Welcome to the next chapter!
joharasbel; Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Moshiyari; It seems so hehe~
TheGreatGodzilla; Well, we'll see if she does or not. Eventually he'll have kids with all of them. We'll find out about Garaga's master quite soon. Pakura had her reasons as to why she was asking questions about Ryouta. Yeah, the plan for Suna and Oto is still on, and in canon it didn't seem to really upset relationships between the villages. Yeah, I haven't read it yet, been quite busy.
Morregen; Thanks! Yeah, they'll be a very strong team together! Yeah he has some roles to play in some battles in the future. Yeah, he might be able to do that~
danielsnow; Glad you liked it! Anko definitely can do~ Pakura we'll be seeing some more of in these coming chapters! Yeah, it's going to be a tough thing for Ryouta to see them fighting one another. It will be yeah. Thanks very much!
ShadowUzumaki55; Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! They did yeah, Garaga and Ryouta gave it their all. Naruko is going to be trained by Jiraiya, and we'll see the fruits of the training Ryouta will have with Kakashi pretty soon.
JhotoLoraxius; Pakura's place in the story shall become apparent soon enough. Yeah they could do. He could learn a snake sage mode. Yeah, maybe she could be.
Sen Tobi; Pakura does seem like she's thinking about Ryouta a good deal.
Silver crow; Thanks, glad you liked it. Glad you liked those scenes. Maybe he is aware of that fact and hasn't decided to voice it yet. Yeah, Kakashi surely did. Anko was definitely sad about her forest suffering so much damage. Yeah, quite funny that they couldn't have more opposite powers. Yeah, he didn't need to use Mangekyou. Ryouta will eventually surpass Shisui. Ryouta will summon Garaga for a few battles. Naruko knows how strong and smart Haku is, so it's natural that she's worried. Anko definitely wished to have a little private time huh~? Jiraiya definitely got scared a bit there~ Ryouta and Temari will interact before the finals. All I can say is that Ryouta's gonna have some stuff to do during the invasion. Yeah, if he uses her bone power, it would be how she could use it. Yeah, they'd have to upgrade the house by the time they come and live with them. Neo could do yeah, sounds good. If I did a One Piece story, I don't see why not. I could see Satsuki being a bit like that.
Guest 1; Yeah, I was quite busy that week. He did yeah, Ryouta and Garaga are going to have a cool combination. They'd be pretty cool, thanks for the suggestions.
Skull Flame; We'll learn a good deal about his previous summoner pretty soon. Haha, yeah that would have definitely have been worse.
TheRagFromTheCrag; Yeah, he'd have suffered if he had ended up doing that. And Anko could do yeah.
GuoYaohui; Yeah, that would be a cool idea to do.
Guest 2; Thanks for the vote.
A fan; Thank you for the vote.
Guest 3; Thanks for the votes.
Guest 4; Thanks, I'm very happy you enjoyed their fight! Yeah, the reveal is going to be quite the surprise for some people~ Yeah, Garaga will interact with other snakes, so we'll see what's happening with them. Mikoto does seem to be a bit of a prankster huh. Ryouta and Jiraiya's relationship is going to be a fun one. Thanks very much! Thanks for the suggestions!
one pie1234; Thanks for the votes.
Any of one; Thanks for voting.
Andrew123456; Thanks for the votes.
War Sage; Thanks! Yeah, was a bit busy that week, and didn't have time to write as much. Glad you liked the fight they had. Pakura's interests shall become apparent as to why she is. Yeah, Ryouta had a little time with the women there, while Jiraiya got a bit scared. Yeah, Kakashi wasn't going to leave Naruko high and dry, and was going to make sure she got proper training. Sakura will be as well here yeah. Ryouta might be Jonin by that time in the series. Yeah, Neji's status was a bit odd, most likely due to the fact we didn't see much of him during Part Two, so he could have been leading some missions we just didn't know about. That will probably be Satsuki's technique, but he'll have a Jutsu that will be able to match the power of Kirin. Ryouta when he's a bit older could use his Susanoo around Garaga yeah. Thanks for the suggestions!
AlphaOmega; Ryouta has done yeah~ His previous Master was someone that was Kage level, and we'll learn more about her pretty soon. Ryouta can learn it, it might take more time than Satsuki, but we've seen other people learn all five nature transformations, it's just harder to learn those that aren't your innate nature transformation. Glad you liked that scene~ I'm sure Jiraiya might have to think again if he sees those ladies again. Thanks for the suggestions.
Neonlight01; Yeah, she could have been~ Whoever it was, Garaga believed they'd be able to best Orochimaru which isn't an easy feat in of itself. Thanks for the suggestions.
Hinata fan; He'll be training and other things will be going on yeah. Glad you liked that scene. He'll see them for sure. Haha, he and Jiraiya will have a fun moment. Thanks for the vote!
Guest 5; Thanks for the votes!
Well, with those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
The Hyuga's Thoughts
After spending time in the hot spring with Anko, Ryouta went to the hospital to visit Lee and Hinata. Hinata he knew was most likely awake and would be ready to be discharged soon enough, but Lee he was very concerned about.
But when he got towards Hinata's room, her Father was there, stood at the entrance.
It seemed to Ryouta like he was blocking the path for reasons he wasn't entirely aware of.
"Good evening Hiashi-san. May I speak with Hinata-san?"
Ryouta said politely and respectfully.
But he received a cold stare as a reply.
"No, visiting for my daughter has been finished for the evening."
Hiashi's tone was harsh.
It was even a little antagonizing for reasons Ryouta didn't know.
"I...I see, then I'll stop by tomorrow. Thank you."
Ryouta bowed, and walked towards Lee's room.
Hiashi's eyes stayed on the young man for a few moments, before turning and going back into the room his daughter was in.
"F-Father...who was at the door?"
Hinata asked, Hiashi focused his brows.
"It's nothing you have to worry about."
Hinata wondered what that meant.
But Hiashi seemed to not wish to speak about it anymore so she didn't say anything else.
Ryouta meanwhile continued down the corridor, and went towards Lee's room.
Finding it, he gave a small knock, and then heard a "Come in!" which sounded like Lee, so Ryouta opened the door to see that Lee was sat up on the bed. His eyes fully alert, and his body, while still quite damaged, Lee being Lee wasn't one to simply sit around and do nothing, so he tried to do some press ups.
"Lee-kun, you can't do that."
Ryouta explained, and gently stopped Lee.
"But, I have to do something! My rival, I'm no longer in the Chunin Exams!"
Even though it was a sad thing that he wasn't in it, it didn't seem like Lee's spirits had been dampened at all.
"Yes...I was hoping that we could fight one another. I'm sorry for not being here when you woke up, I was...well, I was having a fight with a giant snake, as crazy as that sounds."
Lee blinked as he listened to what Ryouta had just said.
"A giant snake...t-that Orochimaru guy?!"
Ryouta laughed it off, shaking his head again and again.
"No, it isn't like that. It's something else. Regardless of that, I managed to have the snake follow me and is now in a contract with me. Pretty wild...but, I'm glad that you're doing okay Lee-kun. Even Guy-sensei...speaking of, where is Guy-sensei?"
"Guy-sensei was so tired so I sent him home!"
Ryouta chuckled as a response to that.
It was like Lee to do something like that.
"I see, yeah he did stay here all the time you were here. He didn't leave even when people tried to offer it."
"That sounds like Guy-sensei! So since you're through to the next round, who's your opponent next? I haven't been able to find out yet."
"Neji-san."
Ryouta replied calmly, Lee looked quite surprised.
But happy at the same time.
"If I can't fight Neji, then the next best thing is for you, my rival to fight him! Have you got plans for him yet?"
"Yeah, I've got some plans. And I plan to go and learn from Kakashi-sensei as well."
"That makes sense! But remember Ryou-kun, his eyes. They're very dangerous, if he gets near you, it could be over."
"I'll have to become even faster Lee-kun~"
Lee flashed a goofy smile, and a thumbs up at the same time.
"Then I'm sure you'll succeed!"
"I hope so...but what about you? Have the doctors said anything about condition yet?"
Lee scratched his cheek as he looked over himself.
"I'm not so sure yet. They said if Gaara had done anymore damage, then they'd not be able to do anything for me apart from make me comfortable as I try and walk again. But since she didn't get that last attack in, they aren't so sure just yet. It could go either way. But I'm hoping that it goes in the right direction and that I'll be able to become a Ninja again!"
Ryouta hoped for that as well.
He didn't want Lee's Ninja career to end because of that match.
"If that's the case, then don't put anymore strain on your body Lee-kun."
Ryouta scolded in a friendly kind of way, he knew Lee was eager to get up and go.
But if it was going to damage his body by moving then he'd try and have Lee wait before going full force for it.
"I know, it's just I'm not so used to sitting down and doing nothing...ehehehe, I wish there was something that I could do..."
Ryouta raised an eyebrow.
He thought about it, he could understand very well about when he was in hospital after the attack with Yashiro, and then the Uchiha Massacre, how he wished to keep moving and doing his best in everything he could do.
That's when a thought came to Ryouta.
"If it is about keeping occupied, then why don't you help some of our friends with Taijutsu? I know Karin-chan said she was interested in learning how to fight up close and personal if she ever needed to do that, Ino-chan as well also expressed an interest, and I heard that Kiba-kun wishes to become even stronger...even if it isn't the strong fist, giving them more agile movements, and what not would be good, right?"
Lee's eyes brimmed with happiness.
"Y-Yes! That does sound really good! Maybe I can motivate them even more!"
"I'm sure that you could Lee-kun!"
Ryouta smiled at his friend as they sat together, and spoke for a good while longer, he was just glad that Lee was awake, and seemingly was doing well.
The next morning, Ryouta laid in bed, and thought about the fact that he had a contract with Garaga now.
Laying next to Satsuki, the young girls eyes went towards Ryouta as she woke up.
Seeing the expression on his face, she could easily tell something wasn't right, so she leaned up towards his face, allowing her long flowing hair to fall down and tickle said face as she moved closer and closer.
Feeling her breath hitting his face, his lips curled ever so slightly upwards.
"Morning."
"Morning."
Replying to the young girl, she allowed a small lift of her lips.
"So, what did you do with your Sensei? Learn anything?"
"Anko-sensei helped me become a snake summoner."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, that's right. I can summon snakes now. I've even got a large red snake as a contract partner. I'll have to introduce you."
Satsuki lightly smiled, as she placed her lips on top of his own.
"Yeah, I wouldn't mind. Plus, you've always liked them so makes sense you can use them now."
Satsuki replied as she leaned her head towards his chest, and laid on it.
"Satsuki-chan, we have to go soon, right?"
"Yeah, I guess that we have to. But for a few minutes, we don't have to go anywhere. In fact, I don't want to move."
Ryouta smiled down at the young girl.
It seemed that she looked rather peaceful, so he didn't attempt to move.
But when they did have to move, standing at the window with her face resembling a balloon squashing against the window, was Anko.
Satsuki sighed, as she strolled over.
"What?"
Anko pulled back as the glass was rapidly removed thanks to Satsuki opening the window.
"Good morning to you as well Princess." Anko pulled out a bowl of ramen and placed it on a nearby table. "Here you go, Ryouta. Think of it as a good morning from your Sensei~"
Satsuki gave suspicious eyes.
"What's in it?"
"My, you do seem surprisingly suspicious."
Anko gave a faux sad voice.
Satsuki folded her arms.
"If it is you, then I never can tell what's going to happen next."
"It isn't like that. It's a thanks for what went on yesterday, I feel better about certain things after our talk Ryouta, that's all."
In many ways, Ryouta thought it was rather sweet that Anko had gotten him such a thing.
Perhaps it was to replace the one that they swapped with just yesterday, he could even see it was the same flavour.
"Thank you Sensei, that's really sweet of you."
Anko waved a hand in front of her face.
"Aah, well. It wasn't anything really. So, you're going to Kakashi, right? Just so I know because I've got some stuff to do."
"Yes Sensei, that's right."
"Great, then...aaah, being a Jonin can be tiring work. But it is rewarding, keep aiming for the stars."
Anko waved her hand and jumped away.
Ryouta got out of the bed, and took some of the ramen with the chopsticks that it came with and ate some, smiling as he did so.
"This tastes really good..."
"Seems like she actually wasn't being weird for a change."
"Anko-sensei, I know she's a really good person."
Satsuki raised an amused eyebrow.
Ultimately, while she didn't know Anko that well, she was going to go with what Ryouta said and chose to believe in how he viewed the young woman.
A small time later on, Ryouta went with Satsuki out of the village, into a terrain that was made mostly of rocky formations. No wildlife, nothing that could become injured, Ryouta thought that it was a rather appropriate place for them to learn Jutsu's.
Kakashi wasn't anywhere to be found, so they sat down and leaned on the rocks.
"Is he always late?"
Ryouta asked, Satsuki sighed with a nod.
"Unfortunately, he's usually this late yeah. We might have to wait for a little while-"
"Or he's trying to sneak up on from the right."
Ryouta took out a kunai and launched it towards the right hand side.
As he did, it pierced the ground and stood there was Kakashi who was lazily carrying an Icha Icha book around, reading it as he stepped over the kunai that stuck out of the ground.
"Skills are very sharp. So, it seems that I have both of you today."
"Kakashi, keep teaching me about the Chidori."
Ryouta admired that she didn't want to waste time.
It might have sounded rude, but to Ryouta, it sounded as if she knew time wasn't on her side, and that she'd need a new powerful Jutsu to assist her.
Plus with the fact that the Chidori, something that Ryouta knew was a slightly weaker version of the Lightning Cutter, it was a Jutsu that he was sure that she'd want to have that in her arsenal.
"Of course. I have taught you the basic fundamentals, what we have to work on now is making it work for you, and seeing the current limit that you have in using it. And also making sure your speed, and striking power are stronger than they currently are."
Satsuki nods a single time.
Ryouta then watched as Kakashi came over, and stood before him with intrigue.
"Now then, lets begin with your training. I presume you and Anko already have done the snakes contract?"
Kakashi asked, with Ryouta nodding.
"We have done yes Sensei. I'm ready to learn from you."
"That's great, I've heard you have Water, and Fire Release so far, is that correct?"
Ryouta inclined his neck.
"Yes, that's right."
"I see, then we can begin right away. I'm sure by the months end, you'll be ready with this new Jutsu for you."
Ryouta became excited, showing it on his face.
"Thanks Sensei! I'm ready whenever you are!"
Kakashi lightly smiled at the young man before him.
Though thanks to his mask it was very hard to discern with normal eyes.
"Then lets get to work right away, we only have a month before the exams are upon us."
Ryouta nodded, and got hard to work together with Kakashi on this new Jutsu.
As that was going on, as Mikoto had promised, she took Naruko towards Jiraiya. Apart of her wished for him to simply have a good relationship with Naruko, as Godparent and Godchild, and she knew that Jiraiya was strong and that he'd be able to teach her a good deal of things.
"Mikoto-san, this guys super strong, right? Even stronger than Kakashi-sensei!?"
"That he is, he's one of the strongest guys in Konoha."
"Wow! I get one of the strongest for a Sensei?!"
Mikoto was glad that she was that excited.
"Yes, you could say that. Though Naruko-chan, I do have to warn you that this man...he is quite something else."
Naruko tilted her head in wonder, what that meant.
But then she shook her head and continued on.
Just then, when they made it near the hot springs, they finally found Jiraiya. The older man himself was attempting to flirt with two young women that had just come out of the hot springs.
But he wasn't getting very far.
Naruko watched on as the girls politely declined, and left in a hurry.
Jiraiya seemed to be dejected for a few moments, but then turned towards another young woman and flirted with her as well.
Naruko, to say that she wasn't impressed would be an understatement.
She looked downright baffled that Mikoto would choose this person to be her Sensei.
To her, he didn't seem remarkable.
"S-Seriously Mikoto-san? He's a big flirt!"
Mikoto giggled awkwardly.
"Y-Yes...he is, but he's...he is very strong, I promise you."
Naruko couldn't believe it.
Furrowing her brows, she walked over towards him.
Jiraiya paused, and looked down as Naruko grunted, getting his attention.
"Yeah? What do you want?"
Naruko's eyebrow twitched.
"You're the guy Mikoto-san said could train me?"
"Mikoto..." His eyes carried themselves to the Anbu herself, as she waved over. "S-So that means you're...yeah, the hair, and the eyes...ehehehe, so you're the one that...hahahaha!"
Jiraiya was nervous.
He didn't know what to say to her.
Naruko blinked, and then held her finger out at Jiraiya.
"What's so funny Old Man!?"
"Don't call me an Old Man brat!"
"Don't call me a brat pervert!"
Jiraiya took offence to that and grabbed Naruko by the back of the shirt, suspending her in the air before him. Mikoto could see this wasn't going well, so she walked over to smooth out what was going on.
"Don't you know who I am? I am the Legendary Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku! Jiraiya! And the author of Icha Icha series!"
"Icha Icha….that's the same book Kakashi-sensei reads!"
Naruko pointed at him as Jiraiya smirked, nodding strongly.
"Yeah, that's right. I am the author. Your Sensei has good tastes-"
"Pervy Sage!"
Like that, Jiraiya felt like he turned to stone.
His entire body stopped in motion, allowing Naruko to get free.
Mikoto held a hand to her mouth, giggling away.
Regaining his senses, Jiraiya scowled at the young blonde.
"H-Hey! Don't call me that! I am Legendary! You can't call me Pervy Sage!"
"You are a Pervy Sage! Saying such weird things! And writing those books! Mikoto-san, you sure this is the right guy? He seems like a fraud to me."
Mikoto didn't know what to say, and thought it would be best if Jiraiya handled it.
Jiraiya's eyebrow twitched.
"Fraud huh? I'll show you fraud." Jiraiya bit into his thumb, and then weaved through some hand signs. "Summoning Jutsu!"
Slamming his hand down, Jiraiya's body was clouded with smoke.
A few seconds later, rising out of the smoke, was a large toad.
Larger than several houses that were around, easily as tall as a five story house.
Jiraiya stood on top of it while Mikoto's face curled upwards, seeing Naruko's eyes becoming starry.
"W-Wow! You can summon something so huge?!"
"That's right, who's the fraud now huh?"
"T-Then it is true! You are strong! So you gotta teach me! Pretty please!"
Jiraiya continued to smirk, as the toad disappeared and he landed on the ground.
"Well, I don't just train anyone."
"Come on! You aren't doing anything!"
"I'm doing research for your information! Very important research!"
"You're hitting on girls! That's not research!"
Jiraiya let out a stubborn growl as did Naruko.
"Well, if you could help me with my research...yeah, I got it kid. Why don't you bring me back someone that's cute, then maybe I'll teach you!"
"Cute, cute, cute…."
Naruko mused, as Mikoto gave cross eyes.
"Now wait a minute Jiraiya-sama..."
Before she could protest, Naruko clicked her fingers.
"I've got it! I know someone that's really cute!"
"I-Is that so? Then bring them to me kid!"
"You got it Pervy Sage!"
Naruko rushed off, leaving behind a baffled Mikoto.
"Seriously Jiraiya-sama?"
"I was joking, I didn't think she'd do it. Though now it makes me wonder..."
"Whoever it is, I'm going to make sure nothing happens."
Jiraiya turns to Mikoto, baffled.
"Come on, you don't have to be so down about it!"
"I'm not being down. I'm just saying that you should train Naruko-chan, she's very talented. She just needs it brought out of her, and who better than a later bloomer such as yourself? Plus as Godparent and Godchild, wouldn't it be good if you got to know her more? I'm sure that you have a lot in common."
Jiraiya let out a small laugh.
"Yeah, don't worry, I'm sure that I can teach her something's."
"Yes...I'm sure that you can."
Mikoto smiled out.
She was glad that Jiraiya, despite his flippant attitude, was showcasing a genuine care for Naruko and wished to help her grow even stronger.
As that was going on, Haku was continuing her training with Pakura. Being able to use Wind Release with a genuine Master, Haku was getting quite a good bit out of this. She was even being able to use it more proficiently as well thanks to what Pakura was teaching her.
But the young Suna Ninja seemed to be distracted by something, something that Haku noticed as she continued firing off some Jutsu's for her.
"Pakura-san, may I ask if there's something on your mind?"
After a good while, Haku decided to ask it straight out.
Pakura turned towards the young girl, and hummed.
"It's nothing, I was just thinking about the future, that's all."
"The future? Is something supposed to happen?"
Pakura couldn't answer that truthfully.
"The future always changes so I couldn't say. But, I do at least know that whatever does happen, all you can do is your best."
"I see...so, what is it about the future you're worrying about, Pakura-san? If I maybe so bold to ask that is. You don't have to answer me if you do not wish to do so."
Pakura thought that she was rather kind and curious at the same time.
"No...it's alright. I was just wondering the outcome to the Chunin Exams, that's all."
"I see, yes I can see why that would be the case. Are you concerned for the members of Suna that's left?"
"Not so concerned, as I know they're both strong. But I'd like to see them progress even further if they're able to do it. Also, can I ask you something Haku-san?"
"Yes, of course."
Haku didn't mind answering since she also asked a question.
"Then, it's about the Uchiha boy."
"Ryou-kun, why do you want to know about him?"
Haku mused.
Pakura didn't answer for a few moments, thinking of the best way to ask her.
"It's about...I'd like to know more about him. During the Chunin Exams, he stopped Gaara. That doesn't happen. Not even her own Father can stop her with just his words. And then when I have to stop her, I have to use my power to do it. But he used words, so I am curious as to what was going on with that."
Haku found it understandable that Pakura would want to know why that happened.
What it was that stopped Gaara for that time.
"I couldn't say about Gaara-san. But I do know from personal experience, Ryou-kun managed to get through to my former Master. He was...lets say that he is a man that wouldn't ever agree to many things from other people. Least of all people that aren't on his side. But Ryou-kun...his words made my former Master cry. He hadn't cried for a long time, and because of that, Ryou-kun was able to make sure that he didn't die. He didn't sacrifice himself, nor did he die trying to fight us to his last breath, and right now is trying to do good things."
Pakura was caught by surprise by the words.
Yet at the same time she quite liked that was the case.
"So that's how it is..."
Pakura gave a far off stare.
The more she thought about it.
The more her task was something that she was finding difficult to do.
Even more now that Haku had said what she did.
"So he's a good person then..."
"Yes, he's a very good person. I'm sure that you'd get along with him extremely well Pakura-san."
Pakura lightly smiled.
She knew what was being said.
But she wished that it wasn't.
It only made her life more harder, and what she had to do next, extremely hard.
Jiraiya and Mikoto waited for what seemed to be almost an hour. Mikoto wondered who Naruko could have gotten, while Jiraiya was dying with anticipation. Mikoto glanced at Jiraiya who was rubbing his hands.
"Don't forget what I said Jiraiya-sama."
"I know! Don't worry about it!"
Mikoto shook her head and waited for what was going on.
Just then they heard Naruko's voice.
"Just follow me! Don't worry, it wont take long, but it is for me to get a strong Sensei!"
Mikoto looked on, seeing Naruko rounding a corner first.
Jiraiya's smile grew more and more as he waited for what he was going to get.
"Yes, come on girl...show me what fruit you got..."
Mikoto rolled her eyes as Jiraiya.
But that was replaced with a smirk when she saw who Naruko had actually gotten.
"Naruko-chan, who is this guy that wishes to train you?"
"Pervy Sage! He summoned a huge toad! And if I bring him someone cute, then he'll train me!"
Jiraiya's jaw hit the floor, and he turned a pale white as he saw who it was coming towards him.
It was Ryouta himself.
The young boys face came into full view, causing Jiraiya to start shaking, remembering who exactly this kid was.
More than that, the fact that Naruko had got him a boy when he wished for a female...he didn't know if Naruko was having a joke, or she was being dead serious about this.
Going towards the elder two, they stood before them and Ryouta looked at Mikoto, who smiled, and he smiled back, then his eyes went towards Jiraiya who gave a ghost like look.
"W-When I said someone cute kid, I didn't mean a guy! Why did you bring him?!"
Naruko blinked with perplexity.
"Eh? But he is cute! You didn't say girl! You said someone cute!"
"Maybe to you he is! Not to me! And it was implied I wanted a girl! Didn't you see me with those girls before?!"
"But Ryou's really cute and handsome! And he's really kind! Don't be mean!"
"He might be kind and all that other things to you, but this kid stole an opportunity from me with the women in the bath!"
"That's a good thing Pervy Sage! Don't be so pervy in the future!"
"I wasn't being pervy!"
"Yes you were! Now are you going to train me or not?!"
Ryouta overlooked Jiraiya as he argued with Naruko.
Hearing what Jiraiya said, he furrowed his brows.
"Excuse me, you asked Naruko-chan to go and find you a girl, in exchange for her to learn from you?"
Mikoto held back, seeing how Ryouta didn't look pleased at all.
Jiraiya on the other hand laughed nervously.
"Well, it wasn't exactly like that..."
Jiraiya continued to laugh awkwardly.
"So, you're going to train her?"
Jiraiya didn't want to look at his eyes.
Knowing that this boy was an Uchiha, he had Genjutsu at his disposal, and that was something Jiraiya wanted to avoid.
More than that, he also felt Mikoto's eyes on him.
Eyes that told him that she was being serious as well.
"...Yeah, sure totally."
"And no weird stuff, right?"
"Nope, nothing whatsoever. Just training. Please don't put a Genjutsu on me...not of the Old Man..."
Jiraiya said as he avoided contact with his eyes.
Ryouta watched him for a few moments, before nodding.
"I see. Then that's very good, thank you."
"Yeah, no problem Uchiha-kun."
Ryouta glanced at Mikoto.
"Is it okay to leave Naruko-chan with him?"
Ryouta didn't know Jiraiya and only after seeing him spying on girls and asking Naruko to get him a girl, it was something that Ryouta hoped was alright for her to be with him and that he'd be able to teach her something.
Though he could tell that Jiraiya was strong.
Jiraiya sharpened his eyes as Mikoto giggled.
"Appearances might be deceiving and he can be troublesome...but he is a genuinely good guy, and I'm sure Naruko-chan will learn a lot. Don't worry, I'll also have one of my Hawks watch over them, just in case Naruko-chan needs something~"
To Jiraiya, that basically was a warning to not try anything like what he did then to get him a date with a pretty girl using Naruko.
"I see, then I have to get back to my own training. Goodbye Naruko-chan, I hope you learn lots!"
"You too! Thanks for the help!"
Ryouta smiled, waved, and ran off, leaving the three alone.
"I have to leave as well, good luck Naruko-chan."
"Thanks for helping me Mikoto-san!"
Naruko waved as she walked off.
Leaving the pair alone, Jiraiya looked down at Naruko who gazed up at him curiously.
He lightly smiled, before cracking his neck side to side.
"Alright, lets see what we can do."
"Can I also summon a giant toad?!"
"All in good time."
Jiraiya brought Naruko with him as he left the area so he could train with her.
Getting back to his own training, he saw Kakashi watching over Satsuki's training. Seeing how she was able to produce some lightning. It wasn't focused just yet, but it was clear that she was doing quite well.
"Amazing Satsuki-chan, you've done really well after a short time."
Satsuki whizzed her neck around towards him.
Offering a cool smile, she showed a challenging expression.
"So you've come back. What happened with Naruko?"
"Eh...well, lets not get into that."
Ryouta chuckled awkwardly.
Even he didn't fully understand what had happened if he was honest himself.
"Alright...anyway, lets keep going."
Ryouta nodded and moved towards his part in the area.
Remembering what Kakashi had said and how he thought as well, he began channeling his chakra and giving it form, as Kakashi keenly watched on.
As they continued their training, Kakashi was more intrigued than ever about Ryouta, and what he was thinking about.
How strong he was training.
He wondered if he wanted to learn from Kakashi because of what happened with Orochimaru, and because of the fact that he knew his eyes had a certain limit and he had to use his other powers.
So he walked over to Ryouta, who was a short distance from Satsuki, and they couldn't hear them speaking.
"So, how's it going?"
"Hmmm, I think I understand the fundamentals of the Jutsu, now it's just applying it."
"Yes it certainly can be difficult. But, I am sure that you'll get it down eventually."
Ryouta smiled sweetly to Kakashi who didn't verbally say anything, but was pleased to see Ryouta trying as hard as he could do.
"Thanks Sensei."
"Then continue."
Ryouta nodded, and did just that.
As Kakashi watched him train, he couldn't help but feel a small smile slowly coming onto his lips.
At the end of the day, Ryouta panted, as several holes on the area were created by his Jutsu. His hand tingled as he watched Satsuki beginning to form lightning. Though it wasn't perfect just yet, it was clear that she was doing incredible since she hadn't ever used Lightning Release before.
She had to learn that before even trying to go for the Chidori, and Satsuki was coming along rather well.
Ryouta himself also was glad that he was beginning to learn such a Jutsu.
"Well, I think it's a good time to stop for today."
Kakashi said to Satsuki who exhaled, and pulled back.
She then went to Ryouta's side, feeling her chakra being drained, leaned her head on his shoulder in a cute manner.
"Yes well, it seems that you both are making good ways to your training. I am sure within the month you both will be able to achieve what it is that you wish to achieve. Though remember rest is important, if you don't rest, then you'll only burn out quickly."
Ryouta nodded in agreement.
"You're right Sensei. Thank you for today, I can't wait until tomorrow!"
Kakashi let out a small chuckle.
"Then you can leave for the day, and we'll continue on tomorrow."
Ryouta and Satsuki stood up together, and began walking away.
As they got back towards the village, Satsuki looked towards Ryouta who turned back to face her.
"Something on your mind Satsuki-chan?"
"I was about to ask you the same thing. You're being usually quiet."
"Yeah...well, I don't know what it is. Yesterday, something went on in the hospital. When I went to go and visit Hinata-san, her Father said she couldn't be seen. But, then there was...I'm thinking about going to see her and see how she is."
"Yeah, you should do. I'm sure she'd enjoy that."
Ryouta tilted his head.
"I hope so, I wish to help her if she's feeling down."
"You should go, I'm hungry anyway so I'll meet you later on."
"Alright, see you soon Satsuki-chan."
Ryouta smiled, and walked off, to go and see Hinata.
In another part of the world, Izumi was casually walking together with Kisame and Itachi. Holding three dango sticks with delicious looking dango on them, she took one of them and presented it to Kisame.
"Want one?"
"Don't mind if I do."
Kisame took the stick, as Izumi presented one towards Itachi.
"Want one Itachi-kun?"
Itachi stared at the dango, and then towards her.
A simple stare that was stoic in nature, which informed Izumi what he wished for.
She gave a cute expression as she casually passed it to him.
"Here you go Itachi-kun."
"...Thank you."
Izumi smiled as she locked arms with him and Kisame, casually going down the dusty road together.
"So, what's our objective now?"
Izumi asked, Kisame shrugged.
"Haven't heard anything, guess we're free until we're called upon."
"Ooh, then is it alright if we make a quick detour? There's this town I'd like to visit that has like, the perfect rice balls imaginable, and then there's supposed to be this interesting play there, about two star crossed lovers...aah, I know you guys wont appreciate it, but for me...it's really lovely~"
Kisame shrugged his shoulders.
"That does sound nice, the food I mean. Itachi, lets go there."
"I don't have a problem with it."
Izumi continued to smile, and walked together with both men.
As they arrived in town, they got a place to stay, and went to their own rooms. Izumi and Itachi shared a room as per usual, and this time, Itachi had some news.
"I received word on the Chunin Exams."
"Ooh yeah? What's going on with them?"
Izumi perked her ears up, and listened in quietly.
"I've heard both Ryouta and Satsuki have qualified for the finals of the exams."
Izumi's lips curled upwards.
Excitement took over, and she began pumping her fists again and again.
"Seriously? Yes! That's my boy! And that's your sister too! Before we know it, they'll be Chunin~"
"Yes...it seems that they could be. I am...optimistic for them."
Izumi giggled at the way he spoke.
But thoughts began coming to her, about how she wouldn't be able to witness it.
Even though it was something she wished desperately she could do.
They couldn't return to the home they cherished right now.
"Aah, I wish that we could go and watch them. Seeing Satsuki-chan and Ryou in the finals...I bet they'd show some cool stuff~"
"Yes, I'm sure they will. I am...sorry that you cannot go."
Izumi shrugged.
"This is the life we have now, it's for the better of those we love if we stick with what we have to do."
"Also, I think you should be aware of the fact that Lee, that boy that had a crush on you, apparently he also received a good deal of injuries. Apart from that, I don't know what's going on with him."
Izumi's face became crestfallen.
Lee was injured...she always supported his dreams, as she found him endearing, so hearing that he had been hurt, was rather devastating for her.
"Is that so? Lee-kun…what's he getting himself into..."
"I wish I could say, but I don't have anymore information than that, that's all I could gather."
"I see..."
Izumi wished she could go and see if he was okay.
Even after all these years, she did still care for Lee a good deal.
Bringing it to a different topic as she thought about what was going on with Lee.
"I also heard that our resident Madara Uchiha, Tobi, whatever he calls himself nowadays, disappeared for a day or so. Even our leader Pain didn't know where he went."
"...He couldn't have gone to the village, could he?"
Izumi didn't know the answer and she hoped that he didn't.
"I think if he did, your info would have told us something had happened to your sister, or Ryou. So I'm gonna say that they're pretty safe right now. Still Itachi-kun, that man...if he did go to the village, what could he have been up to? We know he seems to want Ryou for something..."
"He's a mysterious man, but even he wouldn't be foolish enough to make a move...not yet anyway."
"That's why, when it is time..." As she spoke, she saw Itachi's face curling downwards barely noticeably, but she could see it. "What's wrong?"
"...It's nothing, I'm just thinking about our next move, that's all."
Izumi gently smiled, and walked over towards him.
She placed her hands on top of his own, and squeezed in a comforting manner.
"Well, if you want to bounce ideas with me, I'll be for it~"
Itachi's lips curled upwards ever so slightly.
While not exactly a smile, it was something Izumi appreciated to see.
"Yes, perhaps we could do."
"Great! For now though, I'm hungry. I've got an idea, lets have a picnic in here, just the two of us."
"Yes...that sounds good."
"Then I'll go and get the stuff, you relax. After the last mission we did, you've certainly earned it."
Izumi said with a sweet smile, with Itachi knowing that Izumi wished for him to relax as much as possible because she also did quite a bit during the last mission they had as well.
Itachi looked on, seeing the young girl beginning to get other things sorted out.
Seeing how hard she was trying, only made him appreciate and care for her even more.
Late into the evening, after finishing training for the day, Ryouta had been informed that Hinata had finally woken up and had been in fact discharged, so he went to go and meet up with her to make sure that she was feeling okay after everything that went down.
Though as he approached the Hyuga family household, he suddenly was stopped as two Hyuga bodyguards came shooting towards him.
Ryouta didn't wish to fight them, so he spoke up to clear their worries.
"Hello, my name is Ryouta Uchiha, and I've come to see Hinata-san. Is she available?"
Ryouta called out, making his intentions known, and because he didn't recognize them, he explained who he was as well.
But the two Hyuga merely looked at him with their mostly blank eyes.
When suddenly Hinata's Father, Hiashi came out of large house, moved out of his land, walking out of the large wooden gates his land had around his home and stood on the dirt road that Ryouta was on.
The man's eyes went towards Ryouta.
He didn't make a move for a few moments, before turning to his fellow Hyuga members.
"Dismissed."
The two Hyuga's bowed and left.
Leaving the pair alone, the younger of the two tried to move forward, when Hiashi raised his hand.
"Not a step further."
Ryouta was surprised by the aggressive tone that he had.
He and Hiashi hadn't really ever had a conversation, but he usually remained calm.
But right now it seemed that while still remaining relatively calm, he didn't wish for Ryouta to be around.
So Ryouta paused, and looked at the older man.
"Hiashi-san, I came to see how your daughter, Hinata-san is doing. Is she, is she okay?"
"She is recovering. Though she did something reckless and tried to fight a superior opponent. I believe it is down to you that she did this, isn't it?"
Using a tone that sounded as if he blamed Ryouta for what happened with Hinata, Ryouta furrowed his brows.
"She chose to fight, for herself, no one else. And in my opinion, she did amazingly well during her fight. Managing to even push Neji-san further than most expected, even herself. Her getting hurt, yes it wasn't what I wanted as I don't want to see her in pain...but, she understood the risks and decided to fight. I only encouraged her to do what she wished to do, nothing more sir."
Replying in an earnest manner, Hiashi didn't and couldn't accept it.
"She is in a condition that could have left her damaged permanently if you hadn't of encouraged her."
"So encouraging her to do her best, is wrong?"
"When it endangers my daughters life, yes. You should know, she isn't strong enough to defeat Neji, she was reckless because she got encouraged by you."
Despite what he said, Ryouta recalled what Hinata told him about her Father.
How he had basically had said when she became a Genin that he didn't have a concern if Hinata died.
But seeing this now, something between his actions and words were amiss.
He understood perhaps deep inside, he really did care for Hinata's well being but had trouble expressing it.
As he thought about how to answer, Hinata with a few bandages wrapped around her came out into the courtyard. She had heard voices, and she went to investigate what was going on, so when she used her Byakugan and found Ryouta stood with her Father, she was all the more curious as to what was going to happen next.
Ryouta then understood himself what he was going to say, so he spoke to the older man with a raised eyebrow.
"I didn't want her life to be endangered, it pains me to see her like that. And yes, I encouraged her, because I wanted her to do the best that she could do. I didn't force her to do anything she didn't want to do."
Hinata placed a hand to her chest, as Hiashi looked coldly at the boy.
"In encouraging her, she became hurt, as I believe she would. The Ninja life isn't a life for Hinata. She doesn't have killer instincts, she doesn't have the ability and she is a liability on the battlefield. Encouraging her will only give her foolish dreams that she can do something that she cannot do."
Hinata's eyes lowered.
Ryouta didn't like the sound of that.
Her own Father not believing in her ability.
"With respect sir, Hinata-san's still growing and we don't know how strong she is going to be. She was able to pressure Neji-san, when he himself thought she'd not be able to do it. She also managed to get so far in the Chunin Exams. Most other opponents, and Hinata-san would have achieved a victory. Her match up against Neji-san was bad for sure, but I wouldn't call her a failure, and I wouldn't say she doesn't have the passion to become a Ninja. She might not have killer instincts that some have, but she does have the capacity to do what's necessary, I've seen it for myself. A Ninja doesn't have to be closed off, cold hearted, to be an excellent Ninja. And isn't it better to support her than not to? To help her reach the potential she has, and even surpass it so she does stay alive?"
Hinata felt touched by his words.
Even when her own Father was doubting her…
Ryouta always believed in her, supported her and encouraged her.
Even Hiashi was momentarily perplexed by such a statement.
Wise words beyond his years.
That's what Hiashi thought.
But deep down, he also thought about his daughter.
He was cold and aloof on the outside.
But he did care for Hinata, even if he didn't show it to the young girl.
"Then I'll ask, do not visit here, or converse with Hinata, ever again."
Ryouta bit his lower lip, hands clenched, holding back what he felt like saying.
Hinata on the other hand came out of the hiding space she was in, and moved towards her Father.
"Father, please don't do that-"
"Hinata, go back inside."
"B-But..."
"Hinata, now."
Hinata didn't do what her Father asked.
It was probably one of the only times she had ever openly defied him.
He looked at her sternly, but she refused to leave.
"What are you doing Hinata?"
Hinata gathered all of the courage that she had inside, and looked towards her Father as strongly as she could do.
"Please...Please don't say I can't...see Ryou-kun again. He's...He's helped me so much...he's been able to help me grow stronger...and he encouraged me...when I didn't have any confidence...Ryou-kun's been really kind to me...and has helped me in many ways...please don't say I can't see him again...I decided to fight Brother Neji, Ryou-kun supported my decision."
It was surprising to Hiashi.
This hadn't ever happened before.
"To go this far for the Uchiha?"
"..He's one of my very first friends...and I...I don't want to stop seeing someone...I really care for…! So please Father...all Ryou-kun has ever done is support me, and help me, in whatever I wished to do. I became a Ninja...because I wanted to, and I fought Brother Neji, because I wanted to. I was scared...but the support from my friends...from Ryou-kun, I was...I was able to stand up for...what I believe in."
It took all of the courage Hinata could muster up to speak to her Father.
He was a rather intimidating man, even when he was just speaking.
Adding onto the years of what Hinata had been through regarding her Father, this was a huge thing for the young Hyuga.
Hiashi didn't speak for over half a minute, trying to process everything that had just happened regarding the young girl before her.
And when he turned to Ryouta, he hadn't spoken yet, but it was clear in his eyes he wasn't receptive to the idea of not seeing Hinata either.
He was brought up as someone that respected elders.
Hiashi wasn't evil, so he didn't have to disrespect him.
But he also needed to convey his thoughts and give them to Hiashi.
Even Hiashi could tell one way or the other, Ryouta was someone that would speak his mind when it was something he believed in.
What he did with them, Ryouta wasn't sure.
But he at least was going to do it.
"Boy, have you got something to say?"
Surprisingly however, Hiashi did want to hear his thoughts.
Ryouta inhaled, and then spoke his thoughts to Hiashi.
"Yes. I don't want to stop seeing Hinata-san either. She is my friend, and even if being a Ninja is dangerous, it is a choice we both made. I became a Ninja to help the village, and put my talents to good use, to be like my brother before me and even better than that. Hinata-san's been kind to me, when my...my brother died, she helped me recover. That was, the worst experience of my life, then again when Izumi-chan….someone I consider my sister, was taken from me, in the Uchiha Massacre. Hinata-san again was there when I needed help. It wasn't about strength, it was about kindness, and that helped me through a really dark part in my life."
Hinata remembered that.
How Ryouta had been close to shutting down after Shisui died.
But he pulled himself up.
Even after what happened with Izumi.
He easily could have given up, but he didn't, and that drove Hinata more than she could even convey with words alone.
If Ryouta could go through that and still smile...then she wanted to always do her best as well, and go for the dreams she had.
Ryouta continued his words to the perplexed Hiashi.
"Your daughters one of the kindest, most pure hearted people that I know. And if that limits her ability as a Ninja in your eyes, I simply can't agree. If anything, it gives her even more options to what kind of Ninja she wishes to be. Not all Ninja have to close their hearts. And Hinata-san...she nearly beat Neji-san, despite how he was a genius and she was a failure in your eyes. And I'll support her, help her become even stronger, because I know she has it in her to become amazingly strong. I can understand your worries about her life being endangered, if at all possible I'd not want it either, but it is every Ninja's choice when they become one, Hinata-san has a very strong heart and I know she'll show her true strength to everyone one day."
Ryouta understood why Hiashi was saying what he was.
Despite the cold way he spoke, he cared for his daughter.
That's the only reason he'd care if she got hurt.
He also understood Hiashi's thoughts on Hinata, having seen her not be strong, but Ryouta had seen her drive, her passion, and how hard she truly tried, and he wished to help her Father see that as well.
"Ryou-kun..."
Hinata herself was moved to tears as he spoke.
The passion in his voice.
The acceptance of her in his mind.
Everything they had been through together.
All of it was bringing Hinata more and more into the idea of being with Ryouta even more.
She never wanted to be apart from him.
Cementing her feelings for the Uchiha with his kind and passionate words.
Hiashi looked on, peering into the eyes of the Uchiha boy, to try and discern if there was anything about him that he could see was being negative, or if he was trying to trick Hiashi, but to his surprise, he wasn't.
He was being honest, and speaking from the depths of his heart.
"Boy, you truly believe your words, don't you?"
"I wouldn't say it if I didn't believe in them sir. I believe in Hinata-san and care for her deeply. I'd do anything to protect her, and I know she'd do the same for me."
Hinata's face turned a bright red at such a confession.
Hiashi inhaled deeply before thinking of something.
"Your opponent is Neji, quite fitting."
Ryouta blinked.
"Excuse me?"
"You want to keep seeing Hinata?"
Ryouta nodded.
"Yes."
"Would you fight even me to do it?"
Ryouta didn't even pause, and answered straight away.
"I'd prefer not to, but if I have to, then yes."
Hiashi was taken aback by that.
However, it also showed the care he had for Hinata if that was the case.
"Then, let us make a bet. Usually, this isn't the sort of thing that I would do. But, perhaps you can show me what Hinata sees. Right now, I am unsure. So, if you beat Neji, then I will allow you and Hinata to continue your relationship. However, if you lose to Neji, then you must not see her ever again. Neji is a side branch family member of this house, yet holds talent above my daughter. You, were named a curse on Uchiha despite your genius level abilities, weren't you?"
"Yes, that's right."
Ryouta called how people thought like that back when he was a kid.
That he'd not amount to anything.
That he wasn't even a true Uchiha, and how Fugaku initially looked at him.
"Prove me wrong, and defeat Neji. If, and only if you do this, then I'll agree to allow you to see Hinata. But you must also agree that you must leave Hinata if you cannot beat him."
Hinata gasped.
She didn't want that kind of burden on Ryouta's head.
But Ryouta gave a steadfast reply.
"Is there no other way?"
"No."
His cold reply came to the young Uchiha, so he nodded.
"Understood, then I'll agree to your terms."
Hinata was equally surprised.
They were rather unfair in Hinata's eyes.
"Ryou-kun..."
Hinata nervously began, Ryouta offered a soft smile.
"It's alright, I'll have to train extra hard, Hinata-san. I already needed to teach Neji-san something's, if this is another thing that I have to do, then so be it. I want to keep seeing you Hinata-san, if you want to keep seeing me?"
Hinata tearfully nodded again and again.
Hiashi was glad for the mature nature of the boy.
Recalling his brother before him, and his family, Hiashi mulled over what to say next.
"Then it is settled. When the match comes, I'll be watching and waiting to see what happens. If you, or Neji comes out on top. Remember to stick to your vow here and now. As you go into the world of the Ninja's, as you rise through the ranks, harder and harder decisions will come. This is one of them."
Ryouta looked Hiashi straight in the eye.
Showing to him, that he was going to do his best.
It also felt like more than simply beating Neji, it was a test for Ryouta himself, perhaps being aware of Hinata's feelings, wished to see if he was someone that could protect his daughter, and how far he'd go for her.
"I will, if you will."
"I am an honorable man. Despite what you may think."
"I do not think you are dishonorable. I believe that you're trying to protect your daughter. But I also believe that she is a great Ninja. When the time comes, I will give it my all against Neji-san and prove you wrong about Hinata-san, Hiashi-san. Your daughter is strong, and she is kind hearted. Two traits that can fit hand in hand. Her kindness doesn't have to hold her back, it can push her forward and make her stronger. If you have something you wish to protect, can't those feelings make you even stronger? Wish for you to push harder? Do better? I know for me that's how it is. And I know for Hinata-san it is the same."
Hiashi didn't show anything on his face.
Quite like a poker face.
But deep inside…
Something's were being stirred.
"Then I'll be waiting to see what happens next."
Hiashi turned and walked away from the young man.
Hinata watched her Father go into the house.
Her eyes then turned back towards Ryouta.
"A-All this...for me?"
"Yeah, that's right Hinata-san."
"B-But..."
"It seems that your Dad only wishes for it to be this way. So, don't worry. I'll train extra hard, and defeat Neji-san."
Hinata felt a full blush forming on her cheeks.
Ryouta's kind words, coupled with what she had just seen with her own two eyes, only made her feel more and more for him.
To the point that her shyness was slowly leaving her, and she wished to embrace him.
She then began moving her body closer to his own.
"Ryou-kun...I...thank you..."
"You don't have to thank me, Hinata-san."
Hinata smiled shyly, as she pulled closer.
Her lips pursed, and placed themselves against his cheek.
She was still a bit shy about going full contact with his own lips...
But this was enough for Hinata to convey how she really did feel.
Hinata felt like she was going to collapse with doing that, but she was glad that she was able to kiss Ryouta on the cheek, who was also blushing as a result of said kiss.
Just then, Hanabi came running out, and looked towards Hinata.
"Big sister, your face is all red! What's going on with that?"
"Waaaah!"
Hinata jumped back, as Ryouta waved to Hanabi.
"Hanabi-san what's going on?"
"Future Sensei, what are you doing? I heard loud voices. Is something going on?"
"We're just speaking about the Chunin Exams, that's all."
Ryouta's words weren't exactly a lie.
But he didn't want to worry Hanabi either right now.
"Oh, right. The Chunin Exams are important. Are you going to be able to defeat Big Brother Neji?"
"Well, I'm gonna try my best."
Hanabi showed a bright smile.
"Then I'll be cheering for you!"
"Thank you Hanabi-san. Well, I have to go, have a good night girls."
"Good night!"
Hanabi waved, and called, while Hinata couldn't release her voice.
She merely waved as he turned and ran off.
With Hiashi's words deep within his mind, Ryouta knew that he'd have to fight harder than he ever thought possible.
He'd have to do it for both Neji and Hinata's sake.
Meanwhile, in the depths of a forest, within a small hideout of his, Orochimaru sat down on a chair as his subordinate, Kabuto looked at him incredulously.
"You want me to head back into the village?"
Orochimaru gave a dark grin.
"Yes, because there's still things that need to be set up. They will be looking for me, but you, they wont be. It was thanks to keeping you away from the Chunin Exams after the fact that you weren't detected by any sensors."
Kabuto looked less than willing.
"But, what about that girl Karin? Her sensing is strong, and if she senses me...she would have sensed both when I was at the first exams, and in the forest attacking."
Orochimaru showed a small smirk on his lips.
"Do not worry about that, I have already have an idea on how to deal with that."
"Kill?"
Kabuto's question was met with a shaking head.
"No, if she was to perish now, then it would look as if we or someone connected to us had a hand in it, and could ruin our plans before we even managed to start them. Even that old fool would draw a conclusion on us being involved, the girl that sensed the hooded figure that saved me. That's why, I've got something for you to help keep your chakra from being sensed. I cannot be sure of her true skills, but she seems at least to be able to tell the differences in peoples chakra, and distinguish between people on chakra alone, that's why this should be able to fool even her senses."
Orochimaru produced what seemed to be some kind of liquid.
Kabuto took it as Orochimaru continued.
"With that, as long as you don't get to close, she'll not be able to detect you. We only need a few things set up now and we can leave the rest until the day of the invasion. She and the Uchiha Genin are the only ones that could out you now, and as long as you stay away from the Uchiha's and that girl Karin until the time is right, they wont have to be a worry at all...then it will be our turn to begin making waves in Konoha hahaha...Sarutobi-sensei, he's going to be shocked."
Laughing menacingly, sadistically, the pale skinned snake looking human's lips curled upwards devilishly.
If this is what was needed, then he would do it.
And if he didn't have to worry about Karin...then all the better.
End chapter!
So, this chapter focused on a few things, like with Naruko going to Jiraiya thanks to Mikoto guiding her and had a little misunderstanding there. Ryouta and Satsuki are learning under Kakashi and we'll see the fruits of their training in the coming chapters. And Pakura seems to be showing some more interest in Ryouta, why she is, we'll be seeing quite soon.
And finally, it seems that Hiashi has issued a challenge to Ryouta, after trying to stop him and Hinata from seeing one another, believing that he was encouraging Hinata to succeed when he thought she didn't have the talent for it, and she'd end up dying as a result. Despite being cold, Hiashi cares for his daughter even if he doesn't right now believe in her capabilities and only wants what he believes is best right now, so Ryouta's only got another reason to fight with Neji now. Hinata even gave Ryouta a kiss on the cheek, someday she'll be able to fully kiss him, but she did convey how she felt about him through that and what he was willing to do so they could still remain together.
Izumi and Itachi also briefly appeared in the chapter, and we got a bit of an update on them and what they're doing as well. Then at the end, it seems Orochimaru's up to something, and we'll soon see what that is.
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,