Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!
HUNTER with bad grammar; Thanks very much! Thanks for the votes!
War Sage; Thanks! Eeh, yeah probably, it would be starring Ryouta's kids mainly, but I'd be open to do it. He will pop in and out. It's very possible he could use Flying Thunder God one day. I do have some ideas about that. He might even become a snake sage~ He'll definitely have a summoning as the story goes on. You'd think Mikoto would be pretty strong, as you said she's a Jonin. Zetsu is yeah. Thanks for the suggestions!
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coldblue2015; Thanks very much! Thanks for the votes! Kurotsuchi is going to be fun to explore. Yup, his Mom married into the clan. It's going to be a fight that shapes Ryouta's future alright, and he'll be fighting together with Izumi, showing their tagteaming work, their skills in Ninjutsu and a few other stuff. Ryouta does quite understand Naruko quite a bit. Shisui is quite torn, due to his love for the clan, and his desires to keep the village safe, the same for Itachi. Tobi is yeah, he wants Ryouta to become strong, why he wants that will be explore later on down the line with some hints being given throughout the chapters so far. Yeah, it might seem like that due to what Uchiha's we see, but there will be weaker ones and not so overpowered ones in the main story we didn't get to see really.
HolyKnightX; Thanks very much! Yeah, he managed to master the Jutsu! Thanks for the vote!
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ShadowUzumaki55; He did yeah! Fugaku seems to be quite impressed. He did remember her, quite impacting she was in their lives. He's going to help Ino and Sakura yeah. He does support her dreams~ Tobi does want something from Ryouta, we'll see what that thing is in the coming future. Shisui really will have to prepare for Danzo, and what he's got up his sleeve. Thanks for the votes!
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Silver crow; Thanks! We did yeah. For Fire Release yeah. Well you never know who won. He could ask that. He can speak to them yeah. Well, maybe Yashiro will. They do spot Hinata's potential. He just didn't understand why she was saying that about Naruko, and even if he did know about the Nine Tails, he still would've defended her. Tobi and Ryouta's interactions are fun to write. They're getting positive stuff happening with them. It seems to have impressed them. He's like Shisui, he'll fight if he has to. That's Danzo for you. Ryouta wouldn't let anyone walk over him, even from the clan he loves dearly. He was just saying he knows the clan wouldn't accept him whatever he does, however strong he becomes, he's proud of being an Uchiha and wants to live up to that name and he loves the Uchiha clan, but if he needs to will stand up for himself and others from his clan then he will, as shown when he stood up to Yashiro a few chapters back and in this chapter as well against him. Yup, they've become friends. Probably Tobi would. That would be Danzo for you, but there will be a bit more than him just wanting Ryouta's eyes. Danzo's a character meant to be hated, so he did his job pretty well~ Yeah, Ryouta vs Danzo will eventually happen. I've got some plans for the Pain attack arc. What happens to Satsuki, is gonna be a spoiler, that's all I can say. He could become friends with the Tailed Beasts. I could see them doing that with Orochimaru. Well, I can't spoil about Shisui, but Ryouta will show how he can endure sadness and loss, and things of that nature through the story. With him there, he'll support her and help her. He is one, but he's still six, so he'll have difficulty with a fully trained adult, any prodigy at that age would. Yeah, he could do that. She might learn a few more things than in canon. They could have outfits like that. She could gain usage of Dust. Thanks for the vote. We'll have to wait and see if he can or not. If he'd have to then he'd kill, but he'd be like Shisui where it isn't something he likes doing. They'd be cool.
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Guest 3; Thanks very much! Yeah, he finally got the courage to do so~ Yeah, things get pretty intense for Izumi and Ryouta. Haha, I'm sure Yashiro would be terrified if either showed up. Sakura's gonna have more chances to shine in this story, even during part one, I've got some scenarios for her to show some more useful sides. Mikoto could be yeah.
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Anime PJ; Thanks! Yeah, I'm gonna try and make them each feel fun and unique with how they bond together. It will, and they'll have more scenes together to develop their friendship, eventual love between them. Haha, Tobi and Ryouta scenes are always fun to write, since how Tobi is~ Yeah, it seems that they can bond with one another due to their shared experiences. It was one of the more fun scenes from that fic huh~? Thanks for the votes!
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Skull Flame; It seems that he is yeah. That's Danzo for you. Tobi is yeah, he wants to see the capabilities of Ryouta, and other things from him. Thanks for the suggestions! No, you didn't~ Thanks for the votes!
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AlphaOmega; Thank you for the votes! He is yeah~ Yeah, while not understanding why she was doing it, it wasn't something he liked and spoke his mind about. Yup, they're becoming friends now. Satsuki and Hinata might become friends.
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Guest 10; Thanks for the votes! Yup, it would be cool if she was his future student. Those are cool choices, thanks for the suggestions!
Lightwave; Thanks for the votes! Yashiro's plans will become quite evident this chapter~ He probably hasn't thought about that. It is yeah, he has a little crush on Izumi. She does support him~ I thought it would be cool if he was her Sensei.
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synode; Yeah, eventually Boruto will be their child, while Himawari will be Hinata's and Ryouta's child. Thanks for the suggestions! Ryouta will be able to use a good deal of Genjutsu. The curse mark, perhaps, we'll have to wait and see with that~
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Guest 16; Even if joining Konoha, doesn't mean Haku couldn't in the future take over as Mizukage so yeah, there's a good chance Haku could become that.
Well, with those lovely reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Yashiro's schemes part one
That night, after spending time with Naruko at the ramen shop, Ryouta and Shisui had dropped her off back at her apartment, and now they headed back home. Ryouta was riding on Shisui's shoulders, his fingers casually messing around with Shisui's hair.
Shisui could see that something was on his mind.
He just instinctively knew it so, since he had raised Ryouta, and knew many of his thoughts without speaking.
"What's up little bro?"
Ryouta paused, and thought about how he was going to respond.
But then he exhaled, and began speaking with furrowed brows.
"Eh...Shi-chan, I wish that Naruko-san didn't have to live alone."
"Yeah...I know, it's pretty sad. I wish that we could take her into the Uchiha Compound, but that wouldn't be allowed. The most we can do is make sure that she has good friends, isn't that right Ryou?"
Ryouta nodded slowly.
"Yes, that's right."
"Still, I'm happy you've become friends."
Ryouta nodded.
He was also glad that he could become friends with Naruko, someone that he did have a good deal in common with.
"Do you think one day we could live together?"
Shisui wished that he could say yes immediately, but unfortunately, he knew that there would be problems if an Uchiha suddenly took in Naruko, who was the host of the Nine Tails, Shisui knew more than anyone that they couldn't do that or be accused of trying to control the Nine Tails by many people, and one that came to mind was Danzo himself.
"Haha, maybe we could yeah~ It seems that you're quite taken with Naruko-san. Any reason why?"
"It's just...she doesn't have parents either...I know what that's like...I didn't know ours either...and she doesn't have anyone like you Shi-chan...I'm lucky to have you...if I didn't have you Shi-chan, I don't know what would have happened in my life..."
Shisui gave a slight smile.
"Well, I do."
"You do?"
"Yes, I know you'd be okay. You're strong, stronger than you think you are. One day, you'll see it Ryou."
Shisui just hoped at that time, Ryouta wouldn't have to be going through something terrible.
"Shi-chan...I'll always try hard, okay?"
Shisui smiled out, as they continued walking back.
However, along the way, after entering the Compound, Fugaku happened to be coming along.
His eyes went towards Ryouta, and Shisui.
The look he gave Ryouta…
Was complex to say the least.
Ryouta didn't know if he was angry to see him, or if he was tolerating his existence.
His expression was unreadable.
He then stopped and under the moonlit sky, his eyes went towards Ryouta.
"I saw you, mastering the Fire Release, Great Fireball Jutsu."
"Y-Yes..."
Ryouta didn't know where he was going with this.
He never could read someone like Fugaku.
Fugaku himself kept his eyes upon Ryouta, and as if he was scanning him, Fugaku just stared at him.
Shisui wasn't sure what he was going to say, so he went to say something…
When Fugaku spoke up instead.
"Then, I suppose that must mean you completed the rite of passage ritual of Uchiha. Hm, they keep getting younger and younger."
Fugaku mused, as he walked off.
Ryouta was...beyond shocked.
Fugaku didn't say anything mean, negative, or anything that would cause feelings to become upset.
All he did was speak to him.
Ryouta wasn't sure if it was praise or if he was just stating a fact.
The fact remained that he was speaking to him at all with anything other than negative vibes, Ryouta considered that a win.
"Shi-chan, what do you think Fugaku-san was speaking about then? He seemed a bit weird all of a sudden."
Ryouta asked, Shisui shrugged his shoulder.
"To be honest...I'm not sure. But, I think that he might at least acknowledge that you're a talented member of the Uchiha clan. I know I do~"
"Hehe, Shi-chan...I'm glad you're my big brother. I wouldn't change you for the world."
"Me neither."
Shisui and Ryouta continued on home together, and enjoyed one another's company, enjoying the times they had together, cherishing it always.
The day after Ryouta spent time with Naruko at the ramen shop, it was time for lunch in the Academy. Ryouta's eyes went towards Naruko who was sat down together with Hinata at a table alone together.
Ryouta was surrounded by a few girls, Satsuki, Ino and Sakura.
Mostly he just smiled at them and spoke when he thought it would be necessary.
But he kept going towards Naruko and Hinata, and if they'd want to speak and sit with them also.
"Here, try this!"
"No, try my one!"
"Ooh, have this one!"
Some of the girls tried to offer Ryouta...intriguing looking foods, one didn't even seem like it was a food as it had some kind of weird miasma coming off of it, so he didn't even try and touch that one at all.
"Honestly, trying to force feed Ryouta-kun like that."
Ino huffed, while Sakura raised an eyebrow.
"But Ino...don't you also try and give Ryouta-kun food too?"
Ino blushed lightly.
"W-Well, yeah. But I don't push it in his face. And you Sakura, you do it also."
Sakura wore a complex face, while Satsuki rolled her eyes.
She didn't find it interesting in what they were talking about.
Ryouta though kept his eyes on Naruko, and Hinata.
So, getting up, he walked towards them.
Some of the girls in class wondered "Why is Ryouta-kun going to her?" and "Maybe she put him under a spell." though Ryouta ignored that, and simply placed his hands behind his back, bowing towards the pair.
"Hey Naruko-san, Hinata-san. We're having lunch over there, do you want to join us? It would be fun."
The girls...looked shocked.
Ino and Sakura just watched from a distance, not sure what to make of it.
Satsuki didn't really care, and just leaned back in her seat.
"Aah, sure! Hinata, come on!"
"E-Eh...y-yes, okay."
Hinata said with a shy tone, and then stood up with Naruko.
Walking over back towards his seat, Ryouta heard people questioning why he was doing it.
Why he'd want to be around Naruko.
It was clear that the parents of the people had instilled some certain behaviours into them.
Ryouta ignored them though, he sat down with Naruko, and Hinata. The former looked towards Satsuki, who gave her a look back. The girls could see sparks going off between their eyes, while Ryouta simply smiled.
"Lets all eat together, okay?"
Satsuki and Naruko stared at one another, without saying anything.
Hinata looked towards Sakura, and she did the same back, trying to work the other out.
Ryouta just smiled as did Ino, wanting the group to get along.
"So, Ino-san...it's quite nice, being together, isn't it?"
"Yeah, hehe..."
Ryouta nodded slowly, seeing the looks Satsuki and Naruko were giving one another.
But then Satsuki allowed her head to rise up.
"So, you're going to become Hokage?"
Satsuki spoke up to Naruko, who blinked a few times, before nodding.
"That's right. Got a problem with that?"
Ryouta could hear it in their voices.
It seemed that they had...a very interesting relationship with one another.
Satsuki allowed a hand to go through her long black hair, and simply cocked an eyebrow up at the young blonde haired girl.
"You better not slack off then like I see you do. Hokage isn't a joke, you can't just become it because you want to. You've got to work hard."
Ryouta smiled at Satsuki.
To most, it might seem like she was being cold and distant.
But to Ryouta, he knew that she was giving some solid advice in her own way.
"I-I know that! I'm going to work hard! And I'll work harder than you!"
Satsuki showed a challenging stare, and then smirked lightly.
Ryouta wondered if they had some kind of rivalry going on.
He could see the signs of it.
He hoped that it would be good for both of them, to push both of them further and further.
He also saw that Sakura, Ino and Hinata were getting on.
He was glad that they had become good friends.
Later on in the afternoon, Shisui, Ryouta, Satsuki, Izumi and Itachi stopped off at a dango shop together. It was rare that they'd all have time together like this, so seeing the fact that they could do this was something that made them rather happy.
Even Itachi was showing a happiness that he rarely displayed around others.
"Here Itachi-kun, why don't you try this?"
Izumi said with a small blush on her face, showcasing a green piece of dango, and presented it to him in a loving manner.
Ryouta turned to Shisui, and cocked his head.
"Shi-chan, is Izumi-chan trying to win affections of Itachi-san?"
"Perhaps, isn't it really nice that they get on so well?"
Ryouta nodded, while Itachi leaned closer.
Shisui, Satsuki and Ryouta watched on, each with slight smirks on their faces.
Itachi began feeling a little embarrassed, but he was pretty good at hiding his emotions.
Izumi though saw straight through it.
"Itachi-kun, what's going on in your head?"
"N...Nothing."
Izumi showed a smile, leaning closer.
"Come on, tell me~"
"Really, it's nothing. I was...just thinking about...something."
"Something?"
"Yes...just something."
Izumi giggled.
"Hehe, as aloof as ever~ But, it's a reason why I like you. Trying to work you out, is the greatest mystery to me. A mystery I intend to solve~"
Itachi blinked as Izumi giggled at Itachi.
Shisui smiled also.
He really did like Izumi and Itachi together.
They balanced one another out really well.
She was upbeat, sweet and kind.
Itachi also had sweet and kind moments, but he was more introverted.
So he was sure that Izumi could bring out more sides to him, and he could inspire her, quite a good match in his eyes.
His eyes drifted to Ryouta and Satsuki, seeing that Satsuki was surprisingly trying to feed Ryouta also.
"Here...try this, one of mine."
"Satsuki-chan, you're so sweet~"
Shisui smiled at the sight, seeing Satsuki trying to have an uncaring face while doing it.
But Shisui knew better, and knew that she really did like doing these things.
"Is it good Ryou?"
"Yeah, I've never tried this one before. Want one of mine?"
"Sure."
Shisui chortled, seeing the bond between the two Uchiha was as strong as ever.
Even if they weren't at the age where they'd understand their emotions that well, they still had a good friendship with one another, and enjoyed being around the other.
As they talked, Itachi caught the sight of something running towards them.
He focused his eyes, seeing that it was Lee.
He had his hands behind his back for unknown reasons.
Though Itachi didn't have any knowledge on Lee, so he wasn't sure who he was.
Izumi did though and smiled cutely.
"Aah Lee-kun, how are you doing today? Training hard?"
"That's right! But also, here. I got this for you!"
Lee showed a strong smile, and then pulled out from behind him, two flowers.
Izumi looked astonished, placing a hand to her face, while Shisui and others watched on.
"My, Lee-kun. These are really beautiful. You didn't have to go through the trouble."
"It was no trouble for you Izumi-san! I wish I could have gotten even more for you!"
Itachi gave Lee a curious look.
Izumi lightly smiled at the boy.
"That's really sweet Lee-kun. Thank you~"
"Y-Yes! Please tell me your favourite flower and I shall secure it for you!"
"Ooh no, you don't have to do that for me. These are more than enough~"
"I don't mind! Plus, it also helps me with training by gathering flowers, while standing on one hand!" Itachi blinked, as Lee turned towards him. "A-Ah...y-you're the famous Itachi Uchiha-san..."
"Yes, that's correct. You are...Lee-san?"
"Of course, you aren't fully aware of your rival yet, so I shall introduce myself." Lee jumped towards Itachi. "My name is Rock Lee, and I wish to also be in competition for Izumi Uchiha-san's heart!"
Shisui chortled lightly "This is getting fun~" seeing Lee's little crush on Izumi, while Ryouta and Satsuki wondered what was going to happen next.
"You...wish to challenge me for Izumi's heart?"
"Correct! I shall train frequently, and shall fight you so I can have a date with Izumi-san!"
Izumi gave a cute look to Itachi.
"I...understand. The moment you leave the Academy, I shall challenge you."
"Yes! Thank you for taking it seriously! Even though you're the famous Itachi Uchiha-san, I shall rise, and become strong enough to give you a challenge!"
Izumi smiled at the sight before her, seeing Itachi encourage Lee, trying to help him grow stronger.
She then placed a hand on top of Lee's head, drawing his undying attention towards her.
"Lee-kun, want to sit with us and eat some dango?"
"Y-You mean it?"
"Sure, why wouldn't I? Here, sit down next to me~"
She patted the free side of her, while Itachi watched on with curiosity.
Lee did just that, sitting down on the other side of Izumi, and showed a goofy yet endearing smile towards the young girl.
Itachi looked on, seeing Izumi smiling towards Lee, and then towards Itachi himself, and for a brief moment, Izumi saw a small, very small, almost minuscule smile on his face, which she took as a very good thing indeed.
Shisui also saw it, and chortled lightly.
"It seems that Itachi's got a new rival Ryou."
"I know...we share the same rival now..."
Shisui chortled even more, while Satsuki raised an eyebrow, before shaking her head, and got back to eating her dango.
It was the day that Shisui was going on his mission, and Ryouta stood at the door, readied with a scroll in his hands.
He presented it to Shisui, who accepted it without hesitation, and looked over it.
"Don't overdo it Shi-chan, I've made you a meal, eat it when you can."
Shisui chortled with a caring smile.
"Haha, I thought I was the older brother huh?"
"Sometimes, I can take care of you Shi-chan. Remember, you have to eat, and take care of yourself."
Shisui nodded slowly.
"I know, don't worry. This is just a mission to clear out some bandits, it should be rather easy."
Ryouta hoped that's all it was.
While he did believe in Shisui and his power, he still did worry about the fact that Shisui was going to be going on a mission, like all missions they still carried some risks, but he just had to believe in his brother, that's all he could do.
Shisui gently pets Ryouta's head.
"During the break at the Academy, when a mission comes up, I'll speak to Hokage-sama to see if I can take you. Of course, I'll make sure that it is out of the village. Though since you're young, it wont be a high super mission like S rank, but it still will be a good trip out of the village. Maybe we'll come across some bandits, then you'll see your big brother in action."
Ryouta's face curled upwards.
He couldn't wait to go on the mission with Shisui.
Spending time with him alone, and seeing his brother in action.
He knew his brother was strong, but he hadn't seen how he was on a true mission before.
"I can't wait to go Shi-chan."
"Haha, I can't wait to take you either."
As he said it, he felt a presence.
His eyes shot towards it, and saw a young man walking closer, with a mask on his face that resembled a beetles, and clothes typical to the Anbu, something that gave it away that he was apart of it.
"Hey, eh...can I help you?"
"My name, is Sugaru."
He said...his voice sounded odd.
Not quite like a normal voice.
Almost like it was buzzing constantly.
Shisui also saw that the man named Sugaru seemed to have some difficulty in speaking though he wasn't sure why.
"Aah, hey Sugaru-san. How can I help you?"
"I've been assigned to work with you."
"Oh...really? It's only a simple mission to take care of bandits."
"On the request of Danzo-sama, and Hokage-sama. If you'd like, you can check with them."
Shisui's eyebrows furrowed.
"I...see, then great to be working with you Sugaru-san."
The man nodded.
But as he did, Ryouta saw that he had some kind of scar on his throat from the brief moments that his outfit pulled downwards.
"Then, I'll be right with you, Sugaru-san. Just saying goodbye to my little brother."
"Understood."
The man pulled back, Ryouta turned towards Shisui once he was far enough away.
"Shi-chan, his voice..."
"Yeah, it seems that his throat had a nasty injury to it. But anyway, this mission I'm on, I should be back tomorrow morning."
"Okay Shi-chan! Be safe!"
Shisui smiled gently.
"I will be, you don't have to worry about that."
Ryouta then waved as Shisui pulled back.
Shisui waved also, and turned around, beginning to walk away, meeting up halfway with Sugaru.
Shisui knew that Itachi would be in the village, so he didn't have to worry about any kind of coup happening while he was away.
He turned back when he got a good distance away, and saw Ryouta still waving.
He felt rather pleased that Ryouta was the way he was.
Though he also did see comparisons to his Mother like most people did, but for him, it only made it all the more amazing that Ryouta was like his Mother, and Father, Shisui could see the will of fire burning bright within him.
He then departed, leaving Ryouta alone who walked back into the house, and prepared himself for the day, unaware of what fate he would soon have thrust upon him, and what was to become of him…
Upon knowing Shisui left, Yashiro was contacted by Tobi once more, with Yashiro showing an excited expression on his face. He could hardly contain it, and Tobi could see that, and held back his own thoughts on the matter.
"Then everything's going according to plan?"
Tobi began, Yashiro nods.
"Yes, I'm making sure that Fugaku-sama's daughter is also going to be away. Whenever Shisui goes away for a mission, Izumi Uchiha looks after that Ryouta Uchiha. Today wont be any different. I'll make damn sure of it. Also, while not my strong suit, I'll be able to place the civilian Uchiha's under Genjutsu so they wont go and get help. As long as you fulfil your role."
Hearing the venom in his voice, Tobi could clearly see that he was up for this.
"I will. Then with that out of the way, be prepared for tonight. It's going to be life changing, I'm sure."
Tobi spoke with an almost whimsical tone, trying to keep Yashiro pleased.
He still needed Yashiro to carry out this plan, and to make use of him, before the end was going to come.
"Of course, the day that the undeserving Uchiha will die, and Konoha will get the blame. Then, there will be no doubts within Fugaku-sama's mind, nor will there be a reason for us to hold back anymore, public support will be on Uchiha's side, for killing a bunch of kids, they'll rebel against the village elders, and we'll begin our plans to truly change this village for the better."
"Do you have, no hesitation about killing two kids?"
Tobi said it, almost as if it was an offhanded comment, a question he didn't really care for the answer.
Though the truth was, he was fascinated by Yashiro's willingness to kill a few kids.
Yashiro showed how disgusting he was by shaking his head while smirking.
"They aren't true Uchiha's, I don't care about their lives. They're stepping stones to the real time for the Uchiha's to shine. It shouldn't take me so long to take them down. If they were true Uchiha, then I would have some qualms. But as long as they aren't, then I will do what is necessary for the future of my clan."
Tobi really didn't care about Yashiro and his disgusting ways.
The fact that he was so blind to the future, made him very good to control.
He didn't even have to do any underhanded means, and methods.
"If that's what you say. But don't be cocky, they're still apart of the Uchiha clan. Even if you don't acknowledge them, they both have skills that will be able to make the fight harder than you might anticipate."
"Are you saying I'd lose in a fight against two kids? They wont be able to beat an elite like me!"
Yashiro was so sure of himself, that he began laughing at the idea of Ryouta or Izumi being able to do anything to him.
Tobi himself looked incredulous towards him, but kept his composure.
"I suppose this is also going to work in my favour. Little fool, you truly don't understand the power of Uchiha. If anything, you are undeserving of the Uchiha name. But, you'll soon learn your place, and then...you'll be gone. Thanks for being my Pawn Yashiro, it's so nice knowing fools still exist in this world."
Tobi didn't share his thoughts, and continued watching him laugh for half a minute or so, before it died down naturally.
"I wont be beaten by two kids. By the end of the day, two corpses will be coming up. Don't doubt it. Even if they have some skills, they're still nothing compared to me. I wont allow anything or anyone to beat me."
Tobi was glad that he had a mask on, otherwise his smirk would be seen clearly.
"I'm sure you'll perform, expertly."
Tobi praised hollowly, which seemed to placate Yashiro enough.
Now, was the time for Tobi to begin seeing the true potential he believed Ryouta had deep inside, and what other secrets he might just have.
At the end of the day, within the class of the Academy, students were coming and going, Ryouta packed away a few scrolls he had, then looked towards Satsuki who seemed disinterested in what was going on around.
"You know Ryou, something strange happened today."
Ryouta tilted his head.
"What's that Satsuki-chan?"
"My Dad, he said he was going to help me master the Great Fireball Jutsu."
Ryouta's face curled upwards.
"That's great Satsuki-chan!"
"Yeah, I guess it is. It's weird that he wants to do it now though..."
"Still, he's doing it, and that's a good thing, isn't it?"
Satsuki couldn't deny it.
Ryouta then smiled.
"Satsuki-chan, do you want to train together? Or are you training with your Dad today?"
"I wish that I could, Father asked me to do some stuff for him."
Ryouta wasn't disheartened by it, and kept up his smile.
"That sounds great Satsuki-chan, it seems your Dad is becoming more and more close with you. Teaching you Jutsu, relying on you more. Isn't that what you wanted?"
"I guess you're right, but he sent someone else to tell me about doing some stuff for him."
Ryouta raised an eyebrow.
"Who?"
"One of his subordinates, can't remember his name. Either way, it's going to take me until night time to get it completed. But...ugh, I guess I'll have to do it. He is my Father..."
Ryouta placed a hand on top of her own.
"I know your Dad cares about you."
"Sometimes, I wonder..."
"He does, trust me~"
She showed a light smile.
"Even then, I wish he'd let us spend more time together."
Ryouta gave a light smile.
"I wish we could too. Maybe one day, when we're fully fledged Ninja's, we'll be able to spend a lot of time together, go on missions and protect Konoha, together."
Satsuki didn't show it on her face.
But that was something she had wanted to do for a long time now.
That she'd be able to finally be able to stand with Ryouta, be with him, and fight alongside of him, due to him being the first person she could consider her friend, someone that she cared about, and wanted to be beside.
"Yeah...that would be good. Anyway, I should be going."
"Alright Satsuki-chan, see you later~"
Satsuki waved, and walked off, not exactly thrilled about having to do something for her Father while he denied her basic desires to just be with her, as of right now, only friend, but she knew if she didn't, then her Father wouldn't be pleased, and she couldn't have that happening.
He knew that Naruko was busy today, going to see the Hokage for reasons he didn't know, and didn't delve into since it was her private business, so he wondered what he was going to do, knowing he'd be meeting up with Izumi in two hours since she was going to be spending some extra time studying.
Ryouta then proceeded to leave the classroom, when Ino came shooting up.
"Hey Ryouta-kun, can I take you up on that offer now?"
Upon hearing that, Ryouta raised an eyebrow for a few moments, but then tilted his head.
"For training?"
"Sure, I'd like to become better! Will you give me some pointers please?"
Sakura also heard that, and felt her eyebrow twitched.
She walked over, and stared at Ino who smiled back.
"Y-You're going to be training together?"
Ino proudly places her hands on her hips.
"That's right, I've got a training session, one on one, with Ryouta-kun~ He's gonna help me become stronger!"
Sakura looked between them, and furrowed her brows.
"S-So, only you can go on this training session?"
Ino began nodding when Ryouta cut in, seeing Sakura also wanted to come.
"You can come if you like Sakura-san?"
Ino slapped her forehead, looking towards Sakura who smiled right back.
Shaking her head, she wouldn't allow this to deter her time with Ryouta.
"Sure, Sakura, you and me can go and get lessons with Ryouta-kun!"
"Hehe, yes~"
Hinata, who was in the background, wondered if she should try and go.
She did want to know more about the training methods that he did, and if she could apply that to herself somehow.
Though for now, it seemed that her crippling shyness was keeping her back, and she walked out as Ryouta's eyes went over the class.
"Maybe we should ask Hinata-san if she'd like to come..." As he looked, she had already gone. "...ehehe, maybe she's busy with the Hyuga's...I guess it's just us then!"
"That's fine with me~"
"Me too!"
Ino and Sakura smiled out happily.
Ryouta nodded.
"Lets get going then!"
With that, Sakura, and Ino came walking out of the classroom together with Ryouta, believing that this would be a good chance to get to know more about Ryouta, and what he was like, and how they could get closer to him.
Arriving at a training field, with a small body of water to the right hand side, and some trees scattered around. Ino and Sakura placed their hands behind their backs, while Ryouta gave them curious looks.
"So, you wanted some pointers in Taijutsu Ino-san?"
"Yes, that's right. Seeing your skills at the Academy...I'd like to be able to do some Taijutsu, it's an area I need to improve."
"Me too. I'd like...I'd like to be able to move faster."
Sakura added.
Ryouta nodded.
"How about we have a mock fight? So I can see what you girls can do, and we go from there."
"S-Sure, can we team up to fight you?"
Ino thought that at least if she was with Sakura, they'd be able to help one another out.
"Sure, I don't mind. We've got some training kunai's with us, you can use them if you'd like?"
Sakura and Ino chortled lightly, and got into fighting styles, the basic Academy one.
Ryouta got into a fighting style his brother had taught him, and readied to fight.
He wasn't going to go his top speed, he wanted to see how good they were, and as they asked, see if there was any pointers he could give them.
Sakura and Ino were glad that Ryouta was as open as he was, so they could learn, and also get to know him more.
"Right, Sakura. You attack head on, I'll back you up. No point trying to run around him, he's too fast for that."
"Yes! Leave it to me!"
Sakura, and Ino took out training kunai's, then rushed Ryouta as fast as they could.
Ryouta saw the dynamics between them, and was glad that they were working together.
Sakura came in first, with a swing of her kunai, which Ryouta parried, as Ino came from the left hand side, kunai in hand, and came at Ryouta with a quick jab of her kunai.
He moved out of the way, withdrawing another kunai, clashing against the other.
"I like how in sync you are."
Ino and Sakura smiled as Ryouta faced them.
"We wont give up! Come on Ino!"
Sakura said, showing some more confidence to the surprise of Ino.
"R-Right, lets keep going!"
Sakura then ran forward, and engaged Ryouta on a physical level, employing some quick jabs and punches towards him.
"So, you're more Taijutsu situated Sakura-san?"
"I-I think so..."
"It's a good start, I think you're doing quite well."
Using his own skills, he dodged each of her strikes while taking note of Sakura abilities, as Ino called "Sakura now!" so Sakura jumped upwards, as some kunai came flying out towards Ryouta's body from the place Sakura was.
Ryouta smiled at the pairs attack, he was glad to see their practical uses of Ninja tools.
As the kunai were going to hit his body, Ryouta used his own kunai to block off theirs, seeing that Ino was running closer with a kunai in hand, so he took one out, blocking off her strike, then went low, and swung his leg, tripping her up, allowing her to gently fall onto the grass.
Ryouta then rushed forward towards Sakura, getting close to her, who brought out her arm to defend when his leg came up…
But it stopped just before reaching her body, where his hand snaked downwards, grabbing her ankle, and pulled her to the ground.
"Now, it's time for Fire Release..." The girls began to panic, but Ryouta smiled. "Just kidding, I wont use Fire Release here." They looked relieved. "So, it seems you work well together rather well. Sakura-san, your strikes were pretty well timed, and Ino-san, your timing with Sakura-san, and usage of Ninja tools was great!"
The girls lightly blushed as Ryouta helped them up.
"Is it true that you know Fire Release, Ryouta-kun?"
Sakura asked, Ryouta nodded.
"I just learned it recently."
"It must've been really hard."
Ino noted, Ryouta inclined his neck.
"Yes, it was rather difficult, but I tried my hardest."
"Still...you're so dedicated to training..."
Sakura began, Ino nodding.
"How come? Do you want to become Hokage?"
"Hehe, that's not one of my goals. It seems that Naruko-san wishes to become that. My main reason to become a Ninja, and train so hard is to become like my brother, and make sure that innocent people aren't caught up in the fighting."
Ino and Sakura were blown away with what he said.
It brought a rather uniqueness to Ryouta.
How he didn't care about fame or fortune.
He was more interested in trying his best and protecting people that couldn't protect themselves.
"So, did we do good?"
Ryouta nodded at Ino's question.
"Yeah, you both did really well. Sakura-sans physical strikes could become rather strong if honed a bit more, Ino-san your usage of kunai was pretty good, and were aimed quite well. Your teamwork was pretty good as well, how you both came together, and reacted within moments of the other, it shows the friendship between you is good to work together so well. All in all, I think you both did very well!"
Sakura and Ino leaned forward.
""Then please teach us more Ryouta-kun! Help us become stronger!""
Ryouta blinked a few times, then nodded.
"Sure, I'll do my best!"
The girls smiled, and then continued training with Ryouta.
Though it wasn't exactly what they thought it would be, spending time with Ryouta outside of school. But, they couldn't help but admire that he did dedicate himself to training, and wasn't aloof, and would help them when they asked.
They felt like they better understood him now, and why he did the things that he did, which made them rather happy.
On the pleasant evening, having spent sometime with Izumi, the pair were heading back to the Compound together, enjoying one another's company. Izumi spoke about what she had been doing that day, and Ryouta did the same thing, with how he spent time with both Ino and Sakura.
"Those two girls seem rather eager to spend time with you Ryou-kun. What does Satsuki-chan think about it?"
"Erm...I'm not really sure, I think she doesn't like them that much."
Izumi giggled.
"I can imagine why."
"Hmmm? How come?"
Izumi smiled at his innocence.
"Just remember to be good to the girls, okay?"
Ryouta didn't really get it, but he nodded all the same.
"By the way Izumi-chan, Shi-chan said that soon, he'll be taking me out on a mission."
Izumi looked surprised.
"Really now?"
"Yup, because I mastered the Fire Release, Great Fireball Jutsu, he said he'd speak to Hokage-sama, and see if I can go on a mission. Aah, I can hardly wait to go Izumi-chan, I want to explore more outside of Konoha. Have you ever been on a mission outside of the village?"
Izumi cocked her eyebrow upwards.
"Erm...not too far, but I have been outside the village before. The most I've gone to is to a lakeside near here. It's quite the nice place to go, the water there is rather sparkly and it also has some good poisonous plants."
Ryouta this time raised an eyebrow.
"Izumi-chan, you're really into the poisonous plants, aren't you?"
"Hey, it's going to be my profession one day, medic and all. I have to be prepared for anything. Besides, it isn't like that's my only interest, I'm also searching up on unusual medical practices, to see what and if they could be adapted. I think it would be good for me personally, don't you?"
"As long as you don't throw some poison flowers at me~"
Izumi giggled lightly.
"Naturally, I wouldn't want to do that. Though maybe you could store them in those scrolls you have for me~"
Ryouta lightly smiled, looking down at the scroll attached to his clothes.
"Shi-chan always says be prepared, so I keep them around."
"It's smart to do that~"
Izumi giggled out, as they walked together, unaware that a lone eye was watching them.
The eyes of Tobi, who murmured "Let the games begin." his intrigue growing more and more by the second.
Ryouta and Izumi laughed, enjoying one another's company.
Meanwhile, Itachi, and his family, minus Satsuki along with a number of other Uchiha had gathered in their secret meeting place.
He recalled the mission the Hokage had given him deep within his mind, and aimed to try and achieve it.
Looking over the different Uchiha, he could see a good number of the more battle ready Ninja had gathered.
His own Mother also was there, but she looked uncomfortable.
He knew why, she wasn't really for this in the first place, and tried hard to dissuade Fugaku from trying to do anything that could cause harm.
But was having little success.
"Itachi, come, sit here."
Fugaku ordered, so Itachi walked over to the right hand side of his Father.
As he walked, he caught a glimpse of Yashiro, who's eyes were on him.
Something, he didn't know what yet, about the look in Yashiro's eyes were quite troublesome.
He couldn't discern if he was simply being cocky or if he had some ulterior motive.
Whatever it was, there was something off about Yashiro, and he couldn't quite place his finger on it.
"Then, let us begin the meeting..."
Fugaku began, with Itachi quietly listening.
His eyes constantly drifted back to Yashiro, trying to understand why he felt like this.
Like...something was different about Yashiro.
Back with Ryouta and Izumi, they continued walking back to the Compound together.
But when they got there, both felt something...was off.
Even as they walked deeper into the Compound, they thought they'd see children running around.
Or some of the civilian Uchiha walking around.
It wasn't even that late, so they wouldn't be in bed at that time.
They didn't like it.
It was quiet.
A little too quiet for their liking.
"This is odd...where is everyone?"
Ryouta's question, Izumi didn't answer it.
She couldn't as she didn't know either.
The streets were lit up only dimly, as if the power had been drained out of the houses, or they had been intentionally left behind objects so only a little bit of light shone out of the houses, and the lights on the street.
No one could be seen.
"Izumi-chan..."
"I know."
She murmured, feeling the same thing that Ryouta was.
It didn't even need to be stated what this feeling was.
Pure dread.
Instincts told them to be on alert, so Izumi whispered "Weapons at the ready Ryou-kun." and he did just that, pulling out a kunai, while she did the same thing, holding it in a reverse grip for the pair of them, and cautiously looked around.
"Izumi-chan, maybe we should go to the village."
Ryouta suggested, Izumi nodded.
"Maybe you're right, I don't like this one bit..."
They went to turn to get out of there, knowing that this wasn't going to work out well for them…
But then Ryouta caught out of the corner of his eye, two bodies.
Looking towards them, Ryouta knew that they were Uruchi and Teyaki Uchiha, his surrogate Aunt and Uncle.
"Auntie...Uncle..."
He whispered, knowing that whatever happened to them, could still be around and that wouldn't be good for them personally. Izumi also caught sight of them, and they hurried over towards them to see if they were dead, alive, or what was going on.
Izumi bent down towards them, and checked them for wounds…
But didn't find any.
"No wounds, no obvious puncture holes, nor can I see any physical signs of being poisoned...maybe it's something else..."
Izumi flowed chakra through her eyes, activating her Sharingan to see if there was any disturbances in the chakra, and surely enough, she could see that there was something wrong with their chakra.
"Izumi-chan, what's going on?"
"They're under a Genjutsu." She retorted, as she began placing her hands into a hand sign as she deactivated her Sharingan to keep her chakra reserves just in case something was happening. "I'll release them of it, and find out what's..."
Before they could continue, they both heard a noise coming from down the lone darkened street.
As they looked, a figure, clad in black, only leaving two holes in his outfit for eyes, and a katana on his back, came for them at high speeds, unaware of it being Yashiro.
Izumi's eyes widened, and she took out her kunai, seeing the man slashing towards them with a kunai, parrying the slashing move, and pushed back away from Ryouta and the two unconscious Uchiha.
Ryouta quickly thought, and dragged the bodies of Uruchi and Teyaki out of the line of fire so they didn't have to get hurt because of the ongoing fight.
He returned to Izumi's side, seeing her being able to clash kunai with the mysterious figure, his eyes not leaving her own as his kunai came sharp and fast for her neck, only for Izumi to allow it to pass over her face as she bent her body backwards, releasing a kunai up close and personal from her hand, aiming it right for his face.
Yashiro parried the attack with ease, and then swung a strong fist for her body.
Ryouta though didn't allow him to get any further, and brought out a number of shuriken from a scroll he had, unleashing them towards the man in a fast flurry of precise attacks.
Yashiro turned and looked mildly surprised at the barrage of shuriken, so he was forced to use his sword to parry all of the attacks.
But that gave Izumi the chance to withdraw another kunai, shot it downwards, as Yashiro looked back, moving his leg in time from being pierced, but a deep gash appeared across his leg with his red blood beginning to come out of the wound, allowing Izumi and Ryouta to pull backwards.
"Izumi-chan! Are you alright?"
Ryouta said, making sure that she was okay.
"I'm okay, Ryou-kun. You need to run. I'll deal with-"
Before she could continue, Yashiro came rushing at them, so she got into a stance, and swung for his face, but he pulled back, and came stabbing at her right hand side with the kunai, but Izumi was pretty decent in Taijutsu, so she was able to move out of the way, the blade missing her by mere inches.
She then followed up with a slash towards him, but he met with kunai with his own, creating sparks between their blades, as he tossed a blade towards Ryouta, Izumi gasped at the sight, but then she saw Ryouta managing to deflect the blade away from himself, which she was immensely glad at.
But she was still enraged at the fact that Yashiro was attacking Ryouta.
She wouldn't allow it.
Even if she wasn't aware it was Yashiro, she was still angered by the attacker.
"I don't know why you're doing this, but as an Uchiha, I wont allow you to cause disturbances within our Compound!"
Yashiro's face contorts angrily under the mask.
The fact that Izumi said that angered him more than he had thought.
Izumi activated her Sharingan, and allowed it to enhance her ability to see his movements much better, and since hers was fully matured, it allowed her to use it to the maximum effect though she kept in mind that her chakra reserves weren't the best, so she'd have to use it in small bursts.
Izumi began going through some hand signs, building up her chakra, then she announced "Fire Release, Phoenix Sage Fire Jutsu!" and shot off an orb of fire towards Yashiro's body.
But as it was moving forward, the flame sphere suddenly split up into several fireballs that flew around in different patterns, trying to lock down onto Yashiro.
Ryouta counted four, equally strong, flaming spheres going towards Yashiro.
"Amazing, Izumi-chan's able to control with such finesse that even Itachi-san would be pleased with her skills. She's been practising really hard, and even though she might not have amazing chakra reserves, she's still got skills, and she's able to keep up with this man...Shi-chan, I don't know what's going on...I'm worried about who this man is, what his intentions are...but, I'll protect Izumi-chan as much as I can...I know that's what you'd want me to do..."
Yashiro, using his own Sharingan, dodged out of the way of the first fire ball, which hit the ground and caused a good sized crater.
The second and third came from the left and right, but the man took out his sword, and sliced through the fire, leaving him open for the last one to go for him from behind.
Izumi smiled at that, but then she saw him ducking so the fire went above him, then he pierced the fire, dispelling it out of existence, but Izumi saw his Sharingan, alerting her to the fact that this was an Uchiha.
"Who are you?"
Izumi demanded.
Honestly, she did have a few good ideas on who it was.
He didn't reply, and merely readied his sword.
Yashiro silently shot forward.
His speed...wasn't anywhere even close to Shisui's level, nor Itachi's.
However, Izumi and Ryouta weren't their level, so this speed was rather fast, Izumi looked worried.
Ryouta saw saw that Izumi looked on with worry, seeing how he could hurt her, so he took action, and shot towards the right hand side, Yashiro's eyes follow him as he begins going through some hand signs, as Izumi calls "Ryou-kun no!" but then he looked back towards her.
A look that told her he had an idea.
Based on how Yashiro was following him, she understood, and got ready.
Yashiro looked at the hand signs Ryouta was doing, wearing astonishment on his face.
"Those signs...Earth Release...I didn't know that kid had Earth Release...just what has Shisui been teaching him...? Still, if he's using Earth Release, then I have to be ready..."
Yashiro thought, perplexed that a boy of his age knowing two nature releases were unheard of.
Ryouta noticed that Yashiro's eyes were blood red, like the Sharingan, worrying him.
But to protect Izumi, he'd fight anyone, even the Uchiha.
"Earth Release, Earth Flow River!"
Yashiro thought he was bluffing...
But saw chakra flowing from him with his Sharingan towards the ground, shocking him.
Anticipating his Jutsu, Yashiro jumped into the air, expecting to see the Jutsu play out underneath him...
But nothing happened.
Confusion came over him, looking towards Ryouta who scowled at him, angering Yashiro even more, as he heard Izumi's voice.
"Fire Release, Great Fireball Jutsu!"
Izumi poured in a decent amount of chakra, unleashing a large sphere of flame at very close range.
His eyes widened, and murmured "Shit." seeing as the flames were too close, Izumi had used the chance to sneak in close while he kept his attention on Ryouta, and not allow him the chance to weave hand signs himself.
The flames hit him directly, and due to the wound Izumi gave before on his leg, the flames seeped inside, and burned him inside of his leg, while also blasting him away down into a wall, breaking through it, also burning his flesh.
Izumi panted, while Ryouta ran closer.
"Izumi-chan, lets go!"
"Right."
Izumi agreed.
Using this chance, they decided to make a retreat to come up with a plan of attack.
"Smart Ryou-kun, you even fooled him."
"Thanks Izumi-chan. But what do we do now? I've got some shurikens, kunai, paper bombs...we need to think of a plan to stop him."
"You're right...I've got some chemicals on me from my class...but alone they're not really lethal..."
Ryouta recalled what he saw, and brought it up with Izumi.
"He had...the Sharingan...didn't he?"
"Yeah...he did. But we can still win this Ryou-kun, we just have to think smart, and play tactically."
Izumi searched her brain for anything to help them.
If one of them was taken down by Yashiro, the other would fall soon after...
But then a sight caught her eye as they ran.
Flowers.
Sitting on a window ledge.
As if lightning was striking, she thought of something.
"Flowers...poisonous flowers...flowers that can...yes...maybe it would help us win...I have stuff from my classes today...mixing it together...it might just work...I just hope we can find some...Itachi-kun, I'm scared...but, I wont give up, I'll do my best to live...Mom, I hope you're safe, please don't be dead...Ryou-kun...I'll protect you, no matter what..."
Deciding that deep within her heart, she was worried for her Mother, she wished Itachi was there.
But it was up to her now, she wouldn't allow Ryouta to die from Yashiro, no matter what.
"Izumi-chan? What are you thinking?"
Izumi snapped out of her thoughts, turning to the bewildered child.
"I know what we can do, come on Ryou-kun. We've got to get to a nearby field. Good thing we're on the outskirts of the village. It's time to level the playing field, and show this guy why to not mess with us."
Izumi and Ryouta ran off together, the man recovered from the sudden explosion of fire.
Feeling the pain in and out of him, he pulled himself off the floor, bleeding, and turned his eyes onto the pair of Uchiha, he was going to make sure that they died that night.
Tobi himself watched the events unfurl, and so far, he was very pleased to see the teamwork of Izumi and Ryouta.
"This is what I was saying Yashiro, you got cocky, while Ryouta managed to trick you, even using chakra, sending it underground, he must've noticed Yashiro's Sharingan, and made it all the more convincing along with weaving the hand signs as well, even I was convinced for a second or two. Now that's smart Ryouta, exactly what I wanted to see. Quick thinking, strong moves, using both mind and body together. Keep showing it to me Ryouta...show me why you're their child, and Shisui's brother..."
Tobi smirked from under the mask, finally being able to see if all the time he had dedicated to this, would pay off.
So far, he was quite pleased with Ryouta, and couldn't wait to see the results of the battle.
Now, all he needed to do was keep others way so he could watch the events play out as he'd like them too...
End chapter!
This time, Ryouta spent sometime with Sakura and Ino, beginning to develop their relationships more, while also giving them some advice and helping them train a bit. He also bonded a bit more with Shisui, and Naruko among others. Lee seems quite thrilled about being able to spend time with Izumi.
So, the time had come, and Yashiro's finally making a move against both Izumi and Ryouta. So far, they managed to knock him back with their combined abilities, and even tricking Yashiro as Ryouta faked an Earth Release, convincing him enough to be distracted while Izumi delivered a strong attack that would now give them more chances to survive, and now they'll be playing to their strengths to fight off Yashiro.
Thanks to everyone who voted, the team is going to be...
Ryouta, Haku, Karin.
So that's the team! It's going to be quite fun to see them in action. Sai came really close, only a few votes away, so I might have Sai be the fourth member, regardless male or female. Plus with Danzo being Sai's current leader, the scenes would be quite intriguing to see.
Also it seems that a lot of people were quite receptive to the idea of Hanabi being Ryouta's student, so expect that going forward!
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Ryouta; Satsuki, Sakura, Naruko, Hinata, Ino, Haku (fem), Kurotsuchi, Karin,