Welcome to the next chapter!
joharasbel; Thanks!
Morregen; Thanks! Zabuza does in his own way yeah~ Glad you liked the Mei and Ryouta moments. Orochimaru seems to be yeah, he is quite anxious before Ryouta gets too strong to get him, and make the Sharingan his. Yeah, would be interesting if it was an ability like that from snakes. Ryouta is yeah, he will redeem snakes~ Yeah, they could do. Thanks!
ShadowUzumaki55; Yeah, they managed to do what they needed to without much worry. Mei definitely is yeah~ Glad you liked it, and yeah, they managed to talk about a good number of situations. Mei has yeah, she thought Ryouta would be good with the lightning swords. Ao seems to have developed quite the fear now huh. Orochimaru has yeah, even with the switch, he will have a companion for life, to his eternal fears.
Guest; He really does!
Silver crow; Yeah, he had a little break. He has some downtime coming. Glad you liked the funeral. The Hozuki brothers have a role to play later. Orochimaru has a good few bases around the world, so he has test subjects to work with, his number is dwindling down though. Mei was quite attached yeah. That is Zabuza for you haha. Yeah, with Mei and Tsunade, maybe an alliance can be agreed upon. Mei said she would deal with the supporters yeah. Izumi is pretty strong now being trained by Itachi and she has the Mangekyou, so Ryouta thought she was at least a viable option if only a thought that he wouldn't want to have about her. Obito probably did do it for that reason. Haku did yeah, after so long she got to walk among those streets she used to in the past. Mei will come to Konoha at some point. Ao will definitely be quite worried in the future. Orochimaru did yeah, Yukine had her own fun with him. Some will be relaxed, some will have some stuff going on in them. There wont be a Satsuki version, but something will happen to end off part one. We will see what happens with Danzo. Yeah, when part two comes they will be more intimate. Thanks for the harem suggestions. Cool magics for Fairy Tail. He would be S class by the start of canon. Cool teams. Yeah, he could do that for Zeref. He could know some of them yeah. We will have some interactions with some characters yeah. Thanks for the suggestions. Yeah, he could be like that with Luffy. Misaki has interesting abilities.
Mrgamerandwatcher; Yeah, people will figure it out soon~
TheGreatGodzilla; They left in the last chapter, they stayed for one chapter only. Yukine has said she will be there till the day Orochimaru dies. Thanks for the votes. Mei is already dealing with it by first checking to see if anyone else is being controlled, then discussing it further alone with making allies. Yeah, it seemed like he was intent of making the mist as horrible as possible for what happened, as discussed by the characters. If they were in the story of Naruto, maybe more nature releases shall appear. The arc will become quite apparent pretty soon what is going to happen next.
Skull Flame; Mei does yeah. Ao surely is~ Yeah, he wont be able to get rid of her, so immortality is going to be quite difficult for him. Glad you liked the banter between Karin and Mei. Zabuza does yeah.
wtfstarftw1; Maybe one day I will do a One Piece story. Thanks for the harem suggestions.
raz2694; Perhaps, depends what is best to do.
Keamx; I'm not sure yet when the next one will be.
Hinata fan; Glad you liked it. Mei did yeah. He will have some downtime here. The Akatsuki are somewhat pursuing him, if they find him then yeah.
With those reviews out of the way, it is time to start the chapter!
Promotions to Chunin!
After dealing with the situation regarding Mei, Team Anko returned back to the village. With Anko, Ryouta, Haku and Karin equally happy with how the mission went, Ryouta had a special delivery for the Hokage which would be Tsunade now, though he also knew that Hiruzen would be involved as well since of the situation that happened regarding Tobi.
"Well, that was some mission huh? Damn, those guys in the Land of Water can be intense."
Anko sang out as she swayed side to side.
Karin nods a single time.
"You can say that again Sensei. Though, it seems that our mission went off without a hitch. We might even have a new ally thanks to the fact that Mei wishes to marry Ryou-kun, even if it isn't going to happen before we get married."
Ryouta gave a bemused look to Karin while Haku clasps her hands together.
"Also, Ryou-kun, I heard that when we get back, there's going to be an announcement."
"You think it is going to be about promotions to Chunin for you guys?"
Haku nods.
"I do hope that's the case, I wish to send word back to Zabuza-sama. Though, I also am curious about the fact that the water brothers have left Zabuza-sama and what they might do. Remember Ryou-kun, they have a grudge against me."
Ryouta remembered that, the Hozuki brothers, Mangetsu more than Suigetsu, wished to be better than Haku.
"They would be foolish to try anything, Haku-chan. Especially while we're in Konoha."
Anko nods, and carries on.
"He is right, I wouldn't worry about it Haku, just relax for the time being. If those guys show up, then we'll deal with them."
Haku gives a small smile, relief on her face.
"I wasn't worried exactly, I was just thinking of what they could be doing. As a fellow apprentice of Zabuza-sama, I have concerns that they might want to try and team up with someone strong. I got the feeling from Mangetsu that he was the type that went towards the strongest, most powerful people in the lands, and teamed up with them to further his own goals. Suigetsu was simply someone that followed his brother and loved to slice things down, not unlike Zabuza-sama in a sense, though he also has other passionate goals..."
"Haku-chan."
Ryouta called, Haku paused, and turned towards him.
"Yes, Ryou-kun?"
Ryouta placed his hand on her shoulder, giving her a comforting look towards her.
"You're rambling, and you only do that when you're nervous." Haku giggled awkwardly. "As we said, you don't have to worry about them. If they come, then we shall deal with them. For the time being, they aren't exactly Rogue Ninja, but we do have to be prepared regardless, their little water body tricks can be difficult to handle, though I think Lightning Release would be capable of dealing with them."
Haku did feel a little more relieved when he said that, and continued onto the village.
Ryouta then split from the others as they made it back to the village, and went towards the Hokage's office.
On his way, he saw that the village looked to be in a lot better shape than the last time that he saw it. It seemed that it had been rebuilt a good deal, it seems that Hiruzen had done a good deal for the village, he wondered how Tsunade was handling it all, and what she was up to now.
When he got to the Hokage's office, he was allowed inside by the guards once confirming that he had an important meeting with the Hokage herself, and the former retired Hokage himself, so he walked up the stairs.
Getting outside of the door, he knocked and opened the door once being allowed inside, to see a surprise with Danzo stood there, speaking with Tsunade.
"Now that I'm in charge Danzo, you still will be confined, I'd like to ask you to not request this again until we can review this."
"Tsunade, I merely wish to be of help to the village. That's all."
"Yes, I do understand this Danzo, however after reading what happened and why you're in such a situation in the first place, I have to side with what Sarutobi-sensei has degreed with you. Now, allow me to review your words, and then I'll get back to you. It seems that you have done some good for the village, but the bad cannot be forgotten. Understood?"
To Ryouta, it sounded like Tsunade wasn't taking any crap from Danzo. Even if he tried to appeal to her kind side, Ryouta was glad as he couldn't trust Danzo either. He couldn't believe what Danzo was trying to say, and how he was attempting to coerce his way back to a position of power.
"It seems that I don't have a choice. Thank you for reading my report."
With that, Ryouta watched Danzo approach him carefully.
Stopping short of him, Ryouta looked at Danzo who looked right back.
"Ah, Ryouta-kun. It has been a while since we have seen one another. I have to congratulate you, on retrieving Tsunade, and once more doing harm towards Orochimaru and his forces."
"I did what anyone would do for the village, standing beside the Hokage, and fought as hard as I could."
From behind Danzo, Tsunade showed half a smirk.
Danzo didn't change his expression, and merely nodded.
"Yes, that's what I had thought. Also, managing to kill Ameyuri, that was quite the feat for someone your age to achieve."
Ryouta didn't like Ameyuri being spoken of by Danzo, it left a bitter taste in his mouth.
"I did what I had to do, she died how she lived, and that's what she wanted in the end."
"Quite right, young Uchiha-kun. I am glad that you have been made a Jonin, it seems that wasn't a mistake on Hiruzen's part." Danzo walked by Ryouta, and kept his lone visible eye on his form. "Well, until next time, Ryou-kun."
With that, Danzo left the scene, leaving behind Ryouta and Tsunade.
"Damn idiot." Tsunade murmured before she walked forward. "So you've returned, how did the mission go?"
"That's actually what I want to talk to you about Tsunade-san. And, I guess we call him Sarutobi-san or retired Hokage-sama now."
Tsunade gave a serious face.
"I see, then he'll be here soon enough. Come inside."
Ryouta did just that, and sat down, waiting for Hiruzen to arrive.
When Hiruzen arrived, and brought Mikoto with him, Ryouta began explaining about what happened with Mei, and Yagura, and who was involved. As he did, he could see the expressions of Mikoto, and Hiruzen turn sour. Tsunade didn't know as much, but she also understood that this wasn't an ordinary situation, and was briefly told about the history between Ryouta and Tobi, who also now had a hand with the previous Mizukage.
"So, he really controlled someone as strong as a Jinchuriki."
Mikoto began, with Hiruzen looking troubled.
"For what end, we cannot be sure. It seems that the Tailed Beast he had still lives on in a different part of the world."
Tsunade folded her arms.
"So, there's an Uchiha out there, stronger than anyone we've come across, and has the power to control a Perfect Jinchuriki."
Ryouta nods, and continues on.
"Whoever Tobi really is, he really is a strong contender. Erm, retired Hokage-sama...I am not sure what to call you now..." Hiruzen chortled as Ryouta continued. "...I don't want to think it, but what if Tobi was capable of doing that to a Perfect jinchuriki, what if he was capable of doing that to others in this village as well? Prominent members of the village that he wished to have to gain power over the village?"
When he said it, silence fell between them.
Now that he said it, it certainly did seem plausible it could happen.
"...You are correct Ryou-kun. We do have to be prepared for such an eventuality. Perhaps I should have some Hyuga's use their Byakugan as well as you Ryou-kun to check if there are any unusual chakra amongst those of the higher ups, including ourselves."
An uncomfortable air was between the four of them.
They didn't wish to think anyone was being controlled.
But the possibility now existed because of the fact that Tobi controlled someone as high up as Yagura for a while without anyone being able to know, and only when someone confronted him directly with a Byakugan, was able to see that Genjutsu was being used.
Mikoto furrowed her brows.
She didn't want to think anyone was being controlled, she also understood that it could be something so subtle that many wouldn't be capable of doing such things.
"We have to always be prepared that he could have taken over any of us. Kiri had no idea until Ao with the Byakugan saw the chakra himself, so it is good that we have eyes that can perceive chakra like that."
Ryouta looked around with his Sharingan, and examined each of them.
"I can't see anyone here being under a Genjutsu, and I don't believe that I am under one either. Though, if you'd like to have someone check my chakra to see if that was the case, then I would understand."
Giving his full cooperation, Ryouta extended that hand towards them.
Hiruzen nodded, grateful for the mature way that he was handling such a situation. If he was being controlled or not, Ryouta understood that this situation, there wasn't time for second guessing and that they had to act swiftly, without judgements until everything was settled.
Tsunade folded her arms.
"Then I'll have some sensory types, and Byakugan users we can trust to do a sweep of the village. For precautions sake. Though we have had years with this, and nothing has come out of it, we can still do a check. Also, if you don't mind Ryou-kun, after you've been checked, since you have knowledge of this chakra, and have seen it before, I'd like for you to join that. Though, this has to be a quiet operation, so we have to act swiftly."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Speaking to Tsunade directly, Ryouta bowed his head, and followed the instructions of everyone in the room.
Tsunade then looked towards Ryouta.
"By the way, I have been tasked with naming Chunin and, from what I can see, and have witnessed, I believe I have pretty much all of them set out, but there is one that I am having some trouble on."
Ryouta cocked his head.
"Who is it?"
"Our one and only Naruko."
Ryouta slowly nods.
"What do you think Tsunade-san?"
"That is a tough question. Part of me says she is ready, part of me says she needs sometime to grow. What do you think Ryou-kun?"
"Well...hmm, I think Naruko-chan has the strength of at least a Chunin, and while she can be a prankster, I do think that she has a good skills, and qualities as a Ninja."
Tsunade strokes her chin.
"Yes...I also thought something similar. But, does she have the mindset of a Chunin...that is what I am struggling on. Seeing her during the battle with Orochimaru, it gave me arguments for her being a Chunin..."
"Naruko-chan might be unconventional, but I do think she is maturing as a Ninja. I think the only thing that does hold her back would be the basics of being a Chunin, mostly due to her aversion to studying." Tsunade let out a small laugh. "But she is smart, and she does learn fast when she puts her mind to it. If you're unsure, then maybe have a conversation with her, and see if she is ready. Perhaps get some advice from those that know her most, like Iruka-sensei, or Jiraiya-san, even former Hokage-sama."
Ryouta spoke as sincerely as he could.
"I see...hmm, yes, maybe you're right. I'll have to speak to Jiraiya, Iruka and Sarutobi-sensei, I believe in Naruko, I simply don't want to make a mistake and get her in a bind she isn't ready for."
"I understand Tsunade-san, if there is anything I can do."
"Well, there is something I might be calling you upon soon enough."
Ryouta tilted his head, but Tsunade didn't reveal, leaving Ryouta wondering what Tsunade had up her sleeve.
That night, Ryouta went towards the hospital, after having spoken to Tsunade, and went to go and see Hayate, and how he was doing. He also wondered if Yugao would be there, and what if anything they'd be doing right now.
When he got to the room, he knocked on the door.
But what voice he heard next, made him rather happy.
[Come inside.]
It was the voice of Hayate, he couldn't contain the excitement that he felt right now, so he went into the room.
He saw that Hayate was walking around and being assisted somewhat by Yugao. But, he could see that Hayate was doing it mostly by himself, which gave relief to Ryouta and his heart at this moment in time.
"Hayate-san, you...you are speaking again..."
The older man nods his head, giving a kind expression towards the young Uchiha.
"Yes...though it can be...difficult, Tsunade-sama, was...able to fix me...and I feel better...than ever..."
Ryouta was glad for them.
He could see that Yugao was having tears of joy running from her eyes.
"Yes, because you and the others brought Tsunade-sama back, Hayate has a future as a Ninja now. He needs a few more treatments, but he is well on the way to becoming back to how he was before. Thank you, Ryou-kun, for not only saving Hayate that night, but also...for helping him have his life as a Ninja back again."
Ryouta was glad to hear that, seeing the results of what Tsunade was truly capable of doing was a fantastic sight to see.
"You don't have to thank me, it was Tsunade-san that did it, not me."
Yugao shook her head.
"Even then, you did save Hayate, no one else did that, but you. If you hadn't, then I wouldn't be able to see him again."
Ryouta gave a small smile.
"Really, its fine. I'm just glad that everything is working out, that Tsunade-san is capable of doing such wonderful things."
Hayate nods, and proceeds to walk towards the young man.
"You...have my...gratitude...I wished to...be able to say it...before, but because of Kabuto...I wasn't able to say it...but, I am happy...everything worked out...for the best..."
"Me too, Hayate-san. Me too."
Ryouta sat down and spoke with them for a little while.
He was glad to see that they were able to finally enjoy one another once more.
That they would be able to continue their paths as Ninja together.
Later that night, Ryouta returned back home, and went into his room.
When he did, he saw that Satsuki was sat there, with her fingers pressing together.
But when she saw him, her face lifted up a little.
"So you've returned."
"It has been a while Satsuki-chan. Feels like its been forever, doesn't it?"
Satsuki stands up, and comes towards his face.
Without exchanging words, their lips naturally come together.
Ryouta did miss being able to have a little time like this together.
That they could simply be with one another, and embrace in their love.
When they broke apart, Ryouta looked Satsuki in the eyes, and then placed his hand on her face, giving it a gentle caress.
"So, what did I miss? How do you feel Satsuki-chan?"
"You mean about Itachi?"
Ryouta shrugged.
"I mean about, anything really. Want to talk about anything Satsuki-chan?"
Satsuki brought Ryouta over to the bed.
Without even exchanging words, they both sat down where she placed her head on his shoulder.
"...I've been thinking a lot about Itachi lately."
"It's understandable Satsuki-chan. If you want to talk about it, if you don't, I'm here for whatever you need me to be here for Satsuki-chan. During that time, it was an incredibly difficult situation...seeing Izumi-chan again with Itachi has also brought a lot of hard feelings up within me as well."
Ryouta's words made Satsuki understand more and more.
She got that he was also feeling hard about this, and that the situation was difficult, so she allowed her hand to go towards his own. Interlocking their fingers with one another, Ryouta felt the kindness that she was passing on between them.
"Yeah, it has been difficult, hasn't it? Want to talk about it?"
"Maybe later. I'm more worried about you."
"Hmm? How come?"
"Because I know how Itachi makes you feel. So tell me, what you're feeling. I don't want Itachi to cloud your better judgement."
Satsuki thought that Ryouta really could read her very well. That he understood her feelings, and that he wished to help.
"Alright, I'll go first. To be honest, at first, I was rather angry. I was...pissed off, that I couldn't do much against him. Seeing what he tried to do to you...I keep flashing back to when we were kids, and what he said he'd do to you. When he placed you under Tsukuyomi, I get it was only a second...but that second, I thought that I had lost you."
"Satsuki-chan..."
Satsuki shook her head, as Ryouta pressed his lips against her forehead, giving her a soft smile to show that he really did care for her, and that he was okay, something that did relieve her heart.
"Thankfully, you weren't taken away by it. But, it was something that I thought for a second, my heart had stopped beating. But, then I thought about Naruko."
"Naruko-chan? What about her?"
Ryouta was confused by that.
What Naruko had to do with this, he didn't know.
So she clarified.
"That she beat Gaara more than I could, and even managed to take down Kabuto as well. I heard about it, that she has grown stronger again."
"Satsuki-chan..."
"I know, I was...I don't know what the word is. I wasn't jealous, nor was I angry about it either. But something inside of me, was telling me that I have to become stronger. The fight with Gaara, I wish I could have done more, and then again when you and I confronted Itachi, you carried that fight more than I did."
Ryouta placed his hand on Satsuki's face, allowing her eyes to meet his own.
"That's because of my eyes, Satsuki-chan. Without them, it would have been incredibly hard to drive him off. Shi-chan gave me the power to protect those that are still living, that's how I view it anyway."
"...Yeah, I know. That's why, after thinking about it, we have to find a Sensei that is strong Ryou. So we can grow stronger. It seems that pervy old guy with Naruko is actually strong, so we have to find someone strong as well so we can grow even stronger."
Ryouta understood her feelings of wanting to grow stronger, and he was glad that she was handling her emotions about Itachi better than most would assume she would. Though she was angry about Itachi, and how he got away, how the gap between them was still wide, it was something that Ryouta also understood that she was dealing with it, and she was keeping a good handle on everything.
"Yes, you're right about that Satsuki-chan. No point dwelling on what was, we can change the outcome next time that we see him, and others as well."
Satsuki snuggled happily into his shoulder, and the crook of his neck.
"Ryou, I'm glad you're back, I've been lonely without you."
"Satsuki-chan...you are so cute sometimes, you know?"
Satsuki let out a small laugh, before she casually moved her body, and laid down on the bed.
He followed after her, and innocently got on the right hand side of the bed.
Both fully clothed as Satsuki allowed her head to fall into his chest, his hand running through her long hair, while whispering sweet words into her ear, glad that even though the Itachi situation was a hard situation to think about, she was still able to keep going strong, and doing the best thing that she could do.
With them together, they fell asleep in one another's embrace.
When morning came, Ryouta and Satsuki got up, and went downstairs for breakfast.
Though they saw that Mikoto was in her fighting gear.
"Mom, are you going somewhere?"
Satsuki's question was met with a nod.
"Now that we have our new Hokage, we have some new missions. I've got a mission with Kakashi-kun actually."
"With Kakashi-sensei huh? Must be something difficult."
Mikoto nods at Ryouta.
"Yes, Kakashi-kun and I have an S class mission that we've got going on."
"Wow, S Class, I'm kinda jealous Mikoto-san~"
Ryouta chuckled out, with Satsuki smirking.
"Yeah, don't get so used to it Mom, Ryou and I shall be going on those missions soon enough."
Mikoto releases a giggle.
"Oh, don't be jealous, this is gonna be a tough mission. We have got to deal with a bunch of S class criminals, it is going to be a tough fight."
Ryouta furrowed his brows.
"And you will be okay?"
Mikoto walks over, and pets the young man's head gently.
"You have a kind soul. Yes, we shall be fine. Kakashi-kun and I have excellent teamwork, so it shouldn't take us all that long. From the notes we have received, together we should be fine with being able to do it."
Ryouta nods, as Satsuki looks on towards her Mother.
"Don't do anything reckless Mom."
"Oh dear, you're saying such things to me. What has the world come too?" She continues to giggle, as she swerves towards her, and hugs her daughters head towards her body. "You don't have to worry about me, I'll be as fine as rain."
"Rain is fine?"
Ryouta jokes, as Mikoto puffs out her cheeks in an adorable manner.
"Well, it is a good saying, isn't it?"
Ryouta laughed as Satsuki showed a half smile on her face.
They continued eating their breakfast while Mikoto quickly had to leave for the time being. Ryouta and Satsuki knew she was strong, and hoped that they would be able to see her soon enough.
A day later, Ryouta had been checked, and surely enough, he was shown to be clear of a Genjutsu, so he was doing some rounds together with some sensors, to see if there was any people that was under Genjutsu.
Though, he was also with Hiashi Hyuga, Hinata and Hanabi's Father, who looked towards him and he himself would occasionally glance towards the elder Hyuga, seeing that the man's eyes were on him, it was clear with how his Byakugan was activated, even when they weren't searching people.
Neither of the said anything, Ryouta didn't even know what to say to the man.
Since their meeting at the Chunin Exams, about Neji and Hinata, they hadn't met up fully again since that event.
But then to his surprise, Hiashi began speaking up.
"You became Jonin."
Ryouta turned his attention to Hiashi, who looked over him.
"Yes, that's right. I did."
"Well, it seems that the village has acknowledged your prowess as a Ninja, and I have to say that I have seen such progress as well. Speaking of, I should make you aware that I am training Neji now."
Ryouta did hear from Hinata that she, and Neji learned from him now.
"Yes, Hinata-san told me. I'm glad that you're working together now."
"Indeed, Hinata is also becoming increasingly more confident. I wager the next Chunin Exams, she would become Chunin as well." Hiashi turned his head towards the sky, and then saw a bird flying up above. "Young Uchiha, what are your goals now that you've achieved such a rank?"
"My goals? How come you wish to know?"
"Because I wish to understand when the Hyuga and Uchiha come together..."
Ryouta did a spit take.
"W-What?"
"Hyuga, Uchiha, coming together. Hinata, and yourself, coming together."
"W-We are coming together?"
"Yes." Ryouta went wide eyed. "Because I believe it would be good. With Hanabi taking the position of the leader, though Hanabi has also been showing signs as well...the Hyuga and the Uchiha, in the past they were called apart of the strongest clans within the village. Though Uchiha lost many members, it still has promising members within you, and Satsuki Uchiha, and also has Mikoto Uchiha as well, who serves as personal guard to the former Hokage-sama. So, I believe it is time that Uchiha and Hyuga come together."
Ryouta was very surprised.
"To me...it sounds like he is trying to set Hinata-san and I up to get married or something…he's done a 180, from not liking me, to wanting me to be with his daughter. Geez, Satsuki-chan might be mad to hear this, it is so shocking...to say it outright like this..."
As he thought it, he saw Hiashi staring at him curiously.
He didn't know if Hiashi shared such thoughts, but it was clear that Hiashi was looking towards the future, even if that future was a good while away yet.
"I-I see, so that's how it is..."
"That is why, I would like to know where you go from here. Your goals for the future."
"Well, I want to become a Sensei, and possibly take over the Academy at some point."
"Taking over the Academy?" Hiashi asks, Ryouta nods. "I see, so the tutoring of the future. For the next generation. Is there other goals that you have?"
"Well, I would like to rebuild what the Uchiha lost, and make it great again, but different than it was before. To make it something that can be apart of the village, and also shine as brightly as anyone else within the village. Because of the actions of certain Uchiha, I want to restore honour to the clan."
Hiashi nodded slowly, and gave a calculating stare towards Ryouta.
"I see, those are some noble goals. I suppose that we will have much to discuss. Also, if you have time, I would like you to visit Hinata. She seems to become even more inspired when you are around, so if you have the time, go and visit her."
"Yes sir, I shall do that."
"Good, then we should continue on. And do not forget, about my daughter either, we have a lot to discuss regarding your futures."
Ryouta looked on, seeing that he was quite serious right now.
They continued on after that, Hiashi didn't speak. But, it was clear with the look on his face that he was super serious, that he truly wished to have Ryouta and Hinata end up together.
Though, with their search through different people, Ryouta and the others couldn't find anything to do with Tobi, nor his influence, which was what Ryouta was glad about, that he hadn't done anything within Konoha, at least nothing new that they didn't already know about.
Ryouta did as Hiashi had asked, and came towards the Hyuga compound. He was surprised, he was greeted by the Hyuga guard in a friendly manner. If anything, he was treated quite like that of a royal guest.
He wondered how far Hiashi was taking this.
Shaking his head, he walked into the compound, and happened to come across Neji. He was training with the Gentle Fist, and saw that he was going much faster than he was during the Chunin Exams, it seems that learning from Hiashi had given him a good deal.
"Neji-san, its been a while."
Neji paused, and turned towards him.
"Yes, it has been sometime. You have come back from your mission?"
"Yeah, just the other day. Hiashi-san said that I should go and see Hinata-san. Have any idea where she is?"
Neji pointed to around the house.
"Behind the house, she's training in some new Jutsu. She was surprisingly secretive about it, she said she wished to debut it soon."
Ryouta smiled.
"Thanks, I'll go and see her, good luck with training."
Ryouta went to leave, when Neji turned his fingers towards Ryouta.
Extending the fingers to meet with Ryouta's chest, the young Uchiha looked Neji in the eye, wondering if Neji felt salty about the fight that they had, or wished to say something about it.
However, what he saw was that Neji seemed...more cheerful than he did before.
It was Neji so he didn't show the strongest of smiles, but he did smile a little bit.
"I saw and heard what happened during the Konoha invasion, I want to say that our fight, the next time we do have one, I shall be showing you new techniques."
Ryouta adopted a small smile.
"Yeah, I can't wait to see you become stronger as well Neji-san."
Neji shook his head a single time.
"Next time we fight, I shall be showing my strength. I shall be soon joining you in the rank of Jonin. Then we shall settle the fight between us. Not about destiny, but because I wish to fight against you again. It was the hardest fight between us, and I realized that I was a little too rigid so I have to learn to become more flexible."
Ryouta was glad to hear that.
"Yes, definitely Neji-san, I can't wait for our fight."
Leaving on a good term, Ryouta walked towards the back of the house.
As he did, he saw Hanabi, who waved, so he did the same thing.
"Ah, yes. Future Sensei, I thought you might arrive soon, to see what kind of techniques that I am learning."
"Have you been studying hard?"
"Yes, I have been studying very hard. And I believe that I am on my way to learning a new Hyuga related Taijutsu."
Ryouta gave a hearty smile.
"I see, I can't wait to see how it comes along Hanabi-san. Keep training hard!"
"I will! You too Future Sensei!"
Chuckling, Ryouta nods, and walks off.
When he got to the back of the house, he saw that there was a water source within the middle of the backyard. It was ebbing from the ground, as if there was a water source beneath...no, he saw something else.
Chakra.
It was being funneled through the ground thanks to a source of chakra.
He followed it with his Sharingan eyes.
He looked towards the right hand side, where he saw Hinata.
She wasn't wearing her usual large coat, she was wearing everything else though.
She was moving elegantly through the water that was shooting up from the ground. Her fingertips softly moved through said water, and looked elegant as she did so.
It almost felt like it was a dance on the part of the young woman, even Ryouta felt like her movements were rather beautiful.
He watched as her chakra was beginning to slide through the water, and begin to bend around her fingers.
"Hmm...is she forming some kind of needles with the water? Like senbon...hmm, that would be an interesting way to go about it. She is using the Gentle Fist to do it. If she learned Water Release, then I could see that kind of technique being amplified, and with the Byakugan, she could do a good deal of damage from a good distance away. I see, is she trying to make up for the inherent weakness of the Gentle Fist having to get close. Speed would help, but this kind of attack would as well. Fire off those water needles, and then get in close to finish the enemy off."
While thinking about it, he observed the young woman continue to move like a dance.
But then her eyes opened wide when she saw the young man stood there.
"Waaaaah!"
Because she wasn't expecting him, she ended up accidentally firing off a water needle towards him.
Ryouta grimaced, and used his blade Kusanagi to block the needle before it could penetrate his flesh.
Water scattered across the ground in small droplets because of the smallness of the needle.
"R-Ryou-kun! I'm so sorry!"
Ryouta let out a small laugh as he approached her.
"Not at all, don't worry about it Hinata-san. So, a new Jutsu?"
Hinata blushed up a storm.
Seeing the young man before her, seeing how he was staring at her with curiosity, she felt her body heating up all the more.
"Y-Yes...a new...Jutsu."
Ryouta gave his head a sideways twist.
"I see, it is very beautiful Hinata-san."
Hinata nods, but then lowers her head.
"Though...I have...a problem..."
"What is it?"
He had a guess, but he wished to see what she was going to say.
"It is...because...I don't have Water Release...I mean...I can move the water if it is nearby with my Gentle Fist...but, in places without water...it would become difficult to do so. The water in the air...maybe it could be, but it would be weaker than a source of water like this..."
Ryouta thought that was the case, and he had a solution for her as well.
"Water Release, happens to be one of my Nature Releases, Hinata-san. If you'd like, I wouldn't mind teaching you the basics of Water Release, so you could summon water yourself, then use your new technique. It would solve the issue, wouldn't it?"
Hinata gasps, pushing her fingers together in a shy manner.
Because it was Ryouta offering the young woman such a thing.
They would be extremely close.
They would be able to become even closer than ever.
She had to make herself calm as she felt herself becoming more flustered at many ideas of them working together, training together.
"R-Really Ryou-kun?"
"Yeah, of course~ I would be happy to teach you Hinata-san, that is if you'd want?"
Hinata felt giddy inside.
Being able to not only spend time with him, but also become even stronger than she was now.
"Y-Yes! I would love t-to!"
Ryouta was thrilled to hear her enthusiasm so he pulled forward.
"Great, then we can start right now, if you'd like?"
"D-Do you have t-time? B-Because you're a Jonin..."
Hinata realized that he could be busy.
She didn't want to take away any free time that he could possible have.
However, Ryouta relieved her worries, and moved closer towards her.
"I was called to a meeting in about two hours. But until then, I'm completely free."
"I-If you're sure..."
Ryouta waves his hand, calming her heart.
"Yeah, its really fine Hinata-san, don't worry so much about it~" Hinata giggled softly, as Ryouta came to her right hand side to speak more deeply about what was going on. "We should begin, as summoning water is a difficult skill to master. But, with the incredible control of your chakra, and the prowess of your Gentle Fist, I can see that this is going to be a skill that I could see you easily mastering with the right training. Haku-chan also knows a great deal about Water Release, so if you want advice from her as well, I am sure she would share."
"Y-Yes, that would be good...I-I am ready when you are Ryou-kun!"
"Great, then a demonstration?"
"Yes please."
Ryouta chuckled, and reached out his hands to begin showing her some hand signs of Water Release.
As he did, she felt her heart beating rapidly.
But she was happy at the same time.
She listened deeply as Ryouta began speaking about the various Ninjutsu regarding Water Release, and how one would go about summoning the water.
She drunk the words in, she was really happy to do this right now.
As she did, Hiashi looked on from a distance, and could see the efforts between them, but also the closeness at the same time.
He gave a sharp nod, and thought "I really will have to begin thinking of the future." before laving the pair alone to train together.
A small time later, Ryouta was called to the Hokage's office once more, and when he got there, he saw that Satsuki, Haku and Naruko were stood in the office as well. He didn't know what was fully going on, though he had some ideas. He also saw that Hiruzen was silently observing what was going on together with Sakura which was surprising, so Ryouta stood close to the old man Hokage, and stood between him and Sakura, who was excited to see Ryouta stood close by.
Tsunade looked over each of them, before she understood what she was going to say.
"Now that you've arrived Ryou-kun, we can begin."
Ryouta stood off to the side, as Tsunade peered at each of them.
No one truly got what was going on, but Tsunade then held a small smile on her face.
"Due to the actions of the Chunin Exams, this had to be postponed, but now we are able to do this. During the invasion of Konoha, and the actions within the exams themselves, each of you have provided enough for me to reward you with the honour of becoming Chunin. I will be speaking to others that have caught my attention, who could be promoted, but I wished to start with this group."
Ryouta wondered who else got the promotion, he thought about Shino, Shikmaru, and Neji, wondering if any of them would be promoted.
"S-Seriously?! Yahoo!"
Naruko cheered loudly, while Ryouta looked on, pleased that they managed to get such a result.
"Haku, your wisdom in battle, and understanding the situation and what best actions to take, I also have to reward you the rank of Chunin."
"Thank you, I shall not let you down."
Tsunade nods, and turns to Satsuki.
"For your abilities, and your determination, along with how well you organized during the invasion, I have also offered you the rank of Chunin, do you accept?"
"Hmm, yes, I do accept it. One more step to Jonin."
Though she seemed to not really care much, Ryouta could tell that she was truly happy that she was rewarded like this.
Tsunade finally turned to Naruko who was hopping in place.
"Lastly, Naruko...you haven't become Chunin, I asked you here to make some tea for me. I take mine with two sugars."
Naruko's jaw hit the floor, while the others guessed Tsunade was joking, and hid either smiles or smirks depending on who it was.
"Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!?"
Tsunade laughed while Naruko gave her harsh eyes.
"I'm kidding, you have become a Chunin. For what happened in the village, for what you did in the effort to defeat Gaara. And because I witnessed it with my eyes, how you supported Jiraiya and Shizune when you were enclosed in the barrier, keeping your cool in a dangerous situation. Even when you fought Kabuto. Naruko, you do have a lot of growing to do, but after speaking to those that know you, and from my own experiences with you, you have shown to me that you are ready for this step."
Naruko became teary eyed.
One more step to becoming Hokage.
She had done it, she finally had achieved a new rank for herself.
"Y-Yeah, I got it Grandma! I can do it!"
Tsunade sighed at the Grandma stuff.
Hiruzen however spoke up.
"Naruko, I agree with you being promoted based on skills, and your actions. However, studying is still going to be required."
"Eeh…? What do you mean old man?"
Naruko didn't like where this was going.
But Hiruzen knew it would be for the best that he said it here and now.
"It means, while you have become a Chunin, I would like you to come with me on certain days to have some educational training. It isn't always about the strongest, but also about your mind as well. Since you are being rewarded this rank, I wish to make sure you are prepared mentally as well as physically, Naruko."
Ryouta understood that, and was glad when he saw Naruko was quite accepting of it, showing more of her growth.
"Eh...ugh...erm...aah...w-well, I guess, I mean I am a Chunin now, gotta act like it, right old man?"
"Ah...yes, that's right Naruko."
Hiruzen was refreshingly relieved that Naruko was saying such things.
Tsunade, confirming that to be over, looked between them.
"Now, Chunin of Konoha, you have more responsibility than you did as Genin. We shall go over more soon enough, but with that out of the way, congratulations on achieving this new rank."
The three Ninja bowed, even Naruko did it as respectfully as she could.
Then Tsunade said "Dismissed." with Haku gently kissing Ryouta on the lips, to the annoyance of Sakura and Satsuki, Naruko didn't know why but she even felt something when seeing that.
"Well done Haku-chan, it is only a matter of time before you become a Jonin, I can feel it."
Haku gave a soft smile, and walked out of the room.
Satsuki went to go to Ryouta, when Tsunade coughed into her hand.
"Team Seven, and Ryou-kun, stay behind."
They did just that, and stood in front of Tsunade.
She looked over them all, before turning to the right hand side, directly at Ryouta.
"Now, as I'm sure you've been made aware, Kakashi has been sent on a mission, and he will be gone for at least two weeks." Team Seven nod, as did Ryouta. "Until then, you will be assigned a new Sensei."
Satsuki figured it out immediately, Sakura also began working it out, while Naruko looked clueless.
"Eeeh? Who's the new Sensei?"
Satsuki sighed.
"Are you really asking her that?"
"Eeeeh! I don't know who it is, do I?!"
"You do because he's in the room right now."
Satsuki released her breath as she said it, Naruko furrowed her bows, and looked around.
"Do you mean old man Hokage!?"
Sakura sighed, as did Satsuki.
Hiruzen thought it was pretty fun seeing their dynamic being as it usually was. Even Ryouta had to agree that he found it cute how they acted with one another sometimes. With the playful, for Satsuki, jabs at Naruko, who in turn wouldn't take any of Satsuki's stuff and spoke her mind, even if she didn't know fully what was going on.
Tsunade shook her head.
"No, Naruko. Who I mean is, Ryou-kun. He shall be leading Team Seven until Kakashi comes back."
Sakura collapsed onto the ground, and threw her hands up into the air.
"Yes! Yes! Yes! Ryou-kun is our Sensei! Yes!"
Satsuki gave her a weird look, but then turned to Ryouta, and seemed satisfied.
"So, Ryou is our Sensei...alright then."
Naruko turns towards Ryouta, who waves towards her.
"S-So Ryou is our Sensei?!"
Tsunade nods, and begins explaining to the best of her ability.
"When I say Sensei, I mean that he is the team leader while Kakashi is away. He could teach you some stuff if you'd like, but he'll be leading missions should anything to happen. Because of the events of the invasion, we have been limited with the Ninja that we have. And the higher ranking Ninja have been sent out on some missions that Genin or Chunin cannot go on right now, or they have their own teams to look after, so it has been brought towards Ryou-kun here to be the Sensei of the group here. So, though he might be young, I believe in his capabilities to lead. Besides, it was either Ryou-kun here, or Guy-sensei. They are currently the only available Jonin to take over for your missions."
When hearing that, all three of the Team Seven looked on with their eyes focused sharply towards the Hokage.
Sakura grimaced at that, and put her hands together.
"W-Well, Guy-sensei has his own team to look after. So, if Ryou-kun is now Ryou-sensei, then I don't mind."
"Yeah, neither do I. We work well together, and I trust in his capabilities."
Satsuki added, with Naruko thrusting her hands to the sky.
"Well, if that's how it is, then I'm happy about it!"
Tsunade nods.
"It seems that everyone is in agreement. Then, you're all dismissed. When a mission comes up, we shall let you know what it is going to be. And also, remember to listen to your new team leader Ryou-kun."
They all bow, and leave the area, with Tsunade looking particularly pleased with the outcome.
Though he was young, Tsunade did believe in Ryouta's experience, and his strength to be able to lead Team Seven.
As that was going on, deep within the hideout of Orochimaru, a fight was waging on, and one that wouldn't be able to be stopped either.
"I hope you're happy Yukine! Making me feel like this! The pain, the mental torture! Do you have any idea what it is like to be me right now?!"
Orochimaru yelled as he twitched his right arm, Yukine stood close by and simply waved towards him.
That irritated him to no end, that she was still haunting him.
"Seriously, you don't have anything to say?! You have caused me enough pain and strife, haven't you?! You damn witch!"
Yukine knew it drove him wild when she didn't speak to him.
And when she began to smirk, or show a smile, she knew it made him all the more angry than he ever thought possible.
As she did what she did, the door began opening.
"Orochimaru-sama..." Kabuto came in at his own risk, seeing Orochimaru giving harsh eyes. "Ah...we have been contacted by Danzo, and it seems that..." Orochimaru waved his arms, to the worry of Kabuto. "Orochimaru-sama, are you listening-"
"Yes, what do you want now?!"
Kabuto flinched, seeing the rage within Orochimaru.
"Danzo, he has contacted us."
"I heard that, what did he want?"
Orochimaru tried to keep his composure, but he was having a very difficult time in doing that lately.
"He was going over the loss on both of our sides. We wish to understand something, the next path that we go on. Orochimaru-sama, going after Ryouta Uchiha wont be an easy feat, in fact it shall be rather difficult."
"I already said that's what we're going after him, that's the end of it. I have formulated a plan. It involves lots of explosives, sacrifices, the whole destructive elements."
Kabuto felt curious as to what he had planned.
"I-I see, and my reply to Danzo..."
"Let me read it, then I'll send a reply to the bastard. You know, he only is trying to use us, because he is wishing for the same thing that I am. The eyes of the Uchiha. But his Root is something useful…also Kabuto, how is Tayuya?"
"She is...fine, why do you ask?"
Orochimaru wiped his brow, and gave a seething stare towards the bewildered Kabuto.
"Jealousy is an ugly emotion, Kabuto."
Kabuto blinked in surprise.
"...I'm not jealous of Tayuya. I am curious, what you will do with her, that's all..."
"She is the only member of the Sound Four left now, I have to make sure that they're fine. Her, and the hidden member of the Sound...Two now I guess with Kimimaro. No, Guren is also an option as well, it could be the Sound Three...hell, throw Jugo in there, and you have the Sound Four again! Hahahahaha!"
His wild, uncontrollable laughter rang through the ears of everyone around. Even those that where outside of the room.
"Orochimaru-sama, is it wise to have Jugo..."
"Questioning me again, are you?" Orochimaru gave a threatening voice that made Kabuto shake his neck side to side. "Kabuto, we need to do something together, about Danzo, do you understand me?"
"Yes, I do..."
"Also, prep Kimimaro because we need every member that we can get right now. We can only have the strongest!"
Kabuto looked surprised that Orochimaru, even in this mind state, would ask for such a thing.
"Are you sure? But Kimimaro is..."
"I know what's wrong with Kimimaro! We have to be prepared Kabuto, you don't understand do you?!"
"I do...I shall try my best, but because of Kimimaro's Kekkei Genkai and body structure, I am having difficulty in keeping Kimimaro alive..."
Orochimaru sharply breathed through his nose.
"Kimimaro shall be fine...because I'm not wasting time now, I'm pulling out all of the stops. This time...we shall win against the enemy, and gain what we want...which means, I'm going towards the Uchiha boy, with everything we have, and I don't want to hear anything about problems, got it…?"
"Yes..."
"Good, because with those bastards the Akatsuki coming for us, we have to be prepared, and we will only have a single shot at this. Everything has to be perfect, otherwise when three years is up and I can switch bodies again, that boy will be too strong to go after. So it is now that we need to strike before he can defeat us."
Kabuto bowed and left the letter with him, before disappearing all together.
Orochimaru looked over the letter, before turning his wild eyes to Yukine.
"You..."
"What now? I haven't said anything."
"If you didn't give birth to your damn son, I wouldn't be suffering right now!"
"If you didn't go after my son, then this wouldn't be happening you crazy bastard."
Orochimaru became frustrated, and unleashed a roar towards Yukine, who in turn let out a small laugh to the detriment of Orochimaru and his mind.
However, Orochimaru was going for a full assault now.
He wasn't going to hold back for even a moment.
He was going to kill anyone that got in his way, for the Mangekyou Sharingan.
End chapter!
So this chapter focused on a few people getting promotions, and Hiashi Hyuga seems to be coming round to the idea all the more of Ryouta and Hinata being an item. Also Ryouta met up with Hinata, and wishes to help her in anyway he can with her new Jutsu. Mikoto and Kakashi went on a mission together, and due to that, Ryouta is the team leader of Team Seven for a small time. Some people also got promotions! Orochimaru is also setting his plans in motion, so we shall be seeing what he truly is up to 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,