Welcome to the next chapter.
joharasbel; Thanks!
Xion kuchiki 15; Thanks! We'll see soon. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
dreadix; Maybe she will be yeah.
Darth Simp; Yeah, it's gonna be quite fun to see what happens next. Yeah, that would be a nice way to end off the first part of the series.
ShadowUzumaki55; Thanks! Yeah, it seems they're rebuilding once more. Danzo's up to his usual tricks, we'll see what become of them pretty soon~ That's Jiraiya for you yeah. Naruko and Ryouta did yeah. I'm glad you like what's happening with Hinata. Mei's doing her best yeah~ She seems to be yeah.
Silver crow; Thanks. Yeah, they're having a relaxing time before things pick up. His rank shall be revealed this chapter. Yeah, they had some sweet moments together. Mei did yeah, she's doing well. He surely did get a visit from her. Yeah, Ryouta took sometime to process what happened with his Mother, and how he's coping with the loss of what happened. Glad you liked the scene between Satsuki, Haku and Ryouta. Yeah, he is sad, but he also understands that war sometimes casualites happen. Kakashi did yeah, he thought it was time to express his thoughts about Obito and Ryouta's similarities. Kagami had his strengths that made him pretty strong. Tsunade is yeah. It is Danzo so he's always got some hidden agendas up his sleeve. Hinata did yeah, she's slowly growing in confidence. Hanabi surely was~ Suna does yeah. Yeah, Naruko did her best. Mikoto did yeah~ We'll learn more about Mei's situation as it comes up. Yeah, they had another meeting, with her dropping some clues for things to come. Yeah, maybe Tsunade could beat Kabuto, always found it odd he managed to do as much as he did in canon. Aoda could be like that yeah. Samui could be like that yeah. They'll disucss his new rank. Mei could do that yeah. I could see Kisame doing that. Thanks for the harem suggestions! Yeah, Tsunade could do that~
Guest 1; We'll see what happens between them soon enough. Maybe he could gain that yeah. He could gain that yeah.
Guest 2; Konan will meet him quite soon yeah. I could see Konan doing that yeah. That would be cool if Konan did that.
Guest 3; I could see a trap like that being set for them yeah. That would be cool to see.
Guest 4; It would be pretty interesting to see Ryouta and Killer Bee meeting one another like that. I could see Samui doing that yeah, thanks for the suggestions.
LewtonSpoons; Here's another one!
TheGreatGodzilla; Not yet, in future stuff yeah. We'll see how it goes between them. It will be interesting to see Kurotsuchi and Ryouta interacting with one another. Sorry for your loss. The Akatsuki appear at the end of this chapter, so not long now. Maybe Tayuya could have been yeah. Yeah, maybe some could handle it.
Hinata fan; Yeah, they appeared. We'll get some chill stuff that forwards the plots. We'll see what promotion he's gonna get. I can't say about that yet, spoilers. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 5; Ryouta could do that during that arc yeah. I could see that happening.
Morregen; Thanks! Glad you liked the cameo. Team Anko will still be together, like how despite Neji being a Jonin, he was still apart of Team Guy. Yeah, Ryouta will be at part two. Yeah, we'll be seeing Tsunade and Ryouta meeting soon enough. He'll get it in the future sometime yeah. Thanks!
Guest 6; We'll discover more of her origins as the story goes on. It could be like that yeah.
Guestforce; Thanks! Glad you liked the letter. Yeah, they had a cute moment together. Naruko had a fun moment. Karin and Tsunade's relationship is gonna be fun. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 7; Yeah, it's nice to have some breathers, and get some more bonding in. He could do that with his senses yeah. That would be cool if Ryouta did that. He is yeah, he's sad about what happened with his Mom, but knows he has people to speak to about it. Yeah, I guess they'd instantly know what their eyes do when they're awakened. Glad you liked how Ryouta dealt with it. Kakashi and Ryouta had a nice moment together~ Glad you liked the Hiruzen and Mikoto scene with Danzo. Hiruzen will do yeah. Haha, Hanabi surely was~ Hinata is yeah, seems that Hiashi had quite the turnaround thanks to what happened between him and Ryouta. Yeah, Mei checked in and she's doing rather well. She is yeah, she's always there. It is gonna be quite fun when he and Tsunade meet one another. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
LordofWaves; Thanks! Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 8; She could be. That would be cool with Ameyuri. I could see her doing that yeah.
Andrew123456; I haven't watched them all yet, so maybe one day when I'm caught up.
War Sage; Thanks! Glad you liked the scene between them! Yeah, Naruko and Mikoto did have some nice times with Ryouta. Mei seems to be doing well yeah~ Seems like a little since he did use his eyes a few times during the invasion. Glad you thought Hanabi was cute. Karin and Tsunade's meeting is going to be nice~ They definitely don't trust Danzo, nor will they ever truly. Team Anko's still a thing, even when Ryouta and others gain higher ranks, like how Team Guy was still a thing when Neji became Jonin in canon. Glad you liked the Kakashi scene. She surely did~ Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 9; Yeah, they could have chest sizes like that. I like that movie, it would be fun to see what an alternative Ryouta would be like.
JustAFan; Thanks! Glad you liked them! Hanabi did yeah~ His eyes are detoriating but he's still able to kick some butt. Yeah, they'll never trust Danzo. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 10; Yeah, during that time, Ryouta will gain some kind of power as well. Yeah, that would be a pretty cool kind of power up, thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 11; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
With those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
The promotion!
Having only a few days to recover, didn't help Orochimaru, as each time he closed his eyes…
She was there.
Yukine was haunting him, and slowly but surely, her words would get to him, and make him feel certain things that he usually wouldn't feel. He would even look remorseful when he really didn't feel like it, yet he couldn't control the fact that these feelings would bubble inside of him.
His arms also were in tremendous pain.
Bandaged, unusable.
He had lost a good deal of his Jutsu thanks to what had happened back in Konoha.
"Aah, Orochimaru-sensei, what's going on~?"
Yukine sang as she swayed before him.
Her ghostly image with him, always.
"Would you leave me alone?! Not even a second I get peace from you!"
Orochimaru snaps, only for Yukine to snicker.
"Someone's touchy today."
Orochimaru eyes roll into the back of his head, as his mind is filled with many thoughts.
All of them about what Yukine was doing to him right now.
"My arms aren't usable because of you, I'm in constant pain and now you're there, always making me feel angry! You wont even let me sleep peacefully will you?!"
Yukine snickers, igniting even more rage than ever before within Orochimaru.
"Don't you have any solution to get rid of me? Sensei, you say you have mastered many things, but have you, really? Since you can't get rid of me, it is only right that I am going to..."
As she spoke, there was a push of the door.
Her eyes went towards it, seeing Kabuto coming in, his eyes shifting to Orochimaru's pained face.
"Orochimaru-sama-"
"Get out!"
Orochimaru yelled, making Kabuto jump.
Though Kabuto wasn't aware that Yukine was the reason he said that, Kabuto took it to mean him, and made his exit almost immediately.
The ghostly Yukine snickered.
"Geez, you should be nicer to your subordinates, you aren't going to have many left if you keep up with this attitude."
Orochimaru's dark dangerous eyes shifted towards her as she smirks.
"You..." She smiles at him dangerously, Orochimaru bit his lower lip, his dark eyes darkening even more by the moment. "You wont be here forever..."
"As long as you're here, I will be. There's no getting rid of me I'm afraid~"
Orochimaru gave her a truly frustrated look.
"Fine...if you want to play it that way, then maybe Tsunade could be of use to me..."
"Really, you think she'll help you? If I recall, she doesn't like you."
"Quiet!"
Pushing his buttons, Yukine just continued on as she leaned on his chair.
"I'm just curious, I remember being told that you said some messed up stuff about her brother when he died, that probably isn't going to go in your favour if you want her to help you. In fact, I think you're so worried right now about what Danzo's motives are, that you're getting desperate. As right now, what if Danzo wins against you? What if he back stabs you? There's so many endless possibilities, and you've been weakened right now, what can you actually do against all of this mess you've brought yourself into?"
Orochimaru's wild eyes shot for the young woman who waved happily, driving Orochimaru more and more into a wild feeling that he didn't like at all.
"She will help me, I just have to find her."
"Well, I do hope that she punches you in the face, maybe it's just me, but I feel like that would be retribution."
Orochimaru felt the inner most hate right now directed at the vision of Yukine.
He couldn't describe how much he felt.
Day and night, she was there...
Orochimaru growled, and closed his eyes.
But she was still there.
She always would be.
Early the next morning, Ryouta stretched his limbs, or he at least tried to do that, when he felt his arms being clutched by Satsuki and Haku respectably.
He didn't say anything, and merely took out some scrolls that he had gained from his Mother, from Garaga when he had the chance to study them.
Looking over them, he saw a number of different techniques.
Some he had seen before, some he hadn't seen before.
One that caught his eye was the summoning that she was doing during the fight, where she would summon herself to one of her snakes locations and surprise the enemy.
It was a rather ingenious way of using such a technique, Ryouta thought.
"Mom...you really did have quite the crazy ideas. Some of these Jutsu's...that snake transportation was quite the move, I wonder if I could use that, and mix it with my Body Flicker? It could potentially make a whole new move..."
Ryouta thought, as he kept looking over the different techniques.
Some he thought he'd be able to use, some he thought might be good for some others potentially.
When he saw a rather bad drawing of Yukine wearing glasses and pointing to different parts of the words written down, highlighting some of them, he lightly laughed at such a sight.
"Seems Mom liked to draw these images...I wonder if she had any students? I know Orochimaru was her Sensei...but Mom was old enough to have had students, maybe she didn't have them? Or maybe she did...maybe they aren't in this village...hmm, same for Dad. Though I'm sure Shi-chan got taught by Dad about the Sharingan and such things like that. I remember Shi-chan saying Dad taught him all he knew about the Sharingan and Genjutsu, he was an expert Genjutsu user after all. I wonder what else he had...?"
So many questions, Ryouta wondered if he would get any answers from reading these scrolls.
But he was still keen to read them, so he did just that, considering how early it was, he didn't see the need to get up immediately, he had sometime.
So that's what he did, kept going through the scrolls and the various books sealed within the scrolls.
"Even reading your notes about them, makes me feel like I'm talking to you Mom. I can see why Shi-chan really did love speaking with you, and Dad. Though I haven't seen Dad...still Mom, that last Jutsu that you used, being able to use a Shadow Clone as a sacrifice instead of a body...that truly was quite the feat, I'm amazed at what you could do with these Jutsu's Mom, makes me even more determined to learn and become stronger..."
Ryouta flicked through the Jutsu's on the pages, hoping that he'd be able to see more and more. Even learning more of her personality by reading the simple notes, and how she'd sometimes make some weird drawings of herself, all of it only added to what he had seen of his Mother.
Just then, Ryouta came across one technique that he had been hoping to see.
Seeing one of note, he saw the two different Jutsu's that she could do with each hand. The skills she had, and how she even begun learning how to use such techniques. Ryouta studied it with keen eyes, and saw that it took quite the skill.
First, even performing with one hand, hand signs was something that could be difficult.
But splitting up into two at the same time, turning chakra into two different elements, or even simply a seal and a barrier which he saw her do.
"First, I should master being able to use one handed hand signs. Haku-chan can do that, so maybe I'll go to her and ask for some thoughts regarding that. Yeah, if I do that and master that as if it is simply second nature, then I can begin working on two separate, one handed hand signs. But still, from what I am reading here, it takes very precise chakra control, something on a level that a Kage would have. Also, being able to split equally, and evenly the chakra and still keep the same power as a regular Jutsu would have at the same time... It's gonna be difficult in doing this...but, my Mom did it, so can I."
Ryouta knew it would be difficult, since he hadn't ever seen anyone use two different elements at the same time, and perform two one handed, hand signs at the same time. A task that not even he had seen from Kage level people such as Orochimaru.
It might take a while, but Ryouta was Yukine's son, and this was a legacy that she had left for him. The power that he could master one day, and use it to his advantage.
So he was gonna do his best in learning these Jutsu's no matter what.
Sometime later, with the girls still asleep, Ryouta continued reading, when an unexpected surprise came his way, as he felt a new presence outside of the room, so his eyes shot for the window…
And he saw that it was Anko, pressing her face against the window, her mouth wide open, as if she was blowing against the glass, her eyes like saucers, some mischievous look within her eyes made Ryouta wonder what was going on.
His eyes caught Satsuki and Haku still asleep, so he managed to slide out of his bed, and walked towards the window.
Opening it, Anko winked in his direction.
"Good morning Anko-sensei."
Anko showed a slightly mischievous smirk on her lips.
"Good morning, having fun reading those?"
"I suppose...So Sensei, how come you didn't knock?"
Anko placed her hands together, and gave an elegant smile on her face.
"Because I wanted to make you jump to see your reactions~ But today it seems that you were awake, even then you looked super into those scrolls, anything of interest there?"
Ryouta gently smiled.
"There's some stuff in here yeah, seems like my Mom left a good few things within them, even what Hokage-sama gave me is pretty interesting~"
"Yeah, glad that it is. You know though, it seems that Ameyuri hasn't been tracked, she got away with Orochimaru."
Ryouta wasn't surprised Anko brought Ameyuri up, due to the situation that she had with Ameyuri during the Invasion.
Ryouta still wondered about that.
The fact that Ameyuri would work for Orochimaru.
Though it kind of made sense.
It almost felt like something wasn't adding up.
The way Ameyuri acted...he felt like something more was happening there, but without any knowledge on it, he wasn't entirely sure what to think about it.
"We never know what's going on in others heads. Though Ameyuri-san, from what she said to me...and what she implied, I think she's living on borrowed time, she talked about how lady luck didn't shine on her, and when I brought up her coughing up blood, she seemed to be quite angry and sad at the same time."
"Desperation, it can be quite the driving force for someone that thinks that's the only way. Though next time we see her, she'll not hold back."
Ryouta nodded.
"I know."
Ryouta wondered what Ameyuri was doing now.
If when they meet, what she'd truly do, if she'd want to fight or do something else entirely.
Shaking his head, he continued the conversation.
"So Sensei, what are you doing here?"
Anko winked, showcasing a grin on her face.
"I thought that I'd come bright and early because I heard the news~"
"What news?"
Anko blinked several times, before she pulled back.
"You haven't spoken to Hokage-sama yet?"
"Eh...no, I haven't. I'm supposed to meet him later on, has something happened?"
Anko laughed nervously, shaking her head side to side several times.
"Not at all, but you really should be getting over to Hokage-sama, as quick as you can~"
Ryouta was perplexed on what was going on.
"Yeah, I'll be going pretty soon. So what were you talking about Sensei?"
Anko scratched her cheek.
"Well, you should really go and speak to Hokage-sama about it. I am confident that you will be able to excel very well, so go and find him."
"Yes Sensei."
Ryouta had an idea of what Anko was saying.
If it was what he thought it was, then he was very excited to see what was going on.
When Ryouta arrived within the Hokage's office, he saw Hiruzen sat within his chair, with Mikoto stood close by. As he thought about what this could be, he wondered if he had been promoted to Chunin, it would make sense as to why Anko was being the way she was that morning.
However, he didn't fully know yet, so he had to move closer, and bowed before the older man, who did the same back.
"Hokage-sama, I have arrived as per your request."
Hiruzen adopted a small friendly smile on his face.
"Yes, I am relieved to see that you're here." Hiruzen glanced at Mikoto who remained silent, but gave a slight nod of her head, so Hiruzen's eyes turned right back towards Ryouta. "Now, I'm sure you're curious as to the reason why I have called you here."
"Yes sir."
Ryouta replied in a calm manner, waiting for Hiruzen's response.
"Yes...now during the Chunin Exams, and then the invasion, I had witnessed a number of things about you specifically. Your ingenuity during the crisis, the way you organized those around you, as well as coordinated with your fellow Ninja. And of course, I cannot forget the battle that we shared as well."
Ryouta didn't say anything as he spoke.
Mikoto on the other hand could see that Hiruzen was trying to remain as stoic as possible, possibly to keep himself from getting too excited.
"After hearing the reports about your efforts, seeing your combat prowess, as well as how you used your mind in and out of battle, in a situation where two sets of enemies were attacking, Suna and Oto respectably, that is why I have come to a decision regarding your new ranking."
"Yes sir."
Ryouta believed it would be a rise to Chunin, which he was very happy about.
If he became a Chunin, then eventual Jonin, it would be an amazing achievement for himself to have.
However, what he heard next immensely shocked him.
"That is why, after careful consideration, I would like to reward you the rank of Jonin."
Ryouta would have done a spit take if he wasn't in front of the Hokage.
"I...me...a Jonin…?"
Ryouta was beyond surprised.
He was immensely happy.
He just hadn't expected that he would be offered such a rank.
So the fact that he had, it was such a huge honour for him that he couldn't hide his astonishment at all.
Hiruzen could see it on his face, and he found it rather endearing to see.
"Yes, that's correct. After careful deliberation, and witnessing what I have with my own eyes. Ryouta-kun, during our fight, I saw you fighting against opponents that were strong, and had access to many powerful abilities, even without your Mangekyou Sharingan, you managed to support me, and this village, and thanks to your help, a good number have survived. Even leaving out what happened between us, having heard of your exploits within the Forest of Death, and during your fight at the bridge against Ameyuri, and other high ranking Shinobi, I had debated for a good while should I give you the promotion to Chunin, or to Jonin, and I settled on giving you the right position."
Ryouta felt blessed by the words of the old man Hokage.
He felt humbled, and grateful.
The fact that he was going to be a Jonin, a rank his own brother had at such a young age as well.
His Mother, and Father before him also becoming a Jonin as well.
"T-Thank you Hokage-sama...this is, such an honour...I didn't expect it at all."
Ryouta couldn't express with words alone how he felt right now.
This had been a dream of his, since he was very young.
Even when he wasn't even in the Academy, to reach such a rank was one of his goals.
Now he had done it in such a young age.
"Indeed, it is an honour that I can give this rank to you. I questioned if this was the right time, and after careful deliberation, in my estimation, you've attained more than enough experience with all of the things that you've dealt with in your life, even before becoming a Ninja, starting from a very young age. With Yashiro Uchiha, and moving on from that man, to the struggles of the...Uchiha's, and how you also coordinated those to survive as well. Seeing you now, I can see that you are ready for such a rank."
Ryouta was very moved with the words of Hiruzen.
Seeing the pride on Hiruzen's face and how he felt about Ryouta's past, how dedicated he was to becoming a better and stronger Ninja, Ryouta was very grateful to the older man to give him such a promotion.
"Thank you sir..."
"Remember, even Jonin's have plenty to learn, but I believe this to be the right rank for you, after witnessing what I have done."
Ryouta agreed.
Even with his promotion, he knew that he still had lots to learn, which he was ready to tackle head on.
Hiruzen then leaned closer.
"So, do you accept?"
Hiruzen asked with a raised eyebrow.
Ryouta laughed, he almost forgot to actually accept such a rank since he was taken aback by such a promotion.
"A-Ah, yes of course!"
Hiruzen clapped his hands together a single time.
"Then, as of today, you will be a Jonin. You shall still be apart of Team Anko, which will help you learn more about the Jonin rank from Anko and others around you."
"Yes, sir."
Ryouta was glad to still be on the team.
He liked his team, and even if a Jonin, he was glad to be with them as they had great teamwork.
"In time, I am sure there will be other details that you'd like to potentially sort out. Such as having your own Genin team. Though I'd like you to get used to the other jobs a Jonin has first of all, giving you experience of being a Jonin, before discussing such things. However, you may wish to not have a Genin squad, as not all Jonin do. Though as a Jonin, you will be sent out on missions on your own, or as a leader of a team depending on the situation in time, first I'd like you to get more knowledge on being a Jonin. Do you understand?"
It was a big responsibility to be a Jonin.
Ryouta wished to do his best, and tackle it head on.
"Yes, I understand sir."
"Great, with that out of the way..." Hiruzen's face adopts a more notable and humble smile than he had on beforehand. "Congratulations Ryouta-kun."
Ryouta bowed his head, as Mikoto moved closer.
"Ryouta-kun, congratulations. For all your achievements until now. You're a Jonin, it has a lot of responsibility, but I am sure you'll be able to handle it."
"Thank you Hokage-sama, Mikoto-san. I shall do my best. But if I may ask, what about the others in the Chunin Exams?"
Ryouta hoped that some of the others, if not everyone got a rank up to at least Chunin. He knew that gaining a Jonin rank would be rare, and he was surprised that he did, though he heard what Hiruzen said and what had happened with the previous Kage, and his Mother, and Orochimaru.
"I'm still going over those that are within the Chunin Exams finals, and see how they handled themselves, in and out of their battles. What choices they made, and if they're ready to progress to the next stage."
Ryouta understood that, and would have to wait to see what rank they'd be getting.
"I understand. Then Hokage-sama, I shall not let you down, and thank you for this opportunity."
Hiruzen already believed that would be the case.
"I know I've made the right decision, one of my last before I retire."
Ryouta blinked at that, then bowed his head.
"So...the rumours are true."
Hiruzen confirms it immediately.
"I am getting far in my age, my battle with Orochimaru showed me such. I retired once before, with the Fourth taking my place. This time, it shall be the Fifth who takes my place."
"If I may ask, have you decided on a potential candidate?"
"I have a good idea, I have a meeting with Jiraiya later on, to discuss this very subject." Ryouta nodded as Hiruzen let out a breath. "Then Ryouta-kun, dismissed. I might have some missions for you coming up, but for now, go and celebrate your promotion."
"Thank you Hokage-sama, I shall."
Ryouta bowed his head, and began walking off.
As he left, Hiruzen smiled to himself, content with what he awarded Ryouta.
When Ryouta got outside, he was surprised to see so many people.
He saw Teams Seven through Ten, with their Sensei's, he saw Hanabi stood with her Father, and Team Guy (including Neji) along with Yugao stood behind the wheelchair bound Hayate, he saw the remains of the Uchiha clan also stood there, together with some other villagers that Ryouta had saved during the invasion.
Finally, he saw that Anko was pushing forward through the crowd, with Karin beside her, and Haku following closely behind.
"I couldn't help myself Ryouta! I told everyone!"
Anko cheered out, thrusting her fist to the sky happily.
Ryouta blushed as he saw many people beginning to clap for his achievement.
Even people that were stoic, such as Neji, or Kakashi, were clapping.
He did wish that Lee and Guy didn't cry manly tears, but he appreciated their excitement at his promotion.
Throughout all this time, he hadn't expected to be granted such a rank.
But seeing the support that he had throughout all of the people that were cheering for him.
Ryouta felt blessed.
People then began to congratulate him, even people he didn't expect such as Neji and Shino were doing such things.
He was then hugged by Ino, Sakura, and Karin, who couldn't hold back anymore.
"Ooh my, you really are a Jonin!"
"Yes, Ryou-kun! That's right!"
"Our team first gained a Jonin out of our year! We're amazing!"
Ryouta gave an intrigued stare to each of them, as others came over and congratulated him on his achievements.
Anko then moved closer, wrapping an arm around Ryouta's neck, and pulled him closer into her chest, his cheeks turning bright red while some of the girls gave jealous and annoyed looks towards the busty Sensei.
"Come on, we've got to celebrate! Squad Anko only people! We've got things to discuss!"
Some grumbled, while Anko took Ryouta, Haku, and Karin, rushing off with the young people to go and get some lunch together.
Getting to a rather luxurious restaurant, they all sat down and saw that it was a rather beautiful place. Ryouta hadn't ever been here before, but he knew that it was something that many people that had money would come to, he could even see some Jonin and such that gain good money eating out inside already.
Then Ryouta and the others looked over the menu to see what they want.
Ryouta saw the prices, and then looked towards Anko.
"Anko-sensei, these are..."
"Aah, don't worry. My treat for my favourite group."
"Even me?!"
Karin yells, Anko nods strongly.
"Yes, even you Karin! You're my favourite sensor!"
Karin did a mini fist pump, while Haku looked over the menu, but then turned her eyes towards Ryouta.
"Ryou-kun, I'm not surprised you managed to gain such a rank."
"Yeah?"
Haku nodded in confirmation.
"Yes, I didn't have a doubt that you would be able to achieve this rank. After all of the hard work you've put into training and testing your abilities, how you managed to save a good deal of Konoha as well with how you spoke with Pakura-san and stood beside Hokage-sama."
Anko clicked her fingers.
"That's right, I also heard that since the Kazekage is no more sadly, that Pakura has taken over the duties for the foreseeable future."
Ryouta was amazed to hear that.
"No kidding. I'm sure Suna will be in safe hands with her in charge for the time being. Though I wonder if she'll be the Kazekage?"
Anko shrugs.
"Who knows, I've heard that maybe even one of the Fourth's kids might end up as Kazekage, talk about keeping it in the family. Though that probably wont be for at least sometime yet, considering they're all young and inexperienced, maybe you could call Pakura acting Fifth Kazekage or something? Though if it is on the Fourth's kids, I gotta vote for Gaara, she'd be probably the most understandable one since she's the strongest."
Anko suggests, Ryouta nodded slowly.
"Yeah, regardless if she is or not, I think that she'll definitely do amazing for Suna. And yeah...if Gaara-san became Kazekage one day, I'm sure that it would be an amazing achievement for her."
Anko snickers.
"Say, think you'd want to be Hokage?"
Ryouta was surprised by the question.
"Well, being Hokage would be an honour, if there was a need for me to do it, then I would step up into that seat. Though Naruko-chan is gunning for Hokage, and I'm sure that one day she'll be able to do such things."
"Yeah, you'll just marry the Hokage~"
Anko casually laughed out.
Ryouta did a spit take.
"W-What?"
Anko leaned back with a semi teasing smile on her face.
"What? Am I mistaken in thinking Naruko doesn't want to-"
"Sensei!" Karin chided, wagging her finger right in front of Anko's bewildered face. "Don't make things difficult for them!"
Anko placed a hand over her mouth.
Then she laughed.
"Anyway, my Genin managed to gain such a rank after a short time! Haha, I'm proud~ Maybe I'll give you a private reward when you're a bit older huh~?"
Anko gave a wink, Ryouta was astonished while Karin shook her head again and again.
"Sensei! Don't even try it!"
"I didn't say now, later on in life I will do~"
"Sensei, you're too much! You can't go after Ryou-kun! I forbid it!"
Anko gives a challenging smile towards Karin.
"Awww, what's wrong Karin? Worried you wont be able to keep up?"
Karin blinked several times, before huffing.
"I'm not worried about you because I've got a master plan."
Ryouta and Haku weren't sure if they wanted to hear this or not.
Anko on the other hand laughed to herself.
"That's precious, I'm glad that you can think like that. But don't worry, when the time comes, I'll help you with such a thing called seduction. Trust me, you're gonna need it with people like Satsuki around."
"W-Why her?"
"Have you seen her Mom? Like damn, she's gonna be like her one day."
Karin's face darkened while Haku tilted her head.
Ryouta on the other hand placed a hand on his face as he saw Anko giving a mischievous smile on her lips.
Haku shook her head, and gazed at Ryouta with a soft smile.
"Ryou-kun, congratulations on achieving what you have done."
"Thanks Haku-chan, Hokage-sama said that he was going to be going through the others, so maybe you'll gain a promotion, I think you're worthy enough to gain a promotion."
"Thank you Ryou-kun."
Haku leaned forward, casually expressing her feelings through a kiss, Karin's eyebrows sharpened, but then remembered her own kiss, and how magical it felt, so when Haku finished kissing Ryouta, she did the same thing and kissed the young man, while Anko was surprised at the forwardness, but she was also happy that her team were happy with one another.
Then they ordered the food, and ate it quietly, enjoying their time with one another as a team.
They were happy to have this time together, since they didn't get much time to simply hang around, with Ryouta seeing Anko cracking jokes, Karin making some comments that would anger Anko and they'd get into a fight, then immediately become best friends, Haku with her insightful nature, and her surprising sense of humour, and Ryouta also telling a few jokes at a time.
After lunch, Ryouta bid goodbye to his team since they all had stuff to do for the village, and continued helping out around the village.
With Ryouta managing to assist in helping out some buildings that needed to be repaired. Since he didn't have any missions, he didn't mind doing these things.
But when finishing one house, he saw that Ino was casually skipping towards him.
"Ino-"
Before he could finish, she took his hand and began skipping off with him.
He didn't get it, but he shrugged, and continued on with her, not sure where they were going, but could see that Ino wished to do it, and he had free time, so he followed with her.
When they stopped, Ryouta noticed that they were at the same place they had ended their date before the Chunin Exams finals begun, with them overlooking the village, albeit seeing that it was still in a bad way.
"So Ino-chan, what did you..."
As he was going to ask, she giddily pressed her lips against his, catching him by surprise.
Ryouta gave a happy smile and returned the affection that he received.
When the kiss finished, Ino pulled back, and went into her purse.
"I've got a surprise for you. Close your eyes, no peaking."
Ryouta did just that, and closed his eyes.
As he did, he heard Ino shuffling around, until she tapped his shoulder.
"Okay, open them."
Ryouta did just that, and saw that it was a purple looking flower.
"A flower?"
"Yeah, but not an ordinary flower, it's Ninja's Wolfsbane."
"Wolfsbane huh? Wow, you got that for me?"
Ryouta was happily surprised by the gift, Ino nodding happily.
"I knew you'd like it, it's pretty but deadly."
"Ino-chan, this is really lovely. Thank you~"
Ino blushed at his words, shifting side to side in embarrassment.
"N-No problem, I'm glad you like it. But wow Ryou-kun! Becoming a Jonin! What a surprise, I wasn't expecting that at all!"
"Yeah, me neither. But I'm happy."
Ino nodded, placing her hands behind her back.
"Me too, it makes me want to try even harder so I can rise through the ranks as well."
"I'm sure you'll be able to do it."
Ino smiled in appreciation, as she tugged at his hand.
"Lets sit down, unless you've got some place to be?"
Ryouta shook his head.
"No, I've got nowhere to be."
Ino smiled, so they sat down together.
They looked out over the village, with Ino smiling to herself.
"Say, now that you're a Jonin, maybe we'd even have missions together. I wouldn't mind you being the leader of a mission~"
Ryouta smiled, and nodded.
"It would be cool if we got paired up together for a mission. Though I'm probably gonna be eased into it."
Ino nodded.
"Makes sense, recently promoted and all, but still, maybe sometime soon you might lead our team, if Asuma-sensei is busy~"
"I'd be happy to do that Ino-chan."
Ino smiled, and placed her head on Ryouta's shoulder.
She was quite content right now to spend time together with Ryouta, peaceful and alone.
Later on, he was called out by Lee, and he met up with him in the woods. When he got there, he saw Lee was standing in his usual outfit. His bodysuit that he usually wore, his headband as well, Lee's attitude was that of a happy demeanour.
"Hello my rival!"
"Lee-kun, you're here...how come?"
Lee showed a bright smile, and did a thumbs up.
"I'm feeling much better!"
Ryouta as glad, as he budged closer.
"You do? I'm so relieved. I was worried about you for a good long time, you know? Giving me a heart attack Lee-kun."
Lee really felt the kindness with the words he used, it showed that even if they were rivals, they still were best friends, comrades until the end.
"Yes, but it seems that you're ahead of me, you're a Jonin, Ryou-kun!"
Ryouta scratches his cheek.
"Yeah, I can't believe it myself. It's still sinking in."
"That's why, I want to keep pushing myself harder and harder!"
Ryouta was happy that Lee was going back to how he usually was.
"Yeah...but remember-"
"Not to push myself too hard, I know, don't worry about it." Lee suddenly pulls his hands out into a fighting position. "I would like to test my current limits, is that okay?"
Ryouta didn't want Lee to strain himself.
But he could see the fire in his eyes.
Maybe a light spar wouldn't be so bad.
"As long as you don't push yourself too hard. There's times when we have to take it easier."
"Yes, you're right. Now, are you ready?"
Ryouta nodded a single time, so Lee pushed off the grass and launched himself for Ryouta. Watching with keen anticipation, Ryouta saw Lee do a trick, and look as if he was coming from the left, when he really came from the right, so he moved his arm to block.
The kick had some force behind it, Ryouta felt it through his arm.
It didn't hurt, but he definitely could see that Lee was getting better.
"Fast, Lee-kun."
Ryouta praised, pushing Lee back who flipped back several times, before jumping up, and coming down with a strong axe like kick, Ryouta parried with his own leg going upwards, matching it up perfectly so they'd cancel one another out.
Pushing away from the other, Lee took out a few shurikens and tossed them at Ryouta, only for the young boy to evade them, and get in close with Lee, using his Body Flicker to such a degree that he was able to cross the distance.
When he did, Lee placed his arms in an X position and blocked the incoming strike from Ryouta.
However, it was a two strike instead of one as Ryouta used Body Flicker to come in from the right hand side, at the same time that he kicked Lee's arms, and kicked at his legs, propelling him through the air.
Ryouta made sure not to attack Lee's back, as he knew it was still in the process of healing, so he kept the damage level to a minimum.
Lee flipped in the air, landing on the grass, albeit with a small wince, something Ryouta notices.
"Lee-kun, are you in pain?"
"It's okay, just a twinge, it isn't something that will stop me."
Ryouta was thankful to hear that.
But he didn't want Lee to go too far.
Lee however quickly shifted it up, and shot towards the right hand side, with Ryouta seeing Lee grimacing as he did, so Ryouta took out his shuriken, and threw several towards Lee, who moved his legs rapidly out before him, kicking the shurikens out of the air.
But as he did, he saw Ryouta coming in super close, with him kicking towards him, so Lee tried to block, but knew this time Ryouta wouldn't simply come from one direction, so he looked towards the right and surely enough to see another Ryouta being there, so he moved his arm to block that strike as well.
However, was stunned Lee was the third strike he received to his left hand side, which shot him towards the water.
Lee flipped in the air, landing on the ground just before the water, only to see Ryouta coming in closer, who sent out a palm strike, pushing Lee's chest, which caused him to flail his arms around.
"Aaah!"
Lee fell backwards, and into the water.
Ryouta chuckled lightly, as he saw Lee looking up at him.
"It seems I'm not one hundred percent yet." Ryouta offered his hand, Lee took it with a grimace. "Ow...hehe, seems like I've got a little time before I'm gonna be able to be fully myself again."
"Yes, but still, you've come a long way Lee-kun. From being unable to move really, and now fighting like this. Given a little more time, and you'll be able to be back to normal."
"Yeah..." Lee grimaced once more as he placed a hand on his back. "Ow..."
"Come on, back to the hospital bed."
Ryouta helped Lee out, giving him a shoulder to lean on which Lee appreciated, laughing all the way back to the hospital, glad that they both had this time to come together, and spar once more.
When Ryouta returned home that evening, he walked up towards his bedroom, and saw Satsuki waiting for him.
Her eyes went towards his own, his smile grew on his face, as she looked towards him with a half smile.
"So, I'm dating a Jonin now."
Ryouta lightly smiled, as he walked closer.
"Yeah, seems so. Hokage-sama said he's still going through the others. You never know what might happen."
As he spoke, he managed to get over to the bed.
Her arms went around his neck, as she moved from the bed, and sat on his right thigh. A light dust of pink spread across his cheeks, while she casually presses her lips against his own, making him smile into the kiss between them.
"Yeah, though I'm glad Orochimaru didn't get to you."
"He tried...but he didn't succeed."
Satsuki was relieved at that.
"By the way Ryou, that blade you got. It's pretty cool."
Ryouta pulled the blade out from its resting place near the bed, and presented it to Satsuki.
She took the blade, and swung it out before her.
"It's a nice weapon, I wonder what else it can do?"
"I know it can elongate, and that it can cut through basically anything."
"I've been thinking about being able to wield a sword."
Ryouta heard her confess, which Ryouta thought was a good idea.
"Yeah, totally Satsuki-chan. We could become the duo Uchiha sword users, or something that sounds cooler haha~"
Satsuki adopted a small smile.
But inside, she thought back to what happened during that day, and how Ryouta fought off Orochimaru, and others, even managing to defeat Kabuto, and subdue Shukaku, and she thought about what she did during the fight.
"When I saw the fake you, a part of me really believed it was you."
She confessed, Ryouta nodding.
"Orochimaru wanted everyone to believe that. He wanted Gaara-san to lose control, and because of our growing relationship, maybe he banked on the idea that if she witnessed my 'death' then maybe she would lose control."
"Makes sense...but still, was it all for Gaara? Or was it for anyone else as well?"
Ryouta did think about that, and there was another conclusion that he could think of about Ryouta's 'death' that could benefit him in the long run, and that itself was Satsuki, and what would happen if she had truly believed it was Ryouta who had 'died' so he shared his thoughts with her.
"Maybe he was wanting for you to awaken the Mangekyou through that method? He's obsessed with the Sharingan, so he must have at least an idea on how to activate Mangekyou. And he did express interest in both of us, maybe he wanted you to attain the power that way? I'm not entirely sure what knowledge he has on the Mangekyou and how it fully awakens, but it is a possibility."
Satsuki listened to what he said, and it was rather plausible.
The way Kabuto paraded the fake Ryouta around, and did what he did while making sure that Satsuki saw Ryouta 'perish' before her very eyes, so she definitely could get on board with Orochimaru creating a fake Ryouta to fulfil such a purpose.
Satsuki nodded.
"You...Mom, if I lost either...I thought I did, part of me really thought you were gone...but I felt that it was odd Kabuto wouldn't have bested you so easily that he didn't have any injuries. But Ryou...Naruko, she was...I hate admitting this, but she was good in that fight, whatever Gaara did back then...she was strong."
Ryouta furrowed his brows, sensing that something more was going on than what she was saying.
"Satsuki-chan..."
"It's nothing really. I was just thinking about it, I couldn't believe that the hyperactive knucklehead was able to achieve such things. It made me realize, that I still have a long way to go before beginning to fight Itachi."
Ryouta thought that she might be thinking about that.
So he allowed his arms to fully go around her, and comfortingly take her hand within his own, resting it on her inner thigh.
"Itachi...the Chidori is a good start. Itachi, I don't know how strong he is...but, you don't have to worry. You wont have to be alone when it comes to him, I'll stand right beside you and fight him with you."
Satsuki shook her head.
"I appreciate it...but I have to stop him on my own power."
Ryouta could get that.
He also felt like that when it came to certain people.
"Then, we'll get even stronger. But remember, strength isn't worth it if you lose yourself."
Satsuki blinked at what he said.
"Ryou..."
"Satsuki-chan, I've always said it about my Mangekyou, if I could, I would give up that power for the chance to see my brother alive once more. It's why...I wouldn't want you to go through the pain of losing someone you cherish again."
Satsuki could understand what he was saying.
It was sweet, and she really loved him for it.
The support that he always was giving to her.
Ryouta placed a hand on her gentle face, brushing a bang out of said face.
"I promise, we'll get justice for the Uchiha clan and for those that died. But lets always stay true to who we are. Giving into pain and anger can be easy, but if you do, afterwards, you have nothing left. After this, I've got things I want to do, and I know you do too. So lets always be ourselves."
"Yeah...I know without you and Mom...I don't know how I'd feel right now."
"Me neither Satsuki-chan. I already lost my brother, I don't wanna lose you or anyone ever again. It's why I want to become strong, so I can protect those I care for. I might be a Jonin, but I've still got plenty of things to learn, there's places I still want to reach. I want to become strong, and doing that with you and the others, I'd be happy."
Satsuki thought that was rather wonderful to hear him say such things.
It made her feel better, knowing that she had him right beside her, no matter what happened.
"Maybe I'll ask Mom, in swordsmanship. She is very good at it."
She suddenly brought up, with Ryouta nodding.
"That would be a great idea Satsuki-chan, I could totally see you becoming a great swordsmen through your Mother's guidance. I heard she's one of the best in Konoha."
"Yeah...what about you? What are you going to do?"
Ryouta tilted his head.
"What do you mean?"
"I know your eyes have lost more light since the battle with Orochimaru at the invasion."
Ryouta nodded, as she stared at him.
"Thankfully, I can still see very well, but yes, I did lose some light. Well, that's the price for the power. It's why I only like using it when I don't have any choice, gotta be careful when using it. Though, I don't regret using it, my eyes power has saved us before, and if this is the price, I'd gladly pay it."
Ryouta revealed, Satsuki knew it was the case after she heard about what had happened with his eyes and how he used Susanoo a good deal, and one of his eyes abilities.
"Yeah, you better be careful when using it."
Ryouta smiled at the young girl, as they got next to one another in the bed.
She laid on his chest, and her eyes peered up towards Ryouta who peered right back down.
"Ryou…"
"Hmmm?"
Satsuki adopted a small smile.
"I'm glad that you're here, with me."
"Me too, Satsuki-chan."
The young girl rested comfortably on Ryouta's chest.
Ryouta placed a hand through her long black hair, as his mind cast to the fact that he had risen in rank.
He couldn't be more happy now.
Even though he knew he had plenty left to learn, he was going to do his best with this opportunity given to him and not let Konoha and those he loved down.
As his eyes closed, he wasn't aware of what was on the horizon, and who, he'd be meeting next...
The dawn of the next day, with the sun having risen in the sky, four figures made their way towards the gates of Konoha.
The group consisted of Itachi, Izumi, Kisame and unexpected arrival of Konan.
Even Itachi was surprised, but apparently she was there for some duty, and neither Izumi nor Itachi was aware of what that actually was, though had been told it wasn't to do with fighting, whatever it was, Konan was keeping it close to the chest.
All four of them walked with hats large enough to conceal their faces, and therefore their identities.
Itachi's eyes had the Sharingan activated, as did Izumi's own.
Without words, they both knew the significance of this.
They both had to play this really good, otherwise draw suspicions to Kisame and Konan.
Itachi suspected that was the reason that Konan was even there, because she was assigned to watch the pairs reactions and interactions with those that reside within Konoha.
"So this village really was attacked. Damn, Orochimaru did a number on it huh best friend."
Kisame spoke to Izumi who nodded slowly.
"Yes, wretched snake."
Kisame laughed, knowing Izumi didn't like Orochimaru at all.
"Keep our mission in mind, we don't want to cause unnecessary trouble right now. Pain-sama has decided it wouldn't be worth the risk right now. Though if we seize the opportunity, we are to capture the Nine Tails."
Konan expressed, Izumi nodded with sadness within her heart that they had to pretend to go after Naruko when she remembered Naruko and thought that she was a sweet girl.
Konan then turns to Izumi.
"Have you got the drug?"
Izumi gave an intrigued stare, before shaking her head.
"If you're talking about the drug that hides our chakra signatures, I do. But please remember that as soon as you use chakra, it will lose its potency and we could be discovered. Also, the more chakra used, the effects will eventually dissipate, and it only lasts, without using chakra, for about three hours."
Konan nods at what she said, and thought about what would be best.
"Best save it for when we get inside of the village then. Itachi, I'll leave gaining entrance to you."
"Understood."
Itachi replied in his usual stoic manner.
Kisame, seeing the conversation stopped, wanted to bring something else up instead.
"Say, if I come across the Uchiha boy that killed Kushimaru, I am going to challenge him to a fight. So don't get in my way Itachi. Papergirl. And best friend, sorry but I'll have to ask you the same thing as well."
Izumi really hoped that Kisame didn't come across Ryouta.
In terms of chakra, Kisame was a monster, and that was something Izumi didn't want Ryouta to fight against.
"You want to fight another Uchiha? Despite travelling around with two of them? I thought that you might have some affinity for the clan, at least those that you travel with."
Kisame shrugged in Konan's direction.
"One of them is my best friend, who I wouldn't dream of fighting since she is a bright light in the darkness that is the Akatsuki." Izumi smiles softly. "I've always wanted to see the limits of Itachi's strength, and then there's another one that seems to be a boy I'd like to have a fight with. Haha, I have thought about this kind of fight several times before since I heard how he had killed Kushimaru. Now that I've heard even more about him, I want to see the challenge for myself. Say Itachi, does this boy have similar eyes to you?"
Izumi didn't like the ideas of this.
But she couldn't say anything to directly oppose it as it would give away some of what she felt regarding Ryouta, she didn't want Kisame knowing about the true depths of her feelings, she knew Itachi was probably feeling similar to her right now, and silently agreed that they'd have to lead Kisame away from Ryouta should the two cross paths with one another.
She also wondered what Itachi's response to Kisame would be, giving one that would satisify the current Kisame who was hell bent on finding a good challenge, and fighting a member of the Uchiha clan.
Itachi however, remaining stoic as he usually was, answered in a nonchalant way.
"I couldn't possibly say. I haven't seen him since he was a very young child. The last time I saw him, he didn't. Anything could be possible after these years we've been apart."
Izumi thought that was a pretty good and reasonable answer to give.
Kisame slowly nods.
"Hmmm, makes sense. But he's Shisui of the Body Flicker's little brother, right? So he has to be at least a good deal strong. Then there's your sister and your Mom too, I heard they're also pretty good. Hahaha, this is going to be a reunion to die for."
Izumi glanced at Itachi, without making it obvious, he did the same thing back, sharing a very small look between them.
Soon, they neared the gates of Konoha.
Two Ninja came up towards them, with one of them trying to stop Itachi from moving.
"Excuse me, but you can't..."
As he tried to speak, Itachi locked eyes with him, casting his Genjutsu on him directly.
The man's eyes became hazy as the other tried to move closer to Itachi.
However, Izumi patted his shoulder.
"What do you..."
Izumi locked eyes with him, and used her own Genjutsu.
She wasn't as proficient in it as Itachi, but she had more than above average Genjutsu skills, and was able to hypnotize the man pretty quickly.
Once done, Konan gave a slight nod of her head.
"Izumi-chan, your turn."
"Yes, here."
Izumi gives out three blue coloured bottles to the group, and holds one for herself.
"We take this, then go inside. Be prepared."
With Konan's words, they all began going towards Konoha.
For Izumi, it filled her with so many thoughts and feelings.
Thinking about what possibilities that they'd have.
She wondered if she'd encounter Ryouta.
Half of her truly hoped she did, so she could at least see how he had grown up.
But the other half worried about confronting him right now, knowing that it could lead to situations that right now, she couldn't answer.
If she did, what was she going to say?
How could she say anything at all?
It was difficult for her to even think about it, but she had to do her best.
This time was something she couldn't waste.
Even if she couldn't fully express what was going on deep within her heart right now, she'd make use of this time.
End chapter!
So this chapter dealt with the promotion Ryouta got, and how various people reacted to it. Though he received such a promotion, he's still got stuff to learn, and he'll be learning all about his new role from people such as Anko and Kakashi and others like that.
Lee and Ryouta had a one on one spar, with Lee still recovering, but is getting better. Ino and Ryouta had a moment together, with her wishing to even go on a mission together. Anko was quite pleased that her student got such a promotion. Satsuki and Ryouta also had a moment and spoke about recent events. Orochimaru also seems to be going through quite a lot with Yukine being there, and his mind being on Tsunade.
Then at the end, the Akatsuki came, with a surprise Konan! What she's doing there shall be revealed pretty soon!
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, Temari, Pakura,