Welcome to the next chapter!
Morregen; Yeah, we'll see how that goes pretty soon! Thanks very much!
joharasbel; Thanks very much!
TheGreatGodzilla; Ryouta's got some stuff to do during this arc. He's doing stuff with the Akatsuki and other things to come. The Sound Four shall be appearing in time. Anko seems to be like that yeah, she's quite excited to help them out. We'll have to wait and see how that goes with Naruko and Karin. Ryouta's never met Konan before this meeting so he can't remember her. Glad you liked the kiss between the two of them. Maybe Hiruzen does yeah. It's good yeah. Yeah, could be a cool arc to do.
shephawk; She could have them, would be interesting to see her share that with Ryouta. It's gonna be quite the interesting fight between them. Konan has yeah, we'll be seeing how it goes between them and what they can do as a unit and alone as well. Konan is yeah, she's gonna be showing and speaking to Ryouta about a few things.
danielsnow; That definitely would throw him off haha. He might end up meeting with Izumi yeah.
LezarioFanficio; Yeah, that would be pretty cool to do. Thank you very much, I'm glad that you like my stories, and it gives you such a lift during the day. Thanks very much, I'll do my best!
ShadowUzumaki55; He has yeah, and he's already got a good number of stuff to do. He does, he's still learning and growing as a Ninja. Glad you liked the moments between Ryouta and the girls. Izumi's got very strong since her time in Konoha, easily enough to be a dangerous threat all her own to her enemies. Konan has yeah, some will be shown here, and some will be explained a bit later on about why Konan has come for Ryouta all of a sudden. He does think she's stunning yeah.
Silver crow; Thanks! Konan and Ryouta will interact this chapter. Glad you liked the Konan stuff. Maybe Ryouta will be going towards Naruko and Jiraiya pretty soon. Yeah, when they meet, it is going to be quite intense. Maybe they could do yeah. He could have a custom one made for him. That would be a nice outfit for him to wear. Yeah, I thought it would be good if Naruko knew what she was doing this time with going to find Tsunade. Yeah, Itachi, Izumi and Kisame are quite the odd trio on a road trip, but thanks to Izumi, Itachi and Kisame seem to have a good connection with one another. Anko did yeah, Konan could have been doing that. Glad you liked the Sakura part. Satsuki could wear that yeah. That could be a cool detail Ryouta and Temari did that. He could teach them the summoning technique. They'd be cool summons. For Agares, he'd have quite the power so he'd not need it. Akira will believe in his parents and what they taught him. He could meet them sure. Yeah, he could be apart of that clan for sure. Those would be cool for a Devil Slayer. They could pursue him like that after the time skip yeah. Maybe he could have traits like that. Yeah, seems that I did haha~ Thanks for the harem suggestions. Yeah, he could learn from them. That would be cool for Tsunade. It's gonna be quite interesting to see what happens~
Guest 1; Yeah, he and Izumi could leave during that time. That would be an interesting way to take their story. Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 2; Haku doing that with ice would be awesome~
Guest 3; Haku could get her own summoning yeah. Those would be cool summons for her.
Guest 4; Yeah, that would be cool for a meeting between Tobi and Ryouta once he knows about Tobi's true identities. He could do yeah, thanks for the suggestions!
Hinata is waifu; You never know, she could be~
Guest 5; Samui could be yeah, it would be nice to see more of her during that arc. Thanks for the suggestions!
That one guy; Hinata could do yeah, it always made sense to me that she could have become a really good Medic Ninja. Yeah, it would be quite useful to her.
Guest 6; Konan should be yeah. Izumi could have those abilities, it would be pretty awesome to see her use them. Thanks for the suggestions!
Thfdrgc; Yeah, Kakashi using that would have been pretty cool during the series, so maybe he'll use it here. Naruko could teach him that yeah.
Skull Flame; Izumi and Kisame do yeah~ Konan surely is. Jiraiya seems to be pretty happy to get them together.
Guest 7; Mei and Zabuza could do that, would be pretty interesting to see. It would make sense that they'd speak to them about it.
Guest 8; Madara vs Ryouta like that would be pretty awesome to see. Yeah, he could have that later on, thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 9; Those would be good for him to have. Yeah, he could do.
Hinata fan; Yeah, we'll be seeing their reactions pretty soon. We might get a fight between them pretty soon. Konan and Ryouta's meeting is going to be quite intriguing. He'll be involved when it comes to Tsunade yeah. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 10; Satsuki could do yeah. Ryouta doing that would be cool.
Guest 11; Yeah, he'll be able to stay away from the curse.
Guest 12; Ryouta vs Deidara would be an interesting fight to have, and yeah, Susanoo would be able to take such an attack. Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 13; Haku gaining those swords would be pretty interesting, I could see Mei being fine with her using them. That would be nice if she did, thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 14; Naruko could do yeah. That would be a cool power up for Ryouta to have. That would be cool if Naruko could handle that during the beginning of Shippuden. That would be nice, thanks for the suggestions!
Karins fanboy; Karin will use them before she did in canon. That would be cool if she used them in that way, thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 15; Yeah, that would be pretty interesting for them to see one another like that. Yeah, he's definitely an interesting character.
Renato Renato; Thanks.
Giulia Giusti; Thanks.
Guest 16; Yeah, that would be pretty funny to see. I could see him asking Hinata about that, thanks for the suggestions!
Arondight888; Thanks very much! That's Anko for you~ Jiraiya's did yeah~ Thanks for the harem suggestions! That was pretty funny hehe. Thank you very much!
one pie1234; Thanks for the votes.
Any of one; Thanks for voting.
Andrew123456; Thank you for the votes.
Emerald; Thanks.
Neonlight01; Konan does yeah, we'll see what happens with her here~ Yeah, maybe he'll be able to help her out. Thanks for the votes.
OceanMaster32; Thanks for the votes.
Guest 17; Thanks for the votes and harem suggestions.
Guest 18; Thanks for the votes.
Guestforce; They'll have a chance to train. Glad you liked the Sakura stuff. Anko is pretty funny~ We'll be seeing what Konan's doing here. Thanks for the harem suggestion!
Nova; Thanks for the votes!
Guest 19; That would be interesting, depending when he appears.
Guest 20; Yeah, that would be awesome if Sakura could do something like that.
Francesco Spadoni; Thanks.
Guest 21; Yeah, that would be an interesting Fairy Tail fic. Zera could do something like that yeah. It would be interesting if he was adopted into that house. I'm sure he'd want to keep such things secret yeah. Larcade could do something like that, would be fun to see him use such a power. That would be good if he did confront her, and stop her. That would be cool if he did absorb their powers and combine it with his own. Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 22; A half grim reaper fic could be interesting to do. Thanatos' child could be a good angle to come at it from, and see some unique dynamics, he could form his own group dependent of most others. Haruki's perspective is his own, he doesn't really fit with the Devils since he lived for a good long time before ever becoming one. I have an idea for the Issei replacement, all I can say without spoiling is that it would be a different journey from what Issei goes through and while he'd be connected with Rias, it will be in a way some might not expect. Juggernaut Drive was pretty cool, it is too bad that it didn't last long or appear much in the main series. He'd have stuff to overcome. That would be cool between Vali and Oc. Well, he'd have to have some of the adventures, as that's the plot of the LN's, there would be twists and different spins on them of course, thanks for the suggestions.
Acehardlight; Thanks for the vote.
Spiralzone; Thanks for the votes.
Guest 23; That would be a cool combination move between them. I could see a team attack like that, thanks for the suggestions.
Guest 24; She'd be cool, thanks for the suggestion!
guest; Thanks for the votes.
KarmaChaos5; Thanks. No, it wouldn't affect anything, I'd just plan around it.
Chiaki Forever; Thanks. I guess we'll see why they did what they did.
Infinite Love 14; Thanks. I'm sure why they did what they did will become clear soon.
War Sage; Thanks! Yeah, but they'll have sometime to train in the future. Glad you have a good time with their scenes. Yeah, Sakura and Ryouta did have sometime together. He will be leader of teams as the story goes on, he might even lead a team pretty soon. Konan's agenda shall be partly revealed in this chapter. Mikoto and Itachi, they might have a reunion in the near future~ Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Jubiter; Thanks for the vote.
Guest 25; Thanks! Yeah, after the hectic stuff he's dealt with, he deserved a little downtime hehe. Yeah, what's Konan up to? We shall soon see~ I thought it would be good for Ryouta to have such a dream, he's interested in helping others, and supporting and making their dreams come true as well as his own. Konan and Ryouta's interactions shall be interesting to say the least. Hehe, Izumi and Ryouta's meeting, that's gonna be something to see~ She's a amalgamation of some different characters, Rei is one of them. Thanks!
Jolteon; Thanks for the vote!
WaveLord; They are yeah, we'll catch up with some soon. Kurenai's usage of Genjutsu on an Uchiha was always funny to me. Sakura will be showing quite a few feats during Shippuden, and I'm glad you like her portrayal here. Anko definitely will have to yeah, thanks for the harem suggestions.
Guest 26; Yeah, it would be an interesting idea to do, I always thought it could be taken in a number of different ways. That would be funny if she was the first one to react to him, I could see them having a fun dynamic with one another, and most definitely Homura would want to do that yeah. Miya would feel like that for her son yeah, she'd not want him to be in danger.
JustAFan; Itachi and Mikoto might be able to meet up with one another pretty soon. Yeah, he and Sakura had some moments together. Naruko will be yeah! Konan's motives shall become clear pretty soon. Black Zetsu and Ryouta's first meeting is going to be quite interesting, that's all I can say without spoiling what might happen. There will be yeah~ Kurenai's usage of that is pretty odd. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Avatarairbender; Thanks for the votes!
Guest 27; Yeah, they could have a story like that with Akira and Valerie. Jin could be like that yeah. He could be like that. That's an interesting peerage, thanks for the suggestions! That's very kind, it's difficult, but I try my best to do my best and put out my best work.
Lorenzo Macchiavelli; Thanks, and yeah, maybe he could do.
NephilimPrime; Thanks for the vote. We'll see what happens.
With those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Konan and Ryouta's encounter
In an attempt to make sure that Satsuki didn't get involved for the time being, Kakashi brought her towards a secure location under the premise that he would be giving her some kind of training, though all he could think of was simple training at that.
So when Kakashi was leaving, Satsuki was in doubt about what was going on.
"Hey, where are you going?"
Kakashi paused, and looked towards Satsuki, scratching the back of his head.
"Don't worry so much about it now. I just have some business to take care of, I'll be right back."
Satsuki wasn't sure why Kakashi seemed to be in such a hurry.
But she didn't have any say as Kakashi soon took off, leaving the young girl alone.
So she began going through what Kakashi had given her, and waited patiently for what was to happen next.
A few minutes later, Mikoto happened to come by and walked towards her daughter.
"Oh Satsuki, you're here? I thought you had a meeting with Kakashi-kun?"
"I did, sort of. He kind of split on me though."
Mikoto wore surprise.
"How come?"
"He didn't say. He was just busy...say Mom, since you're here, maybe I could learn a bit from you?"
Mikoto gave a curious stare.
"You want to learn from me? I don't mind, but how come you want to learn now?"
"I've been thinking about it for a while, and speaking to Ryou about it the other day, I thought about becoming something of a swordswoman, and you're one of the best that I know of, maybe even considered the best within Konoha, I thought I'd ask you."
Mikoto placed a hand to her face.
"My, your words are so kind Satsuki. I don't know if I'm the best, but I'd give it a go in teaching you."
"You have time?"
Mikoto nods slowly.
"Yes, that's right. I do have a little bit of time. So lets begin with a few refreshers, okay? I remember teaching you the basics before, so lets start from there."
"Yes."
Satsuki was happy to do it, and so began learning from her Mother the way to wield a sword for a short time before Mikoto was called away for some of her duties. But the time that she had with her daughter, was something that Mikoto cherished and was glad that she could pass on some knowledge to her.
Standing face to face with Konan, Ryouta became on high alert.
He knew that if this woman was to attack, then things could become dangerous. He didn't have any basis for it, but something about the way her eyes looked, and her general demeanour, told him that she was a strong opponent to deal with.
However, when she came closer, she moved her hand towards him, and…she stopped.
She looked at his eyes, and then his face.
"By your appearance, I take it that you're Ryouta Uchiha-kun?"
Ryouta was perplexed as to why she suddenly was saying something like that.
She knew him...but why?
"Are you aware of me somehow? Maybe by rumour?"
Ryouta asked, since he didn't recognize her chakra signature.
He knew he had never met this woman before.
She couldn't even have been using the Transformation technique, so he knew this was what she actually looked like.
If he had to be honest, he thought that she was rather beautiful.
However, even the most beautiful could prove to be the most deadly, so he kept up his guard around this woman.
"Reputation, I suppose you could say. And I have heard of what you generally look like from rumours, it seems that rumours were true in this case. Though it seems that I got lost, and ended up in this forest."
Ryouta thought that last part was a total lie.
She knew exactly what she was doing and why she was doing it.
However, he decided to play along to see how far she'd actually go with this lie and to see if he could find out any information that she could do.
"I see, a coincidence that we ran into one another haha~"
Ryouta played it as casual as possible.
Konan on the other hand simply sat down on a fallen tree, with her eyes intently going towards Ryouta himself.
"Do you mind if we sit down? Or, do you have somewhere to be?"
Ryouta betted that regardless of his answer, she wouldn't allow him to leave anyway.
So he chose to sit down and play her game.
"No, I'm free right now, lets sit down and speak for a bit...erm, I don't actually know your name. Do you mind if I ask for it?"
"No, my name is Konan."
Ryouta was surprised she was so forthcoming with her name.
It almost seemed to be terrifying how she was so casual about revealing that.
It didn't feel like a lie either.
He wasn't Karin, but he had gotten to know when he was able to see a lie and a truth within people.
Of course he wasn't infallible, at least he had some knowledge on when people tried to be deceptive towards him.
"Nice to meet you Konan-san. May I ask, why did you want to meet with me exactly? I'm still only...a fresh Ninja of course."
"Even then, you have already made a name for yourself. May I ask, do you like being in this village? Is this a place you would call your home?"
Ryouta was perplexed as to why she'd be asking that all of a sudden.
But he answered honestly, while also trying to work Konan out.
"Yes, this is the village that I would defend with my life. I did defend it with my life, as I'm sure you heard about the recent attack?"
Ryouta wondered how much she knew about the attack, and because he didn't know her allegiance, he was also trying his best to see if she would give anything away. Even if it wasn't verbally, if he could get any information then he knew it would be worth it.
"Yes, Orochimaru attacked, didn't he?"
"Yes, that's right."
"That man, caused a good deal of destruction. Though from what I have heard, from a young woman named Ameyuri, it seems that Ryouta Uchiha-kun was the one that caused him to feel the most pain."
Konan said with a monotone.
Ryouta comically threw his head back, and murmured "Ameyuri-san..." while Konan tilted her head.
"Is something wrong?"
"N-No...nothing."
Ryouta felt like Ameyuri was doing it on purpose to cause more trouble for him.
Or maybe it was Orochimaru's bidding that she spread such word.
While not exactly a lie considering that he did directly, and even indirectly through freeing his Mother from Orochimaru's control.
"Now, that you've asked me a question, can I ask one of you?"
Konan suspected that he'd say this sooner or later.
"Yes, since I am asking you, you can also ask me."
"Then, let me ask you, why are you really here?"
Konan was surprised by the question.
But she kept up her stoic nature and replied.
"To meet someone and see more about them."
"I see, so what happens when you see more about this person?"
Konan was held in place by her surprise.
The fact that Ryouta said that, meant that he had deduced something and he wasn't someone to be taken lightly.
"This boys sharp. I have to be careful, though even if he does find out, it still works to my advantage. Still, it seems that Izumi-chan's drug has done the trick, we're alone for now, so I can keep asking questions and get some answers for myself."
Konan thought about the best thing that she should do next.
And she thought about giving some truths, without revealing too much.
Meanwhile, Kurenai and Asuma were tailing behind Itachi, Izumi and Kisame. The area they were going towards, was an area that was deserted. It was out of the way of the major village area, and also away from different people.
"Something isn't right about this Asuma-san."
Kurenai began, clearly distrusting of this situation.
"Yeah, I am having a bad feeling about this. Something isn't right at all."
Asuma answered the doubts laid within Kurenai.
"They couldn't know that we've been following them, could they?"
"We're being careful, but if they are who we think they are, then anything is possible. Itachi alone is someone to be wary about. He is a genius and seeing what someone like Ryouta Uchiha is capable of at his age with his Sharingan, we have to presume that Itachi is just as, if not even more, dangerous than that."
Kurenai could understand that very well.
She also was in the middle of worrying about what was going on.
They continued following the trio, wondering what was going to come up.
What Itachi and the others would be capable of doing together.
The area they ended up in was abandoned. Thankfully, no one was around. Itachi, Izumi and Kisame all crossed a bridge that housed a large body of water, akin to a small lake, and the area they went was covered in dirty ground, and trees that scattered across the background.
Asuma and Kurenai watched as the trio stopped mid walk.
Itachi's eyes went towards their direction.
They thought that they had been careful.
But now, they had been spotted, and that was troubling for the pair, especially since Kakashi hadn't come back yet.
"Something wrong, Itachi?"
Kisame asks the young man, Itachi furrows his brows.
"If you have to ask me that, then I am surprised."
Kisame showed a darkened smile on his face, while Izumi looked at Kurenai and Asuma.
Seeing her eyes on them, they both knew that they had been discovered.
Even when keeping away and hidden, they couldn't escape the trios eyes.
"Heh, I already noticed those two following us, but I was thinking more that this is your former home. Got any hard feelings about killing those you used to know?"
Itachi didn't show anything other than his stoic nature as he answered Kisame's doubt.
"They are former comrades, they are no longer of interest to me."
Kisame was mostly satisfied with that answer.
"Well, well, well, you're being as ruthless as the day you killed the Uchiha, aren't you? You probably know them or even know of them, yet you're so cold that you'd cut them off at the single moment that they'd become nuisances."
"I'm not interested in killing them. However, if they become hindrances to us, then we will have no choice."
Kisame stroked his chin.
"I see, I'm glad to hear that, because I was getting bored. I wish to have a little fun, so I hope these guys can satisfy that." Kisame turned his eyes towards the pair. "Come out, Samehada is excited for your blood. If you try to run, then Samehada will track you down and devour your very lives."
Those words shook both Kurenai and Asuma.
But answering Kisame's call, the pair flashed towards them, landing before them and gave darkened eyes towards Kisame, Itachi and Izumi, the former seemed rather happy, Izumi and Itachi on the other hand, while keeping on stoic expressions, knew that things were able to get dicey and whatever happened next, they'd have to do their best.
Meanwhile, back with Ryouta and Konan, Konan was thinking about how to answer Ryouta's question.
"Your question, why did you ask me that?"
"Because your eyes tell me something's more to than what you're saying. If anything, you have similar eyes to me."
Ryouta replied carefully, and truthfully at the same time.
Konan wasn't expecting that answer.
But she also felt like it was equal parts calculated and sincere at the same time.
"Similar eyes, perhaps you're right. I also can see sadness within your eyes, though also happiness. Such a complex situation I can see within your eyes. If I asked you what you felt right now, what would the response be?"
"It would be that I'm neither. I don't feel immense happiness, nor do I feel immense sadness."
Konan almost cracked a smile at those words.
"Yes, I can see. By the way, would I be able to ask some more questions?"
"If I can?"
Konan thought that was fair, and partly because she wanted some truthful responses, she wished to also express her own feelings, even if they were guarded.
"Of course, it would be a give and take between us. So let me start." Ryouta nodded. "Even though this village has no doubt been a difficult place to live, facing hardships. Would you die for this village?"
"I love this village, it has given me plenty of good times as well as bad. But the good times, I hold dear, and wouldn't change them for the world. So while preferably I wouldn't want to die, but yes, I would. Bit of a heavy question."
Konan nodded.
"Yes, I am sorry for being direct, I was curious about how you felt. Not everyone would give the same answer."
Ryouta could get that, and thought about what he should say next.
"Now it's my turn. Let me ask you the same thing."
Konan paused for a few moments, before inclining her head.
"The village I live in, is faced with hardships as well, and those I care for lived there, I would do what is necessary for those people."
Ryouta understood her answer, and could feel that while trying to be emotionless, some passion sunk through, which Ryouta did appreciate.
Konan then continued.
"Now that I answered, allow me to ask you. If someone killed someone you cared for, would you go into a revenge state?"
It was a heavy question, he knew now Konan was wanting more, so while being careful to answer, he was going to watch and gauge her reactions to see if he could gain any information from her.
"Revenge, leads to nothing but loneliness and isolation. Getting justice, I definitely would do."
Konan was once more surprised by the answer.
"It seems that you've already contemplated that kind of answer before."
Konan stated more than asked.
He knew by now she knew more than she was letting on, so he'd give her the answer he felt inside, while continuing to try and discern anything from her.
"I have had a few years to answer that. At first, I wasn't entirely sure what I'd answer when the subject of revenge came up. Justice I see as getting that for those that have been killed, revenge is something that can drive you away from all those that you have left."
"What if you have nothing left?"
"Then...new connections can be made. But even if they are, the old connections aren't forgotten. It doesn't replace them in your heart. You can make more room within your heart with your connections to others. I know that even though there are new people that have come into my life, after those I love have passed on, I have places for the new and the old, remembering and cherishing both equally."
Konan...honestly was surprised by such an answer.
She placed her hands on her thighs, and then cupped her fingers together.
"What an answer...yet, it was rather deeply profound. Perhaps what that man had said, isn't true after all. I can't see this boy being swayed with simple words to join others causes, forgetting the past memories of those he cherished. However, when he spoke...it slightly reminded me of...never mind. He is a kind boy after all, trying to sway him would prove to be of no use. I wish that I could speak with him even more, though more casually. Maybe one day."
Konan had a fond memory within her mind.
But she quickly dismissed them and budged closer.
"For someone so young to have such a mindset. May I ask...why didn't you give into hate after your loved ones died?"
"That's simple. It's because I knew they'd not want me to, and I didn't want to lose myself either. Of course...I was angry, so angry that my loved one was taken away from me, that time that it has happened...but I knew that only feeling this anger, wouldn't give me anything beyond it. I remember each emotion that I felt during the time of my loved ones deaths. But enough about me, what about you Konan-san?"
"What about me?"
Ryouta inhaled slowly.
He knew that he was getting nowhere fast.
So he had to switch it up, and try it from a different angle.
"I was curious, when will we get to why you're really here."
Konan wasn't surprised he said that.
She stared at Ryouta who did the same thing right back.
With what he said, she knew that dancing around the situation wouldn't be best, so she decided to say it outright.
"Then, let us talk about you coming with me."
Ryouta was perplexed by that.
But he saw Konan's serious face, so he adopted the same seriousness that she had.
As that went on, Itachi, Izumi and Kisame all stood off against Kurenai and Asuma.
The two leaf Jonin became acutely aware of the people before them. With Itachi being very recognizable, and Izumi as well, Kisame even was quite recognizable to those before their eyes.
"Itachi and Izumi Uchiha, along with Kisame Hoshigaki."
Asuma expressed, with Kurenai showing surprise.
"Such high level Ninja, each of them are very dangerous. Asuma-san, can we fight all three of them together?"
"We have no choice Kurenai, these three are highly dangerous."
Kisame showed a dark smile on his face.
"Best friend, did you know these two? Before you became apart of the Akatsuki that is?"
Izumi furrowed her brows.
"Not particularly well, but enough to know roughly about them and their fighting styles, why do you ask?"
"I was curious if you had any doubts about fighting them. A sweet girl such as yourself shouldn't have to get your hands dirty when fighting beings from the past. If you'd prefer, I'll deal with any of your opponents."
In an odd way, she found that to be actually really sweet.
"Thank you for the concern Kisame-kun, but I'm fine, really."
"Well, if it gets overwhelming, let me know. I'd not do it for just anyone, you know?"
Izumi smiled, nodding in appreciation.
"Thank you Kisame-kun, I'll keep it in mind. That's sweet of you."
Asuma showed a half smirk on his face.
"Friends among rouge Ninja? I am surprised to hear that. Especially from Itachi's girlfriend."
Kisame frowned when hearing the way Asuma spoke about Izumi.
"Don't you speak about my best friend in such a manner, she's better than you are."
Kisame said it in a low tone, but it held threatening sounds laced within each word, which caused Asuma to actually be stopped for a few moments.
Kurenai scowled and pulled out a kunai.
"Asuma, I'll take Izumi Uchiha."
"Right, then I'll fight either Itachi or Kisame. Then we'll work together and fight the last one together."
Kisame almost laughed at the words being used.
It felt almost insulting to Kisame by how casual the pair were with them.
"Heh, I was hoping to get my hands dirty. Say, your drug is still in effect, right best friend?"
"Yes, the majority of people wont be able to tell that we're fighting here for a good while yet. Even if you use your chakra. Though remember that the more you use, the quicker the drugs effects will wear off, and highly skilled sensors will be able to find us."
Izumi answered Kisame's words, Kisame himself looked rather thrilled to hear that.
"Haha, that's good. You always did make the best stuff best friend. Too bad that paper girl isn't here, I was hoping to have a good brawl with all of us present."
"Regardless of what she is doing, we have to remember Kisame that we haven't come to start a war. Though since the enemy before us could cause us to be discovered, we should begin taking care of them immediately."
It was words that Itachi didn't want to use.
But Izumi and Itachi both knew that this was the situation they were in and how to show coldness in front of Kisame for the village they loved.
"Itachi-kun, I can handle this one."
Wanting to watch out for his illness and be prepared at the same time in case unexpected situations began popping up, she hoped that this would be the best thing that they'd be able to do right now.
Itachi bowed his head.
"If you're willing to do it, then I do not have a complaint."
Izumi nodded, and stepped forward.
Her eyes went between Kurenai and Asuma.
"Kurenai-chan, did you say you wished to fight against me? I can't wait to begin Kurenai-chan."
Izumi's smile was sweet, but oddly enough, that also made it rather scary.
Kurenai pulled forward with her kunai.
"Asuma...keep your eyes on the other two, if they want to duel one on one, we can use that to our advantage until backup arrives."
"You're right, three might be too difficult for us both, so we can defeat them one on one then it would be best. Go for it Kurenai, but be careful, she is an Uchiha, and since leaving the village, her skills could have increased exponentially."
"You're right about that." Izumi interrupted, with Asuma and Kurenai both wincing. "I have increased my skills, to the point you could say that you'll not recognize me at all. So come at me, Kurenai-chan."
Kurenai winced, and twirled the kunai within her hand.
Izumi stood deadly still, it almost seemed like she was waiting for either of her opponents to make any kind of mistakes.
As that went on, Ryouta and Konan stared off at one another. With their initial conversation finished, and the bomb being dropped so to speak about Konan's true intentions, Ryouta needed to know more.
However, he also knew making a false move could also cause some problems.
He didn't know if she had allies backing her up.
Even right now, as he stared at her, he couldn't feel her presence at all.
It was a very odd feeling.
He wasn't Karin and couldn't sense chakra to her great level.
But with his eyes he could see it, and even with the Sharingan, the chakra he stared at right now didn't seem as if it was there, if anything it was almost like he was staring at a ghost or something that wasn't living.
So he couldn't take the chance that she had allies around, ready to jump in at any time.
"You said that I'm coming with you, why?"
"My leader, has become interested in you as of late."
"And your leader is?"
"I cannot say. However, if you agree to come with me, then this shall be quickly settled."
"I have no reason to go with you."
Konan thought he'd say something like that.
"And if I gave you a reason?"
"...What do you mean by that? What reason could you give me?"
Konan pulled closer.
Ryouta remained on guard as she approached slowly, carefully.
"You said that those in the past you lost, you'd not be able to get revenge for, rather justice, correct?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Have you managed to achieve anything close to that yet?"
Ryouta felt the stinging words.
He wasn't surprised she had asked that, she was showing more of what she actually knew now, which is what he wanted to see how much she did know about him, and what she didn't know.
"I'm working towards my own goals and desires my own way. And I will get justice for those that have been killed by those evil entities."
"What if you didn't have to wait?" Konan persuaded. "What if, I could deliver one of your enemies to you right now? What would you say?"
Ryouta was beyond perplexed, he didn't know why she'd be saying that.
"Why are you..."
"As I asked, would that be something you'd want?"
"But it would come with a price, would it not?"
Ryouta always knew there was a price when it came to these things.
And indeed, Konan didn't deny it either.
"Correct, as I said, our leader has become intrigued by you."
"Why? Don't tell me, you're Orochimaru's follower?"
Konan almost looked offended.
"I do not associate with him, nor would I want to. Orochimaru is a parasite, and someone that I wouldn't mind seeing the end of. He is spitting at Heaven, while he is condemned to live like a leech, always latching onto one person to the next, trying and failing to gain what he desires. So, no, I am not with Orochimaru."
Ryouta believed her.
Something about the way she spoke, told him that she genuinely didn't like Orochimaru at all, and the idea of being associated with him was sickening to her, which he also thought would make sense due to the way that she presented her hatred of Orochimaru.
"If you're not with Orochimaru, then who are you with exactly?"
"I cannot reveal that information to you. However, I was told to begin discussing with you."
He figured she'd not explain right now.
But he had to at least try and gain the information, even if she wasn't exactly forthcoming about it.
"But why me? Is it because...of my talents?"
"My leader, has become acutely aware of your many talents. I also have become aware of your talents, and I have thought that it was a good idea to approach you in this manner. Because of the way that you act and are, I didn't want to come with the intention to fight you at all."
"So you want to talk civilly about me possibly joining this group?"
Ryouta kept his guard up.
The thought of her leader wanting him out of many within the world, made him wonder why.
If it was for his eyes.
His knowledge on certain things.
He wondered if it was because he had the information on where the mask of the Shinigami was, the mask his Mother entrusted to him.
Or perhaps even something that he wasn't aware of yet.
"Again correct. I have no intention of fighting currently. However, I have been tasked with the convincing of bringing you towards my group. So, I'd like to do that without fighting. However, if you do wish to keep going against us, then I will have no choice but to fight you here and now. One way or another, you shall be coming with me."
With the way she spoke, she meant it.
If he didn't comply with her words, then she'd go on the assault.
If he didn't play his cards right, then he would immediately be attacked.
Meanwhile, Anko, Haku and Karin all stood around the area that the team was supposed to meet. Anko looked at the time, and then looked towards Haku, who had a curious look on her face as she sat with her open palm hands to her chin, then towards Karin, who tapped her foot onto the ground.
"I'm surprised Ryou-kun is this late."
"I know Karin, and here I thought you were just expressing your jealousy at the fact that I have decided to become Ryouta's future lover."
Karin did a spit take, as Anko snickered.
"W-What?!"
"You heard, it's because I have decided. He is a Jonin now Karin, I'm sure that together, it will be just us sent on missions. Missions that you aren't ready to come on you. Only Chunin and above. Haku might be able to come as I am sure that she'd gain at least that rank as well."
Haku lifted her head, and gazed towards Anko who held a half smile on her face.
"Anko-sensei! You can't seriously be thinking about going after Ryou-kun, can you?!"
"That I am Karin, that I am. I am sorry, but that's how it has to be."
Karin gains an annoyed expression on her face.
"Don't try it Sensei!"
"Haha, what's wrong Karin, little jealous? Don't worry, I'm sure you'll have your time eventually. But I happen to know that Ryouta likes mature women~"
"I wont let you get ahead of me snake charmer!"
Haku placed a hand over her mouth, wondering what was going to happen.
Anko on the other hand gave a slightly bemused look, losing any of the aura that she had beforehand.
"Haha, game on Karin~ Though, any idea when Ryouta's supposed to get here? We have to go over a new battle formation which also is something I like to call, Operation Hug Ryouta." Haku blinked as Karin snorted. "Anyway, it's odd that he isn't here right now. Karin, can you sense for him? With everything going on lately, I find it extremely odd that this boy hasn't come yet, when he is usually early."
Karin didn't have a problem with it.
In fact, Karin wished to help her out if she could do.
So she sensed for Ryouta while Haku pursed her lips.
"By the way sensei, where you being serious when you said that to Karin-san then?"
Anko snickered.
"Half serious yeah."
"So, you also like Ryou-kun?"
Anko shrugged.
"My tastes in men might line up with him, but we'll have to wait and see."
Haku tilts her head.
"For what?"
She asks curiously.
Anko didn't reveal, and kept up her smile.
"You'll soon see what I've got in store for that young man."
Haku looked wonderingly towards Anko, while Karin stopped.
"I found him, he seems to be on his own….I think anyway."
Because of the drug that Konan got from Izumi, even Karin had trouble sensing if he was with someone else.
"You think? That's a first for you Karin."
Anko spoke with confusion, Karin never said that.
She was always sure, she even told apart the fake and the real Ryouta.
"I know. I think he's alone, but for brief moments, like very brief, even less than a second, I get...weird sensations that there is someone else there. But this is odd, it doesn't feel like someone is trying to use the chakra hiding technique, as even that, I'd be able to somewhat sense. If anything, it feels like...something artificial is going on."
Anko didn't like the sound of that.
"Karin, keep your senses locked on. We'll begin moving towards that location. But remember, that we have to remain cautious when we do so."
"Yes Sensei."
Anko hoped that she was merely being cautious.
However, something inside told her that they were going to be in trouble.
If that was the case, then they'd have to get prepared, as quickly as possible, to make sure that Ryouta as safe and sound.
Back with Izumi and the others, the young Uchiha herself looked at Kurenai, who in turn looked right back. Itachi didn't seem to be worried about Izumi, while Kisame looked super excited to see what was going to happen next.
Stood beside the body of water, the bridge connecting the two sides on the right hand side with the water there, and the sea of trees being on the left hand side, Kurenai weighed up her options, and what she thought would be the best thing to do in the current situation that she was in.
Kisame however was having the time of his life, and threw his hand forward.
"Come on best friend, lets get some blood on our hands here!"
Kisame cheered out, Itachi didn't even show any emotion, though did feel inside curious about what was going on.
"Lets go."
Kurenai launched herself forward, and came at Izumi with a swing of her kunai.
However, upon reaching Izumi, the kunai was repelled, forcing Kurenai's body a good distance back and for a few moments took her eyes off of Izumi, when Kurenai looked, Izumi had vanished from sight.
"W-What...She's fast..."
Kurenai immediately twirled around to search for Izumi.
But then received a sharp blow to the right hand side of her body.
"Gwaaah!"
Her eyes widened as she was shot like an arrow into the water.
The water made a large splash of Kurenai's body, dampening the dirt ground that they were currently stood on.
"Kurenai!"
Asuma yelled, and tried to help, but Kisame got between them and swung his large bandaged covered sword down. The blade smashed into the ground, causing some of it to become displaced while Asuma gave a dark stare, especially seeing the silent Itachi giving off a curious stare towards him.
"Sorry, can't let you get in on this fight. This really should be a fight between best friend and that woman, whatever her name is."
Asuma grit his teeth, worry coming over his entire being for Kurenai.
Kurenai felt from the corner of her mouth, that she was suddenly bleeding.
She was surprised to see, but that only made Izumi even more dangerous than beforehand.
"It seems I've got no choice, I'll use my Genjutsu on her, and come at her from behind."
Kurenai weaved through some hand signs, with Izumi tilting her head.
But then Kurenai vanished from sight of Izumi's.
The young girl remained stationed, however as she did, something began to change.
What looked like a large tree rose from the ground, and wrapped around Izumi's limbs.
Itachi observed it via his Sharingan.
"So she's going with Genjutsu. She made the wrong move."
Itachi didn't seem to be worried.
Izumi herself simply watched on, as Kurenai came out of the tree as if she was merged with it.
"Hello Kurenai-chan."
Izumi said as she cocked her head back to look deeply into the young woman's eyes.
Kurenai was surprised that Izumi wasn't more worried.
If anything, she looked rather calm and stoic that could even give Itachi a run for his money on the stoic expression she was capable of mustering up.
"A Genjutsu of this calibre isn't going to be able to lock me down."
Izumi flashed her Sharingan.
While doing so, Kurenai's perceptions changed.
Within moments, the situation was reversed.
Kurenai was now caught by the tree, and Izumi was stood before her.
"What the...A Genjutsu reversal..."
"As I said, that kind of Genjutsu isn't going to work on me. I also wield the Sharingan."
Kisame smirked to himself, and expressly said excitedly "Badass best friend~" as Izumi pulled out a simple senbon.
She moved closer to Kurenai who was stuck within Izumi's Genjutsu.
She couldn't break it.
She couldn't get her hands together to undo the Genjutsu due to the Genjutsu tree binding her.
"Don't you dare do anything to her!"
Asuma yelled, and rushed forward only for Kisame to block his path, using his giant sword to clash with the trench knives worn like brass knuckles that he had, with Kisame pushing Asuma back a good deal, his feet sticking hard into the ground and causing it to crack underneath said feet.
"Watch as your girlfriend is beaten by my best friend."
Asuma was desperate and rushed forward.
But Kisame got in the way and swung out his sword, which went by his face.
Asuma felt his chakra beginning to deplete when he felt that all of a sudden.
Kurenai looked on with worry as Izumi got before her.
"Izumi Uchiha...don't do this..."
Izumi cocked her head side to side.
"Sorry, this is going to sting."
Holding out a senbon dripping with poison, Izumi managed to pierce the young woman's flesh, at the base of her neck.
"No..."
When she did...she began having a reaction to it.
More and more she felt it filling her entire being.
Her vision became blurry.
Her hands and body shook.
"What have you...done…?"
Kurenai's head was clouded.
She couldn't think clearly.
However, that didn't last for long as a blurry Izumi came into vision.
"Goodnight."
Izumi's voice echoed through Kurenai's ears.
Kurenai couldn't fight it.
The sensation was too much for her.
She couldn't fight the urge that was running through her at that moment.
She ended up falling to the ground, unconscious.
Asuma's devastated eyes went towards Kurenai.
Seeing that she was simply laying there, her eyes half open and closed, immense worry came over her.
"Kurenai! Get up! Kurenai! Wake up!"
Though he shouted, she remained unresponsive.
Kurenai was down, and out.
Becoming more and more worried for her, Asuma tried to push Kisame out of the way, only for him to repel him, before leaping back towards Izumi.
"Well done best friend, one down, one to go."
Izumi bowed her head.
"Glad you like the work Kisame-kun."
"Though, why did she use Genjutsu on an Uchiha?"
Izumi shrugged.
"She's skilled at Genjutsu. Perhaps she thought her skills were greater than mine."
As she said it, Asuma rushed towards Kurenai's side.
Kisame went to intervene, but Izumi held her hand out.
"Best friend?"
"Don't worry, there's nothing he can do for her anyway."
Though she said that coldly, Itachi knew better.
Due to the fact that they didn't really want to kill anyone from Konoha, yet make it look convincing, Izumi's poison was the right mix of deadly and treatable. She had poisons that were more deadly and less treatable. But for this kind of fight, Itachi knew Izumi would have made a treatable and easily recognizable poison for Konoha to deal with, while not also making it so obvious either, he trusted in Izumi's skills that much.
Though he also felt disheartened that she would have to do this, knowing she was a kind girl, but for those she loved, and to make sure they were fine, she would have to do what was necessary to be as convincing as possible.
Getting to her right hand side, Asuma shook her.
But she didn't wake up.
Izumi made sure that it didn't hurt too much, that Kurenai didn't suffer.
"Kurenai...what have you done to her?!"
Asuma became more and more agitated.
Anger taking over his form.
Seeing Kurenai in such a state, he couldn't take it.
His anger was unquenchable, his desire to make sure that these three were stopped unstoppable.
So he turned his blade towards Izumi, and charged her.
She went to defend herself when Kisame got before her, and blocked the strike, with Izumi noticing that Itachi was about to do the same thing, but Kisame got there first, and parried the attack, forcing Asuma's arms wide open.
"Best friend, take this guy out. I'm annoyed he attacked you."
"Right."
Izumi was like a speeding bullet.
She slid into his guard, he couldn't move his arms fast enough to block her.
She held a single senbon between her fingers, and he could see it was similarly coated with the poisonous substance that had taken out Kurenai, and if he got stabbed, then he would be finished off there and then.
In the moment Izumi was going to pierce Asuma with her senbon, Kakashi suddenly appeared, kunai in hand and blocked Izumi's senbon, with his Sharingan being shown right away, Izumi herself looking intrigued.
"Sorry for arriving late, Asuma."
"Kakashi...they got Kurenai."
Kakashi looked at Kurenai, seeing that she was simply on the ground, unconscious.
Regret etched itself onto his face, as Izumi flipped back, going over Kisame and landed right next to Itachi elegantly.
"Itachi, and Izumi Uchiha. Kisame Hoshigaki. Three dangerous enemies. These must be the guys that Jiraiya-sama told us about. The Akatsuki. And with Kurenai down...this is going to be an incredibly difficult battle. A battle we can't afford to lose."
Kakashi was certain.
They had to win no matter what was going to happen next.
Itachi himself looked at Kakashi, and allowed his Sharingan to be fully shown.
"Kakashi Hatake, since you've appeared, it seems that I shall be getting involved now."
Kakashi grit his teeth, and prepared himself for the fight that was about to happen.
Back with Ryouta and Konan, after hearing what he did from her, he was on high alert once more. Even more than before. She didn't even seem to express any emotions, she was keeping whatever she was feeling close to the chest.
"...I don't take well to threats."
Ryouta expressed, with Konan lifting a brow up.
"My words weren't meant to be a threat. Merely a warning."
Ryouta couldn't fully trust the way that she spoke.
But he also understood that this situation wasn't going to end well if she did decide to attack.
"So you want to bring me back with you, even if you use force, right?"
"Yes, that's what I have been told to do. I'd much prefer if you didn't put up a fight. However, by the way our conversation has been going, I don't see that being a possibility."
Konan felt regret about it.
She was actually beginning to quite like Ryouta for his honest and genuine heart.
Even though they were on edge, every answer he gave had a layer of truth to it, which she did quite like.
But this was for her leader.
If she had to fight Ryouta for her leader, then that's what she was going to do.
Ryouta himself was prepared however, and would defend himself if necessary.
"Why am I someone of interest? You haven't answered me yet."
Konan lifts her head ever so slightly, before bowing her body ever so slightly.
"That is something that I cannot share. You will have to come with me if you wish to know about why the group wishes for you. Any information I share cannot be repeated to others. I am sure you as a Ninja understand that concept, correct?"
Ryouta nodded.
Every Ninja learned to keep secrets.
It was natural for the kind of profession they were in.
As he thought about responding, Konan dropped another bombshell.
"Though, I have also come to deliver some news."
"News...on what?"
"News about someone of interest to you. A man named Sugaru, perhaps that's the name you'd know him by."
Ryouta almost felt his heart stop.
That name...
The name that had caused him great pain in the past.
The one that caused him to remember what happened with his brother, and what Sugaru had done that night. The way that he threatened to kill Ryouta, and how he attacked his brother as well, something that Ryouta would never forget.
"Why are you bringing up him? Are you his ally?"
"In a certain way, correct."
Ryouta immediately pulled out Kusanagi, and pointed it towards Konan.
The young woman didn't seem to look worried at all.
In fact, she looked rather calm that such a blade was aimed at her.
"If you're his ally, then that makes you my enemy."
"Enemy, perhaps that could be a way to describe it. Though even if we are allies in a sense, we are also not allies in the traditional sense. Because I personally don't work with him, he merely works for us now. Ever since he joined a few years ago."
Ryouta wondered more about this.
He did wonder what Sugaru had been doing during all of that time since he had last seen him.
"I'm glad you said that."
Konan was baffled.
"Why?"
"Because it means that he's alive."
Ryouta was glad he was, as he wished to confront Sugaru himself.
To get justice for Shisui.
Konan however continued as Ryouta thought about what to say.
"However, Sugaru, the man that you have a personal connection with, hasn't forgotten about you. First it was your elder brother, now it was you, the younger brother. He has his eyes set on you, you should be aware that he will come for you."
At that, Ryouta became baffled.
Why was Konan telling him this?
What possible reason would she gain for revealing this kind of information?
It didn't make sense to him.
So he asked directly, hoping maybe Konan would become forthcoming with the answer.
"Why are you telling me this?"
"That is a good question. If you manage to defeat me, then I'll tell you."
Ryouta furrowed his brows.
He saw Konan's body suddenly become something that looked like...pieces of paper?
That was confusing to Ryouta, and he wasn't entirely sure why her hands looked as if they were suddenly made of several pieces of paper that were scattering in the wind that also made Ryouta think of snow flakes at the same time.
"What kind of Jutsu is that?"
"That's for me to not say. Now come with me."
Ryouta grit his teeth.
With the way that Konan looked right now, made him have to be ready to fight.
He didn't have any kind of choice but to fight.
Even if it was against this unique kind of Jutsu, he would defend himself, and his village no matter what.
But if she did have information about Sugaru, then he wished to get that information from her.
End chapter!
So this chapter dealt with the confrontation beginning with the Akatsuki and the Konoha Ninja, with Izumi showing her skills she had gained over the time she left with Itachi and took down Kurenai with little effort. Konan and Ryouta also had some conversations, with more of it becoming relevant later on, but also revealed a few things about what's going on.
While the rest of the others remained unaware of what is going on, Kakashi arrived and now Itachi's going to be dealing with him, while Konan and Ryouta are going to be having a clash, so we'll see what happens with that!
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,