakra and I've gotten absolutely nowhere.'
"What's the matter?" an old man came up to him "Why are you sitting there in the middle of the road?"
"A combination of exhaustion and frustration. See there's someone I'm looking for and I've gotten absolutely nowhere in trying to find him."
"I see, who exactly are you looking for?"
"Some guy named Shiranami."
"Shiranami huh? Oh yeah, that man."
Tatsu bolted up "For real? Are you absolutely sure you know him?"
"I do, there's a man by that name who lives in a hut by that waterfall over that mountain. I'm pretty sure he does some kind of ninja training there, or at least that's what he used to do."
"Thanks!" Tatsu took off running.
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Hotaru was pacing worriedly until a thought struck her "No, don't tell me… has Sir Utakata really gone off for good?"
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Utakata was actually just casually floating through the air in his bubble 'Come on out Tsurugi, you're going to tell me what I wasn't ready to hear before.' he looked down and saw that one of the Mist ANBU had spotted him 'Shouldn't be long now.' then he paused 'What's this? I sense two strange chakra signatures closing in on them. And a third closing in on those other two.'
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The Mist ANBU appeared before Tsurugi "Utakata is on the move."
Tsurugi smiled slightly "I see. I wonder, is he trying to lure me in? Let's go."
"Yes sir!"
They rushed forward, only to see Hidan appear before them, with Kakuzu standing right behind him "Hey there, how would you guys feel about joining the way of Jashin?"
"What?" they all got into combat stances.
Their screams filled the air.
A/N:
I brought Kiba in because I thought it would be nice to give him some character development, hence the little exchange between him and Tatsu regarding Naruto.
I figured that since this filler arc is about the relationship between master and student it'd be perfect to add in before the whole Hidan and Kakuzu thing.
For those of you who don't know who Juzo Biwa is, he's the guy who was paired with Itachi when he first joined the Akatsuki. I'm planning to bring him back during the war.