Welcome to the next chapter!
Morregen; Yeah, Konan's here, and we'll be seeing what she's doing! I could see him wearing a custom one yeah. Yeah, Kisame vs Ryouta is gonna be quite a fun fight to do when it comes up~
Darth Simp; Yeah, Konan's gonna be here, and we'll see what she's gonna be doing pretty soon! You never know, she might show up in that outfit soon. Some people might receive the promotion as well~
ShadowUzumaki55; He is yeah, for better or worse hehe~ Orochimaru's going through a lot right now. Konan's got a special reason why she's there, we'll see soon enough.
Guest 1; Yeah, he got a promotion. Yeah, in a way Yukine will be. It's gonna be quite the meeting!
Silver crow; Thanks. Yeah, he's a Jonin now. They've arrived now, we'll see what they're up to soon. Konan is yeah, she's got reasons for being there. Yukine does now yeah. Yukine did, she doodled sometimes. We'll see how Ryouta combines them and makes them a technique all his own. Maybe they did, maybe they didn't. Anko was having a blast. Mikoto and Hiruzen were quite pleased for the young man. Quite a few people did come and show their excitement at his promotion yeah. Pakura is now yeah. Ino was quite casual about it, and I thought that would be a nice gift for Ino to give. Glad you liked the Lee spar. Satsuki is yeah, she'll learn a bit from her Mother. Kisame is quite excited yeah. Thanks for the votes. He'd have quite the control over time. Yeah, they could be elements. He could be stronger than him. It could be like that for the Issei replacement. Akira will have faith in his parents, and himself. They'd be cool Devil Slayer abilities. Thanks for the harem suggestions. We'll see how it goes with the Sound Four. That would be cool with Izumi and Itachi. Ryouta and Sugaru will have a confrontation at some point. Maybe he will be able to use such Jutsu's from Kisame's if he sees them. We'll see how it goes when they meet one another again pretty soon. Those Kage could bring them sure. We'll see how that arc goes when we get could do that yeah. Mifune could do yeah. She could do yeah. Maybe he will do yeah. Konan could do that. Ameyuri we'll see how that goes. Yeah, Naruko could do.
Guest 2; When he gains Eternal his eyesight will return. Maybe his eyes could evolve into that. She could have some unique power. Ryouta could create that yeah.
Guest 3; Konan will do yeah. Her interaction with Ryouta will begin their journey together.
Reviewer Requiem; Maybe she did teach someone at some point yeah.
Guest 4; That would be cool for the war, I could see a cool team up between them yeah. Izumi doing that would be good. Yeah, they'll gain some power later on.
Guest 5; Ryouta and Konan will have a conversation while she's in Konoha yeah. That would be a nice moment between them, thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 6; Yeah, it will be fun to explore their backstory when the time comes. Yukine and Kushina could have such a dynamic with one another yeah. Thanks for the suggestions!
TheGreatGodzilla; I can't say about Jiraiya right now, it would spoil some things for the future. Konan will do yeah, we'll see how that goes soon. Maybe Tayuya could do something like that yeah. Hiruzen could speak about that in the future. Yeah, it sounds pretty good. Thanks for the harem suggestions. Tsunade and Ryouta will meet again pretty soon. Yeah, it is sad that he is no longer alive.
Hinata fan; Yeah, he's been promoted! They did yeah, everyone's quite happy for him. He could be meeting the Akatsuki present yeah. Konan is yeah, we'll see what she does pretty soon. Thanks for the harem suggestions. Thanks for the votes.
Guest 7; Fu would be pretty cool yeah. That would be quite the interesting way that they could meet one another, thank you for the suggestions!
Guest 8; Bringing him back would be quite an interesting idea, could have some interesting moments. I could see Danzo being quite like that in such situations yeah.
Guest 9; That does sound like an interesting idea to do. Yeah, would have to think about that huh. Thanks for the suggestions.
Guest 10; Yeah, he could help Konan out during that battle, would be interesting to see the pair of them team up for such a fight.
Guestforce; Thanks! Yeah, he's Jonin now! He is yeah, and thanks for the harem suggestions!
Andrew123456; Thanks for the votes.
Any of one; Thank you for voting.
one pie1234; Thank you for the votes.
Hinata is waifu; Yeah, sounds quite interesting to me! Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 11; Yeah, that would be an interesting idea to do for the Fairy Tail fic. They're cool pairings. That's a cool kind of Magic to have, would complete the trio of Sky Slayers. Those would be interesting kind of curses to have. Yeah, does seem a bit odd, but maybe he could keep it in that story. Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 12; That would be cool for an Akira story rewrite yeah. Pretty interesting backstory to have, something quite fun to write about. Those would be interesting abilities to have and play around with, and see what could be done with them. He could have some of those abilities yeah. He'd have an interesting Balance Breaker yeah. Interesting chant to have. Lavinia could have that kind of relationship with him yeah. I could see Vali being quite like that. Azazel having that relationship would make sense. Ageha could be like that. Suzaku could do that yeah, thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 13; Orochimaru is yeah, the spirit of Yukine will be with Orochimaru hehe. She did yeah, Yukine left a few good Jutsu behind. She did leave some stuff about the Shadow Clone Edo Tensei behind. Yeah, she makes little drawings from time to time, a little quirk of hers hehe. Maybe they did, maybe they'll show up in the future. Yup, he's a Jonin now! He'll be going on some high rank missions yeah~ I could see him and Lee saying that to one another. Satsuki has her Mom and Ryouta by her side~ Yeah, Konan's with them now, so we'll see how it goes. Also, most definitely would be quite emotional for both Izumi and Ryouta to see one another again. Thanks very much! Thanks for the harem suggestions! That would be a pretty cool moment for Ryouta to have yeah. Fighting even when unconscious sounds awesome. I can't say of Yukine's connection to her if she has one, spoilers and all. Yeah, it is uite like that in the Boruto era. Thanks for the votes!
Guest 14; Yeah, that would be a cool fic to do one day, thanks for the suggestion!
Guest 15; That would be quite the heart warning scene between them.
Guest 16; Konan could do yeah, would be quite the interesting meeting between them. Konan doing that would be pretty funny, thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 17; Yeah, that would be a cool call back to Kushina through Naruko, thanks for the suggestion!
danielsnow; She's in it yeah!
Darkwubs; Yeah, that's how it would have been. I don't know about Vali yet, I haven't decided one way or the other. Lavinia could be in the peerage. Akira has rivals. Jin will do.
Lorenzo Macchiavelli; Thanks.
Anna Maria Spadoni; Thanks.
Guest 18; Yeah, could do. Thanks for the votes.
Guest 19; Yeah, that would be a cool mission for them to do. He could meet them during that time, would be pretty cool. It would be cool if they did a team up like that, thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 20; Yeah, that would be a great moment to show how far Ryouta's come from such a young age to how he is now.
Guest 21; Maybe he could do something like that yeah.
KenjiTheNephilim; Thanks.
Guest 22; Yeah, that could be an interesting way to go about it. Thanks for the suggestion.
The5Reds; Thanks.
Marco Macchiavelli; Thanks.
Skull Flame; Yeah, Yukine's still haunting Orochimaru and seems to be getting to him quite a bit.
War Sage; Thanks! Yeah he surely did. Ryouta is yeah, he's learning quite a bit from what Yukine has given him. Ryouta made Jonin! Hehe, Yukine's definitely going to troll lol. Glad you liked Anko's moments! He'll be marrying some Kage at least haha. Glad you liked the time he spent with Ino! Konan knows a bit yeah. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Battlefield9000; Thanks.
Guest 23; Yeah, Ryouta could have a role like that in the future. I could see some fun moments between Satsuki and Hinata like that yeah. Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 24; Izumi could grab some stuff like that yeah.
LordofWaves; Thanks! It surely will be~ Ryouta's a Jonin! Anko definitely will do yeah~ Yeah, she could be. Thanks for the harem suggestions.
Guest 25; That would be a nice way to end the story, thanks for the suggestions.
JustAFan; Thanks! He doesn't have one yet, maybe he'll get one in the future. It was a nice change of pace huh. Yeah, Anko's quite fun~ Glad you liked the time he spent with Ino. They did yeah. We'll see a bit of what Konan's up to here. Yukine did yeah. He hasn't seen it in the chapters, but off screen he is aware of them. Thanks for the harem suggestions.
Demon lord digimon; Yeah, sounds good. That would be a cool form. Virgo could be.
Itachi best boi; Yeah, Izumi could have that. They'd be interesting powers for her to have. She could do that. Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 26; Thanks for the votes, and harem suggestions!
With those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Return of the Uchiha's!
The day began like any ordinary day for Ryouta Uchiha.
Waking up in the same bed he shared with those that he loved and cared for.
Getting up, getting dressed, and going down the stairs to have some breakfast before the day would begin.
Now that Ryouta had been officially promoted, he couldn't be happier with himself, and his achievements. He couldn't contain the smile that was growing more and more on his face.
Even now, as he was casually eating his breakfast.
This was a little before the time that Itachi and the others finally had come into the village. So right now, no one was aware of anything that could be happening, what was to come, so Ryouta happily had the breakfast that Mikoto had made for him and Satsuki.
Satsuki's eyes glance towards Ryouta, who continues to eat happily.
"By the way, I'm free today, and I'll probably get some dango, from that shop you like. Want any?"
Ryouta's lips curled upwards.
"Aah yeah, that would be great Satsuki-chan! I wish I could go with you, but Naruko-chan asked me to meet her this morning, and I've got my Sensei's meeting with my group later on. You not meeting Kakashi-sensei?"
"He mentioned something about meeting Sakura and giving her some one on one time. Though if I see him, I might ask if I can have some training."
Ryouta thought that was nice, he was glad that Kakashi as doing that for Sakura.
He then continued eating as Satsuki stared at him.
"So, as a Jonin, are you excited about it?"
Ryouta adopted a small smile, nodding a single time.
"Ah, yeah I suppose that I am. I've been told that even though as a Jonin, I'm still going to be on Team Anko, which I am happy about. I might be Jonin, but I've still got things to learn and I am going to be doing the best I can. Though I have heard that Hokage-sama is still going over the others in the Chunin Exams and is doing his best to sort through them. I am sure you'll know in the next few days if you've raised through the ranks."
Ryouta said with a soft smile on his face.
Satsuki shrugged.
"Yeah, I know. Frustrating waiting for what is going to be said, that's all."
Ryouta could get that, and hoped that she'd get whatever answer soon enough.
"I know, don't worry about it though. I'm sure that he will be quick Satsuki-chan. I'm sure you've earned enough to become Chunin at least. You showed tremendous skill during the fights, and how you handled yourself."
"Yeah, hope so. Either way, enough about that for now. What about you?"
Ryouta tilts his head.
"What about me?"
"You, becoming Jonin. Are you gonna wear the jacket?"
Ryouta thought about it and replied after a few moments of waiting.
"The flak jacket, I've been deciding on it, and haven't come to a decision yet. I really want to keep showing my affiliation with the Uchiha Clan and my dedication to the village as well. So, I don't know yet, I might be like Anko-sensei and not wear the flak jacket, though I haven't fully decided. Maybe a custom made flak jacket would be cool~ What about you?"
"If I became Chunin or Jonin, I haven't decided yet either. I am also an Uchiha and wish to show that with pride."
Ryouta nods, as he continues eating quickly.
As he did, he felt her hand and his connecting with one another's.
It was a simple, but nice gesture for the young couple to have with one another.
A little while later, Ryouta met up with Naruko, who had called him out for reasons he wasn't aware of. So he met up with her in the training area that Team Seven usually occupied, and waited for her to come.
Within the trees, Naruko carefully was moving through them.
Seeing Ryouta there, she rubbed her hands together.
"I really should keep Ryou's skills sharp. Lets see if he can dodge this hehe..."
Naruko moved in as swiftly and quietly as a cat would do.
When getting above the young man, she saw his silky black hair that radiated within her eyes.
The casual way that he stood, she wondered if he was on guard right now.
"Here I go~ You should always be on guard Ryou hahaha~"
Naruko leapt down, and tried to come at Ryouta with an attack.
Only for Naruko's fist to slide through Ryouta's body as if he wasn't there at all.
"Eeeeh?"
She looked confused.
That was until she felt a hand grab the back of her outfit, and pull her up a good deal.
Her body lifted from the ground, and she was turned around to see a bemused Ryouta.
"Hello Naruko-chan, what are you doing?"
Naruko looked at him with half lidded eyes.
But then her chipper nature appears once more.
"Have to keep your skills sharp!"
Ryouta raised a brow.
"Is that so?"
Ryouta was amused by her words.
She showed the same playful happy attitude that she usually did and gave a thumbs up.
"Yup! That's how it is! So, did you get shocked when I came down?"
Ryouta playfully stared at her.
"Ooh yeah, I was totally shocked."
Naruko was then dropped by Ryouta, who landed on her feet.
She then thrusted a finger towards him excitedly.
"So, I'm sure you're wondering why I called you out here, right?"
"Yeah, so what's going on?"
"Well, the truth is-"
"I am totally in love with you, and want to marry you, then have at least two kids, naming one of them after the great Jiraiya-sama, Uchiha-kun~"
A voice that sounded suspiciously like Naruko rang out, with Naruko nodding again and again.
"Yes, that's exactly..." Naruko paused, and then turned around to see a transformed version of her waving innocently towards her. "Hey! I know it's you Pervy Sage!" A laugh came out as Jiraiya appeared where the Naruko was beforehand. "Stop laughing! I came here to train with Ryou! I don't need any pervy stuff from you today!"
Jiraiya gave a faux hurt expression on his face, while Ryouta looked on at the strange interactions between the two of them.
"Brat, I am the Toad Sage, Jiraiya! You shouldn't speak to-"
"So Pervy Sage, what are you doing?"
Jiraiya face faulted, while Ryouta adopted a small smile on his face at the interactions between the two of them.
"Seriously Naruko...anyway! I've got a once in a lifetime offer for you! So, what do you say about coming with me on a trip-"
"I ain't interested."
Jiraiya did a spit take.
"Why?!"
"Because I don't want to!"
Ryouta bemused eyes went between the two of them.
"So...Jiraiya-san. What is this trip you want Naruko-chan to go on?"
"Glad you asked, future husband of the brat." Naruko scowled and blushed at the same time at Jiraiya's words. "It's a very important trip to help locate a certain woman."
Naruko rolled her eyes, and jabbed a finger towards Jiraiya.
"You see Ryou? He's always like this! I have things I wanna learn here anyway! I'm gonna learn more from Kakashi-sensei with the Chidori, and Ryou is also gonna teach me stuff to!"
"I see, so that's why else you called me?"
Naruko gave a gleeful smile to Ryouta's words.
"That's exactly it! Besides, I wont have to worry about you unlike Pervy Sage who will disappear when he sees a pretty lady or something!"
Ryouta snorted, seeing that Jiraiya wasn't denying it at all.
"Hey! I hadn't finished yet Naruko!" Jiraiya snapped, Naruko huffed. "It is true I want you to come with me to locate a certain woman, it's because I want to teach you a new Jutsu."
Naruko's interested were piqued.
"Hmmm? A new Jutsu? What is it?"
Jiraiya smirks, and places his hand out.
"It's a Jutsu that is even stronger then the Chidori your teammate knows. Now are you interested in coming with me?"
Naruko's face lifts brightly, and she begins nodding profusely.
"Are you for real?! I'd know a Jutsu that is stronger than Chidori?!"
Her excitement became quite high, something Ryouta did like to see.
"Yeah, but it will be hard work. That's why you have to come with me while I go and find this woman for the village."
"Excuse me, you said for the village?" Ryouta interjects, Jiraiya nods. "May I ask who this woman is?"
"Inquiring minds want to know it seems. I don't mind saying, it's gonna be public knowledge soon enough. The person that I'm looking for is a woman named Tsunade."
Ryouta wasn't surprised to hear that.
"Of the Sannin...wow, so she's going to become Hokage?"
Naruko looked shocked, Jiraiya also expressed equal surprise.
"How did you know that?"
"I recall hearing from Hokage-sama himself that he was considering retirement. And Tsunade-san is the best Medical Ninja in the world apparently, so her being chosen to be the next Hokage would make sense, if you yourself wouldn't take the position."
"Haha, I see, so that is how it is. Hey Naruko, you've really picked a good boyfriend haven't you?"
Naruko did a spit take while Ryouta's face turned slightly red.
"Pervy Sage! Don't say weird things like that!"
"Hahaha!" Jiraiya gave a bellowing laugh to the growing irritations of Naruko herself. "Anyway Naruko, what do you say? Want to come with me? I know, I'm cruel for pulling you away from your sweet boyfriend, but this is for the good of your Ninja career as well to make you stronger! So, what do you say?"
"Eeh well, it's fine with the old man?"
"Yeah, I got the permission. But we need to leave soon."
Ryouta nodded softly.
"Go Naruko-chan, it seems that he is giving you an offer many others wouldn't have. Training with someone like a Sannin."
Jiraiya gave a thumbs up, a smile on his face.
"When you're older, I'll give you a copy of my books!"
"Eeh, that's alright, thank you. Mikoto-san already told me what kind of books you write, and I've seen Kakashi-sensei read them as well."
"I know, they're the best~"
Ryouta shook side to side, as Naruko leaned closer to Ryou.
"Ryou, you'll still teach me when I get back, right?"
"Yeah, for now, go and have an adventure. Bring back our new Hokage-sama."
Naruko leapt up high and did a fist thrust to the air.
"Aah yeah! Gotta inspect this new Kage for myself! I was gonna be the first female Hokage, but if this woman is, then she has to be really good! Okay Pervy Sage, I'll go with you!"
"Great, then we're leaving in about an hour, meet me at the gates."
With that, Jiraiya disappeared, with Ryouta looking at Naruko who seemed to be rather excited all of a sudden.
He could understand why, learning a new Jutsu would give themselves to such things.
"I guess I'll be seeing you soon Naruko-chan. Have fun~"
"Yeah, thanks! You too!"
Naruko waved, and shot off running.
With free time, Ryouta began whistling and decided to get in some training before having to go and meet up with his squad later on...
As that happened, Itachi, as stoic as ever, strolled along Konoha together with Izumi and Kisame who were speaking together, with Konan stood close by and listening to what was going on with everything the duo of Izumi and Kisame were saying.
Izumi pointed right, as she spoke with Kisame.
"So, that's the way to the Academy...I went to the Academy over there when I was a kid-" She points to another direction. "-and that's the way to the best dango shop in the village. Though with the destruction due to that Orochimaru business, I wonder if it is still going? Hope so, I was thinking about getting some before we leave."
"Haha, your dango obsession is going strong as ever."
Izumi giggles while Kisame laughs.
Itachi glances towards Konan who seems to have eyes elsewhere.
As if she was distracted by something, Itachi didn't know what that was.
"Ooh yeah, there was this like, swimming area, not many really knew of how good it was, but we used to go there sometimes. Itachi-kun and I first went when we started dating...ooh, we also had this training area that was around here, most of the time people didn't use it so we were free to go whenever~"
Kisame laughed while Itachi looked at Izumi, seeing her giving off a playful look.
"Well, it seems that you've had quite the adventures best friend, even before I knew you."
"We used to get up to all sorts of things here. But, that's the past, and now I get to hang out with you Kisame-kun, I'm glad we're on a team, you're much more approachable than pretty much everyone else bar Konan-chan on the Akatsuki. I mean, trying to speak to Kakuzu is gonna only end up with him trying to attack you, Sasori might wanna turn me into a puppet or something, and the others...well, you know how it is~"
"They're way to serious, sometimes you like having fun. And if that's to do with fighting then I'm all for it. I have to find a good opponent for my Samehada."
"Maybe you will do Kisame-kun."
Izumi nods her head as Kisame glances around, and after hearing the stories, which Itachi knew she saved the truly best stuff away from Kisame's and Konan's ears as she didn't give anything away that they didn't need to know, Kisame was intrigued all the more by what was going on.
"Seems like a good place to live best friend."
Kisame observed, with Izumi nodding.
"Ooh yes, it is a nice place to live. How about you Kisame-kun? What are your feelings regarding your own village?"
"Same as you I suppose. It is what it is, and don't give it much thought."
Izumi nods slowly, as she suddenly notices Konan beginning to walk off by herself.
"Konan-chan? Is something going on?"
Konan pauses, and turns towards Izumi.
"There's one thing I have to do. I shall be back soon."
"Oh...want me to come?"
Itachi was glad that she asked that, he didn't feel good about leaving either Kisame or Konan alone.
"No, I shall be quick, do not worry. We shall converge at our meeting place. Remember to gather any information that is needed."
"And what will you be doing?"
Izumi wondered, Konan turned her head away as she answered.
"The same objective, with some other quests I have been tasked to do. I am sorry Izumi-chan, but I cannot share."
Itachi and Izumi didn't like the sound of that.
But they had to play it cool, and didn't say anything at all about it.
"I see...then see you soon Konan-chan~"
"Yes, see you soon."
Konan began leaving, with Kisame turning to Izumi, perplexed.
"Wonder what that's about?"
Izumi shrugged.
"Secret boyfriend?"
"Hahaha, maybe~"
Izumi smiled, and glanced at Itachi, who locked Sharingan eyes with her.
"Izumi, I'll send a crow to follow her discreetly, lets keep close to Kisame. Also, there's a few things that we have to deal with while here, one being to make sure that Danzo knows we're here, and to check on our family."
"Yeah, I know, we have to do a lot in the short time we're here. I'll distract Kisame-kun from you while you do it. Also remember to take a small dose of my drug I gave you so our chakras concealed once more after our Genjutsu conversation ends."
"Right."
Using Genjutsu to share the information, they cut the connection and Izumi quickly pulled Kisame ahead, saying "Let me show you the park I used to train in, it is super close!" with Kisame grinning, following with her, as Itachi summoned a crow from the sky that he had pre summoned beforehand, and had it follow the mysterious Konan, and like Izumi had said, took a drink of her drug as Izumi secretly did the same thing.
However, while walking, Itachi notices that Kakashi was beginning to follow them. As if he had noticed something was strange about them, though Itachi secretly knew this would be the outcome eventually, it wasn't anything that they'd have to worry about for the time being as Kakashi hadn't approached them, but knew something was going on with them.
Meanwhile, Ryouta, not being aware that Izumi and the others were back, began walking through the village.
He didn't have anything particular to do yet, as he wasn't going to be meeting his team yet, and was looking for something to do.
He thought about going towards the damaged parts of the village to see if he could be of any assistance there.
However, while he was walking along, he saw that Anko was happily moving forward. Her grin beamed on her face, and then she saw Ryouta, her grin grew even more, as she leapt forward, getting behind him, and leaned on his shoulder.
While doing so, he felt her hot breath tickling his skin.
Her arms went around his body and rested at his stomach area.
Her eyes met with Ryouta's as their heads turned to see one another.
"My newly appointed Jonin, where are you going huh?"
"I was just going to see if anyone needs help."
"Such a sweet gesture, but I need you for something."
Ryouta blinked.
"You do? What is it?"
"Even though you're a Jonin now, doesn't mean that I'm not your Sensei. So come with me~"
Ryouta shrugged, and did just that, moving across the area.
However, as they did, a piece of paper floated by within the wind, before disappearing with the changing tides of the air.
Anko, with an arm around Ryouta's shoulders, brought him towards the ramen shop.
Sitting down together, Ryouta was ordered for with Anko being able to get his favourite bowl of ramen without him even asking, showing that she had memorized it which Ryouta found quite sweet.
"So Sensei, what did you need me for?"
"Aah yeah, that. There is something that I've been meaning to discuss with you."
"Yes Sensei, what is it?"
Ryouta was more curious than ever, wondering what Anko was going to say.
"Yeah, there's been this mission that has to do with Suna. According to Hokage-sama, it isn't going to come up until after everything in both villages have settled down. However, due to what has happened, Hokage-sama wishes to formally speak with the current leader of Suna, which I guess right now is Pakura since their Kazekage is dead."
Ryouta recalled that and hoped Pakura was doing well.
"It would be a good idea if that was able to happen, isn't it Sensei? If we can reach peace between us."
"Yeah, so Hokage-sama has basically offered you as their husband, so what do you say~?"
"Pft!" Ryouta did a spit take, while Anko held a serious face. "W-What?! Hokage-sama has done that?!"
"Yeah, of course. I mean, we have to begin thinking about these things my cute Ryouta. You're an Uchiha, there aren't many of you guys left. One male really that has strong chakra and genes. So it's been decided, you'll be marrying Gaara, Pakura, Temari...the list goes on~"
Ryouta looked on, seeing Anko trying to keep a serious face on.
But he knew from experience that she was lying about such things.
"Sensei, that's not funny."
"It's funny to me~"
Anko lightly pushed Ryouta, who gave an intrigued stare.
"So, what are you really going to ask me Sensei? I presume it wasn't that joke."
"Hey, that was half serious. You know, if you did marry Gaara, Temari and Pakura, relations between the villages would become even more great...but, that's neither here nor there, you've got time to think about that~" Ryouta truly wondered what was going on inside of Anko's head sometimes. "So, if you did see them again, what do you think about meeting with Pakura? During the events of the invasion, and at the end of the invasion, I think Pakura developed quite an appreciation of you. Maybe even one day she'll fall for you~ Haha, I could see it now, such a nice love story between you~"
Ryouta's cheeks turned slightly red at the thought of someone as beautiful and strong as Pakura even considering someone like him, he felt like it was quite the honour.
"W-Well, Pakura-san is really nice, and beautiful..."
Anko shows a toothy grin, pulling closer and lightly kisses his cheek, catching him off guard, with his eyes going towards her own, with Anko showing a cute and sweet mixed with slightly seductive smile at the same time.
"For now though, enjoy the food. It's on me. I've got some stuff I need to do before going to go to the meeting with us later on."
Ryouta thought that her doing this was rather sweet, and showed a soft smile.
"Thank you Anko-sensei, this is really nice~"
"Enjoy your favourite ramen my Jonin~"
Anko found it cute when she saw Ryouta simply staring at her, which made her think she couldn't wait until he grew a little more, seeing what he would be truly capable of.
A small time later, Izumi, Itachi and Kisame all sat down within a dango shop together.
Making no attempt to hide their Akatsuki cloaks from view of others, Izumi casually ate her dango, while Itachi drank some tea, Kisame on the other hand was happily speaking with Izumi about a myriad of topics, ranging from serious, to ones that wouldn't usually matter at all.
Both Itachi and Izumi were acutely aware that Kakashi had their locations marked, his eye focused upon them.
Izumi and Itachi looked at one another, and then towards Kakashi secretly, knowing that their time would soon come to an end, though they had managed to begin and finish some of the stuff that they had intended to do.
Now they just had to make sure that they did this the most realistic way they could so Kisame and Konan didn't get suspicious of either of them.
While doing so, the lone female of the group wondered what Konan was doing. She had received the secret reports from Itachi via Genjutsu, that she was seemingly out of the way of most people, though it did concern her that she was seemingly seeking someone out, and who that was, she wasn't sure.
"You are right best friend, these dango are pretty good."
"Yeah, told you so~"
Kisame adopts a half smile on his face.
"Still, can't seem to find the target."
"Maybe she isn't here?"
Izumi posed as she balanced a dango stick on her finger.
Itachi stayed silent as he kept his eyes on their surroundings.
As they were doing their thing, Itachi notices something that he half loved and half didn't at this moment in time.
Izumi also notices, and sees something surprising.
It was Satsuki who was beginning to come their way.
Though she didn't voice anything and knew instantly that Itachi had spotted her, they both remained calmn and acted as if nothing was happening.
Satsuki approached in a hasty manner, while she was oblivious to what was going on at that moment in time.
When she was able to get close to them, Kakashi came out, and grabbed her attention, making sure she didn't go towards the dango shop, not knowing what could happen if she did.
Itachi and Izumi glanced at the other, and without exchanging words, knew what the other was thinking right now.
"Kisame, Izumi. It is time to leave."
"Aah, and I was just enjoying my dango." Itachi glances at Kisame who tilts his head, then shrugs. "Alright, fine. Lets go."
Standing up, the trio begin to leave.
While doing so, Itachi notices Kakashi in the background, speaking together with Asuma and Kurenai very briefly, before leading Satsuki away without her knowing they were there. Knowing that this was important, he and Izumi kept up their facade as much as possible, and simply remained calm while moving forward.
A little later on, as the sun was rising higher and higher into the sky, Ryouta began walking through the village, and seeing some different people around. With the time of the meeting of his group being soon, he thought that maybe he'd see if he could get something to eat before going towards his group.
As he travelled through the village, he came across Sakura who seemed to be wondering around almost aimlessly, so he moved closer towards her.
"Sakura-chan, everything okay?"
"A-Ah!" Sakura jumped, but then breathed easier when she saw Ryouta stood close towards her. "Ryou-kun, you haven't seen Kakashi-sensei have you? He said that he was going to have a one on one training session with me, but when I waited for a while, it seems that he didn't appear."
"Aah no, sorry I haven't seen him. Maybe he's been held up somewhere else?"
"Probably, you know how Sensei is after all. So, what's going on with you?"
"Meeting my group for a session pretty soon. So Kakashi-sensei's a no show huh."
Sakura lets out a breath.
"Sounds like Sensei~ I wouldn't worry about it Ryou-kun, I'll catch him another time."
Ryouta did see that she held some disappointment in her eyes, he recalled Sakura mentioning after the events of the invasion, her desire to grow stronger had risen all the more. Hearing what happened with him, and the others, it showed to Sakura that she still had a lengths way to go before she could show how strong she truly could be.
Ryouta showed a half smile, and pulls closer.
"I've got sometime, I can help you."
Sakura paused when she heard that.
Ryouta...would be helping her.
He and she, would be alone…
The pair of them finally being able to be together, all alone.
Training, becoming closer...it was like a dream come true.
This was perfect.
She immediately pushed forward, her hands squashed together and her bright eyes going towards his own.
"Yes, lets do it!"
Her inner Sakura was mentally cheering for Sakura to get this win.
They then walked off together, with Izumi, Itachi and Kisame walking by only a few minutes later, having missed them.
Arriving at a training area, Sakura got before Ryouta who thrusted his fist out towards her. She looked on as his clenched fist looked strong before her eyes, and he himself also looked strong towards her.
"Sakura-chan, lets work on speed okay? Something of a specialty to me. I think it would help you who already can pack a good punch."
"Yeah, I'm ready when you are!"
Hearing how enthusiastic she was, Ryouta was also happy to get underway for this to begin.
"Then, come at me, and fight me as fast as you can. Your objective is to catch me, alright?"
Sakura didn't waste time, inclining her neck a single time.
"R-Right, lets do it!"
Ryouta nods, and watches as Sakura rushes forward. She pushes chakra into her feet for a burst of speed, and gets in to the right hand side of Ryouta, who easily dodges, seeing Sakura's fist hit a tree nearby, and caused some of the leaves to shake off of it, the bark took quite the impact.
She then saw Ryouta at the right, so she pushed chakra once more into her feet, and came in close, only for him to go over her head with one single bounce, however Sakura took out a shuriken and tossed it towards Ryouta's form.
Ryouta moved his hand, catching the shuriken.
Sakura used that time to jump up, and build momentum with her fist going out towards him.
Bending his body in the air, he dodges the fist that went up above his head, then he used his feet to press on her extending arm, shooting down to the ground with a quick push, and saw Sakura flipping down towards him.
"Chaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"
Sakura punches downwards, and causes the ground to crack with her strength alone.
Ryouta flipped away from the area, landing on a tree, to see Sakura staring up at him.
"Keep going at it Sakura-chan, the more you move, the more you'll become accustomed to going at higher speeds."
"Right!"
Sakura exhaled, and leapt up towards him.
Landing on the tree, she began swinging her fists for his body in controlled, and quick manner. As the fists came, Ryouta kept moving backwards, going towards the large trunk of the tree, Sakura noticing and thought that she'd be able to make her move.
"Hah! Hah! Hah!"
Sakura's fists came in rather fast, Ryouta could see that she was channelling chakra through her body and was able to increase her fists movement speed by a good deal, he saw that she also was putting her all into it, and wasn't holding back, which Ryouta thought was pretty great to see.
When his back hit the trunk of the tree, she thought she seized a moment and came in with a devastatingly strong punch, however Ryouta ducked the fist, and slid through the gap underneath her arm.
Sakura tried to kick towards him as he got behind her, though he moved faster than she could raise her leg to take the swing, so she opted to drop a kunai and used her now raised leg to kick it back towards Ryouta who was currently in the middle of landing.
When seeing it, Ryouta elegantly dodged out of the way, and saw Sakura pushing off of the tree trunk, getting up close and personal, using her strength and swung her fist outwards to try and take a hit out on Ryouta.
"That's it Sakura-chan, you're getting quicker and using your surroundings in a smart way!"
Ryouta praised the girl, as he shot back down to the ground.
Sakura exhaled, and tightened her hand, before she launches herself downwards like a meteor, getting in close, only for Ryouta to dodge.
This time she didn't punch down, she pushed on as hard as she could do, appearing towards Ryouta's right, kicking off the ground and swung her fist right for Ryouta's upper body, intending to take him down.
However, he vanished from sight, her eyes going everywhere to look for him...
Only to feel his head on her shoulder, his body being behind her own, with Sakura blushing madly at the closeness the pair had with one another.
"That was good Sakura-chan, always keep your enemy guessing, make it look like you're doing one thing, and then switch it up, and do another thing all together."
Sakura breathed in and out hard, as her blush grew more and more.
Looking towards his face, she felt the heat within her exuding from her face.
She couldn't hide the redness that was exposing itself on said face.
"R-Ryou-kun..."
"Hmmm?"
Sakura controlled her breathing the best that she could do.
Though it was difficult with the way that he looked.
She couldn't help but flush, only to feel some disappointment when he did pull away, and gave her a smile.
"Want to keep going?"
Sakura nodded in a single movement, and then readied her fists.
However, a thought came to her, and that was how fast Ryouta truly was.
How he was able to move around the battlefield, and how she wouldn't be able to keep up with him, since he formerly was known as the Fastest Genin before his promotion.
"Ryou-kun, I wont be able to catch you during all of this. You're simply too fast for me."
Ryouta nodded.
"Yes, you're right. However, going up against a fast opponent is also going to help you gain a higher speed. React to fast opponents. Power and speed going hand in hand would be best. That's how I think anyway."
Sakura became more inspired by the words, and did her best to train harder and harder.
Though she didn't catch Ryouta in the end, the more she pushed herself, Ryouta could see that she was improving more and more, she was able to fight and be able to use her chakra extraordinarily well.
So when fifteen minutes went by, Ryouta and Sakura stopped, then sat close by one another.
Sakura looked at her hands, and her feet, while Ryouta pulled closer.
"Say Sakura-chan, what kind of Ninja do you want to be?"
When asking that, Sakura was surprised and didn't know what to say as a response.
"Well...it's hard to define, isn't it?"
"I suppose it could be, there's many career paths for you, beyond the obvious Chunin and Jonin."
Sakura pondered what he was saying, and thought deeply.
"Well, to be honest, I'm not entirely sure. I thought at one point that I could be good at healing, and watching you do it as well, I thought that if I could control my chakra, then maybe I would be good at that."
"Ooh yeah, you'd totally be a good Medical Ninja, I could see you being able to learn much about medical knowledge with how smart you are."
Sakura lightly blushed.
"Thanks. Maybe it would be good. How come you asked, anyway?"
Ryouta smiled as he spoke.
"I was curious as to what you had thought about regarding being a Ninja. There's many different paths open to us, I myself have always wanted to become a Sensei one day."
Sakura was quite surprised to hear that.
"Really, a Sensei?"
"Think I can't?"
He lightly joked with the young girl, who became embarrassed, and shook side to side.
"No, no! Of course not! I think you could!"
"Relax, I was only kidding~"
Sakura let out a small nervous laugh while Ryouta continued to smile towards her.
"So, a Sensei huh?"
Sakura wasn't surprised that was what he wished to become.
It made sense to her after watching him all this time.
"Yeah, I've thought about it after my brother died. How he trained me, and seeing others that could need assistance to truly shine. I want to become a Sensei like that, a cool one that can help his students flourish."
Hearing one of his dreams, Sakura thought that it was a rather good one for Ryouta to have.
"After helping people like me, and Ino, even Hinata and Naruko, I think you'd be a really good Sensei Ryou-kun."
Ryouta gave a beaming smile.
"Thanks! It might not be for a while yet, but I'm in no rush. There's a lot to learn still for me, so I can wait and learn as much as I can to become a Ninja that can teach other Ninja's."
Sakura smiled at that, and thought about her own life and its path.
What did she really want to do.
What she had witnessed during the times of the invasion, the forest of death, the incident involving Zabuza among other times, and now hearing about Ryouta's own words, Sakura pondered what would be the best thing for her to do.
"Ryou-kun, during the invasion, a lot of people were hurt, and not just by enemy Ninja. I heard about Pakura-san and what happened with that girl named Maki. It was really cruel what happened, and how everyone was going through so much during that time."
Ryouta gently nodded.
"Yes, the invasion was something that caused a lot of people heartache, heart break, and in some cases, tragically, a loss of their lives. Each life had so much meaning and potential, it really is sad when anyone dies in such a situation like being killed."
Sakura nodded, feeling a resolve running through her.
"I wonder Ryou-kun...if I became someone that could save others lives...I want to keep becoming stronger. I might not know my path yet...but, I will keep doing my best as a Ninja."
Ryouta was glad to hear that, Sakura's words made him smile.
"Yeah, I wouldn't worry about not having a path yet. I'm sure that it will eventually come to you."
Sakura smiled, and boldly leaned closer, and pressed her lips against his own.
For a small moment, he was surprised.
But he was happy at the same time, and felt her lips and his own pushing against one another's.
Sakura deeply blushed at the feeling of Ryouta's kiss, and Ryouta himself also felt a tinge of redness growing on his cheeks.
When they pulled apart, Sakura and Ryouta faced one another, and continued to smile, until Ryouta eventually had to leave to go towards his meeting with the others.
A little time had passed since Sakura and Ryouta departed, though right now, Itachi, Izumi and Kisame kept walking through the village, leading Asuma and Kurenai to an isolated area for them to fight on should it come to that.
Taking their time, was also apart of Itachi's plans to be noticed, and reported by to make sure that Danzo, and others that might be watching, to get the message that people such as Satsuki and Ryouta, were off limits.
Izumi and Itachi's eyes locked with one another's in small moments between them, discussing things that were going to happen without Kisame becoming aware.
"Itachi-kun, don't forget about your health."
"I know, do not worry, we wont be here for long."
Izumi was relieved to hear that.
Yet at the same time, she was worried for Itachi, and hoped he knew what was the best way to go about it, but regardless, she was going to support him no matter what else would happen.
"Even then Itachi-kun, we know that Kakashi-san is going to make an appearance, and while I am confident in your abilities, we don't know the backup that they might have. I also know that right now due to Kisame-kun being here, we have to be convincing."
"Yes, we have to be as convincing as possible."
Izumi mentally agreed with what Itachi said, and then continued on after a moments pause.
"Then Itachi-kun, if you want, I can fight on your behalf, don't worry about Kisame-kun, I can make it super convincing that he wont suspect a thing."
"I know you are worried for me which I appreciate and I don't doubt you could make a performance to fool even Kisame, but my condition hasn't progressed enough to hinder me that greatly during this battle. Danzo, and those that support him, have to remember that we, are still around."
Izumi didn't visually show her innate feelings regarding what she had just heard.
During these years together, she had gotten to know him fairly well, and because of that, she knew fairly well that she wasn't surprised when Itachi had said what he did, and even though she did worry, she was going to support him the best that she could do.
"...I thought you'd say that. But remember, if you need me to tag in at any moment, I'm ready to, for you, for Ryou, for everyone I care for."
Itachi was grateful to her for going this far for him.
"I know, we shall begin now."
"Yes, lets do our best."
Izumi and Itachi continue on with Kisame glancing towards those following them, before nodding to Izumi and Itachi, who nod right back.
Though this wasn't what they'd truly want to do.
They knew that they'd have to do their best at this moment in time.
With Kurenai and Asuma following...they'd have to do their best performance, also remembering Konan was around so they definitely had to make it seem like they didn't care about Konoha at all...
On the way to meet up with his squad, Ryouta was making good time, he thought he'd be able to make it with a good deal of time to spare.
However, what came next was a surprise.
When he entered a small woodland area, a shortcut towards the location that he'd be meeting his teammates, he came across someone.
He couldn't fully make them out at first.
But soon it became apparent when he did finally get in close.
It was a blue short haired woman, with a paper flower within said hair that acted as a clip for the bun resting on the top of her head. With amber eyes, and lavender eyeshadow that made her eyes look quite stunning, in Ryouta's humble opinion, his eyes looking directly ahead, and was curious as to what else was there.
She was wearing navy blue robe, with a large hemline on the front, and exposed her arms, her back, the lateral part of her breast and her belly, with her navel, and long blue pants to match the outfit all together, with white high heels at the same time.
Though Ryouta didn't know her, this was Konan, without her Akatsuki cloak being on.
"Who is she…? Something about her feels a bit off...I don't think I've ever seen her chakra before, and I haven't seen her around the village...is she meeting someone? Waiting for someone? I am a Ninja, so I should go and find out what's going on regarding this woman and her intentions..."
Ryouta wondered, his eyes going towards her, and keeping a strong look on her to make sure that she didn't try anything weird.
Ryouta watched as her eyes shifted towards him.
Like a homing missile, he saw that she was approaching him, fast.
Ryouta was on guard, since he didn't know this woman.
He didn't sense any immediate danger from her.
But something didn't feel right.
Like, she was waiting for something…
Maybe even him.
The young woman got before Ryouta's eyes, and peered towards him.
Despite peering at him, he didn't feel any hostility.
Yet, at the same time, Ryouta felt something wasn't right, the way that she stared at him was telling him that this wasn't a mere chance, that she had either waited for something to happen, or she made it happen.
Konan on the other hand, kept her eyes on Ryouta, and began moving even closer, what her intentions were, remained unclear, but for certain, involved Ryouta...
End chapter!
So this chapter dealt with the Akatsuki in the form of Izumi, Itachi, Kisame and Konan coming to Konoha, with the group breaking apart, with Konan having her own kind of mission, what we'll see what that is pretty soon! But at the end, she met up with Ryouta, so we'll see be seeing how that goes pretty soon!
As that was going on, it was a normal day in Konoha, with Satsuki and Ryouta spending sometime together, Naruko and Ryouta also had a little moment together. Sakura and Ryouya even managed to get a little training in, and discussing a bit more about the future of the pair of them. Jiraiya has also taken Naruko to go and find Tsunade, and Kakashi spotted Itachi and the others, with Kurenai, and Asuma following after them.
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,