Naruto: Tornado of Souls Final
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or RWBY
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Welcome to the Sea Country Arc. Not a lot is said about Sea Country outside of geography so that means your author has free reign. Here is chapter 22. Enjoy!
[ ] Signifies hand signs.
Last time:
Fire Country, Konoha Village
The message the Third Hokage sent out to the various nations was met with mixed results. Countries that didn't have the manpower to deal with Creatures of Grimm such as Grass Country, River country and Tea Country not only welcomed the information but also welcomed the idea of help from others. Suna and Konoha were in the midst of diplomatic overtures, so it was simply another item added to the negotiations. Earth Country and Lightning sent curt thank you notices for the information but apparently dismissed the idea.
And Ame and Kiri were silent….
Sarutobi Hiruzen had a good idea of what was going on in Ame because he had Uchiha Itachi there. Itachi was currently undercover in Ame but the fact that the Hokage had Pein's name alone assured that the message at least got to Pein's attention (or so Hiruzen hoped) …As for Kiri; with it being a separate island nation no one knew if Creatures of Grimm were even there. The Hokage sent his letter to the Mizukage Yagura but given how disrupted the lines of communications were there was no telling if the message reached Yagura or not.
All in all, the Elemental Nations were very vulnerable and the Hokage feared that time was running out…
…
Chapter 22
Fire Country, Hokage's Office
Team 9 comprised of Maito Gai, Lee Rock, Tenten and the recently recovered Hyūga Neji were standing before the Third Hokage. Hiruzen said, "We have an odd mission for the Daimyo's wife in Sea Country. There is apparently a sea monster of some sort targeting ships carrying gold bullion. She has asked that we send a team to take care of it."
Gai rubbed his chin. "That is unusual. Sea Country isn't particularly wealthy and almost exclusively relies on Kiri when they need ninja. Why would they specifically call for Konoha ninja to solve the issue at hand?"
Hiruzen nodded. "There may be more to this mission than meets the eye. "It's a B rank mission and you are to report to Lady Minako on Hahajima Island which the Capitol of Uminoya*① is on."
…
Rice Country, Orochimaru's Northern Headquarters
The White Snake was having a bad day. He had sent a large team of ninja under his loyal subordinate Guren of the Crystal Release to Sea Country a week ago to check on his old subordinate Amachi who was terrorizing the populace there… Only to lose contact with them after they arrived.
While Team Guren was out of reach (assuming they were even alive), if that wasn't enough bad news, the snake sanin's body was starting to reject him and Sasuke wasn't ready to become his vessel yet. Without Guren around to become his vessel, the prisoner Gen'yūmaru was chosen and preparations were being made to use the Living Corpse Reincarnation Technique in order to extend Orochimaru's lifespan once more.
Sometimes life sucks!
…
Sea Country, Hahajima Island, Capital City of Uminoya
A week later, Team 9 arrived in Sea Country after an uneventful voyage from Port City in Fire Country. They were greeted by a personal manservant of Lady Minako who told them about the situation in a nutshell. He said, "Lady Minako is the young wife of our Daimyo. He is eighty-seven and she is twenty-three." Neji and Tenten cringed, Lee took notes and Gai listened carefully.
"Go on my youthful friend." said Gai.
"Her Ladyship is trying to convince Daimyo-sama to step down and retire in favor of his son Prince Taro because right now the Minister Daisuke in running the country instead." explained the manservant. "As Minister Daisuke controls the contracts with the foreign ninja, she formed a contract with Konoha to balance the scales."
Gai nodded. "Her Ladyship is clever but it's a risky situation. We were told there was some sort of sea beast threatening Sea Country."
"That is the case but Minister Daisuke has done nothing about it." said the manservant. "Please follow me and Lady Minako will explain it in her own words."
Team 9 followed the manservant to a luxurious villa that belonged to Lady Minako herself. Minako turned out to be a blue eyed, blonde bombshell who was a bit flakey but truly loved her people. She took one look at Maito Gai and her mouth went dry, 'Oh my heavens! He's the most gorgeous man I've ever seen! I wonder if he's married…' She had totally forgotten that she was married…
She said shyly; "I am Lady Minako of Sea Country. May I have your name ninja-san?"
Gai said. "Of course, my Lady, I am Maito Gai, Konoha's Sublime Green Beast and these are my disciples, Lee, Neji and Tenten! We are at your service my Lady. Tell us what must be done."
She had hearts in her eyes as her heart went all aflutter. "I… Maito-sama… Your words reassure me. Let me tell you of my dilemma. Minister Daisuke wants to keep the power in his hands and will do anything to achieve this. Daimyo-sama is senile and getting worse with every day that passes. If one of the Daimyo's sons takes the throne, then the Minister will lose everything and my people will be saved. Will you help me Maito-sama?"
Gai took the nice guy pose and gave her the thumbs up which thrilled Lady Minako to the marrow.
"Do not worry, we shall defeat this evil man and restore Sea Country to its rightful rulers."
Tenten asked, "What about this sea monster we were called out here to hunt down?"
Lady Minako got a clueless look and said, "Oh, I totally forgot about that."
Neji and Tenten sweat dropped and Gai said, "No doubt her Ladyship is simply overwhelmed with matters of state and the creature slipped her mind. We will investigate both matters while we are here or my name isn't Maito Gai!"
…
Rain Country, Akatsuki Headquarters
Konan was talking to one of their medics about Tobi. "He's dead Lady Konan. After he fell into a coma there was little we could do other than-"
The blue haired kunoichi shook her head. "You did all you could. I suppose it was only a matter of time before he passed. I will talk to Lord Pein about it. We will burn the remains on a pyre at dawn." After looking at Tobi's body one last time she went to see Lord Pein and entered his private chambers.
She said to the Leader of Ame Village, "Tobi is dead Nagato. There is nothing to be done about it now. I have ordered his remains to be burned at dawn."
Nagato nodded, "I was expecting it to happen sooner or later. The Moon's Eye Plan is finished without him to guide us. Perhaps there is another path to peace…"
"And what about the Creatures of Grimm?" asked Konan.
"In spite of the fact I dislike Konoha; Perhaps Jiraiya-sensei is worth talking to about this matter." said Nagato. "The Hokage obviously knows more about them than we do. Send out a messenger bird to the Hokage Konan; let him know that I wish to speak to Jiraiya-sensei once again."
…
Sea Country, Hahajima Island
Setting out; Team 9 went after the sea monster first. After talking to local sailors, they found out a number of interesting things. First of all; there was more than one sea creature. Several sea monsters were specifically attacking ships with gold shipments.
No one knew exactly what they were but they obviously had human like intelligence. "The only things we've seen look like man-fish hybrids we call kaima that seem to inhabit the area around the nearby Jiro Island. They've been plaguing us for years with misfortune and sink and rob ships. We think they have something to do with the people vanishing." said a sea captain.
"People are disappearing?" asked Neji. "This is far more sinister than a few robberies."
The captain nodded. "People have been vanishing from the Land of Sea for some time now and the disappearances showed all the signs of kidnappings. The only one that ever came back is a girl named Isaribi but when she came back, she was changed and the locals shun her."
…
"It sounds like this Isaribi person would be a good person to talk to." said Tenten. "She might know about some of the goings on around Jiro Island."
"If she is shunned by the locals she may be hard to find." said Lee.
"Right you are my disciple." said Gai. "We must approach her carefully."
…
Sea Country, Jiro Island, Orochimaru's Former Hidden Base
Years ago; Orochimaru and a subordinate of his, a medical nin/scientist named Amachi sought to create a force of underwater ninjas to help the White Snake conquer island nations such as Sea Country…
Orochimaru had lost contact over the years and Amachi had been operating alone for so long that he'd severed all ties with the Snake sanin. The scientist continued his horrific and often deadly experiments on his own. One of his earliest partially successful test subjects was Isaribi who could transform into a kaima from her human form and back again into a (mostly) human form.
Isaribi had some scales on her body when she reverted into a human and this fact made her a social outcast among the local people. Amachi promised a cure for her if she worked for him. As a result, she'd sunk several ships and killed many sailors in her kaima form. Isaribi was stuck between a rock and a hard place…
When Team Guren arrived on Jiro Island a week ago to bring Amachi and his experiments back under Orochimaru's sphere of influence, the scientist had no desire to rejoin with the White Snake. Amachi had a formidable amount of kaima at his command as well as Yakushi Kabuto's old teammates Akadō Yoroi and Tsurugi Misumi acting as his bodyguards so he had all the protection he needed.
When Guren arrived she said, "Amachi; Orochimaru has decided to bring you and your experimental work back into the fold. You are to submit your latest reports to me and make ready to leave for Rice Country immediately."
The scientist smirked and replied, "Orochimaru has no sway over me here. I'm not going anywhere. Why don't you run back to Rice Country and inform Orochimaru like a good little messenger girl Guren."
The blue haired kunoichi growled, "I'm going to teach you some respect Amachi."
She cracked her knuckles as several kaima came up close to the shore and surrounded Guren and her troops. The blue haired kunoichi unleashed a shower of crystal shuriken upon her opponents only to be counterattacked with a mass of various water jutsus that knocked out several of her men. Realizing the watery terrain was working against them; Guren ordered a withdrawal to higher ground away from the watery cave where Amachi's base was.
Though Guren had escaped him, Amachi managed to capture the surviving members of her Team and decided to use them for experimentation purposes. Orochimaru had lost a sizable force and more importantly had lost contact with one of his most trusted lieutenants…
Though Guren escaped she was badly wounded and collapsed on the beach of Jiro Island…
…
Hahajima Island, Isaribi's Village
Team 9 came upon the unfortunate Seaside Village the Isaribi lived in. They had been plagued with disappearances over the last few years and things had finally come to a head with Isaribi who some blamed for the situation not having the slightest idea that she was a pawn of Amachi's. They had destroyed her house and driven her completely out of the village.
It was the very next day that Maito Gai and his Team arrived at the village only to find Isaribi was already gone. The four ninja spread out through the village and found nothing but scorn thrown at them over the subject of Isaribi. It wasn't until Gai talked to the Village Chief that they got any useful information at all.
The Chief explained, "Several years ago people started disappearing from here and neighboring villages. The people were spirited away without a trace. It was a mystery we couldn't solve and the Kiri ninjas sent to figure it out by the Daimyo came up with nothing…"
"…Then Isaribi returned. Initially there was hope for the others but then we realized the disappearance had scarred her to the point she always wore bandages over parts of her body. We thought she'd been diseased or cursed in some fashion and she kept to herself."
"Why was she driven off then instead of helped?" asked Lee.
Taking a long drag on his pipe, the Village Elder replied, "We had no healers that could help her. The poor girl turned out to be covered in fishlike scales where she was wearing bandages. Word got out and people started to shun her. After a few years they began to blame her for the disappearances and even hate her for them."
Neji said, "…And things exploded just last night."
"That's correct." said the Chief. "And truthfully, I have no idea where she went. She usually stayed away from others and often disappeared for days. I feel sorry for the girl personally. Life dealt her a bad hand…"
"Do you think she went to the nearby Jiro Island?" asked Tenten. "Everyone seems to believe the place is evil."
"Jiro Island isn't inhabited and is surrounded by dangerous reefs." explained the Elder. "A lot of people died navigating the waters around it so it got an evil reputation over time. It would be a good place to hide if you wanted to be alone… Provided you could make it there to begin with."
…
Capitol City of Uminoya
While Team 9 was in Isaribi's former village, things had gone from bad to worse for Lady Minako.
One of her servants came with the news, "Lady Minako, Daimyo-sama passed away in his sleep this morning. We believe he died of natural causes."
The blonde woman replied, "That means his eldest son Prince Taro was now in charge by rule of succession. It looks like his crisis may be over."
One of the Royal Guards came in within minutes and reported, "Milady, Minister Daisuke has declared a coup and has ordered you captured as well as the elimination of Prince Taro and his family. Ninja claiming to be from Sea Country are appearing from nowhere. We must get you to safety."
Minako was shocked and said, "It seems the Minister will go to any lengths to keep his iron grip on Sea Country. We must recall the Konoha ninja to protect the Royal Family at all costs."
Within the hour a messenger on horseback reached Team Gai in Isaribi's Village and told them the news. "Gai-san, Lady Minako has requested your assistance in this time of crises. She asks that you protect her and the Damyo's family from being wiped out or captured by Minister Daisuke's forces. Will you help us?"
Gai didn't take long to make up his mind. "We must rush back to the capital and save the youthful Lady Minako and the Royal Family from a terrible fate. Let us hurry my students!"
…
Team 9 sped back to Lady Minako's Villa only to find the place was under siege. The primary threat there was not the Minister's guards, however. It was the Sea Country ninja and their hybrid kaima forms. Team 9 quickly burst through the lines and found the kaima were extremely powerful water users.
Given Lady Minako's Villa was aqua themed and surrounded by a lake waters the Sea Country ninjas had a huge advantage. Dodging a water whip jutsu and returning fire with kunai only to hit a water wall jutsu, Tenten said, "This is a worst-case scenario. They have endless ammunition as long as they have chakra. We need to pull the back away from large bodies of water."
"A youthful idea Tenten-chan!" said Gai. "Once we get to the Daimyo's Family, we will do exactly that."
Neji said, "Mix it up with the Minister's regular forces so the Sea Country ninja can't use wide area jutsu's against us."
"Excellent strategy Neji." replied Lee as he took point a took down several of the Minister's guard using the Goken as well as his new nunchaku.
Battling their way through the minister's guards the Team finally made it to the Villa where they were let in by Lady Minako's orders.
The Captain of the Daimyo's guards greeted Gai and said, "Minister Daisuke intends to kill the Daimyo's Family starting with the Heir Prince Taro. However, he wants to capture Lady Minako alive. We don't know exactly why."
Gai said, "We cannot hold out in this Villa. Is there an emergency escape route? We need to get away from the water if at all possible."
"There is an escape tunnel below the lake that leads to a safehouse but the path to the safehouse is fraught with peril." said the captain.
"It is better than staying here where the enemy has a huge advantage." replied the jonin.
The Konoha ninjas were soon in the villa's basement looking down into a hidden tunnel that they planned to take Prince Taro and his family as well as Lady Minako through to safety. Lee had already scouted the underground path to its end and found a safehouse deep in the jungle at the opposite end.
It took several trips between Gai and Lee to carry all them family members rapidly through the multi kilometer tunnel network but they made a clean getaway. The few guards left followed them followed them at a slower pace and sealed the entrance behind them.
When the Villa finally collapsed due to water damage from the siege, the tunnel entrance was buried under tons of rubble and the Royal Family was safely away from Uminoya.
In the meantime; Gai had reached a local aviary and sent out a message to Konoha for help…
…
Daisuke's Private Compound
Amachi arrived at Daisuke's Compound and found the Minister was eating his dinner. The Minister was graying but was a massive man who practiced the martial arts. He wasn't a ninja but he was very formidable nevertheless. Daisuke didn't look up from his meal but said, "You and your forces failed me Doctor Amachi. You told me your ninja could wipe the Royal Family out in one fell swoop but the main family and Lady Minako escaped."
The Medic Ninja said, "We weren't expecting Leaf ninja to appear out of nowhere. I assure you that-"
The Minister growled, "Save me your assurances and get me results Amachi. I've let you terrorize and kidnap from the seaside villages for years so you could indulge in your little… hobbies. I want Lady Minako alive and the rest of the family dead so I can marry her and become Daimyo legally. I've specifically kept the Kiri Ninja out of the country so your ninja could do the job. Find those Konoha ninja and wipe them out!"
"Of course, Daisuke-sama." said Amachi. "Your wish is my command."
…
Fire Country, Konoha, Hokage Tower
The Third Hokage received a messenger bird from Team 9 in Sea Country the following morning. Their mission had gone from a B-ranked Sea Monster investigation to an A+ ranked civil war and the team required backup as soon as possible.
Sighing, Hiruzen looked at his roster. Teams 7 and 8 were available and he summoned them immediately. It didn't take them long to assemble and Sarutobi was soon explaining the situation to the two teams. "Jonin Maito Gai and his team are currently in Sea Country fighting in direct support of the Sea Daimyo and his family."
He added, "A coup d'état has been attempted by the Minister Daisuke and the capitol city of Uminoya has become a battleground between the Royal Guard against the Minister and his own personal forces that includes a sizable number of ninjas from Sea Country."
Anko raised an eyebrow, "Forgive me but I didn't think Sea Country had their own ninja forces."
Hiruzen replied, "Neither did I. Here is Gai's report." He read aloud and said,
"The enemies we are facing are calling themselves the Sea Country ninja. They seem to exclusively be water users and have the ability to change into a hybrid form that resembles a fish-man. This form gives them a huge advantage in the water. The locals have known about them for years and mistook the Sea Country ninja for monsters they call kaima. The fighting here is particularly vicious, and we require assistance if we are to Protect the Daimyo and his family…" It also showed a map to the hidden safehouse.
Kurenai said, "As far as I know, the fastest way to get to Sea County is to go south through Tea Country by land and then take a short trip by sea from Port City at the Southern tip of Tea."
Anko nodded in agreement. "I've been there. Going through Tea Country is the fastest route. Let's all pack for a month. If this civil war explodes into something bigger, we may be there for a while."
The Hokage said, "Sea Country is a peaceful place generally speaking. They don't have a lot of wealth or resources to fight over. If it does erupt into a full-scale war; it will probably be us on one side and Kiri on the other. Whoever these Sea Country ninja are; they will find it difficult to hold out against a major ninja village such as ours. Regardless, I want your Teams and Gai's to be careful to not get caught up in something larger."
"And what happens if the Daimyo's Family is on the losing end of this conflict?" asked Kurenai.
"Then we extract them if possible and offer them temporary amnesty in Konoha." said the Third Hokage. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
"Got it." said the Anko. "Let's plan to take care of this quickly."
…
Sea Country, the Royal Safehouse
Maito Gai was in his element now. If there was one type of combat he knew above all else it was jungle warfare and he had imparted those harsh lessons to his students as well.
After setting up wire traps that only an experienced ninja could navigate; the Konoha Team began stocking up on food and fortifying the area around the safehouse. So far, the Sea Country ninja and the Minister's small army had no luck locating the safehouse so Team 9 was lying low.
There had only been three enemy scouts that stumbled across the safehouse but Gai's Team had eliminated them all in the silence of the jungle. Now it was just a matter of waiting for reinforcements…
…
Hahajima Island, Port City
Anko and Kurenai's Teams arrived at the Port City on Hahajima Island four days later and found the port they landed at was currently a battleground between the Daimyo's forces and the Minister's forces. "This is where the fun begins kiddies." said Anko with a bloodthirsty smile. The Minister's forces were being supported by several Sea Country ninja and the snake princess added, "There's plenty of targets to pick from; let's go!"
Kurenai said, "Team 7 can intercept the main forces while Team 8 flanks the enemy. Move out!"
The Minister's forces had the upper hand and suddenly found themselves in a brutal crossfire between two teams of Konoha ninja. A magnetic shockwave courtesy of Pyrrha sent the armored forces stumbling back straight into a conflagration courtesy of Hinata. As it turned out the Sea Country ninja were extremely vulnerable to fire in their kaima form and like Mizuki before them were basically roasted alive in the byakugan princess's firestorm.
Not to be outdone, Blake through three shuriken and said, "Shuriken shadow clone jutsu!" causing a hail of metal to go towards the enemy. Naruto followed up her attack with a Wind: Great breakthrough that not only accelerated Blakes shuriken to fantastic speeds but also superheated the raging inferno that Hinata unleashed moments before.
The results of the combined attacks were catastrophic for the vast majority of the Minister's forces and what remained was mainly slices of smoking meat. The few survivors either surrendered immediately or in the case of the few Sea Country ninja left. They dived into the water to make their escape.
The Daimyo's forces found themselves with an unexpected victory and cheered. After discussing things with the local captain; the Konoha ninja reconnoitered the area and then set out for the hidden safehouse where Gai's Team was…
…
Fire Country, Hyūga Compound
In the meantime, Hyūga Hanabi was sitting down to lunch with her Father Hiashi. "I wonder how Hinata nee-chan is doing with her mission. I can't wait to become a kunoichi like her!"
Hiashi smiled softly and said, "I'm sure she is doing well. Hinata has grown so much stronger in the last few months."
"I wonder if I'll be that strong." pondered Hanabi.
"It takes years of practice Hanabi-chan." replied the Clan head. "I know from experience. You'll grow stronger before you know it."
The pair looked outside the dining room window and saw the Clan Elders walk by in their turbans and wigs of various colors. Hiashi shook his head in dismay.
Hanabi activated her byakugan and said, "It looks like the Elders have buzz cuts now so you don't get blinded by the glare off their bald heads anymore."
Hiashi stifled his laughter with a cough. (He had an image to protect after all). "I'm sure the Elders are happy that they are making progress."
His youngest shrugged. "Maybe in a few months everyone will stop calling them the baldness brigade and team toupee."
'The Elders will never live this down.' thought Hiashi with a mental chortle.
Hokage's Tower
Sarutobi Hiruzen had a perplexing message from Rain Country. He often received information from Uchiha Itachi in Ame but He never expected to hear from Pein himself:
Third Hokage-sama,
Your information on the Creatures of Grimm is most interesting to me as Ame has far more of them than anywhere else. We do not know why this is but would like to open a dialogue with you. God's Angel, Konan will be awaiting Jiraiya-sama at the Border of Ame.
-Pein-Sama
The Third Hokage had also received a message from Itachi in code:
Hokage-sama,
The Uchiha that has gone under the alias of both Tobi and Madara is dead. I was never able to positively identify him and his remains were cremated the day after he died from injuries caused by the Nevermore which killed both Zetsu and Hidan as previously reported.
I do not know what effect this will have on the Akatsuki as our operations seeking out information on the tailed beasts has been suspended. Leader-sama has informed us there has been a change of plans but nothing more.
-Itachi
Hiruzen immediately called for Jiraiya to report in and within the hour the two men were talking. Jiraiya said, "Sensei, this could be a huge breakthrough for us. Konan was one of the three orphans I taught in Ame. Perhaps by reconnecting with her I might be able to find out exactly what is going on there. Just as importantly we might be able to discover the origins of the Creatures of Grimm that have been showing up in Fire Country."
"I agree Jiraiya but you need to be cautious." said Hiruzen. "I need you to Rain Country at once and see what you can find out."
The Toad Sage smiled. "Leave it to me sensei!"
…
Sea Country, Hahajima Island
Team 7 was travelling towards Uminoya City from the port and were carefully avoiding large bodies of water in process. Their job was to attract the attention of the Minister Daisuke's forces while Team 8 covertly went to back up Team 9.
When they arrived in the capitol, Team 7 found the area was full of Daisuke's regular troops and the Daimyo's army were clashing with one another everywhere. However, Anko's Team only saw a few of the Sea Country ninja there. Eventually they found the Commander of the Daimyo's Forces and made contact with him.
The Snake Princess led her Team to the commander's tent and she said, "I'm Mitarashi Anko of Konoha and this is Belladonna Blake, Nikos Pyrrha and Uzumaki Naruto. We're her to help with the Sea Country ninja problem as well as back up your regular troops. What do you need us to do?"
The harried commander said, "I'm Commander Togo of the Daimyo's Royal Guard. If you ninja's really want to help; I need Minister Daisuke eliminated. He's too dangerous and too influential to stand trial."
Anko said, "An assassination job then? Tell me more…"
…
Jiro Island, Amachi's Hidden Base
Amachi was horrified to find out about the staggering losses of his kaima ninja at the battle in Port City on Hahajima Island and wasn't sure what to do. He could summon Umibōzu*② but ultimately decided that it should be held in reserve to protect his base on Jiro Island, In the end he sent his two bodyguards Akadō Yoroi and Tsurugi Misumi to investigate the situation in Port City.
After talking io the locals the pair of former Leaf ninja were able to identify Team 8 from previously meeting them at the Chunin Exams but couldn't figure out who Team 7 was other than Naruto because of his signature orange clothing.
…
Sea Country, the Royal Safehouse
Hyūga Neji of Maito Gai's Team 9 was carefully watching an enemy scouting group when he saw Team 8 ambush the enemy scouts in complete silence. Seeing there were no more enemies in the vicinity he made a Konoha bird call and was quickly answered.
He watched as Hinata activated her byakugan and spotted him. He made the hand signs [We set traps all over the place. Let me come there and guide you.]
Hinata signed back [Understood. We will wait.]
Neji made his way over to Team 8 and greeted them. "It is good to see you all." he whispered. "Follow me and I'll take you to Gai-sensei." The group silently circumvented the layers of traps with Neji's guidance and he led them to the safehouse.
Neji tapped a pattern on the door and a slot opened showing Gai's eyes. He whispered to Neji, "Report."
The branch house prodigy said in a whisper, "Gai sensei, Team 8 is here."
The door quickly opened letting Neji and Team 8 in. Gsi said to Kurenai, "I am thrilled to see you and your youthful team Kurenai. Let me update you on the situation."
As Gai and Kurenai exchanged information about current events, Neji was talking his cousin. "Hinata-sama. You don't know how glad I am to see you. I never got the chance to apologize to you for the way I treated you. He bowed and said, "I cannot tell you how sorry I am for the things I've said and done. I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me for mistreating you. I want to make it up to you and truly be your cousin from now on."
Hinata was surprised to say the least. She said, "If you've truly given up this notion of fate as Father claims then I forgive you Neji nii-san."
The Branch House prodigy said, "Both you and Uzumaki Naruto taught me a valuable lesson I shall never forget. Thank you, Hinata-sama; from the bottom of my heart."
Hinata gently hugged her cousin and said, "I hope you'll become friends with Naruto-kun as well. He is a kind person if you are willing to reach out to ho him."
"Then I will do that when I see him next." replied Neji.
Teams 8 and 9 were soon discussing their situation as well as what Team 7 was up to. Kurensi explained, "We weren't sure of Team 9's condition so we took a defensive approach. Team 7 took the offensive to draw the enemy away so we could evacuate you if necessary. Fortunately, that's not the case."
"What do you think our youthful comrades are doing?" asked Lee.
Kurenai smiled and replied, "Knowing Anko she's probably raining Hell upon the enemy."
…
Fire Country, Konoha Front Gates
Jiraiya set off west towards Rain Country and hoped to reconnect with his long-lost students. He knew they were the founders of the mysterious Akatsuki organization, but their ultimate goals remained a mystery to him. Itachi's reports had said they were striving for world peace but even the Uchiha didn't know exactly how their leader intended to accomplish that.
'Somehow, someway I have to get through to them.' thought the Toad Sage. 'I should never have left them in Ame. I should have brought them back with me to Konoha. Maybe going there will open some doors I long thought closed…'
…
Capitol City of Uminoya
Anko and her team were scoping out Minister Daisuke's Private Compound with binoculars. The snake princess had a bloodthirsty smile. "Security is fairly heavy on the ground floor but there's no one guarding the second floor or the roof. Cleary he's never dealt with ninja before. The outer stone wall around the building only has two guards at the front gates but the compound itself has two guards on each of the four sides."
Blake said. "So we come out of the trees on the back side of the building, jump over the wall, eliminate the guards and chakra hop up to the second floor. Then we have entry."
"It sounds too easy." said Naruto. "There must be guards within or this Minister is just that overconfident."
"I guess we'll find out when we strike tonight." said Anko.
…
Jiro Island, Amachi's Hidden Base
Amachi was talking to Tsurugi Misumi and Akadō Yoroi. The scientist said in shock, "We lost twenty of our ninja to a pair of Konoha genin teams? That's impossible! Nearly a third of our forces were wiped out in one battle. Where are the two teams now?"
Tsurugi said, "One Team was supposed to be helping the Daimyo's loyalists, but we don't know which one. The other disappeared."
"Whichever Team headed there it's only a matter of time before Minister Daisuke finds out." said Amachi. "Tomorrow morning, I want you two to set out for the Minister's Compound and see if he needs reinforcements. We can't afford to lose our primary benefactor." 'My precious research must be saved at all costs!' thought the scientist...
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Uminoya -there is no name listed for the Capitol of Sea Country so I came up with my own name for it. Sea Country having a Daimyo is assumed as well.
*②: Umibōzu -is a creature made up of a mass of water. It looks like a giant water formation with spots that looked like two eyes and a mouth. It is light blue in color and translucent. See Narutopedia.
See you next time. Blue out. 4/25/22