Chapter 13: Retribution

"A void in my chest was beginning to fill with anger. Quiet, defeated anger that guaranteed me the right to my hurt, that believed no one could possibly understand that hurt."

― Rachel Sontag, House Rules


Elsewhere- Akatsuki

"We may need to make some changes to our plans."

Konan straightens her posture, making the announcement the meeting is starting now that everyone has arrived.

Her gaze turns to Sasori first, nodding for him to speak.

"I don't have much to say really, I encountered the One Tail Jinchuriki's brother not too long ago as I was scoping around the Suna region. He's most likely dead by now from the poison I infected him with, but there's a chance he could've survived and reported it to his sibling and the other officials. In that case, I would like to return back and finish the job on capturing the One Tails along with killing Suna's best healer to prevent any disruptions during the attack." He updates the group.

Hidan snorts in derision from across the room, crossing his arms. "That's why you make sure they're dead as a doornail before leaving the area stupid! An unclaimed body can be given up to Jashin or used for cash as Kakuzu would say."

Kakuzu hums his agreement. Any one of Suna's top officials, especially the ones connected to the Kazekage would fetch a high price on the black market.

Konan silences Hidan with a raise of her hand, gesturing for Sasori to go on.

"While I don't know if the brother is dead or not, I do know the Nine Tails Jinchuriki has returned back to Konoha. Measures are being put into place I last heard to ensure he isn't going too far from the village, if even at all." Sasori finishes.

"It's been noted that Orochimaru and his associates are aware of this update as well." Zetsu pipes in.

Konan nods, looking back to Nagato who's been silent all the while.

The Nine Tails would be one of the hardest beasts for them to capture.

"...We don't need to go after the Nine Tails first. The Two Tails and Seven Tails shouldn't give too much of a challenge. Though we will need to speed up their capturing in regards to ensuring none of the nations can use their power any longer." Nagato notes after a moment.

Unlike the other jinchuriki, they seem to be the ones least tied to their home villages.

Kakuzu raises a hand then to go after one of the two. Hidan grinning when he catches his gaze, dark eyes glimmering.

"Which one you got your eye on first?" He smirks.

"Two Tails. No matter her skill in controlling her Tailed Beast, I'm sure we can overpower her quickly enough." Kakuzu replies.

Deidara hums, letting his clay bombs dance between his fingers.

"Well I want to take on the Seven Tails, then Sasori and I can go after the One Tails afterwards like he mentioned." He muses with a raise of his hand, getting no pushback in return.

Part of him is surprised Kakuzu doesn't want to take them both on, money has always been his foremost thought when it comes to this plan.

But then again, they're so close to finishing capturing them all.

He peers to his side to see Itachi and Kisame silent as usual. Itachi doesn't even seem to be paying this meeting any attention, gaze focused somewhere outside the walls of this cavern.

Scarlet eyes sharpen on him abruptly and he looks away, scoffing under his breath at the Uchiha.

'Why does he come to these meetings in the first place if he never pays attention?' He scowls.

Beside him Tobi sends him a gleeful wave and he rolls his eyes before sending a halfhearted wave back.

"Good luck!" He mouths to him and he scoffs, feeling his lips twist into a smile; calming down.

At least the moron made these meetings a little less unbearable.

He recalls from Sasori's murmurings Itachi's only here because of his actions against his clan; against his brother.

Well soon enough his C4 will be perfected to use on him and even that little brother of his if need be if he tries to get in the way. The Sharingan won't best his skills this time...

But first, he'll show off the power of his art by capturing another jinchuriki.

He's heard the Seven Tails can create a cocoon the color of emeralds, a site to truly behold if he can make it explode like an erupting painting...

"Alright then, if nobody has anything else to add then this meeting is over." Konan states, group dispersing back into the shadows.

"How far back will this delay our plans? Be honest." She murmurs to Nagato once they're properly alone.

Nobody seems too worried about what the Nine Tails jinchuriki could've learned about them; the organization.

At least not yet.

Though it could make all the difference on if their plan succeeds or fails.

'Peace won't be obtained if he already knows all of our secrets, knows about Nagato's true condition.' Konan worries.

Violet eyes stare upward silently, picturing the stormy gray clouds overhead. The almost perpetual rain Ame gets at this time of year soaks everything in the scent of metal and mud that most every other village avoids or ignores.

He understands Konan's fears well, they're so close to showing the world true pain and destruction before bringing about the new era of peace they first dreamed and planned up years ago with Yahiko once every Tailed Beast is captured.

But now that's all in danger...

"Our plans should only be delayed by a few weeks at most; though we can't dwell on worrying about it. We can't save the Nine Tails for last either though with all that he could know; Zetsu will keep us posted along with our other spies. For now, we will watch how he moves from the shadows until we can truly get him to him alone or find the right opportunity to attack Konoha."


Kakashi

'Hmm, I'm the first one here?'

Kakashi takes the seat that looks towards the street, he knows both Naruto and Sakura got his message for this morning meeting via confirmations sent back via toad and slug respectively, so all he can do is wait.

The chills from the night linger in the air at this time of day, sky awash in pastel yellows and pinks reminding him of old mornings when he would walk to the training grounds to meet his team. A golden half moon rests in the corner of the horizon, just barely in sight reminding him it's still early for most people to be up.

It's a rare chance though for him to see Konoha coming alive, yawning salarymen heading for the business district while fisherman and shopkeepers bustle in carrying loads of merchandise and goods that came in overnight.

"Why do you do that?" Obito snorts between bites of his apple, chewing and spitting out a seed to the ground below.

Kakashi rolls his eyes, sliding away from him at his blatant lack of manners.

Where are Minato-sensei or Rin when he needs them?

"Do what?" He asks back after a moment when he realizes neither are just going to magically appear before them.

Obito gestures to the marketplace, a woman walking by carrying her whimpering child to daycare while two men discuss a thunderstorm from last week over a game of chess.

"People watch like that. I swear you freak people out with all that glaring of yours!" He beams, knowing he's getting right under his skin when Kakashi bristles.

"We're shinobi incase you forgot. People watching and always being aware of our environment is part of our duty." He grunts back.

It's a habit he still hasn't broken all these years later it seems and he wonders knowing now Obito is alive if he would still reprimand him on his supposed glaring...

Strange though considering he's running at least 20 minutes late himself for this meeting. Not as bad as his usual times, but he expected at least Sakura to be here.

"Oh well, gives me time to catch up on my reading." He decides, pulling out the latest Make Out Paradise novel he's on.

He gets about 5 pages in before he hears a brief gush of wind at his side, glancing up to see blond hair out of the corner of his eye.

Naruto's here.

'I barely heard him.' Kakashi notes as Naruto nods in greeting, cobalt eyes littered with the red cracks of lack of sleep.

Even tired he moved faster than what he's used to.

"Morning! I know we were supposed to meet for 7:30 am, but had a late night visitor." He explains and he knows from the way his expression turns sour that Sasuke visited him one on one.

"You told him about Itachi?" He asks, voice dropping an octave.

"I did; though time will tell what he does with such information." Naruto confirms.

The waitress comes to get their drinks, Kakashi ordering water for himself and Naruto surprisingly ordering the matcha and sencha green teas.

Kakashi blinks, studying him blankly as he properly puts down his silverware and napkin in a way he's never seen him do making his cheeks redden at his staring.

"What?! I can drink tea and not just ramen in the mornings you know!" Naruto huffs.

Kakashi waves him off before he can go into a rant, dark eyes softening.

"I never knew you were a tea person. Let alone knew about the different brands of green tea or where your chopsticks and silverware are meant to be placed. He muses.

Naruto chuckles weakly then, scratching a hand behind his head.

"Ah, well Hiashi has been giving me lessons on them and the benefits they provide in health and energy. He said it's good etiquette to know these things if I'm to attend formal ceremonies with Hinata. Err...don't tell Hinata that though! I want her to be surprised by all my sudden knowledge when I make her breakfast one day you know!" He babbles and Kakashi grins, imagining how much of a struggle it was to get Naruto to learn this all.

Hiashi must be strict on him, forcing him to repeat the lessons even with his clones to ensure mastery.

"So, we're just waiting on Sakura then?" Naruto asks, looking towards the coming sunrise only to see a flash of pink sprinting towards them.

"I'm super late; sorry! And crap, even Kakashi-sensei is here before me!" Sakura chimes as she gets closer, verdant eyes the complete opposite of Naruto's; bright and awake tinged with flecks of golds and oranges matching the sunrise behind her.

Pakkun hops from her shoulders, Kakashi arching a brow at his fluffed up and shiny brown fur.

'What happened to him?' He questions himself.

Sakura follows his gaze and her grin widens tenfold.

"I took him to my house to try the new "Endless Beach" shampoo and lotion from our favorite Beauty, Bath, and Self-Care product line!" She explains.

Though unlike Pakkun, remnants of dirt shades of brown to black cling to her clothes and hair like a second skin she barely notices.

Pakkun nods, brushing a paw through freshly washed fur that now smells of ocean air, lilacs, and passion fruit.

"She insisted I get cleaned up and try her Mom's cooking before sending me on my way." He states with his usual dry tone, though it's clear to Kakashi the pug was happy to make the detour.

"You share shampoo products and ideas with a dog?!" Naruto questions between barely stifled laughs.

Sakura's attention twists towards him with "what of it?" look and he instantly quiets, returning back to studying the menu.

"Seems like you've made a contract with Sakura." Kakashi jests and Pakkun shakes his head, expression turning serious.

"Sakura was able to save Kankuro and provide Gaara with the update. I've caught the scent of the piece of cloth he got off his opponent, it points back westward as expected towards a man; likely Sasori of the Red Sand. Additionally, we picked up on the scent of Sasuke in the forests as we were coming back. He reviews.

Kakashi nods thoughtfully, conversation now geared back to the main reason for this meeting.

"Good to hear, for now I'll need you and the others to be on standby in case Lady Tsunade needs you to follow any additional scents. I'll summon you again if need be for my own assignments." He explains.

Pakkun nods in understanding, peering back to Sakura.

"Well, it's been fun Dr. Pink." He quips with a salute.

Sakura smirks, waving as she plops down into the seat beside Naruto.

"Don't be a stranger Mr. Frowns!" She teases back, just as little Suzuko and Aiya had called him before they had left the pediatric unit.

Naruto looks up from the menu deciding on a simple omelet with miso soup, eyes focusing back on Kakashi.

"So sensei, tell us what's going on?"

Sakura leans forward in interest as well, ordering a water along with a rice bowl mixed in with egg and greens.

Kakashi waits until the waitress is gone, clasping his hands together.

"First things first, you two will be getting another team member soon despite Sasuke's recent appearances. He goes by Sai and-"

"He wears all black and has the social skills of a robot and the emotions of a piece of white bread?" Naruto fills in, Sakura nudging him at his interrupting.

"You've met him?" She asks and Naruto shakes his head.

"Not in this time period." He answers.

Kakashi sighs, nodding warily. "Sai, yes is...different to put it nicely. He's been under Danzo's orders with Root for years now."

Sakura stops mid-sip of her water while Naruto's eyes narrow just slightly.

"Is that so?" He murmurs after a moment.

'I had never asked him about his past association with Danzo when Hinata and I were in the future and now he's probably bounded to him in some form or fashion that will prevent him from spilling his secrets.' He sighs to himself.

"Yes, though just like how you all were in the beginning, you must learn to get along. I'm set to be away in the next week or so to track down the Seven Tails Jinchuriki with Gai before the Akatsuki gets to her." Kakashi instructs.

Naruto and Sakura eye each other warily then, blue to green uncertain and it occurs to him that it's highly likely all his plans for them getting along are already doomed to fail.

"Her name is Fu. She's really chatty, or at least what my older self learned about her before her death is that she's super friendly and cheerful." Naruto mentions.

Kakashi purses his lips, he can't let the topic just drop.

"Can you both promise me you'll try to help Sai get acclimated to Konoha and Team 7; especially since I won't be here to help play peacekeeper?" He questions.

Silence greets him in return, Naruto shrugging after a minute as he takes another bite of his omelet.

"I'm sure we'll be able to work together as a team just fine. Just as long as he avoids jokes about my body you know!" He speaks between chews.

"Hopefully." Sakura supplies, voice more subdued.

Kakashi meets her bitter look, recognizing that jagged, pointed expression.

'Anger.' He realizes, a dark gaze he's seen upon his own reflection one too many times.

"I'll be as friendly as I can with Sai as long as he doesn't interrupt my plans for dealing with that commander of his." She warns.

"...What do you plan to do?" Kakashi asks.

Sakura hums, a light tune to match her rising casual smile.

It is just like the first time he watched her cast a genjutsu; watched as a violent man who insulted both her healing and the kids in his path abruptly give her a lopsided grin while turning the kunai he had pointed at her back on himself...

"Nothing you should worry about Kakashi-sensei. It will be taken care of by the time you and Gai-sensei return back from your mission."


Naruto & Hinata

"What's this Hinata? Trying to sneak in a bit of action and loving with me?!" Naruto teases, jolting her from looking at the main board of the Hokage's building that can give any civilian or shinobi updates on what's going on within the village.

He hugs her from behind until he elicits a laugh out of her, not caring at all for the odd looks they get from passing officials in the hallways.

"No! I came to give you lunch and Kakashi-sensei gave me your schedule!" Hinata relates holding up a bento, though that doesn't stop Naruto from poking at her flushed cheeks.

He leads her by hand into an empty office space, blowing away curtains of dust on the chairs and tables while Hinata opens the window letting the spring breeze in.

It's a room that looks like it hasn't been touched in years from the cabinets spotty with rust to papers over old schedules from Lord Third's time in office a worn yellow-gray. Hinata trails a finger against old scratches along the desks from classes prior, dates going back as far as Lady Tsunade's generation.

'This room is probably just used for storage. Nobody should know we're here then.' She notes as Naruto closes back the door to give them privacy.

"Not our most fanciest meeting place you know!" He chuckles, afternoon light trickling over them in amber-gold waves.

Hinata picks up an onigiri, nodding.

"I...I spoke with Kurenai-sensei." She mentions softly.

Naruto pauses mid-chew of his gyoza, blue eyes softening as he scoots closer to her.

"How is she?" He asks slowly.

Hinata bites her lip, enough to draw blood and Naruto to thumb away at the droplets.

She squeezes at his hand before he can move it back, tears shimmering at her eyes.

"I shouldn't have told her Naruto. The light left her eyes like a switch turned off. Asuma-sensei is going to realize something is wrong as soon as she meets with him again!" She whispers quickly.

Naruto rubs at her back, Hinata sighing as teardrops slide down her cheeks.

"Even though I promised her that we would prevent Asuma-sensei's death it didn't seem like she believed me. It's not surprising really considering we're not jonin level." She frowns.

"Asuma...dying?" Kurenai repeats.

Hinata nods slowly, forcing her gaze not to falter as her sensei falls apart right before her. Crimson eyes are rounded in surprise and uncertainty, grip on her napkins creating a ripple of tears.

Her voice trembles, throat drying out.

"You have to report this to Lady Tsunade and her advisors!" She hisses.

Tears prick her eyes she harshly swipes away, only causing a fresh set to appear over and over...

"She's already been made aware, I promise we won't let that part of the future come to pass." Hinata breathes out.

Kurenai looks at her dully though and she knows then her words aren't properly reaching her now, that she's sinking into a dark marsh. Absently she watches as she rubs at her stomach, cheeks gaining a grayish hue.

"I'm sorry sensei...I shouldn't be causing you such stress at a critical time like this in your pregnancy." Hinata murmurs.

Kurenai shakes her head, eyes regaining some clarity.

"No, I pushed you to tell me and I wanted to know. However, you and Naruto have never dealt with shinobi like this Hinata; don't be ridiculous in thinking you can take them on. Leave it to the jonin and higher to handle!" She orders.

"She's in shock and just worried about us, so don't blame her for saying that." Naruto muses.

Hinata nods into his shoulder, moving back from him just slightly.

"It just hurt to hear her sound so broken. Maybe I should've lied or only given her half-truths." She considers.

She looks up to him fully then, pearl eyes softening.

"What about Sasuke?" She asks.

Naruto scoffs, shaking his head.

"I told him about Itachi, but I don't know what's running through his mind on the next steps he'll take." He considers.

They slowly go back to eating quietly, Hinata pausing when she sees a black swallowtail amid the pink and white of the petals outside.

Her swallowtail.

She opens her palm up to accept it, butterfly flying in landing on the tip of her finger.

Naruto arches a brow at her action, curious and amused.

"Did Shino teach you how to communicate with bugs/insects?" He questions, Hinata lightly shushing him as she listens to the soft buzz of the butterfly's apparent communication.

She gives it a nod and it takes off again in a flutter of the wind.

"He said that Danzo has been speaking to a boy in all black as of late; especially around nighttime in the woods towards the west. It sounds like Sai going by the description." Hinata relates.

Naruto looks between her and the window the swallowtail just left out of, lips pursed.

It matches what Kakashi-sensei told him earlier, but that's not the most important thing on his mind right now...

"That was a boy butterfly?! How can you tell the difference between them?" He sputters.

Hinata giggles with a light roll of her eyes, leaning towards him to peck at his lips.

"Naruto, don't be jealous of a butterfly of all things!" She teases.

Naruto wraps her close before she can pull away, lips finding the pulse point of her neck lightly sucking until a soft moan escapes her. This close she can feel the rush of his heartbeat matching her own, fingers tracing at his whisker marks as he pulls her into his lap.

"I highly doubt anyone checks these rooms you know." Naruto purrs, fingers reaching beneath her jacket trailing upwards creating a trail of fire and goosebumps.

"W-Wait! What about eating?!" She shivers.

Naruto smirks, kisses moving downward from her neck to her collarbone causing her toes to curl in anticipation.

"I think eating you out will full me up." He snickers in return.

Hinata laughs, fingers brushing along his arms, pressing their bodies closer. Their lips meet again and the coils in her stomach fully snap, this time letting the heat consume her as Naruto slowly guides them to lay down.

Their older selves would have a fit over them doing this, having separated them more and more often as they realized they were sneaking off outside of training hours, kissing when they've should've been sparring.

"Let me see you." Hinata whispers, so quietly she isn't sure if Naruto heard her.

But Naruto leans back to admire his work, glazed look in his eyes reaching to tug off his shirt.

A rattling noise by the door makes them freeze up, Jiraiya's voice echoing out.

"Tsunade, wait up! This is a perfect day for a private picnic!"

"Your picnics never turn out to be picnics!" Tsunade's voice bites back in return.

'Of course that pervert would interrupt me in the middle of my own date and lunch!" Naruto groans.

They wait for his footsteps to leave, sighing when his voice lingers in the halls calling out Tsunade's again name in sing-song.

Hinata glances back up to Naruto, already seeing the wheels of a new idea forming in his mind.

"Okay, new plan! Let's get out of here before that old pervert sees us!"


Jiraiya

'Isn't that the kid? What's he doing here instead of being at his classes/training with the toads?' Jiraiya wonders.

A minute later he gets his answer, curtain of violet hair following the blond hurriedly around the corner. Even though he's down the hall, he sees upon Hinata's flushed skin and neck what curiously looks like a bruise.

No, a love-bite!

He should investigate! And perhaps whatever those two are doing could give him ideas for his latest novel in the works!

Tsunade impedes his path before he can go after the pair, amber eyes narrowing when he attempts to look over her shoulder.

"You've been yelling out my name for 5 minutes and when I finally stop you're trying to look past me." She muses.

Jiraiya merely grins in return, wrapping an arm around her neck twisting them around.

'Oh well, I'll drill him for answers later over ramen!' He decides.

"Well, it's lunchtime now, so how about you and I get out of here and go some place private!" Jiraiya cheers.

Much to his surprise, Tsunade doesn't remove herself from his hold like usual or try to deck him in. It's only then he notes the slight sheen of sweat on her skin, fists clenched at her sides turning an ashy-white, the bags underneath her eyes more so than usual for her...

'What's going on with her?' He frowns.

"Fine, hurry up and lead the way already." She grunts.

He takes them through a series of back alleyways none of her advisors know about. Koharu and Homura will just have to deal with her being gone for an hour or so. Clouds have gathered amid the blue of the sky, streets busy enough with vendors and civilian heading back to their jobs from lunch breaks for people's gazes to linger on them for too long.

Tsunade glances around as they get closer to their apparent destination shadowed amid a layer of sycamore trees and vine covering buildings, huffing at the old school décor of black leather sofas and low hanging lights casting pale yellow shadows along the walls when they finally slip in through a red door entrance.

"You really know how to show a woman a good time. Honestly, The Rooster Club and Sky Bar was one of the best places you could think of to take me?" Tsunade asks dryly.

Jiraiya shrugs, nodding to a bartender who winks in his direction as they head to a booth in a corner out of view of the other patrons.

"Well, we know Danzo isn't going to come by here, right?! Plus, this place stays open until dawn or as they say 'until the rooster comes calling home' or something like that?!" He beams.

Tsunade rolls her eyes, but a smile flits across her face.

The atmosphere reminds her of the old bars she visited while away from the village gambling and trying to forget the past, scent of lime and spicy cinnamons to apples being blended into drinks. Perhaps down the line she wouldn't mind being here if not for the current queasiness in her stomach. She doubts any of the food options on the menu here she'll be able to keep down.

'I haven't had my favorite sake in days.' She realizes.

Not since Shizune's warning she caught a Root member shifting papers around in the office.

"You know that's not the saying idiot. It's meaning is the bad deeds one has done in the past will come back to haunt them eventually. Maybe that's why Danzo is coming after me now..." Tsunade grumbles.

Jiraiya slams a fist against the table, startling her.

"You've done nothing wrong in your past or now Tsunade! If it wasn't you, Danzo would find a reason to take out whoever was the current Hokage for whatever asinine reason he could think of." He reiterates.

Amber eyes soften, gesturing towards a waitress they're ready to order.

The liquor put in front of her a moment later is the orange of a sunset, autumn in midday and burns going down before cooling at her stomach.

So that's what a Fireball cocktail tastes like.

"No need to rush, I need you sober to discuss Danzo and the Akatsuki!" Jiraiya chuckles at her cough.

Tsunade looks up from her drink, ignoring the new sensation of roiling in her gut.

"I already have my hunches if that's what you're going to bring up." She voices.

Jiraiya arches a brow, forcing her to go on.

"Shizune caught one of Danzo's members snooping around the office. I assume on his orders to try and find some damaging information or scandal that would give me bad press enough for the advisors to look to new options for another Hokage; it doesn't help that Naruto and Hinata disappeared for a year on my watch and they worry the same will happen again now that the Akatsuki is popping up more and more in the news and rumors capturing the Tailed Beasts of other nations. Since Danzo hasn't found anything yet about me to expose to the public, I have reason to believe he's going to go for more...destructive measures next." Tsunade frowns.

Jiraiya nods, breaking a piece of karaage in two. "He's sent off one of his best members Sai to be a replacement member for Team 7."

Tsunade nods, already knowing this as she bites into her own meal of a gyudon bowl. The beef and soy sauce salt her tongue in a rich blend of herbs and spices reminding her she's been eating only candy bars and simple snacks for the past few days, strange to know a bar could have such a filling meal on their menu.

But then Jiraiya always knows the best hole in the wall spots.

"Tell me, what do you know about Sai; anything?" She asks, moving to drink at the water instead.

Jiraiya sighs, stirring at his drink.

"Well, that's my problem. You know how secretive Danzo is, there's no information I can find on that guy besides what you probably already know. He was orphaned a long time ago and taken in by the Root foundation which wiped out all his memories and personality essentially to make sure he stays loyal to the village and to the Root's cause."

"And right now Danzo's cause I'm sure is to destroy Konoha from the inside. Sai will still be under his orders even while on Team 7 meaning he could always have a secondary mission that takes priority." Tsunade weighs in.

She pauses abruptly when the taste of bile hits the back of her throat, too late for Jiraiya not to notice.

Because a second later he's up and beside her, rubbing at her back.

His hand feels cool against her forehead, pushing it away with a force that's half than her usual strength.

"You're burning up! Why didn't you say you weren't feeling good?" He frowns.

Tsunade squirms out from his hold, ignoring his pained expression.

"I'm fine; I just haven't ate that much today or lately. Downing that Fireball on an empty stomach was a bad idea." She grits out between clenched teeth, forcing a smile.

When she looks back to him Jiraiya's eyes have darkened in a way that reminds her of nightfall; the way it descends upon the colorful pinks and reds of the sunset until only a sharp black remains. A tornado of rushing thoughts spin together in realization as their meals sit untouched.

"Danzo...he somehow tainted something you ate or drank." He mutters.

Tsunade shakes her head through tightening fists, even as the bile creeps further up her tongue.

"I told you I'm fine." She repeats quietly.

But then she has to look away from him, from the karaage and gyudon as the bile finally wins and everything comes back up.


Naruto

'Everyone's there.'

He swallows, nerves winding around him as Team 10 waits for his arrival just a few feet away.

He shuffles for his notes in regards to Asuma and the Akatsuki, pausing when he pulls out a ticket.

"What's this doing in my pocket?"

It's an old ticket stub for Carnival Day at Busy Bee's Preschool. It used to be a bright green in color he recalls with Konoha's symbol in the corner, now a worn grayish yellow from time with the Leaf emblem barely visible.

'This is from Boruto's Preschool, but why do I have it?'

The memory brings up the smell of greasy confections, the sweet smells of cotton candy combined with the buttery smell of popcorn...

That's right, Boruto had been nervous that day.

"The kids are going to put on a little performance dance and song before the carnival starts. The rest of the parents are already inside so you can head in as well. Oh, and don't forget this ticket; you'll need it to enter the fairgrounds!" Ms. Hagiwara relates, recognizing her as one of the reading teachers.

He follows her directions in, searching for blond hair among the sea of children. His and Hinata's older selves must already be inside he imagines, they had both said over breakfast they would be taking off early from the Hokage's office and the hospital's infusion center respectively.

"You see him anywhere Hima?" Naruto whispers to his daughter while adjusting the baby carrier (how his older self wears this all day is beyond him-it's another form of training!), Himawari glancing back up at him with a drooling smile.

"Da Ba!" She babbles back before her attention returns back to sucking at her fingers.

"Yeah, I thought so too." Naruto murmurs, dropping a kiss onto her violet hair. He weaves himself through the crowds, not surprised to see his fellow classmate's older selves along with their own parents here with cameras poised snapping away pictures and recording videos.

"Cho-Cho, look this way so Grandpa can snap you in your dress! We'll get your favorite barbecue and sour cream chips afterwards!" Choji yells out.

"Sarada, give a big smile for me! You know a smile can go the extra mile; plus it's really in style!" Kizashi cheers in a rhymey sing-song, motioning with his fingers and lips.

If anything that just makes Sarada's frown deepen, Sakura and Mebuki face-palming beside him and Naruto eerily reminded of Sasuke at her scowling.

But it finally helps him find Boruto upon the stage tucked away in the corner, lips marred in a flat line looking downward.

'Huh, he's normally excited about showing off and being front and center.' Naruto wonders.

"Boruto! I'm here!" He calls out, waving up a hand.

He glances up hearing his voice, cobalt eyes brightening like the clearing of a storm.

A smile breaks out across his face, cheeks turning a ruddy pink as he pumps a fist in the air not completely out of his view.

Naruto chuckles lightly, he's never seen someone so happy to see him.

"Hi Papa; Hi Hima!" He waves back giddily.

Ms. Kawaguchi leads them all to line up to do their rendition of Donguri korokoro (Acorn Rolling), most everyone staying on beat with the hand cues minus the stragglers (Shikadai) and the ones only half paying attention (Inojin and even Boruto for a moment before Sarada harshly nudges him.)

"Alright kids, you can slowly walk towards your parents now!" Ms. Hagiwara announces, eliciting a mix of excited yelps and cheers before being gently hushed to walk and talk slowly.

Boruto power-walks right into his legs, beaming as he squeezes him close.

"Were you nervous up there Bolt? I know it can be scary to be up in front of a crowd of people sometimes." Naruto mentions.

Boruto shakes his head, gripping his hand tighter as he tugs them towards the ring toss.

"Just for a bit! I was fine once I saw Papa you know!"

He wouldn't feel so nervous if this was simply a performance like that day, just him describing a show or song that's lighthearted and innocent...

'And Hinata isn't here yet either.' He sighs.

"You can't keep dragging this out any longer Naruto, unless you just never plan to tell them of their sensei's potential death."Kurama snickers, a deep rumbling laugh that echoes into the back of his mind.

"I told you already, we're going to change the future and that includes saving as much of your fellow Tailed Beasts from being used as weapons." Naruto reminds him.

He gets no answer in return but a dry huff making him grin that it's progress for him to not argue back, putting one foot forward to get going.

Shikamaru is the first to notice him, chestnut eyes looking up from his untouched plate of beef. They're tucked into a corner not directly by the entrance as he hoped, low lighting providing a good enough cover should any of their sensei decide to stop by.

"Running late like your sensei, huh?" Shikamaru muses and Naruto tiredly laughs, plopping down opposite of them into the booth.

"Don't be rude Shikamaru! He's only running like 5 minutes late; not 30!" Ino jests.

Choji grins at him between bites, gesturing towards the scattering of grilled meats and vegetables. "Grab a plate, there's plenty!"

'I don't think anything I eat will sit right on my stomach.' Naruto muses, but accepts the offer for a piece of thinly sliced pork.

"So...what brought on this meeting? Especially to make sure Asuma-sensei would be away at a meeting with the other jonin?" Shikamaru questions.

Naruto stays silent, enough for Choji's eating to slow and for Ino to fidget uncomfortably.

"The news I have to say is painful, enough that I know it's going to alter all of you moving forward." He starts.

Shikamaru straightens then and he wonders if he can somehow hear the spike in his heart rate.

"The Akatsuki, they're targeting jinchuriki like myself and they of course won't hesitate to kill anyone who gets in the way of those goals. Not too long from now, two of them will come towards the village: Hidan and Kakuzu. Hinata and I learned from our time in the future that Hidan killed Asuma via his ability to not die in a conventional manner." Naruto states.

CRACK!

Eyes turn their way, the usual patrons of Yakiniku Q surprised to see a plate drop from Choji's hands.

His brows furrow in shock, Ino turning a shade paler as tears spring to her eyes.

And Shikamaru simply stares at him with a steely coolness.

"That's...That's a horrible joke to say Naruto!" Choji manages out through a choked laugh making most of the civilian thankfully look away, Shikamaru holding up a hand before he can go on.

"He's not joking Choji."


Hinata

"Ah excuse me, are you a Hyuga?" A man questions behind her.

'It's rare to have someone ask me that. All shinobi and regular civilian know of my clan, even most foreigners know us for our distinct eyes from missions we take.' Hinata considers, keeping her expression guarded.

She's running late to reach Yakiniku Q, Naruto is probably already there...

Despite Sai being somewhat of a foreigner to Konoha, she's sure he knows enough about her; about the Hyuga.

She tacks on a smile, turning to greet him with a nod.

"I am, and you must be Team 7's newest team member: Sai?" Hinata asks.

He nods, taking in her attire.

"I've heard and read much about the Hyuga clan. From what I've read, it's one of the oldest clans of Konoha with rules and policies that go back generations. It came as a surprise to know they're okay with you having a lover like Naruto outside of the clan; especially knowing his personality and that he isn't from a dignified clan." He explains.

Hinata feels her face redden, almost having forgotten how blunt Sai can be.

"The Uzumaki clan may be mostly deceased, but they were a prominent clan as well back during the Warring States Era and for a few years afterwards." She answers back smoothly.

She purses her lips at his fake grin in return, wondering how to direct this conversation.

Fire dances in along her fingers studying him, waiting for one of his ink beasts to suddenly pop up to keep her trapped in this location.

"Will you tell me why you've been following me underground since I left the hospital?" Hinata asks after a moment.

Sai blinks, façade of pleasantry dropping just slightly.

"Ah, I shouldn't be surprised you noticed considered the Hyuga are one of the best at tracking! I know you spend a lot of time around Naruto and I believed it would be easiest to keep to my assignment of following him to keep him in check and to eventually get to Sasuke if I traced your movements as well." He explains.

Hinata nods, bringing the flames along her fingertips to cover her whole hands.

"I suspect Danzo wants to keep me silent as well on what I learned in the future if it impedes his goal on becoming Hokage. It's too late for that though as Sasuke already knows what he's done to his clan via Naruto." She mentions.

Sai steps closer, black ink moving rapidly against his scroll bringing forth beasts in the shapes of tigers and lions before her.

"Oh, that makes it easier for me then. Tell me everything that happened." Sai states point blank.

Hinata's eyes narrow; pearl turning to ice.

"No."

She dodges the first ink tiger he launches towards her, ink splashing her skin as she cuts through the second and third burning them away.

Ink doesn't hold chakra points though, can continue to come in multiples until she is exhausted and overwhelmed.

"Give up, my orders aren't to kill until I get answers" Sai pursues, noting the scratch of blood to her cheek.

Hinata shakes her head, leaping backwards before one of his ink birds can swoop and dig into her skin. She waits for the first electric butterfly to land upon his leg, sting making him freeze for just a second.

'That's all I need.'

She presses a hand towards the ground, letting electricity flow down.

"Lightning release: Spider Web!"

Sai stumbles in surprise as the current runs through him, his scroll and ink pen clattering to the cobblestone in a mess of black and white.

Hinata steps forward before he can move for them, jabbing straight into his hands and legs making him completely limp.

He looks up at her passively, obsidian holding no animosity or fear over his current state.

"There's much I learned and researched in the future too so I can provide you with some words of advice. People don't like it when you bluntly say mean things about their personalities or body. Your time with Shin, you at least remember that he was kind towards you so not all your emotions are completely buried."

Sai's eyes widen then, mask cracking completely.

"...You know about Shin?"

Hinata nods, smiling as she helps him to stand. The scent of sandalwood and moss appears behind her, Naruto letting their shoulders brush to assess the scene while Team 10 stays back to prevent Sai from running off.

"We do." Naruto confirms, grinning for once that Sai has nothing to say to that.


Sakura

'The deadline is coming up.'

She pushes her gaze away from her calendar, that the Five Kage Summit Meeting is really only 3 days away.

Is that enough time?

Tomorrow Danzo will come into the clinic for his annual check up to ensure he's okay to make the long journey to the Land of Iron, her last opportunity to inject him before he tries something much deadlier against Lady Tsunade should she be able to attend once more.

The way things are looking though from her last check in with Lady Tsunade, he will be the one to take her place in attending the meeting as Konoha's Kage.

She grits her teeth at the very thought, turning her focus back to her table. Moonlight guides her fingers over her various herbs and vials, ensuring she makes this mixture just right.

"Look at us, these hands that have learned and been used to heal and aid the injured are now being used to plan a kill." Her inner self hums like a buzz in her ears, so proud of all they've done.

Her hands tremble, nearly cracking a beaker to her left before she steadies her hands clasping them together. Lately the pep talks she's given herself have become much more vicious, a mental preparation knowing what will happen should she stay silent or do nothing...

"For a good reason! You saw what he did to Lady Tsunade! Running to the bathroom constantly, needing IV fluids just to stay hydrated, so pale that her youthful jutsu is falling apart." She hisses back.

Silence fills the room and for a second she believes she's finally fully made up her mind to do this until she remembers what Tsunade told her.

"Sakura, Kakashi told me he didn't like that look in your eyes...and I don't either. Danzo may be wicked, but he has the experience of war and tricks up his sleeve to fight back should you try anything."

She had dug her nails into her sides until she was sure they drew blood, nodding solemnly knowing her next words would be a lie.

"I promise I won't go after him."

At least at the time, she hadn't.

So for now, she pushes away the mental images of her sensei's pale skin, amber eyes burning on her seeing right through her fib until all that remains is the sight of her room, of the books and vials laid forth across her desk.

'A slow attacking poison would be best to use, one that can cause respiratory depression and increase his risk for clotting/bleeding.' Sakura reviews, it would mean not using one of the more illicit opioids to speed things up.

It needs to look natural, enough that nobody would second guess the cause behind his death should an autopsy be done...

Danzo may be in the age bracket for being at higher risk for cardiac, kidney, and bone related issues, but in reading his chart she couldn't find any medical history on him besides some mild issues with hypertension and osteoporosis.

Still, it's advantageous for her that he does have medical problems that need management.

Carefully she unscrews the top of the heparin vial she took from Suna, whispering an apology to Lady Tomoko and Rika knowing their inventory count came up short. Alone, this won't be enough to kill him she's sure, but combined with the sap of monkshood and the crushed berries of nightshade he'd be paralyzed with some chest pain in about 2 days time or less. He had to use heparin in the past for a blood clot in his leg, it won't look strange if it pops up in his system again.

But she has to hope the other symptoms of diarrhea, bleeding, dehydration, and nausea/vomiting would be enough to throw him off her trail to believe one of his own Root members is poisoning him instead or that he ate something expired/bad.

'That's where Ino's acting skills will come in.' Sakura reminds herself as she slowly mixes the components, drawing up the heparin via dropper and blending it into the monkshood and nightshade before finally using one of her syringes to pull up the final mixture.

It's done.

She glances to her clock, 12:08 am.

The clinic opens at 9:00 am.

Verdant eyes study her work before slowly packing everything away into her medical bag, sweeping and clearing her desk of violet and white petals. Afterwards, she sprays on a blend of bleach and alcohol until the residue and scent of medicine no longer clings to the oakwood.

'Alright, sleep. It's going to be a long day.'

Still, it feels like at least an hour passes before she fully drifts off.

With the morning comes drizzles and fog, an eerie match to her mood as she skirts through wisps of gray. People have already gathered outside the clinic, nodding to Mrs. Fujimori and her grandson.

Danzo is the 4th patient on the schedule for the day, a simple physical assessment and blood draw.

"Shimura!" Sakura calls out his name, watching as he rises up with his cane to follow her back.

"Koharu and Homura recommended you despite your age and that teacher of yours. Homura said you made his back and legs feel like he was 20 years younger again as if he could participate in one of the summer races." He mentions.

Sakura smiles, eyes shining at the compliment.

"I'm glad to hear! Are you having any pain today yourself?" She asks casually ignoring his jab at Tsunade, gesturing for him take a seat upon the exam table.

Danzo shrugs, rubbing out an apparent crick in his neck. "My left shoulder and foot some, though I suppose that comes with age."

Sakura shakes her head as she pulls up his chart from both paper and computer. "I can give you a steroid injection for that actually, if you would like. For most people they last 3-6 months and some even report never having pain again."

Wariness passes in his visible eye and Sakura internally curses herself for possibly jumping the gun too fast.

"...Perhaps it would do me some good to try it. Most of the technology and medicine I see today being used I think is weakening your generation though. The herbs and tonics my mother and grandmother used worked just fine in treating any injuries I and any family members gained. War kept us from being spoiled by the little knickknacks and toys kids worry about having now." He muses aloud.

Sakura clicks her teeth, most of the kids from his generation never got to reach adulthood...

Besides, things hadn't exactly been peaceful for Konoha or the other nations in years now, not with Lord Third's Death, Orochimaru getting Sasuke to go after him, and now the looming presence of the Akatsuki ready to strike.

"Alright, let me start with getting your vital signs so I can get a baseline, especially since your blood pressure was a bit high at your last visit." She announces, her fingers barely brush at his covered right arm before his left hand abruptly grabs and twists at her arm forcing green to stare into icy brown.

"Tell me...Sakura Haruno, right? What do you think of that mentor of yours? I heard she's been feeling under the weather as of late." He questions.

Sakura swallows, heartbeat thundering in her ears.

'You would know you bastard. You're the reason she's sick with fever and can't keep anything down.'

With an ease he doesn't expect, she slips out of his hold and beams.

"Ah, it's just bad case of gastroenteritis; don't worry! Lady Tsunade is already well on her way to recovery and should be back to her usual self before the week is over!" She relates.

Danzo hums thoughtfully, gaze still cutting into her like glass.

"Between you and me, what do you think of Lord Fifth and her policies?" He asks.

This is it, the reason she spent so many afternoons practicing with Ino between helping her cut and water flowers at the shop.

Her smile twists into a frown, shoulders slumping in a way that catches Danzo's interest.

"I-I know she wasn't the best fit for the Hokage position. Always spending her mornings and afternoons day drinking and letting paperwork pile up. What Konoha needs is someone willing to take charge to do what's best for keeping the village strong and a powerhouse!" She exclaims, tightening her grip on her folder biting her lips to bring up the sting of tears.

Danzo's posture relaxes like she expects, nodding his agreement with the etchings of a proud grin.

"It seems the youth of your generation aren't completely lost after all! Don't worry, not all of us have grown soft from these years of peacetime and will take Konoha's destruction lying down."

'That's exactly what I fear.' Sakura clenches a fist into her white coat, feeling her grin start to strain on her face.

"You know, I think I'll take that injection after all. I or err really I should say Lord Fifth need to convey our strength to the other nation's leaders and having this nagging pain won't look good on Konoha's behalf." He reasons.

Sakura nods, promising to give him two shots; one for the pain and one to build up his energy.

"Be right back; I'll go draw everything up!" She chirps.

'Got him.' She hums to herself, Ino would be proud of those fake tears she made!

But just as she gets to the medication room she catches the scent of fire and rain, a smoky but painfully familiar scent.

And turning to the window she catches a flash of raven colored hair, of dark eyes having been watching her...

A shiver runs down her back, heart lurching.

Shit, she knew Sasuke was lingering around the village still. It was clear enough he would want to start following Danzo's daily schedules and movements knowing his connection to the Uchiha now from Naruto until he finally deviated from it, was finally not surrounding by his guards and Root members.

Like coming to the clinic.

She clutches her satchel closer nearly tearing it from her pressure, emerald eyes sharpening in resolve and silent promises.

'No Sasuke, Danzo is my target and mine alone to kill.'

-x-


Who do you think will take out Danzo first lol?! I'm back home in states now, and clinic has been slow with spring break giving me time to write using bits of things I saw and did on vacation interweaved into this chapter. More Sasuke and Akatsuki happenings next chapter! Let me know your thoughts!

Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!