Welcome to the next chapter.
joharasbel; Thanks!
Morregen; Yeah, he surely is~
Arondight888; Thanks! Yeah, it's going to be quite the fight. Thanks for the suggestions!
danielsnow; Thanks! It's a combination of both, I have general ideas mapped out, and as I'm writing them I go through which is best, and suggestions from others and see if and how it would work. Hehe, maybe she might do~
Moshiyari; Yeah, he's going to be getting it this chapter~ Lee is quite awesome. Yeah, Neji vs Ryouta's going to be a fun fight to write about. Yeah, good Neji shall soon be upon us. What Danzo's up to shall be soon revealed~ Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it!
ShadowUzumaki55; Lee was yeah. Seems Gaara is yeah. It is going to be a fun fight to write when we get to it. Ryouta's got some kind of trial coming up.
Silver crow; Thanks. We'll have to wait and see what happens to Lee. Danzo doesn't get many visitors yeah. Even after all this time, it seems Danzo's eyes are on the Uchiha. Hiashi eventually appeared. Hanabi does see him like that, as she's seen great stuff from him. Yeah, Ryouta's trying his best to support Lee. It seems Lee did share what they could do to Ryouta enough so he could explain it to others. Gaara did quite well yeah. We'll see how the fights go. Satsuki will be there to see the fight. Yeah, Ryouta and Guy seem to have a nice friendship between them with their shared care for Lee. Yeah, Kurotsuchi and Naruko could do. Yeah, the Kage could be like that. We'll see how he's improved as part two comes around. Kurotsuchi could learn that. Ryouta will get the proper training during this time. Ryouta and Hiruzen could do yeah. That would be a fun moment. Mei could do yeah.
TheRagFromTheCrag; Yeah, perhaps in the future.
QuickyQuickyyyyy; When I look for names for my characters, I look up the meaning to Japanese names as well, so I hope that helps.
TheGreatGodzilla; Fu wasn't in these Chunin Exams either, she was in a filler one that was held in Suna. Because Orochimaru wants the Sharingan and the Mangekyou Sharingan. Orochimaru's desire is for him, Ryouta hasn't ever displayed a desire for anything from Orochimaru. Yes, he's going to sign the snake contract. Pakura's going to be important for some later stuff. We'll have to wait and see what happens with the matches, they'll come soon enough.
Hinata fan; He'll speak to her soon enough. Yeah, he's going to be signing the snake contract this chapter. Ryouta's gonna be doing some stuff between now and the final matches.
kamikaze09; He'll eventually be able to use Wind and Lightning and even Earth Release.
Any of one; Thanks for the vote.
one pie1234; Thank you for voting.
Andrew123456; Thanks for the votes.
Guest 1; Thanks for the votes.
Guest 2; Thank you for the votes.
Guest 3; Thank you for the votes.
Guest 4; Thank you for voting!
Guest 5; Thanks for the votes!
Guest 6; Thank you for voting!
Guest 7; It was quite the tense meeting for sure, Danzo's always got something up his sleeves. Hanabi did yeah, she seems quite taken with the idea that he'll be that for her one day. Ryouta and Lee's relationship is quite nice between them. Tsunade I've got ideas for when she comes back into the story. Hehe, he might be able to get that for Izumi. Yeah, Neji vs Ryouta's going to be a fun fight to write for. Hm, Haku might not be as susceptible to that as some others were. Glad you liked the Ryouta and Guy moments. That's Orochimaru for you, he's got something's up his sleeves. Yeah, he's going to be signing it! Glad you enjoyed it!
kenji fan; Depends if it is rewritten or not. We'd have to wait and see what happens. Glad you enjoy him.
Guest 8; Thanks for the votes.
And 12; Thank you for voting.
Guest 9; Thanks for the votes.
AlphaOmega; Yeah, not sure what their animal partners would be, open to suggestions. Ryouta would do yeah, with his own Mangekyou and Itachi's, it would be quite the battle. Karin would be yeah.
With those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Haku's new Sensei!
In the evening, Pakura watched several buildings away as she saw Gaara simply staring at the Uchiha's home. She made no hostile move towards it, nor did she seem to wish to get any closer either.
For hours, she hadn't moved.
It was also clear that others knew she was doing this.
But no one made an attempt to stop it either.
Even Ryouta was aware that Gaara was watching.
He looked out of the window several times, to see what she was doing.
And it seemed that he was going to keep an eye on her if she would attack or not.
But to even Pakura's astonishment, she didn't at all.
"I don't understand the fascination, Gaara. What is it about that boy that fascinates you so…? Is it because he is an Uchiha? Is it because he stood up to you? What is it that you want to know more about when it comes to him?"
Pakura thought to herself as she saw Gaara move her leg.
Floating heat orbs came around her, and she was ready to move…
But saw that Gaara remained seated.
"The fact that she hasn't made an attack...yet, there's something about that boy that she wishes to do something about. I've heard she's launched attacks, and yet, back when that boy, Lee-san got attacked, Gaara listened to him...she never listens to anyone that she doesn't have to like me. I have to force the issue thanks to Shukaku inside of her, but that boy, she didn't have an obligation to listen to him, but she did..."
Pakura tried to work it out in her mind.
But she couldn't do.
As she thought about it, she felt a new presence coming.
A minute later, a middle aged man wearing a cloth in front of his face appeared beside Pakura.
The man's name was Baki, someone that could be called a comrade in arms.
"Pakura, what is she doing?"
"She's observing the Uchiha boy."
"For what purpose?"
Pakura wished she knew that, but she didn't have a clue, beyond a few guesses she had observed.
"I haven't been able to discern that yet. So, what have you come here for? You're earlier than expected."
"Gaara and Temari made it to the finals. That means the plan will be going ahead. You're crucial to our success Pakura. Aside from Gaara, you are our biggest weapon."
Pakura looked at Baki who held a dark look in his eyes.
"Biggest weapon, I'm not comfortable with being called such a thing."
"Call yourself what you will. When the time comes..."
"I know what I have to do."
She said in a hasty and dismissive manner, showing that she wasn't comfortable speaking about it.
Baki's eyes fell upon the young woman.
"Pakura, you're doubting this? This is for your land."
"I know that it is."
"Then you should have no dilemmas."
"I don't."
Baki's eyes narrowed upon Pakura who did the same thing right back.
"Are you sure? Your tone tells me some doubt is within you."
"No, I'll do what is needed for our village, don't worry about that."
"Good, then don't forget. You'll be needed for this to succeed, Pakura."
Baki locked eyes with Pakura for a few moments, before disappearing.
Pakura shook her head, and turned her eyes back to Gaara.
Focused on Ryouta, the young girl simply stared on.
Pakura also turned her eyes onto Gaara.
She truly wished to understand what it was about Ryouta that Gaara had found fascinating.
So, she thought about doing it herself.
Waking up the next morning, Ryouta rolled over in the bed, but was stopped when he felt Satsuki laying beside him. His sleepy eyes went towards her sleeping form, it felt good after a good while for them to finally have a moment to relax.
Looking down at the girl, seeing how cute she looked as she slept, he had to admit that she was quite adorable. Her long hair spread out behind her on the pillow, her face pressed deep into his chest while one of her hands rests on his right hip, the other hand was holding onto his own hand.
He lightly smiled, while thinking about Hinata, and Lee, if they had recovered yet or not.
Though he knew Hinata's injuries weren't life threatening now that she had received treatment, Lee was still up in the air about his own and what it could entail for him if he couldn't make a complete recovery, and hoped for the best when it came to Lee.
However, that wasn't to last, as he felt a presence attempting to come in through the window.
His eyes shot for the window, as a kunai entered his hand.
Sharingan eyes looked at the intruder…
Only to see that it was Anko.
She was trying to sneak in.
"Geez, Sensei's probably trying to scare us or something. Sensei is an odd one alright."
Ryouta wordlessly stood up, and walked to the window.
Opening the window, Anko looked on with wide eyes.
"Damn, I was going to hop into your bed, and scare you as you woke up~"
Ryouta raised a brow.
"Nice try Anko-sensei."
Anko stuck out her tongue as she jumped into the room.
As she did, Satsuki stirred, and twitched her eyebrows.
"Morning Princess, sleeping with your Prince here?"
Anko loved to tease those around her, and she wished to see the reaction that Satsuki would give if she did tease her.
Satsuki sighed as she lifted her head.
"We have for a long time, why would we stop now?"
"No reason I guess~ I just find it really cute~"
Anko teased as Ryouta saw Satsuki didn't look amused at all.
"So, what are you doing here?"
"Didn't your boyfriend tell you?"
"You're going to the Forest of Death, he told me that much. But he didn't say you'd be here this early."
Satsuki dead panned, though Anko continued to smile as she spoke with a frivolous tone.
"Well, early bird gets the worm and all that good stuff. So Ryouta, lets go. The snakes aren't going to wait around. And I've got some other stuff to do during this month."
"Okay Sensei, give me a minute to get dressed."
"I'll be waiting."
Anko turned and jumped out of the window.
Satsuki's eyes went towards the young boy as he began putting his clothes on.
"Kakashi said that he's got some Jutsu to teach me."
Satsuki brought up, Ryouta's eyes went towards her.
"That's great Satsuki-chan, I'm sure that you'll learn something powerful."
"He said it was something that only Sharingan users can learn. And we're limited there."
Ryouta couldn't hold back the small chuckle escaping his throat.
"Yes, you're right about that. I think it could be his Lightning Cutter."
"Could be. Though I haven't mastered Lightning Release."
"You could do, I learned Water Release, I'm sure Lightning Release would be good for you Satsuki-chan. And in time, I'm sure that you'll be able to master it. Plus, imagine us working together, your lightning and my water, we'd be kicking some butt together, wouldn't we?"
As he said it, he slipped on his shirt, and went towards the window.
"Yeah we will. This last part of the exams, we'll do our best."
"Yes, lets do our best." Her eyes met with his own as he offered a kind smile. "Satsuki-chan, your first opponent is Gaara-san though, have you thought about what you're going to do?"
Satsuki inclined her neck.
"Yeah, it seems that I'll have to become strong and think of some ways around that damn sand shield of hers, though it seems speed is a factor from what I saw with Lee. Are you worried about me?"
It was an easy answer to give to her.
"Of course, though I know you're strong, you saw what happened with Lee-kun. I don't want that to happen with you either."
Anko from outside heard what he said, and lightly smiled to herself.
Satsuki herself could feel the tug on her lips.
"I'm going to be training, Gaara wont know what's hit her."
Ryouta hoped that was the case.
Though deep inside he felt as if there was something more to Gaara than she had shown.
Something that felt strong.
Though he wasn't Karin, he did feel her chakra was quite large.
Whatever it was about Gaara, Ryouta felt that it could be something dangerous.
"Yeah, I'm sure you'll get really strong during this month Satsuki-chan. Anyway, see you later Satsuki-chan."
"What about breakfast?"
She wondered aloud, Ryouta lightly smiled.
"I'll get some on the way. Have a good day."
"Yeah, you too."
Before he could leave, Satsuki got out of the bed with her pyjamas on. Moving to his body, she took his hand and gently pressed her lips against his own. Happiness came over him as the pair kept their lips together.
"I can hear kissing!"
Anko yelled from outside, and her voice sounded so dramatic that even Ryouta was caught off guard.
Satsuki sighed, and looked out of the window, seeing Anko with a large grin on her face.
"Seriously?"
"Seriously, I heard you kissing."
Satsuki didn't mean it like how Anko said it.
But she shook her head, and patted Ryouta from behind.
"Go, before she drives me crazy."
"I'm driving you crazy?"
Anko asked, Satsuki's eyes flared the Sharingan for a few moments.
Anko peered up from the window, her eyes went towards the young girls face.
"You..."
"What's wrong? It's alright, I'll take care of your boyfriend while he's with me. I'll take extra care of him for you~"
Satsuki didn't look happy about that due to the tone that Anko used.
Anko loved seeing the looks of Satsuki.
A mixture of annoyance, and Satsuki wishing to put a stop to it, but knew that she couldn't do something like that.
"Right, see you later Satsuki-chan, have a good day."
"You too."
Ryouta jumped down, meeting with Anko and began walking away.
Getting breakfast with her at the local ramen stand (Ryouta was surprised to see that Naruko wasn't there, and wondered what she'd be doing for her own training), Anko swayed side to side as she picked off of Ryouta's bowl of ramen.
"Delicious, isn't it Ryouta?"
Ryouta glanced at Anko's food, seeing that she had a good sized bowl of her own ramen.
Not that he minded she having some of his, but he was curious as to why she wasn't eating any of her own.
"Sensei, aren't you going to eat yours?"
Anko gave a confident stare for a few moments.
But then her face fell as she looked at the bowl before her.
"...I don't like the one that I got."
Ryouta sweat dropped.
"Why did you get it then?"
"Because I wanted to try it at least once, it looked appealing. But, I don't like the flavour of it. Love ramen and all, but not this one. So, yeah. I had to have some of yours. Should have asked I guess, but I'm quite hungry now..."
Ryouta felt like face palming, and pushed his bowl towards Anko.
"I'll swap with you, if you want Sensei?"
Anko didn't have to be asked twice, and took his bowl and pushed her own towards Ryouta.
Ryouta didn't mind, as he also liked the one that Anko got.
"You're a good student~ I knew I liked you for a good reason."
Ryouta chuckled as a response, and began eating his food.
Anko happily began eating her own food.
"By the way, before we go, I want to help Haku with a Sensei of her own. I've got a few ideas, but I'd like to see what it is that she wishes to do first. Maybe she'll want to work on her ice, though that might be difficult to find a Sensei for since there aren't any others like Haku with the Ice Release. But the other kind of Jutsu's she has could be bumped up a bit."
"Yes, it could be tricky. Though she does have Water Release, and Wind Release as well. Maybe something with that?"
Ryouta brought up, Anko nodded slowly.
"That's true. Maybe those areas could be improved. Though I have to ask, what are you going to do for your training Ryouta? You have good Taijutsu skills, and your Genjutsu is one of the best in the village thanks to your eyes, and I've seen your Ninjutsu skills. You're fighting that Hyuga kid, he's close range so gonna work on your long range attacks?"
Ryouta thought about what she said, and contemplated what he was going to do.
"Indeed, he is a rather good opponent to fight, I've got some ideas on how to fight him. And Kakashi-sensei said that he'd also help me train."
"Kakashi did huh? Damn, he usually is rather lazy as well."
"I'm glad that he did, Kakashi-sensei is pretty cool."
"Well, Kakashi is yeah. But I've got some cool stuff to teach you as well~"
Ryouta chuckled at her words.
"Thanks Sensei!"
Anko nodded slowly.
As they spoke, they finished off their meals.
"Then lets get going~"
Ryouta blushed at Anko as she wrapped an arm around his shoulder.
Feeling her ample chest on his face, Ryouta's bright eyes looked up to Anko who was grinning down at him.
"What's wrong?"
"I-It's nothing at all..."
"If you say so~"
Anko giggled out, and sat quietly together with her student, enjoying the time that they had together.
As that was going down, Neji came towards Tenten with an interesting proposition, one that she hadn't even thought that he would ask of her. Standing in the middle of a training field, Tenten could see that there were several holes within the ground.
Most likely from rotations that Neji was able to do.
Neji also seemed to be out of breath.
"Could you repeat that?"
Tenten asked incredulously, wondering if she had heard what Neji had asked her.
Neji showed a strong willed expression.
"Help me train, Tenten. My opponent is the Uchiha boy, while I begrudgingly admit this, he is someone that has long, short, and mid range of a battlefield all covered. If I am to be able to overcome his diversity, I'm going to need someone that can also attack from long range, and help me improve my timing in my attacks."
Neji asking this of her, told Tenten that Neji truly understood that this opponent he did need to train for.
More than that, Neji also understood about the weaknesses that he could potentially have and wished to overcome that with Tenten's assistance.
"If you think that I can, then I'll certainly help Neji-kun. Though I have to wonder..."
"Wonder what?"
Neji asked, Tenten giggled awkwardly.
"N-No, it's nothing really."
"Then lets begin training."
Tenten inclined her neck, and pulled out her weapons.
Neji got into a stance, and prepared himself, activating the Byakugan and was ready to begin.
Neji knew that he'd have to grow even stronger, stronger than he would naturally.
Having seen the fight with Kiba, and how fast Ryouta was, he knew that he'd have to increase his own speed, and get down his strikes. He also had to remember how Hinata was able to injure him, he couldn't allow that to happen again, no matter what was going to happen.
Tenten also was aware that Neji was taking this seriously, and what she couldn't bring to ask was what he was feelings regarding the situation with Hinata, and how it went down.
For now, she was going to try and help her teammate out as much as possible.
Later on, Ryouta and Anko met up with Haku. Arriving at her residence, Haku seemed to be eager as she was waiting outside already by the time they ended up coming. Haku's eyes went towards Ryouta first, and became quite happy.
"Ryou-kun, what are you doing here?"
"Anko-sensei is also helping me with something, and she said she came here to help you too."
As he spoke, Haku crossed the distance, and gently laid a small kiss on his lips.
Anko lightly smiled.
"Young love, isn't it sweet?" Both Haku and Ryouta stared curiously at the young woman. "Anyway Haku, now that we're here, what is it that you wish to do? Perhaps you want to learn more elemental Jutsu's?"
"I wouldn't mind, I have been considering one move, but I'd need some practice with someone that's good with Wind Release to execute it, and perhaps give me some tips about Wind Release. Though I can't think of anyone that has a good affinity for Wind Release."
Anko rubbed under her chin.
As she thought, Haku's eyes went towards Ryouta.
"Ryou-kun, what about you?"
"Anko-sensei said that I'm going to be signing the snake contract."
Haku wore surprise on her face.
"A contract with snakes, like Orochimaru had? I know Anko-sensei has a contract with them as well..."
As she spoke, Anko thought about Orochimaru and what it was that he was doing at that time.
If he was causing problems, and if and when he was going to strike once more.
"I've always cared about snakes. Even when I was young, I remember a snake that had slithered into our house I shared with my brother. Shi-chan let out a little cry when he saw it, I found it so funny that a strong Ninja like him was afraid of a little snake. But I went over, and picked it up no problem, and since then I've always found them fascinating."
"Is that so? I didn't know that about Shisui-san."
"He didn't want me to tell anyone, but I think he was more startled than frightened, still I found it funny~"
Hearing the story, Anko lightly smiled.
Her eyes then looked between the two of them.
"Hey, I've just thought of someone that might be good at Wind Release actually. Someone that might surprise you."
Haku and Ryouta both turned towards her curiously.
"Who Sensei?"
At Haku's question, Anko grinned wildly.
Both Ryouta and Haku looked at the other, they weren't sure what was going to happen next.
As that was going on, Mikoto went about her day, and was doing her usual rounds, when she came across something that did surprise her. She saw at the women's bathhouse, a certain someone was already there.
With long waist length white hair tied into a ponytail, wearing an attire that consisted of a green short shirt kimono and matching pants, under which he wore mesh armour that is visible at his wrists and ankles. He also wore hand guards, a black belt, traditional Japanese wooden sandals, and a red haori with two yellow circles on each side. On his back, a large scroll could be seen.
Mikoto watched as the man had a red face, showcasing a smile which she would call perverted, and heading for the bathhouse of the women.
Her eyebrows sharpened as she made her way towards the person.
Brandishing her sword, as she saw the man trying to peak on the women, she flashed to his side, and held a sword to his neck.
"Aaah!"
He let out a cry, as his eyes shifted.
Looking at the Anbu glad Mikoto, the man chuckled awkwardly.
"A-Ah, you see Anbu-san, when I was...no, I was here to do research...yes, research for my book and...ugh…."
"Jiraiya-sama, honestly."
Jiraiya blinked at the words, how casual they were, and the voice that came with the words.
"I know that voice, I haven't heard it in a while. It couldn't be the beautiful Mikoto-chan could it?"
Mikoto took off her mask, revealing her face.
Jiraiya's eyes brightened when seeing Mikoto.
"My! You haven't changed at all despite how long it's been!"
"And it seems you're still as perverted as ever, trying to spy on young women bathing. I'll have to report you."
Jiraiya shook his head several times as he peeled himself away from the bathhouse, at sword point thanks to Mikoto's blade.
Moving back, and going towards a small bridge, Jiraiya noticed the blade that she had was still aimed at him.
"You know, if you wanted to talk to me you didn't have to aim your blade at me." Mikoto scowled, and placed the sword on his shoulder, Jiraiya sweated a bit from that action. "Hahaha! S-So, what have you been doing with yourself?"
"A little of this, little of that. Nothing too amazing."
"Come now, I might have been a way for a good while but I recall hearing you became Anbu again and even leading your very own squad. The old man must have placed a good deal of trust in you to do that. Especially after the incident."
Mikoto released a sharp breath as she placed her sword down from Jiraiya to his immense happiness.
"Yes, Hokage-sama has trusted me enough even after the events of the Uchiha's. But I'm shocked that you've returned."
"Yeah, got some stuff to do, that's all."
"So I take it you heard about Orochimaru?"
Jiraiya's eyes furrowed.
"I might have."
"Then you've come to offer assistance with us?"
Jiraiya shook his head.
"No, I haven't."
"But he's a Sannin, the same as you. We could use you during this...whatever is going to happen. We think he might try and launch an attack. We don't have many details yet, but from what information we've gathered...we could use you, and Tsunade-sama."
"I don't know where Tsunade is, and I..."
Before he could continue, Mikoto furrowed her brows.
"You'd be perfect to help us. However, even if you didn't want to...there is someone you should meet. Minato-sans and Kushina-chan's daughter. Naruko-chan."
That name caused Jiraiya to have much emotions inside of him.
He didn't verbally express what he was feeling.
"Naruko huh...how is she doing?"
"Well, she got to the last rounds of the Chunin Exams. Perhaps you should pay a visit and maybe spend time together. You are her godfather after all, aren't you Jiraiya-sama?" Jiraiya didn't say anything, Mikoto exhaled slowly. "At least stop by Hokage-sama's place before you go. Though I think you should also see Naruko-chan."
"Yeah, I might be able to do that. If only for a little while."
Mikoto wondered if he would.
She was happy if he did.
She also thought about Jiraiya being rather a good match up with Naruko and how she could learn from him. Though she wondered if Jiraiya would want to teach Naruko...
Anko brought Ryouta and Haku out towards a training field, were Team Tens Sensei Asuma was stationed together with his team. Shikamaru was lazing around on the ground, hands behind head as he stared at the sky, Choji was eating some snacks and Ino was berating Shikamaru over and over again to train.
"How come we're here? Does Asuma-sensei know Wind Release?"
Haku asked the young woman, Anko responded with a nod.
"He's skilled in Wind Release, and he owes me a few favours, so he'll train you. So wait here."
Anko walked over to Asuma and got into a conversation with him.
As she did, Ino saw Ryouta, and became starry eyed.
"Ryou-kun! You've come here for a date, right? Or is it a kiss? Because I'd like both~"
Ryouta lightly smiled as Ino rushed him, and jumped into his arms practically.
Before he could say anything, she caressed his lips with her own for a few moments, before pulling back giddily.
"Actually, Haku-chan is hoping to learn from your Sensei in Wind Release."
Ino tilted her head, but then smiled.
"Say Ryou-kun, during this time over the month, have you got any days off?"
Ryouta shrugged.
"I don't know yet, I'll probably have a day to relax before the tournament continues on and maybe some others."
Ino pulled out her tongue.
"Then lets go out together, okay? I know you'll be busy, but isn't it also good to relax sometimes?"
Ryouta didn't have a problem with it, and thought that it would be a good time to spend more time with the likes of Ino and some others.
"You're right, part of training is also remembering to relax. Whenever you're free, since we don't have missions for this month we could spend some time together."
Ino became giddy, clapping her hands together again and again.
"Great, then I can't wait for us to go out!"
Ryouta was glad that he could make Ino happy, and thought about when he'd be able to take time off, while Anko's eyes sharpened on Asuma, and her voice raised higher so the others could hear what was being said.
"You can't do it?"
Asuma lowered his brows.
"I'm going to be helping Shikamaru."
"But he's sleeping."
True to Anko's words, Shikamaru had fallen asleep with Ino no longer bugging her.
"Even then, he'll wake up soon enough."
"But while he's asleep, you could offer my student some help."
"I was going to actually begin the training of Shikamaru now. I'm going to wake him up, I'm sorry Anko. If I get sometime, I'll do my best to offer some assistance to your Genin."
Anko slowly nodded, as she turned, and began walking away.
Making it to Haku and Ryouta, the pair watched as Anko placed a hand on her forehead.
"Sorry Haku, it seems that Asuma can't help you right now."
"It's okay Sensei, I'm sure that there will be others."
Anko nodded, and glanced at Asuma.
Asuma's eyes went towards Anko, seeing her looking towards him curiously.
But then she turned and walked away with her Genin following after her.
Sighing after Asuma wasn't able to offer help, Anko frustratingly walked ahead of the two Genin with her. Haku's hand found its way into Ryouta's own, and clutched her fingers tightly around the young man's hand.
"Ryou-kun, Sensei seems to be rather angry all of a sudden."
Ryouta couldn't agree more.
"Yes, it seems because of what happened with Asuma-sensei, she isn't happy. More than the fact that he didn't help which she understands from what I can tell, she's probably wanting to do her best for you Haku-chan and is annoyed by that she hasn't found anyone for you yet. At least that's what I can see."
Ryouta's words caused Haku to look at Anko, and see that he was most likely telling the truth which made sense to her.
Anko paused, and turned towards the pair of Genin.
"It seems that Asuma isn't going to help. Well, we have other options. How about Kurenai? She's good with Genjutsu, she could help you dispel Genjutsu and learn to do things with it...well, it would be a good idea at least~"
Haku mulled it over, and thought that it would be a good idea if she did.
However, before they could go and find Kurenai, Pakura happened to be walking by, when she saw the three of them. Her eyes went towards Ryouta first for a few moments, before looking back towards Haku and Anko.
"It seems you three are having a leisure time together. Shouldn't you be concentrating on training?"
Pakura's words were met with Anko letting out a small laugh.
"Actually, we're on our way to find a Sensei for dear Haku here. Though aren't you going to be training your Genin from Suna?"
Pakura's challenging eyes went towards Anko's own.
"It's because they're doing their own thing right now, I'm giving them advice when it is applicable. Also, Kankuro is helping out Temari, and Gaara...she's going to be doing her own kind of training."
Ryouta wondered what that would entail, with Gaara's brand of training, and what new tricks could be brought up when the girls finally clashed together.
"So, you're free right now?"
Anko asked, while Ryouta wondered what was going on through Anko's mind.
"I guess. Why do you ask?"
Her eyes went towards Haku, and then towards Pakura.
"How about you could perhaps train my cute Haku here with some Wind Release. I heard that along with Fire Release, Wind Release is something that you excel at. Especially considering that you're Pakura of the Scorch Release."
Pakura wasn't surprised that Anko would know that.
Though she was taken aback when Anko asked that.
"Teach your student Wind Release huh?"
"You wouldn't mind, right? The Chunin Exams are all about different villages coming together, and showing others what they can do. I just wish for my student to learn from a strong person, and you're very strong. One of Suna's strongest if I recall, right?"
Pakura was still caught off guard, and she thought about it for a few moments.
But then she turned her eyes to Ryouta.
"Uchiha boy, you and this ice girl, fight me."
Both Ryouta and Haku were now caught off guard.
They didn't expect her to say that.
"You want to fight us? But why?"
Haku asked, Pakura hummed.
"Curiosity mostly, I just wish to feel what you can do with my own body."
Before either Ryouta or Haku could say anything, Anko pushed forward.
"Great idea. A little spar doesn't hurt anyone~"
Ryouta had even more questions, wondering what was going on inside of Anko's head.
But he followed her as she was his Sensei and seemed to have a reason for doing it.
Finding themselves on a training field, Ryouta and Haku came together as Pakura pulled out a kunai. Whipping it to the right, Pakura got into a defensive position as Ryouta pulled out his sword, and Haku clutched a few senbons between her fingers.
Anko looked on from the distance, keeping an eye on Pakura.
"Then I'm ready when you are."
Pakura began, so Haku dashed forward. Running at high speeds, she got towards the right hand side of Pakura, and slashed at her, Pakura to her astonishment was able to predict her movements, blocking her attack with the kunai.
As she did, Ryouta moved with the Body Flicker, appearing on the other side of Pakura, and took a swing for her. She bent her body, moving closer to Haku as she was being pushed away by the young woman's strength.
The blade missed Pakura by a few inches, as Pakura swung a leg out for Haku.
Moving her arms in an X shape to intercept the attack, the kick was stronger than anticipated, forcing the young woman off of her feet, and went flying back across the battlefield, astonishing Anko a good deal.
"I know she has the Scorch Release, but her Taijutsu is quite good. Though we'll see how strong she is."
As Anko thought it, Ryouta Sharingan activated, getting close, she swung for Pakura several times. Intercepting each attack with her kunai, Ryouta however, seeing Pakura's movements in slow motion, and knowing where the next block was going to go, Ryouta switched it up, and went from the right hand side, swinging it for her stomach area.
Realizing it too late to block, Pakura pushed chakra through her, and pulled back. The blade managed to cut her top, the outfit she wore had a small cut with the fabric to fall down to the ground.
"Not bad, you are as fast as I thought. Or, perhaps you're even faster than this. Maybe I should pick it up a notch."
Pakura began as Haku used her ice mirrors.
Crossing the distance between them, she appeared above Pakura, releasing several senbons down towards her. Each also were precise enough that any of them would cause maximum damage and slow down the young woman at the same time.
Pakura placed her hands together, and weaved through some hand signs.
"Wind Release, Great Breakthrough!"
Pakura inhaled quickly, then exhaled out a sharp burst of wind.
More than a normal release of wind from such a Jutsu, Haku saw that the incredibly air pressure was focused, and wasn't spread out as it typically would be. Sweeping through the senbons, Haku retreated through her mirror.
As the winds smashed into the ice, parts of the mirror were being blasted off.
Even Ryouta had to admit that it was amazing to see Pakura do that so quickly, and proficiently as well as calmly.
He saw the mirror soon shatter under the intense winds, Ryouta had to praise her since she did it within a matter of a few seconds, and with such intensity behind the attack he was happy to see she was so strong as he wished to have a good challenge, and Pakura definitely was a good challenge.
"Fire Release, Great Fireball Jutsu!"
Ryouta went with a classic power and shot off a huge flaming sphere. One that even Anko was surprised to see him fire off. Easily towering above a two story house, the flames went towards Pakura at high speeds.
To Anko's astonishment, Pakura summoned a sphere of what looked like fire. But it wasn't exactly fire, and she watched as it went towards the middle of Ryouta's flaming sphere, hitting it with an impactful blast, the flames of Ryouta's burst out all in front of Pakura's form, protecting her from harm.
"Your Fire Release is well trained, young one."
Pakura admired the power.
Ryouta gave a thankful bow.
"That's kind of you, and that Jutsu you used, I couldn't copy it with my Sharingan. So it had to be your famed Kekkei Genkai."
Pakura's eyes glanced at the Sharingan.
The red eyes were captivating.
"Indeed. Though I wont be using it to attack you with."
Ryouta and Haku who joined beside him, tilted their heads.
"How come?"
Haku asked, with the young woman showcasing a small happy expression on her face.
"Because it would end your lives, and I currently have no intentions to do so."
Anko's brows furrowed.
She didn't like the sound of that.
But Ryouta and Haku didn't quit, and came together. Ice danced around the pair of them, as Ryouta weaved through some hand signs.
"Water Release, Water Dragon Jutsu!"
Creating a large Dragon of water, the snake like Dragon shot towards Pakura. Pakura placed her hands together, and went to fire off a Fire Release, when suddenly from the mouth of the Dragon, icy shurikens were being released.
Seeing Haku was adding them through the Dragon, she was impressed enough to know that she'd have to dodge out of the way, which she did by back flipping out of the way several times.
Pakura noticed that the ground was pierced with the shurikens and caused them to freeze ever so slightly.
As she dodged them, Ryouta used this chance to shoot across the battlefield. Coming in from the right, he used his speed amp to get in close, and his foot went for Pakura's body, as his sword went down from the other side.
Pakura blocked the kick with her arm, and the kunai she had blocked the sword. But, as the sword and kunai met, Ryouta breathed out some flames, wrapping them around his blade, and cleaved right through the kunai of Pakura's.
"Damn."
Pakura saw that the flaming sword went towards her upper arm to slice across it. He didn't want to seriously hurt her. However, Pakura dodged it by moving her body back, at the same time she pushed his leg back enough with incredibly strength.
He flipped in the air, as Haku moved from underneath the flipping Ryouta, her hands cupped together.
As she did, the water Dragon that Ryouta previously had control over was now under hers, which turned into many, many water needles. They spread all around the young woman, to the point that Pakura couldn't see any way for her to dodge out of the waters path.
"Thousand Flying Needles of Death!"
Haku announced, Pakura smiled and went to move her hand…
When she suddenly felt it being forced down to the ground.
The strength of the pull was enough to cause Pakura to be on bended knee.
Her eyes widened when she noticed wire was wrapped around her arm, attached to Ryouta's own foot.
"During the attacks he gave me, he moved his leg fast enough to cause it to wrap around me, while my eyes were focused on the flaming sword, impressive to use such a misdirect that even I failed to notice it. But I didn't even see the wire until just now...no, when I briefly looked into his eyes, did he cast a Genjutsu on me? Even though we weren't even in the middle of a skirmish at that time, the Sharingan's ability to hide things with Genjutsu is very well executed indeed. He thought that far ahead...very impressive boy."
Pakura had to admit that it was fantastic.
Her eyes went to Haku, seeing how well she transformed water, and how fast she moved as well.
"And that Ice Release user, she's something else. Her movements with the ice, the mirrors of ice, and how she was able to use other peoples water so quickly. I haven't seen the Wind Release she has yet, but I know that element she does have as I've heard her use it before. I can see why she'd want to use Wind Release even more. And finally, their combination was flawless, seeing them both come together has opened my eyes...simply fantastic."
Pakura watched as the water needles are raining down towards her.
However, before they could pierce her, flaming orbs appeared around her.
Her Scorch Release orbs intercepted all of the atacks.
The intense heat of the orbs caused the water to disappear.
Floating all around her, the orbs looked dangerous.
Ryouta and Haku came together, when Pakura placed her hand out.
"That's enough for me. I can see both of your spirits through your movements, and I can see that you've both got great potential." Pakura's eyes went towards Anko as she jumped down. "So, you would like me to train Haku-san here?"
"At least only a few lessons. If you don't mind. I saw your Wind Release, it is some of the most focused and quick I've seen before. Granted I haven't seen so many Wind Release users, but I'd say you're up there."
Pakura took that as a compliment.
"That's nice of you, thank you. And I do not mind."
"I have to ask though, are you okay with helping someone from a different village grow stronger? She will be facing your Genin potentially in the future."
Pakura thought that made sense for Anko to ask that.
"Yes, that is true. But, I like seeing the potential of others being realized. So, if you're okay with me, I'd happily teach you some things, Haku-san."
Directing the last part at the young girl, Haku looked eager.
"Yes, I would like to learn from you, Pakura-san. You are incredibly skilled, even during our brief fight I felt like you had a lot more to give, and your speed and strength are something that I admire as well."
Pakura gave a humble smile.
Anko grinned, placing her hands on Ryouta's shoulder.
"Great! Then Haku, I've got to go and spend time with this cute boy. Have fun training. Don't worry, you'll be fine here."
Anko hurried Ryouta away, leaving the pair alone.
As they left, Ryouta noticed that an Anbu was looking on, it seemed that Anko was having them watched.
Though it seemed that Anko had her own reasons for doing it, he just didn't know what they were at that point.
Moving towards the forest, Ryouta followed beside Anko who hummed all the way. Though he could see something was off with Anko. Like she had something on her mind and hadn't said anything about it yet.
But he wouldn't press her, knowing that she would tell if if the time would come to it.
Arriving at the forest, Ryouta's eyes went towards the large trees. Then he turned his eyes towards Anko who kept her eyes forward.
"Well, seems like we're here. Best move ahead."
As they stepped inside of the gates of the large forest, Anko's eyes glanced towards Ryouta, who turned back towards her curiously.
"Anko-sensei, while I'm grateful to have the snake contract, I have to wonder why we are within the forest?"
"Well, you'll soon see."
"But to sign a contract, I remember Shi-chan telling me when I was a kid about them that you'd need a scroll or something?"
"Yeah, that's right. I've got it, but we're going into the forest for...personal reasons, that's all you need to know right now."
That alone made Ryouta wonder what was going on.
He felt like there was more than meets the eye.
Anko continued on with a surprising concern on her face, while they began jumping through the forest together.
"However, I have to ask, this is the snake contract. You met with Orochimaru, I was wondering if the snakes were the way that you'd wish to go, due to what happened to you in the past with him. I heard that he relentlessly attacked you and forced you to do many things in order to survive against such a dangerous threat."
Ryouta thought about what she said for a few moments, before inclining his neck.
"Orochimaru gave snakes a bad name, even Garaga-san seemed to really hate him."
"Yeah, he is a dodgy bastard alright." Anko paused, seeing Ryouta looking towards her. "It seems that you've got some questions for me. Like about my connection to snakes, and Orochimaru."
Ryouta did think about it several times.
But it was clear on Anko's face that she wasn't comfortable speaking about him, so Ryouta didn't wish to cause her concern or upset her either.
"The thought did cross my mind, but it is your choice to tell me Sensei. If you don't wish to say, then I wont say anything about it."
The young woman let out a small laugh.
But her face soon fell to being something more serious.
Something that even Anko had to admit that she was surprised in how she was feeling.
"It's...It's something that is hard to speak about. The fact that it is Orochimaru...he used to be my Sensei."
Revealing the truth, Anko took in a sharp breath.
Ryouta figured that was the case with what he had seen both Anko and Orochimaru being capable of with snakes.
"Yes...I thought that you were. But Sensei, you don't have to tell me anymore...I can hear it in your voice, that pain that you feel."
Anko waved her hand.
"You don't have to be concerned about me, I'm alright. Rather, even if it is painful, I have to at least explain this. Orochimaru might come back, and I want you to be prepared against him, so he doesn't catch you off guard with knowledge about me and him, as much as I can give you...you have a right to know. He's made you his target, and holding anything back now could get you killed."
From her words, it was clear that Anko was torn between what she was feeling, and how she needed to act.
Duty vs her heart.
Her heart wanted to keep it hidden away.
But the duty to her comrades, to her students, she needed to reveal it to them, everything so Orochimaru couldn't keep winning against them.
She wouldn't let Orochimaru keep winning.
So she took in sharp deep breaths, readying herself to reveal more about her past.
"That man...he is brilliant, in a way. He's smart, and he's capable of many things. But he is also a sadistic ass that thinks only about himself, and how he can further his own goals. Using anyone for his advantage...and even his own students..."
"Your Curse Mark, Sensei. Is that what you're talking about?"
Anko gave a slight inclination of her neck.
"I heard he tried to put a Curse Mark on you, for that I can only apologize."
Ryouta shook his head several times.
"It wasn't your fault Sensei."
She wished she could believe those words.
But deep down, Anko felt partly responsible for what Orochimaru was trying to do.
"It was...if I could have stopped him, then my Genin wouldn't have been targeted. If I had recognized that he was pretending to be that Kusa Ninja from the beginning, then you wouldn't have had to go through what you did. So you see, it is my fault, I didn't see him when I'm someone that should recognize him in all forms he had."
Ryouta heard her voice crackle at parts when she explained it.
But Ryouta didn't see it like that.
"Sensei, you couldn't have known about that, he took lengths to hide who he was until he wished to reveal himself. From what I've heard, he's one of the Sannin, he's a very strong man, and he has weird Jutsu's. Even being able to regenerate all wounds. You don't have to blame yourself for anything he has done and will do."
Anko laughed to herself.
Those words felt good to her.
But at the same time she felt conflicted by what happened when she confronted him.
How she couldn't take him down in the end.
It was….so difficult that she wasn't even sure what she was going to do next.
"I wish it was so simple as that. That man...He's always with me, this mark on my neck reminds me of him all of the time. He taught me some Jutsu and when he got bored, he threw me away like trash, and moved onto his next experiment. It isn't even the fact that he threw me away, in many regards he did me a favour by discarding me...but the fact that he still hurts innocent people, treating people as insects, for him to dissect, for him to do whatever it is that he wishes to do, and doesn't pay for his crimes...it makes me feel sick."
At her words, Ryouta could tell that she had quite a lot of anger for Orochimaru.
But more than that, pain and loss at many things.
Her life, being controlled by Orochimaru via the Curse Mark.
The thing that she never could get away from either.
It was something that no one should have had to go through, Ryouta did feel disheartened by what Anko was saying.
"Sensei, what he did to you..."
"What he did to me...is something that I'm glad he didn't do to you or that Uchiha girl. If he had done...I don't know if I could have forgiven myself. This Curse Mark...it's a Jutsu that no one should have to go through. So that's why I have to stop him before he can do anything to anyone else. He is my responsibility after all."
It was clear to Ryouta that Anko was taking responsibility for something that he believed she didn't need to do, something that she hadn't done at all.
More than that, carrying the burden of it on her own, Ryouta felt for her.
Now he understood more and more about his Sensei, how she was feeling deep inside of herself.
How she was understanding her own emotions, and trying to cope with someone like Orochimaru in her life.
"Sensei, that Orochimaru guy...he's doing these things, you don't have to feel guilt or anything like that. He is choosing his path, he's the monster, not you. I only interacted with him for a short time, but I could tell that he has a dark heart, and you aren't anything like that Sensei."
"It's nice to say that, but it doesn't erase what he did, what he's done, and what he's truly capable of doing as well. I...I have to make things right, and settle the score with him. Especially after targeting my Genin...you know, he wont stop once he's set his mind on something. He is after you now, Ryouta."
Ryouta understood.
He recalled what Orochimaru went through, the lengths he showed to have a chance of putting the Curse Mark and possibly even more on Ryouta himself.
"I know Sensei. He is going to show his face again, I have to be ready."
"That's right, it's because of his obsessive nature that I want you to have a contract with snakes. I might not be able to fight him off...but, this is something that I can do for you. Even if it is only a little, if you have a strong snake beside you...then maybe it will make a difference. Maybe...you'll be what Orochimaru could have been...no, you'll be better than him, stronger than him, smarter than him, and most of all...kinder than him."
Behind her teasing nature, Ryouta could see that Anko really did wish to help those close to her, even if she wasn't strong enough to do anything about Orochimaru.
Ryouta placed his hand on top of her own, catching Anko off guard as they came to a stop.
"Sensei...Orochimaru is not your burden to bear. At least not alone. He is, he is a monster that you don't have to blame yourself for. I'm sure right now, that man loves the idea of getting under everyone's skin, making them fear him. But he doesn't scare me."
Anko blinked at the words he said.
It was rather surprising that he didn't.
"He doesn't?"
"Indeed, he is very powerful and he's able to do a lot of things. But, he doesn't scare me. I wont let him scare me, because if he did, then he wins, and I don't want him to win. Whatever he's got planned for me, it isn't in my plans to follow his. I've had people try and do things to me, like Yashiro Uchiha, and...others, Orochimaru can try but I'll do everything I can to resist and stop him."
Anko was blown away.
The courage in his words, caused her to feel some build in her.
But she also knew Orochimaru well, and what he could do.
"He wont stop, he's got his eyes set on you, and he's got the power to do whatever it is that he wants. I'm not even sure old man Hokage-sama at the age he is at has the capabilities to take him down."
Ryouta realized what she said was true.
"You're right Sensei, he does have eyes on me, and he does have incredible power. That's why I'm going to become strong, so he can't do what he tried to do to me to others. Orochimaru...I wont let him burden you anymore Sensei, I'll become stronger Sensei. Orochimaru doesn't get to win anymore."
Anko bit her lower lip.
Something inside of her believed it.
She had already known that he hurt Orochimaru, he caused Orochimaru to retreat.
So if anyone could, then she believed that he could.
"And that Curse Mark on your neck Sensei...I'll do everything I can to get rid of it for you. I'll make sure that that it disappears and you can be free from him Sensei. Orochimaru's mark doesn't have to be there Sensei, one way or another, I'll do my best to help you get rid of it."
Anko became emotional when he said that.
She didn't expect him to say that.
Unexpectedly, she began feeling a warmth spread within her chest.
A warmth that she really liked.
"Damn boy..."
Though she said it sharply, her face was lifting into a smile.
A smile that she hadn't felt for a good while now appearing on her face.
She bent towards him, and gently kissed his cheek, catching him off guard.
A small pink dust spread across his face as she pulled back.
"You keep saying those kind of words to me boy, and maybe you'll get far."
"S-Sensei..."
Anko winked as she pulled back.
"Maybe you're right...well, I've seen your determination, with everything you've gone through, lets make sure Orochimaru can't keep winning."
Ryouta nodded strongly.
"Yes Sensei!"
Anko began laughing to herself.
She really didn't expect such a heart to heart, despite knowing she'd have to tell him something.
But in many ways...it was a conversation she was glad that she had.
"Lets keep going~"
Hearing her voice pick up more of her natural energy that she usually had, it was nice that he could help her feel like she didn't have to do it all on her own.
Anko and Ryouta soon came to a stop as they got far into the forest, something that Ryouta wondered why they had to come this far.
"Here seems to be a good place, so lets make the snake contract be signed right now." Anko pulls out a scroll, and places it on the ground. "You can sign your names within this scroll. First, you need to draw some blood, and write your name in said blood. People usually bite their fingers to do it, so I'd recommend that as well. Afterwards, I'll show you the hand signs so we can get to showing you some snakes."
Ryouta did as she said, and bit his index finger, before seeing a place to write out his name.
Doing so, Anko let out a small laugh, seeing the contract taking effect.
"That's it, you've got a contract with the snakes now."
"Wow, so that's what it took?"
"Yeah, that's it. That isn't to say all snakes obey you now, just that you can summon them. It's up to you to have them follow you." Ryouta nodded. "So lets see if you can summon any kind of snake..."
"Summoning a snake?!"
Suddenly, a booming voice erupted around them.
Ryouta and Anko looked to see Garaga moving closer.
Anko smiled while Ryouta waved.
"Garaga-san, I just signed the summoning contract."
"I saw, so you think you can be a snake summoner do you?"
Ryouta pulled forward as he nodded.
"That's right, I wish to become a snake summoner."
"Hm, well you'd at least be able to be better than Orochimaru."
Garaga paused, and thought about it.
Ultimately, he decided to challenge the boy himself to see if he did have what it took.
But before he could ask, Ryouta suddenly spoke up.
"That's why Garaga-san, I have a request."
Garaga raised an eyebrow with intrigue.
"What's that?"
"I'd like for you to become my partner."
Anko looked on, and showed a slight smirk on her face.
"Going for the big guns are you? There's very few snakes that can rival, or surpass Garaga, yet you still wish to go for him?"
"Was that a jab about Manda being stronger than I am purple haired woman?!"
Anko grimaced "Course not~" though Garaga didn't seem convinced.
Ryouta answered Anko regardless.
"It is as you said Anko-sensei, we need to be prepared for when Orochimaru comes back. Garaga-san is very powerful, if he and I were to team up, we might be able to accomplish...no, we would accomplish many things together."
Garaga sharpened his eyes upon the young man.
"You're serious?"
Garaga didn't think he'd say that.
But he was happily excited to see what was going to come of it.
"Yes Garaga-san, please become my partner. Even with the snake contract signed, you don't have to obey me, do you?"
"Yeah, you're right about that kid. I don't have to do anything any summoner tells me to do. That's why Orochimaru doesn't bother summoning me, he tries and I'd bite off his head, and spit my venom down his throat so his lungs would petrify as well as his heart, if he has one which I suspect he probably doesn't."
Anko thought that she hated Orochimaru, but it seemed that Garaga truly despised him.
"I thought that was the case, so that's why I am prepared to fight you, to prove my strength to you."
Garaga and Anko were both caught off guard with his declaration.
"No kidding, you're willing to step up and fight me?"
"I am Garaga-san. I wish for us to be partners, and I will fight you to show that I am worthy enough."
Garaga had a large smile on his already large face.
His eyes brimmed with happiness.
Now this is what he wished to see in a partner.
"Well, if that's how you really want it, then it's time to get prepared boy, because I wont give anything other than my all! And I expect the same from you!"
Wanting to prove a point, Garaga showcased his strength by breaking through several trees.
"I wouldn't have it any other way, Garaga-san. I'll not hold back either."
Ryouta also responded to that by revealing the Sharingan, and taking up a stance with his blade.
Anko watched between them.
Seeing Ryouta maturing more and more, she was happy.
And she honestly wished to see how the fight was going to go as well.
She came out there to see if some of the weaker snakes would follow him, but seeing Garaga, a very strong snake now wishing to see if he had the power to become his partner...she was very interesting to see if Ryouta could tame the untamable snake that only one person before ever could. A snake, not even Orochimaru could get on his side.
End chapter!
So this chapter focused some on Anko and Ryouta's relationship developing, with the two being casual, to having a deeper conversation later on about Orochimaru and how Anko's feeling. Meanwhile, Pakura seems to be going through her own moral dilemma and what she's having to do. She even offered to train Haku for her own personal reasons, and had a little practice fight with Haku and Ryouta.
Ryouta's also finally signed the snake contract! And as his first act as a snake summoner, he's going to be going up against Garaga, who wishes to see if he's worthy of being his contract partner. So we'll see how that plays out next time!
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Ryouta; Satsuki, Sakura, Naruko, Hinata, Gaara (fem), Ino, Haku (fem), Kurotsuchi, Karin, Konan, Mei, Anko, Samui, Hanabi, Mabui,