Welcome to the next chapter!
joharasbel; Thanks very much, glad that you are enjoying it!
batmanuchiha; Could be, we will have to wait and see~
FinalFantasygamer2794; Fu would be good.
LezarioFanficio; Thanks for the harem suggestion! Yeah, Fu has had a hard life.
ShadowUzumaki55; Yeah, Shibuki and Fu have met up with Konoha and seemed to have become quite acquainted with one another. Shibuki did yeah, he wished to keep Fu safe, but inadvertently put her in danger by keeping quiet about her status. Orochimaru is yeah, we shall soon see what that something is. Fu could be yeah.
Silver crow; Fu did yeah. He figured it out relatively quickly. We will see what happens with Kakashi and Mikoto this chapter. Naruko is still Naruko yeah, no matter the rank. Ryouta has a good deal of patience for sure. He let the squad take care of it as he watched over Fu and Shibuki. He doesn't know them all, he knows a few details about all Tailed Beasts in general, he knows some more than others, focusing more on the Nine Tails and One Tails since he had met them, but he is learning more about the others and will become quite knowledgable as the story goes on. Orochimaru is putting a lot into his plan, so we shall see what happens between him and who he is after. Part two Ryouta will be quite powerful. Izumi would be able to resist Genjutsu thanks to her Sharingan. I have some plans for Kisame and Ryouta during part two. Maybe she could become apart of his team. Yeah, during the time skip he is going to be doing a good few things.
TheGreatGodzilla; Considering he has met two Jinchuriki so knows what a Jinchuriki's chakra looks like, can see her large chakra reserves, saw her wings, and how she nearly let it slip, for someone like Ryouta, he deduced it pretty well. Fu has been introduced to the story, Naruko and Fu are becoming friends, Ryouta and Fu are becoming friends, it will alert the Waterfall village about the dangers of the Akatsuki, so many things have happened. Considering what Ryouta has done for her, Haku knows how Ryouta is, and how different he is to someone like Tobi, so their relationship is fine. Orochimaru isn't heading for Taki, we shall see his real plan be put in motion from the end of this chapter. Log and Mitsuki, we shall see if they're in the story.
Morregen; Thanks! Fu could be yeah. Yukine surely is~
Guest; Yeah, it is a cool idea. I wouldn't know who to ship him with yet, would have to have a hard think about it. Yeah, it has been a while since I have watched it as well.
Hinata fan; Glad that you liked her introduction. Fu is pretty fun~ Naruko and Fu will develop quite a friendship. Orochimaru's plans will become quite apparent during this chapter.
Skull Flame; Fu really is quite eager~ Orochimaru is doing his best in his own way~
With those reviews out of the way, it is time to start the chapter!
Visit the waterfall!
Danzo, carefree of any worries for the time being, sat within his home, and carefully planned for his next moves.
Sipping on tea, he was surprised to see that there was someone at the door.
It opened slowly, and revealed Hiruzen stood there, his eyes didn't give away his thoughts so Danzo was at a loss as to what Hiruzen had on his mind.
"Hiruzen." Danzo greeted. "I am surprised to see that you have come here."
"We both know why I am here." Hiruzen began, moving deeper into the small house Danzo was living in. "Your applications to have yourself have some more free reign, they have been rejected once more."
Danzo resisted the urge to click his tongue.
He was disappointed, and thought that Hiruzen delivering this news himself was rather odd, considering that he was a rather busy individual, even when he was a retired Hokage.
"Have I not proven that I am a changing man?"
"That is the problem, why is there a rush?"
"Rush?" Danzo said, flabbergasted by the very notion. "I have been confined for a long time, Hiruzen. And taking my advanced age into consideration, I would hardly consider my request for leniency rushing."
Hiruzen exhaled deeply, something that Danzo noticed.
"Considering what happened within the time Oto and Suna invaded, and how you had questionable actions that could have deterred more Ninja from defending against the invading force, I have to say it is you attempting to rush as we are still thinking about your past actions and what you are trying to do now."
Danzo inhaled a single time.
As he did, he thought about what he was going to say next.
To play on the humanity that resided within Hiruzen, and also to gain every advantage that he possibly could do.
"I am an old man, as are you. That is why, before I should leave this world naturally, I wish to make some lasting contributions to the village. To make Konoha greater than it already is. So what happened with Orochimaru, does not happen again."
"The last time you had goals and plans, many innocents paid the price."
Danzo furrowed his single showing lone eye towards Hiruzen who in turn clenched his fingers together in front of him.
"That is a mistake that I have learned from. I wouldn't do something so outlandish again."
Hiruzen stared at the old and tired face of Danzo, and contemplated what was on his mind.
What he was truly thinking right now.
But Danzo was someone that could hide anything from anyone, so even Hiruzen as experienced as he was didn't have a clear thought on Danzo's thoughts.
"Wont you? I can't be sure Danzo. I used to think that way when it came to you, but now, I have to take every possibility that could happen, including you deciding your methods are better than the villages Hokage. Tsunade now is Hokage, and unlike us, you held no previous close relationship with her. She is the Hokage now, so any decisions will have to go through her. That is partly why I came here to see you, to tell you that I no longer will be handling any of your cases, unless Tsunade asks me personally."
Danzo thought that this might happen.
He had counted on his past relationship with Hiruzen to finally show results in him getting out of there the legal way. But now, it seems that it is going to be even more difficult than he ever thought it would be.
"I understand Hiruzen, I wish to work with her as well as we used to do. Before the incident with the Uchiha, we had a great working relationship. I want to redeem what I have done, in anyway that I can. Allow me that chance, and I wont let you down."
Hiruzen wished to believe him.
But in his heart of hearts, he simply couldn't.
There was always a feeling in the back of his mind that Danzo was still corrupt in his ways, even with every bit of good that he was appearing to be doing.
"I have to leave Danzo, I am currently helping Tsunade sort through a mountain of paper work and counselling her through this transition, though she is picking it up rather quickly."
"My old job, eh Hiruzen?"
"Something like that yes."
Hiruzen owed, and walked out of the room.
As he did, Danzo's face fell from being stoic, to one that showed the ever so slight of annoyance.
Because of what Hiruzen said, he knew that he would have to make even more plans now, that Hiruzen wouldn't continuously fall for what he once did back when they were younger, this time he would have take matters even more into his own hands, if he wished to gain and achieve what he wished for.
"Once Orochimaru has done the deed, I'll be getting the Uchiha's eyes for myself, and finally breaking through this prison. Tsunade becoming Hokage, it will be a short reign, as I shall be soon taking over. If only you had listened to me Hiruzen, and not gone with those that shouldn't have become Hokage. I guess I will have to show you the extent of what I am feeling in the near future. Once I get those strong eyes of Ryouta Uchiha's, I wont have anyone oppose me, not even you Hiruzen."
Determined to do what was best, for him and what he believed for the village, he was preparing for the next phase of his and Orochimaru's plan. Though neither could fully trust the other, they knew for the time being, they needed one another, that they were determined to get what they desired, and that was, Ryouta Uchiha and his eyes.
The next morning after the revelation of the young Fu being a Jinchuriki, and Naruko wished to speak with her. But, she wasn't entirely sure on how she was going to do that at all. She also thought about what Ryouta said, regarding her status as a Jinchuriki.
She watched silently as the others were preparing to leave the area. They wished to get the mission over with as soon as possible, and to be able to get back to Konoha, not wishing to see any member of the Akatsuki anytime soon.
"Fu! Fu! Where are you?!"
Shibuki called out, with Satsuki and Sakura both releasing breaths.
"She hasn't vanished again, has she?"
Satsuki really didn't want to have to deal with that again.
"I can't see her! Fu! Come out if you're here!"
Satsuki released a loud sigh, it seemed that this time with Fu was causing Satsuki to feel many different things.
Sakura placed a hand to her forehead, and released a small breath.
"I saw her around here a minute ago, she couldn't have gotten far..."
Sakura searched around with her eyes, and Naruko did the same thing.
As Ryouta was cooking, he pointed towards the left hand side.
"She's hiding behind that tree over there." Ryouta pointed out, as Fu came out with a small pout on her lips. "Sorry Fu-san, remember…."
"I know Konoha-sensei, but it would have been funny to see Shibuki's face when I jumped out~ Though he might've been scared, I'm sure he'd recover very quickly, wouldn't you agree~?"
Ryouta had to admit that if nothing else, she was consistent with how she wished to go about her own fun and Shibuki himself seemed to be torn, happy that Fu was getting along with others, though wishing she didn't give him heart attack inducing stuff to do.
"Maybe when you're back in the village Fu-san, safer there."
"Y...Yes Fu, I agree, when we're back in the village."
Shibuki added, with Fu twirling around as she moved towards Shibuki.
"Aah, you should learn to relax~ Don't take it so seriously Shibuki."
Shibuki exhales slowly, as Satsuki thinks "I hope this ends soon..." as she was beginning to feel the stress of someone like Fu.
Satsuki liked taking life in a more calm way, so someone like Fu, who was quite a bit like Naruko, it was very difficult for her to go through everything that she was going through.
"Anyway, once we've had breakfast, lets set off towards Takigakure."
"Ooh Konoha-sensei! I am really hungry~"
Ryouta gave bemused eyes towards Fu.
"Right, then I'll be sure to make some extra fish for you Fu-san."
Fu nods over and over again.
"Yes, that would be good~"
Ryouta gave bemused eyes, and looked on curiously towards them.
"Great, then it shall be ready soon. Until then Fu-san, no wandering off, okay?"
Fu flashed a smile, and gave a peace sign, something that he found to be quite endearing if he was honest with himself.
Soon afterwards, the meal had been made, and Ryouta watched in amazement along with the others as both Naruko and Fu shoveled the food down their throats, and did it so fast that it almost blindsided people like Sakura, and Shibuki.
Ryouta smiled though, glad that the mission so far had been quite pleasant, very different to other missions when there was constant fighting, or something else like that.
It was nice to have a simple escort mission, even if they also were aware that it could be dangerous with Fu being a potential target, but they handled it very well, and did their best to make sure the mission was going to be a resounding success.
Finally managing to get towards Takigakure, they found it to be with as its name implies, with a large waterfall. The water itself looked dazzling, and bright. Even sparkly depending on how the sun would bounce off of it.
Sakura and Naruko were in awe, Ryouta appreciated the beauty of the waterfall, and the large tree that was front and centre. Satsuki also did like it, but she held back her feelings from everyone that was around.
"Isn't our land the coolest you've ever seen!?"
Fu excitedly begins, with Ryouta nodding.
"Yes, it is quite dazzling."
Fu pushed herself closer towards Satsuki who murmured "Personal space..." but Fu didn't seem to really care, and pushed her face against Satsuki's own, and peered into her eyes with a sideways glance.
"Do you like it raven?"
"My name is Satsuki."
"And my name is Fu!" Satsuki shuddered, having to keep reminding herself that this was a mission she had to do. "Remember Satsuki-chan? That this is a mission between the group, and that we have to become super close with one another?"
"We don't have to, this mission is officially over."
"No, we still haven't fully entered Takigakure yet!"
Satsuki looks towards Ryouta in a manner that told him she was having great difficulty managing Fu.
So Ryouta pulled closer, and gently pried the girl off of Satsuki.
"Fu-san, why don't you show us around?"
"Really Konoha-sensei?!"
"Sure, if it is alright with Shibuki-san."
Shibuki held some apprehension, but when seeing the pleading face of Fu, he relented.
"Alright, but Fu be careful."
"Relax, I'll be extra careful! Now come with me everyone, I'll give you the grand tour~"
Naruko loved Fu and her optimistic ways, and decided to walk beside her swaying side to side. Sakura and Satsuki on the other hand looked as if they were going to keel over, so Ryouta spoke to them in a kind manner.
"Sakura-chan, Satsuki-chan. I have a job for you, to officially finish the mission with Shibuki-san and if there's anything else we need."
""We'll take it.""
Understanding neither Satsuki or Sakura were able to keep going with Fu and her abundance of energy, he gave them an assignment that was most fitting for them both.
Relief flooded them, and they got the details they'd need from Ryouta for Shibuki, before taking off together.
Ryouta decided to follow Fu who walked happily with Naruko, to partly put the mind of Shibuki at ease, and to see what the village was like from her perspective.
A small time later, the trio of Naruko, together with Fu and Ryouta who was a few paces behind, walked towards different areas of the village.
As they did, Fu was being a rather good tour guide, and pointing out different eating places, and how they could get along with different people, even if they themselves seemed to be averse to Fu's presence.
Naruko also noticed it, the looks that Fu got. She didn't like it, as a fellow Jinchuriki, she understood the pain that Fu was going through, even if Fu herself held an eternal smile on her face, it almost seemed to be like Fu was smiling through the pain.
While Ryouta also did notice similar things, he could tell that there was something else going on. It was a bit different to Naruko, where they blamed Naruko for the actions of the fox, it seemed that more than anger, it was fear that drove these people away from Fu, while in Konoha, it always was a mix of the two.
"When I become a Ninja, I'm going to become the best you know? I am going to travel the world, then I'd fill everyone's days with smiles~"
"That's a great dream! I also have one!" Fu seemed keen, so looked endearingly to Naruko who raised a fist to the sky. "One day, I wanna become the Hokage!"
"Ho...kage? That's the leader, right?"
Naruko nods with a determined look on her face.
"Yeah, that's right~"
"Wow, can you do it?"
Naruko gives a strong nod.
"Yeah, I hope so! I'm getting stronger all of the time!"
"Wow, you have such great ambitions! I'm jealous~"
Ryouta smiled, seeing the pair beginning to bond.
However, he saw out of the corner of his eye, that someone was staring at Fu, and unlike most, seemed to have general hate within his eyes.
He watched as he picked up a stone, and began moving towards Fu, it seemed that he had a hate filled heart, and went to throw it, when Ryouta flashed before him, grabbed the rock out of his hand and crushed it with his brute strength, shocking both Fu and the man.
"Don't attack her, and walk away."
The man grit his teeth, and uttered "Monster." as he glanced at Fu, who in turn dipped her head down.
Naruko looked on, and felt her hand tightening all the more, she hated that someone like that had said such a thing to Fu, when she was nothing but a positive and friendly girl.
Ryouta shook his head, and walked towards Fu, patting the top of her head in a gentle manner.
Fu looked up to see the smiling face of Ryouta beaming towards her.
"Don't worry about people like them Fu-san, you just keep being you."
Fu really liked that, and decided to take his advice.
"Yeah, thanks Konoha-sensei! Anyway, I've got to show you guys the best place to eat! It really is cheap, and lovely, and I love it so much~"
"Great! Is it ramen?! I love ramen!"
"Ooh, I like ramen too~"
Fu said dreamingly, as both of the Jinchuriki's and the Uchiha began walking off together.
Ryouta watched how they interacted, and he did really like how Naruko did have someone that was quite like her.
Later that night, Shibuki was gracious enough to allow them all to stay within the village for a night or so, which they were happy about as they wished to explore more of the village, its culture, among other things of that nature.
While the others were relaxing, or training somewhere else all together, Ryouta was outside of the hotel, and began practising with his sword style. Since they could somewhat relax before heading back to Konoha, Ryouta wanted to keep his skills sharp, and began swinging his sword before him, cleaving through the different obstacles that he had set up, that all fired off weapons or rocks or other things towards him.
As he did some light training, Fu was watching from a distance.
She kept her eyes on him, and walked closer.
She was keeping to the shadows, and was doing her best to avoid everyone that could see her.
It was a mixture of trying to understand more about different people, and because she wished to play a joke with him as well, if she was able to sneak up on him.
"Ooh man, this is going to be great! Yes, I'll scare him!"
Becoming more excited, she did her best to kill her presence, and pulled in closer and closer.
Watching with keen eyes as he sailed through the area, and cleaved through large rocks, all the while dealing with a barrage of shuriken, she became quite enamoured with everything that was going on.
"Ooh wow, Konoha-sensei is pretty cool after all~"
Seeing how he was dealing with everything being thrown at him, she could barely keep her eyes off of him, though it was proving difficult as the speed ramped up, and his movements became almost a blur to her.
Watching for minutes on, Fu was excited to see even more from him.
When she came even closer, Ryouta glanced at her, having been aware of her presence the entire time, lightly chuckled.
"So Fu-san, when are you going to come out of hiding?"
Fu laughed a little, and came out of the area that she was hiding in.
Ryouta saw her giving off a mischievous smirk, and also saw that she was hiding a kunai.
"So, what are you doing Fu-san?"
"Konoha-sensei, what were you doing?"
"Keeping my skills sharp, Fu-san."
Fu gave an intrigued stare, and inched closer.
"Keeping your skills, sharp?" Ryouta nods. "Wow, I wish that I could do the same thing. Well, I would need skills to keep them sharp~"
"I thought that you had some from Shibuki-san?"
"He taught me some, but he's always so nervous and hesitant about it. I mean, when I want to learn higher level stuff, he clams up and ends up going on a tangent about why it would be worrying if he did or something like that~"
Ryouta could see that she was a little frustrated.
He wondered if he spoke to Shibuki, that he could make some difference.
"By the way Fu-san. Do you mind if I talk to you about something?"
Fu cocked her head.
"What is it Konoha-sensei?"
"Well, remember when I saw you in the air?" Fu looked a little nervous. "You don't have to worry, I know what you are, and it doesn't matter to me at all."
Fu looked astonished.
"Really? You aren't bothered?"
Ryouta shook his head a single time.
"Honestly, it doesn't bother me at all. You are a Jinchuriki, yes?"
While he did know already, he wanted to make sure she was fine and comfortable enough, to speak about it.
"Yeah, that's me. I'm a Jinchuriki~"
Ryouta flashed a small smile, as he sat down on a large rock nearby.
Fu followed suit, and sat down to his right hand side.
"So, that night, you were flying, with bug like wings, right?"
"My Tailed Beast tells me they are the tails."
"The tails...the wings?"
Fu nods, and giddily leaps into the air.
As she did, wings came from her back, and looked like insect wings to Ryouta, but hearing they were the beasts actual tails was an intriguing concept.
"Yup, that's right. Six out of the seven are wings like this, with a seventh tail that is actually a tail apparently~ My Tailed Beast is still a bit shy, but also like me! So hyper and excited! We get along pretty well~"
Ryouta was interested even more at the thought of what was being said.
How Fu was able to establish a connection with her Tailed Beast. Out of the three so far, he had only ever seen Fu have such a thing. Shukaku didn't want to get to know Gaara, and the Nine Tails seems to be averse to interacting properly with Naruko as well.
He watched her flying around, and having a good time.
Remembering back to their tour for the day, going around the village, and seeing the fearful eyes of the villagers on her, it was very hard to understand when seeing Fu acting just as natural as possible, being able to have her own kind of fun.
After she finished flying, she landed beside Ryouta, and gave a beaming smile.
"So the Tailed Beast is shy, but also like you?"
"Yup, Seven-chan is quite the weird insect but I also like Seven-chan~"
"S-Seven-chan?"
Ryouta asks, bewildered on how Fu referred to her Tailed Beast in such a pleasant and cheerful way.
"Yes, that's right. Seven-chan~ Such a weird but lovable Tailed Beast~ We have become somewhat friends. But Seven-chan is still apprehensive about being around humans fully, so Seven-chan hasn't accepted me fully yet. So, I can only do a few things. Like fly with tails and other things like that~"
"Still, that's very impressive Fu-san, I think you've got a great handle of being able to fly."
"Yeah! But...Shibuki, and...well, I wish I could do as I like. It can be hard, being a Jinchuriki, you know?"
"I can imagine so."
Ryouta replied respectfully.
He couldn't fully know, but he did see from first hand experience what people like Fu were treated like, and how easily they could be called monsters or demons or something else akin to that, something that Ryouta wasn't ever happy to see.
"Shibuki-san, he worries for you, you know?"
"Yeah...he really does. He is the kindest, and I learn a lot of good stuff. But he also doesn't want me to do what I love to do. I think he's too worried something might happen, or people might find out that I have the Seven Tails within me, and want it for themselves."
"What do you want Fu-san?"
Fu was astonished.
She couldn't remember a time when someone had asked her that.
Even when Shibuki did it, he always seemed worried about her answer.
But for Ryouta, it seemed like he just wished to genuinely know what she was feeling.
"I dunno yet, but I'd like to know more about the world. To see many people, different faces. I'd love to explore everything the world has to offer, you know?"
"You want to learn as much as you can, right?"
"Yeah! Exactly! I wanna learn many things! But, Shibuki is too worried that I could...you know."
Ryouta nods, he understood.
He pulled closer, and placed a hand on top of her head, giving her head a single pat.
Fu looked on, feeling a small pinkness dusting her cheeks.
"Keep at it Fu-san, I'm sure that you will be able to explore the world. And if there's anything you'd like to know, I'd do my best to answer it for you. It might not be the same as experiencing it for yourself, but I'd like to do what I can to help you out."
Fu couldn't believe it.
Making friends like this, Fu was extremely happy.
She wished to know even more so she stayed with Ryouta for over an hour, closing in on two, and just spoke about a plethora of different things.
Ryouta was happy to help out, and was glad to see Fu was also becoming even more happy than she ever was before.
The next day, finally finding time to have with Fu, Naruko sat on near the waterfall that was the namesake for their village. Fu looked at it with intrigue, and excitement at the same time, and also kept sharing a look with Naruko as well.
"So, you wanted to talk about something?"
"Yeah! Ahaha, I actually thought it would be good to speak about...eeh, ahem...ugh...erm..."
"About you also being a Jinchuriki?"
Naruko coughed into her hand.
"Y-You knew?!"
"Yup, mine told me you also possessed one! Haha, wow! I didn't think that I'd run into someone that has one like me!"
Naruko's cheerful smile became brighter.
"Me neither, I have so many questions!"
"Ooh me too! Like, are you friends with your Tailed Beast?"
"Eeh...no, not really~ The fox and I..."
"But, you should try, I bet the fox is a big old softy when you get to know him~"
Naruko tilted her head to the right.
"Ya think?"
"Mine is, and mines a huge insect creature that could be scary! But, I am becoming friends with mine! I think so anyway~ We talk sometimes, but sometimes mine doesn't want to, so we're going through a back and forth~"
Naruko wondered what that would be like, being able to speak to the Tailed Beast inside of her.
"Ehehe, I didn't learn about mine until I became a Ninja really. Before that, I had no idea!"
"But, you didn't notice people looking at you?"
Naruko brought her head down.
"Yeah...I suppose that I did. But I never knew why that was. Did you?"
"Well, I learned about it a few years ago, Shibuki eventually told me about it. It was surprising, that I had this being inside of me, but after a while, it got pretty easy to accept. Play the hand you've been dealt, right Naruko-chan?"
Naruko thought it was refreshing to speak to someone about it. She didn't get much chance to speak to Gaara about it, beyond when they fought. So having a chance with Fu who was extremely friendly was a huge relief to someone like her.
"Yeah, I guess! The fox has been some help in the past, though when it takes over, I do worry about who might get hurt. Though Ryou does help with that..."
"Konoha-sensei knows about you?"
"Y-Yeah, he knows about us, he was the one who told me about you."
Fu looked shocked.
"Ooh my! He found out about you and me! He must be super smart huh! Konoha-sensei, you have really done some research, haven't you?!"
Naruko almost let out a laugh when she heard that, it seemed Fu was truly surprised.
"Yeah, he knows about us, and even when he did find out, he didn't care at all. No one else knows, so don't tell Sakura-chan or Satsuki, okay?"
"Sure! I wouldn't say anyway~ But wow, someone your own age accepted you, huh?"
"N...Not you?"
Fu shook her head.
"Nope, everyone my age seems to be worried about being near me. I don't have many friends, so I want to fill my life with many friends~ Though Konoha-sensei did last night, it was magical to see someone look at me, and not be afraid~"
Naruko thought that was good and sad at the same time, relieved that she didn't allow others negativity to get her down, but also sad that like her, and like Gaara, she also was an outcast by everyone that she was around. Her peers not wanting to be friends with her.
"You can have many friends Fu!"
"Yeah?"
"Yeah, totally! We're friends! Ryou is your friend too, right?! I'm sure you'll make many friends!"
Fu giggled to herself, and hugged her knees.
"I hope so, I want to become friends with many people~"
Naruko thought that it was quite refreshing to be able to speak with her like this, and the more she learned about Fu, the more she was happy to speak with her.
Finally being able to discuss the stories between two Jinchuriki, it was simply the best for someone like Naruko, and even Fu thought the same thing, being able to have a nice, calm relaxing time between the two of them.
As that was going on, Ryouta was in a meeting with Shibuki, and speaking about the Akatsuki. While he didn't have all information, for the sake of Fu, and keeping her safe, and after getting permission from the Hokage via a note, Ryouta began explaining to Shibuki what he understood about the Akatsuki, and how Fu could be in danger.
When hearing about it, Shibuki tightened his hand.
"If what you're saying is true, then protecting Fu is going to be extremely hard. She is a girl that is obsessed with getting to know about the world. She also wants to become friends with everyone. I don't want to hold her back, but her going out of the village now is simply not a good idea at all."
Ryouta could understand where he was coming from, why he would want to keep Fu in the village at all times.
Though he also had some other thoughts.
"What do you plan to do with her? Keep her contained her entire life?"
Shibuki furrowed his brows.
It was the last thing he wished to do, but the more he thought about it, the more his nerves, and insecurities were beginning to take over him again, and he couldn't, he simply couldn't allow something to happen to Fu.
"It has to be the case, doesn't it? It is too dangerous for her to go out, and if the Akatsuki come here...truthfully, I don't even know if most of the village would want to defend her. You've seen the stares that she receives, the peoples animosity towards her."
"Yes, I understand, I have seen it before. But, I don't think keeping her contained is the answer. Keeping her ignorant of the world around her, it could lead to some disastrous situations later down the line for her. I understand wishing to keep her safe, I really do, but thinking about it, Fu-san has a right to become what she wishes to be."
Ryouta wished to convey it the best way that he possibly could, he didn't want Shibuki to feel guilt or ashamed, he wanted Shibuki to allow Fu the ability to choose what she wanted to do in life, and give her the freedom, while also respecting that Shibuki was very concerned for Fu and clearly wished for her to have the same thing Ryouta wished, but it was very difficult in knowing what would be the best way to go about it.
Shibuki shook his head again and again.
"Now that you've told me this...it is too much, she is going to be in too much danger. Especially if she becomes a Ninja. I've trained her...but, I simply... She's an innocent girl, I care about her...I don't want her to die."
Ryouta closed his eyes for a few moments.
It was clear that despite his somewhat cowardly manners, Shibuki genuinely did care and want the best for Fu.
"I know that's what you want, Shibuki-san, and I don't want anything to happen to her either, any of the Jinchuriki out there. But the reality is that it could happen, that we cannot prevent these Akatsuki guys from coming. We don't even know if they truly are after the Tailed Beasts. But if they are, then we have to be prepared for the future."
Shibuki did his best to process everything that was going on within his mind at that moment in time.
Ryouta knew that Shibuki was struggling, he wished to protect Fu, and his ideal situation was for Fu to have her own kind of life, and to live as she liked. But the more that Fu got exposed to the world, the more she was in danger, and Shibuki didn't want that at all.
"I have heard you trained her, right?"
"Because she insisted, I didn't want to make her think she couldn't be like the others. But I also am worried the more she progresses, the villagers might end up hating her even more, see her as a genuine threat."
Ryouta could understand that as well.
"Fu-san, she's very unique. Despite all of the pain she's gone through, she still wears a smile on her face, and she wishes to be friends with everyone. I don't think her goals are as surprising or unachievable than one might think. I think one day, maybe she could get to those that see her as different, as something else entirely. Maybe, she could be seen as a hero of Takigakure."
Shibuki wished that to be possible, that Fu would be able to show everyone that she was a good person. That she could be an asset to the village, that she could be someone that everyone turns to and feels safe with.
"The hero of the village...if only that would be possible."
Ryouta smiled and continued on.
"Maybe, just maybe, she would be capable of becoming such a thing. Shibuki-san, I can't say what you should do, Fu-san is very important to you. But if you ever want any help, then don't hesitate to contact Konoha, we would happily help you."
Shibuki was surprised, and thought about what he said.
Thinking about Fu, what she would be doing, and how she could grow as a person, and as a Ninja if that was what she wished for. If that's what he thought would be best for her, he truly didn't know, but she was quite set on doing it.
Shibuki was glad that Ryouta was as kind as he was, it was clear that he cared for the safety of Fu and wished for her to be like everyone else, giving her the choice on what her life could be.
"Maybe my fears are getting in the way, she does deserve to have the best kind of life they could do. Something holds me back from truly allowing her, the fear of the unknown."
"Your fears, are very validated Shibuki-san. I've seen how the villagers react to her, I've seen how other Jinchuriki have suffered. All I can say is, what does Fu-san want? She knows what she is, yet she still smiles and dreams her future and wont be defined as simply the Seven Tails Jinchuriki. I think with the right guidance and of course training, she could truly become a shining example of how good a person can be."
Shibuki did understand him a good deal, his words made sense to Shibuki.
He wondered more about Fu, and if he had been holding her back, out of fear of her becoming hurt or worse. While the Akatsuki were something that could be a potential danger, he knew what Ryouta said was right and that Fu was someone that could begin making decisions.
When they were finally ready to leave, Team Seven were being seen off by a somewhat less timid Shibuki, and an excited Fu. Satsuki was glad to leave, as it had been emotionally more difficult for her to deal with all of this, Sakura was happy to go back, and Naruko was sad to leave as she wished she could spend some more time with Fu. Ryouta was coming around to the idea of Fu, and her eccentric ways and wished they had more time, but with the village calling back to them, they weren't left with much choice.
"Awwww, you really have to go? I was kinda getting used to you guys being here all the time~"
Fu said in her usual upbeat but also slightly depressed manner.
"We can see each other again, Fu-san. You don't have to worry, and you can always write us anytime you like."
Ryouta assured her.
Fu claps her hands.
"Yes, that's right! We can huh~?"
"We surely can."
Ryouta added, then paused to see Naruko moving forward.
"Fu! Don't worry, you gotta believe, ya know? We will see each other again, real soon!"
"Yeah, we will!" Fu turns towards Satsuki who grimaces. "I will write you everyday until you smile brightly, okay?"
"No, that isn't necessary."
"Seriously, it is fine, don't worry about it~"
"No, really, it is fine."
"It's okay! I'll write three times a day! Until you smile for me!"
Satsuki knew that this was going to be challenging, she didn't think it would be this challenging for her.
Sakura could see that Satsuki was going through a lot, so she chose not to comment and merely waved.
Fu then bent towards Ryouta, who in turn smiled towards her.
"By the way, Shibuki talked to me, it seems that he is going to train me even more~"
"Really? That's great."
Ryouta looked to Shibuki, and while he held some fears, he also looked determined, and prepared, Ryouta in turn also felt the same thing, and wished the best for the pair of them.
"Yup! He told me that someone talked to him, and that he would ask me what I wanted to do from now on~"
Ryouta glanced at Shibuki, who turned his head to the side.
Understanding what Shibuki had said to her, and how happy Fu was, Ryouta was glad for the pair of them.
"That's great, so what are you going to do Fu-san?"
"Hmm, well speaking with Naruko-chan and you Konoha-sensei, I have decided first I'm going to become a Ninja. Then, I'm going to marry you~"
Ryouta smiled softly...but then did a spit take when hearing what she said at the end.
"W-What!?"
"Yeah, what?"
Ryouta was flabbergasted, while Satsuki looked annoyed.
Sakura tapped her foot on the ground and chanted over and over again "It's fine, remember the plan, it is fine, remember the plan." within her mind.
Naruko looked on, shell shocked as Fu continued.
"Yup, its okay, I've decided already~ I will be Fu Uchiha from now on~"
"Eh...Fu, that's not how it works..."
Shibuki tried to express, but was cut off as Fu waved her hand.
"I know, don't worry about it so much Shibuki~"
Ryouta wondered about that, as Satsuki breathed out through her nose.
"Lets get going, before I really lose my mind."
"Satsuki-chan! Wait! I want us to become friends before you leave!"
"We are going now."
Satsuki stated, but Fu refused to listen and moved closer, waving her arms up and down.
"Don't worry about it, be happy~"
"I am happy enough."
"You could always be happier with a new best friend~"
Satsuki deeply sighed, as Fu pressed their cheeks together, igniting many emotions within Satsuki.
Sakura snickered, and turned away, Satsuki giving her a hard stare. Sakura couldn't help it, she found this to be amazing. Seeing Satsuki being destroyed by Fu in the kindest way possible, and Satsuki couldn't do much about it either.
Naruko on the other hand was on the floor, laughing her head off at the sight before her.
"Man! Hahahahaha! Satsuki, you're being defeated by Fu's kindness! I never thought I'd see the day!"
Satsuki uttered "Quiet you." under her breath harshly towards Naruko who laughed even harder than ever before to the eternal pain of Satsuki, as Fu hugged her tightly.
Shibuki went towards Ryouta, and bowed his head.
"I am...still worried for Fu, but I thought about what you said, this is Fu's life, and she should do what makes her feel comfortable. What she wishes to pursue. The village might be against her...but, I don't want to be, and I don't want to stand in her way."
"Yes, I understand Shibuki-san. We all worry for our loved ones, and what could be dangerous. Believe in Fu-san, train her, and remember, if you ever need us, send us a letter, and we will be there as fast as we humanly can be."
Shibuki held happy tears in his eyes.
He was understanding Ryouta, glad that for such a young man, he held quite the maturity within him.
"Well, we're off! Goodbye everyone!"
Ryouta called, Naruko waved happily.
"Bye Fu! I'll write you soon!"
"Yes, please do!"
Satsuki simply waved, as Fu giggle "I will write you too Satsuki-chan~" giving Satsuki an internal fright.
"Goodbye! Thank you for allowing us to stay in your village!"
Sakura also waved and seemed content with everything that had happened.
Finally, as they went to leave, Fu yelled.
"GOODBYE FUTURE HUSBAND! I'LL SEE YOU SOON!"
Satsuki was triggered by that, and began turning as she said "That's it, I've held back as long as I can, no more..." but before she could, Ryouta linked arms with her, and began walking off, Satsuki in turn scowled.
"Ryou..."
"Come on Satsuki-chan, time to head home."
Naruko laughed, and Sakura did the same thing, while following after them.
Ryouta looked over each of the group.
He was happy, that the first mission that they had together, out of the village, had been a resounding success. And even being able to help people, Ryouta was glad for that, and also for Naruko to meet another Jinchuriki as well.
But he was glad that he was able to get back to his home now.
Mikoto and Kakashi had managed to finally finish their mission, but it was a long fought hard mission. Fighting off against Ninja after Ninja, they had earned their break for the time being, and began heading home.
"I'm beat."
Mikoto began, with Kakashi agreeing.
"Yes, it was a tiring experience. I am glad that it is over."
"Yes, me too. Though I am glad that we got to fight together. It is fun to be able to fight beside you Kakashi-kun." As she said it, she glanced at Kakashi, and adopted a small smile on her face. "Say Kakashi-kun, I heard that Ryou-kun is leading your team for the time being."
Kakashi couldn't help but adopt a small smirk.
"This could end in two ways. Either positive, or Naruko and Satsuki are arguing a lot."
Mikoto giggled to herself.
"I wouldn't worry about it, Ryou-kun can keep them from tearing at one another."
"Yeah, maybe you're right about that. They do seem to mellow out when he's around."
Mikoto continued to giggle as they travelled through a countryside together. With the wind blowing around them in a gentle breeze, the flowers in the fields around almost illuminating the area with the sunlight bathing down on them.
It really was a situation that allowed them all to gather their thoughts, and to be in a peaceful calm setting.
"When we get back Kakashi-kun, you really should come and have a meal at our house. Even invite the likes of Naruko-chan and Sakura-chan as well. We could make it a Team Seven festive kind of evening."
Kakashi admired her upbeat and cheerful nature.
"Maybe so."
"Though don't be late, I know you have a habit of showing up late to quite a few things."
"Check, I wont be late."
Mikoto continued to giggle, as they made their way back to their home, back to Konoha.
In the middle of their walk, Kakashi and Mikoto both picked up on the fact that they were being followed. Neither made it obvious, and communicated it as such in the most subtlest of ways and were preparing for another fight.
Though bot wishes that they were at better levels than they were now. With their chakra, and their physical abilities being weakened due to the fights that they had for the past week or so, but neither were willing to back down and give up either.
"An ambush huh. I thought that we had gotten them all...I suppose that we still have some cleaning up left to do."
As the enemies made their way over to them, Mikoto placed her hand to her right hand side, where her blade happened to be, before she withdrew it, and within a second, she had sliced down several people that had attempted to attack them from behind.
Kakashi also took out several kunai, and tossed them with great accuracy towards an incoming group of Ninja, and then when they blocked his attacks, he used that chance to get behind them, and cut then down with a kunai in his hand.
"These aren't the same people we have been dealing with, Mikoto."
"Yes, it seems that this is someone else's doing."
Mikoto replied, and held her blade out before her, crossing it over her body and leaving no holes in either her offence or defence either.
Kakashi entered a stance that meant he was ready as well.
However, what they heard next was something that sent shivers down both their spines.
"Kakashi, Mikoto."
Mikoto turned her eyes towards the laughter.
When she did, she wished that she hadn't, as she saw someone that she hated.
"Orochimaru..."
"The one and only." Orochimaru laughed out, as he brought out a sword. "Forgive me, it seems that you two...are rather tired, aren't you?"
Understanding what was being implied, neither cared for it, but also understood that they would have to get ready for what was to come, what could happen now, and that they had arrived in a place that was filling more and ore with Ninja by the moment.
But, to their eyes, it seemed like the members of those coming, were creatures. Creatures that had been experimented on by Orochimaru himself. His own creations, being sent to fight for him against the pair of them.
"So, you decided to stage a trap for us, very elaborate Orochimaru."
"Indeed, I am glad you think so, Mikoto. Did you like the mission? I made it extra special for you, to tire you out...until you couldn't resist me." Speaking coldly, Mikoto and Kakashi grit their teeth at the bitter truth. "It took time, and planning, how many favours I had to call in so you would think this was a real mission. But in the end, we did it, and now you're here, at my fingertips. Now, I can go for Ryou-kun and your daughter-"
As he spoke, Mikoto appeared before him, and swung her sword.
He screamed, and dodged out of the way, but her blade managed to cut his throat enough for him to begin bleeding.
"What the hell you crazy woman?!"
"Stay away from Ryou-kun, and my daughter you slimy son of a bitch. And how can you call anyone crazy?"
Orochimaru grit his teeth as Yukine laughed, seeing Mikoto was having wind gather around her blade.
"Don't laugh at me!"
Orochimaru yelled at Yukine.
But because the others couldn't see her, it was as if Orochimaru was yelling at himself.
Composing himself, Orochimaru turned with a gleam in his eyes, and glared at Mikoto.
"Heh, you have some fight left in you, do you? Haha, lets crush that spirit of yours!" Orochimaru waved his hand to those around who began showing aggressive behaviours. "Mikoto, you are good, maybe too good for the current me if you were at full capacity. But, the current me is also welcomed by many and I have a vast group with me. This time, with your exhausted forms, quantity is going to beat your quality."
Mikoto could feel the threat, but she wouldn't be ruled by it either.
Even with many enemies staring her down, she would fight as hard as she possibly could.
"One, ten, a hundred...you wont get away with this!"
Mikoto declared, with Kakashi nodding and getting behind her, and back to back with her, ready to face down the enemy.
"Orochimaru, I don't know what your plans are, but you will have to kill us before we will be used."
"Trust me Kakashi-kun, your death can easily be arranged. All I need is Mikoto, you don't have to live for much longer."
"Why do you need her?"
Kakashi demanded, Orochimaru smirked with dark thoughts evident on his face.
"I have gone on for far too long, suffered too much pain, to let it end with me getting anything less than what I desire. Haha, Mikoto is going to help me, even if unwillingly. Now...lets begin!"
With an explosive amount of rage built up over time, Orochimaru released his killing intent towards the pair of them.
When Kakashi felt it, he did feel some pause coming to him and felt the fatigue of the missions kicking in, but he soon regained his strength to fight despite said fatigue.
As for Mikoto, while she was tired and could feel it deep within her, she wouldn't give up now.
She couldn't, she would fight until she couldn't fight anymore.
Because she wouldn't allow herself to give it anything but her all.
Especially against someone threatening her daughter and Ryouta.
End chapter!
So this chapter was a pretty relaxed one, with Fu getting closer with the likes of Naruko and Ryouta, Satsuki being glad the mission is over since she has been going through many things. Danzo is up to his usual stuff, but Hiruzen degrees that he isn't going to be handling him anymore, breaking more ties with him. Then at the end, Orochimaru has begun his plan against a tired Hiruzen and Mikoto. How it will play out, and what will happen, we shall soon see!
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, Fu,