Welcome to the next chapter!
FinalFantasygamer2794; Orochimaru will get what's coming to him eventually. Thanks for the suggestions!
Morregen; Yeah, they met way back when Ryouta was a young boy. Glad you liked their interactions! Yeah, it seems Orochimaru's never gonna stop until he's stopped. Yeah, it's going to be quite the fight~!
Mrgamerandwatcher; Glad you liked their reactions~ Yeah, it's gonna be ramping up here.
Kdidier; Only a few people know what his other eye is capable of.
joharasbel; Thanks!
ShadowUzumaki55; He is yeah, Orochimaru's losing quite a lot. Glad you liked that scene~ Yeah, Shizune and Ryouta can get on pretty well, glad you liked it~ It's going to be quite the explosive battle.
Silver crow; Thanks! Yeah, they've met up again, and we'll see them conversing about a number of topics this and next chapters. That's Orochimaru for you, that's how he does his thing. Yeah, I saw them. Orochimaru does now yeah. Shizune and Ryouta have begun bonding yeah. Yeah, we'll be getting that name pretty soon. Yeah, she wouldn't know much about Orochimaru's condition, but now is beginning to understand more. Tsunade seems to be huh. Yeah, it seems they met again like they did for the first time all those years ago. Naruko was a good deal more in control since she knew Tsunade was the candidate for the new Hokage position. Ryouta and Shizune did yeah. He does yeah, he immensely respects Tsunade and what she's feeling. Orochimaru seems to be worried. Ryouta did yeah, after everything he's done to Ryouta and his loved ones, he wants to put a stop to Orochimaru no matter what. Yeah, he probably could do it now. Maybe Tsunade could do yeah. Yeah, it would make her very powerful if she did have that. I'm sure they would want some time together yeah. The coming clash is going to be quite interesting to see.
Guest 1; Yeah, it will end up being the name. Eventually he'll show the ability to throw it. He doesn't have as much chakra as her, but he's good with what he's got to work with.
DameNingen1; There are some yeah. Pakura's in it yeah.
Freddy8712; Yeah, that would be pretty interesting to see.
Skull Flame; He really is. Yeah, he did it back when he was a child by mistake as well. Glad you liked it!
TheGreatGodzilla; That's how Naruko is, she loves and respects the position of Hokage, and wont stand for people badmouthing it. Ryouta understood both sides of the argument and said as such. We'll see what happens with Tayuya. Why would Ryouta mention her, when he doesn't even know she exists? He's never met Tayuya. We'll see what happens with Orochimaru, the same with Mitsuki. Thanks for the harem suggestions. I'll be sure to check it out. Danzo wouldn't really care, all he wants is Ryouta's eyes.
Guest 2; Yeah, that would be an interesting story arc to do, I could see the interactions being really fun to play around with. Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 3; She could do. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Hinata fan; Yeah, they're getting along pretty well. Maybe she could be yeah. He'll have some good moments yeah. Ryouta and Orochimaru will be confronting one another yeah.
Guestforce; Thanks! Maybe she could be!
Guest 4; Thanks very much! It will be revealed the name of it pretty soon. Yeah, Jiraiya and Ryouta will have some moments discussing various things. Things about Kagami shall be revealed pretty soon yeah~ He really is getting what he deserves, but yeah, now that he's more deranged and unhinged, the lengths he'll go to are going to get even more extreme. The old friends, one was Danzo, another Ameyuri, and some are canon characters that shall be appearing quite soon. Yeah, Ryouta and Tsunade keep meeting in very curious ways~ Tsunade did yeah, she recognized him. Tsunade knows Ryouta's parents yeah, Shizune knows a good bit about them. Ryouta and Tsunade will be having a heart to heart pretty soon~ Ryouta did yeah, he isn't going to allow Orochimaru to scare/frighten his way, and vows to put a stop to him. Yeah, a chapter like that would be pretty interesting to do. Thanks for the harem suggestions! I know of the Mass Effect series yeah, I haven't played it in a while, but I do like it so yeah perhaps one day doing a story for it would be pretty cool.
Guest 5; Yeah, we will do. Shippuden is when things like lemons will start. Yeah, they could be~
With those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
The bet!
It was the night after Ryouta had told Jiraiya the previous night about what happened with Orochimaru, with the sun slowly rising in the sky, they were discussing it as they looked over Naruko's training from a distance.
"Jiraiya-san, this situation, if he's involved...then this situation is going to become extremely dangerous. As they say, a wounded animal is capable of making dangerous moves. He might be weakened, but he's still considered a genius, and he's crazy enough to try desperate plans."
Jiraiya nods his head a single time.
He agreed with what Ryouta had said, and understood more on what was going to happen next.
"Yes, send word back to Konoha, see if they have any available Ninja, this situation could become dangerous if we're trapped with Orochimaru."
Ryouta nodded.
"Yes, I'll send a message to Mikoto-san right away, who'll speak to Hokage-sama about it."
"Good. Also, I've got a meeting with Tsunade later on, to ask her about Orochimaru."
"Yes, but in the event that Orochimaru does try something...we have to be prepared. We have to assume that he could either move the day up so we're less prepared, or he's got some kind of surprise for us."
Jiraiya once more agreed with him.
Though as he did, Ryouta could see something about Jiraiya each time they discussed about Orochimaru.
"My thoughts exactly kid. Tell me more about your Mangekyou Sharingan, so I can begin making some plans. I know the old man said about keeping the powers under secret..."
Ryouta shook his head.
"I understand completely Jiraiya-san, I don't have any problems with sharing with you."
Ryouta then explained everything about his eyes.
Jiraiya listened and became quite surprised by what powers Ryouta had with his Mangekyou Sharingan.
When finished, Jiraiya whistled.
"Damn kid, you've got strong powers packed behind each eyeball. Not to mention the Susanoo creature that you can manifest."
"Yes...they don't call it evolved form of the Sharingan for nothing you know? Though it still takes a good deal of chakra, and the more used, the more painful it is, and I'll eventually go blind, so quite a few drawbacks."
"Yeah, but still...damn, that's really something. Orochimaru knows of these?"
"One of my eye powers, not the other."
Jiraiya stroked his chin in thought.
"I see, so that's an advantage to us...right, okay, then I've got some ideas..."
"Before we continue...about Orochimaru, I can see that there's...something's about him, when we speak...I can see, the past care you had for him."
"Well, it isn't like you're wrong. We were of course comrades...for a time, when he first abandoned the village, I thought maybe that I'd be able to see reasons for why he's done what he's done...but, not now. He's done too much, he's gone too far."
Ryouta exhaled slowly.
"I see...that probably was difficult for you Jiraiya-san."
Jiraiya waved his hand, not wishing to concern others about his situation.
"Yeah well, that's all in the past kid. What's important now is making sure that everything's ready, that we can do this and make sure we win this time."
"Yes, you're right."
Ryouta replied, as the pair continued going over different situations and what they could do in case Orochimaru truly did attempt something.
As that was going on, four people had been summoned by Orochimaru.
One was a young man with light grey bluish hair, with long bangs, what was odd that there was another head coming out from behind him, covered by his hair.
Another was a man with six arms, and wore the Oto forehead protector.
The largest of the group had orange coloured hair which was rather short.
Finally, the lone female of the group had a flute equipped, and red hair.
The four were called Sakon, with his twin brother Ukon attached to him, Kidomaru, Jirobo, and finally Tayuya.
Orochimaru stood in front of them, swaying side to side.
He couldn't keep focus, he looked exhausted.
"Alright, Sound Four...it seems that your leader isn't going to be able to participate in the fight, so..." His eyes shot for the right hand side of him as Yukine laughed. "What do you want now?! Gonna let me sleep and stop haunting my nightmares!?"
The Sound Four jumped as Yukine snickered.
"Oh, nothing, just looking over your Sound Four, that's all. And no, I'll always be in your nightmares."
She replied with a snicker, as the Sound Four looked worried towards Orochimaru who growled, and then sharply breathed through his nose.
"Don't worry about them, they're pretty good." The Sound Four watch as Orochimaru turns back towards them. "This is important to me...you will, form a barrier, when I tell you, then when the time comes, you will seal the Uchiha, so I can get him to us..."
"Orochimaru-sama." Sakon called up, showing an arrogant attitude. "Why not leave the Uchiha to me? I can take him no problem!"
Showing his arrogance, Orochimaru looked perplexed.
But then showed a wicked, if not crazed, smile.
"Seriously? Are you kidding me?"
Sakon gave him a more perplexed face.
"N-No...I'm not kidding you."
Orochimaru pulled back, giving a sly look, then snorted.
"Hahahahahaha...you, defeat the Uchiha...hahahahahaha!"
Orochimaru laughed in Sakon's face.
It started slow at first, but the laughing got quicker, and louder as the seconds passed on.
The other Sound Four looked on, as Orochimaru continued laughing for a good two minutes.
He didn't stop for air, something that made the others feel perplexed.
"Erm..."
When Sakon tried to comment on Orochimaru, the snake man himself snorted once more.
"Okay, I'll send you to fight the Uchiha."
Sakon was surprised, but nodded strongly.
"Really? Yes, I shall not let you down..."
As he was speaking, Orochimaru got close to his face, and hissed like a dangerous snake.
"...Then I'll prepare your body bag." Sakon cringed as Orochimaru gave a dark stare. "I'm already losing my mind, I don't need your arrogance right now Sakon." Sakon gave a mixture of anger and fearful look as Orochimaru continued. "What makes you think, if I couldn't take him down with his Sharingan, that you're going to do it? Come on, tell me what you're going to do? I'd like to hear your master plan."
Sakon winced at the tone he used.
It was clear Orochimaru wasn't pleased.
Sakon controlled the worry entering him, speaking to Orochimaru in the strongest yet respectful manner that he could do right now.
"W...Well, I don't know yet, but I'd do it for you...!"
Orochimaru sighed, turning away briefly, before shooting close, and getting right before Sakon, who jumped when seeing Orochimaru's rage filled eyes.
"Sakon, you're useful, but only Kimimaro would have a shot at him, and Kimimaro right now is indisposed, none of you could take Ryou-kun alone, even together I'd say your chances aren't great. I know this boys power, I've felt it first hand, I'm not doing some suicide mission with my prized people! That's why I'm having someone else fight the kid, not you. Do as I say, then I'll have the Uchiha's power. Then my arms will be healed. Until then, do not disobey me, and do not attempt to go against my wishes, is that understood?"
Orochimaru's words caused the Sound Four to wince, then nod "Yes Orochimaru-sama." in tandem, not wishing to anger the snake like human anymore.
Orochimaru turned around and yelled "Now go and find Kabuto for your orders! I need to relax!" which made them jump, run out of the room, leaving Orochimaru alone in peace, at least they hoped, though truthfully he never had any peace.
A day had passed by since Ryouta and Jiraiya talk, two days since Orochimaru had tried to make his offer to the young Uchiha, many thoughts went through his mind. Like what he was thinking, and what Orochimaru was truly planning, believing that he had something dangerous up his sleeve, because Orochimaru might be crazy, but he is a genius, and because of his weakening sanity, Ryouta thought that he could be truly dangerous.
Though right now Ryouta was watching Naruko develop the Rasengan more and more. Though it seemed to need some work as she couldn't get the rotation and the power to create a Rasengan. He saw several attempts fail for her, and he offered what advice he could to her in the hopes that it would be capable of helping her out.
"Darn it…!"
Naruko complained, while Ryouta watched on to hope she would be capable of using the technique.
In the distance, he saw that Tsunade was watching on, so he decided to approach her.
When seeing that she didn't make an effort to leave, he fully got towards her.
"Tsunade-san, it's been a long time since we've seen one another. At least, having a chance to speak."
Tsunade looked over the young man's eyes and then his body.
"Yeah, you've grown quite a bit. I remember when you walked into my chest, as a little kid."
Ryouta lightly laughed, rubbing the back of his head.
"Yeah, that was pretty awkward huh."
"I'll say, though you were a little kid so I'll let it slide."
Ryouta gave semi bemused eyes.
"Thanks for that, I appreciate it." Tsunade glanced at Naruko, seeing the hard work she was doing, before turning back to Ryouta. "By the way Tsunade-san, can I ask you a question?"
Mildly interested, she shrugged.
"What is it?"
"You seem to be determined to win this bet with Naruko-chan, but from what I've heard, it seems that you only bet when you..."
Before he could finish, Tsunade let out a laugh.
"It seems that everyone's suddenly not for me doing this bet. Do you think I'm going to lose as well?"
Ryouta tilted his head.
"As well?"
"Yeah, it seems Shizune also said that she wants to believe in this girl. But I can't see it, she's spunky, I'll give her that. But she doesn't seem any close in mastering the technique. And she hasn't gone that long. I mean, the Fourth took years, and he was very talented, and gifted."
"The Fourth had to invent it all on his own, didn't he?"
Tsunade did have to give him that.
"That's true. But it doesn't make this any different."
"But why this bet? Shizune-san told me the significance of the necklace around your neck. Are you that confident that she wont be able to do it?"
"Are you that confident that she will?"
Tsunade countered, so Ryouta furrowed his brows.
"I don't know if she'll win the bet, I can't see the future, even with these Sharingan eyes of mine."
Tsunade let out a small laugh.
"Yeah, even those eyes can't see the future."
"But what I do know, I know she'll do her best. So, that's why I was curious, if it means so much to you, why bet the necklace?"
Tsunade looked down at the necklace she had on.
Her eyes lingered on it, before she turned her neck back to Ryouta.
"This necklace, I guess Shizune told you about it?"
"She told me a bit about your history with your brother, and your lover."
Tsunade releases a breath.
"Damn Shizune, speaking about private matters like that."
"She didn't tell me the details of your lives, so I don't know what they were like. But she was concerned about you, she wanted you to be safe, Tsunade-san."
Tsunade turned her eyes away, looking down at the grassy hill before her.
"Safe? Wanted me to be safe, as if I'm in danger? She didn't have to worry about such things, I'm apart of the Sannin. I might not be an active Ninja when all things are considered, but I can take care of myself just fine."
"I don't think she meant safe as in your physical state."
Tsunade's brows furrowed.
"And what could she be referring too?"
Ryouta could hear the defensiveness within her tone.
He understood that she probably didn't want to share much with him, and by what Jiraiya had told him, anyone.
But he also wished to help her, and at least communicate what he felt deep inside.
"Orochimaru, he also came to visit me."
Tsunade's eyes widened, turning towards him.
"What did he want?"
She genuinely wished to know what Orochimaru could want with him.
If like her, he had also been threatened and what Orochimaru intended to do.
"What he always wants, my eyes. But now, he's becoming more insane. He offered me to go with him, then threatened to kill my loved ones. As if summoning my Mother and using her to attack me wasn't enough, threatening my loved ones, and saying he's going to take over my body. But...I wont ever let him get what he wants, even if he should try and take me over, he'll never get his hands on my eyes. I know if he got them, then there would be untold destruction within this world, that's why I wont let him."
Tsunade furrowed her brows, thinking about what he said.
When she heard about Orochimaru summoning his own Mother to fight, it did make her feel anger for Orochimaru.
Then she remembered his words to her, that even if she said no, he'd come after her, putting Shizune and others in danger for her...it was something weighing heavily on Tsunade's mind.
Especially now that someone else like Ryouta was having to deal with Orochimaru, she'd rather it be just her than someone else like him.
As she thought, a thought came to Ryouta's mind, and shared it with the Sannin.
"Ah, right. I forgot, Karin-san told me some stuff to pass onto you."
Tsunade paused.
When hearing about Karin, Tsunade's mind cast back to the girl briefly.
She hadn't seen her face to face in a while, but she did hear of her exploits, and what she had been up to.
Though she wouldn't say it openly, she did have some thoughts regarding Karin.
"Karin...what does she want?"
"Well, she told me to tell you a few things. One, she said that you should just become Hokage already."
Tsunade snorted.
"Is that so?"
"Yes, she said to stop messing around because Konoha needs you."
Tsunade's lips curled upwards.
"Yeah, that sounds like her alright. Anything else?"
"...Well, she said that she didn't miss you, then back peddled, and said she might miss you a bit, then said that she didn't, so I guess she was shy to say that she did miss you. And from personal experience, I do know that she does really care for you Tsunade-san. You did save her life, and bring her to Konoha."
"That was a few years ago, I didn't want to keep her with me."
"You wanted to give her the best life you could think of, and that was with Konoha, right?"
Tsunade didn't confirm of deny what he said.
Only that his words had caused her to think even more.
But she didn't have to verbally confirm it, Ryouta could see it written on her face the amount of care she had for Karin.
"She say anything else?"
"She said a few things, like to tell you about what she's been up to since her last letter, she hadn't had time to write since she's been busy with restoring Konoha and other tasks that she has been given. And..."
Ryouta expressed everything that Karin had asked to pass on.
Some were important, most was just some day to day stuff that she wanted to share with Tsunade.
When he finished, Tsunade exhales, and begins standing up.
"Wait Tsunade-san, I want to talk to you a bit more."
"If it's about Orochimaru, I don't want to talk about him. I'm sorry about him threatening you, he's that kind of man."
Ryouta didn't want to let the chance go.
He wanted to express to her how he wished to help her, knowing exactly the kind of back handed ways Orochimaru was.
So he thought of something.
"I thought you were a gambler, don't you like taking chances?"
Tsunade paused, and locked eyes with his own.
"What do you want to do, make a bet?"
"Hmm, yes if that's what it takes for you to hear me out about him. Then yes, lets make a bet."
Tsunade folded her arms, quite keen to hear what he was going to say.
"Haha, alright then. What's the bet?"
"Lets say, if I show you that I can do the Rasengan, then will you listen to me?"
Tsunade didn't know if he could or not.
Even the way he looked, didn't give it away if he could actually perform it or not.
Half of her was curious, so she began speaking.
"You're a betting man, are you boy?"
She said in a tone that sounded a bit like she was playfully teasing him.
"For the right price, then yes."
He replied back, giving his own version of a playful tease.
Tsunade then laughed.
"Alright, then don't show me the Rasengan, because you suggested it, I'm going to guess that you've either completed it, or you've nearly completed it. So, how about we go with a challenge that I set up instead?"
"Well, if that's what you want, I'm always up for a challenge Tsunade-san. So what would it be?"
Tsunade looked on, then smiled with strength.
"Alright then, you want me to talk to you, show me your determination. Land a hit on me that I have to heal."
"You...want me to hurt you?"
Ryouta was surprised, he knew from Shizune that she had a fear of blood, and Ryouta didn't want to make that fear come out now, he only wished to speak about Orochimaru and a few other things.
"I want to see what Konoha have been talking about when it comes to you. Lets see if you've got what it takes to be a Jonin at your age. If you can, then I'll gladly listen to anything that you want me to list to. But trust me boy, if I win, then you can pay off a recent gambling debt worth 10,000, deal?"
Ryouta thought that could be a challenge.
At worst, he'd lose some money, and he knew he'd be able to pay that off with some savings he had in case he lost.
"And if I win, we'll talk...so how about...we go to a nice restaurant together, have a nice meal while we talk about Orochimaru..."
"Like a date?"
Tsunade raised a brow, Ryouta coughed.
"D-Date...with you, Tsunade-san, me and you..."
Tsunade cocked her head.
"Why not? Don't you want to go on a date with me?"
Tsunade asked with a half smile on her face, Ryouta blushed at the thought of going on a date with Tsunade.
"Of course I would...but because you're a Sannin, and I'm...you're very beautiful Tsunade-san, going on a date, I wouldn't want to impose..."
Tsunade found his response rather sweet.
He wasn't shy, he was being rather respectful, something Tsunade liked to see.
"Well, I'll say it then. You win, we'll go on a date together, then we can discuss Orochimaru and whatever else you want."
As she spoke, she saw his smile on his face.
At first, she wondered what his game was as he spoke about Orochimaru.
If he wanted to convince her of something.
But as she listened and watched him, it didn't feel like that at all, he wasn't trying to force any opinion on her, he simply wished to share his thoughts with her.
She also saw something else within his eyes, something that she was seeing with Naruko as well.
Will, determination.
Because of that, Tsunade was even more intrigued.
"Alright then, with that settled... Come here tonight around eight, when the girls stopped for the day, I'll be ready for you. Jiraiya told me you're a Jonin, lets see how true that really is. It also takes a sharp mind as well as skill to be a strong Jonin. It will take both to land a hard blow on me."
Ryouta nodded strongly, and stuck his hand out.
She did the same thing, and shook his hand.
"Deal Tsunade-san."
"Then I'll see you tonight."
With that, Tsunade turned and walked off.
Ryouta watched on, then let out a breath.
Though if it could help Tsunade, then he didn't mind doing any quiz that she would ask for.
A small time later, Ryouta continued watching Naruko, and what she was trying to do. He saw the difficulties that she was having, and how she was driving herself to the point of exhaustion, something that he was worried about.
He moved towards her, and saw that she was beginning to fall.
"Naruko-chan!"
Ryouta flashed towards her, and got behind her, catching her with a single arm.
He laid her down onto the grass, her head on his lap, while she yawned.
"I'm tired..."
"Pushing yourself too hard Naruko-chan, you have to rest sometimes as well."
Ryouta expressed, but Naruko gained a downtrodden face.
"But if I don't master it, then she'll win the bet, I wanted to show her that the Hokage is no joke, that if I could do this, then many things would be possible..."
Ryouta gave a soothing voice as he looked into her eyes.
"I know you want to win and I get why you want to win as well. If you don't rest a little though, you'll tire yourself out, and not be able to keep going. Even you with your near endless chakra has to rest sometimes Naruko-chan. So have something to eat. Recharge. While you are, you can think of perhaps some other ways to approach this task, or refine what you're doing now."
When he mentioned food, Naruko's ears perked.
"What do we have to eat?"
Ryouta lightly laughed, and pulled out a scroll.
He then released the contents, and showed Naruko some ramen.
Her eyes lit up, and her stomach growled for the food.
"Just some ramen I made this morning. You wouldn't happen to want any?"
Naruko's eyes gained stars near them, wringing her hands together.
"Ramen! Ryou, you're the best! Ramen is so good~! I can't wait for it!" Naruko sat up immediately, and tucked into some ramen. "Ooh man, this is so good Ryou! You really know how to cook some delicious ramen!"
"Haha, I'm glad you like it, I've been perfecting making them for you, in case of situations like this~"
"Aaah, thank you~ So good~"
Ryouta lightly laughed, seeing how she was being quite energetic once more.
As she ate, she seemed to be becoming better than she was beforehand.
Though Ryouta also saw on her face that she held some worry about the fact that she hadn't mastered the Rasengan yet.
"So Naruko-chan, how's it coming along?"
Naruko pauses eating, and keeps her head down.
"I can't do it...I'm trying, I really am. But I can't..."
Ryouta gained a soft smile on his face.
"It can be tough, the rotation and the power, creating the shell of the Rasengan."
"Yeah, but that's the problem, I can't maintain it at the same time. You can Ryou, right?"
"Yes, but it wasn't easy to do."
Naruko fell back, and looked up to the sky.
"I don't know what to do Ryou..."
"Naruko-chan, you do know what you have to do."
Naruko looked back towards him, her eyes going towards his own.
"What?"
"Remember how you did with the other things you had to do to learn the Rasengan? Like when you drew a leaf to help you concentrate, or when you used both hands on the water balloon itself. Those were outside the box ways of thinking, and they really paid off for you."
Naruko nods slowly, understanding what he was saying.
"So, what you're saying is for me to find my own way to make it work?"
Ryouta inclines his neck and continues.
"Yes, exactly Naruko-chan. Things that work for others, don't have to work for you and vice versa. You said yourself maintaining both at the same time can be difficult, try and work around that. You're really good at thinking outside the box. Remember the other techniques that you have, remember how you managed to work them, perhaps those experiences will help you work this."
Ryouta offered his thoughts the best that he could do, hoping that it would work for her.
Naruko thought deeply about what he was saying.
She didn't have the answer just yet, but it did begin making her think on what she would be capable of doing.
Thanks to Ryouta, she was sure that perhaps, she'd have her way of doing it now.
She couldn't wait to try and begin trying some different ways of doing it.
As that was going on, the Sound Four sat within a room together, having received the orders from Kabuto, and Sakon looked dissatisfied.
"I can't believe that I wont get a crack at the Uchiha! Ukon and I could take him down together!"
"You're pissed that Orochimaru's attention is on the Uchiha boy right now, because if he came to us, he'd probably be the new leader of the Sound Five I guess we'd be called again. At least, that's what Orochimaru-sama's alluded to, if he has to take on a different body before he can get the boy."
Tayuya laughed out, Kidomaru nods to the growing frustrations of Sakon.
"She's right, but even if he is, so what? We could use someone since Kimimaro's illness began taking over...and this kids apparently strong enough to tangle with Orochimaru-sama, that's a huge asset for our group."
Sakon huffs, folding his arms.
"Kimimaro was a better vessel than this kid! That's why I'll prove to Orochimaru that I'm superior to the Uchiha, and find the best vessel for him."
Tayuya shook her head.
"Don't do anything stupid to mess this up. Orochimaru-sama, especially in his current state, wont take kindly if you disobey him. I've even heard him threaten Kabuto, so what do you think will happen to us?"
Sakon tightened his hand.
"Tch, aren't you pissed!? He said that this Uchiha trash could take us all in a fight!"
"Well, he did injure Orochimaru-sama, and pushed him back, not even all four of us could have done that to Orochimaru-sama. Maybe he could take us all, who knows. What I do know is that Orochimaru-sama said that he's important to our future, so he is important to us. If we're given the order, then lets do it, but until then, don't attack unnecessarily."
Kidomaru, using some logic, spoke up, with Jirobo nodding in agreement.
"As they said, we have to go off what Orochimaru-sama said, we have to follow orders."
Sakon slams his hand down onto a table nearby, while Tayuya stares on.
"Grrr...just wait, I'll show Orochimaru-sama, that we Sound Four are superior to the Uchiha...! Besides, with Kimimaro indisposed, I'm the new leader of the Sound Four...just wait Uchiha boy, I'll show you my Kekkei Genkai, it's to die for..."
With Ryouta on his mind, Sakon tightened his fist, and was mentally preparing himself to do what was necessary.
When the time came, Ryouta met up with Tsunade, with Shizune looking on worried. Because of the situation, he also saw Jiraiya in the distance with a passed out Naruko. Ryouta approached the blonde Sannin, showing his willingness to have a fight with her.
"I'm ready when you are."
"Good, so remember, land a hit on me a single time with enough damage that I have to heal."
Shizune found it a bit odd that she'd want this.
Perhaps she was doing it more than what she said, that's what Shizune thought.
"Maybe she wishes to see the strength of the boy that Karin-san really likes. That makes sense to me as well. Tsunade-sama doesn't say it, but she does care for Karin-san, and would want to see her chosen partners strength."
As Shizune thought it, Tsunade stepped up to the mark.
"Time limit of ten minutes. If, after that time you haven't landed a blow on me, lets say that I've won."
Ryouta didn't have a problem with that.
He got himself into a stance, and prepared his blade before him.
Tsunade tightened her fist, and got prepared as well.
Shizune joined Jiraiya from a distance to watch what was going to happen next.
They had to admit to being intrigued by what Tsunade was even asking.
It seemed that she had her own agenda for this fight, beyond her initial words. And Jiraiya was curious to see the levels of strength that Ryouta had, after hearing that he managed to take on someone like Orochimaru and lived to tell the tale about it. Even if it was with his eyes, he also knew that he didn't make the rank of Jonin by merely having his eyes.
"Then, time, begins!"
With that, the match begun.
As soon as those words left her lips, Ryouta vanished from sight.
Even Tsunade was surprised by the speed, and she looked different locations for him.
When she thought she saw him, she jabbed a finger into the ground, causing crevice to appear within the earth, threatening to swallow anything whole.
But she didn't see him at all.
It seemed that he wasn't there.
"The boys very fast, well, lets see what else you can do boy."
As Tsunade thought it, Ryouta knew approaching Tsunade would be dangerous if he wasn't careful.
She could end many people with a single punch, and from what he heard of Jiraiya, she was pretty fast as well. Being a Sannin, he knew she'd have some kind of techniques that would cause much destruction like Orochimaru had, and he presumed Jiraiya had as well.
So he went with a classic tool manipulation to keep distance while also seeing what she could do, knowing that this tactic wouldn't take her down, but he would get a good sense of what she could do and how she'd respond so he could plan future attacks.
By throwing different weapons all around her, he used the Body Flicker to appear in different locations, he could assess and strike from many locations.
As soon as the blades left his hands, he'd be in another spot and launching more towards Tsunade.
Tsunade noticed it after a few moments, how many weapons were truly aimed for her.
Like a sea of weapons surrounding her, she didn't see any angle that didn't have a weapon going towards her.
Even from the sky, it seemed that Ryouta had covered the entire area with weapons.
"Amazing, you truly do have incredible speed for a Jonin. I'm impressed. But, you're not dealing with a simple Jonin boy."
Tsunade poured chakra into her leg, adding to her already insane levels of strength, then she brought it down onto the ground.
Ryouta watched with amazement as she rearranged the battlefield with that movement alone. The ground shattered into many pieces of debris, and destroyed rubble. The shockwave of the attack also reached the young man who leapt away before he could be caught up in such an attack.
More than showing off, it seemed her tactic held purpose. Using the strength she had, she had lowered her body from the area that she was before. She had caused her to go several feet lower thanks to creating a large crater around her.
As she did that, she held some large pieces of the earth and used them as either battering rams, or makeshift shields, blocking the precision of Ryouta's bladed weapons, and because of sinking lower into the ground, the weapons going higher than others completely missed her, something Ryouta had to compliment her on.
"Amazing Tsunade-san, you're so strong, it's unreal the level of strength you have. You could kill many within one shot if you so desired. And using debris as shields, that's very smart~"
Tsunade looked up to the young man who peered down at her.
Seeing his smile, her own began to show more to the young man.
"You created a good scenario. With simply the Body Flicker, and weapons, you've already used such Jutsu's to incredible effect."
As she said it, Shizune looked towards Jiraiya who was keen to see what was going to happen next.
"He's pretty good, he's really a Jonin..."
Jiraiya nods.
"That he is, lets see what else he can do."
While saying it, Jiraiya saw Tsunade tighten her hand.
"Lets go!"
Tsunade leapt out of the hole, and came down towards Ryouta with her fist.
Ryouta flew back with incredible speed, reappearing a good few feet away, as Tsunade's fist churns up the ground, breaking a good deal of it, and sent that shockwave towards Ryouta's location, having predicted where he'd go and caused the ground to open up.
Leaping into the air high, Ryouta flew through several hand signs, before turning his head towards her.
"Fire Release, Great Fireball Jutsu!"
She watched him unleash a fireball twice the size of a regular house.
Coming at her wildly, Ryouta's flames felt rather hot, so Tsunade opted to dodge out of the way, only for the young man to appear before her. Even Tsunade was surprised by the speed, and how he predicted where she'd be, but then recalled the Sharingan so she thought that made sense.
"Not bad at all."
Tsunade was able to throw her fist towards him to take him down.
She didn't want to kill so she held back her strength.
However, her fist went through him as if he wasn't even there at all.
Widening her eyes, she heard a footstep behind her, and saw Ryouta coming for her body once more, so she arched her leg back, kicking for him.
But like before, her foot went through him.
"...You're moving so fast, that you are able to leave behind an after image. I hadn't expected that."
Tsunade turned left and right to search for him.
But all she saw were two more Ryouta's coming for her.
When they did, she raised her arms, and swung them for the incoming boys, as the flames of his original Great Fireball Jutsu finally reached the ground, and smashed into said ground, scorching the very earth to the point even Jiraiya murmured "His flames are potent." while Tsunade thought that since he was either using a clone or moving between the two images, only one of them would produce a lot of force.
But what surprised her was when they clashed, it was quicker than a second that she felt force behind both attacks. She even felt her body being pushed back a little bit, but she held her ground, and pushed forward, using her strength to send the young man flying backwards.
"Aah..."
His body hit the ground.
Shizune winced, seeing Ryouta hitting very hard onto the ground to the point it cracked around him.
However, he bounced back up, and to Tsunade's happiness, saw him use Medical Ninjutsu once more to fix the injuries she gave him.
As she did, she noticed something else.
The sound of sizzling.
"That sound..."
Her eyes shot for the area the sound was being produced.
So she looked and saw something shocking.
On the ground where the flames were being bathed on, paper bombs had been laid down. Hidden well, but now being revealed because they had been activated.
"During that attack with the weapons...did he predict that far ahead? Perhaps he was aware that I'd be concentrated on defending against the weapons...he knew that attack wouldn't work, so he planned this far ahead, moving so fast, to make me on edge, but laid a real trap below and around me...hah, I have to give him credit, he's pretty good. I can understand more why he was promoted to Jonin, such a smart tactic to have."
Tsunade pushed chakra through her legs, and repelled herself away as a giant shockwave rang out through the flames and paper bombs.
Spreading the flames all over the area, even Tsunade could feel the heat from where she was, and saw that they exploded before her form, creating a large cloud of smoke that separated her vision from him and vice versa.
However, before she could move, snakes shot up from the ground and wrapped around Tsunade's form.
"Snakes..."
Shizune utters, Jiraiya nods.
"When she was fighting off the flame attacks, it seems the boy had snakes go underground, knowing that she could either blow away his attacks, or she'd be able to dodge out of the way. I was a little unsure at the beginning, but then noticed how he acted, and knew he'd not approach her without being sure of what he was doing."
Tsunade was surprised.
But at the same time, she was also rather intrigued by what more he'd be capable of doing with his powers.
The restricting abilities that they had, keeping it so tight that even Tsunade found it slightly difficult to move. She had to give Ryouta credit for that, being able to bind someone as physically strong as her, even for only a few moments, was an achievement in of itself.
So she broke through the snakes.
However, she didn't have time to relax to get out of the snakes bind as Kusanagi's blade stretched through the smoke cloud the bombs had set up.
"So that's it, he must have known, the paper bombs wouldn't have stopped me, the snakes wouldn't...so this is the real attack..."
Like an arrow, it came for her so fast.
But she narrowly dodged out of the way, with the blade passing by her right hand side.
However, as the blade kept going, she felt something hot on her side.
She hadn't been cut...
But flames appeared.
The blade that Ryouta had, became ignited the moment that it passed by her, and caused flames to ignite some of her clothing, transferring it to her skin, because of that she got burned by his attack, something that she definitely was astonished by.
"In terms of fighting prowess, he knows when he wants to take risks, and when to use his mind to fight against someone, and what to do to counter someone when its necessary. The raw power he might not have above me, but in terms of unique tactics, seems that I'll have to brush up some more. Well, this boy is as you said Karin, he's smart, skilled, and dangerous when he needs to be."
Tsunade was impressed by what he was doing.
Even Jiraiya was impressed that Ryouta was capable of making Tsunade be pushed back.
Shizune looked on with surprise.
"That boy, he is pretty good Jiraiya-sama...no, even more than that. Did he really fight Orochimaru?"
"Apparently so, together with the Third."
Shizune was even more astonished.
"I see...yes, it seems that he's very skilled." As she said it, she looked over Ryouta, and smiled. "He didn't make her bleed, he went for attacks that could do burning damage, even the sword strike then, I think that he also understood that if he did...Tsunade-sama would have suffered...he is a kind boy."
As she thought it, Jiraiya looked on as well, becoming more curious. Jiraiya could see that even without Mangekyou, his own skills weren't to be looked down on either, having quite good Ninjutsu and expert planning ahead against someone that was superior in term of strengths, he deserved the rank of Jonin.
Ryouta himself looked at Tsunade as the pair started walking towards one another.
"She is definitely a Sannin, she's very strong and skilled. Even smart to use her strength to her advantage. And since she's a Medical Ninja, even if I did land a hit on her, she'd probably heal it within moments. If this was a real battle, I'd have a very tough time truly trying to take her out. Even then...Tsunade-san is pretty damn cool. Definitely this is one of my favourite fights."
Ryouta smiled joyfully to himself.
A fight with Orochimaru was all about survival and taking him out.
But with this, he was enjoying being able to come up with different tactics, and fighting her.
He went to fight once more, when she held out her hand.
"Enough." Ryouta paused. Tsunade gave a half smirk. "It seems that you have managed to burn me." Tsunade placed her hand on the burns, and healed them within moments. "You did it, I should congratulate you, it was a good match. I can see why Sarutobi-sensei decided to make you Jonin, I can still see some improvements that could be done, but you're still young so I'm sure you'll be a very fine Shinobi."
Ryouta blushed lightly at her very kind words, bowing his head a single time.
"Thank you very much, I wish to do my best, and become as strong as I can."
Tsunade could see his passion as he spoke.
More than simply winning the bet, there was something more going on than what met the eyes.
"Can I ask, why do you try so hard? I get you're a Ninja, but not every Ninja goes out of their way to learn different things like this. Like learning Medical Ninjutsu, why did you do that?"
Ryouta adopted a soft smile.
"Because, I've already lost so many people. My brother...Izumi-chan's out of reach right now, and I've seen many people lose things they love, I don't want to lose others if I can help it. So that's why I kept learning to perform Medical Ninjutsu, and learn more techniques to be strong and capable of fighting and saving people. I've seen and heard a lot of sadness and pain in my life, I wanted to try and help those so they didn't have to suffer, or if they did, to help them overcome it the best way that I can."
Tsunade slowly nods her head.
Thinking about what he said...she could see why Karin liked him now.
Even she had to admit that his reasons were something she could understand very well.
Something that she was sure some other people in her life might have said.
"So, is that a pass Tsunade-san?"
Tsunade closed her eyes.
She thought for a few moments, before shrugging.
"I'd say that it is, yes it's a pass. It was agreed that any injury that I have to heal, would be the win for you, and I had to heal the burns, so its a win."
The young Uchiha felt relief coming through him, and he was glad of the outcome.
Ryouta gave a thumbs up.
"Great, then when is the date~?"
He playfully spoke, something that made Shizune do a spit take as did Jiraiya who yelled "You agreed to go on a date with him Tsunade!?", while Tsunade held a growing smile on her face, something that she hadn't felt in a good long while.
"Tomorrow night, best look sharp boy."
"Okay, then thank you very much!"
Jiraiya's eyes bulged, and stormed over.
"Wait a damn second, Tsunade! You'll go on a date with him!?"
Tsunade held a small smirk on her face.
"What can I say? He has a charming way of speaking to me, and he has a cute face. So why not?"
Tsunade seemed to like the idea of playing around and having her own kind of fun.
Shizune was glad to see that Tsunade was able to have some happiness to herself. Even if she was still thinking about what to do with Orochimaru.
Jiraiya's face fell, and turned to Ryouta.
"How?!"
"Well, it was apart of the bet. Actually, Tsunade-san suggested about the date..."
Jiraiya flung his head back, his eyes bulging and his face becoming more dejected.
"Why didn't I make a bet with her?!"
"Jiraiya, be quiet, you'll wake the girl up!"
Tsunade snapped, with Ryouta glancing back to see Naruko still peacefully sleeping away.
How she slept through Ryouta and Tsunade's battle was a genuine mystery.
"But Tsunade...this boy..."
Tsunade shrugged.
"It's shop talk while having a nice dinner. I don't see the problem with it. Besides, it's my choice, and as he said, it was apart of the bet, and I suggested it. He won, so that's how it is, I'll honour my bets if I lose."
Jiraiya's bottom lip trembled, then he huffed and walked off quickly.
Ryouta raised a brow, then turned to see a bemused Tsunade.
"Seems like you did that to have a little fun with Jiraiya-san?"
"It's been a while since I've had a chance to have fun with Jiraiya like that. But remember what I said, you best look sharp boy...no, I should call you by your name. Ryouta."
"Aah, thank you very much Tsunade-san!"
"By the way Ryouta, thanks."
Ryouta tilted his head.
"For?"
"I know you didn't want to make me bleed, I saw a few times that you could have attempted an attack that could have slashed me."
Ryouta smiles softly, rubbing the back of his head.
"Shizune-san told me about your phobia of blood...I didn't hold back when we fought, I just adjusted some plans so you didn't have to be damaged like that, that's all. Besides, even if I did try and slash you, getting close to you is basically a death wish with your incredible strength and sharp skills, I saw how you dealt with my plans and my attacks very well, I can see why Hokage-sama thought you'd be an amazing choice for Hokage. Coupled with your Medical skills, I can see genuinely how hard it would be to actually defeat you in combat."
Tsunade was surprised, but happy to hear from from him.
So much so that her face grew more with a smile as each passing second went on.
"Hah, it was...exciting, I haven't had a good match like that in years. Thanks for that." Ryouta smiled, as did Tsunade to Shizune's growing happiness. "Then, I'll see you tomorrow, for our date."
"See you tomorrow!"
Ryouta bowed his body, and walked away. He also took Naruko with him so she could have a moments rest.
When he did, Shizune turned to Tsunade, seeing her face having a smile on it.
"Tsunade-sama, fighting against you, was it necessary? With you being a Sannin and all..."
"It was, I had to make sure Karin chose the right partner, didn't I?"
Shizune adopted a small smile.
"I thought that might have been why. So, did he pass the criteria that you had for him?"
"Yes...well, it seems that he's quite the determined young man. Karin picked a good one it seems. Besides...haha, that boy, I like him."
Tsunade gave a fond smile.
The fact that Ryouta was that capable, made her smile all the more.
For Karin, and for the fact that it seemed Konoha had a good Ninja on their side.
More than that, she got to witness quite a Ninja who was skilled and kind, something she'd like to see more of…
As that was going on, with Orochimaru still losing his sanity, Kabuto remained cautious around his Master.
Each move he made, could be his last. He knew that to be true, Orochimaru was lashing out at even comrades now, and his mind wasn't what it was beforehand.
A combination of his arms and mind being in constant torture was highly difficult to even attempt to get away from it.
"...Kabuto, where are they?! My sacrifices to destroy those Konoha people!"
Kabuto flinched at the yell.
He turned to see Orochimaru stood there.
His arms hanging uselessly by his side.
His sharp cold steel snake like gaze were focused upon him.
"Orochimaru-sama, I have sent word, and I am sure that she will be here soon with Danzo's assistance I am sure..."
"I can't wait much longer, we've got to move up the date...Tsunade has to heal me soon!"
He winced at the yell of the snake like human.
Kabuto wondered what was going to happen to him now.
"Y-Yes Orochimaru-sama, I understand."
"Do you?! Do you understand what this means to me?! Have you any clue what's at stake...?"
Kabuto flinched, seeing Orochimaru's mannerisms being something erratic, and unable to be predicted at all.
"Y-Yes, Orochimaru-sama, I understand."
Orochimaru breathed sharply through his nose, as he began approaching Kabuto.
Kabuto held his ground as the unhinged snake like human got before him.
With disheveled hair, and wicked crazed look in his eyes, he spoke directly to Kabuto in a dark twisted whisper.
"I hope you do, because this can't last much longer, I'm losing my mind." Orochimaru inhaled deeply, giving a dark scowl towards Yukine who in turn waved. "...Just be ready to enact the plans. Because the day after tomorrow...Tsunade is going to be healing me...and that Uchiha...he's mine...I wont lose to them Kabuto...be ready...understood?"
"Yes, I understand Orochimaru-sama..."
"Good...make sure the sacrifices are filled to the brim with our surprise for them...fighting them all now would be near impossible, but we can still weaken their forces, and hopefully pull a victory off...!"
As he spoke, Kabuto and Orochimaru both became aware of a new presence.
Kabuto immediately went to see what it was.
What he saw was Ameyuri skipping through the hallways.
"Nice digs you've got here, but maybe you should think about hiding this place a bit better."
"This is but a temporary place while we begin our plans. Speaking of, how did the meeting go with Danzo?"
"He's willing to give his support, which is why I'm here of course. I also informed him about the situation regarding the Uchiha, and others, and he's been able to redirect some funds for us. I've already gathered those that Orochimaru asked me to go and get-"
"LEAVE ME ALONE!"
Orochimaru yelled at Yukine, though Ameyuri was perplexed since she couldn't see her.
"Ugh...he's still together, right?"
"I don't know for how much longer, Orochimaru-sama needs one of the pains to be gone from his life, or he is going to mentally break. If this doesn't work out, I presume that you've already done the other task that was given to you?"
"Yeah, I sent word, and it should be coming back to us soon enough. Ooh yeah, Danzo also said that the Uchiha boy should be captured."
"That's what we plan to do. Danzo doesn't have to worry about that."
Ameyuri let out a laugh.
"I still want to be compensated for my time, whatever your sneaky little plans are going to be. Trying to make Konoha an enemy of mine, I'm not that interested in. I've not got time for that shit."
The way she said it, Kabuto did believe that she probably didn't care about the current situation.
She was out for herself, and to make sure that she got what she desired at the end of this, which in of itself, was something that Kabuto had to admire Ameyuri out.
"Do not worry, you shall be compensated for your work, I have made sure of it personally. Though the help that Konoha could send..."
Ameyuri laughed.
"Danzo said he'd take care of it. Not sure how, but he's slimy, and he believes he can do many things, though he is somewhat of a realist I guess, he probably has some method of making sure that no assistance is going to come. Then we can enact your plans. Though don't expect me to die for you, I'll do as I've been asked, but that's it."
Kabuto nods, understand Ameyuri's thoughts on the matter, as he took to looking back to Orochimaru who sits in a corner, speaking to Yukine, though it looked like to himself.
"Orochimaru-sama's losing more and more of his mind, if this keeps up, then he's going to go insane...we have to make sure this works...if Kimimaro was able to fight then our chances would go up a good deal...but we have to do our best...for Orochimaru-sama's sake..."
Orochimaru didn't have much time left, Kabuto could see that his Master was going to be going towards insanity.
So they'd have to act quickly, or they'd lose Orochimaru.
End chapter!
So this chapter dealt with introducing some new players that shall be fighting in the upcoming battle against Orochimaru. Ryouta and Tsunade decided to make a bet all their own, and after being able to do as Tsunade wished for with the fight between them, he was able to secure a date with her, so we'll see how that goes.
The Sound Four were also introduced, with Sakon seemingly having some grudges with Ryouta, Tayuya and the others weren't sure of it yet, but Sakon seems to be determined.
Now Orochimaru's got his plans set up, we'll see how they become very soon!
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Ryouta; Satsuki, Sakura, Naruko, Hinata, Gaara (fem), Ino, Haku (fem), Kurotsuchi, Karin, Konan, Mei, Anko, Samui, Hanabi, Mabui, Temari, Pakura,