Naruto: Tornado of Souls Final
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or RWBY
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Here is chapter 9. Enjoy!
Last time:
Hokage's Office
The report came in from ANBU Jackal's Team and Hiruzen was reading it aloud to Danzo, Homura and Koharu. "ANBU Crow; dead due to a broken neck and skull fracture. Hatake Kakashi; dead. He was knocked unconscious, tied up to a tree and died of a sword wound through the heart. Uchiha Sasuke; missing though all of his belongs were left behind. Suspected abduction. This all happened last night. In order, Naruto survived the attempt on his life and is recovering. Kakashi was executed; Sasuke was abducted and possibly killed. Sakura's parents are dead from kunai wounds and Haruno Sakura has been abducted and is possibly dead. This is a disaster. Every member of Team 7 has been eliminated in the last two days."
All three Elders looked grim. Finally Koharu asked, "What are we to do Hiruzen? This is unprecedented."
The Third Hokage said in an iron tone. "I'll tell you three what we're going to do. We're taking the offensive. Danzo, have your ROOT eliminate all Oto Ninjas in Fire Country. Homura, begin making preparations to close the borders. I'm putting Jiraiya in charge of getting our ninjas here in Konoha on war footing. At the end of next week, we will officially cancel the Chunin Exams."
Homura said, "There is still the problem of Suna."
Hiruzen simply answered. "We don't touch our Suna allies just yet. Leave that to me."
"Going easy on Suna won't help our cause Hiruzen." said Danzo.
The Third Hokage pinned his old rival with a glare. "I'm not getting us in a two-front war. We will deal with Oto covertly and then see what the Kazekage wants to do. If Rasa-sama wants a war, he will get one in spades."
…
The Yamanaka Residence
Ino was sitting with Inoichi and Ayano on the couch. Pyrrha and Hinata stopped in to check on her a before they went to see Blake but they felt Ino needed some alone time with her parents. Ino had been terribly upset and was leaning in her Mother's embrace. She said in a sad tone, "Pyrrha-chan has the right idea. Naruto has loved Forehead for years and is really going to need some support to get through this."
Ayano ran her fingers through Ino's blonde hair. "I can't believe Mebuki and Kizashi are gone…at least there is a possibility that Sakura-chan is alive."
Inoichi said sadly, "It's always hard to let go. Princess, this is a shock to all of us. You know we'll be here for you. If by some miracle Sakura-chan is alive I promise you we'll take her in as family."
"I don't want to believe it." said Ino depressed. "I just can't believe they are gone."
"It will take time to sink in Ino-chan." said Inoichi. "The grieving process takes time. Just don't bottle it up. Talk to your Mother and I…and talk to your friends too. We all need to pray Sakura-chan is alive for now. It's all we can do." 'I can't bear to see my little girl this way. When she finds out about the Uchiha going missing it will be even worse…'
…
Chapter 9
Anko and Blake's Apartment
Pyrrha gently knocked on Anko's door and the Snake Mistress soon answered. "Hey kiddies; are you here to see Blake-chan?"
"We wanted to make sure she's okay; sometimes it's good to have friends to talk to." said the redhead.
Anko ushered them in. They saw Blake was sitting at the dinner table listlessly. "Blake; how are you doing?" asked Pyrrha.
"I guess I'm okay." said Blake in a distant voice. "I've seen death before but I still feel kind of hollow. Sakura wasn't my favorite person but finding out she's dead or missing was a real shock."
"Did you actually discover the bodies?" asked Hinata.
Blake shook her head. "I never set foot in the place. After I pounded on the door for a while and no one answered so I checked around the outside of the house. There was a window cracked open for ventilation and all that was coming come was the stench of blood and death. After that I went and found an ANBU to investigate. I sat outside and gave a report while the ANBU checked out the place. From what I could overhear it was bad…really bad. I've been home passing the time with Anko since I really didn't feel like getting out."
The girls sat and talked a while before Pyrrha and Hinata made the decision to go see Naruto. Blake simply wasn't up to it. "Tell Naruto-kun I said Hi." said the faunus girl as she showed Hinata and Pyrrha out.
"We'll do that." said Hinata. "You just take it easy."
…
Naruto's Apartment
When Hinata and Pyrrha arrived a shadow clone answered the door and let them in. "Boss is in the kitchen." was all the clone said before he locked the door and dispelled.
The girls peered into the kitchen and saw Naruto's eyes were closed with his right hand held out. A few seconds later a perfectly round, spiraling sphere of blue chakra came into being and Naruto opened his eyes. He simply said, "Hello Hinata-chan; Pyrrha-chan."
"What is that?" asked Pyrrha looking at the glowing sphere. "It's beautiful."
Naruto said with sense of accomplishment in his voice, "This is the Fourth Hokage's signature jutsu; the rasengan."
…
The Yamanaka Residence
Ino was up in the middle of the night drinking some water. The last few days had been living hell. 'It's all a blur to me. First Sakura-chan, then Kizashi and Mebuki…and then being hit the next day with the loss of Sasuke-kun and his sensei Kakashi…' "I don't know how much more I can take. Ever since these damned Chunin Exams started life has been one horrid thing after another." Ino looked out the window. 'I know my mental abilities aren't nearly as great as Daddy's are but I can feel the tension and the unease in the air. It's like I feel that everyone and everything is pulled impossibly taut and something has to give. Either something is going to spring back and release all that pressure or everything is going to break under the strain.' "I feel fear in the air like it's a solid object. I'm…afraid…"
There would be little rest for the Yamanaka Heiress that night…
…
ANBU Morgue
The next morning two medic nins were compiling their autopsy report on Kakashi's body. "Other than his heart being pierced by a sword and his sharingan eye being removed there are no other injuries worth mentioning." said Kumadori. He was young in appearance with brown hair.
Hi female partner Oyone agreed. She brushed a few of her black bangs out of her face. "The blow to the back of his head was precise but the stab wound and the posthumous removal of the eye were done sloppily."
"I'd say three different people were involved." said Kumadori. "The sword wound was particularly messy. At least the eye was removed somewhat cleanly."
Morino Ibiki came in. "Did we find out anything new?"
"By our estimates the blow to the head, the sword wound and the eye removal were all done by separate people." intoned Oyone. "The wire that kept Kakashi's body bound show that someone with extreme experience was involved in tying him up."
"I still wonder why Kakashi was tied up just to execute him though." said Kumadori. "There is no evidence that they tried to interrogate him at all and no trace of interrogation drugs either."
Ibiki rubbed his chin. "We don't know who the second and third parties involved were but the person who knocked Kakashi out and tied him up was most likely ANBU Crow. They didn't get along. He must have completely blindsided Kakashi to have gotten the drop on him. Kakashi was way too fast and way too strong otherwise. Once you complete Kakashi's autopsy check the injuries to Crow. I have a sneaking suspicion whoever murdered Kakashi got rid of Crow as well to cover their trail."
If Kumadori and Oyone were surprised they hid it well. "We'll get right on it when we're done here." said Oyone.
…
Training Ground 52
It had been three days since the murder of the Haruno family and Sakura's disappearance and two days since it was announced that Kakashi was found dead and Sasuke vanished. Jiraiya was doing his best to mobilize the Konoha forces and keep an eye on Naruto. Fortunately, Naruto was ready for some light training (doctor's orders be damned!) and was training with Hinata's group. Jiraiya gave a workout regimen to Kurenai to help outline Naruto's training.
Despite the fact he wasn't at full strength bodily Naruto was making rapid progression both physically and on the ninjutsu side. The group's morale was understandably low (Ino was devastated and Naruto was depressed) but they were training hard. It seemed that Ino losing two people so dear to her was enough to galvanize her into finally training seriously. The Yamanaka Heiress was still miles behind the others (Naruto even in his weakened state could kick her ass) but Ino was really trying and doing better.
Naruto found that training with the girls was lots of fun too. He was amazed by their skill and made shadow clone cheering squads for support with arm bands with each kunoichi's face on them. Unfortunately the cheering squads took their jobs a bit too seriously and attacked each other in the name of Hinata-chan, Blake-chan and Pyrrha-chan. Anko thought it was hysterical watching the mob of blondes kick each other's asses but Kurenai was not amused. It was hard for the genins to not notice the Konoha Ninja Forces mobilizing but they were told simply to continue training until the Chunin Exam Finals. They weren't told that the Chunin Exams were cancelled…yet.
…
"The feeling in the air is so heavy." said Ino as she ate more of Hinata's homemade food. Lunch was fairly sedate and the genin were just relaxing and talking as they ate. "I still can't believe you can cook this well Hinata. I wish I could cook half this good."
Blake nodded as she ate her sushi. "I must find out what this is seasoned with; it's unbelievably good."
Pyrrha said quietly, "The mood is like we're getting ready for a war. Everyone is on needles and pins. I feel like we're out here training just to keep us out of trouble."
"I thought you liked to train Pyrrha-chan." said Naruto.
"I do but both Kurenai-sensei and Anko-sensei seem distracted." explained the redhead. "Jiraiya-sama or a shadow clone of him has been around whenever he can but it's obvious Hokage-sama has him doing something Naruto-kun. Otherwise, he would be supervising you personally."
Hinata nodded and set her drink down. "In the last couple of days the movements of the Ninja Corps has increased a lot. I was told that they are upping the security for the Chunin Exam Finals but I don't buy it. It seems like Konoha is mobilizing for war if you ask me. The differences are subtle but almost every ninja of chunin rank or higher are carrying full combat loads of kunai and shuriken."
"The guard patrols have doubled as well." said Naruto. "I know patrol routes pretty well and they aren't standard."
Ino cocked an eyebrow. "Why on earth would a genin be familiar with guard patrol routes Naruto?"
Naruto crossed his arms and answered haughtily, "Because being a prankster of my caliber in the Academy took long and careful planning Ino. You don't think I painted the Hokage Monument in broad daylight without carefully observing what the chunin on patrol were doing did you?"
Ino sweat dropped and Hinata giggled at the memory. Pyrrha almost spilled her drink. "What do you mean 'painted the Hokage Monument' Naruto-kun?" asked the redhead.
The orange loving ninja said, "My magnum opus of pranking was to decorate the Hokage Monument and-"
"Cause all sorts of trouble!" said Ino accusingly.
"-spread love, peace, joy and good fortune throughout the Village of Konoha." finished Naruto in a grandiose tone.
Blake started giggling quietly at first but then blew up into full grown laughter, "That is so….so you Naruto-kun!" she said between laughs.
Ino sweat dropped that even someone as serious as Blake was taking Naruto's side in this matter. "It's hopeless…" she lamented.
…
Uzumaki Naruto's Apartment
On the fourth day after his death was announced, Kakashi's funeral was to be held the following morning and Naruto wasn't sure he could face it the night before. As Jiraiya was out he was having dinner with Hinata, Pyrrha and Blake who were very concerned for the blonde. They had invited Ino as well but she felt more comfortable at home with her parents. "I'm sure the truth about Kakashi-sensei's death will come out eventually Naruto-kun." said Hinata kindly. "We need to keep training and become stronger for those we lost."
"Hinata is right Naruto-kun." said Pyrrha. "I'm sure your Sensei would want it that way."
Naruto sniffled. "I'm sorry I've been so glum, -ttebayo."
Blake gave her usual minimalist smile. "It's okay Naruto-kun. It would be impossible not to be depressed. Tell you what, Anko nee-chan and I will stand over with you and Jiraiya-sama tomorrow during the funeral."
"That's a good idea Blake." said Pyrrha. "Since I'm going to be standing with the Yamanakas and Hinata will be with the Hyūgas you can give Naruto-kun some moral support."
Hinata nodded. "That is a good idea. After the funeral we'll all do something together and relax to keep your mind off things. How does that sound?"
Naruto smiled and nodded. "You girls take such good care of me."
…
The Day of Kakashi's Funeral…
It had rained all morning and many felt the heavens were openly crying for a fallen hero. Sarutobi Hiruzen thought to himself, 'Kakashi…you didn't deserve to die like you did…Dying is for old people like me, not the young who are still in their prime...'
When the top half of the casket was opened and Kakashi's face looked peaceful as if he was merely asleep. Many friends that were a part of Kakashi's life, both old and new were standing there to bid their final farewells. The Third Hokage gave a stirring speech about the many accomplishments Kakashi made during his life and the many sacrifices as well. Though many of the ninjas tried to remain stoic the sadness in the air was so heavy that many were crying…Naruto wasn't blubbering but the tears wouldn't stop as he laid flowers on the casket of his teacher. "Sensei; somehow, some way I'll make sure you didn't die in vain. I swear to you I'll find out what happened to you…" whispered Naruto in his black funeral clothes.
A long line of others including many of Kakashi's old classmates such as Kurenai, Asuma, Ebisu and Anko walked by and placed their own offerings on the grave. Not one of them passed without a quiet farewell and a tear shed.
Jiraiya looked inside his funeral robes and saw the new Icha Icha that he'd finished recently. It was a prerelease copy and he quietly, almost reverently placed it in the casket with one of his biggest fans. Jiraiya simply said, "Enjoy that one in the pure land Hatake Kakashi." He shed a single tear and went over to stand by Naruto, Blake and Anko.
Maito Gai came up last and said between tears and sobs, "My eternal rival; I will always; always treasure the friendship that we've shared over the years. (sob) It is for that reason that I will carve your honored name on the Memorial Stone. You shall never be forgotten my dear friend. These flowers (sob) are my final gift to you…." Gai broke down but somehow he still retained his dignity. The tears of the Green Beast of Konoha had significance that touched many hearts deeply. There was nothing comical about this Maito Gai stricken with grief…
A light sun shower came down which seemed fitting to all present. It seemed that the kamis above had visited and granted Hatake Kakashi the peace he so rightfully deserved….
The Priest and Shrine Maidens went to close the top of the casket and place a tapestry with the Hatake Family Crest in place. Naruto forced himself to look through his burning tears as he watched the somber event unfold…
The casket was lowered into the ground and the mourners grieved for hours after the fact. Naruto went with Jiraiya to drink a final farewell to Hatake Kakashi…
…
Uzumaki Naruto's Apartment
Naruto was sitting and drinking with Jiraiya, "It's insane Jiraiya-sensei. A week ago there was a Team 7 and now I'm the only one left."
Jiraiya said somberly. "We're ninjas Naruto. Our lives being crazy is a given. On the positive side what I saw of your training tells me you are almost back in shape."
"It hasn't even been a week yet Jiraiya-sensei." said Naruto between bites.
"Like it or not that metabolism thanks to your tenant has you back in fighting trim faster than those doctors think is possible." said Jiraiya. "I've already got you scheduled to see a medic ninja tomorrow to get you cleared for training. I need you in top form for upcoming events after all."
"You mean like the war?" asked Naruto.
Jiraiya's eyes widened and he whispered, "Who told you?"
The blonde ninja chuckled. "You just did actually. I figured it out from the way the ninjas are patrolling and arming themselves. I'm guessing the Chunin Exams are off? I mean, half of the competitors are missing, injured or dead."
The Toad Sanin smiled. "Sometimes I forget just how cunning you are Uzumaki Naruto. I can't give you specifics but the upcoming Chunin Exams are nothing but a sham now. "You and your fellow genins will be guarding the Village here at home. That's all you need to know. Your sworn duty is to protect Konoha and I know that I can depend on you to do your best."
"You can count on me sensei." said the blonde prankster. "Besides, I still need to get back in shape to kick Neji's ass for Hinata-chan regardless…not that she couldn't do it herself these days."
…
That evening Naruto was having dinner with the girls, (which was getting to be a habit) and they were looking over the beginner fuinjutsu books he had. Naruto was really fascinated by it and was practicing some of the basics in normal ink. Beside him was Pyrrha who had a knack for it herself. (Poor Hinata and Blake were staring at the fuinjutsu books with swirls in their eyes). Pyrrha's green eyes sparkled. "This is amazing Naruto-kun! With just these basic strokes we can turn an ordinary piece of parchment into a scroll that can store as much as a backpack. We're going to need to practice our calligraphy though."
Naruto nodded excitedly. "Your handwriting already looks good but it looks like my clones and I have a lot of practice to do."
"Don't worry Naruto-kun." said the redhead. "Where there's a will there's a way."
…
Hokage's Office
The next morning the Third Hokage invited the Suna jonin Baki who was the Sensei of the Sand Siblings to his office. Baki bowed and said, "How may I be of service Hokage-sama? Your invitation was unexpected, but I'm honored to meet you in person."
Sarutobi said, "Please have a seat Baki; there are a couple of points I wish to discuss with you about the upcoming Chunin Exams. All three of Rasa-sama's children are participating. It's quite a testament not only to their own abilities but your training as well."
Baki let out a breath of relief as he sat down. 'I was afraid that Gaara killing Dosu had been discovered.' "You are too kind Hokage-sama."
"Quite." said the Hokage as he pinned Baki with enough killing intent to freeze the man in place.
"H-hokage-S-sama…" choked out Baki as the God of Shinobi glared at him with wrath.
Sarutobi said in a conversational tone, "I do want you to understand that I called you here to convey a message to the Kazekage Rasa-sama when you get back to Suna. It's come to my attention that our Suna allies are amassing troops near the Fire Country Border. It would be….how to put it….an unfortunate mistake to think that Konoha is not more than ready for a two front war between Sound and hypothetically our allies in Suna. This is all hypothetical of course. You do understand my meaning don't you Baki? A seasoned military man such as yourself must understand the delicacies of international politics."
"Y-yes Hokage-sama…" wheezed out the Suna jonin.
"Wonderful." said the Third Hokage as he ratcheted up the pressure. "As a word of friendly advice since we are allies and all; I would advise you to take your three charges and head back to Suna before the sun sets here in Konoha. With all the unfortunate accidents happening to our Chunin Exam competitors I fear for the safety of the Kazekage's no doubt beloved children. As a matter of fact; I would make haste and be back in Wind Country as soon as possible. Any questions Baki?"
"N-no s-sir…" croaked out Baki. 'I'm going to die at this rate!'
The killing intent stopped and Baki gasped for breath. Sarutobi Hiruzen had his back to the Suna jonin and was serenely looking out the window over his beloved Konoha. "I love my Village Baki and no doubt you love yours as well. Do make sure you relate my message to Rasa-sama. No doubt he would despair over the idea of the ruins of Suna Village being swallowed up by the desert sands and forgotten by time all because of a mistake involving Orochimaru."
"I w-will do just as you say Hokage-sama." said the shivering and perspiring Baki.
The Hokage replied, "Good; I'm so glad we had this little discussion. It's always good to keep the lines of communication open between allies. Now get out of my sight boy!"
Baki couldn't run away from the Hokage tower quickly enough. He was terrified of the God of Shinobi and with very good reason.
…
Temari, Kankuro and Gaara were all surprised when their sensei Baki returned white as a sheet and shivering. Baki told them, "The three of you shut up and pack up everything. We are going back to Suna immediately. The plan has been discovered and we cannot stay here in Konoha any longer. Hokage-sama told me we have to be back across the Wind Country border as soon as possible. Now move!"
…
Baki led his three charges out of the village as soon as they bought supplies for their journey. Knowing the invasion plan hinged on the element of surprise, Baki felt Suna's participation in this undeclared war was over before it had even begun….
…
Fire Country, the Village of Konoha
Three days had passed since the Suna team left Konoha…and the last of the foreign Chunin Exam guests in Konoha Village had been sent on their way. It was now an open secret that Konoha was at war. No efforts were made to conceal the Konoha Ninja forces now. What few knew was ROOT had already been actively attacking Oto forces for a week and had inflicted horrendous losses on Orochimaru's unprepared forces.
The First Division under command of Jiraiya was already headed towards Oto and would be at the Rice Country Border soon. The genin and their jonin sensei were staying behind to defend Konoha while the bulk of the Konoha forces marched on Oto. It had been astonishing to the populace given how long they had been at person that should have been dancing a jig that a war was going on was Shimura Danzo, Commander of ROOT. Unfortunately for him Sarutobi Hiruzen had enough of his old rival's shenanigans and whipped the warhawk into line both figuratively and literally…
Flashback…
The Hokage had a private training ground and Danzo was lying on the ground face down and beaten bloody by his old rival Sarutobi. Hiruzen was standing over the downed warhawk twirling his staff. Homura and Koharu were standing there looking absolutely flabbergasted at what they'd just witnessed. Hiruzen had invited Danzo to 'an old fashioned spar' and proceeded to kick Danzo's ass hard enough that his ancestors felt it. Danzo was a wreck.
"When I told you to send out all your ROOT forces to attack Oto; it was an order, not a request." said the Hokage to his beaten foe. "You never did understand things without being beaten down Danzo, even back when Tobirama-sensei was training us. There is a reason I am Hokage and you never will be. Now, I want the third of your ROOT forces that are combat ready you've been holding in reserve as your personal army out there raining hell upon Oto as I commanded. Let me make one thing crystal clear to you Shimura: if you don't start obeying and doing as you're told I'm personally going to rip that abomination of an arm of yours off and dig that sharingan eye you stole out with a dull, rusty kunai. Did you truly think I haven't been watching you play games with Orochimaru? You live to serve Konoha and the Hokage and you will. Do you have any questions for me Shimura Danzo?"
"N-no Hokage-sama…" groaned the beaten Danzo. "I am sorry Hiruzen…I was wrong…"
Hiruzen turned to Koharu and Homura. "Do you two have any questions about the way things work? If you need to be educated like our old friend here then by all means step forward."
Both of them shook their heads rapidly and Homura said, "There is no need Hokage-sama. We support you fully." Koharu nodded rapidly in agreement.
Hiruzen nodded and said, "Good; then you two busybodies can haul Danzo's sorry carcass down to the hospital for treatment and make yourselves useful for a change."
Flashback end…
Danzo was hurting but he was doing as he was told. The God of Shinobi was back…and on the warpath.
…
Hokage's Office
The next day the Third Hokage was taking care of some less weighty and more enjoyable things. "First of all I feel that recent events have proven both Blake Belladonna and Pyrrha Nikos to be trustworthy and dependable kunoichis with great potential. I am therefore removing your probationary status and assigning you each to a team. Well done and congratulations ladies."
Both girls smiled happily at each other and Naruto beamed at them. "On that note; as a result of losses incurred a new Team 7 will be established. It is comprised of Jonin Mitarashi Anko, genin Uzumaki Naruto, Pyrrha Nikos and Blake Belladonna. I'm looking forward to seeing your team develop. There is no doubt in my mind that you all have the drive to succeed and the Will of Fire that our great village is known for."
…
"So Anko-sensei, where do we start?" asked Naruto. The blonde had really been agonizing over Sakura and Sasuke but a large part of him believed that Orochimaru was responsible for the disappearances… and that put him in the Number One slot on Naruto's shit list.
Blake, Pyrrha and Hinata had helped Naruto out more than they realized just by being there for him. Thinking of Sakura hurt but somehow the blonde ninja was coming to grips with the idea that Sakura would never have romantic feelings towards him. He did still worry what happened to her though…
Anko said in answer to Naruto's question, "The first thing we're going to do is go out to the Training Grounds where I want to test each of you individually. Then we're going to all sit down so there are no longer any secrets between us. This team is first and foremost going to trust each other."
Naruto worried about his status as a jinchūriki but saw Blake looked just as worried as he did. Pyrrha said kindly, "Everything will be fine. I'm sure each of us has a lot to share." She was concerned the whole soul-merger business would frighten Naruto and she felt herself drawn to the blonde ninja. 'This might be just a little bit awkward.' thought Pyrrha. 'I understand why Blake looks concerned because she thinks Naruto will judge her for being a faunus. Why would Naruto look so frightened though?'
…
Training Ground 8
Since the Chunin Exams were officially cancelled Team 8 was having their first official team meeting in a while. They all met up at Training Ground 8. Shino arrived silently as usual. He'd learned a great deal from his Father Aburame Shibi since he'd last seen his teammates and was eager to see them (not that anyone could tell). A few minutes later Kiba and Akamaru came bounding up energetically as always. Kiba was both excited and worried.
He'd been training with his Mother Tsume and his big sister Hana. Tsume had already headed out with Jiraiya's First Division. Hana was preparing to head off to war as well. Kiba understood that loyalty and duty were both paramount traits in the Inuzuka Clan but at the same time he was frightened about losing the two women closest to him. Akamaru felt the exact same way…
The two genin greeted each other and saw a beautiful girl in a red and gold battle dress come walking up with a sway in her hips. Shino's eyebrows rose as she walked directly towards them and Kiba was torn between wondering where Hinata was and checking out this hot chick. Kiba was about to say something cool to impress this new girl when she blew his entire world view to smithereens by saying in a sultrier version of Hinata's voice, "Good morning Shino-kun, Kiba-kun, Akamaru. Has Kurenai-sensei arrived yet?"
"H-h-hinata-chan?!" choked out Kiba. "Is that really you?"
Hinata tilted her head, smiled and said, "Of course it's me Kiba-kun. I've change my outfit but I haven't changed me…much."
'Oh yes you have!' thought the bug eyed Kiba, Shino and Akamaru.
"One moment Hinata." said Shino
Hinata watched in amusement as the three males shot away and got in a group huddle. "Oh. My. God!" whispered Kiba with wide eyes. "Our little sister Hinata-chan has suddenly grown up into a total babe! I feel dirty even saying these things! What the hell has happened?!"
Shino was perspiring heavily and whispered back, "I for one am in total agreement with you. Our dear comrade Hinata has transformed from a wallflower into some kind of vixen! We must protect her."
"But who is going to protect us from her?" asked Kiba. Akamaru whined in agreement…
The Aburame heir nodded as one of his beetles returned to him. "I believe you have a valid point Kiba, even my insects are telling me she's too hot to handle."
"Your bugs think she's hot?!" whispered Kiba loudly.
…Kurenai had arrived in the meantime and exchanged greetings with Hinata. "So what are they doing Hinata-chan?"
Hinata said, "I believe they are discussing my new attire." and shrugged.
The Genjutsu Mistress sweat dropped remembering her own shocked reaction to Hinata's new battle dress and went over to the boy's huddle. 'I guess it can't be helped.' "Would you young gentleman care to join Hinata-chan and I for our team meeting?"
Shino looked over at Kurenai standing there looking beautiful as always and said, "We males are having a minor crisis right now. Please wait just a few moments sensei."
Kurenai raised an eyebrow as she overheard Kiba whisper, "It is bad enough having a totally hot sensei but now Hinata-chan too? I don't think my heart can take it."
Shino replied, "We must focus on things other than dangerous curves Kiba." (Kurenai face palmed at that comment). "It is our duty to protect our fellow team members and not to be driven to distraction by their…assets." (Kurenai shook her head and walked back over to Hinata at that point).
Seeing the incredulous look on her sensei's face Hinata asked, "Are they going to join us sensei?"
Kurenai rolled her eyes. "Sadly, they are having a 'crisis' as Shino put it. We'll just have to wait until the boys have calmed themselves down."
…
Training Ground 9
Maito Gai was sitting in front of Neji and Tenten. "The unyouthful actions of our enemies have left Lee-kun injured and that will have to be dealt with by our medics. Neji-kun, I am afraid that your chance to display your Flames of Youth in the Chunin Exams has been denied this time. Do not despair my disciple. You are still in the Springtime of Youth! Tenten-chan, since you have fully recovered from your previous injuries we need to work hard to stoke your Flames of Youth as well. Never fear, Neji-kun and I are here for you. We will also be visiting Lee-kun when we can to show our support to him in his time of need."
Tenten asked, "Gai-sensei, what will our duties be since the bulk of our forces are at war?"
"An excellent question Tenten-chan." said the Green Beast. "Our duties are primarily going to be geared towards patrol and guard missions. While these jobs are not glorious; they are vital to Konoha's security! Also we must do our best to do Lee-kun's part as he cannot participate."
Neji shook his head and thought to himself, 'It seems Lee's fate is set in stone. He wasn't meant to be a ninja any more than that failure Hinata-sama or that fool Uzumaki.' "Are we going to get someone to replace Lee-sensei?" Seeing the look of horror on his sensei's face Neji quickly covered his faux pas by adding, "I mean temporarily until Lee is well."
Tenten saw her sensei's body lose its tenseness and let out a breath of relief. The possibility of an Explosion of Youth absolutely terrified the weapons loving kunoichi. She said, "Lee is irreplaceable, but it might be a good idea to get a temporary teammate just in case."
Gai stroked his chin. "Perhaps you are right my students. It would be unyouthful to not err on the side of caution in these trying times."
Neji said, "As loing as we don't end up with that loser Uzumaki. It seems Team 7's fate was to fail."
Tenten sighed. 'Neji's obsession with fate is still going strong. He'd be dateable otherwise.'
Gai simply said, "Neji-kun; you will see the truth one day or my name isn't Maito Gai. I believe in Uzumaki-kun just as I do Lee-kun. After this war ends our genin teams should have a youthful, if unofficial, tournament to stoke our Flames of Youth! Perhaps you can test yourself against young Uzumaki Naruto after all."
…
Yakiniku Q Restaurant
Asuma was sitting with Team 10. Shikamaru had been practicing for the Chunin Exams and was relieved that it had been called off. It was all just too troublesome for his tastes. The main concern of the whole team was taking care of their kunoichi teammate though. Ino was very distraught over the situation with Sakura and was saddened by the loss of the boy she was infatuated with.
The thought creeping through Ino's subconscious was the deaths of Kakashi, Mebuki and Kizashi all led back to the Snake sanin. 'Orochimaru sent his people to kill Naruto as well. This is all Orochimaru's doing. Sakura-chan is gone…and Sasuke-kun is missing.' Ino was shaken out of her musings by Choji placing his hand on her shoulder with compassion in his eyes. She saw Shikamaru and Asuma both looked equally concerned. Ino hugged Choji and let the tears fall quietly. "Thank you…all of you."
It took a while for Ino to calm down, but the food soon arrived and Asuma soon started outlining their new training and what their duties were defending Konoha. They would commence regular patrols in the next couple of days once the jobs had been doled out. The Second Division was leaving tonight so there would be plenty of work for the genin to do.
In the meantime, Asuma decided some light sparring was in order but keeping everyone's spirits up was paramount as far as the cigarette smoking jonin was concerned.
…
POSTSCRIPT:
See you next time. Blue out. 4/17/22