Welcome to the next chapter!
batmanuchiha; Lets see what happens~
joharasbel; Thanks!
ShadowUzumaki55; Yeah, Danzo really got stung by Hiruzen during that part. They have yeah, we shall see where it goes between the two Jinchuriki. Fu surely has done, making quite bold declarations. Lets hope yeah~
LezarioFanficio; Thanks! Yeah, she is in. Fu could be yeah.
Silver crow; She has been yeah. We shall see what happens. Hiruzen is yeah. Yeah, Danzo and Orochimaru don't trust one another, yet are working together out of necessity on both sides, fully aware the other will probably betray them at some point so both are preparing for that eventuality. Yeah, he has caught onto how Fu acts. Satsuki was happy enough to be able to escape the Fu tour, same with Sakura. Fu and Chomei have a good budding relationship. Naruko and Fu will become good friends yeah. Maybe Shibuki will. Fu surely has done, it seems her declaration has set off a good few thoughts within the others. We shall see how strong he becomes as the story goes on. Thanks for the harem suggestions. Yeah, Yugito could be.
Skull Flame; Yeah, he might be appearing in a future arc. Orochimaru definitely has his agenda now.
Morregen; Thanks! Danzo is yeah. Fu is quite happy~ Orochimaru did yeah, we shall see what happens this chapter.
TheGreatGodzilla; Jinchuriki have access to their Tailed Beasts large chakra reserves. We shall see what happens this chapter. Its because they hadn't been truly fleshed out by that time during part one, if they would, then they probably would have. They probably have some protocols like that. They are Orochimaru's experiments.
Guest; Yeah, that would be an interesting story to do. He could have that yeah. Would be nice if they did. It would be cool if he had those. Interesting power set. Thanks for the suggestions!
Hinata fan; Yeah, she has been. Glad you liked Fu, Naruko and Satsuki's relationship. Yeah, they could be. Orochimaru and Ryouta will meet soon enough.
Mirio67; Thanks for the suggestions!
With the reviews out of the way, its time to start the chapter!
Oto's bitter invitation!
"That snake!"
Kisame yelled, with Izumi cringing at the sound.
Together, along with Itachi, they had managed to find another Orochimaru base, but nothing came of it. It was completely stripped of anything useful, and the only things left behind that were something's that easily could be discarded.
"It seems that even this snake is able to slither away."
Itachi mused as Izumi briefly placed a hand across her stomach area, peering around the giant lab.
"What my question has to be, is how does he have so many bases around the world? We have hit at least...three now, and he isn't in any of them."
"Because he is a sick bastard, and all he does all day is plan on how to experiment on people, most likely."
Kisame added, with Izumi giving an intrigued stare.
"You're probably right. But it takes a lot to make all of these things. Then there was that situation with Oto, and all. The village he founded. That was odd."
"Yeah, him in charge of a village, must be a living nightmare. He probably has people worshipping him, how disgusting."
Izumi giggled as Itachi kept his stoic eyes towards Izumi.
He didn't know what it was, but lately it seemed Izumi looked a little different.
It seemed, she was a little distracted, and he thought that it probably was seeing Ryouta after all these years. Something that he did hate that she would have to go through, it was enough that Tobi forced her to go along with him to the Akatsuki, then pretend to be evil when she was the furthest thing from it.
"Yes, just thinking about worshipping him makes my skin crawl."
"As is mine, ugh damn Orochimaru pisses me off to no end." Kisame laughed out as he headed for the exit. "Lets go, we've already destroyed everything here. At least he can't use this one as a base anymore."
"Yeah, lets go. Unless Itachi-kun, have anything you want to do while we're here?"
"No, we've seen all we need to, let us leave."
Itachi replied to Izumi, who smiled, as Kisame shows a smirk on his face.
"Always the chatterbox, right Itachi?"
Itachi glances at Kisame, who laughs and walks out the door.
As he did, Izumi walked towards it as well, with Itachi briefly stopping her.
"Something wrong?"
Izumi asks kindly.
"...No, I was checking on your condition. Are you okay?"
"I am...pretty fine yes. Nothing to worry about."
Itachi wasn't entirely convinced, so he placed a lock of her hair behind her ear.
"If there is, tell me, okay?"
"I will, don't worry about me."
She smiled, and began walking off, as she folded her arms across her chest area, Itachi tilted his head in wonder.
After the deal with the Waterfall village went down, Ryouta and the group of Team Seven finally made it back to Konoha. Though it was pretty insightful for a mission, and was able to be executed pretty well together, and they managed to even make a few new friends for them to have a good time with in the future.
Walking in the gates, Satsuki wished to forget the mission, having been somewhat traumatized by Fu, and Sakura while less so, was glad to be back home. Naruko felt like she missed Fu a good deal, and Ryouta also thought Fu was quite an interesting girl.
"So, what are you all doing after the mission is done?"
Sakura asks, Satsuki shrugs.
"Train."
"I'm hitting up Ichiraku's for some amazing ramen! I am having major withdrawals!"
Naruko cheered out, with Sakura turning to Ryouta.
"Ryou-kun, what about you? Are you going to be going anywhere?"
"I will go and see Lee-kun. I heard before we left that his recovery is almost complete, so I want to see how he is now. Before that, I've got to report to Hokage-sama about how the mission went, the joys of being a group leader~"
He joked at the end, genuinely enjoying the experiences of being with others, and being able to teach them, and learn together with them, as they try to grow and become even better than they were before. Always improving.
"Great~ Good luck with Hokage-sama."
"Thanks, I'm sure I'll be fine with her~ And you Sakura-chan? What are you going to do now?"
Sakura posed in thought.
"Erm...I will go home first to check on my parents, then maybe I'll train or something. Need to keep up with you guys, you're all pulling ahead, I can't fall behind now."
Ryouta liked that about Sakura, she was coming to terms with the fact that she wished to improve, never doubting herself that she couldn't get stronger, simply wishing to find the best path for her to increase her power.
"If it is training, then Satsuki-chan and you should meet up, I'm sure you'd be great training buddies."
Satsuki took a glance towards Sakura, who gave a sheepish look back.
She stared for a few moments, before shrugging, and turning back to the path before her.
"See? Satsuki-chan seems fine with it~"
"Maybe I could do...yeah, I could do that. Though I have been thinking lately, about becoming stronger. I need a teacher...but I haven't decided yet. Maybe there would be a good one in Konoha."
"Tsunade-san is a good teacher, maybe ask her for some tips? From the way you fight, you seem to have something's in common."
When Ryouta said it, light bulbs went off within her mind, and she seemed to be rather excited.
But before she could comment, Ino and her squad came walking along.
When seeing Ryouta with Team Seven, and remembering the circumstances, she put on a scowl, as Sakura looked on with a bright smile.
"Ryou-kun, back from your mission?"
"Yeah, just."
Ino clapped her hands.
"That's good, because Asuma-sensei was just saying that now that you are back, he'd happily take Team Seven off of your hands." Sakura stared hard as Ino pulled back, placing a finger to her lips innocently. "But that would leave us without a Sensei...well, it can't be helped, Ryou-kun, you'll be our Sensei, wont you?"
Asking with a sweet smile, Ryouta went to answer Ino, when Sakura pushed forward.
"You have a perfectly good Sensei! Don't even advise anything like that! And from your Sensei's face, I'd say you're lying!"
Accusing Ino outright, they all glanced towards Asuma, who held his head down, Ino looked wide eyed.
"Sensei! You said that you would do it! So Ryou-kun can experience our squad too! We would become, Ino-Shika-Cho-Ryou! The fearsome foursome! Rolls off the tongue in my opinion! Yeah, we'd totally be the best kind of group together! And even if the other two are busy, we could form the unstoppable Ino-Ryou duo! No one could stop our combo, your Genjutsu, then my body possessing! Yeah, that would totally be the best thing that we could do!"
Sakura was livid, Satsuki didn't care, and decided to walk away.
Naruko laughed awkwardly, and then ran off, as did Choji.
Shikamaru murmured "What a drag, I feel for the poor guy." referring to Ryouta, and watched as he walked away.
Asuma began to leave, when he saw Ino looking towards him.
He froze under her gaze, as she began approaching him slowly, carefully, and giving off an air that told him that she wouldn't allow him to go so easily.
"Sensei, you would do it, wouldn't you?! If you have a mission without us, Ryou-kun would fill in and be our Sensei! In fact, I recommend it! He did it for Team Seven, so I don't see why he couldn't do it for our squad!"
Asuma looked like a deer caught in headlights, and looked side to side.
Ryouta found it quite amusing that a man as strong as Asuma, wasn't able to keep his nerve under the watchful eyes of Ino.
"Ah well, that would be what the Hokage would be for...you would have to ask her..."
Asuma did his best to get out of it, and tried to walk away, when he saw Ino staring at him with bewildered eyes. That caused him to stop in place, and he kept looking around, Ryouta suspected he was searching for escape routes.
Sakura looked on with a small smile.
"You heard him Ino, seems like Ryou-kun is going to be our Sensei until Kakashi-sensei comes back."
Ino growled, Asuma jumped, and walked away, while Ryouta smiled awkwardly.
"No, Ryou-kun. You would lead us, if we needed it, right?"
"Of course."
Replying directly, Ryouta flashed a smile, to which Ino responded with slightly reddened cheeks.
Sakura shook her head.
"Of course he would Ino, doesn't mean it will happen."
"It will Sakura! You just wait! Because, I'm gonna have it be me, and Ryou-kun, alone, on a mission, on a romantic getaway for two! To a desert island! Where we can bathe in the sun all day and then cuddle at night! It will happen!"
"You are wrong!"
"I am not wrong! You've had your Ryou-kun time, now its mine!"
Sakura wasn't pleased about that, and looked on with sharp eyes.
Ino did the same thing.
Ryouta could see the sparks between them, seeing that things were beginning to get very heated, though it seemed like friendly rival more than anything truly serious.
Understanding that time was slowly moving on, Ryouta lightly taps Sakura's shoulder, along with Ino's.
"I have to go and report to Hokage..."
Trying to speak to them, seemed to prove to be quite useless for the time being as they had a back and forth with one another.
"First of all Sakura, Ryou-kun and I have a great relationship!"
"Not as great as ours!"
"We will see, wont we?!"
"Ooh we will Ino! We will!"
Seeing as he was being ignored, he murmured "I'll see you later." and walked away, leaving behind the girls who stared at one another hard.
Getting to the Hokage's office, Ryouta gave her the report towards her.
Once the report had finished, Ryouta looked towards Tsunade, who in turn placed a hand on her forehead, looking to be a mixture of displeased, and pleased at the same time.
"Well, it seems that the mission wasn't what I thought it would have been. Placing you squarely in the eyes of the Akatsuki, potentially. I wish that we had known, thankfully nothing dangerous happened, this time."
Ryouta understood what Tsunade was speaking about, and why she was both pleased and displeased, the tone in her voice, and the way that she looked as well, told her that she had a worry for those that she cared for.
"It seems that the Waterfall village has everything settled for the time being, and Fu-san seems to be her same cheerful self. I wouldn't worry Tsunade-san."
Tsunade looks straight ahead towards Ryouta, her eyes showing a little more relaxation than previously.
"Still, I am sorry that it ended up like that. At least nothing happened."
Ryouta also felt relief, he didn't care to meet Itachi again right now nor Tobi either.
If he did, then he knew he'd have to fight.
But he didn't want others he cared about to be in danger from beings such as them.
"Yes, and about Fu-san, did Shibuki-san say anything about her…? He said that he was thinking about it, and I became aware that he would be sending some kind of note to Konoha, but he was sketchy on the details."
Tsunade whirled around her desk after standing, and got towards the front of it, sitting down on it, all the while that she was speaking.
"We are in talks at the moment, and seeing what can be done. Hopefully, the Akatsuki aren't after all Tailed Beasts. But if a situation like that does arise, then it could spell trouble for the entire world. They are a group of elite Ninja, and currently I am having Jiraiya use his vast network to see what if any information that we can acquire about them, or anyone that has ever met them. Even Sarutobi-sensei is going across the nation to see if there are any rumours to be found about the Akatsuki, having even gone with your own Sensei Anko, and a few other trusted Ninja as bodyguards."
Ryouta knew it was a troubling time.
But he was glad at least that they at least had some stuff that they could do.
Even Hiruzen was doing his best along with Anko, so he wished to do the same thing as well.
"Tsunade-san, can I ask you something?"
"Yes, what is it?"
Ryouta thought about the best way to word it.
"Because we know that Naruko-chan is their target, I was wondering...is there a way for us or anyone that could help her tap into the Tailed Beasts power? You know, without losing herself? I know that she would want to do that if possible, if the Akatsuki are coming...then she will have to be ready. They could appear at anytime...basically, what I'm saying is, I don't want her to be captured and killed."
Conveying that to Tsunade with worry for Naruko, it was a feeling that Tsunade had been wrestling with herself for a little while by this point.
"Yes...I have been having similar thoughts as of late. The Akatsuki will come for her eventually. The news of Kiri is also troubling, how they managed to control a Tailed Beasts host, and a Perfect Jinchuriki at that. So Naruko, who is nowhere near close to being considered a Perfect Jinchuriki..."
Ryouta nods his head.
"Is there anyone in the village that can help her? Perhaps previous Hokage-sama?"
"Sarutobi-sensei would be a good candidate. However, Jiraiya, has expressed interest in helping her." Tsunade revealed. "Because like you, he and I also had a discussion like this before he left on his mission. He wants to turn her into a fine Ninja. She has begun her path, but he wishes to help her become even stronger than she would in a potential future without, and because he and her are quite alike in terms of personality traits..."
"If anyone could train her in ways that she would get, then it is him."
Ryouta finished, Tsunade inclines her head.
"Exactly, of course Naruko will have to be asked, and I believe Jiraiya wished to travel with her around the nations, so she would be gone for a little while. Even then, I think it would be good for her to have this experience. What do you think?"
"I want her to be safe, and if it means not seeing her for a while...as hard as it would be, I do believe that despite his...less than admirable qualities, Jiraiya-san is a very capable man and someone that could teach her many things."
"Yes, I've often thought the same thing. Jiraiya is a pervert, and he does anger me, but I think he would be a great teacher for her. Even Sarutobi-sensei agrees with us. So when he gets back, I suppose Naruko will probably be gone for a little while. Be weird without having that screaming hyperactive girl around."
"You'll miss her Tsunade-san~"
Ryouta teased, Tsunade let out a belly laugh.
"So will you."
Ryouta nods his head.
"I would yeah. I've known her most of my life, seeing the things that she had gone through with the villagers, I came protective over her. So, when finding out about her Tailed Beast, I wanted to protect her even more. And now with the Akatsuki running around, gotta be even stronger to destroy those guys."
Tsunade could definitely understand that.
"I have no doubt you'd be able to do that." Tsunade clears her throat. "And with that, we're all done."
"Yes, then please excuse me Tsunade-san, I'm going to go and visit Lee-kun."
"Lee, he's a strange one, isn't he? I visited him to check on his condition, and he kept rattling off all about how he had time to make up for with contests against you, and wishing to test his new might against yours, it really was a strange conversation."
Ryouta let out a small laugh.
"That's Lee-kun for you~" Ryouta bowed. "Then, I'll be off. Goodbye Tsunade-san."
"Yes, goodbye."
Ryouta walked out, and went towards Lee, wondering what he was up to…
When Ryouta got there, he was surprised to see what Lee was doing.
"One thousand and eighteen! One thousand and nineteen!"
He was doing push ups from his bed.
He looked a lot better than he initially was, and was able to move better as well.
"I was going to ask how you're doing, but it seems that you've made a full recovery Lee-kun."
Lee stopped his push ups, and turned quickly to Ryouta.
Gaining a beaming grin, he flips in the air after pushing off of the ground, and lands elegantly on the floor.
"Aah! My rival has returned! And leading a mission as well!"
"Yeah, my first lead, it was...quite an experience."
Lee let out a belly laugh.
"Haha! That's how it is! When you're a Jonin, you need to be prepared! That's why, I haven't a second to lose! I have been training since Tsunade-sama gave me the all clear! She said that my body is back into tip top shape! I'm completely healed!"
"Its fantastic, Lee-kun. I'm so happy you can continue following your dreams."
Lee smiles brightly.
"Yes, with hard work and determination, and the help of the doctors and nurses! I have been thinking since my battle with Gaara, that I'll also have to keep gaining strength, and going in different directions. Then when you became a Jonin, I decided that I catch up with, and eventually surpass you! I even have to do the same with Neji, though it looks like he's also made you a rival! Haha, who would have thought that we'd have the same rival in the Uchiha!"
Ryouta was thrilled to hear that.
Before, Lee had an uncertain future, now it seemed that he was going to have a better future.
"Yeah, though to be fair, there's only so many of us Uchiha around. That can fight. Your choices are rather limited."
Lee let out a small laugh.
"Indeed, that's true! So, what's next for you Ryou-kun?"
"As far as I know, still got some stuff to do with Team Seven, as their Sensei isn't back. Though I heard Karin-san isn't happy that I'm away from my own team for so long. I do miss being with them, but I'm glad for the experience. What about you Lee-kun? What's next for you?"
Lee placed a finger to his chin, and went into a deep thought.
"Guy-sensei said that he'd continue his teachings of me! He also said that he's going to keep training me in how to deal with people using the Sharingan like you Ryou-kun!"
Ryouta laughed, he did remember that Lee had been thinking of ways to try and overcome the Sharingan.
"I hope it works out for you, though I am more than the Sharingan, you know?"
"Indeed, I do know! That's why I have to increase my Taijutsu training and make sure I can keep up with that speed of yours!"
Ryouta smiles, and nods a single time.
He was glad that Lee was back to his usual self.
Compared to before he left, and now, it seemed that his dreams were attainable again, and that he could finally do what he felt passionate about, what he wished to do more than anything else in the entire world.
That night, Ryouta and Satsuki were sat at home together, Ryouta could see the concern on Satsuki's face. He understood it was because Mikoto had yet to return.
It was worrying Satsuki.
Because her Mother was usually quicker on her missions than this.
Even Ryouta could see within her eyes, that there was something deeply effecting her, so he did his best to offer some soothing words.
"I am sure she will be back soon Satsuki-chan."
Ryouta spoke comfortingly, but Satsuki wasn't entirely sure what to think.
"She hasn't written in a few days, we have no notes from her. Seems a bit odd to me."
"Maybe she is in the heat of battle. She did say that it was an S Class mission."
Satsuki did understand that, and she did hope that it was simply her Mother being rather busy and unable to write that she hadn't done so yet.
"That is true. But its my Mom, she generally doesn't have many issues with those types of missions. I'd say she's probably at this point one of the best in the village."
"Indeed, Mikoto-san is very strong. That's why, try not to worry so much about her, okay?"
Even though he said it, he knew that Satsuki would still have some worry in her.
Ryouta stood up, and moved behind her.
His arms gently embraced her from behind, wrapping around her neck and resting his head on top of her own.
"I'm sure that she will be back soon."
"I hope so, she's supposed to be teaching me how to wield a sword."
Ryouta gave a small laugh.
He knew that Satsuki was trying to keep it positive in her own way, though Ryouta could see through her facade pretty easily, and did hold some worry for her within his eyes.
"Yes, I'm sure when she's back, she will do. I know it is hard not to, but I'm sure that if Hokage-sama deems it necessary, then she'll have other Ninja go and find out what's going on. She must be in contact with Mikoto-san and Kakashi-sensei, right?"
Even though he said that, he had a feeling in the pit of his stomach, something did feel a bit wrong.
Even when on the longer missions she's had in her life, Mikoto usually wrote them at least twice a week. But so far, nothing had come since their last one, shortly before the mission with Fu had begun, and it did make Ryouta even think something could be going on.
He really hoped that it was something he was mistaken about.
He truly did.
Shaking his head, he placed a kiss on top of her forehead, and began walking backwards.
"I think I'm going to go to bed, what about you Satsuki-chan?"
"I guess, nothing else I can do for tonight." Satsuki stood up, and faced Ryouta. He reached out his hands, so she took them within her own. "Yeah, lets get to bed."
Satsuki walked up the stairs together with Ryouta.
Though Mikoto was on both of their minds, right now they didn't have much they could really do, so they simply had to place it to the back of their minds, and get some rest.
The next day, Ryouta and his temporary squad were assigned mostly D Rank missions for the day, which they cleared up in record time. So when they all finished by lunch, they decided to call it a day, and do their various things that they loved to do.
Splitting up, Ryouta went towards a different location to get some lunch.
In the mood for sushi, he thought that he'd get some before going off to do a bit of training on his own for the day.
When he got there however, he was surprised to find that Ino, and her Father were also there.
He smiled politely, upon coming into view of them.
"Ryou-kun's here!" Ino cheered, then lightly elbowed her Father. "Don't say anything weird!"
"Why do you assume that I'm going to say weird stuff?"
"Because you did last time! When he was taking me on a date. And then you made it a bit awkward between us! I'm serious Dad! Don't do it!"
"Alright, I wont say anything weird."
Inoichi assured her, as Ryouta made his way once getting his food.
Ino excitedly said "Sit next to me Ryou-kun!" which he did after getting the all clear from Inoichi.
"Young Ryouta Uchiha-kun, it has been sometime. How have you been?"
Ino thought that it was nice for Inoichi to ask that.
Ryouta smiled and replied kindly.
"Yes, I have been doing well. How have you been Inoichi-san?"
"Very well. Also, while we're here, what's this rumour that you are going to be apart of something called the CRA?"
"CRA?"
Ino wonders, Ryouta already knew, and explained with a sigh.
"Clan Restoration Act. It was something that Tsunade-san said, I wouldn't worry about it Ino-chan, I think she was only kidding..."
"I take these things very seriously."
Inoichi's seriousness caught Ryouta off guard, who coughed a little while Ino stared at her Father.
"But, it was..."
"CRA, is something that is a very serious matter. If the Hokage-sama is speaking about it, then it must mean she is taking it into heavy consideration, which I also am deciding to do the same thing Ryouta Uchiha-kun."
"How are you going to take it seriously sir? If you don't mind me asking."
Ryouta asks, Ino nods with a hard stare at her Father.
Inoichi continued with the same seriousness as before.
"Who so far are the candidates?"
"Eh...no one...because it isn't..."
As Ryouta tried to explain that it wasn't a real thing, Inoichi nodded and went off into his own little world.
"So, it isn't too late to get my request in..."
Ino went red face.
"R-Request!?"
"Yes, Ino. You understand, that this is something very serious. Romance, love, it is something that has to be taken with the utmost sensitivity, and care. I wish to do this for you as well, and bloom together, with your love."
Ino was even more red in the face than before, and she began shaking side to side.
Ryouta also held some redness on his face, taking a bite of his sushi.
"But Dad, you can't do it because it isn't even..."
"Isn't even, what? I understand your feelings Ino, I am helping you for your future. I want my daughter to be happy. Though I am still your Father, and wish to know more about your romantic partner, I understand that this boy is a very good candidate for you. I have witnessed his kindness and strengths, he is a very suitable partner for you Ino."
Ryouta coughed, while Ino felt her fists tighten.
"Seriously, Dad..."
Ino murmured, but Inoichi continued.
"Young Uchiha-kun, my daughter, and you have a close relationship, you would say, wouldn't you?"
"We do..."
Inoichi nods joyfully, as Ino had a face full of embarrassment.
She couldn't even think straight as Inoichi kept asking Ryouta more and more questions.
"Good, good. Then the next question, are you wishing to get married?"
Ino would have chastised her Father, but she was very curious about the answer to that question.
So she watched as Ryouta quickly took a bite out of his food, swallowing it, then gave the answer.
"Getting married...yes, I've always desired to get married."
Ino was excited about that, and for this time only, she did mentally thank her Father for such an abrupt question.
"I see, so you've always desired it. Then if that's the case, when you take your first wife, children, would be on the table?"
"Dad!"
Ino snapped, with Ryouta blushing hard.
"I only ask, because grandchildren. Ino's Mother, my partner, and I would of course love them. You are a bit young now, but in the future, it would be something that you would want?"
"Dad, you're so embarrassing..."
She whispered darkly, Inoichi grimaced, as Ryouta was in his own world for a few moments, thinking about what was being said.
"W...Well, that would be discussed with my future wife, but I would want children personally..."
Ryouta replied honestly, with Ino being taken aback by that.
She usually didn't hear much about how Ryouta wanted such things, but she thought it made sense, and was glad, even if she wished her Father would stop embarrassing her.
"That is important. Husband and wife, a solid team together."
"Y...Yes, that's certainly true sir. As they say, partners support each other, and grow together."
Inoichi nods, and places a hand on Ino's shoulder.
She looks up at him, seeing that he had a smile on his face.
Ino herself didn't know what to say, and she didn't even know what Ryouta was thinking about right now, especially in regards to what her Father could be thinking about, it really was such a difficult time.
"Yes, that is very true Uchiha-kun. so...hmm, I have to go now. I suddenly remembered, I have a conversation with the Hokage...I mean, a meeting with the Hokage-sama that I simply cannot afford to be late for...excuse me. Goodbye Ino, enjoy your time with your...boyfriend."
Ino planted her forehead against the table, as Inoichi excused himself.
Ryouta watched as Inoichi left the restaurant, and then turned his eyes back to Ino.
Seeing her state currently, he poked her right hand side, drawing her attention to him.
"Seems like your Dad is...excited."
"Please don't be so worried Ryou-kun."
"I'm fine."
Ino thought that was a relief, even if it wasn't true for herself right now.
"That's good, I'm glad for you. Now...since we have sometime alone...lunch?"
"Yeah, sounds good."
Ino was worried about what her Father was doing, she didn't allow an opportunity to go to waste, and ended up having a good day together with Ryouta.
Returning home from the day he had, entering his home…
He felt something wasn't right immediately.
His years of Ninja training and general skills at detection told him that something was in his house that shouldn't be there.
Activating the Sharingan, he looked around and searched, all the while withdrawing a kunai for him to use in case he found something.
He hoped that he was wrong, but he wouldn't allow his guard to drop.
When he found what he was looking for, it was a small snake, attempting to camouflage itself. It also had some kind of note with it, coiling around it so it could blend in with the area that it was apart of, he wondered if the letter itself also had some property to blend in as well.
Ryouta knew it wasn't his snake, nor Anko's either, so he had to conclude it was Orochimaru's own.
Taking the kunai, he was going to throw it, then the snake suddenly whipped the letter at him with its tail.
Ryouta caught it, while also using some wire to tie up the snake so it couldn't escape.
"What is Orochimaru up to now? Is this some kind of plea? Or is he actually going to try and ask me to come with him? I can't see any seals on this so it wont activate some sealing techniques, nor can I see anything that would cause damage to me either. Best see what it is then turn it over to Hokage-sama, same with that snake of his."
Peeling it open, Ryouta remained very cautious, he never knew what to expect when it came to Orochimaru's sake.
As he did, he saw that the message was written in what looked like red ink, Ryouta carefully examined it, and read the note to himself.
[Ryouta Uchiha, if you don't come to the location marked on the map alone, then Mikoto Uchiha dies.] Ryouta gained a serious look to his face. [If you tell anyone of the meeting, then she shall die. We will know, we are watching.]
Ryouta paused, and looked at the snake.
He wondered if the snake was transmitting some kind of images to Orochimaru. Through some unknown Jutsu, or the snake had been modified somehow, or perhaps it was connected to other snakes back in the snake lands it lived in and if anything happened, then it would immediately give the game away. He also noticed that it didn't have eyes, so his Genjutsu wouldn't work.
Ryouta peeled out the map, and saw that it was a good distance from the village.
"Orochimaru...it is true that Mikoto-san hasn't come back yet, when she really should have… Could he have captured her, or is this an ambush for me because he knows she is away on a mission somehow? But if he did, how did he know? A mole in the village perhaps? Or, maybe he orchestrated this somehow?"
Ryouta thought about the possibilities that could have led to Mikoto being in his clutches.
He also thought about Kakashi, though he wasn't mentioned in the note, he knew he was with Mikoto, and he hoped that Kakashi wasn't dead either.
"Either way, if he's got her... Hmm, I've got some ideas...yeah, Orochimaru might try something, but I've been preparing for you, you sneaky bastard. For Mikoto-sans sake, I hope she isn't with him...and if she is, Mikoto-san, I'll do my best to save you."
Promising within himself, for her sake, and for Satsuki's own as well, he was going to do his best for her.
Whatever Orochimaru had planned, he wouldn't allow him to succeed.
Arriving at the place that he had been called to, Ryouta was anticipating an attack, so he prepared for such an event. However, he was surprised when he saw it was simply Kabuto, who had an injured Kakashi with him. From a distance, he saw Guren with some of her Jutsu ready, as well as Tayuya, and someone else hiding within the shadows, they all seemed prepared to jump in to fight him if this went south.
He also thought that they were hiding themselves well, keeping a good distance so the villages sensors didn't sense them, and he suspected other ways to make sure their conversation was private.
"Kakashi-sensei...let him go Kabuto."
"Hmm? But Kakashi and I were getting to know one another."
"Don't play games, and let him go, now."
With the threating tone, Kabuto released a chuckle.
"Such strength, I am impressed."
"First, give me Kakashi-sensei. If he's beyond saving, then you will be as well. Same for your boss. Even with those others trying to hide their presence from me."
Ryouta threatened, knowing that he had to be tough right now, he couldn't leave any room for error, he had to make sure that Kabuto understood that because he had Kakashi, and Mikoto, he wouldn't bow down instantly to his demands.
"So you want Kakashi? That's fine, we have no more use for him. It isn't like he would be the deciding factor anyway."
Kabuto shrugged and threw Kakashi towards Ryouta.
Catching him with a single arm, Ryouta held him close, and made sure that he was breathing, which he was.
"There, you can have Kakashi. Because we've got a bigger, better bargaining chip to deal with."
Speaking about Mikoto like that indirectly, Ryouta felt his fist tighten ever so slightly.
But, he kept his calm attitude, and remained focused.
"She is not your bargaining chip."
"For this, she is." Kabuto moved forward, onto to see Kusanagi being brought out by Ryouta. "Temper, temper. Calm down, or she will die."
"Let me guess, if I give myself over to Orochimaru, she'll be released, right?"
"Correct, and this time, you really have no legs to stand on." Kabuto brought out a small snake, that went towards Ryouta. As Ryouta went to stop it, Kabuto held out his hand. "Relax, this is a special snake, that will monitor you. If you alert Konoha to any of our conversation, then Mikoto will die. Orochimaru-sama has a special connection with that snake, you could say that with his experiments, the snake is able to transmit information back towards Orochimaru-sama."
Ryouta glanced at the snake, then towards Kabuto.
"Begin speaking, now."
"You see. Orochimaru-sama understands, in his current condition...he can't win against you. Most likely, he would perish under your eyes. However, this way...he wont have to worry. Orochimaru-sama is going to do this the best way he can, with the resources he has, and it has come to this. You're going to come to him."
"In my nightmares."
"And in his dreams." Kabuto spoke with an devilish look to his eyes. "If you refuse...then Mikoto dies. Her death, will be on your shoulders. How are you going to face Satsuki, knowing you're the reason her Mother has departed for the afterlife?"
Ryouta felt the urge to unleash his anger right onto Kabuto right here and now.
But he had to be restraint, otherwise he could make a mistake, and right now, mistakes couldn't be made.
"You disgust me."
Kabuto wasn't taken aback by the comment at all, in fact he seemed to revel within such a comment.
"Your disgust is misplaced. I am working for my Master, and this is his desire."
"To take others bodies because he can't accept one day he will die. He is pathetic. He is a leech."
"This leech, has found a way to survive."
Kabuto looked almost akin to Orochimaru, when he stared in Ryouta's direction, he saw no remorse, and no anything other than to fulfil Orochimaru's ways, and that deeply sickened Ryouta, who wished he could do something, anything against him.
"So what, I leave Konoha, and go to a location of his choosing? Yeah, right, okay, you must think I am as crazy as he is to believe he would do a fair deal."
Kabuto showed a strong composed face.
"You have to trust in Orochimaru-sama."
"I would rather trust a dog with not eating dog food in front of it, than ever trust Orochimaru. How do I know she isn't already dead?"
"I thought that you would say that, so I've got something to show you." Kabuto revealed a special summoning tattoo on his arm, and weaved through the hand signs. "Summoning!"
Slamming his hand down, a snake was summoned, double the size of Ryouta.
Opening its mouth, Mikoto was shown inside.
"Mikoto-san!"
Ryouta called out, and went to move, when Kabuto placed a hand out.
"Now, now, come anywhere close to the snake, and it is rigged to explode. She wont survive. She is also placed under a good few seals, so she wont be able to move away. Also, its eyes have been cut out, so you can't cast your visual Genjutsu on it either. Oh yes, also try and use your Genjutsu on me, we have thought of that as well. You are very fast, and you have magnificently powerful eyes, but can you repel us all, save Mikoto without the snake poisoning her, take the seals off of her and get her away before the bombs detonate?"
Ryouta quaked with rage.
He looked towards Mikoto, who looked regretful right back towards him.
He made sure this was the real Mikoto. Even Orochimaru wouldn't be capable of fooling his Sharingan eyes.
When confirming this was in fact Mikoto, he also saw another disturbing discovery.
What Kabuto said, was correct.
He could see the formulas written on the snake, that would explode. She was under some seals that Orochimaru no doubt possessed. The snake also was secreting a liquid that could be poison.
It felt sickening to Ryouta.
"Mikoto-san..."
Her eyes went towards him, and she gave a pained expression.
"Ryou-kun...forget me, don't let him get you Ryou-kun! Do you understand me?! Don't let him win!"
He could hear the desperation within her voice.
How she wanted to protect him, to save him from this nightmare.
Ryouta kept thinking, after all this time, even surviving the Uchiha massacre, that now Satsuki could lose her Mother...he couldn't have it, he wouldn't have it.
He had to do something to save her.
"Ryou-kun, sacrifice me, for the sake of everyone. Also please tell Satsuki...I love her, and that this...isn't anyone's fault, other than that mad bastard Orochimaru. Go to the Hokage, and tell her what is happening! Even if I die...I wont let Orochimaru hurt you or my daughter. I wont be the reason that you die, Ryou-kun. I can't. Yukine would...I can't do it. So...take care of Satsuki, for me. I know that you can do it...I love you sweetheart, I always will..."
As she spoke, she began to cry.
Ryouta felt heartbroken when seeing her eyes.
He held it together, but did feel deeply upset within.
"Mikoto-san...I love you too..."
Kabuto then dismissed the snake, leaving Ryouta to contemplate what he was supposed to do now.
How he was supposed to proceed.
"As you saw, the real Mikoto. I'm sure your Sharingan confirmed."
"Yes."
Ryouta spat out at the bespectacled man before him.
"Great, now you understand the severity of the situation that you're in. You aren't dealing with children anymore. This is the adult world. And sometimes, people die. But sometimes, they get to live. It really is your choice. You have twenty four hours to make your decision. If you aren't here in twenty four hours, then she dies. If you refuse, she dies. If Konoha finds out, she dies. You have one option if you want to save everyone. If you're willing to sacrifice Mikoto, then you have found your option. But if you did let her die, then you'd become exactly what you hate, exactly like Orochimaru-sama."
"You're a pathetic cowardly sycophantic follower of a madman."
Spitting out with vile for Kabuto, the young glasses wearer showed a smirk on his face.
"Ryou-kun, are you trying to wound me with your words?"
"I don't need words to wound you Kabuto. I'm telling you right now, if Mikoto-san dies...then you wont have to fear Orochimaru, Konoha or anyone else, because I'll be coming after you, then Orochimaru."
Kabuto was shocked by the sudden threat, but also quite understood Ryouta wasn't messing around at all.
He could feel his body shaking at the threat, in ways it felt even scarier than Orochimaru.
Because of the sweet face Ryouta has, it was scary in that way that he could say such things.
"Tw….Twenty four hours. Be here, or she'll die. Ooh yes, Kakashi may receive medical treatment from you, but only you. If you take him to a hospital, the snake will alert us..."
"And Mikoto-san will die, I know."
Kabuto held a superior smirk on his face.
"I am glad that you're so understanding. Also, if someone from Konoha tries to stop you, you make them believe you've turned, do you understand me? That you are betraying the village."
Ryouta could see that Kabuto was so full of himself, so self assured that he had the upper hand. He wished that he could disprove him right now. But he had to make sure that he didn't do anything so quickly.
"So demanding Kabuto, for a lackey." Kabuto scowled, so Ryouta shook his head. "Sorry, does the turn flunky fit you better?" Kabuto tightened his hand. "Something wrong? You only captured her...by what exactly? Ambush maybe? Because I know she is strong enough to kill you, and the current Orochimaru."
"Orochimaru-sama's plan, weakening her to obtain her after a long hard mission, knowing there wouldn't be a way to get you like that, so it had to be Mikoto, you love her and would do anything to save her, even sacrificing yourself."
Ryouta hummed, looking at Kabuto, then nods to himself slowly.
"Let me get this right, you had to weaken Mikoto-san with some false mission, to have a chance to get her, so you could get to me?" Kabuto confirms with a nod. "I understand, I called Orochimaru a leech, but that applies to you as well. I guess leeches attract one another. Though Orochimaru will turn on you, and you wont even see it coming, because you're so assured of your position within his little group." Kabuto paused with growing anger in his eyes, as Ryouta gave him strong eyes. "Can you be so sure he wont sacrifice you, like he did that guy back when we fought with the Sannin? He doesn't see you as an equal Kabuto, you are convenient, at best."
"You know nothing."
Kabuto spat out, Ryouta saw his words were getting to Kabuto, so he continued on.
"I think I know Orochimaru more than I ever would want to, and seeing how he acts with other subordinates, I'd say you're on borrowed time. So when he does finally kill you, think of me, because personally, I think that time he discards you is increasingly coming. Time waits for no one, and deaths eyes, are on you, Kabuto."
As Ryouta spoke, Kabuto could feel his own blood boiling.
It wounded him.
More than that, he felt shaken by such an exchange.
Ryouta wanted to get under his skin as much as humanly possible, knowing it could mean the difference between life and death.
And he could see that Kabuto was unnerved, so what he thought to be true, seemed to on some level, was something that Kabuto had thought about in the past, even if it was a fleeting thought within his mind, he needed every tactical advantage that he possibly could have if he was to save Mikoto.
Guren looked on, and pondered what he said, as Kabuto gave darkened eyes.
"Until then, goodbye."
Ryouta watches as Kabuto leaves.
The snake crawls onto Ryouta's leg, and went into his pants pocket.
Ryouta really hated Kabuto, and especially Orochimaru.
Worrying for Mikoto, and seeing Kakashi's condition, Ryouta bent down and placed hands to the back of his own neck.
His eyes were unfocused, and portrayed the pain within him.
Pain within his chest, the mere thought of Mikoto being in the clutches of Orochimaru worried him immensely.
There was no choice to be made, he had to save Mikoto, and make sure Orochimaru didn't get his eyes, or anyone, knowing the dangers that would possess if someone evil managed to obtain them.
Taking in deep breaths, Ryouta controlled his breathing, and began making plans.
"You made your final mistake. Orochimaru, once again, you've underestimated me. This, will lead to your downfall. I wont let Satsuki-chan lose Mikoto-san, like I lost Shi-chan….never again. You'll never have my eyes. No one will ever be able to have my eyes, apart from those I say can...Satsuki-chan, everyone...I am sorry...but to save Mikoto-san, I have to do this...I wont let him claim another life...okay, so he has seals, poison, explosive bomb like seals and subordinates, plus himself, he would only reveal her again when he is so sure I am in his clutches, probably guessing I would be thinking of ways to counteract his little tactics, I am sure he also is attempting to have ways to counteract my Mangekyou, though I have some tricks no one has ever seen before, so that will be a plus on my side...okay, yes, I have some options... I only have twenty four hours to prepare, and see the others before I go...right, time to get to work."
With Orochimaru and his group in his mind, determination filled the young Ryouta who lifted Kakashi up, and began walking back to the village.
This time, Ryouta was sure.
He had to do his best, and take down Orochimaru, to save Mikoto.
After all this time, he couldn't let anything happen to her.
He refused to allow Orochimaru to win.
This time, Ryouta knew, that Orochimaru was going to die by his hand.
As that was going on, Mikoto was bound by sealing Jutsu's that made sure that she wouldn't be capable of accessing her abilities so readily. Her arms, and legs were bound, so she couldn't escape. She was stuck very much in a position that would deem very difficult to get out of for anyone, Orochimaru had made sure of that.
He had some wounds that were slowly being healed, even some that could have been life threatening if it wasn't for Kabuto.
Orochimaru looked at her, and gave a sadistic sneer as a result of his plan beginning to come together.
"Mikoto, it seems that soon my plans are going to come to fruition."
"You sick bastard."
Orochimaru felt his eyes bulging from the comment.
Remembering how Yukine had said it, and now Mikoto, his mind was cracking under the pressure of the rage that had built up inside of him for so long.
"Why does everyone feel the need to call me a sick bastard?!"
Mikoto blinked at the anger Orochimaru was unsettlingly using.
"I don't know what's wrong with you, but you wont get away with this."
"But I already am Mikoto. You see, Ryou-kun will surely come for you. The Mother of Satsuki, the girlfriend. The woman that was very caring when other Uchiha despised him. Kakashi was also a good candidate, but the love between you and Ryou-kun, made this the perfect decision. He will do as I say, and if I hear a peep that he has told Konoha, then I'll kill you. At least that way, Satsuki will gain the Mangekyou Sharingan. Nothing is going to stop me now Mikoto."
Mikoto held rage within her eyes.
She felt very much angered by how Orochimaru was planning to use her for such foulness.
"All this pain and suffering you've caused to Ryou-kun, making him do these things...so you get to live? What right do you have to live anyway? You are a monster, a cretin that should have died years ago. The harm and misery you've caused, will one day catch up with you. Personally, I can't wait for you to get what's coming to you."
Orochimaru was taken aback by the threat.
Even though she had no way currently of actually changing her outcome, she wasn't going to allow Orochimaru to crush her spirits, she was going to fight to the bitter end.
"Hahaha, you keep impressing me all the time with your courage, fighting ability and determination. You are very scary when it comes down to it, aren't you?"
"You have no idea Orochimaru. You sacrificed so many people, just to capture me. And you nearly died to my sword. Next time, my sword slices bone, and it wont grow back. And if Ryou-kun suffers, then I will make sure you suffer."
Mikoto's words sent unsettling chills down the spine of Orochimaru.
He steeled himself, and glared in the direction of Mikoto, recalling all those that he had lost, people that he could have used in the future, but he was glad because they were all worth it if he could gain the eyes that he had cherished for a good long time.
"Indeed, I had to pull out a good deal to beat you and Kakashi, I suppose all that time as the Hokage bodyguard has really amped your skills up to high levels. And those people you slaughtered...my precious experiments, I'm ashamed to admit that I wasn't expecting it to be as difficult as it was. Still, I won in the end, and you lost."
His words, felt like knives through her skin.
His attitude was that of someone who had already attained victory.
But Mikoto didn't believe that to be true.
"And you, lost so very much."
Orochimaru gave a sadistic sneer right towards Mikoto, who in turn showed a scowl on her face.
"I really did, I lost a good deal. But all of it is worth it. The power I've craved for so long...the desire for the eyes, and the power of the Uchiha. Now I get to have the Mangekyou Sharingan. For me...that is a delight. All I have to do is wait three years...then I'll transfer my consciousness into Ryou-kun, his perfect body that I will make sure is up to scratch. Of course, his soul shall be destroyed during all that time, but that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make, for the greater good of my goals."
The evil, the sadistic look on his face, and in his eyes, made Mikoto wish she could kill him right there and then.
She wished that she could simply end his existence at that time.
She had immense worry for Ryouta.
What he would be going through now, for her.
Orochimaru laughed, and walked away, as Yukine appeared near Mikoto.
Looking towards Mikoto, she could see that the young woman began to show some tears.
Mikoto was doing her best to hold them in, but it proved to be very difficult to do such a thing.
"Ryou-kun...I'm so sorry..."
Yukine looked on and tightened her hand.
Yukine vanished, a determined look on her face as she did so, Mikoto on the other hand lowered her head.
She thought about Ryouta, and how he had survived before, knowing he would do it again.
"Ryou-kun...I know, you wont let Orochimaru win, you're so smart and capable, Orochimaru might believe he has thought of everything, but he's going to mess up somewhere, I know you will find a vulnerable spot in his plans, and exploit it, I believe in you...please be safe..."
Mikoto wished, and closed her eyes, putting her beliefs in the boy she had known all his life, knowing whatever would happen, he would find a way, she believed in him that much.
End chapter!
So this chapter dealt with Kabuto making an ultimatum with Ryouta, over the safety of Mikoto. Before that, it seems Ino and Sakura are competitive, as Ino's Father believes the CRA joke Tsunade made is a real thing, and wishes for Ino to get ahead, thinking of her happiness. Satsuki is worried about her Mother, Ryoutra comforted her. Lee is also recovered at last from his injuries. Izumi, Kisame and Itachi are still destroying some stuff of Orochimaru's.
Now with the choice of doing what he can for Mikoto saved, Ryouta has some ideas, but so does Orochimaru, so we shall soon see how it unfurls.
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,