Welcome to the next chapter!
Eavise; Thanks for the suggestions. Maybe one day~
Sen Tobi; Seems so haha~
FinalFantasygamer2794; Thanks for the suggestions!
joharasbel; Thanks very much!
batmanuchiha; Yeah, that's how it is. Thanks very much!
ShadowUzumaki55; They have yeah~ Mei is quite excited~ With Mei they should be fine. Yeah, Itachi and the group seem to be doing some cool stuff. Tsunade seems to be quite excited for it. Maybe she would be~
TheGreatGodzilla; For Tayuya we shall see what she is doing in the future. Yeah, Ryouta knows some Lightning Release from what his eyes have copied, and beginning to use it himself. We will see why Mei would or wouldn't this chapter. He is going to a different land, so having backup even if he is going to Mei is always a good thing. Thanks for the harem suggestions. The clan hasn't been mentioned in this story. They will appear eventually. Crystal Release is on the wikia, it will explain quite well there.
Silver crow; Thanks. Yeah, Mei seems to be in charge. Seems like she is yeah. Yeah, this is more of a relaxing vacation for Ryouta. Yeah, it seems more people are becoming aware of his existence. Orochimaru will have to be careful with the Akatsuki also after him. Naruko and Ryouta had a sweet moment together. Tsunade does yeah. Yeah, Tsunade turned it around on Karin, giving her, and Jiraiya quite the fright. Thanks for the harem suggestions. We will see what is going on with the Hozuki brothers pretty soon. Yeah, Naruko, Satsuki and Haku are gaining reputations all their own. The oc for Fairy Tail would be strong, and improve as the story went on yeah. He could have titles like that.
HolyKnightX; Thanks! Hmmm, maybe she is~ Glad that you liked it~ Yeah, his Susanoo could do~
Morregen; Thanks! Yeah, seems that they are~ Yeah, Orochimaru would be killed if he came across Itachi and the others. Tsunade might do yeah haha~ Aah, everyone is important reviewer to me. Mei is yeah, she is rather happy her hubby is around haha. That would be pretty cool if Mei did teach him some stuff.
Skull Flame; He surely is~ He does yeah, seems Tsunade is alright with it.
Guest 1; Yeah, either of those would be a cool idea for a Fairy Tail story. He could have a personality like that. Virgo is pretty cool, so she would be fun to play around with. Those abilities would make sense if he was a Devil Slayer. Yeah, would have been cool if he had kept that power. Yeah, he could have a combined power with her. Thanks for the suggestions.
Guest 2; Kill la kill would be a fun story to do for. That would be pretty funny yeah~ Thanks for the suggestions.
Guest 3; As long as everything goes well yeah. I am unsure, depends what ideas I get as I watch different shows.
Hinata fan; Yeah, Mei's back. He will have a little time to breathe. Orochimaru is gonna be going through a lot yeah. Maybe they will be yeah. Tsunade does yeah.
Guest 4; Thanks very much!
With those reviews out of the way, it is time to start the chapter!
Time in the mist!
"Damn pest!"
Kisame slashes through an enemy that tried to attack him and the others.
Izumi and Itachi look around the base they had been sent to investigate, to see if they could find Orochimaru.
"All I'd say is here is some of his test subjects, wouldn't you Itachi-kun?"
Itachi didn't answer.
Instead, he kept his eyes looking around the area.
"Itachi-kun, something going on?"
It took Itachi only a few moments to realize that Izumi was speaking to him, being wrapped up in his own thoughts for the moment, but soon snapped out of them as he saw Izumi waving her hand in front of his face.
Itachi looked towards Izumi, shaking his head once.
"Nothing, I'm just curious about this place, is all. I can't seem to find much about any plans to relocate, so I guess this base is something he abandoned a while ago. Even with these, specimens. They each have that Curse Mark on them."
Kisame let out a breath through his nose.
"Baaaaaah, damn Orochimaru leaving these pests behind."
Izumi agreed, as they continued on together.
Izumi walked down a corridor, where she came to see a lab of sorts.
She walked through it, and looked at the different types of liquids in the jars around.
"Just what have you been doing Orochimaru, you crazed bastard..."
She mused aloud, allowing her fingers to smoothly run across the glass jars.
Kisame went with her, and looked around.
"Geez, he is a mad man after all. Hey best friend, found anything interesting?"
Izumi looked on, and shook her head.
"Nothing of interest. The best theory I've got without studying them up close, is that these must have different chemicals inside that stimulate chakra, and how the body would react. Certainly it would be Orochimaru's modus operandi, to do such things."
Kisame thrusts his arms back and yawned.
"We haven't got anything here, I'm gonna check around to see if we missed any stragglers."
"Okay. Be careful."
"You know me best friend, I'm always careful."
Izumi looked on as Kisame left.
She then continued looking around the desks, and the tables that had been left behind.
But she didn't find anything of use.
Itachi came into the room, and asked "Find anything?" but Izumi shook her head.
"Nothing important, you?"
"Nothing." As he said it, Izumi placed a hand on her stomach. "Something wrong?"
"Just feeling a bit off, that's all."
"If you feel sick, we can stop for a little while."
Izumi shook her head a single time.
"No, don't worry about me. I will be alright. We should be worrying about Orochimaru. Say if he takes over a new body, he wont be able to use Ninjutsu fully, right?"
"Yes, that's right I believe. However, he still will be able to get around some of those if he's smart enough and unfortunately, he is pretty smart."
Izumi smiled softly, as Itachi walked off to do one last look around.
Izumi felt her stomach feeling uneasy, so she sat down and looked around the room she was in.
"Seriously Orochimaru...one way or another, you're going down."
Izumi said seriously.
She thought about Orochimaru, and what he had tried to do with Ryouta.
But, she was glad that for the moment, Orochimaru had been beaten back by Ryouta himself, and the others as well.
Mei hadn't let go of Ryouta for over an hour when they finally met up. Even people like Anko were looking on with her eyes being unable to leave the pair. It seemed that Mei really had missed Ryouta a good deal, and couldn't even begin to think about letting go of the young man.
Even as they made their way towards the village, she didn't let go.
Ryouta noticed as they got closer to the village that Haku kept looking around.
It was a huge deal for her to return to the village.
Because of the last time that she was there, it was a completely different experience to it was now. Even Zabuza seemed to be a bit more mellow. Though, Ryouta was sure that Zabuza still had his usual killer instincts. They were just being kept at bay for the time being.
Whatever the case, he hoped that Haku would be fine with being there, and that if she needed, he would do his best to support her.
"Geez, I didn't think I would see you this soon. It seems that you've grown a little bit."
Mei rubbed her face against Ryouta's own, with her eyes showing a happiness like no other.
"Y-Yes, I suppose that I have."
Mei waved her hand.
"Come now, you're becoming more of a man everyday."
Ryouta blushed at that, while Karin gave a hard stare towards Mei.
"T-Thank you Mei-san, I'm glad that you're doing well."
"Yes, I'm doing well enough. It was a tough battle, but we'll go over the details about that later on. Ooh yes, Ao is currently hiding, so if you don't see him during your trip, then its because he is worried."
"About?"
Karin asked, so Mei answered as she turned towards her.
"This is Shisui-sans little brother, Ao has a complex about it. He becomes frightened whenever his name is mentioned, or his little brother is mentioned. So being in the same vicinity as one another isn't going to be great for Ao, you understand, yes?"
Ryouta did understand that, though he wished that Ao didn't become so frightened of him.
"So Mei-san, now that you have won, what's next for you?"
Mei nods, and turns back towards Ryouta himself.
"Thanks to the supporters of mine, and my own work to help restore the village after everything that has happened, I have been named the Fifth Mizukage. Now, all I have to do is earn back the good will lost when the Bloody Mist was in full swing. It is going to be challenging, but with effort, and time, I am hoping one day we can show that we have changed from those darkened times."
Anko laughs.
"I see, and it seems that not only is Konoha gaining a female Kage, but so has Kiri. "
Mei's ears perked immediately.
"Ooh yes, Ryou-kun did mention about it. Maybe Tsunade-san and I should meet up with one another, discuss potential love, and other things going on with the Uchiha, and how I'm going to marry him in the future..." Ryouta raised a brow as she placed his head soothingly to her chest, his cheeks turning red at the feeling. "Ooh, I did miss you Ryou-kun, it is the best feeling ever~"
Ryouta looked on, as Mei kept his head to her bust, so he couldn't move.
Karin tightened her hand, and looked to the sky, muttering "It's fine Karin, you can do this...it is fine..." as she kept her eyes towards the sky, so she didn't have to focus on what was going on before them right now.
They got towards the village, and immediately Ryouta could see that people picked up the fact that they were Konoha Ninja.
Some felt like they were going to attack, some felt cautious.
It seemed though that they weren't going to attack, and everyone was merely on heightened alert which made sense with what Mei had told him.
"This is the best. I have to make sure that you receive the best hugs from me Ryou-kun, we might not see one another for a little while so I best get in everything I can while you are here."
Zabuza released a small breath.
"She's been like this since she heard you were coming."
Mei shot a look towards Zabuza who did the same thing right back.
"So, what happened before, with you two fighting?"
Anko was super intrigued, so she had to ask.
Mei shot another look to Zabuza, but more of a fun one this time.
"He asked me out, I rejected him. He wasn't happy because I already have a future with Ryou-kun, so we fought."
Zabuza became slack-jawed, as Anko laughed.
"Knew it, I told you Haku!"
Haku gave a cute shy look as Zabuza sighed.
"First, that didn't happen at all. Terumi, you and the Uchiha can be happy together for all I care. We fought because I wanted to see if she was worthy of being the Mizukage, and she was testing me as well."
Ryouta glanced at Mei, who did a peace sign towards him.
Anko was amused by what was going on, and then thought of something.
"Anyway, it seems that things around here have certainly calmed down."
Anko observed, Mei nods.
"Yes, but now it seems that you have come a long way. So, why don't you go and get yourself rested up." As she said it, some attendants came by, and Mei gave them some orders. "So, that's it. You're all dismissed for the time being. Though I would ask that you be accompanied, there are still some stuff that need to be settled, and adjustments for people that need them. Because of the fact that the village has been run a certain way for a good long while, and now it is going to be a different time now, with the Blood Mist being finished with."
Anko waved a hand.
"Do not worry about that, we understand completely. But yeah, it would be good to put up my feet, it was quite the trek to come here...aah right, I also have to give you this letter from our Hokage."
Anko pulled out a scroll, and delivered it to Mei.
Mei looked on before placing it away.
"I'll read this later, and then see what's going on. Now come along Ryou-kun, we've got much to discuss."
"Sure, I don't mind."
Ryouta wondered what that was, but didn't question it as they left together.
Going towards a large building that felt similar to the Hokage's office back in Konoha, Ryouta walked through a wide set of doors, before he came to an office that was quite high up. Mei pulled him inside, and then closed the door so it was the two of them alone.
"So, what do you think? This is my office now. Everything is pretty recent, so I am still getting used to it."
Ryouta looked around, and saw that it was decorated very well.
He even saw a picture on her desk of him, and her the last time that they had met with one another.
"It's very nice Mei-san, really lovely."
Mei bowed her head as she sat down.
Ryouta stood before her, before Mei casually waved her hand.
"Sit down, relax. Make yourself comfortable."
Ryouta did just that, sitting down before her, as Mei exhales.
She pulled out the scroll, and began reading it to herself.
Once she was done, she placed it down and faced Ryouta.
"Well, it seems that Konoha has written a letter to see if we could become allies."
"So that's what they wished for."
She nods and continues on.
"Of course, aware of our connection, they wish to make connections between us official."
"Would that be something you'd be for?"
Mei gains a grin.
"Well, it could be difficult. But there could be some ways that I might be persuaded."
"I see, as Konoha's Ninja, I'd like to do my best to make sure that peace can be achieved."
Mei giggles to herself.
"That's good, because there's something that I'd like to offer. How about, if we get married, then Konoha and Kiri could think about forming-"
As Mei was grinning and wishing, Ryouta shocked her by standing up, and taking her hands.
"That's what you wish for Mei-san? Us getting married?"
Mei felt her heart beat increasing by the moment.
"Y-Yes, that's right."
"Then..." Ryouta gave a cute shy but determined look as he sat next to her. "...if that's what it is for peace...then we could...I mean, I don't know how to be a husband yet...but, I'd do my best to learn..."
Mei exhaled strongly, feeling a smile working its way onto her face.
"Ooh Ryou-kun, don't worry about such things! I'll take care of that, we can get married whenever~"
Ryouta gave a cheery smile in her direction.
Mei giggled to herself.
However, Ryouta then spoke up, about a thought he had been thinking about for a little while now.
"Mei-san, I could see as we walked here, some tension was within the air. Did we come at a bad time?"
Mei relieved his worries as she spoke up.
"No, it's been like that since the village had been taken over by myself, and my resistance group. There are some loyal followers of Yagura, and the path of Bloody Mist. But, with Zabuza assisting, it seems that those people are being weeded out, and being told about what is going to happen. I don't want to kick these people out of the village of course, I wish to make sure that everyone can live better than the past."
Ryouta understood that, and thought Mei would be capable of doing it.
"I'm glad to hear that Mei-san. If there's anything that I can do, then I'd like to help out."
"Actually, there is something that I would like to ask you."
"Ask me, yes of course. What is it?"
Mei looked around, before placing her hands together.
"What I'm about to say now cannot leave this room for the immediate future until we understand the situation, understood?"
"Yes, I understand."
Because of her serious tone, he matched it, and waited for her to continue.
Mei leans forward.
"When we went to confront Yagura about the situation of the village, Ao made a disturbing discovery."
"What was it?"
"Yagura, was under Genjutsu. Ao discovered it, we broke it, and Yagura died soon afterwards."
Ryouta blinked in surprise.
"Genjutsu? Who could place such a person under Genjutsu? I have read that Perfect Jinchuriki are largely unaffected by Genjutsu due to the relationship they have and that the Tailed Beast could break them out of Genjutsu, right?"
Ryouta asks for confirmation and to also know who would be strong enough to place a Jinchuriki like Yagura under Genjutsu.
Mei nods, and explains.
"Yes, that's right. We can't fully confirm this right now who the suspect was that did this, because Ao didn't recognize the chakra signature with his Byakugan. However, whoever did it, must be a very powerful Genjutsu user. Ao suspects it was an Uchiha, having fought your brother before, he would know some about Sharingan Genjutsu, but we can't say for certain."
Ryouta was astonished by what he was hearing.
Someone with such Genjutsu prowess, he began running through the short list in his mind of who and why they would do this.
"I see, so Ao-san thinks it is an Uchiha..."
Ryouta did have some theories, but he was failing to understand what would be the point in controlling Yagura. He thought about Itachi, and how he would be capable of doing it, but he couldn't understand a reason why Itachi would even bother. And if it is for the Akatsuki, then he still didn't get it since they seemed to be after the Tailed Beasts, so there wouldn't be a point controlling them, that's what Ryouta thought anyway.
Mei had similar thoughts and shared some with Ryouta himself.
"Since there are only a few Uchiha out there, we have heard that Itachi Uchiha and Izumi Uchiha were in the Akatsuki, so possibly either of them, though I struggle to find reasons as to why either would do that."
"While either Itachi, or Izumi-chan would have the capabilities to do such a thing most likely...I do have a theory on who it might be, someone who would be able to do it easier than they could."
"Who are you speaking of?"
"A man named Tobi. He has the Sharingan, I remember it from the last time we saw one another."
"Another unknown with the Sharingan..."
Mei wore a troubled face.
Ryouta wished it wasn't the case that Tobi was doing this to Mei's land.
But it was the only logical explanation that he had.
"So, this Tobi is the one that did this to Yagura you believe?"
Mei asked after a moments pause.
"I can't be sure of course because I didn't see the chakra colour. But, I could see that being the case. His mysterious power allows him to appear pretty much anywhere at any given time from what I can tell. Wouldn't it make sense that he could appear from the shadows, take over Yagura and do it without anyone knowing? Plus, I have been studying the history of the Uchiha, and I have come across expert wielders of the Sharingan, being able to control Tailed Beasts. I wish it wasn't, but I would have to agree with Ao-san that it could have been a Sharingan user based on what you have said."
Mei placed a finger to her chin.
"Yes, the more you talk about it, the more I think you are right...we need to check others in the village, in case he is trying to control them as well. Elders, officials...even myself..."
"Good precaution...but you don't have to worry Mei-san, you aren't being controlled." He said as he showed his Sharingan eyes to her. "You aren't under any Genjutsu, and I can't see any evidence that you have been for a while either, so you are Genjutsu control free."
Mei let out a small laugh.
"That is a relief off my mind."
"Yes, but for him to have that immense talent in Genjutsu to do that for so long...I haven't seen evidence of it back in Konoha...but, maybe it would be a good idea for Konoha to do the same thing...I could help you Mei-san, this village, I know what Tobi's chakra looks like, its colour."
Mei gave a bow of her head.
"That would be wonderful, thank you."
"It is the least I can do."
Mei clicked her tongue at the fact that Tobi was doing this.
But she also gave a reassuring look towards Ryouta himself.
"It troubles me, I want to know now is what his objective was with controlling Yagura."
"If he was controlling Yagura, what his objectives could have been...maybe it had to do with money, or something, for his Akatsuki. Or maybe he had a grudge against Kiri for reasons unknown, and wanted to turn it into one of the worst things imaginable, so it would weaken the forces for a possible invasion. That's the best theories that I have gotten for you based on how I've interacted with Tobi before."
Mei stroked her chin.
"Well, that's certainly some good reasoning's and if any of them are true, then it could mean that Kiri isn't out of the woods just yet. If you have any information that could be helpful, then I'd be grateful."
"I can put a report together for you, what he looks like...or rather his mask, how he acts, and what kind of powers I've seen him possess. Though it has been a good while since I've really seen him, I remember his abilities very well, and having thought about them for all this time, I might know some weaknesses to him as well, though they are untested theories right now, I will still include them."
Mei gave a humble bow of her head.
"That would be most useful, thank you for confirming that and for giving us the information, I am grateful to you."
Ryouta bows.
"Anything I can do to help you Mei-san. Though, the Akatsuki, it seems that they might be after the Tailed Beasts...and if I am remembering right, the Tailed Beasts host, Yagura was one of them, yes?"
Mei nods a single time.
"Yes, he was. After his death, the Tailed Beast would have gone somewhere else, and probably reformed. At least, that's what knowledge I have on Tailed Beasts. So, you think this Tobi was after the Tailed Beast? Though we still have Yagura's corpse...so he couldn't have extracted the beast before he died..."
"It certainly is possible that he is after them. But, like you said, it doesn't explain why he would bother controlling Yagura. What purpose he would have for such things. Why not just take him and be done with it?"
Mei shook her head.
"We could aim questions at each other for a good long while, and not gain any answers. So, lets save that for the time being. I'll be replying to your new Hokage, it seems that when it comes to these Akatsuki, we have a few things that we have to discuss."
Ryouta nods, he was glad that perhaps Kiri and Konoha could come to an understanding with one another.
"Yes, that would be good Mei-san."
Mei nods her head, as she stretches her arms.
"Now, it is getting a bit late, we should get some food."
Ryouta nods, and walks off with her.
As he did, he couldn't help but think what Tobi was truly up too.
As that was going on, Haku overlooked the village of Kiri as she sat within her room. Seeing everything before her eyes was something strange. She remembered a time when it was hectic, and that people died left, right and centre.
But now, it seemed that everything was calm, and that everything was better under Mei's rule.
Even picking Mei, who held two Kekkei Genkai's, was something that she thought she'd never see in her life.
As she thought about it, there was a knock at the door.
She stopped, and walked to the door.
Opening it revealed to be Zabuza.
"Z-Zabuza-sama, I'm...you're here."
"Yeah, I'm here. Now gonna let me in or what?"
Haku bows, and did just that.
Zabuza came in with his usual manner of walking.
Sitting down on a nearby bed, his eyes went towards her.
Though Zabuza seemed to be distant, Haku appreciated the fact that he was already there.
"Zabuza-sama, I am surprised that the Hozuki brothers aren't here."
"Yeah, about them idiots, it seems that they didn't like the way that things were going on around here."
"You mean..."
"Yeah, they took their blades and left. I would have stopped them, but I was entangled in a battle. Well, it is their stupidity that might end themselves one day. Unable to see the bigger picture as well as someone like you would Haku."
Haku bowed her head.
"Zabuza-sama, I am glad that you have achieved your goal. But, now what are you going to do? Stay within Kiri?"
Zabuza cast his eyes out of the window, and thought about what Haku had said.
"Good question, I don't really have an answer for you right now. That damn Terumi has offered me a role as leader of the Anbu within this village, and to resume my status as a Seven Ninja Swordsman member."
"Zabuza-sama, that's an amazing idea. You would be very well suited to such a role within the village."
Zabuza laughs to himself.
"I guess that it would be."
"But, you're unsure about something, yes?"
"Just need to think about it, that's all. But enough about me. Heard you were in the Chunin Exams, did you do well?"
"I believe that I did, I haven't heard the results yet, Zabuza-sama. Though Ryou-kun became a Jonin."
Zabuza almost did a spit take.
"I knew that Terumi woman was hiding something from me! So, the Uchiha became a Jonin, and he took out Ameyuri. Hah, that's not completely shocking, but it wasn't something I was expecting either. So a Jonin huh, well it seems the kid is going places."
Haku nods a single time.
"Zabuza-sama, I am glad that I was able to come to Kiri again. Though I have to admit that it is strange being back. I haven't been here since I was a young child, where the entire people of Kiri would have wanted me gone, like my Father did."
Zabuza scoffed.
"That is the past now, Haku. It seems that, Terumi wishes to change such things. It isn't so bad, there's some stuff that I've thought about, and some stuff that she wishes to do. Well, it seems that we worked well enough this time."
Haku looks towards Zabuza, seeing that he seemed...relaxed.
Something that he hadn't been in a good long time.
"Zabuza-sama, it might have taken a while, but you managed to finally get what you desired in life. The end of the Mizukage, and now a new era is being thrust forward, because of you." Zabuza growled, as Haku bowed her head. "Forgive me, but people will look up to you now, for guidance, and for strength, Zabuza-sama. Isn't that what you desire? You could train a new generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen."
"A new generation huh?"
Zabuza mused, Haku nodded a single time.
"Yes, I think that role would suit you a good deal."
Zabuza thought about it.
A whole new generation of Seven Ninja Swordsmen, and he would be the teacher for them.
"You have given me some stuff to think about Haku. But for now, I want to see how far you've come, so come with me, and I'll test to see if you have what it takes to become a strong Ninja."
Haku didn't hesitate to say yes, so she did just that, and bowed her head a single time.
Then they stood up together, and walked out of the room.
Though Zabuza knew Haku was strong, he wanted to see how far she had come since the last time that they met one another.
A small time later, as Ryouta and Mei were going to find the others, they came across Karin and Anko near a training ground. Becoming intrigued, they walked over towards them, but Karin waved her hand.
"Ryou-kun, not Ryou-kun's bride, it seems that Haku-chan is fighting against Zabuza."
Mei scowled at the not Ryou-kun's bride bit.
Ryouta on the other hand looked intrigued, so he took a seat next to Anko who peered out towards the fight ahead of them.
"So, why are they fighting one another?"
"It's Zabuza, why else would they be fighting?"
Ryouta gave an amused smile towards Anko who looked intrigued by what was going on.
"So, what's with that not Ryou-kun's bride bit huh?"
Mei demanded from Karin who folded her arms.
"It is as I said, you aren't going to be his bride."
"I am, and that's the end of it."
Mei dismissed Karin who scowled, and turned a blind eye from Mei.
Ryouta himself looked on with interest at the fight ahead of them.
Seeing Haku throwing some icy senbons towards Zabuza who blocked with his giant blade.
Responding to that, Haku creates an icy mirror, and slides through it.
Zabuza expected that she was going to appear behind him, but when he turned, she wasn't there.
So he looked around for Haku and seeing where she was.
But then felt his legs being cold.
So he looked down to see Haku's image being in the mirror.
"Damn!"
Zabuza couldn't react in time, and saw icy senbons being released towards him.
He did his best to dodge out of the way, but one got through and cut his leg, something that Zabuza was happy to see.
They kept up their fight, with Anko looking on.
"Geez, between you and the ice Queen, it seems that I am going to have to step up training even more."
Ryouta glances at Anko, seeing that she was enjoying the fight, but also thinking about her own future as well.
Karin looks bewildered at the sight before her, seeing Haku impressing even the likes of Zabuza.
They soon finished, with Haku looking over to the others.
"Zabuza-sama, thank you for the fight, I appreciate it."
"Yeah, yeah, it wasn't so bad. You have improved a good deal since the last time we met. You best be at least Chunin, Haku."
Though Haku didn't have a say in it, she bowed her head, and nodded a single time.
"Yes, I shall do my best."
"Good, you better."
Ryouta looked on, glad that Zabuza was able to be at least a little open with Haku, and make her feel good about the relationship that they had with one another.
The day of the funeral came, and some people had gathered. Ryouta was surprised to see that Ameyuri had some people following her. It seemed that she had more people than she thought liking her.
Some people began speaking about her, and the burial continued.
"Heh, so this is it Ameyuri. Well, I wish I could have fought you one last time, but you had a good fight, and a good way to go out, huh."
Surprising, but happily, Zabuza said some stuff about Ameyuri.
Even though they didn't get along, it seemed that he still did have respect for her as a swordsman.
For Ryouta, it was an all too familiar scene, of seeing people die, and being buried. With his brother, with Ameyuri, though Ameyuri was an enemy at the end of the day, she still was someone that he did learn a good deal from.
Even Anko spoke about her, which made him adopt a small smile on his face.
"Yeah, she was such a nuisance, but, I think I got a lot out of our confrontations..."
Anko continued on, with Ryouta quietly listening.
Mei looked towards Ryouta, who kept his eyes on the casket before him.
"Ryou-kun, you okay?"
Ryouta looked up, smiled, and bowed a single time.
"Yes, I am well, thank you."
"You sure?"
Ryouta looked at the coffin, and kept his eyes on it.
Death...he understood it was inevitable, for all.
He just hoped that she would have the best kind of afterlife.
"She was an enemy, and yes, I am supposed to look at her like that. However, there's something inside of me that is sad for her. But she got what she wished for. If she couldn't live forever, she got to choose how to die. Not everyone gets that choice, and she knew that she was dying. Even though she knew that, even though it must have been so painful for her...she did the thing that she loved. And in her own way, I think she has helped me a good deal in my path."
Ryouta's words made Mei smile.
She was glad that Ryouta felt the way that he did, as she also felt something similar at the same time.
"Ameyuri, I didn't expect her to have such an impact on many lives."
"Yeah...she really did have quite the impact."
Mei nods a single time and continues listening to the funeral going on.
Some more people spoke about Ameyuri, and then finally, Ryouta did himself.
Speaking about his experiences with her, his fights with her, and what she did for him personally.
As it began to wrap up, and she was being buried, Ryouta saw that Mei had made it a point to get a good gravestone for her.
Even though she was in the end an enemy, she also was someone that helped out in her own way, and that she was capable of doing good deeds, in her own special way.
Ryouta took a flower, and then looked towards the coffin once more, before placing it on top of the coffin.
"Goodbye Ameyuri-san, if you get a chance to see my brother, I hope you two can converse happily. Also, Ameyuri-san, I don't know if you'll hear this, but thank you, for everything."
Ryouta bows, and watches the rest of the funeral play out.
He was sure Ameyuri would like this.
She didn't get to live how she wished, but she got her wish of being buried within Kiri.
"Her grave will be kept in the best condition it can be."
Ryouta turned towards Mei, who smiled kindly.
"Thank you, Mei-san. I appreciate it."
Mei shook her head, and stood together with Ryouta and stared at the burial site of Ameyuri's.
After the funeral had finished, Ryouta went to go and get some stuff from a local shop, when Zabuza came towards him.
Without exchanging words, he placed his hand towards Ryouta, and whispered "Follow." which Ryouta found odd, but did as he asked and followed him out towards an area that looked like it had seen better days.
Ryouta looked to Zabuza, who stared forward at the young man.
"So, a Jonin now, are you?"
"Yes, Zabuza-san, Mei-san also told me that she thought about giving you the chance to lead the Anbu, and join back up with the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, officially I mean. Isn't that something that you'd wish for?"
Zabuza folded his arms, and gave Ryouta a strong stare.
"You think that's what I want?"
"Is it?"
Zabuza thought about it, and peered forward.
"Well, it wouldn't be so bad. But I'm weighing my options. Haku also said something similar."
"I know, she told me about it in private."
Zabuza laughed to himself.
"I thought that she might. Say kid, I've got a question." Ryouta nods for him to continue. "Then, you heard about Mangetsu and Suigetsu?"
"I did, Haku-chan said that they left. Though she said that they left, because they weren't satisfied."
"That is a half true. The other part of the truth is that they desired more violence and it would be difficult for them to fit into the way Terumi is running things. Even I have to begin accepting such ways, it can be a jarring experience."
"So, you think that they're beyond, reach?"
Zabuza furrowed his brows.
"I think that they have decided for a blood soaked path now."
"Like you did in the past?"
"Heh, I suppose so."
"But, you have changed, Zabuza-san."
Zabuza didn't want to admit what the real change was within him.
He wasn't that kind of man to say something about it.
"I have decided that my former way of living isn't going to be satisfying forever, and if I want to keep going, then I have to adapt. I don't know if they ever would be able to."
Ryouta remembered Mangetsu, and Suigetsu, and how they acted the last time he saw him.
He also remembered the jealousy that they had for Haku and how Zabuza felt about Haku compared to them.
"Zabuza-san, where did they go?"
"Hell if I know where they went."
Despite speaking in a mostly dismissive tone, Ryouta felt like there was something more to it than what Zabuza was saying, almost as if Zabuza felt responsible for what was going on and how he felt right now.
"What if they return? They might want to return Kiri to its blood soaked past."
Zabuza placed his hands to his sides, tightening a good deal.
"Yeah."
"That's why, wouldn't it be good if you were here? They idolized you, I remember that."
Zabuza paused for a few moments, and thought about it, ultimately he thought that he probably should be.
"...I will be here for the time being. Though I think about the future of Kiri now. Under Terumi."
"I think that she would be a great leader, Zabuza-san. And she needs strong people around her. I know you don't always get along with her, but I can see the efforts of you both. Managing to stop Yagura, and being able to change the way Kiri is already. Imagine what else you'd be able to accomplish if you work together even more."
Zabuza let out a small huffing sound.
"Haku and I talked for a good long while, and she spoke about what happened during the Konoha Crush, that's what she called it anyway. What you did to that sly snake Orochimaru, and again against him when searching for Tsunade. Heh, standing on a battlefield with the three Sannin, would have been fun to be there."
Ryouta inclined his neck in agreement.
"Yes, that's right. It was a tough few battles. But Zabuza-san, can I ask. About Mangetsu and Suigetsu, do you think about them?"
"I think what stupid crap they will do. I need to make sure they don't cause problems for Haku, that's all. I already felt their anger for Haku, and jealous of her skills. If they went after her..."
Ryouta bowed his head.
"Haku-chan is strong, Zabuza-san. And we're a team, through and through, we will always be beside her."
Though Zabuza wouldn't admit such things, but he was happy that Haku had some good comrades to rely on.
Even if Mangetsu and Suigetsu reared their heads once more, they'd be ready for them.
Zabuza couldn't help but feel something else about the entire situation regarding the two Hozuki brothers.
A while later, Ryouta and Mei found themselves sat within her office, as they would be parting pretty soon. Mei wished to have some more time, but she also knew that he and the others were dedicated to the Ninja village they hailed from.
"So, this is going to be goodbye, Mei-san."
"Yeah, it seems so. Though I wish to take you for myself, I am sure that I couldn't do that or Konoha might be upset about it."
"I suppose they would be."
He laughed out, as Mei leaned forward.
She allowed her lips to press against his cheek, with Ryouta smiling softly as a small blush worked its way onto his cheek.
"Though if you really want, you could transfer to my village, we could always use a Sharingan wielder on our side."
"That's sweet, even if I can't, if you need me, I'll happily come at anytime."
Mei thought that would be said.
But she also found it rather sweet at the same time.
"Alright then, I'll settle for that. So, keep writing me, okay? And come by real soon. By that time, I'm hoping that we have dealt with the small resurgence of the allies of Yagura."
"Yes, I do hope it goes well for you. And if you need me for anything else, don't hesitate to contact me or Konoha. I'll come as fast as I can."
Mei let out a small laugh.
"I will do, I'm sure that it will be fine. Also, I suppose we should talk about the swords now, shouldn't we?"
Ryouta nearly forgot, the lightning swords.
He took them out, and looked at them intently.
Mei also looked at them, with her eyes noticing that Ryouta was looking at them fondly at the same time.
"Yes, right. Ameyuri-sans blades. Since they are originally from Kiri, I'll give them you back."
Mei giggled to herself.
"I thought you might say that, but I think that there is an even better solution."
"There is?"
Mei nods, and begins explaining.
"I would like for you to keep them, Ryou-kun."
"M-Me? I mean, are you sure?"
"Why wouldn't I be sure?"
Mei was amused, while Ryouta was still surprised that she was offering such things to him.
"Because, I'm not apart of Kiri."
"Ooh you will be one day through our marriage~"
Mei was somewhat joking.
But she really did want him to have the swords.
"Besides that, Ameyuri chose you to have them."
"She did, but they originally belonged to Kiri."
Ryouta expressed.
He did wish to keep them to honour Ameyuri and her request, but he also understood that Kiri would benefit from having the blades on their side.
"While they would be good for Kiri to have them, the simple fact is that right now, we are low on Ninja Swordsmen that have the capacity to wield such a blade. Zabuza has his own, and we have a promising student who is already wielding another blade, so we don't have the need for it, it would simply gather dust with us. That's why, I'd want someone who can actually use it, to have it. And as I said, she also gave you those blades, she must have done that because she believed you were the best person to wield them. Though Ameyuri was an enemy, I can respect her decisions."
Ryouta looked over the lightning swords before his eyes.
Thinking about Ameyuri and how she wielded them, and then what Mei said, Ryouta could feel a happy sensation running through him.
"Mei-san, this is really nice of you."
"Don't worry about such things, Ryou-kun. I am sure you will do great with them."
"Yes...I want to do my best, for her, and for those that have placed their trust within me."
"And you can, because I have also placed my trust within you. Besides, one day I'd like for maybe our adorable children to inherit the blades maybe? That would be nice. Aaha, can you imagine our children? They would have three Kekkei Genkai, your Sharingan and my two Kekkei Genkai~"
Ryouta looked surprised as Mei giggled away happily to herself.
She then looked on as Ryouta bowed towards her.
She bowed slightly back, before placing her hand on top of his head, giving his head a single pat.
"Good then with that out of the way..."
As she spoke, the door opened revealing Ao.
"Now with the Uchiha gone and my nerves are calming down, Terumi-sama, I am ready for duty once…." As he spoke, he saw Ryouta stood there, and waved innocently. But Ao felt the colour draining from his face. "You haven't gone yet?! I was told you had gone!"
Ao jumped back, as Mei placed a hand to her forehead, sighing.
"Ao, please calm down..."
Ao couldn't do that.
His finger went towards Ryouta who in turn looked right back to him.
"It can't be...y-you can't be….I have to leave Terumi-sama!"
"Wait Ao, don't be so rude. You have avoided our guests since they came here, so at least you can say goodbye."
Mei argued, while Ao looked towards Ryouta, before swiftly looking away and breathing hard.
"Terumi-sama, please, I can't handle it!"
Mei's face became annoyed, and she couldn't stop giving Ao hard looks.
"Ao, are you really arguing? It is rude to be like this to my future husband."
"D-Does he have to be your future husband?!"
Mei gave a hard stare, which in turn made Ao freak out by shaking heavily.
"Ao, as I said, don't be rude. Now, please face my future husband and speak in a proper manner."
Ao didn't want to, and wished to leave immediately.
Because of his past with Shisui, and the fact that Ryouta looked remarkably like Shisui, along with his own Genjutsu prowess and the stories he had heard about Ryouta taking down Ameyuri among his other accomplishments, he couldn't focus on what was before him.
He turned towards Ryouta, who waved and Ao in turn placed a hand over his mouth.
"….Don't, just don't use your Genjutsu on me please….!"
"I'm not going to do that."
Ao couldn't believe him, he just couldn't do that.
"No...I have to go...Terumi-sama, please..."
Mei let out a breath.
Seeing Ao the way he was, there wasn't any point in trying to keep him there for the time being.
"Just go."
Ao bowed very fast, surprising even Mei.
"Thank you ma'am! Goodbye Uchiha, no need for any Genjutsu around here! Or the Body Flicker either!"
"Erm..."
When Ryouta tried to speak to him, Ao bowed, and rushed out of the room, leaving behind a perplexed duo.
"You have some interesting allies, Mei-san."
Mei awkwardly laughed, then bowed her head.
"Yes, it seems that Ao really is...an interesting man."
Ryouta and Mei exchange looks before sighing to each other about Ao, and his weird feelings regarding Shisui and Ryouta.
But they wouldn't allow that to interfere with their goodbyes, so they turned to one another, and took one another's hands.
"Until next time, Mei-san."
"Yes, keep yourself safe and sound."
"I will, don't worry about that."
Ryouta and Mei exchanged happy looks for one another then Mei hugged him tightly into her chest, causing his face to become a red colour, and was happy that they could spend this amount of time together.
As that was going on, Orochimaru had finally switched bodies. Taking over one of his own subjects, Orochimaru flexed his fingers, stretched his arms up into the air. It felt like a weight had been lifted from his arms after a good long while.
"My arms..."
Orochimaru was happy.
Though his mind was still in question after everything that he went through.
He knew he wouldn't be capable of using Jutsu that required hand signs, it didn't mean that he wasn't capable of fighting better than he was beforehand.
"Kabuto...it seems that the transference has worked."
"Orochimaru-sama, I couldn't be pleased for you more."
Orochimaru gave him a small look which made Kabuto flinch.
"Guren saved me Kabuto, I need to praise her for her actions. She has become the same level as you when it comes to me. I wont allow anything to get in my way, is that understood Kabuto?"
Kabuto winced at the tone of what Orochimaru had said.
Seeing Orochimaru's eyes being something that was frightening, Kabuto tensed up.
"Orochimaru-sama, a-are you sure this is a wise decision to make about Guren?"
Orochimaru narrowed his eyebrows.
"Are you questioning me? After everything that has happened!"
Kabuto flinched at the rage he was seeing before him.
Orochimaru wasn't pleased at all.
"N-No, of course not. I just wanted you to be sure."
Kabuto saw Orochimaru take in a sharp breath.
Seconds passed by, and it felt more chilling to see Orochimaru's eyes being on his form.
"Ooh, I'm more than sure Kabuto, she went above and beyond for me. The Sound Four are gone besides our Tayuya, guess that she'll have to be on a new team. Hmmm, maybe she could be with Guren. Girls like those two together would be a good idea, Tayuya could learn much from Guren, whip her into shape as it were. Because we are going after the Uchiha kid, Kabuto."
Kabuto was stunned by this.
That he would still go after Ryouta Uchiha now.
Even after everything that had happened.
"Orochimaru-sama, is it the best decision to go with him again? After last time..."
Orochimaru looked livid with what Kabuto had said.
"It seems that you are defying me once more. Is there some reason why you like doing this to me?"
Kabuto knew he had to choose his words carefully, or Orochimaru would come after him next.
"N-No. I was just caring for your being Orochimaru-sama, I wanted to make sure that you were right in what you wished to do."
"I hope so Kabuto, because I have some of my power back now. You wouldn't defy me, would you?" Kabuto shakes his head a single time. "That's good, because I don't want anyone to be on a different page to myself. Is that clear?"
Kabuto felt threatened, and gave a single nod.
"Yes...I understand."
Orochimaru gives a hard stare.
"Now I've got stuff to try out, before I do anything like capture the boy, and keep evading the damn Akatsuki as well. So leave me alone."
Kabuto felt the threat was real, so he quickly turned and ran off.
Once he had vanished from sight, Orochimaru began moving his arms.
Even with his Jutsu sealed, he was glad he could move his arms.
He could use a sword again, and was going to polish his skills to be the best he could be.
Then there was Ryouta himself, he wanted to go and get the boy for himself, and turn him into the perfect vessel.
What else he also noticed was that Yukine wasn't there.
He couldn't see Yukine.
He couldn't feel her presence anymore.
That alone was a cause for celebration.
"She was bluffing...she is gone from my life, and my mind! She's gone! Hahahahaha! Yukine, see you later! Goodbye and have fun in the afterlife!"
Orochimaru thought that this was his victory at last.
That he finally was able to beat her, and get away from her, get her out of his life.
However, it wasn't meant to be.
"Why are you telling me goodbye huh?"
Orochimaru felt cold inside.
Immediately, Orochimaru looked towards Yukine, and he couldn't control his voice.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
Orochimaru screamed as Yukine showed a devilishly yet angelic smile on her face which made her even more frightening to the snake like human.
She then began to approach him, and with each step she took towards him, Orochimaru felt his fear growing inside of his body.
"Stay away from me! Get lost!"
Yukine cocked her head right, Orochimaru covered his mouth with his hand.
"Orochimaru, why are you yelling? It's alright, you don't have to worry about it now. I'm here, always."
Orochimaru shivered.
He was frightened.
He picked up a sword, and swung it for Yukine.
But the blade went through her as if she was a ghost.
"Damn it all to hell!"
"Lower your voice." Orochimaru flinched at the tone, and held his head down. "Good, and just so you know, I did tell you that even if you switched bodies, that I would be here. I'm going to be here for you, always Orochimaru. We have plenty of time together, lets enjoy it together, Orochimaru."
The snake like human shook side to side.
Seeing the gleeful eyes of Yukine, it gave him great pause.
As he wasn't sure what was going to happen now.
Even with his arms, he still had an uncertain future.
"No….Yukine...go away..."
"Orochimaru...we shall be together, forever…!"
Orochimaru felt like he was on the verge of tears.
All he wanted was to escape the fight of his mind with Yukine.
But that wasn't a possibility now.
He was stuck with her until the day that he was going to die.
Yukine, had kept her word, and was now with him, for all of his remaining life.
End chapter!
So this chapter dealt with the mist, with Haku and Zabuza becoming reacquainted and Zabuza also thinking about his path now that Yagura is dead, Ryouta and Mei also became closer, with Ryouta giving her some information about Tobi after hearing their concerns regarding Yagura being controlled via Genjutsu, learning more about their connection. Also they learned about the Hozuki brothers taking off, and going somewhere, where they'll end up shall be explored later on. And Ao got frightened when finally seeing Ryouta again. Orochimaru also finally transferred bodies, but when thinking that he had gotten rid of her, he was in for quite the shock when Yukine appeared once more, and gave him quite the fright.
Well, until next chapter, thanks for reading!
Ryouta; Satsuki, Sakura, Naruko, Hinata, Gaara (fem), Ino, Haku (fem), Kurotsuchi, Karin, Konan, Mei, Anko, Samui, Hanabi, Mabui, Temari, Pakura,