**Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or the quote below. I just own Sintary ^^ Also I do not own the other OC Kokuro. He's my friend's.
Hi.
So. it's here at last! I am really sorry it's taken over a month to get this posted. Ko wrote the whole chuunin exam portion, and well, he got sick for about two weeks straight, so I was sorta stuck. I needed his part for reasons you will see. Then when I finally got it, my schoolwork decided it was going to pile up and be all do at once. That with work equals no time to write. So, I apologize for the delay, but I pushed forward and finally finished this chapter.
If you guys have been keeping up with the blog, you will know there's (hopefully) going to be a character Q&A. So, you guys will have one month from today to submit question for the characters. You can either post them in the comments, on the blog page, or email them to the fan email: sintarysacuna . Super simple to do, but in order for it to be a success, WE NEED YOU! so please submit questions within the time frame so we can all have a great time!
Thanks again for your patience!
"Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darkness of other people."
-Carl Jung
"We have intruders." He stated quietly in his girlfriend's ear.
"I'm pretty sure the correct term is guest." She pointed out amusingly
"They're here intruding on our alone time in the morning – uninvited." He explained in a low voice.
It made her smile more as they stayed close together. "They're family!" She insisted. "They have a pass."
"Does their pass include a free show?" He asked getting on top of her. "Because I'm sure they'd get one if they stuck around long enough."
"Ew! Please, no." A voice came from beyond the closed door.
"Yeah, we don't really need to see – or hear that." Another voice proclaimed uneasily.
"Can you two just come out already? Dressed and showered preferably." The first voice asked.
"Why did you say shower? They could be in there forever at that." The second voice stated in a hushed tone.
"Well, who knows what they did last night or if they've showered yet. They're usually morning shower people." The first voice informed.
"We should probably get up," the woman in the bedroom said drawing the attention back into the room.
"A shower sounds nice after being awaken so suddenly." Her boyfriend responded getting up.
Bright, blue eyes looked over her raven-haired lover. She watched as he reached his toned arms over his head to stretch them. The muscles down his smooth back flex with his movements before relaxing. She bit her lip at the lovely sight before her. She moved to the edge of their bed to be closer to him. She simply couldn't help herself as she reached out and run her hands down his back from his broad shoulders to his naked tush.
It had certainly been a good idea for them to close their door last night. If they hadn't, there's no telling what their guests would have seen. Especially since both home dwellers were stark naked.
"There will be more time to look and touch once we're in the shower," her boyfriend told her lovingly.
"I couldn't resist the temptation." She replied lazily.
She then draped her own long arms over his shoulders and wrapped her strong legs around his slender waist. She felt calloused hands cup each of the bottoms of her hamstrings to give her more support.
The raven-haired man then proceeded to their bathroom. He walked to the back where the shower was located and turned it on so it warmed up. He held her on his back while they waited for the shower.
"You look gorgeous," he stated softly looking at her in the vanity mirror.
"Mm, so do you." She whispered in his ear before kissing just beneath it causing him to shiver.
"I love you, Sintary," he told her looking at her with soft onyx eyes.
"I love you too, Itachi." She replied.
They shared a loving kiss before getting in the shower and showering together. They knew they couldn't do much with their guests waiting for them, but they still took their time. The couple took turns washing each other and kissing – lots of kissing. The shower was turned off, and then they dried, and dressed.
The walked down the hallway to where their guests were waiting. Sintary smiled gently seeing Meisa happily playing with Akamaru while Kokuro and Kiba were sitting at the island watching them.
"Well, it's about time." Kiba said noticing them walk in.
"You two did interrupt our morning routine," Itachi replied drily.
"Hope you're not working on baby number three yet," Kokuro said.
"Why wouldn't we?" Sintary questioned confused.
Kokuro and Kiba looked at each other before gesturing for the couple to sit down with them.
"We recently found out that we could have children." Kokuro started.
"That's incredible! I'm so happy for you two." Sintary exclaimed immediately.
"How does Sakura plan to proceed?" Itachi asked.
"She's… she's going to try and mix our genes together." Kiba explained nervously. "But if that's successful, we'll need a surrogate mother."
"And we were really hoping… that you'd want to do it, Sintary," Kokuro finished looking at his best friend.
Sintary blinked, sitting up straighter in shock. "M-me?"
"We felt it was the best fit." Kiba told her softly. "You're smart, you're strong, you've already given birth to two children, and we know you love them dearly… we know we could trust you to carry our own child."
Sintary opened her mouth to try and form the words, but nothing came out. She then closed it before looking up at Itachi.
"How do you feel about this?" She finally asked.
"I think it's an honor your best friend only trusts you with his child." Itachi told her and gently placed his hand over hers. "If you feel you can handle it, you know you'll have my support."
"Sakura would do a full medical work up to make sure you'd be safe." Kokuro piped in.
Sintary slowly turned to them. She swallowed a bit, feeling the weight of it all settle on her shoulders. "Of course, I'll do it.' She told them blinking back tears. "I'm just so honored you guys chose me."
"YES!" The two cheered immediately getting up and hugging one another.
"We're having a child." Kokuro whispered excitedly looking his husband in the eyes as he cupped his face.
"We're having a child." Kiba repeated a bit calmer, but with a broad, toothy smile.
The two stared at each other, grinning ear to ear before diving in for a passionate kiss.
Kazuki mastered the Uchiha fireball jutsu.
The one morning, the young boy had padded into his parents' room and gently climbed in the bed. He shook his parents awake.
"Mom? Dad? I have something to show you two," he said quietly.
"Mm, okay, Kazuki." Sintary told him gently as she stretched and slowly got up.
"What do you need to show us?" Itachi asked before yawning.
"Come down to the pier with me," Kazuki said gently taking his hand.
"I'll be down in just a minute. I have to grab Meisa," Sintary told them as she went to her little girl's room.
"Alright, see you in a couple minutes, mom," Kazuki responded before leading his father down to the pier.
Sintary made her way down with Meisa in her arms as promised. Kazuki looked between his two parents and little sister before turning to face to the open water. He closed his ocean blue eyes as his centered himself.
Itachi watched his son, anticipating what he was trying to show him. He saw Kazuki weave the signs of the fireball jutsu and paused just a minute, before allowing the fire pour from his mouth. A smile of pride tugged at Itachi's lips as he saw the massive ball light up the lake.
"Wow." Sintary whispered as she watched her young son
Kazuki released the jutsu, watching the fire dissipate before letting his hands fall to his sides. He then turned around and looked at his family's reaction
"You did amazing, Kazuki!" His mother exclaimed.
"I'm very proud of you," Itachi told his son placing a hand on his shoulder.
The family then had to proceed with their day, but their steps were lighter after the major accomplishment.
Itachi was quick to tell Kokuro who cheered for his godson, demanding a celebration that night. The father agreed knowing how precious these moments were. Their day was spent approving the Chunin Exams, and preparing everything for that event. They, or rather Itachi, had to present Sakura's little "experiment" to the council and get approved. Itachi and Kokuro's council consisted of Shikaku, Kakashi, Inochi, and to a lesser extent, Naruto and Sasuke. It wasn't difficult to pass since most knew and respected Sakura as a profound medic, but they also brought up the necessary ethnical concerns and the comparison to Orochimaru. It was a good discussion to make sure Konoha was protected from any backlash.
Also, working to make this a success, Sintary went into the hospital with her children to get a checkup. Sakura ran all the tests she would need to make sure the young mother would be fit enough to carry a third child. The medic wrote down as much information as Sintary could remember from her experience with Orochimaru so Sakura knew the complications and side effects from certain hormonal treatments. They had settled on a treatment, but wouldn't know if it works or not until Sakura had a zygote prepared.
Sintary then headed towards the outskirts of town. She had been working on outside repairs for a week. The young woman looked around at the sight. Large sakura trees surrounded the parameter. The contrasting green grass covered the ground except for the main path which was merely gravel. The path lead to a small little shack, but it was so much more than its appearance. Sintary gently pushed open the wooden door and heard the bell ding. She looked around the dark room before flipping on the lights. It took a minute, but they managed to illuminate the space. To her right were a couple small booths for people to sit. In front of her was a counter that normally held a display of wonder, delicious treats. It was currently covered in a plain, white sheet. Sintary moved past the counter and opened the back door that led to the kitchen. All the appliance had been covered as well. As she headed around the ovens, she saw a door. Old, creaking stairs lead down to the cellar where she found extensive supplies of paper plates, silverware, different utensils, pots, pans, an extra refrigerator and freezer, anything needed for cooking and serving. Then, in a little cubby across from the refrigeration, was the recipe book. Sintary carefully lifted the old book and examined it. The spine was intact, but starting to wear. The outside cover was in beautiful shape for constantly being used though. Sintary gently brought it upstairs and headed outside wear her children were playing.
The afternoon was quiet. Kazuki and Meisa played what games they could before the little girl tired and curled up next to her mother underneath the sakura tree. Kazuki then went about his training as he often did before his lesson with Sasuke. Sintary spent that time reading the recipe book. She wanted to be familiar with all the sweets before she started to try and make them. She was aware she wasn't the world's greatest cook, but she knew all she needed was practice – and taste testers.
When it was time for the lesson, Sintary carried Meisa while walking about with Kazuki. His excitement started to build with each step.
"I can't wait to show Uncle Sasuke and the others!" He told his mother happily.
"They're all going to be so surprised and jealous." Sintary said with a small smile.
"Do you think Uncle Sasuke will be proud of me like dad?"
She nodded. "He definitely will."
Kazuki closed his eyes and tilted his head back smiling as he felt the warm sun on his face. He was finally starting to feel satisfied. No longer was he confined to a small room with his mother mindlessly playing. No longer was he standing idly by while someone hurt his mother. He was finally fully active. He was finally able to reach his full potential.
And he was determined to exceed it.
The day of the Chunin exam was fast approaching. They had had only a couple a months to fully prepare for this. Naruto and Sasuke were going to be functioning as a two-man squad during this testing. The young Uchiha was apprehensive, and well quite frankly, frustrated that he had to work with his former-still applicable- squad mate. The younger blond however was very much excited that they would be working together after all the years apart. The duo, much to the chagrin of Sasuke and the amusement of his family, would train on the grounds of the refurbished Uchiha compound.
Sintary, Meisa, and Kiba sat watching as the duo exchanged blows on the training field. Across from them there was a trio of training, Kazuki, Itachi, and Kokuro were exchanging blows.
"Come on Sasuke," taunted Naruto playfully, "Your nephew is beating you in agility."
Sasuke looked over to see Kazuki land a series of graceful flips, his brother smiling slightly. Kazuki was Itachi's child, but he took traits from his family; Sasuke's attitude, his father's prowess and brains, his mother's compassion and fiery temper, and his sense of humor was that of his godfather.
Itachi smirked to himself as he sent two shadow clones to charge Kokuro and his son, 'Kazuki has improved so much, he is going to be like Ko. He was always the most agile of the three of us.' A quick flash of a kunai drew Itachi from his thoughts as he dogged the blade.
"Dad, if you are going to spar, you have to focus," Kazuki teased, and Kokuro laughed.
"Fine, I am not going to hold back," called Itachi and he was behind Kazuki in a flash. The boy shuddered and disappeared in a cloud of smoke. A clone. Kokuro charged in with two clones, each brandishing different signs. The trio split.
Kazuki flitted from the branches of a nearby tree, making the sign of the tiger, "FIRE STYLE: FIRE BALL JUSTSU!" Kazuki felt the chakra gather and swell. The fire snaking hungrily at his mouth as he expelled a steady plume. Kokuro's clones smirked and then all shifted to the sign of the bird. 'Shoot, he is using wind style.'
Vortices formed and expelled from the three silverites, coalescing with the flame. Itachi wove a stream of signs before expelling large quantities of water that extinguished the engulfed twister. Kokuro landed next to his godson and smirked before bowing. The trio decided that now was a good time for a break.
Sasuke and Naruto continued to spar.
"Come on idiot, you need to move faster, my lightning style is clipping the edges of your sleeve."
"Well, if you would stop trying to rush everything maybe you and I could, ya know, not hit one another."
"Don't blame me if you can't keep up, maybe you're not Chunin material."
Naruto and Sasuke clashed and sparks flew off wind and lightning enhance kunai. Each boy glaring at the other petulantly, their eyes burning with the fire of rivalry. Kiba snorted at this drawing their attention and glares.
"You two do know that you are going to be evaluated on team effort, so, on that note I am going to go get lunch. Any takers?"
Kazuki ran and hugged his uncle, "Can we go to amaguryama's afterwards, PLEASE, PLEASE."
"Not a chance young man," lectured Sintary, "You need to lay of the sweets, I have seen your sweet tooth."
"Oh, now don't start Sin, "said Ko, as he lifted Meisa and cooed playfully, "If I remember correctly, his father has the biggest sweet-tooth, 'Mr. I ate thirteen dango sticks.' I don't want to hear it. Besides I am spoiling my godson and my goddaughter. Isn't that right Meisa, who is the best god-dad ever."
Sintary looked to a Itachi who gave one of his rare sheepish grins, that he only shared with family. As the family marched on towards lunch, Sasuke and Naruto stayed behind to train.
The morning of the exam came abruptly after a long evening of training and a short dinner, and some dango. Sasuke and Naruto made their way to the assigned field surrounded by another assortment of special cases. There was mostly shinobi from the Hidden leaf, but occasionally, scattered amongst the crowd there were two or three man cells from the Villages of the Mist and the Sand. A lone Shinobi from the land of Stone was present as well.
The entire field was lined with a multi tear grid and each team was place upon a certain spot. The grid squares were around a meter across, and were painted heavily in black ink. The 'proctors of the exam came forward following the same, dark, dreary, stern, black leather trench coat that accompanied the exam the first time the pair took it.
Standing before the throng of shinobi was none other than the ever stern Ibiki Morino; his face that familiar smiling grimace. The thick jagged scars prominent as ever across his severe face. The proctors took their place among the outside of the grid and smirked menacingly.
"LISTEN UP YOU MAGGOTS," shouted Ibiki, "you are here because you fucked it up something special the first time you took this exam. Take a moment and reflect that you truly are fuck-ups in every sense of the word. Now, this part of the exam is simple, we will ask your squad a question one by one, you are to answer in tandem. Fail to do so and kiss your ass goodbye, the grid will trigger a trap and you will fail. Good luck you're gonna need it."
Sasuke and Naruto share a quick concerned glance as the grid illuminated with a venomous rough light; vibrant shocking barrier walls encompassed the squads as the proctors moved forward.
"ALSO, MAGGOTS ONE MORE THING, NO TALKING," sneered Ibiki, "if you do the proctors will see it, treat it as cheating and then watch as your grid trap is detonated, releasing whatever is concealed below. "
The duo remained quietly and watched as Ibiki interrogated the first squad, they responded in tandem, with the same answer, but they were both wrong. Ibiki scoffed and watched as the pair of them were trapped in a grid that began to fill with water. The trio smashed against the wall, trying to break free until they were at last immobile, the seal broke and they flopped to the ground sputtering water. Several seconds later there were small explosions, and yells as more grids went off. Teams were dragged beneath the earth, lightly singed with fire, and even trapped in a whirlwind.
Sasuke and Naruto watched on anxiously at the squads around them being either set free via the correct answer, or trapped from a break in their silence. Finally, after what seemed like hours Ibiki and the proctors moved onto Naruto and Sasuke's grid. Of the original teams, here were only a handful left inside the grid, and even fewer on the outside.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the two brats from before. Why am I not surprised that your asses are here," remarked Ibiki?
Naruto moved to snark back, but Sasuke acted first. He quickly covered the blond shinobi's mouth and gestured to the area around them. They were still in the sealing grid. Ibiki and the proctors chuckled at the pair, making their blood boil. Then the examiners decided that now would be a good time for a lively chat. The proctors mad no notice of Naruto and Sasuke, and the pair waited in silence for five minutes before Ibiki finally turned to them.
"Okay Maggots, here is your question. Get it right and you're in, but get it wrong or don't answer in tandem, and you'll face the trap. Okay, in the shinobi volume three, when does a ninja strike?"
Naruto and Sasuke' eyes lit, this was the nin-ken write Sasuke had used during their first Chunin exam. In tandem they both replied, "A ninja waits until the time is right, when the enemy sleeps and drops their guard, when his weapons lie forgotten in the stillness of the night."
Sasuke, "That is the moment for a ninja to strike."
Naruto, "That is a moment for a ninja to strike."
The duo locked eyes at the mistake made, their proctors face a grim smile, "Sorry maggots face the trap." The ground shook and suddenly there was a wave of copper spikes falling from the sky towards them. Without even pausing the two moved into action. Sasuke called forth his chidori and Naruto created a rasengan, infused with wind chakra. The pair clashed their techniques together and then moved to counter the spikes. The lightning canceled out the electricity on the spears, and wind shredded them in a rain of thin metal strips.
Ibiki laughed heartily and the two turned and faced him wearily. His face one of happy resignation. "You two pass." The sealing grid around them was released. "I never said that once the trap was released that you couldn't fight on to beat it. I can't believe I am passing you again blondy, you still managed to not answer the question right."
"What about the other shinobi," inquired Naruto, "don't they know now that they can pass without answering the question?"
The elder shinobi laughed coarsely and called back, walking away from the field, "Turn around and see for yourself." The pair turned to see that they were alone in a field surrounded by nothing but open space. "Genjutsu everyone was placed under in when they entered the grid. Now I suggest that you two head to the forest of Death. You'll be familiar with the proctor and exam."
The second exam began with the standard chagrin. Anko was the proctor again, and upon seeing the young Uzumaki she proceeded to throw a kunai only to the blond catch it. Anko then proceeded to take it back, seductively licking the edge of the blade before turning and explain the system of the second exam.
Turning to face the crowd, the brown trench coat fluttered around her body in the wind and revealed her shapely figure, clad in nothing but a protective mesh and a precariously grouping of leather belts.
"Okay kiddies, I have to make this quick, each team is assigned a number, the number is assigned to a corresponding gate. Each of you will gather a scroll either one of heaven or one of earth, then after that you will enter the forest of Death. You need to gather the opposite of the scrolls of the one you own." Anko shifted and then smirked by the way this is going to be tougher, firstly there are an uneven number of scrolls, but you will also only have three days to gather the scrolls and make it to the center tower. I thought it would be fun to put you under a time crunch. Have fun and use any means necessary."
The groups of ninja stood stunned at the new time frame for the challenge, and the possibility that the scrolls are randomized and fewer in number.
During the chaos Sasuke summoned a small serpent, Aobaken, and sent him to spy of the scroll tent, they were going to have an advantage.
Once they had their scroll, Sasuke took it and placed it in his pouch as they stood at the entrance to their gate.
"You remember the plan?" He asked his blonde partner.
"Yep! Head to the tower and stake everyone out!" Naruto exclaimed causing Sasuke to narrow his eyes.
"Keep it down, dobe. We don't want anyone hearing us." He growled.
"What? It's nothing special. I'm sure other teams are doing the exact same thing." Naruto pointed out.
"Just shut up." Sasuke spat.
What Naruto didn't know is that Sasuke already had his plan in motion. When Aobaken went to spy on the other squads, he had the snake choose a squad with the opposite squad and hid on their person.
The gates opened, and they sped in. He left a clone with Naruto and headed towards the other group to grab the scroll. He hadn't picked a particularly strong group for his victims. He hadn't wanted this to get too complicated. Besides, who knew if he would "accidentally" kill them out of his own sadistic tendency. Things like that just don't… go away.
When Sasuke returned, there wasn't any sort of substitution. The clone and Naruto had stopped for a quick break. All Sasuke did was release the clone in a puff of smoke. Though, Naruto got frazzled.
"What was that, Sasuke?" He asked looking at his teammate.
"A clone, dobe." He replied drily
"Teme! Why was there a clone here?!" Naruto exclaimed.
"Because I was gone." Sasuke stated plainly.
"Where did you go?" Naruto questioned only getting more enraged.
"I got the other scroll."
"WHAT?! I thought we were heading to the tower to get it together." The blonde yelled.
Sasuke looked at him boredly. "That's what I told you. I had other plans." He started to walked past the enraged shinobi.
"You had other plans!?" Naruto exclaimed shoving the dark-haired shinobi. "We're a team, Sasuke. A team. We're supposed to work together."
"We are a team, Naruto," Sasuke replied sarcastically. "Just like before. I lead, you follow. I get shit done, you just become dead weight."
Naruto's eyes narrowed as his fists clenched. "That's not the case anymore! You know I've gotten stronger! We've even sparred together; we can work as a team just fine!"
Sasuke's head tilted slightly as he sized up Naruto. "You may have gotten stronger, but you are really no smarter. This required more brains that brawns. You have no brains."
"I'll show you who has no brains!" Naruto growled grabbing hold of Sasuke.
The two stared at each other, waiting for the other to make the first move. Neither got the chance. The jolted apart, both sensing the unstable malevolent chakra. Springing forth from them spot where they once stood a shallow crater roared with fire. A figure, shadowy and writhing, coiled in the flames.
Naruto and Sasuke landed on the edge of the field clearing in the tree tops, finally getting to see a stable view of the assailant. He was dressed bare-chested, his skin inky black almost as if made of shadow, his features sharp and narrow and his hair long, dragging by his waist. From his side grew small branches of white skin and patches of pale flesh with green branchlets. His face was narrow but his eyes were hollow and yellow, the beginnings of patterned irises taking form.
The figure flickered and the black inky skin seemed to shift like it was settling, growing, over the pale flesh. Without warning the man rushed and charged towards the pair. In his hands, there were kunai emblazoned with fire and wind.
Whistling through the air, the kunai hit their mark the center chest of Naruto and Sasuke before exploding in a flagrant explosion. The pair were consumed in miniature cyclones of fire before burning to a cinder.
"DAMN….I needed….needed fox alive….Koku….Kokuro….dies. I must—?
"Why do you think I would know you ass?"
"You tend to bring out the freaky ones."
Naruto looked as his teammate abashed, frustrated at his own lack of information as the figure lashed out at them again. This time he weaved a stream of signs and spewed blossoming flowers of fire, and bolts of lightning. Taking himself deep within the waves of his own technique. The duo dodged the blasts and moved to launch their own counter. Naruto summoned a barrage of clones and they launched themselves at the figure.
"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU, YOU INKY BASTARD?" shouted the clones in tandem.
The inky figure laughed, his voice distorted and raspy. Chocking on the air and phlegm. Taking the clones by the masses, the figure moved and chased them. Countering the movements of each clone as they attack with weapons and ninjutsu. Wind clashed with wind, and Sasuke took this moment in stride. He called forth his own fire ball barrage and shot them towards the crowd. Without hesitation, the figure threw the clones to act as shields for himself.
"Naruto! He is toying with us!"
"Sasuke what is he doing, how can he counter us this easily, how does he know about Kurama. How—"
The inky figure latched his hands together and created the sign of the bird. "Bye Bye… time…time…time t-to die."
His body began to fade amidst the swirling of the wind. The sky is raging and storming. Lightning shattered out of the sky and moved to collect its place amongst the bramble. Wind began to pick up and rage continuously as rain began to pour. Cyclones began to swirl and consumes themselves. Coalescing and colliding to form a larger storm.
The storm grew and a tornado formed itself amongst the raging storm. The trees began to shake and crack under the force of the wind. Sasuke and Naruto froze, then the elder of the two grabbed the blond and flitted away using the Uchiha style teleportation.
The figures voice rang out swirling on the breath of the Fujin himself, "No-no fun, M-ma Madara…time to come home…yes sir…"
The storm raged and flurried consuming everything in its wake. Trees ripped up by their roots. The pair set down beneath cover and moved to defend themselves. Naruto quickly wove signs with his partner. Both summoned their creatures, Aoda and Gamakichi shrouded them from their storm.
While Naruto and Sasuke were trying to complete the exams, the others were celebrating a happy event.
It had been a couple of weeks since Sakura had finally completed the zygote and implanted it into Sintary. It was time to test if it had taken hold in utero.
"Okay! I got the blood work back!" Sakura called walking into the crowded room.
Her emerald eyes looked over the group in the hospital room. Sintary on the bed holding Itachi's hand dearly while he rubbed her back. Little Meisa sat in her lap resting against her chest. Kazuki sat at the edge of the bed quietly. Then there was Kokuro and Kiba practically holding onto each other for dear life as they stared at her intensely.
"Oh, give me that!" Kokuro finally exclaimed snatching it out of her hand.
He brought it over to his lover where they scanned over the test.
"Ohmygodwe'rehavingababy!" Kokuro screamed at the top of his lungs.
"Yes! Yes! YES! We're finally having a baby!" Kiba exclaimed jumping in the air.
The two immediately regroup, hugging each other and finalizing their joy with a kiss.
Sintary smiled softly as she squeezed Itachi's hand at the news. "I'm so happy for them…" She said quietly.
"Me too." Itachi agreed.
The joy continued into the Hokage's Tower where the other Kages had been lounging. The second exam was about to start, and of course they had cameras all over the place for surveillance. Kokuro walked in just over the moon over the news they had just received. He couldn't wait until the end of the first trimester when most miscarriages occurred as well as being able to see the gender of their first born. He settled in the back with Sintary and Itachi as they watched the groups start.
They had only been watching for an hour or so when Sasuke pulled his stunt on Naruto. The group watched amusedly as the two bickered back and forth, making bets on whether or not they would actually start a fight in the middle of the exam.
Suddenly, the feeds went blank.
The Kage looked around confused before Sintary gasped in pain as she gripped her head.
"Holy shit… what is this?" She gritted through her teeth.
"Sintary? What's wrong?" Itachi asked worriedly as he gripped her shoulders.
"My head… it feels… it feels like it's about to explode…" She muttered as she felt something settle in her chest.
Dread.
Darkness.
Evil.
It washed over her like icy, cold water – no… it was worse than that… like poison. It spread throughout her body as the pressure built throughout her head. Distantly, she could hear Meisa start to cry… she could hear Kokuro trying to figure out what was wrong… Kazuki saying she had been fine a minute ago…
"So, nice of you all to gather in one spot. Makes my job a lot easier." Came a voice full of malice.
All the Kage tensed around to form a circle around Sintary and the children. There stood an Akatsuki member; the one with the swirling, orange mask they had all written off as a fool. He had never been reported to possess any skill. He had been pushed to a lower priority. But they had been the fools because he stood before them with such a malevolent chakra, demanding respect.
"Aw, look at you all. Acting like I'm going to attack you." He continued mockingly. "Please, my presence is diplomatic – at least, I hope it is."
"Who the hell are you?" The Mizukage asked ready to pounce on him.
"Who, me? Oh, I guess you haven't told them yet. Haven't you, Itachi?" He questioned turning his red eye to the Uchiha.
Itachi narrowed his own eyes.
"They were aware of the likelihood that you were working in the shadows of the Akatsuki, Madara." He replied.
"Hm, well, I guess that clears that up." He said dismissively. "Now, the reason I'm here is simple: hand over the nine-tails and the eight-tails, and no one has to die."
"We're not having over Naruto and Bee!" The Raikage exclaimed.
"We would never betray them like that," Kokuro insisted glaring at the powerful man.
"Pity." Madara stated watching them. "Then, I suppose, I'll have to take them from you."
"Attacking them would mean you're declaring war on all five shinobi nations." Gaara pointed out.
"Hmph." The masked man sounded as he started becoming a swirling mass. "Then, we are at war. I hope you're prepared – I know I am."
And he vanished.
Thank you to KnightsRoses, Sweet Petit, arigarciar, Ijustdon'tcare132, KyuubiNoPuma, pika-78, Rose 23527, ILurveManyAnimeBoys, xxRyuu-himexx, nathy13, HonestxxEyes, NinjaChipmunk, PityThoseWhoLiveWithoutLove-95, animefangirl0219, creven16, randomindividual467, darkxion, OrangeBeanGamer, terriblecupcakes732, Integral16, MickyLove, Elizabethcica, KHB123, FailingErin, MaidMaliya, Johana-98, ElephantLover220, Bananarock509, nacheell, LadyLunaTwilight, slowbro0609, CommanderCats, juury, Katelynn Snow Fox, sierra halle, Crazedstill99, Ne Ne Papa Ne Ne Mama, scarlet-angle-13, kyoko minion, To'M'L Kuran, 123kittycat1000, PunkRock DancerChick, Luna-Zeta, licialowoke1, jamal douglas, HulkIsHappy, teamstarlight, Littlevbigdreams, Rileyyheartt, rosaruna3713, AroraHybrid, misslindh, Good-Fellow, Aerishime, RamsFan7, MarieSeleneArroyo, Just-An-Average-Dude, LunarOdyssey, Devious Cherub, adamekevin23, Pein's Kid, MiniKitsuneChan, CHARA ATE MY SOUL,SociallyAwkwardHumanBeing, jmgarcia996, PurplePineapples56, Darkdaydreamer17, CLM-FFN, xTsuizuru, Miyoko-tan, buddykilla, midnightabyss23, ShadoweAxe, Arianna Le Fay, insanityle, lilith dracul, FainaFox, Crusader King, mchurch1992, officialmr, Reign, sarana154, Sexy Vampire Girl, 13dragon13fires, , and for following/favorite-ing the story!
A special thanks to ILurveManyAnimeBoys, Rose23527, HonestxxEyes, bunnyguest, an unknown Guest, nacheel, FailingErin, Viktor2040, AnimeBunnyLover, craziedstill99, AroraHybrid, and Toreh for their reviews and requests for updates!
THANK YOU!