Welcome to the next chapter
FinalFantasygamer2794; Thanks for the suggestion.
joharasbel; Thank you!
TheGreatGodzilla; The harem vote. That was when Hiashi began acknowledging Ryouta as a potential suitor, he now has gotten to know more about him. Mei will be doing her best. Many people including Haku will come to know about that. They address it as both. We will see what he would do with the Academy in the future. Maybe it was like that with Kakashi's group. Yukine will keep doing her best with Orochimaru. We shall see when it comes up.
ShadowUzumaki55; They have yeah, seems so. Glad you liked Ryouta taking over for a little bit. The Leaf are yeah. Hiashi seems to be very supportive of their relationship. Orochimaru has quite a few ideas now yeah.
Silver crow; Yeah. He is yeah. A little wind down chapter before the next arc begins. He spent sometime with the Hyuga's, learning more about them. Yeah, a good few people got a promotion. Glad you like it. Yeah, they made it back. That's Danzo for you. They checked just in case, never knowing what Tobi could truly be up to. Tsunade trusted him enough yeah. Hayate seems to be doing better. Satsuki is yeah, with people supporting her she can deal with the rage she feels in a more constructive way. Mikoto has some stuff to do. Hiashi definitely is for sure. Neji definitely is yeah. Hinata and Hanabi are yeah. Orochimaru will try his best. Yeah, their forms are pretty cool, and yeah a bit odd to call it that for Yoruichi. Yeah, after the time skip he will gain more reputation. Ryouta will be very capable of dealing with S Class Ninja by Shippuden even without Mangekyou. Hanabi would be yeah. More of their connection will come in Part Two yeah. Thanks for the harem suggestions.
Guest 1; Thanks, and yeah at some point I will.
Skull Flame; Hiashi definitely will be for sure~ Hayate surely is. Orochimaru has lost it alright~
Morregen; Thanks! It seems that he has done yeah~ Yeah, he could have a team like that. In filler at least, it seems that Genins can form different teams for the Chunin Exams, like how Sakura joined Ino and Choji for their next Chunin Exam, since Shikamaru passed and became one before. Yeah, many unique teams could be created. That would be cool if they formed a team. Love the combinations. Yeah, they could join Tsunade in the healing arts. Thanks very much!
Hinata fan; He will have some downtime. Yeah, we got the others promotions now that Tsunade is there. Orochimaru is desperate enough to try. They are yeah.
Guest 2; Sounds like a great idea for a Pokemon fic. Ralts is pretty cool to have. Those are some cool pokemon he could have on his team. Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 3; Thanks very much!
With those reviews out of the way, it is time to start the chapter!
Mission, to the waterfalls!
Standing nearby a large lake, stretching far as the eye could see, was Mikoto and Kakashi. Together, they had managed to overcome a good few things together, and had laid waste to a battlefield comprised of over fifty enemies.
A bloody battle had happened, and Kakashi had light injuries, Mikoto didn't have any at all.
Kakashi had to admire that about her, how strong she was.
But also, how gentle her smile was, it did bring Kakashi to the reality of the kindness that Mikoto did possess.
"Wow, looks like we have managed to disband this group for the time being. Another one bites the dust as they say. We have cleared out a good deal of the enemy Ninja forces, I believe they only have their main group now."
Kakashi lowered his forehead protector, to cover his Sharingan eye, and released a small pant.
"Yes, it seems to be the case."
Mikoto looked over him, and could see the fatigue in his lone eye.
Knowing that him being fatigued could lead to situations that were highly dangerous if they carried on, Mikoto moved closer with a gentle expression on her face.
"We should rest for the time being."
"But..."
Mikoto shook her head.
"You have used the Sharingan a little too much today. Rest, and we can go again tomorrow. Clearing out these Ninja can wait until we're at full power again."
Kakashi crouched down, and peered up at Mikoto who placed her sword back in its sheathe.
"Thank you, I am sorry for slowing us down."
Understanding how Kakashi could be feeling, Mikoto shook her head a single time.
"Don't be silly, you aren't slowing us down at all. We all have limits, and this is your own. Those enemies were tough, maybe around A Class, and a good few of them had some weird Jutsu, we have done enough for the day, our client is a patient man, so we can wait for the time being. Besides, what good would it do going in now, when we both aren't at our best?"
Seeing Mikoto and her refreshing smile, caused Kakashi to adopt a small smile underneath his mask.
"Yes, you are right, there would be no point risking it now. We can go when we both are ready again."
"Exactly, now lets find somewhere less out in the open, no need to be ambushed after all."
Mikoto's words made Kakashi feel better, and he felt like he was able to take on many if he stood beside Mikoto on the battle, in awe at her capabilities, and her strengths, the use of a sword, he knew she was good, but experiencing it first hand was something of a delight to see.
As Kakashi was beginning to leave, Mikoto looked around at the enemies.
Though it was a large task, and the village had been compensated for Mikoto and Kakashi, it seemed more work was required than they initially had believed would be happening.
It had been a few days since Ryouta had become the official leader of Team Seven. They had done some missions together, mostly D Rank, which Satsuki and Naruko didn't seem to care for. Sakura didn't really like them either, and though Ryouta wasn't so keen on them himself, he also wished to do his best as the first team leader he had been before.
"Man, this stinks!"
Naruko yells as they walk towards the Hokage's office.
"Naruko-chan..."
Ryouta tried to speak, but Naruko wrapped her arms around him, and pulled him closer to the ire of Satsuki herself.
"Ryou! You can speak to the Old Woman, and get us a better mission, right?"
"I will speak to Tsunade-san about it, but I can't promise anything. And Naruko-chan, you can't keep calling her Old Woman, she doesn't like it."
Naruko sticks out her tongue.
"Even you're bored of these missions, right Ryou?"
Satsuki asks, Ryouta chuckled lightly.
"Not every mission can be going to fight huge bosses or whatever, but I can understand the frustrations. After the recent stuff that's gone on, I haven't minded all that much these D Ranks, but I wouldn't mind something tougher either. Though that cat..."
Sakura furrowed her brows.
"I hate that cat with a passion...I want it to stop running away! And why do we have to get it? We have done for like three days now, and it has run away seven separate times!"
Sakura vented, Ryouta lightly laughed to himself, as Naruko ground her teeth together.
"That's why I am gonna march up to the Old Woman and..."
"You will do no such thing Naruko."
Satsuki denied, with Naruko shooting a look to her.
"What? Why?"
"Because you don't have the right finesse when it comes to situations like this."
"I do! I have finesse coming out of me like chakra!"
Ryouta patted her, and Satsuki's heads.
"Now now, don't worry about it, and no need to argue. Remember Naruko-chan, you are a Chunin now."
Naruko nods strongly.
"I know, be more wise, right?"
"Exactly Naruko-chan. As I said, I'll speak with Tsunade-san to see if there's anything we can do that is C Rank, I doubt we would get much higher than that, B Rank would be cool. With you two being Chunin here as well, we should be able to do C Rank easily."
Naruko thrusts her hand to the sky as they walk into the Hokage's office.
"Yeah! Then we will show Kakashi-sensei our skills too by completing this mission without him! Speaking of, he has been a while, hasn't he?"
"Yes, it seems that he is going to be a little more time. Mikoto-san contacted us yesterday and said that she would be at least a week. They have some unexpected problems, but she assured us that it was something they would be able to do relatively quickly."
Ryouta retorted as they continued on.
Getting to the Hokage's office, they walked inside after knocking on the door.
Entering, and giving the report, Naruko wished to say something, but remembered what Ryouta had said, so she kept calm. Satsuki and Sakura also felt the same and wished to do what was best for their group, and stay silent about wanting to do higher ranked missions.
"Great, then it seems everything is in order. You are all dismissed."
Tsunade began, only for Ryouta to glance at his teammates.
Seeing their desperate eyes, Ryouta mentally prepared, turning back to Tsunade.
"Actually Tsunade-san, can I have a word, please?"
"Yes, what is it?"
Tsunade watches as Ryouta smiles softly.
"We were wondering, if there was any missions...that we could do."
"I have more D Ranks, if that's what you mean?"
Naruko, and to a lesser extent, Satsuki, grimaced at the thought of doing another D Rank. They wanted something more exciting, something that they could truly sink their teeth into now that they were Chunin level Shinobi.
Ryouta could understand their feelings, so he pushed on.
"Well, I was thinking, to give us more experience, if there were any C Ranks. I understand that since we're young, and have recently become our new ranks, but I also think experience would help us grow even more. So if there were any, then we would appreciate it."
Tsunade stroked her chin, as she looked over the four that were before her.
"Hmm, so you want a higher ranked mission, correct?"
"If there are some available, and if you believe we could do them, then we would like to be of use."
Tsunade stroked her chin once more, seemingly mentally going through some ideas.
"Well, there is one mission. It is an escort mission."
Naruko perked her ears, and she was beginning to get excited.
"We will..." Ryouta and the others glanced at Naruko who was becoming excited, so she paused, then bowed. "...wait and see what you have to say Old Woman!"
Ryouta looked on, and saw how she was controlling the excitement that she usually had, which he himself thought was a sign of Naruko growing stronger mentally as well, it seems that Hiruzen, Ryouta and Jiraiya were having quite the effect on her.
Tsunade shook her head at the Old Woman part.
But, she did continue regardless.
"Yes, it is a C Rank mission, to escort two people back to the Takigakure."
"The waterfall village, right?"
Sakura asks, Tsunade nods a single time.
"Yes, the recently appointed village leader, and a young girl that is travelling with him. He is also a Chunin Level Ninja, and according to what information I have received, it is a relatively simple mission. So, is that what you were thinking about?"
Naruko nods strongly, as Satsuki gives a single nod.
"Yeah, we will do it! Don't worry about it now!"
Naruko and her enthusiasm was something that Tsunade truly did like to see.
Ryouta moved forward, as Tsunade produced the information.
"There, that's everything. They will be at the village gates within the hour."
"Understood, thank you Tsunade-san, we shall not let you down."
Tsunade nods, believing in them, and watched as they walked off together. Hearing Naruko and Sakura to a lesser extent, announcing "Yeah!" together, Satsuki seemed satisfied, and Ryouta was also happy to do his best for his team.
One hour later, and while the initial excitement was there for the Konoha Ninja, it soon faded when they saw who they would actually be guarding.
"Aaaaaaaah!" A twenty year old male screamed and hid behind Ryouta as a bird flew by unexpectedly, apparently frightening him. "O-Oh a bird...haha, so it was a bird..." As he said it, a Ninja came running by, and frightened him even more. "Nooo! Another enemy!"
Ryouta glanced at him, as Satsuki was going through her own hell.
A young petite, tan-skinned kunoichi who wore an orange clip in her short, layered mint green hair that matched her eye colour, which was also orange appeared to Satsuki. Her outfit consisted of a short sleeveless white midriff shirt with fishnet armour underneath, long white armlets, and fishnet shorts with a short white apron skirt over it.
The young girl kept poking Satsuki on her shoulder, and it was igniting more and more annoyance every second that went by.
"Huh, your hair is like really silky black. Yet, you have a scowl on your face." The girl slapped Satsuki on her back, drawing annoyance to her face. "Hey, hey! Wanna be friends huh? We could be the best of friends!"
Satsuki shuddered at the very thought.
"I don't know what to say..."
The young girl gasps, taking Satsuki by the hand, who immediately removed her hands from the girl, but then the girl simply took her hands again, Satsuki felt like she didn't want to do this anymore, and wished to end the mission right away.
"Waaaah? Seriously?! But we could be best friends!"
"Best...hold on a second..."
"Yeah, totally. Best friends forever. You look kinda scary, but you have a cute demeanour about you, so lets be best ultra friends!"
Satsuki twitched an eyebrow, as Naruko laughed at her.
"Hahaha, Satsuki has a new friend! Best ultra friend!"
Satsuki shot a look for the grinning Naruko.
"Quiet loser."
"Grr! Don't call me that idiot!"
Satsuki and Naruko gave a staring contest between them, while Sakura looks on and sees the new girl come towards her.
"Wow, you have pink hair. It really is cool, and I love it myself. Wanna be friends?"
"Eeh..."
Sakura looked unsure of what to even say as the girl shimmied side to side with Sakura being forced to do the same thing as the girl took her by the shoulders.
"Aaah! Fu look out! From behind you!"
What came out behind her...was a squirrel.
The newly named Fu turned towards the man, and waved a hand.
"There isn't anything to worry about Shibuki. Calm down, calm down. I am making new friends!" Fu went towards Naruko, who in turn showed a bright smile. "Wanna be friends?"
When Fu took Naruko by the hand, both of them stopped for a few moments.
Ryouta noticed, seeing that Naruko and Fu both seemed perplexed.
However, they soon got over that, and continued on.
"Sure, lets be friends!"
Fu did a fist pump into the air.
"Yes, made my first Konoha friend!" Fu rushed towards Ryouta. "Hey, Konoha-sensei?"
"Eh, yes?"
"Can we be friends too? I really wanna have many friends!"
Ryouta adopted a small smile.
He had to admit that her energy was rather nice to see.
"Yes, of course we can."
Fu flung her hands up into the air excitedly, Ryouta thought "This girls so full of energy, maybe even more than Naruko-chan." as Fu took his hands, and began swaying them side to side over and over again.
"Yay! My second friend from Konoha! Shibuki, can you see the friends I am making?! I can achieve my dream of making one hundred friends!"
When she said it, Ryouta looked at her curiously.
It was a nice dream to have, but it also reminded him a bit of Naruko.
Shibuki, despite his cowardly actions so far, showed a genuine smile for Fu.
"Yes, I can see them very well. They seem like..." Suddenly, a worm came from the ground, and Shibuki screamed. "Aaaaaaaaaaaaah! Earth Release!"
Ryouta glanced at him, seeing the unyielding nature of strength on his face, and then cocked an eyebrow upwards, before exhaling slowly.
"It isn't Earth Release. Just a worm." Ryouta soothingly said, as Shibuki looked towards him with wide eyes. "Do not worry, we can protect you."
"R-Really?"
Ryouta and the others looked tired as the young leader of the group pulled forward.
"Yes, really. We might be young, but we have been through a lot, don't worry." Ryouta replied, and looked over each of them. "Alright, its time to set out for Takigakure."
Satsuki and Sakura looked at one another, hanging their heads, before moving forward. Naruko looked happy enough and walked forward.
Ryouta watched Shibuki stand beside him on the left, and got super close, while Fu did on the other side, not letting go of his hand, and took Naruko's own hand so they walked together as Fu began chatting about many different things.
Hours and hours passed on, Sakura and Satsuki thought Ryouta and Naruko were Heroes for dealing with Fu and Shibuki.
They had to stop frequently because Shibuki was frightened of a good number of things coming out, and Fu was very talkative, and rattled off about many different things.
Naruko was happy enough speaking with Fu, and Ryouta did when she spoke to him. And he also reassured Shibuki as they walked as well.
"Hey, raven-chan, you wanna speak to me?"
Fu asks Satsuki who in turn looks on towards her.
"Did you just call me a raven?"
"Yeah, your hair is like that of a ravens feathers~"
Satsuki looked on towards the eccentric young girl.
Not replying as even Satsuki was baffled by how Fu was, the girl turned to Sakura who in turn looked on curiously.
"S-Something wrong?"
When Sakura asks that, Fu giggles and shakes her head.
"I just really love your hair, like a cherry blossom~"
Sakura ran a hand through her pink hair, and adopted a cute smile on her face.
"W-Well, thank you~"
Sakura did her best to be polite, and showcase a smile.
Fu on the other hand looked back to Satsuki, who in turn looked away, trying to keep her composure.
But under the intense situation that she was going through right now, it was quite difficult to deal with it.
When Satsuki didn't answer, Fu turned towards Ryouta, and poked his cheek.
"So, what are you doing Sensei?"
"Looking out for any potential dangers."
"Found any?"
She asks, with Ryouta glancing around. He saw Satsuki, Naruko and also Sakura begin to notice.
"I have. Everyone...lets go with formation A."
[Yes!]
When that was said, Sakura got towards Fu and Shibuki, as did Ryouta, who stayed close by in case. Naruko and Satsuki also pulled out weapons, tossing them at nearby traps that had been laid out before their eyes.
Shibuki widened his eyes and called out "Fu, don't do anything!" which Ryouta was curious about.
"The way he acts about her safety is familiar...I get he is cautious and he seems to be a worrier by nature, but it feels like something more...almost as if he is afraid that she will do something she shouldn't, but what is it..."
But he didn't have time to think as some bandits came out.
Low level ones that they wouldn't have to worry about, but still had to be taken down.
"Naruko, you take the right, I'll take the left."
"Yeah, leave it with me!"
Naruko placed her hands together, and formed a number of Shadow Clones.
At the same time, Satsuki whirled her kunai around, and dashed forward.
Combined with the Sharingan, and her skills with a blade, she began cutting them down without much worry.
Meanwhile Naruko and her clones had little trouble with her side, and managed to beat down the bandits.
Shibuki looked relieved, as Fu swayed her head side to side.
"Wow, they both are strong, it is so cool!"
As she said it, an enemy tries to attack, only for Sakura to jump into the fray, and slam her fist deep into the body of the bandit, taking the enemy out within a moment, Ryouta nods strongly at the three backing each other.
Shibuki looked relaxed as much as possible, glad that the enemies weren't dangerous, and that Fu was fine.
However, as he did, two enemies attempted to sneak around, and came for the excited Fu.
Ryouta reacted with a single kunai, and managed to throw it with enough accuracy that the kunai was knocked into enemies hand, which forced the man's weapon to go flying out of his hand, which slammed into another enemy coming close by, then Ryouta vanished from Fu's sight.
Only a second later, he reappeared, and she saw that the two enemies that tried to launch an attack were down onto the ground, slashes across their bodies.
Her eyes sparkled as the others finished off their respected enemies.
"Wow Sensei, you did that without me even seeing it! How cool! Will you teach me that too?!"
"To move fast?"
"Yeah, totally!"
Ryouta adopted a soft smile.
"Yeah, I can give you some tips."
"Great! Then lets-"
"Fu." Shibuki began, pulling closer, and looking over her. "You're okay? You aren't hurt?"
"Nope! I'm fine! Stop worrying, I'll be fine~"
Ryouta could see the worry on his face, though he was sure that the bandits would easily be taken down by Shibuki himself, and based on what he could see of Fu, he was sure she would even be able to deal with them.
So, it only made Ryouta wonder why he seemed more worried than he thought Shibuki should be when it came to simple bandits.
Time passed, and they continued on their mission together. What seemed like days for some, was a shorter time than that, but it felt like that to people such as Satsuki, and Sakura to an extent.
Ryouta and the others kept up their pace and walked pretty quickly, Shibuki after the initial fight seemed to have his anxious ways raise. Fu on the other hand seemed to be rather intrigued and happy with everything that was going on.
To the ire of Satsuki, Fu kept poking her face, and while she didn't say anything, Satsuki was becoming increasingly annoyed, if the look on her face was any indication.
"You haven't spoken to me in a while, wanna say something?"
Satsuki stared at her.
Fu raised a finger to her mouth, while Satsuki just stared on.
Not gaining any answers, Fu turned to Ryouta, and poked his cheek.
"So, hey like, that scowling raven girl. Is she seriously super scary or is it an act and she is like a cuddly kitten on the inside?"
Ryouta adopted a small smile, turning towards Satsuki who in turn shot a look towards him.
"Satsuki-chan is friendly once you get to know her."
"And I really wanna know her too! I wanna know everything about all of you guys!"
As she said it, Ryouta looked towards the sky, and saw that it was getting darker. Knowing that travelling at night wouldn't be the best idea, especially with how Shibuki seemed to be worried about most things, he thought it would be best if they stopped for the evening.
"Well, you will get the chance to, as we're going to be stopping for the night soon once we find the best place to rest." Ryouta replied. "Okay everyone, lets find the best camping site, then we can settle down and then go from there."
[Yes!]
The three replied, with Ryouta seeing that Shibuki was holding his hand up.
"We will...go to a place...where it is safe, yes? For Fu, and for us..."
"We will take every precaution."
Relief flooded through Shibuki's heart.
They arrived at a camping site for them, and began setting things up.
As they did, Fu decided to wander off on her own while everyone was busy.
Ryouta was busy focusing on the security around them, especially with lately with what had happened with Orochimaru and the Akatsuki, though he didn't think he'd see them, he wasn't going to be stupid, and would take every measure that he possibly could do.
Satsuki was also busy as was Sakura preparing for their sleeping arrangements, as Naruko used the clones to get rid of anything that they didn't need around and to make the area as safe as humanly possible.
By the time Shibuki noticed she was gone, and let out a worried cry sound.
"Fu? W-Wait, where did she go? Oh no, she hasn't run off again, has she?"
Ryouta exhaled, and allowed his Sharingan to activate. He looked around for her chakra signature, and saw it within a few moments.
But what he found off, was that it was...in the air.
"She can fly...what kind of Jutsu is she using for that?"
Ryouta mentally asked himself, but he couldn't recall many. He presumed maybe a Wind Release, but it didn't quite look like that from the distance he was. He had to check up close of course, but he was sure that it wasn't.
Ryouta then turned to the others.
"She hasn't been kidnapped or anything Shibuki-san, her chakra is calm. It seems she has simply walked off. I'll go and get her, Satsuki-chan use your Sharingan in case some unwanted surprises come."
"Right."
"Sakura-chan, Naruko-chan, secure the area."
"Yes!"
"Leave it with me!"
Ryouta nods, and turns.
"I will be back soon."
"Wait." Shibuki began, showing some bravery in his voice. "I...I shall go and get Fu. It is fine."
Ryouta looked on, and saw the courage he had, even if it was beginning to crumble under the nerves he felt. Someone that cared for Fu like this, Ryouta understood that even with his fears that Shikbuki wished to keep her safe.
But the almost desperation in his voice, told Ryouta something wasn't right.
For the time being, he shook it off, and kept going.
"It might be dangerous. I think she is alone, but it would be best if we keep you here, and protected. Don't worry, Team Seven is more than capable of keeping you safe, and also you don't have to worry about Fu-san, I will keep her safe with my life. You have my promise."
Shibuki turned his head to the side, and gave a single nod.
"...Please bring her back safely. She can be a bit naive, and I worry about her."
"I will, she will be safe to the best of my ability."
Ryouta walked off, leaving behind a Shadow Clone just in case.
He walked off a good distance, going towards the young girls chakra. He kept wondering how she was flying, based on how her chakra was and where he could see the trail of her chakra. It didn't quite make sense to him, but he also didn't mind that much right now, he had to get her before she was in danger.
Continuing on, Ryouta moves towards the location the chakra of Fu was located at.
When Ryouta found Fu, he was surprised to see that what looked like insect wings were coming out of her back. She was flying up above, and was moving elegantly, but doing that, Ryouta has to wonder what that even was.
He had never seen a Jutsu like that before. Not even the resident bug users back in Konoha had ever shown anything like that, and this wasn't simply a bug clone or anything, Ryouta could see that this was the actual Fu.
"Fu-san."
"Waaaaaaah!"
The young girl jumped, and turned to see Ryouta stood there.
She gained a small grin, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly, contrasting both so Ryouta didn't know if she was mischievous right now, or she was apologetic, Ryouta suspected it probably was a bit of both.
"Hey Konoha-sensei! W-What's going on?"
"I was about to ask you the same thing. How come you wandered off?"
"Ooh, I needed to stretch, and Shibuki can be so worrying, he doesn't want me to get into danger or something like that. I don't know. I needed to have a few moments."
As she said it, she flew down towards him.
"Right...I see. But wandering off like that can be dangerous, though this is a C Rank, there could still be bandits, or Rogue Ninja that are about. If you wish to have a few minutes, then please tell someone where you're going, Shibuki-san probably is close to having a heart attack at this point."
Ryouta wanted to express to her as kindly as possible about the dangers of what could have happened, and from the way she looked, it seemed to have sinked in.
Fu placed a hand to her forehead, and exhaled, nodding a single time.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make everyone worry."
Hearing her apology, he thought she definitely was a good deal like Naruko, though was also different in a few ways as well.
Ryouta adopted a soft smile, shaking his head.
"Nothing happened, so don't worry. But we should be getting back before Shibuki-san does have a heart attack though."
"Haha, yeah, lets get going~"
Ryouta nods, and begins walking back with her.
While doing so, Ryouta looks at Fu who had her wings disappear, he became curious as to what was going on, so he spoke up.
"So, those wings, a peculiar Jutsu."
"Ooh yeah, its because of my Ta..." She pauses, Ryouta gives a curious look. "...because of my awesome skills!"
Ryouta felt like something was amiss, that she was going to say something else, but chose not to at the last moment.
"I see, and you're studying to become a Ninja, right?"
"Yup! Still got a lot to learn haha~"
Ryouta slowly nods his head.
"I see. So, will you participate in the Chunin Exams? They will be coming up again not long from now, you will have time to prepare. Of course you have to become a Genin first."
Fu shrugs.
"I dunno. Shibuki is a worry wart, he might not want me to. He even seems worried about me becoming a Genin. But, I'd love to meet so many new people!"
Ryouta wondered why he wouldn't want her to become a Chunin, or he would at least worry about it. He knew it was something dangerous, but he also was curious if that was the case, why he would allow her to become a Ninja if she was someone he would worry about.
Something wasn't adding up, he understood that Shibuki was a worrier by nature...he just felt like something wasn't right.
"By the way, how did you become a Jonin at your young age?"
While still curious about what was going on with why Shibuki seemed to be against her fighting in general, he answered Fu regardless.
"I was thrown into a lot of difficult situations in my short time as a Genin, and it was basically that, plus the time I trained and how I used my judgement for situations. Things like that." Ryouta responded with a small smile. "So, are you looking to become a Jonin in your village, Fu-san?"
"Ooh, maybe one day! I dunno yet, I wanna become strong."
"Is there a reason for it?"
Fu tilts her head.
"For, strength?"
"Yes, for strength. I think that if you have something you wish to protect, or for a reason to fight, then you can become even stronger than without such reasons. It pushes you harder and further. Your passions, and your desires."
Fu rubbed her chin in thought.
She couldn't ever remember if she had thought about it before.
If she should really be thinking about reasons for strength.
"Passions...drives huh...hmm, I could have such things...yeah, I have such things!"
"Well, whatever reasons you have to become stronger, I am sure they will help you gain strength."
Ryouta replied, Fu being entranced by his words, made her want to understand even more.
"So, what's your reason Konoha-sensei?"
Ryouta laughs, scratching the back of his head.
"Well, its because I want to keep those I love, and my village, safe. And also, because I want to become a true Sensei in the future. Teach many people about the world through my experiences, and help them become strong."
Fu listened intently to the words, and believed she understood, and found it quite endearing.
"Wow, it seems that you really do! Well, I wanna become strong and capable too! To make so many friends!"
Ryouta smiles at her, but in his head, he kept going over the information in his head.
"Those wings...how Shibuki-san spoke, her general body language when I asked about the wings told me that she lied to me. At least partly. But it didn't seem malicious why she did lie. Also how Shibuki-san was when realizing she was missing...he seemed afraid of something."
As he thought, Fu casually took his hand and began swaying it front and back, over and over.
He gently smiled.
"You like holding hands Fu-san?"
Ryouta asks, Fu nods.
"I love being close to people!"
"Is that so? Why is that?"
Asking her curiously, Fu did a peace sign towards him.
"Eeh, I have trouble making friends, back where I live."
"Trouble? For what reason? You seem like a kind and full of energy girl to me. What's not to like?"
Fu briefly uncoupled their hands, clapping her own hands together, before recoupling their hands once more.
"That's nice! Well, I wish others saw me like that~ But, my village...ahaha, no, its nothing~"
Ryouta could see she was hiding something.
He then went back into thought as Fu began whistling a tune.
"She does have strong chakra, and she can fly...so, what is Shibuki-san so worried about…? And those wings...hmm, the strong chakra...I wonder...I would have to do some research on them...but, the way she is...maybe she could carry one inside...but in her village, which isn't one of the big Ninja villages even if they produce some strong Ninja...it could be possible they gained a Tailed Beast...lets see what Shibuki-san has to say. If she does carry one...then the danger levels have gone up exponentially. The Akatsuki...if I didn't know about the Tailed Beasts then I wouldn't make the connection...but, it would make sense...I don't know everything, but there could be a bug like Tailed Beast..."
As he thought it, Fu suddenly got behind Ryouta and hugged around his neck.
She then jumped up, and wrapped her legs around his waist.
"What are you doing?"
"Piggy back ride!"
Ryouta cocked his head, before shrugging, and began walking with her riding on his back.
Fu seemed content with it, Ryouta didn't mind carrying her, he was just glad that she was okay.
When they returned back to the others, everyone being safe which relieved Ryouta and his group also were relieved by him being okay, Fu immediately did a peace sign and said "Sorry for worrying you guys~" with Shibuki looking relieved when seeing her.
"Fu, don't wander off like that. It could have been dangerous."
Fu tilts her head down.
"I wanted to explore more, and wanted to see the world a bit more. Is it so bad?"
"Yes, when it is such a dangerous place."
Ryouta was now convinced he was right, or close to it, so he walked over to Shibuki.
"Can I talk to you?"
"Eh..."
Shibuki looked awkward, so Ryouta pointed a small distance away.
"It is important to the mission."
"W-Well, if it is for the mission...then yes."
Ryouta and Shibuki walked off, with the others wondering what was going on.
Ryouta sat down on a log nearby, Shibuki sat opposite him.
"So Shibuki-san, when were you going to tell us that Fu-san is a Jinchuriki?"
Shibuki looked stunned.
Sweat glistened his forehead, and he looked more anxious than usual.
"I erm...you...did she..."
"No, you just told me. She didn't tell me, though I think at times she nearly let it slip."
Shibuki held his head down.
"...I see, so I let it slip then..."
"Why didn't you say anything? This mission has gone from a C Rank, to A Rank, at least due to who she is. Especially the village should have known about this, they would have hired more people to escort you back."
"A Rank...yeah, A Rank. It...well, I didn't think it would matter. I mean, no one knows she is the Jinchuriki, we kept it a closely guarded secret, even from your village. So, besides bandits and all, I didn't think we would be targeted by anything. The land I hail from isn't in war with anyone, and we have no enemies to speak of right now..."
"Besides possibly the Akatsuki."
Shibuki tilted his head.
"The Akatsuki...that mercenary group?" Ryouta nods. "Why would we have to worry about them? We haven't got anything in our village they would want."
"Fu-san. They would be after Fu-san, potentially."
Ryouta spoke up, in concern for both Fu and the village she hailed from, it seemed that Shibuki didn't know of it, which he thought made sense they wouldn't be aware since it wasn't all that common of knowledge.
"A-After Fu?! Why would they be?! Because...t-they are going after people like Fu?"
Ryouta exhaled.
"Short version is, yes they could be." Shibuki paled, seemingly looking extremely worried, and apologetic at the same time. "You couldn't have known, please don't worry. Though maybe next time tell those you're hiring every bit of information, even if you believe it is insignificant."
Shibuki nods wildly.
"Yes, I understand…"
"Also, if you are this worried for her, why did you bring her with you? I think it is good that she gets to experience the world, but it seems that you are..."
Shibuki looked sheepish as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Well, I didn't really bring her with me, not my choice I guess you could say. She kinda sneaked up on me, after tailing me for a while. When I finally found her, it was way too far to go back, so the quickest way was to go and do what we needed, then come back."
Ryouta exhaled, he could see Fu doing something like that based on what he had seen from her.
"So, she was skilled enough to hide from you?"
"She might be brash and giddy, but she's pretty good, isn't she? I have begun training her...I wanted her to value friendship, and peace. She is an embodiment of that. But, I worry for her...I worry she might be endangered. Fu...doesn't have it the easiest back in where we live, she is...a target, and I...I don't want her to grow up hating the world because of some peoples negative feelings..."
Ryouta adopted a smile, hearing the pride he had in Fu despite her being a Jinchuriki,
"I understand, I have seen how for myself that others can be treated differently despite only wishing to live normally."
Shibuki adopts a tiny smile...but then his eyes widen and he begins flailing his body side to side.
"B-But what does that mean for us now?"
"We can't exactly leave you out here, but I'll have to speak to my team. This has potentially jumped to an S Class...so far nothing has happened, and we've been travelling for over a day now. No Akatsuki, and no strong Ninjas. Because we are so close to your village, there would be little point turning back now. But I will have to inform my village as well, and since you have someone like Fu-san in your village, it might be a good idea to speak directly with my village, so they can tell you more information about this. To keep her safe."
"Yes, yes! I understand!"
Ryouta nods, and speaks with Shibuki for a few minutes about the circumstances of what happened, Fu as a Jinchuriki among other things.
Then he walks over to his group.
He then takes them to a secure location, and begins telling them what he knew. He omitted the part about the Jinchuriki from them, since Shibuki had pleaded not to say, but Ryouta did inform them that the Akatsuki could be searching them.
"So, they withheld this information, great it's all we need."
Satsuki began, remembering her brother, and didn't care to know more about the Akatsuki right now.
She knew from their last encounter she wasn't strong enough yet.
She also looked towards Ryouta, and knew if they did show up, he would be their best chance, thanks to his eyes.
Naruko on the other hand wondered more about it, and became slightly worried, remembering what the Akatsuki did last time.
"So those guys huh..."
"So far, there's no evidence they are even around here." Ryouta replied, and gave Naruko a comforting look. "However, I wanted to know what you girls think, we are a team so everyone's thoughts matters. Most likely, since we haven't seen any evidence yet of any Ninja coming here, Akatsuki or otherwise, I'd say that we probably wont come across them. But it is always a risk that we run if we continue on."
Ryouta didn't want to lie and say everything would be fine. He was making them aware of the risks they ran if they did continue on.
"The Akatsuki...I don't know much about them." Sakura admitted. "But, I did hear they were crazy strong. Especially if Satsuki, your...yeah, if he's apart of it as well then they have to be crazy strong monsters, right?" Ryouta nods. "So Ryou-kun, can we all take them together? Even if only one of them?"
"That's a good question, and I wish I did have an answer, but I don't really have an answer for you. It really depends who it is and what they can do. But Sakura-chan, everyone, you have my word that as your leader, Sensei, whatever you wish to call me, that I will do everything I can to ensure your safety."
That reassured Sakura, and Naruko, Satsuki knew when he said that, he was referring to his Mangekyou. That he would use it in the face of danger.
Sakura cups her hands together.
"Ryou-kun, we are closer to their village, right?"
"About half a days walk from here, according to Shibuki-san."
Sakura nods.
"Then there would be little point going back, we could run the risk of even more dangers if we did that."
Satsuki agrees.
"I don't care to run into Itachi, or his cronies right now, considering what happened last time, but Sakura is right. If we turn back now with them, we run the risk of running into enemies. Best bet is to make it for their village."
Ryouta couldn't agree more.
"Yes, you're both right. I believe that would be the best course of action as well. If we wait here, then we are sitting ducks. But Naruko-chan, you've been awfully quiet, want to add anything?"
Naruko turns towards Ryouta, seeing his kind smile, before shaking her head.
"Nope, I'm ready~ I think we should press on! We were given this mission, and they couldn't have known that we were being put up against the Akatsuki! So lets finish it as fast as we can, and then head back home!"
Ryouta looks between them.
"So, does everyone agree that we should press on and complete the mission?" Sakura, Satsuki and Naruko nod in agreement. "Then, that's what we will do. We'll do as we have been already, but lets make some more traps just in case, and be prepared even more. I'll send word back to Konoha about this, as well. But tomorrow morning, lets go towards Takigakure."
"Yeah, lets do it!"
Sakura cheers, Satsuki nods.
"We can do it."
Naruko throws her hand up into the air.
"Yeah, lets go haha!"
As the three began walking away, Ryouta pulls Naruko back.
Confused as to what was going on, Naruko tilts her head.
"What is it Ryou?"
"I couldn't say it in front of the others, due to Shibuki-sans request. However, with you being one as well, I thought you should know."
"Being a fellow one...huh, Ryou…? What are you trying to say?"
Ryouta pulled closer, placing his hand gently on her shoulders.
"She is a Jinchuriki, Naruko-chan."
Naruko's face fell, but then it beamed.
"No way! She's like me?!"
"She is yeah. According to Shibuki-san, she is the Seven Tails holder. I'm not overly familiar with that one yet, but I did see her flying and the more I look at her chakra, it does seem like that of an insect user, similar to Shino-san you could say. I'm not entirely sure how much control she has over her Tailed Beast, but maybe before we leave, you two can have a chat about it. That's if you want to."
Naruko placed her fingertips together, and began lightly tapping them together over and over.
"Wow, I didn't think I'd meet another Jinchuriki like me Ryou. Gaara, Fu...and me."
"Yeah, it seems so. I'm just as surprised as you. I held some suspicions something wasn't right, but she is one, no doubt about it. Also, keep this between us, okay?"
Naruko nods rapidly.
"Yeah, of course! But wow Ryou...so many we are meeting. But Ryou, that Akatsuki group, Pervy Sage said that they would be after me...would they go after others, like Fu and Gaara?"
"I want to say no, but because they are after you and they are Jinchuriki as well...Jiraiya-san said according to his information, the Akatsuki aren't making moves on the others, at least it doesn't seem to be the case. Even then Naruko-chan, don't worry, I'll keep you safe from the Akatsuki, even if life leaves my body."
Naruko felt touched by that, so much so that she hugged him tightly, and ended up lightly kissing his cheek.
He felt some redness come to his cheek, as Naruko did the same thing, laughing it off.
"Hahaha, I don't know why I did that then~ Aah well, I'm going back~"
Ryouta nods, seeing her walk off to rejoin the others.
Though so far nothing had happened, he wasn't entirely sure what the future was going to hold.
Meanwhile, Orochimaru with his dwindling mental state, was looking at the tropes he had managed to gather, with Kabuto stood to the right hand side.
"This is it Kabuto...the time has come, the ultimate plan is about to begin! Why didn't I think of this sooner!?"
Seeing Orochimaru ecstatic, even if his expression was dipping between happy and crazy at the same time, Kabuto wondered if this was going to succeed.
"Yes, Orochimaru-sama. The forces have been prepared. Everyone is ready to enact the plan."
Orochimaru began to laugh, a deep dark chuckle that sent fears through the spines of everyone.
"Yes...it is time, I have waited for too long. Far too long. Too many resources have been put into this, but thanks to that loser Danzo, and his reliant money, and my own skills...yes, this is what I have been waiting for..." As he spoke, Guren came walking to his side, and bowed. "Guren, you may stand beside me, for what you have accomplished in your time with me, I have decided to make you someone that really will always have a place beside me. If Kabuto is my right hand, then you are my left. Together we shall usher in a new age. I shall gain what I have decided is the best path for me to go and what I have worked so hard for, and I will not stop until we have gotten everything!"
Guren and Kabuto could see the clear euphoric expression on his face.
Orochimaru was the happiest he had been in a while.
He then looked over the men and women before him, before turning to the pair of Kabuto and Guren.
"Gather everything, make sure you have done every last check."
""Yes Orochimaru-sama!""
Orochimaru nods strongly, and leaves for his room.
As he does, tears stream down his face, as he sees Yukine stood waiting at the door.
Trying his best to ignore her, he walked into his room, where he saw Yukine giving off a semi solid grin towards him.
"What do you want now?!"
"Well, I was curious about a few things, but it seems you aren't happy right now?"
"I am never happy with you! You make me crazy and cry you evil witch!"
"Language, please." She snickered to the torment of Orochimaru. "You know, luck runs out."
"Works on both sides, doesn't it? I have a plan, a dream, and I will achieve it. You might be with me, but you can join your son in my head once I take over his body! Might take me three years to switch again, but I will make sure his body is fully prepared for me, I will make sure it will support me for life, and I shall be able to use his unique powers for myself! What do you think about that?!"
Yukine blinked, as Orochimaru scowled.
"I think you are completely crazy and that you will probably slip, so either the Akatsuki or Konoha will kill you."
Orochimaru threw his eyes directly towards Yukine who showed a small smile, which infuriated him more than he ever thought possible.
"I hate you!"
"Feelings more than mutual Orochimaru."
Shuddering at the gleeful smile before him, he walked towards his bed.
Moving around her, he got onto his bed, and placed a wet towel on his forehead.
"You make me feel drained mentally, I hope you are proud."
"I learned from the best, Sensei."
Orochimaru shuddered, feeling her eyes burning onto him.
But, he did his best to carry on.
One way or another, he felt like this was going to end, he had to make sure that he was the victor.
End chapter!
So, Ryouta is leading a mission, with Fu! The Seven Tails Jinchuriki! So far it seems that they are off to a good start, and work together very well. Mikoto and Kakashi are doing well on their mission, while Orochimaru is about to put his plan into action. But what he is going to do, shall be revealed next time!
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,