Naruto: A Red Eye Hidden by Shadow

by Tatanka4Life

On the fateful night of the Uchiha Massacre, a girl of Uchiha and Nara blood is spared and left with no memories of her past. Now she must walk on the path left by her family to help her build a new future for herself. Her path will be hard, full of struggles and pain, but as long as she has her friends and family at her side she will keep forging ahead, even if it was a drag.

98. Chapter 97: Battle Scars

Chapter 97

Battle Scars: An Ever Shifting World

Three Nations separated the Land of Earth from the Land of Fire, their national and independent man-made borders acting as a canyon, desert or sea may divide two dignified and unique natural environments and ecosystems.

Without the separation, a species from one ecosystem may invade the other, damaging or destroying the others natural order. So it was in nature, and mankind was but another animal of the gods' creation. They replicated this division. Separated itself by territories and borders, by Village and Clan, foraging through and building up their ecosystem as they propagated and expanded.

But humans bore another hunger, beyond the need for food and water. As their population expanded, so, too, did their vision expand beyond their borders to surrounding ecosystems. And the hunger for more territory to shelter their burgeoning population, for more resources to feed and clothe their people, for more power at their command became insatiable.

However, laws, independence, peace treaties and the horrors of war served as deterrents against this hunger. For the average human, happy and satisfied with their ecosystems, these deterrents satiated their hunger completely.

They thought nothing of conquering new lands, of expanding territory or creating an empire. They thought of their daily lives, their jobs and family. Nothing more, nothing less.

Affairs of war did not interest them.

Yet among these average people were leaders who the hunger was not and could not be satiated by any deterrent. For these individuals, the bad blood stained over the map, dripping from their hands or bleeding from their hearts called for vengeance, retribution and justice. It called to them with its Siren melody, coaxing them from the safety of their ecosystem to the prize beyond, where an empire could be formed or justice could be claimed, and the civilians could be new conquests, by force if they resisted.

Deterrents became obstacles. Ramifications were guaranteed if proper preparations were not made. And so the three Nations separating the Land of Earth and Land of Fire stood as a political or military minefield, wholly necessary to cross if they were to invade their neighbor's ecosystem.

By all measurements, all three of these Nations were substantially smaller in landmass when compared to any of the Five Great Nations. Like pebbles pinched between tremendous mountains, their cumulative territory failed to measure close to a fourth of a single Great Nation. This difference of size translated to an overall smaller military force.

Smaller population, smaller military.

Although they wielded less political power than any of the Five Nation Kage's, the three Villages were recognized by the world as official shinobi Villages, unlike the Land of Sound—formerly known as the Land of Rice Paddies.

Situated on the Land of Fire's west border were the Hidden Rain and the Hidden Grass Villages. The former stood as a reclusive Nation, a result of their small Nation being used as the battlefield for the Great Nations many times over. The majority of its population consisted of war refugees from the previous wars.

Considered neutral in political affairs, the Rain Village practiced an isolationist ideology and was notoriously known as an impenetrable Village where it rained endlessly, with no Great Nation's shinobi ever stepping foot within the Village without prior authorization and supervision by its shinobi.

No spy from any of the Five Nations had found an infiltration point, nor would they.

The Hidden Grass Village was a known ally of the Leaf. During the Third Great Ninja War, the Stone invaded the Grass and used the Land as a vital front and staging ground against the Leaf forces.

Although in possession of a military force, it could be said the greatest strength the Hidden Grass wielded was their talent for diplomacy. They monitored their neighbors as a Nara strategist might analyze an enemy, keen to learn and predict their movements to assuage any violent intentions before they boiled over.

To be wedged between two Great Nations meant a sudden war would be fought on their soil, as it had in the past. They did not trust the Stone—their past invasion and attempted annexation rendered it impossible.

But to shun the Stone altogether aided no one. It would make monitoring their movements far more challenging. Better to have an open channel for dialogue, and gain free passage for their eyes to peer into their neighbors inner workings.

Economically it was unwise as well, so the political forces of the Leaf never pushed their allies to shut their border off to the Stone Village. It maintained peace, and should a war ever truly breakout, it was all but assured that the Grass would stand against the Stone.

Finally, sharing a border with the Lands of Grass, Fire and Earth was the Hidden Waterfall Village. Ever since the Third Great Ninja War they remained neutral, politically and militarily. Neither vicious enemy nor staunch ally of either Leaf or Stone, most assumed—rightfully—that if a war were to break out, the Hidden Waterfall Village would maintain their neutrality, allowing economic trade with both Nations to enrich their Village.

Their neutrality made infiltration all the easier.

Infiltrating the Land of Fire through the Rain Village or the Grass was ill-advised. The Rain held no allegiance to anyone, and so might strike down an infiltration unit out of spite for previous wars and lost loved ones—of which the Stone and Leaf were equally guilty of.

The Grass, while relatively neutral, weren't fools. They would not allow Stone shinobi with intentions of invasion to slip into the Land of Fire without warning their true allies.

Furthermore, should the Stone launch a full invasion of the Leaf, the Grass stood to fall first. And the Leaf was monitoring this entry point the heaviest.

This made infiltration through the Hidden Waterfall Village's Nation the ideal option. Their neutrality guaranteed silent passage to the northern border of the Land of Fire, with a little bribery, that is.

Money moved mountains, especially in smaller Nations.

The Leaf's eyes were drawn to the threat of a large invading force. It was only natural. After the recent assault by Orochimaru and the Sand Village, a sudden training simulation by a bordering Great Nation, gathered with enough troops to serve as a first wave of an invasion guaranteed increased security. And scrutiny.

The Land of Grass was currently participating in dialogues with the commander of that unit, hoping to learn their intentions and why they forwent the common courtesy of warning them of such a simulation.

What was their motivation? Well, the leaders of the Stone could smell blood in the water. Their neighboring ecosystem was heavily damaged in a sudden typhoon, which sparked the hunger in their hearts. True this distraction they performed earned their Nation an impressive sum, but that was only a piece of the prize.

The Leaf was weak. Fallible to utter destruction. A small team could sneak in under the guise of civilian workers, locate weak points within their walls, sabotage their reconstruction and finish the job the Sand's weak shinobi failed to accomplish.

So far, the Stone team infiltrated unimpeded. The border check was tense, but their stolen identities passed them through the first checkpoint. Now the real work began.

The squad, a team of four men posing as construction workers, carpenters and roofers, settled in to a tavern on the first night. They hid their identities beneath Transformation Jutsus, and performed their designated roles—boisterous rebel, grumpy old man, peacekeeper and idealist.

Everything was progressing smoothly…

"Now you gentlemen look the type I want to buy a round for!"

The four men raised their eyes to the well-built older gentleman to approach them. He grinned widely, already nursing flushed cheeks as he leaned on the edge of their booth. His white hair was long and spiky, and red lines, beginning under his eyes, stretched all the way down his cheeks to his jaw.

"Buzz off, drunkard," the old man grumbled.

"Hey," the white-haired man whined, drawing back slightly. "There's no need for insults. I was only offering to buy you hardworking men a drink."

"Forgive us for his rudeness. We've had a long journey," the peacekeeper tried to soothe, raising his hands and smiling in a placating gesture.

"He's always like that," said the rebel. "Don't mind him. I'll have an extra round as long as you're the one paying."

"Ah, excellent!" the white-haired man exclaimed. "Innkeeper, these find gentlemen would like a round of drinks. You can put it on my tab!"

"As you wish!"

Something about this man…

"What brings you here, if you don't mind my asking?" asked the older gentleman.

"Work, hopefully," answered the peacekeeper. "We're offering our services to anyone who needs work done on their home, or their shop or anything truly."

"Oh!" he drew out the word, sounding intrigued. "Well, there's never a shortage of work or maintenance around these parts."

Their grumpy old man sniffed dismissively.

Attracted to trouble like a moth to a flame, the white-haired man frowned and leaned towards him, squinting a glare. The idealist sank in his booth, an uncomfortable expression on his face, trying not to be leaned on by the drunkard.

"I don't think I like your attitude, old man."

"Old man? Who you callin' an old man, grandpa."

"Grandpa?!" The white-haired man recoiled in horror and gasped. Then his eyes turned white with rage. "Who you calling grandpa, old man?!" He shook his clenched fist at the disguised shinobi. "Don't let the white hair fool you, I have stamina for days! Weeks, even! Ladies tackle and crawl over each other to—"

"Here are your drinks!"

The white-haired man let out a startled squeal and whirled around. His well-built frame crashed into the tray of drinks, knocking them into the air as he stumbled drunkenly back towards the table. Then crashed through it. Food, drink, spoons, knives and forks flew through the air. One such knife flung straight for the disguised Stone shinobi, who snatched it out of air before it could hurt him.

He realized his mistake a moment too late. Instinct overwhelmed his act, but that excuse meant nothing if someone saw it. And someone had. The white-haired man, who rubbed his lower back, eyed him strangely.

For a tense set of seconds they held each other's gaze. He considered spinning the knife and slicing his throat then and there, then killing all of the witnesses. By the time a Leaf patrol learned of the massacre, they'd be long gone.

Then the drunkard broke out into boisterous laughter.

"I'm real sorry about that. Don't worry! I'll pay for the mess." He grunted as he stood up and walked off. "Innkeeper, how much is this going to cost me?"

The Stone shinobis did not hear the reply. They set about brushing themselves off and, with hidden gestures, relayed suspicions and orders.

Something about that man was off. He needed to be removed before he caused them trouble. Quickly, cleanly.

It was to be done tonight.

---

Locating the white-haired man's room took little effort. He was alone, fortunately. And asleep when two of the Stone shinobi slipped into his room. Their teammates took up positions in the outside hall, a believable distance away to not draw suspicion while in range to support should anything go awry.

A slit throat. Quick and efficient. They would sneak the body out the window and bury it with an Earth Style ninjutsu deep in a nearby forest.

Together, the two Stone shinobi snuck closer. Closer. Crouching beside his body as he snored obnoxiously. They eyed each other once and nodded. In a quick series of movements they pinned his arms down with their knees, covered his mouth and slit his throat.

His eyes widened as he awoke and let out a muffled cry. No one would hear him.

The silent hotel was fractured suddenly by the piercing cries of terror from the two Stone shinobis to commit the kill.

It took but a moment for their comrades to breach the room, where they found their two comrades curled up on an empty floor, horrified expressions stricken on their faces as they trembled relentlessly. Their breathing was erratic. They gasped for air, choked on quivering wails. Their Transformation Jutsus were dispelled, revealing their true identities in the pale moonlight shining on them.

In the dark room, a blue glow suddenly cast pulsing, swirling light over the floor. Air whirled around their bodies, and they felt it—power.

The third Stone shinobi had no chance to react. The blue orb pressed against his back and, while crying out in agony, he was propelled faster than the eye could track into the far wall, through it and out into the street.

The fourth Stone shinobi whirled around and began to weave handseals, but something black and large barreled off the silhouette of the white-haired man. Like his comrades, he screamed out in terror and collapsed to the floor.

The infiltration mission had failed.

---

Jiraiya looked down at the three Stone shinobi trembling and hugging themselves in fear. He didn't need to see the one he attacked to know he was out cold.

"Just as Shikaku predicted, the Stone sent an infiltration unit in through our northern border," he said mostly to himself. Also to his temporary companion. "Good work tracking them down, Osamu. Who knows how far they could've gotten and what damage they may have caused along the way before a Leaf shinobi encountered them."

The Crow settled back onto his shoulder. "It was a combined effort between our shared forces. The Stone has forgotten how widespread our network of autonomous agents spreads, for it goes far beyond the borders of the Leaf. They also underestimated the vigilance of the Leaf shinobi."

"Mm. Have you received any new reports about their main force, or from the Leaf?"

"Not yet. I'll report in as soon as we finish the interrogation of these four."

"Report in now. I'll take care of these four."

"As you wish. I will return shortly."

Orochimaru has likely transferred into a new body by now, he thought as he gathered the four Stone shinobi. But did he manage to capture Sasuke and Amaririsu?

He hoped for good news.

---

A total of almost four full days passed since the evening the Sound Four first attacked Sasuke and 'Risu.

Shikamaru, lying spread eagle in the grass, stared blankly at the blue sky, recalling the hectic events of the last four days. It started at his home. Well, for him, anyway. For 'Risu and Sasuke it all started on a training field, after an intense spar, when they were ambushed by the Sound Four. From there it only spiraled further out of their control.

That night, after 'Risu's life had been saved and Sasuke made an impossible choice, three of their elite Jōnin were nearly felled by the four Sound shinobi, leading to the mobilization of a squad of Genin led by him—a newly promoted Chūnin—in the early hours of the next morning.

The Hokage or his dad must've figured things were going poorly. By the afternoon of the same day Mimi and her squad of kunoichi mobilized to rescue them, with 'Risu, the stubborn girl, joining them without permission.

From what he learned, they came upon Chōji and Neji in the late afternoon and beginnings of evening, respectively. 'Risu's new space-time ninjutsu instantaneously transported them from the battlefields they nearly gave their lives on back to the hospital, into the hands of Lady Tsunade and their best medics.

They were lucky. Between the Chili Pill's effects on Chōji and the grievous injuries Kidōmaru left Neji, it was likely the Medical Corps would've found dead Genin without Mimi's and 'Risu's intervention.

While he, Naruto, Kiba and Akamaru trailed the remaining two members of the Sound Four through the night, Mimi's squad chased after them. The sun rose on the third day of their mission, and the overall situation hadn't improved. In fact, it was even more troublesome.

Kiba and Akamaru were separated from them, Kimimaro stole Sasuke from them with no effort, and all he was able to do was buy Naruto time to chase after him. All he could think of was what a nightmare the mission continued to be. At times it felt like someone had paralyzed his body and sat on top of him, choking the life from him as all he could do was lay there, wanting to scream but unable to do it.

That's what fear, doubt and helplessness felt like. Fear of losing his best friend and comrades. Fear of failing. Fear of dying. Doubt in his abilities. Doubt he was cut out to be a leader, despite his attempts to become a better shinobi. Helpless to the situation because his enemies were stronger and faster than him at every turn.

It was all one never-ending nightmare, but a leader couldn't whine and moan about it. The mission was still on. His surviving friends needed him. And Sasuke needed to be saved, because that was his promise and his duty on this mission.

During that time, Mimi, Aoko and Ino diverted from their main squad to rescue Kiba and Akamaru from Sakon and his brother. 'Risu and Atsuko saved his life from Tayuya then had Sakura and Tenten back him up to take down the Sound kunoichi.

The tides had turned. Or it felt that way at the time, even if a bad premonition kept gnawing at his gut. But that had been because he was worried about Kimimaro. None of them expected Kasai to appear.

The boy they'd only known by name before.

The boy responsible for 'Risu's pain.

The boy who wielded Wood Style.

Afterwards, when Kurenai and Kakashi returned with Mimi, Aoko, Hikari, 'Risu and Atsuko, the Nara boy felt his gut twist and his throat grow tight at how his cousin looked. Naruto, Hinata and Sakura all shed tears of some sort. Happiness for her survival, pain for the injuries she clearly suffered, their helplessness because they hadn't been able stand with her.

A leader couldn't cry. Not in front of all of his subordinates and superiors. There was a shinobi rule that prohibited such a show of emotion, though it was considered more of a guideline in his opinion—a suggestion, not an order. It wasn't manly, either.

But damn it did he feel the same intense feelings.

Shikamaru hadn't seen 'Risu in such a terrible condition since the Forest of Death, after the three Sound shinobi attacked Team Seven and Orochimaru injured her. Not that she was alone. Sasuke's chest was impaled with a bone, Naruto was nursing internal injuries he didn't quite understand at the time and Hinata was a literal bloody mess. He wasn't even sure she still had two eyes to see out of.

Yet, despite the injuries, they all made it home. The injured were rushed to the hospital, of which Hikari and Mimi were considered among. And on the evening of the fourth day he was able to see his mother and father again, the former all but squeezing the life out of him.

It felt longer than four days. Much longer. From the moment he learned 'Risu died to the moment he saw her unconscious and defeated with Atsuko hugged to her chest, it was like a month had passed. A month of stress, anxiety and fear. For her, for his comrades.

Did I make the right calls?

Shikamaru blinked. Grunted uncomfortably. Then he turned onto his side and started to twist and twirl a few blades of grass around his fingers.

Looking at it through hindsight and from a tactical perspective, he could see both the good and bad decisions he made. Instances of doubt that could've been fatal. Strengths. Weaknesses. Plans he should've considered in the moment, but hadn't. Plans he executed perfectly.

The mission was a success, yes. They prevented Orochimaru from successfully stealing Sasuke and 'Risu, and by some miracle no one died along the way. But the mission hadn't been flawless. Not even close.

He shut his eyes and exhaled.

"You did well, Shikamaru," his father had praised him.

"Did I? I don't know. This may be a win, but…"

"What's the matter?"

"My mission was successful. And no one died. But… I made mistakes. Miscalculations. My inexperience against threats like the Sound Four led to judgement calls that could've ended poorly. If we look at this objectively, I returned with all but one of my squad in a state of debilitating injury or on the verge of dying."

Shikamaru frowned and lowered his head. "I was the only one to make it through with a minor injury—a broken finger I'm responsible for. Kiba and Akamaru were exhausted and injured by Sakon and his brother. Naruto was internally damaged by Kasai's Stone Golem and… Well, you know. Neji is still in a medically induced coma after the damage he took. And Chōji…

"Even Sasuke, the person we were trying to rescue, was critically injured. On one hand, that's a win. Because no one died. But on the other…"

How could he call this a win when all of his friends and comrades were critically injured? How could he call it a win when people almost died? It didn't feel right. A win was supposed to feel good, gratifying. Not like this. Not like he cheated to overcome his father's tactical prowess in shogi.

"I knew from the start it was possible we'd end up in one on one death fights. We all ended up in one. Still, it wasn't me that saved my squad," he emphasized. "Mimi and 'Risu are responsible for saving them, and me and Kiba."

"Members of Mimi's squad were injured, too, remember. Does that mean she failed them?"

"No," he shook his head. Then shrugged. "We all knew the risks, right? We all volunteered. I just—"

"You feel responsible for their injuries," his dad cut him off. Called him out, really. "You believe, because you alone walked away with a minor injury while your squad suffered critical injuries, you're a weak leader, an incapable one, or a coward at worst. You're telling yourself had it been 'Risu to lead your squad, Chōji wouldn't have needed to be left alone against Jirōbō, thus leading to him eating the Chili Pill. Because you ignorantly believe 'Risu wouldn't make that choice—a choice you see as a mistake."

Shikamaru's head and body sank at his father's accurate dissection.

"There's also a part of you that is upset with 'Risu for not telling you the truth about Chōji's condition."

He opened his mouth to deny it, but his father silenced him with a raised hand.

"But you also realize she made a tactical decision, as is expected of you as Chūnin. A decision you would've made in her position, had the roles been reversed."

He exhaled, lowered his head and nodded. Yeah. He was right.

'Risu made the right call staying tight-lipped on the details about Chōji's condition. He didn't envy her or Mimi's position, honestly. Seeing Chōji like that, and Neji, and then wondering what terrible condition the rest of them were in. Bearing the burden of knowing and having to hold that in, to hide the pain in her heart so she didn't distract or burden him with guilt in the heat of battle.

No. He didn't envy their position at all. Nor did he hold it against 'Risu and Mimi for not telling him the truth. In their sandals, he'd have made the same choice. Because that was what was expected of them as squad leaders.

Still…did he really do well as a leader? Had he done the best possible job, given the circumstances? Or was he inefficient? He didn't know. He really didn't.

"Tell me, Shikamaru, do you feel like a demotion would solve anything?" his dad asked at length.

"…I don't know."

"Then you're a fool." Shikamaru winced at the calm statement. "Quitting won't solve anything. And it certainly isn't what a man with any respect for his comrades or himself would do."

The Nara boy felt himself shrink more.

"Do you think stepping down as a leader is going to stop 'Risu, Mimi or your peers from taking on missions? That you'll somehow protect them by removing yourself from the board? They will continue to take on dangerous missions, under different leaders, and they may not make it home at all without you there to inspire and lead them.

"You have a chance to learn from this experience, to better yourself and become stronger. Accept the mistakes. Learn from them. If you walk away now, you'll dishonor everything your comrades risked their lives for."

Learn from the mistakes and move forward. That's what 'Risu would do, right?

Being responsible was a total drag.

But…

Shikamaru sat up with a sigh.

Sulking about it isn't going to help anyone. Orochimaru won't stop targeting them as long as he's still alive. And who knows how the situation with the Stone will escalate, or the Foundation and that Masked Man.

He looked up at the sky. A few clouds lazily strolled along the blue canvas.

Our fight isn't over yet. Mimi was right: Against Kasai, I would've been too slow to be of any use. I would've been a burden to 'Risu. And next time I lead a squad, I want it to go perfectly. I don't want to watch my comrade's fall down around me. I have to keep training. I need to be more efficient as a tactician and become strong enough to protect myself and my peers.

The road ahead was a long one, but he'd do his best to walk it.

That was his duty as a guardian, after all.

---

The hospital wasn't in full-fledged chaos mode anymore, Shikamaru noted as he entered.

Just a day removed from their return and everything almost seemed normal here. Almost. The shinobi patrols and guards in and around the hospital revealed the tense air that hadn't yet dissipated.

Shikamaru checked in at the desk and meandered his way through the halls, hands in his pockets. Along the way he encountered Temari. Her teal eyes, inquisitive and sharp as ever, watched him closely.

Shikamaru stopped and frowned. "What?"

"You're not sulking anymore."

The Nara rolled his eyes. "Nice to see you, too."

"What was the point?"

"The point of what?"

"Moping around like a scolded child."

Ouch.

Temari crossed her arms over her stomach. "Our mental training prepares us for the chance of losing a fellow shinobi, and as a leader sometimes there are times when we have to make difficult decisions. Like asking a comrade to stay behind to hold back the enemy. You made the calls necessary to fulfill your mission—which ended in success. Yet you moped the entire walk back and outside of Amaririsu's hospital room."

Shikamaru paused to digest her analysis. Whatever differences they had in personality and temperament, he recognized her intelligence and greater affinity towards shinobi life. Temari was a cool customer. Trained in a harsh environment, probably by harsher men to become the shinobi she was. She took shinobi life as seriously as it was, where he was a lazy cloud watcher.

"You're not wrong," he began. "The mental training is designed to prepare us for inevitable loss. In war or on a mission there is always a chance we face a tougher, smarter, faster enemy, and it could cost the lives of a comrade. Or a friend. And it is our duty as squad leaders to not lose heart or focus, even if that person was someone we cherished. It's also our duty to fulfill our mission and make difficult calls, like the ones I had to make.

"But if we're both being honest: That mental training, all of our training, isn't close to the reality we face in battle. Our bodies are drilled with instincts to know our job and position on the battlefield, to dissect our enemy's abilities and fight. Our minds are trained to understand the possibility of loss. But it's all a poor imitation of the real thing. Watching 'Risu and this last mission has taught me that."

The training couldn't simulate the intensity of a real mission, or the emotions they felt. How could it when they knew it was training?

Temari hummed, neither in confirmation or denial. Just acknowledgment he spoke.

"Which is why our profession requires a certain detachment. We're soldiers," she stated.

"Soldiers, huh?" He nodded slowly. "Yeah. We are soldiers. But beneath our armor, behind our blades, we're still human. Being a shinobi doesn't take away our feelings. It doesn't replace our hearts with cold machinery. The human heart doesn't work that way."

"I hate him," he recalled Tayuya's words. "More than you can ever know. You don't know what it's like to live in one of his cells. Starving. Experimented on by that puppet Kabuto. Being forced to fight and kill other prisoners for his entertainment and the right to survive. I survived. And with every day I lived, my hatred for him grew more and more. But his Curse Mark binds me to his Will. Which is fine. You're free. And you're his objective. You can kill him, and then his Will would demand I submit myself to you. That's as close to freedom as I can get.

"We can crush the scum of this world and be free together."

He hummed thoughtfully and glanced down the hall.

"At the end of the day, we'll always seek companionship, friendship and understanding. Even someone like Tayuya, who was ice cold and as abrasive as they come, isn't free from that yearning."

He looked Temari in her teal eyes.

"Bonds will always form. Bonds of friendship and rivalry are consistent and stem throughout the ages of shinobi life, regardless of the Nation we call home. Bonds of brotherhood grow through the battles and missions we share with our comrades. Bonds of love and empathy, too, are bound to form, between allies and enemies; Hikari and 'Risu are a perfect example of that. That's just a part of being human."

Temari pressed her lips together in a frown and looked away. "You sound like her, you know."

"Like who? 'Risu?"

"Yeah. During the first Exam, and our battle during the Invasion, she preached something similar to me about shinobi and our hearts. Said no matter how hard we try to outrun it, we can never escape our humanity. 'You can try to ignore the flaws of your goals, you can turn yourself into a demon and kill the kindness in your heart a hundred times over, but you'll never outrun it'. I took her for a soft-hearted naïve fool."

"'Risu mentioned something about your quarrel."

Man, it somehow feels like simpler times.

"She's a stubborn nuisance," Temari scrunched her nose. "And she sticks her nose in matters that aren't hers."

Shikamaru chuckled. "Yeah. That's 'Risu all right. She can't help it. She wants to reach out to anyone she can."

"Is that what she was trying to do when she lectured me?"

"I don't know," he shrugged. "Maybe. Sounds like she was trying to help you understand what she learned, though with the way your personalities clashed it probably came out as a lecture. Only you can answer if it meant anything."

Temari huffed and changed the subject.

"So, you're done sulking then?"

Shikamaru groaned. "Do you have to keep bringing that up?"

"Well? Are you done?"

"Yes," he sighed deeply. "I had a lot on my mind."

"Maybe take a card from Amaririsu's deck and spend less time sulking and more time training."

"Ugh. Great. That's what I needed, another woman pushing me to train harder," he mumbled, turning away to walk off. "See what you've done, 'Risu? You started this madness. Why are all the women I know so pushy?"

"What was that?!" Temari pursued him, falling in line with his lazy walk.

"Nothing."

The Suna native scoffed. "You might be a decent leader if you stopped mumbling and whining about everything."

"I don't mumble and whine about everything."

"You do when I'm around."

Turning his head to look at her, he smirked. "Maybe it's cause and effect."

If looks could kill, Temari's glare would've transformed into a net of sharp wind and cut him into tiny speckles of blood and severed limbs.

"Is that so? Maybe I should give you a real reason to complain."

"Don't be troublesome. This is a hospital. Show some manners," he chastised lightly.

"Now you're implying I'm ill-mannered?" she flared.

"Sheesh. Do you seriously have to get the last word? Go ahead. Take it. I'm not 'Risu. I have nothing to gain by winning this."

"You're a lazy good-for-nothing, you know that?"

"So all the women I know, with an exception of 'Risu and her mom, tell me," he drawled as they walked side by side.

"And from what I hear, you were saved by kunoichis. Quite manly of you."

Shikamaru's annoyed and embarrassed groan echoed down the hall. "Seriously? Do women forgive or forget anything?"

Temari laughed lightly, close to a giggle. But he wasn't stupid enough to say that. She grinned in triumph, and charmingly.

"Someone has to keep you in line while your cousin is sleeping."

The Nara boy chuckled and smirked. "Man, this is all so troublesome."

All in all, his talk with his dad and Temari actually set his mind at ease.

---

The hospital rooftop while not wholly abandoned—Leaf shinobi patrolled it—was fenced in for safety reasons.

Erected on top of the flat roof, where white bed sheets hung from clotheslines, lightly rustling in the occasional breeze, were two water towers. Both stood upon the small rooftop of the stairwell enclosure. It was on one such water tower Gaara and Hikari sat together in the afternoon sun, in average temperatures for the desert climate natives, but chilly weather for the Land of Fire.

Gaara gazed out at the recovering Village his people helped bring destruction, pain and suffering to, examining the horizon of buildings in varying conditions of intact, under construction or wholly destroyed. He could imagine the scene of battle. Almost hear the crumbling buildings, the sounds of battle. The screams of pure terror or pain.

Hikari sat beside him, her right leg bent towards her as her left leg hung over the edge, amber eyes no longer hidden behind her forehead protector; she kept it tied around her right bicep.

His recovery was at its end. Despite the life or death battle, the damage he sustained was minimal, especially in comparison to his battle against Amaririsu, Hikari, Naruto and the others. He'd been exhausted, certainly. But uninjured. Still, he appreciated Mimi Inuzuka healing the worst of Hikari's injuries, as well as the Leaf's willingness to grant them medical care in spite of his past actions, and that of the Sand's.

"This mission of ours, it'll only have real meaning if the Leaf and Sand complete it together. The more problems we face while we do it, the stronger our bond will become."

Yes, he could see the wisdom of Kakashi Hatake's words. The bond between Leaf and Sand was growing. The struggles they faced on that mission, and in their battle against Orochimaru's pawns, it was strengthening their bond with the Leaf. With…their friends.

Even the Leaf patrols, who patrolled vigilantly, did not cast suspicious, fearful or hatred filled glances their way. It was…odd. In the Sand, whether they were adults or children, or civilians or shinobi, the majority of people in his home stared at him and Hikari with those eyes. Eyes that cast them out without a single word. Eyes that looked at them as if they were monsters. Mistakes.

These shinobi did not. Or perhaps they did not bother to. However, he did not sense the animosity or fear he recognized in his people.

He expected resentment from the Leaf shinobi, or the doctors and nurses, for the pain his Village caused. It was certain to linger out there somewhere. The Invasion of the Leaf destroyed many homes, stole many lives. Such destruction and death only sowed hatred and fear, which would inevitably lead to conflict.

However, Gaara wouldn't let the past deter him from his path. He would redefine the bonds with his people, and the bond with the Leaf. It'd take time. Hard work. And even then it was possible those hurt would not forgive him or the Sand. As was their right.

Could he forgive so easily? Had he ever forgiven his people so quickly for the pain they caused him?

No. It took time, and the help of others to begin this new path. To help clear his vision of the hatred and darkness that made his existence one that caused tremendous suffering.

Still, if he could prove he was more than the monster he contained, that he wanted to protect his friends, his people and comrades… If he could prove the Sand would not betray the bond with the Leaf again, then forgiveness was unnecessary.

A new bond could be established. A bond of mutual respect and understanding. And with that bond there was a chance to end hostilities and conflict between Sand and Leaf forever.

With that bond, there was a chance his people would see him as more than a monster or an old relic to be hated and feared.

Perhaps he, too, could become someone like Naruto Uzumaki and Amaririsu Yūhi.

"Gaara?"

"Yes?"

They hadn't spoken more than a handful of words since they settled up here for fresh, open air. It wasn't abnormal, or awkward. Spending time with Hikari, sitting with her even if they had nothing to say, satisfied him—a feeling he knew was mutual.

She looked and sounded equally troubled, though. Her lips were pressed together in a frown as she fiddled with the hem of her midnight blue skirt.

"Do you think Kimimaro could have been saved?"

"No," he answered plainly.

"But…Amaririsu and her friends helped save us. She helped save a Mist Village boy and his master from darkness. How was Kimimaro different? He suffered the same loneliness as us. He, too, wielded a kekkei genkai that led to his persecution. Why weren't we able to understand each other?"

"Hmm," Gaara sighed deeply. "Amaririsu saved us because we were separated by darkness. I was absorbed by my dark purpose; you were lost in the isolation I abandoned you in. But Amaririsu embraced you when you were alone, and you and Amaririsu together made it possible for me to see Naruto reaching his hand out to me.

"What made Kimimaro different? He was no longer lost in darkness like us." Gaara frowned. "Orochimaru was the one to 'save' him. He was Kimimaro's light. He manipulated his loneliness, twisted him into his personal instrument of suffering. Brainwashed him into becoming a good little pawn. And Kimimaro worshiped the ground he walked on."

"We couldn't save him because he was already saved," Hikari nodded. "I felt it while we fought, but…I began to question myself."

"There was nothing we could do for him, Hikari. Every time you tried, he dug his heels in and became more defensive. More fanatical. He revered Orochimaru. Loved him because he believed he was loved. Imagine if a stranger told you Amaririsu was only using you, that she cared nothing for your well-being, and she was pure evil."

"Amaririsu is not Orochimaru."

"No, she is not," he agreed, nodding once. "However, your answer proves my point. You'd refuse to believe it—"

"Because I know the truth," she interrupted in defense of her friend.

"Do you?" he asked to further his point. "What if I told you Amaririsu spoke ill of you to me? That she only pity's you. Or, worse, she fears you and your power. You wouldn't believe me, would you? You'd argue with me. Accuse me of lying about her because of how she treats you in person."

"Gaara, don't…don't twist my feelings this way."

"I'm sorry," he apologized genuinely. "Amaririsu is pure. She cherishes you greatly, Hikari. As do I. I didn't mean to twist your feelings and hurt you. But you understand now, right?"

"Yes," she nodded solemnly. "My attempts to reach out to him only hurt Kimimaro more. I was telling him his only precious person in this world never cared about him. All of us did. He couldn't see a world or a life without Orochimaru. He couldn't believe his master feigned his affections in anyway. If he did then his life was a lie. What then gave his life meaning? What then was the purpose of his existence? To shun Orochimaru was to embrace loneliness again."

Gaara hummed in agreement.

Hikari's lips curled in a scowl. "Orochimaru is a foul person. 'Tis only a heart of pure evil that finds delight in manipulating and twisting other people into replaceable pawns."

"He'll have to be stopped. As long as he lives he'll continue to hunt down Amaririsu and Sasuke, while seeking the destruction of the Leaf."

"Then the Leaf and Sand will stop him together," Hikari decided with a nod of her head. She then tilted her chin down to the stairwell. "Kankurō is here."

Gaara cast his eyes down as well but saw no sight of his older brother. After a minute the door below them creaked open, and from the portal Kankurō appeared in his black garbs without his puppets.

"Kankurō," Gaara called down to him.

His older brother turned around and, after taking in their location, jumped up to join them.

"Hey Gaara, Hikari."

"Kankurō," Hikari nodded in greeting.

"You two seem pretty serious. Everything all right?"

"We were discussing that Sound shinobi—Kimimaro," Gaara explained. "In the end, he was just another one of Orochimaru's victims."

Kankurō eyed him oddly. "How do you figure that? From what I've heard, he didn't seem like a victim."

"'Tis simpler to see him as merely an assassin or accomplice of Orochimaru, loyal to his ends. Being a victim doesn't take away from the terrible deeds he committed, but he was still a victim to Orochimaru's manipulation and brainwashing. He took a vulnerable boy and twisted him into a tool. He pretended he loved him, or perhaps Kimimaro mistook Orochimaru's personal interest in his abilities as love. 'Tis impossible to be certain now."

"Regardless, he became a devoted follower," said Gaara. "It's possible Orochimaru was the first and only person to ever show him kindness. He gave Kimimaro's existence meaning, and used his devotion to make him willing to become his new vessel. Something happened that made him incompatible, and so he became useless to Orochimaru."

"Which is how Sasuke ended up in his sights," Kankurō pieced together.

Gaara nodded then looked back out to the Leaf. "During our battle he mentioned he 'failed' Orochimaru. He believed to give his existence meaning he had to fulfill his mission and retrieve Sasuke or Amaririsu for his master—that conviction kept him alive."

Kankurō hummed lowly. "It's hard to believe someone could worship a guy like Orochimaru."

"No," he replied. "You're wrong. It isn't hard to believe at all. Was I so virtuous after our father sent assassins to kill me? Yet Hikari sought my companionship, even after I abandoned her."

"She wanted to save you."

"I was unworthy of being saved by her."

"Gaara…"

Hikari's hand found his elbow then followed it down to his hand. She held it gently. Warmly. "You were worthy to me."

He held onto her hand.

"I was not a virtuous person. I was not honorable. I hurt you—both of you. Yet Hikari never stopped following after me. I made you and Temari fear me, Kankurō. I threatened to kill you. But… Although you feared me, there were times you both tried to be my family."

"You are our family, Gaara," his brother asserted.

He nodded in appreciation. "Do you think Kimimaro was wrong to devote himself entirely to this immoral person?"

"I mean, Orochimaru is evil, Gaara."

"Yes, he is." His eyes stared far into the horizon. "But perhaps even the companionship of an evil person is preferable to loneliness."

His thought was left to linger for some time.

Kankurō was the one to break the silence.

"I asked around about the conditions of the Leaf shinobi. The Jōnin first sent after Sasuke are still recovering from their injuries. The way I heard it, they're lucky to be alive. I haven't figured out if they weakened those four Sound shinobi, or if those fools actually underestimated the other two squads because they were comprised of Genin and Chūnin."

"Who is to say the answer is not both. Being weakened and utter fools are not mutually exclusive concepts," Hikari stated.

Kankurō chuckled. "Can't argue with that. Had they gone all out on the others, it's possible they may have fulfilled their mission. Or killed some of their shinobi before we showed up."

"Their hubris was their ultimate undoing. 'Tis the same we of the Sand experienced in the Invasion."

Kankurō grinned. "Don't let Temari hear you say that. She's still nursing her bruised ego."

Hikari tilted her head curiously, her long white ponytail shifting with the movement.

"And you are not?"

The innocent question took Kankurō by surprise. He recoiled slightly, eyes going wide and grin falling. Then his shoulders sagged.

"I…deserved that."

Hikari giggled. Gaara felt the corner of his lip lift for the slightest moment.

After a sigh, his older brother continued.

"The operations on Chōji Akimichi and Neji Hyūga were successful, but it sounds like they're still under close watch. Ino Yamanaka is in better shape by comparison, though her body will need time to heal. I think Kiba Inuzuka and Akamaru will be discharged in a day or two; they seemed in better shape than when we saw them last.

"Tenten's and Sakura Haruno's injuries were mild. They're set to be out of here by the end of the day. I doubt they'll go far, though, with their teammates still here. Rock Lee is under similar circumstances."

"This is good news," Hikari said. Gaara nodded in silent agreement. "However, what of Amaririsu, Atsuko, Mimi, Aoko, Sasuke, Hinata and Naruto?"

Kankurō frowned. "Amaririsu and Sasuke are under strict guard. No one except her immediate family, the Hokage and Sensei are allowed in. I tried to ask, but they won't say a word. News about the Head of the Crows is top-secret, I'm pretty sure."

"Sasuke and Amaririsu were Orochimaru's targets," Gaara noted. "There's also the other shinobi who tried to kidnap Amaririsu when she was vulnerable."

"Yes," Hikari agreed. "I sensed him merely vanish, as if he did not exist to begin with. Such a threat is likely responsible for the increased security and secrecy around them."

"Yeah, that was the feeling I had from it, too," Kankurō said. "I know Amaririsu has a space-time ninjutsu that helped save her allies. But she's not a threat to us. This other guy… All I can think of is how he might infiltrate the Sand, or any other Village, you know?"

Gaara nodded. His thoughts strayed to the same concerns, but there was little he could do about it here. As soon as they returned, he would inform Baki of the threat, and hope defenses or preparations could be made.

"He's a man of consequence. And he clearly has intentions for Amaririsu. I imagine she may have more Intel on why."

"I hope we will be able to speak again before the four of us depart," Hikari said. "I'm worried about her."

"Mm," he hummed in agreement. Then looked to his brother. "And the others?"

"Naruto Uzumaki is recovering well. He seems impatient and jittery, probably over the silence on Sasuke's and Amaririsu's condition. Sakura is the same way. Aoko wasn't seriously hurt in any of the battles, but the Hokage knocked Mimi out the instant her hands were free. She was hooked up to a bunch of tubes when I saw her. The exhaustion from healing so many critical injuries and the over-consumption of food pills really messed her up. Good news: The doctors say she only needs to rest to recover fully.

"Finally, there's Hinata Hyūga. I wasn't able to see her physically; her father and sister were visiting. But the main damage was to her right hand and the left side of her face. I was able to ask Shikamaru about her, but it doesn't seem like anyone except the doctors know if her eye is still intact. Which is another secret. Not that I don't get it. I'm a foreigner, from a Village that recently attacked the Leaf with intentions of destroying it. They don't owe me answers."

"Thank you."

"Yes, thank you, Kankurō," Hikari dipped her head in appreciation.

"You're welcome." He stood up to his full height. "The Leaf is walking away from this one with scars. As their allies, we have to look after them." He squinted at the horizon. "The world is changing. It's in the air. The Sand is still without a Kazekage. The Leaf is at its weakest since the last war, which we're responsible for. Orochimaru found a way to weaken both of our Nations in one move, and now the Stone is possibly set to reignite the Third Great Ninja War.

"We have to redefine our bond with the Leaf. This last mission has helped, but it alone won't be enough. Mimi Inuzuka made that clear to me. And you know what? She was right about everything she said. If the Leaf attacked us without warning, killed our people, someone telling me they were only following orders wouldn't be enough.

"Our alliance with the Leaf can't be just words this time. If the Leaf and Sand can join together… Ah, listen to me ramble on about this stuff," Kankurō chuckled bashfully.

"You're right, though," Gaara said softly. Kankurō met his eyes. "Leaf and Sand must stand together if we're to survive the threats ahead. Orochimaru is only the beginning. There are shadows moving beyond our line of sight, and they threaten the existence of the world as we know it.

"That is why the Leaf and the Sand must unite. The world is changing. It must change. To battle these threats and for the sake of the next generation of children. Too long our Elders and shinobi like them have forsaken honor and perpetuated a cycle of hatred and bloodshed. We were led to believe coexistence was impossible. But that is a lie.

"Amaririsu Yūhi and Naruto Uzumaki reached out to Hikari and I, they shed tears for us, for our pain, for the hurts we suffered. We were but mere strangers to them. Enemies. Yet they looked beyond that. And when she had the chance to eliminate all of us, Amaririsu granted us a second chance.

"She had her chance to take vengeance for the pain our people caused her and her home. To claim her vision of justice in her heartache. Instead, she showed us mercy. I have not and will not ever forget that."

"Your current actions are worth more than your words."

"Her mercy, her empathy and her Will helped show me the path I must walk. We will not be another cog in this cycle. We will not forsake ourselves or what is most precious any longer. We will not allow these shadows to threaten our people or our future.

"Together, with the Leaf, we can defend our people, and the precious bonds we've formed. And together we will begin a new era of prosperity, friendship and understanding."

Kankurō smiled at him. "Yeah."

Hikari rested her head on his shoulder, a warm smile on her face.

"You will be an excellent Kazekage."

Gaara looked towards the horizon with clear and determined eyes.

As long as I have my siblings and Hikari by my side, I can become a Kazekage worth following.

---

"How are you feeling, Hinata?"

Sitting on the edge of Hinata's bed, Kurenai watched her shy student closely as she looked down at the white cast, held in a cloth sling. Her left eye was covered by a white bandage.

"It doesn't hurt anymore. But…I experience numbness in the tips of my fingers at times, and the doctors say I'll need physical therapy to regain normal range of motion and strength. I think…"

Hinata met her eyes, and smiled despite the new scar on her face. "I think I'll be okay, Kurenai-sensei. I may be injured, but I'm not defeated. I'll learn from my mistakes and train harder. And next time I'll be strong enough to defeat him."

Kurenai smiled. "You've grown a lot, Hinata. I'm proud of you."

Her student blushed and dipped her head. "Th- thank you, Kurenai-sensei! I owe so much of it to you."

"Don't give me too much credit," the Genjutsu Master deflected. "I didn't give you your strength, skill or grit. You earned that through your own hard work, through your own blood, sweat and tears."

"Yes, but you supported me. Without your guidance I wouldn't have made it this far," Hinata argued softly. "When Hanabi became the heiress to the Hyūga Clan, my father…he dedicated his time and attention to my sister. You were still a Chūnin when you were tasked to train me. I felt…unnecessary. I struggled with everything.

"You could have given up on me. Or told me I wasn't good enough to be a kunoichi. But you continued to support me, to push me." Hinata smiled faintly. "I almost…wanted you to stop. Because I was afraid I could never live up to your expectations for me. And when Amaririsu came into your life, I…wanted to tell you to stop. To tell you to stop wasting your time on me. I didn't want to be a burden. But I…never worked up the courage.

"You never stopped, though. You devoted your time to training us both. To supporting us both when we were too weak or too insecure. I watched Amaririsu train with you. I watched her fail and cry at first, and then grow into the kunoichi she is. Yes she worked hard. Yes she has a natural gift. Yes she has that spark, that refusal to accept defeat. I saw it. I was finally able to see what once separated us."

Hinata looked directly into Kurenai's eyes. "But it's because of you we pushed on. You always supported us. You refused to let us give up. You helped us build a foundation to stand on and guided us on the right path. When we felt weak, helpless and unnecessary, you helped us see our worth. Yo- you made us feel worth something, Kurenai-sensei."

"Thank you for giving me a life worth living."

Kurenai's chest grew tight.

"Thank you so much, Kurenai-sensei." Hinata bowed her head.

The Jōnin scooted closer and gently wrapped her student in an embrace.

"You and Amari really know how to tug at my heart strings."

Hinata giggled into her shoulder. "Sorry."

"Don't be." She released her student and shared a warm smile with her. "Thank you for sharing your feelings, Hinata. I appreciate it. Truly."

"You're welcome."

"You talked about your hand, but not your eye." Kurenai leaned forward and brushed her bangs back to examine the scar. She hummed and frowned. The scar carved diagonally from the middle-bottom of her orbital bone, just past the outer corner of her left eye and up through her eyebrow onto her temple.

"I was lucky," Hinata admitted. "Because I shied away I only received minor trauma to the eye itself. My eyelid and the cut need time to heal. Bu- but the doctors say my normal vision and Byakugan won't be negatively affected."

"Does the scar bother you?"

Hinata touched her left hand to the edge of her scar. "I…don't think so."

"Oh?" She cocked an eyebrow up, surprised by the response.

"I think…before I knew Amaririsu I would have felt differently. Ashamed, maybe. But Amaririsu bears her scars without shame. Or that's how it seems… Do her scars bother her?"

"Hm. At first it did, though not for the reason you might think. I can remember several occasions where I found her staring at her reflection, absorbed by the scar with an expression of grief and frustration on her face. You see, it was the ultimate symbol of her failure. A Curse Mark, in a way, she had to face every day in the mirror.

"She never thought about how it affected her appearance, or as something that disfigured her. But Amari was around shinobi who bore scars consistently: Kakashi, Shikaku, me."

"Yo- you have scars?"

Kurenai nodded. "I do. I have one here from a kunai I was stabbed with as a Genin," she drew her finger along her left side, beneath her ribcage. "Another along my back from a different battle. Also one here from Aimi Uchiha," she pointed to the scar on her bicep from the Uchiha's lightning coated kunai. "Scars are common among shinobi society. They're nothing to be ashamed of."

She looked across the room to the window. "However, the scars that truly bother Amari are those caused by the Lightning Blade. The quantity and severity lead her to hide them. She's worried people will stare at them. That it's all they'll see when they look at her. Like she's a sort of freak."

"Sh- she's not a freak! Ama- Amaririsu is pretty!"

Hinata's face flushed red as her own declaration reached her ears.

Kurenai turned to look at her student, an exceptionally amused smile on her lips.

"I'm sure she wouldn't mind hearing that from you," she offered.

Hinata turned redder, somehow. Kurenai had to bite the inside of her cheek to avoid grinning.

"I- I- I just meant…" Her eye diverted to her lap. She gulped down her nerves. "Those scars don't make Amaririsu any less pretty," she all but whispered inaudibly. "That's why mine doesn't bother me, because when I look at her I don't look at her as disfigured. I don't stare at her scars. Amaririsu isn't defined by her scars; it's her actions, her spirit, her…smile that I…"

The Jōnin rested her hand on her student's shoulder and smiled knowingly at her. Offering a lifeline so she didn't combust or faint, which Hinata was prone to do when teased beyond a certain threshold. Usually by Kiba.

"I understand," she said. "It's true for you, as well. While it will take time for you and the others to adjust to any new visible scars you've gained, they aren't what define you. One day you won't even notice it anymore. It'll end up as one small part of you."

Hinata nodded in appreciation. It wasn't until her skin returned to its natural shade that she spoke again.

"How are Amaririsu and Sasuke? My father said information is limited to her family, the Hokage and Kakashi-sensei."

"It's for their protection, though I'm sure Lord Hiashi finds the lack of information displeasing." She smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. They'll be okay. No one ever accused them of lacking stubbornness."

Hinata giggled at that.

Hoping to steer the conversation away from currently confidential information, Kurenai asked, "How was Lord Hiashi and your sister? I heard they visited from Kiba."

"They're well. Worried for Neji and I. I explained the situation and my role in it as best as I can, including how I was injured. I…expected him to reprimand me, for being too weak. Or too inefficient." A faint smile lifted Hinata's lips. "But he told me he was proud of me. That I had grown well."

Kurenai couldn't hide her expression of surprise. Hiashi Hyūga complimented his daughter? Strange times.

"He's…never told me that before. Not that I remember. He's been different ever since the final rounds of the Exams and the Invasion. The gap between him and Neji has disappeared; he trains Neji personally. He's kinder to me at home. Hanabi and I are growing closer again after years of being separated. Neji trains with me, too, before our team training."

Amari and Kiba both mentioned something along those lines about Hiashi after the Invasion as well. She wondered who or what was responsible for the change of attitude. She hoped it was a permanent change, but would remain cautious.

A few kind acts weren't enough to erase how he treated Hinata the past few years. Not for Kurenai, anyway. It was a sentiment she was certain her daughter shared.

"I'm happy to hear it," Kurenai smiled. Happy for Hinata, Hanabi and Neji. Hopeful for their sake.

"Me too," Hinata nodded. "But there is something else he mentioned. I think he wanted me to warn you, in his own way."

"Warn me?" The Genjutsu Master tilted her head. "What for?"

"Amaririsu used the Hyūga Clan Rotation during her match against Mimi. My father…" Hinata paused and looked around the room suspiciously, as if expecting to find spies hidden in the sunlight corners of her room. "There were rumors of an explosion the day the Akatsuki kidnapped Amaririsu."

"I understand."

So, you've learned Amari wields the Mangekyō Sharingan. What's your interest in it, Lord Hiashi? You've already learned of Amari's parents through Shikaku. Do you know who her ancestor is? Or is this about the power she wields?

"He said nothing plainly," Hinata explained quietly. "However, I sensed he wanted me to warn you that he or our Elders wish to speak to Amaririsu. Soon."

Her student lowered her eye and nervously rubbed her cast. "I…don't hold any real power in my Clan. I can't protect her if they know. But I'll still try."

"Thank you, Hinata. But don't worry, Shikaku and I will prepare her for the meeting."

She'd need to speak with Shikaku immediately about it. Before the Akatsuki incident, it was only Ryu's eye at stake. A normal Byakugan eye. But the situation had changed—a situation the Hyūga Elders may use to their benefit.

Amenominakanushi was awoken in Amari's left eye—Ryu's eye. Are they trying to take it for themselves?

How could they know which eye that power had awoken in, though? No one, save her, Asuma and Kakashi witnessed its power firsthand.

It was food for thought.

When a nurse arrived for an hourly check, Kurenai patted Hinata on the head and rose from the bed.

"Rest well, Hinata."

"I will."

She departed for Amari's and Sasuke's room.

Hopeful her daughter had finally awoken.

Worried about the Hyūga's intentions.

And prepared to kill any Foundation member who tried to strike either Uchiha.

---

Consciousness returned slowly to Mimi. Bleary eyes opened to a white ceiling, illuminated by an evening glow beneath a haze of sleep. Sterile white ceiling. A bed she didn't recognize.

This had hospital written all over it.

The Inuzuka shut her eyes again. How did she end up in this bed? She didn't remember falling asleep at the hospital, or falling asleep to begin with. One moment she was a jittery mess, sweating more than a cat cornered by wolves, arguing with the Hokage that she could still do more to help.

Now she was here. And it was evening, apparently, when she remembered daylight last.

How long had she been out? A few hours? A day? More?

Mimi swallowed. The scratchy, sandpaper of her throat was almost as unpleasant as biting a chunk out of…what's-his-name; she was too tired to remember the annoying prick's name. Or to give him the respect of being remembered.

Time to get up.

Ha. Her brain was hilarious. Get up? She felt too exhausted to move. Her limbs were heavy, practically attached to Lee's leg weights, and her mind was consumed by a thick haze of sleepiness and medical drugs. She was a little dizzy, too. And thirsty, if only to soothe this desert throat she had.

Up. Get. Up. You've slept enough.

Squeezing her shut eyes tighter for a moment, she opened her lead eyelids slowly again. Right. Up. She had plenty to do still, like figuring out what everyone's situation was, debriefing on her mission, checking in on Kiba and Akamaru and all the others.

So, up. No rest for the wickedly awesome. That was the saying, right? It was for her at the moment. She could sleep later, when she was certain everyone had pulled through.

Mimi curled her lead fingers into fists. Then laid them flat on the bed. With mighty effort, she began to push herself up onto her elbows, only for a hand to grab her shoulder and draw her attention to the other presence she failed to sense sitting next to her.

Hana smiled at her. "Easy there, sleepyhead. You're right arm has an IV and you're wearing an oxygen mask." Mimi shifted her gaze down her nose and noticed that, yes, she did indeed have an oxygen mask on. "I'll readjust your bed so you can sit up. Just lie back. Huh, you're listening. You really must be out of it."

"Smother you," Mimi threatened weakly with a hoarse voice.

"Smother me with love? You're too sweet. Must be the exhaustion talking," Hana grinned. She adjusted the bed into an elevated position then, before Mimi could process much else, wrapped her arms around her cousin, embracing her for a brief moment. She ruffled her wild mane afterwards, grinning. "Stay put. I'll be right back."

While her cousin stepped out of the room, Mimi took in her surroundings, examining the evening sky beyond her window, and noticing how quiet the hospital had become. Then the absence of her migraine. She looked at the IV in her arm and the fluids it provided.

The counter beside her bed had her flak jacket on it, folded and zipped up, leaving her in her blue V-neck and mesh long sleeve. She breathed in the oxygen and, after a few blinks, realized the black spot beneath her left hand was actually Aoko curled up in a ball and not a black blot in her vision.

She stretched her fingers and lightly petted the soft fur of her faithful ninken's forehead. Aoko opened her eyes and, without a word, stood up, stepped into Mimi's lap, spun in a circle then curled up in a neat ball again. She inhaled a deep breath then exhaled heavily, content.

"I'm happy you're okay, too, Aoko," she said tiredly, brushing her fingers gently over her furry companion.

Hana returned shortly after, bearing the gift of a glass of water. It took Mimi until then to realize her cousin wasn't on a mission anymore, and that she was wearing a form-fitting salmon long sleeve and black pants instead of her usual shinobi gear or beige medic uniform.

After removing the oxygen mask and ingesting several gulps of the liquid miracle, her cousin settled back into her seat and looked at her seriously.

"How're you feeling? You look like hell."

"We were all put through the ringer," Mimi replied softly. "My whole body feels heavy and stiff. I don't have a lot of energy. I'm a little dizzy on top of that. But my migraine is gone. I don't feel the jitters, or the paranoia. I'm not dying of heat either."

"They've had you on fluids to correct the imbalances the Food Pills caused ever since Lady Tsunade knocked you out."

"She knocked me out?" Mimi asked.

"So I've been told," Hana nodded. "I arrived back home a few hours ago. Apparently you were being feisty. Refusing to sit down. Trembling uncontrollably. Your emotional temperament peaked and valley without reason. I was told you looked like you were in pain, likely at the cause of a debilitating migraine. All clear signs of Food Pill over-consumption."

"…I don't remember that much."

"How much do you remember? Or what's the last thing you remember?"

"I was debating a point with Lady Tsunade. I was certain I could help somewhere. She told me I'd done enough. Then I woke up here."

"Do you remember your mission? The battles? The end?"

"Yeah," she nodded. "Everything, the events, my internal reactions to over-consuming Food Pills, it only starts to blur together when we're almost home. How long have I even been out for, anyway?"

"One full day."

"And Kiba and Akamaru? How are they?"

"They're both fine. Relax," Hana soothed. "Everyone is alive and recovering. All the necessary surgeries have been complete, the critically injured are being monitored relentlessly and those with mild injuries will be checked out before you. So relax. Lady Tsunade was right: You did more than enough."

"Sometimes my best wasn't enough, though," Mimi sighed.

"Don't even start with that," Hana chastised severely. "Your friends have a fighting chance because you were there to stabilize them. You saved their lives. Don't mope and feel sorry for yourself because you didn't perform the surgeries personally. It's stupid. Childish. You're putting your ego before their lives, and that's wrong of you Mimi."

Mimi shut her eyes. "I…just want to be able to protect everyone. They trust me to heal them when they're injured, and I don't want to let them down."

Hana rested her hand on top of Mimi's, drawing her exhausted sapphire eyes to her cousin.

"You did protect them, Mimi. There isn't anything wrong with wanting to be better; you can learn from this mission and grow stronger because of it. I expect that from you. But no one shinobi, no one medic, no single leader can do everything. Not even a Hokage.

"It's up to those of us who lead to strengthen and inspire our subordinates to be their best. We of the Inuzuka Clan know best that there is no individual." She lifted her chin to Aoko. "There's only the unit. The team. There's always we, never I. You and Aoko fight, eat, sleep, hurt and bleed together. It's no different with a shinobi squad or your peers.

"The way to protect everyone isn't to become the lone warrior, Mimi. A lone warrior can only protect so much, because they are only one person. One fallible human. If you want to protect everyone, empower your team. Empower your peers. Be the guardian I know you can become. Guide them. Inspire them. Lead them to their strength so they can protect you as much as you protect them. That's where we of the Leaf get our strength. It's never been one pillar that holds us up. It's all of us together, bound by the Will of Fire and empowered by our bonds. That's what makes us truly strong."

Wearily, she nodded. Hana was right, of course. She'd been the sole medic on their mission, and she had needed to ingest several Food Pills to stabilize Chōji, Neji, Sasuke and Amari, as well as heal Ino's, Tenten's, Sakura's, Hikari's and Shikamaru's injuries. It took its toll. Of course she had to train to get stronger, to become a better medic.

But what did it matter if she wasn't there to help?

She couldn't attach herself to her peers on all missions. They had to be able to defend themselves better, which meant pushing them to grow stronger, too. The role of a guardian wasn't only to protect, but to inspire and uplift those around her, so when she wasn't around, or she was weakened, they could complete their missions with minimal injuries.

"We all have to get stronger," Mimi murmured. "This last mission pitted us against Orochimaru's sideshow freaks. But he's still out there, with who knows how many more brainwashed lackeys with special abilities or Curse Marks. The Akatsuki are out there, too. And they're on a whole 'nother level than those Sound shinobi, while we limped our way or were carried back home."

"Just remember: None of you are alone in this fight. Use the struggles you faced to strengthen yourselves and your bonds."

"Speaking of being alone, where are the Haimaru brothers?" She examined the room in search of the trio, but their absence was clear. "You didn't leave them home, did you?"

"No. They're on assignment in the hospital."

Mimi tilted her head to the side and furrowed her brow. "On assignment? Doing what?"

"Guarding."

The tight-lipped answer, and the serious look her cousin gave her, was enough for Mimi to drop the subject. Amari and Sasuke must be under complete lock-down.

"What about Aunty Tsume? Have you seen her around?"

"She was the one who told me you and Kiba were in the hospital. Kiba said she checked in on you both, and that he got quite the earful for giving you trouble."

The bed-ridden Inuzuka snorted and grinned. "That numbskull deserved it for having a crisis of ego in a life or death situation."

Hana grinned devilishly. "Don't get on your high horse. Mom has one planned for you, too."

"Ah, crap," she deflated, sinking into her bed.

"You don't want to know what it's for?" her cousin teased.

"Let me guess." The younger Inuzuka pointed at the IV. "Needing this." Then the oxygen mask. "That. My reckless use of Food Pills. Being a jittery mess. Arguing with the Hokage. My ego. And…worrying her."

"Nailed it." Mimi sighed. "Don't mope. She's proud of you, you know. I am, too. You went above and beyond to heal, protect and rescue your comrades. A little lecture about how to improve won't kill you."

"Can she at least wear kid gloves? I'm tired and sore already."

"Since when has Mom ever worn kid gloves?" Hana grinned.

"Ugh. Put me back under," the younger Inuzuka groaned. "She can't tear me a new one if I'm asleep."

"I wouldn't tell her that. She'll prove you wrong."

Despite her dread, Mimi laughed lightly at the truthful statement. It felt good to laugh. So did talking to Hana. It felt normal, even if the circumstances weren't, and it massaged away the remaining stress and anxiety of her last mission.

Without warning, the door to her room slid open. Drawn by the noise, the pair took in the form of the Hokage entering, wearing her usual outfit, with only her green jacket missing. She covered her mouth to hide a yawn and waved for them to remain seated. She looked utterly exhausted.

Had she even slept since they all returned?

The Hokage lowered her hand and said, "I've come to run a quick check and to fill in some of the blanks I have after Shikamaru's debriefing. Are you up for it, Mimi?"

"I'm as awake as I'll get, all things considered," she nodded.

"Okay. Let's get to it, then. First, tell me how you're feeling…"

The check-up went smoothly. Her body still needed rest after what she put it through, to no one's surprise. She'd likely be on her feet tomorrow morning, and allowed to leave by the evening if she pressed the issue.

"All right," the Hokage said as she finished the check-up. "Normally I would scold a shinobi for the condition you put yourself in, but the circumstances were extreme, and your reasons were the right ones. Going forward, sharpen your chakra control and continue your training. You still have plenty of room to grow as a shinobi and a medic."

"Got it."

"Now then." Tsunade strutted to a free chair, grabbed it and carried it over to the opposite side of her bed to sit opposite of Hana where she could address them both. "I've spoken to Shikamaru, Kurenai and Kakashi directly about the mission. There are details I still need to learn from Amaririsu and Sasuke, but they're incapacitated for the time being. I need you to tell me what you can from the moment Amaririsu joined your squad to when you and Shikamaru finally regrouped."

"Well, Amari and Atsuko linked up with us suddenly…"

Mimi went over all the details she could. How they found Jirōbō and Chōji, then Neji and Kidōmaru. Their decision to push on through the night and the inevitable split between her and Amari's newly formed squads. She explained in detail the battle with Sakon and Ukon, and their ridiculous regenerative abilities.

"Kiba and Akamaru tore them in half with one of the Inuzuka Clan's most powerful techniques," she explained. "He essentially sawed them in half. But their bodies, their organs and tissues and muscles all regenerated within seconds. Their new halves were covered by armor plate looking skin."

"It's almost unbelievable," Hana murmured. "A regeneration ability of that level."

"It wasn't flawless, though," said Mimi. "It had limits. Up until then everything we did they were able to regenerate from. But I figured if we wore them down with our first attack, then tore a hole straight through them, their ability to regenerate would slow down significantly. It worked out, fortunately. That's when Ino hit Sakon with her Mind Destruction Jutsu."

"And when she was injured," Tsunade nodded.

"It wasn't her fault," Mimi assured firmly. "The second stage Curse Mark allowed Ukon to break himself down on a molecular level to essentially weave himself into her body. From there he would've have broken her cells down and Ino would've ceased to exist. Her DNA, everything that would identify Ino as Ino would be replaced by him.

"It's the perfect assassination jutsu, with one single flaw: Because they are sharing the same body, any damage inflicted upon his captured target is then subsequently inflicted upon him. Ino realized that and decided the best and only way to escape was to stab herself. Make him believe she would kill herself to kill him. She placed her bet on my ability to heal her and, because of her courage, she was able to get Ukon out of her body, allowing her to capture him with the Mind Transfer Jutsu when he was stunned.

"Afterwards Ino pretended to be Ukon to get Sakon close and ambushed him. Because of her willingness to take damage while inside of our enemy's body, I was able to crush them both with Aoko then kill them once she was back in her body. I healed what I could, Kankurō arrived and I sent Kiba, Akamaru and Ino back with Amari's clone. Then we regrouped with Shikamaru's squad. Amari and Hinata had already gone ahead to aid the others. I didn't see Amari again until after Hikari and I regrouped with Kurenai-sensei and Kakashi-sensei."

Tsunade hummed thoughtfully and pursed her lips. "Every single one of this so-called Sound Four had exceptionally rare talents. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised; Orochimaru is allured by rare jutsu or kekkei genkais. It's what makes them valuable in his eyes."

"They all thought highly of themselves, that's for sure."

The Hokage stood up and returned her chair. She crossed her arms beneath her bust and stood for a moment in silent thought. After the moment passed, she turned around and nodded to Mimi.

"Despite the injuries your squad sustained, your mission was ultimately a success, and your performances exceptional. This mess is far from over, but for now rest. You earned it."

The sentiment was appreciated. However, Mimi had something else in mind.

"Lady Tsunade, your assistant Shizune was the one who stabilized the three Jōnin and performed some of the surgeries on my comrades, right?"

The Hokage looked at her oddly, but nodded. "Yes. Why?"

"Like you said, this mess is far from over. The way things are going, it's safe to say my friends will be caught in the center of it for a long time." She shook her head. "We all have to get stronger and sharpen our skills if we're going to defeat these threats. If we don't, another mission like this could end fatally. And I need to be ready to handle that trouble as both a shinobi and a medic. If you taught Shizune everything you know, I'd like to learn from her."

"You have the legendary Lady Tsunade, your idol, standing in front of you and you ask to train with her assistant?" Hana questioned, amused.

The eyes of the Hokage never left Mimi, nor did the Inuzuka relent in her serious expression. This was important. More important than her idolization of the Fifth Hokage.

"I want to learn everything I can. I need to become a better medic-nin, for the sake of my friends. But I alone can't take care of everyone. That's why I'd also ask if she can to teach Hinata alongside me; the chakra control she has gained from practicing Gentle Fist will help her become a medic, and she already makes medicinal ointment. I can help train Hinata when Shizune is busy, which she is bound to be."

The next part was even more important. Mimi didn't need to steel her nerves to request it; she already had nerves of steel, and her Aunty Tsume's negotiation techniques primed and ready.

"And while she teaches us, I'd really appreciate it if you taught Sakura and Ino Medical Ninjutsu."

One medic per squad, all trained by the Hokage or Hokage's assistant. If the other three were dedicated and successful, they'd gain four highly skilled and proficient Medical Ninjutsu wielders.

That would've been damn helpful on the last mission, and on future missions.

"An interesting proposition," Tsunade said slowly. "Why should I take on two inexperienced Genin with no prior experience in Medical Ninjutsu?"

Mimi grinned. "What's the matter? Too old to handle them and your responsibilities?" The jab landed. Hard. The Hokage's eyebrow twitched. "Sakura is already training to learn Medical Ninjutsu; Amari and Kakashi-sensei noticed her superior chakra control and had me encourage her to do it. She also shows an affinity towards your monstrous strength.

"Ino has grown physically stronger since beginning to train with Amari and Sakura. Before you were Hokage, those two didn't have their heads on straight. Amari set them on the right path. But Ino needs more tricks than her Clan jutsus and taijutsu. And we need more medics. Two birds, one stone.

"Those two could reach my current level of Medical Ninjutsu with your help, as long as you actually train them properly." Another jab at the Sannin's pride. Another successful blow. "You are the legendary Tsunade Senju, master of healing arts. They need your guidance."

"And you don't?"

"If Shizune learned everything you know I'm essentially learning from you," Mimi pointed out. "And, like I said, I can help tutor Hinata when Shizune is busy. Sakura and Ino need you. One on one. I don't. I'll find my way with Shizune's help, and then I'll surpass you."

"Quite the confident brat," Tsunade smirked. "Fine. You've got yourself a deal. We'll discuss your training schedule when you're released."

With that, the Hokage departed.

Hana grinned at her cousin. "Mom's going to die laughing when she hears about this."

Mimi grinned back. "She can't chastise me for this. After all, Aunty Tsume is the one who taught me the art of negotiation."

---

Review Response to Anonymous: Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the last update and the interactions between Amari and "Madara" and that you're looking forward to more.

Hope you enjoyed the new update and thank you for the review!

Review Response to Guest: It's not impossible for a meeting between Hikari and any of the Tailed-Beasts to have a meeting at some point. And not impossible for Gaara and the Shukaku to gain a better relationship. We'll have to wait and see what happens with Kasai. Yep, Obito's reference to a woman he loved is a reference to Rin.

Obito's reference to sacrifice her best friend is a reference to Naruto, because he contains the Nine-Tails. Also a reference to sacrificing everyone she currently loves.

I think Limbo was Madara's Rinnegan ability. As for his Mangekyo, I don't know if I'll ever expand on what his abilities are. But it wouldn't be an impossibility that Amenominakanushi is one of them.

I haven't really thought too deeply on all of the reincarnation of Indra and Ashura stuff yet, so I can't really answer your questions there. It's not a big part of the story at this exact moment, where its being mentioned or known, so I haven't put much thought behind any decision for it. Sorry if that's an unsatisfying answer. I kind of decide things as I go.

I don't know if I'll change anything with the Tailed-Beasts origins. I probably won't. At this moment I haven't, and I really don't see any reason to right now. But I like the leave the door open on the chance something interesting comes to mind when I address those parts.

Honestly, I doubt I'll have Amari spamming any kind of Mangekyo technique over and over again. It's her hope and goal to use them as Shisui did, as something she uses only when her other skills or abilities aren't enough to protect what she holds precious. That's why she didn't use it at the start of her fight against Kasai, and why, only after having her ankle impaled, being severely wounded and Atsuko knocked out that she finally used it.

Glad you're enjoying Gaara's parts.

The arc after the My Hero Academia arc is an original arc, not an anime filler. I think its an even split between filler and original that will occur before the time skip.

Still a little more left of the aftermath of this arc. But I'm glad you're intrigued for the My Hero Academia arc.

Thank you for the review!

Review Response to ChillinInKonoha: Has the fated battle ended? Or has it only begun? But you're right, for now Sasuke and Amari/Haya are safe. And Kasai lives on, scarred and on his path of darkness. I write with the voices of the characters from the anime in my head, but Madara's was definitely a new and fun experience. All the best manipulations start with truth, though. And Obito is a master of spinning a tale to fit his agenda.

Yep, after the My Hero Academia arc we'll be jumping into a mixture of original and anime filler arcs to continue the story towards the inevitable end of Part 1. And, as Kankuro said, the world is changing.

Oh, that's a tough question. What's funny is I have voice actors I use to write for almost every original character except Amari, Mimi, Aoko and Aimi, who I have voices for in my head, but not an actor to point towards. Or at least not one I can think of in the moment. Maybe I'll have an example after I write the others.

Hikari's voice, in my head, is Claudia Black as Morrigan from Dragon Age, though obviously her voice would need to be younger for the current time period. But as an adult, that's the general tone, pitch and cadence of her voice I have in mind.

Atsuko's voice is Corinne Kempa as Leliana, also from Dragon Age, though maybe a pitch deeper. But the smoothness, accent and cadence are what I think of when I write her.

Osamu is Adam Croasdell as Ignis Scientia from Final Fantasy XV is pretty much how I hear him. Cadence of speech and tone of voice.

Natsumi is probably Laura Bailey somewhere between Kushina and Kait from Gears of War.

I'm still drawing blanks on who to compare the others voices to. Aimi's voice and cadence are smooth, playful, sensual. Mimi and Aoko have two sides of their voice, when their calm their voices and cadence are relaxed, with minimal growl or roughness to their voices that the Inuzuka sort of have. When their pissed or in the heat of combat, there's a guttural, gravelly growl and roughness to their voices. Mimi's cadence specifically grows rougher, choppier when pissed or frantic, hence why "ing" words tend to end with "in" instead. Finally, Amari/Haya. In a word, I'd say her voice is generally lukewarm. She's not as soft-spoken as Hinata but isn't as rough as Temari. I wish I had a better example and description, but I can't think of one at the moment.

I'm curious to know how you or others might hear them.

Anyway, thank you for the review!