Naruto: Tornado of Souls Final

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or RWBY

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Lots of changes with Sakura's plotline in this chapter. I had to cut out about half of it. Here is chapter 19. Enjoy!

Last time:

The Next Morning…

Team 7 received their orders from Konoha and headed for home. They sealed the body of the still unidentified ninja Naruto got his snake-sword from and planned to turn the body over to forensics in Konoha. As they travelled along in the early afternoon the group cut across country and avoided the well-travelled areas. Around four in the afternoon they stopped to eat and take care of the call of nature. Naruto had the Viper out and was testing the weight and feel of the weapon. "I wonder what this is made of." thought the blonde aloud.

"We know the blade is made of some kind of chakra metal." said Anko.

"Do you have any idea where it could have been made Anko nee-chan?" asked Blake.

"I'm afraid it's going to have a weapons specialist that identifies it Blake." said Anko. "I figure your friend Tenten will be able to tell us a lot."

Pyrrha chuckled, "I'm sure Tenten-chan will enjoy looking the Viper regardless."

Naruto put the weapon back in its sheath on his back and said, "Well, one thing is certain. I can't really use traditional sword training to use this. Viper is just too different."

"On the positive side, few opponents will have any idea how combat it Naruto-kun." said Pyrrha. "Once we get back to Konoha you can start training in earnest with it."

Blake nodded. "One thing that will be necessary is to train your body so that blade is like an extension of your arm."

The blonde got a puzzled look on his face and said, "An extension of my arm?"

"What Blake means is the weight of the weapon won't slow you down; like it's part of your arm." explained Anko. "It's a traditional kenjutsu step in mastering a blade."

"Hmmm…Cool." said Naruto. "I guess I'll be working on whipping it too. Sounds like a challenge."

Pyrrha smiled and said, "I'm sure you'll excel once you get used to it Naruto-kun."

"We will get you there before you know it." said Blake confidently.

The orange loving ninja grinned. "Thanks Pyrrha-chan; Blake-chan."

Once they finished with their break, the group was underway again, each looking forward to getting home to Konoha…

…

Chapter 19

Fire Country, Konoha

While Team 7 was on their way home from Otafuku Gai; Team 9 was waiting at the Konoha Hospital for news. Tsunade had slowly but surely overcome her fear of blood and agreed to do the back surgery necessary to heal Lee Rock. The surgery wasn't without risks, but Lee felt it was worth it to become a ninja once again. The procedure took nearly four hours and Gai, Tenten and Neji were all sitting in the waiting room. Tenten asked nervously, "Gai-sensei; what will Lee do if…?"

Gai said in a voice full of confidence and determination, "Lee-kun is going to pull through this trial and rise like a phoenix from the ashes! Tenten-chan; Tsunade-sama, your idol, is the greatest medic in the Elemental Countries. If she says there is even a one percent chance she can pull it off then I'll bet on that one percent in a heartbeat! Make no mistake Tenten-chan; have faith!"

Tenten nodded and Neji said, "It is in fate's hands but just this once I'm praying that fate will be kind to Lee. I never realized what a good teammate he has been until he was gone."

"Neji-kun, I am proud of you." said the Green Beast. "Your prayers are showing that you truly care for Lee-kun. On his behalf I thank you."

About that time an exhausted looking Shizune came out of the operating ward and said, "Tsunade-sama will be out soon. We're just doing some last-minute checks on Lee."

Gai stood up and asked, "How is Lee-kun? How is my precious student?!"

Shizune gave a smile and said, "Lee is going to be good as new. Tsunade-sama did a wonderful job."

Gai burst into tears of joy and said, "Lee-kun, my disciple; I knew you would pull through this. Your Flames of Youth burn like the heart of the sun!"

Tenten likewise was shedding tears of happiness. She said in relief, "Lee-kun, you're going to be okay! Thank the Gods." She hugged Gai and said, "Everything is going to be normal again sensei."

Neji surprised everyone when he too burst into tears of relief. "Lee is coming back. Finally, we'll be rid of Sai and I won't have to hear the word 'dickless' ever again!"

The bun haired girl's eyes turned to pure fire as she smacked Neji and made him face plant on the table. "You prayed for Lee just to get rid of Sai?!"

"Ummm…Yes?" said Neji unsteadily as his female teammate closed for the kill…

As Tenten strangled Neji in the background; Gai wiped a tear from his eye and he said happily, "When can we see Lee-kun, Shizune?"

"Once Tsunade-sama wakes him up she wants you and your team in there so she can explain the proper exercises for Lee to do while his back fully heals." said the dark-haired medic. "You will be expected to follow Tsunade-sama's rules to the letter and see to it that Lee doesn't go overboard training and fully recovers."

Gai nodded rapidly and said, "We will temper Lee's Flames of Youth so he doesn't reinjure himself Shizune…And I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know Tsunade-sama didn't perform the surgery alone."

Shizune chuckled, "You are very welcome Gai. I didn't do much, but I am happy I was able to help." she said modestly.

Tsunade came out and said to Shizune, "Lee is awake now." Seeing that Neji was foaming at the mouth from Tenten's brutal chokehold; Tsunade said, "Gai, stop your students from killing each other and come on back…quietly. There is much to discuss…"

…

Rice Country, Orochimaru's Northern Headquarters

Sakura was smiling darkly as she looked in the mirror. Her emerald green contact lens over her sharingan eye looked perfectly matched to her other eye. Of course, why wouldn't it? The contacts in her eye was cloned from her original eye tissue. She said sweetly to the mirror, "I'm Haruno Sakura and I loooove my Sasuke-kun! Being his wife is the best thing ever!" Her voice took a different tone entirely and she said, "Right. That obnoxious vibe makes my skin crawl. I'm ashamed I can do it so well." Her voice was dripping with sarcasm.

…

That evening, Sakura was working in Kabuto's lab along with her sensei. The rosette had a particular file in hand. It was a deceased personnel file. "So this Kidōmaru of the Sound Four lost to Uzumaki Naruto even though he had a second level curse seal in an active state?" She looked at the photo of the multi armed Oto ninja and asked, "How did he lose to that knucklehead?"

Kabuto smiled indulgently. "I guess Konoha never told you about Uzumaki Naruto-kun did they? Even with him being your teammate they kept it secret."

'Stop stalling and tell me you fool!' roared Sakura's darker half mentally. "What secret is that Kabuto-sensei?" she asked in a confused tone.

Kabuto set his lab results on the table and said, "Naruto-kun is the jinchūriki; or container of the nine tailed demon fox Kyuubi. He is virtually guaranteed to become a Kage level ninja by default…if he lives long enough." Kabuto's eyes flashed dangerously. "I thought Naruto-kun was a dangerous wildcard and asked for him to be eliminated. Orochimaru-sama agreed and sent Kidōmaru. Unfortunately, we totally underestimated Naruto-kun…It cost Kidōmaru his life. I don't know how much power Naruto-kun can harness but Kidōmaru was jonin level and ended up in pieces as I understand it."

Sakura said in her best whiny voice, "But he can't be as strong as Sasuke-kun!"

Kabuto sighed. "I hate to shatter your image Sakura but at this point Sasuke-kun needs lots of training to match Naruto-kun."

The rosette was denying things internally and said in a girly tone, "Well! I'm sure Sasuke-kun will catch up in no time. If Naruto-baka is so great then why didn't Orochimaru-sama gift him with the cursed seal?"

'Because Naruto can't be controlled. Orochimaru-sama said it himself.' thought Kabuto. "Orochimaru-sama felt the cursed seal might interact with Kyubi's chakra. The results would have been too unpredictable." 'Just like Naruto-kun himself is…'

"Well, I still say Sasuke-kun is better." said Sakura petulantly.

Kabuto shrugged and smiled, "Of course he is Sakura-chan. Let's get back to your studies now."

"Of course sensei." answered Sakura dutifully.

…

Later Orochimaru was looking at Sakura's contact lens closely. Sakura was sweating a bit at having the snake sanin in her face as she sat on the exam table. "I have to say I'm truly impressed Sakura-chan." said the White Snake. "The work that you and Kabuto did to create this contact lens is truly remarkable. I am pleased. Even when you have your sharingan active I can hardly tell a difference. Well done Sakura-chan."

Sakura did her best to bow from her sitting position and said, "Thank you so much Orochimaru-sama. You don't know how much your praise means to me."

The snake sanin nodded at the pinkette's obeisance. "I expect great things from you in the future Sakura-chan. Keep learning from Kabuto-kun." Orochimaru turned to Kabuto and said, "The next challenge would be to create a chakra conductive contact lens that anyone could use. Sakura-chan's work beautifully with her but the same couldn't be said using her contact on others. Consider that a little side project for the two of you."

Kabuto bowed and said, "Yes Orochimaru-sama. I think there is much to learn from this. By the way, I have the results of the latest cursed seal candidates that you told me to compile."

Orochimaru grinned. "Very good Kabuto-kun." Looking over his shoulder at Sakura he said, "You are dismissed for the day Sakura-chan. I have business to work on with Kabuto-kun."

Sakura hopped up from the table and bowed deeply. "By your leave Orochimaru-sama." The pinkette quickly left the lab.

….

Feeling mentally exhausted Sakura returned to her room where she found Sasuke waiting for her sitting in bed. He asked, "Where have you been Sakura-chan?" in his usual superior tone.

She looked surprised. "I wasn't expecting you to be here Sasuke-kun. I was getting my eye checked by Orochimaru-sama and Kabuto-sensei."

"Hnnn. Well I'm here now so get undressed." commanded Sasuke.

'I'm sick of putting up with this shit.' she growled mentally. Sakura grinned and then said, "Look into my eyes my Sasuke-kun." The minute their eyes met his face went blank and he slumped back in bed unconscious. 'You'd think the vaunted Uchiha having the sharingan he would be more resistant to genjutsu…Oh well; when he wakes up he'll think I've been his submissive little bitch and that he got his rocks off on me…How sickening.'

Sakura went to her bathroom mirror and took off her contact lens over her sharingan eye. When Sakura channeled chakra into it she found its appearance changed only in the sense that there was three red tomoes. Activating and deactivating her eye a few times she put her green contact lens back in place. 'I don't even need this contact lens to control this eye now; just to hide it.'

After putting her emerald green contact back in, Sakura's darker half grinned and went to take a shower. "I have to look the part when Sasuke-kuuuun wakes up." she said sarcastically.

An hour later Sakura got out of the shower wearing a sleeping yukata and climbed into bed with the still unconscious Sasuke. She infused him with a tiny bit of chakra to bring him out of his genjutsu induced coma. Sasuke woke up and saw Sakura was 'asleep.' He was exhausted and rolled back over facing away from her to sleep the rest of the night…

…

Fire Country/Rice Country Border

Team 8 was relaxing in one of the larger tents at the refugee camp. Kiba was getting his shirt back on after the medical staff took care of his shoulder injury. The dog ninja came bounding over to his sensei and teammates. "I'm all fixed up guys!" he said happily. "The medic said you did a great job with that field dressing Hinata-chan; thank for helping me."

Hinata smiled. "I'm just glad the injury wasn't worse Kiba-kun. Are you really fully healed or do you have restrictions?"

"Eh, the doctor said I shouldn't be using high level jutsus but I can do everything else normally." said Kiba with a shrug.

"I'll go talk to the doctor and make sure." said Kurenai. "We can't have you hurting yourself because you are too eager."

Kiba sweat dropped. That was when he heard a familiar voice. "I heard you got yourself shot runt. How are you now?" said his sister Hana.

Kiba grinned. "Hana nee-chan! It's great to see you." The two siblings embraced in a hug. "I've been worried sick about you and Kaa-san. Is she here?" Then he asked in a smaller voice, "Are you two coming home?"

Hana ruffled her little brother's hair. "Kaa-san is still in Rice Country Territory runt. I'm stationed here but veterinarians are in short supply and I've been working day in and day out taking care of all the animals from the caravans and stuff. It's going to be awhile before I can come home." Hana turned to Kurenai who just came back from talking to the doctor. "What's the doc got to say about my little brother Kurenai-chan?"

Kurenai smiled. "The doctor said no heavy sparring or jutsus but aside of that he's got a clean bill of health. It's good to see you well Hana-chan."

"Well, if the runt is okay, I'm going to borrow him and Akamaru to help take care of the animals." said Hana. "It will keep him out of trouble unless you need him."

The red eyed jonin looked at Kiba and said, "Catch up with your sister. The team will meet at six for some dinner."

Kiba nodded and Akamaru barked happily. "Okay sensei; I'll see all of you at six." He then scampered off after Hana.

Kurenai chuckled. "Kiba's been worried sick about Hana and Tsume. This will do him and Akamaru some good."

…

Team eight was sitting down for a meal when Hiashi came over with a redhead in tow. Hiashi said, "Hinata, this is the young kunoichi that saved my life I told you about. Her name is Tayuya." He turned to the former Oto nin and introduced Hinata and her teammates.

Hinata said kindly, "The Hyūga Clan will forever be in your debt. Giving you a place to stay in Konoha is the least we can do. I'm sure you will like it there."

Tayuya was soon sitting with the others talking about genjutsu with Kurenai and about how she'd saved Hiashi. "Anyway, I had no idea that Hiashi-sama was a lord or anything. It all worked out though and Jiraiya-sama granted me amnesty."

…

Konoha Hospital

Lee Rock was sitting up in bed surrounded by his teammates and couldn't have been happier. "I will be released to go home day after tomorrow. After all I've been through, I finally can get back to training!" said Lee excitedly.

"Tsunade-sama left us very strict instructions Lee." said Tenten wagging a finger at her teammate. "We are not about to let you hurt yourself going overboard by exercising too much."

"But Tenten-chan…." whined Lee.

Gai chuckled. "Tenten-chan is right Lee-kun. When must slowly temper your Flames of Youth before we can leap back into the furnace and reforge ourselves. Consider this an exercise in patience my apprentice."

"Yes Gai sensei!" said Lee with a salute. "Still, it will be wonderful to be back out on the training grounds once again. Speaking of which, I wondered how your temporary teammate will feel about this. I truly hate to deny him stoking his Flames of Youth with Team 9."

Neji put his hand firmly on Lee's shoulder and said grimly, "That pale skinned freak has NO Flames of Youth. I could not imagine a worse teammate than him."

Lee's round eyes got huge. "NO Flames of Youth?! That's horrifying Neji-kun!"

"Will you shut up in there? This is a hospital! People are trying to recover here!" yelled a woman from the hall.

Tenten said, "Inside voices guys." and everyone nodded in agreement.

"But how can someone lack the Flames of Youth?!" whispered Lee loudly. "Gai-sensei's mere presence ignites the Flames of Youth in others."

Gai dabbed a tear and said, "Your praised touches me deeply Lee-kun but there are some that simply cannot see the truth. I'm afraid that young Sai has remained untouched by the Flames of Youth and is insulting and belittling to his teammates. Perhaps in time he will open his heart but not right now. Besides, we need to all go out and celebrate you getting out of the hospital in two days. I suggest we invite your many genin comrades that were participating in the chunin exams before this unyouthful conflict with Oto broke out…"

"That's brilliant Gai-sensei!" said Lee excitedly. "We could even have sparring matches!"

Alas, a Youthful idea from hell was born…

…

Fire Country, Konoha Front Gates

The next morning Team 7 arrived back in Konoha much to their relief. They were soon in the mission hall writing their reports about the battle at Kurai Lake and the incident at Otafuku Gai. They also turned the sealed body of the ninja from Otafuku Gai over to forensics for identification. Anko turned to her tired genin and said, "Well done Team 7. Your orders are to head home and relax. For the next two days we will be enjoying some rest and recovery. Naruto, if you get that snake-sword checked over let me know what you find out. I'm curious as you three are."

…

Yakiniku Q

Three hours later the genin of Team 7 had cleaned up thoroughly and were enjoying a very filling lunch. "Man, I've missed this place. It's not as good as Ichiraku's but then again what is?" asked Naruto rhetorically.

Pyrrha giggled. "You can't live on ramen alone Naruto-kun." The redhead then added, "Oh yes; Ino says hi. She seemed disappointed she couldn't join us but Team 10 is practicing today."

'She probably just wants to eye-hump Naruto-kun anyway….' grumped Blake mentally. "Well, what do you guys want to do after we take the Viper to Tenten?"

"I'm interested in what she has to say." said Naruto. "Hopefully she'll be in the shop."

"I am too." said the radiant redhead. "Anyway; she'll be as excited as we are."

The feline faunus girl smirked. "Knowing Tenten she'll be more excited."

…

Tenten's Weapon's Shop

The Viper was sitting on top of the counter and Tenten was looking at it with her nose at the counter level. Her big dark brown eyes were full of fascination. Tenten's Father had come out of the back and was also squatted down so his eye level was at the counter like his daughter.

'They look like a pair of moles with their heads sticking out of the ground.' thought Naruto with a mental chortle.

As the father and daughter moved the blade around to examine it from different angles; Blake smiled in amusement. "I think we made Tenten and her dad's day Naruto-kun."

Pyrrha asked, "What do you think of Naruto's snake-sword?" She had humor in her green eyes.

Tenten's Father stood up and said, "This craftsmanship is beyond excellent. There is only one place this could have come from."

"Where is that?" asked Naruto surprised.

"Iron Country." said Tenten and her father in unison.

Then Tenten gripped the hilt and tested the weight of the Viper before she said, "Let's take it out back and test it." Sliding the lock on the hilt, Tenten used the sword like a whip and then as a sword. She said, "This is an exquisite piece of work. With practice you could be lethal with this Naruto. Let me get you a bokken and a chain whip to learn with. Then you can move on to the real thing."

…

Fire Country/Rice Country Border

The last two days passed quickly for Team 8 as they helped out around the refugee camp. The caravan of refugees and injured going back to Konoha was made up of twenty wagons hauling eight to ten ninjas each. About two thirds of those riding in the caravan were in no condition to fight but that still left a third that were combat capable. At the front of the convoy was Hinata in a scouting position beside her sensei Kurenai. The red eyed jonin nodded when Hinata gave them the all clear signal. Kurenai raised her hand and motioned forward as two rows of ten carts running in pairs slowly moved out.

Hinata saw her Father Hiashi in one of the front two carts as he proudly watched his daughter in the lead position. Beside him sat Hyūga Hoheto who was speaking to Hiashi. "It seems our Heiress has grown both in skill and confidence Hiashi-sama. You must be proud. She's leading the caravan like a true commander."

Hiashi nodded. "I have to confess that as her Father it is difficult not to be filled with pride. She is quickly becoming a dynamic young Lady. I would never have dreamed she would become so much more powerful even months ago…"

Flashback…

Hiashi was taking his evening meal with Hinata as they sat by each other close to the fire. Hinata said, "This…is nice Father. It is rare we spend any time together as family. I wish Hanabi-chan could be here too."

The Hyūga Patriarch admired his daughter's features in the firelight. "Hinata-chan; you are looking more and more like your mother every day. You are growing into a beautiful young woman. I am very proud of you."

Hinata smiled. "When we get back to Konoha perhaps our family can spend time outside of meals together. The Elders practically separated Hanabi-chan and I you know."

"Hanabi-chan looks up a great deal to you Hinata-chan." said Hiashi. "Tell me something Hinata; do you hate Neji? He did his best to kill you after all."

Hinata's eyes seemed to flicker with a fire within. "I would like to hate him for what he did, but I don't. That isn't going to stop me from cheering Naruto-kun on when he beats the arrogance and fate out of Neji though. He needs a good old-fashioned pounding to open his eyes."

"You expect Uzumaki Naruto to defeat Neji?" asked Haishi with a raised eyebrow.

"I foresee Naruto-kun beating him utterly." said Hinata confidently. "Naruto-kun already put Neji in his place once but he wants to do it in a proper match."

The Hyūga Patriarch said, "Hinata-chan; Uzumaki Naruto is…how do I put it…"

Hinata's eyes flashed. "I know about Kyubi. Naruto-kun already told me. He is very dear to me."

Hiashi's eyes widened and he said, "If you know the truth then I will trust your judgment."

"Thank you, Father." said the Heiress. "It means more to me than you know." She embraced Hiashi in a gentle hug and said, "I love you, Father."

Hiashi felt the warmth travel through him and said, "I love you too Hinata-chan. You and Hanabi-chan are my greatest treasures."

They sat quietly together for the rest of the evening…

Flashback end…

As the caravan moved along all on board were eagerly looking forward to seeing the gates of Konoha…

…

Fire Country, Konoha

The 'crack!' sound of Naruto's chain whip split the morning at Training Ground 52 as Naruto used the whip to practice his targeting. "I'm all over the place." he grouched.

Blake smiled from her sitting position on the ground beside the standing Naruto. "You're getting frustrated Naruto-kun. The goal here is to get your arms used to the feel of the whip which you are doing very well with. Besides; you've actually been hitting the targets now even if it hasn't been dead center."

"I agree with Blake-chan." said Pyrrha. "You couldn't hit the side of a barn when you started." she added while laughing.

"Pyrrha-chan…" whined Naruto. The redhead laughed more as Blake joined in. Naruto gave up and gave the girls a toothy grin.

Blake stood up and said, "You've practiced enough with the whip for now. Let's practice your sword katas."

Naruto was soon doing overhead swings to get used to the weight of his new weapon. The three decided he should try alternating between the two weapons to learn both without favoring one over the other.

It was about that time Yamanaka Ino arrived. "Wow! What was that terrific noise? Is that your new weapon Pyrrha-chan told me about Naruto-kun?"

Naruto said, "Hi Ino. No, these are just practice weapons. I'm just learning to use them so it's rough going right now."

Ino flashed Naruto a huge smile. "I'm sure you'll have it down in no time Naruto-kun."

Blake thought to herself, 'I can smell the damn hormones coming off Ino….' "So, what brings you way out here to Training Ground 52 Ino? Where is Team 10?"

"Asuma-sensei gave us the day off." explained the blonde kunoichi. "When Pyrrha-chan left in her combat gear this morning I figured she came out here. I thought I'd see what you guys were up to. Besides, Naruto-kun's here! –with his new practice weapons!"

'Besides, Naruto-kun's here?' thought Pyrrha. 'Could she be any more obvious?! Blake-chan is going to murder her and I'm inclined to help.' The resident redhead said to her friend, "Ino-chan; we are teaching Naruto-kun the proper way to handle his snake-sword so we're going to be weapons sparring until lunch."

"That's cool." said Ino. "I'll just sit back and watch. This afternoon maybe we can all hang out."

Blake's eyebrow twitched and Pyrrha let out a long-suffering sigh. "I guess if you want to Ino-chan…" said the redhead.

…

Two hours later a tired Blake and Pyrrha were sitting down with their bokkens and Naruto was sitting with them healing from the beating he'd taken during their morning spars. He wasn't as tired as the girls, but Naruto was sporting a few bruises. Ino was fussing over Naruto. "You girls should be more careful! Let me help you Naruto-kun. You're all beat up."

Naruto replied, "I'm fine Ino. I heal really quickly. Besides, I am bound to get roughed up. I'm just starting out."

Ino was about to disagree when Anko appeared in a swirl of leaves. The snake princess gave a smile and said, "I figured you three would be out here working though it's your day off. Ah, Ino's here too."

"Anko-sensei; Blake and Pyrrha-chan are merciless!" said Ino. "Look at poor Naruto-kun!"

The snake princess shrugged and said, "Looks like the girls have been teaching you the fine art of swordplay Naruto. Let's have a look at your forms."

Naruto quickly hopped up and went through the basic katas with Anko checking them over with a critical eye. "Hmmm…" said the purple haired sensei. "You are holding back Naruto."

"We've been telling Naruto-kun he's been holding back all morning." said Blake.

Anko chuckled, "He just doesn't want to hurt you girls." Naruto and the girls blushed slightly. "Later kiddies!" Anko vanished in a body flicker.

"We so have to learn the body-flicker." said Naruto as his teammates nodded.

…

Konoha Hospital

Lee was getting his final checkup from Tsunade before he would be released from the hospital. "Now remember Lee; you are still in physical therapy for the next two weeks. After that you will be checked again and hopefully, we can release you to your normal exercise regimen under Maito Gai." said the slug sanin. "I have instructed Gai on exactly what you can and cannot do Lee-kun so follow my instructions and don't push yourself. You've just been through surgery and aren't superhuman so keep those Flames of Youth in check or you'll end up in the hospital again. Do you understand me Lee-kun?"

Lee saluted with fire in his eyes. "I shall follow your orders to the letter Tsunade-sama! I assure you that in two weeks my Flames of Youth will be stoked to new levels!"

Tsunade sweat dropped. "I guess that's the best I can ask for Lee-kun. You are dismissed." After Lee went roaring out of the hospital at breakneck speed, the busty blonde healer thought to herself, 'Gods, Lee is just Gai all over again.'

…

Gai was in the 'Nice Guy' pose addressing Lee. "And so my apprentice, your exercise regimen with be comparatively light but fear not; we will stoke your Flames of Youth to new heights as soon as you are released for your regular exercise. I the meantime you need to take it easy and recover. I know it will be difficult given your passion for training, but we must persevere."

"Yes Gai sensei!" said Lee with a salute. "I cannot wait to begin my full goken training again. I shall start with five hundred one armed pushups."

"Make that one hundred two armed pushups Lee-kun." said Tenten as she looked over the paper from the hospital. "Tsunade-sama's instructions are very explicit on exactly what you are allowed to do."

"Only one hundred Tenten-chan?!" asked Lee with shocked eyes. "That's hardly enough to warm up."

Tenten held the paper up to Lee's face and said, "Read the paper. One hundred and not one more. Gai sensei may let it slide but I won't."

Konoha's Sublime Green Beast said sagely, "Ah yes. Tenten-chan is acting in your best interests Lee. Consider her your conscience during this trying time."

"Gai-sensei!"

"Lee-kun!"

"Gai-sensei!"

"Lee-kun!"

Cue man hug with sunset genjutsu and crashing waves from hell…

'That's one thing I didn't miss…' thought Tenten and Neji as one…

…

Northern Fire Country

Team 8 was in a diamond formation around the Konoha Ninja Caravan. Hinata was in front, Shino was behind and Kurenai and Kiba were on either side. They were usually accompanied by several lightly injured or uninjured comrades who were rotating back to Konoha. Everyone was in a festive mood that they were heading home. It had been two days and the ninjas were making good time.

Shino was talking with his clansmen as they brought up the rear. "The Reapers were a real threat, but we saw them coming before they realized ninjas were guarding the caravan. We were fortunate that they didn't expect us and Team 8 capitalized on their mistakes." explained Shino.

"You are being far more modest than needed Shino-kun." said one of the Aburame kunoichi. "Your Father Shibi will be most impressed by your actions. The four of you taking out nearly two dozen trained samurai is no small feat."

Another Aburame ninja said, "You'll be seeing quite a bit of bounty money for that lot Shino-kun. Spend it wisely."

…

Hinata was up on point with two other Hyūga women from the branch house named Suzuka and Honoka. They were cousins but hard to tell apart at a glance. Suzuka was slightly taller and had shorter hair than her cousin. Hinata didn't know them very well but they certainly knew who she was….

"Our heiress has such daring kunoichi gear!" giggled Honoka. "I wish I had the legs to carry that off Hinata-sama."

Suzuka said, "More importantly I heard you had a bow Hinata-sama but all I see are the two kodachis on your back." Then she added, "Either is unusual for a Hyuga though."

Hinata said, "The swords on my back are called Midnight and they form a bow. Observe." The Hyūga Heiress flipped her blades in front of her and formed her chakra bow with three arrows at the ready. "I'm in the mood for duck." said Hinata as she loosed her three arrows into three ducks flying overhead in a rather spectacular display of marksmanship. "Please keep a lookout while I collect my targets." said Hinata as she darted off.

Suzuka and Honoka were both flabbergasted as Hinata quickly gathered up her three kills and sealed them in a scroll for later. Suzuka said, "Hinata-sama's aim is astonishing! Why haven't we Hyūgas combined the byukagan with marksmanship before now?"

"I don't know…" said Honoka. "Hinata-sama did that so effortlessly. I wonder if we could do the same."

…

Kurenai saw Hinata shoot down the three ducks from her position beside the caravan. "Looks like Hinata-chan wants duck for lunch."

Raido sweat dropped. "Do your genins always choose what's on the menu so randomly Kurenai?"

The red eyed jonin smiled and shrugged. "I have a team of trackers; what did you expect?"

Kurenai's old teammate looked thoughtful for a moment and said, "When you put it that way, I guess it makes sense."

…

Fire Country, Konoha

Team 7 and Ino were at Ichiraku's Ramen having lunch. "One Team Seven Special Ayame nee-chan!" said Naruto as the group sat down.

Ayame smiled at their favorite customer and his girlfriends. "Do you want your usual orders?" she asked.

"Five beef and five pork for me!" exclaimed Naruto happily.

"I'll have three seafood ramen today." said Blake.

Pyrrha said courteously, "I think I'll have two chicken ramen. What would you like Ino-chan?"

Ino looked a bit dazed at the amounts being ordered and said, "I'll have one vegetable ramen please."

"Coming right up!" said Ayame as she went to the back with the massive order.

…

"So do you guys always order this much?" asked Ino as Naruto demolished his sixth bowl.

"Always!" said Naruto. "Ramen is the food of the gods after all."

Blake finished her second bowl and said, "This is our usual amounts. We've been working hard all morning after all."

Pyrrha was politely eating her second bowl and said, "Ino-chan, you eat more than you used to. Don't tell me you're on a diet again."

Ino waved her hands and said, "No, no! I just can only hold so much ramen you know?"

…

After lunch Team 7 was trying to figure out what to do. "Shame we can't pick up a courier mission." said Blake.

Pyrrha chuckled. "You know that downtime is mandatory after a heavy combat mission Blake-chan. We're supposed to be relaxing."

"Training is relaxing Pyrrha-chan." said Naruto.

Blake stretched and yawned. "I feel like a nice nap after a big lunch."

Naruto was admiring Blake's fabulous frame as she stretched. "Well, we could all go back to my apartment and relax there."

Pyrrha yawned daintily. "Maybe we should go to your apartment and hang out Naruto-kun."

Ino said, "Sure! Can I come with?" 'I've never been in Naruto-kun's apartment before!'

Blake really wanted to chase Ino off but technically the blonde kunoichi hadn't actually done anything. "I guess so Ino. What do you think Naruto-kun?"

Naruto was looking forward to some make out time with his girlfriends but this shot that idea down in flames. "Ummm, sure, I guess so Ino. I think my apartment is a bit messy right now though."

Ino giggled. "I'm sure it's fine Naruto-kun." 'Score!'

…

POSTSCRIPT:

See you next time. Blue out. 4/18/22